Hong Kong: July exports value down 9.1%

The value of Hong Kong's total exports decreased to $345.2 billion in July, down 9.1% on the same month last year, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

The value of goods imports decreased 7.9% to $375.1 billion for the same period.

A trade deficit of $30 billion, or 8% of the value of imports, was recorded for July.

Comparing the three-month period ending July with the preceding three months on a seasonally adjusted basis, the value of goods exported dropped 6.3%, while that of good imported decreased 5.1%.

The Government noted that the value of merchandise exports fell further from a year earlier. Exports to the Mainland, the US and the European Union all shrank, while exports to most other major Asian markets also recorded decreases of varying degree.

Looking ahead, it added that a difficult external environment will continue to weigh on Hong Kong's export performance in the near term.

This story has been published on: 2023-08-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Xi calls for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between China, Bangladesh

Xinhua) 08:15, August 24, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 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 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, also urged the two sides to step up cooperation in infrastructure, information technology, new energy and agriculture, among other areas.

China and Bangladesh enjoy traditional friendship, Xi said, adding that the two sides upgraded bilateral ties in 2016 to a strategic cooperative partnership, which has indicated the direction for deepening their cooperation.

At present, both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of their own development and revitalization, and the Chinese side is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Bangladesh, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, push bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, and better benefit the people of the two countries.

Xi also said that China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability, and achieve development and revitalization.

The Chinese side is willing to continue to work with Bangladesh in firmly supporting each other in issues involving their respective core interests, said Xi, adding that the two sides should strengthen strategic communication and close exchanges among various departments and at different levels.

Xi also called for stronger personnel exchanges as well as deeper cultural and people-to-people bonds.

He extended congratulations to the prime minister on her country's joining the New Development Bank, saying that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Bangladesh in multilateral affairs and to safeguard the international equity and justice as well as the shared interests of developing countries.

Hasina noted that Xi's state visit to Bangladesh in 2016 has become a milestone in bilateral ties.

She appreciated that China provided invaluable support for Bangladesh's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and for economic development, which has helped promote Bangladesh's development and improved people's lives.

Hasina said the sound Bangladesh-China relationship is based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

She congratulated Xi on the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that Belt and Road cooperation has opened a new door of development for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, she said, firmly adheres to the one-China policy and appreciates China's important role in promoting regional peace and stability, adding that her country is ready to deepen ties with China and strengthen cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS.

It is believed that the development of the BRICS mechanism will bring new development opportunities to developing countries, she added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
DENVER  A Colorado man charged with killing 10 people at a Boulder supermarket in 2021 is competent to proceed toward a trial, prosecutors said Wednesday.

The district attorney's office announced the latest report from experts at the state mental hospital concluded that Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa no longer has a mental or developmental disability that prevents him from helping in his defense and can participate in the court case against him.

The hospital reports on Alissa are not public under Colorado law and the district attorney's office did not release any specific details about his condition.

A judge still must accept the hospital's conclusion for criminal proceedings, on hold for more than 1 years, to resume, it said.

Earlier this year, defense lawyers confirmed Alissa has schizophrenia, a mental disorder that causes people to have trouble understanding reality.

Being deemed mentally competent does not mean Alissa has been cured, just that experts think he is able to understand the proceedings and able to consult with his lawyers about his case, helping them defend him.
Nvidia Corp. reached a record high Thursday after the chipmaker at the forefront of an industrywide artificial intelligence race delivered a third-straight revenue forecast that surpassed Wall Streets estimates.

The shares rose 1.9% to $480.01 in New York after Nvidia said sales will be about $16 billion in the three months ending in October. Analysts had estimated just $12.5 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Nvidias results last quarter also blew past projections, and it approved an additional $25 billion in stock buybacks.

The outlook underscores Nvidias role as the key beneficiary of the AI computing boom. Faced with skyrocketing demand for chatbots and other tools, data-center operators are stocking up on the companys processors, which are adept at handling the heavy workloads required by artificial intelligence. Thats helped Nvidia quickly pull out of a global chip slump and accelerate sales growth to its fastest rate in years.

A new computing era has begun, Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang said in a statement. Companies around the world are shifting to more powerful computing that can handle ChatGPT-style generative AI, he said.

The stock had climbed as much as 6.7% earlier in Thursdays session, before paring gains as part of a broader pullback. That added to a more than threefold increase for the stock this year. The shares closed at $471.16 in New York on Wednesday before Nvidia released its quarterly report.

In the fiscal second quarter, which ended July 30, revenue doubled to $13.5 billion, the company said. Profit was $2.70 a share, minus certain items. Analysts had predicted sales of about $11 billion and profit of $2.07.

Nvidia became the first-ever semiconductor company to rack up a $1 trillion market valuation after another blowout quarter in May. It has emerged as the main supplier of infrastructure needed to support the growing use of AI systems. But investors have been waiting for more evidence that the second quarter was the beginning of a long-term expansion and not a one-time spike. What they got Wednesday was even more bullish than hoped.

Underscoring Nvidias dramatic growth, this quarters revenue target is 28% above Wall Street projections and nearly as high as the companys total annual sales in 2021.

In another milestone, Nvidias quarterly sales overtook those of Intel Corp. for the first time. Though Nvidia has had a higher valuation than Intel since 2020, posting more revenue than the chip pioneer shows just how pervasive its products have become.

Nvidia was co-founded in 1993 by Huang, who still runs the company. Hes successfully parlayed a business making graphics chips for video games into dominance of the market for so-called accelerators  chips that help train AI software by bombarding it with data. Nvidias rapid introduction of ever-more powerful processors  along with accompanying software  has left would-be rivals trailing far behind. Customers such as Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.s. Google, meanwhile, are lining up to take as many chips as Nvidia can supply.

Like many of its peers, Nvidia doesnt operate its own chip production and relies on outsourced manufacturing provided by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. That arrangement frees it from the huge expenditure and risks of investing in manufacturing. But it also gives it less ability to adjust supply quickly.

There were concerns that supply constraints could hamper Nvidias sales in the current quarter, but its forecast suggests that operations are running smoothly. Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress said the company is happy with the progress its making in getting more components.

We expect supply to increase each quarter through next year, she told analysts on a conference call.

Nvidias division that supplies chips to data centers  once a sideline business  has become its biggest moneymaker. The unit had sales of $10.3 billion last quarter, versus an estimate of $7.98 billion. Gaming revenue was $2.49 billion, compared with an average analyst prediction of $2.38 billion. Automotive-related chips brought in $253 million.

The personal-computer market, previously Nvidias largest source of revenue, had slumped in the past year. But it has returned to being a growth driver. Demand for laptop components is particularly strong, the Santa Clara, California-based company said.

AI has been the hottest topic for tech investors this year, and every major company has talked up its capabilities in that area. But Nvidia is one of the few making serious money from the trend, which has accelerated since the public debut of OpenAIs ChatGPT in November. That tool helped show the potential of generative AI to a broader audience.

Nvidias stock run-up of more than 200% this year has eclipsed the gains of all others in the closely watched Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index.

The companys gains are all the more remarkable because it cant sell its full lineup to the largest chip market, China. The U.S. government requires Nvidia to obtain licenses to supply Chinese customers with its best-performing AI-related chips.

The announcement of that rule last year put a dent in shipments to the Asian nation and forced Nvidia to rework one of its key products. The company depowered one of its graphics processor units, or GPUs, to make sure it didnt trigger the China restriction. But the Biden administration is considering new regulations that could limit sales of that component, as well, Bloomberg has reported.

Kress addressed that possibility Wednesday on the call.

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, she said.

Nvidia also has become more important as a tech-industry bellwether. The chipmakers forecasts provide a window into the plans of some of the worlds most valuable companies  and indicate how much those businesses are willing to spend to overhaul computer systems to accommodate AI.
GEORGIA INVESTIGATION

ATLANTA  Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trump's lawyer and confidant, turned himself in at a jail in Atlanta on Wednesday on charges related to efforts to overturn then-President 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 for Giuliani, who was released after booking like the other defendants, 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.

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 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. It's an attack on  not just me, not just President Trump, not just the people in this indictment, some of whom I don't even know  this is an attack on the American people."

Trump, the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, said he plans to turn himself in Thursday at the Fulton County Jail. He and his allies characterize the investigation as politically motivated and a Democrat.
At the deli counter of Hmong Legacy Market on Madison's South Side, you'll find piping hot bowls of beef pho, whole roasted tilapia with herbs and chili and sesame rice balls filled with mung beans and coconut.

Ze Yang, one of the owners of the independent Asian grocery, stirs a pot of squash curry that is half as tall as she is.

Listen to Ze Yang's story Your browser does not support the audio element.

"I feel food is the one thing that connects people," she said. "You can do without other things, but you can't do without food, and it has the ability to connect, tell a story, just bring people together."

Yang's family have continued to be the only employees at the market since it opened in 2016. If you visit, you'll likely find Yang or one of her six children working the front register, ringing up matcha layer cake or bottles of pad Thai sauce for customers.

Walk to the deli in the back of the market and one of Yang's high-school-aged children may be chatting with boba-tea-drinking friends before grabbing a fried vegetable egg roll or a slice of crispy pork belly for someone at the counter.

The story of Hmong Legacy Market and the family behind it is not only one of freshly prepared food from various Asian cultures, including Japanese, Korean, and, of course, Hmong. It's also about the power of persistence.

Flavors of Home Food is a common language whose taste or smell can evoke memories of home. In this occasional series, the Wisconsin State Journal is telling stories of Madisonians through the food they make or grow. Read more stories in the series at go.madison.com/flavors

Three decades passed before Yang said her family's dream of starting a business materialized.

From refugee to farmer

In the 1980s, Yang, less than 10 years old at the time, lived in a refugee camp in Thailand. Her family had escaped Laos during the aftermath of the Vietnam War, one group of six in the over 100,000 Hmong refugees who fled. The nation she left behind was now communist, and the ethnic Hmong population, who have distinct language and cultural traditions unique from Lao, were enemies of the state. Many Hmong people sided with the royal government and the U.S. in opposing communism, eager to preserve their autonomy and land.

"I remember being hungry and always a lot of dirt," Yang said about her two years in the refugee camp with her family. "We would crave sweets and fun stuff, but you don't get that. Only the basics. Only for survival."

Then, in 1991, Yang said her family secured the papers to immigrate to the U.S., sponsored by a distant uncle who had made the trip years earlier as an orphan and had settled in central California.

So, Yang and her three younger siblings packed the few belongings they had and took a flight to the West Coast. Upon arrival, they all packed into their uncle's apartment.

"It was my first time, culture shock," Yang said. "You see all these different people, and I was really scared."

Yang said she remembers sitting at her uncle's kitchen table, eating ramen noodles for most meals, the cheapest food her parents could find at the grocery store.

"We didn't have anything," Yang said. "My parents didn't know English. Without education or language, there were all kinds of barriers."

But, Yang said, her parents could farm. They had experience growing crops back in Laos, so they rented out an acre near her uncle's apartment, where they would harvest green beans, tomatoes and peppers to sell and ship out to larger companies, wholesalers and distributors.

After school, Yang would help on the farm, too, and remembers trying to catch quick breaks in the shade while monitoring the plants.

"I remember it was really hard to find shade and then the tomatoes," Yang said, "You would wipe them off and eat them."

Move to Wisconsin

But, after six years in California, Yang said her family knew they needed another option  a place with better public schools and more economic opportunities. They heard musings that a life in the Midwest could be the solution from cousins who had settled in Madison.

So, Yang's family left again.

"We wanted to go somewhere where we can make a difference, so that's why we moved here," Yang said.

Wisconsin is one of the most popular destinations for Hmong Americans. Among the over 300,000 Hmong people in the U.S., a majority live in Wisconsin, California or Minnesota, according to Pew Research Center data.

Once here, Yang said her parents worked multiple jobs in restaurants and factories. Her dad trained to be a carpenter, and her mom took English classes in the evenings.

"They worked very, very hard to make ends meet," Yang said.

Seeing her parents strive to make a life for themselves in the U.S. ultimately inspired Yang to become a teacher. She wanted to help kids of immigrants adjust to school better.

"That's why I wanted to do what I do," Yang said. "Helping younger students with school assignments, interpreting parent-teacher conferences, because I was the first one. No one was doing it for me. But I could do it for my brothers and sisters."

Yang studied education at Edgewood College and MATC and then spent 15 years working as a bilingual resource specialist in public schools, helping students and their families who had recently immigrated to Madison adjust to life in America.

The Madison School District has over a dozen bilingual resource specialists covering languages from Arabic to Nepali.

Family business

But, along the way, one dream always remained. Yang's family had bought a house, built a family and put their kids through school, but they still wanted to fulfill their entrepreneurial drive.

To them, food was always essential, Yang said. They would journey to grocery stores in town, hopefully seek out the "Asian food" section and then walk away with a container of beige rice noodles.

She said they wanted a place where people from and outside of the Hmong community could gather, enjoy homemade dishes and buy pantry staples from across the continent of Asia. So, when the location at 2119 Fish Hatchery Rd. went on the market, and they discovered the prior owners were Hmong, too, they knew they wanted the space, Yang said.

"We are always a place where people can identify, go and shop and hang out," Yang said. "A space to support and to give back to the community of Madison."

By 2016, they began stocking the shelves, amassing a wide variety of products  spring roll skin the size of a human face, bamboo shoot chili oil, rice seasoning with seaweed and sesame, mango mochi, papaya salad, ginger pork sausages and traditional Hmong celebratory clothing. Through word of mouth, more people started journeying to the market for groceries, a hot meal or takeout.

In 2021, the market also partnered with Public Health Madison and Dane County to become a mobile COVID vaccination clinic.

Moving forward, Yang said there is a reason "legacy" is in the name of the market. She wants the spirit of the store to continue and grow well into the future.

"It's hard to run a store just by yourself. We all rely on family," Yang said. "But, my hope, vision and dream for the business is that the market could continue to improve and grow."

The 15 best-reviewed restaurants in the Wisconsin State Journal from 2021 Daisy Cafe & Cupcakery Wonderstate Coffee The Hilltop Takara Sushi Station The Harvey House Oliva Villa Tap Kettle Black Kitchen Marigold Kitchen International Catering Collective D'Vino Marquette Hotel Cafe Hone Ancora Cafe + Bakery Louisianne's Etc.
Dane County deputies arrested a man Wednesday afternoon in connection with a gas station burglary early that morning in the village of Dane.

Just before 2 p.m., a deputy saw a Buick sedan matching the description of the suspect vehicle in a burglary at the village of Dane Kwik Mart before the gas station opened that morning. After stopping the car, the deputy arrested the driver, a 38-year-old Madison man, according to a release from Sheriff's Office spokesperson Elise Schaffer. The man has been booked into the county jail on a probation hold.

Between 4:30 and 4:45 a.m. Wednesday, two people entered the gas station and stole a number of items including liquor, lottery tickets and vape accessories. The burglary was reported after it occurred by an employee who had come to open the business, according to the release.

The whereabouts of the second person are not being released pending further investigation.

Today in history: Aug. 23 1912: Gene Kelly 1926: Rudolph Valentino 1927: Sacco & Vanzetti Protests 1939: Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact 1973: Stockholm Syndrome 1979: Alexander Godunov 2003: John Geoghan 2008: Barack Obama 2011: Earthquake 2013: Fort Hood 2020: Donald Trump 2020: Jacob Blake 2021: Enrique Tarrio
A Madison man was sentenced Wednesday to seven years in federal prison for armed robberies at two campus-area businesses on the same day last year.

Scott C. Tolliver, 43, told U.S. District Judge William Conley he was sorry that he committed the robberies on April 15, 2022, at the McDonald's restaurant on Regent Street and, about three hours later, at the Walgreens drug store on East Campus Drive.

He said he felt bad that he put employees at the businesses through the incidents.

Tolliver said he was not taking his prescribed medications for a mental health condition at the time, and he asked Conley for mercy in sentencing him.

Conley told Tolliver it appeared he was rational enough to find and bring a fake gun to the robberies, as Tolliver has maintained it was, and to go in and rob each of the businesses. The gun or fake gun used in the robberies has never been found.

At the time of the robberies, Tolliver was under state Department of Corrections supervision for a prior crime and had been released from custody for a pending felony charge in Dane County Circuit Court.

Conley ordered that any sentence he receives from either of those cases be served at the same time Tolliver serves his federal prison sentence.

He said Tolliver had a difficult upbringing in Chicago during which he suffered abuse, and then later struggled with mental health issues that caused him to be institutionalized in 2010.

But in the meantime, Conley said, Tolliver committed a long list of crimes, some of them violent, that included weapons offenses, domestic abuse, stalking and battery, which makes him a danger. He urged Tolliver to take the treatment he would receive in prison seriously, and to apply what he learns from it after he is released from prison.
Madison Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway was among a group of Democratic leaders who spoke before the start of the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

They hit common and expected topics, including abortion, the economy and what they called "MAGA extremism."

Rhodes-Conway particularly focused on abortion, citing the Republican candidates' support of abortion bans.

"I'm sure that they're going to talk about freedom on the debate stage tonight. But what about the freedom to make my own health care decision? I guess that their version of freedom doesn't include women," she said.

Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, touted the Democrats' success in statewide elections, including the election of liberal Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Janet Protasiewicz.

But it was Rhodes-Conway's answer to a question about a "nation in decline" that drew a sharp reaction from critics on social media who called her, and Madison, out of touch. It was a long answer but the summary was, "Come visit cities run by Democrats."

"I would invite anybody who thinks we are a nation in decline to come to cities, to come to places like Madison, Wisconsin where we have the lowest unemployment rate or damn near close to it in the country. Where our population growth and our economic growth is driving the state of Wisconsin. Where we have a thriving university despite the refusal of Republicans at the state level to invest in it," she said.

She ticked off the job market, environment, housing and transit as benefits to Democrat-led cities like Madison.

"We're creating a place that people want to be," she said.
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.

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.
Wisconsin Democrats have proposed barring the use of expensive, sham lawsuits to silence criticism after a Republican state senator was accused of trying to bankrupt a local news outlet for reporting on his alleged use of a homophobic slur.

The Wausau Pilot & Review reported in 2021 that local businessman Cory Tomczyk, who became a state senator in January, called a 13-year-old boy a homophobic slur during a city meeting where the boy testified in support of a diversity and inclusion measure that had sparked divides in the northern Wisconsin community.

Tomczyk denied using the slur and sued the newspaper for defamation. In the course of that lawsuit, three people who were present at the meeting swore that they heard Tomczyk use the word. In a deposition, Tomczyk also admitted to having used the word on other occasions, The New York Times reported.

A judge ultimately dismissed the case in April, saying Tomczyk had not proven that the paper defamed him.

The legal proceedings have cost the small, nonprofit news site close to $200,000 so far, its founder and editor Shereen Siewert told The Associated Press on Wednesday. When Tomczyk filed to appeal the case in June, Siewerts worries grew.

He knows were a small news organization. He knows we dont have deep pockets and that continuing to fight this lawsuit is very damaging to us financially and could shut us down, she said.

Tomczyks office declined to comment on the bill or the lawsuit, and his attorney Matthew Fernholz had not returned a phone call.

The Wausau Pilot & Reviews four-person newsroom has an annual budget of roughly $185,000, according to Siewert. Mounting legal expenses have already forced the news site to put off plans to hire an additional reporter. The burden has only begun to ease in the past week after the news sites story gained national attention and a GoFundMe page brought in roughly $100,000 in contributions.

The bill Democrats unveiled Tuesday would allow people to ask a judge to dismiss a lawsuit against them if they believe the suit is a baseless challenge over their exercise of free speech. If the judge finds that the case doesnt have a probability of succeeding, they can dismiss the lawsuit and order the person that filed it to pay the opposing partys attorneys fees.

It takes a lot of stamina to stand up against this type of political coercion, said bill sponsor Senate Minority Leader Melissa Agard, of Madison. Even if the suit is not viable, which is the case with Sen. Tomczyks lawsuit, the cost and the stress associated with these frivolous, lengthy litigation processes are oftentimes enough to create chilling effects.

The kinds of meritless lawsuits targeted by the bill are commonly referred to as strategic lawsuits against public participation, or SLAPP. At least 31 states and the District of Columbia already have anti-SLAPP laws on the books, according to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

This is long overdue, Siewert said. Im incredibly grateful that this legislation is being proposed to protect journalists and small news organizations like ours in the future.

In the GOP-controlled state Legislature, however, the bill is unlikely to pass. At a Democratic news conference announcing the measure, Bill Lueders, president of the nonpartisan Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, called on Republicans to support it.

The defense of transparency is not a partisan issue, he said. Local news outlets are absolutely vital to the important business of having an informed electorate, and yet the challenges that news outlets face have never been greater.
Workers at Amalgamated Sugar Co.s factories are waiting on the outcome of continued discussions between the company and union representatives to learn whether a new contract will be offered, or whether the union will go on strike.

The company has been in contract negotiations with members of the Bakery Confectionary, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers Union since May.

At the start of August, members of the unions four local chapters held a vote on whether to authorize a strike.

In that vote, more than 90% of the union membership cast a ballot. Of the ballots cast, 97% were in favor of authorizing a strike.

Representatives from the union reentered negotiations with Amalgamated Sugar on Aug. 9. Negotiations resulted in the company proposing an across-the-board raise for employees of 7.5%, plus a $1,000 ratification bonus. Under the proposed contract, new employees would become eligible for benefits sooner  240 hours compared with 1,806 hours needed currently. The company also claimed there would be no changes to the current pension plan.

This offer provided employees with significant wage increases, earlier access to benefits, no change to the pension plan, and continued zero-premium health insurance coverage, Amalgamated Sugar said in a statement.

The updated contract offer kicked off another round of voting by union members Aug. 17-18 to decide whether to ratify the new contract.

All four factories  Paul, Twin Falls, Nampa, and Nyssa, Oregon  voted to reject the newest form of the contract.

As of Wednesday, the union and the company were still in negotiations to avert a strike.

Both union membership and the company have kept tight lips on the negotiations, as neither party wants to jeopardize the outcome.

Amalgamated Sugar employees to vote on strike Workers at Amalgamated Sugar Co. this week have had two days of voting to decide whether to authorize a strike following several months of con

Amalgamated Sugars Communications Manager Holly Luna told the Times-News in an email that the company had no comment on the ongoing negotiations. Luna invited folks to follow the companys Facebook page for updates.

Brendan Van Sickle is vice president of the Twin Falls local chapter of the BCTGM. Van Sickle has worked at the factory for eight years and has been a union representative for the past five. He said the threat of a strike would severely hamper the companys upcoming sugar beet-slicing campaign.

If were all on the strike line, its gonna be pretty hard to put back together, Van Sickle told the Times-News.

For the past month, the factory in Twin Falls has been in maintenance and repair time to prepare for the upcoming harvest and production.

Weve got a lot of stuff torn down, if we all go on strike, its gonna put them a couple weeks behind from slicing, Van Sickle said.

The upcoming slicing campaign is scheduled to start in Twin Falls and Paul factories on Sept. 1 and is tentatively scheduled to run through March 28. Beet slicing is scheduled to start at the Nama factory on Sept. 26 and run through Feb. 18, 2024.

A strike would mean the companys start for this years campaign would likely face significant challenges to get underway.

At an informational meeting at Harmon Park on Aug. 14, union members discussed the second proposed contract. Many voiced concerns or distrust of the companys offers. Other members asked if their jobs were at risk.

Several at the meeting pointed to the increased cost of living in the Magic Valley and said that wages have not kept up.

Housing costs have increased in Idaho and wages dont go as far as they did even a few years ago. Just five years ago, the average home in Twin Falls was worth $192,380. By 2023, that number had jumped 75% to $336,646.

The people are getting pretty wore out of how much greed is going in on the top end, Van Sickle told the Times-News. Unions were made for a reason, and its starting to make a comeback for sure. People are getting tired of being run down and run over.

In a previous statement, the company said it is committed to finding an agreement that will meet the needs of both workers and the company.

Amalgamated Sugar is committed to working with the Union to achieve a mutually beneficial contract for all of our hourly employees, the statement said.
KIMBERLY  The Magic Valley affiliate of Habitat for Humanity is taking a new route in constructing a house in southeast Kimberly.

Its an ICF home, short for insulated concrete formwork. Foam blocks are used for the exterior walls, then reinforced with rebar and concrete, which will be poured in between the gaps.

The initial construction, which started Monday, looks much different than a traditional wood-frame home  it resembles giant white Legos stacked on one another  but when completed, and siding and some rockwork are added to the exterior, the home will look the same as others around it, but be stronger and better insulated.

It will cost about 10% more to construct than a traditional home, but there will be significant savings when it comes to heating and cooling, said Linda Fleming, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of the Magic Valley. They are easier and faster to construct as well, which is a plus for Habitat for Humanity, which relies on volunteer help. Much of the construction doesnt even require power tools.

We are interested in building more energy-efficient homes, which save money in the end, Fleming said.

Heating and cooling the home might run about half that of a traditional home. And these homes are sturdy and known for surviving storms that destroyed others.

The home is part of the Build With Strength initiative in partnership with the National Ready Mix Concrete Association, which aims to build at least one home in each state. So far, the partnership with NRMCA has constructed 67 homes in 33 states.

And local businesses are helping out as well, with Idaho Materials & Construction donating all the concrete for the Kimberly home, and Pacific Steel donating rebar.

Fleming said the Kimberly home likely wont be the last ICF home that will be constructed in Magic Valley through Habitat for Humanity. There is some land in Castleford that might make a prime spot for a three-plex using ICF construction.

People qualifying for the homes donate hundreds of hours working at construction sites and pay an affordable mortgage.

It will be a blessing for America Herrera, who will be living in the home with her three kids and grandson once it is complete.

More affordable homes In addition to Habitat for Humanity, the South Central Community Action Partnerships Self Help Housing Program is also making noteworthy accomplishments, recently celebrating building 100 affordable homes in the Magic Valley. Since 2010, SCCAP has been assisting income eligible families in building their own home through the USDA/Rural Development Mutual Self Help Housing Grant. Qualifying families must commit to 35 hours per week in doing 65% of the labor building their homes under the supervision of SCCAP until the homes are completed, said Ken Robinette, CEO of SCCAP. After the next eight homes currently under construction are completed in Filer, SCCAP will look to build homes in Heyburn, Buhl, Jerome and Richfield.

This is the sixth home she has worked on since qualifying for a Habitat for Humanity home more than two years ago.

This home will be a home for all my kids, my grandchildren  I have a six-month-old grandson now, Herrera said. If they ever need a place to go, this will always be home.

Years ago she was forced to go to a womens shelter. She stayed there for four months and then experienced a renters life while working two jobs and attending school.

Having to move from place to place, and the rent going up, and landlords deciding to sell or do something different with their properties, Herrera said, describing her experiences.

Shes gone from being homeless to finding a place, getting through school, and its been the beauty of the community that has pushed her through this, Fleming said.

Herrera will be happy with her home, said Mike Dalzell, regional advisor of Fox Blocks, manufacturer of the foam blocks used in the home, and a partner with Habitat for Humanity.

The home sits on a corner lot, and despite traffic coming from two ways, she wont hear any of it, Dalzell said, because of the insulating qualities of the home.

Energy bills for ICF homes are generally about half of those in traditional homes, he said.

A big day in the construction for the home will come Saturday morning when concrete will be poured between the blocks.

There will still be a lot more work ahead, and Herrera is looking forward to the homes completion.

Fleming said there is a great need for affordable housing in Magic Valley. In the groups last home selection, 200 people expressed an interest in qualifying for a home. Of those, 25 completed an application for the five houses that were available.

Fleming hopes for a time when many more affordable homes will be available. Habitat for Humanity is looking for donations of land and money to build more homes.

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

PHOTOS: The Build With Strength initiative The Build With Strength initiative The Build With Strength initiative The Build With Strength initiative The Build With Strength initiative The Build With Strength initiative The Build With Strength initiative The Build With Strength initiative Habitat for Humanity ICF Home
A large meteor breaching Earth's atmosphere over northeast Montana caused a huge fireball visible across the state late Wednesday night.

Astronomical observation cameras at the Montana Learning Center recorded video of the fireball at 10:33 p.m. in the northeastern part of the sky over Canyon Ferry Reservoir where the observatory is located.

"This thing was so great, traveling at 18,000 mph," said Ryan Hannahoe, executive director of the Montana Learning Center. "The fireball from the explosion was so intense, it was much brighter than the full moon -- it literally lit up the ground."

Observations of the fireball have been submitted to the American Meteor Society from Bigfork, Helena, Missoula and Emigrant as of Thursday afternoon.

Hannahoe also submitted the observation to the American Meteor Society and the International Meteoritical Society, where they will analyze the observation and confirm it.

So far they are the only ones to capture the meteor on video that Hannahoe knows of.

Hannahoe said because of the size of the meteor people could possibly find meteorites on the ground in Montana or Canada.

This is brightest recorded fireball observed at the Montana Learning Center since July 2021.

"It is definitely a rare occurrence," Hannahoe said. "And the world's mostly covered in ocean. So the fact that it's happening over Montana is pretty cool."

The Montana Learning Center is the largest observatory in the state and has seven camera pointed at the sky 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Oregon Trail Elementary held a ribbon-cutting at 1 p.m. inside the gymnasium for the launch of their Dual Immersion Program  the first thats made its way to the Twin Falls School District.

Who knows what doors it will open to our Spanish-speaking students because they are part of this program, Principal Tyler Matlock said at the event.

Oregon Trail Elementary has enrolled roughly 44 kindergartners and 44 first-graders in the new dual immersion program. In an interview with Matlock after the event, he told the Times-News they made sure each classroom is half Spanish speakers and the other half English speakers.

The program will continue through fifth grade. By the time dual immersion students have graduated from Oregon Trail Elementary, Matlock told the Times-News they hope to have a plan set where they will be able to continue the programs through middle school and high school.

As we get closer we will have a better understanding of where the program will be, if they will be core classes or if they will be elective, Matlock said. Were not sure yet but I know well make it happen.

Now when a kid whos English speaking is invited to a party, theyre going to be able to talk to everybody, he said. Hes going to be able to continue the conversation and thats what this is all about.

For more information about the dual immersion program, go to www.tfsd.org/dual-immersion/.
Running for public office in Boise has gotten me to thinking about my parents. Both are retired teachers who, combined, logged more than a half-century of service to Americas public schools. Mom was an English teacher. Dad was a history teacher.

The English curriculum where my mom taught included numerous books which featured murder, torture, drunk driving and vehicular manslaughter (Of Mice and Men, Lord of the Flies, The Great Gatsby, and The Most Dangerous Game, among them). My dad taught generations of students about slavery, the Civil War, reconstruction and the civil rights movement.

Having taught in Rochester, New York, Im sure he educated kids about the citys two most prominent residents, Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. He also taught about the creation of the United Nations after World War II. More on that in a second.

I can still remember mom and dad talking about complaints they and fellow educators received from parents about how they did their jobs. That comes with the territory. Despite these complaints, parents never tried to run them out of town for promoting critical race theory, murder, misogyny or drunk driving. Had such a thing happened, I have no doubt state and local leaders would have stepped in to support them.

Thank God theyre not teaching in Idaho these days.

Idahos 2023 Teacher of the Year, Karen Lauritzen, just got chased out of Post Falls by Radical Right-Wingers. She has since taken a job teaching at a University in Illinois. Business Insider ran the story with a headline noting Lauritzen fled the state.

Quote Make Idahos public schools a priority when you vote and send a message that you will not tolerate violence, hatred and extremism in our cities and towns.

Lauritzens big sin was privately showing support for Idahos LGBTQ community and Black Lives Matter. Apparently, that was too much for the Radical Right Wing Party to take. They harassed her for indoctrinating (thats a word Radical Right Wingers have been programmed to use) her fourth-grade students with her own political agenda  even though she never taught those issues to her students.

She did, however, have the gall to tell her students that an organization called the United Nations actually exists.

If youre wondering what Idahos elected leaders had to say about this turn of events, keep wondering. They havent lifted a finger to defend a teacher who former Right-Wing Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra described as an amazing example of an educator who has made going the extra mile for her students a part of everyday practice. Ybarra went on to say in a press release dated Sept. 29, 2022, Karen has found creative and effective ways to help students continue classroom conversations at home while connecting with their families on a daily basis.

Despite this high praise, neither Ybarra nor current Superintendent Debbie Critchfield have said a word about Lauritzen fleeing Idaho. As of this writing, Idahos Teachers Union has also been quiet. Idahos so-called Education Governor Brad Little leapt to Lauritzens defense, telling the Times-News Editorial Board this week, Im sorry she feels that way.

Seriously?

Id recommend Little read Profiles in Courage, but its probably been banned in Idahos libraries.

If you think this would never happen in southern Idaho, think again. The Radical Right Wing Party may succeed in shutting down an entire college in Coeur dAlene  another situation where Little cowered in the face of radicalism. In liberal Ada County, radicals nearly closed the public library system in Meridian.

Twin Falls, Pocatello and Idaho Falls may be next on the firing line.

Ive written extensively about how weak our silver-spoon governor is, not to mention his lackeys. I dont expect them to actually stand up for our educators, no matter how much they claim to support people like my mom and dad.

Thats why its up to you to vote out Radical Right Wing Party members who terrorize our schools, our communities and our state. The time for asking your elected leaders to stand up is long gone. Theyve shown time and time again how weak they are. Its your turn now. Get off your butts and vote these people out. Make Idahos public schools a priority when you vote and send a message that you will not tolerate violence, hatred and extremism in our cities and towns.

Lord of the Flies is a classic novel that explores the dichotomy between rational and emotional thought. Its time Idaho voters made the rational choice to support our teachers and reject elected leaders who cower when they are attacked.

Do it for your kids. I know my mom and dad would.
Two people from Mount Airy, North Carolina, face charges after a vehicle pursuit on Monday began in their hometown and ended in Patrick County.

Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith said Ismael Valle Maysonet, 35, was seen by a Surry County sheriffs deputy handcuffed while running from the Mount Airy Probation and Parole Office shortly after noon Monday. The deputy then saw Maysonet get into a blue Chevrolet Cobalt driven by Alexis Danielle Collins, 24.

As Collins drove away, the Surry County deputy began pursuing the Cobalt on North Carolina Highway 103 heading toward Virginia. Shortly after the Cobalt crossed the state line, the Surry County deputy terminated the pursuit, a release stated.

The Surry County Sheriffs Office had already notified the Patrick County Sheriffs Office of the pursuit and Patrick County Deputy Dustin Dillon spotted the Cobalt on Route 103 and resumed the pursuit, stated the release.

The Cobalt turned onto Beasley Hollow Road and then onto a logging road at the end of Beasley Hollow. After about a half a mile, the Cobalt stopped and Maysonet and Collins surrendered without incident, the release stated.

Collins was charged with eluding law enforcement and driving on a revoked license. She has multiple charges pending in North Carolina including eluding law enforcement and reckless driving. Maysonet was charged with being a fugitive from justice and both Collins and Maysonet were jailed in the Patrick County Jail awaiting extradition back to North Carolina.
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration calls it a "student loan safety net." Opponents call it a backdoor attempt to make college free. And it could be the next battleground in the legal fight over student loan relief.

Starting this summer, millions of Americans with student loans will be able to enroll in a new repayment plan that offers some of the most lenient terms ever. Interest won't pile up as long as borrowers make regular payments. Millions of people will have monthly payments reduced to $0. And in as little as 10 years, any remaining debt will be canceled.

It's known as the SAVE Plan, and although it was announced last year, it has mostly been overshadowed by President Joe Biden's proposal for mass student loan cancellation. But now, after the Supreme Court struck down Biden's forgiveness plan, the repayment option is taking center stage.

Since the ruling Biden has proposed an alternate approach to cancel debt and also shifted attention to the lesser-known initiative, calling it "the most affordable repayment plan ever." The typical borrower who enrolls in the plan will save $1,000 a month, he said.

Republicans have fought against the plan, saying it oversteps the president's authority. Sen. Bill Cassidy, the ranking Republican on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, called it "deeply unfair" to the 87% of Americans who don't have student loans.

The Congressional Budget Office previously estimated over the next decade the plan would cost $230 billion, which would be even higher now that the forgiveness plan has been struck down. Estimates from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania put the cost at up to $361 billion.

Emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision on cancellation, some opponents say it's a matter of time before the repayment plan also faces a legal challenge.

Here's what to know about the SAVE Plan:

WHAT IS AN INCOME-DRIVEN REPAYMENT PLAN?

The U.S. Education Department offers several plans for repaying federal student loans. Under the standard plan, borrowers are charged a fixed monthly amount that ensures all their debt will be repaid after 10 years. But if borrowers have difficulty paying that amount, they can enroll in one of four plans that offer lower monthly payments based on income and family size. Those are known as income-driven repayment plans.

Income-driven options have been offered for years and generally cap monthly payments at 10% of a borrower's discretionary income. If a borrower's earnings are low enough, their bill is reduced to $0. And after 20 or 25 years, any remaining debt gets erased.

HOW IS BIDEN'S PLAN DIFFERENT?

As part of his debt relief plan announced last year, Biden said his Education Department would create a new income-driven repayment plan that lowers payments even further. It became known as the SAVE Plan, and it's generally intended to replace existing income-driven plans.

Borrowers will be able to apply later this summer, but some of the changes will be phased in over time.

Right away, more people will be eligible for $0 payments. The new plan won't require borrowers to make payments if they earn less than 225% of the federal poverty line  $32,800 a year for a single person. The cutoff for current plans, by contrast, is 150% of the poverty line, or $22,000 a year for a single person.

Another immediate change aims to prevent interest from snowballing.

As long as borrowers make their monthly payments, their overall balance won't increase. Once they cover their adjusted monthly payment  even if it's $0  any remaining interest will be waived.

Other major changes will take effect in July 2024.

Most notably, payments on undergraduate loans will be capped at 5% of discretionary income, down from 10% now. Those with graduate and undergraduate loans will pay between 5% and 10%, depending on their original loan balance. For millions of Americans, monthly payments could be reduced by half.

Next July will also bring a quicker road to loan forgiveness. Starting then, borrowers with initial balances of $12,000 or less will get the remainder of their loans canceled after 10 years of payments. For each $1,000 borrowed beyond that, the cancellation will come after an additional year of payments.

For example, a borrower with an original balance of $14,000 would get all remaining debt cleared after 12 years. Payments made before 2024 will count toward forgiveness.

HOW DO I APPLY?

The Education Department says it will notify borrowers when the new application process launches this summer. Those enrolled in an existing plan known as REPAYE will automatically be moved into the SAVE plan. Borrowers will also be able to sign up by contacting their loan servicers directly.

It will be available to all borrowers in the Direct Loan Program who are in good standing on their loans.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?

Supporters say Biden's plan will simplify repayment options and offer relief to millions of borrowers. The Biden administration has argued that ballooning student debt puts college out of reach for too many Americans and holds borrowers back financially.

Opponents call it an unfair perk for those who don't need it, saying it passes a heavy cost onto taxpayers who already repaid student loans or didn't go to college. Some worry that it will give colleges incentive to raise tuition prices higher since they know many students will get their loans canceled later.

Voices across the political spectrum have said it amounts to a form of free college. Biden campaigned on a promise to make community college free, but it failed to gain support from Congress. Critics say the new plan is an attempt to do something similar without Congress' approval.

IS IT LEGAL?

That depends on who you ask, but the question hasn't been taken up by a federal court.

Instead of creating a new payment plan from scratch, the Biden administration proposed changes to an existing plan. It cemented those changes by going through a negotiated rulemaking process that allows the Education Department to develop federal regulations without Congress.

It's a process that's commonly used by administrations from both political parties. But critics question whether the new plan goes further than the law allows.

More than 60 Republicans lawmakers urged Education Secretary Miguel Cardona to withdraw the plan in February, calling it "reckless, fiscally irresponsible, and blatantly illegal."

Supporters argue that the Obama administration similarly used its authority to create a repayment plan that was more generous than any others at the time.

The Biden administration formally finalized the rule this month. Conservatives believe it's vulnerable to a legal challenge, and some say it's just a matter of finding a plaintiff with the legal right  or standing  to sue.
EDITORS NOTE: Church news will print weekly in Thursdays edition. Please email announcements at least one week in advance to news@mcdowellnews.com with church announcement in the subject line or call 828-437-2161 and leave a message.

UPCOMING EVENTS

AUG. 25

CAMP MEETING CONCLUSION

Old Fort Church of God, 4900 Greenlee Road, Old Fort, will wrap up its camp meeting with its final revival service on Friday at 7 p.m. The host pastor is Bishop Carl Overton.

SEPT. 2

SPAGHETTI FUNDRAISER

Thermal City United Methodist Church, 301 Thermal City Road, Union Mills, will hold a spaghetti supper fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 2, beginning at 4 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children and free for those 5 and younger. Take-out plates will be available. Proceeds will support the church.

ONGOING EVENTS

First United Methodist Church, across from Marion Elementary School, invites everyone looking for a church family to Sunday school at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. The United Methodist Men continue to sell their peanuts for $5 a jar. Peanuts are available in regular, light salt, no salt and Cajun. To order, contact the church office at 652-7010. FUMC also administers an Emergency Fund on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 10-11:30 a.m. This fund assists with electricity and heating needs, water bills and rent. Clients must meet certain requirements, and funds are paid directly to providers. Clients should come to the upper parking lot and enter the door near the church van.

Concord Methodist Church will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the second Saturday of each month from 7:30-10 a.m. This includes pancakes and take-outs. Adults are $7, children younger than 12 are $5. The church is on U.S. 221 North.

Redeemed Freewill Baptist Church, of 5079 U.S. 221 South, hosts a youth program called The Sprouts from 7-8 p.m. every Wednesday until further notice. A meal and a Bible lesson will be provided. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to learn about the love of Jesus.

St. Matthews Lutheran Church, of 241 W. Court St., Marion, invites the community to watch the global film phenomenon The Chosen. Experience the Bible as vividly real each Wednesday at 7 p.m. until further notice. There will be refreshments and door prizes.

Chapel Hill Baptist Church, on U.S. 221 South, Marion, will have an all-you-can-eat breakfast on the second Saturday of each month from 7:30-10 a.m. for a donation.

His Place Worship Center, 1423 U.S. 70 West in Marion, will host combined in-person and online meetings at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Additional information about the Hickory Lighthouse, including links to the Zoom and Facebook Live meetings, are available at Hickory Aglows website and Facebook page: www.aglownet.org/hickorync and www.facebook.com/hickory.aglow. Interested persons may sign up on the website to receive a monthly email newsletter. Readers may receive related Facebook notifications by liking the Facebook page.

The Sharing Food Pantry Ministry of Cross United Methodist Church needs donations of coats, sweaters and blankets for families in the community who may be in need. Donations can be dropped off at 85 W. Cross St., just past Blue Ridge Terrace Apartments in Marion. For more information, call 828-460-9257 or 828-559-4047 and leave a message.

East Marion Baptist Church, of 660 Baldwin Ave., Marion, will host The Landing, a 12-step program for teens, every Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information, email thelanding@embc.church.

North Cove Church of God will have a breakfast sale on every third Saturday of the month.

Living Waters Tabernacle of Old Fort is offering a worship service twice a month for college-aged adults called Encounter. The service will be the first and third Thursday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. At each meeting, a new topic will be discussed with a guest speaker; live music will be played; and refreshments will be served. For more information, check out Living Waters Tabernacle of Old Fort on Facebook or email jakanjamison96@gmail.com. The church is at 344 Moffitt Hill Church Road in Old Fort.

Cross Mill United Methodist Church has a sharing food pantry for the community. The tiny food pantry is outside the church fellowship building, and is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The nonperishable food items are available for anyone in need. If you would like to donate items to this ministry, you may drop them off at the pantry box or call 460-9257 or 442-8098.

Greenlee Baptist Church, 5967 U.S. 70 West in Old Fort, offers Kids on a Mission each Sunday from 6-8 p.m. Newborns to seniors in high school are invited to join. The church also has a deaf ministry available. Interpreters will be provided for the worship services every Sunday at 10:55 a.m. For information, call the church office at 668-6075 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Cross Ties Cowboy Church meets every first Thursday at 2365 Bethlehem Road in Old Fort at 7 p.m. in the barn. For more information, call 828-925-2095.

Landmark Independent Baptist Church will host a meeting on alcohol and addiction awareness by Gene Sigmon the third Friday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The church is at 225 Huskins Branch Road in Marion. For more information, contact Sigmon at soundmind16@yahoo.com.

Peppers Creek Baptist Church will have a singing on the fourth Saturday of each month at 7 p.m. from January through October.

McDowell Childrens Ministry, a ministry for children of the community interested in participating in a life-changing program, meets twice monthly. For more information, call Daniel at 659-0095 during the day or at 738-0733 in the evenings.

Cross Mill Pentecostal Holiness Church has a soaking prayer and intercession meeting every Friday at 8 p.m. For information, call the Rev. Doug Beane-Hall at 442-6216.

Vision Baptist Church, at 1841 Fairview Road, Marion, is offering Extreme Teens (Club 411) on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Victorious Couples meet on Sundays at 10 a.m. Additional childrens and adult programs are also available.

First Presbyterian Church of Marion invites everyone to come out on Sundays at 11 a.m. for worship service. All are welcome.

Apostolic Restoration Ministries is a new church to the area. If anyone is interested in attending, call Tim Eller at 828-443-2050.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced Wednesday new members of the BRICS organization including Egypt, set to join officially from January 2024.

Aside from the North African country, Argentina, Iran, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have seen their memberships activated.

We have decided to invite six new countries to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from January 1, 2024, Ramaphosa said at the BRICS Summit in South Africa.

The South African leader also argued that the admission of new members to the BRICS is the first phase of the groups expansion process. Two dozen countries lined up to join the organization before the blocs ongoing Summit. South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said that BRICS had agreed on the issue of enlargement, and adopted a document outlining its principles.

Egypt submitted in June 2023 a formal application to join the group following the ratification by the Egyptian leader Fattah al-Sisi of the countrys membership in BRICSs New Development Bank (NDB).

The bank requested that the North African country contribute $1.196 billion, of which 20 per cent would be paid.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers from the Center for Regenerative Medicine (CReM), a joint venture between Boston University and Boston Medical Center, have discovered a novel approach for engrafting engineered cells into injured lung tissue. These findings may lead to new ways for treating lung diseases, such as emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19.

The two studies describing the methodologies for engineering lung stem cells and transplanting them into injured experimental lungs without immunosuppression appear online in Cell Stem Cell.

For more than 20 years, the scientists leading this work have pursued a way to engraft cells into injured lung tissues with the goal of regenerating lung airways or alveoli. They suspected that for engraftment to be long-lived and functional it would be important to reconstitute the stem or progenitor "compartments" of the lung, also sometimes known as stem cell niches.

They concentrated on first developing methods for engineering each of the lung's stem or progenitor cells in the laboratory using pluripotent stem cells, and then developed methods for transplanting these cells into experimental mouse models with injured lungs.

In their study "Airway Stem Cell Reconstitution by Transplantation of Primary or Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Basal Cells," the CReM researchers focus on the lung airways. These airways are lined by an epithelium that has well described stem cells called "basal cells," which are responsible for maintaining these airways throughout life.

"By differentiating experimental model and human pluripotent stem cells into airway basal cells in the laboratory dish, we were then able to use these cells to reconstitute the stem cell compartment of the injured model airways in vivo (in living tissue). This resulted in life-long engraftment of the engineered basal cells in an immunocompetent model," explained corresponding author Darrell Kotton, MD, the David C. Seldin Professor of Medicine at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine and director of the CReM.

"Because the cells engrafted as basal cells, the normal stem cell of the airways, they were able to self-renew or make copies of themselves by dividing and also giving rise to other cell types that together make a functional airway epithelium."

In their second paper, "Durable alveolar engraftment of PSC-derived lung epithelial cells into immunocompetent mice," CReM researchers targeted the lung air sacks, known as alveoli.

Kotton and his team developed methods for engrafting engineered cells into the alveoli, the region of the lung responsible for gas exchange. The engrafted cells formed both types of alveolar cells, called type 1 and type 2 pneumocytes. Since type 2 pneumocytes act as progenitors of lung alveoli throughout life, forming new type 2 pneumocytes out of their transplanted engineered cells ensured the cells would self-renew and differentiate to maintain lung alveoli for a long time.

The researchers believe the reconstitution of lung stem and progenitor cells in the airways and alveoli using cells engineered from pluripotent stem cells is an important finding with many implications for the future treatment of lung diseases that involve injury, degeneration or mutations.

"Since induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from the blood or skin of any individual through a technology called reprogramming, we hope this work will help to pave the way towards developing new therapeutic approaches where iPSCs can be made from any patient with lung disease, differentiated into lung stem cells in the laboratory, and used for transplantation to reconstitute the healthy airway and alveolar epithelial tissues in a way that is durable and functional," said Martin Ma, first author of the first paper and a BU MD/Ph.D. student in the Kotton lab.

For those suffering from genetic lung diseases, like cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia, it is possible to gene-edit the iPSCs in the laboratory prior to transplantation, meaning the newly engrafted cells will have had their gene mutation corrected and should be free of disease.

"Since these cells will be the patient's own cells, differing only in the corrected gene, in theory they should not be rejected after transplantation back into that patient, thus avoiding any need for immunosuppression, as we have demonstrated in our two proof-of-concept syngeneic transplantation studies in immunocompetent experimental models," added Michael Herriges, Ph.D., first author of the second paper and a postdoctoral fellow in the Kotton lab.

According to Kotton, these papers represent the culmination of 20 years of research. "While treatment of lung diseases like emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis and COVID-19 will take a lot more research, we are hopeful that those with gene mutations that cause damage to lung airways or alveoli, such as children or adults with familial forms of lung disease, might be treatable in the future with this type of approach."
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

An illustration portraying a dominant mouse gazing at the activation of star-like cells (astrocytes) in the sky, symbolizing the influence of mPFC astrocytes in conferring dominant status. Credit: Noh et al.

The social behavior of animals has been the key focus of extensive neuroscience and biomedical studies, as it is often aligned with behaviors observed in humans. Better understanding these behaviors and the neural processes underpinning them could ultimately also have implications for the treatment of different psychiatric disorders that affect how humans socialize with others.

Researchers at Seoul National University and other institutes in South Korea recently conducted a study specifically exploring male dominance behavior among male mice. These behaviors naturally lead to the formation of social hierarchies among groups of mice, with some males accessing more food and water than others.

The recent paper, published in Nature Neuroscience, highlights the role of astrocytes in the outer layer of the brain (i.e., the cortex), in modulating the dominance behavior of male mice. In addition, it sheds some light on the specific neural processes through which astrocytes modulate these behaviors.

"While astrocytes modulate the neuronal excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) balance that could directly affect social behaviors, efforts to understand the biological basis of mouse dominance behavior have largely focused on the neuronal mechanism," Sung Joong Lee, a principal researcher who carried out the study, told Medical Xpress. "This led us to investigate the role of prefrontal astrocytes in mouse dominance behavior."

To explore the role of cortical astrocytes in male dominance behavior, Lee and his colleagues carried out experiments on live and adult male mice. In these experiments, they used optogenetic and chemo-genetic techniques to activate or inhibit astrocytes in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), a brain region known to play a role in social behavior and decision-making.

Astrocytes expressing ChR2. Credit: Noh et al.

The researchers recorded the activity of neurons and astrocytes in the behaving mice brain during social dominance behavior using two different methods known as fiber photometry and two-photon microscopy. They also observed the social behavior of the mice, to determine whether activating or inhibiting astrocytes in the dmPFC increased or reduced dominance behaviors among males.

"We monitored astrocyte calcium activities with fiber photometry and two-photon imaging experiments, and optogenetic and chemogenetic techniques were used to manipulate astrocytic calcium signaling," Lee explained. "We also collected electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activities by modulation of astrocytic calcium activities."

The results gathered by Lee and his colleagues hint at the involvement of communication between dmPFC astrocytes and neurons in the dominant behavior of male mice. In the future, this work could pave the way for new discoveries about the neural underpinnings of male dominance and the formation of social hierarchies as a result of dominance behaviors.

"Overall, our work provides a comprehensive understanding of the neuron-astrocyte communication that regulate mouse social behavior," Lee added. "It implies that astrocytes also play critical role in computing and processing high-order brain functions. It also suggests that such intercellular interplay may decipher the etiology of many psychiatric disorders."

In their next works, Lee and his colleagues plan to investigate the function of specific astrocytes in different subregions of the brain. Their goal is to clearly map the involvement of astrocytes in these different brain regions in various high-order brain functions.

More information: Kyungchul Noh et al, Cortical astrocytes modulate dominance behavior in male mice by regulating synaptic excitatory and inhibitory balance, Nature Neuroscience (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01406-4 Nguyen T. Phi et al, Control of social hierarchy beyond neurons, Nature Neuroscience (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41593-023-01392-7 Journal information: Nature Neuroscience

 2023 Science X Network
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The Statue of Liberty, covered in a haze-filled sky, is photographed from the Staten Island Ferry, June 7, 2023, in New York. The smoke from Canadian wildfires that drifted into the U.S. led to a spike in people with asthma visiting emergency rooms  particularly in the New York area. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published two studies Thursday, Aug. 24 about the health impacts of the smoke, which shrouded city skylines with an orange haze in late spring, and a medical journal also released a study this week. Credit: AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File

The smoke from Canadian wildfires that drifted into the U.S. led to a spike in people with asthma visiting emergency roomsparticularly in the New York area.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published two studies Thursday about the health impacts of the smoke, which shrouded city skylines with an orange haze in late spring. A medical journal also released a study this week.

When air quality worsens, "an asthmatic feels it before anyone else," said Dr. Adrian Pristas, a pulmonologist based in Hazlet, New Jersey, who remembered a flood of calls from patients in June during the days of the heaviest smoke.

People with asthma often wheeze, are breathless, have chest tightness and have either nighttime or early-morning coughing.

"I have no doubt that every asthmatic had an uptick in symptoms," Pristas said. "Some were able to manage it on their own, but some had to call for help."

Each of the studies looked at different geographic areasone was national, one was specific to New York state and the last focused on New York City.

Nationally, asthma-associated ER visits were 17% higher than normal during 19 days of wildfire smoke that occurred between late April and early August, according to one CDC study that drew data from about 4,000 U.S. hospitals.

Hospital traffic rose more dramatically in some parts of the country during wildfire smoke: 46% higher in New York and New Jersey.

A second study released by the CDC focused on New York state only, not New York City, because the state and city have separate hospital data bases, one of the authors said.

It found asthma-associated ER visits jumped 82% statewide on the worst air quality day, June 7. The study also said that the central part of New York state saw the highest increases in ER visitsmore than twice as high.

A man in Jersey City, N.J., runs in front of the sun rising over the lower Manhattan skyline on Thursday, June 8, 2023, as smoke from Canadian wildfires blanketed the northeastern U.S. The smoke that drifted into the U.S. led to a spike in people with asthma visiting emergency rooms  particularly in the New York area. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published two studies Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, about the health impacts of the smoke, which shrouded city skylines with an orange haze in late spring, and a medical journal also released a study this week. Credit: AP Photo/Seth Wenig

The third study, published by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, focused solely on New York City. It found more than a 50% increase in asthma-associated ER visits on June 7, said the study's lead author, George Thurston of New York University.

None of the studies looked at other measures of health, such as increases in heart attacks or deaths.

Wildfire smoke has tiny particles, called PM2.5, that can embed deep in the lungs and cause severe problems for asthmatics. But problematic as the wildfire smoke was, an analysis showed it had lower amounts of some toxic elements found in urban air pollution, Thurston said.

The third study also attempted to compare the surge in ER visits during the wildfire smoke with what happens at the height of a bad pollen seasonand the wildfires led to about 10% more ER visits.

"That's reassuring. It may not have been as bad as it looked," Thurston said

Jeffrey Acquaviva, a 52-year-old asthmatic in Holmdel, New Jersey, found that conclusion hard to swallow.

"Yeah, right," said Acquaviva, who works at family-owned construction business.

As the smoke got worse in June and the air in his backyard grew thick and "golden," Acquaviva changed the filters on his air conditioners and stayed indoors for 2 1/2 days.

His symptoms still got worsehis breathing dangerously difficultand finally he was taken by ambulance to a hospital and stayed there three days.

Pristas, Acquaviva's doctor, recalled how invasive the smoke was: "There was nowhere to hide."

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

For many patients, the internet serves as a powerful tool for self-education on medical topics. With ChatGPT now at patients' fingertips, researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham health care system, assessed how consistently the artificial intelligence chatbot provides recommendations for cancer treatment that align with National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines.

Their findings, published in JAMA Oncology, show that in approximately one-third of cases, ChatGPT 3.5 provided an inappropriate ("non-concordant") recommendation, highlighting the need for awareness of the technology's limitations.

"Patients should feel empowered to educate themselves about their medical conditions, but they should always discuss with a clinician, and resources on the Internet should not be consulted in isolation," said corresponding author Danielle Bitterman, MD, of the Department of Radiation Oncology and the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine (AIM) Program of Mass General Brigham.

"ChatGPT responses can sound a lot like a human and can be quite convincing. But, when it comes to clinical decision-making, there are so many subtleties for every patient's unique situation. A right answer can be very nuanced, and not necessarily something ChatGPT or another large language model can provide."

The emergence of artificial intelligence tools in health has been groundbreaking and has the potential to positively reshape the continuum of care. Mass General Brigham, as one of the nation's top integrated academic health systems and largest innovation enterprises, is leading the way in conducting rigorous research on new and emerging technologies to inform the responsible incorporation of AI into care delivery, workforce support, and administrative processes.

Although medical decision-making can be influenced by many factors, Bitterman and colleagues chose to evaluate the extent to which ChatGPT's recommendations aligned with the NCCN guidelines, which are used by physicians at institutions across the country.

They focused on the three most common cancers (breast, prostate and lung cancer) and prompted ChatGPT to provide a treatment approach for each cancer based on the severity of the disease. In total, the researchers included 26 unique diagnosis descriptions and used four, slightly different prompts to ask ChatGPT to provide a treatment approach, generating a total of 104 prompts.

Nearly all responses (98%) included at least one treatment approach that agreed with NCCN guidelines. However, the researchers found that 34% of these responses also included one or more non-concordant recommendations, which were sometimes difficult to detect amidst otherwise sound guidance.

A non-concordant treatment recommendation was defined as one that was only partially correct; for example, for a locally advanced breast cancer, a recommendation of surgery alone, without mention of another therapy modality. Notably, complete agreement in scoring only occurred in 62% of cases, underscoring both the complexity of the NCCN guidelines themselves and the extent to which ChatGPT's output could be vague or difficult to interpret.

In 12.5% of cases, ChatGPT produced "hallucinations," or a treatment recommendation entirely absent from NCCN guidelines. These included recommendations of novel therapies, or curative therapies for non-curative cancers. The authors emphasized that this form of misinformation can incorrectly set patients' expectations about treatment and potentially impact the clinician-patient relationship.

Going forward, the researchers are exploring how well both patients and clinicians can distinguish between medical advice written by a clinician versus a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT. They are also prompting ChatGPT with more detailed clinical cases to further evaluate its clinical knowledge.

The authors used GPT-3.5-turbo-0301, one of the largest models available at the time they conducted the study and the model class that is currently used in the open-access version of ChatGPT (a newer version, GPT-4, is only available with the paid subscription). They also used the 2021 NCCN guidelines, because GPT-3.5-turbo-0301 was developed using data up to September 2021. While results may vary if other LLMs and/or clinical guidelines are used, the researchers emphasize that many LLMs are similar in the way they are built and the limitations they possess.

"It is an open research question as to the extent LLMs provide consistent logical responses as oftentimes 'hallucinations' are observed," said first author Shan Chen, MS, of the AIM Program. "Users are likely to seek answers from the LLMs to educate themselves on health-related topics-similarly to how Google searches have been used. At the same time, we need to raise awareness that LLMs are not the equivalent of trained medical professionals."
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The early physical and mental development of a child sets the stage for lifelong progress and fulfillment. Spending quality time with their parents can bring out significant positive changes among children during their formative years.

Across Japan, the extent of fathers' participation in childcare-related activities has historically been limited because of the entrenched gender-based division of labor. Fathers, especially those in their 20s40s, are expected to show full commitment towards work and have been prioritizing their professional commitments over family. Consequently, a significant number of these fathers have found their engagement in childcare to be limited, regardless of their personal inclinations.

At the same time, the number of mothers in Japan who are engaged in full-time employment has been on the rise in recent years. Compounded by the lack of support from other family members, the lack of paternal involvement in childcare has become a major social issue. In addition, because of the low fertility rates, the central government has actively been promoting paternal childcare.

As a result, Japanese fathers are now expected to be co-caregivers, and not just the primary breadwinners. Indeed, recent trends show that they are increasingly spending more time with their children. However, despite the increase in paternal childcare across Japan, the impact of such active involvement on a child's developmental outcomes remains largely unexplored and poorly understood.

Adjusted risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals for the associations of paternal involvement in childcare. Credit: Tsuguhiko Kato from Doshisha University

A recent study based on the largest birth cohort data in Japan examines the association between paternal involvement and developmental outcomes in infants. It also assesses the impact of the reduction of maternal parenting stress on developmental outcomes.

The study, led by Dr. Tsuguhiko Kato from the National Center for Child Health and Development and Doshisha University Center for Baby Science, Japan, was published in Pediatric Research on July 8, 2023. The team included several researchers form institutes across Japan, including Dr. Shoji Itakura from the Center for Baby Science, Doshisha University; Dr. Kumiko Kanatani from Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine; and Dr. Takeo Nakayama from the Kyoto University School of Public Health, among others.

"In developed countries, the time fathers spend on childcare has increased steadily in recent decades. However, studies on the relationship between paternal care and child outcomes remain scarce. In this study, we examined the association between paternal involvement in childcare and children's developmental outcomes," says Dr. Kato.

The research team used data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study to investigate the association between paternal involvement in childcare and developmental outcomes. A total of 28,050 Japanese children who received paternal childcare at the age of 6 months were assessed for various developmental milestones at the age of 3 years. The potential mediation effect of maternal parenting stress was also examined at 1.5 years.

"The prevalence of employed mothers has been on the rise in Japan. As a result, Japan is witnessing a paradigm shift in its parenting culture. Fathers are increasingly getting involved in childcare-related parental activities," explains Dr. Kato.

During the course of this study, paternal childcare was assessed with the help of seven key questions pertaining to important childcare-related tasks such as feeding, changing diapers, bathing, putting kids to sleep, playing with kids at home, taking children outside, and changing their clothes. Fathers were then rated based on the extent of their involvement in childcare. For instance, fathers who "never" offered any help with a certain task were awarded a score of 0 for that particular activity.

On the contrary, fathers who "always" facilitated a childcare activity were awarded a score of 4. These results were then correlated with the extent of developmental delay among infants assessed using the Ages and Stages questionnaire.

"Our research findings indicate that increased paternal engagement in childcare could yield advantages for both children and mothers alike," asserts Dr. Kato.

The results of this extensive population study are indeed reassuring. High paternal involvement in childcare is associated with a lower risk of developmental delay across skill sets, including gross-motor, fine-motor, problem-solving, and personal-social domains, relative to low paternal involvement. Additionally, the fathers' active involvement in childcare during infancy may also promote young children's development partially by reducing maternal parenting stress.

More information: Tsuguhiko Kato et al, Paternal involvement in infant care and developmental milestone outcomes at age 3 years: the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS), Pediatric Research (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02723-x Journal information: Pediatric Research

Provided by Doshisha University
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The Noncontact Laser Ultrasound portable, multiple-degree-of-freedom plane-positioning armature stages an optical head, which houses a miniaturized laser source and receiver, flexible optical fibers, mirrors, and a camera. Credit: Glen Cooper

Researchers from MIT Lincoln Laboratory and their collaborators at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Ultrasound Research and Translation (CURT) have developed a new medical imaging device: the Noncontact Laser Ultrasound (NCLUS). This laser-based ultrasound system provides images of interior body features such as organs, fat, muscle, tendons, and blood vessels. The system also measures bone strength and may have the potential to track disease stages over time.

"Our patented skin-safe laser system concept seeks to transform medical ultrasound by overcoming the limitations associated with traditional contact probes," explains principal investigator Robert Haupt, a senior staff member in Lincoln Laboratory's Active Optical Systems Group.

Haupt and senior staff member Charles Wynn are co-inventors of the technology, with assistant group leader Matthew Stowe providing technical leadership and oversight of the NCLUS program. Rajan Gurjar is the system integrator lead, with Jamie Shaw, Bert Green, Brian Boitnott (now at Stanford University), and Jake Jacobsen collaborating on optical and mechanical engineering and construction of the system.

Medical ultrasound in practice

If your doctor orders an ultrasound, you can expect a highly trained sonographer to press and manipulate an array of transducers, set in a handheld device, onto your body. As the sonographer pushes the transducer probe across your skin, high-frequency acoustic waves (ultrasound waves) penetrate and propagate through your body tissue, where they "echo" off different tissue structures and features.

These echoes manifest from the acoustic impedance, or change in tissue strength (tissue softness or rigidity), from fat, muscle, organs, blood vessels, and bone deep inside the body. The probe receives the returning echoes, which are assembled into representational images of the body's internal features. Specialized processing schemes (synthetic aperture processing) are used to construct the shapes of the tissue features in 2D or 3D, and these constructions are then displayed on a computer monitor in real time.

Using ultrasound, doctors can noninvasively "see" inside the body to image diverse tissues and their geometries. Ultrasound can also measure blood flow pulsing through arteries and veins, and can characterize the mechanical properties (elastography) of tissues and organs. Ultrasound is used routinely to assist doctors in evaluating and diagnosing a variety of health conditions, diseases, and injuries.

For example, ultrasound can be used to image the anatomy a developing fetus, detect tumors, and measure the degree of narrowing or leakage in heart valves. Ranging from handheld devices on an iPhone to cart-based systems, ultrasound is highly portable, relatively inexpensive, and widely used in point-of-care and remote-field settings.

Limitations of ultrasound

Though state-of-the-art medical ultrasound systems can resolve tissue features within fractions of a millimeter, the technique has some limitations. Freehand manipulation of the probe by sonographers to obtain the best viewing window into the body interior leads to imaging errors. More specifically, as sonographers apply pressure to the probe by feel, they randomly compress the local tissue where the probe makes contact, causing unpredictable changes in the tissue properties that impact the travel paths of the ultrasound waves.

This compression distorts tissue-feature images with some unpredictability, meaning feature shapes are not accurately plotted. In addition, tilting the probe, even slightly, changes the angle plane of the image viewskewing the image and creating uncertainty of where features are positioned in the body.

The image distortion and positional reference uncertainty are significant enough that ultrasound cannot resolve with sufficient confidence, for example, whether a tumor is getting larger or smaller and precisely where the tumor is located in the host tissue. Furthermore, the uncertainty in feature size, shape, and position will vary upon repeat measurement, even for the same sonographer trying to retrace their steps.

This uncertainty, termed operator variability, is more severe when different sonographers attempt the same measurement, leading to inter-operator variability. Because of these drawbacks, ultrasound is often restricted from tracking cancerous tumors and other disease states. Instead, methods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) are mandated to track how diseases progresseven with their vastly higher cost, greater system size and complexity, and imposed radiation risk.

"Variability has been a major limitation of medical ultrasound for decades," says Anthony Samir, associate chair of Imaging Sciences at MGH Radiology and director of CURT. Samir and his MGH CURT colleagues Kai Thomenius and Marko Jakolvejic provide critical medical experience, technical expertise, and guidance on conventional ultrasound devices to the laboratory team and collaborate with them on NCLUS system development.

By fully automating the process for acquiring ultrasound images, NCLUS has the potential to reduce the need for a sonographer and to mitigate operator variability. The laser positioning can be accurately reproduced, thus eliminating variability across repeated measurements. Because the measurement is noncontact, no localized tissue compaction or its related distortion to image features occur. Moreover, similar to MRI and CT, NCLUS provides a fixed-reference-frame capability using skin markers to reproduce and compare repeat scans over time.

To support such tracking capabilities, the laboratory team developed software that processes ultrasound images and detects any changes between them. Requiring neither manual pressure nor coupling gels (as required by contact probes), NCLUS is also ideal for patients with painful or sensitive body areas, in fragile states, or at risk of infection.

"NCLUS could image burn or trauma victims, patients with open deep-tissue regions directly during surgery, premature infants requiring intensive medical care, patients with neck and spine injuries, and contagious individuals from standoff distances," Haupt says.

Light-induced ultrasound waves

NCLUS employs a pulsed laser that transmits optical energy through the air to the skin surface, where the light is rapidly absorbed once in the skin. The optical pulse causes instantaneous localized heating and rapidly deforms the skin through a thermoelastic process that in turn generates ultrasonic waves, acting as an ultrasound sourcea phenomenon called photoacoustics.

The optical pulse yields sufficient ultrasound power with frequencies comparable to that of practiced medical ultrasound while causing no sensation on the skin. The team patented the choice of the optical carrier wavelengths, with the photoacoustic process designed to create a consistent ultrasound source, independent of skin color or tissue roughness.

The ultrasound echoes returning from the tissue interior emerge at the skin surface as localized vibrations, which are measured by a highly sensitive, specialized laser Doppler vibrometer.

"With an appropriate laser transmit-and-receive implementation, any exposed tissue surfaces can become viable ultrasound sources and detectors," Haupt explains.

Advances toward a clinically operational system

In 2019, the team demonstrated that the NCLUS proof-of-concept (GEN-1) system can acquire ultrasound imagery from human subjects using skin-safe lasersa first in the medical community. However, the time to acquire the image data from the patient subject was long and impractical for clinical practice. In addition, the GEN-1 system image resolution was significantly less than that of state-of-the-art medical ultrasound.

Significant engineering development has since occurred to transition NCLUS GEN-1 to an operational system appropriate for clinical testing. In the clinical NCLUS system, both the laser source and receiver are miniaturized and housed inside an optical head attached to a portable armature. The lasers that pulse and scan are 500 times faster than those of the GEN-1 system, thus reducing the entire image-data acquisition time to less than a minute.

Future NCLUS prototypes will involve faster acquisition times of less than one second. The new clinical system also operates at much higher ultrasound frequencies than those of the GEN-1 system, enabling resolution down to 200 microns, which is comparable to the resolution of state-of-the-art medical ultrasound.

The moveable armature enables many degrees of freedom to view the various regions of the body. Inside the optical head are also programmable fast-steering mirrors that automatically position the source and receive laser beams to precisely establish the ultrasound array.

A 2D lidar is used to map the patient's skin surface topography; a high-frame-rate short-wave-infrared camera records the laser source and receiver projected locations on the skin, providing the array parameters necessary for constructing ultrasound images. The skin-surface topography mapping and laser-position recordings are registered by using natural skin features such as freckles. In this way, a fixed reference frame is established for performing precise repeat scans over time.

The NCLUS clinical system generates fully automated and registered ultrasound images via synthetic aperture processing. The team demonstrated this system on a gel-based puck synthesized to match the mechanical properties of human tissue (referred to as a phantom) that control ultrasound wave propagation.

The team is now developing NCLUS to support field-forward military applications. These applications include detecting and characterizing life-threatening injuries from internal bleeding in organs; monitoring debilitating musculoskeletal injuries and their healing over time; and providing elastographic imagery of soft tissue and bone of amputee limb regions to accelerate the design and fitting of prosthetic sockets. Civilian applications include imaging in the intensive care unit.

With NCLUS, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and medical staff without specialized sonography training might be able to perform ultrasound imaging outside of a hospitalin a doctor's office, at home, or in a remote battlefield setting.

"With further development, NCLUS has the potential to be a transformative technology: an automated, portable ultrasound platform with a fixed-reference-frame capability similar to that of MRI and CT," Samir says.

In the next phase of the NCLUS program, the team will pursue clinical studies using an operational skin-safe laser to evaluate ultrasound images and compare them to those of conventional medical ultrasound.

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Artificial intelligence could raise hope of an early detection of brain tumors with the prospect of overcoming current limitations of diagnosis by conventional methods, new research suggests.

Scientists say the landmark study has a novel approach following the evaluation of numerous artificial intelligence models they applied to predict brain cancer at the earliest stage possible.

The investigators note that their approach examines big data to classify brain tumor symptoms, occurrence, and repetition to provide oncologists and radiologists with the right information for an early prediction of the disease.

"One of the main ways that AI is being used is through deep learning (DL) models. These models are trained on large amounts of data and can then be used to identify patterns and features that are not easily visible to radiologists," write the researchers. Their study appears in the Diagnostics journal.

Brain tumors are a big headache for global medical community. An estimated 308,102 people worldwide were diagnosed with brain or spinal cord tumor in 2020.

The most conventional diagnosis method known worldwide is MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging. Though seen as the gold standard for early detection, its limitations prompted the scientists to explore more innovative diagnosis procedures.

The scientists maintain that their AI models can analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that may not be apparent to human radiologists, reducing workload and speeding up the diagnosis.

"This is because AI models can automatically analyze images and identify areas of concern, leaving radiologists with more time to focus on other tasks," they write.

The research team producing the pioneering study is led by Dr. Dilber Ozun Ozsahin, Associate Professor at the University of Sharjah.

Currently Dr. Ozsahin and her co-authors are working on an application that will deliver AI-based selection system to hospitals.

"We expect (the system) to play an important role in early detection, improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing brain tumor care," Dr. Ozsahin added.

In their investigation, the scientists ranked different machine learning models, the first such scientific endeavor in the study of brain cancer.

The researchers measure nine widely used machine learning models, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), gradient-boosting model (GBM), convolutional neural network (CNN), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), CNN VGG19, AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and CapsNet.

They utilize the multi-criteria decision-making method known as fuzzy preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluations (PROMETHEE), and then they assess each model based on various critical parameters.

The results show the CNN model as the front-runner, boasting superior performance in prediction accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, sensitivity, and processing time. This is an unusual finding as it renders CNN the preferred AI ally for early brain tumor detection, says Dr. Ozsahin.

Conversely, the KNN model ranked least effective, signaling the urgent need for advanced approaches to tackle the complex challenge brain tumors pose to medical staff.

"The findings of this study support the applicability of the proposed approach for making optimal choices regarding the selection of machine learning models. The decision maker is thus afforded the opportunity to expand the range of considerations which they must rely on in selecting the preferred models for early detection of brain tumors," the researchers write.

"AI offers immense potential in enhancing brain tumor diagnosis through improved accuracy, early detection, efficient triage, decision support, data handling capabilities, research advancements, and remote health care applications," says Dr. Ozsahin.

More information: Dilber Uzun Ozsahin et al, Mathematical Assessment of Machine Learning Models Used for Brain Tumor Diagnosis, Diagnostics (2023). DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13040618
Illegal trash dumping is a pervasive problem on public lands in western Montana, including in the woods right around Missoula.

Hazardous materials, tires, trashed camper trailers, refrigerators and wrecked cars are often piled in discreet or not-so-discreet spots and spoil the natural beauty while polluting the environment.

Thats why the Lolo National Forest, Missoula County, Republic Services waste disposal and a nonprofit called Woods Not Waste have teamed up to clean up a few problem locations in the Deep Creek area west of Missoula.

The Deep Creek area on Southside Road next to the Clark Fork River is a popular area for recreationists, but over the decades people have been leaving a lot more behind than they take out.

Luke Jovin and Gennadiy Lemeza co-founded the nonprofit Woods Not Waste a few years ago after getting fed up with always seeing trash piles in the forests where they hang out. In 2020, they collected 17,000 pounds of trash from natural areas and got it to the landfill. Rotten mattresses, stoves, thousands of bottles and cans and discarded appliances have all been removed.

At first, their goal was to go around town and pick up things that people in the community couldnt afford to take to the dump.

We actually started Woods Not Waste to address the initial problem because we figured that if people are dumping, you know, its probably because they cant afford to take it to the landfill in the first place, Jovin explained. So our initial idea for the nonprofit was to be able to find and help people take their stuff to the landfill, which we still do and has been beneficial to people.

But next, they turned their sights to the unsightly piles of trash in the forests.

I mean, we all own these woods right? Jovin said. This is everybodys land and we all need to pitch in to fix it. I think education is a big part of it. I think people understanding that they have options and understanding that they can reach out for help when they need to, theres always somebody to reach out to.

Theyre looking for volunteers to help with the final stages of cleanup in the Deep Creek area on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Theyll be meeting at 9 a.m. at the pulloff at the base of Deep Creek/Southside Road (Forest Road #39) on Saturday, and anyone who wants to join can call or text Jovin at 406-396-8664 or email woodsnotwaste@gmail.com.

We can use as much help as we can get and greatly appreciate everyone who is coming together to make this happen, Jovin said. We will be providing gloves, garbage bags and water, so all you need to bring is yourself.

Recently, Jovin pointed out that the Missoula County Department of Public Works, along with the Missoula City-County Public Health Department and the Missoula and Ninemile ranger districts of the Lolo National Forest have gone out to clean up some of the larger piles in the area. Republic Services, the waste disposal company that owns the landfill in Missoula, will allow the trash to get dumped for free.

Heavy equipment has been used to clean up a lot of the mess so far, but volunteers on Saturday are still going to have their work cut out for them with the smaller garbage.

A call to Ninemile Ranger District ranger Christopher Gauger was not returned as of press time.

Illegal dumping is a problem not unique to Missoula County. Mineral County commissioner Duane Simons said that people who dont want to pay rates for garbage pickup or landfill drop-off sometimes dump their trash in the woods as well.

He said Mineral County has been working with Republic Services to see if they can get lower rates for county residents.

I hope we can negotiate a lower rate for the county and all of our citizens, Simon said in an email to the Missoulian. It seems everyones rates are different and folks are mad, or if they arent mad they are dumping in the woods, so we sent a letter asking for an audit of our rates.
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.
While there are many crucial dates in the history of the Western World, few rise to the level of value as todays date of Aug. 24. It demarcates the fall of the Roman Empire. Regrettably it also marked the beginning of Europes Dark Ages. For almost a millennium, Rome had essentially been the receptor as well as the inducement of the world for government, might, science, engineering, philosophy and art. However, after that there followed a millennium of social and political disintegration, a devaluation of education, science dominated by witchcraft and a religious understanding of coerced belief.

But it all befell on that date in 410 AD when the forces of Alaric I, King of the Visigoths, the primary Germanic armies tired of subservience to the elitist Romans, breached the fortified walls of the Eternal City and entered with hardly any resistance.

Though the event is well known as The Fall of the Roman Empire, truly it was more accurately the eventuality of the slow decomposition of an aging, pompous, self-adulating, social elitist bureaucracy that anybody willing to look could have predicted. The empire had been disintegrating for ages and merely existed on borrowed time. Historians write in their accounts as I did above of breaching the walls, but in reality, Gothic slaves turned on their Roman masters and opened the gates in the middle of the night to allow the enemy an easy entrance. Alaric came with 30,000 soldiers but instantly his ranks swelled with another 40,000 Gothic slaves deserting Rome for his army.

However, for our purpose here, there is another more engrossing, spiritual orientation. Both the Romans and the Visigoths claimed to be Christians. Decades before Emperor Theodosius I had not only proclaimed Christianity as Romes state religion, he had banned all other religions and destroyed many of the pagan temples. Alaric also had embraced Arian Christianity. Not a little has been made of the fact that the capture of Rome was more akin to a romp than an out-and-out battle. Alaric ordered that anyone who sheltered inside a church was to be spared and thousands did. When it was made known to him that liturgical vessels were taken from the basilica of St. Peters, he not only had them returned but ceremonially restored. Then, with victory achieved he held a parade in which Romans and Goths alike processed through the streets singing hymns of God.

May I quickly suggest two takeaways or spiritual insights from this overpowering historical moment. First, there is nothing Christian or spiritual about pillaging and plundering, or for that matter any desire to conquer another is a matter of a psychopathic control malady in some deranged mind. It certainly has nothing to do with the teacher of Love thy neighbor. Just giving lip-service or stating that one as a Christian does not make it so. Strong arming or goading a person to be religious is equally un-Christian. You can roll a dead rat in powdered sugar but that does not make it a doughnut. Being a Christian is giving your life in total to the ways of Christ. Emperor Constantine would simply march his troops through shallow rivers and declare them baptized Christians  I do not know if he ever achieved a deeper level of spiritual insight.

I am also deeply impressed by the fact that the slaves gambled their own lives to open the gates for the invading army and joined them in sacking the great city. Perhaps had they been treated more humanely, the great Fall of the Roman Empire would never have occurred.

But that is all in the past, indeed a significant chapter in history but, alas, history. What is important for us is not so much what did occur or how it happened, but what are we doing in the present.

Might our own time be filled with less disturbance and turmoil if we behaved more Christ-like toward those around us? It all really begins with each of us introspectively searching our own souls to assure that we are embracing our faith with a sense of deep spirituality and not out of some mere convenience.
The Bnai Israel Cultural Center will be hosting a presentation by Stephen Trimble, author of The Mike File: A Story of Grief and Hope, at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Bnai Israel Cultural Center, 327 W. Galena St. The lecture is free, but contributions are welcome.

A great-nephew of noted Butte author Myron Brinig, Trimbles most recent book is a memoir, the story of his brother Mike, and an exploration of how Mikes mental illness shaped Trimble's family.

In the memoir, Trimble shared his brother's life and death and looked behind the doors he barricaded in himself.

In 1957, when Trimble was six and his brother Mike was 14, psychosis overwhelmed Mike. He never lived at home again and died alone in a Denver boarding home. Journalists used Mikes death to expose these homes warehousing people with mental illness.

Detective story, social history, journey of self-discovery, and a compassionate and unsparing memorial to a family and a forgotten life, The Mike File will move any reader with a relative or friend touched by psychiatric illness or disability.
Seventh DUI

A Butte man was jailed last Friday for his seventh offense of driving under the influence. Darrell M. Shields, 57, was also jailed for driving without liability insurance (10th offense) and driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license (14th offense).

At about 7:30 p.m., Shields was reportedly driving south on Harrison Avenue at a high rate of speed, going 57 in a 35 mph speed zone. An officer pulled him over and took him into custody.

Early morning

Justin M. Edwards, 35, no address listed was arrested last Friday at around 1 a.m. for driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license, failure to carry proof of insurance, and an additional outstanding warrant

Assault arrest

Braeton E. Peppers, 20, of Butte was arrested Saturday in the 600 block of South Jackson Street for allegedly hitting an adult woman.

Besides being arrested for partner or family member assault, he was also jailed for possessing intoxicating substances while under the age of 21.

Six knives

At around 9:30 p.m., a woman living in the 2000 block of Gaylord reported having a verbal argument with Dallas J. Lee, 44, of Butte, who then allegedly slashed a tire.

Officers found Lee in the area, who was asked if he had any knives. Lee allegedly replied no, but then took off running. When an officer caught up to him, Lee reportedly punched the officer in the face.

Lee, who had six knives in his possession, was arrested for assault, obstructing a peace officer and assaulting a peace officer.

Jail fight

On Monday, two inmates, Brieya B. Gilbert, 23, no address listed, and Chantel M. Cottrell, 42, of Butte, were involved in a fight in the womens wing at the Butte Detention Center.

More reports

A man reported to police that a teen driving a dirt bike deliberately kicked the side of his car, causing some paint damage.

Last weekend, fireworks were reportedly launched on East Broadway Street.

A woman living in the 1100 block of South Arizona Street claimed that some construction workers trampled her raspberry bushes.

A woman called to report that someone scratched the drivers side panel of her car.

An unidentified man stole a bottle of perfume from Heavenly Occasions, 47 W. Park St.

Someone damaged the back windshield of a mans Subaru and then left the area.
Rotary Club hosts Duck Derby fundraiser

The Rotary Club Duck Derby fundraiser is set for 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 7, at Ridge Waters in Stodden Park. Ducks will race down the lazy river for three cash prizes. First place prize is $1,000, second place is $500 and third place is $300.

Ducks can be purchased for a donation of $25 each or 5 ducks for $100, and are available online at www.montanarotary.org or by calling Joe McBride at 406-498-6239. Duck owners need not be present to win.

Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Butte Parks and Trails Foundations sponsored swimmer program to ensure that young Butte swimmers can swim for free. Proceeds will also support Rotary Club of Buttes projects including scholarships at Montana Tech, dictionaries for third graders, Butte High Schools Interact Club, Action Inc. Homeless Youth Program and World Museum of Mining landscaping.

Over 200 acres at Maud S Canyon Trails are owned and managed by the East Ridge Foundation which is governed by Rotarian board members. Ongoing projects include weed spraying, trail maintenance, planting trees and installing interpretive signs.

Free skin cancer screenings Saturday

The Sun Bus is providing free skin cancer screenings and sun safety education with a board certified dermatologist from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Butte-Silver Bow Health Dept., 25 W. Front St.

Schedule your appointment at www.thesunbus.org.

Butte Animal Shelters July stats listed

These July statistics are from the Butte Animal Shelter, 699 Centennial Ave. The information is provided by the shelter.

DOGS

Turned in by owners: 4

Picked up and turned in by residents: 8

Picked up by animal control officer: 44

Adopted: 3

Reclaimed by owners: 39

Sent to foster/transfer: 5 fostered

Died/euthanized: 2 euthanized

CATS

Turned in by owners: 0

Picked up and turned in by residents: 2

Picked up by animal control officer: 26

Adopted: 8

Reclaimed by owners: 5

Sent to foster/transfer: 0

Died/euthanized: 1 euthanized
Around 3 in 10 Americans still believe ivermectin is an effective treatment for COVID. Whats more, few place significant trust in any form of news media or official institution to accurately convey information about health topics, from COVID treatments and vaccines to reproductive health issues, a new poll from KFF shows.

The confusion about whats true  and whos telling the truth  is of critical importance to public health, experts in political science said. Misinformation leads to lives being lost and health problems not being resolved, Bob Blendon, a professor emeritus of public health at Harvard, said in an interview. Blendon was not associated with the survey.

Such misinformed beliefs are strongly held by only a sliver of the population, according to a new KFF poll. Nearly a third of the 2,007 respondents said the dewormer ivermectin was definitely or probably an effective treatment for COVID-19. (Its not: Numerous randomized controlled trials have found otherwise.) A mere 22% thought ivermectin was definitely ineffective.

A fifth thought it was definitely or probably true that the COVID-19 vaccine had killed more people than the virus itself. (Multiple studies, examining different data sets, have found lower death rates among recipients of the vaccine than among those who didnt get the shot.)

But nearly half, 47%, thought that claim was definitely false.

Nevertheless, said Brendan Nyhan, a professor of government at Dartmouth College who has spent years studying the transmission of false information, the prevalence of vaccine misinformation is alarming. And, while not necessarily resulting entirely from misinformation, 30% of respondents thought parents should not be required to vaccinate their children against measles, mumps, and rubella.

More than a third of respondents also thought using birth control such as intrauterine devices made it harder for most women to get pregnant once they stopped.

For Lunna Lopes, a senior survey analyst at KFF and one of the polls authors, the results show wide exposure, but limited uptake, of false claims. A lot of people have heard about these health misinformation claims. Just because theyre exposed to it doesnt mean theyre buying into it, she said. Still, the din of misinformation might leave the populace unsure what to believe. You might be less trusting, and less likely to outright reject false information.

The limited embrace of outright misinformation may be cold comfort for public health advocates. The study also found only grudging trust, at best, for media sources of all kinds and the federal government. The limited trust the survey recorded is colored by wide partisan gaps, noted Nyhan.

Respondents did not have a lot of trust in the information relayed by any news media institution. Just over a quarter had this high level of trust for local TV news stations. And that was the highest mark of the institutions tested, which ran the ideological and stylistic gamut from MSNBC to The New York Times to Fox News and Newsmax. More people had a little trust in each of these institutions.

For Blendon, however, the mild support is a problem. It suggests that we are short of trusted sources of news about health.

Journalists and editors, he said, should consider theres something about the way youre presenting information thats not seen as credible by viewers. Seventy percent of respondents said the news media wasnt doing enough to limit the spread of health misinformation.

The public conversation tends to focus on the often extreme declarations and wild claims featured on social media and on both corporate and government attempts to regulate the medium, Blendon noted. Sixty-nine percent of respondents said social media companies were not doing enough to limit the spread of false or inaccurate information.

But the poll shows that while the public tunes into social media quite frequently, they have very little faith in the health information they see there. No social media outlet enjoyed a double-digit percentage of respondents saying they had a lot of trust in it.

Even so, said Lopes, a significant slice of the public  about a quarter  turn to these platforms for health information and advice. That stood out to us, she said. Latinos and the young are especially likely to use the forums.

The picture is similarly bleak for official institutions. Around a quarter of respondents had a great deal of trust in the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions recommendations. That response rate dropped to a fifth when it came to the Food and Drug Administration. The Biden administration, Donald Trump, and state and local public health officials lagged behind.

Those findings, combined with the partisan gaps in trust, were especially discouraging for Nyhan. They will be essential sources of information in future pandemics despite their errors and misjudgments during the pandemic, he said of public health institutions.

By far the most highly trusted source of health information? Ones own doctor. Forty-eight percent of respondents had a great deal of trust in their recommendations.

Here are some key health policies that will and will not change with the COVID-19 public health emergency's end Here are some key health policies that will and will not change with the COVID-19 public health emergency's end
Since becoming CEO of Crossroads, Inc., in 2022, Marc Hines has had his own share of achievements, such as his inclusion on the Quad Cities Business Journal's 2023 Forty Under 40 list this week.

Each year, the Business Journal uses the Forty Under 40 Awards to recognize 40 leaders under the age of 40 who are making a difference in their communities through different civic and philanthropic activities and their business success. Honorees for this years awards will be recognized during a ceremony on Thursday, August 24.

For his role as CEO, Hines uses his position to advocate for seniors and individuals with disabilities as well as the professionals who support them, striving for fair compensation for Direct Support Professionals and promoting the integration of seniors and people with disabilities into the community fabric.

When asked about how it feels to be given this award, Hines admitted that it felt strange. Ive never thought of myself as the kind of person or achiever that would make a list like this. Seeing my name alongside all the other honorees is both humbling and gratifying.

He also took a moment to emphasize that the nomination means just as much to him, if not more than the actual award.

My colleagues and the Crossroads Board took time and made an effort to recognize the work Ive done and intend to do," he said. "I think that implies trust in and respect of me as a leader. Dont get me wrong; the award is fun and something Ill remember fondly for a long time. Still, the recognition from people who know me and my work is the thing thats deeply meaningful.

As Crossroads newest CEO, Hines directly responded to the closure of Glenwood Resource Center by purchasing and renovating a house that could then be used to expand Supported Community Living services in Muscatine. Hines also lobbied for legislative change to the Iowa fire code removing language that placed unjust sprinkler requirements on homes providing Home and Community Based Services.

In addition, Hines strives to spread awareness seniors and people with disabilities within the Muscatine community, encouraging them to be included in the future of disability services in both Muscatine and Tipton.

In regards to his first year, Hines said that, Maybe its my personality, but I dont think Ill ever feel like Ive accomplished everything I wanted. Its also the nature of the industry. The landscape changes constantly and theres always a new challenge or problem that needs solving. That said, weve done a monumental amount of work in the last 18 months; were a different organization than we were when I started.

For him, earning the trust of the Crossroads staff and Board of Directors was easily his biggest accomplishment.

Thats allowed us to revamp our strategic plan, break into new service areas, modernize some processes and step out into the light a bit more," Hines said.

Going forward, Hines hopes to continue growing Crossroads presence in Muscatine, Tipton, and the surrounding communities.

Were going to stretch ourselves, make mistakes, learn, and get better. I hope to guide those efforts and let the talented people around me do their thing," he said.

As for what his role in Crossroads means to him, while some days can still be overwhelming, Hines also shared that he saw most of his days as CEO as a gift.

Its a gift to be able to do this work with and for the people at Crossroads," Hines said. "For now, I feel like Crossroads and the broader disability services community are better with me in them. Ill keep doing this work until I think that changes.

Images of the 49th Quad-City Times Bix 7
Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading.

Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy
NEW DELHI  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.

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 in 2019, India now joins the United States, the Soviet Union and China in reaching this milestone.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the historic landing from South Africa, where he is participating in the BRICS nations summit. "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.

India's successful landing 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.

Excited and anxious, people across India, home to the world's largest population, 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.

India's Chandrayaan-3  "moon craft" in Sanskrit  took off from a launchpad in Sriharikota in southern India on July 14.

"India's pursuit of space exploration reaches a remarkable milestone with the impending Chandrayaan-3 Mission, poised to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface. This achievement marks a significant step forward for Indian Science, Engineering, Technology, and Industry, symbolizing our nation's progress in space exploration," the Indian Space Research Organization said in a statement earlier on Wednesday.

It said that a successful Chandrayaan-3 landing would be monumental in fueling curiosity and sparking a passion for exploration among youth. "It generates 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," the organization said.

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.

The six-wheeled lander and rover module of Chandrayaan-3 is configured with payloads that would 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.

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.

With nuclear-armed India emerging as the world's fifth-largest economy last year, Modi's nationalist government is eager to showcase India's rising standing as a technology and space powerhouse. A successful moon mission dovetails with Modi's image of an ascendant India asserting its place among the global elite and would help bolster his popularity ahead of a crucial general election next year.

The anticipation for a successful landing rose after Russia's failed attempt and as India's regional rival China 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 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.

Headlines: Apollo 11 Moon Landing "Man walks on the Moon" "Man on Moon" "On the Moon!" "U.S. team walks on Moon, blasts off to command ship" "Walk on Moon!" "World watches 2 yanks in first walk on Moon" "We're on the Moon" "Man walks on Moon" "American footprints, Old Glory on Moon" "Americans explore Moon surface, blast off for long journey home" "Man walks on Moon" "Today the moon, tomorrow...." "'Fantastic'.. the United States implants first human footprints on the moon" "Americans walk on Moon" "And man walks upon dead surface of the Moon" "Man realizes his age-old dream"
Des Moines Area Community College is a harder target for cyberattacks and scams than it used to be, President Rob Denson said, but it takes constant effort and vigilance to stay that way.

He and his staff will receive fake attachments, fraudulent messages from people claiming to be coworkers and applicants with intentions of taking financial aid and running rather than attending classes almost every day, despite best efforts to head them off.

Threat actors are always looking for you to let down your guard, he said.

In efforts to keep campus safe, some Iowa community colleges are having to put increasingly more time, manpower and money toward cybersecurity efforts.

Aaron Warner, CEO of cybersecurity company ProCircular, said community colleges are targets for bad actors because they house a lot of sensitive information, their student populations see continuous turnover, and theyre made to be as accessible as possible.

The often-chaotic time just before school starts is also utilized by cybercriminals, as faculty and staff are busier and less likely to catch suspicious emails or other activities.

Its an unfortunate byproduct of the fact that theyre a community organization, Warner said. They are designed to interact as best as possible with the community. Bad guys take advantage of that.

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced employees to work from home, Warner said the opportunities to conduct cyberattacks expanded. Gone was the castle-and-moat style of keeping sensitive information on one secure network as data was transferred onto home computers and laptops. The risk of a successful cyberattack or intrusion didnt so much rise as become more distributed, he said.

DMACC and Iowa Central Community College have already faced in real time what ProCircular simulates for training  a breach in cybersecurity. Iowa Central Community College was hacked in 2018, and DMACC saw a breach in 2021.

Both colleges amped up security efforts in response, which they still keep up today.

Colleges work to stop ghost student scam

One problem DMACC has worked to curb is ghost students, or applicants who use fake or stolen identities to seek financial aid. Denson said the college started seeing more fraudulent applications around two years ago, coming in groups from certain areas in different states and filing for loans without any intent of actually attending classes.

For around a year, DMACC staff have been calling every applicant to confirm their identity before putting their information into the system, Denson said. While this practice has cut down on ghost student applications, its not the easiest task to undertake.

In fall 2022, DMACC admitted more than 1,600 full-time, first-time students. Admissions staff and recruiters called each applicant and recorded the confirmation of their identity in the DMACC system  a time-consuming process, Denson said, as many students arent easy to reach over phone or email.

Its a terrible use of time, its not the best use of their skills, but its something weve got to do, Denson said. What we dont want to do is get a fraudulent app inside of our learning management system.

At its peak in late July 2022, Denson said the college was receiving around 15 fraudulent applications a day. Since implementing this practice, Denson said that number has decreased significantly, but one or two a day still pop up.

Denson said the amount of time and manpower needed to verify so many applicants pulls people away from their other work.

We would rather have recruiters out recruiting and advisors talking to students about their career, rather than verifying somebodys identity, he said.

In order to lower the risk of a fake student infiltrating Iowa Central Community Colleges systems, President Jesse Ulrich said staff purges all records of inactive students  those who applied but never signed up for classes or interacted with the college in any way  every semester.

Cybersecurity is costly

Staff and faculty at both community colleges receive training on how to spot and report phishing, and receive random test phishing emails. Iowa Central Community College has members of its IT team dedicated to servers and infrastructure, and DMACC has a cybersecurity expert on retainer.

Security software, training and insurance all require funds, Ulrich said, which could be used in other areas of the college.

Anytime you are putting more resources into cybersecurity, whether thats through people, software, paying more for insurance; all of those things pull from the general fund or other areas of our funds to be able to really meet the core purpose of community colleges, Ulrich said.

Both colleges have cyber insurance; Denson said the colleges annual insurance cost is five times what it was, and the deductible has doubled.

Even divulging details on its cybersecurity insurance could put the college at risk, Ulrich said, as threat actors will look through public records to determine how well-insured schools are and use that in attacks.

Its kind of a lose-lose situation for higher ed when were put in that situation, he said.

However, having these safeguards isnt really a choice, Denson said  its a necessity, and one that isnt going away soon.

According to SonicWalls 2023 Cyber Threat Report, educational institutions were cyber criminals top targets for malware attacks. At the recent annual Community Colleges for Iowa conference, Ulrich said cybersecurity was among the top 10 challenges facing higher education today.

ProCircular works with more than just community colleges to evaluate cybersecurity efforts, but the leaders at colleges Warner has met are among the most understanding of the issues and how to tackle them, he said. Much of the companys training involves ensuring people know what to look for, how to respond in the event of a breach and helping them allocate resources in the right areas.

U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn introduced legislation in April to help curb cyber attacks against K-12 schools by increasing available resources, expanding cyber attack prevention information sharing and improve national tracking of cyber attacks. While no bills targeting cybersecurity in higher education have been introduced, a spokesperson for Nunns office said they are working with as many entities as possible to help tighten cybersecurity across the board.

Community Colleges for Iowa Executive Director Emily Shields said there has been interest in the state Legislature in working to curb cybersecurity breaches in higher education, but many of the best practices suggested in discussions are already being practiced by community colleges.

When it comes to funding, Shields said colleges would rather see more dollars go into general funds than specific silos like cybersecurity, as it allows them to be more flexible in allocating resources.

The organization has worked to help keep colleges informed about cybersecurity threats and avenues to help fend off attacks, in the event one does occur, she said.

The conversation always is not if this is going to happen in your college, its when, Shields said. Everybodys anticipating. You will have cyberattacks, probably plural  its making sure youre ready for that.

The most and least lucrative college majors in Iowa The most and least lucrative college majors in Iowa
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.
A majority of likely Republican caucusgoers in Iowa approve of the states ban of most abortions after six weeks, the most recent Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll shows.

The poll showed 58% of likely Republican caucusgoers said the so-called fetal heartbeat law gets it about right on the issue of abortion, the Register reported Wednesday. Thirty percent of respondents said the law is too restrictive of the procedure, and 9% said the law imposes too few restrictions.

The law bans most abortions after embryonic cardiac activity is detectable, usually after about six weeks of gestation, with narrow exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother.

These poll results show that Iowans who plan to participate in the Republican caucuses on Jan. 15, 2024, do not necessarily share the same beliefs on abortion as the majority of Iowans. The March 2023 Iowa Poll found 61% of Iowans across all political leanings said they believe abortion should be legal in most or all cases.

A temporary injunction on the abortion law was granted July 17, three days after Gov. Kim Reynolds signed it at the Family Leadership Summit after a legislative special session. The injunction means abortion is still legal in Iowa up to 20 weeks of pregnancy. But abortion access advocates and medical providers said if enforced, the new law will outlaw most of the abortion procedures currently performed in Iowa.

President and CEO of Planned Parenthood North Central States Ruth Richardson said in a statement Wednesday that Iowas ban will not only impact access to abortion, but access to obstetric and gynecological services as well.

Where you live shouldnt dictate the care you can access but that is not the reality in America today, Richardson said. When states ban abortion, when states criminalize doctors for providing life-saving procedures and deny them the right to use their training to help patients, its no surprise that practitioners choose other places to practice. But it doesnt have to be this way, we can restore everyones freedom to decide what health care is best for them.

The University of Iowa Obstetrics and Gynecological Residency is the only OB-GYN residency program in the state. Under its accreditation requirements, it must include training or access to training for providing pregnancy termination. If the new law is enforced, students must be provided with activities like simulations to learn how to administer these services, or must travel to areas where there are no restrictions on abortion to directly access clinical experience.

Students in the UI residency program spoke against the measure during the legislative special session, saying that the ban may motivate them to leave the state after their training. Iowa is currently facing a shortage of maternal health care resources  as of 2020, there were no OB-GYN providers in more than half of Iowa counties according to March of Dimes data.

During the regular 2023 legislative session, lawmakers passed measures introduced by Reynolds to address the maternal care shortage, including $560,000 in funding for the creation of a new OB-GYN fellowship program.

In addition to supporting abortion restrictions in Iowa, 54% of likely GOP caucusgoers also said they would be more likely to favor a candidate who supports a federal 15-week ban on abortion.

Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis have avoided directly weighing in on federal abortion law proposals. Some candidates, including former Vice President Mike Pence and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, have said they support federal abortion restrictions such as a 15-week ban. Others have said abortion laws should be left to the states, including entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

The Des Moines Register/NBC News/Mediacom Iowa Poll was conducted Aug. 13-17 by Selzer & Co. with a sample of 406 registered voters in Iowa who are likely to attend the Republican caucuses. Results based on the full sample have a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.
President William Ruto has more or less ruled out banning TikTok in Kenya and advocated for the establishment of content moderation mechanisms.

Addressing a gathering in Nakuru, Ruto noted that TikTok and similar social media platforms have the potential to generate even more revenue. He said these online spaces could be subject to effective content moderation measures, aiming to maintain a balanced sharing of content.

I will speak to the global CEO of Tiktok and we have moderation capacities on YouTube and X (former Twitter) so that we can agree on a mechanism to moderate content on their space, he said.

RELATED  Boni Khalwales Improbable Advice to Parents Who Dont Like TikTok For Their Kids

Kenya is getting between Ksh.500 million and Ksh.800 million every month from these platforms and so we are increasing our revenue as a country from this space. We need to manage the negative effects and promote the positive, Ruto added.

The President also disclosed that he held discussions with Facebook regarding content monetization.

I had a conversation with Facebook and they have agreed to test with 25 of our creators to see how we can monetize content, he added.
President William Ruto has disclosed that his government is working on a bill that will allow Kenyan creatives to monetize their talents.

Addressing the audience at the State House Nakuru during the Kenya Music Festival Winners State Concert, Ruto announced the establishment of a team headed by Sports, Arts, and Culture Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba. He said he had directed the team to formulate the Bill and have it presented to parliament in the next two months.

Ruto mentioned that this initiative is a collaborative effort involving both the Ministries of Education as well as Youth, Arts, and Sports.

I have given CS Ababu Namwamba and team two months to have the bill find its way to parliament so that we monetise these great talents, Ruto said.

President Ruto also announced that his administration has a deliberate plan to enhance the arts and creative industry. Notably, they plan to rename the Permanent Presidential Music Commission (PPMC) into the Creative Commission of Kenya(CCoK), a move aimed at ensuring that talents are monetized across the country.

Dr Ruto said the Creative Commission will take a different approach from the previous practice of solely establishing professional studios in Nairobi, as was the case with the PPMC.

We are already working on a creative bill that is going to make sure that the creative commission will not only have professional studios in Nairobi but in every county in Kenya, he said.
Its a boon for the tourism and education sectors as the worlds most extensive floating library with 5000 different titles of books and 350 crew from 70 nationalities docked in Mombasa for 45 days.

MV Logos Hope sailing under the Malta flag, has an overall length of 132.5 meters, a width of 20.8, a draft of 5.2 meters and a carrying capacity of 12,519 gross tons made her maiden voyage to Mombasa 18 years after her sister ship Duolos visited.

It docked at the Mbaraki wharf a few minutes before 9:00 am Tuesday having sailed from Seychelles.

It will open her doors to members of the public to select books of their choice from the wide array of genres including science, sports, hobbies, language, faith, cookery arts, and medicine for purchase.

The public will be treated to the fun of touring the expansive marine vessel to explore other amenities like the international cafe, visitors deck, and welcome area among others.

The ship operated by GBA (Good Books for All) goal is to share knowledge, help, and hope in every port it visits. It has so far called on over 150 countries and territories.

Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) Principal Corporate Communication Officer Hajj Masemo said the tourism season has begun in earnest with the arrival of MV Logos Hope.

Today is a very good day for us as KPA, we have started our tourism season. The tourism season usually starts in September and ends in March. This time we have started earlier, and we are happy it is a good sign. This vessel MV Logos Hope is a moving library and it is actually the biggest moving library in the world today. She is carrying 5000 different types of books. She is going to be here for 45 days. The vessel is coming from Seychelles, said Masemo.

He added that bibliophiles would have an opportunity to buy any book that they like in the vessel and business will thrive in Mombasa.

We believe there will be a lot of business going on between the city residents and the vessel. More cruise vessels are coming, its a renaissance of crew business after the COVID-19 pandemic, he said urging people to throng the vessel.

CECM for Education Mbwarali Kame said they expected beneficiaries of the County mentorship programme to visit the library starting with schools from Mvita, Likoni, Nyali, and Kisauni Sub-Counties.

Mombasa County will enter into an agreement with the management of the vessel to purchase books that will be distributed to schools, said CEC Kame.

On his part, CECM for Trade and Tourism Mohamed Osman said they were well prepared to handle the vessel crew as they visit tourist attractions sites in Mombasa.

The coming of the vessel, Osman said, is one of the stratagems to attract tourists and plans are underway for SMEs to pitch tents near the vessel to sell their products in order to uplift them economically.

We have negotiated with the Ministry of Blue Economy for the revival of tourism. More cruise ships should dock in Mombasa, disclosed Osman.

A member of the vessel advance preparation team Constanza Figueroa said the ship has already visited 150 different countries in the world. She thanked different agencies for their cooperation in receiving the ship in the country.

This is teamwork. A lot of people were involved to make this possible. We are really excited to welcome you onboard from the 24th of August to the 3rd of October please dont miss the chance to visit the largest floating book fair in the world, said Figueroa.
Napa County supervisors are immersing themselves in groundwater issues that have implications for both Napa Valley vineyards and the Napa River.

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

The topic is the Napa Valley subbasin that holds groundwater beneath the valley floor from north of Calistoga to south of the city of Napa. Groundwater irrigates world-famous vineyards. It also feeds streams and the Napa River during hot summer months.

Something weve heard over the years is the streams and rivers are drying up because of groundwater pumping, Supervisor Ryan Gregory said. Im sure its not that simple. ... I'm ready to invest what we need to to really understand this issue.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors met for 90 minutes with a team of groundwater experts it appointed to offer advice. Those experts have convened for a year as the countys Technical Advisory Group.

I think here is a really unique situation, to have such an important ecosystem, with the salmon as sort of the banner species  and this very important agricultural industry, said Mathias Kondolf, professor of environmental planning and geography at UC Berkeley.

California is requiring Napa County to achieve groundwater sustainability for the Napa Valley subbasin by 2042 as part of a statewide program. That means avoiding undesirable results from too much pumping, such as land subsidence.

We are absolutely desirous of achieving that sustainability well before that 20-year deadline, said Jamison Crosby, the county's natural resources conservation manager.

The local subbasin had two undesirable results during the 2022 water year that ended last September  reduced groundwater storage and depleted water in surface waterways that can be fed by groundwater.

That was unfortunate, but we determined it was primarily due to drought, Crosby said.

Gregory said the past wet winter should bring good news on groundwater levels. He asked if the county can simply respond to undesirable results during drought years, or if a more systematic approach for a sustained period is needed.

Weve come to the conclusion it needs to be an ongoing effort, said Miguel Garcia of the Napa County Resource Conservation District. Just because we are getting a wet year doesnt mean we are out of the woods.  We dont know what next year is going to be like. We could get another wet year, we could get a super-dry year. Thats climate change.

Julie Chambon of Geosyntec Consultants said groundwater and surface water that is going into the Napa River are connected. Part of outreach and community education should be the idea of one water.

I think thats what were actually looking at here, how everything is interconnected, Board of Supervisors Chair Belia Ramos said.

Supervisor Joelle Gallagher asked what kind of data the experts need for the analysis they want to do.

I think one of the greatest challenges in the ag sector is that not everybody meters the water that they are using, Garcia said.

The Technical Advisory Group is looking at indirect ways, such as evapotranspiration measurements and satellite modeling, to calculate water use, he said. But it's challenging to monitor such things as the amount of pumping reduction.

We want to reduce the amount of water, Garcia said. We also want to make sure they have what they need to keep farming.

Gallagher said water monitoring is really for everyones benefit. Knowing water use helps to inform the best possible ways to conserve and be efficient.

Crosby thanked Napa Valley well users who volunteer their data. The county has about 115 wells in a monitoring program, some of which it drilled itself. About 70% are private wells where the owners allow county officials to come twice yearly to measure groundwater levels, she said.

"Anybody else who might be interested in offering their data, again the door is open," Crosby said.

The Technical Advisory Group is helping to craft work plans on groundwater pumping reduction, water conservation and groundwater dependent ecosystems. Those plans are to be completed this year.

Peter Nissen of Napa County Farm Bureau pointed out that this groundwater meeting was on a Tuesday morning. He asked the county to hold afternoon and early evening meetings to engage water users.

There are a lot of people who dont know whats going on, Nissen said.

Later in the meeting, William McKinnon of Water Audit California made a proposal.

He talked of moving water around. Water dedicated to the environment from Lake Hennessey and Rector reservoirs can't be best used in the downstream reaches from the dams that form those reservoirs, he said.

Instead, he proposed a swap: St. Helena could use the water and stop using wells the group alleges sap water from the adjacent Napa River. Other water moves might allow Calistoga to dedicate water in Kimball Reservoir to the environment.

The net result would be the rewatering of local waterways using what is already there, he said.

A great deal of the angst in groundwater management would be alleviated.  These things are being dealt with in isolation," McKinnon said during a public comment period. "If you look at them holistically, I think your solution is right there.

Sitting on the Technical Advisory Group are Chambon, Monica Cooper of the UC Cooperative Extension, Albert Filipelli of Vino Farm LLC, Garcia and Kondolf.

Napa County supervisors held the groundwater session while sitting as the county Groundwater Sustainability Agency.

PHOTOS: Napa Pedal Crusher Pedal Crusher 1 Pedal Crusher 2 Pedal Crusher 3 Pedal Crusher 4 Pedal Crusher 5 Pedal Crusher 6 Pedal Crusher 7 Pedal Crusher 8 Pedal Crusher 9 Pedal Crusher 10 Pedal Crusher 11 Pedal Crusher 12 Pedal Crusher 13 Pedal Crusher 14 Pedal Crusher 15 Pedal Crusher 16 Pedal Crusher 17 Pedal Crusher 18 Pedal Crusher 19
ST. HELENA  The city of St. Helena is taking "emergency actions" to address what it calls an "urgent situation" with discolored and cloudy tap water.

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.

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).
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan on Wednesday had a telephone conversation with Zbigniew Rau, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia informs Armenian News-NEWS.am.

Mirzoyan briefed his Polish counterpart on the worsening crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh resulting from Azerbaijan's 8-month-long illegal blockade of the Lachin corridor. The Armenian FM emphasized that there are no sufficient conditions in almost all spheres of life and even the basic rights of 120,000 people are violated. Ararat Mirzoyan emphasized that before the blockade, around 90% of the food consumed was imported from Armenia. Today, the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are deprived not only of those supplies, but also of possible humanitarian support even from the ICRC.

The Armenian FM emphasized the imperative to prevent Azerbaijan's intention to subject Nagorno-Karabakh to ethnic cleansing, stressing that the calls are no longer enough and clear actions of the international community are needed.

Ararat Mirzoyan, reaffirming Armenias commitment to establishing stability in the South Caucasus, emphasized that by creating a humanitarian catastrophe in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan is hindering the negotiating efforts of Armenia and the international community, including the EU.
The Azerbaijani authorities have intensified animosity towards the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, declaring it the 5th column, a preacher of revanchism and war, against which they must fight. Arman Tatoyan, director of the Tatoyan Foundation and the former Human Rights Defender (ombudsman) of Armenia, wrote this on Facebook. Tatoyan added as follows:

Armenian Catholicoses and the Mother See of Holy Echmiaszin [(Etchmiadzin)], large monastic complexes and churches, for example, Noravank, Haghartsin, Geghardavank, are especially targeted. They even changed the name of Etchmiadzin.

All this is widely presented as Azerbaijani, more specifically, Albanian or Udi monuments. This policy targets churches [built, operating or not operating] in Armenia or Artsakh.

Destroyed or partially destroyed Armenian churches are presented as Azerbaijani cultural monuments destroyed by Armenians.

This is directly aimed at the elimination of ethnic Armenian identity.

All this is done within the framework of the false concept of "Western Azerbaijan", which means the entire Armenia.

This false concept also states that Armenia is obliged to "restore and protect the destroyed cultural heritage of Azerbaijan as a precondition for reconciliation". Under this outwardly humanitarian demand for the outside world, the Azerbaijani government is actually pursuing completely different goals.

From these positions, Azerbaijan regularly comes out with aggressive rhetoric, trying to discredit the Armenian church, accusing Armenia of "appropriating" the Albanian or Udi churches.

The Azerbaijan authorities are making efforts not only inside the country, but also abroad to inflame religious animosity towards Armenians.

The president of Azerbaijan has several times called on the Muslim world to take revenge on Armenians and Armenia, accusing our people of Islamophobia with absolute falsehood.

This call is, in fact, an aggressive Azerbaijani attack on the entire Christian community.

In fact, Armenians have been living as friends with many peoples of the world who profess Islam for centuries.

All this is documented with evidence in our special reports and presented to the international community.
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
On the night of August 23-24, the Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire in the Martuni region of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)and by using small arms.

There are no casualties on the Armenian side, informs the Artsakh Ministry of Defense press service.

This ceasefire violation was reported to the command of the Russian peacekeeping troops in Artsakh.
We have received reliable information that plans are being developed to unilaterally open the Lachin corridor; that is, to allow exit from Nagorno-Karabakh and not to allow entry. This was announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at Thursdays regular Cabinet meeting of the Armenian government.

He emphasized that many residents of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) are still in Armenia and cannot return to Nagorno-Karabakh.

"About 5,000 of them cannot return to Nagorno-Karabakh due to the illegal closure of the Lachin corridor [by Azerbaijan] since December of last year, and another 30,000due to non-fulfillment of point 7 of the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020. Failure to fulfill this provision and other facts continuously prove that Azerbaijan's main objective is to remove Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh by means of ethnic cleansingbe it through starving to death, famine, military operation, or other means," he noted.

Pashinyan said that the information they have proves that Azerbaijan continues to torpedo a dialogue with Nagorno-Karabakh by various means, and is attempting to place the accountability on Nagorno-Karabakh.

"Armenia's position remains the same. Issues related to the rights and security of the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh should be addressed through the Baku-Stepanakert dialogue within the framework of international mechanisms. It is also essential to implement the 7th point of the tripartite statement of November 9, 2020, which provides for the return of refugees and internally displaced persons not only to the territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, but also to neighboring regions," the Armenian PM added, in particular.
Armenia has forwarded to the Azerbaijani side the new proposals of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This was announced by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at Thursdays regular Cabinet meeting of the Armenian government.

Pashinyan had announced at the Cabinet meeting on February 16 that Armenia had completed the next phase of work on the peace treaty with Azerbaijan, and forwarded its respective proposals to the Azerbaijani side.

In March 2022, Azerbaijan had forwarded to Armenia its five-point proposal on the normalization of bilateral relations. The Armenian side had made adjustments to it and sent its version to Azerbaijan.
The Armenian Red Cross Society issued a response to the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society statement on Tuesday. The response reads as follows:

Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society violates the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, first of all, the principle of neutrality, and gets involved in political process, raising the position of its government, that is, to keep the Lachin Corridor closed (also through the suggestion of so-called alternative routes).

The drawing in of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society in the political processes contradicts to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent International Movement; the later does not have mandate to make political statements and serve the political agenda.

This is a rude breach and non-compliance to the Movement principles and values as well as to the humanitarian agenda.

Presently, Azerbaijan also using the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society is trying to obstruct the activity of the ICRC as the only humanitarian international organization operating in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Clear evidence of that was the abduction of Vagif Khachatryan, who was kidnapped near the checkpoint on his way to be transferred to Armenia for surgery under ICRC escort. He was kidnapped while under the protection of International Humanitarian Law.

Since July 26, 2023, a convoy carrying humanitarian aid sent by Armenia is stranded on Hakari Bridge. he Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society could use its humanitarian power to convince the side which blocked the Lachin corridor and caused the humanitarian catastrophe to open it respecting humanitarian principles.

The International Committee of the Red Cross, with its July 25, 2023 statement attracted the attention of the international community towards the concerning humanitarian situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, which was also presented during the Security Council by the representative of OCHA.

Hence, it is an urgent necessity to ensure the immediate implementation of the decisions of the UN International Court of Justice from 22 February and 6 July, 2023.

We are calling upon all the components of International Red Cross Movement: International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society to steadily follow and adhere to the Movement principles, to fulfill their complementary roles within their mandates, in favor of effective humanitarian mission implementation.
Azerbaijan conducts a classic policy of ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh. Edmon Marukyan, Ambassador-at-Large of Armenia, noted this on Xformer Twitter. He added as follows:

According to our information, Baku is planning a one-way opening of the Lachin Corridor in order to push the Armenians of Nagorno-Karabakh out of the territory without the possibility of return.

This is a classic policy of ethnic cleansing: at first they shoot, kill, capture people incessantly, starve them for a long time, and then open the road for exit only so that people forced by these inhumane conditions leave Nagorno Karabakh without the possibility of returning.

This must be stopped by international intervention.
Special meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council is underway in Tsakhkadzor, Armenia.

A number of topical matters related to Eurasian cooperation will be discussed during the event.

It is planned to discuss the deepening the integration processes within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and to determine the strategic vectors of the EAEU development.

The event is held under the auspices of the Russian chairmanship in the Eurasian Economic Union bodies.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin on Thursday arrived in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia to participate in the special meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Mishustin in Tsaghkadzor.

A number of topical matters related to Eurasian cooperation will be discussed during the aforesaid event.

It is planned to discuss the deepening the integration processes within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and to determine the strategic vectors of the EAEU development.
Another shameful incident happened today. At 6:00 in the morning, at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, they did not give permission to enter Armenia without any explanation to Viktor Krivopuskov, a great friend of the Armenian people, declared persona non grata in Azerbaijan. The "Association of Armenian-Russian Friendship and Cooperation" NGO board members noted this in a statement they issued Thursday.

"If we try to list all those pro-Armenian cases, speeches, articles, the core of which is Krivopuskov's rightful position aimed at establishing the independence of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)], the list will be long.

"It should be noted that in his interviews with the Armenian mass media, Russian intellectual and patriot V. Krivopuskov, well-versed in the history of the Armenian people, clearly defended the need for the full exercising of the right to self-determination of the people of Artsakh, and at the same time, he expressed surprise, to put it mildly, at the policy of the RA [(Republic of Armenia)] authorities not to settle the Artsakh issue, but to fail.

"We, the members of the [aforesaid] organization, condemn the arbitrary decision of the RA authorities against our colleague, which violates the rights of the individual and is illegal.

"We announce that we will continue cooperation with the Russian-Armenian Friendship and Cooperation NGO headed by him; all obstacles are surmountable when the objective is righteous.

"Today, the opinion was confirmed once again that the opportunity to visit Armenia is prohibited to all those who are fighting to keep Artsakh as an Armenian territory," the aforementioned statement adds, in particular.

As reported earlier, Viktor Krivopuskov, Chairman of the Russian Association of Friendship and Cooperation with Armenia, was not allowed to cross the Armenian border at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan Thursday morning.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin is convinced that the creation of new infrastructure routes will ensure the development of the South Caucasus. He said this during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on Thursday in Armenia.

According to Mishustin, the aforesaid will strengthen contacts between people.

"We are consistently advocating for the unblocking of economic, transport, and logistics links in the Transcaucasia [(South Caucasus)], in accordance with the agreements by the heads of Russia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan," said the Russian premier.
In general, despite all the challenges and the difficult international situation, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is developing well. Trade within the Union is growing at a steady pace, and this is one of the few positive nuances of our regional affairs. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this at Thursdays special meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, in Armenia.

"We are now focused on the implementation of the 2020-2025 development strategy, we are working on the draft of the Saint Petersburg Declaration. Many postulates in it are generally acceptable, but there are nuances that need to be further discussed.

"The main problem is that there are some nuances of further economic integration where the positions of the countries differ slightly. I believe there is an opportunity to find concrete solutions.

"There are many nuances related to the further development of the Eurasian Economic Union. The creation of a real single energy market is of fundamental importance. It is also important to coordinate the loan and financial policy of our governments, and we are working very closely in this direction.

"Our main goal is to develop the economies of our countries and increase the level of well-being of our citizens.

"We see some signals which indicate that other countries are also interested in the further development of relations with the Eurasian Economic Union," Pashinyan emphasized.
Mondays late summer heat couldnt stifle the excitement of first-year students looking ahead to their future on Emorys Atlanta campus as they gathered for the second-annual Gate Crossing + Coke Toast.

Waving Emory pennants and clad in matching t-shirts, members of the Class of 2027 walked through the iconic Haygood-Hopkins Gate together, with faculty, staff, fellow students and alumni cheering them on. They proceeded to the Quad, where President Gregory L. Fenves led them in a Coca-Cola Toast.

We want to welcome you here on the historic quad of Emory University as you begin your journey in your new home, Fenves told students. I am so proud to see all of you.

Explaining the toast, the president noted the long and fascinating history of Emory and Robert W. Woodruff, the late philanthropist and legendary leader of The Coca-Cola Company, who was a major benefactor of Emory.

You are carrying on that legacy as new students in the Emory Class of 2027. So heres to each of you and your success here at Emory, Fenves said, as bottles clinked and students cheered. Congratulations!

Photos by Brandon Clifton, Kay Hinton and Sarah Woods, Emory Photo/Video
The nine schools that make up Emory University have big plans for the 2022-23 academic year, from welcoming new faculty to introducing new programs and initiatives. Heres a roundup of incoming class stats and other things to come, as listed by each school.

Candler School of Theology

Incoming class: Candler welcomes 165 incoming students from 8 countries and 29 states.

Hybrid MDiv launches: Among the incoming class are 70 students who make up the inaugural cohort in Candlers new hybrid Master of Divinity program. This new iteration of Candlers flagship degree allows students to take the majority of their courses online and the remainder in person as short intensives.

New faculty: Joining the regular faculty are Stuart Higginbotham, assistant professor in the practice of spiritual formation and ministry; and John Thompson-Quartey, professor in the practice of church leadership and director of Candlers Episcopal and Anglican Studies Program. Candler welcomes as visiting faculty Natalya Cherry of Brite Divinity School, serving as Russell E. Richey and Merle Umstead Richey Visiting Professor in Methodist and Wesleyan Studies; Hee-Soo Jung, resident bishop in the Wisconsin Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, as the 2023-24 Alonzo L. McDonald Family Chair on The Life and Teachings of Jesus and Their Impact on Culture; and Lauren Calvin Cooke as visiting assistant professor in the practice of religious education. Learn more.

Noteworthy events: Candlers Pitts Theology Library will host its inaugural Morgan Forum on Thursday, Sept. 21, a day of events centered around the history of the English Bible and its ongoing significance to the church and world. On Sunday, Sept. 24, tune in via livestream to TheoEd Talks Orlando, featuring leaders in the church and the academy who share the talk of their lives in 20 minutes or less. And The Candler Foundry is offering in-person and online courses on a variety of topics related to theology, including The Bible and Race in America; What New Testament Women Were Really Like; Desert Fathers and Mothers: Ancient Spirituality for a Modern Faith; and The Bible and Trauma.

Learn more at the Candler School of Theology website.

Emory College of Arts and Sciences

Incoming class: Emory College welcomes a stellar and highly diverse first-year class of more than 1,430 students hailing from all 50 states and 67 countries. More than 16% of the class identifies as first-generation students.

New dean: Award-winning historian Barbara Krauthamer joins the College as its new dean this fall. The College also welcomes a highly diverse and accomplished cohort of 64 new faculty across all fields.

Rebranding: The Emory Career Center, which joined the College last year as a part of the Pathways Center, is now rebranding to Career and Professional Development beginning this fall. The Pathways Center, which launched last fall, reached 77% of all Emory College students in its first year of operating through events and student advising appointments. Check the Pathways Center site regularly for more info on fall programming.

New GER: New General Education Requirements launch this fall for all first-year students. The revamped GERs seek to provide more holistic exposure across the liberal arts and sciences (humanities, natural sciences, quantitative reasoning, writing and social sciences) in the first two years. New requirements include intercultural communication along with experience and application, such as hands-on research or an internship.

New programs: The College now offers an interdisciplinary artificial intelligence minor and a public policy and analysis minor, in addition to a new major in East Asian languages and cultures with tracks in Chinese, Japanese and Korean.

Learn more at the Emory College website.

Goizueta Business School

Incoming class: Goizueta welcomes nearly 900 students for the new academic year, including nearly 400 students and 50 exchange students in the BBA program, celebrating the largest undergraduate class ever  and approximately 475 graduate students in the One-Year MBA, Two-Year MBA, Evening MBA, Executive MBA, MS in Business Analytics, and Master of Analytical Finance programs.

New programs at Goizueta include:

Master in Business for Veterans : Supports the transition of active-duty military members and veterans from service to a successful civilian career in business.

Supports the transition of active-duty military members and veterans from service to a successful civilian career in business. Master in Management : Designed specifically for recent graduates with a non-business major who are looking to level up their undergraduate degree with business knowledge and skills.

Expanded programs: Three graduate degree programs are being expanded. The MS in Business Analytics added a new AI in Business track; the Evening MBA added an online format; and all MBA programs are now STEM-designated.

New faculty: Goizueta welcomes new faculty members Sergio Rodolfo Garate Alvarez, assistant professor in the practice of finance and director of the Goizueta Real Estate Program; Aizhan Anarkulova, assistant professor of finance; Marat Ibragimov, assistant professor of marketing; Abraham Oshotse, assistant professor of organization and management; Prasanna Parasurama, assistant professor of information systems and operations management; Lakshmi Shankar Ramachandran, associate professor in the practice of finance; Steve Savage, assistant professor in the practice of organization and management; and William Schmidt, associate professor of information systems and operations management.

AI and innovation: Goizueta faculty are leveraging virtual reality, artificial intelligence and holographic capabilities, giving students access to a truly dynamic digital learning experience from anywhere in the world.

Learn more at the Goizueta Business School website.

Laney Graduate School

Incoming class: The Laney Graduate School welcomes 450 new students, with 78% of students pursuing PhDs, 18% seeking masters degrees and 3% of students in certificate programs. The incoming class includes students from 35 states across the U.S. and 35 countries. All LGS students were invited to a fun and engaging LGS welcome picnic designed to build community.

English language support program (ELSP): The LGS English Language Support Program provides international students with language courses, 1-on-1 speaking and writing consultations, a weekly writing group, and a conversation partner program. The programs annual International Student Reception and Dinner will welcome newcomers to the LGS community on Sept. 5.

Laney on social: LGS students, staff and faculty can stay engaged on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. These platforms enable LGS to share valuable content with current and incoming students, faculty, and the vast alum network.

LGS-EDGE ambassadorship program: LGS will welcome a new group of EDGE ambassadors to serve the program for the 2023-24 school year. Working closely with the associate dean of diversity, inclusion and community engagement, EDGE ambassadors will contribute to the development and strategic planning for the program and support efforts that enhance the diverse graduate community at Emory.

Learn more at the Laney Graduate School website.

Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing

Incoming class: The Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing is excited to welcome more than 600 students this fall across the pre- and post-licensure programs.

New faculty: The School of Nursing is thrilled to welcome 18 diverse faculty members this fall.

New alumni: The school celebrated 215 of its newest alumni during the August Graduation and Pinning Ceremony. These students graduated from the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthesia (CRNA) program, the Master of Nursing Pathway to Master of Science in Nursing (MN to MSN Pathway) program and the Distance Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (DABSN) program.

New programs: The School of Nursing launched a new Master in Cardiovascular Perfusion Science program that trains graduates to operate cardiopulmonary bypass and other life-sustaining mechanical devices for a variety of surgical and medical conditions. The school is also offering an online, self-paced data science certificate program to help nurses use big data to solve vexing problems in health care settings.

Faculty honors: Eight faculty and alumni from the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing will be among the distinguished nurse leaders inducted into the American Academy of Nursing 2023 Class of Fellows this October. The honorees include faculty members Christina Calamaro, Roxana Chicas, Calli Cook, Sara Edwards, Nicholas Giordano, Shawana Moore and Kelly Wiltse Nicely, and alumna Maeve Howett.

Learn more at the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing website.

Oxford College

Incoming and returning classes: Oxford welcomes another talented and highly accomplished class of 525 first-year students to campus for the fall semester, bringing the total number of enrolled students to about 975. The incoming class includes students from around the U.S. and 22 countries. Oxford looks forward to welcoming an additional 50 students to campus in January for its third Spring Start class.

New leadership: Oxford College welcomed Badia Ahad as its new dean on Aug. 1. She comes to Oxford from Loyola University Chicago, where she served as vice provost for faculty affairs. Interim Dean Ken Carter has returned to his role as the Charles Howard Candler Professor of Psychology. Melanie Lawrence will join Oxford on Sept. 1 as the new senior associate dean of finance, operations and information technology and chief business officer.

New and promoted faculty: Oxford welcomes several new faculty members this fall. They are Brittny Byrom, visiting instructor and interim director of the writing center; Michael McQuaide, emeritus professor of sociology; Hai Le, assistant professor of computer science; and Leyla Eghbalzad, assistant professor of psychology.

Oxford also is happy to announce that several faculty members have been promoted. They are Susan Riner, teaching professor in QTM; Michael Martin, associate teaching professor of biology; Jack Hardy, associate professor of linguistics; Pablo Palomino, associate professor of Latin American and Caribbean studies; Gwendolynne Reid, associate professor of English; and Molly McGehee, professor of English and American studies.

New this fall: Oxford College is launching the Center for Pathways and Purpose and is currently recruiting a senior director. The center is designed to help first- and second-year students go beyond the classroom to explore their passions and interests, as well as career paths, through community-engaged and global learning, leadership development, internships, research and other meaningful experiences. The center, like Emorys Pathways Center on the Atlanta campus, will support student flourishing by bringing together these resources and opportunities and providing mentoring opportunities to all Oxford students.

Oxford also is launching Goizueta@Oxford with the recent appointment of assistant director Rob Bobowski. This initiative will help prepare Oxford students who are interested in business by providing additional resources and tools to learn and lead while at Oxford, as well as early engagement with the BBA Career Management Center and Oxford's Career Services.

Learn more at the Oxford College website.

Rollins School of Public Health

Incoming class: Rollins welcomes 518 students (including Humphrey Fellows) representing 34 countries and 33 states. For the 2023-24 school year, 432 Rollins students have Rollins Earn and Learn awards (a work-study program unique to Rollins).

Strategic plan launch: Fall 2023 marks the launch of the Rollins School of Public Healths five-year strategic plan, which will inform the direction of the school for the next several years. This plan is the result of a nine-month strategic planning process, which included internal and external surveys and listening sessions; collaboration with the Woodruff Health Sciences Centers strategic planning office; and active participation from Rollins faculty, staff and students. The plans six major goal areas focus on research; education; practice and partnerships; supporting the schools people; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); and communications. Objectives identified throughout the planning process and outlined within the plan are cross-cutting, with a focus on equity and inclusion across all goal areas.

New certificate: A new data science certificate will launch in fall 2024 and will begin accepting Rollins master's degree students as soon as fall 2023. The certificate curriculum focuses on data science techniques relevant to public health research. The core curriculum features programming, machine learning and other data science tools, as well as electives that students can gear toward their specific interests. Certificate courses will be available starting this fall to all incoming Rollins masters students.

First of its kind MOOC coming soon: A new, free MOOC (massive open online course) on the public health approaches to abortion will be available soon on Coursera. Highlighting expertise from 11 Rollins faculty, alumni and community collaborators, the lessons included in the course will provide an introductory look at abortion from public health, medical, policy, social and human rights perspectives. Learn more.

Learn more at the Rollins School of Public Health website.

School of Law

Incoming class: Emory Law welcomes new students from 37 states plus the District of Columbia and 13 countries to pursue JD, LLM, MCL and JM degrees.

New faculty: Emory Law welcomes several tenure-stream faculty during the fall semester. Deepa Das Acevedo, associate professor of law, is an interdisciplinary scholar who offers expertise in the gig economy, employee benefits and employment law, as well as in the law and politics of India and legal anthropology. Ifeoma Ajunwa is an acting professor of law. Upon university approval, she will be the AI.Humanity Professor of Law and Ethics and founding director of the AI and the Law Program. Associate professor of law Andrew Jennings teaches corporate law, securities regulation and white-collar crime. His research interests focus on corporate governance and compliance, securities regulation and white-collar crime. Kevin Quinn is an acting professor of law with expertise in AI and the law. His teaching and research focus on voting, judicial behavior, empirical legal studies and statistical methodology. Lindsey Simon is an associate professor of law whose research focuses on the bankruptcy system, drawing concepts from bankruptcy structure and procedure to address broader institutional design challenges. Mark Storslee is an associate professor of law who teaches courses on constitutional law, the federal courts and the First Amendment. Assistant professor of law Alex Zhangs teaching and research interests include federal income taxation, tax policy, partnership taxation, administrative law and tax-exempt organizations.

Key upcoming events:

Learn more at the School of Law website.

School of Medicine

Incoming class: The MD Program class began on July 17. The 141 incoming students are 71% women, with 89% non-traditional students (meaning they have been out of college for a year or more). They are residents of 27 states and the District of Columbia; 53 claim Georgia as home and 21 were born outside the U.S. Their average age is 24.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy program cohort has 62 students (48 women and 14 men). They began their studies in June. Sixty-nine percent came from outside Georgia and 10% are international students.

The Physician Assistant program Class of 2025 began July 31 with 55 students selected from a pool of almost 2,000 applicants. They have an average of 5,500 hours of health care experience prior to Emory and 85% are women.

The Genetic Counseling training program welcomes 12 new students and 12 returning students.

The Anesthesiology Assistant programs incoming class of 40 students has an average age of 25 and an even split of women and men.

The Medical Imaging programs Class of 2026 starts on Aug. 21 with 8 students: seven women and one man.

New heights in research: In March 2023, Emory opened the new Health Sciences Research Building II, the largest facility of its kind in Georgia. The new eight-story, 350,000-square-foot building will house 1,000 researchers from across a variety of specialties including pediatrics, biomedical engineering, Winship Cancer Institute, cardiovascular medicine, the Emory Vaccine Center, radiology and brain health. It is intentionally designed to invite better collaborations and bigger impacts.

New health professions program leadership: Lauren Lichten, (human genetics) has been named director of the Genetic Counseling Training Program. She has served as the program co-director for the past 10 months and has proven herself to be an ideal candidate to continue the legacy of the late Cecelia Bellcross. Kimberly Cross (radiology and imaging sciences) has been named program director for the Medical Imaging Program, beginning Aug. 15.

Expanding student support: The School of Medicine has launched a new Center for Holistic Student Success which is dedicated to optimizing the balance of students mind, body and spirit to enhance learning and development. The center is led by Christen Hairston, associate dean of student success. The school also welcomed Shujing Zhang, an Emory Counseling and Psychological Services psychologist who will be embedded in the School of Medicine and providing dedicated mental health services and support to students.

Learn more at the School of Medicine website.
Twenty-nine men who have been called to seminary have moved into the Blessed Stanley Rother House of Formation, or Rother House, for the new propaedeutic stage of priestly formation at Mount St. Marys Seminary. Following a week of orientation, the Seminary held a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony on August 22 in which Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori, S.T.D., S77, blessed every room in the building with Holy Water. The event, appropriately held on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, included Mass in the Rother Houses Mary, Mother of the Fairest Love Chapel.

The propaedeutic stage is an initial year that all U.S. seminarians will complete, one focused less on academics, more on growing in community and service, and cultivating virtue and a deep prayer life. It lays a strong foundation for the more intense academics and formation in seminary, explained Rev. Daniel Hanely, the coordinator of the Seminarys Propaedeutic Stage Program.

In opening remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Msgr. Andrew Baker, rector of the Seminary, noted that Rother House is located in the C wing of St. Joseph House, originally built in 1964 to be the home of hundreds of Daughters of Charity, many of whom received their initial formation in religious life in the C wing. The Daughters generously leased this space to the Seminary.

We continue the legacy of the Daughters of Charity, their love for formation and education, and look into the future of the Church as we prepare these seminarians for further priestly formation. We could not have established Rother House without the support of the Daughters of Charity, to whom we are deeply indebted, Baker said.

Archbishop Lori, who served as celebrant for the Mass and is chair of the Seminary Board, stated that a program being inaugurated on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, named for Blessed Stanley Rother, and located at the former home of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is certain to succeed. In his homily, he outlined the task for the men in the propaedeutic stage in 2023-24. Just as the Virgin Marys royal title did not come suddenly or easily and Blessed Stanley Rother faced many challenges before he achieved more as a priest than he could have imagined, the men in the propaedeutic stage will be called to expand and purify their hearts so they can advance Gods Word and purpose. Concelebrants were Bishop of Richmond Barry C. Knestout, S89, Msgr. Baker, Fr. Hanley and Msgr. Charles Mangan, Rother House confessor.

The propaedeutic stage is a response to a call that began in the 1990s with Pope St. John Paul II. Similar programs have been in place for seminarians in some parts of the world, including a handful of American seminaries. In 2017, the Vatican promulgated a revised version of a document titled The Gift of Priestly Vocation, that made a propaedeutic year required worldwide.

To put Pope Francis and the Vaticans call into effect, last year the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) released the 6th edition of the Program for Priestly Formation, including guidelines on the implementation of this stage in the U.S.

Hanley is particularly qualified to oversee the creation of Rother House. Before joining Mount St. Marys Seminary in January, he worked for the USCCB, helping put together the latest edition of the Program for Priestly Formation. As coordinator, he is in charge of mapping out the course of the propaedeutic stage for Mount St. Marys Seminary.

A typical day starts early with quiet meditation, morning prayer, Mass and breakfast. Midmorning, a few simple classes are held, mostly focused on spirituality, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and scripture. Lunch and dinner are eaten together, with afternoons spent in service to the wider community.

Well have partnerships with a few local places, such as the National Shrine Grotto and a farm, and the seminarians in Rother House will do their own cleaning. Adoration will come before dinner, and then recreation until night prayer, Hanley noted. The farmwork will be done at Good Soil Farm, owned by Stephen and Casey-Mae McGinley, both graduates of the Mount. Stephen McGinley is also a lecturer of philosophy.

Seminarians in Rother House are expected to mostly forego the use of phones, televisions and computers, and spend their days getting to know each other, themselves, and God better, getting the chance to further discern their calling before the later rigors of seminary.

Were just so grateful for the immense support Msgr. Andrew Baker, the Mount community and the Daughters of Charity have shown, exclaimed Hanley. Were thrilled to welcome young men to Rother House.

Please pray for this endeavor, pray for the seminarians of Rother House, pray that we might witness a new flowering of vocations to the priesthood for the greater glory of God and for the good of the Church, requested Baker in concluding his remarks.

Noelker and Hull served as architects for the Rother House project, and Morgan-Keller was the general contractor.

To learn more about the new program, visit https://seminary.msmary.edu/rotherhouse.
08:41

In his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Xi Jinping stressed that improving China-India relations serves common interests and is conducive to peace and stability of the region and the world.





This was said in a Chinese readout on Friday on the exchanges between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg.





India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Thursday said Prime Minister Modi conveyed to President Xi India's concerns on the 'unresolved' issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, underlining that maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas was essential for normalisation of India-China ties.





The Chinese readout described the conversation between the two leaders on Wednesday as 'candid and in-depth'.





'On August 23, President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a candid and in-depth exchange of views on current China-India relations and other questions of shared interest on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit,' it said.





'President Xi stressed that improving China-India relations serves common interests of the two countries and peoples, and is also conducive to peace, stability and development of the world and the region,' it said.





'The two sides should bear in mind the overall interests of their bilateral relations and handle properly the border issue so as to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border region,' the statement released by the Chinese embassy in New Delhi said.





At a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, Kwatra said Prime Minister Modi and President Xi agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at 'expeditious disengagement and de-escalation'.





"On the sidelines of the BRICS summit, the prime minister had interactions with other BRICS leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, the prime minister highlighted India's concerns on unresolved issues along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas," Kwatra said.





"The prime minister underlined that maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship," the foreign secretary said.





"In this regard, two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and deescalation," Kwatra added.





The government refers to the eastern Ladakh region as Western Sector. -- PTI


BusinessWire India Kochi (Kerala) [India], August 24: As part of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank's Onam celebration, a larger-than-life Pookalam, the traditional art form of Kerala, extending over 2450+ sq. ft. was meticulously created in a remarkable display of cultural pride and creativity. The magnificent floral design earned a coveted place in the prestigious World Book of Records for constructing the world's largest Pookalam. More than 150+ Ujjivan SFB's customers voluntarily participated in creating the largest Pookalam at Kochi Gymkhana. The awe-inspiring floral pattern depicting the map of Kerala State embodies the state's rich traditions and symbolises its cultural and artistic significance.Approximately 1000 kilograms (1 Ton) of flowers were used to construct an exceptional Pookalam by close to 05 skilled artisans and experts. The goal was to highlight the region's rich traditions and natural beauty while dazzling the viewer with an intricate arrangement of vibrant flowers and stunning designs. The record was verified and conferred by the official representatives from the World Book of Records at the event site. The provisional certificate was bestowed to Ittira Davis (Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer) and Lakshman Velayutham (Chief Marketing Officer) of Ujjivan Small Finance Bank by Rakesh Shukla and Dr Rajeev Srivastav officials of WBR along with dignitaries.Ittira Davis, MD & CEO, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, expressed his delight in achieving this extraordinary achievement, stating, "We are delighted to have created a Pookalam depicting the Kerala map on such a grand scale. This exemplifies not only the artistry and cultural heritage of Kerala, but also the ethos of Ujjivan SFB - a commitment to growth, unity, and inclusiveness. I would like to congratulate our partners, artisans, employees, and customers for their participation and contribution to the remarkable feet and embraced its joyous spirit."As Ujjivan Small Finance Bank continues to push boundaries and contribute to the communities and its cultural heritage, this accomplishment will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and pride for our Bank and the people of Kerala. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Both the Sensex and Nifty indices ended the day in the red, reflecting a day of mixed sentiments among investors.

At the close of the trading session, the Sensex recorded a decline of 180.96 points, settling at 65,252.34.

Meanwhile, the Nifty index also registered a downturn, closing 57.30 points lower at 19,386.70. This fluctuation in market indices reflects the nature of trading activities.

In the Nifty segment, the market saw 16 companies advancing, while 35 companies faced declines as the closing bell rang. This diversity in stock performance indicates the varying fortunes of different sectors and industries.

Among the top gainers in the Nifty index, prominent names include BPCL, Asian Paints, IndusInd Bank, Infosys, and Britannia. These companies managed to buck the overall trend, securing positive gains amidst the market's volatility.

On the flip side, the list of top losers featured Jio Financial Services, Reliance, Divis Lab, Power Grid, and ONGC. These companies faced setbacks during the trading day, contributing to the overall negative sentiment in the market.

Varun Aggarwal, founder and Managinf Director of Profit Idea, said, Market witnessed selling today after gap up opening in second half. Reliance Industries dragged the index lower contributing maximum fall. Banks also witnessed profit booking.

Weekly F&O expiry triggered profit booking and sectoral shifts. Market bias inspite of fall looks good as long as OI data is protecting heavy put writing on lower levels. Recent lows of 19253 on Nifty remains important.The focus remains on quality blue chip stocks of Pharma, FMCG, IT, and selected mid and small-cap stocks, said Aggarwal

The stock market's performance on any given day can be influenced by a myriad of factors, including economic indicators, corporate earnings reports, global events, and investor sentiment.

As such, the stock market's daily fluctuations serve as a reflection of the dynamic and ever-changing landscape of the financial world.

Investors and market participants will continue to closely monitor developments, both within the country and globally, as they seek to make informed investment decisions in this fluid environment. (ANI)
PNN New Delhi [India], August 24: The LostHostels, a pioneer in sustainable and community-driven travel, is thrilled to announce the highlyanticipatedlaunch of its newestdestinationsin Sri Lanka-WeligamaandHiriketiyabeach. This exciting expansion not only introduces backpackers to the captivating beauty of the surfing capital but also highlights the travel industry's role in promoting mental health and overall wellbeing through transformative experiences. The allure of backpacking is deeply ingrained in adventure, discovery, and forging connections with fellow travellers.The LostHostels has long been committed to curating environments that foster meaningful interactions, cultural understanding, and environmental responsibility. With the unveiling of its Sri Lankanhostels,The LostHostels continues to exemplify the transformative potential of travel. Sri Lanka's vibrant coastal town, renowned for its world-class waves, makes for the perfect backdrop to Lost Hostels' newest venture. The hostel's design mirrors the spirit of the local surfing culture while integrating sustainable practices to minimize its ecological footprint. Guests can look forward to not only experiencing the adrenaline of riding the waves but also immersing themselves in the rhythms of the island's unique lifestyle. FounderofThe Lost Hostels, Jitesh Agrawal, emphasized, "Backpackers are adventurers at heart, seeking both external and internal journeys.Our expansion to Sri Lankais a testament to our commitment to provide them with spaces that enrich their experiences, connect them with the localcommunity, and contribute to their overall wellbeing." The launch ofTheLost Hostels in Sri Lanka arrives at a time when the travel industry's connection to mental health is gaining recognition. Backpacking, with its potential to break routine and immerse travellers in novel environments, plays a crucial role in promoting mental wellbeing. Thenew environment, the camaraderie of fellow travellers, and exposure todifferent culturesall contribute to enhanced self-awareness and stress reduction. Studies haveindicatedthat engaging in new experiences while traveling positivelyimpactsmental health.Dr.Archana Sharma, a clinical psychologist, noted, "Travel opens doors to personal growth, emotional resilience, and an increased sense of happiness. The challenges and triumphs of exploring new destinations can significantly boost one's overall mental wellbeing." AsThe Lost Hostels embarks on this new journey in the surfing capital of Sri Lanka, it invites travellers to relish the exhilarating adventures while prioritizing their mental health. By merging the joys of backpacking with the transformative potential of travel, Lost Hostels contributes to both individual flourishing and the global travel landscape. For media inquiries, please contact: Akash Sharma Phone: 7980232400 The Lost Hostels pioneers sustainable and community-centeredtravel experiences, creating a positive impact in diverse destinations. With global footprints, Lost Hostels offers backpackers a chance to engage meaningfully with cultures and nature, forging lasting memories and connections. Website:www.thelosthostels.com (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 24: Liberty General Insurance, one of the leading general insurance companies in India commemorates the 5th anniversary of its in-house Health Claims Unit, Liberty Health 360, showcasing significant growth, technological advancements, and unparalleled customer service. In the span of half a decade, Health 360 network of affiliated hospitals has grown from a modest 1500 to an impressive 6100 nationwide, ensuring that healthcare remains accessible and convenient for all customers. The Unit's tech-driven approach, marked by the integration of advanced AI algorithms and machine learning, ensures claims are accurately assessed and processes expedited. This digital approach guarantees customers receive timely and efficient service, which is further underscored by the Claims365 initiative launched in July 2020. Through this initiative, claims services remain available all year round, including weekends and public holidays. Beyond providing claims solutions, Liberty Health 360 remains dedicated to the overall well-being of its customers. A significant investment in wellness facilities and the organization of 124 wellness activities across India, including life support training, health check-ups, and blood donation camps, reinforce this commitment. Speaking on the occasion, Roopam Asthana, CEO & Whole Time Director, Liberty General Insurance, said, "When we embarked on the journey with Liberty Health 360, it was a promise: a promise to timely and effectively process health claims. Today, as we reflect upon these five years, our milestones speak of a dedication that went beyond mere numbers. We've connected communities with an expansive hospital network and brought claims processing to the fingertips using the most sophisticated AI technologies. Each decision, every initiative, was driven by our deep desire to place our customers at the heart of our mission. It's more than just insurance for us; it's about weaving a safety net so strong; it lets our customers face life's challenges with confidence." In light of the development, Sachin Joshi, SVP & Head Claims said, "The evolution of Liberty Health 360 is a story of relentless pursuit. We've not only embraced technology, but also instilled a culture where our customers' well-being is paramount. Our initiatives, such as #Liberty365, were conceived out of recognizing the non-stop nature of life's uncertainties. We aimed to be there for our customers, not just on weekdays but every day. Every claim processed, every wellness activity organized, was a step towards forging deeper relationships with our customers. As we look ahead, our mission remains unchanged: to be a beacon of trust, support, and innovation in the ever-evolving health claims landscape." As the company gears up for future endeavors, it reflects on the milestones achieved, such as insuring the lives of over 300 million customers and the launch of the #Liberty365 initiative, which benefitted over 33,000 customers. Liberty Health 360, with its forward-thinking vision, remains poised to continue its mission of delivering outstanding health claims solutions to families and individuals across the country. About Liberty General Insurance Liberty General Insurance Ltd. (LGI) is a joint venture between Summit Asia Investment Holdings PTE Ltd. a group company of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, a diversified global insurer with over 900 offices across the world, headquartered in the U.S., Enam Securities, and Diamond Dealtrade. LGI commenced operations in 2013 with the aim of providing comprehensive retail, commercial and industrial insurance solutions. The company has an employee strength of 1100+ with presence across 100+ locations in 29 states and UTs. Its partner network consists of about 6000+ hospitals and more than 5000 auto service centres. The company offers health and personal accident insurance, car and two-wheeler insurance, employee compensation insurance, commercial insurance, engineering insurance, marine insurance, liability insurance and property insurance among other products in India. (Disclaimer: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Jury members for National Film Awards on Thursday met Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur to submit the report on the 69th edition of one of the most prestigious events in the country. The entire jury met the I&B minister ahead of the announcement in the evening to hand over the list of awardees for feature, non-feature and best script category to Anurag Thakur. Established in 1954, the National Film Awards is one of the most prestigious and much looked-forward-to events in the country. The Hon'ble President of India presents the awards culminating in showcasing of award-winning films for the public. This year films like 'Jai Bhim', Thalaivii, Sardar Udham, 83, Pushpa The Rise, Shershaah, The Great Indian Kitchen, and Nayattu, among many others, are in contention for the awards. At the 68th National Film Awards, Tamil film Soorarai Pottru won in five categories Best Feature Film, Best Actor for Suriya, Best Actress for Aparna Balamurali, Best Music Direction (Score) for G V Prakash Kumar, and Best Original Screenplay for Sudha Kongara, who also directed the film. Suriya shared his Best Actor win with Ajay Devgn, who won the awards for Tanhaji. (ANI)
'Pushpa' was released in theatres in December 2021. The film not only showcased his exceptional performance but portrayed unmatched dialogue delivery, charismatic swag, and a captivating aura.

The actor's steps from the movie's songs, namely Saami Saami, Srivalli, Oo Antava, became a huge sensation among the audience on a global scale.

Allu Arjun is currently busy shooting for the second part, which will also star Rashmika Mandanna. More details regarding the sequel are awaited.

National Film Awards ceremony is organized every year but was interrupted for 2 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 68th National Film Awards took place last year and honoured the movies released in 2020. (ANI)
The winners of the 69th National Film Awards were announced on Thursday in New Delhi and actor Pankaj Tripathi has won the award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the film Mimi. Helmed by Laxman Utekar the film also starred Kriti Sanon, Manoj Pahwa, and Supriya Pathak in pivotal roles. 'Mimi' tells the story of a young woman named Mimi (Kriti) who agrees to become a surrogate mother for a foreign couple, hoping to use the money to fulfil her dream of becoming an actress. However, the biological parents back out when they learn that the child will be born with Down syndrome. Mimi then decides to raise the child on her own and faces several challenges and societal pressures as a single mother. Her journey as a mother and her struggle to provide for her child despite the odds is both heartwarming and inspiring. The film was streamed directly on OTT platform Netflix and received massive responses from the audience. Meanwhile, Pankaj was recently seen in the drama film OMG 2 in which he was seen alongside actor Akshay Kumar. The film has minted Rs 113.67 crore in its second weekend. He will also be seen in Main Atal Hoon which is a biopic on the former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The movie will revolve around the life and political career of India's beloved leader, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was not only a politician but also a poet, a gentleman and a statesman. Commencing the shoot in Mumbai, the team will have a long schedule of more than 45 days covering different parts of our country like Mumbai and Lucknow. Apart from that, he also has Stree 2 in his kitty. (ANI)
Continuing its crackdown on the trafficking of narcotic drugs, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has apprehended a Kenyan passenger in possession of cocaine at the IGI Airport, New Delhi, said authorities. The intended recipient of the contraband, another Kenyan national, was also arrested later in Mumbai, said the DRI. "Upon oral enquiry, the passenger, who had arrived from Nairobi on Tuesday, denied carrying any contraband. However, examination of the suspect's luggage by DRI officers resulted into recovery of approximately 1,698 grams of cocaine, with an estimated value of around Rs 17 crore in the illicit international market," said an official statement. According to authorities, the accused 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. Following sustained interrogation and surveillance, a meticulously planned operation by DRI officers resulted in the successful nabbing of the intended recipient of the contraband drugs. The recipient, a female Kenyan national, was apprehended in the Vasai area of Mumbai, the authorities added. 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, 1985. Further investigation is in progress, said officials. 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 the period January-July 2023, said authorities. (ANI)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday released additional textbooks of SCERT (the State Council for Educational Research and Training) incorporating the topics that were recently deleted from the NCERT textbooks. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that his government's stand is that NCERT ought not to have excluded those chapters in the name of rationalisation. "For the year 2023-24, in the name of rationalisation, some important changes were made in the books prepared by NCERT. Change means some chapters were fully excluded. Our state and government views it very seriously as we believe those chapters excluded are chapters that should have never been excluded," Pinarayi Vijayan said. The chief minister said that in class 11 and 12, 12 subjects with 44 textbooks are from NCERT. Naturally, students of 11 and 12 are getting textbooks prepared by NCERT with vested interests, he alleged. "What is the danger due to this? It will change the way children view society and history. A generation that is full of prejudices and lacks the sense of humanity will be moulded. It will endanger our secular thinking and fraternal society. It is with this realization that the state government has come forward with such an alternative approach. NCERT's reason for making changes in textbooks is to reduce the burden of textbooks and rationalize them. They say that such opinions are put forward by experts. But, who are these experts is not even revealed," the Chief Minister further said. (ANI)
As India entered an elite club of nations with its successful lunar landing mission on Wednesday, several political leaders came forward to congratulate ISRO scientists involved with the historic Chandrayaan-3 project. Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik also extended his wishes and said, "Tremendous scientific achievement for India. I congratulate all the scientists and other experts involved in this historic project." Further taking to his official handle on X, formerly Twitter, he said, A historic day for #India as #Chandrayaan3 became the first-ever spacecraft to successfully land near the South Pole of #Moon. Landing on the uncharted part of our celestial neighbour is a remarkable achievement for Indian science and a giant leap for mankind. Congratulate the scientists of @isro and entire scientific community who were a part of this well-executed #LunarMission. Union Minister Arjun Munda also congratulated the Indian scientists on the successful landing of Chandrayaan3 and said, "This success is the result of the hard work of our scientists and now we can proudly say that we are among few nations who have achieved this milestone. Meanwhile, the moon rover of Indias Chandrayaan-3 on Thursday morning rolled out from the spacecraft to begin its exploration of the uncharted lunar surface, Isro said on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The countrys space agency said that the spacecraft made a historic landing on the south pole of the moon last evening, making India the first country to achieve this feat. "The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and India took a walk on the moon. More updates soon," ISRO posted on X. The first picture of the six-wheeled robotic vehicle Pragyan rolling out of Vikram has been shared by Pawan K Goenka, the chairman of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, a single-window, independent, nodal agency that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS). The Lander and the Rover with a mission life of one Lunar day (14 Earth days) have scientific payloads to carry out experiments on the lunar surface. The Rover payloads are the LIBS or Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope and the APXS or Alpha Particle X-ray spectrometer The LIBS will determine Qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis and derive the chemical Composition and infer mineralogical composition to further our understanding of Lunar-surface. The APXS will determine the elemental composition (Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicone, Potassium, Calcium Titanium and Iron) of the Lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site. ANI)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has asked Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren to appear today in connection with a money laundering case. However, according to sources, the Jharkhand CM Soren is likely to skip the probe today. ED has asked Jharkhand Chief Minster Soren to join its investigation in the alleged money laundering case on August 24. The agency has requested the central security forces and State police to provide additional forces during the questioning session of Soren. Reacting to this, Congress spokesperson Rakesh Sinha said ED is no more an independent agency, but it is more of Amit Shahs management agency. We are being harassed continuously, so now we will knock on the door of Court, the only option we are left with. Sinha further said that 2024 elections, the ED will start visiting the BJP leaders. Yesterday also, ED raided Chhattisgarh chief minister M Bhupesh Baghels political advisor and OSD. It shows that the BJP and Prime Minister Modi are upset. The central government is using ED only for its personal interest. 2024 is around the corner, after that ED will come to their door also, the Congress spokesperson said. The ED had on Tuesday 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. Earlier on August 14, Soren was summoned by the ED in connection with an alleged land scam case. However, Soren did not join the central agency probe citing he was busy with the preparation of the Independence Day celebration in the state. (ANI)
The Bihar Public Service Commission Teachers' recruitment exam began on Thursday at nearly 850 centres across the state. The exam will be conducted between August 24 to 26.There are over eight lakh candidates appearing for the examination. In Bihar, there are One lakh seventy thousand four hundred sixty one posts vacant for teacher recruitment. Nearly 850 centres have been st up across the state for the smooth conduction of the BPSC exams. In the capital Patna, there are nearly 40 exam centres. The exams are to be conducted in two shifts. The time for the first shift is 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The second shift exam will be conducted from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Candidates from other states as well arrived at the centre following the Bihar government's decision to allow candidates from other states to take the exam. Pictures from the examination centre in Patna showed several candidates queuing at the entry gates as supervisors checked admit cards prior to permitting the candidates inside . There are certain guidelines that the candidates must follow while appearing for the BPSC examination: 1. Article 144 has been imposed at the exam centres to ensure discipline. 2. Candidates are advised to carry an extra photo of theirs along with the admit cards. 3. Candidates should carry their valid ID proofs, for example, an Aadhaar card, PAN card, etc. 4. They are not allowed to carry electronic gadgets like phones, smart watches, etc. 5. In case of malpractice, one will be expunged from the BPSC exams for the next three years along with five years from all exams. CCTV cameras have been installed at the exam centres which are connected to the internet. Live broadcasting can be done. In addition, mobile jammers (devices to disrupt communication between two cell phones) have been installed at the centres. Meanwhile, the decision on whether the B.Ed degree holders or Basic School Teaching Certificate (BSTC) course candidates be recruited as teachers rests with the Bihar government. In 2018, the National Council for Teachers' Education (NCTE) issued a notification allowing only B.Ed degree holders to sit for the Rajasthan Eligibility Exam for Teachers (REET) exam. However, the Rajasthan government stood against the NCTE 's decision allowing only Basic School Teaching Certificate (BSTC) course candidates to appear for the exam. The NCTE knocked the doors of the Rajasthan High Court seeking redressal. The Rajasthan HC first upheld the NCTE's decision allowing B.Ed candidates to appear for the exam. In 2021, the HC ruling stated that B.Ed degree holders were not eligible for level 1 teacher recruitment. However, the HC also ruled that the B.Ed. degree holders could appear for the level-2 examination. Later, the decision was challenged in the Supreme Court after which the top court upheld the decision of the Rajasthan High Court. Vineet Kumar, a BPSC candidate from Bihar's Siwan told ANI, "I have done my preparations. The rest depends on the government. I am here to give my best". Another candidate, Neeraj Kumar from Bihar's Sitamarhi district in Bihar told ANI that he is hopeful about the examination. "It is good that the exams are being conducted. We are hopeful that it turns out to be fruitful. However, it depends on the government", Kumar said. (ANI)
BJP sources said lakhs of people are expected to attend Shah's rally which will also give a boost to the party campaign in the state which will go to the polls later this year.

Shah was earlier scheduled to address the rally in June but it was postponed due to Cyclone Biparjoy.

During his visit to the state, Amit Shah will also meet senior party leaders to assess the partys poll preparations.

Sources said he will take stock of ground reports and discuss the party's plans and programmes regarding the assembly polls.

BJP leaders said there is anti-incumbency against the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government in Telangana.

All sections including employees, students and farmers are angry with the government. People of Telangana are now looking at BJP and for a double-engine government to realise their aspirations and redeem Telangana from clutches of corruption and dynasty, a party leader said.

The BJP will stand by the people of Telangana and ensure that their aspirations and dreams are realised, he added.

The ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi has announced most of its candidates for the assembly elections. The polls will witness a triangular contest between BRS, Congress and BJP. (ANI)
Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism.
While promising justice to the complainants, CM Yogi instructed officials to listen carefully to the problems of the public and ensure swift and satisfactory resolution in order to avoid inconveniencing them.

The UP Chief Minister also directed the officials to ensure that the welfare schemes of the state and central Government reach the needy.

Ensure that the benefits of welfare schemes of the government reach those in need. Financial assistance from the government for medical treatment of serious patients should be expedited with completion of the cost estimation process as soon as possible, said CM Yogi.

The CM also directed the officers to take strict action against those illegally occupying land, or involved in coercive activities against people.

He also instructed officers to ensure the resolution of every person's issues, impartially and to the satisfaction of the complainant.

The UP Chief Minister reached out to the people seated on chairs and individually heard everyone's issues.

He assured everyone that injustice will not be tolerated.

During the Janata Darshan, many people had sought financial assistance for medical treatment. They were reassured that the government would provide ample support for their treatment.

The CM gave clear instructions to transparently and impartially resolve cases related to revenue and police matters.

The Janata Darshan is a platform provided by the Chief Minister's office to allow citizens to interact directly with the CM and seek solutions to their problems. (ANI)
Several central road projects, which are being implemented in the state, will figure in their discussions, according to sources.

The meeting was originally scheduled for August 23 but was pushed back to Thursday, at 12.30 pm, due to unavoidable reasons, sources added.

During the meeting with the Union minister, the Bihar deputy CM is also likely to raise the flagship 'Bharat Mala' project.

Straddling several states, the project involves the construction of tunnels, bypasses, and flyovers, aiming to facilitate hassle-free movement for commuters.

The deputy CM will discuss several stalled road infrastructure projects and seek approval of some proposed ones as well. The bridge project, parallel to Jayprakasjh Narayan (JP) Setu, will come up for discussion and approval will be sought for theelevated corridor between Anisabad to Didarganj in Patna," a source told ANI.

Further details are awaited.

Earlier, the Bihar deputy CM arrived in Delhi along with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to meet Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal.

The meeting is seen as part of the ongoing efforts by the Opposition parties to forge a united front against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in next year's Lok Sabha elections.(ANI)
The Supreme Court has set aside a Rajasthan High Court order which granted bail to a rape accused, who is the son of a sitting MLA, and asked him to surrender within two weeks. The top court noted that the accused Deepak is the son of MLA Johari Lal and could influence the witnesses. "The fact that accused Deepak is the son of sitting MLA would disclose the domineering influence he would wield not only in delaying the proceedings but also in pressurizing the witnesses to either resile from their statement given during the course of investigation, or pose a threat to them from deposing against accused on their failure to act according to his dictates, or induce them to testify as per his dictates or to help the defence of the accused," the Supreme court noted. The top court was hearing an appeal challenging an order dated April 6 passed by a single judge of the High Court of Rajasthan. The court had given bail to the accused. A 15-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three persons in Mandawar in Rajasthans Dausa district. The FIR was registered in March 2022 alleging gang rape, threat of making video of the crime viral besides extortion. The accused were booked under provisions of the POCSO Act and Section 66D of the Information Technology Act. (ANI)
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) recently switched to indigenously developed software for psychological screening of personnel prior to their induction in dignitary protection teams. Computerised Psychological Screening System (COPSYSS) is a software designed and developed by Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR) of Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). Recently, DRDO Chairman, Dr Samir V Kamar, handed over the software to the Director General of CRPF, Sujoy Lal Thaosen, for implementation in the force. A senior CRPF officer said the software is at par with the internationally acclaimed Vienna Test System (VTS), which is considered one of the toughest selection processes. The test is not for the entire force. It is only for personnel, who have been selected for the security of dignitaries. The test will help us in profiling personnel before they are inducted for providing security to dignitaries, the officer said. The Computerised Psychological Screening System is considered the need of the hour for the force in view of the growing number of dignitaries. It has been customised in accordance with the requirement of the force and issues personnel on duty to protect dignitaries they commonly deal with, the officer said. In the test, we look for reaction time, better decision making in adverse situations, stress management, teamwork and other issues that personnel on dignitaries duty face during the job. The software has been inducted and the first batch will undergo the test soon, another CRPF officer said. The indigenous physiological test system will help in the selection of candidates for escorting dignitaries. The force has a tough system in place for physical fitness but this test will ensure sharp mental fitness, the officer said. However, the Special Protection Group (SPG) has been undergoing the Vienna Test System (VTS) for at least 15 years, and the National Security Guard (NSG) has switched to VTS in 2017. Earlier, NSG commandos had to undergo the Military Psychology Test developed by DRDO. The CRPF provides static and mobile security to VIP protectees. Z-plus advanced security liaison (ASL) is the second highest level of protection after SPG cover. (ANI)
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejaswi Yadav who called on Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari at the latter's Delhi residence on Thursday, said that the union minister is very positive regarding development. Earlier in the day, Yadav called on the union minister to discuss several road projects in his state. After the meeting with Gadkari, Yadav while talking to the reporters, said that both leaders had a discussion about speeding up the projects in Bihar that were on hold for the last 11-12 years. "I think Nitin Gadkari is very positive regarding development. We spoke about speeding up the projects in Bihar that were on hold for the last 11-12 years. The most important demand was that there is no expressway in Bihar. We have demanded an expressway... He seemed positive for it," Tejashwi Yadav said. Later, the Bihar Deputy CM took to social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, and shared some photographs with Nitin Gadkari during the meeting. "Today there was a positive discussion with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari regarding the road projects of Bihar," he said. He further said that the discussion was also held about the early completion of long pending projects of the Centre like Patna-Gaya, Hajipur-Chhapra, Maheshkhunt of Saharsa-Purnia NH, and Muzaffarpur bypass. "During the meeting, I demanded the construction of Buxar to Bhagalpur Expressway, a bridge parallel to JP Setu on Ganga, an elevated corridor between Patna to Koilwar and Anisabad to Didarganj. I also discussed the early completion of long pending projects of the Centre like Patna-Gaya, Hajipur-Chhapra, Maheshkhunt of Saharsa-Purnia NH, and Muzaffarpur bypass," he added. (ANI)
The Deendayal Port Authority (DPA), a leading major port on the West Coast of India in Gujarat, will be signing a concession agreement with DP World , a Dubai-based multinational logistics company, on Friday. The agreement is for the development, operation, and maintenance of a new mega container terminal at Tuna-Tekra, near Kandla in Gujarat. This agreement is part of a commitment by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways to develop the best infrastructure at the ports to increase the economic growth of the country. As per the Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Ministry " The concession agreement will be signed on August 25, 2023, between Deendayal Port Authority and DP World in the august presence of Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, and AYUSH, and Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World at Tactic 1 and 2, at Aloft Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi." The project involves the construction of a mega-container terminal at Tuna-Tekra near Kandla at a cost of Rs 4,243.64 crore through Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Once complete, the terminal will have an annual capacity to handle 2.19 million container units (TEUs), with the capability to handle next-generation vessels carrying more than 18,000 TEUs." the Ministry added The ministry further said, The new terminal will cater to future trade demand from Northern, Western, and Central India, connecting the regions to global markets. The project aligns with Vision 2047 of the Government of India to quadruple port handling capacity and develop multimodal logistics infrastructure to promote economic growth. The 30-year PPP project agreement with a Special Puropse Venture (SPV) of Hindustan Infralog Private Limited (a JV of DP World and the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF)) is on a build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) basis, extendable up to 50 years. The container terminal will be fully compliant with the green port guidelines, ensuring sustainability in port operations by adopting best practices in port environment management and contributing towards the long-term sustainability goals set out by the Government of India. The project is expected to add operational efficiency in terms of reduced congestion at Kandla Creek, enhanced ability to handle mega container vessels, a significant reduction in turnaround time, and many other advantages for the creation of efficient and resilient supply chains in the country. Equipped with multimodal connectivity through a wide network of roads, rail, and highways, the terminal will provide a gateway between the hinterland and global markets. The project is part of the National Infrastructure Pipeline and will complement initiatives of the Government of India envisioned by the Prime Minister, such as the PM Gati Shakti Master Plan and National Logistics Policy. (ANI)
Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said that there is excitement among the youth after the success of the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission, adding that the youth of the nation are ready to contribute to the growth of the country. Speaking to reporters in Jaipur, Anurag Thakur said," There is excitement among the youth after yesterday's successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon. They have seen India rise from the 10th largest economy to the 5th largest economy." "Youth feel that they play an important role in the development of the nation and are ready to do everything for the growth of the country," he added. After a 40-day journey into space, theChandrayaan-3lander, 'Vikram', touched down on the uncharted lunar South Pole on Wednesday evening, making India the first country to do so. India also became only the fourth nation after the US, Russia and China to successfully conduct a lunar landing mission. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft put down the Vikram lander on the lunar surface, tilting to a horizontal position ahead of landing. 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 went through a series of orbital manoeuvres before zeroing in on the moons surface. (ANI)
China urges Japan not to make Aug. 24 "disaster day for marine environment"

Xinhua) 08:18, August 24, 2023

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China strongly urges Japan to cancel its wrong decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean from Aug. 24, and communicate with neighboring countries with sincerity and good will, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

"The negative impact of the ocean discharge cannot be undone. We don't want August 24, 2023 to be a disaster day for marine environment," said Wang Wenbin at a news briefing.

"If Japan does not change course, it must bear the historic responsibility for this decision," he said.

The ocean sustains humanity. Japan's pushing for the ocean discharge plan is no doubt a huge gamble that ventures the global marine environment and people's health, Wang said.

The disposal of the nuclear-contaminated water should be conducted in a responsible manner to avoid unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment, he said.

"If Japan persists in proceeding with its discharge plan, the Chinese government will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the marine environment, food safety, and people's health," Wang said.

When asked about the scientific basis for China's opposition to Japan's discharge plan, Wang said there is a fundamental difference between the nuclear-contaminated water that came into direct contact with the melted reactor cores during 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."

He said 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.

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 sea -- and certainly shouldn't if it's not," Wang said.

"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," he said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Locals on Thursday held a protest against the administration over the killing of Patna councillor's husband Nilesh Mukhiya who succumbed to his injuries after battling for 22 days for his life at AIIMS Delhi. A heavy police force has been deployed on the spot. Nilesh Mukhiya- a BJP leader and husband of Patna councillor Suchita Singh was shot at near Patna Kurji More on July 31 and succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday. Notably, 5 bullets were recovered from the spot of the incident. Patna Police, administration and Bihar government, following the broad daylight attack, are facing huge criticism for failing to intact the law and order situation of the city. Agitating protesters were demonstrating against the administration and Bihar government demanding justice for the late BJP leader. They were also demanding stringent actions against those who were involved in Mukhiyas murder. "The accused should be brought to justice. Whoever is behind it, should be hanged," said a woman who was also protesting against the government. Another protestor alleged that law and order have totally collapsed in the state. "Bihar governments system has totally collapsed. Law and order have fully deteriorated in the state. The administration which has the responsibility to protect the citizens, has failed. If a leader like him (Nilesh Mukhiya) can be shot, so think about the common people in the state," she said. Nilesh Yadav alias Nilesh Mukhia was the husband of BJP councillor Suchita Singh, who is a ward councillor from ward number 22 in Kurji locality. Nilesh Mukhiya was on his 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. Nilesh Mukhiya had sustained seven gunshot injuries including five in the neck, one on the jaw and another on his leg. The last rites of Nilesh Mukhiya will be performed at Digha Ghat. (ANI)
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi government of "killing" the Right to Information (RTI) Act bit by bit as part of another step towards a "conspiracy to end democracy". Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, the Congress President mentioned the alleged disappearance of a large number of applications from the RTI website and said that the Modi government is not concerned about transparency. Modi government is killing the RTI Act bit by bit. This is not just an attack on the constitutional right, but another step in the conspiracy to end democracy. The disappearance of thousands of applications from the RTI website is only a superficial incident, the internal destruction is deeper, he said in a post in Hindi on X. Kharge further said that the proposed amendment of the RTI Act under the guise of the Data Protection Act is a cowardly attack on the Right to Information by an authoritarian government. Not concerned with transparency. Modi government is so shameless! he added. Notably, several opposition parties and civil society groups have claimed that the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill passed recently in Parliament, dilutes provisions of the RTI Act. The Bill passed by Parliament applies to the processing of digital personal data within India where such data is collected online, or collected offline and is digitised. It also applies to such processing outside India, if it is for offering goods or services in India. The Bill also amended the Right to Information Act, of 2005 to remove public interest exemptions on disclosing personal information. The RTI Act earlier had a provision to allow public authorities to disclose personal information, such as officials salaries, when it is in the public interest. The Bill, however, removed these caveats and completely disallowed disclosing personal information. (ANI)
After a hiatus of four years, Delhi University will hold the student union election on September 23, announced the varsity on Thursday. Elections to the students' body were last held in 2019. Students' union elections could not be held in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19 and disruptions to the academic calendar prevented the elections in 2022. Students' groups have made several representations to varsity officials to demand the resumption of the election exercise as many elected representatives have left the university after completing their studies. Student groups have welcomed the move. In a notification issued on August 23, the university said that the student body and central council elections will be organised on September 23 The last date for nomination papers is September 12, while the final list of the candidates will be published on September 13. The university has also appointed a chief election officer to conduct elections in the university. In a notification on Thursday, the university said Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, in his capacity as Patron of Delhi University Students Union, has appointed Prof Chander Shekhar, Department of Persian as chief election officer; Rupam Kapoor of Dept of Botany as chief returning officer; Anupam Jha, Faculty of Law as Return officer and Anupam Jha, Faculty of Law and Prof Rina Chakranarty, Deptt. of Zoology as additional members. The Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) is the main representative body of students from most colleges and faculties. This apart, each college has its own students' union, elections to which are held annually. DUSU elections are held via direct voting by students of the varsity and member colleges. They are usually conducted in August-September. The elections to the varsity's students' body are organised simultaneously with polls at the college level. Nearly 2,500 students contest the elections for the nearly 500 posts. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)-backed candidates Dahiya was elected president, Pradeep Tanwar vice-president and Shinvangi Kharwal joint secretary of the students' union in the 2019 elections. The National Students' Union of India's (NSUI) Ashish Lamba was elected secretary. In a statement, left-affiliated AISA said that this election is set to be a historic election for it has been 4 years since the last one. In 2023, AISA will fight the election with all rigour and fight to save Delhi University from the attack of privatisation and commercialisation of education, the statement read. AISA appeals to the student community of Delhi University to vote for a DUSU built on student movement! Reject ABVP's politics of money, muscle and hate, it added. (ANI)
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday said that his state has become a model for government jobs as no state has announced vacancies like the Nitish Kumar government. In an exclusive interview with ANI, Bihar Deputy CM, while talking about job opportunities in the state, said that his government will give 10 lakh government jobs in the coming time during this tenure. In 2020, our main agenda was unemployment and we said that 10 lakh people will get government jobs. We have been announcing vacancies since our government was formed. We have announced around 5 lakh government jobs in the state. Earlier, 70,000 policemen joined the force. Recently, 1,75,000 jobs were announced for teachers, he said. Yadav further said that the state government is also planning to announce policies for public health that would create around 1.4 to 1.5 lakh jobs in the sector. After a few days, we are going to bring public health ... policy, after which around 1.4 to 1.5 lakh jobs in health sector would be announced... Bihar has become a model for government jobs. PM started distributing appointment letters after us. The good thing is that the agenda we came up with, is being discussed today. We will give 10 lakh government jobs in the coming time during this tenure... No state has announced jobs in such huge numbers, he added. However, speaking about the caste-based census, Yadav said that the caste census is the union government's right as per the constitution. "We struggled from the road to assembly for this. When I was the opposition leader, we gave a proposal in the Vidhan Sabha that he (Nitish Kumar) should keep people of all parties together and speak to the PM about it. We became more concerned when the central government neglected the question regarding the caste census and we met the prime minister. PM did nothing. After that, we asked a question in the parliament again, and it was discarded... We don't want a caste census, it is a caste-based survey. The caste census is the union government's right as per the constitution..., Bihar Deputy CM said. He further said that the government will also conduct an economic survey to know the population under poverty. This will give us the numbers, and we will get scientific data. And we will also do an economic survey. Because what we believe is that people are poor in every section. We will come up with schemes after we know where the poverty is and benefit them. How can we decide whom to get a reservation if we don't know the economic conditions, he added. The decision of a caste census was taken by the Bihar cabinet on June 2 last year, months after the Centre ruled out such an exercise in the Census. The survey was slated to cover an estimated population of 12.70 crores in an estimated 2.58 crore households in 38 districts, which have 534 blocks and 261 urban local bodies and was to be completed by May 31, 2023, but the Patna High Court put a stay on the Nitish Kumar government's decision to conduct the survey based on castes. (ANI)
The new arrival block spanning 2550 sqm area to the existing terminal space, has 24 state-of-the-art immigration counters reflecting art, cityscape, and culture of the city.

"This expansion aims to ensure a smoother and more efficient arrival experience for the millions of passengers passing through the airport annually. Rapidly increasing passengers preferring to travel through Ahmedabad Airport, the expansion is also kept on the fast track," the company said.

"The revamped terminal arrival area is designed meticulously with the fitting theme of "Amaru Amdavad" (My Amdavad), paying homage to Gujarats rich heritage, distinctive rituals, and vibrant culture of community celebration," it added.

Adani Group said that the all-new arrival area in the international terminal of Ahmedabadthe airport has been envisioned with the common dream of the citizens of Gujarat and India.

"These enhancements at Terminal 2 exemplify Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport's unwavering commitment to providing an elevated passenger experience. The airport aims to offer all travelers a remarkable and seamless journey by combining aesthetic elegance, cultural highlights, and efficient infrastructure," the company said in a statement. (ANI)
The National Medical Commission (NMC) on Thursday put on hold the regulations that make it mandatory for doctors to prescribe generic drugs and bar them from accepting gifts from pharma companies or endorsing any drug brands. The Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, were published on August 2. Issuing a gazette notification on August 23, 2023, the NMC Ethics Board has clarified that the NMC RMP 2023 regulations will not be operative and effective till further Gazette Notification is issued by NMC. "That for removal of doubts, it is clarified that Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, shall come into force with immediate effect," the notification by NMC said. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) had expressed concern over the regulations of the NMC making it mandatory to prescribe generic medicines saying it is not feasible because of the uncertainty about their quality. They also suggested that registered medical practitioners should be allowed to attend conferences sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or the allied health sector. The Indian Medical Association opposed the guidelines on generic drugs and a meeting was also held between Union Health Ministry officials and IMA representatives including President Dr Sharad Aggarwal demanding the deferring of regulations on generic drugs. "IMA demands deferring of this Regulation for wider consultations by the Government of India and IMA also calls for serious and urgent intervention by Union Government and NMC in this regard, the IMA said in a statement. Further, the Commission has adopted the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 and made it effective with immediate effect. The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 have also been made effective by NMC. "IMA demands a foolproof system of quality assurance before switching over to Generic drugs. IMA had been demanding for a long that only good quality drugs should be made available in the country and prices should be uniform and affordable. IMA urges the Government to have 'one drug, one quality, one price' system whereby all brands should be either sold at the same price which should be controlled or banned and only generics allowed while ensuring the highest quality of these drugs, IMA said in a press release, adding that the present system will only put the huge dilemma in the minds of practitioners and cause unnecessary blaming of Medical Profession by the society. The notification is an injustice to doctors who always hold the interest of their patients as non-negotiable, it added. "If the Government and NMC want all the Doctors in the country to prescribe only generic drugs, they should simply order all pharmaceutical companies to manufacture all the drugs without brand names (how simple!!, try to do it dear NMC/GOI). Then no one has to write a brand name, it also said. It further demands that NMC and the government should ensure quality generic drugs or accept responsibility if patients fail to respond to prescribed generics. (ANI)
Delhi's Karkardooma Court on Wednesday framed charges against six accused persons for allegedly attacking Hindus and damaging their property by setting them ablaze during the Delhi riots of 2020. This case pertains to the area of police station Bhajanpura. Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Pulastya Pramachala framed charges against six persons for the alleged offences of rioting, theft, arson, unlawful assembly, etc. "I find prima facie a case against all the accused persons for being part of an unlawful assembly with the common object of attacking Hindus, thereby damaging their properties and setting them ablaze," ASJ Pramachala said in the order passed on August 23. Accordingly, I find accused persons, namely Hashim Ali, Abu Bakar, Mohd. Ajeej, Rashid Ali, Nazmuddin alias Bhola, and Mohammad Danish, liable to be tried for offences punishable under sections 148/380/427/435/436 IPC read with Section 149 IPC as well as under Section 188 IPC, as ASJ Pramachala ordered. On February 28, 2020, an FIR in the present case was registered on the written complaint dated February 28, 2020, of one Naresh Chand. In his complaint, he alleged that on February 25, 2020, at about 4:30 PM, the situation in the area around his house in his gali in Shiv Vihar, Delhi, was abnormal. Thereafter, at around 5 PM, some rioters barged into his house. It was further alleged that he and his family members cried and shouted to save their lives and were saved by other people. Rioters ransacked his house and thereafter set it on fire. Even the motorcycle, which was parked in the gallery, as well as three shops in the house, were also put on fire, he alleged. It was also alleged that in this incident, a fridge, LED 40, cash, jewellery, and four cylinders were also looted by this mob. They also vandalised the whole house. During the investigation, the DVR of the CCTV installed at the house of the complainant was taken into possession on April 4, 2020. The CCTV footage was analysed. The complainant and his son Umakant identified accused Hasim Ali and Abu Bakar as being part of the riotous mob that had set his house on fire. On the same day, the complainant also identified the sons of Hasim Ali, namely Rashid, Ajeej, Shanu, Salim Ali, and Bhola, as some of the rioters who were involved in arson, looting, and vandalism. On the identification of Umakant, accused Hasim Ali and Abu Bakar were arrested in the case on April 4, 2020. Thereafter, other accused persons were also arrested. On July 11, 2023, subsequent supplementary chargesheets were filed directly before this court. As per this supplementary chargesheet, the prosecution took the stand to prosecute the preset case for the complaint of Naresh Chand along with the complaint of Dharampal Singh. He alleged that he had been running his clinic in Gali No. 12, Phase-VI, Main Road, 25 foota road, Shiv Vihar, for 20 years. It was further alleged that rioters damaged all the articles in his clinic and set them on fire. Special PP Nitin Rai Sharma argued that witness Umakant stated in his statement dated December 7, 2021, that Shanu is Danish. It was further argued that both eyewitnesses had stated the role and presence of accused Bhola and Ajeej. He further argued that there is no need to point out specific roles played by the accused persons as, by virtue of Section 149 IPC, all members of the mob become liable for the offences committed by the mob. (ANI)
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Thursday filed a prosecution complaint (chargesheet) against Supertech chairman R K Arora in connection with a money laundering case in Delhi's Patiala House Court. The chargesheet filed on Thursday was filed before Special Judge Devender Kumar Jangala, stating that there was sufficient evidence to prosecute Arora for laundering money. The court fixed August 28, 2023, for arguments on the cognisance point of the chargesheet. Arora was arrested on June 27 under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Chargesheet has been filed by ED's counsels, Naveen Kumar Matta and Mohd Faizan Khan. Earlier, while sending Arora to ED remand, the Court said that "the power to seek remand is essentially a part of the power of arrest and to conduct investigation in respect to the commission of the alleged offence of money laundering, and this power has necessarily to be inferred with the help of the above Section as Section 65 of the PMLA, 2002, does not prohibit remand of an accused under the said act to ED custody". The court also said that when it comes to the power of the ED officers to seek ED custody of the accused, it has been observed that though Section 19 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) does not confer any specific power in this regard, but this power has to be inferred with the help of provisions contained in Section 65 of the PMLA, 2002, and Section 167 of the CrPC, as Section 65 of the PMLA provides that the provisions of the CrPC shall apply, in so far as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, to arrest, search and seizure, attachment, confiscation, investigation, prosecution, and all other proceedings. "It is contended on behalf of the accused that the present ECIR was registered in the year 2021, and the applicant has been repeatedly examined by the investigating agency. After completion of the investigation, a provisional attachment order dated April 11, 2023, has been issued, and hence there is no requirement for arrest. The issuance of a provisional attachment order by the competent authority does not mean that the investigation into the offences defined under Section 3 punishable under Section 4 of PMLA has been completed," the court noted. It has been specifically stated by the ED that the investigation for the commission of an offence punishable under Section 3/4 of PMLA is not yet complete; therefore, the Enforcement Directorate is justified in seeking custody of the applicant/accused, the court said. However, the court had earlier directed that his interrogation be conducted at some place with CCTV coverage in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court and also in accordance with all the other applicable rules, directions, and guidelines on the subject, and the said CCTV footage shall be preserved. Earlier, ED apprised the court that 26 FIRS were registered by EOW, Delhi Police, Haryana Police, and UP Police against Supertech Limited and its group companies under Section 120B (criminal conspiracy), read with Sections 406 (criminal breach of trust)/420 (cheating)/467/471 IPC, with allegations of cheating at least 670 home buyers for an amount of Rs. 164 crore. ED also alleged that the amount collected by Supertech Ltd. was diverted to their group companies for the purchase of properties, with the company with land having a much lesser value. ED alleged that the accused persons have acquired properties and made illegal/wrongful gains arising out of the said proceeds of crime by involving, indulging in, and commissioning criminal activities related to scheduled offences. It is stated that the prima facie case for the commission of an offence punishable under Section 3 and punishable under Section 4 of the PML Act has been made out. (ANI)
Even a minute change in the basic format of Sharia will not be acceptable, as the Indian Constitution mentions freedom of religion as a fundamental right, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) told the Law Commission of India on Thursday. A delegation from AIMPLB led by its President Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani had on Wednesday met the Chairman of the Law Commission, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, to convey its stand on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The delegation told the Law Commission that Sharia law (Muslim personal law) based on the Quran and Sunna (Prophets words and actions) cannot be altered, while Ijtihad, i.e., Islamic scholars opinions, can differ with time and situations. The first part is unalterable, even Muslim Ulemas (Scholars) cannot make any change in it. Ijtihad can differ with time and situations. Therefore, for us, even a minute change in the basic format of Sharia will not be acceptable. Indian Constitution has made freedom of religion a fundamental right, it said. The delegation asked the commission whether they have undertaken any survey or have any data on the basis of which they are proposing UCC. As per a press statement by the board, the Commission was also asked why only Muslims have not been exempted from UCC when the government is ready to exclude tribals and Christians of North-eastern states from it. It means that only Muslims are the target of UCC. Similarly, if anybody has a problem with religious personal law then he or she can solemnize their marriage under the Special Marriage Registration Act, which is a secular law. For such marriages, the Indian Succession Act will be applicable. Then the delegation asked the Commission whether they had some specific issues related to Muslim Personal Laws, or if they had certain queries, which the delegation would be willing to explain through Islamic perspective, it added. The President of the Board said there is no such specific age prescribed for marriage in Islam. If both husband and wife are in a position to fulfil the obligations of the marriage they can marry. Likewise, on other issues also the Board explained the sharia position, he told the Commission. The board said that the Chairman Justice Awasthi, assured the delegation that they are not going to suggest any substantial change which may alter the basic features of Sharia Law. On June 14, the 22nd Law Commission solicited the views and ideas of the public and recognised religious organisations to examine the UCC. The Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which had been a hot topic that had polarised opinions over the last 4 years, hit the forefront yet again after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a strong case for the implementation of uniform legislation at a recent address. PM Modi said the country cannot run on two laws and that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) was in keeping with the founding principles and ideals of the Constitution. "Today people are being instigated in the name of UCC. How can the country run on two (laws)? The Constitution also talks of equal rights...Supreme Court has also asked to implement the UCC. These (Opposition) people are playing vote bank politics," PM Modi said while addressing booth-level workers in Bhopal. (ANI)
In a tweet in Hindi, Priyanka Gandhi said that the centre should do so that those affected can get immediate relief.

"In this tough time, my prayers are with the people of Himachal. Many states have taken commendable and sensitive steps to help Himachal Pradesh, she said.

"I appeal to the Central government that in view of the huge loss caused by the disaster and tragedy in Himachal Pradesh, it should be declared a national calamity so that our sisters and brothers who are suffering can get proper and quick relief," she added.

Priyanka further said that at the time of this dreadful calamity, all the countrymen should stand with the people of Himachal Pradesh and encourage them.

Incessant rain has led to landslides, cloudbust and flash floods, causing significant damage in the State.

The government of Himachal Pradesh has declared the whole state as a 'natural calamity affected area'.

As per the State government data, so far 330 persons have lost their lives, 35 people are missing and 12,000 houses have been washed away.

States like Rajasthan, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have stood by Himachal Pradesh in this hour of crisis

The Tamil Nadu government contributed Rs 10 crore to the disaster relief fund of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday. (ANI)
The Gujarat Government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that all necessary compliances had been done before granting remission to 11 convicts who had gang-raped Bilkis Bano and murdered her family members during the 2002 Godhra riots. Additional Solicitor General SV Raju appearing for the Gujarat government reiterated before Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan that all necessary compliances had been done before granting the remission. The apex court was hearing the plea filed by Bilkis Bano and others challenging the premature release of 11 convicts. Advocate Rishi Malhotra, appearing for one of the convicts, told the bench that the scheme of the 1992 Gujarat remission policy did not require a unanimous or majority decision, but only a collation of the views of various stakeholders. "The Mumbai judge's (adverse) view was based on their remission policy," the advocate said. Malhotra further said that his client has served over 15 years of actual sentence and that the state government gave him relief after taking note of his conduct. He apprised the bench that he had studied and practiced law. "Today, almost a year has lapsed and there has not been a single case against me. I happen to be a lawyer at a motor accident claims tribunal. I was a lawyer and I have again started practicing," Malhotra argued on behalf of his client. To this, the bench said, law is supposed to be a noble profession while expressing surprise at how his client can practise law after his conviction. Malhotra replied that his client had served his sentence. The bench said, "Post-conviction, whether licence to practise can be given? Law is supposed to be a noble profession. Bar Council (of India) has to say whether a convict can practise law. You are a convict, there is no doubt about that. You are out of jail due to the remission granted to you. The conviction remains, only the sentence is cut short. Section 24A of the Advocates Act states that a person convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude cannot be enrolled as an advocate. It further states that disqualification for enrolment shall cease to have effect after a period of two years has elapsed since his release or dismissal or removal. Senior advocate Sonia Mathur, appearing for another convict, argued that once the sentence was reduced the convict cannot be deprived of his liberty. She said the convicts are entitled to be prematurely released subject to the condition being fulfilled, adding that even the top court has been ruling in favour of premature release of convicts. The hearing in the case will resume on August 31. Earlier, the apex court queried the Gujarat and Central governments about the selective application of the pre-mature release policy for the remission of convicts who are serving jail terms. It observed that the opportunity to reform and reintegrate into society should be given to every eligible convict. Bilkis Bano and others had approached the top court challenging the premature release of 11 convicts. Some PILs were filed seeking directions to revoke the remission granted to 11 convicts. The pleas were filed by the National Federation of Indian Women, whose General Secretary is Annie Raja, Member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) Subhashini Ali, journalist Revati Laul, social activist and professor Roop Rekha Verma and TMC MP Mahua Moitra. The Gujarat government in its affidavit had defended remission granted to convicts saying they completed 14 years of sentence in prison and their behaviour was found to be good. The State government had said it has considered the cases of all 11 convicts as per the policy of 1992 and remission was granted on August 10, 2022, and the Central government also approved the release of convicts. It is pertinent to note that the remission was not granted under the circular governing grant of remission to prisoners as part of the celebration of "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, it had said. The affidavit stated, State government considered all the opinions and decided to release 11 prisoners since they have completed 14 years and above in prisons and their behaviour was found to be good. The government had also questioned the locus standi of petitioners who filed the PIL challenging the decision saying they are outsiders to the case. The pleas said they have challenged the order of competent authority of the government of Gujarat by way of which 11 persons who were accused in a set of heinous offences committed in Gujarat were allowed to walk free on August 15, 2022, pursuant to remission being extended to them. The remission in this heinous case would be entirely against public interest and would shock the collective public conscience, as also be entirely against the interests of the victim (whose family has publicly made statements worrying for her safety), pleas stated. The Gujarat government released the 11 convicts, who were sentenced to life imprisonment, on August 15, 2022. All the 11 life-term convicts in the case were released as per the remission policy prevalent in Gujarat at the time of their conviction in 2008. In March 2002 during the post-Godhra riots, Bano was allegedly gang-raped and left to die with 14 members of her family, including her three-year-old daughter. She was five months pregnant when rioters attacked her family in Vadodara. (ANI)
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Thursday highlighted the guidance provided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah in restoring peace in the state and said that after listening to them there is peace in the state. "We take his advice all the time. After listening to PM Modi's and Amit Shah's statements in the Parliament there is peace in Manipur. This is routine work for the rehabilitation and settlement of displaced people. We are here to take the advice of the Home Minister," Biren Singh said while talking to the reporters. Reacting over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's statement on Manipur violence, the Chief Minister said that if he is in Ladakh, he should speak of Ladakh. "How did Rahul Gandhi think of Manipur while being in Ladakh? Speak of Ladakh, if you are going to Ladakh. What is happening in Manipur today was all created by Congress. Politics should not be done over human lives," he said. PM Modi, in his Independence Day address from the ramparts of Red Fort on Tuesday, appealed for peace in strife-torn Manipur saying that people across the country stand with the people of the Northeast state. "The whole country stands with the people of Manipur. Peace is the only way to resolve all disputes. The Centre and the Manipur government are making every effort to ensure that peace returns to the state at the earliest," PM Modi said. Manipur had been on the boil for the last four months since May 3 after ethnic clashes broke out between two tribal communities Meitis and Kukis when the Manipur High Court asked the state government to consider adding one of the communities to the list of Scheduled Tribes. (ANI)
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has unveiled its mobile application, 'MCD 311' to empower Delhi's residents to actively participate in the upkeep of their city by lodging complaints related to various civic issues. Mobile App 311 was launched by Lt Governor Anil Baijal at the Raj Niwas here, an official release said. The 'MCD 311' app is a user-friendly interface where citizens can conveniently register their grievances, encompassing concerns such as illegal dumping of construction debris (malba), improper disposal of municipal solid waste, road potholes, malfunctioning streetlights, and the presence of stray cattle, among others. This digital channel promises to streamline the process of reporting problems to authorities, promoting transparency and swift resolution, added the release. To ensure the efficacy of this new initiative, the complaints submitted via the 'MCD 311' app will be closely monitored by a consortium of agencies, including the Central Agency for Quality Management (CAQM), the Department of Environment (GNCTD), and senior officials within MCD. This multifaceted oversight aims to expedite complaint resolution and provide citizens with timely updates. To underscore the commitment to responsive governance and efficient service delivery, MCD has issued comprehensive directives for the redressal of complaints through the 'MCD 311' app. Complaints related to lifting municipal solid waste (MSW) and construction and demolition waste (C&D) shall be addressed expeditiously. Following the resolution, officials will be required to upload photographs of the site on the app, ensuring transparency and accountability, added the release. All Deputy Commissioners in different zones of Delhi will be tasked with monitoring complaints received on the 'MCD 311' app daily. Their mandate is to ensure the prompt resolution of all such complaints, with a strict deadline of 24 hours, thus expediting the process and boosting citizen confidence. The introduction of the 'MCD 311' app represents a leap forward in citizen-centric governance, placing the power to effect change directly in the hands of Delhi's residents. By the convenience of technology and the collective vigilance of its citizens, MCD aims to create a cleaner, safer, and more efficient urban environment for all who call Delhi home. As the 'MCD 311' app takes flight, it is anticipated that it will usher in a new era of responsive and accountable municipal services, strengthening the bond between the government and its people. (ANI)
Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs) across India provide speedy justice to victims of rape and the POCSO Act, according to Ministry of Law and Justice press release. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Department of Justice, under the Ministry of Law and Justice disposed of 1.74 lakhs cases of Rape & POCSO Act as on 30.06.2023, providing speedyjustice to the victims. As of June 30, 2023, these courts had disposed of 1.74 lakh cases, with the government providing stringent punishment, including the death penalty, for perpetrators of rape through the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018. The scheme has been extended until March 2023, with a total budgetary outlay of Rs 1572.86 crore. According to a press release by the Ministry of Law and Justice, Championing the cause of safety and security for women and girls, the Government provided for stringent punishment, including the death penalty, for perpetrators of rape by passing the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018. Incidents of sexual offenses and prolonged trials of the accused necessitated dedicated court machinery to provide immediate relief to the victims, they added. Since October 2019, the Department of Justice has been implementing a Centrally Sponsored scheme to set up 1023 Fast Track Special Courts (FTSCs), including 389 exclusive POCSO Courts across the nation, for expeditious trials relating to sexual offenses. Each court consists of 1 Judicial Officer and 7 Staff Members. Out of 31 States and UTs eligible, 28 have joined this scheme. Puducherry made a special request to join the scheme, and the one exclusive POCSO Court was operationalized in May 2023. The Scheme was initially for a period of one year spread over two Financial years (FY), 2019-20 and 2020-21 at a total outlay of Rs 767.25 crore, with Rs 474 crore as the central share to be met from the Nirbhaya Fund. According to the press release, the Cabinet further approved the continuation of the Scheme of FTSCs for two years, i.e., up to March 2023, with a total budgetary outlay of Rs 1572.86 crore, with Rs 971.70 crore as the central share. A further extension of the Scheme is in process. In FY 2019-20, Rs. 140 crore, in FY 2020-21 Rs. 160.00 crore, in FY 2021-22, Rs. 134.56 crore, and in FY 2022-23, Rs. 200.00 crore were released to States as Central shares, it added. As of June 2023, 763 FTSCs, including 412 exclusive POCSO Courts, are functional in 29 States / UTs and have disposed of more than 1,74,000 pending cases. During FY 2023-24, a total of Rs. 200.00 crore has been allocated, out of which Rs. 100.37 crore has been released till July 31, 2023, as a Central share of funds for the functioning of such FTSCs in the States/UTs. For the robust implementation of the Scheme, this Department has created an online monitoring framework for monthly monitoring of case statistics. Regular review meetings with the Registrar Generals of High Courts and State functionaries are being undertaken, read the press release. (ANI)
Throughout the first 2024 GOP debate, Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy, the youngest Presidential candidate from the Republican Party, was the target of criticism from some his fellow candidates, nevertheless he said he took those comments as a badge of honour, CNN reported. A tech entrepreneur without any prior political experience, Vivek Ramaswamy has been gaining support in the GOP nomination race by positioning himself as a Trump-like outsider to politics. He also made his presence in the debate, engaging in a number of heated exchanges with his fellow Republicans. "As the 38-year-old outsider in this race who's never been in a political debate to be at center stage and see a lot of established politicians that threatened by my rise, I am thrilled," he told CNN. In his opening comments of the debate, he said, First, let me just address a question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight: Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage? He added that its going to take an outsider to lead the Republican Party. Ramaswamy also hit back again at former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who slammed him for having "no foreign policy experience." "I do think that I am the only person bringing clear strategic vision to our foreign policy rather than just going through the talking points memorized in 1990," he told CNN. If elected as president, Ramaswamy said that he would honour US treaty commitments if Russia invades a NATO ally, but also stated that Russia would not do so under my watch. Ramaswamy also pledged to end the war in Ukraine "on terms that are backstopped by US interests." He has also promised to cut down on government bureaucracy if elected, saying he would shut down the administrative state and shut down the FBI by shifting the bureaus law enforcement agents into other government departments, according to CNN. Vivek Ramaswamy is a native of southwest Ohio. His mother was a geriatric psychiatrist and his father worked as an engineer at General Electric. The 37-year-old lawmaker was born on August 9, 1985, and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents migrated to the US from Kerala. He is the third Indian-American along with Nikki Haley and Hirsh Vardhan Singh who will be up against former President Donald Trump in the primaries in January next year. He attended Harvard University for his undergraduation and later got a law degree from Yale University. A second-generation Indian American, Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences in 2014 and led the largest biotech IPOs of 2015 and 2016, eventually culminating in successful clinical trials in multiple disease areas that led to FDA-approved products, according to his bio posted on his website. He has founded other successful healthcare and technology companies, and in 2022, he launched Strive Asset Management, a new firm focused on restoring the voices of everyday citizens in the American economy by leading companies to focus on excellence over politics. Ramaswamy is married to Apoorva Tewari Ramaswamy, an Assistant Professor at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. (ANI)
Photo: Parliament of Canada Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas

As I write this column, for the first time in almost a week, rain has hit many parts of our region, smoke is somewhat abating and some evacuation orders have been lifted. This is good news.

We also owe immense gratitude to our incredible firefighting community and our other emergency responders who came from far and wide across not just British Columbia but other parts of Canada and from other countries. They continue tp work incredibly long hours under difficult, dangerous and demanding conditions.

Our community has come together in many extraordinary ways and there are far too many stories to mention in the space of some 600 words in this column. However, I would like to ask that people take a moment to recognize that some residents will return to a family home that is no longer there.

People in this situation face a challenge that cannot be easily put into words. If you know someone who has been displaced by these fires, please reach out and do everything that you can to help out.

Another group was not displaced or evacuated by the fire, but lost work due to business closures and other travel restrictions. For those in that situation, they have lost income at a time when many have bills at an all-time high and those bills do not go away at the end of the month. Any donations you can make to a local food bank or other organizations that help those in need will be greatly appreciated.

I was asked recently: "What has changed from the Okanagan Mountain wildfire in 2003 to the McDougall Creek wildfire of 2023?

While I was not an elected official in 2003, it is an important question. I have heard from some involved in the 2003 wildfire and many involved in our current fire situation. From the reports I have heard, communication is vastly improved today. Evacuation orders and alerts happen more proactively and are better communicated in real-time.

Unfortunately, there are still processing problems getting large groups of evacuated and onto emergency assistance programs quickly and efficiently. That is particularly important for those who are financially struggling and cannot afford any additional funds out of pocket.

In some areas of my riding, such as with the Crater Creek fire (located west of Keremeos), Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band has publicly questioned why some actions were not initiated sooner. From my perspective, these are important questions that need to be answered.

I also believe it is essential we look at post-wildfire mitigation going forward. Fire activity can have a serious impact on drainage that can enhance flood risks, as we observed in Merritt and Princeton. Another concern is fire contaminants entering local reservoirs during periods of intense rain. These are all factors I believe we must be proactive on, and in a timely manner.

I am also curious if, in the future, there will be a formal review of provincial wildfire situation. There are certainly many accolades to be shared, along with a few challenges.

On a positive note, and based on my experience, communications between different levels of government, including first responders, civil servants and elected officials, have improved dramatically. That is important as obstacles must be identified quickly so they can be addressed.

My question this week is to anyone who is impacted by these wildfires:

What would you like to share with your elected officials about this still unfoldingexperience?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll-free 1-800-665-8711.

Dan Albas is the Conservative MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
United States former President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) mocked Vice President Kamala Harris' accent and said she "speaks in rhyme." Trump was speaking to former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson after he skipped the first GOP debate and instead opted for the interview. In the interview with Carlson, Trump spke on the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris coming out as a candidate for the next Presidential election. Trump said, "Well, not really... She has some bad moments. Her moments are almost as bad as it is. I think his (Joe Biden) is worse, actually. Yeah. She speaks in, in rhyme. And, it's weird., but she has bad moments." "Well, the way she talks, (mocking tone) the bus will go here and then the bus will go there because that's what buses do. And it's weird. The whole thing is weird. This is not a president of the United States future. And, I think they probably have some kind of a primary and other people will get involved," he added. In the interview, Trump also slammed President Joe Biden and said that he is "worse mentally than physically." Recalling the incidents where Biden was captured falling from the stairs of his aircraft, Trump said that The President can't walk. He further stated that Biden can't even lift his "feet out of the grass" and can't lift the chair as well. Talking about Biden's beach picture, Trump said, "This beach is seeming to play a big role, but they love pictures of him (Biden) on the beach. I think it looks terrible on the beach. Well, he can't walk through the sand. You know, sand is not that easy to walk through, but when he walks, he can't walk through the sand. And there's somebody in there that looks fabulous at the beach. I think he looks horrible at the beach. Plus the beach doesn't represent what the president is supposed to be doing?" "You're supposed to be working. You're supposed to be getting ahead of that horrible, horrible war that we're very much involved in with Russia. And Ukraine. You could do that. You could do that very easily. I believe you could do that very well. I don't believe he could do it because he's just incompetent. But that's a war that should end immediately, not because of one side or the other, but because hundreds of thousands of people are being killed. Can you imagine you're in an apartment house and rockets are going into that building and blowing it up and knocking it down?" Trump claimed that if he was President, then the Russia-Ukraine war would never have started. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], August 24 (ANI/TPS): A Palestinian terrorist convicted of kidnapping and killing an Israeli teenager has petitioned a judge after the Israel Prison Service (IPS) denied him the right to play videogames, a spokesperson for the IPS confirmed on Wednesday. Iham Kamamji, a Palestinian Islamic Jihad member serving two life sentences for his role in the 2006 kidnapping and murder of 18-year-old Eliyahu Asheri, said the prison administration had previously allowed him to have a Sony PlayStation 2 in his cell. Kamamji was one of the six Palestinian terrorists who in September 2021 broke out of Israels maximum-security Gilboa Prison. Following their recapture, Kamamji was moved to the isolation wing of Ashkelons Shikma Prison. In the petition, the terrorist complained about alleged discrimination and harassment at the hands of the Prison Service in the wake of his attempted escape. I do not commit crimes and respect the law and the administration, Kamamji claimed. The recreational rights of prisoners in segregation are examined and given on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with the prisoners behavior, the IPS stated in response. After the request was denied, the prisoner filed a petition, which has not yet been scheduled for a hearing. We will bring our full arguments to the court as is customary, added the spokesperson. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir reportedly demanded stricter measures against Palestinian security prisoners during Tuesdays Security Cabinet meeting, which was held amid a wave of deadly attacks on Israelis. Among other proposals, Ben-Gvir was said to have asked that the organizational affiliation of prison wings be canceled, meaning that inmates from specific terrorist groups would no longer be incarcerated together. Last week, some 1,000 Hamas terrorists held in Israeli jails threatened a mass hunger strike. The announcement cited several provocations such as the transfer of inmates, restrictions on living conditions, as well as an Aug. 16 visit by Ben-Gvir to the Ofer Prison outside Ramallah. Since entering office in December 2022, Ben-Gvir has repeatedly urged the IPS to crack down on security prisoners, a term generally referring to Palestinians held for nationalistically motivated attacks or membership in terrorist groups. The minister ordered showering time reduced to four minutes per terrorist prisoner with a total of one hour of running water time for each prison wing where terrorists are held. In early February, Ben-Gvir also ordered the closure of jail bakeries where prisoners made themselves fresh pita bread. (ANI/TPS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was spotted having a brief exchange of words with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) leaders' press conference on Thursday. Before the conference started in earnest, PM Modi and Xi were pictured having a brief conversation before taking their designated seats. Notably, in November 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chanced upon Xi at the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia. Both the leaders exchanged pleasantries at the G20 dinner. Notably, this was the first handshake since the standoff between China's Peoples Liberation Army and the Indian forces in eastern Ladakh in April 2020. India and China have been in a stand-off situation for the last three years and relations at all levels have deteriorated due to tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two sides have held 19 rounds of talks so far to address the boundary issues in eastern Ladakh since 2020, post the Chinese aggression there. PM Modi arrived in South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit on Tuesday. The opening day of the 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. Later on, on the second day, at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, 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. 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. (ANI)
Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Thursday called on First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Kuwait Sheikh Talal Khalid Al- Ahmad Al-Sabah at Kuwait City and discussed the welfare of the Indian community residing in that country. On his social media account on X (formerly known as Twitter), Muraleedharan said, "Pleasure to call on the First Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Kuwait, HE Sheikh Talal Khalid Al- Ahmad Al- Sabah at Kuwait City. Had a useful discussion including on matters pertaining to welfare and wellbeing of Indian community in Kuwait." Earlier, on Wednesday, Muraleedharan interacted with the Indian community in Kuwait and said that they continue to be building blocks of New Delhi-Kuwait city relations. Muraleedharan also witnessed the cultural performances during the reception. "A pleasure to be amidst the vibrant Indian community in Kuwait and interact with them at a reception hosted by @indembkwt The Indian community continues to be the building-block of India-Kuwait relations." Muraleedharan said in his post on X. Muraleedharan started his trip with floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi's statue at the Indian Embassy in Kuwait's premises. During his two-day visit, MoS Muraleedharan interacted with the Indian Nurses Federation of Kuwait. "Had a good interaction with representatives of Indian Nurses Federation of Kuwait (INFOK) in Kuwait City. They make important contributions by strengthening the support system for Indian nurses in Kuwait. Appreciate their work," Muraleedharan said in his post on X. On Wednesday, Muraleedharan also joined billions of people virtually from Kuwait and witnessed the historic soft landing by the Chandrayaan-3 on the southern polar region of the Moon. "History is scripted! Thrilled to witness, along with representatives of Indian Community in Kuwait, successful landing of #Chandrayaan3 on the Moon. Kudos to @isro for this historic achievement by becoming the first to land a spacecraft on the south pole of the moon," Muraleedharan said on X. On the same day, he also met representatives of professional associations of Doctors, Engineers and School Principals in Kuwait. "Happy to receive their positive feedback on the consistent support of the government of India for the welfare and wellbeing of the Indian community in Kuwait," he said in a post shared on X. India and Kuwait share historically warm and close bilateral ties and the relationship has been nourished by sustained cultural and civilizational linkages. There are around one million Indians in Kuwait. India is amongst the largest trading partners of Kuwait and the Gulf country is a major supplier of oil. The bilateral trade reached an all-time high of USD 13.8 billion in the last financial year. (ANI)
Both the leaders were seen exchanging a handshake and having a brief conversation with each other.

The meeting was held in the presence of envoys from both the countries.The meeting was conducted after PM Modi supported the name of Ethiopia for its inclusion in the BRICS grouping.

At the Summit on THursday it was announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS in January 2024.

In a statement in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi said India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation.

India and Ethiopia have very friendly relations for many decades. Last year, India and Ethiopia held the fourth foreign office consultations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where delegations from both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

The foreign office consultations were co-chaired by Puneet R Kundal, Joint Secretary (East and Southern Africa), Ministry of External Affairs, India and Ambassador Dr Gebeyehu Ganga Gayito (Ph.D) Director General for Middle East, Asia & Pacific Countries Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia, a MEA press release said.

In last year's meeting, Both delegations reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations during the Foreign Office Consultations. Issues discussed included political engagements, trade & economic matters, development partnership projects, cultural and consular matters, cooperation in higher education, people-to-people contacts, etc. (ANI)
The meeting was held in the presence of envoys from both countries. The visuals from the meeting showed both leaders exchanging a handshake and having a brief conversation at the meeting.

India and Senegal enjoy warm and friendly bilateral relations sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism.

Prior to this, PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.

In the meeting, the Ethiopian PM felicitated the Indian prime minister on the success of the Chandrayaan mission, terming it as a moment of pride and inspiration for Ethiopia and the Global South.

The discussions also covered ways to expand bilateral cooperation in areas like parliamentary contacts, development partnership & capacity building, trade & investment, defence, ICT, agriculture, skilling of youth and people-to-people linkages.

BRICS is a grouping of the world economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

At the Summit on Thursday, it was announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS in January 2024.

Last year, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who was on a three-nation tour to Senegal along with a government delegation, signed three MoUs with the West African country to further deepen bilateral partnership in various areas.

The first MoU pertained to a visa-free regime for Diplomatic and Official passport holders which would strengthen cooperation between the two countries through seamless travel of officials/diplomats.

The second agreement related to the renewal of the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the period 2022-26. Appreciating the richness of Indian and Senegalese culture.

The third MoU seeks to enhance bilateral cooperation in youth matters. (ANI)
The meeting between the two leaders came days after they had a telephone conversation in which they discussed matters of bilateral and regional importance.

During their conversation on August 18, Prime Minister Modi noted that the India-Iran relationship is underpinned by close historical and civilizational connections, including strong people-to-people contacts.

The two leaders had reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation including to realize the full potential of Chabahar Port as a connectivity hub.

The two leaders also discussed cooperation at multilateral forums including the expansion of BRICS.

Iran is among six countries that have been extended full membership of BRICS during the summit meeting.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi congratulated leaders and people of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE over the decision on their full membership of BRICS and said India has always supported the expansion of the organisation.

In a statement in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi said India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation.

"India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation, he said.

PM Modi said India has historic ties with all the new members of BRICS.

He said India will also contribute to other countries wanting to join as partner countries of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).

Prior to his meeting with Raisi, PM Modi also held bilateral meetings with Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Senegal President Macky Sall. (ANI)
In the meeting, the Indian PM and Mozambique president shook hands and had a brief conversation in the presence of envoys from both countries.

Prior to this, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with the President of Senegal, Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and Iran President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday.

In the bilateral meeting between Iran and India, PM Modi felicitated Iran on joining the BRICS family. President Raisi thanked PM Modi for Indias support in achieving this outcome. President Raisi also congratulated the PM on the success of the Chandrayaan mission.

Meanwhile, the Summit announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS in January 2024.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit on Tuesday.

The opening day of the summit in Johannesburg saw the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue which PM Modi addressed but Xi Jinping skipped the event, sending his commerce minister Wang Wentao to represent him.

India enjoys warm and substantive ties with Mozambique. Trading links between Mozambique and the western states of India go back several Centuries and pre-date the colonial era. These ancient people-to-people links have been further built upon in modern times, to forge a strong bilateral relationship based on regular political contacts, ever-deepening economic engagement, and a well-integrated Indian community in Mozambique. (ANI)
Taking to its social media 'X', the Prime Minister's Office tweeted, "PM @narendramodi held a fruitful meeting with President @Macky_Sall of Senegal in Johannesburg. The leaders deliberated on various aspects of strengthening bilateral ties such as defence and security, and infrastructure development.

https://twitter.com/pmoindia/status/1694708915660108234?s=46&t=CaS1JqRQMT7Q25SSV16HeQ

PM Modi and Senegal President Macky Sall held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africas Johannesburg on Thursday.

The meeting was held in the presence of envoys from both countries. The visuals from the meeting showed both leaders exchanging a handshake and having a brief conversation at the meeting.

India and Senegal enjoy warm and friendly bilateral relations sharing common values of democracy, development and secularism.

Following the bilateral meeting with Senegal, PM Modi held bilateral talks with Mozambique President Filipe Nyunsi on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in South Africa on Thursday.

In the meeting, the Indian PM and Mozambique president shook hands and had a brief conversation in the presence of envoys from both countries.

Prior to this, PM Modi held bilateral meetings with the President of Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed and Iran President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday.

In the bilateral meeting between Iran and India, PM Modi felicitated Iran on joining the BRICS family. President Raisi thanked PM Modi for Indias support in achieving this outcome. President Raisi also congratulated the PM on the success of the Chandrayaan mission.

Meanwhile, the Summit announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS in January 2024.PM Modi arrived in South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit on Tuesday.

The opening day of the summit in Johannesburg saw the BRICS Business Forum Leaders Dialogue which PM Modi addressed but Xi Jinping skipped the event, sending his commerce minister Wang Wentao to represent him. (ANI)
The Russian President also expressed sincere condolences to the families of those who died.

He added in televised comments that it was necessary to await the outcome of the official investigation into the crash, in which all 10 people on board were killed.

The Russian president said the inquiry would take some time.

He further said that Prigozhin was a talented man who made mistakes and the Wagner crash victims made a significant contribution in Ukraine.

Putin added that the Wagner chied was a man of difficult fate, as per CNN.

Meanwhile, the Russian aviation agency confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, was on board a plane that crashed without a survivor northwest of Moscow, TASS reported.

The plane crash occurred months after Prigozhin staged a mutiny against Russia's military leadership.

An investigation has been launched into the crash of the Embraer plane in the Tver Region on Wednesday, Russias Federal Agency for Air Transport said noting that Prigozhin was among the passengers, according to TASS.

The Embraer business jet, carrying the Wagner mercenary group chief, crashed in the Tver Region near the settlement of Kuzhenkino. According to preliminary data, all 10 people on board the plane have died. The plane was en route from Moscows Sheremetyevo airport to St Petersburg, TASS reported.

Prigozhin was a former close aide of Russian President Vladimir Putin until he initiated a rebellion in June 2023. Prigozhin controlled a network of companies including the Wagner private military group. On 23 June 2023, the Wagner Group led by him launched a mutiny against the Russian military leadership. Negotiations led to the rebellion being called off. Prigozhin relocated to Belarus and charges against him were dropped. (ANI)
Photo: Bad Tattoo Brewing - file photo

Local restaurants are facing unprecedented challenges as the devastating wildfire season in British Columbia has impacted tourism levels.

The BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association is calling upon the community to rally behind their local restaurants as they play a vital role in both the local economy and the lives of thousands of residents.

They say restaurants have borne the brunt of reduced dining traffic and that the situation in some areas of the province has become so dire that a number of restaurants are reporting zero customers.

According to BCRFA, this downturn in customers has led to some serious financial strain, pushing some businesses to the brink of closure.

In collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association, BCRFA is taking immediate action to aid evacuated families affected by the wildfires.

By purchasing gift cards from local restaurants or dining at these restaurants, you contribute to two noble causes - revitalizing the restaurant industry and assisting those displaced by the wildfire.

"It's a symbiotic relationship. Your support to local eateries not only helps keep their doors open but also ensures that we can extend help to those who have lost their homes due to the fire," said Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of BCRFA.

"Many of these restaurants also do not have online gift card ordering so we have set up a system where you can help by contributing through the BCRFA website. Our team will then go to restaurants and purchase the gift cards from them before delivering to CMHA."

Tostenson says by doing this it allows them to support as many restaurants as they can, while giving the opportunity for people from around the world to support our local businesses and evacuated families.
Two children of French origin were rescued by Drishti Marines lifesavers off Mandrem beach after they got trapped in a tide and were unable to swim back to shore on Thursday. The two boys aged 13 and 16 years were rescued by lifesavers, Siddhesh, Rohit, Hiran and Nagesh, who were on duty. They rushed to their aid and brought them back to shore using a rescue tube, surfboard and a jet ski. Their vitals were found to be stable after examination. The incident occured at a time when swimming off Goas beaches was off-limits due to the ongoing monsoons. Goas beaches remain closed due to the ongoing monsoon season as the sea conditions continue to be rough and unpredictable. In this light, it is necessary to constantly monitor children while on the beach and not allow them to venture into the sea, no matter how shallow the water may appear, said Navin Awasthi, CEO of Drishti Marine. The official further said that parents or guardians should alert the nearest lifesaver in case of an emergency and pay close attention to safety announcements made by patrolling lifesavers. Over the last two years, 91 minors have been rescued by Drishti Marines lifesavers, with most rescues reported at Baga Beach (19). While Calangute Beach and Morjim Beach reported 17 and 13 rescues respectively, eight minors were rescued off Vagator Beach, six off Morjim, and four each off Candolim and Palolem beaches in the same period. 11 minors had to be administered first-aid after they were rescued by lifesavers. Beaches of Goa remain off-limits for swimming for the monsoon season or until further notice. (ANI)
Pakistan Christians community Europe staged a protest demonstration in front of the European Parliament in Brussels to show solidarity with Christian victims of the Jaranwala violence that occurred in Pakistan. In the protest, the protesters expressed grave concerns over the religious freedom violations and stifling state of freedom of expression in Pakistan and called upon the European Union to assess Pakistans compliance with its human rights obligations. Speaking at the protest, Joseph Jansen advocacy officer with Jubilee Campaign Netherlands said that we appreciate that the EU is committed to providing emergency humanitarian assistance to support Christians affected by the Jaranwala incident. He added, The EU must urge Pakistani authorities to ensure the safety of those accused of blasphemy in the Jaranwala incident and ensure that the accused have access to legal representation for a fair trial. Moreover, Pakistan must take measures to implement the recommendations of the judicial inquiry held in the Gojra incident of 2009, in order to prevent the misuse of blasphemy laws. Arif Sardar while commenting on the atrocities on minorities in Pakistan said repressive blasphemy laws create a climate of hostility against religious minorities and fertile ground for radicals. He said, Every person should have the right to religious freedom without fear of persecution, and nobody should be persecuted for living out their faith. The repressive blasphemy laws create a climate of hostility against religious minorities, and fertile ground for radicals to wreak havoc against those whom they perceive as blasphemers. Pakistan must take measures to detect and counter acts of incitement to hatred, discrimination, and violence against individuals and groups. Perviaz Bhatti, one of the protesters said that religion should never be invoked as a justification for targeting persons belonging to minorities. The correlation between blasphemy laws and mob violence plague and threaten the lives of religious minorities. The scale and severity of the attacks against minorities in Pakistan is unconscionable. A total of 19 churches were fully gutted and 89 Christian houses burnt down in recent violence targeting the Christian community in Jaranwala in Faisalabad, according to a fact-finding report of the Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP). The HRFP report stated that in the August 16 Jaranwala mob attack on churches and Christians, a total of 19 churches were burnt fully while two churches and some prayer rooms/community halls were also affected. It further said over 400 houses were affected in total with 89 Christian houses including those of pastors and priests being completely gutted while 15 houses were partially destroyed. The report stated that over 10,000 Christians had hid in sugar cane and other fields, during the first nights of attack. The HRFP said its report was based on direct information and evidence through the fact-finding mission trip to the sites of the incident, interviews of victims, families, local residents, church leaders, neighbourhoods, journalists, police officials, local authorities, political workers and different stakeholders. The HRFP team met in person with more than 150 victims and families and church leaders who shared their stories about victimizations and religious persecutions, losses and immediate needs to help them urgently and for a longer time, the report stated. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday invited South African geneticist and CEO of the Academy of Science of South Africa Himla Soodyall to collaborate with Indian institutes in the field of genetics. They further discussed the domain of human genetic lines and their application in disease screening. Taking on his social media handle 'X', MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted, "PM @narendramodi held engaging discussions with noted South African geneticist & CEO of the Academy of Science of South Africa, Dr Himla Soodyall. They exchanged views on the domain of human genetic lines and its application in disease screening. PM invited Dr. Soodyall to collaborate with Indian institutes in the field of genetics." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that India has given high importance to relations with Africa. He further stressed that India is a close partner in making Africa a global powerhouse. "Under Agenda 2063, India is a reliable and close partner in making Africa a global powerhouse. To reduce the digital divide in Africa, we have provided over 15000 scholarships in tele-education and telemedicine," he said. While addressing the BRICS-Africa Outreach, he also said that India is working with South Africa for joint manufacturing of vaccines. "During the time of the Covid pandemic, we have provided food items and vaccines to different countries. Now, we are also working with South Africa for joint manufacturing of Covid as well as other vaccines," he said. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated leaders and people of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE over their inclusion as full members of BRICS and said that India has always supported the expansion of the organisation. In a statement in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi said India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday gifted Bidri work pair of 'Surahi' from Telangana to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Bidrivase is a purely Indian innovation of 500-year-old Persian, exclusive to Bidar. Bidrivase is cast with an alloy of Zinc, Copper and other non-ferrous metals. Pretty patterns are engraved on the casting and inlaid with pure Silver wire. The casting is then soaked in a solution mixed with the special soil of Bidar Fort which has special oxidising properties. This causes the Zinc alloy to turn into a lustrous black leaving the silver inlay intact to contrast stunningly with the black background. The PM gifted Nagaland shawl to the First Lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe. Naga shawls are an exquisite form of textile art that has been woven for centuries by the tribes in the state of Nagaland. These shawls are known for their vibrant colours, intricate designs and the use of traditional weaving techniques which have been passed down from generation to generation. Prime Minister Modi gifted Gond Painting from Madhya Pradesh to the Brazilian President, Luiz Incio Lula da Silva. Gond paintings are one of the most admired tribal art forms. The word Gond comes from the Dravidian expression Kond which means green mountain. These paintings, created by dots and lines, have been a part of pictorial art on walls and floors of Gonds and it is done with the construction and re-construction of each and every house, with locally available natural colours and materials like charcoal, coloured soil, plant sap, leaves, cow dung, limestone powder, etc. Meanwhile, PM Modi has strongly proposed permanent membership of the African Union in G20, and if all goes through, the grouping might soon become 'G21', Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said on Thursday. Addressing a press conference on Indias participation at the 15thBRICS summit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said that PM Modi wrote to the leaders ofG20about the inclusion of the African Union. "PM Modi wrote to the leaders ofG20about the inclusion of the African Union in theG20. We have strongly proposed it as a permanent member of theG20. So, it should probably become G21 if it all goes through," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at the press conference. PM Modi was in Johannesburg,South Africa, to attend theBRICSsummit. On Thursday, Leaders of BRICS nations and other friendly nations gathered for a family photo in Johannesburg, South Africa. Earlier in the day, PM Modi addressed the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in the South African capital. While delivering his speech, he saidBRICScountries and all friendly nations present at the summit can contribute to the strengthening of a multipolar world. PM Modi congratulated leaders and people of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE over their full membership of BRICS and said India has always supported the expansion of the organisation. "India has always supported the expansion ofBRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthenBRICSas an organisation, he said. In his remarks,South AfricaPresident Cyril Ramaphosa announced the outcomes of the 15thBRICSSummit and said the grouping will be expanded. PM Modi said India has historic ties with all the new members of BRICS. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Greece for a visit on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He departed from Johannesburg, South Africa, where he was attending the BRICS summit. He received a warm reception from the Indian diaspora, who had gathered at the Johannesburg airport to see off Prime Minister Modi. PM Modi interacted with the people of the Indian community. The people gathered also cheered and waved at him. The Prime Minister also shook hands with people and children and also waved at them. During his visit to Greece, PM Modi will receive a ceremonial reception on his arrival and will also hold meetings with the Greek President and Prime Minister. The PM will meet his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the leaders will discuss ways to further deepen the ties between the two nations. He will also interact with business leaders from both countries. He will also have an interaction with the Indian community in Greece. A business lunch hosted by the Greek PM is also scheduled during the visit. PM Modi will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens and interact with the Indian community there. MEA said in a press release, "Following his visit to South Africa, Prime Minister will pay an official visit to Greece on 25 August 2023 at the invitation of H.E. Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Greece in 40 years." It further said, "India and Greece enjoy civilizational ties, which have strengthened in recent years through cooperation in areas like maritime transport, defence, trade and investments and people-to-people ties." (ANI)
Greek Ambassador to India Dimitrios Ioannou has said that during Prime Minister Narendra Modis Greece visit, the two countries will upgrade their long friendship. "We are very happy to welcome him. This will be the first visit of an Indian Prime Minister after 40 years. During this visit, we will upgrade our long friendship... the Greek Ambassador told ANI. We (India and Greece) are advancing our cooperation in all important fields including security, culture, trade, economy and technology. This is an important comprehensive partnership... We would like to be the gateway to Europe for India. Our ports can be a gateway for Indian products to enter the European markets..." he said. The Greek Ambassador also congratulated India for Chandrayaan-3s successful landing on the Moon. I would like to congratulate you because India is only the fourth country that has managed to land on the Moon. Besides that, it was the first time that someone could land on the dark side of the Moon and this was really an achievement. After only 75 years of independence, India was able to achieve this... he said. He added that the Greek people have very fond feelings for the Indian people. They like them (Indians) for what they have contributed to international civilization, for their peaceful struggles for Independence and for their toil for a better life. I think that the Indian people have similar feelings for the Greek people, he said. The Greek Ambassador while speaking on cross-border terrorism, said: "This (cross-border terrorism) is the worst kind of terrorism and we condemn this kind of terrorism on every occasion and we heavenly condemned, the Bombay terrorist act in 2008..." On India's involvement in the Mediterranean region, he said: "India is a force of peace, stability and rationality, When it comes to the Mediterranean region, it comes just with economic terms and promoting the international law." PM Modi on Thursday emplaned for Greece for a visit on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He departed from Johannesburg,South Africa, where he was attending theBRICSsummit. During his visit toGreece,PM Modiwill receive a ceremonial reception on his arrival and will also hold meetings with the Greek President and Prime Minister. The PM will meet his Greek counterpartKyriakos Mitsotakis, the leaders will discuss ways to further deepen the ties between the two nations. He will also interact with business leaders from both countries. He will also have an interaction with the Indian community inGreece. A business lunch hosted by the Greek PM is also scheduled during the visit.PM Modiwill also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens and interact with the Indian community there. MEA said in a press release, "Following his visit toSouth Africa, Prime Minister will pay an official visit toGreeceon 25 August 2023 at the invitation of H.E. MrKyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister ofGreece. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister toGreecein 40 years." It further said, "India and Greece enjoy civilizational ties, which have strengthened in recent years through cooperation in areas like maritime transport, defence, trade and investments and people-to-people ties." (ANI)
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speak during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News Channel on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. | Morry Gash, Associated Press

On Wednesday evening, Fox News Channel broadcast the first Republican primary debate ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier moderated the debate.

The candidates who participated were former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence , Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Former President Donald Trump did not participate in the debate because he refused to sign a pledge saying hell support whoever the ultimate Republican nominee is, the Deseret News reported.

While Ramaswamy was one of the most vocal candidates on stage, FiveThirtyEights initial poll is showing DeSantis as having the highest average rated performance in the debate. Support for Trump saw a meaningful decrease from 64.7% to 59.8% among likely Republican primary voters who watched the debate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump is still ahead in the national polls and over the last few months, DeSantis average has dropped from 39% to 14.8%. Will DeSantis see a bump in the polls after the recent debate? Who is vying to be a V.P.? What viral song kicked off the debate? These are some questions you may have about the GOP debate.

Here are 10 take-aways from what we saw.

Related

1. Vivek Ramaswamy was attacked 11 times

Biotech CEO Ramaswamy was attacked 11 times during the debate, according to NBC News attack tracker. By comparison, DeSantis, who has been second to Trump in the polls, was attacked 5 times.

During the debate, Ramaswamy staged himself as an outsider. As Samuel Benson wrote for the Deseret News, Some have called the 38-year-old Ramaswamy Trump 2.0 because of his policy platform and his status as a political outsider, and on Wednesday, Ramaswamy received the brunt of attacks usually reserved for a races front-runner.

When Ramaswamy was speaking about climate change, Christie interrupted and said he had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, per The Hill.

After Ramaswamy discussed his position on Ukraine, Haley responded to him. The problem that Vivek doesnt understand is: He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia. He wants to let China eat Taiwan. He wants to go and stop funding Israel. You dont do that to friends, she said, per Politico. You have no foreign policy experience and it shows.

At a different point in the debate, Pence also turned his attention toward Ramaswamy and said, now is not the time for on-the-job training and we dont need to bring in a rookie, according to The Hill.

The Atlantic columnist McKay Coppins said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Theres something about Ramaswamy that really bothers Pence. Its fascinating.

There's something about Ramaswamy that really bothers Pence. It's fascinating.  McKay Coppins (@mckaycoppins) August 24, 2023

2. Trumps interview with Tucker Carlson was the elephant not in the room

Five minutes before the GOP primary debate started, former Fox News host Carlson released a prerecorded interview with Trump.

The video reportedly received more than 80 million views within an hour (for context: views on X dont mean a person watched the video all the way through).

During his interview, Trump told Carlson what his priority is, according to the Deseret News. No. 1 is the border, he said. And taking hundreds of thousands of criminals that have been allowed into our country and getting them out and bringing them back to their country. The first thing I would do would be Id seal up the border good and tight, except for people who want to come in legally.

Related

3. Viral country song Rich Men North of Richmond kicked off the debate

The country anthem thats become a political flashpoint was referenced in the GOP debate.

After playing a few lyrics from Oliver Anthonys song Rich Men North of Richmond, moderate MacCallum asked DeSantis why is this song striking such a nerve in this country right now, per The New York Times.

We also cannot succeed when the Congress spends trillions and trillions of dollars. Those rich men north of Richmond have put us in this situation, DeSantis said, according to The New York Times.

4. Pence talked about Jan. 6 more than before

Pence offered a lengthy defense of his actions on Jan. 6, 2021, the day of the Capitol riot.

The American people deserve to know that the president asked me in his request that I reject or return votes. He asked me to put him over the Constitution and I chose the Constitution, Pence said, per Politico.

Other candidates including DeSantis and Christie defended Pences actions on Jan. 6. Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him, DeSantis said, according to The Associated Press.

Mike Pence stood for the Constitution, and he deserves not grudging credit, Christie said, per The Hill. He deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal, political and unfair pressure.

5. Candidates are split on financial support to Ukraine

Republican candidates were divided on whether or not they supported giving aid to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia last year.

Haley, Pence and Christie defended giving aid to Ukraine while DeSantis and Ramaswamy said they would pare back additional aid, Axios reported.

I find it offensive that we have professional politicians who will make a pilgrimage to Kyiv, to their pope, Zelenskyy, without doing the same for the people in Maui or the south side of Chicago, Ramaswamy said as he advanced his position that he would not send additional assistance to Ukraine, per Politico.

Haley described Ukraine as a pro-American country that was invaded by a thug, according to Axios and defended U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Christie, who went to Ukraine to see what was happening, said, per Fox News, If we dont stand up against this type of autocratic killing, we in Washington, we will be next.

When DeSantis responded to the question about aid to Ukraine, he said, per CBS News, I would have Europe step up and do their job.

6. Will the debate give DeSantis a bump in polls?

Will DeSantis get a boost in the polls or teeter off due to his performance in the debate? Experts have mixed views. Some think its possible DeSantis could see a boost.

Given the stakes for his sputtering campaign, DeSantis had the best night, Steven Shephard told Politico. He was able to articulate his positions on the issues central to his candidacy. ... Wednesday night didnt fix all of DeSantis problems. But if he does end up back on his feet, it will be a big reason why.

Town Hall columnist Kurt Schlichter said, per Fox News, Lets be clear  DeSantis was alone in one debate, and everybody else was in another, more annoying one. Calm, confident and capable. DeSantis won.

Others think the debate wont change the election much.

I dont think it changes anything much. Pence and Haley may get fundraising bumps, Sally Goldenberg told Politico, DeSantis can credibly claim he got his message across and probably convince his nervous donors that hes still a viable alternative to Trump. But Trump is likely to remain the clear front-runner.

FiveThirtyEights polls are showing DeSantis having the highest rated performance in the debate, followed by Haley and Ramaswamy. Initial polling also shows a modest bump for DeSantis and a decrease for Trump.

Before the debate, support among likely Republican primary voters was around 67.5% and it increased to 72.4% post debate, according to FiveThirtyEight.

While Trump still leads in national polls, he could still lose the nomination, to be clear, especially given his legal troubles, David Leonhardt and Ian Prasad Philbrick wrote for The New York Times. With DeSantis, Haley and Ramaswamy receiving a boost in support, its possible polls could change.

7. Does Haley represent an older version of the GOP?

The New York Times columnist David French said he thought Haley represented an older version of the GOP.

My bottom line  Nikki Haley made a valiant stand for an older version of the GOP, French said on Threads. She took on Trumps profligate spending. Shes unapologetically pro-life, but she understands the practical realities of the abortion debate. She understands Americas vital interests in Ukraine and across the globe.

But French said this isnt the GOP of old, and its entirely possible that Vivek will get more of a bump than her.

Other analysts have said Ramaswamy gave a good debate performance. I think Ramaswamy did a good job of elevating himself as an equal to politicians and candidates who have been doing this for a long time, Inside Elections editor Nathan Gonzales told The Wall Street Journal. Well have to see if voters warm up to his message and profile as they hear more from him.

8. Trump loomed larger than Biden

Though DeSantis mentioned Biden while talking about the economy, Trump was a bigger topic of conversation. Our country is in decline. This decline is not inevitable. Its a choice. We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement and reverse American decline. ... We must reverse Bidenomics, DeSantis said, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Trumps indictments and Jan. 6 were a larger part of the debate. The former president faces 91 charges across 4 cases. Read more about those here.

The moderators asked the candidates to raise their hands if theyd support Trump if he got convicted. Ramaswamy, Scott, Haley, Pence, Burgum and DeSantis raised their hands, indicating they would support him, per Politico. We have to end the weaponization of justice in this country, Ramaswamy said after referring to Trump as the best president of the 21st century.

Hutchinson and Christie indicated they wouldnt support him if he was convicted. Someone has to stop normalizing this conduct, Christie said, per the Deseret News. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States.

Related

9. V.P. hopefuls are emerging

The field of GOP hopefuls will eventually narrow, and when a clear and definitive front-runner materializes a running mate will be selected, too.

Trump is the current frontrunner for the GOP nomination and theres some speculation about who the V.P. hopefuls might be.

Off the debate stage, Kristi Noem and Kari Lake are emerging.

Noems ads appeared on Fox News during the debate. Earlier in August, she told Fox News if Trump asked her to be his running mate in 2024, shed accept.

Ahead of the debate, Lake defended Trumps decision not to appear at the debate, according to Arizona Central. Shes also reportedly among the women who Trump is considering for his running mate.

The debate stage can double as an interview for a running mate, too. Scott and Haley emerged as two of the potential candidates for V.P., according to Aaron Kall, who is the director of debate at University of Michigan. Kall told USA Today that since the candidates have ties to Trump and have avoided attacking him, its possible one of them could be Trumps pick for V.P.

If the front-runner changes, then the discussion around V.P. hopefuls will likely change, too.

10. What about those TikTok and Noem ads?

Over the last year or so, Republican governors have taken to implementing bans of TikTok in their states. Red states like Utah, Georgia, Virginia, Iowa, Texas and others have implemented legislative bans around the app.

TikTok ads made a notable appearance during the debate. There was one showing how TikTok can be used for DIY products. Noem also had an ad that ran a couple of times during the debate.
Maple, Malee and Zeni didnt have much of a chance when six feet of floodwater rushed into their Washington, DC doggy daycare last week, their owners say, with some of the dogs locked in cages as the waters rose.

Severe storms with heavy rains the evening of August 14 brought a flash flood to the doors of District Dogs Northeast.

Brown floodwater rose along the glass doors and windows of the building that housed the doggy daycare until its walls collapsed and the water rushed in, trapping both employees and dogs, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said last week. Twenty of the dogs were eventually rescued, he said.

On Monday, DC 911 call center and fire officials shared a timeline of the emergency calls made that day, revealing it took around 20 minutes until emergency crews arrived to start the rescue effort  sparking outrage among multiple dog owners.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A dispatcher misidentified the situation as a water leak, as heard in a dispatch call to a first responder obtained by CNN affiliate WJLA. Ten dogs, including Maple, Malee and Zeni, died in the flooding, WJLA reported.

Heather McGaffin, acting director of the Office of Unified Communications that runs DCs 911 call center, said several things affected the response, including confusion over where the calls came from and call-taker performance.

What Im saying is, we could have done things differently. This was an unprecedented event, McGaffin said at a news conference Monday.

A first responder carries out a dog from District Dogs Northeast in Washington DC. - WUSA

Owners also upset with daycares response

Colleen Costello lost Maple, her 1.5-year-old German shepherd mix, that day. While shes grieving the sudden loss of her dog, shes also hammering officials for answers.

I am extremely frustrated and extremely angry about what happened with (the Office of Unified Communications) and how they deprioritized these calls, Costello told CNN. I dont feel safe knowing that calls could be misclassified like this or deprioritized and I might not get the help that I need or my family needs.

Costello is an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in DC  a member of a nonpartisan commission of elected neighborhood representatives.

Maple had been to District Dogs several times for daycare and some overnight stays. Costello dropped off her dog that Sunday before going on vacation with her family.

She says she knew something was wrong when she started seeing social media posts and news coverage about the flooding. Costello reached out to friends and had someone go to the facility to ask about her dog  but her friend didnt find Maple there.

Colleen Costello holds her dog, Maple. - Colleen Costello

That night, Costello said she received an email from the daycare confirming Maple didnt make it.

Luer Yin and Connor McCarty shared a similar tragedy.

The couple were enamored with their 2-year-old Corgi. She was perfect in our eyes, said McCarty.

The pair was in Hawaii  their only vacation this year  for a family reunion, McCarty said. A few days into the trip, they noticed a missed call and later received a text from District Dogs asking them to call back.

At first, the pair assumed Zeni didnt like her food. But what they later learned on the phone was unreal, Yin said.

Right off the top of the call, McCarty said the daycares owner, Jacob Hensley, told them, Your dog passed away. There were few details available.

It was like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer, McCarty said.

Luer Yin and her dog, Zeni. - Connor McCarty

Hensley spoke to CNN affiliate WUSA last week, saying his employees had to move nearly 50 dogs when the water broke through the glass.

I cant imagine how the family members of the lost loved ones are feeling, Hensley told WUSA. But, we love every single one of our dogs. We know them by name. We see them every day. We lost members of our family, too.

District Dogs said the water rose within minutes and went from blocking the business front door to smashing through the glass, according to an August 15 statement.

As that wall of water came upon them, our staff worked heroically to save as many animals as possible despite real danger to their own lives. Many had to cling to shelves and counters themselves.

CNN has reached out to Hensley for comment. A spokesperson for District Dogs responded in a message to CNN on Thursday, saying: We remain committed to and focused on supporting our staff and clients. We have no further comment at this time.

Jonathan Garro holds his dog, Malee. - Jonathan Garro

The news of losing his 5-year-old mutt, Malee, made Jonathan Garro drop to the floor in the fetal position, he told CNN.

Garro said Hensley told him there was flooding, some dogs died and your dog was one of them. Hensley told him. He also received a blunt email later that night explaining what had happened, he said.

Malee had only stayed at District Dogs a couple of times. Garro and his wife, Kerry, tried to avoid boarding her.

We had friends that would take care of her, or we would go on vacations with her when we could, Garro said. We drove across the country a couple of times with her just to avoid boarding her, because we loved her so much.

She should not have died

Maple, Malee and Zenis owners are now looking for answers amid their grief.

Yin said shes been frustrated the information isnt coming from District Dogs and Hensley  theyve been putting the pieces together from media reports.

Its been appalling, frankly, the way that the city has handled this, just up and down, Garro said.

Garro has asked District Dogs for emergency evacuation plans. He said he has not received answers.

Despite that, Garro acknowledged the acts of heroism that day.

From the District Dogs level, Im not interested in having anybody thats a staff member lose their job, Garro said. Im so grateful for the heroism of the people that were working there that day for saving those 20 dogs and themselves.

District Dogs Northeast is closed after flash flooding at its 680 Rhode Island Ave NE location. - WJLA

Zenis owners are still waiting to get her ashes and its too soon for them to think of a way to remember her. Maples family said their final goodbyes on Monday and have yet to make arrangements. And Malees parents just picked up her ashes, but arent sure what theyll do with them yet.

For some of them its been an hour-by-hour experience, just trying to cope with what happened.

And for Costello, shes struggling to not think of what happened to Maple in her last moments.

Its been really hard knowing what happened to Maple and the other dogs and just trying not to think about it and what it must have been like for her locked up in a cage with no way out, and death just rushing in and taking your life like that, Costello said.

I cannot even imagine. And I feel so terrible as her parent caregiver for putting her there in a situation where her life was in danger like that She should not have died.

CNNs Aaron Eggleston and Rashard Rose contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
In the lead-up to one of the most closely-watched governors races in Kentucky history, political players from across the state descended on Louisville Thursday for the 59th Annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast held at the state fairgrounds.

While all in attendance Thursday morning got their bellies full with country ham and other breakfast items at the event, Kentuckys political class also got an earful of chatter about GOP gubernatorial nominee Daniel Camerons challenge against Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear .

Beshear delivered a straightforward speech touting his record on disaster recovery, infrastructure and particularly economic development.

The governor said that the two best years for private investment in the state have taken place under his watch, and that 2023 was on track to be at least the third-best.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is our chance not just to leapfrog 10 other states economies, but to be a top 10 state economy. At the rate were creating jobs, we can have a good job for every Kentuckian we get healthy enough, educated enough and trained. Think about what we can do to address generational poverty. Think about what we can do to restore hope where its been lost while still supercharging this economy. My faith tells me that thats what were supposed to do, Beshear said.

In terms of a vision for the future, Beshear focused on two proposals, both educational: to give teachers an 11% raise and to fund universal pre-K for the state.

Both of Kentuckys U.S. Senators, Republicans Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul, spoke at the event. While McConnell did not weigh in on the race to the public, Paul criticized Beshear without naming him for being too stringent with his efforts to mitigate COVID-19.

Cameron, in a response to Beshears speech, said that the governor is taking his eye off the ball on the workforce participation rate  where Kentucky has routinely ranked low relative to other states  as well as crime and the educational effects of COVID-19.

The crowd, seen by many Democrats as more conservative and less friendly territory for progressives, gave Republicans like Cameron and McConnell a more robust round of applause than Beshear.

What you saw in that room was the reaction of folks that understand our message in terms of making sure that we have good, quality schools, making sure that our streets are safe from crime and drugs, and making sure that we protect the family unit, Cameron said.

Beshears comments about accomplishments in the last few years also rankled some members of the GOP-dominated legislature.

You heard the governor today bragging on himself but he never once mentioned the legislature and what weve done legislatively. Thats really unfortunate, Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, said.

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron speaks the members of the media after the 59th Annual Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Ryan C. Hermens/rhermens@herald-leader.com

Talking strategy

But Republican legislators theories on how to channel that frustration into defeating one of the nations most popular governors diverge.

For many, like Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, the race will be about shoring up voters that are already Republican-leaning and making sure they turn out. Thayer said that Western Kentucky has to lean further right than it did in 2019, when former governor Matt Bevin lost by a razor thin margin. Beshear only won a handful of counties in the region, but the counties won by Bevin did not deliver ruby red margins close to those seen in South-Central Kentucky.

Thayer said Beshear wont be easy to beat.

The further we get away from COVID, the more of us who opposed his executive actions feel even better about the things we did to make sure they cant happen again, but there there seems to be a certain slice of the populace who thinks that he saved their lives, Thayer said.

Meredith said the race between Cameron and Beshear will be close and that issues top of mind for his district  it encompasses a big chunk of Western Kentucky  include job creation and education. Rep. Josh Calloway, R-Irvington, said that turnout in the region is gonna be key, and that Camerons campaign needs to get voters there a concrete reason to turn out.

On the other end of the state, Southeastern Kentucky Rep. Adam Bowling, R-Middlesboro, said he thinks cultural issues will help Cameron win his district. The biggest social or cultural issue pushed by Cameron and pro-Cameron forces has been advocacy for bills limiting LGBTQ medical options and education in public schools.

The feeling I get when I go back home talking to my folks, its not that they dislike governor Beshear, but they relate better with Daniel. On cultural issues, I think hes a better fit, Bowling said.

Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams, who is running against former Democratic representative Buddy Wheatley for re-election, said turnout will likely be 40% to 42%, and that Bevin nearly won because the turnout last time was higher than expected at 42%.

On the other side of the aisle, Minority Floor Leader Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, said that while last cycles race pitting Beshear against the largely unpopular Bevin was tight, theres now one big difference.

The governor has a record to run on, Graham said. I think the people will see all the advantages that we now have in terms of economic development.

When asked what Democrats should focus on electorally, Graham said getting out the Democratic base would be key along with encouraging Kentuckians who dont normally vote to support Beshear.

Graham conceded that transgender issues may be used to help Republicans in certain areas but a lot of families of any political stripe arent impacted by it, and that Beshears economic message will win the day.

The question is what do we do to help all of our people in our Commonwealth of Kentucky no matter who they are, Graham said.

Where will the ham money go?

The rumor mill wasnt spinning as strongly as last year, when former GOP gubernatorial hopeful and eventual third-place finisher Kelly Craft, dropped millions on a charity ham auction and former governor Matt Bevin was teasing another stab at the governors chair.

Craft, who was an ambassador the United Nations during the administration of former president Donald Trump, herself was not present this time around but she was part of a record $10 million winning bid on the ham in a joint bid she and her husband made with Central Bank. She and her husband Joe Craft, a prominent philanthropist and coal magnate in the state, also bought the ham last year in a joint bid with the bank and its CEO and president Luther Deaton last year  the total price then was $5 million.

Miss Kentucky Mallory Hudson holds the ham offered for auction at the 59th Annual Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Ryan C. Hermens/rhermens@herald-leader.com

Were going to give back to the communities that we serve, Deaton said of his companys bid.

The Crafts said they plan to give their funds to Boys and Girls Clubs, a mental health initiative that will be announced later this year and for the purpose of building 57 new homes in Knott County for families who lost everything in the 2022 floods. Central Bank plans to donate its $5 million to a variety of nonprofits, including several university-related ones.
Photo: The Canadian Press This aerial view shows the tanks containing treated radioactive wastewater at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima, northern Japan, on Aug. 22, 2023.

The tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant began releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday  a controversial step that prompted China to ban seafood from Japan.

People inside and outside the country protested the wastewater release, with Japanese fishing groups fearing it will further damage the reputation of their seafood and groups in China and South Korea raising concerns, making it a political and diplomatic issue.

In response to the wastewater release, Chinese customs authorities banned seafood from Japan, customs authorities announced Thursday. The ban started immediately and will affect all imports of aquatic products including seafood, according to the notice. Authorities said they will dynamically adjust relevant regulatory measures as appropriate to prevent the risks of nuclear-contaminated water discharge to the health and food safety of our country.

Shortly after Chinas announcement, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings President Tomoaki Kobayakawa said the utility was preparing to compensate Japanese business owners appropriately for damages suffered by export bans from the foreign government over the wastewater release. He said China is Japans key trading partner and that he will do his utmost by providing scientific explanations of the release so that the ban will be dropped as soon as possible.

The Japanese government and TEPCO say the water must be released to make room for the plants decommissioning and to prevent accidental leaks. They say the treatment and dilution will make the wastewater safer than international standards and its environmental impact will be negligibly small.

Tony Hooker, director of the Center for Radiation Research, Education, Innovation at the University of Adelaide, said the water released from the Fukushima plant is safe. It certainly is well below the World Health Organization drinking water guidelines, he said. Its safe.

Its a very political issue of disposing radiation into the sea, he said. I understand peoples concerns and thats because we as scientists have not explained it in a very good way, and we need to do more education.

Still, some scientists say the long-term impact of the low-dose radioactivity that remains in the water needs attention.

In a live video from a control room at the plant, TEPCO showed a staff member turn on a seawater pump with a click of a mouse, marking the beginning of the controversial project that is expected to last for decades.

Seawater Pump A activated," the main operator said, confirming the release was underway. TEPCO said an additional wastewater release pump was activated 20 minutes after the first. Plant officials said everything was moving smoothly so far.

In a statement Thursday, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said, IAEA experts are there on the ground to serve as the eyes of the international community and ensure that the discharge is being carried out as planned consistent with IAEA safety standards.

The United Nations agency also said it would launch a webpage to provide live data about the discharge, and repeated its assurance that the IAEA would have an on-site presence for the duration of the release.

The water release begins more than 12 years after the March 2011 nuclear meltdowns, caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami. It marks a milestone for the plants battle with an ever-growing radioactive water stockpile that TEPCO and the government say has hampered the daunting task of removing the fatally toxic melted debris from the reactors.

The pump activated Thursday afternoon sent the first batch of the diluted, treated water from a mixing pool to a secondary pool 10 minutes later. It then moves through a connected undersea tunnel to go out 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) off the coast. Officials said the water moves at a walking speed and will take about 30 minutes to exit from the tunnel.

The operator checked data and the progress on a set of four monitors that show the water volume, pump conditions and any alerts.

TEPCO executive Junichi Matsumoto said Thursdays release was planned to start small in order to ensure safety.

The wastewater is collected and partly recycled as cooling water after treatment, with the rest stored in around 1,000 tanks, which are already filled to 98% of their 1.37-million-ton capacity. Those tanks, which cover much of the plant complex, must be freed up to build the new facilities needed for the decommissioning process, officials said.

Final preparation for the release began Tuesday, when just one ton of treated water was sent from a tank for dilution with 1,200 tons of seawater, and the mixture was kept in the primary pool for two days for final sampling to ensure safety, Matsumoto said. A batch of 460 tons was to be sent to the mixing pool Thursday for the actual discharge.

Fukushimas fisheries, tourism and economy  which are still recovering from the disaster  worry the release could be the beginning of a new hardship.

Fukushimas current fish catch is only about one-fifth its pre-disaster level, in part due to a decline in the fishing population. China has tightened radiation testing on Japanese products from Fukushima and nine other prefectures, halting exports at customs for weeks, Fisheries Agency officials said.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the release is indispensable and could not be postponed. He noted an experimental removal of a small amount of the melted debris from the No. 2 reactor is set for later this year using a remote-controlled giant robotic arm.

In 2021, the Japanese government announced plans to release the treated water to the sea. Then, on Sunday, Kishida made a rushed visit to the plant before meeting with fisheries representatives and pledging to support their livelihoods until the release ends.

The hurried timeline raised skepticism that it was made to fit Kishidas busy political schedule in September. But Economy and Industry Ministry officials say they wanted the release to start as early as possible and have good safety records ahead of the fall fishing season.

The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami destroyed the plants cooling systems, causing three reactors to melt. Highly contaminated cooling water applied to the damaged reactors has leaked continuously to building basements and mixed with groundwater.

TEPCO plans to release 31,200 tons of the treated water by the end of March 2024, which would empty only 10 tanks because of the contaminated production of wastewater at the plant, though the pace will later pick up.
As the 2023-2024 school year ramps up, schools districts across the country are confronted with yet another year of staff shortages. From four-day school weeks, expanded teacher certificate programs to recruiting custodians and lunchroom workers, schools are finding creative short-term solutions to address the ongoing crisis.

Last year, the National Center for Education Statistics' (NCES) School Pulse Panel reported 42% of all principals, said that teachers and staff leaving the profession became a "more pressing concern" during the last school year.

Trends in staff shortages are even worse for schools with large numbers of minority students. About four in 10 schools with more than 75% minority populations have multiple teaching vacancies, according to NCES.

Here's how teacher shortage trends vary by region and what subject areas are the most strained.

Teacher shortages in the US

Larry Delaney is a high school math teacher in Washington state and the president of the Washington Education Association. He says that even when Washington state has the money to pay larger salaries and hire more educators, the supply of educators in high-need subject areas is not available.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lets say the legislature wants to fund one mental and behavioral health counselor per building in Washington. We have 4,000 school buildings in Washington state. But we dont have 4,000 mental and behavioral health professionals looking for jobs, said Delaney.

School districts are looking at short-term fixes to staff shortages, such as granting emergency teaching certificates to people who have not completed the preparation program. Although the shortage is addressed, Delaney says its not best practice.

How do regional teacher shortages compare to the rest of the US?

Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and Nevada had some of the lowest teacher-to-student ratios across the nation, according to Scholarooan education research firm. Their 2023 report shows these western states fall in the bottom 25% of teacher shortages.

Scholaroo collected data on the number of teachers and students enrolled in public schools in each state to identify potential shortages.

Nevada has one of the smallest teacher-to-student ratio with approximately 44 teachers available per 1,000 students enrolled in the state. That's one teacher for every 23 students.

In the South, two-thirds of Tennessee schools started the 2022-2023 school year with vacancies, with an average of 20 openings per district, according to a report from the Tennessee Department of Education. Nearly 3,900 positions were either vacant or held by someone with an emergency teaching credential, the data showed.

Virginia had more than 3,500 full-time teacher vacancies for the 2022-2023 school year, a rate of about 3.9% unfulfilled positions, according to Virginias Department of Education. Vacancies were worse than the year before, statistics showed.

While types of educator shortages range depending on the school district and state, Washington state suffers a shortage in early childhood educators along with special education professionals, according to the states Professional Educators Standards Board. California is looking to hire more educators in special education, science, math, career technical subjects and bilingual educators, according to the California Department of Education.

Throughout the U.S., there is a recorded critical shortage of special education teachers.

Here's how national teacher shortages compare by subject area.

How are states addressing teacher shortages?

Oregon and California allow educators with out-of-state license to apply for teaching positions in-state. California state invested money into California Student Aid Commission's Golden State Teacher Grant program as a way to attract new teachers, counselors, social workers and psychologists. The state also invested $1.5 billion towards the Educator Effectiveness Block Grant as a way to help teachers earn certain credentials or certifications in high-demand subjects.

The Washington Education Association is working with three school districts to recruit and train special education providers. The pilot program allows the WEA to provide special education certificates, becoming the first teacher's union in the U.S. to do so, according to Delaney.

Four-day school weeks are another solution introduced to local school districts. Currently, over 1,600 schools across 24 states have implemented the shortened school week, according to the Oregon State University Four-Day School Week Policy Team.

Why is there a teacher shortage?

In some states, the increased cost of living outpaces the rate of teacher pay.

The combination of rising costs of college and stagnant teacher salaries has made it extremely difficult for aspiring teachers to pursue this career. Federal data shows that enrollment for traditional teacher preparation programs dropped by nearly a third between 2010 and 2018.

Its not just unreasonable costs of living and low salaries that are discouraging teachers from continuing. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a downward trend of teachers agreeing the stress and disappointments of their job are worth it. According to annual educator surveys from the RAND Corporation, only half of all teachers agreed with this notion, compared to three-fourths of teachers who said the stress of teaching was worth it, just a few years ago.

Thats nearly as problematic as not having enough teachers: Low morale matters in and of itself, whether or not teachers quit, Heather Schwartz told USA TODAY. Schwartz is RANDs director of the Pre-K to 12 educational systems program and a senior policy researcher. Almost half of the teachers who voluntarily stopped teaching ahead of retirement in 2020 did so because of pandemic-related stress, RANDs data suggests.

Where is teacher shortage data missing?

There isnt reliable national data for tracking teacher vacancies. And some states fail to track whether educators are qualified to teach the classes theyre teaching, according to the National Council on Teacher Quality.

After evaluating states for their data collection practices, researchers at the council found that only 16 states published teacher demand data. While some states partially publish data on teacher demand, such as vacancy data, researchers are left with a patchwork of data sources, making it difficult to fully understand the national landscape of teacher shortages.

Dive deeper: Here's what the data says about teacher shortages

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teacher shortages in US: How do vacancies compare in your state?
By Josephine Walker

MILWAUKEE (Reuters) -Here is a selection of quotes from the 2024 Republican presidential candidates at their first debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

FLORIDA GOVERNOR RON DESANTIS

"I am not going to send troops to Ukraine but I am going to send them to our southern border. When these drug pushers are bringing fentanyl across the border, thats going to be the last thing they do."

TECH ENTREPRENEUR VIVEK RAMASWAMY

"The real choice we face in this primary is this: Do you want a Super PAC puppet? Or do you want a patriot who speaks the truth? Do you want incremental reform, which is what you're hearing about, or do you want revolution?"

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

FORMER NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE

On Ramaswamy: "I've had enough, already tonight, of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here. And the last person in one of these debates, Brett, who stood in the middle of the stage and said, 'What's a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here?' was Barack Obama, and I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight."

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

On Ramaswamy: "Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We don't need to bring in a rookie, we don't need to bring in people without experience."

On former President Donald Trump : "He asked me to put him over the Constitution. And I chose the Constitution. And I always will. I had no right to overturn the election."

FORMER U.N. AMBASSADOR NIKKI HALEY

"We have to look at the fact that three quarters of Americans don't want a rematch between Trump and Biden. And we have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We can't win a general election that way."

US SENATOR TIM SCOTT OF SOUTH CAROLINA

"The only way we change education in this nation is to break the backs of the teachers unions. They are standing in the door house of our kids, locking them into failing schools and locking them out of the greatest future they can have."

FORMER ARKANSAS GOVERNOR ASA HUTCHINSON

On Trump: "We have to have respect for our justice system and the rule of law, and it starts at the top with the president of the United States."

NORTH DAKOTA GOVERNOR DOUG BURGUM

"I think I took it a little too literally when they said, 'Go to Milwaukee and break a leg.'"

(Reporting By Josephine Walker in Washington; Editing by Ross Colvin and Andy Sullivan)
A 25-year-old man from St. Helena was shot multiple times Wednesday morning near Port Royals Ribaut Road, according to the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office.

Just after 8 a.m. Wednesday, Beaufort County polce dispatchers received two reports of gunfire and a possible gunshot victim from two different locations: the Walgreens Pharmacy on Ribaut Road and the nearby Johnny Morrall Circle. Port Royal police found several shell casings in the road of Johnny Morrall Circle, while Beaufort Police found a man with multiple gunshot wounds in a car parked at the pharmacy.

The injured man was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where he remains in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon. Investigators believe he was shot inside his car Johnny Morrall Circle before driving to Walgreens, according to Sheriffs Office spokesperson Maj. Angela Viens.

No suspects had been identified as of Thursday afternoon, Viens said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Beaufort County Sheriffs Office is cooperating with the Beaufort Police Department and Port Royal Police Department to investigate the incident.

Anyone with information about this shooting is encouraged to contact SSgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418 or the anonymous Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry tip line at 843-554-1111.
DETROIT  Days after an early morning Amber Alert for two twin newborns shook up metro Detroit, law enforcement officials continued to offer few new details about what had happened Sunday night into Monday morning  and what its investigation uncovered.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, Livonia police released a three-sentence statement that said it was continuing to investigate and had "made four arrests related to the kidnapping of Montana and Matthew Bridges," and the case is being submitted to the Wayne County Prosecutor.

Neither the suspects nor the charges were identified.

As of Thursday morning no news developments had been announced in the case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Iowa Amber Alert: Amber Alert issued for 14-year-old Burlington, Iowa girl believed to be in danger

Outstanding warrant request

The prosecutor's office told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, late Tuesday it had not received a warrant request.

Most of what law enforcement has said about the case so far has come from statements and a brief news conference on Monday, where police officials, including Detroit Police Chief James White, Livonia Police Capt. Gregory Yon and Acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Devin Kowalski, praised the alerts outcome.

The closest official account of what happened Sunday night came from Yon, who said: "The lady left them with two friends and when she came back, they were gone." He did not specify whether the woman he was referring to was the twins' mother.

An Amber Alert was issued in Livonia for twins Matthew Jace and Montana Alexander Bridges, both 14 days old, on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.

When asked to clarify what he meant by "friends," he called them "friendly acquaintances."

The Free Press left several messages Monday and Tuesday with Yon.

Grandmother offers information

In many ways, the police, and community, have much to rejoice. Unlike the Amber Alert last month involving the abduction of a 2-year-old girl, Wynter Cole-Smith, who was killed. In this case, the children were returned to police unharmed.

The twins' grandmother, Lolita Vann offered more information in an interview Monday with the Free Press. She said she didn't know how they ended up at a hotel in Livonia, but had heard someone may have broken into her daughter's home.

She also heard people had offered to help her daughter with her newborns and find them a place to stay.

At the news conference, officials applauded agency cooperation and sidestepped a reporters question at the news conference of whether the incident was still being investigated as a kidnapping and declined to identify who dropped the children off.

White acknowledged that investigators didnt have many answers.

Causing 'panic and alarm' Carlee Russell facing criminal charges after faking abduction

Police initially said twins taken by two women

Police initially said the two-week-old twin boys were taken by two women sometime after 10 p.m. Sunday from the Quality Inn hotel in Livonia where they were staying with their mother. Early the next morning, an Amber Alert, with photographs of the twins and two people, was issued.

The twins were dropped off at about 9:30 a.m. Monday to the Detroit Police's 9th Precinct. The Amber Alert was canceled.

"Everyone put in a lot of work," White said at the news conference, flanked by other officials and after naming several of the departments involved. He praised the community and added that the infants' return was "the best outcome possible."

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 4 arrested in newborn twins Amber Alert case in Michigan
Suspect in California bar shooting that left 3 dead was targeting his wife, sources say

LOS ANGELES  A gunman who opened fire at a beloved California bar popular with bikers, leaving three people dead, is a former law enforcement officer who targeted his wife, authorities said Thursday.

The shooter was identified as 59-year-old John Snowling, who retired as a sergeant from the Ventura Police Department in 2014, the Orange County District Attorney's Office said.

Snowling was among those killed when gunfire erupted at Cooks Corner in Trabuco Canyon just after 7 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, officials said.

Four people in all were pronounced dead at the scene, including the gunman, officials said. Six other people were transported to a hospital, five of whom had gunshot wounds, Orange County Fire Chief Brian Fennessy said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The shooter's "wife was injured in the shooting and is not deceased," the sheriff said Thursday.

Orange County sheriff's deputies encountered the armed man and a shooting that involved multiple deputies, leaving the gunman dead, Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said.

"This is an absolute tragic event and something that I know is probably weighing very heavy on the entire Trabuco Canyon community," Hallock said. "Cook's Corner, I mean, it's a staple here in south Orange County."

Customer Betty Fruichantie was at the bar listening to a band with the gunman's wife when they heard loud pops behind them, sounds they first thought were firecrackers.

"And then he starts shooting and me and ... his wife, and all of sudden, she hits the floor and I didnt know if she got hit or if she was just ducking from the bullets," Fruichantie told NBC Los Angeles.

"He had two guns and he was just going bang, bang, bang, bang, bang. And I just felt them (bullets) going by me, moving past my face on both sides. "

It took a few seconds for some bar patrons to realize a shooting was underway before they took off.

"When I saw people running Im like, 'Oh my god, I got shot at and I didn't die and I better run now before I get killed," Fruichantie recalled. "It was like a madhouse. Everyone was getting up and running."

She and others hid in a bathroom where "we heard a lot of gunshots, a whole bunch of gunshots" before coming out to see fallen bodies all over the bar with survivors trying to hold their wounds.

"It was awful, it was awful," Fruichanti said.

Police officers work at the scene of a shooting

The identities of those killed were not immediately released.

Two of the injured were in critical condition, Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo said in a statement. The four others were stable, it said.

Three law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation said the gunman targeted his wife, but it was not clear whether she was among the dead or injured. The sources stressed details were preliminary and did not identify where he previously worked.

Hallock said at least one weapon was recovered. He said that investigators were also looking at whether the gunman was a former member of law enforcement but that it was too early to confirm any of that.

"We're working to confirm that, and would expect to have that information maybe tomorrow, if in fact it's true," he said.

When deputies arrived, their radios captured the sound of gunfire, which was heard by dispatchers, Hallock said. It was not clear whether that was the shooting involving deputies.

"It is our understanding that dispatch could hear gunshots going off in the background," he said.

Cooks Corner advertises itself as one of the most famous biker bars in Southern California, and it goes back to the 1930s.

It opened in 1931 as a roadside hamburger restaurant, later became a bar and was discovered by bikers in the 1970s, the Los Angeles Times reported in a history of the establishment published in 2005.

Around 30 to 40 witnesses were not injured, Hallock said. Investigators were conducting interviews Wednesday night.

Gov. Gavin Newsoms office said it was aware of the shooting and coordinating with local officials.

State Sen. Catherine Blakespear, whose district includes Orange County, said she was devastated.

My heart aches for those involved, she wrote on social media. My team and I are monitoring the situation and thank the first responders for their involvement at the scene.

State Sen. Dave Min, who also represents the county, called Cooks Corner a historic bar in the heart of Orange County.

Our district is one of the safest areas in the country, and yet we too are repeatedly afflicted with the scourge of mass shootings, Min wrote.

Trabuco Canyon is a community of around 1,000 in the foothills in Orange County, about 12 miles east of Irvine.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Russian forces shelled the Kurakhove settlement in Donetsk Oblast on Aug. 24, damaging a supermarket and injuring four women, the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported.

According to the prosecutors, Russia launched the attack at around 11 a.m., targeting Kurakhove's center with artillery.

The shells hit a local supermarket with civilians inside. The four women aged between 25 and 66 suffered blast injuries and bruises, one of them was rescued from underneath the rubble, the prosecutors said.

All of them have been provided with medical assistance, the report noted.

Other projectiles hit an administrative building, near which two cars caught on fire. The shelling further damaged a critical infrastructure building and a residential building in the settlement, according to prosecutors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Partially occupied Donetsk Oblast remains a site of hostilities since the start of the Russian aggression in 2014. Moscow's forces regularly target cities and villages that remain under Ukrainian control, with civilian casualties reported on a regular basis.

According to Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, during the past day, Russian attacks killed one person in Chasiv Yar, and injured two in Iskra and two more in Avdiivka.

Read also: Russian attacks kill 5, injure 29 over past day

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
At least four people were killed and several more were injured Wednesday evening after shots rang out at a historic and popular Southern California biker bar.

Among those killed was the suspected gunman, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Department.

The shooting happened around 7:05 p.m. at Cooks Corner located in Trabuco Canyon.

Royals downtown stadium rendering includes pedestrian bridge, but to where?

Multiple people called 911 to report shots fired and deputies from the Sheriffs Department responded to the scene within minutes, according to Undersheriff Jeff Hallock.

When deputies arrived, emergency dispatchers reported the sounds of gunshots could be heard on their radios.

Authorities responded after several people were shot at Cook's Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, 2023. (KTLA)

At an 11 p.m. press conference, Hallock said several deputies entered the property and confronted the suspect, whos been identified only as an adult man.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A shooting occurred involving multiple deputies and the suspect was fatally shot. Hallock could not confirm if deputies struck the gunman, although he admitted it was safe to assume that was the case.

Photos posted to social media showed a chaotic and bloody scene inside the popular bar.

Paramedics from the Orange County Fire Authority responded to assist the Sheriffs Department and transported six people to the hospital, five of whom required treatment for gunshot wounds.

Four people, including the gunman, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The six victims are being treated at Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, the hospital announced. Two of the patients are in critical condition, while the other four are listed as stable.

DOJ investigating KCFD on allegations of race discrimination

No law enforcement officers or fire personnel were injured, officials added.

Brian Fennessey, chief of the Orange County Fire Authority, called the shooting a tragic incident that weighs heavily on our community and the first responders and our hearts go out to all those involved.

Authorities were unable to give many details about the gunman or what led up to the shooting, but confirmed that the shooter was possibly a retired law enforcement officer.

Hallock could not confirm if the shooting was related to domestic violence as some have speculated, but said dozens of witnesses still needed to be interviewed. He described the crime scene as complex, and said crews would be processing evidence throughout the night.

Authorities responded after several people were shot at Cook's Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon on August 23, 2023. (KTLA)

Cooks Corner is a famous motorcycle pitstop located about six miles northeast of Lake Forest. The bar was built in 1884 and has hosted a number of high-profile visitors, including film stars and former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Hallock described Cooks Corner as a beloved business that is incredibly important to the Trabuco Canyon community.

Cooks Corner is a staple in south Orange County, Hallock said during the Wednesday news conference.

The About section on the bars website highlights its history and importance to the Southern California biker community, as well as its resiliency in surviving natural disasters and economic turmoil.

Weve experienced major earthquakes, forest fires, floods, recessions and other disasters, the website read. Weve gotten through all of them and came out stronger.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
SHEBOYGAN  Four swimmers in distress on Lake Michigan Wednesday evening in Sheboygan were rescued by a good Samaritan.

Sheboygan Fire Department said in a news release firefighters responded to the report of multiple swimmers in distress on the lake off the shore of King Park, 1615 S. Seventh St., at around 5:41 p.m. Wednesday.

When firefighters and police arrived at the scene, they found all four swimmers had been helped to shore by a good Samaritan. The swimmers were taken to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, the department said.

Vehicle crashes into pond: Man drives vehicle off Interstate 43 and into Acuity retention pond in Sheboygan

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: 4 swimmers rescued from Lake Michigan in Sheboygan by good Samaritan
Over 65 local officers will be off the job after Thursdays hours-long standoff in Pittsburghs Garfield neighborhood that ended with a suspects death.

Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus told Channel 11 that William Hardison Sr. was pronounced dead at 5:08 p.m., nearly seven hours after the shootout started.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE 

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, where Hardison allegedly opened fire when sheriffs deputies arrived to serve an eviction notice.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Neighbors told Channel 11 Hardison was a squatter at the home, which was originally owned by his brother.

It was a harrowing day for the neighborhood as hundreds of shots were fired. Many residents had to be evacuated.

The aftermath of the shootout was seen by a Channel 11 crew the next morning, as many vehicles in the neighborhood remained parked in the streets riddled with bullets and their windows blown out.

RIGHT NOW: Were getting our first close look at the aftermath of yesterdays shootout between William Hardison Sr. and police on Broad Street in Garfield. Weve seen several cars with bullet holes and windows blown out. Pittsburgh police will remain here for now @WPXI pic.twitter.com/KbS2tOdi37  Lauren Talotta (@LaurenTalottaTV) August 24, 2023

Click here for everything weve learned about Hardison so far.

State police are handling the investigation.

>>> Law enforcement officials react to active shooting situation in Garfield

On Thursday, a Pittsburgh Public Safety official told Channel 11 that 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 to return to the job. They are expected to be off the job for about a week.

About a dozen Allegheny County police officers are on leave and will return to duty at the discretion of the superintendent, officials told Channel 11.

Sixteen Allegheny County Sheriffs Deputies fired shots and are on paid leave. They must also undergo a psychiatric evaluation before returning to work.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

PITTSBURGH ACTIVE SHOOTER: Suspect dead after police shootout in Garfield Pittsburgh active shooter: What we know about the suspect, William Hardison Sr. 1 killed in crash on I-79 in Washington County, officials say VIDEO: Radio calls between dispatchers, police describe moments as shooting situation escalated in Garfield DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts
Vivek Ramaswamy quickly emerged Wednesday night as the punching bag in the first Republican presidential debate, finding himself in the midst of nearly all of the most fiery clashes.

And the 38-year-old political newcomer, whos been rising in the polls, seemed to relish in the attention.

Were just gonna have some fun tonight, Ramaswamy said early on in a tussle with former Vice President Mike Pence .

The former biotech entrepreneur, who's been rising in the polls in recent weeks, dished out some of the nights most memorable one-liners. And Ramaswamy was a major target for attacks from the other candidates on stage.

Christie calls Ramaswamy an amateur

Chris Christie came out of the gate swinging for Ramaswamy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, the former New Jersey governor said of Ramaswamy.

Christie also mocked Ramaswamys self-introduction as a skinny guy with a funny last name.

The last person in one of these debates  who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama, Christie said. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur.

Ramaswamy shot back: Give me a hug just like you did Obama, a reference to Christies 2012 embrace of the president in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.

Pence blasts Ramaswamy over inexperience, age

The former vice president under Donald Trump pressed the case that he was the best-prepared candidate with battle-tested conservative bona fides.

Ive got news for you, Vivek, Pence said. Ive been in the hallway. I've been in the West Wing.



Now is not the time for on-the-job training, Pence continued. We dont need to bring in a rookie. We dont need to bring in people without experience.

Pence returned to the idea later on in the debate. We dont need a president whos too old, he said. And we dont need a president whos too young.

Haley hits Trump, GOP over federal spending

Nikki Haley tried to cast herself as the fiscal hawk on the stage, attacking her former boss, Donald Trump, and other Republican candidates, who she said are responsible for ballooning federal spending.

She tore into the bipartisan, $2.2 trillion Covid relief package, the CARES Act, which Trump signed into law.

You have Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Mike Pence  they all voted to raise the debt, she said. Donald Trump added $8 trillion to our debt. Our kids are never going to forgive us for this.

Look at the 2024 budget, Republicans asked for $7.4 billion in earmarks. Democrats asked for $2.8 billion," she said. So you tell me who are the big spenders. It's time for an accountant in the White House.

Ramaswamy hits Christie for criticizing Trump

As hes been doing on the campaign trail, Christie on the debate stage was among the most vocal critics of Trump. He said Trumps conduct related to Jan. 6 and seeking to overturn the election was beneath the office of the president of the United States.

That was met with boos from the audience at the Fox News debate  and an attack from Ramaswamy.

Your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based on vengeance and grievance against one man, he said.

Haley hammers Ramaswamy on foreign policy

Haley, the former ambassador to the U.N. during the Trump administration, tore into Ramaswamy for calling for an end to U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

She vigorously defended funding Ukraines resistance against Russias invasion of the country and tried to portray Ramaswamy as a novice on the world stage.

The problem that Vivek doesnt understand is: He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia. He wants to let China eat Taiwan. He wants to go and stop funding Israel. You dont do that to friends, Haley said.

You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country, Haley told Ramaswamy, referring to Vladimir Putin.

You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, she added.

Ramaswamy, for his part, said that he didnt think Ukraine should be a priority for the U.S. He tried to cast her as a war-mongerer.

I wish you well on your future career on the boards of Lockheed and Raytheon, he told Haley.
(Castanet reporter) Rob Gibson wrote in his Aug. 21 news article: "According to the federal Air Quality Health Index, most of the Thompson-Okanagan, including Kelowna, Penticton and Kamloops are at 11 out of 10, while Vernon is at eight out of 10."

The following day, (Castanet reporter) Brayden Ursel quoted West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund saying "[Firefighters] are breathing it (wildfire smoke) for 12, 14, 16 hours at a time, so it is a real challenge. Someone told me today that our air quality today is the worst in the world."

On the Government of Canada's website, one page provides a constantly updated summary of British Columbia's Air Quality Health Index, which ranges from 1 (low risk) to 10+ (very high risk).

But it appears Canada's Air Quality Health Index is a bit of a "smokescreen" (pardon the pun). What does "10+" really mean? Depending on the day and time of day, could "10+" be a score of 11? 12? 20? 100? What?

In the U.S, a different scale is used. Air quality is measured by the Environmental Protection Agency's air quality index (AQI), which ranges from zero to 500. Levels under 100 are generally considered safe. Unhealthy levels range from 101 to 300, where more sensitive groups of peoplesuch as those with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD ), asthma and those suffering from heart disease may experience symptoms at lower levels. A value over 300 is considered hazardous, where everyone is likely to be affected from the poor breathing conditions. The weblink for the U.S. Air Quality Index (AQI) is found here.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, particulate matter is made up of tiny pieces of solid or liquid in the air including dust, dirt, soot and smoke.

On Aug. 22, I filled out a form on the Government of Canada website to request the following data: amount of particulate matter (g/m3) in the air in the Kelowna area (each 24 hours) from Aug. 17, 2023 to Aug. 22, 2023. Also, the amount of carbon monoxide (ppm), sulfur dioxide (ppb), and nitrogen dioxide (ppb) in the air for the same dates.

Will I receive a response?

If Environment Canada, Health Canada, Interior Health and the B.C. Ministry of Health informed us on a daily basis what the air quality is using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys air quality index, I think many more people would be wearing masks before venturing outside in smoky weather.

I wonder what percentage of firefighters who battle wildfires are given N95 masks and portable air purifying equipment.

Last month, Neil McMillian, director of science and research for the International Association of Fire Fighters, told CTV: "Our members are deployed not only for 10-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour shifts, but days on end, in some of these really harsh conditions. Having something [proper protection] that can be fit-tested to be used under those circumstances, be trucked in and out of these remote locations is difficult to develop, and also to be certified through regulatory bodies."

In 2020, a study by researchers at B.C.'s University of Fraser Valley found that cancer is the leading cause of death among all firefighters in Canada. Read the report here.

David Buckna, Kelowna
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.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.
(The Hill)  Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities this week in Fulton County, Georgia, on charges of racketeering in connection with former President Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

His mugshot posed a stark contrast to images from Giulianis time in the Big Apples top office when he was hailed as Americas Mayor for his leadership after the 9/11 attacks. And there was a unique irony to the case, with Giuliani facing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges similar to those he used to prosecute the mob as a U.S. attorney earlier in his career.

Ohio court system trading ankle bracelets for smartwatches

But American mayors have a sordid history as an institution, with a number of high-profile charges and convictions over the years. And just like Giuliani, who has yet to go to trial, their legal travails frequently make national news.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Here are six current and former U.S. mayors who were convicted of crimes.

Boston Mayor James Michael Curley (D)

Charges: Mail fraud

Curley, the City on the Hills second Irish-American mayor, was beloved by voters, who elected him four times. Curley also served a single term as governor of Massachusetts and two terms, three decades apart, in the House of Representatives.

It was not until late in his 40-year political career that Curley ended up in serious legal trouble, and he was indicted on mail fraud charges in 1945  but he still won a fourth term as mayor while under indictment. He was convicted and sentenced to 6-18 months in prison, but President Harry S. Truman commuted his sentence five months in.

Where is he now? Curley finished his term after leaving prison, but in 1949 lost the Democratic primary to John Hynes, who served as acting mayor while he was in prison. He retired from politics and died in 1958.

Providence, R.I., Mayor Buddy Cianci (R)

Charges: Kidnapping, racketeering conspiracy

Cianci started his political career similarly to Giuliani, as a crusading, media-savvy federal prosecutor running against the corruption of a big-city Democratic machine. He ended it with the ignominious distinction of being the only person on this list convicted of two different crimes in two different terms.

In 1984, Cianci allegedly kidnapped a contractor he believed to be having an affair with his wife and beat him with a piece of firewood, eventually pleading no contest and resigning.

However, he remained such a popular local figure that he won election again in 1991, serving as mayor for another 11 years. In 2002, he was one of several city officials indicted in a federal corruption investigation known as Operation Plunderdome and was sentenced to five years in prison and forced to resign (again).

Where is he now? Cianci was released from prison in 2007 and tried to make another political comeback, running for mayor in 2014 after his probation was up. He lost the race and died two years later, but he remains the longest-serving mayor in Providence history. His story was told in the first season of the hit podcast Crimetown.

Camden, N.J., Mayor Angelo Errichetti (D)

Charges: Bribery and conspiracy

Errichetti was a key figure in the Abscam FBI operation in the late 1970s, in which both local politicians and members of Congress accepted bribes from undercover agents disguised as investors from the Middle East.

Errichetti arranged the meetings in exchange for a cut of the bribes. The FBI targeted a total of 31 people, and eventually, 12 of them, including Errichetti and seven members of Congress, were convicted of bribery and conspiracy. Errichetti served 32 months of a six-year sentence.

Where is he now? Errichetti died in 2013 at 84 years old. Jeremy Renner played a fictionalized version of him, renamed Carmine Polito, in the film American Hustle later that same year.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (D)

Charges: Perjury, obstruction of justice, mail fraud, wire fraud, racketeering

Kilpatrick was first elected in 2001, the youngest mayor in Detroit history at 31 years old. Two years later, the former deputy chief of the Detroit Police Department and a former Kilpatrick bodyguard sued, alleging that they had been fired for investigating an affair between Kilpatrick and chief of staff Christine Beatty. Upon the discovery of text messages confirming the affair, Kilpatrick was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice and resigned shortly thereafter.

In 2010, Kilpatrick was indicted again as part of a federal investigation into bribery and fraud in city contracts. He was convicted on 24 counts and sentenced to 28 years in prison.

Where is he now? Then-President Trump commuted Kilpatricks sentence in January 2021. His story was told in the second season of Crimetown.

Four killed, including suspect, in mass shooting at California biker bar

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh (D)

Charges: Tax evasion, conspiracy

Pugh became the subject of a federal investigation in 2019 over sales of her own Healthy Holly childrens books to the University of Maryland Medical Center, raising suspicions of self-dealing. Pugh at first said those had been her only book sales, but she was later discovered to have sold nearly $200,000 worth of books to institutions that do business with the city. Pugh resigned that May and was indicted on fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy charges that November, pleading guilty to conspiracy and tax evasion.

Where is she now? Pugh was sentenced to three years in prison in 2020. She was released in April 2022.

Bridgeport, Conn., Mayor Joe Ganim (D)

Charges: Racketeering, extortion, bribery, mail fraud

Ganim was first elected mayor of Connecticuts largest city in 1991, defeating incumbent Republican Mary Moran during a period where Bridgeport had become shorthand for the decline of American cities. He was re-elected four times but in 2003 was convicted on 16 counts in connection with an alleged scheme to extort hundreds of thousands from city contractors, with the presiding judge calling the alleged crimes the stuff cynicism is made of.

Where is he now?: Ganim was released from prison in 2010 and ran for mayor of Bridgeport again in 2015. He won and is the citys current mayor.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
ORLEANS  Beyond the glass door of a 4,200-square-foot storefront next to the Kid & Kaboodle children's boutique on Route 6A in Orleans, an unusual operation has taken up residence  not a retail endeavor, but a haven for dolphins and other small cetaceans.

Within, behind a hospital-white wall hung with images of stranded dolphins receiving care from human rescuers, saltwater percolates through twin 4,500-gallon pools, each 15 feet in diameter. On a deck built between them lies a large red sling with black straps, and a plastic tote filled with lidded vials for holding biological samples, swabs, and other medical supplies.

All that's missing from this cetacean emergency room are dolphins. But that won't be the case for long, as Cape Cod is recognized as a global hotspot for dolphin strandings.

That's the reason the International Fund for Animal Welfare, a wildlife rescue and conservation organization, is opening a dolphin rescue center at 115 Route 6A. It will fill a critical need for space to provide intensive care for the most at-risk dolphins and porpoises that strand on Cape Cod's shores.

A 'missing piece of the puzzle' after 25 years of rescue work on Cape Cod

Rehabilitation coordinator and program manager Jon Picard, animal rescue veterinarian Sarah Sharp, animal care technician Emily Millen and registered veterinary technician Dani Stone, left to right, demonstrate how an incoming dolphin will be weighed at the new International Fund for Animal Welfare dolphin rescue center in Orleans. The center was built to improve chances of survival for stranded dolphins. Located on Route 6A, the center is in a former retail space occupied by Orleans Auto Supply.

Brian Sharp, director of IFAWs marine mammal rescue and research team based in Yarmouth Port, said it's been a long time coming, considering that the nonprofit has been dedicated to cetacean stranding responses on Cape Cod for more than two decades  November will mark 25 years of rescue work here.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"This is the missing piece of the puzzle," Sharp said Tuesday during a sneak peek at the facility that's set officially to begin operating as soon as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration signs off on the final paperwork, expected at any time.

A ceremonial public opening of the center, financed in part by the Dutch Postcode Lottery, will likely take place in October.

Sharp noted that Cape Cod sees more frequent live mass strandings of dolphins than anywhere else in the world, yet there are no facilities for treating them here, nor in fact anywhere north of Florida. That's left local rescuers having to treat stranded animals solely in the field, which isn't always enough.

Additional recovery time may be needed for some stranded dolphins

To have a better chance at survival, Sharp said, some animals require additional diagnostics, more focused treatments, "and sometimes simply additional recovery time that can only be provided at a dedicated facility."

IFAW animal rescue veterinarian Sarah Sharp, Sharp's wife, said as a rescuer she's experienced a lot of heartache over the dolphins she's worked with in the field on Cape Cod.

It's heartbreaking, she said, to let them go after limited waterside intervention, knowing some may only have a 50% chance of surviving without more dedicated care. Her husband agreed, noting that beyond situations where euthanization is necessary, the rescuers' only option has been to do their best to treat the animals in the field, then "release them and hope."

"We're going to be very excited to be able to finally admit patients" who need more care, he said.

A primary goal is to improve survivability

Once an auto supply shop, a building on Route 6A in Orleans has been transformed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare into a dolphin rescue center with two pools large enough to care for dolphins up to 96 hours. The center was built to improve chances of survival for dolphins that strand off Cape Cod.

"It will be really amazing to see what we can do," said Sarah Sharp. "The primary goal of this facility is to improve the survivability of these animals."

The team will be able to work with their patients for up to four days in the facility's two treatment pools, and on the deck between the pools, where they will weigh their patients and conduct out-of-water diagnostics and treatments.

The facility also includes an area where frozen and locally-sourced fresh fish will be processed for feeding the patients, in addition to a work and meeting space, and a lab where the team can process blood and blow samples, evaluate x-rays and sonograms, test the treatment tank water and conduct other lab work.

"We'll be able to do those advanced diagnostics" that can't be done in the field, Sarah Sharp said.

While some tests may still need to be sent out, the ability to do most of that work at the facility will allow the wild patients to be treated more rapidly and returned to the ocean sooner, she said, noting the rescuers aim to handle the animals as little as possible.

The center, said Brian Sharp, is ideally located about 20 minutes from the most common stranding spots in Cape Cod Bay.

Can anyone visit the center once it's open?

While visitors won't be able to go into the treatment area, they will be able to visit the public outreach center at the front of the facility, where they can learn about IFAW's efforts in the field and any patients being treated there. There will be a live feed of the treatment pools on a closed-circuit television screen so people can observe activity when there are animals present.

It'll be a chance to "engage people at a whole different level we haven't been able to do before," Sharp said.

The center will also importantly serve to advance understanding of illnesses that affect cetaceans and how best to treat them, as well as how the animals may be affected by capture myopathy, a condition brought on by acute stress of live stranding that is not well understood in cetaceans.

"The more we learn, the more we can help them," Sarah Sharp said.

Orleans center is planned as a place to train marine scientists

A former auto supply store on Route 6A in Orleans has been transformed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare into a dolphin rescue center. When fully open, the center will feature a front area with educational materials and a closed-circuit television that will allow members of the public to view activity in the center.

Another significant function of the center will be to provide hands-on training for other marine scientists.

According to Brian Sharp, over the last 10 years "25% of live cetaceans that strand in the United States, including Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. territories, stranded off Cape Cod between Barnstable and Wellfleet." The busiest time of year for dolphin strandings is between late December and late April.

Cape Cod's geography and the bay's extreme tidal changes  with a 9- to 12-foot difference between high and low tide  are the main reason strandings happen so often here. Coupled with long, sloping beaches, he explained, "that really creates the perfect place for dolphins to strand, unfortunately."

Strandings do occur on the Atlantic side of the Cape, but are not as common as in the bay.

"We have about 70 live cetacean strandings a year," Sharp said, noting there are about 20 cases per year that would benefit from the short-term, emergency care the center will provide.

The rescuers mostly deal with short-beaked common dolphins, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbor porpoises.

Sharp said the team is also seeing more bottlenose dolphins, a species that generally prefers warmer water. In the past, he said, they came across one or two bottlenose dolphins a year. This year they've encountered six or seven.

With warmer waters, a shift in animals that strand may occur

The Gulf of Maine, which includes Cape Cod Bay, is one of the earth's fastest warming bodies of water.

As water temperatures increase, Sharp said, "what we may end up seeing is a shift in the animals that strand here."

At the new rescue center, each pool can hold up to four animals in extreme events, such as mass strandings resulting from hurricanes or oil spills, but usually each pool will hold just one to two animals, Sarah Sharp said. The team is equipped to handle animals up to 700 pounds.

After their treatment, animals will be released back into the wild, though it is expected there will be difficult choices to euthanize animals that are suffering and beyond helping.

Sharp advises anyone who comes across a stranded dolphin to "stay back about 150 feet, for their safety as well as the animal's safety," and call the IFAW hotline at 508-743-9548.

Heather McCarron writes about climate change, environment, energy, science and the natural world. Reach her at hmccarron@capecodonline.com, or follow her on Twitter @HMcCarron_CCT

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Dolphin rescue center planned for former Orleans Auto Supply
A 74-year-old woman whose mobile home was swept away by a tropical storm in Southern California remains missing, but her family is holding out hope.

My moms really tough, daughter Tracey Monteverde told KTLA. Shes been through a lot in her life and if theres one person thats sitting out there, that would be her.

Christie Rockwood of Angelus Oaks has been missing since the remnants of Hurricane Hilary struck Southern California, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said in a news release.

Rockwood, described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall and weighing 265 pounds, was last seen Sunday, Aug. 20, sheriffs officials said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Her home in the Seven Oaks Resort area was swept off its foundation by rising river waters, officials said.

Her family said Rockwood told them she intended to ride out the storm in her mobile home.

She thought it was going to be just a heavy storm, son Ethan Harrison told KNBC.

Searchers reported finding wreckage from her home and some of her belongings about 3 miles away, Monteverde told KTLA.

I havent given up hope yet but the only thing that hurts me is thinking shes stuck in the mud trapped, cold and suffering, Harrison told KNBC.

Authorities ask that anyone with information about Rockwood call the Yucaipa Sheriffs Station at 909-918-2305.

Angelus Oaks is about 20 miles east of San Bernardino.

Dad drowns saving 21-year-old son from river below waterfall, Alaska officials say

Sleeping grandfather dies when SUV crashes into his home, Arizona family says

Body with mysterious puncture wounds pulled from ocean, California sheriff says
A man has been charged after a kidnapped 19-year-old was found dead in a California field, officials say.

Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, of Whittier, was charged with a number of counts, including murder, kidnapping and attempted forcible rape, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said in an Aug. 23 news release.

Esparza pleaded not guilty, prosecutors said.

Shortly after midnight Sunday, Aug. 20, Andrea Vazquez and a man were in the parking lot at Penn Park in Whittier when a man with a gun approached, Whittier police said in a news release, McClatchy News previously reported.

The man with Vazquez told officers he ran away after the man fired a shot in their direction, police said. When he returned, he found blood near his vehicle, and Vazquez was missing, according to police.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After the parking lot shooting, which police called a random attack, Esparza is accused of taking Vazquez and driving off with her in the bed of his pickup truck, prosecutors said.

Esparza then drove to a remote Moreno Valley area, where he attempted to rape her before dumping her body in a field, according to officials.

Police said they searched for her in large open land areas of Moreno Valley and found Vazquez dead in a vegetation field at about 11:50 p.m. Aug. 21.

Today is the saddest day of my life, Enrique Vazquez, Andrea Vazquezs father, told NBC4 after his daughters body was found. I lost my daughter, and I cant describe my pain.

Esparza was arrested at his Lakewood workplace Aug. 21, police said. He is being held without bail.

Our hearts ache for the devastating loss of a young life, District Attorney George Gascon said in the release. The heinous nature of this crime, involving the murder, kidnapping and attempted rape of an innocent young woman, shocks our community to its core.

Vazquezs mother, Ana Vazquez, told NBC4 nothing makes sense about her daughters death

We dont know this person (Esparza), Ana Vazquez told the outlet. Why did he do that? Who is he? Why my daughter?

Esparza is expected to appear in court on Oct. 25, the district attorneys office said. If convicted of all charges, he faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole.

Whittier is about 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

19-year-old found dead in field after she was kidnapped from park, California cops say

Man flees gunshots, returns to find blood and woman missing from park, CA cops say

Accused shooter in womans slaying over Pride flag identified, California cops say
The American Civil Liberties Union in July released a report that said two big Canyon County school districts disciplined Latino students at higher rates than their white counterparts. It said they had staff members who made denigrating remarks about Latino fellow staff members and students.

Now the ACLU has asked the U.S. Justice Department to investigate one of the districts. But the ACLU has not asked for an investigation of the other, saying it is encouraged by the districts reform efforts.

The ACLU on Wednesday filed a complaint with the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division on behalf of all Latino students in the Nampa School District and two staff members.

According to the complaint, students and staff members witnessed a number of instances where Latino students were discriminated against, including:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A school resource officer who said his job was to clean up the school after he was discussing a Mexican student who had been disciplined.

A teacher telling a group of Latino students you need to speak English here, even though the students were speaking English.

An employee commenting lets see how long he lasts because we already got rid of all his friends after a Latino student re-enrolled in the Nampa School District.

District spokesperson Kathleen Tuck told the Idaho Statesman in an email that the district is aware of the ACLU complaint and is awaiting advice from legal counsel.

One of the ACLUs arguments is that Latino students who want to express pride in their culture through their clothing are unfairly targeted through Nampas policies.

The July report said dress code and disciplinary policies in the Nampa and Caldwell school districts prohibited students from wearing items or emblems that are evidence of membership or gang affiliation. But the ACLU said these policies are vague, leading to students facing discipline for wearing items like Catholic rosaries and clothing with the La Huelga Bird emblem, a symbol of the United Farm Workers union.

ACLU spokesperson Jeremy Woodson told the Statesman by email that the group is starting with the Nampa School District due to the egregiousness of their discriminatory discipline policies in addition to a lack of response or action from the district in resolving problems with those policies.

We will continue advocacy efforts as it relates to Caldwell School District, but are at least encouraged by recent efforts that district has made around equity and inclusion, Woodson said.

Latinos made up 38% of the Nampa School Districts student body, while white students made up 63% in the 2022-23 school year. Yet Latino students made up seven out of nine of the students with gang-affiliated dress code violations, according to the ACLU.

According to the complaint, the Nampa School District violated parts of the Civil Rights Act that prohibit racial discrimination, discrimination based on actual or perceived citizenship, and hostile education environments.

The ACLU is asking the government to remedy unlawful conduct and ensure compliance from the school district.

Block on Idaho law banning transgender female athletes is upheld by federal court

Unwelcome at Hispanic Cultural Center of Idaho, Latinos support city takeover
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed the Unfair Real Estate Agreements Act into law Thursday.

I think it will help do the job to protect North Carolina homeowners for years to come, he said.

The law prohibits contracts between realtors and homeowners that are binding for more than one year, bind future owners, or create a lien, encumbrance, or other real property security interest.

This all began in 2022.

Action 9s Jason Stoogenke started investigating Florida-based MV Realtys Homeowner Benefit Agreement. The company agreed to give homeowners who signed the agreements up to $5,000. In exchange, it got exclusive rights to sell their homes for 40 years. If homeowners hired another realtor, theyd have to pay MV Realty a penalty  3% of the value of their home. But some say they didnt realize all of that.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Stoogenke teamed up with Channel 9s sister stations in six other states to investigate these contracts. Since then, MV Realty has stopped offering them. Six states, including North Carolina, have sued the business, and 16 states have passed laws because of the companys practices. North Carolina is the latest.

Predatory businesses will not be allowed to trick North Carolinas homeowners without consequences  not on my watch, said Attorney General Josh Stein in a statement. Ill keep fighting these bad actors, and Im grateful to the legislature for passing and Gov. Roy Cooper for signing legislation to put an end to these unfair real estate agreements.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE

Stoogenke asked MV Realty for its side of the story. It deferred to the Future Listing Purchasers Association, which speaks for the industry:

Today citizens of North Carolina were stripped of a fundamental right by the Governor and state legislature at the behest of special interests. With Governor Roy Coopers signature of House Bill 422, homeowners across the state will no longer be able to receive compensation for the right to list their home - a right that now must be given away for free.

Its regrettable that an alternative to traditional real estate relationships that directly benefits North Carolina homeowners is somehow being presented as abusive or deceptive.

Notably, those that have pushed for action by the state have a large stake in stopping a new business model that threatens their bottom-line profits.

Representatives of groups like the National Association of Realtors - a trade association currently being sued for antitrust violations and previously found to engage in willfully anti-competitive behavior as recently as a few months ago - as well as large corporations like Zillow and Anywhere Real Estate who own real estate brokers Century 21 Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Corcoran Group, and Sothebys Realty, have all worked with the intention to attack and undermine the credibility of this business model and stop this new alternative to traditional real estate relationships, that directly benefits North Carolina homeowners.

The reality is more than 2200 North Carolina homeowners participated in Homeowner Benefit Agreements (HBA); of that, only 14 complaints have been identified following the attorney generals two-year investigation. Moreover, in the specifics of those complaints, its clear there was no proof of deception or abusive practices.

Tragically, the Governor and state legislator have allowed special interests to manipulate the government of North Carolina to stem innovation and consumer choice for homeowners across the state.

This applies to all real estate contracts in North Carolina from now on. If you get locked into one, you can sue for whatever amount you suffered. In addition, the Attorney General can sue for up to $5,000 for each violation.

VIDEO: Support grows for legislation Action 9 investigation sparked
If you head to Charlestown Town Beach this weekend, you may notice something missing.

There's no longer a massive sign at the eastern end of the beach that says "Town Beach Property Ends Here  Private Property Beyond This Point  No Trespassing."

That's a significant victory, says Scott Keeley, an activist who describes the sign and the security guard who were once stationed there as "the Lexington and Concord of our Rhode Island shoreline conflict."

Keeley, who was arrested while gathering seaweed beyond the sign in 2019, had been campaigning to get it taken down for years. And he credited state Sen. Victoria Gu, D-Westerly, with helping to make that happen.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Under Rhode Island's new shoreline access law, the public has the right to use any beach as long as they're no more than 10 feet above the seaweed line. So, legally, people could walk right past the sign without trespassing on private property.

But the average beachgoer wouldn't necessarily know that  which is why activists like Keeley found the sign to be misleading and wanted it taken down.

This no-trespassing sign at the eastern end of Charlestown Town Beach has been removed. [Provided by Scott Keeley]

Why the sign became a flashpoint

Rhode Island's coastline is riddled with misleading, inaccurate and illegal signs, and the one that stood at the edge of Charlestown Town Beach is just one example. But it's a case study that demonstrates how beaches get blocked off to the public and how activists are fighting back.

According to Keeley, the intimidating-looking sign appeared in 2018 or 2019. Fencing, which sometimes reached all the way to the water's edge, went up alongside it. Then, a private security company was hired to keep beachgoers away.

The sign was "the start," but the security guard was "the bridge too far," Keeley said. "It turned Charlestown Beach into 'Not yours.'"

Keeley was arrested in 2019 after the security guard called the police and claimed he was trespassing. The charges were dropped and Keeley later won a settlement, but the incident sparked a movement to reclaim Rhode Islanders' right to use the shoreline in the face of increasing privatization.

The law that passed this year was arguably the biggest victory yet  but Keeley remained frustrated by the continued presence of the sign and the security guard, which deterred people from exercising their rights.

Earlier this summer, he launched a successful pressure campaign to get rid of the security guard. And he also renewed his push to have the sign taken down.

"For years, many people  it wasnt just me  looked at it, and said 'How could that possibly be permitted?" Keeley said.

Signage and fencing expanded over time

Before property owners can erect signs or fences on the beach, they need permission from the state Coastal Resources Management Council.

Keeley said that he and others repeatedly asked the CRMC why this particular sign was allowed, and were told it had a permit. Then, earlier this summer, he asked for a copy and was sent the full assent, which detailed all the stipulations.

As it turned out, the CRMC had approved a sign and a fence  but not the sign and fence that Keeley objected to.

Back in 2005, a Connecticut couple who owned the property next to Charlestown Town Beach had proposed installing snow fencing to protect the fragile dunes. They also asked to put up a 4-foot-high sign saying "No Trespassing  Private Property."

The CRMC gave them the OK, warning the sign could not "preclude the public from exercising their shoreline privileges that are guaranteed by the Rhode Island State Constitution."

In 2018, the property changed hands. The new sign that went up around that time had different wording, was larger than what the CRMC had approved, and was about 9 feet tall, Keeley estimates. And by the time of his arrest, the fencing wasn't protecting the just dunes, but also blocking off a large portion of the beach.

It's not clear who was behind the changes. The current owner, Stephanie Roberge of Fairfield, Connecticut, couldn't immediately be reached for comment.

Keeley said he'd gotten the impression that a neighborhood association put up the sign and hired the security guard, rather than a specific homeowner. (Notably, two of the directors of Rhode Island Association of Coastal Taxpayers, a new group that's suing to overturn the shoreline access law, own beachfront property beyond the sign.)

CRMC demands the sign be removed

In June, the CRMC notified Roberge that the snow-fencing wasn't authorized and that the sign didn't comply with the original permit. This month, the agency issued an official notice of violation, saying that the sign had had to be removed by Aug. 18.

CRMC spokeswoman Laura Dwyer confirmed on Wednesday that the property owner took down the sign. (The fencing is still up, Keeley said.)

"This took a lot of back-and-forth between myself, Coastal Resources Management Council of Rhode Island and the property owner, but the large No Trespassing sign right by Charlestown Town Beach is finally gone!" Gu wrote on Facebook on Tuesday. She added: "This was just one example of the many shoreline signs that mislead the public, but it was one of the most prominent."

The frustrating thing, Keeley said, was that it took the CRMC so long to act. Until Gu got involved, he said, he didn't see much progress.

"You wonder how it was up for an hour, let alone four years," he said.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Charlestown Beach 'private property' sign is removed after controversy
On Wednesday night, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had an important message for those watching him participate in the first Republican debate of the presidential primary season.

I learned in the militaryI was assigned with the U.S. Navy SEALs in Iraqthat you focus on the mission above all else, you cant get distracted, DeSantis said. So Republicans, weve got to look forward and weve got to make sure that were bringing the message that can win in November 2024.

DeSantis moved on without further explanation, leaving some observers extremely impressed. Others, however, were far less moved.

He was never a Navy SEAL, Billy Allmon, a former member of SEAL Team 1, told The Daily Beast. Its a misleading statement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

DeSantis again said during the debate that he deployed to Iraq alongside U.S. Navy SEALs, mirroring the backstory shared earlier this month on a podcast hosted by former Trump counsel-turned-co-defendant Jenna Ellis. During the show, DeSantis campaign surrogate Carly Atchison described her boss path through life in deeply inspirational terms.

An actual text from right leaning civilian last night. They think he's a SEAL. pic.twitter.com/IPco12Bt2I  Brandon Sparks (@BrandonMSparks) August 24, 2023

DeSantis grew up blue-collar, then worked his way through Yale and Harvard Law, Atchison said. But rather than using his pair of Ivy League degrees to make six-figures doing whatever, after 9/11 he raised his hand and said, I want to serve my country.

So, Atchison continued, He went out to Coronado, he trained, and was deployed, ultimately, with SEAL Team 1, in some of the most dangerous parts of the world at the timeFallujah and others. Served his country out of this need for service. Then he went on to run for Congress. He obviously became governor, and now hes running for president of the United States because he wants to reverse the decline of this country.

The next day, Atchison appeared on another show, again lauding DeSantis over his decision to forsake a life of riches for a hitch with the SEALs. He trained at Coronado with the SEALs, and he was ultimately deployed to Iraq with Navy SEAL Team 1, Atchison told host Bill Mitchell, emphasizing that DeSantis spent time in some of the most dangerous parts of the world.

Thats just the kind of person he is, Atchison went on, before launching into a rundown of DeSantis poll numbers and complimenting his bold, conservative leadership. A day later, Atchison gave another interview, again describing the way DeSantis went out to train in Coronado and was ultimately deployed with Navy SEAL Team 1 to Iraq He earned a Bronze Star.

In fact, DeSantis was a Navy lawyer, known in military parlance as a JAG. And in 2007, three years after his commission, he did serve as a legal adviser to a SEAL commander in Iraq. His role was to ensure the SEALs and Army Green Berets in the region abided by the rule of law and that captured enemy troops were treated humanely, in line with the Geneva Conventions.

He did a phenomenal job, Capt. Dane Thorleifson told the Miami Herald in 2018.

Nonetheless, while it may be technically true that DeSantis deployed with or alongside a SEAL team, which was based in Coronado, California, Allmon, who went through SEAL training in 1970 (BUD/S class 58), sees the governors narrative as something more akin to a lie by omission.

I mean, I could go onboard the USS Constellation for a tour, and I can then go around saying, I was on the USS Constellation, and just leave it at that, Allmon told The Daily Beast. And people would think, Hey, he was on the Constellation. It just leaves an open forum, and he should have clarified it a lot better.

I was on the Navy Staff at the Pentagon with a Navy SEAL.



So I, too, am a Navy SEAL. https://t.co/B9GY75YATE  Kai Ryssdal (@kairyssdal) August 24, 2023

Don Shipley, another former SEAL (SEAL Teams 1 and 2; BUD/S class 131), has made a second career out of exposing fakers. He told The Daily Beast that he has verified Ron so many times, for so many people, and that he doesnt think DeSantis is trying to purposefully mislead anyone. Yet, like Allmon, Shipley noted the distinct lack of follow-up by DeSantis to clarify his service.

With DeSantis, I was with SEAL Team 1, well, its the truth, said Shipley. But without going into a lot of detail, people [naturally] think, Ah, you were a SEAL.

Still, in certain instances, a JAG can be more valuable than additional firepower, according to Shipley.

They deploy with SEAL teams to keep them out of trouble, he said. [DeSantis] wasnt a shooter, he wasnt a door-kickerbut they do get some weapons training [H]e deployed with Team 1 to keep them out of trouble Theres a saying, If you can take an extra shooter with you, or you can take a lawyer, take the lawyer.

DeSantis squishy descriptions of his SEAL service can be equally irritating for American vets who served in other branches of the service. Former Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL), a onetime Air Force pilot who continues to serve as a lieutenant colonel in the Air National Guard, said on Thursday that he has had people tell me that DeSantis was a Navy SEAL.

It bothers me, Kinzinger told The Daily Beast. I deployed to support SEALs, Delta, etc, and never once have [I] tried to pretend I was one. And never once said I deployed with the SEALs.

Reaction online to DeSantis SEAL story was swift, with radio host and former Navy pilot Kai Ryssdal tweeting, I was on the Navy Staff at the Pentagon with a Navy SEAL. So I, too, am a Navy SEAL.

He was just a fucking Navy lawyer, never a SEAL, former Navy officer Scott Mettler posted. The SEALs were merely his clients.

An actual text from [a] right leaning civilian last night. They think he's a SEAL, another vet tweeted.

Ron DeSantis in Iraq. DeSantis for Governor

And in response to Kinzinger, Allmon tweeted, Let me assure everyone that DeSantis was NEVER a U.S. Navy SEAL! Adam, though we may disagree on political issues, I thank YOU for your Honorable Service to our country! God Bless you and keep you safe.

DeSantis also spent time during his JAG career stationed at the U.S. Navy base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he was an assistant urinalysis coordinator.

Some former SEALs werent even aware until a couple of years ago that DeSantis served at all, and his name was not well-known in the SEAL community, Kevin Kent (SEAL Team 5; BUD/S class 200) told The Daily Beast. Kent said he has not heard anything positive or negative from the community, and doesnt know of anyone that feels like [DeSantis] is stealing valor or banking on the [Naval Special Warfare] community.

A little embellishment here or there by someone who may have been SEAL-adjacent, such as a support technician or, ahem, a JAG, usually starts out being harmless, and then it snowballs and you just cant stop, according to Shipley. Not everybody in a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt was a Dallas Cowboy, but when youre wearing a SEALs shirt in Walmart and somebody walks up to you and asks if you were a SEAL, nine times out of 10 theyll say no. But that tenth time, they say yesand they like the reaction they get.

Making a broader point, U.S. Marine Corps recruiter Maj. Tom Schueman said he thinks its unfortunate that the Global War on Terror generation has created a taxonomy of service.

Service always comes at a cost, and everyone who wears the uniform makes a sacrifice, Schueman told The Daily Beast. We should be proud of our service, and honest in our characterization of it.

The DeSantis campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

With additional reporting by Zach Petrizzo and Jose Pagliery

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
The affidavit supporting felony murder and other charges against a Tennessee woman in the killing of Fairway Officer Jonah Oswald will remain under seal, a Johnson County judge ordered Wednesday.

In the order filed in Johnson County District Court Thursday morning, Judge Michael P. Joyce ruled the court document in the case against 32-year-old Andrea Rene Cothran of Goodlettsville, Tennessee, should not be released.

A reporter from The Star on Aug. 9 requested a copy of the affidavit, which describes why someone is charged with a crime, as part of the papers reporting on the events surrounding Oswalds death and the prosecution of the case.

The Johnson County District Attorneys office originally charged Cothran with one count each of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and theft. She also faces a charge of reckless driving, a misdemeanor. All those charges pertain to the police chase.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The charges were amended on Aug. 16 to include an additional count of felony first-degree murder. The new charge alleges that Oswald was killed while Cothran allegedly committed the other crimes.

In his ruling, Joyce wrote that prosecutors presented good cause to seal the affidavit.

The reasons Joyce cited in the order was that the affidavits release could jeopardize the physical, mental or emotional safety or well-being of a victim, witness, confidential source or undercover agent, or cause the destruction of evidence, and that it could interfere with any prospective law enforcement action, criminal investigation or prosecution.

In 2014, Kansas became the last state in the nation to open criminal affidavits. Prosecutors, defendants and their attorneys have up to five days to submit proposed redactions or make a motion to seal the documents. A judge then considers whether to release, seal or redact the court record.

Previously in other cases, The Star has maintained that rulings by the Kansas Supreme Court favor disclosure of affidavits. There are only 10 circumstances in which a judge would be allowed to seal the affidavit. Joyces ruling cited two of them.

Oswald was critically wounded in a shootout on Aug. 6 that began with Lenexa police investigating reports of a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee at the QuikTrip near West 95th Street and Interstate 35 in Lenexa.

Cothran allegedly was driving the SUV and rammed a Lenexa police cruiser. Lenexa police chased the vehicle north on I-35. When it crashed at Lamar Avenue, she and another suspect ran into a nearby QuikTrip at 4700 Lamar in Mission.

Oswald and other officers from several police departments followed the pair inside and then shots were exchanged. Oswald was wounded and taken to a hospital, where he died the next day.

The other suspect, Shannon Wayne Marshall, 40, of Ashland City, Tennessee, was killed at the scene.

Cothran remains in custody in the Johnson County jail on a $1 million bond. Her next court appearance is at 10 a.m. Sept. 20.

The case was also being investigated by the Johnson County Officer-Involved Critical Incident Investigation Team.
The wildfire (in the Clifton Road area of Kelowna) started Thursday, Aug. 17. The Wilden (neighbourhood) was not placed on evacuation alert

At approximately 11 p.m., we noticed the sky lighten from inside our house, went outside and saw that the fire had crested Knox Mountain and was moving quickly down the east slope into the Hidden Lake area of Wilden.

Residents of the Hidden Lake area (Union and Begbie Roads) had to evacuate immediately. We were not sure what was happening in other parts of Wilden at that time. It quickly became obvious most (residents) of Wilden was leaving. Cars were backed up through Upper Canyon Drive to get out.

The situation was made worse because there were a lot of fire watchers at the top of Wilden that evening looking at the McDougall Creek fire burn across the lake. It was extremely stressful for everyone to then be stuck in our cars with the fire raging behind us.

We registered online with emergency support system on Friday morning. Media reporting said evacuees should go to the Prospera Place arena for assistance and information.

We went to Prospera Place on Saturday and were asked if we had somewhere to stay (fortunately we did) and were told that they didnt have support vouchers at that time but were expecting them in the next day or two.

We went (back) to Prospera Place on Monday and were told they would not be distributing support vouchers, it was now only a location for people who needed somewhere to sleep and eat. We should go to either the Vernon, Penticton or West Kelowna emergency support system sites.

We went to West Kelowna site on Tuesday, were given a colored card (brown) and told to keep checking the Regional District of Central Okanagans website ESS queue to see when (our) color would be served and come back then. At the time (Tuesday afternoon) there were 12 colours ahead of us, so we were told it would likely be a few days.

We were also told that support couldnt be retroactive. Yes, most people have insurance, but many have large deductibles ($1,000 to $2,500), so (they) will be out of pocket for unplanned expenses.

This morning (Aug. 24), still on evacuation order, there were nine colours ahead of us in the queue

I very much appreciate all the volunteers who have stepped up to help their community, they have all been kind and are only working from what information they are given. The firefighters, RCMP and all the other emergency service personnel who have been working hard to support all the displaced residents, I am so thankful for them too.

We may (hopefully) be back in our home before we are able to access any ESS support . It has been one week and counting so far.

I dont understandand would like to ask the governmenthow is this non-retroactive support system supposed to help anyone with the financial expenses of being unexpectedly forced from your homes by wildfire?

Lana Evans
AI chip giant Nvidia mentioned a particular company again and again during its latest blockbuster conference call. You'll be surprised which one.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a keynote address at CES 2017 in Las Vegas. Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Investors have been counting how many times executives say 'AI' on conference calls.

That's become tedious.

Instead, I counted how many times Nvidia mentioned different companies on its latest call.

This year, investors have been counting how many times company executives say "AI" on earnings conference calls.

It's getting a little repetitive and less useful.

So, for Nvidia's quarterly results on Wednesday, I decided to tweak the approach and count how many times the chipmaker mentioned different customers.

Tech companies are fighting to purchase as many Nvidia GPUs as possible to train and fine-tune their AI models. There aren't enough of these chips to go round, so it's important to know Nvidia's preferred customers. Counting these mentions provides a rough guide.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I reviewed the earnings conference call transcript, provided by Sentieo, part of financial data firm AlphaSense. The results are surprising.

VMware, the cloud company being acquired by Broadcom, was the clear winner with 15 mentions during the call with analysts on Wednesday.

Several of these were standard mentions that happen when an executive drones on (usually from a script) about recent customer wins and partnerships.

However, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang went out of his way to talk about VMware when answering AI questions from analysts. He didn't have to do this, but he did. Here's one example, where the CEO discussed large companies adopting new AI technologies.

"In order for enterprises to do it, you have to support the management system, the operating system, the security and software-defined data center approach of enterprises, and that's called VMware," he said.

When talking about how Nvidia is getting its generative AI libraries into the hands of large businesses, the CEO said these assets will be "offered as a special SKU by VMware's sales force, which is, as we all know, quite large because they reach some several hundred thousand VMware customers around the world."

No other Nvidia customer or partner came close to VMware in terms of mentions during Wednesday's conference call.

Some notable disappointments, based on this method: Apple was only mentioned once. Amazon and Google, two of the largest cloud and AI companies on earth, only got a couple of callouts each.

Here's the full list:

Company Number of mentions VMware 15 Snowflake 5 Microsoft 4 ServiceNow 4 Dell 4 Hewlett Packard Enterprise 4 Lenovo 4 Accenture 3 WPP 3 Hugging Face 3 Meta 3 Adobe 3 Amazon 2 Google 2 Getty Images 2 MediaTek 2 Softbank 1 Oracle 1 Shutterstock 1 ARM 1 Dolby 1 Apple 1 Autodesk 1 Pixar (Disney) 1 CoreWeave 1

Read the original article on Business Insider
[Source]

A group of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has successfully helped a paralyzed woman speak again using a brain implant powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

Key details: The study, led by the chairman of neurological surgery at UCSF, Edward Chang, was published in two separate reports in Nature on Wednesday. The implant was also showcased in a video uploaded by Nature to YouTube on Tuesday.

Their study: Speaking toUC Berkeley Engineering press, Gopala Anumanchipalli, an assistant professor at the universitys Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences who also co-authored the paper, explained that they used a new device called a speech neuroprosthesis, which helped Ann, a woman who became paralyzed due to a stroke, speak and convey emotions again through interconnected devices and other technological methods.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

How it works: The group implanted 253 paper-thin, rectangular electrodes on the part of the womans brain that sends signals to the muscles responsible for speaking. After several weeks of algorithmic training, the AI managed to decode her brain activity into facial movements associated with a vocabulary of more than 1,000 words.

More from NextShark: 'You're going to die for bringing kung flu': Man charged with assault, ethnic intimidation after alleged attack on Cincinnati student

Ann was able to convey a message through an avatar using a synthesized voice that was created from recordings of Ann speaking at her wedding.

Restoring voice alone is impressive, but facial communication is so intrinsic to being human, and it restores a sense of embodiment and control to the patient who has lost that, Michael Berger, CTO and co-founder of Speech Graphics, said.

The other study: The group previously used a brain-computer interface in another study in which they helped Pat Bennett, a 68-year-old woman who was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or motor neurone disease, to speak again.

More from NextShark: Highland Park parade shooter posted anti-Asian, anti-Black sentiments days before July 4 massacre

Using AI and two tiny sensors connected to two separate regions of her brain, the study yielded promising results, with the data showing that Bennett was able to communicate at an average rate of 62 words per minute.

Their goal: The groups aim is to restore a full, embodied way of communicating, which is really the most natural way for us to talk with others, Chang said.

More from NextShark: Biden Appoints Erika Moritsugu as AAPI Senior Liaison, Deputy Assistant to the President

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Chinese Virus!: Asian Mom Gets Spit On 3 Times While Holding Her Baby in Queens
An air-raid warning has been issued throughout Ukraine due to the takeoff of MiG-31K fighter jets from the Savasleyka airfield in Russia on the afternoon of 24 August, the Ukrainian Independence Day; the warning lasted for about an hour.

Source: Ukrainian Air Force

Quote: "There is a missile threat throughout Ukraine! A MiG-31K took off from the Savasleyka airfield in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. Do not ignore the air-raid warning!"

Details: The Air Force reported about the missile threat on 15:26, 24 August.

At 16:24, the air-raid warning started to cease throughout the country.

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!
Australia's Qantas Airways posted an annual profit of $1.7 billion on Thursday.

Employees are being rewarded with a share of a bonus pot worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

CEO Alan Joyce hailed the "substantial turnaround" to better its pre-pandemic performance.

Qantas Airways is giving about 21,000 workers a share of a bonus pot worth hundreds of millions of dollars after posting its first annual profit since 2019.

The Australian airline, which also owns Jetstar, posted a pre-tax profit of about $1.6 billion  an impressive recovery after reporting an even larger loss the previous year.

The post-pandemic recovery reflected surging demand for air travel, higher fares, cheaper fuel and a reduction in other costs.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Flight delays and cancellations have largely returned to pre-COVID levels and we've shifted from heavy losses to a strong profit and pipeline of investment worth billions of dollars," CEO Alan Joyce said in a statement Thursday.

He said Qantas staff had "done a superb job under very difficult circumstances."

In 2021 about 21,000 staff were given shares in Qantas that can now be cashed in and are worth about $3,850.

They're also getting a cash payment worth about $3,200 as new workplace agreements are finalised, and a travel credit worth about $320. That totals almost $7,400.

The workplace agreements are largely related to orders for 24 planes from Airbus and Boeing due to start being delivered in 2027.

Qantas is not the only company to share out its wealth among employees. In May Singapore Airlines gave its staff a bonus equivalent to eight months' salary after posting healthy profits.

Joyce rejected calls for the airline to repay pandemic-era government subsidies worth about $1.7 billion following its return to financial health.

He told ABC TV's "7.30 Report" that the best approach was making higher profits and start to pay corporation tax again, which he expected to happen from 2025.

Read the original article on Business Insider
MCKEAN  A national developer is looking at the feasibility of building a massive distribution center in Erie County.

Atlanta-based Seefried Industrial Properties has been working to determine if the former Green Shingle property on Sterrettania Road at Interstate 90 in McKean Township would be a suitable site for the development.

Seefried has partnered with Amazon to build distribution facilities across the U.S., including one that opened in Euclid, Ohio, near Cleveland, in 2019, and another that opened in Akron, Ohio, in 2020. It's not known if the local facility would be built for Amazon.

"The company has not divulged who it's working for," said Janice Dennis, chairwoman of the McKean Township Board of Supervisors. "So do we know that this facility would be for Amazon? No. Do we think that it would be for Amazon? Yes."

The former Dixie Truckers Home restaurant, previously the Green Shingle, is shown here shortly after it closed in 2001. The building was demolished in 2015.

A Seefried spokeswoman did not respond to an Erie Times-News inquiry about the company's plans and whether it is partnering with Amazon or another company.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Amazon opened a smaller distribution, or fulfillment, center in Millcreek in July 2021. The company leases 112,500 square feet in the former Steris Corp. building at 2424 W. 23rd St.

What's been done and what's in progress

Seefried obtained zoning variances required for construction of a 649,653-square-foot distribution center at the McKean Township site last fall.

The building's height would be 130 feet, or the equivalent height of a traditional 13-story building, but with only five stories, according to information presented to the McKean Township Zoning Hearing Board. The township zoning ordinance limits building height to 50 feet in the Industrial-1 zone, where the Sterrettania Road property is located. Seefried was granted an 80-foot variance for the taller structure in October.

The company also was granted variances concerning parking spaces and loading docks.

Obtaining required zoning variances is the first step for a construction project, Dennis said.

"If you can't get the variances, a project is not going any farther," Dennis said. "Once they have those, the next hurdles are transportation and water."

Seefried has since been working with Erie Water Works to determine the feasibility of providing water to the property. The water company is contacting nearby property owners to see if they are willing to grant easements for the installation of a water line to the site from the Erie Water Works system in Millcreek, Erie Water Works CEO Paul Vojtek said.

The Erie Water Works system ends at its storage tank on Sterrettania Road, near Millfair Road, about a mile and a half from the proposed distribution center.

The developer also will need to work with PennDOT on driveway and access plans, Dennis said.

There is a sewage system on site, she said.

If the company decides to proceed with construction, it would be required to present a land development plan for approval by the McKean Township Planning Commission and township supervisors.

No land development plan has been submitted, Dennis said.

"It can take a long time to get the other approvals," Dennis said. "But we're hopeful that we'll see a land development plan in 2024."

While distribution center construction is by no means certain, it would be welcome, Dennis said.

"It would bring a lot of jobs to Erie County as well as McKean Township," she said. "And it would be a good use of property already zoned for industrial use."

The 650,000-square-foot Amazon distribution center in Euclid, Ohio, was expected to employ 1,000 full-time workers at its 2019 opening on the site of a former shopping mall, according to JobsOhio, the state's private economic development agency.

The 640,000-square-foot Akron, Ohio, distribution center employed 5,000 workers in 2022, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

Former uses of the property

The property is south of Interstate 90 and on the west side of Sterrettania Road.

It previously was occupied by the Green Shingle, a restaurant and truck stop operated by Carl Mayer and members of his family from 1960 until 1998, when it was sold to Illinois-based Dixie Truckers Home. The company operated a truck stop, restaurant and convenience store on the site until 2001.

Erie real estate agent and developer Greg Rubino bought the property in 2002 and sold it in 2007 to Presque Isle Downs, which also bought an adjacent 120 acres as a possible site for its racetrack and casino.

The 83-acre former Green Shingle property has been owned by Hammel Green LLC since 2019, according to Erie County property records.

Michael Hammel, the managing member of the firm, declined to comment when contacted by the Erie Times-News concerning possible development of the property.

In Fairview: Meeting on proposed business park turns raucous

Reporter Ed Palattella contributed to this story.

Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Is Amazon planning a new distribution center in Erie County? Maybe.
The American nurse kidnapped with her daughter in Haiti last month has said she "holds no grudges" against her captors, and that her clinic doors remain always open to them.

"I want you to know that I hold no grudges against you in my heart. That doesn't mean I agree with what you are doing. Especially what you are doing against your own Haitian brothers and sisters," Alix Dorsainvil said in her first public remarks since she was released by her captors earlier this month.

Dorsainvil addressed both her captors and the people of Haiti in a video posted on the website of El Roi Haiti, the nonprofit Christian ministry where she was working at the time of her July kidnapping.

"I want you guys to know that everything I said during my time in captivity was sincere," Dorsainvil said, addressing her abductors. "They were not the manipulative words of someone desperate to escape, but simply the truth. Especially when I told you my clinic doors are always open to you or anyone in need, when you're sick, or wounded, without any problem."

She assured her captors that if it were up to her, "I would care for you without any prejudice and receive you with open arms," while also warning them against filling the "void in your hearts" with money, power and status.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I want you to know that those things will never truly satisfy you," she said.

Alix Dorsainvil of New Hampshire was working for El Roi Haiti when she and her young daughter were seized in late July. She is the wife of the group's founder, Sandro Dorsainvil.

Witnesses told The Associated Press that Dorsainvil was working in the organization's small brick clinic when armed men burst in and seized her on July 27.

The kidnapping  one of many in the crime-ridden Haitian capital, much of which has been controlled by heavily armed criminal gangs for months  quickly drew anger from the local community that Dorsainvil was there to help. About 200 Haitians marched through Port-au-Prince several days after the abduction to vent their anger and demand the kidnappers release the American nurse and her daughter.

At one point during her time in captivity, Dorsainvil said she was approached by a gang member who said, "Nurse Alix, the people of Duvivier are marching for you."

People demonstrate to demand the release of kidnapped New Hampshire nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Aug. 3, 2023. / Credit: RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images

"This encouraged me a lot because I knew you were standing with me during that difficult time," Dorsainvil said of her friends and supporters. "It took a lot of courage for you to do that."

El Roi Haiti confirmed the pair's release in a blog post on Aug. 10.

"It is with a heart of gratitude and immense joy that we at El Roi Haiti confirm the safe release of our staff member and friend, Alix Dorsainvil and her child who were held hostage in Port au Prince," the organization wrote, without providing any information about how the pair's release was secured.

Dorsainvil ended her video message by saying to the Haitian people that while she wishes she were back at the clinic, she needs time to heal from her trauma.

"My love for you, all my love for Haiti, has not changed or gone away," she said.

Tucker Reals contributed to this report.

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?
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich , center, back to the camera, is escorted to the Lefortovsky court in Moscow, Russia, on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Gershkovich, who was detained on espionage charges, arrived at a Moscow court Thursday for a hearing on a motion by the prosecution to extend his arrest. | Dmitry Serebryakov, Associated Press

Russia extended the pretrial detention of American Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich Thursday. The U.S. government says he is being wrongfully detained.

What we know: Gershkovich was detained in March in Moscows Lefortovo prison on espionage charges by the Kremlin. He, the U.S. and WSJ adamantly deny the claims. If convicted, the 31-year-old could be facing a prison term sentence of up to 20 years.

The pretrial detention will now extend from Aug. 30 to Nov. 30 at the earliest, The New York Times reports.

U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy visited Russia earlier this month and reported he appeared to be in good health despite challenging circumstances, per The Associated Press.

According to claims by Russias Federal Security Service, Gershkovich was acting on the instructions of the American side, collected information constituting a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex, per AP.

Why it matters: His arrest marks the first time since the Cold War ended that an American journalist had been detained on accusations of spying in Russia, per the Times.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Russias Federal Security Service has covertly tracked high-profile Americans in the country, broke into their rooms to plant recording devices, WSJ reported in July.

The secretive unit, the Department for Counterintelligence Operations, has intensified its operations in recent years as the conflict between Moscow and Washington worsened, per WSJ.

According to the WSJ report, Russian President Vladimir Putin operates with direct oversight over the unit and was a former KGB lieutenant colonel heading the Federal Security Service before becoming president.

What President Joe Biden said about an exchange: Im serious about a prisoner exchange, Biden said during a news conference in Helsinki, per CNN. Im serious about doing what we can to free Americans who are being illegally held in Russia or anywhere else for that matter. And that process is underway.

Other Americans imprisoned in Russia: Paul Whelan, a Michigan corporate security executive, has been imprisoned in the country since December 2018, also on espionage charges. The U.S. government and Whelans family say the charges are baseless, The Guardian reported.
An American tourist filled up a fog machine with marijuana and blasted a street with smoke at a popular tourist destination in Thailand to promote his business back home, police say

An American tourist blasted up a street in Phuket, Thailand, with marijuana smoke (not pictured). Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images; kitzcorner/Shutterstock

An American tourist blasted a street in Thailand with marijuana smoke, according to Phuket Provincial Police.

The man, identified as Angkhan Vorac Chhieng by local police, apologized for causing damage to tourism image.

Chhieng told Insider he was not the one to fog the street and claimed that the machine did not have marijuana.

An American tourist filled up a fog machine with marijuana and blasted a street with smoke at a popular tourist destination in Thailand to promote his marijuana business back home, according to the Phuket Provincial Police.

The police outlined their accusations in a Facebook post on Monday. In the post, police said the man  who they identified as Angkhan Vorac Chhieng  used the fog machine along Bangla Walking Street in Potong Beach at 2:30 a.m. on August 18. The street in Patong  a beach resort town in Phuket  has been known for its nightlife for years, and has more recently become home to many cannabis dispensaries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the police's Facebook post written in Thai, Angkhan admitted that he had acted unknowingly to create content promoting marijuana that was sold abroad, and did not think it would be an inappropriate action.

According to Chhieng's Instagram profile, he is the owner of Kush Life, a California-based lifestyle brand centered around marijuana. He also goes by the name Onky Chieng, per his profile.

In the Instagram post below, a man is shown walking around Patong blasting people with a device filled with marijuana. The device appears to be constructed specifically for marijuana, with an Instagram page describing it as "the kush cannon," which refers to a type of cannabis.

Chhieng, 55, first traveled to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, on August 15, before traveling to Phuket, according to the police's Facebook post. The police were alerted to the incident after a video on social media showed Chhieng using a fog machine filled with marijuana, per the post. The police used public surveillance footage to identify Chhieng.

The police later found that Chhieng was staying in a hotel in Bangla Walking Street, where they informed him that "such actions cannot be done in public," according to the post.

Chhieng said he did not know it was inappropriate and apologized for causing damage to the tourism image of Phuket Province, according to the Police post. He departed Phuket on August 19, the police wrote in the post.

In an email to Insider on Thursday, Chhieng denied that he was the one who blasted fog on the street and said he was not in possession of a fog machine. He also said there "was never any marijuana in the fog machine."

"We didn't go all the way to Thailand to make an impact on the news. We love the people and the culture, I was born there, I just wanted to do something good together with other people in the cannabis community," Chhieng said, adding that he was in Phuket to meet with potential partners.

In June last year, Thailand became the first country in Asia to legalize marijuana. Since then, dozens of cannabis dispensaries have set up shop at Bangla Walking Street.

But that doesn't mean there are now laws surrounding the use of marijuana.

According to The Washington Post, smoking marijuana in public can be charged under Thailand's public nuisance law and is punishable with a fine of $780 or three months in jail. Thai authorities have recently pushed to tighten regulations on marijuana, per Bloomberg.

The Phuket Provincial Police did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider.

August 28, 2023: This story has been updated to include a response from Chhieng, who denies that he was the one to use the fog machine and says there was no marijuana in the fog machine.

Read the original article on Insider
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

APPLE DROPS ITS OPPOSITION TO CALIFORNIA RIGHT TO REPAIR BILL

Broken iPhone? Soon, you might have more options for fixing it.

Tech giant Apple has dropped its opposition to SB 244, Californias Right to Repair bill that would require electronic and appliance manufacturers to provide product owners and service and repair shops the means to diagnose, maintain and fix those items.

The company told the website TechCrunch that it supports the bill so all Californians have even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The decision comes after three other states  Colorado, Minnesota and New York  have passed similar laws.

CALPIRG, which champions SB 244, released a statement commending Apple for changing its mind.

When you buy something, you should be able to do what you want with it. But when it comes to repair, for too long, electronics manufacturers have made it difficult to live by that core principle, said CALPIRG State Director Jennifer Engstrom. This move by one of the biggest tech companies in the world is a sign that the Right to Repair is an idea whose time has come. Now, Californias legislators need to fix our laws so we can fix our stuff.

According to TechCrunch, Apple has softened its stance toward the self-repair movement, likely in anticipation of continued state and federal legislation.

BONTA CONDEMNS TEMECULA SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR FORCED OUTING POLICY

For the third time in recent weeks, California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a statement condemning a Southern California school district for adopting a policy that requires teachers and other school staff to out transgender students to their parents.

This time, the it is Temecula Valley Unified School District, where the board squared off this summer with Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom when it rejected a proposed social studies curriculum that included Harvey Milk.

Temecula Valley Unifieds new policy is similar to ones adopted by Chino Valley Unified School District and Murrieta Valley Unified School District, requiring schools to notify parents if a student requests to go by a different name or pronoun.

Chino Valley Unified is currently the subject of a civil rights investigation for doing so.

The rise in school districts adopting policies that target Californias vulnerable LGBTQ+ student population is of grave concern, Bonta said in a statement.

He added that his office is closely monitoring the situation and that it will not tolerate districts compromising the safety and privacy of transgender and gender nonconforming students.

CALIFORNIA LAUNCHES MULTILINGUAL AD CAMPAIGN FOR HATE HOTLINE

Earlier this year, the California Civil Rights Department unveiled a new hotline where people can report acts of hate. Now, the state is promoting the hotline with a new multilingual ad campaign that will include radio, print and digital ads.

Ads will run in English, Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Korean, Hmong, Tongan, and Mixtec, according to the department.

This new ad campaign is part of our ongoing efforts to support healing for all those targeted by hate and reach people who have historically been underserved. Whether its violence motivated by bias, racial slurs, name-calling, or discriminatory refusal of services, there is no place for hate in California, said department Director Kevin Kish in a statement.

The new ad campaign comes amid a wave of anti-LGBTQ activity across the state. As mentioned above, multiple school districts have adopted policies that out trans students to their parents without regard for their home environment. And in Lake Arrowhead, a man fatally shot a woman who was confronting him for removing her LGBTQ Pride flag.

Since the hotline was launched, it has received 180 calls about acts of hate.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

The President broke his promise to the people of Grizzly Flats. The least he could do is take a little time during his vacation to see for himself the consequences of that broken promise. Victims of the fire continue to struggle, some living in RVs and trailers.

- Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, in a statement.

Best of The Bee:

Gov. Gavin Newsoms plan to overhaul how California counties pay for behavioral health care is one step closer to going before voters in March  over heavy opposition from patient advocates, service providers and local government officials, via Maggie Angst and Lindsey Holden .

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, via Maya Miller .

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, via Samson Zhang .

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced Wednesday it has completed its release of approximately 23 million fall-run Chinook salmon raised in Central Valley fish hatcheries, via Alex Muegge.
Seb Murphy receiving his GCSE results with his parents at Bradford Grammar School - Bradford Grammar School/PA

The wait is over  GCSE results have finally been released. But even before results day, many students had already been considering their options for the future.

A-levels remain the traditional route taken for post-16 education, but there are several alternatives that students can consider.

For those confused about the best path to take, here is our guide to apprenticeships, BTECs, NVQs, and traineeships.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine study with practical training on the job, and provide an excellent alternative to A-levels.

Students are thrown immediately into work life, able to learn directly from experienced staff.

They will acquire job-specific skills in their chosen industry, whilst gaining a qualification in the process.

Apprenticeships are paid: companies such as BAE Systems, for example, offer a starting salary of around 30k on completion.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Many students prefer a more practical learning experience which might not be possible through a classroom based A-level qualification, says Tom Laws, the education and awareness co-ordinator of Serco Services.

Instead, he says, an apprenticeship is a way for young people to earn while learning in a real job, gaining a real qualification and a real future.

Apprenticeships have certainly experienced a surge in popularity recently. In 2018/19, 393,400 students started an apprenticeship in England  with over 4.2 million apprenticeships started between 2010/11 and 2018/19. Thats 2.2 million apprenticeship achievements during that time.

In 2017, the Government introduced an apprenticeship levy in a bid to boost the number of apprenticeships.

What level will I study at?

Students can undertake an apprenticeship at a number of different levels.

Intermediate  the level that post-GCSE students should expect to start at.

Advanced  the equivalent of two A-levels.

Higher  foundation degree and above.

Degree  level 6 and 7 which is equivalent to a bachelors or masters degree.

Students can apply for an apprenticeship in a variety of sectors, including arts and media, engineering and manufacturing technologies, and education and training.

92 per cent of apprentices say their career prospects have improved, says Olly Newton, the director of policy and research at the Edge Foundation. Apprenticeships provide a simpler, debt-free route into the working world.

For further information, visit the gov.uk website or to discuss your options with an impartial careers adviser, call the National Careers Service on 0800 100 900

Students celebrate their results at the City of London Academy - Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

Traineeships

For students not yet ready for an apprenticeship, a traineeship provides an attractive alternative.

Programmes last from six weeks to six months, and offer high quality work placements, work-preparation training and support in both English and Maths.

Traineeships are usually targeted at school leavers, struggling to secure an apprenticeship. Yet, they may also appeal to students with limited work place experience. They are generally unpaid  though travel and meal expenses are covered  and are usually offered in sectors such as engineering, construction, design or accountancy.

Programmes provide trainees with insight into the work place, contact with local employers and interview practice.

At the end of the work placement, if a role is available, trainees will often be given the opportunity to interview for the position, or a reference and an exit interview will generally be given.

Traineeships boost an individuals CV, providing a suitable foundation for an apprenticeship or, ultimately, a job.

For more information on how to apply, click here

BTECs

The Business and Technology Education Council award was first introduced in 1984 and continues to be offered throughout the UK at all levels, from pre-GCSE to degree equivalent.

BTEC nationals are vocational and work-related courses which allow students to progress towards higher education.

The award adopts a practical approach to learning, without omitting any of the necessary theory on the subject.

Instead of following the exam format of A-levels, the system assesses candidates in a practical situation.

A BTEC can be taken alongside, or instead of A-levels, and candidates can expect to complete the course in one or two years, depending on whether they study full or part-time.

Julie Robinson, general secretary of ISC, says that the continued strength of the BTEC shows that the well-trodden path of GCSE, A-level and university doesnt suit all young people.

She adds that the design of the BTEC provides a genuine route into the workplace as it is valued by employers in a wide range of industries. These include construction, health and social care, as well as travel and tourism.

Crucially, studying for a BTEC does not eliminate the possibility of going to university.

As Ms Robinson remarks, the door is left firmly open, with universities increasingly recognising the value of a BTEC qualification.

In fact, it provides a preferred stepping stone to university for certain courses, including nursing and midwifery, for example, both of which require a degree.

What level will I study at?

Students who have just completed their GCSEs should look to start a level 3 BTEC. They must have at least five GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, or A* to C.

The highest level 3 BTEC available, the Extended Diploma, is the equivalent of three A-levels.

Khadija Senesie celebrates her results with a friend - Peter Nicholls/Getty Images

Technical Baccalaureate

Although not officially a qualification in its own right, TechBacc is a mark of vocational achievement available for students aged 16-19. It is specifically geared towards those who are interested in pursuing a technical career.

The scheme was first introduced in 2014 and is comprised of three key components:

A high-quality vocational qualification, such as a BTEC National

Level 3 maths qualification (such as AS level maths).

An extended project (EP) qualification, which develops students skills in writing, research and self-motivation.

The Tech Level equips students with specialist knowledge and skills in various occupations, ranging from engineering to computing and hospitality to accountancy. The EP offers students the chance to create research projects, with an industry-focus relevant to their vocational programme.

The TechBacc will increase a students employability and aid their applications to apprenticeships and jobs.

Students must have already achieved grades grade 9 to 4, or A* to C in GCSE maths and English.

For more information on the Technical Baccalaureate, click here.

National Vocational Qualifications

Finally, NVQs are work-based awards that come in various forms. Theyre judged on National Occupational Standards outlining the competencies that are expected by workers in any job role.

Candidates must therefore meet these competencies in order to gain the award.

NVQs do not have to be completed in a specific amount of time. As a result, school and college students should expect to undertake an NVQ alongside a work placement or part-time job.

NVQs help extend existing skills students may already have in a specific industry. A candidate would begin an NVQ in catering, for example, to improve their role as a waiter or waitress.

There are no age limits and no special entry requirements.

Usually, schools and colleges will offer either level 2 qualifications  the equivalent of grade 9 to 4 or A*-C at GCSE  or level 3  equating to an A-level, also at grade A*-C.

Theyre designed to allow students to learn in a way which suits them; providing knowledge relevant for job applications in sectors such as business management, hair and beauty, and construction and property.

For more information on NVQs, click here.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
This story was originally published Sept. 17, 2004.

Debora Green won the first round Thursday in her quest to withdraw no contest pleas to murdering two of her children in a 1995 fire.

A Johnson County judge ruled that the former Prairie Village doctor will be allowed to present evidence that her attorneys say casts doubt on the evidence of arson relied on by prosecutors.

The same evidence was also relied upon by Green and her lawyers when the decision to enter the pleas was made, the defense contends.

I am aware that the state can produce substantial evidence that I set the fire that caused the death of my children, Green said in court at her 1996 plea hearing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Advances in the science of arson investigation since 1995 show that other phenomena could have been responsible for damage attributed to the use of flammable liquids, defense attorneys Angela Keck and Jessica Travis argued in legal papers and in court Thursday.

What they had was voodoo science, Travis argued.

Green, now 53, is serving a life sentence at the Topeka Correctional Facility. She did not speak at Thursdays hearing in Johnson County District Court.

Her 13-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter died in the fire that swept through their Prairie Village home. Green and a 10-year-old daughter escaped.

Her surviving daughter, now 19, attended Thursdays hearing and sat with a group of people supporting Green.

Greens former husband, Michael Farrar, sat in a different part of the courtroom.

Green also was convicted of attempting to kill him with poison before the fire. She is not asking to withdraw that plea.

District Attorney Paul Morrison, who prosecuted Green in 1995 and 1996, argued Thursday against granting Green a new hearing.

The evidence of arson is absolutely irrefutable, Morrison argued.

He said that Green had benefited from a plea agreement to avoid a possible death sentence and should not be automatically entitled to a new hearing after serving less than 10 years in prison.

Morrison said the defense was not offering new science and was not taking into account the circumstances surrounding the fire, including a volatile telephone argument between Green and her estranged husband a short time before the fire broke out and earlier threats she had made.

District Judge Peter Ruddick said that he would allow the hearing so the defense could present the evidence.

Greens attorneys ultimately hope that based on their new evidence, Green will be allowed to withdraw her pleas. The hearing on the arson evidence was scheduled for Oct. 12.

Even though she was granted a hearing, the judge noted that under Kansas law she has an extremely high burden to meet to be allowed to withdraw the pleas.

After the hearing Morrison said that if Green were allowed to withdraw the pleas and was granted a chance to take the case to trial, well be more than happy to put the death penalty back on the table.

Another attorney who represented Green cited her fear of the death penalty when she dropped an earlier request to withdraw her pleas in 2000.

That request was based on assertions that her decision to enter the pleas was tainted by medication she was taking for mental problems.
(Bloomberg) -- Argentinas decision to join the BRICS is facing backlash at home, with two leading presidential candidates criticizing members of the group of major emerging market economies, and one of them vowing to pull the South American country from the bloc altogether.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Frontrunner Javier Milei, asked about his view on the bloc formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, said his government would only have relations with nations that defend liberty, peace, democracy and free trade.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Some countries are not along those lines, he told reporters on Thursday. He added, however, that the private sector would be free to trade freely.

Patricia Bullrich, the candidate from a market-friendly opposition coalition, was more forceful: Argentina under my government will not be in the BRICS, she said in a speech. President Alberto Fernandez, she added, put the country in a position of enormous weakness for committing to entering the BRICS alongside Iran during the invasion of Ukraine.

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates are set to join the bloc together with Argentina starting on Jan. 1, BRICS leaders announced at the end of a summit in Johannesburg, where they pushed to expand the groups global influence.

Read More: BRICS Bloc Grows Heft With Saudi Arabia and Other Mideast Powers

Questions about Argentinas long-term commitment to the BRICS underscore the challenges Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva faces to have more Latin American representation in the group. Argentinas inclusion follows a request made last year by Fernandez, a close ally of the Brazilian leader.

Speaking from Johannesburg, Lula said Brazil would negotiate with Argentinas new president, regardless of who wins the Oct. 22 election.

It could be that the president will not want to negotiate with Brazil, and that is his sovereign right, he said. The relationship with Argentina is very important for Brazil and South America.

--With assistance from Simone Iglesias.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
The president of the Arizona School Boards Association resigned from his job last month over concerns that the nonprofit ignored false information its new executive director submitted in a resume.

James Bryce, a longtime board member for the association who had served as president since January, said he quit the volunteer position after the group's 25-member board of directors overruled his decision not to sign a contract with Devin Del Palacio for the executive director position, which pays $215,000 annually.

Two other employees resigned over the controversy, including an associate director. The Arizona Republic reached out to them. One didn't answer a mobile phone call. The other said she didn't want to comment.

The association declined comment on the matter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One board member, however, defended Del Palacio as the perfect choice to lead the organization and said Bryce was making trouble because he wanted to hire someone other than Palacio for the job.

"It was very clear from the beginning of the process that James had a preferred candidate," said Monica Timberlake, who also serves on the Quartzsite Elementary School District's governing board.

Del Palacio is a noted community leader and has been a member of the Tolleson Union High School District governing board since 2014. He's worked for the Arizona School Boards Association as a "strategic advocacy consultant" for two years. Del Palacio, who is chair of the National School Boards Associations National Black Council of School Board Members, has served on the association's board of directors for the past four years. The chair of the Black council has a seat on the association's board.

Del Palacio was sworn in for brief duty as a Democratic state lawmaker last year, filling out the 2022 term of Rep. Diego Espinoza, D-Tolleson, who resigned in September.

The association named Del Palacio in June as the replacement for outgoing executive director Sheila Harrison-Williams, who served in the job for more than three years. In a news release at the time, the association called Del Palacio a "dynamic and visionary leader" whose "extensive experience and profound knowledge of the educational sector is incredibly pertinent to our work."

"The ASBA Board of Directors firmly believe that under his leadership, the association can overcome challenges, seize new opportunities and drive ASBA to greater heights," the statement said.

Del Palacio didn't return phone messages for this article.

The association describes itself on its website as a "private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides training, leadership and essential services to public school governing boards statewide," adding that it represents more than 240 school governing boards statewide.

In response to questions about Bryce's allegations, newly installed association president Desiree Fowler  who also serves on the Page Unified School District governing board  told The Arizona Republic that the matter requires privacy and that the association "is unable to provide any information or details" about them.

Fowler told members of the board of directors, in an Aug. 19 email obtained by The Republic, that they should commit to supporting Del Palacio.

"Our shared journey demands that we move forward together," Fowler wrote, "and those who feel divergent from this path are respectfully invited to resign from their positions immediately."

A complaint alleged misrepresentation of credentials

James Bryce, Solomon Unified School District governing board

Bryce, an electrician for the city of Safford who serves as a member of the Solomon Elementary School District governing board in Graham County, said he first learned of the issue when he was hit with a "whistleblower complaint" alleging Del Palacio misrepresented his credentials.

The group's legal counsel told Bryce that he risked violating his fiduciary duty to the association if he didn't properly vet Del Palacio, Bryce said. The counsel suggested that an independent law firm investigate Del Palacio's credentials, and the firm soon completed an investigative report.

But at its July meeting, a majority on the board of directors voted to not look at the report, instead demanding that Bryce sign an employment contract for Del Palacio, he said.

"They tried to say I didn't have authorization to get that legal advice," Bryce said. "They refused to hear it and excused the lawyer."

Bryce refused to sign the contract and resigned his position. Afterward, the association's legal counsel provided the board the report of the findings, Bryce said.

A summary of the report provided by Bryce states that Del Palacio submitted a resume to the association in 2021 for his consultant job but was told by Harrison-Williams that the position required a college degree. He then submitted a second resume indicating that he graduated from the former Western International University in Phoenix with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

The executive director position also required a college degree, and when Del Palacio applied for that job this year, he submitted the resume that claimed he had a bachelor's degree, according to the summary Bryce provided. Bryce said a staff member informed him in June that by having the degree, "Mr. Del Palacio met the minimum qualifications advertised in the job posting."

Bryce shared a resume with The Republic that he said had been submitted by Del Palacio. "Bachelors in Business Administration, 2010," it states under the heading "Education and Credentials." It also lists program certificates he's received from Georgetown University and Rio Salado Community College.

Del Palacio's LinkedIn account lists Western International University as an educational institution that he attended from "2006-2006" and doesn't mention a bachelor's degree. In a 2020 interview with podcaster Stevon Cook, Del Palacio acknowledged that he attended Western with a plan to obtain a business degree but "dropped out."

An association employee who knew that Del Palacio did not have a college degree brought the two resumes to the legal counsel, who raised the issue to Bryce under the association's whistleblower policy, the summary states. At that point, Bryce had a "duty and authority" to have a contract attorney review the allegation, the legal counsel told the association's board, according to the summary.



Your browser does not support the audio element.

Source: Cook on Monday Morning podcast

"Since Mr. Bryce had information of this fraud allegation, he had the duty and authority to have the contract attorney review the allegation," the summary of the report by the legal counsel states. "It would be malpractice not to."

Del Palacio also submitted the same resume listing a bachelor's degree to Maricopa County last year before his selection as an appointed state lawmaker, county records show.

Departed president: 'We're supposed to teach good governance'

Bryce had served on the association's board of directors in some capacity for about 10 years and served last year as its president-elect. As president, Bryce presided over board meetings and appointed standing and special committees.

He believes he's made the right decision to step down because he said the association's leadership has abandoned its "ethics" and is setting a bad example for the school governing boards it represents. One-quarter of the association's revenue comes from Arizona school districts, Bryce said.

"We're supposed to teach good governance" but could be "our own case study" at an upcoming law conference members will attend, Bryce said.

Del Palacio was simply seen as the winning job candidate from the beginning by a majority of the board of directors who could not be swayed, he said.

Board member pushes back

Timberlake agreed that Del Palacio was viewed by the board's majority as the best choice and that, contrary to what Bryce claimed, the job didn't require a college degree. As a current school board member, Del Palacio had the right kind of experience, she said.

The main problem for the association recently has been Bryce, Timberlake said.

"His actions throughout the entire process were completely unethical," she said. "He did everything he could to make sure his chosen candidate was the selected candidate. When it didn't go his way, he found other ways to attack Mr. Del Palacio."

Bryce put the association "at risk" and violated its confidentiality rules by going public with the group's private information, she said.

Asked how the board would address Del Palacio's claim of a degree in his resume, Timberlake said she wasn't sure he didn't have a bachelor's degree but that she couldn't discuss the matter because of legal issues at stake.

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on Twitter @raystern.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ASBA president resigns in controversy over executive director's resume
In recent weeks, the Arkansas government has been in a standoff with various school districts in the state over offering Advanced Placement African American studies. As the showdown over the curriculum continues, Arkansas has now demanded that schools pledge not to incorporate critical race theory into their curricula.

The clash between Arkansas schools and the state government began when the Arkansas Department of Education called schools on August 13, just two days before the start of the school year, to inform them that it would not recognize AP African American studies. The decision to deny AP credit for the African American studies course, which was launching as a pilot in Arkansas this school year, was incredibly controversial given that classes like AP European history are still being recognized by the state.

A last minute phone call on Friday informed teachers that the Arkansas Department of Education will not recognize AP African American Studies for course credit by the state. School starts in 2 days. AP European History continues to be offered for full credit. pic.twitter.com/AFuwiBvHzU  philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) August 13, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In reaction to this abrupt and seemingly biased decision, several school districts  including Little Rock, North Little Rock, Jonesboro, Jacksonville and eStem  announced they would still offer the African American studies course, even if the state denied it AP credit. In response to that decision, Arkansas Secretary of Education Jacob Oliva sent a letter to the school districts on Monday, warning that the state government is concerned the pilot [course] may not comply with Arkansas law, which does not permit teaching that would indoctrinate students with ideologies, such as critical race theory. The letter goes on to demand that the districts submit all materials related to the course for review by the state government. It also calls on the school districts to provide a statement of assurance that the teaching of these materials will not violate Arkansas law or rule.

The move by Arkansas to oppose African American studies reflects other actions the state government has taken in recent months and mirrors efforts by other Republican-led states. Earlier this year, Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders implemented several conservative policies, including a statewide review of critical race theory indoctrination, on her first day in office. Sanders has used similarly charged language to defend her governments decision against AP African American studies, telling Fox News that we cannot perpetuate a lie to our students and push this propaganda leftist agenda teaching our kids to hate America and hate one another. Sanders government rejecting AP African American studies follows a similar move made by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis administration earlier this year.

Attempts to restrict Black historys teaching and demonize the so-called critical race theory will likely remain primary Republican plans for some time. That strategy seems to be breeding defiance from educators who wont simply give in to these tactics.
State agencies were battling a wildfire in the Texas Panhandle on Wednesday as fire danger increases in the region with the hotter temperatures and lack of current rainfall.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Churchill Fire in Armstrong County was an estimated 4,520 acres. According to the latest incident information, the fire was 100% contained as of 2:30 p.m. Thursday.

"Containment line has been finished around the perimeter of the fire and crews conducted a tactical firing operation to secure those lines. Firefighters will monitor their fire overnight," the agency said in an earlier update.

On Wednesday, TAMFS responded to 10 new requests for assistance on wildfires that burned 4,613 acres across the state. Thursday, the core of the upper level high pressure will shift into the eastern portion of Texas, with maximum temperatures in excess of 105 degrees. Wind speeds should remain at or below 10 mph across the state, with relative humidity values between 23% and 30% along and north of Interstate 10.

According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Churchill Fire in Armstrong County was an estimated 4,520 acres and 90% contained as of Wednesday evening.

Wildfire preparedness level across the state remains at Level 4, with Level 5 being the highest.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While remnants of Tropical Storm Harold provided some rainfall and cloud cover in the southern region of Texas, high pressure resulted in very hot and dry conditions elsewhere.

According to the latest drought map from the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday, Aug. 24, nearly all of the Texas Panhandle is in the "abnormally dry" state.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Wildfire in Armstrong County grows to 4,520 acres, 90% contained
A version of this story appears in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

Donald Trump s rivals agreed Wednesday that Republicans should look past the former president.

But the iconic image of the week will be his fourth arrest this year, this time at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta. Many of his alleged co-conspirators have had mug shots released.

Talking about Trump was a chore for many on the stage at the first Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Get this over with

The more time we spend doing this, the less time they can talk about issues you want to talk about, Bret Baier , one of the Fox News moderators, told the debate audience in an effort to quiet their booing of the anti-Trump former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So, lets just get through this section, Baier told them.

Christie had been trying to argue someones got to stop normalizing Trumps conduct. But he was interrupted by the booing and also by Vivek Ramaswamy, the entrepreneur and political neophyte who declared Trump the best president of the 21st century.

Is that even a compliment?

Note: Ramaswamy made it sound like a massive compliment, but thats really only four presidents, two of whom are Democrats and one of whom is George W. Bush, who barely feels like he would fit into todays GOP.

Plus, I cannot figure out how Ramaswamy will pivot from his lavish praise for Trump to convincing the former presidents supporters to back him instead.

Wheres the beef?

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis initially tried to dodge a question on if he agreed that then-Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing by not obeying Trump to try to overturn the 2020 election results.

Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him, was the highest praise DeSantis would allow for Pences profile in courage.

Most will accept a possible convict in the White House

Pence  despite asking the other candidates to give him credit for standing up to Trump by not violating the Constitution on January 6, 2021  was also among the majority of candidates who raised their hands as being willing to support Trump as the eventual Republican nominee, even if he is convicted in one of the four criminal cases against him.

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a moderate Republican who took a pass on running for president, said on CNNs Inside Politics on Thursday that the pledge to support Trump, even if convicted, was the low point of the debate.

For six people to raise their hand and say I would put a convicted felon in the White House, its just beyond comprehension, he said.

Cant look away

The magic trick for the Republicans who are running for president will be to make the election about something other than Trump, who views the campaign as his moment for redemption.

Four successive trials of the century, two of which deal with an alleged effort to undo the democracy itself, arent the kind of thing anyone can ignore.

But DeSantis argued during the debate that if the next election is about the insurrection, Republicans could lose next year.

We have got to look forward, and we have got to make sure that were bringing the message that can win in November of 2024, DeSantis said.

The generational shift argument

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was also looking to the future.

We have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America, she said. We cant win a general election that way.

She shined in several moments, such as when she called out fellow Republicans for contributing to the national debt or pointed out the impossibility of passing a nationwide abortion ban.

But contra her call for a generational shift, she made Ramaswamy look like a school boy when she sliced through his provocative calls for the US to adopt a neutral position toward Russian President Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine and to withdraw support for Israel.

The Trump-free debate stage will soon be forgotten

The Republican campaign adviser and CNN contributor Scott Jennings, no fan of Trump, summed things up after the debate for CNN Opinion:

The question is: Did anyone move a single Trump voter from his column to theirs? I am dubious. And as long as all of these people stay in the race, the fragmentation will continue to protect his frontrunner status.

On Thursday, Trump is expected to turn himself in to the proper authorities in Georgia. And I suspect well see more footage on television of his motorcade than any of the zingers or conflict that defined Wednesdays debate.

A focus on Ramaswamy, who tried to sound like Trump

The conflict at the debate largely revolved around Ramaswamy, who seemed to be playing the role of the absent Trump, with provocative statements and unconventional positions.

In that regard, even in his absence, Trumps popularity among the partys base loomed large despite the repeatedly expressed prediction that his campaign will ultimately handicap the party.

And so while the other Republican candidates are warning that his nomination will lead to the partys defeat, there is no evidence that the party itself can yet quit him.

Where is Trump?

Trump skipped the debate, instead appearing in a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that aired on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. He was also presumably getting ready to surrender to authorities in Georgia on Thursday.

The prosecutor, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, asked for Trumps trial to begin October 23, an aggressive schedule that legal experts suggested on CNN would be hard to accomplish.

She also subpoenaed Georgias Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to testify in federal court as she fights an attempt by one of Trumps alleged co-conspirators, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, to move the Georgia case to federal court.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A man identified as Nathan Baer of Starnes Cove near Asheville is shown in this Department of Justice photo provided by Reuters from Jan. 6, 2021 at the U.S. Capitol. To his left is ex-District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone, who testified before the Jan. 6 House committee.

Two Western North Carolina men have said they are not guilty of breaching the nation's legislative complex in order to disrupt Congress and stop the presidential transfer of power.

Nathan Baer, 43, of Starnes Cove, near Asheville, and Alan St. Onge, 35, of Brevard, entered not guilty pleas to charges related to what federal prosecutors said were their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol by supporters of then-president Donald Trump . The cases are separate with no indication the men knew each other or acted in concert.

Baer entered his pleas Aug. 18 and St. Onge Aug. 21, both during video conference sessions of U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. St. Onge's attorney Renae Alt-Summers declined Aug. 23 to comment. The Citizen Times also reached out to Baer's attorney.

Initially arrested June 26 on six alleged offenses, Baer was indicted July 19 by a grand jury on four misdemeanors and one felony.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Obstructing law enforcement during the commission of a civil disorder, a felony.

Entering and remaining on restricted grounds.

Disorderly and disruptive conduct on restricted grounds.

Disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.

Committing an act of violence on Capitol grounds.

St. Onge was arrested June 16 on four charges. He was indicted July 19 on one felony and three misdemeanors:

Obstructing law enforcement during the commission of a civil disorder, a felony.

Entering and remaining on restricted grounds.

Disorderly and disruptive conduct on restricted grounds.

Impeding passage through Capitol grounds.

Baer's next scheduled court date is Oct. 24 and St. Onge's is Oct. 23. Both are for status conferences. The men were released on conditions that included alerting court officials before changing residences or phone numbers.

Criminal complaints unsealed after their arrests contain photos prosecutors say show them taking part in the Capitol attack.

Baer's complaint uses a widely publicized photo of police officer, Michael Fanone, struggling against members of a crowd. Fanone testified before the Jan. 6 House committee that he suffered a traumatic brain injury and heart attack after rioters grabbed him, beat him with a flagpole and shocked him with a Taser. In a June 26 interview with the Citizen Times Fanone, now a former officer and CNN contributor, said he did not believe Baer participated in the assault against him.

Fanone said he was not surprised at the timing of arrests more than two years after Jan. 6, saying prosecutors are dealing with a very large amount of evidence, much of it supplied by people outside law enforcement. In Baer's case, a witness who once lived with him in New York City told federal agents he recognized him from a photo, according to the criminal complaint.

The investigation, which is ongoing, has seen more than 1,000 people charged since Jan. 6. Nearly 350 have been accused of assaulting or impeding law enforcement, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Some photos show Baer in a tunnel entrance to the Capitol, the complaint says, where he participated in several "heave-ho" efforts against a line of police, "pushing his body against the rioters in front of him in unison with them, with the aim of overcoming the police line ahead of them."

St. Onge's complaint says he "participated in the breach of the police barricade on the east plaza of the U.S. Capitol" and also went to the tunnel, where he "repeatedly" pushed against the police line.

Three men from WNC have been convicted for actions on and near Jan. 6. Thomas Gronek of Asheville, was arrested Jan. 5, 2021, in Washington in a bus spray painted "Hippies 4 Trump" and pleaded guilty to violating a D.C. gun law of carrying a rifle outside his home. He was sentenced to time served and a $50 fine.

Cleveland Grover Meredith of Hayesville, threatened to shoot House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the head after arriving in Washington Jan. 7, 2021, with an assault rifle and 2,500 rounds of ammunition. He was sentenced to more than two years in prison. Lewis Easton Cantwell of Waynesville, pleaded guilty to obstructing officers during the Jan. 6 attack and was sentenced to five months in prison.

Other WNC residents linked to Jan. 6 include former Congressman Madison Cawthorn, who delivered a fiery speech to Trump supporters before the attack. A lawsuit that said he should be denied a spot on the ballot because he was an insurrectionist was dropped when he lost the Republican primary. Cawthorn's 11th House District predecessor, Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, has not been charged with crimes directly related to the attack. But a Georgia grand jury indicted him on charges of scheming to keep Trump in power despite his election loss.

More: Ex-Asheville attorney, philanthropist Powell said to be co-conspirator in Trump indictment

Prosecutors: No evidence WNC Jan. 6 rioter helped injured DC officer escape

Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville, Brevard men plead not guilty to January 6 attack on Capitol
Gov. Roy Cooper announced on Thursday he will veto a slate of Republican-backed election changes, calling the bill an all-out assault on the right to vote.

The bill in question, Senate Bill 747, would eliminate the three-day grace period for receiving absentee ballots, give partisan poll observers more power to watch voting and ban the use of private money for election administration.

In a video message, Cooper said these changes aim to disenfranchise young and nonwhite voters who are more likely to support Democrats.

This attack has nothing to do with election security and everything to do with keeping and gaining power, he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Republicans argue the bill would increase faith in elections without infringing on the right to vote.

The one thing this bill does do is it does improve voting in elections for the entire state, Rep. Grey Mills, an Iredell County Republican, said while debating the bill last week. Its not killing early voting  were improving early voting.

The governor said he would veto the legislation on Thursday. An override is near-certain though, as Republicans passed the bill with a veto-proof supermajority.

Senate Bill 747

The bill passed on party lines over fierce opposition from Democrats, who attempted to add more than a dozen amendments to the bill in the House. Only one, a change that allowed for in-kind donations of voting sites, food, or office supplies proposed by Rep. Allison Dahle, was approved.

Cooper also noted that top Republicans consulted with Cleta Mitchell before proposing the bill. A former lawyer to President Donald Trump and now an activist focused on changes she says will promote election integrity, Mitchell was on the call in which Trump asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find the votes he needed to win the state.

Earlier this month, Trump was charged with unlawfully soliciting Raffensperger to violate his oath of office.

Cooper also took issue with the expanded freedom of partisan poll observers in the bill.

They also want to intimidate you by stacking the polling place with Republican poll observers who will be watching you vote and can hear your conversations with election officials, he said. Many of them will be election-denying conspiracy believers trying to disrupt the process and prevent certain people from voting.

SB 747 gives each party the opportunity to appoint an equal number of poll observers.

Not the only election bill in the works

Cooper also announced his intention to veto another election bill, Senate Bill 749, that has not yet passed the legislature.

This bill would require all state and local election boards to have an even bipartisan split and have members be appointed by the legislature, rather than the governor.

In a press release, the governors office said this bill would end up creating potential gridlock and leading to the supermajority Republican legislature and partisan courts deciding contested elections.

SB 749 does not establish a process for deciding a tie vote in most circumstances, but Senate leader Phil Berger told reporters in June he suspected the decision would go to a superior court.

Cooper said deadlocks on local boards could reduce the number of early voting sites, since counties revert to only one site if the board cannot agree on an early voting plan.
(Bloomberg) -- A wildfire near the Greek capital that started on Tuesday continued to destroy parts of the forest in Mount Parnitha, threatening more homes as the wind is expected to get stronger through the day.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The fire in the national park north of Athens roared back overnight and could get worse as wind speeds are expected to pick up from about 10 a.m., a spokesman for the fire service said in an interview with Mega TV. Smoke is covering much of Athens, making it hard for people to breathe even in the center.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Helicopters and aircraft, some provided by European Union member states, are dumping large amounts of water, working along with emergency service staff on the ground.

This summer has seen extreme temperatures, violent storms, flooding and wildfires across Europe and North America. Global warming has increased the intensity of such events  July was the worlds hottest month ever.

Another fire in the northeastern region of Evros that started on Saturday also continues to burn. It left 18 migrants dead as it swept through the Dadia forest. In the past 24 hours alone, authorities are fighting 55 blazes.

Greece is receiving help through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, and planes, helicopters and firefighters have been sent from Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Romania, France and Sweden.

The Attica region, which includes Athens, is on a high alert warning for further fires on Thursday as the temperature is expected to hit 36C (97F) in the capital.

The local prosecutor has also been asked to look into possible causes of the fire in Evros in light of reports of arson, as well as incidents of violence reported against migrants. Greek police, the fire service and secret service are also investigating.

Opposition parties have heavily criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis over his handling of the wildfires, which have burned more than 90,000 acres in the past three days.

Mitsotakis plans to bring the issue up for debate in parliament, according to the governments spokesman, who added that this is not the right time to exchange political barbs.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Murphy's Law

Clearspace-1, the European Space Agency's experimental mission to remove a large piece of space junk, just had its plans blow up in its face  quite literally.

Its intended target for removal was a jettisoned, conical-shaped rocket adapter, VESPA, which has been floating in low Earth orbit for a decade.

The plan was for a four-armed craft, which looks a bit like the grabber in an arcade's claw machine, to approach the adapter, carefully close itself around the debris, and then fly down to Earth with its payload in tow.

But fate decided to throw a curveball.

It now appears that another random piece of space junk has hit the adapter, creating even more space junk  as well as junking the ESA's goal to remove the 250 pound VESPA in one piece. It's terrible luck, but also a perfect illustration of the perils of our detritis-filled orbit.

Back to the Drawing Board

Breaking the bad news was the US Space Force, which informed the ESA on August 10 that it had detected additional objects in the vicinity of the target for clean-up.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Although the collision wasn't directly observed, all evidence indicates the "hypervelocity impact of a small, untracked object" that smashed into the adapter and sent small fragments flying, the ESA said in a statement.

But not all may be lost. Followup observations have revealed that the adapter is still mostly intact, and that its orbit was not significantly altered. Its fragments also don't appear to pose any risk to other orbiting spacecraft.

On top of that, there should be plenty of time to adjust, as Clearspace-1's launch is slated for 2026.

For now, the ESA says it's "carefully evaluating the event's impact on the mission." The mission is currently continuing as planned while more data is gathered, but it will be weeks until a full analysis can be completed.

Getting Crowded

Space pollution is a serious problem, a point which NASA has been stressing of late.



The Earth's orbit is only getting more crowded as commercial players like SpaceX deploy thousands of more satellites. With so much clutter flying around, the International Space Station has been forced on more than one occasion to dodge wayward debris.

And according to the ESA, this recent "fragmentation event" perfectly demonstrates the woes created by ignoring the junk in orbit.

"The most significant threat posed by larger objects of space debris is that they fragment into clouds of smaller objects that can each cause significant damage to active satellites," the ESA said in the statement.

"We must urgently reduce the creation of new space debris and begin actively mitigating the impact of existing objects," it added.

More on space junk: Cosmonauts Litter Orbit With Entire Science Experiment During Spacewalk
If former President Donald Trump is really treated like any other person charged with crimes when he's processed at the Fulton County Jail in Georgia as local sheriff Patrick Labat promised, he'll likely be in for a "humiliating experience," Atlanta-based lawyer Michael Harper told Insider. Harper, who has sued the jail multiple times on behalf of the families of men who died while in custody, said that the facility's intake area is huge and that detainees are typically booked in front of others undergoing the process.

"He can expect a humiliating experience," Harper told the outlet Tuesday. "Just being searched, photographed, and fingerprinted amongst other people." If all is as usual at the jail, Trump will likely be "surrounded by people charged with everyday crimes" like murder and rape, he said. "This is not a federal prison of white-collar criminals here," he added, noting that the jail is "certainly not the accommodations Donald Trump will be used to." Harper explained that the typical booking process can last hours as detainees move from station to station and are subject to a physical search, a full-body scan and a medical intake screening before having their mugshot taken and being fingerprinted.

Harper has sued what he called "the worst county jail in Georgia" three times since 2018, including for the family of 35-year-old Lashawn Thompson, who died last year inside a filthy cell, a case that helped prompt a Justice Department investigation into the facility's conditions. A Georgia grand jury indicted Trump and 18 co-defendants over their alleged conspiracy to overturn Trump's 2020 election loss in the state. The former president was granted a $200,000 bond on Monday and is expected to turn himself in to authorities at the jail Thursday evening.
Ballys Chicago has scheduled practice gaming sessions at Medinah Temple for the Illinois Gaming Board after Labor Day. If it passes muster, the first Chicago casino  an idea decades in the making  may be open for business soon thereafter.

The test run, which includes a gaming operations assessment on Sept. 5 and two days of practice gaming on Sept. 6 and 7, is the final hurdle for Ballys before the dice start rolling at the casinos temporary home in River North.

The practice gaming sessions will be evaluated by regulatory staff and an outside auditing firm, a prerequisite to issuing a temporary operating permit to commence operations, the Gaming Board said in an emailed statement Thursday. The Gaming Board declined to speculate on the timeline for opening the casino.

Based on the results of the operations assessment/audit and practice gaming sessions, Administrator (Marcus) Fruchter will determine whether and to what extent to allow gaming to operate at Medinah Temple, the Gaming Board said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A Ballys spokesperson confirmed the testing schedule, but said there was no set date for the casino opening. Sources familiar with the matter said Ballys is targeting a Sept. 11 opening, pending Gaming Board approval.

In June, Ballys was granted preliminary approval by the Illinois Gaming Board  a precursor to final licensing  and immediately began installing more than 750 slot machines and 50 gaming tables at Medinah Temple. At the time, executives said they expected to have the roughly 1,000 gaming positions in place by the end of the month.

The start date for launching the temporary facility, however, has been a moving target all year, pushed back several times from June to September.

Rhode Island-based Ballys won a heated competition last year to build a $1.74 billion casino at the 30-acre site of the Chicago Tribune printing plant in River West. It bought the site for $200 million from Nexstar Media, with plans to open the permanent casino in 2026.

Built by the Shriners in 1912, Medinah Temple will serve as a temporary casino for up to three years. The building, which was designated a Chicago landmark in 2001, has hosted everything over the years from concerts and high school graduations to the annual Shrine Circus. Amenities included a 30,000-pound pipe organ installed in 1915.

It became a Bloomingdales home furnishings store in 2003, but was vacant after Macys sold it to Chicago developer Albert Friedman in 2019.

Ballys has been renovating the 130,000-square-foot building since January. As a final touch, Ballys commissioned Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren to create a mural depicting the historical significance of Medinah Temple, which is expected to be finished during the second week of September  presumably before the casino opens.

We are excited to have Shawn Michael Warren be a part of this amazing mural project, Mark Wong, general manager of Ballys Chicago, said in a news release. His extraordinary talent to capture the historical essence of Chicagos connection to the Medinah Temple will be an eloquent and visual backdrop for guests visiting our casino.

Part of its successful test run as a casino will include the performance of dealers and other Ballys Chicago personnel during the practice gaming sessions. Ballys put out the help wanted sign in May and fielded more than 15,000 applications to fill 900 full and part-time positions to staff the temporary casino, Ballys Chairman Soo Kim told the Tribune Thursday.

Demand for the jobs is an encouraging sign for the success of the Medinah temporary casino, Kim said.

Weve gotten 15,000 applications in a very tight job market. Kim said. And I think that speaks to the convenience of the location. We think that means its also going to be a great place for our patrons to come to.

Earlier this month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker expanded the talent pool, signing legislation allowing convicted felons to apply for hospitality positions at the states soon-to-be 14 casinos, including Ballys Chicago. Previously under state law, anyone with a felony conviction was ineligible to work at a casino in any position.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
Bankrupt Madera Community Hospital has received a $2 million lifeline from the state to keep its doors open as it works out a reopening plan with Adventist Health  and stands to receive millions more in the future.

On Thursday, the California Department of Health Care Access and Information announced $300 million in no-interest loans for 17 healthcare facilities throughout the state as part of its new Distressed Hospital Loan Program.

In addition to the $2 million bridge loan to cover operational costs, the state also allocated the Madera hospital an additional $50 million loan contingent upon submission and approval of a comprehensive hospital turnaround plan from Adventist Health.

The faith-based, nonprofit health system operating in California, Oregon and Hawaii announced last month its plans to take over management of Madera Community Hospital, provided the hospital received funding from the states loan program.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The award is about $30 million less than the $80 million the hospital requested from the state program. Still, the funding is a crucial next step toward reopening Madera Community Hospital.

The hospital in December and filed for bankruptcy in March after a deal to sell the hospital to Trinity Health, owners of Fresno-based St. Agnes hospital, fell through. The abrupt closure left 160,000 Madera County residents without access to an acute medical care facility in their county.

This financial assistance is an important step in the right direction to help Madera Community Hospital reopen its doors to the community, Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria , D-Merced, said in a press release. Soria and state Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced, were champions of the Distressed Hospital Loan Program.

Caballero also welcomed the news of the funding. In a press release, she said her number one priority this year has been to ensure health access for residents and all Californians who desperately need hospital services.

Madera Community Hospitals chief executive couldnt be immediately reached for comment.

In an email statement to The Bee, Adventist Health acknowledged the state decision to award a $2 million bridge loan to help cover operational costs while they take the time necessary to work with community partners and stakeholders in developing a thoughtful, comprehensive hospital turnaround plan.

We will need all parties to be involved in developing the approved plan and negotiating the terms of management services, Adventist Health spokesperson Japhet De Oliveira said.

State loans are significant concern for hospital creditors

Another key moment for the hospitals future occurred Thursday during a hearing in the U.S. Eastern District of California bankruptcy court, when U.S. Judge Rene Lastreto II extended the hospitals exclusivity period for more than a month.

According to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, this means the Madera Community Hospital now has the exclusive right until Oct. 6 to file a reorganization plan to keep the business alive and pay creditors over time.

Lastreto also pushed back a hearing for the hospitals cash collateral spending plan for another month, provided the hospital secures another month of funds from the county of Madera, the city of Madera or another third party to cover operational expenses.

While the $2 million bridge loan is forthcoming, Lastreto said there wasnt a clear timeline yet.

We still have no cash provided for after the countys current commitment expires, he said.

Lastreto said that while the case has been limping along for six months, time is running out.

At some moment, he said, I anticipate some sort of motion, either a plan on file, a competing plan, motion to dismiss, because this matter, it just has to get going.

The Madera County Board of Supervisors voted Aug. 1 to allocate $500,000 to fund Madera Community Hospitals operating costs while they worked out a deal with Adventist Health and awaited news of the state loan program. On Friday, the board will hold a special session to discuss whether to allocate another month of funding for Madera Community Hospitals operational expenses.

I dont have a vote, said Jason Rios, Madera Countys legal counsel in the bankruptcy proceedings, but I would expect the news this morning would be helpful to the process.

Meanwhile, Andrew Sherman, legal counsel who is representing the unsecured creditors through the bankruptcy proceedings, said the state loans are of significant concern.

I think the next number of weeks will now be a challenge to understand the implications of this loan, how it will affect the (hospital) potential reopening, which is obviously beneficial to the community, but it shouldnt be at the expense of the creditor body, he said.

The next cash collateral bankruptcy hearing is scheduled for Sept. 28 at 9:30 am.
TULSA, OK - In a heart-wrenching case, a Cherokee teenager, Terry Nathan Hindman, 19, was sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison for the second-degree murder of a 23-month-old toddler.

This young child suffered horrible abuse and a tragic death from the abuse of Terry Hindman, U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson said. The U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to fight for justice against those who harm Oklahomas children.

The details of this case are nothing short of harrowing. During his May 9 plea, Hindman admitted he caused the injuries that led to the death of the child.

On September 29, 2021, Hindman, in a horrifying act of violence, threw the toddler across the room with excessive force, causing severe injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The child hit his head on the wall and landed on a table, leaving him dazed. Hindman neither sought medical attention for the child nor informed anyone about the incident, even when the child was later taken to the hospital on the same day.

On October 2, 2021, while under Hindman's care again, the toddler started experiencing medical issues, including difficulty breathing.

Once more, Hindman failed to seek medical help and didn't disclose the previous injury to anyone. The child's health deteriorated rapidly, leading to his untimely death on October 7, 2021, succumbing to blunt force trauma, a direct result of the initial injury inflicted on him by Hindman.

You cant possibly make up for the damage youve done, but moving forward you can try, U.S. District Chief Judge John F. Heil III said while addressing Hindman.

Before the sentencing, the child's father addressed the court, expressing his anguish and despair.

I fear he enjoyed giving him something to cry about, the child's father said, What possible excuse could you have for torturing a child?

Hindman will remain in custody of the U.S. Marshal Service pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Bartlesville Police Department and FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chantelle Dial and Shannon Cozzoni prosecuted the case

This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Bartlesville teenager sentenced to 17 years for toddler's murder
Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar marked the occasion of Ukraine's 32 years of independence by donating a Bayraktar TB2 attack drone to Kyiv, Ukraine's Military Intelligence (HUR) said on Aug. 24.

The manufacturer has previously provided Ukraine Bayraktars for free after several fundraisers in Lithuania, Poland, and Ukraine raised money to buy the drones for the Ukrainian army.

On July 31, Ukraine's Defense Ministry signed a contract with Baykar to build a service center for the repair and maintenance of combat drones in Ukraine.

The announcement came after Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the government has allocated Hr 40 billion ($1.08 billion) this year to invest in the drone industry.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The creation of a service center will be a significant contribution to strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities and will help bring our victory closer," said State Secretary of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry Kostiantyn Vashchenko.

The contract is part of the larger agreement on Turkey-Ukraine cooperation in the field of high technologies, aviation, and space industries, which entered into force on Jan. 23.

Days later, on Jan. 25, the HUR reported that the company donated two TB2 drones to Ukraine.

Read also: Media: Norway to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
York City Police need help with identifying a man who severely beat a young dog on Wednesday night.

Police found the dog, believed to be a German Shepherd or a German Shepherd mix, severely injured, unconscious and bleeding in the 400 block of South Pershing Avenue, a news release states.

The dog was taken to an emergency veterinarian for treatment, the release states.

911 caller reports man 'beating dog to death'

Officers found the injured dog after a 911 caller reported that a man wearing a red shirt was "beating a dog to death" to the rear of the block. It happened around 9 p.m.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The man was gone when police arrived.

The dog is believed to be 6 months to 8 months old, the release states.

Police are investigating it as an aggravated animal cruelty case.

How to help

Anyone who has information is asked to contact police one of the following ways:

Submit a tip through the CRIMEWATCH App or at www.yorkcitypolice.com. Click on submit a tip and fill out the available boxes.

Email Sergeant Benjamin Smith at bsmith@yorkcity.org.

Call the York City Police Tip Line at 717-849-2204.

Call the York City Police Department at 717-846-1234 or 717-849-2219.

Central Pa Horse Rescue: A couple's labor of love saving horses from brink of slaughter

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York City Police find dog severely injured after 911 call about man 'beating dog to death'
Cooks Corner, known to be one of the most famous biker bars was left in shock and heartbreak on Wednesday night after a mass shooting left at least four dead (AP)

It began just like any other Wednesday night at the popular biker bar.

Motorcycle riders and enthusiasts had gathered for drinks, food and fun with friends at Cooks Corner, one of the most famous biker bars and restaurants in southern California.

But, this one night took a devastating turn when a gunman opened fire, leaving at least three people dead and many others injured.

The mass shooting suspect  identified by authorities as retired police officer John Snowling was then shot and killed by responding officers. Reports suggest that Snowlings wife Marie Snowling, who is being treated in hospital for gunshot wounds, was the target of the attack.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Now, the southern California biker community has been left reeling, as the latest community rocked by the effects of gun violence in America.

Cooks Corner has been met with an outpouring of love and support on its Instagram account in the wake of the mass shooting.

Im still trying to process what happened tonight, Diana Simon, who works at Cooks Corner, wrote on Facebook. The loss and what it has done to all I care about. We are a family at Cooks Corner. Marie lights up every room she walks in. Her smile and enthusiasm for life its just so wrong. It all doesnt feel real.

Heres what we know so far about the shooting:

The deadly shooting

At around 7.04pm on Wednesday (23 August), authorities received a 911 call about a shooting at Cooks Corner biker bar in Californias Orange County.

Police said that the gunman opened fire at the bar, killing at least three people.

Another six victims were injured including five who were hospitalised with gunshot wounds.

Witnesses told CBS and KCAL News that the gunfire began in the picnic area.

They said they initially heard about five or six shots before a brief pause. Shortly after, the shooting continued with an increased volley of fire.

One witness told the outlet that he and a cook barricaded themselves in the kitchen to hide from the gunman.

CALIFORNIA-TIROTEO (AP)

They armed themselves with a frying pan and waited until it was safe to come out, he said.

The cook had been shot in the arm during the encounter.

The witness also claimed that a pregnant woman had begged the gunman to spare her, saying please dont shoot me, Im five months pregnant.

The gunman allegedly told her to get out of here and let her leave.

Another man was not so fortunate, however, with the witness saying his friend was fatally shot in the back by the gunman.

Police said that officers arrived on the scene of the shooting around two minutes after the 911 call came in.

There, they encountered the gunman who was fatally shot at the scene.

Six victims were taken to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo for treatment.

Two are in critical condition while four others are in stable condition.

The suspect

The suspected gunman was identified on Thursday as retired police officer John Snowling.

The Orange County District Attorneys Office said that Snwoling had been employed by the Ventura Police Department from 1984 until his retirement in 2014. According to an article published in 2012, Snowling led a patrol task force within the agency.

Local media reports said that the incident began as a domestic dispute between the shooter and his wife, Marie Snowling.

The Orange County Sheriffs Department said it was looking into reports that the suspect first shot his wife at the bar.

Despite earlier reports that Ms Snowling had not survived, her father William Mosby told The Orange County on Thursday that she is recovering from her injuries at Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo.

Her friend in the bar said she was shot in the lower jaw, Mr Mosby told the outlet. Im extremely relieved, what I heard was the worst.

Mr Mosby described Snowling as a crazy husband who couldnt cope with Ms Snowlings request for a divorce.

Ms Snowlings friend Betty Fruichantie also told NBC that the two were enjoying a live performance at the popular bikers bar when the gunman entered the establishment.

We were sitting there listening to the band and all of sudden, from behind us, we hear shooting. A bunch of shooting, Ms Fruichantie said. I thought it was just firecrackers, she didnt say anything. People were getting shot. People were getting shot.

Ms Fruichantie said that Ms Snowling had recently filed for divorce and was staying with friends.

The reaction

The devasting shooting has left many in shock, including community members, gun control groups and lawmakers.

In a press conference, undersheriff Jeff Hallock described the night as difficult for everyone involved and for the community.

I want to start off by offering condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire Trabuco Canyon community, he said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he was monitoring the shooting and coordinating with local officials as more details become available.

Orange County supervisor Katrina Foley tweeted: We must do more to protect survivors. Another domestic dispute led to another mass shooting. This as US v. Rahimi, being heard by SCOTUS following Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal decision ruling this lifesaving federal red flag law unconstitutional. We must do more to protect survivors.

We are monitoring the shooting in Orange County and are coordinating with local officials as more details become available.  Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) August 24, 2023

Senator Dave Min from Orange County said he was "devastated" by the news.

Our district is one of the safest areas in the country, and yet we too are repeatedly afflicted with the scourge of mass shootings, he said.

An office park in Orange, a church in Laguna Woods, a bar in Trabuco Canyon. There is no place in America that is safe from the scourge of gun violence. There is no community not affected.

There have been more than 400 mass shootings in the US so far in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive.
A national home-building company owned by Berkshire Hathaway plans to invest $46.6 million into the Charlotte region with a new facility.

READ MORE: Charlotte posts nations fifth-largest population increase in 2022

Clayton Supply has picked New London in Stanly County for the investment, which includes the creation of 263 jobs, Gov. Roy Cooper and the N.C. Department of Commerce announced this week. New London is about 7 miles north of Albemarle and 50 miles east of Charlotte.

Clayton Supply is a division of Tennessee-based Clayton Home Building Group, which was acquired by Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway in 2003 for $1.7 billion. The company also has off-site manufacturing and site-built construction divisions.

(WATCH: Honda to build new light-jet model in central North Carolina, creating 280 jobs)
President Biden on Thursday recommitted the United Statess unwavering and enduring support for Ukraine to celebrate Ukraine Independence Day.

Today, the people of Ukraine are once more marking their Independence Day, while suffering the all-out assault of Putin s craven war for land and power, Biden said in a statement.

On this Independence Day, as they have since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, brave Ukrainian women and men are defending Ukraine from assaults on fundamental principles essential to every nation on the planet  sovereignty and territorial integrity. They are showing the world once more that freedom is worth fighting for, he said.

His comments come the morning after Republican presidential candidates debated whether more aid should be sent to Ukraine. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis both said they would cut off U.S. funding to Ukraine when asked about Bidens request to Congress for $25 billion in more aid to the war-torn country.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Biden, in his Thursday statement, said Americans are united against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

So today, as Putin continues his brutal war to erase Ukraines independence and redraw the map of our world by force, Americans all across the country stand united with the people of Ukraine, Biden said. Our commitment to Ukraines independence is unwavering and enduring.

The president outlined work with European partners to help the Ukrainian armed forces and to hold Russia accountable over the past 18 months.

I sincerely hope that next year, Ukrainians will be able to celebrate their Independence Day in peace and safety, knowing how their extraordinary courage inspired the world, Biden said. May Ukraines Independence Day be a reminder that the forces of darkness and dominion will never extinguish the flame of liberty that lives in the heart of free people everywhere.

On Wednesday, Biden suggested Putin could be behind the plane crash in Russia that may have killed Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who was listed as a passenger. Prigozhin led the so-called March of Justice that aimed to topple Moscows military leadership earlier this summer.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind, Biden told reporters.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Just this week, an Atlanta college announced that they will reinstate mask mandates for students and faculty at their university. The Lionsgate film studio in Los Angeles has told their crews to wear masks again. The Biden administration is buying Covid equipment and hiring pandemic safety protocol officers. And the federal government is also sending $1.4 billion to defense contractors and pharmaceutical companies for more Covid countermeasures and vaccines. Does the lunacy ever stop?

The Covid fanatics nonsense never seems to end. In 20 years, we will still probably be prepping for our next lockdown and queuing for our 100th booster shot. And why would it end? Bidens Project NextGen proves that no lessons have been learned from the last set of pandemic restrictions. Even the British government  certainly not one you could accuse of failure to lock down and vaccinate  is doing none of this.

We the people are sick of it, and are starting to resist. Only 17% of Americans got their Covid booster shot according to CDC data. Americans constantly read alarmist stories about new variants and potential future lockdowns, and have started saying hell no to the tyranny.

But it is easy to say things online, and much more difficult to muster the strength to refuse to comply in the face of shame, vitriol, and the admonishment of those around you.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I know just how hard it can be. I lived in Los Angeles for the bulk of the Covid pandemic, one of the cities where the draconian hammer stroke of the law fell the hardest. Everyday was a test of my patience. Every grocery store employee told me to wear a mask. Every bartender told me I couldnt enter without a vaccine card. Every person walking down the street kept their six feet distance and wouldnt look at you. It was truly a miserable place to live, for not just people like me who stood up to the mandates and tyranny, but for the people who complied as well. And now Biden wants to bring all this back again?

It was hard the first time to fight back against the diktats of those passing their lockdown, mask and vaccine laws, especially when they didnt even follow their own rules and principles. It was new, and we didnt know what to do at first. We didnt know what Covid really was and how it would affect us in the long run. Nobody had all the answers. But now we do. We know that Dr Fauci misled the American people about the potential origin of the Covid virus, quickly dismissing the Wuhan lab leak theory as a conspiracy. We know the mask mandates forced upon citizens were ineffective at best. And we know the devastating impact lockdowns have had on the mental health of young people.

We have but one option. Do not comply. As soon as we give up our freedom for a bit of safety we risk losing all of it, alongside everything that gives us our humanity. I urge everyone reading this today to take into account what we would be risking by sleepwalking again into disaster.

Our jobs, our friendships, and even our futures may be at risk if we refuse to back down in the face of Bidens fearmongering. But we must be brave and stand up for our right to a free life. It is the only option we have.

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.
It's been a year since Biden announced his first plan to cancel student debt broadly.

On Thursday, 87 Democratic lawmakers urged him to get relief to borrowers by early 2024.

Biden is working on a new route for debt relief, but it could take at least a year.

It's been a year since President Joe Biden announced his plan for broad student-loan forgiveness  and nearly 100 Democratic lawmakers said it's time borrowers see that relief.

On Thursday, 87 Democratic lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Reps. Ayanna Pressley and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, sent a letter to Biden urging him to cancel student debt for millions of borrowers by early next year. After the Supreme Court struck down the president's first plan to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for federal borrowers at the end of June, his administration announced it would be taking a different route for relief using the Higher Education Act of 1965.

However, the law requires Biden to go through the negotiated rulemaking process, which could take at least a year  and the lawmakers want to ensure that it moves as quickly as possible so borrowers do not have to wait any longer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We are extremely disappointed and concerned that the Supreme Court substituted politics for the rule of law to deny as many as 43 million hard working Americans life-changing relief from crushing student loan debt," they said. "In the wake of this outrageous decision, we appreciate your announcement initiating a rulemaking under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to deliver on debt relief and write to urge you to swiftly carry out your commitment to working and middle class families, and cancel student debt by early 2024."

After over three years, the student-loan payment pause is about to end  interest will start accruing again in September, with bills due one month later. To ease the transition back into repayment, the Education Department announced a 12-month "on-ramp" period during which borrowers who miss payments will not be reported to credit agencies, but interest will still accrue during that time. The Democrats wrote in their letter that the department "should work to ensure that implementation of the final rule to provide debt relief does not happen after the 12-month on ramp ends in effort to further reduce the risk of delinquency and default."

The administration has not yet announced any additional plans for relief once the on-ramp period ends  it is focused on repayment, and on Tuesday it formally launched its new income-driven repayment plan, known as the SAVE plan, to lower borrowers' monthly payments. However, some borrowers are concerned with their ability to afford payments  even with SAVE  and while Biden is working on his new plan for broad debt relief, it could likely run into legal challenges due to conservative opposition.

That's why Democrats want the president to move quickly and end the relief limbo for millions of borrowers with federal student debt.

"Borrowers have already waited nearly a year for the relief you announced in August 2022, and critics of your plan to help 43 million Americans are likely to renew their attacks with regard to your rulemaking announcement," the lawmakers said. "We urge you to reject their bad-faith, partisan attempts to delay relief and carry out your efforts to help borrowers as quickly as possible."

Read the original article on Business Insider
(photo: White House Youtube)

President Joe Biden traveled to Maui, Hawaii on Monday, two weeks after deadly wildfires broke out across multiple islands, destroying countless structures and killing more than 100 people.

The American people stand with you, he said, according to a statement from the White House, to survivors of the wildfire, standing alongside Democratic Hawaii Governor Josh Green, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen, and the Hawaii Congressional Delegation. For as long as it takes, were going to be with you.

Biden pointed to his left, where stood a 150-year-old banyan tree, which was there in the former capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii, that has stood for generations as a sacred spot of exceptional significance.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Today, its burned, but its still standing. The tree survived for a reason. I believe its a powerful symbol of what we can and will do to get through this crisis. And for as long as it takes, we're going to be with you, the whole country will be with you, Biden said.

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.

But the Star-Advertiser warned Biden before he came to Maui that a warm welcome may not be assured for Biden in some circles on Maui, because of frustrations from survivors over applying for federal FEMA aid  many lost the government IDs and paperwork FEMA requires for aid to the flames.

State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole (D) who co-chairs the Legislatures Native Hawaiian Caucus, told the Star-Advertiser that the failure of the state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands to fulfill its obligation to build homes for the remaining 28,700 Native Hawaiians on the wait list along with an apparent lack of meaningful action since then-President Bill Clinton signed legislation in 1993 apologizing for the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom 100 years earlier, both contribute to efforts on social media discouraging Native Hawaiians from applying for much-needed aid. Theyre trying to tap into that anger and frustration and stress, he added.

Heres what people in Hawaii are saying about Biden's recent trip to Maui:

Lynwood Hale: Mahalo Akua for an Empathetic President.

Kalani Santana: Please President.Keep your words and continue to help as much as you can! Mahalo.

Luka Kahele: Keep Lahaina lands in lahainas hands.

Punawai: Mahalo President for coming to Maui.

Mapuana Lee: People of Lahaina do not sell your property. Your land is worth more than your house. You will get to rebuild. I believe President Biden is good on his words.

Robert Yokoyama: There is so much cynicism and negativity in politics. I just hope he is sincere in his promise to Maui.

Komaki Masaaki Alahuapoo: Nobody wants to get sick from the compromised water supply filled to the brim with pfas forever chemicals. He really doesn't have a clue at all.

Biden acknowledged the long road ahead for the island but reiterated that the federal government will continue to assist in recovery, sheltering, and rebuilding efforts for a long time.





About the Author: "Kaili Berg (Aleut) is a member of the Alutiiq\/Sugpiaq Nation, and a shareholder of Koniag, Inc. She is a staff reporter for Native News Online and Tribal Business News. Berg, who is based in Wisconsin, previously reported for the Ho-Chunk Nation newspaper, Hocak Worak. She went to school originally for nursing, but changed her major after finding her passion in communications at Western Technical College in Lacrosse, Wisconsin. "

Contact: kberg@indiancountrymedia.com
The Kentucky Farm Bureau hosted its annual country ham breakfast and auction Thursday at the state fairgrounds, with hundreds listening to elected officials give speeches in the room  which was also filled with buzz about the governor's election, just 75 days away.

Gov. Andy Beshear gave his annual address to the breakfast attendees, as well as U.S. Sens. Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul , while Kentucky Agricultural Commissioner Ryan Quarles gave his farewell speech to the audience of agricultural and political big shots, as his second term ends this year.

And yes, there was also the grand prize country ham of the Kentucky State Fair that was auctioned off for a record $10 million  to a very familiar name in politics, even though she didn't show up herself to bid on the special selection of swine.

Here are our takeaways from this year's breakfast:

Governor's race was the talk of the crowd

Unlike last year, the speculation among the political class at the breakfast was not about who might jump into the 2023 governor's race, but who would come out on top in the general election between Democratic incumbent Beshear and Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron, which is expected to be a close one.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Beshear's 11-minute speech to the crowd did not directly address his reelection race but did closely resemble his familiar campaign stump speech, taking credit for Kentucky's economic progress over the past few years and making the case for the state to not steer off course.

"Folks, I have never seen more potential for this state," Beshear said. "I believe we are in a can't miss opportunity  one that we cannot fumble, one where we can leave that great legacy to every generation that comes after us."

The speeches of Republicans McConnell and Quarles (who finished second behind Cameron in the GOP primary) made no mention of Beshear or the governor's race, and while Paul did not mention his name specifically, he made several obvious criticisms of Beshear's pandemic-era restrictions on businesses, churches and schools.

Beshear received polite applause from the audience that tends to lean conservative  noticeably softer than the enthusiastic cheers that Cameron received when he was introduced by the event's emcee, though he did not have the opportunity to address the crowd.

Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron reacts to remarks given by Governor Andy Beshear at the Kentucky Farm Bureau annual Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair on Thursday, August 24, 2023

After the event, Cameron noted that Beshear skipped the Kentucky Farm Bureau's gubernatorial candidate forum last month, which he attended by himself.

Several polls over the past few months have shown Beshear with a small lead over Cameron, but the attorney general told The Courier Journal he was confident that "you're gonna have a new governor on Nov. 7, and it's going to be Daniel Cameron."

Kentucky Senate Majority Floor Leader Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown, told The Courier Journal he believes Beshear may have a slight edge in the race right now, but expected it to be neck-and-neck by Election Day. Cameron "has got the governor on defense and I think the governor is worried  as he should be," Thayer said.

"I think it's going to be very close," he said. "I think every other Republican will win in a landslide, but Daniel's just got to make sure that his rural turnout is strong and try to convince some of those suburban voters  who for some odd reason think Beshear is OK  to come over and vote Republican."

Later asked what accounts for Beshear's popularity, he guessed it was "those four o'clock beer with Andy sessions" during the pandemic  when the governor gave daily press conferences with COVID-19 updates  that "had a long-term positive effect."

"They made me sick to my stomach," Thayer said. "But apparently there's a certain segment of the voters who thought it was the greatest thing since sliced bread."

House Minority Leader Derrick Graham, D-Frankfort, dismissed Republicans' optimism that Beshear will fare worse this year than in 2019  when he faced the uniquely unpopular former Gov. Matt Bevin  saying the governor now has "a record to run on, and that's what he's doing."

"I think the people will listen and they will see all of the advantages that we now have in terms of economic development and what it will be for the future of the Commonwealth of Kentucky," Graham said.

McConnell told The Courier Journal after his speech he thought the governor's race will be "a close, hard-fought contest," but "Daniel has a great chance of winning."

"The Democrats are all bought into it as well. It's the most significant governor's race in the country this year."

Beshear touted familiar economic record

The governor's address was heavy on touting recent economic success and record numbers for new business development investments, saying Kentucky has seen its best three years ever for those figures "back to back to back."

Citing $26 billion of newly announced investments with 47,000 new jobs since he's become governor, Beshear said this could be known as the generation of Kentucky "that changed everything, that turned our brain drain into a brain gain."

After the event, Cameron said Beshear was glossing over weaker aspects of the economy.

"Since the governor has taken office, there are 27,000 fewer Kentuckians (working), folks are having to work two and three jobs in Andy Beshear's economy, you got a governor where the workforce participation rate is at 47th in the nation," Cameron said.

The Republican added that "as these plants and factories are coming online, we've got to figure out who's going to work in them. This governor is taking his eye off the ball on that."

Bipartisan praise for infrastructure bill, Brent Spence progress

Senator Mitch McConnell speaks at the Kentucky Farm Bureau annual Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair on Thursday, August 24, 2023

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg kicked off the breakfast with some bipartisan spirit by praising several of the Republicans on stage, touting McConnell's effort to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill through Congress  as he was the only GOP member of Kentucky's delegation to vote for the bill.

In his speech, McConnell also said he was "proud" of his role in the passage of the same bipartisan bill, noting it directed $6 billion to finally kick off the Brent Spence Bridge project in Northern Kentucky "without tolls."

Beshear's speech also touted the toll-free Brent Spence Bridge project being cleared for takeoff, just as he had done so at a joint event there earlier this year with McConnell and President Joe Biden.

While the rest of Kentucky's Republican GOP delegation voted against and heavily criticized this infrastructure bill  including Paul  Cameron later told reporters he supported McConnell's vote and effort to pass it through.

"I'm grateful for what Senator McConnell did as it relates to the infrastructure package," Cameron said when asked about McConnell's advocacy of the bill. "I'm grateful for the bipartisan support on that. It's helping fund projects."

Cameron added that "Beshear tries to take credit for those things, but that was because of the work of Senator McConnell and others in the United States Senate that that package got passed, and we're seeing some of the benefits of that."

A Ryan Quarles farewell

Outgoing Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture, Ryan Quarles got a standing ovation before he spoke the Kentucky Farm Bureau annual Country Ham Breakfast at the Kentucky State Fair on Thursday, August 24, 2023

Quarles delivered his eighth and final speech as Agriculture commissioner to the ham breakfast attendees, praising the work his office was able to accomplish for farmers across the state.

"We did it the Kentucky way  we did it with class, we did it with integrity," Quarles said. "And most importantly, we accomplished all of this by working together and not dividing Kentucky."

Just as he did in his speech at Fancy Farm this month, Quarles hinted that he's not done with public service of some sort in Kentucky  amid speculation he's in the running for a leadership position at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

"My public service for the Commonwealth is just getting started," Quarles said, to cheers.

Kelly Craft wins ham (in absentia)

Miss Kentucky, Mallory Hudson of Bowling Green, holds the grand champion ham during the auction during the annual Kentucky Farm Bureau Country Ham Breakfast. Joe and Kelly Craft, along with Central Bank, made joint $5 million bids for the 18-pound grand champion ham making it a record $10 million for charity.

For the third consecutive year, Kelly Craft and her husband Joe combined with another auction bidder to buy the grand prize country ham of the Kentucky State Fair for charity  which this time sold for a record $10 million.

However, Craft  who placed a distant third in her bid to win the GOP gubernatorial nomination this May, despite she and her husband spending more than $10 million of their own personal fortune on the race  was not in attendance, bidding in absentia.

Craft made a splash at the 2022 breakfast ahead of her expected entry to the governor's race, as did Bevin, who declined to dismiss growing speculation that he would make a comeback the following year.

Craft has been absent from Republican political events in Kentucky since her May loss in the GOP primary, during which she openly bristled at attacks she received from Cameron and his allied PACs.

She and her husband had not contributed in the first half of this year to the Republican Governors Association  the group that is funding most of the pro-Cameron ads in the general election, which the Crafts gave $250,000 to in 2019 to support Bevin.

More: A new record: Ham at the Kentucky Country Ham Breakfast auction sells for $10 million

Reach reporter Joe Sonka at jsonka@courierjournal.com and follow him on Twitter at @joesonka.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Bids for governor, bids for ham: Five takeaways from the ham breakfast
The body of missing Florida Gulf Coast University student Graham McGrath, 19, has been recovered from a lake on the campus (Lee County Sheriffs Office)

The body of a missing Florida Gulf Coast University student has been recovered from a lake on the campus, authorities say.

Graham McGrath, 19, fell from a wake boat into Lake Como, 30 miles south of Fort Myers, at around 7pm on Wednesday, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno told a news conference.

His body was found on Thursday after a 12-hour overnight search, Sheriff Marceno said.

McGrath did not have any visible signs of physical trauma, and his cause of death will be determined by a medical examiner, he added.

Thirteen other people were onboard the boat when McGrath fell overboard, the sheriff said. The group had been having fun enjoying themselves prior to the accident, the sheriff said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

All 13 were being interviewed independently on the night of the accident. The wake boat had a capacity of 16 people.

A multi-agency rescue effort consisting of dive teams, helicopter, marine boats, and drones were deployed to search for the missing teenager on Wednesday night.

When daylight broke on Thursday, the Lee County Sheriffs Departments Marine Unit & Underwater Operations used a boat with side-scan sonar to search the lake bed for McGrath.

Sheriff Marceno confirmed McGraths body had been found in a statement on social media at around midday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Grahams family and the entire FGCU family, he said.

The circumstances of his death are under investigation.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno addresses a news conference during a search for missing student Graham McGrath (Lee County Sheriffs Office)

In a statement, Florida Gulf Coast University president Aysegul Timur said the entire FGCU community was devastated by McGraths death.

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Graham McGrath, the FGCU student who tragically went missing yesterday afternoon while on a private boat on the shared lake between the university and Miromar Lakes.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno announces the discovery of Florida Gulf Coast University student Graham McGraths body (Lee County Sheriffs Office)

Ms Timur thanked the Lee County Sheriff Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Iona-McGregor Fire District, San Carlos Park Fire District and the universitys police department for their efforts in locating the student.

Counseling services were available to grieving students and taff, she said.

During this time of great heartbreak and grief, FGCU wants to help our students, faculty and staff the best that we can. We encourage everyone to seek the assistance they need.

McGrath died one week before his 20th birthday.
Newly-released bodycam footage shows the dramatic moment police arrested Jared Bridegans ex-wife for the Microsoft executives murder.

Shanna Gardner-Fernandez, 36, was taken into custody in front of the couples children at her Washington state home just before 9am on 17 August 2023 after a year-long investigation.

Bridegan, who was a father of four and a software developer at Microsoft, was ambushed and shot dead in Jacksonville Beach in February 2022 after driving his children home.

More than a year later, half-a-dozen police officers descended on the ex-wifes home and could be heard yelling Warrant! Police, as seen in a bodycam video obtained by Fox News.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A frazzled-looking Gardner-Fernandez is handcuffed and brought out onto the porch in a black t-shirt and pink printed pajama shorts. Someone is heard asking if they should get her pants while the womans mother cries while waiting outside.

She can be heard asking police about her 12-year-old twin grandchildren, Can I be with the kids, or can you at least bring the kids out to me?

One of Gardner-Fernandezs children can be heard asking her mother, Where are your jeans, mom? Another child responds, I know where they are.

Gardner-Fernandez reappears in pants and is heard on the video telling her children I love you before she is escorted to the police car.

The footage also shows Gardner-Fernandez to a police interview room. She later extradited to Jacksonville where she faces charges of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony and child abuse.

Gardner-Fernandez, her husband Mario Fernandez Saldana and Henry Tenon have all been charged in the death of the Microsoft executive.
Young adults wont be able to check out the YA books behind the hit Netflix series Heartstopper in some public libraries in southern Mississippi, news outlets reported.

Anyone under 17 will have to ask their parents for permission, since the YA book series is available only in the adult sections of the Columbia-Marion County Public Library per an Aug. 18 decision, the Mississippi Free Press reported.





The books were temporarily pulled from the libraries Aug. 9 after resident Heather McMurry complained about the LGBTQ story to the librarys board of directors, WDAM-7 reported.





At the meeting, McMurry shared a page from the book that shows two teenage boys kissing, the station reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Alice Osemans Heartstopper is a young adult series that tells a tender coming of age story between main characters Nick and Charlie as they experience the ups and downs of first love, friendships, coming out and mental health struggles.

Neither the books nor the wildly popular Netflix series contain any sexually explicit scenes  in fact, the graphic novels that inspired the show are published by Hachette Childrens Group.





Theyre listed in the young adult genre, and Scholastic on its online bookstore recommends the series for readers between 12 and 18 or in grades seven through 12.

The library systems board of directors called the second special meeting Friday, Aug. 18 to review residents complaints and vote on what to do next, library director Ryda Worthy told McClatchy News in an email.

Thats when they decided to permanently move the Heartstopper series to the adult sections in all three of the public libraries, as well as review every book in the teen area of the library for more mature content.

Books in the Heartstopper series were immediately moved into a newly designated Graphic Novel section in the Adult Fiction department, which shelves material for both young adults and adults, officials said.

The library systems board of trustees and staff are considering splitting the teen area  which currently contains material for those 12 and older  into two smaller age categories, officials said. Any content they deem more mature would go adjacent to the Adult Fiction section.

The Mississippi Free Press reported McMurry declined their request to interview her, but outlined her comments to the Columbian-Progress saying she wanted the books pulled from the childrens section and moved somewhere appropriate  not outright banned.





McMurry also complained the young adult section was full of other titles she deemed inappropriate, and the board then agreed to review every book in the section, multiple reports say.





Several state representatives spoke out against the books at the meeting, including State Rep. Ken Morgan (R-Morgantown) and Sen. Angela Burks Hill, the Columbian-Progress reported.

Burks Hill shared a state law regarding dissemination of sexually oriented material to people younger than 18, and Morgan told the board of directors they could be charged with violating the law.

Residents weighed in on the decision in comments on a Aug. 12 post on the librarys Facebook page. Some praised the decision while others described it as heartbreaking.

I believe you and all those present are genuinely concerned for the welfare of our children, someone said while thanking the board for the decision.

Someone responded to that comment saying they didnt think there was anything inappropriate for children in the book.

Concerned for the welfare of children because theres a book with no sexual material with two gay people, they said. This group called this book pornographic when it is anything but. There is nothing adult about this book, if it was a heterosexual couple yall would be completely fine.

Columbia is about 75 miles southeast of Jackson.

Librarian says shes being called a child predator over books at school. Shes suing

Bible pulled for younger kids in some Utah schools after vulgar content complaint

Inclusive public signs boost teens attitudes about trans people, study says. Heres how
HK, Macao step up checks on safety of Japanese food

08:42, August 24, 2023 By Shadow Li and Xi Tianqi in Hong Kong ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Members of Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, hold a protest outside the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong on Aug 23, 2023 in response to Japan's decision to release wastewater from its Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean from Aug 24, 2023. Calvin Ng / China Daily

The Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions are poised to conduct vigorous checks on imported Japanese food as their ban on aquatic products from 10 Japanese prefectures takes effect on Thursday, the same day that Japan is set to start releasing radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean as part of its plan to decommission the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

At a news conference on Wednesday, the Hong Kong SAR government said it will subject local waters to increased radiation checks on a monthly basis, and release data on radiation levels of "local catch" and imported Japanese food on a daily basis.

Lai Chuen-chi, assistant director of fisheries and marine conservation at the Hong Kong SAR government's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, said that starting on Thursday, the department will strengthen radiation tests on local aquatic products.

The Hong Kong Observatory said it has increased the frequency of seawater radiation level checks in the city from quarterly to monthly, and will increase the frequency further if necessary.

The Macao Customs Service said on Wednesday that it will strengthen checks on both imported goods and inbound passengers, particularly the belongings of those who boarded flights from Japan, to prevent banned food from entering the region.

At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave the final go-ahead to a plan to gradually release more than 1 million metric tons of "treated and diluted" radioactive water into the ocean.

In response, the Hong Kong and Macao SAR governments banned the imports of aquatic products, including all fresh, frozen, refrigerated, dried or otherwise preserved seafood and sea salt, as well as raw or processed seaweed, from 10 Japanese prefectures including Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba and Gunma.

About 6.75 percent of Hong Kong's imported aquatic products come from the 10 Japanese prefectures. The SAR government also issued a food safety order on Wednesday as it issued the ban.

Although the ban will not cover items that people bring back to Hong Kong from the prohibited areas in Japan for their own consumption or as souvenirs, Irene Young Bick-kwan, director of Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, advised residents not to do so in view of the safety risks.

At a regular news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said: "What is done can't be undone. We hope that Aug 24, 2023, won't go down in history as a disastrous day for the ocean. If Japan keeps going on its own way, it should be held historically accountable for this."

In Hong Kong, fishermen and other social groups gathered on Wednesday outside the Consulate General of Japan to express their anger.

Kowk Sap-chai, head of the Aberdeen Coast Ling Fisheries Association, who participated in the protest, said Japan's "irresponsible" plan is set to affect people's livelihoods and pollute the ocean. Once the contaminated water is discharged into the ocean, there is no turning back, he added.

A fisherman surnamed Leung, from the Hong Kong Trawler Association, said he was deeply concerned over the anticipated effects on seafood sales. Leung said he was worried that he wouldn't be able to afford the operation costs of his trawler or make ends meet.

Flagging the health risks, Charles Ng Chak-chuen, a private doctor in Hong Kong, said that radioactive nucleotides, which are carcinogenic according to the World Health Organization, will enter the food chain and affect millions of people once the discharge of contaminated water starts.

Eating such contaminated marine food over an extended period of time will result in cumulatively hazardous doses, with devastating effects in particular on pregnant women, children and the elderly, he said.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
FILE PHOTO: An aerial view shows trees as the sun rises at the Amazon rainforest in Manaus

By Marcela Ayres

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil is set to issue around $2 billion in its first sustainable sovereign bonds in September, a senior Finance Ministry official said on Thursday.

"In the upcoming month, the world will be closely observing and acquiring our sustainable bonds," Dario Durigan, the ministry's executive secretary, said during a meeting of the committee of the country's Climate Fund.

He said green and social projects will back the bonds.

"The expectation that we have in the Nation Treasury is that we issue something around $2 billion. It is a very relevant amount, it will be able to serve as a financing base for the ecological transition plan."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

During a news conference late on Thursday, Treasury Secretary Rogerio Ceron said the government could not specify the volume or date of the issuance in order to avoid impacting markets.

He added that despite efforts to "finalize all preparations by September," the postponement of the operation until early 2024 due to unforeseen circumstances would not be a problem.

At a meeting on Thursday of the National Monetary Council (CMN) - Brazil's top economic body comprising the finance minister, planning minister and central bank governor - the government defined a new framework that will govern Climate Fund operations, in line with Durigan's remarks at the Climate Fund committee meeting.

The text of the CMN framework, which comes into force in September, defines loan return rates, establishing that financing backed by the fund will seek to "support the implementation of enterprises, the technological and productive capacity development and the acquisition of machinery and related equipment mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change and its effects."

In an interview with Reuters last week, Rafael Dubeux, who is coordinating efforts in the Finance Ministry's "ecological transformation" plan, disclosed that the initial allocation of Brazil's inaugural sustainable sovereign bonds will primarily benefit the Climate Fund under the oversight of the state development bank BNDES.

The bonds are part of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's efforts to improve Brazil's record on the environment in a broad green plan that includes the establishment of a regulated carbon credit market.

Durigan said he held a meeting with John Graham, CEO of Canada Pension Plan Investment (CPP Investments), on Wednesday to explain Brazil's green plan and that Graham said he was determined to increase the percentage of CPP's investment in Brazil.

CPP Investments did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Marcela Ayres in Brasilia; Editing by Susan Fenton and Matthew Lewis)
On Tuesday, the Brazilian Supreme Court ruled that using homophobic slurs is a crime punishable by prison. The ruling is the latest of several steps taken in Brazil to tackle homophobia, transphobia, racism and other forms of bias that remain significant problems for the country.

The court issued a 9-1 ruling that declared homophobic hate speech a crime for which Brazilians can be sentenced to prison. Supreme Court Justice Edson Fachin described the ruling as fulfilling a constitutional imperative to protect LGBTQ+ Brazilians. Under the new ruling, homophobic slurs can be prosecuted as hate speech, and authorities could potentially punish those guilty of such offenses with two to five years in prison.

Brazil has taken several steps over the last several decades to tackle various forms of bias and discrimination. The country passed a Racial Equality Statute in 2010 to fight long-standing racism, especially against the countrys large Black and multiracial population. Brazil legalized same-sex marriage in 2013. In 2019, most of Brazils Supreme Court voted to recognize homophobia and transphobia as crimes under Brazilian law. That ruling applied to violence and discrimination in areas such as employment, while this weeks order extends the law to cover homophobic attacks against individual people.

Brazilian politician Jair Bolsonaro, president from 2019 to 2022, once declared himself a proud homophobe and said, Brazilian society doesnt like homosexuals. Other conservative forces in the country have been hostile toward the countrys LGBTQ+ community as well, and violence against that community has been a major problem. In 2022, 273 violent deaths were documented among Brazils LGBTQ+ community, according to one source.

With such threats to LGBTQ+ people persisting in Brazil, much more must be done to protect this vulnerable community and others who have historically faced discrimination and violence. Therefore, the Supreme Courts ruling represents one step in a much larger journey toward safety and security for all Brazilians.
(Bloomberg) -- Major emerging market nations invited top oil exporter Saudi Arabia, Iran, Egypt, Argentina, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates to join their bloc in a push to expand its global influence.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa agreed to enlarge their BRICS group from Jan. 1 at a summit held in Johannesburg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said Thursday. It will be the first expansion since 2010.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the worlds largest oil exporter, alongside Russia, Iran, the UAE and Brazil, brings together several of the largest energy producers with the developing worlds biggest consumers, giving the bloc outsized economic clout. With most of the worlds energy trade taking place in dollars, the expansion could also enhance its ability to push more trade to alternative currencies.

We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow, Ramaphosa said at a joint briefing with the groups other leaders. Agreement had also been reached on the need to overhaul the global financial architecture and key institutions to make the world more equitable, inclusive and representative, he said.

An expanded BRICS would also mean more say for the alliance in world affairs and may lead to a different type of global economy, according to Bloomberg Economics. Thats because in comparison to the Group of Seven, the BRICS are less market-oriented.

What Bloomberg Economics Says...

The original BRIC members had two things in common: large economies, and high potential growth rates. The expanded BRICS-11 is a less coherent group  some are going through crises, others are thriving. This could signal an expansion of the agenda beyond economics

 Ziad Daoud, chief emerging market economist

The enlargement of the BRICS is driven by the desire to build an alternative to an international system centered on US hegemony, said Hasnain Malik, a strategist at Tellimer in Dubai. A distinction should be drawn between the use of the US dollar as a trading currency, which may erode as many seek an alternative, and as a reserve currency, which almost no other country or group of countries have the size, institutional credibility, and freely convertible characteristics, to rival.

The push for expansion was largely driven by China but had the backing of Russia and South Africa. India was concerned a bigger BRICS would transform the group into a mouthpiece for China, while Brazil was worried about alienating the West.

Charlie Robertson, head of macro strategy at emerging-market investment firm FIM Partners, said BRICS had done little since its formation in 2009-10, and doesnt expect that to markedly change.

A meaningful BRICS creation is the New Development Bank. Expanding BRICS and therefore membership of the NDB matters, he said. Whether it is Saudi or UAE injecting capital, or Egypt, Argentina, Ethiopia and probably Iran drawing on that capital, the bank has been a welcome addition to the global financial architecture.

More than 20 nations from the Global South had formally requested to join ahead of the summit.

Indonesia asked for its membership to be deferred because it wanted to consult with its counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, and could be admitted in the next year or two, Anil Sooklal, South Africas ambassador to BRICS, said in an interview. There was ready consensus on all other countries, which made the selection very easy.

Chinese President Xi Jinping described the expansion of BRICS as an historic event and a new starting point for cooperation among developing nations, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his nation will work with aspirant members to join the grouping.

In a sense the Saudis, the Emiratis in particular, and the Egyptians to some extent have ambitions for global governance and see membership as a way of exercising leadership and achieving their global ambition, said Hasan Alhasan, Research Fellow for Middle East Policy at the Bahrain-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. That doesnt mean they are abandoning their strategic security partnership with the US, but they are building coalitions on an issue-by-issue basis depending on where their national interests are, he said.

--With assistance from Sudhi Ranjan Sen, Alister Bull, Monique Vanek, Paul Vecchiatto, Sam Dagher, Demetrios Pogkas, Paul Wallace and Timothy Rangongo.

(Updates throughout)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Major emerging market nations are preparing to invite top oil exporter Saudi Arabia and several other countries to join their bloc in a push to expand its global influence.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa agreed to expand the BRICS group at a summit being held this week in Johannesburg. It will be the first expansion since 2010.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Egypt along with other nations in the Middle East are being invited to join, although the list was still under discussion late Wednesday, people familiar with the talks said, declining to be identified because the discussions are private.

BRICS Latest: Bloc Agrees Rules Clearing Path for More Members

Members have said a bigger group could help counter the dominance of the Group of Seven in world affairs.

Saudi Arabias potential accession to BRICS would bolster Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salmans attempts to diversify his nations economy. An effort that has bought it much closer to Russia and China in recent years.

China is the kingdoms most important oil customer, while it relies on relations with Russia to help prop up crude prices through OPEC+. Gulf states are keen to join major trade blocks as they seek to expand trade ties and develop as global transit hubs.

The push for expansion was largely driven by China but had the backing of Russia and South Africa. India was concerned a bigger BRICS would transform the group into a mouthpiece for China, while Brazil was worried about alienating the West.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt have not publicly stated their position on potentially joining BRICS, although Riyadh sent a delegation to the meeting.

More than 20 nations from the Global South had formally requested to join ahead of the summit.

--With assistance from Sudhi Ranjan Sen.

(Updates to add background from fifth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
WORCESTER - About 100 people gathered at Elm and Linden streets in front of the Diocese of Worcester Wednesday, protesting the churchs new rules regarding LGBTQ+ students.

A new policy for diocese schools prohibits the use of pronouns, clothing or gender-segregated facilities that do not align with sex assigned at birth.

The Worcester-based Love Your Labels group partnered with the YWCA of Central Massachusetts and MassEquality to organize the rally.

We are here to support and affirm our LGBTQ+ people, Love Your Labels President Joshua Croke said to the crowd. We are here to make noise. We consider this (policy) an act of violence against young people and were asking everyone in the community to stand out and say we will not back down.

A group of protesters gathers Wednesday on Elm Street near the Diocese of Worcester Chancery building.

More Worcester Diocese school policy: Stick to pronouns of sex assigned at birth

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Patricia Kirkpatrick attended the rally with her children who attend Mass and Catholic classes as part of their parish. Kirkpatrick said the new policy, among other decisions made by the church, have pushed her further away from the institution and made her rethink sending her children to classes based around the faith.

To hear someone in a position of power using the Bible, which to me is something rooted in love and mutual respect, as a weapon is intolerable, Kirkpatrick said. Its an ongoing, complicated relationship and job we have as parents, taking our kids to Catholic Mass. I feel very protective of their experience there.

Maxfield Nadeau-DaCruz, 20, who uses they/them pronouns, held a sign reading, "I am a trans survivor of the Worcester Diocese." They said they attended school kindergarten through junior year of high school in the Worcester Diocese and transferred to Doherty Memorial High School in Worcester their senior year.

Karen Riley-McNary leads a group of protesters Wednesday from the Diocese of Worcester Chancery building to City Hall.

Nadeau-DaCruz said teachers at their elementary school were outwardly homophobic.

It was weird because there were a lot of out kids, just none of the teachers knew, Nadeau-DaCruz said. Thankfully most of the students were pretty accepting.

The new diocese policy, "Catholic Education and the Human Person, was approved by Bishop Robert McManus in June. It was sent to all Catholic schools to incorporate into school handbooks beginning this fall. The update is meant to keep the education of students in line with Catholic teachings and beliefs, according to the diocese.

Anti-LGBTQ policies can only hurt our community and cause division, YWCA Diversity and Inclusion Director Craig Mortley said. As an institution, the Catholic Church is telling young queer people who they are is not important. It is bringing us, for lack of a better word, back into the Dark Ages where queer people were not seen and could not live out who they are.

More: Queer community pushes back against treatment of LGBTQ+ students by Worcester Diocese

Not every school in the diocese will comply with the new policy. Representatives from St. Johns High School in Shrewsbury and Notre Dame Academy in Worcester wrote a joint letter to McManus stating they would maintain their current policies and would not adopt the new one.

Croke hopes more schools in the diocese will follow St. Johns and Notre Dames actions.

Hopefully practicing Catholics among us are demanding change to these policies, Croke said at the rally.

Susan DOrazio and Matt Villavicencio walk with a group of protesters Wednesday in front of the Diocese of Worcester Chancery building.

Before the rally, Love Your Labels in collaboration with YWCA Central Massachusetts and MassEquality created a petition denouncing the new policy. The petition calls for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Worcester to revoke the policy.

The crowd made its way from the Diocese of Worcester chancery building on Elm Street to Main Street before rallying in front of City Hall.

Im proud to be standing here with my community tonight. Its a beautiful crowd and if you look across, its a straight message of love, said state Sen. Robyn Kennedy. As somebody who went to Catholic school here in Worcester, I saw firsthand what these exclusionary policies can do in creating a culture that creates this sense of other, this sense of isolation, self-doubt and fear. Its harmful and hurtful and has a direct impact on kids health.

Rallygoers stood on the sidewalk outside City Hall displaying their signs of protest to cars driving by, occasionally receiving a honk.

Every young person should be embraced, should be loved unconditionally, should be given the space to be able to figure out who they are, who they love and who they want to be, Kennedy said. We as adults should be supporting them particularly in their academic settings and these policies do just the opposite.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Rally Against Worcester Diocese LGBTQ
Bryan Kohbergerthe man charged in the gruesome homicides of four University of Idaho students last Novemberwaived his right to a speedy trial during an appearance in Latah County Court on Wednesday. Asked by the judge if he was comfortable waiving this right, Kohberger responded, Absolutely. As a result, Kohbergers trial, which was initially set to begin on Oct. 2, is now postponed indefinitely.



In May, Kohberger was indicted by a jury on four counts of first-degree murder and one count of felony burglary and was arraigned shortly after. At his arraignment, he didnt enter a plea, requiring the judge to plead not guilty on his behalf. In Idaho, criminal defendants must receive a trial date within six months of their arraignment unless they choose to waive this right, which Kohberger did on Wednesday. According to CBS, a new trial date will be set at hi next hearing scheduled for Sept. 1, but the Daily Beast notes this new date could actually be years from now.

Read more

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Just last week, Taylor argued that prosecutors were withholding information about DNA found at the crime scene and questioned the DNA found on a knife sheath at the crime scene that connected Kohberger to the killings. Kohberger himself claimed last month that the sheath was planted by police. They have provided full DNA discovery for the sheath, the knife sheath, but not the other three unidentified male DNA samples, Taylor told the judge on Wednesday.

In response, Thompson said the prosecution has given the defense everything that we have received from the lab. Theyve asked for DNA work-ups on other people. To the extent that they dont have them, they werent done. He continued, We cant produce something that doesnt exist.

Over the last several months, forensic evidence as well as cell phone data and surveillance camera footage have all been piling up against Kohberger. And his only alibi, provided earlier this month, is that he was driving around by himself on the night of the murders.

The University of Idaho killings have been the subject of public fascination for a year now, between online conspiracy theoriesdisavowed by family members of the victimsabout the surviving roommates, creepy revelations about Kohbergers past, and the women on the internet who say theyre in love with him. Its likely the delay in Kohbergers trial will only prolong the media frenzy.

More from Jezebel

Sign up for Jezebel's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Russian forces on average only manage to destroy 60-70% of Ukrainian kamikaze drone boats before they reach their target, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said on Aug. 24.

In an interview to Krym.Realii, Budanov, who called the new weapons "very effective," explained that Russia faces "serious problems" with the 30% of sea drones that its forces do not manage to destroy.

The intelligence chief added that in some cases, Russian defenses destroy a drone next to a ship, which means the vessel is so damaged it must undergo "long-term repairs."

On Aug. 4, Russia claimed that two Ukrainian sea drones were destroyed while attacking a naval base in Russia's Novorossiysk.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While Moscow claimed there was no damage as a result of the attack, videos showed the ship listing heavily to one side as tugs towed it away for repairs.

Though he did not say how many naval drones Ukraine deploys or has at its disposal, Budanov revealed that Ukraine is now able to mass produce such drones.

Ukraine is not making "one or two in garages," he said. "Mass production is underway."

In an attempt to protect the Crimean Bridge from naval drone attacks, the Russian military has been sinking boats in the Kerch Strait to form a barrier, Ukraine's military intelligence said on Aug. 22.

When asked if this would create an obstacle for Ukrainian sea drones, Budanov replied "let them sink."

Ukraine is aware of the Russian military's "habit of sinking something somewhere and [thinking] this will somehow help," he added.

Budanov explained that the drones are not just important for attacks, but also for deterrence.

This sentiment echoed the words of Southern Command spokesperson Natalia Humeniuk on Aug. 18, who reported that Russia has dispersed its naval forces in the Black Sea between the southeastern coast of Crimea and Novorossiysk in fear of Ukrainian drone strikes.

On Aug. 15 that the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the July 17 attack on the Crimean Bridge, using a new experimental martime drone nicknamed "Sea Baby."

"Sea surface drones are a unique invention of the Security Service of Ukraine," Vasyl Maliuk, head of the SBU, told CNN. "No other private companies are involved."

On Aug. 17, the Russian Defense Ministry claimed a Ukrainian naval drone had attempted to attack Russian ships in the Black Sea but was allegedly destroyed.

Read also: Media: Raid on Crimea part of ongoing, long-term operation

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Bulgaria will donate more than 290,000 Bulgarian Lev ($161,218) to Ukraine, which will be allocated from the development and humanitarian aid budget of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, local news outlet Telemedia reported on Aug. 23.

This decision was made by the Bulgarian government and is "a confirmation of Bulgaria's consistent position in support of the efforts of the EU and the international community," the Bulgarian government said in a statement.

The funds will be distributed equally between the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the UN Children's Fund, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Read also:

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Burmese hip-hop artist Byu Har takes a selfie photo in Yangon, Myanmar, in 2020. Byu Har, now 38 years old, has been found guilty of criticizing Myanmar's military-controlled government and sentenced to 20 years in prison, a family member said Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (Byu Har via AP)

BANGKOK (AP)  A 38-year-old Burmese hip-hop artist has been found guilty of criticizing Myanmar's military-controlled government and sentenced to 20 years in prison, a family member said Thursday.

The sentence given Wednesday to Byu Har, also known as Min Oat Myanmar, appeared to be the most severe so far given to any of the celebrities detained for criticizing the military rulers who seized power from the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.

Byu Har was arrested at his apartment in Yangon on May 24, hours after he strongly criticized Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, and the electric power minister. In a livestream on his Facebook page, he alleged they had failed to supply enough electricity to Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city.

In the livestream he called Min Aung Hlaing incompetent and the electricity minister a fool, saying electricity had been better supplied during Suu Kyi's government.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Five days after his arrest, state-run media announced he had been taken into custody for incitement and spreading propaganda that could destabilize the state.

In Myanmar, also known as Burma, prolonged power outages have become a major burden.

Between March and early June, daily power cuts to save energy were doubled to eight hours a day in Yangon, though are now back to four hours daily.

A family member of Byu Har told The Associated Press on Thursday that she received information about the verdict against him from the countrys notorious Insein Prison on Wednesday.

She said he had been charged with incitement for allegedly causing fear, spreading false news or agitating against a government employee, as well as under the state statute for treason, but that it was unclear what he had been convicted of.

She spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear of being arrested herself.

Local media also reported the verdict.

According to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, an advocacy group that monitors arrests in Myanmar, about 4,000 people have been killed and 24,410 people arrested since the army takeover.

Celebrities have been specifically targeted for supporting protest movements or showing sympathy for civilians killed by the military.
Gaming machines are visible through the main entrance to the Bally's casino at Medinah Temple, Sept. 8, 2023, in Chicago. The casino opened a day later. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Ballys Chicago has scheduled practice gaming sessions at Medinah Temple for the Illinois Gaming Board after Labor Day. If it passes muster, the first Chicago casino  an idea decades in the making  may be open for business soon thereafter.

The test run, which includes a gaming operations assessment on Sept. 5 and two days of practice gaming on Sept. 6 and 7, is the final hurdle for Ballys before the dice start rolling at the casinos temporary home in River North.

Advertisement

The practice gaming sessions will be evaluated by regulatory staff and an outside auditing firm, a prerequisite to issuing a temporary operating permit to commence operations, the Gaming Board said in an emailed statement Thursday. The Gaming Board declined to speculate on the timeline for opening the casino.

Based on the results of the operations assessment/audit and practice gaming sessions, Administrator (Marcus) Fruchter will determine whether and to what extent to allow gaming to operate at Medinah Temple, the Gaming Board said.

Advertisement

A Ballys spokesperson confirmed the testing schedule, but said there was no set date for the casino opening. Sources familiar with the matter said Ballys is targeting a Sept. 11 opening, pending Gaming Board approval.

In June, Ballys was granted preliminary approval by the Illinois Gaming Board  a precursor to final licensing  and immediately began installing more than 750 slot machines and 50 gaming tables at Medinah Temple. At the time, executives said they expected to have the roughly 1,000 gaming positions in place by the end of the month.

The start date for launching the temporary facility, however, has been a moving target all year, pushed back several times from June to September.

Rhode Island-based Ballys won a heated competition last year to build a $1.74 billion casino at the 30-acre site of the Chicago Tribune printing plant in River West. It bought the site for $200 million from Nexstar Media, with plans to open the permanent casino in 2026.

Furniture is moved into the Medinah Temple in Chicago on June 20, 2023, as Ballys prepares the space for a casino. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Built by the Shriners in 1912, Medinah Temple will serve as a temporary casino for up to three years. The building, which was designated a Chicago landmark in 2001, has hosted everything over the years from concerts and high school graduations to the annual Shrine Circus. Amenities included a 30,000-pound pipe organ installed in 1915.

It became a Bloomingdales home furnishings store in 2003, but was vacant after Macys sold it to Chicago developer Albert Friedman in 2019.

Ballys has been renovating the 130,000-square-foot building since January. As a final touch, Ballys commissioned Chicago artist Shawn Michael Warren to create a mural depicting the historical significance of Medinah Temple, which is expected to be finished during the second week of September  presumably before the casino opens.

We are excited to have Shawn Michael Warren be a part of this amazing mural project, Mark Wong, general manager of Ballys Chicago, said in a news release. His extraordinary talent to capture the historical essence of Chicagos connection to the Medinah Temple will be an eloquent and visual backdrop for guests visiting our casino.

Advertisement

Part of its successful test run as a casino will include the performance of dealers and other Ballys Chicago personnel during the practice gaming sessions. Ballys put out the help wanted sign in May and fielded more than 15,000 applications to fill 900 full and part-time positions to staff the temporary casino, Ballys Chairman Soo Kim told the Tribune Thursday.

Demand for the jobs is an encouraging sign for the success of the Medinah temporary casino, Kim said.

Weve gotten 15,000 applications in a very tight job market. Kim said. And I think that speaks to the convenience of the location. We think that means its also going to be a great place for our patrons to come to.

Earlier this month, Gov. J.B. Pritzker expanded the talent pool, signing legislation allowing convicted felons to apply for hospitality positions at the states soon-to-be 14 casinos, including Ballys Chicago. Previously under state law, anyone with a felony conviction was ineligible to work at a casino in any position.

rchannick@chicagotribune.com
On Wednesday night, Tammy Bruce discussed major crime in Democrat-run cities, Gary Tuchman spoke to an Iowa focus group about their thoughts on the Republican presidential debate and Lawrence ODonnell spoke about former President Donald Trump s pending mug shot.

Fox News  The Democratic playbook on crime

Fox News contributor Tammy Bruce hosted Hannity on Wednesday night and spoke to Fox News political analyst Gianno Caldwell and fellow contributor Leo Terrell about the crime crisis in major U.S. cities.

With the left hyperfocused on Donald Trumps pending criminal cases, they are completely ignoring the serious crimes taking place in cities every day across the country, Bruce said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bruce then criticized Democrats for their soft-crime policies like no cash bail, reducing crime sentences from felonies to misdemeanors, and making it so minors are not allowed to be charged for certain crimes, resulting in gangs using minors to perform crimes.

Caldwell said that police are feeling demoralized in cities all across America because of these soft-on crime prosecutors who are refusing to do their one job, enforce the law.

Bruce asked Terrell what he thought about crime being seen as reparation during the George Floyd protests and if thats what Democrats believe is now the new normal for fairness.

Youre exactly right, Terell said. This is the Democratic playbook, theyre going to continue this playbook until we put someone in office like Donald J. Trump.

CNN  What did Republicans think of the debate?

CNNs Gary Tuchman spoke to a group of Republican voters Wednesday night, following the first Republican presidential debate, to see which candidate they thought won.

Out of the 15 Iowans in the focus group, only two thought the debate was not a good look for the Republican Party, and only one was ready to vote for Trump, while the remaining 14 were still undecided.

Tuchman then asked the group to vote on which candidate they thought performed the best:

Ron DeSantis: 2.

Nikki Haley: 4.

Vivek Ramaswamy : 7.

Two people chose not to vote.

This panel here thinks Ramaswamy won the debate, Tuchman said. Tell me why you think he won the debate?

One of the younger members of the focus group said he liked what Ramaswamy said about national identity.

He said Ramaswamy understands that national identity is a generational issue.

People my age don't really love America, and if you dont love it, you cant protect it. And I think if we fix that problem, people will, as a natural byproduct, want to protect America and what it stands for, the group member said.

When asked if Trump not attending the debate hurt his chance for reelection, only four group members raised their hands.

Related

MSNBC  Donald Trumps mugshot will be in history books

On The Last Word, Lawrence ODonnell began by showing Trumps former lawyer Rudy Giulianis mugshot after Giuliani surrendered to Georgia authorities on Wednesday.

Rudolph Giulianis status of having the most famous mugshot in America will last only a day because Trump plans to surrender Thursday, ODonnell said.

He added that Trumps mugshot will be so famous it will likely be on the cover of every newspaper worldwide on Friday.

Donald Trumps mugshot will be in history books, it will become the most widely seen single photograph of Donald Trumps entire life. Possibly the most widely seen photograph of any American president in history, ODonnell said.

The mugshot of Trump is what ODonnell believes will define the former presidents life and time in office.

Surrender is the word, the legal word for what Donald Trump will do tomorrow, he said.

As of Wednesday night, ODonnell said seven of Trump's co-defendants surrendered in the election subversion case.
After serving two tours in Iraq with the U.S. Army, I returned home with a Purple Heart. But I was struggling with the same mental health challenges that many veterans face. I was prescribed a cocktail of opioids and other sedatives  effectively trading my firearm for a pillbox  and then sent on my merry way.

I recently learned that there were nefarious reasons behind what has become the opioid epidemic; reasons deeply mired in greed.

That epidemic is no longer avoidable in this country. We see billboards for Narcan, a lifesaving drug for opioid overdoses, and constant news articles about fatal overdoses almost every day. But what was the intention behind large pharmaceutical companies planning and executing this epidemic? Profit.

Opinion

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is unacceptable to me and to the veteran community. We did not go to war for this.

Some companies, such as Purdue Pharma, have filed for bankruptcy since getting hit with lawsuits. But the large consulting firm that was heavily behind the scenes has not.

That firm is McKinsey & Co., and they are responsible for the aggressive sales tactics that have hooked millions of Americans on opioids, including many of my fellow soldiers returning from war. McKinseys clients include opioid makers Purdue Pharma, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson and Mallinckrodt.

At war, we know who our enemy was. Back home, we didnt expect our enemy to be among our own. We are outraged that a firm like McKinsey has turned on those who protected their freedom for their own profit.

The Wall Street Journal recently published a report revealing how selfish pharmaceutical companies have targeted one specific group: American veterans.

Dating back to 2003, law enforcement, government agencies and regulators were aware of the effects of opioids and warned about the consequences of the aggressive sales tactics opioid producers were taking. The main culprit of these odious tactics was McKinsey, which held many of the contracts with opioid-producing companies in America.

After putting their lives on the line and spending years on the battlefield, war veterans return home having to adjust to both physical and mental hardships. Many of us veterans rely on the health-care system, including the Veterans Administration, for help. Yet we have been prescribed addictive opioid medications to cope with the aftermath of war.

At one point, nine out of every 10 opioid prescriptions in the United States were manufactured by McKinseys clients.

The report by the Wall Street Journal found that within those vulnerable target populations was the VA.

(McKinsey) advised opioid companies including Purdue Pharma LP and Endo International PLC on how to increase sales to the VA through both new and existing channels, the documents state. Meanwhile, McKinsey earned at least $117 million consulting for the VA, primarily on matters related to health-care services for veterans.

The greed of companies such as McKinsey affects communities like ours in California, where opioid-related deaths spiked 121% between 2019 and 2021.

Furthermore, the state of California continues to contract with McKinsey in agencies throughout our government, including Health and Human Services, the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Social Services. We are, unabashedly, paying the same companies that wrote the playbook on how to get American veterans addicted to opioids.

We finally have proof that the greed fueling this epidemic is no longer a theory. Billions of taxpayer dollars from the Pentagon and the Department of Veteran Affairs are exploited every year because selfish companies want their pharmaceutical clients to profit off the veteran population.

Fortunately, Americans are fighting back alongside elected representatives assisting in this fight. A group of colleagues and I are seeking to hold drug peddlers accountable by increasing criminal penalties for those who drive this poison into our communities. That fervor should be extended to those who aid and abet companies to push opioids in our community, including McKinsey.

My fight began 20 years ago in Iraq and it continues today. My colleagues  Californias elected leaders  must come together to send the message that McKinsey and any other greedy companies will be held accountable for exploiting our veterans for profit and never collect another Californian tax dollar.

We have high standards for our military, making us the greatest in the world. Our mission is not accomplished until big pharma and companies like McKinsey are held to the same standard of accountability that our military members hold themselves to.

Republican Assemblymember Devon J. Mathis represents the 33rd Assembly District, which includes the communities of Tulare, Kings and Fresno counties.
The union that represents state attorneys has won a ruling against a department that outsourced state business to contract laborers rather than employing California civil servants.

Californias corrections department must cancel nine contracts with outside law firms after the State Personnel Board ruled in favor of the California Attorneys Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers in State Employment, or CASE.

State law allows agencies and departments to hire outside contractors only in certain situations, such as when the contracted services arent able to be performed satisfactorily by civil service employees. Contractors can also be used to complete services of such an urgent, temporary, or occasional nature that the delay incumbent in their implementation under civil service would frustrate their very purpose.

Typically, when state agencies and departments require legal representation in civil cases, the Employment and Administrative Management section of the Attorney Generals Office will serve as counsel. But, if the Attorney Generals Office cant represent the agency or department due to a conflict of interest or lack of available staff, the office can write an exemption so the agency or department can seek other representation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation asked the Attorney Generals Office to represent the department in eight different lawsuits brought by former corrections employees, according to the ruling. AG officials told the corrections department to find different representation due to high vacancies within the offices employment and administrative management team.

As of April 2023, the employment management team had 115 authorized positions, according to the ruling, and nearly a quarter of them were vacant.

CDCR also asked for representation in an additional case in which the American Civil Liberties Union asked the courts to compel CDCR to produce documents showing CDCRs collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the states Public Records Act.

Because of existing attorney vacancies, this office currently lacks sufficient attorney resources to represent CDCR in this matter, wrote John Wolfe, Chief Assistant Attorney General, in his authorization to CDCR. Accordingly, we authorize CDCR to engage counsel other than the Attorney General in this matter, under Government Code section 11040.

The State Personnel Board found that CDCR did not make reasonable efforts to try and secure legal representation from civil service workers outside the Attorney Generals Office. The department also failed to prove that outsourcing to external law firms was the only way to ensure the work was completed.

CDCRs assertion that only (the Attorney Generals Office) has attorneys that could perform employment civil litigation is patently false, wrote Suzanne Ambrose, the executive officer of the personnel board. Civil litigation in the employment context is not a new state function.

CASEs president, Tim OConnor, argues that outsourcing work to external law firms deprives state attorneys of the opportunity to build valuable experience. If in-house attorneys never get the opportunity to refine their skills, OConnor said, then the state can point to the lack of experience as a reason to continue outsourcing in the future. Ultimately, the use of outside law firms hurts the states workforce and wastes taxpayer dollars.

It becomes a vicious circle, and thats what were here to stop, said OConnor.

The union contends that the solution is to pay state attorneys more. Higher paychecks could attract talented attorneys and help bring down vacancy rates across departments.

The reality is that state salaries are woefully below market, said Pat Whalen, general counsel for CASE. You have a hiring problem because you dont pay enough, and the quick-fix is to outsource it.

The Attorney Generals Office is continuing to make every effort to hire and retain quality attorneys in its office, said Depart of Justice spokesperson Joanne Adams in an emailed statement to The Sacramento Bee. Adams said the department has been working diligently to resolve its staffing issues in the employment management unit and is now accepting all requests for representation, including employment litigation matters.

CDCR spokesperson Terri Hardy said in an email that the department is reviewing the ruling and has no additional comment at this time.

OConnor vowed that CASE will go department by department and bring cases against any improper contract with outside law firms. He hopes the tenacity will send a message to Gov. Gavin Newsom before the unions next round of contract negotiations in 2025.

The governors office and CalHR need to wake up, he said. Well keep doing it agency after agency, time after time until it stops. Were really committed to this.
In an image from video, authorities work at the scene of a fatal shooting Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at Cooks Corner, a biker bar in rural Trabuco Canyon, Calif., in Orange County. | ABC7 Los Angeles via Associated Press

At least three people were killed in a shooting at a historic biker bar Wednesday night in Southern Californias Orange County. The gunman was also killed, bringing the total to four dead, while there were six people who were injured.

What we know now: The shooting broke out at around 7 p.m. at Cooks Corner, an iconic biker bar in a rural community of Orange County, and it took place during an $8 spaghetti dinner special, CNN reported. Nearly 40 people were there when the shooting erupted.

The gunman was shot by multiple police deputies and killed a few minutes after the shooting started. Investigations into the shooting continue, but one law enforcement official did say the suspected gunman was a retired law enforcement officer who had retired from another agency in Southern California. According to The New York Times, the gunman had been targeting his estranged wife, who was among the victims.

Its an absolute tragic event and something that I know is probably weighing very heavy on the entire Trabuco Canyon community, Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock told CNN. Cooks Corner, its a staple here.

The Orange County sheriffs mobile command post uses the parking lot at Saddleback Church as as staging area in Lake Forest, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, after a fatal shooting at Cooks Corner in Trabuco Canyon. | Leonard Ortiz, The Orange County Register via Associated Press

Sequence of events: Details about how the shooting started are still being investigating. Here is what happened, according to the Los Angeles Times.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Authorities received several 911 calls around 7 p.m.

Deputies arrived at the scene within two minutes. Upon arrival, they discovered a man opening fire with a gun.

911 reports stated they heard six gunshots, and multiple shots were recorded during the calls.

Deputies pinned down the retired Ventura police officer by a silver truck, and fired multiple shots, fatally shooting the gunman.

What witnesses reported: One man said his friend died while they were fleeing the shots. He assumed his friend tripped, but he learned later that he had actually been shot in the back and killed. Looking for a place to hide from the shooter, he barricaded himself in the kitchen with a man he described as a cook whod been shot in the arm, he told CBS News.

He also mentioned to CBS News that he saw a woman who pleaded with the gunman, Please dont shoot me, Im five months pregnant. The gunman let her leave.

Whats the history behind Cooks Corner as a biker bar?

The legendary landmark bar opened in the 1970s and operated as a popular stop for motorcyclists driving through the Santa Ana Mountains foothills, per the Times.

The public, in general, might have the wrong impression that this is a rough and tumble place where there is a lot of hard drinking and hard partying and you know, decent people dont go there, Wendy Koro, operations manager for Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, told CBS News regarding Cooks Corner. It really couldnt be further from the truth.

Creedence and Company, a Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band, was scheduled to play that night and responded on their Facebook page, saying, Our thoughts, prayers & condolences go out to everyone in the Cooks Corner community.

On the Cooks Corner website, it reads, Weve experienced major earthquakes, forest fires, floods, recessions and other disasters. Weve gotten through all of them and came out stronger.
An SUV is one of many stuck vehicles still stuck in the mud and flood waters after tropical storm Hilary sent damaging flood water to Horizon Road on Aug. 22, 2023 in Cathedral City, California. Credit - Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles TimesGetty Images

There are at least two silver linings to be found from Tropical Storm Hilarythe first such storm to hit Southern California in more than 80 years. The first is that, though there were floods, high winds, and dangerous mudslides, no U.S. residents were killed (though one person died in Mexico, where the storm earlier made landfall, according to Mexican authorities). The second is that the torrential rains may have just about stamped out the states yearslong drought.

Last year, virtually all of California was experiencing severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. But the share of California contending with drought conditions has been whittled down to a comparatively small swath of land in Southern Californias interior over the past year, thanks to a series of atmospheric rivers beginning this winter, which piped rainfall across the state and dropped more moisture in the form of gargantuan snowpacks in the Sierra Nevada mountains. A cool spring, meanwhile, meant that that mountain snowpack melted only a little at a time, allowing the states water managers to capture runoff in reservoirs. As for that little patch of drought in interior SoCal? It just got walloped by rain from Tropical Storm Hilary.

The main challenge now for California is no longer about getting enough precipitation; its about finding somewhere to store all that water, so farmers and urban-dwellers can use it in the likely dry spells to come. The states reservoirs are for the most part filled up, and water managers have to be careful about topping them up completely, since those artificial lakes are intended both to store water for later, and to buffer cities and cropland from flooding should a big storm send torrents of water rushing toward the ocean. California has always suffered from weather whiplash, says Buzz Thompson, a professor of natural resources law at Stanford Law School. We have to figure out how to manage that type of whiplash in order to get through those droughts, and avoid serious flooding during the wet periods.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Right now, the full reservoirs have left the state with enough water to make it through one dry year (though if the wet spell ends, many residents in Californias poorer interior areas could be in trouble sooner than that, since they often rely on groundwater wells that could quickly go dry). The most recent drought, however, lasted for not one, but three grueling years. The state has been trying to store some of the excess water underground, diverting flows into fields or shallow ponds, from which water can trickle down and soak the states parched underground aquifers. When a dry spell returns, farmers and urban centers can tap those subterranean lakes and pull up the water stashed there.

More From TIME

While the state is out of immediate water crisis for now, the overall trends are not looking good. As a result of climate change, we're going to have more severe droughts, and more severe rainy periods, says Thompson. So we're likely to get more years like this year, where we have an abnormally high number of atmospheric riversbut we're also gonna get a lot of periods like the prior three years, which was the driest three year period in the history of California.

Jay Lund, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California Davis and vice director of the schools center for watershed sciences, says that the water storage efforts likely wont be enough. Even with this years moves to recharge California aquifers, the state is still overdrawing from its underground water supply, particularly due to agricultural irrigation, with deeper and deeper wells diminishing limited underground water. That means that despite plentiful rains this year, California is still in a long-term water crisis, which likely will require pursuing the politically and economically fraught policy of reducing water-intensive agriculture. It's good to recharge [aquifers] as much as you can, Lund says. But it's not a silver bullet by any means.

A similar story holds for the broader regionArizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and the other arid southwest states. Both farmers and urban residents there, as well as in parts of California, are reliant on the Colorado River for water. Last year, that region was facing what looked to be a catastrophic shortfall, with a desperate political squabble between states over the diminishing water supply. Now things are looking slightly less dire, with many of the same storms that saturated California also swelling the flows of the Colorado.

Whereas California doesnt have enough space to put its water, theres plenty of storage in the massive Colorado River reservoirs. Lake Powell and Lake Mead, when full, can hold enough water to last the region for multiple dry years. The problem there, though, is in actually filling those reserves as states continue to draw more water than the system as a whole can handle. Lake Mead and Lake Powell were both hovering around a quarter of the way full last summernow theyve inched up to around a third.

The last 20 years has been this long, almost unprecedented droughtWe might need a couple more years like this year [to come out of it], says Ben Livneh, an assistant professor of hydrology at the University of Colorado Boulder and director of the Western Water Assessment research program. I dont think were going to get a repeat.

Most climate models show the U.S. Southwest region will continue to get progressively drier due to climate change, though theres some chance that changes in atmospheric circulation caused by warming could bring more moisture, like what the area saw this year. Still, even if more precipitation arrives, it wont necessarily mean more water for farmers and city-dwellers in the Southwest, since hotter temperatures will also mean more evaporation from rivers and reservoirs. Nobody can tell you which of these two forces is going to win, says Julien Emile-Geay, a professor of earth sciences at the University of Southern California Dornsife. My money would be on the drying force.

That all means that despite one wet year, there are still difficult choices ahead for California and the U.S. Southwest, which will have to decide how to allocate a shrinking pool of water among populations, industries, and political interest groups. Needless to say, it would be a terrible idea for local authorities to let up on water conservation efforts, Lund says. Its a little bit like saying, Oh, its been raining this week. We should lay off the fire department.

Write to Alejandro de la Garza at alejandro.delagarza@time.com.
Striking Hotel workers from Unite Here Local 11 join the picketing actors of SAG-AFTRA, and writers of the WGA, outside Netflix studios on July 21, 2023, in Los Angeles. Some Democrats in the California Legislature are trying to change the law to make striking workers eligible for unemployment benefits. Business groups oppose the bill, noting California doesn't have enough money in its unemployment trust fund to pay for benefits now. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File) (Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Southern California's summer of discontent  marked by a series of work stoppages from hotels to Hollywood  has inspired labor-supporting Democrats in the state Legislature to try and change the law so striking workers can get unemployment checks while they picket for better pay and working conditions.

The bill, introduced this week, would make California just the third state to do this, joining New York and New Jersey. But unlike most states, California currently doesn't have enough money to pay the benefits owed to unemployed workers. Business groups who oppose the bill argue making more people eligible for those checks will only make the problem worse.

Labor unions and progressive policy groups say businesses are to blame for not putting enough money into the fund that pays unemployment benefits. The fund is filled by a tax that businesses must pay per each worker. But the tax only applies to the first $7,000 of employee wages  a figure that have not changed since 1984 and is the lowest amount allowed under federal law.

The state Legislature has twice increased unemployment benefits since then, once in 1989 and again in 2001. It's why California's unemployment insurance trust fund has consistently been one of the most imbalanced in the country, said Jared Walczak, vice president of state projects for the Tax Foundation, a nonpartisan tax policy group.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Something has to give, he said. Either the benefits need to be less generous or the tax is higher or both. But the state has just chosen to live on the edge for decades.

The issue could cause one of the biggest fights in the final weeks of California's legislative session this year, heightened by the ongoing writers and actors strike and future potential work stoppages  including a possible strike of 85,000 health care workers at Kaiser Permanente, the country's largest nonprofit health care provider.

States usually run out of money to pay unemployment benefits during periods of high unemployment, like a recession or the coronavirus pandemic when governments forced many businesses to close. But this year, despite three years of record job growth, California estimates benefit payments will exceed tax collections by $1.1 billion. It's the first time this has happened during a period of job growth, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office.

While businesses only pay unemployment taxes on the first $7,000 of their workers' wages, employee paychecks have been increasing. Today, the average full-time California worker in the private sector makes about $67,000 per year, according to Alissa Anderson, senior policy fellow at the California Budget and Policy Center.

Businesses are paying a payroll tax on a smaller and smaller share of workers' earnings over time and it's not sustainable, she said. You can't finance a program that way.

Meanwhile, California still owes the federal government more than $18 billion, which is money that was borrowed to pay unemployment benefits during the pandemic. The state will likely spend the next 10 years paying off that debt, plus interest.

Most other states used some of the billions of dollars in federal coronavirus aid to pay off their debts. But to the consternation of business owners, California did not  and instead spent it on things like rebates for taxpayers. This year, businesses began paying an extra $21 per employee to begin paying off that federal loan. But even with that increase, it's still not enough to cover the amount of benefits that California is paying to unemployed workers.

That's one reason why business groups say the state can't afford to make more people eligible for unemployment benefits.

We are hopeful that the legislators will understand you don't add things to the credit card when you are deeply in debt, said Rob Moutrie, policy advocate for the California Chamber of Commerce.

But labor unions view unemployment checks as benefits that workers earn while on the job. If the government won't let workers receive those benefits during a strike, then they are putting their thumb on the scale on behalf of the employer in a labor dispute, said Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, chief officer of the California Labor Federation.

Fletcher, a former state assemblymember who tried in 2019 to pass a similar bill, said the Legislature ultimately will have to change how the state pays for unemployment benefits. But she said that the larger issue should not distract the Legislature from supporting striking workers.

There is a problem, yes, with or without this (bill), Fletcher said. Making these set of workers run the risk of homelessness or food insecurity because the employers have not been part of the solution in fixing their underfunding is ridiculous.

Raising taxes on businesses would be difficult, despite California's reputation as a high-tax state. John Kabateck, state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, said business owners pay lots of others taxes in California.

To allege that small business owners have not been paying their fair share is absurd and frankly insulting, he said.

Cutting benefits would also be tough. California unemployment benefits cover about half of what a worker was previously earning, according to Anderson, the senior policy fellow at the California Budget and Policy Center.

Many people can't live on half their salary for very long, she said.

The bill is authored by state Sen. Anthony Portantino, a Democrat from Southern California who is also running for Congress. Portantino said the health of the state's unemployment insurance trust fund will be part of the conversation surrounding the bill. But he said it shouldn't be used as an excuse for one side or the other.

It's hard to be on strike, he said. Some people have this romanticized view of it. There's nothing romantic about it. This is a life-and-death family struggle for many people in California.
After decades of growth, Californias population will remain flat over the next 40 years, the result of an aging population, lower birth rates and migration out of the states coastal regions.

That said, pockets of California are expected to see significant growth, according to the latest projections from the states Department of Finance. And many of those pockets are in the Sacramento region and Central Valley.

San Joaquin, Placer, Merced, Yuba, Sacramento, Solano, Yolo and Stanislaus counties will all grow by at least 10% between now and 2060, according to projections. San Joaquin and Placer counties are projected to grow by about 25%, while Sacramento County will add more than 250,000 new residents, one of the largest jumps among the states large counties. Fresno and Kern counties are also projected to add residents.

Demographic experts with the state attribute the projected growth in those counties to a continuation of the COVID-era migration that sent residents from the states expensive coastal urban centers to the relative affordability of Sacramento and the Central Valley.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We have been seeing positive migration (to those regions) and we expect that to continue through the future, said Andres Gallardo, a demographer with the state Department of Finance.

Sacramento and some other regions will also see strong international migration, particularly from China, India and Mexico, as well as Ukraine and other former Soviet Union nations. The Sacramento region is already home to one of the largest Ukrainian immigrant populations in the nation.

Still, some regions are expected to lose population between now and 2060. And after a string of projected year-over-year increases, the statewide population is expected to begin declining in 2045 and is expected to have about 11,500 fewer residents in 2060 as it did in 2020.

The largest population declines are projected in many of the states rural and sparsely-populated counties, including Lassen, Plumas, Modoc and Mono. The population of Los Angeles County is expected to decline by a net of 1.7 million residents, a 17.3% drop for the nations largest county. Other large counties with projected population declines include Ventura, Sonoma, San Mateo and San Francisco.

In addition to migration losses to other regions, demographers attribute much of the future population losses in some corners of the state to declining birth rates. Los Angeles County, for instance, has a birth rate below both the statewide and national rates, according to the most recent census figures.

The state develops its population projections to help local governments assess what they are going to need in housing, local services, water, sewers, roads and schools, said H.D. Palmer, a spokesman for the Department of Finance.
State-level policies on transgender students are fueling ideologically opposite rebellions at the district level in Virginia and California.

Liberals in Virginia and conservatives in California have secured key wins on school boards that are allowing them to go against state leadership and enact what they believe are the proper policies regarding the gender identities of their pupils.

In Virginia, one school district says it will not abide by new state standards that say transgender students have to use bathrooms and other facilities corresponding with their sex assigned at birth, and that teachers can not use different names or pronouns for students without permission from the parents.

In California, multiple districts have passed or are considering policies that require educators to tell parents if a student wants to change their name or pronouns.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The fights pose high-risk challenges for Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) and California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D), both of whom have been floated for higher office.

PWCS already has a regulation in place to address the rights of transgender and gender-nonconforming students in our schools, Prince William County Public Schools in Northern Virginia said in response to the updated transgender guidance from Youngkins administration.

PWCS Regulation 738-5, Treatment of Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students, is consistent with both federal and state anti-discrimination laws, and PWCS employees will continue to follow this regulation, the district added, joining several other Virginia school districts, including Alexandria City Public Schools and Fairfax County Public Schools, in defying the state.

Youngkin says he will not back down on the issue. His 2021 campaign, which flipped the state back to red after back-to-back Democratic governors, was largely fueled by a message of elevating parental rights in education.

The law requires the Virginia Department of Education to provide model policies and requires school boards to adopt policies consistent with those provided by the Department, said Macaulay Porter, a spokesperson for the governor. The Prince William County Public Schools policies diverge from VDOE model policy guidance and perpetuate a false notion that they know whats better for a child than a childs parent. The Prince William school board is expected to follow the law.

Porter did not respond to questions about if Prince William County would face imminent legal action over the policy, but Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares (R) issued a statement Thursday declaring the new policies around transgender students are legal and should be implemented by schools.

The law is very clear that I issue model policies and local school districts have to adopt policies consistent with the model policies. And I would add to the fact that this is common sense, Youngkin told Fox News in a recent interview.

The Virginia guidance for transgender students was finalized over the summer, drawing quick criticisms from LGBTQ advocates.

Several other Republican-led states, notably Florida under Gov. Ron DeSantis, have also removed accommodations for transgender students in recent years amid a broader conservative push against LGBTQ rights.

On the other side of the country and in a deep blue state, school boards with conservative majorities in Murrieta, Temecula and Chino Valley counties have either adopted or are looking into adopting policies that require educators to tell parents if students want to use a different name or pronoun, defying state authorities.

Nancy Young, a liberal school board member in Murrieta, says it isnt a coincidence all these boards are enacting or looking to enact similar policies after many of their new members election victories were funded by right-wing organizations with coordination from local pastor Tim Thompson.

We are dealing with well-funded outside agitators that managed to take over the school board in Temecula, the school board in Murietta and in Chino.  Theyre all connected, Young said.

She added that out-of-town protesters have flooded recent board meetings, drowning out area residents.

The locals who showed out in fairly large numbers were completely disregarded. I got a lot of emails before the meeting by very upset people, she said, saying her area is generally split between Democrats and Republicans.

While Young says she thinks the district policy is illegal under California law, she says those enacting it are doing so in the hopes the case gets taken to the Supreme Court.

She says she has been in contact with state Superintendent Tony Thurmond and state Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) but is not sure what the next steps will be in her district.

The Hill has reached out to school board members from Chino and Temecula for comment.

While the debate over the rights of transgender students has captured the countrys attention, California has attempted to sell itself as a safe place for LGBTQ Americans.

Newsom signed a bill last year to protect transgender minors and their parents fleeing states that have banned gender-affirming care.

We believe that no one should be prosecuted or persecuted for getting the care they need  including gender-affirming care, he said at the time. With the signing of this bill, California will ensure that these kids and their families can seek and obtain the medical and mental health care that they need.

That message has not played out on the ground as some might have hoped.

Just over this past year, weve seen a tremendous increase in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric being expressed by extremists and hate groups here in California, which weve seen results in physical intimidation, harassment and acts of violence, said Tom Temprano, managing director of external affairs for Equality California.

There was a Pride flag burned in front of an elementary school, fistfights broke out at a Glendale Unified School Board meeting and we even have churches that are open and affirming in places like Fresno having their windows shattered, he added.

Republican-led states have argued their policies in schools are not attacking LGBTQ individuals but fighting against inappropriate concepts for school-aged children.

Gender ideology has no place in our K-12 school system, DeSantis said after Florida banned teaching on sexual orientation and gender identity in K-12 schools. Its wrong for a teacher to tell a student that they may have been born in the wrong body or that their gender is a choice, and so we dont let that happen in Florida.

Newsom personally threw himself into the school board fights after the Temecula board president called the late California gay rights figure Harvey Milk a pedophile before voting to reject a social studies textbook back in June.

An offensive statement from an ignorant person. This isnt Texas or Florida. In the Golden State, our kids have the freedom to learn, the governor tweeted. Congrats Mr. Komrosky you have our attention. Stay tuned.

The fights over schools are drawing heightened attention because of relatively high profiles of Youngkin and Newsom. Both governors have been asked in recent months about their interest in running for the White House, though they have also both demurred, saying they are focused on the job at hand.

A recent poll showed that in battleground states, voters now trust Republicans more than Democrats on education, an issue the left has dominated for decades. Democrats are trying to flip the script, arguing their policies have given parents the most choice.

While states across our country attack academic freedom, California is leading on parental choice and participation, creating a place where every student has a chance to thrive and every family has access to an education system that fosters opportunity, Newsom said this month. In California, parents have the right to actively participate in their childs learning, and were transforming education so all students can learn on a safe campus where they can receive quality education, healthy meals, mental health care, and have the freedom to learn without political censorship.

While conservatives in California are making some progress in their push at school boards, they might be pushing their luck in one of the most liberal states in the country, Temprano said.

I think what were seeing is these extremists who are carrying an extremist, very minority view of what is important in California schools, and I think that that will bear out in the 2024 election, he said.

I mean, the Temecula Valley School Board, which just passed a forced outing policy yesterday  those board members are already facing a recall  a grassroots recall  led by parents in their own districts, Temprano added.

Updated: 1:47 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A crow sitting on a Cypress Tree is silhouetted by the sun partially obscured by ash from Southland wildfires in Garden Grove. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

In the opening chapter of "The Ministry for the Future," science-fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson details a calamitous heat wave that kills almost all the residents of a small town. In another chapter, he imagines a catastrophic flood that wipes out Los Angeles.

The late Octavia Butler described a Southern California reeling from years of drought in "Parable of the Sower, and Paolo Bacigalupi writes about a near-future Southwest that's also been devastated by drought.

Sci-fi writers have long conceived worlds in which extreme weather events upend the lives of its inhabitants, but with every passing, warming year, their scenarios feel more prophetic.

Last September, record-shattering temperatures nearly broke the states power grid, and according to a Times investigation, extreme heat waves are killing more Californians than official records show. In the winter, after the driest three-year period on record that dried up wells and forced farmers to fallow fields, atmospheric river storms pummeled the state. Farms flooded. Levees failed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

For decades, scientists have warned us that human-caused climate change will produce a growing number of weather catastrophes. But as the impact of global warming unfolds across the world, events once expected to happen decades from now are already here.

A new study warned that burned areas in California could increase up to 52% by 2050 relative to the last several decades. But "megafires" in the state scorched about 50% more land in 2020 compared with 2018, the state's biggest year for wildfires before that.

Dozens of people died. Thousands of structures were destroyed. The carbon pollution from the 2020 wildfires effectively negated nearly 20 years of state greenhouse gas emission reductions. Climate change is also aggravating air pollution, exacerbating inequalities for low-income, non-white and other marginalized communities.

Stephanie Williams cooled off during a heat wave with water from a hydrant in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles last August. (Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)

The simple equation is climate change, warmer atmosphere, more intense rain, more pollution, more problems but also major catastrophic infrastructure damage, said Stefanie Sekich, senior manager of Surfrider Foundations coast and climate initiative. Just last year, coastal erosion temporarily halted a scenic train route along the California coast, and land subsidence  a result of overpumping of groundwater driven by worsening droughts  has damaged canals, aqueducts and roads in the Central Valley.

I can't stress enough the importance of people starting to wake up to the fact that these extreme weather events are now here, whereas maybe five to 10 years ago, especially on the West Coast, they weren't as prevalent, she said. And now they're here, they're overwhelming, and they're only going to get worse.

Read more: Climate change is here. Its time Californians stopped clinging to the past

Although experts agree that the consequences of global warming will inevitably unfold over the next two to three decades, what happens beyond that will, to a great extent, depend on actions today.

California officials are making efforts to adapt to a changing climate and to mitigate worst-case projections. In 2021, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a $15-billion package to fight and prepare for global warming.

In 2022, the state passed nearly 40 climate change laws aimed at slashing greenhouse gas emissions, Sekich said. Among them was legislation requiring all new vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission or plug-in hybrids by 2035, and another requiring a combination of renewable and zero-carbon sources to make up 90% of statewide electricity sales by 2030 and 95% by 2035.

California is "absolutely moving in the right direction" toward becoming more resilient and sustainable, said Alex Hall, a professor at UCLAs Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. At the moment, he warned change isn't happening on a scale that's large enough to make a meaningful difference  but he has hope.

Read more: Why we cant solve the climate crisis without schools  and teachers

I think the fact that we're thinking about these things so deeply, and that we have examples of challenges where we have made a start on identifying the underlying problems, and building the infrastructure to generate solutions, that we now have experiences, that's the foundation that you need to make more profound change at scale, Hall said.

Heres a snapshot of projections for Californias "big five climate threats," whats being done, and where were falling short:

Extreme heat

Perhaps the most devastating impact of a warming planet can be seen in extreme heat events. California suffered its worst heat wave ever less than a year ago, and the state's six warmest years have all occurred since 2014.

A 2021 investigation published by the Los Angeles Times found that California chronically undercounts heat-related deaths. In Los Angeles, extreme heat is the citys biggest climate threat and greatest cause of climate-related deaths and hospital visits.

By 2050, daily maximum average temperatures in California are expected to rise by 4.4 to 5.8 degrees, and heat waves in cities could cause two to three times more heat-related deaths.

Farmworker Leticia Jimenez, 61, inside her home at the Oasis Mobile Home Park in August in Thermal, Calif. In July, the Coachella Valley experienced 16 days in which temperatures were 115 degrees or higher and 23 days with temperatures 110 degrees or above. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Extreme heat that can adversely impact human health is projected to last two weeks longer in the Central Valley and will happen four to 10 times more frequently around the Northern Sierra region, according to a state report. By the late century, state temperatures are projected to increase by 5.6 to 8.8 degrees, with the greatest increase expected if greenhouse gas emissions remain unchanged.

Read more: How climate change can affect your finances

California has attempted to respond to those imminent threats. Last year, Newsom announced the state's Extreme Heat Action Plan with the goal to protect Californians from rising temperatures.

In addition, Los Angeles appointed its first-ever chief heat officer, Marta Segura, who said shes putting an equity lens on climate solutions. She's working to identify neighborhoods where cooling centers can save lives, and she's making plans to plant trees and preserve existing ones as well as install shade structures and hydration stations in public spaces.

Segura said that targeting the most vulnerable communities could maximize investments and results but admitted that the city needs a sustainable funding source to execute its top-priority projects. Segura was given $1 million in allocated funds when she was appointed.

As for the rest of the state, she said cities need to share a unified vision of creating healthier, thriving communities, avoiding preventable deaths and hospitalizations, and ensuring that they know that their primary role is to avoid those disaster scenarios.

It's really important for cities to understand that," Segura said, "and then to understand that it's going to be this equity lens that's going to help large cities like Los Angeles, because that's where we will see the most improvement, the most change and most regional impact."

Wildfires

Studies have warned that wildfires will scorch an increasing number of acres in California in the coming years.

If greenhouse gas emissions keep rising, the average area of land burned will increase 77% by 2100, and wildfire insurance will rise about 18% by 2055, according to California 's Fourth Climate Change Assessment .

A new study warns that burned area in California could increase up to 52% by 2050 relative to the last several decades. Above, a firefighter battles the Creek fire in Shaver Lake in 2020. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times)

But wildfires will play out differently across the state depending on the landscape, said Max A. Moritz, a UC Cooperative Extension wildfire specialist. Fire-stoking Santa Ana winds will play a role in Southern California too, but just how a warming climate might change them remains a question, he said.

Some experts have criticized policymakers for focusing too much on wildfire response rather than prevention and limiting community exposures to fire hazards. Those responses could include avoiding building in the most fire-prone areas and buffering neighborhoods with parks or agricultural lands, Moritz said.

Read more: Could removing carbon from the ocean be a climate change solution?

California has made efforts to prepare for worsening wildfires. Newsom's 2021 $15-billion climate change package included $1.5 billion for wildfire response and forest resilience.

Nonprofits like the Climate and Wildfire Institute are connecting the science community to decision-makers in an effort to address megafires. There's also been a push for databases and tool kits  a set of resources for local governments and communities  that support climate resilience-planning efforts. But they tend to be fuel-oriented and derived from a forested-landscape mentality, Moritz said, and those dont work well in shrub-lands and other non-forested areas.

For Southern California, we have a different set of mitigation measures that need to rise to the top, and we're still moving along that path, he said.

Sea level rise

The California coast is disappearing. Melting glaciers, ice sheets and ocean water expansion from warming are causing the sea to rise, and the Golden State is particularly vulnerable, with nearly 70% of the population living in coastal areas.

In the next three decades, sea level rise on the West Coast is expected to be between 4 and 8 inches, according to the most recent Sea Level Rise Technical Report .

Projections beyond that are uncertain and will depend on emissions reductions and how quickly ice sheets respond to warming, said Patrick Barnard, research director at the U.S. Geological Surveys Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz. But data show its accelerating. We've more than doubled the rate of sea level rise over the last decade compared to the sort of more historical past, he said.

Jack Corrigan, a Seal Beach maintenance worker, lifts pumping tubes into places to alleviate some of the flooding caused by high tides in Seal Beach in May. Without massive human intervention, up to 67% of state beaches could completely erode by 2100. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

Some projections warn that without massive human intervention, up to 67% of state beaches could completely erode by 2100. Transportation infrastructure such as airports and highways will be susceptible to flooding from storm surges and sea level rise, or both, without protective measures.

Sekich from the Surfrider Foundation said that California, like the rest of the country, is falling short on proactive adaptation planning. Looking at roads that need to either be elevated or relocated. Infrastructure that is just chronically in a repetitive flood zone, and dealing with that, she said. I feel like we're not looking at long-term solutions. We're just looking at Band-Aid approaches.

But Sekich added that the state is ahead of the curve when it comes to greenhouse reductions and implementing nature-based solutions, such as reviving dunes , which could act as natural flood protection from sea level rise and storm surges. "That's the beauty of it: We're leveraging the power of nature to protect nature. And that's a pretty hopeful thing.

Drought

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of California droughts. Warmer temperatures are enhancing evaporation, which dries out soils and plants, and reduces surface water. This will lead to drier seasonal conditions and contribute to water scarcity.

Rising temperatures are also reducing Sierra Nevada snowpack  a natural reservoir that traditionally supplies California with a third of its water. With more precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, and as snow melts more quickly, that supply of stored water will shrink. Some projections estimate that by the end of the century, Californias snowpack will plummet by 48% to 65% .

And some scientists have projected that the Colorado River, which serves about 40 million people, could lose about one-fourth of its flow by 2050 as the climate gets hotter and drier.

Climate change is increasing the frequency, intensity and duration of California droughts. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Nicola Ulibarri, associate professor in urban planning and public policy at UC Irvine, said among the biggest challenges in preparing for drought is short-term memory. Her research has found that people think about and deal with drought during dry years, but it immediately falls off as soon as the water has come back, she said.

Read more: Boiling Point: Wheres the urgency?

But she said Californias efforts to diversify its water supplies is a good step toward managing and preparing for longer, more intense and more frequent dry periods. "Instead of relying on one or two sources they've always had, [California is thinking]: How can we think about building out our recycled water capacity? Or how could we think about  water-bank type situations so that they can use water when it's available, but then store some of that extra water for future years.

Flooding

Projections indicate that global warming is also contributing to more intense wet periods and heightening the whiplash transition between periods of extended drought and intense precipitation.

One study projects that by the latter part of the century, extreme storms could bring 200% to 400% more runoff in the Sierra Nevada because intense precipitation will fall as rain rather than snow. Researchers say such conditions will increase the risk of megafloods  inundations equivalent to California's Great Flood of 1862, which killed thousands and formed a vast inland sea hundreds of miles long.

Although climate researchers point out that this year's storms were not the worst in California's history, they do offer a glimpse of the destructive floods scientists have warned about.

By 2072, experts predict that peak flood flows in the Central Valley will increase up to five times compared with historical records, according to a recent flood protection plan for that area. Future flooding would threaten millions of Californians and cause widespread death and damage. The destruction could be as high as $1 trillion. Without adequate investments in infrastructure and other projects, massive floods could lead to more than 500 deaths annually in the Central Valley by 2072.

A vehicle braves the flooded Garces Highway as the Tulare Lake basin continues to swell following record rainfall. This year's storms were not the worst in California's history, climate researchers say, but they offer a glimpse of the destructive floods scientists have warned about. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan hopes to avert those scenarios. The plan calls for $25 billion to $30 billion in investments over the next 30 years for infrastructure upgrades, emergency preparation and floodplain restoration.

But experts have said that modeling where floodwaters might go, how deep and for how long is essential to how well-prepared California will be for an Atmospheric River 1,000 Storm, or ARkStorm, a severe winter-storm scenario that would ravage the state.

Hope

Envisioning the future is scary. A recent poll found that the majority of Californians are increasingly worried about the state's changing climate. Another survey found that most Americans are feeling the same way.

Sarah Dryhurst, an assistant professor at the Institute for Risk and Disaster Reduction at University College London, explained that fear is necessary to spur action. But in the long term, it can shut people down, so it needs be paired with another feeling.

"One of the emotions that is really useful to keep hold of is this feeling of hope ... to take action on something we need to feel a sense of threat, but we also need to feel a sense that we can do something and make a difference," she said.

It remains to be seen if California, and the world, will be able to prevent the worst-case climate change scenarios. The United Nations' most recent climate report warned that humanity is not acting at the necessary pace and scale, but it says we still have a chance if urgent action is taken. It says there is still hope.

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.
A Wendella Chicago water taxi leaves the Wrigley Building. With ridership expected to hit 400,000 by the end of the 2012 season, taxi service manager Andrew Sargis says the company may add a fourth boat and a stop near Goose Island next year. (Abel Uribe, Chicago Tribune)

For some working in downtown Chicago, daily commutes are about to get a whole lot wetter.

The Chicago Water Taxi will resume service three days a week starting Sept. 5.

Advertisement

A lone boat will make trips three days a week, from Tuesday to Thursday, between Ogilvie Transportation Center in the West Loop and Michigan Avenue in Streeterville. The West Loop stop is located between Ogilvie and Union Station, while the Michigan Avenue stop is located near the intersection of North Rush Street and East Kinzie Street.

The fall water taxi will run during rush hour, with trips every 15 minutes from 6:30 to 9:15 a.m. and again from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m. The first trip of the morning will leave from Ogilvie and the last trip will depart from Michigan Avenue.

Advertisement

The taxi is operated by Wendella Tours and Cruises, which also runs architectural boat tours down the Chicago River and into Lake Michigan.

The boats ran only on the weekends in 2021 and 2022, after the COVID-19 pandemic sent typical river commuters into work-from-home mode. Wendella chose Tuesday through Thursday based on data from Metra and Kastle Systems, a security company which tracks swipes into office buildings, said Andrew Sargis, chief of operations for the taxi.

A majority of commuters will be working onsite those days, so those are the days were going to start, Sargis said.

Metra reported a slight dip in commuting in August, which Sargis attributes to vacations.

Water taxi service is expected to stop in late November, though Sargis said Wendella might run boats into the winter or expand to other days of the week depending on demand.

A potential plan to stop service in late November and restart in the spring could also be in the works if the fall commuter taxi proves popular enough, Sargis said.

Were excited to get going again, and we really hope people turn out, Sargis said.

Wendella has been running water taxis since 1962. Named RiverBus in 1999, the bright yellow boat rebranded to Chicago Water Taxi in 2007.

Advertisement

Chicago Water Taxi suspended service in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and has attempted to restart three times in the years since, Sargis said. Weekend service in 2021 and 2022 catered more to tourists than to daily commuters, 400,000 of whom rode the Chicago Water Taxi between March and November 2019.

Starting Sept. 5, the taxi is back to courting commuters, Sargis said.

Ultimately the water taxi started as a service for locals, Sargis said. Throughout the years, we slowly started going to areas that were more touristy and running on weekends. And thats something we may or may not plan to do in the future.

The sole Chicago Water Taxi on the fall route seats 95 passengers at a time. Riders can purchase a 10-ride pass for $25 or a single-ride pass for $6.

Shoreline Sightseeing, another Chicago boat operator, will also continue running water taxis into the fall. The service, which also operated daily this summer, makes seven stops between Navy Pier and Chinatown. Tickets range from $5 to $21 depending on age and route, with day passes for $30 (or $12 for children).

Shoreline puts out a unique schedule each day based on weather conditions. Weather cancellations and delays become more likely in October and November, said Shoreline Water Taxi employee Vanessa Smith.

Advertisement

Usually, we try and run as late as we can, but its all weather dependent, Smith said.

As the beloved yellow Chicago Water Taxi prepares for duty, Sargis says he hopes Metra customers whose final destinations are River North and Streeterville see the river taxi as the most convenient option.

We know its a better quality of commute than most land transit, just because youre out in the river and theres no traffic, he said.
A joint fugitive investigation led to the arrest of a Cambridge man wanted for murdering and dismembering his roommate in Indiana in 2017, according to Massachusetts State Police.

John Hallett, 54, was arrested at his Cambridge apartment at 15 Chester Street on Thursday morning.

In August 2022 the Michigan City, Indiana, Police Department developed information suggesting that Hallett had murdered his roommate in 2017 by striking him with a blunt object and then choking him, officials say.

Hallett allegedly then disemboweled his roommates body and disposed of remains in various public trash cans.

During the homicide investigation by Michigan Police, a cadaver dog was deployed inside the former residence of Hallett and his roommate where they were alerted to the scent of human remains in the basement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Evidence collected by police confirmed the presence of decomposing remains in the basement prompting an arrest warrant charging Hallett with murder. US Marshals in Indiana developed information that Hallett was residing in Cambridge.

Cambridge police detectives learned that Hallett was living at his Chester Street apartment in the city and with the assistance of Massachusetts State Police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section Troopers, and United States Marshals Fugitive Task Force Officers Hallett was apprehended and taken into custody.

Neighbors were surprised after hearing what Hallett was accused of.

There was a commotion out front of the building thats across the street and a man walking out in handcuffs, which caught my eye as unusual, said Lindsay Garito, who lives across the street. He looked about as normal as they come, he was calm, he just walked out of his building in a large group.

I live like two houses down, I was walking to the gym and I saw probably like 20 men in bullet proof vests and I assumed they were shooting a movie or something because this stuff like doesnt happen around here, said Alex Majetich, who lives nearby.

Hallett was booked as a fugitive from justice.

Prosecutors will arrange for his rendition to Indiana to answer to the murder charge.

Just thinking of living that close to someone thats taken another humans life is definitely unsettling, said Garito.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
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.
The smoke from Canadian wildfires that engulfed U.S. cities this summer and turned New York Citys skies orange led to a spike in asthma-related visits to emergency rooms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed Thursday.

Smoke caused dangerously low air quality in cities across the U.S., but the impact was felt especially in the Northeast, a CDC study claims. Nationally, asthma-related ER visits increased by 17 percent in areas impacted by the smoke.

In New York and New Jersey, smoke caused 364 excess asthma ER visits, the study claims, all of which occurred around the early June wildfire smoke that dirtied New York City air to very unhealthy levels. Hospital traffic was 46 percent higher in those states on smoke days.

Those states saw five days this summer, the most of any region in the country, where air quality rose above 100 on the Environmental Protection Agencys air quality index. Levels around 50 are considered normal, while any mark above 150 is considered unhealthy for all groups.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On June 8, New York Citys air quality index spiked to 257, considered very unhealthy.

Yesterday New Yorkers saw and smelled something that had never impacted us on this scale before, New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at the time. We had dangerously high levels of wildfire smoke from thousands of miles away, from the gloom over Yankee Stadium to the smoky haze scouring our skyline. We could see it, we could smell it and we felt it.

A second CDC study focused on New York state alone, without New York City, found that hospital visits related to asthma increased by 82 percent on those most severe early June wildfire days, with the impact most severe in central New York.

Wildfire smoke contains large particles that can exacerbate already-present health conditions like asthma by irritating the lungs and other parts of the body.

People with asthma often wheeze, are breathless, have chest tightness and have either nighttime or early-morning coughing.

I have no doubt that every asthmatic had an uptick in symptoms, Dr. Adrian Pristas, a New Jersey pulmonologist, told The Associated Press. Some were able to manage it on their own, but some had to call for help.

The Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian region saw four days of significant wildfire smoke, but a smaller increase in asthma ER visits, according to the study. The Midwest saw smaller ER visit increases in four wildfire smoke days as well.

Canada is facing one of the most severe wildfire seasons in the countrys history. While fires in eastern and central Canada created the smoke that choked the Northeast U.S. earlier this year, now fires in British Columbia have threatened the air quality in the Pacific Northwest.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - The Statue of Liberty, covered in a haze-filled sky, is photographed from the Staten Island Ferry, June 7, 2023, in New York. The smoke from Canadian wildfires that drifted into the U.S. led to a spike in people with asthma visiting emergency rooms  particularly in the New York area. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published two studies Thursday, Aug. 24 about the health impacts of the smoke, which shrouded city skylines with an orange haze in late spring, and a medical journal also released a study this week. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)

NEW YORK (AP)  The smoke from Canadian wildfires that drifted into the U.S. led to a spike in people with asthma visiting emergency rooms  particularly in the New York area.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention published two studies Thursday about the health impacts of the smoke, which shrouded city skylines with an orange haze in late spring. A medical journal also released a study this week.

When air quality worsens, an asthmatic feels it before anyone else, said Dr. Adrian Pristas, a pulmonologist based in Hazlet, New Jersey, who remembered a flood of calls from patients in June during the days of the heaviest smoke.

People with asthma often wheeze, are breathless, have chest tightness and have either nighttime or early-morning coughing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I have no doubt that every asthmatic had an uptick in symptoms," Pristas said. Some were able to manage it on their own, but some had to call for help.

Each of the studies looked at different geographic areas  one was national, one was specific to New York state and the last focused on New York City.

Nationally, asthma-associated ER visits were 17% higher than normal during 19 days of wildfire smoke that occurred between late April and early August, according to one CDC study that drew data from about 4,000 U.S. hospitals.

Hospital traffic rose more dramatically in some parts of the country during wildfire smoke: 46% higher in New York and New Jersey.

A second study released by the CDC focused on New York state only, not New York City, because the state and city have separate hospital data bases, one of the authors said.

It found asthma-associated ER visits jumped 82% statewide on the worst air quality day, June 7. The study also said that the central part of New York state saw the highest increases in ER visits  more than twice as high.

The third study, published by the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, focused solely on New York City. It found more than a 50% increase in asthma-associated ER visits on June 7, said the study's lead author, George Thurston of New York University.

None of the studies looked at other measures of health, such as increases in heart attacks or deaths.

Wildfire smoke has tiny particles, called PM2.5, that can embed deep in the lungs and cause severe problems for asthmatics. But problematic as the wildfire smoke was, an analysis showed it had lower amounts of some toxic elements found in urban air pollution, Thurston said.

The third study also attempted to compare the surge in ER visits during the wildfire smoke with what happens at the height of a bad pollen season  and the wildfires led to about 10% more ER visits.

That's reassuring. It may not have been as bad as it looked, Thurston said

Jeffrey Acquaviva, a 52-year-old asthmatic in Holmdel, New Jersey, found that conclusion hard to swallow.

Yeah, right, said Acquaviva, who works at family-owned construction business.

As the smoke got worse in June and the air in his backyard grew thick and golden, Acquaviva changed the filters on his air conditioners and stayed indoors for 2 1/2 days.

His symptoms still got worse  his breathing dangerously difficult  and finally he was taken by ambulance to a hospital and stayed there three days.

Pristas, Acquaviva's doctor, recalled how invasive the smoke was: There was nowhere to hide."

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
The GOP divide on Ukraine was on full display during the debate, with Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis saying they would cut off funding to Kyiv while others defended U.S. aid to the embattled nation.

I find it offensive that we have professional politicians who will make a pilgrimage to Kyiv, to their pope, Zelenskyy, without doing the same for the people in Maui or the south side of Chicago, he said, referring to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine.

DeSantis was more hedging, saying that he would stop aid to Ukraine unless European governments stepped up to pull their weight.



Those calls to stop Ukraine funding earned applause in the room, but were not shared by all candidates. Nikki Haley accused Ramaswamy of wanting to hand Ukraine to Russia and let China eat Taiwan.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You are choosing a murderer over an ally of the U.S., Haley said, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

I wish you success on your future career on the boards of Lockheed and Raytheon, Ramaswamy retorted, naming two large U.S. weapons manufacturers.

You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, Haley shot back, earning raucous applause in the arena.
Two candidates push back on national abortion ban. At the first debate between Republican candidates vying for the 2024 presidential nomination, two of the eight contenders on stage explicitly rejected the idea of helping pass a national abortion ban if they were elected. Former United Nations Ambassador and South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley rejected it on practical groundsnoting that Republicans simply didn't and wouldn't have the votes in the Senate to actually push such a ban throughand North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum rejected it on principle, asserting that it would be unconstitutional.

"Be honest with the American peopleno Republican president can ban abortions," said Haley, pointing out that there wouldn't be enough Senate votes to do it. "Do not make women feel like they have to decide on this issue."

Haley talked about instead finding areas of compromise on reproductive rights and restrictions, including supporting accessible contraception, promoting adoption, banning "late-term abortions," and agreeing "that we are not going to put a woman in jail or give her the death penalty if she gets an abortion."

It was a dodge, to be sure. But Haley had the benefit of realism on her side, correctly noting that a lot of huffing and puffing about passing a federal 15-week ban could make voters feel like it was something they needed to really center when they cast a ballot when, in actuality, a 15-week ban isn't going to happen soon.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Burgum was more explicit about his views. "We should not have a federal abortion ban," said the North Dakota governor, who recently signed a six-week ban into law in his state. The 10th Amendmentthat's the one saying "the powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people"doesn't allow it, he said.



Burgum pointed out that for decades, the big Republican talking point about abortion was that it should be an issue left up to individual states. "We can't have Republicans say for 50 years to return it to the states and then turn around and push a federal ban."

"The feds are stepping into people's lives and stepping into people's businesses over and over," he added. "If we say the fed should be in this, where do we stop?"

Meanwhile, former Vice President Mike Pence explicitly embraced the idea of a national ban on abortion at 15 weeks of pregnancy. "It's not a states-only issue. It's a moral issue," he said.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott echoed Pence's sentiment, saying a Republican president must fight for, "at minimum," a 15-week ban on abortion.

Abortion is an incredibly thorny issue for Republicans at the moment. Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last summer, American support for legal abortion has only been growing and anti-abortion amendments have been failing even in red states like Kansas and Kentucky. Extreme pro-life rhetoric may still enchant some of the party's base but be a liability when it comes to winning over moderate conservatives, swing voters, and independents, who can no longer minimize this rhetoric as they could when Roe was the law of the land.

Discomfort with how to handle the abortion question seemed apparent among some candidates on stage last night.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis expressed pride about signing a six-week ban into law in Florida, but evaded the question of whether he would urge a national six-week ban. Instead, he launched into a bizarre and apocryphal story about a woman who allegedly survived "multiple abortion attempts."

In general, the candidates seemed more comfortable slinging dubious accusations about Democratic positions on abortion than defining where they stand or think the party should stand.

For instance: Democrats want to allow "abortion all the way up to birth," DeSantis claimed. It's a common refrain among Republicans, conjuring up images of womenand politicians and doctors who support themwho simply decide on a whim late in pregnancy that they'd rather not continue.

But the vast majority of U.S. abortions take place before the end of the first trimester, with just 8 percent occurring after 13 weeks of pregnancy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Only around 1 percent occur at or after 21 weeks. And when these later-term abortions do occur, it's typically due to pregnancy complications that threaten a mother's life or health or the discovery of issues with the fetus that mean it won't survive full term or outside of the womb, many health professionals say. Besides, the vast majority of states ban abortion after the point of fetal viability, if not sooner. Only seven states (Alaska, Colorado, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, and Vermont) and Washington, D.C., have no specific gestational limit in place.

FREE MINDS

GOP candidates enthusiastic about idiotic idea to invade Mexico. Probably the worst portion of last night's GOP debate came during discussion of border security and drug smuggling, during which multiple candidates on stage pledged U.S. military action in Mexico.

"The cartels are killing tens of thousands of our fellow citizens," DeSantis alleged. "So as president would I use force, would I treat them as foreign terrorist organizations? You're darn right I would."

NEW: DeSantis says he would support sending US special forces across the border into Mexico to combat cartels and target fentanyl labs, etc.

Says he would do it on "day one".  Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) August 24, 2023

DeSantis wasn't the only one on stage who backed using the U.S. military against Mexican cartels, notes The Hill:

On Wednesday night, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he would support limited military action, such as intelligence gathering, against the cartels. But only if Mexico could be looped into the campaign. "Cooperation makes a difference," Hutchinson said. "We cannot be successful going against the cartel unless we bring in Mexico as a partner. We have to use economic pressure to accomplish that." Former Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday also backed partnering with the Mexican army to "hunt down and destroy the cartels." Experts, however, say any military action could end up backfiring, straining relations with Mexico and other Latin America countries and likely failing to stop a shadowy network of cartel operations. Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), who represents a border state, sharply criticized the GOP candidates for raising the possibility of military action in Mexico.

Republicans have gone from Self Deportation to Build A Wall to Invade Mexico in just over a decade.  Joaquin Castro (@JoaquinCastrotx) August 24, 2023

Oh! Now they're saying invasion as in WE are going to invade. Yeah, don't do that either. #Cato2024https://t.co/twaEbuGmhH  A lady (@Anastasia_esq) August 24, 2023

Neither DeSantis nor any other 2024 candidate has the legal authority to order strikes against cartels in Mexico. Candidates need to stop grandstanding and to start offering real and *constitutional* solutions to America's problems.https://t.co/v128wBDrfy  Katherine Yon Ebright (@EbrightYon) August 24, 2023

FREE MARKETS

They actually talked about cutting spending! One of the first issues addressed at last night's Republican debate was what these presidential candidates had done to cut spending. It was a welcome early foray into something substantive and far-removed from the culture war. The best answer came from Haley, who slammed not just reckless spending by Democrats but by her fellow Republicans, too:

"The truth is that Biden didn't do this to us, our Republicans did this to us too," Haley said during the early moments of Wednesday's Republican primary debate. She pointed specifically to Republican support in Congress for COVID stimulus bills and other recent spending packages. "They need to stop the spending, they need to stop the borrowing, they need to eliminate the earmarks that Republicans brought back in," she said. Then she delivered the hammer blow: "And Donald Trump added $8 trillion to our debt, and our kids are never going to forgive us for this," Haley said.

More here.

QUICK HITS

 Reason's Jacob Sullum checks in on what former President Donald Trump was doing during last night's debate.

 The Arizona Supreme Court will consider an abortion ban, enacted pre-statehood, that mandates two to five years in prison for abortion providers.

 Sen. Chris Murphy (DConn.) embraces "the classic techno moral panic trope that the technology is some sort of brain eating mind control system, creating zombies who have no free will of their own."

 There were no anti-interventionist candidates at the GOP debate.

 "The Florida State Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to add harsher penalties to a new law barring transgender students and staff at state colleges from using facilities such as restrooms and locker rooms that are consistent with their gender identity," reports The Hill.

 Eugene Volokh on why we should care about pseudonymity in litigation.

 Hawaii Gov. Josh Green is "suspending whole sections of state and local laws and regulations that relate to homebuilding."

The post Candidates Spar Over National Abortion Ban in First Republican Debate appeared first on Reason.com.
Donald Trump was unmentioned for large stretches of Wednesday's GOP presidential debate.

But it's not clear that the former president lost anything by skipping the affair.

A segment devoted to Trump's indictments underlined his stranglehold on the party.

For almost an hour, America saw a Republican presidential primary debate without former President Donald Trump looks like. Then, they were reminded who the frontrunner really is.

A segment focused on the former president's four indictments turned into a rollicking focus group that showcased his stranglehold on the GOP. In the end, skipping the affair may not end up as an undisputed win. But when you're up by double-digits with less than six months before the Iowa caucuses, time is on your side.

Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley took the first shot at Trump, arguing that his administration's pursuit $2.2 trillion CARES Act during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic was an example of how Republicans spend too much money.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The truth is that Biden didn't do this to us; our Republicans did this to us, too," Haley said. She added "Donald Trump added $8 trillion to our debt, and our kids are never going to forgive us for this."

Haley's barb at Trump, whose cabinet she served in, was one of the few exceptions to a night where Trump was rarely criticized and unmentioned during large stretches devoted to policy discussions. Other candidates who went after the former president more explicitly were greeted with a chorus of boos. The audience became so unsettled that moderator Bret Baier had to turn around to ask attendees to settle down.

"Booing is allowed but it does not change the truth," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie shot back. Christie said he couldn't support Trump since the former president called for suspending the constitution.

The lack of attacks didn't mean the praise was effusive, save for entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy went so far as to declare Trump "the greatest president of the 21st century" during a discussion of the historic indictments against him.

Trump declared on Sunday night that he would not show up for the first major evening in the GOP nomination contest. Instead, the former president recorded an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that was posted just five minutes before the debate began.

"I just felt it would be more appropriate not to the debate," Trump told Carlson during a 46-minute interview posted on Twitter. "I don't think it's right to do it. If you're leading by 50, 60,  in one poll I'm leading by 70 points and I'm saying why I am doing it?"

Trump has even hinted that he might not show up at any of the primary debates. The next one is scheduled for September 27, just over a month from now at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Trump has repeatedly attacked former Washington Post publisher Fred Ryan, chairman of the Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute.

Wednesday night might prove that Trump doesn't have much to lose.

Read the original article on Business Insider
As the final bars of Lee Greenwoods God Bless the USA filled the room, former President Donald Trump took the stage in Windham, N.H. The audience, many of them white New Englanders and veterans, chanting U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A had to settle a bit before Trump could launch into a winding, military-themed speech at the August 8 campaign rally.

Soon enough, Trump arrived at what has become a recurrent theme of his embattled candidacy: an attack against Fulton County, Ga., District Attorney Fani Willis, who six days later would make public grand-jury indictments against Trump and 18 others facing 41 criminal charges, some carrying mandatory jail time.

Read More: A Nightmare for Trump's Defense Team: Everything He Says Can Be Used Against Him

They say theres a young woman, a young racist in Atlanta, so racist, Trump, 77, said in his characteristically elliptical way, with a bit of repetition for emphasis, referring to the 52-year-old prosecutor. I guess they say that she was after a certain gang and she ended up having an affair with the head of the gang or a gang member. And this is a person that wants to indict me. He offered no evidence for his salacious allegation. Willis has called it derogatory and false. Multiple news organizations have debunked it. Nevertheless, it is mentioned in a Trump campaign ad now running on Atlanta TV.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Trump way of doing politics has always included a combination of baseless allegations, ad hominem attacks, group-based suspicion, and racial fearmongering. Racist questions about President Barack Obamas place of birth marked Trumps entry into politics. Trump launched his 2016 presidential bid labeling Mexicans illegally crossing the Southern border criminals and rapists. His presidency was bookended by blanket accusations leveled at Muslims and the Chinese. Now, as Trump contends with four criminal indictments and three other civil inquiries or cases to boot, his attacks on prosecutors, judges, and others associated with the process amount to a high-intensity extension of those tactics.

Former President of the United States Donald Trump delivers remarks in Windham, N.H. on Aug. 8, 2023. Erin ClarkThe Boston Globe/Getty Images

While everyone in a position to hold Trump accountable is subjected to a barrage of insults and he has called Jack Smith, a white man who serves as federal special counsel and charged Trump in both a classified-documents and a Jan. 6 case, deranged, it is what Trump has to say about officials of color that seems to rely heavily on stereotypes and his confidence that bigotry has political benefits. Trump has called Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is prosecuting him for allegedly paying hush money to an adult film star, a racist, an animal, and a thug, and described him as an incompetent tool of a Jewish liberal megadonor. He has characterized Judge Juan Merchan, the acting justice of the New York State Supreme Court overseeing the hush-money case, and Judge Tanya Chutkan, the federal jurist in Washington, D.C., overseeing the Jan. 6 case, as irreparably biased rule breakers with some flourishes suggesting incompetence and anger. He has deemed New York State Attorney General Letitia James, the official behind a civil probe of his business and charities, a radical and a racist. And on other occasions, hes referred to Willis as rabid and reared by a family steeped in hate, an extreme description of her retired lawyer father who was also, for a time, a Black Panther. A Trump spokesman, Steven Cheung, defended Trump this month against allegations of weaponized and strategic bigotry, saying Trump doesnt have a racist bone in his body and anyone saying otherwise is a racist and bigot themselves. (Trump has pleaded not guilty in the first three indictments and is expected to be arraigned in the fourth, the Georgia case, in September.)

Read More: Why Trump's Indictment in Georgia Carries the Most Risk

But in Atlanta  the so-called cradle of the American civil rights movement, birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr., and longtime home of John Lewis  bigotry, or rather a bet on the bigotry of the American public, will not only likely feature heavily in Trumps public-facing defense and campaign, it is at the core of the case itself. Yes, Trump and his co-defendants have been accused of joining a conspiracy to unlawfully change the outcome of the election in favor of Trump, but any honest observer of the proceedings cannot fail to recognize what all of this means: if these alleged actions had been successful, they would not just have returned Trump to the White House but also subverted the will of the vast majority of Black voters, two-thirds of Latinos, and more than 60% of Asian Americans who cast ballots in 2020, disenfranchising those whose grasp on the levers of democratic power are relatively new and, many voting-rights advocates say, under assault in a way that intensified after the nations first Black president was elected in 2008. This, combined with Trumps ongoing invective against Willis and some of the specific allegations in the indictment, suggest that racism will maintain a presence in this case in ways both overt and oblique. The stakes in Atlanta, where Trump is expected to turn himself in on Thursday, are therefore even greater than his fate in court, or even the coming presidential election. Also on trial is the countrys willingness to face, reject, or embrace the ongoing utility of racism in American politics.

When Trump was born in 1946, the Voting Rights Act was still a far-fetched idea some 19 years away. And the notion that a Black female DA, a situation only made real in Atlanta in 2021, could bring a case against a former and potentially future white, male President would have seemed impossible.

That was on my mind when I went to Atlanta in the summer of 2021 to profile Willis. She seemed steadied by the approach she told me she applies to every case. As a prosecutor, Im going to find out what, if anything, you did, she said. Look at the law. Put it on the wall. Compare. And, if you broke the law, Im going to charge you.

Willis had heard, along with much of America, portions of Trumps recorded Jan. 2, 2021, call with Brad Raffensperger, in which Trump seemingly asks the Georgia Secretary of State to find 11,870 votes. When that call became public, it was move-in day at the DAs office, and Willis was surrounded by boxes, TV news playing in the background. So, initially, she told me, there was disbelief, then dread. She knew shed have to have her public-corruption team investigate.

But the origins of the coming showdown lie much further back. People have died for the right to vote, says Gerald Griggs, a civil rights activist and lawyer who has practiced law for 20 years in Georgia and predicted back in 2021 that prosecutors in Georgia would indict Trump. And to call into Georgia to try to disenfranchise a large number of African Americans is repugnant. It was, pure and simple, an attack on the idea and the value of a multiracial democracy.

Members of the media outside of the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta on Aug. 14, 2023. Ben HendrenBloomberg/Getty Images

When delegates from the 13 original colonies gathered in Philadelphia in May 1787, there was much to debate, including the very concept of a federal constitution. That alone presented a problem in a country dependent on enslaved labor but enamored of individual rights. Ultimately, it was ratified, and slowly  very slowly  civil and human rights were extended beyond white men and those who benefited from proximity. That is, at least, what the nation put on paper.

The 15th Amendment, for example, granted Black men the right to vote, but the effort to get third-fourths of the states to ratify it dragged on for almost two and a half years. Opposition was abundant, and a Sept. 16, 1867, edition of the Cincinnati Enquirer made the essential elements of that perspective plain.

Those who contemplate voting with the Radicals for the enfranchisement of the negro would do well to consider these facts: There are now in the Ohio penitentiary 1,041 prisoners who are white and 133 coloredWhile the latter have one-fourtieth of the population of the State, they have one-seventh of the criminals. Give them more license by granting the right of suffrage and equality, and the chances are that emigration from Southern states may set in, and crime increase. Let Radicals talk as they please, there is no doubt that enfranchisement of the negro in this State will retard its progress and be an injury to the whites.

In the end, Ohio would ratify the 15th Amendment in January 1870. New York, which had ratified the 15th Amendment in April 1869, would try to revoke its approval. But in February 1870, a group of four states ratified the constitutional amendment making New Yorks change of mind and other debate moot. Among that last group: Georgia.

Read More: These Are the 19 People Charged in the Georgia Election Interference Case

Black men voted and soon were elected to seats in state and federal legislatures, making some white Americans angry. In Georgia, Black elected officials were ejected from the state legislature as early as 1868. The federal government retreated from an assertive program of protections and inclusion for millions of now free Black women, men, and children. Across the South, and in less overt ways in the North, Jim Crow and the constant threat of racial violence and the sometimes deadly exercise of it created a new reality. By 1964, only about 27% of Black Georgia residents were registered to vote, an often complicated, sometimes fatal undertaking.

The following year, the Voting Rights Act and its federal enforcement features began to change things, and by the end of 1965, there were 250,000 newly registered Black voters across the United States. But for much of the period before and after, debate about Black voting  in particular, insinuations about the allegedly corrupting influence of the Black vote and the inherent danger of anything less than white voter dominion  never ceased. And, according to Andra Gillespie, a political scientist at Emory University, Trumps claims about 2020 election corruption seemed to hitch a ride on the credibility bus fueled by some of the same ideas.

While Black Voters Matter co-founder Cliff Albright and his colleagues had joined other groups in the years and then months leading up to the 2020 election doing the work that, along with other shifts in voting, helped turn Georgia purple, Trump had spent much of that same time describing the nations election system as deeply flawed and vulnerable to interference or fraud. Not long after the 2016 election, he said, without offering proof, that he lost the popular vote because millions of non-citizens had cast illegal ballots.

The lie about voter fraud that Trump has been spreading since long before the 2020 election is and always has been a racialized lie, says Sean Morales-Doyle, director of the Voting Rights Program at New York Universitys Brennan Center.

Read More: Why the Georgia Court Will Keep the Trump Caseand Should

So it was hardly surprising that soon after the polls closed in 2020, Trump turned his suspicions on the election apparatus in a select set of counties. They were all, Albright told me, home to major cities with substantial non-white populations: Milwaukee, Philadelphia, Detroit, Phoenix, and, of course, Atlanta. (Georgia prosecutors now allege that Trump and his co-conspirators tried to override results in states containing those cities as well as Nevada and New Mexico, two states with larger-than-average Latino populations.)

Trump was telling people there were sundry forms of election malfeasance and corruption in Georgia and that collection of cities and states, places that in the minds of many are synonymous with Black voters, Black election officials, and everything from street to election crime, Albright says. Even as white Trump-appointed judges threw out the cases Trump and his allies filed, the Big Lie became a matter of Republican dogma, Albright said.

All Trump had to do was say it or imply it and those who believe the relevant stereotypes  a group larger than most Americans think  insisted what he said was true, says Duchess Harris, a professor of American studies and political science at Macalester College and special assistant to the provost for strategic initiatives. A March CNN poll found that 84% of just over 1,000 Republican and Republican-leaning respondents did not believe Biden won the 2020 election, though only 56% said there was evidence to prove this.

This is where I will give Trump credit, says Harris. Theres a reason hes putting in the effort. Its not falling on deaf ears.

Between Nov. 4, 2020, and Sept. 15, 2022, Georgia prosecutors say, Trump and both indicted and unindicted co-conspirators allegedly went from casting aspersions to acting on them, trying to ensure that certain votes were not only met with doubt but not counted at all. In addition to allegedly spreading false information to legislators, submitting fraudulent electors in favor of Trump, and illegally breaching election equipment and data, among other things, the defendants allegedly released information that encouraged an onslaught of harassment and threats against Ruby Freeman and her adult daughter Shaye Moss, Black election workers in Fulton County, Ga., according to the indictment. This allegedly included false claims that the two women and an unidentified man passed around USB ports as if theyre vials of heroin or cocaine, and multiple attempts to cajole or force Freeman to falsely confess to election fraud. A white man later identified as a minister, a Black man affiliated with Black Voices for Trump, and a Black woman who had previously worked as a publicist for the rapper Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) also allegedly traveled from Chicago to Atlanta and showed up at Freemans home. Some of their visits along with calls and threats from other Trump supporters, prosecutors say, prompted a frightened Freeman to call the police. The two men and the woman are accused of, among other things, trying to pressure Freeman to falsely confess to election crimes she did not commit.

Shaye Moss is sworn into the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol fourth hearing to present previously unseen material and hear witness testimony in Cannon Building, Ruby Freeman on far right, on June 21, 2022. Tom WilliamsCQ-Roll Call/Getty Images

Freeman and Moss testified before the Jan. 6 congressional committee that a Trump supporter attempted to detain Moss at her grandmothers home. The FBI advised the women they needed to stay elsewhere and Freeman has since permanently moved away from her longtime home. Their physical and mental health has been affected, Moss said, and she still sometimes avoids public contact with people she knows out of fear that her name will be uttered, recognized by Trump supporters who have harassed and threatened her and her mother or might like to do so.

It was the language in which they were being described, says Gillespie of the way that Trump and some of his alleged co-conspirators spoke publicly about Freeman and Moss. They were using language like hustler, using street language related to the drug trade that has been stereotyped and coded as African American.

And on Jan. 6, 2021, Trumps dog whistles and insinuations proved they are, indeed, perceptible, says Randolph McLaughlin, a civil rights lawyer and professor at Pace Universitys Haub School of Law. On that day, after a Trump speech near the White House, the overwhelmingly white crowd that invaded the Capitol chanted about taking our country back. McLaughlin encourages people to complete the thought. From whom? A major indicator lies in the things the insurrectionists brought to the scene: among them was a Confederate flag.

Even in the height of that war, no soldier from the Confederacy ever paraded in the Capitol with a Confederate battle flag, McLaughlin says. That happened on Jan. 6. Not to mention the officers who were being called the N-word, repeatedly.

In a July 29 email, Willis warned other Fulton County staffers and officials to take particular care. Security for Willis, Bragg, Chutkan, Merchan, and Smith has all been increased due to the volume of threats each has received. But, Willis wrote in her email, the tone, content, and volume of commentary and threats she and her staff had received was alarming. She forwarded an example.

It carried a jarring subject line and one sentence in its body:

Subject: Fani Willis = Corrupt NIGGER

You are going to fail, you Jim Crow Democrat whore

Trumps Aug. 8 comments about Willis in New Hampshire seem to rely on similar themes. Given the number of legal matters in which Trump finds himself entangled and how essential their outcome has become to the trajectory of his life, we are likely to hear more coded and not-so-coded remarks between now and the last of his criminal court proceedings. (Willis has sought a March 2024 date, but its a complicated case with many defendants, Trumps lawyers are expected to push for delays, and other cases will also compete for his time.) Some of the lines of attack have already been made clear.

Trump is trying to create this new trope of gangbanger mistress, says Harris, drawing a line from welfare queen, a stereotype and potent political trope first deployed by Ronald Reagan, to baby mama, a term used to describe Michelle Obama to this latest one. Theres a history there, she says, and it plays upon peoples fears, about not just supposed [Black] criminality. It's presumed immorality. Policing women is Americas pastime. And policing Black women who are not owned by white men is centuries old.

Fani Willis poses for a portrait in Atlanta, on April 19, 2023. Brynn AndersonAP

What Trump and his allies say about Willis and other Black officials and what he and his co-defendants are alleged to have done are not unrelated. Trump and many Americans seem to share what Harris describes as fear of a Black planet, a term she borrowed from the hip-hop group Public Enemy, meaning a world in which Black Americans occupy a wide range of roles, including those that involve some form of power or influence. That same CNN poll found that 72% of Republicans and Republican leaners under age 30 regard increased diversity as an enrichment compared with 47% of those age 65 or older. Voting, too, is a form of power and influence.

Read More: 3 Reasons Why the Georgia Case Could Stand Out Among Trump's Legal Woes

And yet this reality also remains, Gillespie says: On election night 2020, neither the cities nor the counties that surround Philadelphia, Milwaukee, or Atlanta were home to majority-Black populations. Detroit was an overwhelmingly Black city but the surrounding county was not. Still all of these communities are understood in the popular imagination as Black, explains Gillespie. And last year just 5% of licensed attorneys in the United States  meaning people eligible to run for district attorney  were Black, according to American Bar Association data. That figure has remained unchanged for at least a decade.

Can we, just for a moment, acknowledge what is essentially the miracle of two Black DAs and a Black judge on Trump cases, Harris says. What he [Trump] is experiencing now is being held accountable in a system where the wheels of justice have turned in the last 30 years.

Trumps fate lies now in the hands of a Fulton County jury, a group that, Griggs points out, Georgia state law limits to registered voters. Or it will if a new committee created by Georgia's Republican-dominated legislature does not prompt Williss removal from office first. A white Republican from a county that neighbors Atlanta said Monday he will initiate that process in October.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Eric Pillado talks about his educational loan debt while at home with his dog, Cooper, in a Streeterville apartment on Aug. 16, 2023, in Chicago. Pillado is in his sixth year of a seven-year residency in vascular surgery. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Brianna Nesbitt took out her first round of federal student loans in 2010 as an 18-year-old freshman at Carthage College in Wisconsin. Her parents had declared bankruptcy three weeks before school started, she said, so she knew the only way forward was through borrowing.

Nesbitt took on private Sallie Mae loans the following year, finishing her undergraduate degree with close to $80,000 in debt. In graduate school for personnel administration, her tuition was covered by on-campus work, but she took out loans to cover her living expenses and help with her younger sisters undergraduate tuition.

Advertisement

Nesbitt finished her education with about $102,900 in outstanding private and federal student loans. Despite making monthly payments of close to $500 for 13 years, she now owes over $107,000  more than she owed when she graduated. Thats because $23,000 of those loans were private and kept accruing interest through the federal loan freeze.

Nesbitt is one of more than 1.6 million people in Illinois  more than 1 in 10 residents  who were in debt because of federal student loans as of this spring, according to Department of Education data. All in all, Illinoisans owed $63.7 billion in outstanding federal student loans.

Advertisement

Like many borrowers, Nesbitt got a reprieve when payments on federal student loans were frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, she joins Americans of all ages and life stages staring down a financial cliff as they prepare for student loan payments to restart this fall.

President Joe Biden speaks about student loan forgiveness at Delaware State University in Dover, Delaware, Oct. 21, 2022. (Al Drago/The New York Times)

In June, the conservative-majority Supreme Court struck down the Biden administrations $400 billion plan to forgive or reduce student loan debt for millions of Americans.

The White House has said that under that plan, 20 million people would have seen their debt canceled entirely. In January, the White House said that more than 1 million Illinois borrowers had applied for or were deemed automatically eligible for debt relief. That program would have forgiven $10,000 in student debt for individuals making less than $125,000 or families making less than $250,000. Pell Grant recipients would have been eligible for an additional $10,000 in canceled debt.

Now, interest on federal student loans will start accruing at the beginning of September, and payments will be due in October. Borrowers will have a 12-month grace period before missed payments will cause them to enter delinquency.

Ive just been getting so many calls about this, said Patti Hughes, a Chicago-based financial planner who advises people with significant student loan debt. Its kind of a disaster.

Hughes said many people made significant financial commitments, such as renting an apartment or buying a car, based upon the income they had available when they didnt have to make loan payments.

During the freeze, Nesbitt bought a condo in Uptown and put a years worth of payments toward moving to Chicago from Nashville.

I was only able to buy property because I didnt have those loan payments every month, Nesbitt said. Right now, my financial goals are paying my mortgage on time.

Advertisement

A loan payment estimator told Nesbitt, who works remotely as a student engagement specialist, that shed have to make payments of $488 a month on her student loans starting this fall.

Nesbitt has since gotten a new estimate of $170 a month under the Department of Educations new SAVE repayment plan, after working with representatives from Fed Loan. Meanwhile, she is searching for a backup plan. Shes hoping to avoid taking a second job, as shes down to one for the first time since she began working. Shes not willing to sell her condo.

I literally dont make enough money to pay those loans, Nesbitt said. So they will not get money from me if thats what they want it to be, because theres literally no way.

In a fall 2022 survey by the Student Debt Crisis Center, a nonprofit that advocates for student debt reform, 30% of borrowers said they would reduce spending on expenses such as food, rent and health care in anticipation of payments restarting. At the time, nearly half of borrowers said they wouldnt be able to afford their payments in six months.

There were a lot of borrowers who have not made payments for over three years, said Cody Hounanian, the centers executive director. They have seen what debt relief can mean to their families and their lives. And the possibility that student debt cancellation would happen allowed them to think about a better, brighter future for themselves.

Nesbitt held three part-time jobs in college and spent hours in the financial aid office going over her payments and grants, she said. Shes enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program, and is about halfway through the minimum payments needed to qualify. Under the public service program, people who work for nonprofits or the government can have their balances forgiven after making a required number of qualifying payments.

Advertisement

But because of her $23,000 in private loans, Nesbitt says she expects to be paying off her debt until she dies.

I just assume I will always have that payment, Nesbitt said.

The most common amount of federal student loan debt that Illinoisans hold is between $20,000 and $40,000, according to the education department. About 369,000 residents owed that much as of the spring. Nearly 144,000 borrowers owed more than $100,000.

According to a study by credit agency TransUnion, 26% of borrowers restarting payments around the country would have payments of less than $100 a month, while about half were expected to have a payment of more than $200.

Many people who were able to save money during the student loan freeze applied their financial breathing room toward housing goals like Nesbitt did, said Nicole Bachaud, senior economist at Zillow.

Folks who have student loans have a harder time getting into homeownership, and they say that its one of the reasons why, Bachaud said.

Advertisement

Those still paying off significant student loan debt may be unable to qualify for mortgages no matter how much money they make. Most lenders wont offer conventional loans to would-be homebuyers whose outstanding debt is higher than 36% of their income, Bachaud said.

Hughes, who said her clients tend to have annual incomes of at least $90,000, is seeing borrowers being stricter with themselves at the grocery store and cutting trips to bars and restaurants.

A lot of them are really reluctant to cut travel. They want to still take trips, she said. So theyre looking at just like their lifestyle and saying OK, well, maybe there are ways to cut that way. Going for coffee, going for drinks, going out to eat and taking Ubers everywhere.

Andrea Cordes, 29, considers herself one of the lucky ones. Shes managed to cut her $19,000 in debt down by nearly half since graduating from Ferris State University in Michigan in 2017.

Cordes said her financial situation stabilized during the payment freeze, which allowed her to establish some extra savings. With her hourly salary of just over $18, she was able to buy small luxuries like the occasional video game.

Andrea Cordes, a receptionist at UChicago Medicine who has student loans, is seen here on Aug. 16, 2023, in the Streeterville neighborhood. Cordes thinks she can pay off her remaining loans within five to 10 years. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

In October, Cordes, a receptionist at UChicago Medicine, will add student loan payments back onto her monthly budget spreadsheet. She previously paid $225 monthly toward the balance.

Advertisement

Its definitely going to make an impact, Cordes said. Im not paying thousands of dollars for student loans, but its definitely cutting into my grocery money because I still have to pay for rent.

Cordes thinks she can pay off her remaining loans within five to 10 years, but she has seen others in her social circle alter their life plans  some deciding not to have children  around the idea of lifelong repayment.

Its one of those things thats just always in the back of your head, Cordes said.

For nonprofit employee Taylor Bradley, 32, the federal loan payment freeze was the first time she could build long-term savings. She thought about traveling to bucket-list cities. When she lost her job during the pandemic, the break in payments was a cushion as she found new work at a startup.

It made me feel much lighter, and like I didnt have that additional load to worry about every month, Bradley said.

Bradley had intended to go to medical school after studying genetics at Clemson University. She ended up staying at Clemson to start doctoral studies in genetics instead, but stopped three years in after deciding the program did not have the right resources to support her interests in genetics research.

Advertisement

Six years after leaving her doctoral program, Bradley still owes about $48,000 in student loans, she said.

Now that payments are starting again, Bradley is thinking about getting a second job. She had applied for Bidens student loan forgiveness plan when it was announced, hoping to receive up to $20,000 off her debt as a Pell Grant recipient.

She said the reversal of Bidens forgiveness plan has made her feel politically disillusioned, coupled with the looming end of the freeze. She was too young to qualify for the Department of Educations loan relief package in July, assisting those who have spent 20 years on a payment plan.

I had been thinking that my debt was going to be almost cut in half, Bradley said. That actually made it somewhat attainable, like I would be able to do this and actually knock it off before my 40s. Its really frustrating.

Some borrowers may see some relief: Last week, the White House announced that the administration had begun to forgive $39 billion in federal loan debt for some borrowers enrolled in income-driven repayment plans.

Income-driven repayment plans cap borrowers payments to a percentage of their income, after which the rest of their debt is forgiven, typically after 20 to 25 years.

Advertisement

The discharges that began last week are an attempt by the Biden administration to remedy what it describes as past administrative failures that caused some borrowers payments to go uncounted toward forgiveness.

More than 28,000 Illinoisans are eligible for that loan forgiveness program, with their collective debt totaling more than $1.3 billion.

Earlier this month, a federal court of appeals in New Orleans halted a Biden administration rule that would have made it easier for borrowers who say they were misled by their colleges to access student debt relief. The three-judge panel that issued the injunction said it would hear arguments in November.

The Biden administration has said it will seek a new legal avenue for a broader loan forgiveness program in an attempt to circumvent the Supreme Court decision, for which rule-making is ongoing.

Eric Pillado, 32, was working on the trauma floor at Northwestern Memorial Hospital when the student loan collectors called again.

Pillado is in his sixth year of residency as a vascular surgeon and had spoken with private loan collectors about a possible deferment once the student loan freeze ends in October. But this time, the collector didnt want to hear it, Pillado said.

Advertisement

It was just me literally in the middle of a hospital hallway during a busy trauma service where theres active traumas going on, Pillado said. In my mind, Im like, I cant believe this is my current life.

Hailing from rural New Mexico, Pillado attended the University of Michigan for undergrad and UCLA for medical school, paying out-of-state tuition for the former. He also completed two masters degrees at Northwestern in between medical school and residency.

Public loans got Pillado through undergrad, he said, but he began to feel at a disadvantage when he had to take out private loans to even apply to medical school. Application fees and school tours added up fast, Pillado said. Many of his peers, he said, came from generational wealth and did not have to go into debt for school.

I dont regret going to these schools. It definitely positioned me to get where I am, Pillado said. But at this point, its challenging.

Pillado is on track to become an attending vascular surgeon in 2025, at which point he says he will not be worried about the ability to pay off his student loans. According to Glassdoor, the average vascular surgeon makes just over $325,000 a year, including bonuses. However, he has over $400,000 in outstanding public and private loans dating back to 2009, some of which are racking up interest.

Pillado wont have to start paying on his federal loans until at least the end of 2023, since he is still less than six months out from his masters degree. When he does start paying, Pillado plans to contribute the bare minimum every month until he becomes an attending surgeon.

Advertisement

The high cost of living in Chicago  especially in Streeterville, where he can be easily on call at Northwestern Memorial Hospital  quickly eats up Pillados resident stipend, which was about $72,000 last year.

Though Pillado has learned to live frugally in the day-to-day, he worries about how he would pay a large bill in an emergency. The loan freeze had provided some breathing room in his financial planning, he said, while he waits for the higher attending surgeons salary to kick in.

Its all very terrifying, Pillado said. You try to mitigate risk, you try to mitigate any kind of additional loans or just putting yourself in stress, but ultimately, youre always still thinking about money.

Pillado hopes to finish paying off all his loans in his 50s. In the meantime, hes wrapping his head around how his educational costs might affect his purchasing power.

As a 17-year-old boy, thats not what I was thinking about, Pillado said. I was just thinking about why I want to be the first doctor in my family, why I want to help people like my parents.

The Associated Press contributed.
(NEXSTAR)  Guitarist Carlos Santana, of the rock and roll band Santana, is under fire Thursday after comments he made during a recent concert in Atlanta City, New Jersey, surfaced online. The comments, which Santana has confirmed he made, are considered by many to be offensive to the transgender community.

In the clip, which can be seen across several outlets, including Consequence, the Smooth musician can be heard saying: When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are. Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it aint right. Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man. Thats it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, thats your business. Im OK with that.

Dont miss the deadline to claim a Facebook privacy settlement payment

During the same concert, Santana also stopped to express support for comedian Dave Chappelle , who has made several inflammatory comments about the trans community in recent years. In the clip, Santana is heard saying as a follow-up to his previous statement,I am like this with my brother Dave Chappelle, as reported by Rolling Stone.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a statement to Billboard, Santana said: Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honor and respect all persons ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear. It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace.

The Grammy Award-winning artists comments come as upwards of 500 anti-LGBTQ bills circulate across legislatures in the U.S., as tracked by the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU explains that many of these proposals are directly focused at transgender youth.

Bagged corn, mixed vegetables sold at Kroger, Food Lion recalled due to potential listeria contamination

Current statistics from Pew Research Center show transgender people are more visible than they used to be, with about 5% of Americans younger than 30 identifying as trans or nonbinary  but data shows violence against trans people is high. According to an Anti-Defamation League report on Anti-LGBTQ+ Hate & Extremism Incidents, 2022-23, 138 of the 356 total incidents of violence or harassment were targeting drag events and performers. While not all people who perform at or support drag events are transgender, the two communities are historically intrinsically linked.

Over the past few years, the LGBTQ+ community (and drag performers especially) has faced targeted accusations of grooming from some far-right and conservative groups, though the Anti-Defamation League notes the language is not used legitimately. Instead, [anti-LGBTQ+ figures] imply or explicitly claim that LGBTQ+ people are pedophiles who are preying on children by discussing issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

The trans community has borne the brunt of much of such attacks, with trans people falsely being accused of indoctrinating children into trans identities, both with and against childrens wishes.

Though its uncommon for minors to receive gender-affirming surgery, current evidence shows many youth who are receiving non-surgical gender-affirming care now find their health care in danger.

Woman in TikTok video of racist outburst at California McDonalds is no longer employed

Despite some recently published data found only about 1% of transgender respondents regretted having surgery, other 2023 data also shows all transgender people are still likely to experience negative outcomes from society around their identities. Moreover, a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics last year found that only 2.5% of youths in the U.S. and Canada who did transition at an average of age 6 reverted back to their birth-assigned gender.

The rise in anti-LGBTQ sentiment in recent years has been found to be directly affecting queer people, with the Trevor Projects 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Young People finding 41% of LGBTQ young people seriously considered attempted suicide within the past year. The same survey found trans and nonbinary youth whose pronouns and identities were supported by their families reported lower rates of suicidal attempts.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Carlos Santana was filmed making anti-transgender remarks during one of his recent live performances.

In a video that has since gone viral, the 76-year-old Mexican-born American guitarist can be seen standing on stage addressing the crowd in between songs.

When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are, Santana says to applause.

Later on, when you grow out of it, you see things, and you start believing that you could be something that sounds good, but you know it aint right.

He continues: Because a woman is a woman and a man is a man  thats it. Whatever you wanna do in the closet, thats your business. Im ok with that.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As he places his hands side by side, he adds: Im like this with my brother Dave Chappelle.

Comedian Chappelle, 50, is well-known for making jokes about the trans community during his stand-up sets. Earlier this year, he came under fire for remarks made in his 2021 Netflix special The Closer, which ultimately earned him a Grammy.

According to several reports, the viral clip is believed to have been taken during one of Santanas Atlantic City concerts last month.

Based Carlos Santana:



"When God made you and me, before we came out of the womb, you know who you are and what you are. A woman is a woman and a man is a man. pic.twitter.com/B9IHgluows  Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) August 24, 2023

Cryptically addressing his controversial comments in a statement to Billboard, Santana said: Here is my personal goal that I strive to achieve every day. I want to honour and respect all persons ideals and beliefs whether they are LGBTQ or not. This is the planet of free will and we have all been given this gift.

I will now pursue this goal to be happy and have fun, and for everyone to believe what they want and follow in your hearts without fear. It takes courage to grow and glow in the light that you are and to be true, genuine, and authentic. We grow and learn to shine our light with Love and compliments. Have a glorious existence. Peace.

The Independent has contacted Santanas representative for comment.

Just last year, Santana suffered a health scare after collapsing on stage in Michigan. He was promptly rushed to hospital and was forced to postpone some concert dates out of an abundance of caution for his health.

Shortly after, Santanas manager issued an update, telling fans the musician was doing well and  is anxious to be back on stage soon.
Caught in the act: Nude Florida man accused of trying to break into Kissimmee homes

A Florida man was arrested Monday, accused of trying to break into homes in a Kissimmee neighborhood while completely naked.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Osceola County deputies were called to a home on Camden Way just before 1:30 a.m. Monday for reports of an attempted burglary in progress.

The caller said she heard a noise coming from her back patio door and checked her Ring camera to see a naked man attempting to open it.

READ: UCF police report uptick in scams targeting students

The caller said she saw the man making obscene gestures towards the camera like masturbating and bending over to expose his rectum.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While investigating the initial complaint, the sheriffs office received a second call about a naked man in the area.

READ: Teen bicyclist struck and killed by SUV in Casselberry, police say

Deputies responding to the second call identified the suspect as 23-year-old Giovanni Alcaraz and took him into custody.

Deputies say surveillance video from the second home showed Alcaraz wandering the back yard completely nude, masturbating and bending over in front of another camera.

READ: Man shoots stepdaughter before turning gun on himself, Port Orange police say

Video from a sheriffs office helicopter also shows Alcaraz running through the neighborhood as responding deputies approached the area.

Alcaraz was booked into the Osceola County jail Monday on two counts of exposure of sexual organs and one charge of resisting arrest. He remains there on a total of $8,500 bond.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Wild monkeys have been spotted in Orange City, Fla., sparking warnings from local officials to stay away from the on-the-loose primates.

Orange City police warned residents not to feed a wild rhesus monkey seen in the town, about 30 miles north of Orlando.

The monkeys can cause outbreaks of E. coli and herpes and devastate quail and other bird populations by eating eggs, according to a publication from the University of Florida.

It is unknown how many rhesus monkeys, native to Southeast Asia, roam wild in the state. There are also several populations of squirrel monkeys wild in Florida.

Rhesus macaques pose the greatest ecological and human health threats of the monkeys in Florida, the university said. Macaques accustomed to being fed lose their fear of humans and begin to see humans as a food source. As a result, the macaques may become aggressive, attacking humans when food is around.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is illegal to feed wild monkeys in Florida, with the crime punishable by up to 2 months in jail and a $500 fine.

Wild rhesus monkeys came to Florida in the 1930s, released in north-central Florida by a local boat captain, the university said. Another population was created by a research institute in the Florida Keys in the 1970s and wreaked havoc on mangrove trees.

Monkeys are interesting animals, and many people enjoy watching and interacting with them, the university said. It is important to remember, however, they are not native to Florida, and unmanaged populations could potentially be dangerous for the environment, native wildlife, or humans.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said sepsis is taking too many lives, and her agency has mounted an effort to combat the disease. Photo courtesy of the Centers for Disease control and Prevention

Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday it's launching a new effort aimed at fighting sepsis in U.S. hospitals to "quickly identify sepsis and save more lives."

The Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements will seek to support hospitals by ensuring effective teams and resources are in place to deal with sepsis.

"Sepsis is taking too many lives. One in three people who dies in a hospital has sepsis during that hospitalization. Rapid diagnosis and immediate appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, are essential to saving lives, yet the challenges of awareness about and recognition of sepsis are enormous," CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The CDC is urging all hospitals to have sepsis programs and improve sepsis patient care by adopting the seven key concepts in the core elements.

They include dedicating the necessary resources to sepsis, implementing processes that improve identification and management of sepsis, tracking sepsis outcomes and providing ongoing sepsis education for healthcare professionals.

"The seven elements complement clinical guidelines by describing the leadership, expertise, tracking, education, and other elements that can be implemented in a wide variety of hospitals to improve the quality of sepsis care," CDC' medical adviser Dr. Raymund Dantes said in a statement.

Sepsis is the body's extreme life-threatening response to infection that requires urgent medical care to save lives and avoid organ and tissue damage. Each year, at least 1.7 million American adults develop sepsis, the CDC said.

At least 350,000 adults who get sepsis die during hospitalization or are moved into hospice care.

Virtually any infection, including COVID-19, the flu or RSV can lead to developing sepsis.

Having sepsis may put patients at higher risk for future heart attacks and re-hospitalization according to a study published in February by the American Heart Association.

Researchers found that people hospitalized for sepsis or who developed it while hospitalized had a 38% higher risk of re-hospitalization for all causes over the next 12 years and a 43% higher risk of rehospitalization for cardiovascular causes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday announced the launch of a new initiative aimed at supporting sepsis teams at U.S. hospitals in light of new data that found a third of patients who die in hospitals had sepsis while hospitalized.

The CDCs Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements will act as a managers guide on how to organize staff and identify resources needed for bringing sepsis rates down, the agency said.

The initiative listed seven elements of a strong sepsis program: leadership commitment, accountability, multi-professional expertise, action, tracking, reporting, and education.

Sepsis occurs when the bodys immune system responds to an infection in an extreme way, causing damage to tissues and organs. This condition can be caused by almost any type of infection and often occurs in health care settings.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sepsis is taking too many lives. 1 in 3 people who dies in a hospital has sepsis during that hospitalization, CDC Director Mandy Cohen said. Rapid diagnosis and immediate appropriate treatment, including antibiotics, are essential to saving lives, yet the challenges of awareness about and recognition of sepsis are enormous.

According to a survey shared by the CDC of more than 5,000 hospitals, while 73 percent of hospitals have sepsis committees, only a little more than half of these locations give sepsis program leaders the time needed for proper management.

About 1.7 million U.S. adults develop sepsis every year, and 350,000 of them either die during hospitalization or are moved to hospice care.

In 2021, former President Clinton was briefly hospitalized in California after an infection led to sepsis. Clinton was discharged a few days later after receiving IV antibiotics and fluids.

The launch of this new program comes shortly before Sepsis Awareness Month in September.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The CEO of a bank in Australia ordered employees to return to the office more often.

She said the return-to-office is for the employees' own "mental health" rather than for productivity.

Her comments sparked a roaring backlash among the bank's staffers, per news.com.au.

The CEO of a regional bank in Australia ordered her staff back to the office for their own "mental health" rather than for productivity, sparking a roaring backlash against her comments.

"We are better together," Marnie Baker, the CEO and managing director of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, said in a video of the livestream obtained by news.com.au on Wednesday.

"This is not about productivity. I don't doubt that you can be productive, so it's not about productivity. This is about our own mental health, this is about the fact that we are a relationship bank, and we talk about our relationships with our customers and communities," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She added in the video that bank staff at the front line have been in the office "the whole way through, five days a week," so "it is not too much to ask" the rest of the company to go into the office more often. She also said in-person interactions in the office are more conducive to innovative thinking.

And Baker's comments have now sparked a backlash among the bank's staffers, reported news.com.au.

"I can unequivocally say my mental health has, in fact, taken a massive downturn at the mandate of having to lose sleep and add two hours per day to my working day, as well as the 'hot-desking, activity-based working setup' of the office where it's a raffle as to who and where you will sit on these days," an unnamed bank staffer told the news outlet.

Baker told Insider on Thursday the bank asked employees to be in the office at least two days a week but will continue to support hybrid work.

"Bendigo and Adelaide Bank understands the way our people work has changed, with many embracing working remotely and the flexibility it provides in creating work/life balance," Baker said in the statement.

The Australian regional bank is not the only company grappling with the future of the workplace post-pandemic.

High-profile business leaders, including Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, and billionaire investor Marc Andreessen, all weighed in on the issue as they advocate a return to office.

In particular, younger workers would benefit from mentorship opportunities in person, per Dimon and Andreessen.

Dimon even said employees can go work elsewhere if they don't like long commutes into the office. Meanwhile, Musk told CNBC in a May interview that remote work was "morally wrong."

Even Goldman Sachs wants staffers to return to the office five days a week, upping the crackdown on working from home.

Read the original article on Business Insider
After six hours of deliberation, a Chackbay man was found guilty Thursday of the killing of three women in a DUI car crash.

A six-person jury found Joey Paul Clement, 40, guilty of two counts of vehicular homicide and one count of criminal negligence for the Nov. 20, 2021, deaths of 19-year-old Lily Dufrene, 18-year-old Hali Coss, and 18-year-old Michaila Bowling, all of Luling.

Clement already pled guilty to driving while intoxicated. This is the fourth time he has been found guilty of drunken driving.

Sentencing is set for October 11, 9 a.m. where he faces five to 30 years for his fourth DUI charge, 10 to 30 years for each count of vehicular homicide, and up to five years for the criminal negligence charge.

A memorial marks the spot where a Nov. 20, 2021, crash killed 19-year-old Lily Dufrene, 18-year-old Hali Coss, and 18-year-old Michaila Bowling, all of Luling.

The trial began Monday in the Thibodaux courtroom of Judge F. Hugh Larose. It was prosecuted by Jason Chatagnier and Shawn George. Clement was represented by Public Defenders George Ledet and Tracy Schwab.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As the verdict was read, a great tension fell over the room. As the first "guilty" was spoken, the crowd relaxed.

"Yes," a father from the crowd said as low as he could muster and clenching his fists.

Prosecutors Jason Chatagnier and Shaun George speak with reporters after a guilty verdict, Thursday, August 24

Over the course of the four days, prosecutors argued that Clement was speeding while intoxicated. The defense argued that the girls entered Clement's lane and caused the accident.

During his closing statement, Chatagnier dismissed the defense's argument as irrelevant.

"Where in the law does it say I must prove Joey Clement caused this crash?," he asked. He argued the speed and intoxication contributed to the girl's deaths, "He's not in a Formula One car, not a stock car, he's in a Ford F 150. The girls never stood a chance."

More: In Terrebonne Parish Council District 1 race, three remain after one early departure

More: 'It was just terrible,' Coroner describes injuries shown to jurors and public in trial

The wreck occurred on LA 20, and the road remains wounded to this day. Jurors were taken to the scene to inspect it. The gouges in the asphalt and a memorial for the girls are still there.

"If that Mazda didn't cross that center line, this accident never happens," Ledet said in his closing argument. "I don't care if Joey Clement was on every drug known to man."

Jurors did not side with Ledet, and were also tasked with deciding, based on evidence provided, just how intoxicated Clement was. Blood tested by crime labs set his level at two times the legal limit.

Prosecutors provided evidence, through expert opinions, that they said showed Clement's level to be three times the legal limit.

He had also taken Adderall and Zoloft prior to operating the vehicle.

The jury determined his level was at 0.15.

This article originally appeared on The Courier: Chackbay man found guilty of Nov. crash that killed three women
Russian service members inspect a part of a crashed private jet near the village of Kuzhenkino on Thursday. (Alexander Zemlianichenko / Associated Press)

Was mercenary warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin's presumed death in a plane crash a form of fiery payback by Russian President Vladimir Putin?

And if it was, does it leave Putin stronger  or exacerbate the fundamental weaknesses laid bare by Prigozhin's abortive mutiny two months earlier?

Those questions reverberated Thursday not only within Russia, but also in Ukraine, the sovereign neighboring country where Putin launched a full-scale invasion 18 months ago, and in Western capitals that have come to Ukraine's aid as it struggles to regain territory seized by the invaders.

On Wednesday evening, residents near the Russian village of Kuzhenkino, northwest of Moscow, heard explosions in the sky, then watched the Embraer jet slam into the countryside and burst in flames. Russia's aviation authority said soon afterward that Prigozhin was among the 10 people aboard.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A full 24 hours after the crash, Putin broke his silence over the episode, with state media reporting he offered condolences to families of the victims. In remarks reported by the state news agency Tass, he called the 62-year-old Prigozhin  head of the private army known as the Wagner Group  a "man of complicated fate" who made "serious mistakes in his life but achieved the right results."

Yevgeny Prigozhin speaks from Rostov-on-Don, Russia, during a failed uprising in June. (Associated Press)

In the hours after the crash, Prigozhin's backers had gathered in front of Wagner's former headquarters in St. Petersburg, laying wreaths and flowers amid candles and fabric patches showing Wagner's skull insignia.

Throughout the Ukraine invasion, Prigozhin had occupied the role of enfant terrible, regularly lambasting Russia's military leadership  but never Putin himself  for what he said was incompetence in prosecuting the war. That antagonized the military brass, but his profanity-laced video tirades had nevertheless served as a sort of release valve for Russian hard-liners' frustrations over the faltering offensive.

Read more: Welcome to the Wagner-verse, where action films serve up propaganda for Russias notorious mercenary army

Just what caused the crash remains a mystery. In Washington on Thursday, the Pentagon press secretary said reports that a surface-to-air missile downed Prigozhin's plane were deemed inaccurate, but he would not elaborate. "Our initial assessment is that it is likely Prigozhin was killed," Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said at a briefing. Other U.S. officials who were not authorized to comment and spoke on condition of anonymity said one possibility was a bomb aboard the plane.

The timing alone of Prigozhin's presumed death  two months to the day he launched his attempted uprising, seizing a southern military headquarters and sending an armored column marching toward Moscow  had raised suspicions of a Putin-orchestrated plot.

Perhaps, some analysts suggested, it marked the demise of a nettlesome character whose usefulness  as a deniable military asset, international fixer and pro-Kremlin master of the media dark arts  had run its course.

If Putin indeed ordered Prigozhin killed, the sheer brazenness of the act would probably deter would-be opponents, at least in the short term, said Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a Russia intelligence expert at the Center for a New American Security.

Read more: This Russian was beloved in one Ukrainian city. Then his great-nephew became a warlord

"[The] thing that is so spectacular about this was that they didn't need to use any cover of an accident or leave any uncertainty, she said. "This was a clear demonstration to others who might consider challenging Putin of what kind of fate awaits them."

But in an authoritarian state, tactics such as the assassination of political foes  if that was what transpired  is a long-term sign of a leader's ebbing power and influence, some analysts said.

"Nobody knows what will come next in Putins Russia," Brian Klaas, an associate professor in global politics at University College London, wrote on his Substack newsletter. "But anyone who thinks that killing a rival to reassert control is a show of strength, not weakness, is delusional. Strong leaders dont need to kill their rivals, because they inspire loyalty instead."

Read more: Russian mercenaries call off march to Moscow after Putin vows to punish organizers

Others saw a move by the Kremlin to shore up Putin's authority.

"In the last two months, we saw the Kremlin machinery move to reconsolidate control. To my mind, it doesn't say much about weakness or strength. Rather, it shows that the Kremlin machine can reconsolidate and reconstitute itself," said Alina Polyakova, who heads the Center for European Policy Analysis. "The bottom line is that they've neutralized the threat."

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky made a thinly veiled jab at Putin but stopped short of accusing the Russian president of being behind the crash, even as he disavowed any Ukrainian involvement.

We are not involved in this situation, that's for sure, Zelensky said at a news conference in Kyiv alongside the visiting Portuguese president. I think everyone is aware of who is involved."

As Zelensky spoke, Ukrainians commemorated their Independence Day, marking the countrys sovereignty that followed the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. But events were muted, coming amid a grinding counteroffensive that has exacted heavy casualties while resulting in mainly incremental territorial gains thus far. In Kyiv and other cities, air-raid alarms punctuated the day, as they routinely do.

The news that Prigozhin was believed dead surprised few Ukrainians out for the holiday, with many citing Putins reputation for ruthlessness and vengeance.

Its not time to celebrate yet, said Oleksiy Hurobenko, 46, who had come to the Kyiv city center to walk around with his family. Its just too bad the whole country wasnt on that plane.

Read more: Lots of Russian soldiers want to surrender. Ukraine makes it easier with a high-tech hotline

On Kyiv's main boulevard, onlookers strolled past a display of captured Russian tanks and military vehicles recovered from the eastern and southern battlefields. Many had been pulled from front-line areas where Ukraine has battled Wagner forces and Russian troops.

How the entire Prigozhin episode will affect Wagner, the lucrative private army that became the centerpiece of Prigozhin's business empire, remains to be seen. But a glance at the names of those who were also believed aboard the fatal flight hints at a plan not just to decapitate the Wagner Group, but also to dismantle it altogether.

Also aboard the jet was Dmitry Utkin, the decorated, former special forces officer with Russia's military intelligence service who was the mercenary group's founder and spiritual father. His penchant for Nazi lore spurred him to choose the call sign "Wagner," a reference to Richard Wagner, Hitler's favorite composer, and the name was eventually adopted by the whole group. Another passenger was Valery Chekalov, who was reported to fill a senior position in Prigozhin's holding company Concord and who owned a shell company on Prigozhin's behalf.

"Utkin was responsible for all combat training and operations planning and had extremely high authority, while Chekalov was in charge of all logistics and supply routes for Wagner, from Syria to Venezuela, in addition to the security service," said Anton Mardasov, a nonresident scholar at the Middle East Institute and the Russian International Affairs Council focusing on Wagner's work in Syria.

Mardasov added that the deaths of those figures left Wagner with no real leader.

"Without them, no council of commanders for Wagner would be valid," he said.

In the wake of the aborted coup attempt, Wagner's presence in Ukraine was all but excised, but the forces nevertheless continued to operate in Africa, even doubling down on their presence in the continent.

Read more: Russian mercenaries are Putin's 'coercive tool' in Africa

Prigozhin's last video appearance, which was presumably taken this week, showed him in what appeared to be somewhere in Africa, kitted out in military fatigues and an assault rifle.

"We're working in over 122-degree temperatures here; it's just how we like it," he said, adding that Wagner was making "Russia greater in all the continents."

Meanwhile, among Russia's constellation of pro-war military bloggers, the apparent loss of Prigozhin was seen as a major blow.

Roman Saponkov, a military blogger close to Wagner, called it an "assassination" and said the death would have "catastrophic consequences."

Writing on the Telegram messaging app, Saponkov declared that those "who gave the order do not understand the mood in the army and the morale at all."

Bulos reported from Beirut and King from Washington. Staff writer Tracy Wilkinson in Washington and special correspondent Sabra Ayres in Kyiv contributed to this report.

Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Child Advocate Cassandra Sanchez was intentionally detailed and unsparing in describing what she saw and heard while checking on two boys the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services had sent to a Tennessee treatment facility.

Children said staff offered them incentives to assault other children, Sanchez wrote in a 17-page report after visiting Bledsoe Youth Academy in Gallatin, Tenn. Cameras in bedrooms left little privacy to change. Kids suffered rug burns while restrained face-down on a carpet.

And Sanchez said that New Hampshire officials have not kept an adequate database of reports of those restraints and seclusion actions for kids out of state, which could have signaled the problem earlier.

That is a clear dereliction of the duty of care entrusted to the Division (of Children, Youth, andFamilies), as well as interference with the (Office of Child Advocates) oversight obligations, Sanchez wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The media attention that followed helped Sanchez accomplish what she wanted most: The state Department of Health and Human Services, which she said had never done an on-site evaluation to certify Bledsoe Youth Academy, promptly returned the boys to New Hampshire.

Children placed at Bledsoe Youth Academy in Tennessee wear color-coded jumpsuits that identify their behavioral and punishment status. The Office of the Child Advocate raised serious concerns about the site this month.

But advocates for children want the public to know this is not the only case raising serious concerns about the states handling of cases when it removes children from their homes over abuse and neglect concerns.

In a federal lawsuit filed in 2021 against Gov. Chris Sununu and Department of Health and Human Services officials, New Hampshire Legal Assistance, Disability Rights Center-NH, ACLU New Hampshire, and the national advocacy group Childrens Rights are alleging the state is systematically and unnecessarily institutionalizing older foster youth rather than placing them in homelike settings within or close to their communities.

On Monday, the parties asked the U.S. District Court in New Hampshire to certify the case, which they filed in 2021 on behalf of four youths, as a class action lawsuit.

In a pleading, the parties allege that the state is over-reliant on congregate or institutional settings because it has failed to recruit and train foster families that can support high-needs kids and neglected to find youth placements with relatives.

The consequences are significant, the lawsuit alleges. Spending months or longer in institutional settings, rather than with foster families or relatives in their communities, can be traumatic and lead to homelessness, unemployment, and lack of educational attainment, it says.

If the court agrees to make the case a class action, foster youth would have to meet four criteria to qualify. Theyd have to be between 14 and 17; be in legal custody or under the protective supervision of the Division for Children, Youth, and Families; have a mental diagnosis or record of one that substantially limits a major life activity; be unnecessarily placed in a congregate care setting or be at risk of that.While its unclear how many youths could be included if the court agrees to make the case a class action lawsuit, the lawsuit suggested it could be many. As of April 2022, there were 196 older foster youth in DCYF custody, the lawsuit stated, citing department records. Of those, at least 184 had a mental health diagnosis recorded in the states Medicaid Management Information System. The lawsuit did not indicate how many of them were in congregate care settings.

The Office of the Child Advocate has historically highlighted concerns with the frequency in which our state systems place children in residential care settings, Sanchez wrote in her report on Bledsoe Youth Academy. This concern becomes heightened when children are placed out-of-state, away from family and community connections, into programs that do not have the level of oversight as in-state programs. Although acknowledged by many key stakeholders in New Hampshire, this is an issue we can no longer observe without action.

Congregate care is the default

During a deposition for the lawsuit, Theodore Cross, a psychologist chosen by the plaintiffs as one of its expert witnesses, said he felt the state was not taking full advantage of non-congregate care opportunities.

I did not see indications that this kind of searching for community-based alternatives was conducted, and therefore, from that, I concluded that use of congregate care was being used as a default placement for youth, Cross said in May.

Nationally, an average of 39.8 percent of older youth with mental health diagnoses were placed in congregate care in 2019, according to the lawsuit. New Hampshires average that year was 90.5 percent, according to the lawsuit.

The Department of Health and Human Services in Concord.

The four youths named as plaintiffs were removed from their homes over abuse or neglect cases and all had been diagnosed with mental health diagnoses, the lawsuit states.

They wanted to be in homelike settings, in their communities. But according to the lawsuit, DCYF told one of the youths that no one wants them.

In court filings, they are identified only by their initials and ages, which range from 14 to 16. The institutions they had been placed in were prioritizing discipline over therapeutic care, if there was care at all, the lawsuit alleges.

In one alleged case, a youth identified as R.K. saw their mother only once during a two-month stay at one facility and never saw their siblings, according to the lawsuit.

(The facility) was a punitive and menacing environment where (R.K.) continuously experienced harsh treatment and ridicule by a particular staff member, the lawsuit alleges. While there, staff threatened to strip R.K.s room and remove their clothing as a consequence for refusing to take their ADHD medication that interfered with their ability to sleep.

The lawsuit describes the challenges another youth, T.L., was experiencing.

The facility is often punitive in nature and T.L. perceives staff as uncaring and inattentive, it said. Basic needs, such as food and clothing are regarded as privileges.

The state has disputed the lawsuits allegations on various legal grounds in court filings.

It is important to note that many New Hampshire youths requiring specialized services are well cared for by out-of-state programs, said Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Jake Leon when asked about the Office of the Child Advocates report on Bledsoe Youth Academy. Some out-of-state placements are essential because some youth need specialized services; some placements in bordering states may be better for the family or may be closer to a youths home community.

Were not there yet

Sanchez was so concerned following her visit to the Bledsoe Youth Academy that she emailed the Bureau of Childrens Behavioral Health at DHHS, which oversees child placements, from the parking lot there. She also reported her concerns to the Tennessee officials who license facilities like Bledsoe.

Bledsoe did not return a message seeking comment.

The Department of Health and Human Services stopped using Bledsoe Youth Academy in Tennessee for out-of-state placements this month after the child advocate said it was prison-like in some cases.

Sanchez acknowledged DCYF had been checking in on the children placed at Bledsoe. But she said the bureau would have shared her concerns about the facility and programming if staff had evaluated both during an on-site visit as required before awarding it certification.

(DCYF child protection workers) are not walking around getting a tour asking questions the way we are, Sanchez said in an interview. I believe in one way the states feeling, These children have been seen. But were voicing things that just meeting with the children is not enough to fully assess. So I do feel that they would have identified it sooner if they had visited.

She noted in her report that staff could not explain the complicated point system that determines a childs privileges and punishments. Children were dressed in color-coded jumpsuits based on behavioral needs or punishments, a system that communicated personal information to all staff and kids.

The facility appeared dirty, Sanchez wrote, had little recreation space, and was defined by a culture of shame, humiliation, and inhumane punishment.

Leon, DHHS spokesperson, said the department had fulfilled its obligations when it certified Bledsoe for out-of-state placement and is investigating whether more visits to facilities would be appropriate. He also said that if DCYF was not receiving reports of seclusions and restraints, a concern Sanchez raised, it would take appropriate action.

Sanchez made 11 recommendations in her report recounting her visit. Those included placing children in only New Hampshire or New England facilities that offer evidence-based treatment. DCYF staff should meet with children monthly, in person, and the state should visit out-of-state facilities in person on a quarterly basis, she said.

Sanchez said she also plans to investigate the issues of out-of-state placements more broadly and report them to DHHS.

There are currently 93 youths being served out of state, including 10 youths outside New England in Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, Leon said.

Leon highlighted the investments the department has prioritized to increase preventative care and treatment in New Hampshire. It has also added specialized care that had previously been available only out of state.

Over the past five years, we have been establishing the childrens behavioral health system of care to reduce out-of-state placements, he said. This includes rebuilding our youth behavioral health, child welfare, and juvenile justice systems around a trauma-informed, treatment-oriented model that puts the child and family first.

Sen. Becky Whitley, a Hopkinton Democrat who has led legislative efforts to expand and improve treatment and protections for children, noted those investments as well. Part of that effort includes more supports for new mothers and children not involved in the child protection system.

I think whats important to remember is that we continue to be in the midst of a system transfer, Whitley said. I think (these concerns) are emblematic of the failure to have a fully integrated system and the fact that were just not catching kids and families early enough, she said in an interview. I think this Tennessee example (involving Bledsoe Youth Academy) is important for us to realize that were not quite there yet. And we have to keep our foot on the gas to get the system where we need it to be.

This story was originally published by New Hampshire Bulletin

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Child advocates: Damning report on Tennessee youth facility is one worry of many
On the North Shore of Chicago, there are two homes firmly enmeshed in Hollywood lore. Im likely not telling you anything you didnt know. Both were in John Hughes films: Theres the Home Alone house of Winnetka, a landmark so well known its recognized by Google Maps and has its own Lego set; and theres the Highland Park home of Cameron in Ferris Buellers Day Off, a glass sandwich by A. James Speyer, a Mies van der Rohe protege and former Art Institute curator of 20th-century art.

As a teenager, though, I mostly wanted to live on Linden Avenue, also in Highland Park. This home wasnt glass and steel, and I certainly didnt know then that it was a real house in a fancy suburb of Chicago. It was more like the Brady homestead, but classier. Palatial, definitely. Big front lawn. Tons of green. Lots of shade. Porsche in the driveway.

Advertisement

Tom Cruise lived there in Risky Business, released 40 years ago this month.

Unless they saw Francis Ford Coppolas semi-successful adaptation of The Outsiders, which came out a few months earlier, Americans had never heard of Tom Cruise yet. I didnt sneak into Risky Business a couple of times that August (then once or twice more that September) because Risky Business starred some guy named Tom Cruise. Looking back, I doubt that I even snuck in so often because it was a teen sex fantasy.

Advertisement

Risky Business, then and now, is an indictment of privilege, and of somehow keeping the uglier world at bay long enough to buy your way into a kind of imperviousness. Except  and heres what I think I responded to  its funny and confident and cool and all of its points about the spoils of capitalism get disguised inside a dream of opulence. It appears to affirm the early Reagan years as ripe for opportunity while, with a much deeper subtlety, undercuts places like the North Shore as chilly incubators of inequality.

No wonder, many decades later, Chicago prefers to see Hughes as its cultural heritage while, in those same conversations, the city rarely mentions Paul Brickmans Risky Business.

After borrowing his fathers Porsche, Tom Cruise's Joel tries to stop it from rolling into Lake Michigan in Risky Business in 1983. (Warner Bros.)

Ironically, 40 years ago, released the first week of August, made for a paltry $6 million and shot entirely in the Chicago area, Risky Business debuted at No. 3; the second most popular film was Return of the Jedi, still going after three months, while the first most popular was National Lampoons Vacation, written by John Hughes. Risky Business was more of a slow burn, a word-of-mouth hit that lingered into November. Sixteen Candles, Hughes directorial debut, started filming in Evanston and Highland Park that same summer, and later, after Ferris Bueller, Home Alone, The Breakfast Club and others, the North Shore became an American image of suburban comfort.

Minus, of course, the harshness revealed just a year earlier by Risky Business (and a few years earlier than that by Ordinary People, based and shot around Lake Forest).

Not that everyone saw this criticism of the Reagan Years in Year 2 of the Reagan Years. David Denby wrote in a New York Magazine review that Risky Business played as openly corrupt. Dave Kehr, closer to the truth as the film critic of the Chicago Reader (then later the Chicago Tribune), would likely have agreed with Denby, for different reasons: He wrote that the movie was one of the finest film explorations of the end of innocence, ending with a complete corruption of Cruises character and one of the most bitter and plangent sequences allowed to pass in an American movie. And thats about the ending that played in theaters; Brickmans original ending gets far darker.

My guess, if you havent seen Risky Business in years, little of this sounds right.

You remember Tom Cruises Ray-Ban sunglasses, his fathers Porsche falling into Lake Michigan (via Belmont Harbor) and certainly Cruise dancing in his underwear to Bob Segers Old Time Rock & Roll. (That famous sequence, producer Jon Avnet told the Highland Park News a decade ago, wasnt shot on Linden but at a soundstage in Skokie.) At a glance, much of what we associate with the 80s teen sex comedy genre  gratuitous nudity, oversized bravado, Muddy Waters on the soundtrack  is still there. But in a brisk 99-minute runtime, theres also criticism impossible to miss now, in 2023: the exploitation, the coldness, the white privilege, the little judgments (now called micro-aggressions), the pressure to hold on to ones class.

Still skeptical?

Advertisement

Brickmans original title was White Boys Off the Lake, as he told former Chicago journalist Jake Malooley in a 2013 Salon article: I was writing it in the time just after Reagan had taken office and everyone wanted to be little capitalists, get their MBAs and wear power suspenders. If you havent seen Risky Business in a while, you might not remember that the anxiety at the heart of Cruises Joel Goodsen (sounds like good son) boils over once he leaves the North Shore to cruise Chicago and meet the world. The world is less excited, and his parents, out of town, are unable to pick up the pieces.

Rebecca De Mornay and Tom Cruise are Lana and Joel in the movie Risky Business in 1983. (Steve Schapiro/Warner Bros.)

If you dont recall that, you probably dont remember the movie, which features so much of Highland Park, was actually set in Glencoe. Not that it matters. Brickman grew up in Highland Park and partly made the film using high school memories of the town. Cruise, at 21, was mainlining a teenage naivete that believes, regardless of wealth and standing, permanent records cannot be overcome. He does that little Tom Cruise thing of vibrating in agitation at times, without the veneer of gravitas he later used for court scenes in A Few Good Men. But his Joel is a good kid shouldering the weight of family expectations. Theres a sequence Brickman shoots through Joels eyes, as if he were a more benign serial killer in an 80s slasher flick. Instead of breathing heavy and holding a knife, Joel watches and listens as his parents remind him not to have a party while they are out of town, and not to mess with his fathers stereo, and make sure he has money, and do not forget to meet with that admissions guy from Princeton University.

Joel leaves his parents at OHare, then, home alone, messes with the stereo, throws parties, and, until its too late, appears to have forgotten all about the admission guy.

He also hires a sex worker named Lana, played by Rebecca De Mornay. Brickman is too thoughtful not to admire her cleverness. Shes as resilient as Joel and his Ivy League-headed friends. After Joel doesnt have money to pay her, he goes to downtown Highland Park to cash a bond. When he returns, shes already in Chicago  with his mothers expensive crystal egg. Theres also a killer pimp (Joe Pantoliano) and a scheme to turn Joels home, for one night, into a bordello, as a way of making the money that Joel needs to repair a sunken Porsche. There are hookers with hearts of gold, and a bald love of materialism so enticing that, like The Wolf of Wall Street, its hard to avoid being implicated in the shallowness.

As a teenager, I was enticed.

Most of the kids here do that movie thing  weaponized by Hughes  of sounding so confident, you could imagine basing your whole personality around their brand of brio. Joel is told often by his friends that Sometimes you gotta say What the (expletive). That sounded so, so wise in 1983. Of course, what I did not remember, until watching it again recently, was that everyone who says this either doesnt believe it themselves (way too risky) or are so financially set that its easy for them to sound callously confident.

Advertisement

Little betrayals pile up for Joel.

He is kicked out of school. He manhandles a school nurse. The crystal egg cracks. The pimp forces him to buy the contents of his home back. His interview with Princeton becomes a joke. (Looks like University of Illinois! he laughs, embracing the truth.)

Except none of this is the truth.

If Election is our great cinematic high school film about the nature of politics, Risky Business is our great American high school Chinatown, about capitalism, only funnier. Brickman leaves his gut kick for the last moments. Joel does get into Princeton, having bought off the admissions guy with sex. He cant quite believe this at first, though, as he realizes how the world really works, he gets it. And his future comes together. If youre paying attention, his eyes go cold here. De Mornays Lana  whose future as a sex worker is considerably less certain  says theyll make it big someday. Joels eyes offer nothing. He asks if everything bad that happened was a setup  was she working with her pimp all along? She hesitates, then says, no. Its hard to believe her. Joel doesnt.

At least, if you watch Brickmans original ending (easily found on YouTube), he doesnt seem to believe her. She curls into his lap and the camera frames them against Lake Michigan and those unsettled feelings you have are not settled. In the ending everyone saw, they walk through Lincoln Park and joke lightly with each other. Roll end credits.

Either way, the good kids of the North Shore head into the darkness of Chicago and find trouble, then emerge in one piece. No, even better! If anyone gets screwed over, its Lana, certain to be dropped by a now-less naive Joel. (In what epilogue would Joel bring her to his parents and actually jeopardize his promise?) Indeed, 40 years later, some details aside  Harvard MBAs earn $40,000 here and a $4 hot chocolate at the Drake is considered nuts  Risky Business makes way more sense. Its the world thats colder. Forty years later, that lovely colonial on Linden looks even less attainable than it did in 1983. Curtis Armstrong, who played Cruises best friend Miles, wrote in his 2017 memoir that it seems safe to say Risky Business was the last time (Tom Cruise) was just Tom.

Advertisement

The other day, I streamed the film on Paramount+. Before the end credits could begin, Paramounts algorithm started budging me into another yet movie about North Shore teens who drive a nice car to Chicago and find trouble. Its called Ferris Buellers Day Off, and its the Risky Business we prefer today. All the success, none of the mess.

cborrelli@chicagotribune.com
Lucy Letby, the most prolific serial killer of children in modern British history, will spend the rest of her life in prison after being convicted of killing seven babies while working as a neonatal nurse in Chester, England. Letbys crimes so horrified the nation and the world that they could almost be described as unthinkableexcept that they have happened before.

Letbys crimes have been repeatedly compared to the murders committed by Beverley Allitt, who killed four babies in 1991 while working as a nurse in Lincolnshire. Although their crimes were committed 24 years apart, both women used similar methods to commit their murders, and their motives remain unclear in both cases.

Stuart Clifton, the retired detective who helped bring Allitt to justice, went so far as to call Letby a copycat murderer, suggesting she might have been inspired by Allitts crimes, and saying of Letbys murders: Its almost like she read the Allitt book.

Family members of Allitts victims not only see parallels between the two murderers, but Letbys recent crimes have caused them to question why hospitals havent implemented better safeguards after Allitts murders to help ensure that nothing like that could happen again.

The Case of Lucy Letby

Getty Images

Lucy Letby, 33, killed seven infants that were in her care at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where she had worked as a neonatal nurse since 2011. She also attacked and tried to kill at least six other infants, with all of these crimes occurring between June 2015 and June 2016.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Letbys used various methods to kill her victims, including deliberately injecting them with air bubbles, poisoning them with insulin, assaulting them with medical tools, and force-feeding them milk until they died. Letby was arrested in July 2018 after a year-long police investigation, and she was convicted of seven counts of murder on July 10 after a nine-month trial.

On August 21, Letby was sentenced to life imprisonment with a whole-life order, meaning no possibility of parole or conditional release. She is only the fourth woman in British history to receive a whole-life order; the other three are serial killer Rose West; Joanna Dennehy, who stabbed three men to death; and Myra Hindley, who killed five children in the mid-1960s.

Subscribe to our newsletter to get more true crime stories delivered to your inbox.

Prosecutors suggested several possible motives for Letbys murders during her trial, including that she enjoyed playing God, got bored by caring for healthier infants, and wanted the attention of a doctor with whom she was infatuated.

Letby wrote on Post-it notes that, I killed them because Im not good enough to care for them, and I AM EVIL I DID THIS. However, her attorneys said that was neither a motive nor a confession, but rather the result of mental anguish resulting from the allegations against her.

The Case of Beverley Allitt

Getty Images

Letbys murders and trial have led to comparisons with the crimes of Beverley Allitt, now 54, a nurse who was convicted of murdering four infants and injuring or attempting to kill nine others in 1991, while working at the Grantham and Kesteven Hospital in Lincolnshire, England. The horrific crimes earned Allitt the nickname The Angel of Death.



Although police couldnt determine how she carried out all of her crimes, she committed at least some of the murders with a method similar to one used by Letby: administering large doses of insulin or air bubbles into her victims. That is just one similarity former detective Clifton sees between the two murderers.

There are so many parallels between this and the Letby case, the 79-year-old said this month. I have never been able to understand how someone in the caring profession could do this. To me, it beggars belief that theres more than one person that has committed these actions against babies.

As with Letby, Allitts motives for her murders were never fully explained, though authorities speculated she might have experienced Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a disorder in which a perpetrator causes illnesses in others to attract attention to themselves. Allitt was convicted of four counts of murder and other charges in May 1993 and is serving life in prison.

This Has All Happened Before

Letbys crimes have been a horrific reminder for the survivors and family members of Allitts victims. Among them was Kayley Asher, who was 15 months old when Allitt tried to kill her by injecting an air bubble into her arm, leading to two cardiac arrests. Asher is now 33 and has special needs. She followed the Letby trial and was terrified Letby might try to kill her, too.

She was worried when they said Letby would not appear in court for sentencing, Kayleys mother Sharon Asher said. She was worried she would come out and get her that weekend. I had to explain to her that she would still be locked up.

Nevertheless, the Letby murders have several of Allitts victims frustrated that such a similar crimes could happen again. Allitt was killing in plain sight, and what she did went totally unnoticed, Sharon said. This Letby case has brought it all back All we say is this, Why werent lessons learned? This has all happened before.

David Crampton, whose son Paul was one of the survivor babies who Allitt targeted, feels the Letby case shows that hospitals havent made necessary reforms following Allitts crimes. After her conviction, Crampton provided evidence for an independent inquiry, during which he advocated for better systems to alert hospital staff members to abnormalities.

In Letbys case, Crampton says the institutions again failed to recognize and act as a pattern of unusual events developed. Youd have to conclude that joining these dots together and making the big decisionwhatever that was, close the ward, put the staff on leavedidnt happen, he said.

You Might Also Like
China moved to ban all seafood from Japan after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant began its controversial plan Thursday to release diluted and treated radioactive wastewater back into the Pacific Ocean.

Chinese customs authorities announced Thursday that the ban will start immediately and that they will dynamically adjust relevant regulatory measures as appropriate to prevent the risks of nuclear-contaminated water discharge to the health and food safety of our country.

Chinas foreign ministry also condemned the move in a statement responding to the initiation of the wastewater release plan, saying, In disregard of the strong criticism and opposition from the international community, the Japanese government unilaterally started the release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, adding, China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We have made serious demarches to Japan and asked it to stop this wrongdoing.

From the moment Japan started the discharge, it has put itself in the dock in front of the international community and is bound to face international condemnation for many years to come, according to the statement. The Chinese government always puts our peoples wellbeing first, and will take all measures necessary to safeguard food safety and the health of our people.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Tuesday, the Japanese government gave its final go-ahead to the plants operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), to begin the plan to release the wastewater.

The plan is controversial, but Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stressed that its an essential step in the plant decommissioning and in the recovery process for Fukushima after a 2011 earthquake and tsunami destroyed the plants cooling systems, melting three of the reactors and contaminating the cooling water.

The contaminated water is now being stored in about 1,000 tanks, but those tanks are near capacity and will likely be full by early 2024, as the decommissioning process for the plant continues. There also is a risk that the tanks could leak if the water is not removed.

The detailed plan to release the wastewater into the Pacific Ocean is largely supported by the scientific community, which has concluded that if the plan is followed closely, it will be safe. Under the plan, TEPCO will treat the water and dilute it to levels that are safer than the international standards posed. The water will also be tested regularly and results will be posted online.

The Japanese government has taken steps to appeal to neighboring countries that have expressed concerns about the safety of the plan, as well as to the Japanese fishing community that has expressed concern about the economic impact on the industry.

TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa also pledged to help local business owners who are suffering from export bans from the foreign government in response to Chinas announcement Thursday. He pledged to work to have the ban dropped by providing scientific explanations to China about the plan, noting China is a key trading partner.

Kishida has continued to say Japan will protect the fishing industry from reputational damage. Following Chinas announcement, Kishida pleaded with China to lift the ban and said, We will keep strongly requesting that the Chinese government firmly carry out a scientific discussion.

On Tuesday, Kishida pledged that the government will take responsibility until the disposal of ALPS-treated water is completed, even if it takes several decades.

South Korea, a key ally to Japan, has previously acknowledged its understanding of the scientific evidence to back up the plan to release the wastewater. The South Korean government has said only if Japan strays from the initial plan would it request that Japan stop the release of the water.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is seen from Namie Town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan

BEIJING (Reuters) -China again voiced strong opposition and condemned Japan's decision to start releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.

China said the disposal of contaminated water is a major nuclear safety issue with cross-border implications, and is by no means a private matter for Japan alone, according to a statement.

Japan on Thursday started releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant wrecked by a 2011 tsunami.

China has said it would take necessary measures to protect marine environment, food safety and public health. China's vice foreign minister also summoned Japan's ambassador to China to lodge serious representations on the move.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The decision will surely be condemned by the international community for a long time," the Chinese foreign ministry said.

The ministry said "there has been no precedent for man-made discharge of water polluted by nuclear accidents into the ocean, and there is no accepted disposal standard."

"The government of Japan has not proved the legitimacy of the decision to discharge the water into the sea," adding that Japan has also not proved the long-term reliability of the clean-up for the contaminated water.

China also said Japan has not proved the true accuracy of the data on the contaminated water or the completeness and effectiveness of the monitoring programme.

(Reporting by Beijing newsroom; Writing by Bernard Orr; Editing by Himani Sarkar and Lincoln Feast)
By Michael Martina and Carien du Plessis

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -China's leader Xi Jinping told African leaders at a meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on Thursday that China would launch initiatives to support Africa's industrialisation and agricultural modernisation.

"China will better harness its resources for cooperation with Africa and initiatives of businesses to support Africa in growing its manufacturing sector and realizing industrialisation and economic diversification," Xi said without providing details.

Xi's pledge was made as the BRICS Summit wrapped up, during a meeting with leaders and ministers from the African Union and 11 African countries including Libya, Nigeria, Senegal and Zambia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The BRICS members - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - on Thursday agreed to admit six new countries including Egypt and Ethiopia.

China's top Africa diplomat Wu Peng said this week that African countries wanted China to shift its focus from building infrastructure on the continent to local industrialisation.

China's official Xinhua news agency said the country would expand the scale of African agricultural products exported to China and aim to help Africa achieve food self-sufficiency.

Some analysts noted that China's funding for infrastructure had already fallen.

"If African leaders are lobbying China for less infrastructure project financing, they are pushing on an open door," said Brad Parks, head of AidData, a research lab at U.S. university William & Mary that tracks Chinese overseas lending and grants.

"In 2009, it issued grants and loans worth $88 billion to support infrastructure projects in Africa. However, by 2021, its grant and loan commitments for infrastructure projects in Africa amounted to only $24 billion," Parks said.

David Monyae, director of the University of Johannesburg's Centre for China Africa studies, said that with over-capacity in China it made sense for companies to move factories to Africa, adding that many were already doing well in industrial zones in Ethiopia and Kenya.

"They're moving fast, they're ready, they have the capital and the skills. They are first movers anyway," he said.

(Reporting by Michael Martina and Carien du Plessis, Writing by Rachel Savage, Editing by Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio)
BEIJING (Reuters) - China's President Xi Jinping has pledged to support Cuba's defence of its national sovereignty, opposing foreign interference and a U.S. economic blockade, and will expand strategic coordination with Havana.

Xi made the remarks in a meeting with Cuba President Miguel Diaz-Canel on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry on Thursday.

"China highly appreciates Cuba's consistent firm support for China on issues involving China's core interests, and will continue to firmly support Cuba in defending its national sovereignty, opposing foreign interference and blockade, and doing its best to provide support for Cuba's economic and social development," Xi said at the meeting, according to the release.

During talks Diaz-Canel labeled Cuban-Chinese relations at an "all-time high".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The Cuban people greatly admire President Xi Jinping and sincerely thank China for its understanding and valuable support for Cuba's just cause," Diaz-Canel said at the meeting, which was also attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The meeting between the two leaders comes months after a media report surfaced that China had reached a secret deal with Cuba to establish an electronic eavesdropping facility on the island. But the U.S. and Cuban governments cast strong doubt on the report.

China quickly denounced the U.S. government and media for releasing what it called inconsistent information, calling the allegations false.

(Reporting by Bernard Orr; Editing by Michael Perry)
By Martin Quin Pollard and Xiaoyu Yin

BEIJING (Reuters) - Vendors at Beijing's largest seafood market said they were angry and scared for their future as Japan began to release treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.

Amidst a wave of condemnation in Chinese state and social media, and just before China announced a ban on the import all aquatic products from Japan, several traders at Beijing's Jingshen seafood market expressed their fears and criticised Japan's decision.

"The online public opinion is saying that in the future, seafood won't be called 'seafood' anymore, but 'nuclear-seafood," said 22-year-old vendor, Li Yuxuan. "So the impact is indeed substantial."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On both Wednesday and Thursday, Chinese state media reposted the results of a Tsinghua University study, first published in 2021, which predicted traces of the radioactive isotope Tritium could reach waters off China's coast after around eight months.

State media also widely shared an apocalyptic looking, speeded up computer generated representation of how the study predicted pollutants would, over the coming years, spread right across the Pacific Ocean and into seas in East and South East Asia.

Hashtags related to the release generated hundreds of millions of reads on the popular social media platform Weibo, and thousands of fiercely anti-Japanese comments from users, including many posts who called for Japan to be severely punished or even "blown up".

"The earth can manage without Japan, but not without seafood," wrote a user registered in Shanxi province, a post liked over a hundred thousand times.

Tokyo has 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 the impact it would have was "negligible."

But at the market on Thursday, some vendors were not convinced.

"Japan saying that is complete crap," said a vendor surnamed Liu. "How could it not have any effect? If it didnt, then why would they discharge it into the open sea? Can't they just keep it in their own country?"

Of eight traders at the market who Reuters spoke to on Thursday all said that even before the ban, they were no longer purchasing or selling Japanese seafood. Some said they are now getting imports from the United States, Canada or Russia instead.

Japanese restaurant owners in both mainland China and Hong Kong have also been scrambling to adapt to the restrictions and expressed fears about heightened checks.

(Reporting by Martin Quin Pollard and Xiaoyu Yin; Editing by Lincoln Feast)
Chris Christie had the first zinger of the Republican debate Wednesday night, attacking Vivek Ramaswamy for being like Barack Obama .

The eight leading presidential candidates, minus front-runner Donald Trump , took the stage in Milwaukee. As Ramaswamy tried to portray himself as an outsider and a dark horse, Christie took aim.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, the former New Jersey governor said. The last person in one of these debates  who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama, and Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight.

While this was probably the most devastating comparison Christie could have made, it is also highly inaccurate. Obama is ideologically open-minded. Ramaswamy is a 9/11 denier who is mainly interested in battling wokeness, taking away rights, and, apparently, caving to Russia and China.
Republican presidential candidate Chris Christie dismissed the boos he received at the first GOP debate Wednesday night.

Asked on CNN This Morning why he received boos after his criticism of former President Trump, Christie said, Well, because not every Republican primary voter in America was in the arena.

And because you cant be looking to play to the grandstands, he added.

Christie did not raise his hand when asked whether he would still support Trump as the Republican nominee despite his legal troubles. Instead, the former New Jersey governor criticized Trumpss conduct, prompting boos from the audience.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He defended his comments at the debate, however, calling out other candidates for their lack of pushback against Trump  who has received four criminal indictments since April. Christie has made attacks on the former president a large focus of his presidential campaign.

If youre not going to talk about that, then then then why bother running? Christie said. You should just cede the race to Donald Trump, which is what a lot of those people did on the stage last night.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Am I out after Trump? I am out to beat Donald Trump, Christie continued. And because I think he deserves to be beaten.

Trump, who did not attend the debate, instead sat for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, where he went after Christie for his attacks.

He runs solely on the basis of, Lets get Trump, Trump said. Hes like a savage maniac. Hes like a lunatic. And thats all he talks about.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The city of Chester in South Carolina has terminated the police chief, according to a social media posting from the citys official Facebook page.

The posting stated that Curtis Singleton was terminated Wednesday as an employee of the city.

The posting did not give a reason for the termination.

The posting said Capt. Al Crawford of the Chester County Sheriffs Office has been temporarily assigned by the sheriff to take over operational command for law enforcement services in the city. Crawford continues to serve under the authority of Sheriff Max Dorsey, the statement said.

The city issued the original posting, then it was re-posted on the sheriffs official Facebook page.

Singleton had been the chief of the Chester Police Department for less than a year. Chester is a city of about 5,500 people. Chester is the county seat of Chester County, and is between Rock Hill and Columbia. Chester County has around 32,000 residents, which includes the city population.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The city has its own police force, while the sheriffs office has countywide jurisdiction.

The statement said city and county administrators, the sheriff and top deputies, and the Chester mayor met Wednesday to discuss public safety services in the city.

City police officers will work under the command of Crawford, officials said in the statement.

The full city of Chester statement issued late Wednesday reads:

Earlier today, Police Chief Curtis Singleton was terminated as an employee of the City of Chester.

This afternoon, City Administrator Malik Whitaker and Mayor Carlos Williams met with Sheriff Max Dorsey, members of the Sheriffs Command Staff, and County Administrator Brian Hester regarding the continuation of law enforcement services within the City of Chester, as a result of the Chiefs dismissal.

Our meeting was extremely productive, and all attendees committed to ensuring the citizens of the City are afforded the best police services available.

As of 2pm today, the Sheriff has temporarily assigned Sheriffs Captain Al Crawford to serve as the Operational Commander for law enforcement services in the City of Chester. This new and temporary role is in addition to his current responsibilities at the Sheriffs Office.

Captain Crawford remains an employee of the Sheriff and remains under the authority of the Sheriff.

Current employees of the City of Chester Police Department will continue serving in their roles, as employees of the City of Chester, while under the law enforcement operational direction of Captain Crawford, of the Chester County Sheriffs Office.

This temporary adjustment to the structure of law enforcement services in the City is in no way an effort by Sheriff Dorsey to permanently supplant or replace police services by the City of Chester.

Sheriff Dorsey is committed to working with the City of Chester to support their work to build an excellent municipal police department.

We recognize the Sheriffs Office has limited resources as well, and we expect to receive additional help from our state law enforcement partners.

Dorsey pledges sheriffs office support

In a phone interview with The Herald Thursday, Dorsey reiterated that the sheriffs office command role is a measure to make sure public safety is not interrupted. The measure is not expected to be permanent, Dorsey said.

I want this to be temporary, Dorsey said.

The sheriffs office, under Crawfords command, will work with existing city officers to ensure public safety, Dorsey said.

Crawford, a sheriffs office captain, is a seasoned and experienced supervisor and law enforcement professional with both police and military background, Dorsey said. Crawford continues with his sheriffs office role as well, Dorsey said.

The sheriffs office has done investigations in the city in the past, and will continue to do that, Dorsey said.

As sheriff, I have responsibility for the entire county, Dorsey said. My pledge is to protect the city as best we can with the resources we have...We can work together to provide professional law enforcement services.

Dorsey said he spoke with State Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel Wednesday. Dorsey said SLED will continue to support city and county law enforcement efforts in Chester.

Efforts to reach Chester Mayor Carlos Williams by phone and email were unsuccessful Thursday.

Check back for updates on this story.
Perpetrator, Chicago-based filmmaker Jennifer Reeders fifth and most commanding and elegantly bloody feature to date, begins with both eyes on a cheap thrill that the movie very quickly turns inside out and sideways.

A girl in a red parka, a shade of red that spells trouble, walks down a residential street at night. She looks over her shoulder once, twice, three times. Heavy male breathing fills the soundtrack. Then a jump forward, to the killers lair. Deep breaths now, Evelyn, the hideously masked man says to his captive, adding: Girls like you just dont know what youve got til its all gone.

Advertisement

Weve been down that street too often in our moviegoing lives. But Reeder has other ideas. This is a sly, poetically gory vision of predation, female rage, female survival and every kind of shape-shifting women learn, out of necessity, when theyre young.

Reeders protagonist is Jonny, short for Jonquil, played by the first-rate chameleon Kiah McKirnan (The Adults, Mare of Easttown). Turning 18, living with her crumbling, troubled father (Tim Hopper), she leaves town at his behest to live with her great aunt Hildie, portrayed with 19th century elocution and airs by Alicia Silverstone, down the block and across the street from Catherine Deneuve in The Hunger.

Advertisement

[ Talking to Chicago filmmaker Jennifer Reeder about women who make movies ]

Perpetrator isnt a vampire movie, or any sort of conventional, predictable anything. Its clear from her first scene that Hildie is either going to murder Jonny or save her. Hildies secret, as we learn fairly early in the blithely surreal narrative, involves an ancestral trait  curse? superpower?  that Jonny must confront, and develop. She and her new cohort of high school senior friends have had enough of their classmates disappearing, presumed dead at the hands of the killer.

You have the eyes of someone much older, says a school administrator, examining Jonny early on. Like many on screen, shes a target for physical violence, in this case self-inflicted (a plastic surgery procedure is all the rage). The scene is soon interrupted by the school staffers nosebleed. Many noses bleed in the story. Its the primary liquid on screen throughout, and the bloodletting in Perpetrator gushes in the copious spirit of many previous filmmakers, starting with Brian De Palma and especially Dario Argento.

Kiah McKirnan stars as a shape-shifting teenager in "Perpetrator." (Shudder/WTFilms)

Jonny, like it or not, has been charged with carrying on the family tradition of something called the forevering (also the title of an earlier Reeder short film). She can communicate, more or less telepathically, by placing a hand on someone, or simply through profound spectral empathy, as Hildie explains at one point. While that component of Perpetrator beams on and off in terms of dramatic effectiveness, the film works anyway thanks to Reeders wild change-ups and the films singular atmospheric texture.

Crucially, some key conversations among the teen characters, especially Jonny and her new friend, Elektra, played by Ireon Roach, are beautifully written and acted in a naturalistic vein. The film is also unexpectedly funny, and the best bits (such as the reprehensible principals school shooting drills, the one we see in action carrying the label of Code: Massacre and Level: Bloodbath) have a way of coming back around for more.

In a larger sense, much of Reeders work comes back around to her persistent, painfully fruitful themes of victimization, a toxic patriarchy and a way forward  no retreat, no surrender. The films images and soundscapes are often stunning, thanks to Reeder, cinematographer Sevdije Kastrati and composer Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The precise context of the movies release, prior to its Sept. 1 streaming debut on Shudder, is a week wherein Bottoms (utterly different vibe and energy, also worth seeing) takes on a lot of the same ideas. So does Barbie, about which you may have heard.

In the best possible way, Reeder has returned throughout her career to stories and characters rooted in trauma, while expanding the fantasy/reality boundaries of her narratives. This is her best realized work so far.

Perpetrator  3 stars (out of 4)

No MPA rating (violence, language, copious bodily fluids)

Advertisement

Running time: 1:40

How to watch: Premieres at Music Box Theatre Aug. 24. Premieres on Shudder via AMC+ Sept. 1.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune
VENTNOR  A city employee is accused of pocketing residents payments worth about $91,000.

Michelle Calderon, a code enforcement officer, took cash payments from people seeking various permits, but allegedly kept the money for her own use, said the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office.

She would then alter the balance sheets using a city-owned computer to cover up the discrepancies, it claimed in a statement.

The scheme allegedly diverted payments between January 2021 and June 2023, according to a probable cause statement.

The payments were collected for permits for building projects, trash receptacles, and parking uses, among other purposes, the statement says.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Two sentenced for costly medication scam Former firefighters get prison terms for roles in prescription scam

The alleged thefts occurred from January 2021 through January 2023, the statement said.

Ventnor police detectives and prosecutors detectives launched an investigation after the municipality noticed a problem with its financial books in June.

The Egg Harbor City woman was charged Tuesday, Aug. 22, with official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct, misapplication of entrusted property, and altering computer software to commit theft.

The charges against Calderon are only allegations. She has not been convicted in the case.

Jim Walsh is a senior reporter with the Courier-Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal.

This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Ventnor code enforcement officer accused of diverting permit fees
Sixty years after civil rights pioneer Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marched to Washington, D.C., to call for freedom and economic growth, todays generation of civil rights leaders reflect on their ancestors push to achieve liberty and justice for all Americans and the current state of the civil rights movement in todays political climate.

Monday marks the actual anniversary of the historic march, where Dr. King delivered his iconic I Have a Dream speech. The state of civil rights in the country has been murky due to recent legislation and court rulings affecting Black history and civil rights.

Dr. Kings son, Martin Luther King III , told The Hill in an interview that his father wouldnt have imagined the country and his sons generation still fighting for basic civil rights.

King, along with other civil rights leaders and politicians, took part in The Hills Walk to Freedom Turns 60: Miles to Go  A Discussion on the March on Washington for Jobs & Freedom virtual event, moderated by The Hills race and politics reporter and host of The Switch Up podcast Cheyanne M. Daniels.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But I cant imagine that he would have envisioned necessarily that in 2023 that our nation would be at loggerheads in relationship to fighting to protect and preserve democracy, fighting to expand the right to vote, to make it easier to vote, as opposed to making it harder to vote, as some states have done, fighting to regain the right to choose, fighting just for people to have basic rights, the LGBTQ community and the list goes on and on, said King, the chairman of the Drum Major Institute.

King, alongside his wife, Andrea Waters King, also said that it is a positive that the generation after his and his fathers are determined and focused on getting our nation to a better place.

Weve got to reintroduce civility into the political space that has been temporarily lost. It is not gone, King added. And so I think my mother and father certainly would be proud of certain things, certain to be so proud of, of our daughter, their granddaughter, who in her own way is choosing to carry on.

Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.), the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, told The Hill that the nations democracy is under attack, noting the recent attacks on education, civil rights and voting rights.

But nothing matters more than people understanding that this democracy belongs to all of us, Horsford said. Its not some archaic thing that only applies to a certain view to the well-connected into the well-off, it includes all of us, and the institutions of our democracy are the fundamentals that were working to defend in this moment.

The 60th anniversary of the march comes amid a swing of legislation and court rulings involving civil rights and Black history.

Recently, multiple GOP-led states have banned the teaching of critical race theory, a legal theory that says U.S. institutions are inherently racist, which critics argue has been a cover to ban discussions of race in schools

States legislatures such as Florida and Arkansas have banned the teaching of Advanced Placement African American studies courses from their school districts, citing that the curriculum violates new laws that prohibit the teaching of these topics in schools.

The Supreme Court earlier in June struck down affirmative action, a process that allowed colleges and universities to use race-conscious admissions.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson, who was alongside Courtland Cox, one of the co-organizers for the march and a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, said 60 years after the march, the fight for civil rights will still continue.

There is no community more American than Black Americans, Johnson said. Despite all of the reneging of the promise we still hold, true to making democracy work is one of our primary responsibilities and to assure equal protection under the law.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On the night of 13 January 1963, Togos President Sylvanus Olympio was shot dead by rebels in the first military coup staged in Africa. A long list, as shown below, was to come. From the 1960s to the end of the millennium, there were an average of four military coups a year on the continent. By the end of the 1990s this phenomenon seemed to have faded away.

But since August 2020 six African nations have suffered seven coups or attempted coups.

First came Mali, in August 2020. The military took advantage of social unrest and insecurity caused by the activities of violent extremists. Mali had two coups or attempts in a nine-month span.

In April 2021, Chad followed the same path. In March 2021, there was a coup attempt in Niger, and in September 2021 it was Guineas turn. A month later, it was Sudan. In Burkina Faso, an attack in November 2021 led to the coup in January 2022.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More recently, a coup was launched in Niger, deposing President Mohamed Bazoum. Two days later, General Abdourahamane Tchiani declared himself the leader of Niger.

All together, thats more than 100 million people being ruled by the military after power was seized violently. All are in the Sahel. This has alerted governments in the region.

Researchers, analysts and journalists have pointed to mismanagement, incompetence, corruption, economic crisis and state weakness as the main factors propelling military coups all over the world and, of course, in Africa. State weakness is a factor in the recent instances in Africa. They have happened partly because of governments failure to stem the spread of groups linked to Al Qaeda and the Islamic State all over the Sahel.

Read more: Niger coup: why an Ecowas-led military intervention is unlikely

But there are two intertwined characteristics that differentiate Africa from the rest of the world. One is the public support of many citizens on the streets when there is a coup. The other is the societys rising support for military rule as a form of government. Popular support for military rule has grown in the last 20 years.

My research explored the reasons for this. I used survey data to examine whether support for nondemocratic rule was mainly due to poor institutional and economic performance or to an existing so-called authoritarian personality and culture in the region. This type of personality refers to values existing in certain societies that make them more prone to embrace authoritarian forms of government.

This distinction is relevant because if the reason for military rule support is cultural, then societies will continue to endorse authoritarian regimes. If the reason is institutional performance, then as long as incumbent governments perform efficiently, both politically and economically, democratic support will overcome authoritarian support.

Citizen discontent

I carried out a quantitative analysis using Afrobarometer survey data gathered from 37 African countries, both from North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The analysis looked for underlying factors propelling the rise in support for military rule.

Respondents were asked about the extent of their support for military rule as a form of government plus a number of other potential explanatory questions such as perception of corruption, governing and opposition parties performance, economy evaluation and socio-demographic issues like their level of education.

The data shows that from 2000 to the present, the level of support for military rule as a form of government has doubled, from 11.6% of people supporting much or very much military rule as a form of government to 22.3%. Of the 37 countries analysed, there were 11 where support for military dictatorship was decreasing and 26 where this figure was on the rise. The latest Afrobarometer data shows that support for democracy has fallen in the last year. Out of 38 countries, only four show decreasing support for military rule since 2000, whereas 34 show higher support for higher military rule than in 2000.

Support for military rule was higher in partly free and not free countries than in free countries. (They were categorised according to the Freedom House index.)

But there were some exceptions. In South Africa, which is a constitutional democracy with regular elections, one in three South Africans supported military rule as a form of government. In democratic Namibia the level of support showed that one in four Namibians supported military rule.

Reasons to support military rule

The analysis points to three conclusions:

In sub-Saharan Africa, the legitimacy of military rule is mainly based on institutional performance and economic management. These are weakened by jihadist organisations rapidly expanding throughout the region. State institutions are not able to tackle their expansion throughout the region.

In North Africa, institutional performance plays a role but authoritarian personality plays a larger role in the support for military rule.

Education seems to be an antidote against authoritarianism. Those with higher level of education, according to survey data, show higher level of democratic endorsement.

The studys findings suggest that people in sub-Saharan Africa are fed up with their governments for many reasons, including security threats, humanitarian disasters and lack of prospects. Waiting for the next elections to take place to change government does not seem to them to be a good option. Opposition parties do not seem to enjoy a better image. For the survey respondents, the solution appears to be to welcome the military to intervene.

If citizens perceive that politicians dont care about them, this will invite the military to continue overthrowing civil governments, with society publicly legitimising their intervention in politics.

If military, political and economic solutions are not found, military coups in the region will increase and people will continue gathering on the streets to welcome them. Nigers recent coup may not be the last one.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit news site dedicated to sharing ideas from academic experts. The Conversation is trustworthy news from experts. Try our free newsletters.

It was written by: Carlos Garcia Rivero, Universitat de Valencia.

Read more:



Carlos Garcia Rivero is Research Fellow at the Centre for International and Comparative Politics, at Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was baffled when he was singled out to answer the UFO question at Wednesday nights GOP primary debate.

Cmon, man! Christie said, chuckling, after co-moderator Martha MacCallum began her query about the recent spike in UFO encounters.

I get the UFO question? he added, to loud laughter from the audience.

If you were president, MacCallum continued, would you level with the American people about what the government knows about these encounters?

Christie joked that it was horrible that the Fox News host, a fellow New Jersey native, asked him about unidentified flying objects and Martians just because hes from the state.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Were different, but were not that different, he quipped.

Jokes aside, Christie said the presidents job is to be honest with the public, whether discussing UFOs or issues with the education system.

Look, the job of the president of the United States is to level with the American people about everything. The job of the president of the United States is to stand for truth, he said.

UFOs?



Its the job of the President of the United States to be straight up. Ill do that whether were talking about crime, education, foreign policy, and yes, even our little green friends. pic.twitter.com/dLmZIwKSgR  Chris Christie (@GovChristie) August 24, 2023

UFOs, also called unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs), have increasingly become a subject of debate in Congress in recent years.

In 2021, following pressure from lawmakers, U.S. intelligence officials publicly acknowledged that UAP sightings by Navy pilots and others are deserving of legitimate scrutiny.

Last month, a whistleblower and former Air Force intelligence officer testified to Congress that the U.S. government had a multi-decade program that retrieves UFOs and said non-human biologics were found at crash sites where the objects were recovered.

Retired Maj. David Grusch accused the government of covering up the program. The Pentagon denied his claims.

Related...
Former CIA director Leon Panetta said that Russia will likely attempt to take control of the Wagner private military company, CNN reported on Aug. 23.

Panetta, who is also a former U.S. Defense Secretary, shared this view in an interview with CNN after a plane reportedly carrying Wagner commander Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed in Russia, leaving no survivors.

"I think they are going to be very concerned about allowing these guys basically to continue to operate on their own," Panetta said.

Prigozhin's resistance to the Russian Defense Ministry's attempts to assert authority over Wagner culminated in a brief insurrection in June 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the aftermath of the rebellion, Prigozhin and Wagner decamped to Belarus. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin reportedly hoped to bring Wagner forces back to Russia under new command.

On Aug. 21, Prigozhin released a video claiming to be in Africa, in an unnamed country. He pledged to make Russia "even greater on all continents."

"I would not be surprised if [Russian authorities] assert control in Africa, Asia, and wherever else they may be located," Panetta said.

He also said that Russia likely posed a threat to other Wagner fighters.

"I think those in the Wagner Group have got to worry about their own lives as well," Panetta said.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Wagner warlord reportedly killed in plane crash 2 months after staging mutiny

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Summer is prime-time for ice cream sales.

But Frost  the popular Wichita dessert shop at 3429 E. Douglas known for its homemade ice cream, decadent chocolate cake and gooey oatmeal cream pies  has missed the entire summer: A lightning strike on June 5 resulted in an attic fire that left enough damage, the shop had to close for repairs.

Nearly three months have passed, and those repairs are almost complete, said owner Jada Shiya. She says shell reopen Frost on Friday, Sept. 1, and celebrate with an all-day party on Saturday, Sept. 2, that will have a fire theme.

People have been reaching out and definitely letting us know they miss us, said Shiya, adding that the repairs took nearly twice as long as she thought they would. They ask us when were going to reopen and say, The Summer wasnt the same without you guys. Theres been a lot of community outreach, so thats been really special.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Shiya said she had to repair the attic along with items in the counter area that suffered water and smoke damage. But for the most part, she said, the shop should look almost the same as it did before. She was able to switch up the seating situation a bit and has added some bar tables in front of the windows, she said.

Frost will look mostly the same when it reopens three months post-fire.

On Sept. 1, Frost will resume its normal business hours: noon to 9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays. Saturday, Sept. 2, will feature several fire-themed activities. A balloon twister will be on site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 1 to 2 p.m. a fire truck will be in the parking lot for people to explore.

From 5 to 8 p.m., the shop will have live acoustic guitar music inside, and at 9 p.m., a fire dancer will perform in the parking lot.

Shiya will also serve a couple of fire-themed ice cream flavors: burnt sugar praline and smoked white chocolate  the latter of which is being made with the use of Station 8 BBQs smoker. She also plans to serve a sundae using the two fire-themed ice creams topped with toasted marshmallow and served with a lightning bolt cookie.

Although the fire was serious, she said, the shop was closed on the Monday afternoon that it happened, and no one was injured. She was also able to get back all of her employees except for two who left for college.

Having a little fun with the fire theme felt appropriate, she said.

When life gives you lightning, make lemonade, Shiya said with a laugh.
The first day of school for college students is right around the corner, so whether youre a student, parent or local resident, you may be mixed up in some of the move-in mayhem this week as students flock back to campus dorms and off-campus apartments.

As first-year students set foot in their new homes for the next nine months and upperclassmen make the familiar trek to campus again, areas surrounding Delawares college campuses should expect congestion.

In Newark, heavy traffic delays are anticipated around residence halls near Academy Street and the surrounding areas, including East Delaware, East Cleveland and South College avenues; New London Road; South Main Street; and North and South Chapel streets.

In Dover, residents will see increased road activity on Loop and College roads and the surrounding area.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Residents also can expect long lines at stores close to campus, primarily grocery stores and one-stop shops with home goods, as students and families pick up last-minute items and begin filling their pantries for the semester.

University of Delaware move-in schedule

The University of Delaware will welcome more than 4,000 first-year students to Newark during fall move-in this year.

Early move-in for Blue Hens begins on Wednesday, Aug. 23, between 5 and 7 p.m.

First-year student Matt Barreira, at left, unpacks the car trunk and is assisted by his family during his move to campus at the University of Delaware's South Academy Hall in Newark, Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. More than 4,000 first-year students will arrive on campus for Move-in Weekend and the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.

Traditional move-in will be spread over two days, Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26, for new students, with times staggered between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. on those days to help ease traffic and congestion in the area and in the buildings. Each student received a specific check-in time.

Returning sophomores, juniors and seniors will move into their rooms on Sunday, Aug. 27, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Those who did not receive a specific check-in time must move in at some point during the given timeframe.

All students should have received an email with their room assignments, building directions and parking tags for the day. Each student and their family will have a 20-minute window of arrival and two hours available for moving in order to manage traffic around Newark and decrease congestion in residence halls.

The first day of classes for Blue Hens at the University of Delaware is Tuesday, Aug. 29.

Delaware State University move-in schedule

Move-in for Delaware State University begins on Wednesday, Aug. 23, with first-year students moving in between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. in Dover.

Move-in for first-year students will continue Thursday, Aug. 24, during the same timeframe.

Students moving into Medgar W. Evers Hall during move-in day at Delaware State University in Dover in 2018.

From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and Saturday, Aug. 26, upperclassmen will be welcomed back to campus.

Each move-in date corresponds to different residence hall buildings and floors. Students should double-check their housing assignment to be sure they arrive on campus on the correct date.

The first day of classes for Hornets at Delaware State University is Monday, Aug. 28.

Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin at kgriffin@delawareonline.com.

School bus laws: Do you know when it's legal to pass a school bus? That, plus more Delaware school bus laws

Bolstering the workforce: Budding teacher residency programs hope to boost Delaware workforce recovery

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: College students in Delaware begin move-in weekend. What to know
A 3-year-old boy died after his father forgot that the child was in his SUV and didnt drop him off at preschool before spending the day at work, according to a Collinsville Police Department report.

When the boys father ran to his car at his Collinsville workplace on the afternoon of Aug. 3, after receiving a call from his wife, he saw that his son was still in his booster seat in the third row of a 2017 Honda Pilot, the report states.

The man then drove his son to St. Louis Childrens Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased, police said.

The St. Louis Medical Examiners Office said it is investigating the cause and manner of death of 3-year-old Joshua Berry.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A report on the childs death is expected to be completed in two to three months, said Tara Rick, the executive director for operations of the medical examiners office.

The BND isnt reporting the names of the parents due to the nature of the incident and since no criminal charges have been filed.

Officials with the Collinsville Police Department have been in contact with the Madison County States Attorneys Office, according to a statement from the prosecutors office. The states attorneys office said it hasnt received a final report from the police department but expects to receive one.

In an email to the Belleville News-Democrat, Collinsville Police Chief Steve Evans called the childs death an incomprehensible, tragic accident.

The obituary for Joshua Berry says he was a miracle baby who overcame Spinal Muscular Atrophy, which Johns Hopkins Medicine describes as a disorder affecting spinal cord nerve cells that control voluntary muscle movement.

Joshua, or Joshie as we affectionately called him, brought immense joy and happiness to our lives during his short time with us, and his memory will forever be cherished, reads his obituary posted by Baucoms Life Celebration Center.

Joshie was a ray of sunshine from the moment he entered our lives. Joshies spirit was filled with boundless energy and an unwavering zest for life, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial celebration of life service was conducted on Aug. 13 for Joshua.

Police interviews

Collinsville police officers and detectives interviewed Joshuas mother and people who worked with her husband at Laura Buick GMC at 903 North Bluff Road in Collinsville, according to the police report.

The mother told a detective that her husband said he forgot Joshua was in the car and that he had forgotten to drop him off at preschool, according to the detectives summary of her statements.

She said her son usually slept during car rides and that he usually went to preschool every day but because of his health condition it wouldnt be out of the ordinary for him to miss a day of school, the police report states.

The mother, who works from the couples Florissant, Missouri, home, said she asked one of her other sons at about 4:45 p.m. to go pick up Joshua from school, but he later returned home saying his little brother was not at school. Thats when she called her husband.

He called back to say that their son had apparently died and that he was going to drive him to the hospital.

The employees who spoke to detectives said nothing appeared unusual with the childs father during his shift at work. At one point during the day he texted his wife about her upcoming birthday that weekend.

The police reviewed surveillance videos recorded at the dealership and at the childrens hospital.

Video at the dealership shows that the father arrived at the dealership at about 9:06 a.m. and backed into a parking spot. He also is seen running to the Honda Pilot at 5:06 p.m. and then driving away a short time later.

Hospital surveillance video shows him walking into the emergency room with his son.

Children left in cars

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that over the past 25 years, more than 950 children have died of heatstroke, because they were left or became trapped in a hot car.

In 2022, there were 33 such cases nationwide.

Its important for everyone to understand that children are more vulnerable to heatstroke and that all hot car deaths are preventable, the agency states on its website.

A childs body temperature rises three to five times faster than an adult and a child can die when their body temperature reaches 107, according to the agency.

The highway safety board notes that if the outdoor temperature is 75, the inside of a car can be 105.

The National Weather Service reports the high temperature on Aug. 3 at the St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia Heights was 85.
Healthcare workers walk out of a King Sooper's Grocery store after a gunman opened fire on March 22, 2021, in Boulder, Colorado. Dozens of police responded to the afternoon shooting in which at least one witness described three people who appeared to be wounded, according to published reports.

Editor's note: This story has be updated to correct that it was Buckeye Institute that filed a legal challenge in Delaware County concerning Columbus gun ordinances.

Cities across the United States including Columbus have been trying to address gun violence by battling with their states for the authority to regulate firearms. So far, however, there have been more defeats than victories.

A Colorado judge ruled on March 12, 2021, that the city of Boulder couldn't enforce a local assault weapons ban because it conflicted with the state's gun "preemption" law, which bans or severely restricts what local municipalities can regulate when it comes to firearms.

Ten days later, Ahmad Al Aliwi Al-Issa, 21, walked into the King Soopers supermarket in Boulder with an AR-556 assault-style rifle and opened fire. Ten people were killed, including a police officer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

What happened next from the state legislature deviated from the usual expressions of thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. Within months, Colorado lawmakers in a rare move had gutted the state's preemption law, handing the issue of combatting rising gun violence largely back to cities.

Franklin County Sheriff's Office deputies and Franklin Township police investigate the scene of a shooting July 27 near the intersection of Hart and Brown roads in the township. Blood evidence was collected and more than 30 shell casings were found at the scene.

Despite pledges to do something by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, what happened in Colorado did not occur in Ohio in the aftermath of the Aug. 4, 2019, mass shooting in which 24-year-old Connor Betts shot and killed nine people, including his sister, and wounded 17 in Dayton's Oregon District before being shot by police just over 30 seconds after opening fire.

In fact, Ohio's Republican-controlled government has continued to oppose any attempts to challenge its preemption law. The law came under the spotlight again last November when a Franklin County Common Pleas Court judge sided with the city of Columbus by ruling the state's law unconstitutional, setting off an ongoing legal battle. On Aug. 16, Ohio's Tenth District (Franklin County) Court of Appeals overturned that judge's decision, saying it was based off old evidence and sent the matter back to the judge for further proceedings.

Cities try different legal tactics to regulate firearms

Like Columbus, cities across the United States  including Philadelphia, Detroit, Tucson, Pittsburgh, Seattle, St. Louis and Kansas City, Missouri; Missoula, Montana; Miami Beach and others  have been trying different legal tactics to pry back authority to regulate firearms from their states, with officials saying that gun violence is taking a deadly toll.

All of us are tired of it, said Quinton Lucas , mayor of Kansas City, Missouri. If the state attorney general wants to file suits, then so be it.

On Aug. 1, Lucas proposed two new local gun laws: One would prohibit anyone younger than 18 from buying ammunition without parental consent, while the other would ban "Glock switches," devices that transform handguns from semiautomatic into automatic weapons, turning recent shootings into "spraying types of situations." Glock switches have surged in popularity among Columbus criminals and police report they're finding them more and more.

Under Fire Series: Glock switches on Columbus streets: Here's how the tiny devices pose an outsized threat

Kansas City, Mo., police crime scene investigators gather evidence at the scene of a shooting outside a nightclub in the early hours of Jan. 20, 2020. Police say an armed security guard shot and killed a man suspected of fatally shooting a woman and injuring 15 more people in a shooting there.

The proposed legislation comes after three people died and another nine were injured when they were sprayed with bullets in a shooting at an illegal Kansas City nightclub.

As of Aug. 2, Kansas City, a city of 509,297, had 117 homicides, with 91% of those by firearms, Lucas said. By comparison, Columbus, a city of 907,971, had 93 homicides as of that date and now has more than 100 homicides. About 90% of Columbus homicides are the result of gunshot wounds, based on statistics released Monday by the Columbus Division of Police.

Despite the potential of legal challenges from the state, Lucas said his city has to do something to try and stem the gun violence.

On the other side of Missouri, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved an ordinance in July prohibiting minors from openly carrying firearms through the roundabout tactic of requiring concealed carry permits to open carry because the age requirement for a concealed carry permit is 19.

In St. Louis, we have a proliferation of guns, St. Louis Alderwoman Cara Spencer said. Kids are walking around with AR-15s, and police can do nothing. ... I have spoken to tons of police officers who say thank you (for the new ordinance)." According to St. Louis police, that city, population 286,578, has seen 98 homicides this year as of Aug. 16.

In June, one teenager was killed and 11 others were injured in a shooting in downtown St. Louis. One juvenile, a 16-year-old boy, was arrested in early August in connection to the crime.

This past Tuesday, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said she would be introducing legislation that would ban AR-15s, AK-47s and similar military-style weapons. The legislation also would prohibit the transfer or sale of guns to minors and forbid anyone convicted of hate crimes or insurrection from having firearms.

Pittsburgh, a city of 302,971 with 30 homicides as of Aug. 17, passed its own gun laws in 2019 in an attempt to ban military-style assault weapons after the mass shooting in 2018 at the Tree of Life synagogue that killed 11 in the city's Squirrel Hill neighborhood. But lower state courts have blocked Pittsburgh, citing Pennsylvania law that preempts local government from trying to regulate guns. The city has appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and the case is still pending.

A person mourns at a makeshift memorial at the Tree of Life Congregation synagogue in Pittsburgh.

According to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, just five states  Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York  have no state laws expressly preempting local authority to regulate firearms or ammunition. Two others, California and Colorado, allow local governments to retain some authority. And cities in those states have been using their authority to pass local codes.

In California, 39 localities require gun dealers to have liability insurance, 33 jurisdictions prohibit gun dealers from operating near areas where there are high concentrations of children, and 143 jurisdictions either regulate or prohibit firearms and/or ammunition on some types of public property, such as municipal buildings, parks, and recreation areas, according to the center.

In Boulder, a Colorado Senate committee had forwarded legislation to broadly repeal the state's preemption law within two months of the King Soopers shooting, declaring firearm regulation a matter of both "state and local concern." By June 2021, Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, had signed the law repealing the preemption statute, which had been in place since 2003.

It became quite apparent to people that we had a problem with the preemption," said Eileen McCarron, spokesperson for the gun-violence prevention group Colorado Ceasefire.

Supreme Court rules that government must demonstrate that gun regulation is consistent with "historical tradition"

But city and state officials across the country are now eying a U.S. Supreme Court ruling issued in June 2022 in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. (Kenneth P.) Bruen (superintendent of New York State Police), which struck down New York State's conceal-carry licensure statute as a violation of the Second and Fourteenth Amendments giving people the right to carry a loaded handgun in public for self-defense. The nation's highest court ruled 6-3 that the government must demonstrate that gun regulation is consistent "with this nation's historical tradition."

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks July 28, 2023 in Buffalo about decreasing gun violence across the state.

That Supreme Court ruling noted that justices had surveyed "English history dating from the late 1600s, along with American colonial views leading up to the founding," and concluded that the Second Amendment presumptively guarantees people the right to "bear" arms, or carry guns in public, for self-defense, although not completely without limits.

Many people wouldn't be shocked to learn that there weren't many laws in the 1600s and 1700s prohibiting felons, the mentally ill or domestic abusers from possessing guns, but "there were laws banning African Americans from possessing firearms," said Adam Winkler, a professor of law at UCLA with expertise in Second Amendment constitutional law and the author of Gunfight: The Battle Over the Right to Bear Arms in America."

For gun-rights groups led by the National Rifle Association, preempting local restrictions is a cornerstone of their decades-long political strategy. "... In their view, were talking about a fundamental constitutional right" that shouldn't vary based on what city you're in, Winkler said.

But mass shootings have "happened so many places now, you would think thats impacted virtually all of us, (and) there would be, no matter what side of the political aisle youre on, a thirst for keeping our kids safe and feeling like you could go to grocery stores and bakeries and sporting events, and feel like youre in a safe place," said Rachel Friend, a Boulder City Council member.

"And for whatever reason, the powers that be just wont let us have it.

The other side of the issue: Republican leaders weigh in

Dean Rieck, executive director of the Buckeye Firearms Association, a gun-rights advocacy group, said Columbus is wasting taxpayer dollars with its legal challenges to the state's preemption law, noting the GOP-controlled Ohio Supreme Court has twice upheld the law's validity.

Dean Rieck

"Both times (the Ohio Supreme Court has) ruled that firearm preemption is valid law in all aspects," Rieck said. He added that local control makes no more sense when it comes to a "patchwork" of gun laws than it would if cities could choose what color meant "stop" on a traffic light.

Ohio's gun laws: Ohio has long history with strict gun regulations predating Civil War

After heavy lobbying by gun-rights groups, Ohio's gun-preemption statute took effect in 2007, effectively taking away cities' constitutional "home rule" powers dealing with guns, including those dealing with types of weapons, magazine capacity, safe storage, sales, and where guns can legally be carried.

The Ohio Revised Code in its current, amended expanded language preempts, supersedes, and declares null and void any such further (gun) license, permission, restriction, delay or process, dealing with ownership, possession, purchase, other acquisition, transport, storage, carrying, sale, other transfer, manufacture, taxation, keeping, and reporting of loss or theft of firearms, their components, and their ammunition.

Only the U.S. and Ohio constitutions, and state and federal law, can set gun restrictions, state law now says, and both affirm the right to keep and bear arms.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, a Republican, said he has to enforce the law that's on the books, and there are issues that require a uniform statewide standard, such as gun laws. It doesn't make sense to have a checkerboard of gun laws across the state, Yost said, noting that part of Columbus is in Delaware County, and someone driving on Polaris Parkway could comply with the law in Orange Township, then "suddenly become a criminal" once entering Columbus.

Gov. Mike DeWine declined through a spokesman to speak to The Dispatch for this story. His office issued this written statement: Governor DeWine still believes the most important thing we can do to reduce gun violence is to target repeat violent offenders, who already cannot legally possess a firearm and whom statistics have shown commit a significant portion of gun crimes, with longer sentences to take them off the streets and prevent further gun crimes from happening.

Ohio Senate President Matt Huffman, a Republican from Lima, said the Ohio Constitution says that all citizens have the right to bear arms for their self-defense.

Huffman said that while ignorance of the law is no excuse, he said it would be confusing for people who travel through jurisdictions to keep track of gun laws in each.

"Im allowed to do this in my hometown, but driving in Columbus its different?" he said.

Thell Robinson III, founder and CEO of the Halt Violence group in Columbus, said he is skeptical that local gun laws would make a difference. If a person has cash, they can get a gun," Robinson said. "Theres no law that can stop it. Anybody that knows whats going on, they know that.

Thell Robinson founder of Halt Violence, does an intake interview June 21, 2023 at the organization's West Broad Street office. Halt Violence offers mediation and mentorship to at-risk teens and young adults. Robinson founded the organization after being incarcerated.

Nationally, the state-by-state preemption effort has been led by the NRA, sparked by what happened in a tiny Chicago suburb. Morton Grove, Illinois, made history in 1981 by becoming the first municipality in the nation to outright ban the possession of handguns anywhere, even in homes, said Andrew Willinger, executive director of the Duke Center for Firearms Law.

As a result, the NRA sort of throws its support behind these state preemption laws as a way of preventing cities and towns from doing what that town in Illinois did, which is regulating firearms more stringently than the state," Willinger said. "That campaign was incredibly effective."

In fact, after appeals led the U.S. Supreme Court in 2008 to affirm homeowners' rights to keep guns for self-defense, Morton Grove repealed its ban along with some other Illinois towns.

Rieck doesn't question that gun crime varies in intensity by location.

"The big cities, that's where your violent crime problem tends to be," Rieck said. "And rather than deal with that directly, they want to pass (additional local) laws," while studies have shown that a large proportion of gun crimes are the result of a small number of criminals "running rampant."

Those criminals should simply be arrested under existing laws, Rieck said. Making new gun laws "is not going to solve the problem," he said, because violent criminals will simply ignore them.

Preemption keeps local governments from turning responsible gun owners into criminals, by getting caught up in a maze of varying local regulations as they travel, he said.

Rieck said the Buckeye Firearms Association isn't necessarily against some of what Columbus city officials want to require, like safely storing guns in places where kids are present, believing it to be a sound practice. But it doesn't think cities have the power to mandate it in Ohio, only the state does.

And his group isn't lobbying the state to create such a requirement, Rieck said. The same applies to gun training, which is smart but shouldn't be required, he said.

"We're not pushing for it. We just don't believe in those kinds of mandates."

'... Columbus ain't Troy': Ohio Constitution gives cities broad powers to solve local problems locally

Those in favor of permitting local gun laws argue that gun violence ultimately boils down to a local issue, with the severity of the problem varying greatly from city to city, even neighborhood to neighborhood, defying states' one-size-fits-all laws. That was why Ohioans amended the state Constitution in 1912 to give city's broad powers to solve local problems locally, they argue.

Cleveland aint Waverly, and Columbus aint Troy, said Mike Curtin, a former Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives and, before that, a former publisher of The Dispatch, and an Ohio political historian. Theyre very, very different circumstances."

A Columbus police crime scene analyst marks shell casings with small number yellow triangles to replace orange cones at the scene of a fatal shooting Friday, May 12, 2023, at 18th Street and Mount Vernon Avenue in the city's King-Lincoln Bronzeville neighborhood.

In November 2022, Franklin County Judge Stephen L. McIntosh agreed with Columbus that the state's gun preemption law was an unconstitutional infringement upon municipal home rule," setting off two different appeals.

The 10th District Court of Appeals overturned McIntosh's ruling on Aug. 16, saying he based his decision on old information. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost called the ruling a victory; Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein called it procedural and noted the case was returned to the judge.

In the second appeal, filed by the Buckeye Institute on behalf of unnamed gunowners, a Delaware County judge halted enforcement of three Columbus ordinances:

Criminalizing having a deadly weapon unsecured in a home where a child could access it

Banning large capacity magazines that can hold 30 or more rounds

Prohibiting the selling or giving of a firearm to another person who can't legally possess it

"Preemption has really handcuffed what we can do here at the local level, said Columbus City Council member Shayla Favor, who sponsored the three gun ordinances that the council passed in December and are now in limbo. We should have the autonomy to do what we need to do.

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein said "red state" politics is creating gun chaos in Ohio's big cities.

Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein speaks April 28, 2023 about a recent incident where a child found and discharged a gun in a private home. Klein spoke at a press conference at the James G. Jackson Columbus Police Academy along with Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, left, and police Chief Elaine Bryant, right.

"People are getting killed, and there are reasonable things that we can do to make a difference," Klein said. But the Supreme Court's new Bruen decision has led Yost to recently argue in court against the Columbus safe-storage ordinance that there was no such thing during the Civil War, Klein said.

Yost "is saying that the reason why were violating (the Constitution) is because kids were allowed to have guns during the Civil War, so they should have access to guns now," Klein said. "And so hes taking the U.S. Supreme Courts new test, where you go to history and tradition and go back to 1776 and figure out what George Washington was thinking. Hes asking the court  all the trial courts hes participating in  to erase the reasonableness standard."

In an emailed statement, Yost spokeswoman Bethany McCorkle said: "In its Bruen decision the U.S. Supreme Court held that only those firearm regulations that are consistent with American history and tradition may stand in light of the right to bear arms. Thus, we are now required to look back in history to determine whether a firearm regulation violates the right to bear arms today. That is now the standard."

In February, the Cincinnati City Council passed ordinances requiring the safe storage of firearms to keep them away from children and barring those convicted of domestic violence or subject to a protection order from possessing firearms.

The council also filed suit against the state of Ohio, stating the COVID-19 pandemic brought a surge of gun violence to that city, with 488 shooting victims in 2020, another 413 in 2021, and 411 in 2022. That compares to 356 in pre-pandemic 2019. Cincinnati passed a safe-storage ordinance and one allowing for local enforcement of a federal ban on people with domestic violence convictions possessing firearms, around the same time as the lawsuit was filed.

"The City of Cincinnati desires to enact common-sense gun legislation and undertake other actions that are within its home rule authority to reduce the risk and harm of gun violence ...," the complaint says. "The mayor and certain members of Council wish to speak freely on issues of gun regulation, including their desire to impose licenses, permissions, restrictions, delays, or processes affecting guns beyond those provided by state and federal law."

Cincinnati, a city of 309,153, had 42 homicides as of Aug. 14 and 212 shootings as of Aug. 13.

Democrats in the Republican gerrymandered Ohio legislature have also been stymied. Their measures have gotten nowhere.

Rep. Cecil Thomas, a Cincinnati Democrat, cosponsored legislation in 2022 that would have raised the age to buy a long gun rifle in the city from 18 to 21, and enact red flag laws for those having mental health issues. But it was a no go.

"Its frustrating, first of all, at the legislative level to endure this kind of overreach," said Thomas, a former Cincinnati city council member. "It's a matter of our communities trying to govern themselves. They know what their needs are, especially when it comes to violence in their streets."

Rep. Dontavius Jarrells, a Columbus Democrat, introduced a bill to give municipalities the ability to control firearms and ammunition. It received only one hearing in the state House in 2022.

"When youre in a rural community, when the pastime is going to shoot when you're hunting, it's a different mindset with guns than if you live in the urban core," Jarrells said.

One family's story: Columbus East Side neighborhood shows impact of gun-related crime

Keisha Riley, who lives in one of the Columbus neighborhoods most affected by gun-related crimes, is seen here in an Aug. 15, 2023 photo. Her oldest son was shot and killed in 2021 and her youngest daughter is currently under house arrest for a gun-related charge.

Almost nowhere in Columbus has fared worse in the epidemic of gun-related crime than the neighborhood on the East Side where Keisha Riley lives.

In that roughly 2-square-mile area, there have been 2,600 gun-related calls to 911 from January 2021 through June 2023, including 19 homicides and scores of confirmed shootings.

Riley said she knows people whose loved ones have been shot or even killed, and she doesn't walk at night because of the frequent gunshots she hears. Neighboring houses and apartments have been shot at, and many of their occupants now carry guns to protect themselves, setting up a deadly standoff between people on defense, and the people on offense, she said.

Theyre getting younger and younger, and everybody has a gun now, even kids as young as 13 and 14 walk her streets with concealed firearms, she said. "... Every other day is a shooting.

Riley's neighborhood, between Bexley and Whitehall, is home to Columbus Division of Police Cruiser Districts 90 and 91, which rank No. 2 and No. 3 in the city in gun-related 911 calls, averaging more than 1,300 between January 2021 and June 2023.

Thats about 20 times higher than a cruiser district in Clintonville along the Scioto River, which had only 66 similar gun-related 911 reports during that same time span, including five confirmed shootings  the lowest number in the city. The median number of gun calls across the city's 102 cruiser districts was 467.

"We have no such concerns or worries," said Hugh Crowell, 65, a Clintonville resident who sits on its area commission. "We don't have any hesitation to go out walking at any time of day. ... We don't hear gunshots at all."

Around 2 p.m. May 21, 2021, Riley's son died as a result of gun violence. He was fatally shot in the back seat of a car in front of a bowling alley near Route 161 and Cleveland Avenue. Witnesses told police they saw two males drive up in a gold Ford Explorer, open fire, and speed off.

Keishawn Riley, 29, died at the hospital. He had three kids, his mother said. A 17-year-old, Ellis Caldwell, was arrested by SWAT officers last spring and charged with murder and felony assault in the shooting. Riley said she doesn't know what the motive was for the shooting.

My son didnt carry a gun," Riley said. "He had no gun on him. He had a job. He worked. You know, he may have befriended the (wrong) person. But at the same time, to me, it boils down to the guns."

wbush@gannett.com

@ReporterBush

mferench@dispatch.com

@MarkFerenchik

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Gun advocates say state preemption prevents patchwork of city laws
The Illinois Delegation enters the convention hall floor holding Daley for President signs on Aug. 26, 1968, at the Democratic National Convention held at the International Amphitheater in Chicago. (Val Mazzenga / Chicago Tribune)

Were one year away from Chicago hosting the next Democratic National Convention  28 years after it was last here and 56 years after the unforgettable 1968 DNC.

Its the 26th time the city has been tapped to host politicians from around the United States as they vote for their partys leadership. No other place has hosted nearly as many, with the runner-up, Baltimore, claiming 10, followed by Philadelphia, with 9.

Advertisement

But why does Chicago consistently attract lawmakers and their major gatherings? For the answer, you have to take a trip back to 1860.

Chicago history | More newsletters | Puzzles & Games | Todays eNewspaper edition

Advertisement

Arrival of the delegates to the 1860 Republican convention in Chicago, sketched by W.B. Baird in 1868. (W.B. Baird/Library of Congress)

Tribune editor Joseph Medills insistence on going full-bore for the presidency in the run-up to the 1860 election established Chicago as the go-to town for political conventions.

Crowds gather to enter the Coliseum in Chicago for the 1920 Republican National Convention. The Coliseum was located at 15th Street and Wabash Avenue in Chicago. Wabash Avenue was made a one-way street during the convention and street cars had to slow down to three miles per hour between 14th and 16th streets due to the large crowds. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

Between 1860 and 1996, the city hosted 25 Republican and Democratic conventions.

Add to that total the founding of the Prohibition Party at an 1869 convention in Chicagos Farwell Hall. Plus Theodore Roosevelts Progressive Party, founded in 1912 as a breakaway from the Republican Party that also met in Chicago that same year.

Chicago police officers head toward anti-war demonstrators in Lincoln Park during the 1968 Democratic National Convention held in Chicago. (/ Tribune File Photo)

It was a rare moment of civility in a week of bloody battles  between the police, rebels with various causes and unlucky bystanders  that gave Chicago a long-lasting black eye.

After Bill Clinton's acceptance speech, thousands of balloons descended from the ceiling the United Center during the Democratic National Convention in 1996 in Chicago. (Charles Osgood/Chicago Tribune)

Vintage Chicago Tribune Weekly The Vintage Tribune newsletter is a deep dive into the Chicago Tribune's archives featuring photos and stories about the people, places and events that shape the city's past, present and future. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our Subscriber Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy >

The last time the Democrats were here, the city erupted in riots that tarnished Chicagos reputation and made Mayor Richard J. Daley a symbol of everything that was wrong with big-city politics in America, the Tribune reported ahead of the convention. This time, the legendary mayors son runs the show, and Richard M. Daley is widely recognized as the epitome of the modern American urban leader-praised for staying out of the political fray while being a hard-nosed city manager.

Unlike the tumultuous 1968 convention, nothing happened to interfere with the Democrats gathering this time, either inside or outside the convention hall. Promising to build a bridge into the 21st Century on a foundation of middle-class hopes and dreams, Bill Clinton accepted the Democratic Partys presidential nomination on Aug. 29, 1996.

Dignitaries listen as Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks on a stage behind the Shedd Aquarium on April 12, 2023, during a press conference to celebrate the selection of Chicago as the host for the 2024 Democratic National Convention. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

Chicago, which last hosted the convention in 1996, was selected over Atlanta and New York to host the anticipated renomination of President Joe Biden. Though the choice was announced by the Democratic National Committee, the selection rested with Biden.

The president, in a statement, called Chicago a great choice for the convention as the DNC cited a Midwestern blue wall of states  Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota  as crucial to Bidens 2020 victory and to Democratic midterm victories last year.

Advertisement

Want more vintage Chicago?

Thanks for reading!

Join our Chicagoland history Facebook group and follow us on Instagram for more from Chicagos past.

Have an idea for Vintage Chicago Tribune? Share it with Ron Grossman and Marianne Mather at rgrossman@chicagotribune.com and mmather@chicagotribune.com.
How much would you be willing to pay for a security blanket?

$1?

$100?

$100,000?

If youre most members of the Los Angeles City Council, the answer is apparently about $1 billion.

On Wednesday, they approved a contract with the Los Angeles Police Protective League that will dole out higher starting salaries, bigger pay raises and heftier retention bonuses to the Los Angeles Police Department officers represented by the union.

All told, the four-year contract is expected to increase total police spending to $3.6 billion by 2027, up from the current $3.2 billion.

Read more: L.A. City Council signs off on police raises amid warnings of financial risk

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It's a lot of money, as Councilmember Bob Blumenfield said before the 12-3 vote. But it's worth it, so the story goes, because Los Angeles needs more police officers.

Mayor Karen Bass certainly has repeatedly said as much. In fact, she has made it a priority to replenish the ever-shrinking ranks of the LAPD, first by pushing through a $13.1-billion budget that calls for adding about 1,000 officers and now by championing the contract with the police union to provide incentives so officers join the department and stay.

I want to thank the leaders of the City Council for supporting this action and I look forward to working together to ensure that Angelenos are safe, Bass said in a statement after Wednesday's vote.

Not that it took much convincing for some members.

"We want more public safety presence in our communities and on the streets of the Westside," Councilmember Traci Park said during the meeting. "This contract is necessary to keep the police officers we have and to hire the ones we need. And it's essential to rebuild the department and to keep our city safe."

What's missing in this rush to spend roughly $1 billion more over four years to "keep our city safe" is that, for the most part, our city is already getting safer.

Crime, believe it or not, is on the decline when compared with last year  and it remains nowhere near historical highs.

According to data reported by the LAPD, homicides are down 24% while robberies have declined 13% for the reporting period that ended Aug. 12. Earlier this summer, the department also reported drops in hate crimes and the number of shooting victims.

It's not just Los Angeles either.

Nationally, homicides have declined about 12% compared with last year, according to a recent report compiling crime data for more than 100 U.S. cities. Robberies and burglaries in many cities are also down in the first half of 2023 compared with the same period of 2022.

All of which suggests that, while police officers play a role in ensuring public safety, their presence is far from the only factor in reducing crime.

Read more: What the latest police numbers show about crime in L.A., San Francisco and West Hollywood

Not that you would know any of this from watching Wednesday's chaotic debate among eight Republican presidential hopefuls, as they trashed "hollowed out" Democrat-led cities for "defunding the police" and being violent, lawless, dystopian hellholes filled with fentanyl addicts. Los Angeles even got a shoutout.

Nor would you know that this very real national drop in crime has happened even as police departments have continued to shrink.

After all, it's not like Los Angeles is the only city that's losing officers to retirement in droves and having problems with the recruitment of replacements. A similar trend is afoot in many major cities, including New York and Chicago, as well as in several smaller cities closer to home in California.

Councilmember Nithya Raman touched on this Wednesday when she questioned whether paying higher salaries and giving out bigger bonuses would really solve the LAPD's staffing shortage. Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez has asked this as well.

I think the most honest thing that Ive heard about why were at these LAPD numbers was from an LAPD officer, he told The Times. He said to me that Nobody wants to be a police officer because we have an image problem."

Not really getting answers, Soto-Martinez, Raman and Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez all voted against approving the contract with the Los Angeles Police Protective League on Wednesday.

At a news conference before the meeting with activists from Black Lives Matter-L.A., Hernandez explained why setting aside so much money in the city's budget is financially irresponsible.

"Our budget is a zero sum game," she said. "When we allocate so much of our city dollars to just one department, we starve all of our other departments of the money, personnel and resources that they need to serve Angelenos."

Soto-Martinez argued on social media that the contract is doubling down on an expensive, failed status quo.

Nevertheless, it passed easily. That's because, while the cold, hard reality of data was on the council members' side (including the increase in the number of people shot by the LAPD this year), the political narrative wasn't.

Read more: Column: If not cops or guns, what will it take to make us feel safe? L.A. has a new answer

There has long been a disconnect between the facts about crime and what the public believes about crime. People don't feel safe. They are afraid  something that's only underscored when there's a mass shooting at a biker bar in Orange County on an otherwise dull weekday night, even if the alleged shooter is a retired cop.

A recent poll from Public Policy Institute of California found that an "overwhelming majority" of adults in the state believe that violence and street crime are "big" problems or "somewhat" problems in their neighborhoods.

And about half of those polled believe things have gotten worse over the last year  about the same percentage who believe police are doing a good job at reducing crime.

Data be damned.

So while it remains to be seen whether paying officers nearly $1 billion more in raises and bonuses will result in an expansion of the LAPD, one thing is clear. The City Council's vote to at least try is sure to make a number of Angelenos feel safer.

Like a security blanket. A very expensive security blanket.

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.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, has told US officials that Ukrainian forces are on the cusp of a breakthrough in the counteroffensive.

Source: The Wall Street Journal

Quote from the WSJ: "It isnt too late for Ukraine to make gains, according to U.S. officials. Ukrainian commanders also say that time hasnt yet run out on their counteroffensive, and Zaluzhny [sic] has told U.S. officials his forces are on the cusp of a breakthrough."

Details: The WSJ reported that Ukrainian and US officials have been engaged in an "intense behind-the-scenes debate for weeks over the strategy and tactics for reviving Kyivs slow-moving counteroffensive".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

US military officials have been urging their Ukrainian counterparts to concentrate their forces to try to break through Russian defences and push to the Sea of Azov.

According to the WSJ, "Kyiv has made some adjustments in recent weeks, but the two sides are still at odds about how to turn the tables on the Russians in the limited time they have before winter sets in."

The advice offered by US officials is based on the assumption that the more than $43 billion in weapons the US has provided to Ukraine is sufficient for this offensive but is unlikely to be renewed at the same level next year.

"We built up this mountain of steel for the counteroffensive. We cant do that again. [This opportunity] doesnt exist," one former US official said.

Meanwhile, Zaluzhnyi stressed that this war was not a "counterinsurgency". This is Kursk," he said, referring to the major World War II battle between Germany and the Soviet Union.

After US officials warned Ukrainian military commanders against scattering their efforts, the Ukrainians adjusted their strategy and shifted to defending the eastern part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast. This shift allowed them to preserve their forces for a major offensive elsewhere and to limit the use of artillery.

But US officials say Ukrainian forces are still too dispersed for a concentrated offensive to the south, with numerous brigades deployed in the east; they also think the Ukrainians are still not combining the use of artillery, mechanised units, and mine-clearing efforts effectively.

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!






Tucker Carlson 's interview with former President Trump ran on X (formerly Twitter) on the same night as the first Republican presidential primary debate, which was hosted by Fox News. (Chris Delmas / AFP via Getty Images)

How do you get indicted every week and stay cheerful? ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked former President Trump in an interview that was meant to steal the thunder from the first Republican primary debate on Wednesday.

The pre-taped, 46-minute discussion, which was streamed on X (formerly Twitter), was more like a gentle softball toss between friends than the sort of high-wattage spectacle both men are accustomed to generating, particularly on Fox News, the network that hosted the debate, that no longer employs Carlson and that has become increasingly critical of Trump. They chatted about President Bidens skinny legs, what they felt really happened to Jeffrey Epstein in jail (Suicide or murder? Carlson asked with a furrowed brow) and rehashed Trumps reasoning for skipping the debate, which was running live at the same time the video was released.

But judging by Thursday mornings headlines and social media trends, the once powerful showmen were overshadowed by a gathering of low-polling GOP candidates in Milwaukee  stoic former Vice President Mike Pence versus the mouthy entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  and more bad news associated with Trumps 2020 run for the White House.

Mugshots of Trumps co-defendants Rudy Giuliani and other political allies flooded the mediasphere after the former New York mayor surrendered to authorities in Georgia in connection with a sprawling case to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Trump is expected to surrender at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta on Thursday  one of four criminal cases filed against the former reality star in recent months.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Comradery between Trump and Carlson, forged around years of promoting the Big Lie and a bond cemented by both men's loss of their former thrones, permeated the interview. Carlson, who actively promoted Trump on his show, but privately criticized him, was fired by Fox News in April after a defamation suit. "I think it was a terrible move getting rid of you," Trump said to Carlson about his dismissal from the crown jewel of Rupert Murdochs media empire.

Meanwhile, Carlson played to Trumps claims of being unfairly targeted and victimized when he asked the former president about all the indictments against him: Are you worried theyd try and kill you? Why wouldnt they try and kill you, honestly? The two also leaned into a familiar interview pattern from their days at the top of the media spin: Carlson gave Trump the unobstructed runway to attack detractors rather than discuss policy. But even Trumps vitriol toward the savage maniac lunatic he never trusted, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, felt like an old trick in a drastically new era.

The Republican presidential candidates, from left: former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson , former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. (Morry Gash / Associated Press)

Meanwhile Wednesday, Christie battled it out onstage in a two-hour debate that also included Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. Given Trumps absence, it was their chance to loosen the grip that their partys frontrunner has on the Republican electorate.

Ramaswamy stole a page from Trumps 2016 playbook, emerging as a stroppy candidate challenging the status quo of Washington. The 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur baited everyone onstage, saying that they were bought and paid for, declaring that the climate change agenda was a hoax and that hed stop supporting Ukraine should he become president.

Haley came down hard on the zealous newcomer in what was perhaps the most pointed exchange of the evening. Look at what Putin did today, she said, referring to a questionable plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, a critic of the Russian president. He killed Prigozhin. 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."

DeSantis, who has been polling a distant second behind Trump, appeared stuck in 2020 when he railed against COVID-era lockdown protocols, promised to send Biden back to the basement and demonized the former chief medical adviser to the president, Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Despite the rest of the groups willingness to passionately debate hot topics such as a federal abortion ban, all were reticent to talk about the guy who wasnt there. It was nearly an hour into the broadcast when moderator Bret Baier finally said, We are going to take a brief moment and talk about the elephant not in the room.

He then asked the candidates, If former President Trump is convicted in a court of law, would you still support him as the party's choice? All responded in the affirmative except for Christie and Hutchinson, both of whom were showered with a litany of boos from the rowdy crowd.

Then, after just 10 minutes spent on the right's greatest chance and obstacle in retaking the White House, co-moderator Martha MacCallum switched subjects. You could almost hear the collective sigh of relief.

As of midday Thursday, the 46-minute conversation between Trump and Carlson on X has attracted more than 150 million views, according to the social media platform, while viewership numbers on the debate were still unavailable. But comparisons are tough, given that X view counts include anyone who has scrolled past the video since it was posted Wednesday, even if only for a few seconds, and Fox News numbers dont include the many other ways that people may have watched the debate (YouTube and DVR, for example).

One thing that is clear: The duo's conversation about "unfriendly" Fox News, the sale of the Panama canal or Trumps deregulation of low-flow shower heads was hardly driving the national conversation Thursday. Trump's impending surrender and the fireworks and flubs of the other presidential hopefuls shaped the narrative, rather than a chat between two men grasping to reclaim their former seats of power.

Sign up for L.A. Goes Out, a weekly newsletter about exploring and experiencing Los Angeles from the L.A. Times.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The deadly house explosion that killed one woman, injured another and rocked the small town of Berlin in April is tied to an improperly stored propane tank by a fuel company employee, the State Fire Marshals Office said Thursday.

The exact ignition source has yet to be determined but officials say the explosion that leveled the home at 71 Pleasant Street and killed 79-year-old Judith Christensen on April 14 occurred just hours after residents reported smelling propane gas.

Residents near the house told officials they could smell gas emitting from two 100-pound liquid propane gas cylinders in the homes backyard the night of April 13. When an employee from Knight Fuel Company came to deal with the leak, the employee moved the tank to a location around 20 feet from the home, officials say. The propane gas, which is heavier than air, then began to seep into the homes basement through the fieldstone foundation and basement walkout, where it ignited around 3:30 a.m., officials say.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Knight Fueling Company was cited for violating the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code bystoring more than 42 pounds of propane without a permit; failing to notify the Berlin Fire Department of the leaking tank; filling and delivering out-of-date propane cylinders to the Pleasant Street home; failing to notify the property owner that the leaking cylinder was out of date; and other actions, according to the State Fire Marshals office.

According to Berlin Fire Chief Michael McQuillen, the explosion sent debris as far as 300 feet, damaging three other homes and two nearby vehicles.

Christensen worked for years at the Berling General Store, a neighbor told Boston 25 News. Her daughter was pulled from the rubble by bystanders who rushed to the scene of the explosion.

They lifted it up and took her out. They could hear her that she was alive still. They took her out and did all they could. They were very heroic, brave, said Brook Lavache.

Lavache told Boston 25 that the explosion was so loud, that she was still dealing with its effects hours later.

The sound. My ears are still ringing, described Lavache.

An exact ignition source was not able to be determined due to the extent of the damage caused by the explosion.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
A jury awarded $10.5 million to the family of a 61-year-old man who was killed in a collision during a police chase in April 2018 on the citys North Side.

The victim, Tuong Lam, suffered for 17 minutes after his vehicle was struck by a car fleeing police on April 13, 2018, according to attorneys representing Lams estate.

Shortly after the crash, prosecutors charged the motorist who fled police with reckless homicide. That man, Jusef Wofford, of West Rogers Park, later pleaded guilty to aggravated DUI and was sentenced to nine years in prison.

But Lams family attorneys argued that three Chicago police officers chased the motorist without notifying their supervisor on radio and were reckless in their actions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A police vehicle had been chasing the motorist at speeds up to 90 mph and traveling the wrong way down a one-way street. Lam had to be cut from his vehicle and suffered fatal internal bleeding, the news release said.

The Cook County jury deliberated for more than three hours before giving a unanimous verdict against the city Tuesday. The jury awarded Lams estate $3 million for loss to society, $6 million for grief, sorrow and mental suffering and an additional $1.5 million for conscious pain and suffering, according to court documents.

A city spokesperson wasnt immediately available for comment.

Were pleased the jury held the city responsible for their reckless actions, Michael D. Ditore, one of Lams attorneys, said in a news release. The evidence was clear that the officers violated the Chicago Police Departments own rules that were designed to prevent tragedies like this,

Lam, who immigrated to America in 1982, is survived by three adult children and his wife, who testified during the weeklong trial, the news release said.
Erwin Lima has worked weekends detailing motorcycles at Cooks Corner since 2007.

The longtime establishment, which sits at the juncture of El Toro, Santiago Canyon and Live Oak Canyon roads near ONeill Regional Park, is known as a biker bar as well as a family-friendly spot where patrons often bring their children for an inexpensive weeknight dinner.

On Thursday morning, Lima stood outside police tape blocking the two-lane road that leads to the popular roadside spot, concern etched on his face. He had driven to the bar hoping to learn anything he could about the condition of his co-workers and friends.

I couldnt believe it when I started getting calls, he said. He turned on the TV on Wednesday night to news of a mass shooting at Cook's Corner in which four people were killed, including the gunman, and six others were injured.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

My body just shut down, said Lima, 54.

He later learned that a bullet had grazed the arm of his friend Thomas, who works in the bars kitchen.

Read more: Ex-cop was gunning for estranged wife, then shot randomly, killing 3 and wounding 6 at O.C. bar

Orange County authorities identified the gunman as John Snowling, a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department. Snowling was targeting his estranged wife, who was reportedly a regular at the bar, according to two law enforcement sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Snowlings estranged wife, Marie Snowling, survived the shooting and is hospitalized. It was unclear whether Snowling followed her to the bar before opening fire on the crowd, they said.

Lima said Marie Snowling frequented the bar most weekends, enjoying its live music offerings. Sometimes it would get so crowded that shed bring her own chair so she would have somewhere to sit, he said.

A law enforcement tent is set up in the parking lot next to a row of motorcycles at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon on Thursday after a mass shooting Wednesday night. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Betty Fruichantie posted on Facebook that she was sharing a table with her friend Marie before the shooting. She said the gunman fired four to six shots straight at her, although she was not injured. But her friend was struck, she said.

"He shot her in the face," she wrote. "They transported her to the ER."

In a video Fruichantie posted from outside the bar immediately after the shooting, first responders can be seen tending to victims and placing them on gurneys. In one frame, the video pans to a woman being wheeled away on a stretcher.

"Oh, my God, Marie," the person shooting the video can be heard saying.

Read more: What we know about Cook's Corner mass shooter John Snowling

Geoffrey Kagy, 52, said he and his girlfriend, Jacqueline Bass, are regulars at the bar. On Wednesday night, she was at Cooks Corner without him when around 7:30 p.m. she suddenly sent Kagy a volley of text messages. The first said 911, followed by Help and Omg.

When they spoke by phone, Kagy said, she just kept saying how she was running and that she saw somebody shoot.

Gus Gunderman had stopped by Cooks Corner on Wednesday evening for a bite to eat and had left moments before the shooting started. The bar was filled with patrons sipping beers, he said, and a band was onstage prepping for a set. On the patio, families sat devouring large plates of pasta and salad during the eatery's $8 spaghetti night.

Read more: Photos: Scenes from the deadly Orange County bar shooting

Gunderman, 60, ordered a burger and a Coke, not remembering it was all-you-can-eat spaghetti night. Looking back, hes grateful for that decision.

Had I ordered spaghetti, I would have gotten another plate or more salad  and then I would have been in the thick of it.

First responders treat people at the scene of a mass shooting at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon. (OnScene.TV)

Its a tragedy, said Gunderman, a Tustin resident, who noted he's never once felt unsafe there.

While Cooks Corner is a popular haunt for local riders who want to avoid freeway congestion and enjoy the winding route through the hills to get there, it's also a beloved dining spot.

Ive never even seen a fight there. This could have happened anywhere, he said. It has nothing to do with motorcycles or motorcycle culture.

Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The man who shot and killed three people and wounded six others Wednesday night at the Cook's Corner bar in Trabuco Canyon has been identified by authorities as John Snowling, a retired officer from the Ventura Police Department. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

The man who shot and killed three people and wounded six others Wednesday night at the Cook's Corner bar in Trabuco Canyon was identified Thursday as John Snowling, a retired officer from the Ventura Police Department, according to the Orange County district attorney's office.

Authorities said Snowling, 59, armed with mulitiple weapons, went to Cook's Corner looking for his estranged wife, who had filed for divorce nine months earlier. He walked up to her, and without "a discussion, dialogue or an argument," Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said, "he immediately fired upon her, striking her once."

Marie Snowling had regained consciousness by Thursday afternoon and was expected to survive, officials said. Her husband was killed in a shootout with deputies outside the bar.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

His former colleagues at the Ventura Police Department, where he served for nearly 28 years, were shocked to learn Snowling was the perpetrator of a mass shooting, Cmdr. Sarah Heard said in a brief interview in the station's lobby.

After joining the department in 1986, his tenure as a policeman was largely unremarkable, including stints in the traffic division and as a homeless liaison officer, Heard said. His patrol partner early in his career was Pat Miller, who later became the Ventura police chief.

In the early 2000s, Snowling was on a patrol team that worked safety at Pacific View Mall. This isnt L.A., where we have shootings and stabbings, Snowling said in an interview at the time. Its a pretty safe mall.

Snowling retired as a sergeant in 2014 under normal circumstances, Heard said.

Snowling also led the Ventura Police Officers Assn. for years. As head of the union, he did whatever it took to get the best deal and benefits for his members, according to a person who knew him and requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation.

Read more: Ex-cop was gunning for estranged wife, then shot randomly, killing 3 and wounding 6 at O.C. bar

In the last few years, Snowling's marriage to his wife of nearly 32 years was falling apart. The two separated in 2020, and in December 2022, Marie Snowling filed for divorce, citing "irreconcilable differences," records show. John Snowling was served with the divorce papers in Newark, Ohio, where he'd moved after separating from his wife.

Tristan Tegroen, an attorney who represented John Snowling, said it was about as amicable a divorce case as he had ever handled.

Embittered spouses often trade allegations of abuse or infidelity as they seek to maximize alimony and wrest control of property or children, but in the Snowlings' case, there was nothing like that  nothing at all, Tegroen told The Times.

Marie Snowling did not seek a restraining order against her husband, raise accusations of abuse or say she was fearful of him, Tegroen said.

Tegroen felt both parties were being extremely fair. If you look at the filing, there was no rush to grab money from the guy, he said. A lot of times, theyll try to get temporary alimony. There was none of that.

While Marie Snowling was seeking alimony, theres nothing unusual about that, Tegroen said, and the couples two children are adults, so custody wasnt an issue either.

Tegroen declined to specify which assets were at issue in the case but said they included John Snowlings police pension and real estate. Noting theyd been married for more than three decades, he said, thats a long time to be together, and clearly when you have a marriage that long, theres significant community property issues.

Tegroen did not get the sense that any one issue had prompted the split, only that the two felt their marriage had run its course. John was living in Ohio and she was here, and they were living apart, he said.

Honestly, this came as a horrible shock to me, Tegroen said. "There was nothing on the radar to suggest he might do this.

Marie Snowling's attorney, Kenneth Henjum, said her family was in shock and asked for privacy.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and the families of this tragedy," Henjum said in a statement. "We are awaiting further information from the medical professionals regarding Maries current condition.

Brian McGrath, a captain with the Ventura County Fire Department, said the Snowlings' son works for the department as a firefighter. We are doing everything we can for him in his time of need, McGrath said.

James Goldsmith, 68, who lived two doors from the Snowlings for more than two decades in Camarillo, said Marie Snowling moved out to live with her ailing mother in Orange County.

John Snowling, right, and a fellow Ventura police officer patrol the Pacific View Mall in an undated photo. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Goldsmith said he knew the Snowlings were going through "marital issues" but never heard any shouting or saw the police come by in response to any domestic disputes. Marie Snowling, he said, wanted to go out more and complained that all her husband wanted to do was stay at home.

She was the more social one in the couple and Goldsmith would often see her walking her dog outside. When Goldsmith's son was younger, he would play with the Snowlings' son, Patrick.

John Snowling moved his parents in to the house next door to theirs about 20 years ago. His mother died and he helped look after his father, George, before George died about a year and a half ago, Goldsmith said.

John Snowling had recently purchased a house in Ohio and was staying there most of the time; Goldsmith most recently saw him come back a few months ago to do some maintenance work on the house.

Goldsmith said that John Snowling seemed "controlling" and thinks that he "lost control" once he saw that his wife was moving on with her life. Goldsmith said he didn't know if Marie Snowling had a new partner or was seeing someone new, but he is a Facebook friend of hers and said she would often post about her life after filing for divorce.

I think it reached a point where it felt like life was passing her by because he didnt want to do anything, he said. He would barely maintain the house. I think she wanted to have friends and live life and thats why I think she made the move that she did. Its sad that he couldnt allow that and let her live her own life.

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 from multiple jurisdictions on Wednesday arrested 10 men in Miami-Dade County who law enforcement said are part of a well-organized and sophisticated GPS device theft ring that operated statewide  until Florida Keys deputies found that they stole millions of dollars in merchandise.

Authorities are dubbing the criminal scheme, Operation Garmin, because only Garmin global position satellite devices have been taken.

The thieves have been targeting marinas and stealing the devices from mostly large boats, Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay said at a Wednesday news briefing about the arrests in the Keys.

This is a long case. The case is not over, but were at a critical point where we made a massive amount of arrests, Ramsay told reporters at the sheriffs office station in the Upper Keys. He was joined by brass of other agencies, including the Miami-Dade County Police Department.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ramsay described the operation of being top-down, with those at the top instructing other worker bees who did most of the actual stealing.

Detectives obtained text messages from members of the ring that detailed which areas of the state had more law enforcement presence at any given time, Ramsey added, telling each other which counties they should avoid and which were safe to hit.

Theyre sending messages out to their field troops, where to go, where not to go, whats hot and whats not. Again, very well organized, Ramsay said.

Its not immediately clear how many devices have been stolen since the operation was first noticed by Monroe deputies in April and March, but Ramsay said the low end of the value of electronics stolen is about $2.5 million.

Garmin GPS devices are on the high-end of the price range among other brands, retailing for up to $5,000, according to Ramsay, and most of the targeted boats have two onboard.

We started seeing around March and April that the burglaries were occurring, and they were occurring at marinas and marine storage lots where no one is around, Ramsay said. They were cutting away fences, coming in behind fences, and they had all day to go into the boats because there was no security, no one around.

Ramsay said his detectives notified colleagues in other areas of the state, who told them they too were seeing an increase in marine equipment thefts.

We started seeing this pattern. Almost every week. We communicate with other agencies. Miami-Dade County Police, Collier, started to see a big uptick in marine-related thefts statewide, not just here, but abroad, added Ramsay.

Multi-agency task forces were put together, and cops began learning how the ring operated, Ramsay said. The leadership assembled teams and associates who would steal the gear and bring in back in return for a percentage of money.

There was almost a pyramid scheme, where if they brought more people in, they would get more of a percentage, Ramsay said.

A display shows text messages and maps police say show communications between members of a suspected GPS theft ring. Ten people who police say are members of the group were arrested in Miami-Dade County Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. MCSO

The suspects were arrested in Miami-Dade County, with up to 70 officers from that agency taking part in serving warrants. Those arrested will answer for the charges in Monroe County.

We feel pretty confident were going to get some prison time for these guys, Monroe County State Attorney Dennis Ward told the Miami Herald. The bonds that set are very high, and were happy about that. The only income they have is stealing. I dont know where theyre going to get money from, because theyre going to be locked up here.

Monroe County Circuit Judge Luis Garcia set the highest bonds at $1.08 million each for Juan Felipe Villegas, 19, and 22-year-old Lazaro Arturo Gonzales Munos. The bonds for the eight others arrested range from $50,000 to $465,000.

Together, all 10 suspects face a total of 122 charges, and Ramsay noted some could get as much as 20 years in prison.

Theyre going to jail for a long time. Theyre looking at a million-plus-dollar fines. Thats unheard of. You kill someone, you get less of a bond, Ramsay said.

One of the people in the group remains at large, according to the sheriffs office  53-year-old Milton Horney Gonzalez Gil.

The other people arrested are: Paul Moises Balbino Crespo, 23, Denzel Varona, 18, Jonathan Richard Lopez, 33, Anthony Manuel Guerra, 23, Walfrido William Garcia, 22, Carlos Mederos, 45, Oscar Sahori Medina, 24, and Alfredo Sanchez, 29.

For now, the members of the group only face charges in Monroe County, but Ramsay said they are suspected with hitting 194 other locations in 16 other counties  from Bay to St. Johns.

Monroe police will be working with cops and prosecutors in those counties and more charges could be forthcoming.

Criminals are not territorial to one geographic area. Our stance is look, we dont care who puts the bad people in jail, we just want just want them in jail, to stop crime, to stop people from being victimized, Ramsay said. It just happens today, were the ones who got the warrants.
An extremely rare puma cub was recently born at a zoo in Nicaragua, and its eye-catching fur is drawing attention worldwide.

Officials at the Thomas Belt Zoo, in Juigalpa, announced the birth of an albino cougar in an Aug. 22 news release, sharing an image of the cub being carried in its mothers mouth.

One of the cubs siblings can be seen as well, highlighting the stark difference in coat pattern and color. But if mom can see the difference, she doesnt appear to mind.

We are taking all measures to be able to keep him as healthy as possible, together with his mother, zoo veterinarian Carlos Molina told Agence France-Presse, adding he is healthy, his body is in good condition.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Albinism is a rare condition in which an animal, or a person, has little or no melanin. In addition to causing white fur, albinism often results in poor eyesight.

Currently, the zoo is barring public access to the cubs enclosure, while focusing on ensuring its well-being and survival, the zoo said.

Albino animals have increased sensitivity to sunlight, Molina says, and the mountain lion cub will need a great deal of care, Reuters reported. Molina estimates the cub is one of only four albino pumas in the world, he told the outlet.

In the wild, albinism is often a death sentence. However, in 2013, a white cougar was spotted wandering a forest in Brazil, National Geographic reported in 2020, though the animal hasnt been seen since.

That cougar had leucism  a genetic mutation causing white fur  but not albinism, the outlet reported. Unlike albinism, leucism does not negatively impact eyesight.

Hear mountain lion cubs try their best to hiss and growl at biologists in California

Rarely seen predator spotted tearing up Texas beach, photos show. Look at it dig!

Screaming mom scares off mountain lion attacking her child at WA campsite, rangers say

Massive sea creature with over 3,000 teeth spotted near Texas coast, video shows
Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a failed uprising against the Kremlin exactly two months ago, was on board a plane that crashed on Wednesday, according to Russian officials  raising questions as to exactly how the disaster occurred.

The crash took place northwest of Moscow and killed all on board, said Russias aviation agency, apparently including Prigozhin, chief of the mercenary group that gained prominence for its brutal methods worldwide and its battleground victories in the Ukraine war.

Heres what we know so far.

What happened?

The plane was a private Embraer jet carrying seven passengers and three crew members, according to Russias emergency services ministry.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It had departed from Moscow and was en route to St. Petersburg when it crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino, in Russias western Tver region, Russian officials said. Flight data shows the plane reached an altitude of some 28,000 feet before it suddenly stopped transmitting tracking details.

The bodies of eight people have been found at the crash site, according to Russian state media. The official state news agency TASS reported the plane burned up on impact. It had been in the air for about half an hour.

Upon freefall the Embraer plane wreckage broke apart across a 2 km area away from the village [Kuzhenkino] where most of the fuselage wreckage was found, state media outlet Russia 24 reported Thursday. The majority of the wreckage fell near agricultural enterprises.

Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti also reported Thursday that one of the fragments of the plane was lying on the entry road into Kuzhenkino, where police had set up a cordon, with several special services cars parked nearby.

Video published by RIA Novosti showed a plane plummeting 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 woman from Kuzhenkino told RIA Novosti she heard the sound of an airplane near her house on Wednesday evening, that was something like a bang, like a shot.

She continued: Then suddenly an explosion, I look up and heard a sound above me  it was like pops, like several explosions.

The plane started to swerve. Then a plume of smoke emerged and the plane began to descend, to dive.

After the plane fell from the sky, residents told the state media outlet that a black cloud was visible. Lyudmila Osypova told RIA Novosti that a neighbor ran up to me, her hands were shaking. When we got to the window, I saw only one mushroom cloud, like a black cloud.

The woman clarified that she did not see the moment of the crash with her own eyes, but the neighbor claimed that she had. She said that it was terrifying. There was a loud bang, then she turned her head to look and the whole plane was in sparkles of fire, it was all lit up. Said they saw it caught fire and began to fall, Osypova added.

Its not yet clear what caused the plane to crash. Russian authorities said they were investigating and conducting search operations.

Its coming down quickly in a spin, and its trailing a lot of smoke. So, this is an aircraft that was on fire. And it looks like some structural pieces, aerodynamic surfaces, were missing, veteran science and aerospace reporter Miles OBrien told CNN after reviewing footage of the planes fall.

An aircraft like this  they just dont catastrophically drop out of the sky without something very unusual happening, he said.

An event like this could be caused by an explosion either inside or outside the aircraft, OBrien added  like an explosive going off on board, or the aircraft being hit by a missile.

David Soucie, a former safety inspector with the US Federal Aviation Administration, echoed this possibility, saying the planes fall looked like it had only one wing left.

Speaking to CNN, US officials cautioned that it was too early to draw any conclusions about the cause, but a number of possibilities are being evaluated, including an on-board explosive device causing the crash.

At the same time, people familiar with the intelligence do believe that the downing of the plane was deliberate and that the goal was to kill Prigozhin.

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said Thursday that it is the Defense Departments belief that the Wagner chief was indeed killed in the crash, adding that the Pentagon doesnt have any information to indicate right now that the plane Prigozhin was on was shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

Was Prigozhin on board?

Prigozhin and several top Wagner lieutenants were named on a list of passengers shared by Russias aviation agency.

A Telegram channel linked to Wagner, which had previously carried the groups propaganda videos, also issued a statement saying Prigozhin had been killed. CNN is unable to confirm the claim.

Other channels associated with Prigozhin and Wagner, including his official Telegram channel, have remained silent.

But there are other clues linking the warlord and the crash.

Another video released by RIA Novosti purports to show the crash site, where the last four digits of a registration number are visible on the plane engine debris: 2795. Prigozhins own plane, linked to his companies and the Wagner group, is registered as RA-02795.

Plane wreckage is seen in Russia's western Tver region on August 23, 2023. - Ostorozhno Novosti via Reuters

The crew commander of the Embraer plane was an experienced pilot who started his career flying multipurpose L-410 twin-engine short-range aircraft, his wife told Russian state TV channel RT.

Svetlana Levshina  who said she learned of the apparent death of her husband, Alexei Levshin, through the media  told RT he had been educated at the Sasovsky Civil Aviation Flight School in the Ryazan region and the St. Petersburg Academy of Civil Aviation. He also worked on the Antonov An-2, she said.

Was this payback?

The crash came two months to the day after Prigozhins attempted mutiny against Russias military leadership.

Back in June, Prigozhin and his Wagner troops seized key military sites and marched toward Moscow, where the Kremlin had deployed heavily armed troops to the streets. But before they could face off, a deal was struck that ended the rebellion and sent Prigozhin and his fighters to neighboring Belarus.

It marked the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putins rule in 23 years. But it also painted a target on Prigozhins back, with some experts speculating the warlord was a dead man walking.

Even US President Joe Biden suggested on Wednesday that Putin may have been involved in the crash. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, he said.

CIA Director Bill Burns and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have made similar comments, pointing out Putins long history of payback and the frequency with which Russian critics or dissidents die in mysterious circumstances.

Bill Browder, a Putin critic and formerly the largest foreign investor in Russia before he was expelled from the country, said he was surprised Prigozhin survived for as long as he did after the rebellion. Other Wagner leaders and Prigozhin allies may now be either on the run or in hiding, he said.

About 24 hours after the initial reports of the crash emerged, Putin made his first remarks on the incident as he sent his condolences to the families of all the victims.

I knew Prigozhin for a very long time, since the early 90s, said Putin, who referred to the Wagner chief in the past tense throughout his remarks at the Kremlin on Thursday.

He was a man of difficult fate, and he made serious mistakes in life, the president said, though he added that Prigozhin had achieved the results needed both for his own interests and for a common cause at Putins request.

He was a talented man, a talented businessman. He worked not only in our country, but also abroad, in Africa, the Russian president said.

Putin said the Wagner chief had, as far as he knew, returned from Africa shortly before the crash Wednesday. Wagner fighters have been active in several African countries, including Mali, where they were invited by the ruling junta to quell an Islamic insurgency brewing near the countrys borders with Burkina Faso and Niger.

Wagner fighters have made a significant contribution to Russias efforts in Ukraine, Putin added.

Whats the public reaction so far?

Prigozhin and Wagner have their share of supporters among the Russian public  which was evident during the failed insurrection. In cities briefly occupied by Wagner, videos showed residents cheering them on, taking pictures with fighters, and flagging down Prigozhins car just to shake his hand.

On Wednesday night, people gathered in St. Petersburg to leave tributes for Prigozhin such as flowers, candles and Wagner chevron patches. Video showed members of the public unfurling a large banner outside Wagners headquarters that read, Wagner PMC. We are together.

Photos show a range of people mourning at the site, including young men, couples and teenagers; some are clearly distressed, embracing each other.

Alexander Dugin, a prominent Russias ultra-nationalist figure, described Prigozhin as a hero. He shared an anecdote in which his daughter Darya  who was killed in a bomb explosion in Moscow last summer  described Prigozhin in glowing terms at the outset of the war.

Prigozhin is so strong and confident, bold, sharp, that, for sure, no one prays for him. It doesnt even cross anyones mind. Lets start praying for him, Dugin recounted his daughter saying.

Dugin added on his Telegram channel: If the diabolical enemy kills our heroes with precision, it means that we have heroes.

The news is likely to meet a far different reaction in Ukraine. Wagner forces were heavily involved in taking several Ukrainian towns early this year, delivering tangible progress for the Russian side  but often at the expense of sending waves of mercenaries into what Prigozhin called the meat grinder.

There will be no tears shed here at all, if indeed he has died, said CNNs Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh, currently based in Ukraine. He added that one Ukrainian soldier on the front lines had already texted him Wednesday to celebrate the news.

CNNs Tara John, Mariya Knight, Tim Lister, Paul P. Murphy, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Tara Subramaniam, Jack Guy, Caolan Magee, Sophie Tanno, Leinz Vales, Aditi Sangal, Adrienne Vogt and Mike Hayes, Josh Pennington, Clare Sebastian, Haley Britzky, Anna Chernova and Katharina Krebs contributed reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A man walks between houses flooded by the rains of Tropical Storm Franklin, along the Ozama River in the Gualey neighborhood of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Ricardo Hernandez/AP)

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic  Tropical Storm Franklin unleashed heavy floods and landslides in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday after making landfall in the countrys southern region, killing at least one person and leaving two others missing.

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.

Advertisement

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 countrys 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 countrys 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.

Advertisement

The Civil Defense said a man identified as Carlos Marino Martinez 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, officials said.

More than 350 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. Meanwhile, Jose Luis Cabrera with the Civil Defense agency told Noticias SIN that a teenage boy is missing after a river swept him away on Wednesday.

Six of them jumped in, and one of them didnt make it back, he said.

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.

Theres a lot of damage, Mendez said.

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 mothers house for safety.

Advertisement

People have refused to leave, he said.

On Wednesday night, the storm was centered about 75 miles (120 kilometers) south-southeast of Grand Turk Island, 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 swelled across the Dominican Republic, 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 homes 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.

Advertisement

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 Programs 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 346,000 customers were without power, and some 120 aqueducts were out of service because of heavy rains, affecting more than 1.6 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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Coto reported from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
If Volodymyr Zelensky ends up seeing any clips of Wednesday nights Republican debate in Milwaukee, one could bet that he would respond by redoubling his lobbying efforts among GOP leaders in Washington.

Ukraines bitter struggle with Russia has now lasted far longer than boasting Kremlin officials had once predicted, thanks in part to the fierce resistance staged by the Ukrainian army and due to the steady stream of weapons and supplies fueling that army from the West.

But if the words of Republican presidential contenders this week were any indication, that metaphorical pipeline from Washington may suffer the same fate as the Nord Stream project  blown to smithereens.

The topic of Ukraine was one of the most divisive issues to hit the stage Wednesday evening. A question about the issue was a scene-setting for the nights biggest showdown, a stunning rebuke of Vivek Ramaswamys understanding of geopolitics by ex-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who was clearly ready to school any Republican willing to suggest Americas retreat from its global military footprint.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You will make America less safe. You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows, Ms Haley admonished him.

Former Ambassador Nikki Haley slams Vivek Ramaswamy at the GOP debate on Ukraine and foreign policy:



You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country ... You would make America less safe. You have no foreign policy experience and it shows. It shows. pic.twitter.com/NRilZGZf7G  The Recount (@therecount) August 24, 2023

But theres one issue with that admonishment: Ms Haleys standing in the polls. Shes not exactly a frontrunner right now; that spot is occupied by Donald Trump, whose most famous foreign policy position may well be his well-enunciated skepticism towards Nato. And in second place is Floridas Ron DeSantis, who himself has raised the idea that aid to Kyiv should dry up or be reduced.

And then theres Mr Ramaswamy, the loudest critic of Americas foreign military aid programmes to actually attend the debate, thanks to Mr Trumps absence. Should either of the two leading contenders falter, Mr Ramaswamys surging campaign all but guarantees that the hawkish wing of the GOP will be playing second fiddle, at least for the near future.

The scene onstage contrasted sharply with the dynamics of the Democratic Party, headed by incumbent President Joe Biden. Democrats, especially their voters, are strongly unified around the idea of supporting Ukraines military, though sharper divisions present themselves when the question of drawing a red line for direct military action is presented.

Presuming purely for analysis sake that one of the Republican candidates currently in the race wins next years presidential election, these voices are not going away. Even a vocally pro-Ukraine Republican like Ms Haley or former Gov Chris Christie would face a growing chorus of voices in their own party against the idea of further aid, making the passage of such legislation through Congress all the more dependent on Democratic votes. A President Haley or President Mike Pence will still have to deal with the Marjorie Taylor Greenes and others in their party, and that may mean some serious concessions.

Complicating the issue (and so many others) is the ongoing scandal surrounding Hunter Biden, President Bidens adult son. The younger Mr Biden has been accused by Republicans of using his fathers name and influence to secure lucrative business deals and gifts in exchange for access to then-VP Biden. And hes accused of doing so in Ukraine, before Russias invasion ramped up last year.

Many on the far-right who believe that the Justice Department is not taking those allegations seriously have argued relatedly for an end to aid to Ukraine, which they portray as being run by a corrupt government closely tied to the Bidens.

In short, the path forward for Kiev is riddled with uncertainty. For all the shows of support, the US-Ukraine dynamic will almost certainly shift if the keys to the White House change hands in 2025. What remains to be seen is how convincing either sides argument will be in the first real intra-party battle for the Republican Party in almost 10 years.
FILE PHOTO: The Wider Image: Rising sea levels are forcing Fiji's villagers to relocate. They want polluters to pay instead

FILE PHOTO: The Wider Image: Rising sea levels are forcing Fiji's villagers to relocate. They want polluters to pay instead

By Gloria Dickie and Isla Binnie

(Reuters) - Environmental leaders from 185 countries gathered in Vancouver, Canada, on Thursday to adopt a multibillion-dollar fund to support global conservation, and the United Nations called for contributions to help protect 30% of land and coastal areas by 2030.

The meeting comes eight months after governments agreed to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework  which some have called the "Paris Agreement for Nature", invoking the landmark 2015 U.N. pact to tackle climate change. More than a million species are estimated to be facing extinction, according to the U.N.

One of the framework's 23 targets is to help mobilize public and private sector players to funnel $200 billion per year to conservation initiatives by 2030, with developed countries contributing at least $20 billion of this every year by 2025.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We are off to a good start," said David Cooper, acting executive secretary of the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity. "We now call for further pledges from countries and from other sources so that the first projects under the new fund can be launched next year."

The fund has so far fallen short of the $200 million U.S. dollars it needs to become fully operational by December, as required by the World Bank as a trustee.

Canada on Thursday said it would put in 200 million Canadian dollars ($147 million) and the United Kingdom contributed 10 million pounds ($13 million).

"The time for half-measures has passed," said Oscar Soria, director of the non-profit Avaaz. "Surely donors can come up with the paltry $40 million" needed to get the fund up and running.

The fund launched on Thursday is managed within the Global Environment Facility (GEF)  a mechanism established under the U.N. Convention on Biological Diversity and the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change which has provided more than $23 billion to thousands of projects over the past 30 years.

The world's least developed countries and small island states will take priority and receive more than a third of the funds, with a target for as much as 20% to go to projects led by indigenous people and local communities, the GEF said in a statement.

(Reporting by Gloria Dickie in London, additional reporting by Isla Binnie in New York; Editing by David Gregorio and Giles Elgood)
Fulstow and Hillier went on holiday to Jamaica together after the killing - GMP/PA

An electrician was shot in the face and doused in acid in revenge for an alleged rape, a court has heard as his murderers were jailed.

Liam Smith, a father-of-two, was lured outside his home and killed in a brutal and cold-blooded murder in Wigan on Nov 24 last year.

Rachel Fulstow, 37, from York, and Michael Hillier, 39, from Sheffield, were given life sentences on Thursday after a trial at Manchesters Minshull Street Crown Court.

Fulstow, who started seeing Hillier in 2021, had previously been on a date with Mr Smith in York in 2019, the court heard.

Hillier told the court she had confided in him in 2022 that she had been graphically raped by Mr Smith and that together they decided to go down the vigilante route to seek justice.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a statement outside the court, Mr Smiths family said he was innocent and he had been denied the chance to publicly clear his name.

Liam Smith had been on a date with Fulstow - PA

Sentencing the pair, Judge Maurice Greene said whatever happened on the night appeared to be the underlying motive for the attack.

He said: It was decided between you, you would execute your own vengeance.

The two of you decided to act as judge, jury and executioner. He described the murder as brutal and cold-blooded.

Addressing Fulstow, a Leeds University graduate, the judge said it was almost incomprehensible that she had acted the way she had.

He added: Whatever happened between you and Liam Smith can never be justification for what you and Michael Hillier did.

Michael Hillier and Rachel Fulstow were given life sentences - GMP/PA

Cannabis dealer Hillier travelled from Sheffield to Wigan three weeks before the murder, and carried out reconnaissance on Mr Smiths address, the court heard.

Hillier then went back to Sheffield before returning to the house on Nov 24, and waiting for 10 hours in a car with fake number plates, armed with a shotgun.

At about 6.40pm, he lured Mr Smith out of his house and shot him with a modified shotgun before pouring acid and soda crystals over him, the court was told.

Hillier was arrested on suspicion of murder in January 2023 and Fulstow in February 2023.

Fulstow claimed she knew nothing of the attack until Hillier arrived at her house in Andrew Drive, York, and was petrified to go to the police.

The court heard that in the days after the killing the couple went on holiday to Jamaica together.

The pair were given life sentences with minimum terms of more than 30 years. Hillier was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 33 years in prison and Fulstow was found guilty of murder and perverting the course of justice. She was sentenced to 30 years.

Hillier poses with guns - PA

In a statement read to the court, Mr Smiths mother, Julia, said he was a devoted father to his sons, aged 11 and 14, and a gentleman. She told the court: We are never going to be able to fill this massive void which has been left in our lives.

Louise Blackwell KC, mitigating for Hillier, said he would not have carried out the attack were it not for his drug addiction and the influence of Fulstow.

She said: Of course, Mr Hillier took the lead role in the sense that he went and he was the person who carried out the acts but it was under pressure from Fulstow.

Det Chief Insp Gina Brennand of Greater Manchester Police said: My thoughts and the thoughts of the investigation team will always remain with Liams family. They will never ever get over this tragedy, nor should they be expected to, and the actions of Michael and Rachel were nothing short of despicable.

On the night of Liams murder, police and other emergency services were working incredibly hard to try and ascertain the facts. It was unclear what had happened to Liam that night and it was very concerning for local residents.

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.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Court documents out of Wyandotte County give more insight into the July killing of Samuel McGriff and stabbing of a woman in Kansas City, Kansas.

John Eugene McGriff is charged with second-degree murder, aggravated battery, mistreatment of a dependent person or elder person and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

KCK police investigating deadly shooting near 8th, Parallel Parkway

According to court documents, KCK police officers responded to a stabbing in the area of S. 36th Street and Metropolitan Avenue in the citys Argentine neighborhood.

When officers arrived on scene they located a woman, identified as Stephanie Perez, suffering from multiple stab wounds. She was taken to KU hospital for emergency treatment of life-threatening injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Perezs mom stated that her daughter was volunteering at the food kitchen at the church around the corner as she does every Tuesday. She looked out the window and saw Perez walking home on the sidewalk. She then saw a man walking towards Perez, covered in blood and carrying a large knife and screaming, according to court documents.

The suspect did not say anything, he just screamed, court documents say. Perezs mom called out to her to cross the street when the suspect was about 10 feet away.

Kansas City-area schools delaying football games amid extreme wave

Perezs mom said she ran to put her clothes on and when she came out, police and EMS were already in the area attending to her daughter.

Two officers located the suspect in the area of S. 37th Street and Strong Avenue. Court documents say when the officers got out of their marked KCKPD vehicles, John McGriff was holding a six-inch double sided blade knife and started advancing on an officer. The suspect was given repeated commands to stop and to drop the knife.

Court documents say John McGriff was yelling and making stabbing motions with the knife and then ran towards one of the officers. The officer fired his weapon at the suspect in fear of his safety.

John McGriff was struck by the officers weapon and fell to the ground. The knife was kicked away from him. He then stood up and tried to run until he fell to the ground again, according to court documents. He was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment.

While on scene, officers were flagged down by the property manager of an apartment building, saying she had just found a man who appeared deceased. Court documents say officers responded to the apartment, where the door was open and Samuel McGriff, the father of John McGriff, was found lying face down on the ground with what appeared to be stab wounds to the head, torso and arms.

The next day, detectives received a cellphone video of the suspect wearing a scary clown mask walking around the area of the homicide during a rainstorm holding a knife. During a search of the scene the day before, Halloween style masks were photographed but not recovered. Court documents say at the time of the search, the information of the suspect wearing the mask was not known. An additional search warrant was obtained and the mask was recovered.

Man found dead in boat at Hillsdale Lake: sheriffs office

The video shows the suspect walking on different streets during the rainstorm dressed in all black, wearing the clown mask. Court documents say there was no blood in the suspects room which would suggest he dropped the mask off before killing his father.

John McGriff is scheduled for a competency hearing on Aug. 29 in Wyandotte County District Court.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The COVID-19 test positivity rate and the number of hospital patients infected with the disease has been on a steady increase this summer in California, recent state health data show.

The increase in coronavirus activity comes as federal officials recently detected a new subvariant in the United States, with local health experts again warning those most at risk to protect themselves from the infectious disease.

The seven-day COVID-19 test positivity rate in California is at 13.2%, based on state health data updated Thursday, showing figures through Monday. Thats an increase by 2% from the week before and a 6.5% jump from July 24. Californias seven-day positivity rate has been climbing since May 5, when it was at 3.4%, and is now at its highest point since July 2022.

There were 1,438 total hospital patients with COVID-19 in California as of Aug. 19, according to the most recent state data. Thats 194 more than the previous week, according to Thursdays weekly update from the California Department of Public Health. On July 19, there were 873 COVID-19 patients in hospitals statewide.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday issued a risk assessment summary explaining what is known about the new COVID-19 virus subvariant BA.2.86. The risk assessment was issued after at least two cases of a new variant were identified in the United States, Newsweek reported. The variant also has been detected in U.S. wastewater samples.

CDC officials said all viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time, and these changes can affect how contagious a virus is, how well it responds to treatment and how severely it affects people.

Existing tests used to detect and medications used to treat COVID-19 appear to be effective with this variant. But CDC officials warned BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who have previously had COVID-19 or who have been vaccinated. There is no evidence that this variant is causing more severe illness, but that could change as additional scientific data are developed.

Health officials point to summer travel, people spending more time near each other indoors due to hot weather and new viral variants as likely causes for the increase.

Yolo County officials last week alerted residents of an increase in COVID-19 activity locally as similar increases are being observed across California. Rising levels of the virus have been detected in Yolo County wastewater. Officials said wastewater levels of SARS-CoV-2 in Davis are at their highest since last winters surge, and rising levels also have been detected at monitoring sites in West Sacramento, Woodland and Esparto.

Yolo County Public Health Officer Dr. Aimee Sisson emphasized the importance of vigilance and preventive measures.

Through our wastewater monitoring program, we are seeing a significant uptick in levels of the virus that causes COVID-19, especially in Davis and West Sacramento, Sisson said in a news release. While the current levels are categorized as medium and not high, we are warning more vulnerable members of the community of the rising risk so they can take actions to protect themselves.

The health officer advised Yolo County residents to consider taking precautions if they are at high risk of severe COVID-19 disease, live with people who are at high risk or simply want to avoid infection. Older adults, people with underlying health conditions and those who are immunocompromised are considered to be at high risk of the disease.

COVID-19 rising in the Sacramento region

The seven-day COVID-19 test positivity rate in Sacramento County is at 13.3%, based on state health data updated this week. Thats a 2.3% increase from last week and a 7.1% jump from July 23. Sacramento Countys seven-day positivity rate was 4% on June 28.

There were 74 total hospital patients with COVID-19 in Sacramento county as of Aug. 19, according to the most recent state data. The county had 60 COVID patients a week before, according to CDPH.

In Yolo County, the seven-day test positivity rate also climbed by 2.3% from the previous week, to 16.1% on Monday. The seven-day rate was 7.8% on July 21. There were four hospital patients with COVID-19 in the county as of Aug. 19, up from three the previous week.

In Placer County, the seven-day test positivity rate rose by 1.2% from the previous week to 14.9% this week. The countys seven-day rate was 9.6% on July 21. There were 38 total hospital patients with COVID-19 in the county as of Aug. 19, five fewer patients than the previous week.

The seven-day test positivity rate for El Dorado County is at 19%, an increase by 6.1 percentage points from last week. The countys rate was 10.1% on July 21. There was one hospital patient with COVID-19 in the county as of Aug. 19, 3 fewer patients than the previous week.

Tips for avoiding COVID-19

For those concerned about contracting COVID-19, Sisson recommended these preventive measures:

 Stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination.

 Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces.

 When indoors, improve ventilation by using a high-quality filter in your HVAC and by adding a portable HEPA filter in rooms where you spend time with others.

 Minimize close contact with people outside your household, especially in crowded settings.

 Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizers are a convenient alternative when soap is not available.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now forecasting an acceleration in new COVID-19 hospitalizations over the coming month, the agency said this week, replacing a previous projection that admissions would "remain stable or have an uncertain trend."

It comes as health officials are racing to study a new highly mutated COVID variant called BA.2.86, nicknamed "Pirola" on social media, that has begun to emerge around the world.

While officials say it is too early to know whether the strain will drive a further surge in COVID hospitalizations, the variant's broad number of mutations has prompted worldwide scrutiny.

Existing COVID-19 tests and medications "appear to be effective with this variant," the CDC said in a risk assessment published Wednesday, and updated vaccines scheduled to be rolled out next month are expected to "be effective at reducing severe disease and hospitalization" from BA.2.86.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But the strain's large number of mutations could also pose new challenges for immunity from prior infections and vaccinations, the agency warns. Further research with the BA.2.86 strain will be needed to better understand BA.2.86's potential impact.

How are COVID hospitalizations trending?

Trends in cases have been difficult to monitor meaningfully after the end of the public health emergency. Officials have leaned on figures still being reported from hospitals, like new admissions and emergency room visits, to track upticks in the virus.

Before BA.2.86's emergence, new admissions of patients with COVID-19 had already been climbing. Experts think this uptick in hospitalizations was mostly from infections caused by other less-mutated variants, similar to waves seen during previous summers.

Weekly new hospitalizations jumped 21.6% this past week, the CDC said, marking a fifth straight week of increasing admissions.

No unusual uptick in hospital trends so far has been spotted in places that reported early cases of BA.2.86 compared to neighboring regions, the CDC said, though officials will be closely monitoring rates in the weeks to come.

"It is also important to note that the current increase in hospitalizations in the United States is not likely driven by the BA.2.86 variant. This assessment may change as additional data become available," the agency said of BA.2.86.

Where has BA.2.86 been spotted?

According to records from GISAID, a global virus database, infections of BA.2.86 have been confirmed in at least five countries: South Africa, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Israel and the United States.

In the U.S., at least three states  Michigan, Virginia and Ohio  have reported the variant.

The first reported case had been sequenced by a lab at the University of Michigan, in an older adult who was not hospitalized.

A case was also later reported by CDC's airport testing program at Dulles International Airport in Virginia, from a sample of an asymptomatic woman who had traveled to Japan. That sample is now being scrutinized by CDC scientists.

"The identification of BA.2.86 was confirmed by genomic sequencing. The sample is currently at CDC laboratories for further characterization," Brookie Crawford, a spokesperson for Virginia's health department, told CBS News.

A sample from sewers in Ohio is also now being investigated after a preliminary detection of the variant in that state's wastewater.

"ODH is working with the CDC on further evaluation of the sample. As this preliminary detection has not been confirmed, ODH at this time cannot provide any further information," Ken Gordon, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Health, told CBS News in a statement.

Should you get another booster and mask up?

While far from previous peaks seen of the virus, the worsening COVID trends translates to nearly 10 million Americans now living in areas the CDC deems to be at "medium" COVID-19 levels.

Florida's Palm Beach and Hillsborough counties are among the most populous communities at this tier, where the agency urges some additional precautions for some people to avoid the virus.

Those recommendations include wearing a high quality mask when indoors in public, for people who are at high risk of severe disease.

For the general public, the agency says Americans should consider self-testing and masking for contact with others who are at high risk.

They also continue to urge people to get the updated COVID shots, after they are expected to be recommended next month, and stay home if you are sick.

"At this time, we don't know how well this variant spreads, but we know that it spreads in the same way as other variants," the CDC says.

Putin sends condolences to Wagner Group leader Prigozhin's family after apparent death

Inmate allegedly "eaten alive" by bedbugs at jail where Trump will surrender

How did Nikki Haley do at the first GOP debate?
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis laid out her case against former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows in a filing to a federal judge who shot down the ex-Trump aide's attempt to avoid arrest this week.

Willis' filing came after U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones on Wednesday rejected Meadows' and former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark's bids to halt Fulton criminal proceedings, ensuring they will face arrest this week.

Meadows and Clark both filed to move their cases to federal court, arguing that they were acting under their official duties as federal officials and that they have immunity from charges stemming from those actions.

Jones, an Obama appointee, explained that a federal court cannot block their state-level arrest unless it "assumes jurisdiction over a state criminal case."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"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," Jones wrote, adding that defendants can even stand state trial while their motions to move the cases to federal court are pending.

Willis pushed back on Meadows' bid to halt his arrest, noting that even Trump himself "voluntarily agreed to surrender himself to state authorities, while other defendants have already surrendered."

Jones has set a hearing for Monday on Meadows' bid to move the case to federal court.

Willis in a 22-page filing on Wednesday rejected Meadows' claim that his efforts to help former President Donald Trump overturn his election loss were part of his official duties.

"He has demonstrated no basis for an objectively reasonable belief that his actions were necessary and proper to perform his duties while evidence demonstrates that he had personal or criminal motivations for acting," Willis wrote.

Meadows' attorneys argued in their filing that the Fulton case is "precisely the kind of state interference in a federal official's duties that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution prohibits, and that the removal statute shields against."

But Willis argued that Meadows' "criminal intent" undercut his argument.

"Federal removal is designed to protect federal functions from State interference, but that was not a risk in 2020 or 2021 and is not a risk now," Willis wrote. "Instead, this case concerns attempts to interfere in State functions by federal officials without any authority of their own."

The filing argues that the charges against Meadows are specifically focused on actions he took outside of the scope of his job, including his attendance at a "clearly political" November 20, 2020 White House meeting with Michigan lawmakers in which Trump peppered them with false claims of election fraud. The next day, Meadows sought to connect Trump with two Pennsylvania lawmakers, which Willis said was also "clearly political activity."

Willis argued that these actions violated the Hatch Act, a federal law barring government employees from using their official roles to influence the outcome of an election.

Willis argued that Meadows' actions focused on the election results in Georgia, including his trip to observe Georgia's election audit on December 22, 2020 and subsequent request to a state official offering campaign funds to ensure the audit was completed by Jan. 6, 2021 were not part of his official duties.

"The defendant thus explicitly contacted a Georgia official on behalf of the Trump campaign, which is political activity prohibited by the Hatch Act," Willis wrote.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

The prosecutor added that Meadows' participation in Trump's infamous phone call demanding Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger "find" enough votes to overturn his loss was also prohibited activity.

"Since the defendant was forbidden by law to use his authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election or otherwise participate in activity directed toward the success of Mr. Trump as a candidate for the presidency, every single one of these activities fell outside the scope of his duties," Willis wrote.

Willis cited a federal investigation into the Trump administration's Hatch Act violations, quoting Meadows telling investigators at the time that "nobody outside the Beltway really cares" about the Hatch Act violations.

Former federal prosecutor Andrew Weissmann, who served on special counsel Bob Mueller's team, praised Willis for "skillfully" using Meadows' own statement against him.

"The court will care, I think," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Fani skillfully uses this Meadows statement to investigators admitting he cavalierly performed prohibited campaign work while at the White House: "nobody outside the Beltway really cares about Trump administration officials violating the Hatch Act."

The court will care, I think. https://t.co/PfrXJ9xxla  Andrew Weissmann (weissmann11 on Threads) (@AWeissmann_) August 24, 2023

"This is an exceptionally strong argument from the Fulton County DA's office against removal of Meadows' case to federal court: Meadows was doing political work as Chief of Staff contrary to federal law (the Hatch Act) and therefore he can't claim the shield of federal law," wrote Georgia State Law Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis.

This is an exceptionally strong argument from the Fulton County DAs office against removal of Meadows case to federal court: Meadows was doing political work as Chief of Staff contrary to federal law (the Hatch Act) and therefore he cant claim the shield of federal law. #gapol pic.twitter.com/RKQecmog8F  Anthony Michael Kreis (@AnthonyMKreis) August 23, 2023

"This was always an uphill battle for Meadows," added former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti. "I can understand why he made the argument but it's apparent the DA was ready to litigate this issue."

Read more

about Mark Meadows
Residents in upstate New York havent had it easy since the region lost its manufacturing base over the past few decades. Families have relocated for work or have seen their children graduate from school and leave the area in search of better economic opportunities. When Greenidge Generation opened its cryptomining facility in the village of Dresden, things changed for the better. Unfortunately, in 2022, New York imposed a temporary moratorium on cryptomining that impacted operations at Greenidge. This has once again strained the local economy.

Cryptocurrencies offer a way forward for the region to recover and attract new industries and stable jobs. They also represent technology and innovation that will continue to grow and provide future opportunities. Cryptomining facilities are major employers and economic drivers. Facility construction creates opportunities for local contractors. Building these operations can take two or more years, providing good-paying jobs. Once operational, facilities continue employing residents who then frequent local restaurants, shops and other small businesses. Over time, these jobs could bring in millions of dollars in wages and local economic activity.

Greenidge Generation CEO Dale Irwin providing some scale to the ranks of computer processors within the plant.

Most of the residents of Dresden support the facility. They are grateful for the contributions its executives have made to the community, including covering part of the cost of an expensive new CT scanner for our local hospital and a jaws of life rescue system for our volunteer fire department. Lawmakers seldom hear about crypto mining facilities' positive impact on small communities. These stories must be told. We need the continued advocacy of our elected officials like Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. She has been a leader in supporting reasonable regulation of cryptocurrencies that will preserve innovation and economic development rather than taking a sledgehammer to the industry and crippling local economies.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

My sense is that cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are still developing and relatively new, and rather than take a close and careful look at how Greenidge impacts our area, some elected officials inadvertently voted to pass legislation that is actually a detriment to the people who live and work in places like Dresden year-round. Their misunderstanding of the technology and decision not to visit and look more closely at on-the-ground operations unfairly impacts daily life in small communities like ours.

More: This is why NYS DEC must uphold its denial of Greenidge Generation's air permit

Locals know and respect the natural landscape of Dresden and the lakes and regions in our area. Many Greenidge employees and local contractors are avid outdoor enthusiasts and wouldnt think of supporting any industry that would threaten the beauty and abundance of central and upstate New Yorks environment. The campaign to shutter Greenidge was amplified by seasonal residents and groups who used information that wasnt specific to operations here in Dresden. Unlike other crypto mining facilities, Greenidge generates its own power supply and fully supports New Yorks efforts to move away from fossil-fuel energy and embrace a low to zero carbon future.

Residents often shared stories with me about how their children loved growing up here, but a lack of job prospects forced them to leave home after high school and college graduation. When more new industries and technology companies locate their operations here in New York, it creates conditions that encourage folks to stay in the region and earn a good living in various jobs, from skilled trades to electrical engineering, entrepreneurship, education, hospitality and small business ownership. Support from local, state and federal officials is already improving the economic future of central and upstate New York. Emerging industries like crypto mining need to be embraced in the same positive ways that led to the influx of manufacturing in high-tech fields like chip manufacturing, which have transformed the landscape and future for thousands of residents.

As debates about crypto mining and cryptocurrency regulations continue, I urge legislators and interest groups to visit places where safe, effective and conscientious crypto mining is doing great things for local residents and economies. With the right policies, New York State can create jobs, rebuild our local economies and lead the nation and the world in emerging technologies.

William Hall is a volunteer firefighter and mayor of the village of Dresden in Yates County, New York.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Upstate NY cryptomining offers opportunity
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has requested a trial start date in October for the election subversion case she brought against former President Donald Trump and 18 co-defendants in Georgia, court records show.

In her request to the court Thursday, Willis noted that Trump lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, one of the defendants charged with attempting to overturn the states 2020 election results, submitted a demand for speedy trial under a Georgia statute Wednesday.

Willis had previously proposed that the trial start on March 4  the same week that voters in 16 states go to the polls in the presidential primaries. Legal experts told multiplemedia outlets that even this timeline would be infeasible.

Scheduling the trial six months out is overly optimistic; very, very ambitious; and not really realistic, Kay Levine, a law professor at Atlantas Emory University, told The Hill last week.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump, who has a history of trying to force delays with complicated pretrial litigation, responded to the court shortly afterward, saying hes opposed to Willis proposed trial schedule. He also said hell be filing a motion to separate his case from that of Chesebro due to his speedy trial request.

Its also expected that Trump will follow in the footsteps of three of his co-defendants and seek to have the trial moved to federal court, where the jury pool is likely to be less left-leaning and there is a possibility that a federal judge he appointed could oversee the proceedings.

Trials in two other indictments brought against Trump are scheduled to start next year  the hush money payments case in March, and the classified documents case in May. A trial date has not yet been scheduled for federal charges hes facing regarding attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.

Willis request comes the same day that Trump, the front-runner for the GOP presidential nomination, is set to surrender at the Fulton County Jail. Several of his co-defendants, including Rudy Giuliani, turned themselves in Wednesday.

Related...
ATLANTA  Donald Trump was set to turn himself in Thursday night to authorities in Georgia on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in that state, a county jail booking expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.

Trumps surrender, coming amid an abrupt shake-up of his legal team, follows the presidential debate in Milwaukee the night before featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination  a contest in which he remains the leading candidate despite broad legal troubles. His presence in Georgia, though likely brief, is swiping the spotlight anew from his opponents after the debate in which they sought to seize on his absence to elevate their own presidential prospects.

Advertisement

The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted. Since then, hes faced federal charges in Florida and Washington, and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others  including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani  under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organized crime.

Giuliani surrendered on Wednesday and posed for a mug shot. Meadows, who had sought to avoid having to turn himself in while he seeks to move the case to federal court, turned himself in Thursday. Bond was set at $100,000.

Advertisement

The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the 2024 campaign trail. Hes turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move.

The campaign has also used the appearances to solicit fundraising contributions from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his reelection chances. As Trump was en route from New Jersey to Atlanta, his campaign sent a message saying, Im writing to you from Trump Force One, on my way to Atlanta where I will be ARRESTED despite having committed NO CRIME.

As afternoon turned to evening, scores of Trump supporters had gathered outside the jail where the ex-president was to surrender, some waving flags with Trumps name, as officials tightened security measures.

His Atlanta surrender will be different from prior ones, requiring him to show up at a problem-plagued jail  but without an accompanying court appearance for now. And unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, Fulton County officials have said they expect to take a booking photo as they would any other defendant.

District Attorney Fani Willis has given all of the defendants until Friday afternoon to turn themselves in at the main Fulton County jail. On Thursday, her office proposed an October 23 trial date, though the complexities of the 19-person case  and potential scheduling conflicts with other Trump prosecutions  would appear to make it all but impossible. The date seemed to be a response to early legal maneuvering by at least one defendant, Kenneth Chesebro, who requested a speedy trial.

Just ahead of his expected surrender, Trump hired a new lead attorney for the Georgia case.

Prominent Atlanta criminal defense attorney Steve Sadow took the place of another high-profile criminal defense attorney, Drew Findling, who had represented Trump as recently as Monday when his bond terms were negotiated. But by Thursday Findling was no longer part of the team, according to a person with knowledge of the change who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.

Sadow, who has represented a rapper, Gunna, who pleaded guilty last year in a racketeering case also brought by Willis, said in a statement that the president should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him.

Advertisement

We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding the president not guilty, he added. Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the president have no place in our justice system.

Its not the first time this year that Trump has shaken up his legal team either in the run-up to an indictment or in the immediate aftermath. One of his lead lawyers, Tim Parlatore, left the legal team weeks before Trump was indicted in Florida on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents, citing conflicts with a top Trump adviser. Two other lawyers, James Trusty and John Rowley, announced their resignations the morning after that indictment was returned.

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 >

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a perfect phone call in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him find 11,780 votes for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail, which has long been a troubled facility. The Justice Department last month opened a civil rights investigation into conditions, citing filthy cells, violence and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects in the main jails psychiatric wing. Three people have died in Fulton County custody in the past month.

But Trump is not expected to spend much time there.

His attorneys and prosecutors have already agreed to a $200,000 bond, plus conditions that include barring the former president from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case.

Advertisement

When defendants arrive at the jail, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby. During the booking process, defendants are typically photographed and fingerprinted and asked to provide certain personal information. Since Trumps bond has already been set, he will be released from custody once the booking process is complete.

Unlike in other jurisdictions, in Fulton County, arraignments  in which a defendant appears in court for the first time  generally happen after a defendant surrenders at the jail and completes the booking process, not on the same day. That means Trump could have to make two trips to Georgia in the coming weeks though the Fulton County Sheriffs Office has said some arraignments in the case may happen virtually if the judge allows, or he could waive Trumps arraignment.

Tucker reported from Washington, Colvin from New York. Associated Press writer Sudhin Thanawala contributed to this report.
A dad was fatally shot after chasing people accused of stealing scooters from his backyard in Colorado, police said.

Aurora police responded to a house where a 49-year-old man was found inside a home with a gunshot wound at about 4:40 a.m. Aug. 23, according to a news release by the department.

That morning, the man and his son were woken up after hearing scooters being stolen from their backyard, police said.

The father confronted the thieves, and they rode off on the scooters, so the man got into his pickup truck with his son and chased them, the release said.

During the chase, shots were fired, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Then the father-son pair went back home and saw a car drive to the front of the house and someone fired several rounds into the home, police said. The dad was struck by one bullet, according to the release.

Officers and Aurora Fire Rescue tried to save the man, but he died at the scene, police said.

Police said they do not have suspects, but they dont think the public is in danger, the release said.

The Arapahoe County Coroners Office will identify the victim, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 720-913-7867, the release said

Aurora is about 10 miles east of Denver.

28-year-old fires 29 shots in fatal encounter after fight outside Utah store, feds say

Bright 40-year-old is found shot dead in alley, Texas cops say. Officers seek killer

66-year-old shot dead over Pride flag hanging outside her store, California officials say
French food and beverage manufacturer Danone has announced the introduction of a new brand named Prosto Nashe (Ukrainian for simply ours) for traditional dairy products in the Ukrainian market, news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported on Aug. 24.

Previously, this product line was marketed under the Prostokvashino brand, which stems from Soviet-era cartoon series, and has recently become associated with Russian cultural imperialism.

Read also: Russian Cultural Center in Cyprus set ablaze by Molotov cocktails  video

This brand is replacing the Prostokvashino brand, which has run its course with the arrival of fundamental cultural and value changes in Ukrainian society, the company said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Jacobs continues doing business in Russia with local brands alone

The launch of a new Ukrainian brand is another symbolic step towards the strengthening of uniqueness and authenticity of [our] Ukrainian production.

Read also: Putin seizes assets owned by Carlsberg, Danone

The company spent about a year working on the project. The brand will feature a range of products including milk, kefir, buttermilk, sour cream, and cottage cheese. All production will take place at the Danone plant in Kremenchuk, Poltava Oblast.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia had nationalized the local subsidiary of Danone. The enterprise is now led by Ramzan Kadyrov's nephew, Yakub Zakriev.

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
David Carrick committed dozens of attacks on at least 13 women in Hertfordshire and London between 2003 and 2020 - Hertfordshire Police

Police are investigating further allegations of rape and serious sexual assault against the convicted rapist and ex-Metropolitan Police officer David Carrick.

More than 10 people have come forward to make allegations against Carrick, and police are understood to be speaking to complainants to assess whether they are comfortable potentially going to trial.

Carrick, 48, committed dozens of attacks on at least 13 women in Hertfordshire and London between 2003 and 2020. He was employed as an armed officer responsible for protecting Parliament, government offices and other high-profile locations.

He used his position as a police officer to gain the trust of his victims, sometimes flashing his warrant card and telling them they would be safe with him.

The case against Carrick was led by Hertfordshire Constabulary, which has been in discussions with the Crown Prosectution Service (CPS) for a number of months since the new allegations against him were made.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Guardian reported that police are not expected to seek permission from the CPS to bring further charges against Carrick, although that decision is still understood to be some way off.

Some of those who have made allegations of further sexual assaults by Carrick may not feel able to go to trial and may merely want police to be aware of their alleged ordeals. Others have told police they wish to support a criminal investigation and potential new trial.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire Constabulary said: Since David Carrick pleaded guilty and was sentenced at court in February, more than 10 people have contacted their local forces or the investigation team directly to either report further offences, including sexual assault, or to share information relating to him. The team are now working with the CPS and investigating these new allegations.

We are now working with the CPS to progress all of the new allegations where the victims wish to proceed with a criminal investigation, allowing time and providing support for them to consider their position and the implications of moving forward.

In February, Carrick, who was sacked from the force following his conviction, was given 36 life sentences with a minimum term of 32 years.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
A Dayton man has been indicted on multiple charges after an investigation by the Riverside Police Department.

Ronnie Lee Tyler, 42, has been indicted on three counts of rape and one count of kidnapping, the department said.

Tyler is a registered sex offender in Ohio as he was previously convicted in 2001 for raping a juvenile girl in Kentucky, according to the Ohio Attorney Generals sex offender registry.

Anyone who may have information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Adam Todd of the Riverside Police Department at (937)233-1801 or atodd@riversideoh.gov.




The Drug Enforcement Administration has allowed dozens of job applicants to become special agents and perform other work despite failing a lie detector test during the hiring process, according to a new federal watchdog report, which describes the agencys polygraph unit as facing pressure to pass legacy candidates related to senior officials.

Details of the report, issued Wednesday by the Justice Departments Office of the Inspector General, were independently verified by The Times based on court documents obtained from a whistleblower case filed by a former member of the DEA polygraph unit.

Beyond special treatment to friends and family members of DEA officials, the whistleblower has said agency bosses ignored admissions of criminal behavior that should have been reported for further investigation, including a case in which a job applicant admitted to pedophiliac tendencies during a polygraph exam.

The whistleblower asked not to be identified because of pending litigation and referred questions to their lawyer. They said they alerted supervisors in 2018 after an applicant discussed pedophilic impulses towards his own daughter and other children. But they were told that "there was nothing that could be done," and that they "would be liable" for making an anonymous complaint to local law enforcement or social services.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The candidate was not hired, and the matter was eventually reported to the DEAs Office of Professional Responsibility, which investigates misconduct by employees, documents say.

A DEA spokesperson said the agency continues to implement best practices in hiring to ensure that all DEA employees uphold the values of our organization, exemplify integrity, and  above all  protect the safety and health of all Americans."

Over the past two years, DEA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that all DEA employees are held to the highest standards, the spokesperson said. DEA has undergone complete leadership change in the highest positions, updated our hiring policies, and heightened our disciplinary standards.

Polygraph exams are typically not admissible in court proceedings, but they are a standard hiring practice among federal law enforcement agencies and for national security clearances. The tests rely on background information provided by the applicant and interrogation by the examiner, who monitors the subjects physiological responses and behavior.

In another case described in the Office of the Inspector General report, a DEA job applicant undergoing a lie detector test in December 2017 admitted to engaging in inappropriate behavior while a juvenile with a younger juvenile. The examiner stopped the test, the report said, and yet the DEAs hiring panel was told, incorrectly, that the applicant passed the polygraph examination. That person, according to the report, joined the DEA in 2019 and is currently employed as a special agent.

In a letter sent to DEA Administrator Anne Milgram on Tuesday, the Office of the Inspector General said it had identified numerous concerns, including the use of loopholes to avoid complying with a policy enacted in 2019 that specifically bars the agency from hiring applicants who fail a polygraph or show signs of countermeasures to cheat the test.

The Office of the Inspector General said it identified 77 people, nearly all prospective special agents, who were hired after the 2019 reform despite producing questionable polygraph results. To make the hires, the report said, the DEA argued that the applications were associated with an older job announcement predating the policy change. Those applicants were required only to "complete"  not necessarily pass  the test, the agency said.

An additional 43 people were hired despite showing red flags, the report said, because the DEA said their exams were conducted before the new rules taking effect.

A written DEA response included in the federal watchdog report said the agency no longer hires applicants for certain positions if they have not "fully completed" a polygraph or received an unfavorable result. The 77 people who were already hired had no disqualifying admissions during their polygraph exams, the agency said.

Uttam Dhillon, the former DEA acting administrator who ordered the 2019 polygraph reform, told The Times he was disappointed to learn of the Office of the Inspector General's findings.

One of my highest priorities was to increase the number of DEA special agents in order to combat the drug overdose crisis  while at the same time ensuring that these new agents were of the highest quality, character, and integrity, Dhillon said. I am disappointed that the high standards I set have not been adhered to over the past two years.

The polygraph report is the latest allegation of questionable conduct by DEA leadership in recent months, with Milgram previously facing Office of the Inspector General scrutiny for awarding no-bid contracts to hire her past associates, and revelations of agent misconduct.

The Office of the Inspector General also noted that the DEA allowed local and state law enforcement agents to join federal task force units despite failing the polygraph examination. The DEA said that it identified nine task force officers (TFOs) who produced an unsuccessful result on their polygraph since hiring standards changed in 2021 and that steps are now in progress to return those TFOs to their parent agencies.

The whistleblower complaint says members of the DEAs polygraph unit undergo 14 weeks of training thought to be the most difficult and challenging school a federal agent can attend.

The polygraph training includes methods of deception and ways examiners can monitor for signs that someone is slowing their breathing or using other countermeasures to subvert the test. Both the whistleblower complaint and the federal watchdog report describe examiners feeling pressure to pass people suspected of cheating.

The report said DEA officials were informed in February 2023 about instances where employees perceived or experienced pressure related to polygraph examinations of legacy candidates, or job applicants with relatives in the DEA. Later that month, the report said, agency officials issued a notice reminding employees to adhere to its guidelines to prevent nepotism or the appearance of nepotism in the DEAs hiring process.

The whistleblower described multiple instances in which they encountered pressure to pass legacy applicants, including the son of a DEA supervisor, the son of a retired DEA agent from the New York Field Division, and a case in which an inspector at DEA headquarters made continual calls to Human Resources demanding that his son be re-tested.

Kevin Byrnes, an attorney who represents the whistleblower, said the pressure to pass unsuitable candidates with DEA connections was troubling.

When theres pressure from supervisors on behalf of applicants, it threatens the foundation of the entire agency, Byrnes said. It goes to the core of how the agency selects agents and processes them. Its critical to gathering information for their suitability for law enforcement positions.

"If that can be influenced or manipulated," he said, "you can get people into the agency that lack the integrity and skills necessary to enforce the nations laws, and that can cascade later on.

Byrnes said that his client was among those who reported concerns to the Office of the Inspector General, and that some of those who were unable to pass the polygraph were later accused of misconduct.

Many agents who employed countermeasures or failed became issues later on, Byrnes said. Theyre the people who could tell a lie.

Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is believed to have died in a plane crash on August 23.

Without Prigozhin, Wagner's key operations, finances, and future are unclear, experts told Insider.

But experts said it's unlikely Russia will give up the group's global networks. Instead, it will likely centralize them.

With the group's top boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, presumed dead in a plane crash, Russia's mercenary Wagner forces are facing an unprecedented period of uncertainty  moreso than after a failed mutiny against Russian military leadership in June severely weakened the group.

But while it's too early to tell what exactly the future holds for Wagner, it's unlikely that the group  including its murky power structure, operations across African countries, and complex finances  will completely collapse into chaos without Prigozhin at the helm.

"This does not mean Wagner has been decapitated," assistant professor at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy and historian of the Soviet Union and US-Soviet relations Simon Miles told Insider. It's likely not "a chicken with its head cut off," Miles said because Wagner's local operations "are still in play."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Wednesday, Russian 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. All 10 people, which appears to include Prigozhin and his associate Dmitry Utkin, were killed. While the cause of the crash is unclear, even baffling US intelligence, and confirmation of Prigozhin and Utkin's deaths is still murky at best, the news shocked Wagner-affiliated social media channels and raised plenty of questions about the future of the group.

It's the latest drop of chaos in what has already been a rather tumultuous time for Wagner.

Just two months ago, Prigozhin and his forces invaded Russia with intentions of overthrowing the military leadership, namely Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and First Deputy Minister of Defense Valery Gerasimov, both of whom Prigozhin had long been feuding with over Russian military failures and inadequate supply and ammunition support for Wagner troops in the war in Ukraine, especially as Wagner paid in blood as a front-line assault force during the battle of Bakhmut.

During the armed rebellion, which came as a shocking escalation, Wagner captured the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and nearly marched on Moscow, but Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stepped in and brokered a uneasy truce between the mercenary group and the Kremlin.

The negotiations resulted in Prigozhin calling off his short-lived mutiny and being cast into exile in Belarus, though the details were always a little unclear. His mercenaries were given the choice to join the ranks of the Russian military, leave for civilian life, or join Prigozhin in Belarus. Many chose the latter.

Since then, Prigozhin has been spotted in Russia a few times, including at a critical Russia summit with African leaders, and seen in photos and videos at the new Wagner camp in Belarus, where his fighters were training Belarusian soldiers. In a video shared online in July, Prigozhin said Wagner forces would remain in Belarus for some time before heading to Africa, joining their local operations in several countries there.

Some of those mercenary networks have been involved in government combat operations and training programs aimed at defeating rebel groups, as well as disinformation campaigns in the region. Wagner forces in Africa have been accused of committing human rights violations and atrocities.

Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin. Press service of "Concord"/Handout via REUTERS

With Prigozhin's apparent death in Wednesday's plane crash, the fate of Wagner's vast networks in Africa and Latin America, as well who will take control of the group's operations and finances, remain the big questions.

Ultimately, it's unlikely "Russia would abandon its PMC [private military company] model altogether given that it provides significant benefits at relatively low financial or political cost," Associate Director and Associate Fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Catrina Doxsee, wrote in a blog shortly after Prigozhin's plane crash.

When Wagner was founded in 2014 during Russia's annexation of Crimea and began operating as a sort of state proxy in Ukraine, Syria, and Libya, it gave Russia a way to increase its influence abroad while maintaining plausible deniability and limited accountability for the group's actions. Since then, its personnel and operations have only expanded, and Wagner has gained political capital, actual capital, and broader influence in certain areas and with certain governments, which favors Russia's geopolitical ambitions.

Moscow has looked at expanding its PMC network, but none have the footprint that Wagner does. And "without a clear successor organization, Moscow is unlikely to dismantle Wagner's operational infrastructure in host countries, as it would be difficult to rebuild the same relationships, knowledge, and systems that Wagner personnel have established over the years," Doxsee added.

There's also evidence that Wagner's reach in some countries such as Mali has grown since its June mutiny, suggesting the group's influence is not only still intact, but potentially growing. Miles told Insider the networks appear to be "pretty siloed," meaning that Prigozhin's absence wouldn't majorly impact their activities. "A lot of the key decisions still ran through him and his immediate group, but Prigozhin was not an operational commander."

In other words, "he was good at holding a gun and screaming curse words into the TV camera, but not so much at actually leading men in combat. That was something that other people did," he added.

But the impact of losing both Prigozhin and Utkin still majorly impacts the group in a larger context, namely their brand and power.

"Prigozhin and Utkin were undeniably the faces of Wagner, and their assassinations will have dramatic impacts on Wagner's command structure and the Wagner brand," said Institute for the Study of War Russian analyst Kateryna Stepanenko.

"But it is too early to tell how this will materialize," she added. "Wagner commanders and fighters may begin to fear for their lives or become demoralized. The Russian MoD's [Ministry of Defense] and Kremlin's inroads into Wagner's operations and the absence of Prigozhin  who would fight for new opportunities for Wagner personnel  may further lead to the degradation of the Wagner grouping."

A mural depicting mercenaries of Russia's Wagner Group that reads: "Wagner Group - Russian knights." AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic

While time will shed light on the impact of what Prigozhin's absence may mean, there's a good chance that Wagner will continue to exist  just with a rebranding of sorts.

"Instead of a dissolution or replacement of Wagner, Russia is likely to install new Wagner leadership  with stronger loyalty to the Kremlin and kept under tighter supervision than Prigozhin  while maintaining as much continuity as possible at the operational level," Doxsee wrote.

That Russian-installed leadership makes sense given a lack of a clear successor to either Prigozhin or Utkin. As of this time, no Wagner commander has released a statement regarding Prigozhin's death or the future of the group, likely indicating there's little to speculate about a potential power structure.

Perhaps a reformed Wagner will be an example of Russia tightening the leash, which began happening before Prigozhin's presumed death. In August, ISW noted reports on efforts from the Russian Ministry of Defense to form new private military companies beyond Wagner and recruit Wagner personnel for those groups.

But if Russia does intend to keep a closer eye on Wagner, it could have consequences, Miles told Insider.

"I would imagine what you would see is at least an attempt by the Kremlin to exercise more central government control over those forces," he said, "but the utility of Wagner was always plausible deniability, so if that is what they do, they erode that."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Haitian police, government officials and some members of the foreign diplomatic corps have been hoping that an offer by Kenya to lead an international intervention into a troubled Haiti would mean thousands of additional cops helping to dismantle and fight heavily armed kidnapping gangs.

Instead, however, the proposal is shaping up as an offer to protect key government infrastructures like the airport, seaports and main roads, which critics say will not curb the violence and only end in failure.

Most of the critical infrastructures they were quoting are in the hands of the gangs. Before protecting this critical infrastructure, you have to first take them back, a diplomatic source told the Miami Herald.

The static protection force, which one Haiti security expert calls not effective, was presented by a 10-member security assessment team headed by Kenyas Ministry of Foreign Affairs General Director, Ambassador George Orina, as they met Monday inside a small hotel room, not far from Port-au-Princes international airport. In attendance were members of the Haitian government, Haiti National Police brass, foreign diplomats and the special representative of the United Nations secretary-general.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The delegation, which was under the protection of the U.S. and accompanied by more than a dozen U.S. State Department personnel, included members of the East African nations foreign ministry and police officials, according to two sources familiar with its make-up. The delegation arrived on an American Airlines flight Sunday and departed Wednesday after two days of meetings that included a working session with the Haitian national polices top command.

The task forces goal was to assess operational requirements for the police mission, which still needs to be approved by Kenyas government and the United Nations Security Council. But what is emerging, according to several people who spoke to the Miami Herald on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak, is not what some Haitian government ministers envisioned when they agreed back in October to appeal for the international communitys help.

Sources told the Herald that during the Port-au-Prince conversations, the Kenyans gave no commitment on whether they will make good on their offer to consider the urgent request, which has the backing of U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

However, should they agree to do so, the Kenyans made clear that their deployment would depend on several factors. They include a U.N. Security Council resolution, which the United States has said it will seek to give the Kenyans what they require to establish their presence in Haiti; and a minimum threshold of 2,000 officers who are ready to be deployed. Kenya has said it would send 1,000 of its police, leaving other countries to contribute the rest.

But the missions mandate is stirring concerns among those who participated in the discussions as well as others who werent there but are experts on Haitis violent history with gangs and U.N. peacekeeping operations.

To simplify an intervention in Haiti with the security of public buildings or airports, for me this is not effective, said a former United Nations peacekeeper who worked in Haiti with the U.N. mission that spent 13 years battling gangs and providing stability. How do we imagine such a static force to be effective? We need to have action against the gangs.

The security expert, who asked to remain anonymous in order to speak frankly, said any multinational force going into Haiti has to have a mandate of bringing relief to the population, more than 200,000 of whom have been forcefully displaced from their homes in the last two years by armed groups, according to the U.N.

The gangs are attacking facilities, attacking the police, killing people, forcing the displacement of people from their houses, and you dont have a plan to stop this? he said. Amazing.

Guterres has said that Haiti needs a robust use of force by foreign police and military units to disarm gangs, now controlling most of the capital and spreading elsewhere around the country. Last month, he was asked by the U.N. Security Council to provide a report on Haitis options to combat the armed groups. Ahead of the report, the U.N. office in Haiti met with Prime Minister Ariel Henry and presented four scenarios on how a multinational force might help the Haitian police and its possible size. Options ranged from the force providing logistical and operational support to helping police to helping disarm gangs through combined operations with the Haitian police. The government requested a hybrid of the two.

During the consultations with the U.N. the Haitian government had reiterated that armed gangs were committing acts of extreme violence and human rights abuses, and the police do not have the capacity to restore security. Later, government ministers, including Henry, voiced concerns among themselves that just using an international force to secure critical infrastructure would not work, two people confirmed to the Herald.

A Haiti National Police officer officer looks out over traffic at a police checkpoint on June 23, 2022 in Tabarre, where recent gang flare ups have sent panic through the population. Haitian police say they lack the proper equipment to combat gangs.

Still, both Biden administration officials and the Kenyans have pressed that approach. State Department officials have said its up to the Haitian government to define with the Kenyans how the mission should be shaped. But theyve also repeatedly highlighted that a non-U.N. multinational force, such as whats being considered, would free up the Haiti National Police to focus on battling gangs while the foreign officers protect critical infrastructures.

The Kenyan foreign ministry also used similar language last month when it announced that it was considering sending 1,000 police to help train and assist the Haiti National Police to restore normalcy in the country and protect strategic installations.

The problem with the proposal, critics say, is that to get to the so-called critical infrastructure, the multinational force would have to go through gang controlled areas, even though the facilities themselves arent technically under the control of gangs.

The proposal also does not take into account the difficult reality of the countrys beleaguered police force, which less than two hours after the Kenyans left, announced a new departmental director for the Port-au-Prince region, where gangs last week invaded several neighborhoods.

Neither the police nor the Haitian prime ministers office gave a reason for the change. Instead, the prime ministers office said in a statement Wednesday that the working session between the Kenyans and the polices high command allowed the latter to clarify what they wanted and expected from the assistance that will be provided to strengthen the police and enable it to be more efficient.

One of the requests of the National Police, within the framework of this aid, that was underscored by the high command, is the formation of intervention units within the institution so that it can face the security challenges, the statement said.

The U.N. has said there are 14,295 officers on the Haiti police payroll as of June 30, but only 3,300 officers are actually on public safety duty throughout the country on any given day. Not all are engaged in anti-gang operations and no one can say with certainty just how many officers there are in the force because many have recently left for the United States under a humanitarian parole program.

In addition to the defections, internal tensions and corruption have helped make the force so ineffective that the population has resorted to taking justice into its own hands by forming vigilante groups to target and kill suspected gang members.

What is the financial support for the gangs? It is kidnappings, smuggling, drugs, extortion. And you are not going to attack the gangs? Youre not going to attack these four points? said the former peacekeeper. Youre going to give them the freedom to continue to control Gonaives, to continue to control the neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince?

Any foreign intervention, he said, must include a plan to neutralize



the gangs as well as to tackle organized crime, help the police and put pressure on the Haitian government. It also needs to address government corruption and investment in communities using Haitian government revenues. Otherwise, he said, it will not succeed.

Frankly speaking, they are playing a game here with the suffering of the people, he said. They only want to provide security for facilities, and for politicians to exercise incompetence. What are the benefits this plan is bringing to the population? Securing facilities is not the end state, the end state is the population.

A diplomatic source agreed, warning that if the Kenya plan goes ahead and fails, Haitians, who have had to warm to the idea of another foreign intervention, will be angry and turn on those in charge.

Members of a security assessment team from Kenya traveled to Haiti to meet with the government and members of the diplomatic corp., police and U.N. political office in Haiti to discuss the possibility of the East African nation leading a multinational force into Haiti. They arrived on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023 and left on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

The U.S., which supports a foreign intervention, has said it doesnt want to lead a security mission into Haiti. However, officials in Washington, which wants a return to democratic order in Haiti through elections, say they recognize that the Haitian police need help tackling armed groups that continue to carry out indiscriminate attacks on women and children, including sexual violence and killings.

Kenya stepping up in offering assistance is a positive development, said Eddy Acevedo, who was an aide to former Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and is now the principal adviser on national security and foreign policy adviser at the Wilson Center, a Washington think tank. An international force is desperately needed to stabilize the security situation in Haiti, which is dire and continues to deteriorate.

But if what the Kenyans are contemplating comes to pass, Acevedo said, solely protecting key installations is not enough.

Who will protect the people of Haiti? he said. As the violence continues unabated, the focus needs to concentrate on combating the gangs, who control the majority of the territory of the capital.

Where the plan came from

It is unclear whether the idea of the Kenyans protecting Haitis strategic installations came from the Haitian government or the United States.

In a June 7, 2023, letter to Guterres, Henry, the prime minister, reiterated his appeal for robust support for the Haitian security forces with the goal of reestablishing peace and security.

It is not a question of coming to do the work in place of the Haitians, he wrote. Such a force would effectively serve as a deterrent in certain strategic areas such as ports and airports.

The same day the letter was written, U.S. officials confirmed to McClatchy and the Miami Herald that Vice President Kamala Harris planned to use a visit with Caribbean leaders in The Bahamas the following day to push for near-term support for the Haiti National Police by securing a limited number of critical infrastructure sites in Port-au-Prince, such as the airport and ports.

Paul D. Williams, who studies peace operations, emerging security threats and warfare mainly in Africa and teaches at George Washington Universitys Elliott School of International Affairs, said he believes the chances of success for any anti-gang operation in Haiti are very low.

The reasons vary from the relatively small size of the mission being proposed to the lack of legitimacy of the current government, which has failed to find an agreement with opposition and civil society groups over the countrys governance and is once more facing calls of resignation from a leading civil-society coalition known as the Montana Accord.

The key political issue for any multinational force is, how legitimate and capable is Haitis current government? If the governments legitimacy is low this will tarnish any international force from the outset, Williams said.

To help stabilize Haiti in the short term, Williams said, the mandate of any multinational force cant be just police training, which would take a long time to have any impact.

To be effective in the short-term, any force would need a stabilization component, which raises the stakes considerably as well as the likelihood of reciprocal violence. Combating organized criminal gangs is a notoriously difficult task for foreign peacekeepers, especially in a complex urban environment, he said. There are no good options for outsiders to eradicate these gangs.

Then there is the issue of Kenyas leadership. Amnesty International this week sent an an open letter to members of the U.N. Security Council raising several concerns about a possible deployment by Kenyan forces. In the letter, they point out the troubling history of abuses and impunity associated with past foreign interventions in Haiti, including a cholera epidemic that Nepalese soldiers inadvertently introduced in 2010, and sexual exploitation and abuse that some soldiers were accused of committing.

Amnesty International also raised issues over accusations of excessive use of force by Kenyan police  allegations U.S. officials say they are aware of and plan to address with the vetting of any officers sent to Haiti.

Any deployment of foreign security forces must include clear, mandatory and enforceable parameters to prevent the unlawful use of force, negligence resulting in harm to local populations, and any other abuses by any individuals deployed as part of any multinational effort; these must also include clear measures to protect individuals against sexual exploitation and abuse, the Amnesty letter said.

Human rights concerns were also raised with Kenyan delegation members during their Haiti conversations. A member of the foreign diplomatic corps also highlighted the fact the visit did not involve meetings with Haitian civil society and political parties.

Williams said Kenyas leadership of any mission will be impeded by the negative legacies of the previous U.N. missions in Haiti, and its English-speaking personnel wont help, nor does it have much effective experience of foreign policing deployments.

Kenya also has more urgent international military deployments in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, he added. Will Kenya stay in Haiti when the going gets tough? Kenya previously withdrew its contingent from the U.N. Mission in South Sudan in 2016 after the U.N. sacked its force commander in that mission.

People familiar with the talks with the Kenyan delegation pointed to one worrisome sign: the delegation saw very little of Port-au-Prince.

Several sources told the Herald that the Kenyans were so fearful of the volatility and the gangs, who days earlier had turned the capital into a war zone with attacks on several neighborhoods, that they stayed at U.S. embassy housing and chose to hold their meetings at a hotel across from the airport, just in case they needed to leave quickly.
Delta will give you 1,000 bonus miles if you spend at least $2 at Starbucks twice in one week.

Just link your SkyMiles and Starbucks accounts and enroll in the promotion by September 12.

You'll receive the miles within 10 business days of completing the offer.

You can now earn 1,000 Delta bonus miles just for buying Starbucks twice in one week. That's about as many miles as you'd earn for flying from New York to Florida.

As a frequent Delta flyer and caffeine addict, this promotion felt personally targeted and too good to be true. But for the most part, it's actually pretty simple.

First, you need to create a SkyMiles and Starbucks Rewards account (if you don't already have one) and link the two on their partnership website. Next, enroll in the limited-time offer here by September 12.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Once that's all set up, you have one week to make two Starbucks purchases worth at least $2 each (excluding tax and tip).

Typically, it takes a flight of decent length to earn 1,000 miles, as you'll usually earn 1 for every mile flown. SkyMiles are worth about 1.5 cents each when redeemed for award flights, Nerd Wallet estimates.

In order for the purchases to qualify for the promotion they must be made at a qualifying Starbucks location (check here using the "redeem rewards" filter). Make sure to pay for your coffee using a payment method linked to your Starbucks rewards account or by scanning the barcode in the Starbucks mobile app prior to completing checkout.

Another important thing to remember is that bonus miles don't count towards Medallion Status or Million Miler Status.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the foul-mouthed Russian mercenary boss and former hot dog vendor, was killed in a plane crash on Wednesday after bringing the country to the brink of civil war with an armed uprising, Western intelligence sources confirmed to The New York Times.

The ex-con turned Kremlin caterer turned warlord, who was tasked with bringing Vladimir Putin victory in Ukraine, died after his private plane crashed in the Tver region of Russia along with nine other passengers, according to initial reports from Russias federal aviation agency.

His death comes two months after he ordered his private army of mercenaries, the Wagner Group, to march on Moscow in a failed mutiny that made headlines around the world. The coup attempt, prompted by Prigozhins frustration at Moscows approach to the war and their lack of support for his fighters in Ukraine, marked the most significant challenge to the Russian presidents rule since he rose to power two decades ago.

During the violent uprising, six Russian aircraft were shot down by Wagner fighters, killing 13 crew membersmuch in the same way Prigozhin would eventually meet his end.

Prigozhin seen shaking hands with a supporter after the Wagner Groups failed coup. Alexander Ermochenko/Getty Images

Ultimately, a deal was made between Putin and Prigozhin which saw thousands of Wagner fighters relocated to neighboring Belarus, under the watchful eye of Putins close ally, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko . That arrangement quickly prompted panic on the borders between Belarus and neighboring NATO countries like Poland, with officials fearing Wagner fighters might try to infiltrate their borders.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In Prigozhins most recent public statementsa video message from somewhere in Africa posted to Telegramthe Russian mercenary boss said that the Wagner PMC [private military company] makes Russia even greater on all continents, and Africamore free, adding that the group will fulfill the tasks that were set in the region.

Now, it appears the men of Wagner will have to pursue those goals without the guidance of their notorious boss.

Putins Chef

Previously known primarily as a shadowy businessman sanctioned by the U.S. over his empire of internet trolls election interference, Prigozhin had long denied links to the Wagner Group until a few months into the Ukraine war.

After admitting to founding the group, he quickly became a national hero of sorts among Russians who supported the war, brazenly injecting a bit of the criminal underworld into Moscows battlefield strategy.

He spent months publicly attacking Russian Defense Ministry officials whom he accused of treason for botching the war effort against Ukraine. And he appeared at times to be testing the limits of what the Kremlin would let him get away with, suggesting that military officials should be executed by firing squad and targeting regular Russian soldiers on the battlefield whom he claimed failed to recognize Wagners authority.

At one point seen as a galvanizing force in Moscows war, Prigozhin and his band of mercenaries quickly turned into a dangerous wildcard, popularizing extrajudicial killings and the so-called hammer of revenge with a brutal video of a defector being executed by sledgehammer. The mercenary group was also later accused of abducting Russian troops in Ukraine and torturing them or trying to sell them for supplies.

But Prigozhin won praise for his cutthroat tactics among pro-war hardliners and he used his media holdings to spread his own narrative about the war, one that often undercut the claims made by the Kremlin and called for a class struggle against the countrys elite.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin (second from left) at the headquarters of the Southern Military District surrounded by fighters of the Wagner group on June 24, 2023. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Many experts suspected Prigozhin, long a close confidante of Putin behind the scenes, was pulled out from the shadows for strategic reasons, and perhaps tapped by the Russian leader to keep the more radical political elements in line.

But for Putin, it was always likely a gamble. Prigozhins war-time ascendance to center stage meant two worlds colliding that were never meant to collide: the one occupied by those linked to the criminal underworld that Putin navigated in St. Petersburg in the out-of-control 1990s, and the one made up of members of the Russian presidents inner circle now controlling all the levers of power.

Prigozhin may have been widely known as Putins chef for his catering contracts with the Kremlin, but long before he was a powerful businessman he was a convict.

Just after turning 18, the man now seen by many in Russia as a national hero was sentenced to prison for assaulting a woman while his friend threatened her with a knife, according to records from St. Petersburgs Primorsky District Court (then known as the Zhdanovsky District Court of Leningrad).

Prigozhin continued to choke [the victim] until she lost consciousness, the court found, after which he and two friends made off with her pair of gold earrings, worth less than a dollar by todays standards.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Brian Rodgers on Aug. 23, 2023, at St. Andrews Court. Rodgers, who was formerly incarcerated and has experienced homelessness, is currently living in the transitional East Garfield Park facility while receiving services and looking for work. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

The number of people experiencing homelessness in Chicago increased between 2020 and 2021, according to a new estimate from Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

The group finds that 68,440 people experienced homelessness in 2021, a 2,829 increase from the previous year, according to the coalitions report published Thursday. The research shows shifts in the way people experienced homelessness, citing that 7,985 more people were staying on the street or in shelters as opposed to those temporarily staying with others compared with 2020 data.

Advertisement

The majority of people experiencing homelessness are people of color, with African American Chicagoans ending up homeless more because of racist economic, educational and housing practices, according to the coalition. The coalition finds that Latino Chicagoans are more likely to experience homelessness by doubling up with others. Most families who are experiencing homelessness, as well as many unaccompanied youth  those ages 24 and younger  are temporarily staying with others too.

The new estimate comes as Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is steering its Bring Chicago Home plan  a proposal to raise the real estate transfer tax on properties worth $1 million or more to pool additional funds to fight homelessness  through a City Council meeting and discussions with Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Advertisement

The estimate of people experiencing homelessness is rising, and theres a solution on the table, said Sam Paler-Ponce, lead author of the report and manager of research and outreach at Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

Bring Chicago Home was one of Mayor Brandon Johnsons 100-day campaign promises. The measure will not be passed this year, but the mayor claims progress has been made because City Council held an initial hearing this summer. It also emerged Tuesday that hes signed off on adjustments to the real estate tax increase before it goes to a voter referendum next year.

[ Chicago to work with Biden administration on plan to fight homelessness ]

Brian Rodgers, 49, is currently experiencing homelessness and is involved in the Bring Chicago Home campaign. Since January, he has been in a reentry program that provides long-term housing and support services for formerly incarcerated individuals. As Rodgers has bounced in and out the criminal justice system, hes lived on the street, in cars, abandoned buildings and shelters and doubled up with others over the past 15 years.

Rodgers said being homeless in years past has been a very unstable and rocky situation for him, causing his mind to be all over the place. He said he wants to see a dedicated funding stream to help individuals like himself.

We have the potential for this problem to get bigger if nothing gets done, Rodgers said. We need the funds to get the housing.

Brian Rodgers enters his apartment on Aug. 23, 2023, at St. Andrews Court. Rodgers has experienced homelessness and is currently living in the transitional East Garfield Park facility while receiving services. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

The coalitions report does not capture Chicagos recent influx of thousands of migrants from Central and South America who are seeking asylum in the U.S., many of whom are experiencing homelessness, as they are sleeping on police station floors, in makeshift shelters and on the streets.

Paler-Ponce said next years estimate will likely increase because it will be reflective of the group of asylum-seekers who are accessing homeless services.

[ Migrants are leaving Chicago shelters with the help of rental assistance. Some landlords are skeptical, others step in to help ]

The coalitions annual estimate is delayed due to the timing of data releases from the citys Homeless Management Information System, which counts people living on the streets and in shelters, as well as the U.S. Census Bureau, which counts those living doubled up.

Advertisement

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

The new estimate is still much greater than the citys most recent count for homeless, as the city uses U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development methodology which does not consider people who are temporarily staying with others to be homeless.

In 2023, for its one-night count, the city found that 6,139 residents were experiencing homelessness, a significant rise over last years 3,875 estimate. Of those individuals, 2,196 are asylum-seekers in 2023. The city count reveals there was an increase in families and individuals utilizing shelters and a decrease in the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness compared to last years count.

[ Chicago aims to turn Diplomat Motel into healthy housing for homeless people  with much more than a roof overhead ]

Frank Mississippi Smith, 62, wipes sweat as temperatures hit 99 degrees, Aug. 23, 2023, at the Humboldt Park tent encampment where he has been staying with other homeless people for the last two years. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

City data analyzed in the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless report shows the number of people accessing homeless services jumping from 27,913 in 2021 to 36,878 in 2022.

Rodgers said housing is the basic foundation that creates stability for people.

And once you get that in order, then you can begin to seek out the other things that you need, Rodgers said. Because if you dont have a place to stay and you are worried about a place to stay, then you dont have the chance to put all of your energy into whatever else that you need to do because that thought is always in your mind, Where am I going to sleep tonight? 

Chicago Tribunes Alice Yin, A.D. Quig and Gregory Royal Pratt contributed.

Advertisement

ekane@chicagotribune.com
A Los Angeles County sheriffs deputy faces charges that he tried to cover up a fellow deputys off-duty drunken driving crash, California prosecutors reported.

Deputy Gregory Davis, 54, drove to the Santa Clarita Valley crash in August 2022 and pulled his colleague from behind the wheel of the marked sheriffs SUV, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said in a news release.

That deputys wife arrived to drive him home, prosecutors said.

Davis then tried to move the wrecked SUV, but a passing retired Los Angeles Police Department officer notified authorities of the crash, prosecutors said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Davis did not initially identify himself as an off-duty deputy, the release said.

He faces charges including conspiracy to obstruct justice, giving false information to a peace officer and delaying and/or obstructing an investigation.

The other deputy, who worked in the departments Special Enforcement Bureau, was charged earlier in the year in the drunken driving crash, prosecutors said.

No one is above the law, especially not those that are sworn to uphold it, District Attorney George Gascon said in a statement.

Sleeping grandfather dies when SUV crashes into his home, Arizona family says

Body with mysterious puncture wounds pulled from ocean, California sheriff says

Trucks extra gas tank hid over 140 pounds of meth and cocaine in California, feds say
Florida Governor Ron DeSantiss awkward smile went viral after the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee.

The moment came after Mr DeSantis went on a rant against President Joe Biden and his economic philosophy known as Bidenomics.

The governor also slammed the presidents son Hunter Biden and referenced the viral song Rich Men North of Richmond, which has gained quick popularity among conservatives as it bashes politicians inside the Beltway.

Our country is in decline. This decline is not inevitable. It's a choice. We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement and reverse American decline, Mr DeSantis said. We must reverse Bidenomics so that middle-class families have a chance to succeed again. We cannot succeed as a country if you are working hard and you can't afford groceries, a car or a new home while Hunter Biden can make hundreds of thousands of dollars on lousy paintings, that is wrong.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We also cannot succeed when the Congress spends trillions and trillions of dollars  those rich men north of Richmond have put us in this situation, he added. And finally, we need to lower your gas prices. We're going to open up all energy production, we will be energy-dominant again in this country. I showed it could be done in the state of Florida. I pledge to you as your president, we will get the job done and I will not let you down.

After he finished his short speech, Mr DeSantis gave a meek smile, which went viral on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, when it was shared as a zoomed-in version lasting only four seconds.

love smiling like a human pic.twitter.com/5BJWYJaC5g  Brennan Murphy (@brenonade) August 24, 2023

Love smiling like a human, Brennan Murphy wrote.

This man is in PAIN, Keith Edwards added.

Dave Jorgensen of The Washington Post wrote: This is like the inverse Howard Dean Yeaaaah!!!

During the 2004 Democratic primary, Vermont Governor Howard Dean finished a speech rousing his supporters with what has become known as the Dean scream.

Hes dying inside. He hates this. He hates his life, another X user wrote about Mr DeSantis.

Ive never seen a human suck more at humaning than Ron DeSantis, Santiago Mayer of the group Voters Tomorrow wrote.

You cant tell me he doesnt unzip his skin when he goes home, one account holder said.

Similarly, another X user wrote: Im convinced Ron DeSantis is an alien from another planet wearing a human skin suit like in [Men In Black].

Josh Marshall of Talking Points Memo wrote: The debate was full of these awkwardnesses for DeSantis. But people think (rightly) hes roadkill at this point so barely anyone was paying attention to his weird expressions.
Ron DeSantis was expected to be the center of attention during the first Republican presidential debate.

He spent much of the night out of the spotlight instead.

The Florida governor repeatedly found himself fighting to produce memorable moments during a freewheeling GOP debate Wednesday in Milwaukee, at times overshadowed by the other seven candidates on stage  especially entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  who engaged in bare-knuckled verbal exchanges that only rarely included DeSantis.

When the Florida Republican did talk, he stuck almost exclusively to the same message hes spent months promoting on the campaign trail, emphasizing his conservative record in Florida and arguing he was the candidate best positioned to reverse what he calls Americas decline.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Our country is in decline, DeSantis said, reiterating one of the most-used lines of his campaign. This decline is not inevitable. Its a choice. We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement and reverse American decline.

The relative lack of attention on the debate stage meant that the governor was able to leave the night unscathed by criticism, allowing him to focus on a core message of fighting the political left as millions of potential GOP voters watched at home.

But for a candidate who had entered the debate trying to revitalize his flagging campaign after replacing his campaign manager earlier this month, its unclear whether the performance offered much evidence to his supporters that he was poised to regain momentum. DeSantis didnt even receive much of an opportunity to defend his record, with rivals like former President Mike Pence and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie choosing instead to focus on Ramaswamy, a political newcomer who has risen in the polls in recent weeks.

We dont need to bring in a rookie, Pence said in one particularly heated exchange with Ramaswamy. We dont need to bring in people without experience.

Ramaswamy, a political newcomer, fired back that the country couldnt re-embrace the same career politicians it had turned to in the past.

READ MORE: From backbench congressman to debate limelight: The rise of Ron DeSantis, soundbite by soundbite

The real choice we face in this primary is this. Do you want a super PAC puppet? Or do you want a patriot who speaks the truth? Do you want incremental reform, which is what youre hearing about, or do you want revolution? I stand on the side of the American revolution, he said.

Debates are often marquee events in presidential primaries, drawing millions of viewers and giving candidates a chance to criticize their rivals in person.

DeSantis had prepared for weeks for the debate, seeing it as a crucial opportunity to reverse the narrative of a candidate in trouble and prove to voters  and the media  that the 2024 Republican presidential primary remains a two-man race between him and former President Donald Trump, who skipped the debate while leading the rest of the GOP field by double-digit margins.

DeSantis officials argued that the preparation paid off, with night going according to plan for their candidate.

Debates arent about time or volume necessarily, David Polyansky, DeSantis deputy campaign manager, said after the debate. Debates are about what you do in the moment. And I think our aim tonight was to explain to the American people, Republican primary voters, especially across the country and in the early states, his vision for the country, and he told them very matter of fact that the country is in decline.

More importantly, Polyanksy said, DeSantis explained his vision for how to steady the nation.

And by doing that he was able to do it in a way that he talked to people at home, Polyansky said. He didnt talk to the moderators, or the debate crowd in this building. He talked to people at home and told them about that vision.

But DeSantis still often went long stretches between speaking, standing by while other candidates argued with one another. In one instance, a Fox News moderator repeatedly tried to ask the governor a question about rising rates of crime, only to be shouted over by an argument between Ramaswamy and Pence about the national identity of the American people.

When the Florida Republican did get a chance to answer, he cited  as he often does on the campaign trail  his past decision to remove from office two local prosecutors in the state

We are going to go after all of these people because they are hurting the quality of life, and they are victimizing innocent people in every corner of this country, he said. And it will stop when I get into office.

DeSantis most memorable responses might have come when pressed by Fox News moderators and his rivals for specific answers. Asked repeatedly by a moderator whether he would approve a federal six-week abortion ban if president, the governor demurred, saying only that he would broadly support pro-life policies.

Later, when the candidates were asked whether they thought Pence was correct to certify the results of the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021, DeSantis declined to answer, saying that the election wouldnt be about what actions Trump had taken in the past.

The governors non-answer did not escape Pences attention, he later asked DeSantis directly if he thought the vice president had acted appropriately.

Mike did his duty, DeSantis said. Ive got no beef with him.
DeSantis pledges to send US military to fight cartels on Day one

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promised Wednesday to send the U.S. military into Mexico to fight the cartels on day one if he becomes the next president of the United States.

At the GOP presidential candidate debate in Milwaukee, DeSantis agreed without hesitation when asked by the Fox News moderators hosting the event if he would support sending special forces into Mexico.

The cartels are killing tens of thousands of our fellow citizens, DeSantis said. We have to reestablish the rule of law and we have to defend our people. The president of the United States has got to use all available powers as commander in chief to protect our country.

DeSantis expressed concern about the cartels shipping illicit drugs into the U.S., including fentanyl, asking how many more tens of thousands of Americans should die.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So as president would I use force, would I treat them as foreign terrorist organizations? DeSantis said. Youre darn right I would.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

DeSantis joins several other Republican presidential candidates, including former President Trump, the front-runner in the race, who have backed the idea of military action to take out the cartels.

On Wednesday night, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson said he would support limited military action, such as intelligence gathering, against the cartels. But only if Mexico could be looped into the effort.

Cooperation makes a difference, Hutchinson said. We cannot be successful going against the cartel unless we bring in Mexico as a partner. We have to use economic pressure to accomplish that.

During the debate, former Vice President Mike Pence also backed partnering with the Mexican army to hunt down and destroy the cartels.

Experts, however, say any military action could end up backfiring, straining relations with Mexico and other Latin American countries and likely failing to stop a shadowy network of cartel operations.

Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) sharply criticized the GOP candidates for raising the possibility of military action in Mexico.

The Republicans cheering for war with Mexico are taking the United States down a dark, dangerous path, he wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis raised questions during the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate when he told a bizarre story claiming that a woman named Penny had survived multiple abortion attempts and was left in a pan.

Were better than what the Democrats are selling. We are not going to allow abortion all the way up til birth, and we will hold them accountable for their extremism, Mr DeSantis said on stage on Wednesday.

I know a lady in Florida named Penny. She survived multiple abortion attempts. She was left discarded in a pan, he continued.

Fortunately, her grandmother saved her and brought her to a different hospital.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Florida governor didnt elaborate on the story, but the comment quickly raised eyebrows from political observers, who questioned whether it was accurate.

The story of Penny found in the pan by DeSantis is ludicrous, and obviously untrue, Steve Schmidt, one of the founders of the anti-Trump Republican group The Lincoln Project, wrote on X. It should be looked into by the media.

I understand that politicians lie, but DeSantiss story about Penny, a woman he says survived multiple abortion attempts and was rescued from a pan by her grandmother(????), is just such a bizarre and impossible story, its stunning that any human is that gullible, added Jill Filipovic, a writer who covers womens rights in a post on X.

Penny may be a reference to Miriam Penny Hopper, an anti-abortion activist from Michigan who says she was born in 1955 at 23 weeks old, Jezebel reports. (A typical pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks.)

Ms Hooper has long been a vocal anti-abortion activist in Florida  including supporting a slate of anti-abortion bills back in 2013.

Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season (Getty Images)

Under the doctors orders, I was wrapped in a face towel, discarded on the back porch of the hospital and was left there, she told WFSU at the time. My grandmother came down the following day and found me. She was livid. She didnt expect to walk back there and find a live baby. I weighed 1 lb, 11 ounces.

She continued: The doctor told my parents, You dont want this baby to live. Youll regret it. Its going to be blind or mentally brain damaged.

My dad desperately didnt want me to live. I think because it would have been in his face.

The Independent has contacted Mr DeSantis, and Protect Life Michigan, an advocacy group which prominently featured testimony from Ms Hopper in a 2022 video, for further information.

In modern medicine, late-term abortions are extremely rare, and births of live babies during abortion attempts are rarer still.

Only 1.3 percent of abortions take place after 21 weeks, according to CDC data, and the agency recorded 143 deaths of infants born alive during abortions between 2003 and 2014.

When pregnancies look likely to put pregnant people in extreme danger, or yield infants with terminal diagnoses, the standard of care is more commonly palliative.

The medical standard is to give hospice type care, not futile medical interventions, when the baby has a terminal diagnosis with no chance of surviving, Dr Diane Horvath, a Baltimore-based OB-GYN, told USA Today in 2019.

This is a deeply personal decision, and it allows families to follow their own beliefs and faith traditions.
In a Washington Post, Ipsos and FiveThirtyEight poll of potential Republican voters who watched Wednesdays GOP debate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy came out on top.

The poll showed 29 and 26 percent of the potential voters thought DeSantis and Ramaswamy performed best, respectively. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley lagged behind the two frontrunners at 15 percent. The rest of the candidates at the debate saw less than 10 percent back them as debate winners.

DeSantis was already well-known and popular among Republicans ahead of the debate, with most having a favorable opinion of him and just 6 percent having no opinion of the governor  but Ramaswamy was far less known by debate watchers, with almost 4 in 10 saying they hadnt heard of him or had no opinion of him, the Posts article on the poll read.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Other findings from the poll included a drop in those who say they are considering voting for former President Donald Trump as GOP nominee following the debate, from 66 to 61 percent. DeSantis received a slight bump in possible voting support as GOP nominee in the wake of the debate, from 62 to 67 percent.

The poll, conducted between Aug. 23-24, was taken of 775 potential Republican primary or caucus voters who watched the Aug. 23 debate, according to the Post. The margin of error was 4 percentage points.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Bloomberg) -- Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis pledged to send US special forces into Mexico to destroy fentanyl labs, disrupt cartel operations and stop the lethal drug from crossing the border.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Yes, I will do it from Day One, the Florida governor said in response to a question at the first GOP debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday night. The president of the United States has got to use all available powers as commander-in-chief to protect our country and to protect the people. So when theyre coming across, yes, were going to use lethal force.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A Mexican embassy spokesman said that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been clear that the nation categorically rejects any threats of using the US military against the nations cartels.

Fentanyl trafficking through Mexico was among the most talked-about issues in the foreign policy discussion at the debate. The anesthetic-turned-street drug has caused tens of thousands of deaths in the US in recent years. President Joe Bidens Drug Enforcement Administration chief Anne Milgram has described fentanyl as the single deadliest drug threat our nation has ever encountered.

In 2019, China moved to declare fentanyl and its precursor chemicals controlled substances at then-President Donald Trumps urging, but the change ended up diverting more of the trade through Mexico and that nations cartels.

Read more: How Fentanyl Made the US Opioid Crisis So Much Worse: QuickTake

As president, would I use force? Would I treat them as foreign terrorist organizations? DeSantis said. Youre darn right I would.

Democrats seized on the comments.

The Republicans cheering for war with Mexico are taking the United States down a dark, dangerous path. Representative Joaquin Castro of Texas posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

(Updates with additional comment starting in third paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Separate searches are underway for two missing women who vanished from a popular Colorado resort town within days of each other.

Melissa Whitsitt, 34, was reported missing on 13 August after she failed to show up to her job at the Winter Park resort, the Grand County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

Ms Whitsitt had moved from Tennessee to Colorado in May for the job and was extremely excited to start her new life in Winter Park, her family said.

The missing woman was last seen on Woodspur Lane. Her phone was used by an unknown male to make several calls from the Denver area but it has since been turned off, the Denver Gazette reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Just days earlier, on 11 August, authorities had started a search to find another missing woman, 55-year-old Svetlana Ustimenko after her rental car was found parked at the Deadhorse Trailhead area in the Arapaho National Forest in late July.

Melissa Whitsitt (left), 34, went missing on 13 August just days after police began searching for Svetlana Ustimenko (right), 55. They both vanished from a Colorado resort town (Grand County Sheriffs Office)

The vehicle was supposed to be returned on August 10 but it was left parked for an extended period of time with no sign of her, authorities said.

Multiple searches took place on August 12-13 and again on 18 August and 20 August, but there was no sign of Ms Ustimenko, who is from Florida.

Melissa Whitsitt, 34, was reported missing on 13 August after she failed to show up to her job at the Winter Park resort (Grand County Sheriffs Office)

A photo of Ms Whitsitt with brown hair has been released by the sheriffs office, but her mother recently shared two old photos of her daughter with blonde hair on Facebook and said there are reasons for the three different pics' (Cindy Whitsitt/Facebook)

An investigation found Ustimenko was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness and she was struggling as she tried to cope and was attracted to the Colorado mountains.

On 22 August, the search was suspended pending new information.

The sheriffs office says the two cases are not related and reassured local residents that there is no threat to the community.

Ms Whitsitts parents Cindy and Jerry Whitsitt, have since travelled to Winter Park from their home in Tennessee to search for their daughter.

Like a needle in a haystack, Cindy Whitsitt told CBS News. Some of the law enforcement have been very eager to help us but they are understandably outnumbered, there are literally two detectives in the department here in Denver and we found that unacceptable.

On 11 August, authorities had started a search to find another missing woman, 55-year-old Svetlana Ustimenko after her rental car was found parked at the Deadhorse Trailhead area in the Arapaho National Forest in late July (Grand County Sheriffs Office)

The missing woman had not been in contact with her friends or family since she was last seen and has not used her debit card.

A photo of Ms Whitsitt with brown hair has been released by the sheriffs office, but her mother recently shared two old photos of her daughter with blonde hair on Facebook and said there are reasons for the three different pics.

She added that her daughter may have changed her hair colour but would be easy to spot in public.

Search teams are scouring the vast wilderness in Colorado for two missing women (Grand County Sheriffs Office)

She is a livewire, her heartbroken mother said, teary eyed.

Always has been, she is very loud; you would see her or hear her if she is anywhere out there.

Melissa,if you see us, just call us, she pleaded.

Anyone with information about Ms Whitsitt is asked to contact the Winter Park Police Department at 970-722-7779. Anyone who believes they may have seen or talked to Ustimenko is asked to contact the Grand County Sheriffs Office at 970-725-3311.
Even as the party appears to be turning away from further support for Ukraine, all but two of the eight Republican presidential candidates on the debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night said they wanted to see continued aid to the embattled Eastern European nation.

The two, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy , raised their hands when asked by moderator Bret Baier if they wanted aid to stop.

GOP front-runner Donald Trump skipped the debate for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Trump has said he could negotiate an end to the war quickly, though, without laying out specifics of how he would accomplish that. He has also suggested no more aid be given to Ukraine unless federal agencies give Republicans in Congress evidence of wrongdoing by President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

Ukraines defenders on Wednesday night said the issue is not only a strategic one but also a moral one. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said Russian President Vladimir Putin is known for killing his domestic opponents.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This guy is a murderer, and you are choosing a murderer, she said, turning to Ramaswamy, who was at the lectern next to hers. The line drew cheers in the hall.

This guy is a murderer, and you are choosing a murderer.Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pointed out that the number of Ukrainian children Russian forces are accused of kidnapping and taking to Russia would more than fill the debate hall and cited reports of Russian troops using torture and rape as weapons of war.

He also used his time to attack Trump for supporting Putin. This is the Vladimir Putin who Trump called brilliant and a genius. If we dont stand up to this type of autocratic killing in the world, we will be next, Christie said.

If Ukraine falls, former Vice President Mike Pence said, it is not going to be too long before he rolls across a NATO border and, frankly, our men and women of our armed forces will have to fight him.

Ramaswamy said he worried the war was driving Russia into a closer relationship with China, a fear that has been voiced by Trump as well.

The Russia-China military alliance is the single greatest threat we face, and nobody in either political party is talking about it, he said.

Citing Iraq and Vietnam, Ramaswamy said, You cannot start another no-win war.

DeSantis took a slightly different tack, saying he wanted to condition further aid on European allies of Ukraine contributing more to the effort.

I will have Europe pull their weight. Right now, theyre not doing it, he said.

A car on the central square of Ukrainian city of Chernihiv lies wrecked by a missile strike on Aug. 19.

A car on the central square of Ukrainian city of Chernihiv lies wrecked by a missile strike on Aug. 19.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German think tank, estimates the U.S. has pledged about 71 billion euros ($77 billion in U.S. dollars) in military, financial and humanitarian aid, while multilateral European Union institutions have pledged about 35 billion euros ($38 billion) through the end of May. Individual European countries have also donated directly to Ukraine, such as with Germanys 11 billion euro ($12 billion) contribution.

An early August CNN poll showed for the first time that a majority of Americans, 55%, do not want the U.S. to send additional funding to Ukraine. Perhaps more important for the GOP candidates, it also showed 71% of Republicans did not support further aid and 59% thought the U.S. had done enough already.

Though only one poll, it is clear that support for Ukraine has fallen sharply from the high levels seen right after Russia invaded Ukraines eastern and southeastern regions after taking over the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

The issue will be in the front burner politically soon, as President Joe Biden has asked for an additional $21 billion in aid as Ukraines counteroffensive has made steady, if very slow, progress in dislodging the Russians. The aid is likely to be an issue in negotiations between the White House and Congress over annual funding of the government.

Related...
Village cafe in Qinling Mountains emerges as tourism hotspot

Xinhua) 08:49, August 24, 2023

This photo taken on June 20, 2023 shows staff working at a village cafe at Liyukou Village, Huyi District of Xi'an City, northwest China"s Shaanxi Province.(Xinhua/Sun Zhenghao)

XI'AN, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- For farmer Song Naihong, July and August are usually a slack period after the summer harvest. However, she rarely has time to relax.

Wearing a vest-style uniform with a badge bearing her English name "Emily," she skillfully operates the bean grinder and coffee machine at the Two Tree Coffee in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and completes the latte art within 10 seconds.

Song, 45, has been growing wheat and corn for half her life, but she now also works at the cafe located in the Liyukou Village of Huyi District in the city of Xi'an. It mostly serves city dwellers who come to the Qinling Mountains for leisure, although there are some villagers among the customers too.

"Cafes are very chic in the countryside," she said. "Since I became a barista, I feel younger, and every day is fulfilling."

The staff at the cafe are largely recruited from the village. More than 10 workers like Song farm during the busy season, and put down their hoes to make coffee in their spare time.

Covering an area of about 1,000 square meters, the cafe was once a disused factory. It now has huge portraits of village sages hanging inside and a movie screening room. Behind the cafe is the verdant, cloud-shrouded Zhongnan Mountains, part of the Qinling Mountains, an area famous for its hermit culture since ancient times.

The cafe, about 50 km from Xi'an, was established by Wang Huiting who received her doctorate from Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology. Wang moved to the village in 2019 to start her business, driven by her love of the beauty of the Qinling.

Since it opened in October 2022, the store quickly went viral on social media. "You need to wait for a seat to get a beverage during peak traffic on weekends," said Wang.

To cater to local tastes, the cafe offers dishes blending the characteristics of various locations, including the coffee with Tianpeizi (sweet and sour soup made of fermented oats) and pizza with leek and egg toppings.

The popularity of the cafe is largely due to the boom in cultural and ecological tourism in the Qinling Mountains in recent years, combined with the government's efforts at environmental preservation.

In recent years, the Chinese government has strengthened the long-term protection system and mechanism of the Qinling Mountains, and adopted measures such as the establishment of the five-level forest chief system. More and more urban residents, especially those from Xi'an, are attracted to the mountain villages as venues for slow-paced vacations.

Wang visited many places before deciding to build the cafe here. "Cafes are among the favorite businesses of young people, and they provide a strong sense of contrast when they appear in the countryside," she said. "People come here not only to consume coffee, but also to 'pay' for the green ecology of Qinling and the pastoral environment."

In front of the cafe is a tourism highway, which connects the store with many artistic villages along the mountain range. Art helps the villages to become more fashionable and livable, while retaining their natural beauty.

Wang Lijun, Party chief of Liyukou, said that he has been surprised by the success of the cafe, which he did not expect to be so popular at first.

"The revenue of the village has increased, our views on the village's future development have been enriched, and the ideas of the villagers have been updated," he said. "Under the influence of the cafe, more than 10 young people have participated in the rural construction projects here."

Li Hua, Party chief of Huyi, said that promoting the construction of a beautiful China requires properly handling the relationship between high-quality development and high-level protection.

"We must be guardians of the ecological environment. Only by protecting the ecology can we promote the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature," Li added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Former President Donald Trump greets people after announcing he is running for president for the third time at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach on Nov. 15, 2022. Trump's son Barron looks on. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

A Chicago woman accused of threatening to kill former President Donald Trump and his teenage son Barron in June had traveled to the boys Florida school months earlier, where she was questioned outside by law enforcement, court and police records show.

Tracy Marie Fiorenza, 41, was arrested in Chicago this week following the unsealing of a federal criminal complaint in Florida charging her with transmitting threats to kill another person, which carries up to five years in prison.

Advertisement

At a detention hearing at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse on Monday, prosecutors revealed that Fiorenza traveled in March to the Palm Beach County school where Trumps son attends and had an encounter with a sheriff.

In asking that Fiorenza be held without bond, Rosenbloom cited her encounter with police in Florida, saying it showed these are not idle threats from a behind a keyboard.

Advertisement

Police reports obtained by the Tribune through an open records request revealed a security guard at the Oxbridge Academy in unincorporated Palm Beach County called 911 at about 7:30 a.m. on March 7 and reported that a woman named Tracy was standing outside the front gate asking about Barron Trump.

The security guard told police the woman was a known stalker of a high-profile student, according to the Palm Beach County sheriffs reports. She had previously harassed people at the school by phone in October, claiming in a string of calls that President Trumps son attends the school but that officials were not following protocol, according to the documents.

Fiorenza told a sheriffs deputy at the scene that she wanted to talk to the headmaster because shed conducted her own investigation into whether Barron was at the school, according to the report.

School officials said she was trespassing and would be arrested if she returned to the school, according to the report. Fiorenza was issued a warning and left the property. Later that afternoon, agents with the Secret Service responding to the incident found her at a nearby gas station and drove her back to her hotel, the report stated.

Two months later, on May 21, Fiorenza emailed the headmaster of the school and wrote, I will state that I will shoot Donald Trump Sr. AND Baron Trump (sic) straight in the face at any opportunity that I get! according to the five-page criminal complaint.

She allegedly sent a similar email to the same headmaster threatening the younger Trumps life in early June, according to the complaint.

In June, a Secret Service agent reached out to Fiorenza and arranged a meeting at the agencys Chicago headquarters, where Fiorenza was shown copies of the emails, according to the complaint.

Fiorenza confirmed that she intentionally wrote them and sent them via email from her then-residence in southwest suburban Plainfield, the complaint stated.

Advertisement

At Wednesdays detention hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Rosenbloom said Fiorenza poses a real danger and should be denied bond. He acknowledged there may be mental health issues underlying the conduct, but said there were no conditions of release that could guarantee the safety of the community.

The threats here are extremely violent in nature, Rosenbloom said. He said in addition to the emails mentioned in the complaint, Fiorenza has sent numerous other communications to a large group of others, including government officials and celebrities, claiming she was being attacked by bad actors.

Another letter obtained by the Secret Service showed Fiorenza was trying in 2018 to reach people who worked in White House, Rosenbloom said.

The hearing was marred by several outbursts from Fiorenza, who started shaking her head during the prosecutors argument and then spoke directly to the judge, even as her attorney beseeched her to stop.

I have been contacting the school for years trying to get them to follow mandated reporting protocol, Fiorenza said. People are not trained in the technology involved. ... I was going to pass out flyers to parents warning them before school started because no one was listening to me.

She also claimed that Donald Trump is the leader of a pedophile ring and said that when she was a Chicago Public Schools teacher, the government followed her students and used remote sexual stimulation on them.

Advertisement

A Facebook page linked to Fiorenza and still publicly viewable stated she is a former social studies teacher and attended Carl Sandburg High School in Orland Park. The profile contains numerous violent and anti-Trump images and claims, as well as references to the elite organization of the Illuminati.

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 >

Her court-appointed attorney, Daniel Hesler, said that while the allegations are pretty alarming, there was really no evidence shes a threat to anyone in the real world.

There is nothing suggesting she is actually an aggressive person, Hesler said.

Hesler also said that Fiorenza told him psychotronic weapons are communicating directly into her head and shes just trying to stop it.

She would never actually get close to Barron Trump because shes afraid of him, he said. This is all a little wacky but it doesnt say that shes a danger.

Fiorenza objected to the comment from her attorney, saying I have a masters degree in psychology. I am not delusional!

Advertisement

U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered Fiorenza remain in custody pending transfer to the Southern District of Florida. Shes currently being held in the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago, records show.

jmeisner@chicagotribune.com
Harrison Floyd, a leader of Black Voices for Trump who was indicted in the Georgia election case, was arrested earlier this year for allegedly assaulting an FBI agent, court filings show.

Floyd surrendered at the Fulton County jail Thursday, joining a number of former President Trumps co-defendants, but he is the only one to do so without negotiating bail in advance.

The Fulton County Sheriffs office confirmed Floyd is being detained since he has no bond agreement.

Defense attorneys for the other 18 co-defendants have all reached agreements with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Williss (D) office, allowing them to be released ahead of trial as long as they post bail and follow certain conditions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Interrupting Newsmaxs live broadcast outside the jail on his way in, Floyd said, My name is Harrison Floyd and the district attorney wants me to talk to her, but she doesnt want to call me. He later surrendered after being ushered away from the media by law enforcement.

Top Stories from The Hill

In February, Floyd was arrested in Maryland after he allegedly assaulted an FBI agent who was serving him a grand jury subpoena, according to court filings.

The Washington Post, which first reported the arrest, indicated the subpoena was for special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into the 2020 election, citing two people familiar with the matter. Trump was indicted in that case earlier this month.

According to an affidavit, Floyd screamed profanities and assaulted an FBI agent when he and another agent showed up to Floyds apartment in Rockville, Md., located in the suburbs of the nations capital.

After the agents shoved the subpoena into Floyds apartment door and attempted to leave, Floyd allegedly ran down the stairs after them.

You havent shown me a badge or nothing. I have a fing daughter. Who the f do you think you are, Floyd screamed, according to court documents.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

He allegedly struck one of the agents chest to chest twice, according to the affidavit.

The Hill has reached out to Floyds attorney in that case for comment.

Harrison Floyd mugshot released by Fulton County Sheriffs Office.

In the new Georgia indictment, Floyd is charged alongside Trump on a racketeering charge over an alleged conspiracy to keep the then-president in power following the 2020 election.

Floyd is accused of trying to convince Fulton County election worker Ruby Freeman to make false statements about election operations on Election Day 2020, under the guise of offering her help.

Beyond the racketeering count, Floyd is charged with influencing witnesses and conspiring to solicit false statements and writings.

The Hill has reached out to the district attorneys office for comment about Floyds detention.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Diamond ring, $1,000 bill among items up for grabs at unclaimed property auction in Orlando

A rare $1,000 bill is just one of the items that will be up for auction in Orlando this weekend.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis announced Thursday the Florida Unclaimed Property Auction will take place in Orlando Saturday.

A preview of the auction items will take place at 9 a.m. Friday with the actual auction scheduled to begin at the same time the next day.

READ: Caught in the act: Nude Florida man accused of trying to break into Kissimmee homes

It will be held live at the Holiday Inn & Suites across from Universal Orlando at 5916 Caravan Court. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The most common types of unclaimed property are bank accounts that have been left dormant, unclaimed insurance proceeds, uncashed checks, deposits, and refunds. The contents of abandoned safe-deposit boxes can also end up on the unclaimed property list.

The assets are typically held for five years before theyre turned over to the Division of Unclaimed Property.

READ: We make no excuses: Flagler superintendent addresses assembly that singled out Black students

Some of the items slated for auction Saturday include a platinum ring with an emerald-cut diamond valued at nearly $2,000, and a rare 1934 $1,000 bill valued at $1,300.

Im excited to kick off our unclaimed property auction in Orlando this weekend with some outstanding items to bid on, Patronis said in a statement announcing the auction. The proceeds generated by this auction are used to help fund education in Florida.

For more information, including a list of all the items up for auction, click here.

READ: UCF police report uptick in scams targeting students

Unclaimed property owners can still claim the value of the items at any time up until theyre auctioned. According to the Department of Financial Services, one out of every five Floridians has unclaimed funds.

Since becoming CFO in 2017, Patronis says hes returned more than $2 billion in unclaimed property to the rightful owners.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.








In a question to former New Jersey governor Chris Christie , at the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday night, Fox News host and moderator Bret Baier said Milwaukee had "30 shootings" last weekend.

If he meant 30 victims, that figure is near-accurate, but Milwaukee actually had about half of 30 shootings.

It was a particularly violent weekend. Two mass shootings occurred and at least 26 people were injured and at least three people died in shootings.

Fox News anchor Bret Baier pleads with the crowd to quiet down to keep things moving at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Nine people were injured in a shooting late Saturday night in the 1400 block of West Burnham Street, police said. Six males and 3 females between ages 16 and 42 were shot  all the victims are expected to survive, police said. A 22-year-old Milwaukee man was taken into custody.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The next day, about a block away, four people were shot in the 1300 block of West Mitchell Street, police said. Three men and one woman were injured and suffered "serious injuries," police said. Their condition wasn't immediately available Wednesday night. A 22-year-old Milwaukee man was taken into custody.

Around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, 17-year-old Andrea Sanders was shot and killed on the 4400 block of West Hampton Avenue, police said. Milwaukee has had 18 children die by homicide this year.

On Monday, in a statement, Mayor Cavalier Johnson called the gun violence "entirely unacceptable" and said his thoughts are with the shooting victims, as well as their families and friends.

I insist our criminal justice system fully prosecute and punish those responsible for this violence," Johnson said in the statement. "I am directing our Office of Violence Prevention to take every reasonable step to educate, intervene and mediate so that we can reduce the gun violence here."

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

DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Did Milwaukee have '30 shootings' last weekend, as said at GOP debate?
Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead after his plane crashed on Wednesday.

His apparent death comes two months after he staged a failed mutiny against the Russian military.

Security officials and Soviet experts believe Putin is likely behind Prigozhin's death.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the bombastic Wagner Group leader who led a short-lived uprising against Russia's defense ministry earlier this summer, is presumed dead after his business jet went down in a fiery crash outside of Moscow on Wednesday.

It was not immediately clear if Prigozhin was on the downed plane, though his name was on the flight manifest. Russian state media outlet TASS later appeared to confirm that Prigozhin and his second-in-command Dmitry Utkin, were among those dead, citing the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency.

Wagner-affiliated social media said Prigozhin was killed in the crash, blaming "traitors of Russia." The Russian defense ministry did not immediately comment on the matter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday broke his silence on the suspected death of Prigozhin, his former ally. "I've known Prigozhin for a long time, since the early '90s. He was a man of complicated fate and he made serious mistakes in his life," Putin said, adding Prigozhin was "a talented man, a talented businessman."

Even as the immediate chaos of the situation dissipates and official statements are issued, few are likely to ever learn the full scope of the saga due to Russia's winding web of propaganda.

There is a chance this was an accident: but a warlord going rogue, stabbing his political benefactor in the back, so to speak, and then apparently dying in a freak plane crash seems like a bit of a stretch compared to some other alternatives.

Here are three possible explanations experts have put forward on what could have happened to Prigozhin based on what we know so far.

Scenario 1: Putin ordered Prigozhin's death

An assassination ordered by Putin represents the "best explanation" for Wednesday's catastrophic plane crash, 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.

Putin, a notoriously unforgiving leader, had plenty of reasons to want Prigozhin dead after the mercenary leader led a mutiny against Russia's defense ministry in June seeking to oust top-level officials after he spent months publicly criticizing the Russian military's strategy in Ukraine. The uprising was short-lived but nonetheless represented the most prominent threat to Putin's regime in decades.

"It's no surprise that Putin would take his revenge," Robert English, a professor at the University of Southern California who studies Russia, the Soviet Union, and Eastern Europe, told Insider. "In fact, we Putin-watchers have been expecting it, and today it happened  on exactly the two-month anniversary of the Wagner mutiny."

In the months since the mutiny, international officials and academic experts alike have been predicting Prigozhin's death. CIA Director Bill Burns suggested just last month that Prigozhin was living on borrowed time .

Yevgeny Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putin in happier times  a 2010 tour of a school lunch factory outside Saint Petersburg. Alexey Druzhinin/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

"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."

A seemingly uneasy truce emerged between Putin and Prigozhin after the uprising. Prigozhin was apparently exiled to Belarus for his role in the attempted rebellion, but seemed to spend much of the last two months traveling between St. Petersburg and Moscow, and even appeared to take a trip to Africa to visit his Wagner troops, Miles said.

Soon after the exile agreement was made public, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko claimed he was the one who stopped Putin from "wiping out" Prigozhin immediately after the uprising, Reuters reported , indicating Putin's desire for blood may have been brewing for months.

In the aftermath of the plane crash, an undated interview clip of Putin circulated on social media highlighting the president's distaste for disloyalty such as Prigozhin's revolt, which Putin expressly called a "betrayal."

"Does one need to be able to forgive?" the interviewer asks Putin.

"Yes, but not everything," the president replies.

"What can't be forgiven?"

"Betrayal," Putin says without hesitation.

Does one need to be able to forgive?

Yes, but not everything.

What cant be forgiven.

Betrayal. pic.twitter.com/lelXsOcPSV  Julia Ioffe (@juliaioffe) August 23, 2023

The Russian president has a long history of making his enemies "disappear." At least 14 individuals linked to Putin's government have died under violent or mysterious circumstances since he took the presidency.

Following the Wednesday plane crash, US President Joe Biden suggested Putin could be behind the crash in comments to reporters.

"I'd be careful what I rode in," he said. "There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind."

Former MI6 leader, Sir John Sawers, appeared to agree with Biden, telling BBC Radio 4's Today program on Thursday: "You can never fully be certain of the facts in places like Russia but all the indications point to the fact that Putin has taken him out  he's reasserted his control."

Sawers also said it was possible the jet was brought down by a "device" on board.

Even Kremlin insiders told Russian independent media outlet Meduza that they weren't surprised when they saw news of the crash. "There was a feeling that he would end up badly after the mutiny," one unnamed source told Meduza. "Such things are not forgiven in the Kremlin."

Scenario 2: Someone else ordered Prigozhin's assassination

Up until his ill-fated uprising, Prigozhin remained a close ally of Putin. The mercenary leader's grievances were exclusively directed at the Russian defense ministry  not the president himself.

It is not "inconceivable" that people within the military who were on the receiving end of Prigozhin's abuse could have taken action against the Wagner leader without Putin's approval, Miles told Insider.

British intelligence sources told the BBC on Thursday that Prigozhin's plane was most likely brought down by Russia's FSB domestic intel agency, in a move to strengthen the position of Russia's military leaders: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov, whom Prigozhin publicly criticized.

"It's very hard at this early stage to put together an explanation for what we've seen that does not involve some state assets being used to knock this plane out of the sky," Miles said. It's unclear at this point what specifically caused the plane to crash, though some Wagner-affiliated social media channels suggested it was shot down.

It's the military that has access to such capabilities, he said, adding that the level of command needed to launch such an attack within the Russian military is "very low."

Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin. Press service of "Concord"/Handout via REUTERS

This possibility could also account for Prigozhin's two months of seeming freedom following the rebellion, Miles said.

Why allow Prigozhin to live for weeks, flaunting his apparent immunity, if there were top-level plans to kill him, Miles posited. An immediate strike against Prigozhin would have sent a louder message and illustrated the immediate consequences awaiting traitors.

"He was running around basically unmolested since the coup attempt," Miles said of Prigozhin. It's possible members of the defense sector found that reality unacceptable, especially after members of the Russian armed forces were killed in his mutiny, and "decided to take matters into their own hands."

There is substantial evidence of dysfunction within the Russian government. Russia this week, for instance, fired Gen. Sergei Surovikin weeks after The New York Times reported he had advance knowledge of Prigozhin's mutinous plans, posing questions of whether the mercenary leader had help from within the military.

English, however, rejected the idea that someone within Putin's military would act without the president's explicit permission. But in ruling out a Russian defense perpetrator, English raised another potential culprit.

"Who else might want Prigozhin dead and have the capability to carry it out? Of course, the Ukrainians!" he told Insider.

Both English and Miles noted the "unnecessarily dramatic" and "aggressively public" manner of the plane crash  a stark departure from the mysterious deaths of other Putin foes from poison and falls out of windows.

"If so, it's a stroke of genius," English said of Ukraine's possible role in the incident. "Dramatically assassinate the killer of many Ukrainians. Pull off another brilliant strike inside Russia. Humiliate Putin. And all on the eve of Ukraine's independence day."

Scenario 3: Prigozhin is not dead

The most conspiracy theory-driven possibility of all is that the mercenary leader is not dead, and yet a Prigozhin fake death plot cannot be entirely ruled out, given the Wagner leader's affinity for disguises and doubles coupled with Russia's less-than-trustworthy media landscape.

Matthew Schmidt, an associate professor of national security and international affairs at the University of New Haven, said in comments shared with Insider that it is "prudent to be skeptical" of Russian government updates on the situation given "how Byzantine Russian politics is."

"People I know seriously argue it might not be the real Prigozhin," Schmidt said.

In the early hours following the plane crash, some on social media considered the possibility that Prigozhin had somehow faked his death, perhaps sending a double in his place.

Even Kremlin officials have their doubts. Some of them told the Russian independent news outlet Meduza that they are waiting for more information before ruling out this theory because Prigozhin is a known "trickster" and "troll."

A Pentagon official told The New York Times in July that Prigozhin was known to have used body doubles in the past, and photos of Prigozhin donning bizarre disguises were circulated by pro-Kremlin Telegram channels following his failed mutiny.

But the likelihood that Prigozhin managed to escape death seems to have lessened in the hours since the crash as more information becomes available and people turn to the most probable perpetrator: Putin.

Sawers, the former MI6 boss, told the BBC on Thursday: "All the indications point to the fact that Putin has taken him out, he has reasserted his control, he is making clear to everyone both inside Russia and outside he is not going to brook any challenge."

"So if there is a slim chance that he is not dead, that he wasn't on that plane, he will be soon."

August 24, 2023: This story has been updated with additional comments from Putin and other government officials.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Black motorist who was verbally attacked by a man during a road rage dispute in Georgia said that he started to record when he was threatened, according to a report.

The confrontation, which occurred on the Interstate 285 highway that encircles Atlanta on Aug. 16, was captured on video and has gone viral on social media. The unidentified driver said hes not sure what caused the interaction.

The unidentified man called the Black man the N-word during road rage dispute. (Twitter video screenshot)

Two guys in a van started flicking me off and started screaming at me, the driver, who remained anonymous, told WSB-TV. Thats when he started threatening me to get out of the car and fight.

Related: Drunk Woman and Entourage Dragged Off Flight to Ibiza After Brawling Before Take-off, Passenger Says Airline Should Have Done More to Stop it

In the video, a man in a gray work shirt approached the drivers car, yelled at him, and called him racial slurs. During the interaction, the Black man tried to make out what company he worked for.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Greenway? he said. What does that say on your shirt?

What does it matter what I say on my shirt, the other man responded. What does it say on my shirt? It says f**k you.

Click here to watch the full video.

Moments later, the man removed the shirt before continuing his rant.

What the f**k it says on my f**king shirt, homeboy. You see what this says? It says crazy a** f**king white boy, he said. Get the f**k out, you scary a** n***r. Yeah, homeboy, get out!

Based on the video, its unclear what company the man worked for. However, according to the Daily Beast, the logo on the mans shirt was similar to that of a company called Green-Watt Lighting Solutions, as many people seemed to point out on social media.

The company denied association with the man, with an attorney telling the outlet that this person appears to be simply wearing a T-shirt with a similar name on it.

The driver said he was happy that he kept his composure during the encounter.

I felt like I did the right thing, he told WSB. I got to live to see another day.
Mouthwatering gelato is a highlight of many tourists' Italian vacations.

Mouthwatering gelato is a highlight of many tourists' Italian vacations.

All summer, Americans have been flocking to Italy to enjoy the fresh pasta, pizza and, of course, plenty of gelato. The latter has a particular hold on American travelers, many of whom declare that the frozen treats they tried in Italy were far superior to the ice cream they eat in the United States.

But technically, gelato is just the Italian word for ice cream. So is there actually a difference?

The first thing to know is ice cream has a legal definition in the code of federal regulations in the U.S., said Douglas Goff, a professor emeritus in food science at University of Guelph. The legal definition specifies a minimum content of milk fat and milk solids.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The United States Department of Agricultures standard for ice cream requires that products using this label contain at least 10% milk fat, also called butterfat, and 20% milk solids. Ice cream must contain at least 1.6 pounds of total solids to the gallon and weigh at least 4.5 pounds to the gallon as well.

Gelato, on the other hand, is not subject to any such requirements in the U.S. (Members of the Italian parliament have introduced a bill that would regulate the process and composition of what can be designated as artisanal gelato in that country, however.)

As a result, theres more latitude to what you can produce and market as gelato. Still, dessert experts tend to follow some general norms and criteria.

Gelato is a lower fat frozen dessert, and it typically ends up being somewhere around the 4-7% fat mark, said Steve Christensen, executive director of the North American Ice Cream Association. Usually when you have less fat, you have less air, also known as overrun. So with less fat and less air, gelato is generally a lot richer and denser than a higher fat ice cream.

Basically, both desserts contain some combination of milk, cream, sugar and some sort of flavoring, but the proportions are not the same. Ice cream is also more likely to have eggs as an ingredient.

Gelato is ice cream, but with more milk than cream and less eggs, said award-winning chef and Milk Bar founder Christina Tosi.

She added that gelato is churned at a slower rate and with less intensity, which means less air is incorporated. As a result, its got a thicker, creamier texture whereas ice cream is much fluffier.

This difference in composition affects the way the flavors permeate each frozen treat. Some experts believe that gelatos denseness, lower butterfat content and difference in ingredient sourcing means its flavors are more intense.

If youve ever been so fortunate to have gelato in Italy, it probably tasted better than anything in the states, Tosi said. This is probably because of recency bias, Italian romance (were all victims to vacation pulling at our most ideal heartstrings), and because dairy, in Italy specifically, has a totally different pasteurization standard. The milk is not heated as high so essentially the dairy going into the gelato is more flavor-filled.

On the other hand, ice cream can be better for a long-lasting taste experience.

For ice cream, more fat means a more decadent experience, said Tyler Malek, co-founder and head ice cream maker of Salt & Straw. With a fattier base, ice cream holds flavors to your taste buds longer and more intensely, making it perfect for expensive ingredients like organic dark chocolate and vanilla bean. Gelato is lower in butterfat, so it doesnt get in the way of more delicate flavors, like strawberry and pistachio. When were working with a more delicate flavor, well approach it as a gelato or sherbet to really let it shine through.

Gelato makers typically gravitate toward classic Italian flavors like stracciatella, pistachio and nocciola (hazelnut). Theres a little more experimentation in U.S. ice cream with unusual flavor combinations and mix-ins.

Im a very more is more ice cream pint shopper, Tosi said. Big swirls and gobs and goo  thats what I look for. When I eat ice cream, I want it to count.

Ice cream and gelato also differ in terms of the optimal temperature for serving. Gelato requires a slightly warmer temperature to preserve that creamy, elastic-like texture, while ice cream would melt and become too soupy in those conditions.

Because it is so much lower in fat and has little to no eggs for stabilization, in order to be at its best taste, [gelato] must be served within 24 hours of its production, noted Ben Van Leeuwen, CEO and co-founder of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

Its worth noting, however, that ice cream aficionados would say the treats at an ice cream shop are best served within 24 hours of production as well.

Still, theres a reason why you see tons of ice cream offerings in the freezer aisle of the grocery store and even for purchase at ice cream shops but dont see a lot of gelaterias selling frozen pints. Ice cream is hard frozen, so it lasts longer.

Many gelaterias sell their product in a five-liter pan called a napoli, Christensen noted. So the rotation of product is a lot faster, and youre always eating something that was made very fresh versus something thats been sitting at the bottom of a three-gallon bucket for a week.

Artisanal gelato is traditionally stored in stainless steel containers, often with the lid on top.

Artisanal gelato is traditionally stored in stainless steel containers, often with the lid on top.

Stainless steel napoli pans are typically rectangular, but theres also a storage option called pozzetti, which refers to rounded tubs made of the same material. These come with lids that cover the gelato and protect it from ambient air and humidity.

The first sign of a delicious gelato is not being able to see the gelato in the freezer case, Van Leeuwen said, referring to the artisanal gelaterias that keep the lids on their containers.

The other telltale sign of mediocre gelato is when it is piled high in the case with intricate candy bar typed ingredients piled on top, he added. Generally when it looks like this, it is being made in the shop, but with industrially produced bags of powdered mix and pre-made add ins.

He believes this approach leads to gelato that is not artisanal, tastes overly stabilized and overly sweet, and lacks the punch of flavor in higher quality products.

In Europe, many gelato makers are following family recipes and pasteurizing their own mix right there where they make their gelato, Christensen said. That artisan process of sourcing ingredients, cooking the mix and then taking it straight from their pasteurizer to the ice cream machine isnt as common in the U.S. as in Europe. The fresh and bespoke nature of gelato throughout Europe is incredible.

Related...
A 27-year-old ambulance dispatcher died days after she was shot leaving work, Arkansas police say.

Cassandra Pena-Romero reportedly was shot by her husband, Omar Pena-Romero, as she left her job at Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services in Little Rock on Saturday, Aug. 19, multiple media outlets reported, citing police.

Her supervisors received an SOS text from her shortly before she was discovered shot in the neck beside her car in the parking lot, according to a police report obtained by KARK and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Police said she was taken to a hospital, where she was initially listed in critical condition. Her employer said Wednesday she died from her injuries.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Little Rock authorities did not immediately respond to a McClatchy News request for the police report.

Eight days before the shooting, Cassandra Pena-Romero filed for divorce, KARK and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. The couple was married for nearly four years and had a child together, according to KARK.

Court records show the divorce filing came after Omar Pena-Romero was arrested and charged with assaulting her, THV11 reported.

He had been ordered to stay away from his wifes home and work, THV11 reported.

According to her LinkedIn, Cassandra Pena-Romero worked as an emergency medical dispatcher since 2021.

She was called a true community hero by Greg Thompson, the executive director of MEMS.

We appreciate the care she received at (University of Arkansas for Medical Services) and the valiant efforts of our law enforcement partners to quickly apprehend the suspect of this heinous act, Thompson said in a statement. We mourn the loss of Cassandra and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and colleagues. As an organ donor, Cassandra continues her life-saving legacy.

Police said Omar Pena-Romero, 23, was arrested in Texarkana three hours after the shooting, according to MEMS. He was a former employee at MEMS before he was fired earlier this month, the agency said.

The husband was charged with first-degree domestic battery and violating a no-contact order, but charges were upgraded to capital murder, according to police and court records.

Grocery store worker is killed when ex-husband shoots her and himself, Ohio cops say

Ex-boyfriend breaks in, shoots woman who was with her new boyfriend, Texas sheriff says

Army soldier killed at Fort Campbell home was shot by estranged husband, jury rules
A Russian plane that crashed Wednesday was carrying both Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and a mercenary commander known as his right-hand man, Dmitry Utkin, according to Russias civilian aviation authority.

The deaths are unconfirmed by authorities, who have only cited a passenger list. But Russian media outlets and Wagner-affiliated social media accounts are reporting that both men died in the crash, the cause of which has yet to be explained.

Prigozhin was the face of the Wagner Group, while Utkin was his second-in-command and played a key role in the formation of the private military company.

Wagner-affiliated Telegram account The Grey Zone mourned Utkin on Thursday, sharing old pictures of him and calling him an experienced military fighter incomparable with anyone in the world.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Though Utkin has a controversial history, Wagner fighters respected him, with The Grey Zone describing him with high growth and good physical fitness, as well as a peculiarly heavy look that many fighters remember.

He was absolutely respectful and reverent towards the team of his fighters, for which he received inversely incommensurable respect, the account posted.

The Wagner Group has been accused of horrendous human rights abuses across the world, particularly in Africa, and has historically close ties to the Kremlin.

Utkin, a veteran of the Chechen wars in the 90s and early 2000s, was a former member of the military intelligence branch known as GRU and a former commander of an elite Spetsnaz special soldiers unit.

He left the military in 2013 and joined Moran Security Group, another Russian private security company that has operated across the world.

After leading his own mercenary group to fight in eastern Ukraine during a separatist rebellion, Utkin formed the Wagner Group in 2014.

Utkin is considered a co-founder, although the title often goes solely to Prigozhin because of his highly public profile as a known financier of the private military company.

Prigozhin denied his role in founding Wagner Group until September 2022, when he claimed he founded the mercenary company to protect ethnic Russians in Ukraines Donbas region.

According to the Center for International and Security Studies, Utkin named the company after his old callsign Wagner, which may in turn be a reference to famed German musician and composer Richard Wagner (pronounced Vogner). Utkin reportedly was a neo-Nazi who venerated Nazi Germany, and Richard Wagner was Adolf Hitlers favorite composer.

Prigozhin launched a short-lived mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June after protesting what he called widespread corruption among the Russian elite and a failure to prosecute the war in Ukraine.

The rebellion was scrapped after Prigozhin reached a deal  brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko  to exile himself in Belarus in return for Putin to drop terrorism charges against him.

Its unclear what role Utkin played in the rebellion as he had largely stayed out of the spotlight and left the publicity to Prigozhin.

But Utkin was considered the right-hand man to Prigozhin and was regarded highly among the soldiers.

The Wagner account Reverse Side of the Medal said Utkin was looked up to as a man of unbending will and fortitude who inspired confidence on the battlefield.

In the West, Utkin is seen as a human rights abuser for his role in deadly conflicts across the world.

The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned the co-founder of Wagner Group for violating the territorial integrity of Ukraine. Kyiv has also sanctioned Utkin.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Security at the first Republican primary debate of the 2024 presidential election was directed to bar members of the Trump campaign from entry, according to a document seen by news crews.

Its the latest drama surrounding Donald Trumps decision to skip the debate in favour of a one-on-one interview with former Fox anchor Tucker Carlson.

The directive included pictures of Trump staffers Jason Miller, Justin Caparole, and Danny Tiso, and said the men were not approved for entry.

The Trump team criticised Fox News, which hosted the debate, for the document, which was first reported by NBC News.

Fox News Never Trump bias against President Trump apparently now extends to his supporters as well, Mr Miller said in a statement on Wednesday. Its tacky, its petty, and it explains why their ratings are in the toilet. Watch President Trumps interview with Tucker Carlson on Twitter tonight at 8:55pm ET!

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fox News said in a statement to NBC News the document pertained to Tuesday preparations for the debate, and that the network wasnt involved in creating the directive.

This paper was designed and printed by the Fiserv Forum security team as a guide for candidate walk throughs that took place yesterday, the network said. FOX News Media was not involved with the production of the document and did not sanction any of the language used.

This was on the security table near the metal detectors at the entrance to the debate spin room.



Jason Miller, Justin Caparole and Danny Tiso  all three Trump staffers  are specifically listed as being barred from the debate.

More on our live blog: https://t.co/51xgn19YEF pic.twitter.com/V88DdJDRY9  Dasha Burns (@DashaBurns) August 23, 2023

Instead of Mr Trump using the debate as a campaign stop, the former president opted for a highly charged interview with Carlson, during which he dabbled in conspiracy theories and lashed out against rivals for 2024 like former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and former vice president Mike Pence.

A guy left with an eight per cent approval in New Jersey, think about it, and now he is running for president and he runs solely on the basis of oh, lets get Trump, Mr Trump said of Mr Christie.

Hes like a savage maniac, hes like a lunatic. And thats all he talks about. His poll numbers are very, very low, about two per cent.

Meanwhile, he also went after Mr Pence for refusing to illegally suspend the certification of the 2020 election in Congress.

In my opinion, Mike Pence had the absolute right to send the votes back to the legislatures. The Democrats and everybody said you dont have the right. In other words, what I said was What is he a human conveyor belt? Mr Trump said.
Financier and former Fruit of the Loom President and CEO William F. Farley and his wife, Shelley, have listed their seven-bedroom, 12,000-square-foot, full-floor apartment on the 14th floor of an East DuSable Lake Shore Drive cooperative building for $15.9 million.

The co-ops asking price eclipses all other homes asking prices inside the city of Chicago with the exception of a 25,000-square-foot Lincoln Park mansion with a nearly $30 million price tag. In the suburbs, the only higher-priced home is a lakefront mansion on 31.85 acres with a $22.9 million asking price.

Advertisement

A self-made Rhode Island native who at one time was a co-owner of the Chicago White Sox, Farley acquired Chicago conglomerate Northwest Industries, which owned underwear maker Fruit of the Loom, in 1985 and took the firm public two years later. He was at the helm of Fruit of the Loom until 1999, when it underwent a reorganization that concluded with its sale to Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway holding company. Today, Farley runs Liam Ventures, a private-equity firm.

On East DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Farley bought one, 6,000-square-foot half-floor unit in 1986. He purchased the other unit about six years later, and he then hired noted Chicago architect Laurence Booth to combine them into a modernist-style, 12,000-square-foot spread with 360-degree views.

Advertisement

Larry is just a wonderful architect, and what I said to Larry was, I want this apartment to be all about light and space, Farley told Elite Street. The ceilings are 11-feet high, there are these huge windows, and, of course, there are no obstructions, and these views are incredible, not just for Chicago but for any major city in America to have this location, which is East Lake Shore Drive.

The 18-story building was constructed in the mid-1920s and was designed by noted architect Benjamin Marshall, who himself lived in a sixth-floor apartment during the buildings first decade or so. The building boasts a tremendous amount of star power in terms of its resident-owners, and Farley was close friends with legendary Tribune advice columnist Ann Landers  whose real name was Eppie Lederer and lived in an apartment one level above Farleys until her death in 2002.

Over the years, Farley also has used his apartment to host a variety of political fundraisers. Farley said he has hosted probably three U.S. presidents in the apartment over the years, along with numerous U.S. senators, governors and mayors.

Its been great fun and its been a great journey, he said. Weve had the wonderful opportunity over the years to host some really amazing individuals.

In addition to the size of the space, the views and the natural light, Farley touted the apartments flow and the fact that the redesign by Booth allowed for two large art galleries.

We are fortunate enough to have a pretty neat art collection, and we have these two really large art galleries on either side of the units, weve got the 11-foot ceilings, and weve got ample space. Its 45 feet long, he said. Weve also got a gym in the apartment, and Ive been known to have a glass of wine, and weve got a really beautiful temperature-controlled wine room. So its a combination of those things that I think makes it just so special and so unique and so great.

Other features in the couples co-op include seven full bathrooms, two half bathrooms, six wood-burning fireplaces, 120-foot-long views, a custom-paneled library, an office and a family/media room. The purchase comes with two guest apartments found on lower levels of the building, as well as four garage spaces, which is unusual for a home in that area of the Gold Coast.

Although the Farleys have their co-op unit for sale, William Farley said he wanted to make clear that he has no intention of leaving Chicago. He and his wife divide their time between Chicago and a place in Maine, and they plan to continue that.

Advertisement

You do get to a stage in life where its a 12,000-square-foot space and its just two people, and you want to reduce the footprint, he said. Its not negative about anything in the city. Its a wonderful building, and we love the building and we love the neighborhood. We had mixed feelings (about listing it) and we debated it for several years.

Listing agent Jeffrey Lowe of Compass called the Farleys apartment one of the most remarkable homes Ive ever been in.

Ive sold a number of co-ops recently, and they all have a lot of heavy millwork and are kind of dark, but this one is open and bright. Its a Larry Booth design so its a very fresh, modern, bright version of a co-op, which you dont see oftentimes, Lowe said. And its more than 12,000 square feet, but its very inviting. Theres no wasted space. My sellers have a large family. With seven bedrooms and a library, their home is like a big house in the sky.

William Farley has owned other prominent real estate over the years. In Newport, Rhode Island, he paid $6.67 million in 1997 to buy Hammersmith Farm, the former Auchincloss family estate that had been the site of Jackie and John F. Kennedys 1,200-person wedding reception in 1953. Farley bought the 54-acre estate to prevent plans to rezone the property to allow the construction of condominiums. He sold the estate in 1999 for $8.03 million to its current owner.

In Chicago, Farley once owned  but never lived in  a 9,000-square-foot, restored Gold Coast mansion that was designed by celebrated architect Howard Van Doren Shaw. He bought that mansion, at the corner of Burton Place and Astor Street, in 1987 and sold it the following year to former Assistant Secretary of Commerce Michael Galvin and his wife, Elizabeth.

Bob Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.

Advertisement

Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news.
Ramaswamy and Haley clash over foreign policy during the first Republican candidates debate (Getty Images)

Throughout the entire debate, Republican presidential candidates  from former New Jersey governor Chris Christie to former vice president Mike Pence  took turns attacking businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.

But perhaps the most explosive attack came from former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, who slammed him for his lack of foreign policy experience.

And the problem that Vivek doesnt understand is he wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan. He wants to go and stop funding Israel, she said.

In response, Mr Ramaswamy said he supported many aspects of Israeli policy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Our relationship with Israel will never be stronger by the end of my next term, but its not a client relationship, it is a friendship, he said. And you know what friends do? Friends help each other stand on their own two feet.

Mr Ramaswamy said he would build on the Abraham Accords, a series of peace negotiations former president Donald Trumps administration brokered in 2020 between Israel and Bahrain as well as between Israel and the United Arab Emirates. He also said he would partner with Israel to make sure Iran does not have a nuclear weapon.

But you know what I love about Israel? he said. I love their border policies. I love their tough-on-crime policies. I love that they have a national identity and an Iron Dome to protect their homeland.

The United States consistently provides funding for the Iron Dome air defence system to protect from attacks. In recent years, it has become a sticking point among some progressive Democrats.

And so yes, I want to learn from the friends that were supporting, Mr Ramaswamy said.

Mr Ramaswamys views on Israel have been a sticking point for the political newcomer who has never held elected office before seeking the Republican nomination for president.

Ms Haley specifically cited an interview Mr Ramaswamy conducted with comedian Russell Brand on Rumble, the right-wing video platform funded by Peter Thiel.

I want to negotiate Abraham Accords 2.0. Get Saudi [Arabia], Oman, Qatar, Indonesia, in there, he said. Get Israel on its own two feet, and I believe in standing by commitments that weve already made.

Mr Ramaswamy said that the United States has commitments lasting through 2028, when he would hypothetically be seeking re-election.

We should not be worried about holding one nation or one region hostage over one particular question relating to Palestine, he said. Come 2028, that additional aid wont be necessary in order to still have the kind of stability that wed actually have in the Middle East by having Israel more integrated in with its partners.

In response, Republican Jewish Coalition chief executive Matt Brooks sent Mr Ramaswamy a letter condemning his views on Israel.

In light of your overall support for a strong US-Israel alliance, I believe that a closer look at the issue of US aid will convince you 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, the letter said.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit Thursday against SpaceX, Elon Musks space company, alleging the company discriminated against refugees and asylees during the hiring process.

The DOJ claimed SpaceX routinely discouraged refugees and those granted asylum from applying for jobs and often would refuse to hire or consider them for positions, specifically because of their citizenship status, from at least September 2018 to May 2022, which the DOJ claimed violated the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

As evidence, the DOJ alleged SpaceX only hired U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents from September 2018 to September 2020.

The lawsuit outlines other practices used to allegedly discriminate against those applicants.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On job postings, the DOJ claimed, SpaceX would falsely claim that federal regulations known as export control laws required the company to hire U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Export control laws impose no such hiring restrictions, the DOJ press release read. Moreover, asylees and refugees permission to live and work in the United States does not expire, and they stand on equal footing with U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents under export control laws.

Under these laws, companies like SpaceX can hire asylees and refugees for the same positions they would hire U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. And once hired, asylees and refugees can access export-controlled information and materials without additional government approval, just like U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, the press release continued.

The DOJ claimed that the alleged discrimination practices extended not only to positions that required advanced degrees, but to a variety of jobs, including, welders, cooks, crane operators, baristas and dishwashers, as well as information technology specialists, software engineers, business analysts, rocket engineers and marketing professionals.

The DOJ reportedly opened an investigation into the alleged discriminatory hiring practices after allegedly getting a complaint from a noncitizen about the hiring practices. The DOJ is asking refugees or people who were granted asylum to contact the DOJs Civil Rights Divisions Immigrant and Employee Rights Section if they encountered any of the alleged acts they describe in the lawsuit.

In the press release, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke described the findings of the investigation and pledged to hold SpaceX accountable.

Asylees and refugees have overcome many obstacles in their lives, and unlawful employment discrimination based on their citizenship status should not be one of them, Clarke said in the press release. Through this lawsuit we will hold SpaceX accountable for its illegal employment practices and seek relief that allows asylees and refugees to fairly compete for job opportunities and contribute their talents to SpaceXs workforce.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Department of Justice on Thursday filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, accusing Elon Musk s rocket company of practicing routine, widespread, and longstanding hiring discrimination against people with asylum or refugee status.

For years, the California-based organization discouraged those who arent U.S. citizens or permanent residents from applying for jobs, the suit alleges. SpaceX is also accused of refusing to hire or consider such people when they did apply  which would amount to a blatant violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Because of their citizenship status, asylees and refugees had virtually no chance of being fairly considered for or hired for a job, the lawsuit states.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk made comments online that were cited in a new lawsuit against his rocket company.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk made comments online that were cited in a new lawsuit against his rocket company.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The complaint cites online job postings and comments made by the companys CEO as evidence of discriminatory practices. Though Musk  who was born in South Africa and later became a U.S. citizen  is not directly named in the suit, he has held the position of chief executive since the companys founding.

In a video shown at an international space conference in 2016 and posted to YouTube, Musk claimed that a typical work visa was insufficient for employment at SpaceX, the DOJ writes.

A social media post that he published in 2020 stated that job applicants must at least be permanent U.S. residents  also known as a green-card holders  to be hired, according to the lawsuit. He blamed the hiring limitation on an unspecified U.S. law regulating advanced weapons technology.

The post remained online as of Thursday.

US law requires at least a green card to be hired at SpaceX, as rockets are considered advanced weapons technology  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 16, 2020

The DOJ also claimed that an online job application tool used by SpaceX rejected applicants who identified as asylees or refugees.

In one rejection from 2021, a SpaceX recruiter allegedly told an applicant that they could not be hired because of their asylum status. The applicant was, however, noted by the recruiter as having some impressive experience, according to the lawsuit.

In another instance, in 2020, a senior recruiter allegedly rejected an applicant and listed not U.S. citizen or green card as the reason.

The company blamed such rejections on a set of State Department rules known as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, according to the lawsuit. SpaceXs online hiring tool allegedly had a code that was given to these applicants: not authorized to work/ITAR ineligible.

SpaceX, headquartered in Hawthorne, California, is accused of routine, widespread, and longstanding hiring discrimination.

SpaceX, headquartered in Hawthorne, California, is accused of routine, widespread, and longstanding hiring discrimination.

ITAR restricts workers ability to export certain goods, software, technology and technical data. Under the rules, U.S. citizens, nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees and asylees are permitted to access export-controlled items, whereas anyone else may need authorization from the federal government.

The DOJ noted in its filing that SpaceX regularly conducts export compliance assessments, which check to see whether new and existing workers require authorization to access export-controlled items.

Citing data that the company provided to the federal government, the lawsuit states that only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents were employed by SpaceX from Sept. 1, 2018, to Sept. 30, 2020.

Four months after SpaceX was notified of the DOJ launching an investigation into potential discriminatory hiring practices, the company hired an asylee in late 2020. Not a single refugee was hired from September 2018 to May 2022, the suit states.

A representative for SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Asylees and refugees are migrants who have fled their home countries, and official asylum or refugee status gives them indefinite permission to live and work in the U.S. Lawful permanent residents also have permission to live and work in the country indefinitely.

Asylees and refugees have overcome many obstacles in their lives, and unlawful employment discrimination based on their citizenship status should not be one of them, said Kristen Clarke, an assistant attorney general with the DOJs Civil Rights Division, in a statement announcing the legal action.

Clarke said the DOJ intends to hold SpaceX accountable and seek relief that allows asylees and refugees to fairly compete for job opportunities and contribute their talents to SpaceXs workforce.

Related...
A few notably boisterous Republicans  including the son of a former president  are complaining that Fox News apparently refused to let them access the network's spin room after the GOP presidential primary debate.

Fox News hosted the GOP's first presidential primary debate of the 2024 election season on Wednesday evening in Milwaukee.

Former president and current frontrunner Donald Trump made a spectacle of his decision to skip the Fox News debate, instead choosing to appear in an interview with the network's ousted star anchor, Tucker Carlson.

Despite Mr Trump's decision not to join the debate, surrogates in the form of Don Jr, Kimberly Guilfoyle , Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Congressman Matt Gaetz visited the debate to hang around the spin room of sing his praises to the press.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fox News turned them away, according to the New York Post.

Don Jr complained that "Fox won't let me into the spin room," which should not have come as a surprise considering his father skipped the debate and Fox News had already indicated it would not allow surrogates for candidates who were not participating to join the spin room.

It shouldnt surprise us and its also why Trump was 100% right not to go to this debate, Don Jr fumed after his rejection.

Fox News is trying to censor and silence Trump supporters to protect their hand-picked establishment candidates, Don Jr wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Fox News is trying to censor and silence Trump supporters to protect their hand-picked establishment candidates.



That's a big reason why their ratings are dying, while my father's interview with Tucker Carlson is already at 93 million views!!! https://t.co/Qf4LI63BiB  Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) August 24, 2023

Ms Guilfoyle complained that the decision was "un-American."

Ms Greene was similarly denied access, prompting her to complain to her boyfriend, RSBN commenter Brian Glenn, during a live interview. She said the decision was "censorship" by Fox News.

Fox News security blocks Donald Trump Jr. from going into the spin room at the Milwaukee debate.



It shouldnt surprise us and its also why Trump was 100% right not to go to this debate, he says. pic.twitter.com/6oZW0JP0xw  Gregory Korte (@gregorykorte) August 24, 2023

"They just blocked us out," she said. "They would not allow myself, Matt Gaetz or the other Trump surrogates to go into the spin room. We argued with them. Talked to them. We showed the correct credentials ... And they would not let us in, so this is censorship from Fox News. This is censorship, not allowing surrogates for President Trump to go into the spin room."

Despite Ms Greene's ostensible conservative belief that companies should be largely left to make their own decisions without government intervention, she could not help but fume about her rejection, even after Glenn tried to move onto a different topic.

"I'm sorry, I'm still so mad that we've just been blocked out," she said. "I literally am furious."

"We have freedom of speech. President Trump's speech is constantly being canceled, Brian," she said, to a live audience, while Mr Trump was busy voluntarily giving an interview to Tucker Carlson. "He's being arrested and indicted and indicted in Fulton County tomorrow because of his speech, because he said the election was stolen in 2020. And now us as surrogates for President Trump supporting his candidacy, wanting to talk about his message in the spin room tonight, had been censored and blocked out."

What Ms Greene and the other surrogates failed to mention in their complaints was that Mr Trump not only chose to skip the debate, but he scheduled an interview with Carlson for the same time slot. He apparently hoped to siphon off Fox News' viewers for his interview and then send his loyalists once the event was over to continue benefitting on Fox's dime.

The Independent has reached out to Fox News for comment.
Donald Trump is facing a number of legal problems that may have an impact on his electoral chances.

The polling shows that some transgressions are taken more seriously than others.

Trump's could paint it as standard political behavior, but that won't work in some cases.

Former President Donald Trump is the subject of a number of legal inquiries at the federal, state, and local level. Given that he's also Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, it stands to reason that some or all of these are going to have an impact on the prospects of his nomination or potential election.

The legal consequences of a conviction are obviously quite bad, but I am not a lawyer, so you should find an article written by a lawyer. The political consequences are a little more nuanced, and figuring out what, if any, indictments will the be the one that actually undermines his bid for the presidency is going to come down to which can be dismissed by your standard voter with, "Eh, they all do that."

The sentence that determines whether an offense is career-ending

"Eh, they all do that" is one of the most important sentences in American politics, allowing a voter to overcome the cognitive dissonance that beguiles them when a person whose politics they largely share does something that, on balance, is a little messed up.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Countless governments have been spared opprobrium and collapse thanks to its exculpating effect. Only when a crime is so obvious, or so heinous, that it cannot be dismissed as eh, they all do that is a politician's political position untenable.

Did the politician accept a campaign contribution from an unsavory customer? Eh, they all do that; nobody worth enough money to give a maximum FEC contribution has led a blameless life. Did the politician cheat on their spouse? Eh, they all do that; politicians have been cheating on their wives since Henry II slept around on Eleanor of Aquitaine. Did the politician do a dirty trick to undermine a rival? Eh, they all do that; in fact, many of them go on to gloat about that in books written decades later.

But there are lines in the sand. Did the politician take an outright bribe from an unsavory customer? You do not get to represent the great state of New Jersey anymore. Did the politician cheat on their spouse, but in a way that isn't morally acceptable at the time? You do not get to represent the great state of New Jersey anymore. Cross a line and actually violate election law in a way your average voter can understand? Do I need to say it again?

We can even see eh, they all do that effect for Biden. The Hunter Biden scandal essentially comes down to an unsuccessful child selling a lucrative government relations business on his father's name, and the history of the American presidency is positively littered with moron relatives attempting the grift. Eh, they all do that.

While the legal bar can be unambiguous, electorally, the bar can be lower for politicians. This is a profession that, according to a June 2023 poll from YouGov, ranked the very lowest across 30 different occupations in terms of perceived positive impact. Fully 59% of respondents said that politicians have a very or somewhat negative impact, and just 14% said they had a positive one.

So eh, they all do that is the lens that will define the public perception of the Trump indictments. And on at least a few of them, he's in deep trouble.

Former President Donald Trump appears in court for an arraignment on charges stemming from his indictment by a Manhattan grand jury following a probe into hush money paid to porn star Stormy Daniels, in New York City, U.S., April 4, 2023, in this courtroom sketch. Jane Rosenberg/Reuters

Trump's been charged with a number of crimes. Regardless of his legal outcome, some of them are pretty disqualifying for many people.

First, the polling. There's considerable evidence that not all of Trump's indictments carry the same weight among voters. Especially, look to self-identified independents: not only does this group inherently skew a little toward the GOP, but the attitudes toward Trump among Republicans and Democrats are also, shall we say, rather fixed.

Ipsos has polled Americans on their thoughts following each of the indictments Trump has faces, and the apples-to-apples comparison here is very compelling.

First, we can see that Americans are really taking this seriously. A majority of political independents think that each charge against Trump  the Manhattan indictment regarding his business practices, the federal indictment over his handling of classified documents, the federal indictment over his actions on January 6, and the Fulton County indictment over the actions of Trump and his allies to attempt to affect the outcome of the vote count  is serious.

In all but one case, most independents think he should be charged with a crime.

Ipsos

Furthermore, in all but one case, 38% of Republicans think the indictments are serious, and about one in seven Republicans think he should be charged with a crime. Those numbers, in a political system as entrenched as ours is, are remarkable. A Morning Consult poll that surveyed similar things corroborates these numbers from Ipsos.

All that said, combining the data with the concept of eh, they all do that gives a pretty instructive lay of the land when it comes to the electoral peril Trump faces.

The Manhattan indictment , though it had the biggest splash as the first indictment, will not be as big a deal to voters as the rest of the indictments, based on the polling. Additionally, the investigation into Trump paying hush money to an adult film actress before an election falls squarely under eh, they all do that.

The Fulton County indictment has independents split over whether or not Trump should be charged. In no small part, this is because RICO is hard to understand, and everyone has had to research what racketeering actually is. Setting aside the polling, politicians have always sought to play the refs and obtain the most beneficial outcome of a vote count; the question here is if Trump went too far.

The January 6 indictment is, by all appearances, the worst one for Trump. January 6 was a unique event in American history, and no president before Trump has had to legally face the consequences of a mob of their supporters sacking the United States Capitol and threatening to murder the vice president, so it can't be waved away. The polling is the worst across every demographic, and the visuals are unforgettable. It's bad.

The documents case is the most interesting one  and, in my view, the one that could derail Trump the most. Independents think it's bad, but not that bad, and it truly depends on how persuadable voters are when it comes to eh, they all do that. On one hand, they do, in fact, all do that. After the initial search, several former presidents and vice presidents coughed up classified documents they had inadvertently taken. On the other hand, Trump kept his in a chintzy bathroom and went to remarkable lengths to hide them from authorities. There's likely a reason that his primary rival, Gov. Ron DeSantis, has only really tried to attack Trump on this indictment. There's no certainty how this plays out, but the photographs are terrible for Trump, so I hold this one could be the worst at the end of the day.

Classified documents were stored in the bathroom and shower of what appears to be a guest suite at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. Department of Justice

Read the original article on Business Insider
Dozens of Democrats sent a letter to President Biden on Wednesday urging him to deliver on his promise for student debt relief.

The letter comes days before interest will begin to accrue on student loans for the first time in more than three years.

We are extremely disappointed and concerned that the Supreme Court substituted politics for the rule of law to deny as many as 43 million hard working Americans life-changing relief from crushing student loan debt, said the letter, signed by top Democrats including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (Mass.).

In the wake of this outrageous decision, we appreciate your announcement initiating a rulemaking under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to deliver on debt relief and write to urge you to swiftly carry out your commitment to working and middle class families, and cancel student debt by early 2024, it added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bidens initial plan to get at least $10,000 to all student loan borrowers was shut down by the high court earlier this summer.

Since then, the administration has started the negotiated rulemaking process toward the next form of student loan forgiveness. The administration believes this avenue will prove legally sound, but will take much longer to implement  and no details are known about how much relief will come from it or who will receive it.

In the meantime, Biden has provided an on-ramp to begin repayments. Student loan repayments will turn back on in October, but borrowers will not be financially penalized, besides interest accruing, if they miss payments for up to a year.

While we understand your administrations efforts in providing a 12-month on-ramp starting on October 1, 2023 to protect borrowers during the transition to repayment, we remain gravely concerned about the Department of Educations projections that without additional relief, student debt delinquencies and defaults will spike once repayment resumes, the letter states.

The Department of Education should work to ensure that implementation of the final rule to provide debt relief does not happen after the 12-month on ramp ends in effort to further reduce the risk of delinquency and default, the Democrats added.

Biden has long taken heat from Democrats and advocates for his more centrist position on the issue. While he said on the campaign trail he was only willing to forgive up to $10,000 in student loans, Warren and Schumer previously called for him to forgive up to $50,000.

Biden has used other avenues to forgive student loans for various groups such as those defrauded by their institutions, or adjusting the calculations on income-driven repayments to provide relief to those who have been paying student loans for more than 20 years.

Since the beginning of your administration, youve demonstrated this commitment through the $116.6 billion in student loans you have forgiven for more than 3.4 million borrowers. Although the Supreme Court has chosen to stand in the way of your initial student debt relief plan, we recognize that as President of the United States, you have additional tools to provide relief, the letter reads.

If Biden does not pass relief within the next year, loan payments and the financial consequences for missing them will be in full swing right before the 2024 election.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
New research published this month in the journal Analytical Chemistry details how an innovative protein analysis technique has uncovered a rich bevvy of biochemical evidence about the life and health of the most famous (alleged) vampire in history  indeed, the inspiration for Count Dracula himself.

His sweating fist cantering across the surface of Romanian rag paper in swooping lines of 15th Century Latin as steadily as his armies swept through the Carpathian mountains, we know for certain that Vlad Draculea  merciless defender of Wallachia, harbinger of an estimated 80,000 deaths  wept and bled into the very ink of his hand-written letters. But now it seems that Vlad the Impaler, namesake of Bram Stoker's 1897 epistolary horror, may have even wept literal tears of blood, as described in the oldest stories about him.

"To our reckoning," writes a team of researchers led by chemist Maria Gaetana Giovanna Pittala of Italy's University of Catania, "this is the first time such research has been carried out and has helped to bring to the limelight the health status of Vlad Dracula the Impaler."

It's no silver bullet. But, by analyzing the makeup of three carefully preserved letters from Dracula  two written in 1457 and one in 1475  the scientists discovered peptides indicating tears and blood, along with proteins linked to an inflammatory disease and a genetic respiratory disorder known for chronic lung and sinus infections.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"He probably suffered, at least in the last years of his life, from a pathological condition called hemolacria, that is, he could shed tears admixed with blood. Additionally, he also probably suffered from inflammatory processes of the respiratory tract and/or of the skin," the researchers wrote.

Hemolacria can be caused by multiple disorders, including vascular lesions and trauma, such as cataract surgery. But while it is a very rare condition, it (obviously) isn't true vampirism. Folks in the 15th Century may not have realized this, however, which may have inspired the legends about Dracula.

Being able to parse these ancient proteins allowed researchers to accomplish two remarkable things. First, the peptides fleshed out the intimately sanguine humor of Dracula himself  even as the researchers account for the accumulation of their historical handling.

"It is worth noting that more medieval people may have touched these documents, which cannot be denied, but it is also presumable that the most prominent ancient proteins should be related to Prince Vlad the Impaler, who wrote and signed these letters," the team wrote.

The peptides also allowed Pittala's team to explore the wider context of Dracula's life as the environmental conditions of latter-year 15th century Wallachia. Under mass spectroscopy, a milieu of tell-tale peptides came into focus, revealing a biochemical story of the area's blend of merchant traders, soldiers and migrants, travelers mingling from as far away as Persia and Mongolia. Thousands of peptides were found in the investigation from plants and insects, to fungi and bacteria  even traces of the Black Death.

Using Croc plastic to rewrite history

Sophisticated, precise use of mass spectrometry in World Cultural Heritage artifacts has been a boon to researchers and conservationists alike. The research team reviewing Dracula's letter applied a non-damaging, extremely thin film of ethylene-vinyl acetate. (This versatile polymer, also known as EVA, is the same material used in shoes like Crocs and some yoga mats.) Then they used special augmented reality software to map out the high-concentration hot spots for proteins, allowing them to light up their digital copies and apply different fluorescence levels of pseudo-color in green, yellow and red.

It's not the first time this technique has been used. Nor even the first time Dracula's hand-writing was given the spectrometry treatment by two of the new study's co-authors, Svetlana and Gleb Zilberstein. The married couple began studying the ancient remnants of Vlad's literal blood, sweat and tears in 2022.

The story actually began when Gleb reached out to then-81-year-old Italian chemist and protein-spectrometry pioneer Pier Giorgio Righetti. As Righetti tells it in Smithsonian Magazine, Gleb called Righetti up with an exciting idea about how to study the delicate artifacts without damaging them.

"I know how we could do it without needing to take a sample," Gleb told him.

Prior to taking on Dracula's handwriting, Righetti and the Zilbersteins went on a historical cultural spree of discovery.

They found tuberculosis in the blood stains of the shirt Anton Checkov was wearing when he died and evidence the playwright's final blow may have been a stroke. In letters from George Orwell, they impressively sussed out tuberculosis in the typically protein-barren landscape of a typewritten letter. In the original manuscript of The Master and Margarita, the duo discovered evidence that Russian novelist Mikhail Bulgakov may have been self-medicating with morphine while writing. And in the notebooks of 17th-century astronomer Johannes Kepler, the appearance of silver, gold, arsenic and lead revealed that Kepler may have been a practicing alchemist.

But this time something was different about the Zilbersteins' meticulously careful work. The night air took on a mysterious quality as the scientists emerged from the Romanian archive, as strange occurrences materialized suddenly and dramatically. In an interview with the Guardian, Gleb described the unsettling events that started after nightfall.

"It was mystical that we were extracting Dracula's molecules on the day that Bram Stoker's novel was published 125 years ago," he said. "We did not specifically plan this date. All night, after the extraction of Dracula's molecules, it rained, dogs howled and lightning flashed. It was really a very magical atmosphere. Count Dracula blessed his release from the Romanian archive."

Death, taxes and Dracula

The Zilbersteins were admittedly less interested in the letter's writing than their biochemical landscape. But what did Dracula actually have to say in the missives? Timeless confessions of transcendent undying love for some Englishman's bride? Instructions to a beleaguered assistant on the transport of his coffin? Tragically, the letters' contents contain no such smudge of romance.

Alas, academic work in the humanities doesn't always deliver adventures of the Indiana Jones variety. Rather, the letters are filled with the prince's rather dry administrative concerns. It would seem that the letter further proves that life's only two certainties are death and taxes  and not even Dracula could escape the latter.

"We, Vladislav Dracul, voivode of the Transalpine regions, publicly notify and recognize by the present witnesses, who are all responsible, that the illustrious master Thomas Altemberger, master of the people of the town of Sibiu, for himself and the other people of said town and of the town of Brasov, in order to pay the twentieth-part [tax] as by written command of our gracious lord and king, effectively gave and allotted to us two hundred Hungarian florins. About those two hundred florins, we free the said master and the consuls of the aforementioned towns, making them unencumbered and entirely released by the power and testimony of this document. Written in Balcaciu, in the day of St. Coloman martyr, in the year of the lord 1475."

The Zilbersteins and Righetti have gone onto start a business proffering the unique protein-analyzing tech, called SpringStyle Tech Design. They plan to make it available for public use by offering it to government archives, museums and libraries.

The Zilbersteins' next project is something of an American dream. Using the same methods to investigate the logbook of slave ships, the duo want to reveal and restore the bodily history of African people brought to America by white slave-traders. These scientific techniques and tools, the duo believe, can be used to enrich our cultural understanding of historical figures through the genetic bread-crumb trail they leave behind  as long as we tender the fragments of their legacy with an eye toward the immortality of their stories.

Read more

about vampires and folklore
NEW YORK  A man has been arrested for allegedly stalking Drew Barrymore multiple times this week, including once in an incident at 92NY thats since gone viral.

Chad Michael Busto was taken into custody after showing up at the actress home in Southampton Wednesday, authorities confirmed to TMZ.

The arrest came on the heels of Busto accosting the 48-year-old talk-show host while she was being interviewed by Renee Rapp on Monday at a panel hosted by the 92nd Street Y, according to a video previously published by the outlet.

Busto screamed at Barrymore during the event, as seen in the clips.

Though she excitedly responded when he started by calling her name  Oh my God, yes, hi!  Busto didnt stop.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Im Chad Michael Busto, he said, approaching the stage. You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while Im here in New York.

Broadway star Rapp, 23, helped lead Barrymore off stage, with security coming between the pair. Busto was subsequently escorted from the venue, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Upon the actress return to the stage, Barrymore praised the Sex Lives of College Girls actress for the level of protectiveness she exhibited.

That went full Bodyguard, said Barrymore, before equating Rapp to Kevin Costner, in a nod to the 1990s drama in which he plays bodyguard to Whitney Houstons character.

The New York City Police Department previously told The Hollywood Reporter that Mondays incident had not been reported to them.

Neither the NYPD nor the Southampton Police immediately responded to the Daily News requests for comment.
After the Arlington Heights Village Board approved a special use permit request, a new Bibibop Asian Grill can join other new businesses at the recently-improved Southpoint Shopping Center in the northwest suburb.

Village leaders have been strategic in redevelopment planning for the one-time large, vacant mall at the busy southeast corner of Palatine and Rand roads. MJK Real Estate Holding Company took over the property, and an At Home retail home decor superstore and Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurant  with online-only pick-up at its drive-up window  are also at the location.

Advertisement

Richard Silverman, of MJK Real Estate, asked the Village Board at its Aug. 7 meeting to approve a special use permit request to open a 2,169-square-foot Bibibop Asian Grill at 715 E. Palatine Road. The request was to allow a drive-through window at the restaurant that would be used for only for picking up orders placed online or on the restaurants app, according to the permit request documents.

According to the documents, the restaurant will have 619 square feet of indoor seating and a drive-through window for online orders only. A total of 15 employees would work at the restaurant, which would be open 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Advertisement

The Village Board approved the special use permit 8-0, with Trustee Jim Bertucci absent. The villages Plan Commission previously held a public hearing on the request, and commissioners moved to recommend the Village Board approve the special use permit.

Im very excited youve been able to bring them here to Arlington Heights, Trustee Robin LaBedz told the property owners, saying she has visited the restaurant in downtown Chicago. This will be a great addition to the community and this part of town, and the reemergence of Southpoint Shopping Center.

Other trustees thanked Silverman for the companys work in helping to redevelop that part of town.

Bibibop Asian Grill has 65 locations nationally, with local stores in Chicago, Schaumburg, Vernon Hills and Oak Brook. It will be located next to a new AT&T cell phone store, which had been set to open this month.

Its great to see Southpoint coming back to life, said Charles Witherington-Perkins, director of planning and community development.

He explained the special use permit was not originally approved in 2022. The developers had anticipated a larger restaurant for the property, but it was instead subdivided for AT&T and Bibibop Asian Grill to open shop.

Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.
A man in Southampton, Long Island, was temporarily detained on Thursday (24 August) after going door to door telling area residents that he was looking for Drew Barrymores residence.

The man, identified as Chad Busto, was questioned in the field and released Lieutenant Todd Spencer told The Independent, adding that more information would be released this afternoon.

The Independent has contacted Barrymores representatives for comment.

Busto is the same man who identified himself earlier in the week while attempting to storm the stage at a talk conducted by Barrymore in New York City.

The 50 First Dates star, 48, was in conversation with actor and singer Renee Rapp at the 92nd Street Y when the incident took place.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a TikTok recording, a member of the audience can be heard shouting Drew Barrymore, causing her to look up in shock.

Oh my god, yes? Hi!, she said, looking over at the side of the stage.

Drew Barrymore (Getty Images)

The man went on to identify himself as Chad Michael Busto, telling her: You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while youre in New York.

Rapp appeared concerned by the mans behaviour, and quickly stood to place herself in front of Barrymore before walking with her off the stage. A grateful Barrymore can be seen putting her arm around Rapps waist in the footage.

Meanwhile, an on-stage security guard quickly intercepted the man, while a second security guard helped lead him away.

A spokesperson for the New York City Police Department told The Independent that no complaints had been filed over the incident at the time of writing.

After a pause in the event, Barrymore and Rapp returned to the stage, with the musician praising Barrymore for her calm demeanour.

Theyre like, Do you need anything, do you need us to stay? she told the audience. [Barrymore] was like oh no, I got it, Im good!

Barrymore responded: Well, I got a new definition of your sexiness, its that level of protectiveness. That went full bodyguard!

She joked: You are my Kevin Costner!

The Charlies Angels star is well-known for her smooth handling of fans. In another viral moment last month, the actor was commended for stopping her Drew Barrymore Show to comfort a crying audience member.
The driver of a minivan involved in a deadly school bus crash in Clark County made his first court appearance Thursday.

>>PHOTOS: Driver accused in deadly Clark County school bus crash appears in court

Hermanio Joseph, 35, is facing a charge of aggravated vehicular homicide, according to the criminal complaint filed in Clark County Municipal Court, county Prosecutor Dan Driscoll and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Joseph entered a not-guilty plea during his arraignment in Clark County Municipal Court Thursday. His bond has been set at $100,000.

Prosecutors said they also plan to present the case to the grand jury for additional charges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

>> RELATED: Driver of minivan that caused deadly Clark County school bus crash is jailed, charged

Troopers identified Joseph as the driver of the Honda Odyssey that crossed left of center on state Route 41 (Troy Road), near Lawrenceville Road about 8:16 a.m. Tuesday, and into the path of a Northwestern Local School District bus. The bus, driven by 68-year-old Alfred Collier, also of Springfield, traveled off the right side of the roadway, down an embankment, and overturned.

The child killed in the crash was identified as Aiden Clark, according to court records.

The Clark County Coroners Office confirmed with News Center 7 next of kin has been notified.

>>Funeral services announced for 11-year-old boy killed in Clark County bus crash

As many as 26 other children on the bus suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to area hospitals. One of them suffered serious, life-threatening injuries and was taken to Childrens Hospital in Dayton. Collier suffered minor injuries but was not taken to a hospital.

Joseph and his passenger, Roberto Mompremier, 37, also of Springfield, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Both were taken to Springfield Regional Medical Center, the patrol said.

Joseph was identified by his Ohio Identification Card and at the crash also produced a license from Mexico that was determined to not be valid because of his immigration status, according to the criminal complaint filed in Municipal Court records News Center 7 obtained.

>> Clark Co. deadly school bus crash: Heres how you can help the families impacted

If convicted as charged, Joseph could receive a sentence of 6 to 12 months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, according to the criminal complaint.

The state patrols investigation of the crash continues.

We will update this developing story as new information becomes available.

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff

Photo from: Mike Campbell/Staff
A collaboration between the Norman Foster Foundation and Swiss manufacturer Holcim has recently produced a low-carbon, modular home that can be recycled at the end of its use. The functionality of these structures may help house individuals displaced by climate-related natural disasters and migration.

The external shells of these Essential Home units are made from flexible, rollable concrete sheets, Treehugger reported. The concrete has a significantly lower carbon footprint, at about 20% less than standard materials, and its shape allows the builders to use 95% less material. These sheets are also durable and can last longer than the flimsy refuge tents currently used in many camps.

The insulation is also made to withstand time and use. Its built with an energy-efficient insulation system to protect against water and the foam in the roof insulation aids with thermal regulation, better acoustics, and energy efficiency. Each pod houses five to six people and features storage space, food preparation areas, and a shower stall.

Natural disasters, which have been increasing in severity and frequency because of a radically changing climate, can cause significant displacement and housing inequities. There are estimated to be over 103 million people currently displaced, with the average displacement time span of around 20 years, per the Essential Home Research Project. Representatives from the project are hopeful that their work will aid in the transition of these folks from refugee camps to communities [and] from shelters to homes, as representatives told Treehugger.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Perhaps one of the best features of these structures is that they are modular, so they can be moved to regions and spaces in need. Plus, the structures can be built as a singular unit or linked together in a community. The units can connect via EcoPact concrete technology, which contains light-absorbing materials to make it more visible at night.

The modular nature of the design accommodates the evolving needs of families of different sizes, the organization explained to TreeHugger. When replicated side-by-side, the curved shape of the homes forms open areas between them, creating public space for everyone.

The sleek, modern design of these shelters  along with their energy efficiency and versatility  can house refugee families in a dignified and sustainable way.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
The East Gibson School Corp. will hold a public meeting Thursday evening to discuss the employment of its superintendent, James Allen Wilson, who faces charges of driving while intoxicated in Vanderburgh County.

According to East Gibson County School Board attorney Jason Spindler, the meeting will take place at the Wood Memorial High School lecture room at 5 p.m. Previously, Spindler said Wilson needed to sign documents in order for the meeting to move forward.

Thursday afternoon, Spindler told the Courier & Press the meeting time and location were confirmed. It will feature a brief public comment, but Spindler said school board members would not respond to statements or questions from attendees.

The board will provide its formal agreement with Wilson, which pertains to his employment, to reporters.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sheriff's deputies in Vanderburgh County arrested Wilson Saturday after he crashed his SUV into a ditch while allegedly under the influence of prescription narcotics. After being bailed out of jail, Wilson failed to attend his first court hearing, leading to a second arrest on Monday.

Wilson's wreck came several days after Evansville-based WFIE-NBC14 reported that Wilson had been barred from entering school property. At the time, officials would not confirm the veracity of the report and stated no formal restraining order had been put in place.

On Monday, after Wilson's second arrest, Spindler confirmed that Wilson had voluntarily agreed not to enter East Gibson schools property five days before he crashed his vehicle in Vanderburgh County. Spindler said the mutual agreement did not pertain to a criminal investigation.

Likewise, Gibson County Sheriff Bruce Vanoven said his office was not investigating any school corporation member.

"There will be public comment but no response from the board or myself," Spindler said of Thursday night's meeting. "There will be no discussion unless someone on the board decides they want to do so, which I do not expect to happen."

According to court records, a Vanderburgh County judge ordered Wilson to attend the Indiana Center for Recovery in Bloomington, a drug and alcohol treatment center, after he failed to appear at his initial court hearing.

Prosecutors have formally charged Wilson with two misdemeanor counts: operating a vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle while intoxicated-with endangerment. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 21.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: East Gibson School Corp. to discuss superintendent James Wilson's future.
Journalists film a live telecast as spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 lands on the moon Wednesday at ISRO's Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network facility in Bengaluru, India. (Aijaz Rahi / Associated Press)

India achieved a legendary feat on Wednesday. With the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft it became the fourth country to have landed on the moon  and the first to have landed near the lunar South Pole.

Whats more, the operations $74-million cost was significantly less than the budgets of blockbuster space movies such as  Gravity  and  Interstellar ."

The moment was particularly impressive, given the crash days earlier of Russias Luna-25, which was aiming for the same lunar region.

Read more: India lands spacecraft near moon's south pole, a world first as it joins elite club

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

India is now on the moon. ... We are witnessing history, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while watching the landing from South Africa.

Indias stellar achievement is exemplary for its ambition in the face of the country's significant economic hurdles. Its space programs $2-billion budget is a mere fraction of that of every other country that has landed on the moon. Contrast that to the 2022 space budgets of the U.S. at $62 billion and China at $12 billion. In the early days of the state-run Indian Space Research Organization, the scientists would transport rocket parts on their bicycles .

This is an endearing example of the  jugaad  mindset of Indian engineers, which describes problem-solving with frugality and creativity. Using this idea of frugal engineering helped the worlds largest democracy achieve lofty ambitions and make a name on a global stage.

Read more: Editorial: We went to the moon

Although top Indian engineering colleges have a fraction of the endowment of top American engineering colleges such as Stanford and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, their graduates go on to dominate top jobs in Silicon Valley  including the CEOs of multibillion-dollar corporations such as Microsoft and Alphabet .

Here's to the country that transformed a shoestring budget into cosmic success, reminding us all that the universe favors the bold, but especially those who are both innovative and wise.

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.
US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham believes that elections should be held in Ukraine next year, even in spite of the Russian invasion.

Source: Radio Liberty, citing Lindsey Graham at a press conference in Kyiv

Quote from Graham: "My message to the president today is that I am impressed with what you and your country, the men and women, have done. We will continue to fight to keep the weapons coming to you so that you can win a war that we cannot afford to lose. But you must also do two things at the same time. Next year, elections are to be held in Ukraine...

I want this country to have free and fair elections, even when it's under attack."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Details: Graham stated that Ukraine has changed because "in the past it was a very corrupt country," but now "Ukrainians are not profiting" from aid.

"We are watching every dollar, every weapon. We continue to do our part. And I am satisfied that the Ukrainians are not taking advantage of the American people. They are helping the American people," Graham said.

Quote: "And I believe that it is time for Ukraine to take the next step in the development of democracy, namely to hold elections in 2024."

For reference: The next presidential and parliamentary elections should be held in 2024, but no elections are held during martial law.

Background:

The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Tiny Kox, also insists on the need for Ukraine to hold parliamentary and presidential elections even under martial law  the Ukrainian authorities must figure out how to respond to this challenge.

Representatives of the Ukrainian authorities assured their colleagues in the Council of Europe that they are preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024, hoping to win the war by then.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
In a race dominated by Donald Trump, eight other presidential contenders battled it out at the first Republican primary debate Wednesday in an uphill fight to stop the former president from running away with the nomination.

Trump's absence overshadowed the debate in Milwaukee but gave his challengers a prime opportunity to seize the spotlight and emerge as the leading alternative.

Yet even as the front-runner enjoys a massive polling lead, most candidates only sparingly threw punches his way, instead lobbing most of their attacks at one another, President Joe Biden , his policy agenda and his son Hunter.

Here are five takeaways from the debate.

Republicans dance around Trump

In this photo taken on December 7, 2020 US President Donald Trump looks on during a ceremony presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to wrestler Dan Gable in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC.

Throughout the two-hour discussion, the Republican field struggled to make a clear argument against Trump, who polls show leading his next-closest counterpart, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , in national polls by about 40 percentage points.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

DeSantis took no swings at Trump, spending more time railing on Biden's son Hunter Biden and liberal billionaire philanthropist George Soros while characterizing the U.S. as a country that has lost its way.

"We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement and reverse American decline," DeSantis said.

There were some exceptions. Former Govs. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, as expected, took shots at Trump over his legal woes and personal behavior. But the sharpest case against Trump arguably came from Nikki Haley , a former governor of South Carolina who was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration.

During the first hour of debate, Haley was the only candidate to create a policy distinction with Trump, saying "our kids are never going to forgive us" for $8 trillion in new debt during the Trump administration.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1634992150

Then Haley made a point that others seemed unwilling to articulate: that Trump is too polarizing to win another general election.

"It is time for a new generational conservative leader," she said. "We have to look at the fact that three-quarters of Americans don't want a rematch between Trump and Biden. And we have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We can't win a general election that way."

Trump indictments: Most pledge support in 2024 even if he is convicted

Fox News debate moderator Bret Baier called Trump "the elephant not in the room."

The former president's quadruple indictments came up about an hour into the discussion and created one of the most contrasting moments for voters to measure in Wednesdays debate.

Asked whether they would still back Trump as the GOP nominee in the general election if he were convicted, most of the eight contenders on stage raised their hand. Exceptions were Hutchinson, who kept his hand down, and Christie, who raised his hand halfway but seemingly to speak on the subject.

"Someone's got to stop normalizing this conduct, OK?" Christie said. "Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States."

Christie was met with loud boos from the crowd of Republican partisans.

Republican presidential candidate Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (far right- lives a thumbs down as other candidates speak at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. - Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ORG XMIT: MJS2308232148461541 (Via OlyDrop)

"This is the great thing about this country," he said. "Booing is allowed, but it doesn't change the truth."

Those remarks prompted a response from Vivek Ramaswamy , who has given the most full-throated support for Trump on the campaign trail of any of the candidates, and called him "the best president of the 21st century."

"Your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based on vengeance and grievance against Donald Trump," Ramaswamy said.

Republican candidates were then asked whether former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing when he opposed Trump's plan to overturn the 2020 election results by certifying Biden's victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

"Absolutely, he did the right thing," Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C, told the audience. "But we should be asking ourselves a bigger question about the weaponization of the Department of Justice. When I'm president, the first thing I'll do is fire (Attorney General) Merrick Garland."

When the question turned to DeSantis, the Florida governor seemed reluctant to answer directly, saying Democrats want to keep that topic going and Republicans need to turn the page.

But the former vice president pressed for a response.

"I think the American people deserve to know whether everyone on this stage agrees that I kept my oath to the Constitution that day," Pence said. "There's no more important duty, so answer the question."

"I've answered this before. Mike did his duty, I've got no beef with him," DeSantis finally said.

Ramaswamy's coming-out party met with GOP fire

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1635015475

Ramaswamy drew fire from multiple rivals as he sought to use the debate as a coming-out-party on the national stage after gaining traction in recent polls.

"First, let me just address a question that is on everybody's mind at home tonight," Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old billionaire businessman, said in his opening remarks. "Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name?"

The Ohio Republican  who spoke out of turn frequently throughout the night  took no time irking his opponents.

Pence was the first to take a swipe at Ramaswamy: "Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We don't need to bring in a rookie."

Christie also reminded the audience that the last politician to stand on a stage and say he's a skinny guy with a funny name was former President Barack Obama. "I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur," Christie said.

As he angered his foes, Ramaswamy doubled down on his hard-line conservative pitch.

"Do you want a super PAC puppet or do you want a patriot who speaks the truth?" he said. "Do you want incremental change or do you want revolution?"

Republicans vary on national abortion ban

Biden and Democrats have made clear they plan to thrust abortion rights at the center of the president's 2024 reelection bid.

In the year since the U.S. Supreme Court ended Roe v. Wade, six states have addressed reproductive rights questions and the liberal side has won each of those ballot questions.

Asked about where they stand in terms of a national standard, each of the Republican presidential candidates said they were pro-life, but that meant something different with each answer.

Haley, the only woman running, said the GOP should be trying to find a consensus because any federal legislation needs 60 votes in the Senate. She said that means leaning into banning later-term abortions and agreeing not to jail women who get them.

But Pence, who is well liked among evangelical voters demanding a national ban, cast abortion as a moral issue. He scolded Haley, saying that consensus is the opposite of leadership.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1635028138

Scott, like most on stage, said Congress should aim for a 15-week ban at least. When pressed on the question, DeSantis talked up signing a six-week ban in Florida while sharing his personal reasons for opposing abortion.

Christie said that he doesn't support a federal prohibition and that it should be left up to the states.

Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz, in a statement released during the debate, said: "Americans have rejected the extreme, anti-choice positions of MAGA Republicans in the midterms and in elections throughout this year. They will again in 2024."

Candidates fight over additional aid for Ukraine

Republicans sparred over U.S. aid for Ukraine a year and a half after Russia's invasion, reflecting the declining support for Ukrainian military aid among the Republican base.

The reality is today Ukraine is not a priority for the United States of America, Ramaswamy said, arguing that China poses a bigger threat to the U.S. "We have to have the interests of Americans first."

DeSantis said continued support should be contingent on greater support from European counties.

"I will have Europe pull their weight. Right now, they're not doing it," DeSantis said.

Haley and Pence took the more traditional Republican view on foreign policy, voicing support for maintaining financial aid for Ukraine to fight Russian forces.

Haley ripped DeSantis for having downplayed Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "border dispute" and hit Ramaswamy for saying the U.S. should cede eastern Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pauses during a break in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1635015072

You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, she said.

Pence told Ramaswamy that if we do the giveaway that you want to do to and give Putin eastern Ukraine, it's not going to be too long before Russia rolls across the border into a NATO nation.

Later, while discussing Ukraine, DeSantis shifted to a more popular topic among Republican voters: migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"I'm not going to send troops to Ukraine, but I am going to send them to our southern border," DeSantis said.

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison and Phillip M. Bailey at @phillipmbailey

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 takeaways from the first Republican debate with Trump a no-show
Now climate change is coming for the penguins.

Due to the dramatic loss of sea ice, several colonies of emperor penguins in Antarctica face "quasi-extinction" in the decades to come, a study released Thursday reports.

"This paper dramatically reveals the connection between sea ice loss and ecosystem annihilation," said Jeremy Wilkinson, a sea ice physicist at the British Antarctic Survey. "Climate change is melting sea ice at an alarming rate."

The study found that emperor penguin colonies saw unprecedented and "catastrophic" breeding failure in a part of Antarctica where there was total sea ice loss in 2022. The discovery supports predictions that over 90% of emperor penguin colonies will be "quasi-extinct" by the end of the century, based on current global warming trends.

What does quasi-extinction mean?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, quasi-extinction means that a "population essentially is still in existence, but reproductively speaking, theres no way in the world it can increase.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Thus, for emperor penguins, this means that even if individuals are alive, the population is sufficiently low that it cant recover and will ultimately become extinct.

A group of emperor penguin chicks in Antarctica. A new study found that record low 2022 Antarctic sea ice led to catastrophic breeding failure of emperor penguins.

Loss of sea ice imperils penguin chicks

The study found that last year, no chicks survived from four of the five known emperor penguin colonies in the central and eastern Bellingshausen Sea, which is west of the Antarctic Peninsula where there was a 100% loss of sea ice in November 2022.

Emperor penguins hatch their eggs and raise their chicks on sea ice. If the sea ice breaks up under them, the young chicks will drown or freeze to death.

What's new about the study findings is that "this is the first major breeding failure of emperor penguins at a regional scale due to sea ice loss, and probably a sign of things to come," study lead author Peter Fretwell of the British Antarctic Survey told USA TODAY.

We have never seen emperor penguins fail to breed, at this scale, in a single season," he added. "The loss of sea ice in this region during the Antarctic summer made it very unlikely that displaced chicks would survive."

Overall, of 62 known penguin colonies, around 30% were harmed by low sea ice levels last year  and 13 likely failed entirely, Fretwell said.

Record low: Antarctic sea ice reaches another record low

What is sea ice?

Sea ice is frozen ocean water that has an annual cycle of melting during the summer and refreezing in winter. Antarctic sea ice is typically at its smallest in late February or early March, toward the end of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It floats on top of the ocean.

Over the past seven years, sea ice around Antarctica has decreased significantly. By the end of December 2022, sea ice extent was the lowest seen in the 45-year satellite record. In the Bellingshausen Sea, the home of the penguin colonies in this study, sea ice didnt start to re-form until late April 2023.

The scientists examined satellite images that showed the loss of sea ice at breeding sites.

"We know that emperor penguins are highly vulnerable in a warming climate  and current scientific evidence suggests that extreme sea ice loss events like this will become more frequent and widespread," Fretwell said.

Two young emperor penguin chicks in Antarctica. Over 90% of emperor penguin colonies will be quasi-extinct by the end of the century, a new study suggests.

Huge amount of sea ice already missing

Sea ice continues to decrease in 2023. The missing area is larger than the size of Greenland, or around 10 times the size of the United Kingdom, according to the British Antarctic Survey.

Right now, in August 2023, the sea ice extent in Antarctica is still far below all previous records for this time of year," said Caroline Holmes, a polar climate scientist at the British Antarctic Survey. "In this period where oceans are freezing up, were seeing areas that are still, remarkably, largely ice-free."

Holmes added that the recent years of tumbling sea ice records and warming of the subsurface Southern Ocean "point strongly to human-induced global warming exacerbating these extremes.

A warning sign for humanity

Speaking about the penguin study, which was published in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment, Wilkinson concluded, "it is another warning sign for humanity that we cannot continue down this path, politicians must act to minimize the impact of climate change. There is no time left.

Contributing: The Associated Press

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Climate change hits emperor penguins: Study says extinction looms
The Earths South Pole is at a climate change crossroads, with Antarctica's quickly melting ice and expected consistent ocean heat waves. Now, one of its signature species is in trouble. A study published August 24 in the journal Communications Earth & Environment found that some Emperor penguin colonies saw an unprecedented breeding failure in a region of the continent that experienced a total loss of sea ice in 2022.

[Related: The East Antarctic Ice Sheet could raise sea levels 16 feet by 2500.]

Four out of five Emperor penguin colonies in the Bellingshausen Sea on the western side Antarctica did not see any chicks survive to successfully fledge in the spring of 2022. Emperor penguin chicks typically fledge at four months old, when theyve developed their first set of waterproof feathers.

All of the colonies in this study have been discovered in the last 14 years using satellite imagery, and there has only been one previous instance of breeding failure among these penguin populations.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We have seen the occasional colony have bad sea ice and early break up, but this most unusual thing in this study is that a whole region has had extremely poor sea ice, Peter Fretwell, a remote sensing expert and environmental scientist with the British Antarctic Survey and co-author of the study, tells PopSci.

Similarly, the Halley Bay penguin colony, which was not included in this study and lives in a different part of Antarctica, failed to raise any chicks between 2016 and 2019. That failure was also attributed to sea ice loss.

From April to January, Emperor penguins depend on stable sea ice that is firmly attached to the shore or land-fast ice. Once they arrive at their chosen breeding site, penguins will lay eggs during the Antarctic winter (May to June) in the ice. Eggs will hatch after 65 days, but the chicks do not fledge until December to January during Antarctic summer.

This year the ice in the Bellingshausen Sea did not form until late Junewhen the birds should already be on their eggs. It may be that in future this region could be one of the first to become unsuitable breeding habitat, says Fretwell.

Between 2018 and 2022, 30 percent of the 62 known Emperor penguin colonies living in Antarctica were affected by partial or total sea ice loss. The British Antarctic Survey said that it is difficult to immediately link specific extreme seasons to climate change, but a longer-term drop in sea ice extent is expected based on current climate models.

[Related: The march of the penguins has a new star: an autonomous robot.]

By early December 2022, the Antarctic sea ice matched the previous all-time low set in 2021. The central and eastern Bellingshausen Sea region saw the worst of it, with 100 percent sea ice loss.

Right now, in August 2023, the sea ice extent in Antarctica is still far below all previous records for this time of year, Caroline Holmes, a British Antarctic Survey polar climate scientist who was not involved in the study, said in a statement. In this period where oceans are freezing up, were seeing areas that are still, remarkably, largely ice-free.

Previously, Emperor penguins have responded to this sea ice loss by moving to a more stable site the next year. However, this strategy wont work if the loss of sea ice habitat extends to an entire region.

These populations have also not been subject to large scale hunting or overfishing and other direct interactions with humans, and climate change is considered to be the only major influence on their long-term population changes. More recent efforts to predict Emperor penguin population changes paint a bleak picture, showing that if the present rate of warming persists, more than 90 percent of colonies will be quasi-extinct by the end of this century.

https://youtu.be/P9mv7qRLh9A

Daniel P. Zitterbart, a physicist by training and an Emperor penguin remote sensing expert from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution who was not involved in the study called it a very important and timely investigation.

The sad part is we had all been expecting this, but we expected this later. It happened for so many colonies in just one year, just because of changing weather patterns, Zitterbart tells PopSci. Peter points out that this is likely due to La Nina and change in wind patterns, but the study can show us how increased extremes can have an immediate impact on those colonies that are further up north.

As their habitat is expected to shrink over the next century, scientists are unsure if the areas that they are moving to will have enough resources to host all of the penguins coming in. Studies like this one continue to ring the alarm that Antarctica and its wildlife remain vulnerable to extremes.

Hopefully, this is a one year thing for now and with the weather pattern changing back to El Nino, the sea ice in this location this year and next year will grow back to what it normally is, says Zitterbart. But we all know that this year we had the first 6.4 Sigma event, which means that the sea ice in Antarctica is very low.
The Rev. MaryBeth Ingberg speaks at a previous Blessing of the Waters at Waterfall Park, Fulton and Chatham streets in Blue island, as members of the Mudcat Dixieland Jazz Band look on. Ingberg, pastor of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Evergreen Park, will give the blessing at this weekends event, set for 3 p.m. Sunday (Tom Shepherd)

The annual Blessing of the Waters at Waterfall Park in Blue Island will be back at full strength on Sunday, Aug. 27, after a quiet celebration last year after a pause because of the coronavirus pandemic, and the date has a special meaning.

Water is extremely important to us. We selected this date because of World Water Week to celebrate clean water all over the world, said Tom Shepherd, a community activist who helped launch the event in 2006. The river touches on so many communities as it comes through.

Advertisement

He said the blessing brings people out and makes them aware of the environment and how important clean water is.

We think that folks should learn about and acknowledge the fact and participate in a clean environment, doing their share to participate in cleaning the environment  if not actually cleaning it (then) praying for the environment, Shepherd said. This is a good brotherly way for people to come together one day of the year because water is good for humans, animals and plants.

Advertisement

Shepherd spent 20 years with the Southeast Environmental Task Force based in Chicagos Hegewisch neighborhood and persuaded his good friend and Episcopal priest the Rev. Rodney Reinhart, of St. Joseph/St. Aidans Episcopal Church in Blue Island, to become a task force board member.

We were involved in fighting dirty coal, landfills  all the industry and dirty stuff that had occurred over there, he said. When Rod came on board, he brought spirituality with him and wed pray about things.

They were touring areas by the Cal-Sag Channel in 2006 and decided to conduct a blessing of the waters, which was attended by about a dozen people. The event moved to Waterfall Park the following year.

Sidestream Elevated Pool Aeration Station 3 at Fulton and Chatham streets in Blue Island was created to add oxygen to the Cal-Sag Channel. Its operated by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. (Melinda Moore/Daily Southtown)

The park has a special role in the channel  helping to clean the water, thanks to help from four pumps.

By pumping the water up and having it go down the waterfall, it puts oxygen into the water, Shepherd said. It somewhat cleanses it and replenishes it.

Officials with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, which operates the site, typically attend the blessing, he said.

After Reinharts death in 2015, Shepherd invited the Rev. MaryBeth Ingberg of Immanuel United Church of Christ in Evergreen Park to lead the blessing. The two had worked together in Southsiders for Peace  she said shes known him for 25 years  and Ingberg had attended previous blessings.

My first year it was the first anniversary of Rev. Rods passing, Ingberg said, adding that more and more people have been coming to the event and helping out by providing donations, putting up canopies and bringing food and water.

Advertisement

The event, which starts at 3 p.m. Sunday, is designed to represent many perspectives.

My comments as officiant are inclusive of Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Native American traditions that call on us to love and protect water, the Earth, she explained.

The ceremony typically lasts an hour, she said, though people often stick around afterward to enjoy refreshments and conversation.

She said she did a lot of research for the blessing itself, which she tries to keep to about 10 or 12 minutes. As a member of SWIFT  the SouthWest InterFaith Team, which promotes dialogue among Christian, Jewish, and Muslim religious communities, she wanted to be inclusive.

I have a quote from the Quran there. The Dalai Lama has four Buddhist responses to the challenges of caring for the environment and I named those, Ingberg said. I have a handout I give everyone. Its this poem that I do in Spanish and English from a Vietnamese Buddhist monk.

She also includes an affirmation from the Unitarian Universalists of America called the Water Community Ritual for Justice Making.

Advertisement

The Mudcats Dixieland Jazz Band will perform as part of the Blessing of the Waters on Sunday. The event is supported by the city of Blue Island and the Blue Island Chamber of Commerce. (John Rusnak)

The Mudcats Dixieland Jazz Band will play as people arrive at the park as well as during the fellowship time after the program.

Blue Island Mayor Fred Bilotto will say a few words before the blessing. He said hes been involved in the event for years because he has known Shepherd for a long time and was Reinharts friend.

I was the alderman in the area where the waterfall is before I was mayor, he added.

Its a good get-together to see friends and people who appreciate the water and what it means to the community. Were unique where we have a lot of history with the MWRD. We had the canal during the I&M days and had the locks before they were moved to Lockport.

The mayor thinks Blue Island has the prettiest waterfall park of those built by the MWRD.

It was built (in the 1990s) with a purpose. Theres underground pipes, a pump house. The whole 9-acres park has a system to pump water out and through the waterfall, providing more life into the water.

Advertisement

After the blessing, attendees are invited to dip small tree branches into a bucket of water scooped from the canal and share their own small blessings.

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 >

I think thats my favorite part  that different people get to say something in their own way, thanking God and mentioning about the environment and clean water, Shepherd said.

He added that Reinhart used to blow a rams horn in each of the four directions and say something. He was a good showman, he said.

Ingberg said she has a great time doing the blessing and enjoys hearing the short blessings of people who dip a branch into the bucket of water and wave it over the spillway. She also loves seeing the diversity of people who participate and how the event seems to grow each year with participants, vendors and donors.

I get so many positive, amazing responses, she said. Theyre like Wow  this was really meaningful. This was really great. I charge them to make this part of their life and bring up the positive.

Ingberg said she designs her portion of the program to be positive to motivate people to do advocacy work and look at long-term effects.

Advertisement

I think its helping the community become aware of how important the water is not just for drinking or our human use, for but nature itself, for our environment and some of the dangerous things that we really need to be mindful of and actively participate in protecting.

Melinda Moore is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Editors note: The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, along with two other federally-recognized tribes of Cherokee people, declared in 2019 a state of emergency for the nations language. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) considers the language to be endangered.

I first went to Cherokee, N.C., in June. Its a three hour drive from the congested (and at the time, steamy) city of Charlotte.

By nightfall, I found myself driving down a twisted road, intensely forested and mountainous. I made camp with my $40 tent from the nearest vintage store.

I had little idea on what this story would be about, but planned to attend the weekends Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians 4th of July Powwow. I was curious as to why a nation of people  pushed out and systematically killed by the group of people who created the holiday  were celebrating the Fourth of July.

Illuminated by colorful flashes, spectators watch as fireworks launch over the 47th Annual 4th of July Powwow on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Cherokee, NC.

As it would turn out to be, my story isnt about that.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Those in Cherokee treated the Fourth of July as their own holiday, much like any American small town would celebrate, with festivities, food, and fireworks. To my understanding, the holiday in Cherokee was an excuse to come together, to see loved ones and celebrate, with festivities centered on tribal culture.

The story I soon discovered was much more pressing and deeper about the very essence of Eastern Cherokee culture: Its language.

From what I understand, we have about 150 fluent speakers left, says John Grant Jr., a Cultural Ambassador for the EBCI.

He told me about the struggling Eastern Dialect of the Cherokee language. I met Grant as he tended one of the many booths inside the Powwow.

Cultural Ambassador for the EBCI, John Grant Jr., during an interview at the 4th of July Powwow, in Cherokee, NC., on July 1, 2023.

Powwow in Cherokee

The intense late afternoon sun was replaced by dark storm clouds above the Powwow, putting a delay on the first dances of the night. This didnt bother anyone for very long, and as soon as the rain stopped and smokey mist began to rise off the surrounding mountains, the Powwow continued.

Jingle, Traditional, Grass, and Fancy Dancing styles all carried on without a hitch.

Dancers moved rhythmically while the drummers provided the pulse.

During a break in dancing, spectators watch as fireworks launch over the 47th Annual 4th of July Powwow on Saturday, July 1, 2023 in Cherokee, N.C.

The Powwow paused again around 9:30 pm for roughly 23 minutes. Then everyone at the Powwow froze in place, gazing at the sky for the best fireworks show on the Qualla Boundary.

I knew the language was in jeopardy, but who is trying to save it?

Cherokee Indian language revival

Accompanied by more rain the next morning, I arrived at the Cherokee Speaker Gathering, which takes place at the Kituwah Preservation Programs adult Cherokee education center. After gaining permission from Cherokee Speaker Council members, it was a green light to film. Soon, speakers from fluent to beginners began to gather.

Everyone lined up to get a plate of mashed potatoes, turkey, green beans, and a host of other delectable foods.

Communication commenced in Cherokee, leaving me in the dark as to what most people were saying, but I knew I was in the right place to continue the story.

Bo Lossiah, Curriculum & Instruction Supervisor, leads a discussion at the Cherokee Speakers Gathering on Thursday, August 3, 2023, at the Kituwah Preservation and Education teaching module building.

I wandered between classrooms observing students practicing basic phrases and words. I watched expert speakers adapting newer English words into the language by discussing what the translation should be. This was the forefront of Eastern Cherokee salvation, people dedicated to keeping a crucial part of their culture.

As I documented through the afternoon, I spoke to someone who told me that the Cherokee languages struggle was not a unique issue. Many other Native American tribes had their own languages too, some with far fewer than 150 speakers. He told me of a single couple who were the last remaining speakers of a certain language.

He and another, were part of the team trying to archive old books, videos, and records that were in the Cherokee language.

I strolled into Bo Lossiahs office. Lossiah informed me of the long history of Cherokee and its language, something that I had grown familiar with throughout the project.

English was the foreign thing, Lossiah said during the interview, explaining how the language was different only 100 years ago.

After a night of rain, mist rising from the smoking mountains is seen in Cherokee, NC., on Thursday, August 3, 2023.

Traditional Cherokee masks hang on a wooden structure at the Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, N.C., on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

I listened while Lossiah talked about the Kituwah Preservation Programs classes and methods for teaching Cherokee. He told me the language was growing, and there was promise to what they were trying to accomplish.

The future, it looks bright, Tohisgi Climbingbear, a second-year Cherokee teacher, had said earlier to me in an interview echoed in my thoughts.

I believed in Lossiah and Climbingbear. I could see the dedicated community and how it was growing.

Even the first-year students I had observed seemed as dedicated as the fluent speakers. They were trying to keep it alive, clawing back from a dire state.
Charoen Chanapo was leading a boat of tourists through the Andaman Sea in Thailand when he spotted a large creature in the water.

It was a humpback whale, according to an Aug. 23 Facebook post from Phuket Info Center.

The sighting marks the second time a humpback has been seen in Thai waters, experts said.

The boat was heading from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, the center said.

The enormous creature was moving from southeast to southwest, the center said. It lifted its tail and then disappeared back into the water.

Humpback whales are a rare sight in Thai waters, according to the post. The sighting is only the second time a humpback has been seen in the area.

A video of the encounter shared on Instagram by Seahorse Marine shows the huge creature diving through the water.

Humpback whales are known in all of the worlds oceans, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In the Pacific, they are known to breed near Japan and the Philippines and feed off the Russian coast.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Phuket is an island in southwest Thailand, about 430 miles southwest of Bangkok. The Phi Phi islands are in the Andaman Sea east of Phuket.

Google Translate and Baidu Translate were used to translate a Facebook post from Phuket Info Center.

Watch curious sea creature hang out with jet skiers in Australia. Magic encounter

Brothers spot rare pure white creature in Alaska. See the truly amazing moment

Majestic 55-foot sea creature and her baby seen in very rare Australia sighting
When it comes to legendary sharpshooters, one name sends a chill down the spine: Simo Hayha. Some might know him as the White Death. That's because in the bitter cold of the Finnish winter during the Winter War of 1939-1940, Hayha turned the snow-filled forests into a nightmare for the invading Soviet Army. Armed with his trusty M/28-30 rifle and dressed in white winter camouflage, he stalked the snowy landscape, his icy gaze fixed on his target. He wasn't about to let the Russians take his homeland - not on his watch, at least.

From the flames of war

Let's hit pause on our tale of the White Death for a moment and set the stage. Why was Finland, a nation of lakes and saunas, caught up in the icy grasp of the Winter War , you ask? Well, the answer lies in the dark clouds of conflict that loomed over Europe in the late 1930s.

Finland, nestled in the northeast of Europe, shares a sizeable border with Russia. (Does this tale of Russia making a land grab sound familiar to you?) As World War II was starting to rear its ugly head, the Soviet Union got antsy about their Finnish neighbors. The Soviets decided that Finland's strategic location was a bit too close to their borders for comfort. So, in typical Soviet fashion, they started a war.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was with very little preamble that happy-go-lucky Finland found itself fending off the Soviet bear. They knew they'd be outnumbered. They also knew they were outgunned. But have you ever met a Finn who was willing to give up their sauna? No. So, they dug in their skis and decided they weren't giving up a single kilometer of land. Their tenacious resistance, coupled with intimate knowledge of the harsh winter landscape (enter Simo Hayha stage right), led to a ferocious tug-of-war with the Soviets.

A young Hayha

Farmer-turned-sniper

Let's dig deeper into the making of the White Death. Simo Hayha, our icy reaper, didn't just fall into the sniper's nest. He built it meticulously over years of grueling training. Add to that a dash of rustic country living and a will stronger than a Finnish winter and a deadly sniper emerged. Born into the idyllic yet harsh life in Rautjarvi in 1905, just a stone's throw from the Russian border, Hayha's life was etched by nature's rhythm. He leaned into that farm life as much as possible in his early years and learned all he could from the rippling wheat fields, the silent woods, the fleeting game. He was a farmer, yes, but also a hunter, a combination that would brew a lethal cocktail for his future enemies.

Hayha's aim, already honed from a lifetime of hunting his own food, was further refined by his service in the Finnish Civil Guard. A marksman's best friends are his rifle and his patience, just ask any Marine. Fortunately for Finland, Hayha had an abundance of both. When the Winter War announced its arrival, Hayha was more than just prepared. He was frothy for the conflict. His knowledge of the terrain, his survival skills, his legendary patience, and his unerring aim all came together in a symphony of war. Too bad the Soviets had no idea what was waiting for them. They learned fast enough though, as a nightmare unfolded against the snow-covered battleground.

The icy reaper at work

Facing the White Death wasn't just terrifying. It was an involuntary invitation to a deadly game of hide-and-seek where the prize was a one-way trip to oblivion. Imagine, if you dare, a game played in a world whitewashed by snow, the temperature cruelly dipping below -40 degrees Celsius, where your only clue to the seeker's location is the faint puff of smoke from a recently fired rifle. The world is silent, the only sound is the heartbeat in your ears. Your enemy could be anywhere and everywhere all at once and you wouldn't know.

Just like service members the world round, Hayha was a creature of ritual. Legend has it he began his day donning a white camouflage suit. Like an ice phantom , he would disappear into the snow, armed with a day's worth of sustenance and a heavy coat of resolve. From this chilling throne, he would lie in wait, his rifle cradled in patient hands, eyes scanning the white horizon for the unwary foe.

When the enemy ventured into his frozen kill zone, death arrived with the swift and sure strike of a falcon, heralded by the sharp crack of a Mosin-Nagant M91 rifle. The White Death's tally was no less than chilling. A staggering 505 confirmed sniper kills are credited to his name. This ghastly record remains etched in the icy annals of warfare, untouched and unchallenged.

Simo Hayha in Kollaa on 17 February 1940, right after being awarded the honorary rifle.

An icy legend

Simo Hayha may have hung up his rifle, but his legacy as the deadliest sniper in history lives on. The White Death, a modest farmer, who stood against an invading force, became the stuff of nightmares for the Soviet soldiers. Hayha's chilling effectiveness combined natural skill, patience, and survival instinct. His story is a stark reminder that sometimes the most dangerous soldier isn't behind the biggest gun but the one you never see coming.

So, hats off to Simo Hayha, the man who turned the Finnish winter into his personal hunting ground and etched his name into the history books with each trigger pull. He remains a symbol of Finnish resilience, a testament to the human will's power under the harshest conditions. The 'White Death' may be gone. Still, his legend continues to echo across the snowy landscapes of Finland, an icy whisper in the winter wind.

But what about the Winter War?

Despite its chilling name, the Winter War wasn't an extended cold feud but a conflict that lasted a little over three months. In that short span, the Finns etched a tale of resistance in the snow-laden forests, symbolized by Hayha's legendary exploits. While the war concluded in March 1940 with the Moscow Peace Treaty, Finland had to cede some of its territory to the Soviets. But the courage and resistance of the Finnish people during this frigid conflict left an indelible mark on history.

Fast forward to today, and Finland stands as a testament to resilience and progression. It's a nation that's learned to take the chill of winter in stride, whether that's in the form of a Soviet onslaught or simply a -20 degrees Celsius day. And while the Winter War is a chilling chapter in its past, Finland's spirit of sisu  a unique Finnish concept of stoic determination  continues to guide its path towards a bright, resilient future.
PG&E can continue to operate Californias last nuclear power plant past 2025 despite a contract it signed with environmentalists to shutter it, a San Francisco Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday.

The lawsuit, filed by Friends of the Earth in April, claimed that PG&E was obligated to close Diablo Canyon Power Plant because of a 2016 contract the utility company signed with environmental and labor groups.

In the contract, PG&E pledged to work to replace the 2,200 megawatts of electricity produced annually by Diablo Canyon with clean and renewable sources of energy.

Friends of the Earth, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Environment California, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245, the Coalition of California Utility Employees and the Alliance for Nuclear Responsibility all signed onto the 2016 contract with PG&E.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

By moving to renew the operating license of the power plant in San Luis Obispo County, PG&E was ignoring that 2016 contract, Friends of the Earth alleged in its lawsuit.

At the time the 2016 contract was signed, Friends of the Earth and other environmental groups were suing PG&E over its then-current license renewal application because of safety and environmental concerns. But the groups agreed, with the 2016 contract, to drop the lawsuits.

Will Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant continue operating?

Located just north of Avila Beach in San Luis Obispo County, Diablo Canyon produces about 9% of the states total power.

Diablo Canyon was expected to stop operating its twin reactors in 2024 and 2025, but the state failed to procure enough clean energy to replace the plant in time.

In September, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 846, which allocated $1.4 billion to PG&E to fund the nuclear power plants license renewal costs for staying open through 2030.

That was followed by a $1.1 billion grant to PG&E in November from the U.S. Department of Energy through President Joe Bidens bipartisan infrastructure law.

The NRC in March told PG&E it can run Diablo Canyon past its original closure dates without a current license as long as the utility company submits a valid license renewal application for the two reactors by the end of 2023.

PG&E has said it will file a license renewal application for Diablo Canyon by the end of this year.

Pictured here is the Unit 2 containment dome, a transmission line and the turbine building of Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant owned by PG&E. The shutdown of the two units owned by PG&E is scheduled for 2024 and 2025.

Environmental group deeply disappointed by judges ruling

In his ruling Wednesday, Superior Court Judge Ethan Schulman said that jurisdiction over the matter did not lie with the court, but rather the California Public Utilities Commission.

The public utilities commission has an ongoing proceeding regarding the possible extension of Diablo Canyons operating licenses.





In that proceeding, the commission may issue rulings and decisions that determine the power plants future operations.

The bottom line is this: FOEs action, if allowed to proceed, poses the risk that this court will be asked to issue orders inconsistent with those that the CPUC has already issued or may issue in the pending rulemaking proceeding, Schulman wrote in his ruling.

The public utilities commissions proceeding is expected to address the very issues FOE raises, including the duration of any license extension, PG&Es preparation for shutdown of the nuclear power plant and the energy resources that will be necessary to replace it, the ruling said.

Friends of the Earths legal director, Hallie Templeton, said the nonprofit organization was deeply disappointed in the judges ruling and may file an appeal.

Diablo Canyons operations are extremely dangerous, environmentally harmful and put all of California at risk of a devastating accident, she said in a prepared statement Thursday. We continue to strongly believe in our case and are considering appealing the unwarranted dismissal.

One thing is clear: the fight to shutter Diablo Canyon is not over, and this is not our only iron in the fire.
Its debate night for the Republican presidential hopefuls, but their leading candidate cant be bothered. Instead of heading to Milwaukee to face his rivals, Donald Trump stayed at his resort in Bedminster, New Jersey and sat down for an interview with Tucker Carlson that aired exclusively on Twitter  at the exact same time as the debate.

The conversation opened with a discussion of whether disgraced billionaire and alleged sex trafficker Jeffery Epstein actually killed himself in prison.

Do you think Epstein killed himself? Carlson asked.

I dont know, I will say he was a fixture in Palm Beach, Trump replied. Carlson went on to insinuate that Trumps former Attorney General Bill Barr had a role in covering up a plot to assassinate Epstein, prompting the first mention of election fraud from the former president.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bill Barr didnt do an investigation on the election fraud either [] Barr became so petrified  so frightened  of being impeached [] but he didnt do the job there, Trump said. I dont know what he did with Epstein, he added.

Tucker: "Do you think Epstein killed himself?"



Trump: "I don't know, I will say he was a fixture in Palm Beach [] I think he probably committed suicide, he had a life with beautiful homes, beautiful everything and all of a sudden he's incarcerated and not doing very well." pic.twitter.com/W8ICukHHiW  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) August 24, 2023

Both the former president and the former Fox News host have major bones to pick with Fox, and that showed in their decision to collaborate on counter-programming on Wednesday night. Carlson was fired from Fox in April at what was ostensibly the height of his influence within Republican politics. Trump, meanwhile, continuously complains that Fox has provided more favorable coverage to his GOP rivals and that the network airs too many photos of his double chin.

As previously reported by Rolling Stone, sources close to the former president say his decision to skip the debate is partially motivated by a desire to seek revenge against the Murdoch family, which owns Fox News. Maybe they should have been loyal, Trump told allies.

Despite Carlsons well-documented private disdain for Trumps politics, the two are united in hyper-nationalist policy priorities and a conspiratorial mindset that allows them to put their differences aside for some good old-fashioned stream of conscious rambling.

While Trumps opponents tore at each other on Fox News, the pair discussed how President Biden looks in a bathing suit, how many people we lost to the mosquito building the Panama Canal, how unfair water efficiency standards on home appliances are  and all served with a sprinkling of Trumps standard grievances and gripes.

The former president attacked his former Vice President and 2024 opponent Mike Pence, arguing that in his view Pence had the authority to send electoral college votes back to the states as part of his effort to stave off his election loss.

I think you can always do something if you see fraud, Trump told Carlson. The former president accused RINOs and Democrats of conspiring after the election to tighten the laws surrounding the Vice Presidents role in election certifications.

So youre saying I was right? The Vice President did have the right to do it, Trump quipped.

Trump tells Tucker that efforts to tighten election laws and explicitly bar the VP from interfering with the certification prove his theories about challenging the election were right. pic.twitter.com/4jjLuQlGPe  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) August 24, 2023

On his many indictments, Trump said the legal cases arent phasing him because hes doing so well amongst Republican voters. The former president attacked Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who charged him and 18 of his allies in a sprawling Georgia RICO case over efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The people see its a fraud, Trump told Carlson. This horrible District Attorney, from just a little while ago, from essentially Atlanta, [] basically theyre suing me and theyre saying you dont have any right to challenge, and if you challenge an election were going to indict you and put you in jail.

Carlson closed the interview with a pointed question: Do you think were moving towards civil war?

Trump paused for a moment. Theres tremendous passion, and theres tremendous love, he responded. Jan. 6 was a very interesting day, because they dont report it properly.

People that were in that crowd that day  a very very small group of people  went down there and there were a lot of scenarios that we can talk about, but people in that crowd said it was the most beautiful day they had ever experienced. There was love and unity.

Ive never seen such spirit and such passion and such love, and Ive also never seen, simultaneously and from the same people, such hatred of what theyve done to our country,Trump added.

So do you think its possible that theres open conflict? Carlson pressed.

I dont know, I dont know, Trump replied. I can say this: Theres a level of passion Ive never seen, and theres a level of hatred Ive never seen. And thats probably a bad combination.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
(Bloomberg) -- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas , who has called for the Kremlins economic isolation, said she had nothing to hide as she sought to contain mounting criticism over the presence of her husbands company in Russia.

Most Read from Bloomberg

A day after public broadcaster ERR reported that a company in which her husband has a 24% stake is transporting goods between Estonia and Russia, party leaders in Estonia demanded the premier explain herself over accusations of hypocrisy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Estonias President, Alar Karis, said the episode risked shedding a negative light on a Baltic nation that has been out front among European Union peers in its criticism of Russia.

Society expects explanations from the prime minister, Karis told journalists in Tallinn Thursday.

Kallas reinforced her message that all business activity in Russia should be wound down. The premier said she had no detailed overview of her husbands company, Stark Logistics AS, which is helping an Estonian client in Russia end its production  adding that not a single euro, dollar or ruble made its way to Russia as part of the activity.

Ive said it before and I remain of the view that local companies need to find the moral compass and decline transactions that somehow help the Russian war machine, Kallas told reporters on Thursday.

Stark, based in the Estonian town of Keila southwest of Tallinn, said its Estonian client operated an aerosol packaging plant on Russian territory and that it would carry out a final shipment in September. The premiers husband, Arvo Hallik, who is listed as the companys chief financial officer, directed questions Wednesday to the the companys general manager.

No business on behalf of Starks client has benefited Russia and deliveries have been entirely lawful in substance as well as form, General Manager Kristian Kraag said Wednesday in a statement in response to a query from Bloomberg.

Kallas also defended a 350,000 ($380,000) loan to a company owned by her husband, saying she trusts his activities and the funds had been repaid. The loan went to a company with a holding in Stark, according to filings made by Kallas earlier this year and Estonias business registry.

After a convincing election victory in March swept her into a second term in office, Kallas has since seen backing for her center-right Reform Party slip in some polls.

Mart Helme, a leader of the far-right EKRE party and former cabinet minister, demanded Kallass resignation. Leaders of the premiers coalition partners raised concerns over the impact for Estonias reputation, though a key Social Democratic ally weighed in that he was satisfied for now with Kallass explanation.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Estonian President Alar Karis has asked PM Kaja Kallas to provide the public with an explanation on the scandal surrounding her husband's business dealings with Russia, Estonian news outlet Postimees reported on Aug. 24.

Read also: No future victories for Russia in Ukraine without further mobilization  Estonian intelligence

Earlier, Estonian media reported that Kallas's husband, Arvo Hallik, manages several companies which are still operating in Russia. Notably, a transport company, Stark Logistics, continued its cooperation with Russia despite the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

President Karis, addressing the scandal involving Kallas's husband, stated that while he couldn't pass judgement on the seriousness of the allegations, he believes the PM has a responsibility to clarify the situation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Karis commented on the topic on Ukraine's Independence Day, emphasizing that their nation was awaiting Kallas's explanation. He suggested that once she does, she must consider her next move carefully with her advisors.

In response to a journalist's question about whether the situation harmed Estonia's international reputation, Karis admitted that some aspects of the scandal may have done so. He tied the scandal to increasing instances of non-compliance with EU sanctions, especially in Estonia.

Read also: Ukrainian counteroffensive may extend into winter, says Estonian General Staff

"If we have agreed on sanctions, we must make sure they work; otherwise, make ourselves a laughing stock," the president said.

Kallas denied the reports on her Facebook page.

Read also: Turkish construction giant buys Ukrainian granite mining business

Today, ERR published news about a company associated with my husband doing business in Russia; I want to emphasize, my husband has no business clients in the Russian Federation," the PM wrote.

Read also: Russian attack on Kherson center wounds civilians, including young girl

Kallas also dedicated the first minutes of a government press conference to the scandal surrounding her husband.

I've always tried to separate my work and personal life. According to my husband, they have an internal rule that you can't even fill up on gas in Russia, she said.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
(Bloomberg) -- Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas , one of the European Unions staunchest critics of the Kremlin, pushed back against mounting criticism over her husbands links to a logistics company that has made deliveries to a client in Russia.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Kallas came under scrutiny from political opponents after public broadcaster ERR reported Wednesday that Stark Logistics AS, a trucking company in which Kallass spouse, Arvo Hallik, has a 24% stake, is transporting non-sanctioned goods between Estonia and Russia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The company, based in the Estonian town of Keila southwest of Tallinn, said its helping a client with an aerosol packaging plant in Russia to wind down its operations there  and will carry out a last shipment in September.

Kallas, who has called for Russias economic isolation since its invasion of Ukraine, acknowledged Halliks stake ownership, but said he has no business clients from Russia. The logistics company is helping the Estonian customer in Russia end production in accordance with laws and sanctions, she said in a statement posted on Facebook Wednesday.

I remain of the view that all trade and business with Russia must cease as long as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Kallas said on Facebook Wednesday.

No business on behalf of Starks client has benefited Russia and deliveries have been entirely lawful in substance as well as form, the companys general manager, Kristian Kraag, said in a statement in response to a query from Bloomberg. Hallik, who is listed on Starks website as the chief financial officer, directed queries to Kraag.

After a convincing election victory in March swept her into a second term in office, Kallas has since seen backing for her center-right Reform Party slip in some polls.

Mart Helme, a leader of the far-right EKRE party and former cabinet minister, demanded Kallass resignation. Urmas Reinsalu, who served as Kallass hawkish foreign minister in her previous governing coalition, called the situation shameful for Estonia, an inherent ethical problem  and accused Reform of previously rejecting a proposal to halt all goods shipments to Russia.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Dundee Township Park District's Family Fishing Day will be held Saturday at Aldis Park on the Fox River in West Dundee. Last year it took place at Algonquin Lakes, seen here. (Dundee Township Park District/HANDOUT)

East Dundee to debut villages first wine walk Saturday

East Dundee and Eastside Cafe Coffee & Wine Bar are partnering on the villages first wine walk to be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.

Wine will be available at 18 different stops, with the walk starting at The Depot, 319 N River St., according to a website for the event. Participants will receive a complimentary wine glass as well as a gift bag.

Advertisement

Tickets are sold out. Because of the large number of participants, start times are spread out, organizers said. All wine must be consumed in the store or business, and the event is not open to anyone under the age of 21.

For more information, email eatgreatwithkate@gmail.com.

Advertisement

Family Fishing Day Saturday at West Dundees Aldis Park

The Dundee Township Park District will be holding a Family Fishing Day from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 26, at Aldis Park, located at the east end of Maiden Lane along the Fox River in West Dundee.

Participants can bring their own fishing gear or use the equipment provided by the park district. Each child taking part will receive a small tackle box filled with bobbers, lures and other items.

There will also giveaways, prizes, crafts and games, according to the event website.

Registration is $5 per family for a 30-minute fishing time and must be completed by noon Friday, Aug. 25. Fishing licenses are required for anyone 16 or older.

For more information, go to www.dtpd.org/calendar/events/fishing-day.

Elgin Public Museum unveiling Endangered Illinois exhibit

The Elgin Public Museums new Endangered Illinois exhibit will open to the public Saturday, Aug. 26.

The exhibit features a mural painted by local artist, Heather Dorsch, as well as drawings of and information about endangered species native to Illinois provided by area grade school students and their caregivers, according to museum staff.

The museum, located at 225 Grand Blvd. in Lords Park, is open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Advertisement

For more information, email blazier_s@cityofelgin.org or call 847-741-6655.

Izaak Walton League hosting ice cream social in Elgin

The Elgin chapter of the Izaak Walton Leagues annual ice cream social will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Hanover Township Izaak Walton Center & Reserve, 899 Jay St., Elgin.

Tickets cost $2 and can be purchased at the event to receive a slice of pie or cake and ice cream, a league social media post said.

Prizes will be raffled and Anderson Humane Society will have dogs available that are ready for adoption or fostering.

For more information, call 847-867-9393.
Russia is capable of waging war in Ukraine indefinitely, so it is rather challenging to predict whether it is possible for Ukraine to recover its full sovereignty with the means at its disposal, said General Robert Brieger, Chairman of the EU Military Affairs Committee.

Source: European Pravda, citing DW

Quote from Brieger: "I would be cautious to expect a breakthrough of the Ukrainian forces through the Russian defence lines.

I would like to see this war end in Ukraine's military success, but I cannot make such a prediction."

Details: The general believes the number of brigades available to Kyiv for the offensive is "not large".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On the other hand, he noted that the Russians "had months to create dense and well-fortified defensive lines" so Russia could continue fighting in Ukraine "for a very long time".

"Moreover, Russia possesses a huge mass of weapons and vast potential personnel reserves," Brieger concluded.

Background: Earlier, Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser to the President, rejected claims that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine had reached a deadlock.

At the end of last week, The Washington Post reported, citing US intelligence sources, that Ukraine would not be able to reach a key target in its counteroffensive operations, i.e., the city of Melitopol in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Biden's national security adviser then replied that the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine was constantly changing, and the US believed in the Ukrainian forces' ability to prevail.

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!
VILNIUS, Lithuania  European officials are cautiously watching the fallout from the apparent death of Yevgeny Prigozhin , whose short-lived attempt to overthrow the Russian defense leadership in late June put him in the crosshairs of Russian President Vladimir Putin .

Prigozhins reported death Wednesday  in a plane crash on a sunny, cloudless day traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg  was not particularly surprising, coming on the two-month anniversary of his mutiny attempt.

However, it has still raised a flurry of questions, such as how Prigozhins death changes the security situation in Europe and if theres any opportunity for Ukraine or Putins other foes within and outside Russia to exploit the situation.

Together with our neighbors we are closely monitoring situation around the Wagner troops, a Baltic official told The Hill.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Any provocations by the Wagner troops along our borders would be met with a firm response. We consider the deployment of the Wagner troops in Belarus as an escalation by the Russian Federation and Belarus.

The first reaction from Ukrainian officials was a pointed message to the West and its supporters to hold back from pushing Kyiv into negotiations with Moscow, pointing to a deal brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko that ended Prigozhins march on Moscow in late June, supposedly in exchange for amnesty.

Prigozhin signed a special death warrant for himself the moment he believed in Lukashenkos bizarre guarantees and Putins equally absurd word of honor, Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the Head of the Office of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A good lesson to all the doves of peace who still believe in the possibility of negotiating with Putin under the condition of a ceasefire and arms supply termination.

An estimated few thousand of Prigozhins Wagner forces were transferred to Belarus as part of the deal brokered by Lukashenko, although many details of the deal remain unknown.

Baltic states are watching closely whether those Wagner troops remain in Belarus. Their arrival in the beginning of July prompted a heightened security posture to protect against any provocations that may occur across the border.

Belaruski Hajun, an activist group that tracks troop movements within Belarus, wrote on Telegram that at least two camps associated with Wagner fighters were being dismantled, but that these operations were underway between the end of July and August.

Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland share the largest share of the border with Belarus, where commercial trade and the flow of people transit over multiple crossings. Lithuania last week announced it would close two of its six border crossings with Belarus in an effort to impose more control over the flow of goods and people.

The border closures prompted the U.S. Embassy of Belarus, which operates in Vilnius, to issue a security alert for Americans to depart Belarus immediately.

Prigozhins death leaves open the leadership of the Wagner group. The private military company was on the front lines of Russias war in Ukraine, leading the successful but costly effort to seize Bakhmut. However, its mercenary forces withdrew from Ukraine around the same time as the short-lived rebellion, and its unclear if they might return.

Wagner also operates as private security contractors in countries in Africa, and its forces have been accused of heinous abuses against civilians and exploitation of natural resources in mining businesses.

Wagner Group was decapitated, said Wojciech Lorenz, head of the International Security Program of the Warsaw-based Polish Institute of International Affairs.

It will limit its usefulness as a tool of psychological operations against Poland from Belarus. But Russia will still need private military companies to act mainly in Africa, so Wagner Group, even if rebranded as other groups, will remain active threatening Western interests and security.

Wagner Telegram channels have pinned the blame for the crash on Russian defense forces, raising some speculation of Wagners remaining leaders seeking to avenge Prigozhins death, perhaps with a second march to Moscow.

However, experts and officials are skeptical of such a possibility, given the groups relative state of disarray.

After the mutiny attempt, Putin called for formally integrating Wagner forces into the Russian military.

Ariel Cohen, nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center, said that loyalty among Wagner forces toward Prigozhin is likely to make it more difficult for Putin to integrate these forces into the Russian army.

The question now arises: What will happen with the Wagner Group assets in Russia, Belarus, African countries, and Syria? Cohen said.

The U.S. and other NATO allies have warned against Wagner forces threatening territory of the alliance, saying that they viewed no distinction between the private military company and the Russian military.

Still, European capitals were largely muted in their reactions the day after Prigozhins reported death.

The United Kingdoms Ministry of Defense, which provides daily defense intelligence updates on Russias war in Ukraine and the state of Russia, did not mention Prigozhins death in its latest bulletin.

Instead, it noted how Putin made an Aug. 19 visit to Rostov-on-Don, the headquarters for the Russian militarys southern operations against Ukraine and that was seized by Prigozhin in his mutiny attempt June 24.

Putin highly likely wishes to project his authority and to portray the senior military command as functioning as usual, the assessment read.

Tatiana Stanovaya, senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, wrote on X that for Putin, Prigozhins death should serve as a lesson to any potential successors.

I see no reason why Putin would need Prigozhin in any capacity after the mutiny, she wrote.

Prigozhin was only needed for some time after the mutiny to smoothly dismantle Wagner in Russia and move it to Belarus under new leadership.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Clickbait tends to smell. And when it comes to EV scaremongering, I detected something fishy about two tales being spread like gospel by media: First, that Teslas are being routinely totaled by insurers, even after relatively minor fender benders. Secondly, that collision repair costs for Teslas or other EVs are out of control.

As it turns out, none of those things are remotely true, as proven by analysis of every smash, bash, and insurance claim in America. In fact, gasoline cars are three times as likely to be totaled after an accident than a Tesla or other EV, according to the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI). ICE models were written off after 18.4 percent of collisions, versus 6.1 percent for EVs. Sure, a new $60,000 Tesla can sustain more dollar damage before being totaled than a $30,000 Toyota. Yet even 2019-and-newer luxury ICE cars are written off after 7.1 percent of collisions, more than all EVs regardless of age or price.

The assertion that EVs are being totaled left and right is the horror story that keeps insurers up at night, said Ryan Mandell, director of claims performance for Mitchell, a top provider of data and software to insurers and the collision repair industry. Has that happened? Yes. But the incidents are few and far between.



Kent Nishimura - Getty Images

As for the Model S, HLDIs granular data puts the lie to anecdotal hatchet jobs: In 2019, owners of 2012-2019 Tesla Model S' logged 9,630 collision claims and saw 906 cars written off, or 9.4 percent of crashes. Conventional large ICE luxury sedans of identical model years were totaled after 14.2 percent of collisions. So much for the idea that salvage yards are filling with junked Teslas, whose ubiquity has them responsible for 75 percent of all EV collision reports.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And while EVs do rack up bigger body repair bills than the average gasoline model  again, a universe that includes older econoboxes  theyre often on direct par with ICE cars of comparable class and model year.

Tellingly, in a HLDI study of 11 models that offer both gasoline and fully electric versions  including the Hyundai Kona and Volvo XC40  EV versions now cost a negligible two percent more to repair. For every such model, the gasoline version is significantly more likely to be written off after a wreck. Plug-in versions were also involved in 19 percent fewer collision claims, even after adjusting for mileage.

Hyundai

Matt Moore, HLDI senior vice president, said the apples-to-apples study proves electric tech per se is clearly not the culprit for burdensome repair costs.

Peering under these mangled skins reveals whats really happening: Gas or electric, the cost of making any late-model car good as new has soared 30 percent in three years. The average repairable collision claim is on track to top a record $5,000 by year-end, according to Mitchell.

The culprit isnt motors and batteries, but a modern fleet transformed by ever-more complex and luxurious models, including deluxe SUVs and pickups, Mandell said. All new cars bristle with safety sensors and driver assistance systems that protect and pamper occupants, but can make seemingly simple repairs a nightmare. Many bumpers must be entirely replaced after low-speed dings, due to potential liability if radar or other sensors are compromised by body repairs. Systems must be inspected or recalibrated.

Volvo

The modern digital architecture is so advanced, that systems beyond point of impact are being disrupted, Mandell said. Getting a car back to pre-loss condition is harder than at any point in history, and will only become more challenging.

Throw in hefty insurance payouts for totaled cars, and last years average collision loss jumped to $8,739 for model year 2020-2022 cars. Thats nearly double the $4,439 loss in a 2013 HLDI study. Insurance premiums are soaring to keep pace, including a 17-percent jump over 12 months through May.

Edge Cases, Outliers, and Start-Ups

To be sure, wallet-busting stories are only a click away. Chris Apfelstadt never intended to be a public face of sticker-shock EV repair bills. But thats what happened when Apfelstadt, driving his Rivian R1T pickup with his infant son aboard, was rear-ended in Columbus, OH in February. Apfelstadt received a $1,600 check from the insurance company of the Lexus driver who dented his truck. That check turned out light: Fixing the damage at a certified Rivian shop cost $42,000, roughly half the trucks new value.

Hearst Owned

Some Tesla owners post YouTube tales of being blindsided by lofty repair estimates or notoriously long waits for parts and service. Those backlogs surely helped spur Elon Musk to create his secret Diversion Team to suppress and deny owners range complaints, and cancel all range-related service appointments  as team members celebrated each screw-you cancellation by pinging a metal xylophone.

Musk earlier acknowledged a need to minimize the cost of repairing a Tesla if its in a collision via changes to vehicle design and software. Stating the obvious, Musk said, "It's remarkable how small changes in the design of the bumper and providing spare parts needed for collision repair have an enormous effect on the repair cost.

Design choices do matter. Apfelstadts incident dented the Rivians unipanel, an enormous sheet that extends from the trucks rear to front roof pillars. Its repair set off a cascade of pricey work, including removing the interior headliner and front windshield, all for a dented rear corner.

Ford

Legacy scale brings advantages, but thats not cut-and-dried. Ford counts 2,800 North American dealers that can repair EVs, along with a vast network of independent collision shops and aftermarket suppliers.

A start-up might be supplying 100 fenders, where Ford has 100,000, Mandell said.

Rivian has certified about 200 independent North American collision shops, and just three in Ohio where Apfelstadt sought his work. That makes it harder to shop for a reasonable price. And when insurance covers the tab, many owners just want the job done right, price be damned. Apfelstadt emphasized he was very happy with the like-new restoration of his Rivian.

Noe Mejia, Rivians vice-president of service operations, acknowledged its a challenge that were newer to market.

Rivian

He said Rivian is focused on reducing repair costs, and that the companys small size helps it work one-on-one with customers to find shops and ensure repairs and paint jobs meet luxury standards.

Apfelstadts experience aside, Rivians average collision losses are only running 47 percent higher than the average ICE pickup.

For vehicles at the Rivians price point, thats not unusual, said Matt Moore, HLDI senior vice-president, with Rivian tech and luxury more akin to a Range Rover than an old-school truck. In fact, the Rivians collision losses have been no higher than, say, the Audi Q7s, and well below luxury SUVs from Range Rover, Porsche, or a Mercedes G-Class.

Rivian

Legacy scale, resources, and body-shop experience may be helping Ford: Mitchell shows repairable collision claims for the electric F-150 Lightning averaging $5,435, or less than the $5,850 for all half-ton ICE pickups. Rivian R1T claims are averaging $8,894. Yet for many spanking-new EVs  such as the Cadillac Lyriq, whose initial claims are just trickling in  Moore cautions that data is too sparse for blanket judgments. The Rivian R1T has seen barely 300 collision claims in America since its launch, versus more than 40,000 for a single trim level of the gasoline Ford F-150 over the same period.

Apfelstadts gut-punch Rivian tab could point to trouble down the road, or it could be a fluke, Moore said.

High-Power EVs Are Like Supercars: Few Crashes But Gigantic Bills

Moore said no collision data can conclusively judge a models susceptibility to damage or repairability. There are too many dizzying variables involved, from geography to the expertise of repair techs. The human factor brings the wildest card of all. Gasoline or electric, Moore says, one truth will remain: The more expensive, rare, and higher-performing the car, the higher the crash severities and financial losses, in part due to the Type-A drivers they attract and tempt into speeding and other risks.

Porsche

Whether its a Corvette or Porsche Taycan, such pampered, agile models actually tend to get into fewer accidents, or relative crash frequency. But when they do crash, They hit fast and hit hard, Moore said. Every collision is a mix of man and machine.

Unsurprisingly, the ranks of cars with the worst crash severities (which directly correlate to financial losses) is a Whos Who of low-volume, mega-priced models. The Ferrari F8 Tributo, McLaren 720S, and Porsche 911 Turbo produce vastly fewer claims on average than typical cars of the 2020-2022 model years. But their crash severities run from 10 to 13 times the industry average, with the Lamborghini Urus not far behind. That means an average loss of about $93,000 for every Porsche 911 Turbo S crash, $101,000 for the McLaren, and $117,000 for the Ferrari.

High-zoot EVs already seem to be, um, running into the same issue. Relative crash severities for the Porsche Taycan, Audi RS e-Tron GT and Lucid Air are running about three times the industry average  meaning they rack up more than $25,000 in losses per collision. (Remember, versus Mitchells data on individual collision repairs, these HLDI numbers skew higher by including insurance payouts for total losses).

James Lipman

The 2020-2022 Tesla Model S was involved in 23 percent more collision claims than average, and its average collision losses are double the average. Thats markedly higher on both fronts than nearly every non-performance luxury sedan. A long list of solid-citizen sedans, including the Acura TLX, Cadillac CT5, Lexus ES350, and Volvo S60 show collision severities barely higher than the industry baseline.

Oddly, the Teslas collision losses run 50 percent higher than a Cadillac CT5-Vs, suggesting some of that man-machine mix that Moore alludes to. (Considering those Autopilot wrecks, perhaps the machine here is playing a greater role, but whos to say?). Yet while the Model S racks up stiffer bills than Acuras or Lexuses, those costs are smack atop an Audi S7 or standard BMW 8-Series; well speculate that both the Model S and its owners dovetail more with faster German-car types than the Lexus crowd.

And all those listed EVs, including Model S, pale before several high-performance ICE cars, such as BMWs M3, M4, and M8, whose collision losses run as high as 4.5 times the passenger-car average. Should we blame the twin-turbo V-8 under the M8s hood, the Taycans sizzling electric motors, or the drivers behind the wheel? As Moore suggests, its a bit of both.

Tesla

With all that, and local geography and driver demographics to boot, its clear how critical good data becomes to set insurance premiums. EV owners do tend to pay higher premiums, that may or may not fairly reflect repair costs. Experts say insurers almost surely price EVs higher for now due to risk uncertainty: EVs make up just 0.7 percent of Americas fleet, and 1.1 percent of crash claims. Musk has complained that Tesla premiums can be unreasonably high, and Tesla now offers its own insurance in several states to pressure insurers into offering competitive rates.

At first glance, EVs cost substantially more to fix, at $6,787 per collision versus $4,420 for cars of all model years in 2022. Mitchell's analysis shows EVs require more replacement parts than internal-combustion cars, often of the pricey electronic variety. EV fixes require nearly three more labor hours on average, including extra time for body refinishing and safely managing high-voltage systems.

Yet those costs again compare mainly newer EVs  dominated by luxury Teslas  versus tens of millions of conventional cars. Compare like-to-like, and Mitchell shows costs for mainstream EVs such as Hyundais average about $5,900 for 2018-and-newer models, versus $5,100 for ICE cars of identical model years. For Tesla and other premium EV brands, repair costs have fallen to direct par, at $7,045 for EVs and $6,987 for gasoline luxury cars. The Tesla Model 3s average 2022 collision claim of $6,465 barely tops its gasoline Mercedes C-Class or BMW 3-Series rivals, and undercuts the Audi A4 at $6,760.

picture alliance - Getty Images

In the Seventies, the government briefly mandated that bumpers survive a 5-mph crash, which left many models looking like rubber-clad bumper cars. Moore said a similar approach doesnt seem feasible today, due to wild variation in vehicle heights.

To the extent we even have bumpers, they dont line up, and thats a contributor to repair costs, Moore said.

Huge Demand For EV Battery Packs Changes Insurers' Calculations

Data suggests the image of EV batteries being especially vulnerable is another myth. BMW and other automakers note that, after occupants, battery packs are the most-protected part of an EV. Automakers emphasize a collision severe enough to penetrate an armored pack would wreak havoc on any ICE car as well.

BMW

One financial calculation may lead insurers to write off certain EVs more often. Most Tesla models are worth roughly twice as much as comparable ICE cars at salvage auctions. Where theres essentially zero market demand for, say, three-year-old Honda engines  since almost none are yet failing in customer cars  theres a huge secondary market for Tesla batteries and motors.

In 2019, bidders paid nearly $18,000 on average for a wrecked Model 3 at auction, versus $8,450 for a conventional midsize luxury sedan. A Model S average salvage value is $21,000, versus $12,000 for the average car.

That really alters the total loss equation, Moore said, akin to supersport motorcycles with huge demand for salvaged engines.

Anadolu Agency - Getty Images

David Rymarz, vice-president of data analytics for IAA, the national salvage company, said there is no meaningful gap in estimated repair costs for EVs and ICE cars that end up totaled, at a respective $43,000 and $44,000. But damage location can play a role in what cars end up under the auction paddle. Crunching an EV undercarriage has more potential for battery harm, where major structural damage typically results in a total loss. Yet an EV could sustain a higher-speed front impact than an ICE and remain repairable, Rymarz said.

Sandy Munro, the EV tear-down king of Munro and Associates, said many automakers and shops dont yet have the resources, willingness or expertise to take on battery challenges.

Brandon Bell - Getty Images

Automakers say they are sensitive to EV repair costs and devote serious resources toward reducing them. BMWs EV sensors record data on crash-force direction and intensity, helping guide technicians on which battery modules need replacement. Ford is setting up dealers to replace a damaged battery tray on the Mustang Mach-E and swap components into a new tray. A new GM process should let dealers repair and replace Ultium packs, including individual battery modules.

Munro acknowledges the skyrocketing price of sheetmetal surgery. He also asks for perspective. Regardless of powertrain, modern cars can absorb horrifying crash forces and let people walk away unscathed. Or, they avoid collisions entirely, thanks to the same cameras and sensors that make for trickier fixes.

If nobody dies but we cant fix that bumper, I dont care about that, Munro said. Its only scrap iron. The focus is rightly on the people inside and the efficiency of the car.

Hearst Owned

You Might Also Like
(Bloomberg) -- Dutch politician Frans Timmermans pledged to accelerate the energy transition in the Netherlands as he draws upon his time as the European Unions climate chief in his bid to win the premiership.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Timmermans, who resigned his EU role after being named the leader of the Dutch Green and Left Labor party combination on Tuesday, said the current climate challenge facing the country is gigantic, but solvable.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Netherlands has made a very good start with the energy transition, but that still needs to be accelerated, the 62-year-old politician said at a news conference in the Hague on Tuesday. The Netherlands has targeted reducing CO2 emissions by 55%-60% by 2030, compared to 1990.

Timmermans called for a wider reduction in household energy use and stressed the importance of making public transportation more attractive. We need to show that these solutions exist, he said.

The Dutch Central Bank warned recently that the country was falling short in its energy transition targets, citing an over-reliance on subsidies and a lack of proper financial incentives.

Before becoming an EU commissioner, Timmermans was the foreign minister of the Netherlands. His return to domestic politics comes as the collapse of the fourth coalition government and Prime Minister Mark Ruttes decision to retire created a political vacuum in the country.

The merged left parties would take 27 seats, narrowly trailing Ruttes VVD party with 28 seats ahead of the elections scheduled for Nov. 22, according to a poll by Ipsos/EenVandaag. The July 25 poll was conducted before popular lawmaker Pieter Omtzigt announced the launch of his own political party.

Separately, Timmermans said the North Atlantic Treaty Organizations pledge for allies to spend 2% of gross domestic product on defense spending should be enshrined in law.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been reaping the benefits of the peace dividend for decades, he warned. So we have no choice, for our credibility, and for our own defense, we have to do what we agreed with NATO. And I think that the united Left must also deliver on that promise, he said.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
A man shot his ex-wife dead on the same day she received custody of their kids, Nevada officials told news outlets.

Las Vegas police responded Aug. 17 to reports of a shooting inside an apartment, according to an Aug. 18 news release by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The man, identified as Roidan Durruthy-Mendoza, 38, is accused of shooting his ex-wife, Marillorky Tamayo-Cruz, three times in the head, police told KSNV.

Durruthy-Mendoza had texted Tamayo-Cruz, who had recently been given custody of the home, truck and kids, because he wanted to switch out cars, police told KSNV. Tamayo-Cruz ignored the message, and the argument eventually escalated into a shooting, according to police.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officials said the couples daughter called 911, telling officials to hurry up and hes got a gun, police told FOX 5. She was also screaming and gunshots were heard in the background, FOX 5 reported, citing police.

Police told KLAS that the daughter walked away from the phone, and when she returned she told dispatchers her mom was dead.

I always looked up to her, the womans daughter told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. I wanted to be just like her, I dont know what Im going to do without her.

Three other people suffered non-life threatening injuries and were taken to a local hospital, polcie said in the release.

McClatchy News reached out to Las Vegas police for more information Aug. 24 and is awaiting a response.

Durruthy-Mendoza left the apartment before officials arrived, officials told KLAS.

He turned himself into Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Headquarters, according to the release, where he told cops I killed my wife, police told FOX5.

Durruthy-Mendoza was booked on charges of open murder with a deadly weapon and attempted murder with a deadly weapon, police said.

Dispatcher sends SOS text before she is shot, killed by husband, Arkansas cops say

Baby dies after pregnant mom shot in stomach, NC cops say. Man charged with murder

I am a murderer. 20-year-old kills dad in fight over marijuana, Illinois cops say
Mark Meadows, Donald Trump s former chief of staff, surrendered to authorities in Georgia on Thursday on allegations healong with the former president and 17 othersschemed to keep Trump in power after losing the 2020 election.

Booking records from the Fulton County Jail show Meadows was booked on two chargesviolation of the RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. His height was listed as 61 and his weight as 240 pounds.

Along with the onetime Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, Meadows had begged for an urgent delay to the Friday deadline for his surrender. It was part of a broader request by both defendants to have their Fulton County cases be moved to federal court, arguing that their positions as federal officers during the time of the alleged offenses warranted a change in jurisdiction.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis shot down those requests on Wednesday in a fiery response, and a judge declined to extend the Friday deadline. Meadows will have a hearing on Monday on the issue of moving the case to federal court.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Giuliani Describes Jail Experience After Surrendering in Georgia Election Case

Clark faces the same racketeering charge as Meadows, plus a count of attempting to commit false statements and writings. Both men agreed to $100,000 bond orders.

A bond sheet for Meadows said hes forbidden from speaking with co-defendants about the facts of the case, and from intimidating witnesses and co-defendants, or otherwise obstruct[ing] the administration of justice.

Meadows is accused of being on the now-infamous phone call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in which Trump asked Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes, just enough for him to win the state.

Meadows is also accused of setting up other communications about election results, including an alleged text he sent to a Georgia official asking if financial assistance from the Trump campaign would speed up a vote verification process.

In addition to spreading conspiracies about election results publicly, Clark is accused of pushing to send an official DOJ letter to Georgia election officials filled with lies about the election. That letter allegedly included baseless claims that investigators had identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple states.

Trump Co-Defendants Endure Humiliating Mugshots as They Report to Jail

Co-defendants in the case have trickled into the Fulton County Jail this week to be booked ahead of the noon Friday deadline.

Floyd Harrison, the head of the group Black Voices for Trump, turned himself over on Thursday afternoon. Floyd did not negotiate a bond agreement, so he has remained in custody at the Fulton County Jail, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. Hes the only defendant to not bail out so far.

Floyd Harrisons mugshot. Fulton County Jail

Among those who surrendered earlier in the week was Rudy Giuliani, who made a stop at a bail bondsman on Thursday, seemingly to help cover his bond of $150,000.

Trump is expected to surrender at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. Once he does, hes expected to be fingerprinted and have his mugshot taken. His bond is set at $200,000.

Trump faces 13 counts that includes charges of racketeering, criminal conspiracy, filing false documents, and more.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
I dont know if it makes me specialbut I know that does make me relatable, Loewe tells theGrio.

White House director of African-American media, Erica P. Loewe, is elevating to a new role within the Biden-Harris administration, becoming the latest Black woman to hold a senior role at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Loewe, who managed part of the White Houses media and communications portfolio, will now serve as special assistant to the president and chief of staff for the White House Office of Public Engagement, theGrio exclusively reports.

WASHINGTON, DC  APRIL 26: Erica Loewe attends Grammys On The Hill: Awards Dinner at The Hamilton on April 26, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

The Florida native started her political career as a White House intern many years ago, working through various staff roles on Capitol Hill. In her last role before joining the Biden-Harris White House, Loewe served as deputy communications director for then-House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. She worked in Clyburns office during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, where she and fellow Hill colleagues barricaded the doors to protect themselves from pro-Donald Trump insurrectionists.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Reflecting on her ascent in Washington, Loewe credits it all to hard work and navigating a world of D.C. politics without any special connections.

I didnt necessarily come from a life of privilege, she told theGrio. I grew up in Liberty City, Florida, where the median income is around $30,000.

Loewe, who is single, admits she has no work-life balance. Her typical day is filled with countless planned and unplanned projects. You go to sleep reading the news, and you wake up reading the news, she shared.

Loewe is fiercely passionate about public service, particularly for Black Americans, who may feel little or no connection to the highest office in the land  also known as The Peoples House.

A lot of the people that I grew up with dont end up in the White House and are not expected to end up in rooms that I have been blessed to end up in, Loewe acknowledged.

As one of few staffers in the White House with an intimate and sophisticated understanding of Black America, Loewe has been a key player on issues related to Black communities.

I dont know if it makes me specialbut I know that does make me relatable, Loewe said of her success and built experience working in community and media strategic communications.

White House Director of African-American media, Erica P. Loewe, with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Photo: Courtesy of Erica P. Loewe)

Anita Dunn, assistant to the president and senior advisor to President Biden, lauded Loewe for spearheading the White Houses Black media engagement since the early days of the Biden-Harris administration.

Shes smart, innovative, hard-working and has a passion that aligns with the Presidents mission of ensuring everyone has a seat at the table, Dunn said in a statement provided to theGrio. She added, Im confident shell be a tremendous asset to the Public Engagement team as the President and Vice President continue working on behalf of communities across the country.

In her new role, Loewe will now engage with organizations and communities beyond her previous scope. She will be tasked with bringing people from all walks of life to the White House, taking the veil off what can oftentimes be seen as a mystery, despite being the most recognizable building in the world. The Biden official said she wants to expand her work to ensure that the White House is inclusive and accessible, which is her favorite part of the job.

Loewe recalled the days before her life in public service when she and her family visited the White House during President Barack Obamas first inauguration. They stood outside the gates and took photographs on their phones.

It was incomprehensible to us that we would be able to do anything else, she said. Now that I am in and I realize how easy it is to bring folks behind me, I am not going to stop.

Stephen K. Benjamin, senior advisor to the president and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, said he is excited to welcome Loewe in her new role.

The Office of Public Engagement works tirelessly on behalf of the President to ensure direct dialogue between the Biden-Harris Administration and the American people, Benjamin said in a statement provided to theGrio.

Recognizing Loewes professionalism, the former mayor of Columbia, South Carolina, said, Her leadership, experience, and creativity will be invaluable as we continue to reach diverse communities across the nation.

As one can imagine, being a staffer at the White House often requires working around the clock. Many often experience burnout, and very few stay for an entire administration. Understanding that reality, Loewe said she still enjoys the job.

They say that once youre no longer excited to walk through the gates and see the White House, its time to go, she said. I still catch myself taking pictures like a tourist.

For Loewe, rising in the ranks of the White House is personal, especially when she thinks about her family history. Her late grandmother, who did not have a high school education, could not understand what I could possibly be doing there back when she was just an intern.

It was just unfathomable to [her] that I would go into a building like the White House or the Capitol, and people would be interested in what I think, shared Loewe. She added, Thats not lost on me.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Exclusive: White House elevates Erica P. Loewe to new senior role appeared first on TheGrio.
Former President Trump plans to surrender in Atlanta on Thursday after being indicted on 13 counts stemming from his efforts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia.

Reports suggest hes eyeing the prime-time evening hour to do so in order to maximize media coverage, which has so far been beneficial to his GOP run for president, according to polls of likely Republican voters who believe the charges against him are politically motivated. Trump has denied any wrongdoing.

Unlike his previous three surrenders, Trump wont be immediately arraigned after he is processed at the Fulton County jail, and he also is likely to take a mug shot before being released.

Heres what to expect at Trumps surrender.

Will Trump get a mug shot?

Marking a change from his previous surrenders, Trump is likely to have a mug shot taken upon arrival at the Fulton County jail.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Just prior to Trumps indictment, Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat reportedly suggested that mug shots would be taken of Trump and the 18 defendants named alongside him in the case.

Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesnt matter your status, well have a mug shot ready for you, Labat said, according to WSB-TV.

Several of Trumps co-defendants who have already surrendered have taken mug shots, including attorneys Rudy Giuliani , Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis.

The sheriffs office has so far released mug shots taken of those who have surrendered so far publicly each afternoon, though at least one defendant appeared to receive his before it was distributed.

David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, made his mug shot his profile photo on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, prior to the photos public release.

What else will happen?

Beyond the mug shot, the Fulton County jail indicates that the booking process normally includes a medical screening and fingerprinting.

The wait can sometimes be lengthy, depending on the volume of arrestees being processed.

But Trumps arrival will be more carefully orchestrated than a normal defendant, as he will be accompanied by Secret Service and a tight security apparatus. The sheriffs office has said there will be a hard lockdown of the area surrounding the jail during Trumps surrender.

In his previous cases, Trump has been able to move through the booking process in a matter of minutes.

Defendants weights and heights are also typically posted publicly as part of the booking process.

The Fulton County jail has been known for poor conditions. The Justice Department opened an investigation into the facility last month over concerns that an individual died there covered in insects and filth, and officials said another inmate died at the jail last week.

Will Trump have to post bail?

A judge has already signed off on Trumps bond order, meaning he is set to be released upon paying bail and finishing the booking process.

Trumps bail is set at $200,000, and the order also places rules on his social media use and his ability to talk to co-defendants and witnesses.

The bond order spells out three ways Trump can post his bail. He can post bond as cash, through commercial surety, or through the Fulton County Jail 10% program, which allows defendants to pay just 10 percent of their bond amount.

At least one defendant, Rudy Giuliani, was shown entering a bail bondsman facility near the jail after turning himself in Wednesday. It is unclear if Trump will have to do the same, but its likely that cameras will be following the former president until he boards his plane to leave Georgia.

Will he enter a plea?

Unlike his past three criminal cases, Trump is not expected to enter a plea Thursday.

The defendants will each appear in court at a later date to enter their plea. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) is seeking to hold the arraignments during the week of Sept. 5.

Defendants sometimes initially appear before a judge to discuss their bond. But with Trumps bail already negotiated, there is no indication he will appear in a courtroom at all Thursday.

Other defendants who have turned themselves in have also not appeared in a courtroom.

What charges does Trump face?

Trump faces 13 criminal counts in the indictment, tying with Rudy Giuliani for the most of any of the 19 co-defendants.

The indictment overall includes 41 counts. Willis brought charges against several Trump allies, attorneys, campaign officials and those who signed documents purporting to be Georgias valid electors.

All of the defendants face a racketeering charge over an alleged conspiracy to keep Trump in power following the 2020 election.

Trump himself also faces charges of soliciting public officers to violate their oaths, filing false documents, false statements and multiple conspiracy charges.

He faces a combined 91 counts between all of his four criminal cases. Trump has denied any wrongdoing and has attacked all four indictments as interfering with his campaign for the White House.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Elgin police officers, some of whom can be seen here during a 2022 ceremony honoring department members who died in the line of duty, will be working under a newly approved labor contract that calls for 3% raises annuall between this year and 2025. (Gloria Casas / The Courier-News)

A new three-year city contract with Elgin police calls for 3% annual raises, merit raises of up to 4% and a mental health day off for any officer who completes the police departments voluntary Healthy Minds Program.

Elgin City Council members signed off on the deal Wednesday night after more than a year of negotiations between city administrators and Elgin Police Benevolent and Protective Association of Illinois Unit #54. Talks had been acrimonious on occasion, with union members at one point taking a no-confidence vote against Police Chief Ana Lalley.

Advertisement

Under the agreement, the starting salary for a rookie police officer will be $79,984. That will increase to $82,384 on Jan. 1, 2024, and to $84,865 on Jan. 1, 2025.

Salary ranges are based on six steps, with new officers starting at Step I. If the rookie receives a satisfactory performance evaluation after his or her first six months, they will advance to Step II and then move on to higher steps following satisfactory annual evaluations until they reach Step VI, which can be attained within five years, officials said.

Advertisement

This year, salaries at that top step start at $109,950 and increase by 3% to $113,249 next year and to $120,146 on Jan. 1, 2025.

This years 3% pay increase is retroactive to Jan. 1, when the previous contract expired.

One of the collective bargaining sticking points was wages, and a third-party labor negotiator had be be brought in when negotiations reached an impasse in April.

Contract talks began in August 2022, and by fall of that year the unions 150 members had a taken no-confidence vote, citing Lalleys alleged unfair disciplinary practices, mismanagement and potential for backlash when bringing concerns to the chief or her administration.

At the time, City Manager Rick Kozal called the action a negotiating tactic and stood behind Lalley.

No changes were made in the disciplinary or grievance processes in the new contract.

However, the contract does include some modifications in education requirements for new officers and has added Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

It also includes an incentive meant to encourage participation in the police departments Healthy Minds Program. Any officer who successfully completes the program, which includes meeting with a health professional four times, will receive an eight-hour mental health day. The department is trying to promote mental health wellness among employees through the voluntary program, officials said.

Advertisement

The department also is continuing its voluntary physical fitness program through which officers who complete a series of challenges, including running 1.5 miles in a set time and doing a specified number of sit-ups in one minute, receive a $400 fitness premium.

Male officers must complete 1.5 miles in 13.46 minutes and female officers in 16.21 minutes. For sit-ups, male officers must do 37 in one minute and female officers 31. Failure to reach those goals will not affect employment.

The council vote on the new contract was unanimous.

It took some time, but we found common ground and got a contract, Councilman Anthony Ortiz said at the Wednesday night meeting.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
By Jacqueline Thomsen

(Reuters) - A judge has set an October trial date for Kenneth Chesebro , one of the defendants charged with conspiring with former U.S. President Donald Trump to reverse the 2020 election results, after Chesebro demanded a "speedy trial."

Here is a look at Georgia's speedy trial law and how it might affect the sprawling case.

What is Georgia's speedy trial law?

Criminal defendants in Georgia can request that their trial begin in the weeks after they are indicted, as long as jurors are available to hear the case. That timeframe is dictated by the "terms" during which each state court hears cases, and in Fulton County, the term begins on the first Monday of every other month.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Anyone indicted during the current term who demands a speedy trial must have their trial begin by Nov. 3 at the latest. Attorney Kenneth Chesebro, who was indicted last week with Trump and 17 others, is now set for trial on Oct. 23, before that deadline.

If a trial doesn't start by that November date, then the defendant must be acquitted of all charges.

The state law stems from the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to a speedy trial but does not specify a time frame.

Will everyone in the Trump case have to be tried together?

No. Judge Scott McAfee, who is presiding over the Trump case, on Thursday said only Chesebro's trial will begin on Oct. 23. The judge has not yet set a trial date for the other defendants.

Trump's attorney said on Thursday that the former president opposed Willis' request for an October trial date, but did not suggest an alternative. The former president said that he will ask to be tried separately from Chesebro.

Would having separate trials affect the case?

The sprawling 19-person indictment alleges violations of Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, law. That means prosecutors will have to prove each person charged in the indictment was part of an overt conspiracy to try and undo Trump's election loss, and witnesses may have to testify at multiple trials.

Melissa Redmon, a law professor at the University of Georgia School of Law, said that prosecutors will want to try as many defendants together as possible, "since the whole point of RICO is to be able to tell the full story of what everyone did and how their actions were interrelated."

(Reporting by Jacqueline Thomsen in Washington; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Deepa Babington)
Protest against Japan's plan to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean

Protest against Japan's plan to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan began pumping more than a million metric tons of treated radioactive water from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Thursday, a process that will take decades to complete.

The water was distilled after being contaminated from contact with fuel rods at the reactor, destroyed in a 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Tanks on the site hold about 1.3 million tonnes of the water - enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

WHAT IS JAPAN'S WATER RELEASE PLAN?

The utility responsible for the plant, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), has been filtering the contaminated water to remove isotopes, leaving only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate. Tepco will dilute the water until tritium levels fall below regulatory limits before pumping it into the sea from the site on the coast north of Tokyo.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Water containing tritium is routinely released from nuclear plants around the world, and regulatory authorities support dealing with the Fukushima water in this way.

Tritium is considered to be relatively harmless because its radiation is not energetic enough to penetrate human skin. When ingested at levels above those in the released water it can raise cancer risks, a Scientific American article said in 2014.

The water disposal will take decades to complete alongside the planned decommissioning of the plant.

IS THE WATER SAFE?

Japan and scientific organisations say the water is safe, but environmental activists argue that all possible impacts have not been studied. Japan says it needs to start releasing the water as storage tanks are full.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the U.N. nuclear watchdog, gave the plan a green light in July, saying it met international standards and the impact on people and the environment would be "negligible".

Greenpeace said on Tuesday that the radiological risks have not been fully assessed, and the biological impacts of tritium, carbon-14, strontium-90 and iodine-129 - to be released with the water - "have been ignored".

The filtering process will remove strontium-90 and iodine-129, and the concentration of carbon-14 in the contaminated water is far lower than its regulatory standard for discharge, according to Tepco and the government.

Japan said tritium levels in the water will be below those considered safe for drinking under World Health Organization standards.

The government said in a document it would take "appropriate measures, including immediate suspension of the discharge" if unusually high concentrations of radioactive materials were detected.

The South Korean government has concluded from its own study that the water release meets international standards and said it respected the IAEA assessment.

HOW HAVE PEOPLE REACTED?

Tepco has been engaging with fishing communities and other concerned groups and is promoting agriculture, fishery and forest products to reduce any reputational harm to produce from the area.

Fishing unions in Fukushima have urged the government for years not to release the water, arguing it would undo work to restore the damaged reputation of their fisheries.

Masanobu Sakamoto, the head of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, said on Monday the group understood the release could be scientifically safe but still feared reputational damage.

Neighbouring countries have also expressed concern. China has been the most vocal, calling Japan's plan irresponsible, unpopular and unilateral. China is the biggest importer of Japanese seafood.

Shortly after the 2011 tsunami and earthquake damaged the Fukushima plant, China banned imports of food and agricultural products from five Japanese prefectures. China later widened its ban to 10 of Japan's 47 prefectures.

The latest import restrictions were imposed in July after the IAEA approved Japan's plans to discharge the treated water.

WHAT WAS THE FUKUSHIMA DISASTER?

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9.0 quake hit off the coast of northeast Japan, triggering a tsunami that devastated towns and villages and sparked the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.

The tsunami swamped backup power and cooling systems at the Fukushima plant, eventually causing meltdowns at three of six reactors. More than 160,000 people were eventually evacuated from the area.

A commission appointed by parliament later concluded that Fukushima was a "profoundly man-made disaster" that could have been prevented, and mitigated by a more effective response.

(Reporting by Tokyo Newsroom, editing by Katya Golubkova, Robert Birsel)
By Tom Hals

(Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump is due to surrender at a Georgia jail on Thursday to face charges he illegally tried to overturn the vote in the state in the 2020 presidential election which put Joe Biden in the White House.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Trump is due to report briefly to the Fulton County jail where authorities will take a mug shot and process paperwork. He has already agreed to pay a $200,000 bond and not send threatening social media messages as he awaits trial.

He will need to report later -- likely in early September -- to court to enter a formal plea to the charges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

HOW FAR OFF IS A TRIAL?

Trump is known for using the courts to draw out cases, and the prosecution could be further slowed by novel legal questions stemming from the unprecedented nature of the case.

Legal experts said a delay could benefit the former president, the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination for the Nov. 5, 2024, presidential election.

Trump has claimed without evidence that the prosecution is motivated by political bias.

Trump may try to move it to another part of the state, arguing the jury pool in Fulton County, which Biden won with about 73% of the vote, would be biased against him.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CASE GOES TO TRIAL?

The process of selecting a jury could be lengthy, given the passionate views many people have of the former president and the amount of time jurors would have to dedicate to the trial. In the ongoing trial in Atlanta of rapper Young Thug, or Jeffery Lamar Williams, jury selection has run for months.

A jury of 12 people from Fulton County must all agree beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump is guilty for a conviction on any count. If the jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict, the judge can declare a mistrial.

If Trump is convicted, he would likely seek a new trial by asserting the outcome was inconsistent with evidence or contrary to the law.

(This story has been refiled to add the dropped word 'to' in paragraph 1)

(Reporting by Tom Hals in Wilmington, Delaware; Additional reporting by Jack Queen in New York; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Alistair Bell)
This is a developing story. Check back to sanluisobispo.com for updates.

To get breaking news alerts, click here

An explosion and subsequent fire destroyed a Santa Maria home and injured four people on Wednesday afternoon.

According to a news release from the Santa Maria Police Department, officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of Jackie Lane for a possible explosion inside a residence around 12:10 p.m.

The situation quickly evolved into an active structure fire, the release said.

They found the home demolished and reduced to rubble, city spokesman Mark van de Kamp told Noozhawk. The blast blew out windows in 10 adjacent houses.

Debris and smoke in the aftermath of an explosion and fire in Santa Maria Wednesday.

Santa Maria Fire Department crews extinguished the blaze and police officers formed search teams to rescue residents, police Lt. Paul Van Meel said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Four people were transported to local hospitals with injuries, van de Kamp said.

One was extricated from the home that exploded, he said. while one was extricated from an adjacent home and two other people were in the home behind the one that exploded.

The Santa Maria Police Department said the exact cause of the explosion is unknown, and the agency is conducting an active investigation.

Shrapnel could be seen on a neighboring home following an explosion in a residential Santa Maria neighborhood on Aug. 23, 2023.

Noozhawk managing editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.






A series of explosions rocked occupied Sevastopol on the evening of 24 August. The Russian invaders traditionally claimed that it was military training.

Source: local Telegram channels; Mikhail Razvozhayev , the so-called Governor of Sevastopol, on Telegram

Details: At least seven explosions were reported. However, Razvozhayev later wrote that it was the military conducting shooting exercises.

He said that the exercises are being held at the training ground in Kozacha Bay. The military fires, among other things, from hand grenade launchers.

"Depending on the wind direction, the sound can be heard in different parts of the city," he assured residents of the city.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In addition, he said that shooting exercises will continue until 23.00.

Background:

Earlier, the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine said that Ukrainian intelligence units disembarked on the peninsula as part of a special operation conducted jointly with the Navy.

Kyrylo Budanov, Head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, vowed that individual strikes in Crimea will not be the end of the matter, as there will be a ground operation and "the recovery of our territories".

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Former President Donald Trump continues to make false and misleading claims about crime in Atlanta.

Trump has posted the inaccurate statements on his social media platform while attacking Fani Willis , the Fulton County district attorney who is prosecuting him over his efforts to overturn his defeat in Georgia in the 2020 election.

In a social media post Thursday afternoon, hours before he was planning to surrender for processing at a Fulton County jail, Trump claimed that in Atlanta, Murder and other Violent Crimes have reached levels never seen before.

In a post on Monday, Trump claimed that Willis has allowed Murder and other Violent Crime to MASSIVELY ESCALATE. He said later in the post that Georgia does not deserve this GIANT MURDER WAVE! In another Monday post, he claimed that Willis is overseeing one of the greatest Murder and Violent Crime DISASTERS in American History.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Facts First: All of these Trump claims are inaccurate. Atlanta is nowhere near record levels of either murder or violent crime. And its misleading at best to suggest that Atlanta has a giant murder wave or claim that Willis has allowed murder or violent crime to massively escalate. Atlanta Police Department statistics through Saturday show that the number of murders in the city is down 25% so far this year compared to last year  and that this years number is also down about 12% from roughly the same point in 2020, the year before Willis took office. Violent crime is also down sharply this year.

Well leave aside the complicated question of just how responsible any one district attorney is for either declines or improvements in their jurisdictions crime situation. In reality, crime trends are affected by a complex web of local and national factors.

Lets look at the Atlanta numbers that disprove Trumps claims.

Atlantas murder and violent crime numbers have improved dramatically this year

Murder in Atlanta spiked from 2020 through 2022, part of a national pandemic-era trend that began before Willis became Fulton County district attorney in 2021. (Atlanta is the largest of the countys 15 cities.) Atlantas 2022 murder total, 170, was the citys highest since 1996.

However, even that 170 number was nowhere near a level never seen before or the record Trump more explicitly claimed it was earlier in August. The city recorded 263 murders in 1973. Figures provided to CNN by crime analyst and consultant Jeff Asher, co-founder of the firm AH Datalytics, show that the 2022 total was only Atlantas 23rd-highest annual murder total since 1960  and not even in its top 30 highest when population size is taken into account.

And as we showed above, the trendline has reversed in 2023. As of Saturday, there were 80 murders in Atlanta in 2023 versus 107 at the same point in 2022. (The 2023 improvement, like the 2020-to-2022 decline that preceded it, is part of a national trend.) Its unfair for Trump to claim that Willis has allowed murder to massively escalate while murder is actually on a steep decline, just as its unfair to claim she is overseeing a murder disaster without noting she is actually overseeing significant improvements in murder totals.

The story is similar for Atlantas violent crime more broadly. Violent crime in the city is nowhere near a record; Asher provided figures showing that the citys current rate is far lower than those of the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, particularly the late 1980s and early 1990s. For example, Atlanta reported 16,097 violent crimes in 1990 compared to 4,609 in 2021, Willis first year as district attorney, despite having in excess of 100,000 more residents in 2021.

And the violent crime picture in the city is, like the murder picture, getting much better in 2023. Asher noted that overall violent crime in Atlanta fell 8% in 2022, even as murder increased, and is down 23% so far in 2023  a trend that, if continued, would put the city at about the level of 2018, when it had its lowest violent crime rate since the 1960s.

Another false claim about Atlanta

In one of his Monday posts attacking Willis, Trump also said, Crime in Atlanta is WORST IN NATION.

Trump didnt say what he meant by worst. But by any reasonable statistical measure, Atlanta was not the countrys worst city for crime even before its improvements this year.

Asher said: Atlantas murder rate was roughly the 13th highest out of 85 cities for which I was able to gather complete 2022 murder data. Additionally, Fulton County does not even have the highest murder or violent crime rates in Georgia, coming in at the 8th highest murder rate and 6th highest violent crime rate for any metro county in Georgia in 2021 (10th highest murder rate and 12th highest violent crime rate for all Georgia counties).

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The leading Republican presidential candidates  most of them, at least  are on stage tonight in Milwaukee for their first debate ahead of the 2024 primary.

Follow along here with the USA TODAY Fact Check Team as we dig into candidates' claims and add context on expected campaign themes, including election fraud, the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the war in Ukraine and more.

Former President Donald Trump 's decision to skip the debate means eight candidates will participate, including Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, widely seen as Trump's most formidable challenger. The other candidates expected on the debate stage are North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

Republican debate live updates: GOP primary candidates take stage  without Donald Trump

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Here's some background from our archives on key topics we expect to see through the campaign and perhaps tonight:

DeSantis claimed: He eliminated critical race theory from Florida K-12 schools

Ron DeSantis: We eliminated critical race theory from our K-12 schools.

This is misleading, because teachers, school officials and districts across Florida have said critical race theory was not being taught in their elementary, middle or high schools in the first place, PolitiFact reported.

It is taught primarily in colleges and universities, including in law schools and other levels of graduate study.

CRT is a law-school concept, and teachers have been saying all along, it isnt taught in K-12 here and never was," Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, the states largest teachers union, wrote in an email to PolitiFact.

Critical race theory is an academic concept that examines the role systems and policies have in perpetuating racism. While it has existed for more than 40 years, in recent years it has been co-opted by conservatives as a synonym for anti-racism work taking place in institutions like schools.

-Joedy McCreary

Pence claimed: Indiana had nations largest school choice program when he was governor

Mike Pence: When I was governor, we doubled the size of the largest school choice program in America.

This depends on how you measure program size.

There were nearly 35,000 students in Indianas Choice Scholarship Program in the 2016-17 academic year, up from about 9,000 in 2012-13, according to the 2017 edition of The ABCs of School Choice, published by the school-choice advocacy group EdChoice.

The total did double during Pences term as governor.

But while Indiana does have the single largest education voucher program in any state, Ohio had more students who receive vouchers, the Washington Post reported. That state had a total of 47,000 students participating in its five voucher programs as of 2017.

-Joedy McCreary

Haley claimed: 11 European countries have given more aid to Ukraine in terms of GDP than the U.S.

Claimed by Nikki Haley

While outlining why she would continue giving aid to Ukraine, Haley claimed that 11 European countries have given more in terms of GDP than the U.S. This is true.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economys Ukraine Support Tracker shows that while the U.S. has provided by far the most support to Ukraine in terms of dollars, with more than $75 billion committed, that only equates to about 0.3% of total U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

Nearly a dozen European countries have provided more in terms of GDP. They include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Czech Republic, Norway and the U.K. Estonia leads the way and has provided support that equates to about 1.3% of its GDP.

-Brad Sylvester

Scott claimed: DOJ labels school parents domestic terrorists

Tim Scott: We keep seeing not only the weaponization of the Department of Justice against political opponents, but also against parents who show up at school board meetings. Theyre called domestic terrorists.

This is false and mischaracterizes an exchange starting with a September 2021 letter written to Attorney General Merrick Garland by an education group asking the federal government to help with threats of violence against school officials.

The letter from the National School Boards Association claimed that some of those threats could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism. The group later apologized for its word choice.

Garland did not use that phrase in his response.

Instead, he discussed the increase in harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against school officials and directed the FBI to meet with leaders across the country to talk about ways to deal with those threats.

Read more:

 Joedy McCreary

DeSantis claimed: Florida's crime rate is at a 50-year low

Ron DeSantis: "Crime is at a 50-year low in Florida."

This is misleading. DeSantis has made the claim before, but it's based on incomplete data, according to The Marshall Project, a news organization that covers criminal justice issues.

About half of the law enforcement agencies that police more than 40% of Florida's population aren't included in statewide crime statistics. Less than 10% of the state's police departments were included in a federal crime database.

In Miami, the state's second-most populous city, violent crime has declined so far this year, with murders down more than 30%, according to WTVJ/NBC 6, a local television news station.

Read more:

-Chris Mueller

Christie claimed: Hunter Biden was charged with a gun crime that had a 10-year mandatory minimum

Claimed by Chris Christie

This is inaccurate. Hunter Biden was charged in June by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person prohibited. The charge claims the presidents son possessed a firearm while knowing that he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance in October 2018.

If convicted Hunter Biden would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, not a minimum, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

Here are a few of the other Hunter Biden-related claims weve previously addressed:

-Brad Sylvester, Chris Mueller

Hutchinson claimed: I cut Arkansas government workforce by 14%

Asa Hutchinson: We had 14% fewer state employees in Arkansas after I left government than when I took over as governor eight years ago.

This isn't quite right according to state figures. It's a variation on a claim Hutchinson has made before. In announcing his presidential bid in April, he said he cut the states executive workforce by 14%, KARK-TV reported.

There were nearly 3,000 fewer employees in the executive branch of the states government when he left office in 2023 than there were when he took office in 2015, the El Dorado News-Times reported in January.

That workforce total fell from 26,108 in 2015 to 23,111 earlier this year, according to the newspaper. But that works out to a drop of just over 11%  not the 14% he claimed.

 Joedy McCreary

DeSantis claimed: Florida's COVID-19 policies 'led the country'

Ron DeSantis: "We led the country out of lockdown."

This description ignores the fact that Florida's lack of lockdowns led to more than 86,000 deaths and a death rate that was among the highest in the nation.

In April 2020, DeSantis did issue a safer-at-home order, but by the end of the month, he announced that most of the state could begin its reopening process. DeSantis issued another order months later that claimed Florida "suffered economic harm as a result of COVID-19 related closures.

DeSantis has more recently pushed lawmakers to make state bans on vaccine passports and mask requirements permanent.

Read more:

Weve previously debunked numerous claims stemming from the Sunshine State:

-Chris Mueller

Scott claimed: Bidenomics cost $10,000 spending power per family

Tim Scott: Joe Bidens Bidenomics has lead to the loss of $10,000 of spending power for the average family.

While there are a number of ways to examine average spending power, two economic reports show Scott is more or less correct.

A recent report from Casey Mulligan, a professor of economics at the University of Chicago, found that Biden administration regulations have cost Americans about $10,000 per household as of the end of 2022.

A separate analysis published in January by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, found that the average American family has lost about $7,400 in annual income since Biden took office.

-Brad Sylvester

Ramaswamy claimed: Climate change is a 'hoax'

Vivek Ramaswamy: "The climate change agenda is a hoax."

Scientists from all disciplines say climate change is very real and having a very real impact.

The rate of warming has more than doubled since 1981, rising at a rate of more than .3 degrees per decade for a total of nearly 2 degrees since 1880.

The global warming trend has resulted in an overall increase of nearly 2 degrees in the annual global average surface temperature. This amount of global warming has already caused consequential environmental changes, including sea-level rise, decreased sea ice, and changes in weather patterns like drought and flooding, according to experts.

That level of increase is historically significant, with the current global warming trend occurring at a rate that is more than 10 times greater than seen in historical climate cycles coming out of ice ages, Howard Diamond, senior climate scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Air Resources Laboratory, previously told USA TODAY.

Global warming causes global sea level rise because warming ocean water expands. Additionally, melting glaciers and ice sheets have increased the amount of water in the oceans.

Read more: Timing of ice ages is connected to CO2, but not how this viral post claims | Fact check

Read more: Fact check: Experts say extreme weather events are increasing in severity, not decreasing

-Eric Litke

Haley claimed: Donald Trump added $8 trillion to our national debt

Claimed by Nikki Haley

Haley touted this stat in asserting a lack of fiscal restraint by Republicans. The figure is correct.

Using Treasury Department data, the total public debt, which includes intragovernmental holdings and public debt, increased by approximately $7.8 trillion from the start of Trumps presidency on Jan. 20, 2017, to when he left office on Jan. 19, 2021.

Read more: False claim Trump increased debt more than any president | Fact check

-Eric Litke

US aid to Ukraine divides Republican candidates

Nearly a year and a half after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, there remain differing views among Republican presidential candidates when it comes to continuing U.S. support for Ukraine's defense.

Former President Donald Trump, who isnt on the debate stage, has repeatedly suggested the U.S. is providing too much support to Ukraine. He has also refused to say whether he wants Russia or Ukraine to prevail in the conflict.

Ron DeSantis has also been skeptical of U.S. support for Ukraine, and Vivek Ramaswamy said the U.S. has done enough to help. Mike Pence, who visited Ukraine in June, has said he supports providing Ukraine with military aid to fight back against Russia. Chris Christie too has said he supports continuing U.S. support for Ukraine, as does Tim Scott and Asa Hutchinson. Nikki Haley said support should be through collaborating with allies to be sure Ukraine has "the equipment and the ammunition to win."

Public debate over the best approach in Ukraine has also sparked a wide array of misinformation:

 Chris Mueller

Jan. 6 riots play key role in Trump, Pence campaigns

The Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots loom large during the campaign because several of that days central figures  Trump and Pence  are in the race.

Trump has repeatedly and falsely claimed that Pence had the power to overturn the 2020 election results while he presided over the ceremonial certification process. Pence has made his handling of the days events a central theme of his campaign, saying he chose loyalty to the Constitution over demands from Trump to give him the election.

In the worst attack on the Capitol in 200 years, a mob of thousands of Trump supporters overwhelmed police and raided the building on the day lawmakers formalized Bidens victory. Some rioters chanted that they wanted Pence hanged.

Other candidates have brought up the attacks, with DeSantis calling it not an insurrection but a protest that ended up devolving, you know, in a way that was unfortunate. Ramaswamy blamed the riots on pervasive censorship and called it unproductive to point the finger at Trump.

The attacks have been a consistent source of misinformation during the past 2 years. Here are some weve previously debunked:

 Joedy McCreary

Debate comes amid indictments of Trump, allies

Trump won't be on the debate stage, but the former president looms large over the debate in light of both his commanding lead in the polls and his unprecedented legal troubles.

Most recently, Trump and several allies were indicted Aug. 14 by a Georgia grand jury that accused them of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state, where Trump lost to President Joe Biden by about 12,000 votes.

The charges against Trump in Georgia are only the latest in a series of prosecutions against him that began in March, when he was indicted for allegedly falsifying business records related to hush-money payments intended to silence two women before the 2016 election. Trump also faces charges for allegedly mishandling classified documents and allegedly conspiring to steal the 2020 presidential election, including his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Trump's legal woes have been the subject of an array of false or misleading claims on social media:

 Chris Mueller

Election integrity critical issue in GOP race

One key issue for the candidates is whether they will trust  and abide by  the elections that will decide the winners and losers.

State-level reviews of the 2022 midterm elections found no indication of systemic problems with voter fraud, in line with reviews of the 2020 election. Thats significant because baseless allegations from Trump and his allies have penetrated the Republican Party and eroded confidence in the process.

Several candidates have pushed election-related changes in their home states.

DeSantis created Floridas Office of Election Crimes and Security. A year ago, his administration accused 20 felons ineligible to vote in 2020 of illegally casting ballots and charged them with third-degree felonies.

Haley as governor signed a law in 2011 that requires South Carolina voters to show photo ID. Christie vetoed a bill in 2016 that would automatically register New Jerseyans to vote when they obtain or renew their drivers license, calling it a cocktail of fraud, NJ.com reported.

What none of these agencies found, of course, is any sign that election outcomes had been compromised or votes had been miscounted. But claims to the contrary have circulated widely online. Here are a few of our recent debunks:

-Joedy McCreary

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP debate live fact check: What the candidates get right -- and wrong
The process of governing matters. The process puts us on a higher level of understanding and trust in the decisions we  as a community  make, even if we still disagree on the issue or the outcome. The process matters because political leadership is about community service, not self-service.

All politics are local. We elect people to look out for our best interests as a community, working to unite us, listening to our voices, and carrying that message to the formal meetings. The process matters because we live in a democracy.

What we now seem to have are representatives who purposely divide us, mislead and avoid listening to us, push an agenda they want and not what the people want. And this haphazard agenda doesn't even have a vision, in my view, just self-serving, self-preservation motives. Both Republicans and Democrats alike are to blame when we let the extremes control the agenda and become so divisive that we cannot even discuss issues or find common ground. On any issue, particularly one that deals with the transfer of public land, the process matters.

Regarding the transfer of Erie County-owned farmland in Fairview and Girard townships to the Erie County Redevelopment Authority for the development of a business park, I believe the Erie County Council chairman should have appointed, and council members  especially the affected district's representative  should have demanded that a committee of council be formed to inform the public, gather information and ideas, and report back to Erie County Council before a vote was taken, most importantly to be transparent.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Instead, the public is left feeling this process has been rushed to sneak things through by offering scant notice. It simply appeared on the Erie County Council agenda. That is the required legal notice, but not the higher, ethical, trust-building and community-uniting notice, in my view. Does this Erie County Executive value an agenda over doing the right thing for the community? It appears he, his administration and some members of Erie County Council believe the public should get out of their way and let them tell you what it is that you want. They made this clear at the recent finance committee meeting. As reported in the Erie Times-News on Aug. 4, 2023, from the Erie County Director of Administration "(the proposal) most certainly would have stopped dead in its tracks," if there would have been prior public hearings. I think this attitude from our elected officials should anger every citizen in our community.

Carl Anderson

By making this transfer, they seem to suggest there is nothing that, we  the people  can do about it. But we still live in a democracy and there is plenty we can do. Under the Erie County Home Rule Charter and Administrative Code, we have options in Article 5, Section 9, Procedures; and Article 8, Local Agency Law. Three members of council can join to form a councilmanic investigation, or a group of citizens can file a petition in Erie County Court. We can call for a recall vote for the county executive or council members. We can vote for new people who represent us and our community interests. We can make sure the township supervisors vote this down.

The concerns that have been raised were already settled long ago when Erie County Council and the Erie County Executive together unanimously supported resolutions such as Resolution Number 71, 1982, "To Transfer Project 70 and Open Space Restrictions from the Erie County Fieldhouse to the Erie County Farm." Maximizing land use at the Erie County Fieldhouse site and generating taxes while preserving the open space integrity for recreation, well-being and farming confirms what scientists and agricultural industry experts already know  that the soil nutrients in the land at the Erie County Farm property are among the best to be found in the state. It is already serving its best productive use as open space and being preserved for the intended best use.

Remember, we also call the Erie County Farm, the "Dobler Farm." Albert F. Dobler chose Erie County and that site primarily for being "tempered by the same lake winds (as the renowned barley crops of Canada). The result has been the procuring of the choicest grade of barley from which to brew his renowned lager, which has also proven an incentive for growing barley on United States soil." (Nelson's Biographical History of Erie County, 1896, Page 780). Thus, was the United States barley industry born at the Erie County Farm! Yet, our county executive eliminated a 50-year lease with the Wiser Family Farms, who we should honor as the greatest stewards of the land.

Fairview Township resident Steve Wiser, shown here on July 19, 2023, stands in front of a green space in Fairview Township that he leased from Erie County for nearly 50 years. County officials intend to develop a 200-acre business park at the location.

Fight over Erie County Farm land not new

Land has a priceless value and, in my view, the open space land at the Erie County Farm remains its highest return on investment. But fights die hard in Erie County and the fight over use of this land has lasted off and on for more than 106 years. Those who have always triumphed in this fight have always had, "we the people," as the central core of its mission and the intended use to forever remain the will of the people. We can go back 185 years and document that the mission and intended use for the betterment of the people has not changed.

In the past, the Erie County Directors of the Poor (an elected position by district from 1838 until 1935) were similar to what we might consider the members of Erie County Council. The Erie County Commissioners were most similar to what we would today call the Erie County Executive. Historically, regarding the Erie County Court of Common Pleas and grand juries, the judges possessed much more public community development or political powers, and the grand juries represented the community at large to cut through political disagreements  similar to what authorities or commissions might do today.

The history of the Directors of the Poor dates back in Erie County to about 1838. By 1915, they were outgrowing their 35-acre property for the care of the county's disadvantaged residents. They sold it for $30,000 to Theodore O. Andrews on Oct. 1, 1917 (Erie County Deed Book 225, Pages 162-164) at what today is West 25th Street and Pittsburgh Avenue, and began to look for a larger space. Albert F. Dobler passed away in 1911 and his 321-acre farm in Fairview and Girard fit the vision the directors had for an almshouse to care for Erie County residents in need.

Political disagreement began with the Erie County Commissioners. By 1917, there was the potential to lose the property. The Girard Canning Company's executive management team, (Charles J. Haller, Emil E. Theilmann, Ralph McCreary and F. B. Guernsey), stepped forward and purchased the "Dobler Farm" for $96,000 from John Dobler, his wife, Rhea Dobler, and the estate of Catherine Baldinger, the heirs of Albert F. Dobler on May 31, 1917, and May 24, 1917, respectively (Erie County Deed Book 217, Pages 797-799, and Book 220, Pages 547-550). That secured title to the property and gave the Directors of the Poor more time.

According to reports published in the Erie Daily Times, on Sept. 7, 1917, the Erie County Directors of the Poor (Ralph McCreary, Emil E. Theilmann, Charles Haller, M. J. Schabacker, Charles Loesel and Scott Kimble) voted to purchase the Dobler Farm "to meet the needs of a growing city." On Sept. 19, 1917, the Directors of the Poor filed a petition in the Erie County Courts asking for approval to purchase the Dobler Farm. Then on Sept. 24, 1917, the Erie County Commissioners filed a petition objecting to the purchase, stating the Poor Directors' plan "is ill-adapted at the present time to accommodate the unfortunates of the County."

Erie County Common Pleas Judge Uriah P. Rossiter heard testimony during the last week of September 1917. By November, the grand jury came back with their report which "stated it (the Dobler Farm) was ideally located for the proposed purpose," the Erie Daily Times reported. The last week of November 1917, Rossiter handed down his opinion from the bench, "the court consented to the purchase of the Dobler Farm." Finally, Judge Rossiter confirmed the sale of the old Erie County Home and the purchase of the Dobler Farm, as the Daily Times reported on Dec. 17, 1917.

A hospital is established at Dobler farm

This cleared the way to purchase the property for $81,500 from the Girard Canning Company and they completed the transaction on Dec. 19, 1917 (Erie County Deed Book 225, Pages 606-609). Almost seven years later, the new building and grounds for a hospital to care for all were completed. Nearly 100 years ago, hope, respect and honor were expressed by citizens who were confident in the future of our community. "An institution of which the taxpayers and citizens in general of Erie County are going to be immediately proud. There is no nobler Institution of its kind situated anywhere within the United States in a county which comes anywhere near to approximating the population of Erie County" (Erie Daily Times, Nov. 1, 1924). The Erie County Directors of the Poor operated until 1943 and were legally succeeded by the Erie County Institution District, which in turn, was legally succeeded by Erie County government.

Land for care of residents and food production

A large expansion occurred in the early 1960s, and when they dedicated the expansion of the Erie County Hospital, Arthur O. Brueckman, the hospital superintendent stated, "the aim and the responsibility of the County Hospital is to treat each individual with honor, respect and reverence that is fitting to his [our] dignity as a human being" and "40 percent of all the food is produced on the farm." (Erie Daily Times, Sept. 13, 1963).

The Erie County Commissioners later set off the land for the home lots, which now enjoy the tranquility of the recreational and open space mission, continuing the intention of the original mission of the Erie County Farm. There was a resolution of the Erie County Board of Commissioners dated Oct. 26, 1976, and a final order and decree of the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County, Civil Division, at No. 3490-A-1976 and entered March 1, 1977, for the property to properly be subdivided by Fairview Township. It was recorded on Feb. 22, 1977, in Map Book 14 at Page 101.

1978 dispute: Dobler Farm land  housing for elderly or industrial site?

In 1978, Erie County's government successfully transitioned to the Home Rule government that we have today, with an Erie County Executive and an Erie County Council elected by district to ensure the representation of all the people of Erie County. Not long after our first County Executive Russell Robison took office, he announced his plans for his priority. The newspaper headline read "housing for the elderly top County priority" and "the numbers of aged in the county are going to grow to huge proportions. We're behind already, so we better catch up." (Erie Daily Times, Aug. 31, 1978).

County Executive Robison had unanimous support of the members of Erie County Council. Then his planning and economic development team came up with a possible different plan for the Dobler Farm land  a steel mill. It was met with stiff opposition from members of Erie County Council who demanded answers on behalf of the people they represented. Councilman Karl Boyes was quoted saying, "That land is for the benefit of senior citizens and not anything else." Councilman Fiore Leone strongly agreed stating, "This is completely against what council unanimously voted for in the three-year plan, which included housing for the elderly, a care unit for the handicapped and recreation for the elderly at the Dobler Farm. I won't vote for any but the original plan and I certainly hope council sticks by the original plan, too" (Erie Daily Times, Oct. 19, 1978).

County Executive Robison met with council members at their next meeting and reaffirmed his commitment to his original plan, "that his concern is that an industry would be located in an area that is supposed to be a quiet area for the elderly" (Erie Daily Times, Nov. 4, 1978). The mission of the intended use of the Erie County Farm again remained intact.

In 1982 Erie County government deepened the reinforcement of the intended mission by ensuring the preservation and conservation of the property. It set up an official park and open space recreation area. A Declaration of Restrictions by Erie County for 84.45 acres dated Dec. 7, 1982 (recorded Sept. 9, 1988, in Erie County Record Book 63, Page 2,264) transferred Project 70 and federal HUD Open Space Land Program restrictions at Erie County Fieldhouse site to the Erie County Farm, creating what is now known as Pleasant Ridge Park. Further official action was taken by Erie County Council as Resolution 71, 1982, unanimously passed on Dec. 7, 1982.

This is a 1983 file photo of the Erie County Fieldhouse in Millcreek Township. [Special to the Erie Times-News/Bus Scott picture/http://www.ufipax.com/scott_photos.htm]

For 50 years, I believe the historical record shows that has been the intention of Erie County government, by no action, to reaffirm a commitment to preserve the Erie County Farm as a place for quiet solitude and reflection and retain its original mission. Today, other uses could have a negative effect on property values, creating the potential for legal action against county government. There are a handful of people who remain dedicated to this community who were a part of the development of our Home Rule Government and the last planning undertaken with County Executive Russell Robison. I mention a few here: Attorney Roger Richards and Michael McCormick (who set up our Home Rule form of government in Erie County and served as close advisors to the first County Executive Russell Robison). Fiore Leone and Gary Bukowski were members of the first Erie County Council and later both served as chairmen of Erie County Council. Judy Lynch, Ph.D., was a member of the first Erie County Council and the second Erie County Executive. There may be others, but these named respected and committed members of Erie County I have the honor to know and have discussed community issues with from time to time.

We can explore other sites for business growth

By not disrupting the balance at the Erie County Farm, we can still discuss other positive ideas for land swaps to ensure we have business development in the right places  where the infrastructure, land and access points for transportation already exist. Robert Glowacki, a 50-year real estate development expert, testified at the recent Fairview Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 14 of the extensive inventory of available sites for development throughout Erie County.

If community service is the goal of this project, it should be clear that several other locations exist. The existing Fairview Business Park is one potential example.

It has been estimated by the Erie County Executive's administration with their own preliminary assessments, that of zoning officers, and experienced developers, that development of the 150 acres at the Erie County Farm will only yield 115 acres of developable land. It is my understanding that the required road infrastructure upgrades, which must include additional access points, is conservatively estimated at $15 million in public tax money. The water and sewer lines, which would have to be run from Millfair Road, must be upgraded for the additional capacity and again, a conservative estimate is $10 million of public tax money.

Residents packed into the Fairview Middle School auditorium on Aug. 14, 2023, to discuss the proposed business park slated for Fairview and Girard townships.

The county executive's plan to date only includes $4.5 million dollars of public American Rescue Plan Act funds which are intended to help those who have existed, suffered and fallen behind due to the pandemic. And most importantly under the ARPA final ruling (Page 31): "Treasury presumes that the following capital projects are generally ineligible: Construction of or other large capital projects intended for general economic development." This is just one among many other guidelines and restrictions. And although the U.S. Treasury Department is adjusting guidelines under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, the limitations on new general economic development projects which do not predate the pandemic still have restrictions and limitations.

During my time as chairman of Erie County Council, I was brought into discussions led by those across the state in economic development positions and by state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-3rd Dist. They were working towards development of a booster data center here  with realistic hopes  because Erie County had sites with the right location, size and specs for the required power and infrastructure. That is an example of how when working together, everyone can win.

It is all about what unites us for the best of community service. That is why the process matters. That is why each and every time, the long-term intended purpose of the Erie County Farm wins out. Because the will of the people to preserve that intended mission, to have a place to take care of the people  the elderly and those in need  has always been defended by the citizens of the west county in Fairview and Girard. And I suspect will always be defended and preserved.

Carl Anderson III, is a former chairman of Erie County Council and council member from the 4th District. He is a historical researcher and lifelong resident of Erie County.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Anderson explains the purpose, mission of Erie County Farm in Fairview
The claim: There were 17,000 duplicate ballots in Maricopa County, Arizona, in 2020

An Aug. 10 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows a screenshot of a post that features former Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich speaking at a lectern.

I dont understand how Maricopa County can have 17,000 Duplicate Ballots and NO prosecutions, reads part of the text included in the post.

The Instagram post received more than 800 likes in less than two weeks.

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: False

There were not 17,000 duplicate ballots cast in Maricopa County in the 2020 presidential election, according to election officials and independent experts. An audit found there were more than 17,000 duplicate images of mailed ballot envelopes, the byproducts of a routine process called signature curing.

Claim confuses ballots, photos of envelopes

There is no evidence that thousands of duplicate ballots were discovered in Maricopa County. There are no credible news reports about such a finding and a 2021 Republican-backed audit of the election found no evidence of fraud.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The same audit found there were 17,126 duplicate images of ballot envelopes  not actual ballots. The post appears to be conflating those two.

Fact check: Kari Lake falsely claims that nearly 250,000 voting attempts failed in midterms

These are not duplicate ballots, David Becker, the executive director and founder of the Center for Election Innovation and Research, said in an email to USA TODAY.

Those extra images were the byproducts of the routine process called signature curing that allows voters to correct mistakes with a ballot submitted by mail, both experts and election officials said. No matter how many times an envelope is scanned and photographed, it is not opened unless the signature is verified, according to the county's election department.

As voters cure signature issues, we take another image of the envelope, said Sierra Ciaramella, a spokesperson for the countys recorders office, which oversees mail voting. Only one ballot was counted for each envelope.

When a ballot is mailed to the elections office, a photo of the outer envelope is taken. If there is a problem with that envelope  for example, if the signature is missing or illegible  the voter is contacted and asked to correct the error, said Charles Stewart, an election security expert at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in an email to USA TODAY.

When that happens, another photo of the envelope is taken, and only then is the ballot removed from the envelope to be scanned, Stewart said.

The rules are strict, precisely to prevent fraud, so it's easy to make mistakes, Steven Bellovin, a security expert at Columbia University, said in an email to USA TODAY. If that happens, you can be notified and correct the error.

Arizona has been the focus of a series of false claims about election fraud ever since President Joe Biden won the state by about 10,000 votes in the 2020 presidential election.

USA TODAY reached out to the social media user who shared the post 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 17K duplicate ballots cast in Maricopa County | Fact check
Glencoe has announced Sean Loughran, who has served with the Chicago police for almost 27 years, has been hired as the new leader of Glencoes Public Safety Department. (Village of Glencoe)

Glencoe officials have selected a veteran of the Chicago Police Department to be the villages new public safety department director.

The village has announced Sean Loughran, who has served with the Chicago police for almost 27 years, has been hired as the new leader of Glencoes Public Safety Department. He will succeed Cary Lewandowski, who is scheduled to retire Sept. 1.

Advertisement

Loughran joined the CPD in November 1996, moving up through the ranks until reaching his current position of deputy chief, Office of the First Deputy Superintendent, according to his LinkedIn page.

According to his LinkedIn page, he is the highest-ranking sworn member in charge of major incidents in Chicago, including shootings involving police officers, SWAT incidents and mass shootings and other situations. He also acts as the public information officer for all major incidents.

Advertisement

Prior to that, Loughran was the CPDs commander of the Special Functions Division in the Bureau of Counterterrorism.

I am truly humbled to be selected to serve as the Public Safety Director for the Village of Glencoe, Loughran said in a statement released by the village. The selection process was comprehensive, and I was impressed that so many members of the community  from village leaders to key community stakeholders  were a part of it. It gave me keen insights into why the Public Safety Department is so well-regarded in and around Glencoe. I look forward to leading in a way that continues and builds upon that tradition. I see where the bar is set, and Im honored to be part of the village team.

Loughran emerged from a group of more than 60 applicants and five finalists from 15 states, according to the village.

I noted immediately in the interview process the energy and passion Mr. Loughran brings to his current role, and the real sense that he would mirror that in his work in Glencoe. He cares deeply that a community should be served by committed, ethical and approachable public safety professionals. This is the mission of our Public Safety Department, and I know he will carry it forward in service to Glencoe exceptionally well. I am eager to welcome him to our community, Village President Howard Roin added in the village statement.

Loughran will have a starting salary of $194,000, according to Village Manager Phil Kiraly.

He will preside over a department where there is a staffing level of 36 officers, but village officials have said at recent board meetings the force is down right now and there is a search for additional officers.

Loughran will preside over a department where officers are cross-trained as both police officers and firefighters. Glencoe and Rosemont are the only Illinois communities that use that method.

Loughran is scheduled to begin his new role on Oct. 5 with a formal swearing-in at the Oct. 19 Village Board meeting.

Advertisement

Deputy Public Safety Director Andrew Perley is set to serve as interim director after Lewandowskis retirement and ahead of Loughrans arrival.

Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.
An array of pumpjacks operate along Texas State Highway 80 in Karnes County. In the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale, the circumstances surrounding how these acres of scrub and ranchland passed from one family to the other are complex, involving life during a time of overt racism, an insanity trial, a clouded deed of trust and the sale of an estate. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

KARNES COUNTY  A few miles southeast of where a two-lane farm road cuts across Highway 80 lies a sliver of land  147.5 acres, to be exact  holding the stories of two Texas families, one Black and one white.

For almost 100 years, each family has held a half-interest in the property in northeast Karnes County. One family stayed on it, sinking deep roots and growing its wealth. The other vanished from it, scattering across Texas and beyond, succeeding generations often unaware they owned a share of the scrub-studded parcel.

But within the past 15 years, oil and gas riches have made the land valuable, and descendants of the two families must now reckon with the disparate fortunes found or lost since their ancestors crossed paths here. Doing so means untangling the knots that bind together not just century-old family matters and business deals, but also the racial oppression that so often determined who was allowed to prosper.

On one side are the Korths, a white family considered pioneers of the area, fighting for full ownership of a beloved ranch they believe is theirs. On the other side are the Eckfords: hundreds of descendants of a formerly enslaved couple, trying to reclaim their stake in the land and the lost link to their inheritance. Both families are hoping to share in royalty payouts that could be worth millions of dollars.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Out on this expanse in the heart of the Eagle Ford Shale, the circumstances surrounding how these acres of scrub and ranchland passed from one family to the other are complex, involving life during a time of overt racism, an insanity trial, a clouded deed of trust and the sale of an estate. All is now under scrutiny as the courts determine whether the Korths effectively divested the Eckfords of their half-interest over the more than seven decades during which the land has been in their possession.

Theirs is a story of a land dispute but its also about legacy. About one family wanting to hold on to the investment of generations and another seeking justice over what went missing in the days of Jim Crow.

And none of it would have happened but for a shale play that brought oil giants and their hungry interests to town, throwing into question who rightfully owns the 147.5-acre tract.

A flare burns off excess natural gas along Texas State Highway 80 in Karnes County. Within the past 15 years, oil and gas riches have made the land valuable, and descendants of the two families must now reckon with the disparate fortunes found or lost since their ancestors crossed paths here. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

The landmen arrive

The first mention of the Eagle Ford Shale in Karnes Countys community newspaper appeared in the classifieds section in late 2009.

Have you been contacted by an oil and gas landman recently? the short announcement asked. It pointed readers to a website where landowners posted the sort of lease offers on the table for those lucky enough to own property within the 26-county swath over the geological formation rich in oil and natural gas.

Drilling in the nations second largest shale field, covering roughly 20,000 square miles in an arc stretching northeast from Laredo, took off in 2010. It transformed Karnes Countys ranching and farming economy into an oil and gas powerhouse with well pads scattered throughout its brush and grasslands.

Oil and gas companies had begun poring over property deeds and approaching local landowners to sign over drilling rights as early as 2007. Thats when representatives for Crashiel Resources, acting on behalf of a drilling subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, reached out to Lou Eda Korth Stubbs Nixon and Ellen Ann Korth Vickers.

The Korth sisters had inherited many acres of land from their father, a successful rancher and banker who had inherited it from his father, Fritz Korth, both prominent figures in the area. The land included 147.5 acres on the eastern end of one of their ranches, shaped like a capital F, on which the family had plowed the earth, planted grass, hunted doves and coyotes and leased the land to graze cattle.

But as the landman and title lawyers assigned to their property tracked down its ownership, a different family name emerged. An inventory of Fritz Korths estate at the time of his death in 1948 noted that he owned only an undivided half interest in the 147.5 acres known as the Eckford Estate.

We had always thought we owned it, Ellen Ann would say later.

A Karnes County resident sits for breakfast inside Taqueria Vallarta. Karnes Countys ranching and farming economy was transformed into an oil and gas powerhouse with well pads scattered throughout its brush and grasslands. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

In a November 2007 oil, gas and mineral lease proposal sent to Lou Eda, the landman included a breakdown of the Korths mineral interests showing the 147.5 acres  which would net the Korth sisters an $18,437 signing bonus  were jointly owned by the Korth descendants and what it described as the Estate of Louis Eckford, deceased.

The Korth family entered into a contract with ConocoPhillips in early 2008, signing division orders that reflected their shared half interest in the tract.

It wasnt until 2011 that ConocoPhillips began contacting the owners of the other half interest listed as belonging to Louis Eckford. By then, there were more than 200 rigs at work in the Eagle Ford Shale.

A century worth of records and deeds linked the land to Louis and Eliza Eckford. They had acquired it in the late 1880s, less than 30 years from the day freedom finally came to the Black people enslaved in Texas. Elizas half had been sold to Fritz Korth after her death, but Louis had died without a will. Under state law at that time, his share would have been inherited by his nine children and later by their descendants. There were at least 200 at the point ConocoPhillips began tracking them down.

While some Eckford descendants were still in Texas, some still residing in Karnes County even, many had not known about their lasting connection to this place.

In a January 2011 post on The Mineral Rights Forum website, Natasha Haskins described her shock when she found out she had an interest in her ancestors land.

I dont know anything about the property because it was owned by my great, great, great grandparents in the early 1900s and since the majority of my father's side family members are deceased with the exception of nine, I automatically qualified as the heir to 1/2 the mineral rights, she wrote, asking for advice on what she was getting herself into.

Louis Eckfords name in an abstract of title dated Nov. 21, 1889, declaring his purchase of land from the guardian of Lula Haskins. Much of what is known about the Eckford couple has been passed down through family lore and deduced by piecing together history captured in handwritten documents. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

The Eckfords

Louis Eckford was born in Texas around 1840. His enslavement appears to be recorded on page 42 of the 1860 census of Karnes County.

He and Eliza, who was born in Mississippi, wed the next year and welcomed their first child a year later  a union that wasnt recognized for at least a decade when the Texas Legislature legalized the marriages of people formerly held in bondage and legitimized their children.

Much of what is known about the couple has been passed down through family lore and deduced by piecing together history captured in handwritten documents. Some of the early work of pulling those threads together was done by Willie Jean Eckford Hardaway, a great-great-granddaughter of Louis and Eliza who was among the first descendants to hear from the companies interested in the familys mineral rights.

Willie Jean was steadfast in her exploration, using quiet moments to escape to a small office in the back of her San Antonio home. She dug deep, uprooting documents confirming some of the details of stories that until then had been faint tales passed by word of mouth. Other details were lost to the past; her father had been an only child and died decades before. So deeper she went trying to fill in as many of the empty spaces in the tapestry of her familys history as she could.

It was mostly [out of] curiosity, said Quinton Hardaway Jr., who became her widower when she died of cancer in 2016. Curiosity got hold of her, and thats when she took it and ran with it.

What eventually became known is that after emancipation, Louis and Eliza settled in the Flaccus community  also called the McTennel Colony  a settlement of Black residents where many freed slaves retained the surnames of the people who had held them as property.

They appeared to mesh with the local white community. In June 1891, the residents of Flaccus wrote to the editor of the Karnes County News to thank prominent white friends, including the editor and the county judge, for joining them at a recent festivity, possibly a Juneteenth celebration.

We the colored citizens of the McTennell colony wish to make a few remarks concerning our celebration, they wrote. It passed off quietly and we hope all who were present enjoyed themselves. (The spellings of McTennel vary in records.)

Louis name appeared on the county voter rolls as early as 1867, but the stench of the Civil War still permeated the area where most residents had supported the Confederacy. The Knights of the Golden Circle, a secretive organization that supported the preservation of slavery, had been active in the area with a castle in nearby Helena. White residents in the county made the trip to Karnes City to attend minstrel shows.

More generally, Texas was a segregated society controlled by white men who denied Black people full citizenship and pursued measures to keep them subservient. The state Legislature initially refused to ratify the Thirteenth and Fourteenth Amendments, which abolished slavery and guaranteed equal rights under the law. And the white power structure either sanctioned or turned a blind eye to the racist terror Black Texans faced, from lynch mobs to the emergence of the Jim Crow.

Despite all of that, freed slaves and other Black people seemed to find prosperity in Karnes County. Louis and Eliza, with their growing family, began acquiring and selling land near McTennel Creek with the 1880 census listing him as a property owner and farmer. But their fortunes would turn around the time the county promoted itself as the banner county of the south west rich in fertile lands and access to the railroads connecting it to the major hubs of San Antonio and Houston.

In 1889, Louis purchased land, including the 147.5 acres in question, from a prominent family.

Four years later  just after a second transaction involving the land that showed it had been paid off in full  he was dragged from his home, beaten and jailed, according to family lore. A month later, records show, Louis was declared insane by a jury. It was an astonishing turn of events, considering that just a few months before he had been asked to give remarks during the Arbor Day celebration in McTennel Colony, which was described by a local paper as a settlement of intelligent, progressive and prosperous colored people.

Louis was put under restraint and medical treatment at a state facility in Austin, at the time known as the Texas State Lunatic Asylum. The court in Louis trial had determined there was no one to manage his affairs, leading his descendants to believe his trial amounted to nothing more than a land grab, but Eliza hired an attorney and convinced a probate court to allow her to serve as his guardian.

When Louis died in 1896, his stake in the 147.5 acres passed to their nine children while Eliza retained half. (Eliza later gained slightly more than half when she was preceded in death by a child whose share was distributed to his mother and siblings.)

In retracing their story, Louis descendants initially believed he died in a fire at the state hospital, buried in an unmarked grave in the capital city, but The Texas Tribune found a newspaper clipping from 1894 that indicates he made it back home two years before his death.

We learn that Louis Eckford, a former good colored citizen of this county, but who has been confined in the lunatic asylum in Austin for some time, has so for recovered as to allow his return home, read an entry in the local paper. His son, Will, left for Austin Wednesday after his father.

Ownership of the 147.5 acres remained unchanged  with Eliza preparing a will that would leave her share to her seven surviving children  through 1923 when Eliza took out a $300 loan from Fritz Korth, a local rancher known as a money lender who would also serve as a director of the local bank. The loan was secured by a deed of trust on the land.

The Eckford descendants today have questions about the loan, doubting Eliza would put the property on the line when it was worth far more than the loan amount.

But the deed of trust would come into play when she died two years later, a year short of the repayment term on the loan. In her will, Eliza had picked someone to administer her estate, but a probate judge rejected Elizas choice, arguing he lived too far from Karnes County. The judge instead appointed T. D. Ruckman, part of a prominent family that owned the local bank.

Its unknown why the Eckford children didnt claim any of the land while its sale to pay Elizas debts languished for 14 years  or if they knew they still owned the half that had belonged to Louis.

But in 1939, Fritz Korth paid $735.50 for it, and the 147.5-acre tract passed into the control of the Korths.

A portion of land bordering Farm to Market Road 627, around where Louis and Eliza Eckford own their property. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

The Korths

Though the area was first inhabited by indigenous people and later Spanish colonists and Mexican settlers, many of the small towns that dotted early Karnes County were established in the mid- to late 1800s by what are described locally as pioneering families, among them the Korths.

With its loamy soils spreading out from the banks of the San Antonio River, the land was productive, and the arrival of the railroads broadened access to markets.

A longtime resident of the town of Runge, Fritz Korth was a well-known figure. He established his wide-ranging business and ranch interests early on, cultivating land and selling property. He would wear various hats throughout his life, serving as a Runge city commissioner and a director of the Karnes County National Bank.

His two sons would grow into prominence themselves. Fred Korth, an attorney, served as secretary of the Navy under President John F. Kennedy, while Romeo Korth took after his father as a rancher and banker, succeeding Fritz as a director of the bank and serving on a local school board and various associations.

Fritzs death in 1948 made the front page of the Karnes County News, which called him a widely known, good and beloved pioneer citizen and described his funeral as one of the largest ever held here.

It fell to the brothers to manage his estate. The probate proceedings noted Fritzs half interest in the 147.5 acres on which the family had maintained cattle and worked the land since taking possession in 1939.

The Korth ownership share was split between the brothers and their mother, though Romeo would eventually buy them out.

The 147.5 acres had become part of a larger ranch called the The Colony that Romeo and his family would work for many years to come, though some ranch hands would continue referencing the smaller area as the Eckford tract.

Romeos grandchildren, who knew him as Daddy Ome, would later recall summers spent on the ranch, stacking hay bales and eating his dove and quail soup. His daughter Lou Eda, having gone to school in San Antonio and married while in college, would eventually return to help run the ranch, modernizing its operations.

Over generations, the wealth drawn in part from the familys ranching enterprises allowed them to broaden their portfolio. Today, including the ranch inherited by the Korth sisters, the extended family has amassed significant land holdings in South Texas.

The Karnes County Courthouse in Karnes City. The effort to lock up drilling rights would bring the Eckford and Korth families back together generations later. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

The lawsuits

The Korths were long ensconced on the land and things would have remained that way if not for the landmen that came calling. Spread across the state and country, lines to the Eckfords began ringing, and the effort to lock up drilling rights would bring these two families back together generations later.

The issue moved into the courts in September 2012 when Burlington Resources Oil and Gas Company, a subsidiary of ConocoPhillips, asked a district court to grant them a receivership lease covering the Eckford interest in the 147.5 acres. The legal mechanism is used by companies when theyre unable to locate the mineral rights owners of an estate despite diligent effort. It would allow Burlington Resources to drill and set aside any leasing bonuses or royalty payments so the missing owners  in this case, the unknown descendants of Louis Eckford  could later claim them in court.

Three months later, the Korth family filed its own lawsuit, trying to establish that it owned the entire 147.5 acres outright. Drilling would begin that year.

The ensuing dispute captures the parallel yet starkly different stories of the two families, tracing more than a century. Ownership of the tract was passed on through wills and estates over generations on the Korth side and unknowingly carried over on the Eckford side.

Lawyers for the Korth family point to their stewardship of the land and the property taxes theyve paid over more than 70 years to defend their ownership claim. The Eckfords, theyve bluntly argued, didnt come back to Karnes County until the oil and gas companies arrived.

The Eckford descendants have countered that they didnt initiate this squabble; the companies eager to drill the land did. And it was the Korths, theyve said, who stopped recognizing their co-ownership of the land even though it was on record.

In their lawsuit, the Korths argued that Eliza Eckford transferred full ownership to Fritz Korth through the 1923 deed of trust used to secure the $300 she borrowed from him, which did not specify that she only owned half. They also claimed full ownership of the land through adverse possession, a complex legal framework under which someone can claim ownership of a property even if it didnt originally belong to them.

This set off a legal roller coaster of partial victories for each side and winding appeals that have extended the dispute for more than a decade. In 2016, a district judge rejected the Korths claim regarding the scope of the 1923 deed, finding that the Eckfords were co-owners, but he agreed the Korths had met the requirements for claiming the land through adverse possession and awarded them ownership without a trial.

The Eckfords appealed with a lawyer in the family, Stella Marks, taking over the case. Marks, who grew up in Texas but had been living in California, hadnt specialized in oil and gas issues or real property for that matter but she had done appellate work.

She eventually rearranged her life to spearhead the familys legal case, believing it a service she owed to those who had come before her.

Marks had a modest upbringing; as a child she was bused north from East Austin to what had been a white high school. Her father had been in the military, and her mother worked at a state home for young boys with disabilities. Her grandparents had both graduated from college but could not get teaching jobs because of their race. Instead, her grandfather rose to be the head waiter at premier Austin hotels. Her grandmother operated a tea room for the Black faculty of what would become Huston-Tillotson University, who werent allowed in other lunchrooms.

I had so much responsibility to give back, given the sacrifices that my family made so that I could have a good life, Marks said.

When the San Antonio-based court of appeals in 2017 ruled the local judge had been too quick to award the Korths ownership, it was the Korth familys turn to appeal. The Texas Supreme Court rejected their request to hear the case, and the matter was ultimately sent back to Karnes County district court and set for trial in the summer of 2023.

About $574 million worth of oil and gas has been extracted so far in the area that includes the land in question, according to public production data records compiled by the Eckfords lawyers. But what share of that is attributed to the 147.5 acres is not a matter of public record. The percentage of royalties to be paid out is likely millions of dollars.

The trial

On a warm July morning, members of the Korth and Eckford families filed into a Karnes County Courthouse recently restored to its original 1895 style. The seat of government looked much as it had more than a century before when the early chapters in the Korth and Eckford saga played out, some in the same second-floor courtroom in which the families would sit during a trial of the Korths lawsuit seeking full ownership.

The two families sat on slatted benches on opposite ends of the courtroom. A few shared one bench in the middle. Behind the Eckfords hung portraits of former county judges, including some who appeared to be ancestors of T. D. Ruckman, the banker who had administered Eliza Eckfords estate and whose name would echo through the courtroom during the five-day trial.

The case, Eckford family lawyer Wayne Collins told the jury, was about two families who settled near Ecleto Creek and tried to grasp at the American dream. The trial itself turned out to be an unconventional setting for two family reunions.

During pauses in the proceedings or while congregating in the hall, the Eckford descendants connected for the first time with distant relatives. They traded photos pulled from pocketbooks and wallets, asked about each others children and traced family lineages.

Now, who are your parents? was repeated over and over.

Over long tables at lunch, the smaller contingent of Korths traded stories about working on the ranch and recalled how grandfather Romeo had ridden horseback into his 90s. They were divided over his cooking, particularly his famous boiled okra, and were planning a formal family reunion in October.

For roughly 40 hours, including awkward breaks during which the two families mostly steered clear of each other, their attorneys recited winding family histories and laid out the complicated legalities of adverse possession and co-tenancy to a 12-person jury.

Several hours were filled replaying video depositions of the Korth sisters, the landman hired by Burlington and a title attorney, who reiterated that the Eckford children held on to their half interest in the 147.5 acres because Eliza could not have sold to Fritz Korth what did not belong to her.

The courtroom jury box inside the Karnes County Courthouse is lit by window light. The trial itself turned out to be an unconventional setting for two family reunions. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

Eckford and Korth descendants also took the stand. Frank Spencer Stubbs, Fritz Korths great grandson, offered a detailed look of the ranchs geography and explained the backstory of a series of photos that chronicled the familys deep ties to the ranch. It included several images of his mother, Lou Eda, vaccinating calves and working on the ranch but also one of her at age 4 holding a pail in front of cotton shrubs. He also described the familys efforts to enrich the land  a necessity his grandfather, Romeo Korth, instilled.

If you dont take care of the land, your livestock will never survive, Stubbs recalled him saying.

Among the Eckfords who testified was Thelma Loftis, who at 84 is the oldest living descendant of Anthony Eckford, Louis and Elizas seventh child. She said she was there to provide insight into her family.

When he testified, Kneeland Youngblood read off the names of some of the nearly 30 Eckfords who had been in court that week, each standing in the audience as they were called. An educator. A banker. A D.C. lobbyist. An oil and gas man.

Where the Korths had a long and dedicated connection to the ranch, the Eckfords presence in the courtroom was subtly framed as the living legacy left behind by Louis and Eliza, who had survived slavery and whose descendants had survived the Jim Crow era.

Though the historical context of the time period in which much of the cases events played out was evident, it was hardly mentioned.

But the heaviness of that history, that for the Eckfords this was about more than mineral rights, began to weigh over the proceedings as the trial came to a close.

As the judge began reading his instructions to the jury for their deliberations, Marks rose from the attorneys table and walked to the back of the room out of the jury's view. Leaning on an archway at the courtroom entrance, she wiped tears from her eyes.

During closing arguments, Marks had composed herself as she spoke of the importance of considering the people behind the events in question to figure out why they did what they did or didnt do.

The ancestors of both families had desired to leave a legacy for their children. That much was clear, she said, before focusing on the Eckfords and the unlikelihood that Eliza would have put her entire legacy at risk for $300.

When they were born, they were considered property. When they died, they were property owners, Marks said. Indicating her relatives sitting in the audience, she said, they are the embodiment of achievement that Louis and Eliza couldnt have imagined.

During the Korth sides closing arguments, a polished, experienced attorney named Ricardo E. Morales stuck to the documents in retelling the story, including the more than 70 years of property tax receipts in the Korths names and the deeds given to Fritz Korth. He told the jury the Korths did not consider the two families co-owners, and that the inventory of Fritz Korths estate showing only a half interest in the land holds no legal weight.

Even if the Eckfords were once co-tenants, Morales said, the Korths had ousted them from the land over the more than seven decades they had been in possession, legally earning the property.

And he questioned what he called the 118 years of silence from the Eckford children and why Louis and Elizas adult children did not come forward when the land was put up for sale after Eliza died.

We dont know why five generations ago they did what they did, but its what they did, Morales said. Now that [the land] has value, you cant undo that.

Light shines through one of the stained glass windows at the Karnes County Courthouse. The courthouse was initially built in 1894 after the county seat was moved from nearby Helena to Karnes City and the structure was renovated from 2011 to 2018. Credit: Eli Hartman/The Texas Tribune

The verdict

Three hours after the jury was sent back to deliberate, a bailiff crossed the creaky floors of the courtroom and handed the judge a note saying a decision had been reached.

The jury faced multiple questions regarding the Korths claim that they owned the land in its entirety, including whether the Korths had acquired a presumption of deed, whether they had adversely possessed the land and whether they had acquired full title to the land. The room collectively held its breath as the jury answered no to each question.

The Eckfords exchanged both stunned and relieved glances or nods as the judge confirmed that the jurors had agreed on the verdict. Some of them began to quietly weep. We won, someone in the family whispered.

The Korths quietly exited the courtroom.

Once the judge gaveled out, the Eckford descendants stood to tearfully embrace each other. At the back of the room, Ethel Turners thoughts turned to Willie Jean, whose research had served as a foundation for the legal fight but who hadnt lived long enough to see it resolved.

It started with her, said Turner, a cousin of Willie Jeans. She passed, but we picked it up. For her and for all of the family.

Still, it remains unclear how the decadelong saga will end. The lawyers came back together last week for a post-trial hearing, and the judge must still enter his final judgment in the case. Already, the Korth familys lawyer has indicated they could appeal and kick off another round of litigation.

Were disappointed with the jury verdict, Morales said two weeks after the trial. We thought there was plenty of evidence to support the ouster over 72 years of possession, and were certainly looking at any and all appellate issues in the case.

The Eckfords also have a pending legal claim, regarding the accounting of the royalty interests to be paid out from the production on the land. For now, the royalties remain in suspense, as is typical when theres a title dispute.

But for some Eckfords, the victory came before the verdict.

Craig Smith remembers traveling as a child to Karnes City, the place his grandmother knew as her homestead with a house just four blocks from the courthouse in which he sat all week watching the trial.

He had thought about his grandmother while there, how she had run an upholstery shop in San Antonio at a time when Black people could not easily start businesses and how the case, for all it had taken, had shown their greatness  and the greatness of what Louis and Eliza accomplished. The richness of their story was what the family was fighting for, he said.

The Eckfords werent asking to be paid back for anything, Smith reasoned. They were questioning why their share in the land was taken from them.

When people see other people being courageous enough to stand up and ask for justice, he said, thats a great thing because there may be other families, other groups, other individuals that have been taken advantage of through no fault of their own but blocked by a system that was manipulated against them.

Its only justice that people are seeking, he 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.
Family Of Pregnant Colorado Woman Fatally Shot By Police After They Mistook Her For Shoplifting Suspect Files Lawsuit | Pixabay

The family of a pregnant mother of three who was shot and killed by Colorado police after they mistook her for a shoplifting suspect has filed a lawsuit against the department two years after her death.

Destinee Thompson, 27, was fatally shot by officers with the Arvada Police Department in August 2021. CBS News reported her family filed a wrongful death and excessive force lawsuit on Tuesday.

The complaint comes over a year after the district attorney decided not to press charges against five officers who were present at the time of her death.

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 in an April 2022 letter, according to Atlanta Black Star.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Destinees father, Francis Thompson, said he plans to seek justice against the police officers who seemingly were threatened by her during the altercation.

I want their badges, Francis told CBS News. Shes 5-foot tall, seven months pregnant.  Youre a grown man and youre threatened by that? You dont deserve to be able to wear a badge.

He continued: She was scared and trying to leave the area. And she was murdered, plain and simple.

The incident happened on Aug. 17, 2021, when Arvada police responded to a call about a woman who reportedly stole items from a local Target and threatened an employee with a knife. They arrived at a motel where the suspect had stayed and thought Destinee fit the description.

Police searched the building for a white or Hispanic woman wearing a white tank top with a chest tattoo. According to the suit, Destinee was leaving the same hotel when several officers surrounded her in the parking lot.

While Destinee was wearing a white tank top, she didnt have a chest tattoo that matched the robbery suspect. The complaint states that officers knew she didnt completely fit the description but wanted to rule Destinee out as a suspect.

Destinee told police she was not the person they were looking for and kept walking. Officers then demanded she stop and show them her ID, and the 27-year-old said she didnt have ID to show them, per CBS News.

The situation escalated after Destinee, sitting in her minivan, was surrounded by five officers who demanded she leave the vehicle. She then locked the doors and refused when one officer in plain clothes used a baton to shatter the passenger window.

Destinee was startled by what happened and quickly backed the car up and hit a police car parked behind her. Police initially thought she had hit an officer and posed an imminent threat against them.

Someone in plainclothes busted open the window. Thats terrifying  and here you are, a pregnant woman, Carmela Delgado, Destinees stepmother, told CBS News.

One officer, Anthony Benallo, fired eight shots into the car, striking Destinee and her unborn child. The familys lawyer, Siddhartha Rathod, called out the other officers at the scene.

Not a single one of the other officers thought it was necessary to shoot, Rathod said, according to CBS News. This is a murder of a pregnant woman.

Destinees family said her race significantly affected her being targeted by police. The 27-year-old was half Hispanic and half Native American.

If this was a affluent white person getting into her vehicle, they would never have stopped her, Rathod said.

Police spokesperson Dave Snelling said officers were justified in their position to use deadly force against Destinee and stood by their actions.

Thompson unfortunately chose to engage in conduct that the officer reasonably believed posed an imminent threat to the life of another officer, he wrote. He chose to use deadly force to stop that threat.

Destinees family also stated that police were trying to use her past to justify her death. At the time, she had multiple warrants for her arrest and an autopsy revealed she had Methamphetamine, fentanyl, morphine and amphetamine in her system, Atlanta Black Star reported.

I dont think its fair that the officers are still working without punishment, Francis said, according to Atlanta Black Star. 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.
GOP presidential candidates took to social media to show their final preparations and share thoughts ahead of the first Republican presidential primary debate Wednesday.

Several candidates have posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, in the last couple of hours before the first debate starts in Milwaukee, with some sharing their family, some referencing religion and some showing aggressiveness ahead of the faceoff.

Vivek Ramaswamy , who has been rising in polling recently to place third or even second in a couple polls, posted a video of his family, showing he and his wife talking with their two young children.

Some final tips from our consultants. Christie beware! Ramaswamy tweeted, referring to former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, another candidate who will be present at the debate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.), who has often discussed his religion on the campaign trail, posted lyrics from The Blessing on his profile, writing, May His presence go before you, behind you, and beside you.

The Lord has never left my side, and tonight will be no different. Victory comes through faith. Thats where Im speaking from tonight, Scott added on to the post.

Scott also posted a video of himself in the gym in which he mentions a Bible verse, saying that people need to leave things in Gods hands, including debate, challenges, hard times or frankly victories.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum emphasized his background being from a small town as he has noted while campaigning, saying A small town kid from North Dakota is about to take the debate stage. THATS America. Tune in!

Meanwhile, Casey DeSantis, the first lady of Florida and wife of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, posted an ad from her husbands campaign on X and called for taking proactive steps to enact change.

For far too long this government has been imposing its will on us now its time that we impose our will on it! LETS GO!!! she wrote.

Christie tweeted just Rock and roll with a link to a livestream.

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley simply wrote, Game on with emojis of a fist and an American flag.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Homes and businesses in Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui lie in ruins after last week's devastating wildfire. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

In the first hours of what would become the Maui firestorm, firefighters had a fateful choice.

After responding to an initial small fire on the edge of town shortly after sunrise, officials determined that it had been fully contained and the danger to the historic town of Lahaina had passed.

With other fires burning elsewhere on the island, emergency personnel made the decision to move on. But within an hour or two of the last firefighters leaving the scene, the blaze began to flare up, according to witnesses.

With no defense, and fueled by forecasted intense winds from the northeast, the fire became a monster, targeting a town that had stood for centuries. In a short span of time, it burned all the way to the ocean, ultimately reducing much of Lahaina to ash and leaving entire families  including the elderly and children  trapped in cars or homes. Officials warned that the bones of some of the dead are so charred that their remains may never be recovered.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It probably will take months for authorities to conduct a full review of the decisions made on the day of the fire, as well as past preparedness efforts. Still, the move to pull fire crews from the blaze shortly before it began its deadly spread has become a flashpoint as questions mount over whether government institutions could have done more to stave off the massive losses of property and lives.

Read more: 'Heaven on Earth' turned deadly: Fire exposes Maui's shocking lack of preparation

Among the best practices in fighting wildfires is the mop-up, the difficult task of extinguishing burning materials all the way down to the mineral soil and cooling ash pits, which can take several days after a fire is considered "contained."

Mop-up is difficult, dirty and lacks the excitement of initial attack and direct suppression; however, it is a critical phase in the suppression process because remaining burning debris may rekindle, a training manual for the National Wildfire Coordinating Group says. Mop-up must be thorough because a small spark or flame could rekindle, starting another and perhaps larger fire.

Its a lesson that should have been learned from past fires  notably, the Oakland-Berkeley Hills fire of 1991, which caused 25 deaths. In that fire, Californias third-deadliest in modern history, firefighters thought the blaze was under control and left for periods of time overnight. They returned the next morning and were dealing with hot spots when it flared up amid extreme fire weather, becoming an uncontrollable, wind-driven urban conflagration that destroyed more than 3,300 homes and resulted in chaotic evacuations.

The response of Maui firefighters is one of several areas of scrutiny. Island officials had been warned about the high fire risk to Lahaina but did little to address it. And Hawaiian Electric, the utility company, had no plan to cut off electricity ahead of the extreme fire weather, reducing the risk of sparking power lines, which is a standard procedure in California.

This could have been avoided if it was guarded. Thats all Im saying, said Lahaina resident Juan Advincula.

Read more: Photos: Maui devastated by deadly wildfire

The initial Lahaina wildfire was reported Aug. 8. at 6:37 a.m.

One of the first people to spot the fire was Advincula's wife, Dominga. She was preparing to leave for work about 6:30 when she heard a thundering boom: a transformer on the hillside near her home on the northeastern edge of town appeared to have blown.

She said she saw what looked "like stars"  an electrical line sparking, igniting dry grasses. The power line was across from Lahaina Intermediate School, just beyond the cul-de-sacs at Kuialua and Hookahua streets. That area had once been used for sugarcane farming, according to state records, and was now fallow fields.

She ran back in the house and called 911, then called her manager at the Westin resort in Kaanapali to say, "I'm not coming to work because there's fire in front of my house," she said.

The sparking came amid dangerous fire weather that had been forecast for several days. The previous day, the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning, alerting the public of dangerous fire conditions, including wind gusts as high as 65 mph and very dry humidity.

Dominga and eight family members initially fled to a cousin's house down the hill near the center of Lahaina. Officials said the brush fire was 100% contained by 9 a.m., and the Advinculas returned home around 10 a.m., after seeing the smoke clear.

Read more: Mapping how the Maui fires destroyed Lahaina

By early afternoon, the winds were still raging, Juan said. But between 1 and 2 p.m., the few firetrucks that had remained on the hillside left, both Advinculas said.

Why are they going? Juan remembered asking his wife, as he looked out the oversize windows in his familys second-story living room. They need to watch the embers and stuff. Hopefully it doesnt fly off.

Less than two hours after the firefighters left, the couples fears had come to fruition.

A small cloud of smoke was visible at the edge of their cul-de-sac. Then the fire spread like water through the tall, dry brush near their home, Dominga said.

A neighbor who works with Dominga called 911, while she and her family scrambled to get out of the house for the second time that day.

"We didn't even take anything ... just ourselves, our dog, my thoughts," she said, describing how the family returned to the same relative's house.

Read more: The real story behind that photo of a weirdly unscathed house in the rubble of Lahaina

But 15 minutes after arriving at that refuge  less than a mile downhill  the Advinculas' son said, " 'Mom, we have to leave this house. It's getting hot,' " Dominga said.

"Coming up from that street  Paunau  to Front Street, it's a dead stop  like trees falling on the cars, black. Like apocalypse. It was hard to get out," she said, describing their evacuation route.

Electric wires and poles were hanging down. A police officer directed the Advinculas' 23-year-old son, who was traveling in a separate car, to exit to the south while his parents headed north and took shelter at the Royal Lahaina Resort, where Juan works as a food runner.

It would be 24 hours before the couple were able to reach their son and know he was safe after having spent the night with a friend in Wailuku.

The Advinculas' own home  as well as an entire subdivision north of the fire and therefore not downwind from the blaze  were spared from destruction. But hundreds of other houses in the heart of historic Lahaina and its waterfront were suddenly in the path of the fast-moving, ember-studded winds.

Read more: In Lahainas torched rubble, a morbid task falls to tireless L.A. cadaver dogs

Another witness also noticed the lack of firefighters at the scene of the initial blaze. Relyn Delfin was heading home after an early-afternoon close of the souvenir shop ABC Stores on Front Street in Lahaina. The power had gone out, and the weather was bad, with ferocious winds violently shaking trees and clattering the store's glass doors.

The last customer had come in just before 1:30 p.m., before the decision to shutter the store for the day, Delfin said.

To travel home to Waikapu, in central Maui, she drove uphill in her Honda Accord along Lahainaluna Road  perpendicular to the coast  to get to Lahaina Bypass, a highway above town that would allow her to take another route south, avoiding a closure where police were already blocking other streets where trees and electrical lines had been pulled down by the winds.

A view of the Lahaina foothills after roads reopened to the public about a week after the fire. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)

Delfin listened to the howl of the wind as she drove near the Advinculas' home. She looked up and saw the same thing the Advinculas had noticed: No one.

That's where the first fire in the morning was, she said of the spot, which had not yet reignited. I passed and there is no firetruck at all.

The departure of the firefighters from the initial Lahaina fire, reported by other news organizations including the Associated Press and the San Francisco Chronicle, was spurred by the need to fight fires elsewhere on Maui, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in an interview with CBS.

By 3:30 p.m., witnesses in other parts of town noticed thickening smoke. Around the same time, Lahaina Bypass was closed after "an apparent flareup of the Lahaina fire," Maui County officials said in a statement. An hour later, homes were burning. And by 5:45 p.m., the Coast Guard was receiving reports of people who had fled the fire by running into the ocean and now needed rescue.

Read more: How a perfect storm of climate and weather led to catastrophic Maui fire

Wildfire experts and emergency response managers agree that keeping watch over a contained fire, including mop-up efforts, is important. Michael Guerin, a former assistant director for response and recovery for the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services, said it's typical to "see a number of firefighter engines or other vehicles there all night for several days, sometimes" watching over a contained fire. "You stay not just until it looks like it's out, but you've had a day or two of it looking like it's out."

Given the fire weather conditions in effect the day of the Maui blaze, it's likely that investigators will examine whether officials should have ordered widespread evacuations in Lahaina that morning. With downslope wind and low humidity predictions, there were indications the entire town would be threatened if the initial fire got out of control.

Reports reviewing the Oakland-Berkeley Hills fire and other blazes note that little can be done to rein in a Santa Ana-type wind-driven wildfire after ignition.

"When the Santa Ana (or Diablo) wind is blowing, and a fire occurs in a susceptible area, there is very little that any current fire-suppression forces or technologies can do to resist the spread of the fire," according to a U.S. Fire Administration report on the 1991 fire. "The results will depend mainly on the fuel that is downwind from the fire and the length of time that the wind continues to push the fire in that direction."

It's also apparent that an earlier evacuation order could've saved more lives.

Read more: Road to Lahaina reopens. For many, heartache awaits

A simulation of evacuating all of Lahaina suggests it would take a minimum of three to four hours to empty the city by sending evacuees south on the main exit out of town, said R. Michael Robinson, chief operations officer of the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center at Old Dominion University, which developed the model known as the Fast Local Emergency Evacuation Times.

Advincula said he suspects that had the firefighters stayed at the scene of early morning fire, the day would not have turned so tragic.

The Advinculas' cousin Antonia Toni Molina was missing for two weeks after the fire, until officials added her name to the list of the dead. The 64-year-old's remains were found inside the ashes of the family home on Paunau Street, where the Advinculas twice sought sanctuary from the flames, they said.

I'm the first one to say they were doing a good job  until they left the place unattended, he said of the firefighters. Then that's when everything went kaput.

Wick reported from Lahaina and Lin from San Francisco.

Sign up for Essential California for the L.A. Times biggest news, features and recommendations in your inbox six days a week.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Despite the red-hot political undertones in the U.S. Justice Department's lawsuit against Texas Gov. Greg Abbott over the buoy barrier installed in the Rio Grande, the federal judge presiding over the case made clear that any political considerations will get short shrift in his courtroom.

"This is a United States district court. It's not Congress. It's not the president," Senior U.S. Judge David Alan Ezra told the lawyers for both sides Tuesday during the first hearing in advance of a coming trial. "I am not here to engage in any type ... of political comment in this decision."

The decision before the 35-year veteran of the federal bench is whether the string of buoys floating as a border barrier in the international river near Eagle Pass should be removed pending the outcome of the case.

Testimony from three expert witnesses rested on whether Abbott needed approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before placing the 1,000 feet of giant orange balls that are tethered to 68 concrete blocks weighing 3,000 pounds apiece.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Abbott and lawyers for the state of Texas have insisted the governor acted under his legal authority to protect the state from an "invasion" caused by unlawful immigration and drug trafficking.

But the Justice Department, both in court documents and during witness questioning Tuesday, said that, under the Rivers and Harbors Act of 1899, the Corps of Engineers must sign off on structures placed in any navigable U.S. waters.

Patrick K. Sweeten, Abbott's general counsel, parried with Joseph Shelnutt of the Corps of Engineers over whether the section of the Rio Grande that flows between Eagle Pass and Piedras Negras, Coahuila, is actually navigable.

Sweeten showed a copy of a 1975 study describing the section as shallow and narrow and that no plans were in place to make it more hospitable to commercial boat traffic.

Shelnutt, a Corps of Engineers compliance and enforcement manager, insisted that the section still falls under the Corps' definition of a navigable waterway.

Judge David Alan Ezra

State Department witness: Buoys hampering U.S. relations with Mexico

A second witness for the Justice Department, Hillary Quam, who works as the U.S. State Department's coordinator with Mexico on border matters, said the buoys are hampering relations with the two countries.

Mexico's displeasure threatens to stall negotiations to update the two countries' water-sharing agreement and is complicating other matters in U.S. interests, Quam said. When Sweeten tried to steer the testimony toward the harm that unlawful immigration and drug trafficking were inflicting on binational relations, Ezra cut him off several times.

At one point, Sweeten asked Quam about Abbott's decision to help curtail illegal immigration and Ezra stepped in before the State Department official could answer.

"You are asking her to put herself in Gov. Abbott's mind," the judge said. "I don't think she can do that."

International agency says most buoys placed on Mexicos side of river

The state's legal team also pushed back against the assertion by the International Boundary and Water Commission  a group established in 1899 and made up of representatives of both countries to oversee water agreements and other matters  that about 80% of the buoys had been placed on Mexico's side of the river.

Loren Flossman, a retired Border Patrol agent and a former director of the Border Patrol & Air and Marine Program Management Office who now works for the private company that manufactured the buoys, testified that the commission used dated maps to make its determination.

Flossman also contradicted Abbott's suggestion on Monday that the buoys had "drifted" toward Mexico after they had been installed. He said the concrete blocks directly below the buoys, plus dozens more designed keep the string from swaying, make the chain immovable.

That testimony came after Ezra expressed concern about the devices' location after he noticed that Abbott had said work crews with heavy equipment had gone back into the river to pull the floating barrier back toward the U.S. shoreline.

"I am concerned if something is moving around in the river," Ezra said.

Buoys float on the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass as a Mexican engineer, center, with the International Boundary and Water Commission uses GPS on July 20 to determine if the buoys cross into Mexican territory. The commission reported that about 80% of the buoys were on Mexico's side of the river.

Judge to determine whether buoys must be removed until legal battle ends

The judge gave the lawyers until Friday afternoon to submit final arguments in writing on whether the buoys must be pulled from the river until the lawsuit is settled. Ezra said he'd act as quickly as possible to make his ruling, which then would pave the way for the lawsuit to move forward.

To emphasize his judicial neutrality, the judge noted that although he was appointed to the bench by Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1988, a Democratic Senate confirmed him without controversy.

"There will be no leaning one way or the other in this court," Ezra said. "Somebody is going to be happy; somebody is going to be unhappy with my decision. That's a fact of life."

History of Abbott's buoy barrier

The buoys are part of Operation Lone Star, Abbott's controversial border protection program that started in March 2021. They are connected to form a barricade about 1,000 feet long and are fastened to the bottom of the river with nets underneath so people cannot swim under them. The 4-foot-wide orange buoys rotate to prevent people from climbing over.

The legal dispute includes accusations of Texas attempting to usurp federal control of national borders. Critics also say the buoys will make dangerous river crossings even more unsafe.

The buoys are installed in high-traffic areas where people are likely to attempt to cross the river.

The Texas governor is also coming under fire for erecting miles of razor wire on the banks of the Rio Grande to deter unauthorized crossings. Last month, USA TODAY documented how migrants, including many children, were ensnared and slashed by the wire, left with gashes in their heads and faces, lacerations, welts, and open wounds.

The sharp-edged barrier also restricts U.S. Border Patrol agents from accessing the river and helping migrants in distress.

The State of Texass actions violate federal law, raise humanitarian concerns, present serious risks to public safety and the environment, and may interfere with the federal governments ability to carry out its official duties, the department previously wrote in a letter to the Texas governor, which was obtained by USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas border bouys lawsuit: Judge says there's no room for politics
A federal judge has denied last-minute attempts by Mark Meadows and Jeffrey Clark to avoid being arrested in the Fulton County, Georgia, election interference case if they fail to appear on time for their arraignments on the charges.

Both the former White House chief of staff and the former top Justice Department official wanted to block any attempts to arrest them for ignoring the deadline set two weeks ago for the 19 defendants in the state indictment to turn themselves in, according to The Hill.

Meadows and Clark separately argued to halt their arrests and other state proceedings while they try to move the case to federal court.

In Clarks case, he took an approach unusual for a defendant in a criminal case and actually demanded that the judge respond to his request by 5 p.m. Tuesday, which drew ridicule from legal experts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis argued against both requests on Tuesday, pointing out that Meadows and Clark had 2 weeks for people to surrender themselves to the court. She also said she will file arrest warrants if they do not show by 12:30 p.m. Friday.

U.S. District Judge Steve Jones waited until late Wednesday afternoon to deny Clarks request in a six-page ruling.

The judge also nixed Meadows request in a separate ruling but has not yet decided whether to allow the charges against Meadows and Clark to be transferred to a federal court.

You can read the decision against Clark in the tweet below from Politico reporter Kyle Cheney.

BREAKING: Jeff CLARK will be arrested this week. A federal judge has *denied* his effort to stay the Fulton County proceedings and stave off his arrest while he tried to send the case to federal court. https://t.co/OfMNnCRfJLpic.twitter.com/btOukc6q28  Kyle Cheney (@kyledcheney) August 23, 2023

So far, the defendants indicted in Donald Trumps election interference case in Georgia whove been arrested and booked include lawyers John Eastman, Rudy Giuliani, Jenna Ellis, Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro and Ray Smith; Republican poll watcher Scott Hall, former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer and former Coffee County GOP chair Cathy Latham.

Former President Donald Trump is expected to turn himself in Thursday at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta. He is charged with violating a state anti-racketeering law and several other counts in the indictment handed up on Aug. 14.

Willis investigation focused on efforts in the state to get officials to change the 2020 presidential vote count to make Trump the winner instead of Biden, part of a larger scheme to overturn the election.

Related...
The U.S. Department of Transportation wants everyone riding in a car or truck buckled up.

>>TRENDING: UPDATE: Woman flown to hospital after camper explosion in Darke County

DOTs National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed a new rule that would require additional warning systems for front-seat and back-seat passengers.

Leaders from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety said these changes are needed.

We know seatbelt use in the rear seat lags seatbelt use in the front seat. If youre not buckled up in the rear seat, you are far more likely to be injured or killed in a crash, said Peter Kurdock, General Counsel for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hopes this new proposal will help encourage riders to buckle up. It comes as agency officials say almost 43,000 people died in car crashes in 2021 and half of those victims werent wearing a seat belt.

We have had this technology in the front seat for years - no reason we shouldnt have it in the backseat, especially when we know seatbelt use lags in the backseat, said Kurdock. So, anything we can do to make sure that people are wearing their seatbelts, we should be doing.

>>TRENDING: Funeral services announced for 11-year-old boy killed in Clark County bus crash

These new requirements would also apply to trucks, most buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles. NHTSA says the changes would include both visual and audio notifications.

For example, it would require a visual warning on the cars startup lasting at least 60 seconds to notify the driver of the status of the back seat belts. There would be another alert warning if passengers arent buckled up while the car is moving.

It would also require ongoing alerts until both the driver and front seat passengers buckle up.

This rule also allows vehicle manufacturers to adjust things like the frequency and volume of these signals.

>>TRENDING: 1 taken to the hospital after crash involving semi in Union

The Washington News Bureau reached out to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents many of those companies, about this proposal.

Safety is the auto industrys top priority. While technology continues to make the driving experience safer, seatbelts are a critical safety component in todays vehicles, and we encourage all occupants to ensure they are belted on every trip, said the association in a written statement.

Moving forward, highway safety advocates believe these changes will make a major difference.

Seat belts save lives, said Kurdock. In fact, they save thousands of lives each year.
A Prosser farmer that defrauded the government out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in a wheat crop insurance scam has been fined more than $600,000.

Vanessa Waldref, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced Wednesday that the government had received a fraud judgment of $607,000 against Rick T. Gray and Gray Farms and Cattle Co., which was registered in Prosser and operated in nearby Klickitat County.

The fraud scheme took place between 2015 and 2019, with Gray accused of submitting fraudulent claims for crop insurance, while selling hundreds of thousands of dollars more product than reported.

The USDAs Farm Services Agencys records reported that Gray and his companies  between 2014 and 2016  held the largest amount of insured wheat acreage in Klickitat County, according to previous Herald reporting.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The fine announced this week was for misrepresenting more than 35,000 bushels of wheat that he sold during crop year 2015, leading to Gray fraudulently receiving about $180,000 in payments he wasnt entitled to get, according to the news release.

The lawsuit filed in 2021 initially put the amount received in fraudulent payments at up to $540,000.

The USDA program is meant to subsidize farm owners against potential losses. Farmers can submit claims for losses due to weather and other factors.

The Federal Crop Insurance program was created in the wake of staggering losses, poverty, and famine caused by the Dust Bowl, Waldref said in the news release.

It not only protects our farmers and farm workers, but protects our communitys food supply, and helps to keep food affordable. Attempting to cheat the system by claiming losses for crops that in fact were not lost but that the farm owner successfully sold, is simply unconscionable, she said.

Waldref thanked the USDAs Office of Inspector General and Risk Management Agency for their exceptional work uncovering the fraud.

Under the False Claims Act and the Financial Institutions Reform and Recovery Enforcement Act (FIRREA), Gray could have faced fines up to $1.6 million had he been found responsible for the full amount of payments he was suspected of defrauding.

Gray Land and Livestock was administratively desolved in February 2021.

In the civil complaint it states that once Rick Grays fraudulent scheme was detected, he filed for bankruptcy for that company, leaving creditor Columbia State Bank with more than $3.5 million in outstanding claims. That case is still being negotiated

Gray was found in contempt of court earlier this month in a separate bankruptcy suit relating to a debt from Critical Point Advisors after allegedly going onto property he no longer owns in Bickleton and removing several vehicles.
Georgia Powers plans for disposing of toxic industrial waste at a handful of coal plants across the state have been the subject of a years-long controversy.

Critics of the utilitys plans have long hoped the Environmental Protection Agency will intervene to require that Georgia Power change its plans to comply with a federal rule barring permanent storage of coal ash  a byproduct of the coal power process  in contact with groundwater, where it could contaminate drinking water with toxic heavy metals.

Earlier this month, the EPA announced a proposed decision to bar Alabama from permitting the same type of coal ash storage, known as closure in place, that Georgia Power intends to pursue at the controversial sites, which include Monroe Countys Plant Scherer.

In light of similarities between the neighboring states coal ash programs, and their utilities common corporate parent in the Southern Company, some in Georgias environmental community hope the decision in Alabama portends similar federal intervention in Georgia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Andrea Goolsby, a resident of Juliette  the community home to Plant Scherer where residents have sued Georgia Power and linked contaminated drinking wells and cancer cases to the coal ash pond  told the Telegraph, It does give me a lot of hope for us in Georgia. I just hope that its an example for our leaders here in Georgia to do the right thing.

But a key bureaucratic difference may explain why the EPA has not yet taken similar action in Georgia.

Alabama wants what Georgia has: its own permit program

In 2015, the EPA issued a landmark rule governing the proper disposal of coal ash. Since then, in most of the country, newly decommissioned coal plants must seek approval from the EPA.

But three states  Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma  have sought and received permission for their state environmental agencies (in Georgias case, the Environmental Protection Division) to administer their own permit programs for coal ash disposal.

This delegated authority was granted to the EPD on the condition that its standards were at least as environmentally protective as the federal rule.

Alabama is seeking to be the fourth state to administer its own coal ash permitting program. The EPAs proposed decision would reject its application on the basis of the fact that, while seeking delegating permitting authority, Alabamas Department of Environmental Management (the equivalent to Georgias EPD) had already issued a permit for closure in place.

A spokesperson for EPD said in an email that the agency originally applied for delegated permitting authority because the federal government has long recognized that states are in the best position to craft effective approaches to carry out the requirements of environmental regulations.

At the controversial coal ash ponds in question  at Georgias Plant Hammond, Plant Scherer, Plant Yates, and Plant McDonough  only one draft permit for closure-in-place has yet been issued, for Plant Hammond.

The EPD told the Telegraph it anticipates the completion of the review of Georgia Powers applications for closure at the other sites in the 2024 calendar year, but noted that this timeline may change if the utility modifies its proposals.

I havent been able to really look at the coal ash decision in Alabama, but I will look at it. Were still moving forward with our program. It is approved, said Jeff Cown, who last week became the new director of the EPD.

The state permitting program employs a staff of three engineers and two geologists, EPD said. In 2024, these positions will be partially funded by $411,000 from the EPA; the remainder of their salaries is paid out of the state budget.

Why the delay?

The proposed action in Alabama is not the first EPA decision in another state that environmental advocates have hoped would set a precedent against Georgias plans. Under the Biden administration, the EPA has stepped up enforcement of the coal ash regulations, most notably at a coal plant in Ohio last year.

EPD was officially notified of the divergence between its plans and the EPAs interpretation of the rule in January, 2022, when the federal agency sent EPD a letter requesting that it review the closure plans at Plant Hammond, where a draft permit had been issued, in line with what was then the EPAs proposed rejection of the Ohio coal plants plans.

In the year-and-a-half since this letter was sent, the status of Georgias closure-in-place plans has been essentially frozen, with advocates awaiting new permits or a federal action denying the states permitting program.

Some advocates believe the state is dragging its feet in order to wait for the election of a Republican president and more lax enforcement of the rule.

They think that they can do the improper illegal work, then wait for a new presidential administration, said Fletcher Sams, director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper, citing reporting by the Telegraph in which a member of the Public Service Commission, which approved the closure-in-place plans, said the EPAs position on coal ash could change if President Biden doesnt win reelection.

Georgias dispute with a dictionary definition

Emails between the EPA and EPD obtained via public records request show that the state agency seemed to be caught off guard by the federal decision.

In an email sent the day after the EPAs letter, EPDs then-director Rick Dunn (now director of Georgias Office of Planning and Budget) wrote to Carolyn Hoskinson, an EPA official, that the federal agency had long been aware of how EPD reads the language of the coal ash rule.

Up until this week, it had been our understanding that EPA shared similar views, Dunn said in the email.

Part of the difference of opinion between the two agencies centers on the definition of the word infiltration.

As an investigation by ProPublica later revealed, Georgia Power had heavily lobbied EPD to consider the word infiltration, as used in the language of the 2015 rule, to refer only to rainwater seeping into coal ash from above, and not to the intrusion of groundwater from the water table below.

This interpretation allows the utility to justify storage of coal ash without a liner below it to protect nearby water bodies from contamination, as long as a cap is in place above the ash to protect it from rainwater.

The dispute resurfaced in the emails obtained by the Telegraph, in which the EPD appeared to acknowledge its use of the word infiltration differed from the meaning commonly understood.

On February 10, 2022, the EPDs director of legal services, Laura Williams, asked an EPA official for documents setting out EPAs rationale in applying the dictionary definition of infiltration rather than treating it as a term of art.

Frank Holleman, an attorney at the Southern Environmental Law Center, said coal ash is like kitchen garbage in that it must legally be disposed of in a landfill; you cant dig a hole next to a river and bury it there.

All were asking is to put it in a landfill with every other piece of trash in America, Holleman said.
Its been a year since Herman Williams was released from an Illinois prison after his conviction for the murder of his ex-wife was vacated in Lake County, but after three decades behind bars he says it still can feel unreal.

Sometimes it feels like a dream, and Im going to wake up and be back in prison, Williams said Wednesday in Chicago.

Advertisement

The former U.S. Navy chief petty officer returned to Illinois this week from his Arizona home as his attorneys filed a lawsuit in federal court against nine former Lake County police officers and their respective departments, along with two former states attorneys and a now-deceased pathologist.

They are accused in the suit of fabricating and manipulating evidence that resulted in Williams conviction and life sentence in 1994 in the killing of Penny Williams.

Advertisement

Herman was tried and convicted based on false evidence and junk science, said a 52-page complaint, which was filed late Wednesday in the Northeastern Illinois Branch of federal court in Chicago.

This was not only an unconstitutional conviction, it was an unconscionable conviction, Chicago Attorney Antonio Romanucci said Wednesday. Herman Williams is innocent. Hes always been innocent.

The lead defendant in the lawsuit is former Waukegan police detective Lou Tessman, whose work as an investigator for the Lake County Major Crime Task Force has been called into question in several high-profile wrongful convictions.

According to the suit, Tessman fabricated a confession from Williams with the knowledge of Tessmans task force superior.

The suit also names former Assistant States Attorney Michael Mermel, who according to the suit fabricated evidence used to convict Williams.

Attempts to reach Mermel and Tessman Wednesday were not successful.

The bludgeoned body of Williams former wife was discovered in a shallow pond near Waukegans Midlane Country Club on Sept. 26, 1993.

Herman Williams, who's murder conviction of his wife was over thrown, on Aug. 23, 2023, in Chicago. (Paul Beaty/for the Chicago Tribune)

At the time, Williams was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station and living with his ex-wife and their two children in Gurnee. After the couple divorced, Herman Williams remarried. However, following their divorce, Herman and Penny decided to live together platonically, and Hermans wife moved to an apartment in Lake County, the suit said

Advertisement

Williams said Wednesday he thinks his unconventional living arrangement made investigators focus on him as a suspect. At a 1994 trial, Williams was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

I think it took three days for the guilty verdict to sink in, Williams said.

Williams maintained his innocence and began the post-conviction process in an attempt to have his conviction vacated. But the process stretched over decades.

Eventually, attorneys from the Illinois Innocence Project took his case, and Williams said their success at retesting forensic evidence played a key role in the overturning of his conviction.

Judge Mark Levitt vacated Williams conviction on Sept. 6, 2022, at a hearing that included stipulations from the Lake County states attorneys office that newly discovered evidence of police misconduct resulted in Williams conviction, and DNA evidence found under the victims fingernails did not come from Williams.

Williams said his civil suit is an attempt to hold law enforcement accountable, especially those involved in the pattern of wrongful convictions here in the late 1980s and 1990s.

Advertisement

They did it to a lot of people in Lake County, Williams said. The reality is well never know how many.

Williams, 59, now resides in southern Arizona and works at a home improvement store. He is working at repairing his relationships with his son and daughter, who were young children when he was arrested and did not see their father for decades, thinking he was responsible for their mothers death.

Shes actually come around, he said of his daughter. Were building a really good relationship. Williams said he and his son are still working on it.

As a free man, Williams said hed like to do some traveling out west to see Yellowstone and Yosemite national parks, and to see the Grand Canyon again after 40 years.

Im an outdoorsy guy who spent three decades inside, Williams said.

In the meantime, he is still adjusting to life outside prison.

Advertisement

I got older, but everything about me stayed the same, Williams said. The world kept moving forward and left me behind. I walked out, and the world is a completely different place.
Kyrylo Budanov , Chief of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, has said that the Russian pilot who cooperated with Ukrainian Defence Intelligence and flew a Mi-8 attack helicopter to Ukraine is feeling "great" and is inclined to stay in Ukraine. Budanov said that the pilot will "star" in a film to be released by Defence Intelligence on 7 September.

Source: Budanov in an interview with Radio Svoboda (Liberty)

Budanov was asked how Defence Intelligence managed to "persuade" the Russian pilot and about the details of the special operation.

Quote: "We were able to find the right approach to the man; we were able to create conditions to take his whole family out unnoticed, and eventually create conditions so that he could take over this aircraft with the crew, who did not know what was happening. When they realised where they had landed, they tried to escape. Unfortunately, they were killed, and we would have liked to [capture  ed.] them alive, but we've got what we've got...

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And our pilot feels great, he's doing well. I think you will see him in the film (the release of which Budanov announced would be on 7 September  ed.)... He has two options, but he is inclined to stay here."

Details: Budanov stressed that the pilot was fine and was not being held behind bars or anything similar.

Budanov refused to specify what prompted the Russian pilot to cooperate with Ukrainian intelligence: "This is all unnecessary. This is a fact. There is a helicopter. It will be shown. It exists, you can touch it. It is real. There's a pilot, you can touch him, too, he's real."

He added that it will be possible to see the helicopter and talk to its pilot after the release of the "official film".

In particular, Budanov announced that a documentary revealing details of the operation is to be released on Defence Intelligences anniversary on 7 September.

As Budanov stated, this operation is one of the best conducted by his agency in the history of Ukraine. He stressed that this is the first successful operation of such kind in Ukraine.

He also confirmed that the Mi-8 helicopter is now in Kyiv.

Background:

On 23 August, it became known that a Russian Armed Forces Mi-8 attack helicopter ended up in Ukraine as a result of a long-running special operation by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

Ukrainian intelligence lured the pilot of the Mi-8 to Ukraine. The aircraft was flying between two air bases and transporting parts for Su-27 and Su-30 SM fighters.

Along with the pilot, there were two crew members on board who did not know where the helicopter was actually going. The two crew members were killed during the special operation.

The Mi-8 stayed in Ukraine, along with the parts for fighter jets it was supposed to deliver to the Russians.

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!
Florence Latham was born in 1918 in Texas but has lived in Lansing for decades.

LANSING  Florence Latham arrived in Lansing in the final months of World War II, as a 27-year-old Texas native who found work as a housekeeper at the Hotel Olds in downtown Lansing, now the George Romney Building. She spent eight years there before moving to housekeeping at Michigan State Universitys Abbot Hall, where she worked for nearly three decades until retiring in 1980.

But Latham, who died earlier this month one week short of her 105th birthday, is best known for her 75-year-affiliation with Lansings Union Missionary Baptist Church. She joined the congregation shortly after moving to Lansing, and was believed to be the oldest member in the churchs history.

She was bestowed the title mother for her long affiliation with the church and her impact on so many people. Although she never had any children of her own, she a god-mother to Leon and Leroy Scott.

Latham, 104, died on Aug. 14 at an assisted living facility in Auburn Hills. She was born in 1918 in Martin, Texas.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She was believed to be the congregations longest serving member, church Deacon Wayne Lynn said. Her impact on the community was felt long after she relocated to the facility in 2021.

Lynn, who has been with the church for about 20 years, said Latham was always a strong voice in the ministry and took on leadership roles with numerous women and girls in the congregation.

If there was something that she could do to help them to teach them, she would do it and do it gladly, said Mildred Phelps, Lathams cousin.

A younger Florence Latham is pictured.

Lynn praised Latham for her sharpness and involvement in public life even as she reached 100.

She was feisty  you had no mistakes around understanding what she wanted, what she believed and how she felt, he said.

Latham was honored in the church for her 100th birthday and by the Lansing City Council for her 102nd.

Latham drove into her late 90s, which Melvin Jones, former pastor of Union Missionary Baptist Church, took as a sign of her mental acuity. Jones recalled a time when he took Latham to a medical appointment.

She carried no papers or other reminders regarding her examination, medicines or history, he said. She had total recall, and was able to articulate accurate detail without stuttering. I was totally amazed not only of her intellect, but of her unwavering dedication to the church.

Latham honored Jones as her spiritually adopted son and the two shared long conversations about her journey in life and relationship to the church, he said. She was a rare jewel in her community and left a mark on Jones and his wife they wont soon forget.

Godson Leon Scott said she didnt leave her house much in her later years, although she continued to connect with community members as they took her grocery shopping or to appointments.

Leon Scotts own mother passed away in 1986, leading him to often turn to Latham for conversation and guidance. She was known "for her ability to connect with people and had a magnetic personality that drew others to her," he said.

She took me under her wings, he added.

Leon Scott added that Latham was an expert on Lansing history, often recounting the area before I-96 was constructed and how the region developed over the decades. She also recounted how the citys areas were racially divided and seeing different cultures mix over time.

Latham was always a fan of the Eastside Fish Fry, a Lansing staple that was close to where she lived on the 500 block of Hayford Avenue. Latham made sure to order her favorite of fish and chips and always tried to catch Wheel of Fortune, her favorite show.

"Mother Florence will be remembered for her open and loving nature, witty personality, and her ability to make life fun while still bringing depth and meaning to every moment," Leon Scott said.

Visitation is scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Friday at the Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home in Pontiac.

Contact Sheldon Krause at skrause@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @sheldonjkrause.

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Florence Latham, 104-year-old Lansing woman, dies
After a multiday search, authorities arrested and then charged a Boise man with multiple felonies on Tuesday, including rape and kidnapping.

The Boise Police Department said in a news release that 23-year-old Ahmed Abdulhamza allegedly broke into a womans home Saturday, assaulted a male victim, forced the woman into a car and took her to another house. Police said Abdulhamza continued to threaten and attack the female victim until she was able to escape on Sunday. Police added that Abdulhamza was reportedly armed when he broke into her house.

The female victim, who was known to the suspect, was treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries, police said.

According to online court records, the Ada County Prosecutors Office charged Abdulhamza with five felonies: rape, attempted strangulation, first-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the news release, Boise police said they also arrested Abdulhamza on suspicion of felony aggravated battery, felony burglary and two misdemeanors: assault and false imprisonment. The Idaho Statesman has reached out to the Ada County Prosecutors Office for clarity on the charges.

Police said in the release that Abdulhamza was arrested without incident Tuesday after Boise police received information that he was in Nampa. He was initially booked into the Canyon County jail with help from Nampa police, but has since been transferred to the Ada County Jail on a $2 million bond, according to jail records.

He was also arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest  even though the Boise police news release said he was taken into custody without incident  and possession of a controlled substance in Canyon County, according to online court records. Nampa Police Department spokesperson Carmen Boeger told the Statesman by email that when Nampa police officers contacted Abdulhamza, he ran, causing officers to chase him.

These were very significant crimes of violence committed against members of our community, and from the moment BPD officers learned of them, we made the apprehension of Mr. Abdulhamza a top priority, Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar said in the release.
An admitted fentanyl trafficker who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Stephen Paul Brinson, 18, was sentenced Wednesday.

In his plea, Brinson admitted to dealing counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl out of a home in Flower Mound, according to the news release. He used an Instagram account to sell the round, blue pill imprinted with M/30 to resemble legitimate 30 milligram oxycontin pills. U.S. District Judge Leigha Simonton in the Northern District of Texas sentenced him to 100 months in prison.

The DOJ said Brinson supplied fentanyl to Donovan Jude Andrews, an accused Carrollton drug dealer who authorities said used the arrests of two other people to advertise his drug dealing business. Andrews has been charged with the fentanyl overdose of a 14-year-old girl.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When authorities searched Brinsons home, they found 1,800 pills laced with fentanyl, the DOJ said. They also found cocaine, marijuana and two firearms.

During the search, Brinson said in his plea papers, he was armed and delivering illegal drugs to a customer in Flower Mound, according to the DOJ.

Brinson was the second person charged following juvenile overdoses in Carollton and Flower Mound to plead guilty, according to the news release. Megaly Cano, 29, pleaded guilty earlier this month and a total of nine people have been charged. Five of those people have pleaded guitly.

Research from the Drug Enforcement Agency found that about 60% of pills laced with fentanyl contain potentially lethal doses. The drugs, which can be made to look similar to prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, go by names including M30s, blues, perks, yerks, China girls and TNT, the DOJ said. Even just one of these pills containing too much fentanyl can be fatal.

For resources, visit dea.gov/onepill.
Ivan Melets is 32, which makes him the same age as Independent Ukraine. He is also an anesthesiologist at St Panteleimons Hospital in the city of Lviv, Ukraine. Now, Ivan is saving lives on the front line.

This story was told by the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

Ivans medical career began in 2009. He studied at the faculty of military medicine and graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University. After graduating, he signed a contract and started his military service. When the war with Russia started in 2014, he kept studying more and more.

"Back then I didnt have enough medical practice, but if I was going to save others and survive myself, I had to learn fast," Ivan recalls.

Photo: Ministry of Health of Ukraine

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He spent five years learning from experienced military medics in big army hospitals near the front line in Luhansk and Donetsk oblasts.

After his contract ended, Ivan worked at civilian hospitals in Kyiv and Lviv, but only for two years. When Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, he went to the front as a volunteer and became the captain of a medical brigade.

Ivan says this war is completely different from what he had seen before. He has to work in areas close to the contact line  cellars, abandoned houses, and so on.

"We never know how long our positions will be attacked for. Sometimes its quiet for several hours and then a barrage of fire comes onto us and lasts for days. And we still need to take the injured soldiers away somehow," Ivan explains.

He says he sees a lot of deep and serious wounds to the face and body, and torn and crushed limbs. But together with other medics, he does all he can to ensure the soldiers lives can be saved in big hospitals.

Ivan works in a field hospital together with surgeons, medical assistants and junior medical staff. They have all the tools they need: there are even medical ventilators in their mini intensive care unit.

But Ivan has also had to deal with hopeless cases, including one of his brothers-in-arms.

"There was an attack on an area adjacent to the medical centre. One of our soldiers was hit by a shell fragment which tore his chest, lungs, stomach and internal organs, and the entire area from the right axillary artery to the thigh. He bled to death. There was nothing we could do to help," Ivan says with sadness.

He also says that it is important to camouflage yourself properly and take the terrain into account. Your emotional state is important as well.

Ivans brigade treats a very large number of injured defenders every month. In order to survive and save others, he has to live by the laws of war.

"You cant let stress or fear affect you. Each mistake costs someones life," Ivan stresses.

Today Ivan Melets is fighting on the Kharkiv front. His wife and three-year old daughter are waiting for him at home.

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!
Sixty years after civil rights leaders demanded equal access to employment and fair wages for Black Americans at the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, economic equity is still far from a reality in the U.S.

While advocates acknowledge that some strides have been made in the decades since the march, notable gaps persist between Black and white Americans in areas such as wealth and income, joblessness and homeownership.

And concern is mounting that further progress could be threatened amid rising racial tensions.

We are strongly not on the path of bridging inequality, said Dedrick Asante-Muhammad, chief of Race, Wealth and Community for the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC).

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I think oftentimes, people approach it like, Oh, were almost there. Theres a few things we got to do, he said. But, he argued, We are on a very clear path of ongoing Black-white economic apartheid for centuries  unless we do radical policy change.

Glaring disparities persist decades later

Roughly 250,000 people gathered for the march on Aug. 28, 1963, with a list of demands from Washington for effective policy combatting discrimination in federal programs and in labor, including calls for a decent minimum wage, housing and education for all Americans.

Decades later, experts and advocates point to significant remaining disparities between races.

The racial wealth gap has narrowed only slightly since the march. The ratio between white and Black wealth per capita saw a notable decline in the years following emancipation, according to a June 2022 paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research. In 1860, that ratio stood at roughly 60-to-1. By the 1920s, it was down to 10-to-1.

But it decreased much more slowly in the years that followed, reaching 7-to-1 in the 1950s before inching to a similar magnitude of 6-to-1 roughly seven decades later.

Among the factors that likely slowed progress in closing the gap, the report cites the revival of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920s and the nations lengthy history of racist laws and practices, ranging from political disenfranchisement of Black Americans to Jim Crow-era policies.

You have to be honest about these policies and their impacts, said Algernon Austin, the Director for Race and Economic Justice at the Center for Economic and Policy Research. And then when you fail to do that, then people who have political agendas to maintain, frankly, to maintain white supremacy, then can attack all these attempts at remediation.

Other economic disparities have also persisted into the present day. Among Americans who are employed, research from the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) showed the typical Black worker made more than 24 percent less than their white counterparts per hour in 2019  a figure the group noted was about 8 percentage points higher than it was four decades earlier.

There is much more work to be done to address the Black-white homeownership gap, advocates add. A 2022 report from the National Association of Real Estate Brokers found the Black homeownership rate had only modestly increased since the 1968 passage of the Fair Housing Act, while the racial homeownership gap has widened over the years.

The report found the homeownership disparity between Black and white Americans, which sat at 23.8 percent in 1970, reached more than 31 percent five decades later. It said the gap hit 30 percent in 2022, continuing what the group called a two-decades long trend of an expanding homeownership gap between Blacks and whites.

We have housing disparities that are wider than they were during Jim Crow, said Samantha Tweedy, chief executive officer for the Black Economic Alliance, in an interview, calling housing one of the foremost drivers of wealth in this country.

Earlier this year, the White House cheered data showing the Black unemployment rate fell to a historic low in March, with Bharat Ramamurti, deputy director of the White House National Economic Council, calling the news an incredible milestone in remarks to TheGrio at the time.

President [Biden] and Vice President [Harris], from the moment that they came into office, identified that they not only wanted to have a strong economic recovery, they wanted to have an equitable recovery, Ramamurti said then.

The rate hit 5 percent in March, compared to a 3.2 percent unemployment rate for white Americans, and fell again in April, reaching 4.7 percent, before seeing upticks in the following months. But advocates are pushing for more sustained improvements.

You cant draw any conclusions from one month of numbers, National Urban League President Marc Morial said. The issue is, is the gap now over a one-, two-, three-year period?

While I like to see the gap narrow, Im not popping a cork on one or two months of a narrower gap, he added, adding: We have to measure these things in sustainability.

At the same time, experts have pointed to some progress the nation has made toward racial economic equality over a longer time, including headway in educational attainment and an overall drop in the poverty rate for Black Americans  which data from EPI shows declined more than 12 percent between 1968, when it sat at 34.7 percent, and 2016.

In 1962, whites had about 2.4 times the four-year college attainment level of Blacks, Asante-Muhammad said, while discussing the racial gap in higher education. In 2022, its 1.7. So still, serious disparities, but there has been some bridging over those years.

However, he also notes African Americans with college degrees dont have equal levels of employment to their white counterparts, nor have equal income levels and really dont have equal wealth levels.

Even with kind of solid educational attainment, even with less segregation, more civil rights laws, we still see this massive income inequality that, if it continued to improve, as it has been since 1963, it would take us over 500 years for Blacks just to get income equality with whites, he argued.

Research shows views of capitalism have shifted among Black Americans over the years, with a 2022 survey from the Pew Research Center finding 54 percent of Black adults said they had a very or somewhat negative impression of capitalism. The number is a 14-percentage-point jump from 2019.

The question is, is it working for me? Morial said of the findings. Thats the issue.

People are saying, well, if I dont think Ive got a fair wage, well, theyre gonna tell you they dont think the economic systems working for them, he said. Its less of a philosophical question and more of a practical question.

A threat to progress

There is concern among advocates and experts that an increased focus by conservatives on affirmative action and diversity initiatives could add greater hurdles to the battle for economic equality in the years ahead.

The biggest threat is the right-wing assault on the policies which have made a difference, National Urban League president Marc Morial said. Theyve not made enough of a difference, but theyve made a difference. Its an assault by right-wing interests.

From GOP-led efforts restricting how race is taught in schools across the country to those targeting affirmative action, advocates have been sounding alarms over what they see as a backlash to initiatives aimed at improving racial diversity and inclusion that gained momentum during the months of global protests against police brutality following the murder of George Floyd in 2020.

Bills have also gained traction in the Republican House majority that seek to take aim at diversity training and efforts to increase representation as part of a larger so-called anti-woke push proponents say is needed to tackle unfair and unnecessary race initiatives.

When youre trying to reduce some of this burden thats been placed on these victims of racial subjugation, and youre calling that racist, its racist to call that racist, Austin said.

Thats the problem in this society, which is in fact why we need to talk about race more, and more honestly, because we live in a society where being white has been a positive, has given you preferences in varieties of ways, he said, citing the impact of redlining, segregation, criminal justice policies and underfunding schools in the Black community.

The road ahead

Experts say a combination of race-conscious policies and broader measures like wage and labor reform is necessary to narrow racial economic gaps. But some have doubts about how far national leaders are willing to go to address those disparities, given history.

A recent report from the NCRC estimated it would take more than 500 years for Black Americans to reach the white median household income at the pace set in past decades.

I think the biggest threat is the unwillingness to seriously commit to redistribution of resources, which is what is required to bridge racial inequality, Asante-Muhammad of the NCRC said  a problem he charged both sides of the aisle with failing to adequately address.

Its one thing to take down the segregation sign, its another thing to invest in building affordable housing and doing lending in a way that would strongly increase Black homeownership, he said. Those are different.

As the nation marks the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, advocates say the demands made by the hundreds of thousands of protesters who gathered in the nations capital for the event still hold today  including those for better wages and jobs.

Raising the minimum wage is crucial, Morial also said. Increase in job training and education is crucial. Enforcing anti-discrimination laws is crucial.

Creating more tools and more of a commitment to homeownership for low and moderate income Americans is crucial, he said. Raising and improving access to capital for small businesses and Black small businesses is crucial.

Asante-Muhammad points to measures congressional lawmakers have introduced that focus on Black homeownership, reparations and asset policies, like the baby bonds proposal championed by Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), as steps in the right direction in countering economic inequality.

But many experts arent holding their breath for significant change anytime soon.

There used to be a time when there was more agreement on what the basic facts were, that were dealing with, and then we could argue about, OK, whats the appropriate solution? said Austin.

But now, when people are wanting to make up facts, then its really hard to have a productive debate over what is the appropriate solution, he said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW YORK -- The sounds of bowling balls on polished wood and tumbling pins filled the air as seven-year-old Charna Elias held hands with a volunteer, skipping toward an open lane. With assistance, she dropped a ball down a ramp and smiled to the cheers of volunteers and camp counselors.

As she rose to leave, one of her small hands clutched the cane she was still learning to use and adults verbally guided her down stairs.

Charna is one of 21 blind and visually impaired children ages 7 to 14 attending the Jewish Community Center Brooklyns summer camp for the first year at Fort Hamilton Army Base in Bay Ridge, aiming for strikes alongside 600 of their sighted peers.

The camp, the first in Brooklyn for visually impaired children, is free to attend.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The two-week session ended last week, and was launched by the Kings Bay Young Mens-Young Womens Hebrew Association and JCC Brooklyn, in partnership with UJA-Federation of New York and Helen Keller Services for the Blind.

While activities can be tailored to the children with little or no sight, nothing available to the other kids is off-limits to them  painting and archery included.

In other camps, even if were not scared, they would just do things that they think a blind person would be OK with, said Lana Mamatkazina, 12. But here they let us go all out.

It makes us open up new possibilities and new abilities, continued Lana, who is going into seventh grade and lives in Long Island City. In my school Ive been swimming since, what, first grade, and I learned zero. But here, in two days, I was able to float on my back for about a minute.

The 177-acre campground provides ample space for adventures large and small, from a ropes course to cooking class, weaving lanyards and turns on the Extreme Air Jumper  a contraption where the child is strapped into a frame with a harness and uses an inflatable cushion to launch themselves as high as 30 feet in the air.

We really want them to have bruised knees and a little bit of sunburn and make friends, said Daniel Zeltser, chief operating officer of Kings Bay YM-YWHA-JCC Brooklyn.

The camp strikes a balance between inclusiveness with the hundreds of sighted campers and specialized attention for the other campers, creating a camaraderie among the ones whose vision is compromised. In addition to the sighted camp staff, there are visually challenged volunteers  four who are blind, and one with low vision.

Theyre getting to be with other blind kids, said volunteer Rachel Bowdek, 38, a teacher of visually impaired students from Rockland County. Theyre having a grand time.

We are trying to do as much stuff with hands as possible, said Irina Kocherova, director of special needs services for Kings Bay YM-YWHA-JCC Brooklyn.

Kocherova, a special education teacher who worked with Helen Keller Services for the Blind for 18 years, trained the staff by blindfolding them and having them rely on partners to guide them through activities, giving them a sense of what the visually impaired campers might experience.

Im happy that I dont feel left out of any activities because Im usually the only visually impaired student, but when Im at camp there are so many people who are like me and it just makes me feel comfortable, said Dayanara Landeros, 13, a rising eighth-grader from Eltingville, S.I., who said making smores and a clay bowl were among her camp highlights.

Organizers and campers alike hope the camp can grow from its first summer.

Next year were hoping to double in time and go to four weeks, said Zeltser. He also aims to enroll 35 children for summer 2024. I want to see more next year, I want this camp to expand, I want more people to come.

Kocherova watched some of the 21 campers splash and laugh in the pool next to the Verrazzano Bridge, including some who hadnt been in the water all summer before they came to JCC.

This is what we were struggling for, she said.
With Trump absent, Vivek Ramaswamy was the center of attention at the first GOP presidential debate.

He argued with high-profile candidates all evening but didn't speak a word against Trump.

Trump declared Ramaswamy the night's winner for supporting him.

Political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy quickly made his presence known at the first Republican presidential debate on Wednesday night, drawing in heaps of applause from the GOP-leaning audience at several points through the evening.

But while he may have impressed the crowd, he turned himself into the #1 target of Republican presidential hopefuls by exchanging barbs with almost every one of them  all except for former President Donald Trump.

From the very get-go, right after Ramaswamy gave his introduction and answered the first question from the moderators, Vice President Mike Pence took the opportunity to attack Ramaswamy's lack of political experience, saying that "now is not the time for on-the-job training."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We don't need to bring in a rookie, we don't need to bring in people without experience," Pence said.

Following Pence's response, Ramaswamy proceeded to go on the attack for the rest of the evening, making soundbite worthy quips denigrating his fellow candidates, like telling Pence the USSR no longer exists, that former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is gunning for an MSNBC contributor position, or that former Gov. Nikki Haley's likely future was on the board of a defense contractor instead of the White House.

Christie, who was widely expected to unleash his disdain for Trump during the debate, ultimately focused his attention on Ramaswamy during part of the evening for sounding like "ChatGPT," calling him "the same type of amateur" as former Democratic President Barack Obama.

Ramaswamy later took the position that he was the "only person on the stage who isn't bought and paid for," before going on to say that he firmly believes the "climate change agenda" is a hoax and that "more people are dying of bad climate change policies" than climate change itself, leading to an outpouring of boos from the audience and forcing the candidates to a contentious debate on whether or not the climate crisis is caused by human activity.

Despite his repeated back-and-forths with the slate of presidential hopefuls, Ramaswamy, who's sitting in third place in an average of national polls from FiveThirtyEight, never went after the candidate who's vastly ahead of everyone else: Donald Trump.

Instead, he did quite the opposite, going out of his way to be the first to say he'd support Trump as the Republican nominee even if he's convicted in one of his many grand jury indictments, and would pardon him if elected president. He then proceeded to press Pence to make a commitment to pardon Trump, if elected.

Pence ultimately noted that in his experience as the former governor of Indiana, pardons usually follow "a finding of guilt and contrition" by the defendant.

Trump, who didn't appear at the debate in lieu of making an appearance in a pre-taped Tucker Carlson interview, took notice of Ramaswamy's loyalty Wednesday evening, crowning him the night's winner on Truth Social.

"This answer gave Vivek Ramaswamy a big WIN in the debate because of a thing called TRUTH," Trump wrote. "Thank you Vivek!"

Read the original article on Business Insider
An Oak Park man is being held in DuPage County Jail on a $1 million bond, charged with shooting several times at a vehicle earlier this summer in west suburban Downers Grove that had someone inside.

Douglas Thigpen, 36, of the 900 block of South Humphrey Avenue, in Oak Park, appeared in bond court in DuPage County Wednesday before Judge Margaret OConnell. Thigpen would need to post bail of $100,000  10%  to be released from custody, according to a news release from the DuPage County states attorneys office.

Advertisement

Thigpen is charged with felony aggravated discharge of a firearm  directed at a person or occupied vehicle. A warrant had been issued for his arrest.

According to the release, on June 9 at approximately 5:46 a.m., officers from the Downers Grove Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the 5700 block of Walnut Avenue. Following an investigation, it is alleged that a woman and Thigpen were involved in a verbal altercation, and Thigpen got into his vehicle and drove away. The woman was following in her vehicle.

Advertisement

The release states that Thigpen stopped his vehicle, got out and fired four shots at the woman, using a Beretta 9mm gun, while she was in the drivers seat of the vehicle she was in.

Police said Thigpen fled the scene.

Judge Joshua Dieden issued an arrest warrant for Thigpen on Aug. 17, with a $1 million bond and 10% required to post bail, according to the release.

Police said in the release he turned himself in Tuesday night.

Discharging a firearm, particularly at an occupied vehicle in a residential area, as alleged against Mr. Thigpen will not be tolerated in DuPage County and will be met with the full force and effect of the law, DuPage County states attorney Robert Berlin stated in the release. Thankfully, no one was injured as a result of Mr. Thigpens alleged actions.

Thigpen is scheduled to appear in DuPage County court again for this case Sept. 19 in Wheaton.
Vivek Ramaswamy , left, and Nikki Haley, at the Republican presidential primary debate. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Republican candidates for president met on Wednesday night in Milwaukee for the first debate of the presidential primary season.

Absent from the stage were several candidates who failed to make the partys cutoff requirements as reflected in donations and polls: former Rep. Will Hurd of Texas and conservative talk show host Larry Elder, among others.

Also absent from the stage and maybe worth mentioning: former President Donald Trump , who decided to skip the affair and conduct an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who now hosts a show on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.

The front-runners absence was strategic, meant to delegitimize the debate. And it appeared to work. This is all the undercard right now, former Trump pollster and senior adviser Kellyanne Conway said on Fox News after the debate was through.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Thursday, Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta; he is facing a trial there and in New York, as well as two more indictments from special counsel Jack Smith that could keep him in the spotlight for months on end.

Still, the candidates did their best to stand out on Wednesday night.

Read more from Yahoo News: For Trump, the more indictments, the more loyal his fans, via AFP

Ramaswamy becomes center of attack

Ramaswamy is all smiles in the spin room after the debate. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

In recent weeks, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has emerged as an intriguing candidate for conservatives who want to move past Trump but are increasingly uncertain that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, long seen as the successor in waiting, is equal to the hype that preceded him.

Ramaswamy began the debate with a broad smile on his face. His competitors did their best to wipe it away.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, said former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, an expert in leveling rivals during debates. For much of the night, he was focused on Ramaswamy, a wealthy Harvard graduate.

Ramaswamy was the youngest candidate on the stage, a potential advantage that others sought to turn into a liability. Now is not the time for on the job training, said former Vice President Mike Pence, who touted his own expertise.

The attacks on him may be a sign that other campaigns see him as a rising threat.

He absolutely dominated tonights debate, Fox News host Steve Hilton said.

Read more from Yahoo News: Vivek Ramaswamy is the star of the GOP's presidential amateur hour, via Los Angeles Times

DeSantis fails to break out

Ramaswamy, right, with Mike Pence, left, and Ron DeSantis. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Wednesday night was not a disaster for DeSantis, who is not known as a strong debater. But he also failed to rise above the rest of the field, undermining the central argument of his campaign.

On issues like abortion and the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, DeSantis provided sometimes unclear, evasive answers. Pence, Ramaswamy and Christie all spoke more than he did. And when DeSantis did speak, he recited familiar lines from his stump speech.

For a candidate who desperately needed to show donors and voters that he isnt 2024s version of Scott Walker or Jeb Bush, Wednesdays solid performance may not have been enough.

I dont think Ron DeSantis did anything to stop that decline, Hilton said on Fox News.

Read more from Yahoo News: Poll: DeSantiss support collapses ahead of 1st GOP debate

All about Trump

Donald Trump is interviewed by Tucker Carlson. (via X)

Trump spent weeks publicly deliberating whether to attend the debate before finally deciding to skip it, reasoning that he was so far ahead of the rest of the field, there was no need to engage.

One of these candidates may wind up as VP, said Fox News host Jesse Watters, a sign of how the conservative media were viewing the debate.

There were moments of principle and passion from Pence, Ramaswamy and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. DeSantis got in his digs at Hunter Biden. Christie did his hard-charging, blunt-talking New Jersey thing.

What none of them did, however, was to convince the millions of people who want to vote for Trump again that they should not do so.

Read more from Yahoo Finance: GOP debate: Bidenomics, gas prices immediately vault into the crosshairs
The first Republican presidential debate included a lot of fake news about abortion.

At least four of the eight candidates standing on the debate stage on Wednesday night repeated the flagrant lie that people are getting abortions up until birth.

I would love for someone to ask Biden and Kamala Harris: Are they for 38 weeks, are they for 39 weeks, are they for 40 weeks? Because thats what the media needs to be asking, said Nikki Haley , a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, referring to President Joe Biden and his vice president.

What the Democrats are trying to do on this issue is wrong  to allow abortion all the way up to the moment of birth, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis added, before diving into a story about a woman named Penny who allegedly survived multiple abortion attempts until her grandmother saved her. So-called born-alive anti-abortion legislation  purportedly meant to protect fetuses that survive botched abortions  has flooded the country in recent years and become a right-wing talking point even though it has no scientific basis.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Other contenders like Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) fanned the flames around the abortion up until birth myth.

We cannot let states like California, New York and Illinois have abortions on demand up until the day of birth, Scott said. That is immoral. It is unethical. It is wrong.

But its downright wrong to suggest that women are getting abortions up until their last days of pregnancy simply because they changed their minds about having a child. To start, abortion later in pregnancy is extremely rare: Less than 1% of abortions occur at 21 weeks or later and the subset of abortions in the third trimester (after 26 weeks) is even smaller.

Although there is not much data on why people end pregnancies in the third trimester, many physicians  especially since the fall of Roe v. Wade  have reported that people seeking abortion care are being pushed further into their unwanted pregnancies due to restrictions that all eight of the candidates on the presidential debate stage support. Additionally, the large majority of pregnant people who are in their third trimester have wanted pregnancies and often need an abortion for medical reasons, like finding a fatal fetal abnormality or the health of the pregnant person is being threatened.

Abortion up until birth simply does not happen, Angela Vasquez-Giroux, NARAL Pro-Choice America vice president of communications and research, told HuffPost.

The GOP candidates know that Americans dont support their extreme bans on abortion, and they are desperately grasping at straws to muddy the waters, Vasquez-Giroux said. Republicans want you to be fooled by the disinformation they pushed tonight  but they want a national ban on abortion, full stop. A ban is a ban, no matter how they try to spin it.

Former Vice President Mike Pence piled on to the misinformation garbage fire, telling the American people that 70% of the U.S. supports a federal 15-week abortion ban. Recent polling from USA TODAY/Suffolk University found that 80% of voters oppose a federal abortion ban  including 65% of Republicans and 83% of independents.

Its not a states-only issue, its a moral issue. And I promise you that as president of the United States, the American people will have a champion for life in the Oval Office, Pence said. Cant we have a minimum standard in every state in the nation that says when a baby is capable of feeling pain an abortion cannot be allowed? A 15-week ban is ideal.

Pence, Hutchinson and Scott all voiced support for a 15-week federal abortion ban, while North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said he would not support a federal abortion ban. Haley said she would support a federal abortion ban but that passing one wouldnt be realistic given the numbers in the Senate.

And, unsurprisingly, DeSantis pivoted when asked directly about abortion.

DeSantis added that he was proud to sign the heartbeat bill, a Florida law that bans abortion after six weeks. Heartbeat bills are another falsehood peddled by Republicans who say that you can hear a fetus heartbeat at six weeks; really, its cardiac electrical activity heard on a sonogram and a fetus would not be able to survive outside of the womb that early into pregnancy.

Despite DeSantis claiming he was proud to enact Floridas six-week abortion ban, he signed the bill in the middle of the night and has since generally declined to comment on it.
The first Republican presidential primary debate concluded Wednesday after nearly two hours characterized by fierce attacks among the candidates.

The eight contenders on the stage in Milwaukee each had their moments, but a few really stood out.

Here are five memorable moments from the first debate:

Haley and Ramaswamy battle over foreign policy

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy clashed in one of the most testy exchanges during the debate.

When the moderators asked the candidates about if they would support providing additional funding to Ukraine to help it defend itself from Russias invasion, Ramaswamy was the only candidate to raise his hand and directly state that he would not support it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Haley fired away, saying that the president needs to have moral clarity to know the difference between good and evil, and characterizing Ukraine as a pro-American country that was invaded by a thug in Russian President Vladimir Putin. She also slammed Ramaswamy for comments he has made concerning U.S. support for Ukraine, Taiwan and Israel.

The problem that Vivek doesnt understand is that he wants to hand Ukraine to Russia. He wants to let China eat Taiwan. He wants to go and stop funding Israel. You dont do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends, Haley said.

Ramaswamy said Haleys claims about his positions were false. Haley was referring to comments the conservative entrepreneur has made that he would end U.S. support for Ukraine and instead negotiate a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, defend Taiwan from any Chinese aggression only until the U.S. is able to ensure independence on semiconductor manufacturing and cut aid to Israel in a few years.

I wish you well on your future career on the boards of Lockheed and Raytheon, Ramaswamy told Haley. Youve been pushing this lie all week, Nikki.

Haley responded with one of the most memorable lines of the night: You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows, she said of Ramaswamy.

Pence defends Jan. 6 actions

Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

One of the most significant points of the debate came when the moderators asked most of the candidates if they thought former Vice President Mike Pence had acted properly in overseeing the certification of the 2020 election on Jan. 6, 2021.

Every candidate who was asked the question backed Pence, though sometimes with different levels of enthusiasm.

Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) said Pence absolutely did the right thing, while former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in a notable moment said Pence deserves our thanks as Americans for prioritizing the Constitution over Trump.

Top Stories from The Hill

But following an extended discussion of Trump and Pences actions, the former vice president asked the moderators for a moment to address his own actions Jan. 6.

Its not about January 2021. Its about Jan. 20, 2017, he said, referring to when he was sworn in as vice president. I put my left hand on Ronald Reagans Bible. I raised my right hand, and I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States, and it ended with a prayer, So help me God.

Every day for four years, I vowed to keep that oath, and everyone on this stage needs to make clear whether theyll do the same, Pence added.

He asked me to put him over the Constitution, and I chose the Constitution and I always will, Pence said of Trump.

Christie says Ramaswamy sounds like ChatGPT

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Christie offered perhaps the most memorable insult of the night during an exchange with Ramaswamy, who was a frequent target on stage.

As Ramaswamy was criticizing policies designed to address climate change, Christie cut in and branded him an amateur.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here. The last person in one of these debates  who stood in the middle of the stage and said, What is a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama . And I am afraid we are dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight, Christie said.

Ramaswamy fired back, saying Christie should give me a hug just like you do Obama and elect me just like you did Obama too.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

That was a reference to Christies beach walk with Obama in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy devastated New Jersey.

Earlier in the debate, Ramaswamy had invited comparisons to Obama by introducing himself as an entrepreneur and not a politician  using a line similar to one made famous by Obama.

Let me just address a question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage? Ramaswamy said.

Obama talked in 2004 about how the U.S. could be a home even for himself, a skinny kid with a funny name.

Pence and Ramaswamy argue over experience for office

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy shakes hands with former Vice President Mike Pence after a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Christie was not the only person to criticize Ramaswamy for a lack of political experience.

Pence described the 38-year-old as a rookie and argued that the next president should not need on-the-job training.

You got people on this stage that wont even talk about issues like Social Security and Medicare. I mean Vivek, you recently said a president cant do everything. Well, I got news for you, Vivek  Ive been in a hallway, Ive been in the West Wing. A president in the United States has to confront every crisis facing America, Pence said.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

Ramaswamy responded, This isnt that complicated, guys. Unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear. Put people back to work by no longer paying them more to stay at home. He added that he did not exactly understand Pences comment, but the policies he listed are initiatives a president can do.

Ill go slower this time, Pence responded.

Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie. We dont need to bring in people without experience, he continued.

Now that everybodys got their memorized prepared slogans out of the way, we can actually have a real discussion, Ramaswamy responded.

Ramaswamy said the real question is if people want incremental reform, referring to the others on the stage, or revolution.

Ramaswamy calls climate change a hoax

Republican presidential candidate businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The candidates largely avoided addressing climate issues throughout the debate, but Ramaswamy came down the hardest against pushes for enacting policies to address climate change, calling the idea a hoax.

He argued that he is the only candidate who is able to make that statement because of his position as an outsider and not a politician who is being influenced by money.

Im the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for, so I can say this: The climate change agenda is a hoax, Ramaswamy said.

He received some boos from the audience after saying this.

Ramaswamy has railed against the climate change agenda throughout his campaign, arguing that it is one of the grave threats to liberty today.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Eight Republican presidential candidates took the stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night for the partys first primary debate of the 2024 cycle.

Fox News hosts Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum moderated a raucous debate, struggling at times to rein the candidates in and keep them to time limits as they sparred over topics such as Ukraine and abortion  and knocked each other over their credentials and stances.

Former President Trump, the front-runner of the GOP race, declined to join them after much suspense over whether hed participate, leaving his fellow competitors to jostle in what many see as a race for second place and what Trumps campaign has framed as a fight to be his future running mate.

Here are five takeaways from the first GOP presidential debate:

Pence surprises as center of debate

Former Vice President Mike Pence delivered a more aggressive and memorable performance Wednesday night than many expected, touting his experience in the Trump administration as he vies for the Oval Office against his former running mate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Throughout the night, Pence got into a number of back-and-forths with the 38-year-old Vivek Ramaswamy , an upstart rival whom the former vice president swiped at over his relatively young age.

Pence was also the main focus of a question about his actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

The candidates were asked whether they think Pence did the right thing Jan. 6 in moving forward with the certification of the 2020 presidential election after he and Trump lost to President Biden.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Pence deserves our thanks as Americans for his actions that day, for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal, political and unfair pressure.

Challenged by Ramaswamy to promise to pardon Trump if the former president is convicted in one of his ongoing legal battles, Pence avoided a commitment, saying, I dont know why you assume Donald Trump will be convicted of these crimes.

Still, despite his strong showing Wednesday night, Pence is unlikely to see much movement in the primary. Hes polling behind the former president and a handful of his fellow candidates and has so far drawn relatively little donor interest.

Republican debate: Winners and losers

Ramaswamy becomes No. 1 target

Ramaswamy was a target in some of the nights most contentious exchanges, taking heat from Christie, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and Pence.

Im the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for so I can say this: The climate change agenda is a hoax, Ramaswamy said after candidates were asked whether they believed human behavior is causing climate change.

Christie interrupted to say hed had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT and knocked Ramaswamys opening line from earlier in the program.

The last person in one of these debates  who stood in the middle of the stage and said, What is a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama. And I am afraid we are dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight, Christie said.

Haley torched the novice candidate over his stance that the U.S. shouldnt continue to back Ukraine against Russias ongoing war.

You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, she said amid a fiery back-and-forth.

After Ramaswamy suggested that this isnt that complicated, Pence touted his experience and argued that now is not the time for on-the-job training.

We dont need to bring in a rookie, Pence said in an apparent knock at the youngest candidate on stage.

Republican presidential candidate Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at Fiserv Forum on Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

DeSantis fades into the background

Despite consistently polling as the top Republican presidential contender behind Trump, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis mostly failed to make an impression during the debate. He notably avoided many direct attacks like those lobbed at Ramaswamy, who has risen to third place in some polling, as DeSantis has appeared to slip.

Candidates squabbles with Ramaswamy, some of which resulted in rebuttal time for the entrepreneur, cut down DeSantiss screen time.

DeSantis also skirted around a couple yes-or-no questions asked to the group of White House hopefuls. Asked to raise their hands if they believed human behavior causes climate change, the governor interrupted by saying, Look, were not schoolchildren. Lets have the debate. I mean, Im happy to take it to start. He did not raise his hand.

Asked whether Pence did the right thing Jan. 6, DeSantis said, this election is not about Jan. 6th of 2021. It is about Jan. 20th of 2025, when the next president is gonna take office.

Top Stories from The Hill

No breakout moments for many

While some candidates stood out on stage, both for their stances and for their war of words with competitors, others didnt secure significant breakout moments.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott both avoided confrontations with other candidates.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was the only candidate to start to raise his hand when candidates were asked to do so if they believe human behavior is behind climate change.

He and Christie were also the only candidates to keep their hands down when the White House hopefuls were asked whether or not theyd follow through on their candidate loyalty pledge and back Trump.

Will race change? Seems doubtful

Certain candidates might get a boost from their crowd-pleasing moments during the two-hour primary debate, but it seems doubtful the general dynamic of the race will change significantly.

Ahead of Wednesday nights debate, strategists predicted the GOP race would be little changed by the first debate. Many see Trump as the partys likely winner and the debate as a contest for who can stand out as a possible running mate for the eventual nominee.

Trump has long boasted a significant lead in the polls that could be hard for the other candidates to catch up to, and his base has continued to support him even as hes beleaguered by legal woes.

The former president, who was absent from the debate stage, didnt emerge as a central topic until the second half of the program, but hes also set to suck up much of the publics attention again Thursday, as hes expected to surrender to authorities in Georgia for the case he faces there related to alleged efforts to intervene in the states 2020 election results.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Eight Republican presidential candidates faced off Wednesday night in Milwaukee at the first primary debate, which was hosted by Fox News.

Former President Trump, the overwhelming front-runner, did not attend, opting instead to release a counter-programmed interview with Tucker Carlson.

Here are some takeaways:

Trump, the 'elephant not in the room'

The eight candidates and Fox News moderators said little about Trump for most of the first hour. Then, in a second-hour tease, the moderators showed video of the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where Trump is expected to be booked Thursday on charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. They asked Trump's rivals to raise their hands if they would support Trump if he wins the nomination, even if he is convicted.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Everyone but former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson , who barely registers in most polls, raised their hands. Hutchinson drew boos from Republicans in the room when he said Trump was "morally disqualified."

Read more: News Analysis: Some clear losers in first GOP debate, but the absent Trump emerges largely unscathed

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, also struggling in the polls, raised his hand grudgingly but attacked Trump, as he has on the campaign trail.

Here's the bottom line: Someone's got to stop normalizing this conduct," he said.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley made the electability argument, pointing to polls that show the vast majority of Americans do not want a rematch between Trump and President Biden. But she sidestepped direct criticism of Trump's conduct: "We have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We can't win a general election that way."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , Trump's closest challenger, wanted to move on.

"Its not about Jan. 6 of 2021," he said, arguing that discussing the insurrection is bowing to the Democrats' agenda. "They want to talk about all these other issues. Weve got to focus on your future."

A divide over foreign policy

One of the biggest clashes of the night came over the Biden administration's support for Ukraine as it defends itself from Russia's invasion. The Republican Party used to be uniformly hawkish and anti-Russia. But polls show a shift, something candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has tried to exploit, noting that the U.S.S.R. does not exist anymore, and arguing that the money would be better spent at home.

It's one of several reasons Ramaswamy, a little-known businessman, has been gaining strength in polls.

Read more: Who is Vivek Ramaswamy and why did so many of his GOP presidential rivals attack him?

Haley, a former U.N. ambassador who has positioned herself as a traditional foreign policy conservative in the mold of former U.K. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, shot back that a president needs "moral clarity" and chided Ramaswamy as an inexperienced lightweight.

DeSantis, who has gone back and forth on Ukraine, tried to pick up some populist steam without picking a side.

I'm not going to send troops to Ukraine but I am going to send them to our southern border" with Mexico, he said.

The foreign policy shift began after much of the country soured on former President George W. Bush's wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Trump picked up on the growing frustration. The primary could well decide where the GOP goes from here.

DeSantis needed a big night. He didn't have one

DeSantis, once ahead of Trump in polls, has fought to salvage his sagging campaign. But he did little to stand out Wednesday, leaving the big moments to lower-polling candidates such as Haley, Ramaswamy and Christie.

DeSantis made his name as a culture warrior, leading the "anti-woke" revolution in his state. But the candidates didn't spend much time on culture war topics, which have waned in recent months as polls show Republican voters focusing more on immigration, crime and other issues.

Fox loses control

The Republican Party has been feasting on the media for years, reaching a zenith during the Trump administration. Fox News hosts have largely cheered along, casting the network as the lone voice of sanity in a liberal media sphere.

But Wednesday's debate showed Fox is not immune. Trump, of course, skipped the network's showcase debate, believing he would not pay a price with voters.

His rivals took turns speaking over the moderators and ignoring questions in an attempt to show strength. DeSantis, who built his brand on attacking the media, went out of his way to derail a question asking candidates to raise their hand if they believed climate change is caused by human activity.

Read more: GOP debate: Is climate change real? Only one candidate raised their hand.

"One of the reasons for our country's decline is because of the way the corporate media treats Republicans versus Democrats," DeSantis said, pointing to a recent spate of natural disasters.

"Biden was on the beach while those people were suffering," he said of victims of the recent wildfires in Hawaii. "He was asked about it. He said, 'No comment.' Are you kidding me?"

Christie interrupted to take shots at some of his opponents. Others followed suit throughout the night.

If Trump should falter...

Trump's absence gave the other eight candidates room to define themselves. His string of indictments and the fact that he tried to overturn an election make him an extremely risky candidate in a general election.

Haley and Ramaswamy made the most of the opportunity, speaking forcefully as they attempted to attract new support. But Wednesday's muddled clash made clear that none of the candidates has yet made the case that they are the clear alternative to Trump.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Local beekeepers last week expressed concern about the recent sighting of a predatory hornet in Georgia.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services in a news release Tuesday said residents should watch for and report any sightings of the yellow-legged hornet after the invasive species was found in Savannah, Georgia, last week.

New Smyrna Beach resident and beekeeper Marlin Athearn likened the yellow-legged hornet, also known as Vespa velutina, to "a small flying tank."

"The bees can't deal with it; it's got armor," Athearn said by phone Wednesday.

Beekeeper Marlin Athearn gently brushes bees off a frame of honey as he works his hives in New Smyrna Beach. The Asian hornet, a predator of honey bees, has been spotted in Georgia. "Imagine you're walking down the street and some guy 20 feet tall with a meat cleaver for a mouth decides to go after you," Athearn said. "These hornets are serious business."

Hornets are 'serious business'

The yellow-legged hornet, also known as the Asian hornet, preys on honey bees and their larvae and has already made a disastrous mark on bee populations in Europe, said Meredith Bauer, spokesperson for UF/IFAS.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Athearn said a scout hornet will visit a hive and come back with reinforcements and essentially wipe out the hive.

"Imagine you're walking down the street and some guy 20 feet tall with a meat cleaver for a mouth decides to go after you," Athearn said. "These hornets are serious business."

He said unlike the Vespa mandarinia, better known as the "murder hornet" or Northern giant hornet, which has been an issue in the Northwest, the yellow-legged hornet can handle the South's heat.

UF/IFAS Master Beekeeper Tim Blodgett said the hornets are devastating to the bee pollinator industry.

Think you've seen a murder hornet?: You probably saw one of these 5 look-alikes instead

Honey bees versus hornets

The honey bee, also known as Apis mellifera, does not have the means to take on a predatory hornet, Athearn said. It can be a different story with the Asian honey bee, also known as Apis cerana.

Athearn said a large group of Asian honey bees will hold a hornet down and vibrate their flight muscles to create heat, essentially cooking the hornet.

A swarm of bees fill the sky over beekeeper Marlin Athearn's property in New Smyrna Beach.

Amy Vu, state specialized program extension agent for the UF/IFAS Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory, said the honey bees in North America have no natural defense against the yellow-legged hornet.

Protecting honey bees from hornets

Athearn said he recently returned from a trip to Malta, an island country in southern Europe, where he met with an apiarist who had encountered the hornets.

"The problem is they tend to live in high places, up in concrete structures and are hard to get to," Athearn said.

Bees work a honeycomb in one of the hives of New Smyrna Beach beekeeper Marlin Athearn.

He said companies and beekeepers are working on ways to trap the hornets.

The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Services in a news release Tuesday said residents should watch for and report any sightings of the yellow-legged hornet after the invasive species was found in Savannah, Georgia, last week.

Athearn said even if the hornets were unable to get inside a beehive, "they'll just park on the doorstep," and as the older bees are killed off, there's no foraging and the hive is ultimately wiped out.

"If they're in Georgia, chances are they're somewhere in Florida, we just haven't run into them yet," Athearn said. "One of the downsides of having so much rural land in America is these things can get in and replicate, and then by the time you realize they're there, it's like the Brazilian pepper, it's too late."

What to do if you encounter a yellow-legged hornet

Bauer said if someone encounters a yellow-legged hornet and can safely kill it, they should do so and collect it for identification.

To report a suspected yellow-legged hornet, call the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 888-397-1517 or email dpihelpline@fdacs.gov.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida beekeepers on alert for predatory yellow-legged hornet
The Florida State Board of Education Wednesday approved firing employees for using the wrong bathroom. The new rule says using a school facility consistent with gender identity rather than gender assigned at birth just once can get employees fired. Pictured is Miami Pride Parade Sept. 19, 2021. File Photo by Cristobal Herrera-Ulashkevich/EPA-EFE

Aug. 24 (UPI) -- The Florida State Board of Education unanimously approved firing school employees for using the wrong bathroom. Transgender people using state college facilities are barred from using bathrooms consistent with their gender identities.

School employees who use bathrooms that don't align with the gender assigned at birth could be fired if they use the wrong bathroom even once.

The board made it mandatory to fire employees if they do it twice. The rules apply to private and state schools.

"Disciplinary actions may utilize a progressive discipline process that includes verbal warnings, written reprimands, suspension without pay, and termination," the adopted proposal said. "The disciplinary action taken should be based on the specific circumstances of the offense; however, a second documented offense must result in a termination."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The proposal approved by the board added, "Nothing in this rule prohibits an institution from immediately terminating an employee for such a violation."

The board's action means transgender students in dorms will be barred from using bathrooms in line with their gender identities.

During Wednesday's board meeting most who spoke out opposed the new harsher rules. That included a mother and her transgender teen.

Carlos Guillermo Smith, a Florida state senate candidate and Equality Florida policy adviser, attended the meeting.

"It is death by a million cuts, where you just created such a toxic and hostile environment for trans people in our state that they no longer are going to want to call Florida home," Smith said.

Maxx Fenning, executive director of Prism FL, an LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group, opposes the bathroom law and new penalties.

"Trans people just want to pee in a stall safely and mind their own business. And now college students can't even do that in their own housing," Fenning said. "Let trans students pee in peace, for the love of God."

The board's action was triggered by a law the Florida legislature passed in May as part of a package of legislation targeting LGBTQ rights.

That law banned transgender people from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identities rather than their gender assigned at birth.

The Florida State Board of Education also required the state's 67 school districts to report which books are being targeted by people who want to ban them, books that have been banned and why.

A Tampa Bay Times school book ban analysis of reports to the Department of Education in Florida showed that over 700 out of roughly 1,100 book complaints came from two people in two counties.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.  The fate of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  controversial congressional map is now with a circuit judge who, on Thursday, repeatedly pressed attorneys representing the states top elections official and the Republican-controlled Legislature on the maps validity.

The roughly four-hour hearing, stemming from a legal challenge to the redrawn districts, centered on the map pushed by the governor that dismantled a roughly 200-mile seat that connected minority voters in Tallahassee and Jacksonville and had been held by former Rep. Al Lawson, a Black Democrat who lost last year after his seat was redrawn. Florida Republicans ultimately picked up four seats under the governors map for a total of 20 out of 28, a move that helped the GOP capture the U.S. House last year.

Lawyers for the Legislature and the DeSantis administration contended they replaced Lawsons seat with a race neutral one and that to revert back to the way the seat was once drawn would violate the U.S. Constitutions equal protection clause  a conclusion that has been undercut by the Supreme Courts recent decision on an Alabama redistricting case.

The Legislature made the right judgment, and the court should validate that judgment, said Andy Bardos, an attorney representing the Florida House.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The voting rights and civil rights groups that sued over the map say the overhaul pushed by the governor violated Floridas voter approved redistricting standards designed to protect minority voters. Abha Khanna, an attorney from the Elias law firm, said lawyers for the state had turned a straight forward claim by Florida voters ... into an affirmative assault on the constitution itself.

This court should have none of it, Khanna said.

Circuit Judge Lee Marsh, who was appointed by former Republican Gov. Rick Scott, sounded skeptical at times over the arguments coming from lawyers hired to defend the current map. He pointed out repeatedly that the Lawson seat was drawn up by the Florida Supreme Court in 2015.

Im not going there, Marsh said at one memorable point. I dont think I have the power to say  you know what? The Florida Supreme Court got it wrong. Thats their business.

The back-and-forth reflected the twisted path that led to the courtroom confrontation. Republican legislators initially had proposed keeping intact Lawsons seat  but then under pressure from the governor  offered to nix the seat in exchange for a Jacksonville-based seat that still contained a substantial number of minority voters. They called the governors arguments against retaining the seat a novel legal theory.

But then, lawmakers retreated from that position after DeSantis vetoed that map and instead approved one drawn up by the governors office.

Floridas Fair Districts provision, approved in 2010, states that congressional districts cannot be drawn in a way that would diminish minority voters ability to elect someone of their choice. Lawyers for the Legislature and the Secretary of State Cord Byrd contended on Thursday that legislators couldnt follow the non-diminishment requirement without running afoul of the U.S. Constitution, which has more authority over state law.

But during his exchanges with lawyers, Marsh openly questioned whether there was enough evidence in the record to show that they had tried to come up with an alternative solution. He also said several times that this was step one and that he could rule that the map violates Floridas Constitution and that it is up to legislators to figure out what to do next.

Florida picked up one congressional seat in 2022 due to population growth for a total of 28. A coalition of groups, including Black Voters Matter, Equal Ground, Florida Rising and the League of Women Voters of Florida, sued Florida over the congressional maps in April 2022, the day the governor signed them into law.

The groups and the state were scheduled to go to trial this month, with proceedings expected to last nearly two weeks. But lawyers for the plaintiffs, along with the DeSantis administration and the Legislature, came up with an agreement that narrowed the scope of the lawsuit. That agreement resulted in plaintiffs dropping legal challenges against other revamped districts that were changed in central Florida and the Tampa Bay area.

The stipulation reached by both sides states that if the groups challenging the map win their legal battle over the north Florida seat, an appropriate remedy would be to draw a seat that includes Black communities in Jacksonville, with those in Tallahassee and in Gadsden County west of the state capital.

Marsh did not rule from the bench, but he did suggest a timeline that could lead to a ruling coming as soon as late next week.
SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on a SpaceX mission Launching Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 10:41 p.m. EDT Sunday, August 6th.

U.S. intelligence agencies are warning the American commercial space industry that foreign spies may be targeting their companies for potential cyberattacks and other intrusions that could result in the theft of their technology and threaten national security.

The National Counterintelligence and Security Center, the F.B.I. and the Air Force issued the advisory last week, informing private space companies that adversarial intelligence agencies in China and Russia also aim to degrade U.S. satellite capabilities during potential conflicts and emergencies.

The broad warning comes as commercial companies largely funded by billionaires continue to be at the forefront of American innovation in space.

Studying lightning: NASA flew a plane into thunderstorms to help predict severe weather: How it works.

American private space companies at forefront of innovation

Earlier this month, billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic space tourism company launched a space-bound ship with six civilians aboard. And last week, SpaceX, the space exploration company founded by Elon Musk, launched a rocket carrying 21 Starlink satellites bound for low-earth orbit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

NASA has also awarded billions of dollars in contracts to SpaceX and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin to develop landers that will ferry American astronauts from orbit to the moon's surface during its upcoming Artemis lunar missions.

Foreign intelligence entities 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 Counterintelligence Center warning said. They see U.S. space-related innovation and assets as potential threats as well as valuable opportunities to acquire vital technologies and expertise.

The global space economy is projected to grow from $469 billion in 2021 to more than $1 trillion by 2030, according to estimates cited in the advisory, with the United States being the main driver of growth through its major investments into space research and production.

As the government's dependence on the private-sector space industry grows, so do fears that foreign adversaries could resort to espionage and other forms of spying to disrupt and even steal data and intellectual property from those companies.

The recent warning notified private space companies that foreign intelligence services could be targeting their firms, posing a threat to both their revenue and national security if adversaries are able to, for instance, identify vulnerabilities in the nation's space infrastructure.

U.S. officials warned private companies to be aware of how employees and contractors could be targeted for information and leaks. Additionally, hackers could break into computer networks and spies could infiltrate companies as moles, officials said.

Such attacks are not without precedent.

For instance, after Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine last year, Musk said in March 2022 on X, formerly Twitter, that SpaceX's Starlink internet communications satellites have been the target of frequent cyberattacks and jamming attempts.

To the moon and back: Astronauts get 1st look at Artemis II craft ahead of lunar mission

Warning offers ways to prevent and report attacks

The warning concludes by offering a set of guidelines to help private companies mitigate any potential damage from cyberattacks and espionage attempts.

It advises companies to establish protocols to track suspicious incidents and potential breaches. Firms are also warned to do their due diligence when vetting potential investors and supplies.

If necessary, companies that believe intellectual property has been targeted or is at risk of being compromised can make a report to any FBI field office with a private sector coordinator or submit a tip to the Department of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: US space companies face foreign spy threat, intelligence agencies say
Glen park Academy first-graders browse books during a free book giveaway at the school on Friday, May 12, 2023. (Kyle Telechan for the Post-Tribune) (Kyle Telechan / Post-Tribune)

Despite having the lowest IREAD scores in Northwest Indiana, Gary Community School Corp. third-graders have made double digit increases in closing the pandemic learning gap from 2020.

Kerchell Hobson, the districts chief academic officer, told the state Distressed Unit Appeal Board Thursday the scores went up about 11 points from the preceding pandemic years. In scores released last week, 47.2% of third-graders passed the standardized reading exam, up from 36.9% in 2021. The state average, however, was 81.9%.

Advertisement

McCullough Academy showed the most growth, from 30.3% passing in 2021 to 55.3% passing this year.

Hobson attributed it to a literacy program called MindPlay used to differentiate reading instruction and fill in gaps.

Advertisement

She said it focuses on the science of reading curriculum thats now required by the state.

They have the right teachers at the right grade levels, using research-based practices. We plan to duplicate whats at McCullough, Hobson said.

She said a science of reading districtwide training was set for Sept. 29.

Meanwhile, departing DUAB chairman Justin McAdam, whos led it since 2019, oversaw his final meeting.

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb recently named McAdam as Indiana Tax Court judge and he takes office next month.

McAdam announced that Crown Point native Cris Johnston, director of the Office of Management and Budget, will take over as DUAB chairman.

It was also the final meeting for board member Rebecca Kubacki, a governors appointee.

Earlier this year, long-time member Wes Bennett left the board after Holcomb appointed him to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. He was succeeded by Dan Shackle, commissioner of the state Department of Local Government and Finance.

Advertisement

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
This 2023 photo provided by the Mississippi Department of Corrections shows Howard M. Neal. The Mississippi Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, that former death row inmate Howard M. Neal, will be resentenced a second time because of a determination that he has intellectual disabilities. The new sentence will make Neal eligible for the possibility of parole. (The Mississippi Department of Corrections viia AP)

JACKSON, Miss. (AP)  A former death row inmate in Mississippi will be resentenced again because of a determination that he has intellectual disabilities  and the new sentence will make him eligible for the possibility of parole.

The state Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday in the case of Howard M. Neal, 69, who sent a handwritten letter to justices in June to seek a change to his current sentence of life without parole. Neal wrote that he is in poor health.

In a response Aug. 9, the state attorney general's office agreed that Neal is entitled to be resentenced to life imprisonment" with the possibility of parole.

Neal was convicted in 1982 and sentenced to death for the 1981 kidnapping and killing of his 13-year-old half-niece, Amanda Joy Neal. The killing took place south of the state's capital in Lawrence County, and the trial was moved to Lamar County.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mississippi allows the death penalty for people convicted of a killing committed along with another felony.

In 2017, investigators interviewed Neal about the killing of two people whose bodies were found in a southern California desert in 1980. The San Bernadino County Sheriff's Department said Neal told them he picked up the couple while they were hitchhiking, took them to his home and shot the man during an argument over Neals physical advances toward the woman. Investigators said they believe Neal sexually assaulted the woman before killing her.

According to court records in Mississippi, the state where he grew up, Neal was unable to advance past second grade by the time he was 10 years old, and he was then sent to schools for people with intellectual disabilities.

In 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the execution of people with intellectual disabilities is unconstitutional because it is cruel and unusual. A Mississippi judge in 2008 resentenced Neal under a state law that said an inmate must be be resentenced to life without parole if the death penalty is deemed unconstitutional.

In 2015, the Mississippi Supreme Court issued a ruling in the case of another death row inmate with intellectual disabilities. State justices said the law on resentencing to life without parole would apply only if the death penalty were found unconstitutional for all inmates, not just those with intellectual disabilities.

The state Attorney General's office wrote this month that Neal's case is materially indistinguishable from the one that justices decided in 2015.

The court documents filed in Mississippi this year do not mention that California investigators interviewed Neal about the 1980 killings.
Joseph Hart, a former Kansas City priest and retired Wyoming bishop whose tenure was clouded by a string of sexual abuse allegations deemed credible by two U.S. bishops but dismissed by the Vatican, died Wednesday. He was 91.

His death was confirmed late Wednesday afternoon by the Diocese of Cheyenne. Hart had been dealing with health issues for years and had recently entered hospice care.

Hart had been the subject of abuse allegations spanning more than three decades and was the target of two criminal investigations in Wyoming that both ended without charges being filed. He also was one of several priests featured in Procession, a highly acclaimed 2021 Netflix documentary about clergy sexual abuse.

News of Harts death evoked a strong reaction from sexual abuse survivors and their families.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

May his victims know that they are believed, said Ed Gavagan, of New York City, who grew up in Cheyenne and whose allegations against Hart led to the criminal investigations. And may the families of those victims who died without knowing that fact be comforted by the community of survivors who worked against all odds to expose both the abusers and the long, shameful collusion of the Catholic Church in hiding their sins.

Darrel Hunter, who with his two brothers was among the minors Hart was accused of abusing in Kansas City decades ago, said the death was difficult to process.

Upon learning of his death, as a victim of abuse by Joseph Hart when I was a boy, I can only express profound disappointment in his failure and that of his church to bring about a just solution for the harm that he caused to so many families, he said.

Hart had maintained his innocence over the years. After the Vatican exonerated him in 2021, his attorney, Thomas Jubin, said in a statement that the allegations were unwarranted and accused Steven Biegler, the bishop of Cheyenne who pushed for an investigation, of grandstanding.

Bishop Hart has had to live under the cloud of these allegations for many years, especially so since Bishop Biegler was installed as Bishop of Cheyenne and began this divisive, irresponsible and unfathomable campaign against his predecessor, Jubin said.

Despite this, Bishop Hart asks me to convey that he continues to pray for all involved in this case so that they may find peace and healing. He now asks, and I ask, too, that he may now be afforded peace in the twilight of this life as he prepares to meet his God in the next.

The Cheyenne diocese had remained responsible for Harts care until his death.

Born Sept. 26, 1931, Hart was a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph from 1956 to 1976. He became auxiliary bishop of Cheyenne in 1976 and was bishop from 1978 until retiring in 2001.

Allegations against Hart first surfaced in 1989 and 1992, with two Missouri men alleging that Hart had sexually abused them when they were boys and he was a priest in Kansas City. Church officials at the time found those allegations not credible, but the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese helped one of the men buy a pickup truck and paid for his counseling. The diocese also paid for counseling for two sisters of the other man. In 2018, Bishop James V. Johnston found those allegations to be substantiated.

In 2002, Gavagan accused Hart of sexually abusing him as a boy when his family lived in Cheyenne. Authorities in Cheyenne concluded there was no evidence to support the allegations. But in July 2018, Biegler  then the new bishop of Cheyenne  announced that the diocese had reopened its investigation into Hart.

Biegler said the previous investigation was flawed and that a second man had come forward alleging sexual abuse by Hart. Both mens allegations, Biegler said, had been deemed credible and substantiated.

Wyoming authorities, spurred by the Cheyenne diocese, opened a new criminal investigation. If charged, Hart would have become the highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric in the country to face criminal prosecution for sexual abuse of a minor.

Though the alleged abuse occurred decades ago, Wyoming  unlike most states  has no statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions, so charges can be filed years later.

In August 2019, the Cheyenne Police Department recommended that Hart be charged. By September 2019, the Diocese of Cheyenne said it had received a total of six credible allegations against Hart.

According to the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese, Hart was named by 10 individuals in lawsuits regarding child sexual abuse claims in that diocese dating from the 1970s. Those claims were part of two settlements of $10 million each that the diocese entered into in 2008 and 2014 in cases involving dozens of victims and numerous priests.

In September 2019, the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese said it had received four additional allegations against Hart in the past year.

In 2020, a special prosecutor assigned to the criminal case in Cheyenne declined to file charges against Hart, citing insufficient evidence. That decision, Biegler said, didnt mean the alleged victims were not credible.

I commend the victims who have spoken courageously about their abuse, Biegler said in a strongly worded statement. I also stand behind the determination made by the Diocese of Cheyenne that allegations of sexual abuse against former Bishop Hart are credible.

In January 2021, despite both Bieglers and Johnstons findings that the allegations against Hart were credible, the Vatican cleared him of seven accusations that he sexually abused minors and said five others could not be proven with moral certitude.

But the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith also issued a canonical rebuke to Hart, the Cheyenne diocese said, for his flagrant lack of prudence as a priest and bishop for being alone with minors in his private residence and on various trips, which could have been potential occasions endangering the obligation to observe continence and that would give rise to scandal among the faithful.

Hart also was rebuked for his disregard of the urgent requests that he refrain from public engagements that would cause scandal among the faithful due to the numerous accusations against him and the civil and canonical investigations and processes being conducted in his regard, the Cheyenne diocese said.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reminded Hart that restrictions placed upon him by Pope Francis in 2018 remained in force, the diocese said. Those restrictions prohibited Hart from having any contact with minors, youth, seminarians and vulnerable adults and from presiding or participating anywhere in any public celebration of the Liturgy.

Biegler, clearly disappointed in the Vaticans exoneration of Hart, had a message for the accusers who had come forward.

Today, I want the survivors to know that I support and believe you, Biegler said in the dioceses statement. I understand that this announcement will not bring closure to the survivors, their family members, Bishop Hart and all those affected.

I will continue to work and pray for their healing and for all involved in these painful and distressing matters. In the Diocese of Cheyenne, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and to accompany those who have been harmed on a journey of healing.

The Cheyenne diocese said the accusations against Hart involved 11 males and one female. Moral certitude is held to be equivalent to beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction, it said.

These findings do not equate to innocence; rather, a high burden of proof has not been met, the diocese said.

Johnston issued a statement on the Kansas City-St. Joseph dioceses website at the time, saying the case was of special interest because several of the accusations against Bishop Hart originated from our diocese, dating to the time when he served here as a priest prior to becoming a bishop in Cheyenne in 1976.

This has been a long and often difficult process, especially for the survivors and their families who bravely shared their stories, Johnston said. I am grateful for the courage and perseverance of those who brought this matter to a point of decision; the survivors, their families and Bishop Biegler.

Just five months earlier, as the Vatican was still investigating Harts case, Gavagan had received a letter from Pope Francis in response to an emotional letter hed written the pontiff. Gavagan had described what hed endured and asked Francis to remove Hart from the priesthood and strip him of the authority that his arrogance and vanity have used to cover his evil.

Now, Hart is very close to death, Gavagan wrote. But whatever awaits him after this life needs also some measure of earthly judgment and accountability. He has evaded all of it so far by using his office and the church as protection.

Francis responded in a letter dated Aug. 20, 2020.

Reading your letter, I felt pain, indignation and great shame in learning that a brother bishop had done these things, he wrote. Your letter ends with, I need your help. For my part, I will make every effort to help. Please know that I am close to you, and allow me to say that, since reading the letter and beginning to reply, I myself have been brought to tears.

I ask your forgiveness and I promise that I will seriously concern myself with this matter.
Property in Park City, Kansas once belonging to Dennis Rader  AKA, the "BTK Killer"  is the location of a new investigation into possible connections to cold cases. Now just an empty field, The Wichita Eagle reports that two concrete blocks were moved near the killer's former home on Tuesday to allow investigators to dig. "The theory is he could have placed evidence of cases under stone pavers under the metal shed he built in the early to mid-90s. Like drivers licenses in jars," Rader's estranged daughter Kerri Rawson told Fox News.

"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 on Wednesday; adding that there may be a "possible connection" to the disappearance of Cynthia Kinney, who was reported missing from Oklahoma in 1976.

Rader was sentenced to 10 consecutive life terms in 2005 for the murder of at least ten people during a killing spree that took place between 1974 and 1991. The name he's most commonly referred to as ("BTK") stands for "bind, torture and kill," a description of the brutal means in which his enacted his crimes. Between 1974 and 1988, he worked at the Wichita-based office of ADT Security Services, installing security systems for homeowners looking to protect themselves  unknowingly  from the very man installing them. Now 78-years-old, he's currently held at the El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas, where he'll remain until he dies.
TOMS RIVER - Former Ocean County College President Jon H. Larson has resigned as a $150,000 salaried part-time consultant, less than two months after he signed a contract with the Board of Trustees to stay on for up to the next two years in that role, the administration announced Thursday.

The appointment had sparked controversy as it was formalized the same day in June that the community college was warned that its accreditation may be in jeopardy in the future, due to insufficient evidence the institution had met certain standards as to how it is governed and administered.

Larsons new role  in which he was to average work weeks of 20 hours  also was made without consideration as to whether the new president, Pamela Monaco, wanted her longtime predecessor to stay on as a senior aide to her. Monaco had not been included in discussions about the position.

Related: Former Ocean County College president to remain on as $150K, part-time consultant

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dr. Larson has chosen to resign on his own accord, and its anticipated the Board will accept his resignation at todays Board Meeting, the college said in a statement on Thursday morning.

The board did so just before 1 p.m. Thursday and the vote was 8-to-0.

Dr. Larson has entered his resignation  retirement, rather  effective Sept. 30, said Stephan R. Leone, a board member whose duties include oversight of personnel matters.

The part-time consultant position was intended to advise Monaco, on an as-needed basis, regarding college history and operations. Larson was also to assist the college, at the direction of Monaco, with the continued development of partnerships between OCC and universities in Egypt. For decades, Larson has been trying to break into the higher education market abroad as domestic enrollment at the college has declined. He previously was working on a similar initiative in China, where competition among students to gain admission to a local university there is fierce.

As of July, there are 8,000 students enrolled at OCC, of which 3,040 are full time.

Ocean County College in Toms River, NJ on July 11, 2023.

Larsons last days as president were marred by news that OCC had been issued a notice of non-compliance from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Nevertheless, college officials emphasize that OCC remains fully accredited and Monaco has made addressing the issue a top priority of her administration.

Federal regulations allow for a college or university to be in a state of noncompliance for up to three years while administrators work to remedy the issues, but a monitoring report to chronicle the colleges corrective actions is due in January.

Contact Asbury Park Press reporter Erik Larsen at elarsen@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Former OCC president resigns as $150K-salaried aide to successor
A former Spencerport High School security guard who admitted to child pornography charges was sentenced to five years in federal prison Wednesday.

Jason Lane, 28, was arrested last year after tips from Yahoo to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Yahoo reported that a user had uploaded almost 260 images of possible child pornography.

Those leads directed law enforcement to Lane, who had been a security guard employed by Swoop Inc. at the high school.

Lane also took photos of the genitals of two youngsters under 12, according to his plea. Lane also was surreptitiously photographing female students at the school, though the photos were not explicit, according to school officials and authorities.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lane also will be on federal probation for 10 years after his sentence.

As Lane was being sentenced Wednesday, Steven Rosenbaum, a co-owner of Swoop Inc., was pleading guilty in federal court to unpaid taxes of about $560,000. Rosenbaum has co-owned Swoop with former Irondequoit Police Chief Alan Laird.

In his plea, Rosenbaum admitted to not reporting Swoop revenues. He alleged in the plea that his co-owner, identified only in the plea as "A.L.," was a co-conspirator in the tax fraud.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Jason Lane sentenced to five years for child pornography
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows surrendered to authorities at the Fulton County, Ga., Jail Thursday afternoon, according to jail records.

Meadows is charged alongside 18 other defendants  including former President Trump  in a sweeping racketeering case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) that claims they participated in a criminal enterprise to overturn Georgias 2020 election results and keep Trump in power.

Once Trumps top White House aide, Meadows now faces two charges: violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer.

Top Stories from The Hill

The solicitation charge is tied to his attendance at a call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) in which Trump urged Raffensperger to help him find enough votes in his favor.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Meadows agreed to a $100,000 bond earlier Thursday  the same amount as several Trump lawyers charged in the case. He paid the bond via a surety bond, or a loan to post bail.

As part of the booking process, Meadowss height and weight were recorded, and he was given a prisoner identification number. He also likely received a mug shot, as the other defendants have.

Trump agreed to a $200,000 bond Monday, and longtime ally Rudy Giuliani agreed to a $150,000 bond Wednesday. Giuliani turned himself in Wednesday afternoon, while Trump is expected to surrender later Thursday.

Willis gave all the defendants until noon Friday to turn themselves in at the local jail.

Updated at 2:45 pm.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Prosecutors Thursday agreed to drop theft and fraud charges against former West Melbourne Deputy Mayor John in exchange for Tice agreeing to pay $7,000 to the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum.

Tice was accused of diverting a $7,000 check written to the muesum and spending the money on Miami Dolphins season tickets, pro football memorabilia, restaurants and personal debt payments.

The deal came after the unrelated deaths of multiple key witnesses would have made the case more difficult to prosecute in open court, according to the State Attorney's Office.

Tice faced multiple charges, including scheme to defraud under $20,000, depositing an item with the intent to defraud, and grand theft.

John Tice of West Melbourne the Founder & President of the Brevard Hall of Fame at the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum in Melbourne would like to get the remains of the late rock star Jim Morrison who was born in Melbourne and died in Paris on July 3, 1971 his grave site at Pere Lachaise cemetery in Paris is one of the most visited tourist attractions.

Arrest records showed how Tice was able to reroute funds attended for the Liberty Bell Memorial Museum to his own personal account. Tice, who operated the Brevard Hall of Fame, an exhibit located within the museum, was in charge of securing roofing repairs for the museum itself.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As part of the contract, the City of Melbourne and the museum would split the cost of those repairs. The roofing company also chipped in, making a monetary donation of $7,000 to the museum. Tice then asked the roofing contractor to rewrite their check, only this time, make it out to Brevard Hall of Fame, the museum exhibit he himself controlled.

Investigators said at the time that the Brevard Hall of Fame was not a legitimate non-profit and Tice was later removed from the executive director position at the museum for unrelated reasons.

For reportedly using the $7,000 for his own personal purchases, Tice was arrested in March of 2018. Shortly after, Tice resigned from his position on West Melbourne City Council after pressure from local and state elected officials and the public.

Todd Brown, spokesman for the State Attorney's Office, explained the difficulty of prosecuting this type of case in an email Thursday.

"In cases of this type, the line between the lawful exercise of administrative authority and unlawful actions intended to defraud an organization can be difficult for the state to prove, and a jury to distinguish. With the unfortunate passing of three key witnesses, prosecutors were left with an insurmountable burden," Brown said. One of those key witnesses was Lewis Barnhart, the owner of the roofing company hired by Tice to conduct the repairs.

"This resolution, while unable to hold the defendant criminally liable, did result in a significant financial responsibility for his actions," Brown added.

Tice had already paid the $7,000 in restitution ordered by the court before the end of day Thursday. When reached for comment, he described feeling vindicated by the result of the case.

I feel good that everything was dismissed. The bottom line is I never pleaded guilty to begin with. I still dont think I did anything wrong, Tice said.

There was a perceived conflict of interest I dont think it was, Tice added that he believes he was well within his rights to spend the money donated by the roofing company. They had no case to begin with. I stepped down from being deputy mayor, not because I was guilty but because I didnt want to put the city through anything, he added.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Former W. Melbourne councilman to pay restitution in museum fraud deal
Fort Collins could be home to Colorado's next federal courthouse in a recent push to expand federal judgeships in the state.

Larimer County Rep. Joe Neguse introduced two bills in May that would:

Authorize adding three judges in Colorado's federal district court

Allow a new federal district courthouse to be established in Fort Collins

Both bills are intended to accommodate the state's growing population, according to a news release. Neguse introduced these bills shortly after the Judicial Conference of the United States recommended that Congress create new seats on Colorado's federal court.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Colorado last gained a seat on its U.S. District Court in 1984, when the state's population was about half what it is now, according to a news release from Neguse's office. Currently, new federal courthouses can only be established in eight Colorado cities: Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Grand Junction, Montrose, Pueblo and Sterling.

Statewide, Colorado's growing population warrants adding more federal court judges, and Neguse is advocating for a new federal courthouse in Fort Collins to ensure "Northern Colorado's growing population has representation," according to the news release.

"Access to justice is incredibly important to building trust in our judicial system and government institutions," 8th Judicial District Attorney Gordon McLaughlin said in the news release. "Fort Collins is the fourth largest city in Colorado and the gateway to the rapidly growing Northern Colorado region and our community would greatly benefit from a local federal district courthouse."

The U.S. Judicial Conference has been recommending Colorado add two federal court seats since 2019, and Neguse's bill proposes adding three in anticipation of Colorado's growing population, according to the news release. Colorado State Sen. Michael Bennet and U.S. Sen. John Hickenlooper are also supportive of these bills.

Expanding the number of judges and adding a courthouse is necessary to prevent caseload backlogs, Hickenlooper said in the news release.

As Colorado grows, we need to help our courts administer a fair and efficient justice system," Bennet said in the news release. "In addition to continuing to confirm eminently qualified judges, this legislation is another step to provide much-needed support to the District Court of Colorado."

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Rep. Neguse introduces bills to expand federal courts to Fort Collins
A laborer at a Foster Farms facility in Fresno County was killed when he was struck by a car driven by another worker, the California Highway Patrol said on Thursday.

A 40-year-old Fresno man got into a company-owned Chrysler Pacifica Van about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday and began driving it within the private property of the facility at 10535 Englehart Avenue in Reedley, CHP said.

He was not given permission to drive the van, according to a news release.

The CHP described the driver as a Foster Farms employee, but officials with the poultry-rendering company said Thursday he was working for a temporary agency.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers have not explained how the crash happened at the property near Dinuba and Buttonwillow avenues, but said the van hit a 25-year-old man.

The 40-year-old did not stop and instead left the property headed north on Englehart, CHP said.

The victim was taken to Community Regional Medical Center and later died, CHP said.

The man in the van stopped a short time later after seeing a CHP officer at an unrelated stop and gave himself up to the officer, according to a news release.

He was arrested on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and vehicular manslaughter, CHP said. He was also determined to not have a license.

He remained in custody Thursday and his bail was set at $20,000, according to the Fresno County Sheriffs Office.

This embedded content is not available in your region.
Four parks in Johnson County are being commemorated with posters in the classic WPA-style of art used by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s and memorably employed in posters celebrating the national parks of the U.S.

After a call for artists as part of the Johnson County Park and Recreation Districts JCPRD Poster Project the spring, the results were put on display earlier this month and are available for purchase now.

The featured parks include:

Big Bull Creek Park in Edgerton, with art by Tad Carpenter

Cedar Niles Park in Olathe, with art by Daniel Bartle

Lexington Lake Park in De Soto, with art by Luke Wittman

Shawnee Mission Park in Shawnee, with art by Michael Perry

Four local artists were commissioned to feature scenes from four JCPRD parks using the iconic and majestic style used by the Federal Art Project artists of the 1930s. Postcards, notecards, posters, and canvases of their artwork are available to purchase at https://t.co/yOPk7imqYb pic.twitter.com/1QYf5ilUI4  JCPRD (@JCPRDparks) August 16, 2023

The parks department said on its website that the goals for the project are to celebrate and raise awareness for the parks, trails and facilities that are part of their system.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The project also provides opportunities to showcase Kansas City-area artists and raise money to support the public art program.

You can buy posters, postcards and note cards on Parks and Green Spaces website.

Prices range from $12 for a set of four postcards or note cards, $35 for a 9-inch by 12-inch poster, $60 for an 18-inch by 24-inch poster and $250 for a 25-inch by 32-inch stretched canvas.
S. Korean opposition party chief calls Japan's nuke wastewater dumping "act of terror"

Xinhua) 08:54, August 24, 2023

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)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Columbia and Summer intersection closed for reconstruction, utility relocation

The Indiana Department of Transportation will temporarily close the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Summer Street in Hammond for utility relocations and road reconstruction starting Monday for about two months as part of the Summer Street Reconstruction Project. Motorists should consider using Calumet Avenue or Indianapolis Boulevard when traveling north or south. Drivers traveling east and west should consider using Michigan Avenue or 165th Street. Summer Street westbound will be diverted to State Street at Grant Avenue.

The project is a $14 million reconstruction of Summer Street from Columbia Avenue to Indianapolis Blvd that includes new utilities, sidewalks, curb and gutter and funded through a grant from the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission and local match from the City of Hammond, Hammond Water Works Department and the Hammond Sanitary District. Mayor Thomas M. McDermott, Jr. said the work is the first step in improving storm sewer separation that will help the area known as Blackmuns Addition  located east of Columbia between Summer Street and the Norfolk Southern railroad  that was severely impacted by the May 23, 2020 storm that dumped more than 4 inches of rain in one hour in Hammond.

Advertisement

Culvert replacement project to close Eagle Ridge Drive

A section of Eagle Ridge Drive in Schererville will be closed from Monday through September 22, for a culvert replacement project. The roadway will be closed to through traffic from Deer Creek Drive to Willowbrook Drive. Local businesses, including the Schererville Branch of the U.S. Post Office, will have access from Willowbrook Drive.

Detour signage will be posted.

Advertisement

All traffic is encouraged to plan ahead in using alternate roadways to avoid the work zone and closure areas whenever possible.

NIPSCO line work will close three roads in Schererville

Schererville will have a series of road closures starting next week as NIPSCO completes aerial electric line work.

On Aug. 29 and 30, 77th Avenue between St. John Road and Hart Street will be closed between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.

On Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, Seberger Road between Austin Avenue and the Cline Avenue roundabout will be closed between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. The roundabout will remain open.

On Sept. 5, Cline Avenue between Joliet Street and Avenue H will be closed between 7 a.m. and 5 a.m. The roundabout will remain open.

All traffic is encouraged to plan ahead in using alternate roadways to avoid the work zone and closure areas whenever possible.
Fox News moderator Bret Baier confronted the crowd in the first GOP debate after attendants booed former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) following criticism he gave of former President Trump.

So listen, the more time we spend doing this, the less time they can talk about issues you want to talk about, Baier told the crowd after several rounds of booing interrupted the debate.

Christie was asked earlier in the debate about his hesitance in raising his hand in response to a question about whether the Republican presidential candidates would still support Trump as their partys choice despite his legal troubles.

Heres the bottom line. Someones got to stop normalizing this conduct, OK?  Now, whether or not  whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, Christie said, leading to boos.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is the great thing about this country. Booing is allowed, but it doesnt change the truth, Christie followed up.

That prompted some pushback from biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy who said, Lets just speak the truth, OK? President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century.

Im not running for president of MSNBC. I am running for president of the United States, Ramaswamy added at one point, taking a jab at Christie.

Christie was booed again as he sought to respond to Ramaswamy, leading to Baiers admonishing the crowd.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Theres one day left for you to cash in on the $725 million privacy settlement Meta agreed to last year.

Meta is paying to settle a lawsuit alleging the worlds largest social media platform allowed millions of its users personal information to be fed to Cambridge Analytica, a firm that supported Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, the Associated Press reported.

Anyone in the U.S. who has had a Facebook account between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, is eligible to receive a payment.

Even if you deleted your Facebook account you may also be eligible, but the payout will depend on how long you were active on the account.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The amount of money each person will receive has not been announced yet but the larger number of people claiming their share will lower how much everyone receives since the money is split.

To apply for the settlement, Facebook users can fill out the form and submit it online, the deadline is Friday, August 25.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, damaged by a massive March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, is seen from the nearby Ukedo fishing port in Namie town, northeastern Japan, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant will start releasing treated and diluted radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean as early as Thursday. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

OKUMA, Japan (AP)  The tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has begun releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean  a controversial step that prompted China to immediately ban seafood from Japan.

People inside and outside the country protested Thursday's wastewater release, with Japanese fishing groups fearing it will further damage the reputation of their seafood and groups in China and South Korea raising concerns, making it a political and diplomatic issue.

In response, Chinese customs authorities banned seafood from Japan, customs authorities said Thursday. The ban started immediately and will affect all imports of aquatic products including seafood, according to the notice. Authorities said they will dynamically adjust relevant regulatory measures as appropriate to prevent the risks of nuclear-contaminated water discharge to the health and food safety of our country.

Shortly after Chinas announcement, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings President Tomoaki Kobayakawa said the utility was preparing to compensate Japanese business owners appropriately for damages suffered by export bans from the foreign government. He said China is a key trading partner and he will do his utmost to provide scientific explanations of the release so the ban will be dropped as soon as possible.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Japan asked China to immediately lift the ban. We will keep strongly requesting that the Chinese government firmly carry out a scientific discussion, Kishida said, pledging to protect the fisheries industry from reputational damage due to the release.

The Japanese government and TEPCO say the water must be released to make room for the plants decommissioning and to prevent accidental leaks. They say the treatment and dilution will make the wastewater safer than international standards and its environmental impact will be negligible.

Tony Hooker, director of the Center for Radiation Research, Education, Innovation at the University of Adelaide, said the water released from the Fukushima plant is safe. It certainly is well below the World Health Organization drinking water guidelines, he said.

Its a very political issue of disposing radiation into the sea, he said. I understand peoples concerns and thats because we as scientists have not explained it in a very good way, and we need to do more education.

Still, some scientists say the long-term impact of the low-level radioactivity that remains in the water needs attention.

In a live video from a control room at the plant, TEPCO showed a staff member turn on a seawater pump with a click of a mouse, marking the beginning of the controversial project that is expected to last for decades.

Seawater Pump A activated," the main operator said, confirming the release was underway. TEPCO said an additional wastewater release pump was activated 20 minutes after the first. Plant officials said everything was moving smoothly so far.

In a statement Thursday, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said, IAEA experts are there on the ground to serve as the eyes of the international community and ensure that the discharge is being carried out as planned consistent with IAEA safety standards.

The United Nations agency also said it would launch a webpage to provide live data about the discharge, and repeated its assurance that the IAEA would have an on-site presence for the duration of the release.

The United States said the Japan has been open and transparent as it has sought to responsibly manage the Fukushima Daiichi site and the eventual release of treated water, proactively coordinating with scientists and partners.

The IAEA has concluded that Japans process is safe and consistent with internationally accepted nuclear safety standards, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Friday.

The water release begins more than 12 years after the March 2011 nuclear meltdowns caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami. It marks a milestone for the plants battle with an ever-growing radioactive water stockpile that TEPCO and the government say has hampered the daunting task of removing fatally toxic melted debris from the reactors.

The pump activated Thursday afternoon sent the first batch of the diluted, treated water from a mixing pool to a secondary pool 10 minutes later. It then moves through a connected undersea tunnel to go out 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) off the coast. Officials said the water moves at a walking speed and will take about 30 minutes to exit from the tunnel.

The operator checked data and the progress on a set of four monitors that show the water volume, pump conditions and any alerts.

TEPCO executive Junichi Matsumoto said Thursdays release was planned to start small in order to ensure safety.

The wastewater is collected and partly recycled as cooling water after treatment, with the rest stored in around 1,000 tanks, which are already filled to 98% of their 1.37-million-ton capacity. Those tanks, which cover much of the plant complex, must be freed up to build the new facilities needed for the decommissioning process, officials said.

Final preparation for the release began Tuesday, when just one ton of treated water was sent from a tank for dilution with 1,200 tons of seawater, and the mixture was kept in the primary pool for two days for final sampling to ensure safety, Matsumoto said. A batch of 460 tons was to be sent to the mixing pool Thursday for the actual discharge.

Fukushimas fisheries, tourism and economy  which are still recovering from the disaster  worry the release could be the beginning of a new hardship.

Fukushimas current fish catch is only about one-fifth its pre-disaster level, in part due to a decline in the fishing population. China has tightened radiation testing on Japanese products from Fukushima and nine other prefectures, halting exports at customs for weeks, Fisheries Agency officials said.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the release is indispensable and could not be postponed. He noted an experimental removal of a small amount of the melted debris from the No. 2 reactor is set for later this year using a remote-controlled giant robotic arm.

In 2021, the Japanese government announced plans to release the treated water to the sea. Then, on Sunday, Kishida made a rushed visit to the plant before meeting with fisheries representatives and pledging to support their livelihoods until the release ends.

The hurried timeline raised skepticism that it was made to fit Kishidas busy political schedule in September. But Economy and Industry Ministry officials say they wanted the release to start as early as possible and have good safety records ahead of the fall fishing season.

The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami destroyed the plants cooling systems, causing three reactors to melt. Highly contaminated cooling water applied to the damaged reactors has leaked continuously to building basements and mixed with groundwater.

TEPCO plans to release 31,200 tons of the treated water by the end of March 2024, which would empty only 10 tanks because of the contaminated production of wastewater at the plant, though the pace will later pick up.

___

Associated Press writer Huizhong Wu in Taipei, Taiwan, contributed to this report.
A Georgia judge on Thursday signed off on a quick turnaround to the start of the trial for Kenneth Chesebro, one of 18 defendants charged alongside former President Donald Trump in connection with alleged efforts to overturn the state's 2020 election results.

The ruling, scheduling an Oct. 23 start to Chesebro's trial, came just after Trump's newly appointed attorney said he would move to sever the former president's case from Chesebro or any other defendant who sought an expedited timeline.

Earlier Thursday, Fani Willis , the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia, asked Judge Scott McAfee to set Oct. 23 as the start of the trial for all defendants. Her office's request came after Chesebro had demanded a speedy trial, which under Georgia law gave Willis' office until the end of October to begin the case.

Willis previously proposed that the trial should start for all 19 defendants on March 4, 2024.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McAfee approved the Oct. 23 trial date for Chesebro only, specifying that the accelerated timeline for the trial and pretrial proceedings "do[es] not apply to any co-defendant."

The Oct. 23 date was sure to elicit pushback from more defendants given the complexity of the case and the mountains of evidence that defense teams are entitled to review before any trial begins. In each of the three other cases in which Trump faces charges, his attorneys have asked for trials to be delayed beyond the presidential election next November.

It's unclear when McAfee might decide on a trial schedule for the remaining defendants.

Chesebro, an attorney who supported Trump, filed a "demand for speedy trial" on Aug. 23.

"Without waiving any objection as to the sufficiency of defendant Kenneth John Chesebro's filing, the state requests that this court specifically set the trial in this case to commence on October 23, 2023," Willis wrote in response.

Scott Grubman, an attorney for Chesebro, said in a statement that his client "will be prepared to move forward with trial for whatever date the Court ultimately sets." In an earlier statement, Grubman said Chesebro "maintains his innocence and remains confident as the legal process continues."

Trump and 18 of his associates were indicted on racketeering, election fraud and other charges last week related to alleged attempts to overturn the state's 2020 election results.

The new proposed trial date comes as defendants in the case, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, continue to turn themselves in ahead of a noon Friday deadline to surrender. Trump is expected to arrive in Fulton County for processing on Thursday evening and has denied all wrongdoing. Giuliani has also maintained his innocence.

Trial delayed for suspect in Idaho student murders

GOP presidential candidates square off in first debate, but without Trump

Explosion may have downed plane carrying Wagner chief, U.S. official says
Billy McFarland is making another go at the music-festival thingtrust him. McFarland was the man behind Fyre Festival, the gold-crusted 2017 concert in the Bahamas that turned out to be the most marketable failure in the history of event planning. McFarland raised a few million dollars, paid some A-list Instagram celebrities to promote it (stealthily, those influencers thought), and skipped over a few things more fundamental to a destination music festival, like food, lodging, performances, and the basic physical comfort of the people involved. The whole thing unraveledbut only after concertgoers had arrived on-site.

McFarland defrauded investors (obviously) in the course of setting up this nonfestival festival. He eventually pleaded guilty to wire fraud, admitting that he cooked up fake documents to attract money and also that he sold fake tickets to fashion shows and sporting events. The price tag of all this bilking of investors and customers worked out to $26 million, the Justice Department said, and McFarland went off to prison. He became much more famous from the inside: McFarlands shenanigans became the subject of two well-received 2019 documentaries that came out within days of each other. He got out of prison last spring, not long after serving a confounding six months in solitary confinement, and quickly launched exactly the press offensive one would imagine: Billy McFarland Is out of Jail and Ready for His Next Move, reads the headline in the New York Times, above a dimly lit portrait of the subject.

His next moveif youre willing to believe himis a new Fyre Fest. On Tuesday, McFarland announced on YouTube that he was resurrecting his dead-on-arrival creation after pondering the idea in solitary. Itll be somewhere in the Caribbean, he said, with a target date around the end of 2024. Guys, this is your chance to get in, he said. McFarland said later in the day that the first drop of tickets had sold out, a claim that may or may not be true. (Again, one of McFarlands crimes was the sale of fake tickets.) That drop appears to have been 100 tickets for $500 each, which is a genuinely amazing haul, and future drops will see the prices of tickets supposedly get as high as $7,999 a pop. Whether McFarland is selling fake tickets a second time or selling real ones at these price points, its a truly audacious moment in capitalism. This guy?

And yet McFarland is doing the most natural thing imaginable, calling a play out of the only playbook he could possibly use. America is a land of opportunity for white-collar criminals with a story to tell, and McFarland is far from the first to attempt such a comeback.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its a real dynamic in American business, written about so well by Bloombergs Matt Levine, that imploding spectacularly in ones financial pursuits is a viable way to earn new opportunities. The classic example: If some investment banker loses a billion dollars, then he will probably be fired, but at least hell have demonstrated that he was a big-enough deal for someone to trust him with a billion dollars. Only impressive people manage to cause that kind of damage. Unimpressive people wouldnt get the chance in the first place.

It is pretty clear that the same principle applies to actual financial wrongdoers and criminals for whom the jig has already been up. In 2021 former hedge fund guy Bill Hwang, who once paid millions after being slapped with insider trading charges by the Securities and Exchange Commission, got to blow up the stock market for a few days. That became possible only because some of the most prestigious financial institutions in the world, as well as some extremely wealthy individuals, decided to lend him money that he could throw around to move the market. Goldman Sachs, which reportedly once had Hwang on a blacklist, believed in his comeback. There are business revival stories and reputational revival stories to match. Investor and financier Michael Milken spent 22 months in prison for securities fraud beginning in 1990. But Milkens philanthropy and friendships eventually detoxified his name so much that his prison time was just a tiny piece of the story when George Washington University put his name on a school in 2014. If your misdeeds were enormous but financial in nature, you can bounce back.

Of course, figures like Hwang and Milken had lots of money to put into polishing their profiles, and McFarland, a younger man who agreed to a $26 million forfeiture in his plea deal, probably doesnt. But consider how gracefully other financial miscreants have gotten giant institutions, which have a structure for weighing the risks of their associations, to climb back into bed with them. McFarland doesnt even have to do that sort of wooing. His target clientele is not Credit Suisse (rest in peace) but  millennials who spend too much time online? Attractive people with Instagram accounts? These are not groups that do robust vetting of much of anything, and McFarlands crash and burn gave him an extremely valuable currency with that demographic: fame.

McFarland is known for being a dumbass and a liar, but he is known. There are many ways in which his rebooted music festival could and likely will fail, assuming that it even materializes at all. But McFarlands star turn as his life collapsed into rubble has made him an undeniable curiosity. Wall Street types who flame out get to try again because there is something substantive about being in a high-enough position to make headlines for white-collar crime. Someone like McFarland gets to try again because, no matter what happens with a new music festival that quite possibly will never come into existence, throwing a few dollars in his direction will at least make for a C-plus story. And for McFarlands purposes, its not clear that the festival even has to work. Its planning, such as it is, may well just have to be something that the cameras can capture for a documentary hes participating in.

We should all be able to tell where this is heading as a genre. Sam Bankman-Fried sits in a jail cell awaiting his trial this fall over his central role in the collapse of his crypto exchange and his alleged misuse of customer funds. The reason hes in jail before trial is that Bankman-Fried was an incredibly annoying defendant for the judge and prosecutorsmost specifically, the prosecutors said, by sharing case documents with a New York Times reporter. Bankman-Fried spent much of the time after FTXs destruction talking to as many reporters and podcasters as he could. Elizabeth Holmes, the Theranos fraudster who recently began her own prison sentence, sat for a Times profile before she went away. (She is now Liz, not Elizabeth.) Holmes had already gotten her sentence when she embarked on that public-relations offensive, and the timing was telling: There was no hope of changing her near-term fate, but maybe there was hope of softening her image for whatever would come later. Today theres a Fyre Fest II. Tomorrow there will be an FTX II or a Theranos II, because no volume of industry bans or securities regulation can keep down a white-collar crook with a loud-enough microphone.
A Lawton, Okla. woman who pleaded guilty to Intoxicated Manslaughter in a wreck in Wichita Falls in 2019 got the maximum sentence from a jury in 89th District Court Thursday.

Justine Gallegos, seen with attorney Bob Estrada, was sentenced to the maximum of 20 years in prison Thursday on conviction of Intoxicated Manslaughter in the death of a Burkburnett woman in a Wichita Falls wreck in 2019.

Justine Gallego, 33, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. She pleaded guilty to the charges at the beginning of her trial but left the punishment to the jury.

More: Jury hears tearful testimony from father of a drunk driving victim

In closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Matt Shelton pointed out that Gallegos was on probation for a drunk driving charge in Oklahoma when she drove from Lawton to Wichita Falls for a night of drinking at the Boulevard nightclub on Kell Boulevard on Sept. 28, 2019. He said she disregarded pleas from a security guard at the nightclub not to drive away and moments later was traveling 110 mph on Kell.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More: Oklahoma woman pleads guilty to fatal drunk driving wreck in Wichita Falls

Gallegos' car hit a concrete barrier, careened across a grassy median near Taft Boulevard and struck a car driven by 28-year-old Pimporn C. Kasemthaveetsak of Burkburnett. The impact forced Kasemthaveetsak's car into a tree and she was killed almost instantly.

More: Woman set for trial for allegedly killing Burk woman in drunk driving crash in WF

Lab tests showed Gallegos had three times the legal limit of alcohol in her blood.

"She knew the rules and she did what she did. She deserves a long sentence," Shelton told jurors. He said she only pleaded guilty because she "saw the handwriting on the wall."

"This wasn't an accident. This was cold indifference," he said.

Jurors had an option of giving Gallego probation, but Shelton called that option "trash."

Defense attorney Robert Estrada seized on that statement in his closing statement

"It's not one bit trash. It's what makes us the democratic society we are. I ask you to honor the law," Estrada said.

Estrada said what happened was a "horrible thing. She made a horrible decision that night."

He said Gallegos never blamed anyone else for what happened.

"She took full responsibility," he said.

Gallegos took the stand in her own defense. She said she attends Alcoholics Anonymous several times a week and is a regular churchgoer. A sister and some friends testified on her behalf, telling jurors how she takes care of her mother and two boys and works in the family's retail business.

In the end, it took the jury just 40 minutes to decide Gallegos should get the maximum sentence. She could become eligible for parole in 10 years.

Family and friends of Kasemthaveetsak made impact statements after the verdict was read, with the victim's father breaking down in tears. Dale Moore said during testimony he hasn't had a good day since his adopted daughter was killed.

Gallegos had been free on $125,000 bail but was led from the courtroom in handcuffs.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Gallegos gets 20-year sentence in Intoxicated Manslaughter trial
The Naples Daily News announced today that Tom Claybaugh has been named the general manager in the Naples market. In this role, Claybaugh will work closely with the executive editor to strengthen local connection points with businesses and brands to drive community-based strategies and engagement effective October 1.

Tom Claybaugh has worked in several Gannett markets over the last 34 years including serving in vice president roles in Tennessee, New York and the Carolinas. Tom was most recently the regional vice president of market solutions for Southwest Florida. He studied at Brockport State University and later served in the Navy Nuclear Power program for six years. Tom has also served on the board of directors for five chambers of commerce across the country.

Tom Claybaugh

We are excited to work closely with Tom as the general manager in Naples to ensure the continued strength and success of the Naples Daily News while working with the USA TODAY Network across the country, said Wendy Fullerton Powell, executive editor of the Naples Daily News. Partnering with our community to grow and thrive is critical to our success and Tom will be a key partner as we implement strategic plans to benefit consumers, partners and this community which we deeply care about.

About the Naples Daily News

The Naples Daily News was founded in 1923, the Naples Daily News has served Collier and southern Lee counties as the main source of news, things to do, investigations, food, arts, nature and more. Part of the USA TODAY Network, our award-winning publication has lifted the bar on bringing readers the most informative and up-to-date information possible from breaking news to food and dining to high school sports.

About USA TODAY Network

The USA TODAY network, part of Gannett Co, Inc. (NYSE: GCI), is the leading news media publisher in the U.S. in terms of circulation, powered by our award-winning newsrooms and digital marketing solutions business. With deep roots in local communities spanning the U.S. with more than 200 local media brands, plus USA TODAY, we engage more than 125 million people every month through a diverse portfolio of multi-platform content offerings and experiences. For more information, visit www.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Gannett names Tom Claybaugh general manager for naples daily news
A creature often seen in swamps and rivers was discovered in an unlikely place  outside a Michigan womans home.

A woman in Romulus, a Detroit suburb, called police when she spotted the alligator on her back patio, officers said in an Aug. 23 news release.

The skeptical sergeant speaking to the woman made sure she was safe, then asked for a picture of the animal. The woman sent over the photo to confirm the unusual sighting.

The photo shows the alligator with its mouth bound shut lying beside a grill on the patio.

Well, Ill be, the sergeant responded, police said. DISPATCH!

The alligator was rescued and taken to the Animal Magic sanctuary, WDIV reported. Its unclear who the reptile belonged to.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This guy did not come out of the wild, Mark Rosenthal, the owner of the sanctuary, told WDIV. This, Im going to guess, (came from) a pet shop or was smuggled back from Florida. Well never know. He cant talk, so well never know the story behind him.

Police are calling it the Romulus Alligator Event of 2023.

A common saying in police work is that officers have a front row seat to the greatest show on earth, police said of the incident. When you start your workday, you never know whats going to happen. Because of this, police work is interesting, and officers get some pretty good stories.

Young alligator found living it up in softball dugout at Florida high school, cops say

Homeowner spots baby gator near river  and takes it in as a pet, Texas officials say
Consumed with pandemic-era grief, Gen Zs apathy towards attending college has grown  even influencing students as young as middle schoolers.

A new YPulse report found two in five Gen Z students agreed with the statement: The pandemic has made me less interested in pursuing higher education.

Middle school students, generally 11 to 13 years old, not only contribute to the trend but also lead the view that work experience is more valuable.

That attitude has translated into an 8% decline in college enrollment from 2019 to 2022, showing how attending college is no longer a given for Gen Z.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

Seeing the way many Millennials are saddled with insurmountable debt from the higher ed system, and knowing from their online lives that other paths are possible, these high school and even middle school students are reconsidering if they even need college to be successful, YPulse wrote in the report.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Gen Z advocates Brian Femminella, co-founder and chief executive officer of SoundMind, Bella Santos, community leadership board president of The Conversationalist, and Ian Gates, policy and program quality fellow of The Opportunity Project Tulsa talked about key takeaways from the report:

From left to right, Brian Femminella, 23, Bella Santos, 20, and Ian Gates, 22.

1. The vast majority of Gen Z middle school students say they dont see a future pursuing college.

YPulse found 80% of Gen Z middle school students and 85% of high school students plan to go to college compared to 100% pre-pandemic.

YPulse

Gates, 22, said pandemic-era online learning showed younger Gen Z students how monotonous taking classes can be  whether theyre in middle school, high school, community college or a four-year institution.

[Gen Z] is thinking about different options now, Gates told The 74. A lot of us are thinking about non-college careerslike being a Youtuber, influencer and other alternate paths like that.

Femminella, 23, said his own college education didnt necessarily help him start his mental health company.

When I see how a lot of younger kids would rather do something else, I applaud that, Femminella told The 74. We need more folks that want to do different things and shouldnt fall into the stigma of college being a must.

Related: Gen Z Entrepreneurs Tackle Youth Mental Health Crisis With Music Therapy

2. Gen Z students are more likely to find Google and YouTube more helpful than a teacher.

YPulse found Gen Z students were more likely to choose Google and YouTube over a teacher when asked: If you wanted to learn something new, what resources would you use?

Santos, 20, wasnt shocked.

There is often not a ton of oversight when it comes to how choosy schools are with who gets to teach  especially in public schools, Santos told The 74. Teachers and the system in which they teach arent always suited for success to begin with.

Gates said disparaging parent attitudes towards teachers and school curriculum also had an effect on how Gen Z grows up to question the value of a college education.

With the parental rights movement, certainly when youre telling your kid hey your teachers are trying to indoctrinate you and make you communist and make you gay it obviously gets to them, Gates said.

Gates added how states such as Florida, which have banned AP Psychology and AP African American Studies, contribute to Gen Zs disinterest in pursuing higher education by not exposing them to diverse courses.

3. Gen Z college students struggle to stay interested in their classes and believe they dont teach practical skills.

YPulse found 55% of current Gen Z undergraduate students and 38% of Gen Z graduate students found their classes not relevant to their lives  in part because college doesnt teach practical skills such as mental health skills, cooking and personal finance.

Learning should be an enriching experience no matter what your interests are, Santos said. Yet school systems are often set up to just drill information into peoples brains.

Femminella said mental health concerns should be the foundation on which professors shape their curriculum.

There are some moments when students in college need to have a mental health day because theyre overworked, Femminella said. Theres not a lot of outlets and resources until its too lateand youre really in the midst of a mental health crisis when theres ways to avoid that.

Femminella also said colleges should require personal finance and cooking courses.

A lot of colleges forget that when Gen Z students close their computer, theyre a human and have to go do other human things like pay bills, cook and clean, Femminella said. I think its something that should just be incorporated into the entire university structure.

4. Gen Z students wish they learned about alternative career paths growing up.

YPulse found that 74% of Gen Z students wish they learned more about alternative career paths compared to a traditional college education.

YPulse

Santos said the social stigma of not attending college is declining among Gen Z students.

I dont think its for everyone, I dont think its necessary, so it makes sense that other people in my generation see that, Santos said.

Gates added how this is especially true for students who come from immigrant families and used to feel the pressure that college is just whats next.

Gen Z knows people are graduating college with all these loans, Gates said. Theyre taking that into account, especially those from lower income families, and asking themselves if college is really worth it.

Related: What Gen Z Teens Are Asking About Education, Work and Their Future

5. Gen Z students believe work experience is more important than a college education.

YPulse found that 57% of Gen Z middle school students and 49% of Gen Z high school students believe work experience is more important than a college education.

YPulse

Femminella said work experience has been the most helpful tool to his success.

When youre in your field and you get to practice, you also get to fail, Femminella said. And by failing you learn the most, and thats been invaluable to starting my company.
Valparaiso sculptor Chad Copeland relaxes in his studio. He received the biggest commission of his career, the centerpiece of Valparaiso's new skatepark now under construction at Fairgrounds Park. User Upload Caption: Artist Chad Copeland of Valparaiso, who was a skater at the original Flounder Skate Park at Rogers Lakewood Park, was selected to create a sculpture for the city's new skatepark under construction at Fairgrounds Park. (Doug Ross/Post-Tribune)

The Valparaiso Creative Council has a deadline to raise $45,000, much of it earmarked for a commissioned sculpture at the center of the new skatepark under construction at Fairgrounds Park.

An expected grant will match the private donations, VCC Executive Director Jessica Corral said, but with the stipulation that the money be raised by within three months. Thats a deadline of Oct. 2.

Advertisement

Our attempt is to raise $90,000 in 90 days, she said. Thats not as simple as getting a few really large donations. No one donor can be over 20% of what were doing, she said. That shows broad public support for the groups mission.

Already, the group has received more than $12,000 toward its goal, including an $8,000 donation, giving the Dane and Mary Louise Foundation naming rights for the sculpture. Raising $45,000 combined with the matching grant equals $90,000 toward public art in the city.

Advertisement

From the beginning, Dug Kettermans design for the skatepark incorporated a sculpture at the center. Ketterman, who grew up in Valparaiso, was a driving force behind the citys original skatepark and a close friend of Ray Wampler, nicknamed Flounder, for whom the park was named. Ketterman is now a world-famous designer of skateparks and other adventure areas.

One of the entrants was a skater himself at the original Flounder Skate Park, at Rogers Lakewood Park, Corral said.

That skater, Chad Copeland, of Valparaiso, submitted five designs for the competition. His favorite was chosen.

Its not really about the money, he said. Its really, truly about having my first public commission.

This is the crown jewel of my portfolio that says, Hey, youve made it, Copeland said.

The sculpture will be 18 feet tall, built in sections. The garage he uses for his workshop has a 13-foot ceiling.

Copeland plans to assemble it in the driveway to make sure it all fits together well, then truck it to the park in sections for the final assembly.

The sculpture will be made of corten steel so it wont rust through. After several years, it will acquire a rust patina. No painting is necessary.

Advertisement

It features a central spire with ellipses on the top third to represent the moves a skateboarder might make. Visitors to the VCC fundraiser Saturday at the Butterfield Pavilion at Fairgrounds Park will see a 3D print of the sculpture design. The free event is noon to 3 p.m.

Last year, we had a lot of people bring all their wheels, Corral said.

It will take about 200 hours to create the final product, Copeland estimates.

Copeland earned his bachelor of fine arts degree from Ball State University, which had newer equipment in its shops for artists to use. The students hadnt broken anything yet, he said.

As a teaching assistant, Copeland supervised the metalworking and wood shops, instructing students how not to hurt cut their fingers off on table saws and stuff.

The real joy, he said, was after the other students left for the night. Wed be in there doing art stuff until 2 or 3 in the morning, Copeland said.

Advertisement

Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
George Santos told party guests he's lost 97 pounds on Ozempic, Page Six reported.

He also said fighting Mitt Romney in cage match wouldn't "fair" because he knows jiu-jitsu.

Santos  who's come under fire for repeated fabrications  thinks he'll win again in 2024, the outlet reported.

Controversial GOP Congressman George Santos is apparently ready to step into the octagon, Page Six reported.

According to Page Six sources, the embattled New York representative boasted about losing nearly 100 pounds thanks to the diabetes medication Ozempic and that a cage fight between himself and Mitt Romney wouldn't be fair.

Santos made the remarks while attending a birthday party at the upscale Manhattan restaurant Bice, Page Six reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A fellow guest jokingly suggested the congressman take on political foe Mitt Romney in a cage fight, similar to the playful threats exchanged between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, the outlet said.

Santos responded by bragging about his jiu-jitsu skills and how he'd stomp the Utah senator in a fight, Page Six reported.

"I'd do that, but it wouldn't be fair as I'm Brazilian, and I'd beat his butt because I studied jiu-jitsu for five years," Santos said, according to the Page Six source.

A Santos spokesperson confirmed to Page Six that Santos studied jiu-jitsu. Before the Page Six article, Santos hadn't spoken publicly about any martial arts training.

A Santos spokesperson declined to comment further on Santos' purported jiu-jitsu training or his use of Ozempic to Insider, writing, "I will not comment on sensitive matters such as the Congressman's health to respect HIPAA law." (HIPPA laws only apply to health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers.)



Santos is currently facing a 13-count federal indictment related to alleged financial crimes. Prosecutors claim Santos was involved in a scheme to defraud investors and launder stolen money. Santos pleaded not guilty to the charges in January. In July, he asked the judge to change his bail conditions so it's easier to dine out and go shopping.

Beyond the fraud allegations, the congressman has also admitted to lying about many elements of his background while first running for office in 2020. Santos confessed he lied about his education, working for major Wall Street banks, and other details from his biography.

The lies and criminal charges haven't stopped Santos from seeking reelection in 2024. Page Six reported that its source said Santos remains confident he'll win the GOP primary and general election next year.

Santos reportedly told attendees he expects to regain committee assignments he relinquished in January amid the ballooning scandals. The congressman previously sat on the House Small Business Committee and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

Story updated to reflect response from Santos spokesperson.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Conservatives from across the country who are accused of participating in a conspiracy to steal the 2020 election are flocking to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta this week, as they approach their deadline for surrender. Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants have until Friday at noon to turn themselves in for arraignment.

A fun side effect of justice being prepared (if not yet served) in this case is a slew of low-def mug shots for some of this generations sleaziest, most treasonous attorneys and Republican Party officials. They are unflattering, they are rich with potential for schadenfreude, and if you print them out, theyd make a great game of Guess Who? for resistance Boomers.

But who managed to pose for the best mug shot so far? Let us assess.

Donald Trump. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Jeffrey Clark . Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

For those who have been salivating with anticipation for this image, it may be satisfying to see the leader of this alleged conspiracy treated like any other common criminal. But any such pleasure diminishes with the knowledge that Trump is already selling merch emblazoned with the photo, spinning his supposedly unjust persecution as a point of pride. (The New York Times implied on Friday that, for Trump supporters, this mug shot will be prized in the way of Martin Luther King Jr.s or John Lewis.) At any rate, Trump has obviously been practicing his angles for this moment. True to form, he opted to make a classic tough-guy face, with a furrowed brow and mean mouth, as a small act of defiance against the humbling machinery of the justice system. Yeah, yeah, we get it. But against his best efforts, his mug shot contains two reminders of his ultimate demise: His puffed-up hair catches all the harsh glare, shining like a halo, while his skin remains matte and corpselike. Death comes for us all.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

*Record scratch.* *Freeze frame.* Yup, thats Jeffrey Clark. Youre probably wondering how he ended up getting booked on RICO charges for allegedly attempting to overturn the results of a democratic election. Well, he made a little oopsie (allegedly tried to have the Justice Department interfere with the Georgia election results), and now hes in a real pickle! Clarks doofy half-smile says, Oh, brother. Can you believe I pulled a Jeff again? Total hot mess over here! Adulting, amirite?

Trevian Kutti. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Robert Cheeley. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

I hesitate to include this one in the roundup because something tells me its one of those cursed chain-letter pictures that brings certain death or derangement upon everyone who views it. But in the spirit of comprehensiveness, here it is: the ecstatic face of a common flack who had absolutely no reason to involve herself in a criminal campaign of sleazy Republicans, yet chose to wriggle her way right into the center of it by allegedly trying to intimidate an election worker falsely accused of fraud. (You are a loose end for a party that needs to tidy up, Kutti said, according to body camera footage.) Her brand as an apologist for lowlifes remains strong.

The checkered shirt with a sport coat is a telling choice here. Cheeley isnt one of these East Coast snobs with their suits and ties. Hes a good old Georgia boyborn, raised, educated, and employed. He simply refuses to dignify the sheriffs office with a necktie. And he is going to stare deep into the soul of that damn camera like hes on a billboard for a personal injury attorney. His own namesake law firmwhich, yes, specializes in personal injurybills itself as Audacious. Tenacious. Respected. The first two certainly come across in his bulldog stare. Respected, though? Jurys out.

Shawn Still. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Misty Hampton. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

It tracks that this guy was a fake GOP elector in this alleged conspiracy, because he looks like a non-player character in the worlds most boring video game. (Can you make it out of middle management with only two lives and three Manila folders left?) Still is making his best effort to blend in: His hair matches his suit, which perfectly complements the sheriffs office mug shot backdrop. Hes pretty sure his indictment wont affect his political careerhe was elected to the Georgia Senate in January 2023, long after his stint as a fake elector, and he might not even be suspended if GOP Gov. Brian Kemp looks kindly on his plight. Still likes his chances, but hes trying not to rock the boat.

Shes just happy to be here! Hampton never dreamed shed have the chance to partake in an election-stealing scheme on behalf of the greatest president in American historyand yet, here she is, not only having allegedly facilitated a breach of the voting systems shed sworn to protect, but being arraigned right alongside the man himself! Everythings coming up Misty!

Sidney Powell. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Jenna Ellis. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Wearing the vacant gaze of the deeply hypnotized, paired with a white, collarless blouse, Powell looks like a member of the chain-smoking doomsday cult in The Leftovers being nabbed for a bout of domestic terrorism. Her forehead is placid and dewy; her grin is slack. Having been red-pilled against the deep state in the way of an internet-illiterate boomer, Powell is a true believer. This mug shot is all part of Trumps beautiful master plan. There is nothing to fear.

Is this sponcon? Ellis, who somehow, at 38, found her way into this geriatric criminal enterprise, has the blank, dutiful smile and drugstore makeup of a low-level influencer peddling personalized jewelry and tummy tea. Its the look of a millennial whose primary question after stepping in major legal doo-doo is How will this fit into my personal brand? On social media, Ellis has been sharing links to blog posts with headlines such as Jenna Ellis Absolutely ROCKS Her Fulton County Mugshot; after the indictment was released last week, she tweeted a quote from a hymn about keeping the faith in dark timeseven so it is well with my soulrendered in an Etsy bridesmaid font. Print it on a prison mug!

Rudy Giuliani. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Kenneth Chesebro. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Americas Mayor is the only indictee to have managed a vaguely threatening look in his mug shot. The barely raised eyebrow, the disappearing lips, the stooped posture, the craggy face, the eyes that have seen some things: He looks like a mobster, and because I am Italian-American, I can say that. Giuliani is telling prosecutors that if theyre not careful, hell send his goons all the way to Ritz Carlton HVAC Repair Services to give them the business. Unfortunately, they are already on their way to confiscate his American flag pin.

My dude is absolutely terrified. Hes already thinking about what demeaning nicknames hell incur on the cell block. (Cheese Bro is an obvious contender, but Im sure the incarcerated community of Georgia can do better.) The man in this mug shot gets hives if he even thinks about loosening his tie; he passes out if someone tousles his hair. This photo has captured the fleeting moment of a poorly lived life flashing before a set of eyes. Must have been a fast shutter speed.

David Shafer. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Cathy Latham. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Shafer has the shameless, self-satisfied smile of a bit player in conservative politics who has finally wormed his way into a national news story. Its the face of a martyr who believes that his sacrifice will be handsomely repaid in the afterlife by his creator (Trump). On the platform formerly known as Twitter, where Shafer has been retweeting pleas from various conservative institutions to donate to his legal defense fund, he made his mug shot his new profile picture. The day this photo was taken was the best day of his life, soon to be replaced by the day he is sentenced to prison for his service to Trump.

The most detailed likeness of a ghost ever captured, Lathams mug shot is severely overexposedto legal liability! Please clap. (And please donate to Fulton Countys GoFundMe for an upgraded point-and-shoot.) Latham is wearing the unmistakable expression of a person who thought the photographer was going to take the photo after counting to three, instead of on three. Shes still in denial, which explains why she wore a busy patterned blouse to her big photo shoota distracting choicerather than something more refined. The justice system cares not for her flair.

Ray Smith. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

John Eastman. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Oy. The mug shot photographer must have had it out for this guy, who, in his photo, has the mien of a middle school math teacher who got busted for some truly heinous crime. Could no one have handed him a comb? Suggested he lift his chin? Advised him to shake off the arraignment jitters and relax a bit? Given him a dress shirt to wear? (Does the Fulton County Jail not have a closet full of spare sport coats, like they do at country clubs or whatever?) Its a terrible photo, but on the other hand, at least it appears to show a little remorse.

Unlike Giulianis glower, Eastmans glare does not contain the threat of bloodshed. Instead, it is a window into the ragged soul of a man whose brain is playing on a loop the words allegedly spoken to him by Trump adviser Eric Herschmann as Eastman tried to overturn the 2020 election: Get a great fing criminal defense lawyer. Youre going to need it. Eastmans photo is a striking example of the violence of bad lighting. As all the light in the photo shines in on one side of Eastmans face, it creates what one of my colleagues dubbed a Snapchat make-me-look-like-shit filter.

Scott Hall. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Mark Meadows. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Hall saw you from across the lobby of the Fulton County Jail, and he really likes your vibe. He is going to leer at you with that little smirk until you submit to an hourlong explanation of how China hacked into Nest thermostats to fix the 2020 election for Joe Biden, all while he envelops you in coffee breath. Halls hulking frame cant even fit in the photo, but theres something unnervingly coy about his expression. I believe the term heebie-jeebies was invented to describe the feeling it inspires.

Does  does Mark Meadows have pinkeye? Or has he been on a crying jag? Perhaps its just that Fulton County golden hour light, blazing in to accentuate every bulge and crevice on the defendants faces. Whatever it is, Meadows looks confident and determined to outmaneuver county District Attorney Fani Willis, but his ruddy skin and puffy eyes betray the turmoil within. He really, really did not expect to find himself here.

Mike Roman. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Harrison Floyd. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Have you ever tried so hard not to cry that your eye started to twitch? Mike Roman has. The slight sneer we can detect on his face seems to be masking a panicked scream bubbling up below the surface. One assumes that, as an opposition researcher, Roman thrills at the thought of unearthing mug shots of people hes out to smear. This photo captures the instant he realized hes going to have a pasty, unflattering, inescapable image of his own.

Floyd is big mad. The only defendant who didnt get a bond agreement in advance, he will remain in Fulton County custody until further noticeand, in his mug shot, it shows. As the perpetrator of one of the weirdest alleged side crimes of this entire alleged conspiracyhe brokered a meeting between [checks notes] an election worker falsely accused of fraud and a onetime publicist to R. Kelly and Kanye WestFloyd looks like he thinks he deserved a better deal. Cmon, hes got connections to royalty! (Donald Trump, and also a onetime publicist to R. Kelly and Kanye West!) Floyds squint says, I full-on (allegedly) assaulted an FBI agent. And youre holding me for booking a conference room?

Stephen Lee. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

To make this whole ordeal feel even more like a murder-mystery dinner party, heres a clergyman! This Lutheran minister traveled all the way to Atlanta from the Chicago suburbs in December 2020 to allegedly intimidate an election worker falsely accused of rigging the vote for Joe Biden. Now hes hoping his clerical collarwhich he doesnt always wear but of course donned for the mug shotwill suggest that he just wanted to offer that election worker some gentle, supportive pastoral guidance. In police body camera footage outside the workers house, Lee said he just wanted to get some truth on whats going on. A lot determined and a little disturbed, Lees ice-cold eyes say, The truth shall set me free!

Wild as Trumps mug shot may be, hes not the clear winner here. Overall, taking into account expression, wardrobe, lighting, and visible fealty to Trump, its got to be Sidney Powell, the respectable lawyer turned RICO defendant. Shes not showy about it, but she is plainly enjoying the processthe notoriety, the victim complex, the lasting proximity to Trump. In this witch hunt, she is all too happy to burn.
Conservatives from across the country who are accused of participating in a conspiracy to steal the 2020 election are flocking to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta this week, as they approach their deadline for surrender. Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants have until Friday at noon to turn themselves in for arraignment.

A fun side effect of justice being prepared (if not yet served) in this case is a slew of low-def mugshots for some of this generations sleaziest, most treasonous attorneys and Republican Party officials. They are unflattering, they are rich with potential for schadenfreude, and if you print them out, theyd make a great game of Guess Who? for resistance Boomers.

But who managed to pose for the best mugshot so far? Let us assess.

Sidney Powell . Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Jenna Ellis. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Wearing the vacant gaze of the deeply hypnotized, paired with a white, collarless blouse, Powell looks like a member of the chain-smoking doomsday cult in The Leftovers being nabbed for a bout of domestic terrorism. Her forehead is placid and dewy; her grin is slack. Having been red-pilled against the deep state in the way of an internet-illiterate Boomer, Powell is a true believer. This mugshot is all part of Trumps beautiful master plan. There is nothing to fear.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Is this sponcon? Ellis, who somehow, at 38, found her way into this geriatric criminal enterprise, has the blank, dutiful smile and drugstore makeup of a low-level influencer peddling personalized jewelry and tummy tea. Its the look of a millennial whose primary question after stepping in major legal doo-doo is, how will this fit into my personal brand? On social media, Ellis has been sharing links to blog posts with headlines such as Jenna Ellis absolutely ROCKS her Fulton County mugshot; after the indictment was released last week, she tweeted a quote from a hymn about keeping the faith in dark timeseven so it is well with my soulrendered in an Etsy bridesmaid font. Print it on a prison mug!

Rudy Giuliani Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Kenneth Chesebro Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Americas Mayor is the only indictee to have managed a vaguely threatening look in his mugshot. The barely raised eyebrow, the disappearing lips, the stooped posture, the craggy face, the eyes that have seen some things: He looks like a mobster, and because I am Italian-American, I can say that. Giuliani is telling prosecutors that if theyre not careful, hell send his goons all the way to Ritz Carlton HVAC Repair Services to give them the business. Unfortunately, they are already on their way to confiscate his American flag pin.

My dude is absolutely terrified. Hes already thinking about what demeaning nicknames hell incur on the cell block. (Cheese Bro is an obvious contender, but Im sure the incarcerated community of Georgia can do better.) The man in this mugshot gets hives if he even thinks about loosening his tie; he passes out if someone tousles his hair. This photo has captured the fleeting moment of a poorly-lived life flashing before a set of eyes. Must have been a fast shutter speed.

David Shafer. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Cathy Latham Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Shafer has the shameless, self-satisfied smile of a bit player in conservative politics who has finally wormed his way into a national news story. Its the face of a martyr who believes his sacrifice will be handsomely repaid in the afterlife by his creator (Trump). On the platform formerly known as Twitter, where Shafer has been retweeting pleas from various conservative institutions to donate to his legal defense fund, he made his mugshot his new profile picture. The day this photo was taken was the best day of his life, soon to be replaced by the day he is sentenced to prison for his service to Trump.

The most detailed likeness of a ghost ever captured, Lathams mugshot is severely overexposedto legal liability! Please clap. (And please donate to Fulton Countys GoFundMe for an upgraded point-and-shoot.) Latham is wearing the unmistakable expression of a person who thought the photographer was going to take the photo after counting to three, instead of on three. Shes still in denial, which explains why she wore a busy patterned blouse to her big photoshoota distracting choicerather than something more refined. The justice system cares not for her flair.

Ray Smith Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

John Eastman. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Oy. The mugshot photographer must have had it out for this guy, who, in his photo, has the mien of a middle school math teacher who got busted for some truly heinous crime. Could no one have handed him a comb? Suggested he lift his chin? Advised him to shake off the arraignment jitters and relax a bit? Given him a dress shirt to wear? (Does the Fulton County Jail not have a closet full of spare sport coats, like they do at country clubs or whatever?) Its a terrible photo, but on the other hand, at least it appears to show a little remorse.

Unlike Giulianis glower, Eastmans glare does not contain the threat of bloodshed. Instead, it is a window into the ragged soul of a man whose brain is playing on a loop the words allegedly spoken to him by Trump adviser Eric Herschmann as Eastman tried overturn the 2020 election: Get a great f-ing criminal defense lawyer. Youre going to need it. Eastmans photo is a striking example of the violence of bad lighting. As all the light in the photo shines in on one side of Eastmans face, it creates what one of my colleagues dubbed a Snapchat make-me-look-like-shit filter.

Scott Hall. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Mark Meadows Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Hall saw you from across the lobby of the Fulton County Jail, and he really likes your vibe. He is going to leer at you with that little smirk until you submit to an hour-long explanation of how China hacked into Nest thermostats to fix the 2020 election for Joe Biden, all while he envelops you in coffee breath. Halls hulking frame cant even fit in the photo, but theres something unnervingly coy about his expression. I believe the term heebie-jeebies was invented to describe the feeling it inspires.

Doesdoes Mark Meadows have pinkeye? Or has he been on a crying jag? Perhaps its just that Fulton County golden hour light, blazing in to accentuate every bulge and crevice on the defendants faces. Whatever it is, Meadows looks confident and determined to outmaneuver county District Attorney Fani Willis, but his ruddy skin and puffy eyes betray the turmoil within. He really, really did not expect to find himself here.

Harrison Floyd. Fulton County Sheriffs Office via Getty Images

Floyd is big mad. The only defendant who didnt get a bond agreement in advance, he will remain in Fulton County custody until further noticeand, in his mugshot, it shows. As the perpetrator of one of the weirdest alleged side crimes of this entire alleged conspiracyhe brokered a meeting between [checks notes] an election worker falsely accused of fraud and a one-time publicist to R. Kelly and Kanye WestFloyd looks like he thinks he deserved a better deal. Cmon, hes got connections to royalty! (Donald Trump, and also a one-time publicist to R. Kelly and Kanye West!) Floyds squint says, I full-on (allegedly) assaulted an FBI agent. And youre holding me for booking a conference room?

Overall, taking into account expression, wardrobe, lighting, and visible fealty to Trump, a clear winner emerges: Sidney Powell, the respectable lawyerturnedRICO defendant. Shes not showy about it, but she is clearly enjoying the processthe notoriety, the victim complex, the lasting proximity to Trump. In this witch hunt, she is all too happy to burn.
A Jasper County grand jury indicted a Forsyth man last week for allegedly trying to sell information about where a teenager lived on the dark web, court documents show.

Kelly Garret Ivey, 41, is accused of trying to sell the location of a teenage girl on a dark website, according to his indictment filed Aug. 14 in Jasper County Superior Court.

The ad, which was posted at the end of June next to pictures of naked women, offered to sell the information and location of a 17-year-old virgin from Jasper County, the indictment said. The post also showed pictures of the girl next to the advertisement.

Captain Billy Bryant, the lead investigator of the case for the Jasper County Sheriffs Office, said information about the ad arrived through the FBIs system for anonymous tips.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After verifying the content of the ad, investigators visited the familys house. The girl and her family did not know about the ad.

They were completely caught off guard, Bryant said. You feel helpless when something like this happens.

Investigators eventually linked the ad to Ivey via his accounts and executed a search warrant on his house in Forsyth, according to Bryant.

The dark web is just like regular internet, anytime you do something, there are ways to backtrack that, he said.

The dark web is a network of online pages that require certain software or authorization to access. The pages have less security than regular websites and have become hubs for illegal activity since the dark webs conception in the early internet era.

Bryant could not disclose how Ivey knew the victim, and it was unclear in the indictment if the two knew each other in any way.

Ivey was arrested at his Forsyth home June 30. He is in jail in Jasper County and was formally charged with cruelty to children in the first and second degree, human trafficking and attempting to commit a felony.

The Telegraph will update this story if more information becomes available.
The Clayton County Police Department is asking for help from the public to find family members of a man found dead on Aug. 16.

Police say officers responded to the 6500 block of Tara Boulevard in Jonesboro in reference to a death investigation.

At the location, they found the body of a victim identified as Jose Daniel Herrera Mendez, a 39-year-old man.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Detectives from Clayton County have made multiple attempts to find a family member for Mendez but say they have so far been unsuccessful.

Mr. Mendez appears to be from Houston, Texas and family ties may also be in Texas, officers said in a statement.

In the information provided by police, a copy of Mendezs permanent resident identification was included, showing he was originally from Nicaragua.

Anyone with information that could help get Mendezs family in touch with the Clayton County Medical Examiners Office is asked to call 770-347-0222.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

OTHER NEWS:




German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that the sanctions imposed by the West against Russia over its aggression against Ukraine are not effective enough, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported on Aug. 24.

"In general, economic sanctions should have an economic effect. However, this is not the case," DW wrote, quoting Baerbock in the book by journalist Stephan Lamby "Ernstfall: Regieren in Zeiten des Krieges."

"We have learned that the war cannot be ended through rational solutions, rational measures agreed upon by civilized governments," she added, noting that the logic that works in democratic countries cannot be applied to autocratic regimes.

The outlet wrote that the Russian economy keeps growing despite the sanctions thanks to the "wartime economy" boost. However, such growth is not sustainable in the long term, DW reported, citing economy experts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Western countries and other partners have imposed extensive sanctions against Russia, hoping to cripple its economy and undermine arms production.

Earlier in August, the Russian ruble briefly broke through 100 to the U.S. dollar. Many countries have divested from Russian oil and gas, slashing Russia's export income to half its prewar levels.

In spite of that, Russia has doubled its 2023 military spending to over $100 billion, or a third of the state budget. Moscow has also learned to circumvent Western sanctions using third countries to maintain its arms production.

Read also: Ukraine, allies must do more to hit Russias economy, says Moral Rating Agency head

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck is outraged that the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), unlike other intelligence agencies, was wrong in its predictions about the course of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Source: Habeck in an interview with journalist Stephan Lamby, reported by Die Welt

Details: Habeck said that unlike the UK and US intelligence services, "other intelligence services said that this is just training, it won't come to the worst scenario, but it did". He clarified that he was referring to the German BND.

"[Our] intelligence services predicted that Putin would occupy the whole of Ukraine in 24 or 48 hours," Habeck recollected.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Two days after Russia's full-scale invasion, the German government decided to start high-profilesupplying weapons to Ukraine.

Background: Earlier, the BND launched an internal investigation into the failure to foresee a coup attempt in Russia by the Wagner Group, and BND chief Bruno Kahl may face retirement.

The media also reported that the Bundestag was investigating why German intelligence was not prepared for the events in Afghanistan in 2021, when the Taliban seized power. The high-profile incident with the exposure of spy Carsten L. at the end of last year is also mentioned.

In addition, Bruno Kahl was in Kyiv on the day of Russia's full-scale invasion and was forced to evacuate.

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!
Germany has delivered missiles for the Patriot air defense system as part of a new package of military aid to Ukraine, the German Federal Government wrote on Aug. 24.

Germany also sent eight new drone detection systems, as well as 40 RQ-35 HEIDRUN reconnaissance drones.

Part of the package, which includes 31 million rounds of small arms ammunition and 90 drone detection systems, is currently in the planning phase.

For security reasons, the details of the delivery are only revealed by Berlin after the weaponry is handed over to Ukraine.

The German government last announced the delivery of military aid package to Ukraine on Aug. 17, including two IRIS-T air defense systems and around 4,500 rounds of 155 mm ammunition.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The funding for the German government security capacity building program for Ukraine amounts to 5.4 billion ($5.85 billion) for 2023, up from 2 billion ($2.17 billion) in 2022.

The funds are primarily earmarked for military assistance to Ukraine, but some will be used to replenish the supply of weaponry and equipment Germany has sent from its own stocks.

Berlin has committed to provide Ukraine with 5 billion euros ($5.5 billion) in annual military aid until 2027, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said on Aug. 14, Forbes Ukraine reported.

Read also: German foreign minister disappointed by weak effect of Russia sanctions

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The first Republican presidential debate officially kicked off the 2024 election cycle on Wednesday evening.

As eight candidates went head-to-head on the stage in Milwaukee, viewers at home chimed in to ridicule the endless arguments the group engaged in for two hours.

X, formerly known as Twitter, was alight with jokes about the similarities between the show Succession and the debate, the passionate fight between candidates and some appearances.

From the start, voters were ready to dish it out all in the name of keeping politics entertaining.

Here are some of the funniest reaction tweets to the first GOP primary debate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In preparation for debate day, people did their best to summarise what two hours of arguments would look like.

For some, the debate brought back memories of notable moments from past events.

I cant look at Mike Pence right now without thinking about the fly pic.twitter.com/ekuYDcTuGm  Ashley St. Clair (@stclairashley) August 24, 2023

But what this years kickoff to the 2024 election cycle brought were some unexpected moments  like when former New Jersey governor Chris Christie was asked about UFOs

"Gov. Christie what do you think about UFOs?"



Chris Christie: pic.twitter.com/Q3XC26STEf  Slopez (@SteveLo510) August 24, 2023

One comedian said: THE CHRIS CHRISTIE UFO QUESTION IS OUT OF THIS WORLD.

Or former Vice President Mike Pence and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haleys performances when they refused to let other candidates overshadow them.

I did not have Mike Pence will keep things spicy on my debate Bingo card, former Fox News host Megyn Kelly wrote.

Nikki Haley and Mike Pence are taking turns dragging Vivek back and forth like a ragdoll #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/m2BLc0wrPK  chris evans (@notcapnamerica) August 24, 2023

POV Nikki Haley opens her mouth pic.twitter.com/0OOsO4O2FB  Ella Maulding (@ellamaulding) August 24, 2023

BREAKING NEWS: Arrest warrant issued for Nikki Haley after murdering Vivek Ramaswamy in cold blood on the debate stage, an X user tweeted.

Nikki Haley keep VP Kamala Harris name out of your mouth pic.twitter.com/Du4mbVug7u  2RawTooReal (@2RawTooReal) August 24, 2023

Like many previous debates, at times the candidates spoke over each other so furiously that it was difficult for the moderators to control the room.

Gisele Fetterman, the wife of Senator John Fetterman, tweeted: August (9) just asked if I was watching RHNJ because of all the yelling.

But unlike Ms Haley, Mr Pence and Mr Ramaswamy, Florida governor Ron DeSantis seemed to be more soft-spoken  much to the surprise of people who expected him to emerge as a strong candidate.

I think its safe to say that Ron DeSantiss campaign is over. #GOPdebates pic.twitter.com/FUoJOTUGIV  MAGS (@TAftermath2020) August 24, 2023

The next debate will feature DeSantis and Vivek wrestling for Adderall, Rick Wilson wrote.

If theres one thing Americans have learned from the first GOP debate, its that life inspires art  especially television shows.

This is like the final episodes of Succession without Logan Roy.  Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) August 24, 2023
Rudy Giuliani said Wednesday that he will move to have his Georgia election interference case transferred to federal court and expects former President Trump to do the same, joining demands from multiple of his co-defendants.

I will, within the next week or so, file a motion of removal, he said on Cats & Cosby on 77 WABC. I cant speak for the president [Trump], Im not allowed to talk to him about the case  but Im pretty sure hell do the same and it will be removed.

Georgia prosecutors alleged Giuliani was part of a scheme to create a fraudulent slate of electoral votes and overturn the states 2020 election results. He is one of 19 defendants charged in a broad racketeering scheme, headed by Trump.

In the interview with host John Catsimatidis, he called the case against him ridiculous.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Three other defendants have already moved to have their cases taken from Georgia court to federal court.

Former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark had their motion partially denied Wednesday, ruling that they still must turn themselves in by the Friday deadline.

U.S. District Judge Steve Jones, an Obama appointee, has yet to decide whether the cases for the two men will move to federal court. Former Georgia GOP Chairman David Shafer has also moved for his case to be moved to federal court.

A transfer to federal court for any of the defendants would come with a new federal judge and a jury pool that could theoretically include more Republicans. Fulton County, Ga., where the case currently resides, voted for President Biden by a nearly 50 point margin in the 2020 election.

Giuliani surrendered to Atlanta authorities Wednesday and paid a $150,000 bond for his release. Trump is expected to surrender Thursday.

I am very, very honored to be involved in this case because this case is a fight for our way of life, Giuliani said after being booked at the county jail. This indictment is a travesty.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The loud cars cruising down San Luis Obispos Higuera Street suddenly became a trend  driving away shoppers and diners from downtown.

The solution: Close the main drag to traffic on Thursday evenings and invite local merchants to set up tables outside in the street.

Advertisement

What started as a ribs cook-off in July 1983 has morphed into the second largest farmers market in the Western United States with more than 100 vendors and thousands of shoppers along six downtown blocks every Thursday evening all year round.

Shoppers are buying everything from berries, peaches, apricots, avocados and tomatoes among them, including those grown by students at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Theres also jewelry and crafts and a chance to chow down on barbecue (one of the original participants 40 years ago, F.McLintocks, was doing stellar business with their ribs, chicken, corn and more). Others were eating caramel corn, tamales and tacos, sushi and kabab; handmade caramels, mini donuts and pastries. Kids were getting their faces painted and playing paintball.

Advertisement

While some of the farmers have been here for decades, Yolanda Rodriguez was in her first season selling her baked goods at Nanas Place. A veteran business owner and grandmother of 30, she explained that having a stall rather than a brick-and-mortar business is far less stressful. And her grandchildren, she added, help with the baking. We are doing fantastic, she enthused, noting that their pineapple upside-down cake is a top seller.

I love the atmosphere  music on every corner; such friendly people, said Tanja Poley, selling bags and more from repurposed denim at Ten Four Goods.

We had to stop and gawk at Bubble Gum Alley, featured on Ripleys Believe It, or Not and the LA Times list of the weirdest stops in LA. Thousands of pieces of chewed gum are pasted on a 70-foot-long alley just off Higuera Street. Kids must love this, my teacher-daughter observed. San Luis Obispo (called SLO by locals) is halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco on the historic coastal Highway One (currently closed for two miles on the Big Sur Coast, as a result of landslides).

With SLOs bountiful outdoor space, dozens of Central Coast wineries (come for Harvest season), attractions (visit Hearst Castle), public art (more than 100 pieces) and museums, great restaurants and dog-friendly lodgings and eateries, we thought it would be a great bet for a getaway with our daughter, Regina Foldes, and her dog, Chili Pepper. She and her husband live in San Francisco, and she had a little time before school started, while her husband had to be away on business. Too bad as he missed a great time!

We stayed at SLO Brew Lofts right downtown on Higuera Street with one-, two-, and three-bedroom dog-friendly eclectically furnished units ideal for traveling families or friends. (Loved the turntable and records!) Just outside is a trail ideal for dogs  and kids.

Also dog (and kid) friendly is the Hotel San Luis Obispo where we enjoyed drinks and the view at the High Bar. The hotel offers winemaker dinners and often caters to the parents of the university students (they number 20,000), said spokesman Lydia Bates. The parents spend a day with their kids and then go have fun themselves, she laughed.

Theres certainly plenty to choose from, and a great base to explore the Central Coast. Start with a ginormous breakfast at Louisas Place, a go-to for students, locals and visitors since 1976.

Theres the historic Mission San Luis Obispo founded in 1772, its plaza the spot for community events like the upcoming Arts and Humanities Month in October when a pianist will be playing in the plaza. (SLO boasts several museums, including the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, the History Center of San Luis Obispo County, The Dunes Center, which focuses on the natural history of the Central Coast and the San Luis Obispo Childrens Museum.

Advertisement

Its nice to know that as part of the citys Keys for Trees program, a portion of the hotel room charge goes to planting trees. The goal is to plant 10,000 new trees and become carbon neutral by 2035. Visitors are helping us, said Hollie West, the city spokesman who, like others we meet, had gone to college here and has returned. A growing number of visitors are from outside California, she noted, with direct flights from nine cities. (We flew home to Denver from the local airport.)

She notes there are 60 miles of hiking trails (the Bike Happening is a free bike riding event the first Thursday of each month), a popular skate park, as well as beaches within a 15-minute drive. Our waitress at Luna Red (fantastic paella and a menu that supports local wineries and farmers) is a local who notes that Avila Beach is dog-friendly while Pismo Beach is popular for surfers and boogie boarders and Shell Beach for kayakers.

Terrace Hill Open Space offers great views while the Cal Poly Design Village is an interesting option for a walk. Unique structures have been built here on a hillside over decades by the universitys architecture students.

A trip here wouldnt be complete without wine tasting. The SLO coast is known for Chardonnays and pinot noirs, and we taste those and more at Biddle Ranch Vineyard in the Edna Valley where there are more than two dozen vineyards.

We relaxed with the pooch sitting outside adjacent to the vines tasting five different wines. They were all so good we couldnt choose which one we liked best. Others brought their own snacks, but we were still full from the terrific sandwiches at Lincoln Market & Deli, a fixture since 1941. (I loved the Funky Chicken with cheese, avocado, awesome sauce and purple slaw.)

We certainly didnt go hungry. Our final dinner was at Nates on Marsh set within a converted restaurant. It was hard to choose  hand-cut pappardelle with lamb ragu; mushroom carbonara, rigatoni Bolognese or salmon piccata? We decided to share  so we could save room for dessert. (Bravo for the spumoni!)

Advertisement

We toasted and agreed  we needed to make more time for these getaways together. The kids may be grown, and they may be taking the parents, but theres still plenty of fun to be had.

(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com and also follow TakingTheKids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments. The fourth edition of The Kids Guide to New York City and the third edition of The Kids Guide to Washington D.C. are the latest in a series of 14 books for kid travelers published by Eileen.)

2023 Eileen Ogintz. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
As the school year begins anew in Virginia, many districts around the state are rejecting Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin s new school policies that advocates say discriminate against transgender students. His administration is scrambling to find ways to compel school districts to adopt these controversial new policies.

During a Fox News interview on Monday, Youngkin criticized schools that arent adopting his administrations controversial Model Policies on Ensuring Privacy, Dignity, and Respect for All Students and Parents in Virginias Public Schools for transgender students, stating that it is the law and they dont have a choice.

Appearing on The Story with Martha MacCallum, Youngkin griped how many districts around the commonwealth are considering or have chosen to forego implementing the 2023 policies that have been in the works since last September and were finalized in July.

Its the law, and the law is very clear that I issue model policies, and local school districts have to adopt policies consistent with the model policies, Youngkin explained to MacCallum.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The policies require students to use bathrooms and locker rooms according to their assigned sex at birth. They also require that all parents provide written permission to the school if a student wishes to use a name or pronoun that differs from their official records. Furthermore, schools must disclose to parents if students share information regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity with school staff.

The Advocate spoke with Niko, a transgender teen who goes to school in Arlington.

Niko made headlines for calling out Gov. Youngkin on his transgender model policies for trans students at a CNN town hall event in March. Youngkin appeared stumped when Niko asked which bathroom Youngkin thought the teen should use.

I think it shows that hes grasping at straws, Niko said. Youngkin doesnt have a lot to stand on right now. I think that this is a topic that is firing people up right now, and so its something that hes able to rely on.

Niko added, If you saw the town hall, I think you know that he doesnt really know what hes talking about here. You could see that there was a moment where he realized that he didnt really know what he was going to say. I think that its telling that the fight that hes chosen is to talk about schools and talk about trans issues in education, but that he doesnt seem to understand what that means and that he doesnt have a good answer for what bathroom I should use.

Niko notes that until that interaction, Youngkin hadnt spoken about gender-neutral bathrooms, which he brought up in response to Nikos question.

The district where Niko goes to school has rejected Younkins new policies.

Superintendent of Arlington Public Schools, Francisco Duran, told The Advocate recently that he believes that his districts current policies align with Virginia law and that he would not implement the governors discriminatory new guidelines.

Its very important for me to make the statement because when the model policies came out, many of our families, our staff, and our students were very concerned with what they meant for them, he said. As the superintendent of all students, regardless of their background, its my responsibility to ensure we provide a welcoming, safe environment for them.

On Thursday, Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares gave his opinion regarding new guidelines the Virginia Department of Education set forth regarding transgender and nonbinary students.

As part of a release issued by the attorney generals office on Thursday, Miyares said the new guidance complies with federal and state nondiscrimination laws, adding that the model policies comply with the Equal Protection Clause, Title IX, and the Virginia Human Rights Act, noting local school boards are required to adopt policies that are consistent with them.

An opinion on the guidelines was released at the request of Governor Glenn Youngkin, who expressed support for the guidelines, saying that children should trust your parents, Miyares said.

The opinion stated that under the First and Fourteenth Amendments, parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

The opinion continued, Parents, not government, are in the best position to work with their children on important life decisions, and no parent signs up to co-parent with the government. The Model Policies ensure that all students are treated with dignity and that parental involvement remains at the center. These policies are fully compliant with the law, and school boards across the commonwealth should support and implement them.
Trial for Idaho college killings suspect Bryan Kohberger delayed indefinitely

The capital murder trial for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four Idaho college students last fall, will be delayed indefinitely.

Kohberger's trial had been set to begin Oct. 2 -- less than six weeks away -- but will now be postponed after he waived his right to a speedy trial Wednesday afternoon in court. The judge accepted his waiver.

Kohberger defense attorney Anne Taylor said more time was needed to effectively present their case than would be possible by Oct. 2.

PHOTO: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing, on Aug. 18, 2023, at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow, Idaho. (August Frank/The Lewiston Tribune via AP, Pool)

Kohberger's defense said they still wanted to keep the upcoming Sept. 1 hearing date to address their request to dismiss the indictment  and after that, reconvene to discuss a new schedule reset.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The decision to delay the trial had been anticipated for weeks, ever since prosecutors announced they would seek the death penalty against Kohberger.

MORE: Lawyer for Idaho college killings suspect Bryan Kohberger says he was driving alone night of murders

In court on Wednesday, Judge John Judge directly confirmed with Kohberger that no one had pressured him in this decision to waive his right to a speedy trial, and that this was what he wanted to do -- which Kohberger affirmed.

Idaho law requires that defendants receive a trial date within six months of their arraignment if they don't waive that right.

MORE: Idaho college murders: The complete timeline of events

Prosecutors allege that in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University, broke into an off-campus home and stabbed to death four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21.

After a six-week hunt, police zeroed in on Kohberger as a suspect, saying they tracked his white Hyundai Elantra and cell phone signal data, and recovered what authorities said was his DNA on a knife sheath found next to one of the victims' bodies.

Kohberger was indicted in May and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. At his arraignment, he declined to offer a plea, so the judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. If convicted, Kohberger could face the death penalty.

Goncalves' family responded to the developments on Wednesday, saying in a statement: "Upon the Court finally putting hard deadlines in place the Family suspected that the Defendant would waive his speedy trial rights. This case carries enormous weight for the families and the community and this additional time allows both sides to be fully prepared for the next trial date."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Trial for Idaho college killings suspect Bryan Kohberger delayed indefinitely originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
anne mcclain floats in a space station in front of two big windows facing earth. in her hands is a tangle of bags, sampling cubes and wires for a science experiment

While space travel sucks out red blood cells and weakens bone, all is not lost in microgravity.

Fatty tissue inside your bones acts as a stopgap against declining cells and bone density in weightlessness, a new study of International Space Station (ISS) astronauts suggests. Better yet, treatments based on this new knowledge may help aging populations  as well as folks on Earth who must stay in bed due to medical conditions.

"We found that astronauts had significantly less fat in their bone marrow about a month after returning to Earth," senior study author Guy Trudel, a rehabilitation physician and researcher at The Ottawa Hospital and professor at the University of Ottawa, said in an Aug. 21 statement. (The lead study author is Tammy Liu, who is also with the hospital.)

"We think the body is using this fat to help replace red blood cells and rebuild bone that has been lost during space travel," Trudel added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: Spaceflight makes the body kill red blood cells and it doesn't get better after landing

The new study examined 14 astronauts who each spent at least six months on board the ISS. It is part of a set of Canadian science seeking more information on how bone marrow and blood production change in space. One function of the ISS more generally is to study how long bouts of microgravity affect all aspects of health, from balance to bones, which is where the research fits in.

Trudel's larger study, called Marrow, examines the bony cells that produce fat, red blood cells and white blood cells. The study wrapped up active collection of samples in 2020 but continues to push new frontiers in science as data is parsed. For example, an investigation published in 2022 tracked changes in red blood cells in space that appear to persist for some time after landing.

Red cell production is key to human health, as healthy red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Without enough of these cells, the body will get anemic and experience issues with both physical and mental health. For astronauts tasked with landing on the moon or Mars, preventing this condition from happening is essential in helping to set up settlements off Earth  which NASA wants to do with its lunar Artemis program later in the decade.

RELATED STORIES:

 The eyes have it! Scientists focus in on how microgravity changes astronaut vision

 Weightlessness and its effect on astronauts

 I flew weightlessly on a parabolic flight to see incredible student science soar

"Thankfully, anemia isn't 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," Trudel said. "If we can find out exactly whats controlling this anemia, we might be able to improve prevention and treatment."

The new study of bone marrow, based on MRI scans on Earth before and after the astronauts' space missions, showed a slight decline in bone marrow fat: roughly 4.2% more, on average, just before the astronaut flew into space, compared with a sample collection one month after landing.

This shortfall does recover on Earth, however, as red blood cells and bone density increase. Younger astronauts may be able to take more energy from the fat, while female astronauts saw more fat in the bone marrow than expected after a year, the study authors note.

"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," Trudel said. "We look forward to investigating this further in various clinical conditions on Earth."

A study based on the research was published in the journal Nature Communications on Aug. 9. Funding was provided in part by the Canadian Space Agency, which got the science on board ISS through its ongoing Canadarm robotics program for NASA that exchanges science and astronaut time for hardware.
As Ukrainians marked the 32nd anniversary of its independence on Aug. 24, the Google search engine page, as has become traditional, congratulated Ukraine with a Ukrainian-themed doodle, which this year was created by Ukrainian artist Polina Doroshenko.

The doodle depicts a parade with representatives of different strata of Ukrainian societys who are united by a common pride for their country and its independence, and who are moving into the future.

Read also: Land of the proud, heroic and brave  Zaluzhnyi hails Ukrainians on Independence Day

The doodle also features the yellow and blue colors of the Ukrainian national flag.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the doodle, I wanted to show that were both different and united, Doroshenko said.

I also put meanings in most of the details  starting from the color of trainers, details of traditional clothing and embroidery, and the ceramic rooster, which has become a symbol of indomitability, stability, despite all the current challenges. Here we can see prototypes of both contemporaries and people who met Ukraines independence 32 years ago.

Read also: Exhibitions, movies, a marathon  How to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day around Ukraine

@google

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
It's been years since a pharmaceutical drug caught the attention of the public like semaglutide. It's the active ingredient in the diabetes injectable drug Ozempic, the pill-based diabetes treatment Rybelsus, and the weight loss injectable Wegovy  all touted as next-gen weight loss solutions, though only the last one is technically supposed to be prescribed for weight management.

In an ideal world, the decision to start taking a semaglutide-based medication would be an informed medical consultation between patients and their doctors. That way, anyone prescribed Wegovy, which was only approved for weight management in 2021, would understand the potential risks as well as potential benefits.

But in the flawed reality of the American medical system, those important conversations are often mediated  or even subverted  by a range of other players, ranging from hype-fueled media actors and the politics of health insurance coverage to the pressures of body shaming and the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical advertising business.

Let's zoom in for a moment on those ads, which are seen everywhere from Instagram and Facebook to subway posters in New York City. In theory, they're supposed to be tightly regulated, leading to the sometimes comically lengthy enumerations of possible side effects they often cram in. Take this TV spot for Wegovy, which warns of the risk of everything from suicidal thoughts and depression to "severe stomach pain, itching, rash, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face or throat," nevermind pancreatitis and gallbladder problems.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

That's good. People considering a drug should be aware of the risks. But online, pharma ads remain surprisingly laissez-faire, and that's on full display with semaglutide. As others have reported, Instagram and Facebook have been overrun with ads for the stuff, and as people look for cheaper versions of prescriptions that costs upwards of $1,650 per month  and that insurers are often refusing to pay for  they often find themselves on some very unsavory websites selling bottom-shelf vials of what purports to be semaglutide.

Now we can add the search giant Google to the list of tech companies cashing in on the phenomenon. Perusing search queries for "buy semaglutide online" and "semaglutide without prescription," we found a striking number of sponsored ads in which dodgy online pharmacies offer to sell semaglutide without the oversight of a doctor. Some are so low rent that they request that buyers send money via PayPal; needless to say, buyers are taking these black market sellers at their word that the drug will arrive at all, will actually be what it claims, and that it'll be the proper strength and purity.

Take one offending website, which sells the drug in powder form, requiring users to mix it up themselves as if they were shooting up heroin.

"THIS ITEM DOES NOT COME PRE-MIXED," the seller warns in all capital letters. "WE DO NOT SUPPLY BACTERIOSTATIC WATER OR SYRINGES IN ANY ORDER! THERE ARE NO REFUNDS ON THIS ITEM."

Results, as you would imagine, may vary.

"There was nothing in the bottle I ordered or any instructions," wrote one peeved user in the site's reviews section.

"The real deal," a more satisfied customer wrote, adding that they "felt effects after the second dose."

Some of the sites we reviewed did offer seemingly telehealth services with doctors who can, these sites promise, prescribe seemingly generic semaglutide  itself an issue, given that there is currently no FDA-approved generic of Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Mounjaro (which is similar but contains the active ingredient tirzepatide rather than semaglutide.)

While the sale of compounded semaglutide  that is, semaglutide mixed with another chemical, usually a B vitamin  is legal, the FDA has issued warnings about these injectable drugs after receiving reports of adverse effects, though the agency did not specify what those effects were or what about the compounded semaglutide might have caused them.

Additionally, the agency said in its press release about the warning earlier this year that some companies were selling semaglutide sodium and semaglutide acetate, which are not, the FDA said, a component of any known medication.

Other sponsored ads we reviewed claim the drugs are sold for "research use" only and are not for human consumption  wink-wink  while others don't offer any disclaimers.

After we reached out to Google, the company said that some of the ads we found had been removed because they violated the search engine's healthcare and medicines policy, though they declined to specify which exact portions were in violation because "bad actors will often utilize this information to undermine our efforts and evade enforcement."

The Google representative said that it only allows ads that have been certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or the compliance company LegitScript. Though it appears to have removed the ads for sites that didn't require a prescription, ads that do require a prescription remain.

"Our certification partners perform ongoing monitoring throughout the certification to ensure compliance," a Google spokesperson added. "Advertisers who have not completed our certification program are not allowed to promote the sale of prescription drugs. This includes medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Semaglutide."

We also reached out to Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, about the dodgy sellers. The pharma company has also begun taking legal action against the "unlawful marketing and sales of non-FDA approved counterfeit and compounded semaglutide products," but didn't respond to our request for comment.

Some will make the argument that patients should be able to choose to put anything they want in their bodies without the meddling of medical professionals. After all, cracking down on the sale and prescribing of any drug, be it opiates or amphetamines, often restricts supply and repels more scrupulous dealers, perversely making things more dangerous for people who do choose to use.

But in the real world, prescriptions exist for a reason. It's difficult to make sound health decisions without the input of an objective outside expert; most states even prohibit physicians from prescribing drugs for themselves. And even if you think sellers and buyers of black market drugs shouldn't be targeted by law enforcement, it's not clear why major tech companies like Meta and Google's parent company Alphabet should be making money by enabling such sales.

Searching for online semaglutide now, Google users will find sponsored ads for sites that offer telehealth services to prescribe the drug. While that's better than the ads Google removed that weren't even offering that level of scrutiny, the sites are still ultimately selling seemingly off-brand semaglutide in spite of there being no FDA-approved generic, and without an in-person consultation.

While there's no doubt that the enforcement of these kinds of black or grey-market weight loss drugs is difficult given the gold rush around them, the question remains: why is big tech profiting off those sales?

More on semaglutide: Sites Spring Up to Sell Semaglutide for Cheap With No Prescription
GOP presidential candidates battled Wednesday night over whether the next president should sign a federal abortion ban  a major question dividing the primary field even as all candidates self-identify as "pro-life."

Both Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley refused to answer directly.

DeSantis touted the six-week abortion ban he signed in Florida  a law that has yet to take effect, pending state Supreme Court review  but dodged the moderators question of whether he would sign a similar federal ban into law.

I will stand on the side of life, he responded. I understand Wisconsin will do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire will do it different. But I will support the cause of life as governor and as president.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Haley also demurred, as she has in the past , arguing that national ban isnt likely to garner the needed 60 Senate votes to pass and calling for narrower restrictions instead.

Can't we all agree that we should ban late-term abortions? Can't we all agree that we should encourage adoptions? Can't we all agree that doctors and nurses who don't believe in abortions shouldn't have to perform them? Can't we agree that contraception should be available? Can't we all agree that we are not going to put a woman in jail or give her the death penalty if she gets an abortion?

Former Vice President Mike Pence went after Haley for her answer, calling it the opposite of leadership and pledging to sign a national ban.

It's not a states-only issue. It's a moral issue, he said, calling for a minimum standard in every state.

Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) also voiced support for a national ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, saying: We cant leave it to Illinois. We cant leave it to Minnesota.

But another red state governor on the debate stage, North Dakotas Doug Burgum, took the opposite stance, saying that while he signed a 6-week ban in his own state, he is against federal legislation.

The feds are stepping into peoples lives and stepping into peoples businesses over and over, Burgum said. If we say the fed should be in this, where do we stop?

The clash highlighted how Republicans have yet to rally around a single strategy on abortion more than a year after achieving their decades-long goal of overturning Roe v. Wade, with conservatives continuing to argue over what point in pregnancy to ban the procedure, whether to allow exemptions for rape, incest and health risks, and whether states or the federal government should decide.

The heated debate also comes as deep-pocketed anti-abortion groups press the candidates to outline how far they would go if elected to restrict access to the procedure nationwide. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America is among the groups arguing for a minimum 15-week ban, which Pence and Scott have embraced. But other groups, including Students for Life of America, see that as insufficient, arguing that more than 90 percent of abortions take place before 15 weeks of pregnancy.

In a statement shared with POLITICO, SBA called Burgums answer unacceptable and praised Pence, Scott and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson for endorsing a 15-week national ban.

Where you live should never determine whether you live, the groups President Marjorie Dannenfelser said.

Democrats, meanwhile, are confident all of the candidates' anti-abortion pledges will be deeply unpopular with a general electorate and are eager to squeeze them on the issue. They see the results of abortion ballot measure votes in a series of red and purple states over the last year  all of which the pro-abortion rights side won decisively  as evidence the topic will continue to be a drag on Republicans going into 2024.
Republican presidential candidates (L-R), Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) participate in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.



Republican presidential candidates (L-R), Vivek Ramaswamy , former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) participate in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Eight Republican presidential candidates took the stage on Wednesday night for the first GOP debate. Twenty minutes into the show, one of the moderators asked the candidates to raise their hands if they believed that human behavior was causing climate change.

Were not schoolchildren, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said before anyone raised a hand. Lets have the debate. To say they then had the debate would be overstating things. But some candidates did say some words in response to the question.



Read more

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Nikki Haley, a former UN ambassador during the Trump administration, affirmed that climate change is real and said that the country wants to protect clean water and air.



But instead of outlining what this country can do to curb emissions, she decided to point the finger elsewhere. If you want to go and really change the environment, then we need to start telling China and India that they have to lower their emissions, she said as the crowd cheered. Haley argued that the green incentives introduced by the Biden administration have only helped China because materials needed for batteries are mined there and not in the U.S.

This country isnt in the best position to lecture other nations on lowering their emissions. China is the worst global polluter, but the U.S. comes in at a close second, the Associated Press reported.

4. Tim Scott

Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott gives an interview after the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, on August 23, 2023.



Republican presidential candidate Tim Scott gives an interview after the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, on August 23, 2023.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott said that the American public deserved a debate about the issues that affect their lives, as if to suggest that the climate crisis is still in question. Never mind the heat waves, tropical storms, floods, wildfires, and smoke that have affected millions of Americans this summer.



If we want the environment to be betterand we all dothe best thing to do is to bring our jobs home from China, he said.

Scott did indirectly answer the question, but there was no need to downplay how much climate change affects communities all over the country.

3. Ron DeSantis

Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis gives an interview after the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, on August 23, 2023.



Republican presidential candidate Ron DeSantis gives an interview after the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, on August 23, 2023.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis answered the question by ranting about the corporate media. He also bashed President Joe Biden over saying no comment when asked about the devastating wildfires in Maui earlier this month.



As somebody whos handled disasters in Florida, you have to be activated, you gotta be there, you gotta be present, DeSantis said. You gotta be helping people who are doing this.

Is that a yes? one of the moderators asked, pointing him to respond to the question of whether humans are causing climate change. DeSantis was then interrupted and never answered the question.

In May, when DeSantis announced his campaign to run for president, he said that he rejected the politicization of weather and wondered if hurricanes were in fact becoming more destructive due to climate change, the Guardian reported. Sadly, tropical storms and hurricanes are being fueled by the climate crisis. Recent research shows that some storms are dropping more rain due to climate change.

Its unclear if DeSantis is changing his position but the fact that he cant answer a simple yes or no question is not promising.

2. Chris Christie

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee.



Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee.

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie didnt respond to the question. Instead, he said his rival candidate Vivek Ramaswamy sounded like ChatGPT. Then he proceeded to make a tortured joke comparing Ramaswamy to Barack Obama because hes skinny and has an odd last name. He wrapped up his muddled message by saying, And Im afraid that were dealing with the same type of amateur.

1. Vivek Ramaswamy

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy reacts after a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee.



Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy reacts after a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel on August 23, 2023, in Milwaukee.

During his response, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy said that people were dying from bad climate policy, and not so much from climate change itself.



Let us be honest as RepublicansIm the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for, so I can say thisthe climate change agenda is a hoax, he said, as the crowd booed. The anti-carbon agenda is the wet blanket on our economy.

He explained that comment later in the debate by stating that the U.S. economy would grow if it embraced domestic energy, especially fossil fuels and nuclear power. Drill. Frack. Burn coal. Embrace nuclear, he said.

Want more climate and environment stories? Check out Earthers guides to decarbonizing your home, divesting from fossil fuels, packing a disaster go bag, and overcoming climate dread. And dont miss our coverage of the latest IPCC climate report, the future of carbon dioxide removal, and the un-greenwashed facts on bioplastics and plastic recycling.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
The Republican divide over whether the federal government should restrict abortion access was on full display during the first GOP primary presidential debate of the 2024 race Wednesday.

Fox Newss Martha MacCallum, who co-moderated the debate, asked the candidates for their plans for action on abortion. She noted how abortion has consistently been a losing issue for Republicans on state ballots.

The majority of the candidates on the stage have so far avoided committing to federal action on abortion, some more directly than others.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, billing herself as unapologetically pro-life, reiterated her calls for finding a consensus on the issue, applauding how voters have been able to decide on the issue in some states.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Haley referenced the low likelihood of federal abortion restrictions given the current makeup of Congress, drawing the ire of former Vice President Mike Pence , who argued consensus is the opposite of leadership.

Pence called for a 15-week abortion ban, which the anti-abortion group Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America has asked all GOP candidates to endorse. Haley in turn quipped that an anti-abortion majority has not been seen in the Senate in over 100 years.

Dont make women feel like they have to decide on this issue when you know we dont have 60 Senate votes, Haley shot back at Pence.

Sen. Tim Scott (S.C.) is the only other candidate who has explicitly endorsed a 15-week federal abortion ban. He echoed Pence in the debate, saying, We cant leave it to Illinois. We cant leave it to Minnesota.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed a six-week abortion ban into law in his state, avoided directly committing to a six-week federal ban while adding he would support the cause of life as president. However, he also appeared to bring the issue back to leaving it up to the states.

I understand Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to do different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president, DeSantis said.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who signed a near-total abortion ban in his state, was perhaps the most direct candidate on stage in opposing a federal abortion ban, stating, I am on the record and I stand behind that we should not have a federal abortion ban.

Holding up a mini Constitution, he said, There were certain duties allowed to the federal government delegated to them by the states, the rest are left to the states, more importantly, or to the people, drawing a round of applause from the audience.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Among GOP hopefuls at the first debate of the campaign season, militarizing the U.S.-Mexico border to keep out drugs and undocumented immigrants emerged as an overwhelmingly popular positionand as the surprising default answer to unrelated questions.

When moderators asked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis whether he'd support sending U.S. Special Forces into Mexico to target drug cartels, he replied, "Yes, and I will do it on day one." DeSantis claimed that the president should "use all available powers as commander in chief to protect our country and to protect the people."

"Yes, we're going to use deadly force," he continued. "Yes, we reserve the right to operate."

Not every candidate was willing to go as far as DeSantis. (Former DEA chief and Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, for one, argued that "the military has to be limited in its use.") But the debate showcased an interventionist instinct that's entered the GOP mainstream, even among Republicans who otherwise oppose U.S. entanglements abroad.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Though they differed on the details, the debate participants broadly agreed that what the U.S. needs is a hyper-militarized and hardened border. Former Vice President Mike Pence pushed for the U.S. to partner with the Mexican military to "hunt down and destroy the cartels that are claiming lives in the United States," while Hutchinson argued that "lethal force would be needed to protect the border."

Border militarism wasn't just an important topic last nightit was a topic that candidates brought up to answer unrelated tough questions. "What does a President Ramaswamy do about guns?" asked moderator Bret Baier in a section on crime. One of Ramaswamy's proposed ways to "address that mental health epidemic in the next generation that is directly leading to violent crime" was to "close the southern border where criminals are coming in every day." When asked whether he favored sending Ukraine more aid, Ramaswamy not only said nohe said he'd rather see those resources used to "protect against the invasion across our southern border." Responding to a question on China, Sen. Tim Scott (RS.C.) said that the government cash funding 87,000 new IRS agents should instead be used on Border Patrol agents.

Even when the candidates weren't calling for direct military involvement in or around Mexico, they argued for a bolted-up southern border and unforgiving immigration system. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said "you have to" deport the undocumented people already present in the U.S., who number roughly 11 million. One of the only positive mentions of immigration came from Ramaswamy, who held up his own immigrant parents as an example of America's promise.

Combining the war on drugs with the war on terror is a recipe sure to provoke costly engagement abroad and do little to reduce the demand for drugs at home. Similar counternarcotics efforts in Latin America have failed miserably. Neither unauthorized immigration nor drug smuggling will be solved by the tactics the candidates suggested on the debate stage. That will require a dual approach of a liberalized immigration system and a restraint-based foreign policy, along with some humility about the realities of supply and demand. Unfortunately, none of that came up during last night's debate.

The post A GOP Consensus Emerges: Militarize the Border appeared first on Reason.com.
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was the only candidate to raise his hand in response to a moderator's question about whether human behavior causes climate change. (Manuel Balce Ceneta / Associated Press)

The question posed to the eight Republican candidates on Milwaukee's debate stage Wednesday night was simple: Raise your hand if you believe human behavior is causing climate change.

But the answer quickly devolved when Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis interrupted moderator Martha MacCallum.

"We're not schoolchildren. Let's have a debate," he said, before launching into an attack on President Biden's disaster response.

Then Vivek Ramaswamy jumped in: "I'm the only one on this stage who isn't bought and paid for, so I can say this  the climate change agenda is a hoax," he said. His answer was swallowed by the crowd's booing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Never Back Down, a political action committee that supports DeSantis, posted a video clip Wednesday night showing Ramaswamy acknowledging climate change in previous interviews.

"I'm not denying the underlying reality that global surface temperatures are going up, and in part due to human activity," he said in the clip.

Read more: Five takeaways from the GOP debate: DeSantis' not-so-big night, Trump's absence

The changing climate, and humans' role in accelerating the planet's warming, is a widely accepted truth among climate scientists, and even among a majority of Americans.

But it has proved to be divisive along party lines. Most Democrats and independents agree climate change presents a major threat, but 70% of Republicans say it's a minor threat or no threat at all, according to a poll this month by NPR, "PBS NewsHour" and Marist. Another poll by Pew says virtually the same thing.

On the Republican debate stage, only one candidate raised his hand: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson. And even he quickly lowered it once DeSantis started talking. Hutchinson didn't get a chance to speak about the question becasue the conversation further devolved into a spat between Ramaswamy and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

After several minutes of sparring among candidates, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley responded with the first affirmative: "First of all, yes. Is climate change real? Yes, it is," she said, before attacking China and India for their emissions.

The question came from Alexander Diaz, a Catholic University student and member of the conservative organization Young America's Foundation. In an interview after the debate, Diaz, 21, said he was "disappointed" by Ramaswamy's response, but hoped to hear more from candidates on environmental and energy issues.

Read more: Who is Vivek Ramaswamy and why did so many of his GOP presidential rivals attack him?

As a native Arizonan, Diaz said he has always cared about protecting the environment and its natural resources.

"You ask any American ... they don't deny the fact that it's hotter than it's been. The forest fires are worse, and we can debate specifically what causes those," Diaz said. "I think a lot of young people are looking for leaders that are willing to kind of jump on using all the resources that America has  our bountiful land and wind and solar and nuclear  using all of that to make ourselves the No. 1 leader in energy production anywhere."

A dial poll conducted by progressive group Navigator Research showed support dropped in response to Ramaswamy's statement. The real-time poll was conducted among 33 independents and "soft partisans," said Ian Smith, Navigator's director of polling and analytics. "When Nikki Haley came out and said that climate change was real, our dials were far more positive."

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Berto Garcia cools off in the Crown Fountain at Millennium Park on Sept. 3, 2023. Temperatures reached into the low 90s during the day on Sunday. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

The temperature reached 100 degrees at OHare International Airport shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday, a temperature Chicago had not seen in more than a decade, capping two days of excessive heat across Chicagoland.

The last time the airport experienced a temperature of 100 or higher was more than a decade ago, on July 6, 2012. The temperature tied the daily record high in Chicago for Aug. 24, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Zachary Yack.

Advertisement

The heat caused some schools to close, the cancellation of outdoor sports, recess and activities and kept many people inside apart from a few brave tourists visiting Grant Park.

Eugenio Dan, 59, was visiting Chicago with his family from Singapore. Walking through Grant Park midafternoon Thursday, the trio donned hats, shorts and an umbrella to escape the heat.

Advertisement

He called the city beautiful and said theyve enjoyed their trips to the park and Navy Pier, but its a bit hotter than hes used to in Singapore. Lots of water and air conditioning breaks are a necessity, he said.

Its very hot today, Dan said. I can feel it.

Near the lakefront downtown, Ed and Noel Altman, a husband and wife visiting from Kauai, wore long sleeve sun protective jackets and hats. The couple said theyre used to lots of humidity from living in Hawaii for more than 20 years.

Their advice to Chicagoans is to drink lots of cold drinks.

Were capable, weve experienced it before, Noel Altman said.

Thursday was the second day in a row the National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Chicago. The temperature set a daily record high for Aug. 23 when it maxed out at 98 degrees Wednesday afternoon at OHare.

Yack said a heat index topping 110 degrees was imminent for Thursday and would last for an extended period of time. The heat index measures relative humidity and air temperature, representing what it actually feels like outside.

Yack said high humidity  measured using dew point temperatures  contributed to the sweltering heat. He said the weather service was forecasting dew point temperatures to hover around the upper 70s to lower 80s at OHare during the day.

Advertisement

Many Chicagoans also experienced high temperatures throughout Wednesday night, which Yack also attributed to the humidity. He explained that high actual temperatures cant cool any lower than dew point temperatures.

Urban areas also can experience higher temperatures than outlying areas because buildings, roads and other infrastructure hold heat more than natural landscapes, called the heat island effect.

On Thursday afternoon, a group of nonprofit organizations from across the city held an online news conference to call on Mayor Brandon Johnson to open up more of the citys cooling centers during the overnight hours during the excessive heat. Only one of the citys 27 cooling centers is open 24 hours a day, at Garfield Center, 10 S. Kedzie Ave.

Dr. Howard Ehrman, a former assistant commissioner for the citys department of public health, disagreed with the citys decision to close cooling centers overnight, saying those policies started under the former Mayor Richard M. Daleys administration and hurt seniors and people of color during the 1995 heat wave.

He said there have been reports of people being kicked out of cooling centers if they fall asleep, which he said was a natural reaction after being overheated.

Relief from the heat, is not a gift or privilege from the government, said Neal Resnikoff, from the Chicago Anti-War Coalition,

Advertisement

But relief from Mother Nature was at least on the way. Yack said a cold front from Wisconsin will bring cooler temperatures and lower humidity to the city Thursday night. The forecast included a 30% chance of thunderstorms at night when temperatures are expected to drop to the low 70s, officials said.

Weather officials expect Fridays high to drop to the mid 80s.

South of I-80 we could still see some spots getting into the 90s there, and we have some heat indices in the upper 90s to around 100, Yack said. But it looks like most of the Chicago metro area should be sitting at the mid- to upper 80s with more comfortable humidity levels, especially more so as we get into the weekend.

A band of heat hung heavily over portions of the U.S. the past two days, with about 150 million people warned to stay inside, keep hydrated and stay out of the direct sun. Officials stressed the importance of checking on neighbors, especially the elderly, and monitoring the young for heat-related illnesses.

On Wednesday night, air-conditioning units stopped working properly at the Gage Park field house where nearly 300 migrants are staying. Temperatures in the field house reached the high 80s at 11 p.m., said Ald. Raymond Lopez, 15th.

Lopez said his office contacted the citys Office of Emergency Management and Communications and the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services, which sent cooling buses to the field house to provide relief for the asylum-seekers.

Advertisement

Venezuelan migrants staying at the Gage Park Field House rest in the air conditioning in one of two CTA cooling buses parked outside the shelter, Aug. 24, 2023. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Lopez said there are no children in the respite center and the few residents with medical needs were transported elsewhere.

We are working with DFSS to provide options for migrants at nearby cooling stations in Englewood & Chicago Lawn, Lopez said in a statement.

As all Chicagoans know, during this excess heat wave not experienced since 1995, air-conditioning units have been running nonstop for days. This is the worst time for units to breakdown, regardless if it is at home, work or the migrant shelter, he said.

Lopez said that the Chicago Park District crews worked hard to repair the units and bring them back online.
On the eve of former President Trumps anticipated surrender at Atlantas Fulton County Jail to face felony charges over the 2020 election, Republican candidates Wednesday night squabbled over their support for the GOP frontrunner.

During the first GOP presidential primary debate, when asked which candidates would still support Trump if hes convicted of a felony, but voted into office, every Republican raised their hands with the exception of former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Christie slams Trump: Someone has to stop normalizing this conduct. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States, Christie said, as boos rang in from the crowd. After a short pause he continued: And this is the great thing about this country, booing is allowed. But it doesnt change the truth.

Ramaswamy backs Trump: Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who sparred with Christie multiple times throughout the debate, unabashedly backed the former president.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century, Ramaswamy said. Were skating on the ice and we cannot set a precedent where the party in power uses police force to indict its political opponents.

Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sparring at the debate. (Al Drago/Bloomberg)

Was Pence right?

When asked if candidates believed that former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing in certifying the 2020 election in defiance of Trump, all of the candidates agreed, but some tried to toe the line.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott: We should be asking ourselves a bigger question about the weaponization of our Department of Justice. We need lady justice to wear a blindfold.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis: This election is not about January 6 of 2021, its about January 20 of 2025, when the next president takes office. ... As Republicans, weve got to look forward.

Why it matters: Trump, who faces a total of 91 charges across four indictments, is the first president in U.S. history to face criminal charges. Of those charges, there are 44 federal charges and 47 state charges  all of them felonies. Trump has denied wrongdoing in each case.

Instead of attending the debate, Donald Trump chose to be interviewed by Tucker Carlson. (via X)

Despite this, Trump leads the Republican field by 40 percentage points, according to the latest Yahoo News/YouGov poll.

Trump, who chose to not attend Wednesdays debate, instead sat down for a one-on-one pretaped interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. The former president has maintained that his growing lead against his party rivals is so wide that there is no need for him to attend the debate.

Read more on Yahoo News:

Christian Science Monitor: First Republican debate: Can Ron DeSantis regain momentum?

Bloomberg: Chris Christie's anti-Trumps strategy: Act like Trump: 'Big Take' podcast

Insider: Presidential debates have always been political theater. Here are some of their most memorable moments.
WASHINGTON  Republican presidential candidates sparred over continuing Ukraine assistance during their first 2024 debate Tuesday night, highlighting the fractious intraparty divide in the House over President Joe Biden s request for a fifth aid package to the war-torn country.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy argued in favor of ending Ukraine aid, putting them at odds with former Vice President Mike Pence , former UN ambassador Nikki Haley and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie .

The discussion mirrored arguments that have played out on Capitol Hill for nearly a year, with the fate of Bidens latest $24 billion Ukraine aid request uncertain in the hands of a Republican-held House largely influenced by the conservative Freedom Caucus. Bidens recent request includes $13 billion for the Pentagon to backfill U.S. weapons sent to Ukraine

I will have Europe pull their weight, said DeSantis. Our support should be contingent on them doing it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

DeSantis said he would devote more resources into countering China. And Ramaswamy said he would put those funds toward the southern border, likening Russias bloody invasion  which has killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians  to migrant crossings at the U.S. southern border.

This is disastrous, said Ramaswamy. We are protecting an invasion across somebody elses border when we should use those same military resources to prevent ... the invasion of our own southern border here in the United States of America.

The $61.4 billion in military aid for Ukraine over four separate funding packages Congress passed since the war began last year includes heavy artillery like HIMARs and munitions like anti-tank missiles  equipment not used in border patrol operations.

Former President Donald Trump, who did not attend the debate, also opposes continuing Ukraine aid.

An August CNN-SSRS poll found that 71% Republicans oppose Congress passing new Ukraine aid, while 62% of Democrats favor more assistance for Kyiv.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., voted for Ukraine aid last year, but in recent months has repeatedly shot down calls for another assistance package to Kyiv or any other additional military spending that would circumvent the $886 billion defense budget caps in the debt ceiling agreement.

Several conservative lawmakers from the Freedom Caucus raised Ukraine as one of their sticking points with McCarthy in his contentious speakership race in January. The weeklong stale mate ended when McCarthy won over the right flank of the caucus with numerous concessions.

Further complicating matters, the Freedom Caucus has threatened to block passage next month of a short-term funding bill needed to avoid a partial government shutdown unless they receive a series of concessions, including an end to unspecified woke military policies.

McCarthys precarious position puts him at odds with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who has joined Senate Republicans in calling for more aid to Kyiv as well as additional defense spending beyond the debt ceiling caps.

Speaking at the debate, Pence, Haley and Christie used many of the same arguments employed by McConnell to support continued U.S. assistance to Ukraine.

Anybody that thinks we cant solve the problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a pretty small view of the world, said Pence. He invoked former President Ronald Reagan to vaunt the U.S. as the leader of the free world and the arsenal of democracy, while stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to reestablish the old Soviet sphere of influence.

Haley said the U.S. has given less than 3.5% of its defense budget to Ukraine, and pointed out that if you look at the percentage per GDP, 11 of the European countries have given more than the U.S.

Christie sided with Haley and Pence. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., did not weigh in on the topic, but has voted for Ukraine aid.

North Dakota Governor Doug Bergum argued Ukraine is an example of when deterrence fails, and called for arming Taiwan with weapons such as Harpoon anti-ship missiles to deter a potential Chinese invasion of the self-governing island.
Ron DeSantis may be leading the Republicans he shared the debate stage with on Wednesday night, but he had just as much  if not more  at stake than any of them. Once upon a time, the Florida governor had high hopes to dethrone Donald Trump atop the GOP, but his campaign has been floundering amid a series of unforced errors and questions about his ability to connect with voters. The debate was a golden opportunity to generate momentum by, at the very least, asserting himself as the alpha of the group chasing Trump in the polls.

He wasnt able to do that, or much of anything. They say the opposite of love is not hate but indifference, and sadly for the Florida governor his performance in Milwaukee did not provoke disdain, but shrugs, among his already frustrated mega-donor base.

Asked by Rolling Stone late Wednesday night about how DeSantis did at the debate, one big GOP donor whos been backing DeSantis against Trump simply replied: He was there. Another Republican high-roller donor who has given to both Trump and DeSantis in the past  and is currently waiting to see if the Florida governor recovers or completely implodes in the primary  said early Thursday that DeSantis was unimpressive but not a disaster.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Operatives and candidates leading the other, non-Trump 2024 GOP presidential campaigns were similarly unimpressed. Some view the Fox News debate as yet another highly public indicator that DeSantis  who was until recently aggressively promoted by Fox and the Murdoch media empire as the shining, post-Trump future of the conservative movement  was a paper tiger all along, and was always destined to struggle once hitting the national stage for real. A senior aide for one of the other debate participants says their candidate in recent prep sessions saw little need to go after DeSantis hard because hes very close to becoming old news.

DeSantis was clearly expecting his opponents to be a little more concerned. Campaign manager James Uthmeier recently sent out a debate strategy memo laying out that DeSantis was fully prepared to be the center of attacks. This may explain why he wasnt really going on the offensive himself. DeSantis instead stood stiffly at the middle podium, delivering well-rehearsed monologues and tired lines about President Biden staying in his basement, while failing to say anything remotely memorable. He did not have the air of the frontrunner of the group  both to viewers and, apparently, to the other candidates, who didnt really attack him. Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy , and Chris Christie all wrestled more speaking time than DeSantis, according to The New York Times, probably due to the fact that the governor largely stayed out of the nights more heated exchanges.

Uthmeier framed all of this as a positive. While other candidates attacked each other, Gov. DeSantis stayed focused on the American people and fighting for their future with a clear vision to fix our economy, secure the border, empower parents, back law enforcement and stand up to the leftist elite and the D.C. establishment, he said in a statement Wednesday night.

It wasnt just his hesitance to mix it up with his competitors, though. DeSantis also seemed torn on how to handle Trump, as he has been throughout his entire campaign. When Bret Baier asked the candidates to raise their hand if they would still support the former president if he were convicted on any of the four indictments hes currently facing  a basic question any candidate should be well prepared to answer  Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, and Doug Burgum raised their hands immediately. DeSantis took a while, though, timidly lifting his hand only after looking down the row to see who else was doing it.

MODERATOR: Would you still support Trump if he was convicted?



RON DESANTIS:  pic.twitter.com/ZTT5VShqy0  Sawyer Hackett (@SawyerHackett) August 24, 2023

He showed a little more assertiveness when he weighed in on whether the U.S. should stop funding Ukraines effort to beat back Russian aggression, but then started fumbling as he tried to make a point about China  to the apparent delight of Ramaswamy. I would have support in China, uhh, to be able to take, uhh, to be able to take China, umm, and do what we need to do with China, he said after insisting Europe needs to step up and help fund Ukraines effort.

Ron DeSantis: "I would have support in China, uhh, to be able to, uhh, to be able to take China, umm, and be able to do what we need to do with China." pic.twitter.com/00VxsSEwPw  Justin Baragona (@justinbaragona) August 24, 2023

The idea that Europe needs to pull its weight financially has long been Trumps stance on the issue. DeSantis also lifted one of the former presidents signature phrases when discussing Anthony Fauci. It was one of the most cringe-worthy moments of the night. You bring Fauci in, you sit him down, and you say, Anthony, you are fired!' he bellowed.

"You bring Fauci in, you sit him down & you say 'Anthony, You Are Fired!' "



DeSantis invokes Trump's Apprentice catchphrase pic.twitter.com/rD5UUPJzD7  Brennan Murphy (@brenonade) August 24, 2023

It isnt hard to understand why some of the GOPs top money men were lukewarm about DeSantis performance. He didnt suffer any huge blows, but simply treading water isnt going to cut it for a campaign that has been steadily sinking for months, and which is now in danger of dipping below that of Ramaswamy and potentially others.

The Florida governors night, and his entire campaign, is probably best summed up in a now-viral clip of him emphatically saying he wont let the American people down before straining to approximate a human smile.

This man is in PAIN pic.twitter.com/MCFNGyCRRZ  Keith Edwards (@keithedwards) August 24, 2023

He couldnt quite pull it off.

More from Rolling Stone

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie answers a question alongside former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson during the Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News on Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie answers a question alongside former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson during the Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News on Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee.

MILWAUKEE  When the two former federal prosecutors on the 2024 Republican primary debate stage disparaged an accused felon who faces nearly 100 criminal counts in four separate indictments, they were roundly booed.

The audience on Wednesday night made it clear it was on the side of the accused felon.

Such is the state of the law and order party  at least when the accused felon is the coup-attempting former President Donald Trump , who on Thursday was to be arrested and booked for the fourth time in as many months, this time on racketeering charges based on his attempts to coerce Georgia officials into overturning his 2020 election loss there.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is my friendly battle with my fellow Republicans, said Bill Palatucci, a Republican National Committee member from New Jersey who has, since the day Trumps words and actions incited an attack on the U.S. Capitol, argued that the party has to repudiate Trump and move on.

Palatucci and the other 167 members of the RNC attended the debate, along with 150 supporters of each of the eight candidates participating and another several thousand Republicans chosen by the party and the debate sponsors. The event was scheduled to coincide with the partys summer meeting and was held at the same venue that will host the 2024 Republican nominating convention.

We, as a party, have got to do better, Palatucci said.

That, said GOP consultant Sarah Longwell, is not likely to happen in a party where Trump has been working to delegitimize federal prosecutors and the FBI since it began investigating why Russian dictator Vladimir Putin helped Trump win his 2016 election, with Trump eagerly accepting that assistance.

They live in the Republican triangle of doom, she said of Trump supporters. Becoming ever more extreme due to the toxic and symbiotic relationship between Republican voters, right-wing infotainment media, and Republican elected officials.

Former Republican congressman David Jolly traced the deep distrust of federal law enforcement and government in general back to the tea party movement that started in reaction to the election of the first Black president, Barack Obama, and quickly began taking over the Republican Party.

Trump saw it, seized the movement, and used it to crush the traditional orthodoxy of the party, Jolly said. He rebuilt the party in his image with a loyal constituency desperate to implement their movement. [Former New Jersey Gov. Chris] Christie and [former Arkansas Gov. Asa] Hutchinson represent a direct challenge to that movement, and theyre not welcome.

Perhaps even more striking, the six candidates who were not former United States attorneys  including former Vice President Mike Pence, who was nearly killed by Trumps mob on Jan. 6, 2021  all said they would support Trumps candidacy, should he wind up the 2024 Republican nominee.

The base refuses to deal with the Trump legal stuff.David Kochel, Republican consultant in Iowa

Speaking with reporters after the debate on Wednesday, Hutchinson, who spent two and a half years as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas, said secretaries of state and judges could easily rule that Trump is violating the 14th Amendments ban on insurrectionists running for office, thereby removing him from the ballot entirely in key states. Trump is putting our voters in a very difficult position, and we need to think about this seriously, Hutchinson said.

During a 10-minute stretch of the debate devoted to Trumps criminal cases, Hutchinson and Christie, who had previously spent six years as the top federal prosecutor in New Jersey, tried to argue that even without the indictments, Trumps attempts to remain in office despite losing the election should disqualify him from the presidency.

Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, Christie said to a fresh round of boos. And, you know, this is the great thing about this country. Booing is allowed, but it doesnt change the truth. It doesnt change the truth.

Polling thus far suggests that Republican primary voters have an alternative view of truth, with majorities saying they believe that the 2020 election was actually stolen from Trump through fraud and that Trump did nothing wrong.

The base refuses to deal with the Trump legal stuff, said David Kochel, a veteran Republican consultant in Iowa, which will hold the first contest of the 2024 primary season in January.

Oscar Brock, an RNC member from Tennessee, said he hopes that between now and then, primary voters will come to agree with South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys assessment that Trump is the most disliked politician in all of America and go with someone else.

I think at the end of day, even Republican primary voters will say no to that, he said. Its a losing proposition if Donald Trump is the nominee.

But not even all of Brocks colleagues in the RNC, whose mission, in theory, is to win elections, agree that Trump is a sure-fire loser, despite poor GOP election performances in 2018, 2020, 2021 and 2022  all tied to Trump himself and to candidates he backed solely because they agreed to spread his election lies.

Jay Shephard, an RNC member from Vermont, said Trump could certainly win the general election in 2024 if Americans continue to see the economy as weak and can be persuaded of the corruption of the Biden crime family.

Because of all that, he said, Trump should be able to win, just like any of the other Republican candidates should be able to win. Would it be easier with one of the others? Perhaps, Shephard said.
The first Republican presidential debate held in Wisconsin on Wednesday night featured wide-ranging discussions on the national security threat posed by China, the continued American involvement in Ukraine, and the possibility of sending more active duty troops to the U.S. border with Mexico to help with immigration work.

Below are excerpts of the major points of discussion on military personnel and foreign policy priorities from the candidates:

U.S. Northern Command is providing military support to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection to secure the southern border of the United States, 2018. (USAF photo/Airman First Class Daniel A. Hernandez)

Military deployments to the U.S. southern border

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis: Im not going to send troops to Ukraine  Im going to send them to our southern border. When these drug pushers are bringing fentanyl across the border, thats going to be the last thing they do. Were going to use force and were going to leave them stone cold dead.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Moderator: So as president, would you support sending U.S. special forces over the border into Mexico to take out fentanyl labs to take out drug cartel operations?

Desantis: Yes. And I will do it on day one. Heres the thing. The cartels are killing tens of thousands of our fellow citizens  We have to re-establish the rule of law, and we have to defend our people. The president of the United States has got to use all available powers as commander-in-chief to protect our country and to protect the people. So, when theyre coming across, yes, were going to use lethal force. Yes, we reserve the right to operate.



Former Vice President Pence: We got the Mexicans to deploy their National Guard to our southern border as never before. And I want to promise you as president of the United States of America, I will engage Mexico the exact same way. We will partner with the Mexican military, and we will hunt down and destroy the cartels that are claiming lives in the United States.



Moderator: Would you authorize lethal force along [the southern U.S.] border?

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson: Lethal force used by Border Patrol law enforcement as needed to protect the border? Absolutely. But when you look at the military, the military has to be used for intelligence gathering purposes 

We cannot be successful going against the [drug] cartels unless we bring in Mexico as a partner. We have to use economic pressure to accomplish that. [Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez] Obrador has not been helpful, and we have to use economic pressure that this administration is not using. The rule of law has to matter on both sides. This is critical. The military has to be limited in its use.

A detail of female U.S. Marine Corps recruits stand in platoon order outside the Marine Corps Recruit Depot pool after swim training, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in Parris Island, South Carolina. (Stephen B. Morton/Marine Corps

Mandatory military service

Moderator: Governor DeSantis, as President, would you support some mandatory military service for all Americans?

Desantis: I think it should be voluntary. Im somebody that volunteered to serve inspired by Sept. 11. And I deployed to Iraq, alongside U.S. Navy SEALs in places like Ramadi, and its something that I think has taught me that when you go in that type of environment, anything you have your personal agenda, you check it at the door.

You go there and its about focusing on the mission, above all else, and guys come together and they get it done. And thats how I would view being the president of the United States.

A Ukrainian soldier covers his ears while firing a mortar at Russian positions on the frontline near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, Ukraine, Monday, May 29, 2023. (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

Ukraine

Pence: Anybody that thinks that we cant solve problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a pretty small view of the greatest nation on Earth. Weve done both. Weve been the leader of the free world and the arsenal of democracy for years.

The Reagan Doctrine years ago made it clear we said if youre willing to fight the communists on your soil, well give you the means to fight it there, so our troops dont have to fight. If we give Putin this land, its not going to be too long before he rolls across a NATO border. And frankly, our men and women of our armed forces are going to have to go and fight him. I want to let the Ukrainians fight and drive through him and have the Russians back down.



Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley: The American president needs to have moral clarity. They need to know the difference between right and wrong. They need to know the difference between good and evil. When you look at the situation with Russia and Ukraine, here you have a pro-American country that was invaded by a thug.

So when you want to talk about what has been given to Ukraine, less than 3.5% of our defense budget has been given to Ukraine  We have to know that Ukraine is the first line of defense for us.



Desantis: I will have Europe pull their weight [in Ukraine]. Now theyre not doing it now. I think our support should be contingent on them doing it.



Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: I went to Ukraine because I wanted to see for myself what Vladimir Putins army was doing to free Ukrainian people. I want you all to look around this arena tonight and imagine that every one of these seats was filled. And if every one of them was filled, there would still be 2,500 more children outside to make the over 20,000 who have been abducted, stolen, ripped from their mothers and fathers and brought back to Russia to be programmed to fight their own families.

They have gouged out peoples eyes, cut off their ears and shot people in the back of the head. Theyre gone into those homes and raped the daughters and the wives who were left as widows and orphans. This is the same Vladimir Putin who Donald Trump called brilliant and a genius. If we dont stand up against this type of autocratic killing we will be next.



Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy: The reality is that today, [Ukraine] is not a priority for the United States of America. And I think that the same people who took us into the Iraq War, the same people who took us into the Vietnam War, you cannot end it. Youre not starting another no-win war.

And I do not want to get to the point where were sending our military resources abroad when we could be better using them here at home to protect our own borders. protect the homeland. That will be my top priority for protecting this homeland.

In this photo provided by the U.S. Navy, the guided-missile destroyer Chung-Hoon observes a Chinese navy ship conduct what it called an

China

Moderator: Mr. Ramaswamy, you would not support an increase of funding to Ukraine?

Ramaswamy: I would not  we are driving further into Chinas hands. The Russia-China alliance is the single greatest threat we face.

The USSR does not exist anymore. The real threat we face today is Communist China, and we are driving Russia further into Chinas arms. The Russia-China military alliance is the single greatest threat we face. Nobody in either political party is talking about it.



North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum: The Biden administration is a complete fail  What we need to do is not have more meetings, not press releases. Something that would send a lot more of a message than a press release is actually harpoon missiles. We need anti-ship missiles on Taiwan.

The way that you have a war that never starts, which is the goal, the way you have peace through strength is that you actually have strength. You actually have deterrence.



Christie: On this fentanyl issue with China: We cant take our eye off of that ball. Yes, its important that we secure the [southern] border, very important. But China is sending these chemicals to these drug cartels for them to create the fentanyl that is killing hundreds of thousands of our citizens.

The Chinese are engaging in an act of war against us, killing our citizens. We better make that priority one in our conversations with China and to try to straighten that relationship out. Because if we dont, were going to lose more and more of our citizens.
Republican strategist Sarah Chamberlain said Nikki Haley s debate performance Wednesday was akin to one aimed at a general election audience, while Vivek Ramaswamy ran a primary debate.

Chamberlain, the president and CEO of Republican Main Street Partnership, said GOP candidates need to appeal to Republican voters  especially supporters of former President Trump  to lock up the nomination before they can start thinking about the general election, which was the strategy Ramaswamy utilized at the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 cycle.

The comments came during The Hills event, 2024 Debate Breakdown: An Insiders Look at the First Republican Presidential Debate, which streamed Thursday morning.

Right now theyve got to be pulling the Trump voters away from Donald Trump. In order to do that, you have to do what Vivek did last night, said Chamberlain, who is also the president and founder of Women2Women Conversations Tour. Nikki Haley ran a great general debate, Vivek ran a primary debate, and thats just the difference between the two.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In order to get to the general we have got to get through a primary, she continued. And I would say, you know, we talk about the more mainstream Republicans, but theyre not voting in the primaries, and thats a problem. So the people who are voting in the primaries, we have to go out and appeal to in order to get to the general, and thats what happened last night.

That philosophy, however, came under criticism from Democratic strategist Michael Starr Hopkins, founding partner of Northern Starr Strategies, who argued that Republicans are putting themselves in a position where its political suicide by focusing so heavily on the primary race and not looking ahead to the general election.

I think what Republicans are doing, the biggest problem is while running for a primary theyre doing nothing to position themselves for a general, Hopkins said during The Hills event. All theyre doing in this primary is creating attack ads for Democrats, and its really gonna create a problem in the long run.

He pointed to Ramaswamys remark that the climate change agenda is a hoax and comments from candidates on abortion, asserting this isnt something thats gonna bring in independent and suburban voters.

The inaugural 2024 GOP presidential debate marked the first time since 2016 that a large Republican field traded barbs at that level.

Unlike the debates in 2016, when former President Trumps presence disrupted the political orthodoxy of the time, Trumps absence Wednesday left a vacuum, though many of his policy proposals were embraced by the candidates onstage. The roughly two-hour event covered a range of topics including abortion, Ukraine, border security, Trumps indictments and the former presidents efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Instead of appearing on the debate stage, Trump sat for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that was streamed on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Trump is the clear front-runner in the GOP primary, leading his opponents by double digits in a number of polls.

Hopkins, the Democratic strategist, suggested that Republican candidates should keep an eye on the general election, especially as Trump maintains his commanding lead.

When you look at the polls you see Trump losing to President Biden, now by six. Theres no candidate in the primary thats gonna pull away from Trump voters, Hopkins said. So the question is gonna be what do you do when you have this large group of Republicans who are diehard Trump voters who likely arent gonna support someone else, and then heading into a general, if Trump isnt the nominee, likely either arent gonna vote or are gonna protest vote.

Republicans have put themselves in a position where its political suicide, he added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
NEW YORK  Gov. Kathy Hochuls administration dragged its feet for months on green-lighting a large-scale migrant housing facility in Queens, delaying its opening at a time 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 first 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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.

A spokesman for Hochuls office declined to comment Wednesday afternoon.

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.

_____

(New York Daily News reporter Tim Balk contributed to this article.)

_____
The Ukrainian government allocated Hr 4.6 billion ($124 million) towards reconstruction measures of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, Ukraine's Ministry of Reintegration reported on Aug. 23. Nearly 32% of the funds were spent on "financing the works and paying compensation to the victims."

Around Hr 1.3 billion ($35 million) has been allocated to the reconstruction of damaged and destroyed homes in the zone of the Russian attack. According to the Ministry, "people in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions will have the resources to repair their homes before winter" as a result of these newly distributed funds.

Assignments for compensation among residents of the Kherson and Mykolaiv who lost crops in the resulting floods is reportedly ongoing. More than 340 applications have been submitted and payments of Hr 2.7 million have been established.

Last month, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that the Ukrainian government approved a resolution to begin reconstruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Shmyhal explained that the project will take place in two stages, lasting two years. "At the first stage, we will design all engineering structures, prepare the necessary base for restoration. The second stage will begin after the de-occupation of the territories where the HPP is located. This involves actual construction work."

The dam of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant across the Dnipro River, occupied by Russian forces, was destroyed on the morning of June 6, 2023, sparking a large-scale humanitarian and environmental disaster across southern Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Wagner warlord reportedly killed in plane crash 2 months after staging mutiny

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
When he addressed the Columbus Municipal Auditorium crowd 60 years ago as the keynote speaker at the first graduation ceremony in Carver High Schools history, Leroy Johnson, the state senator from Fulton County then, put the momentous moment in perspective.

This is the first time in 92 years that a Black man has sat in the Senate of Georgia, Johnson said. Negroes are realizing their vision, their hope, their ambition.

We live in a state where the Negro is saying, Lord, we aint what we want to be, and we aint what we ought to be, but thank God we aint what we was.

Speaking to Carvers 139 graduating seniors, Johnson said, Whatever area you decide to go into, whatever you plan to do, you decide you are going to be a leader.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Six decades later, this class  born and graduated during racial segregation  lived up to that challenge.

They distinguished themselves as honorable citizens with productive careers, contributing to their country and community in the military, healthcare, education, law, government, business and ministry.

This week, as 39 of those classmates gather in Columbus for their 60th reunion, the Ledger-Enquirer features four of them as examples of their positive impact. And they credit Carver for helping to equip them for their journey.

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court outlawing segregated schools in 1954, the Muscogee County School District didnt integrate until a 1971 court order dismantled its dual school system after MCSDs 1963 freedom of choice plan failed to integrate the district enough.

Named in honor of George Washington Carver, the prominent African American agricultural scientist and inventor, the school opened in 1954 as a junior high school for grades 7-8. It later was expanded, and grades were added, until it became the citys second high school for Black students, joining rival Spencer, and producing that first graduation class in 1963.

Wilma Griffin Johnson, Clevie Gladney Covington, William Crawford and Johnnie Jackson were among them. From their interviews with the L-E, its clear they didnt need that state senators graduation exhortation to seek and achieve laudable lives. They already had continually heard such motivational messages from Carvers caring faculty and staff.

Here are pieces of their stories:

Wilma Griffin Johnson

Johnson, 77, was the Class of 1963 valedictorian at Carver. No wonder classmates voted her as Most Likely to Succeed.

She earned a bachelors degree in math from Bennett College and a masters degree in public health the University of North Carolina. She worked for 32 years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, retiring in 2002 as associate director for minority health.

Now living in Atlanta with her husband, Raymond, they have one daughter and three grandsons.

Raymond, who served for three years in the U.S. Army and became a self-employed home improvement worker, also is a 1963 Carver High graduate. They met in fourth grade at Carver Elementary School.

Wilma Griffin Johnson is a 1963 graduate of Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia.

Carvers faculty and staff helped me feel valued, Johnson said.  This was the time of the Civil Rights Era, and we were empowered, encouraged to do more and go further. I felt I could do and go wherever I wanted.

Between her junior and senior years, Johnson earned a free summer course, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, at the University of Buffalo. She was the only Black student in the class of about 20 students, and it was the first time she traveled beyond Georgia and Alabama.

I did just as well as the students who came from larger schools, she said.  It was a huge boost of confidence. After being told (by segregated society) you are second class, when you have an experience like that, it really impacts your outlook.

Johnson was a Carver cheerleader. Her favorite cheer: Theres a thrill on the hill.

The area around the school in the Carver Heights neighborhood is known as The Hill. And it indeed was a thrill for Johnson to learn there  even when she got in good trouble, speaking out and standing up against what she believed was wrong.

Johnson was among a dozen students who boycotted a school dance because they thought it was unfair for a sophomore to be elected queen instead of a junior or senior. As a result, principal S.P. Charleston took away the boycotters privileges for not supporting the school.

Looking back, he was right to say what he did, but I still fee like he shouldnt have taken us down, Johnson said. But I respected his authority.

Clevie Gladney Covington

Covington, 77, was the Carver Class of 1963 salutatorian. No wonder her classmates voted her as Most Studious.

After earning a bachelors degree in math from Stillman College, she taught for one year at Arnold Junior High School in Columbus before joining one of her sisters in Washington, D.C., where she worked for 10 years as a mathematician at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and for 25 years as a statistician at the U.S. Department of Education. She retired in 2005.

Covington now resides with her husband in Temple Hills, Maryland. She feels compelled to attend the reunion, reconnecting with her marvelous memories of Carver.

I enjoy talking to people I havent seen in years, she said.  The teachers really cared about you. They took time to make sure you knew whatever it was they were trying to teach you.

Clevie Gladney Covington is a 1963 graduate of Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia.

Her favorite was Mr. Hendricks, a math teacher who was stern but stayed after school to help students.

He was there for you, she said.

Although she forgets her favorite substitute teachers name, Covington remembers his advising mantra: Start low. Aim high. Strike fire. Then retire.

Covington also appreciates Charlestons strict enforcement of the schools dress code. Girls had to wear dresses that covered their knees, and boys couldnt wear the colorful pants that were in fashion at the time.

Charleston was having none of that, she said with a laugh.

Overall, the Carver faculty and staff instilled in her that discrimination meant she had to study harder and work harder to be considered as worthy of recognition as anybody else.

I think they did an excellent job preparing us, she said.

William Crawford

Crawford, 78, was voted Most Artistic by his classmates. He continued that reputation as an adult.

He earned a bachelors degree in fine arts from North Carolina A&T  the first person in his family to graduate from college  and a masters degree in education from Columbus College.

Crawford taught art for 32 years combined at Spencer and Baker before retiring in 2000. Then he worked as a youth counselor and a specialist in the citys job training program before retiring again a few years ago, although he still works in the program during the summer.

Crawford, divorced, resides in Columbus and runs a home-based sign shop as a graphic artist and photographer. His daughter and grandson are in Atlanta.

As the editor of Carvers newspaper during his senior year, Crawford won journalism awards on the state level and from the Ledger-Enquirer.

William Crawford is a 1963 graduate of Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia.

Crawford called Carver a place that overflowed with love and concern for students.

Ms. Watt personified that description. Crawford recalled this teacher seeing to it that an impoverished student had the resources he needed to graduate

Crawford quoted Charlestons oft-repeated words of correction  We cant have this at Carver. Our students just dont act like that.  when disciplining students.

He wanted us to strive to do great things and be good people, Crawford said.

Crawford also cherishes the influence of John Washington, the debonair assistant principal at Carver then, who inspired him to attend his alma mater, North Carolina A&T.

He was cool, calm and collected, Crawford said.  He knew how to talk to us. He never raised his voice, but whatever he got across just flowed out of him smooth and mellifluously.

And he delivered substance along with that style.

He instilled in me and a lot of guys values like integrity, and he wanted us to excel, Crawford said.  Being a new school, with Spencer already having an established reputation, we didnt want to be second rate.  We didnt want to be a shortcoming to the city.

When it came to deciding which team to support while Carver and Spencer played against each other, Crawford cheered more for Spencer while he taught there because that was the source of his paycheck. Now in retirement, he said, I root for both schools.

Johnnie Jackson

Jackson, 78, was voted by his classmates as Most Dramatic, but the kind of drama he experienced as an adult came not on stage but through his careers in the military, law enforcement, ministry and education.

After high school, Jackson served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, attaining the rank of sergeant first class. He worked for 32 years in crime prevention and community relations at the Columbus Police Department, including 15 years as its first Black chaplain, helping organize the Neighborhood Watch program and the Junior Police League.

Jackson also has been a substitute teacher and security officer for MCSD. In retirement, he serves as an elder and prison ministry volunteer with Body of Christ Church International.

Johnnie Jackson is a 1963 graduate of Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia.

He earned an associates degree in theology from Christian Life Seminary, a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Columbus College and a masters degree in police administration from Troy State University.

Married to his third wife for 12 years, Jackson resides in Fortson and has two children and four grandchildren.

Jackson is proud of Carvers heritage.

Its been a school that really is concerned about education and making sure that we graduate and have good character and treat everybody the way theyre supposed to be treated and just love people, he said. We still love each other today, including the instructors. Its amazing how the love has stayed and never broke.

Watt also was one of Jacksons favorite teachers.

She was like a mama to us, he said. She would make sure we could succeed and not have to worry about flunking out.  She helped some students who couldnt afford lunch or didnt have rides to school.

And when he misbehaved  such as pulling bows from girls hair  the big paddle from the industrial arts teacher, Mr. Wright, soon would set him straight him.

When he spanked, Jackson said with a laugh, that wasnt no joke.

As he reflected on his years at Carver, Jackson offered advice for the schools current class of seniors.

Remember that we are not here forever, so therefore we must get ourselves in order, he said.  Lets pray for each other and love each other.
You are here: Arts

People visit Erlitou Site Museum of the Xia Capital in Luoyang, central China's Henan Province, Aug. 12, 2023. Museums in Henan Province have witnessed a large amount of visitors since the beginning of summer vacation this year. (Xinhua/Lu Peng)

China's National Cultural Heritage Administration has issued guidelines on improving museum docent services.



More docent services should be available at museums free of charge, and these services should be provided by more professionals, including curators, experts, and researchers.

Docents' misconduct, like history distortion, should be corrected promptly, according to the guidelines.

Museums are also encouraged to improve online introductions of their cultural relics so visitors are better prepared before visiting museums.
Indie rock veterans, the Arctic Monkeys, will be taking the Golden 1 Center stage this September, as the band wraps up its 2023 North American Tour.

Formed in Sheffield, England, in 2002, the artists will perform on Sept. 27 with support from Irish post-punk group Fontaines D.C, according to the Golden 1 Center. This is their second to last show in North America and the U.S., finishing off with a performance in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum on Sept. 29.

Known for distinct crooning vocals from frontman Alex Turner, Arctic Monkeys has top hits including Do I Wanna Know? and I Wanna Be Yours, which is housed in the fifth studio album AM. The 2013 album garnered high recognition, including winning Album Of The Decade at the NME Awards in 2020.

Arctic Monkeys released the record The Car in 2022. Its single Thered Better Be A Mirrorball from the album received a Grammy nomination  six total in the bands career  for Best Alternative Music Performance.

Tickets

Resale tickets for the Arctic Monkeys show at Golden 1 Center are still available, according to multiple vendors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ticketmaster

Tickets at Ticketmaster start at $122 but can go up to more than $700 for seats closer to the stage.

StubHub

Stubhub has tickets starting at $78 to more than $1,000. One ticket is going for more than $9,000 for row 1, section 1.

SeatGeek

Prices on SeatGeek start at $65 and go up to $1,000.

VividSeats

VividSeats has tickets starting at $71 and go up to $647. Highest price for a ticket is $8,691.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
William Hardison Sr has been identified as the suspect in the Pittsburgh shooting, a source confirmed to The Independent (AP)

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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) tore into GOP presidential candidate Chris Christie for comparing fellow White House hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy to former President Obama during Wednesday nights primary debate.

I was pretty disgusted at Chris Christie and his racist comment towards Vivek Ramaswamy, Greene said during an appearance on a Right Side Broadcasting post-debate program. He compared him to Obama. I honestly thought that was pretty racist.

During the debate, Ramaswamy introduced himself to GOP voters by saying, Let me just address the question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage?

After the entrepreneur called climate change a hoax, Christie, a Trump critic, interjected and blasted Ramaswamy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ive honestly had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Christie said. The last person in one of these debates  who stood in the middle of the stage and said, What is a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama. And I am afraid we are dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

In a Truth Social post early Thursday morning, Trump, the races front-runner who did not attend the first primary debate, highlighted Ramaswamys praise for Trump.

Greene, a staunch Trump supporter, traveled to Milwaukee this week to serve as one of the former presidents surrogates and engage in media appearances advocating on his behalf.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath visited the Coastal Bend at the tail end of Tropical Storm Harold on Tuesday afternoon, stopping by Gregory-Portland Middle School as the rains died down.

Morath said he chose to visit the school due to its efforts to improve student learning.

Were constantly on the lookout for places that are implementing practices that improve student learning and so theres some stuff that jumped out in the data at us and practices that we know that theyre implementing that are great for kids, Morath said.

Morath specifically cited growth in reading and math proficiency, as well as recent investments in curriculum at Gregory-Portland Middle School.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath observes a lesson in Kelly Zipprian's seventh grade Texas history class Tuesday at Gregory-Portland Middle School.

According to the states online portal for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness data, during the spring 2023 STAAR tests, 86% of sixth graders and 83% of seventh and eighth graders at the school were categorized as approaches grade level or above in reading  jumps from 76% of sixth graders, 79% of seventh graders and 80% of eighth graders in spring 2022.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Close to 60% of students at the school met grade level expectations and between a quarter and three-tenths mastered grade level expectations in reading.

Scoring in the approaches grade level category indicates that a student is likely to succeed in the next grade with targeted academic intervention. At the meets grade level, students have a high likelihood of success in the next grade but might still need some short-term intervention. At the masters level, students are expected to succeed with little to no intervention or are on track for postsecondary success.

In math, spring 2023 STAAR performance at the school was slightly lower than in reading, with 81% of sixth graders, 73% of seventh graders and 75% of eighth graders scoring at the approaches level or above.

This also reflects improvements from the previous year, when only 80% of sixth graders, 51% of seventh graders and 76% of eighth graders scored at the approaches level or above.

About half of sixth and seventh graders and 42% of eighth graders scored at the meets level or above. A quarter of sixth graders, 22% of seventh graders and 10% of eighth graders scored at the masters level.

Performance on the science STAAR, taken only by eighth graders at the school, was similar with 81% approaching grade level or above. In the social studies STAAR, also taken only by eighth graders, 66% scoring at the approaches level or above.

These results for all subjects at Gregory-Portland Middle School are in line with or better than state and regional averages.

Morath, accompanied by other visitors including State Board of Education member LJ Francis, stepped into several classrooms, observing as students practiced using descriptive language in writing assignments, worked together to compare the regions of Texas and completed math challenge problems.

Im really hoping he gets to see the hard work and dedication that our employees are putting into teaching at a rigorous level and just seeing whats really happening in the classroom, Superintendent Michelle Cavazos said. A single-day measure doesnt always measure success.

Texas Education Agency Commissioner Mike Morath discusses education with Gregory-Portland ISD Superintendent Michelle Cavazos and Gregory-Portland Middle School teacher Stacey McClary during a panel discussion Tuesday at Gregory-Portland Middle School.

The Texas Education Agency releases annual A-F accountability ratings for schools and districts, assessing student achievement, growth and work to close gaps. STAAR results play a big role in these ratings, though other factors like graduation rates and college, career and military readiness are also taken into account.

The TEA gave Gregory-Portland ISD an overall B rating for 2021-22, including a distinction designation for postsecondary readiness. Gregory-Portland Middle School also received a B.

The ratings are publicly available at https://txschools.gov/, but it can be difficult to tell from the ratings whether or not a school has improved over the years. The state did not release ratings for 2020-21 or 2019-20 due to the pandemic. School districts directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey, including G-PISD, also lack an official overall rating for 2017-18.

New ratings for the 2022-23 school year are expected in September, but due to a redesign of the accountability systems methodology, the A-F ratings will not be directly comparable to previous years.

When the ratings come out at the end of September, for a family comparing this years ratings to last years ratings, its not going to be apples to apples, Morath said.

Along with ratings for 2022-23, the state is also releasing What If? ratings re-evaluating the previous year under the new system to help the public better judge if local schools are improving.

School districts across the state are bracing for lower grades, even if they have seen growth. One factor is the state has increased expectations for college, career and military readiness.

Its possible that they could have more kids graduating college, career and military ready at the high school level but the ratings lower using the different cut-score methodology this year, Morath said.

Morath also sat down with a panel of six teachers and department heads, hearing about the schools approach to curriculum and how teachers balance planning lessons and teaching. After a curriculum audit, the district introduced a more centralized approach so that lessons at different district schools are more aligned.

Social studies teacher Kory Baker told the commissioner shed like to see more opportunities for teacher advocacy.

Math co-department head and teacher Cyndee Alvarado said that teachers are focused on growth, beyond simply passing assessments, complimenting Cavazoss leadership in outlining this goal.

We werent focused on a number, Alvarado said. Were focused on the children and getting them to grow.

Math co-department head and teacher Caroline Martini agreed.

I think thats the biggest thing, Martini said. Most of us on this campus... yes, wed love them all to pass, but were realists. Thats not going to happen. But where (students) are at  moving, thats all we want to do.

Cavazos pointed to the districts plans for childhood education, which are aimed at building a stronger knowledge base. The district is currently constructing an early childhood education center to serve pre-K and kindergarten students in specially designed experiential learning classrooms.

Morath told the teachers that the state is working to develop tools to help teachers better identify and respond to learning gaps and deliver differentiated instruction. Morath said the state has piloted this for math but is still working on ideas for other subjects.

Morath said that classroom visits like his trip to Gregory-Portland Middle School help him inform better inform policymakers and evaluate TEA practices. Morath also stopped by Alice ISD on Wednesday.

This is an opportunity for me to evaluate some of the things that we have launched at the state level to see how it is working and whether it is working well to support our teachers and our kids in the field, Morath said.

Gregory-Portland ISD approves teacher raises

Here's how Coastal Bend schools are increasing school security

This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Texas education commissioner visits Gregory-Portland ISD
Grosse Pointe Public Schools Superintendent Jon Dean is leaving the district after the district's school board approved a separation agreement during Wednesday's meeting.

The board voted 4-2 on a separation agreement, the details of which were not immediately available on Wednesday evening.

Dean, in a letter to the community emailed as part of a news release late Wednesday night, wrote that his retirement from the district will be effective Sept. 1, but he will stay on to consult as the board searches for a new superintendent.

"I will continue to be a champion and supporter of this district. I am fortunate to have had the amazing opportunity to live and serve in this community," he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Board member Colleen Worden condemned the move to part ways with Dean, calling it a financially irresponsible decision. Board President Ahmed Ismail said the move could cost the district about $200,000, but the exact amount was not immediately made public.

"I'm devastated to see him leave after everything that he's given to the district," Worden said.

The announcement follows multiple other administrative resignations in the district: Daniel Hartley, director of secondary instruction; Stefanie Hayes, director of student services, and Rebecca Fannon, the district's communications lead, have all resigned in recent months, according to board documents. It's unclear why each resigned or why Dean resigned.

Dean has been superintendent since 2021, and previously worked as a deputy superintendent for the district starting in 2012. According to his contract, he received a base salary of $190,000 and was set to receive a base of $195,000 for the 2023-24 school year. In 2021, including retirement and other benefits, the superintendent made more than $289,000.

More: Michigan schools rank among nations worst for chronic absenteeism, study shows

More: Detroit schools superintendent Nikolai Vitti: We can't use pandemic excuse anymore

Grosse Pointe South High School, pictured on Monday, Jan. 31, 2022, is one of two high schools serving the Grosse Pointe communities.

Chris Fenton, a former deputy superintendent with the district, is poised to be appointed interim superintendent if Fenton can negotiate an agreement with the board. Both Worden and board member Valarie St. John said they believed the board did not operate transparently among all board members in choosing Fenton.

Lisa Papas, another board member, said she supported Fentons appointment.

My concern is that we keep our operations running as smoothly as possible, she said during the meeting.

The board also voted to open public comment at the end of the meeting, but the motion was struck down, 2-4.

Ismail said Dean came to the board with a proposal for a separation agreement and noted after the meeting concluded that Dean has decided to retire from K-12 education.

About 6,500 students attend Grosse Pointe schools. The district has, in recent years, bled students, leading to the shutdown of two elementary schools in 2019. In the 2013-14 school year, nearly 8,400 students attended district schools.

The district has experienced some upheaval over the last few years, between the closing of elementary schools and debates around whether the district should add a school health clinic at Grosse Pointe North High School.

Kelly Larson is a parent with the Alliance for Grosse Pointe Public Schools, an organization formed to create an inclusive environment for students during school board upheaval. At Wednesday's board meeting, she clutched a printout of a webpage showing school administrators.

"I printed out our administration page for this school system," she said. "And half of these folks are either leaving or gone."

Larson said the board has increasingly limited public comment, changing the period of public comment period during school board meetings to before the board votes on business rather than after.

The district recently reached a bargaining agreement with the district's teachers union for the 2023-24 school year.

The first day of school in Grosse Pointe is Sept. 6.

Contact Lily Altavena: laltavena@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Grosse Pointe Schools Superintendent Jon Dean to leave district
(Reuters) -The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights asked Guatemala to provide more protections for President-elect Bernardo Arevalo and Vice President-elect Karin Herrera , it said on Thursday, citing "serious and urgent" risks to their wellbeing.

In a statement, the commission said the threats include two plots against the politicians' lives. In response, the government said it has already reinforced security, and called on the IACHR to be "prudent."

Anti-corruption candidate Arevalo won Guatemala's presidential runoff on Sunday by a landslide after an effort to disqualify his party and sideline his candidacy.

Before the runoff, Arevalo said he expected attempts to prevent him from taking office should he win.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The IACHR, an autonomous organ of the Washington-based Organization of American States, said it formally requested the Guatemalan government to take precautionary measures to protect the lives of Arevalo and Herrera.

The commission cited two plans against Arevalo and Herrera's lives, including one that had been alerted by Guatemalan prosecutors, without giving further details.

The IACHR, noting that Guatemalan authorities had told them Arevalo and Herrera have a "broad protection scheme" that the state has reinforced, asked the government to report on actions it has taken to investigate the threats.

The government, in a statement, said it had provided "all necessary protection measures".

"The commission must always speak objectively and guarantee impartiality due the consequences of unfounded statements," the government said.

(Reporting by Brendan O'Boyle, Sarah Morland and Carolina Pulice; Editing by Miral Fahmy)
People in the gallery yell for gun law reforms in the Senate chamber during a special session of the state legislature on public safety Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Tennessee Republican lawmakers hit an impasse Thursday just a few days into a special session sparked by a deadly school shooting in March, leaving little certainty about what they might ultimately pass, yet all but guaranteeing it won't be any significant gun control change.

After advancing a few bills this week, the GOP-dominant Senate quickly adjourned Thursday without taking up any more proposals, promising to come back Monday. The announcement prompted booing and jeers from the crowd of gun control advocates watching in the galleries.

But the decision also ignited outrage among the Republican supermajority inside the House as they continue to churn through a full slate of other proposals. House leaders argue that they're using the special session to take up a wide range of proposals, while the Senate has refused to budge from passing anything that wasnt in the limited legislative agenda outlined by the governor at the beginning of the special session.

Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers have expressed alarm that the only bills being considered in either chamber have only focused on mass tragedy responses rather than preventive measures specifically addressing gun violence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We are preparing for the next tragedy, said Democratic Rep. Justin Pearson, who was expelled from the House earlier this year for joining pro-gun control protesters from the House floor but has since been reinstated. Preparing for the next victims of children  to be met with gun violence because maybe this is the best we can do.

The standoff between the two chambers has added fuel to an already emotional and chaotic special legislative session, where gun-control advocates want the GOP-dominant Statehouse to consider tweaking the state's relaxed gun laws.

Instead, Republican legislative leaders have taken steps to limit public access to the Capitol building and increased the presence of law enforcement. House Republicans attempted to ban the public from holding signs during floor and committee proceedings, but a Tennessee judge has since blocked that rule from being implemented. In one hearing, a House subcommittee chairman had troopers make the public leave the room after deeming the crowd too unruly. That included grieving parents closely connected to the school shooting, who broke down in tears at the decision.

Senate Speaker Randy McNally told reporters Thursday that senators will consider any bills the House may amend, but held off from promising to making a compromise with the other chamber.

"We might be here for too long of a period of time," McNally said.

Legislative officials have said it costs nearly $60,000 a day when lawmakers are in session, but that doesn't take into account the many state troopers that have lined the walls of the Capitol and legislative offices over the past week.

Republican Gov. Bill Lee called lawmakers back into session after the March shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, where three children and three adults were killed. Lee had hoped to cobble together a coalition to pass his proposal to keep guns away from people who are judged to pose a threat to themselves or others, which he argued stopped well short of being a so-called red flag law. It had already failed to get a vote in the final days of the monthslong regular session that ended in April.

Ultimately, no Republican would even sponsor the bill for this week, and Democratic versions of it were spiked in committee without any debate.

Beyond that, the governor has proposed a few smaller changes that he touted would improve public safety, some of which the Senate has passed. They would incentivize people to use safe gun storage items; require an annual human trafficking report; etch into state law some changes to background checks already made by an order of the governor; and set aside more state money for school resource officers, and bonuses and scholarships for behavioral professionals.

House Republicans have taken up much more.

One of the proposals moving in the House would require that juveniles age 16 or older be charged as adults in murder or attempted murder cases. The measure would allow for a juvenile sentence combined with an adult sentence for when the offender turns 19, and would cover more than a dozen other offenses ranging from robbery to rape.

The House's other active bills include one to shield the public disclosure of autopsies of child homicide victims, which is supported by a group of some Covenant School parents.

The House had considered, but stopped advancing, two bills to allow more teachers and staff, or members of the broader public with carry permits, to bring guns into public K-12 schools. Some bills about armed security in schools remain alive, including a proposal that would let local law enforcement leaders decide on their own whether to place officers in schools that dont already have school resource officers.

At this point, the Senate havent put forth a single idea thats theirs, House Speaker Cameron Sexton told reporters from the House floor. So maybe next week theyll come back and do something.
Ohioan Vivek Ramaswamy isn't the frontrunner in the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, but he was front and center in the first GOP debate Wednesday night.

Other candidates used the first debate to go after Ramaswamy as he rises in the polls, focusing largely on his inexperience in elected office. The attacks on the Cincinnati-area native and Columbus-area resident far outweighed those against former President Donald Trump , who skipped Wednesday's debate and remains the most popular GOP candidate.

More: Did Vivek Ramaswamy come out of nowhere? 6 Cartoons about first Republican debate

"I've had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT stand up here," former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said. "The last person in one of these debates who stood in the middle of the stage and said, 'what's a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here' was Barack Obama, and I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur standing on stage tonight."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Who is Vivek Ramaswamy? Ohio presidential candidate takes stage in first GOP debate

Christie was referencing Ramaswamy's first comments on stage Wednesday: "Let me just address the question that is on everybody's mind at home tonight: Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage?"

Ramaswamy, a biotech investor and entrepreneur who lives near Columbus and is from Cincinnati, entered the race earlier this year promising to out-Trump the former president. Since then, he's used personal wealth and a strong media presence to boost his campaign, and recent polls show him jumping to third place behind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis .

Vivek Ramaswamy participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Taking a page from Trump, Ramaswamy is trying to cultivate an outsider image and said Wednesday that he's the only candidate "not bought and paid for."

"For a long time, we had professional politicians in the Republican Party who have been running from something. Now is our moment to start running to something," Ramaswamy said. "To our vision of what it means to be an American today. If you have a broken car, you don't turn over the keys to the people who broke it again."

Ramaswamy takes heat during Republican debate

Ramaswamy's opponents weren't having it.

Ramaswamy was the only candidate to say he opposes more U.S. aid for Ukraine, which drew attacks from former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley and Vice President Mike Pence . Haley accused him of "choosing a murderer over a pro-American country."

"Under your watch, you would make America less safe," said Haley, who also served as governor of South Carolina. "You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows."

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speak during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Pence sparred with Ramaswamy multiple times throughout the night. He called the Ohioan a "rookie" and said now is not the time for "on the job training." Pence also disagreed with Ramaswamy's belief that America is in the midst of a national identity crisis.

"We just need government as good as our people," Pence said.

It's unclear what, if any, effect the debate will have on Ramaswamy's popularity and the race overall. Trump continues to lead his closest opponent, DeSantis, by double digits in the polls, and he remains popular among Republican voters in Ohio and across the country.

When Trump's recent indictments came up on Wednesday, Ramaswamy reiterated his pledge to pardon the former president for any alleged federal crimes. He also called Trump the "best president of the 21st century."

"If people at home want to see a bunch of people blindly bashing Donald Trump without an iota of vision for this country, they can just change the channel to MSNBC right now," Ramaswamy said. "But I'm not running for president of MSNBC. I am running for president of the United States."

USA TODAY contributed to this report.

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: GOP debate: Vivek Ramaswamy takes heat from Mike Pence, Chris Christie
Swedish fashion giant H&M announced plans on Aug. 24 to begin reopening stores in Ukraine from November 2023. H&M's Ukrainian stores have been shut since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

"In close dialogue with partners and authorities," the company plans to "gradually reopen" more stores in the country from November, H&M Group said in a press release.

"H&M Group is in contact with local stakeholders in terms of how to best support the country and local communities as they look to rebuild."

The company added that it plans to partner with local organizations to assist with humanitarian programs.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The group announced in March 2022 that it had "temporarily" paused sales in Russia. In July 2022, H&M Group said it would leave the Russian market entirely, having run operations there since 2009.

H&M Group closed its last remaining stores in Russia and Belarus in November 2022.

H&M Group owns fashion brands like COS, Arket, and Weekday, as well as H&M.

Read also: Bayraktar manufacturer donates drone to Ukraine on Independence Day

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
An attempted traffic stop on a stolen vehicle resulted in a high-speed chase and an incident involving a hatchet, according to the Rabun County Sheriffs Office.

A Rabun deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop on a Ford Explorer with a Louisiana tag that was reported stolen.

The driver of a vehicle, identified as Charles Lawrence began speeding away from a deputy.

Lawrence lost control of the car and spun out where he was surrounded by law enforcement from multiple agencies.

Deputies said Lawrence then exited the vehicle while swinging a hatchet at law enforcement officers.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The Habersham County Sheriffs Office, and an Officer with the Clayton Police Department were able to de-escalate the situation and arrest Lawrence, according to officials.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Lawrence was charged with fleeing, aggravated assault toward law enforcement (three counts), theft by receiving, possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving and driving without a license.

He is being held at the Rabun County Detention Center.

TRENDING STORIES:

Deputies said no personnel or vehicles were injured during the pursuit.

No personnel or vehicles were injured or damaged during the pursuit, according to deputies.

Rabun County thanked the Clayton Police Department, Habersham County Sheriffs Office and Georgia State Patrol.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
You are here: Arts

An artist performs a show of intangible cultural heritage in the ancient city of Kashgar scenic area in Kashgar, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 14, 2023. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

An intangible cultural heritage exhibition took place in Aksu Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Wednesday.



The five-day event showcased 330 intangible cultural heritage projects and attracted 383 inheritors from Xinjiang and 19 other provincial-level regions that offer pairing assistance to Xinjiang, said the regional government.

The projects included Suzhou embroidery from Suzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province, and the Twelve Muqam from Xinjiang, the traditional music of the Uygur ethnic group.

The exhibition, jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Xinjiang regional government, also included experience activities popularizing the projects. It has been held for three consecutive sessions since 2021.

China has been implementing the "pairing assistance" programs in Xinjiang since 1997, channeling financial, technical and human resource support in various fields to Xinjiang from other regions of China.
Nikki Haley was the only woman on the Milwaukee debate stage Wednesday night.

And, within the first half hour of the program, the former South Carolina governor and U.N. ambassador made sure people knew that  stepping into a spat between former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and biotechnology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy on climate change.

This is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something done, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, Haley said.



Minutes later, Haley fired back at former Vice President Mike Pence for touting that he would sign a 15-week abortion ban into law at the federal level  pointing out that there arent enough votes in the Senate to pass such a measure.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

No Republican president can ban abortions any more than a Democrat president can ban all those state laws, Haley said. Dont make women feel like they have to decide on this issue when you know we dont have 60 Senate votes.

Haley has been eager to distinguish herself as the only prominent female candidate in a field full of men. GOP voters, however,havent been quick to embrace Haley just because of her gender.
Haley to Ramaswamy: You have no foreign policy experience and it shows

Republican presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy clashed Wednesday night during the presidential debate in Milwaukee, with Haley criticizing her GOP rival for lacking foreign policy experience and supporting Russia.

After Ramaswamy said he would not support Ukraine in the war against Russia, Haley accused him of supporting Americas foreign adversaries and abandoning its friends.

He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel, Haley said. You dont do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends.

Ramaswamy hit back that Haley was pushing this lie about him and then suggested Haley was backing Ukraine at the behest of large defense contractors.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed [Martin] and Raytheon, Ramaswamy said, referring to major defense contractors.

Both candidates, who were positioned directly next to each other on the debate stage, then talked over each other for several seconds before Haley slammed Ramaswamy, an entreprenuer, for his inexperience as a politician.

You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, she said, earning applause from the crowd.

Ramaswamy was the only presidential candidate on the stage to raise his hand when the Fox News moderators hosting the debate asked who would not keep supporting Ukraine.

He said continuing to support the nation would drive Russia closer to China and also argued the U.S. should focus on securing its own border.

Haley argued that Ramaswamy was choosing Russian President Vladimir Putin over Ukraine.

You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country, she said.

Ramaswamy was a target of criticism from several other candidates during the debate, a possible reflection of his bump in some recent polls.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley stepped up her criticism of her former boss and fellow candidate, former President Trump, calling him the most disliked politician in all of America.

During an appearance on Fox Newss Americas Newsroom, Haley told co-hosts Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino that she doesnt see Trump as a viable option to be elected president, noting his decision to skip the first Republican debate.

Trump announced Sunday that he would not attend Wednesdays Republican debate in Milwaukee, also leaving open the possibility of skipping future presidential debates. Trump decided to appear instead as a guest on former Fox News host Tucker Carlsons show on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Bidens camp came out and said they were worried about me winning the primary, Haley said. He has to debate, just like Trump needs to debate. If you want the American peoples support, you gotta show up. You cant be absent.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Haley noted that while she was proud to serve in his administration, Trump is going to spend more time in a courtroom than hes gonna spend on the campaign trail.

We cannot allow a President Kamala Harris, Haley told Hemmer. We have to win that general election and in order to do that, you cant do that with someone who literally  three-quarters of the American people dont wanna see Biden and Trump run again, and the majority of Americans, he is the most disliked politician in all of America, thats reality.

Its been more than a week since Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted by a Georgia grand jury on charges tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump, who announced his third presidential campaign last November, has been hit with three other indictments this year relating to his business dealings, handling of classified documents, and his actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

Trump is expected to surrender at the Fulton County, Ga., jail Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(Reuters) -A day before mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin 's plane crash, a Russian official visited Libya to reassure allies that fighters from the Wagner Group would remain in the country -- but under Moscow's control.

Meeting in Benghazi, Russian Deputy Defence Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov told eastern Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar on Tuesday that Wagner forces would report to a new commander, a Libyan official with knowledge of the meeting said.

There's no indication the timing was anything but coincidental. Yet, Yevkurov's visit "suggests that - if anything - the Russian footprint in Libya might deepen and expand rather than shrink," said Libya researcher Jalel Harchaoui of the Royal United Services Institute.

The military meeting, which followed an aborted mutiny by Prigozhin and Wagner forces against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June, was a sign that Moscow does not mean to relinquish the global network the mercenary group built up.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Now with Prigozhin believed dead, the fate of the complex, lucrative web of military and commercial operations he and Wagner created for Russia across Europe, the Middle East and Africa hangs in the balance.

Wagner has waged major battles in Ukraine, fought in civil wars and insurgencies in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic and Mali and taken control of gold mines and oil fields along the way.

Putin had already rolled up Wagner operations in Syria. After the mutiny, Wagner's Ukraine forces handed over a base to Russia's regular military and began relocating to an army camp in Belarus, though it is unclear how many of them are there.

In Africa, Wagner may stay more or less intact under new management or be subsumed by another Russian mercenary group. But its ability to operate in places where Moscow may have no formal or legal presence makes it an invaluable tool of Kremlin foreign policy.

"Wagner is a going concern. There are contracts, it is a business, it needs to continue," said John Lechner, a U.S.-based researcher who is writing a book about Prigozhin.

"From a credibility perspective, (Wagner) will try to give the appearance that things are going on normally, that they are still a partner," he said.

'REPLACE A DEAD LEADER'

After the June mutiny, Prigozhin intensified his efforts to bolster Wagner's presence in Africa. In a video on Monday from an unnamed African country, he said: "The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa - more free".

That push may not have been welcomed in Moscow and there have been reports of the Kremlin creating alternative companies to take over Wagner operations - though none appear capable of doing so yet.

In countries where Wagner operates through an official agreement with Moscow, analysts do not expect much to change - for now.

In Libya since 2019, as many as 2,000 Wagner guns-for-hire helped Haftar's faction in his assault on Tripoli until a 2020 ceasefire and have guarded military and oil installations according to independent analysts and Human Rights Watch.

As Russia has no official military role in Libya and could not intervene directly without breaking a U.N. arms embargo, its involvement there would still have to be through Wagner or a similar outfit, Harchaoui said.

A Haftar spokesperson did not respond to questions about the meeting with the Russian official, but earlier said the men discussed military cooperation including coordination on training in Russian weapons. Russia's Defence Ministry had said the talks would look at cooperation in fighting terrorism.

In CAR, President Faustin-Archange Touadera's political adviser Fidele Gouandjika lamented Prigozhin's death as "a great sadness" because his men "helped save democracy" in their role helping the government in its civil war.

But as Wagner was there through a state-level agreement with Russia, "nothing will affect the presence of these instructors" he said. Prigozhin is "a dead leader, we can replace him" Gouandjika added.

Still, the uncertainty created risks in Africa, said Burkina Faso political analyst Ousmane Pare.

"We can already imagine the operational difficulties the movement could now face, and it goes without saying that there will be repercussions for the African countries in which it is involved," he said.

The fate of Wagner's purely economic - rather than security assets - may be even harder to determine. There has been no information on the fate of Evro Polis, a company Wagner is said to own with oil assets in Syria.

There is little information on how much it makes from its mining and logging businesses in CAR and other African countries. But trying to bring such assets under direct Russian control, or handing them to another contractor, would be difficult.

"You cant buy a company and fire all the employees and expect things to run the same way. Maybe how the pie is divided changes, but the pie is still there," said Lechner.

(Reporting by Reuters Libya newsroom, Filip Lebedev in Tblisi, Ed McAllister in Dakar, Judicael Yongo in Bangui, Thiam Ndiaga in Ouagadougou, Tiemoko Diallo in Bamako and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
HARRISONBURG  A Harrisonburg realtor was sentenced to 126 years in prison last week after being convicted on 75 counts following a child pornography investigation.

Rodney Williams, 53, was convicted by a jury in Rockingham County Circuit Court in April on 50 counts of knowingly possessing child sexual abuse material and 25 counts of distribution of child sexual abuse material.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Harrisonburg and the Harrisonburg Police Department, a press release said.

Rodney Williams actions were nothing short of reprehensible, said HSI Washington, D.C. Special Agent in Charge Derek W. Gordon. Williams shamefully targeted the most vulnerable members of our community for his own perverse desires. Thankfully, the severity of his sentence reflected the depravity of his crimes."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The investigation began with a cyber tip-line report through the HSI Cyber Crimes Centers (C3) Child Exploitation Investigations Unit that originated from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the release said. The tip led authorities to an IP address that appeared to have uploaded child sexual abuse material through a popular internet messaging app associated with Williams address in Harrisonburg.

HSI Harrisonburg invited the Harrisonburg Police Department to conduct a joint investigation into Williams online activities.

In December 2020, authorities executed a federal search warrant and seized a cellphone belonging to Williams. After inspecting the cell phone, an HSI computer forensics analyst discovered it contained child sexual abuse material.

Special agents from HSI Harrisonburg and Harrisonburg Police Department officers arrested Williams in August 2021 on charges related to the child sexual abuse material discovered on his cellphone.

Willams was sentenced Aug. 14.

Augusta County's supervisors talk comprehensive plan and speaker time limits

Inmate sues Middle River Regional Jail for CPAP machine, seeks $2.5 million

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: Harrisonburg realtor sentenced to 126 years in prison in child porn case
My parents had me when my mom was 42 and my dad was 50 years old.

Growing up with older parents was great; I was spoiled both by their wealth and life experience.

Now that I'm 33 I worry about all the things they might miss in my life.

In many ways, growing up with older parents was awesome.

Having worked hard in their younger years to build up their savings  and, as dual entrepreneurs, working from home well before it was common or cool  my folks had ample time to spend with me, and we weren't hurting for money.

It's fair to say I was totally spoiled. We took regular trips from our Miami-area home to the Florida Keys. One of my Christmas presents in middle school was a horse (like, a real one.)

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

With their relative wealth of life experience, free time, and discretionary income, my parents were available to me as a child in ways younger parents might simply not have been able to be. I'll always be grateful for that.

But now, 15 years later, having older parents presents some untimely challenges.

Having older parents changed the timeline of my life

My parents had me when they were 42 (mom) and 50 (dad). Today, I'm 33  which means my mother is 75 years old. My father died two years ago at the age of 80 due to complications after a stroke.

Mom is, fortunately, pretty healthy and active  but she suffers from a chronic pulmonary condition, and COVID is still a thing. She lives in Florida. So, I worry.

Meanwhile, most people in my age cohort have parents  two of them  in their 50s and 60s. Their folks fly out to see them or send pictures from their own travels as they near or enter retirement.

The people I meet with parents my age are usually considerably older than I am and in a considerably different place in their lives.

Aging parents complicate young adult life decisions

At 33, not everyone would call me a "young" adult. Still, some normal life landmarks have been affected by my parents' decision to have me so late in life.

For example, I haven't married yet  but I know that if and when I do, my father won't be there to walk me down the aisle.

It's also impacted, to some extent, my decision-making around having children. I've always leaned no, but watching my childbearing friends rely so heavily on grandma and grandpa  and knowing that wouldn't be an option for me  goes a way toward cementing my decision.

And, of course, there's the looming prospect of needing to move home to be a caretaker. I've established a wonderful life with a vibrant community in a city a six-hour flight from my hometown.

My mother encouraged the move and has always supported my independence. She even explicitly stated that she doesn't ever want to be taken care of. Still, it's a matter in which neither of us may end up having a choice.

Of course, having younger parents doesn't preclude anyone from the experience of their parents' aging process or death  or even necessarily extend the timeline. People get sick and die at all ages, all the time.

And I would never begrudge my parents their decision to have me, regardless of the timeline. I'm glad to be here, and I know it wasn't fully within their control.

But it's true, in my experience, that having a child late in life does set that child up to experience certain challenges before they might otherwise have had to. And my parents' decision to have me when they did has had an effect on decisions of my own.

Read the original article on Insider
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."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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
A Florida judge signaled skepticism Thursday that he could uphold Gov. Ron DeSantis  congressional districts after Floridas lawyers admitted the districts violate the state Constitution.

Lawyers for the governor and the GOP-controlled Legislature conceded that their congressional map reduced Black voting power, but they argued that the alternative  a Jacksonville-to-Gadsden County district that protects Black voters electoral influence  would violate the U.S. Constitution.

Second Judicial Circuit Judge J. Lee Marsh, a Rick Scott appointee, repeatedly pressed the states lawyers on whether they were asking him to contradict past precedent and decide on his own that the Florida Supreme Courts previous decisions were invalid.

READ MORE: Deal reached in redistricting lawsuit. Outcome is a gamble for DeSantis and Democrats

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Marsh didnt yet rule on the map, but he said he would give the order his undivided attention next Thursday and Friday.

If youre laying a record for the Florida Supreme Court to throw out its own ruling, you can do that, Marsh told the governors lawyers. Youre saying the Florida Supreme Court violated the U.S. Constitution in what it did [last decade]. Im not going there. I dont think I have the power to say, You know what, the Florida Supreme Court got it wrong, but thats their business or the U.S. Supreme Courts to do. 

Which constitution takes precedent?

The state raised a major question as its defense to the lawsuit: whether the Florida Constitutions protections for Black voters violate the U.S. Constitutions Equal Protection Clause in the 14th Amendment.

The lawsuit was brought by voting-rights organizations, Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute,Florida Rising, and the League of Women Voters of Florida, along with individual voters.

A decade ago, Florida voters approved the Fair Districts amendments, incorporating federal Voting Rights Act language into the state Constitution. That protection prohibited the state from eliminating districts where voters from a minority group could elect candidates of their choice.

In this version of a congressional redistricting map released Nov. 29, 2021, by the Florida House of Representatives, the North Florida district represented by Al Lawson (its numbered 3 at the top right) was configured similarly to how it had been.

Jacksonvilles Black voters had a district drawn to protect their ability to elect their preferred candidates from 1992 until 2020.

Last decade, the Florida Supreme Court found that the Republican-led Legislature drew a map that violated Floridas anti-gerrymandering provisions.

The court ordered a district that stretched from Jacksonville to Gadsden County. But DeSantis and his staff replaced it with whiter, more Republican ones across North Florida. Last years election marked the first time in three decades that Black voters in North Florida failed to elect a congressional representative of their choice.

Why isnt attorney general defending state Constitution?

The lawyers arguments have revolved around constitutional complexities, and the judge questioned why no one from the state was defending the voter-approved protections. Why isnt the attorney general here defending the constitutionality of the Florida Constitution? asked Marsh, a former chief assistant attorney general.

The states lawyers countered that it was the plaintiffs burden to defend the language and asked Marsh to rule a hypothetical district as unlawful racial gerrymandering. They also insisted that the only way to protect Black voters ability to elect candidates was through a specific Jacksonville-to-Tallahassee configuration.

However, the plaintiffs attorney, Abha Khanna, pointed out that the Legislature passed a map including a compact Duval-only district, later vetoed by DeSantis.

This is the congressional districts map submitted by Gov. Ron DeSantis and approved by the Legislature that may now be revised to recreate a North Florida district that favors the election of a Black candidate.

Marsh suggested he could just strike down DeSantis map and leave it up to the Legislature to decide how it will draw a new map that complies with both the Florida and U.S. constitutions.

The remedy is, You cant use this map,  Marsh said. Why isnt that available?

The states lawyers said even though they admit the state violated the law, the plaintiffs had to prove a hypothetical remedial map wouldnt violate the U.S. Constitution.

The case has revealed sharp divisions and raised thorny legal issues. Marsh expressed concerns about a canceled two-week trial, noting that he would have liked a more established record because the case will likely be appealed to the Florida Supreme Court.

Should Marsh strike down the map, both parties previously agreed to accept a previously ordered east-to-west district as a remedy during the appeal. However, the judge noted that it would still be the Legislatures responsibility to craft a solution.

The ruling, when it arrives, could have far-reaching implications for Floridas political landscape and set a significant precedent in the ongoing national debate over redistricting and voting rights.

Contact Andrew Pantazi of the Tributary at Andrew.Pantazi@jaxtrib.org.

This story is published in partnership with The Tributary, a Florida-based nonprofit newsroom.
By Ludwig Burger and Maggie Fick

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Supplies of Novo Nordisk's popular weight-loss drug Wegovy are limited in Germany less than a month after its launch in Europe's largest drug market, major drug distributors and doctors told Reuters.

The volumes of the weekly injection that the Danish drugmaker has delivered to the country so far have fallen short of strong demand, the wholesalers said.

"Demand is by far exceeding the available volumes," a spokesperson for Noweda, which has almost a quarter of the German drug wholesale trade, told Reuters, adding the problem was nationwide.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Interviews with four wholesalers that account for three quarters of the German market, two doctors, a clinic and a pharmacy offer the first insights into Wegovy's rollout in Germany since its debut there at the end of July.

They also highlight the challenge for Novo as it seeks to expand in Europe while struggling to meet sky-high U.S. demand and spending billions boosting output.

In June, the company said breaking into new markets in Europe would be slower than initially planned. Earlier this month, it warned of continued periodic drug shortages across geographies.

Ahead of the German launch, doctors and patients told Reuters they anticipated high demand for the drug, with many patients prepared to take on the monthly cost of about 300 euros ($327) for the maintenance dose required after initial ramp-up.

"We have had a controlled and limited launch in Germany and been delivering to wholesalers continuously," a Novo spokesperson said in response to questions from Reuters, adding it had no influence over onward distribution to pharmacies.

The company reiterated a call for physicians to prescribe only in line with the approved use, which is for obese people with a body mass index of at least 30 or of at least 27 when a weight-related health problem is diagnosed.

Uninterrupted use is important for a sustained lowering of appetite and also because the drug's dosage needs to be stepped up over several months, following a schedule.

Munich-based obesity specialist Dr. Thomas Horbach said there was no Wegovy available in his area.

"Despite asking many different pharmacists about Wegovy, I did not find anyone who got the drug from any of their wholesalers," he told Reuters.

Ozempic, which is Novo's diabetes treatment and contains a smaller amount of the active ingredient in Wegovy, is also in short supply, the Noweda spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for Sanacorp Pharmahandel, with an almost 20% market share, said orders from pharmacies for some dosages of Wegovy were "several times" higher than the amounts delivered.

Phoenix Pharmahandel, the country's largest drugs wholesaler, and smaller trading alliance Pharma Privat said they were not receiving the volumes needed to meet demand and were trying their best to distribute fairly.

The distributors, which act as go-betweens for drug companies and pharmacies, declined to give details of volumes.

Helios St. Elisabeth Klinik in the western city of Oberhausen, which runs an obesity centre, said that patients there managed to obtain the drug but needed to ask around and go beyond their usual pharmacies to find it.

DocMorris, a German mail-order pharmacy, said it did not have any Wegovy in stock.

Dr. Jodok Fink, a bariatric surgeon in the southwestern city of Freiburg, said his patients had no access to Wegovy.

"We prescribe Ozempic because its cheaper (than Wegovy) and because Wegovy is not available, he said.

($1 = 0.9185 euros)

(Reporting by Ludwig Burger in Frankfurt and Maggie Fick in London; Editing by Josephine Mason and Mark Potter)
Sam Brownback , U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, speaks with attendees of the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

On Wednesday, ahead of the 2024 International Religious Freedom Summit, a group of nearly 50 community members, educators, activists and business and faith leaders gathered in the Relief Society Building in downtown Salt Lake City for a luncheon focused on global religious liberty.

The event was a nonsectarian, civic convening organized by The International Religious Freedom Summit. Led by former U.S. Ambassador Sam Brownback and former chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom Katrina Lantos Swett, the International Religious Freedom Summit brings people together across political, religious and geographical lines to discuss pressing human rights issues involving religious freedom.

Registration for the groups 2024 gathering in Washington, D.C., opened Wednesday.

Brownback, a onetime U.S. senator from Kansas, focused his remarks on making a call to action.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is going to be the biggest human rights movement in the history of mankind if were successful in establishing religious freedom for everybody, everywhere, all the time, Brownback said.

Religious freedom must go from a boutique subject to a major foreign policy issue, he said, because of how it impacts global safety, human rights and the economy. If were unsuccessful, youre going to see greater restrictions on religious freedom and youre going to see it not be a freedom of religion anymore, but a freedom of worship, he said. You may be able to say whatever you want to when you go to church ... but outside that, you got to keep those values out of the public square.

Brownback said a grassroots movement will help religious freedom prevail. If we will, and if all the religions and various groups will stand together, theres no way they can whip us.

Related

Swett opened her remarks referencing Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who she said is facing health struggles and recently lost his wife Sister Patricia Holland.

Swett first met the Hollands as an undergraduate student at Yale University.

I owe him an incalculable debt that can never be repaid, Swett said. So much of what I believe about human dignity and the conscience rights of other human beings I really learned from Jeff Holland.

Seng Mai Aung speaks about her life growing up in Myanmar with Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

General Authority Seventy Elder Matthew S. Holland, Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands son, was present and delivered brief remarks. He recalled Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands friendship with Swett and Swetts father, former congressman Tom Lantos.

You put them in a room together, it was like nuclear fusion, he said to audience laughter, noting how they loved to engage in conversation.

Elder Matthew S. Holland noted his own academic studies at Hebrew University as a Raoul Wallenberg fellow were inspired by what he learned from the Lantos family. Katrina Lantos Swett previously told the Deseret News that Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat, was responsible for saving thousands of Jews during the Holocaust, including Swetts parents Tom Lantos and Annette Tilleman.

Elder Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks with an attendee at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

After Elder Hollands remarks, Swett engaged in a dialogue with Seng Mai Aung, a recent graduate of BYU Law School, about her familys experience as minority Christian living in Myanmar, a country with a record of religious persecution against minority Muslims and Christians.

In recent years, minority faith groups in Myanmar have faced persecution, denial of citizenship and mass atrocities, Swett said. Over the last seven years, its really accelerated.

Related

Mai Aung watched as her grandfather, a Baptist Christian, faced government scrutiny for his beliefs. Military personnel would come inside our house (looking) for the communication devices that he tried to use to communicate with the missionaries in the U.S. from the school that he went to, she said.

When Mai Aung went to school, her classmates noticed she didnt participate in the Buddhist chants, and that made it clear to her classmates she was different. They would say something like youre very naive, youre from the mountains, right? Maybe thats why the Western missionaries think that youre a very easy target convert, she said.

Mai Aung also discussed the extreme persecution of minority Rohingya Muslims in her country, the evidence of which U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has suggested could constitute genocide and crimes against humanity.

While some people saw what was happening, Mai Aung said a lot of people just believe in the military saying that we are the ones keeping the peace.

Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, left, Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, and Sam Brownback, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, speak at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The original Christ in a Red Robe by Minerva Teichert hangs in the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen, executive director of Parity, a New York City-based nonprofit that works at the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ concerns, and the director of Blessed by Difference, a project that seeks to promote curious and collaborative bridging across the LGBTQ+ and faith divide, is greeted at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Seng Mai Aung speaks about her life growing up in Myanmar with Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Sam Brownback, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, speaks at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Listening is Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, speaks with Lew Cramer, CEO of Colliers International-Utah, at the International Religous Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Katrina Lantos Swett, president of the Lantos Foundation for Human Rights and Justice, speaks at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The Rev. Marian Edmonds-Allen, executive director of Parity, a New York City-based nonprofit that works at the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ concerns, and the director of Blessed by Difference, a project that seeks to promote curious and collaborative bridging across the LGBTQ+ and faith divide, speaks with Joe Cannon at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News

The world has become more aware of whats going on in her country in part due to people like Mai Aungs family friend who she didnt name. In 2019, she said, her friend traveled to the U.S. to speak to former President Donald J. Trump about how religious minorities are persecuted in Myanmar, but upon returning was arrested.

Related

Among his alleged crimes was a Zoom meeting he had where he asked young people to build the nation in Christ, she said. The government interpreted this as inciting terrorism and resistance. He was reportedly arrested and went to prison, according to The New York Times. In April 2023, he was sentenced for a total of six years in prison in April.

We take so much for granted. And this story is not headline news, Swett said. This story is not widely known, but it absolutely underscores for us that societies that decide they are going to persecute a minority, it never stops with just that one group.

Mai Aung concluded on a hopeful note, saying religious minorities are increasingly working with the majority in Myanmar.

And Swett emphasized the importance of protecting everyones human rights, paraphrasing the famous prayer from Pastor Martin Niemoller made in reference to the Holocaust, first they came for others, he said  communists, socialists, trade unionists and Jews  Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Sam Brownback, Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom, speaks at the International Religious Freedoms Summit at the Relief Society building located on Temple Square in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Laura Seitz, Deseret News
Visitors ride camels at the mingsha mountain and crescent spring scenic spot in Dunhuang, northwest China's Gansu Province, which was a key pass along the ancient Silk Road, June 7, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

A conference on the evolution of Silk Road civilization, climate change and environmental change was held on Wednesday in Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, attracting over 200 experts from across the world.

Scholars from countries such as China, Germany, Russia, Iran, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain and Mongolia gathered at the ANSO (Alliance of International Science Organizations) Silk Road Forum and the second ATES (Association for Trans-Eurasia Exchange and Silk-Road Civilization Development) Open Science Conference, exchanging the results of their interdisciplinary research.

They noted that the Silk Road has been a road of openness, integration and peace since ancient times. They said the scientific community should strengthen international scientific and technological cooperation with a spirit of open and integrated innovation, promote people-to-people exchanges, and work together to deal with the major challenges facing global sustainable development.

The conference aimed to strengthen scientific research cooperation and exchanges among countries and regions along the Silk Road, and promote the high-quality development of work related to the climate, the environment, the economy and society along the Silk Road, said Chen Fahu, director of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which initiated ATES.

"By focusing on relevant topics, we hope to understand the evolution of human-land relations along the Silk Road, work together to address the challenges brought by climate change, and serve the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative," Chen said.
The family of a 30-year-old Clay County man is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the driver who struck and killed him in late July, a spokeswoman for the Clay County Sheriffs Office announced.

John Paul Scheidecker was struck and killed shortly before 4 a.m. July 30 in the area of Northeast 120th Street between Missouri Route A highway and Fishing River Road, north of Liberty in rural Clay County.

Scheideckers family is offering the $5,000 reward through the Greater Kansas City Crime Stoppers. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477) or report it online. People providing tips can remain anonymous, said Sarah Boyd, a spokeswoman for the Clay County Sheriffs Office.

On the day of the fatal hit-and-run, deputies were sent to investigate a possible hit-and-run crash near Northeast 120th Street and Missouri Route A highway. There, they found Scheidecker, who had been killed in the crash.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A preliminary investigation found that Scheidecker had pulled over and was outside his vehicle when he was hit, Boyd said.

The driver of the vehicle didnt stop. Investigators have pursued a variety of leads but more information is need to identify a suspect, she said.

Scheidecker was described as a pillar of generosity, kindness, and a need for adventure, according to his obituary on the Hixson-Klein Funeral Homes website.

A graduate of the University of Missouri with a degree in biomedical engineering, Scheidecker owned his own business. He lived outside of Liberty on the land he loved.
Gov. Hochul said Thursday that she had sent a letter to the White House asking for more support for migrants pouring into New York City, placing responsibility for the crisis at President Bidens feet in her first major address on the issue.

But the speech from Hochul  who did not commit new state funds and said she would not force upstate communities to take migrants  drew a mixed reaction from some city officials and met a lengthy, frustrated statement from Mayor Adams.

Speaking from the state Capitol building on the day her governorship entered its third year, the governor insisted the state does not have good options to handle the situation without more federal support.

Barring much-needed changes at the border, there does not appear to be a solution, Hochul said in a 10-minute speech. This crisis originated with the federal government, and it must be resolved through the federal government.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hochul, who faces growing political pressure to help the city with the crisis, stopped short of making any significant new state commitments in the speech. The state has allocated about $1.5 billion to support the migrants, the governor said.

Her three-page letter to Biden asks the federal government to deliver more funds, expedite migrants work papers and provide more spaces to serve as shelters.

In her speech, Hochul said New York has countless unfilled jobs that are begging for someone to just take them.

Our quest continues to squarely tell the White House: Let them work, Hochul said of the arrivals.

The White House did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Adams, who has called on the state to pitch in more resources and to force upstate municipalities to welcome migrants, said in a statement that he was gratified to hear Hochul call for federal action but disappointed that the state today appears to minimize the role that they can  and must  play.

Leaving New York City alone to manage this crisis  and abdicating the states responsibility to coordinate a statewide response  is unfair to New York City, Adams added.

Hochuls speech carried echoes of Adams long-running calls for a more active White House response, though the governor avoided using the sharp language sometimes deployed by the mayor. In April, Adams said Biden had failed New York City.

Later, Adams dropped off Bidens team of 2024 campaign surrogates. Hochul joined the squad.

More than 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City since spring 2022, according to city government figures, and about 60,000 remain in the citys care. In a year, the count of people sleeping in the citys over-stretched shelter system has roughly doubled.

Many of the migrants fled political and economic turmoil in Central and South America.

With waves of arrivals showing no signs of abating, the Adams administration has said city support for the migrants may cost $12 billion by 2025. And over several days beginning last month, a crowd of asylum seekers slept outside an intake center at the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

In the last two weeks, the city has opened state-funded megashelters at a parking lot belonging to the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in eastern Queens and another on Randalls Island. Combined, the shelters are expected to house about 4,000 people.

City Hall has also urged Hochul to use executive powers to override county-level orders intended to block the movement of migrants, an approach supported by advocates for the homeless but spurned by the governor.

We cannot and will not force other parts of our state to shelter migrants, Hochul said in her Thursday remarks.

Some progressives pounced. Im very disappointed to see the governors unwillingness to compel jurisdictions outside NYC to do the right thing, Antonio Reynoso, the liberal Brooklyn borough president, said in a statement.

And Adams said upstate counties must have the same legal responsibilities to the migrants as the city, which for four decades has been required to provide shelter to the homeless under a consent decree premised on a provision of the state Constitution.

Whatever differences we all may have about how to handle this crisis, we believe what is crystal clear is that whatever obligations apply under state law to the City of New York apply with equal force to every county across New York state, Adams said in his statement.

As Adams has pressed Hochul for more state support, tension has seemed to boil between the two moderate Democrats, who are aligned on many issues and take pride in their warm public relationship.

Their handling of the crisis is under the microscope in a Manhattan Supreme Court case centered on the citys right-to-shelter responsibilities. In court filings, the city and state have traded criticisms and gripes, each painting the others approach as insufficient.

But on Thursday, Hochul turned her focus to the president, pleading for more help.

The reality is, weve managed thus far without substantive support from Washington, the governor said. New York has shouldered this burden for far too long.
Striking Hollywood writers and actors are walking the picket lines, as are staffers at a shifting array of hotels across southern California. Those and other workers grappling with a sharp drop in income are increasingly worried about a new monthly bill due soon: student loan payments.

But advocates for borrowers say that the strike actually presents an opportunity for workers to slash their monthly payments, at least for federal student loans. And optional repayment plans from the Education Department, including a new one rolled out Tuesday by the Biden administration, can help on that front.

The bottom line is that anyone affected by a strike  those on picket lines and below-the-line-workers sidelined by the walkouts  can reduce or even eliminate their monthly payments while work is sparse. And if they act now, the changes can go into effect before their next payment is due in October.

Read more: Crushed student loan borrowers are skipping meals, moving in with parents, panicking over money

What are the options for striking workers?

The standard student loan repayment plans work like a mortgage, with fixed monthly payments high enough to pay off the amount borrowed plus interest in 10 years (or, with an extended plans, 25 years). You can also sign up for a version that gradually increases the monthly payments, with a payback period of 10 to 25 years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

If you're in a standard plan and your income plummets, you're in a bind. That's where the Education Department's four "income-driven repayment" plans come in, which base your payments not on how much you owe, but how much you earn. And you can update your earnings, or "recertify," at any point, as long as you do so at least once a year.

For workers in Hollywood and other industries affected by strikes, "this is the perfect time to recertify," said Natalia Abrams, president of the nonprofit Student Debt Crisis Center. Abrams said she has counseled many borrowers to recertify when their earnings drop, whether it's because they're between gigs, they lose their job or some other forces undercut their income.

Jackie Filson, a spokesperson for the nonprofit Student Borrower Protection Center, said an income-driven plan is available even if your income could rebound at any moment. "The Income-Driven Repayment application only cares about your current income, not your past income or the likelihood that you will earn more money if and when a strike resolves," she said in an email.

Read more: Biden administration announces smaller wave of student loan forgiveness weeks after relief plan blocked

What would my payment be under an income-driven plan?

Under an income-driven plan, your monthly payment will be 10% of your discretionary income, which for most plans is any amount over 150% of the federal poverty level. This translates to $21,870 for a single individual or $45,000 for a family of four. But under the new Saving on a Valuable Education plan launched Tuesday, your monthly payment will be 10% of your income over 225% of the federal poverty level.

"A single, unmarried striking worker is eligible for a $0 payment under any Income-Driven Repayment plan, assuming they have no other sources of income while on strike," Filson added. "It doesn't matter what type of federal student loan they have, they are eligible to request an IDR plan that will result in a $0 monthly payment. Of course, married striking workers need to consider their spouses income if they file their taxes jointly, but for a single person on strike this is straightforward  they have no earnings so they dont need to pay."

In fact, anyone earning less than about $32,800 would qualify for a monthly payment of $0 under the SAVE plan. The Biden administration estimates that more than 1 million borrowers fall into that category.

Your payment will depend not only on your income, but also your marital status and number of dependents. You'll have to recertify your income, marital status and dependents at least once a year with the Education Department.

Read more: Biden's income-driven student loan repayment plan starts taking applications

How do I prove that my income dropped?

If you don't have any income, you can submit a signed statement saying so  you don't have to provide proof, Filson said. The Education Department warns that lying about your income could result in criminal penalties, including a prison term.

The statement has to include your estimated yearly gross income; if your income is currently $0, then your estimate can be $0. But if you're married, the estimate must include your spouse's income, either combined with yours, if you file taxes jointly, or on its own, if you file taxes separately.

Applications can become more complicated if you  or your spouse, if you file taxes jointly  are still working, whether in a temporary gig, a side hustle or a fledgling business you started to scrape by during the strike. If you want to back up your estimate with documentation, you could provide a paystub or a letter from your employer that is not older than 90 days. Your estimate will need to include all taxable earnings, such as tips, alimony and unemployment benefits.

Or you could just submit a signed statement with an estimate of your yearly gross income, as described above. The self-certification option was added during the pandemic, so it's likely to go away in a few months, said Michele Shepard, senior director of college affordability for the Institute for College Access & Success.

What do I do if my income goes back up?

Once you've certified the drop in income, Abrams of the Student Debt Crisis Center said, there's no obligation to let the department or the company servicing your loan know when you go back to work, win the lottery or find another lucrative source of income. You'll have your current monthly payment amount for a year, she said, until it's time to recertify your income and family status.

Read more: Have student loans? These employers will help you pay them off

What are the tradeoffs of changing plans?

Switching from a standard plan to an income-driven one for your federal loans means you will no longer be paying off your debt on a set schedule, said Shepard of TICAS, a nonprofit. Instead, you'll make payments for up to 20 or 25 years, depending on the size and type of your loan(s) and the repayment plan. If any balance remains after you've made the required number of monthly payments, it will be canceled.

The months that you spent making payments under the standard plan will be counted toward the required number in the income-driven plan. So will the months during the pandemic when you made no payments on your federal loans because none were required.

The SAVE plan offers a couple of other advantages. Next July, the required monthly payment will drop from 10% to 5% of your disposable income. And if you stay current on your SAVE payments, even if they're too low to cover the interest that accrued, that interest won't accumulate or be added to your loan balance  instead, the department will simply wipe it off the books.

That makes SAVE an attractive option even for borrowers whose incomes haven't dropped, Shepard said. "Everyone from a self-interest standpoint should enroll in the SAVE plan," she said. "There are very few borrowers who might pay more monthly or might pay more over time."

Still, because you'll be paying off your loan over a longer period, income-driven plans may cause you to pay more in interest than you would under a standard plan, the Education Department says. And the amount of debt forgiven after 20 to 25 years may be considered income that you'll have to pay taxes on.

Read more: As Hollywood strikes drag on, California lawmakers consider unemployment pay for striking workers

How do I sign up for an income-driven plan?

You can apply by filling out a virtual application at studentaid.gov/idr/. If you'd prefer to obtain a form that you could mail in, contact the company servicing your loan.

You'll need to decide whether to give the department access to your IRS records to make an initial determination of your income, then recertify it every year. Failing to recertify your income every 12 months will put you back into a standard plan until you apply again for an income-based one.

Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Milwaukees Holy Redeemer Christian Academy is being cut off from a significant source of public funding because of numerous financial issues, including failure to repay federal relief funds it allegedly wasn't eligible to receive, state officials said Wednesday.

The school's executive director, Bishop Sedgwick Daniels, disputed the allegations and said the school would go on as usual  with the help of private donors, if necessary.

State officials on Wednesday barred the school from the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, which provides private schools with tax-funded vouchers in place of tuition for students from lower-income families. Last year, the school reported that 436 out of its 444 students were part of the choice program.

Daniels said about 400 students were enrolled in the school through the choice program for the upcoming school year. For those who want to stay with the school, he said the school will work to cover tuition, potentially with the help of parental fundraising and capital campaigns.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We have a lot of friends across the nation," Daniels said. "When the dust settles, we'll still be standing."

The northwest-side school is run by the leadership of the church on the same property, Holy Redeemer Institutional Church Of God In Christ at 3500 W. Mother Daniels Way.

The Daniels family, whose members include fast-food executive Valerie Daniels-Carter and retired Quarles & Brady Chairman John Daniels Jr., is among the most prominent families in Wisconsin, with influence in business, social and religious circles.

Daniels said the school opened in 1986 as the first African American Pentecostal Christian school in Wisconsin, and it operated without voucher dollars until joining the program in 1998. He said they can do it again.

The school has struggled academically. On its most recent report card, reflecting the 2021-22 school year, the state Department of Public Instruction scored the school in the lowest category: "fails to meet expectations."

DPI says Holy Redeemer failed to make payments

In a letter to the school Wednesday, the Department of Public Instruction laid out a series of issues that led to its decision to cut off the school.

After the school was late to submit multiple required reports in 2021, DPI and the school came to an agreement: DPI wouldn't withhold funding if the school agreed that it could be barred if it continued failing to submit reports. The school continued submitting reports late, according to the letter.

The school didn't provide a complete 2021-22 financial audit until this May, and it provided its 2022-23 audit in June, according to DPI. DPI said the audits showed the school had issued over $20,000 in checks that it could not pay and had failed to pay multiple vendors because insufficient funds.

Daniels said DPI's statements were false and that four auditors found no problems with the school, though he didn't immediately provide the Journal Sentinel with documentation.

Also according to DPI, the school wrongly received over $530,000 in federal relief funds. In applying for federal funds for private schools, the school noted it had not received funds through the Paycheck Protection Program. However, Holy Redeemer church, which operates the school, did receive PPP funding, making the school ineligible for the other funding. Notified of the issue, the school did not repay the funds, according to DPI.

Daniels said that when the school was notified, his understanding was that DPI would remedy the error by taking the $530,000 out of the school's voucher payments.

In July, DPI told the school that the department had determined the school was not financially viable, or in a position to be able to sustain its operations. DPI gave the school an Aug. 15 deadline to either prove that it was financially viable or provide a surety bond.

According to DPI, the school "adamantly refused." Daniels said the school did provide the bond, though he didn't immediately share documentation with the Journal Sentinel.

Other Holy Redeemer school folded in 2021

Kathryn T. Daniels University Preparatory Academy at 4834 N. Mother Daniels Way in Milwaukee, shown in January 2018.

Another school affiliated with Holy Redeemer, Kathryn T. Daniels University Preparatory Academy, known as KT Daniels, closed in 2021 after operating as a charter school for a decade.

In a 2021 letter about ending KT Daniels' charter with Milwaukee Public Schools, school CEO Floyd Williams said the school planned to "re-introduce" its brand. That summer, school leaders applied for a charter with the city of Milwaukee with another name: Institute for Preservation of African American Music and Arts. City officials have not approved that charter.

DPI says Holy Redeemer families can apply for other schools

In a letter Wednesday to families who had applied to Holy Redeemer Christian Academy through the choice program, DPI laid out options for those who choose to leave the school:

Families can apply to attend a different private school through the choice program. A new application period runs from Sept. 1 to Sept. 14 for the current school year.

Families can enroll in their public school district. Those in Milwaukee can contact SchoolTransfers@milwaukee.k12.wi.us for assistance, and should include their child's name, phone number and grade level. They can also call the Milwaukee Public Schools enrollment line at 414-475-8159 or complete the enrollment process online at mpsmke.com/enroll.

Families can apply directly to another private school or independent charter school.

For families interested in staying with Holy Redeemer, the school is planning further discussion at a school orientation Aug. 30.

Contact Rory Linnane at rory.linnane@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @RoryLinnane.

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

DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and more

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DPI cuts off vouchers to Milwaukee Holy Redeemer Christian Academy
Miami police serving an arrest warrant with a SWAT team overnight Thursday made that arrest. The neighbor who police say exchanged gunfire with them, Miami police say, wasnt arrested but wound up being taken to a hospital by Miami Fire Rescue.

Police were in Liberty City around 2 a.m. to arrest Jevon Algudin, a 40-year-old who is a suspect in eight burglaries, two grand theft auto cases, an armed robbery and a battery on a law enforcement officer. Miami Police Assistant Chief Armando Aguilar said Algudin was in a home on Northwest 70th Street near 15th Avenue.

While the SWAT team was executing the search warrant, Aguilar said, a homeowner came out of his house on Northwest 69th Terrace and shot several times at a Miami police detective. The detective fired back.

Thankfully, neither the detective nor the homeowner were injured, Aguilar said. The homeowner suffered a medical episode and was taken to the hospital by Miami Fire Rescue.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Algudin barricaded himself in the house for 30 minutes before being arrested. His Florida Department of Corrections entry says hes done six prison turns, the longest being two years, two months, for charges that include burglary, car theft and cocaine dealing.

Police are still investigating the neighbor-firing-his-gun part and plan to talk to him after he comes out of the hospital.

Right now, we dont know exactly why the homeowner opened fire, Aguilar said. We dont know if it was a case of misidentification or what his intent was. But, right now, theres certainly not enough to believe it merits criminal charges on the homeowner.

This embedded content is not available in your region.
Although American nurse Alix Dorsainvil knows she faced trauma when she and her daughter were kidnapped in Haiti last month, she would readily give care to her captors, she said in the first public comments since her release.

I want you guys to know that everything I said during my time in captivity was sincere, said Dorsainvil, addressing her abductors in Haitian Creole in a video on YouTube which her employer, El Roi Haiti shared on their website. They were not the manipulative words of someone desperate to escape but simply the truth, especially when I told you my clinic doors are always open to you or anyone in need when youre sick or wounded, without any problem.

Nurse from New Hampshire and daughter freed nearly two weeks after kidnapping in Haiti

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The New Hampshire native described her kidnappers as gangsters but said she hopes they will eventually put their violent ways behind them.

I love you in Christ and one day I hope to hug you in heaven, said Dorsainvil. I understand that all of you are in a search for happiness, satisfaction, money, power and status to fill the void in your hearts. But I want you to know that those things will never truly satisfy you. They will never fill the void in your hearts. The only way for this hole to be filled is with the love of Jesus Christ.

Dorsainvil says she was uplifted by what little news of support she was able to get word of while she was in captivity.

While in there, a gangster came in and said Nurse Alix, the people of Duvivier are marching for you. This encouraged me a lot because I knew you were standing with me during that difficult time, Alix described.

Dorsainvil and her daughter were kidnapped on July 27 near El Roi Haitis Port-au-Prince location. The mother and daughter were held for 16 days until their release on August 13.

Alix serves as the faith-based humanitarian groups community health nurse and is married to the organizations director, Sandro Dorsainvil.

The specific details of Dorsainvils kidnappers are not currently known at this point.

The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory to Haiti the same day of Dorsainvils kidnapping, telling Americans in the country to leave, citing kidnapping threats.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Observers and experts were dismayed as seemingly all but one candidate onstage during the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate seemed to deny the universal scientific consensus that human behaviour is causing the climate crisis.

Climate denial is alive and well in the year 2023, meteorologist Eric Holthaus wrote on X, previously known as Twitter, on Wednesday night.

During the debate in Wisconsin, the candidates fielded a pre-taped question by a youth named Alexander Diaz, who spoke about how the climate crisis is young peoples number one issue.

Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy argue during the debate (Getty Images)

How will you as both president and leader of the Republican Party calm the fear that the Republican party doesnt care about climate change? Mr Diaz asked.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The moderators of the debate then asked candidates to raise their hands if they believed in the human origins of the climate crisis.

Were not schoolchildren, lets have the debate, said Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who later insisted he never raised his hand in affirmation.

Instead of expounding on his views, he lashed out at Joe Biden for his response to the deadly Maui fires, the deadliest wildfire in more than a century in the US, a disaster that was fuelled in part by the climate crisis, according to scientists.

First of all, one of the reasons our country has declined is because of the way the corporate media treats Republicans versus Democrats, Mr DeSantis said. Biden was on the beach while those people were suffering. He was asked about it and said no comment. Are you kidding me? As someone who has handled disasters in Florida, youve gotta be activated. Youve gotta be there. Youve gotta be present. Youve gotta be helping people who are doing this.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy then chimed in, to a mix of cheers and boos, and said the climate change agenda is a hoax.

Scientists say the climate crisis helped fuel the deadly Maui fires

Lets be honest, as Republican Im the only person who isnt bought and paid for, he said. The climate agenda is a hoax... The reality is, the anti-carbon agenda is the wet blanket on our economy. The reality is, more people are dying of and by climate change policies than they are of actual climate change.

This isnt that complicated, he later said. Unlock American energy. Drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear. Put people back to work by no longer paying them more to stay at home.

The only candidate who affirmatively acknowledged the reality of the climate crisis at length was former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.

If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said, quoting former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Climate change is real, she continued. Yes, it is. If you want to change the environment, we need to start telling China and India that they have to lower their emissions.

An aerial view of a maintenance vehicle clearing mud near stranded vehicles along a flooded street after Tropical Storm Hilary floodwaters inundated an area of Cathedral City, California (Getty Images)

Climate experts and politicians were dismayed about the denial onstage, as the climate crisis helped fuel an unprecendented tropical storm in the California desert in recent days.

Climate change is real, by the way, Joe Biden wrote on X on Wednesday.

Vivek calls climate change a hoax, added the climate-focused Sunrise Movement in a post of their own. We call bluff that hes been outside this summer.

July was the hottest month on record in human history, according to scientists, the latest indicator of the gravity and urgency of the climate crisis.

Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said of the record last month.

The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.
Republican Representative Jim Jordan announced Thursday that the House Judiciary Committee is launching an inquiry into whether Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis coordinated with federal officials her indictment of former President Donald Trump and 18 other defendants.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

In a letter sent to Willis, Committee Chairman Jordan demanded information of possible communications between officials with the Department of Justice and the Executive Branch.

RELATED STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Jordan said in the letter that the committee wants to know if Willis coordinated with federal officials including DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith, who has indicted Trump on federal charges.

Willis has said in the past that she has had no contact with Smith.

WSB Radios Mark Arum spoke to Jordan via phone on Thursday morning, who said there is currently no evidence of coordination between Willis and Smith, but that his committee is asking the questions.

The American people are entitled to know, Jordan told Arum. I think its important we get all the facts out there on the table for the American people and also that we do our jobs.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Jordan said that Willis indictment of Trump and his co-defendants implicates substantial federal interests and said that the circumstances surrounding her actions raise serious concerns about whether such actions are politically motivated.

This is all supposed to be driven by state law not a question of federal authority, Jordan said. And did they use federal funds?

In the letter, Jordan cites a campaign fundraising website launched by Willis, the early release of criminal charges against Trump hours before the grand jury vote and the fact that Fulton County officials say they plan to process Trump like any other criminal defendant and take his mugshot.

Jordan further went on to discuss the timing of the indictment, which comes in the middle of the Republican presidential nomination. Trump skipped the first GOP debate ahead of his planned surrender to the Fulton County Jail Thursday night.

Moreover, you have requested that the trial in this matter begin on March 4, 2024, the day before Super Tuesday and eight days before the Georgia presidential primary, Jordan wote. It is therefore unsurprising many have speculated that this indictment and prosecution are designed to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.

Jordan has requested that Willis office provide documents and communications she had with the DOJ or officials with the Executive Branch and any related to her use of federal funds.

Read the full letter HERE:

 #BREAKING: @Jim_Jordan Launches Inquiry into Whether Fulton County DA Fani Willis Coordinated with Federal Officials



 Read more here: https://t.co/dt9jordxKC pic.twitter.com/jV1x8x3gS5  House Judiciary GOP  (@JudiciaryGOP) August 24, 2023
The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee has opened a congressional investigation into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, a development that was first reported by CNN and comes the same day Trump is slated to surrender at the county jail after being charged for participating in schemes to meddle with Georgias 2020 election results.

The committee sent a letter to Willis on Thursday asking whether she communicated or coordinated with the Justice Department, who has indicted Trump twice on two separate cases, or used federal dollars to complete her investigation that culminated in the fourth indictment of Trump. The questions from Republicans about whether Willis used federal funding in her state-level investigation mirrors the same line of inquiry that Republicans used to probe Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who indicted Trump in New York earlier this year for falsifying business records to cover up an alleged hush money scheme.

In the letter to Willis, House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan, an Ohio Republican, laid out why he believes his panel has jurisdiction over the state-level probe and accused Willis of being politically motivated, noting she set up a new campaign fundraising website days before the indictment came down and complained that she required mugshots for those charged  including Trump  which had not been the practice in his previous three indictments.

You did not bring charges until two-and-a-half years later, at a time when the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination is in full swing, Jordan wrote. Moreover, you have requested that the trial in this matter begin on March 4, 2024, the day before Super Tuesday and eight days before the Georgia presidential primary.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Jordan gave Willis a September 7 deadline to hand over any documents or communication related to their request.

The Fulton County DAs office declined to comment. But Willis has previously denied that she coordinated with Special Counsel Jack Smiths office and has consistently defended her investigation against accusations that it was politically motivated.

Meanwhile, Georgia Republicans could launch their own state-level investigation into Willis probe, according to GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who has spoken to top officials in the state about a potential probe. She also told CNN earlier this week that she was pushing for a congressional-led inquiry into Willis.

Im going to be talking to Jim Jordan, (House Oversight Chair) Jamie Comer, and Id like to also ask (Speaker) Kevin McCarthy his thoughts on looking at doing an investigation if there is a collaboration or conspiracy of any kind between the Department of Justice and Jack Smiths special counsels office with the state DAs, Greene told CNN. So, I think that could be a place of oversight.

It all amounts to a familiar playbook for House Republicans, who have been quick to try to use their congressional majority  which includes the ability to launch investigations, issue subpoenas and restrict funding  to defend the former president and offer up some counter programming amid his mounting legal battles. But theyve also run into some resistance in their extraordinary efforts to intervene in ongoing criminal matters, while there are questions about what jurisdiction they have over state-level investigations.

Keeping the spotlight on Biden

As their target list on behalf of Trump grows, House Republicans are also cranking up the heat on their own investigations into the Biden family.

Just this week, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy vowed to move ahead with an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden after the House returns from August recess if the Biden administration does not turn over more documents and information related to the Republican led investigations related to Hunter Biden  the strongest sign yet that House Republicans are poised to launch an impeachment inquiry of the president.

A McCarthy spokesperson did not respond to CNNs request for comment to elaborate on the speakers remark that opening an impeachment inquiry hinged on whether committees received the bank statements, the credit card statements and other documents they were asking for.

House Oversight chair James Comer has subpoenaed six banks for information regarding specific Biden family business associates, received testimony from Hunter Bidens associates and reviewed hundreds of suspicious activity reports related to the Biden family at the Treasury Department. The Kentucky Republican has not yet subpoenaed bank records from Biden family members themselves. He boasted in June on Fox Business that every subpoena that I have signed as chairman of the House Oversight Committee over the last five months, weve gotten 100% of what weve requested, whether its with the FBI, or with banks, or with Treasury.

The House Judiciary chair, GOP Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, just subpoenaed four individuals involved in the Hunter Biden criminal probe and has requested a number of documents and interviews pertaining to special counsel David Weiss ongoing criminal investigation.

There is still some skepticism among more moderate Republicans, however, about whether they should be trying to intervene in ongoing investigations and whether an impeachment inquiry is warranted.

Behind the scenes, members of the House Judiciary panel, who would help oversee an impeachment inquiry, have recently been discussing how all signs are pointing towards the House launching one in short order.

We had even some of our more moderate members saying that the oversight wasnt serious if the next step wasnt an impeachment inquiry, Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida, a top Trump surrogate and Judiciary panel member, told CNN about a recent committee call. There was great interest among my Judiciary colleagues to really include and involve everyone in the conference. Theres a real desire to get everyone on board and go through the evidence with those who might remain skeptical.

Trumps allies have called for Congress to expunge Trumps two previous impeachments, a move that has sparked pushback by many even among House Republicans.

Greene, who spoke with McCarthy on Tuesday, said she doesnt think the votes are there yet for expunging Trumps previous two impeachments, even as the former president continues to promote the idea on Truth Social. But she said, I think the impeachment inquiry looks very, very good.

He is spending the recess talking about it constantly, Greene added of McCarthy. I really feel strongly that thats something thats going to happen.

House GOP lays groundwork against Fulton County

Even before Trumps indictment in Fulton County his congressional allies were laying the groundwork to take aim at Willis and broader election laws.

GOP Rep. Russell Fry of South Carolina introduced a longshot bill earlier this year to give current and former presidents and vice presidents the ability to move their civil or criminal cases from a state court to a federal court as the investigation in Fulton County was ongoing. Fry introduced the bill shortly after Trump was indicted by Bragg on more than 30 counts related to business fraud.

The Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over Frys bill, is examining ways to move this bill forward and schedule a markup, two sources familiar with the process told CNN.

Fry, who tweeted shortly after the Fulton County indictment that the outcome underscores the need for his bill, said in a statement to CNN, these rogue prosecutors shouldnt be able to wield unwarranted power and target our nations top leaders for their political agendas.

Separately, the House Committee on Administration has been working on a conservative election integrity package that Republicans are calling transformative, but Democrats frame as designed to appease extremist election deniers.

Republicans argue the bill gives states the tools to strengthen voter integrity, implement selection reforms in Washington, DC, and protects conservatives political speech. Democrats, meanwhile, contest the legislation attacks the freedom to vote, burdens election workers and creates less transparency in elections.

One of the nine hearings that Republicans held on the bill, which recently passed out of committee and is ready for a floor vote in the House, was held last month in Atlanta.

The top Democrat on the panel, Rep. Joe Morelle of New York, accused Republicans of playing defense for Trump through the field hearing, which Republicans have said was not the case.

One might ask, why are we here in Georgia? The answer is simple. Were here because in 2020, Joe Biden won and Donald Trump lost. There was no widespread voter fraud in Georgia, there were no suitcases full of fake ballots, no voting machines changed any votes. In fact, we know of only one possible crime that took place, because it was recorded on tape, Morelle said.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have also accused their Republican counterparts of coinciding the release of key interview transcripts with days consumed by Trumps legal woes, according to a recent memo released by Democratic committee staff.

An Oversight Committee spokesperson said in a statement to CNN, to be clear, there was absolutely no connection between the transcript releases and anything else covered in the news.

The types of moves Republicans made on behalf of Trump in the wake of the Fulton County indictment are not necessarily new. After Trump was indicted by the Department of Justice in two separate cases, Greene called for Congress to defund Smiths office, who is overseeing the two federal indictment cases, and House Freedom Caucus members issued a statement Monday that they would not support even a short-term government spending bill that does not address what they see as the weaponization of the Department of Justice.

Gaetz recently introduced a resolution to censure and condemn the judge presiding over Trumps federal indictment in the 2020 election subversion case.

Despite the partisan back and forth, Trumps Capitol Hill allies remain unfazed. But, not all Republicans have bought into the Trump defensive strategy.

Nobody is paying attention other than the people who are obsessed with Trump, a senior Republican lawmaker told CNN.

This story and headline have been updated with additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Members of Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, hold a protest outside the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong on Aug 23, 2023 in response to Japan's decision to release wastewater from its Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean from Aug 24, 2023. [Photo/China Daily]



The Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions are poised to conduct vigorous checks on imported Japanese food as their ban on aquatic products from 10 Japanese prefectures takes effect on Thursday, the same day that Japan is set to start releasing radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean as part of its plan to decommission the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.

At a news conference on Wednesday, the Hong Kong SAR government said it will subject local waters to increased radiation checks on a monthly basis, and release data on radiation levels of "local catch" and imported Japanese food on a daily basis.

Lai Chuen-chi, assistant director of fisheries and marine conservation at the Hong Kong SAR government's Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, said that starting on Thursday, the department will strengthen radiation tests on local aquatic products.

The Hong Kong Observatory said it has increased the frequency of seawater radiation level checks in the city from quarterly to monthly, and will increase the frequency further if necessary.

The Macao Customs Service said on Wednesday that it will strengthen checks on both imported goods and inbound passengers, particularly the belongings of those who boarded flights from Japan, to prevent banned food from entering the region.

At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida gave the final go-ahead to a plan to gradually release more than 1 million metric tons of "treated and diluted" radioactive water into the ocean.

In response, the Hong Kong and Macao SAR governments banned the imports of aquatic products, including all fresh, frozen, refrigerated, dried or otherwise preserved seafood and sea salt, as well as raw or processed seaweed, from 10 Japanese prefectures including Tokyo, Fukushima, Chiba and Gunma.

About 6.75 percent of Hong Kong's imported aquatic products come from the 10 Japanese prefectures. The SAR government also issued a food safety order on Wednesday as it issued the ban.

Although the ban will not cover items that people bring back to Hong Kong from the prohibited areas in Japan for their own consumption or as souvenirs, Irene Young Bick-kwan, director of Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, advised residents not to do so in view of the safety risks.

At a regular news briefing in Beijing on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said: "What is done can't be undone. We hope that Aug 24, 2023, won't go down in history as a disastrous day for the ocean. If Japan keeps going on its own way, it should be held historically accountable for this."

In Hong Kong, fishermen and other social groups gathered on Wednesday outside the Consulate General of Japan to express their anger.

Kowk Sap-chai, head of the Aberdeen Coast Ling Fisheries Association, who participated in the protest, said Japan's "irresponsible" plan is set to affect people's livelihoods and pollute the ocean. Once the contaminated water is discharged into the ocean, there is no turning back, he added.

A fisherman surnamed Leung, from the Hong Kong Trawler Association, said he was deeply concerned over the anticipated effects on seafood sales. Leung said he was worried that he wouldn't be able to afford the operation costs of his trawler or make ends meet.

Flagging the health risks, Charles Ng Chak-chuen, a private doctor in Hong Kong, said that radioactive nucleotides, which are carcinogenic according to the World Health Organization, will enter the food chain and affect millions of people once the discharge of contaminated water starts.

Eating such contaminated marine food over an extended period of time will result in cumulatively hazardous doses, with devastating effects in particular on pregnant women, children and the elderly, he said.
Hugh Jackman shared a rare photo of himself and his sister Zoe, and fans cant get over the resemblance.

Wolverine and Wolverina, one person commented on Jackmans Instagram post.

Added another, She looks just like you or you look just like her.

In the selfie, Jackman, 55, has his arm around his sibling, and both are beaming.

I am so grateful for my sister Zoe, Jackman captioned the sweet picture.

Hugh Jackman and his sister Zoe. (@thehughjackman via Instagram)

The two spent much of their childhood separated. The actor was 8 when his parents, Christopher Jackman and Grace McNeil, divorced. Jackman remained in Australia with his father and two brothers, Ian and and Ralph, while his mother moved to England with Jackmans sisters, Zoe and Sonya.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In 2012, Jackman opened up on 60 Minutes Australia about the last time he saw his mom in their family home. She waved goodbye as he headed off to school. When he returned, she wasn't there.

"The next day there was a telegram from England, Mom was there. And then that was it," he recalled. "I dont think she thought for a second it would be forever. I think she thought it was, I just need to get away, and Ill come back.' Dad used to pray every night that mom would come back.

Jackman described the experience as traumatic while speaking with Who magazine in 2018.

I thought she was going to come back. And then it sort of dragged on and on, he told the Australian publication.

Jackman revealed in 2022 that he was in therapy to help cope with unresolved trauma.

Its helping me to be more relational with the people I love in my life, and really understanding and living in their shoes and being clear to be able to see them, he said, according to Who magazine.

Jackman and his mother have mended their relationship, and in 2021, he shared a photo of them enjoying quality time together.

The Oscar winner and his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, share children Oscar, 23 and Ava, 18. In 2012, he explained that becoming a parent helped him understand the type of pressures his mother was under. According to Jackman, she was struggling with postpartum depression and lacked support.

I think having kids of your own just adds another level of empathy and understanding, he told Australian Womens Weekly. And there comes a certain point in life when you have to stop blaming other people for how you feel or the misfortunes in your life.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Hungarian President Katalin Novak has taken steps to reboot Hungary's diplomatic relations with Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on Aug. 24.

She recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in hopes of overcoming the Kremlin-friendly stance of Hungarian PM Viktor Orban.

Read also: Hungary again cancels three trains because of large flow of passengers

Novak stated she conducted substantive talks with Zelenskyy during the Crimean Platform Summit in Kyiv. Zelenskyy, for his part, expressed his gratitude for her visit and pledged to work with Novak to improve bilateral relations.

Read also: Hungarys Orban obsessed with EU funding to maintain regime, claims Ukrainian FM Kuleba

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bloomberg reports that Hungary is becoming increasingly isolated in the European Union due to Orban's attempts to undermine Western sanctions against Russia.

Read also: Hungary wasnt involved in POW transfer from Russia, says Hungarian FM

He has tried to block EU aid, refused to supply arms to Ukraine, and repeatedly stated that the "counteroffensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces is doomed to fail."

The head of the Hungarian Prime Minister's Office, Gergely Gulyas, stated that Hungary's foreign policy is determined by the government, not the president.

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
Hungary is ready to implement the national ban on the import of Ukrainian grain if the EU does not prolong this measure after 15 September.

Source: Gergely Gulyas, Hungarian Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, at the briefing on 24 August, as reported by European Pravda with reference to Reuters

Details: Hungary wants the EU ban on internal trade of Ukrainian grain to be extended in five EU member states bordering Ukraine after the current measure ends on 15 September.

"Hungary will ask the EU to extend the ban from September 16," Gergely Gulyas said.

In May, the EU allowed Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia to implement a ban on the domestic sales of Ukrainian wheat, maize, rapeseed and sunflower seed, while permitting transit of such cargoes for export elsewhere. This ban is set to expire on 15 September.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

Poland has stated that it will not cancel the ban even if the EU does not agree to extend it. Hungarys readiness to resort to the same decisions strengthens the position of Warsaw.

Reportedly, the majority of the EU member states do not support the extension of the embargo on import of grain from Ukraine beyond 15 September, and in case Poland takes unilateral measures, some countries may resort to countermeasures.

Ukraine is firm in its demands that the EU must cancel the unilateral restrictions on Ukrainian exports and thinks that Brussels must reach an agreement with Poland.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Former Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) said some of his fellow GOP presidential candidates are going too easy on Russian President Vladimir Putin a few hours before the first GOP presidential debate  and after a plane crashed in Russia with a passenger list that included Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin .

This is one of the issues that I hope the candidates on the debate stage get asked about, because unfortunately theres too many of those candidates in the room who engage and, to be frank, want to kiss the butt of Vladimir Putin, Hurd said in a CNN interview.

Vladimir Putin is a war criminal, and his likely actions today are just a further indication of that, Hurd added.

Prigozhin is the leader of the mercenary group that has been at the forefront of Russias war with Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Over the last year, he turned increasingly critical of Russias military leadership, and in June he led a short-lived coup against the government.

Mystery has shrouded Prigozhin and his precise relationship with Putin since the coup. Initially it was said he would be sent into exile in Belarus, but he later was believed to have returned to Russia.

There had been speculation since the coup over whether Prigozhin would meet a violent end, possibly on orders from Putin.

Hurd, who not qualify for Wednesday nights first GOP presidential debate, said Putin is likely responsible for the crash.

A person has a 1-in-11 million chance of dying in a plane crash, Hurd said. Now, I dont have any of the intelligence or insights into what happened, but considering that Prigozhin tried to create a mutiny two months ago, I dont think this was luck.

I think this was something that Vladimir Putin did on purpose and was trying to not only target him, but let everyone else know that hes not going to play, he added.

President Biden also suggested Wednesday that Putin could be responsible.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind, Biden told reporters. But I dont know enough to know the answer.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Bryan Kohberger has waived his right to a speedy trial less than two months before proceedings over the University of Idaho student homicides were to take place.

Anne Taylor, the lead public defender for Mr Kohberger, the suspect in the case, informed the court on Wednesday that one of the significant factors that determined the decision was inadequate time for proper legal counsel ahead of the planned 2 October start.

She told the court that the defence wished to reset the trial date just one time, and not again after it is rescheduled.

The prosecution plans to pursue capital punishment for Mr Kohberger, who is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one charge of felony burglary connected to the deaths of four University of Idaho students on 13 November 2022.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Judge John Judge, presiding over the 2nd Judicial District in Latah County, Idaho, recognised the significance of the highly observed case.

Prior to officially approving the trial postponement, the judge confirmed with Mr Kohberger many times, ensuring he understood the rights he was forfeiting and his intent to proceed.

Mr Kohberger responded, Absolutely.

Mr Kohberger, 28, stands accused of the fatal stabbing of four University of Idaho students at a residence off-campus on King Road in Idahos Moscow city in November.

The individuals who lost their lives were seniors Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both aged 21, alongside junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, both aged 20.

Please pray for our family today, said Goncalvess family on Facebook earlier in the day.

We are afraid he is going to waive his rights to a speedy trial. If he does, trial will not be starting on Oct 2nd and it is very likely that it wont take place for years. We want to get this trial over. Just thinking it could be years absolutely kills me.

Mr Kohberger, enrolled as a PhD student in Washington State Universitys criminal justice programme, was arrested in December in connection with the murders. He was subsequently extradited from their parents residence in Pennsylvania back to Idaho.

Law enforcement established Mr Kohbergers connection to the case when DNA recovered from his parents home corresponded with DNA identified on a knife sheath discovered at the crime scene.
VINCENNES, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  An Indiana man accused of driving a Power Wheels Jeep while impaired was arrested Wednesday night.

The driver, identified as 51-year-old John McKee of Vincennes, was stopped by a trooper who was patrolling a street in Knox County, according to Indiana State Police.

Independence man charged for intentionally striking, killing Liberty woman with vehicle

The trooper made the stop after seeing someone driving a Power Wheels Jeep with no lights or reflectors, remarking that he was difficult to see, the ISP wrote in a news release.

John McKee was arrested after driving a Power Wheels vehicle while impaired, according to Indiana State Police. (Indiana State Police)

The ISP trooper also noted that said Mckee showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was later confirmed at a local hospital that McKee was under the influence of methamphetamine and marijuana, authorities said.

He was arrested and taken to the Knox County jail on a felony charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) with a prior conviction. According to the ISP, he was previously convicted of operating a vehicle while impaired.

UAW members vote on strike in case Ford, GM deal doesnt happen

Mattels Power Wheels Jeeps are battery-powered, ride-on vehicles made for children. An owners manual for one model lists a weight capacity of 130 pounds and warns never to use the toy at night or in any roadway where cars may be operating.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
An Indiana high school teacher who came to Kentucky to have sex with a 14-year-old girl has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Cody Sean McCormick, 28, also will be under court supervision for the rest of his life after being released from prison.

The case started last October when an undercover officer posing as a teen girl put an ad on Whisper, a social media site, and McCormick responded, according to court records.

McCormick was a social studies teacher at a high school in Evansville at the time.

McCormick told the undercover officer that hanging out with her sounded risky and probably a little illegal, but he discussed engaging in sex acts with her, according to an affidavit from Bo Alexander, a special agent with the U.S. Secret Service who took part in the investigation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McCormick also sent images of marijuana and sex toys to the person he thought was a teen girl.

At one point when the officer said she was 14, McCormick said that was too young and with this app youre probably law enforcement so have a great evening officers, according to the affidavit.

But when the officer denied being in law enforcement and said good-bye, McCormick responded with a peace sign emoji and kept communicating.

McCormick sent a graphic photo of himself and arranged to come to Owensboro to meet the person he thought was 14, according to court records.

Police arrested him when he arrived.

McCormick pleaded guilty to attempted enticement of a minor, traveling across state lines to engage in illegal sexual activity, and attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor.

The advisory sentencing guideline for McCormick called for a minimum sentence of 10 years and one month.

The government agreed to a sentence of one month less as part of a deal for McCormick to admit he committed statutory rape of a 13-year-old female family member in 2018, according to a sentencing memorandum from Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Spencer McKiness.

Police investigated at the time but the charges were dropped for lack of evidence, according to the memo.

The victim in that case has suffered mental and emotional hardships, and McCormicks admission will provide her a measure of closure and validation, the memo said.

McCormick wont face state charges for the rape.

The Secret Service, Kentucky State Police, the Kentucky Attorney Generals Office and the Owensboro Police Department took part in the investigation that led to charges against McCormick.

The U.S. Department of Justice has links to internet safety resources.
India became the first country to land near the south pole of the Moon, a notoriously difficult achievement that also marks them as the fourth country to land on the Moon.

View comments
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 for a BRICS group photo during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Gianluigi Guercia/Pool via AP)

NEW DELHI (AP)  Indias prime minister and China's leader agreed Thursday to intensify efforts to de-escalate tensions at the disputed border between them and bring home thousands of their troops deployed there, according to an official from India's foreign ministry.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of a Johannesburg summit where the BRICS bloc of developing economies  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  invited six other countries to join the group, including Saudi Arabia and Iran. ,

Indias Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra told Indian reporters that Modi, in an impromptu meeting with Xi, highlighted India's concerns about their unresolved border issues.

The disputed boundary has led to a three-year standoff between tens of thousands of Indian and Chinese soldiers in the Ladakh area. A clash three years ago in the region killed 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kwatra said the two leaders agreed to intensify efforts but did not say anything about what Xi's response to Modi's expressed concerns or elaborate on details of what the Indian prime minister said.

The Chinese embassy in New Delhi later tweeted a foreign ministry statement saying that President Xi stressed that improving China-India relations served their common interests and was also conducive to peace, stability and development of the world and the region.

"The two sides should bear in mind the overall interests of their bilateral relations and handle properly the border issue so as to jointly safeguard peace and tranquility in the border region," it said.

Indian and Chinese military commanders had met last week in an apparent effort to stabilize the situation. A Line of Actual Control separates Chinese and Indian-held territories from Ladakh in the west to Indias eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, which China claims in its entirety.

India and China had fought a war over their border in 1962. China claims some 90,000 square kilometers (35,000 square miles) of territory in Indias northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh with its mainly Buddhist population.

India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometers (15,000 square miles) of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau, which India considers part of Ladakh, where the current faceoff is happening.
a man with glasses and a white beard waves a flag

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is over the moon.

That's because his country is now on the moon. India became the fourth nation to make a soft landing on the moon today (Aug. 23) when its Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully touched down near the lunar south pole. India now joins China, the former Soviet Union and the United States on the list of countries who have made a controlled landing on the surface of the moon.

"This success belongs to all of humanity and it will help moon missions by other countries in the future," Modi said in a speech following Chandrayaan-3's successful landing. "I'm confident that all countries in the world, including those from the global south, are capable of capturing success. We can all aspire to the moon and beyond."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: India on the moon! Chandrayaan-3 becomes 1st probe to land near lunar south pole

a man with glasses and a white beard waves a flag

In his speech, Modi also stressed that this milestone reflects on all of humanity, not just India. "Friends, on this joyous occasion, I would like to address all the people of the world. The people of every country and region," Modi said. "India's successful moon mission is not just India's alone.

"Our approach of one Earth, one family, one future is resonating across the globe. This human-centric approach that we present and that we represent has been welcomed universally. Our moon mission is also based on the same essential approach."

the gray soil of the moon can be seen beside a leg of a spacecraft

ISRO chairman Sreedhara Somanath shared some words as well, praising mission teams that made this landing a success. "It's a great moment of happiness on behalf of the team. It gives me immense satisfaction on achieving this goal as project director of this mission," Somanath said. "The entire mission operations right from launch 'til landing happened flawlessly as per the timeline. And we became the fourth country to land  to demonstrate the soft landing  onto the moon's surface and we became the first country to go near the south pole of the moon."

people smile and clap at desks

Praise from international space agency leadership is already pouring in on social media. In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), NASA administrator Bill Nelson lauded the landing. "Congratulations ISRO on your successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar South Pole landing!" Nelson wrote in the post. "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!"

European Space Agency (ESA) Director General Josef Aschbacher stated he was impressed by ISRO's achievement in a post on X . "Incredible! Congratulations to ISRO, Chandrayaan-3, and to all the people of India!!" Aschbacher wrote in the post. "What a way to demonstrate new technologies AND achieve India's first soft landing on another celestial body. Well done, I am thoroughly impressed."

Aschbacher also highlighted ESA's involvement in the mission. The agency provided ground station support from its facilities in French Guiana, Australia and the United Kingdom, according to an ESA statement .

RELATED STORIES:

 Missions to the moon: Past, present and future

 See Artemis 3 landing site near moon's south pole in stunning new NASA photos

 Latest news about India's space program

The Chandrayaan-3 mission saw a lander, known as Vikram, make a soft landing near the moon's south pole close to the same location Russia's failed Luna-25 mission was aiming for. If all goes according to plan, Vikram will deploy a solar-powered rover named Pragyan in order to study lunar soil and moon rocks. Vikram, meanwhile, will conduct lunar seismic studies and probe the moon's soil to measure its temperature.

Both Vikram and Pragyan are expected to last one lunar day, which is about 14 Earth days. When the sun finally sets on the duo, their batteries will slowly deplete, bringing an end to India's historic mission.
Pay Dirt is a weekly foray into the pigpen of political funding. Subscribe here to get it in your inbox every Thursday.

Days after HBO released its new Telemarketers documentary serieswhich raises the curtain on decades of political, police, and charity telemarketing fraudthe producers got a major PR boost from an unexpected place: the Department of Justice.

Last week, federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York indicted two of the countrys most notorious fundraising fraudstersRichard Zeitlin and Robert Piaroalleging that the duo had defrauded donors out of tens of millions of dollars over several years.

Zeitlin and Piaro allegedly ran scam PAC schemes, fraudulent fundraising operations that have plagued donors for yearsdespite civil suits, regulatory action, and numerous exposes from investigative journalists.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Scam PACs are the latest iteration of good old-fashioned charity fraud, with the operators exploiting loopholes in tax and election law that allow the groups to operate in whats largely been seen as a legal gray area.

The Secret Website Behind a $140 Million Scam PAC Network

These political action committees in name only solicit money on behalf of groups with names that sound like charitiesreferences to law enforcement, disabled veterans, firefighters, breast cancer victims, even autismbut in reality they plow almost all of the funds right back into the pockets of the telemarketers. Many of the targeted donors are elderly, though not all of them.

The stakes are not small potatoes. For instance, Zeitlins indictment contains the surreal allegation that, over the last 30 years, his call centers have raised at least approximately hundreds of millions of dollars for charities and PACs, through at least approximately hundreds of thousands of calls to donors and potential donors.

Zeitlin has been charged with wire fraud and obstruction of justice, after allegedly destroying evidence upon learning of the federal investigation. Piaro, a PAC treasurer, is alleged to have raised approximately $28 million through his groups between 2017 and 2022, and also faces wire fraud charges.

Zeitlin, whom the government classified as a flight risk in court documents, is being detained pending trial, and Piaro posted a $2 million bond and surrendered his passport. They each face potentially decades in prison.

Earlier this year, The Daily Beast revealed a secret call center website whose PAC clients had raised more than $140 million over the last two election cycles alone. Almost all of those groups appeared to bear ties to Zeitlin or Piaro.

For perspective on how much money that is, Donald Trumps flagship fundraising grouphis Save America leadership PAChas raised a total of $156 million.

In 2021, The Daily Beast found that the top 25 PACs representing themselves as law enforcement and veterans support groups had raised more than $85 million over the prior four years; thats $18 million more than the two top-raising U.S. House campaigns combined over that same time period.

Attorneys for Zeitlin and Piaro didnt return The Daily Beasts request for comment.

Scam Political Groups Try New Tricksand Rake In Millions

But one-off arrests, no matter how significant, wont stop scam PACs without legislative reform on a federal level. However, congressional lawmakers have tried and failed for years to make any headway on this bipartisan issue, a barrier that the filmmakers behind Telemarketers also confronted.

They know as well as anyone how maddeningly persistent these fraudsters can bebecause they were once part of the con.

Sam Lipman-Stern, one of the two self-taught investigative journalists who bootstrapped the Telemarketers documentary series, worked in a New Jersey sham charity call center for years during the early 2000s. He told The Daily Beast that these scammers have dodged accountability for a number of reasons, including poorly written laws, lack of political willpower, and protection from law enforcement entities themselves.

Every single person I told about this during the production process, literally every single one, would say, Arent you scared theyll come after you? Lipman-Stern recalled. Theyre talking about the owners of the companies, but theyre also talking about the police.

He means that literally. Lipman-Stern and his sidekick Patrick J. Pespas met on the job, when both worked the phones for the since-shuttered Civic Development Group, raising money on behalf of fraternal orders of police officers and fake cancer charities.

Theres definitely a dark irony to the whole thing, Lipman-Stern told The Daily Beast. You have all these people working with you there in the prison pipeline, who are now literally in the pocket of the police. These groups are holding back positive police reform around the country and theyre using ex-cons to raise money, and with the threat that if they dont go along with it then theyll say theyve violated their probation.

In return, the offices allow lawlessness. The documentary shows what at times seems like pure chaos in the call centerprostitution in the bathroom, shooting heroin and writing graffiti on breaks. One caller featured prominently in the series was convicted of murder; he curses the people he calls, and is, in the words of one of the bosses, a bit of a psychopath.

You can do whatever you want as long as youre making the sales, Lipman-Stern said. A lot of these guys are just fucking crazy. You cant make them up. There are all these characters on the sales floor, but they go all the way up.

He pointed to the Houston Metro Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 98, whose president at one time had his own telemarketing company. And we learned that they were literally cooking meth in the office, Lipman-Stern said.

But when he and Pespas grew wise to the scam, they made it their life mission to take down these networks, starting from the inside, and documented that difficult and at times dangerous effort for more than a decade.

The project eventually took them to Washington, D.C., where they met with officials at agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Election Commission, as well as members of Congress. But they quickly found willpower to tackle the fraudsters was lacking in the halls of power.

In one poignant moment, they ask David Vladeck, former director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the Federal Trade Commission, why only the minor players seemed to pay the price, and why no investigators had taken down the larger organizations behind the scams.

And even David Vladeck told us that they were scared, tooNo one wants to be on the wrong side of the Fraternal Order of the Police, Lipman-Stern recalled.

A Pro-Trump Scam PAC Got a Huge Taxpayer Bailout

The documentary traces how the fundraising scams evolved over time, responding to different crackdowns by finding the next loopholes, with new schemes, often run by the same network of people.

Its been going on essentially since the invention of the telephone, Lipman-Stern said. You can see articles from The New York Times in, like, the early 1900s about people calling to raise money for fake charities and the police.

The latest iteration, since around 2017 or so, is the PAC era, as scammers opened up fake political groups outside the jurisdiction of the Internal Revenue Service, and where the fundraising operations themselves are largely beyond the regulatory scope of the FEC.

It became really apparent that that was the new loophole. They have to disclose less information, they can keep more of the money, and they dont have to tell donors what the percentages are, Lipman-Stern explained.

PACs also offer another protection: Political speech enjoys almost blanket protection under federal law. When the FTC took down a notorious call center in 2020, the $56 million settlement made that plain, ordering that the defendants are permanently restrained and enjoined from any type of charity fundraising, Provided that this prohibition shall not apply to fundraising for political purposes.

The scammers also incorporated new technologies, and grew cagier about their work.

The Daily Beast spoke with a former Zeitlin call center employee who worked on the IT team, developing soundboard and artificial intelligence applications for more efficient call flowsscripts and codes that The Daily Beast previously revealed still lived on a secret webpage.

It was always strongly expressed to us that the soundboard application was a trade secret, and that publicizing its use would have repercussions for the company (in the form of regulation or competition) and us as individuals, said the former employee, who left the company in 2017.

The majority of the soundboard callers operated overseas, out of a call center in Ecuador, the person said, explaining that one of the design intents behind making the soundboard application was to allow for the hiring of cheaper labor outside of the U.S., as it allowed foreign callers to sound like U.S.-based agents.

This former employee claimed to have been kept in the dark about Zeitlins operationsciting in part Zeitlins own erratic temperand only discovered the truth after The Daily Beasts report.

In the IT division we were aware to an extent that a chunk of change was being taken by us as a company before any money was passed through, but they often likened it to the Red Cross in how much of their donations go to the stated cause, the person said. I was absolutely unaware as to the scale of the operation.

With all these barriers to enforcementregulatory loopholes, technological developments, sclerotic institutions, and flat-out intimidationits worth noting that a permanent solution would actually appear to be a relatively simple stroke of the legislative pen. Even more confoundingly, the issue has bipartisan support.

A Trump-Impersonating Scam PAC Gets Busted by the FBI

In 2020, Rep. Katie Porter (D-CA) teamed up with Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) to do just that. They introduced the Stop Scam PACs Act, which provides a quick fix by striking one word.

Federal law prohibits fraudulently misrepresenting a person as speaking or acting on behalf of a candidate or political party. However, the meaning of the word fraudulently in this context is unclear, which has created a real roadblock for the FEC, Porter previously told The Daily Beast.

But that bill, for whatever reason, still hasnt gotten traction. Lipman-Stern holds out hope that his documentary, along with the recent indictments, will inspire lawmakers to finally make a change.

Originally my goal was to put it out there so people can watch it and learn about this wild American story, essentially being educated through this documentary, and get the money to worthwhile charities and causes, where its supposed to go, he said. I did my job and well see where it falls. Pat Pespas wants to get in front of Congress and have a hearing about itthis game of Whac-A-Mole, it just cant keep going on forever, you know?

But he caught himself.

Right now, Im seeing that the International Union of Police Associations and the PACs are still calling, he said, referencing data on a robocall website. Theyre doing it right now, literally as were speaking.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
(Reuters) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday said the interest of other countries to join the BRICS organisation showed how relevant its pursuit for a new world economic order is.

"We will remain open to new candidates," Lula said at a news conference held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Argentina, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia have shown interest in joining the BRICS organisation, he said, adding Iran was also interested.

During a summit held in South Africa, the BRICS group of nations also approved a resolution to study in the future the creation of "a new currency of payments".

(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; editing by Inti Landauro and Jason Neely)
University of Iowa students walk along the T. Anne Cleary Walkway on the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Temperatures in Iowa City reached 100 for the first time in nearly 10 years on Wednesday, and highs neared 100 again on Thursday.

A historic heat wave has suffocated the Iowa City metro, cracking triple digits for the first time in a decade.

A "heat dome" blanketed much of Iowa Wednesday and Thursday, with the National Weather Service reporting a Wednesday high of 100 at the Iowa City airport and a 120 heat index. Temperatures again flirted with 100 Thursday, topping out at 99 with a 109 heat index.

Temperatures last reached triple digits in Iowa City on Sept. 9, 2013, according to National Weather Service data.

Finally, Iowa City has also hit 100 degrees this afternoon, which marks the first time they have hit 100 degrees or hotter since September 9, 2013, when they hit 101.  NWS Quad Cities (@NWSQuadCities) August 23, 2023

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The heat wave swept through town just as University of Iowa students returned to classes on Monday. The two hottest days, Wednesday and Thursday, greeted Iowa City Community School District students on the first day of school Aug. 23.

Statewide heat leads to early outs, fire

Heat forced Des Moines schools to dismiss students and staff three hours early on Thursday to help bus drivers, students and staff avoid the hottest parts of the day. Cedar Rapids schools also dismissed students ahead of schedule on the first day of classes Thursday.

At Iowa State University, classes were moved online for the remainder of Thursday after a fire at the university power plant stopped air conditioning in buildings across campus. The campus was not evacuated or closed.

More: Harry's Bar & Grill serves up classic tastes with an homage to old bookstore

The fire also disrupted air conditioning in the Ames dorms, with university brass encouraging students who can leave campus for the weekend if they could.

No disruptions were reported at the University of Iowa. Students in Iowa City schools completed Thursday as scheduled.

An excessive heat warning has been in effect throughout much of the week, with NWS advising citizens drink plenty of fluids, stay inside as much as possible while refraining from strenuous outdoor activity until the evening hours.

The excessive heat warning is set to expire at 8 p.m. Thursday. Friday's forecast calls for a daytime high of 93 degrees, with the heat easing off and highs in the mid-80s expected over the weekend.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City hits 100 degrees for first time in a decade
JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Iran and Saudi Arabia were among six countries invited Thursday to join the BRICS bloc of developing economies in a move that showed signs of strengthening a China-Russia coalition as tensions with the West spiral higher.

The United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia were also set to enter BRICS from Jan. 1, 2024, joining current members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa to make an 11-nation bloc.

The announcement came after two days of talks at a summit in Johannesburg involving Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Russian President Vladimir Putin participated in the discussions virtually after his travel to the summit was complicated by an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued against him over the war in Ukraine.

Putin welcomed the six countries by video link. He did not mention Wednesday's plane crash that left Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and some of his top lieutenants presumed dead.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While there has been momentum for a BRICS expansion for months - pushed largely by China and Russia - the five leaders were locked in closed-door discussions for two days Tuesday and Wednesday before emerging with an agreement on expanding and a list of countries on the last day of the summit.

BRICS is a consensus-based organization that needs all members to agree on decisions.

The bloc was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009 and added South Africa in 2010, making Thursday's announcement in the heart of Johannesburg's high-rise Sandton financial district its most significant decision in more than a decade.

Mohammad Jamshidi, the political deputy of Iran President Ebrahim Raisi, called joining BRICS a "strategic victory for Irans foreign policy.

Felicitations to the Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution and great nation of Iran, Jamshidi wrote on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.

Raisi attended the summit, as did Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, who said the oil-rich kingdom could be a leader of the bloc given its resources, wealth and access to the Red Sea and Persian Gulf.

However, in a twist, Saudi Arabia's membership appeared uncertain after Prince Faisal told the Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya later Thursday that the kingdom appreciated the invitation but would first study the details before the proposed Jan. 1 joining date and take the appropriate decision.

BRICS currently represents around 40% of the worlds population and more than a quarter of the worlds GDP, with that set to increase. The potential new members include three of the worlds biggest oil producers: Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Iran.

This membership expansion is historic, Chinese leader Xi said. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and development."

Over the years, China has stood in solidarity with developing countries through thick and thin.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE might provide new capital for BRICS' New Development Bank. However, economists also noted that Argentina and Egypt are the International Monetary Fund's two biggest debtors and have required bailouts.

Ethiopia, Africa's second most populous country with 120 million people, has been at odds with the U.S. and European Union over their criticism of the recent conflict in the countrys Tigray region.

Argentinian President Alberto Fernandez said that joining BRICS was a new opportunity that strengthens us.

BRICS has a stated aim to amplify the voice of the Global South. All five current members and dozens of other developing countries represented at the summit repeatedly called this week for a fairer world order and the reform of international institutions like the United Nations, the IMF and the World Bank.

Many in the developing world view those institutions as Western-led and unfair to them and a stream of leaders made speeches Thursday calling for change.

While that sentiment and challenging the current international order is useful for China and Russia's geopolitical aims, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a speech to the BRICS summit that the calls for reform were valid.

He quoted figures that said, on average, African countries pay four times more for borrowing from international financial institutions than the United States and eight times more than the wealthiest European countries.

Redesigning todays outdated, dysfunctional and unfair global financial architecture is necessary, but it wont happen overnight," Guterres said. "Yet we can and must take practical action now.

More than 20 countries had formally applied to join BRICS ahead of the Johannesburg summit and more than 20 others had expressed interest, indicating how the bloc might resonate with many as an alternative.

Cooperation is key to our collective survival, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.

South African officials pushed back against characterizations that BRICS was taking an anti-West turn under the influence of China and Russia. Putin and Xi laced their speeches with criticism of the U.S. and its allies earlier in the summit, although Xi did also call for a lowering of the temperature in reference to the geopolitical climate.

Putin used a 17-minute prerecorded address on the opening day of the meetings to lash out at the West over the financial sanctions imposed on Russia as punishment for its invasion of Ukraine.

The expansion of BRICS also appears to expand China and Russia's sphere of influence, especially in the Persian Gulf. While Saudi Arabia had been touted as a likely new member, Irans inclusion wasn't expected. In the end, three Gulf nations were in line to possibly join.

Until recently, the inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE together in the same economic or political organization would have been unthinkable, as tensions escalated following the collapse of Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal.

But the UAE became the first to reengage diplomatically with Iran, and Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they had reached a separate detente in March, notably with the help of Chinese mediation.

China has recently pushed for more of a presence in the Gulf and has sought closer relations with all three nations, particularly Iran, from which it has imported oil. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also maintained relations with Russia amid the war on Ukraine, annoying the U.S., which has long provided security guarantees for the major oil-producing nations.

The U.S. and its Western allies clashed with Russia and Iran at the U.N. Security Council last month over Tehrans uranium enrichment and its reported supply of combat drones to Russia that are being used to attack Ukraine.

___

Gambrell reported from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. AP writers Amir Vahdat in Tehran, Iran, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Cara Anna in Nairobi, Kenya and Almudena Calatrava in Buenos Aires, Argentina contributed to this report.

___

AP world news: https://apnews.com/world-news
Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story said that ISW was citing "insider sources" in Russian security services. It has been edited to clarify that the ISW report was citing Russian-language Telegram channels that claimed they had insider sources in Russian security services.

Wagner commander Yevgeny Prigozhin , who was reportedly killed in a plane crash in Russia on Aug. 23, had likely fled to and from Africa due to the Russian military's attempts to undermine Wagner activities in the region, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) wrote in their Aug. 23 report.

ISW cited Russian-language Telegram channels that claimed to have insider sources in Russian security services, as reporting that these agencies have been trying "to completely block Wagner from operating in Africa."

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Following Prigozhin's brief insurrection against the Russian government in June, the Wagner Group shifted its focus from Ukraine to its operations in African nations. The mercenary company has been tied to war crimes in the Central African Republic and Mali.

On Aug. 21, Prigozhin published a rare video address from what he claimed was an African country.

"It is possible that Prigozhin had traveled to Africa in hopes of securing further missions for Wagner personnel independent of the Russian Defense Ministry and the Kremlin," the ISW said.

According to the ISW's sources, the Russian military had a plan in motion to replace Wagner mercenaries with a corps of 20,000 soldiers.

"The source added that Prigozhin was deeply opposed to these efforts and 'made every effort to prevent them,'" the ISW said.

The alleged head of these operations was Colonel General Andrei Averyanov, a Russian special services leader. The ISW said that Averyanov has been linked to assassination attempts, including the poisoning of British intelligence agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

On Aug. 23, a plane reportedly carrying Prigozhin crashed in Russia's Tsver Oblast, killing everyone on board.

The ISW said that the "panic and impulsivity" Prigozhin displayed in fleeing Africa may have left him vulnerable to political opponents.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Military intelligence reports raid into occupied Crimea; Putin says Prigozhin likely dead

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
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."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.

"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!"

You Might Also Like
Be careful about those bag limits and improper-sized catches.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

On Wed., Aug. 23, a Florida Fish and Wildlife officer was on patrol inside the Guana River Wildlife Preserve.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

The officer conducted a routine inspection of angler Bawi Ngun. The arrest report states that Ngun was using a mechanical fishing rod and reel while fishing at the Guana Dam inside Guana Lake.

On initial inspection, the angler had one legal size red drum fish and a valid fishing license.

However, further investigation revealed that a witness approached the officer, stating Ngun had caught, kept, and hidden a red drum at the entrance of the state park in the woods in a white bag.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The FWC officer found the bag and an oversized red drum inside. The fish measured over 30 inches, over the maximum allowed length of 27 inches.

Ngun was searched and transported to the St. Johns County Jail without incident.

[SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]

He was charged with possession of over the bag limit of red drum, in possession of an out of slot red drum (improper size) and interference of an FWC officer.

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.
Protests in Busan, South Korea, against Japan releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant (Reuters)

At least 16 people have been arrested amid protests in South Korea against the release of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear facility in Japan.

Japan began the release of a million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water on Thursday, a major step towards decommissioning the facility which suffered a triple meltdown due to the 2011 tsunami.

Dozens gathered outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul to express outrage at the release of the wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, with those arrested accused of attempting to enter an embassy building.

The Chinese government has expressed strong opposition to the plan to release the water and on Thursday announced a new ban on seafood imports from Japan in response.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The move was aimed at preventing the risk of radioactive contamination of food safety caused by Japans Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water discharge, and to protect the health of Chinese consumers, the Chinese customs department said in a statement on Thursday.

Chinas foreign ministry firmly opposed the plan on Thursday and said that the disposal of the contaminated water in Fukushima is a major nuclear safety issue with cross border implications and added that it was by no means a private matter for Japan alone.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (Tepco), the plant operator, commenced the water release at 1.03pm local time. Local media said that the initial release operations proceeded without any reported anomalies.

Protesters outside power company offices in Tokyo hold signs reading Dont throw radioactive contaminated water into the sea! (AFP via Getty)

Over the next 17 days or so, Tepco will release about 7,800 tonnes of treated water into the ocean.

The Japanese government has maintained that the measure is necessary for the extensive work spanning decades aimed at decommissioning the facility.

Despite assurances by Japan and the approval of a two-year International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) investigation which deemed the water safe to release, some neighbouring countries have expressed scepticism over the plan, with Beijing emerging as the biggest critic.

Japan has begun releasing wastewater from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant in an operation it insists is safe but has generated a fierce backlash from China.



The beginning of the discharge of around 540 Olympic swimming pools' worth of water into the Pacific over several pic.twitter.com/ogmphdIsSz  AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 24, 2023

The chief executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, said the release was irresponsible and posed impossible risks to food safety and the irreparable pollution and destruction of the marine environment.

On Wednesday, Beijing summoned the Japanese ambassador over the discharge of water.

Vice foreign minister Sun Weidong summoned Japans ambassador to China, Hideo Tarumi, to make solemn representations regarding the Japanese governments announcement that it would initiate the discharge of Fukushimas nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, a foreign ministry statement said on Wednesday.

Despite sweltering heat, hundreds of Japanese citizens from various regions of the country gathered in front of the Tepco headquarters in central Tokyo on Thursday morning, Chinas Xinhua reported. The protesters urged the authorities to stop the ocean release.

Police grapple with students attempting to break into the Japanese embassy in Seoul (AP)

The water has undergone treatment using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), a method designed to eliminate radioactive elements except for tritium.

In the upcoming month, Tepco will conduct daily measurements of tritium levels near the water-release outlet about a kilometre off the coast.

In addition to those who will actually handle the operations, we are preparing to release information without delay, Junichi Matsumoto, the Tepco official in charge of the water-discharge project, said at a news conference before the process started, Asahi Shimbun reported.

We would like to proceed with a great sense of urgency, he added.

Earlier, the Japanese government upheld the neutrality of the final report from the United Nations nuclear agency, which maintained that Japans water-release plan adhered to international safety norms.

South Korean police detain protesters outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul (AP)

Japanese authorities also refuted claims that the country exerted pressure on the IAEA to release solely positive findings, denying any allegations of bias.

On Thursday, however, Greenpeace said that the radiological risks have not been fully assessed and that the biological impacts of tritium, carbon-14, strontium-90 and iodine-129  to be released with the water  have been ignored.

The process of water disposal is a lengthy endeavour that will span decades, involving continuous filtration and dilution, in addition to the planned decommissioning of the plant.

Tepco said that the process of the wastewater discharge will be halted in the event of natural disasters or abnormalities.

Meanwhile, fishing communities in Fukushima have expressed opposition to the plan as well. In fact, polls have revealed that these concerns are widely shared among the general populace.

A protester is carried out of the Japanese embassy in Seoul (AP)

Masanobu Sakamoto, the leader of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, stated on Monday that while the group understands the potential scientific safety of the release, they remain concerned about the potential harm to their reputation.

In a recent Kyodo poll conducted over the weekend, 88.1 per cent of respondents expressed anxiety about the potential economic repercussions arising from the release. China and Hong Kong have already tightened their restrictions on imports.

South Korea on Wednesday stepped up protests against Japan, calling Tokyos plan to discharge water from the Fukushima plant an act of terror.

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.

Additional reporting by agencies
Japan began to release treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean Thursday amid opposition from some domestic activists and loud objections from neighboring countries including China, which announced a ban on all seafood from the country.

The gradual discharge of an estimated 1.3 million metric tons of wastewater from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean began around 1 p.m. local time (12 a.m. Thursday ET), said the plants operator, Tokyo Electric Power Co. (Tepco).

The whole process is expected to take about 30 years to complete.

The plan has been approved by Japans government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog, which said last month that the release met international safety standards and would have negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The process will allow the decommissioning of the plant more than a decade after a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami set off a meltdown that spewed radioactive particles into the air in the worlds worst nuclear accident since the 1986 incident at Chernobyl in what was then the Soviet Union.

The water  which is enough to fill 500 Olympic-size swimming pools and continues to build  has been used to cool fuel rods in the Fukushima plants nuclear reactors since the 2011 meltdown, and it is now being held in about 1,000 storage tanks on site that Japan says are almost full. Though the water is filtered and diluted to remove most radioactive elements, it still contains low levels of tritium, an isotope of hydrogen that is difficult to strip out.

Officials say that the levels of tritium will be well below what the World Health Organization considers safe and that nuclear plants around the world routinely release wastewater containing tritium, sometimes at higher levels. The IAEA said Thursday that its on-site analysis confirmed that the levels of tritium in the first batch of Fukushima water being discharged were far below the operational limit.

TEPCO has begun releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. (AP)

Despite Japans efforts to reassure the public  Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the area last weekend to highlight the safety of the plan  it has been beset by criticism from Japanese fishing groups, who fear the impact on their livelihoods, as well as environmental activists and some scientists who say the full extent of the risks remains unknown.

Tepco has also been accused of a lack of transparency, although it has vowed to put safety first and apologized for causing concerns.

There are a lot of uncertainties there because of the limited data we can access, said Wu Shiu-sun, a marine scientist at the Education University of Hong Kong. We dont know how much water is actually going to be discharged and how long exactly the plan will continue.

The release has also become a political and diplomatic issue, especially in countries with which Japan has historically fraught relationships.

Leading the criticism is China, the biggest importer of Japanese seafood.

The ocean is the common property of all mankind, and the forcible initiation of the discharge of Fukushima-contaminated water into the ocean is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act that disregards the international public interest, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Thursday.

Soon after the water release began, Chinese customs authorities announced an immediate ban on all imports of Japanese aquatic products, including seafood, to comprehensively guard against the risk of radioactive contamination to food safety caused by nuclear-contaminated water discharges.

China on August 24 banned all Japanese seafood imports over what it said was the

China had earlier extended a long-standing ban on seafood imports from 10 of Japans 47 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, the capital, and said it would increase scrutiny of food imports from the prefectures that were not banned.

Measures against the same 10 prefectures took effect Thursday in the Chinese territory of Hong Kong, the second-biggest market for Japanese seafood after mainland China.

Hong Kongs top leader, John Lee, said the decision to release the water has blatantly ignored the inevitable risk on food safety and the irreversible contamination and damages to the marine environment.

Hong Kong resident Samantha Ku said that she buys Japanese seafood a few times a week but that she might stop eating it as a result of the decision to release the water.

Its about safety, Ku, 40, said Wednesday. It would affect us, affect our health and body.

Jimmy Cheng, the owner of a Japanese restaurant in Hong Kong called Superdon, said he was concerned that his customers might be worried about eating Japanese food.

Cheng, 34, said that while convincing customers would be another challenge for his restaurant, he had been preparing for the restrictions for months, so in terms of the operation of the restaurant, it is not a huge problem.

The South Korean government reiterated this week that it sees no scientific or technical issue with plans to release the water.

If by any chance Japan veers from its original discharge plan, the South Korean government will deem this action harmful to the safety and health of the South Korean people and request Japan to cease all operations immediately, Park Ku-yeon, the first deputy chief of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, said at a news briefing on Tuesday.

Despite government assurances that it will closely monitor the release and test seafood for radiation, the South Korean public has expressed high levels of anxiety over the plan. Civic groups and the majority opposition party have held protests around the country, and on Thursday South Korean police arrested 16 protesters accused of trying to break into the Japanese Embassy in Seoul, the capital.

Image: People In South Korea Protest Japan's Release Of Fukushima Water Into Ocean (Chung Sung-Jun / Getty Images)

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, the chair of a forum of 18 Pacific island nations, said in a statement Wednesday that while he believes the discharge meets international safety standards, other Pacific leaders may disagree.

Experts say a lot of time and study have gone into the process.

This is not a decision or set of steps that are happening in haste by any means, and this is a practice that is common and consistent around the world and with the nuclear energy industry, said Marina Lorenzini of the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

According to data posted online by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, water with much higher levels of tritium has been discharged by nuclear facilities in countries including China, South Korea, Canada and France in line with local regulations.

Lorenzini said that the IAEAs active engagement in the Fukushima process makes me feel a lot more comfortable and confident with the events we see playing out today.

The IAEA said this week that it would maintain an onsite presence at the Fukushima plant, where it opened an office last month, and publish real-time and near real-time monitoring data.

I think we have good reason to believe that this will be a well-monitored and well-maintained operation, Lorenzini said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Early afternoon local time on Thursday, after years of questions and criticisms directed at the plan, Japan has begun the controversial release into the Pacific Ocean of water previously used to cool the reactors at the defunct Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power plant after they were damaged in 2011 by a massive earthquake and tsunami.

The 1.3 million metric tons of treated wastewaterenough to fill more than 500 Olympic-size swimming poolsare currently stored in more than 1,000 tanks at the site of the power plant, and it is expected to take up to four decades to finish emptying all of it into the sea.

The plant manager Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the Japanese government, and international agencies have conducted multiple assessments of the filtering process to decontaminate the water, and they have declared the plan to be safe according to scientific standards, but some neighboring nations, environmental advocates, and those involved in the seafood industry have starkly opposed the plan, claiming that the data is neither sufficient nor conclusive to ensure the water will be harmless.

The governments of China and Hong Kong have already taken measures to ban fish, sea salt, and seaweed imports from Japan, and South Koreans, despite assurances from their own government, have begun shunning seafood from Japan amid concerns about radioactivity risks.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The situationwith strong feelings expressed on either sidehas left many consumers around the globe anxious and confused. Just how toxic will the tuna from the waters off the coast of Japan be? Will your next plate of sushi be safe to eat? TIME spoke to four scientists for their insights. Heres what they had to say.

You cant completely avoid radioactivity

Radioactive material can kill you. Scientists agree on that. Simply put, radioactivity refers to the disintegration of atoms. But at the same time, everyone, everywhere, is exposed to radioactivity every day, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Radiation, more broadly, is present in sunlight and soil, in the air we breathe and the food we eat. Its also in the technology we use, from X-rays to microwaves. But not all radiation is harmful to humans, and whats most important is the amount of radioactive exposure.

The oceans already have a fair share of radioactivity, long before Japan started releasing its treated wastewater into the Pacific. Most of the radioactivity is from naturally-occurring elements, but its also been introduced by nuclear submarines, past nuclear weapons tests, and previous discharges from power plants across the world.

Among the commonly found radioactive isotopes in the ocean is tritium. Its also the isotope that cant be removed from Fukushimas wastewater, despite repeated treatment. TEPCOs advanced liquid processing system reduces 62 of 64 radioactive elements to acceptable thresholds under international safety standards, save for tritium and carbon-14. The treated wastewater is then diluted to a concentration of 1,500 becquerels (units of radiation released) per liter, which is around a seventh of the radioactivity level of drinking water under the World Health Organizations guidelines. According to the Canadian Nuclear Service Commission, a person would need to take in billions of becquerels of tritium before seeing a health effect.

Jim Smith, a professor of environmental science at the University of Portsmouth, who has extensively studied the impact of radioactive pollutants on the environment, tells TIME fish and seafood from Japan would still be safe to eat and farm.

If you eat a fish that has tritium, most of the tritium passes through as water, like water through our bodies, Smith says. As the fish grows, it accumulates in the muscle, and then you're eating an organically bound form. It does increase the rate of what we call the radiotoxicity factor but it's still incredibly low.

The average persons exposure to radiation from natural sources, according to the IAEA, is 2.4 milliSievert (mSv, a unit of absorbed radiation) per year, and the International Commission on Radiological Protection recommends a maximum annual dose of 1 mSv of non-natural radiation exposure from things like X-rays or air travel (a chest scan, for example, is estimated to give a dose of 0.1 mSv, while an East Coast to West Coast flight is estimated to expose travelers to 0.035 mSv). A dose of 100 mSv is believed to increase the risk of developing cancer by 5%. TEPCOs assessment of its water treatment process shows the radiation of the treated water, if a human were to be exposed to it, has an exposure dose of at most 0.0003 mSv annually.

The risks are very, very lowbut not zero

Rudolf Wu, a professor of environmental science at the Education University of Hong Kong, tells TIME the risk of radiotoxic effects depends both on exposure concentration and duration of exposure. We all know that smoking is no good, that smoking can cause lung cancer. But this does not mean that [if] you just smoke once [in] a while, [it] will cause cancer, he says. He cautioned, however, that continuous exposure to low concentrations does pose a risk.

Ken Buesseler, a marine geochemist from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, similarly tells TIME hes not concerned about the safety of seafood from Fukushima because of the rigorous testing processes that have been implemented to ensure radioactivity levels remain low.

They have extensive testing programs in Japan, he says. I know they test their fish more thoroughly than any other country.

Japan plans to test flounder and other seafood daily for tritium and any radiation-caused abnormalities in surrounding areas of the plant. (Fish in the area where the water is directly releasedthrough an underground tunnel ending about one kilometer away from the shorewont typically be consumed anyway: fishers are voluntarily avoiding making their catch within 10 km. of the plant, according to Nikkei Asia.)

Still, not every scientist is convinced of the precautions being taken. When we see radionuclides going into the ocean, [its] very unlikely they will kill anything, says Bob Richmond, research professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the director of Kewalo Marine Laboratory. But, he adds, death is a rather crude estimator of stress. You don't wait for something to die before you intervene.

Richmond is a scientific adviser to Pacific Island states that have opposed the Fukushima discharge plan. He tells TIME that Japans extensive monitoring plans do not actually mitigate health risks posed by dumping the wastewater into the ocean.

Its the same thing as saying, I'm going to smoke three packs of cigarettes a day, but I'm not worried because I'm gonna get a chest X-ray every year. That's my monitoring programme. One year you get a lesion on your lung, and you don't say, OK, I'm done smoking, I see the lesion. I'm going to quit. You've got cancer.

(For what its worth, smoking one pack of cigarettes a day is estimated to amount to 0.36 mSv per year.)

Contact us at letters@time.com.
An aerial view shows the storage tanks for treated water at the inactive Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan on Aug. 22.

An aerial view shows the storage tanks for treated water at the inactive Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan on Aug. 22.

Japan began pumping treated radioactive water from the defunct Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, capping off a yearslong saga that pitted fearful local fishermen and neighboring countries against Tokyo officials and scientific evidence showing that releasing the water poses less danger than keeping it in storage.

In March 2011, a tsunami flooded the generators powering the backup cooling system for the reactors at the atomic power station on Japans northeast coast, triggering the worst nuclear meltdown since 1986s Chernobyl. Since then, the Tokyo Electric Power Company has continued circulating cold water through the disabled reactors to keep the radioactive fuel cool.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its a routine process employed by most of the 400-some commercial nuclear reactors operating in the 32 countries that use atomic energy. Once the water cycles through the reactors, utilities such as TEPCO filter out the most dangerous radioactive materials that form during the splitting of uranium atoms. One major radioisotope remains: tritium, a radioactive form of hydrogen that is virtually impossible to strip from water.

Too weak to penetrate human skin, tritium is considered one of the least harmful radionuclides. There is no data that shows tritium causes cancer in humans, though experiments on mice forced to ingest very large daily doses of tritium throughout their lifetimes tended to develop cancer and die younger than their counterparts who hadnt, according to a 2021 paper in the Journal of Radiation Research. Tritium is difficult to detect in the environment, making large-scale epidemiological research challenging. To play it safe, regulators around the world have typically set limits for releasing tritium into waterways at levels far below than what naturally occurs from cosmic rays  and even lower than what sewage treatment facilities spew into rivers, bays and oceans.

A South Korean activist holds a placard that reads

A South Korean activist holds a placard that reads "SOS!! Pacific Ocean!" during a protest against the planned release of wastewater from Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific, outside City Hall in Seoul on Aug. 22, after Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced the release will begin on Aug. 24.

As such, nuclear operations typically just dilute so-called tritiated water and release it into large waterways where the isotope is indistinguishable from naturally occurring levels of tritium. Outside of anti-nuclear activist circles, where decontextualized information about the risks associated with atomic energy is rife, these routine releases of tritium usually garner little attention.

But over the past 12 years, TEPCO has accumulated more than 1 million metric tons of tritiated water in tanks stored in Japan  enough to fill 500 Olympic-size swimming pools. Those stockpiles are nearing capacity and, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, risk another accident if an earthquake or giant wave causes the tanks to leak tritium in uncontrolled volumes.

So, after lengthy debates, the Japanese government decided to pump the heavily diluted tritiated water into the Pacific.

The main problem with the release is that it sounds bad. But it actually isnt, Nigel Marks, a physicist and nuclear expert at Curtin University in Australia, said in a statement. Similar releases have occurred around the world for six decades, and nothing bad has ever happened.

Ironically, the very people drawing attention to the Fukushima releases are those who face the most potential harm from fearmongering over tritium. And an uproar that results in further turning away from nuclear energy will almost certainly guarantee more use of fossil fuels with devastating ecological consequences.

The continuing concern is like shooting yourself in the foot; the more you complain about it, the more people are going to assume theres a problem even though there isnt.Paul Dickman, senior fellow at Argonne National Laboratory

Among the loudest local opponents of Japans plans are fishermen who fear the releases would trigger bans on imports of their seafood, much as neighboring nations blocked shipments of some Japanese farm products after the Fukushima accident.

The continuing concern is like shooting yourself in the foot; the more you complain about it, the more people are going to assume theres a problem even though there isnt, said Paul Dickman, a senior fellow at the Argonne National Laboratory, the U.S. governments premier nuclear research center. For me at least, the problem has been that people dont actually read what is being proposed.

The French nuclear fuel plant at La Hague discharged more than 12 times the total content of all the tanks in Fukushima in 2018 alone without harm to people or the environment, according to Tony Irwin, a nuclear engineer at the Australian National University.

South Koreas Kori nuclear power plant discharged more than four times as much tritium into East Asian waterways as Japan plans to release from Fukushima. Still, nearly 8 in 10 South Koreans told the pollster Gallup in June that they were worried about Japans plan. The government in Seoul loudly protested the Fukushima release for months before finally relenting in July, announcing that its researchers had determined that the amount of tritium would be less than 1/100,000th compared with the level in the surrounding waters gauged in 2021, which is scientifically negligible.

More tritium is created in the atmosphere than is produced by nuclear power reactors, and it then falls as rain, Irwin said in a public statement. Ten times more tritium falls as rain on Japan every year than will be discharged. The discharge limit for release of radioactive water at Fukushima is 1/7th of the World Health Organisation standard for drinking water. The discharge is ultra-conservative.

The tsunami-disabled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is seen from Namie Town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, on Aug. 24.

The tsunami-disabled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is seen from Namie Town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, on Aug. 24.

Chinas fast-growing fleet of nuclear reactors discharges huge volumes of tritium into waterways each year. Yet, in a move widely seen as part of Chinas geopolitical jockeying with its former colonizer and regional rival, Beijing emerged as the most vocal national critic of Tokyos decision. At a press conference on Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin called Japan extremely selfish and irresponsible and accused its World War II-era foe of treating oceans meant for the common good of humanity as a sewer for Japans nuclear-contaminated water.

Earlier this week, the partly self-governing Chinese city of Hong Kong slapped restrictions on imports of Japanese seafood and seaweed.

The fight over tritium isnt just happening in East Asia.

In the United States, New York and Massachusetts passed state-level laws to block the company Holtec International from releasing tritiated water from two shuttered nuclear power stations near New York City and Boston. Since the radiation falls under federal jurisdiction, the statutes are likely to be overturned in court. But the episodes show how controversial the issue remains, with local news outlets characterizing the proposed discharges as dumping radioactive waste into waterways.

But unlike so-called forever chemicals per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which resist water and oil and are widely used in nonstick materials and firefighting foam, and were only recently recognized as major cancer-causing pollutants by federal regulators  radiation and its effects have been picked over for over a century, said Kathryn Higley, a radiological health scientist at Oregon State University.

Weve been studying radioactivity for more than 100 years. We have a pretty darn good idea of what the effects of radiation are and what the doses are needed to cause those impacts, she said. The dose makes the poison. Its not radioactivity  thats everywhere from natural sources. Its how much of it is being released and where is it going.

Related...
LGBTQ+ musicians are well-represented in dance, pop, and folk, with everyone from Billy Porter to Troye Sivan to Brandi Carlisle finding success and accolades. Jazz is not strongly associated with LGBTQ+ artists, but saxophonist Dave Koz is an outlier. An out gay musician for years, Koz has found success on the charts with 12 number 1 albums on Billboards Current Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, nine Grammy nominations, and several performances for presidents.

Following last year's release of his holiday album, Christmas Ballads, Koz is now in the midst of traveling the globe, headlining the Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2023 tour, featuring other sax legends like Candy Dulfer and Eric Darius as well as vocalist Maysa. The tour rolls into the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles Sunday, marking Koz's 10th appearance at the legendary venue. The tour will move to the Mediterranean in the spring, with the (sold-out) Dave Koz and Friends at Sea voyage, traveling around Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt.

Koz recently connected with us on performing at the Bowl, his silver locks, and getting queer people into the dulcet sounds of jazz.

Dave Koz and Cory Wong //  Together Again" www.youtube.com

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Congratulations on your 10th show at the Hollywood Bowl  whats special about this venue?

Growing up in Los Angeles, my parents always insisted on taking my brother, sister, and I to the Hollywood Bowl. We saw all different kinds of shows there, and the venue made this profound impact on me from a very young age. And even though we've headlined there a bunch of times now, I still feel this overwhelming privilege taking that stage. It's a place like no other ... almost like the West Coast version of Carnegie Hall or something. Beyond special, every single time.

Youre headlining a musical cruise next year in the Mediterranean. Its not a gay cruise per se, but do you expect to encounter many LGBTQ+ cruisers?

Ha! No, it's not a gay cruise. I've never taken one, and I'd like to! But I will say that our cruises attract a very diverse group of guests. Our shared love of music is what binds this group together, but we have everyone  young/old, gay/straight, Republicans/Democrats, all races and religions  and for one week, we all get along and support and nurture each other. It's amazing to see. And yes, our gay clientele is actually growing.

Im a gay man who loves jazz but I feel like an outlier. How did you get into jazz? And how do you sell it to the unconvinced?

I think the best way to be inspired is to see this music live. It's one thing to listen to a record or a Spotify playlist, and a totally different experience to see a band killing it on stage live. It can be an electrifying experience, even with jazz. We're starting to see a lot of younger people at shows, which is really gratifying. There's a whole new group of young instrumentalists capturing the attention of people in their 20s and 30s. For me, learning to play the saxophone when I was 13 became the natural way for me of exploring jazz. And I've been on that path now for almost 60 years! It never ends. It just gets deeper and more interesting.

Silly question: Youve now gone gloriously silver. How does it feel?

Funny. I dyed my hair religiously for like 25 years, petrified of going gray. I already had one coming-out as gay. I fought the next coming-out as gray for a very long time. Then one day in 2017, I just said, "f*ck it" and let it go. One of the most freeing things I've ever done, and the unthinkable happened  I got compliments on my gray! I've never looked back since. Being a "silver daddy" has its perks.

Dave Koz & Friends will perform at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday, with more dates following throughout the country. Click here for more details.
Jerry Jones is legendary for some of the curious things that come out of his mouth.

Sometimes they funny. Sometimes they simply miss the mark.

The latter was certainly the case Wednesday when the Dallas Cowboys owner proved to be tone deaf when asked about the arrest of second-year defensive end Sam Williams by Frisco police Sunday on charges of possession of a controlled substance and unlawfully carrying of a weapon.

Jones said Williams issues would likely not impact his ability to play for the Cowboys in 2023.

I dont anticipate this impacting his time on the field, Jones said. And I do have all the details. There are some lessons to be learned there for everybody.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He hit the wrong combination of things, Jones said. When you add those together  its something that everybody ought to think about.

But Jones went too far and was too cavalier when he downplayed the seriousness of the issue for Williams, who had a history of off-the-field issues in college at Ole Miss and has now been arrested twice in two years with the Cowboys.

A strong rookie season in 2022 was blemished in December when Williams was involved in a two-car accident, which resulted in an arrest warrant.

Williams car was totaled in the crash. He and the driver of the other vehicle avoided serious injuries. They were both briefly hospitalized.

Williams walked away with some scratches on his face, along with a concussion and neck strain.

He missed one game for precautionary reasons.

Williams was cited for misdemeanor reckless driving, but concerning details later emerged.

According to Plano police, Williams was driving up to 98 mph in a 55 mph zone, weaving between vehicles, shortly before the Dec. 22 crash.

Jones used that incident to insinuate that Williams was making progress because he was traveling 66 mph when he arrested on Sunday night.

Hes maturing and he is. He was going 66 miles per hour this year, so hes 34 miles an hour less than he was last year, 98 to 66 so thats improvement, Jones said with a smile.

Is that the message he wants to send to Williams and rest of the team?
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) fired off a sweeping request for documents dealing with former President Trumps prosecution for election interference in Georgia, asking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) to turn over all records relating to the case.

Sent hours before Trump is expected to surrender at the Fulton County Jail, the letter cites concerns about [Williss] motivation in bringing the case and suggests her sprawling racketeering indictment against the former president and 18 others highlights the threat that such state prosecutions can pose to the operations of the federal government.

The letter also asked whether Willis at any point communicated with the team of special counsel Jack Smith, who earlier this month brought federal charges against Trump related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The letter mirrors those the committee has sent related to other criminal cases against Trump and echoes the former presidents frequent complaints that all of the charges leveled against him are motivated by politics rather than any wrongdoing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The timing of this prosecution reinforces concerns about your motivation, Jordan wrote.

You did not bring charges until two-and-a-half years later, at a time when the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination is in full swing, he continued. Moreover, you have requested that the trial in this matter begin on March 4, 2024, the day before Super Tuesday and eight days before the Georgia presidential primary.

Top Stories from The Hill

Williss office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jordans panel has frequently sought information on criminal probes into Trump at key junctures.

He sent a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) before he had even brought charges against Trump, writing that he was reportedly about to engage in an unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority.

Hes also sent two letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland concerning Smiths investigation.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) asks a question during a hearing on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 to discuss the report from Special Counsel John Durham about the Crossfire Hurricane probe into allegations of contacts between Russia and former President Trumps 2016 campaign. (Greg Nash)

Thursdays letter lays out a case for Trump, arguing the actions he took in Georgia  asking the secretary of state to find enough votes for him to win and assembling a slate of fake electors  could be considered official actions taken by a president.

When states rely on acts like theseapparently taken in connection with official dutiesto criminally prosecute federal officers, it raises serious concerns under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution and poses a threat to the operations of the federal government, Jordan writes.

The threat of future state prosecution for official acts may dissuade federal officers from effectively performing their official duties and responsibilities.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

He also posits that such prosecutions could have a chilling effect on presidents while in office.

To the extent that presidents fear that they may be subject to politically motivated prosecutions after they leave office, this could impact the policies they choose to pursue while in office, Jordan said.

And because this former President is a current candidate for that office, the indictment implicates another core federal interest: a presidential election.

For her part, Willis has denied having any contact with Smith.

I dont know what Jack Smith is doing, Jack Smith doesnt know what Im doing. In all honesty, if Jack Smith was standing next to me, Im not sure I would know who he was. My guess is he probably cant pronounce my name correctly, Willis told local media ahead of filing charges.

Updated at 11:13 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
CHICAGO  After a nearly three-week trial that pulled back the curtain on the inner workings of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan s world, the fate of one of Madigans most loyal aides is now in the hands of a federal jury.

Tim Mapes, who spent more than 25 years as Madigans chief of staff, is accused of lying to a grand jury that was investigating Madigan and his inner circle. He was charged with one count each of perjury and obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors have repeatedly claimed Mapes motive for providing vague answers to the grand jury during his March 2021 testimony was to protect Madigan and his close confidant Mike McClain, an influential former lobbyist with whom Mapes also shared a friendship.

Illinois Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, stands with Chief of Staff Tim Mapes, right, in 2012 at the state Capitol in Springfield.

In closing arguments Wednesday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julia Schwartz sought to drive this point home to the jury one last time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ladies and gentlemen, the defendant did not want the grand jury to know how intimately involved Michael McClain was in Speaker Madigans operation, Schwartz said after her two-hour presentation to the jury. Because doing so would harm his friends.

Both Madigan and McClain are facing an April 2024 trial on bribery and racketeering charges stemming from the same grand jurys investigation. McClain was also convicted in a related case this spring for his role in securing jobs and contracts for Madigan allies at electric utility Commonwealth Edison  his biggest lobbying client for decades  in exchange for favorable legislation in Springfield.

(Mapes) was evasive, he was non-responsive and he flat-out lied, Schwartz continued before mentioning a final time that Mapes testified to the grand jury under an immunity order. He did it to protect the boss and stay in the foxhole.

Both protect the boss and stay in the foxhole were nods to phrases heard throughout trial. Many witnesses who worked alongside Madigan testified protect the boss was a common refrain for those who worked under the speaker, and it was also heard on wiretapped calls played for the jury.

And, as heard on the wiretaps, McClain employed the foxhole metaphor on a call with Mapes in June 2018, just a few days after Mapes was forced to resign from his duties in Madigan world after being publicly accused of sexual harassment and bullying. McClain told Mapes that he was upset by Mapes ouster and was almost glad for the distraction of his mothers hospice care so he could cancel a dinner with Madigan.

I dont think I can contain myself right now around him, McClain said. I think I would say, I never thought youd be the one to leave the foxhole.

But in their turn for closing arguments, Mapes defense attorneys sought to dispel the governments theory of motive.

More: One year after Madigans indictment, former speakers allies prepare for trial

Three years after (his forced resignation), why would Tim Mapes  whos been immunized  why would he fall on the sword for a guy who kicked him to the curb three years before? Mapes attorney Andrew Porter asked the jury.

Last week, the jury heard all two-plus hours of Mapes grand jury testimony, which included three reminders from the lead prosecutor that lying during the proceeding would constitute a violation of the immunity order  and result in charges.

The jury has also heard hours of calls that were recorded from 2018 and 2019 when the FBI was wiretapping McClains cell phone. The wiretaps seem to contradict Mapes frequent assertions that he didnt recall or didnt know about McClains work on Madigans behalf, including assignments like delivering messages to and from the speaker.

The defense has relied heavily on the notion that Mapes wasnt shown documents  save for one memo he wrote in 2019 and requested to review during his grand jury testimony  or played any recordings during that testimony or the FBI interview that preceded it in February 2021. Defense lawyers frequently questioned witnesses about events they were struggling to remember, noting that the individuals memories could often be jogged when they were shown related documents.

Porter hit that note again on Wednesday, but also for the first time explicitly floated the possibility that Madigan and McClain were indeed having criminal conversations  though he also argued Mapes had no knowledge of them. Mapes, Porter reminded the jury, had a different sort of professional relationship with Madigan than the close friendship McClain had with the speaker going back to the 1970s.

Earlier in the day, Schwartz said Mapes had the opportunity to be a star witness in the governments investigation into Madigan and McClains purportedly corrupt dealings. But Porter took issue with that assertion.

So lets unpack that, Porter said of Schwartzs star witness comment. Because that assumes  without evidence  that Tim Mapes knew whether Madigan and McClain were discussing these topics.

Porter reminded the jury of testimony from former Madigan staffer-turned-lobbyist Will Cousineau, who said Madigan and McClain would often use the conference room in his downtown Springfield office to have private meetings. Other witnesses in the case testified that Madigan and McClain often dined alone together in Springfield, and that Madigan was a private person.

By the time Mapes sat for his grand jury testimony, McClain and three others had already been indicted on bribery charges in connection with ComEd, and Porter said Mapes was well aware the grand jury was interested in potential criminal activity.

But, he said, Mapes was completely ignorant of that.

You wouldve heard something after more than nine months of wiretaps. Hundreds of documents, Porter said. Theres no evidence about any of that. And thats because he didnt know.

Further, Porter said, in order to prove the charges against Mapes, the government would have to prove Mapes lied about things that were material to the grand jurys investigation.

But in the governments rebuttal following the defenses closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane MacArthur cut a hole into Porters arguments, reminding the jury that Mapes knew the scope of the grand jurys investigation extended far beyond ComEd, as Mapes had been subpoenaed for a wide range of documents related to Madigan and McClain just nine months earlier. MacArthur also noted that just because the subjects Mapes were allegedly caught lying about werent illegal does not mean (they were) immaterial.

For whatever reason in his heart and his mind, (Mapes) chose loyalty over the truth, MacArthur said.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Jury deliberations begin in obstruction, perjury trial of Tim Mapes
Jurors in the Intoxicated Manslaughter trial of Justine Gallegos heard emotional testimony Wednesday from the victim's father.

Justine Brittany Gallegos, right, leaves an elevator at the Wichita County Courthouse with defense attorney Bob Estrada after a day of jury selection for her intoxication manslaughter trial Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. The Lawton, Oklahoma, woman is charged in connection with the death of Pimporn C. Kasemthaveetsak of Burkburnett in a 2019 crash.

Dale Moore said he and his wife adopted Pimporn C. Kasemthaveetsak in Thailand when she was 11 years old.

"I haven't had a good day in four years," Moore said, referring to the wreck that killed his 28-year-old daughter on Sept. 28, 2019.

Gallegos, from Lawton, Okla., has pleaded guilty to charges arising from allegations she was drunk and driving on Kell Boulevard at a high rate of speed before careening across a median and crashing into Pimporn's car, forcing it into a tree. Now a jury in 89th District Court must decide her punishment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Moore described his daughter as a "very smart, very articulate woman" with a strong work ethic. He said at the time of her death she was working two jobs while studying for a master's degree and hoping to become an Air Force officer.

"She was a shining light," Moore said, breaking into tears during his testimony.

Also on Wednesday, a medical examiner from the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas testified Pimporn suffered multiple injuries in the crash, but died almost instantly from a fractured skull.

Assistant District Attorney Matt Shelton has presented witnesses who testified a staggering Gallegos left the now-defunct Boulevard nightclub on Kell Boulevard despite a club security employee trying to stop her.

Department of Public Safety Trooper Justin Burger said analysis of the computer in Gallegos' Chrysler 300 indicated she was traveling about 110 mph at the time of the crash.

DPS laboratory manager Marissa Gomez said results of tests of Gallegos' blood showed an alcohol level of 0.247 percent. The legal limit in Texas is .08 percent.

Wichita Falls Police officer John Rickets and a charge nurse at United Regional Health Care testified Gallegos was uncooperative and combative when she was taken to the hospital for treatment of facial injuries the night of the crash.

Ricketts said the case has stuck with him because Gallegos showed a lack of remorse for what had happened.

A Lawton Police officer also testified about arresting Gallegos for drunk driving near some bars in Lawton in 2017.

The state rested Wednesday afternoon and defense attorney Bob Estrada will present his case Thursday. Judge Charles Barnard said it's possible the jury could get the case Thursday afternoon.

Gallegos could receive probation or two to 20 years in prison, depending on the jury's recommendation.

This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Jury hears tearful testimony from father of a drunk driving victim
The Justice Department sued Elon Musk s company SpaceX for allegedly discriminating against asylum-seekers and refugees in its hiring practices.

The lawsuit, filed on 23 August, states that from at least September 2018 to at least May 2022, SpaceX discriminated against asylees and refugees throughout its hiring process, including during recruiting, screening, and selection which is in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

As laid out in the Justice Departments press release, under the INA, employers cannot discriminate against asylees and refugees in hiring, unless the employer is mandated to by a law or regulation. However, in the case of SpaceX, no order permitted SpaceX to engage in the widespread discrimination against asylees or refugees that the departments investigation found.

The Independent has reached out to SpaceX for comment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Because of their citizenship status, asylees and refugees had virtually no chance of being fairly considered for or hired for a job at SpaceX, the filing states.

The Justice Department also said that statements from SpaceX officials  including its CEO, Mr Musk  discouraged these individuals from applying to work at the company by wrongly stating that SpaceX can only hire US citizens and lawful permanent residents.

For those who did apply for jobs at the company, SpaceX refused to hire them based on their citizenship status, the DOJ alleged.

SpaceXs discriminatory hiring practices were routine, widespread, and longstanding, and harmed asylees and refugees, the suit stated.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said in the departments press release: Asylees and refugees have overcome many obstacles in their lives, and unlawful employment discrimination based on their citizenship status should not be one of them.

She added, Through this lawsuit we will hold SpaceX accountable for its illegal employment practices and seek relief that allows asylees and refugees to fairly compete for job opportunities and contribute their talents to SpaceXs workforce.

The Justice Department requested that the assigned administrative law judge order SpaceX to cease and desist from the illegal practices described in the complaint, and to pay an appropriate civil penalty.

The department also requested that SpaceX be ordered to provide fair consideration to each applicant who identified as an asylum-seeker or a refugee but was improperly screened out, rejected, or those who were deterred from applying, as well as to hire qualified applicants who were victims of the alleged discriminatory practices.

On top of these requests, the department asked the judge to order the company to pay back pay, including interest, and all other relief available to each individual discriminated against who was qualified and who is found to have suffered uncompensated lost wages due to denied or delayed employment as a result of the discriminatory practices alleged in this Complaint.
Kaiser Permanente is responding to the opioid epidemic with free distribution of Narcan nasal spray through its emergency departments in Northern California, including the medical center on Dale Road in north Modesto.

Almost 110,000 overdose deaths were recorded in the United States last year; of those, about 75,000 were caused by synthetic opioid drugs such as illegal fentanyl, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Stanislaus County had 142 fatal overdoses due to opioid drugs in 2022, including 128 deaths caused by illegal fentanyl.

Narcan, the trade name for a drug called naloxone, has proven effective in reversing opioid overdoses. Health officials say the nasal spray is easy to use in that crisis moment when a person is overdosing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kaiser Permanente said its receiving a free supply of Narcan from the California Naloxone Distribution Project. In the past year, the Oakland-based nonprofit health system has distributed 3,500 doses in Northern California.

Kaiser said its emergency departments are dispensing Narcan and also showing how to administer it safely.

Jordan Scott, a spokesman for Kaiser, said people can ask for free Narcan at the check-in area of the emergency department. Staff will give them a box containing two dispensers and connect them with a nurse to give them a brief demo.

If they are already in the ED as a patient, they can also make the request, Scott said. Its a straightforward process so we are not taking up space in the emergency department.

How to use Narcan nasal spray

According to a California Department of Public Health video, the symptoms of opioid overdose include blue or grayish skin, starting with the lips or fingertips. Other symptoms are pale, clammy skin; very slow or irregular breathing or not breathing; weak pulse and unresponsiveness.

To administer Narcan nasal spray, the person should be lying on his or her back. Then:

Tilt the persons head back.

Provide support under the neck with one hand.

Place the tip of the nozzle in one nostril until your fingers touch the bottom of the nose.

Press the plunger firmly to administer the full dose into the nose.

If the person is not responsive after two minutes, you can give a second dose in the other nostril using a new dispenser. But make sure two minutes have elapsed since the first dose, as it may complicate withdrawal symptoms of naloxone use, the CDPH video says.

The positive effects of Narcan last for 30 to 60 minutes, so calling 911 is essential for getting the person to an emergency room for additional treatment that may be needed.

Narcan nasal spray should be stored at room temperature.
Death toll from Hawaii wildfires rises to 115

Xinhua) 09:01, August 24, 2023

A worker is seen in fire-ravaged Lahaina town, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, Aug. 22, 2023. The death toll from the Maui wildfires in the U.S. state of Hawaii climbed to 115 as of Monday, according to a fatality update from the County of Maui. (Xinhua/Gao Shan)

MAUI, Hawaii, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from the Maui wildfires in the U.S. state of Hawaii climbed to 115 as of Monday, according to a fatality update from the County of Maui.

By far, all single-storey residential properties had been searched in the disaster area. Search teams will now start to search multi-storey residential and commercial properties, according to the county.

The county has issued unsafe water alerts in Lahaina and Upper Kula, requesting residents to only use bottled water or potable water provided by tankers for drinking, brushing teeth, ice-making, food preparation and so on.

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen said Monday 850 people were still missing after devastating wildfires tore through the island earlier this month, and search and rescue efforts were continuing.

More than 2,000 people were initially reported missing.

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Maui on Monday to assess the damage of the wildfire disaster area in Lahaina and meet with survivors and first responders who were impacted by the fires.

"We will be respectful of these sacred grounds and traditions and rebuild the way the people of Maui want to build, not the way others want to build," Biden said.

The wildfires in Maui are the deadliest wildfires in the United States in more than a century, and the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history.

A worker is seen in fire-ravaged Lahaina town, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, Aug. 22, 2023. The death toll from the Maui wildfires in the U.S. state of Hawaii climbed to 115 as of Monday, according to a fatality update from the County of Maui. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

A worker is seen in fire-ravaged Lahaina town, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, Aug. 22, 2023. The death toll from the Maui wildfires in the U.S. state of Hawaii climbed to 115 as of Monday, according to a fatality update from the County of Maui. (Xinhua/Gao Shan)

Engineered trucks are seen in fire-ravaged Lahaina town, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, Aug. 22, 2023. The death toll from the Maui wildfires in the U.S. state of Hawaii climbed to 115 as of Monday, according to a fatality update from the County of Maui. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Workers are seen in fire-ravaged Lahaina town, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, Aug. 22, 2023. The death toll from the Maui wildfires in the U.S. state of Hawaii climbed to 115 as of Monday, according to a fatality update from the County of Maui. (Xinhua/Gao Shan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which represents more than 85,000 health care workers in seven states and the District of Columbia, announced Thursday that its members would vote to authorize a strike between Aug. 26 and Sept. 13.

This would be the largest strike of health care workers in the history of this country, said Dave Regan, president of the Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West (SEIU-UHW).

The strike could begin as early as Oct. 1.

Since the International Brotherhood of Teamsters ratified a new contract with UPS on Tuesday, averting a strike of more than 300,000 Teamsters, the Kaiser coalition is currently embroiled in the largest single-employer negotiations in the U.S.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The coalition is demanding Kaiser address staff concerns related to unsafe staffing levels and unfair labor practices related to bargaining. Four months into negotiations, Regan said the coalition had not received a counterproposal from Kaiser Permanente.

Our priority is to reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial and ensures we can continue to offer our people market-competitive pay and outstanding benefits, Kaiser Permanente said in a statement.

We are confident that we will reach an agreement that achieves that goal, before the contract expires on September 30. And we are confident that our new agreement will strengthen our position as a best place to work and ensure the high-quality care our members expect from us remains affordable and easy to access.

A worker strike would have huge impacts on hospitals and patients in California, Colorado, D.C., Oregon, Hawaii, Maryland, Virginia and Washington.

Kaiser and the coalition last negotiated a contract in 2019. In 2020, health care workers were thrust onto the front line of the pandemic, working through worsening conditions that exacerbated staffing issues at hospitals across the country.

In a May survey of 33,000 healthcare workers by SEIU-UHW, two-thirds said theyd witnessed delays in or denial of care due to understaffing.

Its heartbreaking to see our patients suffer from long wait times for the care they need, all because Kaiser wont put patient and worker safety first. We will have no choice but to vote to strike if Kaiser wont let us give patients the quality care they deserve, said Paula Coleman, a clinical laboratory assistant at Kaiser Permanente in Englewood, Colo.

Kaiser Permanente acknowledged it has experienced staffing challenges driven by the pandemic and its lasting effectsmade worse by the backlog in care and the increase in needs and acuity were seeing across the country.

The nonprofit said that it has hired 6,500 new workers and is aggressivley recruiting to meet a goal of 10,000 new hires set by Kaiser Permanente and the coalition.

Kaiser Permanente is the largest nonprofit health care provider in the U.S. It reported profits topping $3 billion in the first six months of 2023.

In 2021, Kaiser Chairman and CEO Gregory Adams received around $15.6 million in compensation, according to the nonprofits most recent Form 990. Dozens of executives received more than $1 million that year.

Kaiser can afford to end this dangerous understaffing, but they choose not to. For the sake of our patients and our colleagues, were prepared to authorize a strike because Kaiser cannot keep bargaining in bad faith and committing unfair labor practices, said Nahid Bokaee, a pharmacist in Sterling, Va.

Updated at 4:21 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Kansas Highway Patrol argued that a proposed response to a federal lawsuit over its traffic stop practices is too costly and burdensome, despite a court ruling earlier this summer taking it to task for violating motorists' constitutional rights.

The motion from the statewide law enforcement agency was filed Monday, as the KHP seeks to convince U.S. District Judge Kathryn Vratil not to implement her proposal to impose a neutral observer to monitor the agency's compliance with a series of court-mandated steps to reform its vehicle detention practices.

In July, Vratil slammed the use of the so-called "Kansas two-step," a practice used by the KHP to detain motorists and possibly search their vehicle, as unconstitutional.

The two-step is a tactic where a state trooper will pull an individual over for a traffic infraction and, after issuing a ticket, take steps back toward their vehicle. They will then turn around and initiate a new interaction with a driver, which the highway patrol classifies as a voluntary stop.

Speeds of passing vehicles are monitored inside a Kansas Highway Patrol State Trooper's vehicle using a radar system Friday morning.

But critics, including the ACLU of Kansas, who sued the highway patrol of behalf of numerous motorists who had been detained by state troopers, said the agency's policies also disproportionately targeted out-of-state drivers and illegally used information about where they were traveling to or from in formulating probable cause for a vehicle search.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Vratil's ruling agreed, saying the KHP had "waged war" on motorists passing through Kansas.

"As wars go, this one is relatively easy; it's simple and cheap, and for motorists, it's not a fair fight," she said in her opinion. "The war is basically a question of numbers: stop enough cars and you're bound to discover drugs. And what's the harm if a few constitutional rights are trampled along the way?"

Judge gave Kansas Highway Patrol list of required actions

As a response, Vratil ordered the KHP to show why it should not end the practice, better document traffic stops and get consent from a superior for any consensual vehicle stops, while explicitly informing motorists of their constitutional rights.

A special master would observe agency compliance for four years, unless the KHP conformed to the ruling sooner.

But in the court filing, Assistant Attorney General Stanley Parker argued that Vratil's proposed requirements were much too onerous.

Requiring troopers seek supervisory approval for a consensual stop, he argued, was "impractical" as it would "unduly lengthen the amount of time a driver is detained while waiting for supervisory approval."

Other requirements, such as informing motorists that they can revoke consent for a search at any time, "impairs troopers ability to do their job."

And Parker wrote that a special master would be a step too far. The court's finding that four vehicle stops were unconstitutional, as well as data on a disproportionate number of out-of-state vehicle stops, were not sufficient to establish that the agency systematically violated the constitutional rights of drivers.

The agency would also be forced to pay all costs associated with the special master, something the filing said could require that KHP divert funds from other uses.

"Requiring KHP to provide any and all information and data demanded by the special master and to participate in various outcome assessments, compliance reviews and audits will place an undue burden on an already understaffed agency," Parker wrote.

Two juries found troopers violated drivers' constitutional rights

Earlier this year, two separate federal juries found that individual troopers violated constitutional rights during traffic stops.

The ACLU cheered Vratil's decision, which included the proposed injunction, calling it "a huge win  for our clients and for anyone else who travels on Kansas highways."

"The Fourth Amendment promises all of us protection against unreasonable search and seizure, Sharon Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas, said in a statement at the time. This case was about sending a clear message to the Highway Patrol. It was past time to put an end to these practices that trampled on the fundamental rights of people traveling Kansas highways.

Kansas Highway Patrol Superintendent Erik Smith, who took over for his embattled predecessor Herman Jones earlier this summer, told the Kansas City Star this month that the agency was always on the lookout for best practices for vehicle stops.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas Highway Patrol objects to court requirements in two-step case
Here are area restaurants with seven or more priority or critical health code violations, with highlighted links to some original public record reports.

Restaurants correct most violations at the time of the original inspection or shortly thereafter. Links to the follow-up inspections show how each establishment has corrected or is working to correct any remaining violations.

If an inspection or follow-up report needs clarification, restaurant and grocery store owners can email Jenna Thompson at jthompson@kcstar.com. The Star will post appropriate responses in the same online locations as the original report.

The Kansas Department of Agriculture cited these operations for seven or more priority health code violations (direct links to the reports are not available). For complete Kansas health inspections, click here.

ARs Breakfast and Brunch, 8021 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, had 17 violations during an Aug. 23 first operational inspection after licensing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Another Broken Egg, 5358 W. 95th St., Prairie Village, had 11 violations during an Aug. 22 first operational inspection after licensing.

Bamboo Pennys, 5270 W. 116th Place, Leawood, had nine violations during an Aug. 23 inspection following a complaint.

Plate Italiano Moderno, 11655 Ash St., Leawood, had seven violations during an Aug. 22 routine inspection.

Burger Shed, 10401 S. Ridgeview Road, Olathe, had seven violations during an Aug. 21 routine inspection.

The Kansas City Health Department cited these operations for seven or more critical violations:

Stock Hill, 4800 Main St., had 14 critical violations following an Aug. 21 routine inspection.

Fannies African Tropical Cuisine, 4105 Troost Ave., had 13 critical violations following an Aug. 13 inspection.

McCormick & Schmicks, 448 W. 47th St., had eight critical violations following an Aug. 19 inspection.

Privee Restaurant and Lounge, 700 Southwest Blvd., had eight critical violations following an Aug. 23 routine inspection.

Guy Fieris Dive & Taco Joint, 1333 Walnut St., had seven critical violations following an Aug. 23 routine inspection.

ODowds Gastro Bar, 4742 Pennsylvania Ave., had seven critical violations following an Aug. 22 routine inspection.

For complete Kansas City-area reports, click here.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  Kansas City, Kansas police detectives are investigating after a man was killed following a shooting Wednesday night.

KCK police officers responded to a home near N. 8th Street and Parallel Parkway on reports of a shooting.

FOX4 Newsletters: Sign up for daily forecasts and Joes Weather Blog in your inbox

When officers arrived on scene they located a man inside a home with an apparent gunshot wound.

Officers on scene performed life saving measures and the victim was taken to an area hospital where he later was pronounced dead. The name of the victim or a suspect has not been released at this time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Download the FOX4 News app on iPhone and Android

The death is being investigated as a homicide.

Anyone with information can call the TIPS Hotline at (816) 474-8477.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A mother is suing the Kansas City, Kansas, Unified School District for allegedly failing to protect her sixth grade student from sexual harassment, according to a Wyandotte County District Court lawsuit.

While attending Eisenhower Middle School, her son alleged he was groped and verbally abused by another sixth grade student. The mother contended the school was negligent in taking steps to stop the abuse, according to the lawsuit petition filed Aug. 2.

In math and band class the other sixth grader allegedly told the young boy that he wanted to have sex with him and on multiple occasions touched the boys buttocks, according to court documents.

When school officials were made aware, they promised to prevent further harassment by switching the victimized students schedule. But, the pair remained in classes together from fall 2021 through January 2022, according to court documents.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A Title IX complaint regarding the abuse did not mention sexual harassment despite the mothers concerns, according to the lawsuit.

In a January Zoom call, Superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas, Unified School District Anna Stubblefield allegedly told the mother that the school had failed to protect her son.

The lawsuit alleges the failure stemmed from a lack of staff training around the reporting and investigating of gender discriminatory, harassing and abusive conduct. The district is accused of breaking school policy prohibiting sexual harassment, which includes verbal harassment and pressure for sexual activity, by allowing the sixth graders to remain in class together.

The district is also accused of being aware of the sixth graders abusive conduct toward other students as well.

An attorney for the plaintiffs declined to comment on the lawsuit or further damages as of Thursday.

Spokesman for Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools Edwin Birch declined to comment on the pending litigation.

Take care of this

The victim started attending Eisenhower Middle School on Aug. 23, 2021. Soon after, the harassment began, according to court documents.

A classmate was seen blowing kisses at the sixth grader, making sexual gestures, and looking at him as he touched himself, per the lawsuit.

Then on Sept. 8, the classmate allegedly put his hands on the other sixth grade student during math class. The math teacher alerted the victims mother by text after the incident.

We are absolutely going to take care of this, said the message, according to court documents.

The mother met with Assistant Principal Deepti Bhatia about the alleged harassment on Sept. 14 and then again with another school official on Oct. 5. By the end of the month on Oct. 27, Bhatia told the mother a Title IX investigation had been opened into the harassment claims.

A month later the mother told the former principal of Eisenhower Middle School, Joseph Jewett, about the harassment while at a Pastries with Parents event.

She said other school officials were aware that the classmate had been blowing kisses and telling her son he wanted to have sex with him.

Her son allegedly suffered harassment again on Nov. 3 in band class. The teacher spotted the classmate making inappropriate gestures, sounds and then watched as he touched him on the buttocks.

That same day Bhatia called the mother to say her students schedule had been changed. She alleged to have promised steps would be taken so that no further incidents would occur.

The mother felt the schedule change punished her son for being a victim of sexual harassment, according to court documents.

During parent teacher conferences on Nov. 10, the mother was told the sixth grader accused of sexual harassment had caused issues for other students as well. The math teacher also told the mother the sixth grade classmate had touched her sons buttocks while in the hallway.

All he has done

Five days later the mother met again with school officials, including Bhatia, to let them know about the latest incident of harassment. At that time, Bhatia said she had a stack of papers she had planned to send to central office regarding the alleged abuse, according to court documents.

But the two students remained in band class together through January.

Why is he still here after all he has done? the victim said to Jewett and Assistant Principal Kyle Joyce, according to court documents.

In January, the student went with his mother and her aunt to fill out a report with the Title IX office.

On Jan. 21, Jewett called the mother to say her son had skipped band class.

That day, the other student allegedly started rubbing his private parts and again told the sixth grader he wanted to have sex with him.

The mother then met with Lisa Walker, district Title IX coordinator. Walker said the schools complaint did not mention any sexual harassment.

On Jan. 24, the mother filed a police report with the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department.

Three days later, the mother met with Superintendent of Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools Anna Stubblefield to discuss the alleged sexual harassment and efforts to protect her son.

We failed you, Stubblefield said, according to court documents.

The lawsuit alleged the harassment continued in part because [the district] failed to take appropriate actions and failed to abide by appropriate policies and procedures to ensure that [the sixth grader] and other male students were free from sexual harassment.

The petition seeks damages for the alleged emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder and humiliation, following the abuse. It is also seeking punitive damages for the districts reckless indifference.
Imagine if McDonalds could block any small entrepreneur who wanted to open a new burger joint near one of their franchises. That sounds absurd and unfair, but that is almost exactly how opening a new health facility works in Kentucky. Its led to a system that creates higher costs and worse healthcare outcomes for residents. But now the state has created a task force that could recommend an end to the laws that created this destructive monopoly.

Called certificate of need, these laws require government permission from the state for nearly any expansion of new facilities or services  all the way down to the very number of beds a hospital can have. While the original goal was to streamline healthcare and reduce costs, the research is clear that the opposite has been achieved.

CON laws prevent healthcare facilities from opening or expanding without permission

Our new report pulls together decades of research on the effects of CON laws. The hospital associations that lobby to keep this medical monopoly in place like to claim that the data on CONs is mixed. Its not. Nearly 90% of statistical tests performed on CON laws show negative or neutral results. Damningly, studies reach negative results more than five times as often.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Why is this? Because CON laws prevent new or existing healthcare facilities from opening or expanding without a government permission slip. An applicant must jump through a series of bureaucratic hurdles where they prove there is a need for the service they want to offer. The process is long and expensive, often taking months if not years and thousands of dollars in fees with the government able to reject an application at any point along the way. For some services, need is determined using a one-size-fits-all formula based on obscure math regardless of the real-world circumstances.

Competitors are allowed to have input

The application process also allows competitors to raise objections, which they almost always do. This has made it incredibly difficult for new facilities or services to be created and has artificially capped the number of healthcare providers in the state.

For states with CON laws, patients on average have less access to care, the quality of the care is diminished, and the costs of care are higher on average when compared to states that have abolished their CON laws.

This has materialized in Kentucky. CON restrictions have led to dangerously low levels of psychiatric beds and ambulance services. So low that Governor Andy Beshear was forced to override existing CON regulations with emergency regulations earlier this year. This may have been avoided if the commonwealth granted the CON applications for psychiatric beds and ambulance services filed over the past two years.

The task force has its work set out for it, but there is already a mountain of evidence that CON laws are harmful. The handful of health care providers who benefit will try to claim that they have patients best interests at heart. Yet Kentuckians deserve better and the path forward is clear: abolish CON laws and let new service providers enter the market.

Jaimie Cavanaugh is an attorney, and Phillip Suderman is a communications project manager at the Institute for Justice in Arlington, Va.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Certificate of need laws creates medical monopolies in Kentucky.
Parents who limit their kids' screen time, it seems, may be doing them a service: a new study has found that babies who spend a lot of time looking at iPads and other screens experience developmental delays.

Published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association of Pediatrics, this new research out of Japan suggests that watching screens may limit infants' practicing of real-life motor skills that they glean from mimicking the people near them.

In a questionnaire, the parents of the more than 7,000 kids surveyed were asked a simple question: "On a typical day, how many hours do you allow your children to watch TV, DVDs, video games, internet games (including mobile phones and tablets), etc?"

After tracking results starting from infancy  meaning under one year of age  and ending at four years old, the scientists were able to correlate more time spent watching screens with delays in development, including gross and fine motor skills, language ability, and social skills.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

By the age of two, kids who had up to four hours of screen time per day were, the researchers found, up to three times more likely to develop delays in communication and problem-solving skills, and those who spent more than four hours watching screens per day were nearly five times more likely to have communication delays, too.

"Kids learn how to talk if theyre encouraged to talk, and very often, if theyre just watching a screen, theyre not having an opportunity to practice talking," Dr. John Hutton, an associate professor of general and community pediatrics at the Childrens Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati and who did not work on the study, told CNN. "They may hear a lot of words, but theyre not practicing saying a lot of words or having a lot of that back-and-forth interaction."

Along with the importance of play and social interaction on the development of motor, communication, and social skills, using tablets to handle discomfort  the way so many parents do when their kids get fussy  may also have negative impacts on a child's mental health development as well.

"Longer term, one of the real goals is for kids just to be able to sit quietly in their own thoughts," Hutton added. "When theyre allowed to be a little bit bored for a second, they get a little uncomfortable, but then theyre like, 'OK, I want to make myself more comfortable.' And thats how creativity happens."

Adults, of course, also have difficulty sitting quietly with their own thoughts, and often turn to screens to manage boredom and discomfort  so maybe we could learn a thing or two for ourselves from this study, too.

More on kids: App Claims to Use AI to Show What Your Children Would Look Like
When Andrew Horwitz started practicing in Rhode Island District Court in 1995, language interpretation in the state courts was haphazard.

It was sometimes complete strangers in the audience, Horwitz, now a law professor at Roger Williams University, said. Sometimes the judge or a sheriff would say, Hey, anybody here speak Spanish? Anybody here speak Portuguese? And theyd just call this random person up who may also be a defendant facing a criminal charge.

Court staffers were regularly pulled from their jobs to translate hearings, a task they had not been trained to do, he recalled. Judges also allowed people with limited English proficiency to interpret for those who had none. Often, those people had a stake in the case, making them unreliable. And they didnt understand that court interpreting didnt mean having a conversation with the defendant, then paraphrasing it for the judge. That made the court record unclear.

The situation was embarrassing, disgraceful, [and] clearly unconstitutional, Horwitz said.

Judge Joseph Molina Flynn presides over Central Falls Municipal Court. The community here is pretty much solely Spanish-speaking," he said, "and as an immigrant myself, I can understand the difficulties of dealing with complex things in a language that is not your own.

Over the years, interpretation in the District, Family and Superior courts has improved. Those courts now have seven full-time Spanish-language interpreters and hire freelancers for other languages. They also have an additional part-time Spanish interpreter, courts spokesperson Lexi Kriss said in an email. In 2021, state court interpreters assisted with 7,750 events in 31 languages, according to the judiciarys annual report. More than 7,000 were for Spanish.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But in the local municipal and probate courts, people still frequently bring their own interpreters, who are not always fluent in English themselves, or rely on a city employee who may be bilingual but not professionally trained. At least one court sometimes resorts to Google Translate. Another has used a police prosecutor to interpret for the people shes supposed to be prosecuting.

Judicial experts see problems with this status quo and suggest it may violate federal law or even be unconstitutional. Being a court interpreter requires much more than knowing two languages. A court interpreter needs to be able to translate quickly, with no additions or substitutions. And when people dont receive professional interpretation and cant understand the proceedings in which they are involved, it can negatively impact the way they perceive the legal process and muddy the official court record, experts say.

Should a prosecutor interpret for a defendant? Critics see 'huge conflict of interest'

Wearing a brown knit hat, pink sneakers and colorful sweatshirt emblazoned with a desert scene, Merita Rosario appeared before Judge Daniel McKiernan in Providence Municipal Court on March 16. She had come to resolve three red-light tickets and needed a Spanish interpreter, so McKiernan told her, Were going to get a translator, but shes going to step in.

The woman he was referring to was not a court interpreter, but Cynthia Rodriguez, the police prosecutor covering his courtroom.

The judge began playing the videos of Rosarios car. I forgot what he said, Rodriguez said of McKiernan at one point, as she translated the date of one of the videos. Experts say interpreters are supposed to act as a conduit and not interject, but at another point, Rosario asked a question and Rodriguez answered it in Spanish before translating the exchange into English.

More: 'Dark cloud' over District Court: Ex admin alleges coverups, dysfunction and retaliation

McKiernan forgave one of Rosarios tickets and gave her 30 days to pay $170 for the other two.

Then, Rodriguez interpreted for another person who only spoke Spanish fluently.

Asked afterward if she is professionally trained as an interpreter or bilingual, Rodriguez said she was bilingual and walked out of the courtroom.

Experts interviewed for this story were critical of McKiernans decision to have a prosecutor interpret.

Thats a huge conflict of interest, said Nicole Gonzalez Van Cleve, a Brown professor who studies racial inequities in the legal system.

Steven Brown, director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island, said, That is completely inappropriate.

It should be obvious that a person who is prosecuting a charge should not be tasked with the responsibility of interpreting for the defendant that they are prosecuting. The conflict is blatant and that should never happen.

Why having an untrained interpreter is sometimes 'worse than nothing'

A court interpreter has a complicated job that demands a high skill level. They must be able to navigate legalese and vocabulary ranging from street slang to sophisticated language from an expert witness, lawyer or judge. They are required to interpret at a persons language level, so a court should be hearing exactly what that person is saying and how theyre saying it, without additions or omissions, said Brooke Bogue, the manager of the Language Access Services Section at the National Center for State Courts.

Court interpreters are often certified. For Rhode Island state courts, that means they have undergone training and passed written and oral examinations.

But as McKiernan did in Rosario's case, many local courts in Rhode Island appear to still use people who are bilingual  but not professionally trained  as court interpreters, according to local attorneys and judges, as well as a reporter's observation of hearings in multiple cities.

Language skills alone are not a substitute for professional training, according to Bogue.

A bilingual person cannot interpret.  There should be no assumption they have any interpreting skills whatsoever, she said.

Using a bilingual person instead of a professional interpreter is worse than nothing, Bogue argued, because English speakers involved in a proceeding will assume the communication was error-free when it likely wasnt.

Their job is to linguistically place the limited English-proficient court user in the exact same position as an English speaker, she said. And if they dont do that, then basically that persons access to justice is denied or hindered or could be delayed.

But the cost of hiring professional interpreters may pose an obstacle to local courts.

In Pawtucket, Sandra Perez, a Colombia native who works in the mayors office, helps out as an interpreter for the citys municipal court. Shes not certified, but she interpreted in state court when she worked as a paralegal before getting her current job.

At Woonsocket Municipal Court hearings, people usually have to bring someone to interpret on their own, said a clerk who declined to identify herself when a reporter called the court. The city doesnt have funds to hire people, she said. If someone doesnt have an interpreter, the city uses Google Translate instead, she said.

In Pawtucket, Sandra Perez, who works in the mayors office, helps out as an interpreter for the citys municipal court. She doesn't have a professional credential, but she was born in Colombia and interpreted in state court when she worked as a paralegal before she got her current job. I think overall, I can usually get across the point, she said.

During a recent municipal court session before Judge Jack Gannon, Perez interpreted for one case. Another man needed an interpreter, too, but he had brought his daughter, and Gannon allowed her to translate. Early on, Gannon began discussing the case with the mans daughter instead of with him, and she stopped translating everything.

More: She wanted a comfortable retirement and made all the right plans. How did it go so wrong?

Gannon dismissed the mans speeding violation because he was eligible under Rhode Islands good driving statute and ordered him to pay $60 in court costs.

In a short interview, Gannon said hes concerned about whether the person who needs an interpreter comprehends everything in these cases. Asked if he thinks everything gets translated when a family member interprets, he said, Minimally, I worry about it, but it doesnt really enter into my thought process when I make a decision. He uses eye contact to try to figure out if the person who needs an interpreter understands and thinks a family member would be aligned with the case party, he said.

Gonzalez Van Cleve, the Brown professor, said cases where relatives act as interpreters are problematic, because they themselves as a lay person dont understand the court proceedings.

Sandra Perez heads down a hallway at Pawtucket's Municipal Court, where she serves as an interpreter. She does not have a professional credential, but she interpreted in state court when she worked as a paralegal before joining the mayor's office.

Higher stakes in probate cases involving immigration

In Rhode Island probate courts, the situation is largely the same.

Providence attorney Amber Lewis, who handles minor guardianship cases for children pursuing special immigrant juvenile status, said most probate courts require her to bring someone to interpret.

In cases where a judge takes testimony and speaks with her clients, sometimes that lack of certified interpretation causes the clients issues, she said. Their family or friends [who are interpreting] arent completely fluent in English and so dont know how to translate correctly.

The improvised interpreters struggle with legal vocabulary, and that can create delays. It may also be unclear whose words are actually being translated, Lewis said.

The stakes are higher in these hearings than in many municipal court cases, because minor guardianship is a step in a process that can lead to these children getting a green card.

Janne Reisch, a Westerly-based solo practitioner who also represents immigrant children in minor guardianships, thinks every town court should provide interpreters to those who need them. The current situation impinges on my clients right to have equal access to the judiciary, she said.

The smaller probate courts tell her to bring her own interpreter. She doesnt think she has a legal obligation to do so but doesnt want to upset clerks and judges, so she hires a bilingual person to interpret, usually a paralegal from another law office. That places a burden on her clients, who are almost exclusively low income, because they have to foot the bill. I dont think thats fair, she said.

Last year, one probate court, which she declined to name, insisted she bring a professionally certified interpreter instead of someone who was just bilingual. After she provided legal and constitutional analysis, the court agreed to hire a certified interpreter and pay for that expense.

Using children as interpreters, and other workarounds

Some local courts have found ways to provide court users with professional interpreters but still dont use them universally.

Central Falls Municipal Court Judge Joseph Molina Flynn said that when someone doesnt speak English and hasnt brought anyone to translate, he may continue the case and ask them to bring someone with them next time. He and his clerk speak Spanish and can pick up on interpretation errors. If someone cant find a person to interpret or if they have a trial, the city hires professional interpreters from the state courts. Molina Flynn's court sessions occur in the evening, when those interpreters are available.

Thats something he advocated for when he became the judge two years ago. The community here is pretty much solely Spanish-speaking, and as an immigrant myself, I can understand the difficulties of dealing with complex things in a language that is not your own, he said.

Central Falls Municipal Court Judge Joseph Molina Flynn will sometimes continue a case to give a person who doesn't speak English a chance to find an interpreter. If they can't, the city will hire a professional interpreter from the state courts.

Hispanic Bar Association interim president Diony Garcia  who was a Providence Housing Court judge until April  said the housing court uses a phone service, Language Line Solutions, that provides professional judicial interpreters.

If Garcia werent a Spanish speaker, he thinks a lot might have gotten lost in translation. Thats why its important to have diverse judges, he said. He could tell when someone said, I understand, but really didnt, for instance.

People would come to his court with their adult or high school-age child, making them miss school or work. For minor matters or setting a new date, he would sometimes allow a family member to interpret, but he was wary. Its an unfair position for young people to be in, he said. Some relatives would supply extra information in an effort to be helpful or try to act as a speaker for the actual case party. You dont want somebody effectively practicing law illegally in front of me, he said.

He was cautious, because he worries that if a person doesnt understand whats happening in court, theyre being denied due process.

For a formal hearing or trial, Judge Paul Ragosta of the Housing Court insists on a professional interpreter. But in one case, before he learned about the phone service, he allowed a boy who was around 10 to 14 years old to interpret for his mother, who was a tenant and not an actual case party, during a substantive hearing involving their landlord.

Providence Housing Court appeals, unlike those of most other local courts, go directly to the state Supreme Court. That means the right to appeal is not automatic. And unlike many municipal court appeals, the case wont be heard again from the beginning. Rather, the Supreme Court would only consider legal errors.

Its important for the housing court record to be accurate, and Ragosta said its dubious that a record with interpretation by a 10-year-old child would be.

Does the current situation violate federal law?

Horwitz says its unconstitutional not to provide court participants with a trained and professionally certified interpreter.

Even in minor cases, he said, If you cant understand the proceedings, or you dont understand the proceedings perfectly, then the proceeding becomes a sham, and the public perception of the fairness of the system is seriously impaired. It can damage the way a non-English speaker views the legal process in which theyre involved.

If you cant understand the proceedings, or you dont understand the proceedings perfectly, then the proceeding becomes a sham," said Andrew Horwitz, a law professor at Roger Williams University.

Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, no one can be discriminated against because of their race or national origin by a program that receives federal funds, as do many of the municipalities that run these courts. That often means those with limited English proficiency must receive language interpretation or translation services.

ACLU director Brown said, Somebody who doesnt have any official certification or no formal qualifications generally does not meet the standard that the Title VI regulations require.

Rhode Island does not require cities and towns to have municipal courts. If they decide to operate one, Horwitz said, they must fund it appropriately, and that should include paying for professional interpretation.

Theyre raising money for the municipality, and to do it on the cheap, with disregard for the rights of the people who are litigating in those courts, I think its inexcusable, he said.

Noble Brigham is a senior journalism student at Brown University. He wrote this story under the guidance of retired Journal reporter and Brown professor Tracy Breton. Email him at noble_brigham@brown.edu

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Language barrier in RI local courts: Trained interpreters are lacking
From the moment news broke about Kim Cattralls And Just Like That cameo, the Max shows has cast tried to dampen our enthusiasm. Cynthia Nixon described the appearance as mostly a shoutout, and as Kristin Davis put it back then, We just thought it would be fun if she just showed up all the sudden on the screen. Wouldnt that be great?

The bigor, I guess smallmoment finally arrived during Thursdays finale, and as promised, it was pretty much just a wave. But did you catch that random, tiny shard of Sex and the City lore hidden within it?

The moment happens at the top of the episode, just as Carrie gets home to feed her (I guess permanent) new kitten before her big, Michelin-starred at-home dinner for 16 begins. As promised, she gets a call from across the pond.

Hello, London, she says into the phone with a smile. Whats shaking, lady?

HBO Max

Cut to Cattrall, in the back of a hired car. My flight's three hours delayed, Carrie, she frets. I won't be able to make it there in time!

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It turns out, Miranda and Charlotte tipped Samantha off about Carries Last Supper in the apartment she called home throughout Sex and the City. Shed apparently planned on flying in for the dinner in an overnight trip but got stuck at Heathrow due to fog before the planes crew maxed out their hours and had to go home. Given the brevity of the planned trip, she simply goes home after her bungled flight.

Still, she tells Carrie on the phone, It is your apartment, and I have to pay my respectsso put me on speaker!

Samanthas parting words? Thank you for everything, you fucking fabulous, fabulous flat.

Then comes the inside joke for extremely devout Sex and the City fans: When Carrie asks her friend if shes adopted a British accent, she replies, Whos Samantha? This is Annabelle Bronstein!

During the final season of Sex and the City, Samantha and the girls were desperate for private-pool access to ride out a sweltering summer. When Samantha found an abandoned pass to the SoHo House pool, she thought they were setbut then she got caught.

When a pool attendant called her on it, she tried to play it cooluntil he informed her that Ms. Bronstein is from Sussex, as am Iand Id venture to guess you are not, in fact, from the UK. Then, as in the And Just Like That episode, Samantha closed her ruse by claiming shed been raised in India.

Why is this moment resurfacing now? No idea! But if were suddenly asking questions, why did Miranda move in with a roommate this season when she clearly has enough money to live alone? Why is Carrie about to host two of her BFFs exes in her apartment? And why did Charlotte wear that outfit to the Met Gala earlier this season? The answer to all these questions is, because it just isand now, we can all expect more of that energy for at least one more season to come.

Read more of our And Just Like That coverage HERE.

And Just Like That Season 2, Episode 10 Recap: Is Che Diaz an Awful Person, or Just a Comedian?

And Just Like That: Carrie Selling Her Apartment Is So Upsetting

And Just Like That: Carrie and Aidan Always Belonged Together

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
A portrait of the owner of private military company Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin lays at an informal memorial next to the former 'PMC Wagner Centre' in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Russia's civil aviation agency says mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The head of a Russian mercenary group who launched a rebellion against Moscows military leadership in June is presumed dead after a mysterious plane crash.

But much remains uncertain. Heres what we know and dont know.

What happened to the plane?

Authorities said the private jet that took off from Moscow and was headed for St. Petersburg was carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin and some of his top lieutenants from the Wagner private military company. It went down northwest of the capital  after what appeared to be an explosion  minutes after takeoff. Everyone on board was killed.

Is Prigozhin dead?

Presumably. Theres been no official confirmation, but Russian authorities investigating the crash found 10 bodies and will use DNA to confirm their identities. President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences about it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Is it possible he was targeted?

No one knows  but many are speculating that he was. After Prigozhin staged his short-lived rebellion and Wagner forces made a dash toward Moscow, several U.S. officials had predicted that something like this would happen. Numerous opponents and critics of Putin have been killed or gravely sickened over the years in apparent assassination attempts. Last month, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Russia under Putin had an open windows policy, implying the Wagner chief might get thrown out of one.

Is anybody trying to get to the bottom of what really happened?

The Russian government says it is conducting an investigation, though it remains to be seen how much information will be released. Keir Giles, an analyst at Chatham House, warned that the crash is so politically significant that there is no chance of any investigation that will be either transparent or reliable.

Who else is thought to have been on the plane?

The passenger manifest is essentially a whos who of Wagner mercenaries, including its second-in-command, who baptized the group with his nom de guerre, as well as the logistics chief, a fighter wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Syria and at least one possible bodyguard.

What happens now to the Wagner mercenary army?

After Prigozhins failed rebellion against Russian military leaders, Putin gave the thousands of Wagner troops in Ukraine three options: join the Russian army, return home, or move to Belarus. The rest of Wagners troops are deployed in African countries, and in Syria, where they ruthlessly protect rulers at the expense of the masses  and, in exchange, Russia gets access to ports, natural resources and markets for weapons sales. Its unclear if that will change.

Is this good or bad for the U.S.?

U.S. officials have been tight-lipped about the crash and what impact it may have on American interests in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, citing uncertainty over how Wagner will continue to operate.
Believe it or not, fall is a month away, with festivals and fairs around North Texas planned in time for cooler  or at least less hot  weather.

Fort Worths annual Oktoberfest will kick off a week before the State Fair of Texas, bringing three days of German fun, food and culture to Trinity Park.

The annual Oktoberfest celebration in Fort Worth kicks off in September and will include plenty of German food, fun and culture.

What is Oktoberfest?

Oktoberfest is a German festival that originated in 1810 with the marriage of the Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

Since then, Oktoberfest is celebrated by German-Americans and non-Germans in the United States.

Why is Oktoberfest celebrated in Texas?

Germans called Texas home before it became a state and today census data estimates around two million Texans claim German descent, so its no surprise why Oktoberfest celebrations are held in the Lone Star state.

Festival-goers celebrate Oktoberfest at Panther Island in Fort Worth in October 2018.

When is Oktoberfest in Fort Worth?

Fort Worths Oktoberfest will run from Sept. 21 to 23.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Festival hours on Sept. 21 and 22 will be from 5 to 11 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Sept. 23.

Where is Fort Worths Oktoberfest and where can I park?

This years Oktoberfest will be held at Trinity Park with the entrance near the Van Zandt Cottage across from Farrington Field.

Parking will be at Farrington Field, 1501 University Drive, and at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

How much is Oktoberfest?

A three day pass for the Fort Worth Oktoberfest is $20. A day pass for Sept. 21 is $10 and day passes for Sept. 22 and 23 are $15 each.

All early ticket purchasers by Sept. 20 at 11:59 p.m. will get a free 2023 beer stein.

German vendors will sell souvenirs, steins and authentic clothing.

What happens at Oktoberfest?

The Fort Worth Oktoberfest will consist of carnival rides, games, shopping, authentic German food and plenty of beer.

German vendors will sell souvenirs, steins, authentic clothing and Christmas collectibles.

There will be open air tents, including an air conditioned tent, that offer seating and room for activities and dancing.

The Oktoberfest Run and Ride event will happen on Sept. 23 which features a 20 mile urban bike ride, 10K and 5K. Participants will get a shirt, medal, commemorative beer stein, two beer tickets and free race day parking.

Registration is $42 for the 5K, $57 for the 10K and $57 for the 20 mile bike ride.

For those who would rather observe a run, the Dachshund Dash will take place at 1 p.m. on Sept. 23 in Die Aktivitat Tent.
South Korean internet search company Naver on Thursday rolled out its own generative artificial intelligence tool, HyperCLOVA X. The company's large language model (LLM) offers services such as a ChatGPT-like AI chatbot, CLOVA X, and a generative AI-based search engine, Cue, equivalent to Microsoft Bing.

Naver's cloud unit, Naver Cloud, which launched the HyperCLOVA X, said CLOVA X started its beta service in English and Korean on August 24. Cue, available in September for beta testing, will be incorporated into the current Naver's search engine in November.

HyperCLOVA X is available for creators and enterprise customers. HyperCLOVA X is an upgraded version of its previous LLM for the Korean language, called HyperCLOVA, launched in 2021. Naver says HyperCLOVA has more than 204 billion parameters, but it did not disclose how many parameters have been trained on the HyperCLOVA X. (Users must sign up for Naver accounts to use HyperCLOVA X, the company said.)

Naver has more than 500 AI experts on its team and is one of the five companies worldwide that has developed its own large language model with more than 100 billion parameters, CEO of Naver SooYeon Choi said in a letter to shareholders published earlier this week.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Naver Cloud is also developing CLOVA X's multimodal language models that will be capable of analyzing and generating not only text but images, videos and audio, Nako Sung, head of Technology and Hyperscale AI at Naver Cloud, said at the company's conference on Thursday. Naver aims to release the Clova X multimodal language model in the near future, according to Sung.

Naver's generative AI rollout comes as global tech players try to stay ahead of enhancing their own generative AI products. Microsoft-backed OpenAI has sparked competition in the generative AI space. Google launched its AI chatbot Bard and invested in Anthropic and Baidu released Ernie Bot. Companies like Meta and Amazon also are reportedly preparing to release their own AI-powered chatbots.

Naver said it has been looking to the regions the competitors have not yet covered to offer tailored AI applications for countries with political sensitivities in the Middle East and non-English speaking countries like Spain and Mexico in addition to South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asia.

The Korean internet giant will open its second data center, GAK Sejong, with 600,000 servers in South Korea for its generative AI services in November, Choi said at the conference. Naver has been working with Samsung to develop AI chips for hyperscale AI since last December.
The man convicted of murdering Cal Poly freshman Kristin Smart is in fair condition Thursday after a prison assault landed him in the hospital, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed to The Tribune.

Paul Flores, who is incarcerated at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, was transported from the prison in Coalinga to an outside medical facility in serious condition on Wednesday, the agency said.

The agency said the circumstances around Flores injuries are being investigated and cannot be released at this time.

Harold Mesick, Flores lawyer, told the Tribune his client was attacked in prison and hospitalized Wednesday morning.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As of Thursday morning, Mesick said, neither he nor Flores parents had been told any details about what happened to Flores in prison or which hospital he was transported to.

The Department of Corrections told The Tribune Flores was transported back to the Coalinga prison Thursday afternoon.

A jury convicted Flores of murdering Smart on Oct. 18 after a three-month trial. He was sentenced to 25 years to life for the crime in March.

A separate jury acquitted his father, Ruben Flores, of helping his son conceal the crime.

Flores was transferred to North Kern State Prison in Delano in March before being moved to Pleasant Valley State Prison in August.

John Segale, the Smart family spokesperson, told The Tribune on Thursday the family does not have any comments on Flores prison attack.
Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo opened Kyiv Square in the French capital on Independence Day.

Source: Vitalii Klitschko on Telegram

Details: Klitschko reports that the square is located in the centre of Paris, near the Petit Palais Museum, next to the Champs-Elysees.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Ukrainians and Ukrainian soldiers who are being treated and rehabilitated in Paris.

PHOTO: VITALII KLITSCHKO'S TELEGRAM

Quote from Klitschko: "It is symbolic that this event took place on the Independence Day of Ukraine. The capital of France demonstrates the support of the French people for the struggle of Ukrainians for common European values  freedom, equality and the rule of law."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

In June 2023, the French authorities decided to support Ukraine's membership in NATO, following the example of Poland and the Baltic States, abandoning its more cautious stance to increase pressure on Russia.

On 23 June, France provided Ukraine with equipment to create 3D models of war crimes sites, which will help prepare evidence in cases, including those related to the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

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!






For Kyiv's Motherland monument, 2023 marks an era of rebirth.

In late July, the national landmark saw the Soviet hammer and sickle that once adorned its shield replaced with the tryzub, the Ukrainian trident. The rejuvenated monument was officially unveiled on Aug. 24, Ukrainian Independence Day.

The decision to remove the Soviet statue's symbols is a watershed moment in Kyiv's years-long de-communization program: a movement that has seen Ukraine purposely distance itself from old Soviet ties to reclaim and reassert its independent culture, identity, and future.

But de-communization also marks a decisive split from Russia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While Ukraine seeks to stake its claim on an independent, European future, the Kremlin is keen to stoke nostalgia for the Soviet past: a supposed era of Russian military, economic and political might.

Read also: Its a cult-like mentality: Historian Ian Garner on the militarization of Russian society

In the process, Soviet symbols have become a staple of pro-war propaganda. When Russian tanks rolled into eastern Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, several were seen flying the Soviet flag.

These contrasting attitudes toward the visual baggage of the USSR reflect two very different visions of a somewhat shared past.

But they also cast light on the two contrasting futures that Ukraine and Russia seek to build for their people  and the new national identities that each country seeks to cast on the world stage.

Winning identity

The refurbishing of the Motherland monument is just one part of a long-term Ukrainian effort to erase the vestiges of communist influence from its public spaces.

Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, outlawed the public display of Soviet symbols in 2015, equating them with the Nazi ones.

Across the country, hundreds of Soviet statues were pulled down and destroyed, while streets dedicated to Soviet cultural figures, often having no connection to Ukraine, were re-dedicated to celebrate Ukrainians.

For nations seeking to reassert their national identity, the changing of the guard  the repurposing and creation of statues and monuments  is not unusual, says Pippa Catterall, professor of history and policy at London's University of Westminster and editor of the journal National Identities.

She sees the Ukrainian decision to replace the Motherland monument's Soviet emblem with a trident as a "low-level form of intervention" in comparison to other historical examples.

In comparison, a statue of King George III was taken down by New Yorkers in 1776 so that it could be melted into bullets and fired at British forces. Ukraine has no plans to dismantle the monument, opened in 1981.

"(Monuments today are) a marker of territory in much the same way that Roman emperors' statues were used as markers of territory," she says.

"You replace one marker with another marker, and all you're doing is reflecting new realities of power."

But for many, this small step has been a vital step towards reclaiming the country's past.

Ukraine's Soviet monuments extolled a country of prosperity, equality, and brotherly comradeship: a far cry from what most ordinary citizens experienced in the USSR.

Photo taken from a drone on Aug. 20, 2023, shows the Motherland monument in Kyiv, with the Ukrainian trident insignia being installed on a shield in the statue's left hand. The Soviet hammer and sickle symbol was removed in July, amid the Russian invasion of the country. (Photo by Kyodo News via Getty Images)

For millions of Ukrainians, the Soviet past is synonymous with the oppression of the Ukrainian language, the promotion of Russian culture over its Ukrainian counterpart, and the Holodomor, a Stalinist man-made famine that killed millions of Ukrainians, and has been recognized as an act of genocide by both the European Parliament and the United States.

"The Holodomor was an experience shared across the country," says Professor Daria Mattingly, a lecturer of european history at University of Chichester and a post-graduate fellow at the University of Cambridge.

She describes the famine as an attempt to control Ukraine, driving the population to focus only on survival rather than resisting Soviet policies such as forced collectivization.

"It was a communal experience because it clearly was directed against Ukraine: the borders of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic were closed so that the victims couldn't escape it."

Some 13 percent of Ukraine's population died in the Holodomor. The experience touched almost every Ukrainian family, irrevocably shaping the country's view of the USSR.

It is just one reason why Russia and Ukraine see the Soviet era very differently today.

"Whether you were in Kyiv or near Mariupol, you remembered the famine (through oral history), and that's how it remembered what it means to be Ukrainian," says Mattingly. "It's being destroyed mentally and physically, and that shapes your experience of the Soviet Union."

Those differences in memory can still be seen today.

A study by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, published on Aug. 3, showed that in 2016, 17 percent of Ukrainians had a positive attitude toward the Soviet leader at the time of the Holodomor, Joseph Stalin. In comparison, in Russia, where Stalin more closely associated with victory in the Second World War, 37 percent of people had a positive view of the Soviet leader.

These gulfs in opinion have only grown over time. The same study found that in 2023, 63 percent of Russians had a positive view of Stalin, compared to only 4 percent of Ukrainians.

A woman poses for photos holding the Ukrainian flag next to destroyed Russian armoured military vehicles on display in Khreshchatyk Street on Ukraine's Independence Day in Kyiv, on August 24, 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. (Photo by Roman Pilipey / AFP) (Photo by ROMAN PILIPEY/AFP via Getty Images)

While de-communization in practice has meant removing socialist statues and renaming streets, in theory, it has meant shedding light on what the Soviet Union really meant for Ukraine and celebrating the parts of Ukraine's heritage and identity that communist officials once tried to suppress or erase.

"In Ukraine, there were streets named after the perpetrators of the Holodomor, or those who took part in crushing the Ukrainian national movement. Why commemorate them?" says Mattingly.

De-communization was not without its controversies. Ukrainian and foreign critics feared that the new laws could prohibit open discussion of Ukrainian history and could deepen societal divisions  especially in the country's east, which was already under siege from Russian forces.

But the much-feared backlash never truly materialized.

Instead, Russia's invasion  an attempt to quite literally wipe Ukraine off the map  only accelerated the case for brushing off Moscow-imposed Soviet structures.

Today, it enjoys widespread support: some 85% of Ukrainians backed the removal of the Soviet coat of arms from the Motherland monument, according to data released by the country's Culture Ministry last year.

Symbols are important, says Catterall  but one of the greatest reminders of national identity is when we compare ourselves to others.

"When you're invaded and treated brutally, that contributes to your sense of self," she says.

"It's the feeling of: 'Well, we're definitely not like them.' And the more that Russia uses symbols such as the hammer and sickle, the more those symbols will be rejected in those countries which have been subjected to Russian or Soviet imperialism."

Read also: Everything you didnt know about Ukraines flag

Soviet war aesthetic

If Ukraine has sought to divest itself from the Soviet past, Moscow has sought refuge in it.

Soviet symbols have become increasingly present in Russia throughout the 2010s.

Modern versions of Soviet children's groups, such as the Young Pioneers, have been resurrected, complete with red neckerchiefs and choreographed Red Square parades.

In Russia, murals featuring the joyful reception of Red Army soldiers have become commonplace. In recent years, there have even been Soviet-style murals featuring Putin himself.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressing the audience during a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk, a major World War II Eastern Front battle between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, in Kursk, on Aug. 23, 2023. (Photo by GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

That trend has only accelerated since February 2022, when Soviet symbols became a cornerstone of Moscow's war propaganda.

Perhaps the most notable example is the image "Granny Anya," an elderly Ukrainian woman glorified across the Russian media after being shown on camera holding a Soviet flag. She later told Ukrainian journalists that she hoped the act would placate Russian troops from destroying her village.

These symbols represent an empire that the Kremlin would like to recreate.

They are shorthand for an era when Moscow was seen as the heart of a superpower: venerated politically and militarily and respected in fields such as science and sport.

Unlike in Ukraine and other former Soviet republics, Russians don't see the USSR as a source of horror or oppression but as a strong nation-state.

A Levada Centre poll from 2020 found that 75% of Russians saw the Soviet period as their country's "greatest era."

But this explosion of socialist imagery  and especially symbols linked with Soviet victory in World War II  isn't just about glorifying the past, says historian Dr. Ian Garner.

It's also about creating a new narrative for Russia's present and future.

A Russian Army Lieutenant-General ties a red scarf around a child's neck to symbolise his initiation into the youth organisation 'Young Pioneers,' on Red Square in Moscow on May 21, 2023. (Photo by ALEXANDER NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)

Soviet sacrifices in the Second World War deserve commemoration and respect. Some 27 million soldiers and civilians from across the Soviet Union died in World War II  a figure that includes victims from all 15 nations that formally made up the USSR, including Russia and Ukraine.

But in Moscow, that legacy has been twisted, exploited, and put at the heart of a new Russian national myth: one that portrays Russians as valiant defenders besieged by outside enemies, fighting to build a bright new future.

"All of the wild cult stuff (we see about the invasion of Ukraine)  the trashy pop culture, the statues, the movies  everything is being underpinned by the story of the sacrifice of 27 million Soviet citizens during the Second World War," says Garner.

"The story is that these people had to die. They had to be sacrificed to somehow save the world, save the nation, to enter this new sort of utopian era."

By evoking Soviet wartime imagery, this same quasi-religious story of death, sacrifice, and rebirth can be endlessly extended and reimagined for the present day, says Garner. It is a story that downplays Russia's growing death toll in Ukraine, painting it as not only acceptable but necessary.

"All deaths at the front are supposed to mimic this period of strife before what will  in the story at least  turn out to be some majestic trial," he says.

"This has been the narrative of the Putinist state: We're suffering now. We have suffered. But every time Russia historically suffers, it emerges with new life. The war isn't over. We have to be ready to do it again. That is our historical lot. That's our fate."

Some experts have characterized the Kremlin's obsession with appropriating the Second World War as a "death cult." Its victims are memorialized and glorified without reflection.

There is no need to question if anything could have been done to prevent or lessen these Red Army deaths or what kind of world they wished to build with their sacrifice.

For the modern Russian army, there is also no need to question if the thousands of Russian soldiers killed while invading Ukraine died for anything at all. They, too, are venerated like their forebears who fought Adolf Hitler: in death and glory, they are beyond reproach.

When a statue of Stalin was unveiled outside a factory in the town of Velikiye Luki in Russia's Pskov region in mid-May, the monument was blessed by a local priest.

He told the crowd that although the church had suffered under Stalin's rule  more than 168,000 clergy members are believed to have been detained by the secret police during the purges of 1937 and 1938 alone  at least the Soviet leader had brought the church "many new martyrs."

Manipulating the narrative that surrounds the invasion of Ukraine benefits the Kremlin in other ways.

By equating the conflict with World War II, Moscow can position criticism of the war as the ultimate taboo, equating it with criticizing the fight against Nazi Germany.

A Russian Communist Party supporter carries a portrait of Soviet tyrant Joseph Stalin in front of the monument of the Marshal of the Soviet Union Georgy Zhukov in Moscow on May 8, 2023, on the eve of the 78th anniversary of the end of the World War II. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

The very real suffering of civilians in the face of horrors such as the siege of Leningrad can also be called upon and molded to justify any inconveniences that Russians might suffer on the home front.

The more the state can sell this story of sacrifice and redemption, the more that people will associate the present struggles with the economy, says Garner.

Ultimately, creating a religious-style myth laden with allegory, it doesn't really matter what symbols such as the hammer and sickle actually mean.

In fact, says Garner, Tsarist and pre-Tsarist images are often used to support the same narrative of sacrifice and rebirth. Symbols are malleable: it is the stories behind them which give them power.

Russia's favorite myth

But while nation-building ideas such as flags and icons do have an impact on ordinary people, national identity isn't created wholly by the state, says Catterall, it's something that the majority of citizens must also agree to, day by day.

Even the grandest statue is ultimately meaningless if it was rejected by the nation at large. For a national myth to have meaning, ordinary people must identify with it and consistently buy into that sense of belonging.

"National identity is just a construct," she says. "It is something created by authorities, by public bodies, who want to create a sense of identity and belonging among their populations, and by acts of volition  by populations themselves."

If symbols such as the tryzub have power in Ukraine, it is because it symbolizes something that the population believes in: an independent, democratic future.

In Russia, it means that the Kremlin is not the only institution responsible for fuelling a national myth of war and righteous suffering. To grasp a different kind of future, it is one that the Russian people must reject too.

"Russians deeply believe in (this myth) we've been talking about," says Garner. "Encouraging them away is going to take one hell of an effort."

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi , Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief, congratulated Ukrainians on the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence in a video posted on Telegram on Aug. 24.

"A country of the undefeated, unwavering, and unbreakable! Zaluzhnyi said.

Read also: Largest ever Ukrainian flag, signed by countrys soldiers, displayed in Kyiv

Land of the proud, heroic and brave, Zaluzhnyi went on.

Here, freedom and dignity have always been core values. A free country. Those facts are what to break the enemy's intentions."

Ukrainians on Independence Day woke to news that Russia had attacked the city of Dnipro overnight, but also that Ukrainian special forces had carried out a daring commando raid on the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory of Crimea.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

No mass public events are scheduled to mark Independence Day due to fears that they might be attacked by Russia in order to cause mass civilian casualties.

Read also: Exhibitions, movies, a marathon  How to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day around Ukraine

There is, however, a public exhibition of destroyed Russian military equipment, including tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, and other weapons, on Khreshchatyk, the Ukrainian capitals main street.

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
Several members of an LAPD gang unit that is often responsible for serving warrants on suspected criminals recently found themselves on the other side of the equation  as subjects of search warrants that allowed the department's internal affairs investigators to take the rare step of inspecting their lockers.

The precise nature of the allegations against officers remains unclear, but, according to multiple sources who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about the ongoing investigation, some of those targeted by the search warrants were found to have routinely switched off their body cameras during traffic stops.

The locker searches, which one senior police official described as a once-in-a-decade occurrence, sent a shudder through the department's ranks as rumors spread of an investigation that has put an unknown number of officers under scrutiny. The case remains shrouded in secrecy, and tight-lipped LAPD officials would only confirm that the searches occurred last Thursday at the Mission Division in the San Fernando Valley.

Internal affairs detectives showed up at the station to serve the warrants and peek inside the officers' lockers, according to two sources. It was not immediately clear what they were looking for or what, if anything, they took.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An LAPD spokesperson confirmed that the department has launched an internal affairs investigation involving Mission Division Gang Enforcement Detail officers, and said the probe involved executing a search warrant on some officers lockers.

The spokesperson, Capt. Kelly Muniz, said she couldn't provide further details because "this is an active investigation as well as a personnel matter."

Read more: LAPD civilian watchdog panel picks FBI agent turned USC professor as new president

Investigators have reviewed video from the involved officers' body cameras for any evidence of wrongdoing, one of the the sources said. The Los Angeles County district attorney's office has been informed of the officers' alleged misconduct, according to two sources familiar with the briefing.

A spokesperson for the district attorney's office said the LAPD had not presented any criminal cases related to the internal affairs investigation. The spokesperson did not answer additional questions.

According to a source with knowledge of the investigation, suspicions were first raised when a review of several officers' body cameras found that they were turning them off during stops and then starting to record again when they made an arrest. An officer who prematurely deactivates their camera or fails to turn it on in the first place would be in violation of department policy, which requires the devices be on during most public encounters.

But such violations typically result in only light discipline and are unlikely to have triggered the locker searches, sources said, noting that such an unusual step seems to underscore the seriousness of the investigation.

Los Angeles County Superior Court officials acknowledged that three search warrants are under seal related to the searches. The process used to partially seal the warrants allows for the protection of sensitive information, such as the identity of a confidential informant. But unlike when a warrant is fully sealed by the court, certain limited information from a so-called Hobbs warrant is typically still considered public.

When Times reporters went to retrieve the releasable portions of the warrant, they were instructed to appear before the magistrate who signed the warrants, L.A. County Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino, who described the situation as "unusual." Asked by Times reporters to provide the face sheets or first pages of the search warrants, Brandolino said those had also been sealed at the request of the Police Department.

The department's gang units have long been mired in controversy that reached its height with the late 1990s Rampart scandal that saw more than 70 police officers implicated in unprovoked shootings, assaults and evidence-planting.

The Mission gang unit has largely avoided the type of scandals that have befallen other gang units, despite being among the most active in terms of traffic stops. But according to an LAPD online data dashboard, nearly 10% of Mission's traffic stops were considered pretextual  in which officers use minor traffic violations as a reason to pull over vehicles and search them for evidence of more serious crimes  among the highest rates for the department's gang units.

Times staff writers James Queally and Kevin Rector contributed to this report.

Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Cellular giant T-Mobile announced Thursday it intends to lay off around 7% of its U.S. workforce across the country, putting around 5,000 employees out of a job.

These shifts will impact employees in locations across the country, primarily in corporate and back-office, and some technology roles, T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert wrote in a letter to employees Thursday. The retail and consumer care experts who take care of our customers will not be impacted.

He added that the layoffs will start this week and continue over the next five weeks. When reached for comment via email, the company said it is not sharing (layoff) numbers by location.

T-Mobile operates one of its U.S. headquarters in Overland Park on a sprawling corporate campus between Metcalf and Nall Avenues. T-Mobiles corporate offices did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When T-Mobile merged with Overland Park-based Sprint and took over the companys offices in 2020, it pledged to continue to be a major employer in the region.

T-Mobiles Overland Park corporate campus is seen on Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, the same day the company announced layoffs for around 7% of its U.S. workforce.

But T-Mobile cut upwards of 500 jobs at the Overland Park location as part of the merger. Its other U.S. headquarters is near Seattle.

This is a large change, and an unusual one for our company, Sievert wrote Thursday. After this process is complete, I do not envision any additional widespread company reductions again in the foreseeable future.

At the Overland Park offices, one employee who declined to be named said everyones worried.

Other than that, I dont know any of the details or specifics, the employee said. We just know its coming, thats it. We dont even know when.

Another employee, who also declined to be named, said people in the Overland Park offices did not seem too worried. Some are legacy Sprint workers who have been through many ups and downs at the company, he told The Star.

At its height, Sprint was the areas largest private employer, with more than 20,000 locals on the payroll.

But after years of spin-offs and reductions, its presence diminished. In 2020, T-Mobile ended up employing around 5,000 people at the Overland Park campus, down from Sprints reported 6,000 employees and 1,500 contractors the previous year.

A T-Mobile sign is pictured at a former Sprint store at 5390 Johnson Dr. in Mission.

These layoffs, combined with cuts T-Mobile has been making since its merger with Sprint, show how hollow the companys promises to be a job creator from day 1, were, said Beth Allen, an organizer with Communication Workers of America, a large labor union that represents some T-Mobile employees.

T-Mobiles online jobs board shows that the company has posted 400 available jobs in the past seven days. Fifteen are in the Kansas City area, including Overland Park.

Do you have more questions about jobs and labor in Kansas City? Ask the Service Journalism team at kcq@kcstar.com.
The search continued Friday, July 7, 2023, for the 31-year-old, Purdue-affiliated man who jumped from Lafayette's pedestrian bridge about 2:30 a.m. Monday.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  It'll be eight weeks on Monday since anyone saw or heard from 31-year-old Purdue University doctoral student Anik Paul.

Surveillance cameras on the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge recorded Paul jumping from the bridge shortly before 3 a.m. July 3. That was the last time anyone saw Paul.

He vanished after his leap into the Wabash River, leaving unanswered questions and anguish for his family in Bangladesh.

"My parents are now became mentally and physically very sick," Paul's sister, Bithi Paul, wrote earlier this month in an email to the Journal & Courier. "My mother is still waiting to have a phone call from her son Anik.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"(My mother) always keeps her mobile phone with her whether her son Anik makes a phone call," Bithi Paul wrote Friday morning in an email from Bangladesh to the J&C. "She is now about to die to thinking about Anik."

"My family is destroyed without him," Bithi Paul wrote Friday. "We are feeling very helpless from far away."

Paul's last-known communication with anyone was a message to a friend about 2:40 a.m. July 3, saying the water wasn't deep enough, so he planned to try again, West Lafayette police Lt. Jon Eager said Thursday. There was no indication in the message to which body of water Paul was referring.

The friend immediately reported that message to police.

Shortly before that message, Paul's friend reported to police that Paul was overdue to arrive home and indicated he was concerned about Paul, Eager said.

The friend's report to police about Paul's plan to harm himself prompted a quick response from police officers on the overnight shift who began searching whatever body of water the officers were near.

One officer was near the Celery Bog when the call came in, and he searched the bog. Then he headed towards Tapawingo Park, arriving at 2:50 a.m., Eager said.

That officer heard someone in the water and saw splashing between the John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge and the South Street bridge, Eager said.

That man flailing in the river shrouded by darkness was the last glimpse of Paul by another person.

Dive teams, handlers of specialized K9s, rescuers from the fire departments and police departments from all corners of the county immediately were notified and responded, Eager said.

By 3:19 a.m. July 3, the first boat was launched in the search for Paul. Lafayette Fire Department Water Rescue Team launched its boat at 3:29 a.m., Eager said.

They searched in the darkness, then continued the search when the sun rose. Nearly 12 hours later after exhausting three teams of dogs, they suspended the search for July 3, but rescuers resumed looking for Paul the next day.

For three weeks, searchers traversed the river from Attica north to the pedestrian bridge before closing the formal case, Eager said, noting that conservation officers still look for Paul as they patrol the river.

The case remains an open investigation, Eager said, and he continues to regularly communicate with Paul's family.

Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, Bithi Paul has taken on the role of provider for her distraught parents, but she admitted it was difficult to do her job.

"I have to earn for my family that is why I am to go to my regular job but I could not do it properly," she wrote. "Our family is almost destroyed without my brother. He is the only son (of) my parents.

"My mind still says, since Anik is not found in the water he may (be) alive somewhere in the local places," Bithi Paul wrote on Friday.

Anyone with thoughts of harming themselves may call or text 988, a 24/7 lifeline number that connects the person to mental health professionals.

Reach Ron Wilkins at rwilkins@jconline.com. Follow on Twitter: @RonWilkins2.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: The last known communications from missing Purdue student
Prosecutors said new DNA results are expected in just a matter of weeks in their case against a Massachusetts man accused of murdering his wife, Ana Walshe.

Ms Walshe, 39, was last seen at her home just after midnight on New Years Day. Her body has not been found, but prosecutors are trying to prove that her husband, Brian Walshe, murdered and dismembered the mother-of-three.

In a court appearance on Tuesday, prosecutors said they are awaiting the results of DNA testing as they continue to build their case against Mr Walshe, WHDH reported.

The convicted art fraudster was arrested on 8 January on charges for hindering the police investigation after prosecutors said that traces of blood and a knife were found in the basement of her family home. On 17 January, he was charged with his wifes murder.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While court proceedings continued on Tuesday, another search for Ms Walshe was conducted in a wooded area of Peabody, Massachusetts.

The search location was less than a mile from the Peabody Transfer Station where investigators said they found evidence in this case back in January.

But the search yielded nothing, according to Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morriseys office.

Two persons in the Peabody community unconnected to the prosecution of Brian Walshe contacted State Police investigators with their belief that an area of that community may be of investigative interest in that matter, spokesman David Traub said in a statement.

A search of that area by the Massachusetts State Police SERT team yielded nothing.

Ana Walshe, 39, has been missing from her Cohasset, Massachusetts home, since 1 January (Instagram / Ana Walshe)

Brian Walshe at his arraignment on 10 January 2023, in Quincy District Court in Quincy. He is charged with murder in connection to Ms Walshes disappeance (The Boston Globe)

Police in Cohasset first announced that Ms Walshe was missing in a statement on 5 January and asked for the publics help in finding her.

Authorities said that she was last seen at her home shortly after midnight on New Years Day, and described her as being 5 feet 2 inches tall, 115 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes and an olive complexion. They state that she speaks with an Eastern European accent.

She had been due to take a ride-share car from her home to Bostons Logan Airport to take a flight to Washington DC, where she works in real estate, police said. Tishman Speyer reported her missing on 4 January, and police in Cohasset performed a welfare check at the family home.

A criminal affidavit in the case states that Mr Walshe told police that he last saw his wife at their home early on 1 January when she took an Uber or Lyft to the airport.

He also told authorities that he went to a Whole Foods and a CVS in Swampscott, Massachusetts, 40 miles away, on 1 January and took his child to get ice cream the following day.

The affidavit states that police did not find that any Uber or Lyft ride had taken place on New Years Day, and Ms Walshe never took a flight to DC or arrived in the city by any other means of transport.

Prosecutors also say they reviewed video footage of Whole Foods and CVS and did not see Mr Walshe at either location.

Ana and Brian Walshe were married in Serbia in 2015 and have three children together (Facebook)

The search for Ms Walshe initially focused on wooded areas near the familys home.

Officials said that 20 troopers from a specialised search and rescue were joined by three police K9 teams and a police helicopter in the search. State police divers also searched a small stream and drained the homes swimming pool.

Ms Walshe lived with her family in Cohasset, Massachusetts, but worked in real estate in Washington DC during the week.

Ms Walshe was born in Belgrade, Serbia, and was working at the Wheatleigh Hotel in Lenox when she met Mr Walshe in 2008. After their 2015 marriage, they had three sons between two and six years old.

The couples three young boys were placed in the care of the Department of Children and Families following Mr Walshes first arrest.
After the late judge Armando Rodriguez and fellow Mexican Americans fought in World War II, they returned to an unfriendly environment in Fresno in the mid-1940s.

They and their families were restricted from enjoying public swimming pools, movie theaters and other facilities during certain hours or totally banned.

Veterans like Rodriguez had the doors shut on them when they tried to join organizations like the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

They didnt want us, Rodriguez, who died in 2017, recalled during a 2011 talk at Fresno City Hall about the history of his hometown..

VFW Post 8900 Commander Willie Tate has been in the post one month when the roof collapsed on the posts hall. Tate hopes repairs can be done in time to open for dances, dinners and other events.

The Mexican American veterans bought property on Blythe Avenue in west Fresno, obtained surplus military materials from Hammer Field and the Fresno fairgrounds, and proceeded to build their own VFW post.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It took seven years before the E.G. Henry Gutierrez VFW Post 8900 was completed in 1954, not because of a shortage of volunteers but a lack of funds.

The first fundraiser, a wienie roast, netted $3.75.

The post, the largest in the state with 345 members, is back to fundraising in an effort to repair a fallen roof that has crippled events at the popular hall. The post is still negotiating with its insurance company to make repairs to the 50-year-old roof.

The roof collapse, according to the Fresno Fire Department, was caused by aging infrastructure and the weight of air conditioning units. No one was injured.

VFW Post 8900 Commander Willie Tate had been on his job for about a month when the roof collapsed on July 21.

We have to do the demolition process first, said Tate during a fundraiser at the posts 1-acre park last Saturday. That should take up to 45 days, depending on if asbestos is found in the rubble, he said.

VFW Post 8900 member Javier Hernandez posts video online of the Aug. 19, 2023 fundraiser to help the post repair a fallen roof.

The hall has been popular for dances, dinners, quinceaneras and other events. The post has refunded $40,000 to individuals and groups who had made down payments to use the hall between the time the roof collapsed and into 2024, said Tate.

Although were a veteran institution, its still a business and we cant function unless we have our hall and our, you know, our bar and and, you know, to bring revenue back into this post, said Tate, an Army veteran who joined the post in 1991.

The VFW Post, said Tate, is much more than the events held at the hall. It provides the color guard for the Veterans Day Parade in Fresno, sponsors a Boy Scouts troop and a 4-H club, includes a ladies auxiliary, hosts a ministry that provides food monthly, and supports Justin Garza High School students.

Were very instrumental in the community, said Tate, who retired from the state Department of Corrections in 2014.

VFW Post 8900 has its supporters

Fresno City Councilmember Annalisa Perea, whose district includes the VFW Post 8900, toured the hall recently along with a representative from Assemblymember Esmeralda Soria to assess the damage.

We expedited inspectors going out there to clear them to have the ability to bring an appraiser on site to determine how much the estimated repairs would be, said Perea on Wednesday afternoon. The goal would be to assist them with raising funds to help cover the costs.

It is not known how much of the cost the insurance will cover, but a VFW Post 8900 supporter started a GoFundMe account on Tuesday to raise $450,000.

We are seeking any monetary donations that would explicitly go towards clean up of old roof material, damaged HVAC units, structural inspections and then the rebuild of the hall roof along with new HVAC units, said Jimmie Roberts.

Javier Hernandez, 71, remembers his days as a Marine in boot camp during the Vietnam War era where they treated me like crap. They treated me like I was part of another world.

Joining VFW Post 8900 drew him closer to other Latino veterans, he said. Im glad to be an American, said Hernandez while streaming the Aug. 19 fundraiser on Facebook.

Hernandez, a retired accountant, captains the posts honor guard, which participates in funerals for military veterans.

Grace Solis, once a member of the VFW Post 8900 Womens Auxiliary, understands the importance of the post.

Ive been involved with it since the 1990s, said Solis, who was able to join the auxiliary because of her ex-husbands military ties. They do a ton of things. They do the Stand Down every year, which provides free legal, medical and educational services for veterans.

Its a venue where veterans can come and feel like theyve got a place to go.

Mexican American veterans provided the labor

Tate, who was born in Arkansas and grew up in southwest Fresno, knows the history of the post.

After World War II, a lot of the Mexican American veterans came back home. They werent welcome by other white-established posts, said Tate. So they decided to get together and purchased this property.

Tate said volunteers brought in some structures from the Hammer Field military installation near Shields and Clovis that serve as the north and south portions of the post. Solis said a $1 donation of barracks kicked off the project.

They basically worked out of these two structures for a couple of decades, said Tate.

The main hall that connects the two original structures was completed in the late 1970s, he said.

In the meantime, members continue to meet in the park behind the building to conduct meetings and business.

Were still going to move forward. This is not going to stop us, said Tate.
VILNIUS (Reuters) - Latvian president Edgars Rinkevics on Thursday tasked Evika Silina of the centre-right New Unity party with forming the next government following the resignation of Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins.

Silina, a former lawyer who was welfare minister in the outgoing government, still needs to win a confidence vote in a fractured parliament, where her party commands 26 votes.

Karins, also of New Unity, the largest in the 100-seat parliament, announced his resignation on Aug. 14, blaming a breakdown in relations with parts of his multi-party coalition.

The New Unity governed the European Union nation of 1.9 million with support from the conservative National Alliance and the United List of smaller parties, giving him a narrow parliamentary majority.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But relations with the coalition soured after it failed to field a joint candidate in a presidential election in May.

Latvia's next parliamentary election is scheduled for 2026.

(Reporting by Andrius Sytas, editing by Terje Solsvik and Louise Rasmussen)
A coalition including a pair of Republican lawmakers and business advocacy groups has filed a lawsuit against the state treasurer seeking to permanently roll back Michigan's income tax rate to 4.05%, rather than a one-time reduction from an income tax rate of 4.25%. The lawsuit seeks to reverse a legal opinion issued by Attorney General Dana Nessel earlier this year stating the tax cut only extends to the current year.

The lawsuit, filed Thursday, seeks declaratory relief from a judge against State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks to permanently extend the income tax cut, and asks a judge to weigh in before Dec. 15, 2023, to provide clarity on tax rates for the future.

The income tax rollback was triggered thanks to a surplus in state revenues. Permanently enacting the tax cut would create major headaches for the Whitmer administration, since the 2024 budget recently signed into law essentially drained that surplus and is built on the assumption that the income tax rate will return to 4.25% for the 2024 tax year.

In a 2015 road funding law, Republican lawmakers and former Gov. Rick Snyder, also a Republican, adopted language reducing the state income tax rate from 4.25% to 4.05% if Michigan had enough surplus revenue in its coffers.

Michigan Treasurer Rachael Eubanks.

Nessel, in an opinion issued in March, wrote the rollback would be a one-time reduction in the income tax for 2023 only, rather than a permanent one. Snyder and GOP legislative leaders from 2015 disagreed with Nessels opinion.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When Eubanks announced the tax cut, she said it would be a one-time cut only, unless the state exceeded the surplus revenue cap again. House Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, said Republican lawmakers would continue to fight for a permanent tax cut.

A family with taxable income of $50,000 will see about $100 in savings when they file their taxes next year under the tax cut. The rollback will cost the state about $700 million in annual revenue for the 2023 tax year.

The lawsuit was filed in the Michigan Court of Claims by the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a conservative think tank based in Midland, and lists state Sen. Ed McBroom, R-Waucedah Township; state Rep. Dale Zorn, R-Onsted; the Associated Builders and Contractors of Michigan; the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and six individuals as plaintiffs.

A spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Treasury said the department had not been served with the lawsuit as of Thursday afternoon and does not comment on pending litigation.

This is about the law, Patrick Wright, vice president for legal affairs at the Mackinac Center, said in a statement. A clear reading of the statute shows that lawmakers put in place a permanent income tax rate reduction. The personal income tax rate on all Michigan citizens went down to 4.05% and should stay there absent new legislation.

Audit: Michigan Cannabis Regulatory Agency effective, should speed up disciplinary actions

Free Press Lansing Bureau Chief Paul Egan contributed to this report.

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com. Follow him on X (Twitter) @arpanlobo.

Become a subscriber today.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lawsuit seeks to permanently reduce Michigan's income tax rate
When Yolo County deputies showed up at Anthony DeMarias Capay Valley home in April, they were armed with a search warrant that allowed them to walk away with a collection of 34 firearms and 20,000 rounds of ammunition valued at $150,000.

Sheriffs officials had known the retired 78-year-old attorney for years, and DeMaria had previously invited some deputies to hunt on his 830-acre Guinda property or search for illegal cannabis grows.

They also knew that DeMarias mental state was in decline, a fact they cited in the affidavit seeking the search warrant, and they said they were responding to a threat DeMaria had made on a 911 call two days earlier to harm one of their deputies.

But DeMaria was never arrested after deputies went to his house, and has not been charged with any crime involving the case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Now, the seizure of the weapons is the subject of a federal lawsuit claiming the Yolo County Sheriffs Office violated DeMarias Second Amendment rights and misled a judge into authorizing deputies taking the firearms.

The Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms cannot be subject to a government officials discretionary determination of whether a law-abiding citizen should be allowed to exercise that right, attorney Kresta Daly wrote in a 30-page lawsuit filed Tuesday in Sacramento against Sheriff Tom Lopez and nine Sheriffs Office employees.

The suit, which seeks compensatory and punitive damages, alleges deputies violated DeMarias right against unreasonable search and seizures and that they used excessive force that has led to a serious decline in his mental state and severe injuries to his back and legs.

The suit also alleges Yolo sheriffs officials have a long-standing custom or practice of seizing and removing guns from private citizens possession without probable cause or evidence of any crime.

The real reason law enforcement sought the search warrant was as a ruse to get Tony DeMarias guns, the suit says.

Sheriffs Lt. Don Harmon declined to comment Tuesday, citing pending litigation.

But both Daly and a prominent gun rights advocate say deputies failed to follow proper procedures in seizing the weapons, contending that deputies should have proceeded under Californias red flag laws to take the weapons or sought a declaration from a medical professional that DeMaria posed a danger.

There is Californias red flag law, Daly said. Now, they would have had a hard time qualifying under that law, but thats the legal way to do it.

If they thought he shouldnt have guns thats how they should have done it.

Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California, agreed.

I would agree with the attorney, Paredes said. If law enforcement had some reason to separate this guy from his guns, it had to be a really good reason, and they had to do it by the book.

And from what I can tell here from what youve described to me this is not done by the book. They dont have the ability to do that. Thats why we have procedures, thats why we have laws with checks and balances. You cant violate someones rights without going through proper procedures, and even then its debatable.

That opinion is not unanimous, however.

Former Sacramento County Sheriff John McGinness said that in past years deputies routinely talked citizens into giving up their guns temporarily if there were concerns about their potential for violence.

I couldnt begin to count the number of times we did that, said McGinness, now a law enforcement consultant and KFBK-FM radio show host. Wed say, You have to be smart here. Youve been angry, youve been drinking, Ill give you a receipt for your property and you can get them back later.

McGinness added that the fact that a court issued a valid warrant bolsters the argument that Yolo deputies acted properly.

When you take the matter to a competent court and they issue a warrant to seize those firearms, that looks very reasonable to me, he said. Theres no taking of his assets.

Theyre still on the record as his.

Court documents say DeMaria has no criminal convictions, but say deputies have seized his weapons twice in recent years and threatened to take Anthony DeMarias guns.

The first time came in 2017, when DeMaria was accused of assault where he was verbally abusive and attempted to physically strike another subject, court records say.

During the investigation, it was determined that Anthony posed a threat to the community, and his firearms were taken for safekeeping, the search warrant affidavit says. The firearms were since returned.

The latest dispute over the firearms began in early April, and may have stemmed in part from DeMarias mental state, which the lawsuit described as mild to moderate cognitive impairment that can lead to him being verbally aggressive.

The guns in question are part of a collection he has been building for 25 years, the lawsuit says.

He collected old Colt revolvers because they are rare and iconic, the lawsuit says. He collected Henry single-shot lever-action rifles, Winchesters, and old western guns because they are commemorative of the Old West history.

He collected several target pistols because he formerly trained for target shooting with a neighbor who is one of only several highly awarded target marksmen in the entire country. And he collected several shotguns for his grandchildren.

Virtually all of Tony DeMarias guns were collected for sentimental and historic reasons.

The catalyst for the latest seizure was a 911 call DeMaria made at 7:29 p.m. April 4 after he could not find Christine, his wife of 56 years, the lawsuit says.

DeMaria had forgotten his wife had gone into town, and instead became convinced she had gone off with Deputy James Mount, the resident deputy for the Capay Valley and an acquaintance of DeMarias for 10 years, the lawsuit says.

Mount was aware of Tony DeMarias gun collection and ammunition and knew the combinations to his gun safes, the suit says. On previous occasions when Anthony DeMaria became worried he called Deputy Mount on Mounts cellphone.

DeMaria called Mounts cellphone several times that night and when he couldnt reach him called 911 and told a dispatcher Mount and his wife disappeared together, the lawsuit says.

DeMaria also called another deputy he knows, Michael Glaser, and informed Deputy Glaser that Deputy Mount took his wife Christine away and demanded Deputy Mount return her or there would be consequences to pay, the search warrant affidavit says.

Anthony stated there would be one less deputy working for the Sheriffs Department and that he will sue. Anthony was agitated and very aggressive.

Mount learned of the 911 call later that night and went to DeMarias house and spoke to him, then left and filed a report that said Mount was not afraid of Tony DeMaria, the suit says.

Despite the fact Deputy Mount documented his lack of fear of Tony DeMaria the Yolo County Sheriffs Department, without Mounts knowledge, sought a search warrant for the DeMaria residence, the lawsuit says.

Detective Robert Middleman wrote in the affidavit for the warrant that Anthony DeMaria made a credible and willful threat to cause harm to Deputy Mount.

Anthony stated there will be one less deputy, implying he intended to kill Deputy Mount, Middleman wrote, adding that DeMaria was making criminal threats and that he was seeking a warrant to seize DeMarias weapons because he shows signs of violent behavior.

Middleman also cited other incidents of yelling being heard inside the DeMaria house and of an irrigation system a worker installed on the property being shot up.

Christina apologized to the worker stating that Anthony was pissed off at the world and intentionally destroyed the lines, the affidavit says.

Two days after the 911 call, deputies showed up to serve the search warrant, and Capt. Gary Hallenbeck met Christina DeMaria on the homes porch and twice said, Your husband threatened to kill one of my deputies, what was I supposed to do? the lawsuit says.

This statement by Captain Hallenbeck was false, the suit says. Despite the fact that James Mount is the resident deputy in the Capay Valley and is well known to have a relationship with the DeMarias he was not told Yolo County deputies were planning to execute a warrant at the DeMaria residence.

Mount became aware of the search after it was largely completed.

The lawsuit says DeMaria was greatly distressed by the deputies presence and ordered them to leave, resulting in him being handcuffed and thrown into the back of a police car.

Thereafter they proceeded to taunt and wave at Tony DeMaria when they went by the car, seeing that he was highly distressed and angered by their taunting, the suit says, adding that he suffered numerous cuts and bruises and suffered severe injury to his back and nerves.

After all of that, the lawsuit says, deputies did not arrest DeMaria but instead took him to a hospital and never charged him.

Since the day of the search, Tony DeMarias mental state has significantly declined, the suit says. He is deeply paranoid and disoriented.

He cannot focus on any issue other than YCSOs unlawful intrusion into his home and the seizure of his weapons.

Daly, DeMarias attorney, says she believes she may be able to arrange for a relative of the family to retrieve the weapons from the custody of the sheriff.

Meanwhile, the lawsuit says, Yolo sheriffs officials have an unwritten policy of seizing guns any chance they get to be on the premises for any incident, without legal justification for removal of the guns.

The lawsuit says Deputy Glaser had previously told DeMarias wife that he wanted the guns out of their house, and that he supposedly told a friend at a party that as soon as you start getting dementia Im taking your guns away.

The lawsuit cites another instance in which deputies arrived after a 911 call because of a resident dying from COVID-19 and ended up removing all guns from the residence.
A lawyer for Lutheran pastor Stephen Lee, who was indicted in the Fulton County, Georgia election case, said the bond amount is excessive.

David Shestokas told the Chicago Sun-Times that a bond agreement for Stephen Lee has been reached with authorities, set at $75,000.

I think thats an excessive bond. Hes a pastor. These are not folks that do things to get wealthy, Mr Shestokas told the outlet. Theres no reason to believe hes a flight risk. I advised them that he is not a wealthy man and wouldnt be able to make bond.

The attorney also said that Mr Lee will turn himself in on Friday morning, the deadline for defendants to voluntarily surrender.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The publication previously noted that Mr Lee, 70, is a pastor at Living Word Lutheran Church in Orland Park, Illinois.

The pastor was indicted  along with 18 others, in a group that includes former President Donald Trump  in Fulton County, Georgia. Mr Lee is charged under the RICO Act and faces two counts of criminal attempt to commit influencing witnesses, conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings, and influencing witnesses.

Mr Lee was discovered at the home of election worker Ruby Freeman in December 2020 after a 911 call. He allegedly repeatedly knocked on her door, later telling officers that he was working with some folks to help Ruby out and get some truth.

Body camera footage of Mr Lee outside the home of election worker Ruby Freeman (Cobb County Police/Reuters)

He then sought assistance from Trevian Kutti, a former publicist for Kanye West, and Harrison Floyd, an organiser for Black Voices for Trump, both of whom were also indicted.
The lead detective in the YNW Melly double murder case is under investigation over an incident with a potential witness, according to a court filing from Wednesday. But a police spokesperson says the detective only had a complaint made against him.

Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein requested that Broward Circuit Court Judge John Murphy order prosecutors to turn over all documents about the investigation into Miramar Police Detective Mark Moretti. Under Florida law, the state is required to disclose any information that may be favorable to the defense.

The Defense team has recently learned that the lead detective, Detective M. Moretti is under investigation and that an assistant state attorney has given a statement concerning an incident involving excessive force used by him against a potential witness in this case, defense attorney Stuart Adelstein said in the filing.

Adelstein also urged Murphy to have prosecutors turn over the information within 10 days. He also asked for the assistant state attorneys statement  and her name.

Judge John Murphy shows attorneys a note from a juror in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, July 21, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

The court filing didnt delve into the nature of the incident between Moretti and the potential witness.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Melly, whose real name is Jamell Demons, is accused of gunning down his childhood friends Anthony Williams and Christopher Thomas Jr. in an alleged drive-by cover-up after spending the night of Oct. 26, 2018, at a Fort Lauderdale recording studio. Williams and Thomas, aspiring rappers with the YNW collective, were known as YNW Sakchaser and YNW Juvy, respectively.

Miramar police spokesperson Tania Rues told the Miami Herald Thursday that the department received on July 12 a complaint about Moretti from the attorney of Jamie King, who is Mellys mother. The detective, she confirmed, currently isnt under investigation.

Our office is looking into the complaint, as we do with all complaints, Rues said in an email.

Moretti, Rues said, is a highly decorated detective who has been with the department for more than 20 years. She also said Moretti has an unblemished record and has never been the target of any administrative investigations.

Defense attorney Stuart Adelstein holds up an evidence envelope containing a cell phone during his closing argument in the trial of Jamell Demons, better known as rapper YNW Melly, at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, July 20, 2023. Demons, 22, is accused of killing two fellow rappers and conspiring to make it look like a drive-by shooting in October 2018. (Amy Beth Bennett / South Florida Sun Sentinel)

Moretti, throughout Mellys first trial, was constantly under fire by the rappers defense team.

During the final days of the trial, which ended with a hung jury and a mistrial, Adelstein accused Moretti in open court of threatening potential witnesses in the case, including Mellys manager Track, whose real name is Jameson Francois.

Moretti, who sat on the stand with a blank expression on his face, admitted that he told Francois he would be deported and sent to a crowded Haitian jail. He also said he interviewed Francois at the Krome detention center in Miami-Dade.

During cross examination of the lead detective who investigated the double murder case involving @YNWMelly, the detective admitted he threatened several witnesses in the case. pic.twitter.com/yZLBhaEAVP  Law&Crime Network (@LawCrimeNetwork) July 17, 2023

Adelstein claimed that Moretti continuously threatened Francois, going as far as telling Francois that he would not be fed or receive medicine in a disease-ridden, s---hole Haitian jail.

Do you think threatening a witness who tells you something you dont like really gets to the truth? Adelstein said.

What else is going on in the case?

Last week, Adelstein asked Murphy to consider setting a bond for Melly before his second trial begins on Oct. 9 with jury selection. For the first time, Mellys legal team requested an Arthur hearing, which allows judges to set bonds for defendants charged with crimes that arent eligible for bail.

READ MORE: While YNW Melly awaits new trial in jail, his lawyers want him out. Could that happen?

During the hearing, prosecutors must establish that they have proof greater than proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Mellys Arthur hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15.
 Flash

File photo taken on Nov. 12, 2011 shows the exterior of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. [Photo/Xinhua]

China strongly urges Japan to cancel its wrong decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean from Aug. 24, and communicate with neighboring countries with sincerity and good will, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

"The negative impact of the ocean discharge cannot be undone. We don't want August 24, 2023 to be a disaster day for marine environment," said Wang Wenbin at a news briefing.

"If Japan does not change course, it must bear the historic responsibility for this decision," he said.

The ocean sustains humanity. Japan's pushing for the ocean discharge plan is no doubt a huge gamble that ventures the global marine environment and people's health, Wang said.

The disposal of the nuclear-contaminated water should be conducted in a responsible manner to avoid unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment, he said.

"If Japan persists in proceeding with its discharge plan, the Chinese government will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the marine environment, food safety, and people's health," Wang said.

When asked about the scientific basis for China's opposition to Japan's discharge plan, Wang said there is a fundamental difference between the nuclear-contaminated water that came into direct contact with the melted reactor cores during 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."

He said 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.

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 sea -- and certainly shouldn't if it's not," Wang said.

"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," he said.
Georgia authorities announced the arrest of four people in Operation Summer Lovin.

St. Marys police officials said the operation was organized and conducted with the intent to identify and capture individuals seeking to have sexual relations with minors or traffic minors for sex.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

When working to identify the individuals, authorities focused on the exploitation of children through the Internet and social media apps.

The operation was conducted over four days and ended on Aug. 20.

According to police, each individual physically traveled to the Summer Lovin operational area hoping to have sexual contact with a minor.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

During the operation, over 20 contacts were made with individuals hoping to have sexual relations with a minor. Only four arrests have been made at this point in the investigation.

TRENDING STORIES:

The following are the individuals who were arrested, as well as their charges:

Christopher Williams, age 37, of Hinesville, GA.

Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude (Human Trafficking) Sexual Exploitation of Children Marijuana Possession (less than one ounce)

Dustin Paul Bohrer, age 39, of St. Simons, GA.

Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude (Human Trafficking) Sexual Exploitation of Children Possession of a Controlled Substance

Kieran Michael OConnor, age 31, of Hinesville, GA.

Sexual Exploitation of Children

Carey Lewis, age 35, of Savannah, GA.

Sexual Exploitation of Children Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime Willful Obstruction of Law Enforcement Officers (with violence) Criminal Damage to Property in the 2nd Degree (two counts)



[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Police said additional arrests are pending.

The investigation remains ongoing.

IN OTHER NEWS:
At least four people, including the suspect, have been killed and six others wounded in a mass shooting at a well-known bikers bar in Trabuco Canyon, California.

According to initial reports, a retired law enforcement officer opened fire at the bikers cafe called Cooks Corner.

The shooter has been shot dead by deputies who responded to the scene, according to local TV station KCAL News.

There were multiple victims and the injured were being taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, the Orange Country Sheriff said in an earlier post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Orange County law enforcement officials said that the mass shooting began at Cooks Corner in the 19000 block of Santiago Canyon Road.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The incident is believed to have started following a domestic dispute between the retired law enforcement officer and his wife. The altercation escalated into a mass shooting with multiple people being shot dead, KCAL News reported.

More follows
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis proposed an Oct. 23 trial start date in the Georgia 2020 election interference case involving former President Donald Trump and his allies after lawyers for one of the co-defendants filed a motion demanding a speedy trial.

The aggressive filing from Kenneth Chesebro, the mastermind behind the plan to send fake electors to Congress from states Trump had lost, surprised legal experts. "He is making a risky gamble," New York University Law Prof. Ryan Goodman wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

When defendants make such requests at the district attorney's office, "that's a declaration of war," Chris Timmons, a former Georgia prosecutor, told Salon.

"Basically, what you're saying is I'm ready to go to trial and I want it tomorrow if I can get it," Timmons said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A speedy trial request is typically filed in situations where a client, who is innocent, is in custody and can't get a bond, he added.

"I suppose this makes sense if you're Chesebro," Georgia State University Law Prof. Anthony Michael Kreis wrote on X. "He has fewer fingerprints on things in Georgia specifically than the others his charges are all conspiracy-based. But the removal question complicates: isn't clear that the removal of one defendant doesn't mean the removal of all."

Chesebro is charged with racketeering and other offenses, including conspiring to commit impersonating a public officer, conspiring to commit forgery in the first degree and conspiring to commit false statements and writings.

Willis responded to Chesebro's speedy trial demand on Thursday calling for the trial for all 19 Fulton defendants to begin in October, according to a court filing  five months earlier than the March 4, 2024, start date she initially proposed last week.

MSNBC legal analyst Katie Phang called the response "Willis calling Kenneth Chesebro's bluff."

"While most defendants seek to delay the day of reckoning for various reasons, on occasion, they seek to enforce their right to a speedy trial," former U.S. Attorney Barb McQuade told Salon. "Some want to clear their name and move on. Others hope to catch the prosecution flatfooted and unprepared for trial."

McQuade pointed to the example of former Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, who invoked his right to a speedy trial. The case fell apart when it was revealed that the government had violated rules related to sharing evidence during the legal process. This may have happened as a result of the government's rushed efforts to prepare.

Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance wrote that Chesebro "thought he was calling Willis' bluff on her readiness to go to trial."

"He was not. Willis is not here to play," she added.

Ultimately, the final decision on timing lies in the hands of Fulton Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee, who was assigned to the case randomly just last week.

However, "this is a very powerful move," on Chesebro's part, Clark Cunningham, a law professor at Georgia State University, told Salon.

"His demand now forces the trial in this case to take place before the end of this calendar year  for all defendants, unless one or more other defendants can succeed in a 'motion to sever.'"

Former President Donald Trump's attorney immediately moved to sever his case after Willis' filing on Thursday.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

There could be a strategic advantage for other defendants Timmons pointed out. Chesebro could be tried on his own or with a couple of other defendants, and everyone else is "severed out."

For Chesebro, this suggests that he's ready to go to trial and "has nothing to hide," Timmons said.

"The other thing is you may not be tried with other defendants," he said. "So, if you're concerned that you're in a trial with Donald Trump and that the case against him is going to be so massive that you just sort of get swept up in it, and the jury comes back [finding everyone] guilty on everything, you might have a better chance if you're on your own. Then the jury has to consider you as an individual."

However, filing the speedy trial request on Chesebro's part is still a big deal, "it's punching somebody in the mouth," he said. "It is a game changer that shifts the entire timetable and everything else in this case."

Read more

about the Fulton case
Editors Note: We dug into why government, think tanks, and media coverage may focus more on right-wing extremists than left-wing groups, in part because of reader queries. This is part of our ongoing mission together with Military Veterans in Journalism to look at the nexus between extremism, disinformation and the U.S. military.

Fifty years ago, far-left movements posed the biggest domestic terrorism threat to the United States, with some environmental, communist and animal rights groups taking credit for bombings, arson and vandalism at businesses and federal buildings across the country.

But terrorism carried out by right-wing actors eclipsed that of leftist movements in the 1990s, and then, the countrys focus shifted to foreign terrorist organizations for more than a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Now, government agencies and scholars across the political spectrum agree that far-right movements have caused most of the political violence in the U.S. over the past few years  and present the most dangerous threat today. Data shows that the involvement of veterans and service members in some of these groups is helping to further the violence.

It used to be far-left terrorism, then for a while the biggest threats were Islamist and international forms of terrorism, said Cynthia Miller-Idriss, who runs the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University. Now, the official government assessment, universally, is that anti-government and supremacist forms of extremism are the biggest threat and the most lethal and pressing threat to the homeland.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The idea that far-right extremism poses a threat to the country has been contested by political pundits and some Republican lawmakers, who have attempted to minimize far-right violence and argued that far-left ideologies should receive more focus from law enforcement. But to even compare far-right and far-left movements in the U.S. today is a false equivalency because of the rate at which far-right violence outpaces the far left, said Miller-Idriss  analysis seconded by Liz Yates, a researcher at the immigration advocacy organization Human Rights First.

Thomas Spoehr, a scholar with the conservative Heritage Foundation whos argued against wokeness in the military, agreed that right-wing extremism is more prevalent than other ideologies, though he believes the issue of extremism overall is taking up too many government resources.

Since 1990, 26 people with military backgrounds committed crimes in the name of their far-left beliefs, while 333 were driven by their far-right ideologies to do the same. University of Maryland National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)

The numbers are hard to argue with. Right-wing ideologies were behind a majority of the nearly 600 domestic terror attacks that occurred from 2010 through 2021, according to data shared with Military Times by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington, D.C. During that period, right-wing extremists were charged with 353 plots or attacks that caused 147 deaths, the data show. In the same time frame, far-left extremists carried out 126 plots or attacks, killing 23 people. The rest of the political violence during those years was committed by jihadist groups and ethnonationalists, which included antisemitic and Jewish extremists and Cuban exiles, among others.

The think tanks data supports findings from the Department of Homeland Security, which also determined that white supremacy was behind more domestic terrorist attacks and plots than any other ideology from 2010 through 2021.

Neither left nor right, just violent

While DHS acknowledged white supremacy was behind much of the violence of the last several years, the agency  and the rest of the executive branch  is attempting to stay out of the feud about whether extremism is a far-left or far-right issue. Rather than label instances of domestic terrorism as motivated by the right or left, the FBI and DHS created four categories for extremism: racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism, anti-government or anti-authority violent extremism, animal rights or environmental violent extremism and abortion-related violent extremism.

A senior official in President Joe Bidens administration, speaking on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said the categories showed that the government is focusing its efforts where theres violence, rather than targeting one ideology over another.

So much has become politicized that it was really important to us to make clear that this work is public safety, its democracy protection and it does not have political angles to it, the official said. Whats fundamentally unacceptable is taking your grievance or your view on the political or ideological spectrum and turning violent with it. That is the thing thats unacceptable, whatever the underlying view might be, whether its left, right or center.

Racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism is the single greatest terrorism-related concern we have in the homeland right now, said a senior DHS official, also speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to describe the sensitive policy. Within that population, the people of most concern are those driven by their beliefs about the superiority of the white race, the official said. According to a DHS assessment of terrorism released in June, white supremacists pose the most consistent threat of violence against religious, cultural and government targets.

Whats fundamentally unacceptable is taking your grievance or your view... and turning violent with it. That is the thing thats unacceptable, whatever the underlying view might be, whether its left, right or center. Senior official in President Joe Biden's administration

Others who fall into the category of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism include those motivated by perceptions of racial injustice in America, such as groups advocating for a separate Black homeland  a motivation that doesnt fit neatly into the left or right political paradigm. And while Black separatist groups make threats of violence against the government, they carried out minimal observed acts of violence last year, the DHS assessment states.

Left or right labels simply dont apply to violent actors like incels, and theyre not helpful in describing the Boogaloo movement, which draws anti-government extremists of all political stripes, a senior DHS official said. And no matter what the violent ideology or lack thereof, the governments prevention efforts are the same, the official said.

Our desire is to treat it in an agnostic way is not just because of the politics  because the politics are very difficult in this space  but also because most of the preventative work that you want to do looks the same regardless of what ideology or motivating factors are driving an individual to carry out these attacks, the DHS official said.

President Joe Biden said white supremacy was the most dangerous terrorist threat to our homeland while speaking during Howard University's graduation ceremony in Washington on Saturday, May 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Military-veteran nexus

Data shows the most violent groups are those on the right, especially those with members whove had military training.

Veterans and service members participation in right-wing violence is made clear in data from the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, known as START. DHS officials told Military Times that START has compiled the best open-source data in the country regarding the involvement of military personnel in domestic terrorism.

According to the data, 26 veterans and service members since 1990 were driven by their far-left beliefs to commit both violent and nonviolent crimes, while 333 veterans and service members were driven by their far-right beliefs to do the same. Among the violent crimes, 71% were committed by people aligned with far-right movements, while 6% were aligned with the far-left. The rest didnt fall squarely into either ideology.

Among veterans and service members, far-right actors have been responsible for more than 12 times the number of violent crimes than far-left actors since 1990. University of Maryland National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START)

Those cases dont include veterans and service members charged with crimes tied to their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, when myths about voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election drove supporters of former President Donald Trump to try to stop Congress from certifying the results. According to George Washington Universitys Program on Extremism, 131 people charged in the riot that day had served in the military.

These are small, small numbers compared to the size of our military, but there is an increase at the moment, which is concerning, a senior DHS official said of veterans and service members involved in ideological extremism. Racially- and ethnically- motivated violent extremism is the most frequent bias in this community, followed by anti-government extremism. Thats a really dangerous cocktail for active-duty military, veterans and reservists. Its horrible for good order and discipline and horrible for combat effectiveness, given how diverse our military actually is  and scary if anti-government extremism is among the top of those categories.

Extremism experts and government officials agree that only a small number of service members and veterans participate in extremist activities. However, data shows that when they do get involved, its often as part of far-right movements  and they tend to wield outsized influence. Veterans and service members were responsible for 25% of all extremist-driven mass fatality plots and attacks from 1990 through 2022, a START analysis found.

The Prosecution Project, a research organization thats fiscally sponsored by the Peace and Justice Studies Association at Georgetown University, issued similar findings to STARTs. In data shared with Military Times, the organization found 300 cases of extremist-driven crimes committed by veterans and service members since 1990. Of those, 66% were committed by far-right actors, while 2% were carried out in the name of far-left ideologies. Many of the crimes driven by right-wing actors were designed to injure, kill or intimidate a particular group of people, said Michael Loadenthal, the founder and executive director of the Prosecution Project.

Generally speaking, and as informed by the analysis of the Prosecution Projects data covering thousands of cases, leftist violence is exceedingly rare in the past several decades and very rarely involves veterans or active duty military, Loadenthal said.

One reason for the discrepancy is the far rights efforts to recruit veterans and service members to their cause, said Josh Lipowsky, a researcher with the Counter Extremism Project who authored a report last year about far-left extremism. Lipowsky determined that todays far-left groups lack the organizational structure used by the far right.

The Patriot Front, a white nationalist and neo-fascist hate group, takes applications from prospective members, many of whom claim to have ties to the military. Far-left movements tend to comprise more broad ideological positions rather than forming into specific groups with such bureaucratic entrance procedures, Lipowsky said.

There isnt much overt recruitment of military personnel, whereas on the far right, we see several of these violent groups specifically going after military personnel for their experience and weapons know-how, Lipowsky said. There are individual Antifa groups, but theyre not openly plastering or flyering like we see from the Patriot Front and other groups.

While small numbers of veterans and service members are involved in domestic terrorism, DHS is encouraging others in the military community to be part of the solution. DHS prevention plan includes enlisting veterans to intervene with their peers to turn away from violence. Veterans have an incredible reservoir of all the right stuff we can be using... to help the country address these issues, a senior DHS official said.

Veterans contribute to civil society at a higher rate than most Americans. They run for office, they participate in local school boards, the official said. We need to build on those strengths in order to crowd out vulnerabilities to these kinds of threats on the margin.

People listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Violence on the left

Despite the far right causing much of the political violence over the past several years, experts arent disregarding the left  and they shouldnt be, Yates said.

The Prosecution Project, which tracks felony-level criminal cases of domestic terrorism, maintains a database of crimes that occurred during police brutality protests following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in the summer of 2020. Among the overall population, more than 300 people were charged with federal crimes as a result of the protests. Thirty-five people were charged with assaulting police officers, and the majority of charges were related to arson, civil disorder and destruction of property  a theme that Loadenthal, Lipowsky and Miller-Idriss said differentiates far-left extremism from the radical right.

Leftist movements have focused in recent years on symbolic property damage to get their messages across, Loadenthal said. Lipowsky and Miller-Idriss agreed, contending that far-right groups more often target people, rather than property.

We are seeing spikes in far-left violence, but not to the magnitude that were seeing on the far right, and not anywhere near the lethality that were seeing on the far right, Miller-Idriss said. Its mostly property damage. I think its important to acknowledge that arson and property damage matters, but its not the same thing as a terrorist attack on a synagogue or on a Black community in terms of the fear and death caused.

While not as lethal, Miller-Idriss warned against ignoring far-left movements. The government didnt pay enough attention to the threat of far-right terrorism before 2017, resulting in far-right groups carrying out some of their violent plots successfully, she contended. Miller-Idriss is predicting a rise in violence among environmental activists. While environmental groups arent targeting people with violence at this point in time, violent fringe groups are likely to develop as the effects of climate change become more volatile, she said.

We are seeing spikes in far-left violence, but not to the magnitude that were seeing on the far right, and not anywhere near the lethality that were seeing on the far right .... Its mostly property damage. Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab, American University

There are a host of other political issues that could inspire far-left actors to commit violence, said Tom OConnor, a retired FBI special agent who investigated domestic and international extremism for more than 20 years. One group OConnor is watching is Janes Revenge, a militant pro-abortion rights group that emerged in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and end the constitutional right to abortion. The group was linked to multiple instances of vandalism at crisis pregnancy centers, which are established by anti-abortion groups to discourage pregnant women from having abortions. Janes Revenge claimed credit last year for setting fire to one such center in Madison, Wisc. The building was empty at the time.

Since retiring from the FBI in 2019, OConnor has continued to track instances of political violence across the country. The source of domestic terrorism in the U.S. has shifted from one ideology to the next over the past 50 years, and its likely to change again, he said.

Im always looking for left-wing violent actions that are legitimately acts of violence for political means. It hasnt really been happening, OConnor said. I think theres a reason for that. It does not mean the groups that caused violence in 2020 have gone away. I honestly think theyre just letting the right do their work for them. Thats generally the yin and yang of how things have worked over the past several decades.

Protesters stand outside the Oregon State Capitol building Saturday, Nov 7, 2020, in Salem, Ore. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

GOP pushback

Lawmakers dont agree about the magnitude of domestic terrorism threats in the United States. Shortly after a white supremacist killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo, N.Y., supermarket in 2022, Senate Republicans voted down a bill that wouldve ordered DHS, the FBI and the Department of Justice to set up offices inside their agencies focused specifically on the issue. The offices wouldve been tasked with issuing a report every six months about threats by white supremacists and neo-Nazis, including any instances of these ideologies infiltrating law enforcement agencies and the military. Republicans argued that the measure unfairly maligned police and service members.

The issue of extremism in the military has been fiercely fought on Capitol Hill and is shaping up to be a point of contention during the 2024 presidential race. In July, the House passed the annual defense authorization bill, which contained measures authored by Republicans that took a hard-right tack on numerous hot-button, culture-war issues, including one to eliminate a working group established to counter extremism in the ranks. Both chambers approved their versions of the defense policy bill this summer, and a conference committee is expected to convene to reconcile the differences.

Some Republicans have voiced outrage that focusing on extremism in the armed forces serves only to tarnish the militarys reputation  a belief shared by Spoehr, who leads the Heritage Foundations Center for National Defense and is a retired Army lieutenant general. Spoehr pointed to a recent survey by Rand Corporation that found no evidence that veterans harbor more extreme beliefs than the rest of the American public. Though the surveys authors have acknowledged its constraints  including that results were limited by how many people were willing to be honest in answering the questionnaire about their extremist stances  the findings have been upheld by Republicans as justification to end the Pentagons extremism prevention efforts.

Spoehr also noted a Pentagon finding that only about 100 service members had participated in prohibited extremist activity in 2021, a small fraction of the overall force.

I think there has been too much concern, too many resources and too much time spent on this given what we have found out about the incidents of extremism in the military, Spoehr said.

Spoehr also contends that when extremism prevention training does happen, the Pentagon should place some emphasis on far-left ideologies, such as the anti-fascist movement Antifa. In anti-extremism training materials made public by the Defense Department in 2021, the agency highlights white supremacist, neo-Nazi and anti-government sentiments as examples of extremist ideologies but doesnt cite any radical left ideologies by name.

OConnor argued that the government doesnt go after one ideology over another, but rather focuses its attention on the sources of violence.

The FBI doesnt look at ideologies. Its not, Hey, lets look at Antifa, or lets look at the Proud Boys, because its not illegal to be a follower of any of those groups, OConnor said. Its the violence  the violence dictates where the investigation goes. If theres no violence or no criminal activity, theres no investigation. And it doesnt take a rocket scientist to see that the violence over the last four years has been the most serious from the right-wing.

Theres one factor the far right has now that the far left lacks  a lot of people with large followings who are fueling the fires for potential violence, OConnor said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican and Navy veteran, has used violent imagery so far in his 2024 presidential campaign. DeSantis said earlier this month that if elected, hed start slitting throats of federal workers who he deemed part of the deep state, which he alleges is a group of government workers trying to prevent the implementation of right-wing initiatives.

Yates, who joined Human Rights First last year after researching extremism in the military at START, agreed that far-right ideologies are being espoused by public figures more often than far-left ideas.

The far right is more integrated into political institutions, Yates said. There was an attempted coup on our democracy, and there have been various anti-democratic appeals and continuing disinformation campaigns coming from the far right. If we arent acknowledging that and challenging it, then were putting our democracy at risk.

This story was produced in partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism. Please send tips to MVJ-Tips@militarytimes.com.
I live on Hoover Boulevard in Holland. It's a tiny two-street neighborhood surrounded by retail, offices and main roads. And, like many aging residential areas, old-growth woods, and once-open fields, its subject to the relentless encroachment of development. Most recently, a proposed Culver's off 16th, west of US-31  the second location in town.

I moved to Holland 15 years ago. I was attracted by the preserved historic architecture, the abundant beaches and trails and the palatable charm of art and culture richly on display. It wasnt just another conveyor belt of chains and commodities. Never once did I think: "This place is beautiful. But ya know what it REALLY needs? More redundant fast-food joints! And car washes!"

With current census data showing our county as the fastest-growing in Michigan; record-breaking attendance at our annual flower-gawking festival; and the ambitious updated City Master Plan, there's plenty of buzz about land use and development. Protecting natural and historical aesthetics doesnt seem just a nicety. It seems a necessity to future success.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

There's room to grow in Holland, but we also need room to breathe. Like negative space in a painting. Thoughtful community planning should include fostering a place that's worth moving to, worth visiting and worth staying. Decisions should support what residents and visitors actually need and want, not just a quick buck.

I expect that lot in my neighborhood will be developed. I expect the irreplaceable large trees will eventually get the ax, destroying our sound and visual barrier to the highway. I also expect glare from parking lot lights will shine garishly into our yards and windows. More cars will clog the already dangerous intersection by Menards. And the homes will fall like dominoes, each parcel will decay, then be flipped for yet another short-term gain.

I found out about this Culver's proposal several steps into its rezoning approval process. I'm more than 300 feet from the parcel, so received no official notice. Only by talking to neighbors further down the street did I realize our little nook may soon drastically change  and the importance of keeping tabs on zoning board meetings. I felt compelled to at least write this piece, this plea.

Development isn't bad. But development for the sake of development, lacking respect and love for neighbors, isn't good. I ask my community and its decision-makers: What is Holland?

Yet another suburban sprawl that values bloat over beauty? Convenience over charm? Pavement over preservation? Fast food over families?

Raechel Haller

Holland

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Letter to the Editor: Short-term development outweighs long-term wisdom
Civil rights

If youve switched on your TV or checked the news on the internet lately, youve likely noticed the deluge of media coverage regarding LGBTQ+ rights and restrictions from all sides. And youve probably heard it called a culture war. What the LGBTQ+ community and their allies are engaged in is not a culture war, but rather a struggle for civil rights.

Did Elizabeth Cady Stanton wage a culture war when she penned the Declaration of Sentiments in 1848? Was John Lewis embroiled in a culture war when he led the first march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965? Did Marsha P. Johnson consider herself a culture warrior while resisting oppressors during the Stonewall Uprising of 1969?

No. Each of these individuals fought for their fundamental human rights as Americans. Similarly, LGBTQ+ activists today are advocating for their rights with the same motivation. In hindsight, future generations might commend these leaders and recognize the importance of their cause. But we cant afford to wait decades. We must stand together now and acknowledge that this is not a culture war, but an essential fight for civil rights.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Adam Moore, Lexington

COLA increases

In his letter recently, Mr. Fugate asked why there has been no mention of a COLA for state retirees. The blame for that is squarely on the shoulders of our legislators who passed a law saying no COLA until the system is fully funded, and then declined to fully fund it.

On the next page of the same paper, Andrew McNeills column congratulates Republican legislators for pinching pennies and leaving a $3.7 billion budget surplus. Republicans would like to eliminate that surplus rather than helping loyal state retirees on fixed incomes.

Van Knowles, Lexington

Loyalty oath

Its not surprising that Trump wont sign the loyalty oath for the GOP. He has proven that he is only loyal to himself and insists that loyalty be to him only - not the GOP, not the USA, not to God. After all, he thinks the debates are try-outs for his show The Apprentice. He seems to think that running our country is a game show.

We deserve Congressmembers, and all elected officials who represent us, to be loyal to the U.S.A. and to its people. Asking that anyone be loyal to any organization, no matter the quality or intentions of its members, is just plain wrong. Swearing loyalty to an individual is reserved for monarchies, dictatorships, etc.

No one should be swearing loyalty to someone who wants to be the greatest dictator of all time - or any of their minions.

Glenna Brouse, Lexington

Violent rhetoric

Even before the first Presidential Primary vote of 2024 is cast, two contenders  former President Donald J. Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  are pledging vows of hate-filled revenge, lawlessness and cruelty.

Trump threatens, IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU! Trumps Jan. 6 boys are doing jail time so fresh troops are questionable.

Ron DeSantis threatens, We are going to start slitting throats on Day One.

If anyone except these two presidential candidates made such murderous threats to the public, the police would be at their door.

Never question the GOPs two-tier justice. It might be helpful having an actuary do a mortality time table for voters: Trump mobsters and cement shoes, or DeSantis the throat slasher in the White House. The Constitution, the Rule of Law, Democracy and America, The Beautiful could become history.

Judy Rembacki, Georgetown

Economic disparity

The GOP is working on hampering the economy through every means possible. I assume the intent is to keep the middle class in check and prevent them from have any chance at running for office.

The GOP has been fighting infrastructure measures and any program that would actually facilitate a broader, freer and fairer market for the American people. They need to keep Americans struggling, whether it is with student loan debt, health care debt, or credit card debt. As long as Americans are struggling under debt, the GOP can scapegoat President Joe Biden and the Democratic Party so that the donor class of which they attempt to monopolize can keep them in power.

We can count on the GOP to do its level best to keep the American middle class the American Struggling class because any actual prosperity will work against them in maintaining power. As usual, the GOP is an arsonist blaming the Democrat first responders with attempting to put out the blaze while they stand on the hoses and heckle from a safe distance about how others are doing it all wrong, even as the flames they caused are fought back.

Robert Moreland, Lexington

Covid Notice

The federal government had the responsibility of leading the nations COVID-19 response. Federal healthcare agencies provided available scientific guidance, recommended mitigation activities and policies. The response was through state Governors offices and state healthcare infrastructure agencies.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear executed multiple emergency executive COVID mitigation actions during this period. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron initiated legal actions, joined other such actions and asked state judges to block these actions. The Kentucky Supreme Court unanimously upheld the constitutionality of Beshears actions.

Americans were asked to comply with mitigation efforts as the pandemic progressed. They became controversial. This resulted from former President Donald Trumps administrations inability to respond and manage COVID. Camerons campaign is criticizing the temporary closing of churches. A known fact was any assembly of people likely could spread the virus and possible death.

Trump misled the country about the severity of COVID. How many Americans listened to him and died? Beshear did all he could to save lives. Eighteen thousand Kentuckians and more than one million Americans have died.

History will record our federal governments response as the greatest lack of leadership, governance and moral failure in American history where politics counted more than lives.

Danny Shearer, Lexington

Sweet commentary

US Sugar Protectionism could sour Halloween, Christmas by George Will was not, as I first thought, a tongue-in-cheek article but apparently a serious attempt to address government subsidies to industries with powerful lobbies. Certainly Mr. Will is aware of the obesity crisis? How about diabetes? Research on the link between sugar and heart disease? Can he seriously think that the nations sweet tooth is one of our fundamental values that should be protected because it has economic repercussions? Any industry has economic repercussions. He would be better off to address the destructive orgy of excess consumerism called Christmas that has lost its religious roots entirely and fills up the landfills every January and February.

If he thought he was pulling at the heart strings of obese readers perhaps he succeeded. If that is his idea of journalism I cant take his alleged economic analysis seriously.

Sally Wasielewski, Lexington

Eli Jr., 3, shops with his mother Candy Segovia at El Alazan Western Wear in Cardinal Valley off Alexandria Drive in Lexington.

Cardinal Valley coverage

Thanks for that great story recently in the Lexington Herald-Leader regarding the Cardinal Valley community. As a long-time resident of Lexington Ive seen the city grow from 70,000 to now over 300,000 and the tremendous influx of many different people and cultures.

Sadly, as the city has grown, the sense of community has also diminished. I grew up in Dixie Subdivision. We knew every neighbor and, as a kid in the 1960s, bonded with neighborhood kids. Some of those early relationships still exist today. But, as the city grew, transience as a result of job and house changes adversely affected the sense of community. Neighbors became strangers, friendly but distant. And, unfortunately, Cardinal Valley became viewed as a dangerous place; a place to avoid. That just adds to our preconceived notions and the politically inspired fear factor. The worst part of fear is our fear to accept, understand and embrace others. Your great article puts a human picture of what community should be. I know the area has its downsides, but your stories prove it also has a vibrant upside.

Joseph Fast, Lexington

Attacking cartels

Following 9/11 America went after terrorists with a purpose. And were still at it. We lost 3,000 innocent people on that beautiful September morning. Those responsible are still paying a just price.

Every year we lose over 70,000 Americans to fentanyl overdoses, and over 100,000 to all opiates combined. Yet we have done little to retaliate against the people who killed them. Why do we look at radical Islamic killers differently than Mexican cartel drug distributor killers?

We kill the thugs in the Middle East mostly with unmanned drones with little regard to which country they may be located. Yet we wont do the same with cartels. Why not? We know where they live and where their labs and warehouses are located.

Why should we give a hoot about the Mexican government objecting if we send in twenty or so drones into their country to kill terrorists and destroy their labs and inventory? Could it be that cartel cash is finding its way to Washington D. C. ?

Are American politicians willing to risk the lives of another 100,000 young Americans who will be murdered by Mexican cartels this year? America has the power to greatly reduce that nightmare.

Wayne Burns, Lexington

Compiled by Liz Carey
Previous forecasts of Ukrainian military intelligence regarding the liberation of Crimea from Russian occupation were too rosy, but Ukraine is moving towards this goal, Kyrylo Budanov , the Head of the Ukrainian militarys Main Intelligence Directorate or HUR, said on Aug. 24.

Yes, were not on schedule, Budanov said in interview with RFE/RLs Krym-Realii media project.

Read also: Ukrainian intelligence behind surrender of Russian Mi-8 helicopter  Budanov

Yes, unfortunately, we must admit that events are developing slower than they should be according to all calculations. But we have what we have... If you look at Crimea and the level of hostilities taking place on the territory of the peninsula, youll understand that there is nothing to compare with 2022, and Im not talking about the period from 2014 to 2022. That is, were moving towards the goal. Yes, slower than we wanted, slower than expected, but were moving.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Reports of fighting, explosions in occupied Crimea as Ukrainian special forces raid Russians

Forecasts are based on facts, figures, course of events, economic indicators, etc., Budanov said.

However, there is a reality on the battlefield that turned out to be less intense, he added.

In an interview with U.S. newspaperthe Washington Post in late January, Budanov said that we must do everything to ensure that Crimea returns home by summer.

Later in April, in an interview with NV, the intelligence chief said that everything is going according to schedule and the Armed Forces of Ukraine would Crimea by the end of spring 2023.

Read also: Ukraine develops economic recovery plan for Crimea, says PM Shmyhal

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Lithuanian Defense Ministry announced on Aug. 24 another military aid package for Kyiv worth 41 million euros (around $44 million), marking Ukraine's Independence Day.

The package includes ammunition for Carl Gustaf hand grenade launchers, rifles, maritime surveillance radar sets, 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, generators, anti-drone systems, and other equipment.

Ukraine will also receive launchers for the Norwegian Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), according to the report.

"Lithuania's contribution to the fight for Ukraine's freedom already amounts to millions of rounds of ammunition and thousands of weapons, and the return received is valuable lessons learned and Lithuanian defense strengthened," the defense ministry wrote.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Lithuania continues its uninterrupted support to Ukraine, which is celebrating the 32nd anniversary of its independence today."

Vilnius has supplied Ukraine with more than half a billion euros in military support since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said.

Read also: Zelensky: Portugal to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
While it's not confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead, or why, or how, it's not hard to figure out.

Prigozhin publicly challenged Vladimir Putin and, not long after, his plane fell from the sky.

It matches a series of prior incidents which observers say are blatant by design.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Russian warlord, has not yet been confirmed dead. Exactly what took place on his plane on August 23 remains unclear.

But everybody understands what happened.

President Vladimir Putin, of course, hasn't said a thing. He was at a state function with an almost comically villainous background, celebrating Russia's armed forces.

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony marking the WWII Battle of Kursk in Kursk, Russia, on Wednesday. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Around same time, Prigozhin's jet plunged abruptly from the skies not far from Moscow, ending up a flaming wreck. It was two months since his aborted mutiny against Putin's government.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The BBC's respected security correspondent Franker Gardner noted Thursday: "Vladimir Putin does not forgive traitors nor those who challenge him."

As assassinations go, blasting your most prominent opponent out of the sky is not exactly subtle. And that, almost certainly, is the point.

A photo released by Russian authorities of the crash site near Moscow on Wednesday. Prigozhin was named on the plane's passenger list. Investigative Committee of Russia/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Prigozhin's presumed death seems to be the latest in a series of high-profile hits where the Kremlin seems to have barely bothered to disguise its work.

An obvious example is the attempt on the life of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian agent who defected to the UK.

According to UK officials, Russian agents smeared a rare nerve agent  Novichok  on Skripal's door, resulting in a severe poisoning which he miraculously survived.

Novichok is a poison developed in the Soviet Union which only Russian labs would have access to.

As the expert Russia-watcher Luke Harding wrote at the time, the choice of weapon was "a gruesome calling card" that pointed straight to Moscow.

The Russian authorities answered Britain's accusation with a clown show: the two suspects appeared on Russian TV asserting they were innocent men who were just in town to see the cathedral. Nobody believed it.

Alexander Petrov and Ruslan Boshirov told RT's editor-in-chief they had nothing to do with the Skripals' poisoning in September 2018. RT News

It was not hard to discern a message from the Kremlin: We did this, we know you know, and we don't care.

An older example is that of the defector Alexander Litvinenko in 2006, who was also killed in Britain with a hallmark poison, the radioactive substance polonium-210.

Britain (eventually) identified Russia as the culprit and demanded a trial of the accused killers, which also went nowhere.

Other attacks strongly linked to Russia have proliferated: the daylight murder of a rebel fighter in Berlin, the poisoning of opposition politician Alexey Navalny, and the death of Boris Nemtsov before him.

The impunity is the point. And the warning: if you cross Putin, do not expect to survive.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Among the many takeaways from Area Stage Companys enchanting immersive production of Disneys The Little Mermaid are these two points: You can tell a familiar story in wonderful new ways, and you dont need a drop of real water to create an undersea world.

Playing at the Adrienne Arsht Centers Carnival Studio Theater through Sunday  and the brevity of that run is truly a shame  the production devised by newly named artistic director Giancarlo Rodaz and executed with help from his many collaborators is every bit as enthralling as the Carbonell Award-winning Beauty and the Beast the company presented a year ago.

As with that earlier show, just walking into the transformed space is a jaw-dropping experience.

Aaron Hagos as Sebastian chats with theatergoers at Area Stage Companys The Little Mermaid at the Arsht Center.

Frank Oliva, who got his start with Area Stage and is now designing for theaters all over the country (Broadway included), has outdone himself. A central grotto, a ship for the shows restless prince, a crows nest, a special spot for the delicious villain of the piece are among Olivas handiwork.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An upside-down rowboat holds some of Joe Naftals place-shifting lighting instruments, which bathe undersea scenes in blues and greens, then turn sunny or stormy for events in the human world.

Actors in dozens of lavish costumes by Maria Banda-Rodaz and Sofia Ortega dot the space, singing, playing instruments, handing out map-like programs and showing the all-age theatergoers to seats and benches that dot the room.

Star-crossed tale of mermaid and prince

Then the storytelling, familiar yet fresh, begins.

Based on the smash hit 1989 animated Disney movie (which was inspired by a far darker Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale), this 2007 Broadway version of The Little Mermaid has a score by Oscar and Tony Award winner Alan Menken, lyrics by Oscar winner Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and a book by Pulitzer Prize winner Doug Wright.

Katie Duerr and Annette Rodriguez (hidden) operate the seagull puppet Scuttle in Area Stages The Little Mermaid at the Arsht Center.

Its a star-crossed tale of a red-haired mermaid named Ariel (Josslyn Shaw), daughter of the stern King Triton (Frank Montoto), and a dashing seafaring prince named Eric (Henry Thrasher), who has no interest in ascending to his fathers throne.

The two meet when she saves him after hes tossed overboard during a storm. Though the prospect of a life together seems very dim indeed, Ariels scheming sorceress aunt Ursula (Jonathan Chisolm) coaxes her into signing a clause-filled contract almost as long as one of the ropes surrounding the set. Ariel trades her beautiful voice for a set of legs, but unless she can get Prince Eric to kiss her within three days, its back to the depths to live out her life as Ursulas slave.

Thats the plot in a nutshell. Or maybe a conch shell. The Little Mermaid follows the classic Disney formula  imperiled beauty and a prince fall for each other, true loves path is blocked by a villain, then the enemy is vanquished in time for a wedding  but the specifics of each story are what captivate audiences for generations.

Josslyn Shaws Ariel and Henry Thrashers Prince Eric circle the set as Aaron Hagoss Sebastian urges him to Kiss the Girl.

Buzz about Area Stages new artistic director

Rodaz utilizes a combination of young and more seasoned talent, veterans of Area Stages conservatory program, and several frequent collaborators in his immersive take on The Little Mermaid. The productions style is more reminiscent of the directors deservedly lauded 2021 take on Annie, a show that kicked the buzz about Rodazs talent into high gear.

The emphasis this time is largely on playful fun well, maybe not so much with Chisolms stunning, conniving Ursula. But as an audience member, you never know when a cast member will leap onto your table to sing.

Or if youre in the priciest VIP seats, the ones surrounding the grotto, youll get an up-close view of the dancers thundering feet as they perform choreographer Irma Beckers work, an exuberant tap number to Positoovity.

Youll hear the crab court composer Sebastian (Aaron Hagos) crooning a dreamy Kiss the Girl while Ariel and Prince Eric circle the grotto in a boat pushed by their castmates. Will the prince finally go for it and plant true loves kiss on the adoring Ariel? Whether or not you know the answer, the moment is full of tender hope.

Menkens score for the animated Little Mermaid won the Oscar, and under the music direction of Michael Day and Rick Kaydas, the large cast impressively delivers the stage version of these oh-so-familiar songs  not a simple task when actors are placed in multiple spots within the space. Kudos to sound designer Eric Green, who also invisibly whips up a storm and supplies the whoosh of ocean waves, and to Day, who plays piano and leads the small hidden orchestra.

Jonathan Chisolms fabulous Ursula cooks up evil plots under the sea in Area Stage Companys The Little Mermaid.

Stars Shaw and Thrasher check all the boxes for Disney musical leads. Theyre attractive young talents with fine voices and enthusiasm to burn. Shaw artfully conveys Ariels adventurous longing as she sings Part of Your World and joins in the wistful quartet If Only with Prince Eric, Sebastian and King Triton. Though Thrashers voice gets a tad thin at the top of his register, he sings Her Voice with passion and embodies the conflicting emotions of the handsome prince.

A cleverly conceived villain played by the right actor can walk away with many a musical (or in this case, swim away with it), and Chisolm (who uses the pronouns they/them) does exactly that with Ursula. Sporting a shock of white hair and a gorgeous purple gown, Chisolm demonstrates that theyll take no prisoners (Ariel excepted) as they belt I Want the Good Times Back with their chortling henchmen Flotsam (Tico Chiriboga) and Jetsam (Luke Surretsky). Chisholm is sensational.

Likewise, Montotos King Triton is a commanding presence with a powerful voice. The actor is a veteran of many an Area Stage production and is among the companys strongest performing assets. When Ursula and King Triton face off near the end of the show, the explosive confrontation is enough to whip up a tsunami.

Hagos exudes frustration, playfulness and compassion as Sebastian, and though his Jamaican accent could be a bit stronger, he makes the Oscar-winning Under the Sea the special experience it should be.

Frank Montoto is a stern King Triton in Area Stage Companys production of The Little Mermaid at the Arsht Center.

Hallie Walker as Ariels sidekick Flounder, John Luis as Prince Erics servant and friend Grimsby, Annette Rodriguez and Katie Duerr operating the opinionated seagull puppet Scuttle (designed by Erik Sanko), Nelson Rodriguez as the pilot of the princes ship and other performers who take on multiple roles (Brette Raia Curah, Karina Fernandez, Isis Palma, Carlos Bravo, Isabella Arza, Caila Katz, Michelle Gordon, Ava Bean) make the audience feel as though the world of The Little Mermaid is populated by multitudes.

Movement directors Luciano Cortes and Lauren Gaspard make a critical contribution to the underwater scenes, more significant in this production since costume creators Banda-Rodaz and Ortega opted not to go with mermaid tails. When theyre under the sea, the actors undulate, sometimes gently holding their forearms out as if theyre being moved by currents. The illusion of bodies in water is yet another example of Rodazs attention to detail.

Go to Area Stages lively The Little Mermaid and youll experience a world full of glitter, bubbles and a whole lot of talent. Not the least of which is the achievement of Rodaz, whose imagination and love of immersive theater very much justify the buzz about his work.

WHAT: Disneys The Little Mermaid

WHERE: Area Stage Company production in the Carnival Studio Theater at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, through Aug. 27

COST: $110 VIP (with immersive seating), $83.50 general admission, $52 students 3-22 (must show student ID), $31 lap seating (day of show only at box office)

INFORMATION: 305-949-6722 or www.arshtcenter.org
 Flash

Rudy Giuliani, a personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, turned himself in on Wednesday to authorities in Atlanta, southeastern U.S. state of Georgia, for the Georgia election interference case against Trump and 18 others.

Giuliani arrived in Atlanta on Wednesday to surrender at a jail, where the defendants were being booked, U.S. media outlets reported.

He was among several defendants in the case who have already turned themselves in, and his bond was set at 150,000 U.S. dollars.

Giuliani, a former mayor of New York City and a former federal prosecutor, was indicted last week along with Trump and 17 others. He was charged with 13 crimes, including breaking the state's racketeering act, engaging in various criminal conspiracies, and making numerous false statements about election fraud.

Trump was set to surrender on Thursday, to face his fourth criminal indictment this year.
ATLANTA  Donald Trump was arrested Thursday evening at Georgias Fulton County Jail on charges he tried to steal the 2020 election, the fourth criminal case he faces while campaigning for president next year.

Trump is one of 19 defendants in the indictment that alleges racketeering by a criminal organization that tried to overturn the election results. Local authorities said Trump would be treated like any other defendant.

But the processing  with authorities collecting fingerprints and a photograph  contrasts to his three other cases, in New York, Florida and Washington, D.C., where he was processed at a courthouse during the same trip when he entered a formal plea to charges. His photograph wasnt required at previous bookings because he is well known.

Trump spent about 20 minutes at the jail before heading back to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for his flight back to Bedminster, New Jersey.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump's Georgia arraignment is expected the week of Sept. 5.

Donald Trump arrest photo

In this handout provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, former U.S. President Donald Trump poses for his booking photo at the Fulton County Jail on August 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. Trump was booked on 13 charges related to an alleged plan to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia. Trump and 18 others facing felony charges have been ordered to turn themselves in to the Fulton County Jail by August 25.

Trump's booking photo, provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, shows the former president in a blue suit and red tie.

 USA TODAY Staff

Did they arrest Trump?

Yes, Donald Trump was arrested at the Fulton County Jail after he arrived at the facility at approximately 7:30 p.m.

All defendants are technically arrested in such cases, even if they voluntarily surrender, in a process known as booking.

The former president was also arrested earlier this month on federal charges that he tried to steal the 2020 election. Trump pleaded not guilty to the sweeping allegations.

 Josh Meyer, Marina Pitofsky

President Donald Trump gives a thumbs up as he departs after surrendering to Atlanta authorities at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Aug. 24, 2023. A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia indicted former president Donald Trump and 18 other defendants with 41 charges related to tampering with the 2020 election.

Trump departs Fulton County Jail, heads to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Donald Trump was processed at the Fulton County jail, where authorities collected his fingerprints and a photograph. He was moved through the process much faster than some of his co-defendants, only spending about 20 minutes at the jail.

Trump was set to immediately fly back to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey

 Bart Jansen, Marina Pitofsky

Trump's supporters and critics flock to Fulton County jail

Americans who love and loathe Donald Trump waited for hours outside the Fulton County jail before his surrender Thursday.

Supporters appeared to slightly outnumber detractors, but all carried signs or wore creative outfits applauding or mocking the former president.

Many argued with each other about the 91 criminal counts the president faces in the blaring Georgia heat, but largely without incident as sheriff's deputies de-escalated many of the tense shouting matches.

Meanwhile, high-profile officials from Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene to former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms spoke.

 Phillip M. Bailey

Why is Trump being arrested in Georgia?

Donald Trump has been charged twice this year over allegations he tried to steal the 2020 election from President Joe Biden  once at the federal level, and once in Georgia.

A federal grand jury indicted Trump earlier this month for over a slate of election allegations, including actions that led to the insurrection of Jan. 6, 2021. Last week, a grand jury in Georgia indicted Trump and 18 of his allies for actions they specifically took in the state.

 USA TODAY Staff

Trump attorney Steven Sadow represented rapper Gunna in RICO case

Donald Trump's attorney, Steven Sadow, has previously represented rapper Gunna in a separate Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations, or RICO, Act case, CNN reported.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis charged Donald Trump under the state's RICO Act, a law that is historically used to take down drug operations and gangs.

It allows a prosecutor to combine multiple suspected crimes into one charge: racketeering.

 Marina Pitofsky, Joey Garrison and Phillip M. Bailey

Trump 757, Trump Force One: What kind of plane does Trump have?

The former president used a private jet, owned by the Trump Organization, to arrive in Washington.

Dubbed Trump Force One by the man himself, the massive Boeing 757 cost $100 million, according to reports.

It also received a facelift amid the indictments to include a new paint job with his name in gold at the front of the aircraft.

 Phillip M. Bailey

What is racketeering?

The federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act originated in 1970 to fight organized crime by allowing prosecutors to target people at the top of criminal organizations.

States then passed their own RICO laws so prosecutors could charge multiple people involved in a conspiracy together if they were working toward a common goal.

Georgias RICO law, adopted in 1980, makes it a crime to participate in, acquire or maintain control of an enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity or to conspire to do so. The alleged scheme does not have to have been successful for a RICO charge to be proven.

 Ryan Randazzo

Where is Fulton County?

Fulton County is located in northwest Georgia. It's home to 15 cities, including Atlanta, the state's capitol.

Trump and his allies are turning themselves in at the Fulton County Jail, which is located about 4 miles north of downtown Atlanta.

 Marina Pitofsky

Marjorie Taylor Greene shows up outside jail to defend Trump

As hundreds of supporters and detractors awaited Donald Trump's surrender in Georgia, one of his fiercest defenders addressed the crowd outside the Fulton County Jail.

Rep. Majorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia, accused Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of "abusing her power" and said House Republicans will launch an investigation through the Judiciary Committee.

Greene, escorted by security, was surrounded by a swarm of reporters and protesters. During an impromptu press conference, Greene said she spoke to Trump on Thursday ahead of his booking. She defended his actions during the 2020 election, including his phone call to the Georgia secretary of state asking to "find" more vote.

"Why should he even be in court. Why?" she said.

 Phillip M. Bailey

How long will Trump be arrested for?

In a typical booking process, a defendant has their fingerprints and mugshot taken, according to Chris Timmons, a trial attorney at the Knowles Gallant Timmons law firm.

If the defendant is being taken into custody, they would be put in a holding cell, Timmons said. But defendants can have legal agreements that get them out of custody without having to post bail.

In this particular case, I don't expect anyone going into custody, Timmons previously USA TODAY.

The time a booking takes depends on the person, Timmons added. Taking fingerprints takes about three minutes, and getting a mug shot taken takes a minute and a half to two minutes.

I would assume if the former president of the United States (is) coming to the jail that they're going to be efficient  ready to go," Timmons said.

 Sudiksha Kochi

What does indictment mean?

An indictment is a formal document that contains allegations that someone committed a crime. It includes the charges laid out against a person and is filed before a case can move forward in court, David Weinstein, a former federal and state prosecutor, previously told USA TODAY.

Weinstein said that an indictment means a grand jury decided that theres more likely than not enough evidence  based on testimony  to move forward with charging a person. At least twelve jurors must be in agreement that a defendant allegedly committed a crime to issue an indictment.

After a person is indicted, they must go to trial where a jury will reach a unanimous decision on whether to pursue conviction.

 USA TODAY staff

Who is Fani Willis? Meet the Fulton County prosecutor

Fani Willis is the district attorney in Fulton County, Georgia.

Willis began investigating Donald Trump after he called Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger in January 2021 to plead with him to find the votes he needed to win the state in the 2020 election.

Trump tried to call him more than a dozen times, and the official avoided taking the calls, according to an investigation by the House of Representatives.

 Marina Pitofsky

Who is Trevian Kutti?

Trevian Kutti was a publicist for R. Kelly and Kanye West, and was involved in the alleged intimidation of election workers.

Officials allege Kutti presented herself as someone who could assist Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman, but then she pressured the woman to falsely confess to allegations of election fraud.

 Sudiksha Kochi and David Jackson

Is Trump the first president to be arrested?

Donald Trump became the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges when he was indicted earlier this year in New York in March.

He was indicted on state, not federal, charges tied to hush money payments made amid the 2016 presidential campaign.

 Marina Pitofsky

Donald Trump replaces lawyer Drew Findling with Steven Sadow

Just hours before Donald Trump was set to surrender to Georgia officials, he replaced one of his attorneys, Drew Findling, with Steven Sadow, according to multiple reports.

I have been retained to represent President Trump in the Fulton County, Georgia case, Sadow said in a statement, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.The president should never have been indicted."

 Marina Pitofsky

What is a RICO charge?

The most notable charge against Trump is racketeering. Georgia prosecutors allege Trump orchestrated a series of crimes with a common objective in mind  remaining in power despite his loss in the 2020 election.

The Georgia case is centered on the states RICO statute, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. The law was originally intended to combat organized crime, specifically aimed at prosecuting mafia bosses. Though the mafia is largely non-existent today, RICO laws are still used to battle other forms of criminal enterprise.

RICO laws allow prosecutors to connect multiple crimes among multiple defendants for them to tell a clear story. The charges detail what prosecutors allege is a clear conspiracy to overturn Trumps loss in the state, with the former president as the mastermind behind the crime.

 Ken Tran

Why is Donald Trump being arrested?

Trump faces 13 charges for alleged racketeering, soliciting state officials to violate their oaths of office, making false statements, filing false statements and conspiracy dealing with fake electors in the state.

The indictment from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis details a series of episodes where Trump urged state officials to change presidential electors, where his lawyers made false claims about election fraud to state lawmakers and where he asked Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to alter the election results.

 Bart Jansen

Donald Trump raises presidential campaign funds off surrender, arrest

Donald Trump wielded his Georgia arrest Thursday as a fundraising tool for his presidential campaign, as he has after previous indictments.

In a message to supporters, Trump called the unjust arrest a staged and televised spectacle that he called a shakedown.

Trump argued that all four indictments against him  including two from the Justice Department and one in New York  were designed to strike fear into Americans and intimidate his supporters.

 Bart Jansen

Donald Trump to surrender at Fulton County jail criticized for poor conditions

Trump and other defendants in the case are being booked at Fulton County jail, which is known for its poor conditions and management.

The Justice Department is investigating the jail's living conditions, medical care and use of excessive force.

"The jail is a public health nightmare," Terrica Ganzy, executive director of the Southern Center Human Rights, said in a statement.

LaShawn Thompson, 35, was found dead in his cell at the Fulton County Jail last year. An independent autopsy report found that the cause of Thompsons death was complications due to severe neglect.

 Sudiksha Kochi

When will Trump surrender in Georgia He answered on Truth Social.

Donald Trump said he will be arrested at 7:30 p.m. EST in a post on Truth Social, his social media platform.

I have to start getting ARRESTED by a Radical Left, Lowlife, District Attorney, Trump said in the post before he departed New York for Georgia, attacking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

 Ken Tran

Former President Donald Trump's aircraft departs Newark (NJ) Liberty International Airport Thursday afternoon, August 24, 2023. He is flying to Atlanta to be booked on racketeering and conspiracy charges. Port Newark can be seen in the background. (Via OlyDrop)

Trump raises presidential campaign funds off surrender, arrest

Donald Trump wielded his Georgia arrest Thursday as a fundraising tool for his presidential campaign, as he has after previous indictments.

In a message to supporters, Trump called the unjust arrest a staged and televised spectacle that he called a shakedown.

Trump argued that all four indictments against him  including two from the Justice Department and one in New York  were designed to strike fear into Americans and intimidate his supporters.

 Bart Jansen

Ex-Trump lawyer Jenna Ellis surrenders in Georgia

Jenna Ellis, who served as a lawyer for Donald Trump's campaign, allegedly appeared before different state legislators with Rudy Giuliani to present false claims of election fraud.

Ellis faces two charges: violation of the RICO Act and solicitation of violation of oath by a public officer. She agreed to a $100,000 bond.

Trump ally Kenneth Chesebro seeks speedy trial

One of Donald Trumps co-defendants, Kenneth Chesebro, asked for a speedy trial on Georgia racketeering charges before the next election. Fulton County Attorney Fani Willis offered to start the trial two months after the indictment, on Oct. 23.

Trump has proposed to delay his other pending criminal trials until after the 2024 presidential election. Willis had proposed to start her trial March 4, although Trump and the judge havent responded yet.

Chesebro is a lawyer who allegedly developed the strategy to have Vice President Mike Pence reject the states presidential electors when Congress counted them Jan. 6, 2021. In addition to racketeering, Chesebro is charged with six conspiracy counts related to recruiting fake electors to support Trump in the state President Joe Biden won.

Chesebros lawyers, Scott Grubman and Manubir Arora, said a speedy trial should start the first Monday of January, March, May, July, September or November.

Willis offered to start even faster, in the next term after the current grand jury term, on Oct. 23.

 Bart Jansen

Why wasn't Donald Trump at the Republican debate?

Donald Trump didn't skip the first Republican debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday over his booking in Georgia or any of the other charges against him.

Instead, the former president long said he didn't want to give his Republican rivals trailing him in the polls a chance to take shots at him on a national stage.

Trump has also threatened to skip the next Republican debate in September.

 Marina Pitofsky

Ex-Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows surrenders

ormer White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows surrendered at Georgias Fulton County Jail on Thursday to be booked on charges for allegedly conspiring to overturn the 2020 election in the state, according to reports.

Meadows was charged with allegedly soliciting Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to violate his oath of office by participating in a call on Jan. 2, 2021 - just days before the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack - in which Trump asked to find enough votes to win the state.

He was also charged with violating Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which is a type of measure that typically targets people engaged in organized crime.

 Sudiksha Kochi

Who is Harrison Floyd?

Harrison Floyd served as the leader for the organization Black Voices for Trump.

The indictment states Floyd and other individuals unlawfully conspired to solicit, request, and importune Ruby Freeman, a Fulton County election worker, to engage in conduct that constitutes the felony offense of false statements and writings.

Floyd faces three charges: violation of the RICO Act, conspiracy to commit solicitation of false statements and writings and influencing witnesses.

 Sudiksha Kochi and David Jackson

Will Donald Trump be released in Georgia?

Donald Trump's lawyers reached an agreement Monday for him to be released pending trial after posting 10% of a $200,000 bond.

Conditions of his release include not threatening or intimidating witnesses, including on social media, or communicating with co-defendants except through their lawyers.

 Bart Jansen, Phillip M. Bailey and Josh Meyer

Will there be a Donald Trump booking photo?

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat has indicated publicly that Trump would be treated differently in Atlanta than he has during his past three arraignments  but just the same as any other criminal defendant being processed into the county criminal justice system.

It doesnt matter your status, he said at a press briefing. We have a mug shot ready for you.

Unless someone tells me differently, he added, we are following our normal practices.

 Josh Meyer

What did Donald Trump do to get arrested?

A Georgia grand jury indicted former President Donald Trump and his allies earlier this month on charges of conspiracy to try to steal Georgia's electoral votes from President Joe Biden after the 2020 election.

The indictment, bringing 41 charges against 19 defendants, accuses Trump and other co-conspirators of a coordinated plan to have state officials discard Biden's victory and award the state to Trump.

The case revolves mostly around the state's RICO statute, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which penalizes activities of individuals engaging in organized crime.

 USA TODAY Staff

Jim Jordan questions motivation, timing behind Trump indictment

The chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee wrote Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis on Thursday to ask about motivations and timing of the indictment of Donald Trump, with charges against 18 co-defendants and 30 unindicted co-conspirators.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, said Willis launched a fundraising website four days before the indictment was handed up, promoting her investigation into Trump. A county clerk inadvertently released the charges against Trump before the grand jury voted. And a judge barred Willis from investigating Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the case because she held a fundraiser for his political opponent.

The timing of this prosecution reinforces concerns about your motivation, Jordan wrote.

Jordan also questioned the timing of the indictment. Willis began her investigation in February 2021 and brought charges two and a half years later. She proposed the trial begin March 4, eight days before Georgias primary, when Trump is running for president and Willis is running for reelection.

It is therefore unsurprising many have speculated that this indictment and prosecution are designed to interfere with the 2024 presidential election, Jordan said.

Jordan asked Willis to provide information by Sept. 7 about federal funding to her office and communications with Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith, who also charged Trump with interfering with the 2020 election.

Legal experts and House Democrats argued Jordan was interfering with a local prosecution when he wrote a similar letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who charged Trump with falsifying business records.

Bart Jansen

People around the Fulton County Jail intake center in Atlanta, GA on Aug. 24, 2023, the day former President Donald Trump plans to surrender to Atlanta authorities. A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia indicted former president Donald Trump and 18 other defendants with 41 charges related to tampering with the 2020 election. All defendants have been ordered to turn themselves in by August 25.

Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) asks questions as Gary Shapley, Supervisory Special Agent for the IRS, and Joseph Ziegler, Criminal Investigator for the IRS, testify in front of the House Oversight Committee on July 19, 2023 in Washington. Shapley alleges that the Justice Department interfered in the IRS investigation of Hunter Biden.

Rudy Giuliani's surrender demonstrated how Trump's arrest could be chaotic

Rudy Giuliani, a Trump lawyer and former federal prosecutor who was indicted with him, attracted a throng of reporters and a crowd of protesters supporting or opposing the charges when he surrendered at the Fulton County jail.

Giuliani's political strategist, Ted Goodman, signaled to reporters he would give an impromptu statement after being booked. But he attempted to hold the gaggle in the middle of a two-lane street, which would have blocked traffic in an area sheriff's deputies spent hours trying to keep clear.

Residents near the jail demanded vehicles be towed for parking along the neighborhood streets. One resident was so fed up with the national spotlight he screamed at people to leave the area while driving up the tiny road. The loudspeaker of a deputy's SUV blared orders for reporters to disperse.

Giulianis team found another location, but reporters, protesters and body guards swarmed him before he took two paces out of his SUV.

This indictment is a travesty, Giuliani said, as city crew workers began setting up portable toilets for tomorrow when Trump's booking is expected to bring an even larger crowd.

 Phillip M. Bailey

Aug 23, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani speaks with the media after being processed at the Fulton County Jail. A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia 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.

In this photo taken on December 7, 2020 US President Donald Trump looks on during a ceremony presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to wrestler Dan Gable in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC.

People around the Fulton County Jail intake center in Atlanta, GA on Aug. 24, 2023, the day former President Donald Trump plans to surrender to Atlanta authorities. A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia indicted former president Donald Trump and 18 other defendants with 41 charges related to tampering with the 2020 election. All defendants have been ordered to turn themselves in by August 25.

Ngoc Trang and protesters around the Fulton County Jail intake center in Atlanta, GA on Aug. 24, 2023, the day former President Donald Trump plans to surrender to Atlanta authorities. A grand jury in Fulton County, Georgia indicted former president Donald Trump and 18 other defendants with 41 charges related to tampering with the 2020 election. All defendants have been ordered to turn themselves in by August 25.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Donald Trump arrest photo from Fulton County jail marks historic first
Jimmy Carter is 98, while the average US life expectancy for men is 73.5.

Carter's 77-year marriage could be a key to his long life, longevity expert Dan Buettner said.

Research suggests married people, especially men, live longer than their unmarried counterparts.

Former US President Jimmy Carter says marrying his wife Rosalynn at 21 was the "best thing" he ever did.

And, according to one longevity expert, it may also be a key reason why Carter's lived for nearly a century, in relatively good health.

Carter, now 98, has been married to his wife, Rosalynn, for 77 years , longer than any other president has been with their partner. Together, they share four children and 22 grandchildren. Both reside at their modest family home in Plains, Georgia where Carter is receiving hospice care. Rosalynn, who is 95, was recently diagnosed with dementia, the Carter Center announced on Tuesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The former president has surpassed the average US male life expectancy of 73.5 by more than 20 years, and his committed, loving relationship could have played a major role in his longevity, research suggests.

Marriage has serious health benefits  especially for men

Former President Jimmy Carter spoke at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia in April of 2019. Paul Hennessy/NurPhoto via Getty Images

When researchers looked at the life expectancy and marital statuses of 164,597 Americans over age 65, they found that married men and women lived, on average, two years longer than their unmarried counterparts.

Even marriages that end can have a beneficial effect on our longevity. People who were divorced or widowed also tended to live longer than those who had never been married, according to the same 2020 study. (Important caveat: Unhappy marriages in which partners constantly criticize one another or are too demanding and controlling can erase these health benefits.)

Experts say the reasons why marriage seems to have such great health benefits for those in them are numerous and complex, and the exact reasons why are still poorly understood. But there does seem to be something protective about the social bonds and support that a healthy union can provide, with more built-in opportunities to socialize and connect.



What we do know is that the health benefits of marriage seem to be greater for men than for women. Another study, published in March 2023, found that bachelors with heart failure were twice as likely to die within five years, compared to married men with the same heart issues.



Decades of other research point to similar findings . Being married can decrease a person's risk of heart disease , cancer, and other life-shortening health conditions like hypertension and high cholesterol.

Author and longevity expert Dan Buettner, the man who pioneered the idea that there are five "Blue Zones" for centenarians, told Insider that "investing in a spouse is a core value in all Blue Zones," whether a couple lives in Okinawa, Ikaria, Nicoya, Loma Linda, or Sardinia.

"Staying in a committed relationship is absolutely associated with about two years of extra life expectancy (and more for men) over being divorced or single," Buettner said.

It's a key part of the way that some of the world's longest lived people connect with their tribe, and put their loved ones first , reducing inflammation in the body, promoting healthy behaviors, and keeping loneliness in check.

Read the original article on Insider
CHICAGO  Longtime Democratic insider Tim Mapes was found guilty Thursday on perjury and obstruction of justice charges alleging he lied to a federal grand jury in an attempt to protect his longtime boss, former House Speaker Michael Madigan .

The jury of six men and six women deliberated for about xxx hours before delivering the verdict in U.S. District Judge John Kness courtroom.

Mapes, 68, of Springfield, faces up to 20 years in prison on the attempted obstruction count, while perjury calls for a maximum of five years behind bars.

The decision marked the conclusion of a nearly three-week criminal case that centered on relatively straightforward charges yet delved deeply into the behind-the-scenes political intrigue of the scandals that rocked Madigans office and ended his decadeslong grip on power.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mapes is also the second member of Madigans inner circle to be convicted by a jury in the past several months, delivering yet another blow to Madigan as his own wide-ranging federal racketeering trial looms next year.

In May, Madigans longtime confidant, Michael McClain, was found guilty along with three others in a bribery conspiracy to funnel payments from Commonwealth Edison to Madigan associates in exchange for the speakers influence over the utilitys legislative agenda in Springfield.

Madigan and McClain are co-defendants in next years trial, set to begin April 1. But they both played major roles in the governments case against Mapes, who served as Madigans chief of staff, House clerk and executive director of the Madigan-run state Democratic Party until he was unceremoniously ousted in a 2018 #MeToo scandal.

Madigan, McClain and Mapes were described as the three major players in a triangle of power that held sway over the longtime speakers Democratic House caucus, government operations and major grip on statewide politics.

One of the more memorable moments in the trial came when Democratic Rep. Bob Rita of Blue Island used his hands to draw a triangle as he told jurors that Madigan sat at the apex and that McClain and Mapes occupied the two remaining corners.

That rough organizational chart was well known in Springfield, as it held sway over the flow of legislation in the House and the Democratic politics designed to keep Madigan speaker--a post he held for a national record 36 years.

Mapes faced a single count of perjury based on seven alleged lies outlined in his indictment and a single count of attempted obstruction of justice based on numerous statements allegedly designed to impede the grand jury investigation into the Madigan-McClain case.

The obstruction count carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison while perjury could put Mapes behind bars for as long as five years.

The panel sent out only two notes during the deliberations Thursday, asking for a copies of the grand jury transcript of Mapes questioning as well as the indictment. The judge promised to send a hard copies back to the jury room.

Mapes, 68, of Springfield, is charged with perjury and attempted obstruction of justice in an indictment accusing him 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.

Though the charges are fairly straightforward, the trial has been filled with political intrigue surrounding the decline of Madigans decades-long grip on power, including testimony about the #MeToo-era sexual harassment scandal that consumed the speakers office and led to Mapes abrupt ouster in June 2018.

In her closing argument Wednesday, 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 an insider who was behind the curtain of Madigans often-secretive political organization, and could have given the grand jury key insight when he testified under a grant of immunity on March 31, 2021.

Many of the allegedly misleading statements had to do with Mapes failure to recollect anything about Madigans relationship with longtime confidant Michael McClain, and whether Madigan continued to give McClain political assignments after McClains retirement from lobbying in 2016, according to prosecutors.

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.

Mapes attorney, Andrew Porter, blasted those allegations in his closing argument, saying Mapes did his level best to provide truthful answers. He 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..

Saying Mapes could have been a star witness 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 said Mapes had no motive to lie, particularly since Madigan had forced his resignation over harassment and bullying allegations that Mapes had denied.

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.

Over eight days of testimony, prosecutors presented 14 witnesses and dozens of wiretapped phone conversations, emails and other documents in an effort to prove that Mapes was lying.

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, who in addition to being Madigans chief of staff also served stints as executive director of the state Democratic Party and the clerk of the House, chose not to testify in his own defense.

____
Lucy Letby was sentenced to a whole life order at Manchester Crown Court on Monday

Detectives examining the crimes of serial baby killer Lucy Letby are investigating the collapses of 12 babies after evidence of malevolent involvement, it has been reported.

Cheshire Constabulary has said it will sift through more than 4,000 admissions of babies at neonatal units at the two hospitals where Letby worked as a nurse to see whether any opportunities to stop her were missed.

According to The Times, notes of 12 new cases where babies suffered unexplained collapses have been handed to police medical experts, who concluded that some of them indicated malevolent acts.

All 12 babies were said to have survived and did not form part of Letbys 10-month trial, at which she was found guilty of murdering seven babies and the attempted murder of six others.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At Manchester Crown Court on Monday, Letby was sentenced to a whole life order for crimes that showed a deep malevolence bordering on sadism, according to judge Mr Justice Goss.

Cheshire Constabulary declined to comment when asked about the 12 cases.

Colleagues of Letby who appeared as prosecution witnesses in her trial are said to have been interviewed in relation to other suspicious incidents. Some nurses have been left traumatised by the knowledge that they unknowingly worked alongside, and were friends with, Britains most prolific baby killer.

Speaking after Letbys conviction, Det Supt Paul Hughes said investigators would scrutinise the entire footprint of her nursing career.

The 33-year-old worked at the Countess of Chester Hospital and Liverpool Womens Hospital, where she was on placements.

Asked about the number of new cases being looked at, Det Supt Hughes said: At this stage it is impossible for us to provide a figure. From 2012 through to 2016, there were more than 4,000 admissions of babies into the neo-natal units of both the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Womens Hospital for us to work through.

This does not mean we are investigating all 4,000  it just means that we are committed to a thorough review of every admission from a medical perspective to ensure that nothing is missed throughout the entirety of her employment as a nurse. Only those cases highlighted as concerning medically will be investigated further.

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.
Lucy Letby would have received a salary of around 30,000 per year as a band five nurse - Cheshire Constabulary

Lucy Letby was still being paid her NHS salary for years after being arrested for the murders of babies in her care, it has emerged.

Britains most prolific baby killer was first arrested on July 3 2018 but was not charged for another two and a half years.

During that time, she was still receiving her full salary which, as a band five nurse, would have been around 30,000 per year in 2019-20.

On Monday, Letby was sentenced to a whole life order at Manchester Crown Court after being convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murder of a further six following a 10-month trial.

Letby was taken off clinical duties at the Countess of Chester Hospital in July 2016 and spent the next two years fighting back against doctors she claimed were falsely blaming her for the deaths.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Sept 7 2016, she raised a formal grievance against the trust for victimisation and discrimination.

Days before Christmas in 2016, Letby and her parents went to the hospital and Tony Chambers, then the chief executive, issued her an apology.

Doctors at the hospital continued to raise alarms about the concerning rise in deaths at the neonatal unit and eventually, in May 2017, Cheshire Constabulary launched Operation Hummingbird to investigate the fatalities.

At 6am on July 3 2018, detectives arrested Letby at her home in a moment the child killer would later describe as traumatic in an effort to gain sympathy from jurors.

Letby was interviewed by police and was asked if she knew why she had been arrested.

She replied: They told me there had been a lot more deaths and Id been linked as someone who had been there for a lot of them.

She was released but arrested again a year later in July 2019.

In the year between her first and second arrest, Letby made notes of her crimes in her personal diary using a coded system, detectives previously revealed.

Det Insp Rob Woods said Letby was a copious writer of notes and her words formed a crucial part of Cheshire Constabularys investigation.

On one note, she wrote: I killed them on purpose because Im not good enough.

Letby was then arrested for a third and final time in November 2020, at which point her employment was terminated and she stopped receiving her salary.

A spokesman for the Countess of Chester Hospital said: Lucy Letby was formally charged by Cheshire police in November 2020, and at that point her employment ended. She has not been paid by the trust since her employment ended.

Steve Barclay, the Health Secretary, is also understood to be looking into all measures that prevent Letby from receiving her NHS pension, The Independent reported.

Based on her salary range, Letby would have amassed between 31,360 and 40,944 in pension savings over her eight years of employment.

The NHS Pension Scheme Regulations allow Mr Barclay 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.

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.
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, who allowed the Russian armed forces to use the territory of his country for a launch point on northern and central Ukraine, including an attempt to capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, has send greetings to Ukraine on the occasion of Ukrainian Independence Day.

Read also: Lithuania may close border with Russia as well as Belarus, interior minister says

Many generations of Belarusians and Ukrainians have lived in harmony and respect for centuries, trading, starting families and raising children, courageously fighting fascism together, rebuilding the common state in the first post-war five-year plans Lukashenko wrote in his greeting, the Pul Pervogo Telegram channel reported on Aug. 24.

Lukashenko said that Ukrainians and Belarusians share common character traits such as being hardworking, diligence, respectful attitudes towards elders and traditions, and a distinctive culture which unite them to this day.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Lukashenko walks back threatening Poland with a Wagner incursion

"Having gained independence more than three decades ago, both countries have chosen independent paths of development and building a future for which we must create safe opportunities for the dignified coexistence of the entire region. he said.

The Belarusian dictator emphasized that Ukraine and Belarus should "use" the "value" of neighborly relations "to end confrontation."

Lukashenko said Belarus was "ready to do everything necessary and even more" for this purpose.

Lukashenko extended his wishes to all Ukrainians, hoping that soon "priceless and much needed peace for all people of good will" will prevail in Ukraine.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has once again sent greetings to the Ukrainian people on the Independence Day and hinted that Belarus could help achieve peace, even though he helped Russia attack Ukraine and its capital.

Source: Pul Pervogo, Telegram channel of the President of Belarus

Details: Lukashenko said that "many generations of Belarusians and Ukrainians have lived in harmony and respect for centuries", trading, creating families and raising children, "courageously fighting fascism together, rebuilding a common state in the first post-war five-year plans".

Lukashenko added that these peoples "share character traits: they are hardworking, diligent, respectful of elders and their traditions, and original culture".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Quote: "Having gained independence more than three decades ago, both countries have chosen independent paths of development, building a future for which we must create safe opportunities for the dignified coexistence of the entire region.

We must use the preciousness of our neighbourliness to end the confrontation. The Belarusian side is ready to do everything necessary for this and even more. I believe that we can do it."

Details: Lukashenko wished all the people of Ukraine to "very soon" reach peace on Ukrainian land that is priceless and necessary for all people of good will.

Background:

In 2022, Alexander Lukashenko allowed Vladimir Putin to use the territory of Belarus to attack Ukraine, thus making him an ally of Russia in the war, even though the Belarusian army itself is not participating in combat.

In August 2022, Lukashenko did not hesitate to wish Ukrainians peaceful skies and tolerance on Independence Day.

Mykhailo Podoliak, advisor to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, called Lukashenko's Independence Day greetings a clown show that would have consequences.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defence responded that missiles had been fired on Ukraine again as a "gift" from Belarus and wished Lukashenko "the same peaceful sky... and reunion with his good friends Hussein and Gaddafi".

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!
French President Emmanuel Macron said he hopes that "the Ukrainian counter-offensive will be able to bring everyone back to the negotiating table," in an interview published on Aug. 23 by French weekly news and politics magazine Le Point.

"Good negotiations would be those negotiations that Ukrainians want," he argued.

Read also: Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles at nearly 100% accuracy  Zelenskyy

Moreover, the French leader accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "fueling global disorder."

Macron explained that Putin was making a "deep schism by deciding not to abide by international agreements anymore."

Ukrainian counter-offensive: Latest

Read also: Presidents Office cites three reasons for Ukraine's slow counter-offensive

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Aug. 22 that Ukrainian troops had entered Robotyne, a village in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, and the next day raised the Ukrainian flag over the liberated settlement.

Earlier, on Aug. 16, the liberation of the village of Urozhayne in Donetsk Oblast was confirmed. In total, Ukrainian forces recaptured nine settlements in the south and east of Ukraine in June, and the village of Staromayorske in Donetsk Oblastin July.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said that Ukrainian forces "step-by-step continue to create conditions for moving forward."

Earlier, U.S. newspaper the New York Times reported that a new phase of Ukraine's counter-offensive has begun, with the main blow coming from the southeast, where Ukrainian soldiers are gradually advancing through minefields while under attack by Russian aircraft.

Read also: Ukrainian counter-offensive continues unabated, says intel chief

According to the UK newspaper the Financial Times, Ukraine changed its tactics after the "chaos" at the beginning of the counter-offensive, and now Ukrainian forces are focusing on striking Russian defensive positions with heavy artillery and are achieving tangible results.

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
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)

ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Firefighters struggled Thursday against strong winds and hot, dry conditions to tame multiple wildfires ravaging Greece, including one in the country's northeast that officials say is the largest recorded in the European Union.

The wildfires have left 20 people dead over the last week. Eighteen of those, including two boys aged between 10 and 15, are believed to be migrants who crossed the nearby border with Turkey. Their bodies were found near a shack in a burnt forest area near Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece. Sixty firefighters have been injured, fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios said.

The wildfire in the Alexandroupolis region, burning for a sixth day, combined with smaller fires to create a massive blaze that consumed homes and vast tracts of forest and triggered multiple evacuations of villages and of the city's hospital.

With more than 730 square kilometers (282 square miles) burned, the Alexandroupolis blaze was the EU's largest on record, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We must continue strengthening national & collective prevention and preparedness efforts in view of more brutal fire seasons, he tweeted.

Elsewhere in Europe, fires in Spain's Canary Islands and northwestern Turkey were being brought under control, officials said.

Firefighters in Greece tackled 104 fires across the country in the 24 hours between Wednesday and Thursday evening, 69 of which were new wildfires, the fire department said.

One of the major blazes was on the outskirts of the Greek capital, where flames scorched homes on Wednesday and burned into the national park on Mount Parnitha, one of the last green areas near Athens. By Thursday night, the situation appeared somewhat improved, although firefighters were still dealing with flare-ups, the fire department said.

Greeces Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said arson was to blame for some of the blazes near Athens.

Some ... arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives, Kikilias said in a televised statement. What is happening is not just unacceptable but despicable and criminal.

The minister said nine fires had been set in the space of four hours Thursday morning in the area of Avlona, in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha.

You are committing a crime against the country, Kikilias said. We will find you. You will be held accountable to justice.

Police on Thursday arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of arson for allegedly setting at least three fires in the Avlona area. A search of his home revealed kindling, a fire torch gun and pine needles, police said.

With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has asked other European countries for assistance. Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Cyprus sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian, Albanian and Slovak firefighters have been helping on the ground.

Artopios, the Greek fire department spokesman, said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, battled the Parnitha fire supported by 10 planes and 11 helicopters. Bulgarian, Albanian, Romanian and Czech firefighters with vehicles were helping in the Alexandroupolis fire.

Greece suffers destructive wildfires every summer. The deadliest killed 104 people in 2018 in a seaside resort near Athens that residents had not been warned to evacuate. Authorities have since erred on the side of caution, ordering evacuations whenever inhabited areas are under threat.

In 2007, a series of devastating wildfires that affected mainly the southern Peloponnese region killed more than 70 people by the end of that summer and burnt around 2,700 square kilometers (1,040 square miles).

Last month a large wildfire on the resort island of Rhodes forced the evacuation of some 20,000 tourists. Days later, two air force pilots were killed when their water-dropping plane crashed while tackling a blaze on the island of Evia.

With their hot, dry summers, southern European countries are particularly prone to wildfires. EU officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

In Spains Tenerife, a fire that has scorched 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) was being brought under control.

Canary Island regional President Fernando Clavijo said Thursday the blaze had not gained a single square meter" for the first time in over a week. Of the 12,000 people forced to evacuate their homes earlier in the week, only about 200 were still unable to return.

In Turkey, firefighters in the northwestern Canakkale province brought a wildfire under control Thursday, less than 48 hours after it erupted amid high temperatures and strong winds, Turkish Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

Yumakli said the fire, which had forced the evacuation of 11 villages, had affected 40 square kilometers (15 square miles) including 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles) of agricultural land.

A firefighting volunteer who was injured and six other people who suffered from smoke inhalation were being kept under observation in hospitals, Yumakli said.

We are extremely happy that there was no loss of life, Yamukli said. However, we are heartbroken for other creatures of the ecosystem that were affected.

Shipping traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, a major maritime thoroughfare linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, was being partially restored to one lane only, after being completely suspended as fire-dousing aircraft use the waterway to pick up water.

____

Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey and Raf Casert in Brussels, contributed.

____

Follow APs climate coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
 Flash

Srettha Thavisin meets the press in Bangkok, Thailand, Aug. 22, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn has appointed Srettha Thavisin as the country's prime minister, Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Pornpith Phetchareon announced on Wednesday.

In a nationally televised ceremony held on Wednesday evening at the Pheu Thai Party headquarters, Pornpith delivered the royal command stating that Srettha has been appointed premier as he received a majority vote from a joint sitting of the parliament on Tuesday.

In his address after receiving the royal endorsement and paying respects to a portrait of the King, Srettha said Thailand is at a pivotal point and needs urgent solutions to many issues that cause disparities and difficulties for the people.

The 60-year-old former property tycoon entered the political arena shortly before the May general election and emerged as a prime ministerial candidate of the Pheu Thai Party.
While it took nearly four decades for Raymond Stafford to be charged with the murder of 15-year-old Susan Bender, he was a suspect in her disappearance from the start.

Modesto police detectives were on to him a month after Susan was seen getting into a green van at a Modesto bus depot on April 25, 1986. In the following months, detectives traced the green van to Stafford, they found items that belonged to Susan in his home, Stafford faked his own kidnapping, and he allegedly confessed to one of his employees that hed strangled Susan.

But detectives didnt arrest Stafford and the case went cold.

Over the succeeding years, different detectives did some work on the case, but the most significant new information came in 2020 when Modesto police Detective Josh Grant reopened the case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Still, it took three more years for charges to be filed. Stafford was arrested in Texas on Aug. 10 and is expected to be extradited to Stanislaus County in early September.

Asked by The Bee why Stafford wasnt arrested sooner, the Stanislaus County District Attorneys Office released a statement that said DA Jeff Laugero was not involved in discussions related to the Stafford case prior to taking office in January.

After taking office, the Stafford investigation was presented to him by Modesto Police Department detectives and reviewing prosecutors, the statement reads. After a lengthy analysis of the case with investigators, detectives, and senior prosecutors, DA Laugero agreed there was sufficient evidence to meet our burden of proof and authorized the filing of murder charges related to the disappearance of Susan Bender in 1986.

Alleged confession to employee Stafford lived with

Susans body never was found. But an 18-page affidavit in support of Staffords arrest details the evidence against him, the sex crimes he went on to commit after leaving Modesto, and his internet search history following his interview with Detective Grant.

Stafford became a suspect in Susans disappearance when he was arrested on suspicion of committing an unrelated burglary and arson at a plumbing company in May 1986.

Investigators learned he owned a security company in downtown Modesto and spoke to one of his employees, a woman named Diane, who also lived with him, according to the affidavit.

Diane told detectives that Stafford had rented a van for what he said would be a business trip to Los Angeles. But he returned in the van 24 hours later and was concerned about cleaning it before returning it, according to the affidavit.

A few days later, he allegedly confessed to Diane that hed killed a female, whom he didnt identify, and buried her near a campground by the Big Oak Flat Road entrance to Yosemite National Park. Stafford allegedly told her he used a wire or cord to strangle the victim for at least 40 minutes. By way of explanation, Stafford said something about a payback, according to the affidavit.

All the ugliness has opened up again, Susans mother, Patricia Chupco, told The Bee this week. I am glad (the case) is getting toward an ending, but it will never end for me.

Chupco said she briefly worked for Stafford. According to the arrest affidavit, she worked for him in August 1985 and dated him on a few occasions. But Chupco denies they did anything more than have coffee together.

Chupco assumes Stafford, who was 39 at the time, called her house looking for her but Susan picked up and a relationship ensued between the two.

Diane told a detective she saw Susan in Staffords office at least six times. She would sit on his lap and say, Come on, you know you wanna give me some money, according to the affidavit.

During the same time frame, Stafford ran an unsuccessful race for Modesto City Council, was charged with violating a state business and professions code of operating a private investigations business without a license and was arrested for soliciting an undercover female sheriffs deputy for prostitution on Modestos South Ninth Street, according to Modesto Bee archives. The information was part of a 1985 story about Staffords campaign, when he described himself as the man next door.

Susan Robin Bender disappeared in April 1986. The Modesto Police Department is now re-opening her case.

Stafford rented the green van on the day of Susans disappearance and returned it the next day, detectives confirmed.

On July 17, 1986, they interviewed Stafford and searched his home and business.

Among the items found were Susans phone book, a pair of pink underwear and a black bathing suit, which Chupco told detectives belonged to Susan, and a desktop calendar with Susans name and phone number written on it.

When interviewed by detectives, Stafford denied any involvement in Susans disappearance. According to the affidavit, he said he drove the rented green van by the bus depot where Susan was last seen but didnt stop there. He said he drove the van to locations in Fresno, Mariposa and Tuolumne counties to visit friends, attend a dance and walk around.

Detectives drove the route that Stafford described and it was 134 miles longer than the mileage logged by the rental company.

Dick Ridenour, the lead detective on the case in 1986, told The Bee the area where Diane said Stafford claimed to have buried the body was searched by foot and by horseback, but with no results.

Its great they got him, Ridenour said, adding that the case was difficult and different than any other hed investigated in over 20 years as a detective.

But he declined to comment further at this time because, at nearly 80 years old and with decades passed since he worked the case, he said he would need to review his reports.

Faked kidnapping part of plan to start all over

Three days after Stafford was interviewed by detectives and evidence was seized, he faked his own kidnapping.

According to the affidavit, another of Staffords employees reported to police that she witnessed three masked people force Stafford into the bed of a pickup and speed away with him. A few days later, the employee admitted Stafford faked the kidnapping. She said he told her he wanted to relocate and start all over again.

Stafford had obtained a new drivers license using a former employees name, according to the affidavit. He was found the following month in a Hollywood flophouse, according to Modesto Bee archives. Stafford was arrested and prosecuted for filing a false report but not for any crime related to Susans disappearance.

In 2001, a new detective was on the case. He interviewed Staffords ex-wife, who said that they were married in 1991 or 92 and that Stafford was abusive and forced her into prostitution when he lost his job. He also molested her 12-year-old daughter, for which he was convicted and served time in prison, according to the affidavit.

In 2004, the pink underwear found during the 1986 search of Staffords home was sent to the Department of Justice for DNA testing and came back as a match for a biological child of Chupcos.

In 2020, Detective Grant reopened the case.

He went to Texas, where he interviewed Stafford, who was in jail for violation of his sex offender registration.

Stafford denied ever knowing Susan or her mom, according to the affidavit. When Grant asked Stafford about being questioned by police about her disappearance in 1986, he said he didnt remember. When confronted with the evidence police had against him, he simply responded OK and all right.

Grant later obtained a warrant for Staffords Google search history. Following the interview with Grant, Stafford had begun searching for information about bail amounts for a murder charge and penalties for a conviction in California. His searches included what evidence is needed to convict someone of murder in California and murder conviction without a body, according to the affidavit.

He later searched for information about the process of being extradited to California from Texas and about which countries dont have extradition treaties with the United States.

On Aug. 10, Stanislaus Superior Court Judge Carrie Stephens signed a warrant for Staffords arrest and deputies with the Van Zandt County Sheriffs Department in Texas apprehended him at his home five days later.

He has been charged with first-degree murder with a special circumstance alleging he committed a murder while engaging in the crime of kidnapping.
A Rochester man has been charged with several felonies in connection with the stabbing death of a city woman whose body was found inside her Garson Avenue home during a fire in May, according to Rochester police.

Lysandra Bagley, 37, of Rochester was found dead inside 244 Garson Ave., just east of North Goodman Street, on May 21, said Capt. Frank Umbrino of the Rochester Police Department.

Shon Todd, 49, was charged Thursday with second-degree murder and second-degree arson, both felonies, in connection with Bagley's death, Umbrino said. Todd is accused of stabbing Bagley multiple times during an argument. He is also accused of intentionally setting a fire at 244 Garson Ave. after the fatal stabbing took place.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Todd and Bagley lived together at 244 Garson and had several children together, Umbrino said. The house was damaged in the blaze.

Firefighters were called to the home, a 2 -story single family home, around 7:35 p.m. on May 21. Umbrino on Thursday afternoon said that Bagley's body was found in the basement and that she had been stabbed multiple times. Two teenagers safely escaped the house during the fire.

Todd is scheduled to be arraigned in City Court Friday morning. Additional charges are pending and will be considered by a Monroe County grand jury.

Including Bagley's death, the circumstances in which were not previously discussed publicly by police, Rochester has had 36 homicides in 2023. Among them was Wednesday's death of a man who was assaulted at a Jay Street convenience store.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Shon Todd charged in death of Lysandra Bagley in Rochester NY
[Source]

A man has been charged with murder in connection with a grisly hammer attack that killed a mother and left her two children critically injured in their Brooklyn apartment on Wednesday afternoon.

What happened: Zhao Zhao, 43, was beaten to death with a hammer in a shared apartment on 52nd Street in Sunset Park at around 2 p.m. Her 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter were also attacked and are currently in critical condition at NYU Langone Hospital.

The suspects 9-year-old son reportedly witnessed the attack. The bloodied hammer was recovered later.

The suspect: Liyong Ye, 43, a roommate, was arrested while trying to flee the building. Police say the apartment has three bedrooms: the victims occupied one, Ye and his son lived in another, and another unnamed tenant rented the third.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More from NextShark: LA Pawnshop Returns $16K Rolex Taken From Asian Family in Violent Robbery

The charges: Ye was charged with one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, two counts of assault and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon. He has no previous arrests.

Officials react: Authorities are still determining a motive behind the incident. NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell described it as a horrific and senseless act of violence.

State Assembly Member Lester Chang said it was very rare for such kind of violence to occur in the tight-knit Chinese community, adding that something had to trigger for the suspect to cross that moral line, as per ABC7 New York.

More from NextShark: Chinese investors lead foreigners with $6.1 billion in purchased US real estate last year

State Sen. Iwen Chu said her office will work to support the victims family and the suspects son. My office will stay in close contact with police and see how we can address this to help the victim's family, as well as the son of the perpetrator, Chu said, according to CBS New York.

Whats next: Ye is being evaluated at Maimonides Medical Center and will soon be transported to Brooklyn Criminal Court for his arraignment. Meanwhile, Zhaos husband, who works in Ohio, is returning to New York.

More from NextShark: Man Fined $80 for Online Abuse Targeting Japanese Reality Star Who Committed Suicide

Enjoy this content? Read more from NextShark!

Laotian Mothers Best Friend and Only Daughter Fatally Shot in Connecticut
FILE - This file photo provided by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office shows suspect Paul Flores who was arrested on April 13, 2021, for the murder of Kristin Smart. Flores convicted of killing Smart, who vanished from a California college campus more than 25 years ago, has been hospitalized after he was attacked in prison. (San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)

COALINGA, Calif. (AP)  The man convicted of killing Kristin Smart, who vanished from a California college campus more than 25 years ago, was hospitalized after he was attacked in state prison, his lawyer said Wednesday.

Paul Flores was taken Wednesday from Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga to an outside hospital where he was in serious condition, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The department didn't confirm that Flores had been attacked, with a spokeswoman saying via email that the circumstances surrounding his injury were under investigation and details wouldn't immediately be released.

His attorney, Harold Mesick, said he was notified by corrections officials that Flores was attacked Wednesday, although he didn't have any details.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I just pray for his recovery, Mesick said.

Flores had only been transferred to the Central Valley prison last week from North Kern State Prison, Mesick said.

North Kern is where prisoners are received and processed before being assigned to another facility.

Flores was sentenced in March to 25 years to life in prison for killing Smart.

The 19-year-old disappeared from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo on the states scenic Central Coast over Memorial Day weekend in 1996.

Her remains have never been found, but she was declared legally dead in 2002.

Prosecutors maintained that Flores, now 46, killed Smart during an attempted rape on May 25, 1996, in his dorm room at the university, where both were first-year students. He was the last person seen with Smart as he walked her home from an off-campus party.

Flores was arrested in 2021 along with his father, who was accused of helping to hide Smarts body. Flores was convicted of first-degree murder last October.

A separate jury acquitted Ruben Flores, 81, of being an accessory after the fact.
A Missouri man on death row has filed a lawsuit against Republican Gov. Mike Parson in an effort to stop the state from carrying out the death penalty.

The lawsuit was filed by Marcellus Khaliifah Williams, 54, whose DNA was not found on the knife that killed Felicia Gayle in 1998 in the St. Louis area. Gayle, who had been a reporter with the St. Louis Dispatch, was stabbed 43 times.

Modern testing proves that Marcellus Williamss DNA is not on the murder weapon; his shoes did not make the bloody impressions at the crime scene; and the hairs recovered from around Mrs. Gayles body did not come from Mr. Williams, his attorneys wrote in the petition. Nevertheless, absent judicial intervention, Mr. Williams will be executed for Mrs. Gayles murder.

According to Williamss attorneys, a board of inquiry responsible for looking into the case has not issued a final recommendation to Parson. They allege he did not have authority to dissolve the board without the recommendation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The board of inquiry statute was created so that an independent group of retired judges had an opportunity to review all the evidence in a death penalty case, without any procedural or political obstructions, to make sure an innocent man or woman is not executed. Its a unique, fail-safe protection, said Barry C. Scheck, co-founder of the Innocence Project. By aborting the process before this distinguished group of jurists issued a report, Gov. Parson violated Mr. Williams due process rights under the state and federal constitutions to life and liberty.

Tricia Rojo Bushnell, executive director of the Midwest Innocence Project, said no judge has ruled on the full evidence of Williamss innocence.

The governors office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey said his office will always unabashedly pursue justice for victims.

In this case, that looks like carrying out the lawful sentence and judgment handed down by the Court, he said in a statement.

The 30-page petition lists four counts alleging Williams due process rights were violated when Parson lifted the stay of execution in June.

Williams was scheduled to be executed in 2015, but the Missouri Supreme Court halted his lethal injection, allowing him time to obtain new DNA testing.

DNA testing, conducted in 2016 and using technology that was not available at the time of the killing, shows Williams is not a match for the male DNA found on the murder weapon.

Former Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican, issued another stay of execution in 2017 and appointed the board of inquiry, which was tasked with making a recommendation on the case. Greitens resigned the following year amid several scandals, but the board continued to convene.

On June 29, Parson disbanded the board and removed the stay of execution.

We could stall and delay for another six years, deferring justice, leaving a victims family in limbo, and solving nothing, the governor said in a statement at the time. This administration wont do that. Withdrawing the order allows the process to proceed within the judicial system, and, once the due process of law has been exhausted, everyone will receive certainty.

The next day, Bailey, a Republican who took office this year, filed a motion requesting the Missouri Supreme Court set an execution date.

Parson denied clemency to four people facing execution this year. Amber McLaughlin was executed in January, Leonard Raheem Taylor, who claimed he was innocent, was executed in February, Michael Tisius was executed in June and Johnny Johnson was executed earlier this month. Five states  Missouri, Alabama, Florida, Oklahoma and Texas  have carried out the death penalty this year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center.
Rescue crews on scene after a man drove his vehicle off Interstate 43 and into a retention pond on the Acuity Insurance property in Sheboygan Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Scene at Acuity Insurance in Sheboygan after a man drove his vehicle off Interstate 43 and into a retention pond on the property Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

SHEBOYGAN  No one was seriously hurt after a man drove his vehicle off Interstate 43 and into a retention pond on the Acuity Insurance property Wednesday afternoon.

Sheboygan Fire Department said in a news release that crews responded to the property  2800 S. Taylor Drive  shortly before 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, they found the driver had exited the vehicle before it submerged in the water.

Scene at Acuity Insurance in Sheboygan after a man drove his vehicle off Interstate 43 and into a retention pond on the property Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

The man was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries as a precaution, the fire department said, and no one else was in the vehicle.

Peace boat in Sheboygan: Historic peace boat Golden Rule to stop in Sheboygan on Great Loop journey

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sheboygan County divers assisted a towing company with removing the vehicle from the pond.

Sheboygan fire and police, Sheboygan County Sheriffs Office and Wisconsin State Patrol all responded to the scene, and Wisconsin State Patrol is investigating the incident.

Rescue crews on scene after a man drove his vehicle off Interstate 43 and into a retention pond on the Acuity Insurance property in Sheboygan Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.

This article originally appeared on Sheboygan Press: Man drives car off Interstate 43 and into pond at Acuity in Sheboygan
PAOLA, Kan.  The Miami County Sheriffs Office is investigating after finding a man dead at Hillsdale Lake on Tuesday.

The sheriffs office said it received a 911 call just after 8 p.m. for an unresponsive person in a boat on shore.

Prairie Village police looking for woman who stole patrol car

Due to the remote location, deputies had to access the area by water with assistance from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the Johnson County Fire District I.

When officials arrived, they pronounced the man dead at the scene. The man has been identified as 48-year-old Cass William Douglass II of Paola.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The sheriffs office is still investigating the cause of death; however they do not suspect foul play at this time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A Des Moines man who stabbed a Sonic restaurant worker to death last year during an alleged confrontation over sexual harassment of his granddaughter, also an employee there, has been sentenced to life in prison  the second time in 10 years he has received that sentence.

Spencer Pierce, 56, went to the Sonic in Johnston on March 7, 2022, to confront a coworker of his granddaughter who'd been sending harassing messages and the coworker's friend, 20-year-old Jermaine Whitaker Moses. When the two arrived for work, Pierce pursued the other worker outside and then back into the kitchen area, where he encountered Moses, first punching and then stabbing him with a folding knife.

Moses died later at a hospital, leaving two young children behind. Police arrested Pierce early the following day. The worker reportedly responsible for the harassing messages was not charged, as prosecutors said the family declined to cooperate with an investigation.

Pierce went to trial late last fall, representing himself, and argued Moses had threatened him and his granddaughter and that the stabbing was justified. But another Sonic employee standing just feet away testified she had heard no such threats, and surveillance video did not show, as Pierce claimed, that Moses had punched him first. The jury found Pierce guilty of first-degree murder as well as burglary and weapon charges.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was the second time a jury has convicted Pierce of murder. He was previously sentenced to life in prison for a 2013 shooting connected to a drug robbery. That conviction was overturned on appeal in 2015.

Pierce has additional past convictions on drug, robbery and theft charges, and had been paroled less than a year before his arrest in the Sonic stabbing.

Pierce sentenced to life without parole

Pierce filed a number of post-trial motions arguing for a new trial, claiming the court violated his right to a speedy trial and ignored evidence that he'd been invited into the Sonic prior to the attack, contradicting the state's claim that he committed burglary by entering the restaurant without permission during the assault. In court Wednesday, he made those arguments again, and again Judge Lawrence McLellan denied his motions to set aside the verdict.

For the sentencing itself, Pierce declined to make any statement or recommendation, while prosecutor Mike Salvner asked McLellan to impose the mandatory life sentence, with concurrent prison sentences for the burglary and weapon charges. Salvner said that "the defendants criminal record ... does not warrant any leniency."

With Moses' mother watching and visibly tearful via videoconference, McLellan sentenced Pierce to life without parole. He also must pay $150,000 in restitution to Moses' family.

Pierce, who is Black, has indicated he plans to appeal. In addition to his speedy trial and evidentiary arguments, his court-appointed standby attorney had previously said he could appeal based on the racial makeup of the jury pool at his trial.

Granddaughter later convicted of smuggling drugs to Pierce in jail

Pierce is one of several people to face charges related to the attack.

His granddaughter was charged after his trial with burglary and murder, but a judge dismissed the charges, finding insufficient factual basis to provide probable cause.

In court filings and at Wednesday's hearing, Pierce said she, as well as a Sonic manager, were charged after his conviction with conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, which he argued constituted new evidence supporting his contention he had been invited into the store.

Salvner responded that neither was accused of giving Pierce permission to enter or commit violence there, and that White was charged because he had advised Pierce in advance on where to beat up the victims outside the store to avoid the surveillance cameras. Filings for both conspiracy cases could not be located in online court records.

Salvner also said Wednesday that while in custody, Pierce conspired with his granddaughter on a recorded jail phone line to smuggle drugs into the Polk County jail by concealing them in legal mail, and that the granddaughter was subsequently charged with and pleaded guilty to drug counts in juvenile court. While records of any juvenile charges are sealed, online court records do contain a search warrant application in which jail officials describe receiving a package of legal mail for Pierce before his trial that they found to contain baggies of methamphetamine taped to several of the pages.

This article has been corrected to reflect who was accused of sexually harassing Spencer Pierce's granddaughter, and whom he confronted and chased at the Johnston Sonic store.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at wrmorris2@registermedia.com, 715-573-8166 or on Twitter at @DMRMorris.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines man gets life term for stabbing Sonic worker over granddaughter's harassment
More than 1,500 items are known to have gone missing from the British Museum - Shutterstock

A man has been interviewed by the Metropolitan Police under caution following an investigation into thefts reported at the British Museum.

More than 1,500 items, comprising jewellery made of gold, semi-precious stones and glass, are known to have gone missing, with other items damaged. Some were 3,500 years old. It is understood that the items were taken before 2023 and over a significant period of time.

Peter Higgs, a senior curator at the museum, was sacked after it was uncovered that priceless treasures had vanished from the institution. No arrests have been made.

The Telegraph understands the man was interviewed under caution on Wednesday after he voluntarily attended a police station.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a statement on Thursday, Scotland Yard said: A man has been interviewed by investigating officers. No arrests have been made.

We have worked closely with the British Museum and will continue to do so. We will not be providing any further information at this time. Inquiries continue.

Staff have been left shocked at the scale of the losses, which were unearthed during an internal investigation into Mr Higgs who was dismissed in July.

The museum has so far refused to make public the number of items that were stolen, or to release photographs or descriptions of them, but sources have confirmed to the Telegraph that the true number is well over one thousand and closer to 2,000.

The sheer number of missing objects, some of which are 3,500 years old, helps to explain why the museum was so reluctant to share all of its information with the public.

On Wednesday, the director of the British Museum was branded pathetic after he blamed a whistleblower for delays in uncovering the theft of the items.

Hartwig Fischer hit out at Ittai Gradel, the Danish antiquities dealer who alerted the museum to the thefts in 2021, suggesting he held back information that would have aided our investigations.

Dr Gradel said Dr Fischer was shooting the messenger and as the row escalated he said the museum had never bothered to contact him to take a statement when he raised the alarm.

He said Dr Fischer and his deputy Jonathan Williams, who he claims handled a bungled investigation into the thefts two years ago, should be sacked immediately for the sake of this great institution.

He added that he had been treated like a village idiot by the two men when he gave them his evidence.

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.
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

China is advancing Chinese modernization with its high-quality development, which will bring new opportunities to cooperation between China and Ethiopia, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

China is a reliable friend and a true partner of Ethiopia, Xi said in a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

He noted that in recent years, the two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and communication, and have yielded results within the frameworks of the Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Ethiopia and supports its domestic peace process, development and revitalization, he said, adding that China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to promote bilateral exchanges and to expand all-round cooperation, so that bilateral friendship can enjoy greater popular support and the China-Ethiopia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership can witness further advancement.

Xi stressed that both sides need to continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, adding that the two countries should strengthen the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Ethiopia's Ten Years Perspective Development Plan (2021-2030), and accelerate the development of joint projects including Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and green development.

China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and start their businesses in Ethiopia, welcoming the use by Ethiopia of the "green channel" for the entry of African agricultural products to China to expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation, said Xi.

China stands ready to work with Ethiopia in promoting the implementation of the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa and to make contributions to regional peace and stability, said Xi.

The friendship between Ethiopia and China is profound and the relations between the two countries have maintained good development momentum, said Ahmed, extending his sincere appreciation for the massive valuable support China has offered for a long time.

Thanks to the help from and cooperation with China, Ethiopia has achieved significant development and transformations in recent years, said the Ethiopian Prime Minister, noting that the two countries share similar experiences and have common stands on many major issues.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Ahmed said Ethiopia highly values its friendship with China, firmly upholds the one-China policy, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation.

Ethiopia stands ready to learn from China's governance experience to better achieve its own national development, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in agriculture, mining and other fields, he said.

Ethiopia hopes to join the BRICS so as to push for closer cooperation in multilateral mechanisms and open up a better shared future for the two countries.
A Merced County jury on Tuesday found Guadalupe Lopez-Herrera, 55, guilty of 11 felony counts and enhancements including the attempted murder of two deputies, the attempted murder of the mother of his children, carjacking and stalking, according to the Merced County District Attorneys Office.

Lopez-Herrera is scheduled to appear in Merced County Superior Court on Sept. 27 for a sentencing hearing, according to a Merced County District Attorneys Office news release. The case against Lopez-Herrera stems from multiple events that occurred from Sept. 1, 2019, through Sept. 5, 2019.

Authorities said Lopez-Herrera assaulted his former spouse in front of their children after breaking into her Santa Nella home. On Sept. 4, 2019, deputies with the Merced County Sheriff Tactical and Reconnaissance Team, approached a Dos Palos property where Lopez-Herrera was determined to be staying. Authorities said Lopez-Herrera fired several shots at the two approaching deputies, striking Sgt. Clint Landrum in his tactical vest.

Lopez-Herrera fled following the shooting to a Fresno County farm, where authorities said he carjacked a truck from agricultural workers. After leading officers from multiple agencies on a chase, Lopez-Herrera was eventually taken into custody outside of Merced County on Sept. 5, 2019.

Merced County Superior Court Judge Carol Ash presided over the case, which was prosecuted by Chief Deputy District Attorney Katie Gates.
LAWRENCE, Kan.  A Lawrence police standoff ends with a Lawrence man, charged with a Wichita homicide, being taken into custody Wednesday afternoon.

Lawrence police were notified around 11 p.m. Tuesday that a suspect in a Wichita homicide was believed to be inside an apartment in the area of Bob Billings Parkway and Bristol Terrace.

View the latest Weather Alerts in the Kansas City region on FOX4

Lawrence police crisis negotiators were able to contact people in the apartment and verify the suspect was there.

An LPD tactical team then began to evacuate the apartment building when it was clear the suspect was not going to come out and was allegedly armed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

After several hours, negotiators were able to convince the suspect to allow a woman to leave the apartment.

Following more hours of discussion, negotiators were able to convince the man to leave the apartment and peacefully surrender around 3:30 p.m.

74-year-old man enters guilty plea in 2019 death of Overland Park teen

The suspect, identified as Kevin L. Harris, 63, was turned over to investigators with the Wichita Police Department.

He is charged with first-degree murder in a Monday homicide in downtown Wichita. The victim has been identified as 51-year-old Jose Lumbreras.

No injuries were reported during the incident.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The scene of a shooting at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County on Wednesday night. A source said there were fatalities. (OnScene.TV)

As many as 10 people were shot, some fatally, Wednesday night at a landmark biker bar in Trabuco Canyon, law enforcement sources said.

Authorities descended on Cook's Corner on Santiago Canyon Road after the shooting was reported around 7:30 p.m.

Two sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the gunman was a retired law enforcement officer.

Scene of multiple shooting at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (OnScene.tv)

Sources said the gunman was targeting his estranged wife. It is unclear whether the shooter followed her to the location before opening fire on the crowd, they said.

Authorities were still trying to determine the number of people shot, but there are up to five fatalities. There is no longer an active threat, the source said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A longtime motorcycle hangout, Cooks Corner sits at the juncture of El Toro, Santiago Canyon and Live Oak Canyon roads, near ONeill Regional Park.

M Street  a five-piece Orange County rock band  was scheduled to perform at the bar Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m., according to the venues online calendar.

The band posted a video to their Instagram page earlier Wednesday evening showing their instruments set up on a small stage in the still empty-looking wood-paneled bar.

News of the shooting brought concern from local officials and residents.

Im heartbroken by the news of yet another mass shooting tonight, this time at Cooks Corner, a historic bar in the heart of Orange County," said Senator Dave Min (D-Irvine) in a statement. "My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the victims."

Cooks Corner was named after Andrew Jackson Cook, who got about 190 acres of Aliso Canyon in a land trade in 1884, according to a Times story. His son, Earl Jack E.J. Cook, opened a roadside hamburger joint in 1931. Soon after Prohibition ended in 1933, alcohol was added to the menu, and Cooks Corner became a full-fledged bar. In 1946, Cook bought an old mess hall from the Santa Ana Army Air Base, hauled it up El Toro Road, and the tavern was born.

Scene of multiple shooting at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (OnScene.tv)

Motorcycle riders discovered the place in the 1970s, and it has been a popular spot for decades.

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.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Marion County Record attorney Bernie Rhodes said the paper will receive data that was copied onto a USB drive from its computers by investigators.

Rhodes provided an update around 5 p.m. on Thursday on the situation. He said he was told, the actual drive is not being physically returned to the paper because the drive contains data from other sheriffs investigations. The contents of the drive that were taken from the Record are being copied on a new drive that is being given to the paper, and then the actual drive itself is being physically destroyed.

Rhodes had said if the situation wasnt resolved, he would have filed to put the sheriff in contempt of court.

The Sheriffs failure to comply with the District Courts order is inexcusable and I will not stand by and wait for you to choose to return my many calls, a letter to Marion County counselor Bradley Jantz reads. Unless you and I are able to come to a satisfactory agreement by the end of the day tomorrow, Thursday, August 24, 2023, on disposition of thisand any other item(s) not previously released and returnedI will file a motion to hold the Sheriff in contempt of court for his failure to comply with the District Courts order.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officer receives leg injuries following Wichita chase; 2 arrested

Rhodes claimed he has made multiple attempts to talk to Sheriff Jeff Soyez with the Marion County Sheriffs Office. The letter says a forensic examiner was dispatched after a district judge ordered the evidence in the search warrant be returned.

That same day, Undersheriff Larry Starkey transferred custody of what he represented were the items seized to the examiner, the letter read.

The letter states both Starkey and the examiner sign a Data Forensic Chain of Custody Form. This form, attached below, shows the items that were seized and then returned. The examiner placed an X on one side of the line items  of which there are eight  and his initials on the other.

Semke-chain-of-custodyDownload

The documents attached above show the signatures of Starkey, along with the forensic investigator Jack Nevins, dated Aug. 16. 2023.

This document, however, is not the same one found on the Marion County District Court website. That document, which can be viewed by clicking the link, shows nine items without the forensic examiners initials.

Rhodes said in the letter both documents are signed by a Marion police officer and dated Aug. 11, 2023, but one has eight items, and one has nine.

New evidence links BTK to 1976 missing person case

That ninth item reads OS TRIAGE DIGITAL DATA. Rhodes says the item appears to be a USB drive with OSForensics software from PassMark Software. It appears, according to Rhodes, someone used this drive to copy or clone data from one or more computers owned by the Record.

While the apparent alteration of the inventory list raises serious questions, what is clear is that

Item 9 on the inventory posted by the Court has not been released and returned, as the Court

ordered, the letter states.

For more of KSNs coverage on the Marion County Record, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Marion Police Chief Gideon Cody can be seen on the Marion County Records surveillance footage during a raid on the newspaper that was widely condemned. (The Associated Press)

The Marion County Sheriffs Office will hand over a copy of the evidence it cloned from devices seized during a raid on a local newspaper and then will destroy the hard drive, the papers attorney said late Thursday.

Bernie Rhodes, the Marion County Records attorney, said he will have someone witness the destruction. He plans on filing a motion Friday seeking to require the sheriffs office to comply with the terms.

Earlier Thursday, Rhodes, who is also The Stars attorney, said he discovered that the sheriffs office had copied 17 gigabytes worth of data from devices that were seized Aug. 11 from the Records newsroom.

Days after the raid, Marion County Prosecutor Joel Ensey announced there was insufficient evidence for the search and said the materials must be returned.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Steve Leben, a professor of law at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, posted Thursday on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that the sheriffs offices failure to destroy the data sooner was very hard to understand. He noted a judge ordered the release of the evidence seized.

None of this seems ambiguous. Lots of mistakes have been made in this case, Leben, who spent 27 years as a Kansas judge, posted on the platform. But after all that had happened, and all the attention, how could officials not carry out a court orderthey obtainedto release all evidence seized?

Its unclear what the 17 gigabytes of information contained. Rhodes said he wont know until they get a copy of the data.

The USB drive was listed on a property receipt released by the 8th District Court, but it was not among items handed over to the papers forensic examiner.

The drive the information was copied onto was not obtained during the raid, but belonged to the sheriffs office. Because the device had been used in other investigations, it could not be released to the newspaper, Rhodes said.

The towns police department, as well as the sheriffs office, executed search warrants at the newsroom, the home of its publisher and the house of a city councilwoman under the pretense that a reporter had illegally obtained information about the DUI conviction of a local restaurateur who applied for a liquor license.

The reporter used a drivers license website to verify information that the Kansas Department of Revenue said is open to the public.

The sheriffs office did not respond to requests for comment Thursday.
Renaldo Devon McGirth is no stranger to the practice of firing defense lawyers.

In 2013, for example, McGirth dismissed two of his lawyers, stating they were ineffective.

Now, facing resentencing in his high-profile murder case, McGirth has tried to do it again. Last week, he insisted to Circuit Judge Gary Sanders that he wanted to represent himself. His list of reasons included a lack of communication with his lawyer, Daniel Hernandez.

The judge warned McGirth that acting as his own counsel is a risky move. For one thing, the judge said, McGirth will be held at the county jail until his resentencing hearing, and thus won't have access to a law library. How could he prepare and file any legal documents?

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Thursday morning, a subdued McGirth, wearing a red jail jumpsuit, was back in court, sitting beside Hernandez.

Judge Gary Sanders listens to family testimony during Viswanauth SomwaruOs sentencing hearing. Somwaru, who was found guilty in his trial for sex offenses in August, was sentenced to 25 years Wednesday afternoon, September 18, 2019. [Doug Engle/Ocala Star-Banner]2019

The judge asked if it was still his desire to be his own lawyer. In a low tone, McGirth told the judge no.

The status of the case

McGirth was sentenced to death in 2008 for his role in a murder-robbery in The Villages. At the time, the 20-year-old McGirth was the youngest person on Florida's death row.

The jury recommendation for the death penalty was 11-1. As a result, McGirth is eligible for a new sentencing hearing. That's because the Florida Supreme Court in 2016 ruled that all death penalty recommendations must be unanimous. Cases resolved after June 24, 2002 were cleared for resentencing.

The case has dragged on for so long that another legal wrinkle has emerged. Earlier this year, Florida changed its death penalty law to require only an 8-4 jury recommendation of capital punishment.

The judge will decide whether McGirth can be resentenced under the new law. His resentencing could have happened before the new law went into effect earlier this year, but it was delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prosecutors don't believe McGirth will suffer any due process violation if he's resentenced under the new law. They said there was enough time to resolve the case before the new law took effect. The defense has objected to the state's plan.

The resentencing is slated for next month. Assistant State Attorneys Rich Buxman and Toby Hunt are expected to prosecute the case.

Relando Devon McGirth sitting beside his lawyer Daniel Hernandez in court on Thursday morning

State's position

If McGirth had pressed forward and insisted on defending himself, the state would not have objected.

Prosecutors said: "The state understands the logistical difficulties inherent in self-representation and obviously agrees that self-representation in a death penalty case is a terrible idea; however, the State has a grave concern that, if Defendant knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily executes a waiver of his right to counsel, and such request is denied, any death sentence that may be imposed would be subject to reversal."

If McGirth had represented himself, the state would have asked the court to appoint Hernandez as standby counsel, even if McGirth objected.

Defense lawyer Daniel Hernandez

About the case

Sheriff's deputies said McGirth, Jarrod Roberts and Theodore Houston Jr. attempted to rob Diana and James Miller at their home in The Villages in July 2006. The trio were allowed to enter the home by the couple's daughter, Shelia Miller.

Diana Miller, 63, was fatally shot. Her husband was also shot, but survived. Sheriff's Office records show the murder was the first and only homicide that has occurred in the Marion County portion of The Villages.

Death: Michael Wayne Jones sentenced to death in family murder case

McGirth, then 18, used stolen credit cards to make purchases at several stores before leading authorities on a high-speed chase that eventually ended in his arrest.

A file picture of sheriff's deputies at the scene of The Villages murder in 2006.

Now 37, Roberts is serving life in prison. Houston, who testified against both of his co-defendants, was sentenced to a 20-year prison term and was released last month.

Death row

State prison records show the average age at the time of execution is 44.9 years. The average age at offense for executed inmates is 27.4 years. McGirth is 35 and has been on death row since 2008.

Michael Shane Bargo, 31, is the second youngest death row inmate, the state Department of Corrections website indicates. Bargo was sentenced to death in 2019 for the slaying of 15-year-old Seath Jackson in Marion County. The last person sentenced to death from Marion County was Michael Wayne Jones several months ago. Jones, 42, was convicted of killing his wife and four children, two of whom were his.

As of Thursday, there are 291 people on Florida's death row, state officials said.

Of the seven Marion County inmates currently on death row, Ian Lightborun, 63, has been on the list the longest: 42 years.

Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Death row inmate set for resentencing. He'll have a lawyer, after all.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia Republican who once spoke at a white nationalist conference, took issue with what she deemed to be a racist incident at Wednesdays GOP primary debate.

I was pretty disgusted at Chris Christie and his racist comment towards Vivek Ramaswamy , Greene said during a discussion on Right Side Broadcasting Network at the event, hosted by Fox News, in Milwaukee. He compared him with Obama. I honestly thought that was pretty racist.

Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, called out his rival on stage after the entrepreneur basically recycled a line used by former President Barack Obama.

Greene: I was pretty disgusted by Chris Christie and his racist comment towards Vivek Ramaswamy He compared him to Obama. I thought that was pretty racist pic.twitter.com/iz41OgJVqh  Acyn (@Acyn) August 24, 2023

Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage? Ramaswamy had said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Obama famously called himself a a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too, during the 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote speech when he was running for the U.S. Senate.

Christie pointed that out, saying: Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT.

The last person in one of these debates ... who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama, Christie said. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur.

Greene attended the debate as a surrogate for Donald Trump, who was absent.

Ramaswamy has been loudly pro-Trump on the campaign trail and repeatedly defended him at Wednesdays event. Christie, on the other hand, was the former presidents most vocal critic on the stage.

Greene apparently wasnt fazed about actual racism and bigotry when she spoke last year at the America First Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, organized by prominent white nationalist Nick Fuentes; when she told two Muslim colleagues in Congress to go back to the Middle East; when she falsely claimed Obama is a Muslim and opened up our borders to an invasion by Muslims,; and when she told supporters that undocumented immigrants are replacing your jobs and replacing your kids in school and, coming from all over the world, theyre also replacing your culture.

Related...
Republicans had a tough choice in what to watch on Wednesday night between the first GOP debate and Donald Trumps interview with Tucker Carlson  but congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene had her own solution.

Ms Greene attended the Republican National Committee (RNC) debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to watch the eight qualified candidates hash it out on stage.

But as a loyal Trump ally, Ms Greene also brought her phone to tune into Carlsons interview with the ex-president.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, journalist Glenn Greenwald shared a photo of Ms Greene in the crowd while watching Mr Trumps interview.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Im sitting directly behind@RepMTG at the GOP presidential debate and her attention appears to be at least. Divided, Greenwald wrote.

Ms Greene later told Right Side Broadcasting Network she was serving as a surrogate for Mr Trump that evening  to represent him and his values at the mainstream debate.

Mr Trump and Carlson purposefully aired the 46-minute long interview, which aired on X, at the same time as the debate to draw attention away from it.

Though he technically qualified for the first debate, Mr Trump chose not to attend because he believes he is too far ahead in polls to need to attend. He also refused to sign a pledge that the RNC implemented which requires candidates to support the eventual nominee.

Im sitting directly behind @RepMTG at the GOP presidential debate and her attention appears to be at least. divided. pic.twitter.com/KYdJQkBJPx  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) August 24, 2023

Ms Greenes choice of viewing during the event raised some eyebrows from people.

Guess the debate was riveting, one person tweeted.

Why even go to the debate?  dburton (@VADem4Equality) August 24, 2023

Boring ahh debate, one X user said.

She doesnt have the attention span. https://t.co/6R3KxEipIO  The JV Era  (@JoeVidulich) August 24, 2023

One person seized the opportunity to photoshop Ms Greene watching a unique alternative to the debate.

After the debate, Ms Greene complained that despite having credentials to allow her in the spin room  the room where reporters can speak with debate participants  she was denied access.

This is censorship from Fox News, this is censorship not allowing surrogates for President Trump into the spin room, Ms Greene told RSBN.

They just blocked us out, they would not allow myself, Matt Gaetz, any other Trump surrogates to go into the spin room. We argued with them, talked to them, we showed the correct credentials.

CENSORED: Im an official surrogate for President Trump, but I was blocked from entering the Fox News media spin room pic.twitter.com/sH3JLNpYzR  Marjorie Taylor Greene  (@mtgreenee) August 24, 2023

Earlier in the day, Ms Greene expressed her lack of enthusiasm for the other candidates when she told reporters that most of the candidates on the stage really dont have a chance against the ex-president.

Because America knows what we had for four years with President Trump. We want those days back, she said.

The Georgia congresswoman added insult to injury saying she was unfamiliar with some of the Republican candidates who qualified for the debate.

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, she said.
The recent upturn in COVID-19 cases in some regions has spurred a handful of entities around the country to reinstate mask mandates, reigniting the debate over what place masking requirements have in an era of living with the coronavirus.

Earlier this week, Hollywood movie studio Lionsgate asked its employees to wear masks on certain floors of its facilities in Santa Monica, Calif., in response to a few staff members testing positive for COVID-19.

Kaiser Permanente began to require staff, patients and visitors to wear masks at its facility in Santa Rosa, Calif., this week in response to a spike in cases. Upstate Medical University in New York announced a similar decision last week for two of its hospitals.

Schools including Rutgers University in New Jersey and Morris Brown College in Georgia have issued mask mandates for their respective campuses, with the Atlanta-based school reinstating masks as a two-week precautionary measure.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) spoke out against the news from Morris Brown College, writing on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Americans have had enough COVID hysteria. WE WILL NOT COMPLY!

Top Stories from The Hill

Nationally, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have been rising the past few weeks. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, shows that hospital admission rates are still considered low in 97 percent of the U.S.

According to Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the necessity of mask mandates will come down to a case-by-case basis, adding that publicly available data should inform these decisions.

I think the new approach is we want to make that information available to the public and give people some warning that there may be some increases in disease activity, Plescia said. And then people decide for themselves sort of how they want to react and what kind of precautions they want to take.

Mask-wearing became highly politicized over the course of the pandemic, with opinions on whether businesses, schools and government agencies had the authority to make such requirements divided largely along partisan lines.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

The Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the White House did not have the authority to enforce a vaccine-or-mask mandate on companies with 100 or more employees, though individual businesses can uphold their own policies on the matter.

The court also ruled last year that the Transportation Security Administration could impose mask mandates on planes, trains and other forms of transport, leaving mask requirements as an option for the federal agency.

Clinicians and public health experts maintain that high-quality N95 masks help in reducing viral spread in communities.

The vast majority of people have some level of antibodies against COVID-19, either through prior injection or vaccination. The updated COVID-19 shots for this fall are expected to become available sometime in September, pending approval by federal regulators.

As the pandemic went on and the U.S. gathered more tools for treating and limiting the spread of COVID-19, health experts advised that people use mitigation methods based on their own individual risk assessments.

Schools and businesses will similarly have differing levels of risk theyre willing to tolerate, with the onus of mask mandates shifting from the public to the private sector, Plescia said.

But he doesnt think the U.S. is currently in a state where all workspaces should be expected to bring back mask requirements, with a few caveats. Nursing homes and health care facilities are two settings where he said masking rules are advisable, as people in these spaces are often at a higher risk for severe illness.

There is no universal threshold for when masking should be deemed appropriate, but the CDC has established some some recommendations for counties. Hospital admission levels have replaced the COVID-19 community levels as the key indicator for such decisions, as case surveillance largely diminished.

The CDC categorizes admission levels as green, yellow and red. If hospital admission rates in a county are classified as yellow or red  when there are 10 to more than 20 COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people  then it is recommended that people at a high risk of getting very sick wear a mask while at an indoor, public space.

When COVID-19 hospital admissions are red, this recommendation is applied to everyone, and high-risk individuals are advised to avoid public non-essential indoor activities.

Just 3 percent of U.S. counties are currently in the yellow category, and none are in the red.

Heading into the respiratory viral season, however, Plescia noted that COVID-19 should not be the sole factor informing viral mitigation measures.

Were hoping we wont see a situation where things are as dire as they were a couple of years ago, Plescia said.

When you take flu and RSV and, you know, if we had a little bit of a surge in COVID  the biggest concern right now is hospitals becoming overwhelmed. And we had a little bit of that last year that is very much in everybodys minds and concerns right now.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy , R-Calif., talks to reporters outside his office about calls for an impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, July 25, 2023. | J. Scott Applewhite, Associated Press

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said the House could launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden as soon as next month unless the administration turns over documents House Republicans are asking for.

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?  If they hold that up we would have to move to an impeachment inquiry, McCarthy said Tuesday on Fox Business.

McCarthy indicated that could come as soon as the House reconvenes after its summer recess, in September.

The thing that holds up whether to do an impeachment inquiry: provide us the documents were asking, he said. The whole determination here is how the Bidens handle this.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

McCarthy added, If they provide us the documents there wouldnt be a need for an 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 an impeachment inquiry when we come back into session.

Ian Sams, White House spokesman for oversight and investigations, wrote Absurd in a social media post Wednesday reacting to McCarthys comments. Sams pointed to Oversight Committee chair Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., who told Fox Business the committee has gotten 100% of what we requested from every subpoena its issued.

When will actual media outlets hold the Speaker of the House accountable for the lies upon which he is basing something as grave as impeachment? Sams wrote.

McCarthy raised the possibility of an impeachment inquiry last month, saying House investigations into Biden were rising to that level due to allegations of foreign bribes and interference in investigations into Hunter Biden, the presidents son.

Related

In June, House Republicans decided against voting on an earlier impeachment inquiry introduced by Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo. While some House Republicans remain on board with opening an impeachment inquiry, others have expressed hesitancy, including some of the 18 Republicans who represent districts Biden won in 2020. Some of these vulnerable Republicans told NBC News earlier this month they believe launching an impeachment inquiry could be premature, including Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who said, its too early for a formal impeachment inquiry, and Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., who said, I dont think its there at the moment.

Former President Donald Trump, who was impeached twice and leads in national polls to retake the Republican nomination next year, has called on House Republicans to impeach Biden.

Any Republican that doesnt act on Democratic fraud should be immediately primaried and get out, he said at a rally.
 Flash

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. [Photo/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 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, also urged the two sides to step up cooperation in infrastructure, information technology, new energy and agriculture, among other areas.

China and Bangladesh enjoy traditional friendship, Xi said, adding that the two sides upgraded bilateral ties in 2016 to a strategic cooperative partnership, which has indicated the direction for deepening their cooperation.

At present, both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of their own development and revitalization, and the Chinese side is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Bangladesh, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, push bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, and better benefit the people of the two countries.

Xi also said that China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability, and achieve development and revitalization.

The Chinese side is willing to continue to work with Bangladesh in firmly supporting each other in issues involving their respective core interests, said Xi, adding that the two sides should strengthen strategic communication and close exchanges among various departments and at different levels.

Xi also called for stronger personnel exchanges as well as deeper cultural and people-to-people bonds.

He extended congratulations to the prime minister on her country's joining the New Development Bank, saying that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Bangladesh in multilateral affairs and to safeguard the international equity and justice as well as the shared interests of developing countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. [Photo/Xinhua]

Hasina noted that Xi's state visit to Bangladesh in 2016 has become a milestone in bilateral ties.

She appreciated that China provided invaluable support for Bangladesh's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and for economic development, which has helped promote Bangladesh's development and improved people's lives.

Hasina said the sound Bangladesh-China relationship is based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

She congratulated Xi on the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that Belt and Road cooperation has opened a new door of development for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, she said, firmly adheres to the one-China policy and appreciates China's important role in promoting regional peace and stability, adding that her country is ready to deepen ties with China and strengthen cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS.

It is believed that the development of the BRICS mechanism will bring new development opportunities to developing countries, she added.
Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said Thursday she was surprised the Republican presidential candidates did not talk more about former President Trump at Wednesday nights GOP primary debate.

I dont think they talked about President Trump that much, that did surprise me, McDaniel said in an interview on Fox and Friends. I thought that was going to be more of it.

I just thought if hes the front-runner, I was surprised  they didnt talk about that more, McDaniel continued.

It was not until halfway through Fox News two-hour debate when moderator Bret Baier brought up the former president and his four criminal indictments, which Baier called the elephant not in the room.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The subsequent conversation revolved around whether the Republican candidates would support Trump as their partys nominee in 2024, even if he were convicted of a crime.

All but former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson raised their hand and said they would stand by their pledge to support Trump if he secures the GOP nomination and is later convicted.

According to tracking from The New York Times, the subject of Trump took up 6 minutes and 50 seconds of the debate time, making it the second-most talked about topic behind abortion, which The New York Times estimated lasted 7 minutes and 54 seconds.

Trump announced earlier this week he would not attend the debate and instead sat for a taped interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that was released five minutes before the debate started on Fox News.

Before Trumps announcement Sunday night, McDaniel said she was holding out hope Trump would participate in the debate. When asked about Trumps ultimate decision to skip the debate, McDaniel said Thursday she understands his campaigns strategy.

Theyre saying, you know, were up so much, why should we risk being on the debate stage? McDaniel said. I do want to see him on the debate stage, and Ive said this a lot. I dont think its just about the primary if he does end up being the nominee.

I think that was part of Trumps calculus: They would go after each other if Im not there, not after me. McDaniel continued.

McDaniel said she was very pleased to see the candidates talk about abortion.

Democrats used that in 2022, they spent $350 million on abortion, McDaniel said. If our candidates arent able to find a response and put out a response, were not going to win.

McDaniel pointed to the candidates varying stances on a federal abortion ban but argued all of the candidates had a consensus that a baby feels pain at 15 weeks.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

McDaniel also addressed the upped qualifications candidates will need to meet for the second debate in September, including higher polling and donor thresholds.

Some candidates did not meet the lower qualifications for Wednesdays debate, including former Texas Rep. Will Hurd, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, businessman Perry Johnson, conservative radio host Larry Elder and pastor Ryan Binkley.

When asked if she would recommend these candidates drop out before next months debate, McDaniel said, Im not going to recommend any of them drop out, but I will say all of them will be better than Joe Biden.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Trump administration officials Mark Meadows and Jeffrey Clark agreed to a $100,000 bail Thursday in the Georgia election case.

Prosecutors and defense attorneys have been negotiating pretrial release conditions in the lead up to a Friday deadline set by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) for the co-defendants to surrender.

Meadows and Clark were some of the final co-defendants to have their bond agreement signed by the state judge overseeing the case. Also on Thursday, bail was set at $75,000 for Trevian Kutti, a former publicist for rapper Ye, previously known as Kanye West.

Only one defendant, Harrison Floyd, a leader of Black Voices for Trump who is accused of intimidating an election worker, has yet to reach an agreement. Floyd was notably arrested earlier this year for allegedly assaulting an FBI agent, court filings show. The arrest was first reported by The Washington Post.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Meadows and Clark each face two counts in the indictment.

They are first charged with racketeering, as are all of the other co-defendants.

Clark, a Justice Department official who Trump wanted to appoint as attorney general to investigate his baseless claims of election fraud, is also charged with a criminal attempt to commit false statements and writings. Clark allegedly desired to send a letter to Georgia authorities asking them to hold off on certifying their election results while the department investigated.

Meadows,who served as White House chief of staff in the final months of the Trump administration, also faces a count of soliciting a public officer to violate their oath over his participation in the infamous Jan. 2, 2021, call between Trump and Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R), wherein Trump urged Raffensperger to help him find enough votes to change the election result.

Meadows and Clark deny any wrongdoing. They are attempting to dismiss the charges by requesting to move the case to federal court and assert immunity. A hearing is scheduled for Monday on Meadowss request, and Raffensperger and others on the call were subpoenaed to testify.

Meadows and Clark had separately attempted to block his arrest as he tries to move the charges, but a judge denied their bids late Wednesday afternoon.

Their $100,000 bail amounts are on the higher end for the co-defendants who have struck agreements so far. Trumps bail was set at $200,000, the highest yet, and Rudy Giulianis bail was set at $150,000.

Meadowss and Clarks amount mirrors those given to Trump attorneys John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Jenna Ellis and Kenneth Chesebro.

Bail for the other co-defendants so far has clocked in at five figures.

This story was updated at 1:45 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Norway has decided to donate an unspecified number of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the Norwegian TV 2 television channel reported on Aug. 24, citing unnamed sources.

If confirmed, this would make Norway the third country to pledge the U.S.-made fourth-generation aircraft to bolster Ukraine's Air Force, following Denmark and the Netherlands.

TV 2 reported earlier today on Aug. 24 that the country's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre has arrived in Kyiv at President Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation during Ukraine's Independence Day.

Norway's Head of Government has pledged to provide Ukrainian forces with IRIS-T anti-aircraft missiles and mine-clearing equipment. The Nordic country will also assist Ukraine in securing its gas and power supply.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Oslo has completed the decommissioning of its F-16s in favor of newer F-35 fighter jets in 2022. According to the Janes open-source intelligence company, Norway retired all of its remaining 57 F-16AM/BM aircraft.

In June 2023, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency completed the sale of 32 F-16 jets to Romania. Some 12 Norwegian planes have been sold to the private U.S. group Draken International but have not yet been delivered, the Defense Post said.

Denmark has officially announced that it will provide Kyiv with 19 of its F-16 fighter jets, with the first batch of six planes expected to arrive by the New Year, according to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Upon meeting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Netherlands would supply Ukraine with 42 F-16 fighter jets.

According to the White House, the transfer itself will be approved by the U.S. upon the completion of training of Ukrainian pilots.

Read also: Reznikov: At least 6-7 months before Ukraine obtains F-16s

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The raid on Russian-occupied Crimea that took place in the early hours of Aug. 24 is not "the story of one day, but a long-term operation," a source in Ukraine's Military Intelligence (HUR) told Ukrainska Pravda.

Few details can be released as the operation is ongoing, but its success shows that the peninsula is not just within reach of Ukrainian strikes, but also within reach for its military personnel, the source said.

The intelligence reported earlier that Ukrainian forces landed on Crimea with special watercraft and raised the Ukrainian flag near Maiak, a village on the northwestern tip of Crimea, as part of an operation with the Navy.

A radar base and radio engineering troop base for the Russian Aerospace Forces, the air and space branch of the Russian military, are located near Maiak.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Maiak is also less than five kilometers from Olenivka, where Ukraine reported to have destroyed a Russian missile defense system on Aug. 23. The intelligence source confirmed to Ukrainska Pravda that this was part of the "set of measures" of the same operation.

Intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov said that the Ukrainian forces had already returned from the operation and that they had not suffered any losses. There were losses among Russian personnel, he added.

Read also: Increased attacks on Crimea disrupt Russian logistics, attempt to derail its southern defenses

Krym.Realii, the Crimean media project of the Ukrainian branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reported explosions at 5 a.m. local time at Maiak.

Ukrainian intelligence said that the Russian proxy administration in Crimea has told local residents the explosions were due to the scheduled detonation of munitions.

The choice to conduct the operation and raise the Ukrainian flag on Crimea in the early hours of Aug. 24 is notable as it is Ukraine's 32nd Independence Day. Crimea has been occupied by Russia since 2014.

Read also: Kyiv, Moscows opposing attitudes toward Soviet past shape two different futures

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A camp for Wagner Group fighters in Belarus' village of Tsel near Asipovichy is being actively dismantled, as shown in satellite images from Planet Labs exclusively obtained by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's Belarusian service.

According to RFE/RL, 101 out of 272 tents in the camp have already been removed. Given that each tent can accommodate around 20 people, it could mean that 2,020 Wagner combatants have left the military base, which used to host 5,000 fighters.

The demolition started around Aug. 1, the media outlet wrote, adding that Wagner's military equipment mostly stayed at the camp.

It is currently unclear where these tents are being transported and whether the Wagner mercenaries left Belarus.

The satellite images available to RFE/RL journalists do not show the construction of similar tent camps on other Belarusian training grounds or military units.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The outlet cited Telegram channels associated with Russia's Wagner Group, saying that some mercenaries were sent home "for a long vacation." It's also possible that part of Wagner's forces is being transferred to Africa or other places in Belarus, according to RFE/RL.

The report comes a day after a private aircraft crashed in Russia's Tver Oblast while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg, presumably killing Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Read also: Kyiv, Moscows opposing attitudes toward Soviet past shape two different futures

The National Resistance Center, run by Ukraine's special forces, reported that convoys of Wagner fighters were departing Belarus and heading to Russia after the plane crash.

On Aug. 24, Ukraine's State Border Service spokesman confirmed to Ukrainska Pravda that they have recently recorded a decrease in the number of Wagner fighters in Belarus.

"This situation existed before yesterday... And given yesterday's events in Russia, the further stay of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus is questionable," said Andrii Demchenko.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin "almost certainly ordered the Russian military command to shoot down Prigozhin's plane." The warlord's death is yet to be confirmed by official sources, however.

Earlier, thousands of Wagner fighters had moved into Belarus at Minsk's invitation following the mercenary group's short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in late June.

Read also: Russia comes to the brink of civil war: How we got here and what it means

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
It was the same old Ron DeSantis at the Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee Wednesday.

Sure, the Florida governor hit his talking points. He called the United States a country in decline. He vowed to take on Joe Biden and Bidenomics. He touted his own COVID response in Florida and bragged about fighting crime by removing two radical left-wing district attorneys from office..

He dodged a question on whether hed support a federal abortion ban. He wiggled away from any talk about Donald Trump s betrayal of the country, saying we have to focus on the future, not the past. He promised to declare the border a national emergency, repeating his well-honed, blood-thirsty line that drug traffickers will be left stone cold dead.

He was energetic. He was angry. He was well-rehearsed. He was . . . meh.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

And yet that didnt really matter. Because, despite the pressure on DeSantis to win back Republican voters who have soured on him, most of the attention was still on The Man Who Wasnt There.

Trump, as predicted, dominated from afar. Or as Fox host Bret Baier, rather meanly, reminded DeSantis at one point, hes beating you by 30, 40 points in many polls.

The candidates onstage were left fighting over scraps, with entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy scoring the biggest wins with his irreverent attitude and calls for revolution. But Trump remained the clear favorite: When former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie tried to criticize the former president, the hall was filled with boos so loud he had to stop talking for a moment.

Those four indictments? Jan. 6? Not important.

The ex-president, meanwhile, was strutting away over on social media with his pre-recorded Tucker Carlson interview and his promises that SPARKS WILL FLY.

On X  the former Twitter  Trump, naturally, cast himself as the victim. He was also the name-caller, the hero who prevented nuclear war and the bully who hit below the belt. He sat out the debate, then attacked his opponents on the Milwaukee stage in a forum where they could not push back. He revived the Ron DeSanctimonius nickname and threw in his central claim that the 2020 election was rigged.

It was the perfect forum for a man who wants to be president, but who did not want to be forced to defend his disdain for this countrys democratic principles.

Back in Milwaukee, the stage was brightly lit. DeSantis was smack in the middle. But a Trump-shaped shadow was cast over everything.

And it showed. When the Fox hosts asked about Trump in the middle of the debate, you could feel the tension rise. DeSantis was among those who raised their hands to say they would support Trump if he becomes the nominee. That, even though he recently admitted that Trump lost in 2020.

And yet you have to give DeSantis credit. He learns from his failures. He was happy to trot out his Florida record but steered carefully away from using the word woke  though he has based much of his campaign on being anti-woke  because the term hasnt been landing with voters outside of Florida, who seem mostly to be confused about what it means. He focused on immigration and law and order, as he has in recent speeches.

He even tried to create a Trump moment of his own. He said presidential adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci, who led the White House COVID-19 pandemic response under the Trump administration, should have been dumped. You sit him down, and you say, Anthony, you are fired, he said, to a round of applause.

It was a weak attempt to brand himself as the new standard-bearer for the party, that elusive figure who can carry on Trumps work without actually being Trump.

DeSantis may not have been stand-out but he did fine. Ramaswamy made, perhaps, a bigger splash, if the number of attacks from other candidates was a measure. And Ramaswamy landed a shot on DeSantis when he called the others on stage Super PAC puppets  a reference to the Florida governors leaked debate preparation memo.

But watching the performance Wednesday night  of DeSantis and Ramaswamy and Christie and the others  leaves us with one question. Has the Republican Party given up trying to rid themselves of a four-time indicted leader  scheduled to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail on Thursday  who wanted to overturn a legitimate election so he could stay in power?

It sure looked like it.







Click here to send the letter.
When the Canadian parliament passed the benignly named Online News Act this summer, its goal was to ensure "fair revenue sharing between digital platforms and news outlets," according to a government summary of the legislation. In effect, the law requires search engines and social media giants to "engage in a bargaining process  and binding arbitration, if necessary  for licensing news content for their use" so that news outlets are adequately compensated for driving usage on those various distribution platforms, The New York Times reported. "A strong, independent and free press is fundamental to our democracy," Canadian Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, after the bill was signed into law. "The Online News Act will help make sure tech giants negotiate fair and equitable deals with news organizations."

Rodriguez's prediction, however, proved to be at least partially premature. Rather than bring news outlets and social media platforms to the bargaining table together, the Online News Act has sparked a digital Canadian crisis. This month, Meta, the digital juggernaut behind Facebook and Instagram, began blocking news articles from appearing in Canadian users' feeds months before the law is set to take effect. In a statement posted to Google's website, Kent Walker, president of global affairs for Google and its parent organization Alphabet, vowed to follow suit and "remove links to Canadian news from our Search, News and Discover products in Canada." Given the ubiquity that platforms like Google and Facebook enjoy across much of the world, this fight over fair compensation for news outlets is more than just a question of money.

The potential to 'devastate'

Although originally drafted to ostensibly help news companies, the Online News Act has the "potential really to devastate a number of Canadian media outlets," Michael Geist , a professor of e-commerce law at the University of Ottowa, told Politico. The threat, Geist said, is threefold, involving the "loss of new revenue as anticipated from the legislation, the loss of existing revenue from deals [with the tech companies] that get canceled, and the loss of referral traffic that will simply disappear" as more and more stories are blocked. The law will "disproportionately hurt smaller and independent media outlets," Geist added in a separate interview with the Times. Technology writer Cory Doctorow agreed, noting that smaller outlets will "have to form bargaining units" and will be at a disadvantage against bigger media conglomerates that are able to negotiate with the social media giants directly, he told Slate. If Google is the "only one that can afford to pay for the one great news entity that everyone looks to," the end result is to lock out "those who need the support most."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Meanwhile, Canadians simply trying to access the news have been left in a dangerous lurch  particularly as wildfires ravage the country's Northwest Territories and elsewhere. "Misinformation about the fires is rife on Facebook," according to The Guardian, as citizens circumvent Meta's blockage by "taking screenshots of news stories and then sharing these with their social networks," or turning to broadcast radio as a "dependable and easily accessible source of timely information," The Conversation reported.

'Eyeballs ... are the most valuable commodity'

"Meta is betting that Canadians will keep flocking back to their platforms, no matter how much disdain they demonstrate for our laws and for our news media," the Friends of Canadian Broadcasting advocacy group wrote on its website, calling for users to boycott Meta products like Instagram in late August. "At the end of the day, our eyeballs on their platforms are the most valuable commodity Meta has."

Meanwhile, the Canadian government itself "has options," Minister Rodriguez said during a Senate transport and communications committee meeting this summer. According to the National Post, that could include pulling the millions of dollars the government spends on Meta services, as well as playing up the "reputational impact" Meta could face as a result of its ban. Highlighting a 2021 standoff over a similar Australian bill, former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission head Rod Sims pointed out to Politico that "in the end, both Facebook and Google caved in."

You may also like

Homepage
 Flash

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. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Johannesburg 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.

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. [Photo/Xinhua]

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.
Altair, a Maine coon cat, holds the world record for longest tail on a domestic cat living at 16.08 inches. Photo courtesy of Guinness World Records

Aug. 24 (UPI) -- A Michigan cat's 16.07-inch tail is officially the longest in the world, taking the record from his own half-brother.

William John Powers of Farmington Hills owned Cygnus, a Maine coon whose tail remains the Guinness World Record holder for the longest tail on a domestic cat ever at 17.58 inches long.

Cygnus, along with Powers' other cats, died in a house fire in 2017.

Powers said he was later introduced to Altair, Cygnus' half-brother, and quickly decided to adopt him.

"When I was ready to have cats again, the woman who bred Altair let me know that a litter had been born and there was a silver male kitten who was the half-brother of Cygnus," Powers told Guinness World Records.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Powers said it was clear early on that Altair was following in his brother's footsteps.

"It was pretty obvious that just like Cygnus, from the time he was a kitten, he had an absurdly long tail, and it just continued to get longer as he aged," Powers said.

Altair is now the record-holder for the longest tail on a domestic cat living, after his tail was measured at 16.07 inches.

Altair isn't the only living record-holder in the family -- Powers' Savannah cat, Fenrir, is the tallest living domestic cat at 18.83 inches tall.
A 13-year-old Michigan boy who died in his sleep three days after getting a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine had a systemic bacterial infection that caused his death, according to an investigation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Jacob Clynick's family discovered the boy on June 16, 2021, in the bedroom of his Zilwaukee home in Saginaw County, Michigan. He'd gone to sleep the night before complaining of flu-like symptoms and a slight stomachache, and never woke up.

Preliminary autopsy findings revealed that Jacob had myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle that can affect heart rhythm and its ability to pump.

Three days before Jacob's funeral, a CDC advisory committee acknowledged "a likely association" between the Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus vaccines and a slight risk of heart problems in adolescents and young adults.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Jacob's sudden death sparked speculation that the Pfizer BioNTech coronavirus vaccine he'd gotten at a Walgreens store earlier that week may have played a role.

Father still suspects vaccine link

A CDC spokesperson on Friday told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, that "the primary cause of the patients death was sepsis (bloodstream infection) due to the bacteria Clostridium septicum, a type of bacteria that produces a toxin that can cause inflammation and damage to the heart and other organs."

That news was a surprise to Jacob's father, Joseph Clynick.

"I think it had to have something to do with the vaccine," he said. "It doesn't make any sense that it wouldn't."

Clynick, told the Free Press that he didn't get any notification from federal, state or local health authorities about the outcome of the CDC investigation. His child's autopsy report lists the cause of death as "myocarditis of unknown etiology."

"I haven't heard anything," Clynick said. "They have never given me any information ever. ... It's a nightmare."

In addition, documents the Free Press obtained from the CDC under the Freedom of Information Act show tension over the official cause of death between federal health investigators and the medical examiner who signed the autopsy report in Jacob's case.

Boy had an infection that's 'rapidly progressive and often fatal'

The CDC conducted extensive testing of autopsy tissue samples and found that the Clostridium septicum infection likely originated in Jacob's abdomen and quickly spread. The bacteria were "extremely abundant" in Jacob's spleen, kidneys and liver, but some also were identified in his heart and lungs.

"Clostridium septicum infections are rapidly progressive and often fatal," Dr. Sarah Reagan-Steiner, medical officer, epidemiology and operations team lead for the Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch of the CDC, wrote in an October 2021 email message with Dr. Randy Tashjian, then-deputy chief medical examiner for the Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine, a private company that was contracted at the time to provide medical examiner services to Saginaw County.

Yet Tashjian, who conducted Jacob's autopsy, rebutted those findings in email messages with CDC physicians, in the final autopsy report and in a medical journal article he co-authored about two teens  Jacob and another boy from Connecticut  who died within days of taking the second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Benzie-Leelanau District Health Department registered nurse Dawn Hynds draws a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine during a community vaccination event at Northport Public School in Northport on Sept. 16, 2021.

"Based on the circumstances known at this time, reported clinical history, and collective postmortem, histological, and toxicological findings, it is my opinion that the cause of death in this individual resulted from myocarditis of uncertain etiology," Tashjian wrote in Jacob's final autopsy report.

"Whether the second vaccine dose this adolescent received contributed to his death is unknown at this time. If additional information becomes available in the future, the case can be reviewed and the cause of death amended, as necessary. The manner of death is classified as natural."

Medical examiner 'open to discussion' with CDC and state health officials

Local, federal and state health leaders were aware in early October 2021 of the differences of opinion about what caused Jacob's death. Email messages show they might have tried to sway Tashjian's point of view.

"The medical examiner associated with this case is ready to sign off on the death certificate and final autopsy report," Sally Bidol, who works within the Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, wrote in an Oct. 1, 2021, email to Reagan-Steiner.

"He reached out to give us an opportunity to discuss where he stands on the findings and how he will phrase the cause of death on the DC (death certificate). ... He has reached some conclusions around cardiomyopathy (stress-induced) and he noted vaccine delivery.

"He is open to discussion with CDC and MDHHS and is willing to wait to talk with the family and temporarily hold off on releasing the reports until he has discussions with public health."

More: Michigan boy dies 3 days after getting Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, CDC is investigating

Email correspondence shows the CDC's pathology branch provided the final report of its investigation to Tashjian and took part in a conference call with him and state health officials to discuss the findings.

The state health department didn't respond to a request from the Free Press for comment on whether any Michigan health leaders tried to influence Tashjian about the official cause of death he listed on Jacob's death certificate.

The CDC said its staff "focused on sharing and explaining our key findings  evidence that C. septicum contributed to the patients death. We also acknowledged that the determination on a cause of death on the autopsy report is always the purview of the medical examiner.

"While CDC lends its expertise with testing and analysis, we defer to our state and local partners in terms of running the investigation and communicating with their residents."

Examiner's former employer said vaccine was not linked

Four months passed after the October 2021 call with state and CDC leaders to discuss the pathology findings, and Tashjian still hadn't finalized Jacob's autopsy report.

He told Reagan-Steiner and others at the CDC in February that he had left his position at the Michigan Institute of Forensic Science and Medicine and had begun working with the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office and the University of Michigan.

His former employer, MIFSM, had been embroiled in a dispute with Saginaw County government leaders that resulted in a termination of its contract handling medical examiner services.

Though Tashjian was no longer employed by MIFSM, the company issued a news release Feb. 3, 2022, saying it had completed Jacob's forensic and medical autopsy.

"Included in this investigation were toxicological, histological, microbiological, and an extensive physical assessment," the news release said. "CDC experts were supplied with access to all data and information made available and/or collected by MIFSM investigators and staff.

"Conclusions by the CDC and local investigators were that no definitive evidence of a causal relationship between vaccine administration and this young mans natural death existed."

Journal article hypothesizes vaccine link

On Valentine's Day 2022  three days before Tashjian signed Jacob's autopsy report  a medical journal article he co-authored published online in the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. It reviewed the two deaths of teenage boys who died in the days after they each got a second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Tashjian and the article's co-authors hypothesized that the first dose of the vaccine could have caused some inflammation and damage to their hearts, and when the teens got a second dose, their bodies reacted with "an excessive and uncontrolled inflammatory response."

The damage in the teen boys' hearts, the article says, appeared to be different than what is typically seen with myocarditis caused by a bacterial infection or a virus.

Tashjian didn't notify the CDC in advance of the journal article's publication.

Rather, Reagan-Steiner sent Tashjian an email message two days after it published to confirm that Jacob was among the boys referenced in the article. She noted that CDC investigators "have received some questions from CDC leadership regarding this report."

Tashjian replied: "I ended up calling the cause of death as myocarditis of unknown etiology and raised possible scenarios in my report summary, including CDC's findings. But without an obvious GI (gastrointestinal) source of infection, I backed off on attributing it to Clostridial sepsis. ... I hope the reactions to the article are not blown out of proportion."

That began a tense back-and-forth exchange that played out on the pages of the Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine as Reagan-Steiner and others from the Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch of the CDC published a letter to the editor, writing "with concern" about Tashjian's findings on Jacob's cause of death.

"The conclusion of IDPB ... was death attributable directly to C. septicum sepsis," the letter to the editor said. "Clostridium septicum sepsis is characteristically a fatal and fulminating infection that often presents with nonspecific signs and symptoms. The infection is lethal in approximately 60% to 70% of cases, and death typically occurs within 12 to 48 hours of symptom onset. ...

"The report ... unfortunately omitted many important findings provided by pathologic evaluations at the CDC that ... identified a specific infectious cause of death for patient B. These omissions could lead incorrectly to the assumption that COVID-19 vaccines were directly responsible for the deaths of these two patients."

That drew a rebuttal from Tashjian and his co-authors, who wrote in the journal that the CDC "unfortunately overstepped its role ... by diagnosing the death as 'attributable directly' to clostridial sepsis. ... It misinterpreted common postmortem findings, including bacterial overgrowth.

"The clinical history and cardiac findings simply do not support a diagnosis of clostridial sepsis. The clostridial 'diagnosis' was not included in the report because it was a postmortem artifact; it was not an 'important finding' or an 'alternate cause of death.' "

The CDC did not answer questions from the Free Press about whether Jacob's case ultimately was included in data about the risk of myocarditis after taking a COVID-19 vaccine.

Tashjian did not return email messages or phone calls from the Free Press.

'The vaccine has more benefit than harm'

Dr. B. Keith English, professor and chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Human Development at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, said it's far more likely that a person will develop myocarditis or pericarditis from having a coronavirus infection than from taking the vaccine.

"Everything we do in medicine has some side effects," he said. "So if you take aspirin or you take ibuprofen or you take amoxicillin, there's a lot of benefit, but there are occasional side effects that can cause problems. That's true of everything, including vaccines."

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices found an association with rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis, inflammation of the sac or pericardium around the heart, among adolescents and young adults who got the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The complications have been reported at a rate of 12.6 per million among people ages 12-39 within 21 days after a second dose of the vaccine. The problems were most likely to appear within the first five days after vaccination, according to a Vaccine Safety Datalink analysis. Some cases have been reported after the first vaccine dose as well.

"We discovered that some of the vaccines ... did have some relatively rare side effects including myocarditis, or inflammation of the heart, that could occur, particularly in young men, teenagers," English said. "... We still don't know for sure why that is. It was definitely associated with these mRNA vaccines, but at the same time, it was much less likely than inflammation of your heart if you got COVID.

"Of course, if you got COVID, there are a lot of other problems that could happen besides inflammation of your heart. And so clearly, without question, in everybody, including teenage boys, the vaccine has more benefit than harm. There's no question about it. It's been proven over and over again."

However, misinformation campaigns on social media, along with public distrust of public health that grew out of the pandemic, have affected the public's willingness to take vaccines.

More: A distrust, based on history, keeping many Black Detroiters from getting COVID-19 vaccine

"The solution of vaccine hesitancy is to be totally transparent and honest about everything we know," English said. "It's not to cover up anything or hide anything."

In cases like Jacob's, when people die or get sick within days of taking a vaccine, it's human nature to believe that the cause of that illness or death must be the vaccine, he said.

"And it's completely understandable ... if somebody succumbed from that and it was a few days after getting the vaccine that they would think: 'Well gee, I wonder if that was really the vaccine or not,' " English said. "As human beings, we focus on cause and effect. If something happened just yesterday, and we don't feel well today, we wonder: 'Gee, is that what caused it?' Sometimes it is, but often it isn't.

"You have to do a big study, and big studies were done showing that was not any more common in people who got the vaccine than people who didn't get the vaccine. ... I can say that these vaccines have been studied more and more carefully than any vaccines in the history of vaccines. It's pretty amazing, really. ... I don't know how many total millions of people have been saved because we have these COVID vaccines."

Though he didn't play any role in investigating Jacob's death, English said he has seen some patients with bacterial infections like Jacob's.

"Clostridium septicum, for reasons we don't understand, can get in your bloodstream and spread all around," English said. "Even the name, septicum, comes from the word sepsis. It is a severe bloodstream Infection ... and the body's immune response is so bad, that there is sort of a circulatory collapse.

"This is a terrible bacteria. If you get that in your system causing a systemic illness, there's a high degree of fatality. ... That's the kind of thing that is usually fatal. ... They have terrible inflammation throughout their body, it's not just in the heart."

'Then he was gone on the third day'

Jacob, his father said, had been given a "clean bill of health" by his primary care physician a few months before he died.

"Then he got his first vaccination shot, and he was fine," Clynick said. "He got his second one, and he had flu-like symptoms for two days. Then he was gone on the third day.

"The coroner's office, when they gave me the initial medical report ... they said they found traces of that (bacteria), but his heart was enlarged and there was fluid around it, and that was what caused his death.

"They never even gave me the medical report, the final ruling."

Contact Kristen Shamus: kshamus@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: CDC reports why Michigan boy died 3 days after getting COVID vaccine
Middletown has settled on a concept design for the new combination middle and high school building it hopes voters will approve in this Novembers special election.

The Middletown Town Council received its first look at the design the School Building Committee has recommended for the project at its Monday meeting. The 230,000 sq. ft. proposed building, which will be located just north of where Gaudet Middle School currently sits, separates the spaces intended for middle school students and high school students with a Z shape. The four-story north wing of the project would house classrooms for high schoolers and the three-story south wing would house middle school classrooms, while a span of the building between the two acts as a common space shared by all students. The concept schematics show a gym on the first floor of the north end, separate cafeterias next to one another, and an auditorium on the ground floor of the south end.

A schematic illustrates the design selected for a new joint Middletown Middle-High School.

The school building committee chose Sectional Z design over a Two-Sided T design, where the two classroom sections sit on the north end of the property and a shared common space extends south to create a T-shape, at its Aug. 16 meeting. The building will be designed to accommodate at least 1,086 students, the projected enrollment of the future middle-high school.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Looking at the different characteristics of each building, looking at factors to evaluate what was in the best interest of the community and the project, the committee selected the Z scheme as the one they want to move forward on and continue to explore, Town Administrator Shawn Brown told Middletown Town Council.

The town council unanimously voted to add the $190 million bond measure to fund this project to this year's Nov. 7 special election ballot in July. The town was originally going to have a special election in May to approve the bond, but pushed it to the fall to get possible reimbursement from the state on the $1 million it has spent in architectural and design fees.

In 2022, voters approved a $235 million bond to build the combination middle-high school project and a new elementary school, but the proposal was tied in with another vote to regionalize Middletown and Newport school districts, which was rejected by a slim majority of Newport voters. With the estimated costs to repair Middletown High School and Gaudet Middle School greater than the cost would be to build a new school, the town decided to set out on another bond process to build a combination middle-high school building and make repairs to its two existing elementary schools instead. The elementary school repairs are expected to cost $20 million of that $190 million bond.

A schematic provides a birds eye view the design selected for a new joint Middletown Middle-High School.

The town is expecting the Rhode Island Department of Education to reimburse 55% of the costs of the project, in part due to a General Assembly bill Middletown legislators helped push through to extend the deadline to start construction and receive reimbursement bonuses by six months. Had the legislation not passed, Middletown would have had to start building the school by Dec. 30 or risk a 35% reimbursement rate from RIDE.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Middletown middle-high school project to employ Z shape
Ukrainian forces landed on Russian-occupied Crimea and raised the Ukrainian flag this morning as part of an operation with the Navy, Ukraine's Military Intelligence (HUR) said on Aug. 24.

Ukrainian intelligence reported that special watercraft landed on the Crimean coast at the beach near Maiak, a village on the northwestern tip of Crimea, and engaged in combat.

Maiak is less than five kilometers from Olenivka, where Ukraine reported to have destroyed a Russian missile defense system on Aug. 23.

Intelligence spokesperson Andriy Yusov told Ukrainian media that he could not release detailed information on the operation, but that it "had the characteristics of a raid."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Yusov said that the Ukrainian forces had already returned from the operation and that they had not suffered any losses. There were losses among Russian personnel, he added.

Read also: Increased attacks on Crimea disrupt Russian logistics, attempt to derail its southern defenses

Krym.Realii, the Crimean media project of the Ukrainian branch of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, reported explosions at 5 a.m. local time at Maiak.

A radar base and radio engineering troop base for the Russian Aerospace Forces, the air and space branch of the Russian military, are located near Maiak.

Ukrainian intelligence said that the Russian proxy administration in Crimea has told local residents the explosions were due to the scheduled detonation of munitions.

The choice to conduct the operation and raise the Ukrainian flag on Crimea in the early hours of Aug. 24 is notable as it is Ukraine's 32nd Independence Day. Crimea has been occupied by Russia since 2014.

Earlier in August, reports emerged about a Ukrainian raid across the Dnipro.

The Kyiv Independent's source in Ukraine's Armed Forces confirmed on Aug. 9 that Ukraine had successfully conducted a raid deep into Russian-held territories across the river.

The source, granted anonymity to speak freely about Ukraine's military operations, told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine's military had taken 16 Russian soldiers as prisoners and brought them back to the government-controlled side of the river.

Read also: Everything you didnt know about Ukraines flag

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A millennial who moved nearly 600 miles away from his office quit after he was ordered back.

Now, he makes more at his remote job and is still productive and happy.

He said the transition allowed him to maintain a strong work-life balance and have autonomy.

In 2022, Timothy Done was on vacation in Egypt when he received the dreaded Slack message  he was being called back into the office as part of new mandatory return-to-office policies.

There was just one problem: Done, 35, had moved nearly 600 miles away from his office during the pandemic.

"It was like, well jeez, how am I going to commute 550 miles three days a week?" he told Insider. The news came as a shock; he said he had team members who settled across the country after the pandemic hit, and there were no foreseeable plans for returning to the office. When his wife received an offer in Denver, Done and his family decided to take the plunge, moving away from his office's home base in Utah in October 2020.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Done had been working successfully at home for nearly two years as an ad tech contractor. It had been "a really great place to work," with a culture "almost like a work family." Now, he was being told that he had to leave his job or return back to the office. He tried to work something out, even proposing flying in for a few months and then flying back out, but his company would not compromise.

"I made the decision that I wasn't going to return to office, that it wasn't viable for me and my family," Done said. It was a hard decision and one of the scarier moments in his life. But today, Done is in a new, all-remote role. He's making more money, and he's able to maintain work-life balance and autonomy.

"I've more than doubled my income. I've got great benefits. It's permanently remote. It's awesome. It's wonderful," Done said.

Done's story shows a continued tension between how bosses think businesses should run and how their employees want to work. Workers have chafed at heavy-handed attempts to micromanage, especially when it comes to firms yanking their employees back in. It's a strategy that might backfire for employers; Done says he's just as  if not more  productive in a fully remote role, where he has the trust of his company to get his work done.

The great remote work debate

As part of the war over remote work, employers and employees alike have debated whether or not a mandatory return-to-office policy actually works. While some recent research has shown workers are more productive at the office, other studies reveal workers may quit if companies mandate fully in-person work.

This all comes down to trust  if you have faith your workers will get the job done, the work may get done more efficiently and effectively than micromanaging workers in an office.

"If you really feel that you cannot trust the people you've hired, then maybe the best solution is for some type of oversight system where managers are walking around your desks," Sam Eitzen, CEO of photo and video solutions company Snapbar, previously told Insider. "But I just think that for me, that doesn't seem like a great long-term solution."

Stanford University economics professor Nicholas Bloom has reiterated that workers have kept up their productivity at home, citing data revealing the US is still on the pre-pandemic growth trend even with the number of remote workers quintupling.

Bloom told Insider that the opportunities for constructive leisure at home are much higher than in an office, which has led workers to take more profound breaks or do workouts to keep their minds fresh.

"In the studies, you see the valuation put on work from home is equivalent to about an 8% pay increase, and the biggest driver of that is avoiding the commute, which is hardly surprising," Bloom said. "But the second-biggest driver is flexibility, and I think that reflects the fact that breaks are just much more valuable at home."

And businesses expect the current amount of remote work to continue into next year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York's most recent Empire State Manufacturing Survey and Business Leaders Survey. Around 17% of service firms expect to require more in-person work next year, reporting declines in workplace culture, cohesiveness, communication, and training and mentoring of employees.

Additionally, according to new research from Envoy, 80% of bosses regret their initial return-to-office plans, noting how they made these decisions without much awareness of office attendance and amenities usage. The risk of losing top talent has kept some companies on their toes about adopting stricter mandates, and the Envoy study further suggests a disconnect between what leaders and employees feel about return-to-office policies.

Not to mention, mandatory return-to-office policies could exacerbate the climate crisis, which could have an impact on the US economy down the road.

The era of micromanagement is over

It took Done about five months to find a new job. He didn't want a hybrid or in-person position. With two kids at home, the flexibility of remote work  coupled with no commute  was a boon. When he finally landed his new role, it was worth the wait.

"The quality of the work-life balance is unbeatable. It's truly unbeatable," he said.

At his new role and firm, Done said he has the freedom to get his work done on his own terms. There are still meetings and regular training, and everyone is engaged. But there's no micromanagement and nobody telling him to get into the office so his work can be watched over  or what Microsoft calls productivity paranoia, in which leaders don't trust their workers are actually getting stuff done.

"Having been in a work from home environment for going on four years now, it's become just kind of second nature that you've got to take ownership of doing things," he said. "If you have a company that really embraces those values, it actually, I think, drives productivity  as well as just overall employment satisfaction  drastically up."

And even as the labor market cools some, and the job-switching power of the Great Resignation fades a bit, workers still know what does and doesn't work for them  part of the reason that remote work debate has become so contentious. As Done puts it, "the days of micromanagement are well behind us." The pandemic showed that there was an opening to rethink how businesses function.

The firms that are succeeding at remote work have saved money from giving up office leases and are making their employees feel happier along the way.

"You're not constantly micromanaged," he said. "You're still in meetings, you're still engaged, but you're not under the thumb of somebody  not treated like a child."

Have you quit over remote work, or are contemplating it? Contact these reporters at jkaplan@insider.com and nsheidlower@insider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The city of Minneapolis has hired an outside law firm to investigate three complaints filed against Police Chief Brian O'Hara, less than one year into his tenure.

All three complaints were filed with the Office of Police Conduct Review, a division of the Civil Rights Department that vets allegations of officer misconduct. Those complaints were then referred to the Office of the Commissioner of Community Safety (OCS)  as is standard under policy for formal complaints against a sitting chief  where leaders have discretion over whether to consult outside counsel.

"Due to the high rank of the position of chief, an external investigator would be used in order to preserve neutrality and investigator independence and avoid any potential conflicts of interest or power imbalance that could exist for lower-level staff having to investigate a City leader," OCS spokesman Stan Alleyne said in a statement.

Mayor Jacob Frey cast the decision as a way to "help ensure a thorough, impartial accounting of the facts."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The revelation comes at a crucial time for the embattled Police Department and O'Hara, a former Newark, N.J., police officer touted as a "change-maker" capable of transforming public safety in Minneapolis following George Floyd 's murder. He took the job vowing to rebuild community trust while navigating a sweeping settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and a pending consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The complaints, first reported by KSTP-TV, remain under investigation.

"The Chief was not aware of any specifics regarding open complaints against him until a recent media inquiry," a department spokesman wrote in a statement. "He looks forward to fully cooperating with the outside investigation and feels confident that the investigation will resolve this matter and allow the department and city to move forward with the important work that needs to be done."

City officials declined to comment on the nature of the complaints, citing personnel matters. However, four sources with knowledge of the investigation outlined them to the Star Tribune.

The first, filed in late November, pertains to an "unprofessional" phone call O'Hara allegedly placed to the Edina Police Department seeking nonpublic records related to an MPD officer cited for fifth-degree assault.

Officer Sergio Villegaspunched a man in the face Oct. 24 during an altercation at the officer's Halloween party in Edina, according to a police report obtained by the Star Tribune. The male victim later pursued misdemeanor charges against Villegas. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office ultimately agreed to suspend its prosecution of Villegas, 28, if he paid $500 restitution to the victim and remained law abiding.

Shortly after Villegas disclosed the incident to MPD last fall, O'Hara reportedly called Edina police to demand the reports.Sources say he began yelling and cursing at the Edina officer on the phone.

The second complaint stems from a use of force by O'Hara earlier this winter, in which he never filed a report. The complaint does not disclose what level of force was allegedly used or in what context.

Officers of any rank should be conditioned to file reports disclosing any force used in the field  from pulling a handgun to placing a person in handcuffs  said Mylan Masson, a retired Minneapolis police officer and use-of-force expert.

"He should have known," said Masson, who applauded the city's decision to seek an outside investigator in this case. She noted that given O'Hara's tendency to respond to crisis calls and patrol alongside rank-and-file officers, he is more likely to confront these issues.

T. Anansi Wilson, a law professor at Mitchell Hamline, called the allegations against O'Hara "disturbing."

"He is the standard bearer," he said, noting that O'Hara is tasked with leading by example and disciplining officers who stray from protocol. Misconduct like this can be "a huge distraction and disservice" to critical reform efforts, Wilson said, and reinforce negative perceptions of police within the community.

The third complaint accuses O'Hara of being untruthful in public comments to the media regarding the hiring of officer Tyler Timberlake. MPD hired Timberlake in January, despite accusations that he assaulted an unarmed Black man while working as an officer in Fairfax County, Va.

Timberlake was charged with three misdemeanor counts of assault and battery in that case and later acquitted by a jury.

After the Minnesota Reformer uncovered Timberlake's past, O'Hara said he was "extremely concerned" by the hire and promised an internal investigation. Personnel records and emails revealed that O'Hara personally signed off on Timberlake's hiring after sitting in on his interview.

The city terminated Timberlake in July  after which O'Hara claimed that he would not have signed off on such a recruit had he seen the video of the "critical incident." In the aftermath, O'Hara faced intense backlash for contradicting public comments.

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and community activist, believes O'Hara should have been reprimanded by Frey in the same way that former Chief Medaria Arradondo and outgoing Community Safety Commissioner Cedric Alexander were for controversial public comments.

"To have the [police] leadership engaged in lying to the public on something of that nature is very concerning," she said, pointing to a perceived double standard. "You've held these two Black men in high positions accountable; why is the chief getting away with this?"

A spokeswoman for the mayor countered that those previous disciplinary cases involved public tweets and a news conference, rather than a "complex investigation involving multiple people, more than one department and private data."

In recent public remarks, O'Hara has signaled that that not everyone within the agency is supportive of his efforts to overhaul the department  or even believe that Floyd was murdered.

That's led some police reform activists to question whether the officers' federation was behind the complaints, as they have historically resisted attempts by top brass to make significant changes to department policy.

"It feels like a witch hunt by the union," said Emma Pederson, a member of the watchdog group Communities United Against Police Brutality, who also served on the chief's search committee last spring.

Minneapolis police union president Sgt. Sherral Schmidt categorically denied that.

"Not a witch hunt by me," she told the Star Tribune via text. "I have nothing to do with the filing of these complaints."
The city of Minneapolis has hired an outside law firm to investigate three complaints filed against Police Chief Brian O'Hara, less than one year into his tenure.

All three complaints were filed with the Office of Police Conduct Review, a division of the Civil Rights Department that vets allegations of officer misconduct. Those complaints were then referred to the Office of the Commissioner of Community Safety (OCS)  as is standard under policy for formal complaints against a sitting chief  where leaders have discretion over whether to consult outside counsel.

"Due to the high rank of the position of chief, an external investigator would be used in order to preserve neutrality and investigator independence and avoid any potential conflicts of interest or power imbalance that could exist for lower-level staff having to investigate a City leader," OCS spokesman Stan Alleyne said in a statement.

Mayor Jacob Frey cast the decision as a way to "help ensure a thorough, impartial accounting of the facts."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The revelation comes at a crucial time for the embattled Police Department and O'Hara, a former Newark, N.J., police officer touted as a "change-maker" capable of transforming public safety in Minneapolis following George Floyd 's murder. He took the job vowing to rebuild community trust while navigating a sweeping settlement agreement with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and a pending consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.

The complaints, first reported by KSTP-TV, remain under investigation.

"The Chief was not aware of any specifics regarding open complaints against him until a recent media inquiry," a department spokesman wrote in a statement. "He looks forward to fully cooperating with the outside investigation and feels confident that the investigation will resolve this matter and allow the department and city to move forward with the important work that needs to be done."

City officials declined to comment on the nature of the complaints, citing personnel matters. However, four sources with knowledge of the investigation outlined them to the Star Tribune.

The first, filed in late November, pertains to an "unprofessional" phone call O'Hara allegedly placed to the Edina Police Department seeking nonpublic records related to an MPD officer cited for fifth-degree assault.

Officer Sergio Villegas punched a man in the face Oct. 24 during an altercation at the officer's Halloween party in Edina, according to a police report obtained by the Star Tribune. The male victim later pursued misdemeanor charges against Villegas. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office ultimately agreed to suspend its prosecution of Villegas, 28, if he paid $500 restitution to the victim and remained law abiding.

Shortly after Villegas disclosed the incident to MPD last fall, O'Hara reportedly called Edina police to demand the reports. Sources say he began yelling and cursing at the Edina officer on the phone.

The second complaint stems from a use of force by O'Hara earlier this winter, in which he never filed a report. The complaint does not disclose what level of force was allegedly used or in what context.

Officers of any rank should be conditioned to file reports disclosing any force used in the field  from pulling a handgun to placing a person in handcuffs  said Mylan Masson, a retired Minneapolis police officer and use-of-force expert.

"He should have known," said Masson, who applauded the city's decision to seek an outside investigator in this case. She noted that given O'Hara's tendency to respond to crisis calls and patrol alongside rank-and-file officers, he is more likely to confront these issues.

T. Anansi Wilson, a law professor at Mitchell Hamline, called the allegations against O'Hara "disturbing."

"He is the standard bearer," he said, noting that O'Hara is tasked with leading by example and disciplining officers who stray from protocol. Misconduct like this can be "a huge distraction and disservice" to critical reform efforts, Wilson said, and reinforce negative perceptions of police within the community.

The third complaint accuses O'Hara of being untruthful in public comments to the media regarding the hiring of officer Tyler Timberlake. MPD hired Timberlake in January, despite accusations that he assaulted an unarmed Black man while working as an officer in Fairfax County, Va.

Timberlake was charged with three misdemeanor counts of assault and battery in that case and later acquitted by a jury.

After the Minnesota Reformer uncovered Timberlake's past, O'Hara said he was "extremely concerned" by the hire and promised an internal investigation. Personnel records and emails revealed that O'Hara personally signed off on Timberlake's hiring after sitting in on his interview.

The city terminated Timberlake in July  after which O'Hara claimed that he would not have signed off on such a recruit had he seen the video of the "critical incident." In the aftermath, O'Hara faced intense backlash for contradicting public comments.

Nekima Levy Armstrong, a civil rights lawyer and community activist, believes O'Hara should have been reprimanded by Frey in the same way that former Chief Medaria Arradondo and outgoing Community Safety Commissioner Cedric Alexander were for controversial public comments.

"To have the [police] leadership engaged in lying to the public on something of that nature is very concerning," she said, pointing to a perceived double standard. "You've held these two Black men in high positions accountable; why is the chief getting away with this?"

A spokeswoman for the mayor countered that those previous disciplinary cases involved public tweets and a news conference, rather than a "complex investigation involving multiple people, more than one department and private data."

In recent public remarks, O'Hara has signaled that that not everyone within the agency is supportive of his efforts to overhaul the department  or even believe that Floyd was murdered.

That's led some police reform activists to question whether the officers' federation was behind the complaints, as they have historically resisted attempts by top brass to make significant changes to department policy.

"It feels like a witch hunt by the union," said Emma Pederson, a member of the watchdog group Communities United Against Police Brutality, who also served on the chief's search committee last spring.

Minneapolis police union president Sgt. Sherral Schmidt categorically denied that.

"Not a witch hunt by me," she told the Star Tribune via text. "I have nothing to do with the filing of these complaints."
This is a photo of flowers and balloons at a memorial for school shooting victims.

This article was originally published in Missouri Independent.

The top priority of many Missouri parents and educators is school safety, according to a survey presented at the latest State Board of Education meeting.

But statewide safety improvements for schools didnt garner much traction during the legislative session that ended in May, with most proposals dying without ever making it to the full House or Senate for debate.

Action has largely come through the budget, with lawmakers approving recommendations from the governors office giving school districts access to grant money for physical security upgrades and emergency supplies. The state funded a new app for school lockdowns for all districts to access.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

The result is a few changes for the 2023-2024 school year, likely at levels unnoticeable to students.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In May, Gov. Mike Parson announced that funding was available for school districts to sign up for a mobile application to assist in emergencies. The app, Raptor Alert, will allow school staff to silently trigger alarms and communicate with emergency responders.

Missouri school districts are being trained on the software, and those who signed up prior to the end of June should have the technology ready before the school year begins.

We want all students across Missouri to have the opportunity to learn in safe and secure schools, Parson said at the time. Thats why our administration included funding for this school safety app.

Parson set aside $20 million in school safety grants in his 2023 early supplemental budget request, which legislators approved. Almost 170 districts claimed a portion of the funds, with grants ranging from $7,100 to $450,000.

Related

New Ohio School Budget Law Makes Historic Strides in K-12 Education

Northwest R-1 School District in Jefferson County, the recipient of the $450,000 grant, is using the money to install a surveillance system throughout its elementary schools, Mark Janiesch, the districts chief operating officer, told The Independent.

Janiesch said DESE decided the amount of the award to the district through a questionnaire that assessed buildings age and current surveillance coverage.

This grant is going to greatly help make our schools safer and more secure, he said. If the state could offer grants similar to this one within future budgets, they could help ensure that more schools across the state have an opportunity to incorporate ongoing and up-to-date safety measures over the years.

Parson plans to increase the grant fund to $50 million next year, if approved by lawmakers.

In April, a research firm hired by the state school board asked stakeholders about their priorities for the department. Ensuring schools and classrooms remain the safest places for students and teachers resonated most with survey participants, which included school staff and parents. Those surveyed listed funding as the top barrier to success.

Carol Hallquist, the boards vice president, presented the data at the meeting, saying she asked the researchers to look at groups other than parents and educators that took the survey, like community leaders and staff from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

No matter how they cut the data, pretty much these were the priorities for the other groups as well, she said during the boards June meeting.

The data will inform the boards recommendations to lawmakers for 2024s legislative session.

During this years session, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle filed 18 bills related to school safety. Some focused on school resource officers, others on mental health.

Although the topic is bipartisan, the parties took different approaches to the legislation, with Democrats filing bills to reduce childrens access to guns and Republicans looking to allow more school personnel to qualify to carry a weapon on campus as a school resource officer.

In late February, students from Central Visual and Performing Arts High School in St. Louis, who lost a classmate and a teacher in a school shooting in October, visited the State Capitol.

They held a rally, where they showed art they created to express their grief, and spoke to lawmakers.

We, all of us, deserve more than empty promises, then-high-school senior Bryanna Love said during the rally, as broadcast by KSDK-TV.

Just one was signed into law, a bill by Scott City Republican Sen. Holly Thompson Rehder that expands background checks to include adults taking classes in facilities with K-12 students on site. The law exempts adults that are part of a schools average daily attendance, like high school seniors who are 18.

Missouri Independent is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Missouri Independent maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jason Hancock for questions: info@missouriindependent.com. Follow Missouri Independent on Facebook and Twitter.
In January 2022, the Department of Veterans Affairs reported a total number of 33,129 veterans experiencing homelessness. In addition to the challenges of being homeless, homeless veterans struggle to receive healthcare that they may be entitled to through the VA. To reach out to these veterans, the VA launched mobile medical units across the country.

The VA is providing services to eligible veterans through community outreach (VA)

On August 3, 2023, the VA announced the deployment of 25 MMUs over the following six months. These units provide health care and support homeless and at-risk veterans . The first MMU arrived in Orlando, Florida, on August 3. Additional units will deploy to other major cities, including Atlanta, Oklahoma City and San Francisco from September 2023 to February 2024. The full deployment schedule can be found on the VAs website.

Built on trucks or vans, MMUs provide a private space for veterans to meet with medical providers and receive care. This includes primary care, mental health, womens health, audiology and laboratory services that might otherwise be unavailable to these veterans. The mobile nature of the MMUs allows them to travel to locations where they can best serve populations of homeless and at-risk veterans.

Mobile vet centers also provide care for veterans who might not otherwise receive it (VA)

Veterans experiencing homelessness face a variety of barriers to accessing health care, including a lack of transportation, said VA Secretary Denis McDonough in a press release. With these new mobile medical units, homeless and at-risk veterans dont have to visit VA hospitals - we come right to them. The VA also deploys 83 Mobile Vet Centers across the country that provide a confidential space for counseling as well as outreach to veterans in communities that cant reach existing services.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In addition to providing care for homeless and at-risk veterans, the VA is working to end veteran homelessness . In 2022, the number of homeless veterans was down 11% from 2020 and 55.3% from 2010. Also in 2022, the VA housed over 40,000 formerly homeless veterans and prevented more than 17,700 veterans and their families from becoming homeless. For 2023, the VA aims to house at least 38,000 veterans.

Feature Image: VA
(Bloomberg) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, asking officials to work at resolving a border dispute.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Xi and Modi have largely avoided direct talks since the border conflict began in May 2020 despite having crossed paths at a number of international gatherings. They last had an unplanned exchange about ties at a dinner for Group of 20 leaders in Bali last November.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In South Africa, both leaders touched on the dispute, which sparked the worst armed clashes seen in four decades with thousands of troops and weaponry rushed to the border. Several rounds of talks involving military officials and diplomats have made little progress in resolving the standoff.

Modi raised the border dispute with President Xi, Indias Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday. The two leaders directed officials to resolve the border dispute expeditiously.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said Xi told Modi that improving ties would be conducive to regional peace and economic development. Both sides should properly handle the border issue and jointly maintain peace in the area, it added.

While China has sought to segregate the dispute from its overall relationship with India, New Delhi insists it is a key stumbling block.

A similar unscheduled meeting between Modi and Xi on the sidelines of a G-20 gathering in Hamburg in 2017 led to a resolution of a tense 70-day stand-off between the two armies who were deployed toe-to-toe inside neighboring Bhutan.

The detente didnt last long and the two armies had their worst face-off in decades three years later.

We are two countries with huge population and economic sizes, we have to have good terms, maybe not today but tomorrow  but we will do it in the long-term, said Li Kexin, director-general of the Department of International Economic Affairs at Chinas Foreign Ministry.

India has discouraged its companies from trading with  and investing in  China, banned some mobile phone applications developed by its neighbor and cut back on the issuing of visas to Chinese nationals.

The border dispute has eroded Indias trust in China and undermined public and political will to maintain relations, Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval told his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of a BRICS meeting in July, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

--With assistance from Timothy Rangongo and Jing Li.

(Adds comment from China Foreign Ministry from paragraph five.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
 Flash

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. [Photo/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.
Twenty-two of the states 39 counties have joined a lawsuit filed Wednesday in Pierce County Superior Court against the Department of Social and Health Services, claiming that the state has failed in its obligations surrounding mental health care, particularly in regards to civil conversion patients.

By ignoring the dictates of the legislative and judicial branches, DSHS is depriving a particularly at-risk population of the opportunity for necessary mental health treatment to the detriment of both patient well-being and community safety, the lawsuit said. In the face of DSHSs continuing contempt for both legislative and judicial authority, Washingtons counties have joined in an unprecedented coalition to enforce DSHSs legal obligations.

King, Pierce, Thurston, Whatcom and Lewis counties are among those that have signed on to the lawsuit, as well as the Washington State Association of Counties, a nonprofit that represents all 39 counties in Washington.

When the mental competency of a criminal defendant cannot be restored, county superior courts dismiss the defendants charges without prejudice and must commit the former defendant to DSHS custody to evaluate the patient for potential civil commitment, the lawsuit says. Because the dismissal of criminal charges converts these patients from a criminal hold to a civil commitment hold, they are referred to as civil conversion patients.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Instead, the lawsuit alleged that DSHS has not only selectively refused admission for patients since December 2022, but that it also hasnt admitted any patients for evaluations required by state law since July.

The lawsuit also alleges that the agency is required by law to notify law enforcement agencies, victims and other interested parties when certain civil conversion patients are released after treatment, but that DSHS has recently stated their intention not to do so.

Not only are patients denied necessary treatments, public safety is impeded, the lawsuit continues.

The plaintiffs are seeking a declaratory judgment from the court that shows DSHS is required to accept civil conversion patients for evaluations, and that DSHS is required to comply with state law when releasing patients back into their communities. The plaintiffs claim that they will suffer immediate damage and harm if violations are not declared under the law.

Additionally, the plaintiffs are seeking injunctive relief that would require DSHS to accept patients for evaluations and to follow state law when releasing civil conversion patients. As an alternative to an injunction, a writ of mandamus, a type of court order, was requested that would compel DSHS to do its duties under the law.

Plaintiffs are also seeking attorneys fees in the lawsuit.

With the imploding demand for behavioral health services rising tremendously, the Department of Social and Health Services and dedicated staff continue to care for the states most complex patients when others are unwilling or unable to provide such care, Tyler Hemstreet, the media relations manager for DSHS, told McClatchy in an email. This new bout of litigation brought forward today by the counties is in direct conflict with the federal courts order. The challenge of tackling this multi-tiered problem does not become easier when counties demand the state and the superior court ignore a federal court order.

In early July, that Judge Marsha J. Pechman of the U.S. Western District of Washington issued a scathing decision, finding DSHS in breach of a settlement agreement known as Trueblood that established time frames for people in jail to get services at state psychiatric facilities.

As part of the judges ruling, The Seattle Times reported that DSHS officials have to comply with 10 key changes, most notably ceasing admission of civil conversion patients to state hospitals. The judge said these civil conversion patients have been taking valuable bed space needed for people receiving competency services.

Under Pechmans order, DSHS must transfer or discharge these patients within 60 days, unless they were held on previous violent felony charges. At the time of the ruling, it was not clear how many of those patients there are or where they will go, the Times reported.

Hemstreet noted that over the past nine years, there has been a 145% increase in requests for DSHS to provide evaluations and competency restoration services and that the large and unpredicted increases in the number of county criminal court orders have exceeded the large number of beds already added to the forensic system.

We are working as quickly and efficiently as possible to bring treatment beds for civil conversion patients online, including at the former Cascade Behavioral Health facility in Tukwila, which we acquired earlier this month, Hemstreet continued.

DSHS does not have authority to build beds outside of the agencys own facilities.

We are grateful for the more than $2 billion in funding the Legislature has already approved for construction of the new forensic hospital and other facilities scheduled to go online in the next few years pending county permitting and other construction dilemmas, Hemstreet added. We will continue to push forward with multiple new facilities, but the demand for beds is only increasing.
A Moscow court has extended the pre-trial detention of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who had been arrested on espionage charges, by three months.

His pretrial detention was extended until November 30, the press service of the Lefortovo Court said Thursday.

It had been due to end on August 30 after previously being extended on May 23 while he awaits trial.

The Wall Street Journal called the development deeply disappointing.

Today, our colleague and distinguished journalist Evan Gershkovich appeared for a pre-trial hearing where his improper detention was extended yet again, the newspaper said in a statement Thursday. We are deeply disappointed he continues to be arbitrarily and wrongfully detained for doing his job as a journalist.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Gershkovichs lawyers will appeal the courts decision, according to WSJs Editor in Chief Emma Tucker and Publisher Almar Latour.

Its also a reminder of the fight were in as Evan has now been wrongfully detained for five months  a horrific and sobering milestone in our efforts to free him, they said, according to the statement.

On June 22, Gershkovich lost an appeal against the extension of his pre-trial detention in Moscow.

Gershkovich has been detained in Russia since March following his arrest on charges that he, the WSJ, and the US government vehemently deny.

His arrest was the first detention of an American reporter in Russia on allegations of spying since the Cold War, rattling White House officials and further straining ties between Moscow and Washington.

The US State Department has officially designated Gershkovich as wrongfully detained in Russia. US President Joe Biden has also been blunt about Gershkovichs arrest, urging Russia to let him go.

Biden last month said he is serious about a prisoner exchange to free Gershkovich.

Im serious about a prisoner exchange. Im serious about doing what we can to free Americans who are being illegally held in Russia or anywhere else for that matter. And that process is underway, Biden told a news conference in Helsinki in July.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Vivek Ramaswamys hand shot up first.

He was followed over the next few long seconds by the surrounding candidates on the debate stage  South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Vice President Mike Pence, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  raising their hands too, some after looking around at their neighbors.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinsons hands remained at his sides. And former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie shook his fist.

The question had been whether the candidates who are far trailing former President Donald Trump in the GOP primary would support the former president if he wins the nomination again, and is convicted of a crime. Trump currently faces four separate indictments on charges related to the Jan. 6 insurrection, classified documents found at Mar-a-Lago and payments to porn star Stormy Daniels.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Only Christie and Hutchinson indicated they would not support the former president if he was the partys nominee. All candidates had to sign a loyalty pledge indicating they would support the partys nominee to participate in the date.

Christie, shaking his fist slightly, spoke up first after the question, side-stepping other Republicans criticism of the prosecutions as politicized, but calling attention to Trumps underlying behavior.

"Someone has to stop normalizing this conduct," the former New Jersey governor said.

His comments were met with some cheers but louder boos from the audience, which Christie acknowledged.

Booing is allowed, but it does not change the truth, he said.

Ramaswamy, an entrepreneur, pushed back, saying Trump was the best president of the 21st century, to cheers from the crowd.

We have to end the weaponization of justice in this country, he said.

Hutchinson pointed to the possibility of Trump being disqualified for the presidency under the 14th Amendment, a legal theory linked to his actions surrounding the Jan. 6 insurrection that has not yet been tested in the courts.

I'm not going to support somebody who's been convicted of a serious felony, or who has been disqualified under our Constitution, Hutchinson said.
The News

NEW YORK, N.Y.  Vivek Ramaswamy was the clear winner among attendees of the New York Young Republican Clubs GOP watch party, where wine, whiskey, and champagne were flowing. The group has a reputation for its extreme love of Donald Trump  and its extremism, more broadly.

Know More

About a hundred people packed into their 1200-sq-ft. Chelsea walk-up with exposed brick, tufted leather sofas, and photos of Trump and other iconic Republicans, both dead and alive. At the start, Gavin Wax, the president of the club, thanked people for coming to see the debate for the next vice president. The plan: watch the live debate until 11 p.m. and then flip to the Tucker Carlson interview with Trump, though they never quieted down enough to hear it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Shouts of Christie looks fuckin fat and Whos that? at the sight of former Gov. Asa Hutchinson and Doug Burgum set the tone for the first quarter of the debate. The biggest reaction came during the Jan. 6 section, when attendees scowled at the idea that Mike Pence was right in his decision to defy Trumps request to help overturn the election. Pence is a fuckin traitor, Don Valencia, 23, a member of the club, yelled.

Rep. George Santos, an ardent Trump supporter, weighed in on the night: Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley for the win, he told Semafor. And if you think about it, theyre both South Asian. And while he said Tim Scott is a good guy, he was less complimentary about his debate performance. He stayed sleeping, he said.
ATLANTA (AP)  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.

Tucker Carlson teases Trump interview ahead of GOP debate

Bond for Giuliani, who was released after booking like the other defendants, was set at $150,000, second only to Trumps $200,000.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Rudolph Giuliani

Jenna Ellis

Sidney Powell

Ray Smith

Cathleen Latham

Kenneth Chesebro

David Shafer

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Four people were confirmed dead after a gunman, believed to be a former cop, went on a rampage at a biker bar in Southern California, the Orange County Sheriff said early Wednesday morning.

Authorities confirmed all four died at the scene, including the unidentified shooter, in the mass shooting at Cooks Corner bar in Trabuco Canyon.

Six others were transported to hospitals, five of those with reported gunshot wounds. Two of the six people are in critical condition, Chief Brian Fennessy of the Orange County Fire Authority confirmed. The other four are stable. More details on their injuries, along with their identities, remained unclear.

Sources told the Los Angeles Daily News that the suspected shooter was a former law enforcement officer from outside of the area. The Los Angeles Times reported the same, saying the shooter was a retired Ventura County cop who was targeting his estranged wife, who survived the shooting but was hospitalized.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a press conference, Undersheriff Jeff Hallock from the Orange County Sheriffs Department confirmed authorities were aware of the reports circulating of the gunmans identity and were working to confirm that information as we speak.

Whether the incident was related to reports of domestic violence, Hallock said, was too early to confirm.

#BREAKING: Multiple Law Enforcement are on the scene to Mass Shooting at Biker Bar with Numerous Injuries and Fatalities#TrabucoCanyon | #CA Multiple authorities are currently on the scene of a deadly mass shooting that occurred at Cook's Corner, a biker bar in pic.twitter.com/cGUWYslxIZ  R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) August 24, 2023

Hallock described how the incident unfolded, saying cops responded at 7:04 p.m. to multiple 911 calls of shots being fired at Cooks Corner.

It is our understanding that dispatch could hear gunshots going off in the background, Hallock said.

He said callers indicated the gunman had fired four to six shots before deputies arrived on scene two minutes later, at 7:06 p.m.

They confronted the gunman, and a deputy involved shooting occurred, involving multiple deputies, Hallock added, confirming the shooter died at the scene. At least one weapon has been recovered. Hallock said it was safe to assume deputies engaged the shooter but that he didnt have specific details.

Dozens of law enforcement officers have responded to Cooks Corner in Trabuco Canyon where there were reports of multiple people shot. Were on scene gathering info now @ktla #cookscorner pic.twitter.com/BEtfO2O1we  Chip Yost (@ChipYost) August 24, 2023

A local CBS reporter who flew over the scene in a helicopter said it appeared there were at least three sheets covering bodiesone in a parking lot, one on the street, and one at the rear of the property.

Hallock said authorities were processing the scene overnight and that there were a number of witnessesupwards of 30 or 40still be to be interviewed. Its a very complex and detailed scene, he said, adding it was a really tragic incident.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department said the shooting took place at Cook's Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon. kali9 via Getty Images

A mass shooting occurred at an Orange County biker bar on Wednesday night.

The sheriff's department said four were confirmed dead at the scene, including the shooter.

The gunman was reportedly a retired law enforcement officer, per the Los Angeles Times.

Multiple people were killed on Wednesday night in a mass shooting at an Orange County biker bar, per the local sheriff's department.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday that there was a shooting at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon.

"Confirmed 4 deceased at scene, inc. the shooter. 6 transported to hospitals, 5 reported w/gunshot wounds," the sheriff's department said in a follow-up post, adding that no deputies were injured.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The gunman was a retired Ventura County law enforcement officer, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times, citing two sources who spoke anonymously.

The Los Angeles Daily News said the shooting likely escalated from a domestic dispute, citing unnamed sources. An unnamed law enforcement official told The New York Times that the gunman was going after his estranged wife.

"Heartbroken to hear of another senseless mass shooting, this time in our own backyard," Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a post on X. "My office has received updates from the DA and Sheriff's Department, I am continuing to watch this closely."

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.

Read the original article on Insider
A 29-year-old Fresno man accused by police of using a sawed-off shotgun to blast another man in the face after an argument will be put on trial for murder, a Fresno County Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday.

At a preliminary hearing, detectives and witnesses testified that defendant Andrew Condee of Fresno used the illegal shotgun to confront 27-year-old Christian Juarez on March 6, 2021, while the two were inside an apartment in the 1200 block of North Recreation Avenue in Fresno.

Andrew Condee, his brother Anthony Condee and their father Adam Condee were staying temporarily at the apartment that was rented by friends Cathy and Greg Drysdale.

On the day of the shooting, Anthony Condee testified that his brother and his father, who was taking a nap on a sofa in the living room, became upset with Juarez for barging into the Drysdales second-floor apartment, demanding some marijuana.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Juarez also lived in the complex and knew the Drysdales. He told them he was upset over the death of a friend and wanted to get high, said Anthony Condee.

Anthony Condee alleges Juarez threatened his father, who told him to shut up.

At some point, Andrew Condee emerged out of a bedroom carrying the shotgun. He stepped toward Juarez, who backed up. After that, the shotgun was fired, striking Juarez in the face. The force of the blast caused Juarezs head to be blown apart, said Fresno police officer Michaele Zwolenski, one of the first to arrive to the homicide scene.

When asked by Senior Deputy District Attorney David Olmos if he saw his brother shoot Juarez, Anthony Condee said he did not. Andrew Condee is defended by Richard A. Beshwate Jr.

My first instinct was to just get the hell out of there, Anthony Condee said.

Juarezs mother, Maria Ortiz Garcia, testified that her son had a troubled life. He suffered a severe brain injury when he was 18 and he was also diagnosed with mental illness, including schizophrenia. She knew he smoked marijuana but she didnt know where he would buy it.

Garcia also was familiar with the Drysdales and knew her son would sometimes spend time in their apartment.

On the night of the shooting, Juarez was feeling depressed and told his mother he was going out to the store. It was about 9 p.m. and Garcia said she urged him to stay home because it was getting late.

I told him I was going to lock the door in 10 minutes if he wasnt back, she testified through tears. He told me to give him 15 minutes.

Then she heard the sirens of the police and paramedics as they started to draw closer. In a panic, she began calling him, but got no answer.

She didnt realize he was still in the apartment complex.

I thought he might have heard a gunshot and might have run away because he got scared, she testified.

Police would soon find her to confirm the dead man was her son.

Anthony Condees next court appearance is Sept. 7 in Dept. 32 for a held to answer arraignment.
The first deputy minister of agrarian policy and food and a former deputy economy minister were charged with power abuse in the case of embezzling Hr 62.5 million (around $1.6 million) of state funds, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) reported on Aug. 24.

According to the NABU, the officials carried out a scheme involving the purchase of food products at inflated prices by the state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia.

One scheme episode occurred in March 2022, shortly after Russias full-scale invasion started.

Ukrzaliznytsia reportedly bought products at significantly inflated prices from a selected company, which had previously purchased the goods at market prices from a Polish manufacturer through a controlled intermediary firm linked by family ties to the head of the first company.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Investigative Stories from Ukraine: Bihus.Info finds another Defense Ministry contract with inflated food prices

The products cost per kilogram was artificially increased by around 150% (from Hr 30 to Hr 75), as revealed by the investigation.

The first deputy minister of agrarian policy and food ensured the approval of relevant invoices for payment and acts of completed works, as well as the transfer of funds to the account of the first company, the NABU wrote.

The former deputy economy minister allegedly participated in another episode, hiding data about the availability of more favorable offers from other market participants, including Ukrainian manufacturers.

After receiving the payments, the money was transferred to a foreign company with signs of fictitiousness for further legalization, the law enforcement agency added.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Interview: BRICS cooperation crucial for better SDG outcomes, says FAO official

Xinhua) 09:12, August 24, 2023

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
A Nageezi man who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in federal court in connection with a 2022 incident has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison.

Evan Haceesa, 29, a member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty on March 22 to the killing of his longtime girlfriend, who also was the mother of his two children. The incident took place on Aug. 28, 2022, at the womans fathers residence in Nageezi on the Navajo Nation, according to court documents and a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of New Mexico.

The documents state that Haceesa punched the victim in the face until she lost consciousness, then kicked her several times in an attack that was estimated to have lasted 10 to 15 minutes. Haceesa then placed her body in a wheelbarrow and went inside the house to sleep.

A Navajo Police Department officer who was responding to a report of domestic violence arrived at the scene later that night and found the victim in the wheelbarrow, unclothed and unresponsive, according to the release.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The woman was airlifted to the San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, where she underwent surgery and was placed on a ventilator. Her injuries included a significant amount of blood and air in her abdomen, a perforated small intestine, bleeding in and around the small intestine, a bilateral nose fracture and partially collapsed lungs. Her condition worsened over the course of a week, and she died on Sept. 8, 2022, the release states.

Haceesa was sentenced Aug. 22 to 17 years and six months in prison. He will be subject to five years of supervised release after severing his sentence.

The case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI and the Navajo Police Department.

Haceesa had been arrested several times over the past eight years. He faced a charge of battery of a household member and resisting an officer in 2015 in Aztec Magistrate Court, but the charges were dismissed. In June 2018, he was charged with battery of a household member in Albuquerque, a charge that also was dismissed. Later that year, he was charged again with battery of a household member, as well as disorderly conduct, resisting an officer and concealing his identity. All the charges were dismissed.

In August 2019, Haceesa was charged with battery of a household member, criminal damage to property and resisting an officer. He pleaded guilty to the criminal damage charge, while the other two charges were dismissed. He was fined and sentenced to probation for the criminal damage charge.

Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e.

This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Nageezi's Evan Haceesa pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in March
How The National Black Brewers Association Is Changing The Landscape Of The Brewing Industry | PixelCatchers via Getty Images

Beer is a conversation starter, and Marcus Baskerville and the National Black Brewers Association want more Black people to do the talking.

Baskerville is the director of brewing at Weathered Souls Brewing CO. and a founding board member of the NB2A. He is part of the associations charge to foster inclusivity and Black representation in the brewing industry.

His brewing journey began with a gift that sparked a sibling rivalry between him and his brother. While the brewmaster admitted that his first batches were horrible, it sparked something in him.

Baskerville followed a new finance position to San Antonio, TX, where he became active in the local brewery and homebrewers community.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He recalled a moment of inspiration that came from having the chance to listen to Annie Johnson on the Brewing Network. Johnson represented a lot in the brewing community as the first Black person, woman and LGBTQ-identifying person to win Homebrewer of The Year.

Baskerville admitted he was contemplating quitting putting efforts into his craft until he heard her speak.

Hearing somebody that looks like me, someone from the same areas of diversity as me. Someone Black. I finally saw somebody that had reached that pinnacle of what beer was, and it motivated me, he told Blavity.

That motivation turned into a beer that Baskerville still has on his taps today. He continued to make a name for himself in the San Antonio brewing community, introducing local bars and restaurants to new beers.

Baskerville chose to open his first brewery in the quest for something that gave him more creative control. In 2016, he and his partner, Mike Holt, opened Weathered Souls Brewery in San Antonio. In 2022, they added a second location in Charlotte, N.C.

Photo: Laws of Ace Films

Customers are met with the companys Its all about the beer motto when entering the locations. However, Baskerville says community plays a big part in that as well.

The other main focus for us was always about community, he said. It was about supporting the people and community that supported us.

With their consistent engagement with the community, Baskerville and Weathered Souls became the face of diversity in brewing.

Diversity in leadership is something thats always been a passion for me, he added.

Moved by the murder of Breonna Taylor, Baskerville wanted to find a way to give back to his community and impact Black businesses as well.

In 2020, Baskerville launched the Black is Beautiful campaign as his contribution to the efforts supporting policy reform and victims of police firearm brutality.

Over 1,600 breweries participated in the creative collaboration using the signature stout and beer design. The campaign raised over $5 million, one of the most significant amounts for social reform from a food and beverage initiative.

Following the long-term goal of support and progression, Baskerville launched the Harriet Baskerville Incubation Program.

This program is geared to create more ownership within beer. We teach sustainability, working with loan officers to help reach financial goals, one of the most needed resources, he said. We also educate participants on marketing tactics and how to work with different community and business partners.

Along with the Incubation program, Baskervilles participation with the National Black Brewers Association is another moving part in promoting and supporting diversity in brewing.

The NB2A was founded by Kevin Johnson, owner of Oak Park Brewery, boasting a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of around 15 Black brewery owners and brewmasters across the U.S. Black Americans own less than 1% of craft breweries in the U.S. and the NB2A is the first entity to help raise that number.

Photo: Laws of Ace Films

The goal of the NB2A is to increase the number of African Americans in the brewing industry at all production levels, especially ownership and brewmaster, Baskerville said.

He mentioned that the Association will also foster the education of the history and legacy of Black Americans brewing in the U.S.

The NB2A will also continue to advocate for effective policy and reform for Black Americans.

One of the first orders of the NB2A is the relaunch of the Black is Beautiful campaign that will fund the organizations efforts.

Black is Beautiful Vol 1 was highly successful. What makes Vol 2 different is that $1 of every Black is Beautiful Vol 2 IPA sold will be donated to the NB2A, Baskerville said.

The organization is currently accepting applications for members looking to gain access to endless opportunities, mentorship and support.

Baskerville shared that one of the members recently was gifted an entire brew house to ensure he could produce his own beer.

Ultimately, Baskerville and the NB2A want to deplete the ownership disparity within brewing.

I would like to see us have more of a piece of the pie, getting past that 1% to passing 5%, he said.

He is confident that NB2As launch could push ownership to 2% before the end of the year and an overall goal in 10 years.

Alongside the NB2A, the brewmaster is using his passion for beer to pour support and resources back into Black communities.

These are the real changes important to our people. These changes can help develop our communities, he said. Going after that large piece of the pie is the main focus of mine and the Association.
In the aftermath of the plane crash that allegedly killed Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin , convoys of Wagner fighters are departing Belarus and heading to Russia, the National Resistance Center reported on Aug. 23.

Sources in Belarus said that some Wagner base camps were being dismantled the evening of Aug. 23, and that members of the private military group were forming convoys to leave the country.

"The convoys are likely heading towards the border with Russia," the Center said.

According to the Center's sources in Belarus, the Belarusian government did not authorize the mercenary group's withdrawal. Belarusian special services are reportedly trying to intercept the convoys at the border.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Kyiv, Moscows opposing attitudes toward Soviet past shape two different futures

Earlier on Aug. 23, Russian media announced that a private plane bearing Prigozhin had crashed in Russia's Tver Oblast, killing all aboard.

Following Prigozhin's brief uprising against the Kremlin in June, the Wagner Group established base camps in Belarus and formalized a collaboration with the Belarusian Defense Ministry.

Since then, Wagner's status in Russia has been shrouded in ambiguity. A report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on July 14 said that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin hoped to keep Wagner fighters in Russia, but under a new commander.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark  NATO-member Norway will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said Thursday, amid Kyivs difficult counteroffensive against Russia.

Speaking to Norwegian news agency NTB in Kyiv where he paid a visit on the occasion of Ukraines Independence Day, Gahr Stre said Norway will provide F-16 aircraft to Ukraine but theyll probably be less than 10.

Gahr Stre said he informed Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the aircraft donation and that Norway would discuss the number of planes as well as the transfer timetable with Kyiv and other allied countries.

But Ukraine can count on Norway to make a contribution, Gahr Stre added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Norway would be the third European country after the Netherlands and Denmark to donate F-16 planes.

Ukraine has long pleaded for the sophisticated fighter jets to give it a combat edge. It recently launched a long-anticipated counteroffensive against the Kremlins forces without air cover, placing its troops at the mercy of Russian aviation and artillery.

In February, oil-rich Norway announced that it is donating 75 billion kroner ($7 billion) to Kyiv as part of a five-year support package, making Norway one of the worlds biggest donors to Ukraine.

The money will be split evenly between military and humanitarian assistance over five years, broken down to 15 billion kroner ($1.4 billion) annually.

Gahr Stre had announced earlier Thursday that Norway would also donate anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, saying air defense is critical to Ukraines ability to protect both the civilian population and front-line infrastructure and military units against any type of Russian air attack.

This is one of the largest Norwegian donations of military material to Ukraine to date, Gahr Stre said in a statement.

The Norwegian government has long said it is considering sending F-16s to Ukraine. In January, Norway received the first of the 52 F-35s it has ordered. The new fighter jets are to replace Norways fleet of F-16.

Last week, the Netherlands and Denmark announced that they will donate F-16 aircraft. Denmark said it will provide 19 planes, while the Netherlands has not said how many planes it will donate.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured several European countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, but skipped Norway.
N.C. Senate President Phil Berger presides over the N.C. Senates session at the N.C. Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, June 20, 2023. (Ethan Hyman/ehyman@newsobserver.com)

Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a separation of powers bill on Thursday, calling it unconstitutional.

With a General Assembly under total Republican control, it will likely be overridden and then end up in the courts.

Cooper vetoed Senate Bill 512, which takes some appointment power on various state governing boards away from the governor and gives it to the General Assembly, as well as some members of the Council of State. It is likely to end up in court as a test of the state Constitution.

This legislation will hurt the effective and efficient use of taxpayer money by impairing the Governors constitutionally required duty to execute the laws passed by the legislature, Cooper said in a statement announcing the veto.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The bill interrupts the critical work of boards and commissions to protect public health, provide clean air and water, recruit new jobs, lower electric bills and more. Fundamentally it violates the separation of powers enshrined in the state Constitution. The courts have consistently rejected these legislative power grabs in McCrory v. Berger and other cases. Legislative efforts to seize executive power are unconstitutional and damage vital state work, Cooper said.

The office of the North Carolina governor is already weak by design compared to other states, and if Republicans successfully overturn Coopers veto, it will take away even more power.

Veto override likely

The House and Senate hold veto-proof supermajorities so could override Senate Bill 512 without Democratic support. The debate has fallen mostly along party lines, with Democrats opposed and Republicans in favor. If it becomes law, the change will mostly impact the next governor, as Cooper leaves office in January 2025.

House Speaker Tim Moore, a Kings Mountain Republican, said when the bill was first introduced in committee that he expected it to end up in court.

House Rules Chair Destin Hall, a Caldwell County Republican, said during a debate that even lawyers, judges and our state Supreme Court cant agree on who has the authority in North Carolina.

Before the bill passed the General Assembly earlier this month, House Minority Leader Robert Reives, a Chatham County Democrat, said that consolidating power in this body is a bad, bad, bad idea.

The legislative session has yet to end, though lawmakers have been in recess most of the summer except for a voting session last week, during which they overrode previous Cooper vetoes.

Lawmakers will be back in Raleigh in September, when the long-delayed state budget is expected to pass.

Coopers veto isnt a surprise.

I believe that the legislation is unconstitutional, Cooper told reporters in June, saying that the governor should keep the same appointment power instead of it being reduced. There are several boards and commissions that would have fewer appointments made by the chief executive.

We disagree with him as to whether or not its constitutional, Senate leader Phil Berger, an Eden Republican, said recently. And well see what the courts say if he decides to sue.

Republicans also have a majority on the N.C. Supreme Court.
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a sweeping Republican elections bill Thursday that would end a grace period for voting by mail and make new allowances for partisan poll observers.

In a video message, the Democratic governor accused legislative Republicans of using their slim veto-proof majorities to execute an all-out assault on the right to vote, which he said has nothing to do with election security and everything to do with their party keeping and gaining power. The bill would make voting more difficult for young and nonwhite voters who are are more likely to vote absentee and less likely to elect Republicans, he said.

Theyre making it harder for you to vote, hoping that you wont bother, he said, urging North Carolinians to contact their representatives and demand they uphold his veto.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

RELATED STORIES:

Another bill Cooper vetoed on Thursday would take away the governors appointment power to several boards and commissions, such as those that set electricity rates and environmental regulations. The bill marks another attempt by Republican legislative leaders to wrest control of key panels from the governor and give his appointment power to the General Assembly or to other statewide elected officials.

Cooper, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection in 2024, had successfully blocked several components of the elections bill during past sessions. But Republicans now hold a narrow three-fifths supermajority needed to override his vetoes.

Sen. Warren Daniel, a Burke County Republican and chair of the Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee, said that by overriding Coopers veto of the elections measure, Republicans will guarantee every citizens right to vote with confidence in the states election security.

We are creating a secure election system that makes it easy to vote and protects election integrity, Warren said. But Gov. Cooper wants his handpicked partisans running our elections and he apparently feels threatened by North Carolinians observing what happens in their polling places.

The governors announcement comes as both major parties strengthen their forces in the Tar Heel state, which is expected to be a presidential battleground and home to one of the nations most competitive gubernatorial races. Most of the proposed election changes would take effect in early 2024, before the state holds elections for president, governor, Congress, the General Assembly and other offices.

North Carolinas 7.3 million registered voters already must navigate new voter identification requirements, starting with local elections this fall, after the Republican-controlled state Supreme Court upheld a 2018 law in April.

The new bill, passed last week along party lines, would remove a state law that allows elections officials to count absentee ballots received by mail for up to three days after the election if they are postmarked by Election Day. A previously vetoed proposal contained in the bill would instead require those ballots to be returned to county elections offices by the time in-person voting ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day of the election.

Across the country, Republican-controlled legislatures have acted against early voting  shortening windows for returning mail ballots, banning or limiting the use of drop boxes and criminalizing third-party ballot collection.

Other previously vetoed provisions would prohibit officials from accepting private money to administer elections and direct state courts to inform elections officials about potential jurors being disqualified because they arent U.S. citizens, so they can then be removed from voter rolls.

New guidelines for partisan poll observers would allow them to move freely about the voting location instead of being confined to a certain area.

Republicans say the bill is needed to improve efficiency and restore trust in the states electoral process. But Democrats argue that the changes would make it more difficult for minority groups to cast ballots and could increase intimidation at the polls.

House Speaker Tim Moore accused Cooper of mischaracterizing the bill, which he said includes balanced, common-sense election reforms that strengthen election integrity.

Attorney General Josh Stein, the only prominent Democrat running for governor in 2024, criticized Republicans for creating what he called barriers to the ballot box and said state leaders should be doing everything in their power to make it easier, not harder, for eligible voters to be heard.

Cooper also vowed Thursday to veto another elections bill if it reaches his desk. That proposal, which has idled in the House since the Senate approved it in June, would shift appointment power for the State Board of Elections from the governor to legislative leaders.

(WATCH BELOW: NC Legislature overrides 6 governor vetoes, putting measures into law)
A Monroe woman was arrested recently in the death of a Weddington man after police say she sold him the fentanyl that killed him.

Casey Nicole Garner, 30, was indicted on July 31. She is charged with death by distribution, second degree murder and the sale of illegal drugs, according to the Matthews Police Department.

Garner is accused of selling fentanyl to Daniel Hogan, 28, who died last August after overdosing on the drug, the police department said in a news statement Thursday.

Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine and was originally prescribed by doctors for pain, however just 2 milligrams of the drug is enough to kill a person, according to the DEA.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hogans family remembers him as a talented guitarist and dedicated music and art enthusiast, whose greatest joy in life was spending time with his son, according to his obituary.

Although Daniel ultimately succumbed to his long battle with addiction, he will be remembered as the fun-loving, easy-going, music-loving, good-hearted person we all knew him to be, according to the obituary.

Garner was being held at the Union County Jail on a $1 million bond as of Thursday morning, according to Matthews Police officials.

Death by distribution in NC

Death by distribution is a felony charge in North Carolina in cases where someone sells an illegal drug to someone who dies in an overdose. It was signed into law by the North Carolina legislature in 2019 and carries a maximum sentence of nearly 20 years in prison, The Charlotte Observer previously reported.

Police and court officials say death by distribution cases are difficult to prosecute due to the threshold of evidence needed to convict a person of the crime.

To prove someone is responsible, police and prosecutors must show a suspect sold the victim the illegal drug that killed them; the drug was responsible for the victims death; and must prove that the victim didnt have an underlying medical condition triggered by the drug, according to the law.

Fentanyl in Charlotte

Matthews Police officials said fentanyl is so prevalent that there is no way for you to be certain of what is in street-level narcotics.

The person selling them to you is not a pharmacist or a doctor, so why would you take their word for it? police officials said.

Overdose deaths have risen in communities across the state. On Monday, Mecklenburg officials held a press conference and announced overdoses in Charlotte have risen more than 20% in the past year, largely due to fentanyl in the community, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department said earlier this week.

Fentanyl is quickly becoming the most prevalent drug in the Charlotte-area, CMPD previously told the Observer.

Last year in both North and South Carolina, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations seized three times the amount of fentanyl capable of killing every resident in both states, officials told the Observer. That amount is nearly 800% more than the federal agency seized in the two states in 2020, and over 200% more than was found in 2021, the agency reports.
A Ukrainian-made Neptune anti-ship missile was used to destroy a radar module of Russias S-400 air defense system in occupied Crimea on Aug. 23, Ukrainian journalist Yurii Butusov said in a Facebook post on Aug. 24.

According to Butusov, the Neptune cruise missile destroyed a 48YA6-K1 radar and S-400 Triumph launcher. The journalist explained that this radar is the "eyes" of the entire system, monitoring airspace for low-altitude targets and ballistic missiles, and is also a key component of Russias air and missile defense system in the region.

Read also: SBU chief Malyuk on how Crimean Bridge was attacked  twice

Butusov writes that the Ukrainian Navy received accurate information about the location of this complex near the village of Olenivka in Crimea. As the radar was observing targets in the western part of the Black Sea and in Kherson Oblast from a distance of about 110 kilometers from the frontline, the Navy decided to use a Neptune missile.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Liberation of Crimea slower than expected, admits intelligence chief Budanov

The flight routes and characteristics were programmed in such a way as to circumvent Russian surveillance systems, with the missile flying at an extremely low altitude. Having bypassed a large number of the occupiers' air defense systems in Kherson Oblast and in Crimea, Neptune remained undetected until it destroyed part of the S-400 Triumph system.

Read also: Ukrainian intelligence reveals bold operation to raise flag in Crimea on Independence Day

The strike results were recorded by a drone operated by Ukraines Defense Intelligence, Butusov writes.

Curiously, the drone flew deep into the Russians' rear and also recorded damage done to the radar, which is designed to detect aerial targets, but was unable to detect or provide guidance on either the drone or the cruise missile.

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
Just two weeks into his position as a software developer at Netflix, Kidane was seen on security tape leaving his apartment and getting into an Uber headed for San Francisco late on Aug. 14.

Netflix employee Yohanes Kidane has been missing for nearly two weeks, but police say theres no evidence of foul play in his disappearance.

According to the New York Post, Kidane, a Cornell University graduate, reportedly went missing in San Jose, California, on Aug. 14  a week after the 22-year-old New Yorker caught another Uber despite his concerns following a journey two days before.

San Jose detectives shared in an update via Twitter that they have informed Kidanes family of any significant developments and will continue to investigate until they find him.

Family members of Yohanes Kidane flew into San Jose, California, from New York, to aid in the search for him. They attended service and sought support from the congregation at Third Baptist Church. (Photo Credit: Screenshot/YouTube.com/ABC7 News Bay Area)

Yosief Kidane, the eldest of three siblings, said he and his younger brother have always shared a close relationship, according to NBC News.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

People have always confused us. Our names, our appearance, our mannerisms, said Yosief, NBC reported. We were fortunate to study together, grow up together, learn together.

Just two weeks into his position as a software developer at Netflix, Kidane was last seen on security tape leaving his apartment and getting into a Black Toyota sedan Uber headed for San Francisco late on Aug. 14, according to the New York Post. The next day, his family reported him missing.

Kidanes family grew concerned when, on Aug. 14, his phone location kept placing him at the Golden Gate Bridge, which is over an hour away from his apartment.

The following morning, his location was still on the bridge, which alarmed his younger sister, Sarah, especially after he failed to answer her phone calls.

The family claimed on a GoFundMe that Kidane had a strange encounter with an Uber driver just two days prior, on Aug. 12, which led him to cancel the ride after crossing into San Francisco from Oakland.

As a result, he was reportedly reluctant to use rideshares alone.

Later, the family learned that Kidane missed work on Aug. 15.

The same day, a commuter discovered Kidanes wallet at the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center, including $30 in cash, several ID cards, and his untouched smartphone. They took the items to the Marin California Highway Patrol.

Uber confirmed that records show Kidane rode the Uber without incident to his destination, the Golden Gate Bridge Welcome Center.

Later his backpack was found near the Golden Gate Bridge and had two of his laptops and personal documents seemingly untouched, said Yosief.

Eritrean immigrant parents raised Kidane and his brothers in Webster, New York. Last week, Yosief and their father traveled to San Francisco to assist with the search.

In a last-ditch effort, the family began putting up posters throughout San Francisco, near hospitals, childrens, and homeless shelters.

He is just a really sweet person, a beautiful soul, said Robby Merkov, who has known Kidane since third grade. He is just one of those people you want to cherish in your life.

On the day of his disappearance, Merkov, Kidane, and two other friends texted in their group chat to discuss visiting him after he accepted his dream job at Netflix. They reportedly made no mention of anything unusual.

Yosief noted that Kidane was very smart and excited to begin working at Netflix. He frequently praised his colleagues for their knowledge and abilities.

On Aug. 13, the brothers had a phone conversation that lasted for almost an hour.

Were going to find him and were going to bring him home, Yosief insisted, the New York Post reported. Were not going to stop. We know our friends and family and the community is not going to stop.

TheGrio is FREE on your TV via Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Android TV. Also, please download theGrio mobile apps today!

The post Netflix employee, Yohanes Kidane, still missing, police say no evidence of foul play appeared first on TheGrio.
Masiame Donzo wipes away tears while addressing Summit County Judge Tammy O'Brien Thursday before being sentenced to a minimum of six years in prison.

An Akron mother locked her two young, developmentally disabled children in their home and left them there for 9 hours.

When a fire started in the house, the children  who didnt know how to open a door  werent able to escape.

Masiame Donzo, their mother, only returned home when the fire department called to tell her that her house was on fire and her children were trapped inside.

Those were details a Summit County prosecutor shared Thursday during Donzos sentencing for charges related to the deaths of her children in the May 2022 fire.

This was easily preventable, Assistant Prosecutor Jennie Shuki said during the sentencing in Summit County Common Pleas Court. She knew they shouldnt be left alone. She knew they couldnt get out of the house.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Donzo, 35, pleaded guilty in June to two counts each of involuntary manslaughter, a first-degree felony, and endangering children, a third-degree felony.

Prosecutors agreed to dismiss two counts of reckless homicide, which are third-degree felonies.

Judge Tammy OBrien sentenced Donzo Thursday to six to nine years in prison.

Children who died in fire were 8 and 10

Akron firefighters were called at 6:54 p.m. May 23, 2022, to a fire in a two-story home on 7th Avenue in East Akron. Firefighters observed smoke showing from second-floor windows.

They found Abou Jabateh, 10, and Fatumata Jabateh, 8, who both had multiple developmental disabilities, inside the house and unresponsive. They were transported to Akron Children's Hospital and were pronounced dead in the emergency room.

Abou Jabateh

Fatumata Jabateh

Donzo arrived at the home shortly after firefighters responded, firefighters said.

Two children  Abou Jabateh, 10, and his sister, Fatumata Jabateh, 8  died after they were caught in a house fire May 23, 2022, in the 1200 block of Seventh Avenue in East Akron.

Fatumata was a pupil at Seiberling Community Learning Center and Abou was a pupil at Barber CLC, according to Akron Public Schools.

Donzo was charged in her childrens deaths in June 2022. She was scheduled to go on trial in mid-August, but instead accepted a plea deal.

Masiame Donzo is escorted out of the courtroom Thursday by a Sheriff Deputy after being sentenced to a minimum of 6 years in prison at the Summit County Courthouse in Akron.

Prosecutor urges significant prison time for Donzo

On the day of the fire, Shuki said, Donzo decided to call her children off school because she wasnt feeling well. She said Donzo left the children at their home that morning, locked the doors and went to the business where she worked. She took cold medicine there and then fell asleep.

Shuki said the children were non-verbal, lacked gross motor skills and functioned at around a 2-to-3-year-old range. She said they needed constant supervision.

Shuki said Donzos remorse and grief are genuine, and she accepted responsibility for her actions. She said, though, that she thinks Donzo deserves significant prison time.

Shuki said the fire started in the living room of the home, originating with a power strip that had multiple devices plugged into it.

Shuki said no family members were in court to speak.

Attorney asks judge to consider probation for grieving mother

Olivia Myers, Donzos attorney, shared details of Donzos difficult life.

Myers said Donzo grew up in Liberia, where she was sexually abused and mutilated as a child. She said her parents died in a civil war.

At age 16, Donzo moved to New York, where she met her common-law husband and they had two children. The two of them struggled because of the care needed for the children, Myers said.

Donzo left her husband and lived in a shelter in New York. In 2018, she moved to Ohio, where she had family. She sent her children back to Africa while she got a certification to drive a forklift and then got a house. She brought her children back to Akron and enrolled them in school, Myers said.

Donzo struggled during the pandemic to find a daycare that would take care of her children because of their several disabilities so that she could work to provide for them, Myers said.

This is not a mother that neglected her children, Myers said. She has constantly fought to provide for her children.

Myers said Donzo showed a lapse of judgment in leaving her children alone, resulting in this horrible, tragic accident. She pointed to her clients lack of a prior criminal record and urged OBrien to consider putting Donzo on probation or to impose a sentence on the lower end of three to four and a half years in prison.

There is no greater punishment than being responsible for your own childrens deaths, Myers said.

Donzo is tearful and apologetic

Donzo, who cried throughout the hearing, apologized to the court.

I am sorry for everything I have caused  My children, she said. I never meant for this to happen. I take full responsibility for my actions. I am remorseful.

Donzo wiped away tears with a tissue.

Sorry, she said again.

OBrien said she believes Donzos remorse is genuine and complete. She said Donzo has had a challenging life and was under an enormous amount of stress as a single mother trying to care for two disabled children who needed constant care.

OBrien, though, agreed with Shuki that this was a preventable situation. She said Donzo could have sent her children to school.

They did not need to be left alone, OBrien said. While I believe this was a lapse in judgment, it was criminal in nature and resulted in two deaths.

Myers hugged Donzo before deputies put handcuffs on her wrists and led her from the courtroom.

Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com, 330-996-3705 an on Twitter: @swarsmithabj.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Masiame Donzo sentenced to prison for 2 children's deaths in fire
Nex Cubed Launches $40M Fund To Invest In Startups With HBCU Founders | Courtesy of Nex Cubed

This editorial was brought to you in partnership with Target. Target is proud to support Black businesses, Black creators and HBCUs this Homecoming season and beyond: Black Beyond Measure

HBCU Founders Fund

According to a press release provided to AfroTech, the global accelerator has launched a $40 million HBCU Founders Fund to boost startups led by at least one founder whom is an HBCU student, alum, or faculty.

The investment was supported by a $5 million commitment from Costco Wholesale, a company aligned with Nex Cubeds mission to tackle disparities in venture capital funding for Black entrepreneurs.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Costco commitment validates both our investment thesis that there is a ton of talent within the HBCU community that can support a $40 million venture fund, Marlon Evans, CEO of Nex Cubed, told AfroTech exclusively. Then, I think, also for the founders, from their perspective, it can give them a sense of pride that theres an investor like Costco that recognizes that talent, and that its not overlooking all the amazing opportunities that are coming out of HBCUs.

We are proud to partner with the HBCU Founders Fund to help foster a more inclusive venture capital environment and accelerate Black entrepreneurship, Richard Galanti, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Costco Wholesale, said in a news release.

Showcase Pitch Event

The funding will support a 16-week hybrid program set to take place in April. Nex Cubed is currently taking applicants until March 10 for the first cohort.

Evans states approximately 8-10 founders will be selected and receive an initial investment of $120,000. The program will lead up to an in-person Showcase Pitch Event set for this summer in Silicon Valley.

Whats more, startups that are showing continued progress could receive follow-on financing valued at an average of $250,000 when preparing to close a funding round.

The HBCU Founders Fund

Nex Cubed plans to support at least 10 more investments in 2023 and 80 total over the course of four years.

The HBCU Founders Fund is an extension of the HBCU Founders Initiative, which has provided hands-on support to over 600 students and alumni from 75 HBCUs.

Historically, Black founders have received only 1-2 percent of venture funding annually, Jade Lockard, Program Director at The HBCU Founders Initiative, said in a statement to AfroTech. This illustrates the vast funding gap that Black founders face when raising venture funding. At Nex Cubed we are excited to fund often-overlooked founders such as HBCU Founders. This funding will lead to an increase in generational wealth that can then be circulated back into HBCU campuses. This is just the beginning.

Editorial Note: This piece has been edited for clarity.
Russian security services conducted searches at the homes of Crimean Tatars in the Bakhchysarai district on the morning of Aug. 24, the Crimean Solidarity human rights organization reported.

"Since 4 a.m. on Aug. 24, 2023, in Bakhchysarai and the Bakhchysarai district, Russian security officers have been searching the homes of Crimea Tatars," said Refat Chubarov, the chairman of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis.

According to the Crimean Solidarity, the raids have been conducted by the Federal Security Service (FSB). The houses of Ruslan Asanov, Seidamet Mustafaiev, Remzi Nimetulaiev, Abdulmejit Seitumerov, Ametkhan Umerov, and Eldar Yakubov have been targeted, Chubarov said.

The Crimean Tatar leader said that the raids are Russia's retribution for the third Crimean Platform summit held in Kyiv on Aug. 23. The forum's goal is to ensure international coordination and consultation with the final goal of liberating the peninsula from the Russian occupation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The event, which also addresses human rights violations conducted by Russian occupation authorities against the Crimean population, has been held in cooperation with the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People and non-governmental organizations dealing with human rights in Crimea.

Russia occupied the peninsula in 2014 after the EuroMaidan Revolution ousted the pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych. Since then, the occupation authorities have been carrying out repressions against pro-Ukrainian activists and Crimean Tatars.

Members of the Crimean Tatar community are regularly indicted with trumped-up charges of extremism and terrorism and sentenced to lengthy prison terms in kangaroo courts.

Read also: In the shadow of war, Kremlin continues terrorizing Crimean Tatars

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The hospital chief executive who raised concerns about how NHS managers mishandled the Lucy Letby case is suing the Trust, claiming she was forced out.

Dr Susan Gilby, an anaesthetist and intensive care doctor, who took over Countess of Chester in 2018, was appalled by evidence that managers had missed opportunities to stop the killer nurse.

She and the Trusts chairman at the time, Sir Duncan Nichol, commissioned an independent review to examine the managements response. Three years after they did so, the document has still not been published.

Dr Gilby is now taking the Trust to an employment tribunal for constructive dismissal.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In legal documents seen by The Telegraph, she claims that the current chairman, Ian Haythornthwaite, bullied, harassed and undermined her, in a way that has a chilling effect on people who wanted to speak out about problematic behaviour.

She also claimed that, before her arrival, NHS Trust managers had been fixated on the idea that the spate of baby deaths was down to inadequate care.

But she said she rapidly came to the conclusion that there were causes for grave concern about harms to babies on the neonatal unit where Lucy Letby had worked.

Letby has been convicted of murdering seven babies in the hospitals neonatal unit, and attempting to murder six others.

Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others - Chester Standard

Dr Gilby would not discuss her own case against the Trust, but told The Telegraph that evidence she found after joining the Countess of Chester made her fear that some of the baby deaths could have been avoided if managers had responded differently.

She and Sir David commissioned external firm health consultancy Facere Melius to examine the hospitals handling of the matter, because we needed an independent external review to establish whether or not opportunities have been missed and whether or not some of the babys deaths and attacks could have been avoided, she said.

The evidence wed seen and the discussions I had with paediatricians led us to be concerned that there were lessons to be learned.

When Dr Gilby first joined the Trust, she found a box of files, marked neonates, which allegedly showed how managers had agreed in 2015 to have the first three baby deaths examined by an external organisation, but then failed to do so.

Dr Gilby was suspended by the Trust last December and has now resigned her position. Her tribunal is due to begin on Dec 24.

Mr Haythornthwaite said on Thursday that the Trust and I dispute everything she says in her legal claim.

The Trust is understood to be defending the claim.

A Trust spokesman said the independent report Dr Gilby referred to was nearing completionand has not yet been shared with the Trust.

He added: There are significant points of dispute between Dr Susan Gilby and the Trust. The Trust denies all allegations that she has raised in her tribunal complaint. The Trust will not provide any further comment whilst the employment tribunal process is ongoing.

Jane Tomkinson, the Trusts acting chief executive, said it welcomed the announcement of an independent inquiry by the Department of Health and Social Care, and added that it would support the ongoing police investigation.

Due to ongoing legal considerations, it would not be appropriate for the Trust to make any further comment at this time, she said.

Improve accountability

It comes as a leading barrister warned that the Government had left open a revolving door for disgraced NHS managers, allowing those who had presided over scandals to keep working.

Ministers commissioned Tom Kark KC, counsel to Mid Staffs Inquiry, to improve the system of accountability for NHS managers.

But one of his key recommendations five years ago  to create a health directors standards council, which could disbar NHS executives for serious misconduct  was never introduced.

On Thursday, Mr Kark said it remained his view that it was necessary to regulate NHS executives, in order to protect the public from the most badly behaved.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary petition calling for managers in the NHS to be registered and held accountable by an independent regulator garnered thousands of signatures in a matter of hours.

It was backed by Dr Ravi Jayaram, one of the consultants who raised concerns about Letby and later gave evidence in her trial. He said that it was necessary so that top-level NHS managers are subject to scrutiny in the same way as front-line healthcare professionals.

The individuals whose actions facilitated this situation face no sanctions and can continue to work on highly paid NHS executive posts, he said.

The British Medical Association has also welcomed the petition. Prof Phil Banfield, who chairs the BMA UK Council, said: Doctors and other health care professionals are regulated, so it only makes sense that non-clinical management are held to account in the same way.

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.
BAMAKO (Reuters) - Niger has authorised Mali and Burkina Faso's armed forces to intervene on its territory in case of an attack, the countries said in a joint statement on Thursday, a possible sign the junta in Niger plans to keep resisting regional pressure to stand down.

The main West African bloc ECOWAS has been trying to negotiate with the coup leaders but warned it is ready to send troops into Niger to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.

Any escalation risks further destabilising the insurgency-torn region as Niger's junta-led neighbours, Mali and Burkina Faso, have said they would back Niger in any conflict with ECOWAS.

On Thursday, the three allies' foreign ministers said they had met in the Nigerien capital Niamey to discuss boosting cooperation on security and other joint issues.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The statement said the ministers welcomed the signing on Thursday by Niger junta leader General Abdourahamane Tiani of two orders "authorising the Defense and Security Forces of Burkina Faso and Mali to intervene on Nigerien territory in the event of an attack."

"The Burkinabe and Malian Ministers ... reiterated their rejection of an armed intervention against the people of Niger which will be considered as a declaration of war," it said.

(Reporting by Tiemoko Diallo; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley called former President Donald Trump the most disliked politician in America during the initial Republican primary debate in Milwaukee.

The candidates were asked if former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, when he didnt go along with Mr Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

I do think that Vice President Pence did the right thing. And I do think that we need to give him credit for that. But what I will also tell you is, when it comes to whether President Trump should serve or not, I trust the American people  let them vote. Let them decide, Ms Haley said in reference to questions about Mr Trumps legal woes.

It is time for a new generational conservative leader. We have to look at the fact that three-quarters of Americans don't want a rematch between Trump and Biden. And we have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We can't win a general election that way, she added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Before Ms Haley, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie offered strong support to Mr Pence.

I'd like to answer the question and not give a pre-canned speech, he said. Mike Pence stood for the Constitution, and he deserves not grudging credit  He deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal, political and unfair pressure.

And the argument that we need to have in this party ... is we have to dispense with the person who said that we need to suspend the constitution to put forward his political career. Mike Pence said no, and he deserves credit for it, Mr Christie said in reference to Mr Trump.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy called on Mr Pence to commit to pardoning Mr Trump.

I'm the only candidate on the stage where the courage to move our nation forward, Mr Ramaswamy argued.

Mr Pence didnt say whether he would pardon Mr Trump, speaking about his time as governor of Indiana, when he did hand down pardons.

It usually follows a finding of guilt and contrition by the individual that's been convicted, he said. If I'm President of the United States, we will give fair consideration to any pardon request.
The Niles village board approved an ordinance requiring parades, protests and any kind of public assembly to seek permits, and a security deposit on insurance, for gatherings of more than 50 people at Mondays board meeting.

When the ordinance was introduced in June, the village got some pushback over First Amendment concerns. Critics said vague wording in the original ordinance about a proposed ban on indecent shows could be used to unfairly target LGBTQ-oriented events Niles, similar to bans set in place in Florida.

Village officials made amendments to the ordinance that were approved by the American Civil Liberties Union. The wording indecent shows was struck from the new ordinance, and so was a line requiring audiences to be orderly and quiet.

Officials adjusted the timeline to file for a permit and a one-permit-per-12-month limit was lifted as well. Spontaneous assemblies or groups responding within 48 hours to world or local events that could not have been anticipated by a group will not need to file for a permit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

At Mondays meeting, Trustee Craig Niedermaier had some questions about the ordinance before it came to a vote. He asked the board and Niles Police Chief Luis Tigera, In a practical matter, if 51 people come, assembled here in City Center Plaza, just outside the Village Hall for a prayer will that be prohibited?

Village Attorney Danielle Grcic said that it was a matter of interpretation on how the ordinance would be enforced. Trustee Dean Strzelecki said that the new ordinance would mirror ones that are already set in place in other towns.

Tigera said We conducted our due diligence, we looked at other towns, their ordinances, and then we put this together. We brought it to the board. It was tabled. And then we met up with, through Zoom, with ACLU members. And this is what we all agreed was, was good for us.

Niedermaier then asked his question directly to Tigera. So Chief, with that scenario I just gave you Would that, to your mind, fall under this ordinance as a prohibited activity?

Tigera responded, I dont know if Id be able to answer that.

Niedermaier described the ordinance as a solution looking for a problem. He added, I dont know, I prefer my first amendment tartare.

Strzelecki, who served as Niles Police chief until his 2014 retirement, defended the ordinance, saying that it is not meant to hinder First Amendment rights and is instead meant as a public safety rule for large crowds. Once you start getting large, or larger groups, now we worry about not only village property, and illage and other personal properties, said Strzelecki.

The ordinance again, weve been saying this all along, is not to take anybodys rights away, Strzelecki added. Its to make sure our departments, our first responders, are prepared.

Still, Niedermaier said the message it sends could have a chilling effect that could make the public believe that Niles officials are giving the police department more teeth when the ordinance is meant to consolidate previous Niles crowd ordinances.

Strzelecki said that the ordinance is going to let the police department be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to big events. I want to tell you that social media has driven some of this stuff, because I work in some environments that social media will draw two sides to an event and [they will] clash and were not ready, he said.

Niedermaier pointed out that the ordinance would only be directed at groups over 50 people and by that logic, the same proactive approach would not be applied to groups smaller than 50. Like 48 guys can do some damage too, he quipped.

At the vote, all but trustee Morgan Dubiel voted for the ordinance. Mayor George Alpogianis did not attend the meeting, as he is recovering from a hospitalization, it was announced. Strzelecki was voted in as president pro tempore at the beginning of the meeting.
The claim: Biden fell asleep at an event for Maui fire survivors

An Aug. 23 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) claims President Joe Biden had an embarrassing moment while visiting with victims of the Maui wildfires.

Sleepy Joe lives up to his name, reads the post, which links to a video in the comment section. Falls ASLEEP at event for Maui survivors!

It was shared more than 600 times in one day. Another version of the claim was shared more than 50,000 times on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Follow us on Facebook! Like our page to get updates throughout the day on our latest debunks

Our rating: False

Biden did not fall asleep while attending an event for survivors of the wildfires. A low-quality clip shared on social media makes it appear as though Biden is asleep at one point during an Aug. 21 event in Maui. Higher-quality footage of the event shows Bidens head is bowed but his eyes are open and blinking.

High-definition video shows Biden's eyes open, blinking during speech

Biden arrived in Hawaii on Aug. 21 to meet with survivors of the deadly wildfires that left at least 115 dead. While there, he attended a community event in Lahaina, an area that was devastated by the fires, where he spoke and listened to members of the community.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The video shared in the comments of the Facebook post appears to show the president nodding off to sleep while listening to one of the speakers at the community event.

But higher quality footage of the event shared by C-SPAN shows Biden simply lowered his gaze in the clip. His eyes remain open and he blinks at one point.

At one point the speaker says, We are a community that relies on family, on Ohana, referring to the Hawaiian word for "family." The footage shows Biden seemingly nodding his head in response to this.

Footage from KITV in Honolulu also shows Bidens eyes were open throughout the speech.

Fact check: No evidence Maui wildfires intentionally set in 'land grab,' contrary to posts

Biden went on to give a speech at the event saying in part that were not going to stop until the Lahaina community is rebuilt on its own terms.

"Jill and I are here to grieve with you but also want you to know, the entire country is here for you, he said.

Biden has faced criticism for his response to the Maui fire, for saying no comment when asked about its rising death toll while on vacation in Delaware and for first visiting Hawaii nearly two weeks after the fire started, as reported by USA TODAY.

The White House said the timing of the presidential visit was necessary to avoid interfering with search and rescue efforts on the ground.

US President Joe Biden and US First Lady Jill Biden wear Hawaiian leis as they walk to board Air Force One before departing Kahului Airport in Kahului, Hawaii, on August 21, 2023. The Bidens spent the day meeting with first responders, survivors, and local officials following deadly wildfires in Maui. (Photo by Mandel NGAN / AFP) (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images)

USA TODAY has previously debunked claims that Biden fell asleep during a NATO summit, the G-7 summit and a meeting with former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates told AFP Fact Check the circulating videos supposedly showing Biden asleep at the event were manipulated. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from USA TODAY.

PolitiFact and Reuters also debunked the claim.

USA TODAY reached out to several 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 Biden dozed during event for Hawaii victims | Fact check
This rendering of One Park Sarasota shows an aerial of the development site looking over The Bay Park. A police probe was launched in April after a meeting between a One Park partner and and a planning board member.

Prosecutors decided not to file charges against Sarasota City Commissioner Erik Arroyo after an investigation involving his failure to register a charity before accepting contributions for the nonprofit, according to a memo detailing the decision.

State officials from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement appear to have examined whether Arroyo violated state law when he took donations for the Sarasota City Foundation he co-founded without obtaining a solicitation of donation approval from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Florida law requires charities to file annually with the department, which Arroyo did not do until June 5, several weeks after the inquiry began.

However, state law requires a person to "willfully" do so for a crime to have been committed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"There is no evidence to prove that Erik Arroyo willfully committed a crime," the memo from the State Attorney's Office for the 20th Judicial Circuit stated. "The evidence shows that Erik Arroyo has now properly registered the charity with FDACS (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.)"

Arroyo, reached on Wednesday, declined a full interview on the report, expressing concern that something he said to a reporter could be used by his political opponents to re-open the investigation.

"Frankly, I didn't spend enough time on the particulars of setting up the foundation and clearly made some technical errors, but as the findings of the investigation state, there was no willful misconduct," he said.

He also reaffirmed previous statements he made about his misgivings around how the investigation began.

"The bigger problem is not with the charitable foundation we created for a good cause, it's these paid attorney-lobbyists shopping frivolous criminal charges simply to advance their political objectives," he said.

The State Attorney's Office decision came about four months after Sarasota Police handed off an investigation to state investigators that was prompted by a meeting between a developer and a Sarasota Planning Board member that reportedly included a job offer to the board member.

City police launched their investigation in April after Planning Board member Michael Halflants told a deputy city attorney about a meeting with a silent partner in the proposed One Park Sarasota luxury condo development in The Quay on the Sarasota bayfront. Halflants was consulting the city attorney on whether he would be required to recuse himself in an upcoming vote involving the condo project because of the meeting with Jim Bridges.

That police investigation prompted the city to cancel a public hearing before the Planning Board on the One Park Sarasota development, a reported $600 million condo project that has remained stalled as the investigation continued.

FDLE probe ends without charges

An investigative report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement shows the inquiry determined early on "the allegation against the Planning Board member was unsubstantiated," with the focus of the investigation shifting to the private charity Arroyo created with two other Sarasota residents in late 2021, the Sarasota City Foundation.

A law firm representing the Ritz-Carlton Residences condo board, which is in litigation with the developers of One Park and has opposed parts of the One Park development proposal, forwarded several allegations of "improper influence" to the State Attorney's Office and FDLE investigators.

Some of those allegations centered on an event hosted by the Sarasota City Foundation called the Mayor's Ball.

Mayor Erik Arroyo delivers his State of the City speech during the Sarasota City Commission meeting at City Hall on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022.

That $200-per-person event was organized as a fundraiser. Ashley Gaillard, an attorney and former prosecutor now with Bentley Goodrich Kison representing the Ritz-Carlton Residences condo board, raised questions about the attendees and the possibility some of the people who donated to the Sarasota City Foundation would have projects requiring City Commission approval.

The FDLE investigative report included one interview with a One Park investor who also donated $10,000 to the Sarasota City Foundation, Kim Githler, a Sarasota philanthropist, developer and business owner, who said that, while she donated to the charity, she did not expect Arroyo to provide anything in return for the donation.

Investigators also interviewed Bridges, also a minority partner in One Park Sarasota. He told investigators he did not donate to the Sarasota City Foundation, but had donated to Arroyo in the past when he ran for political office. The investigative report said the interview with Bridges lasted a total of five minutes. Bridges had previously told the Herald-Tribune he had discussed with Halflants the possibility he could provide architectural services on a future project unrelated to One Park Sarasota.

Cathy Antunes, a community activist, brought up the Sarasota City Foundation in November 2022 during the public comment part of a city meeting after Arroyo had announced the Mayor's Ball raised $130,000.

The amount raised was actually about $70,000, according to the FDLE investigative report, an overestimation Arroyo attributed to miscommunication.

Antunes took issue with the idea of a foundation using the city's name and the title of mayor, combined with the fact that Arroyo had indicated he planned to donate gift cards to police officers and teachers.

She said Arroyo's response at the meeting and in subsequent attempt to gain clarity on the Sarasota City Foundation did not meet her expectation of a city commissioner, especially given that the foundation was originally created using the city's address.

"Just because there's no crime does not mean there was no problem," Antunes said.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: After four months, FDLE inquiry at Sarasota City Hall is closed
Eight years since it was first nominated, the federal government has shared its vision for the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

The new marine sanctuary is proposed to encompass 5,617 square miles from Hazard Canyon Reef, south of Morro Bay, to an area just north of Goleta in Santa Barbara County along Californias Pacific Ocean coastline, according to draft designation documents released Thursday morning by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.

Should it be designated, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would be the first new national marine sanctuary managed for biodiversity conservation in the United States since 1994.

The Central Coast has pursued this sanctuary designation for decades, and as our oceans and our communities are facing unprecedented challenges from a changing marine environment, this draft comes at a critical time for our region, U.S. Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, said Thursday in a prepared statement. I am glad that we finally have a draft that puts this sanctuarys final approval within reach.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Implementing the management plan for the proposed sanctuary would help protect the areas biodiversity and cultural and historical resources by developing certain marine science, education, and outreach and cultural heritage programs, according to NOAA.

This graphic shows what NOAA proposes to be the boundaries of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

New oil, gas and mineral exploration, development and production would be prohibited within the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

The proposed sanctuary is rich in marine life and includes kelp forests, rocky shores, sandy beaches, a globally significant ecological transition zone and important offshore features that have been important to Chumash and other Indigenous communities for more than 10,000 years, John Armor, director of NOAAs Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, said in a prepared statement Thursday. The sanctuary would also enhance conservation of numerous rare and endangered species that depend on this area, including snowy plovers, black abalone, southern sea otters, blue whales and leatherback sea turtles.

It would also be the first-ever national marine sanctuary that includes framework for collaborative management with Native American tribal entities, the draft documents show.

The Northern Chumash Tribal Council  whose late chairman Fred Collins first nominated the area to be designated a marine sanctuary in 2015  and other Indigenous community members will have opportunities to sit on the sanctuarys advisory council and a new intergovernmental policy council to participate in sanctuary decision-making processes.

It took NOAA 20 months to release the draft documents after beginning the designation process in November 2021.

The draft designation documents encompass a draft management plan, draft environmental impact statement, proposed regulations and proposed boundaries for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

The coastal waters of central California are rich with precious marine life, contain critical ocean ecosystems, and are connected to the past, present, and future of the Chumash people, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris said Thursday in a prepared statement. As a senator from California, I was proud to support the nomination process of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary and today, the Biden-Harris Administration is taking the next step toward establishing the first Indigenous-proposed national marine sanctuary.

Public comment on the draft designation documents is open until Oct. 25.

After public comment ends, NOAA will prepare the final designation documents for the sanctuary, which could include revisions from feedback from the community.

The sanctuary is then expected to be designated in 2024.

Everyone once in a while, something really big and important happens, California State Senator John Laird, D-Santa Cruz, said Thursday in a prepared statement. This is one of those times. We now have the opportunity to ensure the forever protection of the beautiful Central Coast oceans and marine environment.

A map of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

What are boundaries of proposed national marine sanctuary?

NOAAs proposed boundaries for the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary differ from those originally proposed by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council in 2015.

The original nominators wanted the sanctuary to stretch 156 miles along the coast  from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary border off Cambria in the north to a point past Point Conception in the south, according to NOAA. Those boundaries would have encompassed 7,670 square miles.

The new boundaries proposed by NOAA on Thursday start much farther south and extend more southward.

Beginning at Hazard Canyon Reef in Montana de Oro State Park near Los Osos, NOAA excluded the area from the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary to the south of Morro Bay because that is considered a new corridor for the industrial development associated with offshore wind energy production, according to the agencys website for the proposed sanctuary.

Certain concentrations of this infrastructure may not be compatible with a national marine sanctuary depending on the number of cables and disturbance that could occur, the website says, referencing the 20 to 30 subsea electrical transmission cables and possibly several floating substations expected to be built from the offshore wind energy development off Cambrias coast.

The disturbance of submerged lands and associated potential impacts on biological resources that could result from development on this scale would likely be unprecedented in a national marine sanctuary, according to the proposed marine sanctuary designation notes regarding the offshore wind energy development.

Painted greenling, convict fish, bat star and sea urchins inhabit a rocky reef off Point Estero near the sound monitoring station in the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

In the documents released Thursday, NOAA proposed the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary to stretch south to Dos Pueblos Canyon in Santa Barbara County, just north of Isla Vista.

Thats farther south than what the original nominators proposed  which was roughly 25 miles up the coast near Point Conception.

Under NOAAs vision, the national marine sanctuary would encompass all of Gaviota State Park, as well as other high visitation state parks at Refugio and El Capitan; all of Kashtayit and Naples State marine conservation areas; and coastal and offshore resources adjacent to historical Chumash village sites at Tajiguas and Dos Pueblos, according to the agencys website for the sanctuary.

The marine sanctuary, according to the draft designation documents released Thursday, would stretch 50 to 60 miles west into the Pacific Ocean.

The area includes areas where the Chumash peoples lived during a time when ocean levels were 300 feet lower.

The proposed sanctuary would encompass other historically significant sites as well, such as the locations of more than 200 shipwrecks. Two of those are on the National Register of Historic Places.

The proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would encompass an incredibly biologically diverse area of the California coast. Its considered a transition zone between temperate waters from the north and warmer southern ocean currents.

The area is recognized as a biological hotspot for birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, fishes, other marine organisms and algae, like kelp, NOAAs website for the proposed marine sanctuary says. The area includes thriving ecological habitats such as kelp forests, rocky reefs and sandy beaches, as well as unique and important offshore geologic features like the Rodriguez Seamount, Santa Lucia Bank and Arguello Canyon, all home to unique and rare deep-sea corals and sponges.

A humpback whale kicks up its tail in the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary on July 12, 2023, just offshore from Morro Bay.

New oil production, hunting would be banned in marine sanctuary

The draft designation documents released by NOAA on Thursday prohibit certain activities within the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

Due to the myriad ongoing and emerging threats to the area from consumptive and non-consumptive human uses and climate change, additional protections are needed for the marine environment in the proposed sanctuary, the draft environmental impact statement released Thursday says.

According to NOAA, hose threats include direct and indirect impacts from offshore energy development, pollution from offshore and onshore sources, increased vessel traffic and transportation, increased coastal development and other stressors to the ecosystem that compromise its resiliency  especially acute and cumulative impacts from climate change.

NOAA on Thursday proposed banning new oil, gas and minerals exploration, development and production within the Chumash Heritage marine sanctuary. Existing oil and gas production at platforms can continue, according to the agency.

Discharges, such as sewage, would be prohibited in the proposed marine sanctuary unless they are already exempted under federal law. This is already prohibited within three miles of Californias coastline, but designating the sanctuary would expand the ban.

Oil discharged from vessels or from shore can cause acute toxicity in organisms, and can foul feathers of seabirds leading to illness or death, the draft regulations published Thursday state. Discharging other debris from vessels, by accident or on purpose, can lead to long-term impacts on resources. A chronic accumulation of plastics in marine ecosystems, for instance, can lead to an accumulation of plastic in marine organisms including those that are eventually ingested by humans.

NOAA science diver Lindsey Peavey Reeves inspects the lower half of the soundscape mooring in place in 20 meters of water on July 12, 2023, off Point Estero. The NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and partners are listening to underwater sound inside the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

Disturbing the seabed, unless when anchoring a vessel, would also be prohibited under the regulations for the proposed sanctuary.

Hurting, hunting or taking a marine mammal, sea turtle or bird within the 5,600-square-mile area would also be banned unless such activities are already permitted by other agencies. Fishing, for instance, is a permitted activity.

The draft designation documents include a permit pathway to support possible additional subsea electrical transmission cables within the proposed sanctuary beyond what may be built outside of the sanctuarys proposed boundaries to support offshore wind energy development.

The proposed regulations also specifically prohibit attracting any white shark within the sanctuary because of their function as a key species.

Great white shark cage diving has historically been a tourist draw  especially in areas of Californias coast such as the Farallon Islands  with some companies ensuring a shark encounter by using bait to attract the animals.

Additionally, any disruptive activities aside from lawful fishing around the Rodriguez Seamount would be restricted to ensure the geologically special area is protected.

The summit of the underwater mountain about 42 miles off the coast of Point Conception sits at about 2,000 feet below the oceans surface and is home to rare coral, sponges and other invertebrates, according to NOAA.

In its proposed regulations for the marine sanctuary, NOAA did not include any requirements for vessels to reduce speed, which studies have shown greatly reduces noise impacts on marine species and lessens the likelihood of boat collisions with animals.

NOAA also did not include any regulations on fishing in the proposed marine sanctuary area in its draft designation documents.

Supporters of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary holds signs during the Board of Supervisors meeting Feb. 7, 2017.

How would the marine sanctuary be managed?

Because the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary was first nominated by the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, a key question has been how tribal and Indigenous entities would be involved in managing the sanctuary should it be designated.

While NOAA would be the primary party in charge of sanctuary actions, it would collaborate closely with tribes and Indigenous communities, federal, state and local agencies; academic institutions; organizations and businesses, according to its draft management plan released Thursday morning.

The NOAA staff would consult with federally recognized tribes for all management activities.

A Sanctuary Advisory Council made up of 15 members  including a federally recognized tribal seat and one or more Indigenous community members  would advise the NOAA staff.

An Indigenous Cultures Advisory Panel would be a working group of the Sanctuary Advisory Council. The panel would be open to individuals with Indigenous cultural knowledge of the sanctuary area, according to NOAAs draft management plan.

The Indigenous Cultures Advisory Panel would coordinate with an Intergovernmental Policy Council, made up of federally recognized tribes, representatives from the state of California and possibly NOAA.

A nonprofit foundation would also be established to raise money for projects in the marine sanctuary and help coordinate communication between the managing entities, the draft management plan says.

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians is the only federally recognized Chumash tribe in the nation.

Fish-eating sea anemone live on the rocky reef off Point Estero, where NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries and partners are listening to underwater sound inside the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary.

Would Chumash marine sanctuary have environmental impacts?

NOAA released a 431-page draft environmental impact statement Thursday morning detailing how designating the marine sanctuary impacts the environment and whether there would be any feasible alternative boundaries to its proposal.

It found that designating the marine sanctuary, or any of its proposed alternative boundaries, would not have any major negative impacts on the environment.

The only negative impacts the agency found from its analysis of the different marine sanctuary boundaries include those from offshore wind energy development and marine transportation.

In general, designating the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary would benefit the environment because of the increased protection and management of marine resources, according to the draft environmental impact statement.

Implementing the national marine sanctuary would provide direct benefits from implementing the proposed regulations and indirect benefits through increased information to guide resource protection decisions, coordinate resource management, and promote ocean literacy and stewardship, the draft environmental impact statement says.

Fred Collins, a tribal administrator for the Northern Chumash Tribal Council, speaks with supporters of the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary before the start of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 7, 2017.

How to comment on NOAA draft designation documents

The public can comment on the draft designation documents through Oct. 25 on the Federal Register at regulations.gov under docket number NOAA-NOS-2021-0080.

Additionally, two in-person informational workshops will be held  the first on Monday, Sept. 11, at 5 p.m. at the Grover Beach Community Center, 1230 Trouville Ave. in Grover Beach. The second will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m. at Vista Del Mar School Union, 9467 San Julian Road in Gaviota.

A virtual informational webinar will be held on Friday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m. at meet.google.com/mfp-nkgm-gek.

Additionally, for those wishing to give verbal public comment on the draft designation documents, two in-person meetings will be held.

The first will be on Monday, Sept. 25, at 5 p.m. at the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors hearing room, 1055 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. The second will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 27, at 5 p.m. at the Dick DeWees Community Center, 1120 West Ocean Ave. in Lompoc.

A virtual public comment meeting will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12, at 1 p.m.. To register, visit attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7569323252287031132.
FILE - North Carolina Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper affixes his veto stamp at a public rally, May 13, 2023, in Raleigh, N.C. Gov. Cooper announced his veto Thursday, Aug. 24, of a sweeping elections bill that would end a grace period for counting mailed absentee ballots, toughen same-day registration rules and empower partisan observers at polling places. (AP Photo/Hannah Schoenbaum, file) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed a sweeping Republican elections bill Thursday that would end a grace period for voting by mail and make new allowances for partisan poll observers.

In a video message, the Democratic governor accused legislative Republicans of using their slim veto-proof majorities to execute an all-out assault on the right to vote, which he said has nothing to do with election security and everything to do with their party keeping and gaining power. The bill would make voting more difficult for young and nonwhite voters who are are more likely to vote absentee and less likely to elect Republicans, he said.

Theyre making it harder for you to vote, hoping that you wont bother, he said, urging North Carolinians to contact their representatives and demand they uphold his veto.

Another bill Cooper vetoed on Thursday would take away the governor's appointment power to several boards and commissions, such as those that set electricity rates and environmental regulations. The bill marks another attempt by Republican legislative leaders to wrest control of key panels from the governor and give his appointment power to the General Assembly or to other statewide elected officials.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Cooper, who is term-limited and cannot run for reelection in 2024, had successfully blocked several components of the elections bill during past sessions. But Republicans now hold a narrow three-fifths supermajority needed to override his vetoes.

Sen. Warren Daniel, a Burke County Republican and chair of the Senate Redistricting and Elections Committee, said that by overriding Cooper's veto of the elections measure, Republicans will guarantee every citizens right to vote with confidence in the state's election security.

We are creating a secure election system that makes it easy to vote and protects election integrity, Warren said. But Gov. Cooper wants his handpicked partisans running our elections and he apparently feels threatened by North Carolinians observing what happens in their polling places.

The governor's announcement comes as both major parties strengthen their forces in the Tar Heel state, which is expected to be a presidential battleground and home to one of the nation's most competitive gubernatorial races. Most of the proposed election changes would take effect in early 2024, before the state holds elections for president, governor, Congress, the General Assembly and other offices.

North Carolina's 7.3 million registered voters already must navigate new voter identification requirements, starting with local elections this fall, after the Republican-controlled state Supreme Court upheld a 2018 law in April.

The new bill, passed last week along party lines, would remove a state law that allows elections officials to count absentee ballots received by mail for up to three days after the election if they are postmarked by Election Day. A previously vetoed proposal contained in the bill would instead require those ballots to be returned to county elections offices by the time in-person voting ends at 7:30 p.m. on the day of the election.

Across the country, Republican-controlled legislatures have acted against early voting  shortening windows for returning mail ballots, banning or limiting the use of drop boxes and criminalizing third-party ballot collection.

Other previously vetoed provisions would prohibit officials from accepting private money to administer elections and direct state courts to inform elections officials about potential jurors being disqualified because they arent U.S. citizens, so they can then be removed from voter rolls.

New guidelines for partisan poll observers would allow them to move freely about the voting location instead of being confined to a certain area.

Republicans say the bill is needed to improve efficiency and restore trust in the states electoral process. But Democrats argue that the changes would make it more difficult for minority groups to cast ballots and could increase intimidation at the polls.

House Speaker Tim Moore accused Cooper of mischaracterizing the bill, which he said includes balanced, common-sense election reforms that strengthen election integrity.

Attorney General Josh Stein, the only prominent Democrat running for governor in 2024, criticized Republicans for creating what he called barriers to the ballot box and said state leaders should be doing everything in their power to make it easier, not harder, for eligible voters to be heard.

Cooper also vowed Thursday to veto another elections bill if it reaches his desk. That proposal, which has idled in the House since the Senate approved it in June, would shift appointment power for the State Board of Elections from the governor to legislative leaders.

___

Hannah Schoenbaum is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
A North Carolina woman is facing false report and other charges after police say she sent anonymous messages to a friend and the Department of Social Services saying she had been attacked and killed.

Maggie Sweeney, 37, was arrested on Monday and released on a written promise to appear in court, police say.

She faces charges of making a false report to a police station, a false report of serious injury or death through telephone, and resisting a public officer, according to a police news release posted on Facebook Monday.

The charges are misdemeanors, according to the Macon County Court clerk.

Sweeney has not entered a plea. CNN has not been able to determine whether she has an attorney.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Police began their investigation as a missing person case after she was reported missing Friday.

Franklin police said in the Facebook post they had initially received information that seemed to indicate Sweeney was endangered or deceased.

Franklin Police First Sergeant Randy Dula continued to investigate the case after Sweeney was found safe the next day, according to the post.

Later that same day he developed information that Sweeney had used a third-party text app to send the fraudulent texts to her friend and the Department of Social Services that she had been assaulted and was deceased, Franklin Police Chief Devin Holland said in an email to CNN.

Sweeneys actions caused our department, as well as other departments, many hours of work which could have been spent on other matters. Family, friends, and the community as a whole were also very concerned and worried about Sweeneys welfare, the department said, in the post.

Sweeneys first district court appearance will be on September 7.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
By Hyonhee Shin, Soo-hyang Choi and Josh Smith

SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea appears to have made progress in its space program, despite a second rocket failure on Thursday, but its unusually quick launch pace may be causing problems, analysts said.

North Korea's second attempt to place a spy satellite in orbit failed after the booster experienced a problem with its third stage, state media reported.

The launch came less than three months after the first flight of the Chollima-1 booster, and authorities vowed to try again in October.

"Putting the marker down for October is pretty gutsy," Jeffrey Lewis, a missile researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, said in a post on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. "Cant say I recall them being so specific before."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The North's scientists appear to have addressed the unstable fuel or engine problem that caused the first Chollima-1 to fail during its second stage.

Thursday's second flight was doomed instead by what state media said was a faulty "emergency blasting system" in the third stage, which analysts said could refer to a self-destruct system often installed in rockets to prevent large pieces of debris from raining down during an accident.

"The fact that they announced a third launch in October, which is quite immediate, could mean that there were no problems with the performance and separation of the first-, second- and third-stage rockets, and they have confirmed what's wrong with the emergency explosion device through telemetry data reception," said Chang Young-keun, a professor at Korea Aerospace University in South Korea.

The nuclear-armed North has said it wants a working system of spy satellites to monitor the U.S. and South Korean militaries, and analysts say the Chollima-1 has the potential to be a capable system.

But the short gap between launches suggests Pyongyang may be driven more by politics than operational goals, some observers said.

"The unusually fast-paced schedule suggests that the whole project was focused on highlighting Kim Jong Un's achievements, rather than actually putting an operating satellite in orbit," said Yang Uk, a fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul.

The first Chollima-1 launch on May 31 came just days after South Korea placed satellites into orbit for the first time with a domestically produced rocket, and officials in Seoul suggested at the time that North Korea had rushed to keep up.

South Korea scheduled nearly a year between each of the three launches of its new Nuri rocket, none of which failed as spectacularly as the North Korean attempts. North Korea plans to launch the Chollima-1 three times in less than six months.

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said the October window could be the last chance for Kim to place a satellite in orbit this year.

"Given that a launch would be more difficult in the winter due to the speed and direction of the wind, October would be its last option to make tangible progress," he said.

On top of the weather and an unproven launcher, the satellite itself hasn't been tested in space yet, said Lee Choon-geun, a honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute.

"I am not sure if North Korean leadership knows the characteristics of large-scale science," he said. "They might fail again."

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin, Soo-hyang Choi, Ju-min Park, and Josh Smith; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Gerry Doyle)
Two people are dead after an apparent murder-suicide in Denton County earlier this week, according to police and the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office.

The Elm Ridge Police Department said its officers also found an unharmed infant at the scene on Forsythe Drive in the Savannah neighborhood.

According to police and medical examiner records, 32-year-old Anthony Jontrell Thornton shot and killed his girlfriend, 30-year-old Stephanie Dominique Ingram, then turned the gun on himself. Ingrams manner of death is listed as a homicide, with a gunshot wound to the head and neck as the cause, while Thorntons is listed a suicide by a gunshot wound to the head.

Both were found dead at 1:19 a.m. Aug. 20. The front door of the house was ajar when officers arrived, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Police said the shooting was an isolated domestic incident between two individuals in a dating relationship and that there does not appear to be any ongoing threat to the public.

The investigation is ongoing, according to police.

This embedded content is not available in your region.
Norway will transfer a number of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the Norwegian government said in a press release on Aug. 24, citing PM Jonas Gahr Stre.

During his visit to Kyiv, the PM said that Norway will be training Ukrainian pilots and will provide two aircraft for training purposes.

Read also: Eight Ukrainian pilots begin F-16 training in Denmark

Additionally, Norway will transfer its F-16s to Ukraine, with details regarding the number and timetable of deliveries to be revealed "in due time."

Read also: Ukrainian pilots to train in Denmark and Romania  White House

Norwegian media outlet TV2 reports that during a press conference, Stre specified that Ukraine will receive between five and ten fighter jets from Norway, dependent on their condition. He explained that Norway previously sold almost all of its F-16s to Romania.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In recent weeks, the Netherlands and Denmark had pledged to transfer a total of 61 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, donating 42 and 19, respectively.

Read also: Norway to provide 1,000 more Black Hornet microdrones to Ukraine, more NASAMS air defenses

The first six aircraft from Copenhagen could be delivered before 2024. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Denmark will be supplying the fighter jets in "several stages" and "not quickly."

Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk stated that Ukrainian pilots are being trained on F-16s in the UK and Sweden. On Aug. 20, Zelenskyy visited a base in Denmark where, according to him, training is also ongoing.

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
Joint press conference of Zelenskyy and Stre in Kyiv on August 24, 2023

The next round of multilateral talks on Ukraines peace proposals may take place in Oslo, Norway, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Aug. 24.

Read also: Macron hopes Ukrainian counter-offensive may restart peace talks on Kyiv's terms

Zelenskyy made the announcement at a press conference following a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre.

Norway is actively joining global efforts to implement the [Ukrainian] peace formula, the president said.

We would welcome a round of negotiations in Oslo and are grateful to Norway for their support in preparing the Global Peace Summit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Zelenskyy also thanked Norway for its decision to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and further support in the energy and humanitarian sectors.

Read also: Lukashenko sends cynical peace greetings on Ukraine's Independence Day

On the same day, Stre arrived in Kyiv on a visit. He confirmed the transfer of the F-16 planes, with the number of aircraft and time of delivery to be announced later.

Read also: Norway confirms plans to equip Ukraine with F-16s

Zelenskyy presented a 10-point peace formula at the G20 summit in November 2022, which includes the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity, the withdrawal of Russian troops, the release of all POWs, a tribunal for those guilty of aggression, and security guarantees for Ukraine.

Read also: Zelenskyy thanks Denmark for supporting Ukraine in speech at Danish parliament

Roundtable peace talks on the formula were held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Aug. 56, which were attended by high-level officials and diplomats from approximately 40 countries. Russia was not invited.

This was the second meeting in such a format  the previous one took place in June in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre confirmed that his country would provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets during his visit to Kyiv on Aug. 24.

Norway will allocate two jets immediately for Ukrainian pilots to train on, but the government has yet to work out the total number of aircraft it can send Ukraine, Stre said at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky .

The time frame for the delivery is also being decided, he added.

The move was first reported earlier the same day by the Norwegian TV 2 television channel, citing unnamed sources.

Norway's Head of Government has also pledged to provide Ukrainian forces with IRIS-T anti-aircraft missiles and mine-clearing equipment, as well as assist Kyiv in securing its gas and power supply.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Reznikov: At least 6-7 months before Ukraine obtains F-16s

At the news conference, Zelensky thanked Norways government for the "important and historic" decision to transfer the combat aircraft to Ukraine.

When asked whether such a small amount of F-16 aircraft pledged to Ukraine is enough, Zelensky said he believed one should be grateful for any number. And how did you get the idea that there will be so few? Well see.

Norway has become the third country to pledge the U.S.-made fourth-generation aircraft to bolster Ukraine's Air Force, following Denmark and the Netherlands.

Denmark has officially announced that it will provide Kyiv with 19 of its F-16 fighter jets, with the first batch of six planes expected to arrive by the New Year, according to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Upon meeting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Aug. 20, Zelensky said the Netherlands would supply Ukraine with 42 F-16 fighter jets.

Read also: Air Force: F-16 jets can change course of war in Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre has confirmed the country's plans to send a certain number of F-16 fighters to Ukraine. Two fighters will be supplied for pilots to train on.

Source: Jonas Gahr Stre during his visit to Kyiv, reports European Pravda

Quote: "Norway supports Ukraine's efforts to create a modern air defence system. This is important and necessary. We have already decided to train Ukrainian fighter pilots and announced in the summer that we would provide two Norwegian F-16 fighters for training. We plan to transfer Norwegian F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and will provide further information on the transfer, quantity and delivery time in due time."

Details: Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reports it could be five to ten aircraft.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Norwegian prime minister stressed that Oslo would send the F-16s in close cooperation with its allies, Denmark and the Netherlands, which had previously announced such a step.

Background:

Over the weekend Denmark and the Netherlands announced their decision to send these aircraft to Kyiv after the training is complete.

Ukrainian pilots are known to have already started F-16 fighter exercises in Denmark. It has also been reported that Greece and Portugal will join in training Ukrainians on the F-16s.

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 Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine had nothing to do with the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin , the leader of the Wagner Group, in Russia.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "We have nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who is involved."

Details: The president said this to journalists in Kyiv on 24 August.

In this way, Zelenskyy hinted that the Russian political leadership, headed by dictator Vladimir Putin , was involved in the death of the Wagner Groups leader.

In particular, UK military circles suggested that the most likely version is that the Russian FSB is behind the crash of Prigozhins plane.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

A plane belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin (an Embraer Legacy 600) crashed on 23 August in the village of Kuzhenkino in Russia's Tver Oblast. The plane was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg. 10 people were killed (7 passengers, 2 pilots and a flight attendant). According to the passenger manifest, Yevgeny Prigozhin and the management of the Wagner Group were on board.".

On 24 August, bodies of all 10 people killed in the crash of a business jet were taken to a morgue for forensic examination.

The Russian media saw a certain symbolism in the fact that the plane crash occurred on 23 August, exactly two months after the rebellion of the Wagner PMC (Prigozhin announced his "march of justice" on the evening of 23 June).

US President Joe Biden suggested that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, may be behind the plane crash.

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 nurses aid is facing robbery charges after police say she stole rings off of the hands of a dementia patient who was in her care at the Redstone Highlands Living Facility in Murrysville.

Christina Ankney refused to answer questions from Channel 11, or show her face, as Murrysville police loaded her into a cruiser to take her to the Westmoreland County Prison Wednesday afternoon.

It is disheartening especially when you trust in your caregivers to care for your loved ones during the end of their lives, said Detective Matt Panigal of the Murrysville Police Department.

Two weeks ago, police said the womans daughter reported her moms wedding ring was missing from her moms hand.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

She hadnt taken them off in recent years after her husband died. Police say they couldnt have fallen off.

She had a hand condition where her hands were always clenched shut, so the suspect would have had to forcibly remove the wedding ring from her hand, Panigal said.

According to court documents, Ankney worked for Dedicated Nursing Associates and was contracted to work at Redstone Highlands Living Facility.

Channel 11s Andrew Havranek spoke with John Dixon, the CEO of Redstone Highlands on the phone. He called the act despicable and heinous, and said they are working with the victims family, expressing their sympathy. He is also calling for jail time.

Ankney was taken into custody after she showed up for a preliminary hearing on burglary charges in North Huntington earlier Wednesday morning. Police say she was on federal probation after being indicted for stealing mail earlier this year when she worked as a United States Postal Service employee.

After stealing the rings, police say Ankney took the rings to the Fat Pocket Pawn Shop in North Versailles. They confirmed to police Ankney was paid $464 for those rings on June 4. Police said luckily, the pawn shop still had the rings.

The pawn shops and the jewelry centers dont keep them very long. They either sell them off or melt them down, Panigal said. For a victim to get their jewelry back, thats a rare occurrence. It rarely happens.

Ankney is in the Westmoreland County Prison, unable to post bond. Shes due in court on September 5 for her charges in Murrysville. She will be in court on the charges in North Huntingdon in October.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

PITTSBURGH ACTIVE SHOOTER: Police involved in shootout in Garfield blocks from Childrens Hospital PHOTOS: Police involved in "active shootout" in Garfield 1 killed in crash on I-79 in Washington County, officials say 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
If you've been wondering who's making the most money from the AI boom, NVIDIA may have the answer in it's latest earnings report. The company announced revenue of $13.51 billion in the second quarter, more than doubling the $6.7 billion it made last year and crushing market expectations. On top of that, it earned $6.18 billion in GAAP net income, nine times the $656 million it made in Q2 2022.

NVIDIA's gaming segment did pretty well too, thanks to $2.49 billion in Q2 revenue, up 22 percent from last year. During the quarter, it started shipping the budget-oriented GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, announced the Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) for games and saw the addition of 35 DLSS games including Diablo IV. (Earlier this week, it unveiled DLSS 3.5 designed to use AI to make ray-traced games look better.)

But it was very much the AI and data center segments that pushed NVIDIA to new heights. It saw a record $10.32 billion in revenue in that sector alone, up 141 percent from Q1 2023 and 171 percent from a year ago.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Earlier this year, CEO Jensen Huang said that back in 2018, NVIDIA had a "bet the company" moment when it started using AI to power DLSS, "and while we were reinventing CG with AI, we were reinventing the GPU for AI." He later added that "the future is a large language model (LLM) at the front of just about everything," from VFX to heavy industry.

NVIDIA's prescience is now paying off with the company's flagship H100 Tensor Core GPU. It's also been building more complex systems like the HGX box, which puts eight H100 GPUs into a single computer. All of that helped it create immense cashflows with top customers spending heavily on NVIDIA GPU tech to build complex AI models  like Microsoft with its Azure segment.

In addition, the company's use of custom software and apps makes it difficult for customers to switch rivals like AMD. "Our Data Center products include a significant amount of software and complexity which is also helping for gross margins," said NVIDIA finance chief Colette Kress in an analyst call.

All that led to a perfect storm of profit. "During the quarter, major cloud service providers announced massive NVIDIA H100 AI infrastructures. Leading enterprise IT system and software providers announced partnerships to bring NVIDIA AI to every industry. The race is on to adopt generative AI," Huang said in a statement. "Companies worldwide are transitioning from general-purpose to accelerated computing and generative AI." The company expects more to come, forecasting around $16 billion in revenue for Q3.
A New York man was arrested Wednesday at the Myrtle Beach International Airport after shouting and using profanity toward passengers in the terminal.

This is the second incident in days in which a person was arrested at the airport for unruly behavior.

Horry County Police arrested an Iowa man Tuesday after he was removed from an American Airlines flight for cussing out a flight attendant for not storing his bag under his seat.

Jeffrey McCabe, 67, of Poughkeepsie, was charged with breach of peace Wednesday, according to a police incident report. He was booked into the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, where he remains incarcerated on a $500 bond.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers were called to the area of Door 1 about 5 a.m. in reference to American Airlines ticket agents reporting that McCabe was shouting at people and using profanity, according to an incident report. When an officer found McCabe, he stated he was going to leave and get a cab.

However, an officer received reports from several passengers who entered the terminal that McCabe was near the taxi loop yelling at people, the report said.

Because of his previous behavior of yelling at passengers and with officers, McCabe was arrested, the report said.

The report said that officers also escorted McCabe out of the airport on Tuesday for his behavior after Spirit Airlines would not let him fly. McCabe took a taxi and left the property at that time.

On Tuesday, Nicodimus Muhamad Coles, 27, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested by Horry County Police after he was removed from an American Airlines plane. He also was charged with breach of peace.

The incident happened about 6:30 p.m., according to a police report. Coles 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.

Ryan Betcher, airport spokesman, didnt immediately have the number of such incidents that have occurred at the airport. He did say that summer is the airports busiest time so the airport does see more of such incidents.

Its fairly common around the airports around the country, Betcher said Thursday about such issues.
Reflection of the Ohio Statehouse in the windows of the Huntington Center in downtown Columbus.

In 2002, a Hamilton County judge sent shockwaves across Ohio when he ruled the state's ban on carrying a concealed weapon violated the state constitution.

But when the case reached the Ohio Supreme Court, justices disagreed, writing that the ban "has been part of our legal heritage since 1859." The justices noted that the Ohio Constitution had been amended by the state General Assembly "time and again without fundamental modification, that did not arouse the concern of two different constitutional conventions."

Preemption laws: Columbus, other cities battling state legislatures in efforts to control gun violence

Timeline: How Ohio gun laws have changed in last 20 years

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Many Ohioans might not be aware and would be surprised to learn just how much current state gun laws have deviated from their long-entrenched and not-so-distant past, as the gerrymandered, GOP-controlled legislature has sided with gun lobbyists in recent years to dismantle the state's firearms regulations.

Ohio Constitution gives cities 'home rule' power

Now, it's cities that are pointing to the state constitution for relief, arguing that the voter-approved "home rule" provision gives them the right to create their own gun laws to fill the void. Columbus and some other cities argue in court challenges that state lawmakers overstepped their constitutional bounds in 2007 when they passed a law that "preempted" cities' power to regulate guns.

Before 1912, when Ohio voters made massive and unprecedented changes to the state constitution, cities had no rights to pass gun laws absent the consent of state lawmakers. In fact, they almost had little power to do anything, said Mike Curtin, author of "The Ohio Politics Almanac," which traces Ohio's historical political development.

Under fire: An examination of gun violence around Columbus

The change was part of the progressive political movement sweeping the nation around the turn of the 20th century, pushing for women's suffrage, the end to patronage, less influence of big money in politics, and home rule for cities, among other topics.

The legislature micro-managed," leaving cities to "go begging," said Curtin, a former Democratic member of the Ohio House of Representatives and, before that, a one-time publisher of The Dispatch.

None of the dozens of constitutional amendments in 1912 dealt specifically with the right to bear arms. Because at that time, Ohio had some of the strongest gun regulations in the U.S., said Steven Steinglass, dean emeritus at the Cleveland State University College of Law.

Statue of William McKinley on the west side of the Ohio Statehouse.

There really is a history of gun-control legislation in Ohio, Steinglass said, noting that under the 1859 concealed-carry law, Ohioans couldn't have a concealed weapon anywhere in the state, even inside their homes.

In 1920, the state Supreme Court upheld a strict pre-Civil War concealed carry ban in a case involving a laborer whose gun was found hidden in his belongings inside his company group-housing dorm, said Richard Coglianese, Columbus' solicitor general.

His defense was, 'This is my residence,'" Coglianese said. "Courts said: Doesnt matter. The General Assembly has the right to pass rational protective gun laws, and this is perfectly fine under the Ohio Constitution."

After getting home rule rights under the state constitution, Ohio cities also enacted gun codes. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld Dayton's permitting law in 1974, and Cleveland's local assault weapons ban in 1993, writing that "public health and safety" is a proper (local) police power.

The ban states that it "preempts, supersedes, and declares null and void" any local gun restrictions.

So thats why we ended up with this," Coglianese said of current gun law in Ohio. "The gun groups kept  every time that they were trying to challenge these municipal regulations  they kept losing. So what they did is they went to the General Assembly and said 'Just prohibit municipalities from regulating firearms.'"

Preemption law prohibits cities from regulating firearms

The GOP-controlled Ohio Supreme Court has since upheld the preemption law twice.

Steinglass said delegates to the 1912 constitutional convention "did not  did not, did not  adopt a policy of preemption.  They rejected preemption. And I believe preemption is a myth, and it gets repeated all the time.

What they did recognize is that in certain circumstances, what they call 'general laws', would conflict with local ordinances, (and) in those cases if it was a proper general law, the state would prevail," Steinglass said. "That may seem like a very thin distinction, but it isnt, because for a law to be a general law it has to comprehensively regulate the area. And thats the key.

So does the Ohio General Assembly's new looser, hands-off approach to guns represent a comprehensive body of regulation strong enough to constitutionally block cities' right to make their own local ordinances?

As lawmakers continue to unwind the state's longstanding gun regulations, the argument has gotten weaker, Coglianese said. Ohio lawmakers have since legalized concealed weapons in bars, restaurants, museums and other places (while continuing to ban bringing guns into the Statehouse); did away with requiring handguns transported in vehicles to be in a holster, a locked box or in plain sight; removed a requirement motorists inform police at a traffic stop of a gun's presence; and removed a prohibition for those convicted of certain drug misdemeanors to possess guns, he said.

In addition, a "stand your ground" law has replaced a requirement that a gun owner retreat if possible from a confrontation.

In 2004, residents had to apply for a permit to conceal carry a gun. It asked four pages of questions, including if the applicant had ever been convicted of domestic violence, been committed to a mental institution, is a fugitive, the subject of a stalking restraining order, or addicted to any drugs. Lying on the form was a fourth-degree felony.

"Do NOT bring a firearm with you when applying for or picking up your license," the Carroll County Sheriff's Department instructed permit seekers on its website.

Last year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a law that did away with the need for any permit to carry a concealed weapon, and that also eliminated the need for eight hours of training and a background check to do so.

The city of Columbus successfully argued in court that when lawmakers amended the gun-preemption law in 2018, they violated home rule. The ruling immediately set off appeals. On Aug. 15, a three-judge panel with the 10th District (Franklin County) Court of Appeals  including two Democrats  unanimously reversed the ruling of Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Stephen McIntosh, a Democrat.

The appeals judges wrote McIntosh had ruled unconstitutional parts of an amended bill that had already been ruled constitutional twice by the Ohio Supreme Court, and sent the case back to McIntosh for a do-over.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost declared victory: Just like we argued in court, firearms owners statewide should have to follow the same rules.

wbush@gannett.com

@ReporterBush

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio gun law repealed by legislature predated Civil War
A virulent new Covid-19 strain has been detected in wastewater testing in Ohio, the third state to report the vaccine-resistant variant.

Experts are keeping a close eye on the BA.2.86 variant due to its potential to infect people who have previously had Covid or received vaccines, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a risk assessment released on Wednesday.

The CDC said it was too early to determine whether BA.2 86, also known as the Pirola variant, may cause more severe illness than previous strains, but was concerned due to the large number of genetic mutations compared to previous ones.

Further testing is required to confirm whether the variant is Pirola, the CDC said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The discovery came as new Covid hospitalisations leapt by 21.6 per cent this week, with an estimated 2,000 Americans requiring specialist care per day, according to figures released by the CDC this week.

The public health agency is projecting hospitalisations to accelerate markedly in the coming weeks, and has replaced a previous forecast that admissions would remain stable.

Positive test rates nearly doubled between July and August, and death rates, while still low, increased eight per cent in the most recent week that data is available, the CDC said.

The positive BA.2 86 sample was picked up in routine monitoring of the National Wastewater Surveillance System, after previously being found in patients in Michigan and Virginia.

The CDC is projecting Covid hospitalisations, up 22 per cent in the last week, to accelerate in the next month (CDC)

The Michigan positive case was found in a woman who had recently returned from a trip to Japan, and was picked up by the CDCs genomic surveillance of travellers.

Nine sequences of the new variant have been detected globally, according to the CDC.

Three cases were reported in Denmark, two in South Africa, one each in the United Kingdom and Israel, and two in the US. It has also been detected in wastewater in Switzerland.

So far, Covid symptoms have been mild in the positive BA.2 86 cases, health authorities said.

BA.2.86s genetic sequence has 30 differences from BA.2, which was the dominant Omicron strain in 2022.

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 a statement.

It is believed that available treatments such as Paxlovid and Lagevrio will be effective against the strain.

The increase in Covid hospitalistions is being driven by the EG. 5 strain, and the true spread of BA.2 86 will likely become apparent in the coming weeks due to the lag in reporting.

Pfizer and Moderna are expected to roll out updated vaccines that will be effective against recent strains in October.
The debut novel by a Kiowa-Cherokee author from Oklahoma who graduated from the Institute of Native American Arts in Santa Fe has been named this years One Book One Community selection at San Juan College.

Oscar Hokeahs Calling for a Blanket Dance was selected for this years program by the colleges One Book One Community Committee, which is led by director Andrea Cooper, an anthropology professor at the school. Each year, the committee selects a book and encourages students, faculty and staff members, and community members to read it and take part in several events that are held on the college campus related to the book, including readings, discussions, lectures and other activities.

Cooper noted that this will be the first time in several years the committee has chosen a work of fiction for the One Book One Community program, so it represents a change of pace from other recent selections. It also addresses issues faced by single fathers, and thats something we havent gotten to explore a lot, she said.

Each chapter of Hokeahs Calling for a Blanket Dance is written from the perspective of a different character, she said, but it follows the journey of its young protagonist, Ever Geimausaddle, as he struggles to chart his own path while absorbing the mixed identity of his Native American-Mexican heritage.

Author Oscar Hokeah will speak at San Juan College in October after his debut novel "Calling for a Blanket Dance" was chosen as this year's selection for the One Book One Community program.

Its pretty raw, Cooper said of the story, which contains numerous episodes of historical trauma.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But Calling for a Blanket Dance also is very inspiring, she said, describing it as a tale of family resilience and hope.

Cooper said when the One Book One Community Committee was sifting through possible books for this years choice last spring, the selections that were being considered failed to strike a chord with many people. Cooper said she discovered Calling for a Blanket Dance in the San Juan College Library and thought right away it would be a good fit for the program.

It was an obvious choice, she said.

When she reached out to Hokeah to let him know his novel  which won the 2023 PEN/Hemingway Award for Debut Novel  had been selected for the One Book One Community program, Cooper said he was thrilled, explaining that he already was very familiar with the Four Corners area from his time in New Mexico at IAIA.

In addition to featuring a compelling story, Cooper said the book offers rich character development and lessons in overcoming barriers to which many members of the community are likely to respond.

Were always really cognizant of how the books (in the program) resonate with students, she said, while noting that Calling for a Blanket Dance is one of those novels that is accessible to readers of various ages.

People are going to relate to him, she said of Hokeah. Hes going to go places, for sure.

Andrea Cooper

Virtual group discussions of Calling for a Blanket Dance will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 and at noon on Friday, Nov. 3. Visit the One Book One Community page on the San Juan College website at sanjuancollege.edu/onebook for the meeting link.

Hokeah will appear at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23 for a reading and book signing in the Connie Gotsch Theatre on the college campus, 4601 College Blvd. in Farmington. Admission is free.

Other events related to the book will be announced this fall. The book is available for purchase at the San Juan College bookstore and at Amy's Bookcase in Farmington.

Mike Easterling can be reached at 505-564-4610 or measterling@daily-times.com. Support local journalism with a digital subscription: http://bit.ly/2I6TU0e.

This article originally appeared on Farmington Daily Times: Debut novel by Oklahoma author chosen for San Juan College program
American nurse Alix Dorsainvil gladly would give medical care to the captors who held her and her daughter hostage for nearly two weeks this summer in Haiti, she said in her first public comments since the pairs release this month.

I want you guys to know that everything I said during my time in captivity was sincere, Dorsainvil said directly to her abductors in Haitian Creole in a video on YouTube also shared on the website of the community ministry where she works.

They were not the manipulative words of someone desperate to escape but simply the truth, especially when I told you my clinic doors are always open to you or anyone in need when youre sick or wounded, without any problem.

The New Hampshire native also told the kidnappers, whom she called gangsters, she holds no grudges against you in my heart, adding, I love you in Christ, and one day I hope to hug you in heaven.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dorsainvil and her daughter were set free 13 days after they were taken in a July 27 encounter involving a gun from the El Roi Haiti site where she works in the capital Port-au-Prince, the non-profit has said. Who kidnapped them and why, as well as the terms of their release, remain unclear.

The US State Department that day ordered the departure of nonemergency government personnel from Haiti, where the security situation recently has deteriorated. That order followed a travel advisory from the US Embassy in Haiti advising US nationals to leave immediately due to armed clashes between criminal groups and police in Port-au-Prince.

Authorities registered 1,014 kidnappings in Haiti from January to June this year  256 women, 13 girls and 24 boys  according to a United Nations report. While most cases involve locals rich and poor, a gang in 2021 seized 17 US and Canadian missionaries north of the capital and held them for more than a month.

The abduction of Dorsainvil and her child made international headlines and stoked fury in the community she serves. While she was held, Dorsainvils captors told her the people of Duvivier had taken to the streets to support her, she said in the video.

For all those who stood up and marched demanding my freedom, thank you so much, she said. I could feel your prayers. God granted me the courage and strength.

Dorsainvil also implored her kidnappers to choose a more peaceful path.

I understand that all of you are in a search for happiness, satisfaction, money, power and status to fill the void in your hearts  like a hole in your heart, an empty space within your heart  and youre searching for all of those things as a way to try to fill that hole, that empty space, she said.

But I want you to know that those things will never truly satisfy you. They will never fill the void in your hearts. The only way for this hole to be filled is with the love of Jesus Christ.

"My love for you all, my love for Haiti has not changed or gone away," Alix Dorsainvil said in the video. - El Roi Haiti

Dorsainvil first visited Haiti after the 2010 earthquake while she was still in college and fell in love with the people, El Roi Haiti said in a statement. She then spent breaks from school and summers visiting the Caribbean island nation, saving money and paying her own way back as often as she could.

Shed been on El Roi Haitis staff as a nurse to schoolchildren since 2020 and married the non-profits director, Sandro Dorsainvil, in 2021, the organization said.

Despite what happened to me, my love for you all, my love for Haiti has not changed or gone away, she said. If it were uniquely my decision, Id be working in the clinic today. But I know that Ive undergone a lot of trauma, emotional trauma, and I need to take some time to heal. But I would like to come back to be there for you and to support you in Christ.

Journalist Jeremy Dupain contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Russian military plane crashes in the yard of a residential building in Yeysk

Non-combat losses of Russian aviation account for over 20% of total confirmed losses since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, U.S. news magazine Newsweek reported on Aug. 23.

A full fifth of Russia's verified manned aircraft losses, which includes jets, helicopters and transport aircraft, were blamed on Russian system malfunctions, pilot error, friendly fire or other accidents not related to direct combat against Ukraine.

High Russian aircraft losses during training or non-combat missions can be chalked up to several factors, experts suggest, not least Russia's oversights in maintaining its aircraft, investing time in training pilots to a high standard and being rigorous about safety procedures.

Russia had lost a confirmed 186 piloted aircraft and helicopters during the war as of Aug. 17, with 13 marked as "non-combat" losses, according to the open-source intelligence (OSINT) outlet Oryx, a Dutch open-source intelligence defense analysis website, and warfare research group.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Meanwhile, Newsweek said it had been able to locate and corroborate with media reports the loss of at least 48 units were independent of Ukrainian operations. These include seven Su-25 jets, four MiG-31 supersonic interceptors and three of Russia's prized scout-attack Ka-52 "Alligator" helicopters.

Read also: Ukraines Military Intelligence behind strikes on Russian airfields  source

Newsweek is not counting in this tally Russia's overall manned aircraft and helicopter losses, which would include those lost because of Kyiv's activity.

The additional cases discovered by Newsweek bring this total to 221, including an extra 17 jets or planes and 18 helicopters. Thus, one in five Russian Air Force losses are not combat related.

The Ukrainian General Staffs official count is higher, putting total Russian aircraft losses at 315 and helicopters at 314 as of Aug. 24.

Part of the aviation was also destroyed on Russian territory. As a result of drone strikes on Russian airfields in Soltsy and Shaykovka, two Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bombers were completely destroyed on Aug. 22.

Two Russian Mi-8 military helicopters, a Su-34 fighter/bomber, and a Su-35 fighter crashed, with the crews killed in Bryansk region of Russia on May 13. Russian authorities did not officially comment on the incidents or the number of lost aircraft, despite numerous media reports and videos being posted on social media by witnesses.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A shooting in north Charlotte on Thursday morning left one person in the hospital with life-threatening injuries, MEDIC confirmed.

The shooting happened near 100 McCullough Drive in north Charlotte.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

MEDIC confirmed the injuries around 1 a.m. Thursday.

Channel 9 has reached out to CMPD to learn what led to the shooting and whether any arrests have been made.

READ MORE: One person hospitalized in west Charlotte overnight shooting

This is a developing story; check wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH: Deputies shoot, kill armed suspect in Concord, sheriff says)
Hi OnPolitics readers! The first Republican debate had its shocking moments: sharp disagreements and quick jabs as the crowded field of Republican candidates introduced themselves to a national audience.

But more importantly, the GOP candidates made their pitch to crucial early voting states. USA TODAYs Ken Tran and Savannah Kuchar were at watch parties in New Hampshire and South Carolina, asking voters how they felt about Republican candidates before and after the first debate of the primary season.

 In South Carolina, which former Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. both call home, young constituents are largely sticking with former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Wednesdays debate did little to sway their preference.

 And in New Hampshire, where voters are notorious for pressing candidates during the primary season, the debate was an opportunity to see how the Republicans clashed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Id like to see how everybody conducts themselves, Kenneth Biel, a 47-year-old software engineer hailing from Chester, New Hampshire, told USA TODAY before the debate. He added that hes most impressed by Trump, DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, but he's open to people "I disagree with.

Who won the first Republican debate? Here's how New Hampshire, South Carolina voters reacted.

Stay in the know on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Hampshire, South Carolina voters weigh in after GOP debate
Escambia County leaders want to be a part of restructuring Opening Doors, Northwest Floridas lead agency on homelessness, but the head of the nonprofit says they dont need local leaders telling them how to do it.

Opening Doors, the Continuum of Care on homelessness for Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, is starting the process of bringing the organization more in line with federal guidelines. That includes creating a separate governance board to oversee the CoC.

It also includes implementing the federal ALL-IN strategic plan launched by the White House in May to end homelessness in the country. The ALL-IN plan set a goal to reduce homelessness 25% by 2025 to build a country where every person has a safe and affordable home, according to the initiative.

Why haven't we solved homelessness? Because we've deemed too many "unworthy" of our help.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Federal help: There's a plan to end homelessness and billions for communities that buy in. How it works.

Local leaders recently hosted a federal expert on homelessness, Dr. Joe Savage, to evaluate what Northwest Florida can do to better tackle the issue and help more people get off the streets. His recommendations included implementing the ALL-IN plan and restructuring the communitys CoC, Opening Doors.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves and Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno both signed a letter recently sent to Opening Doors Executive Director John Johnson that includes a list of candidates for the new leadership committee Opening Doors is forming.

From left, homeless advocate Melissa Johnson checks in with Timothy Linville, Randall Horton, and Eddie at their camp as Escambia County removes trash along the public right of way on Beggs Lane in Pensacola on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.

That committee will create the agencys new governance structure.

While excited to learn that Opening Doors is working with a technical advisor provided by HUD to restructure the way the organization operates, Reeves and Moreno said they, too, want to find solutions to homelessness in our community.

We have a strong interest in ensuring broad community input into the governance charter and would like to provide you with some suggested representatives to serve on the committee, the letter read. Our list includes strong community partners that our CoC and local government will need to work with to effectuate real change on these issues for our community.

More: Opening Doors of Northwest Florida needs reform, federal homelessness official says

Unsheltered: Escambia County helps struggling women's shelter, but solution won't last long

Whos on the list

More than a dozen people are named in the letter including Chandra Smiley, CEO of Community Health of Northwest Florida, Pensacola City Council member Allison Patton, Escambia County Emergency Manager Travis Tompkins, and Connie Bookman, co-chair of the Northwest Florida Homeless Reduction Task Force.

In case you missed it: Will $6.5 million, new task force be catalysts for fixing Pensacola's homelessness crisis?

Johnson said he has already identified the cross section of people who will be a part of the new committee, which will include 11 to 15 members. He said they are waiting on a couple of candidates to confirm their participation and that some of the people named in the letter are already on the committee.

Johnson said the mayor and county administrators list in not diverse enough to meet the ALL-IN plans criteria for leadership, which requires some members who reflect those they serve, like people of color, those who have been homeless within the past three years, and members of the LGBTQ community.

While he understands and respects why Reeves and Moreno sent the letter, Johnson said he is also offended by the move and their apparent lack of trust in him.

I want to work with the city. I want to work with the county in a meaningful way, said Johnson, but I am very disturbed by the pressure and the bullying that is coming out of local government, whether city or county.

Why local leaders want to have a say

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves distributed the letter at his most recent press conference to let people know it was sent and why.

We didnt want to sit back and not play an active role and be an active partner with the CoC as it tries to make improvements, Reeves said.

Better together: Can Pensacola and Escambia County work together to reduce homelessness? They're going to have to.

Escambia County Administrator Wes Moreno has also been working with local leaders to find more effective ways to handle homelessness.

The issue impacts the community in a variety of ways, from homeless youth and families to those with substance abuse and mental health issues.

For example, the county is allowing hundreds of people to live in the woods on county-owned property next to a superfund site near the city line because homeless advocates said they have nowhere else to go.

Many of them had previously lived under an Interstate 110 overpass downtown until the city closed the encampment and forced people living there to move in early 2022.

Growing problem: Growing Pensacola homeless camp is a 'powder keg.' Can we unite on solution before it blows?

Out of sight, out of mind: Hundreds of homeless find refuge in Brent. Many of the 200 campsites came from I-110 camp.

In both the city and the county, the huge population of campers brings problems for nearby homeowners and businesses who are dealing daily with the effects: trash, trespassing, noxious fires, human waste and crime.

Neighbors and local leaders sympathize with the campers but realize its not safe or sanitary for anyone. Yet, they havent taken much action because of a lack of solutions.

Camping in communities: Hundreds of homeless people live where others work. It's not safe, sanitary or easily solved

They hope a stronger, more efficient CoC will help.

I think its a step in the right direction and that hopefully we will see a separation of the governance board and the lead agency (for Opening Doors), Moreno said. Thats what Dr. Savage recommended and hopefully they will make an honest effort to get there.

Restructuring Opening Doors

In the meantime, Johnson said hes continuing the work of restructuring Opening Doors.

During the agencys recent general meeting with service providers, Johnson talked about the All-IN plan, what it will mean for providers, and how they can streamline what all the organizations do.

Johns said the goal is to work better together under the federal initiative to provide more resources to all the different groups of people experiencing homelessness including families, veterans, victims of domestic violence, single parents and women, as well as people with substance addictions and those suffering from mental illness.

Many faces of homelessness: Pensacola's new homeless shelter seeks to end 'revolving door' of homelessness

What I want to accomplish is to start building momentum and buy-in for the presidents strategy, said Johnson. Federal dollars have dwindled for many CoCs to provide rental assistance, utility assistance, housing and the like. Weve got to lean on other federal programs to help case plan these individuals and families in meaningful ways.

Johnson said beginning in September Opening Doors leadership committee will meet with the technical advisor every two weeks and make changes incrementally.

The work is expected to continue through at least the end of the year.

Were going to get there, said Johnson. Were going to get to the place where we need to be, and I think in the end its going to be a great product.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Opening Doors homeless agency disturbed by city county input
My grandfather rarely spoke, except through his saxophone. He was a man of few words but a lot of heart. I cant pinpoint when exactly I learned that he was born in what is now called North Korea, but I do remember thinking, Im too old to be learning this for the first time. Like thousands of Korean Americans, my family is still divided by the ongoing war in Korea and the current U.S. travel ban to North Korea.

On Tuesday, the State Department announced that the Biden administration will extend the travel ban to North Korea for another year. This draconian ban was initially instituted in 2017 under former President Trump and prevents thousands of Korean Americans from reuniting with family in North Korea. Americans can still use their U.S. passports to visit some countries with travel restrictions, such as Cuba and Iran. But no U.S. passport is valid for travel to North Korea. Instead, U.S. citizens must apply for a totally separate special validation passport. The State Department has unfettered discretion as to whether it grants this passport, and does so only in exceedingly exceptional circumstances.

Before 2017, thousands of U.S. citizens traveled to North Korea, many of them Korean Americans seeking to reunite with family from whom they became separated during the Korean War. The State Department made this decision despite the repeated urging of activists to lift this inhumane ban.

Read more: Op-Ed: North Korea's new law is far from the only nuclear threat the world faces

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

My paternal grandfather fled North Korea during the war and lived the rest of his life separated from his siblings and family members. Decades after this separation, he participated in an effort coordinated by a nongovernmental organization to reunite split Korean families when travel to North Korea was still permitted prior to 2017. In North Korea, he was shown a faded photograph of his elementary Sunday school class to verify that he was, in fact, related to family members with whom he sought to reunite. My grandfather failed to recognize his younger self in this photograph but recognized his teacher. This happenstance recognition permitted him to meet his sister, from whom he had been separated for nearly 50 years. He was able to meet her children for the first time and learned that his younger brother had passed away.

Our family has otherwise remained divided.

For years, I hesitated to look at photographs of our relatives in North Korea because I was afraid of what Id feel. To even dream about the possibility of lifting this travel ban felt frightening because fighting for change would open me up to heartbreak. I have been tempted to settle into pessimism and dismiss attempts for change as naive. An elder Korean peace activist described this tendency as so Korean: to break my own heart before anyone else could break it for me. She counseled me instead to engage in peace advocacy and learn from intergenerational Koreans from across the diaspora who have kept the fight aflame for decades.

If it werent for the wise council of elders who map movements in lifetimes, this weeks announcement would have been another reason for pessimism. However, we must remember that we in the U.S.  especially Korean Americans (gyopo)  have an important role to play. In the days before his election, President Biden pledged to reunite Korean Americans separated from loved ones in North Korea for decades. But his administration has yet to make good on that promise. Biden instead escalates militarization and hurtles us closer to nuclear conflict, sending nuclear-capable submarines to Korea for the first time in 42 years. He also recently convened a trilateral summit with South Korea and Japan, further entrenching an escalatory militarized approach illustrated by this weeks large-scale "Ulchi Freedom Shield" war drills which involved the participation of 12 countries total .

Activists have been fighting against this alarming militarization and forever war-making, including through a congressional bill, the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act. This bill calls for urgent diplomacy in pursuit of a peace agreement to formally end the Korean War and urges the State Department to review and revise its travel restrictions. While the majority of the U.S. public supports the peace process in Korea, it is up to constituents to ensure our elected officials reflect this. Currently, 34 members of Congress are co-sponsors of the Peace on the Korean Peninsula Act, and through our advocacy, we can grow this number.

Read more: Op-Comic: South Korean spas are about family time, not beauty trends

On the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement last month, scholars and activists gathered to call for a peace agreement to formally end the Korean War. Among them, Dr. Kee Park, a faculty member at Harvard Medical School, decried the current sanctions imposed on North Korea by the U.S., U.N. and others as deadly and immoral. Park has traveled to North Korea over 20 times, and said Korean Americans must act as a bridge from our community to the general U.S. public.

While the two Korean governments have facilitated a handful of brief reunions between residents of South and North Korea, Korean Americans have been left out of this process entirely. This U.S.-imposed travel ban is unjust and inhumane. For Korean Americans, we cannot heal this intergenerational pain until this travel ban is lifted. We must strategize, organize and educate our communities to ensure that this draconian ban is not renewed again.

Cathi Choi is the director of policy and organizing for Women Cross DMZ and co-coordinator of Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network. She is based in Los Angeles. @CathiSChoi

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.
Becky Edwards poses for a portrait at the Deseret News offices in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, July 26, 2023. Edwards is a Republican primary candidate for the 2nd Congressional District seat being vacated by Rep. Chris Stewart. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

As a mother of four young children and owner of one of Utahs fastest-growing companies, I am proud to support Becky Edwards for Congress. Of all the candidates on the ballot, Edwards is the only one with a proven track record and the experience required to represent the needs and values of Utahns.

I am writing (with a baby on my lap) on behalf of every Utahn in District 2, but especially women. Women deserve to have our voices heard, and our families deserve to be represented by someone who cares about the true needs of constituents.

When you support women, you also support their families and a prosperous economy for all. Lets establish a few facts about women in Utah:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As our representative, Edwards served as the co-chair of the Women in the Economy Commission, a bipartisan group that included women from different business and education sectors, studying the needs of women in the Utah economy and recommending policy solutions.

She also helped develop a package of Family Economic Prosperity legislation to help women and mothers in the workplace, and sponsored several bills on child care, paid family leave, and workplace discrimination. She also sponsored bills to support access to quality, affordable child care by incentivizing businesses to create savings accounts, where both the employer and employee would contribute toward child care costs, and providing tax credits to businesses that offer paid family and medical leave to employees.

She has a long list of important legislative accomplishments, but what won my vote most is Edwards herself.

Related

Ive met Becky Edwards several times during her campaign and now consider her my friend and mentor. She genuinely cares and embodies servant-leadership, as one who leads with the goal of lifting others. She knew just the comforting words to say when my grandma died. She asked many times about my new baby. Her warmth and genuine kindness are paired with her boldness and clear ability to bring people together to work through the hard conversations.

Edwards worked as a social worker for years and spent 10 years as an elected official in the Utah Legislature. During that decade, she opened her home every Saturday to her constituents. She graciously welcomed questions, ideas and criticism, too. She listened. Really listened. Then she went to work.

Theres a reason Edwards has had nearly 3,000 volunteers across the state supporting her campaign. We want better leadership. Our state  and especially women and families in Utah  will be in the best hands with Edwards representing us in Washington, D.C. Im absolutely confident she is the proactive leader Utah needs now.

I invite you to join me in voting for Becky Edwards for Congress in the Republican primary Sept. 5, and again in the general election Nov. 21.

Crystalee Beck lives in Bountiful, Utah, with her husband and children. She is founder and owner of two local businesses, Comma Copywriters and The Mama Ladder.
Editors Note: Daniel Treisman is a professor of political science at the University of California, Los Angeles and co-author of Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century. The views expressed in this commentary are his own. View more opinion on CNN.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin  who the Russian aviation agency confirmed was a passenger on board a plane that crashed on Wednesday evening  seemed to be living on borrowed time.

Daniel Treisman - Courtesy Daniel Treisman

Ever since June, when the warlord led his Wagner mercenaries in an uprising against his countrys military commanders, the Kremlins soft response had bewildered longtime Russia watchers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Within the span of a few hours, Russian President Vladimir Putin switched from accusing Prigozhin of treason, and labeling his mutiny a stab in the back of our troops and the people, to allowing Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to promise Prigozhin amnesty and a base for his fighters. To those familiar with Putins vindictive streak, something did not add up. (Others who challenged Putin have wound up poisoned, imprisoned or falling out of windows).

The details of Wednesdays plane crash are still murky. Video of the plane debris taken at the purported crash site in the western Tver region of Russia matches the plane registered to Prigozhin. Meanwhile, some are even speculating that the warlord might have faked his death in order to disappear. The true cause may not be known for some time, if ever.

In his first public comments on the plane crash, Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims on Thursday and called Prigozhin a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life.

Whatever official version is announced, many Russians are likely to believe Prigozhins demise was punishment for his disloyalty. To those who suspect foul play, the real puzzle will be why it took so long.

Putins tough image had taken a hit when he let the Wagner mutineers off with little more than a reprimand. Will the mercenary leaders fiery end now restore the presidents reputation?

Perhaps. To some well-schooled observers, the delay made sense. In July, CIA Director William Burns told attendees at a national security conference, I think Putin is someone who generally thinks revenge is a dish best served cold

Russian servicemen inspect part of the crashed private jet near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia, on Thursday, August 24. - Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP

If Putin had a role in Prighozins fate  and thats far from proven  there was an argument for carefully laying the groundwork before dealing with the Wagner leader himself. The Kremlin had three urgent tasks to complete before that.

First, Putins investigators would want to carefully assess the extent to which members of the armed forces and security services supported Prighozhin. Few local troops did anything to resist the mercenaries advance on Moscow.

Then, to avoid turning Prigozhin into a martyr, the Kremlin  if it were involved  would need to discredit and embarrass him, cutting into his popularity in right-wing nationalist circles, before acting to punish him.

Perhaps most important, Putins men needed to gather up the control networks of the Wagner operation in Africa. From Mali and the Central African Republic to Mozambique and Sudan, Prigozhins agents were providing security to dictators, guarding oil wells and diamond mines, and shaping public opinion through propaganda outlets. Russias covert presence in Africa  largely a Wagner venture  was one of Moscows few recent foreign policy successes.

Yet, if the plan all along was to strip Prigozhin of his reputation, armed supporters, and African assets before holding him to account, the actual course of events still looks dysfunctional.

Investigations were started within the armed forces, and probably within the security forces as well. A few generals have been relieved of their commands. Even General Sergei Surovikin, aka General Armageddon, the commander of Russian aerospace forces, who was known to be on good terms with Prigozhin, was dismissed in recent days.

Still, there is little evidence of any systematic purge to root out those unhappy with the military leadership. In the midst of the ongoing war in Ukraine, such a purge would be dangerous. But so is not conducting one.

Although Surovikin disappeared from public view right after the mutiny, it took the Kremlin two months to make the actual announcement that he had been removed. And rather than bring in a loyal outsider, the authorities replaced Surovokin with his own chief of staff, Viktor Afzalov.

The effort to discredit Prigozhin got off to a colorful start with pictures of Prigozhins opulent St Petersburg mansion broadcast on state TV. Besides gold bars and millions of dollars worth of cash, the photographs showed a bizarre collection of wigs and other disguises that seemed better fitted to a two-bit criminal than to a selfless patriot.

But that was it. Any effort to paint Prigozhin as wealthy and corrupt stopped almost immediately, and no new financial investigations were announced. Much of the money and weapons seized from his house by police were even reportedly returned to him, according to the Washington Post, citing an anonymous St. Petersburg businessman.

As for unwinding Prigozhins control over his Africa networks, the warlord was even allowed to mingle with political and media contacts from the Sahel at the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July. And in what might have been the last straw for Putin, Prigozhin released a video on Monday of himself standing in what looked like an African desert, boasting of his mens exploits. He claimed to be making Africa even freer.

If the goal was to destroy Prigozhin systematically while taking over his assets, the results look mixed at best. It would not be surprising if many in the Kremlin felt frustrated at the mercenary leaders seeming ability to wriggle free from any constraint. That was the context in which he apparently took his last flight on Wednesday.

This article has been updated to include Putins first public comments on the plane crash.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley counter each other during the first Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday. (Morry Gash / Associated Press)

It is fair to wonder how the other Republican candidates for president can catch up to Donald Trump . What is their plan to beat someone with a 30-plus point lead in the polls and who's been using his many arrests the way the Super Mario Brothers use red mushrooms  they only make him stronger.

While hope is not usually a viable political strategy, most of Trumps opponents appear to be simply hoping that the former president will be taken up in the Rapture between now and Jan. 15, the date of the Iowa caucuses.

But absent intervention from on high, Wednesdays first GOP primary debate gave us a glimpse at how Trumps opponents intend to proceed in what has been a snoozer of a primary campaign.

Read more: News Analysis: Some clear losers in first GOP debate, but the absent Trump emerges largely unscathed

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

To be in the debate, it should be noted, the candidates were forced by the Republican National Committee to sign a loyalty pledge to support the eventual winner. Of course Trump, who refused to attend the first debate, would not sign the pledge himself.

That tells you all you need to know about how this primary is going.

The stage in Milwaukee was full of politicians with politicians titles. And then there was that one other guy. No experience. No record. And holding views that are, charitably, eyebrow-raising.

Without Trump to play himself, Vivek Ramaswamy tried to fill his shoes.

This isnt complicated, guys, the 38-year-old with no political experience and a scant personal history of even voting said breezily to an early question.

Once again, the Republican presidential field features a rich outsider who views the GOP as an empty vessel to be occupied by whatever pirate can take it over. Ramaswamy demonstrates no ideological underpinnings. No policy orthodoxy. Hes just a slick sloganeer who seems to think the job of president is talking and dominating the attention economy anyway you can.

And lately, Ramaswamy is leaning into it.

Read more: Column: Newsom-DeSantis debate would be good for voters  and two ambitious politicians

Hes been flirting with 9/11 trutherism. Turning Ukraine over to the Russians, and Taiwan over to the Chinese. Downgrading Americas alliance with Israel. Decriminalizing hard drugs. Imposing a massive inheritance tax.

None of this sounds good to a conservative like me. But Ramaswamy grabs attention in a world that rewards attention pirates who can turn a phrase, even if they are somewhat annoying. If he manages to get past 15% in the post-debate polls, Trump will come for him soon enough.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had the most riding on the debates tilt. Most of what GOP voters know about DeSantis campaign comes from four sources: Trump, who relentlessly attacks DeSantis and nobody else; Never Trump, Inc., which thinks the way to defeat the former president is in a redo of Biden vs. Trump; Democrats, who see things similarly to the Never Trumpers; and the mainstream media, which might well benefit from getting a bigger audience if Trump becomes the nominee.

As of early August, DeSantis had faced more than $20 million in negative independent TV attack ads, more than Trump and President Biden combined ($17.3 million). For him, Wednesday nights goal was to rise above the noise and negativity and, in his own words, tell Republicans who he is and why hes running.

Read more: Trump says he'll be arrested Thursday. His bond is set at $200,000 in Georgia election case

DeSantis had some nice moments on his conservative record as Florida governor. He didnt dominate the stage, but he may have stabilized himself. He lives to fight another day, but he still has a fight on his hands in his quest to consolidate the non-Trump field.

The two people who pleasantly surprised were former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Pence turned in an energetic and feisty performance aimed squarely at the Christian conservatives of Iowa (the caucuses are his Alamo), and Haley, in a stunning turn, supplanted a listless Chris Christie as the principal anti-Trump foil on the stage.

Biden didnt do this to us; our Republicans did this to us, too. ... Trump added $8 trillion to our debt, and our kids are never going to forgive us for this, Haley said, wheeling on Trumps handling of the national debt.

Pence and Haley both mixed it up with Ramaswamy, perhaps playing to the elderly Fox News viewers who may view the newcomer as a too-brash whippersnapper.

Read more: Trump tries to undercut GOP debate with Tucker Carlson interview on eve of his Georgia surrender

Heres who didnt emerge from the debate: a candidate who is really ready to move on Trump. And yet Republicans are facing a general electorate that hates Trump (64% say they definitely or probably wont vote for him) and overwhelmingly believes a convicted felon shouldnt be eligible for the presidency (70% say no way). Everyone on stage except Asa Hutchinson and a coy Christie raised their hands to say they would support Trump even if he's convicted.

All of this is unfolding against the backdrop of a Biden presidency that is consistently criticized on the economy, according to poll after poll after poll. If the GOP nominates someone south of 70 years old who isnt in jail, Republicans would have more than a fighting chance.

But will a single voter who is currently with Trump switch to one of the other Republican candidates after this debate? You have to be skeptical.

Now if youll excuse me, Ive got another Trump arrest motorcade to watch.

Scott Jennings is a former special assistant to President George W. Bush and a senior CNN political commentator. @ScottJenningsKY





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.
Rio Rancho Public Library and books with the LGBTQ+ Pride flag on the spine

In response to conservatives who support book bans calling people to protest a meeting at a New Mexico library, defenders of free speech mobilized. The call to protest in support of banning LGBTQ+ literature backfired on those who publicized it, with most attendees opposing the move.

The Rio Rancho Public Library was filled with more than 100 people holding signs protesting book bans earlier this month, Albuquerque NBC affiliate KOB reports.

The books they may not want their children to read, I might want my children to read. So they can certainly control it at home, but they shouldnt restrict these books and make choices for everybody about what books people should read or not read, Indivisible Albuquerque member Willie Orr said.

Indivisible Albuquerque is a progressive political action committee.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Although a book ban was not on the city library board's agenda on August 14, a tweet from the conservative group New Mexico Mass Resistance led to a large turnout.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the account urged people to attend the meeting to defend the heterosexual nuclear family. However, the post failed to motivate its intended audience.

 (@)

We, the people, will continue to show up every time to make sure that we continue to have the freedom to read what we want to read; its important, a person who spoke at the meeting said.

According to the TV station, book removals from the city library require a formal process.

It is possible to challenge a selection by completing a request for reconsideration form.

A resolution adopted by the Rio Rancho city council earlier this year stated that the city supported the librarys collection choices.
The original flag of Ukraine first carried into the plenary hall on 24 August 1991 after the adoption of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine has once again been carried into the hall of Verkhovna Rada [Ukrainian parliament] on Independence Day.

Source: Yaroslav Zhelezniak, Ukrainian MP from the Voice political party, on Telegram

Details: Zhelezniak said that representatives of different states and diplomats took part in the meeting of the Verkhovna Rada.

Quote: "And the festive part was wrapped up with the carrying in of exactly the same flag that was brought into the plenary hall on 24 August 1991 after the adoption of the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, congratulated Ukrainians on the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

The Ukrainian flag flies over temporarily occupied Crimea on Independence Day.

On Ukraine's Independence Day, US President Joe Biden assured Ukrainians of further support and announced new sanctions against those involved in the forced removal of Ukrainian children.

Google congratulated Ukraine on the 32nd anniversary of independence with a festive doodle.

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!
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.  Five Palm Beach Central High staffers pleaded not guilty Thursday to failing to report the sexual assault of a 15-year-old student.

Principal Darren Edgecomb, Assistant Principals Daniel Snider and Nereyda De Garcia, chorus teacher Scott Houchins, and the Wellington schools behavioral therapist, Priscilla Carter, were arrested last month on charges of failing to report the girls assault to the Department of Children and Families, as required under Florida law.

The boy accused of assaulting her is Daniel Sniders son, also a student at the school, according to court records.

All staff have been reassigned to positions that do not have student contact, Palm Beach County School District spokesperson Angela Cruz Ledford told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in a statement at the time. An interim principal, Reggie Myers, has taken Edgecombs place.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But it remains unclear if the other positions were filled ahead of the first day of school on Aug. 10. The district did not immediately respond to questions Thursday.

The assault occurred in April of 2021, according to police records. The girl told detectives that her parents had dropped her and her friend off at Lake Worth Beach. They had met up with two boys, one of whom forcibly touched her multiple times while she said no, according to the report.

School staff members read a letter about the assault and met with witnesses and the girl about it, but never reported it, according to the probable cause affidavit.

The school also refused to provide Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office detectives with records about the assault without a subpoena, according to police reports, while a school police officer, Lt. James Schnaderbeck, told detectives that he was a close friend of Sniders, and that the boy was a good kid from a good family. He never gave detectives the information they asked for.

Schnaderbeck was not investigated for his involvement, according to the Sheriffs Office.

Meanwhile, Edgecomb told the girls parents he had conducted his own investigation into the incident and decided it didnt happen, a heavily redacted probable cause affidavit states, though he said he would remove the student accused of the assault from school activities, describing it as a punishment similar to when a student is caught vaping.

Sniders attorney, Leonard Feuer, argued that Snider had no obligation to report his own son in a motion to dismiss filed earlier this month.

Placing a parent in the position of having to report on their own minor child under such circumstances violates Floridas constitutional right to privacy and freedom of expression, Floridas Parents Bill of Rights and the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the motion states.

Snider never suspected his own son of committing the sexual assault, the motion argues, and therefore had no obligation to report it.

All five defendants will have a calendar call on Jan. 4.
FILE PHOTO: Cargo vessels transit through the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City

By Elida Moreno

PANAMA CITY (Reuters) - The Panama Canal expects to maintain restrictions on daily vessel transit and maximum draft for at least 10 more months amid a prolonged drought that has lowered the water level, an official from the waterway said on Thursday.

The canal's authority earlier this year began imposing restrictions, causing a backlog of vessels waiting to pass. The curbs have forced vessel owners to lighten cargoes or shift to alternate routes as freight costs increase for some routes.

The extension of the restrictions would give the canal room for preserving water before the next rainy season arrives, but could create a larger bottleneck of ships if they do not reserve ahead of passage.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We are currently seeing an increase in arrivals. It is peak season as December is approaching, so merchandise for Christmas is moving quickly," the canal's deputy administrator, Ilya Espino, said in an interview.

Espino recommended vessel owners reserve slots ahead of time to avoid delays, and said some ships - especially bulk carriers and vessels carrying coal - have diverted from the waterway because they do not have priority to pass, as container ship do.

In a move to ease a bottleneck that surpassed 160 vessels earlier this month, the canal's authority recently opened two more passage slots per day for non-booked ships.

The backlog has decreased since to 115 ships on Thursday, according to official data.

Canal operators are on a tightrope as they work to manage maritime trade disruptions and prepare for what is shaping up to be an even drier period next year. In Panama, a naturally occurring El Nino climate pattern associated with warmer-than-usual water in the Pacific Ocean is contributing to the drought.

(Reporting by Elida Moreno, writing by Marianna Parraga, editing by Gary McWilliams and Sandra Maler)
Since their emergence, artificial intelligence language models  tools that can write anything when given a prompt  have led to debates across the nation on how they should be handled in classrooms.

Teachers in Modesto City Schools wonder about artificial intelligences impact on their students work and their own teaching methods. Some teachers view AI as a way to enhance their work and lessen their burdens. Others remain torn on the issue, knowing they will have to be vigilant in checking their students work to stop plagiarism.

Kerry Castellani, a sophomore English teacher and head of the International Baccalaureate program at Modesto High School, said she believes schools cannot effectively ban AIs use. Though its another challenge teachers face in fighting plagiarism, she said she also knows the tools have benefits. She uses the plagiarism-detection service Turnitin to determine if her students are using artificial intelligence in their work.

I think its Pandoras Box, she said of AI. I dont think we can shove it back in.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Consider ChatGPT. OpenAI released on Nov. 30 a demo of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer, which shot up in popularity on social media due to its easy accessibility. ChatGPT reached 100 million users within two months of launching  faster than TikTok, which made the milestone in nine months, according to Reuters.

How might students use AI? Assigned to write an essay on Frankenstein, one could ask a language-model like ChatGPT to compose it based on the instructors requirements. Or, to better understand the literature, the student could ask the tool specific research questions.

Tools like Turnitin are used to check plagiarism, and now use of artificial intelligence. Turnitin has claimed its tool has a false positive rate of 1%, but according to the Washington Post, that rate has increased to 4% since being announced earlier this year.

Access to AI tools can lead to an equity divide

I think plagiarism is always common, Castellani said. I think you, as a teacher, have to be aware of that and you have to have tools to deal with it. I do an awful lot of writing in class, not on the computer. I almost always have students hand-write their first draft.

Its not a perfect solution, she said, since she has around 200 students in total in her classes and cant afford to always require them to write multiple drafts for every English assignment they work on.

Castellani said Modesto High and Modesto City Schools have not given clear guidelines on the how AI should be used in the classroom, but the district did block use of ChatGPT on school computers. Castellani said students with phones easily can bypass that obstacle, which can lead to an equity divide between those who can access it and those who cant.

That issue is of concern to the California Department of Education, which encourages educators to approach AI with a lens of equity, it said in a statement to The Modesto Bee. As educators and students learn about potential inaccuracies, bias, and social impacts of AI, they build capacity to promote ethical use of technology. The department supports educators who adapt their teaching methods to incorporate emerging technologies effectively in line with student needs.

Mike Rich, associate superintendent of curriculum and instruction and professional development for Modesto City Schools, said artificial Intelligence will create ripples across the educational landscape. He emphasized the importance needed for data privacy for students, parents and teachers.

Tools should strengthen intellectual muscle

When looking for intentional ways that AI can support student learning, we need to ensure that tools strengthen intellectual muscle and not simply provide an easy answer, Rich said. If educational interactions with AI are effortless, then they are worthless in supporting student growth. We must work to find a path that strengthens the learning process while providing the proper guardrails and support.

A survey conducted by BestColleges earlier this year found 43% of college students have used ChatGPT or a similar artificial intelligence application. In the survey, 60% of students report that their instructors or schools havent specified how to use artificial intelligence tools ethically or responsibly.

Jason Kelley, director of activism at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, said there is both enthusiasm and fear about this technology, which is why its highly debated. He said some teachers fear students are going to cheat with it, while others fear it will replace jobs or radically alter the way schools function. At the same time, he said, theres also enthusiasm because teachers can use it to personalize education for their students.

He said he believes its important that teachers not only show students how this technology works but learn how to use it themselves to broaden their skill set, improve their job performance and avoid burnout.

Potential improvements can occur so that teachers dont have to do every single thing, Kelley said. They dont have to individually tailor that lesson plan to each student, which they probably wouldnt have time to do. These are the sort of things that the AI can do in theory.

Kelley said a good comparison to artificial intelligence is Wikipedia or a calculator, both of which were banned in classrooms in the past.

Wikipedia isnt good or bad. Its just a list of information on a huge website, he said. Does that mean you can cheat by just copying Wikipedia if youre a student? Sure. And also, you can go to the references and get a starting point.

Dawn of internet created a similar stir, teacher recalls

Castellani said when she was finishing college, the internet was emerging on college campuses, prompting similar conversations about academic cheating. She believes AI can be used as a helpful tool for students by generating research questions or assisting students with disabilities.

My biggest worry with all technology is how its affected curiosity and creativity, she said. Students are the ones who are going to be affected the most. They might be able to get by with something that they create on ChatGPT, but thats not going to teach them what they need to know.

Though Modesto High has yet to set guidelines AI use in the classroom, the International Baccalaureate program  an independent organization that develops curriculum for use worldwide  has. Castellani said she will follow those guidelines; the organization does not want to ban AI use in the classroom. Castellani plans to encourage students to use it as a study method to develop research questions and skeletons that can help them understand writing and the materials in her classroom better.

The IB believes that artificial intelligence technology will become part of our everyday lives  like spell checkers, translation software and calculators, the organization announced earlier this year. We, therefore, need to adapt and transform our educational programmes and assessment practices so that students can use these new AI tools ethically and effectively.

Richard Vanden Bosch, who teaches social studies at Modesto Junior College and Advanced Placement history courses at Ripon High School, said he believes the technology can be used in a positive way in the classroom. He utilizes a website called Class Companion, which uses artificial intelligence to give feedback to his students about their writing.

All of us as educators should try to evolve and I think that should be our goal, he said. Its here to stay. We can cry and moan about it, but at the end of the day, its here, so how can we harness the energy positively?

Castellani said she will also continue to monitor use of artificial intelligence in her classroom and encourage students to cite it when necessary.

Teachers will never be replaced by AI, but great AI will replace mediocre teaching, she said.
Californias Death Valley approached record-breaking temperatures in July, drawing a crowd of excited tourists and even park rangers  but commenters on a highly-viewed Reddit post were much more unhappy with the event.

The post, which was shared on r/facepalm, is a photo of two smiling park rangers next to a large thermometer display that showed the parks temperature as it hit 132 degrees. The posts caption read, This is like dinosaurs having their picture taken with an asteroid.

Photo Credit: u/CaptainWisconsin / Reddit

The National Park Service lists Death Valley National Park as the largest of the national parks outside Alaska at over three million acres of desert and salt flats. Yahoo News reported that its widely considered the hottest place on Earth, with a record high temperature of 134 degrees measured in 1913.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The average temperature of the Earth is rising due to heat-trapping air pollution in the atmosphere. Experts predict that we may be in for the hottest temperatures in history over the next five years.

Given those conditions, its not surprising that Death Valley approached its record temperature again this year, falling just barely short at 132 degrees, Yahoo News reported.

Despite warnings on the National Park Service website that advise against hiking in Death Valley during the summer, visitors streamed to the park to witness the baking heat, Yahoo News reported.

Heat stress from being in extremely hot environments is dangerous. It can cause dehydration and heat stroke, as well as making existing health problems worse.

Experts predict that more and more areas of the world are going to start experiencing dangerous heat thanks to the shifting climate. While humidity paired with heat is even harder to deal with, dry heat, like the conditions in Death Valley, presents its own problems.

This is why some Redditors pointed out that this heat wave is hardly something to celebrate.

I just want to know how they are smiling, one user wrote.

They must be some kind of superhuman to not be drenched in sweat, another Redditor said.

Theyre not drenched in sweat for the exact same reason that makes dry heat so incredibly dangerous, another user corrected. Dry heat means your sweat is being evaporated instantly. It comes at the cost of just killing you from dehydration extremely fast  If you do not get shade and you do not get water, youre just dead.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
DELRAY BEACH  The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has placed six deputies on administrative leave after they were involved in the shooting of an 18-year-old man who allegedly pointed a gun at them during an incident along a suburban Delray Beach canal late Wednesday.

The office did not identify the deputies, who will be on leave while the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Palm Beach County State Attorneys Office and the sheriffs violent crimes division investigate the shooting.

A PBSO spokesperson said the deputies invoked their right to privacy under a 2018 state constitutional amendment modeled after California's Marsy's Law. The amendment allows either crime victims or their relatives to request their names be withheld from public reports.

Several police agencies locally and across Florida have cited the amendment in shielding the identities of officers involved in use-of-deadly-force incidents.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

PBSO identified the injured man as Steven R. McGill but did not list a place of residence for him. It said McGill had threatened to harm himself prior to pointing the gun at deputies. PBSO said the shooting followed attempts to talk with the man and de-escalate the incident.

McGill was recovering at a hospital Thursday afternoon and was listed in stable condition. At least one bullet struck him in the upper torso, and he is expected to survive, PBSO said in a prepared statement released Thursday morning. Five deputies discharged their firearms while a sixth deployed a Taser. It was not clear how many times McGill was struck.

He faces a charge of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer once he is released from the hospital.

Deputy-involved shooting first one captured on PBSO body cameras

The shooting was the first deputy-involved incident captured on PBSO's new body-worn cameras.

In February, the sheriff's office became the first agency in the area to equip its force with Axon Body 3 cameras that automatically turn on when law-enforcement officers draw their weapons and let their supervisors watch the events unfold in real time.

All deputies are expected to have them by the end of the month, PBSO said. It released a still image from a deputy's body-worn camera used Wednesday night, showing a man standing in the canal. However, PBSO spokesperson Teri Barbera said the agency isn't releasing video from the encounter as they are part of the FDLE investigation.

Guilty plea: Deal reached in 2018 murders near Greenacres that sent car crashing into building

FDLE is the lead agency in the investigation, the sheriff's office said. It has taken that role in past incidents where local law-enforcement officers have fired weapons.

It is at least the fourth shooting incident involving a Palm Beach County law enforcement agency in 2023, including the third by PBSO. One resulted in the death of a 27-year-old man in West Palm Beach in May.

The FDLE is also investigating that incident.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

PBSO: Deputies tried to persuade man to seek mental-health services

The incident took place on the 5600 block of Via Delray Boulevard, west of the city limits between Military Trail and El Clair Ranch Road, shortly after 11:30 p.m., the sheriffs office said.

Deputies went there to perform a welfare check on McGill, who was threatening to commit suicide, according to the PBSO statement. The man reportedly began walking up and down a canal bank, and deputies on both sides of the canal bank followed him, trying to establish a rapport with him."

At one point, McGill displayed a firearm and pointed it at himself, the statement said. Deputies continued talking to the man, hoping to provide him with mental health services.

$7.1 million verdict: Jury awards former Lake Worth police officer $7.1 million in health care benefits dispute

Investigators say McGill then entered the canals thigh-deep waters and continued walking. Deputies positioned themselves on both sides of the canal and tried to continue the conversation when McGill reportedly pointed his gun at deputies.

Deputies then discharged their firearms, striking the male in the upper torso, the sheriffs statement said.

Help is available for people experiencing domestic violence or suicidal thoughts. Call the Palm Beach County Victim Services 24-hour helpline at 561-833-7273, or the 24-hour Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

This is a breaking story. Check back for updates at www.PalmBeachPost.com.

Tom Elia is an editor at The Palm Beach Post, overseeing coverage of public safety, the courts and Palm Beach Countys northern and western communities. You can reach him at telia@pbpost.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe today.

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 as Twitter, at @JuliusWhigham. Help support our work: Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: FDLE investigates PBSO-involved shooting along Delray Beach canal
Former Vice President Mike Pence drew a distinction between the lack of experience former President Trump had in 2016 and that of entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, whom Pence attacked on the GOP debate stage Wednesday night as a rookie.

We live in at a different time, Pence said in an interview on CNN when asked about the difference between the two charismatic outsiders.

He then pointed to what he suggested were failed policies of President Biden.

I mean, President Joe Biden is weak in this country, at home and abroad. That disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan has emboldened the enemies of freedom, Pence said. We have war raging in Eastern Europe, China continues to menace in the Asia Pacific and here at home.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I just wanted people to understand I believe this is a time for proven and experienced leadership in Washington, D.C. I know how to get things done in Congress, he continued. I know the role of states, the vital role that our states play, and I know how the administration works, and bringing all that experience to bear, frankly, its the reason why my wife and I stepped into this race.

The former vice president spent much of his speaking time on the debate stage Wednesday touting his own policy chops and going after Ramaswamy, a political newcomer who has benefited from a modest surge in recent polls.

You got people on this stage that wont even talk about issues like Social Security and Medicare. I mean, Vivek, you recently said a president cant do everything, he said Wednesday night. Well, I got news for you, Vivek  Ive been in a hallway, Ive been in the West Wing. A president in the United States has to confront every crisis facing America.

He dug in further, explaining why a rookie shouldnt be the next president.

Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad. Now is not the time for on-the-job training, Pence said Wednesday.

We dont need to bring in a rookie, he added. We dont need to bring in people without experience.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former Vice President Mike Pence refused to vow to pardon former President Donald Trump if elected  though he didnt close the door to that possibility entirely after being goaded onstage by Vivek Ramaswamy.

Join me in making a commitment that one day you would pardon Donald Trump, Ramaswamy challenged Pence.

I dont know why you assume Donald Trump will be convicted of these crimes, Pence replied. That is the difference between you and me. I have given pardons when I was governor of the state of Indiana. It usually follows a finding of guilt and contrition by the individual thats been convicted.



Trump, Pences former running mate, is currently facing dozens of charges across four indictments. In one case, a federal indictment against Trump related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, Pence could end up serving as a key witness against the former president.

If I am president of the United States, well give fair consideration to any pardon requests, Pence said onstage Wednesday night.
GOP presidential candidates were faced with a key question Wednesday night: Did Mike Pence do the right thing on Jan. 6?

Absolutely, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) said, who was the first candidate to answer the question.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie , former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum agreed with Scott, though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis danced around the question.

Its not about Jan. 6, 2021, its about Jan. 20, 2025, when the president is going to take office, DeSantis said.

DeSantis later clarified and said Mike did his duty. I got no beef with him.

Christie interrupted the debate moderators to make his point known: "Mike Pence stood for the Constitution."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"He deserves not grudging credit, he deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal, political and unfair pressure and the argument we need to have in this party before we can move onto the issues that Ron talked about is we have to dispense with the person who said we need to suspend the Constitution to put forward his political career," Christie said.

Pence has defended his actions on Jan. 6 and has said former President Donald Trump "had no right to overturn the election" on Jan. 6. Then-Vice President Pence refused Trump's pressure to overturn President Joe Biden's 2020 victory when presiding over the certification of the election results.

"I made it clear and hoped that the issues surrounding the 2020 election and the controversies around Jan. 6 would not come to this, come to criminal proceedings," Pence said. "The American people deserve to know that the president asked me in his request that I reject or return votes. He asked me to put him over the Constitution and I chose the Constitution."
Amid the Pentagons claims that it is prioritizing artificial intelligence, the usually supportive General Accountability Office has entered the chat.

A recent report by the GAO dinged the Department of Defense, saying it lacks standardized guidance for organizations to field and acquire AI at speed. While the DoD has made progress, including the establishment of rapid acquisition pathways for software and the release of ethical AI principles, barriers to entry for companies still exist and are real.

I continue to be disappointed by the lack of technology in the hands of our warfighters. I admit I could have done more when I worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff to then Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, and I recognize the difficulty in implementing department-wide change. That said, I am driven by my experience that, as an Infantry Battalion Commander while on the ground in Afghanistan, my nephew on the streets of Brooklyn had more advanced technology in his cell phone than my squad leaders had in combat. Even today12 years laterthe gap hasnt closed. With the threat of China looming, its more important than ever.

Dont ditch soldiers for machines, combine them, Rainey says

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Thats not to say there hasnt been progress.

At the Joint level, the creation of the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office last year and the elevation of the Defense Innovation Unit under the Secretary of Defense this year offer potential to accelerate the Defense Departments adoption of new technologies. At the Service level, there are innovation hubs including AFWERX, the Armys Software Factory, and NavalX. But these small joint organizations and service-specific cells are unable to solve Department-wide problems.

In order to provide the best capability to our warfighters and stay ahead of our adversaries, we must deploy the most cutting-edge, disruptive technologyfaster and at scale. Speed and scale are chronic DoD challenges, but they are essential for enduring advantage, and nowhere more than at the intersection of AI and national security.

Its vital for the Defense Department to integrate AI capabilities at every level. Ive witnessed firsthand how innovative AI companies can increase a commanders battlefield situational awareness, and how data at the point of need supports operational decision making. From the tactical to the strategic level, our warfighters are leveraging AI to sort through vast amounts of publicly available information and cue existing anomalies or inflections. These tools provide decision-makers near instantaneous situational awareness, and become actionable inputs into the intelligence process when supplemented with classified data.

There is an ever increasing number of these transformative tools created by innovative, patriotic companies interested in doing business with the Defense Department. But they struggle getting through the Pentagons front door and at scaling their capabilities to the warfighters. This issue is heightened for AI companies who have to navigate an increasingly complex acquisition maze, one that requires them to apply principles originally created around the maturation timeline of hardware and machinery such as tanks, ships, and planes to the rapid development cycle of AI and software

Faster and effective acquisition pathways that allow the Defense Department to acquire software at speed are not performing as intended, despite their creation in 2020. AI technologies require even more agility than typical software.

To fit AI into the acquisition puzzle, Congress and the Defense Department must supercharge an acquisition framework that allows the Pentagon to validate and implement trusted AI products at speed. This requires the Pentagon to create agile ramps for software and AI capabilities into and out of the requirements, acquisition, and fielding processes. While the software acquisition pathway created in 2020 allows iterative fielding, AI algorithms are continuously learning and therefore must be continually retrained as the environment changes.

Not only do AI models need to be refreshed, but so do our warfighters. AI companies are able to quickly meet warfighter needs, but both the coder and the operator need to work together to ensure the AI solution is intuitive and enhance its operational impact. This breaks the mold of traditional programs of record that require years to field and weeks in a schoolhouse to learn. New agile processes that account for changes in the technology and operational environment must be baked into the entire capability cycle.

Universal standards

To enable faster acquisition, leaders should prioritize creating shared acquisition guidelines across the defense enterprise to capture accurate and universal AI standards, so organizations and industry know the applicable standards for adopting and scaling, and can identify the best technology to meet the Defense Departments requirements. The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officers AI specific innovative, rapid, and flexible contracting vehicles under its Tradewinds ecosystem to further adoption at speed and scale is a strong start. The U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency also have an important role to play to set Pentagon-wide security standards for AI through rigorous test and evaluation phases to ensure products perform as intended.

To increase trust, leaders throughout the Department should incentivize radical transparency in AI companies, such as employing ethical usage aligned with the DoDs ethical principles, abiding by strict privacy laws, adhering to data source agreements, and diligently validating their technology. But they must also go a layer deeper. Take companies who work with publicly available information for example, they abide by an additional set of standards including preventing surveillance on U.S. persons and ensuring continued access to varied data sources.

Technologies that can radically transform how the government operates already exist. Now the onus is on the Defense Department to rapidly field them at scale. Buy, try, decide. If it fails, let it fail fast. And try again. We owe our squad leaders of the future the very best technology our nation can provide.

Tony DeMartino is a founding partner of Pallas Advisors, a strategic advisory firm specializing at the intersection of technology and national security. He served 25 years as an Army officer, with over five years of combat deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He was most recently the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary of Defense, where his portfolio focused on technology and modernization.

Have an opinion?

This article is an Op-Ed and the opinions expressed are those of the author. If you would like to respond, or have an editorial of your own you would like to submit, please email C4ISRNET and Federal Times Senior Managing Editor Cary OReilly.
The U.S. will start training Ukrainians to fly and maintain F-16 fighter jets in October following an English-language course for pilots, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder announced on Aug. 24.

The training will take place at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, facilitated by the Air National Guards 162nd Wing, according to Ryder.

Although we do not have specific numbers to share at this time in regards to how many Ukrainians will participate in this training, we do anticipate it will include several pilots and dozens of maintainers, the spokesperson said at a press briefing.

The English-language training is expected to begin in September, with an aim to provide additional instructions given the complexity and the specialized English thats required to fly this aircraft, added Ryder.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Aug. 21, the Pentagon said that the U.S. would train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets if European partners do not have enough capacity to train as many as Kyiv wants.

At the press conference, Ryder was asked why Washington had decided to organize the training now, just a week after the first Ukrainian pilots, engineers, and technicians started the six-month training session in Europe.

Read also: Reznikov: At least 6-7 months before Ukraine obtains F-16s

So really, as we looked at our European allies providing this training, recognizing the fact that we want to do everything we can to help move this effort along as quickly as possible in support of Ukraine, we know that as the Danes and the Dutch prepare to train those pilots, at a certain point in time in the future, capacity will be reached, Ryder replied.

So preemptively, acknowledging that and leaning forward in order to assist with this effort is the impetus for why were doing this now.

The training of Ukrainian pilots was due to kick off in Denmark in late August in partnership with the eleven nations included in the "fighter jet coalition" led by Denmark and the Netherlands.

Read also: Air Force: F-16 jets can change course of war in Ukraine

Upon President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Greece on Aug. 21, Ukraine's Head of State said that the Greek government has also pledged to assist Ukraine with training its pilots on the F-16s.

At the same time, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway have confirmed they would provide their own F-16 aircraft to Ukraine once conditions are met.

Denmark has officially announced that it will provide Kyiv with 19 of its F-16 fighter jets, with the first batch of six planes expected to arrive by the New Year, according to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

Upon meeting Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Aug. 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the Netherlands would supply Ukraine with 42 F-16 fighter jets.

Read also: Editorial: Arming Ukraine wont escalate war. Reluctance to do so will

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Investigators work outside Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon. A shooter opened fire Wednesday night at the biker bar, killing three and wounding six, including his estranged wife. Orange County sheriff's deputies said the gunman was also killed. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Orange County sheriffs officials received a 911 call just after 7 p.m. about a shooting at Cooks Corner, a landmark biker bar in Trabuco Canyon. The first deputies arrived within two minutes and found a man with a gun. Multiple deputies opened fire, officials said, killing the gunman, a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department. The gunman killed three people and wounded six others. The investigation is ongoing.

An investigator works outside the biker bar. The Orange County Sheriff's Department identified the gunman in Wednesday's shooting as John Snowling, a retired Ventura police sergeant. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff's officials received a 911 call just after 7 p.m. Wednesday about the shooting at Cook's Corner on Santiago Canyon Road. The first deputies arrived within two minutes and found a man with a gun, and multiple deputies opened fire, officials said. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A biker brings flowers to Cook's Corner in remembrance of the three people who were killed. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

More Orange County investigators arrive at Cook's Corner on Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A tarp covers a body outside the biker bar on Thursday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Fog blankets the roadway near the Trabuco Canyon bar on Thursday morning as officials begin investigating the scene of the deadly shooting. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Sheriff's deputies monitor the shooting scene Wednesday night down the street from the Cook's Corner bar. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A recent pilot program could change how armored crews achieve and maintain readiness, which the Army hopes will lessen the burden on its high-demand, overstressed armored brigades.

Two units, the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armor Division at Fort Bliss, Texas and 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas are taking part in a pilot program that would qualify armor crew members individually rather than as a collective team.

Currently, if a single individual on a crew is removed from the team  for extended leave during workups, medical reasons, change of station or discharge  the entire crew is considered unqualified and must re-qualify together once the crew is made whole.

If the pilot program proves successful and is adopted, a unit leader could mix and match certified individual crewmen and officers to create ready crews instead of having to re-certify the whole crew each time one member leaves or falls below certification requirements.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Armor brigades, along with air defense and Stryker units are some of the most high-demand units for overseas rotations and training exercises and have been so since at least 2015 as the force began to shift back to combined arms after large-scale deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan wound down.

Recommendations on the pilot could head to Army senior leaders by next year, officials said.

But as those combat deployments decreased, presence, deterrence and rotational deployments, especially to Europe, increased, Army Times previously reported. As those demands rose, the number of total soldiers in both the active duty Army and its armor force fell.

In 2017, Gen. Robert Abrams, then the head of Army Forces Command, said that the focus could no longer be solely on the next assigned unit mission, but instead the service needed to implement a new approach to sustaining readiness at all times, whether at home station or deployed.

Army Times reported an overview of a new armor readiness plan in October 2022 that was scheduled to debut this year. Experts shared more details publicly during the Association of the U.S. Army Warfighter Summit and Exposition held in late July at Fort Liberty, North Carolina.

Maj. Gen. Curtis Buzzard, the Maneuver Center of Excellence commander, called upon retired Command Sgt. Maj. George DeSario, the top civilian expert at U.S. Army Armor School, at Fort Moore, Georgia, whom Buzzard called the oracle of armor.

During the panel, DeSario gave a short update on the pilot, noting crews will be certified by position.

Now we qualify a whole crew, and we say, thats a qualified crew and when one of them goes away for some reason, thats an unqualified crew, DeSario said.

The pilot program, which started earlier this year, is expected to run through the fall as units gather data to share with the Armor School as it evaluates the potential of the program for senior leader consideration and potential Army-wide adoption.

The current certification runs through six tables from gunnery skills tests to situational training exercises, virtual and live, practice sessions and qualifications, DeSario told Army Times in an email response to queries.

The move may also cut out the need for sustainment gunnery training in between larger, certifying armor crew training, which would further reduce training demands, DeSario said.

Any potential certification change would have wide-ranging effects on many soldiers.

Across the Army  including the active duty force, the National Guard, and Army Reserve  there are more than 12,000 soldiers and officers who hold an armor military occupational specialty.

Among those, there are nearly 7,500 enlisted armor crewmen and more than 1,300 armor senior sergeants, based on data provided by the Reserve, Guard and Human Resources Command for active duty.

An M1A2 SEPv3 Abrams Main Battle Tank with Apache Company, 1st Battalion 9th Cavalry Regiment, 2ABCT, 1st Cavalry Division stands behind dust it has picked after firing its 120mm main gun at Fort Hood, Texas, on October 4th, 2022. (Army)

Roughly 60% of those armor soldiers are on active duty and the remaining are in the Guard or Reserve.

The Armor School graduates an estimated 1,200 armor crewmen and 500 armor officers annually, according to Armor School data.

The number of active duty soldiers dropped from an end-strength of 570,000 active duty soldiers during the height of the Global War on Terrorism to fewer than 455,000, Army Times reported in May.

In 2020 then-Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville said the service was looking to reduce longer deployments, especially on high-demand units. Despite that plan, armor unit deployments continue to average nine months, which was what they were three years ago, according to information provided by Forces Command. However, they are down considerably from often extended 15-month deployments during the early years of the two-war era of Iraq and Afghanistan.

Current deploy-to-dwell ratios, for armored brigades stand at 1 to 3, meaning a unit is home for three times the amount of time deployed. For example, a six-month deployment would mean an 18-month dwell time at home station. This is on par with non-armored brigade combat teams, according to Forces Command.

McConville made that statement at the 2020 Fires Conference at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and singled out armor units with a direct message to the company-level leadership, emphasizing the strain they face. that overtasking was putting on the force.

Most of your time needs to be spent on training individuals in crews, squads and platoons, McConville said. And quite frankly, youve got to figure out how to do the rest of the stuff on your time, not their time.

Later that year the service rolled out its Regionally Aligned Readiness and Modernization Model, noting that 60% of worldwide combatant command needs were being filled by soldiers as compared to the other military services.

The regional alignment plan aims to match units with specific areas and use their capabilities in that region unless other demands supersede the planned rotations.

It doesnt mean that you wouldnt go to a war somewhere else on the globe, then-Lt. Gen. Charles Flynn, deputy chief of staff for Army operations, plans and training said. It just means that if we call you, because the crisis is in that theater, youre going to go first because your equipment is tailored for that, you understand the environment, you know the conditions, you know the allies and partners, you know the adversary [and] you know the plan.

The realignment had another aim, to help buy time to modernize the force. While nearly every corner of the Army is seeing new equipment, revamped training and career-guiding assessments and tools, the armor force will be one of the most overhauled of all operational combat arms units.

In March 2022, McConville told reporters at a media event in Washington, D.C. that he preferred a deployment every four years for units such as armor. At the time, the average cycle was once every three years.

The Army has 11 active armor brigades and five in the Army National Guard. The Guard saw its own shift a few years ago when additional armor brigade combat training center rotations were added to ensure Guard unit readiness.

Thats necessary to balance the load on the active force but has created its own strains on an already overworked Guard, which serves two masters, its state bosses and its federal commanders.

At the same media event, McConville explained that it takes three armored brigades in the deployment cycle to deploy a single armored brigade overseas for rotational deployments. The common practice is one brigade recently returned from deployment and resetting, refitting, one brigade deployed and another on preparing for deployment.

As demands for armor deployments ramped up in early 2022, the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, at Fort Stewart, Georgia was in the middle of major equipment and training modernization changes.

Competing demands of modernization and the Russia-Ukraine War collided for another unit at Fort Stewart.

In May 2022, Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston held a town hall with families of the 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division following the units short-notice deployment of nearly 4,000 soldiers to Europe in March 2022 to support U.S. efforts in the Russia-Ukraine War.

It was the 1st Armored Brigades second deployment in two years, on the heels of a nine-month deployment to Korea. The brigade was doubly tasked in part because the 2nd Armored Brigade was completing its modernization cycle.

Beyond those modernization aims, other armored brigades were either already in Europe or on other missions, Grinston told the families.

The number of U.S. soldiers stationed overseas permanently, specifically in Europe, has plummeted over the past three decades. At the height of the Cold War there were an estimated 350,000 soldiers in Europe alone. As of 2022 there were approximately 40,000.

The crew certification pilot is one of a multi-prong effort that then-Armor School Commandant Brig. Gen. Thomas Feltey laid out for Army Times in 2022.

Beyond the crew certification, the armor school looked to apply a digital job book to its soldiers and use the readiness level progression, similar to what Army aviation does for its helicopter crews qualifying them individually and tracking their skills and proficiencies wherever they go in the Army, Feltey said.

The focus would apply to not only tank crews but associated crews for Bradley Fighting Vehicles or whatever comes next, such as the Next Generation Combat Vehicle, currently under development.

Feltey wanted to transfer readiness across operational units from the institution to the operational army. The move could also reduce accidents and training incidents by keeping crew members up to date on skills and safety measures.

That effort folds within the larger Armor 2030 strategy to build and maintain high levels of readiness alongside modernization for the armored force, Feltey said.

The strategy has a four-phase approach: Responding to the changing operational environment; modernizing the force; a shift to multi-domain operations; and improving platform proficiency, or how well soldiers operate and fight with their tanks.

This plan emerged from the Armys III Corps study that looked at the gaps in the armored and mechanized forces created after two decades of counterinsurgency and counterterrorism work.
The school year will begin on Monday for an estimated 20,000 students who attend Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS), and Channel 11 just got our first look at some of the changes families should expect this fall.

The Pittsburgh Public Schools superintendent is taking a firm stance on safety.

We provide wonderful opportunities and options we provide beautiful experiences, but we do not provide guns, said Dr. Wayne Walters, the superintendent for PPS.

During the 2022-23 school year, the district experienced several violent incidents: from brawls in the street to the deadly shooting outside of Oliver Citywide Academy. The district is now working to ensure a safer and better learning environment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A new district plan will move Oliver Citywide Academy to four satellite schools.

Related Coverage >> After violent incidents, Oliver Citywide students will be relocated to other buildings

Outside those changes, the district has altered its reading, language arts, science, and early childhood education curriculums. The district also added a new financial literacy course.

Through the [finance] course, our students are going to learn about budgeting, banking, credit, taxes, student loans and how to invest. All Pittsburgh public students in grades 6-12 are going to receive this information through a semester-long course. Students will also receive $40 of Nike stock this year, said Angela Mike, director of CTE.

Also, after receiving an overwhelming amount of family input theyve made changes to school start times and transportation.

The district has implemented a new four-tier transportation schedule that will move the schedule from 7:15 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. In addition to changing the start time for high school students, most students also will see a change in their start times, said Michael McNamara, the Chief Operations Officer.

Finally, the district announced they have made significant progress in closing their employment gap.

We are excited to have several departments fully staffed at the beginning of the school year, said Margaret Rudolph, the Chief Human Resources Officer for the district.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

PITTSBURGH ACTIVE SHOOTER: Police involved in shootout in Garfield blocks from Childrens Hospital PHOTOS: Police involved in "active shootout" in Garfield 1 killed in crash on I-79 in Washington County, officials say 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
Olivia Clark, 8, loves to go for walks in her gait trainer near her Hebron home. Her family used her love of nature as inspiration for the playroom that was designed and built by Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

Nature is healing for Olivia Clark.

She loves feeling the wind on her face and looking up at the swaying branches of trees.

She and her mother Jessica look forward to their daily walk around their neighborhood as a chance to spend time together.

So, when Jessica and her husband Bill were contacted by Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana with an offer to grant Olivia a wish, they decided they wanted to bring that sense of peace into the new, accessible home they were building in Hebron.

Now Olivia has her own playroom that brings the beauty of the outdoors inside. A tall tree with twinkling lights climbs one wall, and a butterfly mural decorates another. She can nap or watch her favorite movies under a ceiling of painted clouds.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Its been a huge blessing," Jessica said. "Its important that she has some happiness in the midst of all the chaos around her."

A medical roller coaster ride

When Olivia was 8 months old, she suddenly developed high fevers. She was found unresponsive one morning and rushed to the hospital. Tests revealed that shed had a massive seizure caused by the HSVI virus.

The virus caused significant brain damage, resulting in global development delays, cerebral palsy and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome  a severe form of epilepsy that causes numerous kinds of seizures.

The Clarks were living in New Albany when Olivia was released from the hospital and began receiving early intervention in Franklin County. They moved to Pataskala when Olivia was a toddler and transitioned into services from the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Her diagnoses and regular seizures make learning difficult for Olivia. Shes had to relearn to walk and eat numerous times and often loses skills with each medical setback.

Her health can deteriorate quickly, and shes been in and out of Nationwide Childrens Hospital frequently for surgeries and unplanned admissions. Her parents and medical team have had to become "medical detectives" to figure out the best ways to support her.

"Olivia is always happy even though she has a lot working against her," Jessica said. "But in the midst of all this adversity, shes always doing it with grace and happiness. Shes happy all the time."

Bringing a vision to life

As Olivia grew and her medical complexity increased, it became clear to her parents that their house in Pataskala was no longer meeting their needs. Olivias medical supplies filled every room, and the size of the house made it difficult for her to get around.

They decided to buy land in Hebron and build an accessible home that would offer Olivia what she needed to be safe and comfortable.

"We dont go on vacations, so we splurged on this house," Jessica said. "We wanted to make it as nice as we could for all of us."

Olivia Clark in her playroom created by Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana features large painted clouds and a tree sculpture.

Construction took several years and was delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. But the timing ended up being ideal for Make-A-Wish. The room was completed just as construction was wrapping up.

Playrooms are a popular wish choice that can be tailored to each childs needs and interests, Katie Ferrell, director of marketing and communications for Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, wrote in an email.

"A lot of people do trips, but I wanted something that would be forever," Jessica said. "I had a vision for what I wanted it to look like."

Rooms like Olivias are the result of generous support through donations, fundraisers and local volunteers, Ferrell wrote.

"Were grateful for the opportunity to grant Olivias wish and give her a space to make happy memories with her family for years to come," she wrote.

Becky Sturm, a local designer who volunteers for Make-A-Wish as a creative environments director, was able to help the Clarks bring their vision to life.

Sturm has an adult daughter with disabilities who receives support from the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

"I can bring my expertise along and help families in thinking outside the box about their needs and how to meet them," she said.

Olivia loves looking at the large trees that decorate Nationwide Childrens Hospital, so having a tree was a major focus.

Movement is very important to Olivia, so the space needed room to roam with a soft floor so she could walk around safely.

Olivia's playroom also features a flower and butterfly mural painted by her aunt, Heather Miller.

Her Aunt Heather Miller painted the butterfly mural on one wall, and Sturm added sensory toys and a soft nest of pillows.

"We got to implement things that were all brand new to her, something shed never experienced before," Sturm said. "For me personally, my most enjoyable aspect of any room is to bring something to the family that they didnt know they wanted or needed just because of my own expertise."

A peaceful place

Olivia doesnt use words to communicate. But when her family moved into the new house in 2022, she walked into her playroom and her spirit came alive, her mother said.

"This house has impacted Olivia in ways that cant be described," Jessica said. "She knows this is her house and she has her own place to enjoy."

Whenever they come back from the hospital, its clear Olivia is excited to be home. Jessica said she will always be grateful to Make-A-Wish for giving them this gift.

"I can never make the chaos in her brain go away," she said. "I wanted to give her a space to enjoy and she is happy every time she walks into her playroom. It was important to me that she had a place that brought her joy."

The Clarks are working with Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities Service Coordinator Kim Burke to plan for Olivias care as she grows and utilizing a state waiver.

While her medical future will always be complicated, Jessica and Bill have learned to appreciate the simple things.

"Olivia can give great hugs and her smile warms your heart," Jessica said. "I feel so blessed we are able to give her the best life."

Anna Jeffries is the public information officer for the Licking County Board of Developmental Disabilities. For more information about Early Intervention in Licking County, go to https://lcountydd.org/birth-to-3/. To make an EI referral, please call 1-800-755-4769. You can also make a secure online referral at http://bit.ly/ReferToHMG.

This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Make-A-Wish grants Hebron girl's wish for outdoor-themed playroom
WORCESTER  In response to a group of city employees calling for Worcester to opt into the state Paid Family and Medical Leave Program, the city administration found the costs of entering the program outweighed the benefits and promised to soon propose an alternative to improve parental leave for city workers.

In May, city workers Megan McCraw and Brian Dutremble submitted a petition requesting that the city enter the state program. District 5 City Councilor Etel Haxhiaj submitted an order requesting the city manager provide a report on the feasibility of implementing it.

In 2018, Massachusetts enacted a law providing paid family and medical leave benefits to most private sector workers and state employees.

However, municipal governments were excluded.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a document shared on the Tuesday council agenda, City Manager Eric D. Batista wrote that the administration had concluded that opting into the Paid Family Medical Leave Act would adversely impact municipal operations.

Batista listed three considerations for the administration's decision: That no other municipality in the state has opted in, that the program would present substantial direct and indirect costs to the city and its staff, and that opting in would create complicated bargaining issues for the city and unions to navigate.

"I want to underscore that the precedent of no other municipalities opting into PFML is not necessarily a reason on its own for Worcester to decline adoption," Batista wrote. "However, it is an indication that the benefits of the PFML program are outweighed by its potential adverse impact on municipal government staff and operations."

Batista said the administration is looking to put forward an "aggressive and comprehensive" alternative benefits package that will meet the needs of staff and offer benefits superior to those in the Paid Family Medical Leave program.

William Bagley Jr., the city's chief human resources officer, and Theresa Reichert, director of labor relations and workers' compensation, estimated that the total contribution needed for the program in the current fiscal year would be $3,075,783.97.

The employer share of that contribution would be $1,523,245.39 and the employee share would be $1,552,538.57, but they wrote it would be possible for the employer to foot the full contribution depending on bargaining.

They also cited indirect costs including increased overtime to cover for employees taking time off and a decline in employee productivity.

Bagley and Reichert wrote that no union representing city employees has raised the Paid Family Medical Leave program since it was established in the state. They wrote the implementation of the policy would need to be negotiated with the unions as it is a change in employee benefits.

McCraw, who is pregnant, spoke about the matter during public comment at Tuesday's City Council meeting. They said the wording of the administration's report made them "furious."

"The report and following letter were filled with language that I interpreted as pithy, demeaning and patronizing, yet I'm expected to stand up here as a city worker and respond with decorum," McCraw said. "A report that seemed to reflect the attitude of the head of HR back in June when I sat in a standing committee meeting and I was in so many words told that I should be grateful for my job and to stop complaining."

McCraw works at the Worcester Public Library.

McCraw also said they considered it disrespectful to imply that workers would be less likely to perform well at their jobs with the program in place.

District 1 City Councilor Sean Rose asked Batista about the timeline for the city's alternative benefits proposal.

Batista said he hopes the administration will have a report back by the Sept. 12 City Council meeting. He reiterated his confidence in the city's upcoming proposal.

"We feel very confident in terms of our proposed plan, which could be very progressive in terms of any municipality across the state," Batista said.

Responding to another question from Rose, Batista said the package would likely focus on municipal employees and not school employees, but that the city is discussing the program with the school department.

Mayor Joseph M. Petty said employee benefits are an important aspect of competing with private industry and other municipalities for employees. Following the conversation, Petty used his right as a councilor to move further action on the matter to Sept. 12.

The mayor said he was looking forward to Batista's report, saying it looked like he was proposing an extensive package.

"This is important, there's no question about it. You see how it affects and impacts people's lives," Petty said.

Haxhiaj said she was frustrated with Bagley citing a reduction in productivity as a potential drawback of paid family medical leave.

Bagley said his finding was based on discussions with outside counsel and from entities who were required to participate in the program.

Responding to Haxhiaj's question about whether an employee taking time off to address complications of pregnancy would impact their seniority, Bagley said the current policy is that an employee's seniority date is altered when they take an extended amount of unpaid leave for any reason. He said the city could look at this matter.

Bagley also said employees whose partners are giving birth or are adopting children are eligible for up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave.

On whether employee bereavement leave includes miscarriages, Bagley said bereavement has historically been interpreted as applying to the loss of a "live birth child." He said that is another matter the city could look into.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester seeks its own alternative to Paid Family Medical Leave
This article was originally published in Stateline.

Faced with alarming teacher shortages, Virginia last month agreed to partner with a for-profit online teacher credentialing company, hoping to get more teachers into classrooms faster and without the higher tuition costs of traditional colleges and universities.

While some of the Virginia school board members had qualms about the process, they agreed to give it a try due to the nagging high teacher vacancy rate. The board unanimously approved a three-year pilot program and partnered with one of the bigger companies in the fast-track credentialing business, iteach.

Such companies pledge they will get a candidate teacher-ready in about a year. The iteach program includes online courses, after which candidates are placed in classrooms, with some supervision and the agreement of the school districts.

Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter

According to state statistics, Virginia had more than 3,500 full-time teacher vacancies for the 2022-2023 school year, which is about a 4.5% rate, though vacancies in some specialties are higher. The situation was worse than the year before, the statistics showed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Daniel Gecker, a then-member of the state board of education who voted for the online certification plan, said he agreed only because the program is a three-year pilot and an opportunity to gather data.

We are in the middle of a fairly significant teacher shortage, Gecker said in an interview. Having the online-trained teachers is better than having the untrained subs weve been having.

He said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, it probably would have been possible to make up the teacher gap with better retention. Post-pandemic, the gulf is just too wide; we cant fill it with better retention and people coming out of school.

Virginia is just the latest state to turn to for-profit teacher certification companies in an urgent effort to recruit and train more teachers. The states hope the new paths to certification will help ease the shortages, but critics argue those who take the programs are not as well trained as traditionally credentialed teachers and will do a disservice to young students.

States have other options to address the teacher shortage, including lowering standards to try to bring in more recruits.

Education Week reported last year that about a dozen states had relaxed credentialing standards for teachers or were considering doing so. California lawmakers decided in 2021 to allow aspiring teachers to eliminate two different exams as long as they had taken courses to address basic skills and the subject matter they intend to teach. Oklahoma enacted a law last year to remove the requirement for a general education exam.

Some states are pressing temporary teachers into service. Arizona last year allowed substitute teachers to take full-time positions to address the teacher shortage in that state. In addition, a law passed last year allows Arizona teacher candidates working toward a college degree to teach at the same time.

Iteach is working in 11 states, according to its website: Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Nevada, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The Mississippi Teacher Licensure Commission, a panel created to evaluate such programs for that state, unanimously recommended iteach as a certification provider at the commissions meeting July 7. That recommendation now goes to the state board of education.

Another large company, Teachers of Tomorrow, is working in nine states, though its credentials may be in jeopardy in Texas, where the company has been placed on probation after state regulators found the company misled potential teachers in its advertising, and hadnt shown that its training was based in research.

Iteach has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, which credentials traditional educator training colleges. Andrew Rozell, president of certification at iteach, said it is the only for-profit program of its kind so credentialed.

The for-profit companies are separate and different from online university programs, such as Western Governors University or the Southern New Hampshire University, which also have teacher education courses but are not focused on quick credentialing. The for-profit credentialing firms tout their ability to get people into classrooms within a year or 18 months, depending on when they begin.

Serious need

Nationwide, teacher shortages are just as bad as in Virginia, particularly in very rural or low-income inner-city school districts. A working paper from Brown University conservatively estimated that as of August 2022, there were 36,000 teacher vacancies across the United States.

And the paper noted that those vacancies are not distributed equally. The vacancy rate per 10,000 students is more than 159 times as high in Mississippi as it is in Missouri, the authors wrote. The paper found a shortage of 0.43 teachers per 10,000 students in Missouri and 68.59 teachers per 10,000 in Mississippi.

By taking the step to help fill the vacancies, the Virginia state education board was following Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins Executive Directive No. 3 to address the teacher shortage, in part by reducing red tape associated with teacher licensure, while assuring high standards.

Iteach fills that criteria, according to Youngkin spokesperson Macaulay Porter, in an email to Stateline. Governor Youngkin fully supports high-quality alternative pathways to becoming a teacher. The State Board of Education rigorously reviewed iteach data to ensure that iteach will provide school divisions with another effective and efficient option for recruiting and preparing new teachers, Porter wrote.

The iteach method counts on reducing barriers to time and cost, according to Rozell, without reducing rigor. It is designed to take about a year to get candidates ready for initial teaching, if they pass state exams.

Then, the newly trained teachers are granted temporary licenses and teach under intermittent observation by iteach professionals who drop into classes, sometimes unannounced. All this occurs with the knowledge of school administrators, who can provide their own support.

Critics question fast-track credentialing

But critics contend that iteach and the other programs that turn out teachers quickly are not subject to the same requirements and depth of instruction as teachers who go the traditional path of four undergraduate years, sometimes at least a year getting a masters degree, and many months of student teaching under nearly constant supervision by a trained teacher.

Heather Peske, president of the National Council on Teacher Quality, a research and advocacy group, said in a phone interview that for-profit online teaching programs are a blunt instrument to address teacher shortages. The programs, she said, dont take into account whether the teachers are qualified for the subjects they will be teaching or whether they will be satisfied with their jobs and stay in the profession or leave after a year or two.

If you have a fast-track program and your model is entirely online, it begs the question of how they are assuring aspiring teachers get a place to practice  content knowledge and clinical practice, she said. School districts should tailor recruiting and educating new teachers to the vacancies and needs, she said, which are most often specialized teachers such as special education or multi-language learners.

Iteach advertises that its cost for a complete program is $4,399, plus a $99 enrollment fee. Teachers of Tomorrows program costs about $5,000.

By contrast, annual average tuition at a four-year institution in education can range from $9,193 at an in-state school to $26,543 at an out-of-state school, according to the website College Tuition Compare, an independent college evaluation site. Elite institutions are higher. Graduate tuition ranges from $10,806 annually to $19,796, the site found.

Iteachs Rozell said many of the students in his companys programs are already working in classrooms, as paraprofessionals, aides for special needs kids or in other non-teaching capacities, and already have some idea of classroom management and other skills needed to be a teacher.

But Peske said the grow your own movement, which takes paraprofessionals or other employees and turns them into teachers, while a good idea, still requires thoughtful clinical experience to prepare them. The notion that you would rely on candidates themselves to already be in the classrooms or already working with students, that concerns me, she said.

Someone could have been a paraprofessional working as an aide to a student with disabilities, but may never have had the experience [learning] about neuro-differences in those students or who may never had had a mentor.

The American Federation of Teachers, the nations largest teachers union, in a 2022 report called for more rigor in teacher training, not less, criticizing state efforts to lower the qualifications needed to be a teacher.

[T]here are more alternative and nontraditional ways to become a teacher in the U.S. than ever before, and unfortunately many of them are low quality, the report said.

The teachers union stressed methods that are reflected in traditional training, saying aspiring teachers should get extensive classroom experiences alongside a skilled practitioner over a significant period, and a strong foundation in subject-area content.

We cannot put a bandage on the teacher and school staff shortage by cutting corners and lowering the bar for entry, the report said.

The biggest knock on the swift accreditation companies came in Texas, where Texas Teachers of Tomorrow, also known as A+ Texas Teachers, has been put on probation. The Texas Education Agency found that the company failed to address numerous deficiencies, including the number of content hours required for teacher candidates, and whether they are evaluated regarding whether their existing skills are appropriate for the certification sought. The audit came after complaints from school districts and teacher candidates who utilized the firm, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Attempts to reach Texas Teachers of Tomorrow were unsuccessful.

A University of Texas at Austin College of Education 2021 study of teacher preparation nationally found that in every tested subject, students do better if they have university-certified teachers, and that for low-income students, having a university-certified teacher can offset half or more of the disadvantages that comes from living in poverty.

In addition, the study showed that university-certified teachers had a 73% retention rate over nine years, while only 59% of alternatively certified teachers remained teaching.

But Rozell said that study was skewed because of the problems with Teachers of Tomorrow. He said an internal survey of his companys students showed that after the first year in the classroom, 93% said they were excited to be back next year, and that they planned to be a teacher for at least five years.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter.
In the aftermath of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, the Supreme Courts decision undoing abortion rights, anti-abortion groups have focused more than ever on the federal courts, and with good reason. Federal judges are extraordinarily difficult to impeach and hold lifetime appointments, and that insulates them from popular support for abortion accessand opposition to bans.

In theory, state supreme courts should be different. That, at any rate, was the story emerging from Wisconsin after April, when voters overwhelmingly chose a left-leaning candidate who ran on her support for abortion rights. State court judges could effectively be fired by voters who dont like their decisions on abortion. All of that makes this weeks decision by the South Carolina Supreme Court even more puzzling. The court upheld a six-week abortion ban virtually identical to one struck down earlier this year by the same court. To make the optics even better, the judges to do it were all cisgender men. So how can we make sense of what happened in South Carolina, and what does it teach us about struggles over state supreme courts in the post-Dobbs era?

This weeks decision doesnt change the importance of state supreme courtsor undermine their promise to groups chipping away at Dobbs. Thats not only because many state supreme court judges are elected.

So are state legislators and governors, and in plenty of red states, those political actors have doubled down on their support for sweeping abortion bans, even when polls indicate that those laws are unpopularand even when voters have sided with abortion rights in ballot initiatives.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But state supreme court races can be different. To begin with, some of them arent partisan, which makes it easier for voters to set aside political tribalism for abortion preferences. And voters may likely identify supreme court judges with their decisions on especially salient issuesabortion chief among themin a way that isnt true of legislators or governors dealing with a wider range of high-profile issues. As important, some state constitutions have more-robust traditions on privacy, autonomy, or equality that might make it easier to anchor an argument for abortion rights than was the case in federal law.

But the South Carolina decision is a story about the limits of state supreme courts as well as their promise. South Carolina has a capacious privacy right in its state constitutional tradition, and it was for that reason that the state supreme court struck down a six-week ban in a 32 decision this January. The decision was not absoluteit stressed that reproductive rights must be balanced against the states interest in protecting unborn life.

The state reintroduced the law, with three new provisions, including one stating that emergency contraception was not covered by the ban. Lawyers for the state then argued that South Carolina had struck a good-faith balance this time between the interests of pregnant people and those of the fetus: Abortion seekers had a meaningful chance to terminate a pregnancy before six weeks. And even if they didnt have a chance (and they may not, given that the earliest someone can confirm a pregnancy is two weeks before the ban kicks in), the state argued, it didnt matter. Patients could just take emergency contraceptives to prevent a pregnancy.

What was new, of course, was not these argumentsimplausible as they may seembut the judges hearing them. The only female justice on the court, Kaye Hearn, retired after the January decision, and the South Carolina Legislature replaced her with a man who joined this weeks majority decision. The four justices who voted to uphold South Carolinas law were clearly not afraid of political repercussions, even if a majority of South Carolinians oppose a six-week ban.

Thats because some state supreme courts are as insulated from political consequences as the federal judiciary. South Carolina Supreme Court judges are elected by the state Legislature to serve 10-year terms; the Legislature can then decide whether to give a judge extra terms on the bench. That means that South Carolina judges have to worry more about pleasing partisan state lawmakers than voters.

State legislators, in turn, bank on the fact that deep-red states like South Carolina will prioritize antipathy for Democratsor lawmakers votes on other issuesover their views on abortion. That gamble seems to have paid off so far: In conservative states that voted for abortion rights in ballot initiatives, conservative lawmakers retained or even expanded their majorities.

South Carolina is not the only place this could happen. In 11 other states, elections play no part in the selection of state supreme court justices.

The courts decision will have far-reaching effects outside state lines. Prior to the ruling, abortion in South Carolina had been legal up to 22 weeks. The state was a regional outlier in the South, and that meant that patients from neighboring states could travel there to access abortion once their own state imposed a criminal law. Not anymore. It wont be easy to override partisan judges or legislators either. South Carolina is one of 24 states that dont have a voter-driven initiative and referendum process. (Only legislators can put ballot measures before voters.)

In states like South Carolina, then, what strategy can abortion-rights supporters pursue? They can appeal to a long tradition of nonenforcement of abortion laws. Taxpayers, and especially fiscal conservatives, may be less happy paying for expensive abortion investigations and prosecutions than they would be making symbolic statements about fetal life or abortion. Abortion-rights supporters can also work across state lines, fighting to expand access in neighboring jurisdictions with different rules on judicial elections or ballot initiatives. Ultimately, though, decisions like this one are a reminder of the importance of a nationwide strategy to dismantle Dobbs. As crucial as state supreme courts will be in the next chapter of the abortion wars, the protections they create will likely only ever go so far.
Paper drinking straws touted as eco-friendly alternatives to plastic may contain cancer-linked forever chemicals, a new study has found.

Scientists detected perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) in the majority of straws they tested  with paper and bamboo-based straws ranking among the worst offenders, according to the study, published Thursday in Food Additives and Contaminants.

Known for their nonstick and waterproof properties, PFAS are common ingredients in a variety of household products, including certain cookware, food packaging, all-weather apparel and cosmetics.

There are thousands of types of PFAS, some of which have been linked to testicular cancer, thyroid disease, kidney cancer and other illnesses. These synthetic compounds are also notorious for their persistence in the human body and the environment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Straws made from plant-based materials, such as paper and bamboo, are often advertised as being more sustainable and eco-friendly than those made from plastic, corresponding author Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist at the University of Antwerp, said in a statement.

However, the presence of PFAS in these straws means thats not necessarily true, Groffen added.

Building upon a 2021 study that identified PFAS in U.S. drinking straws, Groffen and his colleagues sought to determine whether the same was true in their home country, Belgium.

The authors found this question particularly interesting as a growing number of countries, including the U.K. and Belgium, have banned the sale of single-use plastic products, including straws.

For its part, the U.S. currently has no such bans, although several states have prohibited single-use plastic bags in stores.

To draw their conclusions, Groffen and his colleagues purchased 39 brands of drinking straws made from five materials: paper, bamboo, glass, stainless steel and plastic.

The scientists then conducted two rounds of testing for PFAS  determining that 29 brands, or 69 percent, contained these substances. They detected 18 types of PFAS.

Paper straws were most likely to contain PFAS, with the substances found in 18 of 20 brands, or 90 percent. Of the bamboo brands, four out of five  or 80 percent  had PFAS, according to the study.

Three out of the four plastic straw brands, or 75 percent, contained PFAS, compared to two out of five, or 40 percent, of glass brands. None of the five types of stainless-steel straws sampled contained PFAS, the scientists noted.

The most identified compound, PFOA, has been banned around the world since 2020.

The researchers also expressed concern about the presence of the substances TFA and TFMS, which they said are ultra-short chain PFAS that are highly water-soluble and could leach out of straws into drinks.

The authors noted, however, that they did not test whether the PFAS was actually leaching from the straws into liquids.

It is not yet known whether the PFAS was added to the straws during the production process for waterproofing purposes, or whether the presence of these substances is the result of contamination.

For example, plant-based materials could have been grown in polluted soil, or contaminated water could have been used in the manufacturing process, the authors explained.

Because the concentrations of PFAS were low in these products and while most people only use straws occasionally, the researchers acknowledged that these levels only pose a limited threat to human health.

Nonetheless, they stressed that PFAS can remain in the body for years and that concentrations can accumulate over time.

Small amounts of PFAS, while not harmful in themselves, can add to the chemical load already present in the body, Groffen said.

Their findings, he continued, also demonstrate that paper and bamboo straws are not necessarily biodegradable.

We did not detect any PFAS in stainless-steel straws, so I would advise consumers to use this type of straw  or just avoid using straws at all, Groffen added.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Many are speculating whether Prigozhin was assassinated. (Reuters)

The reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, has sparked widespread speculation as to the cause of the plane crash he is believed to have been involved in.

Prigozhin was reportedly on the passenger list of a private jet which went down almost 185 miles north of Moscow on Wednesday, according to Russian authorities.

His apparent death comes two months after he launched a failed coup attempt against the Russian military.

While UK ministers have publicly urged against jumping to conclusions, US President Joe Biden has been less circumspect, saying: I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The case has brought back into public consciousness the unusual ways a handful of Russian oligarchs, industry leaders and Kremlin critics have lost their lives in unusual circumstances.

Pyotr Kucherenko died after reportedly criticising Russia's invasion of Ukraine. (Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education)

Name: Pyotr Kucherenko

How he died: Reportedly fell ill on a plane carrying Russian delegates home after a business trip to Cuba in May 2023.

Deputy Science Minister Kucherenko, 46, was reportedly critical of the invasion of Ukraine.

In a statement, Russias Ministry of Science and Higher Education said he "became ill" while on board the plane, which made an emergency landing in southern Russia but he could not be saved.

According to CNN, journalist Roman Super said on his Telegram channel that Kucherenko had feared for his safety.

Dmitry Zelenov, pictured in 2016 in Miami, Florida. (Getty)

Name: Dmitry Zelenov

How he died: Reportedly fell down a flight of stairs while visiting friends in the French Riviera in December 2022.

The Russian real estate tycoon, 50, had been dining with friends in Antibes when he suddenly became unwell, falling down a flight of stairs and suffering critical head injuries.

The former owner of Russian developer Don-Stroy and had previously been listed in Forbes list of Russian billionaires.

Read more: Another Russian Oligarch, Dmitry Zelenov, Dies Under Mysterious Circumstances (Daily Beast)

Anatoly Gerashchenko, 73, a former chief of the Moscow Aviation Institute, fell to his death down "several flights of stairs". (MAI)

Name: Anatoly Gerashchenko

How he died: Died after falling "from a great height" at Moscows Aviation Institute (MAI) headquarters in September 2022.

The MAI's press office called the 73-year-olds death "the result of an accident."

Garashchenko had worked at the organisation for 45 years, working his way up to 'Doctor of Technical Sciences, Professor [and] Advisor to the Rector of MAI'.

According to CNN, Gerashchenko became at least the sixth influential Russian linked to the country's two largest energy companies to have reportedly died by suicide or in unexplained accidents last year.

Read more: Russian aviation expert is latest official to die in mysterious circumstances (CNN)

Ivan Pechorin's death was announced by the Corporation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic. (Corporation for the Development of the Far East and the Arctic)

Name: Ivan Pechorin

How he died: Died after falling from a moving boat off the Russian coast in September 2022.

Pechorin reportedly fell off his boat close to Russky Island near Cape Ignatiev. His death was reported as drowning. According to The Hill, Pechorin was the managing director of the Far East and Arctic Development Corporation (ERDC), the body responsible to resolving and furthering Moscow's social and economic interests in the region, including making the area an attractive one for businesses to invest.

Sausage tycoon Pavel Antov died after falling from a hotel room. (Twitter)

Name: Pavel Antov

How he died: Fell from a hotel room in India in December 2022.

Millionaire and 'sausage tycoon' Antov had been critical of Putin 's war with Ukraine.

In June 2022, it was claimed he had criticised a missile bombardment, calling it "terrorism" in a WhatsApp message, but he said it had been sent by someone else, insisting that he supported Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine.

In December 2022, the 65-year-old died after reportedly falling from a hotel room in India where he was holidaying with three other Russian nationals. Russias consul-general in Calcutta insisted there was no foul play in the lawmakers death.

His death came two days after another member of the travel party, Vladimir Bidenov, also died.

Read more: Russian sausage tycoon who criticised Ukraine invasion falls to death from hotel window (Telegraph)

Name: Alexander Subbotin

How he died: Found dead 'in a shaman's home' outside Moscow.

Subbotin, 43, was a top executive for the oil and gas firm Lukoil. He was found dead in May 2022 in a shaman's home in Mytishchi, a city northeast of Moscow, Russian news agency TASS reported.

Lukoil had publicly opposed Russia's actions in Ukraine, releasing a statement expressing its "deepest concerns" about the war in Ukraine

Ravil Maganov, pictured with Vladimir Putin in 2019, died after falling out of a hospital window. (Getty)

Name: Ravil Maganov

How he died: Fell from a hospital window in Moscow in September 2022.

Maganov was chairman of the oil and gas company Lukoil.

Russian state news agency TASS reported his death as a suicide, citing a law enforcement source, but in a statement Lukoil said he died "following a severe illness", leaving his death shrouded in mystery.

Embassy comment in relation to the inquest into the death of Alexander Perepilichnyhttps://t.co/8j63THlkEe pic.twitter.com/Rd248VvmaC  Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) April 11, 2018

Name: Alexander Perepilichny

How he died: Found dead near his luxury home on an exclusive gated estate outside London in November 2012 after going out jogging.

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.

Read more: Russian whistleblower probably died of natural causes, UK inquest finds (Reuters)

Former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko died after being poisoned with a rare radioactive substance in London in 2006. (PA)

Name: Alexander Litvinenko

How he died: Poisoned with polonium-210, according to British security services

Litvinenko was a former Russian spy who had previously worked for the FSB but defected to the UK.

An inquiry into his death and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) both ruled that Russia was responsible for his killing.

Possible motives included Litvinenkos work for British intelligence agencies after fleeing Russia, his criticism of the FSB, and his association with other Russian dissidents.

It was said there was also a "personal dimension" to the antagonism between him and Putin.

The Litvinenko inquiry found that the radioactive substance used to kill Litvinenko could only have come from a nuclear reactor, which was a "strong indicator" of Russian state involvement in his death. The Kremlin has denied involvement.

Anna Politkovskaya was shot dead in Moscow in 2006. (AP)

Name: Anna Politkovskaya

How she died: Shot dead outside her flat in Moscow in October 2006 after returning home from the supermarket.

A journalist who reported on human rights abuses, Politkovskaya was shot dead outside her flat in Moscow in October 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.
An hourslong standoff at a Lawrence apartment complex came to an end Wednesday afternoon with a 63-year-old homicide suspect in custody, according to police.

Officers were notified late Tuesday that a man sought for a violent felony offense in Wichita was likely in an apartment in the 1400 block of Bristol Terrace, Sgt. Drew Fennelly of Lawrence police said in a statement.

After a prolonged standoff, Fennelly said, the suspect, Kevin L. Harris, of Lawrence, exited the residence around 3:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The intense heat presented several significant challenges, but we are thankful to report that this incident in Lawrence did not lead to any injuries or require anyone to be medically treated, Fennelly said. Temperatures reached triple digits in Lawrence Wednesday afternoon.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

During the standoff, tactical teams were called out to the area as a perimeter was set up and neighbors were interviewed. An apartment building was evacuated as Harris initially refused to surrender, according to police.

Police suspected Harris was armed when negotiators were brought out, Fennelly said. A woman in an apartment with him was allowed to leave hours before Harris ultimately surrendered, Fennelly said.

Harris was turned over to Wichita police to be brought to Sedgwick County on Wednesday.
FILE - The burnt remains of The Crooked House pub in Himley. England, Aug. 7, 2023. British police said Thursday Aug. 24, 2023, two men have been arrested on suspicion of burning down an historic English pub that was famous for its lopsided walls and sagging foundation. (Jacob King/PA via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LONDON (AP)  Two men were arrested Thursday on suspicion of torching an historic British pub in central England that was famous for its lopsided walls and sagging foundation, police said.

The suspects were being questioned by Staffordshire Police about the Aug. 5 blaze that gutted the 18th century Crooked House pub in the village of Himley, 110 miles (180 kilometers) northwest of London.

Locals mourning the loss of the tavern, which had recently been sold, were doubly devastated when it's charred skeletal remains were bulldozed two days later before the cause of the fire had been determined and before local authorities had granted permission to demolish it.

Fans of the pub dubbed Britains wonkiest for its slumping foundation and sloping walls had hoped it would be restored and many are now pushing for it to be rebuilt brick by brick.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A 66-year-old man from Dudley, and 33-year-old from Milton Keynes were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, police said.

The pub, built as a farmhouse in 1765, began sinking on one side because of extensive coal mining in the area. It became a pub known as The Siden House around 1830  named for the word in the local dialect that meant crooked.

In the 1940s, after being renamed Glynne Arms, the pub was condemned as unsafe until new owners shored it up so it was structurally sound but retained its asymmetrical charms.

It was then called The Crooked House and became a tourist destination. One side of the building was about 4 feet (around 1.2 meters) lower than the other and it was known for its tilting grandfather clock and a bar where coins and marbles appeared to roll uphill.

Days before the fire, an online petition was launched to save the bar because the developers who bought it planned to use it for something else. The Save The Crooked House petition was up to more than 22,000 signatures Thursday.

When the blaze broke out, firefighters were unable to reach the pub because a large mound of dirt was piled in a rural road.

Protesters showed up Monday to try to prevent heavy machinery from taking part in a salvage operation.

The South Staffordshire Council said it reached an agreement with the new owners to keep the bricks and foundation pieces at the site and would monitor the work.
New Gastonia Police Department Public Information Officer and Public Information Specialist for the City of Gastonia Rick Goodale pose outside City Hall Tuesday afternoon, August 17, 2021.

The Gastonia Police Department spokesman who was suspended in July after the city was sued for Facebook comments he reportedly made has been fired.

Police Public Information Officer Rick Goodale's employment was terminated Aug. 8, said City Manager Michael Peoples.

Goodale was suspended without pay on July 13, about two weeks after a federal lawsuit was filed against the city of Gastonia that accused Goodale of using the police department's Facebook page to harass a veteran who was arrested in October 2021.

According to a letter to Goodale from Peoples, Goodale was suspended and then fired for failing to obey directions from a supervisor and for violating the city's social media policy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The lawsuit was filed June 30 by 39-year-old combat veteran Joshua Rohrer, who served in Iraq and Kuwait in 2004 and 2005. In it, Rohrer, who was homeless at the time of his arrest, accuses Gastonia Police of mistreating him and his service dog during the arrest and harassing him on Facebook afterward.

The lawsuit, which also names the police who arrested Rohrer, Officer Cierra Brooks and former Officer Maurice Taylor III, cites hundreds of Facebook comments in which the police department's Facebook page shares information about Rohrer's case, addresses critics directly, and questions why Rohrer, if he was wronged, hadn't sued the police department.

On July 11, Police Chief Trent Conard told Goodale in an email that he could not post on social media without prior approval from Conard or the department's assistant chief. Then, on July 13, Gastonia Police Department administrative assistant Scott Belt sent an email to all police department employees stating that Goodale was no longer allowed access to any portion of the Gastonia Police Department not open to the public.

According to the letter from Peoples, Goodale requested an appeal hearing, which was scheduled for Aug. 4. He did not show up.

Goodale was hired Aug. 16, 2021. His most recent annual salary was $63,020.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Police spokesman fired over social media comments
Authorities have made 11 arrests related to a recent string of "flash mob" robberies at stores in the Los Angeles region that have drawn outrage and prompted the formation of a specialized law enforcement task force.

The Los Angeles Police Department announced arrests related to robberies of a Yves Saint Laurent in Glendale, a Warehouse Shoe Store in Highland Park, a Nordstrom in Canoga Park and a Versace in Beverly Grove. The department did not release any information on the suspects Thursday.

The arrests represent a fraction of the number of people involved. At the robbery of the Nordstrom alone, more than 30 masked people entered the store and ransacked the place of top-dollar purses, clothing and jewelry. The thieves made off with more than $100,000 worth of merchandise, authorities said.

In recent weeks, robbers have also targeted brands such as Nike and Gucci.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read more: Flash mobs invade luxury L.A. retailers with brute force, overwhelming numbers

The LAPD is working with the Glendale Police Department and the Beverly Hills Police Department, among other law enforcement agencies, as part of the organized retail crime task force that was established three days ago. The task force is investigating nine robberies, some of which appear to be linked, the LAPD said Thursday.

Robberies in the city of Los Angeles are down this year, according to police statistics.

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.
Iceland has a 100% abortion rate for babies diagnosed with Down syndrome. Australia is at 93% and the U.S. is 68%.

Thats why Houston Vandergriff and his mom, Katie, are on a mission.

Now, it has become a global mission.

Through Houstons success as a photographer and subsequent attention on social media, the Powell residents have become the Down syndrome communitys face of inclusiveness around the world.

We did a podcast in London, Katie said. We joked and said, Our goal is to travel the world and have fun. In reality, what were doing is more than that. Everything were doing comes back to inclusiveness. We want to show the world the possibilities.

One of Houston Vandergriff's opportunities was to shoot photos in the pits of the Indianapolis 500.

Houston, 25, got a certificate (2019) and advanced certificate (2020) in photography from the University of Tennessee. Shortly thereafter, Houston and Katie launched his business Downs & Towns, which captured photo images while Houstons personality allowed him to spread goodwill and awareness.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But that was just the beginning.

An influencer

Keeping up with the trends in photography, Houston became involved with NFTs (non-fungible tokens). In other words, its digital artwork that cannot be reproduced.

Houston had his creations on display in NFT exhibitions in Venice, Italy, Los Angeles and New York. He caught someones attention because he was invited to a celebration in New York that honored the Top 100 NFT creators that make a difference in the world. Snoop Dogg and Paris Hilton were among those honored, but they didnt show up at the event.

This was about building communities to make a difference, Katie said. This showed a whole new way to build communities.

Riding camels by the pyramids of Egypt was just one of the adventures that Houston Vandergriff found as a tour host.

Houston and Katie were invited to be on a panel at an inclusive travel conference in Las Vegas. While there, they were approached by the owner of an Australian travel company, to be the face of its inclusive travel. On a trip to Egypt, he has already ridden a camel, visited King Tuts tomb and taken a hot air balloon ride.

Houston was a presenter at the conference associated with the event, giving a nod to the Down syndrome community.

Trips to Costa Rica, Peru, Australia and Italy are already on the calendar.

Bouncing back

Thats not to say life has been all fluffy bunnies and rainbows.

Houston has had to navigate some health issues.

A couple years ago, he experienced two strokes. That was followed by an eight-hour brain surgery at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville.

Getting honored in New York as a major influencer has been a highlight for Houston Vandergriff.

Hes doing great now, Katie said. That was the time we realized what it was like having friends from all over the world. We got messages from so many places.

He bounced back and, when he wasnt globetrotting, returned to his job at the Lucky Day Resale Shop on Western Avenue.

Houstons latest adventure was to compete in  and win  the Mr. Tennessee Shining Star Pageant. He went on to win the national competition and has gained another stage for his advocacy.

Were trying to spread the word that Down syndrome is really a superpower, Katie said. That message is behind everything we do.

And, down the road, its a safe bet that Iceland will be a stop on their itinerary.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee photographer becomes global influencer for Down Syndrome
FILE - Guyana's President Mohamed Irfaan Ali arrives for the South American Summit at Itamaraty palace in Brasilia, Brazil, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Irfaan Ali has on Thursday, Aug 24, 2023, lashed out at the descendants of European slave traders and said those who profited from the cruel, trans-Atlantic slave trade should offer to pay reparations to todays generations. (AP Photo/Gustavo Moreno, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP)  Guyana president Irfaan Ali on Thursday lashed out at the descendants of European slave traders, saying those who profited from the cruel, trans-Atlantic slave trade should offer to pay reparations to todays generations.

The leader of the South American country also proposed that those involved in the slave trade be posthumously charged for crimes against humanity.

Ali spoke ahead of Fridays planned formal apology in Guyana by the descendants of Scottish 19th-century sugar and coffee plantation owner John Gladstone , saying the apology should also include issues of compensation and reparative justice.

The president said that while he welcomed plans by the family to acknowledge what he called the sins of the past, it also implies an acknowledgement of the cruel nature of African enslavement and indentureship in Guyana and an act of contrition that paves the way for justice. The Gladstone family has admitted that it benefited from African enslavement and indentureship on the Demerara and other plantations owned by its patriarch, John Gladstone.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Gladstone was the father of 19th-century British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone and received more than 100,000 pounds in compensation for hundreds of slaves.

The Gladstone family could not be immediately reached for comment.

Six members of the family are scheduled to arrive in the English-speaking nation later Thursday to participate in a brief ceremony at the University of Guyana on Friday, where they will formally apologize for the role John Gladstone played in what was then British Guiana.

Traveling with them is supposed to be former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, whose family earlier this year apologized to slave descendants in Grenada because her ancestors owned hundreds of slaves in that eastern Caribbean island.

Absentee plantation owner Gladstone, who owned more than 2,500 slaves in Guyana and Jamaica, never set foot in Guyana or in the neighboring West Indian islands, but was in charge when the renowned 1823 slave rebellion erupted on his plantation at Success Village on Guyanas east coast, about seven miles from the capital of Georgetown.

Historical records show that hundreds of revolting slaves were killed and their heads chopped off and lined on poles all the way to the capital as a reminder to others nursing similar ambitions as colonizers snuffed the two-day rebellion.

Making his case for reparations, Ali noted that demands by members of a Caribbean trade bloc for reparation payments have intensified. He argued that reparations (are) a commitment to righting historical wrongs. The trans-Atlantic slave trade and African enslavement were an affront to humanity itself. The heinousness of this crime against humanity demands that we seek to right these wrongs

Caricom nations, including Guyana, already have hired a British law firm to examine their case for financial compensation from Britain and other European nations. The trade bloc has said it was advised that its case is strong and should be pursued.

The descendants of John Gladstone must now also outline their plan of action in line with the Caricomplan for reparatory justice for slavery and indentureship, Ali said.

The plan includes a formal apology and investment of billions in education, health, infrastructure and cultural revitalization to ensure that future generations are unshackled from the chains of history.

A handful of nations have apologized for their role in slavery, including the Netherlands.
Ukrainian forces are making progress every day during the counter-offensive, although the advance is slower than hoped, the head of the Presidents Office, Andriy Yermak , said in an interview with German public broadcaster Deutsche Welle on Aug. 24.

He named three reasons for the "slow" offensive.

"The reason is primarily that large swaths of territory are mined," Yermak said.

Second, we still do not have enough weapons, and the third reason is that we are different from the Russians. We think about our people.

Read also:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In contrast, the Russian Federation does not count its soldiers, throwing them into battle as "cannon fodder" and does not even recover the bodies those of its troops who have been killed, Yermak said.

The Ukrainian military is conducting an offensive in three directions, towards Melitopol and Berdyansk in the south, and Bakhmut in the east. The Ukrainian government has rejected Western press reports and predictions of an alleged "deadlock" and "incorrect tactics" in the counter-offensive: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Aug. 23 that Ukrainian forces are moving slowly, but going in the right direction.

Ukrainian counteroffensive: Latest

Read also: Ukraine breaks through Russias first line of defense near Tokmak  CBS

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry said on Aug. 22 that Ukrainian troops had entered Robotyne, a village in Zaporizhzhya Oblast, and the next day raised the Ukrainian flag over the liberated settlement.

Earlier, on Aug. 16, the liberation of the village of Urozhayne in Donetsk Oblast was confirmed. In total, Ukrainian forces recaptured nine settlements in the south and east of Ukraine in June, and the village of Staromayorske in Donetsk Oblastin July.

Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi said that Ukrainian forces "step-by-step continue to create conditions for moving forward."

Read also: Ukrainian military advancing in several areas, despite dense minefields, says Zelenskyy

Earlier, U.S. newspaper the New York Times reported that a new phase of Ukraine's counter-offensive has begun, with the main blow coming from the southeast, where Ukrainian soldiers are gradually advancing through minefields while under attack by Russian aircraft.

According to the UK newspaper the Financial Times, Ukraine has changed its tactics after the "chaos" at the beginning of the counter-offensive, and now Ukrainian forces are focusing on striking Russian defensive positions with heavy artillery and are achieving tangible results.

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
[Source]

Travis Ikeguchi, the man who fatally shot a Californian mother over a Pride flag displayed at her store, was the son of a police officer.

About the shooting: Ikeguchi, 27, made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag before fatally shooting Laura Ann Carleton, 66, outside Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Glen in Lake Arrowhead, California, on Friday, according to the San Bernardino Sheriffs Office.

Police responded to the incident at around 5 p.m., where Carleton was pronounced dead at the scene. Ikeguchi, who fled the scene on foot, was later located and killed during a lethal force encounter with deputies.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The killers last moments recounted: Ikeguchi appeared to have flinched in the moment before he fired his gun, according to an acquaintance of Carleton who reviewed the stores closed-circuit video of the shooting.

More from NextShark: Suspect arrested and charged with hate crime for alleged attack on Sikh cab driver at JFK Airport

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 Los Angeles Times. 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.

Ikeguchis social media: Ikeguchi had been publicly vocal about his disapproval of the LGBTQ+ community. On his X account, which has now been suspended, Ikeguchi previously made several posts regarding his hate toward the LGBTQ+ community and law enforcement.

Abortion and same-sex marriage are both immoral and are design to destroy humanity one by one. So if someone is pro-abortion and pro-LGBTQP, they are at war against the foundation of family values, one of his posts read.

More from NextShark: Vancouver police identify man accused of striking Asian student with a pole

In his previously pinned post, Ikeguchi posted a photo of a burning Pride flag with the caption, What to do with the [LGBTQ+] flag? He had also retweeted a post comparing Nazi children with swastika flags to schoolchildren with Pride flags.

Ikeguchi, who had fallen into the chasm of social media conspiracy theories and hate-fueled rhetoric online, had also posted paranoid messages about police officers, according to Independent.

More from NextShark: Japan to ban upskirting, non-consensual sexual videos for first time

DO NOT TRUST COPS, he wrote on X on June 27. 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.

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, Ikeguchi also wrote on the social media platform Gab in 2021.

Ikeguchis family background: The posts are believed to be related to his hatred toward his parents divorce, more specifically his 63-year-old father, David Jay Ikeguchi.

More from NextShark: Attorney of Irvine doctor accused of poisoning husband with drain cleaner says it was meant to kill ants

David is reportedly a 35-year veteran state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol who had reached the level of master trooper, according to court filings. David and the suspects mother, Janet Ikeguchi, divorced in 2018 due to irreconcilable differences.

According to Davids LinkedIn profile, he received instructor certificates in patrol rifle and active shooter training as well as Glock and AR15 armorer. He was also awarded the departments Silver Star award after he saved a driver from a burning vehicle in Lake County while off-duty in 2020.

Ikeguchis claims against his father: While divorce records show that David was ordered to pay $1,800 per month in spousal support, Ikeguchi claimed that he and his mother were living in their car and struggling to buy food after the divorce. In January 2019, Ikeguchi set up a GoFundme page asking for donations, claiming that his father was using his law enforcement position to withhold money and leave us penniless.

I dont have a home and I dont have enough money for a place to stay and eat, he reportedly wrote on GoFundMe. 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.

According to Janet, Ikeguchi had to use his college money to support her while they resided in his sisters home in California. However, Ikeguchis sister had eventually asked them to leave.

Ikeguchi filed for a name change in San Bernardino County to be renamed to Timothy Thomas Yokohama, which was granted in 2021, according to filings. Taking the name of my ancestry, he listed as his reason for the name change.

The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing.
After California ally Laura "Lauri" Carleton was killed for displaying an LGBTQ+ Pride flag at her San Bernardino County store, Mag.Pi, the Los Angeles LGBT Center and Flags for Good announced a new banner honoring the Lake Arrowhead community member and shop owner.

Carleton, an unwavering ally, is one of too many people who have lost their lives due to violence that targets LGBTQ+ people, said a statement announcing the commemorative flag.

To honor Carletons memory and encourage allies to work for a safer community, the center collaborated with Flags for Good to create a rainbow banner bearing the magpie symbol  after her store's name. The proceeds from sales will benefit the Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ Fund.

I assure you that the Center wont be stopping here. Right-wing extremists have brought this fight to our doorstep, and let me promise you this: we are answering their knock at our doorand we will be greeting them with the strength that our community is known for, Los Angeles LGBT Center CEO Joe Hollendoner said in a press release. I hope we can rely on you to join us in the fight.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In light of national retail chains like Target and Starbucks reportedly halting their Pride displays, Carleton, 66, chose to hang the Pride flag, a symbol of resistance for the community since 1970.

With the growing backlash against the LGBTQ+ movement in the United States, Carletons tragic loss is part of an increasing trend. Aside from the rise in violence, over 550 pieces of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation have been introduced throughout the country this year, most of which restrict the civil rights of transgender people and queer youth.

Republicans and right-wing media outlets, including Fox News, have painted the Pride flag as a dirty symbol that, according to their false claims, celebrates pedophiles and grooming children.

In June, Fox News ran an outrageous story with the headline White House flew controversial new transgender flag that promotes grooming and pedophilia, say critics.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Andrew Bates has repeatedly called for Fox News to retract the story and apologize.

He pointed out that Fox Corp., the parent company of the far-right network, wrapped its logo in the Progress Pride Flag for a corporate governance report.

Security experts have warned that dehumanizing and inflammatory rhetoric targeted at the LGBTQ+ community could result in acts of violence. They say that far-right media figures engage in stochastic terrorism tactics, resulting in predictably unpredictable violent acts.

Carletons death has united LGBTQ+ people and allies to counter the hateful rhetoric targeted at the LGBTQ+ community.

Last Friday, an armed man came to her store and confronted Carleton for flying a Pride flag, police officials report. After she refused to take it down, Travis Ikeguchi, 27, shot and killed the business owner. He later was killed by police after fleeing the scene with his weapon. The gunman's social media accounts showed a history of violent anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment.

Flying a flag is a way to show pride in your identity, but also show solidarity in trying times, said Flags For Good owner Michael Green. As much as we prefer to make flags that do the former, were proud to partner with organizations like the Los Angeles LGBT Center when flags can be used to respond to a tragedy like this.
The plane crash in Russia, in which Wagner mercenary company leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was allegedly killed, was a deliberate terrorist act, Andriy Yusov, spokesman of the Main Intelligence Directorate or HUR of the Ministry of Defense, said on Aug. 24.

If were talking about a civilized state, if there is a rebellion in violation of the law, it is resolved through courts and investigations, he told a Ukrainian television channel.

Read also: After Prigozhin's death Kremlin to try to take control over Wagner mercenary company, says ex-CIA director

If were talking about the mafia and the gang, there are some concepts, they can put someone on a hit list. If its a failed state, you can see such methods.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The crash of the plane with the Wagner mercenaries leadership on board will have consequences for Russia, as there has been a long-standing struggle within the Russian leadership, Yusov said.

They have been eating each other for a long time, but they cook differently, the official said.

Read also: Putin most likely behind Prigozhin's alleged death, says former British army chief

Some are roasted over a slow fire, some are fried quickly, and some are eaten raw, just with salt.

At the same time, only Russian propaganda can assume the crash of the plane was some random accident, Yusov said.

Its clear this is a deliberate terrorist act: either damage from the outside or from the inside, he said.

It was (an act) to eliminate a number of people.

Russia is a large state in terms of territory, and just one structure, the Wagner mercenary company, would not cause its collapse very quickly, the official added.

Read also: Wagner mercenaries actively dismantling camp in Belarus, satellite imagery shows

But it could start another process, Yusov said.

For Putins regime, this is yet another thing that undermines the foundations of this regimes existence.

An Embraer-135 plane crashed in Russias Tver Oblast on Aug. 23. Russian media reported that it belonged to the leader of the Wagner mercenary company, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russian Telegram news channels spread various versions of the cause of the crash, including a strike by an S-300 air defense missile or an explosion on board.

Read also: Prigozhin among passengers of crashed plane  Russian state media

Late in the evening, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency confirmed that Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin (Prigozhins deputy, whose call sign Wagner was used to name the company) were on board the jet. The incident occurred exactly two months after the start of Wagners failed mutiny against the Russian government in late June.

In addition to them, the bodies of eight other people were found at the site. According to media reports, they included close associates of Prigozhin and participants in the war in Syria, as well as the planes three crew members.

According to Russian journalist Andrei Zakharov, Prigozhin and Wagners command staff were returning from Africa. The Russian news outlet Agentstvo reported that Prigozhin boarded his plane only in Moscow.

At the time of the crash, Russian leader Putin was in Kursk Oblast attending a concert dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk.

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
It was both shocking and predictable.

Two months to the day after Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a brief armed rebellion that threatened the Kremlin's authority, the mercenary chief and some of his top lieutenants were listed aboard a plane that crashed with no survivors.

The truth of Wednesday's incident may never be widely known. But the signal  to Russian elites and to the world  was viewed by many analysts as blazingly clear in the field outside Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin is trying to show that his rule remains unshaken and that no challenge will go unpunished.

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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon's press secretary, said at a briefing Thursday that the Defense Department's initial assessment is that Prigozhin was likely killed. He added that there is no information to indicate a surface-to-air missile hit the aircraft, pushing back at reports suggesting it as the cause of crash.

Two U.S. officials told NBC News intelligence gathered so far points to sabotage. One of the officials said a leading theory is that the aircraft was downed by an explosive on board, but they do not have enough information to say that with certainty.

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, reportedly died when a private jet he was said to be on crashed on Aug. 23, 2023, killing all 10 people on board. (AP)

'Only a question of time'

President Joe Biden had said in July that if he were Prigozhin, "Id be careful what I ate." After the news of the jet's crash, Biden likely echoed the thoughts of many: Im not surprised, he said, adding "There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind."

Indeed, Prigozhin would not be the first person to fall  or plunge  out of Kremlin favor and die in suspicious circumstances.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told a news conference Thursday that the incident followed a "pattern in Putins Russia: deaths, dubious suicides, falls from windows," which "underlines a dictatorial power system that is built on violence.

The Russian president once said he could never forgive betrayal. So even after Prigozhin called off his mutiny and Putin appeared to show him rare leniency with the offer of exile, most observers agreed the Wagner leader's days were numbered.

Prigozhin was always a threat and a reminder that Putin is weak, Orysia Lutsevych, head of the Ukraine Forum at Londons Chatham House think tank, said in an email. It was only a question of the time and mode of Prigozhins elimination.

The Kremlin was silent Thursday on the crash.

The incident only received a brief mention on Russias state-owned news channels, and Putin himself did not mention it during two public speeches.

Whether or not the Kremlin was involved, the Russian state won't mind the implication that it was, according to Tatiana Stanovaya, a nonresident scholar at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the founder and head of the political analysis firm R.Politik.

No matter what caused the plane crash, everyone will see it as an act of vengeance and retribution, she said in a post on the messaging app Telegram. The Kremlin wouldnt really stand in the way of that.

Stanovaya added that, Prigozhins death must be a lesson to any potential followers.

It is the latest extraordinary event in a period of upheaval for Putins Russia.

Prigozhin was once one of the presidents most trusted fixers, going from providing catering services to building his own private army, the Wagner Group, which has been blamed for doing Russias brutal dirty work across Africa, Syria and, most recently, Ukraine.

While Wagner has been involved in some high-profile successes of an otherwise troubled invasion, Prigozhin has also been deeply critical of the Russian army, accusing its elites of corruption and failing to supply his forces with ammunition.

This came to a head two months ago when he called for the resignation of military generals, before marching toward Moscow and engaging in deadly clashes with Russias own military along the way.

The rebellion was Putins biggest leadership crisis yet. Even when Prigozhin relented, the bell of his open challenge against the Kremlin could not be unrung.

Russian state-run news agencies on August 23, 2023 said that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group that led a mutiny against Russia's army in June, was on the list of passengers of a plane that crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver region. (Vladimir Nikolayev / AFP - Getty Images)

The only reason Putin kept Prigozhin around was so the Kremlin could dismantle Wagner without provoking further mutiny, Stanovaya said. But to have him walking around, alive, happy, full-of-strength and full-of-ideas was the embodiment of Putins political humiliation, she said.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Gen. Valerei Gerasimov, head of the war in Ukraine, were targets of the Wagner chief's frequent public fury and aborted mutiny. They now appear to have been strengthened quite dramatically  at the expense of Wagner.

Prigozhins supporters would likely be more scared than inspired to protest, Stanovaya said.

But while the Kremlin may have reasserted its authority, the extent to which Putin has put an end to his troubles and defanged the mercenaries is unclear.

Prigozhin was a true patriot of his motherland who died as a result of actions by traitors, a message posted by the Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel Gray Zone said late Wednesday.

Hodges, the former U.S. commander in Europe, is among those who believe Prigozhins death would be a symptom of further chaos and destabilization within the Russian state. I anticipate that things in Russia are going to deteriorate, he said. "Those in power hate each other. They don't trust each other."

Putin himself spent Wednesday evening at a ceremony marking 80 years since the then-Soviet Union's victory against Nazi Germany at the Battle of the Kursk, a famous World War II tank exchange.

He handed out medals to Russian soldiers who have been fighting in Ukraine, all while the private jet believed to be carrying his once loyal enforcer burned near the capital.

If it was intended as a symbolic juxtaposition, it was a powerful one.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The apparent violent death of Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in a fiery plane crash Wednesday is sending a chilling message to Russian President Vladimir Putin s critics and enemies in that country  regardless of whether he was directly responsible for the jets fate.

While the Russian leader has not claimed responsibility for the crash, the cause of which is still under investigation, he has done little to snuff out speculation that he was behind it.

In comments that aired on Russian television, Putin said the mercenary boss made serious mistakes in his life and had a difficult fate but also thanked Wagner Group for contributing to Russias goals in Ukraine.

The Pentagon said Thursday that Prigozhin was likely killed in the crash, but there has been no other public confirmation of his death.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Wednesday crash came just two months after Prigozhin retreated from an armed march on Moscow that led many to question Putins power amid his faltering war in Ukraine. Analysts say the removal of Prigozhin may put those doubts to rest in the short term, though the death of one of Russias most powerful men isnt without risk.

Putin is going to be seen as strengthening his position of power, said Jeffrey Treistman, the interim chairman of national security at the University of New Haven. Potential opposition will think twice.

Prigozhins presumed death came on the same day that Russian media reported Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the commander of Russias aerospace forces who had historically close ties to the Wagner Group, was fired from his post.

Treistman emphasized that Russias broader ambitions, especially in Ukraine, will be hurt by Putins silencing of critics, particularly those in the military who lent a sympathetic ear to Prigozhin.

Removing these critics [and] policy advisers who are willing to speak truth to power undermines the information that Putin has at his disposal to ultimately craft a sensible, rational and balanced foreign policy, Treistman added.

While Putin may have hoped to assert his power with the apparent attack on Prigozhin, it also exposed his weakness, argued Mark Galeotti, a Kremlinologist who authored Putins Wars: From Chechnya to Ukraine.

The mark of a well-organized authoritarianism is that the regime does not need so openly to kill insiders, because they are deterred from breaking the rules of the system in the first place, Galeotti wrote in The Spectator.

He argued that Putin may be further angering some of his most powerful critics, bringing the tipping point of a move against him closer.

The ultra-nationalists are furious, some already vowing revenge, as they saw in the thuggish Prigozhin the kind of man who, in their eyes, would do whatever it took to win the war, he wrote. The wider elite are much more circumspect, but they may well be getting closer to the point at which they consider themselves his hostages rather than his supporters.

Mark Schrad, a Russia expert and associate professor of political science at Villanova University, said debating the strength or weakness of Putin was a fools errand, given how little outside observers actually know about dynamics within the Kremlin.

Schrad added that speculation that Prigozhins death could bring Putins regime closer to the brink was also reminiscent of two decades of Russian crises being interpreted as the beginning of the end for the countrys leader.

Especially in the West, we kind of do a lot of handwringing about what are the broader implications of this. And the general sense that I get is that [Putins system] is surprisingly durable, and its surprisingly resilient, he said.

I dont expect any huge earthquakes to come out of this. And I think people who expect earthquakes are kind of wasting their time.

There have been some reports since Wednesday that Wagner might be plotting revenge or a new march on Moscow. However, Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, said that was unlikely in an interview with Foreign Affairs.

Prigozhin was an angry man who was not easy to deal with. I dont think he has fans who will follow in his footsteps and try to carry on his activities, she said. People will be scared, especially those who stayed by Prigozhins side until now. Just imagine: They must think theyre next.

The presumed death of Prigozhin marks the end of a lengthy feud between the mercenary chief and Putin that played out for several months this year.

After Wagner Group was invited to assist struggling Russian forces in Ukraine in the spring of 2022, the mercenary group quickly began achieving limited successes that contrasted with Moscows perceived weakness.

The eight-month battle for Bakhmut, led by Wagner, was a costly victory for Prigozhin when they raised the Russian flag in the embattled city in May. By then, Wagner had lost up to 20,000 soldiers.

During the months-long Bakhmut siege, Prigozhin, showing his troops dead bodies in videos he released on his Telegram, railed against what he called corruption in Moscow and a failure of the Russian Defense Ministry to carry out the war in Ukraine.

The feud eventually carried him to lead a mass of troops to capture a military base in southern Russia and march on Moscow, downing several aircraft on the way. He only halted the advance when he reached a deal with Putin to escape charges.

Most analysts say it was simply a matter of time until Prigozhin was killed  or jailed or otherwise stripped of power  given the public nature of his rebellion.

Kirill Shamiev, a visiting fellow with the Wider Europe program at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said Putin has exercised his internal strength by apparently eliminating Prigozhin.

But, he added, the country was left much weaker by the clash, especially on the international stage where Moscow has relied on Wagners operations.

Russia as a country is weaker now  thats obvious, he said. Because the thing that happened two months ago should not have happened in a normal country  and probably we will see some pause and break in Wagner operations, or they will be significantly scaled down.

Still, Brian Whitmore, a nonresident senior fellow with the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center, argued that Putin would have been left even weaker if he had not responded to Prigozhins mutiny.

If Prigozhin were not forced to pay a heavy price for his rebellion in June, Putins regime would have been severely weakened, Whitmore wrote in an analysis.

This is because the Putin regime essentially operates according to the logic of a crime syndicate. Putin is the godfather. Prigozhin was a capo who apparently didnt know his place.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The highly likely death of Yevgeny Prigozhinthe result of an assassination plot, most likely a bomb aboard the plane he was traveling on, US officials told the Wall Street Journalis the latest event on the path to a post-Putin Russia. Putin entered the last phase of his political life when he launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The invasion was doomed because of his hubris, his grandiose neo-imperialism fed by yes-men intelligence and military officers who let him believe (and perhaps believed themselves) that there would be victory for Russia in such an ill-conceived murderous political-military operation.

It was also doomed because of the rotten corruption eating away at Russian government and society, among other things underfunding and warping Russias military modernization.

Wagner Boss Prigozhins Body IDed in Morgue by Missing Finger: Report

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

As Russias military setbacks piled up, Putin turned to Prigozhina man he had already trusted with his most risky operations. It is worth remembering that it was Prigozhins company, blandly named the Internet Research Agency (belying its revolutionary intent) that spearheaded the social media component of Putins unprecedented direct attack on U.S. elections in 2016.

Putin entrusted Prigozhin with this most sensitive operation, one that Putin undoubtedly regarded as revenge on President Obama and the U.S. government for what he regarded as U.S. meddling in Ukraines domestic politics in 2014. Putin blamed the U.S. government for his loss of control in Ukrainethe demonstrations in 2014 that led to a transition government, the fleeing of his man former President Viktor Yanukovich from Kiev, and ultimately elections and a new democratic, westward-leaning Ukraine.

Prigozhins operations against the United States deliveredRussian disinformation about Hillary Clintons health and attitude towards Black Americans, active encouragement of separatist sentiment in Texas and California and messaging to increase political polarization in America, all undoubtedly had an impact on the 2016 elections and the American political ecosphere. And so those operationswith financial funding from the Russian governmentcontinued until Prigozhins mutiny.

In Ukraine, Prigozhin also delivered, albeit in a limited tactical fashion. His Wagner mercenaries out-performed Russias regular military forces and with Prigozhin communicating via social media from the battlefield he provided a rallying point for nationalists supporting Putins war effort.

He embarrassed the military and defense establishment with his success and exacerbated a rivalry that was already brewing between himself and Putins Minister of Defense Sergey Shoghu and chief of the armed forces General Valery Gerasimov. Prigozhin appears to have recruited supporters from among that establishmentperhaps providing kickbacks and other benefits to reported members of the Wagner VIP Club. Notable among those members, as reported by CNN, was General Surovikin, also known as General Armageddon because of his brutal campaigns in Chechnya and Syria deliberately targeting civilians and leveling cities and towns.

Prigozhins anger at Putins war leaders culminated in his mutinous march on Moscow two months from the exact day his private plane fell from the sky in what appears to have been an assassination of him and his top deputy, Dimitry Utkin, the reported founder of the Wagner force.

The public challenge to Putins authorityPrigozhins unimpeded march from Ukraine through the southern Russian military town of Rostov-on-Don up to the outskirts of the capital citywas the next marker in the road to Putins political demise. Putins failure to predict, prevent and at least for a while, punish this act revealed his political weakness to the world.

But the moment Putin declared Prigozhins act traitorous and a stab in the back, the clock was ticking. Prigozhin was a marked man, like other traitors before him, former intelligence agents, Alexander Litvenyenko, and Sergey Skripal, but he was also different. He was likely deeply intertwined with Russian elites and was popular with nationalists. Based on the crowd in Rostov cheering him on, Prigozhin also likely enjoyed support among the regular military and the Russian people. Putin had to try to assess the likely nationalist and public response to any moves against him, including murder.

Meanwhile, the Wagner group could also continue to be useful to the Kremlin, especially in Africa and the Middle East, so the Kremlin would need time to consider a leadership transition. Not last of all, Putin had to figure out who supported and perhaps helped Prigozhin in his mutiny. All of this likely explains the delayed retribution.

Assuming Putin directed action against Prigozhin and his top deputies, he did so at a new moment of weakness for him on the international stage. This week he was barred from attending the BRICS summit in person, because of an outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) warrant for his arrest for human rights violations (abducting Ukrainian children), and Russias first attempt in fifty years to land a probe on the moon had also crashed (if not burned) this week. The Wagner mercenary organization has been decapitated and retribution has been public and is at least for Russian officialdom, verifiable.

But this assassination is likely only speeding along another future challenge to Putins authority. The war in Ukraine is not getting better for Russia. Indeed, Ukrainians are inching forward, placing pressure on Russias battered forces with cluster munitions and finally some of the newly trained reserve forces. Putin has been forced to raise the male military age to continue recruiting fresh forces, while his television propagandists have been more daring in their commentary questioning whether Russia can achieve military success in Ukraine.

Elites will be looking to protect themselves from reprisal from association with Prigozhin or Surovikin, who was just reportedly fired and has been missing from public view since the mutiny (which is appears he knew about in advance). Distrust is only increasing and that will bring more infighting. The beast in and around the Kremlin will turn against itself and eventually a new leader will consolidate power. Meanwhile, perhaps the Russian people will have enough of the moral malaisethe war, the murders, the rapes and abductionsalong with the corruption and the economic decline. That will only serve to accelerate the end of Putins long hold on political power in Russia.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Your slice of the headlines in Ukraine. Daily. Thursday, August 24, 2023.

 Prigozhin among passengers of crashed plane  Russian state media

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.





 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.





ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

 Most Ukrainians still oppose making concessions to Russia to achieve peace, survey shows

Most Ukrainians are not willing to make compromises with Russia to end the full-scale war unleashed by the Kremlin, a new poll revealed on Aug. 22.





 Ukrainian intelligence behind surrender of Russian Mi-8 helicopter  Budanov

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.





 Ukraine used 3% of US defense budget to destroy half of Russian army  Lindsey Graham

Having spent less than 3% of the 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.





 Why Russia is struggling to defend itself against drone attacks  expert view

The Russian military is facing significant challenges defending Russian airspace against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and the growing use of drones has exposed Russias vulnerability, military analyst Oleksandr Kovalenko told NV in an exclusive interview on Aug. 22.





 Kyiv City Council member killed in battle in Donbas

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.





 Ukrainians celebrate Independence Day on Aug. 24 amid full-scale war

Ukraine marked the 32nd anniversary of the restoration of its independence on Aug. 24, even as Russian invasion forces continued to occupy around a fifth of the countrys territory.





 Russians trying, and failing, to jam Starlink terminals in Ukraine, says U.S. Space Force chief

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.





 Most Ukrainians positive about replacing Soviet coat of arms on Motherland monument in Kyiv, survey shows

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.

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
Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin was likely killed in the plane that crashed Wednesday about 100 miles from Moscow, the Pentagon said Thursday.

Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the U.S. believes that Prigozhin died but did not comment on the cause of the crash or whether he was slain intentionally.

Our initial assessment, based on a variety of factors, is that he was likely killed, Ryder said during a press briefing.

Russias civilian aviation agency said Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a Russian business jet, along with Wagner Group co-founder and commander Dmitry Utkin and eight other people. There has been no other public confirmation of their deaths.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The cause of the crash is still under investigation from Russian authorities.

Independent Russian sources and Wagner-affiliated social media channels have speculated that small explosions in the air  caught on a personal video not confirmed by The Hill  before the plane crashed indicate air defenses shot the jet out of the sky.

The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. officials believe either a bomb exploded on the aircraft or some other form of sabotage downed the plane.

Ryder on Thursday said there is no information to corroborate claims that a surface-to-air missile was fired at the plane but declined to comment on whether an internal bomb exploded.

The crash comes about two months after Prigozhin launched a brief rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin, marching with thousands of soldiers on Moscow before halting the advance and exiling himself to Belarus.

In his first comments since the crash, Putin said he had known Prigozhin since the 1990s and that the Wagner boss had a difficult fate.

He made serious mistakes in his life, Putin said, according to clips of the address. But he added that Prigozhin achieved the necessary results in his life, both for himself and when I asked him to do so for the common goal.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
KUZHENKINO, Russia (Reuters) - Residents of a village near the site of a plane crash which is believed to have killed Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said they had heard a bang, then saw the jet plummet to the ground.

The plane, an Embraer Legacy 600 private jet, crashed on Wednesday near the village of Kuzhenkino in Russia's Tver region on its way from Moscow to St. Petersburg and killed all 10 people on board - seven passengers and three crew members.

There has been no official comment from the Kremlin or the Defence Ministry on the fate of Prigozhin but a Telegram channel linked to his Wagner mercenary group, Grey Zone, pronounced him dead.

A Reuters reporter at the crash site early on Thursday saw men taking away black body bags on stretchers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Part of the plane's blue-and-white liveried tail and other fragments lay on the ground near a wooded area.

Forensic investigators had erected a tent and lighting gear. Parts of the wreckage lay near what appeared to be a half-built abandoned structure.

Kuzhenkino resident Vitaly Stepenok, 72, told Reuters: "I hear an explosion or a bang. Usually, if an explosion happens on the ground then you get an echo, but it was just a bang and I looked up and saw white smoke."

"One wing flew off in one direction and the fuselage went like that," he said, gesturing with his arms to show how the plane headed down towards the ground.

"And then it glided down on one wing. It didn't nose-dive, it was gliding."

Standing in a village street, Stepenok said he was afraid the plane would fall onto houses there.

"I was over there. I jumped on my bike and was there (at the site) in about 20 minutes. Everything was on fire. People were walking around. They dragged someone out, their remains... I couldn't make it out. I just saw the number on the plane, which I told them, and that was it."

Another villager, who gave his name as Anatoly, said: "In terms of what might have happened, I'll just say this: it wasn't thunder, it was a metallic bang - let's put it that way. I've heard things like that before."

"Over there by that mast. And it fell over there," he said pointing towards a farm.

Police had secured the site and throughout the morning police cars came and went. At one point, a helicopter landed, flying in over the trees. Two buses also arrived escorted by police cars in a convoy.

The crash occurred two months to the day since Prigozhin led an abortive mutiny against the army top brass, accusing them of incompetence in their handling of Russia's war in Ukraine.

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.

(Writing by Angus MacSwan, Editing by Bernadette Baum)
An airplane believed to have been carrying Wagner Group private army head Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed northwest of Moscow on Wednesday evening. The 10 people on the passenger list of the downed plane were the 62-year-old Prigozhin, six senior Wagner Group officials and three crew members.

The crash occurred exactly two months after Prigozhin, a Russian oligarch once allied with Russian President Vladimir Putin, launched his short-lived rebellion against Russias top military leadership. The insurrection, labeled as a betrayal by Putin, led many to speculate whether Prigozhin would survive the year. Since June, Prigozhin remained under the radar, appearing only in sporadic videos published on the Telegram messaging app. Just days before the crash, a clip of him was published online from what appeared to be an African country. However, his whereabouts since his so-called march for justice were never verified.

Read more on Yahoo News: Putin breaks silence on Prigozhin plane crash as bodies taken to medical examiner's office, via ABC

The site where a private jet reportedly carrying Prigozhin and other passengers crashed in Russias Tver region on Wednesday. (Wagner Telegram account/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

In a speech on Thursday night, Putin shared his condolences for those who died in the plane crash, stating that Prigozhin was a talented businessman and that his contribution to the Wagner Group in fighting the Nazi regime in Ukraine would not be forgotten. (That Ukraine, whose president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is Jewish, has a Nazi regime is a lie being pushed by the Kremlin.)

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Below is a timeline of Prigozhins time in Putins inner circle.

Early years

Before he met Putin, little was publicly known about Prigozhins private life. A report by the Guardian reveals that Prigozhin spent his early 20s as a petty thief. Following several months of conducting robberies in St. Petersburg, Prigozhin was jailed for 10 years. He was released in 1990, around the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union, and started selling hot dogs, which began Prigozhins entrepreneurial career.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and then-U.S. President George W. Bush at a working dinner in 2006 as Prigozhin stands in the background. (Sergei Zhukov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool via AP)

Putins chef

Prigozhin opened the Old Customs House restaurant in the mid-1990s  an establishment that attracted an elite clientele. As the decade came to an end, Prigozhin began to provide catering for high-profile clients including Putin, who became a regular at the Old Customs House while president of Russia. Prigozhin would often be seen in the background of pictures of Putins diplomatic meetings and built an empire with Putins loyalty, garnering the nickname Putins chef. The next decade would see Prigozhin win contracts dished out by the Kremlin worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Mercenary leader

Although Prigozhin only admitted to having any connection to the Wagner Group last September, it has been widely reported that the mercenary group is his private operation.

Since its founding in 2014, Wagner fighters have been in operation across 30 different countries  all orchestrated by Prigozhin.

Prigozhin on June 24. (Wagner/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

War in Ukraine

When Russia launched its special operation in Ukraine in February 2022, Prigozhin would play a key role. Leading the charge with around 50,000 Wagner soldiers, he would prove to be vital in Putins advance in eastern Ukraine.

Just days after the invasion, Prigozhin would be forced out of the shadows and onto the world stage after the U.S. announced it was imposing sanctions against him  spotlighting him as one of Putins closest allies.

March for justice

Last November, Prigozhin began publicly sharing criticisms of Russias Ministry of Defense and its conduct in the war against Ukraine. He accused senior military officials of poor logistical and military oversight leading to the death of thousands of Wagner troops  the majority of whom had been recruited from prisons. The day before the insurrection, Prigozhin accused members of the senior military of targeting a Wagner camp in an occupied Ukrainian territory.

Portraits of Prigozhin, left, and Dmitry Utkin at a makeshift memorial in front of the PMC Wagner office in Novosibirsk on Thursday. (Vladimir Nikolayev/AFP via Getty Images)

In an act of fury, Prigozhin then led his soldiers toward the Russian capital on a so-called march for justice to remove what he called Russias incompetent and corrupt senior military leadership. Hours later, just 125 miles from Moscow, Prigozhin turned back, stating, Russian blood will be spilled on one side, we are turning our convoy around and going back to our base camps, according to the plan.

Putin dubbed the insurrection a betrayal and went so far as to accuse Prigozhin of treason. Prigozhin resurfaced days later, defending his mutiny in a voice message on Telegram: I want you to understand that our march for justice was aimed at fighting traitors and mobilizing our society.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Prigozhin would move to Belarus after its president, Alexander Lukashenko, brokered a deal between Putin and the mercenary chief. Lukashenko had offered to mediate the deal, with Putins approval, as he has known Prigozhin personally for two decades. Peskov added that Prigozhin would receive amnesty despite orchestrating the armed mutiny and that the soldiers who had taken part would also not face any criminal action.

A little less than two months later, Prigozhin would be reported dead.
Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead after a plane crash outside of Moscow.

He was incorrectly reported as having possibly died in a plane crash in 2019.

The circumstances of the recent crash are unclear, but he was in a position to be punished by Putin.

Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead after a plane crash on Wednesday.

But this isn't the first time the warlord, who had attempted an uprising against Putin, is thought to have died in a plane crash.

Russian news outlet Readovka reported in October 2019 that Prigozhin had died after his plane crashed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, citing sources related to his Wagner mercenary group.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But Russian news agency RIA Novosti then reported two days later that he wasn't dead, but had just been busy and was surprised by the reporting. The agency noted that some media outlets and bloggers had reported the news.

The case has strange parallels to news this week of Prigozhin's possible demise after a private jet that he was listed as a passenger crashed in Russia's Tver region outside of Moscow.

His apparent death comes two months after he started an uprising that involved his forces taking a key Russian military base. Wagner soldiers started to march towards Moscow before striking a peace deal with the Kremlin.

However, there seems to be some more evidence this week compared to in 2019: Moscow's civil aviation agency said Prigozhin was on board, a Telegram channel associated with the group announced his death, and his body was reportedly identified in a morgue.

But some are still skeptical that Prigozhin is definitely dead, and are waiting for more evidence.

Keir Giles, Russia analyst at London-based Chatham House told The Washington Post that "until we know for certain it's the right Prigozhin, let's not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa," referring to the continent where the Wagner Group is also active.

Prigozhin is also a well-known purveyor of misinformation. He financed a "troll factory" that's accused of interfering with US elections.

Experts told Insider that there are three likely scenarios for what happened this week: he is dead because Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered it, he is dead because someone else ordered it, or that Prigozhin didn't actually die and faked his death.

Many are pointing to Putin being responsible, noting that the Russian president has been linked to the killings of many critics and enemies.

White House National Security Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said that if Prigozhin's death is confirmed "no one should be surprised."

UK defense sources told the BBC that Russia's FSB security and spy agency, which Putin once led, is the party most likely to have targeted the plane.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The Kremlin will likely try to seize control of Russias Wagner mercenary company, whose leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin , was killed on Aug. 23 in a plane crash, former Pentagon chief and ex-CIA director Leon Panetta has said.

The Russian leadership will be "very concerned" about allowing mercenaries to continue to operate independently, Panetta said in comments to U.S. news channel CNN on Aug. 23 after news of Progozhins death broke.

"So I would not be surprised if they assert control over the Wagner Group in Africa, Asia, and wherever else they may be located," Panetta said.

For that matter, I think those in the Wagner Group have got to worry about their own lives as well.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Conflict between FSB and Russian Army brewing as Russia fails on the battlefield, says expert Yakovyna

An Embraer-135 plane crashed in Russia's Tver Oblast on Aug. 23. Russian media reported that it belonged to the leader of the Wagner private military company, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russian Telegram news channels spread various versions of the cause of the crash, including an air defense strike, a strike by an S-300 air defense missile, or an explosion on board.

Late in the evening, the Russian Air Transport Agency confirmed that Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin (Prigozhin's deputy, whose call sign Wagner was used to name the company) were on board the jet. This happened exactly two months after the start of Wagners failed "mutiny" against the Russian government in late June.

In addition to them, the bodies of eight other people were found at the site. According to media reports, they included close associates of Prigozhin and participants in the war in Syria, as well as the planes three crewmembers.

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 - Yevgeny Prigozhin, top, serves food to Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at Prigozhin's restaurant outside Moscow, Russia, on Nov. 11, 2011. When Prigozhin launched his armed rebellion that challenged the Kremlin, Western officials predicted Putin would seek vengeance against the mercenary leader. Although authorities have not yet confirmed the death of Prigozhin and his top lieutenants in Wednesday's plane crash northwest of Moscow, it sent an immediate chill through Russian official circles. The message was clear: Anyone who dares to cross the Kremlin will perish. (AP Photo/File)

When Yevgeny Prigozhin launched his armed rebellion that challenged the Kremlin, Western officials predicted Russian President Vladimir Putin would seek vengeance against the mercenary leader.

Two months to the day after the action that Putin labeled a stab in the back and treason, those forecasts seem to have come true, in ruthless and menacing fashion.

Although authorities have not yet confirmed the deaths of Prigozhin and his top lieutenants from the Wagner private military contractor in Wednesday's plane crash northwest of Moscow, it sent an immediate chill through Russian official circles.

Even amid the uncertainty, the message was clear: Anyone who dares to cross the Kremlin will perish.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But even as the crash worked to restore an image of Kremlin authority that was badly crippled by the Prigozhin mutiny, it also sowed confusion and anger among Russian hard-liners, heralding perhaps other challenges to Putin as the war in Ukraine marked its 18th month.

Many see the events as a sign of an intensifying government meltdown.

Its not a state, its not Russia. Its just one sprawling mafia, one tentacle of which is colliding with others, said Dmitry Oreshkin, a professor at Free University in Riga, Latvia.

While authorities are unlikely to announce the cause of the crash anytime soon, Prigozhins plane was seen plummeting from a large cloud of smoke, twisting wildly and missing a wing. One witness said the jet "exploded in the sky and something sort of was torn from it in the air.

Some Russian media speculated it was brought down by a bomb. Prigozhins supporters claimed on their messaging app channels that it was shot down by an air defense system, bluntly accusing authorities of assassinating him. None of the allegations cited any evidence.

Oreshkin said the downing a private jet seemed to be a strong message to scare Russian elites into submission.

This is a demonstrative action, he said. Prigozhin could have been quietly poisoned and he would have died of a heart attack, like many previous opponents of Putin or his generals. But apparently it was intended to serve as a show of uncompromising control over the situation.

Other Kremlin critics have died from poisoning in what the Russian opposition and the West described as targeted killings that had Putin's blessing, but none has been known to have perished in an air accident.

Former Putin speechwriter Abbas Gallyamov said the failure to punish Prigozhin initially had eroded Putins authority, sending "an open invitation to any potential rebels and mutineers.

He said it could have taken two months to act because Prigozhin was well-protected by his security and Russian spy agencies were waiting for the right opportunity. They could have worked on it for a long time and had the opportunity only now, Gallyamov said.

While acknowledging that all the facts are still unclear, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said the whole world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced ex-confidant of Putin suddenly falls from the sky, two months after he attempted an uprising.

Western officials had believed Prigozhins days were numbered ever since the mutiny, noting that Putin would never forgive the humiliation.

For Putin revenge is a dish best served cold, CIA Director William Burns said in July, describing the Russian leader as the ultimate apostle of payback.

Prigozhins jet was tracked flying among the cities of Moscow, St. Petersburg and Belarus in the weeks following the mutiny, and Wagner had raised its profile in Africa, hectic activity that led to speculation Putin considered the 62-year-old mercenary leader who over the years had won lucrative Kremlin contracts too valuable to discard quickly.

Earlier this week, Prigozhin released a video purportedly from an unknown desert location, claiming Wagner was making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free. His mercenaries have been especially active in several African countries in recent years, extending Russia's influence and enriching it with mineral wealth.

Some Russian media claimed Prigozhin could have hoped to persuade Putin to entrust him with expanding those projects, even though the Defense Ministry apparently sought to take them over. Others pointed out that he might have violated the deal with the Kremlin by trying to continue his business activities in Russia and boasting about his exploits in Africa in the latest video.

Alexander Baunov of the Carnegie Endowment said its a signature tactic of dictatorial regimes to bring an enemy or a traitor closer before destruction, as criminal clans do.

Oreshkin said authorities might have opted for using the plane crash to decapitate Wagner to prevent any threat his lieutenants might pose.

It is clear that just removing one person is not enough, you need to remove his key people, because they probably had a Plan B in case of losing their boss, he said. Therefore, the ideal option is to eliminate them all together, which, in fact, happened.

Those on the flight manifest included Dmitry Utkin, a former military intelligence officer who directed Wagner's operations, and Valery Chekalov, its security chief.

Alexei Mukhin, a pro-Kremlin political expert, said the crash gave Putin a demonic aura that his opponents wont be able to ignore, noting that Kremlin foes abroad will feel increasingly unsafe.

Reports this week said Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who had links with Prigozhin, was dismissed as air force chief following what Russian media described as a two-month investigation into his possible connection to the mutiny  a signal authorities were methodically trying to uproot any dissent in the ranks.

While the jet crash certainly sent a message of toughness, Oreshkin warned it could have mixed results, creating confusion among hard-liners who admired Wagner's role in Ukraine and lauded Prigozhins criticism of the military brass.

Roman Saponkov, a military blogger who had supported Prigozhin, predicted it will have catastrophic consequences.

People who issued that order dont understand the sentiments in the military, he said.

Some Kremlin supporters sought to shift blame for the crash to Ukraine, without offering evidence.

Sergei Markov, a pro-Kremlin political analyst, alleged Kyiv authorities were behind it to rally support on the countrys Independence Day, celebrated Thursday.

It was Ukraine that killed Prigozhin, Markov said. Prigozhin wasnt a problem for Putin.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country had nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who does.

Wagner was one of the most capable elements of Russias forces but it has stopped playing any role in Ukraine after capturing the eastern stronghold of Bakhmut in May. Its remnants probably will be incorporated into the Russian military and lose much of their capability.

It was the most capable Russian military unit that fought in Ukraine, Gallyamov said. It's quite obvious that now after it's put under control of the incompetent top military brass, Wagner won't stand out from others.

Even if confirmed, Prigozhins death probably wouldn't have an immediate impact on the battlefield, but it reflects escalating Russian infighting that could result in growing public dismay and eventually weaken Moscows hand in the conflict.

Early expectations of victory in Ukraine gave way to increasing public fatigue in Russia, and now the phase of disappointment begins, which will last a few months and appears irreversible, Oreshkin said.
BEAVER  A renewed interest has been shown in one of Beaver County's unsolved homicides after a prime suspect was named last week.

Beaver County District Attorney David Lozier announced on Aug. 15 that 24-year-old Sheldon Jeter was being considered as the primary suspect in the 2018 shooting death of Rachael DelTondo.

Aliquippa resident Rachael DelTondo was shot and killed five years ago in her parents driveway. The case remains unsolved.

Before this point, Jeter had not been officially named as a suspect by investigators, but various statements made to the media and throughout police documents have implicated the Aliquippa native's potential involvement in the crime.

Sheldon Jeter Jr., 23, of Aliquippa is seen here in this file photo from a PIAA Class AA boys championship game. Jeter goes to trial for the shooting death of Tyric Pugh this week.

In addition to the public naming of Jeter as a suspect, Lozier said that investigators will begin the process of unsealing search warrants issued in the initial investigation five years ago. Once that information is available, detectives plan to offer a cash reward for information that can help solve the case.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"We have been working on it continuously and we have used every technology that's available," Lozier said. "We've used every state law agency, federal agency, private expert and consultation looking for technologies to put Sheldon Jeter, or another individual, in that driveway at that time. So far, none of the technology has been able to make us do that. So, we're hoping that additional information will help us. Maybe this is an informant, but we're still looking for additional information as technology improves."

Throughout this process, Jeter remains a suspect and there are no charges currently filed against him. Similar to any suspect or indictment, he is considered innocent until proven guilty.

Who are Sheldon Jeter and Rachael DelTondo?

The investigation into DelTondo's death began on May 13, 2018, after the 33-year-old teacher was shot multiple times in her parents' driveway in Aliquippa. The murder quickly gained national media attention, being featured on the show "48 Hours," which caused speculation about the case to run rampant.

More: DelTondo murder remains unsolved after two years

While never officially named as a suspect, it was made public knowledge that Jeter was questioned in the murder of DelTondo through several television features and news coverage of the murder. During this coverage, police records indicated DelTondo had been accused of having intimate interactions with Jeter, who was a teenager at the time. This resulted in her suspension from teaching at PA Cyber School at the time of her death.

A screenshot from cbsnews.com website shows the "48 Hours" episode "What Happended to Rachael?" on May 18. The episode featured the unsolved murder of Rachael DelTondo.

Jeter is currently serving a sentence of life in prison for the murder of 30-year-old Tyric Pugh on May 15, 2020. In this case, a jury found Jeter guilty of first-degree murder after Pugh was shot seven times along Aliquippa's Kiehl Street. Police say they later found the gun used in the murder under Jeter's bed.

More on this verdict: Jury finds Sheldon Jeter guilty of murder

During an appeal from Jeter's defense attorneys, judges from the Superior Court of Pennsylvania ordered a retrial of the Pugh murder case after a juror did not disclose that they were DelTondo's next-door neighbor. The juror had told the court she was in the process of divorcing a distant cousin of Jeter, who the defense claims is her now ex-husband who suffered PTSD following the murder.

The defense has also accused this juror of improperly discussing the trial with her father; the two had "prayed on it" to come to a decision, Jeter's team said. Defense lawyers also pointed to allegations that two courtroom spectators were heard openly discussing the DelTondo case; it's unclear if those conversations were within earshot of the jury.

Jeter's lawyers were unable to be contacted on whether this recent announcement and renewed media attention would affect a potential retrial process.

Criticism shared of the announcement's timing

Following Lozier's announcement, a letter was also released by DelTondo's parents via their legal representation that was critical of the way the investigation has been handled. In this letter, the DelTondo family expressed that the announcement had been sudden and caused "more suffering and hurt on top of what [they] have suffered for the past five years."

In their criticisms of the announcement, the DelTondo's say that communication from Lozier has been insincere and Jeter's status as a suspect was already common knowledge. Instead, they believe the recent announcement was a political tool in Lozier's upcoming re-election campaign.

Rachael DelTondo, 33, was shot and killed outside her parents' home on Buchanan Street in Aliquippa on May 13, 2018.

"How does this help to find the killer of our daughter? Second, why make the announcement now? The answers to these questions are really clear to us," the DelTondos wrote in their letter. "This was a cheap, underhanded, pitiful, political stunt pulled by Mr. Lozier in an effort to boost his campaign for reelection, which will occur in approximately two and one-half months, at the expense of our dead daughter and us. After five years of producing nothing, he is fearful that his ineptness as a DA is showing through and that the announcement was made to deflect his poor effort to bring justice to our daughter. Shame on him.

Lozier says that the family was notified of the case's status several days in advance of the announcement and he said the family was "very pleased and positive" with the work from detectives. Several days later, the letter was released to media outlets critical of his response. Lozier stands by the decision, saying the public had a right to know the status.

"I'm afraid that anything I do in an election year is going to be painted as politics," Lozier said. "Whether I've mentioned Rachael DelTondo or don't mention Rachael DelTondo, either will be painted as politics, but in this case, I did it because it's been over five years. I thought that the community and the family deserved to know our position. They were pleased with the approach that we had made and what we provided. Their position changed and that's out of my control."

A similar update on the DelTondo case was given by Lozier during his 2019 re-election campaign, in which he said that the probe was a very active investigation.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Suspect named in DelTondo murder, criticism shared for timing of news
The Duke of Sussex is expected to travel to the UK in September on the eve of the first anniversary of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth IIs death.

Prince Harry will attend an award ceremony for WellChild on 7 September, where he will deliver a speech. He has been a patron of the charity for seriously ill children for 15 years. It is one of the few patronages he has kept after he and the Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020.

It has been said that the duke may be in the UK on 8 September, the anniversary of the late monarchs death. He is expected to be in Dusseldorf on 9 September to kick off his Invictus Games, where he will meet Meghan Markle, who is expected to fly straight from California to Germany.

During Harrys brief time in his home country, however, he is not expected to see any members of his family, including his father King Charles III or brother, the Prince of Wales.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The King will be in Balmoral to mark the first death anniversary of his mother, while the rift between Harry and Prince William has seen contact between the siblings cease for many months now.

The news follows after royal sources claimed that peace talks between the King and his youngest son would not go ahead as hoped. It was previously reported that Charles and Harry would meet on 17 September, which would coincide with the end of Harrys Dusseldorf trip and the Kings return to London from his summer break in Balmoral.

Earlier this week, The Daily Beast quoted sources as saying that there will be no summit between Harry and any senior member of the royal family. It comes after the King appointed Sir Edward Young as one of his Permanent Lords in Waiting  a likely blow to Harry, as he previously expressed his disdain for three senior courtiers, one of whom is believed to be Young.

In his bestselling memoir Spare, the duke is believed to have nicknamed Young, who was a trusted private secretary to the late Queen, as the Bee and accused him of fixing the terms of his and Meghans departure from the royal family.

The last time Harry was seen among the rest of his family was in May, when he attended his fathers coronation at Westminster Abbey. He was seated in the third row, two rows behind William and Kate Middleton, and left the ceremony promptly after it ended. He did not speak to the King, Queen Camilla, William or Kate at the event.

Harry in the third row (Getty Images)

He was last in the UK in June, when he appeared at the High Court for his case against Mirror Group Newspapers. He entered the witness box to give evidence in an attempt to prove the newspaper group published stories about him using illegally obtained information.

According to The Telegraph, Harrys return to the UK might mean he will have to ask Buckingham Palace for permission to stay in an apartment on one of the royal estates for the first time. The Sussexes were evicted from their UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, earlier this year.

Harry also has the option of staying with friends or in a hotel. He could also stay with his cousin Princess Eugenie at her and husband Jack Brooksbanks residence, Ivy Cottage. The duke remains close with Eugenie and she has visited him and his family in the US several times.
Princess Charlene of Monacos Instagram account appears to have been deleted amid rumours that shes been living in Switzerland and only sees her husband for ceremonial occasions.

The princess, 45, who is married to Prince Albert II of Monaco, 65, appears to no longer be active on the Instagram account @hshprincesscharlene. When searching for the Instagram handle, the page returns with no results and instead a message that reads: Sorry, this page isnt available. The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed.

Charlene previously used the Instagram account to share photos of the royal couples two children: Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, eight. While her personal account appears to have been deleted, the Instagram account for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation remains active.

The deleted Instagram account comes amid rumours that the princess was living in Switzerland and only sees her husband by appointment, German and French outlets recently reported. The couple were previously spotted on a yacht with their children this summer, according to the Daily Mail. However, Charlene allegedly did not return to Monaco with the family.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A source told French newspaper Voici that the former Olympic swimmer and the son of Grace Kelly are a ceremonial couple who only reunite in Monaco for official engagements. Meanwhile, sources told German outlet Bild: Albert and Charlene are now good partners, take turns taking care of the children.

The royal palace of Monaco has yet to respond to the claims. However, Prince Albert previously dismissed rumours that the couple were separated earlier this year. In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Palaces press office said they formally deny the malicious rumorus peddled by the French magazine Royaute, which claimed that the couple were in the process of separation. Please disregard this article which is totally unfounded, they said. Palace sources also told People that reports of an estrangement were made up of old stories which werent true to begin with.

Princess Charlene has previously lived on-and-off in South Africa, after she developed a sinus infection in May 2021 due to complications from a sinus lift and bone grafting procedure. She was forced to remain in South Africa under the care of doctors. Initially I was supposed to be here for 10 to 12 days, unfortunately, I had a problem equalising my ears, and I found out through the doctors that I had a sinus infection and quite a serious one. So, its taking time to address this problem that Im having, she told People in July 2021.

In September that year, Prince Albert clarified that his wife took the trip to work with her foundation and to visit family and friends, and not because they were separated. She didnt leave Monaco in a huff! he told People. She didnt leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else. She was going down to South Africa to reassess her foundations work down there and to take a little time off with her brother and some friends.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attend 74th annual Monaco Red Cross Ball on 29 July 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Princess Charlene returned to Monaco that fall, but quickly halted her public duties in November 2021 due to a state of profound general fatigue. It was later revealed that she was receiving treatment at a facility in Switzerland. She then made her first public appearance in more than a year at the Monaco E-Prix race in May 2022, with both her husband and children. Charlene also attended the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

The latest reports that Princess Charlene is living in Switzerland comes after Prince Alberts son Alexandre Grimaldi opened up about certain narratives surrounding his parentage. Grimaldi, 19, is the second eldest child of Monacos reigning monarch. In 2005, shortly before Prince Albert ascended the throne after his father, Prince Rainier III, had died, he confirmed that he had fathered a child with former Air France flight attendant, Nicole Coste. A French newspaper reported that Alberts son Alexandre Coste was born in August 2003. Just a few days before he was enthroned on 12 July 2005, the prince confirmed via his lawyer that Grimaldi was his biological son.

Speaking to French magazine Point de Vue, Grimaldi clarified that he was not an illegitimate child since neither of his parents were in another marriage nor did they commit adultery while conceiving him. I hope no one believes the lies conveyed on the internet, he said. One bears the name of ones father when one has been recognised since birth. I had voluntary recognition from my father when I was a baby. Not from a judge or the press who have forced him to.
WWE Championship Belt presented during the Beyond Sport United 2016 at Barclays Center on August 9, 2016 in Brooklyn, New York. (Getty Images)

Professional wrestling pioneer Terry Funk has died at the age of 79, WWE has confirmed.

Funk, who was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2009 and the International Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2021, wrestled for 52 years and took part in his final match in 2017.

WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Terry Funk has passed away at the age of 79. WWE extends its condolences to Funks family, friends and fans, WWE posted on social media on Wednesday.

He was my mentor, my idol, one of the closest friends, Foley wrote on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

He was the greatest wrestler I ever saw. If you get the chance, look up a Terry Funk match or a Terry Funk promo, and give thanks that this incredible man gave so much, for so long, to so many. There will never be another like him.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ric Flair also took to social media and called him a great wrestler, entertainer, unbelievably fearless, and a great friend, adding No one will ever replace you in the world of professional wrestling.

Funk also appeared in a string of Hollywood movies, including Roadhouse with Patrick Swayze, Paradise Alley and Over the Top.

Funk leaves behind two daughters, Stacy and Brandee.
A home for a new City Water, Light and Power storage facility has drawn condemnation from a group pushing for national recognition for the neighboring 1908 Springfield Race Riot site.

According to Amber Sabin, CWLP public information officer, the department is considering constructing an equipment and maintenance storage center in the area of Madison and 11th streets. Backhoes, trucks, and trailers would be housed in the facility.

Historic marker for Springfield Race Riot near the corner of 11th Street and Madison Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

The concern for groups such as the Springfield NAACP lies with the facility's proximity to the proposed national park designation and memorial.

Teresa Haley, the president of the Illinois State NAACP and Springfield branch, told The State Journal-Register the group wants the adjacent land donated whether that be for parking or a park.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"You don't put a national monument on one side of the railroad tracks and on the opposite side of it, two city garages," she said.

More: Heat warning extended to Friday as heat indices expected to exceed 110 degrees

Given the NAACP's request and the ongoing Springfield Rail Improvements Project, Sabin said the department is trying to make it work between all parties in the space. The specific facility is for CWLP's existing Water Distribution and Engineering Division - housed at 11th and Mason streets - and would allow the department to stay at this location.

"Right now, they are looking to see if they can accommodate that on-site or near site," she said.

Earlier this year, a years-long study of the archaeological site, located near Madison Street and the 10th Street Rail Corridor, determined it met all criteria to be considered national park-eligible. The riot has been cited as the 1909 impetus for the NAACP, which is calling on President Joe Biden to authorize a memorial.

The president could use the Antiquities Act -- setting federal protection on lands with cultural or historical significance. According to NPS, the act has been used nearly 300 times since 1906.

U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth , along with U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, have joined with that push. Per the study, construction costs for the memorial are expected to surpass $6.4 million with another $320,000 going towards annual maintenance.

Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher has previously said she looks forward to the next stages of the project, seen as way to "ultimately commemorate and preserve the memory" of the riots. According to Sabin, Buscher met with Duckworths representatives last week on plans for the race riot site with another meeting ahead with the NAACP.

Im working with CWLP and Public Works to see that we review all possible options for the Water Department site and if a new configuration can work in such a way to not take away from the Race Riot site and plans for a new National Park for our city," the mayor said in a statement.

However, Haley said Thursday she has not talked with the mayor and has no meeting scheduled. Two previously scheduled meetings were canceled by the mayor's office, she added.

NAACP President Springfield branch Teresa Haley Speaks during a press conference at the Sangamon County Building Tuesday Jan. 10, 2023.

For Haley, the designation is partially about drawing attention to the riot while also attracting more visitors to the city.

"The race riot monument will bring more tourism, more economics to Springfield, and it's another opportunity for healing," she said. "So as soon as President Biden signs the Antiquities Act, a sign will go up showing that area has been designated, and then we can start doing some major fundraising to break ground and make that memorial happen."

Last week marked 115 years since the race riots, prompted by a mob demanding two Black men be turned over from the Sangamon County jail. George Richardson, falsely accused of sexually assaulting a white woman, and Joe James, accused of fatally stabbing a white man were, however, being held in Bloomington.

Violence soon broke out against the Black community resulting in the lynching of two prominent Black business owners -- Scott Burton and William Donegan. Gov. Charles Deneen eventually brought in the Illinois National Guard to put an end to the riots.

Contact Patrick Keck: 312-549-9340, pkeck@gannett.com, twitter.com/@pkeckreporter.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: NAACP: Proposed CWLP facility would obstruct 1908 Race Riot site
Judge Kraig Powell smiles after receiving a camouflage robe given to him by veterans in his courtroom at the Provo District Courthouse in Provo on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. The Veterans Treatment Court Mentors issued the robe to Powell in the Utah County 4th District Veterans treatment court. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

"I am never going to forget this day."

That's what Judge Kraig Powell said Tuesday after he became the first Utah judge to be honored with camouflage robe representing his significant impact on local veterans.

Powell has served the Utah County 4th District Veterans Treatment Court for over six years. His face revealed his shock Tuesday when he entered his courtroom at the Utah County Courthouse in Provo to find it full of veterans in treatment, past program participants, their families, military members and government officials.

"I'm speechless," Powell said during the surprise ceremony.

Judge Kraig Powell smiles after receiving a camouflage robe given to him in his courtroom at the Provo District Courthouse in Provo on Tuesday. The robe signifies his contribution to the local veteran community. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

Utah County Commissioner Tom Sakievich said he watched the way Powell held court a few months ago and found it "remarkable."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Thank you for what you're doing here," Sakievich said. "I'm glad you're part of this district."

Powell's father, who died last year, served in World War II and was a great inspiration to him, Sakievich said.

"I always feel a little bit strange presiding over this court, not having served actively in the military, but you all made me feel like I have a place in this great country," Powell told the court, growing emotional. "Thanks for making me feel like I can make a difference like all of you do."

Barry McLerran, representing Utah Sen. Mitt Romney, presented Powell with a certificate signed by Romney during Tuesday's ceremony.

"Your character always comes out when you're talking with those veterans," McLerran said. "It's clear that you're firm, but you are also very compassionate, and it's clear how much you care for those veterans."

Powell's wife, Kim Powell, said her husband knows all the names of the veterans he works with. She said she sometimes brings their kids to court, telling them, "This is unlike any other court proceeding you will ever experience because there's cheering, and there's clapping, and  there's push-ups!"

Judge Kraig Powell smiles after receiving a camouflage robe given to him in his courtroom at the Provo District Courthouse in Provo on Tuesday. The robe signifies his contribution to the local veteran community. | Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News

The impact of Veterans Treatment Court

Powell said veterans often struggle to adjust back to civilian life, and that treatment court focuses on an approach to help them be rehabilitated.

"By doing that, we're able to help veterans really reach a new level that wouldn't be possible in a traditional justice system, according to my usual experience," Powell said. "I'm just so grateful that I've been able to see what the veterans can do if given the opportunity."

Powell also praised the government and judicial organizations that help veterans get treatment and support.

Shane Hakala, Marine veteran and assistant peer mentor coordinator, said Veterans Treatment Court works in conjunction with community organizations to get veterans the treatment they need.

"We actually get down to the root causes of what some of these problems develop into from their military service or trauma  and we start addressing those issues," Hakala said.

Joe Rummel, Army veteran and court mentor coordinator, emphasized the treatment court isn't about making excuses for veterans who have committed crimes. It's about recognizing what veterans have been through and how they can be rehabilitated.

"It's tough for a veteran to reach out and ask for help, because we've been told forever if you reach out and ask for help, you're a wimp," Rummel said. "This is our way to give back.  We dig down inside those veterans and we find out what they need."

Rummel said he's only seen a total of five veterans not make it through Powell's courtroom, when 25 to 30 go through the program every year.

"Judge Kraig Powell truly cares about what he's doing for veterans. I've never seen a gentleman step up so much to help take care of veterans as much as he does," he said. "He's very firm, but very fair, and he cares.  The veterans respect him a ton."
Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin took revenge for the humiliation of the Wagner Groups mutiny and ordered the assassination of their leadership.

Source: the ISW

Details: The ISW noted that Yevgeny Prigozhin , the leader of the Wagner Group, and its founder, Dmitry Utkin, were reportedly killed after Russian security forces shot down a plane carrying Wagner Group's leadership over Tver Oblast.

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia) reported on 23 August that all passengers  Yevgeny Prigozhin, Dmitry Utkin, Sergei Propustin, Evgeny Makaryan, Alexander Totmin, Valery Chekalov and Nikolai Matyuseyev  died in the crash, along with all three crew members.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In addition, Russian sources claimed that a second Embraer aircraft (registration number RA-02748) belonging to the Wagner Group took off from Moscow but turned around and landed at Moscow's Ostafievo airport at approximately the same time as the hit occurred.

Flight tracking data showed that this second plane arrived in St Petersburg at 18:27 and flew back to Moscow 20 minutes later, arriving, however, at 20:02.

Analysts pointed out that the Russian Ministry of Defence and the Kremlin have been destroying the Wagner Group and weakening Prigozhin's power since the mutiny, and the assassination of Wagner Group's senior leadership was likely the final step in eliminating the PMC as an independent organisation.

Experts also suggested that Prigozhin was probably trying to counteract the destruction of the Wagner Group by the Russian Ministry of Defence and the Kremlin.

It is noted in the report that the future of the Wagner Group without a leader remains uncertain.

Experts agreed that Prigozhin and Utkin were undoubtedly the faces of the Wagner Group, and their murder will have significant consequences for the PMCs command and for Wagner as a brand.

In addition, Wagner Group's commanders and mercenaries may begin to fear for their lives or become demoralised.

Quote: "The Russian Ministry of Defences and Kremlins inroads into Wagners operations and the absence of Prigozhin  who would fight for new opportunities for Wagner personnel  may further lead to the degradation of the Wagner grouping.

Putin almost certainly ordered the Russian military command to shoot down Prigozhins plane. Elements of the Russian military, especially Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Army General Valery Gerasimov, would be extremely unlikely to execute Prigozhin without Putins order."

"The official confirmation of Surovikins dismissal in Russian state media on the same day as Prigozhins assassination is likely no coincidence. The Kremlin likely intends for both publicised punishments to send a clear message that those who were involved in the 24 June rebellion have been dealt with and that Wagners challenge to the Russian leadership is a settled affair." (Sergei Surovikin is a former commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, dismissed by Putin on 22 August  ed.)

More details: As the analysts stated, Russian sources pointed out that exactly two months had passed since the start of the Wagner Groups armed rebellion, during which their forces shot down several Russian helicopters and killed at least 13 Russian servicemen.

Experts said that the decision to say that Russian air defence was responsible for Prigozhin's murder allowed the Russian Ministry of Defence to directly avenge one of the worst days for Russian aviation since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Experts also noted that the Kremlin is probably creating conditions to remove the obvious responsibility for Prigozhin's murder from Putin and the Russian military.

To quote the ISW's Key Takeaways on 23 August:

Wagner Group financier Yevgeny Prigozhin and founder Dmitry Utkin reportedly died after Russian forces shot down an aircraft transporting senior Wagner commanders over Tver Oblast.

The Russian Ministry of Defene and the Kremlin have been destroying the Wagner private military company (PMC) and weakening Prigozhins authority since the rebellion  and the assassination of Wagners top leadership was likely the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organisation.

Prigozhin was likely attempting to counter the Russian Ministry of Defenes and the Kremlins destruction of Wagner and Wagners future remains uncertain.

Putin almost certainly ordered the Russian military command to shoot down Prigozhins plane.

Putin's almost certain order for the Russian Ministry of Defence to shoot down Prigozhins plane is likely a public attempt to reassert his dominance and exact vengeance for the humiliation that the Wagner Groups armed rebellion on June 24 caused Putin and the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The Kremlin appears to be setting conditions to deflect overt responsibility for Prigozhins assassination away from Putin and the Russian military.

Further tactically significant Ukrainian gains in and around Robotyne in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast are widening the Ukrainian breach of Russian defensive lines in the area and threatening Russian secondary lines of defence.

Ukrainian forces likely struck a Russian S-400 air defence system in Crimea on 23 August.

Russian forces conducted offensive operations along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line, in the Bakhmut area, along the Avdiivka-Donetsk City line on 23 August and did not make any confirmed advances.

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!
Outcry grows as Japan unveils wastewater discharge plan

Chinadaily.com.cn) 09:13, August 24, 2023

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed his "condolences" over a plane crash that purportedly killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, describing him as a man who made mistakes but achieved "results."

An investigation is underway into what caused Wednesday's crash, which came exactly two months after Wagner's short-lived rebellion against Moscow's military leadership.

"First of all I want to express words of sincere condolences to the families of all the victims," Putin said in a televised meeting, calling the incident a "tragedy."

"I knew Prigozhin for a very long time, since the early '90s. He was a man of complicated fate, and he made serious mistakes in his life, but he achieved the right results," Putin added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He mentioned Prigozhin's work in Africa  where Prigozhin claimed to be earlier in the week and where the Wagner group maintains a significant military presence.

"As far as I know, he just returned from Africa yesterday and met with some officials there," Putin said.

He said the investigation into the crash "will take some time."

"It will be conducted in full and brought to a conclusion. There is no doubt about that," Putin said, in footage showing a meeting with the Russian-installed head of the Donetsk region Denis Pushilin.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, left, with Russian President Vladimir Putin / Credit: Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

The circumstances of the crash, which reportedly claimed the lives of some of Prigozhin's close entourage, have prompted furious speculation about a possible assassination.

An initial U.S. assessment of the situation found that Prigozhin was likely killed in the crash, Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon press secretary, told reporters.

The assessment was made "based on a variety of factors," Ryder said during a news briefing Thursday. He didn't provide specific details.

"We're continuing to assess the situation," Ryder said.

A U.S. official told CBS News that it appears "very unlikely" that Prigozhin's plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile and that the most likely cause appears to be an explosion aboard the aircraft. What caused the explosion is not known, although a bomb is one possibility, the official said.

On Wednesday, President Biden was asked if he believed Putin was behind the crash. He replied: "There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind, but I don't know enough to know the answer to that."

Prigozhin was branded a "traitor" by Putin after Wagner launched its rebellion in June, in what was seen as Putin's biggest challenge to authority since he came to power.

Among those killed in the crash was Dmitry Utkin, a shadowy figure who managed Wagner's operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence.

Putin said the Wagner members who died in the crash made a "significant contribution" to Moscow's offensive in Ukraine and shared a "common cause."

"We remember that, we know that, and we will not forget that," Putin said.

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 was plundering the country's mineral resources in exchange for protecting the president against a coup.

DeSantis supporters react to first debate performance

Fulton County D.A. Fani Willis proposes new trial date ahead of Trump's surrender

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows surrenders in Georgia, Trump soon to follow
Russian President Vladimir Putin has broken his silence on Yevgeny Prigozhin 's suspected death.

He called the Wagner Group boss "a man of complicated fate" who made "serious mistakes" in life.

Prigozhin, who led a mutiny against Russia's military, was presumed dead after a private jet crashed outside Moscow on Wednesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday broke his silence on Yevgeny Prigozhin's apparent death in a plane crash, according to reports.

"First of all, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of all the victims, this is always a tragedy," Putin said, according to CNN, adding, "Preliminary information suggests that Wagner Group employees were also on board."

"I've known Prigozhin for a long time, since the early '90s. He was a man of complicated fate and he made serious mistakes in his life," Putin said during a meeting at the Kremlin that was broadcast on Russian television, according to NBC News.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Putin called Prigozhin  the founder of the Russian paramilitary group who recently staged a short-lived mutiny against Russia's military  "a talented man, a talented businessman."

Prigozhin was presumed dead on Wednesday after a Wagner-affiliated private jet crashed in Russia's Tver region outside of Moscow.

In the aftermath, Russian state media reported that Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on the plane that went down, killing all 10 people on board.

Reuters, citing two anonymous United States officials, reported on Thursday that the US believes a surface-to-air missile that came from inside Russia may have shot down the plane.

There has been long-standing suspicion Prigozhin could face revenge from Putin and the Kremlin after the Wagner chief led the armed uprising in June against Russian military brass.

Prigozhin was initially allowed to leave Russia without being jailed and was staying in Belarus.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Vladimir Putin , president of the aggressor country, has spoken out for the first time since the crash of a plane which, according to Rosaviatsia, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, was carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin , the leader of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC).

Source: Russian Kremlin-aligned media outlet RBC; Russian propagandists

Details: In a conversation with Denis Pushilin, the Kremlin-appointed head of the occupied part of Donetsk Oblast, Putin expressed his condolences to all those who died in the crash and talked about Prigozhins talents.

"I have known Prigozhin for a long time, since the beginning of the 90s. He was a man with a complex fate; he made some serious mistakes in his life, but he achieved the results he needed, both for himself and, when I asked him to, for a common cause, as in these last few months. He was a gifted man, a talented businessman," Putin said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Putin also praised the Wagnerites for participating in the war against Ukraine. According to him, "these are people who have made a historic contribution to our common cause of fighting against the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine". He promised that he would not forget about this.

Background:

On the evening of 23 August, a small plane crashed in the Bologovsky district of Tver Oblast, Russia. Rosaviatsiya, the Federal Air Transport Agency, said Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as having been on board.

The Telegram channel Grey Zone, which is close to Wagner, states that Prigozhins plane had been shot down by the air defence. It was also reported that a terrorist attack on board was being considered as one of the possible causes of the disaster.

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency posted a full list of the passengers on the plane. Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the list.

The Russian media saw a certain symbolism in the fact that the plane crash occurred on 23 August, exactly two months after the Wagner rebellion (Prigozhin announced his "march for justice" on the evening of 23 June).

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin was taking revenge for the humiliation caused by the Wagner Groups mutiny and had ordered the assassination of their leadership.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine had nothing to do with the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin in Russia.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has confirmed the death of Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin on Aug. 24. The mercenary group leader was presumed dead in an Aug. 23 private jet crash.

"He made mistakes," said Putin, but he "got the results he wanted both for himself and for the common cause."

Putin also noted that he had known Prigozhin for a long time, expressing condolences.

Prigozhin was listed as one of the passengers of the aircraft, but it not initially confirmed whether he had been onboard. Russian media reported earlier on Aug. 24 that all 10 bodies found in the crash have been taken for examination.

The cause of the crash remains unclear. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Aug. 24 that Ukraine did not orchestrate the crash, but added that "everyone understands" who is behind it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The likely cause was a bomb onboard or "some other form of sabotage," according to unnamed U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal on Aug. 24.

Though the officials stressed that their assessments are not yet complete, the plane did not appear to have been shot down by an air defense missile, the article wrote.

The leader of the mercenary group had launched a short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in late June. He captured the city of Rostov and marched toward Moscow before abruptly ending the insurrection.

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.

The Wagner Group became infamous in 2022 for bringing tens of thousands of convicts from Russia's prisons into its ranks to fight in Ukraine, including those convicted of rape and murder, and used them as a highly effective but expendable assault force.

Read also: Russian media: Private jet crashes in Russia, warlord Prigozhin listed among passengers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian President Vladimir Putin was "most likely" behind the alleged death of Wagner mercenary company leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, former Chief of the British General Staff Richard Dannatt told Sky News on Aug. 24.

"I think it's probably most likely that even if it wasn't ordered by Putin directly, it was by someone who knows what Putin would have wished and has ensured the elimination of aggression has happened," General Lord Dannatt said.

Read also: After Prigozhin's death Kremlin to try to take control over Wagner mercenary company, says ex-CIA director

Given the balance of probabilities, "its Putin's doing", he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Dannatt said that if Putin was indeed involved, he had been forced to take this step to strengthen his shaky position.

Read also: Paralyzed Putin did nothing despite knowing of Wagner rebellion in advance  Washington Post

"He (Putin) was weakened from the moment Prigozhin started his ill-fated march on Moscow two months ago," the general said.

An Embraer-135 plane crashed in Russia's Tver Oblast on Aug. 23. Russian media reported that it belonged to the leader of the Wagner mercenary company, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Russian Telegram news channels spread various versions of the cause of the crash, including an air defense strike, a strike by an S-300 air defense missile, or an explosion on board.

Read also: Kremlin purges 28 high-ranking officers after Wagners mutiny  Estonian intelligence

Late in the evening, the Russian Air Transport Agency confirmed that Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin (Prigozhin's deputy, whose call sign Wagner was used to name the company) were on board the jet. The incident occured exactly two months after the start of Wagners failed "mutiny" against the Russian government in late June.

In addition to them, the bodies of eight other people were found at the site. According to media reports, they included close associates of Prigozhin and participants in the war in Syria, as well as the planes three crew members.

According to Russian journalist Andrei Zakharov, Prigozhin and Wagner's "command staff" were returning from Africa. The Russian news outlet Agentstvo reported that Prigozhin boarded his plane only in Moscow.

Read also: Putin will crush everyone one by one  Elections illogical during war, says political analyst

At the time of the crash, Russian leader Putin was in Kursk Oblast attending a concert dedicated to the "80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk".

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
As Vladimir Putin sits thinking in his bomb-proof office, he may come to regret the fact that the entire world is sure that he ordered the death of the mutinous mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Kremlin is a Camorra, a mafia style parliament, running a gangster operation to fill Putins pockets and those of his oligarchs and elites. But as the Japanese found in Burma in 1944, if you prosecute a war with terror you will likely come unstuck against a well led, motivated and moral organisation like General Bill Slims Forgotten Army.

Putin may in fact have signed his own death warrant. His fingerprints may not have been on the firing button when Prigozhins jet was brought down, and may not have been on the Polonium or Novichok which killed some of his other opponents, but his DNA is all over the orders. He now has two very powerful groups to worry about  quite apart from the International Criminal Court, which no doubt has so much evidence that if he ever gets to the Hague he will never leave.

Firstly, Putin must worry about his oligarchs who have now been holed up in their dachas in Moscow for over 18 months, unable to use their superyachts or villas in the Mediterranean. As their leader is further vilified around the globe over this latest murder, the oligarchs may come to see that their only chance to break out of Russia, now so diminished economically and socially, is to dispose of Putin.

Secondly, the Wagner Group might have lost their cowboy leader and his deputy, but they remain a large force of thugs and murderers. Prigozhin was no military commander, but the Wagner Group is the most successful military outfit that Russia has managed to put into the field, no matter that they are paid mercenaries, many of them recruited out of Russian jails. To control such a rabble, you need some very hard lieutenants running the show and these men will now be considering the future in Belarus and Africa. How ironic it would be if somebody showered them with riches to go and create mayhem within Russia. My experience of mercenaries is that they are not too picky about whose money they take.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its unlikely to be a coincidence that the final dismissal of General Armageddon Sergei Surovikin was announced on the same day as Prigozhin was taken out. Putin has now disposed of his most effective military commanders and is left with desk jockeys like Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov to run the battles in Ukraine and the defence of Moscow. These men might have chests full of medals, but these medals are for needle work and cookery, not for fighting as Surovikins and Prigozhins were. A poorly led army is a rabble which will likely turn and run, and this is now what Putin has created.

I imagine that over the next few days we are also likely to be treated to a flood of kompromat which the late Yevgeny Vitorovich will have gathered on Putin and his baleful regime, for release in the event of his death. This could mean further pressure on an increasingly beleaguered Kremlin.

In the cold light of day, when Muscovites yet again have to dive for their shelters as Ukrainian drones approach, and reflect that their young men are coming home in boxes rather than in triumph, they will surely start to realise that Putins special military operation is a complete disaster. But I expect it will be the oligarchs and Wagner who finish Putin before he completely destroys the Russian state.

What comes next cannot be worse or more evil; weve seen hell on earth in the last 18 months. What is certain is that the next Russian leader will not have a useable army or effective generals to command it for a generation.

Things are likely to get messier before they get better, but after the demise of Surovikin and Prigozhin, Putins coffin wont require many more nails.

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.
Russian state media appears to have one goal in the aftermath of the plane crash that reportedly killed the head of Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the groups founder Dmitry Utkin, and their associates on Wednesday: to deflect any blame away from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

On Thursday, state media network Rossiya-24 referenced a criminal investigation that was opened by the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation, citing potential violations of air transportation safety and operation rules that may have caused the crash.

The most popular star of Russian state television, Vladimir Solovyov, likewise did his best to divert the focus from the most likely beneficiary of the incidenteven going so far as to claim that Putin had nothing to gain from Prigozhins demise. During his show Full Contact Thursday morning, Solovyov complained about the Western medias coverage that described the incident as Putins revenge.

Prigozhin and Wagner did not present any threat to the Kremlin! None at all... They presented a colossal threat for the European countries! Im trying to figure out who might have benefited from it. The very last person it would benefit is Putin! he said. Putin gave a word, he forgave all of them... Putin was never known not to keep his word! He is a man of his reputation all about the laws, he insisted.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Although he conceded that Prigozhins march on Moscow was indeed a stab in the back of the Russian president, the host brushed off any possibility of a revenge killing, asserting, Were not a gang! We are not the mafia! This is not Mario Puzos book The Godfather. We are a nation of laws!

The Demise of Prigozhin, Putins Dear Friend Turned Biggest Problem

Solovyov ticked off other suspects he claimed could be behind the incident. He alleged that NATO countries benefit from Prigozhins demise to a colossal degree, because they want to undermine Russias military capabilities in Africa.

The next alleged beneficiary named by Solovyov was, of course, Ukraine: For Ukraine, this is a major celebration! Yesterday, the Ukrainian segment of the internet exploded in total happiness! The host pointed out that if any remnants of an explosive device on board the plane are found in the future, Ukraine would likely acknowledge its involvement. For them, Prigozhin is target number one! he said, suggesting that Ukrainians blew up Prigozhin to mark their Independence Day on Thursday.

When a female audience member challenged his conspiracy theory by stating that an operation of this magnitude was too complex to have been organized by the Ukrainians, Solovyov exploded in rage, spewing insults and vulgarities at her. Describing the commentator as a fantastic fool, Solovyov asked, How hard is it to sneak a bomb on board? It is the simplest thing there is Im so sick of fools writing to me! I hate cretins! I just hate them! He referred to multiple other viewers writing into the show as degenerates and refused to address their commentary.

Solovyov then accused Western media outlets of attempting to shift the blame from the real perpetrators responsible for the crash, just to screw over Putin. The Anglo-Saxons are undoubtedly behind this crime! he fumed. Solovyov went on to name France, Poland, the Baltic states, and NATO countries in general as other likely beneficiaries of the incident. This does not benefit Russia at all! he reiterated.

Just one day before the fatal crash, Solovyov had been complaining that Russias main weakness is its failure to retaliate against those who cause it harm: We aren't retaliating for anything! One of the grievances he brought up specifically pertained to Prigozhin: Fifteen pilots have perished during a mutiny! So? Who answered for them? No one! he said.

In the aftermath of the short-lived mutiny back in June, Solovyov and his guests on The Evening With Vladimir Solovyov were aghast that the Wagner chief was allowed to live after his march on Moscow. State Duma member Andrey Gurulyov, retired deputy Commander of the 58th Combined Arms Army of the Southern Military District, said that traitors have to be destroyed and urged Prigozhin and Utkin to commit suicide before a bullet finds them. There are no other options for traitors, he stressed.

Wagner Mercenaries Break Down and Sob at Shrine to Their Dead Boss

In July, Eduard Petrov, who heads the Legal Programs Production Service, insisted that criminal investigations against Prigozhin were far from over, while various state media outlets portrayed Prigozhin and the Wagnerites as a bunch of unsavory characters, convicted of a plethora of shameful crimes.

Despite that earlier stance, Solovyov claimed there was no coordinated media campaign to besmirch Prigozhin, referring to him as Hero of Russia. He called on Wagner fighters to take Kyiv in honor of Prigozhin, and urged viewers to consider who benefits from Prigozhins death, naming the French, Americans, and Ukrainians as the most likely culprits.

The weatherman, Evgeny Tishkovets, then chimed in with his own theory about the plane crash. He blamed the weather.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Ukraines military conducted a long-awaited landing on Crimea Thursday in what looked to be the early stages of an ambitious attempt to take back Crimea from Russian forces, Ukrainian officials said.

As part of the special operation, the landing of personnel took place on the territory of the peninsula, a representative from Ukraines Main Intelligence Directorate said of the operation, adding that Ukrainian forces attacked Russian troops after landing. The goal has been achieved, there are no losses among personnel. The special operation continues, we do not reveal all the details, there are losses among the enemy's personnel, as well as among the forces and means. Information on the number of losses is being clarified."

The Main Directorate of Intelligence conducted the operation, which took place overnight, in coordination with the Navy, he added.

Observers reported explosions and seeing a plume of smoke near Olenivka in western Crimea on Wednesday, according to reports on Telegram. Others heard explosions Thursday in the village of Mayak on Cape Takhankut, near Russian air defense assets, according to The New Voice of Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The attack targeted the Bastion anti-ship cruise missiles, according to Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol. Remarkable. The coastal anti-ship missile complex Bastion has been hit in Crimea, he said.

The Secret Mission to Snatch Crimea Back From Putins Clutches

Some local social media accounts reported the attacks hit a radar station in Crimea used to provide targeting information for Russian anti-aircraft missiles, such as the S-400 missile system. A Ukrainian intelligence official confirmed to RBC that Ukraine had hit Russian military facilities in Crimea, damaging a S-400 missile defense battery in the region.

Ukrainian officials have been adamant for months that Kyiv will try to take back Crimea from Russia, which illegally annexed the Ukrainian peninsula in 2014 and has been occupying it ever since. Last year, the top Ukrainian official in charge of Crimea, Tamila Tasheva, told The Daily Beast in an interview that de-occupying Crimea from Russian invaders would likely include a military component. The sweeping operation suggests that Kyiv is ready to take more decisive action on the peninsula.

Ukraine has been targeting Crimea in earnest for weeks now. In July, Ukrainian drones hit an ammunition depot in the region and a key bridge, Kerch, which connects Crimea to Russia.

The peninsula has long been important to Russian President Vladimir Putin, both because he has viewed seizing the territory as key to his legitimacy inside Russia, and because it has become a key logistics hub for Moscow as a launchpad for waging war in Ukraine.

Russia has previously retaliated to attacks on Russian military entities in Crimea with increased attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Some senior U.S. officials have viewed efforts to take back Crimea from Russia as a nuclear red line for Putin, as The Daily Beast has reported. Western officials have urged Kyiv to reconsider its objective.

But the top Ukrainian official in charge of Crimea told The Daily Beast earlier this year that some of that resistance has started to melt away in recent months.

Final Crushing Blow: Putins Men Scramble Over Feared Crimea Blitz

Ukraines Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov has said that Kyiv will continue going after Crimea in order to take out Russian assets helping them keep the war effort going in Ukraine.

All these targets are official targets because it will reduce their capacity to fight against us (and) will help to save the lives of Ukrainians, he said in a CNN interview.

And although the counteroffensive Ukraine is waging against Russian forces has been going slower than expected, according to some reports, Ukrainian officials still have their sights set on Crimea.

Ukrainian officials warned Thursday that Ukraine is prepared to go in on Crimea.

We can currently strike at any part of the temporarily occupied Crimea. We can reach the enemy at absolutely any point, said the chief of the Defense Intelligence unit of Ukraine, Kyrylo Budanov, according to RBC. Those who have done stupid things better leave. And those waiting should prepare and do everything to help intelligence agencies and further when the troops go openly.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Russia's FSB appears the most likely party in the apparent death of Prigozhin.

UK sources told the BBC the agency probably targeted the plane Prigozhin was apparently on.

Putin once ran the FSB himself, and had a long career in its Soviet precursor, the KGB.

Russia's main security and spy agency, once led personally by Vladimir Putin, is emerging as a prime suspect in the plane crash that appears to have killed Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin.

UK defense sources told the BBC that the FSB is the party most likely to have targeted the plane, adding some specificity to the widespread presumption that Putin's administration assassinated Prigozhin.

Prigozhin is presumed dead after a private jet on which he was listed as a passenger crashed in Russia's Tver region outside of Moscow on Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Putin and the FSB have a long history. Putin was made the leader of the FSB in 1998, and was then made Russia's deputy prime minister less than a year alter.

Before his time as a politician, Putin had a long career in the Soviet Union's KGB agency, which eventually became the FSB after the fall of communism.

The BBC also noted that the FSB is known to be unwaveringly loyal to Putin.

It has been accused before in attacks on enemies who earned Putin's disdain: the poisoning of Putin critic and opposition politician Alexei Navalny and the assassination of former Russian spy and Kremlin critic Alexander Litvinenko are two examples.

Ultimately, it's not clear what happened to Prigozhin yet.

But the leader of the mercenary group, which fought for Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, had been feuding with Russia's military leadership for months and publicly criticizing its performance. This culminated in an uprising in June, with his troops taking over a key military base in southern Russia and starting to march towards Moscow.

A peace deal was struck but experts, as well as the head of the CIA, had warned that Prigozhin could face revenge from Putin.

Germany's foreign minister said the crash seemed to fit "this pattern in Putin's Russia: deaths, dubious suicides, falls from windows, all which remain unclarified  that underlines a dictatorial power system that is built on violence."

She said "It is no accident that the world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced former confidant of Putin suddenly, literally falls from the sky two months after he attempted a mutiny," according to The Guardian.

White House National Security Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said that if Prigozhin's death is confirmed "no one should be surprised."

Experts told Insider that three likely scenarios for Prigozhin's death are that Putin ordered it, someone else ordered it, or that Prigozhin didn't actually die and faked his death.

Flight-tracking data showed that the plane was showing no signs of trouble before it had a sharp plummet in the last 30 seconds of its flight, tracking service Flightradar24 told Reuters.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The first Republican presidential debate saw the rivals clash over abortion, Ukraine and Donald Trump  but the former president was absent ahead of his arrest in Georgia later on Thursday.

The eight candidates faced off, with political novice Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, grabbing the limelight and claiming: Im the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for.

Mr Trump, who is dominating the Republican field for next years election, skipped last nights debate, instead broadcasting a rambling interview before he turns himself in to Fulton County police to face charges of electoral fraud related to his refusal to accept defeat by Joe Biden in 2020.

Asked by former Fox News host Tucker Carlson why he was boycotting the event, Mr Trump, 77, noted his strong poll lead over Florida governor Ron DeSantis , tech entrepreneur Mr Ramaswamy and others.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the interview, which by this morning had garnered 120 million views on the X platform (formerly Twitter), he said: Im saying do I sit there for an hour or two hours or whatever its going to be and get harassed by people who shouldnt even be running for president?

Before he is released on bond, Mr Trump is expected to have his mugshot taken by police after he was indicted with 18 alleged accomplices on felony charges that they conspired to overturn President Bidens 2020 win in Georgia  charges that carry up to 20 years in jail. The Georgia case is one of four criminal indictments he faces.

Mr Trump has vowed to continue his campaign, even from jail, and to stretch the US constitution to the limit by pardoning himself if convicted of federal crimes. But he cannot do that in Georgia, as it is not a federal case, and not even a Republican governor could absolve him  pardons there are decided by a state board.

However, underlining his vice-like grip on the Republican party, all but one of the eight candidates at the debate raised their hand when asked if they would support Mr Trump as their nominee, even if he is convicted in a court of law. One candidate, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, claimed to be wagging his finger rather than raising his hand.

Someones got to stop normalising misconduct. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, said Mr Christie, a one-time Trump ally who has since become a fierce critic.

But Mr Ramaswamy drew whoops and cheers from the Trump-loving audience with full-throated support of the former president. Lets just speak the truth, he said. President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. Its a fact.

Vivek Ramaswamy in the Spin Room following the debate (AFP via Getty Images)

The biotech investor eclipsed Mr DeSantis, former vice-president Mike Pence and others in the field, currying favour with the crowd by denouncing man-made climate change as a hoax and confirming that he would withdraw US support for Ukraine in its war against Russia.

When he was attacked by Mr Christie as an amateur, Mr Ramaswamy shot back: Give me a hug just like you did to Obama. That referenced the governors embrace of the former president after a storm ravaged New Jersey.

Nikki Haley, the only woman on a stage of men all wearing Trump-style red ties, tried to rise above the fray. The former governor of South Carolina said: I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman. Mr Trumps mounting legal troubles have done nothing to dent his support among his passionate partisans. With five months to go to the Iowa caucuses, he leads the Republicans 2024 field on an average of just over 50 per cent, against about 15 per cent for Mr DeSantis and nearly 10 per cent for Mr Ramaswamy.

But after his spirited showing in Milwaukee, the entrepreneur will have a bigger target on his back. Ms Haley, who also put in a creditable debate performance, attacked his position on Ukraine. Under your watch, you would make America less safe. You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, she told Mr Ramaswamy.

Mr Pence also went on the attack, swiping at Mr Ramaswamys inexperience, saying: Now is not the time for on-the-job training.
FILE - A BNSF locomotive heads south out of Oklahoma City, Sept. 14, 2022. On Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, the major freight railroads said a disagreement over whether they will be allowed to discipline some workers who use a government hotline to report safety concerns have kept them from following through on the promise they made back in March to join the program after a fiery Ohio derailment prompted calls for reforms. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

OMAHA, Neb. (AP)  The major freight railroads say a disagreement over whether they will be allowed to discipline some workers who use a government hotline to report safety concerns has kept them from following through on the promise they made back in March to join the program after a fiery Ohio derailment prompted calls for reforms.

Unions and workplace safety experts say the idea of disciplining workers who report safety concerns undermines the purpose of creating such a hotline because workers won't use it if they fear retribution. Programs like this one overseen by the Federal Railroad Administration are especially important in an industry like railroads where there is a long history of workers being fired for reporting safety violations or injuries, experts say.

Their opposition to this hotline  which only increases protection for public and workers  is just part of a decades-old effort to suppress reporting of injury and hazards so that they can appear to the public and regulators as safer than they are, said Debbie Berkowitz, who used to be a top-ranking official at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration during the Obama administration. I mean, thats what this is all about.

But the head of the Association of American Railroads trade group, Ian Jefferies, said Thursday in a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg that the railroads' concern is that the system could be abused by workers who try to avoid discipline by reporting situations a railroad already knows about to the hotline.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The rules of the hotline would provide immunity for workers who report any unsafe conditions the railroad doesnt know about. But the railroads want to right to be able to discipline workers in other situations.

The crux of the current dispute centers on a significant nuance: situations where the employer is aware of a safety rule violation without any employee report  referred to as a known event  but the employee reports the event anyway and therefore avoids discipline, Jefferies said.

For years, all the major freight railroads have resisted joining the safety hotline because of this concern and because they believe their own internal reporting systems are sufficient. But railroad unions have consistently said workers are reluctant to use the railroads own safety hotlines because they fear retribution.

Amtrak and several dozen small railroads do use the government reporting program, but none of the big freight railroads have signed on to it.

The railroad trade group said that a similar safety hotline used in the aviation industry allows workers to be disciplined if they report the same safety violation more than once in a five-year period. The railroads want a similar rule for their industry because Jefferies said most if not all close call events result from employees not adhering to established safety rules put in place by their employer, creating dangerous situations the consequences of which were narrowly avoided.

Rail unions bristle at that notion that workers are the problem. Vince Verna with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen union said it's clear that firing more workers won't solve all the safety problems in the industry. And railroad safety has been a key concern nationwide ever since a Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3.

This is really old-school, tired rhetoric that blames the worker for the failures that are inherent in all complicated systems. Blaming the worker is exactly what leads workers to not report unsafe conditions in the workplace," said Verna, who serves on the committee of labor groups, railroads and safety regulators who have been trying to find a way to make this program work ever since Jefferies announced the railroads would sign on to it. That group is set to meet again next week.

Berkowitz, the former OSHA official who is now a professor at Georgetown University, said that argument is a classic tactic.

Dangerous companies always try to blame all unsafe conditions on workers -- that its the unsafe workers  when the statistics are really clear that its unsafe conditions that cause almost all injuries, she said.

Federal Railroad Administration spokesman Warren Flateau said the railroads clearly need to do more to fulfill their promise to join the safety reporting program that would give workers several ways to report concerns, including an online option and an old-fashioned printed form that can be filled out anonymously.

Federal Railroad Administration chief Amit Bose told all the railroads' CEOs in a letter earlier this week that he believes participating in the program will play a critical role in reducing risk across the railroad operating environment generally.

Just last week, the Transportation Trades Department coalition that includes all the rail unions sent letters to the CEOs of Union Pacific, BNSF, Norfolk Southern, CPKC, Canadian National and CSX railroads urging them to follow through on their commitments to join the government hotline to help prevent another derailment like the one that generated a toxic black plume of smoke in East Palestine, Ohio, and forced thousands to evacuate their homes.

Current federal data shows that approximately every three hours, there is a reportable injury. Approximately every eight hours, there is a derailment that reaches the FRAs reporting threshold of $11,500 in damage, said Greg Regan, president of the Transportation Trades Department coalition. In other words, three times every day there could be another East Palestine. But we believe this program could help mitigate such future disasters.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy called his GOP rivals various attacks on him a badge of honor following the first GOP primary debate.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

When CNNs Dana Bash asked Ramaswamy if he expected the onslaught of attacks, he said, I took it as a badge of honor as the 38-year-old outsider in this race whos never been in a political debate.

To be at the center stage and see a lot of establishment politicians [who are] that threatened by my rise, I am thrilled that it actually gave me an opportunity to introduce myself to the people of this country, he continued.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ramaswamy found himself at the center of some of his rivals most contentious attacks, taking criticism from Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence.

The first notable jab began when Christie interrupted Ramaswamys claims on climate change to say hed had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, comparing Ramaswamys opening line to former President Obama, whom he called an amateur.

The last person in one of these debates  who stood in the middle of the stage and said, What is a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama. And I am afraid we are dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight, Christie said.

Later, Haley and Ramaswamy sparred over his opposition to the U.S. backing Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Haley said Ramaswamy has no foreign policy experience, and it shows.

When asked about the exchange, Ramaswamy pushed back on Haleys jab.

Well the reality is the people who have foreign policy experience, it shows what a disaster its been, Ramaswamy told Bash. From the Iraq war on down to other pointless wars, no-win wars that these administrations, from foreign policy establishments in both parties having led us into, I think the results speak for themselves.

Ramaswamy said he thinks he is the only person who can bring a clear strategic vision to our foreign policy rather than just going through the talking points memorized in 1990.

Pence also took aim at Ramaswamy, claiming now is not the time for on-the-job training and that we dont need to bring in a rookie.

Pence later defended these views in an interview with CNN, arguing the two candidates live in a different time.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Vivek Ramaswamy stood out during the first Republican presidential debate. Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is believed to have died in a plane crash in Russia. And four people were killed last night in a shooting at a Southern California biker bar.

Heres what to know today.

Key takeaways from the first Republican presidential debate

Even in his absence, former President Donald Trump loomed large at the first Republican presidential debate, where eight candidates spent two hours discussing the economy, abortion, American aid to Ukraine and more.

Some candidates were cautious about how they spoke about Trump. But businessman Vivek Ramaswamy , who is polling third behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , took the spotlight with his eager defense of the former president. His short, snappy answers throughout the night also led his competitors to hurl criticisms his way  much to the pleasure of DeSantis campaign. More on that below.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is Morning Rundown, a weekday newsletter to start your morning. Sign up here to get it in your inbox.

Here are more debate takeaways, from the rush of world news that seemingly upstaged the entire event, to the on-the-spot question candidates were forced to answer about Jan. 6.

Highlights and analysis from the debate:

Prigozhin, Wagner group chief, listed among those aboard plane in deadly crash north of Moscow

Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin , who led his fighters in a short-lived mutiny against the Kremlin in June, was listed as a passenger on a jet that crashed near Moscow on Wednesday, killing all on board according to Russian authorities.

NBC News has not confirmed that Prigozhin was killed in the fiery crash. But if it proves true, it is a sudden and shocking end for the global warlord and onetime ally of President Vladimir Putin , whose group fought on the front lines in Ukraine and has been linked to violence in Syria, Mali, the Central African Republic and other countries.

The Kremlin has so far remained silent on Prigozhins fate, even as bodies were recovered from the crash site and fragments of the mercenary chiefs private jet were found miles away on Thursday.

Read live updates on this developing story.

Trump to surrender in Georgia as his allies do the same

Donald Trump is expected to surrender to Fulton County authorities today in the district attorneys investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Yesterday, several of his co-defendants turned themselves in, including onetime Trump attorney Jenna Ellis, former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, and Sidney Powell, a former member of Trumps legal team. Trump is among 10 remaining defendants who have until tomorrow afternoon to surrender.

Fukushima wastewater is headed to the ocean

Treated radioactive wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan began flowing to the ocean this morning, a process that will see an estimated 1.3 million metric tons of water released over the course of about 30 years. The release will allow for the decommissioning of the Fukushima plant  its meltdown as a result of a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami in 2011 rivaled the 1986 incident at Chernobyl in severity.

While Japanese officials insist the water is safe, opponents are concerned about food safety and potential long-term effects. Within hours of the water release, China announced a ban on all seafood from Japan.

Gunman among 4 dead in California biker bar shooting

The gunman believed to have carried out a shooting that left three people dead at a California biker bar was a former law enforcement officer targeting his wife, three sources told NBC News. The shooting yesterday evening at Cooks Corner Bar in Trabuco Canyon, in Orange County, also left six people injured. Heres what else we know so far.

New safety rules proposed for nursing pillows

The Consumer Product Safety Commission staff recommended the first federal requirements to make nursing pillows safer, just two weeks after an NBC News investigation found at least 162 babies have died in incidents involving the pillows since 2007.

CPSC staff recommended requiring nursing pillows to be sufficiently firm that the product is unlikely to conform to an infants face, to reduce the likelihood of babies suffocating. They also call for more prominent warning labels on the pillows. Reporters Suzy Khimm and Elizabeth Chuck dive in to the new proposals.

Todays Talker: The infamous Fyre Festival is back for round two

 and the first round of tickets are already sold out. Six years after the notorious scam, founder Billy McFarland announced hes relaunching the failed music and camping retreat. The first drop of presale tickets for Fyre Festival II went for $499 a pop. But details have yet to be revealed about a lineup, accommodations and the location, which, at the moment, is vaguely described as The Caribbean.

Politics in Brief

Abortion rights: South Carolinas state Supreme Court upheld restrictions that would ban most abortions around six weeks of pregnancy, months after the courts sole female justice retired.

Jan. 6: A Capitol rioter known to online sleuths as Shield Grampy, a reference to his age and his use of a police shield during the insurrection, has been arrested by the FBI.

Staff Pick: The plight of atomic veterans

Veterans who say they were sickened by radiation exposure during their military service celebrated when the PACT Act was signed into law a year ago, expanding benefits to former service members exposed to toxic substances.

As cancer and old age whittle down the remaining number of so-called atomic veterans, I wanted to know how many survivors the law is helping. The figures I obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs have left many feeling dejected.  Melissa Chan, reporter

In Case You Missed It

A Kentucky school district has canceled in-person classes less than two weeks into the school year amid an outbreak of Covid, the flu and strep throat.

Some Lahaina residents whose homes were spared during the Maui wildfires are staying put, even without water and electricity.

The FDA is urging people to stop using certain brands of eyedrops found to have fungal and bacterial contamination.

India became the first country to reach the moons south pole.

Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Introducing hair oil into your regimen can help restore your hairs shine and nourish your scalp. Heres what to know about hair oils, like which ingredients to consider depending on your hair type and expert-approved products to try.

Sign up to The Selection newsletter for exclusive reviews and shopping content from NBC Select.

Thanks for reading todays Morning Rundown. Todays newsletter was curated for you by Elizabeth Robinson. If youre a fan, please send a link to your family and friends. They can sign-up here.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
(The Hill)  Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy s campaign clapped back at conservative commentator Ann Coulter after she described Ramaswamys back-and-forth with fellow GOP hopeful Nikki Haley at Wednesdays debate as Hindu business.

Ann can tweet whatever she wants to, Tricia McLaughlin, Ramaswamys communications director, said in a statement to The Hill. Vivek has traveled this country and is very grateful for the warm support he has received from Christian voters across the country.

Ramaswamy inserts hoax climate talk at debate

She added, Vivek shares and lives by the same Judeo-Christian values that this nation was founded on  and that the way Vivek lives his family life offers a positive example for their own children and grandchildren.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Coulters post on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, came amid a fiery exchange between Ramaswamy and Haley at the first Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday.

After Ramaswamy said he did not support providing additional U.S. aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia, Haley slammed the political newcomers lack of foreign policy experience.

He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel, Haley said. You dont do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends.

Under your watch, you will make America less safe, she added. You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.

Carlos Santana gives anti-trans speech during New Jersey concert

Coulter, who was posting on X throughout the debate, said in a post during the exchange, Nikki and Vivek are involved in some Hindu business, it seems. Not our fight.

While Ramaswamy is Hindu, Haley is not. The former South Carolina governor was raised Sikh and converted to Christianity.

Coulter previously came under fire in February for making derogatory remarks about Haleys Indian heritage.

Shortly after Haley announced her candidacy, the conservative commentator suggested that she go back to [her] own country. The Republican hopeful was born in the U.S. to Indian immigrant parents.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
A rare night-sky event is less than one week away, and it will be over a decade before well see it again.

On Wednesday, Aug. 30, the moon will appear as a full moon, supermoon and blue moon all in one. Its something that wont happen again until 2037, according to NASA.

So, what exactly does that mean? Lets break down what a super blue moon is.

What is a supermoon?

Retired NASA astrophysicist Fred Espanak describes a supermoon as a full moon that occurs within 90% of its closest approach to Earth, according to Space.com.

NASA says that each month the moon passes through the point closest to Earth called the perigee. When the moon does this during its full moon stage, it appears larger, brighter and closer to earth, hence the nickname supermoon.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its also noted on NASAs website that this occurs three to four times a year. This year, there are four supermoons: One in July, two in August and one in September, Space.com reported.

What is a blue moon?

Despite being named after a color, a blue moon doesnt get its name due to its appearance. Instead its due to its frequency.

A blue moon is a full moon that appears twice in the same month, according to NASA. The moons cycle is 29.5 days. So, typically, the full moon appears once in a single month.

However, in rare occasions, a full moon will occur twice in a single month, and it is then referred to as a blue moon.

According to Space.com, blue moons occur every two to three years. The last one was in August 2021, and after this years, the next will be in August 2024.

When is the best time to see the super blue moon?

The super blue moon will rise overnight from Aug. 30-31, NASA said.

Forbes reports that the best time to see the super blue moon will depend on the separation between the exact time of sunset and the exact time of moonrise.

Going outside around moonrise may be your best bet, according to Forbes, and its best to be in a location where you can see low down to the eastern horizon. You can check online to see when the moon rises in your area.

The moon will appear slightly bigger and brighter than normal, according to NASA.

When the Moon is closest to Earth (a supermoon), it looks about 14 percent bigger than when its farthest from Earth, NASA said. This is similar to the size difference between a quarter and a nickel. Because the Moon will be close to us in its orbit, it will appear a bit brighter than usual.

NASA said the next super blue moons will occur in a pair, in January and March 2037.

The time between super blue moons is quite irregular  it can be as much as 20 years  but in general, 10 years is the average, NASA said.

Watch giant falling star light up Kentucky sky on same night of super moon

Mysterious streak of light illuminated skies over Australia. Now theres an explanation

See the farthest star ever detected  a million times brighter than the sun, NASA says
The News

MILWAUKEE, Wis.  Freed from the shadow of Donald Trump at least a bit, the eight Republican candidates at the Fox News debate made the most of their time in the national spotlight. There were friendly introductions, fierce pile-ons, and some highly revealing moments around the partys touchiest subjects, including abortion and January 6th. Heres what stood out to us as the most important takeaways.

Our View

The candidates are ambivalent about Trump. Lets get the moment, pictured above, out of the way at the start: Asked to raise their hands if theyd support Trump if hes convicted of crimes, everyone but Asa Hutchinson did. That initially included Christie, who quickly said it was a different hand gesture, as well as Pence and DeSantis, both a little slower than the rest. Someones got to stop normalizing this conduct, okay? Christie said in an extended answer afterwards that drew boos and cheers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Candidates havent figured out how to deal with Trump on the trail, and they didnt seem to have a clear answer here either, though questions about him were mercifully rare. Few mentioned the frontrunner at all unless pressed, and only Pence and Christie delivered meaty responses to questions about January 6th.

DeSantis seemed more uncomfortable with that topic than any other issue: This election is not about January 6 of 2021, its about January 20 of 2025, he said, naming the date of an inauguration ceremony Trump was impeached and then repeatedly indicted for trying to subvert. Pressed on whether Pence did the right thing in certifying the election, he eventually responded: Mike did his duty, Ive got no beef with him. While plenty of candidates echoed Trumps complaints about weaponized government, only Vivek Ramaswamy tried to carve out a clear lane as an enthusiastic Trump defender. Mostly they just seemed exhausted by  and unsure what to do about  the runaway polling leader.

If they werent talking about Donald Trump, they were talking about his policies, top Trump aide Chris LaCivita said. So from our standpoint, that was a win.

Abortion is a real problem for the field. There were real differences between the candidates here, but the overall picture was a party thats still deeply uneasy with its position. Moderators framed the abortion issue, from the outset, as a political problem  not a moral issue, as anti-abortion activists see it. Just hours after South Carolinas supreme court upheld the states six-week abortion limit, neither of the South Carolinians onstage were pressed to take a position on it. Haley was asked what shed say about it to women, suburban voters, across this country  she emphasized that Republicans should minimize discussion of a federal ban that was unlikely to pass  while Scott restated his support for a 15-week limit at the federal level.

Asked about a donor who fretted that Floridas six-week limit was a political problem, DeSantis pointed to his 2022 landslide re-election  but he only signed the six-week bill after he won, refusing to take a position on it during the campaign. He also dodged on whether hed sign a federal version of the same law, a moment Democrats undoubtedly were happy to clip and save.

Pence and Scott came out clearly for a federal 15-week limit, Burgum clearly for letting states sort it out. But the abortion round ended up letting candidates mostly repeat the argument that conservatives see as most electorally safe, that Democrats should be pressed on their unpopular no-limits stance, without drilling in on those differences. The initial question was half baked, said Marjorie Dannenfelser, the president of SBA Pro-Life America, which has demanded that candidates back a 15-week limit.

Everyone hates Vivek. No one disguised their irritation at Ramaswamy, who laughed out loud when attacked and patronized his rivals as bought off and career politicians. Even the candidates who didnt mix it up with him radiated contempt; Asa Hutchinson wore an American/Israeli flag plan, a squint-and-you-miss it reference to the billionaires insistence that Israel wont need foreign aid after he makes peace in the Middle East.

He took more incoming fire than any other contender, far more than DeSantis. There was a strategy there  Ramaswamy had been rising in the polls, but is only starting to get scrutiny over his changing positions, like his stance on Trumps actions on Jan. 6, 2021. He talked over Christies attempt to point out that evolution, from condemning Trump to promising him a pardon. But it also seemed personal  Pence, Haley, and everyone else with governing experience was fed up with a swaggering 38-year old who assumed the presidency would be easy. After Ramaswamy accused the field of using memorized prepared slogans, a bemused Pence responded: Is that one of yours?

Tricia McLaughlin, his communications director, argued afterwards that the attacks showed the debate was Vivek Ramaswamy versus establishment.

The New York Times Jonathan Martin offered another theory as to why Ramaswamy touched a nerve: The service Vivek offers is pulling the mask off this non-primary, making it clear he (and others) are running for 2028 and not to stop Trump.

Trump was not the winner of this debate.You watch what happens in the polls, Donald Trump, Jr. told reporters after the debate, as he and other Trump campaign surrogates roamed the media room. Over the coming weeks, hes gonna have even a larger lead, in my opinion, because the American people understand that hes about action.

Maybe, maybe not. Trumps logic for skipping the debate seemed perfectly sound: He has a huge lead, why bother risking it? But the candidates also showed up energized and each one got a relatively clean chance to deliver their core pitch and provide at least an implicit contrast. It was the first time a national audience got a real look at what a party without Trump might feel like.

Trumps team, confident that nobody had threatened his lead, speculated that the second tier might shift around after Wednesday. The consensus, from multiple campaigns, was that Haley helped herself, DeSantis was solid, and that Scott made no mistakes but little impression. From Haleys first answer  a whack at Trump (by name) for adding trillions to the national debt  she joined Pence in the small club of candidates clearly not running for vice president. Scott was consciously above the fray, as his campaign manager Jennifer DeCasper put it, which she said made for less speaking time, but also less shouting time that turned off voters.

Ukraine is a flashpoint. Questions on Ukraine aid prompted some of the widest disagreements on stage: Mike Pence took the Reagan-esque approach, saying that we achieve peace through strength, and America needs to stand for freedom. DeSantis hedged, arguing that U.S. support should be contingent on other countries contributing more. After the debate, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, one of the first DeSantis endorsers, said that the candidate was clearly supportive of using a small percentage of overall defense spending to help Ukraine.

If Putin is going to be a bully and try to attack a country, yeah, we should step up and we should help there, and we should help punch that bully back, said Stitt. I think thats what DeSantis was saying as well.

Ramaswamy, meanwhile, came out swinging against providing more aid, taking yet another dig at Pence in the process and declaring that the countrys real threat is communist China. This topic also provided Haley with her shining moment of the evening: She accused Ramaswamy of choosing a murderer over a U.S. ally and then declared that the political newcomer has no foreign policy experience, and it shows. The crowd erupted in cheers, but well see how it translates outside of the room: Polls show conservatives becoming increasingly wary of new funding.

DeSantis is still in limbo. DeSantis came in hot and stayed that way, delivering fired-up versions of his campaign applause lines that often lit up the in-person audience. But after his own campaign predicted hed be the center of attacks in a Trumpless debate, he faced more neglect than abuse. James Uthmeier, his campaign manager, admitted the lack of attacks were a little surprising, but argued it was in part because DeSantis came out so strong that his opponents didnt really want to invoke his name and give him more opportunity to speak to voters.

He also was the slipperiest of any candidate, shooting down a simple question on climate change, dodging a question on whether hed support a federal version of Floridas 6-week abortion ban, and talking around a question on Jan. 6 before offhandedly suggesting Pence did the right thing (Christie derided it as grudging credit). Other candidates have struggled with similar topics on the trail, but seemed to settle on a more confident answer  and really, core brand  by the time of the debate.

Fox News lost control of the debate. You thought no Trump would mean a respectful debate for the moderators? Nope! Candidates spent two hours going big for the applause lines, rejecting the premise of questions posed by Baier and MacCallum, and sometimes even ignoring the probes in their answers. Candidates also consistently dismissed the timer designed to keep answers short and tidy: At one point, Baier chastised those on stage, pointedly highlighting the buzzer noise and reminding the candidates that it meant their time was up. Towards the end of the two hours  as Pence and Vivek started up another shouting match  Haley even begged the moderators to get control of this debate. As the saying goes, the candidates are not here to make friends, and that includes their hosts.
Bishop Michael Olson has threatened to excommunicate a group of nuns who have banned him from their monastery amid a chastity vow dispute. Courtesy of Matthew Bobo/Amanda McCoy/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

A group of Arlington nuns are asking the Vatican to intervene in a dispute with their local bishop.

The Fort Worth Diocese accused one of the nuns of breaking her chastity vow, and she denied it.

The Diocese has sought to shut down the monastery, but the nuns have refused, and banned the bishop.

A group of nuns in Texas are appealing directly to the Vatican to intervene in a chaotic, months-long dispute with a local bishop over whether one of the nuns broke her chastity vow with a priest.

Back in May, the Fort Worth Diocese publicly accused the Reverend Mother Superior Teresa Agnes Gerlach of violating her promise of celibacy, which all Catholic nuns and priests must uphold. The nuns sued the Diocese for $1 million soon after, alleging that Bishop Michael Olson abused his power and invaded their privacy by interrogating nuns at the monastery and confiscating their electronic devices while he investigated the alleged breach of chastity.

A Texas judge dismissed the nuns' lawsuit in June, ruling that the dispute was a church matter and not a civil matter. The nuns' attorney, Matthew Bobo, told Insider in a statement that the nuns will now "place their hopes and prayers on a just and fair review of the canonical case by the Vatican."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A canonical case occurs when the Vatican, or another authority figure within the Catholic Church, investigates whether a party has violated the ecclesiastical laws that govern the religion.

"Bishop Olson continues his vindictive personal war against the Arlington Carmelite Nuns," Bobo's statement said. "They remain dedicated to the Catholic Church and the Holy See and pray that the Vatican will put an end to this malicious persecution by the bishop."

Representatives from the Vatican did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

What started as a chastity vow allegation has become a bitter property-rights dispute

The nuns have sought a canonical investigation from the Vatican to resolve their dispute with the Fort Worth Diocese. Massimo Valicchia/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Though the nuns have denied that Gerlach broke her vows, noting that Gerlach is in extremely poor health and uses a wheelchair and feeding tube, the Diocese's attorneys played an audio recording in a June court hearing in which Gerlach could reportedly be heard telling Olson she broke her vows with a priest, according to local ABC affiliate WFAA.

Amid the litigation in recent months, the Fort Worth Diocese barred priests from giving Mass and hearing Confession at the nuns' monastery, and even attempted to shutter the premises to public access. But according to Bobo, the Fort Worth Diocese has no authority over the monastery, and the nuns have reopened it.

In a statement last week, the nuns even banned Olson and the Diocese officials from their monastery, until Olson "repents of the abuse to which he has subjected us."

In a rebuke that same day, Bishop Michael Olson threatened to excommunicate the nuns over their "complicity in Mother Teresa Agnes' publicly, scandalous and schismatic actions."

In response to a request for comment, the Fort Worth Diocese directed Insider to a May 31 statement declaring that Olson "has been, and continues to be, entrusted with full governing responsibility for the Monastery."

Bobo told Insider in his statement that the monastery and all its property belong to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns of Arlington, and that it is a nonprofit corporation headed by the nuns who live at the monastery.

"In Texas private property rights are sacred in custom and in law. No one has the right to tell a private property owner who can and cannot come onto their private property," Bobo said. "The bishop obviously believes he is above the law and has the power to dictate what a private property owner can do on their own property."

Read the original article on Insider
As a resident of south Tower, just north of the Belmont industrial super block and the Highway 180 projects that tore through a once bustling, ethnically diverse Belmont corridor, I think its time we center the conversation about Tower Districts neighborhood specific plan differently. Its about time we look at historical redlining maps and acknowledge how the historical boundaries they outline continue to define our neighborhood today.

In those maps, North Tower was marked blue  low risk for lenders. Those areas still have more trees, more green space, more resources, and better maintained streets. Wilson Island was marked green  favorable for lending. It is nicer still and even better maintained. Why were those particular places deemed favorable? Because, as stated in the notes on the redlining map, those areas were generally protected by racial deed restrictions. In other words, minorities were legally not allowed to buy or rent in the neighborhood.

What about the rest of Tower  those places generally not protected by racial deed restrictions? Everything west of Palm, east of Del Mar, and south of Olive was marked yellow or red  risky or high risk for lending. Most lenders would not lend in red zones at all, and the difference in investment is still noticeable. There are less trees, poorly maintained streets, whole blocks bought up by slumlords and industrial magnates, and freeways built through existing neighborhoods.

Even today, the city is reluctant to invest in those areas. We are seeing that a park south of Olive that is five years in the making  Broadway Park  has yet to break ground. Meanwhile, in the blue zone, the park at Van Ness and Weldon is set to open this summer after just a few short years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One might assume that redlining and deed restrictions are a thing of the past, so their effect on the Tower probably waned long ago; however, while racial deed covenants were deemed federally unenforceable in 1948, they were still legal in California until 1968. Fresno County, specifically, allowed 10-year extensions of deed restrictions as late as 1978. Even more horrifying, no plan was put in place to remove such covenants until March of last year.

Its time for us to not simply acknowledge the roots of Tower privilege, but let go of our emotional fragility and start prioritizing the safety of folks whose intersectionalities make their lived experience of life in Tower and Fresno a wholly different reality.

The district, as we know it today, thrived because of systemic and continual acts of racism, and we are still prioritizing the comfort and security of one part of the redline over the prosperity of the communities just on the other side of the street.

Tower fails to be a safe place for its whole community. But we are, right now, rewriting the documents that will guide our districts future. This is the perfect time to make sure that we make Tower healthy and prosperous for everyone.

That doesnt mean symbolically opening a seat at the table. It means moving the table south of Olive, west of Palm and east of Del Mar. It means showing up to the community meetings like the one this Saturday at 11 a.m. at Fresno City College, centering the communities that were left behind since the specific plan was last adopted, and demanding the city provide authentic opportunities for input for the people that live there.

Jacob Bailey is a homeowner, educator, and South Tower Community Land Trust board member.
Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reporter Evan Gershkovich will remain jailed in through the end of November, a Russian district court ruled Thursday, according to its state-run media TASS.

Gershkovich, a U.S. citizen who was detained in March while reporting in Russia, was supposed to be held in Russias Lefortovo prison through Aug. 30. Russian prosecutors, however, successfully argued that his pretrial detention be extended by three months, according to TASS.

Gershkovich is being held on espionage charges, which he and the WSJ have vehemently denied. The United States government says Gershkovich is being wrongfully detained.

TASS reported that the hearing Thursday was held behind closed doors because it involved classified materials.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Following the hearing, the WSJ released a statement saying it was deeply disappointed by the outcome of the hearing and said Gershkovich is being detained for doing his job as a journalist.

The baseless accusations against him are categorically false, and we continue to push for his immediate release. Journalism is not a crime, the statement said.

President Biden and State Department officials have said discussions were underway for a prisoner swap, but national security adviser Jake Sullivan stressed earlier this month he does not want to give false hope.

Im serious about a prisoner exchange, Biden told reporters in Helsinki during a joint press conference with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto in July. Im serious about doing all we can to free Americans who are being illegally held in Russia  or anywhere else for that matter  and that process is underway.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sounds of battle were heard near the village of Mayak on Crimea's Cape Tarkhankut early on the morning of Aug. 24, with Ukrainian intelligence sources later revealing Ukrainian that special forces had carried out a daring commando raid on the Russian-occupied peninsula.

Ukrainian intelligence sources told Radio Liberty project Krym.Realii that the raid, which involved naval and air assets took place at around 5 a.m.

While details remain scarce, the village of Mayak is home to a base of Russia's 3rd Radio Regiment of the Aerospace Forces, according to Krym.Realii. There is also reportedly a Nebo-M and Kasta-2E2 radar node on the Tarkhankut Peninsula with air defense positions deployed along the perimeter, suggesting Ukraine may have engaged Russian military sites in the region. Neither side has officially commented on the reported incident as of yet.

Read also: Expect more actions to liberate Crimea soon, says Budanov

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Later on Aug. 24 video of parts of the raid started circulating on social media, with the sounds of gunfire and pictures of Ukrainian special forces soldiers with a Ukrainian flag.

The Defense Intelligence agency of Ukraines Defense Ministry, known by its Ukrainian acronym HUR, then released a statement on the raid:

"Overnight on Aug. 24, an operation of the GUR of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine took place, with support from the Ukrainian Navy, in temporarily occupied Crimea. Special units on watercraft landed on the shore in the area of the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak.

During the execution of the mission, Ukrainian forces engaged in combat with the units of the occupier. As a result, the enemy suffered losses among personnel, and enemy equipment was destroyed. Also, the state flag flew again in the Ukrainian Crimea. All goals and tasks were completed.

Read also: Ukrainian strikes on Crimea have hit only fraction of targets, says analyst

At the end of the special operation, Ukrainian forces left the scene without casualties. The occupation administration of Crimea does not comment on the events, despite the mass appeals of local residents. The only message refers to supposedly destruction of munitions according to a set schedule.

The Ukrainian Defense Forces will continue to assist the occupiers in destroying ammunition, equipment and manpower."

Earlier, on Aug. 23, Telegram news channels reported a powerful explosion in Crimea. An NV intelligence source said that Ukrainian forces had hit an air defense system near the village of Olenivka on the Tarkhankut Peninsula.

Mariupol mayor's advisor Petro Andriushchenko and Crimean Wind Telegram channel reported that a Russian Bastion coastal missile system had been hit. They also reported the damage to radar stations on Cape Tarkhankut.

Later, The HUR announced the destruction of a Russian S-400 Triumph system. Also, according to the South Operational Command, three S-300 launchers were damaged in Kherson Oblast earlier.

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
None of the Republicans running for president against former President Donald Trump said they disagreed with how Mike Pence did his job on Jan. 6, 2021.

On that day, then-Vice President Pence presided over the U.S. Senate and refused to go along with Trumps scheme to upend the certification of the 2020 election, even as a rioting mob interrupted the proceedings.

Debate moderator Martha MacCallum first asked Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) if Pence did the right thing.

Absolutely, he did the right thing, Scott said, to applause from the crowd, before adding that people lack confidence in the Justice Department, an oblique reference to the criminal indictments against Trump.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

MacCallum then put the question to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , who refused to answer it by saying Republicans should look forward instead of talking about the past.

Pence himself then chimed in to say, The American people deserve to know whether everyone on this stage agrees that I kept my oath to the Constitution that day.

Chris Christie: Mike Pence stood for the Constitution and he deserves not grudging credit, he deserves our thanks as Americans. pic.twitter.com/ekLyK3hJNb  Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) August 24, 2023

Ive answered this before, DeSantis said, exasperated. Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him. But heres the thing, is this what were going to be focused on?

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who served as Trumps ambassador to the United Nations, also said she thought Pence did the right thing.

Notably, Vivek Ramaswamy, the most pro-Trump of all the candidates onstage  who had said, moments earlier, that Trump was the best president of the 21st century  decided not to chime in with any words against Pence, whom Trump has heavily criticized for not helping him overthrow the 2020 election.

Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey and onetime Trump adviser, then offered extended praise for the former vice president.

Mike Pence stood for the Constitution, and he deserves not grudging credit; he deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal, political and unfair pressure, Christie said.

The argument we need to have in this party before we can move on to the issues that Ron talked about, is we have to dispense with the person who said we need to suspend the Constitution to put forward his political career, Christie continued. Mike Pence said no, and he deserves credit.

Despite the seeming consensus that Pence had done the right thing, only Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson declined to raise their hands when moderators asked if they would still support Trump as the Republican presidential nominee if hes convicted of crimes.
Republican candidates at the first GOP presidential debate wore red ties, appearing to channel Donald Trump 's signature style. PEDRO UGARTE/AFP via Getty Images ; Drew Angerer/Getty Images ; KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Image

At Wednesday's Republican presidential debate, every male candidate wore a red tie.

Lauren Rothman, a political and corporate stylist, called it the "Trump look-alike effect."

Trump skipped the debate, but candidates were asked if they would support him if he were convicted.

In recent years, the color red has become a symbol of the Republican party.

An electoral college map on ABC News during the 2020 presidential election. Lorenzo Bevilaqua/ABC via Getty Images

The color red became associated with the Republican party during the 2000 election, when newspapers such as USA TODAY printed full-color election maps for the first time. The terms "red state" and "blue state" also became part of the lexicon that year to describe states won by Republican and Democratic candidates, according to Smithsonian magazine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Former President Donald Trump made red ties his signature look.

President Donald Trump wears a red tie in the Oval Office in 2020. Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images

Parodies of Trump often feature the character in a red tie. The official Trump store also sells red silk ties for $125.

Lauren Rothman, a corporate and political fashion stylist, image expert, and author of "Style Bible: What to Wear to Work," told Insider that while many politicians have gravitated towards red as a camera-friendly color, Trump made it his brand.

"If we can come to rely on your look, we see you before we see you, and we hear you on mute," Rothman said. "Trump really embodied that formula, which has been in place for a long time for politicians."

At the first Republican debate of the 2024 presidential election, which Trump did not attend, every single male candidate wore a red tie.

Republican presidential candidates (from left to right), former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie , former Vice President Mike Pence , Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum participate in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Republican presidential candidates Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, and Doug Burgum attended the first debate of the GOP primary season wearing matching red ties. Nikki Haley, the only woman onstage, was also the only candidate not wearing the look since she was not wearing a suit.

"They got the memo of what works on a Fox screen and the power of those visual cues when a lot of people are watching you, whether it's from a bar stool on a big screen or at home over teenagers talking," Rothman said. "You saw it last night if it was on mute or not."

The uniform style was a departure from past Republican debates, when candidates wore ties of different colors.

Republican presidential candidates (from left to right) New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL), Ben Carson, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Donald Trump, Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee , Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) and John Kasich take the stage for the first prime-time presidential debate hosted by FOX News and Facebook at the Quicken Loans Arena August 6, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

In August 2015, the top 10 GOP candidates appeared for their first prime-time debate in Cleveland, Ohio. Trump wore his usual red tie, as did Marco Rubio and Rand Paul. Ben Carson and Jeb Bush wore a more muted red, while Chris Christie, Scott Walker, Mike Huckabee, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich went with cobalt blue.

In 2012, only a few candidates wore red ties to a GOP debate on "Meet the Press."

Republican presidential candidates (from left to right) former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, U.S. Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and Texas Gov. Rick Perry gather on the stage prior to the NBC News Facebook Debate on "Meet the Press" on January 8, 2012 at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, New Hampshire. Alex Wong/Getty Images

John Huntsman and Rick Santorum wore red ties. Mitt Romney, Ron Paul, and Rick Perry wore blue. Newt Gingrich stood out in yellow.

In 2008, none of the candidates wore red, at all.

Republican presidential candidates (from left to right) Sen. John McCain (R-AZ), former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN), Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, and former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani participate in a televised debate at Saint Anselm College January 5, 2008 in Manchester, New Hampshire. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

John McCain, Fred Thompson, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, and Rudy Giuliani wore muted blue and taupe tones.

Rothman called the prevalence of red ties at Wednesday's GOP debate the "Trump look-alike effect."

Former US Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, and entrepreneur and author Vivek Ramaswamy arrive on stage for the first Republican Presidential primary debate at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 23, 2023. ALEX WROBLEWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

Trump did not participate in Wednesday's debate. Instead, he sat for a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that aired at the same time. Nevertheless, moderator Martha MacCallum asked the candidates questions about the absent candidate, such as whether they would continue to support him if he were convicted in court  most said they would.

"As far as I know, there is not a ton of behind-the-scenes consulting about what other candidates are going to be wearing," Rothman said. "My sense is that each one of them came to this separately, not with the intention of a 'squad style.' Nonetheless, that's what we saw, because this is what's being created, right? This is the Trump look-alike effect."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee (AP)

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie attacked former president Donald Trump for the multiple legal investigations the latter faces during the first Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday as other candidates defended the former president.

Debate moderators asked the Republican candidates for president if they would support Mr Trump were he to be convicted.

We have to stop normalizing this conduct, Mr Christie said. Whether or not whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of President of the United States.

Mr Christie faced boos for his comments, which he brushed off.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Booing is allowed, but it doesn't change the truth, he said.

In response, Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy criticised the former New Jersey governor, who regularly sparred with the political newcomer.

Your claim that Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based on vengeance and grievance, he said.

Mr Christie responded in kind by noting how the twice-impeached-four-times-indicted former president had called for the termination of parts of the US Constitution.

I will always stand up for our Constitution, regardless of the political pressure, he said.

Conversely, former vice president Mike Pence defended his decision to certify the 2020 presidential election results, which led to heckling and rioters on January 6 to call for his death.

I think I think the American people deserve to know whether everyone on this stage agrees that I kept my oath to the Constitution that day, Mr Pence said.

Similarly, Sen Tim Scott (R-SC), who voted to certify the 2020 presidential election results on January 6, said that Mr Pence did the right thing, but then added that he would fire FBI Director Christopher Wray and Attorney General Merrick Garland, even though the US attorney general leaves office when the president who nominated him leaves office.

Without that, no one has confidence in our justice system, he said.

Florida Gov Ron DeSantis, for his part, attempted to dodge the question.

This election is not about January 6 of 2021, it's about January 20 of 2025 when the next president is going to take office, he said. I know what the Democrats would like to do they want to talk about all these other issues, but we've got to focus on your future.

But when pressed by moderator Bret Baier, Mr DeSantis said Mr Pence did the right thing.

Mike did his duty, I got no beef with him, Mr DeSantis said.

But Mr Christie offered a more vociferous defence of the former vice president.

Mike Pence stood for the Constitution, and he deserves not grudging credit, he said. He deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal political and unfair pressure.
The first Republican primary debate turned nasty as former Vice President Mike Pence and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie both went after entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Mr Pence called the 38-year-old a rookie and said the US doesnt have time for on-the-job training as he brought up the issue of the national debt.

I was a House conservative leader before it was cool, Mr Pence, 64, said, noting his experience in comparison to the younger Mr Ramaswamy. I actually pushed the Deficit Reduction Act. That was the last time we actually reduced the national debt in the United States.

When I was the leader of the House conservatives, I balanced budgets and cut taxes when I was governor. Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad, he added. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We don't need to bring in a rookie.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mr Ramaswamy said now that everybody's gotten their memorised, pre-prepared slogans out of the way, we can actually have a real discussion.

Mike Pence calls Vivek a "rookie" and gets jeered pic.twitter.com/AFyV2mz2EU  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 24, 2023

You have a bunch of people, professional politicians, super PAC puppets following slogans handed over to them by their ... Super PACs last week, he added in reference to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. The real choice we face in this primary is this  do you want a super PAC puppet? Or do you want a patriot who speaks the truth? Do you want incremental reform, which is what you're hearing about, or do you want revolution? I stand on the side of the American Revolution.

Vivek calls DeSantis "a super PAC puppet" and promises "revolution" pic.twitter.com/ifrBdPoXaU  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 24, 2023

Mr Christie called out Mr Ramaswamy for appearing to steal a line from former President Barack Obama, saying that he was a skinny guy with an odd last name.

I have had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Mr Christie said.

The last person in one of these debates who stood in the middle of the stage and said what's a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here was Barack Obama. And I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur, he added.

Chris Christie on Vivek: "I've had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT." pic.twitter.com/2szUzJFujF  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 24, 2023
Anyone who thought Donald Trumps absence from the first Republican primary debate would make for a boring time was almost certainly reconsidering that prediction by the time anchors Bret Baier and Martha McCallum called for the first commercial break after roughly half an hour on Wednesday.

Just minutes into the debate, standing on the same stage at Milwaukees Fiserv Forum where the GOPs presidential nominee will deliver his or her acceptance speech next year, the eight candidates left the two Fox anchors flummoxed at times by quickly slinging insults and call-outs, drawing cheers and boos from a crowd of Wisconsin Republicans.

The source of the rancour? A question from the anchors to Vivek Ramaswamy, the political neophyte and ex-biotech entrepreneur who has drawn an increasing amount of support behind the frontrunners, Mr Trump and Florida governor Ron DeSantis.

Asked why voters should choose him over more experienced politicians, Mr Ramaswamy responded by cribbing a line from Barack Obamas keynote address to a Democratic convention nearly two decades ago, in which he called himself a skinny kid with a funny name. He told the moderators it was time for an outsider rather than the professional politicians in the Republican Party.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When it was time for Mr Pence to respond, the former vice president and Indiana governor  whose public persona has long been one of a taciturn midwesterner who speaks in Reaganesque platitudes, delivered a series of prepared lines about his experience in public office and highlighted his conservative bona fides dating back to his years as a House member.

After Mr Ramaswamy jumped in say how he was not sure that hed understood what Mr Pence had said, the veteran conservative pounced.

He turned to Mr Ramaswamy, who is nearly three decades his junior, and offered to explain himself again.

Donald Trump didnt attend the debate, recording a spoiler interview instead  but his presence was still felt (REUTERS)

Ill go slower this time, he said.

After Mr Pence repeated some details of his record as a leader of House conservatives, he remarked that today is not the time for on-the-job training for a president.

We dont need to bring in a rookie, he said.

The former biotech executive, who has spent most of his improbable presidential run articulating positions that are little different from those supported by the former president, appeared to reel at times from the intensity of the attacks from the professional politicians he was using his speaking time to insult and belittle.

After Mr Ramaswamy interrupted the rest of the field to claim the rest of the candidates were bought and paid for and call climate change a hoax, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie stepped in to say hed had enough of the newcomer, who he said sounds like ChatGPT, and pointed out that Mr Ramaswamy had lifted a line from Mr Obama.

Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley argue over foreign policy (AFP via Getty Images)

The last person in one of these debates ... who stood in the middle of the stage and said whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here was Barack Obama, and Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur, he said.

Over the two-hour session, the topics Baier and McCallum pressed the candidates on ranged from how to address Americas sovereign debt, to federal education policy, to Unidentified Flying Objects.

But the constant throughout appeared to be the visible dislike for Mr Ramaswamy exhibited by Mr Pence, Mr Christie, and ex-South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who eviscerated the 38-year-old entrepreneur when the topic turned to US support for Ukraine.

Ms Haley, who served as Ambassador to the United Nations under Mr Trump, was asked to explain why she believes the US should continue to support Ukraines efforts to repel Russias invading forces shortly after Mr Ramaswamy hit out at Mr Pence and Mr Christie for their recent visits to Kyiv, Ukraines capital, and disparaged the countrys president, Volodymyr Zelensky, as a pope for professional politicians.

She replied that Americas chief executive needs to have moral clarity and know the difference between right and wrong as well as between good and evil.

When you look at the situation with Russia and Ukraine, here you have a pro-American country that was invaded by a thug, she said.

A win for Russia is a win for China. We have to know that Ukraine is the first line of defence for us. And the problem that Vivek doesnt understand that  he wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel, she continued as she laid into her opponent, adding that you dont do that to friends.

In response, Mr Ramaswamy insulted Ms Haley by accusing her of posturing for a future career on the boards of Lockheed and Raytheon.

The former South Carolina governor pounced once more, turning to face Mr Ramaswamy and telling him: You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.

The two-hour shout fest, which took place roughly five months before the first-in-the-nation Iowa caucus kicks off the 2024 election season in January, went down without the GOP frontrunner, Mr Trump, who eschewed the free-for-all with his primary rivals in favour of a sit-down with a sycophantic interviewer, former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson.

Mr Trump, who on Thursday is expected to surrender at the Fulton County, Georgia jail to be arrested, fingerprinted and photographed following his indictment on racketeering and other criminal charges  the fourth such surrender to authorities since April  has said he should not have to participate in debates because of the size of his lead among most polls of Republican primary voters.

But the ex-presidents absence was, as Baier quipped at one lighter moment, an elephant not in the room  and at one point the source of some of the most contentious exchanges between the candidates.

One of the contenders on stage, Mr Pence, is expected to be a witness in at least one of Mr Trumps four upcoming criminal trials next year. Two of them  Mr Pence and Ms Haley  served in Mr Trumps administration but are now attempting to supplant him as the GOPs standard-bearer, and a third  Mr Christie  was once a close ally of the ex-president but has become a fierce critic as the legal jeopardy facing Mr Trump has grown.

While Mr Christie and another GOP contender, Asa Hutchinson, have condemned Mr Trump for the actions which have led him to face Indictments in four separate jurisdictions, the majority of candidates on stage expressed at least some degree of allegiance to the twice-impeached, quadruply-indicted former president in response to a show-of-hands question on whether theyd support him if he wins the nomination.

When Mr Christies visible non-expression of support elicited boos from the Trump-friendly debate audience, the ex-governor said someone has got to stop normalising Mr Trumps allegedly illicit conduct, which he called beneath the office of President of the United States.

When the crowd continued to boo him, he interjected that the great thing about America is that booing is allowed, but he added that the booing doesnt change the truth about Mr Trump.

As the debate wrapped and surrogates for each candidate filed into a post-debate spin room to explain why their respective candidates had won the debate, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung made a case to The Independent that it was the man who wasnt there who had actually carried the day.

He said the ex-president clearly won the debate without actually having to be on the debate stage because his interview with Carlson had been viewed roughly eighty million times on X, the platform once known as Twitter.

Its clear that we came out on top, he said.

Mr Cheung said Mr Trumps commanding lead in the primary was an indicator that his campaign  and the GOP in general  needs to shift to a general election footing and begin targeting President Joe Biden rather than each other.

I think right now what we're focused on is making sure we're messaging this as a general election that this is going to be President Trump versus President Biden or whoever the Democrats pick, he said. That's the most important thing. And we need a pivot  we need to start fighting President Biden.
A woman on her laptop appears to be stressed during the coronavirus pandemic on May 30, 2020 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The woman pictured is not associated with the story. Robin Utrecht/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Research shows more people are sending explicit images of themselves to their partners.

At the same time, cases of image-based abuse, or so-called "revenge porn", are on the rise.

A digital privacy advocate told Insider how to stay safe when sending intimate images online.

Nothing is wrong with an adult sharing private images consensually. But this isn't always the case.

Research published by the British charity Refuge in January, showed between January 2019 and July 2022, more than 13,800 reports have been made to English police that involve the disclosure of private sexual images without consent.

Unfortunately, these numbers also are rising, with the Revenge Porn Helpline reporting an increase of 40% between 2020 and 2021, with over 4,406 cases.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But while sending nudes is an increasingly common part of modern dating, it also comes with certain risks.

Image-based abuse or so-called "revenge porn" happens when a person's nude or sexual image is shared without their consent or permission.

In England and Wales, revenge porn was made a criminal offense in 2015 and is currently punishable by up to two years imprisonment.

In the US, 46 states and Washington DC have laws against digital harassment and revenge porn, according to the Cyber Civil Rights initiative.

Insider spoke to digital privacy advocate Jo O'Reilly to discover some of the best ways to stay safe when sharing intimate images with your partner online.

1. Always use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app

With so many platforms at our fingertips, it's easy to send pictures without thinking about where your data goes.

"If you're going to send anything that you don't want anyone else to see, you want to be careful of what platform you're using," said O'Reilly.

The privacy advocate suggests apps such as Signal, Telegram, or even WhatsApp, where you can send messages, pictures, or videos without a third-party reading what is sent.

While many young people use Snapchat and Instagram to send pictures these days, it is important to note that these services are not encrypted. People can always freely screenshot content  sometimes without you even knowing.

2. Be aware of where you're storing your images

Before sending your images, always make sure you know exactly where you're saving them.

Cloud hackings are common, as witnessed back in 2014 when various (mostly female) celebrities had nearly 500 private pictures leaked on public websites.

"Check that you are not saving stuff by default to your Cloud from your phone. It's not something that a lot of people always check," O'Reilly suggested.

If you have an iPhone, check your storage settings by going to Settings > Photos & Camera. From there, you'll have the option to enable or disable three different iCloud services. Read the descriptions of each service carefully before you choose to turn it on.

If you have an Android device, open your Google Photos app and tap the menu icon in the top left corner. Then, go to Settings > Back up & sync and disable the automatic backup feature.

To be safe, you should also check your iCloud or Google Photos account online and delete any photos you may have accidentally synced to your devices.

"Your phone might be very secure, it might have a passcode, a biometric face ID, it might need your thumbprint but getting into your iCloud via another device might be easier than you think," O'Reilly added.

3. Have a conversation about security with the person you're sending your picture to

Unfortunately, securing your device isn't enough  it also depends on the person you're sending the pictures to.

"Sadly, the risk is nearly always the person you're sending it to. But this is not necessarily intentional  you might take your phone security very seriously but the partner you're sending to might not," said O'Reilly.

Privacy advocate suggests having an open and honest conversation with your partner before sending anything. Ask them questions like where your pictures will be stored, whether their iCloud settings have been checked, or whether they will delete your picture if you ask them to.

"In the same way that you need to be having conversations with your partner about your sexual relationship, about consent and contraception or things like that, you need to be having conversations about your digital relationship and security as well," O'Reilly added.

Actor Jennifer Lawrence was one of many celebrities who had their nude images leaked in an iCloud hacking scandal in September, 2014. Mario Anzuoni/Reuters

4. Ask yourself whether you actually trust the person you're sending pictures to

Although this might seem like very obvious advice, it is probably the most important of all: if you don't trust the person, then don't hit 'Send.'

"This can be difficult because you never know what people are capable of until it happens, unfortunately," said O'Reilly. "Making sure you really do trust someone and that you're kind of invested in the build-up to the relationship is always important."

One red flag to look out for in particular is whether or not the person you're sending pictures to is pressuring you to send them, O'Reilly added.

"Really make sure if it something you want to do and that you're not coerced into doing it," she said. "Of course, that's not 100% foolproof. Plenty of people consensually share images in good faith and they can be shared against their will."

5. Be aware of your surroundings when you take the pictures

When deciding on the photo you're planning to send, be aware of details, such as the background or whether your face can be identified.

"This includes showing off any recognizable tattoos or birthmarks you might have," added O'Reilly.

The place you're taking the picture from can also be vital.

"Never send a nude from your place of work where there's a company logo in the background, for example," said O'Reilly. "Might seem like straight-forward advice but it can be particularly damaging."

"If you work in some kind of profession where you think this could have a really big impact like a lawyer or a teacher for example, then you need to be extra careful," she added.

What happens if I do end up becoming a victim of image-based abuse?

If you do find out that someone has been sharing your private images without your consent, O'Reilly suggested trying to understand as much as possible about what's happened first.

"If you know for sure that the person is sharing these images maliciously then go straight to the police," she said. "That's obviously easier said than done and it takes a level of bravery, but it is a strong option."

"If you think it was accidental, one option would be to reach out to the person you sent the pictures to, to figure out whether it was a mistake or ask them to remove it," O'Reilly added.

Other support systems, like the Revenge Porn Helpline, are also always available.

"Don't panic, you're not alone and there is help available," the manager of the helpline, Sophie Mortimer, told Insider.

"Make sure you reach out for personal support as your well-being is the priority. Then save evidence: screenshots messages and content, save links," she added.

Most importantly, you should know that you're not alone and that you are not to blame for becoming a victim, both experts said.

There's nothing wrong with sharing intimate images if that's what you want to do, but it's a good idea to make sure you're aware of the risks and have done what you can to offset them," said Mortimer. "Have fun, but stay safe."

Read the original article on Insider
A federal judge on Wednesday rejected a request from Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to temporarily bar Google from removing videos of him from YouTube based on its medical misinformation policies.

U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson found that Kennedys case against Google and its subsidiary YouTube is unlikely to succeed because the companies are not state actors and, as a result, cant be held responsible for abridging his speech.

Kennedy, who has attracted vocal criticism over his anti-vaccine rhetoric, is suing over YouTubes removal of several videos of him discussing vaccines based on its policies related to COVID-19 medical misinformation and vaccine misinformation. The long-shot challenger to President Biden did not personally post the videos mentioned in the lawsuit.

Thompson, a Biden appointee, said in Wednesdays ruling that there is no evidence that the federal government provided significant encouragement to Google in such a way that would make the company a state actor.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

There is no evidence before the Court that any of the identified government officials, who are not parties to this case, demanded that Google adopt a COVID-19 medical misinformation or vaccine misinformation policy, the judge wrote.

Moreover, there is no evidence before the Court that government officials communicated with Google regarding Kennedy at all, she added.

Kennedy also failed to show that he has suffered irreparable harm, Thompson found, noting that he waited five months from the removal of the first video to take action and was still able to post his content on other sites, such as Facebook and X.

The judge also found that the temporary restraining order that Kennedy requested would not serve the public interest in preventing widespread death and illness.

The Kennedy campaign said in a statement to The Hill that he believes this is a regrettable decision that allows tech platforms to continue censoring political candidates.

Kennedy filed to run for president in April. Though he has garnered low-level support in Democratic polls, the party has roundly criticized him over his positions on vaccines, particularly after remarks surfaced showing him suggesting that the coronavirus was ethnically targeted.

There is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately, he said in a video published by the New York Post last month. COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.

Updated at 9:57 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
(The Hill)  A federal judge on Wednesday rejected a request from Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to temporarily bar Google from removing videos of him from YouTube based on its medical misinformation policies.

U.S. District Judge Trina Thompson found that Kennedys case against Google and its subsidiary YouTube is unlikely to succeed because the companies are not state actors and, as a result, cant be held responsible for abridging his speech.

Trump, Tucker Carlson to release interview as debate begins on Fox News

Kennedy is suing over YouTubes removal of several videos of him discussing vaccines based on its policies related to COVID-19 medical misinformation and vaccine misinformation. The long-shot challenger to President Biden, who has attracted vocal criticism over his anti-vaccine rhetoric, did not personally post the videos mentioned in the lawsuit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Thompson, a Biden appointee, said in Wednesdays ruling that there is no evidence that the federal government provided significant encouragement to Google in such a way that would make the company a state actor.

There is no evidence before the Court that any of the identified government officials, who are not parties to this case, demanded that Google adopt a COVID-19 medical misinformation or vaccine misinformation policy, the judge wrote.

Moreover, there is no evidence before the Court that government officials communicated with Google regarding Kennedy at all, she added.

Kennedy also failed to show that he has suffered irreparable harm, Thompson found, noting that he waited five months from the removal of the first video to take action and was still able to post his content on other sites, such as Facebook and X.

How to watch the first Republican presidential primary debate

The judge also found that the temporary restraining order that Kennedy requested would not serve the public interest in preventing widespread death and illness.

Kennedy filed to run for president in April. Though he has garnered low-level support in Democratic polls, the party has roundly criticized him over his positions on vaccines, particularly after remarks surfaced showing him suggesting that the coronavirus was ethnically targeted.

There is an argument that it is ethnically targeted. COVID-19 attacks certain races disproportionately, he said in a video published by the New York Post last month. COVID-19 is targeted to attack Caucasians and Black people. The people who are most immune are Ashkenazi Jews and Chinese.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
(Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Riverdale finale.)

Even before its premiere in 2017, Riverdale wanted us all to understand one thing: Its weird. Its a weirdo. It doesnt fit in, and it doesnt wanna fit in.

For seven seasons, the CW drama has seized every opportunity to be as bizarre, campy, and often downright nonsensical as possible. Weve seen musical episodes, and cults, and Gryphons and Gargoyles. Betty Cooper got the serial killer gene, and Archie Andrews got mauled by a bearand still showed up for his SATs a few days later. Archie and the gang got super powers in Season 6, and this season they time traveled to the 1950s.

How do you wrap an emotionally satisfying ribbon around all that chaos? As it turns out, it wasnt hard at all. Riverdales series finale is a fizzy blend of light-hearted fan service and sincere emotion. Lili Reinhart , the shows emotional core, rightfully takes center stage as an 86-year-old Betty opens the newspaper only to find out that Jughead has diedmaking her the last of her friends still alive.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It would appear that after his death, Jughead has become an angel like Tabithathe supernatural being who helped fix the multiverse. (Its a lot to explain.) At least, he appears to elderly Betty as his younger self (Cole Sprouse) to offer her one last night with her friends. In real life, Betty is in the car on her way to Riverdale with her daughter, who agrees to drive to her hometown one last time; in her mind, however, she warps there instantaneously with Angel Jughead, suddenly young again.

Justine Yeung/The CW

Archie and company first wound up in the 50s thanks to some glitches in the multiversealthough none of them knew that at the time. Only Jughead knew theyd traveled, but he didnt know why. Dead siblings were suddenly alive, and serial-killer parents became philanderers instead. It turns out, the Angel Tabitha needed to clean up a collapsing multiverse.

Last week, all of the teens found out the truth and had to decide whether to restore the memories of their old lives (meaning, the ones in 2023) or to simply forget them. There was no way to return them all to their proper timeline, Tabitha revealed; they had to live out their lives from the 1950s onward. Only Betty and Jughead chose to keep all of their memories; the rest decided they wanted to remember only the happy ones. Given how much theyve all endured, even the angel had to agree this was fair.

With all of its story arcs resolved, Riverdale could easily have ended on its penultimate episode. Its finale, then, is all about emotionspecifically, the connection between its audience and its core characters.

Riverdale Was a Hot Mess. Thats Why Well Miss It.

Reinharts misty-eyed performance is a wonder, as the 26-year-old actress plays a woman 60 years her senior revisiting the people she knew and loved as a teenager, in her old body. For much of the episode, she feels a little out of sync with everyone elsea little unstuck in time. There are flickers of Bojack Horsemans dementia-focused episode Times Arrow, in which Bojacks mother flitters through memories of her youth. But where Bojack leaned into dread, Riverdale leans into dreaminess. Theres no sadness in Reinharts responses to all of her friends, except perhaps when its time for her final goodbye. Instead, she seems overcome with gratitude. In many ways, thats the theme of this farewell.

Before its premiere, Riverdale was advertised as a kind of Twin Peaks-y drama for Gen Zso perhaps it should come as no surprise that its relationship with sincerity has always been a little complicated. But its stars have been undeniable from the beginning. Sprouse amplifies Jugheads warm-hearted pretension, while KJ Apa and his unnatural red hair have imparted a likable goofiness to Archie. And as seen in films like Palm Springs and Do Revenge, Camila Mendes is, as Betty describes Veronica in this episode, simply a force. A performer of the highest order, she possesses more comedic timing in her eyebrows than most of us could ever hope to command in our entire bodies.

For seven seasons, these lovable weirdosand stand-outs like Madelaine Petsch, Vanessa Morgan, and Charles Meltonhave forged real, convincing bonds, both with fans and one another. Petsch, Mendes, and Reinhart even started a joint TikTok account.

Justine Yeung/The CW

Perhaps unsurprisingly, then, Riverdales finale is also all about fan service. Thanks to the multiverse memory gambit, its now canon that Archie, Veronica, Betty, and Jughead became a romantic foursome. (With all those memories of dating each other, they realized, why not just date each other?) Archie the Poet roasts everyone in rhyme, sneaking in digs at the shows most bizarre moments along the way. (Remember how Charles Melton was actually a Season-2 recast? And why was Tonis jacket misspelled?)

And of course, Riverdale makes sure to tell us that in the end, pretty much everyone at Riverdale High went on to do great things: Veronica became an Oscar-winning studio mogul. Archie traveled out west to help build the US highway system, and later settled in Modesto as a writer and started a family. (Upon his death, he asked to be buried in Riverdale.) Jughead basically started Mad magazine. And after self-publishing her book Teenage Mystique, Betty went on to become an even more famous writer and founded the Ms.-esque She Says magazine.

The CW

By the time shes got to say goodbye to Angel Jughead, Betty says shes ready for whatever is next. This parallels her real-life ride to Pops Chocklit Shoppe, which brings Betty to the afterlifewhere she and all of her friends can drink milkshakes together forever.

Jughead might get the last word with one final, overwrought monologue, but the sand-through-a-sieve joy that Betty feels with her friends is what people will remember. For all the tongue-in-cheek comedy that this delightfully weird show loved to drop on us, the feelings were apparently real all along.

Keep obsessing! Sign up for the Daily Beasts Obsessed newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel said the discussion about abortion during Wednesday's Republican debate was part of an important path forward for the party.

"I was very pleased to see them talk about abortion," McDaniel told Fox News on Thursday morning. "Democrats used that in 2022. ... If our candidates aren't able to fend a response and put out a response, we're not going to win. They're going to do it again in 2024. And I thought all of them did a really good job on that."

On the debate stage, jockeying over anti-abortion measures proved to be one of the night's dominant discussion topics. While the candidates all identify as "pro-life," they disagreed on supporting a national abortion ban at 15 weeks. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley both demurred, while former Vice President Mike Pence and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) indicated their support for a national standard.



McDaniel said the candidates came together on identifying Democrats as the extreme party on the issue.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"I do think they all had a consensus that as a country we should all say when a baby feels pain at 15 weeks, we should all agree that this is a bridge too far and we should not be having abortions," McDaniel said. "And then they called out the extremism of the Democrats, who support due date abortions and gender selected abortions."

The discussion highlights the Republican party's disunity on abortion since the Supreme Court overruled Roe v. Wade. And although talk of opposing abortion might win points in the primary, the eventual nominee will face headwinds on the issue in the 2024 general election.

A July poll from The New York Times and Siena College found that 36 percent of surveyed Republican voters support abortion being legal in some capacity, while 57 percent believe the procedure should be mostly or always illegal. But among all voters surveyed across party lines, 61 percent of respondents supported abortion being legal in a capacity and 32 percent did not.
A mixed-use development plan approved in Lebanon will add 201 housing units and commercial space to the existing Hamilton communities off West Main Street.

Hamilton Square will be developed by Keith Bolton on about 10 acres on Gaston Park Drive. It is billed as another phase for Hamilton Springs, a 396-unit multifamily complex, and the Traditions of Hamilton Springs, which includes about 240 units for ages 55 and over.

Traditions at Hamilton Springs in Lebanon.

Two buildings that would include bottom-level commercial with multifamily residential are part of the proposal. Two residential-only multifamily buildings, duplexes and townhome-style dwellings are also part of the plan.

Hickory Knoll set to expand

The Hickory Knoll neighborhood with 92 homes built in an initial phase off Hickory Ridge Drive is moving forward on an expansion to construct additional houses on 153 lots.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Final plans are expected to be submitted when infrastructure work is finished, according to Matt Shearon of Lose Design.

The preliminary plan allows for 152 additional lots that could be sought in a later construction phase.

The Goat restaurant and 590 multifamily units in Lebanon? A package deal proposed near I-40

Immanuel Baptist plans $13.5 million renovation

Immanuel Baptist Church will move forward on a $13.5 million expansion that will include a new student building and updated children and senior adult spaces.

The work will also include a remodel of the entrances, parking improvements, signage and a new building exterior. The church, in its 76th year, is located at 214 Castle Heights Avenue.

It typically draws more than 1,000 to Sunday services.

Design work is being finalized, and with construction, the project is estimated for completion in 2025. Immanuel now has about 85,000 square feet and the building project will add around 29,500 square feet and renovate about 19,500 square feet.

The church voted Aug. 13 to move forward with the project. Leadership had considered building on another property the church previously owned.

Lifestyle Communities with The Goat restaurant approved

Planning commissioners approved a plan to build 590 multifamily units that include the developers popular restaurant brand named The Goat.

Lifestyle Communities is requesting the mixed-use plan on Franklin Road, just south of Interstate 40 and near South Hartmann Drive.

The 6-4 approval did not include a variance request for the mixed-use development to be at least 5% commercial under roof. The planning commission approved the plan with a 10% commercial minimum requirement. The city normally requires 15% commercial for this type of development.

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson

A multi-story hotel with about 80 rooms has been proposed on just over three acres on South Hartmann Drive.

Plans are for the 16,625-square-foot hotel to be four stories, which required a variance because the maximum height for the Hartmann Overlay District is three stories.

Lochinvar to add 141 jobs with expansion

Lochinvar will invest $35 million to expand its headquarters on Maddox-Simpson Parkway, creating 141 jobs, according to the Tennessee Department of Economic & Community Development.

The expansion will enable Lochinvar to house engineering, product management and support, platform electronics and development laboratories under one roof.

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why these Lebanon neighborhoods are about to grow
As Rudy Giuliani has been hit by a barrage of financial woes as the former Trump lawyer juggles numerous legal battles, he could be hit by yet another: his sexual assault accuser is now seeking financial sanctions against him.

Mr Giuliani tweeted on 22 August, Friends of the Mayor set up a fund. Monies raised goes to legal defence. As you know the radical left want to silence the Mayor because he is getting information to you! He included an address in Palm Beach where people can send checks.

The website for the Rudy Giuliani Freedom Fund says, the swamp is revolting by placing a bulls eye on the backs of every Trump loyalist who had the guts to challenge the Deep State. That puts Rudy at the top of their list.

It continues, Rudys fate will determine if America still is a Republic governed by We The People, or if the swamp has finally amassed total control of our great country. Thats why Rudy urgently needs YOUR help as he battles for his freedom and justice.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mr Giuliani is also selling his Upper East Side apartment, where the alleged assault against Noelle Dunphy took place, for $6.5m earlier this month.

Meanwhile, on 1 August, Ms Dunphy, a former employee of Mr Giuliani who sued the former Trump ally for $10m for sexual assault and harassment, asked for financial sanctions: Ms. Dunphy is forced to bring this motion because Giuliani and the corporate Defendants repeatedly lied to the Court in their pending motion to strike certain allegations from Ms. Dunphys Verified Complaint.

Ms Dunphys lawyers accuse the defendants of engaging in at least two forms of frivolous and sanctionable misconduct, as laid out by New York Code, Rules, and Regulations Part 130.

The motion said that the defences filings are replete with provably false assertions that Giuliani never said and did the things Ms Dunphy alleges, adding that the lies were conceived with a malicious intent to harass Ms Dunphy to the point of dissuading her from pursuing her legal rights in this action.

Ms Dunphys lawyers asserted that Mr Giuliani has a troubling history of making materially false statements to courts and the public.

The lawyers wrote that Mr Giulianis team denied making a series of bigoted statements  despite the fact they were caught on tape. Incredibly, Giuliani asserts in a court filing that he never said things that he was recorded sayingeven after Ms. Dunphy specifically alleged that the statements were recorded, the motion states.

The lawyers pointed to specific examples of offensive remarks Mr Giuliani allegedly made.

In one case, the former mayor allegedly said, Jews. They want to go through that freaking Passover all the time. Man, oh man. Get over the Passover. It was like 3,000 years ago. Ok, the Red Sea parted. Big deal. Not the first time that happened.

He also allegedly said, The way natural selection works. Jewish men have small c****s because they cant use them after they get married. Whereas the Italians use them all their lives so they get bigger.

Mr Giuliani also reportedly called actor Matt Damon a homophobic slur.

On top of these, the lawyers cited vulgar comments he allegedly made to Ms Dunphy: Come here, big t***. Your t*** belong to me. Give them to me. I want to claim my t***. The former mayor of New York City also reportedly said that Ms Dunphy reminded him of his daughter.

Ms Dunphys lawyer asked the court to impose sanctions on the defence team for frivolous litigation conduct as well as to award Ms. Dunphy reasonable attorneys fees and costs for having to make this motion, and award to Ms. Dunphy such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

In reply, on 16 August, lawyers for Mr Giuliani described the proposed sanctions as a bullying and retributive attempt to get back at Defendants for seeking costs related to the motion to strike.

As for the alleged remarks, his team said Ms Dunphy mischaracterizes the nature of these conversations, making denial of the statements appropriate, while also calling the transcripts unverified and the recordings unauthenticated. In other cases, Mr Giulianis lawyers wrote that their client does not recall or believe he made many of these comments.

On 22 August, the same day Mr Giuliani posted his defence funds details, Ms Dunphys team wrote that it was insufficient to cite that Mr Giuliani does not remember having made the harassing and bigoted statements that were recorded. Giuliani was not forced to make unequivocalbut falsedenials in his motion papers.

On the same day, the defence team wrote in further support of the motion to strike certain allegations from the lawsuit.

According to court records, the decisions on such matters have not yet been decided. The Independent has reached out to lawyers for Ms Dunphy and Mr Giuliani.

The following day, the man once known as Americas Mayor was arrested in the Fulton County, Georgia election case on charges related to efforts to overturn then-President Donald Trumps loss in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.
Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani was photographed for a mugshot in Atlanta on Wednesday, after he, Donald Trump, and 17 other associates were indicted this month in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to subvert the 2020 election results in the state.

If they can do this to me, they can do this to you, Mr Giuliani said outside of the Fulton County Jail on Wednesday, calling the case a fight for our way of life and a travesty.

He went on to criticise Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis .

Rudy Giuliani turned himself in to Fulton County officials on 23 August, 2023 (Reuters)

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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The former New York mayor is charged with making false statements and soliciting false testimony, as well as conspiring to create false documents and attempt to make state lawmakers violate their oath of office.

Mr Giuliani, who served as Donald Trumps personal lawyer, denies wrongdoing and later left the jail after being ordered to pay a $150,000 bond.

Trump attorney Jenna Ellis is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office (via REUTERS)

The moment was a striking new chapter in the story of a US official once known for being a leading member of law enforcement who pioneerd hard-hitting prosecutions of organised crime

Trump attorney Sidney Powell is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office (via REUTERS)

As the US attorney for the Southern District of New York, Mr Giuliani gained fame and public recognition for his frequent used of the 1970 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), which he used to convict organised crime figures like Fat Tony Salerno, Carmine Junior Persico, and Paul Castellano.

In 2008, Mr Giuliani, by that point dubbed Americas Mayor for rallying the country following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, ran for president unsuccessfully.

Rudy Giuliani became key public surrogate for Donald Trump during chaos of 2020 election (Getty Images)

Now, Mr Giuliani, who became a public surrogate of Donald Trump and defender of his many false statements about the 2020 election, is being prosecuted under Georgias RICO statute.

The former New York mayors arrest is a prelude to an even more sensational moment, with Donald Trump expected to turn himself in on Thursday.
Rudy Giuliani , Donald Trump s former personal attorney, surrendered to Georgia authorities on Wednesday after he was indicted last week for his role in an alleged conspiracy to undo Joe Bidens win in the state.

Giulianis attorneys agreed to a $150,000 bond with the Fulton County District Attorneys office, the second-highest in the case after Trump himself.

The former New York City mayor is facing 13 charges from the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, including violating Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree, and conspiracy to commit false statements and writings. Nineteen people are charged in the case, among them the former president.

Prior to traveling to Atlanta for his surrender, Giuliani told CNN he was feeling very, very good because he was fighting for justice.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He also exited his black SUV to address reporters after his booking.

I am very honored to be involved in this case. This case is a fight for our way of life, Giuliani said.

He then recited one of Trumps favorite lines: If this can happen to me  probably the most prolific prosecutor maybe in American history, and the most effective mayor, for sure  it can happen to you.

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, Rudy Giuliani says as he heads to Georgia to surrender. pic.twitter.com/C122gGnXn0  Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) August 23, 2023

Giuliani reportedly enlisted the help of Bernie Kerik, a former New York City police commissioner who is identified as co-conspirator 5 in the indictment, to find a Georgia-based lawyer to represent him, according to CNN.

Local counsel Brian Tevis represented Giuliani in bond negotiations on Wednesday, but told reporters it remains to be seen whether he will represent the former mayor in the case beyond the bond meeting. Tevis would not say whether he was getting paid to represent Giuliani, who is embroiled in legal debt.

Giuliani was spotted entering and leaving A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon.

Rudy Giuliani leaving a bail bonds office after being arrested, processed, and released pic.twitter.com/eZEhW3u3ZM  Acyn (@Acyn) August 23, 2023

Following his indictment earlier this month, Giuliani said on his WABC radio show he had scientific evidence that would establish he had good reason to allege the election was crooked.

Giuliani was one of the attorneys at the center of Trumps scheme to stay in power, spreading baseless claims of election fraud and claiming without proof that voting machines were tampered with to hurt Trump.

He is also facing several other lawsuits over his election lies, including by voting technology companies Smartmatic and Dominion Voting Systems.

In Georgia, John Eastman, another lawyer who faced charges in the case, and Scott Hall, a bail bondsman, surrendered Tuesday and were released on bond. David Shafer and Cathy Latham, who posed as fake electors for Trump, as well as lawyers Ray Smith and Kenneth Chesebro have also turned themselves in and were subsequently released, according to Fulton Countys jail records.

Former Trump attorney Sidney Powell was booked at the Fulton County Sheriffs Office on Wednesday, according to MSNBC.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, who surrendered to Georgia authorities on Wednesday, Aug. 23, in the state's election interference case. Giuliani's bond has been set at $150,000, second only to Trump himself.

Fulton County Sheriff's Office mug shot of former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani, who surrendered to Georgia authorities on Wednesday, Aug. 23, in the state's election interference case. Giuliani's bond has been set at $150,000, second only to Trump himself.

Trump has said he will turn himself in on Thursday and has reached a $200,000 bond agreement with Willis office. Trump has called the probe a witch hunt.

Last summer, Giuliani testified before a special grand jury in the case following a subpoena. Previously, the lawyer had also been informed he was a target of the probe, signaling he was likely to face charges.

The former mayor is also reportedly unnamed co-conspirator 1 in special counsel Jack Smiths federal 2020 election interference case against Trump.

Giuliani had reportedly previously pleaded with the former president to help him pay his legal fees, as he was running out of money, but Trump was unmoved at the time. On Tuesday, The New York Times reported that Trump plans to host a $100,000-per-person fundraiser to help Giuliani with his legal bills.

Apart from Georgia, Trump also faces criminal charges in three more cases: for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election, for allegedly mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House, and for his role in a hush money scheme involving porn star Stormy Daniels.

Sara Boboltz contributed to this report.

Related...
Aircraft-type drones tried to attack the Russian capital city of Moscow overnight on Aug. 24, Kremlin-controlled news agency RIA Novosti has reported, citing Russias Defense Ministry.

Russia as usual blamed Ukraine for the incident. Ukraine typically denies involvement in such incidents, although drones of known Ukrainian manufacture are regularly spotted in Russian skies.

Kyivs attempt to attack (Moscow) with aircraft-type drones was prevented at night, the Russian Defense Ministry reported, RIA Novosti wrote.

Two UAVs were destroyed by air defenses in Bryansk Oblast, and one in Kaluga Oblast.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The attack is the latest in a spate of incidents involving drones in the Russian capital and in surrounding Russian oblasts.

Read also: Moscow resident shares details of overnight drone attack  video

Explosions rocked Moscow and the surrounding region overnight on Aug. 23, with three drones said to have attacked the Russian capital city.

One of the drones reportedly hit a residential building to the west of central Moscow.

Air defense systems were also activated outside Moscow, with debris from a downed drone damaging a private house in the town of Khimki. Yet another UAV hit a building under construction in the Moskva-City complex.

Before that, explosions were heard in Moscow and the surrounding region during the night of August 21-22.

Blasts were heard in the Strogino district of Moscow and in the city of Krasnogorsk in Moscow Oblast. Reportedly, a residential building on Krasnogorsky Boulevard was damaged as a result of the drone attack.

Moscows Vnukovo and Domodedovo airports were again placed under a security lockdown and temporarily closed, which typically happens when unidentified drones are detected in the area.

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
One of the Russian shells hit a private house in the center of Kherson

Russian troops fired on the center of Kherson on the afternoon of Aug. 24, the head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration Oleksandr Prokudin has reported on Telegram.

"The enemy is covering the center of Kherson with fire. Everyone take cover," Prokudin wrote.

Read also: Civilian killed, more seriously injured after Russia hammers Kharkiv, Kherson, and other oblasts

The Kherson regional prosecutor's office reported that one of the incoming Russian shells hit the roof of a private house in the city center.

At the moment, three civilians are known to have been injured, including a young child. Reports are being verified.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Later, Prokudin clarified that a 7-year-old girl had been injured. She had injuries to her back, arm and leg. The child was hospitalized in moderate condition.

Read also: Kherson resident seriously wounded in Aug. 14 Russian shelling dies in hospital

Early in the morning of Aug. 24, Russian forces shelled the building of a medical facility in Komyshany, Kherson Oblast.

The regional authorities later clarified that the attack had damaged two rooms, the ceiling, the water supply system, and completely destroyed the roof.

The medical facility was not working, and the premises had been mothballed. There were no civilian casualties.

Russian troops are systematically shelling Kherson and the region. On Aug. 23, the enemy dropped two guided aerial bombs on a kindergarten and residential buildings in the regional center.

Six people were injured in that attack

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russian forces launched attacks against nine oblasts over the past day, killing at least five people and injuring at least 29 others, local officials reported early on Aug. 24.

In Chernihiv Oblast, one person was injured, the Chernihiv Oblast Military Administration reported.

Russian forces shelled the village of Hremiach in the Novhorod-Siverskyi district with mortars, lightly injuring a 55-year-old woman and damaging a private house.

Other settlements in the Novhorod-Siverskyi district also came under fire but officials reported no further casualties.

At least 10 people were injured in a Russian missile strike against Dnipropetrovsk Oblast's regional center of Dnipro during the night, Governor Serhii Lysak said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Three of the wounded remain hospitalized and are in moderate condition  a 55-year-old woman and two men aged 33 and 48.

The attack damaged at least 10 buildings in the city, including a local bus station.

In Donetsk Oblast, Russian strikes killed one person in Chasiv Yar and injured two in Iskra and two more in Avdiivka, Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said.

The attacks damaged multiple residential houses across the oblast, as well as a school in Zvanivka and a farm in Prelesne, according to the report.

In Kherson Oblast, seven people were injured in Russian attacks, according to Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.

Russian forces damaged a kindergarten, a factory, a company building, and a residential district of Kherson, as well as an administrative building and a store in the Beryslav district, the governor said.

In Mykolaiv Oblast, at least three people were injured in the attacks, Governor Vitalii Kim reported. One of the victims was hospitalized, he said.

Russian forces launched several artillery strikes against the Ochakiv community, hitting residential houses and civilian infrastructure. During the night, Russia also damaged residential buildings and farmhouses in the Kutsurub community, according to the report.

In Sumy Oblast, four people were killed and four more were injured in a drone strike against a school in the city of Romny, the Sumy Oblast Military Administration reported.

Other settlements across the oblast were targeted by Russian forces but no further casualties were reported.

Read also: Russian missile strike against Dnipro injures 7

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Russian pilot defected to Ukraine on Wednesday, taking his helicopter with him, officials say.

Ukraine's head of military intelligence told RFE/RL that the pilot's crew members were taken by surprise.

They members freaked out and tried to run away before being killed, the official said.

The Russian pilot who defected by landing a Mi-8 helicopter at a Ukrainian air base on Wednesday took the rest of his crew by surprise, Ukraine's head of military intelligence said.

The crew did not know what was going on or where they were when they landed, said the head of Ukraine's main Directorate of Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov , in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the US-funded outlet.

The operation leaves Ukraine with a valuable piece of equipment it can now use against Russia. Ukraine has offered large rewards to defecting Russians who bring equipment with them  though it's unclear whether this pilot was paid.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When it occurred to the two crew members that they were in Ukraine, almost 200 miles from the front line, they started to freak out and tried to run, Budanov told RFE/RL.

Ukraine's military intelligence agency told the Kyiv Post that the helicopter crew members were unwilling to surrender and were consequently "eliminated."

Budanov told RFE/RL they were killed in their escape attempt. He said Ukraine would have liked to spare their lives but had no choice.

Photos published by the Ukrainian outlet Pravda appeared to show the helicopter after the defection and paperwork stained with blood.

Budanov did not disclose the motivation behind the defection of the pilot, who has not been publicly identified by name.

The remarkable defection was the result of a six-month secret plot, a spokesperson for Ukraine's directorate of military intelligence told local media.

Budanov said in the RFE/RL interview that the operation was one of the best his agency had ever pulled off.

"The pilot feels great, everything is fine," Budanov told RFE/RL.

He added that the helicopter was in Kyiv.

The Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov said in a Facebook post on Wednesday the aircraft was "completely intact" and would join the Ukrainian Armed Forces after a detailed examination of its equipment.

Though the Kyiv Post reported that Russian propaganda outlets said the helicopter landed in Ukraine by mistake, Butusov said in an earlier Facebook post that there was very little chance of that.

He said the helicopter landed about 186 miles away from the front line. The helicopter model typically flies at a low altitude and slow speed and would have had to use a lot of extra fuel to make the journey, he said.

This would make disorientation an extremely unlikely explanation, he concluded.

Along with the helicopter, the pilot brought the parts of Su-27 and Su-30SM fighter jets, the Kyiv Post reported.

Read the original article on Business Insider
All 10 bodies found in the crash of a private jet, allegedly carrying Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin , have been taken for examination, Russian media reported on Aug. 24.

According to the Russian outlet Fontanka, the bodies were driven to a morgue of a forensic medical examination bureau in the city of Tver.

The Moscow Times reported that Prigozhin's phone was found at the crash site, although his body has not yet been identified.

The private Embraer Legacy aircraft crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in Tver Oblast while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg on the evening of Aug. 23. The founder of the Wagner Group, who had launched a short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in late June, is presumed dead in the crash.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Putin "almost certainly ordered the Russian military command to shoot down Prigozhin's plane." The warlord's death is yet to be confirmed by official sources, however.

While the cause of the crash is currently unknown, flight-tracking data indicates that in the last minutes of its flight, the plane made erratic climbs and descents, before dramatically dropping almost 2,500 meters per minute, after which the transmission of altitude data stopped.

The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a "criminal case" following the plane crash due to the alleged violation of traffic safety rules and air transport operations.

Videos of the crash appear to indicate that the plane is registered to Prigozhin, as the plane's registration number matched his.

Read also: Russian media: Private jet crashes in Russia, warlord Prigozhin listed among passengers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A Russian missile strike against the city of Dnipro overnight injured seven residents and caused significant damage to a transport infrastructure building, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak reported on Aug. 24.

The wounded victims included three men and four women aged between 32 and 55, mostly suffering cuts and shrapnel injuries. Six of them were hospitalized and are in moderate condition, the governor clarified.

The attack damaged around 10 buildings in total, including two residential buildings, a bank, a gas station, a hotel, an agricultural company building, a furniture workshop, and an administrative building. Some 15 kiosks were also affected, according to the report.

In addition, three buses, several cars, trolleybus cables and poles, and water and gas pipes were also damaged, Lysak added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The governor reported that one of the missiles launched against the city had been shot down by forces of the Eastern Operational Command.

Ukraine's fourth-largest city Dnipro, lying in the country's east, became an important humanitarian hub since the start of the full-scale invasion. Over the course of hostilities, it has suffered a number of Russian missile strikes.

Read also: UK Ambassador Simmons: People are waking up to understanding of Russia being colonial fascist-leaning country

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Consequences of the Russian attack on the Dnipro on August 24

Seven civilians were injured in a Russian missile strike on the city of Dnipro overnight on Aug. 24, regional governor Serhiy Lysak reported on Telegram.

More than 10 objects, including two residential buildings, were also damaged.

In particular, the Russians destroyed a transport facility, with three men and four women aged 32 to 55 being injured. They mostly suffered laceration and shrapnel wounds. Six of them were hospitalized in moderately grave condition.

Serhiy Lysak/Telegram

Serhiy Lysak/Telegram

Serhiy Lysak/Telegram

A bank, a gas station, a hotel, an agricultural company, a furniture factory, and an administrative building were also damaged as a result of the attack. In addition, 15 vendor kiosks, three buses, several cars, contact trolleybus network, water and gas pipes sustained damage. Reports of the damage are being verified.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Ukrainian swimming star Zheltyakov reveals narrow escape from Dnipro missile attack

Ukraines air defense forces managed to intercept one of the incoming Russian missiles.

An air raid alert was triggered in several regions of Ukraine overnight on Aug. 24. There were then reports of explosions in the city of Dnipro.

Read also: Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih injures one, damages houses and energy infrastructure

Russia attacked Ukraine with 20 drones on Aug. 23. The air defense forces intercepted 11 of them.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A top Ukrainian official has detailed for the first time how a Russian helicopter pilot defected by flying his Mi-8, along with unsuspecting crew members, to Ukraine.

In an interview with Radio Liberty, which is set to air later this week, the head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, described how the incident unfolded.

We were able to find the right approach to the man, he told the news outlet.

We were able to create conditions to get his whole family out undetected, and eventually create the conditions so that he could take over this aircraft with a crew that did not know what was happening.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Two more people were with him - a full crew of three persons in total. When they realized where they had landed, they tried to escape. Unfortunately, they were eliminated. We would prefer (to take) them alive, but it is what it is.

The defecting Russian pilot flew an Mi-8 helicopter, similar to the one pictured below, into Ukraine. - Delil Souleiman/AFP/Getty Images/FILE

Budanov added: The pilot feels great, everything is fine. He has two options, but he is leaning towards staying here.

No one has done this before, but I hope we can now scale it up.

CNN has not confirmed whether the defection did take place, as described.

One unofficial Russian Telegram channel had reported that an Mi-8 helicopter had flown into Ukraine and landed in the central region of Poltava by mistake.

Another said it had diverted to the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk just across the Russian border in Kharkiv, which would be more likely than flying all the way to central Ukraine.

The Russian Telegram Voenniy Osvedomitel said Ukrainian intelligence had lured the pilot to Ukrainian territory and that the helicopter was carrying spare parts for Su-30SM and Su-27 fighters. It also reported the deaths of the other two crew members as they tried to escape.

Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov, who has well-established contacts in the Defense Ministry, said the Mi-8 had flown to a Ukrainian base. He reported that the helicopter is fully intact and will be added to the Ukrainian Armed Forces after a detailed examination of its equipment.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Russian security forces have been conducting searches of Crimean Tatars in temporarily occupied Crimea since 04:00.

Source: Refat Chubarov, chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People on Telegram, Crimean Solidarity on Facebook

Quote from Chubarov: "From 4 in the morning on 24 August 2023, in Bagcasaray and the Bagcasaray district, Russian karateli [punitive detachments] are raiding the homes of Crimean Tatars."

Details: He said searches were taking place in the houses of Ruslan Asanov, Seydamet Mustafayev, Remzi Nemetulayev, Abdulmedzhit Seitumerov, Ametkhan Umerov and Eldar Yakubov.

PHOTO: CRIMEAN SOLIDARITYS FACEBOOK PAGE

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Chubarov considers such actions of the Russians to be revenge on the Crimean Tatars for the third summit of the Crimean Platform, held in Kyiv on 23 August, and fear of the imminent liberation of Crimea.

According to Crimean Solidarity, the FSB is conducting the searches.

Russian security forces visited people who had previously been detained, arrested or fined for participating in protests, as well as relatives of political prisoners.

It is noted that activists Seidamet Mustafayev and Abdulmejit Seitumerov are being taken to the FSB Office in Simferopol by security forces.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Russian forces have attacked the centre of Kherson, injuring three people, including a 7-year-old child.

Source: Oleksandr Prokudin , Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Details: The prosecutor's office says that at about 11:00, the Russian military once again fired on the city of Kherson. One of the projectiles hit the roof of a private dwelling in the city centre. Early reports say three civilians have been injured, including a young child. The data is being confirmed.

Quote: "A 7-year-old girl came under enemy fire while in her apartment. She received injuries to her back, arms and legs. The injured child was hospitalised and is in moderate condition. Now she is being provided with all the necessary medical care."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

On Wednesday, local authorities asked residents of Kherson to be careful during the holidays on 23-24 August, as there could be a lot of attacks.

On 23 August, Russian forces shelled Kherson, injuring an 80-year-old woman.

On the morning of 23 August, Russian troops launched an airstrike on Kherson, which caused a fire in a preschool facility in the Korabel district of Kherson. People were also injured there.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Russians are continuing to use civilian infrastructure in occupied territories to treat their wounded personnel, converting a sanatorium in Melitopol, Zaporizhzhya Oblast into a field hospital, the Ukrainian General Staff reported on Facebook on Aug. 24.

About a hundred wounded occupiers are being treated at the sanatorium in the occupied southern Ukrainian city, the General Staff said.

Furthermore, Russians are positioning their combat units within operational school buildings in the occupied territories, officially designating them as "militarized security facility for children," Ukraines National Resistance Center, a state civil defense organization, has stated.

Read also: Ukraines forces spread too thin for counteroffensive  US officials

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Meanwhile, the General Staff said in its morning report on Facebook on Aug. 24 that 340 Russian troops had been eliminated in Ukraine over the past 24 hours. Overall, Russia's losses have exceeded 259,000 personnel since the start of the full-scale invasion.

According to the Ukrainian General Staff's data as of Thursday, August 24, Russia's losses include:

Personnel: 259 160 (+340),

Tanks: 4,375 (+2),

Armored combat vehicles: 8,511 (+23),

Artillery Systems: 5,333 (+15),

Multiple Launch Rocket Systems: 723 (+1),

Anti-Aircraft Missile Systems: 494 (+3),

Aircraft: 315 (+0),

Helicopters: 316 (+0),

Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): 4,344 (+20),

Cruise Missiles: 1,406 (+0),

Ships / Boats: 18 (+0),

Automotive equipment and tanks: 7,773 (+23),

Specialized Equipment: 801 (+1).

Read also: Ukrainian forces achieve breakthrough at Robotyne, General Staff reports

Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine a year-and-a-half ago, on Feb. 24, 2022. During the first year of the conflict, Ukrainian forces liberated almost the whole of Kharkiv Oblast in eastern Ukraine and the part of Kherson Oblast on the right bank of the Dnipro River in the south, including the administrative center, the city of Kherson.

In early June, the Ukrainian Armed Forces started a counter-offensive in the south and east of Ukraine, progressively liberating occupied territories and establishing positions along reclaimed frontlines.



Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Russian forces manage to destroy up to 70% of the uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) Ukraine launches to hit targets near Russian-occupied Crimea, while a third of them reach their targets and damage Russian warships.

Source: Kyrylo Budanov , Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), in an interview with Krym.Realii, a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Details: The DIU Chief refused to disclose the number of drones used by Ukraine or the tasks they perform. He said there are plenty of drones.

Quote: "For obvious reasons, we cannot say exactly how many drones there are. However, as you can see from our videos, the ones made by the Armed Forces, the ones posted by the Security Service of Ukraine [SSU], you can simply add up how many, give or take. Let's just say it's a lot. It's really a lot.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

How effective is this? Since they cause actual losses and the price of such a drone and the cost of a warship are incomparable, this is a rather effective way.

But, of course, they [the Russians] destroy 60%, maybe even 70%. It's true. There is nothing to hide here, as they say. However, the real problem for them is the 30%."

Details: Budanov noted that there were cases when a drone was destroyed near a Russian warship, and then the vessel went "for long-term repairs".

Quote: "For example, there was a story when surface vessels entered the waters of Sevastopol Bay. There was a well-known case. It was destroyed right on the approach to the Admiral Essen frigate. At first glance, this looked like a bad luck situation.

However, the blast wave, since it [the drone] was destroyed about 100 metres from the warship, and the charge is quite powerful, the shrapnel completely damaged the ship's electronic equipment, certain electronics, antennas, some systems and the hydroacoustic device. And it took 3.5 months to repair. It was in the dock for 3.5 months."

Details: The DIU Chief described USVs as an effective deterrent weapon.

"These are not offensive weapons. Of course, they can't be used to attack. But to paralyse the fleets activities, which, after all, has happened in principle, has been achieved. The warships do not go further than the Sevastopol raid in the northern direction," Budanov said.

He said Ukraine has mastered "proper mass production" of these vessels. "Were not making one or two in garages like they used to. This is not the case. We're in the process of normal mass production," he added.

Background:

Earlier this month, the Security Service of Ukraine posted videos and photos of Sea Baby surface drones.

The footage was posted after Vasyl Maliuk, Chief of the SSU, told CNN that these drones had attacked the Kerch Bridge on 23 July, as well as the large landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak and the SIG tanker.

UK Defence Intelligence said Ukrainian drone attacks had put Russia's military supply routes in the Black Sea "under threat" and that Ukraine had managed to find a weak link.

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!
Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, has reported that there has been a strike, with the attack causing casualties.

Source: Lysak on Telegram

Quote: "Strike. There are casualties."

Details: Lysak added that "all services are responding".

Lysak also said more detailed information will be provided later.

Background: Suspilne reported that explosions rang out in Dnipro on the night of 23-24 August, and the Air Force added that the air defence system is responding in the oblast.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
(Reuters) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Thursday there were no signs of the West honouring the part of the Black Sea grain deal affecting Russia.

Speaking at a news conference in Johannesburg at the end of a three-day summit of the BRICS group of developing nations, Lavrov said: "For now, we don't see these signs (of grain deal implementation)".

Lavrov added that he would meet United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres later on Thursday to discuss the deal.

Last month, Moscow withdrew from the deal, which allowed for the export of grain from Ukrainian Black Sea ports, saying the international community had failed to ensure Russia was also able to ship its own grain and fertiliser exports under the accord due to the effects of Western sanctions.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The deal, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022, aimed to tackle sharp rises in global food prices caused partly by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine are both major grain exporters.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Felix Light; Editing by Gareth Jones)
This undated image released by MGM+ shows Grace Slick recording with The Great Society at Autumn Records in San Francisco from San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time, a two-part documentary on MGM+ that concludes Sunday. (Sunny Andersen/MGM+ via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

NEW YORK (AP)  Janis Joplin's first rehearsal with the rock band Big Brother & The Holding Company was apparently a loud affair. So loud it was alarming.

Bassist Peter Albin recalls the band raising the roof off one day in the 1960s when their playing was interrupted by a knock at the door. Two San Francisco police officers were investigating reports of a woman screaming.

Oh, that's just Janis. It's OK, came the reply.

That fun nugget  as well as rare footage of the actual rehearsal  enliven San Francisco Sounds: A Place in Time, a two-part documentary on MGM+ that concludes Sunday. The first part dropped Aug. 20.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The late Joplin is joined by an astonishing number of great artists who came to define the city  the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, Sly and the Family Stone, The Great Society, Steve Miller,Carlos Santana, Moby Grape, and Country Joe & The Fish, all mixing rock, folk and the blues.

Viewers get a street-level view of the rise of the San Francisco dream  artistic freedom, community and authenticity  and its fall, thanks to hard drugs, commercialism and increasingly hard edges. The time period is 1965 to 1975, short but sweet.

Its not just the music, says co-director Anoosh Tertzakian. Everybody was trying to break the rules of whatever their medium was, and I think its in that breaking the rules that they found something new. The music was what was keeping the pulse together.

The docuseries explores how the Grateful Dead got some of their iconic logos, how city music venues Avalon Ballroom and The Fillmore began, how the seminal Jefferson Airplane song White Rabbit came about and how the deaths at the Altamont show soured the hippie mood.

Tertzakian and filmmaker Alison Ellwood, who last teamed up to capture the music of the Los Angeles neighborhood Laurel Canyon, turned their attention north and found a place on the edge of the earth.

It was like every misfit from anywhere in this country who rattled loose, ended up in San Francisco, the series quotes Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead as saying.

The main guides are disc jockey Dusty Street, poster artist Victor Moscoso, light show artist Bill Ham and Rolling Stone magazine journalist Ben Fong-Torres. The musicians are captured in audio interviews that play over archival footage  a technique Ellwood and Tertzakian used in Laurel Canyon: A Place in Time, in 2020.

Its obviously a place that so many people have focused on and they really focus on the star quality of the musicians, says Tertzakian. And I think that was something that we really wanted to minimize in order to bring it back to the source.

That technique both captures the spark of creativity and bypasses the grave. We cant set Grace Slick down and then counter it with Janis Joplin sitting down and doing an interview. So thats another reason, just to keep everyone young, of the time of the moment, says Ellwood.

An astonishing amount of footage and interviews were used, borrowed from reporters, universities, archive houses and personal collections. Susan Joy Balin, wife of Jefferson Airplanes Marty Balin, handed over her own footage of the time, as did Jerry Slick, Graces ex-husband.

We were saying, Just give us whatever you have and lets play around with it, says Tertzakian. That was both super fun and also a challenge because the amount of material we had, we had to really pick and choose how to use it and in a relatively short time frame.

The hippie decline  charted in the second half  is heartbreaking, as record companies start flooding the music scene with money, and heroin starts to displace the psychedelics, with disastrous consequences.

Hordes of people invaded without the artistic vision and plan to come there in the first place. They just showed up with no plan and the city couldnt sustain it, says Ellwood.

But Tertzakian believes the San Francisco dream lives on. For every one of these people, they lost something, but they kept it with them and they continued as they did their own art or lived their lives, she says. I feel like to a certain degree it trickled out.

After Laurel Canyon and San Francisco, the filmmakers have yet to decide on the subject of their third music-related docuseries. Perhaps Greenwich Village or Nashville or the grunge scene.

Weve been talking about lots of different things, but well see, says Ellwood.

___

Mark Kennedy is at http://twitter.com/KennedyTwits
In a blast from the past, former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin waded into 2020-era political signaling by burning a medical face mask to protest masking requirements amid surging Covid-19 cases.

Ms Palin posted a video showing her burning the face masks with matches and posted the hashtag "DontComply."

"Keep a smile on your face as you politely decline #MaskMandate," she wrote, with a thumbs-down emoji. "Today even Trig shook his head 'nope' ... not this time; if even in Alaska some are attempting [mask emjoi] then beware elsewhere."

Her son, Trig Palin, was also shown in the video.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The video was likely prompted by a number of entities reinstating mask requirements in response to a recent rise in Covid-19 cases throughout the country.

Earlier this week, Lionsgate Studio asked employees on certain floors of its Santa Monica, California offices to start masking again after a few workers tested positive for Covid-19, according to The Hill.

Kaiser Permanente also began to require staff, patients, and visitors to wear masks at its Santa Rosa, California, facility due to a spike in cases. Upstate Medical University in New York enacted similar measures last week in two of its hospitals.

Morris Brown College in Georgia has also issued mask mandates for their campuses, which earned them the ire of Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.

#DontComply Keep a smile on your face as you politely decline #MaskMandateToday even Trig shook his head nope not this time; if even in Alaska some are attemptingthen beware elsewhere #MaskMandatesDontWork pic.twitter.com/30TDaRZwJY  Sarah (@SarahPalinUSA) August 23, 2023

"Americans have had enough COVID hysteria," she wrote on X/Twitter. "WE WILL NOT COMPLY!"

Even if Americans have had enough of Covid-19, it hasn't had enough of them; hospitalisations due to the illness have been rising over the last several weeks, according to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Despite the spike, admissions are still low in 97 per cent of the US.
September is creeping closer and the Department of Conservation and Recreation is trying to get the word out on a disaster that affects rental trucks and bridges around Boston each year.

Accompanied by the dulcet tones of Sarah McLachlan , instantly recognizable for anyone who watched daytime TV in the 2000s, the DCR makes an impassioned plea for drivers moving into Boston this September to avoid storrowing themselves.

For just zero dollars a day, you can not hit a bridge or an overpass on Storrow Drive and Soldiers Field Road in Boston and Memorial Drive in Cambridge, a DCR official said in a video posted Wednesday. Seriously, that moving truck is not going to fit on those roads.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The officials pleads with drivers to adhere to signs warning of the low-hanging bridges.

We put signs up everywhere, please look for them. Pay attention to what they say, the official says. Save a rented moving truck today by not blindly following your GPS directly into a low clearance bridge.

Drivers should also make note of the height of their truck, often put on the side of the vehicle.

So do your part by looking for the signs and together, we can not hit a bridge with a truck, the DCR official says. The bridges and the trucks will thank you.

With move-in day right around the corner, overpasses all over the Boston area need your help. They need to not be hit by a moving truck on Storrow Drive or Soldiers Field in Boston & Memorial Drive in Cambridge. Plan your move in day route accordingly & watch for the signs! pic.twitter.com/Wkfgcg6Nx3  MassDCR (@MassDCR) August 23, 2023

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
The SBU has twice blown up the Crimean bridge (pictured - the consequences of the first attempt in October 2022), explaining that the facility was built illegally and is used by the Russian Federation for military purposes

Wrapped explosives on a pallet, unusual drones, and confused FSB  NV reconstructed two top-secret special operations by Ukraines SBU security service, aimed at Putin's crown jewel, the Crimean Bridge.

Only a select few have seen this footage, SBU head Vasyl Malyuk tells us as he shows a video dated July 17, 2023 on his phone screen.

It shows a group of intelligence officers monitoring video from the camera of a sea drone on a computer monitor. The device carefully maneuvers on the waves, navigating in the direction of a massive structure, which we can recognize as a section of the Crimean Bridge, built by Russia across the Kerch Strait after the occupation of the peninsula. Malyuks own voice can be heard in the background, hushing the drone operator. Waves rush over the hull of the unmanned vessel, inexorably approaching the bridge pylon. A moment  and the image from the camera fades, and the people gathered around the monitor jump up with joy.

Read also:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Putting his phone down, Malyuk explains that the second attack on the bridge, which knocked out part of the span of its car lane, was recorded on video. It was an indescribable feeling. Many months of development and success  its hard to describe this in words, the SBU head recounts.

The SBUs operation to strike the Crimean Bridge again was, at the initiative of the personnel, symbolically named Sea Baby. This is also the name of the SBUs new generation of naval drones.

Eight months before this special operation, Malyuk's team first targeted the bridge, which is a key element of Russian military logistics for Crimea and the occupied south of Ukraine.

Impact #1 occurred on an overcast morning on Oct. 8, 2022. At that moment, a large stream of cars was moving along the bridge. In this traffic, at 5:40 a.m., a Russian video surveillance camera recorded a loaded truck moving at high speed towards Crimea. A moment later, the truck exploded, damaging two spans and setting fire to a train carrying tanks filled with fuel on the parallel railway lane. According to the Russians, the attack killed five people, including the driver of the truck, and traffic on the bridge was completely halted.

That explosion was not only seen by the invaders. There was another camera streaming live video to Malyuks office in Kyiv. The SBU chief will not disclose where the camera was located, but he assures that he observed the explosion in detail.

The first operation on the Crimean Bridge angered Russian dictator Vladimir Putin , for whom the structure had become a symbol of his own success. After the explosion, which occurred the day after the tyrants 70th birthday, Russians launched a powerful missile salvo against Kyiv and began methodically striking Ukraines energy infrastructure. In addition, Russia formed a special commission to investigate how the explosion happened, which included members of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Transport, the FSB, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the National Guard. Subsequently, a Russian court sent eight suspects to a pre-trial detention center, but so far none of them have been convicted. Moscows investigation, according to the SBU, demonstrated an extreme degree of unprofessionalism, because they named Ukrainian Defense Intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov as a suspect, despite him having nothing to do with the operation.

Read also:

The second strike on the bridge made a depressing impression on the Kremlin, driving home the message that Ukraine is capable of destroying the illegally built bridge. This is despite the fact that the Russians have repeatedly declared that the bridge is impervious to any type of attack and have created a special security system around it.

The Kerch bridge has become a holy grail for the Kremlin. Therefore, its destruction not only disrupted logistics, but also showed that the Putin regime is as fragile and unstable as the bridge itself, said Olexandr Kovalenko, a military-political commentator from the InfoSprotyv project. This special operation had military and political goals, and they were all incredibly successful.

First explosion

I and two of my trusted employees were involved in the development and implementation of the special operation with the bridge, Malyuk explains.

According to him, the SBU had been hatching the idea of blowing up the Crimean Bridge since the spring of 2022, considering different options. They thought of transporting explosives in freight rail cars. But the Russians banned the transport of any non-military goods on the bridges rail deck. In the end, they settled on the option of a truck loaded with barrels of oil in which explosives would be hidden.

Read also: Baltic states join G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine

But doubts about the plans effectiveness remained. It was important that the camouflaged explosives could travel from point A to point B. At the same time, it was imperative to cross the Kerch Bridge, Malyuk explains. The plan with barrels did not guarantee this invisibility.

Then, Malyuk came up with the idea of explosives neatly wrapped in cellophane film. This sort of cargo - large, wrapped rolls  looked completely civilian and would not arouse suspicion.

The SBU calculated the thickness of the film layer needed to hide the metal core cylinders filled with a mixture of hexogen from customs scanners.

A whole container was filled with these rolls  their total explosive power equaling 21 tons of TNT, or 42 Russian hypersonic Kinzhal missiles.

Read also: After Prigozhin's death Kremlin to try to take control over Wagner mercenary company, says ex-CIA director

The transport of cargo from Ukraine to the site of the explosion on the bridge was very difficult. Malyuk declined to disclose any specifics, citing security concerns. The SBU head acknowledges that it was a thorny path, but emphasizes that the Ukrainian special service carried the cargo to its destination without the involvement of foreign partners. Only SBU capabilities were used. This once again emphasizes the high level of the special operations professionalism and competence, Malyuk notes.

The SBU had to take into account another important point: there are special electronic systems at posts near the Crimean Bridge whose task is to scramble GPS coordinates on explosive devices tuned to a specific point. The team assembled by Malyuk created a technically complex system which overcame Russian security measures and, early in the morning of Oct. 8, 2022, allowed the cargo to reach its final destination approximately in the middle of the bridge.

We went through seven circles of hell, keeping so many people in the dark! The Russians locked down 22 people, putting them in jail. All of them are charged with complicity in a terrorist act, even though they were just going about their everyday business. They were ordinary Russian smugglers, says Malyuk with a smile.

The Kremlin failed to understand this for a long time. Just six days after the attack, five Russians were arrested on charges of complicity in the attack and jailed. This number subsequently grew.

Russian opposition journalist Yelena Romanova, who lives in Germany and works for Novaya Gazeta Europe, wrote about one of them  Oleg Antipov, a logistics worker from St. Petersburg. He handled a shipment of 21 tons of polyethylene film.

Read also:

After the explosion, Antipov came to the FSB out of his own volition, told the agency everything he knew and was released. Later, he was detained all the same. The St. Petersburg logistics worker is still warming a bunk in a jail cell, serving as a living example of a common Russian special service practice of finding the easiest scapegoat for difficult cases. Russian security forces need to show their effectiveness. Therefore, they grab the first suspect they come across and hang all the sins of the world on him, Romanova argues.

Second explosion

After their trial balloon, the SBU immediately set about developing a new strike on the bridge.

An important role in the implementation of this idea was played by an officer codenamed Hunter, a department head in Ukraines military counterintelligence who had a hand in the creation of sea drones.

The Ukrainian special services created remote-controlled kamikaze boats packed with explosives, made of a unique material that is invisible to enemy radars, and designed to have three different means of control and self-destruction if necessary.

SBU engineers and specialists gave the floating drones their first combat test on ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, striking missile frigate Admiral Makarov in Sevastopol Bay.

After realizing that drones were not capable of sinking large ships, the amount of explosive on board was brought up to 850 kg of hexogen. The designers also upgraded the drones control system, thereby creating a qualitatively new model of a surface "avenger".

Read also: Urozhayne liberated, Crimean Bridge strike video, why F-16s are being delayed

Malyuk involved the commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Rear Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, who provided significant assistance in developing the project. The joint team of the Navy and the special services began to prepare a naval operation to strike the Crimean Bridge.

The drones continued to improve, and even had two Shmel-M long-range jet flamethrowers installed on the body. There were other bits of know-how, details of which the SBU declined to disclose. The modified drones are now ready to perform complex tasks.

In mid-July, the SBU and the Navy finally released drones into the open sea, directing them at a target. We didnt sleep for two nights  we literally watched the drones every minute. We were so pumped that we had to calm the operators down a little so that they would not drive the drones[2] too fast, Malyuk recalls.

Read also: Ukrainian intelligence reveals bold operation to raise flag in Crimea on Independence Day

Finally, the drones hit the bridge pylon, which based on subsequently-published photos, caused an entire span of the car lane to crash into the sea.

When the explosion happened, we screamed very loudly, because the tension we had inside was huge, Malyuk admits, To be honest, I prayed that everything would work out. And when the drone exploded, we exploded with joy.

Legitimate Purpose

In describing to NV the details of the attacks on the Crimean Bridge, Malyuk repeatedly stressed that these operations were prepared exclusively by Ukrainian forces, and that no foreign special services were involved.

Malyuk also clarified that the Crimean Bridge is a legitimate target for Ukraine. For example, the Geneva Conventions contain no ban on attacking such objects. Moreover, the Lieber Code  the Instruction for the Management of the U.S. Army in the Field  defines obstructing the ways and channels of movement, movement or communication as a legitimate objective for attacks.

Read also: SBU charges five Russian paratroopers who shot at car, killed civilian during Bucha occupation

For his part, Valeriy Kondratyuk, former head of Ukraines Defense Intelligence and ex-head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, commenting on the actions of his colleagues from the SBU, argues that the bridge operations were carried out in such a way as to cause maximum damage to the Kremlin and maintain good relations with Ukraines Western partners.

It is a very delicate job for the intelligence service to be effective and achieve success in operations, balancing against our foreign partners fears of a nuclear war, Kondratyuk asserts. The formula for achieving this involves hard work and titanic dedication from Ukrainians.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
On the day South Carolinas six-week abortion ban was ruled constitutional, the states former governor stood on a national stage, the sole woman among eight Republicans making their cases for the presidency, and said national consensus on the issue is needed because any national ban would require 60 votes in the U.S. Senate.

Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley came out fiery in the first Republican presidential debate, held Wednesday night in Milwaukee.

Lets treat this like a respectful issue that it is and humanize the situation and stop demonizing the situation, Haley said.

Haley said consensus is needed on abortion while calling herself unapologetically pro-life, as fellow South Carolinian U.S. Sen. Tim Scott reiterated his call for a 15-week national ban.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We cant allow states like California, New York and Illinois to have abortion on demand up to the day of birth, Scott said.

From abortion to the southern border to the legal woes of former President Donald Trump  the GOP frontrunner who opted to skip debating his fellow candidates  the first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign turned into a series of shouting matches with candidates taking hard swings at entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , who are most closely trailing Trump in national polls.

Haley didnt hesitate to call out Scott, DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence for raising the national debt during the Trump administration.

The truth is that Biden didnt do this to us. Our Republicans did this to us too, Haley said. They need to stop the spending. They need to stop the borrowing. They need to eliminate the earmarks that Republicans brought back in, and they need to make sure they understand these are taxpayer dollars.

Haley attacked DeSantis for his previous comments calling the war in Ukraine a territorial dispute with Russia.

First of all, the American president needs to have moral clarity, needs to know the difference between right and wrong and know the difference between good and evil, Haley said.

She also went after Ramaswamy for wanting to cut funding for Israel.

You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said.

Scott, however, played nice for the two-hour debate, as where he repeated his familiar messages on abortion, China and the southern border. Scott stayed away from attacks on any other candidates by name and, by and large, flew under the radar in his time on screen compared to the more heated candidates of the night.

Scott attempted to be the adult in the room when the debate devolved into shouting matches among a handful of the candidates.

Heres what the American people deserve, is a debate about the issues that affect their lives. Going back and forth and being childish is not helpful to the American people, to decide on the next leader of our country, Scott said.

When it came to national spending, Scott touted how he helped write the Trump-era tax cut bill.

If you dont send (money) to Washington, we cant spend it. Thats good news for the American people, Scott said.

Scott didnt necessarily address questions related to whether climate change is human caused, and he dodged a question on China, instead referring to the U.S. southern border. He also continued to reference his religious beliefs and his strength through God, as did Pence.

The debate, moderated by Fox News Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier, heavily featured Ramaswamy attacking almost every candidate, with most  with the exceptions of Scott and Burgum  firing back.

The elephant in the room  or, as Baier put it, the elephant not in the room  was quickly evident, as the debate turned to the topic of Trump, whose presence hung over the room despite his physical absence.

Trump, who is facing four criminal indictments, opted to not participate in Wednesdays debate and instead prerecorded a one-on-one counter program with former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson, as he holds healthy leads over the rest of the field of candidates.

Both Haley and Scott said they would support Trump if he were convicted in a court of law and still won the Republican presidential nomination.

However, they both said Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6, 2021, in certifying the election.

Scott went on to criticize the U.S. Department of Justice and its pursuit of Trump.

We should be asking ourselves a bigger question about the weaponization of the Department of Justice, Scott said. The first thing I would do is fire (Attorney General) Merrick Garland. The second thing I would do is fire (FBI Director) Christopher Wray.

Haley pivoted to say the party needs to move on from Trump, who lost the popular vote in both of his presidential elections.

Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We cant win an election that way, Haley said.

Before the debate, South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain took aim at both Haley and Scott.

Spain criticized Haley for signing a 20-week abortion ban when she was governor. The ban did not have exceptions for rape or incest.

Spain also hit Scott for helping write the Trump-era tax cut bill, which Democrats criticized for benefiting the wealthy.

Haley and Scott do not represent the best of South Carolina, and its a shame that theyre going to use this national platform to spew dangerous rhetoric and uplift policies that could harm folks in our state, Spain said.

Haleys campaign defended the former governors record.

Governor Haley proved every critic wrong, turned South Carolina into an economic powerhouse, and was the bold leader the state needed when crisis struck, said Haley spokesman Ken Farnaso. South Carolinians trusted her to get the job donenot once, but twice. Her success shows the kind of leadership she will bring to the White House.
Weeks after a federal judge found the Kansas Highway Patrol had violated drivers rights during traffic stops, the agency is pushing back on a set of requirements intended to stop further infringement of civil liberties.

In a filing this week Assistant Kansas Attorney General Stanley Parker argued the requirements, set by Judge Kathryn Vratil in her ruling last month as the possible terms of an injunction, are unnecessary and create too much administrative and financial burden for the agency.

In her ruling last month, Vratil found that troopers had violated drivers constitutional rights through the use of a practice called the Kansas two-step. Troopers would take a couple of steps away from a drivers car after stopping them before turning around in order to start a voluntary interaction with a driver giving enough time for backup and drug sniffing dogs to arrive.

The practice was often used on out-of-state drivers suspected of possessing marijuana, which is strictly prohibited in Kansas.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Under the proposed injunction troopers would have to document all stops, detentions and searches including information on the duration of the stop and how it ended. They would need to get approval from a supervisor for consensual searches and let drivers know they can revoke consent at any point. The patrol would be required to give officers a single consistent supervisor who worked the same hours as that officer and provide at least 24 hours of training on stops. The agency would need to hire a special master to oversee their compliance.

The injunction itself, Parker argued, is unnecessary. The damages claimed by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit who were stopped by KHP in the past, he said, can be resolved with monetary damages and existing legal framework that would throw out any evidence obtained through an unconstitutional search.

The fact that these plaintiffs experienced distress, humiliation, anger and other non-monetary harm does not mean that available legal remedies are inadequate, nor does it mean that such harm is irreparable, Parker wrote.

Sharon Brett, legal director for the ACLU of Kansas, who represented drivers stopped by the patrol, said Vratil was using her power appropriately to enjoin the highway patrols actions and prevent further violations of constitutional rights.

If an injunction isnt issued I think theres a significant concern that the KHP will continue doing precisely the things that the court found to be unconstitutional, Brett said.

Even if the court determines that an injunction is still necessary, Parker said the existing proposal went too far.

The requirement that officers notify supervisors before conducting searches, he wrote, was impractical given the size of the force and the likelihood that a supervisor may not be immediately available. The agency, he said, does not have the staffing or money to guarantee troopers have the exact same hours as their supervisors.

He called the requirement that troopers tell drivers they can revoke their consent for a search at any time overkill because the plaintiffs in the two-step cases did not demonstrate that their rights were violated because they did not know they could end the search.

The ACLU of Kansas will file their response supporting the injunction Monday ahead of a court hearing next month.
ATLANTA (AP)  Roads between the Atlanta airport and the Fulton County Jail were blocked off as former President Donald Trump arrived in a motorcade to turn himself in on charges related to his efforts to remain in power after his 2020 election loss, giving the scene something of a presidential aura.

But Trump was going to do something no other president has ever done  surrender for booking on criminal charges and have a mug shot taken.

As word spread that Trump was on his way, demonstrators near the main entrance on the Rice Street side of the jail lined security barricades two to three deep. There were more Trump supporters than opponents braving the intense Georgia summer heat, but both groups were outnumbered by media. The crowd, which began gathering in the morning, had grown as the hour of Trumps booking approached.

Trump entered on the opposite side, along Jefferson Street, where police had blocked off the entrance. Fulton County sheriff's deputies blocked one end of the block with an empty prisoner bus, while a county dump truck blocked the other end.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Many in the crowd wore pro-Trump T-shirts and waved large flags, including one that proclaimed TRUMP WON. Shortly after 6 p.m., U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Georgia Republican and a staunch Trump defender, spoke briefly to the crowd.

I'm telling you right now, regular Americans are watching this, and they are disgusted and they're outraged, she told reporters shortly before Trump's arrival.

It was the fourth time this year that Trump, the early front-runner in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, was booked on criminal charges. But unlike his previous arrests, which happened in courthouses just before initial appearances before a judge, this time he had to turn himself in at a notoriously troubled jail. In another departure, he had a booking photo taken.

Trump and 18 others were indicted last week, accused by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis of participating in a sprawling scheme to undermine the will of Georgia voters, who had narrowly rejected the Republican incumbent in favor of Democrat Joe Biden. Many of the others charged turned themselves in at the jail earlier this week, including Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis on Wednesday and John Eastman on Tuesday.

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat had said Trump, and the others in this case, would be treated like anyone else  notably saying at a news conference earlier this month: Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesnt matter your status, well have a mugshot ready for you.

But the scene outside the jail was anything but normal Thursday.

It included supporters of the former president such as Cliff MacMorris, 66, from Naples, Florida, who held a flag that read, Trump Won Save America.

He and his wife, Georgine, spent the night in Atlanta.

You dont have the right to persecute somebody unjustly, Cliff MacMorris said.

His wife said the indictments against the former president were politically motivated because of the four years of prosperity, safety, freedom that Trump achieved in the White House.

They must be worried about him for some reason, she said.

Sharon Anderson, 67, from east Tennessee, was outside the jail for a second straight day. She had spent the night in a car with the air conditioning running.

Im here to support Donald J. Trump. I want him to see some of the millions that show up at the polls for him."

She said the indictments against Trump had only strengthened her support for him. The former president questioned the election results, which isnt a crime, she said.

While the crowd was mostly made up of Trump supporters, 64-year-old Laurie Arbeiter, who is from New York City, wore a shirt that said Arrest Trump and carried more than 50 black-and-white signs with her, including ones that read Convict Trump and Trump is a Traitor. She said she'd also traveled to other places where Trump was indicted.

As midday temperatures hovered near 90 degrees, sheriff's deputies in vests toweled off and sought shade under a tree.

The main Fulton County Jail, also known as the Rice Street Jail, is located in a traditionally industrial part of northwest Atlanta where warehouses are currently being redeveloped for retail and residential use. It's set back from the street by a long, tree-lined driveway that leads to a parking lot in front of the jail's imposing facade.

On most days, the public and news media are free to drive right up to the front of the jail, and news cameras have captured the arrivals and departures of many high-profile people who have been booked into the jail. But with the booking of a former president looming, the driveway off the main street in front of the jail had been closed off for days, with no reporters or cameras allowed within viewing distance of that entrance.

Security tightened further on Thursday. While cars had been allowed on the Rice Street side of the jail a day earlier, sheriff's deputies cut off vehicle traffic on Thursday. Some deputies wore vests and covered their faces with black masks. They formed a line along the street.

Members of a group called Blacks for Trump hurled racial slurs at Black sheriffs deputies. But the demonstration was otherwise peaceful.

While others who are booked there spend months or even years in the facility awaiting indictment or trial, Trump left the jail 20 minutes after surrendering. The jail is plagued by crumbling infrastructure and overcrowding. On Thursday morning, the jail housed 2,618 people, above its capacity of 2,254, according to data from the sheriff's office.

The U.S. Department of Justice last month announced a civil rights investigation into jail conditions in Fulton County, citing violence, filth and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects.

___

Associated Press writers Jeff Amy and Jeff Martin contributed.
FILE - A Tigrayan refugee rape victim who fled the conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray sits for a portrait in eastern Sudan near the Sudan-Ethiopia border, March 20, 2021. A new study of medical records released Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 shows that at least 128 women and girls were sexually assaulted in Ethiopias northern Tigray region even after a peace agreement ended a two-year conflict there. Most were sexually assaulted by multiple people, and almost all believe their attackers belonged to military groups. (AP Photo/Nariman El-Mofty, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP)  Scores of women and girls in Ethiopias northern Tigray region were sexually assaulted, often by multiple men alleged to be combatants, after a peace agreement last year ended the conflict there, according to a new study of medical records released on Thursday.

The youngest girl raped was 8 years old.

The Tigray conflict killed hundreds of thousands of people and left untold thousands of women and girls with the trauma of sexual assault.

At least 128 sexual assaults occurred after the peace agreement was signed last November, according to the study, which looked at records from the start of the conflict in November 2020 through June.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

With most health facilities destroyed or looted as Ethiopian forces battled Tigray fighters, many women and girls were left without treatment for months. Some now have HIV or are raising the children of their rapists. Others live with incontinence or chronic pain, along with the cultural stigma around such attacks.

The study by Physicians for Human Rights and the Organization for Justice and Accountability in the Horn of Africa, along with a commentary in The Lancet medical journal, looked at more than 300 randomly selected medical records from Tigray health centers focused on helping survivors of sexual violence.

It is just a small glimpse of the toll, the authors say, and they fear the chance for justice will be lost if independent accountability efforts by the United Nations and others are shut down.

All the community is a victim of sexual violence, a Tigray-based researcher into conflict-related sexual violence told The Associated Press. A collaborator on the study, he has spoken with hundreds of women and girls and said not one feels healed.

Rape survivors, they are suffering the most, he said. Like many Tigrayans, he spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation from Ethiopian authorities.

At least 128 sexual assaults occurred after the peace agreement was signed last November, according to the study, which looked at records from the start of the conflict in November 2020 through this June.

Overall, 76% of the 304 women and girls whose cases were reviewed were sexually assaulted by multiple people, often three or more. One was assaulted by 19 men.

In 94% of all cases, no condom was used. Many perpetrators also wielded guns, sticks or knives. Some women and girls were abducted for repeated assaults.

They took her to their camp and raped her for six months, one medical record cited by the study says.

Almost all the women and girls said their attackers appeared to be members of a military group, often from neighboring Eritrea, whose soldiers fought alongside Ethiopian forces against Tigray fighters and allegedly remain in parts of western and northern Tigray.

The findings suggest that these acts were neither isolated nor random but a systematic use of rape as a weapon of war, the studys authors write in The Lancet commentary.

Spokesmen for Ethiopias and Eritreas governments did not respond to requests for comment.

It is absolutely horrifying and devastating to even read the narratives of the patients, Ranit Mishori, a senior medical adviser with Physicians for Human Rights, said in an interview. The brutality didnt skip the children. Many were also raped by multiple perpetrators.

Mishori and her colleague, senior program officer Lindsey Green, expressed concern that independent efforts to understand the conflicts toll and bring accountability to the perpetrators are being weakened or shut down under pressure from authorities.

Most disturbing to me is the lack of focus on these crimes, Green said.

Ethiopias government is keen to re-engage with key partners such as the United States, the European Union and global financial institutions after the conflict. On Thursday, Ethiopia was announced as an incoming member of the BRICS economic bloc.

But Ethiopia has sharply criticized outside efforts to promote justice and accountability. An African Union human rights inquiry was quietly terminated earlier this year.

Now Ethiopia wants a United Nations inquiry ended, too, human rights experts say.

After a conflict marked by the blockade of the Tigray region of more than 5 million people, with internet and phone links severed and human rights researchers and journalists barred, the lack of independent inquiry means that the civilian toll could remain largely in the shadows as Ethiopias government moves on.

The world has accountability mechanisms, but almost everything is in the hands of diplomats and politicians, which is a recipe for failure, said Martin Witteveen, an international criminal law expert who worked with the government-created Ethiopian Human Rights Commission until early 2022. He says Ethiopia alone can hardly ensure accountability when its forces and allies committed most of the crimes.

Even now, the study says, survivors of sexual violence in Tigray are still coming forward, but others will never be known.
Volusia County deputies are searching for a missing high school student.

Deputies said Anastasia Leonard, 17, left her DeBary home on Wednesday and hasnt been seen since.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Deputies said Leonard is a student at University High School.

If you see her, you are asked to contact the sheriffs office at 386-248-1777.

Read: Caught in the act: Nude Florida man accused of trying to break into Kissimmee homes

Please help Volusia sheriff's detectives find Anastasia Leonard, 17, a University High School student. She left her home Wednesday in DeBary. Please call our Comm. Center, (386) 248-1777, if you spot her. Thanks. pic.twitter.com/RqKk28ShBP  Volusia Sheriff (@VolusiaSheriff) August 24, 2023

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
A truck carrying 27 tons of gravel overturned and blocked traffic traveling eastbound Thursday on Interstate 80 near Davis, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol Woodland office said its first report of the truck turned over on its right side at Mace Boulevard and blocking all lanes came in around 9:45 a.m. There were no injuries reported.

During preliminary investigation, it appeared the cause of the crash was an unsafe turning movement, according to CHP Woodland spokesman Officer Rodney Fitzhugh.

The Davis firefighters and police were called to the scene, according to CHP. Officers assisted in diverting traffic off the freeway.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Fitzhugh said at noon that I-80 at Mace Boulevard was expected to remain closed for several hours, jamming up traffic coming from the Bay Area into the capital region.

It was a gravel truck carrying 27 tons of gravel, Fitzhugh said. They have a bit of mess to clean up.
Marion County authorities copied data from one or more computers seized from the Marion County Record and failed to delete the information, the newspapers lawyer alleges.

Police seized more than a dozen items Aug. 11 from the newspaper and two private residences. Five days later, the items were returned after Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey concluded there was insufficient evidence for the raids.

But the Marion County Sheriffs Office copied 17 gigabytes of the newspapers data, which it retained, according to the Records attorney Bernie Rhodes, who also represents The Star.

The USB drive the information was copied onto was not obtained during the raid, but belonged to the sheriffs office. Because the device had been used in other investigations, it could not be released to the newspaper, Rhodes said Thursday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The USB drive was listed on a property receipt released by the 8th District Court, but it was not among items handed over to the papers forensic examiner. In a stern letter Wednesday to the countys counselor, Rhodes demanded the sheriff delete the Records data.

Because that drive is still in the Sheriffs Offices custody, that means the Sheriff still has access to the Marion County Records datadata that is both constitutionally-protected and protected by federal and state law, Rhodes wrote.

Rhodes also said the sheriffs office failed to comply with a judges order for authorities to return everything that was seized from the newspaper. In his letter, Rhodes threatened to file a motion seeking to hold Sheriff Jeff Soyez in contempt of court.

The sheriff did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment Thursday morning.

Marion County Sheriff Jeff Soyez, left, watched on Aug. 16, 2023, as a forensic examiner, right, took possession of items seized from the Marion County Record.

Rhodes sent the letter, he wrote, after repeatedly trying to get Marion County Counselor Bradley Jantz on the phone to no avail. They have since spoken, though, and Rhodes has decided to seek a court order compelling authorities to destroy the Records information contained on the drive.

Its unclear what the 17 gigabytes of information contained. Rhodes said he wont know until they get a copy of the data.

The towns police department, as well as the sheriffs office, executed search warrants at the newsroom, the home of its publisher and the house of a city councilwoman under the pretense that a reporter had illegally obtained information about the DUI conviction of a local restaurateur who applied for a liquor license.

The reporter used a drivers license website to verify information that the Kansas Department of Revenue said is open to the public.
CANTON  Two men have been sent to prison after gunshots were fired at a woman in the city's southeast section.

Police complaints against Davon A. Brunner, 34, and Justin T. Johnson, 33, said bullets hit the woman's car and an occupied home in the 1100 block of Pulley Place SE. The car was disabled by the shots as the victim was northbound on Robin Court SE at Stella Circle.

Attempted murder charges against both Canton men were dropped as part of the resolution of a case arising from the incident reported at 1:34 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2022.

Davon A. Brunner, 34, pleaded guilty to a charge of felonious assault and a related specification that a gun was used in the crime. Stark County Common Pleas Judge Natalie R. Haupt sentenced him to five to six years in prison after he entered a guilty plea Aug. 16.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Haupt sentenced Justin T. Johnson, 33, to two to three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to felonious assault on May 30.

In April, a jury found Johnson not guilty of improperly firing a firearm at or into a habitation. Jurors deadlocked on charges of felonious assault and attempted murder.

The police complaint filed in Canton Municipal Court alleged that Johnson assisted Brunner, who shot at the victim.

Brunner had been scheduled to go to trial Sept. 25.

When Brunner and Johnson entered their guilty pleas, the Stark County Prosecutor's Office dropped the remaining charges and specifications. The Stark County Grand Jury had indicted both men on identical charges in November.

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: Men sent to prison for 2022 shooting in southeast Canton
COLONIAL HEIGHTS  A city elementary school had to go on lockdown and residents asked to stay inside Thursday after shots were fired in a neighborhood and witnesses said at least one of the shooters was seen running away.

No shooter was found, and no one was injured, but several cars and at least one apartment were struck by gunfire, police said.

The incident was reported around 10:30 a.m. Thursday on Lakeview Park Road at Cabell Drive in front of the Terrace View Apartments. Investigators found multiple rounds in the intersection and damage to the cars and an apartment, but no injuries.

While on the scene, witnesses told police they saw at least one individual running away from the scene who appeared to be armed.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Based on this information, Lakeview Elementary was placed on modified lockdown and residents in the area were asked to shelter in place, police said in an email to The Progress-Index. This was done for a brief period of time to ensure the safety of the children, school staff and the residents in the area.

Using tracking dogs brought in from Chesterfield County, police combed the area between the school and the scene of the shooting for several hours. There were no signs of the suspects or any other victims, and the area was deemed safe for residents to continue their normal activities, the email said.

Anyone who may have information about the shooting or the suspects to contact Detective Joseph Vaughan at (804 )520-8701 or email vaughanj@colonialheightsva.gov. Anonymous tips may also be sent to Crime Solvers at (804) 748-0660 or through the P3Tips mobile app.

This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Shooting in Colonial Heights prompts lockdown of city school
At least three people were killed and six more wounded after a former police officer opened fire in a shooting that appeared to target his estranged wife at an iconic biker bar in Southern California's Orange County Wednesday evening, authorities said. The gunman is also dead.

The suspect was killed by "multiple" deputies who confronted him minutes after they arrived, Orange County Sheriff's Department Undersheriff Jeff Hallock told reporters at a late night briefing.

The gunman, identified Thursday as John Snowling, 59, and the three others who were fatally shot were pronounced dead at the scene, Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy said at the initial briefing.

Fennessy said five of the six who were hospitalized were suffering from gunshot wounds, but authorities Thursday said all six had in fact been shot. Two were in critical but stable condition and four were in stable condition as of Thursday morning, according to the hospital where they were treated.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

One of the deceased victims was identified as John Leahy, 67, of Irvine. On Friday the Orange County Sheriff's Office identified Tonya Clark, 49, of Scottsdale, Arizona and Glen Sprowl Jr., 53, of Stanton, California as the two other people killed.

The sheriff's department said no deputies were hurt during the incident.



The shooting occurred at the historic Cook's Corner bar in the Trabuco Canyon community at about 7 p.m. local time. In a Thursday news conference, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said, it was inaccurate to call the location a biker bar, despite the bar's own website referring to itself that way.

"That might have been what it was 30, 40 years ago, but has transitioned into something much beyond what that is," Barnes said. "It's a gathering place. It's a place for families to go to share a meal. And it's a tightknit community within the Trabuco Canyon."

An aerial view of the scene of a shooting at the Cook's Corner bar in the Trabuco Canyon area of Orange County, California. on August 23, 2023. / Credit: CBS News Los Angeles

Snowling was a former sergeant with the Ventura Police Department who retired in 2014, Barnes said, noting that the gunman lived in Ohio but also had a home in Southern California.

"We believe he traveled from Ohio with an ongoing dispute regarding the separation and pending divorce with his wife," Barnes said.

Barnes said Snowling entered the bar with two firearms and went "directly" to his wife. There was no argument or exchange before Snowling opened fire, shooting his wife once, Barnes said.

"Somebody who was sharing a meal with his ex-wife was also shot at and struck by gunfire," Barnes said. That woman was able to get outside of the bar, but ultimately died of her wounds, Barnes said.

Snowling then began firing "randomly" at other people both inside and outside the bar, Barnes said. After leaving the inside of Cook's Corner, Snowling went to his truck and got a third handgun and a shotgun. Someone confronted Snowling at that point, but he was shot and killed, Barnes said.

Barnes did not elaborate on the wife's injuries, however, Providence Mission Hospital said in a statement that it had received one adult female from the shooting. She had been shot in the jaw and arrived in critical condition. She was stabilized and transferred overnight to UCI Medical Center, the hospital said.

The other critical patient was an adult male who had been shot in the chest, Providence Mission Hospital said.

The four patients in stable condition were all adult males. One was released overnight and two were likely to be sent home Thursday, the hospital said. The fourth patient had been shot in the arm and was scheduled for surgery Thursday.

Hallock said dispatchers could hear gunfire in the background from deputies' radios when they arrived at the scene.

CBS Los Angeles spoke to a man who said he lost a friend who was shot in the back as the two tried to flee. He said he thought his friend had only tripped, but found out later that the friend had been killed.

He said he barricaded himself in the kitchen along with a man he described as a cook who'd been shot it the arm. The man armed himself with a frying pan and they waited there until it was safe to come out.

The man also told CBSLA about a woman the gunman had allowed to escape. The man said the woman, who worked at the bar, told him she pleaded with the gunman, "Please don't shoot me, I'm 5 months pregnant." The gunman allegedly told her to "get out of here," and she did.

Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley posted on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, that she was "heartbroken to hear of another senseless mass shooting, this time in our own backyard."

The Cook's Corner website says the bar is "considered to be one of the most famous biker bar & restaurants in Southern California."

"We've experienced major earthquakes, forest fires, floods, recessions and other disasters," the bar says on the site. "We've gotten through all of them and came out stronger."

The bar was hosting a spaghetti night special between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Deputies estimated that there were 30-40 people inside when the gunman started shooting.

Wendy Koro, Operations Manager for Russ Brown Motorcycle Attorneys, told CBSLA Cook's Corner is a "legendary landmark."

"The public, in general, might have the wrong impression that this is a rough and tumble place where there is a lot of hard drinking and hard partying and you know, decent people don't go there," said Koro. "It really couldn't be further from the truth."

Koro added that the venue is the "heart of the Orange County riding community."

Trabuco Canyon is about 55 miles south of Los Angeles.

New details about 2021 deadly Kabul airport bombing

How will Yevgeny Prigozhin's presumed death affect the war in Ukraine?

Wildfires threaten southwestern Louisiana amid intense heat
Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley is demanding an update on the multi-billion pledges that five of the nations biggest banks made during the 2020 summer of civil unrest.

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Massachusetts Democrat sent letters to the CEOs of JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Bank of America, U.S. Bancorp, and Wells Fargo, asking each to provide a comprehensive financial audit report by Oct. 23 about their promises that collectively amounted to over $32 billion.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass. (Photo: Instagram/@ayannapressley)

Prompted by demands laid out by Black Lives Matter activists and other civil justice workers, the five major banks pledged to not only funnel money into housing programs and small business lending but to dissolve lending practices that have traditionally been racially biased or discriminatory. They also pledged to invest in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: Black Conservatives Go After Florida Education Vendor Staffer Who Said Black People Have Never Been Told No Before and Are Coddled By Society

The largest of the pledges came from JP Morgan Chase. Over the course of five years, the banking institution said it would invest $30 billion into those efforts.

Executives for the bank said in February 2022 that the company had already deployed or allocated $13 billion of the pledge to finance 60,000 affordable housing and rental units. It also said it had approved $1 billion for affordable homes.

In the year of George Floyd s death, which brought national attention to systemic and institutional racism, Citibank and Bank of America initially committed $1 billion each.

USBancorps US Bank allocated $116 million in June 2020 to tackle racial and economic disparities.

In March 2021, Bank of America later increased its pledge to $1.25 billion.

By September 2022, Wells Fargo announced a $420 million fund for diverse small-business owners as part of a racial equity audit.

The anticipated audit will encompass data, plans, and policy adjustments pertaining to the commitments undertaken by each institution.

Whether youre talking about redlining or denying credit for Black homebuyers and entrepreneurs, or closing brick-and-mortar banks in Black communities, Black folks have historically been denied opportunities to grow wealth, to achieve financial prosperity, Pressley told NBC News.

The harm was very precise, the representative added. The work of restorative justice, of racial justice, of justice for Black Americans, has to be just as precise.

Like the banks, during the Floyd and Breonna Taylor protests, many businesses committed to racial equality initiatives. The congresswomans effort is to hold, at least the banks, to their word.

Many celebrated her effort.

Time to pay the toll, banks! one person tweeted.

Show the receipts, a Twitter user demanded.

We need more of this from Congress. Thank you Rep. @AyannaPressley! one comment read.

While another joked, Run me my money.

One comment believed the move was performative and was less about calling the banks out and informing others of what the banks had promised.

If I may say Rep. Pressley is nobodys fool, another person wrote. She knows the banks are powerful and can do as they please. I do not think she will miss a beat when they continue with their bulls##t. Shes just letting you know who she is and what they are.

Pressley, who sits on the House Financial Services Committee, added, Im not going into this with contingency plans. You have to first just lay it out there.

The lawmaker said she also thinks the banks will be responsive.

They want to be on the right side of history, she added.

Click here to read the full story.
Filmmaker Lars von Trier has come under fire from the Ukrainian government after saying that Russian lives matter also on social media.

The Danish auteur is known for directing controversial films such as Antichrist, Dogville, and The Idiots, many of which are known for their violent and sexually explicit content.

On Instagram on Tuesday (22 August), von Trier shared a post about Russias ongoing invasion in Ukraine, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 9,000 civilians and 200,000 military personnel.

He wrote: By the way: To Mr Zelenskyy and Mr Putin and, last but not least, Ms Frederiksen [Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen] (who yesterday posed, beaming, inside of one of todays most horrifying killing machines, as if she was head over heels in love).

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Russian lives matter also! Best regards, Lars.

Von Triers post was reshared on Twitter/X by Oleksiy Danilov , the head of Ukraines National Security and Defense Council, who wrote: 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.

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

He continued: Ukraine doesnt live in abstraction, but in a cruel reality in which Russians are murderers. 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.

The Independent has contacted von Triers representatives for comment.

The Danish director made headlines last week, too, after sharing a video on Instagram advertising his desire for a girlfriend and muse.

He says in the clip: I dont know what Ive dragged myself into this time. So before I drown myself in smug advertising, let me make a few things clear. I am 67 years old. I have Parkinsons, OCD and an at the moment controlled alcoholism. In short, with any luck I should still have a few decent movies left in me.

All this is meant as an old-school contact ad, where I, without knowing the least about social media, [am] looking for a female girlfriend/muse. And despite all the whining, I still insist that on a good day, in the right company, I can be quite a charming partner. Thank you for your infinite patience.

In 2017, musician and actor Bjork, whom von Trier directed in the 2000 musical film Dancer in the Dark, accused the filmmaker of sexual harassment.

Von Trier denies the accusation.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities this week in Fulton County, Ga., on charges of racketeering in connection with former President Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

His mug shot posed a stark contrast to images from Giulianis time in the Big Apples top office, when he was hailed as Americas Mayor for his leadership after the 9/11 attacks. And there was a unique irony to the case, with Giuliani facing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges similar to those he used to prosecute the mob as a U.S. attorney earlier in his career.

But American mayors have a sordid history as an institution, with a number of high-profile charges and convictions over the years. And just like Giuliani, who has yet to go on trial, their legal travails frequently make national news.

Here are six current and former U.S. mayors who were convicted of crimes.

Boston Mayor James Michael Curley (D)

Charges: Mail fraud

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Curley, the City on a Hills second Irish-American mayor, was beloved by voters, who elected him four times. Curley also served a single term as governor of Massachusetts and two terms, three decades apart, in the House of Representatives.

It was not until late in his 40-year political career that Curley ended up in serious legal trouble, and he was indicted on mail fraud charges in 1945  but still won a fourth term as mayor while under indictment. He was convicted and sentenced to 6-18 months in prison, but then-President Truman commuted his sentence five months in.

Where is he now? Curley finished his term after leaving prison, but in 1949 lost the Democratic primary to John Hynes, who served as acting mayor while he was in prison. He retired from politics and died in 1958.

Providence, R.I., Mayor Buddy Cianci (R)

Charges: Kidnapping, racketeering conspiracy

Cianci started his political career similarly to Giuliani, as a crusading, media-savvy federal prosecutor running against the corruption of a big-city Democratic machine. He ended it with the ignominious distinction of being the only person on this list convicted of two different crimes in two different terms.

In 1984, Cianci allegedly kidnapped a contractor he believed to be having an affair with his wife and beat him with a piece of firewood, eventually pleading no contest and resigning.

However, he remained such a popular local figure that he won election again in 1991, serving as mayor for another 11 years. In 2002, he was one of several city officials indicted in a federal corruption investigation known as Operation Plunder Dome and was sentenced to five years in prison and forced to resign (again).

Where is he now? Cianci was released from prison in 2007 and tried to make another political comeback, running for mayor in 2014 after his probation was up. He lost the race and died two years later, but remains the longest-serving mayor in Providence history. His story was told in the first season of the hit podcast Crimetown.

Camden, N.J., Mayor Angelo Errichetti (D)

Charges: Bribery and conspiracy

Errichetti was a key figure in the Abscam FBI operation in the late 1970s, in which both local politicians and members of Congress accepted bribes from undercover agents disguised as investors from the Middle East.

Errichetti arranged the meetings in exchange for a cut of the bribes. The FBI targeted a total of 31 people, and eventually 12 of them, including Errichetti and seven members of Congress, were convicted of bribery and conspiracy. Errichetti served 32 months of a six-year sentence.

Where is he now? Errichetti died in 2013 at 84 years old. Jeremy Renner played a fictionalized version of him, renamed Carmine Polito, in the film American Hustle later that same year.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (D)

Charges: Perjury, obstruction of justice, mail fraud, wire fraud, racketeering

Kilpatrick was first elected in 2001, the youngest mayor in Detroit history at 31 years old. Two years later, the former deputy chief of the Detroit Police Department and a former Kilpatrick bodyguard filed a lawsuit alleging they had been fired for investigating an affair between Kilpatrick and chief of staff Christine Beatty. Upon the discovery of text messages confirming the affair, Kilpatrick was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice and resigned shortly thereafter.

In 2010, Kilpatrick was indicted again as part of a federal investigation into bribery and fraud in city contracts. He was convicted on 24 counts and sentenced to 28 years in prison.

Where is he now? Trump commuted Kilpatricks sentence in January 2021. His story was told in the second season of Crimetown.

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh (D)

Charges: Tax evasion, conspiracy

Pugh became the subject of a federal investigation in 2019 over sales of her own Healthy Holly childrens books to the University of Maryland Medical Center, raising suspicions of self-dealing. Pugh at first said those had been her only book sales, but she was later discovered to have sold nearly $200,000 worth of books to institutions that do business with the city. Pugh resigned that May and was indicted on fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy charges that November, pleading guilty to conspiracy and tax evasion.

Where is she now? Pugh was sentenced to three years in prison in 2020. She was released in April 2022.

Bridgeport, Conn., Mayor Joe Ganim (D)

Charges: Racketeering, extortion, bribery, mail fraud

Ganim was first elected mayor of Connecticuts largest city in 1991, defeating incumbent Republican Mary Moran during a period where Bridgeport had become shorthand for the decline of American cities. He was reelected four times but in 2003 was convicted on 16 counts in connection with an alleged scheme to extort hundreds of thousands from city contractors, with the presiding judge calling the alleged crimes the stuff cynicism is made of.

Where is he now? Ganim was released from prison in 2010 and ran for mayor of Bridgeport again in 2015. He won, was reelected in 2019 and is the citys current mayor.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Donald Trump skipped the first GOP debate Wednesday night, opting instead for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson as a form of counterprogramming.

The pre-taped interview was made available on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, five minutes before Wednesday night's debate began. Trump, who made little news Carlson in the roughly 45-minute interview, explained why he didn't show up to the debate.

"You see the polls have come out, I'm leading by 50 and 60 points," Trump said. "And some of them are at one and zero and two. And I'm saying, 'Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever it's going to be and get harassed by people that shouldn't even be running for president? Should I be doing that? And a network that isn't particularly friendly, frankly.'"

During the debate, the eight candidates on stage were asked if they would support Trump as the GOP nominee if he is convicted in any of the four separate cases against him. Six of the candidates, including former Vice President Mike Pence , raised their hands. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie were the only two who did not.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump's interview time and format is a slight to Fox News, which is hosting the debate, in addition to the rest of the GOP field. Trump, who once praised Fox News for its coverage, has soured on the conservative news network, according to his social media posts. Fox News canceled Carlson's show in April, days after the company settled a lawsuit over its 2020 election reporting.

According to court documents from Dominion Voting Systems' defamation lawsuit against Fox News, Carlson wrote to members of his staff in early January 2021, "We are very, very close to being able to ignore Trump most nights. I truly can't wait," and "I hate him passionately."

But it was Trump who approached Carlson about the possibility of airing an interview the same night as the debate, the former Fox News host said.

"Whatever you think of Trump, he is, as of tonight, the indisputable, far-and-away frontrunner in the Republican race. We think voters have an interest in hearing what he thinks," Tucker said in a video posted to social media Wednesday afternoon.

During the interview, the former president opined on the 2024 field, saying that if President Biden isn't Democrats' ultimate candidate, "it would be a free-for-all," and the nominee wouldn't necessarily be Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump said he thinks Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, whom he calls "DeSanctus," "is out."

"I think he's donezo," Trump said in the video that aired as DeSantis was debating the other Republican candidates.

Yet again, Trump criticized his vice president, Mike Pence, for refusing to overturn the election results on Jan. 6, 2021, continuing to insist that Pence had the power to send election results back to the states. Pence has repeatedly said he lacked any such authority, as have constitutional scholars.

Carlson asked Trump if he thinks the nation is heading to civil war. In response, Trump pointed to the "passion" and "hatred" of his supporters on Jan. 6, 2021.

"There was love in that crowd, there was love and unity," Trump said of his supporters that day. "I have never seen such spirit and such passion and such love, and I've also never seen simultaneously and from the same people such hatred of what they've done to our country."

Asked if there will be open conflict, Trump said he didn't know.

"There's a level of passion that I've never seen, there's a level of hatred that I've never seen, and that's probably a bad combination," the former president said.

Trump's appearance with Carlson aired a day before the former president is expected to turn himself in at a Fulton County, Georgia, jail after he was indicted on charges related to alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in the state.

For weeks, Trump had said he would not attend the debate and dangled the possibility of an alternate appearance before confirming his plans over the weekend.

The former president has justified skipping the debate by pointing to his sizable lead in the polls. He has also acknowledged that the other Republicans on stage are "not dumb people," offering a glimpse into the mind of the 77-year-old former reality television star. "What's the upside?" Trump mused in an Aug. 9 Newsmax interview.

Trump has also said he wouldn't sign the Republican National Committee's pledge to support the GOP nominee, one of several requirements for qualifying for the debate stage. Trump said "three or four" of the Republicans running are people he wouldn't support, although he declined to say who those candidates are.

Recent polling suggests that, despite mounting legal trouble, Trump's lead is only growing. A CBS News/YouGov poll taken this month showed 62% of likely Republican primary voters would choose Trump if they voted today. Voters' second choice, DeSantis, doesn't come close, with 16%. Everyone else in the field is in the single digits.

How did Nikki Haley do at the first GOP debate?

United Auto Workers union finalizing strike vote

"Of course Putin was behind" Prigozhin's apparent death in plane crash, H.R. McMaster says
Last nights debate was particularly high-stakes for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , whos been struggling to break out as a real challenger to Donald Trump . So, how did he do? Not horrible, but he remained a supporting actor throughout the evening, Jim Newell writes. He homes in on a key question DeSantis couldnt answer, and what it tells us about DeSantis prospects. (Come for the debate analysis, stay for the part where Newell describes Vivek Ramaswamy as a nimble, red meatfeeding imp.)

Nikki Haleys debate performance, meanwhile, impressed general election voters. Ben Mathis-Lilley takes a look at whyand why it wont matter, in the end, anyway!

Plus: Mathis-Lilley details how Ramaswamy emerged from debate night as the Republican Pete Buttigieg, in that all the other candidates hate him.

And while the evening didnt exactly have a clear winner politically, Heather Schwedel reflects on how Doug Burgums brows made a strong showing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So what went on in that pretaped Trump interview with Tucker Carlson that aired at the same time as the debate? Things got weird. Molly Olmstead recaps how, remarkably, Tuckers paranoianot just about potential threats facing Trump, but about what he thinks really happened to, er, Jeffrey Epstein?made Trump seem kind of normal in comparison.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Trump Golf, Marc Serota/Getty Images, and Enigmangel/iStock/Getty Images Plus.

As we wait for Trump to surrender to authorities, Slate considers: Which Trump property would you choose for home confinement? Dan Kois and Jonathan L. Fischer weigh the pros and cons of the former presidents two most lavish residences.

Plus: When Trump turns himself in at the Fulton County jail, he wont experience the full horror of the facility. George Chidi explains why no one should.

The charges Trump et. al. face in Georgia touch upon an alleged scheme to illegally access and steal copies of voting system softwarebut there needs to be a bigger federal investigation of similar attempts nationwide, Ben Clements and Susan Greenhalgh write.

Plus: Mark Meadows is trying to move his case out of Georgia court. Dennis Aftergut explains why he wont get off that easy.

Photo illustration by Slate. Photos by Amazon Prime Video, Erika Doss/Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix.

From The Summer I Turned Pretty to Heartstopper, weve come a long way since the days of Carrie Bradshaw questioning whether bisexuality even exists. Madeline Ducharme reflects on the rise of the bisexual male hunk.

 or at least, like Doug Burgum, we wish we did!

Thanks so much for reading, and well see you tomorrow.
High dosage tutoring centered on improving reading skills for students in grades K-3 is coming to 10 schools in the Indianapolis area this fall with the goal of serving 800 students.

The Circle City Readers program, which had its initial pilot program in two schools this past spring, is now expanding into some schools in the Indianapolis Public Schools district, Warren Township and three charter schools.

The small-group tutoring, which will happen mostly during the school day, will be focused on students who need more help in developing reading skills.

The tutors that will work with the children are a combination of tutors trained by the mayors office of education innovation in alignment with the reading curriculum they have chosen, and parent tutors from a program run by RISE INDY, an Indianapolis-based education advocacy nonprofit.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Tutors will also receive ongoing professional development throughout the school year.

More Ed News: 10 finalists for Indiana teacher of the year announced; 3 from Indy area schools

Parent tutors must have a high-school diploma and will be paid $22 per hour and can work from 16-22 hours per week depending on the scheduling needs of the school and tutor.

The program currently has 32 tutors hired but would like to hire eight more to be at full capacity.

Here are the schools where tutoring will take place:

Pleasant Run Elementary School (MSD Warren Township)

Hawthorne Elementary School (MSD Warren Township)

Sankofa School of Success at Arlington Woods School 99 (IPS)

Global Prep Academy at Riverside School 44 (IPS)

The PATH School at Stephen Foster School 67 (IPS)

Liberty Grove at Elder Diggs School 42 (IPS)

Tindley Genesis Academy

Avondale Meadows Academy

Vision Academy Riverside

Jonathan Jennings School 109 (IPS) Boys and Girls Club

The program was created thanks to $1 million from the citys American Rescue Plan funds that were approved by the City-County Council last year, to help it run through the end of this school year.

A spokesperson from the mayors office of education innovation said that office is interested in seeking additional funding to help the program continue in the coming years, but it's uncertain whether the program will be extended after this school year.

Our vision is that every Indianapolis resident is engaged in our pursuit to improve public education for all students and Circle City Readers is a beautiful illustration of the power of community rallying to support our students at this critical time," said Jasmin Shaheed-Young, RISE INDY President and CEO, on Wednesday at the Pleasant Run Elementary School in Warren Township.

While Indianas early literacy proficiency rates have lagged over the past three years since scores took a big hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, proficiency rates have been steadily falling for the past decade.

More Literacy rates: Indiana third graders haven't caught up on reading skills post-pandemic, IREAD results show

The Circle City Readers pilot program this past spring involved 36 students from the Liberty Grove School at Elder Diggs School 42 and at the Mary Riggs Neighborhood Center. Students received tutoring three times per week for eight weeks.

Results from that pilot program showed that every participating student showed growth, with around 25% showing average or above-average growth. The other 75% of students showed a rate of growth that was labeled below average or well below average.

Director of the Circle City Readers program Brooke Arnett-Holman said on Wednesday that students in the pilot program showed progress in their fluency, number of words they could read and reading accuracy.

Parents who are interested in applying to be a tutor can fill out this form or send a resume and cover letter to program leaders at brooke.arnett-holman@indy.gov and athomas@riseindy.org.

Contact IndyStar reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @CarolineB_Indy.

Carolines reporting is made possible by Report for America and Glick Philanthropies. As part of its work in Marion County, Glick Philanthropies partners with organizations focused on closing access and achievement gaps in education.

Report for America is a program of The GroundTruth Project, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening local newsrooms. Report for America provides funding for up to half of the reporters salary during their time with us, and IndyStar is fundraising the remainder.

To learn more about how you can support IndyStars partnership with Report for America and to make a donation, visit indystar.com/RFA.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Vision Academy Indianapolis: Reading program expanded to more schools
Forsyth County deputies have arrested three people in connection to an international theft ring.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office, it was December 30, 2022, when deputies were called to Simon D. Jewelers on Peachtree Parkway in regard to a business alarm.

During the investigation, Forsyth investigators learned that the suspects forced their way into the business through the roof.

The sheriffs office said that the deputies quick response and the jewelrys store security system helped prevent any theft from occurring.

TRENDING STORIES:

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Detectives learned that the suspects, identified as Maykel Hernandez, 39; Giorge Navea, 33; and Javier Guerra-Morales, 31 were part of an active South American theft group and similar groups that were targeting area businesses and homes.

Forsyth deputies said these groups have been all across metro-Atlanta, and FCSO has tracked them to more than a dozen states.

Authorities said the trio is also suspects in burglaries or attempted burglaries within Marietta, Canton, Alpharetta and Knoxville, TN.

If they are on U.S. soil, FCSO will spare no expense or effort and will recognize no boundary in pursuing and arresting them. Endanger our citizens and you will quickly find out who FCSO and Forsyth County are, the sheriffs office said.

All three were arrested for smash and grab and criminal damage to property.

Hernandez is awaiting extradition from Dallas, TX, Navea is waiting for extradition from Miami, FL, while Guerra-Morales is waiting for extradition from Hialeah, FL.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea Foreign Minister Park Jin and his U.S. and Japan counterparts on Thursday "strongly condemned" a North Korean rocket launch which they said was a ballistic missile disguised as a space rocket, South Korea's foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The ministers also agreed during a phone call to consider unilateral sanctions responding to Thursday's launch, the ministry said.

(Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
A white and black space capsule with fins as the sun rises behind it

The second Iranian-American in space joins a fully international crew readying for launch Friday (Aug. 25).

The SpaceX Crew-7 mission will launch to the International Space Station no earlier than Friday (Aug. 25) at 3:50 a.m. EDT (0750 GMT) and you can watch live here at Space.com, via a feed from NASA Television. The broadcast will begin at Thursday (Aug. 24) at 11:45 p.m. EDT (0345 GMT Friday, Aug. 25).

A backup launch opportunity is available at 3:27 a.m. (0727 GMT) on Saturday (Aug. 26) if weather or technical issues arise.

Crew-7 passed its flight readiness review with no major issues, NASA officials said in late-night update Thursday (Aug. 24). Weather conditions also look good for launch, with only a 15% probability of violating weather constraints, according to Patrick Space Force Base, which manages the airspace in the region of the launch site at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Four astronauts will head to space for Expeditions 69/70: NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli , the second Iranian-American in space; European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen ; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa ; and Konstantin Borisov of Russia's space agency, Roscosmos.

Related: SpaceX's Crew-7 mission will launch international crew to ISS

A white and black space capsule with fins as the sun rises behind it

It's been nearly two decades since any Iranian-American flew in space; the first such person was space tourist Anousheh Ansari, who self-funded her own ISS mission in 2006.

"I think it's important," Moghbeli told Space.com of her own milestone aboard Crew-7, in a pre-launch video interview on July 25 from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. "I think people really  especially younger people  when they can connect to someone, it makes them really believe they can do something as well.

"And so anytime we are adding diversity to who is flying in space," Moghbeli added, "I think we're opening the door for future generations, for more people to believe they can do this as well."

Moghbeli's family, incidentally, celebrates both Christmas and Hannukah and those events will fall during her approximately 190 days in space. She plans a felt menorah for Hannukah. In July, she said was even mulling over the possibly of making latkes, potato pancakes traditionally eaten at Hannukah, while on the ISS.

Related: Meet the SpaceX Crew-7 astronauts launching to the ISS on Aug. 25

four astronauts standing in a row in white spacesuits and smiling. a line drawing of a rocket is partially visible behind them

The astronauts on NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 mission include, from left, Konstantin Borisov (Roscosmos), Andreas Mogensen (European Space Agency), Jasmin Moghbeli (NASA), and Satoshi Furukawa (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency). (Image credit: SpaceX)

Mogensen will be on his second mission in space after a 10-day Soyuz spacecraft mission on the ISS in 2016, which made him the first Danish person in space. In the intervening time there has been immense progress from SpaceX, which began flying operational commercial crew missions on behalf of NASA in 2020 while continuing to send cargo shipments on the uncrewed variant of Dragon since 2010.

NASA-funded missions by SpaceX carry astronauts to the ISS onboard the fully reusable Crew Dragon spacecraft and the partially reusable Falcon 9 rocket, whose first stage rockets come back to Earth on their own to touch down on a drone ship or on land.

"SpaceX, what they have achieved in the last 10 or so years has been remarkable. And working with them has been a pleasure," Mogensen said in another prelaunch interview July 25 with Space.com. "They've come an incredibly long way, and it's really a pleasure to see how much they've achieved and how much really they've changed human spaceflight, when it comes to reusability."

Related: How many astronauts can fly on a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule?

four astronauts in white spacesuits smile while seated inside a spacecraft capsule

RELATED STORIES:

 SpaceX Crew-7 astronauts will handle over 200 science experiments on ISS

 SpaceX to launch next Starship test flight 'soon,' Elon Musk says (photos)

 SpaceX Crew-6 and Crew-7 astronaut mission: Live updates

Furukawa, who also went to space in 2016 for Expeditions 28 and 29, said he knows already what he will be missing on Earth. "I really missed having a walk in the green forests because onboard the space station, I really miss a green colors," he said in another prelaunch interview July 25.

From space, he said, the astronauts can see the blue Earth, or the brown desert, but green is a bit harder to spot. Furukawa then turned to technology to fill the gap: "I tried to watch video of forest, and it was a weird feeling," he said. "I really miss green color much more than I expected."

Borisov, on his first flight, said among the 2.5 hours of exercise astronauts perform daily he hopes to integrate his beloved yoga in the routine. But how to do it without gravity will be difficult: "I know what to do with breathing," he said on July 25, referring to a common tool yogis use to hold stretches or difficult poses.

But in weightlessness, he will have to forge his own path as few other astronauts have tried yoga aside from ESA's Samantha Cristoforetti. Nor would a typical video filmed with Earth's gravity, he added, serve as a helpful guide absent that force.






Boeing is postponing deliveries of some newly built 737 Max planes because of structural defects in some fuselages, while a number of unaffected models remain on schedule as airlines clamored for more supply.

Spirit AeroSystems, which supplies the fuselages to Boeing, said maintenance crews found improperly drilled fastener holes in a number of aft pressure bulkheads  a critical pressurization component that is key to the structural integrity of every aircraft.

The Wichita, Kansas-based company said because it uses multiple suppliers, only some units are affected and it will continue to make unit deliveries to Boeing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Boeing has determined that there is no immediate safety of flight concern associated with this issue for the 737 fleet and that the in-service fleet may continue to operate, Spirit AeroSystems said in a statement.

Aircraft manufacturers have wrestled with supply issues in recent years. Spirit AeroSystems builds the fuselage for Boeings 737 Max narrowbody jet and substantial sections of aircraft bodies in other of its models. The company builds components for Airbus aircraft as well.

Boeing issued a statement saying it will continue to deliver 737 Maxes that were not affected by the problem.

This issue will impact near-term 737 deliveries as we conduct inspections to determine the number of airplanes affected, and complete required rework on those airplanes, the company said in a statement.

The engineering flaw is the latest in a string of setbacks for Boeing as parts and production lapses frustrate efforts to meet increased travel demand as the major airlines faced growing pressure from the Biden administration to improve service and transit times, especially during the holidays.

Boeing delivered 309 planes during the first seven months of 2023, compared to 381 planes delivered by rival Airbus during that same span.

The company recently set a goal to produce 38 planes per month, up from a rate of 31, and planned to deliver between 400 and 450 Max jets to the airlines before the end of the year.

The latest delay comes as Boeing works to mount a comeback for the 737 Max after two air disasters off Indonesia and in Ethiopia in 2018 and 2019 grounded the model worldwide for nearly two years.

For now, Spirit AeroSystems said it will continue to deliver the fuselages to Boeing despite the production issue.

We are working closely with our customer to address any impacted units within the production system and address any needed rework, the aircraft parts manufacturer said in a statement. Based upon what we know now, we believe there will not be a material impact to our delivery range for the year related to this issue.

Shares of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. were down 14% in afternoon trading Thursday, while Boeing Co.s stock slipped more than 3%.

Contributing: UPI and the Associated Press
Protesters on Jan. 6, 2021, in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

A Springfield man found guilty of breaching the U.S. Capitol in 2021, including entering the floor of the Senate chamber, has begun serving his 14-month sentence.

Thomas B. Adams Jr., 41, of the 2800 block of Ridge Avenue, is incarcerated at the federal correctional center in Forrest City, Arkansas.

It wasn't immediately clear when Adams reported to the facility. He was released on his own recognizance following his June 16 sentencing, said Daniel Ball, a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Attorneys Office, reached Wednesday.

At 100, Evelyn Brandt Thomas reflects on working every day and her company's early days

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Adams has a release date of Aug. 8, 2024.

Adams was found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting entering, both felonies, and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, a misdemeanor, during a stipulated bench trial on Jan. 31.

Adams also was sentenced to 36 months of supervised release and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.

The Forrest City correctional center has nearly 1,600 inmates. It is about 45 minutes southwest of Memphis.

Thomas Adams Jr., of Springfield, holds a Trump flag inside the Senate chamber during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege of the U.S. Capitol. According to the court document, Adams confirmed he is shown in this photograph holding the flag. (Federal court records)

Another Springfield man, Roy Nelson Franklin, traveled with Adams to Washington, D.C., ans has a Sept. 22 plea agreement hearing in federal court.

Franklin, 67, will have to appear in person before Chief District Judge James E. Boasberg, Ball said.

He is charged with knowingly entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority, violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds, and obstruction of an official proceeding.

Franklin's court-appointed attorney, Joseph R. Conte of Washington, D.C., said a plea deal had been worked out, but he "wasn't at liberty" to say what it entailed.

Roy Nelson Franklin

Members of Congress were meeting in separate chambers of the Capitol on Jan. 6 to certify the vote count of the Electoral College from the 2020 presidential election.

Five people died during or soon after the breach, and more than $2.5 million worth of damage was done to the Capitol.

Adams told the SJ-R on Feb. 1 that he traveled to Washington with Franklin in 2021 because "I was laid off (from work), bored, voted for (President Donald) Trump and (according to) everything I saw, it was supposed to be an Occupy Movement, like Occupy Wall Street.

"We went to (Trump's 'Save America Rally') just to be there, just to have our sheer numbers heard. We don't agree with how the (2020 presidential vote won by President Joe Biden) went. There's a lot of us still to this day who don't believe there was 100% legitimacy with the vote."

According to Franklin's criminal complaint, he and Adams were together "most, if not all, of the time and engaged in similar conduct."

Adams told the SJ-R he didn't know exactly where Franklin was "the whole time or what he was doing."

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump rally at the U.S. Capitol in Washington.

Adams and Franklin were photographed inside the Capitol. They were first identified when interviewed by Abigail Higgins of the news site Insider shortly after exiting the Capitol.

The Insider article quoted Adams as saying the event was "a really fun time."

Franklin said in the article that even if they had burned the Capitol down, "Congress still wouldnt have listened to us.

The latest person from Illinois arrested in connection with the breach was Robin Reierson, 68, of Schiller Park, a western suburb of Chicago. He was booked Wednesday for assaulting a law enforcement officer.

One other area person has been implicated in the breach.

Shane Jason Woods of Auburn pleaded guilty in federal court last September to assaulting a law enforcement officer among other charges. Woods, who also goes by the name Shane Castleman, was charged with first-degree murder on Nov. 16 for his part in a fatal wrong-way collision on Interstate 55 near Springfield on Nov. 8.

According to online records, Woods is next due in court on Oct. 11, with a jury trial set for Jan. 29, 2024.

More than 1,000 people from all 50 states have been charged with federal crimes related to the breach.

Contact Steven Spearie: (217) 622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.

This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield man has plea hearing in Washington D.C. on Capitol breach
ST. PETERSBURG  A City Council committee voted unanimously Thursday to move forward with a management study of the St. Petersburg Fire Department, a day after its chief returned from administrative leave.

Members of the Budget, Finance and Taxation Committee instructed city staff to conduct one-on-one meetings with council members to discuss the scope of the study, which would be done by a third-party consultant selected through an official bidding process.

The management study will be conducted if approved by the full council in a future vote. The committee recommendation was approved on a 4-0 vote.

The idea was proposed by council member Gina Driscoll last week after members of the public who addressed them expressed mixed opinions about whether Fire Chief Jim Large should stay or go. Comments from an anonymous employee survey have accused Large of creating a hostile work environment for women and minority employees. Seven active firefighters shared what they described as inappropriate interactions and comments from Large or others in the department to the Tampa Bay Times.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Mayor Ken Welch announced Wednesday in a video message to city employees that Large would be reinstated as chief after two and a half weeks of paid administrative leave. Welch said his final decision follows a careful review that produced no evidence of racial, homophobic or sexist comments by the chief.

Welch did not interview one of the firefighters, Michelle Methot, who went on the record with the Times to say she was mistreated by Large after a miscarriage five years ago.

It is also unclear if Welch spoke to City Council chairperson Brandi Gabbard, who claimed she experienced disrespect, bullying, and attempts at intimidation from Large. Gabbard on Thursday declined to comment.

She and City Council member Richie Floyd, who voted with the committee to pursue a management evaluation of the fire department, called for a change in leadership at the department. They later walked back their comments.

Floyd said Thursday that the study was the appropriate way for us to go about exercising our power.

Maybe this is the silver lining in a bad time weve gone through in that we realize as council we need to pay more attention to this department, he said.

While the City Charter bars council members from directly or indirectly calling for the appointment or removal of a city employee, it authorizes the City Council to request management evaluations of city departments by external consultants annually. Assistant City Administrator Tom Greene told council members there is $125,000 already in the budget for a management study.

Driscoll called the study a great way to show our support for the department.

Im confident that the best way to do that is to engage with that neutral outside consulting firm that specializes in these kinds of things that can really take a look at whats needed, she said. In light of the most recent developments, I still feel this is an important way that we can support our fire department by identifying opportunities for improvement.

Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders asked if the councils management study would interfere with work being done by the mayors office. Welch said in his video Wednesday that the citys incoming chief equity officer will work with the St. Petersburg NAACP branch to develop a fire department action plan to address a disparity in promotions.

Greene said the councils management study would look at operations and evaluate if best practices are taking place. He said there is an employee survey embedded within all of the citys management studies.

Council member Lisset Hanewicz joked that the last time the fire department underwent a management review, George Michael, Whitney Houston and Guns N Roses topped the charts. It was 1988. She also pointed at how a management study was helpful for the Stormwater, Pavement and Traffic Operations Department.

I think its something that comes from an outside source. I think its good for the public, she said.

Large returned to work Thursday at St. Petersburg Fire Rescue headquarters. He was welcomed with applause from a small group as he wiped away tears.

His attorney, Jay Hebert, called it an emotional day. He said Large had meetings to talk about diversity.

Adversity makes better leaders, he said.
With blood on his hands, a drunk and rambling David Thomas Jordan said he had just killed a man because he disrespected him.

That son of a b---- is deader than s---, Jordan said in one rant to Biloxi Police Capt. Roger Wiggins the night of the murder. I killed that son of a b----.

A jury Wednesday convicted Jordan of second-degree murder in the Feb. 10, 2022, stabbing death of Joseph Houseworth, 53.

Jordan stabbed Houseworth 29 times with a kitchen knife in the victims makeshift cabin in the woods. Houseworth lived in the woods between Trustmark Bank and an assisted living facility on Popps Ferry Road near Cedar Lake Road.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Jordan said Houseworth invited him over to have drinks and pizza.

The drunken Jordan said Houseworth had threatened to hit him.

Judge Randi Mueller sentenced Jordan to 40 years in prison, suspending ten years and leaving Jordan a 30-year day-for-day prison sentence.

Prior to sentencing, Houseworths sister, Cindy Parker, spoke on behalf of her family.

He has family, she said. He has nephews. Unlike Mr. Jordan, my brother does not have a violent past. He was very respectful of others. Not once did I hear Mr. Jordan say hes sorry.

Instead, Jordans chief concern after the verdict came back was his plan to appeal the conviction.

David Jordan

My brother did live a little differently, but thats not because he didnt have a house, Parker said. He was just a really good brother, a good son, and he was a big part of our family, and we loved him very much.

Jordan, Parker said, doesnt care he destroyed a family.

Assistant District Attorney Billy Stage told the judge Jordan had arrests dating back to as early as 1975 on various charges, including aggravated assault, battery, and criminal damage to property, most of which occurred in Georgia.

Biloxi police find mans body

Biloxi police first encountered Jordan after responding to the February 2022 call in a parking lot across from the wooded area where Houseworth lived.

In body camera footage played during the trial, Jordan tells police to follow a path in the woods to find Houseworths home.

Inside, Biloxi police officers described how they found Houseworths bloodied body lying in his makeshift bed with his boots still on. There was no sign of a disturbance.

Harrison County Assistant District Attorney George Huffman presents closing arguments during the first-degree murder trial of David Thomas Jordan in Biloxi on Aug. 23, 2023.

Jordan told police at the scene that he attacked because he feared Houseworth would hit him in the head, adding that he messed with the wrong man.

Jordan was sober when he testified earlier Wednesday, claiming he stabbed the man in self-defense after he pulled a gun on him, threatened to shoot him, and bury him in a hole in the woods.

Stabbing in a makeshift Biloxi cabin

According to Jordan, he passed out after drinking liquor with Houseworth. When he came to, he claimed Houseworth was standing over him with his crotch 18 inches from his face.

Jordan said he felt threatened, grabbed a knife from an ice chest, and stabbed Houseworth in self-defense.

His attorneys, Angela Broun and Phil Wittman, said, Jordan genuinely believed he was going to suffer great bodily harm.

They called the killing manslaughter instead of a more serious offense.

The prosecutors said the evidence showed otherwise.

David Thomas Jordan speaks to one of his attorneys, Angela Broun, during his first-degree murder trial in Biloxi on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.

That night, he (Jordan) said this guy disrespected me, Huffman said in closing arguments. He said he (Houseworth) was going to kick me in the head.

Huffman recited some of Jordans words for the jury during closing arguments:

...You know why I stabbed him to death? He was running his mouth.

Those are his words, his words, Huffman said. He bragged about what he did.
CHICAGO  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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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 spinoffs 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.
Indiana State Police say two of its officers arrested a Vincennes, Indiana, man who was driving a kids'-size Power Wheels Jeep on a city street while under the influence of drugs.

According to a state police news release, John McKee, 51, was behind the wheel of the Power Wheels Jeep on North Second Street in Vincennes around 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday. A state police officer said the vehicle "had no lights or reflectors and was difficult to see."

McKee showed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests, according to a state police news release. He was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, where officers said he was found to be under the influence of methamphetamines and marijuana.

McKee was arrested and taken to the Knox County jail.

This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: John McKee of Vincennes arrested, accused of driving under influence
On Saturday, Vermont will hold a statewide clean up day to support cities and towns hardest hit by the July floods as the state prepares to welcome back fall tourists.

Hosted by the nonprofit Green Up Vermont, the event will be in the same vein as the annual May Green Up Day  only this time, the point isn't to beautify the communities but to put them back together.

"The goal is to brighten up communities, finalize flood clean up, and keep Vermont clean and welcoming as we head into the fall months," Gov. Phil Scott said on his official Facebook page.

The Sucker Brook roars in Williston on July 16, 2023 following days of excessive rain and flooding that devastated may Vermont homes and businesses. This part of the Sucker Brook is typically a docile, trickling stream close to Williston area hiking.

Among the many participating cities, towns and unincorporated areas are Andover, Barre, Duxbury, Jonesville, Grafton, Johnson, Ludlow, Montpelier, Morristown, Waterbury, Hardwick, Marshfield, Londonderry and Cambridge.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Greening Up and volunteering in communities in need is an easy and wonderful way to support our environment while nurturing community cohesion, said Kate Alberghini, Green Up Vermont's executive director, in an Aug. 15 press release. I encourage all Vermonters to get out and lend a hand during Green Up events and every day in any way they can, and of course to please follow safety guidelines.

To learn more about Recovery Clean Up Day, including how to participate, visit https://greenupvermont.org/flood-recovery-clean-up/. For updates on clean up day plans, download the Green Up Vermont application.

The time, place and scope of Cambridge, Hardwick, Johnson and Londonberry's clean up day projects have yet to be determined.

Andover

Litter is strewn along the banks of the Andover Branch, a stream near Middletown. Volunteers will pick up trash from Jarvis Road to Pettengill Road, only retrieving litter along the banks if the stream's current and water level are deemed safe.

Wear gloves, bug spray and rugged shoes that are fine to get wet.

Meet at 9 a.m. at Andover's town hall. Bags and light refreshments will be available. Depending on the number of volunteers, the clean-up effort should last two to three hours.

For more information, contact Deb Moser at dmoser6468@gmail.com or Jeanette Haight at clerk@vermontel.net or 802-875-2765.

Equipment clears mud from a neighborhood as flood waters block a street, Wednesday, July 12, 2023, in Barre, Vt. Following a storm that dumped nearly two months of rain in two days, Vermonters are cleaning up from the deluge of water.

Barre

Volunteers can pick up bags from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Barre Volunteer Hub at 6 Washington St. Full litter bags can be deposited in the dumpster behind City Hall. Stack any tires next to the dumpster.

Duxbury

The Bolton Dam near Duxbury needs serious attention, so clean-up efforts start 10 a.m. this Friday, with the potential for a second session on Saturday.

Volunteers should plan to meet at the Bolton Dam Public Access Area off River Road, the first right after Camel's Hump Road. The turn will be marked with an orange bag.

Bag and gloves will be available on site. Wear bug spray and boots.

Grafton

Bags and gloves can be picked up during regular business hours from now until Friday at the Grafton Town Office at 117 Main St.

Although no official start time on Saturday is listed, volunteers can drop off full bags in the Recovery Clean Up Dumpster at Town Highway Garage, located at 220 Bell Road.

For more information, contact Morgan Wilbur during regular business hours at townadmin@graftonvt.org or 802-843-2552.

Ludlow

Ludlow volunteers will meet at the Ludlow Community Center at 8:30 a.m. and head out at 9 a.m. to bag debris. A limited BBQ will be held at the community center at noon.

For more information, contact Nick Miele at 802-245-4944 or ludlowrecreation@tds.net.

The Pavilion building on State Street in Montpelier, which houses the Vermont Historical Society and state government offices, was still drying out on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, nearly six week after the July floods.

Montpelier

Orange bags for litter collection can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Vermont College of Fine Arts green and at the volunteer hub between Shaw's Supermarket and art shop The Drawing Board.

Morristown  Oxbow Park

The clean-up effort in Morristown will occur at Oxbow Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bags and supplies will be on-site.

Volunteers should pack water, sturdy shoes, gloves, hand clippers and, if available, chainsaws. Avoid working near river banks if river is high and the current strong.

For more information, contact Tricia Follert at 802-279-2926.

Waterbury

Waterbury is dedicating its clean up day to beautifying the Dac Rowe Pavilion. Volunteers will remove silt and mud and pressure wash the pavilion slab.

Although a start time is still pending, interested parties can email greenup@greenupvermont.org for more information and to register for the event.

Marshfield

Volunteers will meet at the SchoolHouse Common on Saturday to pick up bags and gloves. A dumpster for debris will be available on-site.

The event's run time is still pending.

For more information, email Drew McNaughton at drewm@mpsvt.org.

A sewer pipe is exposed due to eroded land at the wastewater treatment plant following July flooding, Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2023, in Ludlow, Vt. Across the U.S., municipal water systems and sewage treatment plants are at increasing risk of damage from floods and sea-level rise brought on in part or even wholly by climate change. The storm that walloped Ludlow especially hard, damaging the picturesque ski towns system for cleaning up sewage before its discharged into the Williams River.

Safety tips to remember

The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation has complied a list of safety tips to follow while volunteering in areas heavily devastated by last month's flood:

Wear resilient boots and gloves.

Wear N95 masks and eye protection in dusty areas.

Take care with household chemicals.

Keep materials away from kids and animals.

Place leaking items in pails.

Keep chemicals separate and do not dump them on the ground.

Do not fetch debris in high or fast-moving water.

Face traffic when volunteering on roadsides.

Wear bright colors.

Search for ticks after wandering through tall grass.

Place needles and sharps in thick plastic containers. Tape the containers shut and label them "Do Not Recycle" .

Congregation member Gayle McFarland, of Montpelier, Vt., collects sodden table cloths in the basement of Bethany Church, in downtown Montpelier, Thursday, July 13, 2023. In Vermont, communities were cleaning up Thursday from the floods that were more destructive in some places than 2011's Tropical Storm Irene.

Do not dispose of these items in dumpsters:

"Dangerous wastes" like acids, ammo, drain cleaner, explosives, fireworks, flares, gasoline, oil, pesticides, pool chemicals, toxics and unprotected "sharps".

Hazardous waste.

Toxic car products like oil and brake cleaner.

Paint, varnish, stain and paint thinner or stripper.

Gas cylinders.

Tires.

Batteries and electronics.

Mercury products like thermometers, thermostats and fluorescent bulbs.

To learn more about how to safely volunteer this Saturday, read "Protect Yourself When Cleaning Up After Flood" from Vermont's Department of Health and "Flood Debris Clean Up Guidance" and "Solid Waste Management Entities" from Vermont's Agency of Natural Resources.

Contact the VT DEC Waste Management and Prevention Division at 802-828-1138 for more information about hazardous materials.

Megan Stewart is a government accountability reporter for the Burlington Free Press. Contact her at mstewartyounger@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont holds statewide flood clean up day to remove trash
A Washington steakhouses decision to fire a new employee when they revealed they were pregnant violated federal employment law, according to officials.

Now, Lady Luck Steakhouse in Tacoma owes the former employee, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission announced in an Aug. 22 news release.

The restaurant  which describes itself as a saloon known for girls dancing on the bar offering homemade cuisine, drinks and late-night music  was accused of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 after it fired the pregnant worker following their first shift, the EEOC said.

The law prohibits job discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin and sex  including discrimination against pregnancy, according to the agency.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In addition, the EEOC accused Lady Lucks management of not allowing pregnant workers to work certain club night shifts, which is also considered discrimination under law, the EEOC said.

After a charge of discrimination was filed with the EEOC, Lady Luck agreed to the terms of a two-year conciliation agreement to resolve the charge, according to the release.

Pregnant workers must be afforded the same rights and benefits as non-pregnant workers, Elizabeth M. Cannon, the director of EEOCs Seattle field office, said in a statement. Well-intended as some employers may be, placing special conditions or limits on a worker simply because they are pregnant is against the law.

McClatchy News attempted to reach Lady Luck for comment multiple times on Aug. 23 but did not get a response.

The restaurant owes the former worker compensatory damages and back pay as part of the conciliation agreements terms, the EEOC said. It will also review its policy on nondiscrimination, refrain from restricting pregnant employees from certain shifts or duties, and will hold training for management and HR employees.

How much the former employee will be awarded in damages and back pay wasnt specified.

Since Lady Luck agreed to resolve the charge, Title VII confidentiality provisions prevent information surrounding from becoming public, according to Joseph J. Olivares, an EEOC spokesman.

Due to Lady Luck wanting to show their commitment to resolving the charge, it was agreed upon to make the (conciliation) agreement public, Olivares said.

More on pregnancy discrimination

On June 27, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act went into effect.

Under the federal law, employers are also required to provide reasonable accommodations to workers who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, experiencing pregnancy-related medical conditions, or recovering from childbirth, unless it causes an undue hardship, Cannon said.

Washington Attorney General Bob Fergusons office announced on Aug. 16 it is suing OReilly Auto Parts, which runs 169 stores in the state, accusing the company of discriminating and retaliating against pregnant employees.

According to the lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court, at least 22 pregnant women were refused reasonable workplace accommodations, including adequate breaks to rest and use the restroom and to pump breast milk after returning to work following the birth of their babies, a news release said.

When the employees tried to lawfully obtain these accommodations, they were met with backlash  such as demotion and threats of termination, according to Fergusons office.

Further information from the EEOC on federal regulations protecting pregnant employees can be found here.

Boutique worker fired over fears she wouldnt be reliable after giving birth, feds say

Ford refused to let pregnant woman start her new job, feds say. Now company must pay

Walgreens manager refused to let pregnant worker leave, feds say. Then she miscarried

You can no longer work here. Dollar General fires pregnant Georgia cashier, feds say
The Sacramento Fire Department will lead the citys new inter-agency emergency response to homelessness, Mayor Darrell Steinberg announced Wednesday in his second of three State of the City addresses.

Assistant Fire Chief Brian Pedro will head up the effort, which will include the Department of Community Response, the Sacramento Police Department, code enforcement, behavioral health workers from Sacramento County, park rangers and outside nonprofit providers that contract with those agencies.

In his speech, given at the future site of a sprawling WellSpace Health facility, Steinberg said he had been struck by the urgent, synchronized response he witnessed during the harsh storm that hit Sacramento on New Years Eve. He said the city and county needed something similar for the man-made disaster we call homelessness.

Homelessness is not a one-time natural disaster, Steinberg said. Its ongoing.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This approach will enable better real-time response to crises, he said, as well as greater accountability.

He emphasized that he believed it was possible to not solve, but help make better the issues unfolding on the citys streets.

Several members of the City Council were on hand for the address, as well as officials from Sacramento County and county Board of Supervisors Chair Rich Desmond.

Steinberg acknowledged that city workers cannot credibly offer people somewhere to go immediately with the current number of emergency beds. On any given night, all spots are taken, leaving thousands on the street with no options. Of the 6,664 unsheltered people across Sacramento County, 75% were in the city of Sacramento, and 20% were in the unincorporated county. A small amount were in suburban cities.

Still, he said, he voted for stricter enforcement of city ordinances limiting where homeless people could set up encampments, saying that code enforcement is an important part of the strategy for addressing homelessness.

Currently, the city is under an injunction preventing it from evicting homeless people from their camps during dangerously hot weather. During a panel that followed Steinbergs address, Assistant City Manager Mario Lara referenced the injunctions limits on the citys options. Many people in the crowd laughed when the mayor cut in, Oh, that.

Steinberg obliquely addressed the ongoing controversy stoked by Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho, who has launched an investigation into the city for, in his view, inadequately enforcing city ordinances to keep homeless people from living on sidewalks by clearing their encampments. He said, I will say this: Our county criminal justice system must also be a full partner.

A significant number of homeless people, the mayor pointed out, are individuals who were released from our county jail right back into homelessness.

Steinberg told the crowd that the spiraling homelessness crisis  the county has said that for every one person moved into housing, three more people will enter homelessness  is a problem of systemic poverty.

Stienbergs final address as part of the State of the City series will take place Friday when he outlines efforts to create a long-term source of funding for affordable housing and make investments to build a transit-friendly and climate-resilient city. The speech and panel discussion will take place at 9 a.m. at the ARY Place Apartments, 1717 S St., in Richmond Groves R Street corridor.

On Monday, the mayor and a panel discussed ways to build engagement across the capital through supportive policies aimed at boosting Sacramentos music scene.
Danielle Schwanke has a lot on her plate.

The medical assistant has two stepchildren, eight cats and one dog, and shes a pet foster parent, so she currently has five extra pets at home, she told officials, according to an Aug. 24 Maryland Lottery news release.

Schwanke was recently rushing to grab medicine at a grocery store in Severna Park before it closed when something caught her eye: the lottery vending machine, officials said. So she made a quick stop and bought $20 worth of scratch-off tickets for her and her boyfriend.

The stepmom said she waited until later that evening to scratch her ticket. She was shocked by what she found on one of her Red Hot Cash tickets.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I know I went ghost white, Schwanke told officials. I thought, this has to be a mistake.

Schwanke had won a $30,000 top prize, officials said. She was so unsure of her ticket that she woke her boyfriend up and asked him to double check her prize.

Even though it was right in our faces, we were convinced it could not be a winner, Schwanke told officials.

The prize left Schwanke too shocked and nervous to sleep, she said in the release.

I have a reputation of being clumsy, so I made sure I didnt do anything crazy with the ticket, she told officials.

The next morning, Schwanke went to a store as early as she could and confirmed her prize, according to officials. Now, she plans to donate a portion of her prize to a local animal shelter. Shell put the rest toward her stepkids and her savings.

Schwankes winning ticket came from a Giant in Severna Park, which is about 20 miles southeast of Baltimore.

Many people can gamble or play games of chance without harm. However, for some, gambling is an addiction that can ruin lives and families.

If you or a loved one shows signs of gambling addiction, you can seek help by calling the national gambling hotline at 1-800-522-4700 or visiting the National Council on Problem Gambling website.

Pickleball players chip in for lottery tickets and win $6. That was just the start

Couple learns someone in NC town won big Powerball prize  but didnt know it was them

Lottery player used same birthday numbers for years. Now he can pay off his NC house
Now Steve Bannon has come to Ken Paxton s defense.

That just shows how hopeless Paxtons case is.

If you need the cavalry to rescue you and instead you only get Bannon, a convicted former Donald Trump adviser, along with Parker County foghorn Jonathan Stickland, then that means you are probably not the Vegas oddsmakers favorite to win.

Bannon, the first Trump aide found guilty in cases connected with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot after he refused to testify before a congressional panel, rushed to Paxtons defense in recent days.

On his streaming show  seen on DISH, Roku, Pluto TV and several small appliances  Bannon vowed to make famous six Texas Republican senators seen as swing votes on Paxton. The attorney general is suspended now that hes impeached by his fellow Republicans on 20 accusations that he is unfit to hold office.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Swing Six include two local senators: Sen. Kelly Hancock of Tarrant County and Sen. Drew Springer of Muenster, who represents Parker County.

Apparently, Hancock and Springer are considered dangerously honest.

State Sens. Kelly Hancock, left, and Drew Springer are on one activists list of possible swing voters in the removal trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Bannon fears that they might be unwilling to completely ignore all 20 allegations against Paxton, a variety pack that includes corruption, bribery, abuse of office and obstruction of justice.

Bannon is cranking up his fringy media machine, ranked a runaway No. 1 in a think-tank studies of the most lies and inaccuracies of any political chat show.

Gosh. I can only imagine the social media outcry on TruthSocial or Gettr or Telegram or Gab.

Talking first with Dallas County activist Lauren Davis and then with Stickland, paymaster for Texas Wilks brothers and other multi-mllion-dollar West Texas campaign donors, Bannon described Texas as one of the hearts of MAGA.

Fine. Paxton can be MAGA. After all, Paxton spoke at the Jan. 6 Capitol rally and filed one of the cases challenging the 2020 election.

And he and former President Donald Trump now have more in common. They are both under felony indictment and free on bond pending trial.

In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks in Washington, at a rally in support of President Donald Trump.

But in Paxtons case, the complaints against him were filed by Republicans, some by staunch religious conservatives.

When Bannon asked Davis to list the six swing votes in the Senate, she replied eagerly, Ive got their names!

Along with Hancock and Springer, Davis called out Sens. Bryan Hughes, Charles Perry, Mayes Middleton and Charles Schwertner. (Note the absence of local Sens. Brian Birdwell, Phil King and Tan Parker.)

Bannon blustered: This is an opening salvo! ... Were going to drill down. Were going to make all these six famous.

The next day, Bannon welcomed Stickland, a Willow Park resident who used to represent Hurst-Euless-Bedford in the Texas House.

Stickland said Paxton inflicted pain on the swamp, blaming the impeachment on a globalists witch hunt by the leftover Bush regime, referring to former Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

Huh.

I didnt see any Bushes manufacturing overnight legal opinions to help donors, or using burner phones and fake Uber accounts, or picking up $100,000 in stock shares in a booth at Dairy Queen, all things Paxton is accused of in the impeachment complaints.

Listen, theres a reason Paxton has to find help from outside Texas.

Its because he doesnt have much here.

Republican voters are split 50-50 on him. For most of the McKinney Republicans career until impeachment loomed, 25%-30% of voters didnt know much about him at all.

He has always benefited from religious conservatives support  at least until some of those religious conservatives turned him in to the FBI.

He can no longer claim God is on his side.

Just Steve Bannon.
An organiser of the "Stop the Steal" rally that preceded the Capitol riot was apparently experiencing severe FOMO (fear of missing out) after numerous Trump allies surrendered to Fulton County, Georgia authorities after their indictment by its district attorney, Fani Willis.

Amy Kremer, the organiser, wanted to be recognised alongside the other accused election tamperers, so she photoshopped her very own Fulton County mugshot, Vice reports.

Trump-world mainstays like former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, "Kraken" lawyer Sidney Powell , and MAGA attorney Jenna Ellis were among those who turned themselves in and were photographed against a grey wall at the Fulton County jail. Their mugshots were widely circulated online, with a "Fulton County Sheriff's Office" badge visible next to their heads.

I stand with my colleagues fighting for election integrity, she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. The 2020 election was stolen and Im not afraid to say so.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The photo did dupe a few of her followers, who believed she had been taken into custody by Fulton County authorities.

God bless! I had no idea you were one of the defendants, a follower wrote.

Ms Kremer clarified that Im notfor the time being, but I stand with them! They are coming for all of us, eventually.

Some of her followers had never actually seen her picture before, and asked who was in the mugshot. She replied "it's me."

After enough confusion, Ms Kremer made a follow up post clarifying that she made the image.

This is photoshopped.



I have not been indictedfor the time being, anyway.



But, they are coming for all of us in the end.



You need to stand up and speak up now while you still have a chance  Amy Kremer (@AmyKremer) August 24, 2023

"This is photoshopped," she wrote on X/Twitter. "I have not been indicted ... for the time being, anyway. But they are coming for all of us in the end. You need to stand up and speak now while you still have a chance."

Nine of Donald Trump's allies surrendered on Wednesday as part of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis's case alleging that the former president and others tried to reverse the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Mr Trump himself is expected to surrender in Fulton County on Thursday. He announced on Truth Social that he will be arrested on at 7.30pm EST.

His bond has been set at $200,000.
Aug. 24, is America's "sickest day," with more workers reporting they're ill than other day of the year, according to research. File Photo by Luisella Planeta/Pixabay

Aug. 24 (UPI) -- More people are off work in the United States due to sickness Aug. 24 than any other day of the year, including during the cold and flu season in the depths of winter, according to analysis by a leave management software provider.

America's second "sickest day" was Feb. 13, which was the Monday after Super Bowl LVII for the 2022 season, Flamingo said in a blog post, though it did find February was the sickest month with businesses across the country seeing, on average, 10% of their workforce taking sick leave.

And Valentine's Day comes up right afterward.

"Beyond just a single day, we discovered that February has been the 'sickest' month over the past five years, with April and December close behind," said Flamingo adding that stomach bugs were the number one reason employees stayed home sick.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More than half of sick leave, 54%, was due to GI symptoms variously reported as "stomach bug," "diarrhea," or "vomiting," and far exceeding COVID-19, which accounted for only 25% of absences.

Anxiety or stress-related conditions represented 9% of sick leave, while musculoskeletal injuries and bone fractures caused 6% of absences.

When it came to reporting sickness, Flamingo found that a majority of employees preferred to avoid awkward phone calls with their boss, with two-thirds opting to let their line managers know they were staying off work via text, WhatsApp, Slack or email. A very small percentage simply didn't let their employer know at all.

The facts around sick leave are notoriously problematic, with patterns difficult to tease out, experts said. So while more than a quarter of Americans, for example, did not take a single sick leave day in 2022, 10 million of the country's 135 million workers took more than 20 days off, accounting for a huge share of total sick leave.
Boston 25 was Stuffing the Bus on Wednesday at all-day school supply drives at the Walmart in Plymouth and Lynn.

With everyones help in assisting students in need, we were able to get roughly $8,2000 in donations and more than $6,500 in cash donations

Back-to-school time is just around the corner in collaboration with Walmart and the Salvation Army, we collected school supplies and donations at the Walmart in Plymouth at 300 Colony Road and the Walmart in Lynn at 780 Lynnway.

Both school supply drives ran from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

All donations will be shipped to the Boston 25 studio and delivered to those in need.

Donations can also be made online by clicking here.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Jackson County prosecutors have charged a suburban Kansas City woman who was arrested Monday evening when a passerby witnessed a bloody body being left by someone in a front yard.

Kaundria A. Morrison, 50, of Raytown, faces a single count of first-degree domestic assault, causing serious physical injury, in Jackson County Circuit Court. The offense is a Class A felony that carries a range of punishment between 10 and 30 years in prison.

According to court documents, Raytown police were called shortly before 5 p.m. Monday to the 5700 block of Blue Ridge Cutoff after a 911 caller reported seeing a person drag a body out of a house.

Responding officers located a critically injured woman, whose name is withheld from court documents, in a yard there. She had a large gash on her forehead, and officers provided first aid until paramedics arrived.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The wounded woman suffered injuries that were believed to be life-threatening. As of Wednesday, a spokesperson for Raytown police said she remained in the hospital.

As police were investigating Monday, a Raytown police officer noticed an open door at a house that had a trail of blood leading up to it, according to court documents.

After the officer announced his presence as police, Morrison emerged in the hallway and was taken into custody. She had a red discoloration on her shirt and was wearing clear plastic gloves at the time, authorities said.

In the house, police found apparent blood in a hallway, a living area and on a doorway.

A search warrant yielded a hammer covered in blood that was discovered on an end table. Crime scene investigators also found a broom with blood in its bristles that showed an apparent attempt to clean up blood inside of the residence, a Raytown detective wrote in a probable cause affidavit filed Wednesday.

Morrison declined to be interviewed by police, according to the affidavit.

Online court records did not list a defense attorney representing Morrison. She made an initial court appearance on the assault charge Wednesday, where a judge ordered she be screened for legal representation by the Missouri Public Defenders Office.

An arrest warrant issued Tuesday calls for Morrison to be held on a $300,000 bond, or 10% secured. An online booking log showed Morrison was being held in the Jackson County jail.

Morrison is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 30 for a bond review hearing.
(Reuters) -Sudan's army chief, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, appeared in a video circulated by the army on Thursday outside of the army command compound in Khartoum for the first time since the beginning of a war more than four months ago.

The army has been fighting the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for control of the capital and several major cities since April 15. Attempts to mediate have proven fruitless as diplomats say both sides still believe they can win.

The fighting, during which neither side has gained a clear advantage, has inflicted high civilian casualties and displaced more than 4.5 million according to the United Nations.

In the video, which the army said was taken on Thursday in the Wadi Sayidna air force base in Omdurman, across the Nile from the capital, Burhan greeted cheering soldiers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The work you are doing should reassure people that the army has men and that Sudan is being protected by the army," he said in the video.

The video appearance comes after the RSF's multi-day attack on the Armored Corps base in southern Khartoum, the army's only remaining stronghold in the capital outside its headquarters.

It was not clear how Burhan was able to leave Khartoum, but analyst Cameron Hudson of the Center for Strategic and International Studies said it suggests the RSF may have taken a hit in costly battles, allowing the army greater movement.

The Wadi Sayidna base in Omdurman where Burhan appeared remains well protected despite RSF attacks. Clashes between the forces continued in the city as the army works to cut off a key RSF supply route on the Shambat bridge to Bahri.

General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the RSF, has often mocked Burhan for what he termed hiding in a bunker, although Dagalo has only been seen in video once since the beginning of the war, speaking to soldiers outside a house in an unidentified location last month.

Mustafa Mohamed, an RSF advisor, accused Burhan of fleeing Khartoum in an interview with Sky News Arabia on Thursday, claiming the RSF had seized the Armored Corps and would soon overrun army headquarters.

The army denied the RSF claims on the Armored Corps in a statement earlier this week.

While the fighting has already created a humanitarian crisis, with hospitals shut, electricity and water outages, and food shortages, the rainy season, which began last month, threatens to make the situation worse, sparking disease outbreaks and hindering transport.

(Reporting by Khalid Abdelaziz in Dubai and Nafisa Eltahir in Cairo; Writing by Clauda Tanios; Editing by Tom Hogue, Robert Birsel and Sharon Singleton)
Xi: People long for open, clean, inclusive world

09:16, August 24, 2023 By CAO DESHENG in Johannesburg ( China Daily

He says emerging economies, developing nations reshaping international landscape

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 the risks and challenges the world is facing.

Xi made the remarks in a speech read out by Commerce Minister Wang Wentao at the BRICS Business Forum 2023 meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Xi said human society is approaching a critical juncture and must decide whether to maintain peace and stability or slide into the abyss of a new Cold War. Noting that 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 a "small exclusive bloc", 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 attempts to deliberately create division with the assertion of "democracy versus authoritarianism" and "liberalism versus autocracy", saying such moves can only lead to a fragmented world and clashes between civilizations.

He spoke highly of the collective rise of emerging economies and developing nations represented by the BRICS countries  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  saying they are fundamentally reshaping the global landscape.

As the BRICS member 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 that China sincerely welcomes those interested in joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism.

Xi noted that China, as a member of the developing world and the Global South, has always stood with other developing countries, firmly upheld their common interests, and advocated increased representation and a louder voice for emerging economies 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 emphasized China's firm resolution to continue its high-standard opening-up, fostering a world-class, market-oriented business environment governed by a sound legal framework, and building a global network of high-standard 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)
In the wake of the release of an indictment by a grand jury in Fulton County, Ga., last week, nine of the 19 defendants named in the case surrounding efforts to interfere in the results of the 2020 election have surrendered to local law enforcement.

Former President Donald Trump , perhaps the most prominent defendant in the case, is expected to surrender Thursday. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis gave those indicted until Friday at noon to turn themselves in. The defendants face state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges.

So far, the list of those who have surrendered includes two fake electors David Shafer and Cathy Latham, Ray Smith, a Georgia-based attorney who worked for Trump post-election, Kenneth Chesebro , an attorney who worked on the fake electors plan, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani , attorney Sidney Powell , who worked on Trumps 2020 campaign, Jenna Ellis , a lawyer for Trump and bail bond business owner Scott Hall.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark are both attempting to avoid surrender in the Peach State, but Willis urged a judge to prevent them from blocking their arrest Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

David Shafer

David Shafer. (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

David Shafer is the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party and is accused in the indictment of helping organize a mid-December meeting of 16 people in the Georgia Capitol to sign fake Electoral College documents. Like Meadows and Clark, he is also trying to get his case moved to federal court. He surrendered Wednesday morning.

Shafer, who is facing seven counts including impersonating a public officer, forgery, false statements and attempting to file false documents, seemed to take pride in his arrest, making his mugshot his current profile picture on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. He even announced the change to his profile picture in a separate post.

Good morning! #NewProfilePicture, he captioned the Wednesday post featuring the mugshot.

Cathy Latham

Cathy Latham. (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Cathy Latham is the former Coffee County Republican Party chairwoman and is accused of signing the fake Electoral College documents alongside participating in a breach of voting systems at an elections office in Coffee County, Ga. She also surrendered Wednesday morning.

Latham can be seen in footage from Jan. 7, 2021, at the elections office welcoming in employees from a technology solutions firm allegedly paid for by Sidney Powell.

Ray Smith

Ray Smith. (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Ray Smith is a former member of Trumps legal team who testified at three Georgia state Legislature hearings in which, alongside other Trump allies, he promoted invalid claims of election fraud. Like Latham and Shafer, he surrendered Wednesday.

His participation in the hearings led to three counts of soliciting a public officer to violate their oath and two counts of making false statements. Alongside these charges, he faces six counts related to the false electors scheme, featuring forgery, false statements and conspiracy charges.

John Eastman

John Eastman, left, an attorney indicted with former President Donald Trump, leaves after speaking to media outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where he was booked on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. His attorney David Wolfe speaks to press in the background. (Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

John Eastman is a former lawyer for Trump who created and propagated a plan to overturn the results of the 2020 election via the fake electors scheme and then having then-Vice President Mike Pence throw out the real electors. He surrendered Tuesday.

I am here today to surrender to an indictment that should never have been brought, Eastman said in a statement posted to his attorneys website in the wake of his surrender. 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 faces nine charges in the indictment in Georgia, covering counts including the state RICO charges, forgery and conspiring to commit false statements and writings.

Rudy Giuliani

A mugshot of former New York City Mayor and Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani. (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

The former New York City mayor and former personal attorney for the 45th president, Rudy Giuliani, faces 13 charges for multiple actions including his promotion of lies about election fraud and the fake electors scheme. After his surrender at the Fulton County jail on Wednesday, he told reporters that Willis case against him infringed on the First Amendment rights of those speaking up for Trump.

If they could do this to me, they could do this to you, Giuliani said.

He appeared at the same Georgia Legislature hearings at Smith, for which he received counts of soliciting lawmakers to violate their oaths of office and making false statements. Giulianis RICO charges may seem ironic to some, as he pioneered the use of them during his time as a prosecutor in Manhattan to take down members of the mafia.

Sidney Powell

Sidney Powell. (Fulton County Sheriffs County)

Sidney Powell is a former lawyer for Trumps 2020 campaign. She faces six other counts besides her RICO charges for her involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. Powell, who became a notable surrogate for election fraud claims related to the 2020 election, surrendered Wednesday.

Her charges include conspiracy to commit election fraud for her actions related to the Coffee County election office breach alongside a series of computer crimes and conspiracy to defraud the state.

Jenna Ellis

Jenna Ellis. (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Jenna Ellis, a former lawyer for Trump, faces two charges related to efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Beyond the RICO charge, she is accused of soliciting the violation of an oath of a public officer. She surrendered Wednesday. In an apparent response to her surrender, she posted Bible verses alongside her mugshot on X.

But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you Matt 5:44, her post read. But he who trusts in the Lord, lovingkindness shall surround him. Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous ones; And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. Psalm 32:10-11

Ellis solicitation charge stems from her appearance at one of the Georgia Legislature hearings in December.

Kenneth Chesebro

Kenneth Chesebro. (Fulton County Sheriffs Office)

Kenneth Chesebro, a lawyer and coordinator in the fake elector scheme, faces seven charges for his actions in connection with efforts to overturn the 2020 election. He originally began working with the Trump campaign in connection with their legal efforts in Wisconsin, drafting memos to help plot the fake elector scheme. He surrendered Wednesday.

Scott Hall

Bail bond business owner Scott Hall was the first of the nine defendants to surrender Tuesday. He faces seven criminal charges in relation to the Coffee County election office breach. Beyond RICO charges, he faces conspiracy to commit election fraud, conspiracy to defraud the state and violation counts. He was reportedly among individuals welcomed into the election office by Cathy Latham.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Boston police made an arrest early Thursday morning as detectives continue to investigate a slew of business break-ins in Bostons Beacon Hill section.

James Schaff, 55, of Boston, was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on a charge of breaking and entering a building at night, according to the Boston Police Department.

James Schaff is being held on two cases involving business break-ins at night on Charles Street in Boston. Prosecutors say Schaff is connected to break-ins early this morning and another back in May of 2023.  Robert Goulston (@rgoulston) August 24, 2023

Officers responding to a report of another break-in at Flat of the Hill at 60 Charles Street around 12:30 a.m. nabbed Schaff as he attempted to flee the area on foot, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Schaff had blood on his hands and arms when arrested.

Officers responded to the scene, and they were able to see blood on the glass from that store, said Suffolk County ADA Sam Jones.

The Suffolk District Attorneys Office confirmed that Schaff is a Level 2 sex offender. He was convicted of aggravated rape in 1987, according to the states Sex Offender Registry Board.

Schaff is also facing similar charges in connection with a separate break-in in May, prosecutors said.

Schaffs arrest comes after cash, jewelry, and electronics were stolen from at least four other nearby businesses this past weekend, including Remys Creations and Soodee.

Video taken inside Remys shows the boutique ransacked.

A burglar smashed a window to get inside Remys and stole an iPad, the business owner told Boston 25. A police report indicated that a brick was used to shatter a windowpane near the lock on the door of Soodee, and the owner told investigators that a burglar stole a box of rings and their cash register.

Great effort, great effort. I hope he is behind bars for a long time because he got out and started doing the same thing after he was arrested in May, said the jewelry store owner.

We also learned in court Schaff had been arrested for shoplifting at Faneuil Hall and failing to register as a sex offender.

Schaff is being held without bail.

An investigation into the recent string of crimes remains ongoing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
It appears August wants to go out with a vengeance.

As South Carolina approaches the final days of August, temperatures are expected to jump into the triple digits  hitting a high of 100 degrees on Friday and 101 degrees on Saturday, according to the National Weather Service in West Columbia.

If Saturday does reach 101 degrees, it will match the hottest day so far this year for South Carolina, which was recorded on Aug. 15, said Chris Landolsi, meteorologist for the NWS in West Columbia.

But South Carolinians should also realize that those temperatures will only be the beginning of their misery. The heat index will make it feel even hotter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The heat index will be between 105 and 110 degrees on Friday and theres a decent chance it will be above 110 degrees on Saturday, Landolsi said.

Recommended thermostat setting

When temperatures soar, whats the best setting for your home thermostat to stay relatively cool and not raise your power bill too much?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your air conditioner to 78 degrees during the summer. The idea is that youll save 10% on your power bill for every degree you go above 78 degrees. Otherwise, youll spend 10% for every degree you go below 78 degrees.

Staying comfortable

Carolina Comfort Inc., a Columbia-based HVAC company, notes that 78 degrees can still fee muggy, particularly in places like the Midlands because of the high humidity.

This is because the heating and cooling system simply will not run long enough to pull the humidity in the house down below 50% relative humidity, which is ideal for most people, the companys website states.

To counteract that feeling, the company suggests also running ceiling fans.

By running the ceiling fans in your home, you will move the cool air around; also, the air movement will help eliminate hot and cold spots that can be present in the home, the website states.
View shows a loitering munition UAV on display as Taiwan's Defence Ministry showcases its domestically developed drones to the media

By Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung

TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan will spend an extra T$94.3 billion ($2.97 billion) to buy weapons next year including fighter jets to bolster its defences against China, the government said on Thursday, and will get a further boost from new F-16 fighter jet tracking systems.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past three years to assert those claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen already announced on Monday that overall proposed defence spending for 2024 would be set at T$606.8 billion, a 3.5% increase from the previous year.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

About half of the T$94.3 billion additional spend would be used to purchase fighter jets, and the remainder will go into bolstering naval defences, the government's statistics department said after a cabinet meeting to discuss the budget.

The United States on Wednesday approved a possible $500 million sale to Taiwan of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, as well as other equipment.

Taiwan deputy defence minister Po Horng-huei told reporters the search and tracking systems were the same as those used by F-35 and F-22 fighters, among the most advanced the United States operates.

"These will help to target the J-20 stealth fighter over the Taiwan Strait in the future," Po said, referring to the new generation of Chinese jets.

It will allow Taiwan to more effectively deter Chinese air activity, he added.

China, which routinely denounces any foreign arms sales to Taiwan, urged the United States to immediately cancel the planned sale, its foreign ministry said.

Taiwan's defence budget will have to be approved by parliament, where Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party has a majority. The island's defence spending for next year will amount to 2.5% of its gross domestic product.

Tsai has overseen a military modernisation programme to make the armed forces better able to face China, including upgrading a fleet of F-16 fighter jets and developing submarines.

Tsai said on Monday the first prototype indigenous submarine was expected to be unveiled next month as scheduled.

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.

($1=31.7490 Taiwan dollars)

(Reporting by Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung; Additional reporting by Andrew Hayley in Beijing; Editing by Christopher Cushing and Miral Fahmy)
Republican presidential candidate Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (far right- lives a thumbs down as other candidates speak at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. - Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ORG XMIT: MJS2308232148461541 (Via OlyDrop)

This embedded content is not available in your region.

On today's episode of the 5 Things podcast: 'The elephant not in the room': Takeaways from the first Republican debate

The first Republican debate is in the books. Plus, Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead after a plane crash, USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub looks at new speech technology for people with paralysis, India's space program lands on the moon, and USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise reports from Hawaii on how folks from neighbor islands have helped out in the wake of the Maui fire.

Podcasts: True crime, in-depth interviews and more USA TODAY podcasts right here

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Hit play on the player above to hear the podcast and follow along with the transcript below. This transcript was automatically generated, and then edited for clarity in its current form. There may be some differences between the audio and the text.

Taylor Wilson:

Good morning. I'm Taylor Wilson and this is 5 Things you need to know Thursday, the 24th of August 2023. Today, what we learned from the first Republican presidential debate. Plus, Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead, and we look at how new technology can help return speech to paralyzed people.



Republican presidential candidates took the debate stage last night for the first time in the buildup to the 2024 election. They did so in a Milwaukee debate that aired on Fox News Channel and in a race dominated by Donald Trump , it was the former president's absence that dominated much of the night. Asked if they would still back Trump as the GOP nominee in the general election if he's convicted, most of the eight contenders raised their hands. One exception, former Arkansas governor, Asa Hutchinson, and former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie seemed to raise his hand halfway before strongly going after Trump. The following is courtesy of Fox News Channel.

Chris Christie:

Someone's got to stop normalizing this conduct, okay? Now whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of President of the United States.

Taylor Wilson:

Still throughout the two hour discussion, the Republican field struggled to make a clear argument against Trump. Polls show he's leading his next closest counterpart, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , by about 40 percentage points in national polls. DeSantis didn't take shots at the former president, spending more time railing on the current president's son, Hunter Biden, and characterizing the U.S. as a country that's lost its way. Maybe the sharpest case against Trump came from former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who served as U.S. Ambassador to the UN during the Trump administration. She was the only candidate to create a policy distinction with him, criticizing the $8 trillion in new debt during his administration.

Meanwhile, it was a loud night on stage for Vivek Ramaswamy. The 38 year old entrepreneur sparred with many of his fellow candidates while parroting many of Trump's positions. Both he and DeSantis also said they opposed more funding to Ukraine. Several went after Ramaswamy's age and lack of experience. Former Vice President Mike Pence said one point said, "We don't need to bring in a rookie." Candidates were asked if Pence did the right thing when he opposed Trump's plan to overturn the 2020 election by certifying President Joe Biden 's victory on January 6th, 2021. Sen. Tim Scott said, "He absolutely did." Ron DeSantis was initially hesitant to answer directly before saying that Pence did his duty.

On abortion each candidate said they were pro-life, but that meant something different with each answer. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum said there should not be a federal abortion ban, and Chris Christie said it should be left up to the states, while Pence cast abortion as a moral issue. For his part, Trump skipped the Fox News event opting instead to pre-record an interview with former Fox host Tucker Carlson. That was posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, right before the debate. You can read more from a busy debate night at usatoday.com.



Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead after a plane crash in Russia. All 10 people on the flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg were killed when the plane came down less than 200 miles from the Capitol yesterday, according to officials cited by Russia's state run news agency TASS. Prigozhin was an ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin until launching a failed insurrection with his Wagner group mercenaries in June. He led his forces on a march that came within 120 miles of Moscow before turning around. He and his 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.

Before getting confirmation of Prigozhin's fate, President Joe Biden was asked yesterday if Putin was behind the crash. Biden said, "There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind, but I don't 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. He then went on to found the Wagner private military group. Wagner forces were instrumental in the grinding months long battle over the Eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. That became a source of a lot of Prigozhin's frequent criticism of the Russian Ministry of Defense and its leadership.



Paralysis can rob people of their ability to speak, but researchers working on a pair of new technologies might help bring it back. I spoke with USA TODAY Health Reporter Karen Weintraub to learn more. Hey there, Karen.

Karen Weintraub:

Hey.

Taylor Wilson:

How does this technology work?

Karen Weintraub:

Both teams are trying to help people who are paralyzed learn how to communicate again. They can't move their lips, they can't speak, so they can't really communicate. And it's terribly isolating as we can all imagine having been isolated during the pandemic. What it must be like if you can't even speak. So both teams have implanted electrodes in different parts of the brain and connected their brains directly to computers, to algorithms to translate their thoughts literally into words on a computer screen or simulated voices.

Taylor Wilson:

So at Stanford, what are they doing specifically?

Karen Weintraub:

So at Stanford, they're measuring individual brain cells. They've got the electrodes tagged to individual cells and they're recording those cells and translating the signals from those individual cells. The patient at Stanford is a woman named Pat Bennett. She has ALS, which we typically associate with loss of function in hands and feet and arms. She immediately, in 2012 when she was diagnosed very quickly, lost her ability to speak. So she's been locked in for all of these years. They've given her the ability to communicate again, to some degree at least, through thinking about words and having them appear on a screen.

Taylor Wilson:

What success did they have at UC San Francisco?

Karen Weintraub:

At San Francisco, they tried a slightly different technology. They implanted the electrodes more superficially in an area of the brain that controls speech. Their participant is somebody who is paralyzed from a stroke, a woman named Ann. And interestingly, they used a video from Ann's wedding to help understand what she sounded like at the time and also some of her facial expressions. And they created a synthesized voice that sounded like Anne did back then, 17 years earlier, and also an avatar that could make facial expressions reminiscent of Ann's. So they're really trying to recreate how Ann might've expressed herself. We all have different facial expressions and different intonations. So it's not just saying, "Hi, how are you?," but "Hi! How are you?," using the personal expression that somebody might've had.

Taylor Wilson:

And is that the biggest development compared with past technologies on speech, that the new technology really personifies the speech?

Karen Weintraub:

So this speech technology is a big advance over previous ones. Previous ones, they might have a list of say 50 different words and they could tell, yes, this person is thinking of fish versus book. But now people can really generate from a much, much larger list of words, 125,000 in the case of the Stanford research. And they're not always right, they're wrong one out of four times, but they're getting better and they hope to get better still. And they can also do it much faster. So both teams were within 60 to 80 words per minute of speed that they could generate the words. Normal speech is 160 to 200 words a minute depending on whether you grew up in New York or not. They're not there yet, but they're getting closer. The other big advances in brain computer interfaces are more with movement, helping paralyze people learn how to move limbs again, that sort of thing. But this is the biggest advance we've seen recently in speech.

Taylor Wilson:

So Karen, the family members of those suffering from paralysis who have these issues with speech, what do they say about how technologies like these can really change the lives of them and their loved ones?

Karen Weintraub:

Really, I mean, it's a terrible fate to not be able to communicate at all. I mean, these people really can't be understood by others and they can't write, they don't have use of their hands, so they can't type. Some of them can use eye movements to move a cursor, but the pace of that is painfully slow. So to suddenly be able to communicate again is really a miracle. Unfortunately, it's just experimental. It can't be used outside of a lab. It requires brain surgery at this point. And each study was only one person each. So these are not commercial technologies available, widely available yet at all, but they're heading in that direction.

Taylor Wilson:

Karen, this research centered as we've outlined on two patients. What's next for getting this to the broader population?

Karen Weintraub:

So as I mentioned, they're trying to improve the accuracy here. The folks at Stanford said they can now get three out of four words right. They're hoping to get nine out of 10 and then to use it on more people, but they don't know how successful they were based on these two individuals. So they're going to try it on other people. And then there are a number of companies interested in these kinds of brain computer interfaces. So they're hoping to get commercial folks involved in developing these technologies in ways that are more portable, can be used outside of the lab. And that work is definitely going on also with physical activity with movement. So maybe they can piggyback on some of that work as well.

Taylor Wilson:

All right. Karen Weintraub with some exciting signs for us. Thanks so much.

Karen Weintraub:

Thank you.



Taylor Wilson:

India's space program made history yesterday as it successfully landed the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft in the moon's mysterious south polar region. It's a milestone for two reasons. It's India's first lunar landing and the first landing by any space program near the South Pole. India is now the fourth country ever to land on the moon following the U.S., Russia and China. India's successful mission this week came after Russia's Luna-25 crashed into the moon surface on Sunday preparing for a pre landing orbit. The two uncrewed craft were in an unofficial race to land at the South Pole about 75 miles apart.



When word spread earlier this month about the devastating fire on Maui, it didn't take long for folks on other Hawaiian islands to step up and help. And in doing so, they showed one of the true meanings of aloha. For more, I spoke with USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise from Hawaii's Big Island. Thanks for hopping on, Beth.

Elizabeth Weise:

Happy to be here as always.

Taylor Wilson:

So many from across Hawaii's islands have pitched in after the devastating Maui fire. Beth, you wrote about the Mom Walk Collective on the Big Island. How have they helped over the past few weeks?

Elizabeth Weise:

I think they're an example of something that people across the islands are seeing and taking part in. One person said Hawaii is just one small town spread across a bunch of islands. We all know people everywhere. And these moms, they call themselves the Stroller Mommies, and they go out for walks with each other. And as soon as they got word on that Tuesday the 8th that there was a fire in Maui and that it was threatening homes, their email and text chat just lit up, because they have a sister group on Maui. It turns out two of the moms in that group lost their homes. Thankfully no one in that group was killed in the fires. But these moms sprang into action.

They immediately started collecting in somebody's garage, everything that two moms who'd lost everything would need for their kids. They filled up three containers worth of everything from diapers to baby food to all the things you need, and shipped them off in a boat that was going to Maui two days later. And since then they've been doing fundraising. And I interacted with them on Tuesday, when they were busy holding a frankly scrumptious bake sale to raise money for those families as well. And in two hours they raised more than $1,000, which is going to go straight to the moms who lost their homes. And you just see that sort of thing across all the islands.

Taylor Wilson:

Wow. And how have others that you've talked with on the big island in particular stepped up?

Elizabeth Weise:

There was an older gentleman who's part of a service organization, and they, too, have a counterpart over on Maui. And they're actually looking to create a a healing ceremony on the big island because as he said, as everybody says, if we don't know someone who is directly affected, we have friends of friends, people have family, we're all impacted by this. A word you hear a lot in Hawaii is ohana, family. Everybody here is one family and people are busy looking out for each other.

Taylor Wilson:

You mentioned ohana, another word that many even outside Hawaii might be familiar with is aloha. What does aloha mean in this context, Beth, after such a devastating tragedy?

Elizabeth Weise:

Aloha has so many meetings. We think of it as hello and goodbye, but it's also got overtones of caring and fellowship and being present with others. And it's very much kind of, we're all in this together.

Taylor Wilson:

And Hawaii of course, relies on a lot of tourism money. Are visitors still traveling there in the wake of these fires? And what role can they play in recovery efforts?

Elizabeth Weise:

So this is also where the aloha comes in. When I spoke to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, they said, "Yes, please come to Hawaii. Not West Maui. Not the area where things burned, but to the rest of the island of Maui and to the rest of the islands as a whole, because tourism is a really major part of the economy in Hawaii. And although there are sometimes concerns that it is perhaps too much of the economy, right now, people need their jobs to still be there. And if the tourists don't come, some of those jobs go away. Another thing that people said, and this gets back to this idea of aloha and the aloha spirit of fellowship, is it's not just something that Hawaiians give to visitors. It's something that everybody has and that visitors can give back to Hawaiians.

And if you're coming to the islands, you need to bring that aloha spirit of fellowship and love with you. And be aware that maybe the hotel you're staying in is down a couple of staffers because they had to go to help family. Or maybe the restaurant you're in, people are dealing with the loss of loved ones and things might be a little slower. And just relax and be kind, because these are islands that have experienced an awful trauma. And we still don't know how many people died. It's over 115 and it's likely to go a lot higher. So there's trauma here. And part of aloha is showing that kindness, not just expecting it from people here, but bringing it with you.

Taylor Wilson:

USA TODAY National Correspondent Elizabeth Weise joining us from the big island in Hawaii. Thank you, Beth.

Elizabeth Weise:

You're so welcome.

Taylor Wilson:

And before we go, USA TODAY reporters are talking to people across the country about how they save and spend their money for a feature story coming out next month. If you want to be part of our reporting, please write to us with your name, age, and your best contact number or email at moneyforum@usatoday.com. We may be in touch.

Thanks for listening to 5 Things. If you like the show, please subscribe and leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. And if you have any comments, you can reach us at podcasts@usatoday.com. I'm back tomorrow with more of 5 Things from USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP debate takeaways, Prigozhin presumed dead: 5 Things podcast
Rigo Veloso said this spring that he didn't know what to do about the mold in his room at the Cecil Hotel, which reopened as housing for homeless people nearly two years ago. (Al Seib / For The Times)

A homeless person is handed the keys to a room.

They can stay there at least a year  perhaps their first opportunity for stable housing in a long time. The room is lightly furnished, but a case manager will help them pick out more and show them how to fold their clothes neatly in a drawer or hang them up in the closet.

Maybe theres an aching tooth or swollen eyelid theyve been ignoring for a while. Theyll head downstairs to a nurse, who can examine them and help make a doctor or dental appointment.

Maybe theyre angry after a neighbor took something they left in the hall. Maybe they get into a fight in the kitchen. A security worker de-escalates the situation, and a social worker helps them take some deep breaths. A therapist talks to them about what happened. Tells them itll be OK.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This is the ideal for permanent supportive housing , a model of subsidized housing combined with support services that has shown to be a promising strategy in reducing chronic homelessness. When a homeless person is housed, it can take a village for them to thrive.

Read more: An entire L.A. homeless encampment moved into apartments. But their past still found them

In Los Angeles, there are several nonprofits that have built this kind of support system for their residents. But the for-profit Cecil Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, which reopened as housing for the homeless at the end of 2021, has struggled to do the same.

Tenants have been complaining of vermin and difficult living conditions at the Cecil Hotel. (Al Seib / For The Times)

Many who live in the Cecil say they feel abandoned. Theyre worried about mold in their rooms, nonfunctioning elevators and piles of trash that build up in the hallways.

Without an on-site service provider or adequate staffing, the building has devolved into chaos, they say: Mice and roaches scurry around corners, violence leads to broken glass, and no one seems to care.

When the historic hotel a few blocks from Skid Row reopened as 600 housing units, it held immense promise as a model of how private developers could help alleviate the homelessness crisis by using the citys existing stock of single room occupancy units.

The Cecil opened its doors to people who had been rejected by landlords wary of accepting tenants whod lived on the streets. At 160 square feet, the rooms have a bed, nightstand, dresser and mini fridge. Some have their own bathrooms, but most residents use the communal bathrooms on each floor. The building is about half full: It has 318 residents and 75 people on deck to move in.

The building's managers say that issues are to be expected when housing recently homeless people and that they're working on bringing in more support services for the residents. The intention had been to have an on-site service provider before anyone moved in, but that didn't come together, and they didn't want the rooms to sit empty.

All of the Cecil's residents receive rental subsidies, with some in programs funded through the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority or the county Department of Health Services, and others with an emergency housing voucher distributed by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal vouchers pay for most or all of someones rent and can be used anywhere, as long as the unit passes inspection by the local housing authority.

Richard Silva sits with a friend in his room at the Cecil. "This is not being housed, right here," he says. (Al Seib / For The Times)

With the help of one of those vouchers, Richard Silva moved into the Cecil a year ago.

On a spring afternoon, hes sitting in his room, the air heavy with the smell of cigarette smoke.

A lamp in the corner barely illuminates the space crowded with hanging bikes, shoes stacked high on racks and an assortment of furniture hes collected. The floor is covered with piles of odds and ends, and its unclear which are prized possessions and which are trash.

Theres art taped to the walls. Silva proudly displays his sketchbooks and says hes a tattoo artist, but these days he spends most of his time panhandling.

Silva says he was supposed to receive $250 for furniture and clothes but never got the money. Hes not sure where it was supposed to come from, nor does he know whom to contact about it. He thinks it was written in his lease, but he can't find the documents.

There are spots of mold by his sink and toilet, as well as on the ceiling. He points out how a bubble under the paint on his ceiling dribbles water once in a while, but says thats better than the steady stream that flowed during last winters rainstorms.

At 48, Silva has been homeless nearly half his life. Right before moving into the Cecil, he stayed in a house through Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission, a nonprofit that runs shelters and tiny-home villages. When asked about a case manager, he shrugs.

Rowan Vansleve, Hope of the Valleys chief financial officer, said his organization doesnt have funding to keep in touch with clients after theyve found a place to live.

Several of the other organizations that have placed residents at the Cecil have the same limitation, according to Deena Eberly, managing director of Eberly Co., which manages the building.

Graffiti covers the doors to the Cecil Hotel's main lobby this spring. (Al Seib / For The Times)

Funding to maintain supportive services at housing projects is often piecemeal and difficult to navigate.

Money can come from Measure H , L.A. Countys 2017 voter-approved tax for funding homeless services; that pool of funds is managed by the countys Homeless Initiative and distributed through the county Department of Health Services. Money can come from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, which awards federal dollars to local nonprofits. Mental health services funding can come from the county Department of Mental Health, and support for military veterans can come from still other avenues.

Residents of permanent supportive housing projects usually have their rent covered by vouchers that are attached to the building, which means they cant take that funding with them if they choose to move elsewhere. In that setup, the organization operating the housing project applies for a batch of vouchers that will subsidize rents for all the units in the project and seeks funding for supportive services for all residents who need them.

The Cecil operates differently. Its set up to house people who already have government funding in hand and need a place to call home. Prospective tenants apply to live there individually, just like at a regular apartment building, and their rental subsidies come from varied sources. At the start, the Cecil couldnt predict who might end up in the building, so it had trouble planning what kinds of services they might need.

Dora Gallo, from nonprofit housing operator A Community of Friends, said that when her group applies for public funding to build a housing project, one of the first things it must do is describe its plan to offer services to the eventual residents.

"You cant put people in apartments that have not really lived in an apartment setting for a while without providing the services, Gallo said. Its not just about putting people in housing, its making sure people have all the tools they need to succeed in housing.

To do so, Gallo said, her organization needs to apply for philanthropic grants and fund-raise heavily to fill in the gaps when county funding falls short.

"Its never enough and it doesnt pay for everything, Gallo said.

People Assisting the Homeless, an organization that operates permanent supportive housing across California, does the same. L.A. County pays the group, which is known as PATH, to provide case management for a certain number of people every month. Any ancillary services such as on-site clinicians and life skills classes have to be funded through private grants, said Tescia Uribe, PATHs chief program officer.

Read more: Homeless people wait as Los Angeles lets thousands of federal housing vouchers go unused

When the city and county of Los Angeles received several thousand emergency housing vouchers from the federal government in July 2021, none of them came with funding for those services.

It was like Just get people inside. There werent the resources for the retention part of it and stabilization, Uribe said. Its the fallout of that that we see now.

L.A. County provided funding for 2,100 of those voucher holders to receive case management services, which includes at least one or two drop-in visits per month.

Fifty of those are at the Cecil, but many of the buildings other residents are without case managers. Several residents said they felt like they didnt have anyone to turn to for help because their case manager left the job and they didnt get assigned a new one, or that they lost their case managers business card. Others said they dont bother keeping in contact because they dont think their case manager would be able to help them.

Mold spatters the wall in Rigo Veloso's room this spring. (Al Seib / For The Times)

For the last few months, the nonprofit JWCH Institute, funded through the county, has been offering some physical and mental health care at the Cecil. Its mobile clinic parks in front of the building twice a week.

These limited resources starkly contrast with the practice of critical time intervention, which emphasizes that individuals need to be bombed with support as soon as they get housing, Uribe said.

To address mental and physical health, deal with substance abuse and learn the social and financial skills necessary for living in an apartment, they need immediate support from all directions, according to Uribe. By tackling those issues head-on, PATH has a 90% retention rate over three years for its housing, she said.

A lot of people dont remember how it is to take a shower, they dont remember how to take care of themselves, so they need that extra help, Uribe said. Theyre also coming off living off trauma, looking over their shoulders all the time.

Without that immediate support, things can quickly deteriorate .

Jebediah Maxwell, who moved into the Cecil in October, stopped cooking in the buildings communal kitchen this summer when he discovered the roaches. He couldnt stomach it after seeing them come out of the oven, and recently hes gotten multiple reports of mice on various floors.

The buildings management hired him to be a tenant liaison so residents can bring up any issues they have, but hes tired and frustrated, saying the management is not responsive enough. He quit last week.

One of the two elevators at the Cecil has been out of service for months, and the other elevator breaks at least once a week, he said. He keeps putting in maintenance requests for the laundry room, which contains two washers and two dryers for the entire building to share. Tenants have reported mold in their rooms and say the communal bathrooms are constantly dirty.

In recent months, he said, violence has gotten markedly worse.

I just got assaulted by a tenant, Maxwell said in July. Second time Ive been assaulted in the past two months.

He said hes seen many people in the building he doesnt recognize as tenants, who have caused disturbances and made residents feel unsafe. There are also several residents who have become increasingly physically aggressive, he said, including one who broke a seventh-floor window.

Tracii Thompkins says she always goes to another floor to look for a clean bathroom because the ones on her floor are frequently unusable. (Al Seib / For The Times)

Tracii Thompkins, who lives on that floor, said the window was covered in aluminum foil for a month before it was repaired.

I honestly feel like they dont care at this point, she said of the building's management.

Thompkins goes to sleep every night with towels stuffed under her door in an effort to keep the roaches out. But they make their way in during the day while shes gone.

When she needs to use the bathroom, she finds herself going to other floors because the ones on her floor are always dirty or clogged, she said.

There are literal tissues that somebody wiped their butt with and stuck it on the wall, she said. Its been stuck on the wall for months.

Its not uncommon to see animal feces and urine in the hallways either. Some residents who own dogs dont take them outside, Thompkins said.

The building has seven full-time workers on its janitorial and maintenance staff, with one more who comes in periodically. Theyve been fighting a losing battle.

Leslie Morales, who works in the Cecils management office, said that when housing people who havent had homes in a while, issues are to be expected.

Theyre learning, Morales said. They have been on the street for too long.

The elevator problems come from tenants and visitors who cause damage by dropping items in the crack between the elevator car and doors or by slamming on the buttons, she said. There arent enough washers and dryers, she admitted, but she also pointed to tenants: Those who dont budget enough money for laundry overfill the machines and cause them to break, she said.

The worn buttons in the one functioning elevator at the Cecil Hotel. (Al Seib / For The Times)

Many of the issues are also caused by tenants mental health or tenants not knowing how to express themselves properly, she said.

Morales described an incident from several months ago in which a 10th-floor resident clogged his sink, left the water running and left the room. The water flooded his room and reached all the way down to the sixth or seventh floor, she said.

Building issues can be harder to catch when housing the homeless because the residents dont say whats going on, she said.

Morales said the four staff members in management end up cleaning up messes when needed  which is frequently. Trash cans often overflow between visits from maintenance workers. And  perhaps unsurprisingly, because people with hoarding problems face a higher risk of becoming homeless  piles of furniture and boxes build up in the Cecils hallways.

We are a leasing company but weve become  therapists, support, everything, Morales said. "We have to end up doing janitorial.

Read more: A homeless housing nonprofit's buildings are in shambles. City plans intervention

These maintenance issues contribute to the cost of operating the building.

Residents are grateful for a roof over their heads and a place to call their own, but living conditions are becoming intolerable.

Theyre like prison cells, Maxwell said. Thats what the majority of us feel like.

The Cecil project has run into several difficulties since its inception, from negotiating rent with the citys housing authority to getting tenants vouchers approved. And it seemed to encounter a lukewarm response, at first, from some of the citys network of nonprofit partners, which the Cecil relies on to usher potential residents through its doors.

Matthew Baron, president of Baron Property Group, which owns the Cecil, said the plan always had been to have a service provider for its residents.

The idea was originally to find a service provider before we actually started the lease-up, Baron said.

The Cecil initially partnered with Skid Row Housing Trust to try to find one for the building and figure out how the support would be funded, he said, but that didnt work out. The Cecil terminated its relationship with the trust in December 2022, shortly before the trusts financial collapse .

Meanwhile, it started welcoming tenants. With more than 40,000 people experiencing homelessness in the city  and with the empty building eating away at his bottom line  Baron didnt want to wait.

I don't think it's the right thing for us to be just sitting on vacant units, Baron said, not letting people come in off the street just because we haven't found the service provider yet.

Now, he said, his team is working on fixing the problems that have cropped up.

The main lobby of the Cecil Hotel. JWCH Institute, a nonprofit healthcare provider, will soon use the space to provide medical services to residents. (Al Seib / For The Times)

The Cecil is building a much larger laundry room, and it has two pest control contracts in place to deal with the vermin. Its also starting a volunteer program for residents to help alert management to problems on their floor.

We are absolutely committed to making the Cecil a safe and clean space for people to live [and] making sure the people who live at the Cecil are provided the services that they need, Baron said.

Hes also looking to fill up the building as quickly as possible.

The Cecil is working with PATH to fill 161 rooms and provide supportive services for those residents.

On the ground floor, JWCH will open a site for the countys Safe Landing program, a 24/7 operation allowing any homeless individual to walk in and access food and resources, and operate 100 rooms of interim housing. The goal is to have the beginnings of those two programs in place by Sept. 1.

Were not done, Baron said. Were kind of just still in the third or fourth inning.

Case management services will continue to depend on individual tenants relationships with other organizations, but the Cecil plans for JWCH to offer on-site physical and mental health care to all tenants. JWCH leaders hope to have those clinical services up and running by November  nearly two years after the Cecil began bringing in residents.

Dexter Johnson in his room at the Cecil Hotel. Johnson said he ended up living there when no other apartment would accept his housing voucher. (Al Seib / For The Times)

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A private school teacher who Palm Bay police said is suspected of inflicting scratches and bruises on a toddler was arrested Wednesday.

Sherena Budhu, 56, was charged with aggravated child abuse after Palm Bay police detectives were called Monday to investigate reports of suspicious injuries involving a 16-month-old child at the Pineapple Cove Academy, 1755 Eldron Blvd., in Bayside Lakes. Neither the childs condition nor the severity of the injuries was immediately known.

Stock cop siren photo

Police said the injuries happened while Budhu was caring for the child. Budhu has been working at the school for approximately one year and was immediately placed on administrative leave, police said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Detectives talked with medical officials and social workers with the Department of Children and Family Services to verify that the injuries took place at the campus.

Budhu was expected to be booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex.

J.D. Gallop is a criminal justice/breaking news reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jdgallop@floridatodan.com.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Police: Teacher at Palm Bay private school charged with child abuse
A new technology may save billions of male chicks from a terrible fate. Currently, egg farmers kill 7 billion day-old chicks worldwide every year and roughly 300 million in the U.S. alone.

The chicks are culled  another way of saying killed  because they cant produce eggs and are not suitable for the production of meat.

Yuval Cinnamon, principal investigator at Israels Volcani Institute, which works toward food security and safety, told Reuters about a solution to what he called the most devastating animal welfare issue worldwide  the culling and sorting of day-old male chicks.

Cinnamon said his team has found a way to prevent the development of male embryos shortly after the eggs are laid.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We take these eggs and activate the genetic trait using blue-light illumination, which immediately causes the males to stop developing, he said. The females dont carry the trait and are entirely non-genetically modified, as are the table eggs they lay.

So the male chicks dont live but also dont suffer, whereas during culling they are either suffocated, electrified, or macerated, which is basically using chemicals to dissolve the muscles and other soft tissue. Sadly, thats considered one of the more humane ways to kill the chicks because they die within a second.

Animal welfare activists have been lobbying against the culling of male chicks for decades, Vox reported. In 2016, the United Egg Producers, a lobbying group for the industry, said it was hoping to develop technology that would put an end to culling by 2020.

But Vox reported that in July 2020, the UEP said it was still searching for an economically feasible, commercially viable alternative to the practice of male chick culling at hatcheries.

It appears that Cinnamons team has found that alternative. The unhatched male eggs can also be put to use for other purposes like animal feed.

Poultry by Huminn, which is licensed to commercialize the research, hopes to make the technology available worldwide.

We are in advanced talks with layer genetics companies and can see our solution on the market within two years, CEO Yaarit Wainberg told Reuters. It will solve a major problem for the industry.

Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more, waste less, and help yourself while helping the planet.
Gun reform activists join hands and surround the Tennessee State Capitol in prayer ahead of a special session on August 21, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. Republican Tennessee Governor Bill Lee called for the special legislation session on public safety in response to public outcry after the The Covenant School mass shooting, where three children and three staff were killed. Credit - Jon CherryGetty Images

After a shooter killed six people at a Christian school in Nashville earlier this year, the states Republican governor promised a special session devoted to public safety. But gun safety groups and Democrats say the session, which began Monday, has been counterproductive, with Republicans putting forth proposals to arm teachers and traumatized parents being ejected from a hearing room.

We were called down here to deal with the gun violence epidemic that's happening in Tennessee Instead, were increasing access to guns, says Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman of Nashville, who sponsored proposals that would have established red flag laws, which also can be known as extreme risk protection orders. These laws typically make it harder for guns to fall into unsafe hands by allowing family members, health care providers, or roommates to petition a judge to temporarily seize guns from people considered a threat to themselves or others. Three measures for such orders authored by Freeman failed in a House subcommittee on Tuesday.

At the same time, Republicans are pushing proposals that would arm teachers in schools and allow those with a special permit requiring eight hours of training to carry a handgun openly or concealed in any K-12 public school building, campus, or bus. The GOP bills that could increase the presence of guns in schools are unlikely to pass the state senate.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Republican authors of the house and senate versions of the proposals, Rep. Chris Todd, Rep. Ryan Williams, and Sen. Paul Bailey, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Three nine-year-olds and three school staff members died in the Covenant School shooting on March 27. The shooter, who owned seven legally purchased guns, had planned the mass murder for months, police said. Law enforcement killed the shooter, who they later identified as 28-year-old Audrey Hale, minutes after arriving on the scene. Police said that Hales parents didnt know Hale owned weapons, and that Hale had been under a doctors care for an emotional disorder.

Some argue that the Covenant School shooting may not have happened if a red flag law existed. There was no avenue for the family to sayhey, our relative should not be buying a gun. Thats been true in other mass shootings where shooters have legally bought a gun, above the concerns of family or authority figures, says Jonathan Metzl, director of the Department of Medicine, Health, and Society at Vanderbilt University, in Nashville. As of Wednesday, the red-flag proposals in Tennessee have little hope of advancing.

The Tennessee legislature has drawn national attention since April, when the Republican supermajority expelled two Black Democratic house members after they took part in a gun violence protest in the wake of the shooting. (Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson both won their seats back in a special election in August.)

Still, there was a brief opening after the school shooting in which Tennessee Republicans, including the governor, appeared willing to stray from their rigid positions on gun issues, experts say. Three weeks after the shooting, a Vanderbilt University poll found bipartisan support for red flag lawswith 72% of the 1,003 respondents saying they approved of such measures to prevent gun violence. People who had been staunch gun rights supporters to really almost unimaginable levels were willing to say: hey, let's see if we can find some common ground, Metzl says. Unfortunately, its just become politics as usual.

In the aftermath of the shooting, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed an executive order tightening firearm background checks. He also announced support for an extreme risk protection order law, which would allow courts and police to temporarily remove firearms from people for up to 180 days if the judge found a current and significant risk of harm to themselves or others. Lees initial proposal would not apply to ex parte orders in which a judge lets police remove a persons gun before appearing in court. In recent weeks, Lee has spoken about calls for public safety and mental health reform more broadly. In an August 8 proclamation of priorities for the special session, he called for promoting the safe storage of gunsincluding by eliminating taxes on firearm safes and safety devices and the provision of free gun locks. Republicans in the state legislature supported Lees calls to bolster school security but backed away from his initial support for an extreme risk protection order, and the legislature ignored Lees extreme risk protection order proposal and did not sponsor it. That particular piece of legislation has not been picked up by sponsors but there are dozens of ideas from multiple lawmakers that we believe will make Tennessee safer, Lee said, according to the Associated Press.

Freeman, the Democratic state lawmaker, says he took Republican concerns into consideration when crafting his own proposal for a red flag law. He says he accommodated their demands on not allowing an ex parte removal of firearms and imposing stiff penalties for false reporting. I feel like I addressed everybody's comments and concerns, and they still voted it down, Freeman says. We need real courage in Tennessee for our folks to start dealing with this because they're just randomly coming up with reasons why they're against it.

Sarah Shoop Neumann, a mother of a young son at the Covenant School, was temporarily kicked out of a hearing room along with other parents at the state capitol on Tuesday morning while they waited to testify against the proposal to arm teachers. She started crying as a Tennessee Republican lawmaker ordered state troopers to remove them. It was really overwhelming, she says. I strongly feel that we dont need to militarize our schools to keep them safe. She was eventually allowed back in to testify.

Over the last few months, she says she has been fielding difficult questions from her son. He asks questions I never thought a six-year-old would ask, she says. He asks if this has happened before and whether another bad person could come to the school. He says his teachers did a good job and knew what to do because they practiced in bad guy drills.

Helena Spigner, a 20-year-old Vanderbilt University student and Students Demand Action leader, was also at the state capitol this week to testify against the bill arming teachers. She is pursuing a career in education. As a future educator, it does make me very uncomfortable to know that I may be spending my days in a classroom where I'm expected to not only teach students the curriculum but protect them in a way that I will never feel comfortable doing because I don't thinkI should also be wielding a weapon for the most dangerous times of our lives, she says.

Correction, Aug. 24

The original version of this story misstated the name of the Students Demand Action leader. Her name is Helena Spigner, not Helena Spinner.

Write to Sanya Mansoor at sanya.mansoor@time.com.
Mattie Ruffin, a nursing assistant at Kaiser, and others cheer a Los Angeles city ordinance raising the minimum wage for healthcare workers at Los Angeles City Hall in 2022. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Tens of thousands of workers at Kaiser Permanente hospitals and clinics across the country will soon vote on whether to authorize a strike, union officials announced Thursday.

The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions, which includes a dozen local unions with members in seven states and the District of Columbia, said voting would begin Saturday and extend into the middle of September. Any strike would start no earlier than Oct. 1.

More than 80,000 employees are represented by the coalition, which counts among its members a wide range of hospital and clinic workers including nursing assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacy technicians and housekeepers. The coalition said that it represents roughly 40% of the overall Kaiser Permanente workforce.

Union leaders said that if a strike moves forward, it would be the largest strike of healthcare workers in the history of the country. They faulted Kaiser for inadequate and unsafe staffing and said the healthcare giant had failed to bargain with them in good faith by refusing to provide them with crucial information during negotiations, among other unfair labor practices.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Patient care is in crisis at Kaiser Permanente," said Linda Bridges, president of one of the unions in the coalition, OPEIU Local 2 in Silver Spring, Md. "Staffing was decimated during the pandemic and it has not gotten any better. The problem we're dealing with is Kaiser is not hearing us.

"Kaiser can and must do better. ... They need to stop the unfair labor practices and address the healthcare staffing needs now."

Read more: Nurses go on strike at L.A.-area hospital, complaining of short staffing

Dave Regan, president of SEIU United Healthcare Workers West, said any strike would be "fundamentally about the illegal bargaining conduct of Kaiser Permanente." He said in recent days, Kaiser representatives "literally refused to even enter the room and talk to us."

Kaiser Permanente said in a statement that it was "fully committed to reaching an agreement" with the unions in the coalition and was confident that they would reach an agreement before the end of September, when the contract expires.

It called strike authorizations a "common bargaining pressure tactic" and said the union announcement did not reflect any breakdown in bargaining, rejecting allegations that it had not bargained in good faith as "unfounded and counterproductive." Kaiser also said that in its sixth formal negotiation session since April, it had put forward proposals on important issues including a minimum wage.

The union announcement is "a disappointing action considering our progress at the bargaining table. ... We urge our employees to reject any call for a strike and continue to focus on providing care and service to the patients who need them," Kaiser Permanente said in a statement.

Kaiser added that like other healthcare organizations, it had faced staffing challenges driven by the enduring effects of the pandemic, but said it had lower levels of worker turnover than average and was aggressively recruiting to fill more positions.

Regan, the SEIU-UHW president, said the coalition has proposed a $25 hourly minimum wage for its members across the Kaiser Permanente system, saying that "you cannot take care of a family in Los Angeles, San Diego, Denver, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Honolulu" on $19 to $21 an hour. He said Kaiser had recently proposed a much lower minimum  $21 an hour  in 2026.

Kaiser, in a written statement, said its philosophy is to provide competitive wages that are as much as 10% above the local market. "We cannot continue a national approach for determining wages and ignore local market conditions," the employer said.

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.
Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site.

0108263 License for publishing multimedia online



Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349
Once again, Tesla is facing a lawsuit from customers who claim that the popular electric vehicle company misled them and engaged in fraud.

The most recent lawsuit involves allegations that Tesla lied about the battery range of its EVs, going so far as to rig the range-estimating software in the cars to show unrealistic ranges.

Reuters recently released an expose on the scheme, unearthing information that apparently led to the lawsuit. The outlet reported that Teslas attempts to cover up these misleading range estimates included forming a diversion team that existed solely to get customers to cancel appointments they had made with service centers about what they perceived to be problems with their batteries.

In reality, the batteries were functioning as normal, but the rigged range-estimating software was causing confusion. Tesla had allegedly made the software give rosy projections when the battery was fully charged and then switch to accurate projections once the charge fell under 50% to avoid potentially leaving drivers stranded, per the Reuters report.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are three California-based Tesla owners.

Had Tesla honestly advertised its electric vehicle ranges, consumers either would not have purchased Tesla model vehicles or else would have paid substantially less for them, the lawsuit stated, per Reuters.

Put simply, Tesla has a duty to deliver a product that performs as advertised, one of the plaintiffs lawyers said in a statement reported by Reuters.

The lawyers are seeking class-action status to represent all persons in California who purchased a new Tesla Model 3, Model S, Model Y, and Model X vehicle.

This is not the first time that Teslas estimated driving ranges have come into question. Earlier this year, the South Korean government fined the company $2.2 million for failing to disclose that ranges were shorter in colder weather.

It is also not the first time Tesla has been sued for misleading its customers. The EV maker has been sued multiple times for its automatic software updates reducing driving ranges and telling Tesla drivers they had to replace their batteries at a cost of $15,000.

The company also recently settled a lawsuit in which plaintiffs alleged that the company had misled them over the cost of installing its Solar Roofs, in some cases doubling the price after contracts had already been signed.

Join our free newsletter for cool news and actionable info that makes it easy to help yourself while helping the planet.
A far-right member of the school board in a Texas town, who has been on a crusade to ban books, was censured on Wednesday night for allegedly lying to gain access to a high school library.

The 5-2 vote to reprimand Karen Lowery came after dozens of residents of Granburyevenly divided between those who were appalled by her actions and those who defended herspoke during a five-hour meeting about whats being called Librarygate.

Lowery also spoke, insisting she did not lie about where she was going when she showed up at the school, did not turn out the lights so she could skulk around in the dark, and did not falsely claim she had permission to be there. She also said she would not resign.

Vengeance is mine, and recompense, says the Lord, she said. I am not going anywhere.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Book-Banning Fever Hits a New Low in a Texas Town

Lowery is a first-term board member elected in November after pledging to rid the schools of books with sexual content that she and fellow ultra-conservatives deem objectionable.

She was a private citizen when she became a darling of Hood Countys extreme right by filing a criminal complaint in May of last year that the investigation is still ongoingalleging the high school was illegally harboring obscene books. She then made the supposed pornography the focus of a successful campaign for the school board. After being elected in November, she continued to raise the specter of smut sullying the shelves even though a committee found none through an exhaustive review.

As The Daily Beast previously reported, Lowery arrived with another woman at Granbury High School at 8 a.m. on Aug. 2 and allegedly told a clerk that they were going to an event for underprivileged in the cafeteria. A passing assistant principal discovered the two in the darkened library an hour and a half later, appearing to examine books with cellphone lights.

The assistant principal later reported that Lowery told him that Herrington had given her permission to be there. Herrington disputed this, saying she had told Lowery at a meeting in July that she needed to first secure permission from the schools principal.

I have never seen such a blatant breach of ethics in public schools, Board President Barbara Herrington said in a post-incident email to Lowery with the subject line: Results of Investigation of Your UNauthorized Presence in Library.

On Wednesday night, Lowery said she had breached nothing.

Her account is that she called the principal's office in advance to say she was coming and took the more distant entrance to the library because that was the only one she knew from a previous visit. She denied saying she had permission to be in the library when she was discovered there and said she was in the dark only because she did not know where the light switches were.

You're in there an hour and 20 minutes and you didnt think to look along the wall for a light switch? trustee Billy Emblerly asked.

It would be a waste of my time to look around for an hour and 20 minutes looking for a light switch, Lowery replied.

Youre wasting a lot of our time tonight, Wimberly said.

Lowery did not explain to fellow board members on Wednesday why she went to the library, but at a meeting on Monday, she suggested her mission was not just to find sexual content.

Because I was in the library, books are still being found and that are inappropriate, on the edge, she said. Teen drinking, gang violence, homeless man kicked to the ground, gasoline poured on him, set on fire, foul language drive by shootings, attempted murder of the witness of the killing of the homeless man, teen depression, drug use.

She was saying that on the edge should be off the shelf, which would take the book-banning movement to new lows.

No, its not pornographic, but these are totally uneducational and unacceptable books, she said. And theres more.

The local Republican Party was quick to come to Lowerys defense following Librarygate. In emails to Herrington and to Granbury schools superintendent Jeremy Glennwhich a parent secured with an open records requestthe party chief invoked Jesus and scripture in urging them to dismiss the accusations against her.

I ask, WWJD, Hood County Republican chair Steve Biggers wrote in an Aug. 15 email to the board. What would Jesus do?

Biggers cited an encouraging verseProverbs 24:26 :For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.

He then declared, Please stop this mischief! The drama and the hate that is being directed at a duly elected official in our country is sinful and off the charts. The lies and misinformation are causing a tear in the social fabric of our community.

Biggers insisted Lowery had only been acting within her rights as an elected board member.

I believe Mrs. Lowery did nothing wrong. Many people believe she did nothing wrong. Folks have spoken with her and others involved, and this smacks of [a] 1940s smear campaign.

Biggers also emailed the school district superintendent Jeremy Glenn.

This witch hunt against Karen has to stop. The hate and division its creating in this community is about ready to explode, he said.

I quote from the Japanese Admiral Yamamoto; I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve, he continued.

The 50 speakers before Wednesdays vote were roughly split on the question of censure. Those opposed spoke of the evil of pornography, and one began reciting the Lords Prayer. Those in favor spoke of trust and said school kids have bigger things to worry about.

I hope I dont come home from work and catch my kid reading, Adrienne Quinn Martin, the parent who made the public records request, said sarcastically. Karen and others say theyre protecting their kids from explicit language. The kids at the middle school and the high school hear explicit language every day, including the n-word and other slurs from fellow students. Unlike the books, hearing hate on a regular basis does hurt kids. You want to regulate language in schools? Try eliminating hate speech.

She continued, Based on my observations, some community members have developed an unhealthy obsession with book banning, and at this point, theyre willing to do anything Why the obsession with finding these books. Why is that your fantasy? Its weird.

Another parent, Sharee Westlund, said that the committee that reviewed books in the library must have missed one.

It speaks of depression, homosexuality, sodomy, sexual impurity, bestiality, suicide, murder, adultery, racism, rape, cuss words, and death. Its the Lords word, she said.

She meant the Bible.

As the vote neared, Herrington noted that half of the room would be going home angry, however it went. Trustee Courtney Gore then said, What it comes down to tonight is to either believe the teachers, the administrators, and their statements, or believe what Mrs. Lowery is telling us. Thats really what this boils down to. I am going to stand with our teachers and our staff, and Im going to move that we censure Karen Lowry.

The motion was seconded, and Herrington called for a hand vote. The long night ended with Lowery officially censured.

I would ask all of you to go home in a pleasant way, to not have any kind of interaction between either group because that is inappropriate in a school setting, Herrington said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin meets with caretaker former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha at the government house in Bangkok

Thailand's new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin meets with caretaker former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha at the government house in Bangkok

By Napat Wesshasartar and Chayut Setboonsarng

BANGKOK (Reuters) -Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin discussed overcoming political divisions on Thursday with the predecessor who ousted his party's last government, as he prepares to pick a cabinet from a crowded 11-party alliance that includes fierce rivals.

Srettha sailed through a parliamentary vote to become premier on Tuesday and will head a tricky coalition that includes parties backed by a royalist military that has repeatedly manoeuvred against his Pheu Thai Party.

His meeting with the outgoing premier and former army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha underscores a fragile detente in Thai politics, with Prayuth the architect of a 2014 coup against the last Pheu Thai government. Prayuth stayed in charge for nine years.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Existing divisions will be difficult to overcome. One conversation will not finish it off. It will take time," said Srettha, wearing a yellow necktie, the colour associated with the monarchy.

"I understand his intentions, that he wants to overcome divisions and he cares about the country."

Asked by reporters what advice Prayuth gave, he said "for me to be calm, be patient and protect the nation and monarchy."

Real estate tycoon Srettha was thrust into politics just a few months ago and has no experience in government.

TESTY RELATIONSHIPS

Speculation has been rife that his surprisingly smooth ascent to the top job is part of a secret deal between warring elites in Thailand that included Tuesday's dramatic homecoming of Pheu Thai's billionaire figurehead, Thaksin Shinawatra , after 15 years in self-exile.

Thaksin, 74, was hospitalised with high blood pressure on his first night in prison, where he is serving an eight-year sentence for abuse of power and conflicts of interest.

Thaksin and Pheu Thai have denied the existence of a deal with their rivals in the military and conservative establishment.

Prayuth, who has a testy relationship with the Shinawatra family, told Srettha healing rifts was important.

"The country must move on and the new government should look into this," Prayuth told reporters.

Srettha has the difficult task of forming and holding together a potentially fragile coalition that includes rival camps with a history of betrayal, raising the prospect of internal challenges that could complicate policymaking.

Thailand has gone through two decades of on-off political instability including two coups and intermittent bouts of street demonstrations, broadly pitting the Shinawatras and their business allies against conservatives and old money families.

The media has also been speculating about who will get the key cabinet posts, some suggesting Srettha himself would take on the additional role of finance minister.

The new government will then have to deliver their policy objectives to a joint session of parliament before they can start work in late September.

The new administration faces the crucial task of reviving Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, which the central bank forecast will grow at just under 3.6% this year.

(Reporting by Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat; Editing by Martin Petty, William Maclean)
Several months back, Sony teased a dedicated remote-play device for the PlayStation 5. Now its got a name and a price. The PlayStation Portal will cost $200 when it lands later this year,.

Aesthetics-wise, it looks like a tablet wedged between two halves of a DualSense controller. The eight-inch LCD screen can stream games at up to 1080p visuals at 60 fps. The device also includes DualSense features, such as haptic feedback. It can stream games from your PS5 console, so when someone else is using the TV or you're in another room (or even traveling), you can still play remotely via WiFi.

TMA

But its shaping up to be a surprisingly limited device if youre outside of WiFi networks. PlayStation Portal doesn't run any apps locally, with everything pulled from your PS5. Handhelds like the Razer Edge can are able to run Android apps locally, while some third-party devices, think the ASUS ROG Ally or a Steam Deck, can remote-play your PS5, too.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The biggest omission could be cloud game streaming, something available to PS Plus Premium subscribers with a PS5. Sony says cloud game streaming isn't supported on the handheld.

 Mat Smith

You can get these reports delivered daily direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!



The biggest stories you might have missed

Armored Core VI review: FromSoftware's latest challenge is surprisingly approachable

Solo Stove cuts up to 40 percent off the price of its fire pits for Labor Day

Apptroniks Apollo is the latest humanoid robot to beat Tesla to market

Messenger's encrypted chats expand to more users ahead of full rollout later this year

'Ahsoka' is both solid Star Wars and proof there's too much Star Wars

Samsung's 57-inch ultrawide dual 4K gaming monitor arrives in October for $2,500

You can even extend the six-foot wide surface.

TMA

When IKEA just isnt delivering, and you need your work desk to dominate your home, theres Corsair's Platform:6 Modular Computer Desk. Its six feet wide, with an additional one foot by two and a third foot extension. The flagship Platform: 6 Creator Edition desk also has a top-mounted pegboard for mounting cameras, controllers and other accessories. Every Platform:6 has a modular rail system, and you can include dual electric motors to adjust the height using an LCD controller. No price has been announced yet.

Continue reading.

One of the new chips is the follow-up to Snapdragon G3x, which powers the Razer Edge.

Qualcomm has announced its follow-up to the Snapdragon G3x chip, which powers the Razer Edge handheld console. The company says the G3x Gen 2's CPU performance is 30 percent faster than its predecessor's, and its GPU performance is twice as fast. It's capable of powering a handheld device with cross-platform gaming capabilities, as well as devices used for Android, PC, cloud and remote console gaming.

Continue reading.

Chandrayaan-3 is also India's first successful Moon lander.

Indias Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft's Vikram lander has successfully touched down on the Moon, marking the country's first successful landing on the lunar surface. It's just the fourth country to do so after the Soviet Union, US and China. More importantly, it's the first country to land near the Moon's south pole  a difficult target given the rough terrain, but important for attempts to find water ice. Other nations have only landed near the equator.

Continue reading.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump gestures as he enters the Erie Insurance Arena for a political rally while campaigning for the GOP nomination in the 2024 election on July 29, 2023 in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Now that the first GOP presidential debate is over, the five-month sprint to the Iowa caucuses and early primaries is just beginning.

So what's next?

For starters, there will be a big moment for a candidate who wasn't among the eight on stage in Milwaukee  Donald Trump  as he gets set for a command appearance at the Fulton County jail in Atlanta. The coming weeks will bring a winnowing of the large field and a guessing game about whether anyone new will enter the field.

The upcoming milestones will determine which contenders survive into next year; who (if anyone) gets traction to challenge Trump, the current frontrunner; whether the nomination will take months to sort out or will be effectively settled almost as soon as it begins; and where Republicans will stand on issues for the general election, such as abortion, Ukraine and the economy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Here's what to watch for.

Thursday: Out on bail, again.

In Atlanta late Thursday, Trump was booked, photographed and fingerprinted on criminal charges of trying to overthrow the 2020 election.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had given Trump and his 18 co-defendants until noon Friday to turn themselves in for arrest and processing on a 41-count racketeering indictment. Trump flew to Atlanta from Newark late Thursday to be processed, then be quickly released on bail. "This is a sad day for America," Trump told reporters before he got back on his plane. "We did nothing wrong."

The extraordinary scene at a notorious county jail eclipsed some of the day-after news coverage of the debate. That limited the boost biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy might have gotten as the center of attention and the attention former UN ambassador Nikki Haley might have commanded as the contender who first took on Trump, her former boss.

During this campaign, Trump may find himself spending more time with his lawyers than he does with voters. The booking in Georgia will be followed by months of pretrial appearances in New York, Washington and Florida. All that will complicate his schedule, consume his attention, and cost millions of dollars in legal fees. Politically, though, the indictments so far have hardened his support and prompted most of his rivals to defend him.

Consider the respected Iowa Poll, sponsored by The Des Moines Register  part of the USA TODAY network  and NBC News. The survey was in the field when the Georgia indictment was announced. By 6 percentage points, those interviewed after the news broke were more likely to believe Trump's assertion that he was elected in 2020 than those who were contacted beforehand.

Even so, some critics speculate there could be a cumulative weight to 91 criminal charges the former president now faces in four jurisdictions, fueling questions about his character and electability. The disclosure of evidence and the testimony of witnesses could contain surprises. One or more of the trials could be held next year  and with that a verdict.

That would be an unprecedented collision of courtroom drama and a presidential campaign.

September: Who's out?

Eight candidates made it to the stage in Milwaukee by meeting requirements that included donations from at least 40,000 individuals and a standing of at least 1% in several approved national and statewide polls. Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson was the last to qualify, making the grade just before Monday's deadline.

The debate was the first dividing line between the contenders and the wannabes. The Republican National Committee said several other hopefuls had fallen short, among them former Texas congressman Will Hurd, Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, businessman Perry Johnson and talk-radio host Larry Elder. They can continue to campaign, but getting attention and credibility could be a struggle.

The bar gets higher to participate in the second sanctioned debate, on Sept. 23 at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. Not all of the Milwaukee Eight are seen as likely to qualify. Getting an invitation requires at least 50,000 individual donors and a 3% standing in several approved polls.

That could winnow the field, clarifying the choice for voters and giving a rival a better chance of consolidating voters who may support Trump but are willing to entertain an alternative. Most of the candidates in the debate seemed to be trying to position themselves for that opening, among them Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence , entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley did criticize Trump for his fiscal record and called him unelectable. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Hutchinson also adopted a more combative strategy, arguing that Trump should be held accountable for his efforts to reverse a legitimate election and to encourage the Jan. 6 rioters.

October: Shutdown showdown

In the government the Republican candidates want to lead, a shutdown looms.

Money to keep most agencies open during the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1 hasn't yet been passed, and both House and Senate leaders have said a short-term spending bill is the best way to keep the doors open while the appropriations bills can be approved. But the House Freedom Caucus on Monday released a list of demands to support short-term legislation to keep the government open called a continuing resolution, with proposals anathema to Democrats. They include addressing what they call the "weaponization" of the Justice Department and FBI, reversing "woke" policies at the Pentagon, and adopting more aggressive immigration policies at the border.

With a very slim majority in the House, Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., may have trouble pushing a short-term funding measure through, much less long-term appropriation bills.

The Republican presidential candidates will surely be asked what they think about a prospective shutdown. Trump has often cheered on the Freedom Caucus, and in April he called on lawmakers to "defund" the Justice Department and the FBI. But some Republicans remember how forcing a shutdown has boomeranged politically against the GOP in the past, including after a record 35-day shutdown during Trump's tenure in the White House.

Defying the party's loudest voices carries risks of its own, of course.

It would be an early test of whether hardliners in Congress and their allies in conservative media are calling the shots for the GOP on policy and tactics. Another example of an ideological divide in the party is U.S. military aid to Ukraine. The Freedom Caucus has opposed additional funding for Ukraine, though Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has vowed to continue it.

The question divides the party's presidential field, too. Trump has said the war is not a vital U.S. interest and Ramaswamy opposes more aid. DeSantis called it a "territorial dispute" between Ukraine and Russia, though he later backtracked on that comment.

But Scott and Haley say President Joe Biden hasn't done enough, and Pence and Christie have visited Ukraine to demonstrate their support.

November: Does somebody new jump in?

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin seemed to be teasing the possibility of a presidential bid last spring when his political team released an upbeat video tailored for national ambitions. "It's time to usher in a new era of America values," the narrator declared. Now, with DeSantis' campaign stumbling, some influential Republicans  including media baron Rupert Murdoch, the Washington Post reported last week  are encouraging him to run.

Youngkin, a political newcomer, got national attention when he won the governorship in 2021 in what has become a blue state. But those close to him have indicated he wouldn't enter the race until after the off-year elections on Nov. 7. Control of the Virginia Legislature, and with that the future of his legislative agenda for the job he holds, are at stake.

By then, filing deadlines would have passed for the Nevada caucuses and the South Carolina primary, two of the first four contests. The logistical demands of getting a presidential campaign organized and launched would be formidable.

In the face of those odds, if Youngkin or another candidate did jump in, it would be a sign of significant dissatisfaction with the current field, and a judgment that the race is still unsettled.

Which brings us to ...

Jan. 15: The Iowa caucuses.

When actual voters begin to cast ballots.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The GOP debate launched the campaign. What's next? Five steps ahead.
ANTRIM COUNTY  On the first day of an expected 15-day trial, defense attorney William Barnett stated defendant Eric Molitor thought the idea to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer was a dark joke.

Eric played along with them and then realized they were nuts, said Barnett, referring to the others involved in the kidnapping plot, during the defenses opening statements on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Eric Molitor (right) and his attorney on the first day of trial on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023 in Antrim County.

Molitor is one of three remaining men being prosecuted by the state of Michigan for a plot to kidnap Whitmer who maintain their innocence. The others include twins Michael and William Null, 40, of Plainwell and Shelbyville, respectively. Molitor, 38, is from Cadillac.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The plot has received nationwide attention ever since charges were first announced in October 2020. The complex saga includes undercover agents, citizen militias and secretly recorded discussions where conspirators discussed blowing up bridges to slow police response and impersonating a pizza delivery driver to shoot the governor on her front doorstep.

Judge Charles Hamlyn

With Judge Charles Hamlyn presiding, the three defendants are being charged in Antrim Countys 13th Circuit Court with providing material support for a terrorist attack and also possessing an illegal firearm.

Overall, there have been 14 men charged in the plot to snatch Whitmer from her home on Birch Lake near Elk Rapids. Six were prosecuted in federal court, three in Jackson County and five in Antrim County.

Co-conspirators Sean Fix and Brian Higgins, who were also being prosecuted in Antrim County, took deals from the state earlier in the year.

In December 2022, the group's ringleader Adam Fox was sentenced to 16 years in prison and Barry Croft Jr. was sentenced to more than 19 years. In October, three men were found guilty of assisting Fox in Jackson County and sentenced to prison terms of seven, 10 and 12 years. Two men have been acquitted.

Antrim Countys 13th Circuit Court is pictured on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Much of what was presented on Wednesday by the state dealt with statements and actions surrounding the defendants' dealings with Fox and Croft.

After referring to one of Crofts Facebook posts, the state, characterizing the Null brothers and Molitor as anti-government ideologists said, Their plan didnt just involve kidnapping, their plan involved a 20 minute free for all gun battle on Birch Lake and the murder of Michigan state troopers who were assigned to protect our governor."

Michael Null (right) and his attorney Tom Sivers at the first day of trial on Aug. 23, 2023.

Stopping short of claiming entrapment, defense attorney William Barnett outlined a series of events that Molitor participated in that showed him as a person who was unaware of what he was involved in.

The trial continues on Thursday, Aug. 23, starting with FBI special agent Henrik "Hank" Impola who plans to testify for the state against the defendants.

 Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231)675-0099 or adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com. Follow her on Twitter, @adoylenews

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Trial begins in Antrim County for remaining conspirators in Whitmer kidnap plot
The Ukrainian military damaged three Russian S-300 air defense systems in Kherson Oblast on Aug. 23, in addition to a Russian S-400 Triumf air defense system destroyed on the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory of Crimea, a military spokesperson has said.

Natalia Humeniuk, press spokesperson for the South Operational Command, at a briefing on Aug. 24 gave the news of the attacks on the Russian air defense systems.

We also worked on air defense equipment in our area of responsibility, resulting in three S-300 launchers being destroyed and damaged, she said.

That is, they can no longer be used either as a means of protection in Kherson region or as a means of attack.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Liberating Crimea necessary to preserve international order  Polands Duda

The Russians often use the S-300 anti-aircraft missile system in a ballistic missile mode to hit civilian infrastructure, Humeniuk said.

At the same time, the enemy still has many weapons that must be destroyed, she added.

Therefore, the bavovna season continues, the official noted.

The Ukrainian word bavovna (meaning cotton in English) is a newly-coined term in Ukrainian referring to a loud explosion occurring far behind the frontlines.

Read also: Expect more actions to liberate Crimea soon, says Budanov

The Ukrainian military successfully executed a strike on the Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory of Crimea in the early hours of Aug. 23.

A Russian S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile system was completely obliterated, along with the missiles and personnel stationed at the installation as a result of the strike near the village of Olenivka on the Tarkhankut Cape, Ukraines military said.

Petro Andriushchenko, advisor to the Mayor of Mariupol, and the Crimean Wind channel 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 that radar stations on the Tarkhankut Cape had been struck.

Later, Ukrainian Ministry of Defenses Main Intelligence Directorate or HUR confirmed the destruction of the S-400 Triumfsystem.

Ukrainian forces are able to strikeRussias occupation troops at any place in occupied Crimea, HUR head Kyrylo Budanov said on Aug. 23.

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
Over the past several years, calls to restrict or outright ban TikTok have become increasingly popular among politicians. Attacks on the Chinese-owned app have primarily focused on its alleged threat to national security, but politicians and activists have also sought to restrict access to the platform by arguing it endangers children's mental health.

Despite TikTok's harshest critics coming from both sides of the aisle, Republican states have been much more likely to actually engage in direct action against the app. So far, Montana has attempted to ban the app completely, while more than 30 statesmost of which are Republican-ledhave banned the app on devices owned by government employees.

Republicans are also more likely to support penalties against TikTok. According to a recent Reuters survey, 58 percent of Republicans support banning the app, while only 47 percent of Democrats agree. And of the eight Republican presidential candidates who participated in Wednesday's debate, at least six have voiced support for a national ban or have banned it somewhat in their own state.

That's why it may have come as a surprise for many viewers of this week's GOP debate to see several ads for the app playing during commercial breaks.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The ads, which focused on individual users, were clearly tailored to pluck on Republican heartstrings. For example, in one ad, an elderly Navy veteran talks about using the app to crowdfund for a new mobility scooter. In another, folksy banjo music plays over footage of the four-wheeler-riding owner of a soap-making small business discussing how TikTok expanded her reach.

The ads are part of a larger campaign called TikTok Sparks Good, which includes ads highlighting a range of family-friendly accountsfrom an Australian pottery artist to a teacher using the platform to teach toddlers how to read.

While it's unclear whether the ad campaign will help rehabilitate the app's image among Republicans, it highlights a simple truth about social media that many of its detractors ignore. Without social media, the numerous small businesses featured in TikTok Sparks Good ads really wouldn't have been able to expand their product's reach to an international audience. Without social media, a military veteran wouldn't have had adoring fans who jumped to buy himand now more veteransnew mobility aid.

Despite claims that social media apps are essentially a force for evilsupposedly drawing teenagers into a spiral of depression and spreading nasty "misinformation"they have clear upsides. Apps like TikTok can connect people in ways that would never have been possible without social media.

The post TikTok Woos Republicans With Debate Commercials appeared first on Reason.com.
The first Republican primary debate is set to take place in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 23 August.

The Fox News debate will begin at 9pm ET (8pm local time) at the Fiserv Forum and will be covered across all platforms operated by the news network, including Fox Business Network, Fox News Digital, the Fox Nation streaming service, and Fox News Audio.

The debate will be moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum .

Fox Business Network is set to host the second debate on 27 September at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

The Milwaukee debate will last two hours, ending at about 11pm ET (10pm local time).

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Nine candidates have qualified to take part in the debate, with former President Donald Trump saying he will not attend but that he has instead done a prerecorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson that will be broadcast at the same time as the debate.

Debate format details obtained by Semafor indicate that while the candidates wont give opening statements, theyll each receive 45 seconds to speak at the end of the debate.

When asked a question, theyll get a minute to answer, with 30 seconds for any follow-ups.

Some questions will include sound or video, including pre-taped questions submitted by students via the Young Americas Foundation, Semafor noted.

The candidates who have qualified include Mr Trump, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, ex-UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, and former Vice President Mike Pence, and former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, former Texas Rep Will Hurd, Michigan businessman Perry Johnson, and rightwing California radio host Larry Elder didnt qualify for the debate.

Candidates had to prove that they crossed the threshold of the required polling results and the number of individual donors at least 48 hours before the debate.

Those taking part in the debate have to sign a number of pledges, such as to support the eventual nominee of the party. Mr Trump has said that he wont sign the pledge, which has also been criticised by Mr Christie and Mr Hutchinson, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

If youre travelling abroad and want to watch the first Republican presidential primary debate then you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help: get the best VPN deals on the market.
Are mask mandates making a comeback? A "growing number of experts" say it's time to pull those leftover N95 masks out of the junk drawer to protect against a rising tide of Covid-19 infections and hospitalizations, CNN reported. "If you're trying to be careful, it's time to whip out the mask again," said Dr. Robert Wachter of the University of San Francisco. The big question, the news network asked, is this: "Are Americans in the mood for masks?"

"Cities and states have widely dropped mask mandates as Covid rates have dropped," CBS News reported. But they're now returning in a few private settings. Deadline reported that Lionsgate, the movie studio, has brought back masking requirements for many of the employees at its flagship office in Santa Monica, California. The Press Democrat, up the coast in Santa Rosa, reported that Kaiser Permanente, the country's "largest primary care provider" has begun mandating masks for staff, patients and visitors at its facilities there. Similarly, Morris Brown College in Atlanta said this week it would require masks at "all classes and functions."

But masks are still divisive. The Hill reported that Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) critiqued the college's decision. "Americans have had enough COVID hysteria. WE WILL NOT COMPLY!" she wrote online. Some observers are clearly hoping that masks don't again become a flashpoint. "We're hoping we won't see a situation where things are as dire as they were a couple of years ago," said one health official.

What the commentators said

The new mandates are "abject madness," Noah Rothman wrote at National Review. During the height of the pandemic emergency, masking became a "signifier of tribal identity and cultural tastes." Now? The reappearance of a few mandates smacks of a "public-relations campaign designed to convince America's institutional stewards to force a full-scale return to the bad old days." Mask mandates should be a "quaint artifact" of the emergency. Instead, it seems little has changed "among those who pine for the restrictions on social and economic life that pertained during the pandemic."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Don't panic. Even with the recent rise in cases, the "number of people severely ill from Covid is much lower than a year ago," Dr. Leana S. Wen wrote in The Washington Post. While "health officials must practice vigilance," it will be up to individuals to calculate their risks, including the risk of long Covid. For those folks, precautions will depend on "their specific circumstances and what activities they are willing to forgo."

One place where people should wear masks? Hospitals. The end of the formal Covid emergency means that several hospitals dropped their mandates, Abdullah Shihipar wrote for CNN. But masks "don't just help against Covid but against other respiratory illnesses," and hospital-acquired infections are pretty common. Masking up in medical settings is just good sense. "No one wants to go to the hospital and come away with a new illness."

What next?

According to Yahoo, officials are keeping their eyes on schools as classes get underway across the country, especially with the Eris variant becoming more widespread. "Some kids have had pretty significant illness with this," said one California physician. "On the other hand, some kids have mild coldlike symptoms. Parents just need to be aware that Covid-19 is still out there."

There's skepticism that widespread mask mandates will return, per ABC News. "I don't see that as something that we're likely going to be adopting," said Dr. Albert Ko at the Yale School of Public Health. Instead, public health officials say it's more likely they'll work to make sure the public is informed of the risks from rising cases and new variants.

"I think the new approach is we want to make that information available to the public and give people some warning that there may be some increases in disease activity," Marcus Plescia, the chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, told The Hill. "And then people decide for themselves sort of how they want to react and what kind of precautions they want to take."

You may also like

Homepage
four astronauts standing in a row in white spacesuits and smiling. a line drawing of a rocket is partially visible behind them

Four astronauts from four countries are about to make a long journey in space.

The SpaceX Crew-7 mission will launch to the International Space Station no earlier than Friday (Aug. 25) at 3:50 a.m. EDT (0750 GMT) with four astronauts onboard. The launch timing may change due to weather or technical factors.

You can watch the broadcast live on YouTube, with the feed via NASA Television, starting Thursday (Aug. 24) at 11:45 p.m. EDT (0345 GMT Friday, Aug. 25). Video will continue until the SpaceX Crew Dragon reaches orbit.

Crew-7 includes NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen , Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa , and Konstantin Borisov of Russia's space agency, Roscosmos.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Related: SpaceX's Crew-7 mission will launch international crew to ISS

What time is the Crew-7 launch with 4 astronauts?

NASA plans to run the broadcast live on the agency's YouTube channel starting Thursday (Aug. 24) at 11:45 p.m. EDT (0345 GMT Friday, Aug. 25). The broadcast will continue until the Crew Dragon is inserted in Earth's orbit.

While video will cease after that, the audio will continue on this NASA YouTube channel up to the ISS docking. Then video will resume on the main NASA YouTube channel around 12:15 a.m. EDT (0415 GMT) on Saturday, Aug. 27. Again, this timing may change depending on how the mission is going.

Can I watch the Crew-7 launch online?

You can watch the broadcast live on YouTube, also visible above this article, starting Thursday (Aug. 24) at 11:45 p.m. EDT (0345 GMT Friday, Aug. 25).

The exact broadcast length is not known at this time, as it depends on the mission and its progress. Things can change rapidly, but we'll keep you posted about major milestones.

Who is riding onboard Crew-7?

four astronauts standing in a row in white spacesuits and smiling. a line drawing of a rocket is partially visible behind them

The astronauts on NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 mission include, from left, Konstantin Borisov (Roscosmos), Andreas Mogensen (European Space Agency), Jasmin Moghbeli (NASA), and Satoshi Furukawa (Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency). (Image credit: SpaceX)

Four astronauts will ride aboard Crew-7 and each one of them comes from a different country.

The group includes NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Konstantin Borisov of Russia's space agency, Roscosmos.

Moghbeli and Borisov are both on their first flights, which will see Moghbeli become the second Iranian-American in space after first female space tourist Anousheh Ansari. (Ansari visited the ISS herself in 2006.) Mogensen and Furukawa have both been to space one time each, also staying on the ISS.

This story was updated Aug. 24 at 8 a.m. EDT to reflect new launch timing.
A top Israeli official has admitted that Israeli rights take priority over the rights of Palestinians.



Israels far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir confessed on Wednesday that he believes his familys rights are more important than the freedom of movement for Palestinians in the West Bankexposing the truth of the two-tiered system of justice.

Sorry Mohammad, but thats just the reality, Ben-Gvir told journalist Mohammad Magadli on Channel 12 News. My right, the right of my wife and my children to move around Judea and Samaria is more important than freedom of movement for the Arabs, he added, using another name for the occupied West Bank.

Ben-Gvirs entitled statement came after Magadli asked him about violent crime and terrorism and the Israeli governments failure to address it.



This isnt the first time Ben-Givir has expressed anti-Palestinian and anti-Arab views: He has been convicted of eight charges for inciting racism and supporting Kach, a right-wing anti-Palestinian terrorist organization in Israel.


Boston city officials brought media outlets and health care providers on a tour of the addiction recovery campus that they hope to bring new life to in four years.

Long Island, located about four miles off the coast of Boston, was evacuated in 2014 when the bridge connected to the mainland was deemed unsafe.

The City of Boston believes the major hurdles in rebuilding that bridge are in the rearview mirror after it received a key permit from the state.

The tour of Long Island that happened on Wednesday offered an eerie glimpse of a 35-acre campus that appeared to be standing still in time.

Wheelchairs were seen in hallways, items from a vending machine were strewn across the floor and a pool game was collecting dust on a table.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I remember the night we evacuated Long Island like it was yesterday, said Sarah Porter, Executive Director at Victory Programs.

Porter is among the providers who worked on Long Island when it suddenly shuttered nearly a decade ago.

I cant help but think of people who have gained success, who healed and transformed their lives, she said.

Boston 25 News observed the extensive work that needs to be done before a reimagined comprehensive campus can welcome hundreds to Long Island.

Weather, vandalism and neglect have taken their toll over the years..

There was extensive damage visible to walls, ceilings and floorboards.

City officials plan to stabilize and renovate eleven existing buildings.

Construction is expected to get underway in the spring, and crews will travel back and forth from the island on a barge.

Once we get the bids out and get some estimates back, well have a better estimate of cost, said Mayor Michelle Wu.

According to Mayor Wu, theres up to $40 million dollars set aside in the current budget for stabilization of buildings.

Theres also more than $80 million dollars set aside for bridge construction.

The previous Walsh administration estimated that a full overhaul of Long Island would cost upward of $540 million, not including the rebuilding of the bridge.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Victor Jacinto, Tyrese Gould Jacinto, president and CEO of the Native American Advancement Corporation, and her father, former Chief Mark Quiet Hawk Gould, in front of the former Morningstar Fellowship Church on Aug. 15. (photo/New Jersey Conservation Foundation)

Sixty-three acres of Cohanzick Lenape traditional homelands are now in the hands of the Native American Advancement Corporation (NAAC), an organization dedicated to the advancement and development of all North American Natives based in Bridgeton, New Jersey.

Tyrese Gould Jacinto, president and CEO of NAAC, and her father, former Chief Mark Quiet Hawk Gould, are citizens of the Nanticoke Lenape Nation and have direct ancestral ties to this sacred land.

The acquisition of the Cohanzick Nature Reserve is a monumental step toward preserving this ancestral homeland and sharing its significance with the broader community, Jacinto said in a statement on Tuesday. We are committed to creating a haven for individuals, a place where traditions are deeply rooted in conservation, and the public can learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Cohanzick Lenape people.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The property was previously a Morningstar Fellowship Church property in Quinton Township within the Burden Hill forest area in New Jersey before it was transferred to the sole ownership of NAAC. Now, the organization plans to turn the former church into an educational, cultural, and environmental center. It will be known as the Cohanzick Nature Reserve.

As part of the future nature reserve, NAAC plans to launch Indigenous conservation education programs based on traditional knowledge from the lands original stewards that will be open to the public. Those who participate will have the opportunity to engage in hands-on workshops, and guided tours of the nature reserve.

The acquisition of the land was done in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protections (DEP) Green Acres Program, New Jersey Conservation Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving land throughout New Jersey, and The Nature Conservancy, a global conservation organization. The Nature Conservancy contributed funding to the project.

The DEPs Assistant Commissioner of Community Investment and Economic Revitalization, Elizabeth Dragon, says she takes pride in Green Acres contribution as it is part of the DEPs commitment to preserving and protecting open spaces for outdoor recreation.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
The trial of Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four Idaho college students last year, has been delayed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial Wednesday.

Kohbergers trial was originally scheduled for Oct. 2 and was set to move forward after Latah County Magistrate Judge John Judge denied his legal teams request for a stay Friday.

However, Kohberger waived his right Wednesday to a speedy trial, allowing the court to schedule his trial more than six months out from his arraignment.

Kohbergers lawyer, Anne Taylor, reportedly told the court that his legal team was not prepared to present their case by the original October trial date, according to CNN.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Kohberger, who is accused of killing University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental house near the campus last November.

Kohberger, who was a graduate student studying criminology at nearby Washington State University, was connected to the murders through a white sedan that was seen repeatedly driving past the house on the night of the killings. Police later matched his DNA to traces on a knife sheath found inside the house.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty to the killings, claiming he was out on a long drive alone at the time of the murders last November.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
FILE - 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, Thursday, Jan. 5, 2023, in Moscow, Idaho. The trial for Kohberger, a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year will not happen as scheduled on Oct. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, Pool) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

MOSCOW, Idaho. (AP)  The trial for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year will not happen as scheduled on Oct. 2.

Bryan Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial during an appearance in Latah County Court Wednesday afternoon, KTVB-TV reported. His attorney, Anne Taylor, spoke on his behalf, and said she may not be ready for the trial by October.

Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at a house near the Moscow, Idaho, university campus last November.

Kohberger at the time was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University in neighboring Pullman, Washington. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf earlier this year.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said he intends to seek the death penalty. Taylor said Wednesday her team will file a motion to strike the death penalty, and will file another motion seeking to ban cameras in the courtroom.

Latah County District Judge John C. Judge asked Kohberger Wednesday if he was comfortable waiving his right to a speedy trial.

Kohberger responded, Absolutely.

Under Idaho law, a trial has to take place six months from an arraignment unless the defendant waives that right. Kohberger was arraigned on May 22 after being indicted by a grand jury.

A new trial date will be set after Kohberger's next hearing scheduled for Sept. 1.
KABUL, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan police arrested 33 suspects for involvement in criminal activities in seven of Afghanistan's 34 provinces, a statement of the Ministry of Interior Affairs said Thursday.

The people were arrested on Wednesday for illegal activities such as murder, robbery, mobile snatching, forgery, theft and drug smuggling, the statement said, adding that further investigations were underway.

In a similar crackdown, police have arrested 28 suspects in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province over the past week.

The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to crack down on criminal elements in Afghanistan to ensure law and order in the war-torn country. 
The trial for a man accused of stabbing four University of Idaho students to death late last year will not happen as scheduled on Oct. 2.

Bryan Kohberger waived his right to a speedy trial during an appearance in Latah County Court Wednesday afternoon, KTVB-TV reported. His attorney, Anne Taylor, spoke on his behalf, and said she may not be ready for the trial by October.

Bryan Kohberger is charged with four counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at a house near the Moscow, Idaho, university campus last November.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kohberger at the time was a graduate student studying criminology at Washington State University in neighboring Pullman, Washington. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf earlier this year.

Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson has said he intends to seek the death penalty. Taylor said Wednesday her team will file a motion to strike the death penalty, and will file another motion seeking to ban cameras in the courtroom.

Latah County District Judge John C. Judge asked Kohberger Wednesday if he was comfortable waiving his right to a speedy trial.

Kohberger responded, Absolutely.

Under Idaho law, a trial has to take place six months from an arraignment unless the defendant waives that right. Kohberger was arraigned on May 22 after being indicted by a grand jury.

A new trial date will be set after Kohbergers next hearing scheduled for Sept. 1.
The trial is underway for the man accused in the brutal stabbing death of his girlfriends 8-year-old son, Mark Mason Jr., who was also known as Markie.

Keith Burley waived his right to counsel and is representing himself during trial.

On July 8, 2019, police said Burley stabbed Markie to death in a home in Union Township. He abducted Markie and his little brother Matthew after getting into an argument with their mother.

Previous Coverage >> Man suspected in stabbing death of girlfriends 8-year-old son

During testimony, a witness said he was upstairs in that house playing video games with his brother Thomas when he heard some commotion.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

When they went downstairs, he said he saw Burley and two boys screaming and crying.

The witness said he saw Burley stab Markie when the boy tried to fight back and heard Burley yell, die, die, die before running out of the house to get help with Matthew and Thomas.

Burley had been released from prison just a couple of months before the stabbing. He served a 20-year sentence for murder.

A doctor with the medical examiners office said Markie was stabbed 127 times in the head, neck, chest, back, hands and shoulders.

This week during the trial, a judge appointed an attorney as Burleys advisor.

Burley has been in jail since the violent attack and faces several charges, including criminal homicide.

The Lawrence County district attorney is prosecuting this case. The trial resumes on Thursday.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW

TRENDING NOW:

PITTSBURGH ACTIVE SHOOTER: Police involved in shootout in Garfield blocks from Childrens Hospital PHOTOS: Police involved in "active shootout" in Garfield 1 killed in crash on I-79 in Washington County, officials say 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
Starbucks is releasing two new drinks in honor of the fall season.

The Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso will win over anyone who thinks the PSL is too sweet.

My favorite was the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, which was a deliciously creamy and frothy dream.

The end of summer is near, which means Starbucks' new fall drink menu is already here.

Me with Starbucks' Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

This is an extra-special autumn for the coffee giant, which is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

But the PSL won't be getting all the glory this season. Starbucks is also releasing two new drinks for fall, in addition to bringing back the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew and Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I've been reviewing Starbucks' seasonal beverages since December 2019, and I couldn't wait to see what flavors the newest drinks would bring.

Starbucks' two new drinks  available starting Thursday  are the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte.

Starbucks' Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso. Starbucks

This is the third year in a row Starbucks has released a variation on its apple crisp drink  which first debuted as the Apple Crisp Macchiato in August 2021.

This is also the third pumpkin beverage to join Starbucks' menu, and the first pumpkin drink it's released since the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew came out in 2019.

I went to my local Starbucks for a preview of the new drinks, and first up was the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.

Starbucks' Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso features notes of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso features Starbucks' Blonde Espresso shaken with notes of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar and topped with oat milk.

Starbucks' beverage developer Billy Altieri said the chain wanted to meld the "warm, gooey taste of apple crisp" with "a cup of coffee" to create the ultimate cozy fall beverage.

The Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso will please coffee lovers who think the PSL is too sweet.

I wished the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso was a little bit sweeter. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso has a very subtle flavor. While I definitely picked up some hints of cinnamon, I couldn't really taste any apple, which had a much stronger presence in the Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato.

The fall flavors just didn't jump out enough for me, and I think the beverage would benefit from a bit more sweetness. The taste of Starbucks' Blonde Espresso really dominated each sip, making it feel more like a regular iced coffee than a special autumn drink.

Next up was the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, which Starbucks said was inspired by a popular barista and customer customization.

Starbucks' Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte features pumpkin-cream cold foam. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

Starbucks' Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte features a rich blend of spiced chai notes paired with pumpkin-cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice.

"We're excited to celebrate the creativity of our baristas and customers by offering the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte on the official fall menu," Altieri said. "The warm spice flavors of chai and pumpkin seamlessly blend together, creating a creamy and comforting iced beverage."

The Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is a deliciously creamy dream.

I was a huge fan of the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. Anneta Konstantinides/Insider

The Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte truly captures the essence of fall. The pumpkin flavor really pops, and it pairs so well with the chai tea, you'd think they were made for each other.

Even though the drink is iced, there's so much warmth in each sip thanks to the pumpkin and chai spices. I also loved the latte's frothy texture, which was akin to drinking a delicious milkshake.

I had my friends Kayla and Oliver try both the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and the Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, and the latter was their clear winner. Kayla compared the flavor to eating pumpkin ice cream.

"It definitely tastes like fall," Kayla declared after taking her first sip.

The fact that the Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte was inspired by Starbucks' own baristas and customers makes it even more special, and I hope we get to see more of these creations on Starbucks' menus in the future.

I loved the Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, and I think it's going to be a huge hit.

The Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte is available starting Thursday. Starbucks

I've never been a big PSL drinker, nor have I ever really loved fall (we barely know what that is in California). But the Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte takes me back to the autumns I spent living in New York. Much like a new season, a great drink often brings a whiff of nostalgia with it, and the Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte helped conjure hazy memories of comfy sweaters, cozy bars, and the leaves changing from green to burgundy.

I guess you'll finally have to count me as part of the pumpkin team.

Read the original article on Insider
Workers in the Dominican Republic spent the day trying to restore electricity and drinking water after heavy rains from Tropical Storm Franklin triggered landslides, damaged power lines and knocked out more than 90 aqueducts.

The storms heavy flooding also washed out crops and killed at least two people, Juan Manuel Mendez, director of the Emergency Operations Center, said. One of the deaths was a man who threw himself into the Guajimia ravine in Santo Domingo on Tuesday night. The other reportedly attempted to cross a ravine. His body was found in a ravine in the town of Hatillo, in the province of San Cristobal.

Franklin made landfall on the island of Hispaniola, which the Dominican Republic shares with Haiti, early Wednesday before continuing out to sea Thursday morning. While Haiti appears not to have suffered much damage, across the border the story was different.

Authorities with the Emergency Operations Center reported flooded homes, overrun rivers and landslides blocking traffic on major roadways. The capital of Santo Domingo and 18 provinces remained under alert for possible flooding Thursday, though a red alert had been lifted for all 31 provinces.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A government preliminary assessment showed that at least three homes had been destroyed and more than 680 others had damage from the heavy rains, which also cut off at least two dozen communities. There was significant damage in parts of Santo Domingo, Mendez had said.

People walk between houses flooded by the rains of Tropical Storm Franklin, along the Ozama River in the Gualey neighborhood of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Ricardo Hernandez/AP

In the Azua province in the southern region of the country, a landslide near the bridge leading to the capital made it difficult for cars to cross, the Ministry of Public Works reported. The Civil Defense agency also reported that the rains had led to the displacement of some residents either because of malfunctioning drainage or flooded homes. Nationwide, there were at least 3,390 people who had been evacuated as a preventive measure.

By afternoon, the National Institute of Drinking Water and Sewege reported that 91 aqueducts were out of service due to the storm, affecting nearly 1.3 million users. There were also nearly 30,000 people without power.

Across the border in Haiti, teams with the Office of Civil Protection were still working on assessing damage. Preliminary reports suggested that while the country had not seen the kind of deadly floods that blocked roadways in many communities in June, there was damage to crops in southern Haitian farming communities like Aquin.

A recent United Nations assessment found that nearly half of the population, 4.9 million people, are struggling to get enough food. The food shortage has been blamed on a number of factors, including the rising costs of seeds and fertilizers, imports and the spread of armed groups.

In July, the United Nations World Food Program announced that it was unable to feed 100,000 Haitians due to a lack of funding.
As the 2023 hurricane season nears its climatological peak over the next few weeks, two areas of disturbed weather are being monitored for potential tropical development in the Eastern Pacific late this week, and AccuWeather meteorologists warn that one of the systems could track into Mexico this weekend.

The threat of development comes on the heels of Hurricane Hilary, which originated in the eastern Pacific and slammed parts of Mexico and the southwestern United States with flooding downpours and strong winds this past weekend. It appears that the two potential storms into this weekend will take different paths and will pose little risk to the U.S.

AccuWeather meteorologists say the system farther offshore is most likely to ramp up to a strong tropical storm or hurricane as it drifts westward over the Pacific. The system nearest the coast of Mexico may take a northerly path that brings rain, wind and rough seas to part of Mexico.

The next names for tropical systems that develop in the Eastern Pacific are Irwin and Jova.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The area of primary concern from tropical development over the next few days is centered a few hundred miles offshore of the coast of southern Mexico, say AccuWeather forecasters.

"Not long after Hurricane Hilary doused parts of western Mexico with torrential downpours, a new tropical feature may develop over the coming days," AccuWeather Meteorologist La Troy Thornton said. "This feature will bring enhanced rainfall across a different swath of Mexico that is no stranger to tropical cyclones."

As of Friday, an area of showers and thunderstorms was evident on satellite imagery off the Mexican coast. AccuWeather expects this feature to become somewhat more organized as it drifts to the north-northwest into this weekend.

"This area could become a tropical depression or even a tropical storm this weekend," said Thornton.

Although conditions are favorable for tropical formation and intensification, there will be little time for the system to strengthen beyond a tropical storm, but that does not discount the possibility for the system to reach hurricane status before making landfall late Saturday or Sunday.

GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP

"Regardless of development status or strength, heavy rain appears likely to travel up the coast of southwestern Mexico during the weekend," warned Thornton. "The coastal states most in line for potential tropical impacts extend from Oaxaca to Jalisco."

The heavy rain interacting with the mountainous terrain farther inland can lead to flooding and mudslides, while storm surge flooding would be possible at the coast. Strong, gusty winds will also be possible, depending on how much strengthening occurs before landfall.

Fortunately, for portions of northwestern Mexico and the southwestern U.S. still reeling from the flooding caused by Hilary, little, if any, moisture from this storm should make it that far north.

"Since the storm is expected to come ashore in southern Mexico, the mountainous terrain and expected atmospheric flow in the days after should preclude much moisture from moving to the north," said AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Adam Douty.

Some tropical destinations along the southern Mexican coast could be impacted by the budding system, but it appears that Acapulco, which is situated farther southeast along the coast, will avoid a direct landfall. Still, rough surf and rip currents generated by any storm could imperil some swimmers in the ocean offshore of the resort city.

The potential tropical storm headed toward Mexico is not the only area that AccuWeather meteorologists are monitoring for potential development. Another area located several hundred miles west of there over the open Pacific Ocean has a high chance of developing into an organized tropical system.

A sampling of ocean water temperatures off the southern and western coasts of Mexico, as of Thursday morning, Aug. 24, local time.

The steering winds over this region of the Pacific are blowing to the west, meaning the budding tropical system will pose a minimal threat to land for many days despite the prospects of a developing and strengthening tropical system due to warm ocean waters.

Provided the feature evolves into a strong tropical system in the first place, it could survive long enough to bring some impacts by way of building seas, increasing winds and some rain to Hawaii in early September, Douty said.

The Eastern Pacific tropical season runs from May 15 to November 30. So far this season, nine tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes have formed, eight of which have become named storms, with five of those achieving hurricane status.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump and his allies have spent weeks praising Vivek Ramaswamy , a rival Republican 2024 contender, with members of the former presidents team believing the Ohio businessmans outsider bid helps neutralize their greatest threat.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ramaswamy emerged Wednesday as the central figure of the first Republican presidential debate, in what people familiar with the former presidents campaign strategy describe as a bid to undercut Ron DeSantis .

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trumps allies see Ramaswamy as sapping support and attention from the Florida governor, compounding the narrative that his campaign is floundering, according to the people familiar who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss strategy. Its unclear whether there have been any discussions between the two camps.

Moreover, Ramaswamy has echoed many of the policy priorities and political philosophies championed by Trump, helping popularize and legitimize dramatic proposals like eliminating huge swaths of the federal bureaucracy or pulling back from foreign alliances. Trump himself considered Ramaswamy a de facto surrogate on the debate stage and was delighted by his performance, according to one person familiar.

Trumps team saw Wednesdays debate as a validation of their strategy. Ramaswamy, a political newcomer, drew much of the attention and overshadowed DeSantis. The governor avoided any major missteps but the debate was a lost opportunity to solidify his standing with Trump skipping the event.

Ramaswamy did very well and that he especially liked it when his ostensible rival for the nomination named him the greatest president of the 21st century, Trump said in an interview with Newsmax on Thursday.

I said, Are you sure hes running against me? But I thought he was very good, Trump said.

Trump aides were more explicit in celebrating Ramaswamys surge at the expense of DeSantis.

We saw the beginning of the end for Ron DeSantis tonight, Jason Miller, a Trump senior adviser, said in an interview after the debate. Ramaswamy, we saw him leapfrog Ron DeSanctimonious in real terms, he added, using one of Trumps derisive nicknames for his political rival.

Polls suggest the strategy may be working. While 29% of debate watchers told a Washington Post/FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos poll that DeSantis won Wednesdays contest, 26% said the same of Ramaswamy, a signal the neophyte candidate was standing toe-to-toe with a two-term governor long favored by the Republican establishment.

Other surveys suggest Ramaswamys recent rise has come at the governors expense, with the RealClearPolitics national average putting him at 7.2% for third place, behind frontrunner Trump and DeSantis.

Trumps gambit is not without benefit to Ramaswamy, who has never before held elected office and is angling for a higher political profile and career in Republican politics.

All the pre-debate coverage talked about how important this debate was for Ron DeSantis, and the person who took advantage of the opportunity was Vivek, senior Trump adviser Chris LaCivita said after the debate.

Read more: Trumps Frontrunner Status Is Untouched by GOP Debate He Snubbed

DeSantiss team dismissed the idea that the governor did not have a good debate showing.

The governor demonstrated very clear leadership, he has a vision, US Representative Chip Roy, a DeSantis surrogate, told reporters after the debate. He didnt get caught up in all the drama and noise and all the people who wanted to steal some sort of soundbite.

Polls of early voting states show DeSantis performing better against Ramaswamy. The RealClearPolitics averages of state polls find the biotech entrepreneur in fourth place in Iowa and in fifth place in New Hampshire, where he trails Trump, DeSantis, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and US Senator Tim Scott.

Ramaswamy sought to dominate Wednesdays debate, frequently speaking out of turn, a performance that contributed to him being the No. 1 trending search on Google yesterday.

During the debate, Ramaswamy suggested DeSantis was a super PAC puppet, a reference to a 400-page memo released by a DeSantis super PAC that urged the governor to confont fellow Republicans, including Ramaswamy. DeSantis allies dismissed the memo as unhelpful and the governor said he hadnt read them. Ramaswamy also challenged DeSantis to commit to pardoning Trump if elected and if the former president is convicted in one of the four criminal cases he faces.

But Ramaswamy bore the brunt of attacks on stage, including ferocious barbs from Christie, who called him an amateur similar to former President Barack Obama, and from former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, who said he had no foreign policy experience and it shows.

The attacks from all angles show Vivek is a direct threat to the GOP establishment, said Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for Ramaswamys campaign.

Trump allies do not see Ramaswamy as a longterm threat, though, according to a person familiar. Even if Ramaswamy were to successfully overtake DeSantis, he would still face an uphill climb to catch Trump.

Ramaswamy has been asked repeatedly if he would consider serving as Trumps running mate, but has largely brushed off the idea.

I think he and I share something in common, which is that neither of us make a very good number two, he said in an interview with Bloomberg News earlier this month.

--With assistance from Romy Varghese.

(Updates with Trump Newsmax interview in paragraphs six and seven.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Former President Donald Trump , the Republican presidential primary frontrunner, is currently indicted in four jurisdictions. Being out on bail hasnt stopped him from gaining even more momentum, further expanding his double-digit lead over his Republican primary rivals.

But Trumps command over conservative voters isnt surprising at all. What is interesting and new is that Trumps indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, has led to long-overdue coverage of the horrid state of the Fulton County Jail. Rice Street, as the Fulton County Jail is known locally, is a lockup notorious for its squalid (sometimes deadly) conditions.

Last September, Lashawn Thompson, a 35-year-old suffering from mental illness and jailed on a misdemeanor charge died while locked up there. He was essentially eaten alive by insects and bed bugs, while in custody, in America.

Georgia Cops Arrested Over Savage Jail Beating of Black Man

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An independent autopsy report found that the cause of Thompsons death was complications due to severe neglect, among other factors that included untreated schizophrenia, dehydration, malnutrition, and severe body insect infestationafter being exposed to bed bugs, lice, and other pests for months.

Famed civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump represented Thompsons family in a suit against the county alleging Thompsons death was a combination of jail staff inaction, cruelty, and inhumanity. Thompsons death was ruled a homicide. And Fulton County Commissioners voted unanimously to award Thompsons family $4 million.

In July, the Department of Justice Department announced an investigation into the Fulton County Jail. No doubt the investigation was triggered by the images and the outcry for justice in the wake of Thompsons death, but hes far from the only one who faced that fate.

Ron DeSantis Wants You to Be Scared Senseless About Crime (Dont Be)

Montay Stinson languished in the Fulton County Jail for nearly a year not being able to afford his $3,000 bail. He was found unresponsive and died in his cell earlier this month. Noni Battiste-Kosoko was found dead in her cell this past July. Since January 2022, at least 18 people have died in Fulton County custody, according to the ACLU of Georgia.

Donald Trump will report to this very same jail today. But Trump wont spend a night in the infamous jail. He wont experience the jail conditions that cost Thompson, Stinson, Battiste-Kosoko, and 15 others their lives.

Trump will be fingerprinted, have his height and weight measured, a photo taken, and his $200,000 bail paid with ease. Regardless of the jail conditions at Fulton County, Trump wont experience themBlack, Brown and indigent people will. That is the case of wealth and power in America.

1609570131 Rice Street, as the Fulton County Jail is known locally, is known for its squalid and sometimes deadly conditions. The Washington Post via Getty Images

There is a two-tiered justice system that persists in our city, Christopher Bruce, the Policy Director of the ACLU of Georgia told me. Last year we condemned prosecutors and judges for unnecessarily holding people on low level offenses simply because they are too poor to afford bond. Trump will turn himself in with bond already being set, but time and time again Black people who are charged with RICO have their bond denied and are forced [to] suffer the intolerable conditions at Rice Street indefinitely.

The pretrial cash bail system in America by its design is predatory, an attack on the poor and no one else. Cash bail doesnt protect communities. It dismantles them, taking moms, fathers, and siblings out of the community, out of their homes, away from their jobs, before they have been convicted of any crime.

Democrats Really Need to Win Back Young White Male Voters From the GOP

If they could pay, they could go home. But since so many cannot afford to buy their freedom, jails across the country are dangerously overcrowded. Trump and other wealthy elites can dish out cash without much disruption to their daily lives, but for poor people job loss, housing loss, and family separation create the perfect storm of ruined lives.

The movement to end cash bail took off in the wake of Kalief Browders wrongful incarceration at New York Citys Rikers Island jail, and his subsequent suicide.

Organizations like the ACLU, Pretrial Justice Institute, NAACP, and National Urban League enlisted attorneys, advocates, and community leaders across the country to spotlight the crisis of cash bailand who are the most affected by a system that makes wealth a determining factor for who is eligible to return to home and who isnt.

Georgia Jail Death Attorney Michael Harper speaks at a press conference addressing the results of an independent autopsy determining the cause of death of Lashawn Thompson. Thompson's family and legal team released the results of an autopsy that determined that his death in the psychiatric wing of the Fulton County Jail resulted from neglect. Christina Matacotta/Getty Images

Bipartisan-sponsored pretrial and bail reforms have passed in places like Georgia, New Jersey, and other areas. Most notably, in July, Illinois became the first state to eliminate cash bail as a condition for pretrial release. In a nation that over-incarcerates, upending a system that in effect eliminates the notion of innocent until proven guilty is a must.

To state it plainly, three out of five people in U.S. jails today havent been convicted of anything. That means half a million people are sitting in jails while being legally innocent of crimes theyve been charged with. To add fuel to the fire, according to the Prison Policy Initiative over 40 percent of people in jails and prisons have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

Bruce added, Until there is equal justice, regardless of the race or wealth of a defendant, there cannot be meaningful change to the systemic oppression inherent to the existing criminal legal system.

Ron DeSantis Is Flat-out Wrong About the First Step Act

The evidence is clear, cash bail is not an effective system. Jails disproportionately incarcerate poor people, Black and Brown people, those with mental illness, and the indigent. Low-staffing, lax oversight, and overcrowding are a recipe for disaster in Americas jails, yet Republicans continue to push their tough on crime mantra, fighting against any reforms like ending cash bail.

In an election year with the Republican primary heir apparent Donald Trump facing 91 felony charges, Trump doesnt need to worry about criminal justice reforms. Why would he? Regardless of the jurisdiction hes charged in, as a wealthy and powerful white man, he can avoid being victimized by the types of failures the justice system regularly doles out to people lacking Trumps privilege.

Money talks, and without it in America, innocent until proven guilty is as real as the tooth fairy or the Easter Bunny.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
CHONGQING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two leading cultural heritage institutions in China and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting cooperation on cultural protection, with a particular focus on ancient cave temples.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Friendly Relation and Cooperation was inked this week by China's Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings and Pakistan's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The signing took place at the International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation, held in Dazu District, southwest China's Chongqing.

Dazu is home to Dazu Rock Carvings, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is a region rich in cultural heritage, with over 20 museums and more than 20,000 archaeological sites.

According to the memorandum, the two sides will make out plans for cooperation, build an international cooperation platform for cave temple conservation, and hold international academic seminars in the future.

Jiang Siwei, head of the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, said that the two sides will work together to exchange experience, share technologies, and join hands to promote the development of cultural heritage conservation.

Abdul Samad, director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said that he was glad to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding, which is expected to provide an exchange platform for outstanding archaeologists from both sides.

Samad said that Pakistan and China have in-depth cooperation on politics, economics and energy, and this new step will further enhance the cooperation and exchanges on the cultural heritage conservation. 
Donald Trump has attacked his Republican rivals for their performances at the GOP presidential debate  branding Chris Christie horrible, Asa Hutchinson a joke and Ron DeSantis a BOMB in a string of late-night Truth Social rants.

While he refused to face his rival candidates in person and debate them on stage, Mr Trump was more than happy to hit out at them from behind the comfort of his keyboard.

In a series of Truth Social rants overnight on Wednesday, the former president singled out his biggest rivals for the Republican primary nomination while claiming his pre-recorded interview with Tucker Carlson to be a success with over 100 Million views.

Several of his posts took aim at former New Jersey governor Mr Christie  a man who was once a staunch ally and adviser to Mr Trump before becoming one of his most vocal critics.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Chris Christie was horrible tonight. He was booed at a level never seen before at such a debate. He should have walked off the stage - Nobody wanted to hear from him! DJT, he wrote.

Why is Chris Christie wasting his time. Look at the crowds reaction to him! he wrote in another.

Mr Trump clearly took issue with Mr Christies comments about him at the debate where he said that the Republican party has got to stop normalising Mr Trumps allegedly criminal conduct.

His comments were met with boos from the Mr Trump supporters in the audience.

In another Truth Social post, Mr Trump fired back at Mike Pence after almost all of the GOP candidates reached a consensus that the former vice president did the right thing by refusing Mr Trumps push to try to fraudulently certify the 2020 election in his favour.

I never asked Mike Pence to put me above the Constitution. Who would say such a thing? A FAKE STORY! he wrote in reaction.

On his closest rival in the polls Mr DeSantis  whose performance was largely underwhelming on the debate stage, Mr Trump wrote: DeSanctimonious was a BOMB tonight, especially with his softball interview with Sean Hannity. This guy has totally forgotten his past. Who cares!?!?

In another post, he wrote: Ron DeSanctimonious is always talking about the number of votes he got in Florida. He doesnt say that I got a record 1.1 Million more votes than him. He forgot!!!

Meanwhile, on Asa Hutchinson, Mr Trump wrote: Aida was a joke tonight. Hes over!

Donald Trump at a campaign rally in July (REUTERS/Lindsay DeDario/File Photo)

The one candidate that Mr Trump had positive words for was Vivek Ramaswamy, who had heaped praise on the former president during the debate.

President Trump I believe was the best president of the 21st century, the conspiracy theorist exclaimed on Wednesday night.

Mr Trump appeared to be happy with these comments, posting a clip of the moment on Truth Social and writing: This answer gave Vivek Ramaswamy a big WIN in the debate because of a thing called TRUTH. Thank you Vivek!

Mr Trumps running commentary narrative about his rivals debate performances comes after he turned down the chance to make the comments to their faces as he refused to take part in the debate.

Instead he chose to air a rival  though pre-recorded  interview that he had given to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, claiming he didnt need to attend the debate because he is already leading in the polls.

The rival events came just hours before Mr Trump is expected to surrender to authorities in Georgia to be arrested on charges of attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election in the state.

The former president announced that he will turn himself in at Fulton County Jail on Thursday where he is expected to have his mugshot taken  a historic moment marking the first time that a current or former president has ever appeared in a booking photo. Bond has been set for Mr Trump at $200,000.

Sources told The Guardian that he has arranged for his arrest to take place during primetime so that he can maximise on the nations attention.

Several of Mr Trumps 18 codefendants in the case  including former Mr Trump attorneys Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell  have already surrendered with their humiliating mugshots being released.

Participants on stage at the first Republican Presidential primary debate at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 23, 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

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.

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, (via REUTERS)

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.
Donald Trump branded his Republican rival and former associate Chris Christie a savage maniac and a lunatic in a brutal attack in his Tucker Carlson interview.

The former president immediately went on the front foot to diminish his 2024 GOP competitors singling out the former governor of New Jersey for fierce criticism.

A guy left with an eight per cent approval in New Jersey, think about it, and now he is running for president and he runs solely on the basis of oh, lets get Trump, scoffed Mr Trump.

Hes like a savage maniac, hes like a lunatic. And thats all he talks about. His poll numbers are very, very low, about two per cent.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The four-times indicted former president, who will hand himself in for arrest on the Georgia election interference case tomorrow, was then asked by Carlson what Mr Christie was like.

Ive been friendly with him over the years but I couldnt give him a job, because I just never trusted him very much. I was just never one of his people who really trusted him. I never gave him the job. And thats one of the reasons he feels so hurt and so betrayed.

And I understand that. I really do, I understand that. I never gave him, you know he wanted to be different things, he was looking at different elements of the administration and we decided, I decided, we just didnt want to do it. And now Im glad I did. 

Mr Trump went on to call his former Attorney General Bill Barr terrible and branded him one of the Bushies.

I say that with respect to the Bush family, but they were Bushies and it just doesnt work out for us.
Donald Trump called Mike Pence a human conveyor belt for not going through with his 2020 election conspiracy theory to help keep him in the White House despite his defeat by Joe Biden.

The former president repeated his theory, which has been repeatedly denied by his former vice president, that Mr Pence had the right to investigate election fraud in states that he lost.

Judges in courts across the country have thrown out all of Mr Trumps claims of election fraud and constitutional experts have denied his claims about Mr Pences power to refuse to certify the election.

In my opinion, Mike Pence had the absolute right to send the votes back to the legislatures. The Democrats and everybody said you dont have the right. In other words, what I said was What is he a human conveyor belt? he said during his Wednesday night interview with Tucker Carlson.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You mean if he finds fraud in Pennsylvania, in Georgia, in any of these states, Arizona, he has to send them to Mitch McConnell right? Thats right sir. Well if he finds fraud he has to Yes sir. I said So hes a conveyor belt. I said I dont agree with that.

Carlson asked Mr Trump if he had spoken to Mr Pence recently.

No I have not spoken to him in a long time, he said. I was very disappointed.

And he added: I think he got very bad advice, I really do. 

Mr Trump went on to claim that it did not matter who won the 2024 presidential nomination as the Democrats would go after them to prevent a right-wing victory.

He sat for a 46-minute interview with Carlson that ran on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to run up against the first GOP 2024 debate, which Mr Trump refused to take part in.

It aired the night before Mr Trumpo will hand himself in and be formally arrested in Fulton County on the Georgia election subversion case.
In a back-and-forth during the first 2024 GOP presidential debate between candidates Vivek Ramaswamy and Chris Christie, the latter brought up previous comments from former President Trump stating he wanted to terminate portions of the Constitution to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

A Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution, Trump wrote in a Truth Social post in December 2022.

Trump later responded to backlash against the comments, which were related to Xs, the platform formerly known as Twitter, role in suppressing a story about Hunter Biden. The former president alleged his words were twisted by others.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Fake News is actually trying to convince the American People that I said I wanted to terminate the Constitution. This is simply more DISINFORMATION & LIES, just like RUSSIA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA, and all of their other HOAXES & SCAMS, Trump wrote in another Truth Social post, saying he meant that steps must be immediately taken to RIGHT THE WRONG.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has proposed an astonishingly quick start to the trial for Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants in Georgia, according to a Thursday court filing.

After co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro demanded on Wednesday that he get a speedy trial, Willis appears to have called his bluff, saying shed be more than happy to put all 19 defendants on trial starting on Oct. 23, 2023just eight weeks away.

It was bound to happen. Trump starts to ditch his co-conspirators.



Trump to Chesebro, See you, sucker!



 NEW: MSNBC is reporting that Trump doesnt want to be part of Chesebros speedy trial demand and his new lawyer, Steven Sadow, just filed a motion to sever ties after pic.twitter.com/NAYkyROrxN  Christopher Webb (@cwebbonline) August 24, 2023

Its a big move from the March 2024 date she initially proposed, which still appeared to be wildly optimistic given the vast number of defendants involved.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Donald Trump was quick to voice his opposition to the proposal, filing a motion on Thursday afternoon to sever his case with Chesebros, and any other co-defendant who files such a demand.

Willis referenced Chesebros motion specifically in her Thursday filing proposing an October trial. Without waiting on any objection as to the sufficiency of Defendants Kenneth John Chesebros filing, the State request that this Court specially set the trial in this case to commence on October 23, 2023, which falls within the term of the next succeeding regular court term after the July-August 2023 term, her motion read.

With the ambitious start date, Chesebro would be arraigned in less than two weeks, according to a scheduling order from Fulton Judge Scott McAfee. The order would only apply to Chesebro, but would see his arraignment happen on Sept. 6 and put his discovery due by Sept. 20.

Chesebros request for a speedy trial was the legal equivalent of throwing a bomb into the proceedings and gambling that Willis wasnt ready, Tamar Hallerman, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter covering the Fulton County proceedings, wrote on Twitter.

Just in: DA Willis responding to Ken Chesebro's speedy trial demand. Calling for the trial for all 19 Fulton defendants to begin on Oct. 23, 2023 pic.twitter.com/OkOSCpXxYG  Tamar Hallerman (@TamarHallerman) August 24, 2023

Indeed, legal experts called it a risky gamble that appears to have backfired after Willis showed her readiness to push ahead with a speedy trial.

The request could also leave Chesebro by himself. With Trump and most other co-defendants looking to slow things down, his push for speed puts Willis intention to try all 19 defendants together in question.

Kenneth Chesebros asking for early trial date may undercut Trump and others claiming they need a super long time to prepare for trial, tweeted Ryan Goodman, former special counsel of the Department of Defense.

Joyce Vance, former U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, expressed a similar view.

Chesebro thought he was calling Willis bluff on her readiness to go to trial, she tweeted. He was not. Willis is not here to play.

A commenter on Vances tweet asked her how feasible it would be to try 19 defendants in just two months time.

She would not have asked for the date if she wasnt ready, Vance responded.

Trump and his 18 co-defendants are accused of a litany of charges related to the alleged plot to overturn the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Longtime White House correspondent Brian Karem writes a weekly column for Salon.

At the end of the day, the Donald said it was all about him, and he wasn't wrong.

But he still isn't happy. The world will go on without Donald Trump.

The cast of eight also-rans engaged in the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee Wednesday night cast a slim, pale shadow across the stage compared to the no-show former President Donald Trump  even as they backed his vice president, Mike Pence, for honoring his oath of office and refusing to tip the election to Donald Trump. "He asked me to put him ahead of the Constitution," Pence said. And he wouldn't do it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

How do you "boo" that? Some did.

Still, Nikki Haley said the GOP cannot win with Trump as a candidate. "He's the most disliked politician in America," she said. That didn't stop most of the candidates who said they'd support Trump if he was the candidate.

It was all about the dark times in America. Ron DeSantis said only he can get it done. Vivek Ramaswamy said it wasn't "Morning in America" and we're in dark times. Of course, he wants to hand Ukraine over to Russia, and Haley ate him up for that. Pence just wanted to get a government as good as the people, while Doug Burgum wants us to embrace small-town America. They all sounded small town.

But give them a break. After all, they haven't been charged in four different jurisdictions on 91 felony charges. Trump has an edge over his nearest GOP competitors. He's the leader of a cult. And, with the weight of the world resting on his slight, demure shoulders, placed there by his own ineptitude, Donald Trump still commands fealty from millions who, according to a recent poll, say they trust him before they trust their own family.

People say they don't understand this cult-like mentality, but I've seen it before. I saw it with the Branch Davidians outside of Waco, Texas, in Mount Carmel. Trump is just another David Koresh. He found people in the dark, lonely and in the minority for their extremist views. They felt shunned. Trump took them, embraced them, showered them in a false light of attention, and made them feel important as he showed them they weren't alone. They found each other, and Trump took them for their money and souls to pursue his narcissistic agenda while making them feel best about their darkest nature.

What does the average die-hard Trump fan gain by their devotion? A false sense of righteousness. Trump hears them. Trump understands them. The mistake the cult makes is believing Trump cares anything about them.

The question is how did we get here? As a suburban kid in the '70s I related as much to "Good Times" as I did "One Day at a Time." Now our divisions seem too extreme, and our politicians, praying upon the differences, feed into and benefit from our fears and prejudices.

"They're not coming after me, they're coming after you," is heard far more often than, "We must always consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill  the eyes of all people are upon us."

Donald Trump certainly knows the eyes of all people are upon him. Well, he at least clings to that belief with a fevered tenacity. He wants the eyes on him. So even though he didn't show up at the debate, and his campaign was banned from being in the Spin Room after the fact, he sent his surrogates out to preach his gospel on the same television news shows he often accuses of being "fake news."

What we got on CBS and other networks was Trump's propaganda minister Jason Miller who proceeded to insult President Biden and Trump's GOP competitors while simultaneously praising Donald Trump as the savior of humanity. You know, a regular Wednesday night in Trumpland. Miller couldn't act like an adult, and CBS anchor Major Garrett finally admonished Miller after he accused President Biden of only being awake four hours a day.

Meanwhile, after Wednesday night it is apparent that Donald Trump is in danger of losing control of the GOP he largely built. The eight also-rans mimicked Trump on a variety of issues and sounded more sane than Trump doing so.

That is until the candidates were asked specifically about Trump. Chris Christie, as expected, went after Trump. "Someone has got to stop normalizing this conduct," he said. "The conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States."

Either way, the Donald's grift remains the same. "President Trump has already won this evening's debate because everything is going to be about him," Trump Campaign Senior Advisor Chris LaCivita said. "In fact, tonight's Republican undercard event really shouldn't even be called a debate, but rather an audition to be a part of President Trump's team in his second term."

Former GOP presidential candidate Joe Walsh agreed with Trump. "Debate? What debate?" he posted on X, formerly Twitter. "We all know who the nominee is going to be. Everybody up on that stage tonight knows who the nominee is going to be. Everybody up on that stage tonight surrendered to him. Long ago. Sure, privately they all hope for a jail cell or a heart attack for him. But up on that stage tonight they'll praise him, bow to him, & defend him. Because they know he's the cult leader. And they fear the cult. And they know, barring a jail cell or a heart attack, he's the nominee."

For his part, Trump may see himself as a modern-day Winston Churchill, if he only knew who that was and how he might take some of Churchill's money. "For my part, I consider that it will be found much better by all parties to leave the past to history, especially as I propose to write that history myself," Churchill said.

Trump's mental wet dream includes tailoring the past, present and future to suit his every monetary, legislative, judicial and other personal want or need. Since he doesn't have the stature of Churchill and would struggle in a tic-tac-toe game with a grade-schooler (and that's giving him the benefit of the doubt) Donald Trump certainly has no more a chance of writing his own history than Churchill had. Churchill failed to do it. Trump can expect far less.

However, Trump also believes that the only thing worse than being mentioned with menace is not being mentioned at all. That's probably what bothered him most about Wednesday night. He wanted to own his competition in person. The fact is Donald Trump is singularly adept at securing every bit of negative public relations available and converting it to fuel with which to run for office. He wouldn't care what was said about him, as long as something was said about him.

Anyone who covered Trump for four years in the White House knew five minutes after getting there that was Trump's MO. Still, we seemed too slow to understand this as we have been giving Trump the oxygen he wants for years now by talking about him and feeding his media addiction.

Like the gathering crowd around a craps table when the degenerate gambler is on a roll, we've been there watching Donny, partly in revulsion and partly in awe.

And that underscores a reality that the Republicans cannot confront. Donald Trump has given safe haven to the crazies and most extreme of Americans. He's found millions of them who have found safety in numbers, who've constructed a tyranny of the minority and will support Trump come hell or high water.

In the end, they may mean nothing. That is their fear. That is why they rage at the dying of the Trump light.

Donald Trump is headed for a reckoning. As much as he wants to scream in the court of public opinion like the other eight candidates, as much as he could dominate them, and as much as he did dominate the narrative even though he wasn't there, Donald Trump cannot outrun this reckoning in a court of law. He is facing a world of hurt, and Wednesday night was the first of many likely no-shows by the leading candidate  and that absence can only make the heartfelt grow fondless and can only help others find an audience.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Wednesday night proved that though most of the candidates  especially DeSantis  have the appeal of day-old roadkill, someone on that stage could fill Trump's clown shoes, and ultimately someone will.

Though many still drink the Donald Trump Kool-Aid, the pitcher is running dry. The Republicans had a spirited debate Wednesday night and Trump's no-show only hurt him; the debate underscored Donald Trump's fading appeal. He may still be the front-runner, and Joe Walsh may be right, but I do not think so.

Because of his tremendous legal problems, Trump is a compromised candidate who cannot dare show up much in public for fear of shooting off his mouth and risking further self-incrimination. He wasn't in the public eye Wednesday and we all know how much that kills him.

He knows every minute you're not in front of the camera, you risk becoming irrelevant. People learn to forget you.

That has to hurt Donald Trump as much as the possibility of facing at least the next five years of his life in prison.

Read more

about Donald Trump's campaign
Donald Trump continues to be at the center of America's political universe. His gravity and pull are that powerful.

Later today, Trump, the twice impeached four-time indicted ex-president traitor who attempted a coup on Jan. 6 and who is facing hundreds of years in prison for his political crime spree will surrender to law enforcement authorities in Fulton County, Georgia. Last night, Trump participated in an "interview" with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, where he was allowed an unrestricted platform to lie, spread other misinformation and distortions, and attack his "enemies" and other imagined foes.

The Republican Party's first 2024 presidential primary debate also aired last night. Trump was not there but his presence hung over the event.

In all, this week has been a spectacle of the worst sort. At CNN, Stephen Collinson accurately described it as, "No other GOP leader could confidently snub a prime-time television debate and turn his no-show into an argument for his inevitability. But Trump  as with his attempt to use criminal indictments to advance a political career that has always prospered amid perceptions that he's being unfairly treated  is changing all the rules of campaigning once again."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The American news media, political class, and general public will do their best (and will largely fail) to navigate these "historic" events with the goal of finding some sense of balance, normalcy, and clarity in unprecedented times. Unfortunately, it is those same bad habits and norms that helped to create the disaster that is the Age of Trump and ascendant American neofascism in the first place.

So, in an attempt to make sense of what comes next in this truly historic and unprecedented moment with Donald Trump and his criminal indictment(s) in Georgia, wishcasting and other forms of denial by the news media and political elites about the true depth of the country's democracy crisis, and what potentially comes next, I recently asked a range of experts for their thoughts and insights.

The interviews have been lightly edited for clarity:

Gregg Barak is an emeritus professor of criminology and criminal justice at Eastern Michigan University and author of "Criminology on Trump."

As Trump is about to be booked in Atlanta, Georgia for orchestrating a criminal enterprise that spanned seven battleground states and involved at least 50 indictable people, and as the GOP is holding its first presidential debate in Milwaukee  whether Trump is present or not. I am feeling very optimistic about the looming legal and political demise of the former president who currently faces 91 criminal charges. I am also feeling optimistic about the likelihood of Boss Trump taking down the GOP with him in 2024 unless the party abandons him starting Wednesday night which seems unlikely even though his poll numbers after the fourth criminal indictment are now plummeting with the general electorate. Meanwhile, while his legal fees have become astronomical  $40 million and counting  his fundraising has been declining since its peak after his first criminal indictment in Manhattan on April 4.

The danger of Trump taking the other Republican candidates and the Republicans off the proverbial cliff with him has to do with how overly invested they are in Trump's lawlessness and corruption. In short, the Republicans and the GOP have become trapped by their endorsing the Big Lie, by their habitual shielding of Trump from the indefensible, and by their kowtowing to the MAGA base.

This Trumpian dilemma coupled with the former Racketeer-in-Chief's anti-democratic and authoritarian agenda will certainly be a losing formula up and down the ballots across America, the same as they were in the 2022 midterms only it will be much worse in 2024. Think of landslide elections like Barry Goldwater losing to President Lyndon Johnson in 1964 or President Jimmy Carter's loss to the former governor of California Ronald Reagan in 1980.

I am looking forward to each of these criminal trials especially because they are "slam dunks" for the prosecution regardless of what Trump or his attorneys and supporters have been saying up to now. Reality check: There are simply no legal defenses for Trump's criminal behavior other than trying to procedurally dissolve these cases by denying that they were crimes in the first place or to simply make motion after motion in the hopes of delaying these trials from beginning for as long as possible.

With respect to the January 6 and Georgia election fraud and conspiracy cases, neither one has anything to do with free speech or with the weaponization of the Justice Department (DOJ) by either President Joe Biden or Attorn ey General Merrick Garland. While both of these political talking points may continue to thrive in the Trumpian alternative universe, I believe that their powers of persuasion are already starting to fade or decline as a byproduct of the powerful RICO indictments in Georgia. No matter though, these arguments may have had or have value in the court of public opinion, they will have no value whatsoever in the federal or state criminal courts of law where Trump should ultimately be tried will also be convicted.

I am especially looking forward to these trials as they converge with Trump's campaigns during the GOP primaries like Super Tuesday in March and in the runup to the general election as well. Although Trump could probably stop campaigning altogether and still win the GOP nomination he won't have to. Instead of taking to the expensive campaign trail week after week, he will simply transfer what passes for political campaigning, or more accurately, his staged and unhinged tirades of doom, gloom, and bada-bing bada-boom to the courthouse steps each and every day of those first two federal criminal trials that will probably not be televised.

I am looking most forward to the RICO trial and to Trump's Court TV reality show because it will be televised, and its star defendant Donald Trump won't say one word because he will never take the stand. More importantly, the trial of Trump's criminal enterprise will be a most illuminating and entertaining criminal trial. If it materializes, this trial will captivate viewers and audiences like never before and that includes the 9-month-long criminal trial of OJ. Simpson. Watched literally by the whole world, this fairly complex yet easily understood criminal trial will witness the prosecution methodologically taking us through those 161 acts that furthered the conspiracy of their criminal enterprise. When Trump leaves the Fulton County criminal trial daily for perhaps as long as nine months he will uncharacteristically no longer be talking about his innocence or his persecution. Instead, with his tail tucked firmly between his legs Trump will be demonstrating that he is quite capable of keeping his gaslighting mouth shut when it better serves his interests or when his talking will only make a fool of himself even to his sycophantic MAGA base.

Regardless of the facts or the law, people often interpret events like January 6 as they want to see them as opposed to how they actually were. So, while I agree that there are a lot of Republicans, and many more Democrats, as well as people in the news media, the political class, and so on who want to turn the page on Trump, I think it is important to ascertain the different reasons or motives as to why they want to move on.

In the case of Republicans who want to move on from Trump, most of these folks like the other candidates running for the GOP presidential nomination who don't have a chance of defeating Trump for the nomination want to do so only because they know Trump will be defeated once again and that he has become a terrible election liability for the party. In other words, their distancing themselves from Trump has nothing to do with Trump's ideology of authoritarianism or his assault on democracy and the rule of law.

With respect to the right-wing political class and Fox News or Newsmax, they fully understand the big picture and what is at stake in the 2024 election but that so far has been okay with them. On the other hand, the true-believing MAGA folks for the most part are rather clueless about politics, crime, and the administration of justice. As for most of the other Republicans at large with the exception of the Never Trumpers, these folks are either deeply confused or they have simply drank the "Kool Aid" or succumbed to Trumpian disinformation, gaslighting, and/or propagandistic brainwashing.

Donald Sherman serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Counsel of the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).

Nobody goes into government ethics work unless they trend towards optimism, but this is an especially important and optimistic time. After more than seven years of egregious and unprecedented ethics abuses in the campaign, in government, and in his post-presidency, Donald Trump is finally facing real accountability that can't be undermined by his sycophants in Congress and other parts of the government.

The only way that our nation can move forward and repair our democracy in the wake of the January 6 insurrection is for there to be accountability. More than 1,000 participants in the mob have been charged by DOJ for their role in the insurrection, and now Donald Trump is finally facing charges. The complex and damning indictment brought in Georgia by Fani Willis, the district attorney in Fulton County, makes clear that you can't reach into states to try to overturn their election. With the Georgia grand jury's indictment of Trump, we also have the potential for a conviction that can't be pardoned by Trump, or some other Republican president. Not even Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, can pardon Trump under Georgia law. Several elements of the Georgia indictment are especially important for accountability including that being charged with his co-conspirators increases the likelihood of cooperation and that if this matter eventually goes to trial, there are likely to be cameras in the courtroom.

These cases also strengthen the public case made by CREW, and scholars across the ideological spectrum that Trump is legally disqualified from serving in office under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Last year, CREW brought and won the first successful case in more than 150 years to remove an official from office for violating the Disqualification Clause  which bars a state or federal officer who takes an oath to defend the Constitution from engaging in insurrection or rebellion against the United States. Although a criminal conviction of any kind is not necessary to enforce Section 3 of the 14th Amendment against Trump, it certainly bolsters the public and legal case for his disqualification. As conservative academics William Baude and Michael Pauslen wrote: "On the basis of the public record, former President Donald J. Trump is constitutionally disqualified from again being President (or holding any other covered office) because of his role in the attempted overthrow of the 2020 election and the events leading to the January 6 attack."

A lot of the pundit class went from claiming that Donald Trump was an "existential threat" to our democracy to writing him off or telling us to move on. Funnily enough, we saw similar rhetoric in 2016 as well. CREW is a non-partisan organization, so Trump's electoral prospects are inconsequential to the need for accountability, but it is important to note that the last time that Trump was on a ballot, he was rejected by the voters and responded by inciting a violent insurrection to overturn our election and steal the presidency from the American people. The Constitution makes clear that insurrectionists like Trump should not and do not get a second chance to violate their oaths. I understand that people are exhausted by Trump and want to reject him at the ballot box. However, his actions make him ineligible to be on the ballot in the first place. Just like the American public can't elect George W. Bush or Barack Obama in 2024 because of the 22nd Amendment, Trump is also ineligible to serve as president pursuant to the Constitution.

Existential threats don't disappear in a single election cycle. If the Constitution is not enforced against Donald Trump and other insurrectionists, then our democracy will remain at risk of this kind of attack for the foreseeable future. Section 3 of the 14th Amendment was built precisely for this moment in history, and that's what is at stake. If our country finds itself in a similar place, 50 or 100 years from now, there will need to be a public record of accountability and legal precedent addressing Trump's egregious conduct. The multiple indictments filed over the summer are a great start. Litigation CREW plans to bring to enforce the Disqualification Clause against Trump is another necessary step. Thankfully the drafters of the 14th Amendment had the foresight to ratify this tool for a future insurrection that they could not entirely predict. We cannot afford to leave any tools of accountability on the table, lest we expose ourselves to an even greater threat to democracy than Trump.

Brynn Tannehill is a journalist and author of "American Fascism: How the GOP is Subverting Democracy."

This is every 20th Century historian's worst nightmare come to life. Demagogue unsuccessfully tries to overthrow the government, goes to jail for it, and then goes on to be elected supreme leader on the backs of promises to eradicate communists, degenerates, and his political enemies while restoring power to the herrenvolk.

The worst part is, the polls say things are tied, they have consistently underestimated his strength in elections, and the electoral college gives him a 3.5-4 point advantage (i.e. Biden needs to win the popular vote by 3.5-4 points to have a 50-50 shot of winning the Electoral College). It's bad for most people with a sense of history, and even worse for me, since I'm considered to be one of the people who need to be eradicated according to the conservative Project 2025 "Mandate for Leadership", which is effectively the GOP playbook for ending democracy and civil rights in the US. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

There are a lot of people who are saying "Trump can't win," when fundamentally, NOTHING has changed since 2016 or 2020, except that President Biden has gotten less popular. The indictments don't move the needle much. The vast majority of Republicans will still vote for him no matter what. It even feeds into the persecution and lost cause narratives popular with his white evangelical base. If you look at conservative media, they're speculating that it might make him more popular and help "Get Out the Vote" (GOTV) by the base. The sad part is, they might be right: it's a plausible theory. Independents are swinging a little away from Trump, but they're not happy with Biden either. If they sit out the election, and Democrats don't bother voting the way they did in 2016, we're very much headed for a repeat there.

I think that only the people who are deep down in the weeds, who have read things like the Mandate for Leadership understand the hellscape that awaits us if Trump is elected again. This is going to be orders of magnitude worse than his first term, especially with a fully weaponized Department of Justice and federal bureaucracy via Schedule F.

Rich Logis, a former member of the Republican Party and right-wing pundit, is the founder of Perfect Our Union, an organization dedicated to healing political traumatization, building diverse pro-democracy alliances and perfecting our union.

Trump is in the final stage of cult leadership: martyrdom.

He hasn't been defrauded and persecuted, he tells his supportersYOU have been cheated and persecuted. This leitmotif has been present since 2015, but Trump has significantly ramped up the rhetoric, recently. Some of his primary opponents are now mustering up faux courage, saying that, yes, Trump did lose; these opponents have always believed Trump lost, however, and I will continue to posit that candidates such as Pence, Scott and DeSantis are angling for the nomination via a brokered convention. They, and those running the GOP, know that every indictment strengthens Trump's standing amongst those who matter most to Republican candidates: their primary voters, who are, overwhelmingly, MAGA devotees.

Even having said all this, however, the lower the voter turnout next year, the more likely it could result in a Trump/MAGA victory. The time to begin emphasizing the importance of registering to vote, and turnout, is now. We must leave nothing to chance: Voters of differing political beliefs must form unlikely, but necessary, alliances, to ensure that Republicans suffer electoral losses, next year, up and down the ballot; such alliances have been formed many times in our history, and our current epochone in which threats to democracy and democratic institutions are real and prevalentdemands another such alliance.

Right on cue, after yet another Trump indictment, America's national centrist and center-left press continued rolling out their achingly yearning op-eds and columns wishing, hoping, and praying for a Republican to save the GOP. At this point, I've accepted that the press will remain in its well-meaning, but delusional, enchantment of making the GOP great again; it is now self-parody. If our national press devoted less time to a seemingly mythological Republican savior who will never come, and more to highlighting those who left behind the politically traumatic world of MAGA/Trump, I suspect they'd be more bearish on the prospects of repairing the irreparable GOP. I just wish our media recognized that; but, since they don't, the onus falls on we the people to disabuse Americans, of all political beliefs, that the GOP will finally move on from Trump.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Some cautious optimism: Yes, the GOP is irredeemable. But just as I had my own Road to Damascus epiphany, renouncing my support for MAGA/Trump, let's pay close attention to those in our lives who remain in the thrall of MAGA abuse and trauma; I anticipate that some may start to doubt their allegiance to Trump. There is, very much, an abuser/abused dynamic with MAGA supporters and Trump. Those who might question their past political choices and votes need to see and hear the stories of those who severed from MAGA; the regretful, understandably, will be ambivalent about publicizing the errors of their ways. They will have fewer qualms, though, if they see living examples of former MAGA/Trump/DeSantis/GOP voters.

MAGA voters are undeserving of being dehumanized, and had some valid motivations for supporting Trump, even though, yes, Trump exploited those concerns and fears. We must, as a nation, build a broad consensus that electing Trump was one of the most egregious mistakes in our history. Admitting when we're wrong is an unnatural act, but it is possibleand liberating. When I look back at my MAGA time, I remain stunned at the level of political trauma I put upon myself; my hope is that others will begin to recognize their own trauma, which has been, to some extent, self-inflicted.

Joe Walsh was a Republican congressman and a leading Tea Party conservative. He is now a prominent conservative voice against Donald Trump and the host of the podcast "White Flag with Joe Walsh."

I'll be blunt. The vast majority of Americans have no clue where this country is at right now. Way too many in the media, commentary, and political world cling to this notion that this is just kind of an extreme political time, that it's a game that's gotten a little crazy, but that we're still playing in the general boundaries of normal society and politics. Bull**it!

This country is on the precipice of sustained violence we haven't seen in 150-160 years, we are on the verge of complete institutional breakdown, we're on a path that, if continued, will lead to democracy's end here.

I have a different perspective than virtually everyone in the political commentariat. I come from the populist Republican Party base, I left that base, and I still engage with that base every day. That base is the animating force of one of our two major political parties. Trump radicalized that base. By radicalized, I mean - they no longer believe in basic truths, they've given up on democracy, they eagerly embrace authoritarianism, and they don't want to simply defeat their political opponents, they want their political opponents destroyed & killed.

This is the stuff I hear from them. Every day for the past 5-6 years. How are we doing? I just described the status of one of our two major political parties. It's now fully anti-democracy. This isn't tenable.

So, with all that as context, where are we with Trump? How am I feeling? As concerned and frightened as ever. The media treats this like some game. I was actually on CNN a couple of weeks ago and two reporters on the panel with me talked about the GOP race for president as if it was actually some kind of contest. Still a contest? Bull**it. It never was. The guy leading the anti-democracy cult was always going to be the nominee. It's no contest. Barring death or a jail cell, Trump will be the nominee, and he has a better than 50/50 shot at getting elected. You heard me right. Assuming Trump is the nominee, he'd be the odds-on favorite against Biden. I know everyone says he can never win a general election. Again, bull**it! Large swaths of independents are privately dying for an excuse to vote for him again. An underappreciated segment of Americans wants that entertaining buffoon in the White House. They'll never say that publicly.

Trump has moved beyond cult leader. He's a full-on martyr with his base. I hear it every day. Each new indictment has strengthened his support among "non MAGA" Republicans & conservatives who've told me it really seems like they're piling on him now and he's being unfairly targeted by the justice system. That's a powerful narrative.

The chatter about violence that I hear now is greater than what I heard before January 6th. We're in for 14-15 months of danger this country just doesn't understand. And danger the media refuses to discuss.

So yes, I'm feeling pretty damned despondent. And angry. We're only a few years into this storm and so many people still don't understand the gravity of the approaching storm. We've entered a revolutionary period in America. A revolution that will determine whether this great democracy stays united or not. And having most of the country in denial about where we are scares me even more.

Read more

about Trump's and America's trials
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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
Former President Trump took a shot at Fox News host Sean Hannity for what he called a softball interview with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis , his top Republican rival, after Wednesday nights primary debate.

DeSanctimonious was a BOMB tonight, especially with his softball interview with Sean Hannity, Trump wrote on his Truth Social website early Thursday. This guy has totally forgotten his past. Who cares!?!?

The former president was referencing a short interview DeSantis granted from the spin room in Milwaukee. Hannity hosted interviews with a number of other GOP candidates, as well.

Hannity, one of Foxs top rated hosts for years, is a personal friend of Trump who has served as one of his biggest boosters in media.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Trump, the races front-runner, has ridiculed Fox for months over its coverage of DeSantis and cited his hostile relationship with the network as one of the reasons he decided not to participate in Wednesday nights debate, which was hosted by the network.

Trump instead sat for an interview this week Tucker Carlson, a former Fox host who was pulled off the air in April.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Trump lashed out at a number of his favorite targets Wednesday night during an interview with ex-Fox News host Tucker Carlson meant to compete with the first GOP presidential debate that the 2024 GOP front-runner skipped.

Trump criticized Fox News, the network televising the debate, rival candidate Chris Christie and his former Attorney General Bill Barr during the 46-minute interview that was pre-taped at Trumps Bedminster, N.J., property. Here are some of the highlights.

Trump tells Carlson he should not have been fired by Fox

The former president blasted Fox for taking Carlson off the air in April, saying it was a mistake by the network to oust its at the time top-rated host.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I think it was a terrible move getting rid of you, Trump told the former host. Youre No. 1 on television and all of a sudden were doing this interview, but well get bigger ratings doing this crazy forum that youre using than probably the debate.

Since being fired by Fox, Carlson, who remains under contract with the network, has started a new version of his popular prime-time show on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

Trump has ridiculed Fox for weeks over its coverage of him and complained to the networks senior leadership about the firing of Carlson, which came just days after the network agreed to pay $787 million in settlement money to Dominion Voting Systems in connection with false claims aired on Fox about voter fraud being pushed by the former president and his allies.

Trump blasts Christie as savage maniac

Trump wasted little time going after one of his Republican primary rivals, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R), whose 2024 campaign has largely focused on attacking the former president as unfit to serve another term.

He runs solely on the basis of Lets get Trump, the former president said. Hes like a savage maniac. Hes like a lunatic. And thats all he talks about. His poll numbers are very, very low.

Christie was among the first major figures to endorse Trump in the 2016 primary after dropping out himself, and he was considered for White House chief of staff and advised Trump on debate prep in 2020.

Christie had relentlessly attacked Trump as a coward for skipping Wednesdays debate.

But Trump said while the two were friendly over the years, he thinks Christie likely feels betrayed because he didnt get an administration job.

Trump attacks Barr after Tucker raises Epstein report

The former Fox News host brought up former Attorney General William Barr in unusual fashion, raising a report he wrote about the death of Jeffrey Epstein in prison.

Carlson questioned why Barr wrote in his biography that Epstein likely killed himself, a nod to conspiracy theories that Epstein was killed in prison.

Trump said he did not know, but he quickly pivoted to attacking his former attorney general over his refusal to indulge Trumps claims of election fraud in 2020.

Bill Barr didnt do an investigation on the election fraud either. He said he did and he pretended he did, Trump said, claiming Barr was petrified of being impeached by the House, which at the time was controlled by Democrats.

Carlson asks Trump if he thinks someone is plotting to kill him

Carlson, about 20 minutes into the conversation, asked Trump if he fears for his safety based on the criminal investigations he faces and criticism he takes from Democrats and media figures.

It started with protests against you  and then it moved to impeachment twice and now indictment, Carlson said. I mean the next stage is violence. Are you worried that theyre going to try and kill you? Why wouldnt they try and kill you? Honestly.

I think the people of our country dont get enough credit for how smart they are, Trump said, before calling the criminal indictments he faces bullshit.

Trump has been indicted four times in connection with his personal business dealings, handling of classified documents and efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Trump on Jan. 6 and political violence

Carlson asked Trump if he felt the country was moving toward civil war, which prompted the former president to invoke Jan. 6, when rioters stormed the Capitol to try and halt the certification of the 2020 election results.

Theres tremendous passion and theres tremendous love. You know, Jan. 6 was a very interesting day because they dont report it properly. I believe it was the largest crowd Ive ever spoken before, Trump said.

Trump said a very small group went down to the Capitol, but argued there was love and unity in the crowd.

I have never seen such spirit, and such passion, and such love, and Ive also never seen, simultaneously and from the same people, such hatred of what theyve done to our country, Trump said.

Asked if hes worried the country is headed toward open conflict, Trump said there is a level of passion and hatred Ive never seen. And thats probably a bad combination.

Trump questions Bidens competence

Trump is on a collision course for a rematch with President Biden in 2024, and the former president took repeated shots at Bidens competence and mental sharpness.

I think he is the most corrupt president weve ever had, and he also has the distinction of being the most incompetent, Trump said, calling Biden a Manchurian candidate.

Trump mocked Bidens recent vacations to Rehoboth Beach, Del., where the president was photographed on the beach with his family.

They love pictures of him on the beach. I think he looks terrible on the beach, Trump said.

The former president suggested if Biden is not the Democratic nominee in 2024, it would be a free for all among prominent Democrats to win the partys nomination, suggesting Vice President Kamala Harris is not equipped for the top job.

But asked if he has a preference for a potential opponent should he win the Republican nomination, Trump said he hoped for a rematch of the man who defeated him in 2020.

In many ways Id love to run against him because his record is so bad, Trump said. Its still horrible when you look at inflation and everything else.

Updated 10:25 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Video: "It's very tragic. It's gonna take a long time to rebuild." Blaming a lagging emergency warning system, Maui wildfire survivors see a long road ahead for the rebuilding. (Xinhua)

FEMA announced it is offering a one-time payment of 700 U.S. dollars per household to help assist survivors with essentials, including clothing, food, and transportation. But Erlinda Ramelb said it is far from enough.

by Tan Jingjing, Gao Shan, Hazel Reyes

MAUI, Hawaii, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Just three minutes' drive from the historic seaside town of Lahaina, which was swallowed by wildfires on Aug. 8, an unofficial hub was set up in the garage of Alex Freeman's house, offering food and necessities to people in need.

Those who escaped the deadly flames are flocking here to drop off relief supplies. Those who lost everything in the fires are coming here to pick them up.

"We just feel like this is the best use of our time right now in doing this for the community. This is my home," Freeman told Xinhua.

Freeman and his family were busy coordinating donations and handing out supplies, keeping this grassroots operation going since the catastrophe happened.

The supplies range from water, canned food, diapers, paper towels, hygiene products, dog and cat food, to medicines, gas, fans and air conditioners.

Alex Freeman shares his stories in the wildfires with Xinhua in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

"We have people, all local, coming, dropping off all these things. We just know that locals are the ones that have bridged the gap. FEMA (U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the Red Cross are supposed to be more long term," Freeman said.

Two weeks since the fires engulfed Lahaina, home to about 13,000 people, there are still more than 1,000 people unaccounted for. The death toll from the Maui wildfires climbed to 115 as of Tuesday, according to updates about the County of Maui.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said he expects the death toll to keep climbing as search and rescue efforts continue.

The Maui wildfires are the deadliest U.S. wildfires in more than a century, and the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history.

"It's devastating," Freeman said about the harrowing experience on Aug. 8, when the flames spread quickly, jumped roads and torched homes at a lightning pace.

This photo taken with a mobile phone on Aug. 8, 2023 shows smoke clouds of wildfires near downtown Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, the United States. (Photo by Alex Freeman/Xinhua)

The flames were fanned by high winds from Hurricane Dora and exacerbated by low humidity and dry conditions caused by drought.

A lagging emergency warning system caused chaos on the island.

Thousands fled for their lives, driving and running through heavy smoke and fire. But lots of them were trapped in traffic jams. Some leaped into the ocean to escape the flames.

"We had mama and papa (grandparents) who are 90 years old, trying to get them to understand what's going on. We basically just evaluate. It was bumper to bumper, and the fire was literally to the left and right of us at the end of this street as we turned, because this street is the only exit for all of these houses," Freeman recalled.

Electric lines and telephone pole wires were flying in the wind as Freeman's family fought their way to safety.

After staying in tents for a week, Freeman came back home and confirmed his house still exists.

"All of us are so blessed. We still have our homes. Every day, we just took on more responsibility, tried to learn more and more things... what goes, what comes, what people need," said the 26-year-old.

His family decided to set up the hub in their garage to help the victims of the fires.

Alex Freeman arranges relief supplies in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Cathy Foronda, a local resident, stopped by Freeman's garage, grabbing food, wipes and several packs of bottled water to take to her car. "We lost our house and truck in the fires. We have no savings," she told Xinhua. She added that her family currently lives in a condo arranged by the government, but finding enough food was a challenge.

Another Maui resident, who only gave his first name as Kyle, drove for about one hour from the town of Kihei to drop off drinking water, gas, an air purifier and an air conditioner.

"I got to know about this donation site from Instagram. I just want to do whatever I can to help," he told Xinhua.

Bottled water is in high demand as Maui County has issued unsafe water alerts out of concern about water supply contamination. People are urged to only use bottled water or potable water for drinking, brushing teeth, ice-making, and food preparation.

Wildfire survivors are expecting more aid from the government.

FEMA announced it is offering a one-time payment of 700 U.S. dollars per household to help assist survivors with essentials, including clothing, food, and transportation. But Erlinda Ramelb said it is far from enough.

Erlinda Ramelb distributes relief supplies in a hub at her house in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

"Seven hundred dollars for each family, it's beyond insult. Maui is so expensive, 700 dollars is just one day('s worth of groceries)," Ramelb told Xinhua.

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Maui on Monday to assess the damage of the wildfires, and met with survivors and first responders. Biden pledged support for residents in the disaster areas and rebuild Lahaina the way the people of Maui want.

"We want to build Lahaina as it was -- the old historical Lahaina. It will be hard, it will take time, but people want it that way," said Ramelb, who moved to Lahaina from the Philippines in 1992.

"We don't want any big buildings. We don't want to be the smart city that they're talking about. We want the old Lahaina. That's it," she added.

Ramelb said people who lost their houses in the fires need to stay. "Don't let your property be bought by big companies," she said.

"Those buildings are gone, but people are still here. Lahaina is a strong community. It will come back even stronger," Ramelb told Xinhua. 
Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley during the Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News. (Morry Gash / Associated Press)

During the 2016 race for the White House, then-candidate Donald Trump was responsible for making the Republican primary debates must-watch television events.

But even without Trump onstage, Fox News was able to attract the largest cable TV audience for a non-sports program so far this year with its Wednesday showdown between the candidates for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.

An average of 12.8 million viewers watched the event telecast from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, according to Nielsen. The two-hour program was simulcast on Fox News and its sister channel Fox Business Network.

The TV audience was larger than what any Republican presidential primary debate drew during the 2012 campaign season, four years before Trump emerged as the main attraction. It also surpassed the audience of 12.5 million for Fox News' January 2016 primary debate held in Iowa, which Trump skipped as well.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An average of 5.05 million viewers watched a Fox News GOP debate on the comparable date of Aug. 11, 2011. The network's second debate in that cycle, on Sept. 22, 2011, averaged 6.1 million viewers. (Mitt Romney became the Republican nominee, losing to Democratic incumbent Barack Obama in the general election.)

The ratings for the first 2024 Republican primary event were not expected to approach the record-setting levels of 2015, when the first appearance by Trump on the debate stage attracted 24 million viewers for Fox News. Cord-cutting has chipped away at the reach of Fox News, which is in 20 million fewer homes than in 2015.

Fox News made the debate available to stream for free on its website and on its subscription streaming service Fox Nation.

Trump attempted to spoil the Fox News debate by sitting for an interview with Tucker Carlson , the network's former top-rated host who was pulled off the air on April 24. Carlson presented the pre-taped interview on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Read more: How Jessica Tarlov of 'The Five' became a liberal star on Fox News

Trump made no news during the chat with a sympathetic Carlson, which at times was so low-key it bordered on soporific. There is no metric for video views on X that is comparable with Nielsen numbers, which counts the average number of people watching in any given minute of the program.

X users who came across the Carlson-Trump video on their accounts are counted as a "view" even if they only see a brief moment.

Trump decided to sit out the event, citing his large lead over the rest of the Republican field. He has also expressed irritation with coverage of his 2024 campaign on Fox News, even though the fealty paid to him by some of its on-air talent led to the network paying a $787.5-million settlement in a defamation suit filed by Dominion Voting Systems.

The voting software company claimed it was damaged by Fox News repeatedly presenting Trump's false charges of fraud in the 2020 election. Trump has been indicted in federal court and in the state of Georgia for his efforts to overturn the election. Trump is expected to surrender in Georgia on Thursday.

The Fox News debate, moderated by Washington anchors Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier, was a feisty affair even without Trump, as the candidates attacked a political novice in the race, millennial entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Ramaswamy, who has been climbing in the polls behind Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, was center stage and scored the most time speaking of all the contenders on stage.

Ramaswamy chided his seven opponents as professional politicians whom he described as being bought and paid for by special interests. They fired back, citing his lack of experience and his controversial views on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The candidate has said he would cut U.S. aid to Ukraine and believes Russia should be able to keep territory it now holds.

Sign up for our Wide Shot newsletter to get the latest entertainment business news, analysis and insights.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Washington  Former President Donald Trump surrendered Thursday at the Fulton County jail, where he was booked on 13 felony counts related to an alleged scheme to overturn the results of the presidential election in Georgia.

His surrender in Georgia marks the fourth time this year the former president has turned himself in after criminal charges were brought against him by federal and state officials, but it's the first time he was subjected to a mug shot. It's also routine for defendants in Fulton County to be fingerprinted and have their eyes scanned for biometric identification.

Former President Donald Trump's mug shot, Fulton County Jail, Aug. 24, 2023. / Credit: Source: Fulton County Sheriff's Office

Within an hour after he boarded his plane to leave Atlanta, Trump's Save America PAC sent a fundraising email featuring his booking photo on a t-shirt. Trump also posted the mug shot to his X account, formerly known as Twitter, as well as to Truth Social, both posts with the words "election interference" and "never surrender." It marked Trump's first tweet since Jan. 8, 2021, two days after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The booking process was quick  just about 30 minutes  since Trump's attorneys and prosecutors had agreed earlier this week to a $200,000 bond. The conditions of the agreement in part prohibit Trump from intimidating his co-defendants, witnesses or alleged victims in the case, including on social media.

Inmate records from the Fulton County Sheriff's Office list Trump as 6 feet, 3 inches tall and 215 pounds. His hair color is described as "blond or strawberry" and his eyes blue.



Before he boarded his plane back to New Jersey, the former president told reporters that he and his co-defendants "did nothing wrong," and said it was "a very sad day for America."

"You should be able to challenge an election," he said. "I thought the election was a rigged election, a stolen election, and I should have every right to do that."

Ahead of his surrender, Trump made changes to his legal team, bringing in Steven Sadow, an Atlanta-based lawyer who specializes in white collar and high-profile defense. Sadow entered his appearance as lead counsel for Trump on Thursday, according to a filing with the Fulton County Superior Court, and accompanied Trump to the jail. ABC News was first to report the change.

Sadow is expected to replace Drew Findling, the lead attorney on Trump's defense team. Findling did nor return a request for comment.

Was Trump arraigned?

Trump, who has denied any wrongdoing, did not appear in court Thursday to enter a plea because the booking and arraignment processes are separate in Fulton County.

It's unclear when Trump will appear before a judge to be arraigned. District Attorney Fani Willis has proposed Trump and his 18 co-defendants be arraigned the week of Sept. 5, but the judge has not yet approved that request.

Who posted bond for Trump?

Trump was working with a local bonding company to cover his $200,000 bond.

Charles Shaw, the CEO of Foster Bail Bonds LLC in Lawrenceville, Georgia, assisted Trump in covering the bond. Defendants only need to put up 10% of the bail amount  $20,000 in the former president's case. Trump will pay the company a fee for posting the bond.

The arrangements were made remotely earlier this week, Foster Bail Bonds confirmed. CNN first reported Trump's use of the bail bond company.

Why was Trump arrested?

A 41-count indictment accuses Trump and others of participating in a "criminal enterprise" that aimed to reverse his loss in Georgia's 2020 presidential election.

The former president and his co-defendants are accused of engaging in a wide-ranging plot to overturn the election results, which included allegedly making false statements to state legislatures and state officials; creating fake Electoral College documents and recruiting supporters to cast false votes; harassing a Fulton County election worker; and "corruptly" soliciting senior Justice Department officials and then-Vice President Mike Pence.

Trump has been charged with 13 counts, including an alleged violation of Georgia's racketeering law, making false statements and writings, and conspiring to commit forgery, regarding the alleged plot to replace duly elected presidential electors with new electors who would vote for him.

The district attorney gave defendants until noon Friday to surrender at the Fulton County jail, and most had done so by Thursday night, including his former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and his former lawyer Rudy Giuliani.

What about Trump's other indictments?



Trump has also been charged in two federal cases related to investigations overseen by special counsel Jack Smith. One in South Florida relates to his handling of sensitive government records, and the second in Washington, D.C., stems from alleged attempts to stop the transfer of presidential power after the 2020 election.

Trump is also facing 34 state felony charges in New York related to an alleged scheme to use "hush-money" payments to conceal damaging information before the 2016 presidential election.

He has entered not guilty pleas in all three earlier cases, which he claims are politically motivated.

Nicole Sganga contributed to this report.

Scotland to hold biggest Loch Ness monster hunt in 50 years

What to watch out for during Week Zero of college football

Major changes could be coming to Scooter Braun's music empire
Former President Donald Trump has replaced the leading member of his legal team hours before his surrender at the Fulton County Jail Thursday.

Trump has hired attorney Steve Sadow to replace Drew Findling, who is leaving the team, sources told ABC News. Sadow has represented several high-profile clients, including Usher, Rick Ross, Ray Lewis and T.I.

Most recently, Sadow represented Atlanta rapper Gunna in the YSL RICO indictment, with the rapper agreeing to an Alford plea deal last year.

[READ: Former President Donald Trump among 19 indicted in Georgia election interference case]

I have been retained to represent President Trump in the Fulton County, Georgia case, Sadow told ABC News. The President should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him. We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open-minded jury finding the President not guilty. Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the President have no place in our justice system.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The former president faces 13 charges, including violating the Georgia RICO Act, accused of a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election here in Georgia.

RELATED STORIES:

Findling has served as Trumps lead attorney in the over two-year election interference probe by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Findling negotiated earlier this week the $200,000 bond for Trump after he turns himself in.

Officials have not said why Findling left the team.

ABC News reported that Trumps other attorney, Jennifer Little, is expected to remain on the case with Sadow.

IN RELATED NEWS:
Donald Trump bemoaned a travesty of justice after he was arrested and booked at a notorious Atlanta jail on racketeering and conspiracy charges.

Speaking to reporters afterwards he called it a very sad day for America, adding: I did nothing wrong.

The former president also had a booking photo taken while he was processed in the citys Fulton County Jail.

It marks the first time a sitting or former US president has been captured in a mugshot, just the latest ignominy for the four-time indicted Mr Trump.

Mr Trump, the frontrunner in the Republican 2024 presidential primary race, is expected to exploit what is set to become a world-famous image to boost his campaign coffers.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He has claimed the charges against him are a political witch hunt and accused his Democratic opponents of election interference.

The former president also had a historic booking photo taken

Mr Trump, 77, chose to surrender at the jail at 7.30pm on Thursday night to coincide with primetime cable news coverage.

It was the first time in the course of his four criminal cases that Mr Trump was processed in a jail rather than a courthouse.

Mr Trumps height was listed by the jail as six foot three inches, his weight as 215lbs, his hair colour as blonde or strawberry and his eye colour as blue.

Mr Trump is understood to have been allowed to self-report his details.

The 45th president of the United States was also given an inmate number: P01135809.

The former president boarding his plane after his arrest - Alex Brandon

He waved to reporters on his arrival and departure at the jailhouse, where he spent less than 30 minutes.

He gave an address on the tarmac of Atlantas international airport before returning to his Bedminster, New Jersey golf resort on his private jet.

He said: What has taken place here is a travesty of justice.

If you challenge an election, you should be able to challenge an election.

Mr Trump returned to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, for the first time since January 2021 to broadcast the image shortly after leaving the jailhouse.

Election interference. Never surrender! said the accompanying caption.

Commentators wryly noted the juxtaposition of the words against an image of Mr Trump surrendering in jail.

Mr Trump, along with 18 co-defendants, is accused of participating in a criminal enterprise to overturn the results of the 2020 election in Georgia.

A key focus of the case is Mr Trumps infamous phone call to Georgias top election official asking him to find 11,780 votes to tip the state from Joe Biden.

Mr Trumps legal team negotiated his $200,000 bond ahead of his booking, allowing his release without the necessity of a bond hearing.

The charges Donald Trump faces in Georgia

Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney bringing the prosecution, has proposed an October 23 trial date.

While it is highly unlikely such a speedy trial would be granted, it could further complicate Mr Trumps chaotic court schedule.

Under the terms of his release, Mr Trump is barred from communicating with his co-defendants about the case and from making threats against them or witnesses in the case.

The Atlanta jail, colloquially known as Rice Street, has gained notoriety for its reputation for violence and neglect.

Three people have died at the facility over the last month. It is currently under investigation by the Justice Department.

Trump was brought to and from the court in a motorcade - BLOOMBERG

The timing of Mr Trumps surrender was negotiated between his legal team and law enforcement, to avoid major disruption to the city.

Insiders suggested that Mr Trump had opted for Thursday evening to surrender to draw news coverage away from his Republican rivals - who held their first debate the night before - during peak viewing hours.

Mr Trump appeared to be enjoying the media spotlight, sharing his expected arrival time in Georgia on his social media channel earlier on Thursday.

Trump's supporters outside Fulton County Jail - AP

He looked relaxed and gave a thumbs up to the waiting press as he walked down the steps of his private jet. Thank you very much, he told the press pack.

Streets leading to the jail, in a suburb just a few miles from downtown Atlanta, were shut off by barricades. A flood of Mr Trumps fans braved the summer heat to show their support.

Residents at a neighbouring halfway house piled into the entrance of their complex to watch the commotion.

Mr Trump said he was able to remain upbeat despite the onslaught of court proceedings because of his high polling numbers. He currently has a more than 50 per cent lead over his Republican rivals.

I do get credit for holding up quite well, he said in an interview with right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson on Wednesday night.

02:32 AM BST

What happened today

Donald Trump was arrested and booked at an Atlanta jail on racketeering and conspiracy charges

The former president also had a booking photo taken while he was processed in the citys Fulton County Jail

He bemoaned a travesty of justice and speaking to reporters afterwards he called it a very sad day for America, adding: I did nothing wrong

It was the first time in the course of his four criminal cases that Mr Trump was processed in a jail rather than a courthouse

The 45th president of the United States was also given an inmate number: P01135809

02:06 AM BST

Trump supporter disappointed not to see hero

Bob Kunst, 81, spent 13 hours outside Fulton County Jail hoping to cheer on Donald Trump.

Im exhausted and disappointed, he told The Telegraph.

I was hoping Trump would come out this way, like Giuliani. I wanted him to see his supporters and all the positivity out here.

01:58 AM BST

Trump is first president to have mugshot taken

Donald Trumps mugshot has been released after he surrendered to authorities in Georgia.

The former president handed himself in at Fulton County Jail on Thursday to face the charges.

Mr Trump is the first former US president to have his picture on police file.

It will instantly become one of the most famous pictures in the world and join a handful of well-known mugshots, including that of O.J. Simpson.

Trump's mugshot

01:37 AM BST

Trump: This is a travesty of justice

Before boarding his private plane at Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson airport after the booking, Mr Trump repeated his claim that the prosecution - along with prosecutors in the other indictments he faces - is politically motivated.

What has taken place here is a travesty of justice, he told reporters. I did nothing wrong, and everybody knows it.

Trump speaking before boarding his plane

01:26 AM BST

Former mayor of Atlanta hails Georgia's justice system

Keisha Lance Bottoms, a former Democratic mayor of Atlanta, told CNN: It didnt give me any joy to see a former president of the United States booked into a jail.

But she added it was a testament to the strength of the justice system.

Ms Lance Bottoms added that Fani Willis, the district attorney leading Mr Trumps Georgia prosecution, was built for this.

When you see her looking very stoic in front of the camera, thats not an act, she said.

01:20 AM BST

Protesters clash outside jail

A man wearing a shirt saying Fani Willis, Jack Smith, Making America Great Again and a Trump fan were screaming at each other outside Fulton County Jail.

A woman holding an enormous anti-Trump sign then chimed in.

She is spinning round, trying to drown them out, singing Trump arrested again and again and again and again.

She adds: I can go home now, hopefully Trump is arrested again in Arizona.

Trump supporters

01:02 AM BST

Has Trump lost weight?

If the jails records are accurate, Mr Trump has lost weight since he was in the White House.

His last physical assessment by the White House doctor, in 2019 listed his weight at 243lb.

Given his height, that technically classed him as obese, although the assessment said he was in very good overall health.

Today he weighed in at 215lb.

01:00 AM BST

Trump leaves jail after being booked

A shadow of the former president could be seen through his SUV window as he was driven out at 7:55.

Mr Trump was turned, looking at the press, as he was escorted out.

He was inside the prison for a total of 22 minutes.

Trump signalled a thumbs-up to the press through the window of the sixth car in the motorcade.

He was driven out in the last of the evening light.

Trump gives reporters a thumbs-up as he leaves the jail - GETTY IMAGES

12:55 AM BST

Nervous energy outside the jail

The sun was setting over the industrial jail as the former presidents motorcade filled the wide road as he was driven in.

The barricade has remained open while he is inside, for what is expected to be a brief process.

There is a nervous energy as people await his exit, hoping to get a glimpse of Mr Trump through his SUV window. The road is flanked by police officers.

12:54 AM BST

Trump's height and weight recorded as he is booked

Some of Mr Trumps details have already been processed, records show.

Official documents report his height as 6ft 3in, his weight as 215lb, his hair colour as blonde or strawberry, and his eye colour as blue.

12:45 AM BST

Will Donald Trump have a mugshot taken?

It is still unclear whether Mr Trump will have a mugshot taken.

The parade of figures who have come through the jail in recent days to have their mugshot taken marks yet another surreal turning point in US politics.

They include Mark Meadows, the former White House chief of staff, and Rudy Giuliani, the former New York mayor. Both are among Mr Trumps 18 co-defendants.

Still, a mugshot of Mr Trump would be remarkable - the first ever of a sitting or former US president.

Mr Trumps circle arent phased by the idea. The photo might even help their campaign fundraising.

The former presidents eldest son, Donald Jr, told reporters in Milwaukee last night the photo would be the most famous mugshot on the planet.

12:42 AM BST

Trump arrives at Fulton County Jail

A motorcade of 19 bikes and around a dozen cars turned into the jail at 7.33pm.

The barriers were lifted at 7.24pm. The former president was then driven past a sign reading NO cell phones allowed in jail.

There was a helicopter circling above the jail.

Trump motorcade

12:36 AM BST

One of the worst prisons in America

Americas prison populations dwarf many other nations, and many of its jail facilities have struggled to contend with overcrowding and other problems.

Mr Trump will have an eye-opening insiders view of one of Georgias most notorious penal institutions.

Fulton County Jail, colloquially known as Rice Street, has a particularly bad reputation for violence and neglect. So much so that its currently under investigation by the Justice Department for its horrific conditions.

Stabbings are frequent and medical care is poor, according to those raising concerns.

Three people have died at the jail over the last month after being found unresponsive in their cells.

Most defendants could find themselves waiting hours to be processed, but Mr Trump is only expected to spend around 20 to 30 minutes in the jail.

Fulton County Jail

12:30 AM BST

Atlanta is not one of Trump's favourite cities

Its fair to say Atlanta is not one of Mr Trumps favourite cities.

The city is a Democratic stronghold, a blue dot in a sea of red, and played a large role in tipping Georgia for Joe Biden in 2020.

Ahead of his arrival, Mr Trump vented on social media: Why is there so much MURDER in Atlanta? Why is there so much Violent Crime? People are afraid to go outside to buy a loaf of bread!

One big reason is that failed District Attorney, Fani Willis, who is campaigning and fundraising off get Trump (much like the others!), doesnt have the Time, Money, or Interest to go after the real criminals, even the REALLY Violent ones, that are destroying Atlanta, and its once beautiful culture and way of life.

He added: This is yet another SAD DAY IN AMERICA!

12:29 AM BST

Ex-president lands in Atlanta

Donald Trumps red, white and blue private jet has just landed at Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson airport.

A set of stairs has been brought over to Trump Force One, as his private plane is known.

A number of suited figures are standing by, awaiting Mr Trumps descent.

A convoy of black SUVs are idling on the tarmac to ferry the former president to Fulton County Jail in northwest Atlanta.

Donald Trump

12:12 AM BST

Trump's legal troubles explained

Donald Trumps latest indictment for allegedly trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election adds to an intimidating list of charges levelled against the former president.

The Telegraphs Benedict Smith explains every charge Mr Trump faces and what could happen next.

Read more: All the indictment charges Donald Trump is facing

12:04 AM BST

Trump to cover his bond

Donald Trump is covering the cost of his $200,000 bond in Atlanta by putting 10 per cent towards it, according to CNN.

The former president is working with a local bail bondsman, Foster Bail Bonds, the network said.

It is the first time Mr Trump has been bound to a cash bail in his four indictments, just the latest affront by prosecutors to the Republican 2024 candidate.

Fani Willis, the district attorney who brought the indictment in Atlanta, reportedly has a track record of demanding cash bail in racketeering cases, even in non-violent offences.

According to CNN, Mr Trump had a number of options around his bail and opted for putting a 10 per cent payment towards it.

Mr Trumps co-defendants have also been granted cash bail, including Rudy Giuliani, who stopped at a bail bond company after being booked in jail.

12:02 AM BST

Press sweat Trumps arrival

Hordes of broadcasters and photographers have been camped outside on the pavement opposite one of the prison entrances - away from where his supporters are gathered.

It has been a hot day and people are using towels to wipe away the sweat.

As expected, there is a massive police presence.

The road has been on lockdown for an hour.

Mr Trump and his newly-hired lawyer Steven Sadow are expected to arrive at 7.30pm (12.30am BST).

Trump supporters outside the Fulton County Jail - AP

12:02 AM BST

Trump due to land in Atlanta

Good evening. Donald Trump is due to land in Atlanta, Georgia at any moment ahead of his arrest at Fulton County Jail.

The former president is facing 13 criminal charges over his alleged attempt to overturn the 2020 election results in the state.

At his arrest this evening, Mr Trump could become the first former US president to have his mugshot taken.

Follow the latest updates from our US team outside the jail in Fulton County.

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.
(Bloomberg) -- House Republicans are probing Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as she prosecutes Donald Trump and several of the former presidents allies on charges they conspired to reverse Georgias 2020 election results.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Judiciary Committees inquiry comes as Trump is expected to surrender at the county jail on Thursday following his indictment last week on felony racketeering and other counts.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Your indictment and prosecution implicate substantial federal interests, and the circumstances surrounding your actions raise serious concerns about whether they are politically motivated, Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan said in a Thursday letter to Willis.

Jordan is seeking documents and other material from Willis  including any communications her office has had with the Justice Department.

The probe echoes Republicans scrutiny earlier this year of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. That came after Braggs office obtained an indictment against Trump tied to alleged hush payments to an adult film star.

A spokesman for Willis office declined to comment on the letter.

Republicans say the allocation of public safety funds appropriated by Congress gives them jurisdiction in a probe over a local district attorney.

Jordans letter requests Willis turn over documents and other material  including any communications between her office and the Justice Department and Special Counsel Jack Smiths office or any federal executive branch officials  by Sept. 7.

On X, the site formerly known as Twitter, Jordan questioned whether Willis was working with Smith, who is investigating Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results,

Was she communicating with the Executive Branch? Were any federal funds used in the investigation of President Trump? Jordan asked.

The focus on Bragg led the Manhattan DA to sue over Jordans demands for documents and other material  depicting the congressional inquiry as politically motivated and unconstitutional. The tension ratcheted up when Jordan and several colleagues held a hearing on violent crime in New York City, intended to embarrass Bragg.

Bragg eventually dropped his lawsuit after the two sides reached a settlement that allowed the House panel to interview a former prosecutor who had worked with Bragg.

(Updates with no immediate comment from Willis office in sixth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Former President Trump did not receive any pushback from pundit Tucker Carlson after promoting false statements about the 2020 election during an interview that was released Wednesday.

Trump reiterated his unfounded claim that then-Vice President Mike Pence had the authority to reject or return electoral results on Jan. 6, 2021, something Pence and many legal experts vehemently disagreed with.

In other words, I said, Is he a human conveyer belt. If he finds fraud in Pennsylvania, in Georgia, in any of these states, in Arizona. He has to send them to Mitch McConnell? Trump said of the Senate GOP leader during one diatribe about his efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

Carlson offered no pushback to these and other debunked claims in his interview with Trump on Wednesday night that was published on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The pundit was ousted from his prime-time hosting post at Fox News just days after the network agreed to pay $787 million in settlement money to Dominion Voting Systems in connection with the networks airing of false statements about the companys software being promoted by Trump and his allies.

Claims about voting machines did not come up in the new interview with Trump.

Trump has criticized the network over its decision to oust Carlson, who wrote in text messages as part of the Dominion litigation that he hated Trump passionately. On Wednesday, Trump skipped the first GOP primary debate, which was hosted on Fox.

Carlson has separately sparked bipartisan backlash for his commentary on the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, which he described at one point as mostly peaceful chaos.

I think it was a terrible move getting rid of you, Trump told the former host. Youre No. 1 on television and all of a sudden were doing this interview but well get bigger ratings doing this crazy forum that youre using than probably the debate.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
While former president Donald Trump was preparing to surrender at an Atlanta jail on Thursday, he was apparently also reconsidering his legal defense team.

Just hours before Trump is supposed to turn himself in, reports broke that he had shaken up his team. Criminal defense lawyer Steve Sadow is reportedly going to replace Trumps existing lawyer, Drew Findling, according to the New York Times.

Notably, Findling, alongside Jennifer Little and Marissa Goldberg, was key in negotiating Trumps $200,000 bond.

Little will reportedly stay on the team.

In a statement to ABC News, Sadow said: I have been retained to represent President Trump in the Fulton county, Georgia case. The president should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him. We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding the president not guilty. Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the president have no place in our justice system.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Guardian has contacted Sadow for further comment.

The latest shake-up with Trumps legal team comes as the former president is expected to surrender at a Fulton county jail Thursday night, announcing his plans in a post to Truth social.

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 posted on his social media platform on Monday, referring to the Fulton county district attorney, Fani Willis.

Trump will be booked on 13 felony charges in connection with his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Last week, Trump along with 18 co-defendants was charged with 41 indictments that accuse them of attempting to overturn the election results through election fraud and other criminal means.

As part of Thursdays booking, Trump will be fingerprinted, weighed and have his mugshot recorded, which are all standard processing protocol.

The former president has attempted to get an exemption from having his photograph taken, but county jail officials have said Trump will be treated no differently than other criminal defendants.

Trump is expected to be immediately released after the booking, but must follow strict rules related to witness intimidation, according to court documents.
By Rich McKay and Jack Queen

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Donald Trump 's mug shot was released on Thursday evening after he was booked at an Atlanta jail on more than a dozen felony charges as part of a wide-ranging criminal case stemming from the former U.S. president's attempts to overturn his 2020 election defeat in Georgia.

An unsmiling Trump - inmate no. P01135809, according to Fulton County Jail records - was captured glaring at the camera in the mug shot. The image represented yet another extraordinary moment for Trump, who did not have to submit to a photograph when making appearances in his three other criminal cases.

He wasted little time trying to turn it to his advantage, posting it on X, the site formerly known as Twitter, as well as his own social media site, Truth Social. His campaign website featured the mug shot along with a message from Trump defending his actions and asking for donations.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The X post appeared to be Trump's first on the site since his account was banned after a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. X owner Elon Musk reinstated Trump's account late last year.

Trump spent only about 20 minutes at the jail before heading back to his New Jersey golf club. Before boarding his private plane at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport, he repeated his claim that the prosecution - along with the others he faces - is politically motivated.

"What has taken place here is a travesty of justice," he told reporters. "I did nothing wrong, and everybody knows it."

Trump, 77, already has entered uncharted territory as the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges, even as he mounts another campaign for the White House next year.

Far from damaging his candidacy for the Republican Party nomination, however, the four cases filed against him have only bolstered his standing. He holds a commanding polling lead in the Republican race to challenge Democratic President Joe Biden in the November 2024 election.

Dozens of supporters, waving Trump banners and American flags, jostled for a glimpse as Trump arrived at the jail. Among the Trump backers gathered outside was Georgia U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of the former president's most loyal congressional allies.

Lyle Rayworth, 49, who is in the aviation industry in the Atlanta area, had been waiting near the jailhouse for 10 hours, since early on Thursday.

"Yeah, I'm hoping he sees me waving the flags, showing support," Rayworth said as he awaited Trump's arrival. "He needs us."

The image is certain to be circulated widely by Trump's foes and supporters alike.

'A MORE POPULAR IMAGE THAN THE MONA LISA'

"We want to put it on a T-shirt. It will go worldwide. It will be a more popular image than the Mona Lisa," said Laura Loomer, 30, a Republican former congressional candidate who mingled with other Trump supporters outside the jail on Thursday morning.

Judge Scott McAfee set a trial date of Oct. 23 for one of Trump's 18 co-defendants, attorney Kenneth Chesebro, after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis proposed that date in response to Chesebro's request for a speedy trial. The judge's order said the schedule does not yet apply to Trump or any of the other defendants.

Eleven of his co-defendants already have been booked, according to authorities. Some, like Rudolph Giuliani, the former New York mayor, were stone-faced in their mug shots, while others, such as lawyer Jenna Ellis, smiled for the camera.

All 19 defendants faced a Friday deadline to surrender. Court records showed that Mark Meadows, who served as Trump's White House chief of staff, was processed at the jail on Thursday.

The jail has a reputation for grim conditions that have inspired rap songs and prompted an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department.

Trump faces 13 felony counts in the Georgia case, including racketeering, which is typically used to target organized crime, for pressuring state officials to reverse his election loss and setting up an illegitimate slate of electors to undermine the formal congressional certification of Biden's 2020 victory.

TRIAL DATE WRANGLING

Willis originally proposed a trial date of March 4 but moved it up for Chesebro after he asked that his trial start by October. Trump's legal team has yet to propose a date but is expected to push for a much later start. On Thursday, his newest Atlanta lawyer, Steven Sadow, asked for Trump to be tried separately from Chesebro.

Trump has pleaded not guilty in the three other cases and denied wrongdoing. In the Georgia case, Willis has requested that arraignments begin the week of Sept. 5, though defendants in Georgia are permitted to waive those appearances and plead not guilty via court filing.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed the first case, accusing Trump of falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to a porn star who claims to have had a sexual encounter with him years ago.

Trump also faces two sets of federal charges brought by Special Counsel Jack Smith - one case in Washington involving election interference and one in Miami involving classified documents he retained after leaving office in 2021. He faces 91 criminal counts in total.

Trump agreed to post $200,000 bond and accepted bail conditions that would bar him from threatening witnesses or his co-defendants in the Georgia case.

Republicans who control the U.S. House of Representatives said on Thursday they would investigate whether Willis improperly coordinated with federal prosecutors. They previously launched an investigation of Bragg, who accused them of a "campaign of intimidation."

On Wednesday, Trump's leading rivals in the race for the Republican presidential nomination met in Milwaukee for their first debate. Trump skipped that event, instead sitting for a pre-taped interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson aimed at siphoning away viewers.

"I've been indicted four times - all trivial nonsense," Trump told Carlson.

(Reporting by Rich McKay and Jack Queen in Atlanta; Additional reporting by Eric Beech, Costas Pitas, David Ljunggren, Jack Queen, Jacqueline Thomsen, Kanishka Singh and Rami Ayyub; Writing by Andy Sullivan and Joseph Ax; Editing by Will Dunham, Scott Malone, Daniel Wallis and Howard Goller)
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta to be booked on state charges that he conspired to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, the fourth time hes been processed as a criminal defendant this year.

Most Read from Bloomberg

His surrender Thursday became inevitable after Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis ordered the former president and 18 alleged co-conspirators to turn themselves in by Friday or face arrest. Trump previously agreed to a $200,000 bond. His arraignment is expected early next month.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump was in the jail for roughly 20 minutes. Shortly after he entered the facility, his name appeared in its database, recording his height as 6 3, his weight as 215 pounds and his hair color as blond or strawberry. He was assigned inmate number P01135809. He also had a mug shot taken, the first for the former president, which was released about an hour after Trump left the jail.

Trump used the photo to mark his return to X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter, for the first time since January 2021. He still has 86.5 million followers on the site.

Trump was banned from Twitter following the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol by his supporters. After Elon Musk bought Twitter, he allowed the former president back on in November.

Read more: Trump Returns to Musks X With Mugshot Post

In his other criminal cases, authorities said a mug shot  taken in case law enforcement agencies need to track down a fleeing defendant  wasnt necessary since Trump is widely recognizable. Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Pat Labat had said earlier that Trump wouldnt get special treatment, particularly in regards to a mug shot. Trumps co-defendants who have already surrendered also had mug shots taken.

After his booking, Trumps motorcade returned him to the airport.

What has taken place here is a travesty of justice, Trump, 77, said after just before getting back on his private airplane. We did nothing wrong. I did nothing wrong. And everybody knows it.

Earlier in the day, before Trump departed New Jersey, he took to social media to disparage Willis and the city of Atlanta. He also falsely claimed there is IRREFUTABLE evidence that the election was rigged. Neither Trump nor his allies have ever produced such evidence. Republican officials in Georgia and in Trumps own administration all concluded the vote was fair.

Willis indicted the group on Aug. 14, alleging they violated Georgias racketeering law by participating in a criminal enterprise to keep Trump in office after he lost the election. The district attorney has said that all the defendants will be arraigned starting as soon as Sept. 5 in Atlanta, setting the stage for a series of remarkable court appearances.

Trumps latest criminal booking is another milestone for the former president as he seeks to return to the White House in the 2024 election, and comes less than 24 hours after the first Republican primary debate, which he didnt attend. He is already facing a similar election-fraud case in Washington federal court and unrelated criminal charges in New York and Florida. But he wasnt required to report to a detention facility for booking until now.

Most other defendants in the case have already surrendered, including his former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, longtime Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani and former Trump campaign attorney Sidney Powell, an architect of the conspiracy theory claiming the 2020 election was rigged.

Read More: Trump Georgia Trial Should Be Expedited to Oct. 23, DA Says

Trump, who has been selling not guilty mugs with a fake mug shot on his campaign website, denies wrongdoing and claims all the criminal cases are part of a Democratic witch hunt to destroy his political future.

The former president didnt resist surrendering, unlike Meadows, who asked a judge for an emergency order blocking his arrest while he fights to move the case to federal court. A judge denied that request on Wednesday night, prompting Meadows to turn himself in.

As part of Trumps bond agreement, he agreed not to make any direct or indirect threat of any nature against any co-defendants, witnesses or unindicted co-conspirators, including in social media posts or reposts. He also agreed not to communicate with any potential witnesses about the case except through a lawyer.

After the first three indictments, Trumps legal team had arranged for the former president to be processed at a courthouse immediately before he was arraigned.

Trump already has two trial dates in criminal cases early next year. In March, he faces New York state charges that he falsified business records in connection with hush money payments to an adult film star before the 2016 election. In May, he is set to face federal charges in Florida that he mishandled classified documents after he left the White House and tried to obstruct government efforts to retrieve the records.

(Updates with Trumps return to Twitter in fourth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
With axes to grind against Fox News, Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson held another lengthy and largely amicable discussion that was posted online five minutes before the right-wing networks first GOP primary debate Wednesdaya discussion that began with Carlson asking the quadruply indicted former president why he skipped the event.

Do I sit there for an hour or two hourswhatever its going to beand get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Trump said in the pre-taped interview, which Carlson oddly hyped up as debate night in Bedminster.

Despite hearing pitches from Fox News executives in person, as well as on-air pleas from MAGA-friendly hosts, Trump spurned the network, which fired Carlson this springa move that Trump mourned as a big blow to the country.

TRUMP ON SKIPPING DEBATE: "Do I sit there for an hour or two hours  whatever it's gonna be  and get harassed by people who shouldn't even be running for president?" pic.twitter.com/vpJp1vOiCs  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) August 24, 2023

Trump went on to criticize Fox Newsa network that isnt particularly friendly to mefor backing Florida Gov. Ron Desantis. And now theyve given up on him. Its a lost cause, Trump said, perhaps aware of the networks increased attention on GOP candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump further explained that it felt more appropriate for him to not attend. He then cited his wide leads in several pollsan argument he has made in Truth Social posts in recent weeks.

Trump leads DeSantis by an average of more than 30 percentage points nationally, according to FiveThirtyEight.

Im going to have all these people screaming, shouting questions at me, all of which I love answering, I love doing, but it doesnt make sense to do them. So Ive taken a pass, as youve probably noticed, Trump said, cracking up Carlson.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
RAMALLAH/GAZA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli army Wednesday arrested 20 Palestinians, including members of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the West Bank, a Palestinian association said.

In a statement sent to Xinhua, the Palestinian Prisoner's Club Association, a non-government organization, said that Israeli army forces stormed dozens of houses in the West Bank cities of Ramallah, Jenin, Nablus and Hebron.

The statement added that 20 Palestinians were arrested from their homes, including ex-Palestinian detainees and members of Hamas and the Islamic Jihad.

Meanwhile, an Israeli army spokesman said in a statement that in cooperation with the interior security and the Israeli police, the Israeli army arrested several Palestinians wanted by Israel and confiscated weapons, ammunition and military equipment.

Hamas spokesman in Gaza Abdulatif Al-Qanou'a said in a press statement that arresting Hamas and Islamic Jihad members "is condemned," adding that "it's a desperate attempt to undermine the will of the Palestinian people."

The Israeli arrests came after the Israeli government on Tuesday took a series of measures to counter Palestinian terrorists and their senders without revealing what those measures were, according to Israel Radio.

Since January, 33 people, most of them Israelis, have been killed in a series of attacks by Palestinians, and more than 200 Palestinians, including children and women, were killed by Israeli soldiers and settlers, according to official figures. 
Former President Trump lashed out Wednesday night at his former vice president, Mike Pence , over an answer Pence gave during the first GOP primary debate.

The American people deserve to know that the president asked me, in his request that I reject or return votes unilaterally  a power that no vice president in American history had ever exercised or taken  he asked me to put him over the Constitution. And I chose the Constitution, and I always will, Pence said during the debate, which Trump did not attend.

Trump, who did not post on social media throughout the two hour event, used his first post-debate comment to attack Pence for his answer.

I never asked Mike Pence to put me above the Constitution. Who would say such a thing? A FAKE STORY! Trump wrote on Truth Social.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Pence has made a similar case since the day he launched his campaign for the White House in June, arguing that Trumps push to overturn the 2020 election results on Jan. 6, 2021, was unconstitutional. Pence has asserted that Trumps defiance of the Constitution makes him unfit to serve another term in the White House.

Instead of attending the debate, Trump sat for a pre-taped interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson , who asked the former president about Pence.

Trump reiterated his belief that Pence should have returned the electoral votes from the 2020 election to certain state legislatures rather than certifying them, something Pence and numerous legal experts said the vice president did not have the authority to do.

Trump told Carlson that he has not spoken to Pence in quite some time.

Trumps efforts to pressure Pence to overturn or reject the results are featured throughout a federal indictment against Trump filed earlier this month in Washington, D.C.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Trump supporters gather outside Georgia jail where he is expected to surrender

Dozens of supporters of former President Trump have gathered outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Thursday, hours before he is expected to turn himself in on election fraud charges.

Trump supporters outside the jail Thursday held banners and flags and said they were there to offer their support.

Im here to support Donald J. Trump. I want him to see some of the millions that show up at the polls for him, east Tennessee resident Sharon Anderson told The Associated Press (AP). Thursday was her second straight day at the jail, and she spent the night in her car, she said.

Others protested the charges as political theater.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You dont have the right to persecute somebody unjustly, Cliff MacMorris said.

The Georgia case is the former presidents fourth criminal trial. Trump is expected to surrender at the jail this afternoon and will have his mug shot taken for the first time. He was levied a $200,000 bond.

Trump was charged alongside 18 co-defendants in a sprawling racketeering case alleging that the former president headed a scheme to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia, namely by organizing a slate of fake electoral college votes.

Other notable defendants include his attorneys  former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell and John Eastman  as well as Trumps former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows. All defendants in the case must turn themselves in by Friday.

Security was tight at the facility Thursday, the AP reported. Vehicle access to the area has been limited and many barricades have been erected to keep back Trump protesters and supporters alike.

The former president is not expected to spend any time inside the jail itself beyond paperwork processing.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Tucker Carlson interviews former president Donald Trump on X, formerly known as Twitter, in a video posted Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Twitter.com/TuckerCarlson

Former President Donald Trumps 46-minute interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson was released five minutes before the first GOP primary debates began Wednesday night.

The video, which racked up more than 80 million views within an hour, dove right into why Trump wasnt at the first GOP primary debate in Milwaukee.

Well, a lot of people have been asking me that... You see the polls have come out and Im leading by 50 and 60 points, he said, noting that some of the other candidates are polling at 2% or less.

Im saying, do I sit there for an hour, two hours, whatever it's going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me? he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The former president has soured on Fox News, which is airing the debate, in recent months, saying the network was tilted toward Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who trails behind Trump.

While Trump was taking a jab at Fox News by participating in a competing broadcast, he was joined by Carlson, who was fired by the network in April.

Since departing Fox, Carlson has maintained a presence online with his own talk show on X, formerly known as Twitter.

While Trump and Carlson appeared to unite against Fox, its worth noting that court documents from Dominion Voting Systems defamation lawsuit against Fox News showed that Carlson didnt think highly of Trump.

I hate him passionately, he said in a text.

However, reports indicate it was Trump who approached Carlson about the interview.

Well get bigger ratings using this forum that youre using than probably the debate, said Trump during the interview.

Tucker Carlson interviews former President Donald Trump on X, formerly known as Twitter, in a video posted Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. | Twitter.com/TuckerCarlson

Trumps thoughts on Jeffrey Epstein

After criticizing GOP candidate Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, both of whom were at the Fox News debate, Carlson steered Trump to another topic, speaking about the late alleged child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Do you think Epstein killed himself? Carlson asked.

I dont know. I will say that he was a fixture in Palm Beach, Trump responded.

When asked whether he thought it was possible that Epstein was killed, Trump said, I think he probably committed suicide. He had a life with, you know, beautiful homes, and all of a sudden he is incarcerated and not doing very well... he knew a lot on a lot of people.

Related

Meanwhile, Carlson, who said he wasnt conspiratorial, said he thinks Epstein was killed.

Im not getting involved, Trump said, But a case can be made either way.

Carlson noted the strong opposition against Trump that began with protests and led to two impeachments. The next stage is violence. Are you worried they will try to kill you? Carlson asked.

These people are sick people. I think they hate our country, if you want to know the truth, Trump said.

Trump on President Biden

Carlson asked if Trump thought President Joe Biden would make it to November 2024.

The former president said, I think he is worse mentally than he is physically, and physically he is not exactly a triathlete or any kind of athlete, before ridiculing Biden for stumbling going up the stairs of Air Force One and failing to lift a beach chair during his vacation in Delaware.

They love pictures of him on the beach, Trump said. I think he looks terrible on the beach.

Plus, the beach doesnt represent what a presidents supposed to be doing. Hes supposed to be working, Trump quipped. Hes supposed to get us out of that horrible, horrible war that were very much involved in with Russia and Ukraine.

If I was president, it would have never started, he added.

When asked if he had a preference on who he would like to run against, Trump said he would like to face off against Biden, because his record is so bad.

California, too, had a bad record, he said, adding that he wouldnt mind running against Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Trump on his indictments

He described all four indictments as trial nonsense.

And when you look at what theyre doing  the boxes hoax  Im covered by the Presidential Records Act, Im allowed to do exactly that, he said about the probe into his handling of classified documents, before switching to attacking Biden.

(Biden) is not covered and hes got 25 times the number of boxes. Hes got em stored in Chinatown, got em stored in a garage underneath his Corvette, at Penn, he said.

Related

See, I think he is the most corrupt president we've ever had and he also has the distinction of being the most incompetent.

Carlson asked how Trump stayed cheerful after facing so many indictments. I think its a lot easier because Im so high in the polls because it means the people get it, Trump said.

Trump takes aim at Pence

So, Mike wants to run for president, said Trump of former Vice President Mike Pence.

Youve got to understand, in my opinion, Mike Pence had the absolute right to send the votes back to the legislators, Trump said.

He said that he had not spoken to Pence in a long time and that Pence received bad advice about the 2020 election.

At the time, Pence had refused to help overturn the election. Trump said that some Republicans joined forces with Democrats after the 2020 election.

In other words, they took the Voting Act and they redid it so that the vice president no longer has the power to do what I say he could do, Trump said.

Pence was present at the debates, along with Christie, Hutchinson, DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former U.N. ambassador Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Trumps bottom line?

Last time, Trump focused his presidential campaign on building a wall at the southern border. He said it was still his priority.

Number one is, Trump said, the border. And taking hundreds of thousands of criminals that have been allowed into our country and getting them out and bringing them back to their country.

The first thing I would do would be I would seal up the border good and tight, except for people who want to come in legally.
Outside of the Fulton County Jail following the indictment of former U.S. President Trump

By Jack Queen

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Donald Trump is set to surrender at an Atlanta jail on Thursday, a week after the Republican former U.S. president was indicted in Georgia over his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden .

Here is a look at the conditions of his bail:

NO THREATS

The $200,000 bond package to which Trump agreed on Monday includes standard provisions barring him from making direct or indirect threats against witnesses or his 18 co-defendants in the case, which concerns his efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden.

This applies to posts and reposts on social media, including Trump's own platform Truth Social, which he routinely uses to attack the legitimacy of the four criminal cases against him and the prosecutors who brought them.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Trump is also barred from talking directly or indirectly about the case with co-defendants or potential witnesses unless lawyers are present.

WHAT IF TRUMP VIOLATES THE AGREEMENT?

Judges in Georgia rarely revoke bail and would be extremely unlikely to do so over social media posts or inflammatory statements on the campaign trail, according to legal experts. Trump is seeking the Republican nomination to face Democratic President Joe Biden in the 2024 U.S. election.

The optics of jailing Trump as he campaigns to regain the presidency would be viewed by supporters as an affront to his free speech rights under the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment and fuel his narrative that the case is politically motivated, according to these experts.

Judge Scott McAfee does have the power to jail Trump if he crosses the line, and defendants sometimes have their bail revoked for egregious acts of witness tampering.

HAS TRUMP ADHERED TO BAIL TERMS IN OTHER CASES?

Trump has been indicted in three additional cases in Washington, D.C., Florida and New York. He has pleaded not guilty in all of them.

His social media postings have become a point of contention in the Washington case in which he is also charged with election subversion. Prosecutors told a judge that they were concerned Trump might be intimidating witnesses with a post saying: "IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I'M COMING AFTER YOU!"

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan granted a prosecution request for a protective order barring Trump from disclosing sensitive evidence and grand jury information. Such orders are typical in criminal cases. But prosecutors said Trump's posts were a particular cause for concern.

Trump's bond bars him from discussing the facts of the case with potential witnesses without lawyers present. Unlike in Georgia, it does not explicitly restrict his social media posts.

(Reporting by Jack Queen; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Will Dunham)
By Jack Queen

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Donald Trump will be in a Georgia jail for the blink of an eye on Thursday, protected by his lifetime Secret Service detail in a tightly orchestrated process meant to get the former U.S. president in and out of a facility he describes as a humanitarian crisis.

In an apparent bid to rally supporters, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination said in a campaign email on Tuesday that the Fulton County jail in Atlanta, Georgia, is a violent place where guards have collected over 1,000 shanks fashioned from the crumbling walls.

Trump, 77, was unlikely to encounter any shanks, prison slang for homemade weapons, or any inmates either, security experts said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Its fair to say the standard protocols are not all going to be followed, said former Secret Service agent and risk consultant Jonathan Wackrow. But this is a former U.S. president who is under constant secret service protection. Why would it be normal?

The Georgia case in which Trump is accused of conspiring to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election is one of four criminal cases pending against him.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and repeatedly claimed the prosecutions are part of a "witch hunt" orchestrated by political enemies.

But he has repeatedly used them to fundraise and drum up support among supporters who view him as an anti-establishment candidate.

Trump's support has grown since his first indictment in March, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, and his campaign has said all of them boosted fundraising.

In the Georgia case, Trump was quick to seize on the Fulton County jail's poor safety in the campaign email, touting his resolve to save an "America in decline."

The U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into the jail in July, citing violence, unsanitary conditions and 15 inmate deaths last year. One was a man whose family claims in a lawsuit was "eaten alive" by bedbugs.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Trump, who gleefully led supporters in lock her up chants aimed at his 2016 presidential rival Hillary Clinton, is unlikely to be handcuffed or see the inside of a cell.

Jails are volatile places rife with security challenges for the former presidents retinue, and jail staff and the Secret Service have a mutual interest in getting Trump in and out swiftly.

Trump supporters were expected to gather outside the jail in sweltering heat alongside a small army of reporters.

A flier circulating online promised a peaceful demonstration at the jail situated off a quiet, tree-lined residential street in central Atlanta.

During his booking, Trump was expected to have his mug shot taken for the first time in four criminal cases. Law enforcement in Washington, D.C., Florida and New York decided that mug shots, generally meant to help identify suspects who flee, were unnecessary.

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said Trump would have his photo taken like any other defendant.

Trumps face is among the worlds most recognizable. He alluded to this in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, saying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis insistence on a $200,000 bond package indicated she thought he was a flight risk.

Would I be able to take my very understated airplane with the gold TRUMP affixed for all to see. Probably not, Id be much better off flying commercial - Im sure nobody would recognize me! Trump said in the post.

Trumps mug shot could wind up on official, or unofficial, campaign merchandise.

After his first arrest in New York in March on charges related to a hush-money payment he made to a porn star, both supporters and detractors were quick to circulate a fake mug shot online.

(Reporting by Jack Queen in Atlanta; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Howard Goller)
(From left) Republican presidential candidate former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, Republican presidential candidate former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence, Republican presidential candidate former Vice President Mike Pence, Republican presidential candidate Florida governor Ron DeSantis, Republican presidential candidate Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican presidential candidate former former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, Republican presidential candidate South Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, and Republican presidential candidate North Dakota governor Doug Burgum are itake the podiums at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

To be clear, Donald Trump isn't guaranteed to win the Republican nomination for the presidency for the third time in 2024.

But the easy ride he got in the GOP's first primary debate Wednesday night  without even bothering to show up on the Milwaukee stage  underscored the reality that the only person likely to cost Trump the nomination is Trump, as the repercussion of some health or legal or other catastrophe. At least at the moment, that sort of political lightning looms as a bigger risk to him than the prospect that one of the rivals on stage is going to be able to consolidate enough support to be a threat.

The exchanges in the raucous two-hour debate on Fox News, moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, trained most of the political fire on first-time candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. Former Vice President Mike Pence and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley in particular took on the brash 38-year-old biotech entrepreneur for his lack of experience, his opposition to Ukraine aid, and his dismissal of the rest of the field on stage as pols who had been "bought and paid for."

Haley, who served in the Trump administration as U.N. ambassador, raised one of the rare voices against the former president. She criticized him for adding trillions to the national debt while in the White House and warned that he wasn't electable. "We have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America," she said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It was as though most of the other contenders were living in an alternative universe, one in which Trump didn't command a lead of more than 40 percentage points in the Republican race, according to an average of national polls aggregated by realclearpolitics.com. His nearest competitor, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, is at 14% and falling. Ramaswamy is third at 7% and rising.

That might traditionally prompt a front-runner's challengers to take him on. Instead, DeSantis (who didn't get the "pile-on" of attacks his aides had predicted) avoided tackling Trump by name, though he pointedly contrasted his record of handling the coronavirus pandemic with Washington's response. Ramaswamy called Trump "the best president of the 21st century." Pence, whose life was threatened by pro-Trump rioters on the Jan. 6 assault on the Capitol, said more than once that he was "incredibly proud of the Trump-Pence administration."

And when the candidates were asked whether they would support Trump as the nominee if he were convicted of a crime, only former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson didn't raise his hand, although Chris Christie joked that he was only wagging his finger. When the former New Jersey governor then called Trump's behavior "beneath the office of the president of the United States," he was drowned out by a round of boos from the audience.

Nearly an hour passed before a question was posed about what Baier called "the elephant not in the room"that is, the fact that Trump now faces 91 criminal charges that include obstructing justice, mishandling some of the nation's most sensitive documents and trying to overturn the 2020 election. Trump was set to turn himself in to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Thursday to be arrested and processed on the latest indictment.

Instead of joining the debate, Trump had taped a rambling interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson in which he boasted about his achievements in office and attacked Joe Biden. With his formidable lead, he had said there was no need for him to participate in the debate, though that carried the risk he wouldn't be there to defend himself if attacked.

As it turned out, that wasn't a big problem.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: It's still Trump's party: Winners, losers from the Republican debate
The dominance of a small number of American technology stocks has pushed just about every other market into the shade recently, and thats particularly the case when it comes to anything related to Asia.

Fears about China, its spluttering economy and rumblings over its position towards Taiwan have held back investors who look towards Asia as a potential investment opportunity.

While Asian nations have long been associated with faster economic growth than the West can manage, the attractive levels of income generated by companies in the region are often overlooked.

Approaching 60pc of the companies that belong to the MSCI All Countries Pacific ex Japan index (which includes Australia) yield more than 3pc, which is comparable to that seen in Europe and the UK, both of which are seen as high-yielding markets.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This provides rich pickings for Richard Sennitt, manager of the Schroder Oriental Income investment trust, who took over as its lead manager in 2020 following the retirement of his veteran predecessor, Matthew Dobbs.

Sennitt worked alongside Dobbs for many years and has also successfully managed an open-ended equivalent of the trust for more than 20 years, which made him the natural successor when Dobbs stepped down.

Sennitt has continued the trusts prudent approach with a focus on high-quality companies able to deliver rising dividends, identified by the significant resources Schroders has on the ground in the region.

This approach has paid dividends (excuse the pun): performance looks very favourable against the benchmark since Sennitt took over and indeed since the trusts listing in 2005.

Income seekers will have been happy with the steadily rising divis, which have grown at an average of just over 4pc a year over the past five years, while dividend cover of 1.25 times should give investors confidence that there is scope for this growth to continue.

While investors who seek capital growth may be put off by the trusts focus on income, its long-term total returns are a reminder that reinvesting income, if not needed, can be a highly successful investment strategy.

Looking ahead, the headwinds in the region, principally from China, have resulted in a significant valuation gap between Asia and global markets.

The Asia Pacific region is trading on a price-to-earnings ratio of just under 16, which compares favourably with around 20 for global stocks and 23 for American equities.

Perhaps more interestingly, the region is also cheap relative to its own history, trading below its 30-year average on both an earnings and price to book basis.

Investors worried about the risks of China may be reassured to hear that Sennitt has significantly less exposure to the country than his benchmark index, favouring instead Singapore and Hong Kong, and to a lesser degree Taiwan and Australia.

In any case, the Chinese stock markets plethora of low-yielding internet, ecommerce and consumer companies precludes it from being a natural hunting ground for the trust.

Schroder Oriental Income investment trust key facts

As a result, the portfolio is tilted towards less volatile parts of the market such as financials, which not only helps the yield but also reduces the portfolios volatility.

This has been seen over the course of numerous market sell-offs: the trust has consistently outperformed its benchmark in falling markets. In addition, its Australian exposure via miners and banks also provides natural diversification.

One fly in the ointment for this trust is the presence of a performance fee on top of the annual management charge. The fee has recently been challenged by the board and is now less generous for the fund manager.

In an ideal world it would be removed completely but at least the board is moving in the right direction. It is also proactive when it comes to buying back the trusts shares, which assists in keeping the discount in check and should help to provide a floor at around 5pc.

As a way to diversify a portfolios sources of income or to provide less volatile exposure to Asias growth potential, the trust has broad appeal. Add in lower valuations in the region compared with developed markets, experienced management and a proactive board and you get a trust that deserves a closer look.

Questor says: buy

Ticker: LON: SOI

Share price at close: 238.5p

Ryan Hughes is head of investment partnerships at AJ Bell, the stockbroker

Read the latest Questor column on telegraph.co.uk every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6am

Read Questors rules of investment before you follow our tips

Get in touch | How to contact Questor

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.
Donald Trump invoked his own 2020 election loss when asked whether he believes Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide - making the suggestion that his attorney general Bill Barr failed to investigate both.

The ex-president made the link as he skipped the first Republican primary debate  a stage typically relished by the GOPs presidential candidates  and instead chose to appear in an online interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on Wednesday.

In the interview that was peppered with election lies and attacks on his rivals, Carlson tried to engage the former president in conspiracy theories about disgraced financier Epstein, before bringing up Mr Barr in an abrupt manner.

Do you think Epstein killed himself? Sincerely? Carlson asked.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I dont know. I will say that, you know, he was a fixture in Palm Beach, the former president replied.

I dont know what Barr said about it either. I have no idea what he said. What did he say? He killed himself. Probably, Mr Trump said, agreeing with the suggestion that Epstein died by suicide.

Casting aspersions on the findings, Carlson said the former attorney general knows the truth about Epsteins death.

Epstein died on 10 August 2019 inside the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York, where he was confined ahead of a pending trial for allegedly recruiting dozens of teen girls to engage in sexual acts with him and his friends.

He was facing up to 45 years in prison if he would have been convicted.

Mr Barr, in his book One Damn Thing After Another, had pushed back on the claims that Epsteins death was nefarious. He said the financiers death created a perfect storm of failures that preceded his death and that the fact that so many failures occurred at one time understandably led people to suspect the worst.

He (Barr) said he killed himself and that they were going to this investigation. They never did. The investigation has never been public and they hid it. And like, why are they doing that? He didnt really, Barr knew. But why would Bill Barr be covering up the death of Jeffrey Epstein? Carlson said.

checking in on the Trump-Tucker interview ... pic.twitter.com/h00FalUunj  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 24, 2023

Mr Trump replied by attacking his former attorney general for disagreeing with his debunked theories of election fraud in 2020, saying Barr was petrified of being impeached.

Bill Barr didnt do an investigation on the election fraud either, Mr Trump said.

Okay. He said he did, and he pretended he did, but he didnt. (Bill) McSwain, the US attorney in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, said Barr just wouldnt let him do. It was crazy. Barr became so petrified, so frightened of being impeached. Youre going to impeach him. I dont know if you remember it. Yeah, its not a big moment in history, but they said were going to impeach here, he continued.

Tucker Carlson to Trump: "I'm not a conspiracy person at all" pic.twitter.com/RmfpvawK82  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 24, 2023

They play a much rougher game with the left, the lunatics. And they were going to impeach Bill Barr and he was petrified. Now how do you not get impeached? Dont do any of this stuff. But he didnt do the job there. I dont know what he did with Epstein, but possibly.

Do you think its possible that Epstein was killed? Carlson asked again, a suggestion to which the former president personally disagreed.

Oh, sure, its possible. I mean, I dont really believe it. I think he probably committed suicide. He had a life with, you know, beautiful homes and beautiful everything. And he all of a sudden is incarcerated and not doing very well. I would say that he did. But there are those people. There are many people. I think youre one of them. Right. But a lot of people think that he was killed. He knew a lot of and a lot of people, Trump replied.

He was killed. I think, Carlson said, without citing any evidence for his claim.

I think the closer you look, Im not a conspiracy person at all. I believe everything I hear. But yeah, the closer you look into it, I mean, the attorney general, the United States, your attorney general clearly lied about the Epstein death.
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- BRICS leaders agreed on Thursday to invite six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to join the group.

The six countries' membership will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced at a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit.

"We value the interests of other countries in building the partnership of BRICS," said Ramaphosa.

BRICS leaders met here from Aug. 22 to 24 to discuss issues including deepening BRICS cooperation and the group's expansion. 
In the interview posted on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, at the same time as the Republican presidential debate Wednesday night, former President Donald Trump was boasting about his poll numbers when Tucker Carlson suddenly cut him off.

Can I ask youthat gets back to my original question, he said. If the protests didnt work, and you got elected anyway; the impeachment didnt work, twice; indictment is not working  If you chart it out, its an escalation, is what Im saying. So whats next, after trying to put you in prison for the rest of your life? Thats not working. Dont they have to kill you now?

Trump didnt respond directly. I think the people of our country dont get enough credit for how smart they are, he said. They get it. I got indicted four times. All trivial. Nonsense. Bullshit. Its all bullshit.

It was the second time Carlson had brought up the strong likelihood, from his perspective, that they were going to try to kill Trump. Over the course of the 46-minute interview, Carlson emphasized, repeatedly, the looming danger from the left. It was an odd conversation in part because Trump didnt seem to want to follow him down that particular path. Trump was eager to talk about the stolen election or the failures of the Democrats or Joe Bidens senility, but he had little apparent enthusiasm for Carlsons questions about the prospect of civil war. It was, oddly, an interview that served, unintentionally, to make Donald Trump seem reasonable.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The specter of political violence first arosein what was almost certainly the strangest moment of the interviewfive minutes into the interview. In the first few minutes, Trump had addressed his decision not to attend the RNC debate: Im leading by 50 and 60 points and some of them are at 1 and 0 and 2, and Im saying, do I sit there for an hour or two hours or whatever its going to be and get harassed? He then discussed the failures of cable news and his disdain for Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson.

Then, Trump was explaining why his next administration would be staffed with more loyal people than the Bushies he had dealt with before. Carlson abruptly interrupted him.

Carlson: This is kind of far afield. But it was just interesting. I read Barrs account of this time; he wrote a book about it, his autobiography. And in it he lies about Jeffrey Epsteins death. Clearly lies. Do you think Epstein killed himself, sincerely? Trump: I dont know. I will say he was a fixture in Palm Beach. I dont know what Barr said about it either. I have no idea what he said. What did he say, that he killed himself? Carlson: He said he killed himself and they were going to do this investigation, and they never did the investigation. And its never been public, and they hid it, and, like, why are they doing that?

By now, Carlson was animated, talking over Trump as the former president tried to respond. Carlson insisted, again, that Barr was covering up Epsteins death.

When Trump was finally able to respond, he launched into a rant about Barrs failure to investigate election fraudnever responding directly to Carlsons question. But Carlson wasnt letting it go.

Carlson: Do you think it was possible that Epstein was killed? Trump: Oh sure, its possible. I mean I dont really believe itI think he probably committed suicide. He had a life with beautiful homes and beautiful everything, and all of a sudden hes incarcerated and not doing very well. I would say he did. But there are those people, there are many peopleI think youre one of them, right? But a lot of people think that he was killed. He knew a lot on a lot of people.

He was killed, Carlson said firmly. Then he appeared to relent slightly. I think. I think the closer you lookIm not a conspiracy person at all. I believe everything I hear. But he wasnt done. He smiled momentarily. But yeah, I mean the closer you look into it 

Trump, again, didnt go for Carlsons line. A case could be made either way, he said, but it certainly wasnt the most well-run place, he said in reference to the Manhattan jail where Epstein was kept.

If it seemed odd that Carlson was grilling Trump about Jeffrey Epstein, the host finally made his point clear. The reason Im asking you is Im looking at the trajectory since 2015, he said. It started with protests against you, massive protests, organized protests by the left, and then it moved to impeachment next, and then indictment. I mean the next stage is violence. Are you worried that theyre trying to kill you? Why wouldnt they try to kill you, honestly?

Trump again did not answer directly. Theyre savage animals. Theyre people that are sick, really sick. You have great people in the Democrat Party.  I represent everybody; Im the president of everybody. But Ive seen what they do, the lengths they go to. He then began discussing the Russia investigation and the Mueller report. He never returned to the topic of left-wing violence.

Trump did have his strange and very Trumpian moments. He made an oddly gendered attack on Asa Hutchinson. (I call him Ada Hutchinson. Why do you call him Ada? You know I could tell you, but I dont want to get myself in trouble. But hes weak and pathetic.) He repeated many election fraud lies. He railed about crime. He ranted about the Panama Canal at some length. (It should have never been given to Panama; we should have had it.) He seemed to blame Biden for the Russia invasion of Ukraine. But he didnt appear quite as extreme as Carlson.

Or as mean as Carlson. At one point, Trump started mocking Joe Biden for being physically frail. He quipped that theres somebody there who thinks he looks fabulous at a beach; I think he looks horrible. But it was Carlsons blurting out skinny legs that seemed particularly personal. At another point, Trump mocked Kamala Harris rhetorical style, asserting she speaks in rhyme. Carlson jumped in: She seems pretty senile, too. When Trump brought up a debate moderated by Chris Wallace, Carlson said: Bitchy little man. Trump then said that Wallace didnt have the talent of his father. Carlson kept going, on his own tangent: A little fussy man. And when Trump mentioned the call in which Hillary Clinton conceded the 2016 election, Carlson was gleeful: Did her voice crack?

Carlson also repeatedly egged on Trump, urging him to trash Biden. When Trump was talking about his own experience with foreign leaders, Carlson cut in with, What do you think [Kim Jong-un] and Xi and Putin think of Biden? When Trump returned to his own experience with Kim, Carlson steered the conversation back: So you think the rest of the world is looking at Biden and thinks someone else has got to be running the government?

He also teed Trump up to attack Mike Pence, repeatedly asking him why Pence was not faithful to him during the certification of the 2020 election. While Trump peddled his same lies about the election, he didnt go after his former vice president, stating instead that I think he got very bad advice.

In his last question, Carlson asked Trump if were moving towards civil war.

Trump, rather than agree, praised the people who were at the Jan. 6 insurrection as peaceful patriots, while also boasting about the size of the crowdit was the same Trump as always. But, still, next to Carlson, he seemed measured.

So do you think its possible theres open conflict? Carlson said, unable to let Trumps positive note be the final one. We seem to be moving towards something.

I dont know, Trump said. I dont know. Then he finally seemed to give Carlson a bit of what he wanted. I can say this: Theres a level of passion Ive never seen. Theres a level of hatred that Ive never seen. And thats probably a bad combination.

Carlson nodded. Donald Trump, thank you.

Thank you very much, Trump said. The interview had ended.

But Carlson couldnt help himself. That is a very bad combination, by the way.
Turkey does not recognize Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimea and continues to see it as an illegitimate military occupation of Ukrainian territory, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Aug. 23.

We also maintain our stance in favor of Ukraines territorial integrity and sovereignty, he said in a video message to the Third Crimea Platform Summit held in Ukraines capital city of Kyiv.

We consistently emphasize that Crimea is a part of Ukraine on every platform, including the United Nations.

The end of the Russia-Ukraine war and the restoration of peace and stability in the Black Sea basin will bring relief not only to the region but also the entire world, Erdogan said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Liberating Crimea necessary to preserve international order  Polands Duda

We are putting significant effort into keeping communication channels open for the cessation of bloodshed and to at least prepare the parties to come to the negotiation table, the Turkish president said.

Turkey also continues efforts to revitalize the Black Sea Grain Initiative, and during this process, Ankara believes it is essential to avoid steps that would further escalate tensions in the region, Erdogan said.

The Turkish leader also reiterated his expectation for the release of Nariman Dzhelyal, deputy chairman of the Crimean Tatar Mejlis, and other Crimean Tatars who were detained by Russia in 2021.

The Crimean Platform is an international coordination mechanism initiated by Ukraine to return the Crimea issue to the agenda, protect human rights in Crimea and promote the end of occupation of the peninsula, as well as strengthening European and global security.

The Third Crimea Platform Summit kicked off in Kyiv on Aug. 23, involving leaders from several European countries.

In addition to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the following leaders have attended the event:

President of Hungary Katalin Novak;

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda;

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljko Komsic and member of the Presidency, Denis Becirovic;

President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa;

Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo;

Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean.

Russia occupied Crimea in February 2014 as part of Russias armed aggression against Ukraine.

Read also: Ukraine can strike Russians at any place in occupied Crimea  Budanov

On March 16, 2014, Russia held an illegal referendum regarding the status of autonomy, with falsified results indicating that 96.77% of participants voted for the separation of the autonomous republic from Ukraine.

Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan recognized the results of the so-called referendum.

On March 18, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and self-proclaimed head of the Crimean Council of Ministers Sergey Aksyonov, speaker of the Crimean State Council Vladimir Konstantinov, and self-proclaimed mayor of Sevastopol Alexey Chaly signed the Treaty on Crimeas accession to Russia as a subject of the federation.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Baykar Makina Company handed over a Bayraktar TV2 strike UAV to Ukrainian Defence Intelligence free of charge on the occasion of Ukraines Independence Day.

Source: press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "Baykar Makina congratulated Ukraine on Independence Day in an unusual way. On 24 August, Ukrainian Defence Intelligence received a Bayraktar TB2 strike UAV as a gift from the manufacturer of the renowned drones.

 We express our sincere gratitude to our friends and partners who continue to help Ukraine in these difficult times.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The best gift for the holiday is a new weapon that will help destroy the enemy and defend our freedom and Independence."

Details: Ukraines Defence Intelligence reiterates that a similar gift was also received on 25 January.

Background:

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine and the Turkish company Baykar Makina agreed to build a repair and maintenance service centre for unmanned aerial vehicles.

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 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis rattled off his achievements at Wednesdays Republican presidential debate, one word was notably absent from his pitch: woke.

DeSantis didnt mention the word a single time on the debate stage in Milwaukee, abandoning a term that until recently he had peppered into all of his speeches while describing his opposition to it as a foundational aspect of his campaign.

Over the course of two hours, the governor didnt use it in his introduction, declined to include it when asked about problems facing America, and conspicuously avoided using it even when recounting parts of his record where he had used the word frequently in the past, like when he bragged on the debate stage about removing local prosecutors he said were not upholding the law. He instead described the prosecutors as backed by George Soros, a liberal fundraiser and frequent Republican boogeyman.

I removed them from their post, DeSantis said. They are gone. And as president, as president, we are going to go after all of these people because they are hurting the quality of life and they are victimizing innocent people in every corner of this country.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

DeSantis  who built a national reputation for himself in part on his efforts to fight so-called woke ideology in schools, government, the military and public life  still used his time on the debate stage to boast that he had eliminated gender ideology from schools and elevated the importance of American civicsin Floridas education standards.

READ MORE: DeSantis fights for attention while candidates tussle in first Republican primary debate

But the absence of the word woke nonetheless marks an abrupt shift in rhetoric for the candidate, who otherwise stuck closely to his familiar stump speech Wednesday, and comes amid a broader campaign recalibration in recent weeks that saw his campaign manager replaced earlier this month.

DeSantis used the word so much during the early days of his campaign, in fact, that he explicitly defended focusing on it so much, arguing that the ideology made everyday life worse for Americans and was connected to everything from crime rates to a sputtering economy.

Former Florida state House Speaker Jose Oliva, a senior adviser and surrogate for DeSantis campaign, acknowledged the absence of the word woke in the governors debate performance, but said that DeSantis still spoke in broader terms about the matter.

I dont think that you heard the word woke a lot, but you did hear a lot about the effects of that type of ideology, whether its in crime, or its in education, Oliva told the Miami Herald. In general, I think that you heard about a decline in America. And whats causing that decline in a lot of ways is those types of mentalities.

RELATED CONTENT: DeSantis blows up debate moderators effort to query candidates on climate change

The term  which DeSantis has used repeatedly to describe anything and everything that he perceives as culturally or politically liberal  has become a buzzword among conservatives in recent years. Nearly every Republican presidential candidate has used the term at some point. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy famously authored a book entitled Woke, Inc. criticizing what he described as the intermingling of liberal politics and business.

Yet only one candidate, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, invoked the term on the debate stage Wednesday night, decrying a lot of crazy, woke things happening in schools.

Theres at least some evidence that Republican voters may be tiring of the focus on so-called wokeness. A New York Times/Siena College poll released last month found that GOP voters said they are more likely to support a candidate who talks about issues like law and order than about woke ideology.

Former President Donald Trump, whos used the term himself at times, has criticized how frequently it has been used among conservatives, saying during an appearance in Iowa this summer that most Republicans arent quite sure what it actually means.

READ MORE: From backbench congressman to debate limelight: The rise of Ron DeSantis, soundbite by soundbite

I dont like the term woke because I hear woke woke woke,  Trump said at the Western Conservative Summit in June. Its just a term they use, half the people cant even define it, they dont know what it is.
A former Oklahoma County jail inmate, along with a man who authorities say lives out of state, are accused of scheming to bring drugs into the facility.

In Oklahoma County District Court, Jordan Kathleen Keith, 27, and Terrance Lee Burmood, 62 each face two counts of conspiracy to commit a felony and two counts of possession of controlled drugs in jail.

The case unfolded in October when jail mail room staff told investigators about two suspicious packages addressed to Keith.

The packages appeared to be legal mail from a law firm in Oklahoma City, but were postmarked from Colorado, and allegedly were sent by Burmood, court documents show.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More: Drugs continue to get inside Oklahoma County jail, leading to overdoses

An investigator found several pills inside the packages. The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation tested the pills and learned they were positive for fentanyl.

Later that October, the same inmate received an envelope postmarked from Colorado. The envelope contained a card and five pictures. OSBI testing showed the items were positive for methamphetamine, the jail said.

Keith is currently serving a prison sentence at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center for drug trafficking and gun convictions.

Burmood lives out of state, a jail spokesman said. He previously was sentenced to serve 32 years in prison, according to court documents.

Oklahoma County Jail has had problems with rampant drug use for years

The contraband discovery came amid promises by jail leaders to overhaul the facility and curtail inmate violence and drug use, which for years have been rampant problems at the beleaguered jail.

It is imperative that we hold people accountable for the harm they can bring upon detainees and staff by smuggling in drugs and contraband, jail CEO Brandi Garner said in a statement. Fighting contraband is an ongoing battle. We will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to keep drugs out of the jail and will not hesitate to prosecute anyone who is caught smuggling contraband in the jail.

Broken Trust: How the Oklahoma County jail leadership failed those it sought to protect

Once Burmood is in custody, he will be extradited to Oklahoma to face charges.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Two accused of bringing drugs into Oklahoma County Jail
Two men were arrested after a 13-year-old girl was rescued after being found locked in a bedroom of a suspected stash house used for drug and sex trafficking in West El Paso, the Texas Department of Public Safety said.

The stash house was found on Aug. 12 by Texas DPS Criminal Investigations Division special agents, state troopers, and Anti-Smuggling Units of the U.S. Border Patrol, officials said Wednesday.

An investigation began when Texas DPS received an anonymous tip about a possible human smuggling stash house on Camille Drive, located south of North Mesa Street in the Coronado area.

Border Patrol and Texas DPS agents did a knock-and-talk and spoke with homes resident, Francisco Luevano, who gave them permission to search the house. No undocumented migrants were found, stated a criminal complaint obtained by the El Paso Times.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Migrant smuggling: El Paso Border Patrol clips ninja-turtle style smuggling try in manhole tunnel

When agents entered the house, they found a make-shift door with a lock in the main hallway and coded locks on each room, Texas DPS said in a news release. Small amounts of drugs were also found.

The 13-year-old girl was found sleeping in a bed in a bedroom.

An ongoing investigation alleges that the house was used for sex trafficking and drug trafficking, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, DPS said in a statement.

Investigators suspect the house was used as a "drug house or sex brothel" with a possible child victim, but there was no evidence that the girl was sexually assaulted, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by a DPS special agent.

Girl found in suspected West El Paso 'drug house'

The girl, who is originally from North Texas, was assisted by a DPS victim services counselor and the Texas Department of Family Protective Services, officials said. She is now in the care of Child Protective Services.

Jose Luis Sierra Jr., 43, and Luevano, 47, both of El Paso, were arrested on felony charges of child endangerment, according to DPS and jail records. The men are accused of negligence, showing no regard for the childs safety and recklessly exposing her to drugs and allowing men in her bedroom.

Sierra had temporary legal custody of the girl. CPS informed DPS that the girls biological mother had lost parental rights because she allegedly was a fentanyl addict and suspicions of grooming the child into prostitution, the criminal complaint stated.

A Texas state trooper arrests a man. File art.

When agents first entered the house, they found three women and two men sitting at a kitchen table drinking alcohol. They claimed they were at the house to party and denied taking part in any criminal activity.

Agents saw drug paraphernalia in the kitchen, including marijuana bongs, a box of Narcan, a small scale and "baggies for cocaine," the complaint document stated. Less than a half a gram of cocaine was also found in a dresser drawer in a spare bedroom and under a mattress in Luevano's bedroom.

Immigration: As a tropical storm bore down on Southern California, Texas bussed migrants to Los Angeles

Luevano told investigators that he rents the house from his brother, the complaint stated.

At one point, Sierra drove up to the house. He told DPS agents that he had just visited a marijuana dispensary and agents found a half-ounce of marijuana in two vials during a frisk search, the complaint stated.

Sierra told them that he had been in a car crash a week prior and had asked Luevano to take care of the girl while he was hospitalized, the complaint stated.

According to the affidavit, Sierra gave agents permission to search his cellphone, where agents found a text-message thread between him and the girl regarding the girls drug use and telling her to stop bringing over men into her bedroom at Luevanos home because it could get the men in trouble and be perceived as human trafficking.

Drug cartels: 'Don Adan,' head of Los Salazar narco-group tied to reporter's murder, extradited to US

Sierra also faces a misdemeanor charge of possession of less than two ounces of marijuana while Luevano faces a state jail felony charge of possession of less than a gram of cocaine, DPS added.

El Paso County Jail records show that Sierra was released on Aug. 16 on a $15,000 surety bond plus a $100 cash bond for the marijuana case.

Luevano bond out of jail on Aug. 15 on surety bonds of $15,000 and $1,500 on the child endangerment and cocaine possession charges, according to jail records.

While being transported by a state trooper to CPS custody, the girl began to feel nauseous and threw up. She told the trooper that she was having withdrawals from marijuana use. The trooper told the girl that withdrawals usually occur with the use of heavy drugs, such as methamphetamine and fentanyl, the affidavit stated.

The girl allegedly told the trooper that she only smokes marijuana but is around people who do meth and fentanyl.

More than 250 stash houses in El Paso region

This year more than 250 stash houses have been found in the Border Patrol's El Paso Sector, which covers El Paso and all of New Mexico, Texas DPS said.

"Stash houses" can be houses, apartments and motel rooms where smugglers hide undocumented migrants or drugs before transporting them to locations across the United States. The houses are sometimes rentals that are sparsely decorated and lack electricity.

More: Socorro police find sex trafficking signs during migrant stash house raid

Border Patrol said that indicators of a possible stash house, include:

Excessive amounts of trash, such as piles of garbage bags, that are much more than the average family.

No activity during the day but a lot of activity at night and at odd hours.

Different vehicles arriving, with several people getting out.

Tips about suspected stash houses can be made to the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at www.p3tips.com/650. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

The U.S. Border Patrol number to report smuggling activity and stash houses is 1-800-635-2509. Information on human trafficking can also be made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Two El Paso men arrested, girl rescued from suspected stash house
Two men were stabbed after stepping out of a Washington, D.C., gay bar in the trendy Dupont Circle neighborhood of the nations capital last week, leaving one of the men bleeding from the neck.

Metropolitan Police officials arrested Mary Kennedy, 35, for allegedly assaulting the men with scissors last Friday evening, according to a news release.

The men had stepped out of Fireplace, one of several gay bars in the District, to smoke a cigarette. A woman alleged to be Kennedy approached them and stabbed the men in the neck, court documents reveal, the Washington Blade reports.

According to arrest documents, one victim, who was bleeding heavily, had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. The second stabbed person did not require medical treatment.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

A D.C. Superior Court judge ordered Kennedy held in custody and required her to undergo a mental health examination to determine whether she was fit to understand the charges against her.

Shes expected back in court on August 28, when the judge will consider the next steps regarding her pre-trial detention and other aspects pertinent to her case.

According to the arrest affidavit, a uniformed Secret Service agent apprehended Kennedy minutes after she fled the scene following the stabbing of the man waiting at the bus stop, the Blade reports.

Witnesses stated that Kennedy did not speak to either victim before the stabbings. The stabbings were unprovoked, according to the affidavit.

When D.C. police arrested Kennedy, scissors found in Kennedys purse with blood on it were identified as the weapon used in the stabbings.

Neither of the two stabbings appears to be a hate crime, according to a police report.

They just walked out to get some air, said the day manager of Fireplace. It had nothing to do with the bar. They were at the wrong place at the wrong time. It was just some crazy lady.
Two people are accused of breaking into a home in Washington while posing as firefighters after residents evacuated for a wildfire, deputies said.

The burglary was reported at about 8:15 a.m. Monday, Aug. 21, in Medical Lake, the Spokane County Sheriffs Office said in a Facebook post.

A family member of the resident spotted a blue Audi parked in the homes driveway, deputies said.

The caller said no one was supposed to be there at the time.

A 38-year-old man wearing a yellow high-visibility long-sleeve shirt similar to a firefighter told the caller he needed to put air into a flat tire, deputies said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Deputies said the caller saw the tire needed air and directed the man to his shop.

Then a 37-year-old woman came from behind the home, got into the car and the two drove off, deputies said. They didnt stop at the shop.

The caller checked the home and it was unlocked. Nothing appeared missing, but the kitchen cabinets looked like they had been gone through, deputies said.

The homeowner later said two drills that cost $300 were missing, deputies said.

Authorities said that around 4 p.m. they found a blue Audi nearby with two people inside. They told deputies they were lost and trying to get back to Tacoma.

But authorities saw a yellow shirt in the car, and after further investigation, they were both arrested on residential burglary charges.

Two people, a male and a female, who were over here from Tacoma posing as firefighters and burglarizing our residences, Sheriff John Nowels said in a press conference recorded by KREM on Aug. 22.

The Gray Fire has burned more than 10,000 acres in southwestern Spokane County, prompting evacuations since it started on Aug. 18, according to authorities.

As of Aug. 23, the blaze is 48% contained. At least 185 structures have been destroyed.

Another massive wildfire is burning in the northeastern part of the county. The Oregon Fire has burned over 11,000 acres since Aug. 18. Its 0% contained as of Aug. 23.

Medical Lake is about 15 miles southwest of Spokane.

Woman orders dogs to attack accused home intruder barging through door, Florida cops say

Masked trio tries to carjack father and son, then mom opens fire, Mississippi cops say

Kia owner shoots accused car thief while standing on apartment balcony, Texas cops say
Two suspects have been arrested in connection to an armed robbery that took place in Ocean City in June.

Dremale Khary Vanterpool, 25, and Torrance Ronel Brock, 21, have each been charged with armed robbery, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, robbery, first and second degree assault and theft of less than $100.00.

The Ocean City Police Department began investigating an armed robbery that occurred on June 3, 2023 around 3:24 p.m. on Constitutional Avenue in Ocean City, Maryland. The victim reported that three African-American males approached him while he was outside, and one of the suspects pointed a handgun at him and demanded his personal belongings.

The victim gave the suspects several personal items, and witnesses in the area were able to provide officers with a description of the vehicles the suspects left in. Using a license plate reader system, officers were able to determine when the vehicle entered Ocean City, and more information about the vehicle, including preexisting damage and registration information. The vehicle's description was shared with law enforcement agencies in Maryland and Delaware.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Officers later learned that two robberies were committed in Delaware after the one in Ocean City, a robbery and attempted carjacking in Millsboro and an attempted carjacking in Georgetown. Delaware State Police and Georgetown Police confirmed that their suspects' descriptions matched the ones in Ocean City.

MORE CRIME: Marion Station man indicted on sexual abuse charges involving minor

The detectives received information that the suspects may have been in the Washington, D.C. area, and began working with the Washington Police Department and Capitol Police.

On June 7, detectives learned that Capitol Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle fled from officers, leading to a short pursuit. The two occupants, later identified as Vanterpool and Brock, abandoned the vehicle during the pursuit and fled on foot. They were arrested both arrested.

Detectives determined that both were involved in the Ocean City armed robbery, and applied for arrest warrants for both individuals.

Vanterpool was transferred to the custody of the Ocean City Police Department, and is currently being held without bond. Brock is currently being incarcerated in North Carolina on unrelated charges. A warrant has been issued for Brock's arrest for the charges related to this incident.

Ocean City Jeep Fest: All to know to partake in the off-roading fun

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Two arrested in June Ocean City armed robbery
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and eight others injured on Thursday in a collision between a van and a truck in Thatta district of Pakistan's southern Sindh province, the rescue service reported.

According to the reports, the accident took place in the morning on the National Highway near Jhirk area of the city when the vehicles coming from the opposite direction, on a single-track road, collided with each other.

Upon receiving the information, the rescue workers reached the site and shifted the victims to a local hospital, said the rescue service, adding that some of the patients were later taken to another hospital for further treatment.

Five of the injured were in critical condition, it said.

Reportedly, the ill-fated van was going from Hyderabad City of the province to Thatta.

Road accidents frequently happen in Pakistan, mainly due to poorly maintained vehicles, dilapidated roads and negligence of road safety measures. 
A SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule hangs from the ceiling at the company's Hawthorne headquarters. The company was sued Thursday by the Justice Department. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Elon Musk's SpaceX discriminated against asylees and refugees by discouraging them from applying for jobs and by refusing to consider or hire them because of their citizenship status, the Justice Department alleges in a lawsuit filed Thursday.

In an investigation, the Justice Department found that the actions taken by company recruiters and by "high-level officials" to discourage asylees and refugees from seeking jobs at the Hawthorne aerospace company amounted to a de facto ban on their hiring, in violation of federal laws.

For instance, the suit says, Musk tweeted in June 2020 to his then-36 million followers: "US law requires at least a green card to be hired at SpaceX, as rockets are considered advanced weapons technology."

Read more: Former SpaceX employee alleges age discrimination in complaint

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

SpaceX has engaged in such behavior from at least September 2018 to May 2022, according to the Justice Department's lawsuit. The suit says SpaceX did hire one asylee out of more than 10,000 companywide hires during this time, but that hiring came about four months after SpaceX was notified of the Justice Department's investigation.

The company did not respond to a request for comment.

SpaceX wrongly said in job postings and public statements that it could hire only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, citing federal regulations and export control laws, according to the Justice Department. The company's own hiring records show that SpaceX "repeatedly" rejected applicants who were asylees or refugees "because it believed that they were ineligible to be hired" due to these regulations, the lawsuit says.

Read more: Black Tesla employees describe a culture of racism: 'I was at my breaking point'

Aerospace and defense companies such as SpaceX are subject to export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, that govern the manufacture and export of defense-related products such as rockets. But asylees and refugees are on "equal footing" with U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents under those export control laws, the Justice Department said.

In one instance, the lawsuit says, when an asylee who had graduated from Georgia Tech and had more than nine years of relevant engineering experience applied for a job, a SpaceX recruiter labeled the applicant as disqualified: "not authorized to work/ITAR ineligible."

Asylees and refugees have overcome many obstacles in their lives," Assistant Atty. Gen. Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments civil rights division said in a statement, "and unlawful employment discrimination based on their citizenship status should not be one of them."

The Justice Department lawsuit seeks for SpaceX to stop these hiring practices, pay a yet-to-be-determined civil penalty and hire applicants who were harmed by the hiring practices and were qualified for jobs at the company.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
UCF police said theyre seeing an uptick in scams targeting students.

This week, officers said theyve gotten several reports from students who said theyve been extorted by people they met online.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

Officers said in those cases, the students shared explicit photos and were told by the scammers that if they didnt pay money or purchase gift cards, the images would be shared with family and friends.

In another case, officers said a student reported being approached by two unknown men who convinced him to deposit a check using a mobile banking app and then followed him to an ATM so he could withdraw money.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read: Missteps allowed Daton Viel to escape during traffic stop at UCF, police say

Police offered the following tips for students to protect themselves:

Never share your personal or banking information with people you dont know, and never send photographs to anyone that could be a source of embarrassment or harassment.

If you receive a text or email asking you to purchase gift cards or send money to someone you dont know, ignore it and contact police. Do not click any links or respond to any messages or calls from these scammers.

If you see something, say something. UCF police officers will continue to patrol UCFs campuses 24/7, and can be reached by calling 407-823-5555 or 911 for an active emergency.

If you are a victim of crime, violence or abuse, UCF has resources available. Confidential victim specialists are available for support and advocacy, free of charge. You can reach a victim specialist 24/7 by calling 407-823-1200 or texting 407-823-6868. Always dial 911 if its an emergency.

Read: How UCF research could crack down on catalytic converter thefts

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Russian President Vladimir Putin paid a rare visit to the military headquarters in Rostov on Aug. 19, which was briefly seized during the Wagner rebellion, the U.K. Defense Ministry said in its latest intelligence report on Aug. 24.

The Kremlin's leader met with Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov and other officers in charge of the Russian war against Ukraine, the report added.

According to the analysis, Putin likely visited Rostov, lying 160 kilometers from the front line, to "project his authority," as the regional center was shortly held by Yevgeny Prigozhin 's Wagner Group during their uprising in late June.

Following the capture of the southern city, the warlord's contractors marched toward Moscow only to abruptly end their rebellion less than 24 hours before it began. "Putin's chef" was allowed to walk free after an undisclosed deal allegedly brokered by Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prigozhin is presumed dead in a deadly crash of his business jet in Russia's Tver Oblast on Aug. 23. Based on a list published by the Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya), the oligarch was among the 10 passengers who lost their lives in the incident.

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Putin "almost certainly ordered the Russian military command to shoot down Prigozhin's plane." The warlord's death is yet to be confirmed by official sources.

Read also: Russian media: Private jet crashes in Russia, warlord Prigozhin listed among passengers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
UK Defence Intelligence has stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to the headquarters of the Southern Military District in Rostov, 160 kilometres from the front, to demonstrate his power.

Source: UK Ministry of Defence review update on 24 August, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Putin reportedly held a meeting with senior officers, including Chief of the Russian General Staff General Valery Gerasimov, who "continues to command the operation in Ukraine" [Russians call a war in Ukraine "a special military operation"  ed.].

Referring to the seizure of the headquarters in Rostov, which is in charge of the war in Ukraine, by the Wagner Group in June, UK Defence Intelligence suggested that the Russian president most likely "wishes to project his authority and to portray the senior military command as functioning as usual".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Previously: On 19 August, Russian media reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting at the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, from where the Russians control combat actions in Ukraine.

Background:

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
UK military circles believe that the most likely scenario surrounding the crash of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin s plane is that Russian secret services were behind it.

Source: BBC Russian Service

Details: BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner spoke to sources in UK military circles. They consider that the most likely scenario is that the crash of Prigozhins jet was perpetrated by the Federal Security Service.

FSB officers are completely loyal to Putin and the border guard service is subordinate to them, sources indicate.

In their opinion, the purpose of this was probably to strengthen the positions of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff Chief Valery Gerasimov, "and this goal has been achieved for the time being."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Background:

A plane belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin (an Embraer Legacy 600) crashed on 23 August in the village of Kuzhenkino in Russia's Tver Oblast. The plane was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg. 10 people were killed (7 passengers, 2 pilots and a flight attendant). According to the passenger manifest, Yevgeny Prigozhin and the management of the Wagner Group were on board.".

On 24 August, bodies of all 10 people killed in the crash of a business jet were taken to a morgue for forensic examination.

The Russian media saw a certain symbolism in the fact that the plane crash occurred on 23 August, exactly two months after the rebellion of the Wagner PMC (Prigozhin announced his "march of justice" on the evening of 23 June).

US President Joe Biden suggested that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, may be behind the plane crash.

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin took revenge for the humiliation of the Wagner Groups mutiny and ordered the assassination of their leadership.

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!
Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks to a patient during a visit to Milton Keynes University Hospital in Milton Keynes, England, Tuesday Aug. 15, 2023. (Leon Neal/ Pool via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LONDON (AP)  British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was chided by Parliaments standards guardian on Thursday for failing to declare his wifes financial interest in a childcare firm that stood to benefit from government policy.

Standards Commissioner Daniel Greenberg said Sunak broke the code of conduct for government ministers, but said the mistake was inadvertent and that the prime minister should not be sanctioned for the error.

Greenberg opened an investigation in April over Sunaks failure to declare when questioned by a committee of lawmakers that his wife. Akshata Murthy, held shares in the company Koru Kids, which had been selected to receive government support for childcare firms.

Greenberg said Murthys shareholding was a relevant interest that should have been declared. But he said the failure stemmed from confusion about the rules rather than an intent to deceive.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

I confirm that the matter is now closed, he said.

Sunak apologized for the mistake.

The finding follows a string of ethics breaches by members of Britains Conservative government.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson was driven from office in mid-2022 when his own Cabinet turned on him after a string of scandals over his judgment and finances.

Sunak vowed to restore order and integrity to government after three years of turmoil under Johnson and briefly serving successor Liz Truss, who quit within weeks after her policies rocked the U.K. economy. But Sunak, a former investment banker, has faced questions about his wealth and the financial arrangements of his wife, the daughter of an Indian billionaire.

Last year, it was revealed that Murthy didnt pay U.K. tax on her overseas income, including 11.5 million pounds ($15 million) a year in dividends from Infosys, the Indian IT company founded by her father.
The third summit of the Crimean Platform took place in Kyiv

Ukraines government has outlined an economic model for the development of Crimea within the Strategy for the peninsulas recovery after its liberation from Russia, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Aug. 23.

The model consists of five key points, the prime minister said during the Third Crimean Platform Summit in Kyiv.

Read also: Liberating Crimea necessary to preserve international order  Polands Duda

Crimea as Europes new tourist hub. The government aims to transform the peninsula into a year-round resort, positioning it as a destination for leisure and recreation. The plan involves the creation of new hotel infrastructure and public spaces under the Crimea365 brand.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Uniting Crimea with Ukraine, Europe and the world. Integrating the peninsula into the European transportation network TEN-T. The plan includes the construction of four highways, two international-level airports, as well as dismantling of the Crimean Bridge for safe navigation in the Black and Azov seas.

Power industry. Integrating Crimea into the ENTSO-E energy system and promoting renewable energy sources. Plans involve developing the Black Sea gas shelf using cutting-edge technologies, with the government envisioning Crimea as a net energy exporter.

Read also: Ukraine can strike Russians at any place in occupied Crimea  Budanov

Agricultural sector development. The government is drafting a project for the restoration of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant to irrigate southern Ukraine. The Cabinet of Ministers aims at supporting small-scale farming and expanding the eWork program to support viticulture in Crimea.

Establishing a European and global-level IT hub on the peninsula. Special regulations to attract investments in science, education, and innovation. The government believes that Crimea should become a Ukrainian Silicon Valley.

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
KYIV, Ukraine  Ukraine on Thursday marked its second Independence Day since Russias full-scale invasion, with officials vowing to keep up their fight to drive out the Kremlins forces and local people remembering their fallen loved ones.

The national holiday coincided with the wars 18-month milestone, giving a somber mood to the commemorations.

We remember everyone who gave their lives for freedom and independence, for the free future of Ukraine, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a social media post.

He said that an independent Ukraine is what we are fighting for.

In the northeastern Kharkiv region, families visited a cemetery where fallen Ukrainian soldiers are buried.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Kateryna Krotchenko, the mother of Serhii Krotchenko who was killed near Bakhmut, cleaned his grave.

Kateryna and Oleh light a candle at a cemetery in front of their son's grave, who died fighting in the war as Ukrainians mark Independence Day in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (Bram Janssen/AP)

He was an ordinary boy who loved life and dreamed of something, she told The Associated Press. Therefore, he did not accept the fact that war had come to our land and decided to (sign up) voluntarily, she said. We agreed with his decision. We didnt think it would be like this.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Ukraine was fighting for the values we all stand for: sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

That battle has earned the support of foreign allies, especially NATO alliance member countries that have provided Kyiv with sophisticated new weaponry. The new weapons have allowed Ukraine to launch a grinding counteroffensive.

Ukraines defense ministry marked the day with a series of social media videos that mixed gratitude with wry humor to thank those allies individually for their support.

The United States video was set to Frank Sinatras Our Love is Here to Stay and ended with a cheeky thanks for the F-16s and the words too soon? The U.S. has agreed its allies can send Ukraine the fighter jets, but the lengthy process has been a source of frustration to Kyiv.

Britain was thanked to the tune of The Clashs punk classic London Calling, while Canada received gratitude for sniper rifles, howitzers, armored vehicles  and long underwear. France was sent a message of love to the strains of Serge Gainsbourgs Je taime  moi non plus.

The more than 20 clips were tagged UkraineSaysThankYou  perhaps a riposte to British Defense Secretary Ben Wallaces suggestion last month that Kyiv should express more gratitude and not treat its allies like Amazons delivery service.

More gloomily, the holiday was observed against a backdrop of continued fighting.

Ukrainian intelligence units together with the Ukrainian navy landed on the western side of Russia-occupied Crimea to strike at Russian military assets there, according to Ukrainian military intelligence spokesman Andrii Yusov.

In Ukraines southern Kherson region, meanwhile, a Russian strike severely injured a 7-year-old girl whose home was hit, Gov. Oleksandr Prokudin said.
Ukrainian special forces made a surprise amphibious raid into occupied Crimea on Thursday.

Kyiv's military intelligence agency said its troops engaged with Russians and raised a flag there.

The symbolic  but daring  mission comes as Ukraine observes its 32nd Independence Day.

Ukrainian special forces made an amphibious raid into the occupied Crimean peninsula on Thursday, where they battled Russian troops and planted the country's flag, Kyiv's military intelligence agency has revealed.

While the daring mission does not appear to have an immediate operational impact, the fact that Ukraine got boots on the ground in the territory is a symbolic victory. It is the latest in a string of engagements around Crimea, which Ukraine has vowed to liberate from Russia.

Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence, part of the country's defense ministry and also known as the HUR, said in a statement that it conducted the "special operation" with the support of the country's naval forces, according to a translation by state-owned news agency Ukrinform.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"The special operations units used watercraft and landed on the shore" near Olenivka, a small village at the westernmost point of Crimea that sits along the Black Sea. On Wednesday, the HUR said a Russian S-400 air-defense system  one of Moscow's more formidable weapons  was destroyed near the village.

During the mission, the HUR said its forces engaged in combat with Russian soldiers  leaving them with troop and equipment losses  and raised the country's flag, a symbolic moment for Ukraine as it observes its Independence Day and the 18-month anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.

"All objectives and tasks were fulfilled. As the special operation was completed, Ukrainian defenders left the scene without casualties," said the HUR, which published a video to Telegram that shows Ukrainian forces on a boat and later raising the flag.

Russia's defense ministry did not immediately release a comment specifically on the landing, though the HUR said Moscow published a message about the scheduled destruction of munitions. "Ukraine's Defense Forces will continue to assist the occupiers with the destruction of ammunition, equipment, and personnel," the HUR joked.

Speaking at a press conference later in Kyiv on Thursday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the raid. He said his forces suffered no casualties but cautioned reading into the operation too much.

"It is too early to talk about the liberation of Crimea. Second, I will have a detailed report from General Budanov," Zelenskyy said, referring to Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukraine's military intelligence agency. "The third  yes, these are our guys. Fourth, there are no casualties on our side, which is good news."

Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to cause mayhem far beyond the front lines

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 when the"little green men" armed with weapons used by the Russian military invaded. Russia initially denied it had moved troops into the Black Sea peninsula before Putin finally admitted it had seized the region.

Western governments, including the US, do not recognize it as legitimate Russian territory.

Zelenskyy and Ukrainian officials have routinely said that the country remains unwavering in its goal of eventually liberating the occupied peninsula, and Kyiv's military has stepped up attacks there in recent weeks  like destroying an S-400 system this week and a recent sea drone strike on the strategic Kerch Bridge.

The HUR's Budanov said in a media interview earlier this week that many people living in Crimea are looking forward to its liberation and hinted at future attacks on the peninsula."We need to give them confidence that their hopes are not in vain," Budanov said.

"That's why we have to hold events such as the Crimean Platform, events, let's say, with the resistance movement in the temporarily occupied territories, just destroy the occupiers in our Crimea, which, in principle, you see, and will see in the coming days," he added.

A Ukrainian soldier hangs a Ukrainian flag during a 'special operation' by Ukrainian forces at a location given as near Olenivka and Mayak settlements, Crimea, in this screengrab obtained from a handout video released on August 24, 2023. Ukrainian Main Directorate of Intelligence/Handout via REUTERS

Ukraine has increasingly demonstrated its ability to cause mayhem far beyond the current front lines. As Kyiv's forces press on with their grinding counteroffensive this summer, they have also managed to strike Russian targets around the Black Sea and have made drone attacks on Moscow a regular occurrence.

The amphibious raid  and symbolic flag raising  also comes as Ukraine observes its 32nd Independence Day. To mark the occasion, Zelenskyy presented awards, insignia, and battle flags to military units during a celebration in Kyiv's St. Sophia Square to mark the occasion. Several heads of state, including some from NATO members, were also in attendance.

"When Russia invaded with a full-scale war, there was not a single day that Ukraine lacked unity," Zelenskyy said in a speech. "For a long time, the bravery of our warriors did not have the experience of using the world's best weapons, and now our state gives Ukrainian warriors such weaponry. And I thank everyone who helps us with it. "

Indeed, many of Kyiv's Western military backers sent messages to mark Ukrainian Independence Day, renewing commitments to keep supporting the country with economic and security assistance.

"Today, as Ukraine commemorates another year of independence, the United States remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure that it can celebrate many more. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes in its fight for its security and freedom," US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Early in the morning on the second Independence Day after Russia's all-out invasion of its country, Ukraines Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) says it sent special units, supported by the Navy, to carry out a brazen raid on the Crimean peninsula towns of Olenivka and Mayak.

Entering by small boat, they landed on the shore, engaged Russians in combat, killed troops, destroyed equipment and planted the Ukrainian flag, the GUR said on its Telegram channel. We have no way of verifying that, but the raid came a day after the GUR said it destroyed a Russian S-400 air defense system a short distance away, which you can read more about here.

https://twitter.com/SarahAshtonLV/status/1694651541532377142

All goals and tasks have been completed, the GUR said Thursday of the early morning raid on the strategically important Cape Tarkhankut. It is the western-most point in Crimea, jutting out into the Black Sea about 90 miles south of the front lines in Kherson Oblast and about 115 miles southeast of Odesa. At the end of the special operation, the Ukrainian defenders left the scene without casualties.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a 56-second video posted by the GUR on YouTube, its troops are seen coming ashore on a small boat armed and attaching the blue and yellow Ukrainian flag to a building. There is the sound of what appears to be several rounds fired by suppressor-equipped rifles as the troops apparently leave again by boat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ge6gcpo9QE

The Russian SHOT media outlet reported on its Telegram channel Thursday that the first sounds of gunfire were heard at about 3:50 a.m. local time at the Olenivka Village campsite in the village of Olenivka. Eyewitnesses say that there were shots, presumably from RPGs.

When people woke up and left houses and tents on the beach, they saw two rubber boats not far from the shore. There were 10 unknowns in them. One of them fired at the campsite. But he hit only once, after which the group disappeared.

Any objective of the mission, beyond its symbolism and psychological impact, remains unclear at the moment.

As we noted in our story yesterday about the destruction of the S-400 system, Cape Tarkhankut was an ideal location for such a system and taking out this battery would potentially open a hole in Russia's air defense overlay of the peninsula and the northwestern Black Sea. Its destruction would have lowered the risk of the raid. There are also reports yesterday, 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. Hitting that system there, if that occurred, could have also been critical to the success of the special operations raid.

In addition, Mayak, which the GUR said was another objective of Thursday's raid, is a base of the 3rd Radio Engineering Regiment as part of the radio engineering troops of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, Radio Free Liberty/Radio Europes Crimean Realities reported Thursday on its Telegram channel. Also on the Tarkhankut Peninsula - there is a radar node - the Nebo-M [multi-band] radar and the Kasta-2E2 [low-altitude 3D omnidirectional stand-by] radar. Positions for air defense were prepared along the perimeter.

Russian radar systems in Mayak, according to Crimean Realities. (Crimean Realities Telegram)

A Kasta 2E2 low-altitude 3D omnidirectional stand-by radar system. (Militarnyi photo)

Crimean Realities, which posted information on its Telegram channel about the incident before the GUR announcement, said explosions were heard in that village at about 5 a.m.

In addition, our sources in Ukrainian intelligence confirmed that a battle took place in the area involving watercraft and aircraft. Details have not yet been specified, Crimean Realities reported before the GUR confirmation.

It is unknown whether the radar equipment was a target and what if any damage resulted to it from this raid. We reached out to Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of the GUR, for additional details, but he told us only that its the first successful operation on the ground in Crimea through many years. We also reached out to his spokesman and will update this story with any additional details provided.

Two days ago, as we noted, Budanov made ominous veiled threats against Russian forces in Crimea.

In an interview with the ITV news agency Tuesday ahead of todays Summit of the Crimean Platform, 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."

You can read more about Budanov's comments in our story here.

In discussing the operation, the Rybar Telegram channel said Ukrainian Armed Forces have been probing the soil near Crimea for several weeks, looking for loopholes for the landing operation for which the British were preparing them. And Tarkhankut is the most convenient place for this kind of action. The coastline of the cape is almost flush with the sea, which makes it ideal for approaching small boats. And if now it was just a showy sortie, then what prevented them from climbing the hill and hitting a military facility there?

Mayak, located on Cape Tarkhankut in Crimea, is home to several Russian radar installations. (Google Earth image)

In an interview with Crimean Realities Wednesday night before the raid took place, Budanov said: Now we have the ability to strike any part of the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic. There are many options for the de-occupation of Crimea, but it is impossible without military action.

Budanov called upon Crimean residents supporting the cause of liberation to step forward.

In order to ensure the maximum bloodless liberation of the peninsula and to speed it up, citizens in Crimea who are waiting for this should prepare and do everything to help, first of all, the intelligence agencies of Ukraine, he said.

He also acknowledged that the liberation of the peninsula is proceeding slower than anticipated.

Yes, they fell off the schedule, Budanov told Crimean Realities. Yes, unfortunately, it must be admitted that events are developing more slowly than they should be according to all calculations. But we have what we have. But if you look at Crimea and at the level of hostilities that are taking place on the territory of the peninsula, then you will understand that there is nothing to compare with compared to 2022, not to mention the period from 2014 to 2022. That is, we are moving towards the goal. Yes, slower than we wanted, slower than expected, but we are going.

Ukrainian Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR), told Crimean Realities that his forces can strike anywhere in Crimea. (GUR photo)

There has been no comment yet from occupation officials on Crimea or the Russian Defense Ministry about this raid.

As we reported just yesterday in our story about the destruction of the S-400 system, it is possible that GUR has a network of Crimean residents who could have carried out the attack, 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.

Whether Thursday's raid was just an operation to show the flag in honor of Ukraines 32nd Independence Day, a mission to show it can attack at will, a strike at more Russian equipment or some combination is unknown at this time.

But clearly, this is another wake-up call to Russia that Crimea is increasingly vulnerable to Ukrainian attack. Especially so a day after a Ukrainian drone operated unimpeded as it videoed a critical air defense system there - designed to protect the skies - being destroyed.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
A staff member carries durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member shows freeze-dried durian products at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member packs freeze-dried durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member checks freeze-dried durian products at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member weighs freeze-dried durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member weighs freeze-dried durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Staff members cut durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member arranges durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member arranges durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

A staff member carries durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

Staff members cut durian pulps at a fruit products company in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, Aug. 17, 2023. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen to the expo were sold out even before the event was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter Chinese market in the future. (Xinhua/Wang Teng)

This aerial photo taken on Aug. 8, 2023 shows a view of Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

This photo taken on Aug. 18, 2023 shows Chen Jie (C) talking with other exhibitors at Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

This photo taken on Aug. 20, 2023 shows Chen Jie (R) talking with express delivery staff after the seventh China-South Asia Expo closed in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

This photo taken on Aug. 18, 2023 shows Chen Jie picking up delivery documents at the service desk in Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

This photo taken on Aug. 14, 2023 shows Chen Jie arranging his freeze-dried durian products at his exhibition booth in Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

This photo taken on Aug. 17, 2023 shows Chen Jie (3rd R) promoting his freeze-dried durian products at his exhibition booth in Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

This photo taken on Aug. 14, 2023 shows Chen Jie decorating his exhibition booth in Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

This photo taken on Aug. 18, 2023 shows Chen Jie (in the green shirt) walking out of Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

This photo taken on Aug. 14, 2023 shows Chen Jie arranging his freeze-dried durian products at his exhibition booth in Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Chen Xinbo)

This photo taken on Aug. 14, 2023 shows Chen Jie decorating his exhibition booth at Kunming Dianchi International Convention and Exhibition Center, the venue for the seventh China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)

This photo taken on Aug. 20, 2023 shows Chen Jie having a video call with his company's manager in Thailand after the seventh China-South Asia Expo closed in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province. The five-day China-South Asia Expo, which kicked off on Aug. 16 and ended on Aug. 20 in Kunming, attracted over 30,000 exhibitors as well as representatives and guests from 85 countries and regions and international organizations. Chen Jie, a 46-year-old merchant from Thailand, is one of them.

Chen brought freeze-dried durians from Chanthaburi Province, the renowned fruit capital of Thailand, to the expo. Currently, durians from Thailand are dominating the Chinese market and freeze-dried durians brought by Chen were sold out even before the expo was closed. The manufacturer of Chen's durian products started its dried fruits export business to China from the year of 2016 and China market takes up almost 40 percent of the company's total sales volume.

According to Chen, the China-South Asia Expo is a perfect platform for Thai durian enterprises to promote their products and strengthen cooperation with companies from China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The expo is a fruitful trip for Chen and he believes more and more high-quality durian products could enter China in the future. (Xinhua/Hu Chao)
Ukrainian forces are able to strike Russias occupation troops at any place in occupied Crimea, Kyrylo Budanov , Head of the Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Main Intelligence Directorate or HUR, said in an interview with Radio Svoboda (RFE/RL) on Aug. 23.

We have the ability to strike any part of the temporarily occupied Autonomous Republic of Crimea now, Budanov said. We can reach the enemy in absolutely any part (of the peninsula).

Budanov said that those who have "done bad things had better leave the territory. And those who are waiting (for the area to return to the control of Ukraine), have to prepare and do everything to support the intelligence agencies and the troops when they openly enter the territory."

He said there are various options for the de-occupation of Crimea, but "without military actions, it's impossible."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Expect more actions to liberate Crimea soon, says Budanov

Budanov also noted the losses the Russian Air Force has suffered in its war against Ukraine, saying that after recent drone strikes on Russian airfields in Soltsy and Shaykovka, Moscow now has no more than 27 operational strategic Tu-22M3 bombers.

He said that as a result of drone strikes on Russias Soltsy and Shaykovka air bases, two of the bombers were completely destroyed, while two more were damaged but would probably eventually be repaired.

They had around 31 working Tu-22s, now they have 29, minus two that will need repairs, meaning 27. So, not many that can actually fly, Budanov said.

Russia no longer produces the Soviet-era Tu-22 aircraft.

The HUR head said that the strikes on the Russian air bases were conducted by "individuals who carried out certain tasks from the territory of the Russian Federation."

A total of 436 Russian aircraft are involved in the military campaign against Ukraine, Budanov said.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Explosions near the village of Olenivka on Cape Tarkhankut in occupied Crimea destroyed a Russian missile defense system, Ukraine's military intelligence announced on Aug. 23.

Ukrainian intelligence released video of the explosion, which occurred around 10 a.m. local time.

The blast wiped out a Russian long- and medium-range S-400 missile defense system known as "Triumph." According to Ukrainian intelligence, the entire system was destroyed, along with all missiles and personnel.

"Given the limited number of such systems in the enemy's arsenal, this is a painful blow to the occupiers' air defense system," the official statement read.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Kyiv, Moscows opposing attitudes toward Soviet past shape two different futures

The S-400 anti-aircraft system could strike targets in air, on land, and at sea, and had the ability to hit aerial targets up to 250 miles away.

Russian authorities have not commented on the attack.

In an Aug. 23 interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said that Ukrainian forces are able to strike any target within occupied Crimea.

"We can reach the enemy absolutely anywhere," Budanov said.

Budanov also said that the liberation of Crimea was "impossible without military actions" and that residents of the occupied peninsula should help "create favorable conditions" for Ukrainian troops.

Ukrainian forces have launched a number of successful strikes against key targets in Crimea this summer, including an attack on the Crimean Bridge. Ukrainian military intelligence reported on Aug. 22 that Russia has resorted to sinking ferries in the Kerch Strait in order to protect the bridge from further Ukrainian strikes.

Read also: Invasion rooted in history: A review of Serhii Plokhys The Russo-Ukrainian War

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian defenders are making progress and are consolidating their positions in the area of Novodanylivka and Novoprokopivka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and to the south of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine; Military Media Center

Quote: "Ukrainian defenders have been successful and are consolidating their positions on the ground gained in the area of Novodanylivka and Novoprokopivka, inflicting artillery fire damage on identified enemy targets, and carrying out counter-battery measures...

The defence forces of Ukraine continue to advance south of the town of Bakhmut, consolidating their positions on the Bakhmut front."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Details: The General Staff reports that the defence forces continue their offensive operations on the Bakhmut and Melitopol fronts.

deepstatemap 24 August

Andrii Kovaliov, Spokesman for the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces, stated that the Ukrainian military is advancing south of the city of Bakhmut. The Armed Forces are consolidating their positions there.

deepstatemap 24 August

Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive operations near Avdiivka, Marinka, and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast.

The Russians suffer significant losses in personnel, weapons and equipment, moving units and troops and actively using reserves.

Additionally, the defence forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops on the Kupiansk, Lyman and Bakhmut fronts.

Russian forces carried out unsuccessful offensive actions in the area of Novoyehorivka, Luhansk Oblast, and Vesele, Donetsk Oblast. Heavy fighting continues.

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!
Kyrylo Budanov , Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine (DIU), has stated that the bridge was not the target while commenting on the recent explosions near the Kerch (Crimean) Bridge connecting occupied Crimea with Russia.

Source: Kyrylo Budanov in an interview with Krym.Realii (Crimea.Realities, a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty)

Quote: "I want to tell you directly that there was another target. But four anti-aircraft missiles were launched to intercept it, and it went off course after hitting a little. Not significantly. They (the Russians) believed that the bridge was the target. Well, let them believe that. There is nothing like that here anymore. Because it is in the past."

Details: Budanov says that the damage from the weapon that was used was "totally insignificant" because the weapon "went a little further, and it didn't go to the bridge."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Budanov did not specify which target they planned to hit.

Quote: "Because they used four anti-aircraft missiles to hit that target, they knocked it off course a little bit. Not much. And it hit the Crimean Bridge, eventually.

But the fact that it hit [the bridge] was nothing compared to when they used the smoke [screen] from the local population's point of view. That's when the panic started. Because when the smoke went out on a large scale, and before that there were explosions, people started to spread terrible panic by word of mouth. That is, they [the Russians] essentially punished themselves. Divine retribution, if you will."

Background:

At least two attacks on the Kerch Bridge were reported on 12 August. At first, the Russian occupation authorities announced that two missiles had been shot down. The Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation said that S-200 systems were used to attack the Kerch Bridge, and the Ukrainian missile was allegedly shot down. There was no destruction, the Russian ministry claimed. The Ukrainian side did not comment on Moscow's statement at the time.

Later, repeated explosions near the bridge were reported. Sergei Aksyonov, the so-called head of the Russian administration in occupied Crimea, said that another missile attacked the Kerch Bridge. He claimed that the missile was shot down over the Kerch Strait.

A Russian long- and medium-range S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile system was destroyed on the Cape Tarkhankut on 23 August.

Ukrainian intelligence units disembarked on the peninsula near Cape Tarkhankut and raised the flag of Ukraine on the occupied peninsula.

The set of measures as part of the special operation in occupied Crimea is ongoing, according to Ukrainska Pravdas intelligence sources.

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 battle took place in occupied Crimea, as Ukrainian intelligence units disembarked on the peninsula as part of a special operation on the morning of 24 August.

Source: Andrii Yusov, representative of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, in an interview with hromadske and Suspilne

Quote: "The landing of personnel took place on the territory of the peninsula as part of the special operation. The Main Directorate of Intelligence in cooperation with the Navy conducted a special operation, the goal was achieved, there were no losses among the personnel. The special operation continues, we do not disclose all the details, there are losses among the enemy personnel, as well as among the forces and means. The information on the number of losses is being clarified."

Background:

Krym.Realii (Crimea.Realities, a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), citing residents and sources in the intelligence reported that a battle with the participation of watercraft and aircraft took place in the morning at Cape Tarkhankut in occupied Crimea. According to the media, the battle took place near the settlement of Mayak.

Telegram channel Baza claims that those who stayed at the camping site in Olenivka at night, located near Mayak, heard two loud shots. When people went out to see who was shooting, they saw two rubber boats with about 10 people in them about 10 metres from the shore. Several more shots from automatic weapons rang out when the unknowns realised they were spotted. The people in the boats swam away after a brief gunfight.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) has detained a Russian agent who helped to prepare Russian attacks on thermal power plants in Kyiv by concluding insurance contracts with the heads of Kyiv energy enterprises.

Source: Security Service of Ukraine

Details: The malefactor is the department director of one of the capital's insurance companies. He held personal meetings with the leaders of Kyiv energy generating companies under the pretext of concluding insurance contracts.

However, in reality, he used this as an excuse to learn from his clients as much information as possible about the facts and consequences of Russian attacks on power plants.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Quote: "The enemy agent transmitted through a mobile messenger all the received intelligence to his Moscow curator, a staff member of the Russian GRU [Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces - ed.].

Intelligence information was needed to prepare and adjust repeated air strikes on energy companies of the capital for the heating season."

Details: Officers of the Ukraines Security Service detained the Russian agent at his place of residence in one of the villages of Kyiv Oblast. The malefactor faces life imprisonment for treason.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Consequences of the Russian attack on the Dnipro on August 24

The Russian military attacked the city of Dnipro during the night of Aug. 24 with various weapons from several regions, both in Ukraine and Russia, Air Force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said on Ukrainian national television on Aug. 24.

Read also: Ukraine needs F-16s to stop all Russian missiles, says air force spokesman

The Russians launched the attack from Rostov Oblast in Russia, from the area of the Russian-occupied town of Tokmak in Ukraines Zaporizhzhya Oblast, and from Ukraines Russian-occupied Crimea.

"S-300 missiles (were launched from) Tokmak," said Ihnat.

Usually, the enemy strikes this region with anti-aircraft guided missiles on the ground from there. Two Iskander-M missiles were launched from Rostov Oblast  these are ballistic missiles. An Iskander-K cruise missile was launched from Crimea, which was shot down by our Defense Forces.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Seven people were injured and a transportation facility was hit in the overnight Russian missile attack on Dnipro. More than ten buildings were damaged in the city, including residential buildings, an administrative building, a hotel, and more.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Russia has lost 340 more servicemen, 20 UAVs, 23 armoured combat vehicles and other equipment in the war against Ukraine over the past 24 hours.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: Total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 24 August 2023 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 259,160 (+340) military personnel;

4,375 (+2) tanks;

8,511 (+23) armoured combat vehicles;

5,333 (+15) artillery systems;

723 (+1) multiple-launch rocket systems;

494 (+3) air defence systems;

315 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

316 (+0) helicopters;

4,344 (+20) tactical UAVs;

1,406 (+0) cruise missiles;

18 (+0) ships/boats;

7,773 (+28) vehicles and tankers;

801 (+1) special vehicles and other equipment.

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!
Over the last day, Ukrainian defenders struck 10 areas where Russian military manpower was concentrated, both from the air and on the ground.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 06:00 on 24 August

Quote: "Last night, the Russian Federation launched a missile attack on the city of Dnipro. Information regarding the aftermath of this terrorist attack is being established."

Details: Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces launched 10 missile and 57 air strikes, and fired 70 times from multiple-launch rocket systems on the positions of our troops and settlements. Additionally, the Russian occupiers once again attacked the territory of Ukraine, using Shahed-136/131 drones.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ukraines air defence forces destroyed 12 Russian attack drones.

Civilians were unfortunately killed and wounded as a result of the Russian terrorist attacks. Residential buildings, port infrastructure, schools and other civilian infrastructure facilities were destroyed.

Twenty-three combat clashes occurred over the past day.

On the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna fronts, Russian forces conducted airstrikes in and around the settlements of Romny and Kostiantynivka in Sumy Oblast and Dovzhyk and Chuhunivka in Kharkiv Oblast. They deployed mortars and artillery to attack over 15 settlements.

On the Kupiansk front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the vicinity of Novoiehorivka in Luhansk Oblast. They carried out airstrikes near the settlements of Shyikivka in Kharkiv Oblast and Tverdokhlibove in Luhansk Oblast. The settlements of Dvorichna, Kyslivka, Kotliarivka, Tabaivka, Krokhmalne and Pishchane in Kharkiv Oblast came under artillery and mortar fire.

On the Lyman front, over 30 settlements came under Russian artillery bombardment, including Nevske and Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast and Vyimka, Zvanivka, Rozdolivka and Fedorivka in Donetsk Oblast.

On the Bakhmut front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the vicinity of Vesele in Donetsk Oblast. They carried out air strikes on areas near the settlements of Spirne, Klishchiivka, Andriivka and Bila Hora in Donetsk Oblast. Over 25 settlements suffered from Russian artillery fire.

On the Avdiivka front, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops near Avdiivka. Over 15 settlements came under artillery fire.

On the Marinka front, the Ukrainian defence forces continue to hold back the Russian offensive in the areas of Marinka and Novomykhailivka in Donetsk Oblast. Russian forces conducted an airstrike near Krasnohorivka in Donetsk Oblast. The settlements of Krasnohirvka, Marinka, Oleksandropil, Kurakhove, Antonivka and Yelyzavetivka in Donetsk Oblast were hit by artillery fire.

On the Shakhtarsk front, Russian forces conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Blahodatne in Donetsk Oblast. Over 10 settlements were affected by Russian artillery shelling.

On the Zaporizhzhia front, Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near Mala Tokmakchka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. They conducted airstrikes near Orikhiv, Novodanylivka and Robotyne in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Over 20 settlements were affected by Russian artillery fire.

On the Kherson front, Russian forces conducted airstrikes in the vicinity of Beryslav, Odradokamianka, Lvove and Kherson in Kherson Oblast and Izmail in Odesa Oblast. The settlements of Osokorivka, Zolota Balka, Mykhailivka, Respublikanets and Burhunka in Kherson Oblast and the city of Kherson were affected by Russian artillery fire.

At the same time, Ukrainian defence forces continue to conduct an offensive operation on the Melitopol front, consolidating their positions and carrying out counter-battery operations.

Over the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force launched two strikes on command posts, nine strikes on areas where Russian troops were concentrated, and four on anti-aircraft systems.

Ukraine's Rocket Forces and Artillery struck two command posts, one cluster of Russian military personnel, weapons and equipment, and two artillery pieces at their firing positions.

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ukrainian forces hoisted the national flag during their night landing in temporarily occupied Crimea.

Source: press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: Ukrainian Defence Intelligence confirmed that special forces on watercraft landed at night on the shore near the settlements of Olenivka and Maiak.

Quote: "While performing the task, the Ukrainian defenders entered into combat contact with the occupier's units. As a result, the enemy suffered losses among its personnel and enemy equipment was destroyed. In addition, the state flag was once again hosted in Ukrainian Crimea.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

All goals and tasks are completed. At the end of the special operation, Ukrainian defenders left the scene without losses."

Details: The Main Directorate of Intelligence notes that the occupation administration of Crimea has made no comment on the events, despite mass appeals by local residents. Their only message to the public speaks of alleged "destruction of ammunition as per the set schedule"

Quote: "Ukrainian forces will continue to assist the invaders in the destruction of ammunition, equipment and manpower."

Background:

Krym.Realii (Crimea.Realities, a project by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty), citing residents and intelligence sources, reported that a battle involving watercraft and aircraft took place in the morning at Cape Tarkhankut in occupied Crimea. According to media reports, the battle took place near the settlement of Mayak.

Telegram channel Baza claims that people staying at the campsite in Olenivka, located near Mayak, heard two loud shots. When people went out to see who was shooting, they saw two rubber boats with about 10 people on board about 10 metres from the shore. Then several more shots were heard, but this time from automatic weapons. The people from the boats started to swim away.

Later, Ukrainian Defence Intelligence confirmed that Ukrainian intelligence units had disembarked on the peninsula as part of a special operation on the morning of 24 August.

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!
One-China principle an unstoppable trend of times

09:19, August 24, 2023 By Zhong Sheng ( People's Daily

On August 21 local time, the Central American Parliament 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 (NPC) of China as a permanent observer.

It once again indicates that the one-China principle represents the unstoppable trend of the times.

The one-China principle was confirmed by Resolution 2758 adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1971 and represents the universal consensus of the international community.

There is but one China in the world. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory, and the Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China. This is an indisputable historical and legal fact.

Taiwan has no international legal status other than being a part of China, and has no right to join international organizations whose membership is confined to sovereign states.

In recent years, many Central American countries including Panama, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras have chosen to establish or restore diplomatic ties with China, which demonstrates that the one-China principle has become a broad consensus in the region.

The decision of the Central American Parliament, a parliamentary body of Central American sovereign states, to revoke Taiwan's observer status and accept the NPC as an observer conforms to the trend of regional countries establishing or resuming diplomatic relations with China, and meets the expectation of peoples in the region to strengthen cooperation with China.

The vast majority of Central American countries adhere to the one-China principle, which creates political conditions to enhance cooperation with China in various fields and delivers tangible benefits to their people.

Since Panama established diplomatic ties with China, the two sides have launched broad mutually beneficial cooperation in economy, trade, finance, agriculture, tourism, transportation, and maritime affairs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, China provided strong support to the Dominican Republic, for which the Dominican Republic Senate specially commended China.

Since establishing diplomatic relations with China, El Salvador has witnessed steady progress in its cooperation projects with the latter, including a National Library and a pier in La Libertad.

Laureano Ortega Murillo, Advisor to Nicaraguan President on Investment, Trade and International Cooperation and Coordinator for Cooperation with China, described the development of Nicaragua-China ties since the resumption of diplomatic relations as "fast," "efficient" and "fruitful."

Honduras established diplomatic relations with China in March this year. It has signed a memorandum of understanding on Belt and Road cooperation with China, and the first round of negotiations on China-Honduras free trade agreement kicked off in early July.

Central American people can see that strengthening cooperation with China benefits national development and improves people's livelihood, and is in the fundamental interests of their countries and the region as a whole.

Recently, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a so-called "Taiwan International Solidarity Act." The act claims that UN Resolution 2758 merely recognized the government of the People's Republic of China as the sole legal representative of China at the UN, but it did not address the issue of representation of Taiwan and its people in the United Nations, nor did the resolution take a position on the relationship between the People's Republic of China and Taiwan.

Such rhetoric blatantly distorts the UN resolution and is a despicable ploy to deceive public opinion regarding the Taiwan question.

It is reported that after the Central American Parliament proposed relevant motions, some U.S. politicians attempted to pressure the parliament under the guise of "democracy" while smearing China. The Taiwan Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities parroted them to confuse the public, and even hurled abuses at relevant Central American countries.

Faced with obstruction and pressure from U.S. politicians and the DPP authorities, the Central American Parliament made the right choice, which fully demonstrates the international community's universal and firm commitment to the one-China principle, which is unshakable and unassailable. It also proves that any attempt to create "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan" is bound to fail.

The one-China principle has the overwhelming support of the international community and represents the trend of the world. This trend cannot be stopped by any force.

Guatemala remains the only Central American Parliament member state that has yet to establish diplomatic ties with China, but the voice calling to accept the one-China principle is rising in the country.

It is believed that more and more countries and members of the international community will recognize the trend and make the right decision in line with the development of the times.

(Zhong Sheng is a pen name often used by People's Daily to express its views on China's foreign policy and international affairs.)

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The first U.S. Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday night revealed the GOP divide on abortion and former President Donald Trump.

The debate held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin saw the participation of eight White House contenders from the Grand Old Party: North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Governor and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.

Trump, the runaway favorite among Republican voters in national and state polls, skipped Wednesday night's debate. In a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, which was posted on social networking platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Trump attacked his Republican challengers.

Abortion was a hot topic at the debate. The candidates held different opinions on a 15-week federal abortion ban. No candidate said they would sign a six-week federal abortion ban.

Pence endorsed a 15-week federal abortion ban while Haley questioned the possibility of passing such legislation, pointing out that there are not enough Senate votes.

DeSantis and Burgum, who have signed six-week abortion bans into law in their own states, stopped short of saying they would do the same federally.

Trump was another topic that drew heated exchanges among the candidates.

When asked by a moderator for a show of hands on whether they would support Trump if he eventually wins the Republican nomination, six candidates raised their hands, some of them hesitantly. Christie and Hutchinson spoke against Trump.

Pence defended his decision to reject Trump's pressure to overturn the 2020 presidential election. "He (Trump) asked me to put him over the Constitution. And I chose the Constitution."

DeSantis tried to dodge the question of whether Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6, 2021 by carrying out his duty to verify the election of Joe Biden as president.

DeSantis argued that a "rehashing" of the issue would play into the hands of the Democrats. Pence dug in and asked DeSantis to answer the question.

"I've answered this before ... Mike (Pence) did his duty. I've got no beef with him," DeSantis said and quickly moved on.

The exchanges over Trump triggered jeers and boos from the audience. At a point, a moderator had to intervene to ask the audience to stop booing Christie and to allow the debate to continue.

Other topics included climate change, homelessness and crime, education, the Ukraine crisis, and foreign policy. 
The flag of Ukraine was installed in Crimea

Ukrainian special forces raised the state flag in Crimea, a Ukrainian territory that has been under Russian military occupation since early 2014, during a bold raid on the Russian forces there.

Read also: Ukraine can strike Russians at any place in occupied Crimea  Budanov

The Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Main Intelligence Directorate or HUR led the operation in occupied Crimea, with the support of the Ukrainian Navy. Special forces on boats landed near the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak in western Crimea during the night of Aug. 24, the HURs press service reported on Telegram.

The agency said that while performing the task, Ukrainian defenders clashed with the Russian units. As a result, the enemy suffered losses among its personnel and had its equipment destroyed. Then the state flag was raised again in Ukrainian Crimea.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The HUR said all goals and objectives of the operation had been achieved, and Ukrainian forces left the scene of the raid without losses.

Read also: Liberation of Crimea slower than expected, admits intelligence chief Budanov

The occupation administration of Crimea has not commented on the events, despite mass appeals from local residents. The only message it has issued is that the ammunition was allegedly "destroyed according to the established schedule."

The intelligence agency said that the Ukrainian Defense Forces "will continue to assist the occupiers in the destruction of ammunition, equipment, and manpower."

Earlier, Radio Libertys Krym.Realii project reported that a battle involving aviation took place in Crimea at about 5 a.m. Explosions were heard near the village of Mayak on Cape Tarkhankut. This is the location of Russian radar stations where air defense positions have been deployed along the perimeter.

The day before, on Aug. 23, Russian Telegram channels reported a powerful explosion in Crimea. An NV intelligence source said that Ukrainian forces had hit an air defense system near the village of Olenivka on the Tarkhankut Peninsula.

Read also:

A representative of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate, Andriy Yusov, elaborated that the operation was a raid.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
The Ukrainian parliament has passed Resolution 9626, which rules out making any territorial concessions in potential future peace negotiations with Russia, the parliaments press service reported on Aug. 23.

The document indicates any territorial concessions made to stop the war would be "unacceptable." It also states that all Russian armed forces must withdraw from Ukraine's territory, and the state will continue to put forth "maximum efforts at all levels and in all formats" to liberate Crimea.

Read also: Ukrainian strikes on Crimea have hit only fraction of targets, says analyst

The resolution states that Ukraine has implemented, and will continue to employ, every possible measure "for the restoration and enforcement of human and civil rights," violated as a result of Russias military aggression and occupation of Crimea.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Read also: Liberating Crimea necessary to preserve international order  Polands Duda

The text of the document legally establishes priority directions of state policy in "de-occupation, reintegration, and restoration of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol."

Read also: Ukraine, two NATO countries in joint production of 120mm mortar shells

On Aug. 15, senior NATO official Stian Jensen suggested the possibility of Ukraine joining the alliance, provided it ceded some of its territories to Russia. He later retracted his statement, calling it a mistake.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly stressed that Ukraine will not agree to a frozen conflict, will never opt for territorial concessions, and will free all its territories occupied by Russian troops. He is also convinced that Ukraine would receive an invitation to join NATO after the war ends.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
A U.S. Air Force F-16 jet fighter lands at an airbase during CRUZEX in Natal

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States will begin flight training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in October, the Pentagon announced on Thursday.

The training will begin after the pilots receive English language training next month, Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder said. The flight training will take place in Arizona, Ryder added.

Several pilots and dozens of aircraft maintenance crew will take the training, Ryder added.

On Sunday, Denmark and the Netherlands pledged to donate F-16s to Ukraine, fulfilling a longstanding wish by Ukraine that it says will help strengthen air defenses and aid its counteroffensive against Russia's 2022 invasion. Norway's prime minister on Thursday said his country would also give Ukraine F-16s.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Denmark has begun training eight Ukrainian pilots in flying F-16s. They have arrived at the Danish military air base in Skrydstrup along with 65 personnel who will be trained in maintaining and servicing the jets.

Last week, Ukraine said it would not be able to operate U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets this coming autumn and winter.

Ukraine has repeatedly called on its Western allies to supply the country with F-16s, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said would be a signal that Russia's invasion would end in defeat.

U.S. President Joe Biden endorsed training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s in May.

The West says it wants to help Ukraine defeat Russia but has repeatedly insisted it does not want to trigger a direct confrontation between the U.S.-backed NATO military alliance and Moscow.

(Reporting by Idrees Ali and Phil Stewart; Editing by Chris Reese and Jonathan Oatis)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, have congratulated Ukrainians on the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

Source: Zelenskyy and Zaluzhnyi on social media

Quote from Zelenskyy: "Today we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of our independence, the independence of Ukraine. A holiday of free people. A holiday of strong people. A holiday of the worthy. A holiday of equals. [A holiday for all] Ukrainian men and women. [For] Everyone in our entire country. This is a value for each of us, and this is what we are fighting for. And each and every one of us is relevant in this struggle because this fight is for something vital to everyone. That's an independent Ukraine."

Details: The Ukrainian president expressed gratitude to the soldiers defending Ukraine and to the families who raised their children to love Ukraine and have the courage to fight for it: "I would like to thank everyone waiting for their loved ones from the frontline, everyone praying for them daily, and calling or writing to say such a vital 'How are you?' to hear the much desired 'Everything is fine! Such a valuable 'I love you'... 'Our son took his first step yesterday'... 'Our daughter said Daddy'."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Zelenskyy pointed out that additional unique armour helps Ukrainian soldiers  drawings the children send to the soldiers and which can be seen in every brigade at the front.

The Ukrainian president stressed that children are one of the driving forces behind the offensive: "Because it is you, our children, who are behind us. Ukrainian children, you are the ones who make these pictures. And I would like to tell you - every boy and every girl: you have no idea how important it is when you support our soldiers. I thank you!"

He thanked every Ukrainian mother for whom Ukraine is and will remain home, although they had to leave because of the war: "And when a mother gives her child a book in Ukrainian in any country so that the child does not lose themselves and what's theirs, when a mother teaches [her children] Ukrainian, when she cares about Ukraine, and waits for news from Ukraine, waiting to come back  this is the most important thing. Because you are important. All Ukrainians! No matter where you are now."

Zelenskyy also thanked Ukrainian journalists and specifically mentioned those "who are not yet in the news, whose names are known to few, but whose work is visible to all".

Quote: "Our missiles. Ukrainian projectiles. Our guns. Ukrainian drones: Lelekas and Furiias. Uncrewed surface drones, Neptunes [anti-ship missiles], Korsars and Stuhnas [both anti-tank guided missiles]. We produce all of this. Ukrainians produce all of this. And when we are proud to have sunk the flagship of the enemy fleet, the Moskva cruiser, when we rejoice at the hitting of the Crimean Bridge, we also thank those who cannot be mentioned now, whose names cannot be mentioned but will be written about in books and made into films in the future. Those I award with classified decrees and carrying out the most complex operations. Thank you! You are all important!"

Zelenskyy noted that everyone is essential: "Everyone who has proven that everything is vital, everyone is important - people, actions, and words. For we have all made it so that when one person says: 'Glory to Ukraine!' the whole world responds: 'Glory to the heroes!'

Quote from Zaluzhnyi: "A country of the undefeated, unwavering, and unbreakable! The land of the proud, heroic and brave.

Here, freedom and dignity have always been core values. A free country.

Those facts are the ones to break the enemy's intentions."

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 Ukrainians celebrate their countrys 32nd Independence Day on Aug. 24, they are also marking exactly 18 months since the start of Russias full-scale invasion.

Many understand that the celebration is only possible thanks to the countrys defenders who fight and sacrifice their lives every day on the battlefield.

The Kyiv Independent asked Ukrainian soldiers currently on the front lines of Russias war what this Independence Day means to them, if they plan to celebrate, and what they think Ukraine and the world should think about on this occasion.

We identify the soldiers by their first name or first name and callsign only due to security concerns.

Mykhailo artilleryman, 23rd Special Battalion, 1st Presidential Brigade

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

First and foremost, this is not a holiday where you need to go out and have fun as there is a war going on. This is a day when every citizen should think seriously about the price of independence.

For me, (being able to celebrate) Independence Day is proof of how strong our people are to be able to stand up to such an enemy. But not everyone understands what the soldiers are going through (on the front lines) for the sake of victory.

Everyone should remember those who laid down their lives so that people can feel safe somewhere in the rear (and should) thank those soldiers who have been injured, or who have lost their limbs and are now forced to wear prostheses, or have lost the ability to move without assistance.

Vitalii Spaniard, a drone operator and technician with Adam Group. (Photo: Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

Vitalii Spaniard

drone operator and technician, Adam Group

This year's Independence Day is a reminder that freedom and independence never come easily or "for free," unfortunately. We should always remember the price we pay for the desire to live in our country. For many people, watching from the outside has turned into a blockbuster without the feeling that war and danger are close by while others have to overcome their fears and inhumane conditions, gather their strength, and risk their own lives to defend the country and the peace of other people.

Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support Us

Denys, a mortar battery commander with the 24th Separate Assault Aidar Battalion (2L). (Photo: Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

Denys mortar battery commander, 24th Separate Assault Aidar Battalion

Independence Day meant less to me before 2014, before the total invasion of the Russian terrorist state in Ukraine. Independence now means a lot for me and millions of Ukrainians. Ukraine is our home. Its what we stand for. Its what we stand our ground for. Its what thousands of warriors have died for. Its what we will fight for until we punish every occupier or until we die.

What should Ukraine and the world remember on this day? Ukrainians should remain whole, we should unite, and be one. Theres no time to relax. No time to sheathe your sword. We, our families and children, our future are still in danger.

(We should) shout out to the whole planet that Ukraine stands for peace in Europe, for the independence of nations, against genocide and murder, against lies. We appreciate your help. But we need more, and we need it faster, before the Russians, the enemies of civilized mankind, strike again.

(Im) not going to celebrate it in any particular way, to be honest, but there may be some celebrations organized for the boys to exhale and take a bit of a break.

Denys Jamal, a mortarman with the 110th Territorial Defense Brigade. (Photo: Francis Farrell/The Kyiv Independent)

Denys Jamal mortarman, 110th Territorial Defense Brigade

For me, Independence Day is, first and foremost, something that does not come for free. It has to be fought for at every level: political, economic, social, and, unfortunately, on the battlefield. And everyone should remember the price were paying for it.

Vitalii Skif, an assault group commander with the 80th Air Assault Brigade (3R). (Photo: Courtesy)

Vitalii Skif assault group commander, 80th Air Assault Brigade

(This) Independence Day is first of all a reminder that we are at war. Our Ukrainian nation has fought for its independence, for its freedom since ancient times. It is probably connected to the fact that we have very rich lands, rich in resources, and I mean not only minerals, but people, too, because we are a very intelligent and educated nation. We have fought for our freedom, for our land since ancient times. It has always been that way and I think that its inherited on the genetic level, this longing to fight, longing for freedom. So for me this day is a reminder that we are free, that we have to fight, that we can fight, and that we will surely win.

What should Ukraine and the world remember on this day? Ukraine should first of all remember that we are one people, one country, with our territory that now has to be liberated. Its war time  not only here, but in the entire country. We shouldnt be divided into those who think that the war is somewhere there and those who think that the war has nothing to do with me. We have to come together, all of us  as it always was back when our ancestors fought  and then there will be results. Only together will we win, only together will we again defend our independence.

I think the world should have taken way more decisive steps to stop the aggressor, cut all ties to this country, and done their best to help us, maybe even with their own forces. NATO could have at least closed our sky. The world needs to remember that every country should be respected. I dont think a single civilized country would want to see an aggressor on its territory, would want to see enemy forces on its territory, would want to send its sons, parents, brothers to war. Because its terrifying. Its terrifying when this happens in a civilized world. I think that the world should remember that this cant happen and we have to do our best to make it stop.

Vitalii, a medic with the 67th Mechanized Brigade (). (Photo: Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

Vitalii medic, 67th Mechanized Brigade

I wish everyone in Ukraine a happy Independence Day. It is a special holiday for every Ukrainian, including me, and for me its actually twice as special because Im getting married.

Andriy, a soldier in an air defense unit with the 24th Mechanized Brigade. (Photo: Asami Terajima/The Kyiv Independent)

Andriy soldier in an air defense unit, 24th Mechanized Brigade

Unfortunately, celebrating Independence Day is impossible (for us) because during (military) training our independence as citizens of Ukraine is constantly oppressed. Nobody takes our constitutional and service member rights into account, and by that, they oppress the honor and dignity of military personnel, undermining their morale and ability to fight.

For me and my comrades, despite all the obstacles that emerge both from the aggressor and internal enemies, Ukraines independence means personal independence because thats where everything starts. As Antoine de Saint-Exupery wrote in my favorite book, The Little Prince, after you wake up, (you must) look after your planet. Meaning neither me nor my comrades plan to give up because citizens make up a country. If citizens are independent  then the country is independent too.

(Ukraine and the world should remember) about the price that our country has paid and continues to pay for its independence. And also they should constantly draw conclusions about what can be done to achieve victory as soon as possible.

Ashot Doc, a commander of a drone unit in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (Courtesy)

Ashot Doc commander of a drone unit in Zaporizhzhia Oblast

How will I spend this Independence Day? I will probably wake up in the morning, read different news about what happened overnight in our country, check reports, and at about 6 a.m. I have to go with the boys to see how they operate (their drones) and how theyre performing air reconnaissance. Then, by 1 p.m. I will have to do a report on combat targets, correct (fire) according to (the reports), and by 10 p.m., plan out the next day. And by about 1 a.m., supervise the night flights. That will be my Independence Day  it will be pretty extraordinary but also pretty much the same as every day over the past couple of months.

Our state is no longer young, if we judge it based on human age. This is the birthday of a mature person. And what do people do on the birthday of a mature person? Probably celebrate, wish them many more years, health, wish them to spend more time with their loved ones. Similarly, I wish for peace, good neighbors, good relationships, a lot of free time and productive work for our country.

The Kyiv Independents reporters Asami Terajima, Francis Farrell, and Alexander Query contributed to reporting for this article.

Read also: Everything you didnt know about Ukraines flag

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The ceremony of raising the flag of Ukraine in Kyiv, August 23, 2023

Ukraine marked the 32nd anniversary of the restoration of its independence on Aug. 24, even as Russian invasion forces continued to occupy around a fifth of the countrys territory.

In 1991, on this day, the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraines parliament, approved the Act of Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine.

Today also marks a year-and-a-half since the beginning of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine.

Ukrainians are celebrating the 2023 Independence Day amid the threat of new massive attacks by Russian. In particular, the Ukrainian Defense Ministrys Main Intelligence Directorate has warned of such a risk.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We understand that all symbols of Ukrainian statehood are special irritants for the enemy, Ukrainian Military Intelligence spokesman Andriy Yusov said.

Read also: Largest ever Ukrainian flag, signed by countrys soldiers, displayed in Kyiv

Russia is waging a genocidal war and carrying out the genocide of the Ukrainian people, so the very mention of Ukraines independence is especially (irritating) for them. Yes, there could be provocations.

The agency also warned that Russia could strike a day later, or in a few waves.

Kyiv, Chernihiv and other large cities of Ukraine are banned from holding non-state mass events today. At the same time, a parade of destroyed Russian equipment will take place in the capital city: dozens of destroyed enemy weapons, including tanks, self-propelled howitzers, infantry fighting vehicles, multi-purpose tractors, armored personnel carriers, airborne combat vehicles, and the fragments of downed missiles are currently on display on Khreschatyk Street.

In addition, Ukraines Ministry of Culture and Information Policy has announced an action for Ukrainians around the world on Independence Day. Within the chains of unity project  The Free World Gathering  Ukrainians and people who support Ukraine will take to the central streets of cities outside Ukraine and join hands to form human chains.

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
WASHINGTON  The U.S. will begin training Ukrainian F-16 pilots within two months, Pentagon Press Secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said in a briefing Thursday.

While he didnt give specific numbers, he said there would be several pilots and dozens of maintainers trained. This follows comments earlier in the week that the U.S. would participate in the process only if the Netherlands and Denmark  who are leading the transfer of planes  reached capacity.

We know that as the Danes and the Dutch prepare to train those pilots that at a certain point in time in the future, capacity will be reached, Ryder said.

The training will begin in October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Arizona, and will be conducted by the Air National Guards 162nd Wing, Ryder said. In September, the pilots will first receive English language training tailored to the training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Details on the curriculum, including its speed and the kind of training that will be offered, are still uncertain, Ryder said. They partially will depend on the experience level of the Ukrainian pilots.

The 162nd Wing carries out international F-16 pilot training and has trained pilots from 25 countries to fly the fourth-generation fighter, the Air Force said in a fact sheet. Morris Air National Guard Base sits next to the Tucson International Airport and uses some of the airports facilities such as its runway.

The wing has three squadrons that fly its F-16 Fighting Falcons, as well as maintenance squadrons to keep the fighters in the air and other units.

An Air Force official said in a Thursday email that pilots without prior flight experience could learn to fly the F-16 in about eight months, as part of the services standard F-16 basic qualification course.

Pilots who have previous experience flying other fighters can learn to fly the F-16 in about five months under the Air Forces transition qualification track, the official said.

The F-16, versions of which have been flown by the Air Force for more than 40 years, can carry weapons such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile and AIM-120 advanced medium range air-to-air missile, or AMRAAM. It can fly of speeds up to Mach 2, and has a total range of about 2,000 miles, according to the Air Forces website.

In total, up to 61 Dutch and Danish F-16s could eventually be transferred to Ukraine. The Netherlands have 42 available, according to Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Denmark said Aug. 20 it would send 19 F-16s to Ukraine. Because the planes are an American system, they first need to be approved by the State Department  a process Secretary of State Antony Blinken said would be expedited.

The Danish military announced Aug. 20 that it had started training eight Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16s as part of this effort, and that another 65 service members will be trained to maintain the fighters and provide other support. Those Ukrainians have already arrived at Skrydstrup Air Base in Denmark, the nation said.

Other countries in Europe, including Greece and Norway, will also contribute, either training pilots or donating fighters.

Our F-16 coalition is proving its efficiency, Zelenskyy wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday.

Todays announcement is the latest milemarker in the effort to deliver the fighters to Ukraine, which has been asking for them for more than a year. Initially, the administration declined. Yet, as with so many other systems eventually sent to Kyiv during the war, that stance eventually changed.

We could certainly have started earlier, but there were much higher priorities, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said in May.

The fighters may be a symbolic victory for Ukraine. But they wont aid its slogging counteroffensive, which has so far failed to puncture dug-in Russian defensive lines. The fighters arent expected to arrive until mid-to-late 2024, and air defenses on both sides of the war still threaten anything flying.

Instead, the aircraft are part of a long game to improve Ukraines self-defense. The focus now is on supplying the planes and training personnel, but Kyiv will also need improved airfields and ground equipment to keep operating them once delivered, Ryder said.

Were talking months, not weeks, obviously. And as we said from the very beginning in May, this is about the long term support to Ukraine, Ryder said.
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College both received accolades Wednesday, as both were named among the top institutions in their class nationwide.

UL Lafayette was included in The Princeton Reviews list of 389 Best Colleges for 2024 for undergraduate education. The list features about 15% of the countrys four-year colleges and universities, and only five Louisiana schools were included in the list.

Loyola University New Orleans, Tulane University, Xavier University of Louisiana and LSU also were included on the list.

The annual guide from The Princeton Review is released to help prospective students make decisions for their undergraduate studies. This years list was based on survey results from more than 165,000 students covering areas such as academics, financial aid, amenities, career services and campus culture.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

South Louisiana Community College was named the best community college in Louisiana by BestColleges.com, an online resource for students looking at higher education options.

South Louisiana Community College is deeply honored to be recognized as the top community college in Louisiana by BestColleges.com, said SLCC Chancellor Vincent June in a release. This acknowledgment is a testament to our commitment to preparing students for success in high-demand fields and empowering individuals to achieve their educational and career goals. From our affordability and campus locations close to our students homes to SLCCs focus on providing support that students need to succeed, our college is proud of this top recognition.

The list specifically cited SLCCs certificate programs in high-needs fields such as aviation maintenance technology, medical laboratory science and culinary arts and operations.

The BestColleges rankings are based on areas such as academic quality, affordability and online competency.

CONSIDER SUBSCRIBING TODAY: Help support journalists like William Taylor Potter

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: UL Lafayette, SLCC ranked in best colleges lists
UMass Memorial Medical Center officials intend to work with transit officials to help redirect patients to other area hospitals, especially UMass Memorial Medical Centers campus in Worcester, if they follow through with a Leominster maternity wards closure.

The health care system on Tuesday submitted a 17-page letter with state regulators outlining steps it would take to mitigate the impact of shuttering the birthing center, a proposal that has drawn intense blowback from elected officials and organized labor groups.

Rebecca Rodman, senior counsel at Husch Blackwell LLP, wrote on UMass Memorials behalf that there are four other hospitals in the area -- the centers primary Worcester campus, Saint Vincent Hospital in Worcester, Heywood Hospital in Gardner, and Emerson Hospital in Concord -- that also offer inpatient maternity services and have sufficient capacity to absorb patients that today use the HealthAlliance-Clinton facility in Leominster.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

To help with transportation needs, operators of the facility plan to contract with the Montachusett Regional Transit Authority to provide non-emergency medical transport to birthing people identified with transportation barriers and family transportation to the Worcester campus. That option would not cover emergency transportation for people giving birth nor for medical prenatal and postpartum appointments with community OB/GYN providers.

The Department of Public Health previously deemed the Leominster facility an essential service, a decision that required UMass Memorial to craft the plan filed Tuesday, according to the Worcester Business Journal.

Hospital officials told DPH in their latest correspondence that financial support alone is not enough to stave off closure of the site, pointing to persistent staffing challenges as a key factor.

To maintain the current service -- the Hospital would need to recruit numerous additional nurses, surgical technicians, OB/GYN physicians, and anesthesiologists, Rodman wrote. However, there are not enough births locally to support an increase in local OB/GYNs. New OB/GYNs are primarily taking jobs in a setting like the Medical Center in Worcester, where they can be active enough that each practitioner can assist with between 170-220 births per year to maintain skills and thus quality of care delivered.

DPH has 10 days to review the plan, which prompted criticism from community groups that have opposed the proposed closure, and offer additional feedback.





This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Nathaniel NJ Foster after he suffered brain damage while disembarking from a United Airlines flight in 2019 (Stoll Law)

United Airlines has agreed to to pay $30m to the family of quadriplegic man who was left brain damaged after he was violently removed from a flight.

Nathaniel NJ Foster Jr, 26, who uses a wheelchair, ventilator, and tracheal tube, suffered the injury as he was deplaned from a United Express flight from San Francisco to Monroe, Louisiana, on 8 February 2019, while traveling to a funeral with his family.

His family alleged in court that a ramp supervisor had aggressively pushed Mr Foster, causing his body to jerk forward and then fall back, according to Reuters.

Usually four to six staff helped him to disembark, but the complaint stated that only one attendant was initially available.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The staff member called for help and a supervisor arrived with an aisle chair.

When the family requested additional assistance, the supervisor reportedly said: Fine. Do it yourself, then ... Im out, according to the court filing.

A baggage handler contracted to United then secured Mr Foster to his chair with a belt, and aggressively pushed him causing him to slump to one side.

His mother Pamela Foster sought medical help after hearing him whisper I cant breathe, which would be his last words. He remains in a vegetative state, according to a statement released by the family in June.

According to court papers, the gate agent laughed and told a surgeon who offered help we got this.

Mr Foster, from Pleasant Hill, California, went into cardiac arrest and suffered significant brain damage, according to Reuters.

United Airlines has agreed to pay $30m to the family of a man who was left brain damaged after his removal from a flight (Getty Images)

He was left unable to eat solid foods or speak, and his life expectancy has shrunk from 39 prior to the incident to 31.5, the complaint stated.

After a one day trial in San Francisco federal court, United agreed to pay $30m to his family. The settlement needs to be approved by a judge.

United Airlines declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

In a statement to Reuters, the airline said: Our top priority is to provide a safe journey for all our customers, especially those who require additional assistance or the use of a wheelchair.

We are pleased to share that this matter has settled.

The Fosters attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a press statement prior to the trial, his mother Pamela Foster said that the family had received repeated assurances from United that NJ would be properly cared for.

What happened to our son, to our family, cannot be undone, Mrs Foster said.

We hope that through our loss, lessons present themselves so that no other family has to suffer.

The familys attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to Reuters, $12m of the settlement will go towards legal costs, and $3m would cover other costs associated with the trial.
This photo released by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Aug. 24, 2023 shows General Commander of the SAF Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan (L) near Khartoum, Sudan. Al-Burhan's appearance came one day after the SAF announced its control of the headquarters of the Armored Corps Camp in the capital and repulsing a violent attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the corps' headquarters. This is the first time for Al-Burhan to show up outside the headquarters of the SAF's General Command and the Ministry of Defense since the war broke out, the SAF said in a statement. (Xinhua)

KHARTOUM, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Thursday made a field inspection tour to a number of military posts in the city of Omdurman north of capital Khartoum.

Photos and video clips posted by the SAF on its Facebook page in the morning showed Al-Burhan visiting his soldiers at the Wadi Seidna military area in Omdurman. In a video clip, Al-Burhan appeared among his soldiers who welcomed him.

The SAF also showed a photo of Al-Burhan sitting among civilians, saying the photo was taken at district 100 of Omdurman city.

Al-Burhan said that the armed forces are fighting for the sake of Sudan and not for a certain party or a group or people.

Al-Burhan's appearance came one day after the SAF announced its control of the headquarters of the Armored Corps Camp in the capital and repulsing a violent attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the corps' headquarters.

This is the first time for Al-Burhan to show up outside the headquarters of the SAF's General Command and the Ministry of Defense since the war broke out, the SAF said in a statement.

His tour came at a time when fierce clashes continued between the SAF and the RSF in the vicinity of the armored corps camp at Al-Shajara military area, south of the capital Khartoum.

Sudan has been witnessing deadly armed clashes between the two forces in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, which left over 3,000 people killed and more than 6,000 injured, according to the Sudanese Health Ministry.

More than 4 million people have fled from their homes -- 3.2 million people were displaced internally and close to 900,000 have crossed the border into Chad, Egypt, South Sudan and other countries, according to the latest UN estimates. 

This image released by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) on Aug. 24, 2023 shows General Commander of the SAF Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan (R center) near Khartoum, Sudan. Al-Burhan's appearance came one day after the SAF announced its control of the headquarters of the Armored Corps Camp in the capital and repulsing a violent attack by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on the corps' headquarters. This is the first time for Al-Burhan to show up outside the headquarters of the SAF's General Command and the Ministry of Defense since the war broke out, the SAF said in a statement. (Xinhua)
The University of Houston announced it is permanently closing its LGBTQA Resource Center and the Center for Diversity and Inclusion to comply with Texas Senate Bill 17 which prohibits the expenditure of funds for DEI at public schools in the state. In their place, the university is opening a Center for Diversity and Inclusion which will provide similar programs and be open to all students.

Earlier this year, the Texas State Legislature passed, and Governor Abbott signed into law Senate Bill 17. This new legislation prohibits public institutions of higher education from maintaining diversity, equity, and inclusion offices, and conducting DEI-related trainings, programs, and activities, Daniel M. Maxwell, interim vice president for student affairs, wrote in an email posted Wednesday to the university website. In preparation of this law going into effect, student affairs staff and administrators began working this summer in consultation with other departments and offices across campus to ensure that our programs, activities, and services satisfy the requirements of SB17. As a result, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and the LGBTQA Resource Center will no longer operate effective August 31, 2023.

 (@)

In its place, Maxwell said the university will consolidate support services for all students in a new Center for Student Advocacy and Community.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This center will make available wide-ranging advocacy, a support network for both undergraduate and graduate students, comprehensive basic needs services and resources, and facilitate a variety of events and programs to foster student success, achievement, and community building, Maxwell continued, adding the center and its terrific new programs would be available to all students.

The university created confusion last week after signs with news of the closure were posted around campus, only to subsequently tell Inside Higher Education a decision had not been made and the signs were prematurely posted. Davis Darusman, who sits on the universitys LGBTQ Alumni Association board, posted a picture of the notice to X-Twitter.

UH administration had months to come up with a plan, release an official statement and let queer [Cougars] know this was coming around the corner, Darusman told Inside Higher Education. But were a week out from classes starting and what they get is a piece of paper slapped on a wall.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks about the Black Sea grain corridor outside U.N. Security Council at U.N. headquarters in New York

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the BRICS summit in Johannesburg on Thursday that "today's global governance structures reflect yesterday's world" and that for multilateral institutions to be universal they needed to reform.

"They were largely created in the aftermath of World War II when many African countries were still ruled by colonial powers and were not even at the table," Guterres said in remarks on the final day of the BRICS summit.

"This is particularly true of the Security Council of the United Nations and the Bretton Woods institutions," he said, referring to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

(Reporting by Anait Miridzhanian and Kopano Gumbi; Editing by Alexander Winning)
The United States believes that the plane carrying Wagner Group leaders is likely to have been shot down by a missile fired from Russian territory.

Source: Reuters, citing US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, European Pravda reports.

Details: According to two sources of the agency, the US is inclined to believe that the plane carrying the Wagner leaders was downed by a surface-to-air missile launched from Russian territory.

They emphasised that these are preliminary assumptions, and the situation continues to be analysed.

Reminder:

On Wednesday evening, the Russian media and the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency reported that a small plane had crashed in Russias Tver Oblast. Yevgeny Prigozhin and his deputy Dmitry "Wagner" Utkin, whose call sign gave the group its name, were listed as having been on board.

Paris said they would not be rushing to conclusions about the circumstances of the plane crash involving Prigozhin. Germanys Foreign Minister also urged people not to draw hasty conclusions, and to ascertain that the Wagner leader is actually dead.

The President of Lithuania believes that the security situation will not improve if Prigozhin's death is confirmed.

The Prime Minister of Poland, Mateusz Morawiecki, believes that after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, control over the Wagner Group will pass directly to the Kremlin, making it potentially more dangerous.

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 U.S. condemned North Koreas second attempt to launch a spy satellite, calling it a brazen violation of the United Nations Security Council and saying it could destabilize security in the region.

Despite its failure, [the launch] is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond, said Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, in a statement.

North Koreas National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) attempted to launch the reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 using the new-type carrier rocket Chollima-1 to put it into orbit, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The space agency said the flights of the first and second stages of the rocket were normal, but the third launch failed because of an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight, KNCA reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The NADA, following an investigation of Thursdays failed attempt, said it would try a third satellite launch in the fall. The space agency said the cause of the accident is not a big problem in aspect of the reliability of cascade engines and the system, KNCA reported.

Neighboring Japan issued a brief J-alert ordering residents to evacuate as the North Korean satellite flew over Okinawa to the Pacific Ocean.

Watson explained the space launch involved technologies in direct connection with North Koreas intercontinental ballistic program. The test comes amid the countrys series of missile tests over the past few months.

The door has not closed on diplomacy, but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement, she said, urging North Korea to come to the table for serious negotiations.

Watson said President Bidens national security team is assessing the situation with U.S. allies and partners.

In a Thursday statement, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said it is aware of the launch and determined the event does not immediately threaten U.S. personnel or territory of the U.S. or its allies.

The U.S. commitment to homeland defense and the defense of the Republic of Korea and Japan, remains ironclad, the statement reads.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of State said Thursday it detected the rocket flying above international waters off the Korean Peninsulas western coast after its liftoff from the Tonchang-ri area  North Koreas main space launch center  at 3:50 a.m., according to The Associated Press. The company had a failed spy satellite launch in May at the same location.

Last week, the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS) warned officials that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will likely resume weapons testing in response to the joint annual U.S.-South Korean military drills, which began this week.

The Associated Press contributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
By Daphne Psaledakis

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. State Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on 13 people and entities it said are reportedly connected to the forced deportation and transfer of Ukraine's children, as Washington ramps up pressure on Moscow over its invasion.

The United States is also taking steps to impose visa restrictions on three Russia-installed purported authorities over their involvement in human rights abuses of Ukrainian minors, the State Department said in a statement.

"Together with our partners in Europe, we are supporting Ukraine in their fight for freedom now and we will help them over the long term," U.S. President Joe Biden pledged in a statement on Thursday marking Ukraine's Independence Day.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ukraine's government estimates that Russian authorities have deported and/or forcibly displaced over 19,500 children from their homes since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Among those hit with sanctions on Thursday was Artek, which the State Department said is a Russian government-owned "'summer camp' located in Russia-occupied Crimea."

The State Department said Artek has received Ukrainian children who are then placed in "'patriotic' re-education programs" and are prevented from returning to their families. Artek's director was also among those sanctioned on Thursday.

Also targeted was the advisor to the governor of Belgorod, the commissioners for children's rights in the Kaluga and Rostov regions, and the chairman of the government of the Chechen Republic, among others.

"The United States will not stand by as Russia carries out these war crimes and crimes against humanity," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on Thursday.

Thursday's action marks the latest round of sanctions Washington has imposed on Moscow since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has killed tens of thousands of people and reduced cities to rubble.

The ICC issued arrest warrants in March for Putin and his children's commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of illegally deporting hundreds of children from Ukraine - a war crime.

Russia acknowledges having transferred thousands of children out of Ukraine, but says this has been done exclusively to protect orphans and children abandoned in the war zone.

"We're going to keep calling attention to it, keep identifying the individuals and institutions involved, and keep a highlight on it until these kids are reunited with their families or in a community that reflects their proper upbringing. So we're just going to keep at it," James O'Brien, head of the State Department's Office of Sanctions Coordination, told Reuters.

The State Department on Thursday said that Russia uses a variety of methods to transfer children from Ukraine, including taking them from state institutions, deporting children during "filtration" operations where Ukrainian civilians are evaluated for their perceived threat to Russia's occupation, and by bringing them to supposed recreation camps in Crimea and Russia.

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis; Editing by John Stonestreet and Mark Porter)
Editors note: This story was last updated at 5:40 p.m. EST.

A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that an intentional explosion caused the plane crash presumed to have killed a Russian mercenary leader who was eulogized Thursday by Russian President Vladimir Putin , even as suspicions grew that he was the architect of the assassination.

One of the U.S. and Western officials who described the initial assessment said it determined that Yevgeny Prigozhin was very likely targeted and that the explosion falls in line with Putins long history of trying to silence his critics.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, did not offer any details on what caused the explosion, which was widely believed to be vengeance for the mutiny in June that posed the biggest challenge to the Russian leaders 23-year rule. Several of Prigozhins lieutenants were also presumed dead.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Pentagon spokesman Gen. Pat Ryder said press reports that a surface-to-air missile took down the plane were inaccurate. He declined to say whether the U.S. suspected a bomb or believed the crash was an assassination.

Details of the intelligence assessment surfaced as Putin expressed his condolences to the families of those who were reported to be aboard the jet and referred to serious mistakes by Prigozhin.

A Russian serviceman inspects a part of a crashed private jet near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (AP)

The jet carrying the founder of the Wagner military company and six other passengers crashed Wednesday soon after taking off from Moscow with a crew of three, according to Russias civil aviation authority. Rescuers found 10 bodies, and Russian media cited anonymous sources in Wagner who said Prigozhin was dead. But there has been no official confirmation.

President Joe Biden, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, said that he believed Putin was behind the crash, though he acknowledged that he did not, at that time, have solid information verifying his belief.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, Biden said. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

The passenger manifest also included Prigozhins second-in-command, who baptized the group with his nom de guerre, as well as Wagners logistics chief, a fighter wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Syria and at least one possible bodyguard.

It was not clear why several high-ranking members of Wagner, including top leaders who are normally exceedingly careful about their security, were on the same flight. The purpose of their joint trip to St. Petersburg was unknown.

At Wagners headquarters in St. Petersburg, lights were turned on in the shape of a large cross, and Prigozhin supporters built a makeshift memorial, piling red and white flowers outside the building Thursday, along with company flags and candles.

In this first comments on the crash, Putin said the passengers had made a significant contribution to the fighting in Ukraine.

We remember this, we know, and we will not forget, the president said in a televised interview with the Russian-installed leader of Ukraines partially occupied Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin.

Putin recalled that he had known Prigozhin since the early 1990s and described him as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed  both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months. He was a talented man, a talented businessman.

Russian state media have not covered the crash extensively, instead focusing on Putins remarks to the BRICS summit in Johannesburg via video link and Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Several Russian social media channels reported that the bodies were burned or disfigured beyond recognition and would need to be identified by DNA. The reports were picked up by independent Russian media, but The Associated Press was not able to independently confirm them.

Prigozhin supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging app channels that the plane was deliberately downed, including suggesting it could have been hit by a missile or targeted by a bomb on board. Those claims could not be independently verified.

Sergei Mironov, the leader of the pro-Kremlin Fair Russia party and former chairman of the upper house of the Russian parliament suggested on his Telegram channel that Prigozhin had been deliberately killed.

Prigozhin messed with too many people in Russia, Ukraine and the West, Mironov wrote. It now seems that at some point his number of enemies reached a critical point.

Russian authorities have said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Kuzhenkino resident Anastasia Bukharova, 27, said she was walking with her children Wednesday when she saw the jet, and then  boom!  it exploded in the sky and began to fall down. She said she was scared it would hit houses in the village and ran with the children, but it ended up crashing into a field.

Something sort of was torn from it in the air, and it began to go down and down, she added.

Numerous opponents and critics of Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts, and U.S. and other Western officials long expected the Russian leader to go after Prigozhin, despite promising to drop charges in a deal that ended the June 23-24 mutiny.

It is no coincidence that the whole world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced ex-confidant of Putin suddenly falls from the sky, two months after he attempted an uprising, said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, while acknowledging that the facts were still unclear.

We know this pattern  in Putins Russia  deaths and dubious suicides, falls from windows that all ultimately remain unexplained, she added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also pointed the finger. We have nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who does, he said.

Soon after the plane went down, people on social media and news outlets began to report that it was a Wagner plane. Minutes after Russian state news agencies confirmed the crash, they cited the civil aviation authority as saying Prigozhins name was on the mainfest.

Prigozhin was long outspoken and critical of how Russian generals were waging the war in Ukraine, where his mercenaries were some of the fiercest fighters for the Kremlin. For a long time, Putin appeared content to allow such infighting  and Prigozhin seemed to have unusual latitude to speak his mind.

But Prigozhins brief revolt raised the ante. His mercenaries swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot. They then drove to within about 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow and downed several military aircraft, killing more than a dozen Russian pilots.

Putin first denounced the rebellion  the most serious challenge to his 23-year rule  as treason and a stab in the back. He vowed to punish its perpetrators, and the world waited for his next move, particularly since Prigozhin had publicly questioned the Russian leaders justifications for the war in Ukraine.

But instead Putin made a deal that saw an end to the mutiny in exchange for an amnesty for Prigozhin and his mercenaries and permission for them to move to Belarus.

Now many are suggesting the punishment has finally come.

The downing of the plane was certainly no mere coincidence, Janis Sarts, director of NATOs Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, told Latvian television.

The Institute for the Study of War argued that Russian authorities likely moved against Prigozhin and his top associates as the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organization.

Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for President Putin turned political consultant, said Putin had to step in because, by carrying out the mutiny and remaining free, Prigozhin shoved Putins face into the dirt front of the whole world.

Failing to punish Prigozhin would have offered an open invitation for all potential rebels and troublemakers, so Putin had to act, Gallyamov said.

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 fell, one of its wings apparently missing. A free fall like that typically occurs 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.

Burrows reported from London.
US intelligence is trying to figure out what led a plane to crash in Russia, apparently killing Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Theories include an explosion caused by a bomb or other sabotage.

Prigozhin, who led a mutiny against Russia's military, was presumed dead on Wednesday.

United States intelligence is working to figure out what caused a private jet to crash outside of Moscow, resulting in Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin's apparent death.

Early theories on what may have caused the plane to plummet from the sky reportedly include an explosion caused by a bomb, a surface-to-air missile, or some other kind of sabotage like tampered-with fuel.

Prigozhin  the head of the mercenary group who staged a short-lived mutiny against Russia's military two months ago  was presumed dead on Wednesday after a Wagner-affiliated plane crashed in Russia's Tver region.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the aftermath, Russian state media reported that Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on the plane that went down, killing all 10 people on board, including Prigozhin's right-hand man Dmitry Utkin.

Preliminary information from the US intelligence community has suggested that the plane crashed as the result of an intentional explosion, according to multiple reports, including the Associated Press.

Anonymous US and Western officials did not provide details to the AP on what may have caused the explosion, but one official said a preliminary US intelligence assessment concluded that it was "very likely" Prigozhin was targeted.

Yevgeny Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putin in happier times  a 2010 tour of a school lunch factory outside Saint Petersburg. Alexey Druzhinin/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

That official told the AP that the explosion seemed to match Russian President Vladimir Putin's "long history of trying to silence his critics."

The New York Times, citing American and other Western officials, also reported that an explosion is the primary theory of what caused the plane to fall out of the sky.

A bomb or another device placed on the jet could have caused the blast, the anonymous officials told the Times.

US intelligence was also looking at the possibility of contaminated fuel, according to the Times.

Anonymous US officials told the Wall Street Journal that the plane was downed in an assassination plot and that initial assessments suggested that a bomb exploded on board or some other sabotage.

Two anonymous US officials, citing preliminary information, told Reuters that it was likely a surface-to-air missile that came from inside Russia shot down the Wagner-linked plane.

However, Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters Thursday there was no indication to suggest that a surface-to-air missile caused the plane crash.

Ryder added that the Defense Department believes it was "likely" that Prigozhin was killed.

Meanwhile, Putin on Thursday broke his silence on Prigozhin's apparent death, calling him a "man of complicated fate" who has made "serious mistakes" in life.

There has been long-standing suspicion Prigozhin could face revenge from Putin after the Wagner chief led the armed uprising in June against Russian military brass.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with his Namibian counterpart Hage Geingob on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Namibia in various fields, including in clean energy, and will encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in Namibia, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Namibian counterpart, Hage Geingob, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Xi said President Geingob is an old friend of the Chinese people, who has deep affection for China. The Chinese side greatly appreciates the president's firm support for China's position on issues of core interests, and his delivering justice and speaking out for righteousness in international affairs.

Xi pointed out that China and Africa share similar historical experiences and hard struggle, adding that China insists on equality and mutual respect between big and small countries.

The Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people to successfully build socialism with Chinese characteristics, while at the same time taking efforts to push forward the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.

Through proposing a series of initiatives such as the Belt and Road cooperation, Xi said, China offers opportunities to developing countries to realize joint development and prosperity, and fights for more equal rights for developing nations.

For his part, Geingob said Namibia and China enjoy long-term friendship. China is an all-weather friend, and even more so a friend who can count on when in difficulty. The Namibian side is deeply grateful to China's firm support in the various causes of fighting for national independence and emancipation as well as national development.

He said as a leader of a global major country, President Xi has led the Chinese people to achieve remarkable accomplishments, and treats African leaders with equality and humility, which is very touching.

The Namibian side has been greatly inspired by the thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics, and is exploring a modernization path with Namibian characteristics, Geingob noted.

Namibia firmly supports China, welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest and cooperate in Namibia and stands ready to work with China to push for greater development of bilateral relations, he added. 
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, United States Ambassador to the United Nations, speaks after a meeting of the United Nations Security Council to discuss the war in Ukraine, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, at United Nations headquarters. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against 11 Russians and two re-education facilities reportedly involved in the forced transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children, accusing Moscow of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield made the announcement at a U.N. Security Council meeting that the U.S. organized on Ukraines national day to put a spotlight on the transfer or deportation of its children as young as four months old, not only to Russia but to its ally Belarus and Russian-occupied territories in Ukraines east.

Children are literally being ripped from their homes in the year 2023, she said. Russia and its proxies have detained children fleeing violence. They have forced children out of schools and orphanages. And local proxies have tricked or coerced parents into sending their children to so-called `summer camps only to be cut off from communication and refused to have their children returned to them.

Deportations of Ukrainian children have been a concern since Russias Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. The International Criminal Court increased pressure on Russia when it issued arrest warrants on March 17 for President Vladimir Putin and Russian childrens rights commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova, accusing them of abducting children from Ukraine.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Estimates vary of the number of children taken from Ukraine, but Thomas-Greenfield said the United States knows that since February 2022 there have been thousands.

She said the U.S. is also aware of reports that Belarus leaders have supported moving Ukrainian children to camps in their country. She quoted the National Anti-Crisis Management Group saying at least 2,100 Ukrainian youngsters were taken to Belarus from Russian-occupied territory in Ukraine between September 2022 and May 2023.

Ukraines U.N. ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya told the council that Ukraine has strong grounds to believe that several hundred thousand Ukrainian children were forcibly and unlawfully taken by Russia, with many still being held against their will.

He likened Russias actions against children to crimes the Nazis committed against children during World War II saying: Our children are exposed to aggressive brainwashing aimed at changing their consciousness, erasing their Ukrainian identity, and preparing obedient soldiers for the Russian army in the future.

Thomas-Greenfield, who announced the new U.S. sanctions, told the council they target individuals who have reportedly facilitated the forcible transfer and deportation of children to camps. In addition, she said, the U.S. put visa restrictions on three Russia for their reported involvement in human rights abuses against Ukrainian minors.

The U.S. State Department later released a list of those subject to a freeze of any U.S. assets including the commissioners for childrens rights in the Russian regions of Belgorod, Kaluga and Rostov and officials in the Chechen Republic for their reported involvement in child deportations.

It also imposed sanctions on a Russian-owned summer camp called Artek in Russian-occupied Crimea which received Ukrainian children who were placed in patriotic re-education programs and prevented from returning to their families and the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation which the U.S. said is used by the Kadyrov family to oversee re-education of Ukrainian children in camps outside Grozny in the Chechen Republic.

Russias U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused the U.S. of launching a proxy war against Russia, backed by Britain and the European Union, to gain experience in modern day methods of engaging in armed hostilities, risking nothing but weapons supplied to Ukraine.

He said Russia was compelled to come to the defense of women, children and the elderly and dismissed what he called a host of lies about Russias actions including the lie about our alleged abductions of Ukrainian children, who we are actually saving.

A significant number of council nations made no mention of the issue of deported children, including China. Instead, they focused on the need to end the conflict and to restore the initiative that allowed Ukraine to ship grain from Black Sea ports. Russia suspended the deal in mid-July until its demands to ensure Russian food and fertilizer can get to world markets are met, sparking food price increases and fears of a global food crisis.

But Frances deputy U.N. ambassador Nathalie Broadhurst Estival said Russias addition to the U.N. "blacklist of infamy in June for violating children's rights bears out the gravity of its crimes against children. France urges the Russian Federation to respect international law and to immediately end these atrocities, she said.

Britains deputy ambassador James Kariuki said the forced transfers and deportations of children have devastating and life changing consequences that will be felt for generations.
The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions against individuals and entities linked to Russia's forcible transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children on Aug. 24.

The targets are Russian officials and members of Moscow-installed illegal administrations in occupied parts of Ukraine who reportedly took part in forcibly transferring Ukrainian children to Russia or within occupied territories.

"Children are the most innocent victims of war: we have not forgotten Ukraine's children," the U.S. State Department wrote in a press release.

The sanctioned individuals include commissioners for children's rights in Russia's Belgorod, Kaluga, and Rostov regions, as well as the Chechen Republic's commissioner for human rights and the government's chairman.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They are said to be involved in facilitating the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and their adoption by Russian families.

Other Chechen representatives targeted by the sanctions package are the Akhmat Kadyrov Foundation, its board member and the Chechen leader's mother, Aymani Kadyrova, and a special police battalion commander in the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, all of which are involved in the "re-education" of Ukrainian children in camps outside of Grozny.

Read also: Explainer: What we know about Russias deportation of Ukrainian children

In Crimea, the U.S. sanctioned the Russian government-owned "summer camp" Artek, its director Konstantin Fedorenko, the Chief of Staff of the Sevastopol Branch of Russia's Youth Army Vladimir Kovalenko and Russia-appointed head of Sevastopol State University Vladimir Nechaev.

Artek has received Ukrainian children placed in "patriotic" re-education programs and prevented from returning to their families, while Kovalenko has organized Russian military and patriotic camps for Ukrainian children in Crimea, in which Nechaev has been involved too.

Washington also targeted Olena Shapurova, Moscow-appointed official responsible for education in occupied parts of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Oblast, for implementing pro-Russia educational curriculums in local schools and "threatening to remove children from Ukrainian families if they do not attend pro-Russia schools."

Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova claimed on July 31 that 700,000 Ukrainian children had been brought to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion, in a mass deportation of Ukrainian children.

She said about 4.8 million Ukrainians have been "accepted" into Russia and claimed most children arrived with relatives. The numbers include 1,500 children who lived in orphanages or state institutions.

More than 19,500 children have been identified by the Ukrainian government as having been deported. Three hundred eighty-six of them have been brought back to Ukraine.





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Pentagon plans to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighters in the United States in September.

Source: The New York Times found this information out from an anonymous American official; European Pravda

Details: The newspaper writes that the United States has changed its approach and decided to join the training of pilots from Ukraine as soon as the Ukrainian side selected them, although it was previously planned that the training would take place only in Europe.

The pilots will first receive English language training in Texas and then begin several months of flight training in Arizona. It is unknown which Ukrainian pilots will study in the United States on the F-16s  those who first had to go to Europe or an additional group.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is expected that the decision on the exercises might be announced on Thursday evening, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine.

Background:

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!






The US justice department on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the billionaire Elon Musks rocket company SpaceX for alleged hiring discrimination against refugees and asylum seekers.

SpaceX routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status from at least September 2018 to May 2022, according to the justice department.

Related: SpaceX hires boy, 14, who became youngest graduate at California university

This civil suit comes more than two years after the justice department revealed in court filings that it was investigating the space exploration company following a complaint that it discriminated against non-US citizens during hiring.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law, the assistant attorney general Kristen Clarke, of the justice departments civil rights division, said in a statement.

Our investigation also found that SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials took actions that actively discouraged asylees and refugees from seeking work opportunities at the company, Clarke said in the press release, later remarking: Through this lawsuit we will hold SpaceX accountable for its illegal employment practices and seek relief that allows asylees and refugees to fairly compete for job opportunities and contribute their talents to SpaceXs workforce.

Space X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

As part of its alleged discrimination against non-US citizens, SpaceX falsely invoked export control laws in claiming it could only hire citizens and green card holders. But, the justice department insists, these export control laws do not mandate such restrictions.

Under export control laws, SpaceX and other companies can hire asylees and refugees just as they do US citizens and green card holders, the justice department said. The alleged discrimination unfolded at multiple levels during hiring.

The company allegedly discouraged refugees and aslyees from seeking out open positions through public announcements, job applications and other online recruiting communications that excluded asylees and refugees, officials claimed. The company also failed to fairly weigh job applications from refugees and asylees.

SpaceX refused to hire qualified refugees and asylees because of their citizenship status. Over the four-year period cited in the suit, SpaceX allegedly only hired US citizens and green card holders.

The jobs from which refugee and aslyee applicants were allegedly excluded were not only positions requiring higher education. In addition to positions in software and rocket engineering, for example, the jobs included welding, cooking and dish-washing.

The justice department wants SpaceX to fairly consider and provide back pay for refugees and asylum seekers who were wrongly denied work because of this alleged discrimination. Officials also want civil penalties imposed and policy changes to ensure compliance

This lawsuit is not the first time one of Musks companies has been accused of discriminatory behavior. A group of former employees of the social media website formerly known as Twitter (now X), filed suit earlier this month alleging that Musk engaged in gender, age and racial discrimination, per Insider.

The fact that more women than men were laid off is not surprising given Musks history of making sexist, demeaning, and hostile comments against women, the suit reportedly said.

The civil complaint referred to one of Musks missives as evidence of this alleged discrimination. Testosterone rocks ngl, Musk wrote, in response to an article on James Camerons comments on the hormone being a toxic substance men needed to excise.
Susanna Gellert, executive artistic director for the Weston Theater Company, points to the level of the flooding in the Weston Playhouse, from July's torrential rains and regional flooding, Aug. 16, 2023, in Weston, Vt. (AP Photo/Lisa Rathke)

WESTON, Vt. (AP)  Members of a beloved Vermont acting company were sleeping in theater housing when torrential rains and flooding forced them to flee, with water inundating the playhouses vast basement of dressing rooms, costumes and props and reaching into the first floor.

The July storms left the large, column-fronted white Greek Revival building with layers of mud and debris, and as volunteers and others dug out of the mess, the Weston Theater Company eventually kept performing  on higher ground. The shortened season came to end last week on a smaller stage on higher ground, and the theater company is now figuring out how to make up for some of the losses while the building owner plans to rebuild the playhouse to be more flood resistant in the tiny riverside town.

The prominent playhouse sits in the center of the 620-resident southern Vermont community of Weston along the West River. The oldest professional theater company in Vermont draws people from around the country, including part-time residents and visitors who want to see actors from the New York City area without traveling to the Big Apple.

When the theater flooded, some actors who were about to arrive for Singin in the Rain rehearsals were delayed for days. The basement also flooded during Tropical Storm Irene in 2011. This time around the floodwaters were about 2.5 feet (0.7 meters) higher.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The damage is heartbreaking, especially after the struggle to recover from the pandemic shutting down performances in 2020, said Susanna Gellert, the companys executive artistic director. The company performed under an outdoor tent in 2021 and didnt start returning to pre-pandemic numbers until this year, she said.

The real casualty of it is on our earnings, she said.

Most of the water was pumped out of the the Playhouse but the damage was worse than after Irene, the company posted on Facebook, while also taking up offers from community members to help scrape mud out of the building and administrative offices.

The company was in the middle of performances of the sold-out show Buddy, The Buddy Holly story. The set and instruments were on stage but all the costumes were downstairs as well as the scene shops high-grade tools, which Gellert estimated was a $150,000 equipment loss. Also trashed were the buildings HVAC and sprinkler systems.

The Weston Community Association, which owns the building and supports the theater, is still tallying the damage and cost of repairs to submit to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

It was the first time floodwater reached the auditorium of the playhouse, said Dave Raymond, president of the association, who also led the group during Irene. Water took out the first five rows of seats, which will be salvaged, but the hardwood floors were done for, he said.

We had to tear all of that up," Raymond said. "We had to tear out the front part of the stage because the water had come up through the old pit where the orchestra was.

The association and theater company spent about $450,000 to have professional crews clean out and remediate the building, he said. The association plans to have all the electrical moved upstairs except for the sprinkler system and use concrete to block windows where the water came in  a no-brainer, Raymond said.

Therell be no view out to the beautiful river, which becomes a monster when it decides to, he said.

Putting on the show despite the flooding "speaks to the resiliency of theater people," said Andrea Johnson, of Wellesley, Massachusetts, who attended Singin' in the Rain with her husband when the show was moved to the company's smaller Walker Farm theater at higher ground. The show must go on.

That's what actor Conor McShane, who played Cosmo, said in the musical. The show must go on come rain, come shine, he told The Associated Press  though he can't believe he didn't add come flood to the line every time, he said.

The theater company, citing the extreme devastation, eventually decided to cut its summer season short, canceling an upcoming show and postponing another until next summer, when Raymond expects the theater to reopen.

To everyone who came to help dig the Playhouse out of the mud (from near and far!) and donated their time, food, money, and resources to help us pave the path forward - thank you, the theater company, which just completed its 87th season, posted on Facebook on Sunday. While the road to recovery will be long and arduous, it is nothing compared to the resiliency youve reminded us of, and there arent words to describe the magnitude of our gratitude.

___

This story was first published on Aug. 24, 2023. It was updated on Aug. 27, 2023 to correct that it is the theater company figuring out how to make up for some of the losses and a community association planning to repair the playhouse.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was accused of plagiarizing one of Barack Obamas signature speeches during his remarks onstage at Wednesdays Republican presidential primary debate in Wisconsin.

During the debate, Mr Ramaswamy responded to a question about his political newcomer status, telling the crowd, Let me just address the question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight.

Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage? he continued.

Observers quickly pointed out how this remark sounded similar to Barack Obamas career-making 2004 speech as a Senate hopeful at the Democratic National Convention, a famous address where he referred to himself as a skinny kid with a funny name.

Skinny guy with a funny name sounds very.Obamaesque  Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 24, 2023

Skinny guy with a funny name sounds very.Obamaesque, former White House press secretary Jen Psaki wrote on X.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with new information.
Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was the breakout star of the first GOP debate on Wednesday.

He mocked candidates, boosting his name recognition, but also hurting his palatability to voters.

It's a costly gamble that could ultimately backfire.

Political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy may have been the breakout star at Wednesday night's GOP presidential debate, but his bombastic approach could come back to bite him, according to post-debate polling.

According to a series of polls taken by the Washington Post/FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos in the lead up to the first Republican presidential debate, 13% of Republican primary voters had an "unfavorable" view of Ramaswamy before he took the stage. After the debate, the poll found, 26% of potential primary voters who watched the debate rated Ramaswamy the winner, behind only DeSantis.

But it wasn't all good news: That "unfavorable" number more than doubled to 32%, according to the same polling group.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Throughout the debate, Ramaswamy jumped in as often as he could, seizing the second-largest portion of speaking time, according to the New York Times.

In addition to discussing his policy plans, Ramaswamy used much of that time to directly attack the candidates around him for their experience and records in office: He said former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was auditioning for an MSNBC contributor position, told former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley her future was in defense contracting instead of the White House, and mocked former Vice President Mike Pence about his age.

The other candidates, however, didn't let Ramaswamy simply get away with his repeated attacks on the debate stage. Instead, they singled him out over his lack of political experience and radical foreign policy ideas and compared him to a human version of ChatGPT.

This shows why his strategy was a dangerous gamble  by obsequiously siding with Trump, promising to pardon him if elected, and repeating his talking points, Ramaswamy was able to attract attention and earn a declaration from the former president on social media that he was the winner.

But he also made himself a target of every single candidate on stage other than the one charged with 91 felony counts, and they were able to move a good deal of potential voters into the unfavorable camp.

Of course, Ramaswamy may only be looking for one vote: That of the likely GOP nominee, Donald Trump. But while Democratic President Joe Biden did indeed pick Kamala Harris as his vice president after she made a coordinated effort to attack him over his record on race, and Trump previously said he planned to watch the debate to get a sense of who he wants as a potential running mate, Ramaswamy has no guarantee that his loyalty will actually lead to a position in a hypothetical new Trump Administration in 2024.

No vice-presidential spot or cabinet seat is ever safe until it's offered and accepted  just ask former presidential hopeful Andrew Yang about the cushy federal gig he was appointed to within the Biden Administration after he stepped out of the race and endorsed him (hint: it never happened).

With this in mind, Ramaswamy's surging "unfavorable" rating among voters suddenly becomes even more dire: If Republican voters increasingly find his schtick unpalatable and he burns all of his bridges within the GOP at the debate other than Trump, he risks getting this far for virtually nothing but name recognition.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran on BRICS and other multilateral platforms, so as to push for healthy and robust development of multilateralism.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Xi congratulated Iran on becoming a member of BRICS, stressing that it is a historic event that the BRICS summit, with joint efforts of all parties, has made the decision to expand.

All the new members are countries with important influence, Xi said, expressing confidence that they will have a major impact on the world.

Xi said since Raisi's successful visit to China in February this year, the two countries' departments have wasted no time to implement the consensus reached between the two leaders, which has achieved positive results.

Xi said he is glad that with the joint efforts of China, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Iran and Saudi Arabia have achieved reconciliation, which promoted security and stability in the Middle East.

China is ready to consolidate its friendship with Iran, deepen mutual trust, continue to support each other on issues concerning respective core interests and push for more progress in China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership, Xi added.

For his part, Raisi said Iran highly appreciates and thanks China for supporting Iran in becoming a full member of BRICS, which will provide fresh momentum for the development of Iran-China relations.

He said this is conducive to strengthening coordination between the two countries on multilateral platforms, and will also help better advance the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by President Xi.

Raisi expressed gratitude for Xi's important role in promoting dialogue and reconciliation between Iran and Saudi Arabia, adding that the expansion of BRICS shows that unilateralism is going downhill.

Iran's determination to deepen the Iran-China comprehensive strategic partnership is unswerving, Raisi said, adding that Iran stands ready to make joint efforts with China to further enhance the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two countries and actively advance the Belt and Road cooperation. 
Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy tried to recycle an old line used by former President Barack Obama on Wednesday night  but was called out for it by rival Chris Christie.

Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage? Ramaswamy said as his opening at the GOP presidential debate on Fox News.

Obama called himself a skinny kid with a funny name during the 2004 Democratic National Convention keynote speech  when he was a relative unknown nationally, a state senator in Illinois running for the U.S. Senate.

The Recount posted the two clips side-by-side:

Christie quickly noticed the stolen line and called Ramaswamy out on it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Christie fired back. The last person in one of these debates ... who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur.

Come over and give me a hug! Ramaswamy said, but the line was largely drowned out as the audience cheered Christies attack.

Thats a reference to Christie embracing Obama when the then-president visited New Jersey in 2012 to promise quick emergency relief in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, the biggest natural disaster ever to hit the state.

Related...
GOP candidates during the first Republican debate argued over climate change, with Vivek Ramaswamy calling the agenda over the issue a hoax.

Im the only candidate on stage who isnt bought and paid for, so I can say this  the climate change agenda is a hoax, he said.

And so the reality is more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate change, he added.



Ramaswamys remarks were booed by the crowd, and slammed by former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who compared to the entrepreneur to ChatGPT and former President Barack Obama.

The question stared when Fox moderator Martha MacCallum asked: Do you believe in human behavior causing climate change? Raise your hand if you do.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Before anyone could make a move, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took the floor.

We are not schoolchildren. Let's have the debate, DeSantis said, before launching into a response bashing Biden and the media.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, meanwhile, called for China and India to cut emissions.

First of all, we do care about clean air, clean water. We want to see that taken care of, but there is a right way to do it. The right way is first of all, yes, is climate change real? Yes, it is. But if you want to go and really change the environment, we need to start telling China and India that they have to lower their emissions.

CORRECTION: This story has been updated to correct Vivek Ramaswamy's quote on climate change.
Leading presidential contenders tend to attract the majority of attacks from their rivals. At the first Republican primary debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, it was Vivek Ramaswamy , a relatively unknown political newcomer, who got the front-runner treatment instead.

The two leaders in the race  former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  seemed to recede into the shadows as the rest of the candidates turned their guns on Ramaswamy, a biotech millionaire who has emulated Trump on just about every issue. It was yet more evidence of the 2024 GOP race turning into a race for second place, with many of the candidates avoiding going directly at the man who is leading by such a big margin that he didnt even think it was worth attending the debate.

It looked a bit like an undercard debate, Reince Priebus, a former Republican National Committee chairman, said on Fox News after the event, which Trump skipped entirely. Not having the prizefighter on stage, I think, took down the temperature and made it a little less attractive.

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley landed perhaps the biggest blow against Ramaswamy during a heated exchange over aid to Ukraine. Ramaswamy argued that U.S. support for Ukraine against Russian aggression should be used for defending the U.S. border instead.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country. ... You would make America less safe. You have no foreign policy experience and it shows. It shows, Haley said, drawing an eruption of applause from the debate audience.

The broadside is the closest Haley has come to a breakout moment during the race so far. The former South Carolina governor has struggled to gain traction in early nominating states.

Former Vice President Mike Pence also took the opportunity to light up Ramaswamy, taking repeated digs at his youth and inexperience.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training, Pence said to the 38-year-old at one point, adding later that the U.S. doesnt need a president whos too young.

Ramaswamy parried by saying we do need somebody of a different generation to lead this nation forward, winning applause from the crowd.

But former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie seemed straight-up annoyed by Ramaswamy, likening him at one point to the AI tool ChatGPT.

Ive heard enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Christie said, going on to criticize Ramaswamy for appearing to crib a memorable line from a speech by former President Barack Obama.

The last person in one of these debates ... who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama, Christie noted.

It wasnt just the candidates ganging up on Ramaswamy, either. In a bit of a surprise, the Fox News debate audience actually booed him after he called climate change a hoax.

Vivek Ramaswamy gets booed after calling climate change a hoax: pic.twitter.com/QbVpr0DeBw  Kat Abu (@abughazalehkat) August 24, 2023

Ramaswamy was already gaining in the polls before he stepped foot onstage in Milwaukee, and Wednesdays debate is likely to fuel additional interest in his campaign.

But the fact that nearly every other 2024 candidate was going after Ramaswamy and not DeSantis, Trumps leading rival, is yet another sign of DeSantis weakened position six months before the Iowa caucuses.
At the first Republican presidential debate Wednesday night, Vivek Ramaswamy elevated himself from an unknown to a legitimate player in the primary.

But that success has already invited a new and uncomfortable level of scrutiny that he has never experienced during his brief time in the public eye.

Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the first Republican candidates' debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on August 23, 2023. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

A Mike Pence flip-flop?

Ramaswamy, who was eager to weigh in on many things in the debate, was noticeably quiet when candidates were asked whether they agreed with former Vice President Mike Pences refusal to overturn the 2020 election, under pressure from former President Donald Trump and as Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, yelling about hanging Pence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Every candidate who answered the question said they agreed with and supported Pences actions. Ramaswamy did not answer.

But National Reviews John McCormack tracked him down in the media room after the debate and asked him to give his answer to that query.

Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy after the Republican primary debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday. (Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)

At first Ramaswamy tried to duck it and said he would answer it in a future debate. McCormack pressed him, prompting Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old tech entrepreneur with no experience in government or politics, to give a rambling, nonsensical explanation of how he would have done things differently than Pence.

It sounded like he would have tried to extract concessions from Democrats in return for certifying Joe Bidens election victory, although the answer was so lengthy and muddled that its hard to discern what he was trying to say.

But in his 2022 book Nation of Victims, Ramaswamy defended Pences decision to certify the 2020 election results.

Mike Pence, a man I have great respect for, decided it was his constitutional duty to resist the presidents attempts to get him to unilaterally overturn the results of the election, even in the face of the January 6 Capitol riot, he wrote. Our institutions did hold, in the end. But they shouldnt have been tested.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Ramaswamy arrive onstage at the start of the debate. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Stolen or not stolen?

In that same 2022 book, Ramaswamy condemned Jan. 6 as a dark day for democracy and dismissed Trumps lies that the election had been stolen or rigged. He also called Trump a sore loser.

Now that he is running for president, Ramaswamy has flip-flopped and says he does think the election was stolen in a limited sense. During the debate he called Trump the best president of the 21st century.

The 2020 election would have been different if the Hunter Biden laptop story had not been suppressed, he told ABC News. (This is a dubious argument. At least one study has shown that Twitters decision to briefly prohibit the sharing of the New York Posts October 2020 scoop on Hunter Bidens laptop inadvertently gave the story a tremendous amount of free publicity.)

Pence and Ramaswamy have a lively exchange across DeSantis during the debate Wednesday night. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Unforced errors when talking about 9/11

Earlier this week in an interview with the Atlantic, Ramaswamy made remarks about the 9/11 attacks that raised eyebrows.

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, he told the magazine, essentially unprompted.

Ramaswamy had said earlier this month that he thinks there is a very real possibility  that al-Qaidas attack was undertaken with support from Saudi intelligence officials. But when asked by CNN about what he told the Atlantic about the 9/11 attacks, Ramaswamy said the magazine had misquoted him.

Im telling you the quote is wrong, actually, he told CNNs Kaitlan Collins.

Then, just before the debate, the Atlantic released audio of the quote in question, proving that Ramaswamy had not been misquoted.

Ramaswamy in the spin room after the debate Wednesday night. (Morry Gash/AP)
Vivek Ramaswamy is clearly having a moment. An entrepreneur with no political experience whatsoever, the fast-talking Republican presidential aspirant has risen rapidly in the polls; in some of them, he has even surpassed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to take second place. (Former President Donald Trump remains the runaway leader.)

Heading into the debate tonight, Ramaswamy definitely had a spotlight on him, and it shone ever brighter as he picked fights with the other candidates. He attacked former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for speaking out against Trump and claimed that former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley was angling for a job at a defense contractor.

Ramaswamy frequently enjoyed the crowd's support, and some of his most popular remarks were grounded in libertarian notions. On foreign policy, in particular, Ramaswamy distinguished himself from every other candidate on the stagewith the possible exception of DeSantis, who hit many of the same notesby refusing to cosign the neoconservatism of his rivals.

"The only war that I will declare as president is the war on the federal administrative state," he said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ramaswamy was adamant that he would not support additional military aid to Ukraine. This stance put him at odds with every other candidate save DeSantis, but it is increasingly popular with the GOP base. A recent CNN/SSR poll found that 71 percent of Republicans do not want Congress to authorize more funding, and 69 percent believe that the U.S. has already done enough.

Ramaswamy has also proposed cutting military assistance to Israel, a stance that earned Haley's ire on the debate stage but is supported by many libertarian-adjacent political figures and tracks with Americans' general disdain for foreign aid (though they tend to overestimate how much the government spends on it).

One reason for Trump's conquest of the Republican Party was that he broke with GOP orthodoxy on foreign policy; he called the Iraq War a mistake and pledged to pull U.S. troops out of Afghanistan. These ideas were anathema to party leadership, though anti-war Republican candidates who preceded Trumpincluding, most notably, Ron Paul in 2008 and 2012showed that non-interventionism was broadly popular among the base. The rank-and-file lost faith in Bush-era nation-building long before GOP leaders realized it, and Trump's successful run was a wake-up callthough, of course, Trump failed to pursue genuinely anti-interventionist policies; on the contrary, he installed former Bush administration official John Bolton as national security advisor.

Ramaswamy seems poised to capture some of the same Trumpian energy. Much like Trump, his foreign policy prescriptions were not entirely libertarian; like Trump, he is hawkish on China. He also proposed militaristic policies to deal with the U.S. southern border, suggesting that resources currently being sent to Ukraine should instead be redirected there. This would involve a massive escalation of police and military power, which is hardly libertarian.

However, on this issue, he was in good companymost of the candidates seemed to prefer deploying vastly more police and military resources against Mexican cartels as opposed to confronting the failures of prohibition. A wholly libertarian foreign policy would involve not merely a reorganization of U.S. military and defense spending, but a decrease.

The post Vivek Ramaswamy: 'The Only War I Will DeclareIs on the Administrative State' appeared first on Reason.com.
Conservative commentator Ann Coulter is facing backlash for racist comments she made about the two Indian Americans running for the GOP presidential nomination.

During Wednesday night's Republican presidential debate, Coulter characterized an exchange between former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy as "Hindu business."

"Nikki and Vivek are involved in some Hindu business, it seems," Coulter tweeted. "Not our fight."

Nikki and Vivek are involved in some Hindu business, it seems. Not our fight.  Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) August 24, 2023

"Ann can tweet whatever she wants to," Ramaswamys senior adviser and communications director, Tricia McLaughlin, told NBC News. "Vivek shares and lives by the same Judeo-Christian values that this nation was founded on  and the way Vivek lives his family life offers a positive example for their own children and grandchildren."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ramaswamy is Hindu. Haley was born into a Sikh family and is a Christian, which she has been vocal about in her public life.

The heated exchange Coulter appeared to refer to wasnt even about religion but rather U.S. aid to Ukraine and Israel.

Both conservatives and liberals criticized Coulter for her comment.

"Nikki Haley was born Sikh and is a practising Christian, you racist troglodyte," a person tweeted in response.

Coulter didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

It's a trope that's not unexpected coming from someone with a history like Coulter's, others said.

"Completely expected that she would attack them but using a white racist trope invoking a religion is beyond disgusting," tweeted Sangay Mishra, the author of Desis Divided: The Political Lives of South Asian Americans."

It isn't the first time this election cycle that Coulter has been in the news for racist comments about Haley. In February, she caught heat for telling Haley to "go back to your own country" as part of a larger tirade on a podcast.

Ann Coulter in 2017. (Ronen Tivony / NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Whats with the worshipping of the cows? Theyre all starving over there," she said in the appearance on the The Mark Simone Show podcast. "Did you know they have a rat temple, where they worship rats?"

Coulter has also called Haley a "bimbo" and a "preposterous creature."

Haley didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A wealthy millennial entrepreneur who has never run for political office, Vivek Ramaswamy was the target of a barrage of attacks during Wednesdays first debate for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. It was an outsized amount of attention and vitriol from veteran Republican elected officials to devote to a political novice who is an unknown to most voters.

The politicians antipathy  frequently palpable during the raucous faceoff in Milwaukee  follows Ramaswamy's rising support in polls of Republican voters. In a Real Clear Politics average of surveys, Ramaswamy comes in third  behind former President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  and ahead of a former vice president, former and current governors, a current senator and others. His cocksure attitude also clearly drove their ire at Wednesday night's debate.

Read more: News Analysis: Some clear losers in first GOP debate, but the absent Trump emerges largely unscathed

Who is Vivek Ramaswamy?

The 38-year-old Ohio native is an Ivy League graduate who became a finance, pharmaceutical and biotech entrepreneur worth more than $950 million as of this month, according to Forbes.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ramaswamys corporate work already had captivated the business press. But as he increasingly criticized the social and ethical practices of companies  notably the embrace of liberal policies on the environment, social issues and corporate governance  and what he argues is virtue signaling on issues such as racial justice, Ramaswamy became a star on Fox News and elsewhere in the conservative media. His first book, Woke, Inc.: Inside Corporate America's Social Justice Scam, became a New York Times bestseller.

Though he had no formal political experience, Ramaswamy was well acquainted with people who did. He went to Yale Law School with J.D. Vance, the Hillbilly Elegy author who is now a senator representing Ohio. The venture capital firm of billionaire Peter Thiel, who was a major supporter of Trump, backed an investment firm Ramaswamy founded.

Read more: Five takeaways from the GOP debate: DeSantis' not-so-big night, Trump's absence

What does Ramaswamy believe?

As a student at Harvard University, Ramaswamy had a libertarian streak. He has since become a prominent conservative media star.

With a broad smile and glib manner, Ramaswamy has called for revolution in Washington, not reform, and glosses over his spotty voting record  he has voted in only two presidential elections  as he calls for people under the age of 25 to be required to pass a citizenship test, join the military or become a first responder to be eligible to cast a ballot.

Ramaswamy is an ardent supporter of Trump. If elected, Ramaswamy has vowed to pardon Trump, who has been charged with federal or state felonies in Washington, New York, Florida and Georgia.

His disdain for traditional GOP policy and his Republican rivals was a major theme of the debate, most tangibly in his sparring with former Vice President Mike Pence . (Though the pair did shake hands immediately following the debate.)

Ramaswamys foreign policy views, notably about cutting U.S. aid to Israel as well as Ukraine  and allowing Russia to keep the territory it now holds  led to some of the debate's most heated moments.

Read more: GOP debate: Is climate change real? Only one candidate raised their hand.

Who attacked Ramaswamy and why?

Ramaswamy's age, political inexperience and foreign policy beliefs that buck traditional GOP orthodoxy about the United States role as leader of the free world all drew attacks during Wednesday's debate. Rival candidates accused him of being either naive about the dangers posed by Russia and China or shamelessly exploiting an increasingly isolationist bent in the GOP to advance his political standing.

DeSantis had been widely expected to tangle with Ramaswamy, but he left the attacks to other Republicans on the debate stage who are mired in the single digits in the polls. Some of the harshest criticism came from Pence, whose frustration was visible as he slammed Ramaswamy's comment that a president should focus on the U.S.-Mexico border and issues at home instead of intervening in Ukraine and abroad.

Pence said the United States is fully capable of doing both.

Let me explain it to you, Vivek, Pence said. Ill go slower this time.

Now is not the time for on-the job training, he added. We dont need to bring in a rookie.

Former Govs. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Nikki Haley of South Carolina also weighed in.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, Christie said after Ramaswamy attacked the other GOP candidates as super PAC puppets who were bought and paid for.

After a testy debate over the United States role overseas, Haley looked at Ramaswamy and declared, You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.

Does Ramaswamy have a shot?

His supporters, some dressed as American Revolution-era patriots and playing fifes, were thrilled by Ramaswamys turn in the spotlight Wednesday night. But in many ways, Ramaswamy is a reminder of Democratic entrepreneur Andrew Yangs 2020 presidential bid. The political neophyte attracted attention, notably from nontraditional voters in the summer leading up to the primary. He dropped out weeks after voters started casting ballots.

Read more: Andrew Yang wants to give you $1,000 a month

That said, political pundits largely expected Trump to flame out in 2016.

Get the best of the Los Angeles Times politics coverage with the Essential Politics newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Vladimir Putin has said he wants to deepen ties with Africa, hours after the Wagner mercenary chief who led Russian operations on the continent was killed in a mystery plane crash.

The Russian president told a summit in South Africa for the Brics group of nations his country was a reliable partner to deliver food and fuel.

In a video link address to the three-day summit in Johannesburg, he said Russia wanted to develop multi-faceted ties with the continent, which has been badly hit by price rises from his invasion of Ukraine.

In a dig at the West, he also attacked radical neoliberalism, which is being imposed by certain countries and is aimed at destroying the traditional values that are near and dear to all of us.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Russian leader spoke little more than 12 hours after the death of his former ally Yevgeny Prigozhin, who died when his private jet crashed flying from Moscow to St Petersburg.

British intelligence sources have said the crash was probably a state assassination in retaliation for Prigozhin leading a mutiny against Moscow in June.

Prigozhins Wagner mercenary group has spearheaded a Russian campaign to dislodge Western influence across Africa, offering military support to countries fighting jihadist terrorists.

Russian military involvement in Africa had been largely outsourced to Wagner in recent years, analysts said, with its mercenaries propping up governments in Mali and Central African Republic.

Prigozhins death is expected to see the Kremlin go back to signing direct deals with African leaders.

Putin told the summit that Russia had more than 30 energy projects in African countries, adding that Russian fuel supplies would help African governments to contain price rises.

Over the past two years, exports to Africa of Russian crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas have increased by 2.6 times, he said.

The Russian leader was the only leader of the Brics bloc not to attend the summit in person, after he cancelled his appearance over worries he might be arrested for war crimes.

South Africa would have been obliged to arrest him because he is subject to an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for crimes conducted during the invasion of Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin says Russian fuel supplies would help African governments to contain price rises - MIKHAEL KLIMENTYEV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

The bloc of emerging markets meanwhile announced Saudi Arabia and five other countries will join China and Russia in the group, as it tries to expand its global clout and shake-up the Western-dominated global order.

The Gulf kingdom will join the group from next year alongside Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia.

The first enlargement in more than a decade is a boost for Beijings vision of a greatly expanded group that might counter Western dominance over international institutions and affairs.

This membership expansion is historic, said Xi Jinping, the Chinese president.

The expansion is also a new starting point for Brics cooperation. It will bring new vigour to the Brics cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development.

Brics leaders have long complained that the international finance system in particular is dominated by Western states and institutions not serving the interests of developing nations.

Pace of blocs expansion

The run-up to the groups three-day summit in South Africa has been dominated by debate about the scale and pace of expansion, with 22 countries having formally applied for membership.

Yet, Western officials also question the viability and international influence of the group, when it contains a wide array of diverse and often rival nations. Several of the countries, including China, are facing severe economic difficulties.

Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopias prime minister, hailed what he called a great moment for his country.

Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous global order, he said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In Iran, senior presidential advisor Mohammad Jamshidi described the move as a historic development and a strategic success for Tehrans foreign policy.

The Islamic republic has been trying to lessen its international isolation and offset the effect of crippling sanctions.

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

After the announcement, China insisted the expanded grouping was not anti-West.

We do not engage in camp confrontation, said Li Kexin, director-general of the department of international economic affairs of the foreign ministry of China.

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Brazils president, said the expansion meant it now represented 46 per cent of the worlds population and an even greater share of its economic output.

Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africas president, said: Brics has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month, then enjoy 1 year for just $9 with our US-exclusive offer.
For Fall River political candidates, the 2023 election season has already been in full swing for months, gathering signatures, making speeches, filling out paperwork, sharing lawn signs and raising campaign funds. For your average citizen, though, the time is now  which means its time to narrow down some choices.

As an off-year election, there are no major national or state offices up for grabs. But this doesnt make this election unimportant  its crucial to make your voice heard at the local level.

Not sure whos running for what offices, or how to vote? Here are some facts you need to know:

Fall River election: Fall River's mayoral candidates state their platforms

A mail ballot for Fall River's September preliminary election is ready to be filled in.

When is the next 2023 election?

In Fall River, theres a preliminary election on Tuesday, Sept. 19. That sets the stage for the general election on Nov. 7.

What races are on the ballot in September?

Fall River has two municipal races in the primary: the mayors race and the City Council race. The School Committee race did not attract enough candidates to require a primary, and will be decided in the general election.

Whos running for mayor in Fall River?

Incumbent Mayor Paul Coogan is running for re-election, facing challengers Sam Sutter and Michael Vandal.

Former District Attorney and mayor Sam Sutter, left, and Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan.

Why Mayor Coogan wants a third term: 'Were going to ... just keep elevating ourselves'

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sutter wants his old job back: He promises to 'deliver results' with a plan.

What should I know about the mayoral candidates history?

Coogan has been mayor of Fall River since 2019. He took the reins from former mayor Jasiel F. Correia II, who was driven out of office by fraud and extortion scandals, for which Correia is currently serving a six-year federal prison term. Prior to being elected mayor, Coogan served on the School Committee and was a longtime educator in the citys public school system.

Sutter served one year as Fall Rivers mayor in 2015. He won the job during a special election in December 2014 that saw mayor Will Flanagan recalled; Sutter fulfilled the remainder of Flanagans term until the next regularly scheduled city election in November 2015. Sutter lost that race to Correia  who went on to serve until his ouster. Before being elected mayor, Sutter was the Bristol County district attorney from 2007 to 2014, and an assistant district attorney before that. He currently has a private practice.

Vandal previously ran in the primary election for the mayors office in 2021, against Coogan, former City Councilor Cliff Ponte, and Jonathan Albernaz. Vandal came in fourth place with 50 votes.

The Herald News asked the candidates to state their platforms, and published their responses in their own words. Coogan highlighted what he called the stability and transparency he's brought to the city's top office, and pointed to major infrastructure improvements. Sutter said he would work to reduce taxes, fight violent crime and promote affordable housing. Vandal stated that he would make police and fire "a separate program," and included rent control and homelessness as issues of concern.

Pat Donovan, a volunteer poll worker at the Cardinal Medeiros Tower, sanitizes the voting booth for in preparation for another precinct 8B voter in 2020.

Official specimen ballot: Get a look at Fall River's 2023 ballot for the preliminary election

Who is running for Fall River City Council?

Nineteen candidates are vying for nine spots on the City Council. Eight incumbent councilors are running for re-election:

Shawn Cadime

Joseph Camara

Michelle Dionne

Bradford Kilby

Pam Laliberte

Andrew Raposo

Linda Pereira

Laura Jean Washington

Councilor Leo Pelletier, who has had health setbacks, is not running for re-election.

Challenging the incumbents are:

Gabriel Boomer Amaral

Paulo Amaral

Paul Hart

Bob Pearson

Cliff Ponte

Gloria Saddler

Joseph Salvador

Alexander Silva

Jordan James Silvia

Joshua Teixeira

Ricky Tith

Ponte is attempting a return to the council; he served as its president and as acting mayor in 2019, before leaving to make a run for the mayors office in 2021.

Hart is currently a School Committee member, having served on that board from 2011 to 2015 and again from 2019 to the present. He previously served as a city councilor from 1995 to 2001.

Most of the candidates for City Council shared their platforms with The Herald News, which were published in their own words. Among the issues discussed were housing, economic development, crime, utility costs, and the commuter rail.

Fall River voters on Sept. 19 will narrow down the choices of candidates for November's general election.

Can I still register to vote in the September preliminary?

No. You have to be registered at least 10 days before the election date. But you can register for the general election.

Can I vote in the September preliminary early or by mail?

Theres no in-person early voting for the preliminary, but you can vote early by mail.

How do I get a mail ballot, and how do I send it back?

The deadline to get a mail ballot for the preliminary election was Tuesday, Sept. 12. If you don't already have one now, you're out of luck.

If you already have a mail ballot, you can send it back any time up until Election Day, but they must be received by then  meaning, not just postmarked by Election Day. Ballots are only counted if they're in an election officer's hands by Election Day.

Mail ballots can be returned in any postbox, or returned to a dropbox at Government Center.

To get a mail ballot for the general election, fill out an application, which is available either online or at the Fall River Board of Elections office, and return it at least five business days before the general election  or Tuesday, Oct. 31, by 5 p.m.

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Registering, vote by mail: 8 facts about Fall River's primary election
Huang Jin, assistant director of the China National Tourist Office in Sydney, introduces tourism in China during a promotional activity in Sydney, Australia, Aug. 24, 2023. A tourism logo featuring a cartoon panda, "Nihao China," was unveiled on Thursday at a promotional activity in the Australian city of Sydney, where local practitioners also learned about the latest development of cashless payment in China. (Photo by Hu Jingchen/Xinhua)

SYDNEY, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- A tourism logo featuring a cartoon panda, "Nihao China," was unveiled on Thursday at a promotional activity in the Australian city of Sydney, where local practitioners also learned about the latest development of cashless payment in China.

Held at the China Cultural Center in Sydney, the promotion invited over 60 representatives from tourism-related institutions, including the China National Tourist Office, major Chinese airlines and banks, as well as travel agencies.

Huang Jin, assistant director of the China National Tourist Office in Sydney, made a detailed introduction of the tourism logo which consisted of a chubby cartoon panda, the colorful letters of "Nihao China" and a traditional Chinese seal.

"All these elements come together to form a logo and deliver a global message from China to the whole world that China is reopening and welcoming all friends from near and afar," said Huang.

Besides, participants were able to keep abreast of some convenient payment options popular in China, such as paying with a QR Code.

Mark Haddad, a business development manager at a Sydney-based travel agency, told Xinhua that it was quite nice to see the new logo and also know that customers do not need to carry cash while enjoying their trip in China.

"We're finding future bookings are starting to pick up," said Haddad, adding that a lot of people expressed their interest in looking for "new experiences of different regions" in China.

Working in the tourism industry for over 35 years, Haddad observed that many Australians have a growing desire to visit China's mountainous areas.

"Now they're looking at places like Guilin, and they're looking at the Yangtze River, the Pearl River Delta - all of the new areas that most people didn't think of back in the old days," he said. 
Ukraine celebrates its 32nd Independence Day on Aug. 24 amid the ongoing Russian invasion. The Kyiv Independent has asked people on the streets of Kyiv what they think Ukraines future will look like in 10 years. Warning: Some of the answers can melt your heart.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The first production examples of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.7 sedan roll off the assembly line in Emden, Germany.

The midsize electric sedan will be offered with a choice of two batteries and two motor layouts, with a top range of 435 miles in the WLTP cycle.

Volkswagen intends to challenge the aging Tesla Model 3 directly, just as other competitors begin arriving in this segment.

Even today the Tesla Model 3 has just a handful of competitors around the globe, and some of them aren't even offered in North America.

But starting this month, the longtime Tesla best seller will see one of its first real competitors in Europe and the US, after Volkswagen has begun production of the ID.7 sedan in Emden, Germany.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Revealed earlier this year, the ID.7 will offer a spacious cabin with room to stretch out, along with a rather conservative exterior design that will be familiar to those who've become accustomed to the ID.4.

The new midsize sedan, featuring an overall length of 195.3 inches, will seek to play the role of an electric Passat, offering a choice of two batteries and single- or dual-motor layouts.

The smaller battery in the lineup will be a 77-kWh (82-kWh gross) unit, good for a range of approximately 382 miles in the WLTP cycle. Buyers will also be able to opt for a larger battery with a capacity of 86 kWh (91 kWh gross), which in Europe will be able to travel 435 miles, or 700 kilometers, once again according to the WLTP cycle.

That's a new battery for the MEB lineup, and it's meant to give the ID.7 an advantage in long-distance cruising.

One aspect of the production launch of the ID.7 that may surprise some longtime EV watchers is the fact that the more expensive dual-motor version won't be the one that will be produced first. Instead, VW will focus on building the single-motor, rear-wheel drive version early on, with 282 hp and 402 lb-ft of torque on tap, courtesy of a new APP550 electric motor.

And even in single-motor form the ID.7 will offer quite a bit more power than a single-motor ID.4, which produces 201 hp.

Carsten Heidmann

"The market launch of the ID.7 is another important milestone on the way to the electric future of our brand," said Thomas Schafer, Volkswagen brand CEO. "As a group and brand, we are investing heavily in technology, new products and the transformation of our locations, such as here in Emden."

Still, even when the ID.7 arrives stateside, the midsize electric sedan segment won't be too crowded. The Model 3 has proven to be a popular seller even after six years of production, while the avant-garde Hyundai Ioniq 6 is just getting started when it comes to sales.

The BMW i4, if we're being strict here, is positioned a bit further upmarket, so we can't really put it in the exact same segment as the first two EVs we've mentioned.

The Polestar 2, on the other hand, is by all means a Model 3 fighter, but for the moment its sales are still dwarfed by Tesla.

The Volkswagen ID.7, therefore, will seek to steal a slice of the non-luxury midsize EV sedan segment, with the helpful absence of Japanese players in this narrow category.

"With the ID.7, we now have a mid-size car that also meets upscale demands and will find many friends. For the Emden site, the ID.7 is another step towards the future," Stephan Weil, First Minister of the German state of Lower Saxony, said during the sedan's production launch.

The model's price and EPA numbers will be revealed closer to the start of US sales in early 2024, but we should have a good idea regarding pricing when it arrives on sale in Europe this fall.
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was "exiled" to Belarus after staging a short-lived mutiny in Russia.

But his whereabouts over the following two months remained murky, and he may have remained in Russia.

Here's what we know about what he was up to before Russian officials say he was killed in a plane crash.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed in Russia on Wednesday, two months after he led a short-lived armed rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin 's defense ministry.

Russia's civil aviation agency said Prigozhin was on board the plane and among the 10 people who were killed.

"He seems to have spent the last two months fighting for his life, as it were," said 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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Wagner mutiny launched in late June after Prigozhin posted tirades to Telegram blasting Russian defense officials and publicly accusing them of lying about the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin led his mercenary troops on a march toward Moscow, even shooting down Russian aircraft, before abruptly standing down.

Afterward, experts and Western intelligence officials speculated that Putin might have Prigozhin, his former ally, assassinated. Prigozhin, for his part, went largely silent after the coup and was rarely seen publicly, so there is not a clear picture of where he was or what he was doing leading up to the crash.

Here's everything we know.

June 24: Exiled

After Prigozhin turned back his troops that were marching on Moscow on June 24, Putin accused him of treason and a warrant was issued for his arrest for inciting an armed rebellion. The Kremlin then struck a deal with Prigozhin, who agreed to exile in Belarus, an ally of Russia, in exchange for not being prosecuted.

June 27: Prigozhin is said to have arrived in Belarus

A private jet linked to Prigozhin took off from Moscow and landed in Belarus on June 27, according to flight tracking data, Fox News reported. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, who said he talked Putin out of assassinating Prigozhin, said that the Wagner boss had arrived in the country.

US officials would later say that Prigozhin may not have actually left Russia and that he may have even used a body double to make it appear as though he had fled to Belarus.

June 29: Face-to-face with Putin

Five days after the rebellion and two days after Prigozhin supposedly arrived in Belarus for exile, he was in Moscow for a three-hour meeting with Putin, the Russian news agency TASS reported in July. Prigozhin and other Wagner commanders pledged their loyalty to Putin during the meeting, a Kremlin spokesperson said.

July 4-6: Back in Russia after raid on St. Petersburg home

The Russian media outlet Fontanka reported Prigozhin arrived in St. Petersburg on July 4. Shortly after, photos were released that Russian media said were taken during a police raid on Prigozhin's property in the city. Russia's security service said it found weapons, gold bars, and wigs during the search.

On July 6, Lukashenko confirmed Prigozhin and his Wagner troops were in Russia, raising more questions about his supposed exile to Belarus.

This was when an unnamed Pentagon official told The New York Times it appeared Prigozhin had mostly been in Russia, in Moscow or St. Petersburg, since the rebellion.

July 14: An image of Prigozhin surfaces, potentially providing answers on his whereabouts

In mid-July, an image that surfaced on social media showed Prigozhin sitting on a cot in a tent in his underwear. Insider's Jake Epstein reported the image suggested Prigozhin was at a military camp in Belarus where his Wagner fighters were training Belarusian troops.

July 27: Prigozhin attended an international summit in Russia

Photos emerged in late July that showed Prigozhin at a Russia-Africa summit that was hosted by Putin in St. Petersburg. The photos showe Prigozhin, in a white polo and blue jeans, shaking hands with Freddy Mapouka, a presidential advisor in the Central African Republic.

August 21: Prigozhin resurfaces in video

Prigozhin posted his first Wagner recruitment video since the mutiny, the Associated Press reported, citing Russian social media channels associated with Prigozhin. In the video, a man who appears to be Prigozhin says Wagner is "hiring real strongmen and continuing to fulfill the tasks which were set and which we promised to handle."

He said Wagner was focused on "making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free."

August 24: Prigozhin was on a private jet that crashed in Russia

Almost two months to the day since his armed rebellion, Prigozhin was killed in a plane crash, according to Russian officials.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Military camp of the Wagner Private Military Group (PMC) is being actively dismantled in the village of Cel near Asipovicy in Belarus  this is evidenced by a Planet Labs satellite image.

Source: Radio Liberty

Details: According to the estimates of the publication, one third of the tents have already been removed.

At first, there were about 129 tents in the northern part of the Wagner military base; as of 23 August, about 65 of them had disappeared.

In the western part of the military town, about 27 tents were dismantled out of about 64 that were there previously.

In the central part of the base there were about 80 tents, now about 9 of them are missing.

The publication emphasises that in this way, out of 273 residential tents, about 101 were dismantled. And if one were to consider that each of the tents can accommodate about 20 soldiers, that would mean that 2,020 Wagnerites out of 5,000 previously stationed there have left the territory of the military unit in the village of Cel.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It is reported that the dismantling of the first tents began around 1 August.

On the satellite image from 14 August, it is possible to see the disassembly process in good quality  in particular, wooden bunks for the soldiers who lived there could be seen.

It is currently unknown where these tents could be transported and whether the Wagner mercenaries left the territory of Belarus.

Radio Liberty notes that the satellite images available to the editorial office do not show the formation of such tent camps on the territory of other Belarusian training grounds or military units. Journalists continue to monitor the situation.

Information suggesting that Wagnerites were sent home to Russia on a long vacation is circulating in Telegram channels associated with the PMC.

There is also a possibility that some of the Wagner mercenaries are being transferred to Africa.

It is also possible that some of the Wagnerites will be transferred to other places in Belarus.

In particular, it was previously reported that dugouts suitable for living in winter conditions were created on the territory of the Repische military training ground. A satellite image dated 31 July 2023 shows about 30 new objects that appeared on these training grounds.

Previously:

Background:

The mercenaries of the Wagner Group had been fighting in Ukraine, notably in Bakhmut, but at the end of spring went to field camps.

On 24 June, the Wagner PMC began an armed rebellion in Russia due to a conflict with the military command of the Russian Federation, but in the evening of the same day, after a conversation with self-proclaimed Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Yevgeny Prigozhin said that his mercenaries were returning to field camps. The criminal case against Prigozhin in the Russian Federation was closed, and he agreed to relocate to Belarus.

On 11 July, the Ministry of Defence of Belarus wanted to "exchange experience" with mercenaries from the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC) at Belarusian training grounds. On 14 July mercenaries with units of the territorial forces of the Republic of Belarus were already training near Asipovicy.

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!
Satellite images of the Wagner camp near Osypovychy on August 1 and 23

A camp of the Wagner Group mercenary company is being dismantled near the village and military base of Tsel in Asipovichy District of Mogilev Oblast, Belarus, Radio Free Europe / Radio Libertys Belarusian branch reported on Aug. 24.

The RFE/RL journalists published a fresh satellite image taken by Planet Labs. According to their calculations, about one-third of all tents in the Wagner camp have already been removed, with 101 out of 273 having disappeared.

Read also: Prigozhin among passengers of crashed plane  Russian state media

The first tents were dismantled on Aug. 1. The satellite image of Aug. 14 shows the dismantling process.

 /Planet Labs

As of the Aug. 23 image, about 65 tents out of 129 have been dismantled in the military bases northern part, as well as 27 out of 64 in the western part and about nine out of 80 in the central part.

 /Planet Labs

At the same time, the amount of equipment seen in the imagery has not significantly decreased.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Considering that each tent could potentially accommodate around 20 fighters, we can suggest that about 2,020 Wagner mercenaries out of about 5,000 who had stationed there could have left the military base in Tsel, the report says.

The destination of these tents and whether the Wagner fighters have left Belarus remains uncertain.

Read also: Putin most likely behind Prigozhin's alleged death, says former British army chief

While journalists have not observed similar military base formations at other locations, they do not rule out that these elements could be redeployed to different parts of the country.

On June 24, the leader of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, ended his one-day insurrection against Russian dictator Vladimir Putin after negotiations with Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko . Putin presented the Wagner troops with three options as a result of the negotiations  one of which involved their deployment to Belarus.

Shortly after, reports emerged of camp constructions in Belarus intended to accommodate the Wagner mercenaries. Satellite images of a potential field camp were subsequently released. While Lukashenko denied the existence of any camps specifically for Wagner units, he mentioned that they would be provided with accommodation if necessary.

According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Belarus has the capacity to host approximately 8,000 Wagner mercenaries. However, Ukrainian intelligence cautioned against premature conclusions regarding their deployment to that country.

Read also: Wagner military drills in Belarus intended to tie down Polish forces, says NRC

An Embraer-135 plane crashed in Russias Tver Oblast on Aug. 23. Russian media reported that it belonged to Prigozhin. Russian Telegram news channels spread various versions of the cause of the crash, including an air defense strike, a strike by an S-300 air defense missile, or an explosion on board.

Late in the evening, the Russian Air Transport Agency confirmed that Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin (Prigozhins deputy, whose call sign Wagner was used to name the company) were on board the jet.

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
Masked Wagner mercenaries have been paying tribute to their dead bosses at a makeshift shrine set up in the Russian city of Novosibirskand breaking down and sobbing uncontrollably.

Video of the memorial set up outside the Wagner Groups recruitment center in the city shows members laying flowers on the ground in front of portraits of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, the two top bosses believed to have been killed in a fiery plane crash Wednesday that may or may not have been an act of revenge by the Kremlin exactly two months after the group staged a violent uprising.

In the footage shot by the local outlet NGS News, one fighter in full military garb can be seen losing control at the memorial on Thursday morning, falling to his knees and audibly weeping while he hides his face behind a mask. Other mercenaries from the group have also reportedly broken down as they brought candles and flowers to pay tribute to Prigozhin and Utkin.

Similar memorials have been set up outside the groups offices in Yekaterinburg and St. Petersburg, where both Wagner fighters and members of the public showed up throughout the night to pay tribute, according to the local outlet Fontanka.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The images of teary-eyed mercenaries overcome by emotion mark a surreal twist in the Wagner Groups rise and fall since the start of Russias full-scale war against Ukraine last year. They went from a shadowy private army many in Russia had never heard of to a household name, affectionately called the musicians by supporters, even as they flaunted increasingly brutal tacticscirculating videos of executions by sledgehammer, the beheadings and dismemberment of Ukrainian soldiers, and ultimately killing several Russian service members in a violent mutiny to oust military leadership in June.

While the Kremlin has not yet commented on Prigozhin and Utkins reported deaths, several high-profile Wagner supporters blamed traitors within Russia for the murders.

How Prigozhin Could Wreak Havoc From Beyond the Grave

Let this be a lesson to all. You always have to go all the way, wrote the neo-Nazi militia Rusich, apparently referring to Prigozhins decision to stand down from his armed uprising.

The assassination of Prigozhin will have catastrophic consequences, warned Wagner-aligned war correspondent Roman Saponkov, noting that those who gave the order have no idea what theyre in for.

Other Wagner supporters recalled that the pro-Russian separatists Moscow used to lead its first wave of the war against Ukraine in 2014 later died violent deaths: Givi [Mikhail Tolstykh], [Alexander] Zakharchenko, and Motorola [Arseny Pavlov] didnt stir up trouble. The main thing was to rally around [Putin]. By the way, where are they now?

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
The Belaruski Hajun monitoring group currently does not see Wagner Group mercenaries withdrawing from the territory of their base in Belarus.

Source: Belaruski Hajun, a Belarusian Telegram channel monitoring military activity on the territory of the Republic of Belarus

Quote: "At the moment, the Belaruski Hajun monitoring group does not record a withdrawal of mercenary forces from their main base in Belarus  the camp in the settlement of Cel, Asipovicy district. At the same time, yesterday evening [23 August  ed.], the Internet was recorded to have been operating with interruptions near the camp."

Details: The satellite images from 15 August indicate a slight increase in the number of equipment in the field camp in the village of Cel. About 35 tents out of almost 300 were dismantled in the camp from 28 July to 15 August.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In general, the monitoring group reports that the situation on the territory of the camp is not static and is constantly changing.

On the evening of 23 August, Yevgeny Prigozhin , leader of the Wagner Group, as well as a number of key figures of the private military company, died in a plane crash.

Immediately after the news of Prigozhin's death, a theory began to spread supposing that the death of the leadership of the Wagner Group can lead to a dismembering of the private military company, and the mercenaries withdrawing from Belarus.

Background:

On the evening of 23 August, a small plane crashed in Russian Tver Oblast, and the Russians claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, was on board.

The Grey Zone Telegram channel, which is close to the Wagner Group, claimed that Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane had been shot down by Russian air defence fire . It was also shared that a terrorist attack on board is being considered as a line of enquiry regarding the crash of Prigozhin's plane.

The VCHK-OGPU Telegram channel, which is also affiliated with the Wagner Group, reported that the bodies of Prigozhin and his deputy Utkin had been found and identified, and Grey Zone added that "Prigozhin died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia".

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency posted a full list of the passengers on the plane that crashed in Russias Tver Oblast on the evening of 23 August. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Private Military Company, is on the list.

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 wooden rosary around her neck and a white tuft of hair combed neatly over her forehead, a 73-year-old devout Catholic sat on a hard wooden bench in a Cook County criminal courtroom Wednesday morning, holding her hands in her lap, ready to face charges.

Wladyslawa Domaradzka, of Norwood Park, was facing a judge because of trespassing charges. As a widow with no children, Domaradzkas religious community is her family, and she was arrested in part because of her strong faith.

Its my church, Domaradzka told the Tribune with the help of a Polish translator before her court hearing. I want to pray.

Domaradzka was arrested Aug. 8 for trespassing while protesting the removal of stained glass windows and art from her beloved but shuttered church, St. Adalbert in Pilsen, fighting for what she believed was inhumane treatment of a sacred space to her and many in her community.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Constructed in 1874 to serve Polish immigrant families, the church, a fixture of Chicago with a multicultural history and looming towers, has been a point of contention for the past four years as former congregants have fought to keep it open after its last Mass in 2019.

Former St. Adalbert congregants  the St. Adalbert Rosary Group  continue to pray outside. Domaradzka said she still goes to St. Adalbert every Friday to pray.

St. Adalbert Church is now part of St. Paul Catholic Church in Pilsen, about a mile southwest, according to the Archdiocese of Chicago. When St. Adalbert closed, Cardinal Blase Cupich attributed the churchs closure to declining parish populations and at least $3 million in renovations.

Activists spent years trying to protect the church, and on Aug. 7, the city held a meeting where the church received preliminary historical landmark, according to a spokesperson from the Chicago Department of Planning and Development. This is a monthslong process that involves multiple hearings and a vote by City Council.

The parish is completing work it began several weeks ago to protect the property and the sacred items in the church which were being repeatedly vandalized and destroyed. The preliminary landmark status vote by the Commission on Chicago Landmarks does not affect the efforts of St. Paul Parish to protect these items, the archdiocese said in a statement Wednesday.

The day following the preliminary historical landmark  the day of her arrest  Domaradzka and a few other devoted former parishioners went to the church around lunchtime. To Domaradzkas surprise, she said, she walked inside and saw archdiocese officials removing relics and stained glass.

She remembered entering St. Adalbert and asking for a reason why the items and art were removed from the church. She said officials closed and latched the door behind her by putting a two-by-four across the handles.

After officials locked the door, she said, her friend Izabella Sadowska called the police. Sadowska sat next to Domaradzka at her court hearing.

Sadowska said calling the police backfired. Archdiocese officials refused to tell the 73-year-old woman why they were removing items from the church, Sadowska said, so Domaradzka stayed.

She told them she came to pray, and that they were taking action that was in violation of the building law. But when the police got there, they decided to arrest her, her friend recounted.

When Domaradzka was arrested, she said she was crying, scared and confused. She was handcuffed and brought to the 1st District police station in the South Loop.

To the relief of the 10 former parishioners who went with Domaradzka to court in Garfield Park Wednesday morning, her case was dismissed because the archdioceses didnt show up with a witness, said her attorney, David Drwencke. The archdiocese had a duty to send a representative, he said, but failed to do so.

Outside court Wednesday morning, Domaradzkas entourage stood in the heat and humidity and expressed outrage at the archdiocese for allowing the church to close, and proceeding to remove glass and art from inside. Domaradzka was handed a plant of pink roses.

This is the most support Ive ever had. Typically there will be family, Drwencke said. But not this level of support, and its clear that not everybody is family.

The churchs history is layered. In 1912, it was rebuilt following a fire. The former congregation has maintained its Polish roots though Polish immigrants have since dispersed from Pilsen, a neighborhood that is now home to a large Hispanic community.

Despite receiving preliminary historical landmark status, the church is currently under contract with a Anew Holdings, LLC, according Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, whose ward includes the church property.

Sigcho-Lopez said he received a letter Aug. 10 from the company confirming their contract, asking to open up conversation with neighborhood stakeholders. More than 20 leaders, including preservation groups, responded unanimously saying they couldnt accept the companys proposal, Sigcho-Lopez said.

Neighborhoods are made stronger because of community gathering sites like St. Adalbert, he said. We hope we can collaborate to preserve the landmark, as we just started the preliminary process. Special spaces that mean a lot to our communities are port of entries for immigrants.

Felix Gonzalez, the attorney representing Anew Holdings, LLC, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Anina Jakubowski, who grew up in Pilsen and attended St. Adalbert as a child, still goes to St. Adalbert every Sunday to say a rosary for her mother, who also attended the church. She calls their group of former parishioners the Faithful of St. Adalbert.

A church is supposed to be a public face, she said. So why are they locking the doors?

Last fall, the archdiocese had the replica of Michelangelos La Pieta statue moved from St. Adalbert to St. Paul . Protesters at the time told the Tribune the move would bring the space to a point of no return. The statue depicts Mary cradling Jesus body on her lap after the crucifixion.

The work permit cleared workers to create a 6-by-7-foot hole in a wall on the east side of the church, following months of complaints from advocates. The move was originally delayed due to a permit issue.

Andy Bobak, 46, who stood outside with the group of Faithful, said that the church is their way of bringing Poland with them.

She (Domaradzka) didnt rob a bank. She didnt shoot anybody, he said. This is war.

Pray with us to save St. Adalbert Church. Friday vigil 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Uniting in prayer, a sign on the side of the church reads.

Scaffolding currently covers its centuries-old tan brick towers, and prayer stations are set up along the plywood covering its base.

nsalzman@chicagotribune.com
War experts suspect Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane crash could be the Kremlin's "final step" in ridding Wagner's independence.

Prigozhin was presumed dead Wednesday after a Wagner-affiliated plane plummeted to the ground outside Moscow.

The Wagner Group founder recently staged a short-lived mutiny against Russia's military.

War analysts suspect that Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin's apparent death in a plane crash outside Moscow could be the Kremlin's "final step" in getting rid of the Russian paramilitary group's independence.

Prigozhin, the mercenary group's founder who recently staged a short-lived mutiny against Russia's military, was presumed dead on Wednesday after a Wagner-affiliated plane plummeted to the ground in Russia's Tver region.

In the aftermath, Russian state media reported that Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on the private business jet that went down. Russian state media reported that all 10 people on board the plane  three pilots and seven passengers, including Prigozhin's right-hand man Dmitry Utkin  died in the crash.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington, DC-based think tank, said in an assessment published on Wednesday that Russia's defense ministry and the Kremlin have been "destroying" Wagner and "weakening" Prigozhin's authority ever since the group's brief armed rebellion in June.

The think tank referred to the plane crash as the "assassination of Wagner's top leadership" and said it was "likely the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organization."

In this handout photo taken from video released by Prigozhin Press Service, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, records his video addresses in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Saturday, June 24, 2023. AP

ISW, citing reports from Wagner and Russian insider sources, said that Russia's defense ministry "recently began forming new" private military companies "to replace Wagner in Africa and the Middle East and started recruiting Wagner personnel."

There has been long-standing suspicion Prigozhin could face revenge from Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin after the Wagner chief led the uprising against Russian military brass.

CIA Director Bill Burns predicted last month that Putin would likely seek retaliation against Prigozhin over the rebellion.

"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."

The cause of the crash remains unclear.

Reuters, citing two anonymous United States officials, reported on Thursday that the US believes a surface-to-air missile that came from inside Russia likely shot down the plane.

The officials told the news outlet that the information was still preliminary and being reviewed.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday emphasized that whatever the country does on the BRP Sierra Madre, its military outpost at Ayungin Shoal, is none of Chinas business and will not be a threat to any other nation.

Whatever we do in our commissioned vessel, whatever we do in our exclusive economic zone is none of their business, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told CNN Philippines The Source.

He also said that making BRP Sierra Madre liveable does not involve militarization that will threaten other countrys security. Repairing its facility does not involve reclamation that destroys our environment so where is the moral ascendancy to tell us what to do?

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian claimed that a special arrangement between the Philippines and China helped the recent resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal to be successful. Huang noted that the problem was on the transportation of large-scale building materials, which Aguilar said is not possible because the boats directly delivering supply to BRP Sierra Madre are unable to handle the same.

Even if they could, the Philippines can do so since the shoal is within its 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), Aguilar added.

Philippine authorities have said they are unaware of such arrangements, while also stressing that Manila does not have to ask for permission from Beijing for whatever it wants to do at Ayungin Shoal.
The Food and Drug Administration is urging people to stop using certain brands of eyedrops found to have fungal and bacterial contamination.

The drops in question are Dr. Berne's MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops-Eye Repair. Both are sold online, but are considered illegal because they contain an ingredient called methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM.

The chemical is sometimes used to try to treat arthritis. It is not approved for use in eyedrops, although there are unproven claims online that it can be used for a range of eye problems, including dryness and floaters.

"There are no legally marketed ophthalmic drugs that contain MSM as an active ingredient," the FDA wrote in its warning, dated Aug. 22.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While there have been no reports of injuries associated with using the drops, federal regulators found contamination in samples of the drops that could pose a risk to consumers.

Dr. Berne's MSM drops, according to the FDA, were contaminated with a type of bacterium called Bacillus, and a type of fungus called Exophiala.

The LightEyez drops contained three kinds of bacterial contamination: Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, Mycolicibacterium and Methylorubrum, the agency said.

"Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection," the FDA wrote.

According to the FDA, Dr. Berne "verbally agreed" to voluntarily recall the product in question. As of Wednesday afternoon, however, those products remained for sale online.

LightEyez, the FDA said, had not responded to the agency.

Authorities are on heightened alert for nonsterile eyedrops after a separate recall earlier this year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified 81 people in 18 states with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacterium resistant to most antibiotics.

Fourteen of those patients were blinded and an additional four were so severely injured that they needed at least one eye removed. Four people ultimately died from their infection.

Most of those patients said they had used a variety or eyedrops, but EzriCare Artificial Tears was the most commonly reported. Those drops have since been recalled, along with Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears and its Artificial Eye Ointment.

Follow NBC HEALTH on Twitter & Facebook.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Crew-7 members inside the SpaceX Dragon during a training session at the companys headquarters in Hawthorne, California.



Crew-7 members inside the SpaceX Dragon during a training session at the companys headquarters in Hawthorne, California.



NASA is getting ready to launch the next crew of astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) after SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft was declared a go for launch earlier this week.

Update: The launch of the Crew-7 mission has been pushed back to Saturday at 3:27 a.m. to allow for additional time to reconfirm required factors of safety and operational margin on one of the Dragon spacecrafts environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) components, NASA wrote in an update.

Read more

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The fully international Crew-7 is made up of NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov.

The four-person crew will ride on board SpaceXs Crew Dragon spacecraft Endurance, which passed a flight readiness review on Wednesday. During a NASA briefing held on Thursday, space agency officials said that they had cleared previous concerns regarding corrosion on the isolation valves of a cargo Dragon spacecraft, which are designed to come on in case of a thruster leak. SpaceX replaced some of the valve components on Endurance, according to Steve Stich, NASA commercial crew program manager.

Operations teams are not tracking any major issues with Falcon 9 or the Dragon spacecraft, NASA wrote in a blog post.

Endurance is set to dock with the ISS at 2:02 a.m. on Saturday, dropping off the Crew-7 members to spend around six months on board the orbital lab.

For more spaceflight in your life, follow us on Twitter and bookmark Gizmodos dedicated Spaceflight page.

More from Gizmodo

Sign up for Gizmodo's Newsletter. For the latest news, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Strange things occasionally happen at fast-food joints, but this? A large monkey has been seen hanging out at a fried chicken restaurant in Florida.

The sighting happened around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23, in Orange City, and Popeyes crew manager Kimberly Bialobos got multiple photos. Orange City is about 30 miles north of Orlando.

I look over and Im like, Is this real? This cannot be possible, Bialobos told WRBW. This is the weirdest thing Ive ever seen. Not only working here. In my life. This is pretty crazy.

Bialobos says the monkey was pretty big, too.

Her report was soon joined by other sightings, raising concerns there might be multiple monkeys roaming the city.

Orange City police officials got wind of the drama and they suspect the monkey  or monkeys  may be members of a little-known wild primate population in Florida. That population isnt known to live near Orange City, but Floridas alligators, pythons, bears and crocodiles are notorious for showing up in unexpected places.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Orange City Police Department has received multiple calls for service reference monkey sightings within the city, police wrote in an Aug. 23 Facebook post.

The monkey seen (on social media) has been identified as a wild Rhesus Macaques monkey. ... Please do not feed or attempt to capture these monkeys!

Witnesses should contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission if they come into contact with a Rhesus Macaques, police said.

A wild population of Rhesus Macaques monkeys was first documented along Floridas Silver River in the 1930s, when a commercial river boat captain released a half dozen on an island to boost tourism, University of Florida researchers say. Turns out the monkeys are great swimmers and didnt stay on the island.

In 2015, it was estimated there were approximately 175 rhesus macaques among five groups in Silver Springs State Park, and the population was growing, researchers said.

The park is about 60 miles northwest of Orange City and no one is offering explanations as to how one or more reached the Orlando suburb.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

News that the potentially aggressive species might be secretly living in the area rattled social media. However, some commenters said it explained large shadowy creatures seen in recent weeks and a strange howling in the woods at night.

Who went to Silver Springs and brought home a souvenir? Clear Canoeing wrote on Facebook.

See I knew I wasnt going crazy. It was a monkey not a large cat, Carolyn Ludwig said.

When I moved to Florida, I knew Id have to watch out for gators. Never did I think I would have to worry about a monkey! TiaLynn Ekern posted.

Whos playing Jumanji? Dennis Rawson asked.

Chaos erupts as bear breaks through fence and tries to eat pet pig, Florida cops say

Rare American crocodile swims off with someones dog in its jaws, Florida cops say

Birthday celebration gets weird when dead alligator starts moving, Florida video shows
The first 2024 Republican presidential debate made clear that there's no non-interventionist candidate in the race, even if there was a lot of quibbling over which specific foreign interventions the U.S. should prioritize.

When debate moderators asked the eight candidates on stage in Milwaukee who would not support additional military aid to Ukraine, only businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said they wouldn't.

Everyone else was enthusiastically on board with increased aid to the embattled country.

"Ukraine is the first line of defense for us," said former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie echoed those sentiments, warning that "if we don't stand up against this type of autocratic killing in the world, we will be next."

Former Vice President Mike Pence meanwhile suggested that it was borderline anti-American to suggest there's a trade-off between devoting resources to foreign entanglements and solving domestic issues. "Anyone who thinks we can't solve the problems here in the U.S. and be the leader of the free world has a small view of the United States," he said. "If we do the giveaway to [Russian President Vladmir] Putin, it's not going to be too long before he rolls across a NATO border."

Given that baseline, the responses from DeSantis and Ramaswamy were encouragingly skeptical of increased Ukraine aid.

"Your first obligation is to defend this country and our people. I'm not going to send troops to Ukraine," said DeSantis. Likewise, Ramaswamy said that "Ukraine is not a priority" for American defense. He also took heat from Haley for past statements he'd made opposing military aid to Israel. The only war he said he wants to fight was against the administrative state.

Nevertheless, both candidates endorsed using America's resources and military might on other interventions abroad.

When asked whether he'd send "special forces" to the southern border and even into Mexico to combat drug cartels, DeSantis was unequivocal.

"Yes, and I will do it on day one. The cartels are killing tens of thousands of our fellow citizens," said the Florida governor, adding, "We reserve the right to operate" and promising to leave drug dealers on the border "stone-cold dead."

Ramaswamy similarly contextualized his opposition to Ukraine aid as a means of opposing China. He described the Russia-China alliance as the greatest geopolitical threat to American interests. By withdrawing U.S. support for Ukraine, Russia would have less need to lean on China for support in its war in that country, he argued.

Furthermore, he said that he said that the U.S. should be working with Israel to prevent Iran from gaining a nuclear weapon. Ramaswamy, like DeSantis, said that the resources we aren't using in Ukraine should be deployed to fight Mexican drug cartels.

"I think that this is disastrous that we are protecting someone else's border when we should be using those resources to stop the invasion of our southern border," he said.

No one on stage made the argument that the federal government, and the U.S. military specifically, is a poor instrument for solving our problems, foreign and domestic.

The post There Were No Anti-Interventionist Candidates at the GOP Debate appeared first on Reason.com.
American and European officials said the plane, which could have been carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin and other leaders of the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC), crashed due to an explosion inside the airliner.

Source: The New York Times; Associated Press

Details: This opinion was expressed by officials after reviewing preliminary intelligence reports.

A final conclusion has not yet been reached, but the explosion inside is the main version of the cause of the plane crash in a field between Moscow and St Petersburg.

The explosion could have been caused by a bomb or other device placed on board the plane. Although other versions are also being considered, such as low-quality fuel.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

US officials say US intelligence has not confirmed Prigozhin's death. However, many experts said that he most likely died in a plane crash.

An unnamed Western official said his country had collected several pieces of evidence that Prigozhin was on board the plane.

US satellite intelligence has not detected a missile launch, and there is no other evidence that the plane was shot down by an anti-aircraft missile system.

US and European officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they believed Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the plane destroyed in an attempt to kill Prigozhin.

The Associated Press, citing US and European officials, also writes about the explosion as the main version.

Their sources did not go into the details of their assumptions about what could have caused the explosion.

Background:

Earlier, on 24 August, US government officials said that the plane carrying Wagner Group leaders was likely to have been shot down by a missile fired from Russian territory.

On Wednesday evening, Russian media and the Federal Air Transport Agency reported that a plane crashed in Tver Oblast. Among the passengers were Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner group, and his deputy Dmitry "Wagner" Utkin, whose alias gave the name to the group.

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!






One year ago today, Biden announced his broad student-debt relief plan.

Since then, it faced legal hurdles, and the Supreme Court struck the relief down in June.

Biden is developing a new student-debt relief plan, but payments are resuming soon without it.

One year ago today, millions of student-loan borrowers received the news some of them had been awaiting for decades  up to $20,000 of their student-loan balance would be wiped out. But they have yet to receive that relief.

President Joe Biden's announcement was a long time coming. Since he took office, his administration was weighing its options to get relief to borrowers, and Biden himself even questioned his authority to enact broad debt relief. But on August 24, 2022, his administration concluded that he had the authority to cancel student debt for federal borrowers using the HEROES Act of 2003, which allows the education secretary to waive or modify student-loan balances in connection with a national emergency. In this case, that emergency was COVID-19.

"For too many people, student loan debt has hindered their ability to achieve their dreamsincluding buying a home, starting a business, or providing for their family," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement at the time. "Getting an education should set us free; not strap us down! That's why, since Day One, the Biden-Harris administration has worked to fix broken federal student aid programs and deliver unprecedented relief to borrowers."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

About a month after the debt relief announcement, applications opened for federal borrowers to apply for an up to $20,000 reduction to their balances. It was a quick form that took about five minutes for borrowers to fill out, simply requiring their names, contact information, and Social Security number  and within weeks, 26 million borrowers submitted the application, and the Education Department approved 16 million of them for relief.

However, that momentum came to a halt in November, when two conservative-backed lawsuits succeeded in blocking implementation of the relief. The cases eventually went to the Supreme Court for oral arguments in February, and in June, the high court ultimately ruled that one of the cases had merit  and struck the debt relief down. While some conservative groups and Republican lawmakers celebrated the decision, borrowers were defeated.

"I had some apprehension about Biden's first plan for relief," one borrower previously told Insider. "And sure enough, that's exactly what happened. It did go all the way to the Supreme Court and was deemed ineligible. So it's been a roller coaster, and it's really frustrating. It's hard to be excited anymore."

Even with the Supreme Court ruling, Biden's administration has started implementing other reforms for borrowers, along with a new process for broad student-loan forgiveness using a different law. Here's where the relief currently stands.

President Joe Biden delivers remarks on the Supreme Court's decision on the Administration's student debt relief program in the Roosevelt Room of the White House on Friday, June 30, 2023. Demetrius Freeman/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Where student-debt relief now stands

The same day the Supreme Court struck down Biden's debt relief, the Education Department announced it would try again using the Higher Education Act of 1965, which does not require the reliance on a national emergency. However, the law requires the administration go through the negotiated rulemaking process, which requires periods of public comment, public hearings, and multiple rounds of negotiations with stakeholders to finalize a debt relief rule.

This process could take at least a year, and while the administration has not provided a specific timeline for when borrowers might see this new debt relief implemented, officials have said they will work to move as quickly as possible under the law.

"It's going to be months," Bharat Ramamurti, deputy director of the National Economic Council, told reporters in July. "I think, as I said, even the typical rulemaking process typically takes months. But we are aiming to do it as quickly as possible. And so, we will give you more updates as we hit each milestone in that process."

This means that borrowers will resume payments without a reduction to their balances. After three years, the student-loan payment pause is about to end  interest is beginning to accrue again in September, with bills coming due one month later. To ease the transition back into repayment, the Education Department announced a 12-month "on-ramp" period starting in October during which borrowers who miss payments will not be reported to credit agencies. But interest will still accrue during that period, and the department recommended borrowers who are able to make payments should do so.

Separately, thousands of borrowers have started seeing their loans forgiven through a one-time account adjustment for income-driven repayment plans. The adjustment allows the department to determine which borrowers have completed the required 20 or 25 years of payments on IDR plans, and so far, it announced it has approved 804,000 borrowers for $39 billion in relief.

The department also formally launched its new income-driven repayment plan, the SAVE plan, on Tuesday, which is intended to make monthly payments cheaper and prevent unpaid interest from building on balances. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that "while there will be those that will challenge this in court, the administration has carefully crossed the legal t's and dotted the legal i's. The fight to cancel student debt is far from over, but this is a massive step in the right direction."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Website of the Russian newspaper Kommersant and TV channel Rossiya 1 showing news that Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had reportedly been killed in a plane crash are displayed on phone and computer screens in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. World media speculates on Prigozhin's presumed death, as Russian state media shies away. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LONDON (AP)  While news that Russias Wagner mercenary chief was believed dead in a plane crash dominated world reports Thursday, along with speculation that it was linked to his June mutiny, Russian state media painted a very different picture.

State TV channels Russia 24 and Russia 1 on Thursday largely stuck to describing the investigation into the previous days crash that killed 10 people. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin , whose brief march on Moscow was seen as the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin 's 23-year-rule, was mentioned only toward the end of some reports.

Meanwhile, state Russian channels focused on portraying Putin as calm and in control.

There was extensive coverage of Putins participation, via virtual link, at the summit of BRICS nations in South Africa. Russia 24 covered Putin's speech at the BRICS summit in its entirety without any usual ad breaks or customary news bulletins.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In contrast, independent Russian media outside the country, such as online news outlet Meduza, gave blow-by-blow coverage of the crash.

And many Russians feverishly discussed Prigozhin's presumed death online, including speculation prevalent in the West that Prigozhin's death might have been an assassination to avenge his role in the aborted June mutiny.

Sergei Mironov, the leader of the pro-Kremlin Fair Russia party and former chairman of the upper house of the Russian parliament, suggested on his Telegram channel that Prigozhin had been deliberately killed.

Prigozhin messed with too many people in Russia, Ukraine and the West, Mironov wrote. "It now seems that at some point his number of enemies reached a critical point.

Although social media is increasing in popularity among Russians, most of the country still gets its news from a powerful state television network which encompasses multiple channels across 11 time zones. There are no independent television channels left in Russia since Putin cracked down on dissent in the aftermath of his invasion of Ukraine.

Analysts speculated that the muted coverage on state television indicated that networks had been given little official direction and were unsure as to how to respond.

Its not impossible that there could have been an instruction to keep it quiet, said Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think tank Chatham House in London. But it is equally possible they were playing it safe in the absence of a lead and potentially in the absence of instructions from Kremlin power structures on how to spin this.

The closest Russian television seemed to get to addressing the rumors and speculation was during the state Russian television talk show 60 minutes on Russia 1. Known for news items with dramatic music, the show did not cover the crash but rather Western media's response to it.

Olga Skabeeva, one of the most prominent Russian television presenters and propagandists, introduced a piece with clipped-up breaking news headlines from the US, UK and Australia which suggested the West was responding hysterically.

Another of Russias most famous television news anchors, Vladimir Solovyev, suggested Ukraine was behind the reported deaths of Prigozhin and some of his top associates.

But, by Thursday afternoon local time, news of the crash and Prigozhin's fate seemed to have dropped down to the bottom of news bulletins or off them entirely.

That was, until Putin spoke.

I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of all the victims. Its always a tragedy, Putin said in remarks recorded at a meeting with the head of the Russia-annexed Donetsk region in Ukraine.

Recalling that he had known Prigozhin since the early 1990s, Putin described Prigozhin as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life," adding that, "he was a talented man, a talented businessman.

In the hour after Putin broke his silence, his comments rocketed up to the top of some state news bulletins before dropping back down again, suggesting, analysts said, that Putin's words had not given state news networks enough of a steer for coverage.

Giles said said he expected Russian state media to give coverage of Prigozhin's fate less prominence in Russias domestic news than you would expect, but not write it out of the script altogether."

By 9 p.m local time in Moscow, the story had dropped about half-way down the news updates on Russias flagship news program on the First Channel, behind reports about Putin meeting veterans of the war in Ukraine and the BRICS summit. The network briefly mentioned Prigozhin was on board the plane, reporting that an eyewitness saw it do pirouettes as it came crashing down to earth.

But there was no suggestion as to the cause of the crash, nor comment from Western leaders who indicated it might not have been an accident or even that it was ordered by the Russian leader himself.
When he first announced he was running for president earlier this year, most Americans had no idea who Vivek Ramaswamy was.

Yes, he was an exceptionally rich and energetic Harvard graduate, full of optimism about the United States but unafraid to partake in the culture wars, as he showed in his book Woke, Inc.

On the other hand, he was  who, exactly?

"Let me just address the question that is on everybody's mind at home tonight," a grinning Ramaswamy said Wednesday at the first GOP primary debate. "Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage."

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy signs a supporter's hat at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 12. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

At the time Ramaswamy announced his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, the field was dominated by Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis , the Florida governor then widely seen as Trumps successor. The other Republicans who had joined or were about to join the primary field were nothing more than a sideshow, many pundits and consultants said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Since then, however, Ramaswamy has emerged as an intriguing choice for conservatives, as Trump faces the prospect of prison, stemming from the multiple state and federal cases now proceeding against him. DeSantis, meanwhile, has run what critics say is a lackluster campaign, plagued by mistakes of his own making.

Wednesday's primary debate could be a coming-out moment for Ramaswamy, but it could also confirm fears that he is nothing more than a flash in the political pan.

An American upbringing

Ramaswamy speaks at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, Calif., on Aug. 17. (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Ramaswamy is the son of Indian immigrants who raised him in a comfortably middle-class household in Cincinnati. He was raised in the Hindu faith of his ancestors, but went to a Catholic high school.

Ramaswamy studied at Harvard, then Yale Law. He became wealthy through a number of investments in the biotechnology sector. He is worth at least $630 million, according to Forbes.

In 2021 he published Woke, Inc., which one review criticized as a wounded right-wing yelp against companies that make moral as well as commercial decisions. The book became a bestseller.

DeSantis without the baggage?

Last week, a pro-DeSantis political action group  which is, in an unusual step, mostly running his campaign  was embarrassed by the publication of a memo it had written about how DeSantis should behave during the first GOP primary debate, which takes place on Wednesday.

For months, the DeSantis camp had been insisting that the race was a two-man contest between him and Trump. But the memo from his political group, Never Back Down  which is forbidden by law from coordinating with the campaign  shows that, behind the thin veneer of bravado, the DeSantis campaign is terrified, as other candidates gain and he continues to fall, in both national polls and those in early-voting states.

Among the advice from Never Back Down: Take a sledge-hammer to Vivek Ramaswamy: 'Fake Vivek' or 'Vivek the Fake," the memo says. It also suggests that DeSantis should point out that Ramaswamys family belonged to Indias elite Brahmin class.

Ramaswamy raps at the Iowa State Fair. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

DeSantis has long tried to persuade voters that he is the most electable Trump-like alternative to Trump. But then Ramaswamy emerged. He was a businessman, like Trump, and eagerly defended the former president while DeSantis waffled as indictments against Trump mounted.

And whereas DeSantis has a tendency to snap at reporters, engage awkwardly with the public and deliver a stump speech heavy with obscure terminology, Ramaswamy seems to connect easily with voters. And once he does, he gives them the comforting sense that his story is proof of American greatness.

He gives you a sense of hope, not all doom and gloom, one prospective voter in Iowa told the Associated Press. Earlier this month at the Iowa State Fair, Ramaswamy  who while at Harvard rapped about his libertarian beliefs under the stage name Da Vek  performed Eminems Lose Yourself while on stage with the states governor, Kim Reynolds. Predictably enough, the moment went viral.

I think that hes probably a bigger threat to DeSantis, because right now DeSantis is positioning himself as the alternative to Trump, but hes stalled out, said Sean Spicer, who was the first White House spokesman in the Trump administration.

What does he actually believe?

Signing a pamphlet at the Iowa State Fair. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Ramaswamy seems to be the most policy-oriented one in the GOP primary, Republican pollster Mark Penn said in a Fox News appearance. For all his love of rap music and eagerness to court the national media  which some believe is at least partly responsible for his success  the first-time candidate has put out a slate of highly conservative positions.

Ramaswamy is fervently against the government doing anything to stop climate change. He has called for the U.S. military to be deployed to the border with Mexico in order to halt the flow of migrants. He opposes more aid to Ukraine and wants a federal ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

A lot of his ideas self-consciously recall the proposals that made Trump popular in the first place. Ramaswamy, who calls his agenda "America First 2.0," says he will take the America First agenda even further than Donald Trump did.

Does he have a chance?

Speaking at the Iowa State Fair. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Ramaswamy has been rising in the polls for months and is now either leading DeSantis in some national and state polls or trailing him by a diminishing margin.

Then, of course, there is Trump, who seems to like Ramaswamy as much as he despises DeSantis  though that may be only because he doesnt see Ramaswamy as a threat.

I expect to take [Trump] as an adviser in a Ramaswamy administration, the insurgent candidate recently said  but it is more likely he will find himself with a plum position in a second Trump administration, should that come to pass.

Watch on Yahoo News: Vivek Ramaswamy surges in popularity ahead of first GOP debate, Fox News poll indicates, via Fox News
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  Sen. Risa Hontiveros urged the Senate to provide the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) with more financial muscle amid increasing Chinese hostility in the West Philippine Sea.

The lawmaker made the call during her privilege speech about Proposed Senate Resolution No. 744, which seeks to strengthen the PCG.

I hope that the entire Senate can also stand firmly behind our Philippine Coast Guard. In the budget process, I encourage all of us to support the increase of the PCGs funds, she said.

If we could further strengthen the men and women of our Coast Guard, arm them with advanced equipment -- such as radar stations, automatic identification systems (AIS) hardware and others -- we can more effectively hold China accountable for her hostile, aggressive, and illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea, the lawmaker added.

Despite challenges facing the PCG in the disputed waters brought by Chinas cruelty at sea, Hontiveros stressed that its budget remains limited.

The opposition lawyer then cited recent acts of aggression from China, including the controversial firing of water cannons at Filipino vessels.

Hontiveros again lambasted PCGs measly intelligence funds, saying the proposed budget for next year allotted a bigger budget for civilian agencies with no direct relation to national security and protection of Philippine territory.

I also must stress that the 10 million for intelligence funds is not only for the PCGs duties over the West Philippine Sea, but for the entire coastal areas and waters of the Philippines, she said.

Hontiveros also pointed out the proliferation of orchestrated, pro-Beijing misinformation and propaganda online.

I believe we can shore up even more support for our Philippine Coast Guard, whether on the ground or on social media, so we can seriously defend the Sierra Madre, Ayungin, and the rest of our territories, she said.
Eight qualifying Republican candidates will take the stage together in Milwaukee Wednesday night for the partys first presidential primary debate, gathering in the key swing state for the kickoff event of the race for the GOP nomination.

The Republican National Committee (RNC) voted in February to hold the first debate of the 2024 cycle in Wisconsins biggest city, the same place it plans to hold the Republican National Convention next July.

The Hill Elections 2024 coverage

Milwaukee is a world-class city, and we are eager to see it shine in the spotlight come 2024, RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in 2022, after after picking the city for the convention over runner-up Nashville.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Former President Trump, GOP frontrunner, won Wisconsin by a slim margin in 2016  but lost the battleground state to President Biden by a similarly tight margin when he ran for reelection in 2020.

The Badger State reelected Democratic Gov. Tony Evers in the 2022 midterms, beating a Trump-backed opponent by just a few points. Since assuming the governorship in 2019, Evers has counterbalanced the GOP-controlled Wisconsin state Legislature.

But despite Everss win in the gubernatorial race, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson (Wis.), who was viewed during the midterms as the Democrats best chance of ousting an incumbent Republican in the upper chamber, was also reelected to his Senate seat last year.

Milwaukee was also among the several cities that hosted a Republican primary debate during the 2016 cycle, when Trump ran for his first term in office.

In 2020, Milwaukee hosted the Democratic National Convention, though the event was moved largely online due to the pandemic. With next years Republican convention, the city is the first to host back-to-back national conventions since New York City hosted the 1976 and 1980 Democratic conventions.

Current Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson (D) was elected the citys first Black mayor in April 2022. After welcoming Biden to the city earlier this month, he has also celebrated the Republican debate and convention plans.

The presidential candidates who met the RNCs slate of debate criteria  including polling and donor requirements, plus a candidate pledge  will get behind podiums at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee for the event to be aired on Fox News at 9 p.m. EDT.

Trump will be notably absent from the debate stage. He announced over the weekend that he wont be participating despite calls from McDaniel and some of his fellow candidates to take part.

Five minutes before the debate kicks off, a sit-down interview between Trump and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson is set to be released online.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Credit - Webb ChappellGuardian/Eyevine/Redux

Jill Lepore teaches history at Harvard and writes about history for the New Yorker. But she's equally interested in the present: "We have an obligation to try to make sense of the relationship between today and yesterday," she says.

Lepore's latest book The Deadline, which comes out on Aug. 29, is a selection of her essays over the last 20 years on topics ranging from the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol to the fight between Barbie's maker and Bratz dolls.

In a recent phone interview with TIME, Lepore talked about why she mined deeply personal material for her new book, the most surprising thing she's found in the archives lately, and why she thought the Barbie movie was "creepy."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The following interview has been lightly edited and condensed.

Was there a moment growing up that played a role in why you became a historian?

I had a high school English class assignment, which was to write an essay about how to do something that you did not know how to do. I had my Italian grandmother teach me how to make meatballs. I do not speak Italian, and she did not speak English. I cannot record what she knew. Im fascinated by the loss of knowledge and the obligations of historians to recover archives.

Thats why I don't write presidential history. I don't write the history of Congress and or the history of the Supreme Court or institutions of power that maintain perfect records. There's a lot that historians can do with those institutions, writing biographies of men who left abundant evidence behind, but I am interested in the very opposite of that.

More From TIME

One of the things that distinguishes your work is your deep dives into archives. What's the most surprising tidbit you found recently?

I'm working on a book on the history of attempts to amend the Constitution and at the moment I'm reading through reports of state constitutional conventions from the 19th century. I was reading yesterday the report from New York's 1821 constitutional convention, and there's a proposal at the convention to add the word white to the suffrage requirements. So instead of free inhabitants, it would be free white inhabitants. And then also they want to add the word male, so it'd be free white male inhabitants. There's just this incredibly interesting argument about that that goes on and on. I hadn't realized just quite how strenuously the case was argued on both sides starting in the 1820s. They get the word white in, and then it takes a really long time to get it out. But it also is useful to remember how long it took to get it in. Things were almost another way. Things could still change.

Some of the essays in your new anthology The Deadline are quite personal. In one, you write about both the idea of having to hide your motherhood duties as a scholar and about having a miscarriage. What made you decide to reveal such personal moments?

That essaywhich is the title of the collectionI wrote on the 20th anniversary of the death of my best friend who died while I was giving birth to my first child.

My friend Jane knew how much I wanted to have a baby and had been with me through all of those early struggles, including the miscarriage. When I was pregnant, she was diagnosed with leukemia, and she made this kind of crazy pact with herself and with me that she wouldn't die until the baby was born. It was an expression of love and also her way of taking care of me. How could I possibly erase a detail that explains the momentous decision that this person I really love had made?

Another essay gets into the history of Barbie. Have you seen the film?

I hated the film.

Why?

I will be unpopular for saying this. To pretend that a story about peddling plastic Barbie dolls for a giant international corporation is a story of feminist liberation, it's just almost unbearably sad to me. It's just a bizarre, creepy love letter to tyranny and capitalism.

One of the essays in my collection, which is called Valley of the Dolls, is about the intellectual property battle between Mattel and the manufacturer of the Bratz dolls. Barbie was herself basically plagiarized, so there was an intellectual property battle over the creation of Barbie in the first place. Ruth Handler, who created Barbie, basically bought a doll in Germany on vacation, came back and redesigned it and called it Barbie and then tried to sell it in the U.S.

How will future historians describe this period we're living in?

Future historians will be A.I., so they'll write some very boring history.

I'm not the person who says you must wait 50 years. The last essay in this collection, which is called The American Beast, is my reading of the January 6 insurrection committee report. Historians have an obligation to make sense of what's going on in the present within the absolutely explicit and abundantly confessed constraint that we don't know enough right now and we will know more later. That's why I do what I do, because I believe we have an obligation to try to make sense of the relationship between today and yesterday.

Is there a historical figure or historical event you think would make a great movie?

I've heard there's this really good biography of Jane Franklin. [Benjamin Franklin's sister; Lepore wrote it.] She gets pregnant at 15, marries the boy next door, who I believe had raped her, and what you had to do when you got pregnant was marry the rapist. She went on to have 12 children with that guy, who ended up in a lunatic asylum. She was poor her whole life. In the letters that Jane Franklin did leave behind, she had a kind of political awakening during the American Revolution, when she came to feel that she should not suffer.

That is a story about what ordinary life in the 18th century actually is. It's not the story that Benjamin Franklin tells us in his autobiography. She was the person that he wrote to more than to anyone else, and he just completely erased her from the story of his life because it's inconsistent with his allegory for America that he wants to make out of the story of his rags-to-riches life.

Are you on Facebook or Twitter?

No.

Why not?

Back to your question about future historians, I think [the social networks] will be looked on as having been fairly catastrophic. Facebook's business model is to monetize loneliness. And I don't want to participate in any way in that business model. If tobacco companies had some great, fun, free thing that was seemingly free, but was actually selling tobacco products to children, I also wouldn't buy that.

Write to Olivia B. Waxman at olivia.waxman@time.com.
A beach in Olympic National Park in Washington is pictured in this 2017 file photo. | Chuck Wing, Deseret News

Theres nothing quite like a sunny day on the beach.

The warm sun on your skin, breeze in your hair and a shoe containing human remains next to you in the sand.

Yes, you read that right. According to the Times Colonist, on July 27, a shoe with human body parts was discovered on Gonzales Beach by a man who lives in the area. He reported his findings to the British Columbia Coroners Service. It is currently under investigation.

As morbid as it sounds, feet washing up on shores may be more common than one might think.

The most recent detached foot discovery is one of many found in recent years. A Wikipedia page made solely for human feet found in the Salish Sea said that since 2007, around 20 human foot remains have been discovered along the coastline of Washington state and British Columbia, Canada.

Is it a result of foul play?

There are many theories on what the reason could be behind the number of decomposing feet being found along the northwest coastline. Over the years, some have suspected natural disasters such as tsunamis or plane and boat crashes that are expected to have casualties.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Others have even thought it could be the work of a serial killer in the area or a victim of organized crime violence.

Related

Officials from both Canada and the U.S. have canceled out foul play throughout the years.

Kathy Taylor, a former forensic anthropologist at the King County Medical Examiners Office, told Vox in 2017 that it is a result of living in a densely populated area. As of 2021, around 8.76 million people live in cities surrounding the Salish Sea.

Our footwear plays a vital role

Shoes, especially sneakers, are designed with much more buoyancy than they used to be, causing them to float rather than sink.

Dr. Karan Rajan, a surgeon for the United Kingdom National Health Service in England, posted to social media his explanation of what is causing decomposed feet to show up on the shoreline.

It is actually the footwear industry, Rajan said. When a corpse falls to the ocean floor, its quickly set upon by scavengers. These scavengers are lazy feeders and prefer to eat the softer parts of our bodies first. Some of the softest parts of us are around the ankle.

Rajan said that because of this, scavengers will eat what they can get, causing the foot to stay inside the shoe when detached from the rest of the body and float to the surface.

Sneakers made in the last decade often have gas-filled pockets in their soles (that) makes them particularly unsinkable, per Insider.

Why, specifically, the Salish Sea?

If shoes are making detached floating feet more common, why are decomposed feet not showing up everywhere?

Parker MacCready, a professor of oceanography at the University of Washington in Seattle, told National Geographic it has to do with four realistic causes: tides, rivers, winds and ocean conditions.

Through different studies, the research found that the Salish Sea has the ideal properties to ensnare feet in its waves.

First, its an unusually large and complex body of inland water, which acts as a trap. ... Second, the prevailing winds are westerlies, so they bring stuff in from the ocean rather than pushing it out to sea, MacCready explained to National Geographic.

And finally, what MacCreadys model does not explain, but he points out, You see a lot of folks wearing sneakers at the beach in the Pacific Northwest, where many choose to hike among the slippery rocks. Taken together, all these factors  plus the cold deep waters and healthy scavenger populations  make the Salish the ideal foot magnet.
Modern U.S. Navy Independence-class littoral combat ships are almost all named for American cities. Previously, Los Angeles-class fast attack nuclear submarines were named after cities. The practice is long-established, dating back to 1862 when U.S. Code dictated that certain ships be named "after the principal cities and towns." However, two American warships have been named after Australia's capital city, Canberra.

Canberra at Kings Wharf in New Zealand (Public Domain)

No, Sydney is not the capital of Australia. It is, however, the country's most populous city and the capital of New South Wales. Canberra is located 154 miles southwest of Sydney in the Australian Capital Territory. As the seat of the Australian Government, the city holds great significance to the Australian people. Unsurprisingly, the sailors who crewed the Royal Australian Navy heavy cruiser, HMAS Canberra (D33), took great pride in their vessel.

Canberra fires her powerful 8-inch guns (Public Domain)

Canberra was a Kent sub-class of the Royal Navy's County-class heavy cruisers. Built in Scotland in the mid-1920s, she was commissioned in 1928. When WWII broke out, Canberra patrolled Australian waters and escorted convoys between Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. After Japan entered the war , the cruiser was reassigned to the waters of New Guinea, Malaysia and Java. Sailing with the U.S. Navy as part of Task Force 44, Canberra took part in the Guadalcanal Campaign and the landings at Tulagi.

U.S. destroyers USS Blue and USS Patterson rescue RAN sailors as Canberra burns in the background (U.S. Navy)

At 0145 hours, in the early morning darkness of August 9, 1942, Canberra and USS Chicago (CA-29) came under attack by five Japanese cruisers and a destroyer. Although Canberra evaded the initial spread of Japanese torpedoes, she received the brunt of the enemy's shellfire. The first two salvos were catastrophic. Her bridge was damaged and several senior officers were killed or wounded, both engine rooms were disabled, her 4-inch gun platform was damaged and the 8-inch magazines flooded. Just two minutes into the engagement, Canberra was hit 24 times.

HMAS Canberra slips beneath the waves, August 9, 1942 (U.S. Navy)

Immobilized, listing to starboard, burning and with 20% of her crew dead or wounded, the Australian cruiser was out of the fight. At 0330 hours, allied orders were issued giving Canberra three hours to regain mobility or be abandoned and sunk. The RAN sailors fought valiantly to save their ship, but to no avail. Despite their best damage control and repair efforts, Canberra could not get back underway by the 0630 deadline. Her crew abandoned ship and she was sunk by U.S. vessels.

USS Canberra was the first American warship named for a foreign capital city (U.S. Navy)

In recognition of the valor of Canberra's crew, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt directed that an American ship be named in her honor. The Baltimore-class heavy cruiser , USS Pittsburgh (CA-70), was selected and renamed USS Canberra (CA-70). On April 19, 1943, she was launched by Lady Alice Dixon, the wife of Australia's Ambassador to the U.S., Sir Owen Dixon. The American Canberra fought at the Battle of the Philippine Sea and supported the Okinawa and Taiwan campaigns. She was later converted to a guided missile cruiser and participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis blockade and supported Hue during the Tet Offensive before being decommissioned in 1970.

The second USS Canberra is home-ported in San Diego, California (U.S. Navy)

On June 5, 2021, the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS-30) was christened. She was sponsored by Marise Payne, Australia's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The ceremony was also attended by Arthur Sinodinos, Australia's Ambassador to the U.S. Canberra was commissioned on July 22, 2023, at the RAN's Fleet Base East in Sydney, Australia. She is the U.S. Navy's first ship to have its commissioning ceremony performed overseas in an allied country.
Welcome to Source Notes, a Future Tense column about the internets information ecosystem.

Wikipedia is, to date, the largest and most-read reference work in human history. But the editors who update and maintain Wikipedia are certainly not complacent about its place as the preeminent information resource, and are worried about how it might be displaced by generative A.I. At last weeks Wikimania, the sites annual user conference, one of the sessions was ChatGPT vs. WikiGPT, and a panelist at the event mentioned that rather than visiting Wikipedia, people seem to being going to ChatGPT for their information needs. Veteran Wikipedians have couched ChatGPT as an existential threat, predicting that A.I. chatbots will supplant Wikipedia in the same way that Wikipedia infamously dethroned Encyclopedia Britannica back in 2005.

But it seems to me that rumors of the imminent death of Wikipedia at the hands of generative A.I. are greatly exaggerated. Sure, the implementation of A.I. technology will undoubtedly alter how Wikipedia is used and transform the user experience. At the same time, the features and bugs of large language models, or LLMs, like ChatGPT intersect with human interests in ways that support Wikipedia rather than threaten it.

For context, there have been elements of artificial intelligence and machine learning on Wikipedia since 2002. Automated bots on Wikipedia must be approved, as set forth in the bot policy, and generally must be supervised by a human. Content review is assisted by bots such as ClueBot NG, which identifies profanity and unencyclopedic punctuation like !!!11. Another use case is machine translation, which has helped provide content for the 334 different language versions of the encyclopedia, again generally with human supervision. At the end of the day, Wikipedians are really, really practicalthats the fundamental characteristic, said Chris Albon, director of machine learning at the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that supports the project. Wikipedians have been using A.I. and M.L. from 2002 because it just saved time in ways that were useful to them.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In other words, bots are old news for Wikipediaits the offsite LLMs that present new challenges. Earlier this year, I reported on how Wikipedians were grappling with the then-new ChatGPT and deciding whether chatbot-generated content should be used in the process of composing Wikipedia articles. At the time, the editors were understandably concerned with how LLMs hallucinate, responding to prompts with outright fabrications complete with fake citations. There is a real risk that users who copy ChatGPT text into Wikipedia would risk polluting the project with misinformation. But an outright ban on generative A.I. seemed both too harsh and too Ludditea failure to recognize new ways of working. Some editors have reported that ChatGPT answers were useful as a starting point or a skeletal outline. While banning generative A.I. could keep low-quality ChatGPT content off of Wikipedia, it could also curtail the productivity of human editors.

These days, Wikipedians are in the process of drafting a policy for how LLMs can be used on the project. Whats being discussed is essentially a take care and declare framework: The human editor must disclose in an articles public edit history that an LLM was used and must take personal responsibility for vetting the LLM content and ensuring its accuracy. Its worth noting that the proposed policy for LLMs is very similar to how most Wikipedia bots require some human supervision. Leash your bots, your dogs, and now your LLMs.

To be clear, the Wikipedia community has jurisdiction over how their fellow editors use botsbut not how external agents are using Wikipedia. These days, generative A.I. companies are taking advantage of the internet encyclopedias open license. Every LLM so far has been trained on Wikipedias content, and the site is almost always the largest source of training data within their data sets.

Despite swallowing Wikipedias entire corpus, ChatGPT is not the polite sort of robot that graciously credits Wikipedia when it uses that information for one of its responses. Quite the contrarythe chatbot doesnt typically disclose its sources at all. Critics are advocating for greater transparency, and advocating restraint until chatbots become an explainable A.I. system.

Of course, theres a scary reason that LLMs dont normally credit their sources: the A.I. does not always know how it has arrived at its answer. Pardon the grotesque simile, but the knowledge base of a typical LLM is like a huge hairball; the LLM may pull strands from Wikipedia, Tumblr, Reddit, and a variety of other sources without distinguishing among them. And the LLM is basically programmed solely to predict the next phrase, not to provide credit when its due.

Journalists in particular seem very concerned about how ChatGPT isnt acknowledging Wikipedia in its responses. The New York Times Magazine published a feature last month on how the reuse of Wikipedia information by A.I. imperiled Wikipedias health and made people forget about its important role behind the scenes.

But I get the sense that most Wikipedia contributors are less concerned about credit-claiming than the average reporter. For one thing, Wikipedians are used to this: After all, before LLMs, Siri and Alexa were the ones scraping Wikipedia without credit. (As of publication time, these smart assistants have been updated to say something like from Wikipedia.) More fundamentally, there has always been an altruistic element in curating information for Wikipedia: People add knowledge to the site expecting that everyone else will use it how they will.

Rather than sapping away the morale of volunteer human Wikipedians, generative A.I. may add a new reason to the list of their motivations: a sincere desire to train the robots. This is also a reason that generative A.I. companies like OpenAI should care about maintaining Wikipedias role as ChatGPTs primary tutor. Its important for Wikipedia to remain a human-written knowledge source. We now know that LLM-generated content is like poison for training LLMs: If the training data is not human-created, then LLMs become measurably dumber. LLMs that eat too much of their own cooking are prone to model collapse, a symptom of the curse of recursion.

As Selena Deckelmann, the Wikimedia Foundations chief product and technology officer, put it, the worlds generative AI companies need to figure out how to keep sources of original human content, the most critical element of our information system, sustainable and growing over time. This mutual interest is perhaps why Google.org, the Musk Foundation, Facebook, and Amazon are among the benefactors who have donated more than a million dollars to the Wikimedia EndowmentA.I. companies seem to have realized that keeping Wikipedia a human-created project is in their interests. (For further context, the foundation is primarily supported by numerous small donations by ordinary Wikipedia readers and supporters, which is comforting for those of us who worry about any big tech company gaining too much influence over the direction of the nonprofit organization.)

The weaknesses of A.I. chatbots could also popularize new use cases for Wikipedia. In July, the Wikimedia Foundation released a new Wikipedia ChatGPT plug-in that allows ChatGPT to search for and summarize the most up-to-date information on Wikipedia to answer general knowledge queries. For instance, if you ask ChatGPT 3.5 in its standard form about Donald Trumps indictment, the chatbot says it doesnt know about it because it is only trained on the internet through September 2021. But with the new plug-in, the chatbot accurately summarizes current events. Notice how Wikipedia in this example is functioning something like a water filter: sitting on the tap of the raw LLM, rooting out inaccuracies, and bringing the content up to speed.

Whether Wikipedia is incorporated into A.I. via the training data or as a plug-in, its clear that its important to keep humans interested in curating information for the site. Albon told me about several proposals to leverage LLMs to help make the editing process more enjoyable. One idea proposed by the community is to allow LLMs to summarize the lengthy discussions on talk pages, the non-article spaces where editors delve into the sites policies. Since Wikipedia is more than 20 years old, some of these walls of texts are now lengthier than War and Peace. Few people have the time to review all of the discussion that has taken place since 2005 about what qualifies as a reliable source for Wikipedia, much less perennial sources. Rather than expecting new contributors to review multiyear discussions about the issue, the LLM could just summarize them at the top. The reason thats important is to draw in new editors, to make it so its not so daunting, Albon said.

John Samuel, an assistant professor of computer science at CPE Lyon, told me that prospective Wikipedia editors hes recruited often find it difficult to get started. Finding reliable sources to use for an article can be very labor-intensive, and Gen Z has grown impatient with the chore of sifting through Google search results. An internet that has become flooded with machine-generated content will make the process of finding quality sources even more painful.

But Samuel foresees a hopeful future in which Wikipedia has integrated some A.I. technology that helps human editors find quality sources and double checks to ensure that the underlying sources in fact state what the human claims. We cannot delay things. We have to think about integrating the newer A.I.-based tools so that we save the time of contributors, Samuel said.

If theres a common theme running through the A.I.-gloom discourse, its that A.I. is going to take peoples jobs. And what about the job of volunteer Wikipedia editors? The answer is nuanced. On the one hand, a lot of repetitive work (adding article categories, basic formatting, easy summaries) is likely to be automated. Then again, the work of the people editing Wikipedia has never really been about writing text, per se. The more important job has always involved discussions between members of the community, debates about whether one source or the other is more reliable, arguments about whether wording is representative or misleading, trying to collaborate with the shared goal of improving the encyclopedia. So perhaps thats where the future is heading for Wikipedia: leave the polite busywork for the A.I., but keep the discourse and the disagreementthat messy, meaningful, consensus-building stufffor humans.
Officials in Florida are warning people to keep their distance from wild monkeys that have been spotted around the city.

Residents of Orange City, about 30 miles north of Orlando, have reported multiple sightings of wild monkeys within the city, the Orange City Police Department said Wednesday on Facebook.

The department said at least one of the monkeys  spotted Wednesday at a Popeyes  was later identified as a Rhesus macaque monkey, a species that is native to Asia and can become aggressive when fed, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

A Rhesus macaque monkey. (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

The police department received two additional reports of wild monkey sightings Tuesday, said Lt. Sherif El-Shami, who said officials are unsure whether all sightings involved the same species or monkey. Animal control officers and police haven't been able to locate the animals, El-Shami said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Police warned people not to feed or try to capture the monkeys and asked them to report sightings to the commission's Wildlife Alert Hotline.

Feeding wild monkeys in Florida is a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500, according to information from the commission that the police department shared on Facebook, which says feeding wild monkeys can increase the likelihood of attacks, injuries and the transmission of disease.

Wild monkey sighting in Florida prompts warning from officials (Orange City Police Department)

Rhesus macaques are one of two species of wild monkeys  along with vervet monkeys  that are reproducing in Florida, according to the wildlife conservation commission.

The core population of Rhesus macaques has been spotted in central Florida, around the Silver River, where a boat operator first released six of them in the 1930s to attract tourists, the wildlife conservation commission said. Orange City is about 60 miles southeast of Silver River.

The monkeys have had negative impacts on the state in the past: In the 1970s, Rhesus macaques in the Florida Keys "destroyed red mangroves, leading to massive vegetation loss and shoreline erosion," according to the wildlife commission.

Rhesus macaques in Florida have also tested positive for herpes B, a rare viral infection that can lead to severe brain damage or death if it isn't treated quickly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been about 18 reported incidents of Rhesus macaques' biting and scratching humans in Florida, but there haven't been any confirmed cases of a human's contracting herpes B from one of the monkeys in the wild, according to the wildlife commission.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Days after a neighbor was killed in Dayquane Barnes' Wilmington apartment building, the 31-year-old podcaster posted an Instagram video of himself working out with a voiceover: "I battle demons every day that no one knows anything about ...."

Now Barnes, who used his podcast and social media accounts to push for accountability, responsibility and positiveness, is facing murder charges after police said they found his DNA on a mask used in the Dec. 1 slaying of Lerrie Tate. The men lived in separate units of the same apartment building in the city's Trinity Vicinity neighborhood.

Barnes is being held at the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution.

Previous story: Man charged in December fatal shooting blocks from downtown Wilmington

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Before his Aug. 8 arrest, Barnes could be found on various social media platforms espousing at times misogynistic and often profanity-laced statements on what he believed was right and how people should take responsibility for their actions.

That includes a post he made eight days after Tate's killing in which Barnes appears to tell his 34,000 Instagram followers what it's like to have to look over your back after committing a heinous crime and asks what people are prepared to do if they want to live a "demon" life.

Barnes runs down a list of examples, such as asking if they are:

Prepared to lose sleep.

Be extra vigilant when opening doors, including to their home.

Able to quickly monitor streets, cars and people when leaving their houses.

Willing to limit what you can do when you don't have a gun.

"You gotta literally, literally lose your (expletive) soul and a lot of you (expletive) don't have the capacity to do that," he said. "You don't want to be a demon. It's very short-lived and it ain't fruitful at all. I promise."

Barnes ends the video by saying that people who live this life don't glorify it as rappers do.

"I'm telling you, (expletive) during that time, walk amongst you like a regular human being and you'll never (expletive) know," Barnes said. "(Expletive) don't glorify that (expletive) when going through that (expletive).

"I promise you."

Six days after his arrest, a New Castle County grand jury indicted Barnes, adding more weapon charges and one count of burglary.

While police linked Barnes to Tates killing using DNA from a discarded mask and surveillance footage, investigators in court documents did not explain Barnes motive for killing the 44-year-old barber.

Othe news: 'Victim of child torture': New details emerge in murder of Emma Cole, girl found in Smyrna

How police charged Barnes

Wilmington police were dispatched to the Trinity Vicinity about 2:10 p.m. for a complaint of a woman screaming while on the sidewalk of the 1000 block of N. Madison St., according to court documents.

Arriving officers found the woman and were told a man had been shot in a first-floor apartment on that block.

The North Madison Street apartment building where Lerrie Tate was found fatally wounded.

Officers searched the apartment building and found Tate on the floor of a bedroom suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Tate was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

A witness told officers that a man wearing a black mask and a black hooded sweatshirt had shot Tate. While the shooter wore a mask, the witness said they could see the gunman's eyes were "light."

Officers found a black hooded sweatshirt and a black mask, which was given to the department's forensic services unit for DNA testing.

Investigators also reviewed surveillance video from area cameras, which showed a masked man wearing a hooded sweatshirt. The video revealed the man was wearing black-colored sweatpants with green and yellow designs and all-white sneakers.

While the masked man ran out of frame, police said, he could be seen running in the direction of where the hooded sweatshirt and mask would later be found.

Viewing video footage from other surveillance cameras, police were able to see a man wearing similar clothing get in and out of a red Lexus sedan earlier that day. A police body-worn camera was able to pick up the Lexus' registration.

In June, investigators received DNA results from the forensic unit with a preliminary association to Barnes, according to court records.

Investigators found Barnes lived in the same building as Tate. They also learned Barnes owned a red Lexus, which had the same temporary registration as the car seen on surveillance footage.

Because the Lexus' temporary registration was issued the same day as Tate's killing, investigators reviewed surveillance video from the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles.

Barnes, according to court documents, was seen inside the DMV, wearing black Nike sweatpants with a white Nike Swoosh on the left thigh, a black in color hooded sweatshirt with a green and yellow design on the front and back of same, and all-white sneakers.

"His face was visible and your affiant was able to identify him as Barnes," court documents state.

The back of the North Madison Street apartment building where Lerrie Tate was found fatally wounded.

While Barnes is seen in video leaving the apartment building wearing different clothing after the homicide, investigators note in court documents that a witness told them that after seeing a muscular man remove and abandon a hooded sweatshirt and mask, the muscular man ran into an alley.

The alley, according to investigators, provides access to the rear of the apartment building "where the incident occurred."

Investigators obtained a search warrant on Aug. 7 and arrested Barnes the following day during a vehicle stop in the 1000 block of N. Madison St.

Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington police use DNA, video to link podcaster to 2022 killing
Gwinnett police detectives say a woman they previously thought stole more than $19,000 from a victims bank account is not the person they are looking for.

On June 14 at around 1:30 p.m., someone entered a Truist Bank on Pleasant Hill Road in Gwinnett and presented the bank employee with the victims personal information.

Police said that person cashed a check for $6,111.23 and withdrew $13,607 from the victims bank account.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Investigators previously told Channel 2 Action News a woman in a Minnie Mouse shirt was the person they believed to be responsible.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

They now say that woman is no longer a suspect and they are still looking for the suspected thief.

TRENDING STORIES:

Anyone with information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770-513-5300.

Tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS (8477) or here.

Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

IN OTHER NEWS:
The first Republican presidential primary debate of the 2024 cycle was a chance for eight GOP candidates to introduce themselves to a national audience.

But more importantly, it was the first time voters in critical early voting states saw how the candidates fared up against each other. At watch parties in New Hampshire and South Carolina, two states that can make or break a presidential campaign, voters told USA TODAY what they thought of the crowded field of White House hopefuls.

In South Carolina, which former Gov. Nikki Haley and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. each call home, young constituents are largely sticking with former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a preference Wednesdays debate did little to sway.

And in New Hampshire, where voters are famous for pressing candidates with tough questions during the primary season, the debate was an opportunity to see how the Republicans clashed on a national stage.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

'The elephant not in the room': 5 takeaways from a Republican debate with no Donald Trump

Potential voters watch the first Republican presidential debate at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester, N.H. on Aug 23, 2023. New Hampshire is an early voting state in the 2024 presidential primary schedule and could narrow the crowded Republican field to determine the eventual nominee.. Mandatory Credit: Josh Reynolds-USA TODAY

The crowd favorites: None in New Hampshire, DeSantis in South Carolina

At Murphys Taproom in Manchester, New Hampshire, where roughly a hundred prospective Republican primary voters gathered, there were no specific crowd favorites as attendees watched the debate Wednesday night. The watch party showed how Granite State voters will give a wide range of candidates a shot: almost every candidate garnered some form of applause during the debate.

Id like to see how everybody conducts themselves, Kenneth Biel, a 47-year-old software engineer hailing from Chester, said. He added that hes most impressed by Trump, DeSantis and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, but he's open to people "I disagree with.

As former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and Ramaswamy squabbled over Trumps presidency, both candidates drew occasional claps and cheers for their support, or lack thereof, for the former president.

Haley drew cheers from the crowd when the former South Carolina governor invoked former United Kingdom Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, chiming in when the nearly all-male field quarreled on stage.

If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, quipped Haley.

Kenneth Biel, center, a Ron DeSantis supporter from Chester, NH, was among the potential voters watch the first Republican presidential debate at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester, N.H. on Aug 23, 2023.

Back in Haleys home state, a crowd of around 20 people gathered at a Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville, South Carolina for a debate watch party hosted by Young Greenville, a Republican club. Following along with bingo cards of potential phrases or topics, the group of mostly 20-year-old voters paid close attention to the debate with animated reactions  DeSantis criticism of President Joe Bidens economic and pandemic policies drew cheers and claps early on.

The bingo cards referenced GOP talking points ranging from Second Amendment rights to immigration reform to Hunter Biden.

The Florida governor was a crowd favorite in Greenville: a straw poll by the club at the end of the night, with about half of the attendees remaining, found that just over 60% preferred DeSantis as their first choice for president, and around 40% said he was their second.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1634992150

Dakota Fitzgerald, 28 and a self-described Trump all the way voter, said even though she thought Haley came out strong early in the debate, she did not believe her former governor has what it takes.

Shes not the nominee for me, Fitzgerald, who works in IT development, said. I dont think she brings enough to the table. I dont think she has a good enough track record, and I dont know that shes a solid enough patriot.

When it came to Scott, the group of young voters had less to say about their senator.

Hayden Turlington, chairwoman of Young Greenville and a wealth advisor, said she thought Scott held his own on the debate stage. A DeSantis supporter though, Turlington said she couldn't move past Scotts recent criticism of the Florida governor and his states controversial curriculum changes.

It left a bad taste in my mouth, his comments, Turlington, 27, said. They were not far off from Governor (Gavin) Newsom from Californias comments, and I dont think he should ever be finding himself on the same side as a governor who is as far left as Governor Newsom.

Republican presidential candidate South Carolina Republican U.S. Sen. Tim Scott remarks about and argument other candidates had at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.

Abortion isnt a catch-all issue for GOP voters

As the Republican candidates discussed abortion Wednesday night, touting anti-abortion accomplishments, some South Carolinians in the audience complained that Haley and Scott did not mention specific laws in their state.

I think they missed a softball pitch that literally the day of the debate they couldve talked about that exact subject and something that happened in their home state, Chip Turlington, 26, said.

Earlier Wednesday, the South Carolina Supreme Court upheld the states six week abortion ban.

In the more libertarian-leaning state of New Hampshire, anti-abortion messaging largely fell on deaf ears.

While former Vice President Mike Pences unapologetic support for a federal abortion ban drew a muted response from the crowd, it was North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgums support for leaving the issue to states that garnered wide applause from attendees.

Zack Hayes, 39, a software engineer from Northwood, said he personally is against abortion rights. But he said he would oppose a national ban on the procedure, calling it too broad a policy.

Potential voters watch the first Republican presidential debate at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester, N.H. on Aug 23, 2023. New Hampshire is an early voting state in the 2024 presidential primary schedule and could narrow the crowded Republican field to determine the eventual nominee.

Which candidates were missed on the national debate stage?

Before the debate began, Pedro Mateo in South Carolina said he didnt think any of the candidates on stage had the sway to take on Trump  a view he still held two hours later.

At this point, until theyre able to sit down with Trump, I think unless they get a chance to really debate him, the majority of Americans are just going to think that Trump is just the clear choice, Mateo, 28, said as the debate concluded.

Trump, the current GOP frontrunner, opted to sit out of the debate, writing on his Truth Social platform, The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had.

Mateo, chairman of the political engagement committee for Young Greenville, said he thinks it was in the former presidents best interest not to join in this initial debate.

If he did show up, it would be an all-out assault on him, Mateo said. Theres enough talking points to use against him to really steal his thunder on the debate stage.

Some viewers in New Hampshire bemoaned the debates qualification rules, saying they wished there were more candidates on the stage.

There are a couple (candidates) that I would have liked to have seen on stage to hear more from them, Tammy Garthewaite, a 59-year-old former lawmaker in New Hampshire's state House from Manchester, said. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and conservative talk radio host Larry Elder were two candidates Garthewaite said she would have liked to see at the podium.

How are people supposed to make their best choices if they cant know everything? Garthwaite remarked.

Tammy Garthwaite of Manchester, NH, center, was among the potential voters watch the first Republican presidential debate at Murphy's Taproom in Manchester, N.H. Aug 23, 2023.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: First Republican debate: Here's what voters in NH, SC thought
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  The National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday said lawmakers should consider allocating funds for the establishment of a permanent structure on Ayungin Shoal under the 2024 budget.

That's a proposal that merits serious consideration from Congress. As we can see, the BRP Sierra Madre is not in a good state, its rusting and its dilapidated, and it really needs improvement, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told CNN Philippines The Source.

BRP Sierra Madre, a US Navy ship used during World War II, has been on the Ayungin Shoal since 1999. It was intentionally grounded there to serve as a military outpost in the contested waters.

In an earlier interview with CNN Philippines, Sen. Francis Escudero said he would look into allocating 100 million for the construction of a structure on Ayungin, which can include accommodation for Filipino troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre.

This was supported by Sen. Bato dela Rosa and Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel, who said the structure should be non-military, like shelter for fisherfolk during bad weather or halfway house for research vehicles.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguila said in another interview that the proposal may need further study to know if building a structure on a low-tide elevation like Ayungin Shoal is permitted under international law.
The first Republican presidential primary debate had plenty of fireworks, despite the fact that former president Donald Trump declined to appear on the Milwaukee stage on Wednesday.

The eight Republican presidential candidates who did participate exchanged harsh words as they all vied for the nomination for president. Many of the Republican presidential candidates chose to attack each other in hopes of siphoning off support among the slice of the GOP electorate that wants new leadership for the party as they hope to knock off President Joe Biden .

Here are the winners and losers from the first debate night:

Winner: Mike Pence

The former vice president has faced regular criticism for his refusal to overturn the 2020 presidential election on behalf of Mr Trump. But during the debate, the normally mild-mannered midwestern former governor came out swinging against businessman Vivek Ramaswamy . The former vice president regularly attacked the political neophyte, at one point attacking Mr Ramaswamy as inexperienced.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Now is not the time for on-the-job training, Mr Pence said said. We dont need to bring in a rookie.

Similarly, the former vice president took aim at former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who said that Republicans needed to find consensus when it came to the topic of abortion.

Former Vice President Mike Pence speaks as former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie listens during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Nikki, youre my friend, but consensus is the opposite of leadership, he said, though he used it to argue for a national 15-week abortion ban, which might play well with primary Republicans, but could be politically radioactive for suburban and women voters.

But Mr Pences biggest moment came when he defended his decision to not overturn the 2020 presidential election.

I put my left hand on Ronald Reagans Bible, I raised my right hand, and I took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. And it ended with a prayer so help me God. he said, saying that he rejected Mr Trumps overtures.

He asked me to put him over the Constitution. And I chose the Constitution, and I always will.

Loser: Vivek Ramaswamy

In recent weeks, Mr Ramaswamy has caught fire and has risen in Republican primary polls. But as the only candidate who has not held elected office, many Republicans hit him for his inexperience, most notably former New Jersey governor Chris Christie.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Mr Christie said, comparing Mr Ramaswamy to former president Barack Obama for his inexperience.

Republican presidential candidate and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (REUTERS)

Similarly, Ms Haley, who served as US ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration, slammed Mr Ramaswamy for his naivete when it comes to the war in Ukraine.

And the problem that Vivek doesnt understand is he wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan. He wants to go and stop funding Israel, he said. You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country.

Winner: Chris Christie

The former New Jersey governor was one of the first elected officials to endorse Mr Trump in 2016. But Mr Christie has become the loudest critic of the former president in the presidential primary. Given the deep support the former president has, he will likely face an uphill climb to the GOP nomination.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee (AP)

But Mr Christie loudly criticised the former president give his multiple legal troubles.

We have to stop normalizing this conduct, he said to a mix of applause and boos. Whether or not whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States.
Working adults or job seekers tend to prefer remote work over being in the office full time, per Bankrate.

Those who support flexible work are happy to quit to avoid going in person each day.

It means companies face a tough choice when calling workers back to the office.

Many US adults want some kind of flexible work and don't mind job hopping to achieve it.

New survey results from Bankrate found 64% of US adults who are part of the workforce are in favor of fully remote work instead of work done all in person. Additionally, 68% said they are somewhat or strongly supportive of a hybrid model over having to be fully in person. The July survey from Bankrate was done by YouGov and included US adults who either had or were looking for full-time work.

"I think it's going to be a huge challenge over the intermediate term for employers to retain talent  particularly if they're in a setting where they can't provide these aspects of flexibility," Mark Hamrick, senior economic analyst for Bankrate, told Insider  where these aspects of flexibility include hybrid work, fully remote work, or a four-day workweek. "Of course for those who can, it's an opportunity."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the new Bankrate results, almost 40% of those who support hybrid over a fully in-person work structure said they would be happy to either change jobs or industries. 28% said they would be happy to complete work during off-peak hours like weekends. Similarly, 42% of those who prefer fully remote over being fully in person said they would be happy to change industries or jobs, and just over a third of them said they would be happy to get their work done during off-peak hours.

Many workers have gotten used to working from home or somewhere else during the pandemic, and they might not feel like it's productive to return to an office every day even if their companies wish for them to head back.

"It's hard to imagine that for a knowledge worker that they really need to be in the office five days a week," Robert C. Pozen, a senior lecturer at MIT Sloan School of Management, told Insider. "If they organize their time well, they'll have some days where it makes more sense for them to be at home. That learning was so powerful after Covid that I don't think there's any going back on it."

People have already shared with Insider how they have quit because they didn't like having to return to an office or didn't want to head back. One person told her story of becoming a freelancer after quitting a job before an official return-to-office announcement.

"I never want to get on a rush hour subway car ever again," she told Insider. "I never want to put on a business casual suit ever again. I never want to line up to use the microwave at lunch in a shared lunchroom ever again."

One person who is in a new fully remote position had previously been working remotely as an ad tech contractor. He chose not to return to the office after being told to come in and couldn't work out an alternative plan with his company. He had already moved away during the pandemic and was unsure how he would "commute 550 miles three days a week."

"I made the decision that I wasn't going to return to office, that it wasn't viable for me and my family," he said.

Some people quit their jobs during the Great Resignation for better flexibility. Hamrick noted while the labor market has cooled, it is still very strong for workers, with more openings than unemployed Americans. Workers' interest in flexible work may make it hard to fill these roles, meaning the desired flexibility "is both a challenge and an opportunity," according to Hamrick.

"I think that this desire for flexibility is one impediment with respect to employers who are still looking to fill those many job openings," Hamrick said. "And then there are other questions or issues as well that relate to the need to get more people into the workforce, having seen some setbacks there in recent years through a number of different impacts."

While people want flexibility in their work locations, people looking to switch jobs for a fully work-from-home role may not be able to find one.

"I think fully remote work is going to be tough for them to find," Pozen said.

According to Pozen, that's because companies see that brainstorming, negotiation, and some other work functions for the jobs of knowledge workers are simply better done when in person. Pozen added companies would also argue it's good for company culture.

Companies are going to have to make hard choices if they're determined to get workers back in the office every day

Paul Rubenstein, chief people officer for people analytics company Visier said that companies have to be clear about their goals and both leaders and employees "have to be willing to make hard choices."

"Just because you've decided as a leader that you want people in the office and that's part of your business model and you've made that choice, that's OK," Rubenstein said. "If you're an employee and you are like, 'my company wants people back in the office,' they're not a bad company. It's a business choice. And maybe that's just not the company for you."

Despite hybrid work being pretty popular among employers, managers, and workers according to survey results from talent solutions company Robert Half and reporting on companies from Insider, a hybrid mandate may also still mean people are unhappy and look for a new role.

"Among knowledge workers, the hybrid is here to stay," Pozen said. "It's a bad idea for any organization to make a uniform rule across the whole organization as to what exactly should be the design of the hybrid."

"If you want to have productive teams, you've got to tailor the design of the hybrid to the needs and the functions of that team," Pozen said, adding that otherwise some people may say goodbye in this uniform hybrid situation.

Are you thinking about switching jobs or have already quit because of return to office requirements or a desire for flexible work? How do you feel about your company's workplace model? Reach out to this reporter to share your story, at mhoff@insider.com.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The News

Donald Trump s absence from Wednesday nights first 2024 Republican debate was widely noted by global media. In many cases, foreign correspondents in Washington failed to see how the other eight candidates were differentiating themselves from the former U.S. president and GOP frontrunner.

Heres what they said.

The View From Der Spiegel

The debate was evidence that U.S. politics has gone haywire," Roland Nelles and Rene Pfister wrote for the German-language publication Der Spiegel.

With Trump notably missing from the event, the other Republican candidates had to prove themselves as worthy of voter support  but Nelles and Pfister argued that they generally struggled to come up against Trump and the noise he is making. For now, they said, Trump will benefit from the fact that his rivals appear to be members of a debating club where only consolation prizes are up for grabs.

The View From Le Monde

The eight Republicans that took to the debate stage all came across as willing or powerless victims of Trumpism, and struggled to convey an alternate conservative reality to the one Americans have been living in for the past eight years, Piotr Smolar wrote in Frances Le Monde.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While it was expected that Trumps absence would overshadow the debate, it didnt  making it all the more damning for the Republican Party which, through these contenders, showed the pessimism and lack of ideas that haunt it, Smolar said.

The View From The Times of India

Vivek Ramaswamy was center-stage at the debate, and received some of the sharpest rebukes from his opponents, The Times of India noted in an overview of the candidates performance. Ramaswamy is the U.S.s second Hindu candidate to run for president, following Tulsi Gabbard, who ran as a Democrat in 2020.

His opponents seemed to perceive him as a more significant threat than DeSantis, TOI wrote, adding that Ramaswamy seemed determined to set himself apart from conventional politicians.
A man arrested after being accused of driving over 100 miles per hour in the wrong direction told police he was going to meet a friend for sex, Utah troopers told news outlets.

The 30-year-old was driving 90 miles per hour on Aug. 23 when he passed a trooper trying to pull him over on a highway in Sunset and didnt stop for emergency lights, Utah Highway Patrol told the Gephardt Daily reported.

Once about 20 miles away in Centerville, the man was spotted by police driving 102 mph, troopers told ABC 4.

Officers were able to stop the driver after he started driving through an active construction zone, authorities told the outlet.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Once taken into custody, a trooper said they could immediately detect signs of impairment including short attention span, bloodshot eyes, and random outbursts of laughter, according to KSL.

In court documents obtained by KSL, the man told the trooper during a field sobriety test that he had smoked marijuana and was driving the wrong way on purpose to go have sex with a friend, the outlet reported.

The man described the situation as fun and told the trooper he remembered the car reaching 120 miles per hour, highway patrol told ABC 4.

McClatchy News reached out to Utah Highway Patrol and Centerville police for more information on Aug. 24 and was awaiting a response.

The man was booked on charges of DUI, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, failure to yield/stop/, unauthorized control for extended time and failure to observe barricades, according to Davis County jail records.

His bail was set at $5,250.

Centerville is about 10 miles north of Salt Lake City.

Motorcyclist was driving 100 mph before crash that killed pedestrian, Georgia police say

Car with only 3 tires reached speeds of 95 mph on I-95, Florida cops say

Google Street View car evades police at 100 mph, crashes into creek, Indiana cops say
EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story did not include all arrests made in connection with Wilmington shootings and has been updated to reflect those arrests. This story has been updated again to reflect the most recent homicide.

Just more than a year after a WSFS bank executive was killed by a stray bullet as she drove home from work, Wilmington police appear no closer to solving the homicide.

Carrie Mondell, senior vice president and director of operational risk management at WSFS, was fatally shot Aug. 16, 2022, just minutes after leaving work. It took six days, however, for city police to identify Mondell and release details on the indiscriminate shooting that occurred while the Wilmington area hosted Delawares first-ever PGA Tour event.

A year later, police have nothing new to share about the shooting, which occurred in the 600 block of N. Washington St. during rush hour.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The 37-year-old was one of two shooting victims that day  a 22-year-old man also was shot shortly before 5 p.m. in the 700 block of N. Washington St., according to Wilmington police. He survived.

Wilmington police investigate after two men were shot near North Locust Street and Vandever Avenue shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023.

Wilmington police spokesman David Karas said detectives continue to work the cases but did not provide additional information.

While we are limited in what we can release publicly about leads or progress made in the case in order to avoid jeopardizing our efforts, we do encourage anyone with information to contact Detective Brianna Rodrigues at 302-576-3971, he said in an emailed response to Delaware Online/The News Journal questions.

FEW DETAILS RELEASED: Did Wilmington hold back details of homicides during PGA Tour event?

Though Mondell's death shocked her colleagues, those who commute to and from Wilmington for work daily, and even some locals, her death is far from Wilmington's only unsolved homicide. And her case  being hit by stray bullets while driving through the city  isn't exactly an anomaly.

On Aug. 15, a 47-year-old woman who was driving on Lancaster Avenue after picking up her dog was struck by a bullet meant for someone else. She didn't initially realize she was shot, court documents say, telling police that she heard a bang and then felt pain in her arm.

She drove about a block and a half away to Cab Calloway School of the Arts, where several women at the school provided first aid until paramedics arrived. The woman is recovering, and police have arrested the man they say is responsible.

As questions remain surrounding Mondell's killing, here's how Delaware's largest city is faring.

Wilmington, Dover homicides

So far this year in Wilmington, nine people have been killed by gunfire, according to Delaware Online/The News Journal's database. That's 25% fewer shooting homicides than this same time last year, which had recorded 12 people fatally shot.

Comparatively, Dover  the state's second-largest city  hasn't recorded any fatal shootings this year.

Wilmington police have made arrests in three of this year's fatal shootings, though detectives have strong leads in other cases.

Wilmington police investigate a shooting in the city's Hill Top neighborhood on Dec. 21, 2020.

Last year in Wilmington, 18 people were fatally shot, and police have made arrests in nine of those cases, for a clearance rate of about 55%. (That includes one murder-suicide and one "valid justification defense," bringing the total number of solved shooting fatalities to 10.)

In Dover last year, three people were killed by gunfire, and detectives have made arrests in two out of those three cases.

INITIAL STORY: Wilmington bank vice president dies days after being struck by stray bullet

Wilmington homicides this year:

Wilmington homicides in 2022:

Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on Twitter at @izzihughes_

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Wilmington shooting that killed WSFS bank executive remains unsolved
The plane crash which allegedly killed Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin was likely caused by a bomb onboard or "some other form of sabotage," according to unnamed U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street Journal on Aug. 24.

Though the officials stressed that their assessments are not yet complete, the plane did not appear to have been shot down by an air defense missile, the article wrote.

The private Embraer Legacy aircraft, believed to have been carrying Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, crashed while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg on the evening of Aug. 23.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The founder of the Wagner Group, who had launched a short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in late June, is presumed dead.

Read also: Russian media: Private jet crashes in Russia, warlord Prigozhin listed among passengers

All 10 bodies found at the crash site near the village of Kuzhenkino in Russia's Tver Oblast have been taken for examination.

The Moscow Times reported that Prigozhin's phone was found at the crash site, although his body has not yet been identified.

While the cause of the crash is currently unknown, flight-tracking data indicates that in the last minutes of its flight, the plane made erratic climbs and descents, before dramatically dropping almost 2,500 meters per minute, after which the transmission of altitude data stopped.

The Russian Investigative Committee has initiated a "criminal case" following the plane crash due to the alleged violation of traffic safety rules and air transport operations.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
A photo of store owner Laura Ann Carleton surrounded by flowers and Pride flags and placed on memorial outside her store in Studio City on Wednesday. Authorities say Travis Ikeguchi was killed by California sheriff's deputies over the weekend after he fatally shot Carleton outside her store. (Richard Vogel / Associated Press)

Social media platform X suspended the account of Lake Arrowhead shooter Travis Ikeguchi two full days after he was identified by authorities as the person who killed shop owner Laura Ann Carleton in a dispute over her Pride flag.

The suspension came after the social media platform  formerly known as Twitter  claimed previously that the account "hasn't broken our safety policies" in response to a user who had reported Ikeguchi.

But on Wednesday, Ikeguchi's account, which had featured a pinned tweet of a burning Pride flag and had for years included homophobic slurs, was suspended and none of his tweets could be viewed. The suspension was first reported by CNN Business. X did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read more: A Lake Arrowhead store-owner flew a pride flag. Police say a man killed her for it

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Ikeguchi, 27, screamed homophobic slurs at Carleton on Friday during an argument the two had at her store, Mag.Pi, the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department said.

The heated argument then turned violent, and Ikeguchi fatally shot Carleton, 66, before running away, officials said. He was shot by sheriff's deputies later that Friday after he opened fire on them, according to authorities.

Before Elon, Twitter would take down the accounts of murderers. Now, they leave them up with all of their hateful content up.



This person murdered Lauri Ann Carlton for having a pride flag and this was Twitter's response to my report on this post. https://t.co/XF3IoPztPp pic.twitter.com/44uP7DhwhS  Alejandra Caraballo (@Esqueer_) August 23, 2023

His social media presence was heavily scrutinized after law enforcement identified him as the shooter on Monday. Ikeguchi had posted homophobic tweets on X for years before the shooting.

His pinned tweet showed the Pride flag ablaze along with the question, "What to do with the LGBTQP flag?"

Alejandra Caraballo, a clinical instructor at Harvard Law Cyberlaw Clinic, said she reported Ikeguchi's account but that X declined to initially remove the account, saying its safety policies had not been violated.

But X's safety policies explicitly bar content that attacks people based on sexual orientation, among other categories.

Read more: Letters to the Editor: The 'X'-ing out of Twitter

Ikeguchi's profile on Gab, another social media site, was also suspended as of Thursday. Ikeguchi regularly used Gab until last Friday, the day authorities say he shot Carleton.

America must repent for a lot of things we allow; abortion/baby killing, sexual immortality, pornography, same-sex marriages, LGBTQP/pedophilia, freemasonry, religiosity, politics, wars, colonialism, the federal reserve, a post from Friday read.

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.
Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan is a writer, director, actor and now...coffee connoisseur.

The North Texas native is adding another notch to his cowboy belt through a partnership with Community Coffee on a new craft brand  Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee.

Named after the Weatherford-based equine facility owned by Sheridan, the coffee collection ranges from whole bean, ground and single-serve products.

The cowboy way of life doesnt wait for the snow to melt or the rain to break. It starts before dawn and ends after dark, Sheridan said in a press release. Meals will be missed, and supper worked right through. But the one thing as essential to the cowboy as his boots and saddle is coffee. It is our fuel. Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee is bold yet smooth and meant to be sipped all day. And sometimes all night.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Bosque Ranch coffee is available online now in dark or medium roast varieties.

Coffee fans can choose from whole bean, ground or K-Cup packages to taste the cowboy blend. Branded coffee mugs and tumblers are also for sale on Community Coffees website.

The coffee blend fits right into Sheridans wheelhouse, who has dedicated his career to portraying western life on screen. Whether its Yellowstone or its spinoffs in 1883 and 1923, Sheridan is all in on cowboys and cowgirls.
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.
Falls from windows, poisoned food, physically impossible self-strangulation, bodies discovered with head trauma or bullet holes  these are some of the ways that Russian President Vladimir Putins political opponents have met their unnatural deaths in recent years.

The latest example of that trend came Wednesday, when the Russian state media network TASS reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin , the leader of the private mercenary Wagner Group, was on an airplane that crashed.

A catering magnate nicknamed Putins chef, the Russian oligarch turned on his patron earlier this summer, when  after criticizing Russias strategy in its invasion of Ukraine, where Wagner soldiers are serving  he directed his troops to march on Moscow. Putin declared the rebellion a knife in the back of our country and vowed revenge, and Prighozin backed down, retreating to neighboring ally Belarus. Russian media also reported Wednesday that a Prigozhin-linked general was fired from being commander of the countrys air force.

The plane was carrying three crew members and seven passengers from Moscow to St. Petersburg when it went down roughly 185 miles north of the capital.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Putin has a long record of making deadly examples of his critics. If Prigozhin is dead, no one should be surprised," White House spokesperson Adrienne Watson told Insider.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private security force, in Africa on Aug. 21. (Wagner Account/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Some of Putins foes have survived apparent assassination attempts. Russias most prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, was poisoned in Siberia in 2020 with what Western experts determined was the military nerve agent Novichok. He survived but is now imprisoned. And Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent living in England, was infamously poisoned with a military-grade nerve weapon in 2018. The British government said it was highly likely Russias government was responsible.

Here are some of the other most prominent examples of Russians who met the same apparent fate as Prigozhin.

Pavel Antov

Putins adversaries have developed the strange habit of falling out of windows. Last December, Pavel Antov, a Russian businessman and politician, fell from a hotel window in Rayagada, India, after having criticized the war with Ukraine on WhatsApp, the BBC reported.

Ravil Maganov

Also last year, Lukoil chairman Ravil Maganov, who had criticized the invasion of Ukraine, died by falling out the window of a Moscow hospital. In an official statement from Lukoil, Maganov died in September 2022 following a severe illness, which it did not name.

Denis Voronenkov

Denis Voronenkov in Kyiv in 2017. Ukrainian police said Voronenkov was shot dead on March 23 of that year. (Oleksandr Synytsia/AP)

A former Russian parliamentarian and an outspoken Putin critic, Denis Voronenkov had fled to Ukraine, where he was killed by gunshot in Kyiv in 2017. Ukraine's then-President Petro Poroshenko called his killing an act of state terrorism by Russia, which the Kremlin denied.

Mikhail Lesin

In 2015, Mikhail Lesin, a former Kremlin press minister, was found dead of blunt force trauma to the head in a Washington, D.C., hotel room. Lesin was under FBI investigation for potential money laundering, and experts speculated that he was killed because he was making a plea deal with the bureau that would have revealed corruption among the Russian elite, according to the Daily Beast.

Boris Nemtsov

Boris Nemtsov in Washington, D.C., in 2014. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

A political reformer who led massive protests of the 2011 parliamentary election results, for which he had been arrested several times, Boris Nemtsov was shot to death near the Kremlin in 2015. Putin said he would take personal control of the investigation, but the murderer was never found.

Natalia Estemirova

In 2009, Natalia Estemirova, a human rights activist investigating Russias brutal prosecution of its war in the breakaway republic of Chechnya, was kidnapped outside her home and shot in the woods. In 2021, Europe's top human rights court ruled that Russian authorities did not conduct an effective investigation into the murder.

Alexander Litvinenko

The onetime Russian intelligence agent Alexander Litvinenko died in 2006, about three weeks after drinking tea poisoned with polonium-210, a rare and potent radioactive isotope, during a meeting with two Russian spies at a London hotel. Before fleeing Russia for the United Kingdom, Litvinenko had accused Putin of corruption.

Anna Politkovskaya

Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya, who was murdered in an execution-style slaying in 2006. (Novaya Gazeta/Epsilon/Getty Images)

A Russian journalist who accused Putin of creating a police state, Anna Politkovskaya was murdered in 2006 outside her apartment. When five men were convicted of her murder, the judge found it was a contract killing for $150,000, paid by a person unknown.

Viktor Yushchenko

Ukrainian opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin during the 2004 Ukrainian presidential campaign, in which he ran on a pro-Western ticket against pro-Russia Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich. His face and body were disfigured, and he has had dozens of operations as a result.

Sergei Yushenkov

Member of the Russian Parliament Sergei Yushenkov had just registered his Liberal Russia movement as a political party when he was shot to death outside his Moscow home in 2003. Yushenkov, who was active in human rights organizations, was reportedly gathering evidence to prove Putins government was behind the deadly 1999 bombing of an apartment building.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  The National Security Council (NSC) on Thursday said China is using tactics that will divert the attention of the Philippines amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

"Gumagamit po sila ng mga alepores or what we call as operators or proxies which ginagamit nila as force multipliers na iba-iba sinasabi but using a certain script coming from them para pagsabungin tayo," NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya told CNN Philippines' The Source.

[Translation: They are using operators or proxies that they use as force multipliers who say different things but using a certain script coming from them to divide us.]

Malaya said this was what Beijing did when it had several versions of what happened during Manila's recent resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal.

He cited the statement made by Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian who claimed there was a special arrangement between the two countries that allowed the successful delivery of goods to the BRP Sierra Madre. Philippine officials have said they were unaware of such, and maintained that the country does not need to ask for permission for whatever it is doing at the shoal.

READ: PH activities in Ayungin not subject to other country's approval - DFA

The China Coast Guard (CCG), on the other hand, claimed that it issued a "stern warning" and it "effectively regulated our ships," Malaya said.

Radio challenges from China also said "leave and keep calm otherwise you'll take full responsibility for the consequences," Malaya added. There was even a flexing of the water cannon that was meant to intimidate Philippine vessels, he noted.

The NSC official said the best way to counter this tactic, which he called "cognitive warfare," is through raising awareness. The Philippines does this by releasing footage from its resupply missions to show the CCG's actions towards the country's vessels, he said.

The BRP Sierra Madre, a World War II-era ship, was deliberately grounded on Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to serve as Manila's military outpost in the West Philippine Sea.

The shoal 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 Shoal is located. A landmark 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling invalidated China's expansive claims, and ruled largely in favor of Manila in areas of its EEZ and continental shelf that are being claimed by Beijing.
Though the world is constantly evolving, the lessons of the past can have deep relevance to life as we live it today  if only we pay heed.

Listen carefully to the words in Erin Proctors world premiere Plague Play, and youll discover in her take on the 10 Biblical plagues of Egypt more than just a stinging examination of violence begetting violence. It is also a resonant contemplation of envy, love, family, fear, longing, PTSD and the piling on of disasters.

Plague Play opens the second season  all world premieres  for LakehouseRanchDotPNG. The companys name may be a little unwieldy (it evolved from a road trip artistic director Brandon Urrutia and set designer Indy Sulliero once took), but its purpose is clearly defined and something scarce in South Florida theater: producing absurdist and experimental works.

LakehouseRanch presents its plays in the intimate Artistic Vibes space at 8846 SW 129th Terrace, Suite B, Miami (located in an area full of warehouses and offices, Artistic Vibes is on the second floor of a two-story office building). Proctor is one of the companys three resident playwrights; the others are Riley Elton McCarthy, whose rabbit will premiere Nov. 10-19, and MacKenzie Raine, whose play push. premieres Jan. 12-21.

Jedi Weirs Aaron gets a ribbing from Kyran Wrights Moses and Ruki Ettis Miriam in Plague Play. Juan Gamero

Staged by Urrutia, a Florida International University grad like most others in the company, Plague Play is Proctors retelling/interpretation of Chapters 7 to 11 in the Biblical Book of Exodus.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The New York-based playwright uses plenty of contemporary language (including f-bombs), particularly in scenes involving the shifting relationship of brothers Moses (Kyran Wright) and Aaron (Jedhi Weir). But she also summons beautiful imagery in the affectionate exchanges between Mosess wife Tzipporah (Lucy Marie Lopez) and Aarons twin Miriam (Ruki Etti), and the loving memories shared by Moses and Tzipporah. There are laughs, too, as improbable as that may seem in a play about plagues.

For anyone interested in Plague Play, it is helpful to do an internet refresher on the story of Moses and Aaron trying to convince the Pharoah, King Ramses II, to free the enslaved Israelites. Prophet Moses predicts the increasingly horrific plagues visited on the hard-hearted Pharoah and his people, while God works through the increasingly agitated Aaron to deliver them one by one. Having the basic storyline, characters and place names in mind enables a deeper dive into Proctors play.

Urrutia and company meet the scripts creative demands in simple ways. Turning water into blood is accomplished by Leonardo Urbinas lighting. Little plastic frogs emerge from Sullieros set; ditto, the later plague of locusts. Irritating gnats are evoked by the buzzing cast. As Aaron, Weir delivers a vividly disturbing speech about the wild beasts emerging from his body. Plagues of boils, fiery hail, darkness and the death of first-born children follow.

Ruki Etti, Jedhi Weir, Kyran Wright and Lucy Lopez are plunged into darkness in the world premiere of Erin Proctors Plague Play. Juan Gamero

Running about 80 minutes, Plague Play is captivating throughout, even though you realize (thanks to projected words in Hebrew and English) that youre going through a kind of countdown of the plagues. Urrutias staging in the small space and the performances of the four actors take the audience on a journey that, against all odds, remains suspenseful.

Wright plays Moses as a man conflicted by his love for his 7-years-older siblings Aaron and Miriam, and his loyalty to Pharoah, with whom he was raised as a brother. His sibling rivalry scenes with Weirs Aaron and his tender ones with Lopezs Tzipporah are among the most effective in the play.

Weir conveys many of the most intense emotional moments in Plague Play, and at times you can feel his Aaron is on the verge of imploding. His speech about the horrors of war as he refuses to celebrate victory over Pharoah is shattering.

The plays women are different too.

Ruki Etti and Lucy Lopez play the supportive women in the LakehouseRanch world premiere of Erin Proctors Plague Play. Juan Gamero

Lopezs Tzipporah is a loving, worried stranger in a strange land who expresses her concerns but inevitably follows the lead of her beloved Moses. Ettis Miriam is more a salt of the earth type, a solid and sacrificing woman who is quietly vital to the other three. Underlining their distinctiveness, costume (and sound) designer Maleeha Naseer clothes them in different styles and contrasting shades of orange and turquoise (the men wear simple red or yellow shirts, loose pants and sandals).

LakehouseRanch is a young company limited in budget (hence its two-weekend runs) but long on imagination. The talent involved is obvious, and the kind of work Urrutia and his colleagues want to create can add to the rich mosaic of theater in South Florida.

WHAT: World premiere of Plague Play by Erin Proctor

WHERE: LakehouseRanchDotPNG production at Artistic Vibes, 8846 SW 129th Terrace, Suite B (second floor), Miami

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Aug. 27

COST: $15 (discounts for students and artists)

INFORMATION: 786-427-4721 or lakehouseranchdotpng.com

ArtburstMiami.com is a nonprofit media source for the arts featuring fresh and original stories by writers dedicated to theater, dance, visual arts, film, music and more.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi has told U.S. officials that Ukrainian forces are on the verge of a breakthrough in their southern counteroffensive, The Wall Street Journal reported on Aug. 24, citing an unnamed U.S. official.

Read also: Dont mistake the wish ahead of reality  stay grounded in Ukraines successes in Kherson

U.S. and Ukrainian officials have engaged in intense behind-the-scenes debates over Kyiv's counteroffensive tactics and strategy for several weeks, the article says. The U.S. military has urged Ukrainians to concentrate their forces and attempt to breach Russian defenses to reach the Sea of Azov.

During one of the discussions with Washington, Zaluzhnyi responded, "You don't understand the nature of this conflict."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"This is not counterinsurgency; this is Kursk," he said, referring to the major WWII battle between Germany and the Soviet Union.

According to the publication's source, the volume of military equipment (including weapons worth over $43 billion) transferred by the United States to Ukraine is sufficient for this counteroffensive and is unlikely to remain at the same level in 2024.

Read also: Ukraines forces spread too thin for counteroffensive  US officials

"We built up this mountain of steel for the counteroffensive; we can't do that again," a former U.S. official told WSJ.

Read also: US imposes additional sanctions over deportation of Ukrainian children

In the opinion of U.S. officials, Ukraine can still achieve strategic successes. Ukrainian commanders also assert that the time for their counteroffensive has not yet passed, and Zaluzhnyi has informed U.S. officials that Kyivs "forces are on the verge of a breakthrough."

While varying viewpoints exist within the U.S. government, one official has stated that Washington has expressed "serious disappointment" in Ukraine's strategy, particularly President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's attention to the city of Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast.

Read also: Ukrainian military liberates 3 sq km south of Bakhmut in a week, says Malyar

After U.S. officials warned against dispersing troops too much, Ukrainians adjusted their strategy and shifted to defense in the eastern part of Zaporizhzhya Oblast.

However, some sources claim that the Ukrainian forces are still too dispersed for a concentrated offensive in the south. They noted that smaller units of the Ukrainian army attacking on narrow fronts are slowing down the advance and giving Moscow more chances to respond.

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
By Dan Peleschuk

KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed his nation's spirit and defiance in holding out against Russian forces in a rallying speech on Thursday marking Ukraine's Independence Day.

The anniversary was celebrated quietly, and fell exactly 18 months after Moscow's full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022 which has killed tens of thousands of people, forced millions from their homes and devastated towns across Ukraine.

In a video address filmed in front of government buildings in central Kyiv, Zelenskiy thanked Ukrainians - from soldiers to utilities workers and journalists - for their contribution to the country's defence and urged them to reflect on how were contributing to Ukraine's independence.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"In a big war, there are no small deeds," he said. "No unnecessary ones, no unimportant ones."

"And everyone is important in this fight. Because this is a fight for something that is important to everyone. An independent Ukraine," he said.

Fighting did not stop on Thursday. Local Ukrainian officials said at least one person was killed and 16 people were wounded in Russian attacks. Moscow said air defence systems shot down three Ukrainian drones over Russian regions.

A counteroffensive to regain Russian-occupied territory is now in its third month and moving at a slower pace than some Western and Ukrainian officials had expected, but Zelenskiy vowed on Wednesday to regain all occupied territory.

EXHAUSTION BUT HOPE

In his address, Zelenskiy focused much more on current events than the 1991 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

Russia's invasion last year galvanised Ukrainians and inspired waves of volunteers to join the military, donate to the army, or help the cause in other ways.

On Thursday, Ukrainians celebrating in downtown Kyiv - where the charred husks of Russian fighting machines stood on display along the central Khreshchatyk Street - expressed exhaustion but hope that they would prevail.

"They wanted to take Kyiv in three days, and now their tanks are here," said Svitlana, a 71-year-old nurse, referring to Russia's purported plans to quickly take the Ukrainian capital.

Like many others crossing the boulevards and streets of the capital, she wore a traditional embroidered shirt.

Oleksandr, a 41-year-old Kyiv resident walking along Khreshchatyk Street, said he and others "have learned to appreciate the simple moments" of wartime life in Ukraine.

"I hope that we won't lose our drive...because all that's going on is exhausting," he said, standing near a blown-out Russian army vehicle.

"But we have to preserve our dynamic and bring this situation to a logical conclusion," he said.

(Reporting by Yurii Khomenko and Stefaniia Bern; Writing by Dan Peleschuk; Editing by Timothy Heritage)
President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug. 24 that Ukraine was not involved in the reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin , the Wagner Group's founder who was listed as a passenger of a private jet that had crashed in Russia, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported.

"We have no connection to this. Everyone understands who does," Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv.

The private Embraer Legacy aircraft crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in Tver Oblast while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg on the evening of Aug. 23, reportedly killing all 10 people on board.

Prigozhin, who had launched a short-lived rebellion against the Kremlin in late June, is presumed to be among the dead.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the Institute for the Study of War, Putin "almost certainly ordered the Russian military command to shoot down Prigozhin's plane." The cause of the crash and the warlord's death are yet to be confirmed, however.

The Russian media have reported that all 10 bodies have been found and transported to Tver for a forensic examination.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Head of the Presidential Office, commented that "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,'" the official wrote on the platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Read also: Russian media: Private jet crashes in Russia, warlord Prigozhin listed among passengers

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine will not allow its independence to be torn apart, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a speech in Kyiv on Aug. 24, marking 32 years of Ukrainian statehood.

While there have been many attempts throughout history to divide the country, Zelensky said, there has not been a single day since the start of the full-scale invasion that Ukraine lacked unity.

Ukrainians know what they are capable of, while also remembering what their ancestors went through, he added.

Zelensky highlighted that while the majority of the world stands with Ukraine, it is important that Ukraine is able to defend itself.

This defense has a wider impact, he said. Thanks to Ukraine's soldiers, "our country already guarantees common European security."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Zelensky also thanked leaders who understood that without Ukraine, the building of a European community would "be an unfinished construction project."

A number of European leaders were in attendance in Kyiv, including Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. The Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Stoere, and the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljko Komsic.

Ukrainian officials, the prime minister, members of the armed forces and security services, and members of the diplomatic corps were also present.

Zelensky held a moment of silence in memory of those who died fighting for Ukraine's independence throughout history. After the speech, he presented medals to military personnel and posthumous awards to the families of those killed.

Before the event at St. Sophia's Square, the president and First Lady Olena Zelenska laid flowers at the Wall of Remembrance to honor the memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders.

On the morning of Aug. 24, Zelensky released a video address, in which he thanked Ukrainians across society for their sacrifices and actions during the war.

"In a big war, there are no small deeds. No unnecessary ones. No unimportant ones," he said.





Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Portugal has confirmed that it will join international efforts to train Ukrainian pilots and technicians on F-16 fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Aug. 24, as reported by Interfax-Ukraine.

"Portugal is a member of our tank and aviation coalition. Today, Portugal confirmed its readiness to join the training of Ukrainian pilots and engineers on F-16 aircraft," the president said after meeting his Portuguese counterpart Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Kyiv.

Zelensky added that the two leaders discussed further defense cooperation, in particular the supply of armored medical vehicles and mine-clearing equipment.

"We are grateful that Portugal supported the Peace Formula, and participates in joint work with partners in the preparation of the Ukraine-Latin America and Ukraine-Africa summits," the Ukrainian president said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

During the NATO summit in Vilnius in mid-July, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov had announced the official formation of the "fighter jet coalition," a group of 11 countries that will assist Kyiv with training its pilots on F-16s and with acquiring the aircraft itself.

First Ukrainian pilots have already begun their training in Denmark. Reznikov said that he expects it will take at least six to seven months before Ukrainian pilots and technicians are ready to operate the aircraft.

So far, Denmark and the Netherlands have pledged to provide their own F-16s to bolster the Ukrainian Air Force. On Aug. 24, Norwegian news channel TV 2 reported that Oslo also plans to supply its retired U.S.-made jets.

Read also: Media: Norway to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country played no role in a Wednesday plane crash that killed 10 people  allegedly including Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin .

We have no relationship with this, Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv on Thursday, according to the Interfax news agency.

Everyone understands who has a relationship, the Ukrainian leader added.

His remarks follow initial reports from state media that listed Prigozhin as one of the passengers on the plane that crashed in the Tver region of Russia, about 100 miles northwest of Moscow.

Russian officials later confirmed that Prigozhin, 62, was on the plane.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The crash comes two months after the Wagner Groups attempted rebellion to oust the Kremlins military leadership.

Prigozhin, who founded Wagner in 2014, urged his mercenary group to oust Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. They also challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin s justification for the countrys ongoing war with Ukraine.

The Wagner leader ultimately ordered his private army to stop its advance after reaching an agreement in which Russia would drop its charges against him and he would relocate his troops to Belarus.

President Biden was briefed on the plane crash, according to National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson. Watson wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, that no one should be surprised if the reports on the matter were true.

Prigozhin was a longtime ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin before the rebellion. Being known as Putins chef, for his catering contracts at the Kremlin and he also founded the Internet Research Agency, the agency linked to meddling in the 2016 election.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Ukrainian soldiers need to stay motivated, and therefore they need to know that their lives are valued and protected.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a press conference with the Prime Minister of Norway in Kyiv, the president's website reports

Details: Zelenskyy said that for this purpose, Ukraine is negotiating with its partners regarding the provision of armoured evacuation military ambulances.

Quote: "A positive counteroffensive is needed by the whole world, of that I am convinced, because Ukraine is fighting for our common values. I want everyone in the world to finally realise this."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Details: The President emphasised that the success of the Ukrainian counteroffensive depends on many factors, and there are a number of challenges that affect this process.

In particular, Zelenskyy reminded everyone of the high density of landmines in the Ukrainian territories captured by Russia.

Quote: "Thousands of mines, everything is mined, but the soldiers are moving forward; we believe in them."

Ukrainska Pravda is the place where you will find the most up-to-date information about everything related to the war in Ukraine. Follow us on Twitter, support us, or become our patron!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an emotional speech on Sophia Square in the center of Kyiv on Ukraine's Independence Day, Aug. 24, 2023  the second time the national holiday has been held under conditions of full-scale war in the country.

He also awarded honors to Ukrainian soldiers and families of fallen heroes. Those present at the ceremonial events observed a minutes silence in memory of all Ukrainian heroes who had given their lives for Ukraine.

Read also: Land of the proud, heroic and brave  Zaluzhnyi hails Ukrainians on Independence Day

Congratulatory speeches were also delivered by President of the Republic of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre, and Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljko Komsic. The presidents of Lithuania and Portugal delivered their speeches in the Ukrainian language.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

We will not lose grip on our independence and will give Ukraine the strength to always prevail, said Zelenskyy.

Read also: Google congratulates Ukraine on Independence Day with special doodle

The complete transcript of President Zelenskyy's speech follows:

Dear Ukrainian people!

Dear guests of Ukraine, our friends.

Dear Presidents!

Dear Prime Minister!

Representatives of the diplomatic corps!

Today we are all celebrating the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence. 32 years of uninterrupted independence, which will endure. Which we will not allow to be torn apart. And which Ukrainians will not lose grip on.

Here, in the very center of our capital, there is a lot of evidence of how old the history of Ukrainian statehood is. Unfortunately, there is no less memory of how Ukrainian statehood was lost.

How Ukrainians had to fight for freedom and independence against invaders. How our people always had enough heroism and courage, but sometimes lacked unity. How Ukrainians had to fight against the invaders. How, unfortunately, sometimes the invaders managed to become occupiers. How they destroyed the lives of entire generations of our people. And how Ukrainians fought for their land and freedom for generations. And how they gained their freedom. How they prevailed. How they preserved themselves. Preserved Ukraine. And managed to make Ukrainian independence uninterrupted.

Dear attendees!

Please observe a moment of silence in memory of Ukrainian heroes of different times who fought for the freedom and independence of Ukraine and gave their lives for it.

Thank you.

Dear people!

We will not lose grip on Ukrainian independence. We are all united by this feeling.

We remember what the Ukrainian people went through. We see the threats. We are fighting the enemy. And we know what we are capable of. We are capable of winning! And we will prevail! Ukrainian children in Ukrainian squares and streets will celebrate Ukrainian independence in the same way. Our grandchildren will celebrate. And their grandchildren. Together with the friends of our state. With Ukraine's allies and partners. The ones Ukraine will choose for itself. Always freely. And there will never be any more pauses in Ukrainian history.

We will give Ukraine the strength it needs to always prevail. And we will be tough on anyone who tries to undermine, trade, or weaken Ukraine's power from within. And there will be appropriate legislative initiatives. In the near future.

We will cherish our unity. When Russia invaded with a full-scale war, there was not a single day that Ukraine lacked unity. And so Russia had no opportunity to use anything against us, against Ukraine. Everything is only for Ukraine now.

The world hears and supports Ukraine. The world's majority stands with Ukraine and helps. But no matter what happens in the world, Ukraine must be able to defend itself. Always. For a long time, our country did not have the necessary defense production, and now it does. I thank everyone who is developing them today. And we will create more. For a long time, the bravery of our warriors did not have the experience of using the world's best weapons, and now our state gives Ukrainian warriors such weaponry. And I thank everyone who helps us with it. For a long time, there were attempts to artificially divide Ukraine into camps to make it impossible for our country to join the right alliance. Ukrainian courage deserves to be in the world's best alliances only. Ukraine deserves to be among the leaders of the world. And it will be! Our country already guarantees common European security. This security is impossible without your strength, Ukrainian warriors. Without the potential of Ukraine. Without the freedom and labor of our entire country, all our people. Without Ukraine, our common European home can only be an unfinished construction project. And I thank every leader who understands this.

This morning in my address on Independence Day, I thanked everyone who makes Ukrainian independence so strong that it is one of the foundations of European independence. I thanked our warriors. Every citizen of Ukraine - everyone for whom citizenship is not just a passport. Those who work for the sake of Ukraine and our people. I thanked our Ukrainian teachers, medical workers, combat medics, volunteers, rescuers, sappers, firefighters, police, and power engineers. All those who support the morale of Ukrainians. Our talents. Everyone who produces weapons for Ukraine. Who provides transportation for Ukraine. Who prays for Ukrainians. Our farmers. Ukrainian businesses that pay taxes and create jobs. Ukrainian strength always lies in people. In adults and children. In everyone. In everyone who cares about Ukraine. About each other. And about independence. And it is impossible to gather all our people in one square to thank them. But today, here, in this square, there are Ukrainians who deserve personal gratitude. And it is an honor for me to present you with the state awards of Ukraine on the occasion of Independence Day.

Dear attendees!

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen!

Ukraine's partners are here with us today. Gitanas, Mr. President of Lithuania. A powerful friend of Ukraine. A defender of freedom. Jonas, Mr. Prime Minister of Norway. A leader who deserves to be a role model for other heads of state. Mr. President of Portugal. I thank you, Mr. President, for the truly heartfelt warmth with which the Portuguese people sheltered our people at the beginning of the war. Mr. Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. For the first time in Ukraine, but sincerely with Ukraine. East, north, west and south of Europe. Our common home.

Our Europe is indeed united by many things. But the key thing is respect. Respect for people. Respect for freedom. Respect for bravery. And respect for Ukraine.

Congratulations, Ukraine, on your Independence Day!

Glory to Ukraine!

Read also: Lukashenko sends cynical peace greetings on Ukraine's Independence Day

Were bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!

Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hinted Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was behind the mysterious crash in Russia on Aug. 23 of the business jet carrying Wagner mercenary company boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is through to have been killed.

Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Ukrainian Independence Day, Zelenskyy also denied that Ukraine had anything to do with the crash of Prigozhin's plane, news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported.

Read also: After Prigozhin's death Kremlin to try to take control over Wagner mercenary company, says ex-CIA director

"We have nothing to do with it. Everyone understands who is involved," Zelenskyy said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

An Embraer-135 plane crashed in Russia's Tver Oblast on Aug. 23. Russian media reported that it belonged Prigozhin. Russian Telegram news channels spread various versions of the cause of the crash, including a strike by an S-300 air defense missile or an explosion on board.

Read also: Wagner mercenaries actively dismantling camp in Belarus, satellite imagery shows

Late in the evening, the Russian Air Transport Agency confirmed that Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin (Prigozhin's deputy, whose call sign Wagner was used to name the company) were on board the jet. The incident occurred exactly two months after the start of Wagners failed "mutiny" against the Russian government in late June.

In addition to them, the bodies of eight other people were found at the site. According to media reports, they included close associates of Prigozhin and participants in the war in Syria, as well as the planes three crew members.

Russian journalist Andrei Zakharov said Prigozhin and Wagner's "command staff" were returning from Africa. Meanwhile, the Russian news outlet Agentstvo reported that Prigozhin boarded his plane only in Moscow.

The cause of the crash is unknown. According to the Baza Telegram news channel, the pilots did not inform air traffic controllers about any emergency. Russian Telegram channels mentioned various possible causes  two air defense missiles hitting the plane by mistake or a terrorist attack on board.

Read also: Putin most likely behind Prigozhin's alleged death, says former British army chief

Russian propaganda media reported that one theory is that an explosive device was planted in the planes landing gear compartment.

At the time of the crash, Russian leader Putin was in Kursk Oblast attending a concert dedicated to the "80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk".

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
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  Bureau of Corrections chief Gregorio Catapang said there is no mass grave in the New Bilibid Prison, weeks after authorities found a septic tank with alleged human remains, but were later clarified as chicken bone.

RELATED: Bone found in Bilibid septic tank not human  NBI

Catapang cited the result of the forensic exam conducted on the bone extracted from the septic tank.

Wala namang mass grave. So we already submitted to DOJ (Department of Justice) and Congress na finally na resolve na yung issue. Kung wala naman talagang mass grave, di so be it, he told reporters.

[Translation: There is no mass grave. So we already reported to the DOJ and Congress that the issue has finally been resolved. If there really isn't a mass grave, then so be it.]

Authorities checked the three septic tanks when inmate Michael Cataroja was reported missing. It turned out that Cataroja escaped from the maximum security compound.

READ: Bilibid escapee disguised as visitor to evade security

Bale, tatlong septic tank, negative lahat. Negative for human remains, Catapang said.

[Translation: Three septic tanks were all negative for human remains.]

Catapang led Thursday the release of almost 900 inmates from different prison facilities in the country.
As of today, three countries  the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway  have confirmed their readiness to supply Ukraine with the F16 fighter jets after the training of pilots and engineers.

Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with Jonas Gahr Stre, Prime Minister of Norway, in Kyiv, cited by Ukrinform

Quote: "There are three countries that have agreed to provide the F-16s for Ukraine after the training: Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway. We are very grateful to these three states."

Details: Zelenskyy has thanked the head of the Norwegian government for the "important and historic" decision to supply Ukraine with aircraft.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

He has also expressed his gratitude to the US, as the F-16 fighter jets are American technology.

At the same time, to a question about whether Ukraine is being supplied with enough F-16s, Zelenskyy replied: "It is hard to speak about the quantity. I think we should be grateful for any amount. What makes you think there will be a few of them? Well see."

Background: On 24 August, the media reported that Norway was ready to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, two of them for training. The exact quantity is being discussed.

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!
For the first time as president of Liberty University, Dondi Costin addressed the student body at the colleges semiweekly convocation.

The university announced Costin as its sixth president, along with Jonathan Falwell as chancellor, last spring. Costin took over from previous interim president Jerry Prevo.

The universitys new president told the student body Wednesday morning his assignment for the day was to tell you a portion of my testimony.

Costin said he learned everything he needed to know about life in Sunday school. He learned Jesus Christs mother was a virgin, Jesus lived a virtuous life, he got a vicarious death on my behalf and hes coming back with a visible return.

At 7 years old  I went to my parents and said, Mom and Dad, I know Im only seven, but I think I know everything I need to know about being a Christian, he said.

Costin went on to tell students everything you will really ever need to know, can be learned at Liberty.

God has brought you here for a reason. God has made you for a mission, hes preparing you for that purpose, adding, in his place, hes surrounding you with faculty and staff and others who love you with an everlasting love that comes not from themselves, but comes from God himself.

Costin said the lesson he wants students to take away from convocation is, there is a God, and youre not him.

He said its one of the lessons he learned as a teenager when God called him to ministry, something Costin did not want to do as one of his fears was public speaking.

Costin referred to the story of Moses in the Bible, along with Exodus 3 and 4, explaining within those chapters, he saw a picture of himself: a guy who was questioning his ability, questioning Gods sufficiency and ministry.

The job description of God is that God could tell us what he wants us to do, and when God tells us what he wants us to do, our job is to do exactly what God wants us to do, he said.

Samuel Parker, a sophomore majoring in history, said one of the things that stood out to him was Costins discussion on Exodus 4, where he talked about Moses and all the things he was held back by.

Overall, Parker said the speech from Costin was inspiring, because Costin spoke about a similar fear he had growing up, public speaking.

He wasnt sure that he could do it, really; and that kind of warms my heart because it makes me feel like I can do that, too, Parker said.

Costin also talked about his journey, saying he had no idea what even college really was all about.

LUs president said his parents didnt attend college and he didnt know how he would go; but he said God made a way for him to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy.

After the academy, Costin went to Fort Walton Beach in Florida, where he became an industrial engineer evaluating air ground weapon systems, laser-guided bombs and maverick missiles.

He said after a year and a half of working as an industrial engineer, he finally said yes to joining the ministry.

Costin said after several years, he accepted Gods call and learned about Liberty University.

Before the internet, before cell phones, God knew that Liberty University was exactly what I needed, and he put Liberty University right in my lap just as he has done to you, he said.

Costin added, I stand before you today as a Liberty University trained champion for Christ. Everything I needed to know about my life I learned at Liberty University.

Jonah Davis, a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering, said he thought the message from Costin was phenomenal.

Davis said his initial thoughts of the new president is he is the right man for the job.

Im looking forward to seeing him and hearing from him in the future, he said.

Costin ended by instilling into students, there is a God, and youre not him.

God wants you to be the answer to somebodys prayers and all you have to say to God is yes. You can make a difference, or you make excuses, but you cannot do both at the same time Costin said.
TOKYO, Aug 24 ( Reuters ) - Chinese group tours are back in Japan but anyone banking on them arriving in droves and splashing around cash like they did before the pandemic is likely to be disappointed.

An ANA Holdings flight on Wednesday (Aug 23) evening brings in the first package tour visitors from Beijing since China lifted its pandemic-era restrictions on the trips to Japan and other key markets including the United States.

But hopes the return of packaged tours will herald big returns for department stores, hotels and restaurants in Japan are clashing with a Chinese economy struggling to post significant growth and Japan's controversial plans to release treated wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

Before the pandemic, mainland Chinese - who largely prefer to travel abroad in tour groups - accounted for the biggest number of tourists to Japan. They also spent the most.

But since Japan eased its own pandemic border controls late last year, the number of Chinese tourists has only recovered to about 20% of 2019 levels, partly because of China's delay in adding Japan to a list of approved nations for tour groups. ...continue reading
TOKYO, Aug 24 ( News On Japan ) - A bear called "OSO18" that attacked more than 60 cows in Hokkaido over the past four years was exterminated on Tuesday.

The bear launched the attacks late at night or during the early morning, selectively targeting cows that were grazing or moving through streams. Due to its elusive nature, leaving almost no trace, the feared beast was referred to as the "Ninja Bear."

The first attack occurred in the town of Shikaribetsu in eastern Hokkaido in July 2019, when one cow had its back torn open while grazing in the Osotsubetu district.

The bear was called "OSO18" from the name of the site and a 18 cm wide footprint found at the scene.

A total of 66 cows were attacked over four years in Shikaribetsu town and the neighboring town of Akkeshi.

With each cow valued at several hundred thousand yen, the damage bill amounts to around 33 million yen.
Shae McGinnis and Justin Butcher graduated from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in a ceremony held Aug. 18 in West Des Moines.

The graduation ceremony was attended by family, friends, and law enforcement officials from across the state.

McGinnis and Butcher were part of the 309th graduating class and completed the academys rigorous 16-week training program, which consists of coursework in policing communications, criminal law, physical fitness and emergency response. The officers also received training in patrol procedures, investigations and tactical and administrative skills.

Attorney General Brenna Bird congratulated the graduates, welcoming them onstage as they were presented with their diplomas by ILEA Director Brady Carney.

"Our law enforcement officers are heroes, Bird said in a news release. They put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. I congratulate Officer McGinnis and Officer Butcher for answering the call to serve and protect. I am so proud of our law enforcement for this accomplishment, and Iowa communities thank you. Know that our brave men and women in blue will always have an ally in the Attorney General's office.

Both Officer McGinnis and Officer Butcher will serve with the Council Bluffs Police Department.
NEW YORK (AP)  About 2 in 3 Americans say their household expenses have risen over the last year, but only about 1 in 4 say their income has increased in the same period, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription.
Somalia has become the latest nation in Africa whose government has ordered a ban on TikTok, citing the urgent need to curb the spread of indecent images and extremist propaganda.

For years, governments around the world, including in Africa, have assailed social media for their role in spreading disinformation, inciting violence, and provoking uprisings.

Authorities in Somalia have now ordered a ban on TikTok, Telegram, and gambling site 1XBet, asked to remove the apps for the first time, giving internet providers until 24 August to comply with the order. The minister of communications orders internet companies to stop the aforementioned applications, which terrorists and immoral groups use to spread constant horrific images and misinformation to the public, according to a statement released by the communication ministry.

This is the first official attempt by the authorities to shut down platforms on social media that comes as Somalia doubles down on its counteroffensive against the al-Shabab militant group, whose members are known to regularly use TikTok and Telegram to post about their activities.

Only two weeks ago  in one of the most extreme responses by a government yet  Senegal not only imposed a temporary ban on TikTok on all wireless phone networks, but it also temporarily blocked access to the entire Internet on mobile devices. According to the government, the shutdown was intended to prevent the spread of hateful and subversive messages by individuals who threaten to destabilize the country after dozens of people were killed in protests across the country.

The social media platform is now purportedly facing an indefinite suspension in Senegal, marking its inaugural ban on the African continent. However, while the Senegal suspension is more likely to be driven by political motives, the usual regulatory challenges the platform encounters worldwide concern issues like data privacy and content moderation issues.

This may be more the case of Kenya, where a petitioner has called on members of parliament to ban the use of popular social media application TikTok, decrying that while it has gained popularity among the youth in the country, it is exposing young people to explicit sexual content and is thus a serious threat to cultural and religious morals in the society.
Hong Kong: SJ visits Chengdu with delegation

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam today led a delegation from Hong Kongs legal and dispute resolution sector to attend the sixth Hong Kong Legal Services Forum in Chengdu.

The Department of Justice (DoJ) has held the forum on a biennial basis in different Mainland cities since 2010. This years forum was the first since the beginning of COVID-19.

Under the theme Sichuan, Chongqing & Hong Kong Join Hands for a Brighter Future, the forum explored various legal matters relevant to Sichuan and Chongqing enterprises in relation to international trade and foreign investment. It also introduced the audience to Hong Kongs international legal and dispute resolution services.

The forum attracted more than 1,000 local legal practitioners and trade representatives.

In his opening address, Mr Lam noted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Sichuan Provincial Government had signed a co-operation memorandum in September 2021.

The memorandum outlined that the DoJ and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council would co-stage the Hong Kong Legal Services Forum in Sichuan at an appropriate time. Mr Lam said todays event was the implementation of the commitment made between Hong Kong and Sichuan two years ago.

Mr Lams address was followed by two plenary sessions, as well as breakout sessions, focused on demonstrating effective dispute resolution through mediation and arbitration. More than 30 leaders from Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution sector shared their insights.

Yesterday, Mr Lam and his delegation visited Chengdus Tianfu Central Legal Services District, the first such district to be promoted at a provincial level in the country.

Regulations promulgated in July pertaining to Sichuan Tianfu New Area outlined clear support for the district to develop commercial arbitration, mediation, and foreign-related legal services. They also gave full backing for legal service bodies, including those from Hong Kong, to commence business activities in the Tianfu New Area.

Mr Lam will depart tonight for Beijing, where he will attend seminar on legal challenges relating to the Belt & Road Initiative tomorrow.

This story has been published on: 2023-08-24. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
Joint patrol with neighboring countries necessary and crucial in cracking down on cross-border telecom fraud: Chinese experts

09:19, August 24, 2023 By Fan Anqi ( Global Times

Two suspects of telecom fraud are handed over by Myanmar to the Chinese police at Yangon International Airport and escorted back to China on August 23, 2023. Photo: Chinese Embassy in Myanmar

As telecom fraud has become increasingly rampant along the southwestern border of China, multiple regions in Southwest China's Yunnan Province have launched a new round of intensive anti-fraud campaigns. Officials warned that if individuals are lured to scam dens on the border, they may be sold "like pigs" and subjected to torture, or even face life-threatening situations.

To combat cross-border crime, the Mekong River joint patrol consisting of law-enforcement authorities from China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand are actively taking action, which experts said are necessary and crucial in cracking down on illegal activities, given the complex security situation in border areas and the high mobility of criminal gangs.

With the exposure of a series of scams under the guise of high-paying overseas jobs and the surprise hit movie No More Bets revealing the inner workings of online gambling fraud, the topic has drawn widespread attention among the Chinese public and particularly from public security services in Yunnan, which neighbors Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam and has been one the main locations of these crimes.

According to data released by Yunnan's capital city of Kunming, from January to December 2022, the proportion of fraud cases involving overseas phone numbers accounted for 22 percent of the total in the city. So far in 2023, these cases have reached 14 percent of the total.

Various localities in Yunnan have issued warnings in recent days, noting that once people are smuggled to foreign countries, it is not well-paid jobs that are waiting for them but scam dens, where they will be forced to engage in illegal activities. Personal freedom is certainly restricted, and they will be required to complete large amounts of fraud tasks every day. Failure to complete the tasks may result in torture such as forced fasting, electric shocks and beatings.

If they want to return to China, they are required to pay exorbitant "compensation" and "ransom" up to millions of yuan; if they fail to complete their tasks, they may be sold "like pigs" and even face life-threatening situations, said the warnings.

A Chinese national who has been living in Myanmar for almost 10 years told media on Wednesday that Chinese students studying abroad have become the new targets for scams, as they may not have timely access to the latest information at home and in turn have lower vigilance against scam calls.

Joint patrols with neighboring countries were launched on Tuesday as a fleet consisting of five law-enforcement vessels - three from China, one from Laos and one from Myanmar - departed from the Jingha Port in Yunnan as part of efforts to combat cross-border crimes arising from gambling scams in the Mekong River basin, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

Six suspects of telecom fraud were handed over by Myanmar to the Chinese police at Yangon International Airport and escorted back to China on Wednesday. One of the suspects is a key figure in a gambling fraud syndicate and a prime target in the crackdown, media reports said.

In June, the first batch of six suspects involved in fraud cases in Myanmar were returned to China.

Experts noted that as transnational gambling fraud is even more lucrative than drug trafficking and very difficult to eradicate, it is necessary and crucial for countries in the region to collaborate in targeted operations.

Wu Fei, an expert on Southeast Asia studies, pointed out that some fraud groups are scattered in remote areas of northern Myanmar and have connections with gangs involved in the "Golden Triangle" drug trade, making it more difficult to combat them. After they establish a foothold in underdeveloped regions, these fraud groups can "stimulate" local economies and thus prompt the protection and even involvement of local officials, Wu told the Global Times on Wednesday.

As many hideouts are located in border areas with strong mobility and networks in Southeast Asia, it is extremely challenging for a single country to conduct operations such as victim rescue or gathering information about crime hotspots, Wu noted.

The importance of combating cross-border fraud and related crimes lies not only in maintaining a country's image but also in ensuring the development of tourism and international trade.

This is particularly concerning as the tourism industry is a vital sector for many Southeast Asian countries, the expert said.

What's more, the worrisome security situation may also hamper the timely restoration of people-to-people exchanges in the post-pandemic period, causing unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.

The Chinese, Thai, and Laotian ambassadors to Myanmar held a trilateral meeting to coordinate efforts in combating gambling fraud, according to a notice issued by the Chinese Embassy on Tuesday.

The three parties unanimously agreed that the current prevalence of gambling fraud in the region seriously undermines the safety of people's lives and property. They are fully coordinating with Myanmar authorities to conduct investigations and rescue operations, as well as assisting Myanmar in intensifying efforts to combat fraud syndicates.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  The Office of the Ombudsman has found probable cause to file graft charges against former Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, former PS-DBM procurement group director and now Overall Deputy Ombudsman Warren Rex Liong, and other officials for their involvement in the irregular procurement of COVID-19 test kits from Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation.

The Aug. 14 decision signed by Ombudsman Samuel Martires and released on Thursday called for the filing of three graft charges against Lao, Liong, and PS-DBM Procurement Management Officer Paul Jasper de Guzman, and Pharmally executives Mohit Dargani, Twinkle Dargani, Linconn Ong, Huang Tzu Yen, and Justine Garado,

Meanwhile, it recommended one graft charge against ex-PS-DBM executives Christine Marie Suntay, Webster Laurenana, August Ylagan, and Jasonmer Uayan and Pharmally employee Krizle Mago.

It also found Lao, Liong, De Guzman, Laurenana, Ylagan, Uayan, and Suntay guilty on administrative charges. They are facing dismissal from service with forfeiture of all their retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification from government work.

Lao resigned from PS-DBM in 2020, so he is required to pay a fine equivalent to a year's salary.

An administrative case was filed against them for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service for inking the three deals with Pharmally, which is accused of cornering billions of pesos in supply deals with the help of former and incumbent government officials.

The three transactions in 2020 were for a combined 51,400 units of RT-PCR test kits, with costs totaling 4.165 billion.

The Ombudsman said that without the individual acts of the respondents, the procurement of the test kits would not have materialized.

"Respondents' concerted and conspirational acts enabled the award of a multibillion worth of contract to Pharmally notwithstanding the existence of other corporations that are financially and technically capable to supply and deliver test kits at an equal or lower prices," a portion of the decision said.

The Ombudsman added that the award of the procurement contract to Pharmally despite the firms financial and technical incapabilities as well as lack of business experience, amounts to respondents willful intent to violate the Government Procurement Reform Act and the rules of the Government Procurement Policy Board.

It noted that Pharmally was incorporated in September 2019, barely seven months before the initial delivery of the test kits, and yet the contract for billions of pesos worth of test kits was awarded.

Having a paid-up capital of only 625,000, the award to Pharmally of the contract to supply and deliver test kits worth over four billion pesos is highly improbable. the Ombudsman wrote.

Martires said those implicated are allowed to challenge the recommendation by filing a motion for reconsideration.

Meanwhile, the office dismissed the charges filed against other respondents for insufficiency of evidence.

In February 2022, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee recommended graft, corruption, and plunder charges against Pharmally executives and several public officials, including Lao and former Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, for transferring more than 41 billion from the DOHs COVID-19 fund to the PS-DBM, a portion of which was used to purchase medical goods from Pharmally.

The subject of the Ombudsmans preliminary probe only covered the procurement of test kits, but government officials and Pharmally were also linked to irregularities in the purchase of face masks, surgical gowns, personal protective equipment, and face shields.

Both Lao and Liong, as well as the Pharmally executives, have previously denied the allegations against them.

READ: Pharmally to challenge Ombudsmans graft charges recommendation

No plunder charges?

Senator Francis Chiz Escudero welcomed the recommendation but questioned why plunder charges were not included.

The wheels of justice may be slow but [continue] to grind nevertheless, he said in a statement. I wonder why plunder charges were not recommended given the amount involved which clearly exceeds the threshold of 50M for plunder.

Senator Risa Hontiveros and former Senate President Franklin Drilon meanwhile commended the Ombudsman's move, which it said serves as a warning to all corrupt individuals.

Mahalagang hakbang ito tungo sa pagsingil ng accountability at hustisya laban sa mga taong nasa likod ng kahindik-hindik na pagsasayang at maling paggamit ng limitadong pondo ng pamahalaan habang naghihirap ang mga Pilipino sa gitna ng pandaigdigang pandemya, Hontiveros said.

[Translation: This is an important step towards seeking justice and accountability from those behind the outrageous misuse of limited public funds while Filipinos were suffering during the global pandemic.]

Drilon also expressed hope that the development will lead to the unmasking of all those involved in the anomaly, including Laos backer.
An Egyptian judge investigating states legal action against 85 organizations for getting foreign funds to finance 2011 revolution dropped Tuesday August 22 charges against 75 nonprofit organizations, lifted travel ban imposed on them and unfroze their assets, the justice ministry has indicated.

Investigations have concluded for 75 organizations, with orders of non-prosecution (dismissal orders) issued for them, the ministry said but added that it closely monitors the decisions issued by the investigating judge and will work on implementing these decisions and their resulting legal effects with utmost precision, in order to uphold the principle of the rule of law.

The remaining organizations are near to completing their investigations, while others remain unresolved, the department stressed.

Egypt in January 2011 was shaken by a revolution that swept away the regime of the autocratic leader Hosni Mubarak. Authorities believed the revolution was funded by foreign money sent to NGOs.

When he rose to power through a coup in 2013, incumbent leader Fattah al Sisis administration stepped up crackdown on NGOs, freezing their assets and banning their personnel from international travel.

In 2020, the parliament adopted the bylaws of a new NGO law aimed at regulating the activities of the myriad of NGOs operating within the country.
Maxime Jeoffroy Eli Mokom Gawaka, an alleged militia leader in the Central African Republic (CAR), is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to face 20 counts of war crime and crime against humanity charges over allegations of atrocities committed by his self-proclaimed self-defense militias, most notably by coordinating revenge attacks against Muslims in the CAR in 2013 and 2014.

In a three-day hearing at The Hague-based ICC that started on Tuesday (22 August), war crime prosecutors are seeking to convince the ICC judges that there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the 44-year-old Mokom for his alleged role in directing murder, rape, pillaging and destruction of property as well as attacks against religious buildings, including mosques.

During the pre-trial hearing, judges heard that with the suspects support, Anti-Balaka militia attacks virtually drove the Muslim population out of the capital, Bangui, who then walked for weeks across the border to neighboring Chad and Cameroon, as hundreds of thousands were internally displaced and forced to endure inadequate food, shelter, and sanitation. The ex-militia leader has denied any involvement in the bloodshed a decade ago, telling judges in The Hague he was dedicated to the search for peace.

Mokom said he returned to the CAR in February 2014 during the height of the violence after fleeing to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to search for peace, rather than engage in war.

CAR, one of the vulnerable countries in the world, was plunged into bloody sectarian conflict after Seleka rebels, a coalition of armed groups mainly composed of Muslims, ousted president Francois Bozize in early 2013. In reaction to the capture of Bangui by the Selaka rebels, the Mokom-led self-proclaimed self-defense militias made up mostly of Christian and animist fighters reportedly attacked the capital city, while creating terror within the civilian population and using them as human shields to achieve their aims, according to a lawyer representing victims in the case. After listening to the prosecution, the defense and the legal representatives of the victims, the ICC judges will decide if Mokom should stand trial.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) announced on Wednesday it has launched the second phase of its Star Venture program to support the growth of 8 Moroccan startups.

The program, financially supported by Korea, aims to identify high-potential startups and mobilize global expertise to help them develop rapidly, the EBRD said in a press release.

Star Venture has demonstrated its full potential by making a significant contribution to the growth and success of the five start-ups that participated in the program first phase, the press release said, citing the example of Pipip Yallah specialized in car-sharing, Deepecho in the field of artificial intelligence applied to healthcare, and Weego, specialized in sustainable mobility.

The startups achieved significant growth following the tailored 18-month support and resources provided under the program.

In the statement announcing the launch of the program, EBRD invites prospective startups to apply through their official website before September 24.

An expert panel will convene at an event hosted by the EBRD in early October to choose the eight startups that will join the second cohort.

EBRD is proud to offer essential support to promising Moroccan startups and contribute to the sustainable economic development of Morocco, the European bank said.

Currently deployed in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) regions, including Morocco, as well as in the Western Balkans, Turkey, Bulgaria, Moldavia and Romania, the Star Venture program already supports over 350 early-stage companies worldwide.

Drawing on an international network of mentors, advisors, and investors, Star Venture offers personalized support to young companies for 18 months to help them unleash their full potential, while supporting gas pedals to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The primary aim of the program is to identify promising young companies, with a view to helping them improve their operational efficiency and foster rapid growth.
The Russian warlord at the head of the Wagner mercenary group that had been operating in several African countries has been reportedly killed in a business jet crash northwest of Moscow on Wednesday (23 August).

Russias Federal Agency for Air Transport reported to have initiated an investigation of the crash of a plane en route from Moscow to St Petersburg that occurred in the Tver Region, killing all ten passengers on board. Wagner Groups founders, Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin were included in the list of passengers of the crashed flight, but it was not immediately clear if Prigozhin had boarded the flight. Some reports have indicated that the plane was downed by Russian air defenses. Just hours earlier, General Sergei Surovikin, who allegedly had advance knowledge of the Wagner mutiny and had not been seen in public even since, was removed from his post as head of Russias air force.

Russian President Vladimir Putin almost certainly ordered Russias military command to shoot down the plane on which Prigozhin was reported to be traveling, Washington, DC-based think tank, The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), has said. According to the ISW, Putin likely calculated that he could remove Prigozhin without turning him into a martyr for the remaining Wagner personnel after having successfully undermined and separated the Wagner boss from his mercenary force over recent months. If finally confirmed, the death in a plane crash of the man who humiliated Putin comes as little surprise to most Russia observers, but many now question if his mercenary group can survive without him.

Following Wagners failed coup attempt in late June, Prigozhin appeared to have tried to claw back some of the influence he had acquired through his operation in Africa at the Kremlins behest. He had put out a statement backing the coup in Niger and this week had posted a video from somewhere in Africa, insisting he was recruiting for operations in the continent. While the Kremlin recently has been more directly courting the military leaders of countries in the Sahel itself, much of Wagners African empire relied on the unscrupulous connections that Prigozhin and his close associates had forged over the years. The possible death of Wagners boss is thus a source of a great concern for African leaders from Mali to Central African Republic to Libya because, as former air vice-marshal Sean Bell recently put it, If the Wagner group is Yevgeny Prigozhin, then its difficult to see how it will survive. Its the end of it as we know it.
African countries have called on China, Africas largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, to shift the focus of the economic relationship from building infrastructure on the continent to supporting local industrialization.

With China trade with Africa having surged in 2022 by 14.8% year-on-year to reach $282 billion, the Asian powerhouse has been Africas largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, and the commerce between the two sides has sustained rapid growing momentum in the first seven months this year, according to Chinese authorities. And while Beijing has also been the biggest financier of infrastructure in Africa, African countries now want China to shift its focus from building infrastructure on the continent to local industrialization, Chinas top Africa diplomat said on Tuesday (22 August) on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg. African integration is already escalating and many African countries (have) asked China to consider (a) shift (of) our focus, the Director-General of Chinas Department of African Affairs at its foreign ministry, Wu Peng, stated.

Wu also added that the change was needed especially considering the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which was launched at the start of 2021 and is intended to enable African countries to trade tariff-free in future. China will further step up support for Africas industrialization and economic integration, as part of efforts by the two sides to enhance solidarity and cooperation as the world is undergoing a turbulent transformation, according to top Chinese officials. During his visit to Pretoria, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that China firmly supports Africa in promoting its industrialization and agricultural modernization. Chinas support for Africas industrialization and economic integration was also high on the agenda of the China-Africa Leaders Dialogue on Thursday (24 August).
The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have extended their collaboration to aid Africas economic growth through a safer, more connected, and sustainable aviation industry.

AFRAAs Secretary General Berthe and IATA regional vice-president for Africa & Middle East Kamil Alawadhi signed a Letter of Intent for the renewal of the existing Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations.

The collaboration MoU, signed in 2018, provides a framework to synergize joint efforts by AFRAA and IATA to aid Africas economic growth through a safer, more connected and sustainable aviation industry.

The deal focuses on several areas including building airline resilience through capacity building activities; attainment of cost containment on user charges and taxes; enhancement of intra-African connectivity through supporting the implementation of the Single African Aar Transport Market (SAATM); and reduction of carbon emissions in aviation, as aligned with ICAOs strategy on environment.

The renewal of the MoU between AFRAA and IATA is a noteworthy testament of the commitment of our two organizations to better serve the air transport industry and deliver our respective mandates for the African region. Through the enhanced collaboration, the MoU facilitates the realization of AFRAA and IATAs common vision for the development of a safe, secure and sustainable aviation industry in Africa, said Berthe.
Morocco has donated 100 tons of fertilizer to El Salvador to support the countrys agricultural development, according to an announcement made Wednesday by the government of this Central American country.

The shipment arrived at the port of Acajutla wherein the fertilizer was placed in a storage facility ahead of its distribution to farmers.

Salvadoran Deputy Foreign Minister Adriana Mira and Minister of Agriculture Oscar Guardado as well as Moroccos Deputy Chief of Mission in El Salvador, Brahim Baddi, attended a ceremony held on this occasion.

The Moroccan diplomat said this donation reflects the strong diplomatic ties existing between the two countries, and is a token of solidarity.

Last year, Vice President of El Salvador Felix Ulloa visited Morocco and expressed his countrys firm support for the Kingdoms territorial integrity, affirming that the autonomy plan is the only solution to the Sahara regional dispute.

Last October, El Salvador opened an embassy in Rabat, the first in the African continent. The move shows San Salvadors strong desire to advance relations with Rabat, setting a bridge between Africa and Latin America.

During his visit to the North African Kingdom, the Vice-President of El Salvador had voiced his countrys desire to strengthen cooperation ties with Morocco, especially in the fields of agriculture, fishing, renewable energies and security.
The members of the United Nations Security Council have lauded Moroccos efforts and its highly appreciated contributions to resolve the crisis in Libya.

In a statement adopted unanimously on Wednesday in New York, the Security Council members expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Morocco for hosting the 6+6 Committee in Bouznika from 22 May to 6 June 2023.

This distinction from the executive body of the United Nations is a clear and an unequivocal UN and international recognition of the commendable efforts made by Morocco, in accordance with the high instructions of King Mohammed VI, to support the efforts of the Libyan parties, the United Nations, and the international community aimed at finding a definitive solution to the Libyan crisis that guarantees Libyas national unity, territorial integrity, peace, stability, and progress.

In the statement, the members of the Security Council reaffirmed their support for the mediation and good offices role of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Abdoulaye Bathily, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions, building mainly on the Libyan Political Agreement adopted in Skhirat in 2015 as well as on progress in the 6+6 Committee negotiations aimed at producing viable electoral laws.

This high appreciation by the Security Council towards the Kingdom follows those expressed by the spokesperson for the UN Secretary General, the United Nations Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), the African Union and the League of Arab States which had all commended Morocco for hosting the 6+6 Committee and the Kingdoms credible efforts to help the Libyan parties reach a solution to the conflict in the country.
A Lexington woman will serve 6 1/2 years in federal prison for drug trafficking.

Sanjuana Garcia-Ramirez, 40, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession of methamphetamines with the intent to distribute. She was sentenced Thursday in Omaha by U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher, according to a press release from acting U.S. Attorney Susan Lehr.

After release, Garcia-Ramirez will begin a four-year term of supervised release.

According to Lehr's press release, officers went to Garcia-Ramirez's Lexington residence on Jan. 5, 2021, where they believed she was selling methamphetamine. At the time Garcia-Ramirez was in the Nebraska problem-solving court program for a previous methamphetamine conviction.

At the home, officers found 53 grams of meth, which they believed Garcia-Ramirez intended to distribute.

The investigation revealed Garcia-Ramirez used her cellphone to facilitate her drug trafficking. Messages revealed her asking a drug buyer, How much are you wanting, and providing the buyer with the quantity and price of the drugs she could sell.

In a December 2020 message, Garcia-Ramirez wrote, Im not using I promise, and, Its all about the money its all.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol, the Lexington Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
RNC chair Ronna McDaniel says Republicans should talk more about their views on abortion. The presidential candidate debate suggests otherwise. Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

One of the essential tasks of a political party chair is to spin like mad when your candidates say and do unfortunate things. Thats the only way I can interpret this upbeat comment from Republican National Committee chair Ronna McDaniel after the first Republican debate in Milwaukee:

Republican National Committee Chair Ronna McDaniel said the discussion about abortion during Wednesdays Republican debate was part of an important path forward for the party.

I was very pleased to see them talk about abortion, McDaniel told Fox News on Thursday morning. Democrats used that in 2022  If our candidates arent able to fend a response and put out a response, were not going to win. Theyre going to do it again in 2024. And I thought all of them did a really good job on that.

The idea that Democrats were able to use the abortion issue in 2022 because Republicans wouldnt talk about it is just plain wrong. The vast majority of GOP politicians greeted the Supreme Court decision reversing Roe v. Wade with emotions ranging from unbridled atavistic joy to deep paternalistic satisfaction. In any event, Democratic gains attributable to abortion-rights sentiment were triggered not by talk but by the actions of Republican legislators and governors in red states across the country who rushed to ban abortions to the maximum extent allowed by state courts.

The even bigger problem with McDaniels claim that Republican jibber-jabber on abortion will help its candidates is that they manifestly arent in agreement about what should be done in the post-Roe era, and in the areas where they can find common ground, their position is unpopular.

In Milwaukee, several candidates were asked if they support a national abortion ban. This is, in fact, the most relevant abortion-policy question for those running for federal office, particularly since most major anti-abortion organizations (a key constituency in the GOP since at least 1980) support  nay, absolutely insist upon  such a ban as an urgent priority.

Ron DeSantis has managed somehow to avoid answering this question for many months, even as he signed a near-total abortion ban in his own state that he brags about in conservative religious circles on the campaign trail. That didnt change in the debate. Instead of addressing a national ban, he went off on a lurid tangent involving an alleged survivor of live-birth abortions  an exceedingly rare phenomenon that anti-abortion activists cite incessantly as the omega point of largely fictional Democratic abortion on demand policies.

A less hammer-headed evasion was executed by Nikki Haley, who has made a realistic rap on the political infeasibility of a national abortion ban something of a signature. Haley argues that while a national ban might be great policy (albeit hellish for the women whose interests she claims to value and and even represent), theres no point talking about it because it would face a Senate filibuster even if Republicans controlled the White House and Congress. As the Cuts Andrea Gonzalez-Ramirez observes, a Senate majority could exempt abortion policy from the filibuster just as it has exempted key presidential appointments and budget matters. But the idea of an immutable pro-choice filibuster is a convenient dodge for Haley, a career-long anti-abortion extremist who now poses as peacemaker and compromiser.

Haleys realism aroused the ire of Mike Pence, for whom supporting a national ban is a moral commitment on which compromise is impossible. Likewise, Tim Scott raised the specter of all those babies being murdered in Democratic states like California and Illinois. But then Doug Burgum pointed out that Republicans (and, indeed, anti-abortion activists) for nearly half a century had claimed abortion policy should be decided by the states, a position he still holds.

Maybe Ronna McDaniel can explain to us which candidate response to basic questions about abortion policy is going to do the trick in eliminating the Democratic advantage on the subject. Unfortunately, the one thing all the candidates on the Milwaukee stage had in common is that not one of them acknowledges abortion as a basic reproductive right. That was the bedrock tenet of Roe v. Wade, and its why polls consistently show sizable majorities of Americans expressing opposition to the reversal of Roe. For that matter, as state ballot initiatives constantly show, upwards of a third of rank-and-file Republicans believe in a right to choose abortion. So opposing that position while fighting over (or evading) the question of what happens when abortion is no longer a right is not a good look for the GOP. Perhaps if Donald Trump had shown up in Milwaukee, he could have repeated his earlier claim that the partys unpopular views on abortion  not reticence in articulating them  had lost Republicans the 2022 midterms. His preferred approach of campaigning on other issues and then going after fundamental rights via judicial appointments is safer politically.
(CNN)  If youre at high risk of serious illness or death from Covid-19, its time to dust off those N95 masks and place them snugly over your nose and mouth to protect yourself from a recent uptick of the virus, according to a growing number of experts.

That advice should go all the way up to 80-year-old President Joe Biden, said Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist.

Octogenarians comprise the highest-risk group for complications following Covid infection, Reiner said.

At least until the numbers start to drop again, it would be appropriate for President Biden to take some precautions and wear a mask in crowds.

Other high-risk groups include people with diabetes, cancer, chronic liver, kidney or lung disease, organ or stem cell transplants, HIV or other immunocompromising conditions, a history of heart disease or stroke, dementia or mental health issues.

If youre a caregiver for somebody who is at increased risk of complication following infection, then I think you should also consider putting a mask on in public places, said Reiner, a professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences.

And since the masks that are most effective are N95 that are now readily available, thats the kind of mask you should wear, he added.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges people to wear a mask with the best fit, protection, and comfort for you, and it notes that some people are at higher risk for severe illness from Covid-19. But the agency doesnt make a broad recommendation for everyone to adopt masks. That could change if hospitalizations reach critical levels. The CDC recommends universal masking in jurisdictions that have 20 or more people with Covid per 100,000 in local hospitals and masking for high-risk individuals when 10 to 19.9 people per 100,000 are hospitalized from the virus.

Overall, there were about four new hospital admissions for every 100,000 people nationwide in the week ending August 12, which is considered low, according to CDC thresholds. No counties had high levels of Covid-19 hospitalizations. But 85 counties  about 3% of the country  were in the medium threshold. About a quarter of those counties were in Florida.

Indoors when theres a lot of people and its crowded, poor ventilation, Im still leery at this point, especially with the uptick were starting to see now, which I dont know when it will plateau, said Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist at the Scripps Translational Research Institute.

A new variant, BA.2.86, has captured scientists attention because its highly mutated, but so far its only been detected in a small number of people globally. Nonetheless, it doesnt look good  in terms of the virus nonstop evolution, Topol said. The virus keeps finding new ways to challenge humans, to find new hosts and repeat hosts, and its relentless.

Whats going on with Covid-19?

The CDC stopped reporting aggregate Covid-19 case counts this year, but a growing number of hospitalizations has triggered concern among those who track the disease.

Levels of the virus in wastewater from toilets  which can be an early indication of a Covid spike in a community  have doubled, said Dr. Robert Wachter, professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California San Francisco.

Hospitalizations have not yet doubled, but I think they probably will, as the numbers lag a couple of weeks behind, Wachter said. Its riskier that you will get infected now than it was a month or two ago, without question, probably twice as risky. If youre trying to be careful, its time to whip out the mask again.

Although new coronavirus variants, like the dominant variant, EG.5, might not have driven the recent acceleration by themselves, they might be somewhat resistant to immunity provided by current vaccines and boosters.

In addition, most people havent gotten a booster for a while, so the collective immunity is lower than it was six months ago, Wachter said. The virus sees that and sees most faces and noses and mouths are uncovered and unprotected, so it takes advantage of that opportunity.

A new booster designed to better protect against many of the commonly circulating strains of Covid will be out in a month or so, and most people can wait for that new shot to jumpstart their immunity, said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, professor of medicine and an infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.

But if youre over 65, are immunocompromised or havent had Covid recently, and you havent had another dose of the bivalent booster, you should get it now to protect yourself, he added.

The new booster coming this fall will target a family of Omicron subvariants called XBB and is expected to provide good protection against even newer versions, Topol said, but scientists are not sure how significant BA.2.86 will be.

Springing into action

Some institutions are already reacting to the rise in Covid. Morris Brown College in Atlanta announced a return to mandated physical distancing and masks just one week after classes started in August.

And pediatricians are poised for the typical return-to-school surge in all kinds of respiratory illness, whether colds, flu or Covid.

We are seeing an increase in Covid cases, and in general the overall percentage of testing at home is low, so there may be even more Covid cases than we know about, especially since the vast majority of kids have no or mild symptoms, said pediatrician Dr. Sara Bode, medical director of school-based health and mobile clinics at Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

Still, the majority of students do not need to wear masks and should instead use traditional prevention such as handwashing, coughing into their elbow and staying home when sick, said Bode, who chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on School Health.

However, if a child has a significant health condition that affects their immune system and their ability to fight off infections, that is when I would recommend talking with your doctor about the need to add a mask to you individually to help prevent exposure, she said.

If necessary in an outbreak, there could be a return to universal masking at school, Bode said, but I would definitely highlight and encourage people to make that their change and not to go back to virtual learning.

We learned from the pandemic that kids need to be in school. Its really important for their social and emotional health, she said.

Although some medical offices and hospitals have gradually dropped masking requirements, a group of doctors in Washington state wrote in an editorial published Tuesday that health care settings should maintain masking  even if the broader population doesnt.

Masking also remains an important mitigation measure to protect the health of our health care workforce, including those who are at high risk for severe disease, the doctors wrote in in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Are Americans in the mood for masks?

Despite the concern among experts and some institutions, Americans dont appear to be worried enough about the recent rise in cases to change their behavior. Covid-19 was at the bottom of their list of key public health threats, according to the latest Axios/Ipsos American Health Index poll.

The number of adults who say they wear a mask in public sometimes or at all times continues to decline, the poll found, while 82% havent taken a home Covid-19 test in the past week.

When it comes to protecting themselves, everybodys choosing their own adventure now, Wachter said. I dont particularly blame young, healthy vaccinated people for saying Im over this. I dont want to deal with this anymore, as long as they have their eyes open and understand the risks theyre taking.

Covid isnt just only about the effects of the infection, Chin-Hong said, adding that the infection can raise the risk of diabetes, heart disease or Alzheimers thats independent of long Covid. You dont want to be afraid of it or  go around like a boy in a bubble, he said. But if you cannot get it, thats a good thing at any age.

Regardless of how you may feel about wearing a mask, the reality is that Covid-19 is here to stay, experts said, and we will need to continue to adapt.

The virus is always lurking, waiting for openings, so I think Covid is just going to be a bit of a roller coaster, probably forever, Wachter said. I liken it to the Golden Gate Bridge: Youve finished painting it, and the minute youre done, youve got to start all over again.

CNNs Amanda Musa, Brenda Goodman, Deidre McPhillips and Meg Tirrell contributed to this report.

This story was first published on CNN.com "It may be time to break out the masks against Covid, some experts say."
The fate of Prigozhins plane is part of a larger pattern. Photo: Wagner Telegram Account/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The apparent downing of the business jet carrying Wagner chief Evgeniy Prigozhin delivered a suitably brutal end to one of Putins most ruthless and effective deputies. It also underlined the extent to which Russia has been willing to set aside the niceties of aviation safety in the raw exercise of power.

Throughout the rest of the world, civil aviation is sacrosanct, a highly protected and regulated industry bound by international treaties enforced by powerful agencies like the Federal Aviation Administration in the United States and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in the EU. Passenger safety is paramount. As a result, fatal accidents are exceedingly rare: The United State hasnt had a fatal crash since 2009.

Russia, in contrast, has a tradition dating back to the Cold War of brushing aside safety concerns for the sake of military or political objectives.

In 1978, the Soviet Union shot down an off-course Korean Air Lines 707, forcing it to crash-land on a frozen lake with the loss of two of the passengers and crew. Five years later, it shot down another off-course Korean Air Lines airliner over the Sea of Japan, killing all 269 aboard. In both cases, Soviet officials claimed that they were acting in self-defense, yet in both fighter jets had approached close enough to their targets to see that they were civilian airliners.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, its successor state, the Russian Federation, modernized its civilian aircraft fleet, and for a time safety improved. But after former KGB agent Vladimir Putin came to power in 1999, the Kremlin gradually returned to its old ways. In 2014, as a Russia-backed insurgency raged in the eastern part of Ukraine, a regular Russian army anti-aircraft unit shot down a Malaysian Airlines 777 en route from the Netherlands to Malaysia as it neared the border between Ukraine and Russia. All 298 passengers and crew were killed. To this day, it remains unclear why the plane was shot down, but in the aftermath Ukraine halted its air-force attacks on Russian ground units and its counteroffensive against the invaders stalled.

Less fatally, Russias client state Belarus in 2011 forced down an international flight passing through its airspace in order to seize dissident journalist Roman Protasevich. After the Ryanair 737 landed in Minsk, Protasevich was pulled from the plane and jailed, while the aircraft and the rest of its passengers were allowed to proceed to their original destination.

Russia has interfered in aviation safety in subtler ways as well. In recent years, it has periodically tampered with GPS signals so that navigational systems on ships and airplanes suddenly show their locations as hundreds or thousands of miles from where they actually are. Again, its not entirely clear why Russia does this, though it may have to do with protecting high-value assets, as GPS is also used in the targeting systems of some high-precision weapons.

The Prigozhin shoot-down occurred two months to the day after the Wagner Group boss launched an apparent coup attempt that left many onlookers wondering how long Prigozhin could survive his bosss predilection for Game of Thronesstyle revenge. The plane, an Embraer 600 business jet, was cruising at 28,000 feet north of Moscow when all data transmission abruptly ceased. Amateur video taken by bystanders on the ground showed a puff of smoke followed by the aircrafts vertical descent. Footage shot on the ground showed dismembered bodies and burning, scattered debris, some of it apparently punctured by anti-aircraft missile shrapnel.

Putins opponents have long had a tendency to meet violent ends. The most common is to fall out of a high window, though others have suffered different unpleasant fates, including being poisoned with exotic toxins. The fact that Prigozhin was dispatched in a such a conspicuous way may come down to the simple fact that, as a military leader well versed in the brutal intrigues of the Russian court, he was too difficult to kill in a subtler manner.

The apparent shoot-down might also have been at least partially symbolic. During the coup, Prigozhins troops shot down seven Russian military aircraft that had been deployed against them, killing more than a dozen servicemen. The sole fixed-wing airplane to be shot down was a rare and valuable Ilyushin Il-22M, a small plane used as an airborne command post. All ten aboard were killed  the same number that died on Prigozhins plane.
Photo: @GovKathyHochul/Twitter

Governor Kathy Hochul is calling on President Joe Biden to provide the state with more federal aid in the wake of an ongoing influx of asylum seekers settling in New York.

During a speech Thursday afternoon, the governor said that she had sent a letter to Biden outlining four areas that need to be addressed with increased money and action from Washington. Hochul said the state and New York City have expended enormous resources to assist thousands of incoming migrants, many of whom were directed to the state by Republican governors, who she said were looking to score cheap political points. But she made it clear that additional outside help is needed.

This crisis originated with the federal government and it must be resolved through the federal government, she said.

In her letter, Hochul reiterated her and Mayor Eric Adamss call to expedite work authorizations for asylum seekers, an action both leaders have said would ease some of the pressure on the local and state governments as well as shelters by allowing prospective workers to earn money to support themselves and their families. She said the state Labor Department will begin a program that will help connect migrants to employment opportunities in anticipation of an accelerated authorization process.

The governor also called on Biden to provide additional financial assistance to the state, asking for funds that will be allocated toward medical testing and transportation, as well as to local school districts that are receiving new students from migrant families. She noted that the state government has committed more than $1.5 billion so far and that it could expend around $4.5 billion next year, based on current projections. In the city, Adams has previously said the asylum-seeker crisis will ultimately cost $12 billion. Hochul is also calling for Washington to reimburse the state government for costs related to the deployment of nearly 2,000 National Guard members to the city, expenses that total more than $22 million a month.

This is a financial burden the City and State are shouldering on behalf of the federal government, Hochul wrote.

On the subject of housing, the governor is asking for help in identifying federally owned sites that could be used as potential shelters for asylum seekers. Most recently, Hochul and the White House have engaged in talks about housing migrants at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn and reached a tentative agreement to use the airfield, per Gothamist.
Photo: Intelligencer

Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson have their own reasons for disliking Fox News these days. To spite the network hosting the first Republican debate, the pair sat down for a prerecorded interview at Trumps estate in Bedminster that aired just five minutes before the festivities in Milwaukee started. They discussed his four indictments, Jeffrey Epsteins death, and the savage animals of the Democratic Party. Below are the craziest moments from the interview.

Trump on why hes taking a pass on the GOP debate in Milwaukee

When Carlson opened the interview asking Trump why he decided not to join the debate in Milwaukee, Trump cited his massive lead in the polls and his experience in the 2016 contests:

Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that? And a network that isnt particularly friendly to me, frankly. They were backing Ron DeSanctimonious like crazy, and now theyve given up on him  its a lost cause. Its reminded me very much of 2016. In 2016, I went through the same stuff. I had to fight them all the way, and they became very friendly after I won  Im taking a pass, as you probably noticed.

Ep. 19 Debate Night with Donald J Trump pic.twitter.com/ayPfII48CO  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 24, 2023

Trump expects hell get better ratings on this crazy forum than the actual debate

Trump, a stickler for ratings, gave his opinion on how cable news has declined. MSNBC is not just fake news, its corrupt news. CNN is absolutely doing no ratings at all. On Fox News, the good old days are long ago. Trump said that he expected that his interview with Carlson, posted in full on the website formerly known as Twitter, would have better ratings than the debate itself despite the crazy forum it was hosted on. It was an interesting comment from the former president  considering that he has refused to come back to Twitter since his ban was lifted.

Trash talking Ada Hutchinson and maniac Christie

Though Trump wasnt on the stage in Milwaukee itself, he still took the opportunity to call everyone debating names. He calls Asa Hutchinson Ada, but did not explain why. I could tell you, but I dont want to get myself in a little trouble. Chris Christie is a maniac and a lunatic. (Ive been friendly with him over the years, he said in the next sentence.) Trump also said Ron DeSantis was gone-zo and that people have figured him out.

Trump suggests Jeffrey Epstein was murdered

Carlson asked a question that many Americans genuinely wonder to this day: Does Trump think sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein killed himself? I dont know, said Trump, who was friends with Epstein prior to his arrests. Carlson claimed that thenAttorney General Bill Barr engaged in a cover-up following Epsteins death, to which Trump replied, Bill Barr didnt do an investigation on the election fraud either. After Carlson prodded, Trump said it was possible that Epstein was killed. I think he probably committed suicide, he added. Life with beautiful homes, beautiful everything, and all of a sudden hes incarcerated and not doing well  He knew a lot about a lot of people. Carlson insisted that Epstein was killed, and Trump replied that a case could be made either way.

Trumps thoughts on if Epstein killed himself pic.twitter.com/VWKKNFuL38  Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) August 24, 2023

Carlson asked Trump if hes worried they are going to try to kill you?

Carlson suggested that the next stage after Trumps four indictments would be a potential assassination: Are you worried they are going to try to kill you? Why wouldnt they try to kill you, honestly? Trump replied by calling his opponents savage animals and people who are really sick. Trump rambled about the rigged election and open borders, but didnt really answer the outlandish question. He did say that he retired the crooked Hillary moniker and is now using it for President Joe Biden. That was a good day for her, he said. I bet she was very happy.

Trump on Biden: I think he looks terrible on the beach.

Trump, 77, commented on the age and health of Biden, 80, saying that he is worse mentally than he is physically, and physically hes not exactly a triathlete. Trump said Biden cant lift his feet out of the grass when he walks to the helicopter on the White House lawn. And then you see him on the beach where he cant lift a chair. Those chairs are meant to be light, right?

I dont know what theyre doing with the beach, Trump said. The beach seems to be playing a big role. They love pictures of him on the beach. I think he looks terrible on the beach. He added that the beach doesnt represent what the president is supposed to be doing.

Donald Trump rants about how physically unfit he finds President Biden:



They love pictures of him on the beach. I think he looks terrible on the beach  Theres somebody in there that thinks he look fabulous at the beach. I think he looks horrible at the beach. pic.twitter.com/CUm2GNICIJ  The Recount (@therecount) August 24, 2023

The indictments are all bullshit

The day before his mug shot in Georgia, Trump said the four indictments he is facing are all trivia, all nonsense, noting that his poll numbers remain high.

Its all bullshit, Trump said, referring to the classified documents case as the boxes hoax.

Tucker asks Trump, "Nothing is working, so what's next? Don't they have to kill you now? His response, "It's all Bullshit!"



Watchthe entire interview:https://t.co/rmhuVNnVmo pic.twitter.com/TzGM2fH45K  Real America's Voice (RAV) (@RealAmVoice) August 24, 2023

Trump went off about how impressive the Panama Canal is

In a conversation about planned Chinese military installations in Cuba and Chinese infrastructure projects in South America, Trump gave a history lesson on the Panama Canal:

We built a thing called the Panama Canal. We lost 35,000 people to the mosquito. Malaria. We lost 35,000 people. We lost 35,000 people because of the mosquito. Vicious. They had to build under nets, it was one of the true great wonders of the world. As he said, one of the nine wonders of the world. No, no, it was one of the seven, it happened a little while ago. You know, nine wonders of the world. You could make nine wonders. He would have been better off if he stuck with the nine and just said, Yeah, I think its nine. But this is one of the true seven wonders of the world.

Its unclear who he his in this context, though Trump lamented that China now controls the Panama Canal.

Trump is complaining about water pressure in the bathroom again





Decrying the state of American bathrooms these days, Trump said that contemporary regulations on water  which comes out of heaven  has resulted in poor-quality washing machines and dishwashers and sinks where no water comes out.

Wait, they have sinks where no water comes out? asked Carlson.

When I say water, very little water, Trump said. You want to wash your hands, right? You turn on the sink, and theres very little. Or you want to wash your beautiful hair, and youre standing under the shower, then the water comes out very slowly. Im sure youve seen this.

Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
The Fulton County Jail, where Trump will have his mug shot taken on Thursday. Photo: Dustin Chambers/REUTERS

Before Donald Trump was indicted in Georgia earlier this month, Fulton County sheriff Pat Labat promised that the former president would be treated the same as everyone else charged with a felony in Atlanta. It doesnt matter your status, Labat told reporters. Weve got mug shots ready for you.

Trumps three prior indictments did not involve a mug shot: Both the Manhattan district attorney and the Justice Department determined that it wasnt totally necessary to photograph the most famous person in the world. But this week, he will pose in front of a gray background for the most infamous American mug shot since Frank Sinatra was charged with seduction in New Jersey in 1938. But because he is Donald Trump, he will not get the treatment of a usual suspect when he surrenders ahead of a routine appearance before a judge at the Fulton County Jail on Thursday, a facility under investigation by the Justice Department for its violent and unsanitary conditions. To expedite his time for security reasons, Trumps legal team has negotiated what is known as a consent bond, which establishes the terms of release and the price of his bail ahead of time.

When Trump arrives, its still unclear if Secret Service agents will be able to hold onto their firearms inside the secure facility. Inside the jail, theres no weapons, Mae Bullard, a retired Fulton County captain deputy-sheriff, said in an interview. We have an area back there where an officer comes in, and if they have a firearm on, we have a locker area back there where they can lock it in a locker. The Secret Service and the Fulton County Sheriffs Department have reportedly been in talks about a security plan.

The intake room is normally a busy place, but Bullard expects that the crowd will be cleared out before Trumps arrival. If theyve got inmates in intake, theyll probably lock them all down in the holding tank or move them somewhere temporarily until they get through with the president, she said. Weve never dealt with this before, with a president, so theyre going to try to process him as soon as possible and get him on out.

While at intake, jail staff will fill out a commitment form registering that Trump has been taken into custody. Bullard said that in the same location, they will fingerprint him and take his picture. Trump will pose for two pictures: a head-on photo and one of him in profile, as has been the norm since the mug shot was standardized in France in the 1880s. Bullard said that a civilian employee or their supervisor, an officer, will take the photos with a simple digital camera. After the photos are in the system, it wont be long before they can be released to the public  Donald Trump in custody, with a watermark of the Fulton County Sheriff badge over his left shoulder. If the mug shots of his alleged co-conspirators are a template, the photo will be saturated with too much flash.

Because Trump and his co-defendants have already agreed to bond terms, the magistrate judge overseeing the arraignment may not require them to appear at the Fulton County Courthouse, leaving the pictures of Trump in court for another date.

After he is advised on his court date for his arraignment to plead guilty or not guilty, he will be released. Theyre going to get him out as soon as possible, Bullard said, estimating that the process will take anywhere from 30 minutes.

Sign Up for the Intelligencer Newsletter Daily news about the politics, business, and technology shaping our world. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Vox Media, LLC Terms and Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
More than three weeks after Auburn University closed Cambridge Hall for the academic year, parents of Auburn students continue to express their concerns about the situation and call for more transparency.

The university sent an email to students on Aug. 1 telling them the move-in to Cambridge Hall would be delayed due to water intrusion issues that needed repairs. Seven days later, Auburn Housing announced that they have decided to close the dormitory for the 2023-2024 academic year due to moisture concerns, leaving 305 undergraduate students to search for housing.

AU cited storm damage from recent heavy rains as the core issue and offered hotel accommodations through the end of August.

I think the transparency and the communication on this has been one of the biggest issues, said JoAnna Harman, the mother of AU student Jordan Owen. For me, not knowing until the very last minute. Then also along the way, theyve never actually said what the issue really is.

Harman was ready for her daughter to move in to Cambridge Residence Hall on July 31 as scheduled, a day before band camp. However, plans changed later that night before when Owen got a phone call from the university.

That phone call came around six or 7pm in the evening. We already had everything packed and were fixing and put it in the car, Harman said. They said at the time, Come on down. Well put your stuff in a pod. Were gonna put you in a hotel, but we dont know where. But well take care of and the repairs will be done in seven days. Youll be able to move in by Sunday.

Owen moved into the Hotel at Auburn University. She did not wait around to receive updates on Cambridges status, especially after she came home one evening and found a random roommate had moved into her two-bed room unit that afternoon.

With her daughter needing to focus on band camp and Auburn announcing that the dorm repairs would take longer, JoAnna Harman scrambled to make the best of the situation and opted out of living in Cambridge to find a more permanent situation in an apartment.

Harman found a spot at the French Quarter apartments where Owen with her original roommate, but the problems continued as cost set in with furnishing an empty apartment versus a furnished Cambridge two-bedroom dorm.

We literally unboxed all my daughters stuff and pulled out everything that was dorm specific that could not be reused. If we can return it, return it. If not, it went on Facebook marketplace. We were trying to recoup some of that money, Harman said. 

Harman immediately went looking for a new place when the news first broke of Cambridges repairs. Tonya Redwine thought itd be best for her daughter to stick with the dormitory.

After the first day[August 1], my husband and I talk and were like, Well, theyre gonna take care of them, Redwine said. Just plan to move in the hotel and take a smaller amount of clothes. Then well just come back and move everything else in after the fact.

Tonyas daughter Madison was set to room with her friend from high school Brooke Satterfield. Neither one had scheduled an earlier move-in, so they both stayed at home while the repairs continued. They were scheduled to move in on Aug. 9, but the email about the closure came on the 8th.

We sat down around the 11-something and we started calling places. And we would call places and they had openings and then wed look at the map and figure out where it was and call back to set up a viewing. Then it was gone, Redwine said.

That Tuesday, Redwine and Susan Satterfield worked into the night to find a place for their daughters to stay the next day, one week before classes started. They all piled into their cars and made the journey to Auburn.

That day, they found Farmville Lakes Apartments where Madison and Brooke could room together with a move-in set for Aug. 13, with a 12-minute drive to campus. Redwine considers herself lucky that the family lived in Birmingham and could afford to make those trips back-and-forth to Auburn, while other parents were trying to grapple with the situation several states away.

They dropped their kids at the hotel and they were going back when they got the notification that their kids didnt have a place and so they were having to try to do all this by phone or the kids had to do it, Redwine said. So now theyre trying to figure out about shipping cars and getting cars to their kids.

Redwine felt the university could have done more in terms of informing the parents as it happened, primarily so that there was not a scramble for apartments within days of classes starting for the largest freshmen class in Auburn University history. Auburn offered them hotel accommodations through the end of August.

I just think that theres probably more they could have done. I mean, if they had told us three weeks ago, Redwine said. Because they really just kind of said, Okay, were closing. Good luck. Find housing.

For Harman, she and several other parents are still looking for transparency in the form of an explanation. None of the parents know the extent of the moisture concerns that were found, just that the summer rainstorms exacerbated the problems Auburn was already addressing.

Auburn Universitys Board of Trustees will be meeting on Friday. There are proposals on the docket to increase the cost of each residence hall. The Hill, Quad, Village, 191 College, 160 Ross and South Donahue dormitories are on the schedule, but Cambridge is absent from the meetings materials.
Opelika partnered with LiveView Technologies in November 2022 to conduct a one-year initiative to reduce crime in the community by setting up LVT Platforms, mobile surveillance units, in retail store parking lots.

LVT, a software company, developed the Alliance of Companies and Communities to Enhance Safety and Security (ACCESS) Taskforce with a goal to assist the police daily across the country in the apprehension and prosecution of criminals by providing remote live video units, safety, surveillance and analytics gathering, processing and delivery, the release said.

Matt Kelley, head of retail at LVT, said the company decided to create the ACCESS Taskforce after seeing a need for a collaborative effort across the public and private sector to prevent crime.

We came up with the idea of working with local law enforcement, the retailers in that community and the local governments, trying to facilitate the flow of information and creating that network effect, Kelley said.

In partnership with the Opelika Police Department and major retail brands in the community, LVT provided 17 surveillance units to be stationed at various retail store parking lots.

These solar powered, mobile units have a tech tower attached to a trailer. The LVT Platform provides the opportunity to live stream video footage, rotate camera angles, activate alarms and communicate to trespassers through an attached PA speaker system.

Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey said the system records continuously and allows the police department to retrieve information and footage when needed. He described the technology as passive surveillance and as an extension of the security systems the retail stores have inside their buildings.

Throughout the past year, Healey said these units have helped the police department with several cases, allowing investigators to access video footage of crimes being committed or people fleeing after a crime was committed.

Healey said it was also a great opportunity for businesses to help each other. Bigger businesses that were able to purchase the surveillance units and deploy them in their parking lot ultimately helped provide security for the businesses surrounding them.

For the study, LVT had an independent organization from Florida, Loss Prevention Research Council, conduct the overview and analysis. Opelika and Paducah, Kentucky, were the only two cities to participate in the study.

In Opelika, the study found that LVT contributed to a 40% decrease in shoplifting. The previous year before these units were deployed, Opelika saw a 20% increase in shoplifting.

The study also showed that there was a 31% decrease in disorderly conduct, 15% decrease in property crime and a 10% reduction in overall crime in the city.

Healey said participating in the study was a fantastic opportunity, especially throughout the holidays.

He said Opelika saw a substantial decrease in shoplifting and vehicle break-ins.

It really was phenomenal in how it worked because of the cooperation between businesses, the police department, the city and our community as a whole, Healey said. We had a lot of feedback from people in the community that were happy with seeing these (surveillance units). They felt safer in parking lots at night, so it really was a fantastic opportunity to kind of bring all those entities together to be able to fight crime.

Kelley also said the collaboration with the different entities involved was very successful.

... Everybody recognized the value of a project like this and were committed to engaging and ensuring that it was successful, Kelley said.

Now that the study is completed, Healey said it will be up to the individual retailers to decide if they want to keep using the technology as an extension of their security camera system.

The OPD is planning to purchase LVT Platform surveillance units and has submitted a request to the Opelika City Council to make the purchase.
Realizing this is the same guy who directed that Max Landis shitfest Bright and wrote and directed The Suicide Squad.



Reply

Thread

Link

So he has a career then. What is he even talking about.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

95 percent of the people who make these complaints have a decent career, just not the career they want.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

He's another entitled white man director who casts himself as a victim and then his fans amplify it. He's friends with Zack Snyder, who has turned this into an art form. They refuse to take responsibility for their own mediocrity.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Head so far up his own ass he looks like a rolled-up pair of socks

Reply

Thread

Link

"The dark, creative dude" gksjfjgktlwj is he serious



It's cool that F&F is a diverse franchise, yeah, but his obsession with L.A. gang stereotypes shows itself in EVERYTHING he writes and he should probably stop patting himself on the back for it lol

Reply

Thread

Link

Right? Its so obvious. Also If he was really interested in LA gangs hed make a movie about the one in the police department



Edited at 2023-08-24 01:07 pm (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I think he thinks he was really Saying Something about the LAPD in Bright. The one where they're prejudiced against...orcs. 

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

lmao. I still cannot believe the documentary about police violence in Bakersfield was put out

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Im a fast & furious girly. Friends and I used to go opening night because they were just so much fun. In my opinion, the films lost all of its charm when Paul died and when the Rock left. Jason Statham has it but his role is too minor to carry the ones hes in. Nine was legit a charisma void because it was the first one that didnt have any of those three. It was my return to the theaters post Covid and I was SALTY with how shit it was. I havent checked out 10 yet and like I said, we used to be there opening night.



eta: ooops wrong reply.



Edited at 2023-08-24 04:14 pm (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

The worst is, so far, The Tax Collector. The only reason why Shia LeBeouf pretending to be a gangster in some cheap 3-piece suit isn't so cringe is because the writing is so dull his committed performance made him standout.



Edited at 2023-08-24 02:09 pm (UTC)

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

He comes off as tryhard and phony, with everything he does!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Listen, it was point break with cars, but I'll give you the first one had a charm that's been missing since. "I dont go to the fucking parties" sis I really feel you but you're in the wrong business

Reply

Thread

Link

Yeah if you are in Hollywood you have to know how to play the game, which is going to parties and being friendly to people you secretly hate. Lol

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

I think his real problem is he ain't getting invited to the parties

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

And he's a cis white man playing the game. The barrier to entry is low.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Im a fast & furious girly. Friends and I used to go opening night because they were just so much fun. In my opinion, the films lost all of its charm when Paul died and when the Rock left. Jason Statham has it but his role is too minor to carry the ones hes in. Nine was legit a charisma void because it was the first one that didnt have any of those three. It was my return to the theaters post Covid and I was SALTY with how shit it was. I havent checked out 10 yet and like I said, we used to be there opening night.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

He sounds really mad

Reply

Thread

Link

Truth is most of us are a dime a dozen. People have to want to work with you. 

Reply

Thread

Link

I've heard of this dude multiple times so he must be more successful than he thinks and is just bitter.



He also is directing a new Jason Statham movie coming out next year. In January. Dude, you're mediocre and getting work, just be cool with it and direct some commercials if you're broke. They pay well even if nobody knows you directed it! It keeps the unbooked and unbusy director unbroke.



Edited at 2023-08-24 02:12 pm (UTC)

Reply

Thread

Link

He cowrote the first film but had nothing to do with any of the others; You can't coast on that for life my guy. Do something else.

Reply

Thread

Link

"He did the first Suicide Squad and Bright" and that's it apparently.

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

Fury, SWAT and birds of prey are also on his belt as either, scenarist, director or producer

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

That sounds pretty good to me. He may not be doing what he wants to but he's doing some stuff. Maybe he should work on self funded projects.

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

He wrote Training Day, I think that's his biggest/only ~prestigious claim to fame. But like...people remember that movie for the performances, not necessarily the writing, soooo...

Reply

Parent

Thread

Expand

Link

um ok, i hear that. whats he want from us though with this revelation??

Reply

Thread

Link

Why are we on strike for WAG and SAG-AFTRA when we should be on strike for AYER?

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

tbh it's mad funny how early Fast and Furious writers / directors just move on to do dogshit. Like this man co wrote the first one and went on to do shit, and the director went on to be a piece of shit and also direct hurricane heist.

Reply

Thread

Link

Before F&F came out this dude wrote Training Day which got Denzel an Oscar so he must have some writing talent somewhere in him, but he squandered that pretty fast. They came out the same year!

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

So what hes saying is  he isnt part of the Family

Reply

Thread

Link

he complains too much and loves this whole 'outsider' thing. get new material.

Reply

Thread

Link

I was always, like, the dark, creative dude, beware





Reply

Thread

Link

this is literally what I pictured when I read that line

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link

LOL he's such a pick-me

people who describe themselves as how they think others see them when in reality no one views them that way

the second hand embarrassment

Reply

Parent

Thread



Link







"...so I was always, like, the dark, creative dude, beware." via GIPHY

Reply

Thread

Link
South Carolina Sonic Drive-Ins Penalized for Child Labor Violations

Operators face $61,012 in combined penalties.

Atlanta-based Atticus Franchise Group LLC and Columbia-based Boom Inc.both operators of Sonic Drive-In locationsare facing significant child labor violations in South Carolina.

In a release dated August 22, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced the results of an investigation by its Wage and Hour Division. Investigators discovered Atticus and Boom together employed 91 minors below 16 years of age beyond the hours permitted by law. They now face a combined total of just over $61,000 in penalties.

Between March 2021 and October 2022, Atticuswhich manages 60 Sonic Drive-In locations, including eight in South Carolinaunlawfully employed 36 children aged between 14 and 15. Meanwhile, 3497 Beaufort Limited Partnership and its parent entity, Boom Inc., employed 55 minors in violation. The DOL assessed a $25,000 fine to Atticus and $36,012 fine to Boom.

Cited violations include having the minor employees work past 7 p.m. during school days, after 9 p.m. from June 1 to Labor Day, for over three hours on school days, more than eight hours on days without school and over 18 hours in a school week. All these actions are in direct violation of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

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, South Carolina, said in a statement. Child labor regulations ensure young workers can gain valuable work experience without interfering with their education or endangering their safety.

Both Atticus Franchise Group and Boom Inc. now have 15 business days to either comply with the penalties, request an informal discussion with the department, or challenge its findings.
(CNN)  Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first public comments Thursday on the plane crash believed to have killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, saying the Wagner leader was talented but made serious mistakes in life.

The crash Wednesday took place northwest of Moscow and killed all on board, said Russias aviation agency, including Prigozhin, chief of the mercenary group that gained prominence for its brutal methods worldwide and its battleground victories in the Ukraine war. Authorities are still identifying the bodies.

First of all, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of all the victims, this is always a tragedy, said Putin.

Indeed, if they were there, it seems  preliminary information suggests that Wagner Group employees were also on board, Putin said during a meeting with the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin in the Kremlin.

Speaking about Prigozhin in the past tense, Putin said hed known the Wagner chief for a very long time, and that he was a talented man, a talented businessman.

He was a man of difficult fate, and he made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results needed both for himself and when I asked him about it  for a common cause, as in these last months, the Russian president said.

The crash of Prigozhins plane happened two months after Prigozhin and Wagner staged their insurrection, the biggest challenge to Putins authority during his long rule.

Just days after the mutiny, a furious Putin made it clear that he viewed the actions of Wagner as a form of treason. While he did not mention Prigozhin by name, he accused the organizers of the rebellion of betraying Russia itself.

A witness to the crash told Reuters he saw a wing fly off the plane before it headed toward the ground on Wednesday. It glided down on one wing. It didnt nose-dive, it was gliding, he said.

Prigozhins apparent death follows a series of incidents in which Kremlin critics have died or had attempts made on their life.

No evidence has been presented that points to the involvement of the Kremlin or Russian security services in the crash. The cause of the crash is unknown and Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation.

Putin pledged this investigation would be thorough. But what is absolutely certain, the head of the Investigative Committee reported to me this morning. They have already launched a preliminary investigation into this incident. And it will be carried out in full and brought to completion, Putin said.

Speaking to CNN, US officials cautioned that it was too early to draw any conclusions about the cause, but a number of possibilities are being evaluated, including an on-board explosive device causing the crash.

At the same time, people familiar with the intelligence do believe that the downing of the plane was deliberate and that the goal was to kill Prigozhin.

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said the Pentagon doesnt have any information to indicate right now that the plane Prigozhin was on was shot down by a surface-to-air missile, adding that the Defense Departments belief that Prigozhin was indeed killed in the crash.

US President Joe Biden, prominent Russia critic Bill Browder and Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak have all suggested they believe Putin was behind the crash.

CNN spoke to several individuals in Russia about the crash on Thursday. All agreed to be identified only by their first name so they could speak freely without fear of retribution.

Some openly speculated about its cause. He was killed by Putin, who does not forgive betrayal, said Alexey from Moscow. Putin was behind it or it could have been his Politburo but Putin knew and approved.

No one CNN spoke to believed Ukraine was responsible for the crash.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied that his country was involved, Ukrainian state media reported.

First, we have nothing to do with this situation, thats for sure. But I think everyone realizes who has, he said.
New Mexicos Record Oil Output To Generate $3.5 Billion Budget Surplus

A record-high crude oil production in New Mexico this year is expected to boost the states income for its general fund, leaving it with a $3.5-billion surplus for the fiscal year between July 2024 and June 2025 compared to current spending obligations.

Thats the forecast of New Mexicos Finance and Administration Department and other state agencies, which have released their preliminary estimates for the states finances for 2024-2025. Those estimates would serve as a basis for the budget negotiations at the Legislature set to begin in early 2024.

We are living in unprecedented and historical times in the state of New Mexico, Wayne Propst, secretary of the state Finance and Administration Department, told Associated Press Morgan Lee.

New Mexico, home to part of the Permian basin, saw the highest crude oil production growth of any U.S. state last year, with output gains of 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) accounting for half of Americas oil production increase, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) said in a report earlier this year.

Total U.S. crude oil production increased by 600,000 bpd in 2022 compared with 2021, averaging 11.9 million bpd, per EIAs data. Crude oil production in New Mexico jumped by 300,000 bpd to 1.6 million bpd in 2022, a record for the state, the EIA has estimated.

For the third year in a row, New Mexicos oil production growth in 2022 eclipsed the growth of crude output in any other U.S. state, including Texas, the biggest U.S. oil-producing state and also home to part of the Permian shale basin.

New Mexico and Texas contributed the most growth to U.S. crude oil production in 2022, while oil output in the rest of the United States grew by just 0.6% last year, or by 33,000 bpd.

This year, New Mexicos crude oil production has been scaling new highs, EIA data shows.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
We are in the later stages of a consolidation phase in shale-oriented E&Ps that began in late 2020 and has continued since without much let up. Put simply, big fish have eating smaller fish to enhance their acreage profile to ensure long-term survival. Nearly every large shale E&P has gotten bigger, often repeatedly, by merging with or outright acquiring competitors whose assets complement their own. I discussed one company recently in an OilPrice article that followed this strategy. The company is Devon Energy, (NYSE:DVN). DVNs made a number of accretive acquisitions since 2021 that had the core rationale of bringing top-tier acreage under its umbrella in key shale plays.

Theres more to this Drill on Wall Street strategy than just getting the best acreage before someone else beats you to it. Scaling up is at the heart of every commodity business. It drives Return-On-Invested-Capital-ROIC, which is what attracts investor dollars. So if ROIC matters, and it does, the companies that are the first movers scoop up the best assets early in the consolidation phase, leaving the dregs for those desperate to make a deal as their production nose-dives. This adds an element of urgency to this process as the more desirable partners are gobbled up in what later is a frenzy. In a blog post in May, energy analyst firm RBN characterized the M&A process in terms of a high school dance.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) cycles often play out like a high-school dance. It starts with the Prom King and Queen, and then the most desirable dance partners are eventually taken. Ultimately, the last people to dance are the ones who were too slow to ask and now must react and accept those still left, or end up on the outside looking in.

In this article, we will discuss some of the key drivers that have played into the M&A activity coming out of the down phase of the current oil price cycle. This is the first of a three-part series that will examine the impact of the shale E&P merger/consolidation phase now in process. In

Lessons from the boom

The application of horizontal drilling and fracking in shale set off the first boom in the early 2010s. Prior to oil and gas being extracted from shale, most U.S. production came from the Gulf of Mexico, Alaska, Texas, and California. The shale boom brought new tens of billions in capital into the oilfield as private equity firms backed startup companies and legacy companies with good strategies for growth toward an IPO. There was really only one watchword in this phase. Growth at any cost. This means to grow production as rapidly as possible, regardless of the cost. Rig counts rose as did production, but few companies had any positive cash flow despite generally good oil prices for much of this period. All cash flow was diverted to constantly adding rigs to generate more cash flow to generate an acceptable internal rate of Return. As a result, the balance sheets of many companies were bloated with debt, and investors began to get nervous about ever receiving a return on their investment.

The boom ended in a bust in 2019, as this Reuters article notes. Investor capital began to flee in search of better and quicker returns and no longer supplied the cash infusions that had kept the drilling Merry-Go-Round going around, and a severe downturn began. This downturn was only exacerbated by the Covid panic of 2020, with oil prices dropping well below the cost of production for an extended period of time before beginning a very gradual rebound. With little cash on many balance sheets and massive debt, these companies came within a quarter or two of default on bonds and other credit instruments and an asset sale on the Courthouse Steps, in bankruptcy. These companies, with their production declining, no Free Cash Flow or ability to meet their Cost of Capital, or deliver an acceptable ROIC, became the first victims of the consolidation phase.

Cutting costs during the bust

In the boom era, there was very little emphasis on controlling costs. As the bust deepened, there was only one focus for the management of the surviving companies. Ruthlessly cut costs in the merged entity through non-core asset sales, layoffs of personnel, closing facilities and offices, renegotiation of contracts, redesigning wells to be more capital efficient, and using technology to extract more resources than before.

Often, there were opportunities for merged companies to use their new scale within geographic areas to maximize contracting power and technology to improve logistics. Pad-style developments to optimize lateral section lengths and Zipper-style fracking are examples of companies pulling out all the stops to reap the benefits of scale. Areas that were determined to be Non-core to the future of the company and thus not be able to compete for capital were jettisoned in asset sales to entities better able to put these resources to work.

Drilled but Uncompleted Wells DUCs were also a way for companies to keep production higher while controlling costs. These wells were very accretive to balance sheets as the drilling costs had already been expensed, leaving only the (not insignificant) completion costs. From 2020 through mid-2022, the cumulative DUC count was reduced from around 9,000 to about 4,500 as per the Energy Information Agency-EIA.

By the mid-point of 2021, most companies had worked through much of the rationalization process- cutting costs, making significant progress in deleveraging balance sheets, and upgrading their drilling portfolios. Thanks to a rise in oil prices, they were now ready to begin a new expansion cycle with two key caveats. Capital discipline and shareholder rewards.

Shale E&Ps control costs and use excess cash to reward shareholders

In early 2021, many companies began to introduce revamped shareholder returns programs that included higher dividends and share repurchases. Noteworthy in these companies' newfound attention to shareholders was the introduction of the Variable dividend. When combined with a lower fixed dividend designed to be funded through oil price points as low as $40 per barrel, the Variable often allocated 50-75% of net free cash to investors.

One thing that shale drillers have made clear is that capital discipline is here to stay. Leading shale driller Pioneer Natural Explorations (NYSE:PXD) CEO Scott Sheffield noted in their Q-2, 2021 conference call-

Pioneer Chief Executive Officer Scott Sheffield anticipates output in the Permian basin to grow roughly 5% - in line with his own company's planned production increases - over the coming years, while other basins will be flat or face declines, he said during a second-quarter conference call.

Irving, Texas-based Pioneer, is the largest producer in the Permian Basin. It grew its holdings there with the acquisitions of Double Point Energy and Parsley Energy this year.

Your takeaway

ADVERTISEMENT

The M&A cycle is fairly mature at this point. Deals are getting larger and, therefore, harder to do. Some still get done, as the recent $7.6 bn Chevron, (NYSE:CVX) purchase of PDC Energy illustrates. Others fall, by the way, as the recent, rumored ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM) purchase of PXD. This was a natural fit for both companies, as I discussed in this OilPrice article a few months ago. These things usually come down to price, and the $50-60 bn it would have taken to get this deal done probably sank it at the end.

However long the M&A cycle has to run, the result so far, combined with higher oil prices, is a revamped industry with relatively clean balance sheets and adequate cash flow to meet investor and single-digit growth objectives. In other words, shale drilling has become a stable business with reliable revenues and profits.

The recent sell-off in commodities has many trading at low cash flow multiples, and yield-seeking investors are beginning to bid up prices in the sector again. One company, ConocoPhillips, (NYSE:COP) has seen shares rally nearly 25% in the last 6-weeks as the market perception of oil-related equities has improved. I think many opportunities remain and will be discussed in future articles.

In the next installment in this series, we will look at how E&Ps reserve life factors into M&A decisions.

By David Messler for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Official customs data shows that China imported 13.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas (bcm) during the month of June, a 19 percent increase over the import level during the same month in 2022. Global imports arrived in China via pipelines and in liquefied form. Overall, 5.785 bcm of gas was imported via pipelines in June, a slight increase over the previous months totals. The main suppliers via pipelines were Turkmenistan (2.69 bcm), Russia (1.9 bcm), Kazakhstan (610 million cubic meters) and Uzbekistan (370 mcm).

Kazakhstan Kazakh agricultural officials are striving to remove obstacles to exports of foodstuffs to China. The Agriculture Ministrys press service reported that Kazakh officials met with representatives of Chinas customs service to discuss logistical issues that have impeded exports. An Agriculture Ministry official, Baurzhan Abyzbaev, expressed Kazakhstans readiness to conduct an audit of the veterinary service system. In addition, Kazakh authorities expressed interest in boosting exports of rapeseed, peas and lentils to China.

Meanwhile, wheat exports from Kazakhstan to China have rebounded over the past year, but they still lag behind totals from 2020-21. During the 10-month marketing period of 2022-23, Kazakhstan exported 273,000 tons of wheat, compared with only 22,380 tons during the previous years marketing period. The most recent figures still trail the over 301,000 tons that Kazakhstan shipped to China in 2020-21. According to the state company QazTrade, the average price of wheat shipped to China from Kazakhstan in 2022-23 was $270 per ton, an amount 13 percent lower than the 2021-22 figure of $310 per ton.

Tajikistan

Rustam Emomali, the son and heir presumptive of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, concluded an official visit to China on August 23. Emomali made the trip in his capacity as speaker of the upper house of Tajikistans legislature. During the visit, he held talks with Zhao Leji, Chairman of Chinas Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, on ways to expand inter-parliamentary cooperation. Emomali also signed several agreements on developing infrastructure, including deal to repair the Kulma-Karasu border crossing between Tajikistan and China and for road repairs in the Tajik capital Dushanbe. Meanwhile, the Russian news agency TASS reports that Tajikistan wants to move ahead with a $227-million road improvement initiative in the remote Gorno-Badakhshan region. The project is designed to expand overland transport options for Chinese-European trade. The TASS report did not specific how Tajikistan will fund the initiative.

Related: Shale E&Ps In High-Gear Consolidation: Big Fish Seize Top-Tier Acreage



A new educational exchange program to train Tajik students in the extractive industries sector is launching, the Khovar news agency reports. Tajikistans Mining and Metallurgical Institute has signed an agreement with the Oil and Gas University of China, under which Tajik students will study at the Mining and Metallurgical Institute for two years, and then for an additional two years at a Chinese university. Education in China will be free for Tajik students, who will receive Chinese diplomas.

Uzbekistan

China is exploring ways to expand its Europe-bound exports via Uzbek railways. Officials from Chinas coastal Jiangsu Province visited Uzbekistan on a fact-finding mission in mid-August, holding talks with Uzbek freight railway representatives and scouting potential locations for logistics facilities in Tashkent, Samarkand, Ferghana and Andijan.

By Eurasianet.org

ADVERTISEMENT

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Iraq will begin natural gas imports from Turkmenistan in the near future after the two countries signed a preliminary agreement for gas supplies to help meet the power generation needs of OPECs second-largest producer after Saudi Arabia.

Despite being rich in oil and gas, Iraq has had to import gas from neighboring countries, including Iran, for fuel at its power plants.

Iraq lacks the gas processing plants necessary to process the associated gas extracted from its massive oilfields and continues to flare some of those gas volumes.

Iraq imports gas and electricity from Iran but has had trouble paying for those because of the U.S. sanctions on Irans energy sector. The U.S., while endorsing the Iraq-Iran energy deals to keep Iraq supplied with power and gas, has been pushing Baghdad to reduce its reliance on Iranian energy imports.

The deal with Turkmenistan could serve the purpose of reducing imports from Iran.

The undersecretary for gas affairs at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, Ezzat Saber, said on Thursday that during a visit of Iraqi officials to Turkmenistan it was agreed in principle to import quantities of gas to meet part of the needs of electric power plants, according to a memorandum of cooperation being prepared for this purpose, according to a statement sent to the Iraqi News Agency (INA).

Saber expects to sign the agreement before the end of this year, which will include details of the proposed import quantities and mechanisms to be adopted between the two countries.

Little known outside Central Asia but one of the biggest states there, Turkmenistan is home to the worlds fourth-largest natural gas reserves, with a total of some 19.5 trillion cubic meters, according to BPs statistical review.

ADVERTISEMENT

Production is low, however, at just some 59 billion cubic meters in 2020, most of which was exported to China because domestic consumption is also relatively low. The country also exports gas to its Central Asian neighbors.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Japan began releasing early on Thursday heavily diluted water from the reactors of the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, drawing renewed criticism from China over its selfish and irresponsible act.

The ocean belongs to all humanity. To forcibly start the ocean discharge is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act in disregard of the global public interest, China said on Thursday.

China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We have made serious demarches to Japan and asked it to stop this wrongdoing.

Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), the operator of the nuclear plant that suffered a meltdown in the 2011 disaster, said on Thursday that the water contained up to 63 becquerels of tritium per liter, a unit of radioactivity, below the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water limit of 10,000 becquerels per liter.

The plan for the waters disposal  expected to take 30 years  is a highly controversial issue due to concern about the radioactive properties of the wastewater, despite assurances from experts the liquid has been diluted enough to render the wastewater harmless.

There are some 1 million tons of contaminated reactor water that was kept in storage by power utility Tepco for years until the government concluded the only option was to release the water in a controlled manner into the ocean.

Despite the absence of viable options, environmental groups and fishing industry organizations are against the release of the liquid into the sea, even with assurances from scientists that the risk of contamination is low. The water will be diluted to reduce the concentration of radioactive material 40 times.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said earlier this week that its report from last month concluded that the approach and activities for this discharge are consistent with relevant international safety standards and would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.

ADVERTISEMENT

Despite these assurances, Hong Kong activated on Thursday a ban on seafood imports from a number of Japanese regions.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Natural gas prices are likely to decline further today after Woodside Energy reached an in-principle agreement with a trade union that should significantly reduce the risk of industrial action at the largest LNG production facility in Australia.

Thats according to INGs Warren Patterson and Ewa Manthey, who wrote in a note today that natural gas prices in Europe had already shed 14% on Wednesday on the prospect of an agreement between Woodside and its workers.

The danger of another price spike, however, is not over yet as negotiations between Chevron and trade unions continue.

Earlier this month, gas prices in Europe soared by 40% on the news that workers at three LNG facilities in Australia were planning industrial action. Such action would disrupt about a tenth of global LNG supply.

The North West Shelf, operated by Woodside, is the largest LNG production project in Australia, with a capacity of 16.9 million tons annually, followed by Gorgon, which has a capacity of 15.6 million tons Wheatstone can produce 8.9 million tons of LNG annually.

Negotiations began immediately and it appears to have produced results that will help avoid another gas price shock for Europe even as its gas storage has reached its fill-up target of 90% three months ahead of the deadline.

The strike risk highlighted the precarious balance of the global LNG market after demand spiked last year with Russian pipeline gas flows getting decimated amid the war in Ukraine.

This has made large LNG suppliers such as Australia all the more important, with any news suggesting supply disruptions having a significant impact on prices.

Meanwhile, Reuters reports that Woodsides workers now have to ratify the in-principle deal but it looks like that particular strike has been averted.

This is good news for LNG buyers because even if Chevron fails to reach a deal with its workers, the impact of a strike will be smaller when it doesnt involve the massive North West Shelf facility.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Higher demand for lighter crude grades and a major reshuffle of global oil flows following the sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine have opened the door to increased volumes of crude from Guyana, the newest oil-exporting nation, into the European market.

Guyana shipped 63% of all the oil it exports in the first six months of 2023 to Europe, with an average daily rate of 215,000 barrels per day (bpd), per Refinitiv Eikon data cited by Reuters. The share of Guyanas crude oil exports going to Europe was around 50% of all its shipments in 2022, according to the data.

Guyanas increased sales in Europe have come at the expense of the U.S. Gulf region, where some refiners havent imported oil from the Latin American country this year. Shipments from Guyana to Asia remained flat year over year in January-June, the data showed.

Guyana has become a hotspot for exploration and development in recent years after Exxon and Hess found more than 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent offshore the South American country.

Currently, Guyana produces around 360,000 bpd of crude and could hit 1 million bpd production by 2027. Exxon, leading a consortium with U.S. Hess Corporation, is currently producing all the crude oil in Guyanathe worlds newest oil-producing nation, before the South American country announces winners in its first-ever offshore licensing round expected later this year.

Hess CEO John Hess has said that Guyana is on track to be pumping 1.2 million bpd by 2027 from six FPSOs from resources discovered and under development in the prolific Stabroek Block, where Exxon and Hess have made more than 20 oil discoveries.

Exxon, Hess, and CNOOC are currently preparing to launch a sixth offshore oil project in Guyana, with $12.93 billion earmarked for its development.

This is according to a filing by the Guyanese government cited by Reuters, which also revealed the new project, dubbed Whiptail, will be operational in four years.

ADVERTISEMENT

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Gazprom Neft, the oil arm of Russian state gas giant Gazprom, reported a 43% annual slump in its second-quarter net profit amid lower sales.

For the first half of 2023, Gazprom Nefts net income fell by 40% to $3.2 billion (304 billion Russian rubles), but was higher than analyst estimates, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

Last year, Gazprom Neft did not publish an annual results report. Analysts had expected worse performance so far this year than the results the company announced on Thursday, Interfax reports.

For the second quarter of 2023 alone, Gazprom Nefts net profit dipped by 43% to $1.5 billion (140.1 billion rubles). Revenues were also lower, as sanctions on Russias exports, and the lower oil prices this year compared to last years highs in the spring, resulted in a decline in realized prices for the companys production.

This past quarter, all major companies in the West also reported lower earnings, primarily due to the lower crude oil prices compared to the triple digits seen last year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russias total crude oil exports by sea slumped to a 21-month low in July, according to estimates by Energy Intelligence from earlier this week. Last month, Russia was estimated to have shipped 4.62 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude, the lowest level since November 2021.

It looks like Russia is trying to abide by its pledge to reduce its crude oil exports in August and September. Russia has promised a cut to its shipments by 300,000 bpd in September after a 500,000 bpd reduction in August.

Total Russian crude oil and refined products exports remained steady at around 7.3 million bpd in July, while higher oil prices and narrower price differentials for Russian crude pushed Moscows revenues higher compared to June, according to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA).

ADVERTISEMENT

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Federal government officials in Washington are working on a draft proposal for sanctions relief to be offered to Venezuela if it organizes free and fair presidential elections.

The pitch focuses on letting more companies buy Venezuelan crude, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources.

"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 National Security Council said, as quoted by Reuters.

U.S. sanctions on Venezuela specifically target the oil industry of the South American country since it accounts for almost all of its export revenues. However, they have failed to stop all oil exports from Venezuela as it had the help of Russia and China to place barrels abroad.

Meanwhile, the U.S. last year allowed Chevron to return to Venezuela, amid a squeeze in the international supply of heavy crude as a result of the barrage of Western sanctions on Russia.

In November, the government granted Chevron a six-month license to operate in Venezuela under its joint ventures with PDVSA there. Profits from the sale of Chevrons Venezuelan-derived crude oil will go towards paying down its debt to Chevron and will not bolster state-run PDVSAs profits.

The move led other companies to ask for the same treatment, including Spains Repsol and Italys Eni, both of which have unsettled debt with the Venezuelan state-run oil company.

Meanwhile, the Maduro government has been in talks with the opposition for months but these have so far failed to produce anything constructive. According to some of the Reuters sources, this is because the government side has not signaled readiness to take any steps for fair elections.

ADVERTISEMENT

Interestingly, the Reuters report notes that should an agreement be reached on the lifting of sanctions, sales of Venezuela oil abroad will remain restricted for three countries: China, Russia, and Iran, because of separate U.S. sanctions on the three.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
J's Smokehouse recently moved to a larger location at American Legion Post 32 in Papillion to accommodate more customers and service a full bar.

The restaurant's official soft opening was Aug. 1, but the barbecue joint intends to have an official grand opening on Sept. 2 with live music, drinks and plenty of brisket.

J's Smokehouse was established by lifelong barbecue enthusiast and former car dealership employee James Hawk.

While Hawk may call Papillion home, his passion for the art of barbecue was ignited by his mother, Nicole Bilgere, whose roots trace back to Oklahoma.

"My mom's from Oklahoma and her dad had a big background in barbecue," Hawk said. "She helps me out a lot, making sides."

It all started in 2019 when a food truck purchase fell through and the young food entrepreneur decided to take the jump to brick-and-mortar. The smokehouse began humbly inside Hawk's family's karate studio, Champion Sport Karate in Papillion, which they quickly outgrew.

When the Monarch Grill by La Paz announced it was closing at the end of July, Hawk seized the opportunity to secure a larger location with a full bar and patio seating in the same area of town.

"We jumped into this spot pretty fast," said Hawk. "We were going to wait until September to open, but some things happened and we decided to get our customer base in here and have a soft opening while we find more staff."

J's Smokehouse is esteemed in the barbecue community, winning first place in Ribstock this year and second place in 2022.

"I just use salt and pepper," Hawk said. "I smoke them with oak wood over a true wood fire smoker, wrap them with a little bit of secret sauce and a little bit of barbecue sauce."

Sales have shown that the formula is perfect, and customers can't get enough of it, with briskets and ribs selling out almost weekly. To accommodate the boost in business, J's Smokehouse has added a second smoker.

The new location also offers new menu items, like walking tacos. At J's Smokehouse, every Tuesday is a Taco Tuesday with $5 tacos.

"The fries are new too and have been a huge hit with our customers," Hawk said. "Everything we make is fresh."

J's Smokehouse offers' dine in and in-store pickup at 230 W. Lincoln St. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
(CNN)  A top Ukrainian official has detailed for the first time how a Russian helicopter pilot defected by flying his Mi-8, along with unsuspecting crew members, to Ukraine.

In an interview with Radio Liberty, which is set to air later this week, the head of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, described how the incident unfolded.

We were able to find the right approach to the man, he told the news outlet.

We were able to create conditions to get his whole family out undetected, and eventually create the conditions so that he could take over this aircraft with a crew that did not know what was happening.

Two more people were with him - a full crew of three persons in total. When they realized where they had landed, they tried to escape. Unfortunately, they were eliminated. We would prefer (to take) them alive, but it is what it is.

Budanov added: The pilot feels great, everything is fine. He has two options, but he is leaning towards staying here.

No one has done this before, but I hope we can now scale it up.

CNN has not confirmed whether the defection did take place, as described.

One unofficial Russian Telegram channel had reported that an Mi-8 helicopter had flown into Ukraine and landed in the central region of Poltava by mistake.

Another said it had diverted to the Ukrainian town of Vovchansk just across the Russian border in Kharkiv, which would be more likely than flying all the way to central Ukraine.

The Russian Telegram Voenniy Osvedomitel said Ukrainian intelligence had lured the pilot to Ukrainian territory and that the helicopter was carrying spare parts for Su-30SM and Su-27 fighters. It also reported the deaths of the other two crew members as they tried to escape.

Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov, who has well-established contacts in the Defense Ministry, said the Mi-8 had flown to a Ukrainian base. He reported that the helicopter is fully intact and will be added to the Ukrainian Armed Forces after a detailed examination of its equipment.
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
Omaha police arrested a man Thursday on suspicion of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 26-year-old Adrrell Taylor earlier this month.

Kye Moss, 33, was arrested in Minneapolis with assistance from the Minneapolis Police Department and the North Star Fugitive Task Force and will be extradited to Omaha, according to a press release from the Omaha Police Department. Moss is from Omaha, according to Officer Michael Pecha, a police spokesman.

At 2:44 a.m. on Aug. 3, police responded to a shooting near 17th and S Streets, where they found Taylor. Taylor was taken by paramedics to the Nebraska Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Taylor left behind a 5-year-old daughter, Ava. Based on the outpouring on his Facebook page, he touched a lot of other lives, too, his mother told The World-Herald after his death.

He was an amazing son, an amazing brother, an amazing uncle and an absolutely amazing father, said his mother, Tammy Taylor. He was just a big supporter of anyone he came in contact with. I have so many people calling me, its unreal.

Taylor was a graduate of Millard North High School, where he played offense and defense for the football team.
Despite long workdays, the COVID-19 pandemic and unfounded election fraud claims, poll workers in the Omaha area have continued to show up to serve year after year  some for decades.

The Douglas County Election Commission honored some of its most loyal poll workers Wednesday, inducting 17 people who have worked elections for at least 20 years into the countys Poll Worker Hall of Fame.

The hall of fame has been in place since 2010, according to commission staff, and Wednesdays group joins more than 200 other Douglas County poll workers who have served for over 20 years.

Before each inductee was presented with a certificate commemorating their service, officials spoke about the importance of poll workers to holding free and fair elections.

Elections are bedrock, Nebraska Secretary of State Bob Evnen said during the ceremony. And we cannot have elections that people have confidence in unless we have poll workers like you.

Mary Ann Borgeson, chair of the Douglas County Board, said during the ceremony that she believes civic engagement and trust in elections are enhanced when community members are working at local polling places.

These last few years have been a little tough on not only (regular) election staff, but on the poll workers themselves, she said. But all of you who volunteer to help administer the elections, you really are essential to strengthening our democracy and preserving the respective right to vote.

Just over a week before Wednesdays ceremony, former President Donald Trump and 18 others were indicted in Georgia for an alleged conspiracy to overturn Trumps loss in the state during the 2020 election.

Even in the wake of his indictment, Trump has continued to claim fraud in the 2020 election despite a lack of compelling evidence.

In his pre-election report to the County Board prior to the 2022 election, Douglas County Election Commissioner Brian Kruse said that he had 100% confidence in the local election staff and their processes.

Wednesday was also National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and Douglas County is seeking poll workers for next years primary and general elections. Volunteers are paid and state law requires employers to excuse poll workers for the day, Evnen said.

Those interested in volunteering to be a poll worker can apply at www.votedouglascounty.com.

Kruse said serving as a poll worker can be a way to serve the community and also learn more about how the voting process works.

Theres checks and balances to make sure we have fair and free elections, he said. Theres lots of different processes that you go through.

The most seasoned poll worker inducted on Wednesday was Lawrence Ahart, who has served for 33 years.

Ahart said he appreciates the civic duty of being a poll worker, but whats kept him coming back are the people hes able to interact with at the polls.

You meet some of the people in your neighborhood that you dont necessarily see real often. You get to see them again and kind of catch up on whats been going on, he said. Its enjoyable.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023
MILWAUKEE  Nearly all of the Republican presidential candidates vying to be the leading alternative to front-runner Donald Trump said they would support the former president if he is the party's nominee even if he is convicted in a court of law as they gathered for the first primary debate.

The question came nearly an hour into the Wednesday night debate hosted by Fox News Channel in Milwaukee and a day before Trump, who declined to participate, is set to surrender in Georgia on charges of trying to overturn the state's 2020 election.

Moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum said they would spend just a brief moment" discussing what they called the elephant not in the room, drawing boos from the audience.

Someones got to stop normalizing misconduct. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, said former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has emerged as one of Trump's harshest critics and was one of only two candidates who did not raise their hands when asked if they would support him. Christie was promptly booed.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is polling a distant second to Trump, was among those who did raise his hand. He said former Vice President Mike Pence did his duty on Jan. 6, 2021, when he refused to go along with Trump's scheme to overturn the vote, but nonetheless pressed the hosts to move on.

This election is not about Jan. 6, 2021. Its about Jan. 20 of 2025, when the next president is going to take office," he said.

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, many of whom are just beginning to pay attention to the race. The pressure is greatest for DeSantis who announced his campaign in May to great fanfare but has since struggled to gain traction and is now fighting to maintain his distant second-place status.

Also on stage were South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, who was hospitalized after hurting his Achilles tendon but chose to participate nonetheless.

The prime-time event was unfolding at a moment of reckoning for the Republican Party.

Trump is the prohibitive early front-runner in the race, raising serious questions about whether the party will have much of a competitive primary. Yet Trump's vulnerabilities in a general election are clear, particularly after four criminal indictments that charge him with hoarding classified documents, conspiring to overturn the 2020 election and making hush money payments to a porn actor and other women.

On Thursday, Trump is set to travel to Georgia to be booked again on criminal charges.

Yet Trump's 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 President Joe Biden, a Democrat, in a potentially weak position. Polling this month from The Associated Press-NORC Center 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.

While DeSantis had expected to be the top target as the front-runner on the stage, the candidates focused their early attacks on Ramaswamy, who has been rising in the polls.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie. We dont need to bring in people without experience, said Pence, tried to position himself as the most experienced man on the stage.

Christie also laced into Ramaswamy.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, he said, calling him an amateur.

Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, Ramaswamy shot back  a reference to Christies embrace of the former president after a storm ravaged his state.

Haley, the only woman on stage, tried to rise above the fray.

I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said.

The debate demonstrated sharp divisions within the party on issues, including the war between Russia and Ukraine after Russias invasion nearly 18-months ago. Both DeSantis and Ramaswamy said they opposed more funding to Ukraine, arguing the money should be spent securing the U.S. border against drug and human trafficking.

As president of the United States your first obligation is to defend our country and its people, DeSantis said

Ramaswamy compared support for Ukraine to the ill-fated U.S. military interventions in Iraq and Vietnam.

The realty is that today Ukraine is not a priority for the United States of America, he said.

Christie, Haley and Pence cast support for Ukraine as a moral obligation and a national security imperative, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue his aggression if he succeeds in Ukraine, potentially threatening U.S. allies.

Anybody who thinks we can't solve problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a small view of the greatest nation on earth, Pence said.

The candidates also tangled on abortion, underscoring the partys challenges on the issue after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year. All of the candidates identified as pro-life, but differed on when restrictions should kick in after the court ended the constitutional right to an abortion, leading to a wave of restrictions in Republican-led states.

DeSantis refused again to say whether he supports a federal ban.

Im going to stand on the side of life. Look, I understand Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to be different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president, he said.

Haley again argued for consensus on the issue, saying passing a federal ban would be highly unlikely without more Republicans in Congress.

Consensus is the opposite of leadership, rebutted Pence, who has made his opposition to abortion rights a central tenet of his campaign. Pence supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women even know theyre pregnant, and has called on the field to back a 15-week national ban as a minimum.

Trump had long said he felt it would be foolish to participate, given his dominant lead in the race.

His decision to boycott was nonetheless a blow to the network, which had wooed him privately and publicly to appear. Instead, Trump pre-recorded an interview with ex-Fox host Tucker Carlson that was posted to the platform formerly known as Twitter right before the debate kicked off as counter-programming.

Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me? Trump said in the 46-minute interview.

Im going to have all these people screaming at me, shouting questions at me, all of which I love answering, I love doing. But it doesnt make sense to do them so Im taking a pass, he said.
ST. LOUIS  As the Biden administration makes billions of dollars available to remove millions of dangerous lead pipes that can contaminate drinking water and damage brain development in children, some states are turning down funds.

Washington, Oregon, Maine and Alaska declined all or most of their federal funds in the first of five years that the mix of grants and loans is available, The Associated Press found. Some states are less prepared to pay for lead removal projects because, in many cases, the lead must first be found, experts said. And communities are hesitant to take out loans to search for their lead pipes.

States shouldn't shrug their shoulders and pass up funds, said Erik Olson, a health and food expert at the environmental group Natural Resources Defense Council.

It's troubling that a state would decide to take a complete pass on the funding because part of the reason for the funding is to figure out whether you even have lead," Olson said.

The Biden administration wants to remove all 9.2 million lead pipes carrying water to U.S. homes. Lead can lower IQ and create behavioral problems in children. The 2021 infrastructure law provides $15 billion to find and replace them. That money will help a lot, but it isnt enough to get all the toxic pipes out of the ground. State programs distribute the federal funds to utilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency said it is reviewing state requests to decline funds but did not provide a full list of states that have said no so far. That information will be available in October, officials said. States that declined first-year funds can still accept them during the remaining four years.

EPA has been working closely with our state partners on utilizing Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding that is available, the agency said.

Lead pipes are far more common in some states such as Michigan and Illinois, which each have hundreds of thousands. The harm there is clear. Flints lead crisis elevated lead in tap water to a national health issue. Residents of Benton Harbor, Michigan, drank water with too much lead for years until all their lead pipes were replaced. In response, however, Michigan is clamoring for as much money as it can get to remove lead.

The states that declined funds have fewer problematic pipes, but that doesnt mean lead isnt an issue. Theres concern about lead in some Maine schools. Portland, Oregon, has struggled with high lead levels for years, although recent tests have been better and officials say the issue isnt lead pipes, but household plumbing.

Washington accepted $85,000 of $63 million it could have taken and said the decision was based on the limited number of water systems that wanted loans. The EPA estimates the state has 22,000 lead pipes. Oregon, which could have accepted $37 million, said inventories are going to be done with existing staff and resources, adding that utilities have no known lead lines. The EPA projected that the state has 3,530 lead pipes  a relatively small number  based in part on information collected from utilities.

The location of many lead pipes is a mystery. The EPA is requiring communities to provide initial inventories of their lead pipes by October 2024. Maine, which banned lead pipes far earlier than most states, said other funds would be used for inventories and they didnt have lead replacement projects ready to fund. Most states that rejected funding initially indicated they would probably ask for money in later years.

To access the grants, there also needs to be demand for loans but utilities are hesitant to seek them out, according to Deirdre Finn, executive director of the Council of Infrastructure Financing Authorities, a group that represents the federally funded state programs that distribute infrastructure funds.

This is a great opportunity, Finn said. But it would be helpful if states and utilities had access to 100% grant funding to move these projects along.

Federal funds can go only to replacement projects that remove the entire lead pipe. Lead pipes run from the water main in the street to homes, but the ownership of the pipe is often split between the utility and homeowner. Some cities replace just the portion they own  a harmful practice that spikes lead levels  and paying to replace the homeowner's side is often a problem. Grants can help utilities pay to replace the homeowner's side, Finn said.

The EPA offered early funds based on a state's general drinking water infrastructure needs  not the number of lead pipes. The EPA later developed estimates of each state's lead pipes to inform how future years of funding should be distributed. Therefore, some states were offered more early money than they can spend.

In May, for example, Alaska told the EPA it wanted just $6.8 million of the $28 million it was entitled to receive. Carrie Bohan, facilities program manager in the division of water at the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, said utilities' demand for loans to inventory their systems for lead pipes is very, very small. But over five years, there will be plenty of federal funds available to find the small number of lead pipes in Alaska and replace them.

Money thats not used will be redistributed to other states that need it.
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.
Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts on Wednesday officially kicked off his 2024 campaign to earn election to the seat he gained by appointment earlier this year.

During a four-city swing capped late in the day in Omaha, the Republican cast himself as a conservative with the courage to work to secure the nations southern border, cut reckless spending and fight the radical lefts attack on American values.

These are the commonsense things we take for granted in Nebraska, Ricketts said. But its not true in Washington, D.C.

Wearing a jacket and no tie on a scorching hot day, Ricketts touted some of the work hes already been doing in Congress, particularly to target the flow of fentanyl into the United States. He also blasted President Joe Bidens policies on the border, his student loan forgiveness plan and the EPAs expansion of regulations.

After having served for six months in Washington, the former two-term governor said the incompetence, mismanagement and corruption hes observed makes him appreciate the way things are done in Nebraska.

We have a Legislature that has true debates and talks to each other. We have agencies that actually serve our customers here in Nebraska, he said. We need to change the way D.C. operates.

Ricketts was appointed to the seat by Gov. Jim Pillen in January after it was vacated by Ben Sasse, who resigned to take the presidency at the University of Florida. In 2024, Ricketts will be running for the right to complete the final two years of the six-year term.

Ricketts appointment came with some questionable optics, as he had been the biggest supporter of Pillens 2022 bid to succeed Ricketts as governor.

Ricketts campaigned directly for Pillen. Ricketts and his family also contributed a combined $1.5 million to Pillen and to a political action committee that ran attack ads against Pillens top opponents in the hotly contested GOP primary election.

Not long after Sasses announcement, then-Gov. Ricketts announced that he would leave the appointment of the new senator to his successor as governor, Pillen. Pillen repeatedly denied that the selection was predetermined and said Ricketts campaign support played no role in the January appointment.

Nebraska Democrats in a statement Wednesday again seized on those circumstances, calling Ricketts the states most corrupt and power-hungry politician.

The announcement of appointed-Sen. Pete Ricketts re-election bid is a continuation of the state GOP power grab, said Jane Kleeb, chair of the Nebraska Democrats. The corrupt revolving door and pay-to-play trend by the Nebraska Republican Party, led by Ricketts, should concern all Nebraskans.

Asked whether thats an issue Nebraskans are concerned about, Ricketts said he was grateful to be appointed to this unexpected position.

Now were gonna go out and earn those votes, he said.

Ricketts at this point has no announced, viable opponent, from either party.

Charles W. Herbster, who took the brunt of many of those attack ads in last years governors race, has said hes not ruling out a challenge for the seat that Ricketts now holds. Herbster in the past has also enjoyed the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, who retains a strong grip on the party.

Regardless, Ricketts figures to be a formidable candidate in a state where Republicans have prevailed in every race for Senate and governor since 2006.

Ricketts enjoys many political advantages over Democrats or any potential rivals for the GOP nomination, including a well-known name, his experience in office and the unlimited ability to fund his own campaign.

Ricketts said Wednesday he will take nothing for granted, just as he did in twice being elected governor.

I cant control whos gonna run or whos not gonna run, but what I can control is how hard I work, Ricketts said. Were going to travel the state. Were going to earn every vote.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of August 2023
BLOOMINGTON  The director of Illinois State Universitys School of Teaching and Learning is accused of multiple counts sexual assault of a child.

Alan B. Bates, 52, of Bloomington is charged with four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault (Class X felonies), according to a news release from the Bloomington Police Department.

A McLean County grand jury returned a bill of indictment charging Bates Wednesday. Charging documents listed the offenses as occurring between October 2007 and October 2008; October 2008 and October 2010; October 2012 and June 2013; and October 2013 and October 2015.

The charges involve one child under the age 13.

According to the Bloomington police, Bates indictment came after a lengthy investigation. A warrant was issued for Bates arrest following the indictment, and Bloomington officers located and arrested him without incident.

Bates bond was set at $1 million, with 10% plus fees to apply in order to be released from McLean County jail. As of Thursday afternoon, he remained in custody. An arraignment is scheduled for Sept. 8.

He is being represented by private attorney Tristan Bullington, who declined to comment.

Bates is a professor and director of ISUs School of Teaching and Learning, as part of the universitys College of Education. In a statement, ISU spokesman Eric Jome said the university is aware of Bates arrest and charges.

The university has received no information as of this time suggesting the charges are connected to his employment at Illinois State. As a matter of course, the university does not comment on personnel matters of individual employees, Jome said.

Anyone with information should contact Det. Curt Maas at 309-434-2534 or cmaas@cityblm.org. Anonymous tips can be left with the Crime and Intelligence Analysis Unit at 309-434-2963 and CIAU@cityblm.org, or by texting Tip to 847411.

Updated mug shots from The Pantagraph Bryant Lewis Derek Roesch Justin M. Mata Marcus D. Wesley Phillip Tinch Trisha L. Hanke William B. Givens David L. Oliver Kenneth E. Funk Jordan R. King Holly M. Isaacson Kenneth L. Minton Tony L. Jackson Britley L. Hilger Jasmine L. Smith Jackie S. Claypool Noah R. Demuth Brandon L. Parsano Alexander N. Williams Carlos Sanchez-Solozarzano Jaylin S. Bones Jordan R. King Dominique M. Banks Austin T. Daugherty Sandra M. Lewis Samantha E. Morris Nolan C. Love Nikkita L. Sandefur Katlin M.B. Wilson Eli C. Garozzo Tysean T. Townsend Curtis J. Byrd Noral K. Nelson Charles J. Tankson Davis, Micah S Livingston, Joshua D. Kevin L. Ewen Emmanuel K. Mpay Ahmad S. Manns Dylan R Mann Tony L. Jackson William R. Linden Zadek U. Moen Zachary T. Willis Cecily M. Sexton Tonisha A. Jackson James A. McConnaughay Jessica M. Longberry Barry D. Guyton Keon E. Spiller Melina Aguilar Carlos D. Cregan Wayne M. Damron Terrance L. Ford Stanley M. Miller Darryl R. Vinson Jarvis K. Heads Wesley M. Noonan Brad Carter Brian K. Burnett Kenneth D. Downey Kenyon J. Bones Brittany N. Greiner
NORMAL  The Town of Normal will hold a public meeting to gather community input about the Gregory Street Trail from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, in room 409 at Uptown Station, 11 Uptown Circle, Normal.

Representatives from Normal and Hutchison Engineering will be available during the meeting to answer questions and gather feedback. Topics will include project need, design aspects and potential construction schedule.

Drawings, maps and aerial photography of the planned area for improvements will be provided. Meeting materials will be shared on Normal's website after the meeting.

The project is an approximately $1.2 million improvement to create a multi-use path on the north side of Gregory Street from Adelaide Street to Parkside Road, primarily funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Call 309-454-9578 for more information.

Check out the photos from the ISU Red Hot Party Julie Dobski, Leanna Bordner, ISU Interim First Lady Rose Tarhule, Dr. Jeri Beggs Mary Ann Louderback, Leanna Bordner, Marlene Deitz, Rose Tarhule Bev Stevens, Jenna Geffert Neesha Moore, Marissa Reichard Thresa Schmitt, Jan Francois, Barb Selzer, Vicke Mahrt Annie Swanson, Kim Schoenbein. Jolene Aldus Karen Hanson, Janet Gremer Cathy Allen, Leanna Bordner Joan Otto, Joan Vanden Eynden, Lisa Wegner, Lyn Hruska, Rena Weyrauch Julie Dobski, Elaine Shung, Joan Stralow, Dianne McNamara, Cindy Segobiano Karen Hanson, Andrea Arduini, Sherry Quinlan Bev Stevens, Jenna Geffert, Sarah Powell Mary Benett Henrichs, Shelleigh Birlingmair Cindy Harris, Judy Sancken, Laura Jenkins, Cheryl Beuseling Becky Hines, Phylis Versteegh, Judy Buchanan, Jerrolyn Golden, Linda Scott, Connie Kennedy , Renee Wilcox Cat Woods, JoEllen Bahnsen Erin McVey, Sarah Baker , Hailey Daffara Cat Woods, Cindy Segobiano, Laura Pritts Meghan O'Neal-Rogozinski, Joan Vanden Eynden Kim Schoenbein Annie Swanson, Jolene Swanson, Kim Schoenbein Julie Kubsch, Linda Rheeling Tracy Patkunas, Jonell Kehias, Leanna Bordner, Julie Dobski Kristina Burkhardt, Elaine Heflin, Hailey Cole, Julie Dobski, Tina Kramos, Melinda Fischer Maureen Lyons, Carol Morris Jolene Aldus, Kim Schoenbein, Annie Swanson Melinda Fischer, Dr. Jeri Beggs, Tracy Patkunas, Leanna Bordner, Suzi Nafzigger, Kim Schoebein, Julie Payne, Annie Swanson Cheryl Magnuson, Sarah Powell Kristen Gillespie, Marlee Schneider, Madison Dixon, Emmy Olfe, Kate Heyl Leanna Bordner, Thresa Schmitt, Leann Seal Interim ISU Athletics Director Dr. Jeri Beggs, Julie Dobski Elaine Heflin, ISU Womens Volleyball Coach Allie Matters Melissa Litwiller, Molly Hartrup, Christie Rabideau Backing the Birds Tim Taflinger Tracy Patkunas, Kim Schoenbein, Elaine Shung Cindy Segobiano, Anina Barbie Engelhorn Annie Swanson, Jonell Kehias, Jolene Aldus Kristen Haas Oliver, Julie Dobski, Tracy Haas Riley Melissa Isenburg, Leann Seal Julie Dobski, Rose Tarhule, Dr. Jeri Beggs Dancing Melissa Isenburg, Cierra Kohn, Jen Manning Janet Gremer, Joan Stralow End of night pool jump
TOWANDA  The seventh annual Wine for Wishes fundraiser will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26.

The indoor and outdoor event will be held at a new location this year, The Old Rugged Barn, 18808 N. 2000 East Road, Towanda.

Guests will be able to sample wine and beer paired with chocolate, food, music and a live auction. The goal of the event is to raise money for Make-A-Wish to support Illinois children with critical illnesses and their families.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at the door.

Contact wineforwishesbloomington@gmail.com for more information.

Photos: Towanda 7-year-old receives a welcome home parade 040720-blm-loc-5violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-1violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-6violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-7violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-8violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-10violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-4violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-9violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-2violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-11violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-12violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-13violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-3violetkirk 040720-blm-loc-14violetkirk
Remote work has become a de facto benefit to recruit, retain and, in some cases, appease workforces.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work was a luxury. During the pandemic, employers sold it as a necessity to keep their businesses functioning. Once the public health risk abated, it became a privilege. Now, some employees take it as a right.

What began as a means to mitigate public health risk to individuals and keep the economy functioning has persisted beyond what anyone could have envisioned.

During the peak risk period of the pandemic in 2020, more than 40% of the workforce was remote. This number dropped to a little more than 25% last year. Before the pandemic, around 6% of the workforce worked remotely.

With more people working remotely, office building use has been gutted. With these buildings in dense urban areas, businesses such as restaurants and cafes are finding it more difficult to remain afloat. Retail outlets that rely on walk-in traffic are also suffering.

The biggest loss associated with remote work is not directly economic but rather the random interactions that foster new ideas and innovation. This is why a growing number of companies are scaling back remote work, with Google now on this list. Even Zoom, the facilitator of remote work, is asking its employees to spend more time in the office.

Interacting via video calls and other technologies does not yield spontaneous dialogue. Much as diversity is touted as a vehicle for innovation, the reverse can be said about remote work, in which people are brought together virtually, creating sterile, task-centric rather than human-centered interactions.

One of the challenges with remote work is that not all types of jobs can be performed remotely. This creates a potentially contentious and divisive environment for those who must be there in person and those who can work remotely.

However, some jobs that are viewed as remote-friendly may be focusing too heavily on the tasks, not the human interactions that facilitate better value for employers and create a healthy interactive work environment for all.

Those who support remote work laud the benefit of less time wasted with in-person work, including commuting time and the associated expenses. They argue that they can be more efficient with their time by remaining remote. However, this reasoning focuses too narrowly on jobs being solely about tasks completed. If jobs are only about tasks, then some such jobs may also be vulnerable to displacement by artificial intelligence systems in the future. Those arguing for remote work as the ideal may also be fighting for their own demise if their human contributions are minimized.

If the benefits being touted in support of remote work are indeed real, then how can such benefits be realized with people back in person? Must employers provide better child care services, commuting reimbursements and/or meals at work?

Or perhaps those who argue vociferously for remote work can do all their tasks in just a fraction of the time allotted. Remote work keeps them insulated from discovery.

To draw people back to work, employers may wish to offer a new type of remote flextime so that the reasons employees need to periodically work remotely can be honored.

The takeaway from such a discussion is that dialogue is needed to explore the post-pandemic work environment. Simply continuing pandemic policies in the post-pandemic world is likely to yield suboptimal outcomes.
THUMBS UP! To Illinois Republicans' plans. At the party's annual day at the Illinois State Fair, Republican leaders conceded that it will not be "an overnight process." Still, they aim to make Illinois "a two-party state" again and then, eventually, flip it red. State Party Chair Don Tracy emphasized fundraising and voter turnout over the demonization of political foes. A two-party state is truly best for all.

THUMBS DOWN! To potential air disasters. The U.S. has not had a fatal plane crash involving a commercial airline in more than 14 years. But the New York Times reports the system is struggling. Of 313 air traffic control facilities nationwide, just three as of May met staff targets. Officials worry the shortage is leading to close calls, in which planes nearly crash. There were at least 46 near misses involving commercial airlines last month. There are nearly 1.4 million flights in the U.S. each month, but as an FAA spokesman said, "One close call is one too many. Over the past decade, the number of fully trained controllers has fallen 10% while air traffic has increased 5%.

THUMBS UP! To an end to many DMV lines. Starting Sept. 1, Illinois Department of Motor Vehicle facilities will begin the Skip-the-Line program. The program is designed to help eliminate lines and unpredictable wait times and to encourage more Illinoisans to use the department's online services. Anything helps in the effort toward eliminating DMV frustrations.

THUMBS UP! To a victory. Bloomington's Victory Church congregation gathered at its regular worship site at 18180 U.S. Highway 150 for the first time in more than 18 months. A fire spread throughout the church Jan. 10 last year. The church continues efforts to raise funds to finish rebuilding.
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) is planning to introduce an e-VAT system to enhance voluntary compliance and enforce tax laws.



The GRAs Enforcement Unit recently conducted test purchases in various parts of Accra, during which it was discovered that some companies were selectively issuing VAT receipts or not issuing them at all.



As a result, representatives of these companies were arrested and will face further investigation and prosecution.



Joseph Annan, the Area Enforcement Manager of GRA in charge of Accra Central, explained that the e-VAT system will allow officers to monitor companies activities in real-time from their offices, eliminating the need for field visits.



He emphasized that adhering to tax laws is not only a civic responsibility but also a way for taxpayers to contribute to the development of the country.



Annan commended the public for their support and encouraged them to continue helping the GRA generate the necessary revenue for development. The GRA will continue to conduct unannounced visits to ensure full compliance with tax regulations.

Source: dailyguidenetwork.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
OmniBSIC Bank, a leading financial institution in Ghana, has announced its commitment to strengthening collaboration and partnership with China in order to enhance the seamless transaction of businesses and build socio-economic development between the two countries.



The Banks Managing Director, Daniel Asiedu made this known during the 62nd signing ceremony of the treaty of friendship between Ghana and China, where he noted that OmniBSIC Banks commitment to working closely with China aligns with the broader efforts of the Ghanaian government to strengthen bilateral ties and attract foreign investment.



Mr. Asiedu emphasised the importance of fostering closer ties with China highlighting the potential for increased trade and investment opportunities that could be mutually beneficial for both countries.



OmniBSIC Bank has a very firm association and roots with China. Our sister company, Zoomlion, is well known for its strategic partnerships in Ghana, Africa and China. We are therefore excited to be given this recognition and platform by Ghana-China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA) to deepen our business association with China to promote the Socio-Economic development of our two nations, he said.



The commitment to collaboration and partnership with China is in line with OmniBSIC Banks strategic vision to expand its global reach and provide enhanced financial services to its customers. The bank aims to leverage Chinas economic strength and expertise to facilitate smoother and more efficient trade and financial transactions.



Explaining further, he said: As a bank, we have a strategic objective, in the spirit of oneness, to establish strong and lasting mutually beneficial relationships with the Chinese Community in Ghana. In this regard, we have established a Chinese Representative Desk in the bank to help us bond with Chinese enterprises and cater to your unique banking needs.

Furthermore, we have registered as a corporate member of GHACHIFA and intend to do more collaborations with the Chinese Community. I am here today with senior officials of OmniBSIC Bank who are eager to engage with you on how we can forge long-lasting and mutually beneficial business relationships.



The OmniBSIC head also highlighted the banks commitment to supporting the growth and development of Ghanas economy through its partnership with China. He expressed optimism that increased collaboration between the two countries would lead to the creation of new business opportunities and job prospects for the Ghanaian people.



On his part, Chairman of the Ghana-China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA), Anani Demuyakor said thetreaty signifies a significant milestone in the relationship between Ghana and China, solidifying years of friendship and cooperation, and paving the way for further collaboration in various fields.



Our gathering here is truly a testament to the commitment of both nations towards strengthening bonds of trust, understanding, and mutual support. We have witnessed remarkable progress, marked by increased trade, investment, and cultural exchanges between our two great nations, he said



He stressed that the commemoration of the 62nd treaty anniversary of signing the treaty opens new avenues for economic growth, technological advancements, and social development, which will undoubtedly bring about lasting benefits for the people of both countries.



The Ghana-China Friendship Association has played a vital role in fostering this friendship, by promoting dialogue, enhancing cultural understanding, and facilitating exchanges at various levels, he added.



The event was graced with dignitaries from the Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China, the Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the Ghana Immigration Services, and members of GHACHIFA, among others. Other highlights for the night include a presentation of an honorary citation, conferred on Mr. Tang Hong, the President of the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies and Ghana Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry as well as goodwill messages shared by supporting partners.



OmniBSIC Bank



OmniBSIC Bank is a fully-fledged universal bank that traces its roots to a merger between the erstwhile OmniBank and Sahel Sahara Bank. The merger was spurned by the banking sector consolidation programme introduced by the Bank of Ghana (BOG) in 2017, through a number of directives including the increment of the minimum capital requirement for banks.



The union between the two banks is one of the most successful mergers in the financial services industry. It can be described as synergistic since both banks shared similarities in business models, values, and customer experience and were both committed to offering exceptional customer service in Ghanas banking industry.



This milestone was achieved through the collaborative effort of shareholders, directors, management, and the staff who showed willingness to embrace change to become bigger and better in the Banking industry.



OmniBSIC has reinforced its corporate governance structures and invested in its infrastructure to align with BOGs Corporate Governance and other regulatory directives. The Bank is dedicated to maintaining the highest level of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all operations, thereby creating a reliable framework for clients to conduct their banking activities with us.



With our headquarters at Atlantic Tower, Airport City, and an extensive Branch network of 40 across Ghana, OmniBSIC provides a complete range of products, services, and digital offerings tailored to the needs of our Corporate, SME, and individual customers while supporting the communities in which we operate. In our commitment to creating excellent banking experiences for our customers every day, the Bank continues to invest in technology and employee development. All staff are thus carefully selected and empowered through comprehensive training programmes.

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
Vodafone Ghana Foundation relaunched the Healthline Call Centre during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide accurate information and expert medical advice to people living in Ghana.



Since the re-launch of the Vodafone Healthline Call Centre, it has impacted the lives of 30,460 people and is now set to conclude its operations in August 2023, considering the World Health Organization's (WHO) declaration that the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer a global emergency.



The Healthline Call Centre is a toll-free assistance on Vodafone and other networks manned by licensed medical doctors. At the peak of the pandemic, the Vodafone Healthline Call Centre served as a reliable source of information to combat the spread of erroneous COVID-19 information and rumours, which was a major concern for governments and medical workers worldwide.



In addition to the call centre offering first-line medical advice to callers with symptoms of COVID-19, the team also worked with the national COVID-19 surveillance team to report any physical contact by callers with infected persons to enable proper contact tracing.



Commenting on the impact of the call centre, Preba Greenstreet, Legal and External Affairs Director of Vodafone Ghana said, we are proud of the impact of the Healthline Call Centre during its operation. The touching stories recorded overs these couple of years are truly heart-warming and validate our commitment to impact lives.



Through this initiative, many lives have been saved, chronic diseases have been diagnosed early and referred to medical facilities, free sexual and reproduction counselling have been provided and we can say we have improved the quality of life of many Ghanaians.



We can now confidently bring its operations to an end and focus on our other initiatives in health and education.

The Call Centre was staffed by 50 doctors from the Ghana Health Services (GHS) who underwent specialised COVID-19 training. As the infections reduced, the number of doctors were gradually reduced, and their focus shifting to general medical advice.



The call centre has exemplified the efficacy of telemedicine in complementing traditional healthcare services.

While this marks the end of a crucial chapter in the fight against COVID-19, Vodafone Ghana Foundation remains committed to its mission of

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
West Africa's chief mediator in the Niger crisis, ex-Nigerian military leader Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar, has told the BBC that military intervention remains the last option to resolve the situation in the country.



He said his delegation from the regional grouping Ecowas has started negotiating with military junta leader Gen Abdourahmane Tchiani and expressed hope for an amicable resolution.



Gen Tchiani announced a three-year transition plan at the weekend, which Ecowas has rejected.



West Africa remains on edge as the junta leader remains defiant despite the threat of military intervention.



While Ecowas insists that all options remain open, the juntas announcement of a three-year-long return to civilian rule has left regional leaders in a dilemma on how to respond.



But Gen Abubakar told the BBC that his recent mission to Niger has "opened a room for discussion and diplomacy".



Referring to the use of force, he said that "all measures will be put in place to ensure that Niger comes back to constitutional authority... It doesn't necessarily mean going to war however, nobody is planning or hoping to go to war because when you start war, you don't know the outcome."



Gen Abubakar also met the ousted President, Mohamed Bazoum.



The president "made a lot of complaints about the way he has been treated, we have confirmed that they have cut off light (electricity) to him and they are keeping him in custody," Gen Abubakar said.



"He was naturally very bitter about the way he has been treated and he claims he is being kept a prisoner for no reason at all."



The Nigerian former leader also said that Ecowas sanctions were having a serious impact on Niger and were causing great hostility towards the regional bloc.

Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Special Adviser to the President on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Eugene Owusu has underscored the significance of forging partnerships to champion the United Nations' 17 interlinked objectives in order to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.



Speaking at the launch of the CSR/ESG Institute and the 10th Anniversary of the CSR Training Institute on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Dr. Owusu emphasized that the contemporary economic, environmental, and social crises necessitate a collaborative approach that transcends traditional boundaries.



The current economic, environmental and social crises have intensified calls for businesses to be more socially and environmentally responsible. For businesses to prosper over time, they must not only deliver financial performance but they must also show how they make a positive contribution to society and derive benefits for all stakeholders including employees, customers and the communities in which they operate, he said.



Dr. Owusu, a recognized advocate for sustainable development, reiterated that businesses' prosperity over time hinges not solely on financial gains but also on their contributions to society and the environment. He stressed that achieving success requires businesses to unite under the common banner of the SDGs and collaborate with governments to address shared challenges.



He said businesses are no longer isolated entities but integral stakeholders in the global pursuit of sustainable development reiterating the SDGs Advisory Units readiness to partner with government and institutions to scale up all actions under the SDGs for prosperity.



The launch event saw the presence of notable figures including Professor and Founder of the CSR Training Institute, Prof. Wayne Dunn, the Institutes programme manager, Tina Nkansah Akuamoah, Professor Mahama Duwijuwa, Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Emmanuel Baidoo, Senior Manager Sustainability at AngloGold Ashanti Ghana LTD, Nana Yaa Afriyie, Head of Partnerships, Sustainability, and CSR at Fidelity Bank among others.



On his part, Prof. Wayne Dunn provided insights into the journey of the CSR Institute thus far. He said the Institutes 10th-year anniversary celebration holds a special significance, not only as a testament to its accomplishments but also as a herald for the future that continues to prioritize excellence, innovation, and the creation of value for both business and society.



He underscored the institute's readiness to facilitate knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and catalyze meaningful action in pursuit of the SDGs.



The CSR Institute since its inception in 2013, has been steadfastly committed to bridging the gap between theory and practice, offering valuable insights into the integration and alignment of business, environmental, and social values.



The Institute provides training, consulting and strategic support to businesses, governments and organizations worldwide. As well, it makes available free online resources as part of its objective to democratize sustainability strategy and value-centric engagement.

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
Former Minister for Central Region, Kwamena Duncan says the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison and his deputies must be rewarded in relation to the bank's 60 billion cedis loss.



The Governor and his deputies have been asked by the Minority in Parliament to resign from their post.



The Minority accuses the Governors of mishandling the affairs of the bank and their alleged poor performance resulting in the bank incurring 60 billion cedis loss last year.



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 said during an engagement with journalists days ago.



But the Governor has cleared the air on why the bank incurred the abovementioned sum of money.



He says this amount was necessitated by the bank providing the needed support to cushion Ghana during the pandemic season.



"The Bank of Ghana was able to step in with the support to the economy...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", he said.



To Kwamena Duncan, the Governors deserve an award stating "if you want people to award, let's award them".



He commended them for taking what he believes was a prudent decision to save Ghana's economy.



"It is only an unappreciative citizenry; it is only an opposition that they want power at all cost, an opposition unfortunately we have known them, their period in office we have seen it, the person they have selected them, we know him but they want power at all cost" that, to him, will demand the resignation of the Governors, he said on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
" " A 1955 photo of some of the infant mummies exhumed from Panteon cemetery in Guanajuato, Mexico. George Pickow/Three Lions/Getty Images

There are a few techniques wherein human remains can become preserved. One, of course, is mummification. In this method, pioneered by the pharaonic Egyptians, internal organs are carefully removed and body cavities are filled with herbs and other natural materials that combat decay. The body is then bathed in oils and wrapped tightly in linen. The mummified remains of Egypt's early dynastic rulers can be found intact and on display around the world today, thousands of years after their deaths.

While it sounds like a tedious process, mummification can also happen accidentally. In the 19th century, it was customary for the dead to remain interred for five years before being exhumed and cremated. And in 1865, when the first residents of Guanajuato, Mexico, were exhumed, the town was in for a surprise. Undertakers discovered that unembalmed corpses buried in the town graveyard weren't decomposing -- they were mummified. The salty, dry soil in the graveyard is responsible for the mummies now on display at the famous museum in town [source: Ball]. Another case of an incidental mummy is the Tollund Man, a 2,000-year-old prehistoric man. He was hanged in Denmark, and in 1950, his body was discovered -- remarkably preserved from the peat bog into which it had been dumped. Even his fine hair and beard are intact [source: Silkeborg Public Library].

Advertisement

These examples of preserved humans share a common theme: Science can point to the means (either intentional or environmental) by which they were preserved. This is not the case for some of the incorruptibles found around the world -- their existence baffles scientists. While the preserved remains of mummies are generally found in states of rigor mortis-like petrifaction, incorruptible corpses are pretty pliable. Their skin is supple, even years after their deaths. They appear, for all intents and purposes, to be sleeping or only recently dead.

What's more, these corpses don't show signs of having been embalmed. And the local conditions don't appear to have had a preservative effect on them. While they remained in a perfect state of composition, other corpses interred nearby were degenerating like normal. Yet, some of these incorruptibles met violent ends or died from ravaging diseases that should have accelerated -- not deterred -- decomposition [source: Ferrari].

Because incorruptibility qualified as one of the prerequisites for sainthood, once a person became a candidate, he or she was disinterred for inspection. At these exhumations (which continued well into the 20th century), it was canonical policy to have representatives from the Church, physicians and secular citizens present in order to provide credibility to the findings. Many of those corpses who were found uncorrupted were sainted.

The downside to having an incorruptible corpse? You can't exactly rest in peace. Uncorrupted saints were -- and still are -- a big attraction for religious pilgrims looking to encounter evidence of the Holy Spirit firsthand. The only problem is there are a lot more Catholic parishes than there are incorruptible corpses. As a result, these inexplicably preserved saints were dismembered, and their body parts were sent to all reaches of the globe. A hand may have ended up at one church, while the heart and head may have been sent to others.

There are a number of saints who remain in one piece, though. They are usually displayed in reliquaries -- enclosed glass coffins -- generally on display in front of or behind a church's altar.
" " Cardinal Alfredo Schuster, conducting a mass in Italy. Dmitri Kessel/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images

We tend to imagine our incorruptibles in a state of perfect preservation. In many cases, incorruptible saints have remained in such a state for decades. But the ravages of time eventually have an effect on a body -- even a saintly one. While some of the incorruptible saints have taken on a mummy-like appearance over the centuries, the fact that their bodies remain in one piece is something of a mystery. At the very least, it's difficult to explain.

Some cases of incorruptibility have been revealed as fraudulent. In other cases where incorruptibility actually did exist, it was further preserved later by embalming the corpse. In the 20th century, the Catholic Church discontinued the practice of using incorruptibility as a prerequisite for sainthood. The Church wasn't responding so much to the fraud of some cases, but to the cases in which incorruptible corpses didn't extol Catholic piety. Members of other religions have been discovered in uncorrupted states. And at least one case of incorruptibility was discovered in a person who clearly hadn't exactly lived a saintly life. Cardinal Shuster, an Italian archbishop, had been a fascist and friend of dictator Benito Mussolini. His corpse was found uncorrupted 31 years after his death [source: Fortean Times].

Advertisement

It's easy to dismiss a corpse that's been mummified as a fraudulent incorruptible. Other instances aren't as cut and dry. Saint Catherine of Bologna died in 1463 and was buried casketless in the ground. After a few weeks, she was dug up, showing no signs of decay. This didn't exactly convince anyone she was incorruptible, but the fact that she's been on display since 1500 suggests something pretty mysterious at work. She's seated in a chair among candles at the chapel of Poor Clares (a Catholic sisterhood she oversaw) in Bologna, and even though her skin is browned and her appearance is a little shriveled, her continued physical integration hasn't been explained by science.

Saint Silvan is another inexplicable incorruptible example, although some skeptics believe the body on display is a statue or wax figure. St. Silvan is on display at the Church of St. Blaise in Dubrovnik, Croatia. He was martyred in the 4th century. After nearly 1,700 years, his body remains intact. His eyebrows are still in place, and his curly hair remains lifelike. His skin has retained a remarkable amount of natural color, as have his lips.

Perhaps the most famous incorruptible is a young shepherdess, Saint Bernadette. She died at age 35, but achieved acclaim among Catholics for having been visited by the Virgin Mary. The Virgin instructed Bernadette to dig in a spot at Lourdes, France. A well sprung up and came to be regarded as a healing place.

Bernadette died in 1879 and was exhumed under candidacy of beatification in 1909. Her corpse was uncorrupted. She was reinterred in her crypt and dug up again in 1919 and 1923. Upon the third exhumation, she was dissected. Her organs were still soft and malleable [source: Fortean Times]. She was placed on display in a reliquary, where she remains today, at the convent of St. Gildard at Nevers, France.

Bernadette stands (or lies) as a sterling example of incorruptibility. But her corpse also provides ammunition for skeptics. Her hands and face appear incredibly lifelike, but this is due to a wax covering. Beneath the waxy exterior, her skin has browned. While there's no scientific explanation for why her body would have remained so well-preserved without the aid of embalming or environmental conditions, she shows that all bodies will eventually rot. Just how long that process takes, however, may depend on any number of factors.

Sources

Ball, Ann. "The mummies of Guanajuato: A powerful memento mori ." Mexico Connect. 2001. http://www.mexconnect.com/mex_/travel/aball/aaguanmummy.html

Carroll, Robert Todd. "Incorruptible bodies." The Skeptic's Dictionary. December 3, 2007. http://www.skepdic.com/incorrupt.html

Ferrari, Valerie. "Incorruptible Roman Catholic saints: What has preserved their bodies for centuries?" Associated Content. October 20, 2006. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/72396/incorruptible_roman_catholic_saints.html

Longnecker, Dwight. "Saints preserve us!" Fortean Times. http://www.forteantimes.com/features/articles/245/saints_preserve_us.html#

"About incorruptibles." The Catholic Heart. http://www.thecatholicheart.org/pdf/AboutIncorruptibles.pdf

"Carbon-14 dating." Silkeborg Public Library. 2004. http://www.tollundman.dk/kulstof-14.asp

"Saintly relics of Italy: Incorruptible saints." Life In Italy. http://www.lifeinitaly.com/religion/incorruptibles.asp
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Image taken under binocular lens, corresponding to specimen details of the dorsum. This specimen was extracted from the sediment filling a cocoon. Credit: Andrea Baucon.

A new study reports the discovery of hundreds of mummified bees inside their cocoons. These cocoons, produced almost 3,000 years ago, were discovered in a new paleontological site discovered on the coast of Odemira, in Portugal.

About 2,975 years ago, Pharaoh Siamun reigned in Lower Egypt; in China the Zhou Dynasty elapsed; Solomon was to succeed David on the throne of Israel; in the territory that is now Portugal, the tribes were heading towards the end of the Bronze Age. In particular, on the southwest coast of Portugal, where is now Odemira, something strange and rare had just happened: hundreds of bees died inside their cocoons and were preserved in the smallest anatomical detail.

The cocoons, now discovered, resulted from an extremely rare fossilization methodnormally the skeleton of these insects is rapidly decomposed due to its chitinous composition, which is an organic compound.

"The degree of preservation of these bees is so exceptional that we were able to identify not only the anatomical details that determine the type of bee, but also its sex and even the supply of monofloral pollen left by the mother when she built the cocoon," says Carlos Neto de Carvalho, scientific coordinator of Geopark Naturtejo, and collaborating researcher at Instituto Dom Luiz, at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of LisbonCiencias ULisboa (Portugal).

Image taken under binocular lens, corresponding to specimen details of the dorsum. This specimen was extracted from the sediment filling a cocoon. Credit: Andrea Baucon.

The paleontologist says that the project that led to this discovery identified four paleontological sites with a high density of bee cocoon fossils, reaching thousands in a square measuring one meter on a side. These sites were found between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Odeceixe, on the coast of Odemira, a municipality that gave strong support to the execution of this scientific study, allowing its dating by carbon 14.

"With a fossil record of 100 million years of nests and hives attributed to the bee family, the truth is that the fossilization of its user is practically non-existent," says Andrea Baucon, one of the co-authors of the present work, paleontologist at the University of Siena.

The cocoons now discovered, produced almost 3,000 years ago, preserve as in a sarcophagus the young adults of the Eucera bee that never got to see the light of day. This is one of about 700 species of bees that still exist in mainland Portugal today. The newly discovered paleontological site shows the interior of the cocoons coated with an intricate thread produced by the mother and composed of an organic polymer.

Inside, you can sometimes find what's left of the monofloral pollen left by the mother, with which the larva would have fed in the first times of life. The use of microcomputed tomography allows for a perfect and three-dimensional image of the mummified bees inside sealed cocoons.

X-ray micro-computed tomography views of a male Eucera bee (ventral) inside a sealed cocoon. View obtained in the ICTP ElettramicroCT, Trieste's Elettra synchrotron radiation facility in Italy.The image shows the architecture of the excavated brood chamber closed by the spiral cap, containing an adult bee close to abandoning the cell. Credit: Federico Bernardini/ICTP.

X-ray micro-computed tomography views of a male Eucera bee (ventral) inside a sealed cocoon. View obtained in the ICTP ElettramicroCT, Trieste's Elettra synchrotron radiation facility in Italy.The image shows the architecture of the excavated brood chamber closed by the spiral cap, containing an adult bee close to abandoning the cell. Credit: Federico Bernardini/ICTP.

Bees have more than 20,000 existing species worldwide and are important pollinators, whose populations have suffered a significant decrease due to human activities and which has been associated with climate change. Understanding the ecological reasons that led to the death and mummification of bee populations nearly 3,000 years ago could help to understand and establish resilience strategies to climate change.

In the case of the southwest coast, the climatic period that was experienced almost 3,000 years ago was marked, in general, by colder and rainier winters than the current ones.

"A sharp decrease in the nocturnal temperature at the end of winter or a prolonged flooding of the area already outside the rainy season could have led to the death, by cold or asphyxiation, and mummification of hundreds of these small bees," explains Carlos Neto de Carvalho.

The findings are published in the journal Papers in Palaeontology.

This study is the result of an Ibero-Italian cooperation that brought together researchers from Instituto Dom LuizCiencias ULisboa, DISTAVUniversity of Genova (Italy), MAREUniversity of Coimbra (Portugal), the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar (Portugal), the Portuguese Centre of Geo-History and Prehistory, the Abdus Salam Research Center in Theoretical Physics, University of Siena (Italy), University of Venice (Italy) and University of Seville (Spain).

More information: Carlos Neto de Carvalho et al, Eucera bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Eucerini) preserved in their brood cells from late Holocene (middle Neoglacial) palaeosols of southwest Portugal, Papers in Palaeontology (2023). DOI: 10.1002/spp2.1518
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

China has suspended the import of all Japanese aquatic products over the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Seafood sellers in Beijing expressed consternation Thursday over Japan's gradual release of wastewater from the disaster-hit Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.

Hours before the release began, a store manager named Wang Jinglong in one of the Chinese capital's biggest seafood markets told AFP there had already been a "major impact" on his business, especially tuna sales.

"We used to get some fresh Japanese fish, but due to customs bans we stopped receiving them two months ago," Wang said, referring to import controls imposed last month.

Wang showed AFP frozen Japanese seafood products that he will be unable to restock once soldif customers are still interested.

"There's a large gap in our sales volume compared with before. In the past, such as during the pandemic, we had to kill three to five tuna every week," Wang said.

"Now we kill very few fish and they are not from Japan, but from Australia, New Zealand and Spain."

The 53-year-old said the quality of those products is "very poor, and not comparable to that of Japan".

He said he has little choice in the face of "great resistance" from the public to Japanese products.

"This pollution topic is being closely followed."

The release plan has been endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agencythe United Nations' nuclear watchdogwhich said it meets international standards and "will not cause any harm to the environment".

And the overriding consensus among international experts is that the operation is safe.

But shortly after the discharge of wastewater began on Thursday, China said it would suspend the import of all Japanese aquatic products.

Workers at a major fish market in Beijing said the impact of Japan's Fukushima water release plan had been significant.

Meanwhile, many shoppers responded by rushing to buy large quantities of table salt, prompting the state monopoly to issue a plea for moderation.

Chinese consumers snapped up salt in the wake of the 2011 Fukushima disaster based on groundless rumours that the iodine in it could prevent radiation poisoning.

"Due to the impact of Japan's discharge of nuclear wastewater, some markets in China have seen panic buying of table salt," China Salt said in a statement on Thursday evening.

"Salt reserves and supplies remain abundant," the state-owned firm said, but added that "online retailers as well as some commercial supermarket channels have exhibited temporary shortages".

"We are working overtime to add extra production and deliveries, and doing all we can to guarantee market supply," the company said.

"We urge all sectors of society to consume salt in a managed way and not blindly hoard it."

Elsewhere in the Beijing market, workers said the impact of the water release plan had been significant.

Many recently stopped selling all seafood from Japan.

"The plan to release the water is causing trouble for Japan and all other countries," said Huang Xiaohao, the boss at a store advertising imported products.

"If you look around at what we're selling, you'll find that most of these things are actually domestic products," he said.

Pressure has come from both official customs restrictions, others said, as well as from consumers who worry about a supposed impact of Japanese seafood products on their health.

One merchant who declined to be named told AFP that tuna from places other than Japanwhere he usually sourced productsare simply not as good.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Peggychoucair from Pixabay

Every ton of carbon is four times more damaging to the world now than it was 10 years ago, according to a recently published study from the University of Sussex Business School.

The findings, published in Nature Climate Change, are based on an extensive analysis spanning four decades of research.

The "social cost of carbon" is the cost that economies face from the release of carbon into the atmosphere. The cost can be calculated by carbon's effect on: human health and welfare, agricultural productivity, sea level rise leading to property damage and destruction, desertification, changes in energy consumption, and declines in labor productivity.

The research, which analyzed over 5,900 estimates from 207 papers published before 2022, used innovative statistical methods such as meta-analysis, and found that, whereas twenty years ago economists tended to advocate a modest carbon tax, they now need to argue for a much more stringent climate policy. This is primarily because the assessment of climate change and its impacts have become much more pessimistic over time.

Professor Richard Tol, professor of economics at the University of Sussex Business School, said, "The implications of these findings for climate policy, are significant. The central estimate is that the social cost of carbon becomes 2.2% larger every year. We have found that every ton of carbon is four times as damaging now as it was 10 years ago.

"The study underscores the need to intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reassess the appropriate carbon price.

"There is often a gap between the announced emissions targets and the policies supposed to achieve the targets. Besides raising the social cost of carbon, the recommended carbon price, policy makers should focus on raising the actual price of carbon.

"Therefore, this paper justifies a major strengthening of climate policy than the one that we have in Europe and North America, and calls for other countries, particularly China and India to up their climate game."

There are, as the researchers point out, a number of different estimates of the social cost of carbon, and these vary because of different assumptions about future emissions. However, on average, these predictions have become much more pessimistic as the reality of climate change sets in. For example, climate impacts are unpredictable, and the impacts of moving from 1.5C to 2C are much greater than an increase from 0.5C to 1C. This has, as the study suggests, increased the cost of carbon significantly as the impact on everything from agriculture to health, sets in.

More information: Richard S. J. Tol, Social cost of carbon estimates have increased over time, Nature Climate Change (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41558-023-01680-x Journal information: Nature Climate Change
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The islands of South-East Asia record a long and dynamic human history of technological innovation, migration and conflict.

The region's rock art stretches back more than 45,000 years. It's a unique source of information about this complex human past.

But rock art doesn't just record ancient history. Researchers have identified artwork documenting the more recent past, including Indigenous resistance to colonial occupation, violent frontier conflicts and enslavement.

Our new study shines a new light on rock art of Sarawak (a state of Malaysia on the island of Borneo). The rock art we have dated records resistance to colonial forces in Malaysian Borneo during the 17th to 19th centuries.

Rock art in Borneo

Black drawings of people, animals, ships and abstract geometric designs dominate caves throughout Borneo's north-west.

Gua Sireh is one of the region's best-known rock art sites, attracting hundreds of visitors each year. The cave is about 55 kilometers south-east of Sarawak's capital, Kuching.

Hundreds of charcoal drawings cover the walls of Gua Sireh. People are shown wearing headdresses. Some are armed with shields, knives and spears in scenes of hunting, butchering, fishing, fighting and dancing.

The two rock art drawings that were dated and interpreted by our new research. Credit: Digital tracing and design by Lucas Huntley., CC BY-ND

Excavations in the 1950s, 1970s and 1980s revealed people intermittently used Gua Sireh for around 20,000 years, before abandoning the site around 1900. The Indigenous people who used the cave were the ancestors of the contemporary Bidayuh (inland tribal people), also known as "Land Dayaks" in early ethnographic accounts.

Malayo-Polynesian Austronesian speakers (whose language originates in Taiwan) spread across Island South-East Asia and the Pacific starting around 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Austronesian influence at Gua Sireh dates from about 4,000 years ago, indicated by the first appearance of charred rice and pottery.

The presence of Austronesian communities at Gua Sireh is a part of broader evidence for dynamic human migrations in the region over thousands of years.

Further cultural interactions at the site occurred around 2,000 years ago, with grave goods, such as glass beads, showing contact between the Bidayuh and coastal traders.

In the 17th to 19th centuries, there was a period of increasing conflict when Malay elites controlling the region exacted heavy tolls on local Indigenous tribes. Using radiocarbon dating, we have been able to date two large, elaborate human figures to this period. They were drawn between 1670 and 1830.

We interpreted our results informed by the oral histories of the Bidayuh, who have continuing custodial responsibilities over the site today.

Bidayuh descendant Mohammad Sherman Sauffi William (Sarawak Museum Department) and Jillian Huntley harvesting a sample from the rock art. Credit: Paul S.C. Tacon, CC BY-ND

Our findings sit alongside other recent archaeological work that has highlighted Indigenous resistance to colonial occupation.

Carbon dating the images

In addition to radiocarbon dating and oral history, another strand of evidence we used to interpret these new dates were the images themselves.

One figure we looked at in our carbon dating brandishes two short-bladed Parang Ilang, the principal weapon used during the warfare that marked the first decades of white rule in Borneo. We have dated this figure as drawn between 1670 and 1710 when Malay elites dominated the Bidayuh.

In another image we studied, large human figures are shown holding distinctive weapons such as a Pandatthe war sword of Land Dayaks, including the Bidayuh. Pandat were used exclusively for fighting and protection, never in agriculture or handicrafts, suggesting the drawing relates to conflict.

We have dated this figure to between 1790 and 1830. This was a period of increasing conflict between the Bidayuh and Iban (Indigenous peoples from the coast, also known as Sea Dayaks) and Brunei Malay rulers.

The Pandat in this rock art was used exclusively for fighting and protection, suggesting the drawing relates to conflict. Credit: Andrea Jalandoni, CC BY-ND

During this period many Indigenous Sarawakians moved into the upland interior, including the Gua Sireh area, to escape persecution.

Brunei rulers were known to not only bully and enslave people but also allowed expeditions of Ibans to attack the Bidayuh. The Ibans were said to keep the heads of the people they slaughtered and handed over the "slaves" they captured to the Brunei authority.

An example from Bidayuh oral histories of the cave being used as a refuge during territorial violence comes from 1855. The British diplomat Spenser St John was shown a skeleton in Gua Sireh. A local tribesman said he had shot this man years earlier, before the rule of James Brooke, which began in 1839.

The shooting resulted from a skirmish with a very harsh Malay chief who had demanded the Bidayuh hand over their children. They refused and retreated to Gua Sireh where they held off a force of 300 armed men.

Suffering some losses (two Bidayuh were shot, and seven were taken prisoner and enslaved), most of the tribe escaped through the far side of the cave complex, saving their children.

Oral histories combined with the figures holding weapons of warfare contextualize the ages we now have for the rock art.

Plan of the Gua Sireh cave system showing passage through Gunung Nambi (limestone hill) via the connecting passage between Gua Sireh and Gua Sebayan. Blue indicates water. CC BY-ND

The direct dates we have produced demonstrate distinct periods of drawing can be identified.

The ubiquity of black drawings across the region and their probable links to the migrations of Austronesian and Malay peoples opens exciting possibilities for further understanding the complexities of rock art production in Island South-East Asia.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Cellphone bans in middle and high schools across the U.S. are raising questions about how effective locking away students' devices on the heels of a pandemicwhen classroom instruction was all but virtualwill be.

The no-phones policies have swept across school districts in waves after educators noticed that students were "glued to their devices" upon returning to the classroom following the easing of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Administrators have taken action in many states. In central Florida, for example, a school board moved to prohibit cellphones throughout the dayeven during lunch periods. In a school district in Alabama, students must now lock away their phones in magnetically sealed pouches prior to the start of the school day.

As classroom teaching in this century has incorporated many new technological toolsespecially after the pandemic essentialized themthese policies might seem draconian. But with research linking cellphone and tablet use in the classroom to poorer test scores, are the bans necessary to reduce distraction?

"While cellphone bans are not new, nor are companies like this offering 'lockdown' services, what is new is students who have had a few years of remote learning during COVID," says Meryl Alper, an associate professor of communication studies at Northeastern University, who studies children and families' technology use. "During [virtual] class[es], they've had unfettered access to their devices. For some students, not only have they developed habits that could be maladaptive during the school day, but it may have impacted their learning too for years to come."

Alper suggests that bans by themselves won't necessarily lead to more engaged learning unless accompanied by measures to educate students on their technology use. It's precisely the unfettered nature of online distractionthe tech user's propensity for misusing the devicesthat has led to the popularization of "digital citizenship" and social media literacy as concepts that should be integrated in schools.

"While cellphone bans are functionally useful, they are not effective for behavior change unless coupled with digital citizenship programs that offer students reflections on their personal choices with technology," she says.

"Even then, what students are doing with personal devices in the classroom are affected by their use outside of it, as well as how they see smartphone use being modeled by caregivers at home," Alper adds.

It's not immediately clear how many of the districts that have proposed bans also provide courses or training on technology usethey are too numerous to count. But Alper also points out that blanket bans run the risk of depriving students of tools that may be necessary to their learning.

"Accessibility is an issue not generally considered during such bans," Alper says. "Some students appreciate being able to use personal devices with cameras to capture notes, particularly if teachers do not make their visual materials available to students in other ways. I for one always upload my slides to Canvas after class for these reasons."

The wave of classroom cellphone bans only further highlights just how divided educators are on the subject. A recent study by the Global Education Monitoring Report concluded that evidence is "mixed" on the impact of technology on education worldwide. The report also notes that "technology is evolving too fast to permit evaluations that could inform decisions on legislation, policy and regulation."

The "extent to which technology has transformed education needs to be debated," the report states. "Change resulting from the use of technology is incremental, uneven and bigger in some contexts over others. The application of digital technology varies by community and socioeconomic level, by teacher willingness and preparedness, by education level, and by country income."

In the U.S., Alper suggests that the conversation about cellphone bans might distract from more pressing issues facing the well-being of students.

"It's hard to think about the bans of cellphones, and panic over their use in schools, and not think about which U.S. states are more or less likely to ban more probable threatsnamely, assault weaponson school campuses and in the community that significantly impact the overall well-being of children," she says.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A healthy reef on Kiritimati (Christmas Island, Republic of Kiribati). Credit: Danielle Claar, author provided

Like the heat waves on land we have all grown familiar with, marine heat waves are being amplified by climate change. These extreme warm water events have ushered in some of the most catastrophic impacts of climate change and are now a major threat to ocean life.

Coral reefs, which are home to a quarter of all life in the ocean, are the most vulnerable. This is a dire situation, given the vast number of people who depend on coral reefs for their sustenance and livelihoods.

As climate change pushes corals beyond their limits, a key question is why different corals vary in their sensitivity to warm waters.

In our new study in Science Advances, we examined the genetics of hundreds of individual corals during the 201516 El Nino-driven heat wave. Our results suggest that heat waves have hidden impacts on the genetic composition of reef-building corals. Understanding this could help scientists bolster reef resilience to future heat waves.

Pushing corals out of their comfort zones

Corals are highly adapted to the temperature of their local waters, with temperatures even 1C warmer than normal pushing them out of their comfort zone.

Unusually warm water disrupts the vital relationship between stony corals (the reef-builders) and their symbiotic partners, microscopic algae that provide food to the corals. This causes coral bleaching, and in many cases mortality.

The tropical heat wave at our study site in the central Pacific Ocean, Kiritimati (Christmas Island), lasted for ten months, a world record. This led to extensive coral bleaching, presenting an opportunity to determine why some corals died and others survived.

Cryptic diversity within a widespread coral species

We focused on the widespread lobed coral (Porites lobata). This species is among the most heat-tolerant corals, and despite almost 90% of all coral cover being lost on Kiritimati, over half of lobed corals survived.

A reef on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) at the end of the 201516 marine heat wave where some Porites lobata colonies survived (yellow/tan colours), some were alive but bleached (white colonies), and some died along with the rest of the reef (red/purple/pink colours of turf algae covering dead colonies). Credit: Danielle Claar, author provided

In fact, some Porites colonies didn't bleach at all.

Why?

Using genomic tools, we identified three distinct types of Porites lobata on Kiritimati. These lineages, which may represent distinct species, are indistinguishable by eye but genetically different.

Such biodiversity is known as "cryptic diversity" or "hidden diversity." Although cryptic diversity is widespread across corals, its ecological implications remain unclear.

Marine heat waves threaten cryptic diversity

We found that one genetic lineage of Porites was highly sensitive to the heat wave: only 15% of its colonies survived compared to 50%60% in the other lineages. Thus, even in a coral widely considered to be stress tolerant, heat waves can have hidden impacts, threatening diversity that is invisible to the naked eye.

If future marine heat waves continue to have similar effects, eventually sensitive genotypes like this one could be completely lost, reducing the genetic diversity of coral reefs.

Because interbreeding between cryptic lineages and species can offer a potential avenue for future adaptation, losses of genetic diversity could make a bad problem even worse by limiting future adaptation to changing environments.

Two colonies of Porities growing side-by-side on Kiritimati (Christmas Island) during the 201516 marine heat wave. One colony appears healthy while the other is severely bleached. Credit: Kieran Cox, author provided

A forced breakup

So why did Porites lineages on Kiritimati differ in survival?

One hypothesis is that they house symbiotic partners with different heat sensitivities. Using metabarcoding, a technique that attempts to identify everything found living in the coral tissue, we identified which symbionts were partnered with which corals before, during and after the heat wave.

We found that the distinct Porites lineages had different partnerships before the heat wave. Porites species pass on their symbionts from one generation to the next and so these relationships likely arose over many generations.

By the end of the heat wave, however, one of Porites' unique algal partners had been virtually eliminated. The survivors of all lineages had similar symbionts, suggesting specialized relationships between the partners had been lost under extreme temperatures.

Thus, not only was a cryptic coral lineage left teetering on the edge of local extinction, but its specialized symbiotic relationship had also been forcefully broken up.

Implications for conserving coral reefs

Due to climate change and other threats, we are currently experiencing a biodiversity crisis. Our findings underscore that this crisis extends beyond what the eye can see.

Cryptic species often occupy unique ecological niches and play specific roles within ecosystems. Discovering these hidden differences can enhance our understanding of how ecosystems function. But worryingly, we may be losing this critical diversity before it is even discovered.

Continued study of cryptic diversity could prove essential to building climate resilient ecosystems. Using heat tolerant cryptic lineages in restoration approaches, for example, could help make reefs more tolerant to future warming.

Ultimately, greenhouse gas emissions must be rapidly reduced to curb planetary warming. While targeted efforts to bolster coral reefs against climate change may buy limited time, the current heat waves blanketing the world's oceans underscore that the ocean is simply becoming too hot for corals and we need to act rapidly to mitigate the damage.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A jogger passes power lines during a sunset run, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in San Antonio. Triple digit temperatures continue to stress the power grid. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay

Temperatures have soared in the central U.S., leading to deaths in some states as more dangerous heat is expected, a national weather service official said.

The harsh heat wave has broken records, caused damage, shortened school days and forced the evacuation of a nursing home this week as some cities brace for triple digit temperatures through August. There have been 25 heat-related deaths this summer in Louisiana, officials said Tuesday, and in Nebraska, a 1-year-old left in a hot van died.

The heat is expected to become "dangerous to the average person" if they don't have air conditioning, said Alex Lamers, warning coordination meteorologist at the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

It has felt hotter than 110 degrees in cities in Texas and Louisiana more often than at any time since World War II, Lamers said. The brunt of the enduring heat has hit states from Florida to New Mexico, he said.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas asked residents twice last week to conserve energy because of high demand and low reserves. The agency issued a weather watch from Wednesday to Aug. 27.

The council hasn't had an outage all summer despite unrelenting heat and high demand, said Alison Silverstein, a Texas-based independent energy analyst and former adviser to the state's energy regulator.

But there are risks the longer this drags on, Silverstein said, comparing it to a car overheating.

"At least your car on a long trip has a chance to rest overnight and cool off," she said. "A lot of these plants have been running nonstop, or pretty close to it, since June."

Experts warn infrastructure like roads can buckle under the extreme strain of enduring and recurring heat waves brought on by climate change. Union Pacific has imposed more speed restrictions this summer across its network of more than 32,000 miles (51,499 kilometers) of Western track as a "precaution to reduce the impact on the rail when it gets hot," spokeswoman Kristen South said Tuesday.

Costs in the U.S. for road maintenance and replacement due to rising temperatures could reach $26.3 billion by 2040, with most of the damage expected to hit Texas, California and Illinois, according to a 2017 study by University of Arizona and Arizona State University researchers.

The heat has already caused an unusual number of Texas water line breaks and roadway issues.

Texas officials are monitoring the heat, roadways and tips from residents to address issues as quickly as possible, said transportation department spokesman Danny Perez. Houston officials learned of likely heat-related damage to a road Sunday after about 10 other similar reports in June, he said.

An airplane passes power lines as the sun sets, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023, in San Antonio. Triple digit temperatures continue to stress the power grid. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Gay

Houston's high temperatures and a lack of rain have caused the ground to shift and damage the city's aging pipes. Residents' top service request is for water leaks, according to city data. Reports of water leaks from the past month were up 25% from the same period last year.

Demand and leaks are both increasing, and the city is using emergency purchase orders to add contractors for repairs, said Erin Jones, Houston Public Works spokeswoman.

San Antonio Water Systems has already tallied more breaks this month than in all of July, said the agency Wednesday. Customers need to cut back on outdoor watering, the agency said.

Students across the U.S. are learning in roasting classrooms or having their days cut short, including over a dozen in Denver on Wednesday. Chicago-area schools are delaying classes or ending them early. Milwaukee Public Schools, Wisconsin's largest, closed campuses through Thursday.

An estimated 36,000 schools across the U.S. need to update or install HVAC systems, according to a U.S. Government Accountability Office report in 2020. Without air conditioning, a 1 degree increase in temperature over the school year reduces student learning by 1%, according to a study by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Cooling systems are also under strain. Missouri firefighters helped remove 117 patients from a Kansas City nursing facility Tuesday after the air conditioning failed in temperatures that felt as high as 115 degrees (46.1 C). Most Parkview Healthcare nursing facility residents were taken to other facilities, but seven who had COVID-19 were taken to hospitals, authorities said.

At least 20 complaints have been made against the facility in the past five years, since August 2018, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Denise Oates, whose mother lives at the facility, told television station WDAF that it was upsetting to learn through social media that the air conditioning failed. She called and couldn't get any answers about what was happening, Oates said.

"I'm just like, 'Call me and let me know before you move her. I need to know where she moves to,'" Oates said.

The facility and owner, Cor Healthcare Partners based in Baltimore, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Not everywhere has been feeling the heat. In North Dakota, the city of Dickinson set a record of 60 degrees (15.6 C) for Aug. 20, beating the benchmark of 62 in 1974. On the same day, Bismarck tied its record of 62, set in 1966. The temperatures on Sunday were due to

An unseasonably cool air mass, clouds and rain helped bring temperatures down Sunday, but warmer temperatures are forecast in the coming days, said Corey King, an emergency response specialist with the National Weather Service in Bismarck.

 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

The passage from Zambia to Zimbabwe through Kariba Dam. Credit: Manfidza/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Hydropower, traditionally one of Africa's most important sources of electricity, will rapidly fade in importance and cede its position to solar power. The attractiveness of new hydropower is decreasing fast, both due to the increasing economic competitiveness of solar panels and to the increasingly uncertain effects of climate change on river flows. The majority of new dams proposed across Africa should, therefore, probably never be built, suggests a new study published in Science.

Abundant rainfall, massive gorges, enormous waterfalls: the geography of Africa has all the elements for producing electricity from river flow. For decades, many African countries have relied on hydropower for electricity generation, including projects that inspire as much awe as controversy. One only needs to think of Ghana's Lake Volta, the largest artificial lake in the world; the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Ethiopia's flagship project to provide millions of its citizens with electricity access; or DR Congo's dream of building the Grand Inga plant, which some claim could "light up all of Africa." And the voices that advocate for more of the same are strong: it is estimated that Africa has barely exploited 10% of its hydropower potential.

But is it a smart idea to plan for hundreds of new hydro dams across Africa? A new study from scientists in Italy, Austria, Ethiopia, and Belgium shows that this may not be the case. The study used a detailed energy model to investigate which combination of power sources would be most cost-effective for African countries to meet their rising demand until 2050comparing hydropower to solar, wind, coal, natural gas, nuclear, and others. With unprecedented detail, the study individually considered every possible future hydropower plant in Africawith its own storage size, river flow profile, and interplay with other hydropower dams.

"What is unique about our study is that we model every single hydropower plant in Africa individuallyboth existing ones and future candidates," explains Dr. Angelo Carlino, lead author of the study. "This way, our model can pinpoint which plants could be a smart investment and which ones should probably not be built."

Adding up all the numbers provides a sobering picture of the future of hydropower in Africa. The study found that up to 67% of possible future hydropower plants in Africa may not be worth the investment. This is mainly because hydropower will soon largely become unable to compete economically with solar and (to a lesser extent) wind power, whose costs have dropped at unprecedented rates in the last decade.

In addition, the effects of prolonged droughts on hydropower, likely to worsen due to climate change, would have to be mitigated through additional investments. "This is another reason why solar power will emerge as the more attractive technology in the long term," says Dr. Matthias Wildemeersch, a research scholar at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) in Austria and co-author of the study.

Does this mean that it is "game over" for hydropower? Not entirely, as the study explains: in the short-term, some new hydropower plants could still provide cheap power for countries in need, and they could also be used flexibly to help the integration of solar and wind, whose output constantly fluctuates.

"Our model shows which specific hydropower plants would still be cost-effective in the short-term," comments Professor Andrea Castelletti, professor in Natural Resources Management at Politecnico di Milano and senior author of the study. "Especially in the Congo, Niger, and Nile basins, there are certain projects that would be worth the effort, as long as they are well-planned and harmful environmental effects are kept to a minimum."

But in the long-term, solar power would emerge as crystal-clear technology to be favored by most African countries, echoing the International Energy Agency's 2020 claim that solar power would soon become the new "king" of electricity markets worldwide.

"The window for hydropower in Africa to be a feasible investment is very rapidly closing," adds Professor Sebastian Sterl, professor in Energy Meteorology at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium, and senior scientist at the World Resources Institute (WRI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study suggests that beyond 2030, only a very limited number of hydropower plants would remain attractive investments across Africa. "Aside from cost-effectiveness, this is generally good news for the environment: it means that many rivers won't have to be dammed and can keep their natural course," concludes Sterl.

More information: Angelo Carlino et al, Declining cost of renewables and climate change curb the need for African hydropower expansion, Science (2023). DOI: 10.1126/science.adf5848 Journal information: Science
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Street sign for Fford Pen Llech, said to be the world's steepest street, with text in English and in Welsh. Approximately 20% of Wales residents are fluent in Welsh, and the government is striving to increase that percentage. Credit: Wikimedia

Headlines abound with the plight of endangered minority languages around the world. Read a few of these and you'll see some common themes: the rising number of languages dying worldwide, the distressing isolation of individual last speakers, and the wider cultural loss for humanity.

These stories often mention efforts to protect such languages. This is seen as a way to buttress their speakers' sense of identity, to resist the grinding homogenization of globalization, and to set right minorities' historical marginalization. However, these stories tend to focus less on how such efforts materially help speakers of endangered languages. As I explore in a peer-reviewed, open-access article, such efforts sometimes help, sometimes harm, and sometimes they do both at once.

Questions of identity

Encouraging someone to keep speakingor to learn anewa shrinking minority language could certainly buttress his or her sense of identity. But when a bigger language is adopted somewhere, it doesn't erase everything that came before. Often, intense contact between big and small languages leads to a fascinating new mixturefor example, Sheng in Kenya, Tsotsitaal in South Africa and Nouchi in Cote d'Ivoire.

In other cases, such language contact results in something closer to the incoming language, a new localized dialect. But as linguist Peter Trudgill argues, this too can hold a highly local identity. In another study in Ghana, one research interviewee says of the localized form of English: "I own this language that everyone speaks." Similarly in Singapore, "Singlish" (a mix of English, Mandarin, Malay, and others) holds an important identity function. After all, these different new varieties are spoken nowhere else on earth.

These new contact-based vernaculars are globally unique, and many are spoken by disadvantaged minorities, but nobody calls for them to be celebrated or protected. Indeed, they are often looked down uponfor example, Singapore's government has a campaign to eradicate the "blunders" of Singlish. Linguistically, though, these are just as fully structured as any other language. Perhaps it's harder to romanticize something new than something old.

Addressing historical wrongs

The theme of righting historical wrongs among minority groups assumes they will somehow benefit from defense of their language. Sure enough, enabling a people to use their traditional language can make them feel better about themselves. But is it really helping them? Let's take this one step at a time.

If a people lost their language after being oppressed by colonialism and then further trampled on by rampant globalism, they probably lost a whole lot more than language. Canadian researcher Chris Lalonde focused his work on health and well-being in Canada's indigenous communities, and what he found was much more complicated. A co-authored report did find positive effects of increased fluency in their native languages, but here comes the most importantand politically most difficultpoint. In a later analysis (chapter 30 of this book), he and his colleagues showed that simply promoting language on its owneven language and indigenous culturewas not influential on a fundamental measure of well-being, suicide rates:

"While culture [and language are] important, it is the integration of social, family, education and training, job creation and other elements that bring cohesion to a community. Indigenous youth suicide must be addressed as a community by forming community cohesion."

Simply adding your ancestral language as a new school subject isn't very helpful if your school is falling down, you're not eating well, your people are disproportionately incarcerated, or you don't have adequate political representation. To think anything much can be solved just by performing CPR on a minority language is to ignore how complicated human society is, and how many different simultaneous needs we have.

Details matter

If it's possible to intervene but not really help, is it also possible to intervene and cause harm? Let's look at a couple of examples.

In Wales, legal recognition of the Welsh language has been momentous, countering centuries of denigration and decline. There have been significant benefits, but closer inspection reveals drawbacks as well.

Welsh is currently taught in schools across Wales, and that's good news for families, be they Welsh- or English-speaking. Some schools use Welsh a bit, some a lot, and an increasing number use only Welsh. According to the 2021 census, only around 20% of Wales's population (538,300) is fluent in Welsh and the government's plan is to reverse that decline and reach 1 million speakers by 2050.

It's an ambitious goal, and requires children from non-Welsh-speaking families to attend Welsh-medium schools. Sometimes parents actively choose thisindeed, it's often prizedwhile in other cases it's the only option. Either way, there are upsides and downsides.

On the one hand, students who leave school with Welsh proficiency go on to earn more on average than their monolingual peers, at least within Wales. There is also cultural enrichment that comes with any additional language, and some studies have suggested bilinguals generally enjoy cognitive advantages in life, though the evidence is mixed. But on the other hand, those who didn't speak Welsh before entering a Welsh-medium school often struggle and their grades can suffer. Overall, Welsh-medium schools report lower grades than English-medium schools (page 120 of that linked report has some sobering detail), and this despite receiving equal or higher funding.

As is to be expected, Wales's ambitious plan to substantially increase the use of Welsh brings with it many challenges. These include a shortage of teachers fluent in Welsh, reported tensions between Welsh- and English-medium students, and difficulties accommodating children with additional learning needs. Understanding and facing up to these and other challenges could enable a more accommodating and ameliorative approach.

Another example is in Canada, where French is a minority language that has been declining for decades. In Quebec, French remains dominant, with just under 75% of residents having it as their native language, but the percentage has fallen slightly over the past five years despite muscular policies to promote its use.

Most recently, in 2022 the Quebec Legislature passed Bill 96, which among other changes, requires civil servants to exclusively use French for official speech and writing, with certain exceptions. While the government has said that the bill will not affect access to health care and social services in English, medical professionals and students have expressed serious concerns about the law's potential impacts. This is an example of the prioritization of language even in matters as essential as health care, yet it's unclear if the law will actually improve Quebec residents' lives, or even help preserve French in Quebec.

Uncomfortable questions

These are uncomfortable questions to ask given the scale of minority language loss worldwide, alongside an acrid legacy of colonialism and repression. However, it's in no one's interests to cause new problems while trying to right past wrongs.

So, next time you see a media report about efforts to preserve a minority language, think whether they'll be part of a broader range of support. Next, consider potential unintended negative consequences, and how those balance against the positive ones.

Promoting endangered languages can be a positive force, but we shouldn't assume that's universally true. In the endand this is especially difficult for a linguist to sayperhaps we should focus less on languages in themselves, and pay more attention to the lives of the people who speak them.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A dangerous blaze raged on Mount Parnitha near Athens, in the largest forest adjoining the capital, threatening a national park.

Hundreds of firefighters in Greece struggled Thursday to tame deadly wildfires burning for a sixth day, amid growing outrage over what critics says has been the inadequate government response.

So far, 20 people have been killed in the blazes.

The largest fire front was in northern Greece, where a mega blaze that erupted on Saturday near the port city of Alexandroupoli has now spread over 15 kilometers (nine miles).

On Thursday afternoon there was a major flareup there in Dadia forest, one of the most important areas in Europe for birds of prey.

The Alexandroupoli wildfires are now the largest in the EU on record for 2023 and the second largest since 2000, according to the EU.

'Days of complete collapse'

On Mount Parnitha near Athens, another fire was raging for a second day in the largest forest adjoining the capital, threatening a national park.

Fire department spokesman Yiannis Artopios told state television ERT there had been an "explosion of fire" in a forest ravine early Thursday that renewed the threat to inhabited areas.

"he biggest fire fronts are being faced in Parnitha where great efforts are being made to contain it," he said.

In the district of Menidi at the foothills of Parnitha, where many have lost homes, there was anger at the perceived failure of the state to protect properties for yet another summer.

Greece continues to battle wildfires.

Nikos Lazarou, a 32-year-old mechanic, told AFP he was "furious" about fires "breaking out every year."

The same area had also been hit in 2021 by a major wildfire that burned part of a national park.

"The authorities need to take measures," he said.

Opposition also blasted the government for what they said was inadequate preparedness and mismanagement.

"We are experiencing days of complete collapse," Stergios Kalpakis, spokesman for the main opposition Syriza party told local radio Sto Kokkino.

Casualties

Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said Thursday that there had been several attempts by arsonists to start new fires on Mount Parnitha since Thursday morning.

"Arsonist scum are setting fires that threaten forests, property and, most of all, human lives," he said in a televised address.

A dangerous blaze raged for a second day on Mount Parnitha near Athens.

"You are committing a crime against the country, you will not get away with it, we will find you, you will be held accountable," Kikilias said.

Police and the intelligence service EYP are investigating the incidents, he added.

Five suspects for arson attacks had been detained on Thursday, said a police official.

"The state really needs to stiffen penalties (for arson)," Nikos Xagoraris, a local deputy mayor, told ERT before breaking down in tears. "This can't go on, the whole country has burned."

The bodies of 19 people believed to be migrants, two of them children, were found in the area this week.

Officials have warned that as the area is a popular entry point for smugglers from neighboring Turkey, more casualties are likely to be found among asylum seekers who could not escape the flames.

A third large fire was in Boeotia, north of Athens, where a 1,000-year-old UNESCO-listed Byzantine monastery, Hosios Loukas, narrowly escaped destruction on Wednesday.

A shepherd lost his life in the fires in Boeotia on Monday.

The fire department said that some 60 firefighters had been hurt in operations.

The greater Athens areaalongside Boeotia and the island of Eviawere the Greek regions most at risk of new fire outbreaks Thursday, the civil protection ministry said.

The hot and dry conditions that increase the fire risk will persist until Friday, according to meteorologists.

Kikilias on Wednesday said the country was going through the worst summer since fire-risk maps were introduced in 2009.

Fire department spokesman Artopios said Wednesday that 60 firefighters had been hurt in operations.

The fires have burned more than 120,000 hectares of land across Greece in 2023 until Wednesday, according to estimates from the National Observatory.

This year's burned land area is three times larger than the average annually since 2006, according to the European Observatory of Forest Fires.

 2023 AFP
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Colleagues of Stahle and Granato-Souza from Laranjal do Jari, a municipality on the Jari River, which is a tributary of the Amazon. Credit: Daniela Granato-Souza

Extreme floods and severe droughts on the Amazon River have occurred more frequently in the last 40 years. Eight of the 12 most extreme floods in the 121-year streamflow record at Manaus, located on the Negro River, a tributary of the Amazon River, have occurred in just the last 14 years.

Natural climate variations, deforestation and anthropogenic climate change are all likely contributors to the recent Amazon River level extremes. Despite the rapid increase in severe flooding, a new paper by researchers from the U of A indicates recent floods and droughts in the Amazon River Basin may have not yet exceeded the range of natural hydroclimatic variability.

The American Meteorological Society published these recent findings by Daniela Granato-Souza, a post-doctoral student in geosciences, and David Stahle, a Distinguished Professor of geosciences, in a new paper titled, "Drought and flood extremes on the Amazon River and in northeast Brazil, 1790-1900."

Using tree-ring analysis to reconstruct rainfall totals in the eastern Amazon, along with historical documentary accounts of extreme flooding in Manaus and Santarem, Granato-Souza and Stahle found evidence indicating that Amazon River floods in 1859 and 1892 may have equaled or exceeded recent flooding.

The biggest difference between then and now, though, is the size of the population now living in the flood plain.

"There are millions of people residing in Manaus, the most populous city in northern Brazil, so there is a socioeconomic concern in these regions," noted Granato-Souza. "Usually, poorer people are seen living in risk areas, and with each flood they suffer the consequences of loss and illness. There is a 'normal' for the maximum level that the river reaches, but the most extreme floods exceed this threshold, and studies have shown that this is intensifying."

Granato-Souza added that while they found the recent extreme floods weren't unprecedented, examining the scale of past flooding provides a framework for imagining and anticipating the environmental and socioeconomic consequences of future floods.

And they would likely be devastating for a population living in high-risk areas.

The tree-ring collections used in this research came from the Rio Paru, a tributary of the Amazon near the recent discovery site of the tallest trees in the Brazilian Amazon.

Descriptions of the giant trees in the remote and unspoiled Rio Paru drainage has captivated public interest in Brazil and abroad. Stahle and Granato-Souza are working with environmental scientists in Brazil, including Diego da Silva with the Federal Institute of Amapa, Robson Borges with Amapa State University and Eric Gorgens with the Federal University of the Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, to help answer often-asked questions concerning the age, growth rate, disturbance history and the climate sensitivity of these tropical hardwoods.

The research is published in the Journal of Climate.

More information: Daniela Granato-Souza et al, Drought and flood extremes on the Amazon River and in northeast Brazil, 1790-1900, Journal of Climate (2023). DOI: 10.1175/JCLI-D-23-0146.1 Journal information: Journal of Climate
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

A Southern Red Muntjac deer peering at a camera trap. Credit: Author provided

It's easy to assume protected areas such as national parks conserve wildlifethat seems obvious. But what is the proof? And how does park success vary across different ecosystemsin deserts versus tropical rainforests, or wetlands versus oceans?

While we can use satellite imagery to measure the effect of protected areas in reducing human impacts such as logging, you can't see the animals from space. In particularly dense tropical rainforests, it was nearly impossible to accurately monitor wildlife, until remotely triggered camera traps became available in the past decade.

There is a longstanding conservation debate on the benefits that protected areas such as national parks have for biodiversity.

Some scientists have argued that conservation success inside park boundaries may come at the expense of neighboring unprotected habitats. Essentially, they suggest parks displace impacts such as hunting and logging to other nearby areas. The technical term for this is leakage.

On the other hand, marine parks have often reported higher biodiversity nearby. Fish reproduce successfully inside park boundaries and their offspring disperse, benefiting surrounding habitats in a "spillover" effect.

We set out to see which of those effects actually prevails in protected land areas and their surrounds. Our new study, published today in Nature, shows parks do enhance bird diversity inside their borders. Large parks also support higher diversity of both birds and mammals in nearby unprotected areas. Rare rainforest species captured by camera traps used by the research team in protected areas across South-East Asia.

What did the study look at?

We recruited an international team of scientists to conduct a comprehensive analysis of bird and mammal diversity inside and outside parks across South-East Asia. We used more than 2,000 cameras and bird surveys across the region.

South-East Asia is one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth, but hunting is a key concern. It's a prime suspect for why diversity has often been assumed to decline outside protected park areas.

A Silver Pheasant eyes the camera. Credit: Author provided

Hunters are mobile, so hunting bans within park boundaries may only displace these activities to nearby unprotected areas, undermining their net benefit. To be honest, we were surprised mammal diversity was higher outside large parks. It's common to see hunters both inside and outside parks in many countries.

We expected hunters' removal of game animals would reduce diversity outside parks. However, it appears large parks limit the impacts of hunting so it does not completely remove these animals. Specifically, when comparing unprotected areas near large reserves to unprotected areas that didn't border large reserves, we found large reserves boosted mammal diversity in unprotected areas by up to 194%.

However, a sad note from our study was the finding that only larger parks significantly enhanced mammal diversity, casting doubt on the effectiveness of smaller parks for mammal conservation. Recent work in the region suggests many large mammals persist in small parks, but our study shows the presence of a few resilient animals in small parks doesn't scale up to higher biodiversity overall.

A Marbled Cat looks back at the camera. Credit: Author provided

Not all parks are equal

These findings are especially timely for the United Nations, which recently announced more ambitious biodiversity targets, including significant expansions of global protected areas. The UN strategy is to conserve 30% of Earth's lands and waters by 2030the so-called "30 by 30 goal." Massive expansions of the global area of protected land will be difficult and expensive, but our results support this approach.

The work provides a clear case for park design to consider size. Larger parks routinely had higher bird diversity. Large mammals such as tigers and elephants travel huge distances and don't see park boundaries drawn on maps. Larger parks support these wide-ranging animals that move across entire landscapes.

Considering the UN's goal of increasing protected area to 30% of the world's surface, our findings support the creation of fewer larger parks, rather than many smaller ones.

A Thai elephant captured by the camera trap moments before destroying it. Credit: Author provided

Next steps in South-East Asia and Australia

Our findings also provide a much-needed conservation "win" for South-East Asia. Despite being a biodiversity hotspot, the region suffers from high rates of forest loss and hunting, which pose threats to birds and mammals.

Our team built a collaborative network and massive database to conduct the analysis, and this can also be used to answer other questions. Our next project will quantify shifts in abundancethe numbers of animals rather than numbers of speciesinside and outside parks. We suspect parks will support increased mammal and bird abundances, even more than increased in wildlife diversity.

Based on the success of the Asian collaborative network project, a related team is now building a domestic collaborative network and database to conduct similar analyses, called Wildlife Observatory of Australia. Key questions will include the impact of fire and climate change on Australia's wildlife diversity and abundance.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
By Politico Staff Writer

Deputy Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone (ACC) Augustine Foday Ngobie says stakeholders have critical roles to play in the implementation of the Productive Social Safety Net and Youth Employment (PSSNYE) scheme which is worth forty million US Dollars and warned against undermining it.

Ngobie made this call on the 21st of August 2023 during a retreat held in Kenema. He entreated them to consistently commit themselves to the successful implementation of the project and avoid all conducts that will undermine it.

Those of us present here have a huge task in our hands for our Nation. We must deliver and do so patriotically, devoid of our political persuasions and other sentiments. Failing is not a route, he said.

He stated that the ACC will leave no stone unturned in holding anyone accountable, whose acts would constitute corruption in the course of implementation of the project.

Ngobie spoke about the essence of having a successful project implementation, highlighting the significance of the just concluded phase of the project which is the Social Safety Net (SSN) and the Emergency Cash Transfer project, which according to him provided unconditional cash transfer to thousands of people from vulnerable households and businesses badly affected by the CoVID-19 pandemic.

He said that the projects thematic framework resonates with the government's Manifesto Big-Five Game Changers, which according to Ngobie seeks to enhance the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households and address youth employment issues.

He also noted that the project will address the challenges faced in society, citing the increase in drug abuse.

He said: "The recent spate of drug (kush) abuse, coupled with the seeming lack of requisite middle-level skills among many young persons, has compounded the problem of our youth. If we fail to help them, then we would have failed to help our nation and ourselves".

The retreat which commenced on the 21st and will end on the 25th of August 2023 brought together technical staff from ACC, the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA), the Ministry of Youth Affairs, the National Youth Commission, and Freetown City Council. They discussed and reviewed the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM) Manual before the roll-out of the PSSNYE. The Project is funded by the World Bank and the Government of Sierra Leone.

Copyright  2023 Politico
By Sorie Ibrahim Fofanah

In his first official engagement with Diplomats resident in Sierra Leone, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba has called for coordination and cooperation between the government and the international community.

The minister made this statement in an interactive engagement with members of the diplomatic community in a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tower Hill, Freetown.

Addressing the diplomats, in the presence of the media, Kabba said Sierra Leone has successfully transitioned from her war past to that of a peaceful and developing nation.

On the issue of political dialogue, he mentioned the establishment of an Electoral System Review Committee which will comprise members of opposition parties and development partners that will be charged with the responsibility of looking into issues that happened during the June 24th General Elections.

He said President Bio was constitutionally elected and had received global endorsement, but stated that the good practice may not be good enough for the opposition.

He however said his primary role is to build bridges, and that out of four hundred and four recommendations made after the 2018 general elections, seventy percent of them have been fully implemented.

Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Henry John Omaku who is Dean of the Diplomatic Community expressed appreciation on behalf of resident diplomats for being invited to such a meeting. He said they are heartened by the governments openness and development priorities.

UK High Commissioner Lisa Chesney said the UK-Sierra Leone relation is strong and remains the same. She went on to say dialogue, building bridges and diversity are essential to a functioning democracy.

The new US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan D. Hunt said there has been a long-standing relationship between Sierra Leone and the USA but noted that his government was concerned over the election results. He added that differences must be resolved face-to-face in a civil manner.

EU Representative to Sierra Leone Manuel Muller spoke about the importance of firm and honest dialogue to speak openly. On June 24th elections, he said the EU will present its final report very soon.

The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Wang Qing said his government is committed to supporting the Big Five Agenda of the Government of Sierra Leone.

Copyright  2023 Politico
BOLTON LANDING  Feminists of all ages, sexes, colors, and creeds are invited to attend the Womans Equality Day event commemorating the 50th anniversary of Womens Equality Day. The theme of the event is billed as Honoring the Past  Focusing on the Future and will serve a dual purpose, organizer Mary ODonnell Enhorning said.

The event will celebrate how far equal rights have come, but also will garner support organizers need to ask Congress to remove the unprecedented, seven-year stipulation to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. In 1971 and 1972, the Act to amend the Constitution passed both houses of Congress but with a seven-year deadline, which was extended to 1982. By then, only 35 states, of the 38 needed, had ratified it. In 2020, Virginia became the 38th state, and now organizers would like Congress to remove the deadline and allow the amendment to become part of the Constitution.

Despite forward strides, undermining themes like implicit bias and sexual harassment persist. Weve been hindered by complacency, and now is the moment to rekindle our commitment and advance the ERA forward, Enhorning said.

That may not be necessary, according to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY.

She said at a recent rally of local Democrats that she and Corey Booker, D-NJ, in the House of Representatives, are going to ask the Department of Justice to pen a letter to President Joe Biden, asking him to tell his archivist to go ahead and sign and publish the ERA.

According to Sen. Gillibrand, the amendment leapt two necessary hurdles: 1, it was passed by two-thirds of the House and Senate in 1971 and 1972; 2, 38 states, or two-thirds of the states, approved it.

What happens if both those things are completed? You ask the archivist to sign it and publish it. Thats it, Gillibrand said on Sunday Aug. 6.

She said the time limit was written into the preamble of the amendment, and preambles are generally used to provide context. They are not the actual law, she said, adding later, Thats legal precedent and thats an accurate legal argument.

A post on uscourts.gov would seem to indicate that she is correct.

The preamble is an introduction to the highest law of the land; it is not the law. It does not define government powers or individual rights, the website states.

She cited the 27th amendment which took 203 years to become published. Pay raises for congress. Written by James Madision, it had been moth-balled with just one state left to vote to ratify. Once done, it was signed and became part of the Constitution, Gillibrand said.

Organizers from four local womens groups; the League of Women Voters, Saratoga; American Association of University Women, Adirondack; Zonta, Glens Falls; and the National Organization for Women, Central New York, will meet at 12:45 p.m., at Bolton Brewing Co., Saturday and march across the street to the Bolton Landing Historical Museum for guest speakers and a presentation of the museums special exhibit, She didwhat? which tells the stories of seven area women and their contributions to local history.

Participants are encouraged to dress in suffrage-era attire, or white, to show support for the movement.

The Amendment says: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.

For more information, or to register for the event, <&underline>click here</&underline>.
A former corrections officer and previous political candidate faces additional charges in a cryptocurrency scheme to lure investments from first responders.

The New Jersey Attorney Generals Office on Thursday said it charged John DeSalvo, 47, of Linwood, with second-degree theft by deception and fourth-degree business practices.

DeSalvo, formerly of Marmora, allegedly lured investors, most of whom included police, fire personnel, and EMTs into using Blazar Token, a form of cryptocurrency he marketed as a way to supplement their New Jersey pension. Using social media to solicit investments in the fraudulent token, he raised over $620,000 from more than 200 investors, the U.S. Attorneys Office said on Wednesday.

This defendant allegedly used his position as a former law enforcement officer to win the trust of investors and to victimize fellow first responders, First Assistant Attorney General Lyndsay V. Ruotolo said in a statement Thursday. The allegations are that he intentionally targeted people who dedicate their lives to public service and risk their lives for the public good.

DeSalvo is represented by New Jersey federal public defender Saverio Viggiano, who declined to comment Thursday.

Marmora man accused of crypto, investment schemes A former corrections officer from the Marmora section of Upper Township is accused of organizing two fraud schemes, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Wednesday.

The FBI and state Division of Criminal Justice arrested DeSalvo Wednesday, the Attorney Generals Office said. He was scheduled to appear in Newark federal court Wednesday afternoon.

In the states case, DeSalvo faces between five and two years and a fine of up to $150,000 for theft by deception and a maximum of 18 months and a possible $10,000 for his deceptive business charge.

The U.S. Attorneys Office charged DeSalvo with two counts of wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud and two counts of money laundering Wednesday.

DeSalvo, the federal prosecutors say, was also the manager of an investment group operated through Brokerage-1, an online trading platform. Victims including New Jersey residents, and others lived in Nashua, New Hampshire, and Atlanta, Georgia, according to his criminal complaint by FBI Special Agent Alexandra Cullen.

DeSalvo used that money raised for personnel expenses, unauthorized cryptocurrency trading and payments made to prior investors in the manner of a Ponzi scheme, the complaint states.

Incumbents win primary in Upper Township UPPER TOWNSHIP  Incumbents Richard Palombo and Ed Barr held onto their committee seats Tues

DeSalvo retired from his job as a New Jersey Department of Corrections officer in 2010, according to the Attorney Generals Office. He was attacked and injured by a prisoner at Northern State Prison in Newark, according to previous reports.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also filed a civil complaint against DeSalvo on Wednesday. A federal judge issued a summons in that case Thursday, according to court records, requiring DeSalvo and his legal team to file an answer to the complaint within 21 days.

DeSalvo unsuccessful ran for township committee in Upper Township in 2015. He formed the Upper Township Republican Club, serving as president, with Tony Inserra, his running mate in that election.
A former corrections officer from the Marmora section of Upper Township is accused of organizing two fraud schemes, the U.S. Attorney's Office said Wednesday.

John DeSalvo, 47, was charged with two counts of wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud and two counts of money laundering. He was scheduled to appear in Newark federal court Wednesday afternoon.

DeSalvo was the creator of a cryptocurrency known as "Blazar Token," which he marketed to police, fire personnel, EMTs and other first responders as a "crypto pension," the U.S. Attorney's Office said in a news release.

He used social media to solicit investments in Blazar through a series of misrepresentations, the U.S. Attorney's Office said, raising more than $620,000 from more than 200 investors and then using the money for personal expenses, trading cryptocurrencies and payments to prior investors.

DeSalvo also managed and solicited investment in an investment group through Brokerage-1, an online trading platform. DeSalvo marketed the investment group on social media and made false claims of success, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

DeSalvo totaled $100,000 in investments from approximately 20 individuals for the investment group. He then transferred the funds out of the investment group's account and into his personal accounts, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

After draining the investment groups account, DeSalvo told investors their money had been lost due to poor market conditions and provided them with false trading records.

The counts of wire fraud, securities fraud and money laundering each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison and fines ranging from $250,000 to $5 million.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission also filed a civil complaint against DeSalvo on Wednesday.
MAYS LANDING  A Pleasantville woman who admitted to stabbing two people was sentenced to 13 years in state prison, the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office announced Thursday.

Rollie Ellis, 33, will serve her sentence subject to the No Early Release Act.

Ellis admitted to entering the apartment of Raphy Rodriguez and Jennifer Rodriquez in Atlantic City on April 11, 2018, and stabbing both during a fight. Ellis was 28 at the time of her arrest.

The couple was in their apartment on South Iowa Avenue around 6:35 a.m. when the attack occurred.

After being stabbed, Jennifer Rodriquez, 34, ran across the street to the Public Safety Building, where she collapsed and was found unresponsive. She was stabbed in the back of her head and neck.

Jennifer Rodriquez was brought to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Division, where she died from her injuries.

Raphy Rodriguez also escaped the apartment, flagging down a police officer on Iowa Avenue before he was taken to the hospital. He survived the attack despite suffering several stab wounds.

Ellis was identified by Raphy Rodriquez as the couples attacker. She was carrying a knife in her waistband when she was approached by police.

In January 2020, Ellis pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter. She was initially charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.

A judge ordered Ellis to 20 years in state prison in February 2020, a sentence tossed out by the appeal courts, which said the assailants Miranda rights were violated.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Soon we will no longer integrate with Facebook for story comments. The commenting option is not going away, however, readers will need to register for a FREE site account to continue sharing their thoughts and feedback on stories. If you already have an account (i.e. current subscribers, posting in obituary guestbooks, for submitting community events), you may use that login, otherwise, you will be prompted to create a new account.
Charles Laspata, a union electrician from Millville, filed petitions in the spring to challenge Republican incumbent Michael Testa for his 1st Legislative District Senate seat.

It does not sound like hes done much about the campaign since then.

Democratic leaders in Cape May and Cumberland counties say they have not heard from Laspata, and attempts to contact the candidate through email, social media and by phone have been unsuccessful.

We havent had any contact with him, said S. Harvey Roach, chairman of the leadership committee for Cape May County Democrats. The candidates were picked in Cumberland County and introduced to Cape May County.

But there does not seem to be any more contact with the candidate from the Cumberland County party.

He hasnt spoke to me, said former Cumberland County Democratic party Chair Nancy Sungenis on Tuesday. She led the party when Laspata filed petitions to run. The current party leader, Kevin McCann, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday.

Laspata has not withdrawn from the race, but hed be easy to miss. His name does not appear on a flyer for a meet the candidates event the Cape May County Democrats plan to hold remotely Sept. 18, at which his running mates, Assembly candidates Damita White-Morris and Eddie Bonner, are set to speak.

He also is missing from the candidate profiles on the respective websites of the Cumberland County and Cape May County Democratic parties.

He has no campaign website of his own, and there is little activity on his personal Facebook page. The website of New Jerseys Election Law Enforcement Commission does not show any of the required campaign finance forms have been filed for the primary election.

Campaign finance forms for Testa from June show his campaign had more than $230,000 left at the end of the primary.

Finance reports from the Assembly side show Republican incumbents Erik Simonsen and Antwan McClellan with a closing balance of $31,440 at the end of an uncontested primary, while Democrats White-Morris and Bonner did not raise any money.

Its possible the Democrats have been busy raising money all summer, said John Froonjian, executive director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. But he said there does not seem to be any campaign activity from Laspata at all. That includes actions that dont cost the campaign anything, such as communicating with news media or filling out a questionnaire for Ballotpedia.

It is tough to be a Democrat these days in the 1st District and in much of South Jersey, which has trended Republican in recent elections, Froonjian said Monday. But I think its a fair question for the media and voters to ask whether this is a candidacy in name only or will the candidate or the slate actually be out seeking votes or running ads.

Meanwhile, Testa appears to be a rising star, building a statewide profile despite being in the minority party in the Senate.

The district  which encompasses all of Cape May County, most of Cumberland County and three towns in Atlantic County  had once been firmly Republican, but then-Democrat Jeff Van Drew put together a team that kept the district blue for a decade before running successfully to succeed U.S. Rep. Frank Lobiondo, R-2nd, in 2018, bringing that seat to the Democratic column for the first time since Bill Hughes announced he would not run for reelection in 1994.

Van Drew became a Republican in his first term, throwing his support behind then-President Donald Trump, shortly after Testa, Simonsen and McClellan flipped New Jerseys 1st District to the GOP, ousting Van Drews picks of Bruce Land, Matthew Milam and Bob Andrzejczak.

Election spending light so far this year, but super PACs may change that soon The 2nd Legislative District has hosted the top-spending race three times since 2001 and ranked in the top five six times, according to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission. This year, however, spending has been light so far.

That was a relatively close race, but the GOP teams reelection effort in 2021 was not, with the incumbents far outpolling the Democratic challengers that year.

This spring, Republicans challenged Laspatas place on the ballot, according to a story in the New Jersey Globe in April, which stated that Laspata had gathered just 115 signatures for his place on the primary ballot. A judge was not convinced enough of those signatures were invalid to remove him from the ballot, the news story states.
LINWOOD  Mental health, criminal history and adequate housing are linked in a recent study with a high rate of drug overdoses in Atlantic County.

County leaders and their partners are devising plans to better address the trend.

Nearly half (48%) of overdoses studied between October and June by the Atlantic County Overdose Fatality Review Team involved a patient with a diagnosed mental health condition, according to the latest data from the organization.

The Overdose Fatality Review Team is coordinated by Atlantic Prevention Resources, a local substance abuse treatment organization with offices in Absecon, Pleasantville and Mays Landing.

Atlantic County continues to rank among the top New Jersey counties for overdose deaths per capita, according to state data.

The team and its partners have been meeting since 2021, looking for ways to curb rising overdose numbers.

While numbers in the past few years have been high, they appear to be leveling off, said Gretchen Halfpenny, Overdose Fatality Review Team coordinator with Atlantic Prevention Resources.

"I think a plateau might be an accurate statement," Halfpenny said following a presentation on the latest figures Wednesday at Linwood Country Club.

Mays Landing man kept explosives in bedroom, federal agents say A Mays Landing man is accused by federal agents of keeping explosive devices in his home.

Results from a nearly nine-month study of overdose cases in Atlantic County by the team formed the centerpiece of Wednesday's meeting, the first in-person session for the group since it started meeting virtually in 2021.

Since the program was formed, the team has reviewed 123 overdose cases.

On top of mental health issues, nearly 47% of overdose subjects studied by the team had a documented criminal history. About 13% of overdoses analyzed happened in Atlantic County motels, the data show. Childhood and adult trauma factored into 30% of cases.

As Atlantic County continues its battle with the opioid epidemic, the team believes stronger public campaigns are needed, offering information on services that could prevent drug abuse and potential deaths.

The team also recommends broader distribution of naloxone, commonly known as an "overdose reversal" drug that is often carried by first responders. Having the drug more widely available could thwart more overdose deaths, the team says.

Stigma associated with drug abuse and mental health conditions also can't go unaddressed, Halfpenny said.

"The reality is that those disorders are common and can affect anybody," Halfpenny said. "If there's some stigma, and you're embarrassed about your mental health disorder or your substance abuse disorder, you're not going to seek treatment."

Atlantic County was ranked as having the highest rate of overdose deaths in the state between Jan. 1, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2022, according to the State Police Drug Monitoring Initiative.

Judge holds Pleasantville man charged in fatal overdose A Pleasantville man accused of selling drugs responsible for killing an Egg Harbor Township resident earlier this month will remain in jail before trial.

In 2022, Atlantic County saw 255 deaths linked to suspected overdoses, making it the New Jersey county with the third-highest overdose deaths for that year.

Kim Reilly of the Ocean County Health Department told attendees Wednesday about that county's Overdose Response Plan, which uses data to map out where fatal drug interactions are occurring. With that tool in hand, officials can strategize their response, Reilly said. Notices can be sent to hospitals and treatment facilities, alerting them to the high overdose trend for the area.

Ocean County's system is the first of its kind in New Jersey, Reilly said. By using it, appropriate measures can be taken to stunt rising overdose numbers and hopefully send figures downward.

Atlantic County's Overdose Fatality Response Team is trying to craft a similar plan.

"It's a notification system, at the end of the day," Reilly said. "The goal of our Overdose Response Plan is to inform our public when we see spikes in fatal and nonfatal overdoses."
OCEAN CITY  Police Chief Jay Prettyman is retiring in October, city officials said Wednesday.

Prettyman has worked with the Ocean City Police Department since 1995 and has served as chief since 2019, after serving a year as acting chief. He is 52.

In that time, he led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic, cannabis legalization and state-mandated changes in how police engage with juveniles. The changes were aimed at reducing the interactions between police and young people, but many local officials have said the changes instead handcuffed police and led to additional problems.

In Ocean City, those included rowdy gatherings of teens on the beach and Boardwalk. Last summer, Prettyman pursued a strategy of containment, but after a rocky start to the summer of 2023, Ocean City enacted strict new rules, including closing the beaches at 8 p.m. and setting an earlier curfew. Those changes gained statewide attention, while many locals say tougher steps were needed.

Prettyman was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.

He began his career as a seasonal officer in Ocean City before he started as a full time officer in Haddon Heights, Camden County, serving there two years before returning to Ocean City as a sworn officer.

He worked as a patrolman, in the Traffic Safety Unit and in the Community-Oriented Policing Unit before being promoted to sergeant of staff services in 2002, patrol lieutenant in 2006, detective lieutenant in 2007 and captain in 2008. He also served as the departments accreditation manager and was assigned as a SWAT operator.

Jersey Shore towns say state's marijuana law handcuffs police and emboldens rowdy teens Officials and residents of several New Jersey shore towns say the states law decriminalizing marijuana use is having an unintended effect: emboldening large groups of teenagers to run amok on beaches and boardwalks.

Prettyman will be succeeded by Deputy Chief William Campbell, a 30-year veteran of the Police Department, who will become chief after Prettymans retirement in October.

Mayor Jay Gillian praised Prettymans efforts.

I want to thank the chief for his leadership, especially through some of the challenges weve faced in the past few years, Gillian said Wednesday. I also want to welcome Bill. Im confident that it will be a seamless transition and that he will continue Ocean Citys proud tradition of public safety.

In 2021, Prettyman asked City Council to create the position of deputy chief as part of a restructuring of a department, which also included creating a third captains position.

He also worked to create a citizens police academy and a position of police chaplain, a new position in Ocean City.

Last November, the Ocean City Police Department became the first law enforcement agency to earn accreditation from the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police for the sixth time. At that point, officials praised Prettyman as setting an example for law enforcement agencies statewide.

As chief, Prettyman made $165,194, according to a listing of police salaries across New Jersey.
MILLVILLE  The citys municipal court proceedings will be heard by a judge in neighboring Vineland, officials said Tuesday.

The courts temporary closure comes two weeks after the state Attorney Generals Office announced it had sued the citys municipal court over alleged bias practices against Latino defendants, accusations first made by former judge Jason Witcher late last year.

Municipal court officials couldnt immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.

An order signed Monday transferred cases in Millville to Vineland, which would hear local cases on a temporary basis, according to the notice.

Vicinage 15, which covers Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem counties, said Millvilles court is temporarily unable to conduct sessions because of a lack of a municipal court judge and lack of sufficient court administration staff, Mondays order signed by Judge Benjamin C. Telsey states.

Both Millville and Vineland agreed to handle staffing and payment arrangements, the order states.

The order was posted to the Millville Municipal Courts webpage, directing matters to Vinelands building on East Landis Avenue.

Staffing shortages come from a suspension of Judge Steven Neder, who held the bench for Witcher after his departure. Neder was suspended Friday after resigning, Administrative Office of the Courts spokesperson Peter McAleer said Wednesday.

State suing Millville court over bias claims The New Jersey Division of Civil Rights is suing Millville's municipal court over alleged bias against Hispanic defendants, a claim brought before state officials by a judge last year.

The administrative office had no other comment on the matter, McAleer said.

The state Division on Civil Rights said an investigation found evidence supporting claims by Witcher that Latino defendants were not being given a chance to appear in court virtually. Those defendants are likely susceptible to missing work or altering childcare arrangements, the Attorney Generals Office said in announcing the litigation Aug. 8.

Beginning in June 2022, the citys municipal court held in-court sessions on Mondays, reserving Wednesdays for virtual appearances, which have become common practice since the COVID-19 pandemic. An interpreter was used for in-court sessions but was rarely used during virtual sessions, the Attorney Generals Office alleges.

While the in-person interpreters services were available for 25% of the days that court was in session between June 13, 2022, and Dec. 31, 2022, English-to-Spanish translation was used for 95% of court appearances by litigants needing the service.

Findings from the state Administrative Office of the Courts, however, differ from those of the Civil Rights Division.

Witcher in December denounced the perception, leading to an outcry from Latino advocacy groups and state lawmakers over the alleged practices.

Meanwhile, Witcher is suing state court officials for retaliation over the claims made against him within the past year. The lawsuit alleges the retaliation and the offices failure to accommodate his medical needs have caused Witcher mental stress and an early dismissal from the bench.

He began serving as a municipal judge in 2010.
A group of people created a ruckus at an office of Amazon India in Nagpur district of Maharashtra, police said.

In a viral video, a group of people seen shouting the slogan Vande Matram ransacked an e-commerce office. The incident was reported at the Ganeshpeth area on Tuesday afternoon.

They were protesting against the sale of Pakistani flags and a book which allegedly hurts religious sentiments of Hindus on the e-commerce platform.

The protesters are said to be associated with the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS).

Later, a Nagpur-based MNS leader Chandu Lade reportedly wrote to Amazon India Limited, claiming that Pakistani flags were available for sale on its website.

He also claimed that the Amazon website sells a book titled Deadly Bhagavat Geeta which denigrates the Bhagavad Gita and sought its removal from the e-commerce platform. IANS
A total of three murder cases have been reported from the jurisdiction of Pune city police within a week  one each over gang rivalries near Mangala Talkies on August 15 and in Sayyed Nagar on August 17  while another over a dispute between friends in Wagholi on Tuesday. The polices hands are full with the investigation of all these murders.

The Lonikand police said that Shailesh Ramesh Mandgekar was killed with a sharp object near Citron Society on the Kesanand road in Wagholi around 9:45 p.m. A hunt has been launched for two of his friends for the murder.

According to a complaint by the victims roommate, Sangam Chandrasekhar Dharia (23) of Wagholi, the accused, Ram Shreeram (25), hailing from Nanded district, started staying with them on August 1, as both of them were working in the same company. Later, Shreerams friend, Shailesh Ramesh Mandgekar, joined them for work and also started staying with them for the last 10 days.

Mandgekar was an alcoholic and used to abuse the complainant and the accused, Shreeram, regularly. Shreerams friend and the co-accused, Gopal Dnyanoba Kothlapure (25), used to regularly visit the victim at his residence.

As Mandgekar was an alcoholic and had regular quarrels with the accused and the complainant, the Shreeram told the labour contractor to discontinue his appointment. Accordingly, the contractor sacked Mandgekar on August 22.

The police said: Furious over losing his job, Mandgekar called Shreeram from the complainants mobile phone, abused him and threatened to slit his throat. When the complainant returned to his residence around 1 p.m. on August 22 for lunch, Mandgekar was drunk and fast asleep. The complaint went to work and returned around 6 p.m. and saw Mandgekar moving in and out of the house under the influence of liquor. Mandgekar then returned to the residence around 8:30 p.m. Around 9 p.m., Mandgekar, Kothlapure and Shreeram started consuming alcohol together.

The complainant went out of the house to attend to natures call. Meanwhile, he heard loud noises from the house. Upon returning home, he saw Shreeram and Kothlapure fleeing on their two-wheeler (MH14, CQ 3717) with an LPG gas cylinder. When the complainant entered the room, he saw Mandgekar lying on the floor in a pool of blood with his face totally disfigured.

The police suspect that Shreeram and Kothlapure may have killed Mandgekar as he had been continuously abusing and picking a quarrel with them. A case has been registered under sections 302, 34 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Senior police inspector Vishwajeet Kaingade said, We are determining the involvement of the two accused and the culprits will soon be arrested.
Finding solutions is part of the job.

Democratic Congressional Rep. Eric Sorensen, who represents Illinois' 17th District, toured the Group O Marketing Solutions headquarters Wednesday, Aug. 23. Located in Milan, the company is a business outsourcer provider that specializes in areas such as marketing services, print management, business analytics, managed services, packaging and supply chain management.

"Being the congressman for a company like Group O is an honor," Sorensen said.

Vice President of Operations Paul Flemr led the tour, showing Sorensen everything from the call center to the way back where a packaging warehouse is located.

Flemr said the company provides services to dozens of top name companies. The two largest companies Group O provides marketing services for are Michelin and AT&T.

Other companies which use Group O marketing services include ComEd, Samsung, Nicor Gas and Pepsico.

"We take great pride in the diversity of services and many needs we offer here," Flemr said.

Sorensen also got a sneak peak of a Nicor energy kit that was in a row of other energy kits waiting to be packed and shipped off.

The congressman asked how things changed at the company since the pandemic, forcing a majority of personnel across the nation to work from home if they did not need to be in the office. Since then, Flemr said the company has used more a hybrid model of working from home and in the office.

"What about the supply chain?" the congessman asked. "For instance, no one was buying tires during the pandemic because no one was going anywhere."

The supply chain, Flemr said, was delayed for at least 12 months, depending on what was being shipped and the company saw rebates, or reward cards, going down.

While Michelin was struggling to sell rubber, Flemr said, offering services and rebates decrease. But services the company provides for television providers saw an increase since people were spending time at home.

Addressing challenges during the pandemic took time, Flemr said, but became easier as time went on to manage and figure out how to address and balance them.

Sorensen also was shown the information technology area and the call center. At the call center, Sorensen talked with an employee who discussed how the center is more than just answering questions.

It was highlighted during the call center tour that the company often promotes internally and has a mentor program of sorts available so employees can learn the ropes of multiple roles.

Sorensen said it's important him to know about businesses like Group O so he can help craft legislation that benefits the company and region as a whole.

"What I want to be able to do is understand what's happening here, not only so I can advocate for what we need here, but also to be able to talk with other members of Congress," Sorensen said.

One of the challenges the company continues to face is staffing. Senior Vice President Candy Wise said they are fortunate enough to be a family-owned business and have had to get creative in terms of recruiting.

"We have had to adjust to the market conditions in terms of salaries and benefits," she said. "We've been pretty successful in retaining the majority of our workforce."

Flemr agreed, saying that at Group O the know they are valued even if they are not working physically working in the building surrounded by others.

The company was founded by Bob Ontiveros in 1974 and employs more than 1,200 people. His son, Gregg Ontiveros, was appointed president of the company in the late 1990s. Group O is ranked as one of the top five Hispanic-owned businesses in America by the US Hispanic Chamber Commerce.

Photos: Gov. Pritzker holds press conference with Eric Sorensen
To beat the heat, some Rock Island-Milan schools both dismissed early and cancelled classes this week  a decision prompted by ongoing, districtwide HVAC upgrades.

Due to these upgrades causing significant portions of Rock Island High School, Eugene Field and Ridgewood Elementary Schools to be without cool air, these three buildings were dismissed at 1:30 p.m. from Monday to Thursday.

Rock Island Center for Math and Sciences (RICMS) would join this group on Wednesday  this time, because of an unforeseen clog in an HVAC unit  and the district cancelled classes at the high school and RICMS on Thursday.

The first phase of district HVAC upgrades were board approved in June of 2021, carried out using federal ESSER money.

At the high school, this included heating the fieldhouse, small gym and auditorium. Air conditioning upgrades were also added to the auditorium.

The district started the process to replace the high school's chillers in July, 2022, upon learning they were irreparable, district spokeswoman Beth Marsoun said.

"Before the chillers could be ordered, funding had to be secured," she said. "The district started the process for bonding against the 1% sales tax revenue."

Phase 3  which includes replacing the chillers at Rocky and HVAC upgrades at Washington Jr. High School and Rock Island Academy  was approved by the school board on Sept. 13, 2022, along with the sale of these bonds.

"We knew it was a 40 to 62-week lead time when they were ordered," said district chief financial officer Jen Barton. "We were hoping it was going to be sooner  I know our contractor (WHO) was working with the manufacturer to get them here as quickly as they can."

Still, the lengthy lead times are a product of COVID-era supply chain confines, and Barton said the district's HVAC contractor, Performance Services, has been great to work in the meantime.

"(The high school) has a temporary unit outside that they put in for us, to try and get some cooling down within the school," she said. "It just can't keep up with the temperatures there are right now."

Rocky's HVAC project won't be complete until November, Marsoun said, as the remaining chiller ships after Oct. 4.

While Marsoun said the district "completely understands" frustrations with the air conditioning this week, she said weather-related circumstances aren't cut-and-dry.

"Especially for heat; We haven't had a heat release, or had to close for heat, for a very long time," she said. "So we kind of have to look at each school individually when its happening  With this, we were walking in buildings and taking temperatures with temperature guns, saying 'This is not acceptable.'"

Barton and her team have also purchased portable air conditioners for rooms that may be uncomfortable amidst the replacements, Marsoun said.

"So they've really been working their tails off all week, at all hours," she said. "To make sure our students continue to get the education they deserve."

Rocky senior Asa Mahn said he was fortunate with classes this week.

"All but one of my classes has been cool," he said. "As I understand it, though, this has not been the case for every student."

This week's modified schedule has resulted in "very little learning time" for some classes, Mahn said.

"Because of the 1:30 dismissal, we had no 7th and 8th period classes on Monday and Wednesday and no 1st and 2nd period classes on Tuesday," he said. "Students typically spend over four hours a week in each class; This week, 7th and 8th period teachers will see their students for a grand total of 75 minutes."

Despite the circumstances, Mahn highlighted the care he and peers have felt from teachers.

"Teachers are encouraging students to stay hydrated and safe, and are working diligently to ensure that we continue to learn despite these unideal conditions," he said. "Many have even brought their own fans to school."

Phases 1 and 2 of the district's sweeping HVAC project covered seven schools, plus the aforementioned portions at the high school.

By the time Phase 3 is complete, the district will have invested more than $27 million in HVAC upgrades, Barton said.

Slated for next summer, the project's final phase will replace the HVAC systems at Ridgewood, Eugene Field and Earl Hanson Elementary Schools.

"At this time, Ridgewood has two rooftop air conditioning units down and Eugene Field has one rooftop air conditioning unit down  which is causing the current issue," Marsoun said.
An area hospital system is hoping a new partnership will help address the local impacts of a nationwide shortage of health-care workers.

In Davenport, Genesis Health System has decided to partner with Vituity, a physician-owned and led partnership with more than 200 emergency medicine practices, 3,300 physician partners and 1,200 advanced practice providers (APPs) across the country. Genesis ED physicians and APPs in Davenport and Bettendorf will become part of Vituity, effective Oct. 17, according to the spokesman Todd Mizener.

"All other ED staff will remain Genesis employees. In partnership with Genesis, Vituity providers will fully staff the Davenport and Bettendorf EDs and make other operational improvements, particularly at the Genesis East Campus with the deployment of Rapid Medical Evaluation (RME) to expedite care and throughput," Mizener said in an email.

The problem has compounded over the course of months, following big changes in the emergency departments at Genesis in December 2022. The ER at Genesis West closed, and all services were transferred to Genesis East. Hospital personnel cited the hospitals being two miles apart and East having more space and equipment as the reason for the consolidation.

At the time, it was reported an estimated 64,000 patients sought treatment between the two facilities prior to the closure. To help with the situation, Genesis opened an ER in Bettendorf that same month, which was expected to service about 9,600 patients a year.

Following the closure of Genesis West, 70% of the staff were moved to Genesis East and the rest to the new ER in Bettendorf. Recently, Genesis' Emergency Department has seen staffing shortages and turnover, Mizener said.

Additionally, Genesis served more than 3,500 emergency patients suffering from mental health problems or a substance use disorder in 2022. A partnership with the Eastern Iowa Mental Health and Disabilities Service Region was formed to offer specialized behavioral health nurse practitioners and physician assistants who evaluate patients in crisis and fill this need.

Between Jan. 7, 2020, and March 31, 2021, the average wait time for an ER in America was 145 minutes, according to Becker's Hospital Review. Iowa ranked seventh for the shortest wait time with an average of 123 minutes, and Illinois came in 38th with an average of 157 minutes.

Waiting times at Genesis vary widely, Mizener said, as patients are triaged, not treated in the order they arrive.

"Genesis emergency services are highly efficient, and we have become even more so after the expansion of our Davenport Emergency Department and the opening of our new Bettendorf Emergency Department in December," he said. "However, to offer an 'average wait time' would mean there is an 'average day,' and there is nothing 'average' about emergency services."

At Unity-Point Trinity, increased wait times have been reported as well. Spokesperson Kristy Phillipson said the wait times can be due to multiple factors including the number of rooms available, staffing and patient volumes.

"We understand how difficult it can be to wait when youre not feeling well. Our emergency department teams prioritize the severity of someones symptoms over arrival time," Phillipson said. "If no one else is waiting, youll receive prompt treatment regardless of the severity of your injury or illness. If you do need to wait, please be kind. Our team members are working hard to see patients as quickly and safely as possible."

Why the health care staffing crisis persists despite returning to pre-pandemic employment levels Why the health care staffing crisis persists despite returning to pre-pandemic employment levels Employment in health care hit nearly 21 million in December Job openings in health care have far surpassed pre-COVID levels Job openings grew over twice as much as hires since 2019
Iowa Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg has been elected to lead the National Lieutenant Governors Association.

The association supports lieutenant governors in all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories.

Gregg has been Iowas lieutenant governor since Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds became governor in 2017, when former Gov. Terry Branstad resigned to become U.S. ambassador to China.

Gregg, in a news release, said the association of lieutenant governors will continue to be a leading resource for innovative policy solutions at the state level.

Reynolds served as chair of the association in 2015 and 2016, when she was Iowas lieutenant governor under Branstad. Reynolds is now chair of the national Republican Governors Association.

Adam Gregg is a strong advocate for rural Iowa and rural America, and serving as chair of the NLGA will present opportunities for him to further amplify the issues affecting rural communities nationwide, Reynolds said in the news release.

Greggs term begins immediately and continues until next summer. The association meets three times each year.

Reynolds announces two office appointments

Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds recently announced two staff hires in her office.

Dax Oberreuter will be policy adviser for health care and veterans affairs, according to a news release from the governors office. Oberreuter previously was legislative liaison for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and for the Iowa Department on Aging.

Oberreuter succeeds Clare Kelly, who will become chief advocacy officer for the Iowa Hospital Association, according to the news release.

Kate Schreier, a May graduate of Iowa State University, has been hired to serve as constituent services liaison, the governors office said.

Iowans claim $500,000 at Iowa State Fair

More than 2,800 claims led to Iowans claiming more than $538,900 owed to them through a program operated by the state treasurers office.

One individual discovered more than $24,000 was waiting for them, Iowa State Treasurer Roby Smith said in a news release.

The funds owed to Iowans were reclaimed as part of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt, a program that seeks to notify Iowans of unclaimed funds or property owed them. When those funds or property go unclaimed, Iowa law requires they be turned over to the treasurers office, which attempts to find the owner or heir.

Iowans can see if they are owed any money or property at Great Iowa Treasure Hunt website, greatiowatreasurehunt.gov.

Photos: Gov. Reynolds tours site of The Davenport collapse
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is likely to provide public funding for emergency contraception for survivors of sexual assault and rape as a state program remains in limbo.

The move comes as more than 160 reimbursement requests for emergency contraception provided to sexual assault survivors from across the state are pending approval from the Iowa Attorney Generals Office.

According to records obtained by The Gazette, and first reported by Iowa Public Radio, the reimbursement requests from hospitals and pharmacies across the state total about $7,000. The vast majority are from this year, but one dates to August, 2020. One is coded as confirmed child abuse.

Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird paused the funding as part of an audit of the victim services administered through her office. Bird announced the audit upon taking office in January.

However, it was not until early April that sexual assault response teams and other victim advocacy organizations learned of the policy change after Bird's office confirmed it to the media, according to interviews and emails obtained by The Gazette under a public records request.

Though the payments are not explicitly required by law, it has been the states longtime policy to cover the cost of emergency contraception from the victim compensation fund. In rare cases, the fund also has paid for abortions for rape victims, Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, director of the victim assistance division under the previous attorney general, Democrat Tom Miller, has said.

Bird, a Republican, defeated Miller in the 2022 election.

The Attorney Generals Office said in April it was reviewing the practice to evaluate whether this is an appropriate use of public funds" as it conducts an audit of victim assistance services.

The Attorney Generals Office did not respond to a request for comment on the current state of its review process.

Bird said during an appearance last month on Iowa Press on Iowa PBS that policy decisions made as a result of the audit, including whether to stop state funding for emergency contraception and abortions for rape survivors will be permanent and will not require legislative action.

Iowa law requires the state to pay for many of the expenses facing assault survivors who seek medical help, including the cost of forensic examinations to collect evidence and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. That is funded through the state's victim compensation fund, which comes from fines, fees and penalties paid by criminals. No taxpayer dollars go into the fund.

Sexual assault nurse examiners who spoke to The Gazette say hospitals and pharmacies are continuing to dispense medications, and continue to submit invoices to Birds office seeking reimbursement. Patients are not being billed at this point.

For now, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is temporarily holding claims while it awaits the outcome of the audit.

"University of Iowa Health Care is committed to supporting the health care needs of sexual assault victims," according to a statement from UIHC. "We are currently preparing for any potential operational changes that may be necessary in the event the Iowa Attorney Generals Office stops payment of emergency contraception for sexual assault victims."

During its Wednesday work session, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors heard a funding request from the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team to provide emergency contraception at no cost to patients. The board was in agreement to allocate $10,000 and appears likely to approve the item at its formal meeting next week.

Asking victims of sexual assault to forgo or to shoulder the cost of emergency contraception is further traumatizing them. No one should be required to pay for necessary health care due to a crime committed against their body, said Katy Rasmussen, coordinator for the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team.

The team consists of sexual assault nurse examiners, emergency room staff, rape victim advocates, law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys, Rasmussen said. The team helps sexual assault survivors navigate the medical and legal systems, as well as help them on their healing process.

For the fiscal year that ended in June, the team saw 101 patients. Of those, 46 were prescribed emergency contraception.

Rasmussen said many patients dont have financial means to pay for this medication, and using their insurance can put them in greater danger if they share insurance with their abuser.

We are disappointed the Attorney General isnt sustaining this support for victims, but somebody needs to and so were going to step up and do it, Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan told The Gazette.

Bird has been a vocal opponent of abortion. But sexual assault nurse examiners, along with other victim advocates, have emphasized that emergency contraceptives are not abortion pills. The medication delays or prevents ovulation, preventing a pregnancy from occurring, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Planned Parenthood North Central States issued a statement Thursday calling on Birds office to reinstate the reimbursements, saying sexual assault survivors deserve compassionate, comprehensive care that she "is cruelly putting that out of reach."

The last thing they should have to worry about is affording the care they need after being attacked, Ruth Richardson, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said in a statement.

Here's how over-the-counter birth control could disrupt limited access to contraception Here's how over-the-counter birth control could disrupt limited access to contraception Current access to contraception is uneven across the country Battles for access are primarily happening at the state and local level Federal actions can have significant impact Conversations about access to contraception will continue for years
Japan's water rush finally opens Pandora's box

09:25, August 24, 2023 By China Daily editorial ( Chinadaily.com.cn

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.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Liang Jun)
Rapid City's proposed budget expenditures are up 17.6% over last year, money Mayor Jason Salamun plans to investment in public safety, economic development and governmental efficiency.

Salamun presented his 2024 budget proposal to the Rapid City Common Council Monday night  a mere seven weeks after he took office. He and City Finance Director Daniel Ainslie both came into the process in the eleventh hour and worked to blend and balance the wants of the previous administration with their own priorities.

The following day, Salamun and the heads of every Rapid City department gathered in chambers to field questions from local journalists.

"The story of this budget is that the revenues are strong and so are our expenses," Salamun said.

Where does Rapid City's funding come from?

The total budget comes in at $261,314,085  up from $219,056,876 in the 2023 budget. It includes $99,861,651 for the General Fund, a nearly $19,000,000 increase over 2023.

Rapid City relies heavily on sales tax for revenue  putting the city at the mercy of consumer spending trends  something Salamun believes should incentivize fostering a business-friendly atmosphere, he said. One of the five priority areas he outlined is encouraging high-volume retail to ensure Rapid City remains the economic and shopping hub of western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.

"Part of that is getting that message out. Part of it is, we're competing for these spaces with other entities, so I'm letting them know Rapid City wants to talk to you," Salamun said.

The 6.2% sales tax is split  4.2% to the State of South Dakota and the remaining 2% to Rapid City  which is then split again. One percent goes into the city's General Fund, while the other is divided between the Vision Fund (42%) and the Capital Improvement Fund (58%).

The General Fund pays for day-to-day expenses and city departments, while the Vision Fund supports community projects like The Monument's Summit Arena or restoration work at Dinosaur Park  and the city's infrastructure budget lives in the Capital Improvement Fund.

Twenty-seven percent of 2024's budget revenue comes from utility fees, and another 9% from entrance and user fees  something Salamun plans to address in the coming months.

"We have to look at other revenue sources, that includes things like user fees  that meaning some of our general fund that comes from sales tax...potentially could help offset user fees in other areas," he said. "We need to look at an evaluation across the board and say what fees do we have that should be appropriate to them, so that the taxpayers aren't subsidizing user fees."

2024s proposal allocates $27,782,172 for the Rapid City Police Department, up from $22,160,736 in 2023. The Fire Department would receive $17,347,880, a nearly 8.5% increase over last year. Even though total funds allotted for public safety increased in the budget, the overall percentage allocated decreased from 51.19% in 2023 to 46% in 2024.

Other distributions include $75,806,931 to water, solid waste, wastewater, stormwater and ambulance services  amounting to 29% of total budget expenditures  and around 5% into the Vision Fund.

Personnel investment dominates the budget for most departments with millions allotted for recruitment and retention. Salamun calls the expense "our best investment" and the greatest one.

Public safety funding remains a priority

Salamun plans to re-evaluate the need for some full-time employee positions, including the previously authorized sustainability coordinator and chief-of-staff. He is not required to fill those authorized positions and has made no official decision, but plans to determine whether or not those workloads could be absorbed into existing staff. The chief-of-staff position might undergo a name change and refocus to daily operations, Salamun hinted, all part of a larger plan to increase efficiency.

Where he does intend to add employees is the public safety realm, asking the Council for approval to add five full-time employees  four city park rangers and one additional employee to the Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.

"I just want to make sure that Rapid City is a safe place for children," Salamun said. "Just know that for those who are using technology  and not even just technology, whether you're on the grid or off the grid  if you're preying upon children, we are going to come after you. I'm pretty, pretty serious about that."

The city park ranger program would take an initial investment of $356,794 to bring on four employees, train and equip them. The rangers would be uniformed, have code enforcement citation authority and a direct line to the Rapid City Police Department. Salamun sees it as a quasi-relationship between the Parks and Police departments, and hopes those employees would enjoy and be educated about the outdoors and trail systems while providing an additional level of security in addressing concerns like vandalism or off-leash animals.

It's part of a broader initiative to address homelessness. Rapid City's point-in-time homeless count, done in January 2022, recorded 458 individuals  up 53% from 2017, according to reporting by South Dakota News Watch  while the number of homeless statewide nearly doubled.

"I want it to be harder to be homeless in Rapid City," Salamun said during Monday night's special session and repeated during Tuesday's press conference.

He clarified that he means it both ways  he wants the city to invest in programs that will help those who desire to help themselves, but not make it "more comfortable" for those who refuse help. Salamun's budget proposal requests $1.3 million for the Care Campus, in partnership with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, to fund opportunities for rehabilitation and detox.

Rapid City Police have 11 full-time employees dedicated to homelessness, plus three additional positions funded by grants. The Fire Department responds to more than double the average number of calls a similarly sized city receives in a year. A significant number of those calls are for ambulance services, Salamun said, and a significant amount of those services are never paid for, which is a direct fiscal impact of homelessness.

The proposed Rapid City Police budget jumped 14.6% over 2023, and the Fire Department 8.48%. Police Chief Don Hedrick explained the department had been impacted by the nationwide struggle of hiring and retention of law enforcement officers, but applauded funding awarded last year aimed at providing greater salaries and access to wellness services.

"It really caused us to evaluate and reach out to our employees and figure out what was important to them," he said. "Things that were important to me 21 years ago when I started, they're not as important to our newer folks."

Struggles with recruitment and retention are no stranger to the Rapid City Fire Department. Chief Jason Culberson reiterated some of the same points as Hedrick, lamenting the need for increased personnel funding and another fire station to maintain the same level of service.

"As that city continues to grow outward, the outward sprawl, and put more of those developments in those areas, it puts a lot of pressure on us that we're not able to provide the same level of service that this community's expected," he said. "So we're going to have to deal with that as we go along. We've been finding some new ways of providing the service, especially on the ambulance side of that with some peak load ambulances and that nature...opening up a new fire station would be a huge goal that I hope Mayor Salamun may do in the next few years."

The Fire Department also operates a Mobile Medic, workshopped in 2013 and launched in 2016, with the aim of reducing call volume and cost on the department. Culberson expects data to be released soon on the program's efficacy and agrees it's an area he'd like to expand.

Addressing Rapid City's affordable housing shortage

Rapid City is the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest in 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, and the 54th fastest-growing city nationwide. From July 1, 2021 to July 1, 2022, Rapid City grew by 2.74%  six times the national average of 0.4%.

In January, Elevate Rapid City released the results of its year-long housing study, confirming a 15% population increase from 2010 to 2020 and forecasting 20% growth by 2030. Rapid City's growth has been most significant in the 65-84 age range, a stunning 59% over the last decade. The U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey put housing vacancy between 1% and 2%, a far-cry from the healthy range of 5% to 7%.

The study concluded just over 9,100 total units would be needed by 2030 to meet a 6% target vacancy and account for population growth through 2030  of which Rapid City was about 780 short at the time the study was released.

A $250,000 line item for community development  the city's partnership with Elevate  would move under the umbrella of the Mayor's Office in the budget proposal.

Steady growth comes with its fair share of problems  including a shortage of affordable housing.

In 2021, the median income in Rapid City was $58,072. Using the 30% metric for affordable housing means housing and utilities should run $1,452 per month. Elevate's study  and general discussion  shows that the tight market has pushed rents alone over $1,500 in many cases.

Salamun intends to prioritize affordable housing and infrastructure with Vision Fund allocations, reiterating he has no desire to end the Vision Fund's typical "quality of life" projects. There's a philosophical discussion to be had about the role of government, he said, adding it isn't the city's job to encourage growth, but instead to create the conditions for it. While there is need for childcare services, affordable housing and accessible grocery stores, the city's role is limited to encouragement, he said.

Staff and Council share an appetite for a more proactive approach to development as one potential avenue for addressing overall shortages in the community, Salamun said, although it would require significant seed money.

"What if the city had the funds to say, grow this direction or grow in this area, and we put the infrastructure in there, and then we recoup those fees when somebody taps into the water line or buys or develops a piece of property. They're assessed and it pays back to the city and to a revolving fund that they can use for the next project," he explained.

Community Development Director Vicki Fisher addressed one area where the city can make improvements to the housing situation  zoning. The city has worked to diversify areas that support residential zoning, including the creation of the urban commercial district, which encompasses downtown.

"Recently there was a rezoning request that was brought forward to rezone some property across from Menards. It's in an industrial area, but there's a need for affordable housing. There's a workforce that could live there and provide services to those businesses," Fisher said. "So when working with Council, we supported that, and then through a tool called a plan development, it allows us to get creative to ensure that those that are going to occupy the structure have got safeguards and other measures in place so that their quality of life is being secured as well."

Investing in Rapid City's community partners, crisis services and resources

Mayor Salamun is proposing several community investments with the roughly $5.8 million in undesignated funds.

Just over half  $2,658,756  would fund partnerships in public safety, including $164,141 in emergency planning and around $1.9 million to dispatch. A $150,000 investment per year for two years is slated for the Ignite Program, set to roll out in Pennington County in the coming months. Ignite  which stands for Individual Growth Naturally and Intentionally Through Education  began in Genesee County, Michigan. It's centered on education, job certification and post-incarceration opportunity and assistance  programs designed to decrease recidivism and help reintegrate inmates into society.

Pennington County is in the early stage of bringing the program to the jail, and so far has hired a program coordinator. Sheriff Brian Mueller cited workforce shortages, generational incarceration and the expensive "revolving door" as reasons for launch.

Other funds are to be set aside for crisis services, including $145,000 to Working Against Violence, Inc. and $360,000 to Journey On. Salamun said the investments are a continuation of previous work, but did put more emphasis on the privately funded Cornerstone Rescue Mission  promising that if it did not exist, the community would indeed miss it. His proposal allocates $200,000 for the mission.

"I think there needs to be some education in the community. The challenge is everybody wants to start a new shelter because they don't like the ones that are already there, but there's only so much resources in the community to go after these challenges. So if you start dividing the limited resources among dozens of organizations that are serving the same group of people, nobody gets helped. You can't be everything to everyone," he said.

Another $966,000 goes toward community enrichment, with focuses in the arts and senior facilities. Roughly a third is earmarked for building maintenance at the Journey Museum, while just shy of $40,000 would go to the Canyon Lake and Minneluzahan senior centers.

A considerable amount is budgeted for the Rapid City Airport, where most of the operations and capital improvements are funded through parking and lease revenues and bolstered by federal and state grants. Eighty percent of the airport's available funding ($30,414,309) goes towards capital projects, the largest being the terminal expansion, a six-year-long, $58 million endeavor with phase one on the immediate horizon. The project will expand the baggage makeup area, relocate the TSA checkpoint, and expand and remodel the ticketing area.

Airport Director Patrick Dame explained the project has one bidder and came in over budget, so they're looking at reducing portions of the building and checking into different engineering options  but are retaining the option to walk away if negotiations aren't fruitful.

In an era of digital media, $3.7 million allocated to the Rapid City Public Library might turn heads, but Library Director Terri Davis explained they're actually busier now since the advent and spread of the internet in the 1990s. It's about helping people navigate information, she said.

"Our electronic resources are by far the most popular resources, but what we found is the younger generations have expressed an interest in print materials. It's almost as though that's their opportunity to unplug from the technology," Davis said.

The big goal for the upcoming year is introducing a new bookmobile, since the last ceased operations in the mid-1980s due to rising fuel costs. RCPL is utilizing a hybrid option, which is set to begin serving Rapid City sometime early next year  an opportunity to meet the needs of the city's ever-expanding neighborhoods.

The Rapid City Common Council must approve two readings of the 2024 budget by Sept. 30. The first Special Council meeting is set for next Monday, Aug. 28 at 5:30 p.m.

Mayor Salamun's proposed budget is available below:

Former Mayor Steve Allender's 2023 budget proposal is available for comparison by clicking here.
The eastern Ukrainian village of Tserkune sat directly on the front line of the war, as Ukrainian and Russian forces battled for control of nearby Kharkiv city. Although some people are starting to return, Tserkunes school has no roof, its shops are shattered. Telltale shrapnel holes pock roads, walls and fences. War has left its mark everywhere in Tserkune. I spent three weeks here, supporting the Polish Center for International Aid set up a humanitarian program to provide assistance to hundreds of families whose homes, and lives, were damaged by war.

Ukraine has been grappling with war since 2014, when Russia annexed the Crimea and the eastern Donbas region. The Russian invasion of 2022 has given rise to a severe humanitarian crisis, with devastating human consequences for millions of innocent civilians. Images of wide spread destruction and tides of refugees  harkening back to WWII  have dominated the news.

The humanitarian situation is characterized by the death of 10,000 civilians including over 500 children. Thousands more have been injured or traumatized. Millions of people have been displaced. Millions more affected. The country suffers from infrastructure damage, food insecurity, and loss of essential services. The UN reports over 17 million people in need of aid.

These problems are in sharp relief in Tserkune, where damaged and destroyed homes dot the landscape, once prosperous shops are burned out, the surrounding forests and agricultural lands are littered with land mines and unexplored shells. Walk into any home and you can see bullet holes on the walls, collapsed roofs and chunks of shrapnel cast about like rusty stones.

Despite these obstacles, people are returning and rebuilding their lives. After the Russian army retreated, the Ukrainian government prioritized Tserkune for a build back better reconstruction program. The local government is providing basic services. Ukrainian humanitarian organizations are delivering aid. Community people are helping each other restore their lives and livelihoods. International aid organizations are providing support directly to local authorities and organizations to rebuild. It is humbling to witness.

As our election cycle gears up, American citizens are receiving different messages about Ukraine. A healthy public debate has ensued, asking us to question our involvement in and support to Ukraine. Headlines typically focus on military aid. The Council on Foreign Relations reports that the US has provided $76.8 billion dollars to Ukraine. $3.9 billion (or 5%) has gone to humanitarian aid, making the USA the top donor of aid for Ukraine. Leaving direct budgetary and security/military aid aside (which comprise $26.4 billion and $46.6 billion respectively), why should we care about our tax money aiding needy Ukrainians?

First and foremost, the conflict in Ukraine is not limited to the region; it has far-reaching implications for international stability and security. The United States involvement and support for resolving the crisis proves our commitment to international order and helps promote peace and stability around the globe.

As a nation espousing humanitarian principles, Americans empathize with the suffering of civilians affected by conflict. Providing assistance and support to alleviate their suffering aligns with our values of humanity, compassion and solidarity and allows us to put our principles into action.

Helping Ukraine to support its citizens affected by war as well as its sovereignty and territorial integrity reinforces our shared principles of independence, human rights, democracy, and self-determination. If we are to talk the talk of democracy, we must also walk the walk.

The humanitarian situation in Ukraine demands our attention and support. In doing so, we not only alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians affected by war, we demonstrate what our nations stands for: humanity, independence and democracy.
The Florence School District is gearing up for the start of school.

Florence Carlton High School Principal Scott Marsh said the school will see a few changes in the coming school year.

The district is struggling with funding issues after a $657,000 levy was voted down by community members last May.

Finding math teachers for this fall has been a challenge for the school. Marsh said that FCHS will have one in-person math educator who will teach students in several math classes through the Montana Technical Digital Academy. They will also have students in higher-level classes help support other students.

Christine Abbott will step up and facilitate that, Marsh said. Weve also had community members reach out to volunteer and help tutor kids during the day. Some of them have engineering backgrounds and a lot of math knowledge. Well also do some peer-to-peer supports and have the calculus kids helping with geometry.

Marsh will run morning tutoring classes.

MTDA does a great thing with dual credit courses and AP, Marsh said. The dual credit they are going to do for free, part of that 1, 2, Free Program so kids can earn college credits for free.

Florence High School has brought on a new facilities director, Dan Abbott.

Hes got a military background for leading people, focus, precision and getting things done, Marsh said.

Florence Carlton Middle School Principal Sheree Jenkins said the students will have a great year.

Florence restarted their SOAR behavior reward system last school year. SOAR stands for safe, organized, accountable and respectful. Students earn things by doing those positive behaviors. Jenkins randomly draws student names and the following week those students bring their lunch to an exclusive reward.

One of my main goals is to get our students to be respectful, responsible students and citizens, Jenkins said. I always tell them, Youll never regret being kind. Other than that, our focus is going to be reading and ELA [English Language Arts].

Jenkins said many students have a gap in their education due to COVID closures and circumstances.

We notice it strongly in math and reading, she said. Our sixth graders were in third grade and they missed or were interrupted in math for basics like multiplication tables. There has always been a wider range and COVID expanded that.

Jenkins said the tight budget is tough with the failure of the levy, especially without the pandemic-era Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief stimulus funds, commonly referred to as ESSER funds.

We had to expand to have some of our teachers do more, like our Special-ed teacher and our AD will do additional classes, Jenkins said. Were definitely figuring it out, like every other school in the valley.

Jenkins said the school year will be exciting.

Students like to come back, they like the consistency, she said. The sixth graders always bring a good energy in because they are new to middle school and are excited about everything. The eighth graders are excited to be eighth graders. I do love the middle school.

Elementary Principal Chrissy Hulla said the staff and students are getting used to the school building that opened in the fall of 2021. In 2013 Florence voters approved a $16M bond to fund the building of the new elementary school, kitchen, library, multipurpose room, band room, conference rooms, a nurses office, grass and play structures and a main office with a secure entrance.

Were getting settled in our new building, its still exciting and new but is feeling comfortable, Hulla said. Its starting to feel like home. Enrollment is up and everyone is always positive to be back. We have new staff and are still looking to fill a few spots. It always seems to come together. Florence is amazing.

Teachers are at the school this week preparing for classes to start. The school is hosting a community barbecue at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, in the Maroon Gym.

The barbecue is right before an open house and everyone is invited, Hulla said.

Hulla said the Elementary School has a behavior reward program called Falcon Feathers.

Every week we draw names from the hat of students who have earned Falcon Feathers, she said. We have different activities where classes earn Falcon Feathers and they get an extra recess. We also have a [elementary] school-wide goal where students earn thousands of Falcon Feathers and we have a movie day. We turn the whole school into a movie theatre.

Teachers decorate their doors with movie marquis, the parent organization provides popcorn and sodas, and students select the age-appropriate movies to watch.

Every space has a movie showing and the students get little tickets with the movie on it, Hulla said. It is fun. We definitely want to recognize positive behavior and expectations.

Classes start on Monday, Aug. 28 for everyone except kindergarten students, who start Sept. 5.
Attorneys for Gov. Greg Gianforte have asked a district court judge to toss a lawsuit over a veto dispute that, at least in part, marked the abrupt end of the Legislature in May.

How and when lawmakers can override his veto power, attorneys the governor argued, is a "political question" between the executive and legislative branches, not for judicial scrutiny.

The veto in question rejected a bill that retooled how Montana uses marijuana tax revenues, with millions for county road repair projects, as well as habitat conservation and restoration. Senate Bill 442 cleared both chambers in the Legislature by wide margins; well past the two-thirds threshold to trigger an opportunity for lawmakers to override the veto after the session adjourned.

The timing, however, of Gianforte's veto threw its fate into some uncertainty. Signed the same day the state Senate adjourned, the veto was never read across the rostrum, which conservation groups, counties and several lawmakers contend, means the upper chamber never had the opportunity to overturn it.

The Montana Wildlife Federation, Wild Montana and Montana Association of Counties sued the governor and the Montana Secretary of State in June asking a judge to declare the matter still subject to a poll for lawmakers to possibly override the veto. The governor cannot, the groups' attorneys wrote, time his vetoes to preclude the Legislature's ability to override it.

Gianforte's attorneys on Friday asked Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan to dismiss the lawsuit, asserting that the private parties have no legal footing to force legislative procedures in a dispute between two branches of government.

" In fact, what they ask is that the judicial branch compel the executive branch to thwart the Constitution, statutes and duly adopted legislative processes for the sole purpose of furthering the lobbying organizations own financial interests," Gianforte's attorneys wrote.

Further, the attorneys wrote, the House was still conducting legislative business after the Senate adjourned on May 2. While the conservation groups contend the Senate's departure signaled the end of the session as a functioning, bicameral body, the governor's office argued to the contrary; the state budget would have died in its tracks after the Senate adjourned because the House had not yet approved it, they wrote.

"The Senate is the Legislature. The House of Representatives is the Legislature," Friday's motion reads. "If either body acts, it is a legislative act."

The filing notes the Senate adjourned at 3:29 p.m. on May 2, and the veto was read across the rostrum in the House at 8:39 p.m. The governor's attorneys make no mention of when Gianforte signed the veto and returned it to the Legislature, although a Gianforte spokesperson previously told the Montana State News Bureau it was "sometime in the 2 o'clock hour."

Attorneys for Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen in July filed a motion with the court to be dismissed from the lawsuit, writing the case hinges "entirely upon the actions taken by the Montana Legislature and Gov. Greg Gianforte," although language in the filing sides with the governor's office in terms of whether the Legislature was or wasn't still in session.

Attorneys for the conservation groups opposed that request, writing the Secretary of State has a distinct role in the case to poll lawmakers on the veto override.

The plaintiffs have not yet responded to the governor's motion to dismiss the case.
Kathmandu, Nepal, August 24, 2023: At least seven people died and 19 others injured when a passenger bus carrying pilgrims met with an accident in Churiyamai area of Jitpur Simara sub-metropolitan city-22 in Bara district at wee hours on Thursday.





The ill-fated bus with registered number Madhesh Pradesh bus No. 03-001 B 7994 that was on its way from Kathmandu to Loharpatti in Mahottari, met with the fetal accident at around 1 o'clock on Thursday morning.




RIVNE, Ukraine  Along a bustling street in a western Ukrainian city, Denys Abdulin takes his first independent strides since he was severely wounded and blinded while fighting invading Russian troops more than a year ago.

The 34-year-old former soldier, wearing black glasses and gripping a white mobility cane, steps onto a more crowded stretch of sidewalk. His movements become tentative and tense. He accidentally blocks the path of a woman approaching an ATM to withdraw cash.

Like many other pedestrians, she responds with a compassionate smile and gracefully moves aside. Gradually, Abdulin covers almost three-tenths of a mile, guided by a trainer walking ahead of him with a bracelet of small metal bells.

Five other Ukrainian military veterans conquered similar challenges while attending a rehabilitation camp for ex-soldiers who lost their vision in combat. Over several weeks, the men would learn to navigate the city of Rivne, to prepare their own meals and to use public transportation while traveling solo.

Daily tasks they previously performed without thinking now demand focus, strength and dedication.

"Everyone pays their price for freedom in Ukraine," Abdulin, who spent months confined to a hospital bed and rarely takes off his dark shades, said.

The war Russia launched in Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, has killed tens of thousands of fighters on both sides. Countless others, both Ukrainian military personnel and civilians who took up arms to defend their country, have been maimed or suffered other injuries that irreversibly reshaped their lives.

No statistics currently exist for how many service members have lost their sight due to severe wounds sustained in the war, according to Olesia Perepechenko, executive director of Modern Sight, the non-governmental organization that puts on the camp. But demand for the program is growing as the war nears its 1-year point.

Over the course of several weeks, the veterans, accompanied by their families, reside at a rehabilitation center outside of Rivne. Most receive their first canes here, take their first walks around urban and natural environments without assistance, and learn to operate sound based programs for using cellphones and computers.

"Our goal isn't to retrain them, not to change them, but simply to give them a chance to become independent and self-reliant," said Perepechenko, who is herself blind.

Abdulin voluntarily joined the military when Russia invaded Ukraine nearly 18 months ago.Completing the walk marked a new phase in his recovery following the wounds he sustained when a mine detonated a few yards behind him in Sieverodontesk, a city in eastern Ukraine now occupied by Russians.

"It seemed to me that a flame flew out of my eyes," he said of that day in May 2022. "I immediately realized that I had lost my eyes."

In 2014, when Russia unlawfully annexed Crimea and armed conflict erupted in Ukraine's Donbas region, Perepechenko yearned to be on the front lines helping in some way. Her request to join the army was declined, so she decided to embrace a new mission: helping soldiers who lost their sight to reclaim a sense of autonomy.

Modern Sight held its first rehabilitation camp in 2019 and organized around 10 more since then. However, only two camps have taken place during the war. Although there is a waiting list of 30 people for the next session, the non-profit's primary hurdle is funding: each camp costs about $16,400 to put on.

Abdulin spent almost a year receiving treatment for his injuries, which included a shattered jaw from the shrapnel that also stole his vision and left him with breathing and balance problems. His wife, Olesia Abdulina, returned with their two children from Lithuania, where the three of them sought refuge after Russia's full-scale invasion.

"His eyes were still so swollen, with bandages over them, covered in cotton pads," Abdulina said of seeing her husband at the hospital for the first time after their months of separation.

"The main thing is that you're alive," she said she responded when he told her he would never see again.

During the months after that, she fed him with a spoon and rarely left his side.

At the Modern Sight camp, the two of them were learning how to integrate his impairment into their family life.

"We remain the same people. We have the same capabilities," Ivan Soroka, 27, who joined the Ukrainian army on the day Russia invaded and was attending the camp for a second time. "We need to stand up, take control and work on improving our self."

A projectile wounded Soroka near Bakhmut in August 2022, when the longest battle of the war so far was just beginning. Russian forces ended up taking the city in eastern Ukraine in May after more than eight months of intense combat.

"I lost my sight immediately, thrown by the blast wave. I felt that I was dying," Soroka said. "I lay there for about two minutes. Then I realized that no, someone isn't letting me go there." As he recalls those moments, he implies it was his fiancee, Vlada, now sitting beside him, who kept him alive.
A Prince George resident faces criminal charges for a shooting at a Petersburg hotel, police said.

Police were called to the Quality Inn at 11974 South Crater Road at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 17. A man found with two gunshot wounds was taken to Southside Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to VCU Medical Center, police said.

Christopher Shawn Castle, 46, has been charged with aggravated malicious wounding, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, reckless handling of a firearm, brandishing and possession of a firearm by a felon.

Castle was in custody at Riverside Regional Jail on Wednesday.
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.
Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears made history two years ago when she became Virginias second woman  and first Black woman  elected to statewide office.

In her newly published memoir, How Sweet It Is, she reflects on her life and her evolution in faith and politics.

It wasnt easy to reflect on some of the hardships along the way  from losing a home to foreclosure after an old Marine Corps back injury flared up, leaving her unable to work, to a far greater loss, when her oldest daughter and two grandchildren were killed in a car crash in Fairfax County in 2012.

Its very hard because its a life of tragedy, of rising from the ashes, but I think also a life of hope, she told the Richmond Times Dispatch in an interview ahead of the books publication.

Earle-Sears, who was born in Jamaica, writes that when she was 18 in 1982, the death of her grandmother had her feeling hopeless and directionless before she joined the U.S. Marines  setting her on a path to becoming a naturalized citizen who would later run for and win elected office.

While in the Marines, she trained to be an electrician and a diesel mechanic. She also gave birth to her first daughter, DeJon.

Juggling her military career as a young single mom was a triumph and a struggle. Once she was out of the Marine Corps, she gained a supportive husband, Terence Sears, a Marine Corps officer, who adopted DeJon. The couple would have two additional daughters.

In a richly eclectic career outside politics, Earle-Sears would work as director of a homeless shelter; sell used cars; work as a program manager for the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce; serve as CEO of the Blue Ridge Association of Realtors; own and operate an appliance repair, plumbing and electric company; and write a book called Stop Being a Christian Wimp!

She served a two-year term in the House of Delegates after knocking off Del. Billy Robinson, D-Norfolk, a 20-year veteran, in 2001 to become the first Black female Republican elected to the House. In 2004, she took on Rep. Bobby Scott, D-3rd, but received just 31% of the vote.

Before her history-making run for lieutenant governor in 2021, Earle-Sears served on the State Board of Education as an appointee of Gov. Bob McDonnell and mounted a 2018 write-in campaign for U.S. Senate, trying to offer an alternative to Republican nominee Corey Stewart. (Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., easily beat Stewart.)

Faith and tragedy

Earle-Sears, a devout Christian, writes in the book about messages from God at key junctures in her life.

God is a consuming fire for me, Earle-Sears writes. When He speaks to me, He speaks to me. I will not deny this.

Her faith is a prominent part of her life, and it comforted her when DeJon and her two granddaughters, Victoria and Faith, died in the 2012 crash. Earle-Sears writes that her oldest daughter was bipolar and subject to extreme highs and extreme lows that got worse when she did not take her medication.

Earle-Sears also writes that she and her husband had raised the grandchildren for nearly seven years. Once DeJon seemed permanently stable, Earle-Sears writes that she wanted the children to stay mostly with their mother, as she did not want to come between DeJon and her young children. The children went to live with their mother in early 2011.

Reflecting on the tragedy, she writes: You ask yourself: What could I have done? What could I have done? I just did not comprehend how bad it was.

The experience also drove home the importance of mental health reforms, she said, pointing to efforts the state has made in recent years to expand resources for patients and workers in the field.

Nothing is perfect, but its a start, she said.

Her memoir oscillates between personal, professional and spiritual as Earle-Sears recounts key points in her life where she faced struggles or personal and professional growth.

At times, it also takes the tone of a self-help book as she offers readers encouragement on education, work ethic and Christian devotion.

Earle-Sears writes that her service in the Marine Corps reinforced a lesson she had already learned from her family: There is no such thing as cant. 

At another point, she advises readers on taking an active part in developing their skills. Life waits for no one, she writes. Either you are ready or you are not.

She recounts a childhood and adolescence spent between Jamaica and America. Her mother remained in her home country while her father immigrated to New York in 1963 amid the push for equal rights in a segregated America.

Defending the American Dream is the secondary title to Earle-Sears memoir and, throughout the book, she stresses how education can lift people from poverty. She cites her fathers immigration story as an example  he came to America with $1.75, she said, and went on to become a mechanic and welder for airline Pan Am. He worked on jet engines at JFK airport in New York. Her father is now comfortably retired in Georgia.

There are times things havent been easy, but she said: I just want my life to be an encouragement.

Here are a few other takeaways from Earle-Sears memoir:

A Trekkie

A self-described huge Star Trek fan, she recalls seeing herself in the character of Lt. Uhura, a communications officer on the Enterprise  not just because she was a Black woman on television in the late 1960s, but also because the Black and female character played a prominent role in the fictional crew.

Earle-Sears appreciates the gender parity the various Star Trek shows and movies have demonstrated, and its something she believes she experienced herself in the Marines.

Plus, Uhura was a character known for her intelligence. Education has been a lifelong passion for Earle-Sears, who has degrees from Tidewater Community College, Old Dominion University and Regent University.

Amid Women's History Month, legislators reflect on parity in politics Milestones in the state's legislature and congressional delegation show how women are rising in Virginia's leadership ranks.

On education

Earle-Sears remembers excelling at her courses when she moved to America as a child.

There were no nerds back in Jamaica, she writes. We were all competitive bookworms.

A thirst for education continued in her adulthood as she learned trade skills while serving in the Marines, and juggled earning college degrees as a working mother.

During her term as a state delegate, she pushed for charter schools  and school choice is a cause that she and Gov. Glenn Youngkin continue to champion.

As Democrats have argued for more investment in K-12 public education more broadly, Earle-Sears supported a bill from Del. Glenn Davis, R-Virginia Beach, that would have created a voucher system for parents to send their children to a school of their choice. She hopes the bill can succeed in the future.

(Parents) dont want to be limited by their ZIP code, Earle-Sears said in the interview.

A Black Republican

Earle-Sears writes that she had long assumed she was a Democrat, having spent a good portion of her youth in New York, where that political alignment was common. When she was in her early 20s, she began to pay more attention to politics and the role the government played in peoples lives.

During Vice President George H.W. Bushs 1988 presidential campaign, his conservative stances on lowering taxes and reducing abortions appealed to Earle-Sears.

She writes that the political turning point in her life came when she heard Bush say: If all you ever have is welfare, you will never have anything to pass on to your children.

It stood out to the young mother.

I felt my soul agreeing with him, she writes. It is our duty to do more for our children. With welfare, we possess only up to the limits of the governments checks.

She writes that it was an epiphany: I said to myself: Oh my God, Im a Republican. 

She jokes that her daughters now call her cheap, and she calls herself frugal.

As she is a firm believer in the American dream  that hard work is the key path to prosperity  she writes that the Republican Party started to confirm her approach to life.

As she got more involved in local and regional politics, she writes that she initially wanted to work behind the scenes.

I never particularly wanted to be a politician, she writes. I wanted to be the person behind the politician. But God had other plans.

By 2021, she had become frustrated by two Democratic administrations, the blackface scandals during Gov. Ralph Northams term, and the Northam administrations COVID-19 policies such as school closures and restrictions on businesses and churches.

(At the time of her campaign, Earle-Sears refused to disclose her vaccination status, but she did encourage people to get vaccinated.)

Earle-Sears topped five rivals to win the GOP nomination for lieutenant governor, then edged Democrat Hala Ayala in the general election.

Earle-Sears writes that Moses returned after 40 years and that she returned after nearly 20 years out of elective office.

Just call me Little Mo.

Throughout the book, Earle-Sears chafes against expectations that Black voters should be Democrats.

Not all feel this way, but some Black Democrats have appointed themselves leaders over us, and if you dont keep in line, then they are going to cast you out, she writes. Well, too late. Its a healthy thing for Black people to be on both sides of the political spectrum.

Early in the book, Earle-Sears writes that as a Black woman in the former capital of the Confederacy she is proud to stand as second in command in a state that gave rise to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

I am a Virginian, she writes.

The phrase recalls the closing line from the inaugural address of the nations first elected Black governor. In January 1990, L. Douglas Wilder had proclaimed: I am a son of Virginia.

On Donald Trump

In November 2022, two days after the GOP failed to make sweeping gains in Congress, Earle-Sears publicly broke with former President Donald Trump, telling Fox Business that it was time for the GOP to move on.

Watch the latest video at foxbusiness.com

You had to think, well, even if you dont like the mans personality, hes getting the job done, she writes. We wish that he had just kept quiet.

Earle-Sears writes that while she backed many of Trumps policies, she could not countenance his personal insults toward others.

I did not agree with those methods whatsoever, Earle-Sears writes, and I thought the people engaged in them were unhinged.

In sum, she writes: For the good of the nation, I do not think he should run again in 2024.

The campaign trail gun photo

In the book, Earle-Sears refers to a 2021 campaign photo in which she holds an assault-style weapon.

It was not staged, she asserts, but stemmed from an impromptu campaign trail stop at Clark Brothers Range in Warrenton when she was en route to another event.

Beautiful day  = Range day!



Marines know how to use guns and I wont ever support a red flag law! The 2nd Amendment says shall not be infringed! #SemperFi



Always good to see my friends at Clark Brothers Guns. pic.twitter.com/nNXq4SjazT  Lt. Governor of Virginia - Winsome Earle-Sears (@WinsomeSears) April 15, 2021

I put on a green coat to keep the spent gunpowder blowback off my blouse, she writes. When you look at the photo taken there, you can see that I still have my earplugs in. Nothing staged there.

She did go on to post a series of photos to Twitter with a promise not to support red flag laws  which are when courts can grant temporary orders to remove firearms from people who appear to pose a threat to themselves or others.

Meanwhile, the Twitter images went viral. To her supporters, it was a clear demonstration of her promise to support gun access. It also drew pushback from advocates and legislators (mostly Democrats) who advocate for restrictions aimed at public safety.

On whether she will run for governor

Earle-Sears and Attorney General Jason Miyares are often mentioned as likely candidates for the GOP nomination for governor in 2025.

Will she run? No solid answer just yet.

As Youngkin has said when asked if he will run for president, Earle-Sears asserts she is focused on this years General Assembly elections.

What Ive been consumed with since (the 2023 legislative session) was over is winning back the Senate, she said.

Republicans currently have a majority in the House, while Democrats have the majority in the Senate  where Earle-Sears presides.

All 140 seats are up for grabs in November, with a handful of competitive districts key to each party holding the line or gaining the majority of each chamber.

Both parties are pushing for early and absentee voting  the Democrats with Project Majority and the Republicans with Secure Your Vote Virginia. Earle-Sears ended her chat with The Times-Dispatch with a familiar call to action.

We have to win absentee ballots; we have Secure Your Vote, she said. We believe in our system. We have a great voting record here, and weve just got to increase it.

This morning's top headlines: Republican presidential debate; surrender day for Trump; gunfire at biker bar Republican presidential debate; surrender day for Trump; gunfire at biker bar; and more top news this morning:
The two one-term presidents running for more time in the White House say theyve each made a prosperous America, where presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sees despair and impoverishment.

Kennedy is challenging President Joe Biden for the Democratic nomination in the 2024 presidential election while former president Donald Trump is leading his nearest GOP rival by more than 40 percentage points.

While Biden and Trump say theyve made America richer, Kennedy told a crowd of about 200 supporters Wednesday evening at Richmonds Ember Music Hall on East Broad Street that half of all Americans cant lay hands on enough money for a car repair.

Half of America sees the fuel gauge pointing to empty and wonders if theyre going to be able to get to work, he said.

I see a level of disintegration and disillusionment that I never thought Id see in the United States of America, he said.

Kennedy, a lawyer and longtime environmental activist, has become a controversial figure for spreading misinformation and giving vent to conspiracy theories.

The Associated Press reports that while Kennedy told a congressional committee in July: I have never been anti-vax. I have never told the public to avoid vaccination. He has a long record of anti-vaccination comments.

In a recent interview with Jesse Watters of Fox, Kennedy said, I do believe that autism does come from vaccines.

In Richmond on Wednesday, Kennedy said he is running against the corrupt merger of state and corporate power, in which he said wealthy financial institutions are pillaging the nation.

He said that if elected, he would move quickly to change the tax code to keep those institutions from buying up single family homes, pricing them out of reach for ordinary Americans.

Kennedy said hed also launch a government-backed mortgage program so that homebuyers would all get 3% mortgages.

Theres a lot of money for bankers, theres a lot of money for what Eisenhower warned us about, but theres not a lot for ordinary Americans, Kennedy said, referring to President Dwight Eisenhowers famous farewell address warning about the military industrial complex, as well as the bailout of Silicon Valley Bank and the billions spent on arms for Ukraine.

Kennedy said the nation also wasted billions in a failed effort to contain COVID.

He said he believes the U.S. pressured Ukraine to reject a peace agreement that could have prevented the Russian invasion.

I believe I have a clear path to victory, he told the Richmonders.

In 2005, Kennedy considered a run for New York state attorney general for several months but eventually decided not to run. In 2000, announcing that he would not seek election to the Senate, he said that decision was for this time around, adding if I wanted to run for something, theres always something to run for.

During a July dinner in New York, Kennedy said of COVID-19, There is an argument that it is ethnically targeted, perhaps to spare Ashkenazi Jews and people who are Chinese.

While he often invokes his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and his father, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, as he did with the Richmond gathering, some members of the Kennedy family have repudiated his candidacy.

Jack Schlossberg, a son of Caroline Kennedy and grandson of JFK, backs Biden and railed against RFK Jr. in a recent Instagram post.

Hes trading in on Camelot, celebrity, conspiracy theories and conflict for personal gain and fame, Schlossberg said. Ive listened to him. I know him. I have no idea why anyone thinks he should be president. What I do know is his candidacy is an embarrassment.

Photos: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. through the years
GEORGIA | ELECTION PROBE

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, 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 win. 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 in order to keep Trump in office.

After the 2020 election, East-man 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.

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 on Tuesday.
(Image: Business Today)

Executive chairman of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), Datuk Seri Dr Awang Adek Hussin has highlighted the considerable growth of the financial planning industry in Malaysia over the past few years, noting that it now plays an increasingly pivotal role in the financial wellbeing of many individuals. As such, it is now more crucial than ever for the industry to be attentive to investor demands and market conditions, and adapt to keep up with them.

To underscore his point, Datuk Seri Dr Awang shared that the number of financial planning firms has increased by 42% between 2015 and 2022, from 31 to 44 firms as of end-2022. The number of licensed representatives, meanwhile, ballooned by 145% to 1,455 individuals during the same period.

Given this development, the financial planning industry must be better equipped so that they can serve their customers more efficiently. The financial planning industry must broaden its offerings to meet investors preference for socially responsible investment (SRI), invest in technology for more personalised services, and build a skilled talent pipeline for the future, stressed Datuk Seri Dr Awang at the Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM) Annual Signature Financial Planning Symposium 2023.

The SC chairman also noted that current investors are more interested in seeking advice on holistic investment strategies that take their entire portfolio into consideration, as opposed to focusing only on individual products. Accordingly, this also ramps up the demand for personalised services from financial planners.

The evolving service model and access demanded by clients is led by increased demand for personalised advice with deeper investor engagement over the long term. Towards this end, the SC seeks to facilitate and empower firms and consultants to move towards more comprehensive wealth management offering across the capital market and financial sectors in a bid to meet Malaysians evolving needs, said Datuk Seri Dr Awang.

In addition to this, Datuk Seri Dr Awang commented that the recent launch of the governments Ekonomi Madani framework will boost the industry with new opportunities for financial planners as well. Initiatives under the Madani Economy framework are expected to improve investor confidence in the Malaysian economy and attract greater inflows and foreign investors into the domestic capital market. This in turn will provide better opportunities for financial planners to expand their client base as well as enable existing clients to grow their wealth, he said.

(Image: The Tokenist)

Among other things, the SC  along with the government  is looking at policies to attract and facilitate the establishment of family offices in Malaysia, which could, in turn, attract more investments to support financing for the countrys recovering economy and SMEs. Briefly, family offices are dedicated private wealth management advisory firms that manage the financial and investment needs of affluent individuals or families.

Finally, the financial planning industry is also encouraged to build its talent pipeline by collaborating with universities and other professional associations. This way, they can develop relevant courses to mould and cultivate a future generation of first-class financial planners, thereby ensuring the endurance and progression of Malaysias financial planning industry.

(Sources: Business Today, The Edge Malaysia)

0 0 votes Article Rating

SHARE
Human trafficker captured in Cancun sentenced to more than five years

Mexico City, Mexico  A man captured in Cancun in 2020 has been found guilty of human trafficking. On Tuesday, a State of Mexico judge convicted Raul H for a human trafficking event that took place in 2017.

Raul H was on the run for several years and finally captured in the city of Cancun in March of 2020. He was returned to the State of Mexico to face charges. According to the FGR (State Attorney of the Republic), a judge found Raul H guilty of organized crime with the purpose of committing human trafficking.

In 2017, Raul H participated in the trafficking of a migrant of Cuban origin, the FGR reported. In March 2020, Raul H was arrested in Cancun, Quintana Roo, after completing an arrest warrant for the crime in question, they added.

The Specialized Prosecutor for Organized Crime obtained a sentence of five years and four months. As a result of the abbreviated procedure hearing filed before the Federal Criminal Justice Center in the State of Mexico based in Altiplano, a sentence was handed down of five years four months in prison for Raul H.
Most people have heard of the thalidomide catastrophe: a German-manufactured drug intended to treat morning sickness caused untold numbers of birth defects worldwide. What many may not know is that the drug reached the U.S., or that the drugs manufacturer was staffed with literal war criminals.

The actor Hugh Laurie recently observed that [while] you can chew all the celery you want, three-quarters of us wouldnt be here without antibiotics. He was getting at a basic truth. Since 1860, American life expectancy has nearly doubled, and the main reason for this is innovations coming from the pharmaceutical industry. That starts with the creation of life-saving vaccines and antibiotics. However, it isnt only pills and shots that are permitting us to stay on the planet longer. Heres a short list of commonplace ailments that can now be treated and ameliorated because of discoveries of U.S. pharmaceutical companies: herpes, hepatitis, hemophilia, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, dwarfism, urinary tract infections, gout, Crohns disease, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, asthma, allergies, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, eczema, psoriasis, infertility, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, hair loss, anemia, epilepsy, macular degeneration, obesity, and psychosis.

Drug innovation has also made transplant surgery possible by allowing doctors to give patients medications that prevent tissue rejection, and pharma researchers have come up with cures for many forms of leukemia. On top of all that, were just beginning to see an emerging revolutionthe introduction of new immunotherapy drugs for a wide range of cancers. A good case can be made that the U.S. drug industry has changed life more than anything since the invention of agriculture. Indeed, one might argue that the neolithic revolution should rank second to what companies like Merck and Pfizer have accomplished.

Yet because their drugs are so costly, the industry has become a favorite political target. And, of course, the history of drug manufacture isnt composed exclusively of successes. No business has a higher rate of failure. More than 90% of the medicines that get to testing on humansphase II trialsare never approved. However, one disastrous case of a drug that made it to market stands out: thalidomide.

Thats the subject of Jennifer Vanderbes exceptional new book, Wonder Drug: The Secret History of Thalidomide in America and Its Hidden Victims. Vanderbes is an acclaimed novelist, and her skill as a storyteller is much of what makes her tale so compelling. Introduced in 1957 in West Germany and marketed as a medication for anxiety and morning sickness, thalidomide became notorious. Thats because its toxic for fetuses growing in the womb. Standard estimates are that it led to the deaths of more than 2,000 children, and that an additional 10,000 were left with birth defects. This included thousands of cases in which children were born with partially or entirely absent limbs.

Whats new in Vanderbes account is the revelation that dozens of American children were harmed by the drug. That conflicts with prior versions of the story that suggested that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) kept thalidomide out of the United States. Vanderbes shows that even though it never received FDA approval, thalidomide was quietly prescribed in the United States with many of the same terrible consequences that were seen everywhere else.

Reportedly, Vanderbes spent five years researching and writing her book, and she presents her story in a way thats both thorough and absorbing. Shes helped not only by the inherent drama and the high stakes involved but because she has both dastardly villains and dogged heroes. Foremost among her good guys is a gal: FDA official and former University of Chicago faculty member Frances Oldham Kelsey. A native of British Columbia, Kelsey persistently refused to give thalidomide her sanction for marketing in the United States. Her concerns focused on two subjects: reports indicating that the drug caused peripheral neuritis and the lack of information provided by its would-be American manufacturer about its effect on fetuses.

As it happened, there was good reason for the want of data on how thalidomide affected pregnant women and their gestating babies. Its original producer, a start-up German pharmaceutical company called Chemie Grunenthal, hadnt performed these tests. But, as Vanderbes reveals, that was but one of many causes for alarm. Perhaps even more worrisome were the people in charge of Grunenthal and the suspect origins of the drug.

The companys founders were Nazis who had made extensive use of wartime slave labor, and its chief scientific officer, Heinrich Muckter, had killed hundreds of prisoners at Buchenwald by injecting them with typhus. Indeed, when he was hired by Grunenthal, he was a wanted war criminal in Poland. Moreover, he was one of many company executives who had been involved in Nazi atrocities. The companys head of pathology, Martin Staemmler, had worked to develop Nazi population-control policies. Its chief medical officer, Heinz Baumkotter, had received sentences of 25 years to life at hard labor by a Soviet Court and then a separate if suspended eight-year sentence in West Germany; in fact, he had acknowledged in sworn statements that he was personally responsible for more than 8,000 concentration camp murders. Another executive, Dr. Ernst-Gunther Schenck, had lost his medical license because he had engaged in pseudo-scientific protein-sausage experiments that had led to the demise of other concentration camp victims. And at least one company board member, Otto Ambros, had been convicted at the Nuremberg trials.

More remarkably, the original testing of thalidomide may have taken place in the camps, and later tests of the drug on mice raised further doubts about its safety and efficacy. It seemed that while it put humans to sleep, it was not a soporific for rodents. That brought up the question of how the drug functioned on the nervous system and how and to what extent it was being absorbed by the body. Yet, in spite of all these issues, it was approved in more than 20 countries, including Kelseys native Canada.

Some of this, of course, reflects the much more lax regulatory environment of the 1950s, and the absence of well-developed testing protocols. All drugs must be judged based on their risk profile, what is in effect a cost-benefit analysis. To give a very simple example involving a common nonprescription drug: acetaminophen, the painkiller that goes by the trade name of Tylenol, is mildly hepatotoxic. This is to say that it can be damaging to the liver when combined with large amounts of alcohol. Yet it can be purchased in any drugstore because authorities believe that these risks are small when balanced against the benefits the drug provides. Society deals with a similar issue in introducing new drugs, as no level of trial research can absolutely ensure that a drug will be perfectly safe or that its mechanism of action will be precisely understood. This weighs against the enormous benefits provided by the many new drugs reaching the market. That latter fact demands that we not be overly restrictive in our testing and research requirements. A balance between undue cautiousness and too much liberality for drugmakers must be found.

The problem of poor regulation tends to arise when the commercial potential for a new drug is so great that regulators are fearful of saying no to drug manufacturersand drug makers are criminally irresponsible in reporting their results. An example of this popped up in the 1990s with the weight loss treatment known as fen-phen (fenfluramine/phentermine). Because so many people wanted an effective obesity treatment, the executives of American Home Products, which expected giant profits from an unapproved pairing of the drugs, permitted doctors to prescribe them in combination and then failed to publicize data showing that this could cause heart damage. Compounding this problem, regulators were slow in responding to their own reports of trouble. The misuse of time-released narcotics, like Oxycontin, represents an even worse example of this sort of abuse.

A still more common difficulty arises from the question of whether whole classes of drugs, like antidepressants and statins, are being oversold.

The appeal of thalidomide grew out of the enormous success of Miltown (meprobamate), which had reached the market the year before thalidomide. Introduced by Wallace Laboratories and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, it was one of the most successful and profitable drugs in history, and it produced a feverish search for a competing sedative. (It has since been superseded by the even less toxic class of minor tranquilizers known as benzodiazepines. Valium and Xanax are both in this family.) The hope of thalidomides U.S. distributor, Richardson-Merrell Pharmaceuticals, was that it could challenge Miltowns huge sales. That thalidomide was mostly kept out of the U.S. market is the great achievement the FDA has long cited as justification for its extensive powers. Vanderbes chips away at this claim, showing that Richardson-Merrell had engaged in limited domestic testing of the drug. The company succeeded in keeping this secret. In part this was due to U.S. investigators fear of releasing the names of Americans who had been given the drug (they never did so).

Yet this does not change a basic fact: the development of new drugs is vitally important. That brings up the one criticism I have of Wonder Drug, and a broader but important point about the future of American healthcare.

Gifted storyteller that she is, Vanderbes tells her tale with the pace of a thriller. Underlying her account is an implicit thesis: we need more aggressive regulation and more government control of doctors, hospitals, and drugmakers. For that reason, Vanderbes is critical of the Kennedy administrations response to the thalidomide crisis. Supportive of the pharmaceutical industry, it took out the language in a bill proposed by Senator Estes Kefauver that called for a requirement that newly approved drugs be better than previous ones. Vanderbes sees this as a mistake. But it may have been for the best. After all, for many categories of drugs, like antibiotics, the need is not for stronger medicines but a full arsenal of available choices. When antibiotics face drug resistance, a range of alternatives is required. Moreover, no matter the disease, a medication that works well for one patient may not for another. It is hard to say what a better drug is.

And this isnt the only danger in the seemingly innocuous aim of giving government more control over healthcare. To understand this, it may be worth looking at whats happened during recent decades in Great Britain. Ostensibly, the country has an excellent drug-development record. Indeed, two of the most successful pharma companies, AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline, are headquartered there. Thus, in the midst of the COVID pandemic, working with Oxford researchers, AstraZeneca developed a vaccine.

While the company was permitted to do the initial testing of it in the U.K., thats actually rare. AstraZeneca may have its corporate offices in Cambridge, but it actually tests its drugs elsewhere: the U.S., Brazil, Russia, India, China, or even the Caribbeanalmost never in the U.K. Why? Since Britain created its National Health Service, the potential for profit no longer exists, as drug prices are fixed and kept artificially low by government officials. Those individuals gain nothing when innovation occurs, but they will be blamed if patients die during testing. The result is stasis. Nearly all the critical new medications being developed are tested outside of markets where the government has wholesale control over medical care.

Yet Britain has always had great researchers at its universities. For example, back in the 1970s, scientists at the University of Nottingham devised the initial prototypes for CAT scanners. However, the machines were produced in America, as there was no way to make any money from developing them back in the U.K. A tension exists between too much and too little government control over healthcare. This is true of both the role of regulators and the extent to which the government should run hospitals and healthcare clinics.

One more quick example: in the past few years, the FDA has cautiously approved two drugs for Alzheimers treatment. Neither works particularly well for most patients, and they present some real dangers. But the FDA understands that there are patients who could still benefit, that the risks to these patients can be monitored, and that approval of these drugs is a step that will provide incentives to further research and better treatments in the future.

Thalidomide is what can happen without effective regulation. The nearly comatose state of British drug testing is what happens with socialized medicine.
Parkway House of Prayer, a Roanoke church, announced the opening of a day care center with room for 40 children between the ages of 6 months and 5 years. Nineteen were of left as of Wednesday morning.

Lil Sparks Academy on King Street employs a Christian curriculum in the care of young people, a press release said. Its website is www.lil-sparks.com.

Virginia allows church-based day care centers to request exemption from state licensing, as Lil Sparks Academy has done. The state still requires proof that a religiously exempt facility has passed a public health inspection; completed a fire safety check; conducted employee background checks; and employs sufficient numbers of staff for the number of children enrolled, as determined by the state. Erin Ullery, the director, said all of the states conditions have been met.

The Department of Social Services told the establishment, which opened Monday, that it can serve up to 200 children, she said.

The Virginia Department of Education provides resources for finding day care at www.childcare.virginia.gov.

The Virginia Promise Partnership, a statewide nonprofit organization, said it seeks to expand access to day care because the system in inadequate today. Many families across Virginia are unable to find quality, affordable child care options that fit their needs and preferences. Without child care, children are missing key skill-building opportunities; parents are reducing their work hours or leaving the workforce altogether; and businesses are seeing negative impacts on labor force recruitment, retention, and productivity, the group said.
A lawsuit filed this week alleges Pulaski County School Board member Penny Golden made false and defamatory social media remarks about candidate Gina Paines past.

Golden and Paine are running against each other in the countys Ingles District in the November election.

The suit, filed in Pulaski County General District Court, states Golden on or about Aug. 8 sent a message via Facebook. The suit includes a screenshot of the message, which says Golden and some other groups  including county leaders  received a copy of Paines criminal history.

And I have a feeling that the Republican Party doesnt know about it, reads the alleged Golden message, addressed to Mickey, according to the suit. Ms. Paine is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history. Although it was several years ago, I still think it is relevant to character and before you vote to endorse her, you should have all the information.

The message opens by saying that a call had been received about an upcoming Republican Party meeting that included an agenda item concerning the endorsement of school board candidates.

The person the message was sent to responded that they no longer had a leadership role in the county GOP. The person continued by writing I would suggest if you have concerns about any candidate, but the remainder of the message was cut off in the screenshot.

Paine is a conservative  but school board candidates run without official party designations.

An online search of general district and circuit court records in Montgomery and Pulaski counties and Radford didnt show any criminal charges for Paine.

Paine and her attorney Chris Tuck said she is not a convicted felon and doesnt have an extensive criminal history.

Paine has suffered embarrassment, humiliation and mental suffering due to the false statements and she is seeking a judgment in the amount of $12,500 in compensatory damages and $12,500 in punitive damages, according to the suit.

If youre running for public office, there are certain things you cant say about people, Tuck said. You cant state someones a convicted felon  or defame their character. Its sad Ms. Golden has decided to make this kind of thing up and spread it.

When asked about the situation, Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet forwarded an email to The Roanoke Times that came from an account using a private and encrypted service.

The email makes a number of claims about Paine and echoes the comments Golden is being sued over. The email alleges Paine had multiple drug charges that led to prison stay.

We also have unconfirmed information of multiple other charges including prostitution and child custody issues stemming from charges in West Virginia and Virginia, the email reads.

Paine said she does have a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge that she pleaded guilty to in West Virginia in 2002. But thats the only criminal charge shes ever had and her record does not reflect what Golden has claimed, Tuck said.

Paine addressed her misdemeanor charge from just over two decades ago.

Im not proud of that period in my life. Ive been sober for nearly 13 years, she said, adding that she has since that time worked to help others in the recovery community.

Paine said her reputation is tarnished by Goldens comments.

Paine said shes already heard whispers in the community about the claims and wants to put a stop to the spreading of the false rumors. She said shes also addressing the issue because she has concerns it could significantly affect her son, whos a senior at Pulaski County High School.

I feel its disheartening and sad that a member of the Pulaski County School Board would act so dishonestly and maliciously in an attempt to move forward her own agenda, Paine said.

Golden didnt return multiple requests for comment Wednesday.
Throughout Roanoke Mayor Sherman Leas State of the City address Thursday, he used the opportunity to stress the good things the city has accomplished over the last year.

And he did that while saying: Like so many other communities, the need for affordable housing, the opiate epidemic, the need for improved infrastructure and the continued presence of violence within our beloved city.

Hundreds gathered at Hotel Roanoke to hear Lea give the annual speech.

The event was organized by the Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerces annual public policy program of work sponsors, Mountain Valley Pipeline, RGC Resources and Lionberger Construction.

Lea started by recognizing city and school employees for their service and acknowledged the challenges the Roanoke community faces.

The city is wrapping up one of its most violent summers on record, with gun-related deaths and injuries throughout June, July and August.

Lea went on to discuss a number of city-led infrastructure and economic development projects aimed at addressing some of those problems.

On the housing front, Roanoke is expecting a few large apartment complexes to be completed in the next several years and recently announced a private-sector project to build affordable housing near the new Third Street bus station.

The city also launched a down payment assistance program to help first time buyers own a home in areas of the city that have historically had issues, including being red-lined.

The citys Homeless Assistance Team continues to be extremely effective, having helped rehouse 219 people experiencing un-sheltered homelessness, Lea said.

So the tons of calls I get almost every day about, What are you going to do with the homeless? Were doing some positive things and were going to do more and Im proud of what weve been able to achieve thus far, Lea said.

Meanwhile, the city and Roanoke Valley Collective Response have received millions of dollars to address the opiate epidemic and substance use disorders.

New businesses opened in the renovated historic Fire Station #1 this year and in January the city and a private developer announced the Riverdale redevelopment project of the former Viscose plant area.

A multi-year planned series of redevelopment projects in southeast Roanoke ... phase one alone is a $60 million investment that is estimated to generate more than $300 million in economic impact to our city and support 2,000 jobs in the process, Lea said.

In northwest Roanoke, the Melrose Plaza project made possible by Goodwill and the city will place a grocery store in one of the communitys food deserts.

Theres also the biotech lab project on Jefferson Street near downtown Roanoke. The city, Carilion Clinic, Virginia Tech, Virginia Western Community College, the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC and others are collaborating to bring the lab  a business incubator  to town in the next couple years.

Roanoke also recently surpassed 100 miles of trails in the city.

As we move forward, we must celebrate the positive aspects of our city while acknowledging the work that still must be done ... and when we are faced with adversity, it becomes more important than ever that we pull together as a community and stand by one another in kindness, Lea said.

Other sponsors of Thursdays event included Appalachian Power Co., Branch Group, Virginia 811, the Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority, First Citizens Bank, Gentry Locke, Marsh McLennan Agency and Poe & Cronk.
Thank you for reading!

Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Francis Marion Universitys 53rd academic year is underway and with it, a few new programs as well as record scholarship funding.

During the universitys annual faculty welcome event, FMU President Fred Carter provided updates on funding, scholarships, and academic programs.

Carter praised the faculty for teaching and research accomplishments and discussed appropriations and new academic programs. He began his remarks by applauding the scholarly achievements of specific faculty  including the publication of five books and the receipt of various national and regional honors and awards.

More than $2.6 million in grant funding has been acquired by the university since the spring, including a $416,800 research grant from the National Science Foundation coordinated by Dr. Ivan Dungan, assistant professor of mathematics, that will be used to research ways to transform health care using AI, and a $2.2 million grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, acquired by Dr. Deborah Hopla, professor of nursing, to fund nurse practitioner scholarships.

This year, the university received appropriations of $5.75 million in recurring funding and $9 million in nonrecurring funds at the state level. It also received an additional $1.1 million in federal funds for scientific equipment, and recently received grant funding for new occupational and speech therapy positions in the upcoming year. Carter praised the generosity of the state legislative delegation and noted that this funding made it possible for the university to avoid a tuition increase for the sixth straight year.

The university is also committing more funds to scholarship funding than at any other time in history. This includes support from the university, the FMU Education Foundation, and other state and federal funding sources.

This year, our students are the recipients of more than $28 million in scholarship funding, Carter said. This funding speaks to the quality of our student body and the support of loyal donors. Please note that these are scholarships  not loans. It will serve to alleviate their financial burden substantially.

In the spring semester, the university will welcome students into its newest doctoral program  the doctor of psychology. In 2021, the university became the first comprehensive university in the state to be designated a professional doctorate university by the Commission on Higher Education. Today, the university is home to the doctor of nursing practice, doctor of psychology, and doctor of occupational therapy programs. The latter is accepting applications for its inaugural class in fall 2024.

Students in the doctor of psychology program, as well as those in the psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner program, will be integral in the staffing of the new $100 million behavioral health center, which will open on Dargan Street in 2025. FMU is partnering with MUSC, McLeod, and HopeHealth to staff the first mental health facility built in the state in over three decades.

Our graduates will be at the forefront of the efforts to provide more extensive and innovative behavioral health care to the people of the Pee Dee Region, Carter said.

In addition, faculty efforts are underway to develop new undergraduate majors in autism studies and criminal justice and a new graduate program in writing.

In addition to Carters remarks, 14 new faculty members were introduced, and 21 faculty members were recognized for their years of service to the state of South Carolina.

Those receiving awards in recognition of years of service to the state include:

Ten years

Kathy L. McCoy, instructor of mathematics

Dr. Williams K. Bolt, professor of history

Dr. Karen M. Fries, associate professor of education

Dr. Catherine England, associate professor of education

Dr. Jessica Burke, associate professor of sociology

Dr. Lorna Cintron-Gonzalez, associate professor of industrial engineering

Twenty years

Dr. Joe Aniello, professor of business

Richard G. Doughty, instructor of political science and geography

Dr. Jacqueline Jones, associate professor of English

Dr. Philip C. Fulmer, professor of physics

Dr. Tracy P. George, associate professor of nursing

Dr. Jeannette M. Myers, professor of astronomy

Dr. Michael P. Hughes, professor of business

Dr. Bryan L. Fisher, associate professor of mass communication

Dr. Brad R. Johnson, professor of business

Dr. Meredith Love-Steinmetz, professor of English

Dr. Kristofoland Varazo, professor of chemistry

Thirty years

Lisa A. Pike, associate professor of biology

D. Keith Best, professor of theater arts

Dr. Gerald W. Long, professor of biology

Forty years

Dr. Barbara L. Holliman, associate professor of chemistry
Mercenary group Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has shared his first video address two months after he launched a failed coup attempt against Vladimir Putin.

Mr Prigozhin is seen in the video toting an assault rifle and wearing military fatigues, with his comments suggesting the clip was shot in an unnamed African country.

The Wagner boss says 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, but Mr Prigozhins comments and posts on Telegram channels have hinted that it was shot in Africa.

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.

Story continues

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.

Till 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.
Singles BTO and Resale Options: 3 Single Singaporeans React to NDR 2023

Single Singaporeans, rejoice! At the National Day Rally 2023, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced a new BTO classification alongside expanding housing options for Single Singaporeans.

While the 35-year-old age HDB eligibility criteria remains unchanged, the new HDB housing policies have made acquiring public housing easier for singles.

If youre single and looking specifically to buy an HDB resale flat, check out our video guide for a quick introduction.

HDB Singles Scheme: How Can Singles Buy HDB Resale Flats?

Note: The single HDB options in the video above will be expanded after the NDR 2023 property announcements kick in from H2 2024 onwards.

Singles BTO and Resale Updates: NDR 2023 Summary

Flat type What single Singaporeans can buy New BTO flats for singles Singles can apply for any 2-room Flexi flats under the Standard, Plus, and Prime BTO categories Resale flats for singles Singles can purchase any size of Standard and Plus flats (with the exception of 3Gen flats), only 2-room Prime HDB flats

From H2 2024 onwards, BTO flats will be launched under the Standard, Plus, and Prime BTO categories. Each category comes with its own restrictions and eligibility criteria.

For example, BTO flat owners who want to sell their homes after fulfilling their Minimum Occupation Period (MOP) under this new classification will be subject to subsidy clawbacks.

An income ceiling will also be imposed on resale flat buyers. For singles, the income ceiling is $14,000 for resale Plus HDB flats and $7,000 for 2-room resale Prime HDB flats.

But what do single Singaporeans think of these changes? To find out, we asked three single Singaporeans at varying stages of their homebuying journey for their thoughts.

But first, lets dive into the history of housing policies for singles in Singapore.

Singaporean Singles BTO and HDB Resale Flat Options: A History

Singles BTO options are limited to 2-room Flexi flats in non-mature estates. And if you have more urgent housing needs, didnt want to wait out the BTO completion times, or simply wanted more space, you had to buy a resale HDB flat.

Story continues

You may also have been frustrated when the Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) model was released and excluded singles from buying resale PLH flats. But did you know that when the Home Ownership for the People Scheme was set up in 1964, singles were not allowed to buy public housing at all?

Weve come a long way since. Aside from increased housing options, supporting singles in financing their home purchase has been key too. Heres how the housing policy for singles has gradually evolved over the years:

1964: The Home Ownership for the People Scheme was launched. But singles were not allowed to purchase these flats

1974: The now-discontinued Housing and Urban Development Company (HUDC) flats were introduced. Singles could buy these flats but couldnt pay for these flats using their CPF savings.

1980: Singles could use their CPF savings for their HUDC flat purchase

1981: Singles under 40 were again restricted from buying a HUDC flat. Singles under 40 years old were put on a waitlist, only being able to purchase said flat when they formed a family nucleus

1991: The Single Singapore Citizen Scheme was introduced, singles aged 35 and above could buy but only 3-room and smaller resale flats at limited locations

1998: Eligible first-time single homebuyers who were earning less than $7,000 and looking to purchase a resale flat could qualify for CPF Housing Grants

2001: The Single Singapore Citizen Scheme was expanded to allow singles to purchase 3-room and smaller resale flats in any locations

2004: Singles could now 4-room and larger resale flats in any location

2013: Singles BTO options expanded being able to apply for 2-room Flexi flats

2019: Under the Enhanced CPF Housing Grant (EHG), eligible first-time single homebuyers who were earning less than $4,500 could get a housing grant of up to $40,000

2022: The 2-room Flexi single BTO flat quota was raised from 50% to 65%

2023: At the Budget 2023 announcement, the CPF Housing Grant for Singles was raised from $25,000 to $40,000 (for 4-room flats or smaller)

Singaporeans Respond to the NDR 2023 Singles BTO and Resale Options

Note: Interviewee names have been edited for anonymity.

1. Easier to Be Closer to Elderly Parents in Mature Estates

Its August 2023 and Hazel is about to exercise the option for a 3-room HDB resale flat in Tampines. Turning 35 was a long-awaited milestone for the graphic designer as she was eager to get her own place.

Just then, the NDR 2023 housing policies were announced. While the new changes will not affect her current home purchase decision, she was really happy and found it great for other singles buying a home in the future.

Even though the age limit was not lowered, singles now have many more choices with this new Standard, Plus, and Prime BTO/HDB flat categories. Theyll be able to more easily afford a home in a desirable place, especially if they dont mind a smaller place and can wait for their BTO flats to be built.

One big challenge for me when househunting was I couldnt apply for a BTO 2-room Flexi flat near my parents and brothers family. We live in Tampines, a mature estate, and surrounding neighbourhoods such as Pasir Ris and Bedok were also classified as mature. So I had no choice but to look at resale flats.

2. More Options to Upgrade Home for Existing Singles

Hazel also highlighted how it gave her and other singles who already own their own home more options to upgrade their property. There are a few ways you can upgrade your home: move from an HDB flat to a private property; shift from a smaller HDB flat to a larger unit; or relocate from far-out neighbourhoods to a more central location.

I dont know what the future holds. But if I want to sell my current Tampines flat when the MOP is fulfilled for a unit in a more central location, its now an option. When 2-room resale Prime BTO/HDB flats hit the market in about 10 years or so, I can shift if it aligns with my lifestyle and goals.

Alternatively, maybe I would have earned enough cash to upgrade to a larger resale Plus HDB flat near an MRT station. Either way, Im glad. A win is a win!

3. Less Anxiety about Housing Affordability

Like many young Singaporeans, Charlene was concerned about her ability to finance an HDB flat, even with a spouse. The 29-year-old marketing professional had already tried applying for a BTO flat five times (all unsuccessful).

When the long-term relationship came to an end early this year, the anxiety brought on by housing affordability concerns and being unable to hit the adulthood marker of owning property was exacerbated.

In Singapore, the reality is that its much easier to buy a home with a spouse. You have a bigger budget with two incomes and qualify for more CPF Housing Grants as a family. If one of you becomes unemployed, especially in this uncertain economy, its not as stressful as there is another person to cover the mortgage.

Being unmarried means if I want my own space before 35, I have to buy a condo or rent. Renting puts a big dent in my ability to save while buying a condo at 29 is impossible for the average Singaporean like me. Plus, I feel like if I cant afford to take a break, because if I do, then how will I be able to buy property on my own? Its a lose-lose-lose situation.

Like most young Singaporeans who have the desire to marry, Charlene hopes to tie the knot one day. But she does not want to marry for the sake of being able to afford a home. When the NDR 2023 housing policies were announced, the 29-year-old felt her fears dissipating immensely. More importantly, it gave her reassurance that she wouldnt have to settle for housing scraps and be able to live in a place she wanted.

4. Being Able to Live in a Desirable Home

Charlene admitted much of her affordability concerns also stemmed from her housing aspirations. With or without a partner, she had hoped to buy a forever home in a centrally-located neighbourhood or on the city fringe. Typically, homes in these neighbourhoods are much more expensive.

Buying a home is arguably one of the biggest financial purchases a person can make in their lifetime. As a single, they either have to make lots of money to buy a home they actually want or settle for an affordable, but tiny BTO flat built in the middle of nowhere that takes such a long time to be built.

When looking at future housing towns, plans have been unveiled to develop the Greater Southern Waterfront and Paya Lebar Air Base areas. Other neighbourhoods that will see an injection of both public and private housing are the Tanjong Rhu/Marina East/East Coast Park area, Bayshore, and land around Upper Changi MRT station.

When she is 35 in six years, she believes homes under the Standard, Plus, and Prime model will likely be launched in these neighbourhoods. With some luck, she believes she will be able to apply for a BTO flat in one of these desirable neighbourhoods, or at least buy one of these resale flats.

Living on the city fringe and in a neighbourhood which is a 15-minute or less commute to the Central Business District (CBD) via public transport is a dream. If you add that the home is within a short walking distance of an MRT station and the property is on a high floor with an unblocked sea or city view, I do think its as good as it gets.

For location, Im happy to compromise on space. I can always renovate my HDB flat to look like a condo interior or incorporate luxury interior design. That way, its basically the same as buying a condo studio unit but for a fraction of the price.

5. Unable to Leverage Homes for Profit as Easily

Matthias is a 26-year-old content writer with no plans for marriage. As a gay person in Singapore, he has to apply for housing as a single due to the limited LGBTQ housing options.

For his first home, Matthias wants to purchase a 3-room resale flat near an MRT station in a neighbourhood on the city fringe such as the Kallang, Aljunied, and Dakota. Likely, he is looking at a Plus HDB resale flat. If not, he will apply for a BTO 2-room Flexi flat.

Right after PM Lees NDR 2023 speech, I felt hopeful that singles would soon be able to buy BTO 2-room Flexi flats across all regions islandwide and Im happy that I have more resale flat options.

However, he hopes that he will be able to acquire a second property or upgrade to a private property when he is in his forties. Matthias acknowledges that while the new policies make it easier for singles like him to afford their first starter home, the restrictions in place curb the profits they could potentially make.

Scenario one: I hold on to my HDB flat and buy a condo. Scenario two: I sell off my HDB flat to finance a condo. Ultimately, both cases will require me to consider how to leverage the value of my first home to finance my second.

For the first scenario, I would not be able to generate passive income from renting out my entire existing property. For the second scenario, I would have to consider the subsidy clawbacks if I sell my new 2-room BTO flat in an attractive location. This is certain to make me think twice about buying a Plus or Prime resale flat.

For more property news, content and resources, check out PropertyGurus guides section.

Looking for a new home? Head to PropertyGuru to browse the top properties for sale in Singapore.

Need help financing your latest property purchase? Let the mortgage experts at PropertyGuru Finance help you find the best deals.
The proportion of GCSE entries awarded top grades fell from last year but was higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic, national figures showed.

Hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the country received their GCSE exam results on Thursday in a year when efforts have been made in England to return grading to pre-pandemic levels.

More than a fifth (22.0 per cent) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades  at least a 7 or an A grade  this year, down by 4.3 percentage points on last year when 26.3 per cent of entries achieved the top grades. This remains higher than the equivalent figure for 2019  before the pandemic  of 20.8 per cent.

In London, 28.4 per cent of entries were awarded top grades, significantly higher than the national figure.

This remained 4.2 percentage points down on last year, which saw 32.6 per cent of entries achieve top grades, but higher than the 2019 figure of 25.7 per cent.

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there were around 203,000 fewer top grades compared with last year, but there were 142,000 more top grades awarded this year than in 2019, according to the figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ).

Students across the country wake up to GCSE results

09:12 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Good morning, and welcome to the Standards GCSE liveblog.

Well be bringing you all the latest developments and reaction throughout the morning.

Returning grading to 2019 levels is fair', says Schools Minister

09:17 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Schools minister Nick Gibb has said it is fair to have the grading back to 2019 levels.

We want to return to 2019 grading standards, he told Times Radio this morning. We want to get back to normal so we make sure that we retain the value and credibility of GCSEs and A-levels.

He added: These young people have been in schools for two years, they have had disruption to their education particularly in years eight and nine and we have had very significant recovery programmes, a 5 billion recovery programme to help those young people catch up.

Story continues

But it is important to get back to normal. Exams are the fairest system, and it is fair to have the grading back to 2019 levels consistent to all the years prior to 2019 and consistent with the years next year and the year beyond as well.

GCSE top grades fall but remain above pre-pandemic levels

09:34 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The proportion of GCSE entries awarded top grades has fallen from last year but is higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic, national figures show.

Hundreds of thousands of teenagers across the country received their GCSE exam results on Thursday in a year when efforts have been made in England to return grading to pre-pandemic levels.

More than a fifth (22.0 per cent) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades  at least a 7 or an A grade  this year, down by 4.3 percentage points on last year when 26.3 per cent of entries achieved the top grades.

However, this remains higher than the equivalent figure for 2019  before the pandemic  of 20.8 per cent.

The figures, published by the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), cover GCSE entries from students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Overall, there were around 203,000 fewer top grades (7/A) compared with last year, but there were 142,000 more top grades awarded this year than in 2019.

The proportion of entries getting at least a 4 or a C grade  considered a standard pass  has fallen from 73.2 per cent in 2022 to 68.2 per cent this year  a drop of five percentage points, but higher than 67.3 per cent in 2019

London results keep in line with national trends

09:39 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Trends seen in the capitals GCSE results this year have mirrored those seen nationally.

The number of pupils attaining top grades in the capital was significantly higher than the national average, with 28.4 per cent of London entries were awarded top grades, compared to a national figure of 22 per cent.

But similar to national picture, the London figure has dropped by 4.2 percentage points compared to last year, which saw 32.6 per cent of entries achieve top grades.

It remains higher than the 2019 figure of 25.7 per cent.

Boy who travelled three hours a day to get to school celebrates top grades across the board

09:49 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Student Shivam Gogna is among those celebrating top grades in his GCSEs, despite having to travel nearly three hours a day to get to school.

When Shivams family moved to Ipswich in Suffolk, he insisted on continuing his studies at Forest Gate Community School in Newham, which has been ranked in the top 50 for GCSE exam results for the last six years in a row.

Shivam Gogna receiving his GCSE results on Thursday (Tayfun Salci)

It has among the best exam results in the country so I wanted to stay to do my GCSEs here, said Shivam.The school ran extra revision classes before and after school everyday during Year 11. It meant I sometimes left home at 6am and didnt get home for 12 or 13 hours.His hard work paid off, scoring top grades in all his exams. Shiva, will now study A-levels in maths, economics and accounting.His teacher at Forest Gate Community School, Thomas Leather, said: He deserves great results move than most. He never missed a revision session, an intervention or even a class during the whole of year 11.He dedicated herself completely to getting the best possible results and her hard work has paid off. He is a shining example to her fellow students.

Sadiq Khan congratulates Londoners on results

09:53 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised London pupils for their results, and offered reassurance to those who did not do as well as they had hoped.

I would like to congratulate every young Londoner who is receiving their GCSE results today, he said.

This is a proud day for students, their families, friends and teachers and its so important that we recognise the hard work, dedication, and commitment from everyone who has helped these young people reach this milestone in their lives.

I hope that you received the grades you were expecting or hoped for today, but if things havent gone to plan, please be reassured that there are many different pathways to success and I would encourage everyone to explore potential options by talking to your teachers, parents, or contact the National Careers Service for advice and support.

Jamie Oliver shares uplifting GCSE results day message

09:58 , Bill Mcloughlin

Jamie Oliver has shared a supportive message to children with dyslexia as they receive their GCSE results.

In a post, the TV chef said results day can be a stressful time but that the educational system does not play to their strengths.

Today is GCSE results day, which I know can be a stressful time. A lot of bright kids with dyslexia will be frustrated by what they receive, because the education system doesn't play to their strengths  but Im always keen to say don't let this define you. The wider world is pic.twitter.com/eE8sfzhZa4  Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver) August 24, 2023

Hornchurch pupil praises French teacher for pivotal role in high marks

10:06 , Bill Mcloughlin

Sanders Draper School student Nathan Coxhedge thanked teachers for helping him score top grades in his GCSEs.

Nathan, 16, from Hornchurch, scored Combined Science (8,7); Business (8), History (8) , Maths (8) , French (8) , English Language (7), English Literature (6).

He said: The school organized revision sessions which proved to be incredibly helpful. They also conducted mock exams that familiarized us with the exam format.

In particular, Ms. Engleman, my French teacher, played a pivotal role in my achievements.

Her approachability made it easy to connect with her, and she provided continuous encouragement throughout the entire process.

He will study A Levels in History, Politics and Economics at The Campion School in Hornchurch.

City of London Academy students receive their results

10:21 , Bill Mcloughlin

Now for some pictures from the City of London Academy after students received their marks.

(Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

Carolina Quintino from Ukraine also received her results at the school and seemed overcome with emotion on seeing her marks.

Carolina Quintino from Ukraine reacts as she receives her GCSE results (Getty Images)

Teen celebrates GCSE results after overcoming cancer

10:26 , Bill Mcloughlin

An inspirational teenager who has achieved nine GCSEs despite battling severe health problems since being diagnosed with cancer aged three has been praised for his courage and determination.

Seb Murphy, 16, from Guisley, Leeds, has faced formidable hurdles since being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, a stem cell transplant and spinal fusion surgery.

During the pandemic he kept up with lessons at Bradford Grammar School thanks to a robot loaned by Leeds General Infirmary.

He is celebrating scoring a 9, five 8s and three 7s in his nine GCSEs, and will now take A-levels in psychology, business, history and English literature at the school.

(PA)

He said: Its been a really rough journey. But the support of my family, friends, and the school has kept me strong, and Ive had a lot of support and good care from the hospital.

Ive known my consultant since I was four and Ive built up a good relationship with her.

I just take everything one day at a time.

Headteacher Simon Hinchliffe said: Seb has shown a huge amount of courage and determination to keep up with his studies in the face of such tough health issues and gruelling treatments.

We are very proud of him, he is a credit to the school and we look forward to supporting him as he pursues his A-levels in September.

Seb went through three-and-a-half years of chemotherapy when he was first diagnosed.

After five years in remission, he was told his leukaemia had returned in December 2017.

Chemotherapy did not work this time, so he was trialled on an experimental immunotherapy treatment to get him into remission.

A stem cell transplant was needed and a German donor was identified as a match.

Seb received the life-saving operation in April 2018.

Further statistics from this years results day

10:35 , Bill Mcloughlin

This years results have shown that the gender gap between boys and girls has narrowed. The proportion of female entries awarded 7/A or above was 24.9 per cent, 5.8 percentage points higher than male entries (19.1 per cent).

This is the narrowest lead enjoyed by girls since 2009. Last year, girls led boys by 7.4 percentage points (30 per cent girls, 22.6 per cent boys).

The gap at grade 4/C has narrowed for the sixth year in a row. A total of 71.7 per cent of female entries were awarded 4/C or higher, compared with 64.9 per cent for boys, a lead of 6.8 points.

This is the narrowest lead for girls at 4/C since at least 2000. Last year the gap was 6.9 points.

The most popular subject in terms of entries this year was science double award, with a total of 935,436 entries, up 3.5 per cent on 2022.

In terms of subjects, Maths remains the second most popular with 821,322 entries, up 4.9 per cent on 2022.

Business studies saw the biggest percentage rise for any subject with at least 100,000 entries, jumping by 14.8 per cent from 107,283 last year to 123,166 this year.

Leytonstone student dreaming of Oxbridge

10:39 , Bill Mcloughlin

Norlington students exceeded expectations and pulled themselves out of a pandemic funk to achieve top marks in their GCSE results.

Gyokalp Garpla was the Leytonstone schools top student after he achieved four 9s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Turkish.

Overall he got 7-9s grades in nine subjects.

His mum accompanied him to get his results and she was beaming from ear to ear with pride.

Gyokalp said: I am really happy. I was expecting much worse grades to be honest. The teachers here were really terrific and so supportive of me.

The students too were so helpful and if I ever had any questions there was always someone to turn to. I came here from Turkey three and a half years ago and everyone has been so welcoming.

He is planning on attending Norlington Sixth Form.

After that he has ambitions to to go to Oxford or Cambridge University.

The headteacher Mr Juan Hernandez said: We are really pleased so many of our boys did so well in their GCSEs.

Achieving well above the 2022 national outcomes for Level 5 English and Maths is a testament to the hard work of students and staff.

These results sit alongside some fantastic A-Level results last week where one in three students gained a place at a Russell Group University.

Hackney school records best ever results

10:53 , Bill Mcloughlin

A Hackney school which picked up students in a bus to make sure they did not miss their exams has scored its best ever results.

Waterside Academy headteacher Francis Bray sent staff out to get kids out of bed so they attended their GCSE exams.

They also ran compulsory before and after school revision lessons plus exam skills sessions during weekends and holidays.

Year 11 students arrived at the school at 7.30am for revision sessions and were held back after school until 4.30pm every day.

Waterside Academy headteacher Francis Bray in the bus that picks up children for their GCSE exams (Tom Barnes)

But the hard work and dedication of students and staff at the school in Hackney, East London, has paid off.

Smiling head Mr Bray says the school progress 8 score jumped by half a grade, making it likely to be among the most improved schools in the country.

Their grades are now at plus 0.24 which is well above the national average. Progress 8 measures improvements in grades students make between year 7 and 11.

Mr Bray said: We put a huge amount of effort into making sure our students had the best possible chance of getting strong grades.

I am really happy to say the hard work has really paid off. We have done remarkably well, with grades jumping by half a grade.

What that means is that more of our students are able to take their next step. To do A Levels and then maybe go onto university.

Many of our families cannot afford an expensive private tutor to help students with their GCSEs so we provide it for them for free.

Our teachers came in at half term, gave up their weekends. We have left nothing to chance.

This years results continue to show regional disparities, says charity

11:04 , Bill Mcloughlin

Sir Peter Lampl, founder and chairman of the Sutton Trust praised students for their work, but said the gap between London and the rest of the country still remains.

Sir Peter said: "Considering the significant disruption these youngsters have faced as a result of the pandemic, those receiving their GCSE results today should be rightly proud of their achievements.

"As we move back to pre-pandemic grading standards, today's data continues to show regional disparities in attainment.

"Despite a noticeable improvement in the North East compared to 2019, it is still the region with the lowest proportion of top grades and London continues to outperform the rest of the country.

"While it is encouraging that the gap between state and independent schools has narrowed, a considerable difference in attainment remains."

Paddington student so proud of results

11:10 , Bill Mcloughlin

Zaynab Ali, 16, a student at Paddington Academy in west London, achieved four 9s, four 8s and one 7 grade in her GCSE results.

She told the PA news agency: Im very happy about it. There were some subjects I was particularly worried about, but I ended up getting an 8 or 9 so honestly Im so proud of what Ive done.

Zaynab admitted she was slightly concerned about the grading systems returning to pre-pandemic levels.

When youre scrolling through social media and reading the rumours, youre thinking Is that going to be me?

That thought was creeping in and then I opened the envelope and Im fine, so really no need to worry.

She added she now planned to take her A-levels and hopefully go to university.

Really shocked, says Hackney student after passing her GCSEs

11:22 , Bill Mcloughlin

Petchey Academy student Zaynab Abdulgani said she was shocked, really shocked with her exam results, after passing all her GCSEs.

Zaynab achieved one 9, one 8, one 7, four 6s and two fives.

She said: After the mocks I wasnt expecting anything good, and I thought that I wasnt prepared for GCSEs. But I put in so much effort in the last few weeks.

I pushed myself and I revised in every little time I had, and I did way better than I expected.

The results included a 9 in Religious Studies, a 7 in English Literature and an 8 in Geography - which Zaynab was particularly proud of, along with her 6 in Psychology.

Zaynab had to travel for 1 hour 45 minutes to school every day after moving out of Hackney which placed extra strain on her school work, waking up at 05:30am every day but she managed to get to school on time every single day.

She believes the mocks were key to her success, as they show us what our mistakes were which helped me know what I had to work on.

By showing me what I had to work on I knew what my weaknesses were, she added.

Unfortunately Zaynab cant stay at Petchey Academy because she now lives too far away - but she is very grateful for how the school helped her.
Asias travel and experiences platform, Klooks first regional trend report, has revealed that one in three Millennial and Gen Z travellers in Asia are willing to spend more than double their average monthly income US$1,069 (S$1,447) on their next holiday, which amounts to over US$2,000 (S$2,708).

The findings were conducted through market research and public polling platform, Milieu, surveying a total of 2,400 respondents across 12 markets, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Mainland China and India.

What does the new generation consider for travel nowadays?

1) Experiences

Check out tours and experiences here

Young woman shopping and eating street food at Bangkok Chinatown street night market. (Photo: Gettyimages)

As travel becomes more intentional, most travellers also prioritise experiences and make them a focal point of their trip, with 63% booking their experiences before they fly.

More than 90% of Millennials and Gen Zs emphasise unique and memorable experiences during their travels, with 85% signalling a willingness to invest in them during their holiday. Notably, travellers from Thailand, Vietnam, Mainland China, and India lead the pack across Asia Pacific, with a strong desire to spend more on nature and outdoor experiences like island tours and cultural experiences such as visiting historical sites.

Surprisingly, Gen Zs, who are just beginning to embark on their careers, are not far behind their Millennial counterparts in splurging on travel. 1 in 5 Gen Zs are willing to spend over US$3,000 (S$4,062), slightly trailing 1 in 4 Millennials who share the same sentiment. The biggest spenders across Asia Pacific emerge from Mainland China (58%) and Hong Kong (39%), taking the top spots in willingness to spend beyond US$3,000 (S$4,062) on their next holiday. More price-conscious travellers originate from India, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with the majority willing to spend below US$2,000 (S$2,708), still more than double their average monthly income.

2) What they see on social media

Two lovely women in hanbok stroll through the traditional-style homes of Seoul's Village. (Photo: Gettyimages)

Social media is the top inspiration tool for Gen Z travellers, with more than half using the platform to discover new destinations and experiences, favouring it over search engines and travel guides. While Millennials still prefer to use search engines (59%), social media comes a very close second (55%), indicating its rising influence over how travellers seek information.

In fact, 9 out of 10 millennials and Gen Zs check online reviews before booking and rely on travel content recommendations on social media when planning holidays. Findings show that creating social media-worthy content is of utmost importance for most travellers (87%), especially for travellers from India, the Philippines and Mainland China, and one of the main reasons for travel.

3) Millennials and Gen Zs are organised planners, opting for more intentional short-haul trips

Planning for a vacation is now easier than ever. (Photo: Gettyimages)

The majority of Millennials and Gen Zs across Asia Pacific are becoming more intentional travel planners, with 65% planning their holidays at least two to six months in advance. Travellers ranking highest in this bracket come from Singapore (74%) and Australia (57%), while nearly half of travellers from Mainland China, Vietnam, and Thailand prefer to make holiday plans in less than two months.

Millennials and Gen Zs are increasingly opting to travel closer to home domestically (60%) and within Asia Pacific (30%). The top 3 destinations on the travel wish list are Japan, Thailand and Singapore. These findings indicate a rising trend of younger explorers focusing on the desire to explore and seek new experiences over the actual destination itself.

Key trends in a nutshell (Photo: Klook)

Now, go forth and research, fellow Singaporeans!

Check airfare here: Skyscanner | Trip.com | Expedia

Book accommodations and activities here: Agoda | Booking.com | Klook | KKday | HotelsCombined | LuxuryEscapes

Save big, get the all-inclusive pass & explore your destination in-depth: GoCity

General info here: Tripadvisor

Affordable data plans here

And while you are at it, get your travel insurance with Alliance Assistance | Income | Prudential!
Schools have either already started, or are starting this week. I offer a prayer for students going to preschool through college. This is a prayer for the teachers, the staff, and the families, as well. Everyone does his and her part. Everyone is valuable. Im grateful for each one. These are more than mere jobs filled by those who have nothing better to do. They are more than careers. They are callings. I pray that each person working in the school system will know that they are called. May they live up to their potential and go far beyond.

For the lunch ladies and the lunch men. For the teachers. For the principals. For the office staff. For the bus drivers. For the maintenance people. For the aides. For the volunteers. For the parents. For the school nurses. For the guidance counselors. May they all be a blessing to those they serve.

I still remember my husband Dave and I walking our son, Ethan, to kindergarten. We didnt have far to go. We found his line where some of the other students were standing. The kindergarten teacher kindly, but firmly told us that he would be okay. She encouraged us to leave. It was obvious that she was well practiced in nudging parents along their way. We walked to the side and watched as our sons line entered the building. We had one last glimpse of him before his life changed forever. At least thats how it seemed to us, his mom and dad. Our lives changed so much that day, the day he went out into the world without us.

Of course, he took us with him in ways that arent immediately obvious. He took our love with him. He took the lessons hed already learned by being a part of our family. He took our hopes and dreams for him, too.

This prayer is for each one of us who has ever entered school doors, crossing into the unknown, not knowing what this new year will bring whether youre a student, a school employee, a parent, a grandparent, a school board member, or a PTA member. This is a prayer for us all.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You still sit on the throne. Youre still the God who reigns. Youre still in charge of the universe you so wonderfully made. We know that will never change because you never change. We praise you, our sovereign Lord. We worship your holy name.

Thank you for the people you created with your own hands. When you breathed into Adam the breath of life, you also breathed into him your character. May each one of us reflect your character, dear Lord.

May all who are involved in our schools know you and serve you. Some are students. Some are teachers. Some are parents. Some are staff workers. Lord, bless them all. Bless our school system in this country. May it be a place where learning grows. May it be a place where the truth, your truth, is taught. May you always be welcome within our schools and our homes.

Lord, we pray that you will be an integral part of our American education system. Lead and guide our principals, our superintendents, our school board members, as well as the deans, professors, and presidents of our colleges. May all learning begin with you. Give those in charge humble hearts who depend on you. Give them wisdom and discernment to lead the future citizens of this country.

Lord, you are the God of Angel Armies. We ask you to send your angels to surround every school. Protect our buildings, but most importantly dear Lord, protect those who are inside the buildings. Of course, we think of the violence in this country. Protect them all from school shootings.

Protect them in other ways, too. Protect our children from bullies. Bullies can be sneaky. They often hide their behavior from the ones in charge. In fact, at times they can turn on the charm and appear so nice. But you know their hearts, Lord. You know all our hearts. Put a hedge of protection around our children. Do not allow bullies to intimidate anyone. We know that nothing is impossible for you Almighty God. Turn the bullies into believers. May their lives be transformed. May they follow you, dear Lord.

Protect our childrens innocence. Keep them safe. Do not allow people with unkind intentions to have any influence in our schools. Do not allow evil to cross even one threshold. Shut the doors to Satan and his followers. May your light shine in every classroom across this nation.

Lord, we also pray for the mental and spiritual health of our children. Give them good role models in school and at home. Mend broken families. Bring godly mentors into their lives who can help dysfunctional families become whole.

Lord, bring spiritual mentors who can lead entire families to you. Break the bonds of generational sin once and for all. Draw a line in the sand that says, Generational sin stops today. It stops here. It goes no farther. And give your freedom to the students, their families, and all who work in the educational system.

And dear Lord, may we all repent of our sins and the sins of this country. May we once again be one nation united under you. Amen.

Kathy Yoder is a devotional writer. She may be reached at Kathyyoder4@gmail.com.
SIOUX CITY -- The Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center will host two monarch tagging events in the coming weeks.

The public is invited to learn more about the Monarch butterfly's annual migration to Mexico and help tag butterflies at 6 p.m. on Aug. 31 and Sept. 11.

"We're looking for places where migratory monarchs hang out in the evening," Education Director Theresa Kruid said. "Migrating monarch butterflies roost in trees and bushes, sometimes by the thousands, from late August through September."

The programs are free and open to the public. To pre-register, call the Dorothy Pecaut Nature Center at 712-258-0838 or email camps@woodburyparks.org.

Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for being outdoors, as they will be walking through tall grasses and the terrain is uneven and hilly.
VERMLLION, S.D. -- Two Siouxland artists are being featured during the Packard National Exhibition, an art exhibition which will have an opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, outside of the No. 7 Center Gallery, 7 Center St., near Vermillion's City Hall.

Tracie Tuttle, of Sioux City, and Amy Thompson, of North Sioux City, will be among the more than 60 artists at this juried group exhibit, hosted by Packard Group LLC.

According to event organizer Klaire Lockheart, the exhibition is unique because the show features prints instead of the original artwork. That will allow the pieces to be outside by using a wheat paste process.

Lockheart said wheat paste -- a type of glue -- is used so she cab adhere more than 90 prints to the exterior of the wall.

The artwork will be on display until Sept. 22.
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
The Johnson County Board of Supervisors is likely to provide public funding for emergency contraception for victims of sexual assault and rape as a state program remains in limbo.

The move comes as more than 160 reimbursement requests for emergency contraception provided to sexual assault survivors from across the state are pending approval from the Iowa Attorney Generals Office.

According to records obtained by The Gazette, and first reported by Iowa Public Radio, the reimbursement requests from hospitals and pharmacies across the state total about $7,000. The vast majority are from this year, but one dates to August 2020. One is coded as confirmed child abuse.

Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird paused the funding as part of an audit of the victim services administered through her office. Bird announced the audit upon taking office in January.

However, it was not until early April that sexual assault response teams and other victim advocacy organizations learned of the policy change after her office confirmed it to the media, according to interviews and emails obtained by The Gazette under a public records request.

Though the payments are not explicitly required by law, it has been the states longtime policy to cover the cost of emergency contraception from the victim compensation fund. In rare cases, the fund also has paid for abortions for rape victims, Sandi Tibbetts Murphy, director of the victim assistance division under the previous attorney general, Democrat Tom Miller, has said.

Bird, a Republican, defeated Miller in the 2022 election.

The Attorney Generals Office said in April it was reviewing the practice to evaluate whether this is an appropriate use of public funds" as it conducts an audit of victim assistance services.

The Attorney Generals Office did not respond to a request for comment on the current state of its review process.

Bird said during an appearance last month on Iowa Press on Iowa PBS that policy decisions made as a result of the audit, including whether to stop state funding for emergency contraception and abortions for rape victims, will be permanent and will not require legislative action.

Iowa law requires the state to pay for many of the expenses facing assault survivors who seek medical help, including the cost of forensic examinations to collect evidence and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. That is funded through the state's victim compensation fund, which comes from fines, fees and penalties paid by criminals. No taxpayer dollars go into the fund.

Sexual assault nurse examiners who spoke to The Gazette say hospitals and pharmacies are continuing to dispense medications to victims who request them, and continue to submit invoices to Birds office seeking reimbursement. Patients are not being billed at this point.

For now, the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is temporarily holding claims while it awaits the outcome of the audit.

"University of Iowa Health Care is committed to supporting the health care needs of sexual assault victims," according to a statement from UIHC. "We are currently preparing for any potential operational changes that may be necessary in the event the Iowa Attorney Generals Office stops payment of emergency contraception for sexual assault victims."

During its Wednesday work session, the Johnson County Board of Supervisors heard a funding request from the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team to provide emergency contraception at no cost to patients. The board was in agreement to allocate $10,000 and appears likely to approve the item at its formal meeting next week.

Asking victims of sexual assault to forgo or to shoulder the cost of emergency contraception is further traumatizing them. No one should be required to pay for necessary health care due to a crime committed against their body, said Katy Rasmussen, coordinator for the Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team.

The team consists of sexual assault nurse examiners, emergency room staff, rape victim advocates, law enforcement officers and prosecuting attorneys, Rasmussen said. The team helps sexual assault victims navigate the medical and legal systems, as well as help them on their healing process.

For the fiscal year that ended in June, the team saw 101 patients. Of those, 46 were prescribed emergency contraception.

Rasmussen said many patients dont have financial means to pay for this medication, and using their insurance can put them in greater danger if they share insurance with their abuser.

We are disappointed the Attorney General isnt sustaining this support for victims, but somebody needs to and so were going to step up and do it, Johnson County Supervisor Rod Sullivan told The Gazette.

Bird has been a vocal opponent of abortion. But sexual assault nurse examiners, along with other victim advocates, have emphasized that emergency contraceptives are not abortion pills. The medication delays or prevents ovulation, preventing a pregnancy from occurring, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Planned Parenthood North Central States issued a statement Thursday calling on Birds office to reinstate the reimbursements, saying sexual assault survivors deserve compassionate, comprehensive care that she "is cruelly putting that out of reach."

The last thing they should have to worry about is affording the care they need after being attacked, Ruth Richardson, president and chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood North Central States, said in a statement.
On Tuesday, voters in San Francisco recalled District Attorney Chesa Boudin, a progressive prosecutor whom critics accused of allowing crime to flourish. Meanwhile, voters in Los Angeles sent Rick Caruso to a November runoff for mayor; the luxury-mall magnate ran on a promise to rid the city of crime and disorder. Earlier this week, Henry Grabar wrote about why crime is dogging progressive politicians, and why their failure on homelessness is in part to blame.

If the polls are onto something, Californians will veer right on Tuesday. San Francisco will likely recall the progressive prosecutor it elected district attorney in 2019, and Los Angeles will send a billionaire shopping-mall magnate promising to clean up L.A. into a November runoff election for mayor.

Chesa Boudin, the San Francisco D.A., is facing near-certain defeat in an up-or-down recall vote. Mall man Rick Carusoa former Republican who became a Democrat for this campaignhas spent $34 million blanketing Angelenos phones, computers, and televisions with his face, and is polling at 32 percent in a wide field.

If these results play out, the voting will be seen as part of the same backlash against progressive urban policyand in particular, the Defund the Police sloganthat began with last years election of the ex-cop Eric Adams in New York City. Fair enough. In all three cities, the race was run on a single issue, urban disorder, its two components so closely linked in the public imagination they are often part of the same breath: crime and homelessness.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Can you imagine running a small business and youre worried about crime, and you also have an encampment in front of your business? Caruso said in an interview with the Associated Press.

How do we fix this crime and homeless problem? a Wall Street Journal opinion column asks of San Francisco, beneath an image of a homeless man on a bench. (The answer, according to the columnist: Replacing the district attorney.)

Advertisement

Crime and homelessness are not, in fact, the same issue at all. They are not meaningfully correlated; they do not share causes; they do not share solutions. But in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Democrats inability to address the homelessness crisis is going to cost them generational progress on criminal justice, as the forces for reforming the police go into retreat.

Advertisement

Its tough to watch. Reformers like Boudin (and the left wing of the Democratic Party generally) are right on principle and in practice to dismantle the system of unaccountable police, cash bail, and long prison terms for petty offenses. But theyre going to lose their chance to make it happen, because Democratic leaders have proved themselves so inept in confronting an issue that can easily be conflated with crime.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The elision between crime and homelessness is a clever trick for pro-cop politicians, but progressives brought the confusion upon themselves. Mayors like Eric Garcetti in Los Angeles and Bill de Blasio in New York used their power to make big but toothless proclamations on national progressive issues, while throwing their hands up at thorny local problems well within their means to solve, like building more shelter beds and getting homeless residents to use them.

Advertisement

Boudin has tried to distinguish one issue from the other in several interviews: Its not wrong or unfair for people to feel [unsafe around homeless people], he told the New York Times Magazine, but the connection with me is an explicitly political one driven by the recall. And to New York Magazine: Homelessness is another issue of frustration There are lots of city departments, some overseen by the mayor, some by the Board of Supervisors, that deal with housing and housing policy. My office is not one of them.

As the San Francisco supervisor Hillary Ronen told the San Francisco Chronicle recently, Chesa Boudin is the scapegoat in The City for anything that happens that isnt positive.

Advertisement

To put it more bluntly: Boudin prosecutes criminals. But homelessness, which is not a crime, is the most serious concern for San Francisco voters, according to a recent San Francisco Examiner poll. His critics have done their best to muddy the distinction. Writing about Boudin, the conservative New York Times columnist Bret Stephens used a typical sleight of hand to blame the state of the city on the prosecutor. Click this link and take a brief stroll through a local train station to see how these sorts of policies work out, he wrote, in 2021. The link is to a video from 2018, before Boudin had even run for office. Of course, many of Boudins opponents arent confused about homelessness and crime at all: They want a DA who will use prosecutorial powers to cull the homeless population by imprisoning people for the misdemeanors associated with living on the street.

Advertisement

The United States is in the midst of a gun-violence epidemic that has put policing at the top of the Democratic agenda. But contrary to popular perception, rising crime rates are not the exclusive purview of cities run by Democrats. Jacksonville, Florida, the largest GOP-run city in the country, has a murder rate three times higher than New York; GOP-run Oklahoma City has a murder rate twice as high as Los Angeles. Jacksonville, by the way, spends a third of its budget on policing, and yet the murder rate has risen in nine of the last 11 years.

In some of Americas biggest cities, moreover, crime isnt the issue its been made out to be.

Advertisement

In San Francisco, violent crime is lower than at any point since 1985, according to the Chronicle. Property crime is elevated, though Boudin says that is more the polices problem than his: Just 2 percent of reported thefts in San Francisco result in arrest.

Advertisement

Nor can the apocalyptic political rhetoric in New York and Los Angeles be justified by crime rates. In L.A., Caruso has been favorably compared to the citys last GOP mayor, Richard Riordan, who was elected after the L.A. riotshardly an analog to storefronts smashed last year at the Grove, Carusos flagship town-center mall. L.A. had more than twice as many murders in 1992 as it does now, despite growing by 10 percent since then. In New York, Mayor Adams said last month, I have never in my professional career, have never witnessed crime at this level. Short memory: at the time Adams served on the force, the city counted five times as many murders each year as it does today, despite the arrival of more than a million additional New Yorkers in the interim.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Crime is a phenomenon that most voters experience through the media, rather than firsthand, which is one reason theres a huge spread between the share of Americans who say crime is a national issue and those who say its an issue for them personally. The emerging tough-on-crime urban Democratic coalition is multiethnic, and some of those voters obviously have felt the impact of the surge in shootings or a wave of hate crimes. For the rest, big-city homelessness bridges that gap, operating as a visible, personal manifestation of all that danger you hear about on the nightly news.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

In New York, centrist Democrats like Adams and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo have often talked about homelessness and crime in the same breath. Theyve managed to use homelessness as an excuse to ratchet up police spending, though the police do not build houses, as other city services suffer cuts. Of more than 9,200 residents removed from the subway during a recent 12-month period, fewer than one in 10 were to be found in shelters afterward.

Reducing crime is always a worthy goal, but its a complicated one. How much emphasis should be put on root causes like bad schools, poor access to jobs, and untreated mental health? How can police departments be reformed to boost their clearance rates from a 50-year low? What kind of policing strategy can prevent crime and build trust in minority communities? How do you balance harsh punishments for illegal gun possession with the drive to end mass incarceration?

Advertisement

Homelessness, by contrast, is simple: Its incidence has little to do with poverty, mental health services, or illegal drug use. Its a product of high housing costs, which is why the cities with the most people living on the street are also the countrys most expensive: New York, Washington, San Francisco, and Boston. The cities with higher crime rates, meanwhile, typically do not have serious affordability and homelessness problemsCook County, which includes Chicago, has about 80 percent fewer homeless people per capita than King County, which includes Seattle. Crime and homelessness do not have the same causes.

Advertisement

Advertisement

They definitely dont have the same solutions. Compared to their 20th century predecessors who fought vicious battles over public housing, todays big-city mayors have it easy. In fact, you could argue that one reason cities have become such Democratic monocultures is that Democrats with local power have given up on ambitious social ideas that divide their electorate.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Homelessness, unfortunately, is an issue that demands a bit of political courage. It is associated with disturbing misdemeanor offenses like public urination and open drug use that are natural consequences of living on the street, but it is not primarily a policing problem. Housing the homeless may require clearing encampments in vital public spaces like parks or subways, risking the ire of progressive activists. It may require forced medical treatment for gravely disabled residents who wont accept help, a concept that civil libertarians reject outright. Most of all, it requires standing up to angry neighbors in order to build places for people to sleep, and fast. No city has been up to the task. New York spends a fortune to guarantee a court-ordered right to shelter, placing families in hotels and crowding existing facilities. But leaders seem incapable of establishing new ones.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In Los Angeles, the situation is no less depressing: Voters have opted twice in recent years to allocate billions of dollars to housing their homeless neighbors. But the results have been meagerafter five years, just 1,000 of a promised 10,000 units had materialized. Audits slammed the program for being too slow and too expensive. Council members resisted construction in their own districts. Under a wishy-washy settlement, the city pledged this spring to house 60 percent of its homeless population within five yearsbut with a freeway-sized loophole omitting residents with serious mental illness, substance abuse disorder, or physical disability.

Obviously, that inaction is primarily a problem for homeless people themselves. But it is also dogging the campaign of Rep. Karen Bass, the establishment Dem candidate to Carusos left. Bass understands why voters are frustrated on the homelessness issue and has put it at the center of her campaign. Its an exasperation with leadership, Bass told the Washington Post last week. People tax themselves and have seen nothing in return. She is counting on her long record in the city and connections in Washington, and promises to house 15,000 homeless Angelenos in her first year in office.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Bass is running neck-and-neck with Caruso, who says he will build 30,000 beds in his first 300 days, perhaps on Skid Row, the citys homeless ghetto south of downtown, and force the homeless to accept temporary housing or face arrest. You have to do temporary housing, he told ABC7 recently. So, youre going to offer the bed once. Youre going to offer the bed, maybe twice. The third time, youre going to say, Im sorry, youve now broken the law.

Carusos impossible ambition to build the beds is attractive, even if the details are sketchy and the reality might not be different from Basss commitment or the citys aforementioned settlement promise. What is new with him is his approach to the police: Caruso says hell hire 1,500 new officers, step up the prosecution of misdemeanor offenses, and roll out a no-tolerance, broken-windows strategy that emphasizes small, quality-of-life issues.

Advertisement

If thats the policing revolution Los Angeles gets two years after George Floyd, it will be because leaders spent so much time dithering on housing the homeless.

Elsewhere in the state, politicians are hashing out compromises out to stave off radical ballot initiatives, where Californians have a habit of circumventing their legislators with extreme solutions. In Sacramento, for example, mayor Darrell Steinberg has agreed to a right to housingand, if housing is available, an obligation to accept it. As long as the city has available shelter beds, camped-out residents will be forced to sleep in them.

Advertisement

We are over a barrel here, Steinberg said in April. The ballot issue would have required the city devote 15 percent of its budget to building shelter beds, and permit 6,400 beds in 60 daysa virtual impossibility, the city says, which would just result in them being sued for failure to comply.

But those are the sorts of choices you face if you do nothing for long enough. You end up with an ex-cop mayor, a recalled progressive prosecutor, and a mayoral frontrunner like Rick Caruso. And whatever long-awaited police reforms were expected two years ago look further and further away.
When Nikki Haley announced on Tuesday that she is running for president, it set the stage not just for a 2024 showdown with her former boss, Donald Trump, but for a test of her political identity.

In 2011, Haley became South Carolinas first female governor and, as an Indian American, the first nonwhite person to hold the job. By 2017, she had resigned from the governorship to become Trumps ambassador to the United Nations. Since then, Haley has worked to appear relatively moderate while sticking close to Trumpwhich has sometimes led to contradictions and reversals. When she stepped down from the U.N. in 2018, it allowed her to distance herself from his administration while still getting a glowing send-off from the then-president. In her announcement video Tuesday, she didnt mention Trump by name, focusing only on Republicans low popular vote numbers and the need for generational change.

This knack for shifting with the political winds hasnt always helped Haley look the most consistent. (Or, as Slates Ben Mathis-Lilley put it in 2021: What if Nikki Haley doesnt actually believe in anything?) In an opinion piece for the New York Times this week, Stuart Stevens, a former Republican political consultant, put it even more bluntly: The 2023 version of Ms. Haley is actively working against the core values that the 2016 Ms. Haley would have held to be the very foundation of her public life, he wrote.

Advertisement

As Haleys campaign kicks off, we decided to look back on some of her most striking reversals.

On her relationship with Trump

During the 2016 presidential election cycle, Haley had some sharp criticisms for then-candidate Trump. I will not stop until we fight a man that chooses not to disavow the KKK, she said at a rally. That is not a part of your party. That is not who we want as president. (Her comment came shortly after Trump said he needed to do more research before taking a stance on the KKK). She also said at the time that Trump was everything a governor does not want in a president.

Advertisement

Advertisement

A few months later, after Trump won the presidency, she made a complete reversal. Im just giddy, and if you talk to any of the governors here, we are so excited at the possibility and the opportunities that are going to be here, she said at a gathering of GOP governors. She went on to accept Trumps job offer to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

On the Confederate flag

After the racist murder of Black churchgoers at South Carolinas Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2015, Haley initially tried to play both sides on the issue of taking down the Confederate flag that flew over the Statehouse grounds. While she ultimately signed a law that removed it, she only did so after intense backlash. She had initially resisted taking it down, arguing that many equate it with service, sacrifice and heritage.

On her friendship with Trump

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Haley said she considered Trump a friend in 2015 when speaking at a National Press Club event. But in 2021, after the Jan. 6 insurrection, Politico asked her whether she still felt that way. She responded: Friend is a loose term.

On Trump and #MeToo

Before and during Trumps stint as president, at least 18 women accused him of varying degrees of sexual assault, harassment, and inappropriate behavior, according to ABC News. The infamous Access Hollywood tape also captured the former president bragging about grabbing women by the pussy.

CBS Face the Nation asked Haley about these accusations while she was serving in the Trump administration in 2017. Women who accuse anyone should be heard, she saidappearing to criticize Trump while being careful not to suggest he should face any consequences.

On Trump and Jan. 6

Advertisement

Days after the insurrection, Haley was critical of Trumps role in the riots. He went down a path he shouldnt have, and we shouldnt have followed him, she told Politico. And we cant let that ever happen again.

But less than two weeks later, Haley was on Fox News defending Trumps legacy. We should not want to go back to the Republican Party before Trump, she said. She admitted his actions on Jan. 6 were not his finest, and rejected the idea Trump should be impeached. They beat him up before he got into office. Theyre beating him up after he leaves office. I mean at some point, I mean, give the man a break. I mean, move on.
Conservatives from across the country who are accused of participating in a conspiracy to steal the 2020 election are flocking to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta this week, as they approach their deadline for surrender. Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants have until Friday at noon to turn themselves in for arraignment.

A fun side effect of justice being prepared (if not yet served) in this case is a slew of low-def mug shots for some of this generations sleaziest, most treasonous attorneys and Republican Party officials. They are unflattering, they are rich with potential for schadenfreude, and if you print them out, theyd make a great game of Guess Who? for resistance Boomers.

But who managed to pose for the best mug shot so far? Let us assess.

Donald Trump, former president

For those who have been salivating with anticipation for this image, it may be satisfying to see the leader of this alleged conspiracy treated like any other common criminal. But any such pleasure diminishes with the knowledge that Trump is already selling merch emblazoned with the photo, spinning his supposedly unjust persecution as a point of pride. (The New York Times implied on Friday that, for Trump supporters, this mug shot will be prized in the way of Martin Luther King Jr.s or John Lewis.) At any rate, Trump has obviously been practicing his angles for this moment. True to form, he opted to make a classic tough-guy face, with a furrowed brow and mean mouth, as a small act of defiance against the humbling machinery of the justice system. Yeah, yeah, we get it. But against his best efforts, his mug shot contains two reminders of his ultimate demise: His puffed-up hair catches all the harsh glare, shining like a halo, while his skin remains matte and corpselike. Death comes for us all.

Jeffrey Clark, senior Trump appointee at the Department of Justice

*Record scratch.* *Freeze frame.* Yup, thats Jeffrey Clark. Youre probably wondering how he ended up getting booked on RICO charges for allegedly attempting to overturn the results of a democratic election. Well, he made a little oopsie (allegedly tried to have the Justice Department interfere with the Georgia election results), and now hes in a real pickle! Clarks doofy half-smile says, Oh, brother. Can you believe I pulled a Jeff again? Total hot mess over here! Adulting, amirite?

Trevian Kutti, former publicist for R. Kelly and Kanye West

I hesitate to include this one in the roundup because something tells me its one of those cursed chain-letter pictures that brings certain death or derangement upon everyone who views it. But in the spirit of comprehensiveness, here it is: the ecstatic face of a common flack who had absolutely no reason to involve herself in a criminal campaign of sleazy Republicans, yet chose to wriggle her way right into the center of it by allegedly trying to intimidate an election worker falsely accused of fraud. (You are a loose end for a party that needs to tidy up, Kutti said, according to body camera footage.) Her brand as an apologist for lowlifes remains strong.

Robert Cheeley, Georgia-based pro-Trump lawyer

The checkered shirt with a sport coat is a telling choice here. Cheeley isnt one of these East Coast snobs with their suits and ties. Hes a good old Georgia boyborn, raised, educated, and employed. He simply refuses to dignify the sheriffs office with a necktie. And he is going to stare deep into the soul of that damn camera like hes on a billboard for a personal injury attorney. His own namesake law firmwhich, yes, specializes in personal injurybills itself as Audacious. Tenacious. Respected. The first two certainly come across in his bulldog stare. Respected, though? Jurys out.

Shawn Still, fake elector

It tracks that this guy was a fake GOP elector in this alleged conspiracy, because he looks like a non-player character in the worlds most boring video game. (Can you make it out of middle management with only two lives and three Manila folders left?) Still is making his best effort to blend in: His hair matches his suit, which perfectly complements the sheriffs office mug shot backdrop. Hes pretty sure his indictment wont affect his political careerhe was elected to the Georgia Senate in January 2023, long after his stint as a fake elector, and he might not even be suspended if GOP Gov. Brian Kemp looks kindly on his plight. Still likes his chances, but hes trying not to rock the boat.

Misty Hampton, Coffee County elections supervisor

Shes just happy to be here! Hampton never dreamed shed have the chance to partake in an election-stealing scheme on behalf of the greatest president in American historyand yet, here she is, not only having allegedly facilitated a breach of the voting systems shed sworn to protect, but being arraigned right alongside the man himself! Everythings coming up Misty!

Sidney Powell, Trump campaign lawyer

Wearing the vacant gaze of the deeply hypnotized, paired with a white, collarless blouse, Powell looks like a member of the chain-smoking doomsday cult in The Leftovers being nabbed for a bout of domestic terrorism. Her forehead is placid and dewy; her grin is slack. Having been red-pilled against the deep state in the way of an internet-illiterate boomer, Powell is a true believer. This mug shot is all part of Trumps beautiful master plan. There is nothing to fear.

Jenna Ellis, Trump campaign lawyer

Is this sponcon? Ellis, who somehow, at 38, found her way into this geriatric criminal enterprise, has the blank, dutiful smile and drugstore makeup of a low-level influencer peddling personalized jewelry and tummy tea. Its the look of a millennial whose primary question after stepping in major legal doo-doo is How will this fit into my personal brand? On social media, Ellis has been sharing links to blog posts with headlines such as Jenna Ellis Absolutely ROCKS Her Fulton County Mugshot; after the indictment was released last week, she tweeted a quote from a hymn about keeping the faith in dark timeseven so it is well with my soulrendered in an Etsy bridesmaid font. Print it on a prison mug!

Rudy Giuliani, Trump lawyer

Americas Mayor is the only indictee to have managed a vaguely threatening look in his mug shot. The barely raised eyebrow, the disappearing lips, the stooped posture, the craggy face, the eyes that have seen some things: He looks like a mobster, and because I am Italian-American, I can say that. Giuliani is telling prosecutors that if theyre not careful, hell send his goons all the way to Ritz Carlton HVAC Repair Services to give them the business. Unfortunately, they are already on their way to confiscate his American flag pin.

Kenneth Chesebro, pro-Trump lawyer and alleged architect of the fake-electors scheme

My dude is absolutely terrified. Hes already thinking about what demeaning nicknames hell incur on the cell block. (Cheese Bro is an obvious contender, but Im sure the incarcerated community of Georgia can do better.) The man in this mug shot gets hives if he even thinks about loosening his tie; he passes out if someone tousles his hair. This photo has captured the fleeting moment of a poorly lived life flashing before a set of eyes. Must have been a fast shutter speed.

David Shafer, former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party and fake elector

Shafer has the shameless, self-satisfied smile of a bit player in conservative politics who has finally wormed his way into a national news story. Its the face of a martyr who believes that his sacrifice will be handsomely repaid in the afterlife by his creator (Trump). On the platform formerly known as Twitter, where Shafer has been retweeting pleas from various conservative institutions to donate to his legal defense fund, he made his mug shot his new profile picture. The day this photo was taken was the best day of his life, soon to be replaced by the day he is sentenced to prison for his service to Trump.

Cathy Latham, fake elector and former Coffee County Republican Party chair involved in alleged voting system breach

The most detailed likeness of a ghost ever captured, Lathams mug shot is severely overexposedto legal liability! Please clap. (And please donate to Fulton Countys GoFundMe for an upgraded point-and-shoot.) Latham is wearing the unmistakable expression of a person who thought the photographer was going to take the photo after counting to three, instead of on three. Shes still in denial, which explains why she wore a busy patterned blouse to her big photo shoota distracting choicerather than something more refined. The justice system cares not for her flair.

Ray Smith, Trump campaign lawyer

Oy. The mug shot photographer must have had it out for this guy, who, in his photo, has the mien of a middle school math teacher who got busted for some truly heinous crime. Could no one have handed him a comb? Suggested he lift his chin? Advised him to shake off the arraignment jitters and relax a bit? Given him a dress shirt to wear? (Does the Fulton County Jail not have a closet full of spare sport coats, like they do at country clubs or whatever?) Its a terrible photo, but on the other hand, at least it appears to show a little remorse.

John Eastman, Trump lawyer

Unlike Giulianis glower, Eastmans glare does not contain the threat of bloodshed. Instead, it is a window into the ragged soul of a man whose brain is playing on a loop the words allegedly spoken to him by Trump adviser Eric Herschmann as Eastman tried to overturn the 2020 election: Get a great fing criminal defense lawyer. Youre going to need it. Eastmans photo is a striking example of the violence of bad lighting. As all the light in the photo shines in on one side of Eastmans face, it creates what one of my colleagues dubbed a Snapchat make-me-look-like-shit filter.

Scott Hall, bail bondsman and pro-Trump poll watcher implicated in alleged voting system breach

Hall saw you from across the lobby of the Fulton County Jail, and he really likes your vibe. He is going to leer at you with that little smirk until you submit to an hourlong explanation of how China hacked into Nest thermostats to fix the 2020 election for Joe Biden, all while he envelops you in coffee breath. Halls hulking frame cant even fit in the photo, but theres something unnervingly coy about his expression. I believe the term heebie-jeebies was invented to describe the feeling it inspires.

Mark Meadows, Trumps White House chief of staff

Does  does Mark Meadows have pinkeye? Or has he been on a crying jag? Perhaps its just that Fulton County golden hour light, blazing in to accentuate every bulge and crevice on the defendants faces. Whatever it is, Meadows looks confident and determined to outmaneuver county District Attorney Fani Willis, but his ruddy skin and puffy eyes betray the turmoil within. He really, really did not expect to find himself here.

Mike Roman, Trump campaign official

Have you ever tried so hard not to cry that your eye started to twitch? Mike Roman has. The slight sneer we can detect on his face seems to be masking a panicked scream bubbling up below the surface. One assumes that, as an opposition researcher, Roman thrills at the thought of unearthing mug shots of people hes out to smear. This photo captures the instant he realized hes going to have a pasty, unflattering, inescapable image of his own.

Harrison Floyd, director of Black Voices for Trump

Floyd is big mad. The only defendant who didnt get a bond agreement in advance, he will remain in Fulton County custody until further noticeand, in his mug shot, it shows. As the perpetrator of one of the weirdest alleged side crimes of this entire alleged conspiracyhe brokered a meeting between [checks notes] an election worker falsely accused of fraud and a onetime publicist to R. Kelly and Kanye WestFloyd looks like he thinks he deserved a better deal. Cmon, hes got connections to royalty! (Donald Trump, and also a onetime publicist to R. Kelly and Kanye West!) Floyds squint says, I full-on (allegedly) assaulted an FBI agent. And youre holding me for booking a conference room?

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stephen Lee, pastor charged with witness tampering

To make this whole ordeal feel even more like a murder-mystery dinner party, heres a clergyman! This Lutheran minister traveled all the way to Atlanta from the Chicago suburbs in December 2020 to allegedly intimidate an election worker falsely accused of rigging the vote for Joe Biden. Now hes hoping his clerical collarwhich he doesnt always wear but of course donned for the mug shotwill suggest that he just wanted to offer that election worker some gentle, supportive pastoral guidance. In police body camera footage outside the workers house, Lee said he just wanted to get some truth on whats going on. A lot determined and a little disturbed, Lees ice-cold eyes say, The truth shall set me free!

The winner?

Wild as Trumps mug shot may be, hes not the clear winner here. Overall, taking into account expression, wardrobe, lighting, and visible fealty to Trump, its got to be Sidney Powell, the respectable lawyer turned RICO defendant. Shes not showy about it, but she is plainly enjoying the processthe notoriety, the victim complex, the lasting proximity to Trump. In this witch hunt, she is all too happy to burn.
They laughed, they bragged, they boasted. They pledged fidelity to the Constitution. They cheerfully pledged to invade Mexico and dismantle the Department of Education. They got annoyed at Vivek Ramaswamy, for being annoying.

But in terms of the structure of the 2024 presidential race, the eight Republican primary candidates who participated in Wednesdays debate resolved nothing.

After six months or so of official and unofficial primary campaigning, the gap between Donald Trumpwho skipped out on the debate to get weird with Tucker Carlsonand his next-closest competitor in the Republican primary has only grown, to the point where its not entirely clear who his next-closest competitor isor whether there will ever be a close competitor. So there was more urgency to this debate than your typical first debate, which is usually viewed as more of a meet-and-greet than anything else. Someone needed to emerge.

Unfortunately for Republicans seeking an alternative to Trump, that someone who needed to emerge was still likely Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The Trump team, judging by their daily hostilities toward DeSantis, still views him as the nearest contender, and the only candidate with a broad enough appeal to and recognition with the Republican base to mount a credible threat.

Advertisement

DeSantis didnt have a horrible debate. But he was a supporting actor rather than the evenings target, even in the center-stage position. Sure, its much easier to be a factional candidate, like Chris Christie or Ramaswamy, than a viable one who might win. You have to keep the whole coalition together. But DeSantis, too often, tipped over from strategic ambiguity into face-smacking squishiness.

Advertisement

A few times, moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallumwho did an overall fine jobtried the old raise your hand technique, which is really what all the questions should be on a stage where eight candidates are prepared to launch into talking points at the drop of a hat.

Advertisement

When asked about whether human behavior was contributing to climate change, only Asa Hutchinson could half-raise a hand before DeSantis cut off the moderators, saying they should debate the issue instead. When asked whether the candidates would still support Trump in the event he was the nominee and a convicted felon, four candidatesDoug Burgum, Nikki Haley, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Tim Scottraised their hands, while DeSantis kind of half-raised his after sampling the air. On a question of continuing to fund Ukraine, DeSantis mumbled something about how Europe needed to step up and help more, and then he insisted that he would not send U.S. troops to fight in Ukraine. No one had asked that.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

But the most pitiful DeSantis moment came when he was asked whether Mike Pence had done the right thing on Jan. 6, 2021, by turning down Trumps entreaties to help overturn the election.

A strategist I spoke to weeks ago predicted this would be the very first question at the debate, and that each viable candidate would be asked it. It was not a surprise. There was time to prepare.

Sen. Tim Scott, who didnt support electoral objections on Jan. 6, said, Absolutely, he did the right thing. Haley agreed, and Christie was effusive in his praise of Pence that day. (Probably a little too effusive for Pences liking; Christie is toxic among the GOP base.)

When DeSantis was put on the spot, though, he launched into a tirade about the weaponization of the Justice Department. The moderators noted that he wasnt answering the question.

I know, DeSantis said, before continuing with his prepared remarks.

Advertisement

Eventually, when pressed, DeSantis conceded, Mike did his duty, I got no beef with him. Hey, guy wants to do his constitutional thing? Sure, no biggie.

Advertisement

Despite what is liable to be an extravagant effort by the well-funded DeSantis machines backers to argue that he hit a grand slam in the debate and manufacture some oomph, the obvious centerpiece of the show was Vivek Ramaswamy.

Advertisement

Ramaswamy has been credited with a surge in the polls of late. Sure, hes gone from about 4 percent to about 10, which we do suppose qualifies as a surge in the molecule-sized space underneath Trumps pressed thumb.

What most surprised me, at least, was how seriously other second- and third-tier competitors had internalized this idea that Ramaswamya nimble, red meatfeeding imp whos sure to go on to a successful post-campaign career hosting a podcastneeded to be swatted down as a serious threat. It wasnt DeSantis who took the sledgehammer to him, though, as his super PACs leaked strategy memo suggested he do. (Given the leak, DeSantis essentially couldnt follow any of its recommendations for fear of looking inauthentic.)

Advertisement

Christie, Pence, and Haley all swapped in as Ramaswamys primary antagonists. Christie, who predictably spent the night getting jeered at for going after Trump in absentia, performed a singing late-career rendition of his you little twerp routine on Ramaswamy. Haley, whose campaign needed to do something to keep her in the mix, had her biggest applause line of the night when she told Ramaswamy that you have no foreign policy experience, and it shows. By that point, even the audience may have had it with the kids cockiness.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Pence truly seemed to loathe Ramaswamy. One can understand why. Pence is a former vice president who was nearly killed performing his constitutional duties, and barely qualified for the debate. Once on stage, he had to execute a strategy of swatting down a child who is getting more attention than he is.

Advertisement

Advertisement

One candidate with the financial resources, the respect of his peers, and a favorable view from the Republican electorateelements that should make for a competitive candidacy!was Tim Scott. But in his affability, he seemed almost like an afterthought on stage. He didnt really challenge anyone, or do much to distinguish what makes him different from, say, Pence (whose brand of room-temperature water might not be everyones acquired taste, but who is a polished, prepared, and sharp-elbowed debater whos rarely caught off-guard). It showed the difficult question Scott faces if he does want to try to win this thing, instead of just position himself for the VP race: Is he willing to get his hands dirty? Doesnt look like it.

Advertisement

We got some light differences between candidates about the wisdom of a federal abortion ban, the continued funding of Ukraine, how best to attack Mexico, and what the precise mechanics for eliminating the Department of Education should be. (Legislatively, ignore most of this; all theyd be able to pass is tax cuts.) What we didnt see was anyone who even came close to easing Trumps grip on the nomination; if anything, a distracting melee with Vivek Ramaswamy, who is the word distraction manifested, will now be the central subject of the undercard jockeying.

By Thursday afternoon, all cameras will be on Trump, again, as he turns himself in for an arraignment, again. During the debate, Fox News even showed a live feed of the entry to Fulton County jail, a day before Trump would even show. The subtext was clear. The main character simply took a night off, theres no understudy, and the program resumes in Georgia on Thursday.
Prison guard Salia Issa was seven months pregnant when she reported to work on a warm mid-November evening in 2021 at the Middleton Transfer Facility in Abilene, Texas. Issa had just started her night shift when she felt intense, contraction-like pains. She needed to get to a hospital right away. But, consistent with prison policy, supervising officers wouldnt let her leave her post for hours, until someone came to replace her.

By the time Issa was allowed to drive herself to the emergency room, her baby had died. Doctors believe that had she made it sooner, the child would have been born alive. Issa and her husband sued the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and three senior officers there for violating their federal civil rights.

The Texas prison agency is represented by the state attorney general, Ken Paxton, who disputes one critical fact. As Paxton tells it, Issa may have suffered an injury, but it was to her bodyto her pregnancy. Apparently, Issas injury is limited to her uterus. Never mind the death of the child whose arrival she and her husband had been eagerly awaiting. Or that Issa gave birth to her baby no differently than if her child were alive. Standard medical care encourages parents who deliver a dead baby to spend time with and hold the baby, take pictures, and make footprints and other memories. We dont know whether Issa and her husband were able to spend time with their baby. But we do know that standard of care doesnt include bonding like this for the loss of a colon, kidney, appendix, or even a uterus.

Advertisement

Related From Slate Texas Takes Attacks on Austin to New Level With Death Star Law Read More

This isnt the only context in which Texas has devalued the unborn child. If a doctors misconduct is to blame for fetal death, Texas malpractice law specifically defines the fetus as far less: as just part of the womans body and explicitly not as an individual. Ironically, in the current abortion pill litigation, plaintiff Shaun Jester, a Texas OB-GYN, claims that abortion denies him the joy of getting to bring about a successful delivery of new life. But if Dr. Jester were to negligently prevent that successful delivery, the legal injury is limited to the womans uterusthereby capping any damages to a maximum $250,000. Dr. Jester specifically benefits from the devaluation.

Advertisement

Texas framing of the harm of pregnancy loss in terms of a body part is especially perplexing in light of its abortion ban that declares an unborn child exists as of fertilization. But Texas isnt alone in treating the very same unborn life in strikingly inconsistent ways across different contexts; the contradictions actually pervade the legal landscape. For example, Florida bans abortion at six weeks to protect the unborn. But Florida law denies parents any basis to sue for the death of their unborn child. Wrongfully causing a pregnancy loss in Florida is merely a legal injury to living tissue of the body.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Indiana, Kentucky, Arizona, and Idaho criminalize abortion from the moment of conception to protect prenatal life. But these states deny grieving parents any cause of action for the wrongful death of their unborn child until the point of fetal viability at around 24 weeks. Mississippi, too, makes abortion a crime from conception, while also denying a legal claim for pregnancy loss until quickening, as early as 16 weeks. Ohio bans abortion at six weeks, but denies grieving parents a claim for the death of their unborn child until viability.

Things get even stranger when the embryos people created using in vitro fertilization are contaminated or destroyed. When fertility freezers failed at two clinics in the summer of 2018, some victims sued for the wrongful death of their unborn child, leaving courts to decide between malfunction and murder. The laws in Arkansas illustrate the tension. Its abortion ban says theres an unborn child at the fusion of a human spermatozoon with a human ovum, which would also seem to include frozen embryos in a lab. Yet the state law denies relief for lost embryos as life if the death is before the embryo is transferred to the womans body. Similarly, ever since the first-ever IVF suit in Rhode Island, courts have treated peoples lost embryos as irreplaceable property.

Advertisement

Advertisement

An embryo or fetus is specifically an unborn child under public law that criminalizes abortion based on the states interest in the unborn. But theyre reduced to body parts or property under the private law of civil wrongs, or torts, when it comes to the interests of parents who grieve their mismanaged pregnancies or mishandled embryos. How can the states abstract interest in that life start so much earlier, and be so much stronger, than the interest that aspiring parents have in their very own unborn child?

For decades, the abortion debate has crowded out real talk about injuries like Salia Issas in Texas. For decades, the abortion rights movement has avoided this talk for fear that admitting that pregnancy loss matters risks ceding ground on abortion rights. It doesnt. Recognizing the grief of reproductive loss is a function of how each person relates to their unborn, which can and often does vary across people and circumstances. That individualized assessment is exactly how tort law considers other personal injuries. This way of thinking about the value of the unborn poses no threat of collapsing into personhood-at-conception for those who seek abortions.

Advertisement

Issa felt her baby kick. She and her husband made all kinds of plans for the child in their life together. The state of Texas did not. Yet its interest is treated as mattering more than theirs. Had Issa ended her pregnancy, Paxton would prosecute the doctor who provided that service to her into prison for killing a baby. But because it wasnt an abortion, according to Texas, it wasnt a child, even if thats how Issa valued him.

The states interest in nascent life shouldnt count for more than that of an expectant parent. Taking reproductive loss seriously points to ways of protecting the unborn that dont involve forcing pregnancy or childbirth: Support those who want to have their child. Expand access to prenatal care. Accommodate pregnant people at work. At the very least, if they have a miscarriage or their baby is stillborn, dont devalue their loss; it cant be a baby for the state but a body part for the parent.
On Thursday, former President Donald Trump is being arraigned in Fulton County, Georgia, on RICO and other charges for attempting to overturn the results of the states 2020 presidential vote. Included in the vast, multifaceted criminal conspiracy is an alleged scheme to illegally access and steal copies of voting system software from Coffee County, Georgiaa scheme allegedly funded and directed by attorneys for Trump. A closer look at these events reveals a scandalous failure by state authorities to uncover or investigate the breach, and an ongoing and urgent need for federal investigation.

Naturally, the Georgia indictment focuses primarily (though not exclusively) on criminal conduct in Georgia. But the scheme to illegally access voting software, like the broader conspiracy to fraudulently overturn the 2020 election, was a national effort. There have been multiple accounts of Trump supporters unlawfully accessing voting systems to copy proprietary vote-recording and vote-counting software in Michigan, Colorado, and Pennsylvania. These reports spurred criminal investigations in their respective states, but until Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis filed charges last week, none of these probes had tied the crimes back to Trumps coordinated, multipronged plot to stay in power. Willis indictment alleges that crimes of computer trespass, computer theft, and computer privacy invasion were elements of Trumps organized, criminal undertaking to unlawfully stay in office.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Although the inclusion of the Coffee County software scheme in the racketeering indictment is a welcome development, the underlying scheme was initially exposed not by state, let alone federal, authorities. Rather, it was uncovered by a small nonprofit, the Coalition for Good Governance, in connection with a civil lawsuit that has been ongoing since 2017. Last summer, documents obtained by CGG through discovery provided evidence that Sidney Powell had allegedly funded and directed the January 2021 theft in Coffee County as part of a multistate contract to take copies of voting softwarein not just Georgia, but also Michigan and Nevada.

Advertisement

Related From Slate Trump Is Going to Leave Judges With No Choice but to Hold Him in Contempt Read More

In late 2020, Coffee County was already emerging as a pivotal jurisdiction in Trumps fight to unlawfully overturn the election. In December 2020, Misty Hamptonthe now-indicted former county election supervisor who allegedly facilitated the voting computer trespassclaimed, in a video that went viral among election deniers, that Georgias voting machines allowed votes to be switched. As the state conducted a machine recount in December 2020, Hampton insisted that she was unable to replicate vote totals. That caused Coffee County to refuse to certify its election results, effectively holding up the state certification of the presidential election results for several days. Coffee County was then cited in a draft executive order allegedly drafted by Trump advisers to justify using the military or the Department of Homeland Security to seize voting machines.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

A month after the breaches, Hampton was forced to resign from her position as election supervisor, reportedly for falsifying time sheets. In establishing the accuracy of Hamptons time sheets, the county closely reviewed footage from election office security cameras in order to log the times Hampton came and went. That security-camera footage documented the details of the voting system breach and its participants. Yet county officials apparently failed to notice the unauthorized individuals accessing the voting devices.

Following Hamptons resignation, her successor, James Barnes, reported alarming irregularities in the Coffee elections office to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The secretarys office told Barnes it would investigate. But according to Barnes, no one followed up.

Shortly after he took office, Barnes found that he couldnt access the countys election management server because the password had been changed without authorization from, or knowledge of, Raffenspergers office. The secretarys technicians were unable to access the election server and were forced to replace it, but (according to Barnes) they did not investigate further. In August 2021, Barnes wrote a memo to the secretary of state detailing further security concerns hed observed in the Coffee office when he was first hired, including the disquieting fact that the faceplates of some of the vote tabulators had been removed.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Although the secretarys investigators had open investigations into other incidents in Coffee County, an investigation summary filed in September 2021 seems to show that, despite these multiple red flags, none of these issues were examined by the secretarys investigators. In fact, in late April 2022, even after evidence of the breach had been provided, the secretary of states chief operating officer, Gabe Sterling, derisively denied that the breach had occurred. And when questioned by a reporter, Raffensperger provided conflicting answers as to when his office first learned of the software breaches.

A few months ago, we made the case in Slate that these matters must be investigated by federal agencies, and we detailed our efforts to urge the Department of Justice, special counsel Jack Smith, and the Department of Homeland Security to act.

Advertisement

There is still no indication that the federal government is investigating the multistate plot to take voting software. The Georgia Bureau of Investigations is still slow-walking the investigation and has not held anyone accountable. And the Georgia secretary of state is still downplaying and dismissing the significance of the software theft.

The indictments in Fulton County, and the failure of the state to investigate and uncover the voting system breaches, further underscore the point that a federal investigation is crucial to understanding the full scope of this scheme, to understanding what threats this criminal enterprise poses to future elections, and to protecting the integrity of upcoming elections.

Willis indictment is an important step forward to understand this plot and to hold those guilty accountable, but more is needed. Georgias secretary of state and State Election Board must implement reforms to avoid repeating these failures in future elections. And the DOJ must investigate for the safety and security of our democracy.
On Wednesday night in Milwaukee, eight Republicans trailing Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential primary gathered for the cycles first debate and, with a clear and united voice, denounced one man: Vivek Ramaswamy.

You read that right. With Trump running away with the race and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis behind him in a clear (if tenuous) second, it was somehow the 38-year-old Ramaswamy who took the most direct hits. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christies was likely the most memorable: After two of Ramaswamys high-energy, relentlessly loquacious answers, Christie described him as a guy who sounds like ChatGPT. Former Vice President Mike Pence made a glaringly condescending reference to Ramaswamy learning on the job, to which the crowd responded with a deserved oooooh. The super PAC that supports DeSantis called Ramaswamy a fraud on Twitter, and you can see former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haleys opinion of him expressed nonverbally above. (You have talked down everyone on this stage, Haley told Ramaswamy later, during a segment about Ukraine. You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.)

The animosity makes some sense, strategically. Nothing any of the other candidates say about Trump seems to have any effect on his popularity with Republican voters. If he doesnt crater, he wins, so why bother attacking him like some Democrat would? But if he does somehow leave the race (or, you know, the country) because of his criminal trials, second place is the place to be. And Ramaswamys momentum might have him headed there. Or at least it did before the debate.

Related From Slate The Republican Plan to Trick Americans Into Voting Against Abortion Read More

Its easy to see why. Ramaswamy is comfortable in front of a crowd and on television; although hes got a background in biotech, the main reason anyone had heard of him before he announced he was running for president was his self-invented role as an anti-woke media personality. (The resemblance to celebrated fast-talker and right-wing media luminary Ben Shapiro is strong.) He can win this primary just by becoming more famous, which means he can say provocative red-meat stuff like the climate change agenda is a hoax without worrying about how general-election voters might perceive it (badly, apparently). While the other candidates are (quite visibly) burdened by the pressure to get out their carefully rehearsed talking points and would-be sound-bite zingers without committing an iconic viral gaffe, Ramaswamy has to worry only about being entertaining.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Which is why its also easy to see why every other candidate onstage despises him. Like wunderkind Democrat Pete Buttigieg in 2024, Ramaswamy has short-circuited the route to political viability simply by being good at talking. In a field in which multiple candidates had to debase themselves to the point of pretending to enjoy working for Donald Trump, Ramaswamy stands out for having not paid any dues at all. His purported innermost beliefs, like theirs, are carefully calibrated to meet the political momenthis tilt more MAGA nationalist than GOP orthodox, which makes sense in that he needs podcast buzz more than donor supportbut unlike them, he has not spent decades of his life having to attend pancake breakfasts in East Shitsville County while accumulating positions that are inconvenient to his current ambition. Like Mayor Petes dues-paying competitors in 2020, particularly Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, they find this really annoying.

If theres any solace for Ramaswamys detractors, its that, like Mayor Pete, he will almost certainly not win his race; hes just coming from too far behind as a matter of name recognition and voter trust. But he can emerge from a losing campaign with his stock on the way up, and most of them cannot. And if Wednesdays debate is any indication, that is not something they are going to forgive him for.
Welcome to Source Notes, a Future Tense column about the internets information ecosystem.

Wikipedia is, to date, the largest and most-read reference work in human history. But the editors who update and maintain Wikipedia are certainly not complacent about its place as the preeminent information resource, and are worried about how it might be displaced by generative A.I. At last weeks Wikimania, the sites annual user conference, one of the sessions was ChatGPT vs. WikiGPT, and a panelist at the event mentioned that rather than visiting Wikipedia, people seem to being going to ChatGPT for their information needs. Veteran Wikipedians have couched ChatGPT as an existential threat, predicting that A.I. chatbots will supplant Wikipedia in the same way that Wikipedia infamously dethroned Encyclopedia Britannica back in 2005.

But it seems to me that rumors of the imminent death of Wikipedia at the hands of generative A.I. are greatly exaggerated. Sure, the implementation of A.I. technology will undoubtedly alter how Wikipedia is used and transform the user experience. At the same time, the features and bugs of large language models, or LLMs, like ChatGPT intersect with human interests in ways that support Wikipedia rather than threaten it.

Advertisement

For context, there have been elements of artificial intelligence and machine learning on Wikipedia since 2002. Automated bots on Wikipedia must be approved, as set forth in the bot policy, and generally must be supervised by a human. Content review is assisted by bots such as ClueBot NG, which identifies profanity and unencyclopedic punctuation like !!!11. Another use case is machine translation, which has helped provide content for the 334 different language versions of the encyclopedia, again generally with human supervision. At the end of the day, Wikipedians are really, really practicalthats the fundamental characteristic, said Chris Albon, director of machine learning at the Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization that supports the project. Wikipedians have been using A.I. and M.L. from 2002 because it just saved time in ways that were useful to them.

Advertisement

Advertisement

In other words, bots are old news for Wikipediaits the offsite LLMs that present new challenges. Earlier this year, I reported on how Wikipedians were grappling with the then-new ChatGPT and deciding whether chatbot-generated content should be used in the process of composing Wikipedia articles. At the time, the editors were understandably concerned with how LLMs hallucinate, responding to prompts with outright fabrications complete with fake citations. There is a real risk that users who copy ChatGPT text into Wikipedia would risk polluting the project with misinformation. But an outright ban on generative A.I. seemed both too harsh and too Ludditea failure to recognize new ways of working. Some editors have reported that ChatGPT answers were useful as a starting point or a skeletal outline. While banning generative A.I. could keep low-quality ChatGPT content off of Wikipedia, it could also curtail the productivity of human editors.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

These days, Wikipedians are in the process of drafting a policy for how LLMs can be used on the project. Whats being discussed is essentially a take care and declare framework: The human editor must disclose in an articles public edit history that an LLM was used and must take personal responsibility for vetting the LLM content and ensuring its accuracy. Its worth noting that the proposed policy for LLMs is very similar to how most Wikipedia bots require some human supervision. Leash your bots, your dogs, and now your LLMs.

To be clear, the Wikipedia community has jurisdiction over how their fellow editors use botsbut not how external agents are using Wikipedia. These days, generative A.I. companies are taking advantage of the internet encyclopedias open license. Every LLM so far has been trained on Wikipedias content, and the site is almost always the largest source of training data within their data sets.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Despite swallowing Wikipedias entire corpus, ChatGPT is not the polite sort of robot that graciously credits Wikipedia when it uses that information for one of its responses. Quite the contrarythe chatbot doesnt typically disclose its sources at all. Critics are advocating for greater transparency, and advocating restraint until chatbots become an explainable A.I. system.

Advertisement

Of course, theres a scary reason that LLMs dont normally credit their sources: the A.I. does not always know how it has arrived at its answer. Pardon the grotesque simile, but the knowledge base of a typical LLM is like a huge hairball; the LLM may pull strands from Wikipedia, Tumblr, Reddit, and a variety of other sources without distinguishing among them. And the LLM is basically programmed solely to predict the next phrase, not to provide credit when its due.

Advertisement

Journalists in particular seem very concerned about how ChatGPT isnt acknowledging Wikipedia in its responses. The New York Times Magazine published a feature last month on how the reuse of Wikipedia information by A.I. imperiled Wikipedias health and made people forget about its important role behind the scenes.

But I get the sense that most Wikipedia contributors are less concerned about credit-claiming than the average reporter. For one thing, Wikipedians are used to this: After all, before LLMs, Siri and Alexa were the ones scraping Wikipedia without credit. (As of publication time, these smart assistants have been updated to say something like from Wikipedia.) More fundamentally, there has always been an altruistic element in curating information for Wikipedia: People add knowledge to the site expecting that everyone else will use it how they will.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Rather than sapping away the morale of volunteer human Wikipedians, generative A.I. may add a new reason to the list of their motivations: a sincere desire to train the robots. This is also a reason that generative A.I. companies like OpenAI should care about maintaining Wikipedias role as ChatGPTs primary tutor. Its important for Wikipedia to remain a human-written knowledge source. We now know that LLM-generated content is like poison for training LLMs: If the training data is not human-created, then LLMs become measurably dumber. LLMs that eat too much of their own cooking are prone to model collapse, a symptom of the curse of recursion.

Advertisement

As Selena Deckelmann, the Wikimedia Foundations chief product and technology officer, put it, the worlds generative AI companies need to figure out how to keep sources of original human content, the most critical element of our information system, sustainable and growing over time. This mutual interest is perhaps why Google.org, the Musk Foundation, Facebook, and Amazon are among the benefactors who have donated more than a million dollars to the Wikimedia EndowmentA.I. companies seem to have realized that keeping Wikipedia a human-created project is in their interests. (For further context, the foundation is primarily supported by numerous small donations by ordinary Wikipedia readers and supporters, which is comforting for those of us who worry about any big tech company gaining too much influence over the direction of the nonprofit organization.)

Advertisement

Related From Slate Should ChatGPT Be Used to Write Wikipedia Articles? Read More

The weaknesses of A.I. chatbots could also popularize new use cases for Wikipedia. In July, the Wikimedia Foundation released a new Wikipedia ChatGPT plug-in that allows ChatGPT to search for and summarize the most up-to-date information on Wikipedia to answer general knowledge queries. For instance, if you ask ChatGPT 3.5 in its standard form about Donald Trumps indictment, the chatbot says it doesnt know about it because it is only trained on the internet through September 2021. But with the new plug-in, the chatbot accurately summarizes current events. Notice how Wikipedia in this example is functioning something like a water filter: sitting on the tap of the raw LLM, rooting out inaccuracies, and bringing the content up to speed.

Advertisement

Whether Wikipedia is incorporated into A.I. via the training data or as a plug-in, its clear that its important to keep humans interested in curating information for the site. Albon told me about several proposals to leverage LLMs to help make the editing process more enjoyable. One idea proposed by the community is to allow LLMs to summarize the lengthy discussions on talk pages, the non-article spaces where editors delve into the sites policies. Since Wikipedia is more than 20 years old, some of these walls of texts are now lengthier than War and Peace. Few people have the time to review all of the discussion that has taken place since 2005 about what qualifies as a reliable source for Wikipedia, much less perennial sources. Rather than expecting new contributors to review multiyear discussions about the issue, the LLM could just summarize them at the top. The reason thats important is to draw in new editors, to make it so its not so daunting, Albon said.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

John Samuel, an assistant professor of computer science at CPE Lyon, told me that prospective Wikipedia editors hes recruited often find it difficult to get started. Finding reliable sources to use for an article can be very labor-intensive, and Gen Z has grown impatient with the chore of sifting through Google search results. An internet that has become flooded with machine-generated content will make the process of finding quality sources even more painful.

But Samuel foresees a hopeful future in which Wikipedia has integrated some A.I. technology that helps human editors find quality sources and double checks to ensure that the underlying sources in fact state what the human claims. We cannot delay things. We have to think about integrating the newer A.I.-based tools so that we save the time of contributors, Samuel said.

Advertisement

If theres a common theme running through the A.I.-gloom discourse, its that A.I. is going to take peoples jobs. And what about the job of volunteer Wikipedia editors? The answer is nuanced. On the one hand, a lot of repetitive work (adding article categories, basic formatting, easy summaries) is likely to be automated. Then again, the work of the people editing Wikipedia has never really been about writing text, per se. The more important job has always involved discussions between members of the community, debates about whether one source or the other is more reliable, arguments about whether wording is representative or misleading, trying to collaborate with the shared goal of improving the encyclopedia. So perhaps thats where the future is heading for Wikipedia: leave the polite busywork for the A.I., but keep the discourse and the disagreementthat messy, meaningful, consensus-building stufffor humans.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Small business owners nationwide have increasingly felt the weight of rising credit card processing fees, and finally, relief may be on the horizon. A promising piece of legislation, the Credit Card Competition Act of 2023, has been introduced to both chambers of Congress. The act aims to reduce the financial burden on Main Street businesses by promoting competition in the credit card processing market.

The current environment sees small businesses grappling with what is known as swipe fees. These are charges set by large credit card companies operating within a market shielded from competition. For many businesses, especially those just starting to accept credit cards, the fees are an unexpected and significant cost.

Renea Jones, a small business entrepreneur from Tennessee, expressed her concerns about these fees. We just recently started accepting credit cards, and we have noticed that that swipe fee has been very expensive for us, she commented. Her sentiment is widely shared. In fact, a recent ballot conducted by the NFIB revealed a staggering 92% of small business owners believe they should have the freedom to select from multiple credit card processing networks.

Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Sell Your Business Drive Traffic to Your Website Advertise Your Business Here

The Credit Card Competition Act of 2023 is set to address this issue head-on. By enabling businesses to choose between various credit card networks, the act promotes competitive pricing, allowing small business owners to choose an option best aligned with their financial needs.

Michelle Smith, another small business owner hailing from Florida, shared her thoughts on the matter: Just like we have to compete for clients and for the business that we want to engage in, the credit card companies should absolutely not have a monopoly on the business owners that can use their services.

This issue has grown in importance over the years. Since 2012, credit card swipe fees have doubled, and its a financial challenge that small businesses often cant absorb. David Henrich, a small business owner from Minnesota, offered a fresh perspective, emphasizing the ripple effect of these fees on consumers. I think one thing people forget about all these costs and fees that they think businesses pay is that its the consumers who end up paying these fees, he mentioned. If we can reduce those fees, we can stabilize costs.

For small business owners, these added fees can mean the difference between growth and stagnation. The introduction of the Credit Card Competition Act of 2023 signals a potential turning point that could create a more competitive and balanced marketplace for these essential enterprises. Its not just about reduced fees; its about offering small business owners, the backbone of our economy, a fair playing field. The acts progress will be keenly watched by entrepreneurs, policymakers, and consumers alike, all of whom stand to benefit from a more equitable system.

Small Business Deals
There are many advantages to running a small business. Youll have a small team, so you can form better bonds and have greater control over the culture. Youll be able to treat each client as an individual and provide them with dedicated service. You may also be able to save money by carefully controlling your costs.

But one of the biggest disadvantages of running a small business is that youll have difficulty competing on the national stage. If you want to contend with big businesses who are already dominating the market in terms of visibility, youll need a massive budget to do it conveniently  which most small businesses dont have.

Drive Traffic to Your Website Sell Your Business Discover the Zoho Ecosystem Advertise Your Business Here

So how can small businesses get noticed on the national stage  and truly compete with major players in the industry?

Get Noticed on the National Stage

To make a significant impact on the national stage, its essential for small businesses to harness the right marketing strategies. The choice of strategies can significantly influence the level of visibility, engagement, and growth achieved. Opting for approaches that are not only effective but also accessible, flexible, and budget-friendly is key to overcoming the challenges of limited resources and fierce competition. Heres a deeper dive into the considerations for selecting and implementing these strategies:

Accessibility: Starting Strong Starting immediately is vital for small businesses aiming to break through the national barrier. Selecting strategies that are easily accessible allows you to hit the ground running without delays. Accessibility means that you can initiate your efforts without the need for extensive preparations or resources. This swift action enables you to create an early impact and establish your brands presence before competitors.

Flexibility: Adapting to Changing Landscapes Flexibility in your chosen marketing tactics is a fundamental trait. In todays dynamic business landscape, trends and consumer behaviors can change rapidly. Therefore, having the ability to adjust your tactics on the fly to suit evolving needs and preferences is invaluable. Flexibility ensures that your strategies remain relevant and effective, even as market conditions shift.

Small Business Deals

Cost-Effectiveness: Making the Most of Limited Resources Budget constraints are a common hurdle for small businesses looking to make a mark on the national scene. Therefore, its prudent to select marketing strategies that provide a high return on investment while being relatively inexpensive to implement. This approach allows you to maximize the impact of your available resources, directing them toward activities that generate the most value.

Exploring Effective Options:

PPC ads. With pay per click (PPC) ads, youll only pay for the people who actually click on your ad, so you wont be wasting any money. You can also strictly refine your audience criteria so you can zero in on your target demographics precisely. Even better, as you learn more, youll gradually get more competent at this strategy, improving your ROI. And if you find that the competition is too strong on platforms like Google, there are plenty of alternative ad networks to try.

With pay per click (PPC) ads, youll only pay for the people who actually click on your ad, so you wont be wasting any money. You can also strictly refine your audience criteria so you can zero in on your target demographics precisely. Even better, as you learn more, youll gradually get more competent at this strategy, improving your ROI. And if you find that the competition is too strong on platforms like Google, there are plenty of alternative ad networks to try. SEO. Next, you can try search engine optimization (SEO). The basic idea here is to use a combination of onsite content, offsite content, and link building to increase your websites domain authority, and rise in the rankings of search engine results pages (SERPs). Its a time intensive process, but a very flexible and inexpensive one  plus, you can target specific keywords that arent currently dominated by competitors.

Next, you can try search engine optimization (SEO). The basic idea here is to use a combination of onsite content, offsite content, and link building to increase your websites domain authority, and rise in the rankings of search engine results pages (SERPs). Its a time intensive process, but a very flexible and inexpensive one  plus, you can target specific keywords that arent currently dominated by competitors. Social media marketing. You can create a social media account for free and start posting right now. Its the perfect tool to nurture your existing fans, reach new people, and promote your content all at the same time.

Target a Smaller Audience

Next, try targeting a smaller audience. If youre going after the same broad pool of customers as a major competitor, youre going to struggle; this is one way to take them out of the equation.

Restrict your demographic targets. Is there a narrow demographic range you can target? Can you focus on a different age group, income level, or education level? If you find a group that your competitors arent interested in, you can generate a major advantage.

Is there a narrow demographic range you can target? Can you focus on a different age group, income level, or education level? If you find a group that your competitors arent interested in, you can generate a major advantage. Adjust your pricing. Its tough to compete on price, but if you can offer an attractive product at a lower price level, youll have a much easier time persuading customers to buy from your business.

Its tough to compete on price, but if you can offer an attractive product at a lower price level, youll have a much easier time persuading customers to buy from your business. Focus on a different part of the buying cycle. You may also be able to evade mainstream competitors by focusing on customers in a different phase of the buying cycle.

Create and Emphasize Unique Differentiators

Similarly, you should work to identify the factors that make your business truly unique  and include them in all your marketing materials, front and center.

Unique differentiators could include things like:

Price. A lower price is always valuable, assuming you can afford to lower your profit margins to do it.

A lower price is always valuable, assuming you can afford to lower your profit margins to do it. Quality. You may be able to justify a higher price than the competition, if your products are of demonstrably better quality.

You may be able to justify a higher price than the competition, if your products are of demonstrably better quality. Customer service. Customers are willing to pay more for good customer service. If you have a good reputation in this area, flaunt it.

Customers are willing to pay more for good customer service. If you have a good reputation in this area, flaunt it. Brand voice and style. Sometimes, a different approach to messaging and brand reputation is all it takes to make yourself stand out.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity

You wont be able to compete directly with big businesses by spamming direct mail flyers or taking over every SERP you can find  you simply dont have the budget to do it. Instead, focus on quality over quantity in everything you do. Place one very good ad instead of ten lackluster ones. Write one comprehensive piece of content rather than ten half-hearted blog posts. Build a relationship with the people interested in your brand rather than constantly chasing after new people.

Its definitely not easy to compete on the national stage as a small business, but it is possible. If youre willing to be patient, focus on quality, and adjust your tactics, youll be in a position to reach entirely new audience segments  and increase the footprint of your brand.

Maximizing Local Advantage for Small Business Growth

While competing on a national stage might seem daunting for small businesses, its crucial not to overlook the power of local influence. Establishing a strong local presence can create a solid foundation for broader recognition. Heres how to maximize your local advantage for sustainable growth:

Community Engagement: Participate in local events, sponsor community activities, and collaborate with other small businesses in the area. Build relationships with local influencers and bloggers who can help amplify your brand within the community. Use location-based hashtags and geotags on social media to connect with local audiences and increase visibility.

Leverage Local SEO: Optimize your website for local search terms and create localized content that addresses specific community needs. Claim and complete your Google My Business profile to ensure accurate business information appears in local search results. Encourage satisfied local customers to leave reviews, which can boost your online reputation and attract more local business.

Partner with Local Media: Reach out to local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and TV channels for coverage or interviews. Highlight unique aspects of your business that resonate with the local audience to make your story compelling.

Offer Local Incentives: Provide exclusive discounts, promotions, or loyalty programs specifically for local customers. Showcase your commitment to the community by supporting local causes or offering special deals for local events.

Attend Networking Events: Participate in local business networking events, trade shows, and chamber of commerce gatherings. These events provide opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, potential customers, and even investors who are invested in the local economy.

Collaborate with Nearby Businesses: Form partnerships with complementary businesses in your area to cross-promote each others products or services. Joint marketing efforts can expand your reach to a wider local audience.

Highlight Local Stories: Share stories of how your business has positively impacted the local community. Whether its providing employment opportunities, supporting local causes, or contributing to neighborhood growth, these stories resonate well with local customers.



Strategy Description Community Engagement - Participate in local events and collaborate with nearby businesses. Build relationships with local influencers and bloggers. Utilize location-based hashtags and geotags on social media. Leverage Local SEO - Optimize website for local search terms and create localized content. Complete Google My Business profile for accurate information. Encourage reviews from satisfied local customers. Partner with Local Media - Reach out to local newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV for coverage. Highlight unique aspects of your business that resonate locally. Offer Local Incentives - Provide exclusive discounts and loyalty programs for local customers. Showcase community support through special deals for local events and causes. Attend Networking Events - Participate in local business networking events and trade shows. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and potential customers. Engage with investors interested in the local economy. Collaborate with Nearby Businesses - Form partnerships with complementary businesses for mutual promotion. Joint marketing efforts extend reach to a wider local audience. Highlight Local Stories - Share positive impacts on the local community through stories. Showcase contributions like employment opportunities, local cause support, and neighborhood growth.

Focusing on your local advantage allows you to establish a strong and supportive customer base before aiming for national recognition. By nurturing connections within your community and tailoring your approach to local preferences, your small business can achieve sustained growth and build a solid reputation that lays the groundwork for future expansion.

Conclusion: Strategies for Small Business Success

Running a small business comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges. While the limitations of competing on a national stage may seem significant, they can be overcome with the right strategies and mindset. By focusing on targeted marketing, unique differentiation, and local advantage, small businesses can not only get noticed on a broader scale but also establish a strong foundation for sustainable growth. Here are the key takeaways:

Strategic Marketing: Utilizing accessible and flexible marketing approaches like PPC ads, SEO, and social media can help small businesses compete with larger players without requiring a massive budget.

Utilizing accessible and flexible marketing approaches like PPC ads, SEO, and social media can help small businesses compete with larger players without requiring a massive budget. Niche Targeting: Targeting a smaller audience or refining demographics can eliminate direct competition and allow businesses to generate a significant advantage by serving unique customer needs.

Targeting a smaller audience or refining demographics can eliminate direct competition and allow businesses to generate a significant advantage by serving unique customer needs. Differentiation: Identifying and emphasizing unique factors, such as pricing, quality, customer service, and brand identity, can help small businesses stand out and resonate with their target audience.

Identifying and emphasizing unique factors, such as pricing, quality, customer service, and brand identity, can help small businesses stand out and resonate with their target audience. Quality Over Quantity: Prioritizing quality over quantity in marketing efforts allows small businesses to make a meaningful impact even with limited resources, focusing on strong connections and engagement.

Prioritizing quality over quantity in marketing efforts allows small businesses to make a meaningful impact even with limited resources, focusing on strong connections and engagement. Maximizing Local Advantage: Establishing a robust local presence can provide a strong foundation for growth, leveraging community engagement, local SEO, partnerships, and highlighting local stories.

While competing on a national stage may present challenges, embracing these strategies can position small businesses for success. By capitalizing on their strengths, embracing innovation, and nurturing community connections, small businesses can not only compete but thrive in todays dynamic business landscape. Through patience, dedication, and a commitment to delivering value, small businesses can expand their reach and create a lasting impact on both local and national scales.
Evidence of various cultures have been unearthed at the location.

An old Hungarian burial ground from the 10th century on the territory of the future Valaliky Strategic Park, where archaeologists discovered more than 260 graves on June 20, 2023 in Valaliky, near Kosice. (Source: TASR)

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share

A popular quip about eastern Slovakia  most often related by people from the countrys west  says "theres nothing out there".

However, in at least one place that has proved not be the case.

In July last year Swedish carmaker Volvo announced that it had chosen the Valaliky industrial park near Kosice as the site of its new electric vehicle production plant. In addition, German engineering and technology company Bosch decided to expand its production in the region. Both choices showed that eastern Slovakia appeals to some of the world's biggest companies.

But as archaeological research is now showing, Valaliky and the surrounding area also held appeal for people in the distant past.

Archaeologists from the Institute of Archaeology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) have just completed their first six months of investigations at the site. Led by Marek Vojtecek and Michal Cheben, researchers have found the remains of settlements, burial mounds and a burial site, and many other unique finds.

The burial site in particular is one of the largest of its kind in the northern area of the River Tisa (a major tributary of the Danube).

A place for burial rituals
Tomas Rulisek has replaced Michal Alac following accusations of serious crimes.

The Slovak Information Service building in Bratislava under renovation in 2018. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco)

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share

President Zuzana Caputova sacked Slovak Information Service Director Michal Alac on August 23 and temporarily replaced him with his deputy Tomas Rulisek.

Nominated by the coalition party Sme Rodina and appointed by the president in 2021, Alac had to leave. As of last week he has been prosecuted for several crimes, including obstruction of justice, establishing an organised crime group and the abuse of power.

Rulisek is the third spy boss at the helm of the Slovak Information Service in three years.

Read also:

Read also: Top security officials charged in the middle of election campaign Read more

Alacs predecessor nominated by Sme Rodina, Vladimir Pcolinsky is suspected of corruption and accused of the same crimes as Alac. He was sacked in March 2021 after almost one year in office. Pcolinsky is a brother of Sme Rodina deputy chair Peter Pcolinsky. Alac was Pcolinskys right-hand man at the secret service.

Under the management of Sme Rodina nominees, the secret service is alleged to have attempted to discredit police investigators dealing with corruption cases linked to the Smer party, and helped Pcolinsky when he was charged with corruption.

Vladimir Pcolinsky. (Source: SME - Marko Erd)

Michal Alac. (Source: SME - Jozef Jakubco)

New spy boss after elections

A lawyer by profession, Rulisek has worked with the secret service for 20 years. He was mostly responsible for international relations and administration, the Sme daily writes.

The secret service does not publish the names of his deputies, but Sme writes that one is a person nominated by the OLaNO party, led by ex-PM Igor Matovic. The self-declared anti-corruption fighter defeated Smer and Robert Fico in the 2020 elections.

The Slovak Information Service director is responsible to the prime minister. Acting PM Ludovit Odor said that a new government should appoint the new top spy boss.
Extremely high temperatures on Friday and Saturday, extra fee for foreign students living in Bratislava dorms, Milan Uhrik's unexpected views.

Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share

Good evening. Here is the Thursday, August 24 edition of Today in Slovakia - the main news of the day in less than five minutes.

A motorway might be named after Andy Warhol

The R4 motorway project between Presov and the Polish border. (Source: National Highway Company (NDS))

The National Highway Company is updating a feasibility study concerning the R4 motorway, the SITA news agency wrote. It will connect the town of Kapusany, near Presov, with the Polish border.

Nine stretches, which should be as long as 60km, should be built by 2032. Slovakia initially pledged to build the motorway by 2028.

The motorway will be part of the Via Carpathia road corridor. Once the project is completed, it will connect northern and southern Europe alongside the EUs eastern border.

The planned Slovak motorway could bear the name of the king of pop art, Andy Warhol, whose parents came from eastern Slovakia.

More stories from The Slovak Spectator website

Politics: Slovakia has a new spy boss - third in three years.

Slovakia has a new spy boss - third in three years. Election: MEP Milan Uhrik, a far-right leader, held pro-Western views a decade ago. He forgot to share it with his supporters.

MEP Milan Uhrik, a far-right leader, held pro-Western views a decade ago. He forgot to share it with his supporters. Education: One of the universities in Bratislava will introduce an extra fee for students living in dormitories.

One of the universities in Bratislava will introduce an extra fee for students living in dormitories. Bratislava: Here's 3 things that you can enjoy in the capital for free.

If you like what we are doing and want to support good journalism, buy our online subscription with no ads and a print copy of The Slovak Spectator sent to your home in Slovakia. Thank you.

FEATURE STORY FOR THURSDAY

Future Volvo plant site reveals important archaeological finds

An old Hungarian burial ground from the 10th century on the territory of the future Valaliky Strategic Park, where archaeologists discovered more than 260 graves on June 20, 2023 in Valaliky, near Kosice. (Source: TASR)

Archaeologists from the Slovak Academy of Sciences have just completed their first six months of investigations at the Valaliky site, near Kosice. Here's what researchers have found there.

In other news

The railway carrier ZSSK will add more carriages to its trains running on the international line Kosice - Mukachevo from tomorrow until September 3 due to the expected increased number of travelling Ukrainian students living in Slovakia.

The Nitra Regional Court has dismissed an appeal filed by ex-secret service agent Peter Toth in the case of blackmailing the late journalist Jana Telekiova. Toth was given a suspended sentence of two years' imprisonment. Toth is Marian Kocner's former friend.

Toth was given a suspended sentence of two years' imprisonment. Toth is Marian Kocner's former friend. The most trusted Slovak politician is President Zuzana Caputova, shows an Ipsos poll for Dennik N. Up to 42 percent of respondents trust her, 49 percent do not. The poll was conducted in early August. Acting PM Ludovit Odor came second, Smer chair Robert Fico ended in third place.

EVENT FOR SUNDAY

Post-Ukrainian Independence Day concert

A Ukrainian ensemble will play a concert in Bratislava on August 27, 2023. (Source: Tomas Benedikovic)

The Ukrainian Institut organises a free-of-charge concert on Bratislava's Main Square on Sunday, August 27, three days after Ukraine's Independence Day.

You can watch and enjoy a performance by the Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre named after Mykola Lysenko.

The concert starts at 19:00.

WEATHER FOR FRIDAY: Clear skies and the highest daytime temperature will rise up to 35C. A light breeze. Western Slovakia and the southern parts of central and eastern Slovakia will be under a heat alert. You can expect the same weather on Saturday, too. (SHMU)

Thank you for subscribing and reading. It means a lot to us.

P.S. If you have suggestions on how our news overview can be improved, you can reach us at editorial@spectator.sk.

Follow The Slovak Spectator on Facebook, Instagram (@slovakspectator) and Twitter (@slovakspectator).
Coffee is a drink that keeps on giving. Whereas once youve finished drinking your coffee you may assume that its gifts have been exhausted (even though you no longer are), but thats really where it all begins. Industrious folks have found ingenious and eco-frinedly uses for spent coffee grounds including bio-fuel, biodegradable plastic, a palm oil substitute, shoes and clothing, brain activity sensors, materials for roads, and battery electrodes. And now, Australian engineers are looking to grow that list even more by creating a newer, stronger type of concrete from, in part, used coffee grounds.

As reported by The Guardian, engineers from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have found a way to convert used coffee grounds into a substance that, when added to traditional concrete, makes it roughly 30% stronger. Their finding were recently published in the Journal of Cleaner Production. To do this, they take used coffee grounds, which Australia produces an estimated 165 million pounds of per year, and turn it into biochar through a process known as pyrolosis.

For pyrolysis, coffee grounds gets heated to 350C (662F) in an oxygen-deprived environment to prevent carbon dioxide from being produced and [adding] to greenhouse gas emissions, states co-lead author Dr. Rajeev Roychand. Their process has the knock-on effect of being more energy efficient than most pyrolysis operations, which require much higher temperatures, generally ranging between 700C and 900C (1,292F to 1,652F).

The result is biochar, a porous lightweight residue similar to that of charcoal. When added in place of 15% of the sand used in creating traditional concrete, the resulting mix was found to be 29.3% stronger. The additional strength is due to the porous nature of the coffee biochar, which the concrete mixture binds more firmly to.

The newer, more resilient concrete is a eco-friendly double whammy. It takes a material headed for a landfill and finds a new use for it as well as reduces the amount of natural sand being used in construction.

Use of coffee biochar in concrete is still in the early stages, but per the Guardian, researchers are already collaborating with local councils on future infrastructure projects such as the construction of walkways and pavements.

Still, its an exciting development and further, indisputable proof that the good coffee can do is limited only by human imagination. Some may even call it concrete evidence.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/antonov-says-important-to-preserve-wwii-heroes-memory-nip-in-bud-nazism-glorification-1112835318.html

Russian Ambassador to US: Vital to Preserve WWII Heroes' Memory, Nip Glorification of Nazism in Bud

Russian Ambassador to US: Vital to Preserve WWII Heroes' Memory, Nip Glorification of Nazism in Bud

The Russian Ambassador to the United States, Anatoly Antonov said at a movie screening honoring the Battle of Kursk that it is our duty to preserve the memory of the heroes' of WWII and nip neo-Nazism in the bud.

2023-08-24T03:49+0000

2023-08-24T03:49+0000

2023-08-24T08:17+0000

russia

russia

world

nazi

nazism

anatoly antonov

battle of kursk

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/05/02/1110032367_0:124:3040:1834_1920x0_80_0_0_be2c67fd44bf84901a502a718d3f6618.jpg

Our sacred duty is to preserve the Great Patriotic War heroes' memory, to pass on to the next generations the truth about those years' events and about the price that our ancestors had to pay to win the deadly battle with the 'Nazi machine'. To nip in the bud the exclusion and falsification of historical facts, as well as any manifestations of neo-Nazism, Antonov said at a movie screening event to honor the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Kursk victory. The screening of Liberation. Fiery Arc directed by Y. Ozerov was attended by friends from the diplomatic missions of the CIS countries, compatriots, Russian journalists and representatives of directorates in Bretton Woods institutions. The guests of the event were also treated to exhibitions dedicated to the Battle of Kursk and the combat brotherhood of the peoples of the Soviet Union. Those present could enjoy songs of the war years. In his welcoming speech, Antonov stressed that the defeat of the Nazis in the battle destroyed their plans to seize the strategic initiative and go on the offensive, turned the tide of World War II, and ensured the advantage of the Soviet Army, bringing the victory closer. He said that during these days, Russians recall with deep respect and gratitude the friendship and brotherhood of the peoples of the USSR, who withstood the most severe trials that the war against the Nazi invaders brought with it. In early November 1941, Kursk was seized by the Germans as part of Operation Barbarossa, aimed at the quick defeat of the Soviet Union  which proved unsuccessful after the Battle for Moscow a month later. The crushing defeat in the Battle for Stalingrad in 1942-1943 resulted in the collapse of the Wehrmacht's southern flank, forcing them into a massive retreat. On February 8, 1943, Kursk was liberated by the Red Army and found itself in the heart of a huge salient, not far from the frontline stabilized by the Wehrmacht that managed to stop its retreat. Adolf Hitler wanted to destroy the Soviet troops on the Kursk Salient in the last serious attempt to change the course of the war. He also believed that the entire world would be shocked by the fall of Kursk, challenged only by commander Heinz Guderian, who told him that nobody outside Russia knows where Kursk is and that it would be under Germany's control. The German offensive on Kursk (Operation Citadel) began on July 5, 1943, and collapsed within eleven days, after which the Soviet army launched its counteroffensive, marking the full defeat of the Germans in the battle.

russia

world

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

battle of kursk, 80th anniversary, russia and neo nazis, neo nazis in europe, is nazism growing
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/as-counteroffensive-falters-us-starts-deliberate-sustained-leak-campaign-to-blame-ukraine-1112850144.html

As Counteroffensive Falters, US Starts Deliberate, Sustained Leak Campaign to Blame Ukraine

As Counteroffensive Falters, US Starts Deliberate, Sustained Leak Campaign to Blame Ukraine

Ukraines summer counteroffensive has failed to break through Russias defensive lines, with the Russian military estimating that Kiev has lost over 43,000 troops and 4,900+ pieces of military equipment since June 4. Sputnik reached out to former Pentagon officer David T. Pyne and political scientist Nicolai Petro to discuss what happens next.

2023-08-24T12:11+0000

2023-08-24T12:11+0000

2023-08-24T13:08+0000

analysis

nicolai petro

volodymyr zelensky

joe biden

ukraine

russia

nato

pentagon

ukrainian counteroffensive attempt

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/19/1111463295_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_665b41a563e9e017492eea53d0757ed5.jpg

As the summer approaches its end, US officials have begun to openly attempt to shift the blame for the failure of Ukraines counteroffensive from the West and NATO onto the Ukrainians.US officials speaking anonymously told Americas so-called "newspaper of record" this week that the counteroffensive has not succeeded because Ukrainian commanders spread troops out across the 1,000 km frontline with Russia, instead of concentrating forces on severing the land bridge linking mainland Russia and Crimea through Zaporozhye region.US strategists reportedly advised Ukraine to pump more troops toward the top priority target of Melitopol in Zaporozhyes southwest, and to punch through Russian defenses and minefields, even if it cost large numbers of soldiers and equipment.Instead, Kiev has reportedly spread forces out, keeping a significant reserve near the Donbass city of Artemovsk (Bakhmut), despite US estimations that trying to take the city back from Russia would lead to large numbers of losses for little strategic gain.US officials also confirmed anonymously what the Russian military has been saying publicly: that Ukraines forces have been taking staggering losses, and running out of senior commanders and experienced fighters, whose units have had to be reconstituted a number of times due to the intensity of the fighting.Officials did not elaborate on how Ukraine, which hasnt been part of the Soviet Union since its collapse in 1991, and whose governments have grown successively more anti-communist in recent decades  especially after the 2014 Maintain coup, continues to somehow maintain an old Soviet Communist doctrine in warfare. To the contrary, for over eight years after 2014, Ukraines military doctrine has been informed and transformed by NATO, which trained tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops, and provided Kiev with the latest Western views on network-centric warfare.Nowhere in US officials complaints was there any reference to the disadvantage Ukraines forces face in artillery and air support (where Russian forces enjoy near total superiority), or the effective role Russian electronic warfare has played in jamming and defeating Ukraines Western-provided communications equipment. Despite the $100 billion+ in military aid doled out to Ukraine over the past year-and-a-half (i.e. more than one-and-a-half-times Russias annual defense budget), Washington and its allies have not been able to make up for these disadvantages.Deliberate and Sustained Leak CampaignI generally agree with their criticism of the Ukrainian counteroffensive, though I dont believe Ukraine would have been much more successful if they had followed that advice given the strength of Russias fortified defensive lines, Pyne added.The observer, who accurately predicted back in June that the counteroffensive would sputter, emphasized that for offensive operations to succeed, the advancing side needs at least a three to one manpower advantage over the defender.However, Russias strategy of luring Ukrainians close to the Russian defensive mainline before using aerial mines in their rear areas and hammering them with artillery has reportedly caused Ukraine to suffer 40,000 soldiers killed in action since the offensive beganAccording to one article, Ukrainian draftees sent to the front only last about two to three days on average before they are killed or wounded. If you look at a map of the Ukrainians territorial gains during the past two and a half months, they are barely visible on a map, Pyne stressed.Pyne is convinced that the attempt by US officials to now blame Ukraines tactics signals an effort to distract from the folly of launching the summer counteroffensive in the first place.Unlike Russia, which has only partially mobilized its military forces and retains vast, largely untapped manpower reserves, Ukraine has fully mobilized its military of nearly a million men but has reportedly suffered over 200,000 troops killed in action since the war began and even more wounded, Pyne said.The Ukrainian government is continuing the counteroffensive due to pressure from the US and NATO, the observer added, in part to show that the massive Western investment of military assistance to Ukraine has been money well spent, even if the truth is that it has yielded no positive results since the end of Ukraines successful counteroffensives in Kherson and Kharkov in October.Failed Attempt to Weaken RussiaAt the same time, Pyne said, rather than weakening Russia militarily (the key objective outlined by Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin last year when discussing US war aims in Ukraine), the conflict has only served to strengthen Russia both economically and militarily, with Moscow doubling the size of its armed forces, and mass-producing heavy weapons systems including tanks and missiles. At the same time, Washingtons decision to unilaterally disarm itself by sending weapons to Ukraine from the Pentagons own armories has degraded the US militarys ability to fight, let alone win, a future great power war against Communist China.Accordingly, the observer stressed, US aid to Kiev must stop, and a ceasefire and armistice must be reached so we can end the continuing death and destruction in Ukraine.Nicolai Petro, international politics professor at the University of Rhode Island, echoed Pynes comments on the need for a halt to the conflict, but recalled to Sputnik that unfortunately, President Zelensky signed a decree last year literally preventing himself and his government from negotiating with the current Russian government.Who is Morally Responsible for Ukraine CrisisPetro also believes that the current strategy adapted by the US and its allies raises the issue of what is the moral responsibility of the West in the strategy that it is pursuing, which is to continue to fight regardless of the cost, because the cost differential is so low for the West compared to Ukraine."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/russia-hits-decision-making-center-of-ukraine-overnight-goal-achieved---mod-1112847042.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230816/deployment-of-elite-82nd-brigade-wont-turn-the-tide-of-ukraines-flagging-counteroffensive-1112650732.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/1112808168.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230822/frozen-frontlines-loom-ukrainian-officer-predicts-standstill-as-winter-approaches-1112779884.html

ukraine

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ilya Tsukanov

counteroffensive, ukraine, russia, nato, united states, volodymyr zelensky, joe biden, biden administration, summer, zaporozhye, white house, blame, responsibility
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/astronomers-detect-dark-spot-on-neptune-for-first-time-using-earth-based-telescope-1112869224.html

Astronomers Detect Dark Spot on Neptune for First Time Using Earth-Based Telescope

Astronomers Detect Dark Spot on Neptune for First Time Using Earth-Based Telescope

The solar systems most distant plant, Neptune has remained an elusive object of study for astronomers since it was discovered in 1846. Very little was known about it until the Voyager 2 spacecraft flew past it in August 1989.

2023-08-24T21:09+0000

2023-08-24T21:09+0000

2023-08-24T21:08+0000

beyond politics

neptune

european southern observatory

astronomy

solar system

dark spots

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105620/08/1056200863_35:0:1159:632_1920x0_80_0_0_537fde6da3caa9960fa7c589e501043c.png

Astronomers at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in the remote desert of northern Chile have announced a new first for humans on Earth: they managed to detect a dark spot on Neptune from Earth for the first time.When Voyager 2 flew past Neptune in 1989, it snapped photos of a massive Big Dark Spot on the planet, a massive storm analogous to Jupiters Big Red Spot. However, unlike Jupiters cyclone, Neptunes has not persisted through the decades, disappearing and then reappearing again later.When the Hubble Space Telescope first observed Neptune after being launched in 1993, the dark spot was nowhere to be found. Only in 2018 did the Hubble finally see a new spot on Neptune.Now, however, astronomers spotted it from Earth."At first, we could only detect these spots by sending a spacecraft there, like Voyager. Then we gained the ability to make them out remotely with Hubble. Finally, technology has advanced to enable this from the ground."They made the discovery using ESOs Very Large Telescope (VLT) and a device called the Multi-Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), which allowed them to break up the sunlight reflected off the planet and enhance it, revealing the dark spot, according to an ESO news release.On frigid Neptune, 2.8 billion miles (4.6 billion kilometers) from the sun, the average temperature is negative 392 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 200 Celsius) and the atmosphere is made up by icy crystals of water, methane, and ammonia just as much as they are light gases like hydrogen and helium. However, the materials predominate at different levels of the atmosphere, with hydrogen and helium forming the majority of the upper layers and the icy contents being found deeper inside.Another study published just last week found a direct correlation between the suns regular cycle and the degree of cloud cover on Neptune, with cloud cover increasing on Neptune about two years after the solar maximum. The correlation provides strong evidence the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation might initiate a photochemical reaction in Neptune's atmosphere, leading to cloud formation, the scientists in Hawaii and California said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20220922/fresh-james-webb-telescope-photo-shows-neptunes-rings-in-stunning-quality-1101066625.html

neptune

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Fantine Gardinier

Fantine Gardinier

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Fantine Gardinier

neptune; dark spot; european southern observatory; solar system
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/belarus-to-host-csto-combat-brotherhood-2023-drills-from-september-1-6---defense-ministry-1112842036.html

Belarus to Host CSTO Combat Brotherhood-2023 Drills From September 1-6 - Defense Ministry

Belarus to Host CSTO Combat Brotherhood-2023 Drills From September 1-6 - Defense Ministry

MINSK (Sputnik) - The joint operational and strategic exercise of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) "Combat Brotherhood-2023" will be held on... 24.08.2023, Sputnik International

2023-08-24T06:23+0000

2023-08-24T06:23+0000

2023-08-24T06:23+0000

military

belarus

armenia

kazakhstan

collective security treaty organization (csto)

csto

drills

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/06/1092060690_0:131:3175:1917_1920x0_80_0_0_e5143bd6d616972017e89b5be11679ca.jpg

"The joint operational and strategic exercise 'Combat Brotherhood-2023' will be held on territory of Belarus from September 1-6," the ministry said in a statement.The Collective Security Treaty Organization is a military alliance consisting of six countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan. The organization aims to promote regional security and stability, as well as to coordinate joint military efforts.The organization has participated in several peacekeeping missions and joint military exercises.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230620/csto-foreign-ministers-adopt-statement-on-prevention-of-arms-race-in-space-1111330182.html

belarus

armenia

kazakhstan

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

belarus, armenia, kazakhstan, collective security treaty organization (csto), csto, drills
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/brics-expansion-main-catalyst-of-new-world-order-marked-by-end-of-petrodollar-1112847948.html

BRICS Expansion Main Catalyst' of New World Order Marked by 'End of Petrodollar'

BRICS Expansion Main Catalyst' of New World Order Marked by 'End of Petrodollar'

Integration of new members into BRICS will facilitate the advent of a new world order, marked by the end of the petrodollars yoke, Michael Goddard told Sputnik.

2023-08-24T11:45+0000

2023-08-24T11:45+0000

2023-08-24T12:44+0000

brics summit 2023

brics bank

brics

analysis

cyril ramaphosa

naledi pandor

new development bank (ndb)

south africa

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/18/1112846077_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_c577a09ced90ca59df0be988b817c9d3.jpg

Integration of new members into BRICS will facilitate the advent of a new world order, marked by the end of the petrodollars yoke, Michael Goddard, president of the Netley Group, told Sputnik.Earlier in the day, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates were invited to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from January 1, 2024," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Thursday at the BRICS Summit in South Africa.With two of the new countries located in the Middle East, two in Africa, and the rest - previously neighbors of the association of five nations that incorporates Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, this expansion is a hugely significant event in the world history, said Goddard.He added that in his opinion, the Saudis will begin to price more and more oil only in local currencies, in yuan, and whatever.Integration of the six abovementioned countries in the BRICS group is relevant on both economic and geopolitical grounds, for at least two reasons," according to Sergio Rossi, professor of macroeconomics and monetary economics at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.Breaking the YokeWhile BRICS is yet to present criteria for new members' inclusion, the six aforementioned countries were added to the bloc after the group had agreed on the issue of enlargement, and adopted a document outlining its principles, as South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor previously clarified. We have agreed on the matter of expansion. We have a document that we have adopted that sets out the guidelines and principles, processes for considering countries that wish to become members of the BRICS, Pandor said on Ubuntu Radio, a station run by South Africas Foreign Ministry. About two dozen other countries have expressed their interest in joining the club, South Africa's BRICS Sherpa Anil Sooklal said earlier in the month.The current expansion decision is, firstly, a clear signal to the United States and the Western bloc as a whole that globalization does not rely only on the US soft power and dollar dominance, as there will be at least two opposing blocs of countries, namely, the Global North and the Global South, said Sergio Rossi.The macroeconomics expert continued:Indeed, the momentous expansion decision is just the beginning of the breaking of the yoke of America's basic oppression of countries like Iran, Michael Goddard said, because it means that you'll have a new, reliable, not only financial network, but network of the ability to trade goods and services or whatever else. With BRICS accounting for 37 percent of world's GDP and almost half of the world's population, the expansion is fraught with both opportunities and challenges. And its going to be a gigantic fight, the resident of the Netley Group warned.Sergio Rossi, agreed that as the expansion of the group brings with it an increase in the "size of GDP and population across the BRICS," it will thereby create "more business opportunities, both within and across the BRICS countries borders." Rossi underscored at this point the importance of expanding settlements in national currencies for BRICS members, and enhancing cooperation between banks. At the group's summit in Johannesburg, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed concerns about the increasing weaponization of the global financial system and payment mechanisms for geopolitical purposes, saying:"We are concerned that global financial and payment systems are increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical contestation. Global economic recovery relies on predictable global payment systems and the smooth operation of banking, supply chains, trade, tourism, as well as financial flows." The South African president noted that BRICS leaders would continue to consider "practical measures" to facilitate trade and investment flows through "the increased use of the local currencies." BRICS' New Development Bank is leading the way in this area, said Ramaphosa, demonstrating ability to mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development in emerging economies ever since its establishment in 2015.Looking ahead, the beginning of the new world order currently taking shape will make the world a fairer and better place, and will make people able to make business decisions and not worry about politics," suggested Michael Goddard. He voiced his deep belief that Russia was "the best placed country in economy to take advantage of this."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/argentina-iran-saudi-arabia-egypt-uae-and-ethiopia-get-brics-membership-1112840923.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/brics-have-opponents--countries-of-golden-billion---putin-1112844468.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/brics-offers-alternative-model-as-us-hegemony-fades-1112825485.html

south africa

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

brics expansion, new members into brics, new world order, end of petrodollar, de-dollarization, yuan, dedollarisation, dedollarization
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/brics-sets-out-key-points-in-15th-summits-declaration-1112845067.html

BRICS Sets Out Key Points in 15th Summit's Declaration

BRICS Sets Out Key Points in 15th Summit's Declaration

On Thursday, the BRICS leaders have decided to invite Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia to join the group, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, adding that the admission of new members to BRICS is the first phase of the group's expansion process.

2023-08-24T12:27+0000

2023-08-24T12:27+0000

2023-08-24T12:27+0000

world

state council

russia

brazil

china

the united nations (un)

un security council (unsc)

brics

brics summit 2023

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/18/1112844680_0:168:3047:1881_1920x0_80_0_0_179a92be7afc7749088d680d3b987b4f.jpg

On Thursday, BRICS leaders decided to admit Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, the UAE and Saudi Arabia into the club, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced, adding that the entry of the new members to the bloc is the first phase of the group's expansion process.The leaders of BRICS also reached an agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures for the club's expansion process. BRICS Countries Weigh in on Russia's Presidency in 2024BRICS countries fully support Russia's presidency of the group in 2024 and holding the next summit in Kazan in October, BRICS said in a declaration following the Johannesburg summit on Thursday."Brazil, India, China and South Africa extend their full support to Russia for its BRICS Chairship in 2024 and the holding of the XVI BRICS Summit in the city of Kazan, Russia," the document said.The group's leaders have also instructed their foreign ministers to prepare a list of potential partner countries by the next summit.Among other issues, BRICS encourages greater participation of developing countries in the work of international organizations. "We call for greater representation of emerging markets and developing countries, in international organizations and multilateral fora in which they play an important role," the document said.BRICS Leaders on Reforming the UNThe BRICS leaders support the reform of the UN, including that of the UN Security Council, in order to make the organization more democratic and efficient, according to the declaration.The leaders also agreed to "strengthen cooperation on issues of common interests both within BRICS and in multilateral fora including the United Nations General Assembly and Human Rights Council, taking into account the necessity to promote, protect and fulfil human rights in a non-selective, non-politicised and constructive manner and without double standards," the document read.BRICS Supports Using National Currencies in International, Bilateral TradeBRICS members stand for the use of national currencies in international trade, as well as financial settlements within the association, the declaration said.The association also advocates further cooperation with a view to strengthening supply chains and payment systems between its members."We encourage further cooperation among BRICS countries to enhance the interconnectivity of supply chains and payment systems to promote trade and investment flows. We agree to strengthen exchanges and cooperation in trade in services as established in the BRICS Framework for Cooperation on Trade in Services, with the BRICS Business Council and BRICS Womens Business Alliance (WBA) with the aim to promote implementation of BRICS Trade in Services Cooperation Roadmap and relevant documents including the BRICS Framework for cooperation in Trade in Professional Services," the declaration states.BRICS on the Ukrainian ConflictBRICS members favor a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, including the African states peace initiative, the declaration said."We recall our national positions concerning the conflict in and around Ukraine as expressed at the appropriate fora, including the UNSC [United Nations Security Council] and UNGA [United Nations General Assembly]. We note with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, including the African Leaders Peace Mission and the proposed path for peace," the declaration said.BRICS Members Committed to Deepening Economic CooperationThe BRICS member states are committed to deepening economic cooperation and coordination of macroeconomic policy, according to the final declaration."We recognize the important role of BRICS countries working together to deal with risks and challenges to the world economy in achieving global recovery and sustainable development. We reaffirm our commitment to enhance macro-economic policy coordination, deepen economic cooperation, and work to realize strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive economic recovery," the declaration read.BRICS countries also focus on strengthening agricultural cooperation globally and within the group to ensure food security, BRICS said."Recognizing that BRICS countries produce one third of the world's food, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthen agricultural cooperation and promote sustainable agriculture and rural development of BRICS countries for enhancing food security both within BRICS and worldwide," the document stated.BRICS on Iranian Nuclear Issue The BRICS countries reaffirm the need to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue by peaceful and diplomatic means, the organization said.BRICS also advocates for the full restoration and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)."Stress the importance of preserving the JCPOA and the UNSCR 2231 to international non-proliferation as well as wider peace and stability and hope for relevant parties to restore the full and effective implementation of the JCPOA at an early date," the document said.BRICS Call for Strengthening Disarmament, Non-ProliferationBRICS countries favor bolstering disarmament and non-proliferation, including in the field of biological and chemical weapons, according to the declaration."We call for the strengthening of disarmament and non-proliferation, including the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological (Biological) and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (BTWC) and the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction (CWC), recognizing its role in safeguarding and for preserving their integrity and effectiveness to maintain global stability and international peace and security," the document stated.BRICS leaders appreciate the interest shown by the Global South in seeking membership with the group, the final declaration noted.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230731/un-security-council-holds-meeting-on-threats-and-security--1112278168.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230329/iran-russia-agree-jcpoa-has-no-alternatives-1108919352.html

russia

brazil

china

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

south africa, chairman xi jinping, president xi jinping, 15th summit of brics, xi jinping, chinese chairman, brics summit, brics development, multipolar world, polycentric world, south african foreign minister, naledi pandor, brics cooperation, brics development
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/china-counts-on-trade-normalization-talks-with-visiting-us-commerce-secretary-1112848462.html

China Counts on Trade Normalization Talks With Visiting US Commerce Secretary

China Counts on Trade Normalization Talks With Visiting US Commerce Secretary

China plans to discuss eliminating differences with the United States in bilateral trade and economic relations during the upcoming visit of US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, Chinese Commerce Ministry spokeswoman Shu Jueting said on Thursday.

2023-08-24T10:59+0000

2023-08-24T10:59+0000

2023-08-24T10:59+0000

world

us

yang shu

china

south korea

chinese commerce ministry

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/0b/1d/1091124667_0:32:3073:1760_1920x0_80_0_0_6db8497a42ba15262e47c41822d019e9.jpg

Raimondo will visit China to meet with its political leadership and US entrepreneurs in the country from August 27-30. The latest trade clash between China and the US took place in late May, when China said US semiconductor manufacturer Micron had failed a cybersecurity check, therefore, critical Chinese information infrastructure should stop purchasing the company's products. US lawmakers, in response, reportedly urged the US Department of Commerce to blacklist Chinas integrated semiconductor manufacturer ChangXin Memory Technologies. In April, the US reportedly asked South Korea to restrict its semiconductor exports to China after it launched a security probe into Micron.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/new-laws-due-to-prevent-chinese-companies-or-citizens-from-buying-land-in-us-1112816293.html

china

south korea

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

normalization talks, us secretary of commerce gina raimondo, chinese commerce ministry spokeswoman shu jueting
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/china-opposes-release-of-water-from-japans-fukushima-npp-demands-stoppage---beijing-1112842909.html

China Opposes Release of Japan's Fukushima Wastewater, Demands Stoppage

China Opposes Release of Japan's Fukushima Wastewater, Demands Stoppage

China strongly opposes the release of treated radioactive water from Japans Fukushima nuclear power plant (NPP) and demands that Japan stop this "wrongdoing," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

2023-08-24T07:27+0000

2023-08-24T07:27+0000

2023-08-24T09:07+0000

asia

fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant

japan

china

tokyo electric power company (tepco)

international atomic energy agency (iaea)

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105124/55/1051245593_0:168:4000:2418_1920x0_80_0_0_2cb033e47d090f20d80b780024b1d77b.jpg

China strongly opposes the release of treated radioactive water from Japans Fukushima nuclear power plant (NPP) and demands that Japan stop this "wrongdoing," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday. Beijing also noted that the accident that occurred at Fukushima 12 years ago had already led to a major disaster and released a large amount of harmful substances into the ocean. The Chinese foreign ministry additionally said that Japan provided no evidence of the legality of its decision to dump treated water into the sea. The ministry also vowed China will take all necessary measures to maintain food safety and the health of its people. The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment also said that Beijing will intensify its monitoring of the impact of the water release from Fukushima into the ocean. "The ministry will continue to strengthen monitoring efforts, timely monitor and evaluate the impact of radioactive water discharge from the Fukushima nuclear power plant on the radiation situation in our waters, effectively protect the interests of our country and people's health," the ministry said in a statement. Japans decision to discharge treated nuclear-tainted water into the Pacific faced criticism from South Korea and China, who fear radioactive contamination. The International Atomic Energy Agency argued that the treated wastewater will have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. Tokyo said that it had to discharge the treated water as it urgently needed to free up space at the Fukushima NPP. Japan initially planned to begin discharging water purified of all radionuclides except tritium into the ocean 0.6 miles from the station this spring. However, the deadline was pushed back to the summer of 2023 due to adverse weather conditions and other factors. The Fukushima nuclear disaster occurred on March 11, 2011. The plant was severely damaged by a magnitude 9 earthquake in the Pacific Ocean. This triggered a massive tsunami that hit the plant and caused three nuclear reactors to melt down. The accident is considered the worst nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl accident in 1986 and has resulted in widespread contamination of local soil and water. The disaster left 22,200 people dead or missing.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230819/japanese-prime-minister-says-will-visit-fukushima-npp-before-decision-on-water-release-1112723754.html

japan

china

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

water from japan's fukushima npp, radioactive water, nuclear power plant
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/chinese-envoy-to-un-says-cluster-munitions-could-lead-to-humanitarian-disasters-in-ukraine-1112861643.html

Chinese Envoy to UN Says Cluster Munitions Could Lead to Humanitarian Disasters in Ukraine

Chinese Envoy to UN Says Cluster Munitions Could Lead to Humanitarian Disasters in Ukraine

The use of cluster munitions in Ukraine could result in humanitarian disasters in the country, Chinese Ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun said on Thursday.

2023-08-24T17:10+0000

2023-08-24T17:10+0000

2023-08-24T17:10+0000

military

the united nations (un)

un security council (unsc)

convention on cluster munitions

ukraine

china

russia

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/06/1d/1096778919_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_22d1d802980f63333dece33dfa2e58f9.jpg

The irresponsible transfer and use of cluster munitions could easily give rise to humanitarian disasters, Zhang stated during a UN Security Council meeting on the conflict in Ukraine. Earlier this month, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the organization stands firmly against the use of cluster munitions anywhere in the world. The United States decided to supply Ukraine with cluster munitions despite criticism of the weapon by countries around the world. Ukraine has provided the US with information indicating the proper use of cluster munitions so far, the Pentagon said last week.Russia has repeatedly warned the West from supplying weapons to Ukraine, noting that the decision by the United States to send cluster munitions to Ukraine is a provocation that is pushing humankind closer to a new world war, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov stated on July 7, commenting on the Washington's decision.Antonov stressed that the United States is so obsessed with the idea of defeating Russia that it does not realize the severity of its actions, which only lead to a surge in the number of victims and prolong the Kiev regimes agony.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230727/forgotten-angels-how-ukrainian-forces-killed-donbass-children-1112191317.html

ukraine

china

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

zhang jun, un security council, china on cluster munitions, cluster bombs, us arms for ukraine, us cluster munitions, american cluster munitions
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/does-hungarian-president-novaks-trip-to-ukraine-mean-break-with-orban-1112866170.html

Does Hungarian President Novak's Trip to Ukraine Mean Break With Orban?

Does Hungarian President Novak's Trip to Ukraine Mean Break With Orban?

Hungarian President Katalin Novak has visited Ukraines Western Zakarpatye region and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. What message does Novak's Ukraine trip send?

2023-08-24T19:31+0000

2023-08-24T19:31+0000

2023-08-24T19:50+0000

europe

analysis

hungary

ukraine

viktor orban

volodymyr zelensky

budapest

ukrainian security service (sbu)

european union (eu)

zakarpattia

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101840/34/1018403439_0:160:3077:1890_1920x0_80_0_0_40053aed01b38e4d0e54f1f77c39cbca.jpg

On Tuesday, Hungarian President Katalin Novak arrived in Ukraine's Zakarpatye, which is home to tens of thousands of ethnic Hungarians. Once close to 150,000 residents, the Hungarian community in Ukraine has recently contracted to about 70,000-80,000 people.According to the Hungarian press, the service included the blessing and consecration of the bread personally baked by Novak on the occasion of the national holiday, the State Foundation Day of Hungary.The next day, Novak met with Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss cross-border cooperation and joint initiatives in the Zakarpatye region, as well as Budapest's humanitarian aid to Ukraine. She also attended the so-called 'Crimea Platform', an international meeting initiated by Zelensky in 2021.How Western Press Misread Novak's Ukraine TripThe Western mainstream press has largely interpreted Novak's visit as the Hungarian president's breakaway from the policies of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, claiming that she "pushed past" Orban's "pro-Russian" rhetoric. The Western media has long been critical of Orban's unwillingness to send weapons to the Kiev regime, as well as his cabinet's blocking of EU military aid for Ukraine and critical approach to Brussels' sanctions policy against Russia.Still, it appears Novak's mission has been misread in the West, according to Gabor Stier, foreign policy senior analyst at Hungarian conservative daily Magyar Nemzet and member of Valdai Discussion Club.Ukrainian Nationalism Hurt Ethnic Minorities, Got Worse Under ZelenskyStier noted Hungarians and other ethnic minorities in Ukraine have suffered from the surge in Ukrainian ultra-nationalism sentiment after the 2014 coup d'etat in Kiev. He recalled that when Zelensky assumed office in May 2019 there was hope the situation could improve with regard to the treatment of Russian-speakers in Donbass and Hungarians in Zakarpatye. Unfortunately, those hopes were dashed.Under Zelensky's presidency Ukrainian Hungarians have been either suspected or openly accused of "separatism"; some leaders of Societies of Hungarian Culture of Zakarpatye (KMKS, KMKSZ) were even subjected to persecution by the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU).Since the beginning of Russia's special military operation any attempts by Ukrainian Hungarians to complain about discrimination have been often qualified as "pro-Russian" propaganda. In particular, the ethnic minority complains about the inability to get education in their native tongue and to freely use their native language, which, according to them, contradicts major democratic principles.Per Stier, many in Hungary believe the future of the Hungarians in Ukraine is at least vague. What's worse, the Hungarian population is gradually contracting in Zakarpatye, he said. Many have already resettled. The Hungarian community has reduced to roughly 70,000; most of them are people of the old generation. Under these circumstances, Hungary, as a state, must do everything for these people to live normally there, argued Stier. That is why Hungary is trying to negotiate with the leadership of Ukraine and making some gestures, he said.Hungary Doesn't Want to Seize ZakarpatyeStier highlighted that Budapest is not seeking to cut out Zakarpatye from Ukraine.Budapest views the Hungarian people in Zakarpatye as part of the Hungarian nation, not part of the Hungarian state, according to the analyst. To reach its objectives, Hungary is ready to maintain dialogue with all parties, including Moscow, Kiev and Western countries (especially given that it is part of the EU and NATO), but it does not mean Budapest would bow down and support providing military aid to Ukraine, according to Stier. Neither is Budapest "pro-Russian," the analyst stressed. "Orban is not pro-Russian. He is pro-Hungarian and he proceeds from Hungarian interests, and many do not want to understand this."

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230714/ukraine-lost-sovereignty-upon-receiving-western-money-and-weapons--orban--1111867252.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230520/bloody-jester-volodymyr-zelenskys-rise-to-power-1110465049.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230804/ukraines-attrition-rate-suggests-counteroffensive-is-over-1112393002.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230809/warsaw-plans-to-create-polish-ukrainian-union-for-subsequent-occupation-of-western-ukraine---shoigu-1112480015.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230414/orban-conflict-in-ukraine-will-end-as-soon-as-us-europe-stop-supporting-kiev-1109499533.html

hungary

ukraine

budapest

zakarpattia

transcarpathia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ekaterina Blinova

Ekaterina Blinova

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ekaterina Blinova

katalin novak, novak trip to ukraine, hungarian president met with zelensky, crimea platform, victor orban, hungary ukraine aid, hungary zakarpatye, transcarpathia, zakarpattia, novak break with orban, eu military aid to ukraine, hungary blocked eu aid to ukraine, war in ukraine, ukraine conflict, ukrainian nationalism, ukrainian security service, sbu, hungarians separatism ukraine
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/dozens-gather-outside-georgias-fulton-county-jail-ahead-of-trumps-looming-surrender-1112869831.html

Dozens Gather Outside Georgia's Fulton County Jail Ahead of Trumps Looming Surrender

Dozens Gather Outside Georgia's Fulton County Jail Ahead of Trumps Looming Surrender

Dozens of people are waiting for former US President Donald Trump to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail on charges of interfering in Georgia's 2020 election results, a Sputnik correspondent reports from Atlanta.

2023-08-24T21:32+0000

2023-08-24T21:32+0000

2023-08-24T21:31+0000

americas

donald trump

atlanta

georgia

fulton county jail

surrender

donald trump's indictment

protester

counterprotests

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/18/1112869451_0:161:3071:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_5239b675406bfe39905bd4833aa035f0.jpg

Many of those standing in front of the jail are supporters of the former president, holding banners and flags in his support, and wearing clothes and hats with the name of the former head of state. In addition to supporters, there are also a few opponents of Trump on the ground, who periodically engage in verbal skirmishes with their opponents. One of the opponents said she was present at Trumps indictment in New York and is now in Georgia to promote her stance against the former president. The atmosphere appears quiet and organized as individuals present at the scene express hope that violence can be avoided. The prison area has been surrounded by local police and also by security guards from the jail itself. Many streets leading to the jail are closed off, making it impossible to get in front of the prison on a vehicle. Helicopters periodically circle in the airspace above the prison. Moreover, the internet connection is non-existent or of very poor quality in the area surrounding the jail. Meanwhile, Atlantas downtown area is quiet, with one police car standing in the centers main park. Local residents told Sputniks correspondent that they are aware of Trumps visit but do not express any strong emotions about the event. The authorities allowed people who came, including the numerous media representatives present, to stay in allocated areas of the territory near the prison parking lot. At the same time, with the exception of numerous law enforcement officers, no inspection activities were organized on the spot to check people for possible firearms or other dangerous items. Former US President Donald Trump will report to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta on Thursday to surrender to authorities and be arrested on charges of interfering in elections in the US state of Georgia. Trump is expected to leave the grounds shortly after booking as it was previously agreed he would be released on a $200,000 bail. He's release also restricts him from speaking with any co-defendants and witnesses about the case.Unlike the previous three cases, on the day of the "surrender" to the authorities, Trump will not appear in court. The first hearing in this case is scheduled for the week of September 5, and the arrest itself takes place in a prison, not in the courthouse. Trump is expected to undergo a formal arrest procedure that includes a search, mugshot, and fingerprinting. After being released on bail, Trump is expected to leave Atlanta until at least the first court hearing in September.

americas

atlanta

georgia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

donald trump indictment, georgia's fulton county jail, trump surrender,
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/fukushima-very-dangerouscauses-genetic-damage-at-tiny-conventional-doses--1112839265.html

Nuclear Expert: Tritium in Fukushima Wastewater 'Very Dangerous, Causes 'Genetic Damage'

Nuclear Expert: Tritium in Fukushima Wastewater 'Very Dangerous, Causes 'Genetic Damage'

The Tritium contained in filtered cooling water from the Fukushima nuclear site is very dangerous, causes genetic damage, nuclear expert Dr. Christopher Busby told Sputnik.

2023-08-24T09:40+0000

2023-08-24T09:40+0000

2023-08-25T11:47+0000

analysis

fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant

2011 fukushima disaster

fukushima

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/19381/67/193816708_0:44:2896:1673_1920x0_80_0_0_e4c490380a6a915b03d1d748dcc7d535.jpg

The tritium contained in filtered cooling water from the Fukushima nuclear site is very dangerous, renowned nuclear expert Dr. Christopher Busby told Sputnik.After months of controversy, Japan earlier announced that it would begin the release of over a million metric tons of treated, highly-diluted radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) into the Pacific Ocean on August 24. The decision was made regardless of a torrent of criticism from the local population, the international humanitarian community, as well as vehement objections from China and other neighbors in the region. The plan to release the water had been in the wind for years. Back in 2019, Japan's authorities had warned that they were running out of space to store the material.Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. While it is produced naturally from interactions of cosmic rays with gases in the upper atmosphere, it is also a by-product of nuclear reactors. Tritium possesses the same number of protons and electrons as hydrogen, but unlike regular hydrogen, which does not have any neutrons, tritium has two. Thus, it is both unstable and radioactive.According to Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the released wastewater will be heavily diluted with clean water, leaving it containing only very low concentrations of radioactive material. The dumped water will ostensibly travel through an undersea tunnel about one kilometer (0.62 miles) off the coast, until it reaches the Pacific Ocean. Both during the discharge and afterwards, the entire process is reported to be monitored by third parties, including the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for years to come.'Regulators Are Wrong'While the Japanese (also the International Atomic Energy Agency, and a long list of self-identified experts) collectively say: "no problems, the quantities are very small and pose no risk to health, neither to people nor marine life," this is not the case, according to Christopher Busby.Tritium is interesting stuff. Its radioactivity is extremely weak: it emits a very short-range beta electron and itself then changes into Helium 3 In terms of radioactivity, because the decay electron is so weak, the method that the risk agencies use to quantify radiation effects has classed tritium as almost a non-event, in terms of health effects. This is most convenient for the nuclear industry, as it means that the exposure limits for tritium (in terms of Becquerels per liter) are truly enormous, when compared with other radioactive waste," the nuclear expert clarified.The expert recalled that years ago, the regulator BEIR committee in the US, led by Prof. Karl Z. Morgan, made an unsuccessful attempt to change the limits for tritium, which he was convinced was a serious hazard. He was overruled because it would have made the operation of nuclear power very difficult. The water in the tanks contains about 1500Bq/liter. A Becquerel is one decay per second. A liter of this water would produce 1,500 clicks on a suitable measuring instrument Would you drink this water? Even if the IAEA say its OK? queried the scientist.While a plethora of experts have been rounded up to say that this stuff has never shown any health effects in places where it is poured into the sea, Busby pointed out, they are wrong. The expert, who spent years of research looking at the effects of releasing radionuclides, including tritium, to the sea, cited his studies in the late 1990s looking at cancer and child leukemia near the Irish Sea. Similar studies, from 1999 to 2006, showed a close to 30 percent increase in cancer near the Bristol Channel, where there are also significant quantities of tritium, the expert stated, also citing research by Professor Awadhesh Jha showing that very small amounts of tritium have profound effects on chromosomes and on development of marine invertebrates.Physical chemist Christopher Busby was also an expert witness on a case in South Korea, asked to advise the country's parliament on the health effects of tritium. "The Koreans use the Canadian CANDU reactors which emit huge amounts of tritium; there is a big cancer cluster around these sites," he added. He also recalled being told by a colleague from Germany in 1998 that tritiated water has a much higher freezing point than ordinary water. "So, when a fog appears as the air temperature drops, the initial fog is a pure tritiated water vapor," the scientist pointed out.Valid Concerns A torrent of criticism has accompanied Tokyo's move. Some of the most vehement protests have come from China, which decided to ban imports of goods from Japan's 10 prefectures to prevent radioactive Japanese products from being shipped to China and ensure safety of imported production for Chinese consumers," as per the Chinese General Administration of Customs. Beijing said it would also increase control of sea food products from other areas in Japan and start checking all goods coming in from that country for radioactivity. Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin accused Tokyo of being extremely selfish and irresponsible by pressing ahead with the disposal of the water, adding that the ocean should be treated as a common good for humanity, not a sewer for Japans nuclear-contaminated water.South Korean activists have been protesting against Japans plan to release treated radioactive water from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean. Opposition Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said they intend to hold the government of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol responsible for "failing to do its duties." Lee slammed Japan's plan to discharge water from the Fukushima plant as an act of "terror."Local fishing groups and UN human rights experts have voiced their concerns about the potential threat to the marine environment and public health. However, Tokyo was not to be swayed. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida vowed that the "issue of discharging water treated in the ALPS [Advanced Liquid Processing System] system cannot be postponed," as he addressed reporters on the heels of the trilateral US-Japan-South Korea summit at Camp David. The summit came amid a rapidly deteriorating security situation in Asia, with the Biden administration drumming up allies to "contain" China, so it's hardly surprising that both Washington and official Seoul have refrained from joining the chorus of voices slamming the Fukushima radioactive wastewater release. The US voiced confidence that the government of Japan had set up a very rigorous process and weighed all the options and the effects." Washington claimed that its ally had been very transparent about the decision and the process.Moscow has also urged Tokyo to be more transparent about its actions regarding the release of radioactive water from the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean, actions that may pose a radiation threat, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing. Zakharova noted that Japan should have answered the questions sent to it by Russia and China regarding the dumping of radioactive water, as well as provided full access to all information of interest and to water sampling.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/japan-starts-dumping-wastewater-from-fukushima-npp-into-pacific-ocean---reports-1112839135.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/activists-flood-seouls-streets-to-oppose-release-of-fukushima-radioactive-wastewater-1112819427.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230707/china-partially-bans-imports-from-japan-due-to-fukushima-water-discharge-plan-1111713254.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230707/nuclear-power-lapdog-iaea-to-suffer-reputational-blow-for-fukushima-wastewater-release-1111728525.html

fukushima

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

fukushima wastewater, 2011 fukushima disaster, japan's release of radioactive water from fukushima npp, japanese prime minister fumio kishida, protests in south korea, dumping wastewater from the plant into the pacific ocean, tritium contained in filtered cooling water from the fukushima nuclear site
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/germany-supplies-ukraine-with-us-patriot-system-missiles-for-first-time-1112857329.html

Germany Supplies Ukraine With US Patriot System Missiles for First Time

Germany Supplies Ukraine With US Patriot System Missiles for First Time

Germany has supplied Ukraine with missiles for US Patriot air defense systems for the first time, according to an updated list of the German government published on Thursday.

2023-08-24T14:54+0000

2023-08-24T14:54+0000

2023-08-24T14:54+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

germany

ukraine

patriot

nato

us

munitions

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/18930/31/189303111_0:109:3257:1941_1920x0_80_0_0_333c8f68b83429de078fe248e3d0e1fb.jpg

The government did not specify how many Patriot missiles Kiev received.The counteroffensive launched by Ukraine in early June has been less than unsuccessful. Not only have Russian forces been repelling all Ukrainian attacks, but they have also been advancing in several areas, including the directions of Kupyansk and Krasny Liman, liberating many settlements in the process.Western military equipment has not saved the Kiev regime, which has disappointed its partners while demanding more and more military supplies.While Germany has been sending various weapons to aid the Kiev regime, including Leopard tanks, the German foreign minister has noted that the reserves of the countrys armed forces (Bundeswehr) are depleted. Other Western nations have also been reporting low weapons stocks, which will only be replenished after changes in budget plans are made.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230709/kiev-reportedly-pulls-leopard-2s-from-front-low-on-armor-ammo-as-offensive-stalls-1111770462.html

germany

ukraine

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

germany, german army, german missiles, german ammunition, german munition, german ammo, german weapons, german military equipment, ukrainian crisis, ukraine, russia, nato, counteroffensive, offensive, german military aid to ukraine, missiles for ukraine, ukrainian conflict, nato military aid to ukraine, nato arms for ukraine, us arms for ukraine, patriot missiles, patriot, german military aid
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/gop-presidential-debate-putin-speaks-to-brics-japan-to-release-nuclear-contaminated-water-1112847215.html

GOP Presidential Debate; Putin Speaks to BRICS; Japan to Release Nuclear Contaminated Water

GOP Presidential Debate; Putin Speaks to BRICS; Japan to Release Nuclear Contaminated Water

Japan faces furious pushback as the government prepares to release nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean.

2023-08-24T05:15+0000

2023-08-24T05:15+0000

2023-08-24T14:50+0000

the critical hour

radio

joe biden

ukraine

japan

brics

gop

fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant

2011 fukushima disaster

west africa

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/18/1112857814_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_dce7a05f5d23c6550ce687b545a87565.png

GOP Presidential Debate; Putin Speaks to BRICS; Japan to Release Nuclear Contaminated Water Japan faces furious pushback as the government prepares to release nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean.

Jim Kavanagh, whose work can be found at Jim Kavanagh's Substack and Polemicist.com, joins us to discuss the GOP presidential debate, the wildfires in Hawaii, and domestic politics. The GOP is debating tonight without the frontrunner. Also, Joe Biden is still getting heat for his stumbles and gaffes in Hawaii, and impeachment proceedings may start against President Biden soon.Dan Kovalik, writer, author, and lawyer, joins us to discuss the BRICS summit. President Putin has praised several nations for defending the interests of the World's majority. Dan Kovalik says that BRICS represents a new pole in the world that other nations can turn to avoid US hegemony. He also argues that the US using its economic power to impose its will on the world has forced countries to create an alternative.Regis Tremblay, an American citizen in Crimea, joins us to discuss Ukraine. Russia's goal is to end the war that the West has unleashed on Ukraine. Regis argues that when the war ends, there will be people who will be brought to justice for the war crimes committed against Russian ethnic citizens. He says that civilians are being shelled by Ukrainian troops and terrorized daily. Also, Regis says that the truth about the massacre that has killed an estimated 45,000 Ukrainians since the start of the misnamed counter-offensive is starting to come out.Dr. Ken Hammond, writer and professor of East Asian and global history at New Mexico State University, joins us to discuss China. Some US states are moving to ban Chinese land ownership. Also, ousted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing a new trove of charges. Dr. Ken Hammond says these bills are a classic example of shameful racist mass hysteria. Politicians and the media have been working to whip up hatred towards people of Asian appearance. He argues that the laws are blatantly unconstitutional. He reminds us that the Japanese internments during WW2 included American citizens and Germans were portrayed as inhuman during World War 1. He also says that Japanese fishermen are mainly concerned with how it will affect their business.Jon Jeter, journalist and author, joins us to discuss the media. Patrick Lawrence has written an article saying that the press is merely an appendage of the ruling political party. Jon Jeter argues that we are in a bad place, and the media is derelict in its duty. They consider themselves part of an alliance with the Democratic party and big business. He says that we are in a place where reporters only talk to themselves or their peers from elitist universities.Obi Egbuna, activist and US Representative for The Zimbabwean Newspapers, joins us to discuss Africa. Algeria has refused a French request to use their airspace to attack Niger, and the US State Department has released a statement on the elections in Zimbabwe. Obi Egbuna says that Algeria defeated France and will not allow imperial policing. He says that the legacy of Thomas Sankara is moving throughout the region, and this is the second wave of the pioneers of the revolution. He also says that colonialism represents a one-sided love affair.Brian Berletic, ex-US Marine, independent geopolitical researcher and writer based in Bangkok, joins us to discuss foreign policy. President Putin has spoken to the BRICS summit about the Ukraine conflict. Also, Japan intends to release nuclear-contaminated water into the Pacific. Brian argues that any European security structure must include Russian interests. Also, there are protests in various Asian nations, but the Japanese and their supporters are trying to hide it.Dr. Linwood Tauheed, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, joins us to discuss BRICS and the world economy. Trade within BRICS has topped 762 billion dollars in 2022. Dr. Tauheed says that the President of South Africa, representing the BRICS, says that mutual development is the point of trade. He argues that the relationship between The World Bank and developing nations needs more transparency. Additionally, US-run institutions are not even beneficial to the working class in the US.The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the position of Sputnik.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.comCatch us at 105.5FM, 104.7FM, 102.9FM, 1390AM, 1140AM

ukraine

japan

west africa

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Wilmer Leon https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e5/02/12/1082114047_0:-1:238:238_100x100_80_0_0_4e3adef3e334e381bffe19d388f4b776.jpg

the critical hour, gop presidential debate, the wildfires in hawaii, us domestic politics, brics summit, war crimes committed against russian ethnic citizens, imran khan's charges, west africa
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/how-ukraine-lost-its-independence-and-became-wests-hostage-1112865058.html

How Ukraine Lost Its Independence and Became Wests Hostage

How Ukraine Lost Its Independence and Became Wests Hostage

On August 24, 1991, two days after the collapse of the anti-Gorbachev coup plot by communist hardliners in Moscow, Ukraines Supreme Soviet declared... 24.08.2023, Sputnik International

2023-08-24T18:25+0000

2023-08-24T18:25+0000

2023-08-24T18:56+0000

analysis

alexander mercouris

volodymyr zelensky

leonid kravchuk

ukraine

russia

kiev

nato

european union (eu)

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/18/1112864854_0:161:3070:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_1a16353b8f3c8b447b2d895f567784f6.jpg

The Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic resolves that: Ukraine shall be declared an independent democratic state on August 24, 1991. Upon declaration of its independence, only its Constitution, laws, orders of the Government, and other legislative acts of the republic are valid on the territory of Ukraine. A republican referendum shall be organized on December 1, 1991 to confirm the act of declaration of independence.This was the partial text of the Ukrainian act of independence, adopted into law by Communist Party boss-turned-first president of Ukraine, Leonid Kravchuk.Just a little over five months earlier, in the status referendum of March 17, 1991, Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly (71.5 percent to 28.5 percent) in favor of saving the USSR. By December, 92.25 percent favored independence, with only 7.75 percent opposed.Ukraine entered the 1990s with perhaps the most enviable status among all the former Soviet republics, starting out with an advanced industrial and agricultural economy comparable in size and complexity in Europe only to Germany, France, and the UK. Ukraine boasted a vast industrial sector ranging from heavy machine-building to aircraft manufacturing and rocketry, and some of the richest farmland on the planet. Unlike Russia, which agreed to shoulder responsibility for paying off the Soviet Unions $100 billion debt, Ukraine gained independence with an economic clean slate, with an unheard of $0 in foreign debt in December 1991.Three decades on, the countrys socio-economic status is nothing short of catastrophic, with Ukraine now one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in Europe (even before 2022), its economy almost entirely dependent on Western economic aid, and the nation facing an unprecedented demographic crisis (with a current population of 36.7 million, down from 43.5 million in 2021, and a peak population of 52 million in 1991).Politically as well, contemporary Ukraines fate is unenviable, with the Volodymyr Zelensky administration cancelling elections scheduled for 2024, banning opposition parties and imprisoning political opponents linked to Russia, and targeting the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, again over suspected "Russian links." His predecessors record was little better, with the post-Maidan coup authorities disappearing dozens of political opponents, banning the largest pro-Russian opposition party, and unleashing a wave of terror across the countrys southeast after coming to power in 2014.Ukraines Independence CrisisIn the 32 years, seven presidential elections, and two Western-backed color revolutions since August 24, 1991, Ukraine, in its gradual course to become more independent of its Russian "big brothers," has curiously become more and more dependent on the West, to the point of risking the complete loss of sovereignty.Alexander Mercouris, veteran lawyer and geopolitical analyst, says there are a number of ways this has been manifested, from the military sphere to Kievs ability to engage in independent diplomacy.The answer straightforwardly, is no, Mercouris told Sputnik, when asked whether Ukraine is sovereign in its decision-making. As evidence, the observer pointed to a report in US media this week citing informed US officials that senior NATO officials, including Pentagon Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe Christopher Cavoli, and British Chief of Defense Staff Tony Radakin had met with Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and ordered him to change tactics in Ukraines faltering counteroffensive.Citing another example, the analyst pointed to US discontent with Zelensky after he reached out to President Xi Jinping of China for telephone talks this past April, several months after Beijing rolled out its 12-point peace plan.He didnt inform the United States in advance. Why would he? He is, after all, the president of Ukraine, Mercouris noted. But it turned out that the United States was not at all happy with the fact that President Zelensky was, on his own initiative, speaking to the president of China. The United States again made it very clear that they were not happy about the fact that President Zelensky, on behalf of Ukraine, was at least contemplating the possibility of receiving a Chinese mediator or emissary. And in effect, the United States has been able to block any move by Ukraine to pursue any kind of diplomatic opening to China. So Ukraine once again has been forced into line on its foreign policy relations, despite the fact that [it] has had historically good relations with China and very strong economic relations with China.When Did Ukraine Lose Its Sovereignty?While Ukraine has moved gradually toward losing its status as an independent power over the decades, with the process accelerating following the color-coded coups of 2004 and 2014, Mercouris thinks that the singular moment when Kiev can be truly said to have lost its sovereignty can be pinpointed to the collapse of the Istanbul peace talks with Russia in April 2022.An agreement was almost reached by both sides, by the Ukrainians and by the Russians. It basically said that Ukraine would remain outside NATO. It made certain provisions for Ukraine to be supplied with security guarantees. It also arranged for a kind of dilution of Ukrainian claims to Crimea and Donbass. So there was an awful lot to sort out, but that was the moment when Ukraine had the choice. It could have continued with those negotiations with the Russians. It could have pursued them and reached an agreement. Instead, what it did was it went along with the pressure that the United States and Britain imposed upon it, Mercouris stressed.April 2022, Mercouris noted, was the moment when the Ukrainian leaders made a fatal choice which signed away the independence and sovereignty of their own country. And theyve been trapped within ever since. And there is really no way, as far as I can see, that they can escape from it.The consequences of this choice have been cruel and unforgiving, with hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian troops, and tens of thousands of civilians, including the long-suffering residents of Donbass, killed in fighting, including over 43,000 Ukrainian troops in the summer counteroffensive alone.Part of the tragedy of the situation, in Mercouris view, is that the West doesnt really even want Ukraine in its institutions, instead giving them the fig leaf promise of one dayjoining so that Kiev continues to distance themselves from Russia and keep going this conflict with Russia.Instead, the West has been able to string Kiev along with promises of membership in Western institutions, and will go on doing it for as long as it is in their interests to do so, which will probably be always. So its a game that Ukraine has been very cynically drawn into and which it is now trapped inside, Mercouris noted.Path Toward True IndependenceMercouris believes the only path toward a genuine degree of Ukrainian independence, and even simply national survival, lies in the pursuit of peace.Unfortunately, Mercouris noted, Ukraines current crop of leaders seems uninterested in or unable to pursue this sort of policy, perhaps aware that it would threaten their hold on power.One senses that if they were to confront their people now with that kind of choice, the political leaders in Kiev would not survive. Ukrainians would say well, why did you lead us on this path toward the West if you are telling us that it has ended for us in disaster. So rather than do that, unfortunately, they are continuing the war. And by continuing the war, they are not just putting in jeopardy Ukraines independence, but the prospects for its continued existence beyond the war itself. So this is a tragedy. It is a tragedy for a country and it is the product of bad decisions made in many countries. But I have to say also in Kiev itself. And I have to say this alsothat Ukrainian politicians, the political leaders who gained power in Ukraine after it did achieve independence were never up to the stature of meeting the challenges that creating [and] building a new country actually demanded of them. So they made the wrong decisions. And Ukraine today is paying the price, Mercouris summed up.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20211224/30th-anniversary-of-the-ussrs-collapse-ukraine-ruined-chances-for-a-viable-cis-archives-reveal-1091766435.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230815/ukrainian-police-stage-attack-on-kiev-pechersk-lavra---ukraine-orthodox-church-1112601825.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230430/chinas-ukraine-peace-plan-platform-to-start-process-of-political-settlement-of-ukraine-conflict-1109984415.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230617/putin-kiev-threw-possible-russia-ukraine-settlement-deal-into-dustbin-of-history-1111251774.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230726/west-torpedoed-ukraine-peace-because-we-want-war-with-russia---rfk-jr-1112150461.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230210/putins-2007-munich-speech-stark-prophecy-or-reasonable-warning-that-fell-on-deaf-ears-1107315834.html

ukraine

russia

kiev

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ilya Tsukanov

alexander mercouris, volodymyr zelensky, leonid kravchuk, ukraine, russia, kiev, nato, european union (eu)
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/iran-showcases-latest-achievements-at-defense-industry-exhibition--1112838705.html

Iran Showcases Latest Achievements at Defense Industry Exhibition

Iran Showcases Latest Achievements at Defense Industry Exhibition

On Wednesday, military attaches from 37 countries around the world visited Iran's Defense Industries Exhibition organized on the occasion of the country's Defense Industries Day.

2023-08-24T09:40+0000

2023-08-24T09:40+0000

2023-08-24T09:40+0000

multimedia

photo

iran

islamic revolutionary guard corps (irgc)

defense

exhibition

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/18/1112835917_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_8c7e418e932d2db2cac1e2ab7b5358e9.jpg

On Wednesday, military attaches from 37 countries around the world visited Iran's Defense Industries Exhibition, organized to mark Iranian Defense Industry Day.The nation's media reported that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi ordered the transfer of Khorramshahr and Hajj Qasem strategic missiles to the country's armed forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC). In addition, Raisi unveiled the latest Mohajer-10 unmanned aerial vehicle while touring the exhibition of the sector's latest achievements on Defense Industry Day.Take a look at Iran's defense industry achievements on display in Sputnik's gallery.

iran

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

iran's defense industries exhibition, defense industries day, iran showcases
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/joining-brics-will-allow-ethiopia-to-intensify-trade-cooperation--ambassador-in-moscow-1112848582.html

BRICS Membership to Enable Ethiopia to Intensify Trade Cooperation, Says Envoy to Moscow

BRICS Membership to Enable Ethiopia to Intensify Trade Cooperation, Says Envoy to Moscow

The participation in BRICS will allow Ethiopia to intensify cooperation in such fields as trade, tourism and technology transfer, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Russia Cham Ugala Uriat told Sputnik on Thursday.

2023-08-24T11:01+0000

2023-08-24T11:01+0000

2023-08-24T12:41+0000

world

ethiopia

moscow

argentina

brics

russia

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/16/1112780129_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_e7267cf14ef5246b74f9f95f01797e22.jpg

Membership in BRICS will allow Ethiopia to step up cooperation in such fields as trade, tourism and the transfer of technology, Ambassador of Ethiopia to Russia Cham Ugala Uriat told Sputnik on Thursday."The economies of all member countries are growing at a very fast pace, so BRICS membership gives us the opportunity to work together with these countries in trade, tourism, technology transfer and many other aspects. We may be able to work with them and benefit from it," the Ethiopian diplomat said. Ethiopia looks forward to working with new markets within BRICS, the ambassador said, adding that the economies of participating countries have already outperformed the G7.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/brics-countries-agree-on-enlargement-adopt-document-containing-principles-of-enlargement-1112821740.html

ethiopia

moscow

argentina

russia

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

participation in brics, ambassador of ethiopia to russia, tourism and technology
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/musk-to-sue-soros-funded-ngo-over-suppression-of-free-speech-1112841566.html

Musk to Sue Soros-Funded NGO Over 'Suppression' of Free Speech

Musk to Sue Soros-Funded NGO Over 'Suppression' of Free Speech

American billionaire and entrepreneur Elon Musk said he intends to sue the Open Society Foundations of renowned financier and philanthropist George Soros to stop its suppression of free speech.

2023-08-24T10:20+0000

2023-08-24T10:20+0000

2023-08-24T10:20+0000

world

george soros

elon musk

ireland

scotland

open society foundations

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/04/0c/1109375196_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_af8506b3c7e71e815539013eaf0e9619.jpg

Elon Musk said he intends to sue the Open Society Foundations of renowned George Soros to stop its suppression of free speech.The tweet was published as a commentary on an article by US journalist Ben Scallan, in which he reported that Soros-funded NGOs promote censorship across Ireland and Scotland. This, according to the article, includes police searches of homes, as well as checks of citizens' personal phones and computers. The basis for such measures, according to the article, is the thesis planted by Soros organizations and politicians about the alleged increase of hate crimes among the local population in these regions. As the journalist writes, "the purpose of spreading hate disinformation is to justify draconian measures to stifle free speech." Soros' activities are negatively assessed because of his financial speculations and scandalous reputation - his funds have repeatedly been accused of contributing to organizing changes of power in a number of countries. The financier himself does not deny that his money helped organize the Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004 and Euromaidan in 2013. In a number of countries, he has been accused of interfering in internal affairs.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230806/musk-vows-to-fund-legal-bills-of-people-unfairly-treated-at-work-for-posts-likes-on-x-1112415386.html

ireland

scotland

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

american billionaire, open society foundations, elon musk, george soros
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/norway-to-provide-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine---reports-1112849554.html

Norway to Provide F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine - Reports

Norway to Provide F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine - Reports

The Norwegian government has decided to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Norwegian broadcaster reported on Thursday, citing sources.

2023-08-24T11:23+0000

2023-08-24T11:23+0000

2023-08-24T11:23+0000

military

jake sullivan

ukraine

netherlands

denmark

antony blinken

norwegian

f-16

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/107912/32/1079123254_0:119:1280:839_1920x0_80_0_0_b34452a7faedbc43052e86f84a9039e6.jpg

The broadcaster said that several separate sources confirmed the decision by the Norwegian government. Norway would reportedly be the third NATO country after the Netherlands and Denmark to provide the jets to Ukraine. Last week, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a letter to his European counterparts in Denmark and the Netherlands with the formal approval of a third-party transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. He added that the transfer of jets would follow the completion of Ukrainian pilots' training. On Monday, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Denmark would sent 19 F-16s to Kiev, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Netherlands had pledged to supply another 42. During a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens, Zelenskyy also said that Greece had offered to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets.The United States and its NATO allies are creating risks of direct confrontation with Russia, and this could lead to catastrophic consequences, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said, adding that Moscow will consider delivery of nuclear-capable F-16s to Kiev as a threat from the West.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230821/voila-we-have-air-power-f-16-transfers-to-ukraine-will-take-years-to-produce-results-1112766548.html

ukraine

netherlands

denmark

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

f-16 fighter jets to ukraine, norwegian government
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/penalizing-by-debanking-over-political--religious-ideology-should-not-be-legal-1112858459.html

Penalizing by 'Debanking' Over 'Political & Religious' Ideology' Should Not Be Legal

Penalizing by 'Debanking' Over 'Political & Religious' Ideology' Should Not Be Legal

The fact that banks can shut down someones bank account because they they "don't like your political ideology should not be legal, David Tawil, Co-Founder of Pro-Chain Capital, told Sputnik.

2023-08-24T17:39+0000

2023-08-24T17:39+0000

2023-08-24T17:39+0000

analysis

us

jpmorgan chase

bank of america

nigel farage

kanye west

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/06/04/1110907439_0:0:3072:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_036e6080bc2c47db3030484680c8a56d.jpg

The fact that banks can shut down someones bank account because they do not necessarily want to work with these particular individuals, saying we don't like your political ideology should not be legal, David Tawil, Co-Founder of Pro-Chain Capital, told Sputnik.At the end of the day, there is corruption in the system There is discrimination that happens, said Tawil, adding:The so-called debanking row made fresh headlines in the US after a conservative Christian charity in operation since 2015 - Indigenous Advance Ministries - had its account shut down by Bank of America (BofA) in April. Referencing the development, Tawil stated that the American government has, in recent history, been resorting to shutting down its pipes, its infrastructure to entities that it wanted to go ahead and penalize."Anybody that gets discriminated against should scream foul because that's not what's supposed to happen here in the United States," David Tawil said.Indigenous Advance Ministries is a Memphis-based non-profit that positions itself as pro-life, as per the 'Core Beliefs' tab on its website. Among its espoused evangelical Christian views is the notion that all human life is sacred... from conception to natural death. Furthermore, it states that marriage between one man and one woman is the only proper context for sexual relations. This non-profit has been partnering with Ugandan ministries to help orphaned children, while also providing vocational skills and mentorship to students and young adults in the African country. As the bank also shut down associated accounts belonging to Indigenous Advance Customer Center, a partner entity, and a church, it was quoted in the media as stating in a follow-up letter on May 24 that the non-profits risk profile no longer aligns with the bank's risk tolerance.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, stated the bank.According to Indigenous, the closed deposit account contained around $270,000. The organization has since filed a complaint to the Tennessee Attorney-General's office, voicing concerns its accounts were shut down because the bank took issue with its religious views. Bank of America possibly violated consumer protection laws against unfair and deceptive practices, and its own Code of Conduct, touted as promoting diversity and inclusion with respect to religion, stated the complaint. After backlash from the non-profit itself, as well as campaigners who urged the need for more transparency over how it is decided which accounts are shut down, the Bank of America denied that "religious beliefs are a factor in any account-closing decision."Unbanking people isn't new, economist, professor, and consultant Mark Frost told Sputnik.Banks have always reserved the right to unbanked people to cancel the accounts of people that they deem risky, he said, but the phenomenon that has been going on since the dawn of banking was reserved for instances when, say, there were rumors that a business was about to go bankrupt, or suchlike. However, closing people's accounts for the express purpose of punishing them for their political affiliations, religious affiliations, or whatever, is a function of the age of social media, and social media is what has driven this," he underscored.The fact that a bank can shut down your business for essentially for any reason they want is, in Mark Frosts opinion, both troubling, and almost like it is out of a dystopian novel.The term debanking typically refers to cases where banks limit financial services to businesses deemed a money laundering risk. However, there have been increasing cases when companies have been accused of political and religious debanking. Before the case with Indigenous Advance made headlines, Christian preacher and author Lance Wallnau also reported having his Bank of America account frozen. Earlier in the year, 19 Republican states were reported as having penned a letter to CEO Jamie Dimon, accusing JPMorgan of closing bank accounts on political or religious grounds. They claimed accounts, like that of the non-profit National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), were reinstated after a spate of screening questions focused on religion and politics. Two other names that come to mind when debanking is mentioned are controversial rapper celebrity Kanye West and UKs Nigel Farage, the Brexit champion of the UK, Both had been debanked. Former leader of the UK Independence Party and Brexit Party founder Nigel Farage had his account with the bank Coutts closed. In June, Farage said that Coutts, part of the wealth management arm of the NatWest Group and one of the world's oldest banks, had closed his personal and business accounts without explanation. Media reported that Farage had insufficient funds in his account, which the politician denied. Farage said the real reason was that the bank had labeled him a politically exposed person (PEP). The politician claimed to have laid eyes on a document which mentioned his stance on LGBT issues, his friendship with former US President Donald Trump and his position regarding Russia. Farage himself was described as "racist and homophobic" in the document, he said.Meanwhile, JPMorgan Chase earlier cut ties with rapper celebrity Ye West, formerly known as Kanye West, after he was at the center of several political controversies.And that is legal. I don't think it should be, but it's legal," said Mark Frost, adding, "Imagine if you're you have a sandwich shop and you have a Bank of America account and they shut you down because you like Trump or something. That is not the sort of society that I want to live in.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20221013/jpmorgan-chase-cuts-off-ye-west-here-are-the-three-worst-criminals-banks-have-worked-with-1101788695.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230719/uk-energy-minister-slams-coutts-bank-for-closing-nigel-farages-accounts-1111995711.html

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Svetlana Ekimenko

debanking, debanking in america, cases of debanking, bank accounts closed by bank of america
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/road-to-2024-key-moments-from-first-republican-debate-1112839708.html

Road to 2024: Key Moments From First Republican Debate

Road to 2024: Key Moments From First Republican Debate

Eight Republican candidates took the stage on Wednesday during the first primary debate of the 2024 US presidential election cycle. Former US President Donald Trump skipped the debate and did an interview with Tucker Carlson.

2023-08-24T05:34+0000

2023-08-24T05:34+0000

2023-08-24T05:33+0000

americas

gop debate

us

republicans

vivek ramaswamy

chris christie

republican party

donald trump

us economy

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/18/1112835499_0:115:3233:1934_1920x0_80_0_0_01fb832f2914cc8eefc9a0bf1a91e444.jpg

The first debate for Republican contenders of the US 2024 election cycle took place late Wednesday, setting up the stage for the long race to Election Day.The eight candidates on the stage included Florida Governor Ron DeSantis; businessman Vivek Ramaswamy; former US Vice President Mike Pence; US Senator Tim Scott; former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley; former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie; Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson; and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. Early analysis of the highly-anticipated debate night has proved the debate standard stuck to protocol as candidates took to loudly sparing with one another on topics ranging from the potential convictions of former US President Donald Trump to the status of the US economy and continued Ukraine aid, among others.Did Ramaswamy Steal the Spotlight?With no Trump in sight, the focus of group's ire ultimately wound up falling on none other than Ramaswamy, who sat centerstage next to DeSantis as he's continued to creep up on national polling despite starting his own race at 0%.The American billionaire entrepreneur proved to be enemy number one among his GOP rivals, who chastised him on all front from his lack of experience in politics to appearing as though he was simply regurgitating "pre-prepared slogans."One of the most scorching hits came from Christie, saying he "had enough of a guy who stands up here who sounds like ChatGPT."However, despite the piling on, Ramaswamy turned out to be the only candidate at the first Republican debate to not support providing additional funding to Ukraine, a stance that went on to only stir the hornet's even more."I would not and I think that this is disastrous that we are protecting against an invasion across somebody else's border when we should use those same military resources to prevent across the invasion of our own southern border here in the United States of America," Ramaswamy said Wednesday night.Moments later, Haley struck at Ramaswamy and claimed a successfully White House bid by the businessman would mean a "less safe" US, doubling that his lack of political and foreign policy experience "shows."To date, the US has spent more than $100 billion in aid to Ukraine, a figure that has more recently begun to prompt concern and condemnation from various congressional lawmakers looking to clamp down on the expense and turn funding inward - to domestic matters. Polling has additionally shown that a majority of Americans are in opposition to continued Ukraine aid packages.Tackling AbortionOne of the hotly-debated topics of the night proved to be abortion rights, which the Republican candidates were more than willing to jump in and voice their opposition on the matter.Where both Pence and Scott threw their backing to endorsing a ban on abortions at the minimum of 15 weeks of pregnancy - a time in which many women are not even aware of having become pregnant, Haley called for the demonization to stop.The former UN ambassador went on to note that a federal ban on abortion in all US states was unlikely to ever clear both chambers of Congress and be signed by the sitting US president, noting the matter should be left up to state governments.Jumping on Haley's remark, Pence jabbed that leaving it up to the states was simply "the opposite of leadership," and stressed that its not a states-only issue. Its a moral issue."However, Haley wasn't alone, Christie also chimed in that he believed it was a state issue. On a larger scale, every candidate voiced they were pro-life when it came down to which side of the topic they lean toward.DeSantis' Battle With Cartels, Costly Gov't SpendingAhead of debate night, DeSantis suggested he'd be the focus of the festivities but he ultimately found himself outshined by his contenders and not much closer to being on par with the GOP pack's top rival - Trump.During the debate DeSantis mostly stuck to comments he's made in the past on how the nation is in a "decline" and how Biden needs to step aside - even taking a shot at Hunter Biden's dip in the art world at one point.The Florida politician also indicated he supported using force against Mexican drug cartels and treating them as foreign terrorist organizations.The governor also vowed to pull back on excessive government spending, highlighting how the American economy will not be able to withstand the continued shelling out of trillions of dollars. "We also cannot succeed when the Congress spends trillions and trillions of dollars," DeSantis said.Calling for Biden's current economic plan to be rescinded, DeSantis said the Untied States is on a decline by choice, and that it is not inevitable. Most Candidates Vow to Back Trump if ConvictedWith Trump absent from the debate stage, it wasn't until more than an hour into event that the Republican candidates addressed the elephant in the room. However, as they did, six of eight contenders said they would support the former president if he were to be convicted."These are politicized indictments, we have to call out the truth," Ramaswamy said. "Let's just speak the truth. Okay. President Trump, I believe was the best president of the 21st century."All candidates appeared to raise their hand in support of Trump except for Hutchinson. Although he originally appeared to raise his hand, Christie said he was wagging his finger and explained why he would not support Trump. Hutchinson later quipped that Trump was "morally disqualified from being president" because of the January 6 events. As for Pence, he commented that he would be open to the possibility of "fair consideration" on the grounds of pardoning Trump.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230818/who-is-2024-gop-presidential-candidate-vivek-ramaswamy-1112699089.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230716/abortion-battle-escalates-as-us-gears-up-for-ballot-measures-1111901417.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230809/ron-desantis-2024-team-undergoes-third-campaign-shuffle-this-month-amid-growing-concerns-1112474349.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/from-indictments-to-corrupt-biden-what-did-trump-reveal-in-carlson-sit-down-1112833920.html

americas

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

road to 2024, first republican debate, ukraine aid, abortion, donald trump's indictment, ron desantis
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/russia-successfully-repels-6-kievs-attacks-in-donetsk-direction---mod-1112847838.html

Russia Successfully Repels 6 Kiev's Attacks in Donetsk Direction - MoD

Russia Successfully Repels 6 Kiev's Attacks in Donetsk Direction - MoD

Russia has successfully repelled six attacks and Ukraine lost 125 military in the Donetsk direction in the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

2023-08-24T10:55+0000

2023-08-24T10:55+0000

2023-08-24T10:55+0000

russia's special operation in ukraine

russia

ukraine

donetsk

attack

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/06/1112420446_0:0:2762:1554_1920x0_80_0_0_b8e938862a395c9f679aa39c106bede2.jpg

"In the Donetsk direction... [Russia] successfully repelled six Ukrainian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Sieverne, Berestove and Nevelske of the Donetsk People's Republic. During the past day, up to 125 Ukrainian servicemen, a tank, four infantry fighting vehicles, four cars, as well as an Msta-B howitzer were destroyed in the Donetsk direction," the ministry said. Russian armed forces continued to successfully advance and repelled five enemy attacks in the Kupyansk direction, the ministry said. Ukraine lost up to 230 military in South Donetsk direction over past day. In the Zaporozhye direction Russia repelled five attacks and Ukraine lost over 110 military, and in the Krasnyi Lyman direction the Russian military repelled three attacks and Kiev lost 80 soldiers, the ministry concluded.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/ukrainians-elite-82nd-brigade-has-serious-weakness-in-military-hardware-1112821822.html

russia

ukraine

donetsk

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

repelled six attacks and ukraine, donetsk direction, russian defense ministry
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/russian-watchdog-monitoring-fish-products-from-japan-says-no-contaminated-goods-allowed-1112849455.html

Russian Watchdog Monitoring Fish Products From Japan, Says No Contaminated Goods Allowed

Russian Watchdog Monitoring Fish Products From Japan, Says No Contaminated Goods Allowed

Russia has been conducting enhanced monitoring of Japan's fish products since the announcement of the water discharge from the Fukushima nuclear power plant (NPP), Russian consumer health watchdog Rospotrebnadzor said on Thursday.

2023-08-24T11:42+0000

2023-08-24T11:42+0000

2023-08-24T11:42+0000

japan

fukushima

tokyo electric power company (tepco)

fukushima daiichi nuclear power plant

2011 fukushima disaster

nuclear disaster

nuclear power plant

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/103152/27/1031522770_0:0:4366:2456_1920x0_80_0_0_5e128ce4633f956573cbf5c583cc15ee.jpg

Earlier in the day, the NPP's operator, TEPCO, started dumping the treated waste water from the plant into the Pacific Ocean, having diluted it with sea water in advance. It added that exports of all food products from Japan to Russia could be allowed only with a declaration that they meet the relevant regulatory standards. Japan said that it had to discharge the treated water, as it urgently needed to free up space at the Fukushima NPP. The water is purified of all radionuclides except tritium. Japans decision to discharge the waste water into the Pacific has faced criticism from South Korea and China, who fear radioactive contamination. The International Atomic Energy Agency argued that the treated wastewater will have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment. The Fukushima nuclear disaster occurred on March 11, 2011. The plant was severely damaged by a magnitude 9 earthquake in the Pacific Ocean. This triggered a massive tsunami that hit the plant and caused three nuclear reactors to melt down. The accident is considered the worst nuclear disaster since the Chernobyl accident in 1986 and has resulted in widespread contamination of local soil and water. The disaster left 22,200 people dead or missing.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/japan-starts-dumping-wastewater-from-fukushima-npp-into-pacific-ocean---reports-1112839135.html

japan

fukushima

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

fukushima nuclear power plant, russian foreign ministry, water discharge, fukushima npp, tokyo electric power company, nuclear disaster, contaminated water, radioactive water
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/untold-story-of-george-soros-worldwide-soft-power-empire-1112859657.html

Untold Story of George Soros Worldwide Soft Power Empire

Untold Story of George Soros Worldwide Soft Power Empire

Elon Musk has confirmed Xs plans to sue NGOs funded by US financier George Soros over their alleged attempt to crack down on free speech. Whats the lawsuit... 24.08.2023, Sputnik International

2023-08-24T15:52+0000

2023-08-24T15:52+0000

2023-08-24T16:34+0000

george soros

elon musk

donald trump

ukraine

eastern europe

hungary

open state foundation (osf)

open society foundations

euromaidan

usaid

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/105704/41/1057044138_0:0:4257:2395_1920x0_80_0_0_9eeb03c662db2e47de22b4255f650d94.jpg

X CEO Elon Musk dropped a bombshell late Wednesday after confirming that his social media empire would be filing legal action to stop an attempted crackdown on free speech by politicians and George Soros-funded NGOs justified using trumped-up data on the number of "hate incidents" in the British Isles. Cant wait for discovery to start! Musk wrote.The billionaire did not elaborate, prompting users and media to speculate on the exact nature of the case.Musks message was a response to a report by an independent Irish journalist accusing authorities in Ireland and Scotland of inflating statistics about hate-based offenses to pass a new hate speech law which would make it a criminal offense to possess hateful material on your person or in your home  including up to a year in prison and a 5,000 euro fine for those refusing to hand over their digital device passwords to the authorities.The crackdown is reportedly being backed by George Soros-funded non-government organizations (NGOs) accused of supporting a hardline censorship agenda, including by supporting police intervention and the seizure of personal phones and computers, as well as raids on the homes of the accused.What is Soft Power?Soros-backed NGOs alleged attempts to influence Irish and Scottish government policy are a prime example of soft power.Soft power, or the use of ideological, cultural, or economic influence rather than force to achieve ones policy objectives, has been a primary tool of US and European foreign policy from at least the mid-1980s onward. After 1991, Western countries working to build the post-Cold War unipolar world order used soft power tools to spread visions of liberal democracy, free market economics, and "open societies" as "universal values" applicable to all nations. Countries refusing to adhere to these concepts have faced invasions, crushing sanctions, and coup detats (among them Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and Ukraine, just to name a few).George Soros, 93, has been a staple of Western soft power campaigns for well over 40 years, and is perhaps the single most visible face of such efforts (although certainly not the first or only one). His Open Society Foundations spends around $1.5 billion a year from the financiers vast hedge fund empire to fund civil society groups around the globe.How Do Soros NGOs Work With Soft Power, and What Ideology Do They Spread?While conservatives often characterize Soros as a leftist, communist, or even neo-Marxist, his actions in Eastern Europe in the late 1980s and early 1990s reveal that he can best described as a standard social and economic liberal, promoting a vision of the world which both social conservatives and traditional leftists abhor  that is, the spread of a neoliberal political, social, and economic order perhaps best exemplified by academic Francis Fukuyama in his famous 1989 essay "The End of History?"The Hungarian-born hedge fund manager and financier got his start in soft power "philanthropy" in the 1980s, providing funding for groups promoting radical political, economic, and institutional reforms in the communist nations of Eastern Europe and the USSR. He quickly ramped up the scale and scope of his activities in the region after the collapse of the Eastern Bloc in 1989 and the end of the Soviet Union in 1991.Soros Open Society Foundations and other major Western political philanthropic institutions like them succeeded in creating an entire generation of new political and social leaders in over 60 countries, not just in Eastern Europe and the Global South, but many Western countries as well, including the United States.OSFs initiatives include a mind-numbing array of the types of support it provides, from generous grants to political parties pushing liberal, pro-Western politics, to money for media, think tanks, academia, and publishing houses (including those pushing textbooks for children), as well as modern art.Soros in UkraineSetting up shop in Ukraine immediately after independence in 1992, Soros foundations played an intimate role in the formation of the countrys post-Soviet elites, especially its liberal, pro-Western faction.Both during the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Euromaidan coup in 2014, the OSF had a critical job to play in financing and otherwise supporting the "revolutionaries," from lobbying efforts targeting US allies to legalize the coup, to meeting with the countrys new authorities to advise them on policy, to spending vast sums of money on an array of domestic "civil society" initiatives (including over $181 million by late 2015 alone).Ukraine, perhaps more than any other case study to date, demonstrates the effective synergy between private "soft power" wielded by billionaires like Soros combined with institutions like USAID and the US State Department, showing the effective role soft power in creating a crisis from scratch, and then attempting to use it to achieve a geopolitical objective.Americans Get a Taste of SorosBefore the political rise of Donald Trump, Soros-linked organizations played a mostly low-key role in American politics, with the OSFs initiatives and allies not really popping up on the radars of ordinary Americans before the rise of Black Lives Matter (which, it turns out, began receiving generous funding from Soros-linked groups from 2016 onwards).Since then, the OSF has been thoroughly linked to financing of the election campaigns of judges (including some of those now looking to prosecute former President Donald Trump), and the bankrolling of major candidates for high political office. In 2022, a series of memos from an influential, but highly secretive Soros-linked Washington, DC-based nonprofit revealed that the billionaire had helped to formulate the then-incoming Biden administrations policies across nearly two dozen policy areas, including the environment, education, healthcare, housing, and labor.Where Have Soros and His OSF Been Banned?Russia was the first country to move to stamp out Soros activities, banning the OSF and its affiliates in 2015. The Pakistani government issued a similar order against the OSF in late 2017, although the organizations activities have since been reapproved. Turkiye banned the OSF in late 2018, citing the NGOs meddling in domestic politics. The same year, the Hungarian parliament issued a series of measures aimed at forcing the OSF to close down its operations in Soros native Hungary. Polands nationalist authorities similarly called for a de-Sorosization of society in the late 2010s.What is OSFs Future?Soros 37-year-old son Alexander took the reins of his fathers $25 billion business and soft power philanthropy empire in June, having replaced him as the OSFs chairman in late 2022.Last week, the OSF announced a radical shift of strategic direction for grantees, moving to end much of its operations across the European Union as part of a global review of how we work to support democracy, human rights and climate justice.Its not clear how much of an impact the shift in strategy will have on other countries where Soros-linked NGOs operate. However, if the billionaires comments about Trump being a danger to the world and the threat Russia and China supposedly pose to open societies are anything to go by, the OSF will likely ramp up its activities to prevent the former presidents reelection, and do whatever is in its power to prevent the emergence of a genuine multipolar world order.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/musk-to-sue-soros-funded-ngo-over-suppression-of-free-speech-1112841566.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230409/george-soros-son-has-steady-white-house-access---reports--1109283470.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230401/did-soros-pull-the-strings-to-get-trump-indicted-1109022350.html

ukraine

eastern europe

hungary

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Ilya Tsukanov

Ilya Tsukanov

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Ilya Tsukanov

george soros, elon musk, donald trump, ukraine, eastern europe, hungary, open state foundation (osf), open society foundations, euromaidan, usaid, ngo
The United States partially lifted sanctions it imposed on Venezuela after the government released seven US citizens from prison and resumed talks with the opposition that resulted in reaching an agreement to address the humanitarian crisis in the country and to continue talks focused on holding elections in 2024.

The Biden administration has repeatedly said it would provide additional sanctions relief if Venezuela took other significant steps, such as holding free and fair elections.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20230824/us-south-korea-japan-cooperation-promotes-us-policy-on-deterring-russia---moscow-1112856055.html

US-South Korea-Japan Cooperation Promotes US Policy on Deterring Russia - Moscow

US-South Korea-Japan Cooperation Promotes US Policy on Deterring Russia - Moscow

Political and military interaction between the United States, South Korea and Japan promotes Washington's policy on deterring Moscow, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.

2023-08-24T13:37+0000

2023-08-24T13:37+0000

2023-08-24T13:37+0000

world

south korea

russia

japan

russian foreign ministry

us

aukus

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/08/15/1099834947_0:50:3071:1777_1920x0_80_0_0_8c7e0073c0727a14775f3d61af810a0b.jpg

Zakharova was commenting on the Camp David summit between leaders of the US, South Korea and Japan held last week. The spokeswoman added that the summit's agreements are "of confrontational nature" aimed at escalating situation in Asia-Pacific under the pretext of "response to global challenges and threats, including North Korea's nuclear missile program." The spokeswoman also said that Seouls unfriendly policy towards regional countries "leads to further deterioration of bilateral relations" between South Korea and its neighbors. Zakharova also commented on South Koreas support for Ukraine. "Further support for the criminal Kiev regime in any form, including the provision of military assistance, as well as the introduction of additional sanctions against Russia, will not go unanswered," Zakharova said.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20230823/south-korea-conducts-first-air-defense-drills-in-six-years-amid-war-games-with-us-1112809429.html

south korea

russia

japan

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

2023

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

News

en_EN

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

1920 1080 true

1920 1440 true

1920 1920 true

Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rosiya Segodnya 252 60

Sputnik International

political and military interaction, united states, south korea and japan, russian foreign ministry
The last time she was at Batavia Downs in 2021, Racine Bell set the track record of 1:51.3 for aged pacing mares after destroying her competition by eight full lengths. On Wednesday night (Aug. 23), the million-dollar mare returned to the Downs and won again in the $15,000 fillies and mares Open Handicap Pace.

Anne Bonney N (Cory Kreiser) took an early lead while Racine Bell (Kevin Cummings) rolled three-wide at the eighth pole on her way to the front at the :27.1 quarter. After crossing over, Cummings settled Racine Bell down and backed off the middle half to a tepid :58.4 as Oaxacan Dream N (Matty Athearn) and Waitforever N (Jim Morrill Jr.) were one out and one back in the breeze. Waitforever N made a three-wide move in turn three and found herself only a length behind the leader as they made their way around the final bend. But that was as close as she'd get as Racine Bell maintained that margin all the way to the line under Cummings urging to win in 1:55.1.

It was the 33rd lifetime win in only 89 lifetime starts for Racine Bell ($3.40) and owners Chris Lawton and Dale Lawton. David Dewhurst was the winning trainer.

Besides Racine Bell, Kevin Cummings also won with Tullow N (1:57.1, $2.60), Confidence Man (1:57.1, $9.40), Louie The Lilac (1:55.1, $4.30) and Pepin Coolie (2:01.2, $4.90) to round out his five-bagger on Wednesday.

Earlier in the $13,000 Fillies and Mares Open II Handicap, Diamondtequilashot (Jim Morrill Jr.) sat the pocket behind American Jazz (Denny Bucerri) through quarters of :28, :57.1 and 1:26 while Bet Im Lucky (Jim McNeight Jr.) and Mcdelicacy (Kevin Cummings) pushed the issue on the outside from the half to the top of the stretch. It was there that Diamondtequilashot found the passing lane and paced by them all to win by three-quarters of a length in 1:56.

Diamondtequilashot ($2.60) got her 49th lifetime win and third of the year for owner Rick Senger and trainer Bill Rhoades.

Jim Morrill Jr. also won with Timeless Virgin (1:58.1, $2.50), Kandy Sweet (1:58.4, $2.20) and Mildrix (1:56.2, $3) to complete his grand slam.

When live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Friday (Aug. 25) at 6 p.m., there will be a $6,582 carryover in the Jackpot Hi-5 pentafecta in the 13th race.

On Saturday (Aug. 26), Batavia Downs will host the richest card of racing in 2023 when a total of $450,600 in purses will be up for grabs. The program features both colt and filly divisions of New York Sire Stakes and Excelsior three-year-old trotters with total purses of $305,100 and the $75,000 Kane Memorial Invitational Pace, which is Batavia Downs' signature race.

Free full past performance programs for every live card of racing at Batavia can always be downloaded at the Downs website under the Live Racing tab and all the racing action can be viewed as it happens for free at the Batavia Downs Live Facebook page.

(Batavia Downs)
Sidelined for nearly three months, Dan Patch Award-winning trotting filly Special Way resurfaced in Wednesday morning's qualifying session at Pocono Downs at Mohegan Pennsylvania.

Trained and driven by Ake Svanstedt, the three-year-old Walner filly turned in a 1:53.3 qualifying win in her return, besting a trio of older mares by 8-1/4 lengths, with a :27 final frame. Special Way looped early leader Queen Of All after opening panels of :29.2 and :58.3 then hit three-quarters in 1:26.3 and took off.

Special Way boasts 10 wins and one second-place finish from a dozen starts in her career with earnings totalling $956,850 for Brittany Farms, Marvin Katz and Al Libfeld. Undefeated in three starts this year, the Breeders Crown champion was sidelined after the New Jersey Sire Stakes final on June 2 at The Meadowlands due to a bone infection, according to a report from the Hambletonian Society.

Special Way is being pointed to the Kentucky meet and the fall racing season.
Celebrate 40 years of memories at Sky Meadows State Park during an anniversary party happening from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday.

Sky Meadows opened as a Virginia State Park in Delaplane, northern Fauquier County, in August 1983. Friends of Sky Meadows invites the public to come celebrate what the park has meant to them for the last 40 years, according to a release from Virginia State Parks.

Long before I worked at Sky Meadows State Park, I was a visitor who made lasting memories here with my family, said Park Manager Patrick McNamara. We hiked the A.T., slept in the campground and brought family members to show them the beauty of Virginia. I am excited to celebrate the anniversary of the park and grateful for the opportunity to steward this park into the future.

The event will feature live music, food trucks, local wine and beer, a scavenger hunt, an open house at historic Mount Bleak, blacksmith forge demonstrations, wagon rides, nature programs and more family fun.

The Wilson Springs Hotel, a high-powered country and bluegrass-inspired band based out of Richmond, will headline. Other musical performances will include American roots duo Herb & Hanson and the acoustic stylings of John Tole.

A photo collage of park memories is being planned for display, and those who would like to share memories are invited to bring their photos and stories.

This will be a fee-free day with no parking or admission fees charged to attend. See vasp.fun/SK40years for more information.
A 57-year-old Texas man has been identified as the pickup truck driver who died in a three-vehicle crash last week in western Nebraska.

Patrick Stauffer of Willis, Texas, was pronounced dead Friday at a hospital in Broken Bow, according to the Custer County Sheriff's Office. Two other drivers, whose names were not immediately available, were taken to the hospital with unknown injuries.

Investigators determined that the crash occurred at about 8:30 a.m. on Nebraska Highway 2 approximately 1 miles southeast of Anselmo. A semi-trailer truck hauling cattle struck a tractor from behind.

The semi's trailer tipped over and was struck by a Ford pickup truck driven by Stauffer that was heading west on Highway 2. Several cattle in the semis trailer died in the collision.

The Nebraska State Patrol assisted deputies at the scene.
Fifth Street Ministries has been making an impact on the community and more importantly on individual lives since 1988. That was made evident at a recent meeting of The Rotary Club of Greater Statesville where Bug Shuford spoke about the impact that Fifth Street has made and is making in his life. Bug spoke about his struggles over the years with drug abuse and how it had taken over his life.

One day he could not take it any longer and started looking for help to beat his drug addiction. He eventually found that help at Fifth Street Ministries and has not looked back. He is living a drug free life and has a great relationship with Fifth Street through working in the kitchen as a cook which is now his passion.

To learn more about Fifth street Ministries and its mission go to Fifth Street Ministries  Helping those in need or call them at 704-872-4045. The Rotary Club of Greater Statesville meets on Thursdays at Noon at Twisted Oak. The Club welcomes anyone to attend a club meeting to learn more about Rotary and its service to the community.
The cow population decreased by 25%, while goat and sheep populations declined by 17% and 7% respectively, Athr Press writes.

The war in Syria had a profound impact on its economic sectors, including significant declines in the livestock industry due to destruction, sabotage, and theft. Over the past 12 years (, the livestock sector, particularly dairy animal production, suffered considerable losses in numbers. The decline varied across different species within the sector.

The cow population decreased by 25%, while goat and sheep populations declined by 17% and 7% respectively over this period. These changes were not uniform among all types of livestock. For instance, the number of donkeys in the herds dropped by 48%, and purebred Arabian horses fell by 36%. Despite these losses, Syria managed to prevent the complete extinction of any entire breed.

The Awassi sheep, which are well-known for their resilience to heat, drought, and long journeys, were significantly affected. The number of herds decreased from 18.1 million in 2011 to 13.7 million in 2015, marking a 24% decline. This decrease was attributed to theft, death, and smuggling of livestock due to the war. The conflict hindered accurate census efforts, particularly in areas affected by armed factions, making it challenging to manage and assess livestock numbers effectively.

Both types of goats raised in Syria, mountain and Shami goats, also experienced a decline. From around 2.3 million in 2011, the goat population reduced to 1.8 million in 2018, with a slight rebound to 1.9 million in 2021 due to improved security conditions and data collection.

Among the milking livestock, the cow population was hit hardest. The number of cows dropped significantly from over 1.15 million in 2011 to 767,000 in 2018, reflecting a substantial loss of 33.7%. The decline rates for other milking herds were about 17% for goats and 7% for sheep, in the period from 2011 to 2021.

Buffaloes and camels also faced declines during the war period. The camel herd decreased from 55,000 in 2011 to 36,000 in 2021, marking a continuous decline since the wars onset. The camel population saw a 28% decrease in 2021 compared to 2011.

In summary, the war in Syria severely impacted the livestock sector, causing significant declines in various animal populations due to destruction, theft, and other consequences of the conflict. The sector faced challenges in accurate data collection and management, especially in areas affected by armed factions.

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.
Activists hailing from Suweida, Daraa, the Syrian coast, and Idleb have united their voices to ask for a collective protest, according to Baladi News.

Activists hailing from Suweida, Daraa, the Syrian coast, and Idleb have united their voices, issuing a clarion call for a collective movement against the Syrian regime across the nation. The rallying cry, The Syrian people are one, underscores their shared purpose.

The statement emphatically urges all sincere and liberty-loving individuals globally to disseminate the call every Friday. In a special plea, the people of Idleb are summoned to join a formidable million-strong demonstration within the city square, while emphasizing the readiness of demonstrators in Daraa and Jaramana in Damascus countryside, poised with their equipment for the Friday rallies. Notably, coastal activists are in communication and promise forthcoming video clips, igniting a motivational fervour among Syrians everywhere.

According to the statement, confirmed intelligence indicates a readiness among officers within the Syrian regime forces to align themselves with the populace once they step onto the streets. The statement firmly resonates with unanimous accord regarding the imperative departure of Bashar al-Assad, with dissenting voices emerging from his inner circle.

The proclamation extends its plea to revolutionary activists residing in Europe and abroad, urging them to orchestrate parallel demonstrations in their respective countries. It concludes with an all-encompassing call for support towards Fridays cause, culminating in the tantalizing promise of a significant revelation the following Thursday.

As protests burgeon in Suweida and other regime-controlled cities, they stand as a response to an ailing economy and inequitable policies, including the recent fuel price hike. Observers underscore the likelihood of protests proliferating in the upcoming days throughout other Syrian cities under regime dominion, spurred by worsening economic circumstances.

A Baladi News correspondent cites an Aleppo source, revealing that a multitude of young men have embarked on a demonstration coursing through the avenues of al-Shaar in Aleppo. Their impassioned chants, notably death and no humiliation, reverberate through the streets, captured in a video shared by participating activists. This demonstration in Aleppo aligns with the wave of protests sweeping areas under regime control like Suweida, Daraa, and Damascus, as noted by observers.

Suweida Governor

Suweida Governor Bassam Barsiks visit to the spiritual leader of the Druze community, Hikmat al-Hijri, aimed at mediating and addressing the ongoing protests, did not yield any favorable outcomes. During the mediation attempt, Barsik urged for calm and presented a series of potential solutions. However, Hijri rejected Barsiks offer, asserting that the situation didnt require mediation or external intervention.

Hijri emphasized that the protesters demands were already well-known and didnt need further clarification. He made it clear that no communication would take place with any parties until the protesters demands were met.

This unsuccessful visit by Barsik was seen by the media as a failure. This event occurred just before Hijri was set to receive religious delegations as part of the annual visit to Sheikh Abu Hussein Ibrahim al-Hijris room. Hikmat Hijri had made preparations to host these delegations in his residence in Kanawat.

In contrast, Muwaffaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Palestine, expressed his support for the protests taking place in Suweida. He called for unity among rational sheikhs and popular leaders in the governorate.

Sheikh Tarif described the protests in Suweida as an assertion of a fundamental right that aimed to uphold the dignity of the governorates inhabitants. He emphasized that the protesters were demanding a basic and natural right to live decently in Jabal al-Arab.

Tarif underscored the importance of solidarity between the rational sheikhs and the leaders of the people, both politically and at the grassroots level, in order to bolster the resilience of Suweidas population.

This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
Sabbagh criticized the misuse of the United States presidency of the Security Council, al-Watan reports.

During a recent Security Council meeting addressing political affairs in Syria, Syrias Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Bassam Sabbagh, emphasized that while all Security Council resolutions related to Syria uphold the principles of sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, certain member states within and outside the Council continue to blatantly violate these resolutions. He pointed to the ongoing presence of US forces within Syrian territory, which violates Syrias sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity, and further alleged that these forces support terrorist organizations and separatist militias.

Sabbagh criticized the misuse of the United States presidency of the Security Council to advance its own unfavourable policies. He expressed concern over the inclusion of individuals associated with these policies during discussions, accusing them of disseminating falsehoods and misinformation. Sabbagh deemed such practices inappropriate and misleading, tarnishing the involvement of civil society representatives in Security Council deliberations and diverting attention from the Councils genuine objectives. He argued that these actions contradict the responsibilities of Washingtons permanent membership in the Security Council.

The Syrian Permanent Representative also highlighted the adverse impacts of illegal unilateral coercive measures imposed on the Syrian people by the European Union and the United States. He criticized the illicit appropriation of Syrias national wealth by foreign forces on Syrian territory, which exacerbates economic challenges and destabilizes the country. Sabbagh stressed that immediate and unconditional removal of these unlawful and inhumane measures, along with the cessation of the unauthorized military presence on Syrian soil, are necessary to enhance economic and living conditions for Syrians and allow them to access their own resources and national wealth.

Regarding the Security Council session, the UN Special Envoy to Syria, Geir Pedersen, expressed his approval of the reconvening of the Constitutional Committee in Oman, highlighting it as a shared consensus among all involved parties. Pedersen referenced a recent conversation with Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad, where he reaffirmed his commitment to facilitating agreement to resolve issues hindering the Committees convening. He further mentioned engaging with foreign ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkish officials to continue efforts in supporting the Syrian political process from both Arab and Western perspectives.

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.
Haboush warned against disregarding people's demands and valid criticism, Damas Post writes.

The Vice President of the Syrian National Coalition has issued a compelling message advocating for increased transparency and communication with the people. In her candid and lucid statement, Ruba Haboush, the Vice President, passionately called for a shift towards positive change and renewal. She emphasized that change is in the air and stressed the urgency to move away from deceptive practices and exclusivity, instead urging the opening of channels for transparent communication with the Syrian populace.

Addressing fellow coalition members, Haboush emphasized the necessity of holding open sessions for coalition meetings, asserting that concealing actions and decisions is unwarranted. She underscored that this institution belongs to the entire Syrian population, warranting their participation in shaping the nations future.

Haboush firmly rejected the notion of restricting assembly members access to political body meetings, characterizing this measure as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and marginalize differing viewpoints. She candidly stated that such restrictions prevent critical feedback, allowing those in power to maintain their status quo and suppress dissent within the political body.

Haboush expressed discontent with the coalitions failure to respond to public communication during this pivotal period. She stressed the importance of endorsing peaceful demonstrations in occupied territories and cautioned that the current course of action could subject the coalition to justified criticism, potentially questioning its motives.

In her forthright declaration, Haboush asserted that maintaining a lack of transparency and communication would adversely impact the coalitions public perception. She emphasized that superficial changes are insufficient; instead, reinstating values like open communication and fostering trust among both coalition members and the general public is imperative.

Concluding her message, Haboush warned against disregarding peoples demands and valid criticism, stating that time is running out for maintaining the status quo. She concluded with a note of concern about the worsening situation, emphasizing that the coalition might face an insurmountable dilemma if substantial changes are not implemented.

Haboushs poignant message calls for a profound transformation within the Syrian National Coalitiona shift towards transparency, open dialogue, and responsiveness to public voices. Embracing this change might enable the coalition to rebuild trust and positively impact the Syrian landscape.

Haboushs message comes amidst ongoing elections and external pressures within the coalitions corridors. Its evident that internal divisions have become public, adding to the complexity of the situation.

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.
A body  too decomposed to recognize when found last year in the Cowlitz River  has been identified.

Using advanced forensic DNA testing, the Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office announced earlier this week they identified the body as Bryan M. Heinrich, Sr., 55.

According to a Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office press release, a kayaker initially discovered Heinrichs body in July 2022 on pilings near the mouth of the Cowlitz River. Deputies and the Cowlitz County Dive Rescue team later pulled him out.

There is no indication that Heinrich died due to a crime, and the investigation into the circumstance of his death has been closed, the press release states.

The announcement states investigators couldnt originally identify his remains by face or fingerprints due to decomposition. A forensic odontologist made a dental record, which was shared with the National Missing Persons Database.

The Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office collaborated with Texas-based business Othram, a private company specializing in forensic DNA testing.

Othram identified the dead mans potential family members after constructing a DNA profile that helped investigators formulate leads. One of those leads was a close relative of the man, who identified the body as his brother, based on the tattoo the cadaver had on its upper left arm.

Heinrich was living in homeless shelters before he was last seen alive by family in March 2022, the press release states.

Othram was the same company that identified the remains of Columbia County resident Jade David Feigert, 22, who was last seen alive in 2017 when his mother dropped him off in Kelso. His skeletal remains were identified earlier this year.

Cowlitz County Sheriffs Office Chief Criminal Deputy Troy Brightbill told The Daily News, regarding the Feigert case, that all leads were followed up and that there was no evidence that Feigert died as a result of a crime.
A man who pleaded guilty in June over a 2007 child rape was sentenced in Cowlitz County Superior Court to nine years in prison.

A lifetime no-contact order was also established last week for Fernando Sanchez Esteban, 40. He received a lifetime of community custody and a $500 fine. He must register with the state as a sex offender, according to court documents.

The victim, now an adult, gave an impact statement during Estebans sentencing hearing.

The rape occurred when the victim was younger than 10 in December 2007, and the abuse required them to be hospitalized, court documents state.

A report says the victim came forward to family members in 2011. By then, authorities believed Esteban had left the state of Washington.

Later, Esteban contacted the victims family and reportedly apologized for the sexual abuse against the youth. In the phone call, he didnt reveal his location, but on Feb. 27, 2016, he and another man were seen by a friend of the victims family buying items at a gas station, according to a report by Longview police.

In a 2016 forensic interview, the victim said Esteban made threats, and the victim wanted to forget what happened, because it was difficult to talk about.

Esteban has a history of criminal charges, including two fourth-degree assault charges in 2006 and 2010.
A man is charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly drinking beverages he didnt pay for while carrying a hatchet at the WinCo Foods supermarket in Longviews Triangle Center.

At about 7 p.m., Aug. 14 a WinCo loss prevention employee told police David Andrew Norton, 52, was inside drinking beverages he didnt pay for, as stated in the probable cause statement.

The employee told police Norton had already thrown away an empty glass bottle. The total cost of the drink was $0.98.

According to the probable cause statement, the arriving police officers cuffed Norton before reading him his Miranda rights, as he was still carrying the hatchet.

Norton was also allegedly trespassing when at WinCo because he is banned from all of the chains stores due to a previous incident.

He is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in Cowlitz County Superior Court. Bail was set at $20,000 and he was in Cowlitz County Jail as of Wednesday afternoon.

According to court documents, Norton was arrested earlier this year for trespassing at Bobs Sporting Goods in Longview because he is also banned from that property.

He allegedly entered Bobs and officers witnessed Norton pushing a WinCo shopping cart. After searching him, officers reported finding a loaded black Hi-Point 9mm pistol in Nortons back pocket.

He later plead guilty in that case to a felony criminal mischief charge, was sentenced to five months in county jail, and was served a $500 fine.
As Longview officials look to draw visitors downtown, one thing is certain: there are plenty of open parking spots.

A recent city-commissioned parking study reviewed spaces in downtown Longview and surrounding blocks  reaching as far east as R.A. Long Park in the Civic Circle  and found nearly half of the on-street parking was available during the middle of the week in June.

Consultants tracked cars that came through the area throughout the day on June 21, along with an overnight count of vehicles. The City Council and Downtown Advisory Committee plan to use the data as a starting point for possible additional parking rule changes.

A different set of parking rules went into effect a year ago, when the three-hour parking spaces along Commerce Avenue and the cross streets for the downtown blocks were changed to allow only two hours of free parking. The Longview Police Department also stopped issuing warning tickets to people who overstay the posted parking times.

The recent parking study was requested by Longview  including the police department, who enforce the parking rules and tickets in downtown  before the city modifies current parking ordinances or time-limit signs. The city hired Rick Williams Consulting, a company that has helped cities from Woodland to Dallas evaluate their parking options.

Theres a substantial supply of parking available to accommodate growth, Rick Williams told the Longview City Council Tuesday night. We now need to manage it so that we can work with it, make sure we have the right car in the right stall.

Suggested changes

At its busiest point on the Wednesday study, 47% of on-street parking spaces were in use. Demand for parking lots peaked at 57% use.

Longview Downtowners President Josh Carter said this overall number included spaces outside of the downtown core. He said he was curious how different traffic demands were on Saturdays, specifically in the core.

Demand was more concentrated in the south end of downtown Longview, between Florida and Broadway streets. The core streets saw a peak of 75% of spots being used  what Williams described as the sweet spot of demand most cities want in their major areas.

The study also suggests ways the city could simplify rules and improve parking options.

Drivers stayed in both the one-hour street spaces and the two-hour spaces for similar amounts of time, so Williams suggested it might be worth making them all two-hour spots.

The city could also convert the 15-minute-parking spaces to 30-minute-spots and reduce the number of 10-hour spaces and unlimited parking spots.

In terms of the parking lots, Williams said the biggest issue was maximizing their use. He suggested talking to business owners and residents to encourage more employees or long-term visitors use the lots.

In Main Street downtowns, customers parking at the curb is the highest priority, and finding reasonable options, adequate safe and affordable options for long-term parking, is something that occurs off-street, Williams said in an interview Wednesday.
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 Russia's 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.

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 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 Russia's 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 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 Putin's "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 "Putin's 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 this week showed him at an undisclosed desert site in military fatigues and holding an assault rifle as he said his company sought "real warriors" and "continuing to fulfill the tasks" it 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  for a decade by his own admission  though 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 don't 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 Prigozhin's 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 Putin's 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 Wagner's work in Africa to support the war in Ukraine.

In 2017, opposition figure and corruption fighter Alexei Navalny accused Prigozhin's 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.
Thumbs up: Gun law fix

Its nice to see someone find a mistake and then get it addressed. Thats what happened when the Cowlitz County Historical Museum tried to add a new rifle to their collection.

When Hans Schaufus first tried to donate his antique Remington Model 4 to the museum, the museum could not accept it. This was due to a 2014 law passed by Washington voters that requires a background check for the transfer of firearms ownership.

While we support background checks as a tool to keep criminals from purchasing a firearm, the law as it was written clearly needed at least one more good tweak. Specifically, museums do not fit any of the exempted categories, even though there are many legitimate reasons a museum might want to put a gun on display.

Thankfully, our local state Senator Jeff Wilson put Senate Bill 5436 before the Legislature, who passed it unanimously. Sometimes, all it takes is realizing there was a problem for you to do something about it.

Thumbs down: Spokane fire

It seems like every week, were talking about some big new fire. The latest conflagration to catch our attention is a pair of wildfires bearing down on Spokane. Since Friday, at least two people have been killed by these fires and 265 structures have been destroyed. Combined, the two fires have burned over 15 square miles so far.

Its painful to see damage like this so close to home, especially after TDN photographer Katelyn Metzger recently reminded us of the beauty of Eastern Washington through her photos of the Palouse Region that printed Aug. 10.

Thankfully, fire crews are already on site, with more help to come from state and federal authorities. Its hard to conceptualize a 15-square-mile fire, let alone the idea of running towards it so you can try to put it out. Anyone with the courage to do so deserves our respect and support. No matter how thin resources for firefighters might be stretched these days  and make no mistake, Maui and Klamath have them stretched quite thin  theyre always there to try and stop the damage.

Thumbs down: Ferry problems

Theres a lot of talk about the need to invest in roads and bridges. And most of it is very justified; maintenance work on our transportation infrastructure has routinely been delayed, paused, reconsidered, kicked down the road, punted on and otherwise ignored. Thats just as true of the states ferry fleet.

The M/V Chelan ran aground Sunday night while crossing through the Wasp Passage in the San Juan Islands. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. This is the third major incident in the past two years, after fuel problems left one ship to run ashore in April, while another ran into pilings in Seattle last summer.

Unfortunately, Washington seems to be falling even further behind on fleet maintenance than the growing backlog of road projects. Only nine of 21 ferries are considered in good shape, and the maintenance backlog has grown 30% in four years. With a crunch on dry dock slips, the state doesnt even seem to know who will repair the Chelan.

All in all, its a pretty sad situation for the states fleet to be in.

Ultimately, the state ferries fleet problem is another example of how we neglected necessary work to maintain our infrastructure, and how those needed tasks dont just disappear if you ignore them long enough. Big one-time purchases from the legislature are great, but we need to be committing to long-term support as well.

Thumbs up: Inmate firefighters

In light of the pending closure of Larch Correction Center near Yacolt, Washington is considering relocating inmate firefighters to a new site at the Longview Reentry Center. We think its a sensible decision.

Yacolts minimum-security prison is going to close, were not here to relitigate that decision. Its already been decided, so were looking at what comes after that. Moving the inmates to Longview makes a lot of sense. Moving crews up and down Interstate 5 is much simpler in Longview than Yacolt, and the middle of Longview isnt vulnerable to wildfire in the same way rural Yacolt is.

Nothing has been set in stone yet. But if the departments of Corrections and Natural Resources decide to base this operation out of Longview in the future, we think theyll realize it was the right choice to make.
Data and intelligence play a key role in enabling automation and implementing a successful hybrid work strategy, but a holistic approach is required to maximize its advantages. VMware announces modern AI integrations to the Anywhere Workspace platform, part of the VMware Cross-Cloud services portfolio, that automatically optimize employee experience, drive new vulnerability management use cases, and simplify application lifecycle management. VMware Anywhere Workspace is the only hybrid work platform that integrates digital employee experience (DEX), virtual desktop infrastructure and apps (VDI and DaaS), unified endpoint management (UEM) and security to enable a seamless and secure workspace on any device or location.

Last year, we announced our Autonomous Workspace vision as a path forward for organizations to navigate the challenges brought on by hybrid work, said Shankar Iyer, senior vice president and general manager, End-User Computing, VMware. We are thrilled to unveil new advancements for our customers that expand data sources and insights, integrate with technology partners for improved security, and unify app delivery strategy across all virtual desktops and apps. These innovations continue to progress our vision of providing the next evolution of digital workspaces.

Integrated AI-Driven Platform Scales Experience Management

VMware continues to leverage data, intelligence, and automation to improve the employee and IT experience by introducing new Insights and Playbooks based on greatly expanded data and machine learning algorithms that enhance DEX remediation capabilities. These updates broaden access to data, help strengthen VMware Insights, and allow for remediation of more issues.

VMware will now enable delivery of new app performance scores, in addition to existing mobile device, desktop, and virtual environment experience scores. If a SaaS app service goes down, IT is proactively alerted and employees are automatically notified. This allows IT to quickly resolve the outage without dealing with inbound support tickets and employees dont waste time trying to access unavailable services.

But simply providing IT with more data is not enough to empower them to work smarter. VMwares AI-driven Insights feature now provides anomaly detection that informs IT of potential experience issues for frontline devices and VDI environments, in addition to mobile and desktop environments. Todays announcement of new Playbooks enables IT to create step-by-step remediation workflows to resolve incidents more efficiently and use success rate analytics to automate the resolution process and streamline execution over time.

Workspace ONE intelligence has been a game changer for us when it comes to automating life cycle management inside UEM. We have been utilizing it for automatically tagging devices and assigning them into smart groups. We have also used several dashboard templates for monitoring our security stance and helping remediate high-risk security threats, said George March, manager of digital workspace and development, Information Technology, USA Health. Next on our roadmap is implementing the ITSM connector, and with the addition of remediation playbooks, we are so excited about the way it will streamline our help desk support teams workflows.

Unique Partner Integration Powers New Security and Manageability Use Cases

Ensuring end-to-end manageability and security for todays distributed workforce is critical and requires a holistic approach to vulnerability assessment, prioritization, remediation, out-of-band support, and reporting. Collaboration with a best-of-breed partner ecosystem that offers speed, breadth, and depth in vulnerability management is necessary to protect against sophisticated attack vectors. VMware is committed to innovating together with our technology partners to provide customers with more secure and seamless hybrid experiences.

Today, VMware continues this mission by announcing an expanded partnership with Intel through a one-of-a-kind, cloud-native integration of Workspace ONE with Intel vPro. This chip-to-cloud integration makes it easier to secure and remotely manage work devices entirely from the cloud, with no additional on-premises infrastructure and management software needed. Through line of sight and out-of-band management of vPro powered devices, IT teams can have below-the-OS vulnerability insights, and visibility to reduce the impact of potential exploits quickly and efficiently. Using Workspace ONE, customers can have centralized visibility into Intel vPro-powered PCs and accelerate patch remediation cycles for devices located outside of office perimeters, even if the devices are sleeping or powered off. This improves security and compliance by accomplishing higher patch saturation with fewer remediation steps and reduces potential disruption to employee productivity.

Modern App Management Simplifies Virtual Environments

Managing and delivering apps across VDI, DaaS, and published app environments has become increasingly complex and inefficient due to silos of legacy tools used. VMware recently introduced Apps on Demand, powered by VMware App Volumes, to unify app management and intelligently deploy apps to published app hosts or non-persistent desktop environments, all based on real-time app usage.

Today, VMware announces additional expansion of App Volumes support to deliver apps on demand to persistent virtual desktops. Now in beta availability, customers with persistent VMware Horizon environments will be able to use App Volumes to capture their apps once and deliver to many persistent virtual desktops. This automates the app delivery process with up to 99% compatibility and reduces management time and costs for any desktop or published app environment. VMware App Volumes is the only solution to help organizations deliver and manage apps across VMware Horizon, Citrix, Microsoft, and Amazon virtual desktop and app deployments as part of VMwares Apps Everywhere vision.

Boeing: A Hybrid Workforce Innovator

The Boeing Company (Boeing) has used VMware Workspace ONE across the United States and in more than 65 countries to support its global workforce of 140,000 employees who develop, manufacture and service commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for its customers. At VMware Explore 2023 Las Vegas, they were named Hybrid Workforce Innovator as part of the 2023 VMware Customer Achievement Awards for the Americas for enabling its workforce to work from anywhere in the world, improving the user experience while reinforcing and advancing security for devices and applications.

VMware Anywhere Workspace helps us manage and protect end points, provide a common platform to access apps and tools, as well as helping facilitate a digital experience for our employees, said Kristina Ross, Boeing Workplace Solutions director for Research & Technology. Workspace ONE helped streamline our transition from traditional PC lifecycle management to Windows 10 modern management which was enabled by our shift to a SaaS-based solution for the company. Today, we have a unified view to oversee all endpoint requirements, and the adoption of SaaS enhanced our scalability and ability to shift focus from infrastructure to business facing solutions.
Public Sector Chief Data Officers in key Asia Pacific markets are currently prioritising governance, security and compliance amid the rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, highlighting a sense of caution and reduced focus on innovation in data analytics, according to new research from Qlik.

A shift in traditional reporting structures is driving this trend, with over half (58%) of data executives now reporting through a security, risk, or compliance channel rather than a technology organisational lead, according to the research titled Driving Data in the APAC Public Sector: Balancing Governance and Innovation. Meanwhile, nearly half of public sector agencies (48%) now use a governance title for their senior data executives.

The report also reveals how governance has become fundamental to shaping strategy. Many public sector organisations are now allocating more resources to governance than capability, mirroring a default view across the sector that data is a risk to be managed rather than an opportunity to be exploited. In this environment, 71% of CDOs agree that they possess data governance capabilities, while 65% affirm their possession of data management capabilities, and 58% indicate having data analytics capabilities to utilise data to formulate and implement policies or provide services.

When asked about their priorities for the next year, many data leaders ranked strategising, maturity assessments, inventories and governance boards above more innovation-focused initiatives, such as deploying analytics tools, decommissioning old technologies or publishing open datasets. In Indian organisations, the top three data goals for the next year are defining a data strategy (65%), installing a governance board (55%), and creating an enterprise data architecture (55%).

The research also demonstrates the drive to strengthen compliance practices in recent years. Over 90% of organisations reported having governance frameworks in place in 2023.

Of the 90% mentioned above, 63% of Indian organisations have confirmed they have some policies and procedures in place but are still maturing their framework; 35% regard their frameworks as mature, and 2% have not adopted any data governance practices.

Regarding significant challenges in moving data to the public cloud, 65% of respondents said the effort required to modernise applications was the topmost barrier, followed by privacy/security concerns (64%) and a shortage of technical skills and support (56%).

Commissioned by Qlik and conducted independently by Omdia, the study presents the findings of a survey of 326 senior data executives within the public sectors of Australia, India, and Singapore, revealing how the CDO role and business strategies are evolving across government organisations.

Geoff Thomas, Senior Vice President, APAC, Qlik,said the report signals rapid change in data leaders roles and responsibilities, and how innovation is now taking a backseat.

Our study provides valuable insight into the responsibilities and demands faced by CDOs in the public sector today. While CDOs have never been more important, they play a critical role in the overall infrastructure of the public sector, the research clearly demonstrates how their job is rapidly evolving, says Thomas.

Critically, they are increasingly focused on addressing risk rather than seizing on opportunities when it comes to data. To overcome this cautiousness, CDOs need to realise and maximise the return on data and analytics. Promisingly, the findings also show rising appreciation for the expanding roles and responsibilities of CDOs in todays increasingly regulated climate. Around 61% now say they clearly understand the role and how to deliver against it.

But this level of appreciation does not necessarily extend to entire organisations, according to the research. Over 90% of businesses have a well-defined data strategy with responsibilities and objectives. However, the majority of respondents (54%) say they are poorly understood. There is a significant disparity between countries, with 49% of Singaporean enterprises reporting that their goals and objectives are well recognised, 41% in Australia, and 20% in India. Multi-cloud deployments are becoming the standard across the continent, with India leading the way with only 2% of firms claiming to utilise only one cloud platform.

Al Blake, Principal Analyst, Omdia,said CDOs should be promoting the value of data across their businesses to drive service development. Indian organizations are embracing robust data governance and delineating precise roles and goals for their data. Its encouraging to witness CDOs operating in an era of clarity where the significance of data and analytics is recognized. However, the challenge lies in amplifying this value across the organization to drive service development and strategic implementation. Integrating the CDO role remains a work in progress, especially in harmonizing governance and innovation.

Varun Babbar, Managing Director  India & SAARC, Qlik, said,While data sharing and open publishing benefits are widely recognized in the public sector, enabling seamless connectivity and data integration across agencies can foster service development. Integrating data management policies and procedures directly into analytical systems is equally important, especially since India established its 1st Data Protection Act. This approach promotes dissemination and encourages a learning by doing mentality, ensuring data sharing and utilization become integral to operational efficiency.
If you havent been able to book your new iPhone 15 or iPhone 15 Plus on the Apple Online Store
VMware has expanded its ongoing partnership with Oracle to help customers modernize their VMware workloads on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Under the expanded partnership, customers will be able to subscribe to Oracle Cloud VMware Solution as part of VMware Cloud Universal, a flexible purchasing and consumption program that helps businesses simplify procurement and accelerate adoption of eligible VMware Cloud services. The VMware Cloud Universal program is well-suited for customers with a hybrid cloud architecture, customers that have extended or variable cloud migration timelines, or cloud bursting requirements.

With VMware Cloud Universal, customers purchase credits which they will be able to use to deploy workloads on Oracle Cloud VMware Solution. By applying their credits to Oracle Cloud VMware Solution subscriptions, customers will be able to take advantage of a simplified mechanism for managing their cloud-related expenses. Additionally, the VMware Cloud Acceleration Benefit gives VMware Cloud Universal customers a flexible way to leverage the value of their VMware Software Defined Data Center (SDDC) perpetual licenses as they migrate on-premises workloads to Oracle Cloud VMware Solution.

Oracle Cloud VMware Solution is designed for enterprises requiring the highest levels of scalability, performance, security, and administrative control. Customers can directly manage cloud infrastructure and VMware consoles for complete administrative control of their entire VMware stack. This enables enterprises to rapidly migrate on-premises VMware estates to the cloud with existing skills, best practices, and tools. VMware environments operate in more securely isolated customer tenancies at the highest levels of security, including FedRAMP High, to meet compliance requirements. In addition, Oracle Cloud VMware Solution delivers enterprise-level performance along with predictable costs, including the industrys lowest data egress prices, and consistent low pricing across 45 global Oracle Cloud regions. With Oracle Cloud VMware Solution, customers gain OCIs flexible cloud infrastructure and zero-trust security, while retaining the full VMware administrator experience and control.

Zia Yusuf, senior vice president, strategic ecosystem and industry solutions, VMware, said, Enabling a cloud-smart approach is about accelerating innovation by providing customers access to the best cloud environments for any app. VMware and Oracle are helping our customers become cloud smart by giving them faster and easier ways to purchase and deploy Oracle Cloud VMware Solution and our cross-cloud services. The combination of VMware and Oracle drives greater business agility, improves resiliency, and enables customers to benefit from cloud economics and scale.

Oracle and VMware share a commitment to make it easier for customers to run VMware enterprise workloads in OCI. Since the launch of Oracle Cloud VMware Solution, customers such as Cybereason, Atos, Telefonica, TIM Brasil, Aya Bank, San Jose Water, Maxims, Prophecy International and many other enterprises in finance, telecommunications, retail, manufacturing, and government agencies have adopted Oracle Cloud VMware Solution to accelerate their cloud journey and simplify application modernization and multi-cloud operations.

Doug Smith, Senior Vice President, Global Strategic Partnerships, Oracle, said, Oracle continues to evolve its partnership with VMware and with this new integration into the VMware Cloud Universal program customers can get a more seamless way to procure subscriptions for Oracle Cloud VMware Solution. Enterprise customers need to have choices for how they procure their infrastructure and applications. With VMware Cloud Universal, VMware and Oracle customers have additional flexibility to build and operate their applications, databases, and workloads in OCI.
Documentary spotlights WWII tragedy's impact on British families and courage of Chinese fishermen

10:51, August 24, 2023 By Xu Feng, Du Juan ( Xinhua

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."

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
AUSTIN  House managers plan to call Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to the witness stand during his upcoming impeachment trial, according to copies of the witness lists obtained by The Dallas Morning News.

Paxton tops the list of potential witnesses to be called by the managers, a group of House lawmakers and outside lawyers who will put on the case against Paxton, according to the document. The attorney generals lawyers have said Paxton will not testify. The managers have argued Paxton must take the stand if subpoenaed, but can refuse to answer questions by exercising his constitutional right against self incrimination.

Nate Paul, the Austin real estate developer at the center of the impeachment allegations, and Laura Olson, a woman with whom Paxton is alleged to have had an affair are also on the managers list. Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore is also on the list.

On the attorney generals list of potential witnesses are two senators who will also sit as jurors during his impeachment trial: his wife Angela Paxton and Bryan Hughes, a Mineola Republican who is referenced in the articles of impeachment.

His lawyers also may call his two Republican primary challengers, George P. Bush and Eva Guzman, as well as Republican strategist and Paxton critic Karl Rove, according to their witness list. Texans for Lawsuit Reform, a well-funded political action committee that endorsed Guzman, and its founder Dick Weekley are also on Paxtons list.

A group of whistleblowers whose corruption allegations against Paxton prompted the impeachment proceedings appear on both lists.

According to trial rules drawn up by the senators, the witness lists are confidential. The News obtained copies from a source with firsthand knowledge of the lists.

Dick DeGuerin, one of the House managers lawyers, said the Senate will rule on whether Paxton can be called as a witness. He added: As far as the witness list being made public, I want it to be clear nobody from the House managers leaked that.

Paxtons lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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.

State senators, sitting as the jury, will vote on whether Paxton should be removed from office in a trial starts Sept. 5. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the president of the Senate, will preside over the trial. The last impeachment trial of a statewide elected official in Texas was in 1917.

Paxton is suspended from his official duties without pay pending the trials completion.
Starting Sept. 1, parents and guardians of children and adults who need 24/7 direct supervision and neurobehavioral support will have the opportunity to petition the court directly for a civil commitment order for residential placement in a State Supported Living Center thanks to the passage of SB944.

Federal law states that if a state plan includes the option of Intermediate Care Facilities in its Medicaid State Plan, the state must provide that all individuals making an application for medical assistance under the plan shall have the opportunity to do so, and that such assistance shall be furnished with reasonable promptness to all eligible individuals.

Individuals seeking residential care, including their parents and guardians, should be "given the choice of either institutional or home and community-based services.

The U.S. Supreme Courts decision in 1999's Olmstead v L.C. defined the American with Disabilities Act by requiring all services be administered in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of the individual.

Olmstead established that persons with an intellectual disability vary in how they are situated in the spectrum and recognized that some persons may need institutional care from time to time and for others, no placement outside the institution may ever be appropriate.

Texas has narrow criteria for admittance to a State Supported Living Center and a civil commitment must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Families now can choose from the full continuum of care offered by the state of Texas and select the one that best meets the needs of their family member.

REBECCA JAPKO

Brenham
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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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) Agreement reached to end strike that shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for a week 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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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) Agreement reached to end strike that shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for a week 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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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) Agreement reached to end strike that shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for a week UAW escalates strike against lone holdout GM after landing tentative pacts with Stellantis and Ford
(Photo : John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin loses a crucial legal battle in his attempts to have a civil suit, brought by crew members of the Western movie "Rust," dismissed.

Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin has lost a crucial legal battle amid his attempts to have a lawsuit brought by the crew of the film "Rust" dismissed over a deadly shooting on set.

A New Mexico judge on Wednesday denied a motion filed by the actor that sought to dismiss a civil suit from production members of the film. Previously, Baldwin was charged with the fatal shooting of cinematographer Haluna Hutchins on the set of Rust. However, prosecutors later dropped the involuntary manslaughter charges.

Alec Baldwin Loses Crucial Legal Battle

But the actor was later charged again for his alleged role in the victim's death as he was wielding the revolver during an on-set rehearsal when the shooting occurred. Baldwin has continued to deny that he pulled the trigger during the incident, however, the ballistic analysis suggested otherwise.

The judge who made the recent decision, Bryan Biedscheid, also declined the actor's request to stay a resolution of the civil suit until criminal proceedings against him in the matter are resolved. Three plaintiffs in the suit worked as contractors on the set of the Western movie, as per The Western Journal.

The three individuals accused the Hollywood actor and his company, El Dorado Pictures, of creating an unsafe environment on the New Mexico set of the movie. They cited various damages, including, but not limited to, hearing loss, temporary deafness, and vibrational shock during their time working on the film.

The plaintiffs also cited a production that "cut corners" related to safety, referencing a shoot that was scheduled to only last 21 days. The crew members also accused Baldwin of unsafe practices while he was handling the revolver that ultimately caused the death of Hutchins.

In a statement, they said that the actor did not request to have anyone verify or demonstrate that the revolver's safety was working before the exchange. Additionally, they alleged that Baldwin did not ask to see whether or not ammunition was present inside the prop gun's chamber.

Read Also: Chicago Woman Threatens To Kill Trump, Youngest Son Barron

Fatal "Rust" Shooting

The three plaintiffs were identified as Ross Addiego, Doran Curtin, and Reese Price, who took Baldwin and his company to court earlier this year. During the judge's ruling, Biedscheid said that did not presently know of the state of "criminal prosecution" of the actor, according to Deadline.

He added that it was surprisingly common for a defendant to straddle both a criminal and civil case. While Judge Biedscheid leaned towards not pausing the matter, he did give a chance for the defendants to be able to "assert their Constitutional rights as they see fit" going forward.

The decision is the second major development this week as the criminal trial of armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed was pushed back to Feb. 21, 2024. No reason was given for the shift in courtroom details but some speculate scheduling issues with the witnesses.

Baldwin's legal team wanted to dismiss the civil suit, arguing that the special prosecution in the criminal case that was connected to Hutchins' fatal shooting is actively considering filing new charges against the Hollywood actor. They said that this situation could put the defendant in potential criminal jeopardy, said Fox News.

Related Article: Wisconsin: Gun Stores Now Helping Prevent Suicide-Here's How

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile, or SQM, is a Chilean-based company primarily producing and distributing fertilizers, lithium, and iodine. The company was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile. With operations in Chile, the United States, Argentina, and China, SQM is a global leader in producing and distributing specialty plant nutrition and potassium nitrate products and a key player in the lithium industry.

SQM's management team is led by Ricardo Ramos, who has been Chief Executive Officer since 2018. Ramos joined SQM in 2001 and has held various leadership positions. Before becoming CEO, Ramos served as SQM's Chief Financial Officer. In recent years, SQM has experienced strong financial performance. SQM has reported revenue and earnings increases yearly for the past several years. Earnings per share have also increased yearly.



Additionally, SQM has seen steady profit margins, with a gross profit margin of 35.4% in 2023 and a net profit margin of 18.5%. SQM has a moderate level of debt. In terms of ownership, SQM is primarily owned by various institutional investors, with the largest shareholders including Pampa Calichera and PotashCorp. SQM's valuation metrics compare favorably to industry peers. The company has a price-to-earnings and a price-to-book ratio lower than industry averages.



Regarding market performance, SQM has experienced some volatility in recent years. In Q1 of 2020, the stock saw its five-year low of around $15 per share. However, shortly after hitting that low, the stock started rising, and in Q2 of 2022, it hit an all-time high of around $115 a share. Trading volume has been equally volatile, with an average volume of approximately 1.8 million shares.

SQM operates in a highly competitive industry, with key competitors including Albemarle Corporation and FMC Corporation. The global fertilizer market is projected to reach $199 billion by 2027, driven by increasing demand for food and agriculture products. Additionally, the lithium market is expected to grow significantly, driven by increasing demand for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and other applications. SQM faces regulatory and political risks, particularly in relation to its lithium operations.

Looking ahead, SQM has identified several growth opportunities. The company plans to increase its specialty plant nutrition product production and expand its lithium market presence. Additionally, SQM has announced plans to invest in new technologies like blockchain to improve supply chain transparency and efficiency.

SQM has achieved a solid financial performance over the past few years, with revenue and earnings growth outpacing the industry average. However, the company's reliance on lithium has become a concern for investors due to potential market fluctuations. Lithium accounts for over half of the company's revenue, and changes in demand or pricing could significantly impact its financial performance. Moreover, the competitive landscape of the lithium industry is rapidly evolving, with new players entering the market and established competitors investing heavily in production capacity. Additionally, regulatory changes, such as new environmental regulations or tariffs, could impact the company's operations and profitability. Furthermore, changing consumer preferences, such as a shift towards electric vehicles, could alter the demand for lithium and other key products, adversely affecting SQM's growth prospects.
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Zip Code
(Photo : Rob Kim/Getty Images)

Rudy Giuliani has surrendered himself to an Atlanta jail in relation to the Georgia election case that alleges his played a leading role in spreading false election claims.

Rudy Giuliani has surrendered himself to authorities in relation to the Georgia election case, and he was subsequently booked into an Atlanta jail alongside other defendants.

The bond of the former mayor of New York City was set at $150,000, and he arrived in Atlanta as lawyer Kenneth Chesebro, another defendant in the case, filed a motion for a speedy trial. That would require the trial for all of the 19 people who have been indicted in the case to begin no later than Nov. 3, a few months earlier than what prosecutors were seeking.

Rudy Giuliani Surrenders to Jail in Georgia

After Giuliani was booked into the Atlanta jail, he stepped out of an SUV to address a horde of reporters and called the case "an attack on the American people." Afterward, he made his way to A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds, a business establishment near the jail.

Giuliani and former United States President Donald Trump are the two individuals facing the most charges among the people indicted in the Georgia election case. The former was the latter's former personal lawyer, and he is believed to have played a leading role in advancing false claims that the election was stolen from the Republican businessman, as per the New York Times.

The former Trump attorney was accompanied to the Atlanta jail by Bernard Kerik, who previously served as New York City's police commissioner under Giuliani's mayoral leadership. The flight to the area also included a spokesman for Giuliani, Ted Goodman, and John Esposito from the New York law firm Aidala, Bertuna, and Kamins.

The latter is expected to take the lead to represent the former Trump attorney in the Georgia election case. Ahead of Giuliani's booking, his layers met with the office of Fulton County District Attorney Fani T. Willis, who is leading the investigation.

On Wednesday, the bond for Sidney Powell, another defendant who is a lawyer believed to have advanced false claims of vote fraud and advised the former president to fight his election loss, was set at $100,000.

Read Also: Chicago Woman Threatens To Kill Trump, Youngest Son Barron

Georgia Election Case

Following Giuliani's surrender, his former boss, Trump, is also expected to do the same regarding charges in the case. However, according to NBC News, the former president has denied any wrongdoing and says he is innocent.

Additionally, Trump has already agreed to a $200,000 bond with certain conditions, which include limits on social media posts regarding the Georgia election case. If the Republican businessman is found to violate any of the conditions, judges could have limited enforcement options.

There were also talks about how Giuliani could have financed the private flight to Atlanta amid financial struggles from mounting legal bills. The situation stems from his attempts to retain lawyers for the congressional and federal criminal investigations.

Furthermore, the situation has worsened for the former Trump attorney because of his setbacks in court. These include a defamation case against two Georgia election workers Giuliani falsely accused of stealing ballots. According to The Guardian, his license was suspended following his election subversion efforts.

Related Article: [VIDEO] Kentucky Police Rescue Woman Chained Onto House Floor, Arrest Suspect

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Five environmental groups are suing to block Gov. Glenn Youngkins effort to pull Virginia out of an interstate pact to cut the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.

The lawsuit, filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court, says the Air Pollution Control Board and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality do not have the authority to pull Virginia out of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.

A state law enacted by the General Assembly in 2020 required Virginia join RGGI, a 12-state program under which power plants have to pay to buy offsetting allowances for every ton of carbon emissions.

Environmentalists say RGGI is a powerful tool to cut emissions.

Since joining RGGI, the five groups 138-page lawsuit says, carbon dioxide emissions from Virginia power plants in Virginia have decreased by nearly 17%, from about 32.8 million short tons in 2020 to about 27.3 million short tons in 2022.

Because the amount of allowances declines every year, the price of emitting greenhouse gas keeps rising, and that is meant to encourage power plants operators to slash that pollution.

Funds paid by Virginia power plants for their excess emissions, meanwhile, have paid for more than $328 million to help low- and moderate-income Virginians with ways to cut energy use and more than $295 million for flood control, a major issue in low-lying coastal and Chesapeake Bay communities.

RGGI is a proven regional program that reduces carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, according to the lawsuit, filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center, the Association of Energy Conservation Professionals, Virginia Interfaith Power & Light, Appalachian Voices and Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions.

A month after his election, Youngkin said he would pull Virginia out of RGGI, calling it a tax on ratepayers and a bad deal for customers and businesses.

Environmentalists and several Democratic legislators have argued ever since that because it was the General Assembly that required Virginia to join RGGI, only the legislature can pull the state out.

Youngkin is using a decision of the Air Pollution Control Board to repeal its regulation on RGGIs operation in Virginia to end the states participation in RGGI when its current contract with the body expires at the end of 2023.

The fact is that the General Assembly made a specific legislative decision to require Virginia to participate in RGGI, and only the General Assembly may revisit that choice, the five groups lawsuit stated.

The lawsuit said the 2020 law requiring Virginia to join RGGI does not allow the board to repeal its regulation.

It also said the board and the state Department of Environmental Quality, along with DEQ Director Michael Rolband, exceeded their authority and violated the state constitution by basing the repeal on the grounds that it would reduce utility bills.

The board was able to do so only after Youngkin appointed new members to make a majority, which he was able to do because of two unexpected vacancies, according to the lawsuit.

The Virginia Clean Economy Act, also enacted in 2020, gives the State Corporation Commission authority to review how utilities pass on RGGI costs to customers.

The Air Pollution Control Board is authorized only to take action to abate, control and prohibit air pollution. It is not authorized to regulate utility costs  and certainly not these specific costs, which the General Assembly expressly determined could be recovered in this way, according to the lawsuit.

The SCC said last month that Dominion Energy could pass on more than $355 million of RGGI costs to customers, through a surcharge of 0.4425 cents per kilowatt hour on electricity used after Sept. 1. It translates to a bit more than $4.42 on a benchmark 1,000 kilowatt-hour monthly bill, which currently costs $125.

Youngkin has long said he wants to pull Virginia out because the way this state regulates utilities means they are free to pass on any costs they incur under RGGI to customers.

That means the incentive to cut emissions from payments for RGGI allowances does not work here, so that those payments become a kind of tax on Virginians, Youngkin argued.

RGGI remains a regressive tax which does not do anything to incentivize the reduction of emissions, Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles said, in response to the lawsuit.

He said the Air Pollution Control Board does not believe Virginia is required to be in RGGI, adding that the citizens of Virginia should not be subjected to this unnecessary tax.

Voyles said the Office of the Attorney General has determined that the board had the authority to act as it did.

But the groups lawsuit said staying in RGGI at least through 2030, as the law now requires, would fund energy-efficiency improvements for as many as 130,000 Virginia homes, saving each an average of $676 a year.

RGGI is a market-based effort among the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.

Dominion, the states biggest utility, has put the total cost of RGGI allowances since 2021 through the end of this year at $640 million.

It collected $84 million through an RGGI-linked surcharge in effect from Jan. 1 to June 30, 2022, before it asked the SCC to suspend that surcharge after Youngkin announced he would pull Virginia out of the pact.

Dominion told the SCC it recovered an additional $183 million of RGGI-linked costs through its base rates. The balance that it is spending and will spend through the end of this year is what it is recovering through the new surcharge.

Without our participation in RGGI, Virginians will be exposed to increased greenhouse gas emissions and more severe climate impacts with little or no support for their mitigation from the state, said Faith Harris, executive director at Virginia Interfaith Power & Light.

The weatherization and flood preparedness funds created due to our participation in RGGI were sound and practical solutions to stabilize Virginias economy in the face of rising energy costs, sea levels, temperatures and severe weather conditions. RGGI is working for Virginia, and Virginians know it, she said.

Given the intense warning signs weve received this summer, from record-setting heat to the horrifying wildfires affecting more and more Americans, it makes no sense to pull out, said Andrea McGimsey, executive director of Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin
The U.S. Justice Department (DoJ) on Wednesday unsealed an indictment against two founders of the now-sanctioned Tornado Cash cryptocurrency mixer service, charging them with laundering more than $1 billion in criminal proceeds.

Both the individuals, Roman Storm and Roman Semenov, have been charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to commit sanctions violations, and conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

Storm, 34, is said to have been arrested in the U.S. state of Washington. Semenov, 35, remains at large in Dubai. They are alleged to have "made millions of dollars in profits" from promoting and operating the service. Tornado Cash is estimated to have processed upwards of $7 billion worth of crypto assets over a period of three years.

In a related move, the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned Semenov and eight cryptocurrency addresses connected to him, days after a U.S. court ruled that Tornado Cash is a distinct entity that can be sanctioned.

"The eight addresses [...] have processed over $11.5 million in various crypto assets, including TORN, Tornado Cash's governance token," Elliptic said. "Funds from these addresses have moved to various services, including both centralized and decentralized exchanges."

"Roman Storm and Roman Semenov allegedly operated Tornado Cash and knowingly facilitated this money laundering," U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said. "While publicly claiming to offer a technically sophisticated privacy service, Storm and Semenov in fact knew that they were helping hackers and fraudsters conceal the fruits of their crimes."

Tornado Cash is a decentralized mixer service that was created in 2019 to blend the cryptocurrencies of many users together to obfuscate the origins and owners of the funds. The aim is to make the transactions anonymous and difficult to trace, making it appealing for criminal actors looking to cash out their ill-gotten gains.

The defendants have been identified as two of the three co-founders of Tornado Cash. The third co-founder, Alexey Pertsev, was apprehended last August in the Netherlands, where he currently awaits trial on money laundering allegations.

Furthermore, Tornado Cash is said to have failed to implement effective Know Your Customer (KYC) or anti-money laundering programs as required by law. Nor was it registered with the U.S. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a money transmitting entity.

The DoJ also pointed fingers at Tornado Cash for helping launder hundreds of millions of dollars for the Lazarus Group, a notorious North Korean threat actor, in April and May 2022, thereby facilitating sanctions-violating transactions.

The development comes a year after the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions against Tornado Cash, accusing the platform of providing "material support" to the hacking crew and laundering more than $500 million stolen from hacks of Axie Infinity and Harmony Horizon Bridge last year.

It's worth noting that the Lazarus Group was sanctioned by OFAC on September 13, 2019.

In recent years, North Korea has become infamous for brazenly pulling off high-profile cryptocurrency heists, laundering the funds through mixing services like Tornado Cash and Sinbad, and funneling them back to the country to fund the regime's nuclear and missile development programs.

Blockchain analytics company Chainalysis described 2022 as a banner year for crypto-related hacking, resulting in the theft of $3.8 billion from businesses, of which nearly $1.7 billion have been attributed to attacks mounted by the Lazarus Group.

The indictment also follows the sentencing of Anthony Francis Faulk (aka "shade"), 26, in the U.S. for his role in a conspiracy to defraud and extort more than a dozen cryptocurrency owners via SIM swapping attacks. He is expected to serve 36 months in prison and pay nearly $3 million in restitution.
Investigators with the Nebraska State Patrol Tech Crimes Unit, with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and the Central City Police Department, arrested a Central City man Monday after a child exploitation investigation.

Evan Burkhardt, 21, was arrested for 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material.

On July 10, the State Patrol performed a search warrant at the residence of 1129 17th Ave. in Central City. The search of the residence involved a child exploitation investigation.

Burkhardt was located at a different residence in Central City on Monday.

The investigation remains ongoing.

As of Tuesday, Burkhardt was lodged in the Merrick County Jail.
Dan Quick of Grand Island announced Tuesday that he is seeking a return to the Nebraska Legislature.

Quick served one four-year term after he was elected in 2016. He again hopes to represent District 35, which includes much of Grand Island.

"I'm announcing my candidacy for state Legislature because for me its about caring for the people you serve and introducing policy that will improve their lives," Quick said in a news release. The last session of the Legislature was difficult to watch and even more difficult to understand, especially with what could have been accomplished.

"We need to focus on policy that will benefit Nebraskans with issues they face each and every day," he continued. "I will work to improve the economic well-being of our residents  supporting small businesses and bringing back manufacturing jobs to the area, lowering the cost of healthcare and shielding Nebraskans from the impact of out-of-control property taxes and valuations."

During his stint in the Legislature, Quick served on the Banking, Commerce and Insurance, General Affairs, Natural Resources, and Urban Affairs committees. Quick also was appointed by the Legislature to serve on the committee that addressed concerns about conditions of assisted living facilities for residents who suffer from mental health issues. He was also appointed to serve on the Economic Development Task Force and the Juvenile Interstate Compact.

Im proud of my work in the Legislature, he said. He collaborated with constituents on legislation to expand and make the Veterans Cemetery in Grand Island a Federal Veterans Cemetery. "We passed legislation to increase access to early childhood education, to add protections to keep dangerous and addictive tobacco and vaping products out of the hands of our children, another to strengthen laws to combat human trafficking, and another to address vacant and abandoned properties in our communities. My focus has been and always will be to keep your family safe and give you an opportunity to be prosperous.

In November 2020, Ray Aguilar defeated Quick for the District 35 seat. Before that, Aguilar had served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2008.

Aguilar has not announced his intentions.

Quick, 65, said he called Aguilar Monday to inform him that he is running.

The primary election will be held in May, with the general election in November 2024.

"Quick actively supports his community," says a news release. He was elected to the Central Community College Board of Governors in 2022. He also serves on the Blessed Sacrament Parish Council, the Heartland United Way Board of Directors, the Nebraska Alliance of Child Advocacy Centers Board of Directors and other related committees.

Prior to his service in the legislature, Quick worked for 28 years at the City of Grand Islands Power Plant, where he started as a material handler and later worked as a maintenance mechanic and welder. Quick also served as president and business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1597 and as president of the Nebraska State Utility Workers Conference.

Quick and his wife, Alice, a registered nurse, have lived in Grand Island since April of 1980. Together, they have three children and nine grandchildren.

His official campaign kickoff will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Chocolate Bar in Grand Island. More information may be found at quickfornebraska.com.
The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. Allow up to 72 hours for delivery of your print edition to begin. To sign-up for EZ-Pay, call us at (903) 785-6901 or e-mail us at circulation@theparisnews.com. We will use the information you provide to change your current billing to EZ-PAY. Your current subscription delivery schedule will not be changed. No refunds for early cancellations. Remainder of early cancellation funds will be donated to Newspapers in Education.
CARBONDALE  To celebrate 150 years of incorporation, the City of Carbondale held a Sesquicentennial Carbondale CommUNITY Celebration on Wednesday afternoon at City Hall.

Mayor Carolin Harvey served as master of ceremonies and welcomed everyone to the celebration.

Those gathered heard about the Illinois Central Railroad's part in the creation and history of Carbondale.

First, John Wallace portrayed Daniel Harmon Brush, one of the founders of Carbondale, and talked about starting the town and its early history.

After Brush heard the railroad was coming through Southern Illinois, he and friends John Asgill Conner and Dr. William Richart bought 300 acres of land along the right of way for the Illinois Central Railroad in August 1852.

Brush opened his first business and moved his family from Murphysboro in January 1853. Brush Freight House opened and the first train arrived on July 4, 1854, to a crowd of 2,000 people.

After seeing the train, the crowd heard speakers, was served a massive lunch and watched fireworks. Brush (Wallace) said a rocket misfired and landed in the box of unspent fireworks. It ignited the rest of the planned rockets, Roman candles and poppers and they began flying down the street and exploding.

The event ended with Carbondales first fireworks celebration on the Fourth of July, Brush, as portrayed by Wallace, said.

He also talked about the beginning of the Civil War and the role the train coming through Carbondale played in the war, which included carrying troops, cannons, guns and munitions to the South.

Milton McDaniel talked about the train helping Carbondale grow. McDaniel worked on the train and was promoted to engineer. He was the first African American engineer north of the Ohio River.

McDaniel remembers the train carrying caskets of young men killed in Vietnam to Mound City National Cemetery for burial and said there were one or two caskets on every train.

He also remembers the train carrying coal to CIPS to create electricity.

The railroad brought a lot of money to town, McDaniel said.

The mayor and four members of the community participated in a unity candle lighting ceremony. They included Rev. Kerry Bean of First Presbyterian Church, Ronald Chambers of Bethel AME, Milton McDaniel and John Jackson of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at SIU.

Harvey said the soft glow of each candles flame represents the diversity and uniqueness of Carbondale, yet they all come together in a total light.

May the warmth of the candles touch each heart as a reminder of the warmth we share as neighbors, friends and a community, Harvey said.

The program also included: recognition of the current city council, recognition of former city council members and mayors, singing of the national anthem by Eva Joy and the song Give us This Day Our Daily Bread by Margaret Chambers.

Everyone was asked to participate in Kendell Bells painting for the anniversary. Refreshments were served by Bake Me Happy and Cristaudos.

Harvey also announced that a QR code for a new self-guided, historic bike tour was in the program.

Winners in the window painting contest were: Longbranch Cafe, first; the Thrift Shop, second; and Cristaudos, third.

Harvey asked everyone to introduce themselves to a person they did not know and make a new friend.

John Jackson has lived in Carbondale 54 years, moving to the city when he took a position with SIU. He said he had several chances to leave. When he thought about moving, he always decided that what he had at SIU and Carbondale was better.

Its been a great place, Jackson said.

Faith Scott has lived in Carbondale all her life. She said she got a good education in town and has attended wonderful events.

Its a great place. I love Carbondale, Scott said.
(Photo : Josh Edelson / AFP) (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Apple has lent its support to California's new Right to Repair Act bill that seeks to provide better repair services for consumers to encourage a "competitive repair market."

Apple has expressed its support for California's Right to Repair Act bill which seeks to create various laws that would require technology companies to provide tools for both customers and independent stores to repair products.

While the tech company was initially against the passing of the bill, its decision to support it instead came as a surprise. The bill, known as SB 244, will mandate manufacturers to provide parts, tools, and repair diagnostics as necessary to aid both customers and third-party repair providers in order to fix products.

Apple Supports California's Right To Repair Bill

The idea of the bill is to encourage what is considered a "competitive repair market" that is both cheaper for consumers and is also better for the planet in general. The bill would have manufacturers provide parts, tools, and repair documentation for products that fall under the price range of $50 to $99.99 for three years after the end of the product's manufacture.

But for products that cost at least $100, such materials must be made available for seven years after the end of manufacture. In a statement, iFixit, an American e-commerce and how-to website that sells repair parts and publishes free wiki-like online repair guides for consumer electronics and gadgets, said that the terms of the bill ensure that manufacturers cannot just simply drop product repair support at the end of a product's warranty period, as per 9to5Mac.

Right now, the tech company provides support for products for up to five years after the end of that particular product's sales. In some instances, parts for the products are made available for up to seven years after it is no longer sold, depending on the availability of the parts themselves.

If the law is passed and a company is found to violate its provisions, it would be forced to pay $1,000 per day for the first violation, $2,000 per day for the second violation, and $5,000 per day for subsequent violations.

Read Also: Discount Retailers Dollar Tree, Family Dollar Reach Agreement

Providing Better Repair Services

Across the United States, New York was the first to pass the Right to Repair bill and since then, a lobbyist who is working for Apple, Google, and Samsung, has been working to minimize the impact of the new law.

Apple's decision to support the new bill comes as the company is set to meet the law's requirements with its Self Service Repair program and various repair programs that it has for repair shops. These include options to become Apple Authorized Service Providers as well as being given parts through the Independent Repair Provider Program, according to Mac Rumors.

Additionally, California's new bill says that service and repair facilities that have been given authorization as repair providers for a company need to disclose if they are using replacement parts that are used or not from the manufacturer.

Apple lent its support to the bill on the grounds of offering consumers the ability to have their devices repaired safely without risking their privacy or data. In a statement, the tech company said that it manufactures its products with the intent of them lasting a long time, said TechCrunch.

Related Article: Peloton's Shares Plummet 23% Due to Product Recall, Sales Slowdown

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
CARBONDALE  The Varsity Center for the Arts (VCA) was awarded $225,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the Carbondale City Council during its meeting on Tuesday evening. The funds will go toward the reopening of the centers big theater.

The total cost of the project is $573,000. VCA has also received a $150,000 state grant and has raised $100,000 in donations. If the grant is not put to use by Sept. 1, it has to be returned.

On Aug. 8, Glenn Poshard gave a presentation to the city council about the Varsity Centers project and the fundraising that will go along with it.

He talked about Dick Gregory coming to SIU as a track athlete in 1955 and discovering the Varsity Theater was still segregated. At the time, Black people would purchase tickets and then have to walk all the way around the building to go up the back stairs to the balcony.

Poshard said Gregory worked hard to integrate the theater and he accomplished that.

This is our history. We should claim it; we should own it. We should rebuild the Varsity, Poshard said on Aug. 8.

The item was put on the agenda for the Aug. 22 meeting. When it came up, Adam Loos moved that the council approve up to $225,000 for the Varsity. Jeff Doherty seconded the motion.

Ginger Rye-Sanders said she received emails saying the Varsity was the center of racism in Carbondale. She remembers segregation in the theater going on while she was in high school, and she graduated in 1968.

The place still makes me cringe, Rye-Sanders said.

Sanders suggested they rename the center for Gregory which may begin the healing process. Other council members suggested ways for the center to honor Gregory and others who fought for integration at the theater.

Billy Robbins, president of the Varsity Center board, said placing someones name on the building would require board approval.

We can talk about the history of the Varsity, but we want to talk about the future, Robbins said.

The varsity has two small theaters open. The upstairs theater seats 137 people and is good for films, live music or presentations. The downstairs theater, which seats 150, is good for theater. It is often used by The Stage Company.

Robbins said the large room is a theater that seats 500 people. The room itself is usable, but does not have HVAC or sound and light systems. It can only be used certain times of year when the weather cooperates.

The first upgrade to the theater would be electrical HVAC system. Then permanent sound and lights would be installed.

Those are major capital fixtures, Robbins said.

With updated electrical, mechanical, sound and lighting, the Varsity could book larger acts and make a little profit. Robbins said they now have nominal gains on most acts.

The additional space and funding would enable the center to increase programming.

He also said they applied for the state grant in late 2017 or early 2018, and it was in the states 2019 budget. Since that time, costs have more than doubled.

He added that the large theater will not be a palace or show place. They do not have the budget to completely refurbish the theater.

He also said they are working on some kind of recognition for the fight against racism. Currently Gregory is the only person in the Varsitys Hall of Fame.
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.
CHICAGO  With the Democratic National Convention in Chicago a year away, Gov. J.B. Pritzker and President Joe Bidens 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.

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.

Photos: Pritzker sworn in for second term Jesse White.JPG JB Piitzker 13 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 12 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 11 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 10 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 9 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 7 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 5 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 3 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 2 010923.JPG JB Piitzker 1 010923.JPG Juliana Stratton 1 010923.JPG Stratton 2 010923.JPG Alex Giannoulias 1 010923.JPG Alex Giannoulias 2 010923.JPG Michael Frerichs 010923.JPG 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball 011023-illinois-ball Tiffany Mathis 1 011023.JPG dance gov 7 010923.JPG dance gov 13 010923.JPG dance gov 12 010923.JPG dance gov 11 010923.JPG dance gov 10 010923.JPG dance gov 9 010923.JPG dance gov 8 010923.JPG
SPRINGFIELD  Last week, Gov. J.B. Pritzker used his amendatory veto powers to strike language from an omnibus energy bill giving downstate 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.

Could 2023 be the year offshore wind energy takes off in the US? Could 2023 be the year offshore wind energy takes off in the US? The next decade Where offshore wind energy could thrive
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 state's 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.

Election 2024-Scott-Haley-Evangelicals Then-South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, center right, joins hands with Charleston Mayor Joseph Riley, left, and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., right, a

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 party's 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. "It's 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, Tim's just Tim," said Jack Hoey III, the church's 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, we'd 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 church's facilities director. The senator, he learned, was in the men's 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 Carolina's largest Methodist church and Haley's longtime spiritual home when she lived in Lexington County.

"I've been blessed to see how God has been at work in Governor Nikki Haley's life over the years," wrote the church's 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 don't support LGBTQ unions or pastors. Mount Horeb has joined the newly formed Global Methodist Church, and hosted the state's first GMC conference.

Kersey prayed at a service before Haley's 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.

Haley's parents  from prominent families in Punjab  immigrated to Bamberg, South Carolina where her father taught at Voorhees University, 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 don't feel like I'm standing here as your governor," she told the crowd. "I feel like I'm 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 doesn't wear her faith on her sleeve. Longtime aides say she isn't 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 didn't 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 community's forgiveness at the expense of systemic change.

"There wasn't 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. We've not seen Governor Haley much. They are appealing to white evangelicals, following the GOP party line."

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, he's still going to be in good shape."
A 61-year-old Orangeburg man hasnt been seen by his family since Saturday morning.

The Orangeburg Department of Public Safety is asking for the publics assistance as they search for Michael Christopher Dyches.

Dyches was last seen wearing dark blue shorts with two stripes on each side and a T-shirt.

He is a 6-foot-4 white man who weighs 190 pounds. He has brown/gray hair, blue eyes and may have a goatee.

Dyches drives a 2007 dark blue Ford F-150 with the following South Carolina license plate: TAD 484.

He was last seen at 7 a.m. Saturday when he went to work out at Planet Fitness, located on Chestnut Street.

Dyches brother reported that its out of character for Dyches not to return home.

Dyches is a caregiver for their mother, who has health issues, his brother said.

Anyone has information about Dyches whereabouts is asked to call the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety at 803-534-2812. Tips can also be provided by texting TIPS411 using keyword ODPS 847411, then a space, then the information.

Tips may also be sent by using the TIPS411 phone application.
(TBTCO) - Trao oi voi phong vien TBTCVN, ong Duong uc Quang - Pho Tong giam oc So Giao dich hang hoa Viet Nam (MXV), cho rang trong 2 thang cuoi nam 2023, gia uong van co co hoi duy tri vung gia cao, tuy nhien se kho e xac lap them ky luc gia cao moi. Con thi truong ho tieu nhieu kha nang se tiep tuc xu huong i ngang va tuong oi tram lang, trong nhung thang cuoi nam. Boi vi hien nay, cac nha nhap khau gan nhu a mua u hang cho giai oan cuoi nam.
China's leader, Xi Jinping, surprised international observers by unexpectedly skipping a scheduled speech at a crucial multilateral business forum held in South Africa as part of the Brics summit.

The incident has sparked speculation and concern, given the highly choreographed nature of such events and Xi's usual public appearances.

Xi Jinping's Missing Speech

This absence comes amid a climate of uncertainty regarding China's intentions and its global strategies. Xi Jinping arrived in Johannesburg for the Brics summit, a gathering of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on a rare international trip.

It was only his second outing of the year, the first being a visit to Moscow in March. The significance of his absence from international stages in recent months is not lost on observers, as it deviates from his typical level of engagement.

Scheduled to address the multilateral business forum on Tuesday, Xi was conspicuously absent from the podium. Instead, his speech was delivered by Wang Wentao, the commerce minister. Xi later participated in the summit dinner, leaving many to wonder about the reasons behind his unanticipated absence.

The decision seemed last-minute, evident from state media articles and social media posts that had been prepared as though Xi would deliver the speech in person.

In light of Xi's unusual absence, speculation and conjecture have arisen. Some China watchers and analysts have questioned whether there might be an underlying issue, possibly health-related or a matter of internal politics.

Given China's propensity for secrecy in matters concerning leadership and internal dynamics, any concrete explanation is unlikely to emerge. Bill Bishop, the author of the prominent newsletter "Sinocism," highlighted that Xi had already been notably absent from public view for an extended period earlier in the month, which itself had raised eyebrows.

The sudden decision to forgo the business forum has only fueled more speculation. In the absence of official information, rumors and theories are filling the void. Xi's absence from such a highly orchestrated event is indeed striking. The Brics summit holds significance for China as it seeks to build alliances with other major emerging economies to counterbalance western blocs like the G7 and G20.

The absence of the Chinese leader, who typically exudes a strong presence in such gatherings, adds to the intrigue surrounding China's intentions and strategies. The delivered speech contained thinly veiled criticism of an unnamed country, which was interpreted as a swipe at the United States.

The address accused this country of pursuing hegemony and obstructing the progress of emerging markets and developing nations. These statements echo China's stance on global power dynamics and its drive to position itself as an alternative to traditional western dominance, according to The Guardian.

Read Also: Wagner Boss Yevgeny Prigozhin Assumed Dead After Plane Crash in Russia

Global Implications of China's Absence

The Brics summit brings together nations representing approximately 40% of the world's population and a quarter of the global GDP. As a forum for emerging economies to collaborate and advocate for their interests on the global stage, the absence of China's leader raises questions about the unity and coherence of the group.

China, with its economic might and political influence, plays a pivotal role in the collective aspirations of Brics. China's strategy of expanding its influence beyond its borders is evident through its initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which seeks to create trade and infrastructure networks connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Its efforts to strengthen the Brics grouping can be seen as a complementary approach to reinforce its global standing and push back against the dominance of western-led institutions. While China is eager to bolster Brics as a counterweight to western institutions, divisions within the group itself are evident.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva explicitly stated that the group's intention is not to compete with western entities. India, another significant member of Brics, has a complex relationship with China and remains cautious about empowering Beijing through this platform.

India's reservations are grounded in its geopolitical concerns, especially given the longstanding border disputes and diplomatic tensions with China. These reservations underline the delicate nature of relationships within the Brics group and underscore the complexity of China's efforts to position itself as a unifying force among diverse economies.

Xi Jinping's unexpected absence from the Brics summit's business forum has ignited speculation about the reasons behind this departure from protocol. As China seeks to expand its global influence and assert itself as a prominent player in international affairs, its actions and behaviors on the global stage are closely scrutinized.

The incident highlights the challenges of deciphering China's intentions and strategies, given its propensity for secrecy and tight control over information.

While no concrete explanations have emerged, the absence itself sends ripples through the international community, prompting questions about the future direction of Chinese leadership and its global ambitions, NBC reported.

Related Article: Russian Mi-8 Helicopter Pilot Defects to Ukraine

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Everton History

Villarreal Revisited

Eighteen years ago today (24 August 2005), we boarded a flight to Valencia from Stanstead, in the hope that Everton could overcome a 2-1 first-leg deficit in the third qualifying round of the Champions League against Spanish side Villarreal.

The meagre allocation of 1,100 tickets for an August game on one of the Costas meant that the demand for tickets by the faithful way outstripped supply and we had been unable to acquire tickets for the away section. As luck would have it friends who lived in Valencia had managed to secure two seats in the uncovered stand running the length of the pitch.

Our friends collected us at the airport and took us to the train station where we paid less than 10 return for the 1-hour journey up the coast to the small town of Villarreal, which I have to say is one of the least inspiring places I have visited in pursuit of the Boys in Blue. We enjoyed a few beers in the main square and wandered off to find a local eatery, which we did on the banks of the river.

The start was late and the heat of the day had barely dissipated by kick-off time as we took our seats amongst the Yellow Submarine followers who we found to be friendly and to a certain extent welcoming. We were surprised to see Marcus Bent on the team sheet having seen him carried off at Bolton the previous weekend after scoring the winner.

Article continues below video content

A Riquelme-inspired Villarreal were much the better side for the majority of the first 45 minutes, but Everton had a glorious opportunity to make the Spanish side nervous before Sorin put them ahead. Big Dunc headed a long throw on to Tim Cahill who wasted the chance. Nigel Martyn kept us in the tie for the rest of the half.

The second half continued in much the same vein, until with about 20 minutes left Mikel Arteta brought the Blues level with a sumptuous freekick. We celebrated and looking down the length of the stand we werent the only Blues with friends in Valencia! This inspired Everton and we started to pepper the home side's goal, Cahill hit the bar and Dunc had a bullet header brilliantly saved.

With time running out Duncan scored from a corner. It was probably 2 minutes before we realised that Collina had disallowed it. He said in a much later interview that he had given it for a foul by Bent that the TV cameras hadnt seen.

I have to say that immediately prior to Duncans header, I had been on my feet demanding a penalty as Bents shirt had nearly been ripped off him. Everton continued to press but were caught on the break in the last minute by Diego Forlan and we were condemned to a trip to Bucharest in the Uefa Cup.

Im not generally a conspiracy theorist but to bring the bug-eyed one out of retirement to replace the guy who adequately reffed the first leg and then re retiring him immediately after and to have a perfectly good goal, that would have taken the tie to extra time, disallowed was just wrong on so many levels and still rankles to this day.

As always seems to happen with Everton, we never recovered from this injustice and have not come close to Champions League qualification since. In fact, apart from an FA Cup Final in 2009 and a decent run in the Uefa Cup in 2015, things have gone steadily downhill.

As always with EFC it was what if. What if we had qualified for the league stages of the Champions League in 2005-06, would the attendant riches have enabled us to kick on? Who knows?

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer ()

How to get rid of these ads and support TW

 Stephen Vincent. All rights reserved.
ATLANTA  Follow along for live updates after Former President Donald Trump surrendered Thursday on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia, a brisk 20-minute booking that yielded a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.

He was released on $200,000 bond and headed back to the airport for his return flight home to New Jersey, flashing a thumbs-up through the window of his sport utility vehicle as his motorcade left. A booking photo released by authorities shot Trump, wearing a navy suit and red tie, angrily scowling at the camera, his brows furrowed as he stares into the lens

Unrepentant but subdued after the brief jail visit, he insisted as has repeatedly has that he did nothing wrong and called the case accusing him of subverting election results a travesty of justice.

If you challenge an election, you should be able to challenge an election, he told reporters on the airport tarmac before boarding his plane.

Earlier he completed the booking process in 20 minutes, providing officials as is customary with his physical measurements: 6 foot 3 inches. 215 pounds. Strawberry or blond hair.

Trump's surrender, coming amid an abrupt shake-up of his legal team, follows the presidential debate in Milwaukee the night before featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination  a contest in which he remains the leading candidate despite broad legal troubles.

The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted. Since then, he's faced federal charges in Florida and Washington, and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others  including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani  under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organized crime.

Read more:

Photos: Trump fans gather outside Georgia jail to show support ahead of his surrender
The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled that it must be determined reasonable efforts were made to reunite a child with his or her parents in welfare cases before the child is put on a path towards adoption.

A parent-child relationship is a heavily protected fundamental right..., the ruling states.

When the Department of Family Services removes a child from a parents care, the court must decide whether or not services offered to the family have been accessible, available and appropriate before considering adoption, the ruling states.

This can include therapy, mental health support, parenting classes, books, substance abuse treatment, assistance with housing and food security, benefit programs and so on, the ruling states. The plans are tailored to the specific needs of those involved.

[T]hese efforts are not mere formalities, the ruling states.

Most parents are dealing with hardships that make caring for a child difficult, so it seems only reasonable that efforts are made to help them overcome those challenges and reunite them with their child, the ruling states.

A child can be removed from parental custody for many reasons ranging from drug use to physical abuse, which sometimes makes family unification impossible. But there are also many children removed unjustly, human rights organizations say.

One in three children in the United States will be part of a child welfare investigation before adulthood, the Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union said in a joint 2022 report.

More than 80% were found not to have faced abuse or neglect while Black and Indigenous families and people living in poverty have disproportionate child welfare involvement, the report states.

In this case, a child JN was taken into protective custody in 2021 by Cheyenne police, the ruling states. After 18 months during which Mother made little or no progress on her family reunification plan, the Laramie County District Court changed the permanency plan to adoption.

The Cheyenne Police Department were dispatched to a hotel on April 9, 2021, regarding a trespassing complaint, the ruling states. The mother was supposed to leave the hotel earlier that morning but refused.

She couldnt tell officers where she lived, so the officer took JN into protective custody, the ruling states.

The juvenile court gave legal custody of the child to DFS, and the mother was given a case plan focusing on achieving sobriety, the ruling states.

She missed and failed a significant number of drug and alcohol tests, the ruling states. Over one year later, a DFS caseworker testified that the mother made little to no progress on maintaining her sobriety despite the many services offered but family reunification should maintain the goal.

But the court made an oral ruling to change to plan to adoption.

[W]e want to give one more chance and one more chance, the court said, according to the ruling. But not here.

The court focused solely on the best interest of the child but did not expressly state whether it determined DFS made reasonable efforts, as required by statute, the ruling states.

A childs health and safety are always the main concern, but parents must receive real, genuine help to see that all things are done that could mend the relationship or improve the situation, the ruling states.

The courts must decide if every effort was made to reunify family. Only then, when the rights of a parent and the rights of a child are on a collision course, can a child be put up for adoption.

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.
Two people have died since Friday in fatal commercial truck crashes in Sweetwater County, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reported.

On Monday night, Safet Zornic was driving a Freightliner commercial truck in a single-lane construction zone on Interstate 80, the statement said.

The crash happened at 6 p.m. near milepost 66 in Sweetwater County, the statement said.

Zornic failed to navigate a slight right-hand curve in the road, the statement said. The truck exited the road to the left before reentering the highway.

The 56-year-old Idaho driver overcorrected to the left, which caused the truck to trip and slide on its passenger side, the statement said.

Zornic was not wearing a seatbelt at the time.

The Freightliner slid into a guardrail end, and it pierced the truck, the statement said. It was a rollover crash.

Driver inattention and cell phone use are being considered as possible causes, the statement said. The weather was clear in the area, and the roads were dry.

On Friday, Loren Brisco was killed in a similar rollover crash on Interstate 80, the statement said.

The 54-year-old Michigan woman was driving a tractor-trailer combination west near milepost 89 at the time, the statement said.

The crash happened at 1:23 a.m. near Green River in Sweetwater County.

Brisco was trying to take the exit into Green River but failed to navigate the right-hand curve, the statement said.

The semi-truck continued into the burrow ditch, so she overcorrected back to the right, the statement said. This caused the truck to flip onto the drivers side.

Brisco was not wearing a seatbelt, and speed is being considered as a possible cause, the statement said.

The roads were dry, and the weather was clear in the area.

Zornic and Brisco were the 92nd and 93rd people to die on Wyomings roads in 2023. At the same time last year, there were 78 in 2022, 72 in 2021 and 79 in 2020.

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.
Wyoming Catholic College, one of Wyomings only four-year colleges, welcomed a new president at its annual convocation Mass and matriculation ceremony.

Kyle Washut was instated as the colleges president at the ceremony. He is the fourth president in the schools 16-year history, a former professor at the college and successor to Glenn Arbery.

Matriculation consists of students writing their name in the matricula registry book. Its a tradition that all new students must sign their names when they start at the college. Forty-seven students signed their names as part of the incoming class; the student body now sits at 193, the largest in the schools history.

Part of the presidents duties, a press release from the college said, is the keeping safe and maintaining of the matricula.

Washut is a Wyoming native and has been with the college since its inception, the press release noted. He studied at Casper College and, while in Casper, studied under Robert Carlson and Robert Cook as well, two Catholic leaders who founded the college. He previously taught across the curriculum and then served as the academic dean starting in 2019.

He received the role of president at the beginning of this month, the release noted.

Right after receiving the matricula, Washut is quoted as saying that he believes that the colleges location in Lander offers students a unique opportunity for a radically-liberating education.

This education will demand that we give up certain attachments. The Israelites had to endure the loss of the flesh pots of Egypt before they could see how attached they were to pagan habits. They had to turn off the habits of the culture that had infiltrated their minds, before they could be freed not just exteriorly, but interiorly from Egypt, he said. So, too, we need to break from the noise and cultural habits that hide our own ignorance from us. The inundating drone of ubiquitous screens fills our lives with such busy-ness and distraction that we are not even able to hear the still small voice, whispering to us in the wilderness.

The school offers a set four-year curriculum with eight different tracks students can take, as well as outdoor programs and a course in horsemanship.

The college has come under fire in the past, when its former chief financial officer was found guilty of trying to defraud a federal coronavirus relief program and a New York investment company. He was sentenced to five years and three months in prison, a Wyofile story reported. He is liable for over $17 million. A donation of $10 million, that was part of the fraud scheme, was offered to the school, which announced that it would use it to expand. The FBI later confiscated most of that donation.
The Natrona County GOPs debate with the anonymous actors behind WyoRINO is set for September.

Several lawmakers who have been targeted by the website will attend, according to a Wednesday statement from the Natrona County GOP. Cowboy State Daily columnist Rod Miller will emcee the public event.

Since its mysterious appearance in 2019, the anonymous website WyoRINO.com has driven a wedge in Wyomings Republican Party, declaring some state lawmakers to be Republicans In Name Only  RINOs  based on their votes on 10 selected bills. But the people behind the site have never revealed their own names to the public.

The Natrona County GOP Executive Committee voted in April to invite the actors behind WyoRINO to a public forum to talk face-to-face with those they have labeled.

Even if those behind the website dont show up to the discussion, the invitation itself, and their presence or nonpresence at the event, will send a message on its own, Natrona County GOP Chairman Joe MacGuire said at the April meeting.

Their cowardice comes through, MacGuire, whom the website has also labeled a RINO, said. So then, to the people in the state of Wyoming, the statement is, how much weight do you put on this website?

WyoRINO.com is a website intended to rate Republican lawmakers in Wyoming based on their adherence to the Wyoming Republican Party platform.

The time is long overdue to hold politicians accountable for big government, big regulation, big taxation laws  values that the Republican party does NOT support, the websites homepage says.

This is the primary reason WyoRINO.com was created  to expose liberal Wyoming Republicans who violate our Wyoming Republican values.

The rating system judges lawmakers based on their votes for 10 bills, though there are hundreds of bills introduced each session. Any lawmaker who votes for fewer than seven of these bills is declared a RINO  a label primarily used by hard-line elements of the Wyoming GOP to differentiate themselves from more traditional conservatives.

The website has links to the state GOPs official site, though both state GOP leaders and the site itself deny any connection between the two. The group behind the site  Ride for the Brand, Wyoming  isnt registered with the Wyoming Secretary of States Office and has no donor history.

Despite the anonymity of the websites owners, WyoRINO rankings have featured prominently in political campaigns and political discourse in general. Some lawmakers post their WyoRINO ranking on social media when the scorecard is published.

The event takes place on Sept. 14. Members of the public can visit www.natronagop.com to learn more about the event.
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.
Those Americans in the early years of the republic who idolized the elegant, regal and graceful bearing of English judges, could be forgiven their initial doubts about the potential of Chief Justice John Marshall to lead the Supreme Court. Although tall and erect, he was ungainly, awkward and slovenly. His hair was unkempt, his clothes frequently disheveled, especially his knee buckles, which were dangling. And there was the mud on his boots. His appearance was not indicative of a man impressed with the high station that he had achieved.

Marshalls look certainly did not suggest that he was poised to launch the Supreme Court on a trajectory that would establish it as truly co-equal branch of government. Neither did his style, personality and manner.

U.S. Senator Albert Beveridge, R-IN, who wrote the first major biography of Marshall  The Life of John Marshall  a four-volume history rewarded with a Pulitzer Prize, wrote that the outstanding trait of his extraordinary personality was his inoffensiveness. Beveridge, concerned to avoid hagiography, was concerned that Marshall was surpassingly great and good, and worried that he could find only small and gracious defects.

Marshall was informal and unpretentious in manner. He spoke freely and warmly to strangers that he met on the streets, which he often walked, day and night, for relaxation. His manner, observers decided, was that of a simple, unaffected man.

Marshall, it appears, was not manipulative. Justice Joseph Story, who served on the court with Marshall for roughly two decades, said that Marshall was not an intriguer, an early 19th Century term synonymous with a manipulator. The chief justice, Story said, possessed a laugh too hearty to be an intriguer. Lawyers and judges observed that he was fair, on and off the bench, and they spoke to his equanimity and amenity of manners.

Among his many enviable qualities, Marshall was described by his peers as exhibiting a proclivity for leisure, which he preferred to working in an office. Marshall was not a great fan of legal research, unlike, for example, his friend and colleague, Justice Story, who reveled in research. Where Marshall wrote opinions that drew on first principles of the Constitution, and cited few court decisions and writers, Storys opinions boasted detailed research, and were filled with citations to rulings and writers, and studded with footnotes. Marshall preferred to prepare himself by embracing or refuting the insights of his colleagues and adversaries, and then incorporating them in his own presentations and arguments. It was for that reason that preferred to speak last, which enabled him to increase his ammunition by utilizing the arguments of those who preceded him.

Marshall was not accustomed to working long hours. Its not that he was lazy. Rather, in a tradition popularized by other great minds, Marshall worked quickly and efficiently, looking for the opportunity to walk the streets, carry and stack firewood and perform other domestic tasks which seemed, to some, to be beneath his station.

Marshalls resume featured service to his country in the colonial militia, where he earned the rank of captain, as secretary of state, as a diplomat and member of the House of Representatives before his appointment to the court. He was a powerful presence in the Virginia Ratifying Convention and a champion of judicial independence and judicial review.

Like any great figure, Marshall had his detractors, including prominently, his distant cousin, Thomas Jefferson. Marshall and Jefferson didnt share holidays and they didnt interact, except when official duties and receptions placed them in the same room.

Jeffersons dislike of his cousin was based not on Marshalls personality traits, but rather on political differences and contrasting visions for the future of the nation. Marshall was a Federalist and an ardent nationalist. Jefferson led his own party, the Jeffersonian Republicans, the arch-rivals of the Federalists. But Jefferson, nonetheless, admired Marshalls brilliance. Jefferson reportedly said, When conversing with Marshall, I never admit anything. So sure, as you admit any position to be good, no matter how remote from the conclusion he seeks to establish, you are gone. More than one opponent wistfully acknowledged Marshalls intellectual skills. Once his premises were granted, his foes were at a distinct disadvantage, for his reasoning skills were second to none. Marshalls great intellect, punctuated by a quick, penetrating and facile mind, served him well as an architect and steward of the rule of law.

Marshalls love for the law was second only to his love for Polly, his wife of 46 years, who died in 1831. Marshall was devastated but remained on the court and delivered several more landmark rulings. While walking home, after visiting Pollys grave in June 1835, Marshall collapsed. He died a month later, on July 6. Two days later, while tolling news of Marshalls death, the Liberty Bell cracked.
(Photo : ALEXEY DRUZHININ/SPUTNIK/AFP via Getty Images)

In this picture taken on December 28, 2017 Russian President Vladimir Putin presents an award to Colonel General Sergei Surovikin, the commander of Russian troops in Syria, during a ceremony to bestow state awards on military personnel who fought in Syria, at the Kremlin in Moscow.

The dismissal of General Sergei Surovikin, a former commander of Russia's forces in Ukraine, from his role as chief of the air force has triggered a wave of speculation and questions surrounding his fate and the events surrounding his removal.

This comes after his apparent involvement in an armed rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of the Wagner mercenary group, according to CBS News.

General Surovikin's Dismissal

The situation has raised concerns about ties to Prigozhin, military dynamics, and the broader implications for Russia's leadership structure. Surovikin's removal from his position as chief of the air force was reported by Russian state media after weeks of uncertainty regarding his status following the short-lived uprising.

In June, armed rebels, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, marched towards Moscow, leading to a tense situation that was ultimately resolved through negotiations. During this episode, Surovikin had urged Prigozhin's group to retreat through a video message, raising questions about his stance and potential involvement in the rebellion.

Russian media speculated about Surovikin's whereabouts and fate during his long absence, with some reports suggesting he might have been detained due to his suspected ties to Prigozhin. The uncertainty surrounding his status persisted until reports surfaced about his dismissal from the position of commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces.

According to an anonymous source cited by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti, Surovikin was replaced by Colonel General Viktor Afzalov, the current head of the main staff of the air force.

The Russian government has not officially commented on the report, leaving room for speculation and interpretations. The situation has been complicated by the absence of an official crash report from the Ohio State Highway Patrol to confirm Surovikin's driving status during the uprising.

As legal proceedings and investigations continue, additional charges may emerge based on the grand jury's review of the case in Clark County. The tragic school bus incident, which resulted in the loss of an elementary school student's life, has deeply impacted the community and prompted broader conversations about responsible driving, legal requirements, and immigration laws.

The incident has sparked discussions about public safety and the measures in place to prevent such occurrences in the future. The removal of General Surovikin, who earned the nickname "General Armageddon" for his military campaign in Syria, has ignited debates about his role in the uprising and his past military actions.

He led Russia's operations in Ukraine for a period and was known for his aggressive tactics. The events leading to his removal from the air force chief position highlight the complexities of Russia's military dynamics and the possible implications for its leadership structure, as per CBC.

Read Also: Ukraine Launches Series of Supersonic Warplane AttacksInside Russia, Blowing Putin's Jets Within 3 Days

Russia-Ukraine War

While Surovikin's whereabouts and future endeavors remain uncertain, the aftermath of the uprising has also illuminated the resilience of the community and its efforts to support the affected family.

Fundraisers and initiatives aimed at providing assistance to the victim's family underscore the solidarity within the community during times of grief.

As Russia navigates the aftermath of this upheaval and subsequent developments, questions about leadership, military strategy, and political dynamics persist. The circumstances surrounding Surovikin's departure raise larger questions about accountability, transparency, and the government's response to such incidents.

In a broader context, these events also prompt discussions about the delicate balance between public safety, national security, and individual rights, offering insights into the multifaceted nature of contemporary challenges, Aol reported.

Related Article: US, Japan, South Korea Establish 3-Way Hotline to Bolster Relations

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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.
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.
(Photo : SAMANTHA LAUREY/AFP via Getty Images)

A San Mateo County Sheriff officer puts up police tape at a crime scene after a shooting at the Spanish Town shops in Half Moon Bay, California, on January 24, 2023.

The son of a Los Angeles County fire commander has pleaded not guilty to kidnapping and murdering a woman shot and abducted from a park in California.

Gabriel Sean Esparza, 20, has been accused with multiple felonies, including murder, abduction, and attempted rape, against Andrea Vazquez, 19.Wednesday afternoon, Esparza entered a not-guilty plea during his first court appearance for the savage murder.

A criminal complaint submitted to Los Angeles Superior Court reveals that prosecutors have formally filed seven charges against the suspect. These also include two counts of attempted forcible rape, attempted murder, kidnapping with the intent to conduct another offense, and assault with the intent to commit a felony.

Vazquez was abducted at random while in a vehicle with her boyfriend in a Los Angeles park over the weekend. An armed individual approached Vazquez and her companion as they sat in their parked vehicle in Penn Park and opened fire.

The boyfriend of Vazquez fled the scene, and when he returned, he "discovered blood" nearby, but Vazquez was gone.According to officials, her body was discovered late Monday evening, and the victim's family was notified Tuesday morning.

"This is not the outcome they desired, but they are aware that the Whittier Police Department worked around the clock," said Moses Castillo, a family advocate and former LAPD detective. After sitting in a parked car in Penn Park in Whittier with her companion, the victim was shot and abducted.

A weapon believed to have been used in the crime, as well as Esparza's 2013 white Toyota Tacoma, was recovered, according to the police.

Authorities said Vazquez and her partner were "randomly targeted" by the suspect in Penn Park. According to Officer Thomas Mattsson of the Whittier Police Department, there appears to be no connection between the alleged gunman and the victim.vThe incident occurred in the Penn Park parking lot shortly after midnight on Sunday, as per Daily Mail.

Read Also: Zimbabwe To Hold Elections Amid High Inflation, Decline in Women Politicians, Opposition Parties' Warnings

Community Mourns Over Andrea Vazquez's Tragic Passing

The community rallied together, demonstrating their solidarity in the face of this heart-wrenching event. Just days after Andrea's disappearance, law enforcement made a breakthrough in the case by apprehending Gabriel Esparza.

Without incident, Esparza was arrested at his place of work in Lakewood. The swift capture brought a sense of relief to a community in turmoil. He was subsequently charged with several grave offenses, including murder, kidnapping, and attempted rape, among others.

The recovery of the weapon believed to have been used in the crime and Esparza's vehicle further solidified the case against him. Andrea Vazquez's tragic passing has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those who knew her.

Described as an angel by her loved ones, Andrea's warm smile and vibrant personality will forever be cherished. A student at Fullerton College, she was not only pursuing her passion for fashion design but also working at a mall in Cerritos.

As the legal proceedings begin, Gabriel Esparza's plea of not guilty serves as a stark reminder of the complexities that lie ahead. The charges brought against him paint a chilling picture of the violence and terror inflicted upon Andrea Vazquez and the anguish suffered by her loved ones.

The pursuit of justice will undoubtedly be a long and arduous journey, as the legal system seeks to provide closure and accountability for this heinous act, Newsweek via MSN reported.

Related Article: Canada Mall Shooting: Police Say Victims Were Targeted by Shooter-Here's What Happened

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Forbes: Matthew Meyer and Aaron Rottenstein of UBS in Tucson were named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list. Rottenstein was also named to the 2023 Forbes Top Next-Gen Wealth Advisors Best-in-State list. Also making the Forbes Best-in-State Next-Gen Wealth Advisors list was Affirm Wealth Advisors Garrett Smith. The list recognizes next-generation financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business. The rankings are based on data provided by over 29,000 of the nations most productive advisors.

Childrens Museum Tucson: Childrens Museum Tucson received a $242,000 Museums for America grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The national organization supports innovation in U.S. museums and libraries. It selected Childrens Museum Tucson from among 568 grant applicants. One of only two organizations in Arizona to receive a 2023 Museums For America award, the Childrens Museum will use the funds to create inclusive and accessible environments for children and their families to play and learn.

This fall, CMT revives its free I am a Scientist! afterschool program for students at neighboring Safford and Carrillo schools, building on the original IMLS-funded program with bilingual education. IMLS funding supports bilingual adventure learning tours and outreach for Title I schools, as well as free Discovery Nights at the museum, and expanding STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) program offerings.

Cushman & Wakefield PICOR: Cushman & Wakefield PICOR Inc. ranked No. 4,431 on the 2023 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economys independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Many household name brands gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

Making its first appearance on the Inc. 5000 list, Cushman & Wakefield PICOR stands as the only Tucson-based commercial real estate company to secure a spot in 2023.
A federal indictment charges 22 people who investigators say used social media to recruit people-smugglers in Arizona, officials said.

The United States Attorneys Office District of Arizona announced the unsealing of 13 indictments earlier this week. They charge a total of 22 people with conspiracy to transport illegal migrants for profit, a news release said.

Each indictment alleges a "human smuggling coordinator" used social media, such as Snapchat, to recruit people in Arizona to transport undocumented individuals. After recruiting the drivers, the coordinators would then switch to a messenger application, like WhatsApp, to coordinate the logistics, the news release said.

Smuggling coordinators often recruit juveniles and young adults as drivers with social media posts that glamorize alien smuggling, the news release said. Many of the posts claim drivers can make large sums of money without the risk of being arrested.

A conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release, the news release said.
A community service officer is being investigated by the DEA and faces unspecified charges for off-duty actions, the Tucson Police Department says.

The Drug Enforcement Administration told the police department Tuesday that one of its employees was part of an ongoing criminal investigation, TPD said in a news release Wednesday evening.

Police said they are withholding the employees identity pending the filing of formal charges. The employee holds the rank of community service officer professional staff member, and joined TPD in December 2021, the news release said.

After hearing from the DEA, TPD said, it launched a criminal investigation and an administrative inquiry into the employees alleged actions and decided to initiate termination proceedings. The employee has also been placed on unpaid leave.

Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar emphasized in the news release that the department takes charges of criminal misconduct by its personnel seriously.

The Tucson Police Department treats all allegations of criminal acts or misconduct by employees very seriously. The actions and behaviors exhibited by this employee are not reflective of our agencys core values, and warranted immediate review and action on my behalf, Kasmar 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.
On the 17th floor of Tucsons largest public housing site Thursday, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs viewed the ambitious plans for reimagining the downtown high-rise.

The governor took a tour of several sites key to Tucsons housing affordability plan after speaking to hundreds of housing development professionals from across the state at the annual Arizona Housing Forum.

During her speech, the governor pointed to the $150 million built into the states housing trust fund as part of the budget she signed in May. The money, Hobbs said, represents the largest allocation to date to boost the flexible funding source aimed at increasing the states affordable housing stock and housing assistance programs.

While fiscal commitments such as the Housing Trust Fund is a strong first step to truly create more widespread affordability, we will need to examine and root out unnecessary and exclusionary barriers to bringing units online, allowing housing to be built at a pace that matches demand, Hobbs said to a full ballroom at the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort.

In a much smaller conference room at Tucson House, Hobbs said Arizona not only needs government-subsidized public housing options but to build (private) partnerships to expand capacity.

I dont think the last couple administrations have been as focused on this issue, she said in an interview at the public housing site. But were also at a point of really an affordable housing crisis across the state, so we have to take action.

Tucson has leveraged a private partnership with affordable housing developer Gorman & Company, which will work as a co-developer with the city to turn the 408-unit Tucson House into a mix of 270 one-bedroom apartments, 60 studios and 30 two-bedroom units, according to initial plans for the project.

The public housing site has a waitlist of about 15,000 people seeking the housing option that allows residents to pay rent based on their incomes. Now, it will become a mixed-income community for those 55 and older.

The major renovations will be partially funded by $50 million the city received from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Departments Choice Neighborhoods program that awards grants to revitalize struggling neighborhoods with distressed public or HUD-assisted housing. Tucson also plans to use the funds to build family apartments where the Bum Steer restaurant was formally located on Stone Avenue and to build additional housing at the Amazon Motel property it recently purchased.

The tower at 1501 N. Oracle Road mainly houses low-income older and disabled adults. Built in 1963 as a luxury high-rise apartment building, it was converted by the city to public housing in 1979.

The plan is to initiate construction within the next couple of years by rehabilitating two floors at a time and moving residents to whatever is the choice and best for the residents, among the citys other housing options, Assistant City Manager Liz Morales said.

Were telling (residents) were going to have lots of conversations with them long before (construction) actually happens, said Morales, who previously led the citys Department of Housing and Community Development. Existing residents who meet the 55-and-up threshold will be prioritized to move back into the renovated units first, according to Morales.

Local control, state-issued housing funds

Hobbs said contradictory to the previous administrations actions, its important for the state to allow localities like Tucson to work out local housing solutions.

During my time in the legislature, I was a champion for local control. And I brought that with me to the governors office, not just related to housing, but so many issues that our cities are probably best positioned to decide, she said.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, who joined the governor on her tour of Tucson House, said the citys really suffered from a lack of state investment in the past. Romero said she appreciates Hobbs attention to Tucson.

(Investment) is something that other cities in Maricopa County enjoyed that the taxpayers of Tucson did not see that return on investment or attention from previous governors, Romero said.

Part of that investment came in the form of $2.7 million from The Arizona Department of Housings new Homeless Shelter and Services Fund incorporated into the state budget Hobbs signed in May. The total fund has $60 million to allocate throughout the state for to provide services to people experiencing homelessness.

The state announced the citys receipt of the funding on June 7, and Tucson is using it to buy the Knights Inn hotel on South Craycroft Road for non-congregate shelter space. On Tuesday, Tucson City Council entered into an agreement with Pima County to house clients from the countys Emergency Eviction Legal Services program that assists and sometimes provides housing to recently evicted residents.

In addition to dedicating funding for homeless services, Hobbs said she hopes the Interagency and Community Council on Homelessness and Housing shes convened will help come up with a statewide plan for for for our administration to focus on for the next seven and a half years.
WASHINGTON  The U.S. will start training Ukrainian pilots to fly U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, beginning at the Morris Air National Guard base in Tucson in October, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The training is part of a U.S. and European effort to get the advanced fighter jets to Ukraine for its defense against invading Russian forces.

American military officials stress it takes years of training to be able to field F-16 squadrons, limiting the impact the aircraft will have on Ukraines defense for the near future.

Tucsons Morris National Guard Base is host to the 162nd Wing, the Air Guards premier F-16 fighter pilot training unit.

The Morris base also has for decades hosted F-16 pilot training for allied nations, including the Netherlands Air Force, which ended a 32-year training mission in Tucson in July 2022, and the Iraqi Air Force.

In September 2022, the 21st Fighter Squadron, which trains F-16 pilots and maintainers from the Taiwanese Air Force, moved from Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix to the Morris Air Guard base.

This is about the long-term support to Ukraine, the Pentagon spokesman, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, told reporters in Washington. This is not about the counteroffensive that theyre conducting right now.

Before arriving at the Tucson base, the Ukrainian pilots will first undergo English instruction at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, to bring their fluency up to the level needed to operate the aircraft, starting next month, Ryder said.

Ukraine has long pressed for the American fighter jets to help defend its cities and forces from Russian artillery and aviation. Denmark, the Netherlands and Norway announced in recent days they would supply the aircraft to Ukraine.

The U.S. decided to join European allies in the training to avoid bottlenecks in bringing Ukrainian pilots up to speed, Ryder said.

The U.S. training would accommodate several Ukrainian fighter pilots and dozens of maintenance people for the jets, he said.

For experienced pilots, training can range around five months, Ryder said. He sketched out courses covering basics. In addition to flying the advanced craft, they include formation flying, operating weapons, air combat and suppressing air defense systems, on top of centrifuge training on the ground to help pilots withstand the g-forces of an F-16 cockpit.
PHOENIX  The Arizona Supreme Court declined to take up Abe Hamadehs attempt to overturn the results of the 2022 attorney general election, at least at this point.

And now he and his attorneys are on the hook for some new legal fees.

Hamadeh sought high court intervention after contending Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen acted improperly in limiting the amount of time the 2022 Republican candidate had to prepare his legal arguments seeking to overturn his loss to Democrat Kris Mayes. He said that denied his attorneys the ability to find evidence that some people legally entitled to vote did not have their ballots counted.

Hamadeh lost to Mayes by 280 votes.

The new order written by Chief Justice Robert Brutinel simply said Hamadehs lawyers acted prematurely in going to the high court.

And, on top of that, they lied, he said.

He said Hamadehs legal team told the justices they had diligently sought a final ruling from Jantzen, setting the stage for an appeal.

But that assertion was false, attorneys for Mayes and Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, who is a party to the case by virtue of his position, pointed out. Brutinel said Hamadeh and the Republican National Committee, working on his behalf, now concede the point.

He said that all makes Hamadeh ineligible to seek the special relief he wants directly from the Supreme Court. He told Hamadeh to follow the normal procedures and file a proper appeal in the Court of Appeals, saying he can ask for expedited consideration.

Only after the appellate court has had its say  something that could take months  would the justices be willing to consider his arguments.

Misrepresented to this court

All this will cost Hamadeh and his lawyers a yet-to-be-determined amount of money.

Brutinel said when deciding whether to assess legal fees against a losing party, courts determine the extent that party made an effort to determine the validity of a claim.

Petitioners were not only aware that they needed a final judgment to seek appellate relief but also misrepresented to this xxxx court that they had sought such relief when they had not done so, the chief justice wrote.

The special action unnecessarily expanded the proceedings and compelled respondents (Mayes and Fontes) to incur the unnecessary expense of filing their court-ordered responses, he said. They are now entitled to have those expenses reimbursed by Hamadeh and his lawyers, Brutinel said. The next step is for them to file a statement of their costs.

Refrain from disparaging

As an aside of sorts, the chief justice urged all the lawyers involved in this controversial case to, in essence, play nice.

He pointed to some of the rhetoric in the filings. For example, there was a quote from Fontes attorneys that accused a disgruntled vocal minority of trying to weaponize our courts, sow unfounded distrust in our election processes, malign our public servants, and undermine our democracy.

And Thomas Basile, writing for top Republican legislative leaders who asked the Supreme Court to grant Hamadehs bid for a new trial on his election challenge, accused Fontes of churlish imperiousness in rejecting Hamadehs attempt to reexamine some ballots.
The Arizona Supreme Court decided Wednesday it will consider whether Arizona law prohibits virtually all abortions.

In a brief order, the justices said they will hear arguments from abortion foes that the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed a constitutional right of abortion, automatically reinstated Arizonas territorial-era law that makes it illegal to terminate a pregnancy except to save the mothers life.

That could pave the way for the states high court ultimately to void a decision last year by the Arizona Court of Appeals that a more recent state law allows abortions to be performed legally through the first 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The justices decision to review the lower court ruling doesnt necessarily mean they will overturn it. But just the fact the court is willing to consider the possibility the territorial-era law would be reinstated was enough to alarm abortion rights advocates.

This archaic abortion ban the intervenors are trying to revive is cruel, harmful, and unpopular with a majority of Arizonans, said Kelly Dupps, senior director of public policy and government relations for Planned Parenthood Arizona, in a prepared statement. It has no place dictating our reproductive freedom and how we live our lives today.

If nothing else, though, the possibility that women in Arizona could find themselves without the right to abortion pretty much for the first time since 1973 could add fuel to a recently announced initiative seeking to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. If that drive is successful, it would trump whatever the justices ultimately decide.

But even if supporters gather the necessary 383,943 valid signatures by July 3, 2024 to put the issue to voters, it would not be on the ballot until Nov. 5, 2024  months after the Arizona Supreme Court will hear arguments and render a decision.

Conflicting laws, rulings

Abortions except to save the life of the mother were illegal in Arizona until the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1973 that women had a constitutional right to terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability, which is generally considered to be between 22 and 24 weeks.

That overrode the territorial-era law, precluding its enforcement in Arizona. But state legislators never repealed the statute and it remains on the books.

When the U.S. high court decided last year to review a Mississippi law that sought to ban abortions after 15 weeks, Republican state lawmakers in Arizona  anticipating a favorable decision  enacted and then-Gov. Doug Ducey signed mirror legislation to have it ready to enforce here.

But the Supreme Court actually went further, overturning its own 1973 precedent and leaving it up to each state to decide what restrictions or outright bans they want to place on abortions. Abortion opponents here now contend that automatically returned the law to the way it was before Roe.

That was the argument advanced by Republican Mark Brnovich, who was Arizona attorney general last year. He got Pima County Superior Court Judge Kellie Johnson to rule the old law was once again valid. Legal abortions came to a halt in Arizona.

The Court of Appeals disagreed, however, agreeing with Planned Parenthood Arizona that the 2022 law prohibiting doctors from performing an abortion after 15 weeks supersedes the old law. Legal abortions resumed in that stage of pregnancy.

Changing political scene

All that sets the stage for the Supreme Court review.

But the legal playing field is different now.

Voters in November elected Democrat Kris Mayes as attorney general. She is siding with Planned Parenthood in the dispute.

In fact, Mayes contends a provision in the Arizona Constitution guaranteeing a right of privacy allows abortions in more circumstances. That issue, however, is not currently before the state Supreme Court.

Having Mayes support the position that abortions are legal in Arizona through 15 weeks leaves Dr. Eric Hazelrigg, whom the court had appointed to represent the interests of unborn children, as the sole defender of the argument that the old law is enforceable and virtually all abortions are illegal. He is represented by the Scottsdale-based Alliance Defending Freedom.

The biggest argument the abortion foes have is the language of the 15-week ban. It spelled out that the 15-week restriction did not repeal the territorial-era law or any other applicable state law regulating or restricting abortion.

Abortion opponents say that should have been the end of the debate, because they say it was the clear intent of people who elected the lawmakers to fully protect life. Instead, the opponents say, the appellate judges created and resolved a manufactured conflict with the new law by partly repealing the old one.

It isnt just Planned Parenthood and Mayes who say the newer law takes precedence.

After signing the 15-week ban in 2022, Ducey told Capitol Media Services he believed it would preclude the state from once again enforcing the territorial-era law.

The law of the land today in Arizona is the 15 weeks law, said Ducey, a Republican. He said the fact lawmakers never repealed the old law that was enforceable until 1973 is irrelevant.

This law was signed this year, he said. I think that the law you signed in 2022 supersedes 1973.

County prosecutor to get say

Further complicating the legal issue is that the justices, in agreeing Wednesday to review the issue, also granted a request by Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane to intervene in the case.

Jacob Warner, an attorney with Alliance Defending Freedom  the same group representing Hazelrigg  told the justices McGrane has a special interest that needs to be represented.

Warner said Hazelrigg, medical director of the anti-abortion Crisis Pregnancy Center, represents the interests of unborn children.

By contrast, he said, McGrane wants to represent the interests of all people in his jurisdiction. That means to fully enforce the territorial-era law, Warner said.

Denise Harle, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, said in a prepared statement the justices should allow the old law to take effect to protect the lives of countless innocent unborn children.
(Photo : TED ALJIBE/AFP via Getty Images)

This photo taken on May 14, 2019, US coastguard ship Bertholf maneouvers during a joint search and rescue with their Philipine counterpart near Scarborough shoal.

In a scene fraught with tension, two Philippine boats challenged a Chinese coast guard blockade in the disputed South China Sea, delivering much-needed supplies to Filipino forces stationed on a contested shoal.

The dangerous encounter, occurring near Second Thomas Shoal, reflects the complex web of territorial disputes involving China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei, according to PBS.

Philippine Boats Challenge Chinese Blockade in South China Sea

This incident underscores the volatile nature of the South China Sea, which has become a focal point in the broader US-China rivalry. As a United States Navy plane surveilled from above, two Philippine coast guard vessels accompanied supply boats attempting to reach the shoal.

However, their progress was stymied by at least four Chinese coast guard ships, resulting in a five-hour standoff near the contested area. While the Philippine vessels ultimately managed to deliver the supplies and rotate the Filipino crew, the encounter highlighted the ongoing tensions in the region.

The South China Sea, characterized by overlapping territorial claims, is a focal point for regional geopolitical tensions. China, the Philippines, and several other countries stake claims over various islands, reefs, and waters in the area, leading to periodic flare-ups in tensions and concerns over freedom of navigation.

The confrontation also showcases China's assertive actions in the region, as it asserts its claims over virtually the entire South China Sea. The Philippines, aiming to shed light on China's aggressive stance, invited journalists to witness the supply mission and the subsequent standoff.

This move was part of the Philippines' strategy to expose China's behavior, which many view as increasingly aggressive and disregarding international norms. One Chinese coast guard ship even approached dangerously close to the Philippine coast guard ship, creating a perilous situation that was narrowly avoided.

The incident underscores the risks of accidents or miscalculations in such tense scenarios.The diplomatic fallout from the incident was swift. Philippine officials condemned the Chinese coast guard's actions as a violation of international maritime regulations aimed at preventing collisions at sea.

The Philippine coast guard planned to present a report to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila, potentially leading to a diplomatic protest against China. The situation escalated from Monday night, when a Chinese coast guard ship began tailing the Philippine vessels.

Verbal exchanges over territorial rights occurred the following morning via radio messages between the two sides. The Chinese coast guard issued warnings and threats to the Philippine ships, cautioning them to leave the area to avoid consequences, The Washington Post reported.

Read Also: Harassment, Terror Embedded in Japan's Military Culture: Report

De-escalation Prevails in South China Sea Standoff

Despite the potential for a more serious clash, the situation de-escalated without any physical conflict. The Philippine vessels managed to withdraw and return to their base, having achieved their resupply mission and raised awareness about China's actions.

Notably, the presence of a US Navy surveillance plane overhead during the incident indicates the international interest in ensuring the stability of the South China Sea. While the United States does not lay any territorial claims in the area, it emphasizes the importance of freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes.

The US has reiterated its commitment to defending its treaty allies, including the Philippines, in case of armed attacks in the South China Sea. This tense encounter is a reminder of the ongoing challenges in the South China Sea, where competing territorial claims and geopolitical interests intersect.

The incident underscores the necessity for diplomacy and cooperative efforts to prevent potentially catastrophic conflicts and maintain stability in this strategically vital region, as per Fox News.

Related Article: BRICS Summit: Xi Jinping Unexpectedly Skips Speech Despite China's Demand To Expand Bloc

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Capitol Media Services

PHOENIX  The states high court has tossed out a bid to void the results of the entire 2022 election.

In a brief order Thursday, the court threw out Scottsdale attorney Ryan Heaths request that they order Maricopa County to redo the process it used to verify signatures on early ballot envelopes. They noted that Heath, representing a client named David Mast and Cochise County Supervisor Tom Crosby, cited evidence that was introduced earlier this year in a challenge to the election results raised by failed Republican gubernatorial hopeful Kari Lake.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Peter Thompson already ruled in May that there is clear and convincing evidence that the elections process for the Nov. 8, 2022 general election did comply with the law, said the XXX order issued by a majority of the justices.

They also said that only those who were involved in the original lawsuit have the legal right to appeal the trial courts decision. And while Lake is still challenging some aspects of what Thompson ruled about the signature verification process, she never raised the specific issue being pushed now for Mast and Crosby by Heath, a Lake supporter.

That leaves the new challengers without a legal avenue for review. Even if that were not the case, the justices said Heaths attempt to take his case directly to them is flawed in other ways.

First, they said, the kind of legal relief he is seeking from them  an order to redo the 2022 election or at least revisit the ballots  is only appropriate when there are no facts in dispute. Thats not the case here, they said.

Nor were the justices impressed by his explanation of why he did not file his case in Superior Court but instead asked to skip the line and go directly to the states top court.

Heath argued that going through the regular process would add months of litigation and unnecessary expenses for both plaintiffs and defendants. But the justices noted that he waited nine months after the general election to file suit.

There was no immediate response from Heath on whether he will try to take his case to a trial judge.

At issue is the signature verification process used by Maricopa County.

In the case of Lakes challenge, she argued there was no way for the county to have verified as many signatures on early ballots as it did in the amount of time spent. She said about 274,000 signatures were compared on computer screens in less than three seconds, with about 70,000 in two seconds or less.

Thompson called that irrelevant. There is no statutory or regulatory requirement that a specific amount of time be applied to review any given signature at any level of review, the judge ruled.

Heath tried a different legal theory.

He contends it was illegal for Maricopa County to verify signatures on early ballots by comparing them with images from prior early ballots. Heath argues that Arizona law requires comparisons to be with the persons original voter signature.

Meanwhile, the website for Heaths law firm is soliciting clients for a yet-to-be-filed claim that they were disenfranchised on Election Day because they could not cast a ballot due to problems with on-site printers.
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

The French Hen, 319 E. Archer St., will host a special dinner featuring south of the border-inspired dishes that will be paired with varieties of Manik Tequila.

The Manik Tequila Dinner will be at 6:22 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 29, with Lourdes Flood, owner of Manik Tequila, on hand to discuss the tequilas that will be used in the craft cocktails to be served.

The meal will begin with a mango shrimp ceviche served with plantain chips, followed by queso fundido, made with jalapeno and cilantro.

The main course will be Pescado Zarandeado, or red snapper served with rice and beans, with a flan topped with a caramel sauce for dessert.

Cost is $99 per person. Reservations are required. 918-492-2596, frenchhentulsa.com.

Women Behind the Wine dinner

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, 1976 Utica Square, will host a special dinner honoring four female trailblazers in the California wine industry.

The Women Behind The Wine  Pouring Success Wine Dinner will be 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, and will feature wines from four acclaimed vineyards  Honig, Emmolo Merlot, Migration Wines and Cakebread  run by women, paired with a five-course menu of seasonally inspired dishes.

The menu begins with a chilled fresh corn and heirloom tomato gazpacho, featuring tender lobster and a creamy avocado lime sorbet, followed by a pickled nectarine, blueberry and burrata salad.

Next is a roasted barbecue shrimp and zucchini dill fritter. The main entree is Flemings signature filet mignon with crispy maitake mushrooms. Dessert will be an apple and brie tart.

Cost is $130 per person, and reservations are required. flemingssteakhouse.com.

Hatch chile roasting

Hatch chiles from New Mexico are highly prized among connoisseurs of capsicum, and this Saturday is the last day area Reasors stores will roast the hatch chiles one purchases at the store.

The roasting will take place 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at the Brookside Reasors, 3915 S. Peoria Ave.

And for those wanting to learn more about hatch chiles and to what uses they can be put, Reasors offers recipes and storage tips on its website, reasors.com/reasors-hatch-chile-fest.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
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.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Michael Dekker Tulsa World Business Writer Follow Michael Dekker 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

Gov. Kevin Stitt on Thursday renewed his call for tax cuts  including eliminating the state income tax  and railed on those who want to turn Tulsa and eastern Oklahoma into a reservation.

There is a storm of injustice that needs to be faced head on, he said during the Tulsa Regional Chambers State of the State address.

We are now in a jurisdictional and geographical fight for who has authority over our state, he said. There are tribal government leaders that say the state of Oklahoma doesnt have authority over Indians in Tulsa.

Stitt was alluding to the 2020 U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt ruling that a large chunk of eastern Oklahoma remains an American Indian reservation. The reach of the McGirt ruling, which applied to the Muscogee Nations reservation, has been expanded by lower courts to include several more eastern Oklahoma tribes reservations.

The McGirt decision means state prosecutors lack the authority to pursue criminal cases against American Indian defendants in parts of Oklahoma, including most of Tulsa. It also has created many jurisdictional questions beyond criminal jurisdiction, including regarding taxes and speeding tickets.

Let me be clear: Tribal governments disbanded and allotted out all the land in 1907 at statehood. Other states didnt do that, Stitt said.

Guests at the Osage Casino & Hotel table walked out of the chamber event when the governor began his comments on tribes and jurisdiction, Osage Nation Communications Director Abby Mashunkashey confirmed afterward.

Their actions speak for themselves, and we support their decision to not engage in false and divisive rhetoric, Mashunkashey said.

The Governors statements were slanted, disrespectful and minimize the massive contributions Tribal Nations make to Oklahoma, of which we are also citizens, Osage Casino General Manager Edward Gray said.

Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear was not at the event, Mashunkashey said.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. sent out a rebuke to the governors speech Thursday, noting Stitts blatant hostility toward tribal sovereignty.

Gov. Stitts shameful description of tribes simply exercising rights as sovereign nations dating back to before the founding of the United States as a storm of injustice is breathtaking, even coming from him, Hoskin said in a statement.

His attack on tribes included many falsehoods and inaccuracies regarding tribal reservations in eastern Oklahoma. Contrary to his claims, tribes were not disbanded in 1907 and did not volunteer to give away our reservations at statehood.

Cherokee Nation, along with other tribal nations, have persisted, and today, we contribute mightily to the states cultural and economic fabric. The governor continues to be isolated in his geographic fight for Oklahoma as the rest of Oklahomas elected leaders and state embraces tribes and the U.S. Supreme Courts McGirt decision, the chief said.

This isnt fair, said Stitt, who is a Cherokee nation citizen. We cannot have a state where a doctor who is part Indian doesnt pay taxes or gets speeding tickets from Tulsa PD, but a single mom of another race does. We all have to live under the same set of rules, regardless of race or heritage.

This is not political, Stitt said. This is about one set of rules for all Oklahomans, and I will always be bold and tell you the truth. I will not go down in history as the governor that didnt fight for one Oklahoma.

Listen  if some people dont have to pay taxes, then no one in Oklahoma should. Every time you see a tribal (vehicle) tag, just realize the state is losing about $200 million in revenue annually. That should be going to roads that those cars are driving on, as well.

Alluding to one of Stitts talking points since he first ran for governor, Hoskin said: Cherokee Nation will continue being a good partner protecting public safety, prosecuting those who commit crimes and helping our neighbors through contributions to schools, law enforcement and road improvements, which are areas that contribute to Oklahoma being a top 10 state.

The governor should set aside fabrications and strive to better and more accurately understand tribal history, Oklahoma history, sovereignty and the contributions of our states tribal nations, Hoskin said.

Stitt, during a question-and-answer session following his speech, also said of income taxes, I want to put us on a trajectory to zero.

He said the state is in a position to both lower income taxes and eliminate the grocery sales tax, an issue he has been pushing for years.

If not now, then when? he asked, citing the states $5 billion savings account.

In his February 2022 State of the State address in Oklahoma City, Stitt also called for an eventual reduction of the state income tax. He proposed creating a taxpayer protection plan that responsibly lowers income taxes according to our state revenue.

Nine states (including Texas) dont charge a personal income tax. Many others are racing to join them, and we cant be left behind, he said at the time.

Stitt was also asked about the recent situation involving Tulsa Public Schools accreditation renewal and change in leadership.

When we put our kids in school, thats the most important thing to us  is to make sure our local school is good. But you have to put some pressure sometimes on the local school district if theyre not performing.

We love the local control. Thats up to the citizens ... getting engaged, making sure that you talk to the people on your school board and you hold them accountable, and you make sure that they are thinking about the kids and whats best for the next generation.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A Bartlesville teenager has been sentenced to a 17-year prison term in connection with the death of a toddler.

Terry Nathan Hindman, also known as Thane, faced a prison term ranging from 168 months to 210 months, or 17 years, as part of a May 2022 plea agreement with prosecutors. Hindman was 17 at the time of the murder, according to court records.

In his plea, Hindman admitted that 23-month-old Elliot Myles Wingets head struck a wall when he threw him across the room of a Bartlesville apartment on Sept. 29, 2021. Hindman said the toddler stumbled and seemed to be dazed, but he said he did not seek medical attention for the child.

Hindman shared the apartment at the time with his girlfriend and her toddler.

He wrote in his plea agreement that Elliot began having breathing problems when he was watching the child again Oct. 2, 2021, before the toddler was taken to a hospital.

He did not mention the Sept. 29 incident to anyone at the time.

The child was declared brain dead Oct. 3, 2021, from injuries he sustained when he hit his head, according to court records.

Prosecutors, who charged Hindman on April 4, 2022, with one count of second-degree murder in Indian Country, asked the judge Wednesday to sentence him at the top end of the range prescribed in the plea agreement, according to a government sentencing memo.

Hindman is in need of both mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as anger management and job skills, according to prosecutors.

Chief U.S. District Judge John F. Heil III also sentenced Hindman to serve five years of supervised release.

The case was brought in federal court because Hindman is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Curtis Killman Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Curtis Killman Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

A federal civil jury on Wednesday awarded $33 million in damages to the estate of a man who died in the Ottawa County jail in 2015 after a nurse said he was faking his symptoms.

The jury, following an eight-day trial in Tulsa federal court, found that medical care provided by the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office violated the constitutional rights of Terral Brooks Ellis II.

The Ellis family is pleased with and humbled by the jurys verdict, Dan Smolen, attorney for the family, said in a statement.

The family waited years for their day in court, Smolen said. Terral Ellis was essentially tortured to death while housed in the Ottawa County jail. With a modicum of humane treatment, his suffering and death were eminently preventable.

Ellis was pronounced dead Oct. 22, 2015, at a local hospital shortly after he was transported there from the Ottawa County jail in Miami, Oklahoma, with no detectable blood pressure.

Ellis medical condition had been deteriorating during his 10-day stay at the jail after surrendering to authorities on a DUI warrant.

Hours before his death, Ellis could be heard on jail video begging for medical attention.

My God, help, please, Ellis can be heard saying about 8:30 a.m. the day he died.

A voice attributed to a nurse screamed back at Ellis that there aint nothing wrong with you.

The state medical examiner later determined that the 26-year-old died from septic shock due to pneumonia.

Prior to his death, Ellis complained of leg numbness, respiratory issues, kidney stones and discolored skin. The pain attributed to kidney stones turned out to be a sign of renal failure, according to court records.

County officials largely blamed jailers and the nurse, Theresa Horn, for Ellis death.

In a video deposition, former Ottawa County Sheriff Terry Durborow called Ellis death tragic and said Horn refused to do her job.

The county maintained in court that it had policies in place that would have provided Ellis with the needed medical attention had others not violated those jail policies.

Durborow, Horn and others were dismissed as defendants in the case prior to trial. Smolen said in 2020 that Durborows dismissal was to avoid unnecessary delays in the litigation.

Current Ottawa County Sheriff David Dean, who assumed office in 2021, could not be reached for comment.

Smolen said Ellis family hopes the trial and jury verdict will spark long-overdue reforms of the broken health care delivery systems in Oklahoma county jails. Funds from the jury award will be used to care for Ellis son, who was 4 years old when Ellis died, Smolen said.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
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.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
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.
In the midst of an ongoing salary dispute between doctors and the British government, prominent doctors in England are expected to go on another 48-hour strike on Thursday.

In addition to the National Health Service's warning that patients should expect significant disruption during the two-day strike, thousands of hospital doctors have announced that they will only offer emergency care, as reported by The Associated Press.

Doctors Seeking Better Pay

As part of a wave of disruptive industrial action by public sector workers to seek better pay in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, physicians, nurses, and other clinical personnel conducted their most recent strike on Thursday.

The most recent walkouts, according to Julian Hartley, CEO of NHS Providers, are a "massive headache" for the public health system because they coincide with the three-day public holiday weekend in late August when demand for hospital emergency rooms is normally higher. This effectively means that many services will not be available for five days.

Since announcing that senior doctors will receive a 6 percent salary increase, the Conservative administration has declared that negotiations over pay are done.

According to Health Secretary Steve Barclay, prominent doctors make an average of 134,000 pounds per year, in addition to a handsome pension.

The physicians' organization, the British Medical Association, denounced the raise as "insulting" and claimed that during the previous 14 years, doctors' real compensation has decreased by 35 percent. Many medical professionals claim that they feel forced to take action in order to bring attention to their subpar working circumstances.

The British Medical Association announced that members would strike once more on September 19-20 and October 2-4.

Tens of thousands of young doctors, or medical professionals just starting out in their careers, are still in a pay dispute with the government. The government reached separate agreements with the nurses' unions and other health professionals, like as paramedics and ambulance drivers, earlier this year.

Read also: Junior Doctors in Scotland Offered Generous 14.5% Pay Rise Offer

An Ongoing Issue

A 2022 report by the British Medical Association (BMA) found that the average junior doctor in the UK earns just 14.09 ($17.82) per hour, less than a barista at coffee shop chain Pret-a-manger. The report also found that junior doctors have had a 26 percent real terms pay cut since 2008.

(Photo: by HENRY NICHOLLS / AFP) (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) People hold placards calling for better pay for junior doctors on a picket line outside University College Hospital in central London on August 14, 2023, during a strike by junior doctors -- physicians who are not senior specialists but who may still years of experience. Hospital doctors in England will be striking until Tuesday morning in a dispute with the government over pay in the latest strike action to hit the UK's state-funded National Health Service.

A 2023 survey by the Health Foundation found that 50 percent of doctors in the UK are dissatisfied with their pay. The survey also found that 40 percent of doctors are considering leaving the NHS due to pay concerns.

The underpayment of doctors is having a number of negative consequences for the NHS. It is leading to staff shortages, increased stress levels among doctors, and a decline in patient care.

Related article: UK Under Pressure as Health Professionals Join Unprecedented Strike

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Lenzy Krehbiel-Burton 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

After almost 90 minutes in executive session, Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education voted 7-0 Wednesday to approve a mutual separation agreement with Superintendent Deborah Gist.

This is not what I wished for, board President Stacey Woolley said with a shaky voice before a capacity crowd in the Education Service Centers Selman Room. I hope everyone in this room who doesnt support this action will be present to talk to the man who demanded it.

The Oklahoma State Board of Education is scheduled to meet Thursday morning in Oklahoma City to consider TPS accreditation status.

Citing the districts performance on standardized tests and concerns about financial issues in the district, State Superintendent Ryan Walters asked the state board in July to delay a decision on the districts accreditation status until Thursday.

Walters, who has said Gist should be removed from her position as local superintendent, has previously said all options are on the table regarding TPS status, including not accrediting it or allowing the Oklahoma State Department of Education to take it over, similar to the efforts currently underway with the countrys eighth-largest public school system, the Houston Independent School District.

Citing a desire to prevent such a takeover, Gist announced Tuesday afternoon that she would leave the district. The separation agreement takes effect at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 15.

I encourage you all to drive that 103 miles early in the morning and camp out if you have to in order to get in the room if able and let your presence be known, board member Jennettie Marshall said. The truth will go forward and each of us can stand tomorrow as drum majors of justice. Thats what it takes  a concerted effort of all people, standing on truth, to ensure that our district remains under control of local elected officials.

Every one of you have been called out for a purpose tomorrow.  Let the Oklahoma State Department of Education know that we will not accept any Trojan horses in our camp.

Gists tenure with the district started in July 2015. The TPS board voted 4-3 in September to extend her contract through June 30, 2026.

Her contract is silent on separation terms should she resign or leave by mutual agreement, and the exact terms of the mutual agreement were not immediately available Wednesday.

After more than two hours in a second executive session Wednesday night, the board voted 6-1 to name Chief Learning Officer Ebony Johnson as interim superintendent effective Sept. 16, drawing cheers and a standing ovation from the roughly 30 people still present at the meetings conclusion.

Since Ive been on the board as part of this team,  all Ive seen is someone who has taken to heart what were doing as a board and district to change things for our students, board Vice President John Croisant said of Johnson. We have to do it, and we cant make excuses. Dr. Johnson understands that from the perspective of being a student, a mother, a parent, a teacher, an administrator and, most importantly, as a Tulsan.

We need to support her as we move forward and do whats best for our kids.

A graduate of McLain High School, Northeastern State University and the University of Oklahoma, Johnson has been with the district for 24 years and is the second Black woman in the districts history to be named interim superintendent.

The lone no vote to Johnson's appointment came from Jerry Griffin, who said his objections were due to the procedure followed and the boards vote earlier in the evening to waive an internal policy requiring that the interim position be advertised.

I think this sets the wrong precedent, he said. It doesnt do Dr. Johnson any favors to be appointed without a search.

Neither Gist nor Johnson spoke to reporters Wednesday night. 
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

OKLAHOMA CITY  Tulsa Public Schools received renewal of its state accreditation on Thursday morning accompanied by threats of more serious interventions within a matter of months if it does not meet State Superintendent Ryan Walters demands for dramatic turnarounds in academic outcomes and fiscal management.

Walters praised the local school board for rooting out a cancer in the district that caused so many problems, referring to the Tulsa school boards formal agreement, approved Wednesday evening, to part ways with Superintendent Deborah Gist.

Walters voted alongside Gov. Kevin Stitts five appointees on the State Board of Education, 6-0, to approve accreditation with deficiencies status for TPS, which is actually an upgrade from its previous status of accredited with warning.

But he also vowed to give the local Tulsa school board a very short rope, saying he would return and ask for additional authority from the State Board of Education if he does not see adequate progress made within a few months.

I see this as giving this district the opportunity to succeed, Walters said. To be clear, if they dont fix their problems, I will.

Don Burdick, a State Board of Education member from Tulsa, made the approved motion to renew Tulsas accreditation with stipulations he referred to as deliverables that help us stay aligned and stay focused on. After a bit of discussion, state board members decided monthly, in-person reports from TPS district leaders would be made.

Here are the three actions that will be required of TPS, as specified by Burdick:

A professional development plan to train teachers on the science of reading

An action plan for all schools designated with an F on state school report cards

Development and publication of new internal controls to prevent embezzlement

After the meeting, board President Stacey Woolley said that while the TPS board has already taken steps to address those actions, she had no other information about the state boards expectations around those goals and deliverables other than what was publicly discussed during Thursdays meeting.

There is significant conversation still needed so we are clear of what their expectations are and what the demands on our board will actually be, she said.

Citing concerns about the districts performance on standardized tests and financial management, Walters asked in July that the board delay consideration of the districts accreditation until this month.

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.

For the last month, Walters has said repeatedly in press conferences and media interviews that all options were 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 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.

A quorum of Tulsas school board was present at Thursdays meeting  ELena Ashley, Susan Lamkin, Jennettie Marshall and Woolley  and were invited to the podium to speak with the state board during the meeting.

Marshall was the first to speak and took a conciliatory tone.

Im asking you to show grace and give us the opportunity to turn things around, she said, noting that the local board was unified in its Wednesday evening vote to name a 24-year career servant of TPS, Ebony Johnson, as interim superintendent beginning Sept. 16.

We have a capable, competent and prepared leader that has accepted that responsibility, knowing that the road is not going to be easy for her. She has committed board members who have said, If you allow us to work with you, we will, Marshall said.

Woolley, president of the Tulsa school board, asked that the state board accredit Tulsa Public Schools with deficiencies and pushed back on some points of Walters recent claims about TPS and political rhetoric.

Antics and rhetoric must stop. We had two bomb threats at schools in the city of Tulsa because of rhetoric, she said. I do look forward to going forward and continuing the work and accelerating that work.

Woolley also requested that state education officials be required to rely on facts in discussing outcomes at TPS.

We do not have 65% failing schools. That is a fact, she said.

Walters had claimed that 65% of Tulsa Public Schools sites have a failing grade of F on the states latest school report cards.

When one board member asked Woolley the correct number, she looked it up on her cellphone and replied, 37 (percent), which is not acceptable  but its not 65.

Ashley said she was one of the local school board members who has complained to Walters about not being given all of the information she requested from TPS administrators.

It has been 10 years, at least, of downward trajectory for our students. Time is of the essence. We have students who are going to be graduating in just a few months  the 2024 graduates. We dont have time for them to wait 10 years, Ashley said. Students have been mistreated, miseducated.

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum went to the Oliver Hodge Building in Oklahoma City, where the state board meets, but said he wasnt permitted in the boardroom, which has new capacity limits imposed by the state fire marshal.

After Thursdays board vote, Bynum said he believes that local and state board members have largely shared aspirations and goals for Tulsa Public Schools students.

The timeline is the main difference of opinion. He (Walters) has a more aggressive timeline than the TPS board, Bynum said. I appreciate him having a sense of urgency. If youre a parent with a child in Tulsa Public Schools, you need that.

The important thing is there is a commitment to work together. We are eager as a city to do whatever we can to help, and I think good things will come.

During extensive public comments held after the boards vote, Rep. Regina Goodwin, D-Tulsa, told the state board that Walters has been fostering an atmosphere of intimidation and that she attended the meeting because Walters has not responded to her calls.

She said she thinks it is completely unreasonable to simply demand progress in a matter of months with veiled threats.

When you talk about Black and brown children in Tulsa, Oklahoma, there are issues that go on in larger cities that have to be addressed. You dont just say, You better perform better in three or four months! What kind of plan is that?

Goodwin also expressed disbelief at the Tulsa school board members disposition before Walters and the rest of the state board on Thursday.

The abuse thats been going on in this district  it was like Stockholm syndrome  it was like they were in love with their abusers. We cant have that, she said.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters speaks after TPS receives accreditation
Kirsten Lang Tulsa World Meteorologist Follow Kirsten Lang 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

School may have begun this past week, but the weather forecast still feels like summer. Highs this past weekend topped off at 102 degrees on Saturday, and 105 degrees on Sunday, which was one degree shy of the daily record of 106 degrees set back in 1918.

As we started the work week those triple-digit temperatures trudged on, with 103 degrees for the high on Monday but only 99 degrees for Tuesday and 98 for Wednesday.

Watches, warnings and advisories have lit up the weather maps from the Great Plains, through Oklahoma and into Texas this week, but another alert was issued for parts of Oklahoma  the Air Quality Alert day, or Ozone Alert day.

According to the National Weather Service, both are terms that indicate a forecast for higher ozone on any particular day. These alerts are used when conditions seem to be favorable for ozone to build up near the ground to unhealthy levels that may cause health complications.

Specific conditions must be present for this to occur. Winds must be light and vapor from gasoline fuels, exhaust, or air pollutants must also be trapped close to the ground. And according to the NWS, the sunshine and heat from the summer months will trigger a chemical process to occur that results in ozone development near the ground. This increases significantly during the afternoon and evening hours.

While nationally the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration work together to release daily air quality forecasts through the Air Quality Forecast System, locally it is the Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) that is behind the efforts for the Tulsa region.

In fact, Tulsa was the first metro area in the nation to develop a forecast for ground-level ozone, and back in 1991 INCOG pushed to get Tulsa off the dirty air list.

A committee within INCOG saw the need for action to be taken to get us off of the dirty air list before the Clean Air Act was amended in 1990, said Nancy Graham with INCOG. They knew that if Tulsa was on the list when the Act was amended that we would have economic constraints.

Graham said they were trying to get ahead of what could be a problem, and that they were already starting to see other parts of the country where constraints were taking place. They didnt want Tulsa to go through that as well.

Through their efforts, INCOG developed a program 31 years ago that would put out forecasts to show bad air patterns in advance.

Graham said that since its establishment, major improvements have been made in Tulsa and the surrounding area by alerting businesses and individuals in advance of poor air quality days so they can plan ahead to help reduce emissions on those days.

It is just the little things that people do now days that has made a difference, Graham said. If people or businesses just do that one thing, like fill their gas tank up in the morning rather than in the middle of the day, it makes a huge change.

It is days like Tuesday and Wednesday this week where conditions were, in fact, favorable for ozone buildup near the ground.

High pressure is strong overhead, causing hot, sunny days with little wind.

A very strong upper-level ridge of high pressure is impacting a large portion of the U.S from the Midwest, to the Plains, to the Mississippi Valley, said Nicole McGavock, meteorologist with the Tulsa National Weather Service. High pressure causes air to sink, which means hotter temperatures and cloudless skies.

By the end of the weekend the upper-level ridge should begin to move westward, which will allow a break in the weather pattern and more pleasant weather conditions.

Until then, high dew points and temperatures will lead to heat index values near 110 degrees and higher through Friday.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Wagner warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a failed uprising against the Kremlin exactly two months ago, was on board a plane that crashed on Wednesday, according to Russian officials  raising questions as to exactly how the disaster occurred.

The crash took place northwest of Moscow and killed all on board, said Russias aviation agency, including Prigozhin, chief of the mercenary group that gained prominence for its brutal methods worldwide and its battleground victories in the Ukraine war.

Heres what we know so far.

What happened?

The plane was a private Embraer jet carrying seven passengers and three crew members, according to Russias emergency services ministry.

It had departed from Moscow and was en route to St. Petersburg when it crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino, in Russias western Tver region, Russian officials said. Flight data shows the plane reached an altitude of some 28,000 feet before it suddenly stopped transmitting tracking details.

The bodies of eight people have been found at the crash site, according to Russian state media. The official state news agency TASS reported the plane burned up on impact. It had been in the air for about half an hour.

Upon freefall the Embraer plane wreckage broke apart across a 2 km area away from the village [Kuzhenkino] where most of the fuselage wreckage was found, state media outlet Russia 24 reported Thursday. The majority of the wreckage fell near agricultural enterprises.

Russia state media RIA Novosti also reported that one of the fragments of the plane is lying on the entry road into Kuzhenkino, where police have set up a cordon, and several special services cars are parked nearby.

Video published by Russian state media outlet RIA Novosti showed a plane plummeting 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.

Its not yet clear what caused the plane to crash. Russian authorities said they are investigating and conducting search operations.

Its coming down quickly in a spin, and its trailing a lot of smoke. So, this is an aircraft that was on fire. And it looks like some structural pieces, aerodynamic surfaces, were missing, veteran science and aerospace reporter Miles OBrien told CNN after reviewing footage of the planes fall.

An aircraft like this  they just dont catastrophically drop out of the sky without something very unusual happening, he added.

It could be caused by an explosion either inside or outside the aircraft, OBrien added  like an explosive going off on board, or the aircraft being hit by a missile.

David Soucie, a former safety inspector with the US Federal Aviation Administration, echoed this possibility, saying the planes fall looked like it had only one wing left.

Was Prigozhin on board?

Prigozhin and several top Wagner lieutenants were named on a list of passengers shared by Russias aviation agency.

A Telegram channel linked to Wagner, which had previously carried the groups propaganda videos, also issued a statement saying Prigozhin had been killed. CNN is unable to confirm the claim.

Other channels associated with Prigozhin and Wagner, including his official Telegram channel, have remained silent.

But there are other clues linking the warlord and the crash.

Another video released by RIA Novosti purports to show the crash site, where the last four digits of a registration number are visible on the plane engine debris: 2795. Prigozhins own plane, linked to his companies and the Wagner group, is registered as RA-02795.

Was this payback by Putin?

The crash comes exactly two months to the day after Prigozhins attempted mutiny against Russias military leadership.

Prigozhin and his Wagner troops had seized key military sites and marched toward Moscow, where the Kremlin had deployed heavily armed troops to the streets. But before they could face off, a deal was struck that ended the rebellion and sent Prigozhin and his fighters to neighboring Belarus.

It marked the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putins rule in 23 years. But it also painted a target on Prigozhins back, with some experts speculating the warlord was a dead man walking.

Even US President Joe Biden suggested on Wednesday that Putin may have been involved in the crash. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, he said.

CIA Director Bill Burns and Secretary of State Antony Blinken have made similar comments, pointing out Putins long history of payback and the frequency with which Russian critics or dissidents die in mysterious circumstances.

Bill Browder, a Putin critic and formerly the largest foreign investor in Russia before he was expelled from the country, said he was surprised Prigozhin survived for as long as he did after the rebellion. Other Wagner leaders and Prigozhin allies may now be either on the run or in hiding, he said.

Whats the public reaction so far?

Prigozhin and Wagner have their share of supporters among the Russian public  which was evident during the failed insurrection. In cities briefly occupied by Wagner, videos showed residents cheering them on, taking pictures with fighters, and flagging down Prigozhins car just to shake his hand.

On Wednesday night, people gathered in St. Petersburg to leave tributes for Prigozhin such as flowers, candles and Wagner chevron patches. Video showed members of the public unfurling a large banner outside Wagners headquarters that read, Wagner PMC. We are together.

Photos show a range of people mourning at the site, including young men, couples and teenagers; some are clearly distressed, embracing each other.

Alexander Dugin, a prominent Russias ultra-nationalist figure, described Prigozhin as a hero. He shared an anecdote in which his daughter Darya  who was killed in a bomb explosion in Moscow last summer  described Prigozhin in glowing terms at the outset of the war.

Prigozhin is so strong and confident, bold, sharp, that, for sure, no one prays for him. It doesnt even cross anyones mind. Lets start praying for him, Dugin recounted his daughter saying.

Dugin added on his Telegram channel: If the diabolical enemy kills our heroes with precision, it means that we have heroes.

The news is likely to meet a far different reaction in Ukraine. Wagner forces were heavily involved in taking several Ukrainian towns early this year, delivering tangible progress for the Russian side  but often at the expense of sending waves of mercenaries into what Prigozhin called the meat grinder.

There will be no tears shed here at all, if indeed he has died, said CNNs Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh, currently based in Ukraine. He added that one Ukrainian soldier on the front lines had already texted him Wednesday to celebrate the news.
Barbara Hoberock Tulsa World Capitol Bureau Staff Writer Follow Barbara Hoberock Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

OKLAHOMA CITY  With funding of critical concern, trouble appears to be on the horizon for the states electronic campaign filing system.

In a Wednesday letter to lawmakers and Gov. Kevin Stitt, outgoing Ethics Commission Executive Director Ashley Kemp said the system needs an upgrade or replacement. She suggested that going back to paper filings would be an option.

The Ethics Commission included in its fiscal year 2023 budget request a special appropriation to update the system, Kemp wrote. The amount of the request at that time had not been determined.

The request was not funded.

Hundreds of candidates, political action committees and lobbyists file campaign and other reports using the system, which is available to the public. The system, called The Guardian, tracks campaign donors and expenses, among other things.

The vendor, Civix, notified the commission that it will stop system support on July 1, 2024. But the vendor said it would extend support if the agency engages it to design and build a new system in an agreement signed prior to Dec. 31.

Kemp said the vendor suggested a new system at a cost of $750,000 with additional substantial increases to maintain it. A five-year contract would cost more than $1.2 million.

Options include funding for a new system or a determination of whether the current system can be maintained and hosted by the state. Another option is to resort to paper filing via electronic methods or email filings, Kemp said.

This would create significant problems for citizens, candidates, campaign consultants and others involved in camping finance reporting as well as the media and enforcement authorities, Kemp wrote. This is in addition to the significant impact to Commission staff in assisting filers and processing reports.

The Oklahoma Ethics Commission is charged with enacting and enforcing civil laws for state campaigns, state officers and employees and has limited oversight of local campaigns and financial disclosures.

Clearly the decommissioning of TGS (The Guardian System) at such a time will substantively and negatively impact the 2024 election cycle including those that vote, those that campaign, and those that enforce the law, Kemp wrote.

The agency, which has six employees, has an annual appropriation of about $687,957. Officials with the agency, established through a statewide vote in 1990, said it has been underfunded for years.

In 2018, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission filed suit against the state in an attempt to have its funding needs met. The lawsuit was unsuccessful.

I do believe it to be a very serious situation and something I will give priority to, said Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Roger Thompson, R-Okemah.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, and Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat, R-Oklahoma City, have received Kemps letter and are reviewing it, spokesmen said.

The filing period for next years state elections is April 3-5.

The new Tulsa World app offers personalized features. Download it today.
Three weeks ago, I was in Warsaw listening as my tour guide was describing what it was like growing up in 1970s communist-controlled Poland. As a young student, he spent his classroom time learning from curriculum that was carefully censored to support the states political agendas.

History was especially revised to minimize the role of certain events that could undermine the position of the government. Propaganda was rampant in the materials.

Here we are, and State Superintendent Ryan Walters threats of using inherent state power to overthrow Tulsa Public Schools has tarnished the excitement of back to school for the students and staff.

Walters wants to control our libraries, censor our history lessons, limit free thought and require his religion in our classrooms; Constitution be damned (pardon my French; by the way all three of my children are fluent in French because of TPS schools).

Despite having taught history, he seems to be confused about what a communism-influenced classroom looks like. So my children and I would like to recommend a book we read together titled The Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of a Cultural Revolution by Ji-Li Jiang.

But enough about Walters; hes had enough press coverage.

Im in my 10th year as a TPS parent. My husband and I have kids in fifth, seventh and ninth grades and volunteer countless hours to serve their schools.

We endured teacher strikes and distance learning and stuck by our teachers when many struggled to keep students learning and engaged. Many families and teachers quit, and I know it was a difficult decision to leave.

But so many more did not quit. They stayed to support our schools.

Allow me to give a couple of examples of how TPS supports students.

I have a child who had a speech impediment that I thought was adorable. To the teachers at his school, however, they knew not using a hard r or a soft th was going to impede his learning and slow his reading development.

They enrolled him in speech therapy, at no cost to me, which he also completed during his school day, at no inconvenience to me. They accomplished this without detracting from his learning time. We watched as his reading scores dramatically improved.

I have another child who was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases about three years ago. He missed more than 30 days of school in a single year for doctor appointments. It was hard on our family and difficult for him to focus on school.

TPS worked with us to ensure he could keep up with course work and made fair, policy-based accommodations so that while attending school, he was healthy and happy and included. He has TPS educators who continue to care so deeply for our sons well-being. We are eternally grateful.

There are so many more examples that I have witnessed.

TPS serves more than 30,000 students and must balance the struggles of homelessness, hunger, period poverty, learning deficits, dwindling budgets and more. We are not a school district that serves one persons ideology.

We serve all.

We dont always get it right, and we acknowledge that. When we work together to solve these problems, we make our schools better. When we hear one anothers voices without shouting and without censorship, we find a common ground.

This is how democracy works. A school district should be run with our democratically elected leaders, not with dictatorship and arbitrary ultimatums.

Thank you to TPS for not giving up on kids, and Im not giving up on TPS!
Fourteen Taiwanese start-ups joined Taiwan-based corporate and venture partners, as well as Vietnamese expert speakers, at the Taiwan Tech Solution Day in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

The event was co-organized by Startup Island Taiwan and the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

Startup Island Taiwan is a platform established by Taiwans National Development Council to support Taiwanese start-ups.

The event served as an opportunity for Taiwanese entrepreneurs to showcase their technological capabilities and business prowess in the realm of digital transformation in the ASEAN region.

The start-ups who participated in the event represented a wide array of sectors, including marketing technology, cloud services, fintech, healthcare, Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT), smart manufactory, 5G, customer relationship management (CRM) platforms, AI with no/low code, Ed Tech, AI for natural language processing, GameFi, and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT) exchange.

In addition to showcasing business solutions, the start-ups were also treated to insights into Vietnams start-up ecosystem and digital technology transformation.

Thomas Lin (L) from Systex Corporation, Michael Wu (C) from Hive Ventures, and Cami Lu from Sunsino Venture Group speak at the Taiwan Tech Solution Day in Ho Chi Minh City, August 23, 2023. Photo: Startup Island Taiwan

According to Leo Wu, director of Startup Island Taiwan, Vietnam was the inaugural stop in a series of similar initiatives scheduled for several countries across Southeast Asia.

Elaborating on Vietnams start-up appeal, Thomas Lin, start-up ecosystem manager at IT services provider Systex Corporation, pointed out that global capital flows are pivoting away from China to booming markets such as Vietnam.

Meanwhile, Michael Wu, venture partner at global venture capital firm Hive Ventures, said that Southeast Asias expansive market and abundant workforce are a major draw for start-ups.

JJ Lu, co-founder at Sightour Inc., a document processing solutions provider, concurred with this notion.

According to Lu, Vietnam is experiencing swift growth in its local start-up ecosystem.

When strategizing a series of market expansion initiatives in ASEAN markets, Sightour selected Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, as its regional business hub  a choice motivated by the countrys proactive stance toward technological advancement, the high caliber of local talent, and the demographic characteristics of the market, Lu said.

Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, a senior expert in research and development at Vietnam National Innovation Center, speaks at the Taiwan Tech Solution Day in Ho Chi Minh City, August 23, 2023. Photo: Startup Island Taiwan

Meanwhile, Cami Lu, operating partner at Sunsino Venture Group, highlighted Vietnams product-oriented approach, saying that the familiarity of Vietnamese consumers with tech-based services like Grab and Uber ride-hailing positioned the country as an optimal market for product testing in Southeast Asia.

Evaluating the effects of events like the Taiwan Tech Solution Day, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, a senior expert in research and development at NIC, said they offer opportunities to connect foreign start-ups with the Vietnamese business ecosystem and local resources.

On the other hand, we aim to benefit Vietnamese businesses by pinpointing valuable technological solutions around the world that can enhance innovation and productivity, Dung said.

To illustrate her point, Dung explained that counting is typically done manually in Vietnamese steel production plants, but thanks to NIC, many companies have been connected with start-ups which offer smartphone camera-based solutions to such counting.

Once implemented, these solutions become essential tools for these factories, she said.

The expert added that in its efforts to advance the innovation ecosystem, NIC has coordinated a number of other events similar to the Taiwan Tech Solution Day, which have featured the participation of businesses based in the U.S., Belgium, and South Korea.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
AI opens new space for artistic creation

People's Daily Online) 11:15, August 24, 2023

A woman admires paintings displayed at an Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) art exhibition during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) 2023 in Shanghai. (Xinhua/Xin Mengchen)

Artworks can now be generated instantly without the need for traditional tools such as brushes or paint. By simply inputting a text description and selecting desired settings like image perspective, style, and rendering method, then clicking a button, one or multiple pieces of artworks can be produced.

The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) is bringing artificial intelligence (AI)-generated paintings into the public eye. This emerging technology is opening up new creative possibilities for artists and painting enthusiasts to explore.

As an early pioneer of AI, artist Liu Jiayu created her first AI-generated work in 2018. She traveled to Vallee de Joux in Switzerland to find inspiration, photographing the sky 6,400 times. She then used these photos to train a machine learning model to generate a series of unique sky images. In 2022, Liu displayed another of her AI artworks at the China Pavilion of the 59th Venice Biennale.

Today, many artists and art professionals are utilizing AIGC in their creative practices. Especially for digital artists, AI has become an integral tool for artistic creation.

In 2022, AI painting technology advanced significantly, accelerating into a phase of rapid development.

According to Mu Ge, business head for Chinese tech giant Baidu's AI art generation platform Wenxin Yige, major breakthroughs in AI painting technology were achieved last year in two key areas: the integration of diffusion models into AI painting greatly enhanced the quality of creations, and the incorporation of knowledge enhancement enabled AI models to better understand and execute human prompts, resulting in more controllable and nuanced artworks.

"AI technology is advancing very quickly," said Jiang Feiran, a Ph.D. from the China Academy of Art.

"At the start of 2022, many were laughing at AI art for looking too abstract. But, remarkably, within months, AI systems progressed to generating artworks that closely resemble human-made paintings," said Jiang.

AI painting tools have a broad user base from professionals to hobbyists.

"For professionals, AI painting can spark creativity, generate ideas, aid artistic production, and increase efficiency," stated Mu. "For everyday users, it lets them channel their imagination and uniqueness while discovering the joy of making art."

AI painting can have a far-reaching and transformative impact on professionals.

"AI painting will profoundly transform and restructure the art world and creative ecosystems. It also stands to fundamentally change how we as humans produce and conceptualize art," said Jiang.

Jiang explained that while differences between AI and human-made art are currently still noticeable, the rapid maturation of AI technology suggests it may only be a matter of time before AI matches the nuance and ability of human painting techniques.

"I haven't tried AI painting tools yet, but I'm very intrigued," said veteran illustrator A Geng, known for her animation film posters, with over 20 years of industry experience.

However, A Geng believes AI will impact animation, comics, and game art sooner, with some foundational design work possibly replaced.

As AI technology continues advancing rapidly, its applications are also expanding.

"Moving forward, AI paintings will become increasingly sophisticated and precise, with technical barriers lowered to smartphone-like accessibility," observed Jiang. She believes these improvements will accelerate changes in artistic processes, with human-AI collaboration potentially becoming a trend.

The art industry broadly acknowledges that AI painting will not wholly replace human creativity and imagination.

"Strictly speaking, AI does not actually paint but performs calculations," Jiang explains. AIGC is based on probabilistic algorithm of massive datasets, however it lacks original intent. Instead, humans provide direction based on artistic vision, interpreting and selecting the output of AI," Jiang explained.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Ukraine claimed its troops landed in Russian-occupied Crimea Thursday (August 24) as part of a "special operation" in line with the country's Independence Day celebrations.

Officials in Kyiv said the mission objectives were achieved with no casualties among its troops, defense ministry spokesman Andriy Yusov wrote on Telegram.

Ukrainian special forces reportedly landed in the peninsula's western town of Olenivka before an encounter ensued, which resulted in Russian losses without any on the Ukrainian side.

However, no immediate comment was received from the Kremlin, the BBC reported.

Yusov has also not provided any further details of the operation but claimed the Ukrainian flag was raised briefly in Crimea.

On the other hand, Ukrainian military officials have said they would continue to advance in the areas near the cities of Melitopol and Berdyansk after making gains on the southeastern front in their attempt to drive toward the Sea of Azov and cut off Russia's land bridge to Crimea.

According to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne, a second skirmish was reported in Tarkhankut, involving aircraft and military vessels. A Russian Telegram channel also confirmed the fighting in the area.

Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014, eight years before launching its full-scale invasion.

Read Also: Wagner Boss Yevgeny Prigozhin Assumed Dead After Plane Crash in Russia

Zelensky: Every Ukrainian Counts

In his Independence Day message, the second since the invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a message on X, formerly Twitter, rallying his countrymen to help maintain the country's independence.

"In this fight, everyone counts. Because the fight is for something that is important to everyone," he said.

According to a recent poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, Independence Day has gained increased significance among Ukrainians since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. It is now the country's third most important holiday, only behind Easter and Christmas, which Ukrainian Christians are planning to celebrate on December 25 this year in a modification of both Orthodox and Catholic liturgical calendars effective September 1.

The Ukrainian claim came a day after Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, underboss and tactical commander Dmitry Utkin, and eight others were reportedly killed in a plane crash northwest of Moscow, as well as the dismissal of General Sergei "Armageddon" Surovikin from command of the Russian Air Force.

Related Article: Russia's General Armageddon Allegedly Removed From Position After Vanishing During Wagner Coup

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Thousands of visitors, including hundreds of Chinese, South Koreans, Indians, and Japanese, gathered at the Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition (Vietfish 2023) in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday.

The expo, which kicked off on Wednesday and will take place until Friday at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) in District 7, features more than 420 booths run by 220 businesses from Vietnam and 14 other countries and territories, including China, South Korea, Thailand, India, and Singapore.

Many visitors from foreign businesses attend Vietfish 2023 to seek trade promotion opportunities. Photo: N. Tri / Tuoi Tre

A wide selection of products are being showcased at the event, including fresh and frozen fishery items, dried and value-added items, and input materials in aquaculture.

During its opening day, the event saw a massive number of visitors, mainly representing enterprises in need of new suppliers and businesess looking to sell their products.

A representative of the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP), the organizer of the expo, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that Vietfish 2023 is a large-scale trade show of the local fishery industry.

The trade show, themed 'Asian Home of Seafood,' is expected to contribute to increasing Vietnams market share in the processed- and convenient-seafood product industry, said a VASEP representative.

Major cities have witnessed a big shift to consuming canned, processed, and frozen products, especially among young people. Hence, Vietfish 2023 will focus on this shift, according to the VASEP representative.

Businesses participating in the expo said the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed consumer habits, adding that an economic downturn has led to decreasing demand, thereby sharply reducing the export price of Vietnamese seafood.

Meanwhile, seafood consumption in Vietnam is on the rise, making the country a potential market for major seafood exporters such as Norway, Canada, and the U.S..

Since the end of last year, these countries have held several events to promote trade in Vietnam.

The three-day trade show also boasts some sideline activities such as conferences and symposia, features on the latest consumer trends, and innovative solutions to support businesses in the field.

An Indian visitor comes to a booth run by a Vietnamese business at Vietfish 2023 to discuss seafood import activities. Photo: N. Tri / Tuoi Tre

A South Korean firm displays its products at Vietfish 2023. Photo: N. Tri / Tuoi Tre

An ocean tuna, a Vietnamese staple export item, is showcased at Vietfish 2023. Photo: N. Tri / Tuoi Tre

The trade show also features partly processed and refined seafood products, aside from fresh items. Photo: N. Tri / Tuoi Tre

Exhibitors display machinery and equipment to serve aquatic cultivation and production at Vietfish 2023. Photo: N. Tri / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Australia desires to further strengthen cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City, a significant component of the bilateral relationship between the two countries, Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong stated.

Minister Wong expressed her sentiment at a meeting with the citys Party Committee secretary Nguyen Van Nen during a visit to the metropolis on Wednesday as part of her four-day working trip to Vietnam, scheduled for Monday through Thursday, at the invitation of her Vietnamese counterpart Bui Thanh Son.

Looking back on the 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Australia takes pride in its endeavors to promote bilateral relations, including upgrading the ties to a strategic partnership as a robust foundation for both sides to further expand their comprehensive cooperation, Wong told her host.

Australia consistently recognizes Ho Chi Minh City as an important element of the Australia-Vietnam relationship and wishes to deepen multifaceted ties with the Vietnamese economic hub in areas of mutual interest, the diplomat said.

She went on to note that Australia hopes to coordinate with Vietnam in general, and Ho Chi Minh City specifically, to create a legal framework for educational cooperation to make it easier for Australian academies and universities to establish campuses in the municipality and promote student exchange.

Nen shared his appreciation for Wongs trip to Vietnam, affirming that it will generate new momentum for the bilateral relationship, especially as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties and the five years of their strategic partnership.

Over the past half a century, Vietnam-Australia relations have experienced vigorous development, with deepened political trust and increasing practical and effective cooperation in all fields, the citys Party leader said.

Nen told Wong that her visit coincides with the citys implementation of new policies and mechanisms to further attract foreign investment.

In addition to traditional cooperative areas between the two sides, such as investment, trade, and education, the city is now interested in climate change, energy transition, and social security.

These fields have become a common interest for bilateral cooperation and the Vietnamese side wishes for strong connections with Australian partners in such fields, Nen told his guest.

Wong stated that the Australian government recently decided to provide AU$94.5 million (US$61.2 million) for efforts to develop clean energy and respond to climate change, including those being deployed in the Mekong Delta region.

As part of her stay in the city, the Australian minister participated in a panel with students from the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday afternoon.

Australia and Vietnam set up diplomatic ties in 1973 and their relationship has fruitfully developed ever since, with a comprehensive partnership established in 2009 and a strategic partnership coming nine years later.

Currently, Vietnam is Australias 10th-largest trading partner while Australia is Vietnams seventh-largest trading partner.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his spouse will pay an official visit to Vietnam from Sunday to Tuesday next week at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.

PM Lees trip will mark the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Singapore diplomatic ties and the 10th anniversary of a strategic partnership between the two nations.

The top Singaporean officials visit is also meant to reciprocate Vietnamese Prime Minister Chinhs to Singapore in February.

This will be PM Lee's fifth visit to Vietnam since he took office in 2004, Vietnamese Ambassador in Singapore Mai Phuoc Dung told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

His most recent visit to Vietnam was in 2017.

PM Lees visit to Vietnam reflects the close relationship between the two nations and will deepen their strategic partnership in maintaining peace and stability in the region and the world, Ambassador Dung underlined.

Since the two countries diplomatic ties were established in 1973, Singapore and Vietnam have made great strides in various fields, especially in relation to economic activities.

Singapore is one of Vietnams key economic partners in Southeast Asia, with both consistently listed among the others top 15 largest trade partners.

Two-way trade between the two nations reached US$9.15 billion in 2022, and $4.5 billion in the first half of 2023.

Singapore ranks first among the Southeast Asian nations and second in 143 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks (VSIPs) are considered a symbol of the two nations economic cooperation.

As many as 14 VSIPs currently operate in 10 provinces and cities in Vietnam, contributing to the two nations economic growth.

The two countries have been shoring up their collaboration in national security, defense, education, innovation, and cultural exchange.

During the Vietnamese government leaders Singapore visit in February, the two nations set up the Vietnam-Singapore digital and green economy partnership to strengthen their multifaceted cooperation.

The Singaporean prime minister is set to host talks with his Vietnamese counterpart and meet with the leaders of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, the state, and the lawmaking National Assembly.

The two prime ministers and their spouses will also attend some diplomatic events together.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Catch up on the news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his spouse will visit Vietnam on Sunday at the invitation of his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Minh Chinh, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday.

-- Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen on Wednesday hosted a reception for Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, who is paying a visit to Ho Chi Minh City.

-- Australian Foreign Minister Wong had a meeting with students at the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday afternoon to table climate change, sustainability, and educational growth.

-- A three-day state funeral for Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh, who passed away at the age of 61 at his house in northern Hai Phong City on Tuesday, will begin on Thursday, with a ceremony to pay respects set to start at 9:00 am at the Hai Phong City Convention Center.

Society

-- The TEDI SOUTH - CCTDI consultant consortium has proposed widening Saigon Railway Station in District 3 under Ho Chi Minh City to 6.68 hectares from the current six hectares in an attempt to turn it into a railway station complex which will also comprise a 2.3-hectare square, a bus station, a taxi stand, and a parking lot.

-- Investigators in Ha Dong District under the capital city of Hanoi have arrested Tran Lam Thang, a 24-year-old swimming teacher at Vietnam International School, and filed charges against him for his lack of responsibility, leading to the drowning of a ninth grader. A 15-year-old boy, who lived in Nam Tu Liem District, was found dead in the swimming pool of the school on Tuesday.

-- Hanoi will ban all cars from traveling on the upper deck of the double-decked Thang Long Bridge from 0:00 to 4:00 each day between Saturday and Monday for a load test, according to an announcement released by the municipal Department of Transport on Wednesday night.

Business

-- Thousands of customers, with many of them coming from China, South Korea, India, and Japan, are sounding out cooperation and investment opportunities in the seafood industry at the ongoing Vietnam Fisheries International Exhibition, which opened in Ho Chi Minh City on Wednesday, and is set to wrap up on Friday.

Sports

-- Vietnamese weightlifter Le Van Cong won a gold medal in the 49kg weight category for men on Wednesday at the ongoing 2023 World Para Powerlifting Championships held in Saudi Arabia.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The iconic West Lake in Hanois Tay Ho District is again filled with the stench of dead fish which were spotted floating in the lake on Wednesday afternoon, causing troubles to the surrounding areas.

The carcasses were also found washed ashore on the lake, bounded by such streets as Trich Sai, Nguyen Dinh Thi, and Lac Long Quan.

As the dead fish are rotting, this gave off a stinky smell in the area.

The water where the dead fish were found floating turned dark green and was covered with scum.

Nguyen Minh Tam, who often runs around the lake every afternoon to work out, said the fish kills in the lake took place around four days ago.

Only a few dead fish were seen surfacing in the lake in the first days, but the number of carcasses rose quickly on Wednesday. The rotting dead fish exuded an extremely foul smell, Tam said.

In response to the fish kills, the Tay Ho administration said it would dispatch a team to inspect the incident as well as join hands with relevant agencies to determine the cause and adopt appropriate measures, a local official said.

A dozen metric tons of dead fish were found floating in the lake in October and November last year, prompting the municipal administration to take action to find the cause and seek solutions.

The Department of Construction asked the Hanoi Center for Technical Infrastructure Management and Hanoi Sewerage and Drainage Company to monitor, inspect, clean up the affected area, and deal with the carcasses.

Fish kills often occur when seasons change between September and October, according to authorities.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment attributed the floating dead fish to the dwindling amount of oxygen, while the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development blamed a massive volume of fish in the lake and poor water quality for the fish death.

Dead fish are seen floating in West Lake in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

West Lake in Hanoi has reported several fish die-offs. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

The water in West Lake in Hanoi turns dark green and is covered with scum. Photo: Pham Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Committee organized a road renaming ceremony for a section of Hanoi Highway, which was renamed after late General Vo Nguyen Giap, on Wednesday morning.

The stretch between Thu Duc Intersection in Thu Duc City and the Saigon Bridge is now Vo Nguyen Giap Road.

The event marked the 112th birthday of late General Vo Nguyen Giap, who died in 2013.

Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Duong Anh Duc delivers his speech at the road renaming ceremony for a Hanoi Highway section, which is now Vo Nguyen Giap. Photo: Thu Dung / Tuoi Tre

Speaking at the event, Ho Chi Minh City vice-chairman Duong Anh Duc praised late General Vo Nguyen Giap for his contributions to the countrys liberation and unification.

He led the Vietnam Army to defeat French and U.S. invaders in 1954 and 1975, respectively.

He directly commanded major operations including the Dien Bien Phu in 1954 and Ho Chi Minh campaigns in 1975.

He also made significant contributions to Vietnams development process.

The road renaming will form a line of three connected major routes, namely Hanoi Highway, Vo Nguyen Giap, and Dien Bien Phu, in association with a historic figure, said Duc.

This [renaming] is expected to contribute to educating young people about Vietnam's history and culture, while promoting patriotism and national pride among future generations, he underlined.

He asked the Thu Duc City Peoples Committee to work with relevant agencies to inform residents of the newly-renamed road and help them update their documents that are affected by the relabeling.

Vo Hanh Phuc, daughter of late General Giap, said that her family was touched by the road renaming.

The new road name is truly meaningful to her family.

Hundreds of adults and students in the city crowded the area where the road renaming ceremony took place on Wednesday morning, showing their deep gratitude to the legendary general.

The newly-renamed route spans some 7.8 kilometers, while the remaining section of Hanoi Highway stretches from Thu Duc Intersection to Bien Hoa City in Dong Nai Province.

Officials make a symbolic gesture to rename a Hanoi Highway section after late General Vo Nguyen Giap. Photo: Thu Dung / Tuoi Tre

A section of Hanoi Highway is renamed Vo Nguyen Giap Road. Photo: Chau Tuan / Tuoi Tre

Vo Nguyen Giap was born on August 25, 1911 in Le Thuy District, Quang Binh Province, located in the north-central region of Vietnam.

He started his career as a history teacher before joining the army to become a legendary general.

General Giap served as deputy prime minister and national defense minister since national reunification in 1975 till 1980.

In 1981-1991, he was deputy chairman of the Council of Ministers.

The general is credited as one of the great men of the world in encyclopedias of many countries, including the U.S..

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Police in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam on Wednesday detained a 52-year-old man for allegedly murdering his wife and three daughters with carbon monoxide (CO), a poisonous gas, while they were sleeping in the early hours of the same day.

Ho Xuan Hai, residing in Cam An Nam Commune, Cam Lam District, admitted to using CO to poison his family members, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Sang, spokesperson of the provincial police, said on Thursday.

Hai claimed that he invested heavily in a pig farm but faced failure and was unable to pay debts. As a result, he drew up a plan to poison his family members.

He later bought a CO gas cylinder online and learned how to use it.

While his wife and children were sleeping, Hai let the poisonous gas spread to their bedroom.

He later entered the room and inhaled the gas but remained alive.

On Wednesday morning, residents in their neighborhood detected the bodies of the wife, 49, and three children, aged 21, 14, and 10.

Hai was barely breathing and rushed to the Cam Ranh General Hospital. He overcame the critical condition after doctors provided him with intensive care.

The local police blocked the scene of the case, worked with relevant people, and confiscated the CO gas cylinder along with a plastic pipe connected to the gas cylinder.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Close to 15 million Vietnamese, equal to 14.9 percent of Vietnams population, are afflicted with 10 common mental health disorders, posing many challenges to the countrys mental healthcare sector, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) said in a statement on Monday.

These figures, sourced from the Ministry of Health, were mentioned at the National Congress on Psychiatry hosted by the HCDC between August 19 and 20 in the city.

Given the rapid social and technological advancement, many new types of mental health issues have emerged, said the HCDC.

However, there is a common misconception among most of the locals that those with mental health disorders are all schizophrenics.

Meanwhile, 0.47 percent of the population is beset by schizophrenia.

Depression and anxiety afflict around six percent of the population, while other mental health disorders account for the rest, such as bipolar disorder and issues associated with alcohol and drug consumption.

Among children, around 12 percent, or more than three million, require mental health care.

It is also noteworthy that depression is the second leading contributor to harming the health and diminishing people's labor capacity, just after heart diseases.

Depression which is more prevalent in women affects a growing number of patients.

The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the urgent need to strengthen mental health care for local people.

Ho Chi Minh City launched a hotline to provide mental health support for the people post-pandemic and has kept the hotline operational so far.

Unexpected things such as stress are unavoidable in daily life but people can keep their physical and mental health balanced by adopting ways to relieve such stress and think positive, Vu Kim Hoan, deputy head of the Ho Chi Minh City Psychiatric Hospitals general planning department, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

However, it will be hard for patients with depression and other mental disorders to balance their physical and mental health, the doctor admitted.

Hoan mentioned three main symptoms of depression, including low mood or sadness, tiredness, and loss of interest in normal activities that last a whole day or more than two weeks.

Other common symptoms of depression are reduced appetite, insomnia, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and frequent or recurrent thoughts of death.

It takes at least two weeks to determine whether a person has depression or not, after they develop all the symptoms mentioned above.

Patients with serious depression will receive inpatient treatment and will be monitored throughout the day, the doctor said.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!
Australian-Balinese chef Lauren Camilleri hosts a new culinary series Paradise Kitchen Bali on SBS Food in September.

Co-creator of Balis plant-based restaurant, Kynd, Lauren left Australia as an 18-year-old to reconnect with her Balinese heritage. Since opening her first cafe, Swich in Legian, she has pursued a passion to reshape peoples perceptions of vegan food and showcase plant-based cuisine.

The 10 part series focuses on a specific ingredient, age-old recipes and techniques, such a jackfruit-infused Rendang curry, coconut calamari, a sweet and spicy tofu Tahu Gejrot and banana flour sourdough bread.

Emily Griggs, SBS Head of Food, says Paradise Kitchen Bali is a delightful celebration of the wonderous cuisine and vibrant culture of Bali. At SBS Food we strive to highlight and celebrate cuisines from right across the globe and the incredible people who create them. Lauren is a passionate cook who creates dishes with heart, she is the perfect guide for a culinary journey to one of Australias favourite travel destinations.

Chef and host, Lauren Camilleri, says I am so excited Paradise Kitchen Bali is finally here. Its a unique opportunity to share my passion for Balis culture and cuisine. Viewers can dive deep into the heart of Bali, discovering its soulful essence through the stories, food, rituals, and people who make it extraordinary. The series isnt just about recipes; its about gaining a deeper connection with Balis traditions and offerings, beyond the usual tourist experience. By showcasing the depth of this beautiful island, we aim to unite people and ignite a lasting love for Balis goodness, creating a bridge between cultures through the shared joy of culinary exploration.

Paradise Kitchen Bali is a Save Your Day Films production in association with Insight TV and SBS Food.

Paradise Kitchen Bali will be available to stream on SBS On Demand with subtitling available in Simplified Chinese, Arabic, Korean, Vietnamese and Traditional Chinese.

9pm Thursday, 21 September on SBS Food.
Endemol Shine Australia s post-production training initiative is expanding its intake to address an industry creative shortfall, following funding from the New South Wales Government Jobs Plus Program.

The program has has already welcomed 20+ students into its 2023 program and will expand to create 30 full-time roles upon graduating.

The Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program provides a ground-breaking combination of theory and practical experience in television post production which will equip students with the skills and opportunities to foster a long lasting career

It was devised by ESAs Post Production Consultant Nadia Diggins, alongside ESAs senior post production executives which saw approximately 40 students efficiently trained in post production, with an 80% employment retention rate.

The contribution by the NSW Government will be equally matched by ESA.

Endemol Shine Australia Chief Executive Officer Peter Newman (pictured top) said: I am extremely proud to announce this initiative. I was lucky enough to receive incredible training at the start of my career whilst at the BBC. Since then, I have been passionate about increasing training opportunities for our industry and with the Accelerated Broadcast Post Production Training Program, we are doing just that. This training will be led by our world class post production team at ESA and Ive got no doubt it will deliver the next generation of brilliant story tellers to our industry. We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government who will now help us super-size the work we have done in this area into something even more impactful.

Nadia Diggins (pictured) said, By nurturing talent with specialised on the job training, we pave the way for the sectors future superstars and build capacity and depth for the freelance industry. Its huge, not just for ESA but for the entire Australian Screen Industry. The impact of this program will be felt by a new generation of story tellers for their entire careers.

Prospective applicants for the next intake should send their CV and links of previous work to ESAU Mentor Program via [email protected].
Up until 2018, China attempted to hire top scientists with advanced degrees from outside as part of a lavishly funded effort that Washington saw as a threat to American interests and technological dominance.

According to three sources with knowledge of the matter and a Reuters review of more than 500 government documents spanning 2019 to 2023, China quietly revived the Thousand Talents Plan (TTP) under a new name and format as part of a larger mission to accelerate its tech proficiency two years after it stopped promoting it amid U.S. investigations of scientists, according to Reuters.

The three sources said it includes benefits including home purchase subsidies and standard signing bonuses of 3 to 5 million yuan, or $420,000 to $700,000.

At various levels of government, China runs talent initiatives that are aimed at a combination of Chinese and international specialists. According to national and local policy documents, online job postings, and a person with firsthand knowledge of the situation who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject, Qiming, a program run by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, is the primary replacement for TTP.

Read also: China Slaps Taiwan With Trade Sanctions After Nancy Pelosi Visit, Fears Grow Semiconductor Industry Could Suffer

China's Aim to Achieve Semiconductor Self-Reliance

President Xi Jinping has emphasized China's need to attain semiconductor self-reliance in light of U.S. export restrictions, which has sparked a race to recruit tech expertise. U.S. regulations are implemented. In addition to other restrictions, the Commerce Department in October restricted American citizens and legal permanent residents from aiding the development and manufacturing of sophisticated chips in China.

(Photo: by Mark Schiefelbein - Pool/Getty Images)

BEIJING, CHINA - JULY 08: A staff member wearing a face mask walks past the United States and Chinese flags set up before a meeting between Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on July 8, 2023, in Beijing, China.

Questions about Qiming received no response from either the ministry or the China State Council Information Office. According to the state-run Xinhua news agency, China has previously stated that its international hiring efforts under the TTP aimed to develop an innovation-driven economy and encourage talent mobility while safeguarding intellectual property rights.

According to two of the people, Qiming, or Enlightenment, recruits from scientific and technological domains that include "sensitive" or "classified" areas, like semiconductors. The sources claimed that this was because it was more sensitive than its predecessor because it does not announce recipients and is not present on websites run by the national government.

In several of the documents, Qiming is mentioned alongside Huoju, also known as Torch, an ongoing project of the Ministry of Science and Technology that aims to establish tech company clusters. An inquiry for comment was not answered by the ministry.

According to two of the sources and another source with knowledge of the situation, Qiming also works in parallel with hiring drives supported by the government and carried out by Chinese semiconductor companies as well as municipal and provincial agencies. Reuters was unable to independently identify the implicated companies.

The United States has long accused China of stealing technology and intellectual property, which Beijing has denied as being politically motivated.

University researchers who receive funding from the U.S. government to conduct research risk breaking the law if they fail to disclose affiliations with Chinese organizations, share proprietary information without authorization, or violate export regulations, according to U.S. officials, even though talent poaching is legal in the country.

In order to assist in the recruitment of 5,000 foreign researchers for Chinese businesses, headhunting company Hangzhou Juqi Technology placed an advertisement on the academic social network ResearchGate in March asking for persons with doctorates from prestigious universities and experience at Fortune 500 organizations.

Related article: China Tells Stakeholders To Uphold Open Semiconductor System as US Tries To Strangle Supply Chains

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Alternate genealogy show Finding Your Roots returns to SBS next week exploring the lineages of actor Glenn Close and director John Waters.

Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returns for a new season of Finding Your Roots. Using genealogical detective work and cutting-edge DNA analysis, Gates guides influential guests deep into the branches of their family trees, revealing surprising stories of love, hardship, and triumph that transcend borders and merge to form an American root system fortified by its diversity.

Series Seven, Episode One: To the Manor Born

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. uncovers the lineages of actor Glenn Close and director John Waters, digging into centuries past to encounter a succession of bold forebears who found fortune amidst drama and rebellion. From the gold rush fields of the Yukon to an enclave in Quaker Pennsylvania to British royalty, our guests meet a succession of relatives who prove to be as eccentric as they are.

7:30pm Monday August 28 on SBS.
Arshad Ahmed | Two Circles.net

Rahima Begum, 50, had not slept in a long time and had not eaten well because her 25-year-old son Hifzur Rahman had gone missing for the past two weeks. Hifzur was mentally sick and had a habit of wandering out of the house on occasion, but he always returned to his mother.

Support TwoCircles



On 13 August, Rahima was informed by the district police that her son had been brought dead to the district civil hospital and that he had been killed by a Hindu mob on suspicion of stealing cattle in the Hindu-concentrated neighbourhood of Bamungaon in Hojai, over 20 kilometers from his home in Jayantia Basti, a small village in Assams Hojai district.

I Saw on the Video How They Beat Him: Kin of Lynching Victim

The family was terrified and distraught when they saw the videos of the mob beating their son. I saw on the video how they beat him. He kept screaming maa..maa (mother) against the sound of sticks and rods bludgeoning him to death, she told Two Circles.

My brother never hurt anyoneloved by all. He would just roam around. He was mentally ill, but they were not, Hifuzurs younger brother, Imrul Hussain, remarked as he showed photographs of Hifzur on his phone.

The incident quickly drew the attention of local media, with Muslim rights activists asking that the government bring the perpetrators to justice. The police acted swiftly and arrested eight people, one of whom was freed after a brief detention.

Victim Survived by Wife and 8-Year-Old Son

Rahima is now concerned about who will care for Hifzurs family  his wife, Zaida Begum, and his 8-year-old school-going son Minhaz Alom. However, Hifzur, despite being mentally ill, would frequently bring home money that locals paid him out of compassion, which he used to at least support his childs education, the mother said. Only God knows what will happen to his wife and son now that he is gone.

Lynchings Follow the Same Template: Muslim Rights Activist

According to Kabir Hussain Laskar, a minority rights activist in Hojai, there have been numerous more cases of Hindu mobs assaulting Muslim men under the guise of defending cows. According to him, a few days earlier, some Hindu men assaulted a 40-year-old man from the Barak Valley. Its now become a template, Kabir stated.

Two Circles contacted Hojai Superintendent of Police Saurabh Gupta about the lynching and even emailed a set of questions to his office. This story will be updated if and when we receive a response.

Another Muslim Lynched in Assam on Allegations of Cattle Theft

On the morning of July 25, around 100 kilometers from Hojai, six friends  Saddam Hussain 29, Anarul Hussain 31, Billal Hussain 27, Noor Hussain 22, Samsul Hoque, 19, and Mirajul Hoque, 19  were riding back home to Borbari Ahotpam, a village in Assams Morigaon district.

They halted in the districts Hindu-dominated Ahatguri area, just a few kilometers from their village when it began to rain. On the same night, they were attacked by Hindu residents on suspicion of stealing cattle. While Anarul, Samsul, and Noor managed to escape the mob, Saddam, Billal, and Mirajul were gheraoed from all sides.

The next morning three of them  Saddam, Billal, and Mirajul  were found brutally bloodied with Saddam dead.

Saddams younger brother, Anwarul Hussain, said that when the Dharamtul police arrived to rescue them, they were not allowed to go near the three friends. In fact, they tortured them in front of the police.

According to Morigaon Superintendent of Police Hemanta Kumar Das, 18 people have been arrested in this case.

They Peed on Him: Muslim Lynching Victims Kin

Anwarul described the lynching as communally motivated, claiming that no cow was found with them. He said that the atmosphere has been tense since the incident, to the point that they are too afraid to commute through the village.

Saddam is now survived by his wife Asmina Khatun and his two children  Ashiqul Islam, 6, and Sania Sultana, 2.

Before he breathed his last, he wanted them to give him some water, Asmina told Two Circles as she tears up, But they peed on him instead.

This was the second lynching in Morigaon after the Kasamari lynching of two Bengali Muslim men in 2017. The area has always been communally charged as it saw a massacre of Bengali Muslims by Assamese nationalists in 1983, infamously known as the Nellie Massacre, where, as per the official record, around 2000 people were killed.

A Spurt in Mob Lynchings of Minorities in Assam

Assam has seen a sudden spurt of mob lynchings that all follow the same design and pattern. On the same day that Saddam was lynched, a Christian man in Assams Goalpara was killed on suspicion of being a thief. In the month of August alone, four incidents of mob lynching occurred, including the killing of Hifzur Rahman.

These cases have sounded the alarm for Assamese rights groups and concern the states Muslim minority, particularly ethnic Bengali Muslims, who frequently face persecution from the state and other rightwing groups in its long-running crusade to weed out illegal immigrants  a term synonymous with Bengali Muslims  in order to protect the interests of the indigenous Assamese population.

Activists Blame Police Inaction for Rising Lynchings in Assam

Commenting on the lynchings, Director General of Police G P Singh told The Indian Express that the police have been instructed to take action as per law in such cases irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. Ive given instructions on social media platforms as well so that the public has confidence that police leadership does not condone such activities and take lawful action in all such cases, he said.

However, Gauhati High Court Advocate Imtiyaz Ahmed, who is also the secretary of the All Assam Minority Student Union (AAMSU), blamed the current spate of mob lynchings on the police forces inaction.

For the families of Hifzur and Saddam, their prayer is that justice will be served. I want justice and nothing else, Zaida sobbed from behind the curtain at her home.

Arshad Ahmed is an independent reporter based in Assam, India.
Alex Wakitinti is worried about the sacred natural sites he tends in the large swath of bushy grassland near Lake Albert in Uganda.

It's the same slice of his homeland that oil companies are developing in order for the country 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 are deteriorating in Uganda

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.

Story continues

Alex Wakitinti, chief custodian of sacred sites in Buliisa, performs a ritual at a sacred site in the village of Kibambuura. - AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda

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.

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.

Oil pipelines and roads are being driven through sacred sites

In 2006, a commercially viable amount of oil was discovered in Buliisa. The district 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.

We fault the oil companies because they have taken their roads and infrastructure through the sacred natural sites.

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.

TotalEnergies faces lawsuits over Ugandan projects

In 2020, Irish firm Tullow Oil completed the $575 million (530 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 minimise ecological damage.

Wilson Kiiza holds cowrie shells which are iconic to the Bugungu culture. - AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda

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.

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.

Community leaders were too slow to identify threats from oil

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.

Bagungu people who practice traditional beliefs worry the spiritual power of at least 32 sacred natural sites in Buliisa keeps deteriorating. - AP Photo/Hajarah Nalwadda

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.
Huddersfield Town defender Brodie Spencer. Picture courtesy of HTAFC.

Spencer is now contracted with the Terriers until the summer of 2025. He will stay in Scotland for the 2023-24 season.

The Northern-Ireland born player started in the recent EFL Cup game with Middlesbrough for the first time under Neil Warnock, having made four appearances for the club last autumn.

Spencer signed for Town in 2020 from Cliftonville.

He made his debut for the club in cup match against Preston in August 2022.

Back in May 2022, Spencer made headlines by earning his maiden call-up to the Northern Ireland senior squad - despite not yet making his league debut for the Terriers.

He was invited to attend Northern Irelands senior training camp at St George's Park ahead of four UEFA Nations League fixtures in June and was subsequently promoted to the first-team, earning his first of three caps against Cyprus.

Spencer was named as the club's academy player of the year in 2020-21 and formerly captained Town's under-19s age group side.
Ian Paisley celebrated the 31st anniversary of Ukrainian independence from the Soviet Union with a family who have settled in Northern Ireland from Ukraine. Valentyn and Larysa Pavlenkov have settled in North Antrim and love Northern Ireland, says the DUP MP (Photo: Ian Paisley)

Northern Ireland has been very generous in welcoming families fleeing from the 500-day war raging in Ukraine and we stand with those families in their hour of need. Those who have settled here are making a real contribution to Northern Ireland life.

Yesterday, on the 31st anniversary of Ukrainian Independence from the Soviet Union, I met with Valentyn and Larysa Pavlenkov and their lovely family who are settled in North Antrim. Living and working here, they are now part of our local community, and they love Northern Ireland.

Today we want to pay respects to their country and culture, celebrating their nations freedom from soviet power. We stand with them as we continue to stand with their country. The UK government has made a 9.3 billion package available to Ukraine since February 2022. This is economic and military aid as well as humanitarian support. Defence companies in the UK and our experts are supporting Ukraine in their efforts to bring this war to an end.

As an MP I am campaigning for the UN and Turkey to urge Russia to re-join the Black Sea Grain Initiative, to stop bombing the grain and food infrastructure that is used to feed some of the most vulnerable in the world.

Ian Paisley

DUP MP North Antrim
Norway to donate F-16 planes to Ukraine

Oslo has decided to donate combat aircraft to Ukraine, as reported by Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV2. The channel did not cite its sources and did not specify how many F-16s would Oslo be providing Kyiv with.

The report came as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre was visiting Kyiv, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

If confirmed by Norwegian authorities, Norway would become the third country after the Netherlands and Denmark to announce similar donations of F-16 planes.

Denmark said it will provide 19 of the fighter jets, while the Netherlands has not specified how many it will donate.

What Norwegian authorities confirmed on Thursday was the donation of anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, saying "air defence is critical to Ukraine's ability to protect both the civilian population and front-line infrastructure and military units against any type of Russian air attack."

"This is one of the largest Norwegian donations of military material to Ukraine to date," Gahr Stre said in a statement.

NATO-member Norway will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV2 said Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. - Burhan Ozbilici/AP2004

Ukrainians celebrate Independence Day

Ukrainians are celebrating their country's independence on Thursday while 18 months into a war against Russia, which invaded the country on 24 February 2022.

In an address to the country, Zelenskyy said the national holiday was being held "at a time when we are fighting against the most dreadful threat to our statehood and at the same time when we have achieved the greatest national unity."

The Ukrainian president warned citizens about the increased possibility of an attack from Russia on the day.

Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union until it dissolved in 1991.

Seven injured in air strike in Dnipro

Seven people were wounded in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, according to the governor of the region, Serhiy Lisak, in an early morning missile strikes that left no known victims.

The governor said those injured were three men and four women.

Story continues

Ukraine claims a deadly attack on Crimea

Ukraine said it carried out a commando operation overnight in Crimea, claiming to have killed Russian soldiers and hoisted the Ukrainian flag.

"The enemy suffered casualties among its men and equipment was destroyed. And the national flag flew again in Ukrainian Crimea," the Ukrainian military intelligence said on Telegram on Thursday, as reported by AFP.

The post did not specify what mission these special forces units were involved in but said that they came from the sea, landing near the villages of Olenivka and Mayak, in the west of the peninsula, before leaving.

"All objectives and tasks have been accomplished. At the end of the special operation, the Ukrainian defenders left the scene without casualties," the country's military intelligence said.

Live updates on the death of Wagner's head Yevgeny Prigozhin can be found here.
(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.

Most Read from Bloomberg

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.

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.

Story continues

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.
Aperitivo: Bar Lina will be a moody Italian cocktail bar in Sixties style (Lina Stores)

Italian pasta group Lina Stores will open a hidden aperitivo bar beneath its historic Soho deli come autumn, serving cocktails, wines and Italian snacks.

Guests will enter Bar Lina through the original door, past shelves stocked with pastas, olives, cured meats and other Italian staples, and descend down a green staircase. No fixed date for opening has been announced, though the Standard understands it will come sometime soon.

Below the pasta kitchen and shop, which dates back to 1944, the space has been transformed into an intimate, candle-lit aperitivo bar, press material said, with interiors of monochrome and dark red, in Sixties Italian style.

Drinkers should expect moody lighting, velvet banquettes, and a drinks menu offering twists on classic cocktails.

The Syracuse martini, pictured below, will come with a twist of Sicilian tomato, while basil gimlets, Negronis, and a lengthy spritz list will also feature. The wine list will  no surprises  be centred on Italian producers, with independent, low intervention growers from lesser-known regions a focus.

(Bar Lina)

The food menu will be concise, with cured meats, cheeses, and antipasti alongside small plates such as beef crudo, truffle crostini, and fried gnudi.

Come evening, the upstairs deli  currently only open in the daytime and for lunch  will also take on a new form, operating as a 12-cover wine bar, while produce will continue to be available late into the evening.

Lina Stores head chef Masha Rener said: Bar Lina is a real reflection of the vibrant bar scene in Italy and Soho, a reminder of that late-night Negroni, or second glass of wine with friends old and new.

It feels incredibly special to breathe new life into our original delicatessen and to continue the history of Lina Stores within Soho.

Opening Autumn, exact date to be confirmed, 18 Brewer St, London W1F 0SG. For more information visit barlina.co.uk, and @barlinasoho
Germany's commitment to research on artificial intelligence (AI) was significantly increased when the government announced on Wednesday, August 23, a roughly 100% increase in funding.

Nearly 1 billion ($1.08 billion) has been committed to the research and development of AI systems - a significant but still insufficient sum compared to the rumored $3.3 billion in public financing that the US threw at the field in 2022.

AI as Key Technology

According to a report by The Next Web, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research has recognized AI as a key technology with great potential to advance research and economic development while fostering greater international competitiveness and societal well-being.

A leadership role for Germany and Europe in a future powered by AI was also called for, and "technological sovereignty in AI" was emphasized as a need.

Germany's contributions are now matching those of the European Union. In addition, the European Commission has pledged 1 billion ($1.08 billion) annually to AI research under the Horizon Europe initiative. Meanwhile, the Commission said it would encourage private companies and governments to contribute enough to achieve 20 billion ($21.6 billion) in annual investment.

Federal Research Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger unveiled the AI action plan and the enhanced funds. In view of rising tensions with systemic rivals like China, the Minister stated earlier this month that Germany must align its academic practices with its security objectives.

The Chinese government's budget numbers are notoriously difficult to track down. While the US invested $47.4 billion in AI in 2022, China's private AI investments were just $13.4 billion in the same year, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

German officials have recommended export restrictions on Chinese semiconductors and AI technology similar to the recent executive order announced by US President Joe Biden. Plans to increase scrutiny of Chinese foreign direct investment were also outlined.

Germany plans to use the money to boost access, build new data centers, and set up 150 new university laboratories devoted to AI research. The next step is to put that knowledge and those abilities to use in the form of a thriving economy and a tangible social benefit.

To that end, the government has stated its desire to highlight the value proposition of AI "Made in Germany" (or "Made in Europe").

Also Read: Apple Removes Generative AI Services from App Store Ahead of China's New AI Rules

China and Its AI Regulations

While the rest of the world awaits the European Union's AI Act, which will establish distinct restrictions for creators and deployers of AI systems according to a risk categorization system, China's Cyberspace Administration announced its own guidelines for generative AI as interim measures last month.

The internet watchdog claims that the state supports the creative use of generative AI across all sectors, but any service that has the potential to sway public opinion or organize the populace must register its algorithms with the government.

Also Read: Tencent Believes This Year's AI Model Is China's Finest Despite Missed Profit Projection

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
GCSEs have different grading in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (Image: David Davies/PA Wire)

Teenagers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland will receive their GCSE exam results today (August 24).

Their grades will be used to help them progress to sixth form, college or training.

GCSE grades can be different across the UK but how will students grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland differ?

GCSE grades are different across the UK  heres how

GCSEs are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1 in England rather than from A* to G, with 9 being the highest grade.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Grading for GCSEs is different across the UK

Grading for GCSEs is different across the UK (Image: Niall Carson/PA)

In general, a grade 7 and above is roughly equivalent to an A and above, while a grade 4 and above is roughly equivalent to a C and above.

Grade 4 and above is considered a standard pass.

However, performance data released by the government highlights the percentage of pupils in a school who achieved a 5 or above in English and maths GCSEs which is roughly equivalent to a high grade C or low grade B.

The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations & Assessment in Northern Ireland uses a nine-category grade scale A*  G which includes a C*.

In Wales, the traditional eight-category grade scale A*- G has been retained.

How do approaches to GCSE grading differ in England, Wales and Northern Ireland?





The exams regulator in England has said this years GCSE results will be lower than last year but they are expected to be similar to 2019 as part of its plan to return to pre-pandemic grading this summer.

However, Ofqual has built protection into the grading process which should enable a pupil to get the grade they would have received before the pandemic even if their quality of work is a little weaker this year.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: GCSEs are different across the UK

GCSEs are different across the UK (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA)

It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top GCSE grades in 2020 and 2021 as results were based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

Exam regulators in Northern Ireland and Wales have said they dont expect to return to pre-pandemic grading levels until next year.

Story continues

In Wales, results are expected to be broadly midway between those awarded in 2022  the first year students sat exams following the pandemic  and 2019.

How were students supported when taking exams?





Pupils in England were given formulae and equation sheets in GCSE mathematics, physics and combined science exams to acknowledge pandemic disruption to learning.

In language exams, GCSE students were also not expected to confront unfamiliar words.

Students were given more time to revise as exam papers in the same subject were spaced out more in the GCSE timetable than they were prior to the pandemic.

Many GCSE students in Wales and Northern Ireland were given advance information about topics to expect in their exam papers this summer but pupils in England were not given the same support.
Vulnerable Afghans are being failed by Government, a humanitarian group said as figures showed just 107 were resettled in the UK in the year to June under part of a scheme set up to help the most in need.

The latest statistics come as it was confirmed Afghans were the most common nationality to arrive by Channel crossings in the first half of 2023.

There were at least 1,474 Afghan nationals who arrived in small boats from January to June, Home Office figures showed.

Separately, Afghans were the second most common nationality applying for asylum in the year to June 2023, with 9,964 applications, almost double the number in the previous 12 months (5,154).

After the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the British military airlifted thousands of people from the country to safety in the UK, and set up two schemes to help others left behind.

But both the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) have faced criticism from campaigners and charities which branded them too slow and suggested people desperately fleeing the Taliban have felt forced to make dangerous Channel crossings instead.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK said the numbers reveal the shocking reality of the Governments failure to provide protection for vulnerable Afghans.

Under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)  which is split into three pathways  some 233 people were resettled in the UK in the year to June, the latest official figures released on Thursday showed.

A total of 66 people were resettled under pathway two  the strand that covers vulnerable refugees referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), while some 41 people came under the third pathway covering those who supported the UK and international community efforts in Afghanistan, or are particularly vulnerable, such as women and girls.

Pathway one, focused on those who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme or who were unable to board flights at the time of the large-scale evacuation, has seen 126 people resettled in the year to June.

Story continues

(PA Graphics)

Another scheme, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) which was launched in April 2021 for those who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan, saw 2,336 people resettled in the UK in the 12 months to June this year.

The Government pledged to resettle more than 5,000 people in the first year of ACRS, and up to 20,000 over the coming years.

In the two years between July 2021 and June this year, a total of 9,778 people had been resettled under ACRS  although more than 9,000 were resettled before the scheme had officially opened in January 2022.

Laura Kyrke-Smith, executive director of IRC, said: These statistics reveal the shocking reality of the Governments failure to provide protection for vulnerable Afghans, with just 233 Afghans brought to the UK under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) over the past year.

In pushing forward the Illegal Migration Act, the Government time and time again assured concerned Parliamentarians and the British public that there existed safe routes for refugees from countries like Afghanistan.

These statistics show that these routes simply arent matching the scale of the need. Instead, the majority of the almost 10,000 Afghans seeking safety in the UK were forced to make dangerous journeys across the Channel.

The organisation called on the Government to urgently deliver on its commitments to eligible Afghans waiting to find safety in the UK, insisting the 20,000 cap must be lifted and saying the scheme must be properly resourced to accelerate delivery as well as a clear process being put in place for reuniting Afghan families with loved ones already in the UK.

There were 6,575 Afghans in hotels or serviced accommodation by the end of June  half of whom were children, the Government said.

Afghans were given a deadline to leave hotels by the end of August, with Cabinet Office minister Johnny Mercer recognising earlier this month that the announcement had been a controversial move but insisted it was done with compassion in mind to get people into permanent accommodation.

Councils have expressed concerns that many of those evicted from hotels could end up presenting as homeless, therefore needing temporary accommodation.

The Government said it is continuing to work with the UNHCR and others to identify at-risk people, including women and girls, for resettlement in the UK.

A Government spokesperson said: No one should be risking their lives by crossing the Channel or taking dangerous and illegal routes to reach the UK  there are safe and legal routes to come here.

The number of Afghans which the UK has committed to resettling under the ACRS scheme is generous, and greater than many of our international counterparts.
Gillian Martin strongly supports the government programme. (Photo: submitted)

Statistics show that almost 10,500 low-cost ownership, mid-market rent, and social rent homes were completed across Scotland in the financial year 2022/23; bringing the total since Scottish Government affordable housing programmes began in 2007 to over 122,200.

Scotland continues to lead the UK in affordable home provision. Between 2007/08 and 2021/22, the annual average supply of affordable housing per head of population in Scotland has been 13.9 homes per 10,000 population, higher than England (9.7 homes per 10,000 population), Wales (8.0), and Northern Ireland (12.7).

The 10,458 affordable homes completed in Scotland in 2022/23 equates to a rate of 19.1 homes delivered per 10,000 population.

The Scottish Government has also announced a further boost of 60 million to reduce the number of households living in temporary accommodation, supporting a national acquisition plan to increase the supply of social and affordable housing.

Welcoming the new figures, Ms Martin said: The major increase in affordable and social housing in Aberdeenshire is a result of the Scottish Governments bold and decisive actions to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. All people deserve access to affordable accommodations, and thats why I strongly support the governments Affordable Housing Supply Programme.

Last year alone we saw 341 high-quality affordable and social homes created across Aberdeenshire, raising the total figure to an impressive 3,872 homes in the area since 2007.

"This is made possible by the Scottish Governments five-year, 3.2 billion fund to accelerate affordable home provision, with the end goal of delivering a further 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032.

As the UK Governments cost of living crisis puts pressure on Scottish households, the Scottish Government is continuing to build a fairer and more equal Scotland, and the success of Affordable Housing Supply Programme is a testament to that endeavour.
An impression of the proposed new storage and distribution warehouse for Tyre Call in Antrim. Picture: released by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils Planning Committee has approved a proposal for a storage distribution facility at TyreCall in Kilbegs Industrial Estate.

The proposal will include office accommodation and parking provision.

Barry Diamond, the councils Head of Planning, told the committee that the planned new building would be 8,000 square metres with views obscured from existing buildings. There were no letters of objection.

An impression of the proposed new storage and distribution warehouse for Tyre Call in Antrim. Picture: released by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

He reported that the development would result in the creation of 30 new jobs, doubling the workforce to 60. It is estimated that the proposal will generate 20 construction jobs.

Tyre Call Limited is a wholesale company with outlets in Antrim and at Dublin Road, Cavan, in the Republic of Ireland.

The proposal is considered an appropriate land use for the area. The design is acceptable in the context of surrounding buildings, Mr Diamond said.

Threemilewater DUP representative Alderman Stephen Ross asked about plans for a temporary waste water treatment plant on-site. NI Water has raised concerns over network and waste water treatment works capacity.

He was advised that the applicant is willing to provide a treatment facility which would be removed if the proposed site can be connected to the sewerage system.

A report to the committee says: The applicant indicates that their existing facility at 12 Kilbegs Road is at maximum capacity for both storage and overall operations as its business headquarters.

The applicant further states that with the advent of electric vehicles to the Northern Ireland market, the tyre stock profile required to service this increasingly diverse car market is expanding rapidly, requiring unique tyre sizes and construction attributes to satisfy the weight and range requirements of electric vehicles

Additionally, the company has increased their agricultural and construction tyre business substantially in the last few years.

As a response to continuously evolving customer and industry changes, the company has diversified and expanded the product range and services offered both locally and internationally.

Story continues

The application was approved unanimously.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Mark Cooper said; Antrim is a prime location for business, this investment by Tyre Call is a great boost for the local economy with the creation of multiple jobs in both construction and manufacturing sectors.

Chair of Planning Committee Councillor Robert Foster added; Tyre Call is a leading business located in our borough. I am delighted that plans for a 6 million investment to extend their business have been approved, allowing them to meet with business demand and offer more options for the buyer .
Meet the men of Istanbul in Elska's new issue (Images: Liam Campbell)

Elska magazine has shared some of typically revealing imagery from its latest issue, which focuses on Istanbul in Turkey.

The latest issue of the publication, dedicated to sharing the bodies and voices of LGBTQ communities around the world, is out now.

Can A (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Cenk Y (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Efe B (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Hakan T (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Mert E (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

(Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

In a press release, an Elska rep said: Inside, readers can get to know a cross-section of ordinary people from the LGBTQ community of what is claimed by many to be the gayest city in the Muslim world.

The issue contains portraits of queer men on the streets of their city and also in their homes, creating a feeling of closeness and intimacy. The subjects have also penned personal stories for the issue, exploring subjects such as coming out, and Istanbuls nightlife.

Homosexuality was decriminalised in Turkey in 1858; however, anti-LGBTQ attitudes remain prevelant.

Almost immediately I saw how much I misjudged the place  Elska editor Liam Campbell on Istanbul

I must admit that I had been resistant to the idea of coming to Istanbul, said Elska editor and chief photographer Liam Campbell. Despite many messages that the city would make for a perfect setting for Elska, I simply was clouded by the notion that any Muslim-majority place would be antithetical to a project about celebrating queer life.



But when one local gay man wrote with passionate insistence that Istanbul absolutely had to be an Elska city, and that he knew loads of people who would be interested in doing a photoshoot and story for us, I knew I had to budge. So, I booked flights, asked him to spread the world, and hoped Id been wrong.

Almost immediately upon arriving I saw how much I misjudged the place. Istanbul was not only one of the easiest places to find subjects, but they were also incredibly open. The stories they offered were honest, and the images they allowed me to capture were relaxed, unposed, and revealing. Istanbul truly proved to be an ideal Elska city.

Can A (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Cenk Y (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Efe B (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Mert E (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Sahin C (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Sasha B and Tema P (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Yuchi P (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Erin K and Emrullah T (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Mert E (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

Hakan T (Image: Elska/Liam Campbell)

For more information, visit www.elskamagazine.com .

The post 11 beautiful and revealing pictures of the queer men of Istanbul, from the streets to the sheets appeared first on Attitude.
An image of the proposed extension at Tyre Call, Antrim. Pic: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

A wholesale tyre business in Antrim is set to expand after planning permission was approved for a new 6m warehouse.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils Planning Committee approved a proposal for a storage distribution facility at Tyre Call in Kilbegs Industrial Estate at a meeting on Monday evening.

The proposal will include office accommodation and parking provision.

Barry Diamond, the councils head of planning, told the committee that the planned new building would be 8,000 square metres with views obscured from existing buildings. There were no letters of objection.

He reported that the development would result in the creation of 30 new jobs, doubling the workforce to 60. It is estimated that the proposal will generate 20 construction jobs.

Tyre Call Limited is a wholesale company with outlets in Antrim and at Dublin Road, Cavan in the Republic of Ireland.

The proposal is considered an appropriate land use for the area. The design is acceptable in the context of surrounding buildings, Mr Diamond said.

Threemilewater DUP councillor Alderman Stephen Ross asked about plans for a temporary waste water treatment plant on-site. NI Water has raised concerns over network and waste water treatment works capacity.

He was advised that the applicant is willing to provide a treatment facility which would be removed if the proposed site can be connected to the sewerage system.

A report to the committee says: The applicant indicates that their existing facility at 12 Kilbegs Road is at maximum capacity for both storage and overall operations as its business headquarters.

The applicant further states that with the advent of electric vehicles to the Northern Ireland market, the tyre stock profile required to service this increasingly diverse car market is expanding rapidly, requiring unique tyre sizes and construction attributes to satisfy the weight and range requirements of electric vehicles

Additionally, the company has increased their agricultural and construction tyre business substantially in the last few years.

Story continues

As a response to continuously evolving customer and industry changes, the company has diversified and expanded the product range and services offered both locally and internationally.

The application was approved unanimously.
Jane Hartley, United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, has been announced as keynote speaker for the 2023 WiB Group Chairs Lunch (Photo: u)

United States ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Jane Hartley, has been announced as keynote speaker for the 2023 WiB Group Chairs Lunch.

Ambassador Hartley will address over 400 business leaders and entrepreneurs at the annual event which is this year celebrating 21 years of Women in Business and its collective impact on the Northern Ireland economy and wider society.

Taking place on Friday, October 13 at Titanic Belfast, the 2023 Chairs Lunch, sponsored by the Department for the Economy, Allstate and Queens University Belfast, will focus on the theme Even Better When as a platform for local business leaders and owners to engage in forward-thinking discussions, exchange ideas, and explore opportunities for collaboration to further build a prosperous, inclusive economy.

Women in Business Group chair Nichola Robinson speaking to 400 business leaders at the 2022 Women in Business Group Chair's Lunch 2022, held at the Culloden Estate & Spa (Photo: BRENDAN GALLAGHER)

Appointed to the US-UK Ambassador role in May 2022, Jane Hartley previously founded international economic and political advisory firm, the Observatory Group, and served as CEO of the G7 Group, a premier research firm providing macroeconomic and political analysis to global clients.

The WiB Group chair Nichola Robinson, said: This years event marks a significant milestone in the Groups journey as we reflect on the history, the achievements, and the memories of Women in Business since it began life in October 2002, and just how far we have come in delivering inclusive economic growth for the private, public and third sectors in Northern Ireland.

We are delighted to have ambassador Hartley as our guest speaker and look forward to hearing from the people in the room as we look ahead to the next 21 years and how we can impact and build the economy of the future and a change we all wish to see.

Table bookings and single seats are still available.

To book your place at the 2023 Chairs Lunch, visit here.
Nvidia expressed concern that further US semiconductor export restrictions to China would risk a "permanent loss" for the country's semiconductor firms to lead in one of the world's largest and most competitive markets.

The company's warning followed rules introduced last year restricting it from selling its top-end A100 and H100 graphics processing units to China.

It was previously reported Washington was considering new export restrictions on semiconductors used in artificial intelligence (AI), which firms like Nvidia were designing.

"We believe the current regulation is achieving the intended results," Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said on the company's earnings call Wednesday (August 23). "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."

However, she added, the restrictions against the sale of Nvidia data center GPUs to China would mean the diminishing of the US semiconductor industry's competitiveness in the market, Kress added.

The company's statement was a doubling down of its June warning that the US semiconductor industry would be hit by further curbs on chip exports.

Read Also: Apple Lends Support to California's Right To Repair Bill, a First for the Company

Nvidia's Comments A Reflection of Market Standings

According to CNBC, Nvidia's comments reflected the fact that, in its latest quarterly report, China accounted for 20% to 25% of its revenue in its data center business, which is currently its biggest unit, accounting for a 171% year-on-year (YoY) sales growth to a record $10.32 billion revenue in the June quarter.

"Despite concerns that we are in some sort of tech bubble, Nvidia once again smashed estimates and delivered a set of results that shows it has no signs of slowing down," Quilter Cheviot equity research analyst Ben Barringer told Verdict.

The latest figures meant Nvidia's stock has rallied more than 220% this year, with the company expecting revenue growth to nearly triple YoY in the September quarter.

Meanwhile, the US government said its export restrictions were aimed at stopping China from obtaining technology that could be used for military purposes, given Beijing's overall goals of annexing Taiwan and the South China Sea to its territory, as well as gaining hegemony over the Asia-Pacific region, and perhaps over the world.

By most accounts, and despite geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing, Nvidia's chips - which go into data centers and are able to facilitate the training of the huge AI models, such as those that underpin ChatGPT - are ahead of rival offerings.

Chinese companies that train huge data sets also rely on such chips as it consumes around 40% of chips manufactured globally, but is only 12% self-sufficient.

Related Article: China Attempts to Decrease Foreign Firm Speculation on New Data Regulations

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Maria McManus, artistic director of Quotidian and Poetry Jukebox NI and Paul Stewart, WWT Castle Espie centre manager. Picture: WWT Castle Espie,

At the touch of a button while in Castle Espies Lime Kiln Observatory, visitors can listen to a poetry collection named Forage. The collection features 20 original eco poems based on the theme of climate, environment and our relationship with it. The jukebox also includes a poem read by Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney.

With threats to the natural world, including climate change, habitat destruction and species loss; bringing such urgent current issues of concern through attentive and intelligent ecopoetry is increasingly relevant.

Forage is the second edition of the Poetry Jukebox connected to the theme of climate and the environment. It forms part of the earth project, a collaboration between science and the arts, hosted by the Institute for Global Food Security at Queens University Belfast, in partnership with the literary arts production company Quotidian, who manage Poetry Jukebox in Northern Ireland.

This edition of the Poetry Jukebox is a celebration of both the natural object and the poem, and a powerful forward-looking call to action. Curated by environmental poet Dr Emma Must, visitors to WWT Castle Espie will be able to hear a collection of 20 poems from a handful of the UK and Irelands foremost ecopoets which explore the theme of food, foraging and climate.

It also features a poem from Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaneys Blackberry Picking, read by Heaney himself.

Paul Stewart, centre manager for WWT Castle Espie, said: Over the next few months visitors to WWT Castle Espie will be able to enjoy the Poetry Jukebox located in our Lime Kiln Observatory. We hope that the poems included on the Forage Poetry Jukebox will encourage visitors to sit for a moment, look out onto the beautiful landscape and wetlands of Strangford Lough, as the voices of the 20 poets connect, raise awareness and remind us all of the importance of nature.

"Wetlands are the most effective carbon sinks on the planet and as global temperatures continue to rise their preservation is more important than ever.

Maria McManus, poet and artistic director of Quotidian and Poetry Jukebox NI, added: We are delighted to bring Poetry Jukebox to WWT Castle Espie. As people, we need to understand our impact on the natural world. Our connection to the natural world, its capacity to thrive, depends on our connection to ourselves - we need to know ourselves - the poems are a way in.

"Listening to the poems creates a moment to slow down, to listen to nature and to tune to the gifts of it. We are absolutely thrilled that this curation of poems includes Seamus Heaneys Blackberry Picking; recorded in the voice of the Nobel Laureate himself.
Pangasius exports during the first half of the year were estimated at $885 million, a 38 per cent decline compared to the same period of the previous year. The indications of a rebound in exports remain exceedingly faint, posing considerable challenges for Viet Nam to attain its pangasius export target in 2023.

Duong Nghia Quoc, chairman of the Viet Nam Pangasius Association, spoke with Viet Nam News reporter To Nhu regarding this matter.

Regarding the outlook on seafood exports, how would you assess the performance of pangasius exports in the first half of this year?

According to VASEP, in the first six months of 2023, total seafood export turnover reached US$4.13 billion, down 27.4 per cent over the same period in 2022, reaching 41.5 per cent of the plan.

Of which, pangasius exports in the first six months were estimated at $885 million, 38 per cent lower than the same period of last year. This figure in June was estimated at $156 million, a reduction of 26 per cent on year.

Viet Nam saw a strong reduction in pangasius exports to large markets such as China and the US in June. The pangasius export value fell by 15 per cent on year to $49.7 million to China, and 51.5 per cent to $22.5 million to the US.

The reason was that by the end of 2022, large markets such as the US and EU, imported a lot, while consumption also slowed down. The world economic crisis also slowed consumption. Those factors led to high inventory, so the pangasius imports declined in the first half of this year.

Meanwhile, China is considered a potential destination in 2023 after COVID-19. However, the recovery of this market was still sluggish in the first half of this year. Viet Nam's seafood exports to this market decreased by nearly 30 per cent.

The decrease in exports has led to a decrease in the domestic price of pangasius raw materials. How has that situation affected pangasius processing businesses and farming households?

The export market situation is beyond the expectations of businesses and associations. In 2022, many forecasts said that the export market had been good. If there had been a decline, it was a slight reduction until the end of the second quarter of 2023. However, all are just predictions.

The decrease in exports has caused a fall in the price of pangasius. Now, the price of pangasius is VN26,000 - 27,000 per kilo. With that price, pangasius farming households may break even, or have a slight loss of VN1,000-2,000 per kilo.

Exporting businesses are also facing many difficulties. Goods could not be sold, forcing them to be put into storage. This includes maintenance costs, workers' wages, and interest on bank loans.

However, the businesses still have to maintain their operation because if they stop production now, they must pay the factory maintenance costs and face losing workers. When they have orders again, they will face a labour shortage.

At present, ministries, associations and the agriculture, as well as the fishery sector, are also promoting trade promotion to boost exports.

In addition, the Government, ministries and sectors are also having policies on credit support for the businesses.

What does the future hold for pangasius exports?

The market outlook is still bad. We do not yet see prospects in our traditional seafood export markets.

If the Chinese market recovers, pangasius exports will surge.

However, I think they want to release all the inventory. At the same time, they do not import goods to force the price of pangasius to decrease.

The US ranks second in terms of Viet Nam's pangasius import market. However, the market recovery signal is also very slow.

The EU market also fell sharply. Particularly, the CPTPP market sector has a brighter export picture.

Can Viet Nam reach the pangasius export target this year?

In the current situation, Viet Nam will find it difficult to reach the pangasius export target of $2.4-2.5 billion in 2023. If, in the third and fourth quarters, the export market has a good signal, the export turnover can reach around $2 billion.

So far, there have been no positive signals in market recovery, while fluctuations in supply-demand are due to war and inflation. Therefore, forecast about the prospect of the global pangasius market is very hard.  VNS
Vietnamese businesses exhibit notable dynamism as they are actively engaging in various international connection and trade promotion initiatives overseas. In a conversation on the sidelines of the Vietnamese Week in Thailand 2023 organised by Central Retail Vietnam in Bangkok last week, Le Viet Nga, Deputy Director of the Domestic Market Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), spoke with Viet Nam News reporter Mai Huong about the essential prerequisites that enterprises must fulfil to successfully introduce Vietnamese goods to foreign markets.

Have you seen an enhancement in Vietnamese enterprises confidence over the years through their engagement in trade connection events?

One of the most intriguing developments has been the evolving consumer inclination toward Vietnamese products within the domestic market thanks to the campaign Vietnamese people give priority to using Vietnamese products. This shift has led to the establishment of more robust connections between supply and demand, thereby facilitating the global expansion of Vietnamese goods. It's worth noting that foreign investment has also played a pivotal role in fostering this transformative phenomenon.

These interactions encompass sustainable methodologies for introducing products into diverse markets, aligning with retail systems present in Viet Nam and extending to international domains. Different markets have distinct traits. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) retail distribution systems in Viet Nam organise specialised buying teams for procuring goods, offering comprehensive guidelines to streamline procedures.

The process involves adhering to specific conditions for successful integration into various systems tailored to destination countries. Thats why Vietnamese businesses continually engage in these events, using them as a platform to gauge signals and assess consumer potential within expansive distribution networks like Centara in Bangkok, catering to Thai consumers.

This trend extends beyond Thailand's Central Retail system, encompassing global entities like South Korea's Lotte, Thailand's MM Mega Market and Japan's Aeon, each with distinctive brands. This dynamic channel proves highly effective in facilitating cross-border trade.

Despite active engagement in numerous networking events, the count of businesses able to secure official export contracts with foreign distribution systems remains limited. What underlies this limitation, and how can Vietnamese products be enhanced if distributors request goods under their brand?

The approach involves a gradual upgrading campaign. Initially, Vietnamese products are integrated into the distribution systems of foreign enterprises within the domestic market. This serves as the foundational step, followed by brand processing. Brands like Aeon's "Top Value", Lotte's "Choice L" and others owned by MM Mega Market and Central Retail are emblematic examples. This progression equips Vietnamese businesses with insights into product quality and packaging that resonate with consumers, aligning with their preferences and evolving market trends. This journey also imparts an understanding of year-by-year consumption patterns in these markets.

Furthermore, Vietnamese enterprises must intensify investments in cultivating their own brands, establishing a distinct presence within these systems. This marks the subsequent phase. As Viet Nam gains familiarity with exporting goods to foreign distribution systems, larger orders necessitate organised production processes. This includes investments in capital and technology, which may be a big challenge to medium and small businesses. In this realm, big enterprises typically secure the majority of official orders.

For instance, prominent Vietnamese brands like Trung Nguyen coffee and Vinamilk have successfully exported their distinctive identities. Conversely, small and medium businesses require time for growth. This development entails the crucial provision of state capital and specific support to help businesses fulfill quality and quantity requirements, which entails substantial investments to enhance product excellence, packaging and design, aligning with consumer preferences.

Businesses have shared that while foreign buyers express interest in their products, they face obstacles related to export documentation, procedural intricacies and substantial transportation costs. To address these challenges, what specific policies has MoIT formulated to support business?

MoIT stands out as the most proactive ministry in the current foreign market, vigorously supporting trade promotion, fostering supply-demand connections and facilitating negotiations. This proactive stance enables Vietnamese enterprises to integrate into foreign systems and establish trade partnerships.

However, for comprehensive support regarding processes such as certification, product origin, packaging and design, the collaboration of other ministries and branches might be necessary. For instance, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, each possessing their areas of expertise, could play vital roles. Industry and Trade programmes designed to bolster industrial and commercial product chains are often initiated for negotiation purposes. In practice, when buyers arrive, other relevant departments contribute, especially when it comes to enabling smaller enterprises to meet high standards, particularly the demanding technical benchmarks of certain markets.

Green products have become an undeniable trend to access foreign markets. Do you believe Vietnamese enterprises are adequately equipped to meet this demand? How can they enhance their capacity to enter this market, and what government policies are in place to support startups with innovative ideas but limited capital and market knowledge?

Certainly, bringing Vietnamese products to surmount this "green barrier" demands a substantial effort. The universal trend toward sustainability requires changes in production and obtaining green certifications. While this concept is relatively new in Viet Nam, international organisations evaluating products for their country's market requirements are limited, necessitating broader dissemination of information across businesses of all scales. Cooperation among agencies, especially state management bodies, is vital in offering guidance, communication and training to enterprises. Encouraging businesses to adopt environmentally friendly packaging and designs requires careful consideration.

The process of transitioning towards eco-friendly practices faces challenges. For instance, transitioning from non-biodegradable packaging to recyclable alternatives has been gradual, taking around a decade. Manufacturers have also been slow in adopting environmentally conscious packaging. While these changes take time, they're essential for creating a more sustainable environment.

MoIT has already introduced a comprehensive green growth strategy and action plans, aligned with the Prime Minister's directives. This strategy emphasises promoting environmentally friendly products that align with consumer trends. Demonstrations are carried out in modern distribution systems like supermarkets and commercial centres to educate the public about green consumption and products.

MoIT has been a pioneer in green practices, investing over a decade in biofuel conversion, with E5 gasoline now prevalent across all gas stations in Viet Nam. Future plans involve expanding efforts in areas like electric cars, which have gained traction within the Vietnamese automobile industry. However, collaborative efforts from other ministries and sectors are anticipated to further drive the development of distribution systems that prominently feature a growing percentage of green products.  VNS
HA NOI  The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Ha Noi hosted an event to introduce the captivating artistry of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a traditional interior wall art unique to Saudi Arabia, to both Vietnamese and international audiences on Tuesday.

The occasion drew a significant gathering, including female representatives from Vietnamese ministries and institutions, heads of international organisations, ambassadorial spouses, charitable organisations in Viet Nam, and numerous female journalists representing media outlets in Ha Noi.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Hiba Mostafa S. Mahros, the spouse of the Saudi Arabian Ambassador, said the event's purpose was to showcase the distinct art form of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, which was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in December 2017.

Al-Qatt Al-Asiri stands as a pivotal folk art within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing an age-old artistic legacy enriched with aesthetic and visual values. This art form is integral to the identity of the Asir region in southern Saudi Arabia.

Traditionally, while men undertook responsibilities for constructing, repairing, and maintaining households, women played a pivotal role in adorning interior walls with intricate patterns adorned in vibrant, harmonious colours. Women from various age groups collaborated to draw and paint these shapes and motifs, fostering social cohesion within the community.

The art of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri boasts an array of textures, encompassing symbols and patterns layered with distinct symbolism, aesthetic values, and cultural significance, representing people, faith, and natural elements.

All materials and tools harnessed in this art originate from the natural surroundings and are collected by the women themselves. They use plants, flowers, and stones to create pigments and goat hair, twigs, and thorns as their painting instruments.

While historically practised by women, contemporary male and female artists, architects, and interior designers alike now engage in Al-Qatt on various surfaces, including garments, women's accessories, and furniture.

During the event, attendees were given the opportunity to immerse themselves in the unique artistry of Al-Qatt Al-Asiri by drawing and colouring representative motifs. VNS
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Media OutReach - 24 August 2023 - The world's third most visited cryptocurrency exchange, Bybit, is proud to announce the highly-anticipated NFT release by Rik Oostenbroek for the Velocity Series, a Web3 collaboration between Bybit, Oracle Red Bull Racing, and top digital artists.On Aug. 24, Dutch artist Rik Oostenbroek will release two NFT collections for the Velocity Series, including an exclusive NFT collection only available for purchase by Velocity Pass NFT holders, and a limited edition exclusively gifted to Velocity Pass holders."Momentum" will be available for sale to Velocity Pass holders via a Dutch auction. Marking Rik's debut in the realm of 3D-generated artistry, this collection ventures into uncharted territory, allowing data and machines to dictate the final outcome.The second collection: "Flow State," is a limited edition of 1000 NFTs  all of which will be gifted to the 1000 Velocity Pass NFT holders via an airdrop. To enhance its exclusivity, this collection will not have a public sale beyond the airdrop.The Velocity Pass is a premium NFT that grants art enthusiasts access to four Bybit-powered NFT releases from the Velocity Series, coinciding with the Dutch, Japanese, United States, and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The pass also provides holders chances to win rare prizes from Oracle Red Bull Racing and Bybit.The first collaborating artist from the Velocity Series, Rik Oostenbroek's signature lies in his dynamic shapes, abstract forms, and meticulously chosen color palettes. Having crafted visual wonders for brands such as Nike, Apple, and Paramount Pictures, Rik now steps into the NFT realm, garnering widespread acclaim from collectors and fellow artists alike for his mesmerizing creations."This collaboration is all about combining technological advancement and artistic imagination, opening a space for connoisseurs of art, collectors, and motorsport aficionados to converge," said Anndy Lian, Head of Partnerships at Bybit. "The Velocity Series intertwines the realms of high-octane racing and NFT creation, delivering an experience that captures the essence of both worlds.""We are so pleased to see this first and very exciting NFT collaboration drop as part of the Velocity Series," said Caroline Buckland, Head of Fan Engagement at Oracle Red Bull Racing. "It celebrates the combination of art, innovation, the thrill of racing, and Rik's mesmerizing creativity."For more information and updates about the Velocity Series, please visit Bybit's official website or follow Bybit and Oracle Red Bull Racing on social media platforms.Hashtag: #Bybit #VelocitySeries #RedbullRacing #BlockchainArt

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Bybit

Bybit is a top-five cryptocurrency exchange established in 2018 that offers a professional platform where crypto investors and traders can find an ultra-fast matching engine, 24/7 customer service, and multilingual community support. Bybit is a proud partner of Formula One's reigning Constructors' and Drivers' champions: the Oracle Red Bull Racing team.

For media inquiries, please contact: press@bybit.com

For more information please visit:

https://www.bybit.comFor updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media
HA NOI  Foreigners have the right to own houses for a set period, but land ownership is not permitted. Once their ownership duration concludes, they may renew it once and have the privilege to purchase and sell houses similarly to local residents.

These are the most recent guidelines incorporated by the Ministry of Construction (MoC) in the revised draft of the Housing Law, following feedback from the National Assembly (NA) deputies.

In a report detailing the NA deputies' views on the updated draft Housing Law submitted to the Government, the MoC noted that a NA deputy proposed that the revised Housing Law should only address the house ownership in Viet Nam by foreign entities and individuals.

The right to use land should be excluded.

Moreover, the MoC has suggested that the Government add provisions about extending the period of house ownership in Viet Nam for foreigners.

The Government should include a clause stating that if a foreigner purchases a house in Viet Nam and subsequently sells it to Vietnamese nationals or those of Vietnamese descent living abroad, the buyer should enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as local individuals.

Nguyen Van inh, a legal expert, told the Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper that if a project was sold to a foreigner after fully complying with the laws on housing and real estate, and the foreigner also fully met the conditions to buy and own houses in Viet Nam, he/she needed to be granted a certificate.

If the draft law does not stipulate the land use rights of foreigner, it will prolong the problems of the Law on Land 2013 and conflict with the Law on Housing 2014, said inh.

Specifically, foreign individuals or organisations intending to legally purchase a house are not issued certificates by the State, whereas this provision is available for other buyers, including Vietnamese living overseas. Consequently, the nation fails to appeal to a potentially significant segment of buyers, perhaps those of high calibre, who wish to purchase homes and settle in Viet Nam.

Such challenges have led to a diminishing enthusiasm for the policy of selling homes to foreigners as outlined in the 2014 Housing Law, noted inh.

Under the present Housing Law, foreigners who can own houses in Viet Nam encompass foreign entities and individuals who invest in housing construction ventures within the country; foreign-backed firms, representative offices or branches of overseas businesses, foreign investment funds, and international banks that operate in Viet Nam. Additionally, foreign individuals permitted to enter the country can also own houses.

The legislation further states that foreigners can only acquire homes in Viet Nam through specific means: by investing in housing construction ventures; by purchasing, leasing, receiving as a gift, or inheriting apartments or individual homes within housing development projects, barring regions designated for national defence and security as determined by the Government.

The 2013 Land Law dictates that foreigners are not qualified for land allocation, leasing, land use rights acknowledgement, or the receipt of these rights. Hence, foreigners are prohibited from transferring land use rights or purchasing land in Viet Nam.  VNS
Subway is being purchased by Roark Capital, marking a new phase in the company's history after being owned by the same family for more than half a century.

The chain's selling process, which was made public in February, has finally come to a close with Thursday's announcement, August 24.

Many would-be buyers, such as restaurant conglomerates, were put off by Subway's rumored $10 billion asking price, leaving only private equity groups to compete in an auction. TDR Capital and Sycamore Partners were also mentioned as potential buyers.

On Monday, August 21, the Wall Street Journal claimed that the company's final bid was about $9.6 billion. However, Subway and Roark had not announced the sale price until a Reuters story on Thursday.

Roark's Lineup of Food Franchises

There are now over a dozen fast-food franchises in Roark's portfolio. CNBC said Subway has more locations than any of them, and its yearly revenues are higher than all of them except Dunkin' Donuts.

Roark owns Dunkin' Donuts, Baskin-Robbins, Sonic, Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Jimmy John's via a holding company, Inspire Brands. Under the umbrella of Focus Brands, the company also manages the Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister's, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky's chains.

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, Roark also spent $200 million on the Cheesecake Factory to assist the struggling restaurant avoid bankruptcy.

Subway CEO John Chidsey told the Wall Street Journal that Roark intends to maintain Subway as a standalone company within its portfolio.

Since Chidsey's 2019 hiring, Subway has been working to improve its financial situation. The business has updated its offerings, expanded its franchise network, and increased its use of cutting-edge technology. Same-store sales increased by 9.8% in the first half of the year, suggesting that the recovery is taking hold.

Chidsey, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the transaction proved the great worth of the brand and the franchisees throughout the globe, as well as Subway's future growth potential.

Also Read: Subway's Tuna Saga Comes to an End as Lawsuit Is Dismissed

Ending the 50-Year Family Ownership

Subway, founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Dr. Peter Buck in a small Connecticut sandwich store, has now expanded to become a worldwide fast-food chain.

The company's revenues have reportedly been declining over the last decade or so. Its ambitious expansion and $5-foot-long sandwich promotion placed a strain on franchisee profitability. In 2015, the business was dealt further blows with the death of CEO DeLuca and the high-profile prosecution of former spokesperson Jared Fogle.

According to franchise disclosure records, Subway's number of US locations dropped to around 20,600 by the end of 2022 from an all-time high of 27,100 in 2015. The franchised business is still shutting stores, although at a far slower rate.

After DeLuca's passing, he bequeathed his family 50% ownership of the business. Buck left his shares to a foundation that was managed by his sons after his death in 2021. Chidsey said he talked the two families into selling the business.

Also Read: 'Sell It To Me': Anheuser-Busch Heir Expresses Intent to Buy Back Company Following Mulvaney Brew-haha

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
By Cong Thanh

Local farmers have been building their own community-based tourism from the ancient craft and lifestyle of making salt.

The newly recognised Sa Huynh National Special Heritage sees high-quality salt production in Tan Diem Village in Quang Ngai Province serve as part of craft-experience tours, which retell the stories of salt making and trade in the coastal central region.

Nguyen Thin, 60, who has been working in the local salt industry for 40 years, is now a field guide in the Sa Huynh community tourism cooperative, where dozens of families are either producing salt or engaging in tourism services.

"Its a very new job. We were acquainted with manual work, so verbal introductions are a challenge for us. We tell stories about how farmers turn seawater into crystal pieces under scorching sun to inspire visitors," Thin says.

"Sharing experience and skills of making salt among visitors now becomes part of our work, to help communicate the trade nationwide and globally. More people visiting the village will help preserve the traditional craft."

Thin, whose family has worked in the salt trade for three generations, says half of the villagers here have returned to the traditional style by doing the salt crystallising process on the ground rather than on plastic sheets.

Salt makers have acknowledged the value of pure salt in terms of non-plastic contamination and healthy consumption in the market, he explains.

He says salt makers could increase their income by 30 per cent by applying organic production and focusing on higher value with pristine quality.

This means they select the best salt on the first and second crystallised layers with a higher price rather than mass collection, he adds.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Ngoc, who serves as a member of the hospitality and folk art performance team at the village, says local women cook fresh seafood from the sea and aquatic farms for tourists visiting the craft village.

Sa Huynh is known as a land of the best quality seafood. We collect salt in summer, while harvesting fish and seafood in the rainy season. The wetland ecological system surrounding salt fields offers a safe shelter for nurturing fish and other marine species, she says.

Thats why villagers reserve fresh dishes for visitors and traditional art performances for night-stays in the village.

Ancient craft culture

Sa Huynh salt fields, which cover 110ha, in the south of Quang Ngai, were once providers of salt exported to Europe during the French colonial era from the 19th century onwards.

The site is home to 1,200 farmers in Pho Thanh Commune  the core zone of salt fields and the heritage site of the Sa Huynh Culture, believed to date back nearly 3,000 years  but only 25ha is used for high-quality salt production and eco-tour services.

Our products are not only salt, but the lifestyle of salt villagers and their traditional culture that has been rooted in the land for generations. The site is now seeking to link ecotourism, education and conservation of culture and the ancient craft, says Pham Hong Tham, 30, who is founder of a high-value salt production unit called SAHU.

We began building an education base and ecotourism service as key factors for future sustainable development and a well-protected ecological system for preservation of the trade and our community of salt producers, Tham says.

Community-based tourism in the salt village will play as a key communication and a link with environment protection that will help improve the quality of traditional salt to the provincial brand level, she says.

The founder of SAHU says the high price of organic salt will persuade all the villagers to change completely to clean and green and non-plastic production.

The Sa Huynh community-based tourism cooperative is building eco-tour links with other communities in the mountainous Hoa Bac Commune in a Nang City, Cham Islands and Hoi An ancient town of Quang Nam, and the wetland Binh Son District of Quang Ngai to promote heritage tours.

Nguyen Bao Viet, a lecturer in a Nang, says community-based tourism will be a sustainable livelihood for the salt production community, supporting the living standards and conservation of the ancient craft and centuries-old culture of the coastal central region.

The tour service will promote the unique tourism products of Quang Ngai  where ancient craft heritage has been well-preserved from previous centuries, Viet says.

It also helps link the salt trade with other traditional craft communities including fishing, water rice and ceramics, which have all emerged from the Sa Huynh Culture.

He adds the ancient crafts in Sa Huynh are still being preserved and developed by local communities, and they will continue to do so in the future, focusing on sustainable livelihoods and nature conservation targets.

Viet says the Sa Huynh salt village is seen as a giant canvas for school students and researchers, as well as archaeologists and culture studies enthusiasts, to broaden their understanding of the ancient craft and trade as well as its modern incantations.

The local community is seeking support from the Global Environment Facility in building tourism and Sa Huynh salt field conservation, as well as connections with universities and schools in heritage education for younger generations, SAHU founder Tham says.

She says the company has been producing 17 products, including salt flowers (surface crystalised salt layer) and bamboo tube cooked salt  for export.

The sustainable production does not over-exploit the salt field, while tourism and education bring more value to local farmers, she says.

The development of community-based tourism will play a key role in the sustainable growth of the village as it promotes nature and cultural conservation as well as environment protection.

In 2023, Sa Huynh archaeological relics of the Sa Huynh Culture were recognised as a National Special Heritage by the Prime Minister.

The Sa Huynh salt eco-tour will be the second community-based tourism on the site after the first Go Co Village eco-tour was launched in Pho Thanh Commune, a unique heritage complex to preserve An Khe Lagoon, with un-excavated archaeological value. VNS
The forum was co-organised by The Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) and the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD) under the theme Global Green Race: From Strategy to Execution of Sustainable Business.

The forum included breakout and plenary sessions, which ran all day.

The special discussion session in the morning focused on the topic of accelerating nature-positive initiatives for a low-carbon economy.

In the second panel, enhancing business competitiveness through building a green supply chain, the speakers emphasised the importance of building a sustainable supply chain, from procuring input sources to ensuring the quality of products and adherence to business ethics.

At the plenary session in the afternoon, delegates heard seven presentations and a panel discussion, with topics focusing on redefining business success amidst the current global situation and orientations to develop the private sector and boost the green economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha said, To contribute to realising Vietnam's net-zero commitments, the implementation of sustainable solutions does not only apply to large companies but also to small- and medium-sized enterprises  the backbone of the economy.

Businesses need to study, apply, and practice sustainable development, including the Sustainable Business Index set by the VBCSD-VCCI, and promote the environmental, social, and governance agenda.

In addition, businesses need to contribute to the protection of nature and conservation of ecological diversity. They have to find more solutions for sustainable development while taking advantage of the achievements of Industry 4.0 to promote digital transformation, the DPM said.

Organised for the first time in 2014, the VCSF is an effective dialogue platform for state management agencies, domestic and international partners, and the business community on orientations and sustainability practices.

Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum pools key grey matter in Hanoi The Vietnam Corporate Sustainability Forum (VCSF 2020) gathered key government and corporate decision-makers to exchange ideas, discuss solutions, and give recommendations on institutional building, helping the business community to enhance resilience in cases of force majeure due to epidemics and natural disasters, and to improve competitiveness and develop sustainably.

Phuc Khang in top 10 sustainable enterprises in Vietnam in 2021 Phuc Khang corporation has been ranked in Vietnams top 10 sustainable businesses in 2021, signifying the impressive rise of a responsible green developer.

Coca-Cola honoured in top 3 most sustainable companies in Vietnam Coca-Cola Vietnam has been ceremoniously named amongst the top 3 most sustainable companies in Vietnam 2021 at the CSI - 100 Ceremony organized by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI) in cooperation with the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and Vietnam General Confederation of Labour. This is the sixth consecutive year that Coca-Cola was honoured as one of the most sustainable companies in Vietnam.

VBCWE organises second Guy Talk The Vietnam Business Coalition for Womens Empowerment (VBCWE), along with the Swedish Workplace Programme (SWP) and the Vietnam Business Council for Sustainable Development (VBCSD), organised Guy Talk: When the Male Raises their Voice at the residence of the Swedish ambassador on October 17.
Paul Wee, CFO of BW Industrial Development JSC

The Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2023, organised by VIR, took place in Ho Chi Minh City on the morning of August 24.

Speaking at the first discussion session, Wee said that many large enterprises and corporations have moved out of China recently. Among their chosen destinations, India, Indonesia, and Thailand currently stand out as some of the most attractive options.

According to Wee, each investor will have their own criteria when choosing where to invest. However, in Vietnam, there are three factors that need to be improved.

The first issue is related to the infrastructure system, which is an essential aspect of development.

Vietnam needs more highways in the future. Moreover, investors not only want to see new roads under construction but also want to see firm commitments to completion timeframes. When key infrastructure projects run on schedule, they are a huge boost to the investment environment in general.

Currently, there are many important projects that have been delayed. The government needs to accelerate quickly to increase international investor confidence, said Wee.

He added that, large investors also need assurances in terms of the energy supply. They will not accept three days notice of their plant facing a 24-hour power cut. Accordingly, it is necessary to provide stable services that investors can rely on.

Thirdly, Vietnam is developing and attracting advanced, high-tech fields. However, along with this, education and training are also essential.

"When big investors come to Vietnam, they will draw in others. But they need high-quality local human resources to employ in their factories. Therefore, Vietnam needs to promote education and training to increase the supply," Wee added.

We have a goal to make Vietnam a Southeast Asian leader in these regards. The aforementioned factors can pose challenges that cause investors to hesitate, the CFO continued.

From the perspective of an industrial real estate developer, Wee added that Vietnam needs more credit programmes to encourage investment.

When a country has credit schemes and mechanisms to promote business development, it will certainly gain more investors, he said.

BW Industrial Development JSC is present in both the North and the South of Vietnam. Wee said that the northern region is attracting more investors  known as queen bees  than other regions because it is taking advantage of the available ecosystem.

The South has been growing a bit more slowly, but recently, there have been many technology investors flocking to the area.

The nation's main advantage is cost. Because the investment flow moves from a developed country to a developing one, the financial benefits are an important factor when investors consider their options.

BW Industrial setting the market standard Established in 2018 by a joint venture between Warburg Pincus and Becamex IDC, BW Industrial Development JSC has become the largest and fastest-growing logistics and industrial for-rent platform in Vietnam. Lance Li, CEO of BW Industrial Development JSC, talked with VIRs Bich Ngoc about his assessment of the development of the market.

Innovative answers for the urban logistics industry Vietnam is well positioned as the next ideal destination for the large consumption markets in Asia. This is explained by the outstanding growth in spending of the middle class in Vietnam lately. Specifically, just under 10 per cent of the population participating in this class actively shopped in 2000, and this proportion has quadrupled in just two decades.

ESR scoops up strategic equity stake in BW Industrial ESR Group Ltd. (ESR), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, has acquired a strategic equity stake in BW Industrial Development JSC (BW).
The menu for the Big BBQ was curated by Taste of Australia Ambassador, top Australian chef Luke Nguyen, who opened the festivities at a BBQ station featuring renowned Australian lamb, grilled on a carousel created especially for the event.

This is the largest event being held this year to mark the 50th anniversary and one of the biggest food and drink festivals Vietnam has seen. Im excited and inspired to be here promoting the excellence of Australias produce, said Luke.

As well as the fire-roasted lamb, guests enjoyed Australian salmon cooked on a cedar plank, 6-hour cooked Australian beef ribs, and kangaroo 'snags', or sausages, along with Australian wine, spirits, and juices. The event also featured a showcase of Australian packaged produce available in Vietnam and a stand promoting Australian education.

Guests were treated to a performance from Indigenous Australian performer, Thelma Plum, who had travelled to Hanoi to promote Australias rich culture.

The event coincided with a visit from Australias Foreign Minister, Senator Penny Wong.

Australians love Vietnamese food, and this was a great chance to give our friends in Vietnam a taste of Australias outstanding food, said Minister Wong. The BBQ was also an opportunity to mark 50 years of relations between our nations, which are underpinned by longstanding people-to-people ties, as well as our trade and economic links and peacekeeping relationship.

The event was also attended by Hoang Thanh Tung, chair of the National Assembly Legal Affairs Committee and chair of the Vietnam-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Group.

Taste of Australia is an annual series of events organised by the Australian government in Vietnam to bring together producers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and organisations in both Vietnam and Australia to showcase the best Australia has to offer.

The Citadel is one of Hanois most iconic and important historical locations. A UNESCO heritage listed site, the complex was constructed during the 11th century and served as a key political and military base of power for successive Vietnamese dynasties.

TH Group showing the way in Vietnam-Australia ties TH Group is contributing to the flourishing investment cooperation between Vietnam and Australia, with its large-scale agricultural projects benefiting both economies.

Australian investor poised to inject $60-100 million into Hoa Binh Construction Group Hoa Binh Construction Group has garnered interest from four potential partners for share issuance, including an Australian to is ready to invest $60-100 million. The group is focusing on capital mobilisation, debt recovery, loan restructuring, and divestment from underperforming subsidiaries.

Vietnam beefs up multifaceted cooperation with Singapore, Australia Head of the Party Central Committees Economic Commission Tran Tuan Anh hosted separate receptions for Singaporean Second Minister for Trade and Industry Tan See Leng and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Andrew Goledzinowski in Hanoi on July 5.

ASEANs deal with Australia and New Zealand sees added benefit Vietnam will enjoy more advantages when expanding its trade and investment cooperation with Australia and New Zealand through amendments to a multilateral free trade deal between ASEAN and these two nations.
Can Gio International Transshipment Port will be built on Con Cho islet in Thanh An commune, Ho Chi Minh Citys Can Gio district. (Photo: VNA)

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee has submitted to the Prime Minister a proposal on the study project of the construction of the Can Gio International Transshipment Port which the city hopes to turn into the first green port in Vietnam.

According to the proposal, the port is to be built on Con Cho islet in Thanh An commune, Ho Chi Minh Citys Can Gio district, with an estimated total area of 571 ha.

Handling equipment to be used at the port will be those running on clean, environmentally friendly energy and fuel.

The committee plans to develop the port in a harmonious and modern way with smart technology used in all activities at the facility to ensure environmental sustainability.

The use of clean fuels is considered an integral part of the investment process in the construction and operation of the port to make it the first green port in Vietnam.

The port is expected to be able to deal with container ships with a tonnage of up to 250,000DWT (24,000 TEU), transshipment ships of 10,000-65,000 tonnes (750-5,200 TEU), and cargos ships up to 8,000 tonnes.

The port investment is expected to be pided into two phases, starting before 2030 and then after that.

Strategic investors in the port construction are required to have a charter capital of at least 9 trillion VND (nearly 376 million USD ) and have experience in investing in projects in the same field with a total investment capital of 25 trillion VND or more. The investors must have a written commitment to training and developing human resources, ensuring national defense, security, and environmental protection as prescribed by Vietnamese law.

Located at the mouth of the Cai Mep - Thi Vai river, in Ganh Rai Bay, the port is close to international shipping routes passing through the East Sea, between Asian regions with great potential for growth, favourable for developing international transshipment port.

According to the citys proposal, the port project will attract a large amount of investment capital and create about 6,000-8,000 jobs; expectedly to contribute to the State budget about 34 trillion VND to 40 trillion VND per year once the investment phases are completed.

Output of goods through the city seaports grew about 9.3 per cent on average in the period 2015  2022.

It is forecast that between 2022 and 2030, the total volume of goods through the city's seaport will grow by an average of over 5 per cent yearly, and the average volume of container cargo will grow by about 6 per cent yearly.

HCM City proposes intl transit terminal in Can Gio district Ho Chi Minh City has proposed an international transit terminal worth about 6 billion USD be built in Can Gio district, and this terminal will be able to handle the worlds largest cargo vessels at present.
At the signing ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Da Nang  Dong A University in the central city of Da Nang and Osaka prefecture of Japan signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement on an internship and employment programme for nursing students in Japan through video conference on August 23.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Director of Osaka prefecture's Welfare Office Yoshida Shinji said the programme not only contributes to addressing the shortage of nursing workers in Japan but also brings significant benefits to Vietnams socio-economic development.

Under the agreement, the office will carry out the programme for between 9 months and one year for nursing students from the Dong A University at medical facilities in the prefecture. From 2024, it will receive 10 students annually.

Students will improve upon their nursing and Japanese skills and could work in the prefecture at a later time.

After completing the programme, students will return to complete their studies at the Dong A University. This phase also serves as preparations for students who wish to work in Japan to enter the formal work programme after graduation or become part of the high-quality workforce in local healthcare facilities.

Rector of the Dong A University Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Dao said each year, the university will send around 300 - 500 students to Japan for internships and work in all fields. The number of its students to Japan will increase annually, toward reaching 700 - 1,000 per year by 2025.

Da Nangs urban governance pilot sees positive outcomes The central coastal city of Da Nang has so far recorded positive results from its pilot implementation of the urban governance model and a number of distinct policies and mechanisms serving its socio-economic development.
A Mong ethnic student in Nghe An province learns how to write in his mother tongue. (Photo: giaoducthoidai.vn)

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.

The Nhon Mai Semi-boarding School for Ethnic Minorities is located in one of the most remote communes in Tuong Duong district, central 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, Ede, Khmer, Jrai, Mnong, Mong and Thai languages, Kho Mu students have no textbook or teacher to learn theirs.



Tran Duc 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 pision, 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 dai (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, the 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, the Dooc 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 Dooc 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 the 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.

HCM City tasked to become intl education, training centre The Government has assigned the Ministry of Education and Training to closely coordinate with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to develop a project to turn the city into an international centre for education and training to attract students from the Southeast Asia region and the world.
The first panel discussion of the Vietnam Industrial Property Forum 2023 heard the latest trends of foreign investment flows into Vietnam and how the country should prepare to lure foreign investors amid the rising competition in foreign direct investment (FDI) attraction. A series of experts gave their opinions on the market.

Do Van Su, deputy general director of the Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) under the Ministry of Planning and Investment

There are many factors driving the trend of FDI into Vietnam. The China+1 strategy is just one factor behind the relocation wave in recent times. Another trend is that many countries with large capital exports have changed their policies, which has prompted investors in those countries to reposition their capital flows to make the most of the opportunities. Typically, investors have restructured their operations to avoid high taxes since the US-China trade war.

Other factors are the supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine war, and other fluctuations. In their efforts to restructure the supply chain, investors have considered the Southeast Asian region as a potential destination to share the challenges of supply chain disruptions.

More than 60 per cent of foreign investment in Vietnam will focus on the fields of processing and manufacturing. Investors are looking for industrial parks (IPs) with available infrastructure, clean sites, and wastewater treatment systems to support their expansion. Industrial property has become an increasingly hot segment.

Dao Xuan Duc, chairman of the HEPZA Business Association

Despite the growing foreign investments, Ho Chi Minh City is dealing with a shortage of industrial land funds, planning problems, and compensation and clearance challenges. Many investors want to invest in Ho Chi Minh City, but they can't find enough land in the city.

Therefore, they have to move to neighbouring provinces like Dong Nai and Binh Duong to set up the manufacturing projects. The municipal authorities have sought many solutions to solve these challenges. Most recently, we proposed that the prime minister add Pham Van Hai IP, which has an area of more than 600 hectares, to the city's industrial land fund.

After gaining approval, we are conducting bidding and planning for the IP. Currently, compensation and site clearance work are also underway for other land plots to ensure the growth of the city in the future.

In addition, there are 18 years left until the land lease term of Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone expires. Many investors have raised concerns about this timeline. Some want to expand their investment, but it is impossible for them to get a return on investment with only 18 years left. New investors wonder if they can deploy their projects in such a short time.

To address this issue, the city has formulated a plan for the development of IPs, and export processing zones (EPZs) in the city towards 2030. The goal is to review the development of IPs and EPZs in the past 30 years. In particular, we look to adapt to new concepts such as eco-industrial parks, digital transformation, green transformation, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

Choi Kyu Chul, vice chairman of KOCHAM

In the first few months of this year, South Korea ranked second in the list of foreign countries and territories investing in Vietnam. As of the second quarter of this year, there are dozens of South Korean investment projects waiting to be invested in Vietnam.

These projects have an investment capital range of $700 million to $1 billion. However, we will need to wait another few years for new large-scale ventures to develop in Vietnam on the back of the recovery of the global economy. Vietnam is a vital country since the pandemic, so more capital flows are expected to come in.

Indeed, Vietnam is home to many South Korean investors, such as Samsung, LG, SK Group, and others. At the Vietnam-South Korea business forums and the meetings between the government and investors, we see that major South Korean companies have confirmed their long-term investment in the country. In particular, they will develop large-scale manufacturing and business projects in Vietnam.

Bruno Jaspaert, general director of DEEP C Industrial Zones

Vietnam has become an attractive investment destination thanks to several advantages, such as its geographical location, attractive investment environment, political stability, and strong economic growth. However, the supportive policies of the government make it vital for investors to take advantage of these better conditions.

However, Vietnam's investment environment will face two major problems in the future, including labour and energy. Vietnam has begun to enter a period of an ageing population. The number of people in the working age bracket is decreasing. In the future, Vietnam will have fewer workers, and it is possible that many people will not agree to work for low wages. Therefore, Vietnam needs to be selective when investors propose labour-intensive projects.

The second problem is energy. It is predicted that within the next five years, there will be a shortage of electricity generation. Therefore, Vietnam needs to build its energy infrastructure today. I expect there will be a large wave of investment in Vietnam, especially in the energy sector because many foreign investors are keenly interested in using renewable energy to protect the environment. There's a lot of room for investors to tap into this field.

Paul Wee, CFO of BW Industrial Development JSC

Each investor will have their own criteria when choosing a location to invest. There are three areas where Vietnam can improve to lure investors.

The first is infrastructure development. Investors not only want to see the roads under construction but also want to see the government's commitment to completing the infrastructure projects on time. When key infrastructure projects are guaranteed on schedule, it will have very positive effects on the business community. Currently, there are many key infrastructure projects delayed, such as Long Thanh International Airport. The government needs to accelerate the progress of these projects to increase the confidence of international investors in Vietnam.

The second is energy supply. Investors will not accept that they only get notice of a power outage three days in advance. It is necessary to provide stable services to investors.

The third point is that Vietnam is developing and attracting many investors in the technology field. Therefore, Vietnam should focus on education and training to equip the workforce for high-tech industries.

Vietnam taking stock of industrial park capacities Many localities want to expand high-tech industrial parks to resolve the overload of existing parks and simultaneously welcome new high-quality capital.

Indochina Kajima continues rollout of world-class industrial property in Vietnam Core5 Industrial Partners is counting up the successes after a year in Vietnam.
Farmers in Bac Tu Liem district harvest Dien pomelo (Photo: hanoimoi.com.vn)

Hanoi  The application of advanced technologies in cultivating fruit trees and developing ecotourism has opened a new direction for Hanoi's agriculture sector, contributing to preserving the ecological environment and increasing incomes for local people.

According to Nguyen Huu Ky in Dan Phuong district, his family learned about various agricultural models in different localities before developing a grape cultivation model serving tourism, offering experience tours, and selling products. Since the beginning of this year, his orchard has welcomed nearly 200 visitors.

Taking full advantage of riverside areas, residents in Kim An commune in Thanh Oai district have cultivated fruit trees such as Dien pomelo, Canh orange, Taiwanese guava, and apple.

Regarding the effectiveness of the new trend, Director of the Hanoi Agricultural Development Centre Hoang Thi Hoa said the city has over 22,000 ha of fruit trees, including numerous agri-ecotourism models, generating between 500 - 700 million VND (20,990  29,387 USD) per hectare a year.

Hanoi has so far established 14 high-value fruit tree production areas, covering a total area of 15,500 ha, mainly in Dan Phuong, Chuong My, Phuc Tho, and Quoc Oanh districts.

Vu Thi Huong, director of the Hanoi agriculture promotion centre, said that the unit will continue to support residents in developing new models of fruit tree cultivation that bring high economic value in order to further expand high-quality fruit tree cultivation areas linked with ecotourism.

The centre will organise training courses on safe fruit tree cultivation in connection with tourism development, Huong said, adding that localities should encourage tourism enterprises to develop tours and diversify tourism products to explore agricultural tourism products.

According to Vice Director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Manh Phuong, Hanoi will expand models of organic fruit tree cultivation that meet VietGAP and GlobalGAP quality standards.

Hanoi aims to have approximately 50-70% of the fruit tree cultivation area certified to meet quality standards. The citys agricultural sector is striving to gradually develop synchronised high-quality fruit tree production areas associated with ecotourism, contributing to creating more consumption opportunities for local residents.

Hanoi moves to develop agricultural, rural tourism The Peoples Committee of Hanoi has made a plan on developing agricultural and rural tourism in tandem with new-style rural area building during 2022 - 2025, part of efforts to boost sustainable tourism development.

Tien Giang districts tap marine ecotourism potential Go Cong Dong and Tan Phu Dong districts in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang are focusing on the development of tourism. The spearhead local flora for the development to bring in more revenues is the districts' mangrove ecosystem, as well as its history and culture.
As reported by Reuters, this deal is worth up to $1 billion, and would support KBank's goal of becoming one of the top 20 banks in Vietnam by 2027.

KBank aims to expand its Vietnam operations to 8.4 million customers and provide financing of $5.1 billion by 2027.

It has also stepped up the operations of KBTG Vietnam, a subsidiary of Kasikorn Business-Technology Group, to serve as its research and IT system development centre in the country.

The potential deal is expected to become the second-largest merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction in Vietnam this year  the largest being made by Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, which has invested $1.5 billion in 15 per cent of VPBank.

A source sources familiar with the matter said, "KBank is currently operating the KBank Biz Loan solution, a credit service for small-scale retail stores. The potential deal with Home Credit would enable the bank to promote access to financial services for small business clients."

According to a banking expert, there are bright prospects for M&A activities in Vietnam's banking industry, as many financial institutions seek strategic partners and opportunities to strengthen their competitiveness and quickly adapt to industry changes.

Small domestic banks are also considering M&As as a strategy to enhance financial health and ensure compliance with strict regulatory standards.

As Vietnam's economy develops and the banking industry matures, banks, both large or small, are more likely to explore M&A opportunities in order to increase their market share and provide a diversified service portfolio that is more suited to the needs of customers.

Kasikornbank pledges seven-decade experience to Vietnamese SMEs Thai-based Kasikornbank (KBank) in conjunction with the Ministry of Planning and Investment held the co-organising seminar titled "Holistic empowerment of SMEs: How public and private sectors can join hands to develop SME landscape" on March 30.

KBank makes entry into Vietnam with digital push Kasikornbank (KBank), Thailands leading commercial bank, has recently inaugurated its Ho Chi Minh City branch  its tenth and newest overseas branch  and announced a series of new digital solutions in Vietnam.
New COVID-19 hospitalizations in the US are expected to increase over the next month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated this week. Previously, the agency had predicted that the number would either stay the same or go in an uncertain trend.

New Wave of COVID-19 Hospitalizations?

A highly mutated form of COVID, labeled BA.2.86 and called "Pirola" on social media, has recently emerged in many parts of the globe, prompting a flurry of research efforts by health authorities.

The widespread mutations in this variety have attracted attention from researchers all across the world, even though it is still too soon to tell whether or not it may cause a new wave of COVID-19 hospitalizations.

In a risk assessment issued on Wednesday, August 23, the CDC said that existing COVID-19 tests and treatments appear to be effective with this variant and that new vaccinations due for rollout next month are likely to be efficient at reducing serious illness and hospitalization from BA.2.86.

Still, the CDC cautions that the high number of mutations in this strain may potentially reduce the effectiveness of protection gained via previous infections or immunizations. More studies with the BA.2.86 strain are required to fully understand its possible consequences.

After the public health emergency was declared over, it became impossible to track case trends in any meaningful way. CBS News said authorities have relied on hospital data, such as admissions and ER visits, to monitor the spread of the infection.

New COVID-19 admissions were rising prior to the appearance of BA.2.86. Infections generated by other, less-mutated types are likely to blame for the increase in hospitalizations, according to experts.

CDC said the number of people admitted to hospitals for the first time this week rose by 21.6%, making it the fifth consecutive week of rising admissions. It added that although authorities would be carefully watching rates in the coming weeks, so far, there has been no noteworthy rise in hospital patterns in localities that reported early cases of BA.2.86 compared to nearby regions.

Also Read: [STUDY] Choosing the Correct Arm for COVID-19 Vaccine Could Lead to Stronger Immune Response, But How?

Places Where New Strain Is Confirmed

South Africa, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Israel, and the US are only some of the nations where infections of BA.2.86 have been verified, as shown by data from GISAID, a worldwide database of viruses.

As of now, the variation has been documented in at least three American states: Michigan, Virginia, and Ohio.

The first patient, an elderly person who did not need hospitalization, was sequenced by researchers at the University of Michigan. Later, a sample from an asymptomatic lady who had gone to Japan was reported by the CDC's airport testing program at Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Scientists from the CDC are now analyzing that sample.

The early finding of the variation in Ohio's wastewater has also prompted the investigation of a sample from Ohio's sewers.

The agency recommends that the general public be tested themselves and use protective gear if they come into touch with those who are very susceptible to severe disease.

Also Read: Overdose Deaths More Common Among Construction Workers During COVID-19 Outbreak, CDC Reports

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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.
Thailand warns of taking legal action against Facebook, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Bangkok  Thai Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn will seek a court order late this month to close Facebook services in the country, accusing the operator of failing to block fraudulent advertisements that caused huge damage to people.

As reported by Bangkok Post, the minister said that fraudulent advertisements included invitations to investment projects promising unrealistically highly profits with references to well-known people and successful investors, along with the logos of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

There were also advertisements for products that were not delivered or not correctly delivered, Chaiwut said.

There were about 200,000 victims of such fraudulent advertisements on Facebook and their damage exceeded 100 billion THB (2.83 billion USD).

Thailand: one killed, another missing in shipwreck accident Thai police said on August 13 that at least one person was killed in a ship capsizing accident in the south of Thailand.

Export turnover of crude oil to Thailand soars The export turnover of crude oil to Thailand reported an increase of 200 per cent in July only, contributing to generating a revenue of $455 million for the first seven months.
Suzy Stewart will make a little Waco stage history this weekend when she performs in Silent House Theatre Companys drama Machinal, but she doesnt expect to shout about it.

She will, however, likely smile broadly and let her hands do the talking.

Stewart, 61, is Deaf/hard of hearing and will sign her performance as Mother in American Sign Language, with company actor Alex Blanton onstage signing Stewarts dialogue.

The lack of records for such things makes its hard to prove, but it may be the first time that a signing actor has performed with a speaking company on a Waco stage. If not, its rare nonetheless.

She plays the mother of Machinals lead character, Helen Jones (Bradyn Braziel), and although her scene with Braziel is one of the plays nine scenes, its a crucial one and one that Stewart has grown to appreciate. Im proud, she signed in a recent interview interpreted by Blanton, her eyes twinkling along with her signing. I think this will help the deaf community.

Machinal, a 1928 play written by Sophie Treadwell, follows the plight of Helen Jones, who, snapping under the strain of a loveless marriage to her boss that her mother forced her into, murders her husband and is put on trial.

Highly stylized, it features one of Silent Houses largest casts. The Waco company has included a signed performance for the deaf and hard of hearing in all its productions  all of which Stewart attended as an audience member after moving to Waco from Michigan two years ago with her husband Craig.

Blanton encouraged Stewart to audition for the role of Jones mother and while she first shook off the idea, she eventually decided to give it a shot. Ill try it, she signed.

The surprise and mild shock at being chosen for the part was compounded later when Stewart saw her part in the script expand from two to nine pages, much of which contained in the mother-daughter scene. Her husband Craig, retired as is his wife, pitched in to help run lines three times a day until she learned the script, she recalled.

It wasnt a matter of memorizing lines, either. Stewart is signing in American Sign Language, which, because much of its communication is conceptual than a literal translation of English, has its own grammar and way of expression. There was theater language to learn, such as cues, blocking a scene or striking the set. And director Collin Selmans habit of hiding his mouth while speaking or walking quickly made lip-reading difficult sometimes, she signed.

Being Deaf/hard of hearing  she cant hear out of one ear and has limited hearing in the other  caused other challenges as well. Cues from another actors lines that she couldnt lip-read had to be signaled in another way, such as the actor hitting the table or stamping a foot. Backstage, cues normally whispered in the dark had to be turned into a tap on the arm or shoulder.

While Blanton will sign Braziels dialogue to Stewart onstage, another actor, Kami Yasko, will speak Stewarts dialogue from offstage.

Stewarts quick to share her appreciation for her fellow actors. Everyone here has been so accommodating and friendly. I dont feel strange or weird, Stewart signed.

The plays Thursday and Sunday performances will be signed for the deaf and hard of hearing, and Stewart is looking forward to performing for those audiences.

Her character, she noted, is rude, temperamental, angry and loud - with her hands  but Stewart assures her interviewer and audiences that its acting. Its the opposite of me, she signed with a laugh.
Joe Scaramucci, a longtime detective with the McLennan County Sheriffs Office, retired from the role Monday for a new position, though his new job will be much like his old one.

Scaramucci said he is joining Skull Games Inc., an Oregon-based nonprofit dedicated to finding human traffickers and assisting their victims, in order to fully dedicate his time to fighting human trafficking. Scaramucci will serve as the director of law enforcement engagement, and in that role he said he will be building relationships with law enforcement agencies around the world and training them on how to deal with human trafficking.

Though Skull Games is based in Oregon, Scaramucci will remain in Texas and will continue to work with the sheriffs office.

Scaramucci, a Marine Corps veteran, first joined the sheriffs office in 2008 after two-year stints with both the Bruceville-Eddy Police Department and the McLennan Community College Police Department. He founded the offices human trafficking unit in 2014 and has led it through several human and sex trafficking stings.

McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara said the sheriffs office will be sad to see Scaramucci go, but he said the veteran detective got an offer he couldnt refuse.

McNamara said Scaramucci will retain his badge and credentials and will shift to an unpaid reserve unit position. He said as of now, since Scaramucci will still be working so closely with the department, there will not be anyone taking his place as head of the human trafficking unit. But that does not mean the office will be easing up.

Were not going to let up one bit, McNamara said. Were going to turn up the heat on these traffickers.

Kristi Hayes, executive director of Unbound Now Waco and co-chair of the Heart of Texas Human Trafficking Coalition, said Unbound is grateful for the work Scaramucci has done to fight human trafficking and for the collaboration between Unbound and the sheriffs office.

Over the years, his passion to fight human trafficking has been amazing, Hayes said. We wish him success in his new venture. Hell be a great asset.

Scaramucci estimated that in his time with the sheriffs office, he has apprehended 160 traffickers, identified 281 victims and arrested 660 people looking to buy sex. Of those 660, he said about 100 were looking to sexually abuse children.

Scaramucci said human trafficking is a hidden crime in that it is hard to know exactly how widespread it is. He said many people may interact with victims of human trafficking, or even traffickers, without knowing it.

It hides right in front of us, Scaramucci said. Its happening in the hotels that were in. Its happening at the restaurants that we eat at. Its happening everywhere. Theres really no way to put a number to it. Its not something that can be done in front of people, but its literally happening right there in front of you.

Scaramucci said his work has led him to travel to 44 states and countries such as Mongolia, Iraq, Belize and Moldova to teach law enforcement agencies how to conduct investigations, how to use the internet to find traffickers and how to interview victims. Last year, he travelled to the Poland-Ukraine border to assist officials there with identifying possible traffickers and victims among Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion.

Jeff Tiegs, owner and president of Skull Games, said the nonprofit was founded in the past few months and is pulling in various trafficking experts from different organizations to form an all-star team, with Scaramucci being the MVP of the new team.

Hes far and away the expert, in my opinion, in the United States on how to do this with law enforcement, Tiegs said. His understanding and expertise in this space is second to none. To be able to have Joe work with us on a full-time basis, I cant even begin to calculate how much impact were going to be able to increase with him and what we what were doing as a team. Its going to be remarkable.

Tiegs said Skull Games identifies women and children who are trafficking victims and then pushes leads to law enforcement to help victims and arrest the traffickers, then works to restore a life of freedom and normalcy to the victims. He said the organization also works with law enforcement agencies to educate them on fighting human trafficking, similar to the work Scaramucci has done with the sheriffs office, and also teaches self-defense and empowerment classes for women and kids.

Tiegs said the name of Skull Games is inspired by a quote from pimp-turned-author Iceberg Slim: Pimping isnt a sex game. Its a skull game.

To me, thats two different things, Tiegs said. One is, when people look at these victims and they say Why doesnt she leave? Well, youre only seeing whats happening on the outside. Her mind is where shes being controlled. They play mind games, and skull games with these victims.

As a 28-year veteran of the military, Tiegs said he equates the things he learned on the battlefield with the work he and Scaramucci will do, and said really, it is like a game.

You move your pieces, I move my pieces. Theres always going to be an opponent, Tiegs said. Whoever can stay ahead of their opponent and shape the conditions to succeed, thats what were trying to do with our organization and our partnerships.

Comparing the work Skull Games does to a chessboard, Tiegs said Scaramucci has the ability to move wherever he wants.

Joe is the queen, Tiegs said. Because he can move backwards, forwards, diagonally. He has the ability to just move all across the board. And hes just incredibly respected. Everyone respects him.
McLennan County will sell $20 million in certificates of obligation to renovate the former downtown county jail, repair roads and bridges, and bring several county buildings into compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Topping the list is what County Judge Scott Felton called a judicial center the county will create from the gutted jail adjacent to the McLennan County Courthouse at Fifth Street and Washington Avenue. It will spend $44.7 million to $55.9 million on the three-year project, though Felton said commissioners continue to pursue cuts where possible. They are collaborating with

John W. Erwin General Contractor to find areas to trim.

Weve already found some savings, and our contractor is in on discussions, providing pertinent information on costs, so I think we can narrow down that amount, Felton said. We sold bonds last year in anticipation of this construction and are fairly close to having everything we need.

The newly issued certificates should cover any shortfall while also making funds available to address other county needs, Felton said.

Commissioners unanimously approved a bid of 4.15% interest over the certificates 20-year life. The county received six offers, with bidders such as investment firm Robert W. Baird & Co. revealing how much interest they will charge the county to buy its certificates, Felton said.

Baird will sell to the secondary market, tax-free to buyers, he said. These are 20-year certificates, but we can pay them off early after a certain period of time without penalty. These appear in our interest and sinking fund, which will remain unchanged as other debt is rolling off.

County Auditor Frances Bartlett said paying off the bond over 20 years, including interest, will cost the county $29.6 million. She said the county could refinance the issue at a lower rate if one becomes available.

Though the county is proposing a year-over-year general fund budget increase of $8 million, to about $142 million, it is proposing a 4.7-cent tax rate reduction, to 32.98 cents per $100 valuation. The countys taxable property value is up 16%, to some $27.9 billion, compared to last year.

Bartlett said the county believes it can rely upon sales taxes, fines and fees to balance the numbers.

A press release on the new $20 bond mentions Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades to the County Records Building and McLennan County Courthouse. It also references roofing, maintenance, HVAC, and climate-control improvements at various existing county facilities and buildings.

Felton said the county needs to address storage space needs in the District Attorneys Office and the District Clerks Office.

Creating space for judges and juries has become a priority in McLennan County as the Texas Legislature in the spring of 2021 authorized the creation of Wacos 474th State District Court, the sixth state district court in Waco, as well as a third county court-at-law. County Administrator Dustin Chapman said the remodel of the gutted downtown jail includes work on floors one through five, and the project will also include work on the third floor of the courthouse annex.
WATERLOO  A former Waterloo man who won parole in a 1976 murder case has died while serving prison time.

Duane Eugene Brant, 66, passed away at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City around 2:56 a.m. Sunday, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections.

He died of natural causes, according to corrections officials.

Brant was 19 years old when he was the getaway driver in a June 1976 robbery at the Quik Trip convenience store on Ansborough Avenue.

His accomplice, LeRoy Rand, killed the stores assistant manager, Mark Allen Coombs, 19, with a 16-gauge shotgun and took around $300. Brant fled when he heard the shotgun blast.

Brant pleaded to murder and was sentenced to life in prison.

In 2005, Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack commuted Brants life sentence to a 125-year term, which made him eligible for parole.

He was paroled in 2012, but he didnt stay out of prison for long.

In May 2015, the California Highway Patrol found Brant in a rented sport utility vehicle with more than $220,000 in cash during a traffic stop near Truckee, California. He was returned to prison for leaving Iowa without permission of probation officials.

Prison money diaries: What people really make (and spend) behind bars Prison money diaries: What people really make (and spend) behind bars Ricardo Ferrell, 64 Louis Dixon, 27 "Fugee*," 26 Courtney Sargent, 37 Valerie Stanton, 47 Richard Spillane, 61 David DeLena, 45 Aundra Jiles, 50
Credit: Shutterstock / photofriday

No matter how its done, motor vehicle theft is a serious crime, and its victims can often face great financial and emotional distress. Fortunately, property and automobile theft have been trending down in the U.S. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, property crime (including car theft) decreased 3.0 percent between 2016 and 2017. Additionally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that overall, regardless of fluctuations in yearly rates, vehicle theft has declined considerably since the 1990s.

However, that doesnt mean that car theft isnt a persistent issueparticularly in certain metro areas. This past July, NICB released its annual Hot Spots report, which presents data on per capita auto theft across the country. Here, Insurify Insights presents NICBs top 20 rankings for the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with the highest motor vehicle theft rates. Since this is a population-based study, the sizes of these MSAs differ greatly, ranging from major metropolises to areas with far smaller populations. Also included in this report is data from the FBIs newly released 2017 Uniform Crime Reporting statistics on property theft in these MSAs, although this data has no bearing on the rankings presented here.

In the interest of public safety and awareness, this study also details how each MSA, through various safety initiatives, has been combatting car theft and preventing property crime. Insurify also includes some helpful tips on how to avoid motor vehicle theft, no matter where you live.

Insights

Western woes. The vast majority of MSAs on this list lies in the American West. Eastern cities and even larger Midwestern metropolitan areas do not appear often in the top 20, likely due to their high populations and lower rates of regular vehicle drivers.

The vast majority of MSAs on this list lies in the American West. Eastern cities and even larger Midwestern metropolitan areas do not appear often in the top 20, likely due to their high populations and lower rates of regular vehicle drivers. High crime. Among all MSAs with property crime rates reported by the UCRs latest data that made this list, only one has a rate lower than the national average. That means that a majority of NICBs top-20 hot spots also see a higher incidence of property crime overall (including burglary, larceny-theft, and arson).

Methodology

The data scientists at Insurify, an insurance quote comparison website, compiled data from the National Insurance Crime Bureaus 2017 Hot Spots study, which reports which American metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) have the highest rates of motor vehicle theft per 100k people in the year 2017. (Insurifys team calculated the average rate among all 381 MSAs reporting a car theft rate, and found the national average to be 218.6 thefts per 100k people.) They ranked the top 20 MSAs as reported by NICB, and then juxtaposed this metric with each MSAs proportion of property crimes per 100k people, courtesy of the FBIs Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) data from 2017. The FBIs definition of property crimes includes motor vehicle theft as well as burglary, larceny-theft, and arson; the national average rate for 2017 is 2,632.2 crimes per 100k people. Each listing is classified by its MSA name as designated by the FBI. Except where noted, population figures for MSAs come from the UCRs 2017 population estimates.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has broken his silence by sending his condolences to the family of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin Thursday (August 24), after the mercenary leader's plane crashed with no survivors two months to the day after he led a mutiny against Russian military chiefs.

The previous official statement came from Moscow's aviation authority, saying Prigozhin was on board the downed plane.

Investigations about the crash have been opened but have not yet said how the plane suddenly fell from the sky nor have they confirmed the identities of the 10 bodies recovered from the wreckage.

Putin Sends His Condolences

In his statement, Putin suggested he harbored decidedly mixed feelings about Prigozhin, claiming he has known the warlord "since the start of the 90s." Without an official pronouncement of his death, Putin's remarks were the most definitive yet on the mercenary warlord's fate.

"I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families of all the victims. It's always a tragedy," he said in televised remarks during a meeting in the Kremlin with the Moscow-installed chief of Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.

Prigozhin's presumed death was both a blessing and a curse for Putin as a threat to his power was purportedly eliminated, but at the same time, he lost a strategic ally and asset in the Kremlin's war in Ukraine and in Wagner's operations and strategic command in Africa.

Meanwhile, officials from Washington told Reuters they are looking at a number of theories as to what likely brought down the plane, including a surface-to-air missile (SAM). However, the Pentagon was ruling out the possibility of a SAM hit.

Read Also: Wagner Boss Yevgeny Prigozhin Assumed Dead After Plane Crash in Russia

Wagner Troops Vow to Avenge Prigozhin

While there is no concrete confirmation whether or not Prigozhin was aboard the plane that crashed and that he died as a result of it, many in the Wagner ranks have smelled treachery, betrayal, and foul play involved in the incident.

Several Russian Telegram channels shared Thursday some of the Wagner mercenaries have vowed to avenge Prigozhin after he perished alongside other members of the Wagner leadership team.

"There are rumors about the death of the head of Wagner PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin. We directly say that we suspect the Kremlin officials led by Putin of an attempt to kill him!" Wagner-linked Telegram channel Wagner Play said in a post.

However, Putin said "preliminary data" indicated that Prigozhin and other Wagner employees had been on the downed plane, but a thorough investigation might take some time.

It was previously reported the passenger list suggested Wagner's core leadership team was flying with him on the downed plane and had also perished.

Related Article: Wagner Leader Prigozhin's Death: Was the Russian Government Involved in the Plane Crash?

@ 2023 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
CEDAR FALLS  The first day of school means lots of new.

The itinerary also includes lots of familiarity. Maybe thats in the form of a favorite pair of socks to mark the day as summer break ends, or a routine breakfast consumed every day until winter break.

At Cedar Heights Elementary School, all 510 students and staff took part Wednesday morning in an annual tradition, gathering outdoors for the raising of the American and Iowa flags.

The kindergarten to sixth-grade students walk out the door single file and gather as part of a larger group  the youngest at the front  to meet the building staff, some off to the side and others immersed in the crowd.

They are greeted with claps, some wiping sweat from their foreheads on a day approaching 100 degrees with the humidity. But the focus is soon directed to the flags ascending the pole as patriotic music plays in the background. Hands over their hearts, they recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

Its about building those relationships from Day 1 until 180, said sixth-grade teacher Mark Strassburg. Thats what education is all about. The relationships lead to better learning and rapport.

All the kids have been very positive, respective and responsible to start out. Its been refreshing, he added.

A familiar face has become Tiffany Ahrens, a teacher librarian who greets the kids as they get out of a car or walk to the building.

I get excited at the start of school as I did when I went to school as a kid, said Terry Ahrens, teacher librarian. I remember my fifth birthday being old enough to go to school in the middle of November and not being able to immediately go. Theres a lot of smiling and skipping. You can tell there are those who are excited to be here, but there are a few whod rather not.

Principal Tyler Ruane says the message to his staff was we is greater than me. Each kid has a team of people supporting them. We are all about making sure they have a safe, supportive and fun learning environment where everyone is valued.

Welcome back

Superintendent Andy Pattee and his cabinet introduced themselves for five minutes to staff Monday and Tuesday at all the schools with donated Scratch cupcakes.

We are Cedar Falls because of our staff. They make us a special place, he said. You can feel them wanting to get into buildings and get ready.

He said Cedar Falls Community Schools is in a good place with its staffing and in a similar spot compared to last year.

All of its teaching positions, 460.68 full-time equivalents, are filled. When it comes to the approximately 980 total employees of the district, about 98% of positions are filled. Bus drivers, food staff, secretaries, paraeducators and custodians are among those numbers.

Like all businesses and industries, its become harder to fill positions, he said. Its not getting easier, and there are fewer people who are looking for any roles. But we get a pretty good number of qualified applications for all positions. Im very confident in saying that.

Official enrollment isnt announced until October, but his staff will have a good idea in a few weeks where things stand.

For now, Iowas newly adopted private school voucher law means as many as 40 to 50 Cedar Falls students opened up education savings accounts, he said. Open enrollment is another factor, as a fairly new law allows any family to enroll their children in a district they dont live in.

We always have more students open enroll into our district than those open enroll out, he said.

Theres been little impact even though he said Cedar Falls junior high schools have been at classroom capacity the last couple of years and kindergarten hit its mark in April. But he noted siblings of students already enrolled are given an exception.
WATERLOO  Absentee ballots are now available for voters living in the Waterloo Community School District for the Sept. 12 special election.

Voters will cast ballots on renewal of the districts physical plant and equipment levy for another 10 years. It is set to expire in 2027 but can be renewed now for another decade. If approved, it would expire in 2037. If the renewal is voted down, the PPEL will still be in place until 2027.

Levy proceeds are used to maintain and repair buildings and can also be used to purchase property, construct buildings, and pay debts for construction of schools.

The ballot language states the property tax would not exceed $1.34 per $1,000 of assessed valuation of taxable property within the school district. The current tax rate is 67 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation. Passage requires approval by more than 50% of voters who cast ballots. In 2015, the PPEL passed with 81% approval.

Annually, the board can certify a PPEL that is not voter-approved in an amount up to 33 cents per $1,000 of taxable value. This number is decided every spring when the board approves its tax rates.

Combined with the current voter-approved levy, property owners within the district pay $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. If the board decides to go with the full $1.34, the total tax rate would be $1.67, but those changes wouldnt go into effect until 2027.

Early voting at the courthouse started Aug. 23 and will go through Monday, Sept. 11. The election office is on the second floor of the Black Hawk County courthouse, located at 316 E. Fifth St. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office will be closed for Labor Day on Sept. 4.

The deadline to request a ballot in the mail is 5 p.m. on Monday. To receive an absentee ballot by mail, voters must submit an official absentee ballot request form to the elections office. A hand-written request can be accepted if it includes the following information: full name, complete address, date of birth, identification number, date or name of election, voters signature and date the form was signed. Request forms can be mailed to the courthouse.

Pre-paid return postage is provided for all ballots returned by mail to the election office. A mailed ballot must be returned by 8 p.m. on Sept. 12 to be counted. Ballots received after election day cannot be counted.

The Code of Iowa states that people admitted to a health care facility within three days of an election may make a request by telephone to the election office and an absentee ballot will be delivered to them. On election day, the telephone request must be made at least four hours prior to the close of the polls. The ballot will be personally delivered to the voter by two election officials who can assist the voter in voting and return the sealed, voted ballot to the office.

Absentee ballots may not be turned in at a polling place except to be surrendered and voided so the voter can vote in person at their precinct. People who did not receive or have lost their absentee ballot will be provided the option of voting a provisional ballot.

The last day to pre-register at the election office for this election is before 5 p.m. on Monday. Any new voter who registers before the deadline will not be required to show proof of identity while registering. Following the deadline, new voters will be processed using the requirements of election day registration and will be required to provide both proof of residence and identity.

The most common example of an acceptable form of identity and residence is an Iowa drivers license that is not expired and represents the voters address in the precinct.
Living with a serious illness or dealing with the death of a loved one doesnt come with a set of directions. These can be life-altering situations and it isnt easy to know the next steps to take.

At Cedar Valley Hospice, we can be a resource in navigating the healthcare system, while providing guidance, comfort, dignity and support. Our philosophy of care focuses on caring for you physically, mentally and spiritually  regardless of your beliefs.

Care in the home or a facility

Cedar Valley Hospice provides medical care and pain management wherever you call home.

Hospice care: For those with a serious illness measured in months not years. Care is provided by an interdisciplinary team who visit your home or nursing facility. A nurse is available 24/7, which helps reduce stress and hospitalizations. Services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurances.

Palliative care: For those with a serious illness, regardless of life expectancy or prognosis. Care is provided by a nurse and social worker who visit your home or nursing facility. You can still be seeking curative treatment while receiving palliative care. Examples of diagnosis include COPD, heart disease, dementia and cancer.

Often wives, husbands, sisters and children are the main caretakers for someone who is ill. For some, it is natural to step in to help, and its also important to maintain that family relationship beyond being a caregiver.

When my moms health began changing a lot, it could be very overwhelming. Making that call to Cedar Valley Hospice was the best decision, said Tracie Spencer, daughter. When they visited my mother in her home, she would smile all the time. Their extra support allowed our family to exhale and just spend precious time with her. They truly are like guardian angels.

Mental & spiritual support abound

Social workers and spiritual care counselors are part of the hospice interdisciplinary team. Social workers help you navigate the healthcare system, find resources, answer tough questions and provide peace of mind for the entire family throughout your illness.

Spiritual care counselors are available throughout your journey to provide more profound levels of support through listening and conversation.

Cedar Valley Hospice Spiritual Care Counselor Rusty Van Wey feels honored to have people share their stories with him and serve them any way he can.

I respect all spiritual beliefs and each patients individuality. It is important for people to know they are cared for, and I do this by helping them to see the positive impact theyve made in their lives. Sometimes simply having these conversations brings them dignity and helps them deal with other issues they may be struggling with.

We are here when and where you need us

Grief Support: Available for those who have experienced the death of someone close to them. We offer no-cost grief counseling to adults and youth, so you dont have to travel this journey alone. We also provide support groups, including specific ones for those who have lost a loved one to suicide. For a listing of current support groups, visit cvhospice.org.

CASS (Cedar AIDS Support System): Available for persons living with HIV. We provide case management to help you navigate your healthcare options and coordinate services. We also offer direct assistance programs that can help with groceries, travel and medication expenses. Call 319.272.2437 for more information.

SOS (Speakers On Site): Available to the entire community, these no-cost presentations offer education on a variety of topics from death and dying to filling out your advance directives. To schedule a free presentation for your business or group, email awall@cvhospice.org.

Its never too soon to callIts important to receive support when youre grieving or to learn about hospice or palliative care before a life-limiting illness becomes critical. It does not mean youre giving up or saying you cant manage it, but simply that you choose to be informed and receive support so you can make every day as good as possible. Our person-centered care brings hope, dignity and compassion to so many families.

Making the choice to call Cedar Valley Hospice can turn a difficult situation into one that is manageable. Whether you need a lot of assistance or a little, our experts are available when and where you need us.

Call us at 319-272-2002 or 800-626-2360 for a no-cost consultation or visit cvhospice.org.
If you're looking for her secret to longevity, she'll happily share.

"I've always been spoiled," Ellen Mae Ouverson said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I never worked a day in my life."

Ouverson, who resides in Clear Lake, will celebrate her 107th birthday on Tuesday.

Daughter Dianne Miller jumped in to remind Ouverson of the jobs she's held cleaning houses and working the counter at the roller rink. Ouverson waved away the additions as if they were never work to begin with.

Her smile is quick and bright, and in talking with Ouverson it's easy to see that rather than being spoiled, as she claims, she's a serial spoiler. She delights in the joy of others and laughs off misfortune as easily as a duck shaking water off its back.

Born in Glenwood, Minnesota, her family moved to Iowa shortly after.

"Mother got so lonesome for home, we just had to come back," she said. "I went to school at Swaledale and then the Mason country school."

With three brothers, George, Glen and Gene, and sister, Gertrude, Ellen Mae is the odd one out with her name beginning with E.

"Oh, it doesn't matter," she said. "Glen and I would ride to school together on a horse. We're just three years apart. Once, on the way to school, a car came up and spooked that horse, and Glen and I just slid right off the back!

"Oh, Glen thought he'd broke his back, and I was hollerin'. Before you know it, they're taking care of us and I'm getting all the attention for being so loud," she said with her signature sweetness.

Eventually Ouverson had her own children with husband Leonard, known to all as "Ding." They farmed for a number of years before moving into town. Ouverson felt a little self-conscious after she arrived within city limits. Her daughter said, "She was afraid to hang out her wash. She thought everyone was watching."

She spent 64 years with her husband, and when he died Ouverson found other ways to keep herself active and busy. She has four grandsons and has been abundantly blessed with great and great-great grandchildren.

In 2014, Ouverson moved herself, her collection of cardinal-themed knick knacks and her unflappable attitude into Apple Valley Place in Clear Lake. It's there she will celebrate her 107th birthday with family, friends and loved ones.

If you'd like to send a card to Ouverson, it may be addressed to:

Ellen Mae Ouverson; 405 27th Avenue S. #23; Clear Lake, IA 50428.
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (23 August 2023)

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation.

In the Kupyansk direction, the assault detachments of the Zapad Group of Forces carried out offensive actions in the assigned areas of responsibility and improved the tactical situation.

With the support of aviation, artillery fire, and heavy flamethrowers, four attacks by assault groups of the 67th, Mechanised, 68th Jaeger, 25th Airborne, and 95th Air Assault brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were repelled close to Sinkovka (Kharkov region), Novoyegorovka, and Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk Peoples Republic).

The enemys losses in this direction during the day amounted to up to 170 Ukrainian troops, one tank, five armoured fighting vehicles, three pick-up trucks, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, as well as one D-20 howitzer.

In Zaporozhye direction, four attacks of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) were repelled by competent actions of the Russian units, air strikes, and artillery fire during the day.

Up to 80 Ukrainian servicemen, four motor vehicles, Polish-made Krab and German-made Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery systems, one D-30 gun, three U.S.-made M119 howitzer, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-48 counter-battery radiation station have been neutralised.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, in close co-operation with aviation and artillery, repelled three attacks by Ukrainian Armed Forces near Nevelskoye, Mayorsk, and Kurdyumovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic). The enemy has suffered losses of up to 180 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one Gvozdika and one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, and D-30 and D-20 howitzers in this direction in the past 24 hours.

In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces units, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses on the units of AFU 21st Mechanised Brigade and 5th National Guard Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Yampolovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic) and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk Peoples Republic). During the day in this direction, the enemy suffered losses of up to 60 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two pick-up trucks, and one D-30 howitzer.

?? In South Donetsk direction, aviation and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on clusters of AFU manpower and hardware close to Staromayorskoye and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk Peoples Republic). In addition, atwo AFU sabotage and reconnaissance groups were disabled near Rovnopol (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

The enemys losses amounted to up to 145 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, as well as an American-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system during the day.

In Kherson direction, up to 20 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer were destroyed by enemy fire.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 143 areas during the day. One P-18 radar for detecting and tracking air targets was neutralised near Zaporozhye. Two command posts of the AFU 67th Mechanised and 81st Airmobile brigades was eliminated close to Serebryanka and Dronovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic).

Russian air defence forces have intercepted one HIMARS MLRS projectile during the day.

Moreover, 18 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Shipilovka, Privolye, Makeyevka (Lugansk Peoples Republic), Berestovoye, Kurdyumovka (Donetsk Peoples Republic), Chistopolye, Lyubimovka, Mirnoye, and Inzhenernoye (Zaporozhye region).

In total, 462 airplanes and 246 helicopters, 5,970 unmanned aerial vehicles, 431 air defence missile systems, 11,457 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,144 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6,011 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12,390 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.

WtR
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.
DETROIT -- Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy Thursday announced charges against 3 group who are expected to beryllium arraigned this day successful relationship pinch nan abduction of copy boys earlier this week.

Worthy charged Curtis Lee Slay, 18, Davion Demetrius Sherman Chandler, 19, and Shantell Re-Azia Jones, 23, each pinch 2 counts of kidnapping  kid enticement, 2 counts of unlawful imprisonment, 1 count of conspiracy to perpetrate kidnapping  kid enticement, and 3 counts of larceny successful a building for their alleged roles successful nan abduction of Matthew and Montana Bridges Sunday night.

All 3 fishy are from Detroit and are scheduled to look successful 16th District Court Thursday earlier Magistrate Barbara Scherr.

The charges travel 3 days aft an Amber Alert was issued asking for nan publics help successful uncovering nan twins. The mother of nan twins called Livonia Police Sunday nighttime astir 10:10 p.m. aft her two-week-old infants were abducted from a edifice room astatine nan Quality Inn connected Plymouth Road, betwixt Merriman and Middlebelt roads. The alert was issued astir 6 a.m. Monday.

The twins were dropped disconnected astatine nan Detroit Police Departments 9th Precinct conscionable hours aft nan Amber Alert was sent. The boys were reunited pinch their parents aft being evaluated astatine a section infirmary and were wished to beryllium successful bully health. However, questions remained astir who kidnapped nan children and really they came successful interaction pinch nan mother successful nan first place.

In a merchandise announcing nan charges against nan defendants, Worthy alleges that Jones befriended nan mother pinch nan intentions of kidnapping nan babies. Worthy further alleged that Slay and Sherman Chandler assisted successful those efforts. While visiting pinch nan mother astatine nan hotel, Jones allegedly abducted nan children aft nan mother near nan room briefly.

It is difficult to ideate a worse script for a caller mother. The grounds successful this lawsuit will show that these defendants engaged successful a strategy to dupe nan mother of these hardly two-week-old babies. They allegedly promised her immoderate much-needed assistance to summation entree to her children pinch nan definitive intent connected stealing them, Worthy said.

Along pinch nan 3 suspects already being charged, Worthys agency said charges are being considered against a 4th personification who is simply a juvenile. A determination connected those imaginable charges is expected adjacent week.

READ MORE:

2 group killed, 2 others earnestly injured successful Northern Michigan crash

Ex-Taylor Mayor pleads blameworthy to bribery and ligament fraud charges, faces 20 years successful prison

Wayne County Jail inmate charged pinch execution aft fatal jailhouse attack
HAMLIN TOWNSHIP, MI  A picturesque lighthouse opinionated feet from nan sandy Lake Michigan shoreline is nan large payoff aft a challenging hike done soil dunes astatine this celebrated Up North authorities park.

The iconic Big Sable Light astatine Ludington State Park is accessible only by non-motorized trails (most of nan time), immoderate tougher than others.

If youre looking for a workout pinch gorgeous views that ends pinch a dip successful Lake Michigan, theres a cleanable conception of Lighthouse Trail for you.

This way traverses soil dunes and offers occasional views from afar of nan lighthouse and lake. You tin moreover perceive nan waves connected windy days.

The iconic Big Sable Light connected nan statement of Lake Michigan is nan large payoff astatine nan extremity of nan 1.5-mile conception of Lighthouse Trail that goes done nan woods and soil dunes astatine Ludington State Park successful Hamlin Township, Mich. It's seen present connected Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

Despite nan popularity of nan park, hikers mightiness not spot anyone other connected this way - moreover connected a engaged weekend.

However, location is an easier, well-worn measurement to scope nan lighthouse; much connected that later.

Challenging way done soil dunes has large payoff pinch lighthouse connected Lake Michigan beach

Sleeping Bear Dunes to big typical land cervid hunt, exertion deadline approaching

State parkland offers Full Blue Supermoon locomotion connected Mackinac Island

Hikers locomotion done a wooded conception of Lighthouse Trail connected Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, astatine Ludington State Park successful Hamlin Township, Mich. The way leads to nan iconic Big Sable Light connected nan statement of Lake Michigan.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

Getting there

For day-users, nan Hamlin Beach parking batch is nan starting constituent for this hike. The batch is astatine nan extremity of nan parks main road. Its a celebrated area, featuring an inland reservoir formation pinch restrooms, concessions, h2o rentals, a playground, Hamlin Dam, and vessel and kayak launches.

Because Ludington State Park is 1 of nan astir celebrated successful nan Lower Peninsula, nan parking batch could capable up connected engaged days. Theres further parking on nan main roadworthy and paved trails connected either side.

Pack a mini backpack for your essentials: water, a camera, snacks (especially if youre bringing a small one). Wear light-colored clothing that will support you cool. If you person agelong hair, put it up. Anything too your ain 2 feet would beryllium impractical connected this woods-to-sand way - take your footwear accordingly. Leashed dogs are welcome.

For nan nonstop hike this group completed, commencement astatine marker 13 successful nan Beechwood Campground. For a much direct, somewhat shorter route, commencement astatine marker 19 conscionable northbound of nan boardwalk that runs on nan westbound broadside of Lost Lake.

Hunter Hekkema, 12, and Mike Hekkema, 49, some of Norton Shores, statesman a 40-minute trek done soil dunes, which is portion of a 1.5-mile conception of Lighthouse Trail astatine Ludington State Park successful Hamlin Township, Mich. The way leads to nan iconic Big Sable Light connected nan statement of Lake Michigan. They made nan travel connected Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

The Trail

This hike is not for nan faint of heart. It is challenging. The way this group took to get astatine nan Big Sable Light and nan Lake Michigan formation is not emblematic - but it was beautiful from commencement to finish.

The way originates northwest-bound astatine marker 13 betwixt nan first and 2nd loops of Beechwood Campground. The way instantly goes up elevation into nan woods. It continues done nan woods to marker 12 past 10 past 4. This wooded conception features hilly terrain pinch occasional views of mini ponds.

Hikers locomotion done a wooded conception of Lighthouse Trail connected Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, astatine Ludington State Park successful Hamlin Township, Mich. The way leads to nan iconic Big Sable Light connected nan statement of Lake Michigan.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

At marker 4, move correct to spell northeast toward marker 7. At marker 7 location is simply a motion for Lighthouse Trail positive a warming shelter, which is simply a bully spot to return a break earlier reaching nan soil dunes conception of this trek.

Turn near astatine marker 7 to caput northwest toward marker 6 - and nan last destination of this hike. After a short walk, hikers will scope a soil dune. From present connected out, nan way is soil and overmuch of it is not shaded.

This information of nan way offers a glimpse into Michigans unsocial soil dunes ecosystems pinch rolling dunes covered successful formation grass, trees, wildflowers, ponds and more.

Arya Lofton, 1, enjoys nan sandy Lake Michigan formation adjacent nan iconic Big Sable Light aft a 1.5-mile hike connected Lighthouse Trail done nan woods and soil dunes astatine Ludington State Park successful Hamlin Township, Mich. It's seen present connected Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

Later, different large soil dune offers a position of nan lighthouse and Lake Michigan down it. From location it/s a short locomotion to nan shoreline.

It took this group astir 40 minutes to locomotion from nan first soil dune to nan lighthouse.

The Big Sable Light is simply a celebrated destination and considered a awesome photograph op. Its location connected nan Lake Michigan shoreline is unique. At nan lighthouse, you will find a gift shop, interpretive signage, picnic tables, restrooms. Perhaps astir invited will beryllium nan formation - a cleanable spot to cool disconnected aft nan agelong trek.

Arya Lofton, 1, and her grandpa Mike Hekkema, 49, departs from Big Sable Light and caput southbound connected a flat, gravel conception of Lighthouse Trail that leads to nan warming shelter parking batch adjacent nan entranceway of Ludington State Park successful Hamlin Township, Mich. They are shown present connected Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

For an easier return journey, caput southbound connected nan flat, gravel conception of Lighthouse Trail. This 1.5-mile agelong connects to nan warming shelter parking batch adjacent nan parkland entrance. Hikers could besides move disconnected nan gravel roadworthy astatine marker 5 to spell backmost done nan woods connected Coast Guard Trail; this way avoids nan soil dunes.

The sandy Lake Michigan formation adjacent nan iconic Big Sable Light is simply a cleanable spot to cool disconnected aft a 1.5-mile hike connected Lighthouse Trail done nan woods and soil dunes astatine Ludington State Park successful Hamlin Township, Mich. It's seen present connected Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023.Justine Lofton | [email protected]

Challenging way done soil dunes has large payoff pinch lighthouse connected Lake Michigan beach

Michigan pome season: When will Honeycrisp, different varieties beryllium available?

Pictured Rocks reminds hikers: Leave nary trace includes your underwear

The Park

The 4,800-acre Ludington State Park is one of nan astir celebrated authorities parks successful Michigan.

Situated betwixt Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, its known for its 7 miles of sandy Lake Michigan beachfront, an iconic lighthouse and a one-mile agelong of Big Sable River thats celebrated for fishing, paddling and tubing. The parkland besides features 21 miles of marked trails done wetlands, marshes, dunes and forests. Hamlin Lake is celebrated for recreation, including boating, paddling and swimming.

The park, 8800 M-116 northbound of Ludington, is particularly successful request for camping. It has 3 campgrounds pinch 352 campsites.
In a title dominated by Donald Trump, 8 different statesmanlike contenders battled it retired at nan first Republican superior debate Wednesday successful an uphill conflict to extremity nan erstwhile president from moving distant pinch nan nomination.

Trump's absence overshadowed nan statement successful Milwaukee, but gave his challengers a premier opportunity to prehend nan spotlight and look arsenic nan starring alternative.

Yet moreover arsenic nan frontrunner Trump enjoys a monolithic polling lead, astir candidates only sparingly threw punches his way, alternatively lobbing astir of their attacks astatine each other, President Joe Biden, his argumentation schedule and his boy Hunter.

Here are 5 takeaways from nan debate.

Republicans creation astir Trump

Throughout nan two-hour discussion, nan Republican section struggled to make a clear statement against Trump, who polls show starring his adjacent closest counterpart, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, successful nationalist polls by astir 40 percent points.

DeSantis took nary swings astatine Trump, spending much clip railing connected Biden's boy Hunter Biden and wide billionaire philanthropist George Soros, while characterizing nan U.S. arsenic a state that has mislaid its way.

"We request to nonstop Joe Biden backmost to his basement and reverse American decline," DeSantis said.

There were immoderate exceptions. Former Govs. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, arsenic expected, took shots astatine Trump complete his ineligible woes and individual behavior. But nan sharpest lawsuit against Trump arguably came from Nikki Haley, a erstwhile politician of South Carolina who served arsenic U.S. ambassador to nan United Nations during nan Trump administration.

During nan first hr of debate, Haley was nan only campaigner to create a argumentation favoritism pinch Trump, saying "our kids are ne'er going to forgive us" for $8 trillion successful caller indebtedness during nan Trump administration.

Then Haley made a constituent that others seemed unwilling to articulate: that Trump is excessively polarizing to triumph different wide election.

"It is clip for a caller generational blimpish leader," she said. "We person to look astatine nan truth that three-quarters of Americans don't want a rematch betwixt Trump and Biden. And we person to look nan truth that Trump is nan astir disliked leader successful America. We can't triumph a wide predetermination that way."

Trump indictments: Most promise support successful 2024 moreover if convicted

Fox News statement moderator Bret Baier called Trump "the elephant not successful nan room."

His quadruple indictments came up astir an hr into nan discussion, and created 1 of nan astir contrasting moments for voters to measurement successful Wednesdays debate.

Asked if they would still backmost Trump arsenic nan GOP nominee successful nan wide predetermination if he is convicted, astir of nan 8 contenders connected shape raised their hand. An objection was Hutchinson, who kept his manus down. Christie seemed to raise his manus halfway.

"Someone's sewage to extremity normalizing this conduct, OK?" Christie said. "Whether aliases not you judge that nan criminal charges are correct aliases wrong, nan behaviour is beneath nan agency of President of nan United States."

Christie was met pinch large boos from nan crowd of Republican partisans.

"This is nan awesome point astir this country," he said. "Booing is allowed but it doesn't alteration nan truth."

Those remarks prompted a consequence from Vivek Ramaswamy, who has fixed nan astir full-throated support for Trump connected nan run way of immoderate of nan candidates, and called him "the champion president of nan 21st Century."

"Your declare that nan Donald Trump is motivated by mentions and grievance would beryllium a batch much reliable if your full run were not based connected vengeance and grievance against Donald Trump," Ramaswamy said.

Republican candidates were adjacent asked whether erstwhile Vice President Mike Pence did nan correct point erstwhile he opposed Trump's scheme to overturn nan 2020 predetermination results by certifying Biden's triumph connected Jan. 6, 2021.

"Absolutely, he did nan correct thing," Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C, told nan audience. "But we should beryllium asking ourselves a bigger mobility astir nan weaponization of nan Department of Justice. When I'm President, nan first point I'll do is occurrence (Attorney General) Merrick Garland."

When nan mobility turned to DeSantis, however, nan Florida politician seemed reluctant to reply directly, saying Democrats want to support this taxable going, and Republicans request to move nan page.

But nan erstwhile vice president pressed for a response.

"I deliberation nan American group merit to cognize whether everyone connected this shape agrees that I kept my oath to nan Constitution that day," Pence said. "There's nary much important duty, truthful reply nan question."

"I've answered this before, Mike did his duty, I've sewage nary beef pinch him," DeSantis yet said.

Ramaswamy's coming-out statement met pinch GOP fire

Ramaswamy drew occurrence from aggregate rivals arsenic he sought to usage nan statement arsenic a coming-out-party connected nan nationalist shape aft gaining traction successful caller polls.

"First, fto maine conscionable reside a mobility that is connected everybody's mind astatine location tonight," Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old billionaire businessman, said successful his opening remarks. "Who nan heck is this skinny feline pinch a funny past name?"

The Ohio Republican - who said retired of move often passim nan nighttime - took nary clip irking his opponents.

Pence was nan first to return a swipe astatine Ramaswamy: "Joe Biden has weakened this state astatine location and abroad. Now is not nan clip for on-the-job training. We don't request to bring successful a rookie."

Christie besides reminded nan assemblage that nan past leader to guidelines connected a shape and opportunity he's a skinny feline pinch a funny sanction was erstwhile President Barack Obama. "I'm acrophobic we're dealing pinch nan aforesaid type of amateur," Christie said.

As he angered his foes, Ramaswamy doubled down connected his hardline blimpish pitch.

"Do you want a Super PAC puppet aliases do you want a patriot who speaks nan truth?" he said. "Do you want incremental alteration aliases do you want revolution?"

Republicans alteration connected nationalist abortion ban

Biden and Democrats person made clear they scheme to thrust abortion authorities astatine nan halfway of nan president's 2024 reelection bid.

In nan twelvemonth since nan U.S. Supreme Court ended Roe, six states person addressed reproductive authorities questions and nan wide broadside has won each of those ballot questions.

Asked astir wherever they guidelines successful position of a nationalist standard, each of nan Republican statesmanlike candidates said they were pro-life but that meant thing different pinch each answer.

Haley, nan only female running, said nan GOP should beryllium trying to find a statement because immoderate national authorities needs 60 votes successful nan Senate. She said that intends leaning into banning later word abortions and agreeing not to jailhouse women who get them.

But Pence, who is good liked among evangelical voters demanding a nationalist ban, formed abortion arsenic a moral issue. He scolded Haley, saying that consensus is nan other of leadership.

Scott, for illustration astir connected stage, said Congress should purpose for a 15-week prohibition astatine least. When pressed connected nan issue, DeSantis talked up signing a 6-week prohibition successful Florida while sharing his individual reasons for opposing abortion.

Christie said he doesn't support a national prohibition and that it should beryllium near up to nan states.

Biden run spokesperson Kevin Munoz, successful a connection released during nan debate, said, "Americans person rejected nan extreme, anti-choice positions of MAGA Republicans successful nan midterms and successful elections passim this year. They will again successful 2024."

Candidates conflict complete further assistance for Ukraine

Republicans sparred complete continued U.S. assistance for Ukraine successful its warfare against Ukraine, reflecting nan declining support for Ukraine among nan Republican base.

The reality is coming Ukraine is not a privilege for nan United States of America, Ramaswamy said, arguing that China poses a bigger threat to nan U.S. "We person to person nan interests of Americans first."

DeSantis said continued support should beryllium contingent connected greater support from European counties.

"I will person Europe propulsion their weight. Right now, they're not doing it," DeSantis said.

Haley and Pence took nan much accepted Republican position connected overseas policy, voicing support for maintaining financial assistance for Ukraine.

Haley ripped DeSantis for antecedently downplaying Russia's warfare successful Ukraine arsenic a "border dispute" and deed Ramaswamy for saying nan U.S. should cede eastbound Ukraine to Putin.

You person nary overseas argumentation acquisition and it shows, she said.

Pence told Ramaswamy if we do nan giveaway that you want to do to, and springiness Putin eastbound Ukraine, it's not going to beryllium excessively long earlier Russia rolls crossed nan separator into a NATO nation.

Later while discussing Ukraine, DeSantis shifted to a much celebrated taxable among Republican voters: addressing nan confederate border.

"I'm not going to nonstop troops to Ukraine but I americium going to nonstop them to our confederate border," DeSantis said.

Reach Joey Garrison connected Twitter @joeygarrison and Phillip M. Bailey astatine @phillipmbailey
Google is joining the world in celebrating India's successful Moon landing.

The tech giant recently published a new dynamic doodle based on the successful landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's south pole to celebrate it.

India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft successfully landed on the Moon's south pole on Aug. 23 at 6:07 PM Indian Standard Time.

Google's Celebratory Doodle

Google's logo took a turn for the celestial. To celebrate the successful landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, the search giant published a cartooned version of its logo depicting the spacecraft's orbiting around the Moon to land on its south pole.

The doodle even came with the lunar rover the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft come with that will explore the Moon's south pole to determine what lies in the region. The Moon will then smile happily once Chandrayaan-3 and its rover are on its surface.

To show that the world celebrates India's success, Google added a joyous and smiling Earth near the end of the doodle's loop. The Earth's appearance also serves as a way to reset the Moon's appearance since the planet completely covers the Moon in the doodle.

Thanks to Chandrayaan-3's successful landing, it is now the fourth country to have reached the Moon following the US, the former Soviet Union, and China. However, it is the first country to land spacecraft on the Moon's south pole, a region of heightened interest for space explorers due to their suspicion that it has frozen water and precious elements.

Read More: 5 Spotify Podcasts to Boost Your Daily Productivity

Chandrayaan-3 Launch & Landing Details

India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has an interesting history. Its name means "moon vehicle" in Hindi and Sanskrit, India's official language and its ancient Indo-European language, respectively, per Reuters.

The spacecraft was built with India's frugal space engineering, which the country made possible by copying and adapting existing space technology and utilizing the abundant highly skilled engineers, per Al Jazeera. These engineers earn a fraction of their foreign counterparts' wages.

Chandrayaan-3 launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota Range, Andhra Pradesh, India, on July 14, 2023, days after Russia's Luna-25 lunar mission launch. Because the rocket India used to get Chandrayaan-3 off the planet was less powerful than the US' Saturn V, the spacecraft needed to orbit Earth around six times elliptically to gain speed before starting its journey towards the Moon.

When Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft crashed onto the lunar surface, India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was making good time; it was already looking for a safe landing spot on the Moon's south pole around that time.

Based on the pictures Chandrayaan-3 transmitted back to Earth, former Indian space chief K Sivan said that the final leg of the spacecraft's journey to the Moon would succeed, per The Guardian. As such, it is no surprise that the country's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), has successfully landed its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft on the moon's south pole.

The spacecraft successfully landed on the Moon's south pole on Aug. 23 to the cheers of those in the Indian Space Research Organization's mission control. According to Space News, the spacecraft touched down near a prime landing site at 69.37 degrees south latitude and 32.35 degrees east longitude, close to the crater Manzinus U.

The spacecraft and the rover it kept within itself is expected to remain operational for two weeks. During that time, they will run a series of experiments to analyze the mineral composition of the surface of the moon's south pole.

It will also determine if the region does have frozen water - a crucial finding that could dictate if the moon can support a future settlement.

Related Article: India's Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Succesfully Lands on the Moon
Yevgeny Prigozhin  an state of Russian President Vladimir Putin until launching a grounded insurrection pinch his Wagner Group mercenaries successful June  was aboard nan backstage pitchy that collapsed Wednesday northwest of Moscow, nan Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsia said.

All 10 group connected nan formation from Moscow to St. Petersburg  7 passengers and 3 unit members  were killed erstwhile nan level came down astir 185 miles from nan capital, according to officials cited by Russias state-run news agency Tass.

Prigozhin, 62, was listed arsenic a rider but it was initially unclear whether he was connected committee nan flight, which went down connected a section successful nan Tver region. A Telegram station successful nan Wagner-linked Grey Zone channel said Prigozhin "died arsenic a consequence of nan actions of traitors to Russia.''Maps and graphics explain: Prigozhin listed aboard deadly level clang successful Russia

Unconfirmed media reports said nan level belonged to Prigozhin, who led his forces connected a march that came wrong 120 miles of Moscow earlier turning astir June 24. Prigozhin and nan Wagner soldiers were granted asylum successful Belarus arsenic portion of a woody to extremity nan rebellion, but he was later seen successful Russia and Africa.

The authorities said they were investigating. Unverified video footage shows what appears to beryllium Prigozhin's level plummeting from nan entity contempt showing nary erstwhile signs of trouble, according to flight-tracking data. The Interfax news agency, citing emergency officials, reported early Thursday that each 10 bodies had been recovered and nan hunt cognition had ended.

Before getting confirmation of Prigozhin's fate, President Joe Biden told reporters he would not beryllium surprised if nan mercenary leader met an untimely death. Asked if Putin was down it, Biden said: Theres not overmuch that happens successful Russia that Putin's not behind. But I dont cognize capable to cognize nan answer. ''

Prigozhin gained prominence arsenic a caterer to Kremlin events, a domiciled that earned him nan nickname "Putin's Chef,'' earlier he founded nan Wagner backstage subject company. Wagner forces were instrumental successful nan grinding, months-long conflict complete nan eastbound Ukrainian metropolis of Bakhmut, a root of Prigozhin's predominant disapproval of nan Russian Ministry of Defense and its leadership.

Contributing: Francesca Chambers

Developments:

 A Russian rocket slammed into a schoolhouse successful nan bluish Ukraine metropolis of Romny, sidesplitting nan schoolhouse director, lawman director, caput and librarian, authorities said. Four passersby were injured.

 Canada imposed sanctions against 4 group and 29 organizations from Russia associated pinch nan military, atomic and finance industries, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced.

 A U.S.-made P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance level owned by Norway was approaching nan Russian separator erstwhile it was intercepted by a Russian MiG-29 pitchy and turned back, nan Russian subject said Wednesday. Norway, a NATO member, had nary contiguous comment.

 Eight Ukrainian pilots and much than 60 method and support unit person now arrived astatine Skrydstrup Air Force Base successful Denmark to statesman training connected flying, servicing and maintaining F-16 combat aircraft, nan Danish subject said.

 A Russian chopper was hijacked by its aviator defector and landed successful nan Kharkiv region of northwest Ukraine loaded pinch spare parts, Ukrainian subject officials told Ukrainian Pravda. Two unit members were "eliminated," nan subject said.

Russia's 'General Armageddon' fired arsenic aerial unit chief

A notorious officer, dubbed General Armageddon for his sadistic strategies successful Syria earlier starring nan Russian subject effort successful Ukraine, has been fired from a lesser position arsenic main of nan aerial force, Russian media reported.

Gen. Sergei Surovikin's sanction had been loosely linked to Wagner's little coup effort 2 months ago, and though nary nonstop relationship betwixt him and nan insurrection has been established, he has not been seen successful nationalist since, authorities media website RBC reported.

Surovikin was replaced by Gen. Viktor Afzalov arsenic main of unit for Aerospace Forces. Surovikin had been appointed commandant of nan troops successful Ukraine successful October but mislaid that station successful February. In nan ensuing months, Wagner caput Prigozhin many times criticized nan Russian Defense Ministry for failing to supply his troops pinch capable weaponry. Prigozhin lauded Surovikin, however, saying erstwhile he led nan warfare effort, ammunition was nary problem.

What value peace? 90% of Ukrainians unwilling to springiness up onshore to Russia

More than 90% of Ukrainians are unwilling to springiness up onshore to Russia to extremity nan war, while little than 5% are consenting to do so, a new study found. Giving up early rank successful NATO drew a spot much liking  18% of respondents said they could support that. About nan aforesaid percent of respondents are fresh to springiness nan Russian connection charismatic position aliases to wantonness nan argumentation of decommunization successful favour of nan Kremlin.

Almost half of Ukrainians (49%) judge their state is moving successful nan correct direction, astir a 3rd (32%) judge it's going successful nan incorrect guidance and nan remainder are undecided.

"The immense mostly of Ukrainians proceed to show their unwillingness to discuss pinch nan aggressor successful bid to extremity nan war," nan study managers said. The study of much than 2,000 adults was conducted by nan Ilko Kucheriv Foundation and financed by nan Netherlands Embassy successful Ukraine.

Zelenskyy supports Ukraine's subject strategies amid criticism

Ukraine President Volodymr Zelenskyy dismissed a New York Times study citing unnamed U.S. officials saying Kyiv's offensive has struggled because of tactical mistakes. The study says Kyiv's troops are dispersed excessively bladed betwixt nan eastbound and southbound while firepower should beryllium concentrated connected punching done Russia's confederate defenses to sever its onshore span pinch occupied Crimea.

"We will not springiness up Kharkiv, Donbas, Pavlograd aliases Dnipro," Zelenskyy said. "Even if each nan analysts of nan world" disagree.

Blasts rip Russians successful Crimea, Moscow

A rocket defense strategy successful Russian-held Crimea was destroyed and a Moscow building was damaged Wednesday, prompting pro-Kremlin bloggers to chastise their ain subject for failing to neutralize Ukraine's expertise to strike.

The attacks were portion of Kyiv's continuing quest to make Russians consciousness symptom from nan 18-month-old warfare that has ripped Ukraine isolated while leaving Russia virtually untouched. The Ukraine subject published video of what it said was a onslaught that destroyed a Russian anti-aircraft rocket strategy astatine Cape Tarkhankut successful Crimea, occupied by Russia since 2014.

"The installation itself, nan missiles installed connected it and nan unit were wholly destroyed," nan subject said successful a release. Ukraine officials called it a "painful blow" to a captious portion of Russia's defenses that could move nan tide successful Kyiv's push to return backmost Crimea.

Russian blogger Rybar said nan onslaught besides deed a substance motortruck and theorized nan blast came from a rocket fired from a Ukraine ship.

"A systematic conclusion of nan full Ukrainian fleet is needed, and this requires changes successful nan statement of nan Russian Navy," Rybar wrote.
MILWAUKEE  A able millennial entrepreneur who has ne'er tally for governmental office, Vivek Ramaswamy was nan target of a barrage of attacks during Wednesdays first debate for nan 2024 Republican statesmanlike nomination. It was an outsized magnitude of attraction and vitriol from seasoned Republican elected officials to give to a governmental novice who is an chartless to astir voters.

The politicians antipathy  often palpable during nan raucous faceoff successful Milwaukee  follows Ramaswamys rising support successful polls of Republican voters. In a Real Clear Politics mean of surveys, Ramaswamy comes successful 3rd  down erstwhile President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis  and up of a erstwhile vice president, erstwhile and existent governors, a existent legislator and others. His cocksure cognition besides intelligibly drove their ire astatine Wednesday nights debate.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

Go to form
Actors Rowoon, left, and Jo Bo-ah pose during a press conference for the JTBC's fantasy series "Destined With You," held in Guro District, Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of JTBC



By Lee Gyu-lee



Actors Jo Bo-ah and Rowoon are starring in JTBC's new fantasy series, "Destined With You," a light-hearted romantic comedy.



The rom-com series, which kicked off Wednesday with a 2.9 percent viewership rating, revolves around a civil servant, Lee Hong-jo (Jo), and a lawyer, Jang Shin-yoo (Rowoon).



Jang is a star lawyer, who has been suffering from a curse that has been passed down from his family for generations. Due to the curse, he has been sick for an unknown reason, until he meets Lee who holds the key to his freedom.



Lee is a low-ranking official at the Department of Greenery who manages to stay optimistic despite the challenges of handling citizens' complaints. One day, she unexpectedly becomes the owner of an ancient book, Mokham, which has been cursed and sealed for 300 years and gets herself entangled with Jang.



Director Nam Ki-hoon, whose previous work includes the Disney+ romance series, "Kiss Sixth Sense" and tvN thriller series "Voice 3," joined hands with the scriptwriter, No Ji-seol, who penned the tvN period romance series, "100 Days My Prince."



"I got the script towards the end of last year and it was interesting that I read straight through to the end from the first page. I felt destined to take the series," the director said during a press conference for the series, held in Guro District, Seoul, Wednesday.



"This is a fantasy series, but I tried to depict the story realistically as if it can happen in real life. I felt it could be the power our series holds. The characters tend to be vivid so I thought it would be more impactful to portray them dramatically than comically."





A scene from the series "Destined With You" / Courtesy of JTBC
Some women always look pulled-together and fashionable (even at the grocery store or gas station) and it drives the rest of us crazy. What do they know that we dont? As a fashion editor, stylist and personal shopper specializing in women 50-plus, Ive dressed thousands of women for photo shoots and real life, and I have learned that style boils down to just a handful of tips. Here are the wardrobe-boosters the fashionable crowd have been keeping to themselves. Pass it on.

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 MADEWELL / ZARA / THE GAP, INC.

1. Wear modified versions of trends

The truly stylish avoid extremes. Instead, they look for newish items that will not only rejuvenate their wardrobes but will stick around for more than one season. A hot pink Barbiecore 2023 blazer may grab your attention, but a muted pink shacket like the Zara Women Faux Suede Overshirt in Pink ($48, zara.com/us) is more wearable and versatile. A satin slip dress? Too junior, but a satin blouse like the Gap Satin Shirt in Stone Beige or Black ($70, gap.com) looks sophisticated without trying too hard. Wide-leg cargo jeans with patch pockets? No way. But streamlined jeans with moderate proportions like Madewells The Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Jean in Heathcote Wash ($128, madewell.com) provides enough of an update without going over the top in volume. In other words, get inspired by fashion but dont take it too seriously.

QUINCE / L.L.Bean / Ambercrombie & Fitch

2. Keep tweaking the classics

Basics are the hardworking backbone of a great wardrobe, but style enthusiasts look for details in shape, design and fabric that give core clothes a reset. For example, lets say a gray turtleneck is a perennial for you. This year you might choose a shorter, boxier shape like the Abercrombie & Fitch Tuckable Easy Turtleneck Sweater in Grey ($80, abercrombie.com) thats easy to front-tuck, or a longer style with high-low hem and ribbed sleeves like the L.L. Bean Womens The Essential Sweater, Turtleneck in Medium Charcoal Heather ($70, llbean.com) or a cashmere splurge like the Quince Super Luxe Baby Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater in Charcoal ($150, quince.com) with modern side slits.


Youanmi New Discovery of High Grade Lithium

Perth, Aug 24, 2023 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Venus Metals Corporation Limited ( ASX:VMC ) is pleased to provide an update on its Youanmi Lithium Project (VMC 100%). A mapping and sampling field programme has been completed to follow up a prominent Lithium soil anomaly identified on E57/1078 and reported previously (ASX 6 July 2023). The anomaly is identified as the Deep South Target (Figures 1,2*), where highly anomalous ultrafine soil samples (max 305 ppm Li) define a northeast trending anomaly with a strike length of at least 900m (Figure 1*).



Highlights



- Two pegmatite outcrops, some 40m apart, with common coarse petalite returned maximum assays of 4.6 %Li2O and 3.26 %Li2O respectively (Table 1*). Petalite (LiAlSi4O10) is a lithium mineral with similar composition to spodumene (LiAl(SiO3)2) and is known to contain less impurities than spodumene.



- Additional soil sampling defines a second lithium anomaly that is open to the south and could point to the presence of multiple Lithium pegmatites in the area.



Due to generally poor outcrop in the target area, it is difficult to establish the orientation/extent of the petalite-rich pegmatites at this stage. Infill soil sampling and targeted rock-chip sampling, based on the interpretation of drone imagery, will commence next week, in preparation for definitive drill testing.



Matt Hogan, MD of Venus commented: "The results of the reconnaissance field visit are highly encouraging and warrant further closely spaced soil and rock sampling, with the aim to better define the general outline/dimension of the newly discovered lithium mineralisation and specifically the outcropping petalite zone. Being close to the major, crustal-scale, Youanmi Fault Zone augurs well for the discovery of a cluster of deep-seated pegmatites ".



The reconnaissance fieldwork included the collection of rock-chip samples and an additional 60 soil samples on a 200m x 200m grid. The mapping shows thin sand cover over poorly outcropping bedrock that include mafic/ultramafic and granitoid rocks including pegmatite.



Significantly, the mapping discovered two small areas of outcropping Lithium pegmatite in dominantly soil covered terrain some 70m from a 223 ppm Li Ultrafine (UF) soil anomaly (Figure 1*). X ray diffraction (XRD) analysis show selected pegmatite specimens from those outcrops are dominantly comprised of the Li-bearing mineral petalite, a lithium aluminium silicate with a composition (LiAlSi4O10) similar to spodumene (LiAl(SiO3)2).



At the Arcadia Lithium Mines, located 38km east of Harare, Zimbabwe, petalite occurs alongside other Li host minerals, e.g., spodumene. At Dakota Minerals' Sepeda lithium project in Portugal, petalite forms the main Li host. The Bikita mine, Zimbabwe (Chinese mining company Sinomine Resource Group), is one of the world's ten largest lithium mines by production. Bikita mine's petalite production has recently been upgraded to 480,000tpa.



*To view tables and figures, please visit:

https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/565L862K





About Venus Metals Corporation Limited





Venus Metals Corporation Limited (ASX:VMC) is a West Australian based Company with a focus on gold, base metals, vanadium and lithium exploration projects. The Company aims to increase shareholder value through targeted exploration success on its projects.

The Company's major gold project is the Youanmi Gold Mine, located 500km north-east of Perth. The Youanmi Gold Mine is now jointly owned by Venus Metals (30%) and Rox Resources Limited (70%); Indicated and Inferred Resource of the mine is in excess of 3 million ounces of gold.

Related Companies
Instagram Celebrity

The 'Hall Of Fame' rapper's house in Los Angeles was raided by law enforcement on Wednesday, August 23, and he was later put in handcuffs as police did their search in the property.

Aug 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Polo G's attorney has spoken out after the rapper's house was raided by cops. In a statement to TMZ, Bradford Cohen insisted that his client "is not and never was a convicted felon."

"Polo is being held 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," Bradford declared. "He is not and never was a convicted felon."

"Any previous charges he had I got dismissed and it's all public record," the lawyer added. "They are also denying myself and my California law partner Zoe Aron access to him while he is being illegally detained."

Polo's house in Los Angeles was raided by law enforcement on Wednesday, August 23. They then ordered everyone to get out of the property one by one as they conducted their search inside.

According to law enforcement sources, the search warrant was issued in relation to a robbery and 4 suspects have been taken into custody already. The warrant itself was related to Polo's brother, Taurean, who's known as Trench Baby. However, Polo was still put in handcuffs because police were trying to determine if he was harboring a fugitive.

It's been nearly two years since Polo was facing legal trouble. In September 2021, he was arrested in the downtown area of Los Angeles for carrying a concealed weapon. According to TMZ, the MC was sitting in the passenger seat of a car that was pulled over for an undisclosed reason.

Polo was then taken into custody when police officers found the firearm in the vehicle. In addition to the hip-hop star, a male juvenile was reportedly arrested and booked on the same charge of carrying a concealed weapon, which is considered a felony.

You can share this post!
Korea Finance Society (KFS) President Mark Kim is a vice president at Anchorage Capital Group in New York. Courtesy of Mark Kim





By Anna J. Park







Headquartered in New York, the Korea Finance Society (KFS) is a renowned organization for Korean and Korean American finance professionals with over 3,000 members, ranging from some of the most high-profile financial leaders like Joseph Bae, co-chief executive officer at KKR & Co., to young college mentees aiming to work in Wall Street after graduation.







Since it was co-founded in 2009 by Mike Joo, COO of Global Corporate & Investment Banking and Head of North America at Bank of America (BofA) Securities, and Sandor Hau, Managing Director and Head of Credit at Charlesbank Capital Partners, the organization has grown exponentially over the last 15 years, providing a solid network platform for mentorship, forums and social gatherings to facilitate members' growth in the finance industry.







Currently, the vast majority of its members are based in the U.S., with a small growing presence in Korea. About 90 percent of the members work in Wall Street, either on the buy-side or the sell-side at banking, private equity or hedge funds. Roughly, one-third of the members are considered juniors  one to seven years of work experience out of college  and another one-third working at mid-level while the remaining one-third hold senior-level positions.







From left, KFS co-founder and Charlesbank Capital Partners Managing Director Sandor Hau, KKR co-CEO Joseph Bae, Uber CFO Nelson Chai, KFS co-founder and BofA Securities COO Mike Joo, at the KFS National Symposium & 15th Anniversary Dinner in New York on April 12. Courtesy of KFS





During a recent interview with The Korea Times, Mark Kim, president of the KFS, explained that members' enthusiastic dedication to voluntarily contribute and get involved in the community has been a key to the organization's success.







"What's very unique about the KFS is that we have no full-time staff and everything's done just by volunteers. People want to give back, and they want to be helpful and involved. We have a lot of people who see the mission of building a community and mentorship, and they all want to be involved and contribute in some way," Kim said during the interview.







"On every single event hosted by the organization, people are either willing to be there and contribute by time, or money. Most, if not all, of the expenses of the KFS are covered by some of the members who are willing to sponsor, not in a commercial way, but for the good of the broader community," he added.







KFS members participate in a networking event held during the KFS National Symposium & 15th Anniversary Dinner in New York on April 12. Courtesy of KFS





He explained that the KFS is very different from other groups in that there are no annual dues or any monetary burdens on members. Instead, the organization has a deep-rooted culture of voluntary commitment by members. It is a virtuous circle in which members are willing to contribute back to society, out of gratitude, as they view that they gained so much from it.







The president of the KFS attributes the unique culture of giving back to the organization's co-founders, two highly successful people who were willing to help build a community to connect Korean people working on Wall Street.







"That's how the KFS works. So it was really Mike and Sandor  co-founders of the KFS and current co-chairmen. What I would say is that they did all the heavy lifting in the beginning phase of the organization when there were no younger people to help. They'd just go through doing everything. They would call and they initially paid all the expenses out of pocket for some 10 years, and they still do," Kim said.







"A common phrase that we say at the KFS is 'learn, earn, and return.' Step one is you've got to learn it; two is you've got to earn it; and three, you have to return it. So a lot of our mentees are in the learning process. And then once you learn everything, you got to really earn to get that job, and at a certain point in your career, you have to give back and you've got to return," Kim pointed to the organization's compound growth achieved by each member's contribution.







The power of such compound growth is most evident in the KFS' Fellowship Program. It is the organization's flagship mentorship program, selecting high-achieving college sophomores to help them grow into a competent finance professional. They are matched with mentors, who provide career advice and guidance through summer internships, group career panels, networking dinners as well as mock interviews. Participating mentors include senior managing directors and partners from Goldman Sachs, AQR, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BlackRock, HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Citibank and the like. So far, over 250 Korean and Korean American students were able to receive full-time offers through the fellowship program; the success rate is 100 percent for all fellows in getting full-time position offers from Wall Street.







Mark Kim himself was the beneficiary of the mentorship program. He studied applied mathematics at Columbia University, but unlike most of the people he studied with, he wanted to pursue a career in Wall Street finance. While it was difficult for a non-finance major to find an opportunity in Wall Street, Kim was mentored under the KFS, finding his first job at Bank of America.







Starting his career in investment banking at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Kim worked at TPG Sixth Street Partners. He now works as a Vice President at Anchorage Capital Group, a credit-oriented investment firm based in New York.







"Now I'm in a position where I got so much help that I want to use that know-how and help my mentees with jobs," Kim said, adding that those mentees, after they graduate and work on Wall Street, become mentors themselves, continuing to give back their contributions for the society. "I think the KFS is this because you have a group of people who want to constantly give back for the good of the community," he highlighted.







Presenters share their insights on the financial industry at a forum session held during the KFS National Symposium & 15th Anniversary Dinner in New York on April 12. Courtesy of KFS





With the number of influential Koreans and Korean Americans working at the top echelon of Wall Street constantly growing, Kim said the finance scene has much changed for Koreans, compared to about a decade ago. He believes the KFS has served a key role in building such a community by connecting them, hoping the current momentum goes on in the future.







"Korea is now one of the biggest economic powerhouses in the world. When the KFS started 15 years ago, I think Korea was very different from a finance perspective. Now. It's massive. And I think the KFS has grown massively, too. And now it's to the point where we can help each other with jobs or with deal flows," Kim said.







"Now what we want to do is we want to make sure our next generation continues it on. The Korean brand equity is very high right now on Wall Street. I think Korean people have a very good image: very hardworking, very passionate and very genuine," he added.







The organization aims to increase its presence in Korea as well. The KFS held its largest annual forum ever held in Seoul earlier this month, providing a platform for networking among Korean American financiers and Korean institutional investors.







Many influential Korean American financiers, including CalPERS Investment Director of Private Equity Yup Kim, Providence Equity Partners Managing Director Lisa Lee, One Rock Capital Partners Co-founder and Managing Partner Tony Lee, Goodwater Capital Co-founder and Managing Partner Eric Kim and Truist Securities Managing Director Stellar Tucker, along with many KFS members, flew to Seoul just to attend the event on their vacations.







"A lot of people ask 'Why do we do this? Why did people go out of pocket and come to Korea? Why do people do this? What's the purpose?' Our conference, there's no sales, there's no marketing, there's no pitching. I think the reason why we are here is mentorship  that is the core of our DNA. I think a lot of interactions in finance have a lot to do with apprenticeship. It's about mentorship, and I think those values are very important," Kim said.







"We sometimes see those values not being very well evident in other industries beyond finance, and so we want to showcase the importance of mentorship to the point of community building, how it's not a zero-sum game, but it's a win-win situation for everyone. I think that's what we're trying to do here," he added, saying the KFS plans to host such events on a regular basis in Seoul.







Female members of KFS pose at the KFS National Symposium & 15th Anniversary Dinner in New York on April 12. Courtesy of KFS





Another core pillar the organization emphasizes is building women's talent in the financial industry. About half of KFS members are female, the organization has been hosting various networking opportunities to foster impactful connections among Korean and Korean American women. It also hopes to interact with women's finance networks in Korea to provide opportunities for each other.







Regarding a question on how he manages to do all of this part-time, on top of his regular full-time job, Kim gave credit to the great help he receives from the KFS board and executive committee members. Plus, he said he enjoys every minute of it.







"I might spend a lot of time at the KFS but I'm not stressed out. At some point, it's all intertwined. Your clients become your friends, your friends become your clients. Through this, you can create business opportunities. You never know, it's super-exciting. And for me, through the KFS, I've met so many great people that I wouldn't have ever thought I'd meet in my life  if it wasn't for KFS. So it really motivates me," he said.







"But more importantly, it helps me stay part of a community. And when you are a minority in America, you need that community to be strong and constantly grow. So it's a very important place in my heart," he said.


Walt Disney Pictures Movie

Vince Lozano, who starred as pirate Jacoby in the franchise's original 2003 movie, believes that the Jack Sparrow depicter 'deserves' a chance to reprise the iconic role after settling his legal dispute with Amber Heard.

Aug 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - "Pirates of the Caribbean" star Vince Lozano has called for Johnny Depp to return as Captain Jack Sparrow. The actor starred as pirate Jacoby in the franchise's original 2003 movie "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and feels that Depp "deserves" a chance to reprise the lead role now his legal disputes with ex-wife Amber Heard are over.

Vince told MovieWeb, "I think he deserves another shot as Jack, but I don't think it's going to happen, I'm hearing a lot of stories out there. The audience is there though. I do a lot of pirate conventions and there's such a big subculture of people that dress up like pirates, and they love Johnny."

Depp was axed as Jack Sparrow by Disney in 2018 in an attempt to bring a "new energy" to the franchise but Disney Studios Motion Picture president Sean Bailey did not rule out a potential return for the 60-year-old actor. In an interview with The New York Times newspaper, Bailey said, "We think we have a really good, exciting story that honours the films that have come before but also has something new to say."

Quizzed on whether Depp would be part of the movie, Bailey answered by saying that the studio was "noncommittal at this point." The "Edward Scissorhands" star mentioned during last year's defamation trial against Heard that he was disappointed that he didn't get to bid farewell to "Pirates of the Caribbean" after portraying Jack Sparrow in five films.

Depp said, "My feeling was that these characters should be able to have their proper goodbye, as it were. A franchise can only last for so long, and there's a way to end a franchise like that, and I thought that the characters deserved to have their way out, to end the franchise on a very good note. I planned on continuing until it was time to stop."

You can share this post!
NBC/Trae Patton TV

During the actress' first show since her split from husband Joe Manganiello, fellow judge Howie quips that the 51-year-old star is in the market for a new man.

Aug 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Howie Mandel joked that Sofia Vergara is looking for love on her return to "America's Got Talent". During the 51-year-old actress' first show since her split from husband Joe Manganiello, co-star Howie, 67, quipped that Sofia is in the market for a new man, while giving feedback to ventriloquist and mentalist Brynn Cummings who performed an act in which she set Heidi Klum up with an eligible bachelor puppet named Lovebird.

According to PEOPLE, Howie said, "I have one more piece of advice for you: if you're looking for eligible bachelors, you should've talked to Sofia because she's in the market right now."

Host Terry Crews, 55, jumped in to say, "No, we're not doing that here!" And model Heidi, 50, told Brynn, "Well, thank you that you picked me. I think I did a fantastic job and so did you."

Back in July, Sofia and Joe, 46, announced their split after seven years of marriage. They said in a statement, "We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect for our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives."

Meanwhile, Sofia's "Modern Family" co-star Julie Bowen recently insisted Sofia doesn't need a relationship after her breakup. She told E! News, "Everything she does, she does with grace. And she rises above and she just goes forward. She's warm and generous and giving to everybody around her. I have no doubt that if she wishes to be in a relationship she will be but she sure don't need one."

The 53-year-old star admitted she would love to take her pal out for a night of dancing, even if Sofia might show her up. She added, "I would like that very much. Oh, but she would be so mad at me because I can't dance. She's such a good dancer. She just does this slow hip roll for hours. And that's a lot of what hanging out with her is - it's slow rolling it for a long time."

You can share this post!
Cover Images/KIKA Press Celebrity

The 'Euphoria' actress sets the record straight about speculations that she's beefing with her longtime stylist Law Roach after a seating mishap during Paris Fashion Week in March.

Aug 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Zendaya Coleman spoke out about rumors that she's beefing with her longtime stylist Law Roach after a seating mishap during Paris Fashion Week in March. The actress set the record straight for the first time in an interview for ELLE's September issue.

"When it happened, I said, 'Oh no, I hope people don't try to create something from this,' " Zendaya said in the interview, which was published on Wednesday, August 23. "We're so used to sitting together that he didn't know where to go."

The "Euphoria" star went on to say that she actually pointed to her assistant for help and not to sit behind her. She further noted, "But obviously, people want to assume the worst of the situation, which is not always easy to deal with and hurtful."

"I ride super hard for my team, especially for people I love," the "Challengers" actress added. "He's involved in every fashion contract, everything I do. If I have an opportunity where he can come with me, he's always going to be there. He's always been my creative director in a sense, and he continues to fill that role, because it's more than just clothes on a red carpet."

The seating debacle emerged after a viral video featured Zendaya rushing to her front-row seat at the Louis Vuitton presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Law, meanwhile, could be seen standing there as he was unsure of where to sit. The Emmy-winning actress then pointed to a seat behind her.

The video sparked rumors online that there was tension between the two as it came after Law announced his early retirement. Blaming it on "politics" and "lies," he said at the time, "My Cup is empty.. thank you to everyone who've supported me and my career over the years. Every person that trusted me with their image, I'm so grateful for you all. If this business was just about the clothes I would do it for the rest of my life but unfortunately it's not! The politics , the lies and false narratives finally got me! You win  I'm out."

While this is the first time for the girlfriend of Tom Holland to address the rumors, Law previously echoed similar sentiments in a separate interview. Speaking with The Cut in March, he said, "It was a long walk. So, it was a lot of anxiety, because Zendaya is really respectful and she doesn't like people to have to wait on her, and so it was just anxiety."

He continued, "In my mind, my seat was next to her. So when I got there and it wasn't, you know, it wasn't a problem, but there was nobody to tell me where my actual seat was."

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

On her podcast, the 'Vanderpump Rules' alum also accuses the former 'The Real Housewives of New York City' star of not doing sufficient research before conducting an interview with Raquel Leviss.

Aug 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Stassi Schroeder has called out Bethenny Frankel for allegedly victim-shaming Ariana Madix. A few days after Bethenny's interview with Raquel Leviss was published, the former "Vanderpump Rules" star accused "The Real Housewives of New York City" alum of attempting to make her former co-star look bad.

On her "Straight Up With Stassi" podcast, the 35-year-old former reality TV star went public with her claim about Bethenny. In the Wednesday, August 23 episode, she stated, "It was almost like Bethenny was trying to make Ariana look bad. It's like, that's not the route we should be taking right now. Ariana hasn't done anything wrong."

Stassi further responded to Bethenny's statement about Ariana still living in the same house with her former beau Tom Sandoval. "What is this? Trying to say we weren't that good of friends, Ariana's making so much money now, she's still living with Sandoval," she pointed out.

"She's not living with Sandoval because she's forgiven him," Stassi went on to explain. "She's living with Sandoval because she's like, 'This is my house too and I refuse to leave my own home,' and Sandoval is being a gaslighting prick motherf**ker who is refusing to leave."

"Bethenny, shut up," Stassi bluntly stated. "This is another issue that I had. I understand Bethenny taking this interview. What I don't understand is how she didnt - when she found out she was gonna interview [Raquel] - go and binge-watch seasons 1 through f**king 10 so that she knew everything and do her research."

"It was lazy. It was a lazy f**king interview," the Bravo alum blasted. "Just hearing her talk, the way Bethenny talked about Ariana and Sandoval living together, that was a lazy interview. She did not do her research. She does not understand anything."

This was not the first time Bethenny received backlash over her recent chat with Raquel. A few days prior, actor Kyle Cooke slammed Bethenny for allegedly "cashing in" on the interview. In an Instagram comment, he wrote in mid-August, "The irony of it all: Bethenny cashing in ads as she 'exposes Bravo's exploits' and gives Rachel 'a voice.' "

"[Bethenny] literally has more ad spots than any other podcast I've ever listened to. Rachel wont see a dime lol. I bet she had to pay her way to fly to [Bethenny] just to record this," the "Summer House" star went on to claim. "If this was a true PSA it would be ad free."

You can share this post!
Instagram Celebrity

The Memphis Police Department unveils a new picture that gives a clear look at the man accused of fatally shooting Tomanuel Benson after his rapper brother appears to warn retaliation in his Instagram Stories.

Aug 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Police are one step closer to catching the murder of Blac Youngsta's brother. Authorities have zeroed in on a man suspected of shooting and killing Tomanuel Benson as they have released a photo of the alleged murderer.

Making use of social media on Tuesday, August 22, the Memphis Police Department let out the image of the person of interest in the shooting death of Benson. No arrest has been made as it's also noted that this is still an ongoing investigation.

The release of the suspect's photo has sparked debate, with some people expressing concerns for the individual's safety. "Them Folks know wat they doing that's y they put him on blast they know he might not make it through the night," one user noted on MPD's official social media account. Another predicted, "he won't make it even if he turn himself in they gon handle him behind bars."

Youngsta's brother met his demise on Friday, August 18. He was shot near a B.P. gas station on South Parkway East at approximately 9:30 A.M. When officers arrived at the scene, they found the man, who was later identified as Benson, dead.

Eyewitnesses reported that an assailant from a passing vehicle was responsible for the attack. The motive behind Benson's murder and his relationship with the person of interest remain unknown. Authorities encourage anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers at 528-CASH.

Meanwhile, Youngsta has taken to his Instagram Stories to express his grief while seemingly hinting at retaliation. "I love u baby brother rest up," he wrote. "I'm gone make the world pay. I swear to God nobody safe. Standing over everybody."

"I'm ready for whatever come with this s**t. It's ok. Don't feel sorry for me. I'm not gone feel sorry for nobody. Only God knows," he added in a separate Story. "Gone make sure they feel me I promise ... Life will never be the same. But God got me. I'm the strongest man [in] the world."

Youngsta had previously lost two siblings to street violence. His brother Ronnie B was fatally shot in 2016 and his other brother HeavyChampTD met his tragic demise in Miami in 2019.

You can share this post!
Cover Images/Abby Grant Celebrity

The reason why the 'Yellowstone' actor only speaks to Christine Baumgartner through 'intermediaries' is because he's fed up with the drama surrounding their divorce.

Aug 24, 2023

AceShowbiz - Kevin Costner and his estranged wife are only communicating through lawyers. Christine Baumgartner, 49, lodged divorce papers in May after 18 years of marriage and Kevin, 68, is so sick of the drama that he is leaving it up to his lawyer to deal with.

"They are only speaking through intermediaries. Kevin would rather use the silent treatment than deal with Christine directly anymore. Kevin is a chess player, and he will outplay Christine," a source told Us Weekly.

Another source added, "Kevin and his lawyers have made a concerted effort to lower the temperature and stop the tide of bad publicity. He doesn't want this to be a drawn-out [divorce]."

"Kevin's been to hell and back, but the feeling you get from people in his circle is that he's finally coming out the other side. He's throwing himself into his work and surrounding himself with people he can trust. Divorce sucks, but he's toughing it out."

"Kevin has a lot of confidence in his attorneys, and he's staying busy with his career and continues to have a very special relationship with his kids. He firmly believes that brighter times are ahead."

Kevin was said to be blindsided when Christine - who he shares children Cayden, 16, Hayes, 14, and Grace, 13, with - filed for divorce but she is believed to have been upset by how much time he was spending away from home while filming "Yellowstone" in Montana.

The insider explained, "Kevin feels betrayed by Christine, but he wants to take the high ground. Their marriage seemed solid and like they were in it for the long term, but the time apart clearly took a toll. Christine just couldn't cope."

And, insiders have insisted that Kevin is ready to move on from all of the drama. A third source explained, "Kevin doesn't hate Christine, but he does want a clean break. Of course, there are resentments and animosity, but that comes with the territory, and he's trying not to make it personal."

You can share this post!
Chinese, int'l scholars gather to discuss changes to Silk Road civilization, climate, environment

Xinhua) 13:50, August 24, 2023

LANZHOU, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A conference on the evolution of Silk Road civilization, climate change and environmental change was held on Wednesday in Lanzhou, the capital of northwest China's Gansu Province, attracting over 200 experts from across the world.

Scholars from countries such as China, Germany, Russia, Iran, the United Kingdom, the United States, Spain and Mongolia gathered at the ANSO (Alliance of International Science Organizations) Silk Road Forum and the second ATES (Association for Trans-Eurasia Exchange and Silk-Road Civilization Development) Open Science Conference, exchanging the results of their interdisciplinary research.

They noted that the Silk Road has been a road of openness, integration and peace since ancient times. They said the scientific community should strengthen international scientific and technological cooperation with a spirit of open and integrated innovation, promote people-to-people exchanges, and work together to deal with the major challenges facing global sustainable development.

The conference aimed to strengthen scientific research cooperation and exchanges among countries and regions along the Silk Road, and promote the high-quality development of work related to the climate, the environment, the economy and society along the Silk Road, said Chen Fahu, director of the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which initiated ATES.

"By focusing on relevant topics, we hope to understand the evolution of human-land relations along the Silk Road, work together to address the challenges brought by climate change, and serve the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative," Chen said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
By Lee Hae-rin





Lee Su-ji, a lawyer and a mother of a seven-year-old who co-authored a legal guide for parents with digital-native children / Courtesy of Lee Su-ji

Lee Su-ji, a lawyer with 10 years of experience who is also the mother of a seven-year-old child, has published a legal guide for parents with digital-native children, who grow up under the ubiquitous influence of modern information technologies, social media and potential exposure to digital crimes.



In her first book published last month titled, "My child's SNS that I didn't know: Legal common sense to protect my child on SNS taught by a lawyer and mother," the partner attorney at the Seoul-based Law Firm Changgyeong who specialized in criminal code and intellectual property rights, now shares legal knowledge based on both her personal and professional experiences.



"I was in middle school when I had my first mobile phone and already a university graduate in the workforce by the time I started using a smartphone," Lee said in a recent interview with The Korea Times.



"In contrast, my daughter has grown up with tech devices  and she knows naturally how to leave an online comment and search for a video clip that suits her taste, without anyone teaching her how," Lee said, adding that she finds it amazing but also alarming how quickly her child learns digital skills.



The lawyer said she has received an increasing number of parents seeking legal assistance for their school-age children involved in digital crime cases as clients. The cases range from major crimes such as voice phishing, cyberbullying and deep-fake crimes to minor illegalities caused by simple ignorance, such as leaving inappropriate online comments and infringing copyright by sharing web novels.



Korea is witnessing an increase in digital crimes involving minors, both as victims and perpetrators.



One out of five teenagers in Seoul have experienced digital sex crimes, according to the Seoul Foundation of Women and Family's 2021 survey with Seoul-based 4,012 aged between 11 and 19.



However, awareness levels on digital crimes remain low, as nine out of 10 child perpetrators of digital sex crimes said they didn't think their actions were serious crimes, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's analysis of counseling records with minor offenders.





"My child's SNS that I didn't know: Legal common sense to protect my child on SNS taught by a lawyer and mother" / Courtesy of Jaeum and Moeum Publishing
Federal Office of Cultural Affairs

Bern, 24.08.2023 - The Director of the Federal Office of Culture (FOC), Carine Bachmann, today handed over five items of Chinese cultural property to the Chinese ambassador to Switzerland, Shihting Wang, in Bern. The items were confiscated in cantonal criminal proceedings. The restitution is taking place within the framework of implementation of the Federal Act on the International Transfer of Cultural Property (CPTA).

The items are an equestrian statue with horse from the Han Dynasty, a large Cizhou wine vessel, a pair of horse statues from the Tang Dynasty, and a coin from the Yuan Dynasty.

The five items were legally confiscated in several criminal proceedings in the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Ticino and subsequently handed over to the federal government. The restitution is taking place as part of the CPTA, which implements the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the means of prohibiting and preventing the illicit import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property.

Today's restitution underscores the shared commitment of Switzerland and China to implementing the UNESCO Convention and to tackling the illegal transfer of cultural property. In addition, since 2014, there has been a bilateral agreement with China on the import and restitution of cultural property, which further bolsters this commitment.

The CPTA regulates the import and export of cultural property and restitution from Switzerland. It also sets out measures against the illicit transfer of cultural property. Through this legislation the federal government seeks to help preserve the cultural heritage of humanity and prevent theft, looting and the illegal import and export of cultural property.

Address for enquiries

Fabienne Baraga, Head of the Specialised Body for the International Transfer of Cultural Property

Federal Office of Culture FOC

+41 58 465 73 05, kgt@bak.admin.ch

Publisher

Federal Office of Cultural Affairs

http://www.bak.admin.ch




With Lok Sabha elections likely in April-May next year, the BJP has started reviewing and planning a roadmap for all 48 Lok Sabha seats. In the first phase, the party will cover 28 constituencies in the next two months. During a constituency review meeting in Nagpur, Maharashtra BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule called Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) president and founder Sharad Pawar a seasoned and experienced leader who can play an important role in making 21st century India.

Sharad Pawars NCP is part of the Opposition, in which Uddhav Thackerays Shiv Sena (UBT) and Congress are allies. According to Bawankule, the differences within the NCP are short-lived, as state NCP chief Jayant Patil recently said that both he and Ajit Pawar are both Sharad Pawars karyakarta. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar, along with over 40 MLAs, has joined the BJP-led coalition in Maharashtra on the plot planned by Sharad Pawar. Meanwhile, Sharad Pawar held rallies in the constituencies of NCP leaders who had defected to the opposing NCP faction led by his nephew, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Bawankule remarked and made his point, stating that the BJP is a pan-Indian party with a public mandate. Everyone in the BJP works around the clock for the public good. Our party, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis, works 247. To be accepted as a leader, one has to lead by example. It requires 18 out of 24 hours of hard work. You dont fight sitting at home, he emphasized.

Taking a dig at Uddhav Thackeray, who has vowed to fight and finish the BJP, Bawankule said that Thackeray will be left with just four to five leaders to share the dais by 2024. Even as the chief minister of Maharashtra, he could not prevent a split in his organization. The majority of his MLAs and MPs walked out of the parent party right under his nose. He failed to stop them. Even those remaining under him will slowly leave.

During his visit, Bawankule reviewed the pre-poll preparations in Nagpur, Bhandara, and Gondia Lok Sabha constituencies.
We were all very proud and excited to see the successful landing of the Lander Module of ISROs third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. India became the first country to land near the Moons south pole. This is a very proud moment for the country and the space researchers. ISRO scientists have told the world that Chanda Mama is no longer far away from us. India has added one golden chapter to the history of space exploration. This mission is successful because many animal species have contributed to space exploration in the past. Before humans actually went into space, one of the prevailing theories about the perils of space flight was that humans might not be able to survive long periods of weightlessness.

For several years, there has been a serious debate among scientists about the effects of prolonged weightlessness. American and Russian scientists utilized animalsmainly monkeys, chimps, and dogsin order to test each countrys ability to launch a living organism into space and bring it back alive and unharmed. Scientists were curious to know how the body reacts to microgravity. Many experiments were conducted on humans, but due to certain uncertainties, animals were chosen to go on space exploration. Chimpanzees were one of the first mammals to travel into space. In those days, nobody knew if people could survive a trip away from Earth, so using animals was one of the alternatives to doing research and exploration. In 1948, a rhesus macaque monkey named Albert flew inside a V2 rocket. In 1957, the Russians sent a dog named Laika into orbit. Both of these flights showed that humans could survive weightlessness and the effects of high gravitational forces. Gradually, the number of animals sent into space was reduced. Most experiments could be conducted in space without involving animals.

In 1973, however, a Skylab space project studied circadian rhythm. This experiment used several mice. From there, the Space Shuttle program evolved, which included a more suitable environment for animals. Due to housing needs and the feasibility of space travel, the lowest form of life was sent to space. The species chosen were snails and fish because these species can be applied to human conditions: inner ear exams can be done in a snail rather than a highly evolved mammal, and genetic studies can be conducted in fish.

On September 20, 1951, a monkey named Yorick and 11 mice were recovered after an Aerobee missile flight of 236,000 feet at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. Yorick got a fair amount of press as the first monkey to live through a space flight. On May 22, 1952, two Philippine monkeys, Patricia and Mike, were enclosed in an Aerobee nose section at Holloman Air Force Base. Patricia was placed in a seated position and Mike in a prone position to determine differences in the effects of rapid acceleration. Fired 36 miles up at a speed of 2000 mph, these two monkeys were the first primates to reach such a high altitude. Also on this flight were two white mice, Mildred and Albert. They were inside a slowly rotating drum where they could float during the period of weightlessness. The section containing the animals was recovered safely from the upper atmosphere by parachute. Patricia died of natural causes about two years later, and Mike died in 1967, both at the National Zoological Park in Washington, DC.

The Soviets kept close tabs on what the U.S. was doing with their V-2 and Aerobee missile projects during the early 1950s. Basing their experiments on American biomedical research, Soviet rocket pioneer Sergei Korolev, his biomedical expert Vladimir Yazdovsky, and a small team used mice, rats, and rabbits as one-way passengers for their initial tests. They needed to gather data to design a cabin to carry a human being into space. Eventually, they chose small dogs for this phase of testing. Dogs were chosen over monkeys because it was felt that they would be less fidgety in flight. A test with two dogs would allow for more accurate results. They chose females because of the relative ease of controlling waste. Between 1951 and 1952, the Soviet R-1 series rockets carried nine dogs altogether, with three dogs flying twice. Each flight carried a pair of dogs in hermetically sealed containers that were recovered by parachute. Of these early space-bound hounds, a few have been remembered by name.

On August 15, 1951, Dezik and Tsygan (Gypsy) were launched. These two were the first canine suborbital astronauts. They were successfully retrieved. In early September 1951, Dezik and Lisa were launched. This second early Russian dog flight was unsuccessful. The dogs died, but a data recorder survived. Korolev was devastated by the loss of these dogs. Shortly afterwards, Smelaya (Bold) and Malyshka (Little One) were launched. Smelaya ran off the day before the launch. The crew was worried that wolves that lived nearby would eat her. She returned a day later, and the test flight resumed successfully. The fourth test launch was a failure, with two dog fatalities. However, in the same month, the fifth test launch of two dogs was successful. On September 15, 1951, the sixth of the two-dog launches occurred. One of the two dogs, Bobik, escaped, and a replacement was found near the local canteen. She was a mutt, given the name ZIB, the Russian acronym for substitute for Missing Dog Bobik. The two dogs reached 100 kilometers and returned successfully. Other dogs associated with this series of flights included Albina (Whitey), Dymka (Smoky), Modnista (Fashionable), and Kozyavka (Gnat).

Gordo, a squirrel monkey, was catapulted 600 miles high in a Jupiter rocket, also on December 13, 1958, one year after the Soviets launched Laika. Gordos capsule was never found in the Atlantic Ocean. He died on splashdown when a flotation mechanism failed, but Navy doctors said signals on his respiration and heartbeat proved humans could withstand a similar trip. Able, an American-born rhesus monkey, and Baker, a South American squirrel monkey, followed on May 28, 1959, aboard an Army Jupiter missile.

Four black mice were launched on June 3, 1959, on Discoverer 3, part of the Corona program of U.S. spy satellites, which was launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base on a Thor Agena A rocket. This was the only Discoverer flight with an animal payload. Miss Sam, another rhesus monkey and Sams mate, was launched on January 21, 1960, for another test of the LES. Goliath, a one-and-a-half-pound squirrel monkey, was launched in an Air Force Atlas E rocket on November 10, 1961. Enos became the first chimpanzee to orbit the earth on November 29, 1961, aboard a Mercury Atlas rocket. His mission concluded the testing for a human orbital flight, achieved by John Glenn on February 20, 1962. Enos died at Holloman Air Force Base of a non-space related case of dysentery 11 months after his flight. On October 18, 1963, French scientists launched the first cat into space on Veronique AGI sounding rocket No. 47. The cat, named Felicette, was successfully retrieved after a parachute descent, but a second feline flight on October 24 ran into difficulties that prevented recovery.

Back in the Soviet Union, the dogs Veterok (Breeze) and Ugoyok (Little Piece Of Coal) were launched aboard Kosmos 110 by the Soviet Union on February 22, 1966. The flight was an evaluation of the prolonged effects of radiation from the Van Allen Belts during space travel on animals. Twenty-one days in space still stand as a canine record and were only surpassed by humans in June 1974 with the flight of Skylab 2.

From 1973 to 1996, Russia, or its predecessor, the Soviet Union, launched a series of life sciences satellites called Bion. Research partners have included Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, China, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, the European Space Agency, France, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, and the United States.

Bion missions are typically put under the Kosmos umbrella name, which is used for a variety of different satellites, including spy satellites. The first Bion launch was Kosmos 605, launched on October 31, 1973. The satellite carried tortoises, rats, insects, and fungi on a 22-day mission. Other missions have also carried plants, mold, quail eggs, fish, newts, frogs, cells, and seeds.

Starting with Bion 6 (Kosmos 1514), these missions have carried pairs of monkeys. Bion 6/Kosmos 1514 was launched on December 14, 1983, and carried the monkeys Abrek and Bion on a five-day flight. Bion 7/Kosmos 1667 was launched on July 10, 1985, and carried the monkeys Verny (Faithful) and Gordy (Proud) on a seven-day flight. Bion 8/Kosmos 1887 was launched on September 29, 1987, and carried the monkeys Yerosha (Drowsy) and Dryoma (Shaggy) on a 13-day flight. Bion 10/Kosmos 2229 was launched on December 29, 1992, and carried the monkeys Krosh (Tiny) and Ivasha on a 12-day flight. A biological payload record was set on April 17, 1998, when over two thousand creatures joined the seven-member crew of the shuttle Columbia (STS-90) for a sixteen-day mission of intensive neurological testing (NEUROLAB). And thats how humans made their entry into space exploration.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com)
Amid the Cauvery dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that Karnataka will argue the matter in the Supreme Court because the petition filed by Tamil Nadu is not maintainable.

Karnataka CM told ANI, Karnataka will argue the matter because Tamil Nadu filed a petition asking the release of water but the petition by Tamil Nadu is not maintainable as the Supreme Court has already given a verdict on the Cauvery dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka on 5th February 2018.

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. In normal years we have to release 177.25 TMC of water, but in distress situations, it is not defined yet what distress means? Karnataka CM added.

Earlier, an all-party meeting chaired by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to discuss the Cauvery River water dispute was held 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 were present in the meeting.

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.
Southern Company, parent company of Alabama Power, was named Alabamas best employer in Forbes magazines annual report on the best companies to work for across the U.S.

Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey 70,000 workers at companies (minimum of 500 employees) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, according to the report.

Participants were asked if they would recommend their employer to others and to evaluate their employer based on working conditions, diversity, compensation packages, potential for development, company image and more.

The number of companies on each individual state list was dependent on factors including the size of the companies and workforce in that state.

In Alabama, 15 employers were deemed worthy of a spot on the list.

Southern Company employs some 27,700 employees, with more than 6,000 working for Alabama Power.

Southern Company is honored to be recognized by Forbes as the best employer in Alabama, said Chris Womack, president & CEO of Southern Company. This accolade is particularly rewarding because it is directly based on employee feedback.

We strive to be a leader in our industry and will continue to create the best workplace possible for our thousands of team members who work each and every day to provide world-class service to the customers we have the privilege to serve.

Southern Company was followed by Books-A-Million, which was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Birmingham.

According to the Alabama Retail Association, Books-A-Million has a total workforce of more than 5,400, with more than 1,000 in Alabama.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham ranked third among the states best employers, to go along with its ranking as Alabamas largest public employer with more than 28,000 people employed across the university and hospital system.

According to the university, UAB has an estimated economic impact of more than $12 billion annually.

To be recognized by Forbes as a top employer in the state is a great honor, said Janet May, the universitys chief human resources officer. UAB is a special place to work and thrive. This is attributed to our faculty and staff who are dedicated to our students, patients, community and one another.

UAB was the only institution of higher learning in Alabama to earn a spot on Forbes list.

Coming in fourth on the list was Northrop Grumman, followed by Evonik Industries, one of the worlds leading specialty chemical companies. The remainder of the list features:

Wind Creek Hospitality, which operates a casino resort in Atmore.

Home Instead Senior Care, which provides in-home assistance for seniors across Alabama.

Clayton Homes, a mobile and modular home manufacturer based in Mobile.

Edward Jones, a banking and financial services company.

Honda Motor, which has a plant in Lincoln, Ala., and employs more than 4,000.

Polaris, Inc., which has one of its largest manufacturing plants in Huntsville, employing some 2,000 people

Publix Super Markets, an employee-owned chain which operates the Southern Fresh Farm in Shelby County.

Boeing, Alabamas largest aerospace company employs more than 3,000 at its Huntsville facility.

Hoover City School District, the only one of Alabamas 139 public school districts to make the list.

AIRBUS, which operates an assembly site for its commercial airplanes division in Mobile and employs some 2,200 people there.

A total of 1,392 organizations appeared on at least one state list, with 269 companies, such as Apple and JPMorgan Chase, earning a spot on multiple state lists.
Its a piece of history that could have easily slipped away, vanishing like some of the buildings where the seeds of Birminghams civil rights movement were planted.

The Birmingham Historical Society since 1993 has been working to document the 60 churches where civil rights mass meetings were held.

On June 5, 1956, a crowd of 1,000 gathered in the tight confines of the 850-seat Old Sardis Baptist Church at 1240 Fourth St. North in Enon Ridge to hear the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth breath eloquent words onto the embers of racial discontent in Birmingham. The meeting organized the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and elected Shuttlesworth president.

Shuttlesworth, as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church in Collegeville from 1956-61, led early efforts at desegregation in Birmingham.

Shuttlesworth, Old Sardis Pastor Robert Alford and other ministers helped create ACMHR after the NAACP was banned in Alabama.

It was the first in a series of mass meetings that stirred thousands to rally, give money, volunteer and march in the streets to protest and help overturn the citys stringent segregation laws.

This was the shining hour for the African-American church in this community, said historian Wilson Fallin Jr., author of Shelter in the Storm: The African American Church in Birmingham.

The Alabama Historical Commission has designated Old Sardis Baptist Church to receive $192,000 in funding to assist with its preservation efforts. The funding will allow for enhancements to the historical building and preservation of the historical monument.

The Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights had faith at its core, Shuttlesworth said when he returned to preach at Old Sardis in 2006.

The Christian part was the most important part, said Shuttlesworth, who died in 2011. We had to do things we thought Christ would want us to do - surely nonviolent.

Old Sardis Baptist Church is on the National Historical Registry.

People came to the mass meetings to build their courage, get inspired, and the whole movement was made up of religious people who were convinced God would lead them to defeat segregation, Fallin said. The preachers were the leaders. Without religion, there simply would have been no movement. Religious fervor carried the movement. Those meetings were simply a Black Baptist worship service. It began with a praise service; there would be long prayers. A preacher would preach. Shuttlesworth would give directions, and take up an offering.

Shuttlesworth had a core group of about 20 pastors who helped him organize. They drew their courage from him, Fallin said. Theres no question he was the man and the most daring.

Old Sardis members say the grant will help preserve their church, and history.

The Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights was needed to replace the NAACP, which had been outlawed by the state of Alabama at the time. Up until this acknowledgement from the Alabama Historical Commission, the narrative of Old Sardis Baptist Church and its role in the movement had been lost in Birminghams Civil Rights memory, said Adrienne Reynolds, a member of the Old Sardis Baptist Church Historical Committee. The Historical Committee of the church hopes this selection reminds the world of the impact of Old Sardis Baptist Church on the world.

See also: Five historic Alabama civil rights churches get National Parks grants
For six months next year, Captain Jack Sparrows pirate garb, Cruella de Vils fur coat, and Cinderellas glass slipper will have a new home at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

The museum announced it will be the next institution to house the critically acclaimed exhibition Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, created by the Walt Disney Archives.

Premiering Feb. 17, 2024 and running through Aug. 18, 2024, the exhibition features a collection of original works of art and 70 costumes spanning nearly half a century. The landmark exhibit will take visitors on a journey through the enchanting world of Disney, spotlighting the artistry and craftsmanship behind intricate ball gowns, capes, and dazzling tiaras, showcasing the work of renowned Hollywood costume designers including Colleen Atwood, Sandy Powell, Tony Walton, and Eduardo Castro.

Press materials for Heroes and Villains say the principal part of the exhibition is organized into three Disney archetypes: heroes, villains, and the spaces between  a gallery dedicated to the complex and intriguing antiheroes of Disney lore.

The Cinderellas Workshop gallery displays the evolution of Cinderellas dresses from different Disney adaptations, from 1997s Rodgers and Hammersteins Cinderella to 2014s Into the Woods, the 2015 live-action remake, and Once Upon a Time, the popular series that ran on ABC from 20112018.

Cinderella gown designed by Sandy Powell and worn by Lily James in Cinderella (2015).  Disney, (Courtesy the Birmingham Museum of Art)

Other exhibition highlights will include the Sanderson Sisters wicked wardrobe from Hocus Pocus, Belles ball gown from Disneys 2017 Beauty and the Beast live-action remake, and the costumes created for Giselle, Prince Edward, and Queen Narissa of Enchanted. Iconic costumes in the exhibitions Villains gallery include the dresses of the stepsisters from 2015s Cinderella, and the costumes of the Evil Queen and Hook from Once Upon a Time.

The Birmingham Museum of Art will be the third institution to host Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume. The exhibition made its debut in 2019 at the D23 Expo, the multiday showcase presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.

The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle was the first venue to host the exhibition outside of the expo. The Henry Ford Museum in Detroit housed the exhibit from 2022 to January 2023.

Were focusing on the art of costume design, Becky Cline from the Walt Disney Archives told MLive in 2022. Over the years, the costume designers dont get as much attention as say, the cinematographers, the set designers and prop builders and theyre just as important to the overall look of the film and are artists in their own right that we want to celebrate.

The Birmingham Museum of Art has housed a number of large-scale traveling exhibitions over the years, including Small Treasures: Rembrandt, Pompeii: Tales of an Eruption, and Norman Rockwells America.

The BMA says Heroes and Villains will be its largest exhibition in more than a decade. The exhibit will be housed on two floors at the museum the upstairs Jemison galleries as well as the downstairs Pizitz gallery.

PNC Bank will be the presenting sponsor for the exhibition.

The BMA is proud to work with Disney on our first major exhibition in nearly a decade, which will offer Birmingham a rare first-hand look at famous costumes that are a crucial part of Disneys incomparable storytelling, said Graham C. Boettcher, the R. Hugh Daniel Director of the Birmingham Museum of Art, in a press release about the exhibit. We are grateful to our presenting sponsor PNC for making this once-in-a-lifetime show possible for our community.

As a national main street bank, PNC proudly supports the communities where we live and work, said Nick Willis, PNCs regional president for Greater Alabama, in the same release. We are delighted to support this special exhibition as part of our decade-long relationship with the Museum as they continue to inspire imagination and make a lasting impact on the region.

Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume, will be a ticketed exhibition. Tickets will go on sale on the Birmingham Museum of Art website in October. Updated information on ticket prices and exhibition hours will be available on the museums website at artsbma.org.
Melissa Joan Hart revealed that she was almost fired from Sabrina the Teenage Witch because of a racy photo shoot with Maxim magazine in 1999, in which the actor posed in her underwear.

As a guest on Pod Meets World, a Boy Meets World rewatch podcast, Hart said she found out she was being sued and fired from Sabrina while at a Hollywood party during the worst day of my life.

Show producer Archie Comics responded to Harts comments in a statement to Variety, writing: Archie Comics knows nothing and has heard nothing about this, and it was decades before the current administration at Archie. Its ancient history.

While Im at the party, my lawyer shows up and goes, You did a photo shoot for Maxim magazine? Hart said on the podcast (via EW). Im like, Yes, I did. Theyre like, Well, youre being sued and fired from your show, so dont talk to the press, dont do anything.

Hart continued, So I get a phone call on my cell phone from my mother, my producer, who was like, What did you do? And I was like, I dont know, whatever my publicist told me to do at the photo shoot. I did a photo shoot for Maxim! Its Maxim, of course youre gonna be in your underwear.

But what caused a bigger issue than the suggestive photos was Maxims cover line, which read: Sabrina, your favorite witch without a stitch. Apparently the actor was accused of breaching her contract with Archie Comics, a producer on the series, as Hart agreed to never play the character naked.

Hart remembered crying in her fathers arms after receiving the news from her lawyer.

He comes up to me and goes, You okay? I was like, No, Hart said. And he hugs me, and I was crying even harder because my dad is hugging me, Im being fired from my show, I was just fired from [Scary Movie] and I just broke up with my boyfriend.

Nonetheless, Hart said Archie Comics had no ground to stand on in relation to Sabrina the Teenage Witch. After she wrote the company an apology letter, she was apparently in the clear.

Hart did not immediately respond to Varietys request for comment.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch, based on the Archie Comics series of the same name, ran for seven seasons from 1996 to 2003.

 2023 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
Jason Aldeans song and video for Try That in a Small Town have been polarizing, but one Alabama mayor finds it perfectly compatible with his own small citys values.

On Tuesday, Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon posted an image with the caption The key to the city of Orange Beach. In the painting, the key to the city adorns the cylinder of a Colt .45 revolver with the logo Granddads Gun on the grip and the motto Try That in a Small Town on a United States flag background. Kennon credited the work to city employee Mark Bryant.

Kennon said Wednesday that he has some hope of presenting the original work, a wooden plaque, to Aldean when he performs in his city this weekend. He isnt sure the opportunity will arise, but he has a backup plan. If it works out that would be wonderful, I think it would be great for the city of Orange Beach, he said. But if it doesnt that will be okay. He will eventually see it through social media some way, somehow, and know that we appreciate him.  If he doesnt [get it] were going to hang it in City Hall.

MORE: Jason Isbell dares Aldean to write his next single himself, Jake Owen slams tough guy tweet

The songs lyrics suggest that outsiders who try to commit violent crime or unpatriotic acts, e.g. flag-burning, in a small town will be met with an outpouring of spontaneous communal violence from good ol boys, raised up right. Its a sentiment that has played well among those who feel small town culture exemplifies patriotism and self-reliance, and that bad things mainly come from the outside world.

To others, this usage of small town seemed like a thinly-veiled euphemism for sundown town. Or a not-veiled-at-all euphemism, considering that the video, as initially released, featured scenes shot at a Southern county courthouse that was the site of an actual lynching and used footage of violence during Black Lives Matter demonstrations.

CMT dropped the video, which was later edited; producers said the courthouse in question was an innocuous use of a popular filming location. Aldean vehemently denied any overt or hidden racial message in the song, which he didnt write.

The songs aggressive message was tailor-made for Kennon, whos shown a fondness for tough talk as Orange Beachs mayor. Its more or less an annual ritual for him to issue a warning before spring break: If you come here, you better behave, or youre going to jail. Its that simple, he said in 2016. For those who are looking for a party town this spring break, Orange Beach is not it, he said in 2018, promising a zero-tolerance approach to infractions. There will be no warnings, no mulligans or do-overs.

Kennon said that when it came to Aldean, he was motivated in large part by the backlash that developed against the performer after the songs video was released. He said he came up with the idea and described what he wanted, and Bryant produced the resulting work. Ive got an unbelievably talented group of employees, Kennon said. They can do anything.

You know me, I dont really care what people think, Kennon said. I did it because it was sort of a tribute to Jason Aldean and his wife speaking their mind, standing up for their values, and having no fear. Nothing I despise worse than cowardly mobs, and cowardly mobs that try to cancel somebody for, how dare they have an opinion. So it was just out of appreciation, appreciation of the city of Orange Beach, because most people here do appreciate him, the song and their stance. And this was our way of showing it.

After posting the image on Tuesday, Kennon predictably drew comments that ranged from enthusiastically supportive to critical. When it came to the latter, he stuck to his gun.

Wow! Thats not encouraging for tourism. What a bad message to send as mayor of a lovely tourist destination, said one commenter.

I agree. You should move back and run for mayor, replied Kennon. That is what elections are for. Throw the bums out.

Very disappointed in this graphic Sir, said another. Thank you, replied Kennon.

Aldean is scheduled to play Sunday at an Orange Beach venue, the Wharf Amphitheater. One commenter asked if Kennon planned to present the key to the performer.

Wish I could but that is out of my hands, said Kennon. Some folks were trying to set it up but I have heard nothing of it. Thank you for asking.

Kennon said Wednesday that he didnt have any more definite information.

Having been here so long as mayor, I know that the groups come in, theyre on tight schedules, they really dont like to deviate from their schedules, he said. And I understand that, I do, completely.
A file image of a North Korean rocket launch is seen on a TV screen during a news program at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, Thursday. North Korea said on Thursday that its second attempt to launch a spy satellite failed. AP-Yonhap



Pyongyang vows third attempt in two months after improving flight termination system



By Jung Min-ho



North Korea said, Thursday, that its second attempt to put a reconnaissance satellite into space failed, but the country immediately vowed to try again in two months, demonstrating its determination to push ahead with the project its leader Kim Jong-un labeled as a "top priority."



Citing the National Aerospace Development Administration, the North's official Korean Central News Agency reported that the first and second stages of the launch were successful, but an error in the "emergency blasting system" during the third-stage flight led to another failure.



The space agency said the problem was "not a big issue in terms of the reliability of cascade engines and the system."



That means North Korea has solved the key technical cause of the failure of the first launch and knows the area where improvements have to be made to achieve success, according to Chang Young-keun, a rocket scientist at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy, a think tank.



"Given the success of the first stage, pairing and the second stage separations, it seems that North Korea found solutions for the problem that caused the first failure," he told The Korea Times. "What it referred to as the 'emergency blasting system' was probably its flight termination system, which was believed to have exploded unintentionally due to technical errors. But the October launch announcement suggests that it is now certain that there is no major problem with rocket separation (mechanism) and a relaunch is possible immediately (without further checking)."



North Korea launched a military spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, mounted on the Chollima-1 rocket, at around 3:50 a.m. from the Tongchang-ri area on its west coast.





South Korean soldiers participate in a drill as part of their joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises with U.S. troops in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, Thursday. AP-Yonhap



South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launch immediately and tracked the rocket flying above international waters off its west coast. The military also said aircraft and vessels were deployed in a search and retrieval operation for the wreckage.



At an emergency National Security Council meeting, President Yoon Suk Yeol condemned the launch as a "serious violation" of the U.N. Security Council's resolutions, saying the North Korean regime wastes a significant portion of its resources on "reckless provocations" when ordinary North Koreans are suffering and "dying from starvation."



Yoon also told his officials to share Seoul's analysis of the launch with Washington and Tokyo. Kim Gunn, South Korea's top nuclear negotiator, and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts  Sung Kim and Hiroyuki Namazu  criticized Pyongyang for the provocation during a trilateral call, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.



Under a trilateral pact signed by Yoon and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Joe Biden and Fumio Kishida last week, the three countries vowed to strengthen their partnership in responding to common threats in the Indo-Pacific region, such as North Korea's nuclear development.



The North's latest provocation comes as the South Korean and U.S. militaries hold joint Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) training exercises. A JCS official said the military will continue to focus on the training as part of its efforts to build up "overwhelming force" against North Korea.



The launch failure means that North Korea will mark the Sept. 9 anniversary of its founding without anything new to boast about.





This photo released Thursday shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspecting a tractor factory in Nampo, a port city on the west coast of North Korea, the previous day. Yonhap
A popular Catholic priest in Birmingham asked his social media followers to pray to the Virgin Mary this week, then defended the practice when he was questioned about whether he was promoting idol worship.

May Our Lady of La Vang intercede for our Twitter family, wrote the Rev. Douglas Vu, pastor of Our Lady of La Vang Catholic Church, in a post on X on Aug. 23.

Our Lady of La Vang is a reference to a reported vision of Mary, mother of Jesus, in his native Vietnam centuries ago.

She appeared to the Vietnamese Catholics about 400 years ago in Vietnam when the faith was newly introduced to the Vietnamese, Vu explained. The new Catholics were persecuted so fled into the jungles for safety - at night - they cried out for help - the Lady appeared to them to comfort them. Hence the name - La Vang - Crying out loud.

Someone responded to Vu on X, formerly known as Twitter: Is this not idol worshipping. I thought our Lord Jesus Christ says no one cometh through the father except through me.

Its a criticism Vu has heard before, and the former director of communications for the Diocese of Birmingham felt an explanation was in order.

Do you ever ask family or friends to say a prayer for you when you are sick or have problems? he responded. To ask the Mother of Jesus to intercede for us is not idolatry. In the Catholic Church - we believe like all Christians do - salvation through Jesus alone! But we also believe in the communion of saints (those righteous ones who are in the presence of God to give God the Father praise right now in heaven). I pray and wish you much of Gods grace and peace.

He also elaborated on the practice of praying to other saints.

To whom this may concern: Catholics do not worship the saints! he wrote. All Catholics are born again and Jesus is our Lord and Savior. We honor His Mother, the saints. as you and I would honor our own ancestors. We dont worship our ancestors but we keep their memories alive in our hearts and our lives. Thank you! God bless you all! Peace!

May Our Lady of La Vang intercede for our Twitter family.  pic.twitter.com/W7NJ6ASW0q  Father Vu (@VudatNation) August 23, 2023

See also: Priest murdered at cathedral in Birmingham 102 years ago honored in memorial
As high-powered water cannons blasted tons of limestone off barges and into shallow coastal waters near Dauphin Island on Wednesday, conservation leaders celebrated an unprecedented effort to kick-start 77 acres of oyster habitat.

Make no mistake about it, Tim Gothard, executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation told the assembled dignitaries, seafood-industry figures and officials. This is the big one.

Gothard said that since making oyster restoration a priority, the AWF has worked to expand several other reefs in Mobile Bay. But this effort was in a class by itself, he said. He got agreement from Scott Bannon, director of the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

The state provides limited funding for oyster restoration efforts, Bannon said, so the Marine Resources Division and other interested parties pursue federal grants and develop partnerships to leverage the funds they do have. To have 100% privately funded cultch planting, I think its absolutely unheard of, Bannon said. I dont think weve had that occur in any other state, other than on a private lease.  Its absolutely phenomenal that were getting 77 acres of public bottom that is privately funded. I cant stress enough how unique that is and how valuable that is.

This effort, conceived by the AWF, involved contributions from Vulcan Materials Co. and Cooper Marine worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Vulcan donated 6,500 tons of limestone from a quarry in Tuscumbia; Cooper transported it the length of the state. Gothard said that the process of spreading in the water cost about $200,000. The AWF ponied up half that amount directly and recruited four partners, each of whom matched a quarter: the Coastal Land Trust, the Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation, the J.L. Bedsole Foundation and PowerSouth Energy Cooperative.

Tim Gothard, executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation, speaks about the AWF's efforts to restore healthy oyster reefs on Mobile Bay.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

The rock is being used as cultch, a term for any hard clean surface that free-floating oyster larvae can fasten onto. For larvae that land in mud, the story ends there. Those that bond to suitable cultch have a fighting chance to grow into a juvenile form called spat, taking 18 months to two years to develop into mature oysters.

In an established oyster reef, the shells of past generations provide the cultch for future generations of larvae. Over centuries this can create huge deposits of old shell, and this was the case in Mobile Bay. But there was a period in history where this material was mined for use as aggregate in roadbuilding and other construction, disrupting the natural process. Thats one reason that oyster harvests in Mobile Bay are a small fraction of what they were a century ago.

Over history, cultch material became a commodity, said Bannon. But since those days, science has provided an eye-opening understanding of the critical role oysters play in a coastal ecosystem.

Having a healthy oyster reef is vital to everything we do in this bay system, Bannon said. I call them the foundational critter. Water quality: They help keep that water clean. They feed everything from the bottom dwellers up.  Without them the fishing doesnt exist. Harvest doesnt exist. Clean water doesnt exist. Livelihoods dont exist. We have to have them.

Bannon said it was not to be taken lightly that the AWF has decided to put its muscle behind oyster restoration efforts. The AWF is a statewide organization, so it has a natural interest in statewide wildlife issues, such as those that benefit deer and turkey hunters. For it to back a coastal effort is a very deliberate and significant decision, Bannon said.

Gothard said the appreciation was a two-way street.

Scott Bannon, director of the Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, speaks about the importance of healthy oyster reefs.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

MRD sat down with us and we just asked the question: Where is the right fit for AWF to have a meaningful impact? And it didnt take us very long to arrive at relic oyster reef restoration, he said.

About 18 months ago, Scott Bannon and the folks at Marine Resources Division were kind enough to share with us the draft of Alabamas comprehensive oyster restoration strategy, Gothard said. So we started looking at that and formulating some ideas about maybe how we could materially assist the goals of that comprehensive plan.

Heavy barges carried 6,500 tons of limestone from a north Alabama quarry to coastal waters in August 2023. On Aug. 23 they were positioned near Cedar Point West, so that the rock could be transferred to smaller barges and taken into shallow waters.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

Initially, planners considered an area in waters known as Cedar Point East. Thats east of the last spit of mainland before the causeway running south to the Dauphin Island Bridge. MRD scientists took a close look at those waters, and their observations suggested the site wasnt ideal. That led to a decision to execute the project in Cedar Point West, on the west side of the roadway.

You might think that once the north Alabama limestone reached Lower Alabama waters, the rest would be as simple as pulling a barge up to the spot and dumping the rock in with a crane. But no.

The deep-draft barges that made the voyage downstate had to be parked well away, because the waters at the project site were far too shallow for them. The rock was transferred by crane onto smaller barges, which a tiny tug named the Capt. Curtis pushed to the site. There, another tug named the Bubba E. stood ready with a barge equipped with high-volume water cannons.

In a slow-moving dance of tugs, one barge at a time was tied alongside the Bubba Es battery of water cannons. Once all was ready, it took only a few minutes for the cannons to scour tons rock off the deck and into the water. Gothard said this process was chosen because it fanned the material out rather than leaving it in clumps.

Limestone rock from north Alabama flies into the waters in a coastal area known as Cedar Point West on Aug. 23, 2023. The rock is intended to serve as cultch, providing the hard surfaces needed for larval oysters to attach and grow.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

The work, begun on Wednesday, was expected to continue at least through Thursday.

From there, its up to the oysters. Gothard and Craig Newton, a Marine Resources Division biologist, said the site had been chosen to give the best odds of success. Newton said the area has some protection from seasonal freshwater surges coming down the bay and tends to have good oxygen levels. Salinity and oxygenation are just two of the variables in the delicate environmental balance that oysters need to thrive.

We chose the site with MRD specifically because it is next to some of the most productive oyster waters here in the bay, said Gothard. So, being close to productive oyster beds, it means those oyster beds are naturally going to release a lot of larvae.  It creates a very high likelihood that the natural larvae in this system will attach to this new material and grow.

Its the right time of the year for the fall spat set, said interested observer Avery Bates, vice president of the Organized Seafood Association. Like Gothard and Newton, he said itll be 18 months to two years before the payoff comes.

And thats if things go right. Droughts or unusually heavy rains inland can affect the salinity of the water, pushing it outside healthy limits for oysters. Temperature and other factors can do the same to oxygen levels. Tropical storms can wreck oyster beds in shallow waters.

But the payoff, if everything goes well, is potentially great. Partly thats because of what the foundational critters do for the environment, partly its economic.

Its not way that we can lose, environmentally or job wise, said Bates. Youll see two to three hundred people out here working, any given day when the weathers decent. That turns into dollars and cents.

Angus Cooper III speaks about the Alabama Wildlife Federation's decision to put an emphasis on oyster restoration.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

Everything that was contributed, everything that was given by these contributors, will mostly stay in Mobile County, Bates said. The impact flows from harvesters, to seafood processors, to restaurants, he said. The multiplying factor is great. Everybody that gets to do it will be able to pay their light bill, pay their gas bill.

26 years Ive driven across this bridge, said Bannon, referring to the nearby Dauphin Island span. And 26 years, Avery Bates, [Bayou La Batre Mayor] Henry Barnes, [Dauphin Island] Mayor Collier, some of these folks sitting here, we have known each other that long. We know the importance of what you see around you when you come across this bridge. During Deepwater Horizon, when we shut everything down, was probably one of the worst days of my career, to drive across this bridge and stop and there was zero activity.

Restoring reefs and building resiliency into the system takes a massive, multi-partner commitment, Bannon said.

Angus Cooper III, speaking for Cooper Marine and the AWF, said the AWFs isnt finished, when it comes to that effort.

Were just glad to be part of getting something started, and I can promise you this, he said. Theres more to come.

For more on the Alabama Wildlife Federations Oyster restoration work, visit www.alabamawildlife.org.

Related:

North Alabama rock has date with south Alabama oysters

These researchers are scaring baby oysters with crab pee. For science.

How a bad day fishing inspired an Alabama chefs national cook-off win
An investigation continues into a phone threat at Robertsdale High School which led to a lockdown Tuesday and about half of the student body calling in absent on Wednesday.

There were 140 students reported absent on Thursday, down from the 740 who missed school on Wednesday and one day after an out-of-state phone threat was placed at the school. The caller, who authorities say is from the northeast, threatened to shoot up the school on Tuesday.

The average daily number of absences at Robertsdale High School is around 80.

Im sad to see parents felt like they needed to keep their children at home today, Superintendent Eddie Tyler said Thursday. The safest place to be in is in our schools right now. Law enforcement is at the ready.

It was the second time in less than one year that a school within the Baldwin County School System received an out-of-state phone call that prompted a lockdown and widespread absences.

A phone-call threat about a bomb at Daphne Middle School led to the schools evacuation and a lockdown at next-door Daphne East Elementary School in January. Authorities said the call was placed in California, and that it involved juveniles.

No one was prosecuted in that case.

The only positive thing is were not seeing this coming from kids here in our system, Tyler said after a ribbon cutting for new gymnasium at Elberta High School. When this came to us, it was coming from states away  in the north end (of the country). The Daphne Middle School incident (last school year) came from out West. Its sad. Its the sign of the times.

Tyler added, Society forgives, for the most part, some of these things individuals just do. Somehow the court system will just forgive it. Sometimes politicians just forgive it. When you deal with a young person who is 15 or 16 years old, they know what they are doing. There needs to be punitive action.

Its unclear if the caller involved in the Roberstdale High School threat was a juvenile. The FBI is part of the investigation.

Misinformation concerns

Baldwin County School Superintendent Eddie Tyler speaks during a ribbon cutting of a new gym at Elberta High School on Thursday, August 24, 2023, in Elberta, Ala. (John Sharp/jsharp@al.com).

Tyler said he was disappointed to see 740 students absent on Wednesday, saying that Baldwin Countys schools are the safest places to be. He noted there are trained and armed school resource officers (SROs) placed at each of the countys school buildings.

He also apologized if parents felt that information released about the lockdown was not disseminated to parents fast enough. But he also said that the school system was not going to release information that was not accurate.

He said the school systems communications department is not putting out information unless its solid and correct.

Tyler added, If I do that too rapidly, we have to back up and apologize. Well continue to act in a due diligence manner that is responsible and respectful in getting everything right.

It appears the lockdown drew its share of social media misinformation. Robertsdale police and principal William White posted statements to Facebook alerting residents not to spread rumors and misinformation.

Among the concerns was a screenshot of a threatening social media post from 2022 which started making the rounds on Wednesday morning.

Also of concern, according to Robertsdale police, was a photograph circulating online of what appears to be a student walking next to a uniformed Robertsdale Police Officer, hinting that there had been an arrest made on campus.

This is not a current photo, nor does it have anything to do with the events of (Tuesday), the police report says. If a person(s) was taken into custody by our agency, it would have been reported to local news media and a statement would have been issued on our Facebook page.

Trust law enforcement

Robertsdale police confirmed the out-of-state connection with the phone call, and that authorities are working closely with federal agencies on apprehending the person responsible.

All other reports of threats by social media are being actively investigated and there continues to be a heavy police presence at area schools in response to those reports., the agency said.

Police also urged the public to be calm and have trust in law enforcement.

We worry and stress about the safety of your children just as much as we do, the Facebook post reads. We are humans, we are parents, we are husbands and wives. Our children go to the same schools that yours do. All the same concerns that you have, we have. Please take comfort in knowing that we will do everything I our power to plan, prepare and protect our children. That will never change.
Alabama lawmakers met as recently as this week to hammer out a plan to reverse the decision to place Space Command headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo., instead of Huntsville.

Congressman Robert Aderholt, speaking at an Alabama League of Municipalities luncheon Thursday in Guntersville, described the conference call about the states representatives in Washington.

Related: Losing Space Command HQ to Colorado costs Alabama 600 new private sector jobs

Related: A long shot for Alabama to win back Space Command? I dont think it is, congressman says

Were all pulling together, Aderholt told the crowd of about 75 people. And were very encouraged that we can change the course. This is not something we just have to write off and say, Oh, well, its Colorado Springs. Because this was not to be a political decision. This was a decision to be made on the merits. Huntsville won.

We cant be deciding where our military installations are going to be based on political decisions. Weve got to decide where they are best for our military.

Alabama lawmakers are scrambling to fight the White House decision to allow Space Command HQ to remain at its startup location in Colorado Springs. Multiple studies and assessments found that Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville is the best site while Colorado Springs finished fourth in some evaluations in fifth in others.

Aderholt, the dean of Alabamas congressional delegation, said the delegation believes its well-positioned to wage a fight over the Space Command decision based on its committee assignments. That includes Mike Rogers of Saks as chair of the House Armed Services Committee as well as Dale Strong, whose north Alabama district includes Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal.

On the appropriations side, Aderholt has been a longtime member and Jerry Carl of Mobile is also a member of the committee.

In the Senate, Tommy Tuberville is a member of the Armed Services Committee while Katie Britt is on the Appropriations Committee.

I think were on several key places that we can try to keep the pressure on the Biden administration to say, This should not be a political decision. It should be a decision on the merits. And quite honestly, if they come back and say that it should be in some other city or some other state and its done on the merits, then I can honor that. But when its done politically, thats when I think most of us have some real concerns.

Rogers is taking the lead on Alabamas pushback and on Thursday he called for an investigation into the decision-making process by the Government Accountability Office. Rogers and Strong have also requested Space Command Gen. James Dickinson and Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall to testify before the House Armed Services Committee.

Aderholt also said the power of the purse strings held by Congress should not be overlooked.

The President has zero money, Aderholt said. So until hes given the money to build it  and what I think one of the theories is from our standpoint, the Alabama delegation standpoint, is that, Do we want to set a precedent that our military bases are going to be decided on political decisions going forward, instead of on the merits?

Still, as Aderholt acknowledged during his speech, Obviously, the president does carry some big weight with that (decision), being commander-and-chief. But this was not to be a political decision.

The political decision rhetoric, of course, centers on the fact that Colorado voters supported Biden in his election in 2020 and is generally considered a Democratic state. Alabama, meanwhile, is considered one of the most conservative states in the country and has not supported a Democratic presidential candidate since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

Generating bipartisan support to oppose the Space Command decision is another aspect of Alabamas approach. Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell, the only Democrat in the states delegation, has also spoken out against Bidens decision on Space Command.

We dont want to set the precedent and I dont think any member  Democrat or Republican  (wants to set the precedent), Aderholt said. Or does that mean when theres a Republican-elected president, theyll put it where they want to. And then the Democrat puts it where they want to. So I think that sets a bad precedent. Those that are focused on the military know that that does not send a good message that youre making your military decisions based on politics.

And so I think thats where were angling this. And were hoping that I think this will resonate with Democrats and Republicans and it wont be a Republican or Democrat issue.
A mother and daughter from Fort Payne charged with capital murder for allegedly pushing a Hartselle woman off a cliff are deliberately being held in separate jails following the extradition of the daughter from Pennsylvania, according to a DeKalb County Sheriffs Office spokesperson.

This week, a judge granted the mothers request to view crime scenes with her attorneys.

The mother, Loretta Kay Carr, 45, was arrested on June 25 after DeKalb County investigators executed search warrants related to new information they received about the Hartselle woman, who had been missing since December 2021.

The daughter, Jessie Eden Kelly, 22, was in custody in Pennsylvania at the time of Carrs arrest awaiting extradition to Missouri on felony charges. Kelly has since been extradited to Alabama to face the capital murder charge, according to a DeKalb County sheriffs spokesperson.

A multi-agency search team discovered Mary Elizabeth Isbells remains in Little River Canyon National Preserve in late June, around what would have been Isbells 39th birthday. She had been reported missing by her ex-husband to the Hartselle Police Department almost two years earlier.

At the time of the report, Hartselle police were able to determine Isbell was in DeKalb County based on phone records, according to the DeKalb County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said a search warrant of Isbells DeKalb County residence showed signs of a struggle.

Months later, a credible tip, witness statements, and one of the defendants statements led investigators to charge Carr and Kelly in Isbells death, according to DeKalb County Chief Investigator Nick Brown.

One of the co-defendants was very cooperative and helped lead us to Marys remains, Brown said. The suspects and the victim were acquaintances via a boyfriend, according to Brown.

In September of last year, a Jackson County judge, believing Kelly to reside in Alabama, issued a warrant for her arrest for allegedly fleeing justice from Missouri. According to court documents, Kelly was accused of second-degree theft in Missouri in May 2022.

Kelly was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on July 22 by DeKalb County deputies. A sheriffs spokesperson said Kelly was extradited from Pennsylvania and is deliberately being held separate from her mother.

Around 30 miles to the north, Carr remains in the DeKalb County Jail where shes been held since June 25.

An investigators affidavit filed in DeKalb County District Court alleges Carr and Kelly caused the death of Isbell on or around Oct. 18, 2021.

They did so by pushing her off a cliff and during her abduction or attempt to abduct, according to the affidavit.

Carrs court-appointed defense lawyers have filed several motions on her behalf. In early July, motions for a gag order and to prevent broadcasting or recording court proceedings were granted by Judge Andrew Hairston.

In the motion to prevent anyone connected to the prosecution or investigation from releasing any information to the media, Carrs attorney noted that the prosecution is seeking the death penalty. As such, Carrs attorney argued for effective protective measures.

A substantial likelihood exists that continued extrajudicial comments of the type previously made by the district attorney, law enforcement, and witnesses will taint the jury pool in this case, the motion reads.

Two motions requesting law enforcement bodycam footage involving Carrs daughter and a man named Robert Mitcham were also granted.

A motion to allow Carr and her attorneys to view the crime scenes within 30 days was filed and granted on Sunday. According to the request, Carrs defense attorneys view it necessary in order to provide effective assistance of counsel:

The facts of this case make it impossible for Loretta Kay Carr to describe the scene to her attorneys in sufficient detail to enable counsel to adequately investigate the scenes of the alleged crime without her presence. The scenes encompass Wolf Creek, Robert Mitchams homestead, and the alleged victims mobile home.

Brown, who said Isbells cause of death appeared to be a result of being thrown from the cliff, said its one of the most heinous cases of his career.

Little River Canyon National Preserve sits atop Lookout Mountain and covers around 15,000 acres near Fort Payne.

A Facebook profile of a Loretta Carr engaged to a Robert Mitcham shows photos of the two at Little River Canyon in 2019. One of Carrs profile photos is a selfie taken from a raised angle: In the background, far below a cliff overhang, a river runs through a wooded ravine.

(c)2023 The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.)

Visit The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Ala.) at www.decaturdaily.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Birmingham environmental groups are celebrating the end of a 22-year struggle to protect sensitive land around one of the citys largest drinking water sources.

The Birmingham Water Works Board and the Alabama Attorney Generals Office agreed to a settlement with the Cahaba River Society and Cahaba Riverkeeper that will require the Water Works to protect 7,000 acres of land surrounding Lake Purdy, the Cahaba and Little Cahaba River from development.

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Javan Patton signed off on the settlement agreement Thursday.

Beth Stewart, executive director of the Cahaba River Society said agreement was a win for all Birmingham water customers because the natural forested area that helps purify and protect the citys water source will be left intact.

The more pollution there is in the river, the more it costs to clean it out of our drinking water, Stewart told AL.com. And the more it costs us as customers to have clean drinking water.

The Water Board, knowing that, has purchased this watershed forested land for generations to safeguard our drinking water supply.

The shaded area shows the roughly 7,000 acres near a Birmingham Water Works intake to be protected for 75 years under a new settlement agreement.Southern Environmental Law Center

The Birmingham Water Works Board released a statement Thursday calling the agreement a groundbreaking settlement aimed at fortifying the protection of the crucial water source that serves the Birmingham metropolitan area.

The Birmingham Water Works says it provides drinking water for nearly 770,000 people in five counties in the Birmingham metro area.

This agreement underscores this utilitys commitment to provide safe and affordable drinking water to our service area, BWW General Manager Michael Johnson said in the news release. Our responsibility extends beyond the present moment, and this collaboration ensures that our precious water resources remain protected for generations to come.

Settlement ends long legal fight

The Birmingham Water Works Board had agreed in a 2001 court settlement to preserve the land in question, but by 2017, conservation groups argued that the Water Works was not living up to its agreement.

The Water Works in 2017 created a conservation agreement that still would have allowed the board to sell off land within the area for development in the rapidly growing area along U.S. Highway 280. Stewart said a portion of the land was sold to a developer and that Water Works Board members had discussed selling additional portions of the land in committee meetings.

The groups filed suit in 2021, arguing that the Water Works agreement did not protect the land, as it had agreed to do 20 years earlier.

The Alabama Supreme Court sided with the environmental groups in 2022, ruling that the Water Works Board had not formed valid conservation easements because by definition, those agreements involve an outside party supervising conservation restrictions. The court ruled that the Water Works could not be both the owner and enforcer of a conservation easement.

The Alabama Attorney Generals Office then filed an appeal arguing that the original 2001 agreement was a mutual mistake and asking the court to modify or throw out the 2001 agreement to to best achieve the parties original intent.

The revisions would have allowed the Water Works to put the land under a watershed protection agreement rather than a conservation easement. That would have allowed the Water Works to decide whether development would be harmful to the water system rather than blocking it altogether.

Part of the concern was the recognition that the promise that had been made, just had not been fully, legally carried out, Stewart said.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshalls office said the state has long worked to protect the land in question.

For over two decades the state of Alabama has worked diligently to protect the land around the Birmingham Water Works in accordance with the 2001 settlement agreement, Marshalls office said in an emailed statement. By safeguarding the watershed, we are ensuring consumers have clean, safe, and affordable water resources.

Attorney General Marshall brought parties to the table to find common ground to continue to protect critical land resources for surrounding landowners and ratepayers.

This weeks settlement agreement will end the environmental groups lawsuit and require that the Water Board enter into watershed protective covenants in Jefferson and Shelby County Courts within 60 days.

Those covenants will prohibit development activities on the land for 75 years even if the land is sold to an outside party. Any changes to the agreements must be approved by the court, and after 75 years, the plaintiffs have the right to ask the court to extend the terms of the agreement.

I am excited to reach this agreement with our community partners, BWWB Chairwoman Tereshia Huffman said in the news release. This proactive step protects drinking water for our community for generations to come. Its a testament to what can be achieved when we work together to prioritize the long-term well-being of our environment and residents.

Environmental groups get right to enforce agreement

Cahaba Riverkeeper David Butler said one key provision the plaintiffs were seeking in the settlement was the ability to oversee and enforce the agreement, with annual scheduled inspections on foot and with drones of the protected area.

Were allowed foot inspections and drone inspections every year to ensure that the property is managed the way that the covenants require, Butler said. And so we have the opportunity to kind of ensure that the Water Works Board does what they have committed to do going forward, which was honestly a big part of what we were fighting for.

Stewart said that her group is excited about the agreement and happy that all sides could reach a mutual agreement.

There were plenty of times in the conversation where we were far apart, Stewart said. We listened to their needs. They listened to our interests. The Attorney Generals Office was also helpful in the process, in the end. We also appreciate that the city of Birmingham, there were council members who really wanted to see a positive resolution that would be protective of the land and the ratepayers and so theyve been weighing in.

And so, we feel like its come to a place thats going to be workable for everyone: for the waterboard, for our organizations, for the ratepayers and the citizens of the region.

Cahaba Riverkeeper and the Cahaba River Society were represented in the lawsuit by attorneys from the Southern Environmental Law Center.

*UPDATED at 3:52 p.m. with comment from the Alabama Attorney Generals Office.
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.

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.

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.

2023 The Kansas City Star. Visit kansascity.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A young Sylacauga clerk who died when he accidentally shot himself inside the store is being remember as a hard worker and dedicated employee.

Pankaj Rana, 22, died Monday at the Hop In convenience store on North Broadway Avenue and 10th Street in Sylacauga.

A GoFundMe has been launched to help his family return his remains to India for burial.

Pankajs life was tragically cut short by an accident, Bhavesh Patel wrote in the GoFundMe. Pankaj had come to the USA to support his family back home and was a dedicated employee at our Sylacauga, AL. gas station.

Police officers were dispatched to the store about 12:45 p.m. Monday. The 911v call was made by a firefighter who stopped at the store to make a purchase and found the clerk  identified as Rana  lying in a pool of blood behind the counter. There was a handgun next to him.

Police Chief Kelley Johnson said an investigation was immediately launched. Video from the stores surveillance cameras showed that Rana accidentally shot himself in the head while looking at the store owners gun that was kept behind the counter for protection.

The chief said Ranas death was ruled accidental by the county coroner after he, too, reviewed, the store video.

Patel said Ranas family wants their son to return Haryana, India.

Pankajs family back in India is now faced with the daunting task of arranging his funeral, repatriating his remains to India and fulfilling the financial debts that were made for his journey to the US. Pankajs father took the loan to send his son to USA for his bright future, Patel wrote. We are raising funds to not only honor Pankajs memory with the proper farewell, but to support his family in this time of need.

Donations to the GoFundMe can be made here.
Business leaders in the Birmingham-Hoover area predict a continued decline in economic conditions this quarter according to the most recent report from the Alabama Business Confidence Index (ABCI). But they are moving closer to an optimistic outlook as the year progresses.

The index, established by the Culverhouse College of Business at the University of Alabama, is based on a survey completed by a panel of regional business leaders prior to each financial quarter.

While many Birmingham-Hoover panelists anticipate capital expansion in the region in coming quarters, job hunters may not reap the rewards before the end of 2023 according to the report.

Panelists are asked to rank their confidence for the upcoming quarter in the following categories:

 Alabama Economy
Cristi Cain still remembers the sense of hope she felt two years ago when she and her son Hardy watched Gov. Kay Ivey sign the bill that legalized medical cannabis in Alabama.

I felt like we had the momentum and had some sense of urgency, Cain said. That the people of Alabama needed this. That the children of Alabama needed this.

But now the effort is mired in lawsuits, the head of the Alabama commission says its still not clear when the first dispensary might open and litigation could drag on for years. Meanwhile, six months after Ivey signed that bill, Mississippi approved medical marijuana and has already opened dispensaries.

When Alabama passed the law in 2021, Cain hoped her son, who has a chromosome abnormality and epilepsy, would soon get access to medical cannabis to treat his seizures and bouts of uncontrollable vomiting.

We knew after that that it would be a bit of a journey to get it all implemented, Cain said. Obviously it takes time. But you know, its been two years since the bill was signed into law. In those two years, Hardy has probably had six, no less than six to eight hospitalizations for another issue called cyclical vomiting syndrome.

Cain had been involved with the push for medical cannabis in Alabama since the state first started studying it in 2019. Over the years, she became one of the most vocal advocates in Alabama. And she has grown increasingly frustrated.

Her son was 8 years old when she testified in front of a legislative committee and 10 when the law passed. Hardy has used CBD Oil with some success. This summer, he turned 12.

The process to award licenses to grow, transport and dispense medical marijuana in Alabama has been fraught. The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission first announced licenses on June 10, but quickly withdrew those after it found problems with the scoring of applications. The head of the commission resigned in early August in response to a lawsuit.

On Aug. 10, members of the commission again announced that licenses had been awarded to 24 companies and could be issued by the end of the month. Some of the companies that did not receive approvals filed a lawsuit and a judge last week issued a temporary hold on all licenses.

Its been very difficult for Cain and other families in similar situations, she said. Her son has multiple medical needs, including frequent seizures. Doctors used traditional pharmaceuticals to reduce the severity, but Cain said the drugs left her son dazed and unresponsive.

He had lost his emotion, Cain said. He had no joy. He didnt cry. It was really heartbreaking.

Cain sought out cannabis-based CBD oil, which is legal for patients in Alabama with qualifying conditions under Lenis Law. And it helped, she said. Her sons seizures got shorter, and his personality came back. But the attacks still came frequently, and Cain hoped medical cannabis might offer more relief for Hardy.

The passage of the states Medical Cannabis law happened on Hardys birthday in 2021 and felt like a gift, his mom said. Even back then, some who had pushed for the law murmured that implementation could take two or three years, she said.

Still, Cain felt the state would move more quickly thanks to the urgency of supporters and the proliferation of medical cannabis programs across the country and in nearby states. Patients in Mississippi and Florida can legally purchase medical marijuana.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed medical cannabis into law on Feb. 2, 2022, more than six months after Iveys signing ceremony. The states first dispensaries opened in January 2023.

Rex Vaughn, chairman of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, said Alabama has more rules for producers and dispensaries than Mississippi.

I think were going to have a much more stringent industry, Vaughn said. Adhering to the law and our process. I hope it goes well for Mississippi, but I dont think they have as tight of guardrails on their industry as what Alabama will have.

Vaughn said while the commission has recently been dealing with litigation from people in the medical cannabis industry, the members have always been focused on the well-being of Alabama patients.

Every commission member is committed and focused on making decisions that will enable those entities involved in the production of cannabis to consistently bring a quality product to the marketplace, Vaughn said. Those individuals who are eagerly anticipating an opportunity to have access to medicinal cannabis have waited long enough.

Vaughn said its still difficult to predict when the first dispensaries will open in Alabama. Litigation could continue for the next several years, even after the industry is up and running, he said.

According to the lawsuit filed by medical cannabis company Alabama Always, the application process was needlessly complex and riddled with technical problems.

The commission outsourced the evaluation process to the University of South Alabama and then enlisted the accounting firm KPMG to audit those scores. The lawsuit alleges that members of the commission should have used their own judgment to award licenses instead of relying upon outside groups.

The Commissioners and their staff never visited any site to assess the applicants ability to cultivate, process and bring product to market in a timeline consistent with the intent behind the Act, the lawsuit said.

Cain said she hoped Alabama regulators and businesses would try to prioritize patients as they worked out the kinks of the licensing system. Instead, the process has devolved into a nightmare, she said.

Obviously its a new industry for the state so there is money to be made, Cain said. At the end of the day, its about life. Its not about money. Its about seeing my little boy thrive in a world where he might not otherwise.

A hearing is scheduled next week to determine whether members of the committee violated the Alabama Open Meetings Act. If the judge sides with the commission, the state could move forward with issuing licenses. However, new legal challenges could emerge.

Officials have said dispensaries could open by the end of this year or early next year. Cain said in the meantime, she will do her best to care for her child while trying to keep state regulators focused on the needs of patients and families.

I dont want a pity party, Cain said. I just want help for my child, and I dont want to go out of state to get it. We arent the first state to legalize medical marijuana. Why arent we asking other states for help?
Korean civic group stages a rally against Japan's release of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Aug. 24. Yonhap





Korea has no other choice but to accept Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea "as a responsible member of the international community," Seoul's oceans minister said Thursday.







Japan began releasing "treated" radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean Thursday amid concerns and opposition raised by its fishing population and neighboring countries.







"It is regrettable," Oceans Minister Cho Seung-hwan said during a parliamentary session in the day when asked about how he felt about Japan's controversial move as the chief of the country's maritime affairs.







"As a responsible member of the international community, Korea cannot help accepting the move," he said, adding that it would be an "inevitable decision" for Japan.






An 18-year-old Michigan driver did a burnout in front of an officer at the Woodward Dream Cruise, and the consequence was not what he expected.

Zack Walker, 18, was driving his 2005 GMC Duramax at the cruise in Pontiac in an area known as burnout row on Friday, Aug. 18, when it happened, FOX 2 Detroit reports.

A reserve deputy with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office stepped out into the roadway, put his hand on the hood and asked Walker to step out of the vehicle, the report said.

Next, he told him to bend over. The spanking was caught on camera by onlookers.

While surprised and embarrassed by the interaction, Walker told the TV station that he would thank the officer for the spanking over a ticket.

The Oakland County Sheriffs Office is aware of the incident and looking into it, a spokesperson told FOX 2.
A suspect has been charged in last years death of a Nebraska woman who was struck by a vehicle in Tuscaloosa while moving her child into the University of Alabama.

DaQuisha Meshunda Frank, 31, is charged with manslaughter in death of 45-year-old Charlotte Leigh Char Wallin. The arrest culminates an investigation by the Tuscaloosa Police Departments Traffic Homicide Unit.

The Wallin family, from Imperial, Nebraska, was in Tuscaloosa for University of Alabama freshman move-in.

Four of the family members were walking along the sidewalk on the south side of Jack Warner Parkway between Hackberry Lane and Marrs Spring Road about 7 p.m. on Aug. 4, 2022, when Charlotte Wallin, a mother of three, was struck by the motorist, said police spokeswoman Stephanie Taylor.

She was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, then airlifted to UAB Hospital where she died from her injuries the following day.

Frank told officers she was eastbound and driving 60 miles per hour in the 50-miles-per-hours zone when she lost control of her 1999 Buick Century and drove onto the sidewalk. She then steered the car toward the median and came to a stop in the westbound lanes.

Investigators learned Frank was aware that her rear brakes were faulty, and recovered a set of replacement brakes that were in the back seat but had not been installed, Taylor said.

The investigation further revealed Frank was driving under the influence of marijuana and was speeding at the time.

Frank was served with the warrant charging her with manslaughter Wednesday night. She was released from the Tuscaloosa County Jail after posting $30,000 bond.

According to Wallins obituary, she loved children and always had wanted to be a mother.

Her husband and children were her life, and she put them before herself. Char was an amazing mother and wife who worked meticulously to organize their family home. Char rarely sat down because she was always doing something for her family and others. She loved being an aunt and attending events for her extended family, her obituary read.

Char enjoyed exercising, taking care of her flowers, reading, decorating for holidays, and attending her childrens many events. She especially loved spending time with her family. Char had a talent and an eye for fashion and flipping houses, according to the obituary. Her generous spirit for her family and community brought beauty to everyone and everything she touched. Char loved to entertain, and her parties were always full of good food, laughter, and fun. Char loved Jesus and was unafraid to talk about her faith, because she was secure in who she was in Christ. She was beautiful outwardly and inwardly.

Char always had the sense of the right thing to do in situations and would forge ahead with strength and courage. Even through difficult times, she remained positive and full of hope, and inspired her family and others to do the same, the obituary read. Char inspired all she met and was close to, to walk with compassion towards others, love unconditionally, and live life full of joy. Char instilled these qualities into her three children who will continue her legacy.
Robertsdale High School was put on lockdown Tuesday after the school received what the principal said was an unsubstantiated phone threat to shoot up the school which police ultimately found was from an out-of-state location.

While there was no credible threat or lockdown Wednesday, there wasnt much of a student body, either, with nearly half -- 48% -- of the schools enrollment of 1,508 absent, according to WKRG.

The lockdown Tuesday almost certainly played a role, but a screenshot of a threatening social media post from 2022 which started making the rounds again by Wednesday morning likely prompted parents to keep kids home Wednesday, as well.

Robertsdale police also said another photo circulating on social media showing what appears to be a student walking next to a Robertsdale police officer was not a current photo and wholly unrelated to Tuesdays events.

All of the rumors, gossip and misinformation surrounding Tuesdays threat prompted both Robertsdale police and principal William White to post statements to Facebook page, with White encouraging parents and students to not participate in the spread of rumors and misinformation.

The police statement explains school lockdown procedures and encourages parents to trust in credible reporting agencies and to be calm and trust in local law enforcement.

We worry and stress about the safety of your children just as much as you do, the statement reads, in part. We are humans, we are parents, we are husbands and wives. Our children go to the same schools that yours do. All the same concerns that you have, we have.

Please take comfort in knowing that we will do everything in our power to plan, prepare and protect our children.

Investigators also say the suspect who made Tuesdays threatening call is believed to be out-of-state and police are working with federal agencies to apprehend the suspect. Robertsdale police said a heavy police presence is being maintained at area schools.
A maintenance worker died Wednesday in an industrial accident at a Phenix City lumber company.

Police and fire medics were dispatched at 3:30 p.m. to Phenix Lumber Company on Cultrate Road.

Police Capt. Skip Lassiter said when first responders arrived at the business, they were directed to the sawmill area. They learned an employee had been struck by a piece of equipment.

James Streetman, 67, was pronounced dead on the scene.

Lassiter said OSHA was notified and investigation is ongoing.

Authorities noted it is the second major incident at Phenix Lumber Company in recent years.

In 2020, Brandon Lee Vandyke died when he became entangled in a woodchipper.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited MDLG, which does business as Phenix Lumber Company, in September 2010 for 53 safety and health violations following the death of one worker and the critical injury of a second.

According to OSHA, inspectors were in the midst of a review when one worker was killed after his head was crushed between a motor being hoisted with a forklift and other equipment.

Another worker was seriously injured after he fell approximately 10 feet, breaking his neck, while doing daily maintenance on the debarker in the sawmill.

A year later, OSHA slapped a $1.9 million fine on the company.
Over the past year, Florida residents filed roughly 1,100 complaints against more than 680 public school library books, according a Tampa Bay Times analysis of public records from 62 school districts. Most books received one or two complaints, but a handful appeared repeatedly, the Tampa Times found.

Why advocates focused on these titles is not clear. Many received attention from groups like Moms for Liberty or were listed on sites like BookLooks.org, which flags titles for objectionable content, including profanity, nudity, and sexual content.

Most complaints pointed to explicit depictions of violence, sex and drug use, arguing that such material can harm young readers. Authors like Ellen Hopkins, who received 66 complaints, said their books build empathy and help kids make good choices.

Here are the four titles that received the most complaints:

Sold by Patricia McCormick

Districts receiving complaints: 11

Status: Banned or restricted in at least six districts.

The story: Lakshmi, a 13-year-old Nepali girl is sold into sexual slavery in India. There she endures physical and sexual abuse until her captor is eventually arrested and prosecuted.

Why it was challenged: Contains explicit abhorrent serial activities including the rape of a minor, prostitution and violence, wrote Bradenton resident Julia McLaughlin.

Tricks by Ellen Hopkins

Districts receiving complaints: 10

Status: Banned or restricted in at least five districts.

The story: Written in verse, Tricks follows five troubled teenagers from different walks of life as they fall into a life of prostitution.

Why it was challenged: This book contains sexually explicit excerpts involving minors. There are also excerpts containing explicit child rape and abuse; illegal drug abuse; graphic violence; underage alcohol consumption; and adult and child prostitution, wrote Mariya Calkins, chairperson of the Santa Rosa County chapter of Moms for Liberty.

Crank by Ellen Hopkins

Districts receiving complaints: Nine

Status: Banned or restricted in at least four districts.

The story: Inspired by her daughters struggles with crystal meth addition, Hopkins 2004 novel chronicles 15-year-old narrator Kristinas downward spiral from straight-A student to drug dealer.

Why it was challenged: It encourages drug use & sex to escape feelings of insecurity and lack of confidence.... It Glorifies abusive sex and rape as normal behavior between a boy and a girl. It is divisive rhetoric and could emotionally harm young girls and young boys into misunderstanding the opposite sex. This is not appropriate for any educational facility to have at any time, according to one unnamed Collier County resident.

PUSH by Sapphire

Districts receiving complaints: Eight

Status: Banned or restricted in eight districts.

The story: Precious Jones, an illiterate 16-year-old  pregnant with a second child by her father  meets a radical teacher determined to push her towards a journey of education and enlightenment as she learns to write about her life, according to a summary by publisher Penguin Random House.

Why it was challenged: The promotion of the violent and repeated sexual abuse of a minor, sexual assault of a child, sexually explicit and graphic details on incest, molestation sexual nudity and vulgar slang, wrote Patricia Driscoll of Marion County.

Tied for fifth, with complaints in seven counties, are: Damsel, by Elana K. Arnold; Milk and Honey, by Rupi Kaur; The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini; The Sun and Her Flowers, by Rupi Kaur; and Tilt, by Ellen Hopkins.

2023 Tampa Bay Times. Visit tampabay.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The house trailers arrived on big transport trucks in the Blossomwood neighborhood in fast-growing Huntsville this spring. Then came the construction crane.

Residents of the post-war neighborhood suddenly found themselves living next to something unusual: a manufactured home constructed with four trailers stacked two-high at 1005 Hermitage Avenue.

GSH of Alabama, LLC., the Huntsville-based company that brought the trailers into the neighborhood, soon put up a second manufactured home on Hermitage Avenue, and neighbors say theyve heard the company plans to construct a third.

A dozen neighbors have since filed a complaint with the Huntsville Board of Zoning Adjustments to stop any further construction plans. They allege the construction violated the citys zoning ordinance and say that Travis Cummings, the zoning administrator illegally allowed it to happen by subdividing the plot of land, and bypassed both the Planning Commission and the City Council.

In their complaint, the neighbors described the case as a defining moment, a watershed moment for Huntsville, now the most populous city in Alabama.

Neighbors say the structures are dragging down home values and creating a nuisance, in a neighborhood that has for decades largely consisted of single family bungalow and ranch-style homes. They also say they didnt get a chance to speak against the construction before the zoning administrator approved it.

GSH desires to place a third structure, consisting of even more house trailers on Unified Lot, and the Zoning Administrator has already informed GSH that it may do so, the neighbors allege in the complaint. In factthe zoning administrator himself has already obtained a street address, 1005 Hermitage Unit A, for this third building, and amended the zoning map to display this new street address.

Attorneys for the neighbors declined to comment for this story. They are asking the Board to issue an order restraining the Zoning Administrator from approving a building permit for the construction of a second dwelling on the Unified Lot during the pendency of this appeal.

Everything is on hold for about a month. Ahead of the zoning board meeting last week, attorneys for the neighbors, the city and GSH reached an agreement to postpone the hearing on the issue for 30 days.

The neighbors contend that the citys zoning ordinance does not permit the use of trailers or manufactured homes in the Blossomwood neighborhood, based on its special classification in the citys 1963 zoning ordinance.

The ordinance also says that lots in the Blossomwood neighborhood must be at least 60 feet wide. If two or more lots with less than 60 feet width share a boundary and have one owner, they are treated as one and allowed only one home.

The lot at 1005 Hermitage Avenue.Kayode Crown/kcrown@al.com

The neighbors say 1005 Hermitage Avenue was like that with its two lots, measuring 50 feet wide each, regarded as one.

According to their complaint, the zoning administrator granted an exception for 1005 Hermitage without approval of the Zoning Board.

The zoning ordinance allows exceptions for older lots that predate the creation of the ordinance, but in their complaint the neighbors said the decision to subdivide the lot should have come before the Board of Zoning Adjustment, which is the kind of issue the board regularly decides welcoming comments from the neighbors.

If not corrected by the Board of Adjustment, this practice has resulted and will continue to result in the creation of incongruous and inconsistent residential districts, not only in our neighborhood, but also throughout the City, with no view to conserving the value of the buildings already standing, they said. Kelly Schrimsher, the citys communication director, declined to comment, citing the one-month postponement. Patrick Miller, attorney for GSH, said in an email to AL.com, my client had no comment.

GSH of Alabama is a disaster relief contractor founded in 2008. The company manufactures modular homes and works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Huntsville couple Scott and Barbara Stokes own the company. GSH in June of 2022 bought the Hermitage property at auction for $675,000 after the previous owner moved.

Months after, the citys inspection department issued a permit to demolish the bungalow home, which the Harbaugh & Sons Construction Company executed two days later. GSH later presented the Citys zoning department with a site plan for one half of the lot, which the department approved without a public hearing before the board. The City also issued new addresses for 1005 Hermitage Avenue, Units A, and B, and construction began on April 22, 2023.

The Stokes plans to move into one of the modular homes, and build another for another family, Scott Stokes told some neighbors who wrote statements in support of the complaints.

GSHs work includes both modular to on-site construction, Barbara Stokes website says. It has worked on land planning and installation of utilities, built housing for school campuses and residential developments, as well as a long list of military projects, including bullet-resistant guard shacks, it added. In September 2017, post Hurricane Harveys Texas devastation, GSH was awarded by the federal government a $28 million modular buildings contract to be completed by March 2018.

Two years before that, a federal judge ordered Scott and Barbara Stokes to refund $1.6 million for making fraudulent claims of being affected by the BP oil spill under another company, Vision Design Management Inc., which was registered in Florida but is no longer in operation.

The couple had not paid back the fund as of December 2020, a 2021 federal court document suggests.

The Huntsville Board of Zoning Adjustment meets at 6 p.m. every third Tuesday, and the Blossomwood neighbors complaint is scheduled for hearing at the next meeting, on Sept. 19.

Board Chairman Martin Sisson said that the postponement would allow members to get a full briefing on the matter. He said he expects the City to file a reply ten days before the next hearing.

Sisson said he had not yet reviewed the 23-page complaint, which was filed Aug. 11 by attorneys Patrick Chesnut and John A. Brinkley Jr. on behalf of Blossomwood neighbors Teresa M. Brosemer, Walter Brosemer, Janet Barton, Mary E. Hinkson, Rene P. Moret, Howard R. Reed, Karen Reed, Curtis O. Taylor, Jr, Karen H. Taylor, John T. Towry and Ann S. Towry.
Thousands of UPS workers in Alabama will benefit from the contract agreement union members reached with the company after voting ended on Tuesday, union leaders told AL.com this week.

Im very happy for the hundreds of UPS workers here in Huntsville who are going to immediately get a raise of almost $3 an hour, Jacob Morrison, secretary/treasurer for the North Alabama Area Labour Council, told AL.com. Thats going to be a huge improvement in their lives.

UPS says that by the end of the new contract, the average UPS full-time driver will make about $170,000 annually in pay and benefits, the Associated Press reported.

Over 86% of the 150,000 union members who voted nationwide over three weeks ratified the five-year agreement, including wage increases for members. Those include drivers, warehouse workers, and mechanics.

I am very happy for the full-time package car drivers who are going to have the right to take back more of their freedom from UPS because they will no longer, management will no longer be able to force them to work a sixth day in a week, said Morrison. Theyll only work six days in a week if thats something that they choose to do, which is a huge improvement.

The agreement covers over 300,000 full-and part-time employees, UPS said in a statement to Al.com. There are three local teamsters unions in Alabama: the northern part of the state has about 700 employees affected by the deal, and the Birmingham area has about 2,000 employees. The Mobile union did not immediately say how many UPS employees would be affected in south Alabama.

The approval includes record pay raises, establishes Martin Luther King Day as a paid holiday, stops driver-facing cameras, increases part-time wages, mandates air conditioning in vehicles, provides reasonable break time for breastfeeding, and if the company wants to introduce drones or driverless vehicles, UPS will meet with Teamsters 45 days before the proposed change.

We showed UPS that we were ready to strike if we had to. Thats how we ended a generation of givebacks under Hoffa and put our union back on the offense against UPS, Teamsters DU Co-chair Eugene Braswell said.

There is a national master agreement and several other local agreements that the union ratified, except one, the Latin American Inc. supplement covering 174 workers in Florida. Teamsters will immediately meet with UPS to renegotiate any outstanding issues with the supplement, the union said.

The new national contract will not go into effect until that small supplement is settled, the union said yesterday. Wage increases will be paid retroactively to August 1 once the remaining supplement is finalized, and with it, the National Master Agreement.

Morrison said additional agreements covering the southern states of Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, and Florida would impact workers pensions.

The southern supplement included an additional $1,000 a month in the pension for anybody that retires during this contract that has worked for UPS over 30 years, he said. An additional $1,000 a month in your pension, I think, is pretty good.
Authorities are asking for the publics help in the investigation into a Montgomery homicide that happened one week ago.

On Thursday, Aug. 17, Montgomery police and medics were dispatched at 12:05 a.m. to a report of a vehicle on fire in the area of Interstate 85 southbound and Taylor Road.

Once on the scene, they found 38-year-old Joseph Turner dead.

Taylors body was taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy. The autopsy revealed that Taylor had been shot prior to the fire.

Montgomery police are asking that anyone who may have seen something or know something to please come forward.

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 cash reward for information that leads to the identification of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867) or 1-833-AL1-STOP. Tips can also be submitted via the agencys P3 tips app.
A man was shot to death early Thursday inside a south Birmingham moving company.

Birmingham police later Thursday identified the victim as Snir Lalum. He was 44 and lived in Vestavia Hills.

South Precinct officers were dispatched at 5:15 a.m. to Insta-Movers at 115 Walter Davis Drive.

When they arrived, they found Lalum suffering from a gunshot wound inside a warehouse bay. They attempted life-saving measures on him until Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service arrived to take him to UAB Hospital.

The Jefferson County Coroners Office later notified police that the victim had died at the hospital.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said it appears the unknown suspect approached the victim at the business, shot him and then fled.

Other workers were there at the time but no one else was injured.

Detectives have not determined a motive, Fitzgerald said.

Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
A woman died Tuesday in a house fire in north Alabama, fire officials said Wednesday.

Piedmont police, fire and EMS personnel were dispatched Tuesday to Greenwood Road in Piedmont on a call of a structure fire with a person possibly trapped in the house, the Piedmont Fire Department said.

Authorities who arrived on the scene were told a woman was trapped in the home.

Piedmont firefighters and police made several attempts to reach the victim but were unsuccessful, the fire department said.

After an hours-long search and rescue operation, Rhodes was found in the home. She was pronounced dead.

The fire was under investigation as of Wednesday.
A 20-meter-long Ukrainian flag adorns the Embassy of Ukraine in Yongsan District, central Seoul, Aug. 23, on the occasion of National Flag Day. Despite ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine for the past year and a half, the embassy also celebrated Ukraine's Independence Day on Aug. 24. The embassy honored the men and women fighting for Ukraine's future and acknowledged in a statement the value of international support in protecting the nation's territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty. Courtesy of Embassy of Ukraine in Korea
A North Alabama woman was found guilty of felony murder Thursday in the blunt force trauma death of a 3-year-old boy.

Yalrick Zeonsha Pride, 23, was convicted by a Lauderdale County jury after an eight-day trial, said Lauderdale County District Attorney Christopher Connolly, according to WHNT.

Authorities initially suspected 3-year-old Kaiden Garner died from heat exposure after being left in a hot car in Florence in August 2020, but further investigation determined his death was caused by blunt force trauma.

Kaidens father, 23-year-old Blake Joshwell Townsend, was charged with capital murder in the toddlers death. Townsend pleaded guilty in exchange for a life sentence and testifying against Pride.

Pride was initially charged with aggravated child abuse but was later charged with felony murder.
The ex-boyfriend of a Montgomery police detective who was shot and killed three years ago during an apparent domestic dispute was sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of capital murder, court records showed.

Brandon Deshawn Webster, 28, of Montgomery, will have no chance at parole under the deal he struck with Montgomery County prosecutors.

The murder charges were capital offenses because Montgomery police Det. Tanisha Pughsley had an order of protection against Webster and the slaying was committed during a burglary, records showed.

Webster also pleaded guilty to an attempted assault charge for firing multiple shots at another victim during Pughsleys murder.

Pughsley, 27, was with the department since 2016 and was a criminal justice graduate of Alabama State University.

She was found with a gunshot wound in the 6700 block of Overview Drive on July 6, 2020. Police at the time said her slaying appeared to be connected to a domestic incident.

Court records show Pughsley in late May 2020 filed for a protection from abuse order against Webster, which a judge granted in June. In that request, Pughsley documented and incident that happened May 19, 2020 at her home. Brandon came to my residence and hit me in the side of my head with an open hand two times while I was holding my 5-month-old Godchild, she wrote. His actions caused me to drop the infant.

Although Brandon has moved out of the residence, he continues to show up and physically assault me, she wrote. He sends threatening text messages and once he is blocked, he continues to call my phone private.
This is an opinion column

The surprise of the first Republican presidential debate was Nikki Haley emerging as the top performer of the night. The former South Carolina governor and ambassador to the United Nations carried a commanding presence, made her policy points with precision, and managed to stay out of the childish antics that tangled some of the other contenders. The debate was certainly worth the typical voters time and opened up some critical differences between candidates.

Ranking the presidential fields performance behind Haley, Id go with Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, Chris Christie, Doug Burgum, and Asa Hutchinson.

Haley was the straight shooting adult in the room. On a federal abortion ban, for example, she had the most practical answer. When youre talking about a federal ban, be honest with the American people, she corrected Pence. We havent had 45 pro-life Senators in over 100 years. So no Republican president can ban abortions any more than a Democrat president could ban all those state laws. Dont make women feel like they have to decide on this issue when you know we dont have 60 Senate votes.

With candidates like Ramaswamy promising to eliminate whole federal agencies, Haley connected with the practical aspects of policymaking in Washington. Haley also managed to go after the rest of the field and Trump without sounding vengeful or angry.

If the debate were held in 2002, Mike Pence would have been the winner. Hes a traditional, conservative Republican who is polished and composed. Pence offered soulful answers from a place of conviction. Hes my grandfathers Republican stuck in a modern arena where personal appeal and energy matter deeply. On pro-life issues, Pence is a stalwart. He offered an anti-communist master class on foreign affairs. He even showed flashes of combativeness that we havent seen before. He certainly had a good night at the debate, but hell struggle to differentiate himself from Trump in terms of his recent track record. The successes of the Trump/Pence administration benefit Trump far more than Pence.

Ron DeSantis did no harm, but he didnt really break out either. His major success of the night was standing on his own two feet instead of running in the shadow of Trump. For once, he was not the most Trump-like candidate on the stage. He effectively promoted his policy wins in Florida to the applause of the audience. His mention of removing Soros prosecutors was wildly popular. On two occasions, he ineffectively attempted to redirect the moderators away from their questions. He also looked generally uncomfortable on stage. Calm and positive answers could have done a lot for DeSantis, but, with furrowed brow, he came across as almost scolding the audience at times.

Like Haley, Scott stayed out of the petulant fighting, and he managed to keep his powder dry on the Trump issues. Couching himself as a product of the American Dream, his optimism was palpable. He went hard after teachers unions as standing at the schoolhouse door to block the educational advance of Americas children. Like Pence, Scott comes across as a gentleman with character, but he carried far less fire during the debate than Pence. Scott showed a mastery of the issues and capable communication. If he could somehow capture Ramaswamys connection with voters, Scott would soar.

The successful Indian-American entrepreneur came out of the gates hot but finished the night as essentially a Trump surrogate. To be clear, Ramaswamy has the MAGA energy on lock. He understands how to connect with Trumps base voters in a way that none of the other candidates, including DeSantis, are able to match. Unfortunately, hes also a lightweight on policy. Promising to gut entire federal agencies polls well, but its a fantasy without building massive Washington coalitions. Haley and Pence gutted Ramaswamy like a fish on foreign affairs, and he was reduced to a Kamala Harris-like nervous laugh on multiple occasions. Like Trump, Ramaswamy found a safe space in insults and attacks when he wasnt carrying the moment on substance. The real question for Ramaswamy is whether positioning himself as Trump 2.0 will work when the original Trump is the frontrunner.

Chris Christie is smart, but he feels like hes in the race to sink candidate battleships rather than run for president. He had his moments during the debate, but his fiery posture towards Trump drowns out any of his substantive policy arguments. If he wants to stay in the race, hes going to need more than the anti-Trump pitt bull schtick.

North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum carries the small town charm that voters like. Hes consistent on the issues, and hes more supportive of devolving power to the states than almost any other candidate in the field. At the same time, he seemed a bit out of place on stage. He didnt claw for speaking opportunities like the rest of the field. That might set well with some voters, but he didnt do much to separate himself from the pack. Hell get some momentum from the debate, but the question is whether it will be enough for him to hang around.

Asa Hutchinson feels like the first man out. The weirdest moment of the night was Hutchinson trying to sell the idea that Trump is ineligible to become president based on the 14th Amendment. Even if hes correct, he simply failed to connect with anyone. While hes had an admirable political career, Hutchinson needs to hang this one up.

The bottom line is that we should see some narrowing of the field by one or possibly two candidates for the next debate. Trump had to be chomping at the bit to get on that stage. While Ramaswamy was a serviceable fill-in, I could almost feel Trump muttering about how much better he would have done. Hes probably right. The question is whether legions of D.C. consultants and lawyers can keep Trump from debate stages for much longer. My bet is that we see him sooner rather than later.

At any rate, the Republican presidential primary is off to the races, and well find out whether Trump is the juggernaut he seems or simply inevitable like Hillary Clinton.

More Cameron Smith columns:

Smith is a recovering political attorney with four boys, two dogs, a bearded dragon, and an extremely patient wife. Hes a partner in Triptych Media, a business strategy wonk, and a regular on talk radio. Please direct outrage or agreement to csmith@al.com or @DCameronSmith on Twitter.
Sign up for Roy S. Johnsons newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to Roys weekly newsletter, The Barbershop:

This is an opinion column.

Being Black and gay still aint easy. Its often hurtful within ones own home. And too often within our community. Still.

Imagine the pain endured more than half a century ago when being Black and gay made one a dual target. Of a society drenched with Jim Crow. And from within our community. Even at the highest echelons of the movement for racial equality that would change America. Inside a movement where to be Black and gay was to be embraced or shunned.

Or worse.

Imagine how that pain threatened to stymie the movementand affected the man.

Then you would know how it was to be Bayard Rustin.

His name is in many history chronicles, regularly listed among the less-sung crafters of the civil rights movement.

Raised from his earliest days in Pennsylvania on the Quaker values of peace and non-violence, hes credited with influencing a young preacher in Montgomery to pursue a strategy of non-violence in the pursuit of equality.

The young preacher, of course, was Dr. Martin Luther King.

Rustin is also widely credited as the architect of the historic 1963 March on Washington, weaving together from behind the curtain the tenuous organizational elements needed to create the movements most impactful moments and images.

Rustin [organized] this march in an eight-week period, without cell phones, without email, without faxes. So he and his team [were] working the phones hard, they [were] typing letters constantly, Michael G. Long, editor of I Must Resist: Bayard Rustins Life in Letters and co-author of Bayard Rustin: The Invisible Activist, told The History Channel. From what I hear, the headquarters was in sheer chaos all the time. And Rustin thrived in an environment like that.

In Birmingham that same year, he thrived amid the tension and terror that hung over the city that was ground zero for the Ku Klux Klan. He was a quiet, but essential force, behind King and Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth and the Childrens Crusade to end segregation in downtown stores.

Yet Rustins place in the pantheon of the movement is shrouded by his sexuality. He was gay. Defiantly and openly gay.

Rustins sexuality was honored by his family, particularly his grandmother, an unusual occurrence in that time. More expectantly, it was a source of consternation among Blacks, which made him a target for the kind of attacks and discrimination he was working to overcome.

King was aware of Rustins sexual orientation but chose to overlook it, according to Long, while other movement leaders considered him a hindrance to the movement.

In 1960, Black leaders planned to march at the Democratic convention to protest the partys still-lackluster commitment to civil rights. In a horrific effort to stifle it, Harlem congressman Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, a powerful, respected member of the Housea Black manthreatened to ignite a rumor that King was having an affair with Rustin if King and the other leaders did not cancel the protest.

Such a rumor would have likely been fatal not just to the march but also to the movement.

In response, Rustin was forced to resign from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, though Black leaders did not take the threat idly. Powell was told if he launched the rumor, Harlem would be papered with posters featuring the women the Congressman had slept with.

Yeah, it got that messy.

Powell was quiet and King marched.

Subsequently, Rustin remained mostly in the background as the movement took the stage  particularly in Birmingham, where his organization skills were invaluable for an event that woke up the nation that watched Bull Connor turn fire hoses and police dogs on children protesters.

While remaining mostly in the shadows, Rustins voice rang strong.

In June of that summer of change, Rustin wrote The Meaning of Birmingham, a scintillantly powerful essay originally published in The Liberation, a pacifist magazine that was the first to publish Kings Letter from the Birmingham jail:

For the black people of this nation, Birmingham became the moment of truth. The struggle from now on will be fought in a different context

The great lesson of Birmingham is at once dangerous and creative; black people have moved to that level where they cannot be contained. They are not prepared to wait for courts, elections, votes, government officials, or even Negro leaders. As James Baldwin said in an interview published in the New York Times : No man can claim to speak for the Negro people today. There is no one with whom the power structure can negotiate a deal that will bind Negro people. There is, therefore, no possibility of a bargain.

The black people themselves are united and determined to destroy unjust laws and discriminatory practices, and they want total freedom, including equal economic opportunity and the right to marry whom they damned well please.

The triumph of Birmingham likely helped stem the effectiveness of targeting Rustins sexuality as a means of halting the movement. Leading up to the March on Washington, the avowed racist U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, bull-horned that the march was being organized by a Communist, draft-dodger and homosexual.

Rustin was all three, yet instead of shirking, movement leaders embraced Rustin as a valued member of the leadership team.

In his essay, Rustin also wrote:

If kids can revitalize the civil rights movement in Birmingham, the least we can do is to act like men and women and fight now to provide them with a decent future.

Rustin continues to fight for civil equality for Blacks, as well as members of the gay community.

Until he died on this day, August 24, 1987. He was 75.

More columns by Roy S. Johnson

Skinny-shamed as youth, Birmingham mom now a champion bodybuilder

Racists threaten woman aiding Newberns Black mayor

Call them the Thug Trump gang

Not today, yall: Montgomery attack defenders embody Black resolve

Indian American, fired by Huntsville contractor after telephone call with dying relative, files lawsuit

Listen to Birminghams foot soldiers, whose voices are strengthened by pain

Im a Pulitzer Prize finalist for commentary, a member of the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame, and winner of the Edward R. Murrow prize for podcasts: Unjustifiable, co-hosted with John Archibald. My column appears in AL.com, as well as the Lede. Check out my new podcast series Panther: Blueprint for Black Power, which I co-host with Eunice Elliott. Subscribe to my free weekly newsletter, The Barbershop, here. Reach me at rjohnson@al.com, follow me at twitter.com/roysj, or on Instagram @roysj
If Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl has knowledge of the state playing host to a GOP presidential debate, hes keeping it close to the vest.

Unfortunately, I have to say no comment at this time, Wahl told WHNT about the prospects of a debate in Alabama in an interview published Wednesday, the same day as the first 2024 GOP presidential debate from Milwaukee.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, has been confirmed as the setting for the second debate.

While the third location has not been confirmed, Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor and 2024 GOP contender, claimed last month that the third debate would be held in Alabama.

First debates August in Wisconsin. Second debates September at the Reagan Library. Third debates October in Alabama  by October, youre going to see a totally different ball game, Haley said, according to a tweet from Kit Maher of CNN.

In his interview with WHNT, Wahl was not as definitive.

I am a big supporter of having the RNC come bring a debate to Alabama. Its something that Im constantly talking about, encouraging, he said. Well just have to wait and see where thats going, and hopefully get one here in Alabama.
What is the difference between South African politician Julius Malema, who led chants of "Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer" during a recent rally of the Economic Freedom Fighters, the political organization that he chairs, and U.S. Air Force general C.Q. Brown, nominated as the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whose goal as CJCS isn't to increase the combat capability of the Armed Forces, but to ensure that white male officers become a minority at the Pentagon?

Same clown, different uniform.

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the secretary of defense used to be interested in improving the combat capability of America. Now it is putting dresses on men and calling them admirals, hiring more refugees from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, and mandating that troops take an experimental non-FDA-approved vaccine lest they be fired or court-martialed for disobeying an obviously illegal order, all while demeaning the troops with bogus accusations of racism and white supremacy.

Virulent black racists used to be confined to the Third World, where they would defund police protection and lead national referenda to eradicate white men from their country. Zimbabwe extirpated their white farmers with great haste. Presumably, South Africa is next.

Here in the First World, black racists are embracing the Zimbabwe model and are openly advocating for white genocide, that it's time to kill everything white in sight. Others find themselves in front of cameras openly wondering: how are they going to exterminate white people? Murder, torture, death by a thousand cuts? Seriously?

Zimbabwe took a page from Adolf Hitler and the Nuremberg Laws, which stripped German Jews of their citizenship. Zimbabwe and the African Union passed laws that stripped white men of their property, and white men  mostly farmers  were summarily hunted down, murdered, and effectively eradicated. I'm certain you heard about it  it was in all the papers that weren't the New York Times or the Washington Post.

Malema isn't in charge of South Africa at this point, but President Biden's racists are in charge of the Department of Defense and the JCS, and, like Kamau Kambon, they have extermination on their mind. But it is a kinder, gentler extermination. Reduce the number of whites in DOD now; fire the rest when the opportunity presents itself?

As the head of the military, I suppose if you failed to kill the troops by poisoning them with mRNA Wuhan wet market sewer water, you could attrite white men from the ranks by firing them under whatever newly created pretext is available to you, such as the completely bogus need for "Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity." What you need to do is protect all of America. Could it be that true black racists, in uniform and out, just want white men in America to DIE?

Dr. Robert Malone, brilliant scientist and lifelong Democrat (up until recently), has come to the conclusion that COVID was not what the media and government officials have told us: "Over the last three years, you have been subjected to the most massive, globally-harmonized psychological and propaganda campaign in the history of the Western world. Full stop. With this campaign the governments of many western nation states have turned, this is key, military-grade psychological operations, strategies, tactics, technologies and capabilities developed for modern military combat against their own citizens."

Military-grade psychological operations? Is there another example?

When black racists are in charge of the military, suddenly there needs to be a correction, there needs to be more diversity, more inclusion, more equity. Specifically, General Brown is frustrated that there are too many white men in DOD. Instead of improving our combat capability, he wants to eliminate white men from DOD?

Consider the simple 2020 headline: "86% of Air Force pilots are white men. Here's why this needs to change."

The implication that some racial crime has been committed, and only the left's illiberal, not-military-enhancing DIE nonsense can fix it. There are too many white pilots is the "big lie." That's the propaganda. The media can take it from there.

The counter-propaganda: It is arbitrary and capricious and a flagrant lie to suggest that the racial makeup of a military pilot is paramount to the national defense. The race of a military pilot is important only to racists whose goal is to destroy America's military. This is fragging: the deliberate or attempted killing of a soldier by a fellow soldier. Racists have no desire to have the strongest military possible. If they cannot eliminate white pilots from the program, they do not care an iota if America's military air superiority crumbles.

See Zimbabwe. It was more important to the racist clowns to eliminate white men from the country than any implication of what would happen to the nation. Zimbabwe used to have a thriving economy; with the racists in charge, they are dirt dead last. Congratulations; DIE works.

Studying the tendency of humans to believe that false information is correct after repeated exposure was the purview of the master of mind control, Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Reichsminister of Propaganda. He found that this simple understanding of the human mind is the essence for controlling it.

"A lie told once remains a lie but a lie told a thousand times becomes the truth," and "You tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually believe it," and "The most brilliant propagandist technique will yield no success unless one fundamental principle is borne in mind constantly  it must confine itself to a few points and repeat them over and over."

Like how there are too many white people in DOD. The Department of Defense is not only in the business of warfare, but also in the business of psychological warfare: developing, perfecting, and using mind control and behavior modification techniques in order to neutralize an adversary or to control an adversary's population in a manner of its choosing. Democrats and their racist generals are using psychological operations against America.

DIE has nothing to add to the national defense. DIE is the grenade for racists in government to destroy it.

I applaud Dr. Malone eventually getting to the point of discovery, what many (and former) military men and women with PSYOPS training know. The Malone clip begins with the header "We've Been Played." That's pretty heady for a real man of science. Because when you are being played, your mind is being manipulated.

Americans are being played. The racists in the Biden administration and the Democrat party, with their incessant propagandic drumbeats of racism, white supremacy, Critical Race Theory, fake racial crimes from the likes of Jussie Smollett and others; their destructive "Diversity, Inclusion, Equity" programs; their government contractors who were forced to demonstrate that they had a "diversity hiring program" lest they be barred from further government contracts; doctors' mandatory "training" that teaches that "white individuals are naturally racist"; to President Obama's executive order, "Using Behavioral Science Insights to Better Serve the American People," and deadly experimental COVID vaccines  all of these are silent weapons for the quiet war on white America.

We are not alone. A program that should take two or three years is now taking the Brits up to eight. The racists in charge of the British Royal Air Force no longer offer pilot jobs to white men  only women and ethnic minorities may apply. Absolutely, DIE works.

The Senate needs to reject the racist general for chairman of the Joint Chiefs and send a message that DIE propaganda is not only unmitigated nonsense, but a threat to the national defense.

Image: Don Hankins via Flickr, CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
On August 17, Vivek Ramaswamy was interviewed by Tucker Carlson. At the very beginning, Ramaswamy spoke candidly about 9/11: I didnt suggest it. I explicitly said that the government absolutely lied to us. The 9/11 Commission lied. The FBI lied to us.

After dropping that bombshell, Ramaswamy went on to describe a scenario that he says doesnt make much sense on the face of it. He explained how a 42-year-old Saudi Arabian graduate student went to Los Angeles International Airport and, while there, met up with two Saudi nationals who went on to hijack a plane on 9/11, which they then crashed into the Pentagon.

The graduate student claimed the encounter happened randomly, after which he takes them to his house, spends lots of time with them [and] integrates them into them into the community. On 9/11, the two young terrorists killed themselves and everyone else on board a commercial jet they hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon.

Ep. 17 Vivek Ramaswamy is the youngest Republican presidential candidate ever. He's worth listening to. pic.twitter.com/9wGqptHdto  Tucker Carlson (@TuckerCarlson) August 17, 2023

If your interest is piqued by what Vivek had to say, heres the rest of the story.

The Saudi man who randomly encountered the two young terrorists is al-Bayoumi, and it turns out that he was working with Saudi intelligence. Nevertheless, neither the FBI nor the 9/11 Commission found anything suspicious about this random encounter or the prolonged contact between al-Bayoumi and the two young terrorists. We learned about this only because, after 20 years, the FBI declassified a tranche of 9/11 files.

The random airport encounter happened in January 2000. The terrorists, Khalid al-Mihdhar and Nawaf al-Hazmi, arrived in the U.S. after attending an al-Qaeda terrorist summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, earlier that month. While in Kuala Lumpur, they were under CIA surveillance, and the CIA tracked them as they entered the U.S.

Public domain images.

Once they were in the U.S., the CIA continued to track the two men. In fact, the CIA had set up a unit named Alec Station, to track Al Qaeda and its chief, Osama bin Laden. However, the CIA did not inform the FBI that two terrorists had entered the U.S.

Ramaswamy mentions that the public was made aware of the random January 2000 encounter because of declassified FBI documents. However, a second source of information has also surfaced.

This second source is a 21-page document prepared by Don Canestraro, a former high-ranking DEA agent, that was filed in 2021 at the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, where the cases of the 9/11 defendants are ( still !!) being heard. It was on the public docket but went unreported because it was almost completely redacted. However, the complete and unredacted version of Canestraros document is now posted on Wikisource.

In his court filing, Canestraro interviewed almost two dozen high-ranking intelligence agents. One witness who attended a high-level post-9/11 meeting with senior FBI and CIA officials said he overheard the CIA Director of Operations telling CIA Director George Tenet that he was glad that they had kept a CIA analyst who worked in Alec Station away from 9/11 investigators. Tenet agreed that keeping the CIA agent away from the 9/11 Commission was a good idea.

Canestraro also interviewed Richard Clarke, who served on the National Security Council in 2001 and whose job was to coordinate all intelligence related to terrorism and facilitate the sharing of information between law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Clarke told Canestraro that the 9/11 Commission did not thoroughly investigate the Saudi connection to the 9/11 attacks. Why not?

It turns out that the answer to this question may not be so simple. One scenario is that Saudi intelligence was involved in perpetrating the 9/11 attacks. In fact, family members of 9/11 victims are suing Saudi Arabia to hold them accountable for their role in facilitating the deadly attacks. But another possibility is that Al-Bayoumi, working in conjunction with Saudi intelligence, was trying to recruit the two terrorists to infiltrate Al Qaeda on the CIAs behalf.

Clarke said he believed the CIA was running an operation on American soil trying to recruit the hijackers and use them to infiltrate Al-Qaeda. According to Clarke, the operation would have involved Al-Bayoumi befriending the two hijackers by attempting to convince them that he was sympathetic to their cause. At the same time, Al-Bayoumi would have been reporting on the hijackers activities to Saudi intelligence, which would, in turn, have relayed it to the CIA.

AL Qaeda is filled with radical, firebrand Islamic terrorists who not only have no compunction about murdering helpless civilians but who also seem quite willing to kill themselves in order to achieve their religiously inspired blood-lust. One can understand the need to infiltrate it with informants if thats even possible.

Clarke is not the only one who claimed that the CIA had attempted to recruit the newly arrived terrorists. Another witness designated only as CS-23 made a similar claim. Canestraro wrote:

CS-23 told me that the attempt to recruit Al-Hazmi and Al-Mihdhar was an operation directed by the Central Intelligence Agency. CS-23 told me that the CIA used their liaison relationship with the Saudi intelligence services to conduct an operation on U.S. soil. CS-23 told me that the Saudis were used as a go between as the CIA is forbidden by law to conduct intelligence operations within the U.S.

But Clarke went further, stating that he believed most of the records of the CIAs operation to penetrate Al-Qaeda through Al-Bayoumi were destroyed to cover up the operation.

What this means is that the CIA was using foreign agencies to conduct operations in the United States because it is forbidden by its charter to conduct operations on American soil. What the CIA was alleged to have done may not have violated the letter of the law, but it certainly seems to have violated its spirit.

Nonetheless, according to CS-23, the CIAs practice of using allied intelligence services as cut-outs had occurred in the past. Wrote Canestraro,

CS-23 told me that the CIA has used its relationship with allied intelligence services to conduct operations inside the United States in the past.

Then there is this aspect: As mentioned, the CIA never informed the FBI about the two known al-Qaeda terrorists arrival in the United States. The obvious reason for this silence was that the CIA was running an illegal operation in the U.S. Another witness told Canestraro that it was only in June 2001 that the CIA finally informed the FBI that the two terrorists were in the country, but that was because the CIA lost track of them and needed FBI assistance to find them.

So, what happened when the FBI eventually learned of the CIAs underhanded operation to recruit Al-Qaeda terrorists, right here in America, as intelligence assets and, possibly, to use them to infiltrate Al-Qaeda? According to Canestraro, CS-23 told him that senior FBI officials suppressed investigations into the matter:

CS-23 claimed that FBI agents testifying before the Joint Inquiry into the 9/11 attacks were instructed not to reveal the full extent of Saudi involvement with Al-Qaeda.

By this account, Saudi Arabia was indeed involved with 9/11 terrorists, but not in a sinister way. Instead, it was working with the CIA to attempt to recruit at least two of the terrorists to spy on Al-Qaeda. Or was it in a sinister capacity? Was Saudi intelligence taking advantage of the CIA by pretending to be working with them? Is this why all this pertinent information never made it to the 9/11 Commission? And will we Americans ever learn the truth about the single largest terrorist attack on American soil?
Were truly living in a Philip K. Dick world. A world in which were expected to believe, with the strength of conviction, synthetic constructs without a single grain of truth to them while rejecting and reviling obvious straightforward concepts about the world and its workings that have been accepted since the days of the Serengeti.

This is a world in which one of the rarest personality disorders in existence balloons overnight from a few dozen to nearly a million victims, victims whose suffering can be alleviated only by unceasing brutality, viciousness, and insult directed at young women. (Note that it is almost always, with the occasional exception of a J.K. Rowling or Camille Paglia, young women who are targeted.)

Its a world in which a bogus vaccine that cures nothing and prevents nothing is not only distributed and promoted, but raised to the level of the near-compulsory, while treatments known to work are not only prohibited, but functionally criminalized.

Its a world in which a police riot that killed three innocent civilians is characterized as an insurrection, while several hundred bystanders  most of them easygoing, middle-aged, law-abiding-by-habit heartland dwellers  are arrested and jailed on spurious charges and kept in conditions that would have appalled Henry Wirz.

A world in which reality has faded into a kaleidoscope of paranoia, wish-fulfillment daydreams, and hallucinations. A world in which authority has built its fortress on a foundation of confetti and glitter. A world of imposed cognitive dissonance.

Nowhere is this more true than in the persecution of Donald Trump. Trump, so were told, attempted in the wake of the 2020 election something of a low-level coup, working to overthrow the fairest election of all time in defiance of law, tradition, and the Constitution (Or so claimed by Constitution-loving Democrats, who would never even think of undermining the 2nd Amendment, packing the Supreme Court, or abolishing the Electoral College.) This attempt involved a conspiracy, comprised of such sinister figures as Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows. The Atlanta indictment goes so far as to claim a RICO violation.

In an irony likely overlooked by the Democrats involved (it has certainly by the media) one of these RICO conspirators is none other than the master of RICO himself, Rudy Giuliani, the man who perfected use of the statute to take down the New York Mob families.

Needless to say, the entire legacy media sphere, along with the DoJ, the administration, and every other visible public institution, is pretending to take this exercise with dead seriousness, predicting Trumps inevitable imprisonment (when not asking why he isnt in jail already), speculating on how many years hell get, how quickly it can be accomplished, and how many of his rights can be safely violated while doing it.

All this, as Tommy Wiseau would put it, is bool-sheet. It is furthermore, known to be bool-sheet by the perpetrators themselves, along with their allies in media and government. They know that its all a pantomime, a tableau vivant with the participants posed to achieve maximum effect.

The reality? Donald Trump is never going to prison. He is never going to be sentenced. Its likely that at least some of the legal proceedings are never going to come to fruition, simply because the end result would be too embarrassing to the powers-that-be. If in fact Trump is ever convicted at all, it will last only until it reaches an unbiased appeals court, at which point each count will be thrown out, one after the other.

The reasoning behind this conclusion has been covered in numerous AT postings over the past week from Sean Ross Callaghan, Tom G.K. Swift, Joe Fried, Jenny Beth Martin, Steve McCann, and others, so we dont need to repeat it here.

The entire purpose of these exercises is to see to it that he doesnt run again -- that there is no Trump 24 campaign -- with the secondary intention of terrorizing anyone that may run in his stead or otherwise inconvenience the Democrats.

In this, they have failed miserably.

Despite this full-bore attack on all levels of the legal system from county to national, despite a legacy media completely in the pocket of the elites, despite the full cooperation of law enforcement and intelligence communities, despite last-ditch opposition from the GOP establishment, Donald Trump is not only maintaining his status as a candidate, he is prevailing. Recent polls put him up to 46 points ahead of all rivals, a lead unparalleled in previous campaigns in which the frontrunners suffered none of Trumps problems. Furthermore, Trump is running even with, and in some polls actually beating the incumbent.

This is an incredible achievement, and one for which Trump has received absolutely no credit -- itself a sign of cognitive dissonance.

Donald Trump has put the fear of God into the elites, the globalists, the technofascists, and their government allies. He has done this by showing how false, how hollow, and how meaningless their agenda is, by revealing how easy it is to defy them, how simply they can be undermined.

Thats the explanation for all of it: the impeachments, the cheating, the slander, the threats, and now the pantomime indictments and the bogus show trials.

In 1974, the same day he was arrested by the regime, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn published Live not by Lies, his ultimate act of defiance against the rotten and tottering Soviet system.

We know that they are lying, they know that they are lying, they even know that we know they are lying, we also know that they know we know they are lying too, they of course know that we certainly know they know we know they are lying too as well, but they are still lying. In our country, the lie has become not just moral category, but the pillar industry of this country.

Thats what Solzhenitsyn wrote about the USSR in 1974. It could easily be written about the United States in 2023.

Its a terrible thing that the United States, the light of the western world, should be considered on the same terms as the USSR in any year. Liberals typically follow the same pattern as their predecessors among the Nazis and communists, only in a weaker and more spineless fashion. But there are no Stalins among them, no Lenins, no Trotskys. The Dems, the Deep State, the globalists and their technofascist allies have had several years now to make the big move into pure authoritarianism, to send out their goons, their drones, the helicopters to leash and bind the people of this country. To bring down the iron boot good and hard. But they havent dared try it. Need we ask why?

Image: Gage Skidmore
Deborah Rosenblum, assistant secretary of defense for nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs, is seen speaking at a seminar hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in Washington, Aug. 23, in this captured image. Screen captured from CSIS



North Korea continues to maintain an active biological weapons program and it likely is the only country in the world that continues to produce toxic agents that can cause highly infectious diseases, the U.S. Department of Defense said in a report.



The report, titled Biodefense Posture Review (BPR), also highlighted that North Korea, along with China, Russia and Iran, possess the knowledge and ability to use such toxic agents if necessary.



"The PRC, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, probably maintain the knowledge and capability to produce and employ traditional pathogens and toxins," said the report.



"These countries historically pursued, and at least one country (North Korea) continues to pursue, pathogens that cause highly infectious or contagious diseases, such as anthrax, plague, and toxins, including botulinum toxin. These nations probably also retain the knowledge and ability to employ these agents if necessary," it added.



The BPR is the first of its kind to be published by the defense department. It was released Thursday.



The inaugural report lays out biological threats facing the United States and its allies, as well as "significant reforms" and steps they must take to ensure operation in a biological threat environment at home and abroad, according to Deborah Rosenblum, assistant secretary of defense for nuclear, chemical and biological defense programs.



"The national defense strategy speaks of the growing risks of chemical and biological threats in the context of the strategic competition with near peer competitors," Rosenblum said in a seminar hosted Wednesday by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based think tank.



"But we are not only concerned about China and Russia. We must remain focused on the potential impact of existing and emerging biotechnologies that could be incorporated into any biological warfare program for purposes inconsistent with obligations under the Biological Weapons (and Toxins) Convention (BWC)," she added.



The BPR says the United States "assesses that North Korea and Russia maintain offensive biological weapons programs in violation of BWC obligations."



"The use of biological weapons or their proliferation by state or non-state actors presents a significant challenge to our national security, our people, our agriculture, and the environment," says the report. (Yonhap)


It took Joe Biden nearly two weeks to visit Hawaii to offer in-person condolences and support to the survivors of the horrific Maui wildfire. He evidently felt his time was better spent avoiding questions about the Maui wildfire during a beach vacation.

It seems almost as an afterthought, Biden committed federal support to helping Maui recover, telling Hawaiis governor, that the state would have everything it needs from the federal government.

FEMA estimates that the recovery costs could top $5.5 billion before all is said and done. At present, it is offering $700 to each displaced resident who files for help, about 3,000 so far. So, the committed grand total of spending at present is $2,100,000. To put this in perspective, Biden has just requested that Congress grant an additional $24 billion in military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine on top of the nearly $77 billion he has already delivered. As is typical of the president, Biden is putting foreign countries first.

Then there is Hawaiis Gov. Joshua Green (D), what a guy -- the perfect politician, a liar laying the blame for Mauis devastation on climate change rather than where it belongs, largely on his administrations and the government of Mauis own inaction in the face of known wildfire threats.

On August 13, Green said that Mauis destruction was due to climate change.

That level of destruction, and a fire hurricane, something new to us in this age of global warming, was the ultimate reason that so many people perished.

Green failed to explain how many lives the $100 million dollars he dedicated to fight climate change this year from the states budget surplus saved. In fact, it saved none, nor could it, because as even the mainstream media, after a few false starts , is now admitting, nature and human error, not climate change, is to blame for the desolation resulting from Mauis wildfires.

The Hawaiian Islands have wet and dry seasons, and it is currently the dry season on Maui. Lahaina, the city suffering the brunt of the wildfires wrath, sits on the naturally drier side of the island due to the prevailing trade winds.

Fires require fuel, and big fires require large fuel loads. Maui had that in abundance, which allowed the wildfire to grow so quickly. This years dry season followed an unusually wet spring, which resulted in verdant growth of an invasive grass on the mountain slopes and valleys abutting Lahaina. Almost every story covering the wildfires mentions that after years of agricultural use, the land on the slopes and valleys surrounding Lahaina has been taken over by Guinea grass, a fast-growing, invasive plant.

Rather than keeping the fast-growing Guinea grass in check by regular mowing, or better still, removing and replacing with fire-resistant native grasses and plants, the Hawaiian government has allowed Guinea grass to take over large areas of the islands, including the mountain slopes abutting Lahaina.

Abby Frazier, a climatologist at Clark University told ABC News that [t]he main factor driving the fires involved the invasive grasses that cover huge parts of Hawaii, which are extremely flammable.

Then there was Hurricane Dora, a category four storm that had recently passed Hawaii, delivering strong winds of up to 62 miles per hour that drove the fires, once started, down the slopes with amazing speed.

Hot dry conditions, check. A large load of dry fuel, check. High winds, check. Now you just need an ignition source.

What sparked the fire has yet to be definitively determined, but something started it and when it did, the conditions were ripe for the devastation reported daily. That accounts for the formation of the fire and its ferocity, but not the human tragedy, the death toll.

That is all on the Hawaiian and Maui governments. The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal among other news outlets detailed the fact that fire officials and the islands electric utility had warned for more than a decade that the island was at extreme risk of wildfires due to fuel buildup, the naturally arid environment during the dry season, and high winds -- the very confluence of conditions responsible for the wildfires on Maui.

Despite the clear and present danger, and a recent increase in wildfires accompanying the spread of invasive grasses, the Hawaiian government ranked wildfire risk as low. Not so, said Nani Barretto, executive director of Hawaii Wildfire Management Organization.

Hawaii has a big wildfire problem. We are on par with the most fire-prone states in the western continental US, Barretto said during a webinar in May. The impacts of fire are broad and long-lasting There is a lot we can do to prevent them.

Yet the state and local governments did nothing. Why wasnt the Hawaiian government prepared for this? Why did they not trigger their island-wide siren system to warn residents of the fire, allowing them time to escape the danger? Why were Mauis fire hydrants empty?

Lets hope real investigations take place, that the appropriate parties are identified and suffer the legal or political consequences of their actions or inaction, and that measures are taken to minimize the risk of such large, devastating wildfires striking Maui or other Hawaiian islands again in the future.

Climate change was not a significant factor in the Maui tragedy.

Ecologist Jim Steele was right when he wrote, The Maui fire would have devastated Lahaina in a colder or warmer climate. It would have devastated Lahaina in high or low CO2 concentrations.

People like Hawaiian Gov. Green who blame climate change for Mauis raging fires and tragic, large loss of life are despicable: the worst kind of opportunists, grotesquely dancing on the smoldering bodies of those whose lives were lost, exploiting death to push a political agenda.

Had Green and Maui directed just a fraction of the hundreds of millions of dollars in resources devoted to studying and fighting climate change in recent years, the invasive grasses could have been cleared and replaced with native fire-resistant plants, the water supply filled, emergency plans put in place and drills undertaken, and emergency exit routes and plans developed. Any of these actions, or myriad dozens of others, would have done more to reduce the devastation and havoc wreaked on Maui, than lawsuits filed against oil companies, or money spent on wind and solar development.

Restrictions on fossil fuels dont prevent wildfires or the devastation they can bring, however, direct action to reduce fuel loads and harden infrastructure do.

H. Sterling Burnett, Ph.D., (hsburnett@heartland.org) is the Director of the Arthur B. Robinson Center on Climate and Environmental Policy at the Heartland Institute, a non-partisan, non-profit research organization based in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

Image: Forest and Kim Starr
In the wake of the Republican presidential debate, it's pretty obvious President Trump will in the end, win the nomination.

I propose a political dream team, which could campaign for President Trump, and indirectly, for their proposed positions in the Trump administration.

The objective here will be to expand Trumps voter base and mobilize middle class/working class Republicans, prime the general election for crossover Democrats, and bring in independent voters into an overwhelming political force to take back our country.

It is impossible for the GOP to compete against the election fraud machine mastered by the Democrats, with its effectiveness dramatically accelerated by pandemic election law changes orchestrated by them.

To win and reverse this burgeoning totalitarianism, the GOP and the Dream Team must overwhelm the Democrats' legal and illegal Big Steal strategies by mobilizing the largest possible GOP voter turnout, especially in swing states, by any legal means necessary.

There must be an effective get-out-the-vote strategy and messaging appeal to many millions of angry, fearful, disillusioned, and demoralized independents, previously nonvoting Republicans, general election crossover Democrats, and especially women, under-30s, and minorities.

Here is the proposed, best qualified Dream Team to magnify that endeavor to reelect President Trump and elect non-RINO Republican down-ballot candidates to take back our country:

Donald J. Trump as President:

 The politically motivated, election-interfering indictments are solidifying his support base.

 Yes, he lost the 2020 election  as a result of massive election fraud.

 Working class hero; Kryptonite to the Deep State; the right man for the right time

 Supreme negotiator, keeps fighting when everything is against him

 Has a blueprint for action to do what he was not able to do while in office due to GOPe, Democrats, and Deep State hampering his MAGA agenda. The blueprint will include a Youre Fired! plan to take on the Deep State and out-of-control unconstitutional Administrative State's unaccountable bureaucracy.

 Is vastly more dangerous to the Progressives and Deep State, who hate and fear him more than any other political entity, after undergoing a learning curve which revealed who to trust and who not to

Senator Joni Ernst as proposed Vice President:

 Was on Trumps 2016 shortlist for V.P.

 23-year National Guard Lt. Col. (retired) and Iraq War combat veteran

 Served as commanding officer in two different military units

 Was Montgomery County, IA auditor then IA Senate member

 U.S. Senator since 2015

 On the Senate Committees of Armed Services; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry

 On Caucuses of Abraham Accords (as co-chair), Congressional Caucus for Womens Issues, and Congressional Veterans Caucus

 Is the Chair of the Senate Republican Policy Committee

 Was Vice Chair of the Senate Republican Conference

 Has a Master of Public Administration degree

 A Trump ally and defender with sustained public support for Trumps policies

 Appeals to voters across the Republican spectrum

 Trump will utilize her political experience and connections to advance his legislative agenda through Congress.

 Trump underperformed with women voters in both prior runs for presidency; Joni Ernsts military background and ability to reach female voters will expand Trumps voter base.

Senator Ted Cruz as proposed Attorney General:

 Was on Trumps shortlist for a SCOTUS appointment, a consideration which Cruz declined

 Served as associate attorney general in the DOJ under George W. Bush

 Was Solicitor General of Texas

 Argued 9 cases before SCOTUS

 Authored 70 SCOTUS briefs and presented 34 appellate oral arguments

 On the Senate Committees of Judiciary; Rules and Administration; Foreign Relations; and Commerce, Science, and Transportation; and Joint Economic Committee

 In 2016, raised $92 million (a GOP primary record), won 12 states and 7.8 million votes, and had 325,000 volunteers

 What better choice to purge and replace problematic personnel, reform and depoliticize the DOJ, FBI, and U.S. Attorneys offices, reverse the two-tiered justice system, enforce the equitable rule of law, potentially lead the restoration of election integrity, seriously go after crime and corruption in government, and bring to justice the real criminals?

 Potential U.S. Deputy Attorney General: Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti or Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton?

Senator Marco Rubio as proposed Secretary of State:

 Has been a quasi-Secretary of State for Latin America

 On the Committees of Foreign Relations (senior member); Appropriations; Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Aging; and Select Committee on Intelligence (Vice Chairman)

 Sincerely thinks that the nations number one obligation is to act in the national interest of the USA

Colonel (Retired) Martha McSally as proposed Secretary of Defense:

 26 year military career

 Combat-proven leader; excels in building teams; has strategic planning expertise

 First woman to fly a fighter jet in combat and to command a fighter squadron

 Deployed 6 times to the Middle East and Afghanistan, flying 325 combat hours

 Was in both House and Senate Armed Services Committees as Congresswoman for 4 years and Senator for 2 years

 Has a Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School of Government

 And Masters in Strategic Studies from the Air War College, graduating number one of 261 senior military officers

 An endurance athlete and mountain climber

 An inspiring speaker and people connector

 Relentlessly pragmatic, sensibly grounded

 A Trump loyalist and sure bet to expand Trumps voter base and reverse the wokification and diversity standards of the armed forces

 The military is probably the easiest and fastest institution to constitutionally restore and the most important to fix. Col. McSallys mission will be to purge and replace problematic high-ranking officers and improve combat readiness and the perception of the military.

Lt. Gen. (retired) Michael T. Flynn as proposed Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security:

 On Trumps 2016 shortlist for Secretary of Defense

 Played a key role in shaping U.S. counterterrorism

 Was an important link in connections between Putin and Trump for the Ukraine peace plan

 Was the Director of various Defense Intelligence Agencies

 After retirement, provided intelligence services for businesses and governments

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as proposed Secretary of Health and Human Services:

 In 2016, Trump asked him to head a commission on vaccination safety and scientific integrity but Trumps transition team (wrongly and regrettably) nixed that idea.

 Has ties to some influential MAGA conservatives

 May help with a Trump COVID mea culpa admittance of being conned into supporting the medical/pharmaceutical disastrous COVID narrative

 Has been litigating against the NIH, CDC, and FDA for many years and knows the people he can trust within each agency

 Wants to move the country away from the pharmaceutical paradigm and transform the current disease care system into a healthcare system that effectively addresses the root causes of chronic diseases

 Could lead an effort to end the deep corruption of medical-biological research and medical ethics

 RFK Jr will vastly expand Trumps voter base by bringing with him millions of his Democrat and Independent supporters.

 The Democrat establishment hates and fears him, and he is extremely disappointed with the Democratic Party. Will the offer of the Secretary of HHS be enough to induce him to aid in a Republican campaign and be a part of a Republican administration?

Vivek Ramaswamy proposed for an important position in the Trump campaign and administration, to be announced:

 Has hyper-Trumpian positions

 Is an anti-woke activist, anti-administrative state, anti-climateism, and anti-gender ideology

 Has a telegenic, charismatic personality

 Has the ability to rhetorically destroy any political opposition

 Trump substantially underperformed with under-30 votes in 2020. Vivek, age 38, with much of his campaign donations coming from young supporters, will expand the under-30 Trump voter base.

Is very likely to draw Asian-American voters, who lean Democrat and are an increasingly important as a voter base, into the GOP fold

Kari Lake: Good luck if you run in the 2024 AZ Senatorial contest. If, unfortunately, you dont win or don't decide to run, how about a Trump administration proposed position as Press Secretary or FCC chairwoman (current chair term expires 6/30/25) or W.H. Communications Director?

Alternates:

Gov. Kristi Noem was the V.P. runner-up.

Gov. Ron DeSantis as a back-up alternative in the event that Trump cannot run as the GOP nominee (unfortunately, if that occurs, a significant portion of Trumps voter base will not turn out to vote for DeSantis or down-ballot GOP candidates). Otherwise, governor, you are doing a great job in Florida, maybe even better than any other governor. Keep up the good work and finish your term as you promised your constituents you would do. Hopefully, Trump will reconcile with you after the primaries so that you can support his candidacy.

The 2024 election may be the most important in our nations history; it could be the final battle between good and evil. The choice could be a tyranny with the loss of our freedoms or the beginning of the restoration of our exceptional constitutional republic.

God Bless America, land that I love

Stand beside her

And guide her

To the right with the light from above

Make her victorious on land and foam

God Bless America, my home sweet home.

-- Irving Berlin, 1918 original version

Image: The White House, official photo
America was founded as a nation that had the rule of law. The Constitution is the fount of those laws. It, in turn, looks back to the best of the British legal system. The Constitution is what has maintained stability in America and, when weve erred as a nation, its the compass that has put us back on the path of ordered liberty. And for 250 years, Americas lawyers have been the repository of constitutional wisdom and the guardians of the rule of law. Thats why every one of us should be deeply concerned by a report showing that, at the nations ostensibly top law schools, professors are attacking the Constitution and demanding its deletion.

A lot of nations claim to have constitutions, but theyre not what we Americans have long understood to be a constitution. They are simply statements of the privileges the governments of these nations have extended to their citizens. And, of course, if a government can giveth, it can also taketh away.

The American Constitution is a very different animal. Written by lawyers steeped in the English legal system, it is a contract between the people and their governmentwith the rights and equities favoring the people, not the government. The main document sets up a governmental framework that carefully allocates power between the separate branches of government in a way intended to have each branch ensure that the other cannot become tyrannical.

For most Americans, though, the Constitutions core is the Bill of Rights. These ten amendments to the Constitution do not state privileges that the new American government graciously extends to its citizens. Instead, it states a series of rights that are inherent in Americas citizens and that the government must respect. Power vests in the citizens, not the government.

Image by Andrea Widburg.

America has undoubtedly deviated from these rights. Leftists have used these deviations to say that the rights themselves are defective and must be ignored. And nowhere is this leftist line of argument more dangerous than when it appears in Americas law schools among the professors. But thats whats happening, and its taking place at many of Americas most influential law schools.

The Public Interest Legal Foundation examined courses in the countrys top ten law schools. These schools include Yale, Stanford, and Harvard, among others. What the study found is disturbing, to say the least:

Law professors at elite schools are open about their disdain for the U.S. Constitution, the researchers found. Theyre saying they want to get rid of the Constitutiontheyre making no secret about it, said J. Christian Adams, president and general counsel of the Public Interest Legal Foundation. Hes also worked for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Hans von Spakovsky, a senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundations Edwin Meese III Center and former DOJ counsel, agreed. The radicalization of law schools is a threat to freedom not previously encountered in the nations history, Mr. von Spakovsky said. In fact, some of them are very direct in teaching kids that they need to be revolutionaries, according to these courses that these law school students are taking, he told The Epoch Times.

Examples are legion. In 2022, professors at Yale and Harvard authored an editorial in the New York Times arguing that The Constitution is Broken and Should Not Be Reclaimed. The 1619 Project claims that Americas history is so intertwined with slavery that every aspect of the past, the Constitution included, must be jettisoned. Never mind that the Constitution was always right about liberty; it was we frail humans who were wrong. Yale offers classes for would-be lawyers entitled Decentralized Resistance and Law and Inequality.

For a very long time, the left has been using litigation to do an end-run around Article V requirements for amending the Constitution. That is a laborious process that requires the peoples consent. Using lawfare only requires some judge to say that the Constitution is all about people feeling good about themselves so, yes, lets pretend it covers gay marriage, or to say that the Second Amendment surely cant mean that residents of inner cities have the right to defend themselves. (Thank goodness that Justice Scalia put an end to that nonsense.)

In those cases, there was a pretense of working with the Constitution. In Americas law schools today, though, that pretense is over. The leftists are creating a generation of lawyers who are not grounded in the Constitution and do not see themselves as its guardians. For them, its an instrument of oppression that must be overthrown so that the revolutionaries can have their way. And once that revolution happens, a revolution that has absolute disdain for the rule of law, it wont be long before the guillotines start to appear.
Dylan Mulvaney is a very clever man. Riding the transgender wave, and with undoubted charm, hes managed to go from being a somewhat talented, effeminate man struggling to make it in the theater to being a STAR!!! Now, that newly acquired stardom may see him getting a lead role in an upcoming Broadway revival of Cabaret. But he wont be getting the Joel Grey role. Thats already going to Eddy Redmayne. Instead, envision Mulvaney as Liza Minelli. And believe it or not, he is perfect for the part.

This is what passes for hot gossip in the New York theater world. The New York Post broke the story:

Page Six has exclusively learned that the much-discussed actress-turned-influencer  who has gained 10.6 million followers on TikTok documenting her journey as a transgender woman  was invited to audition for the upcoming Broadway revival of Cabaret. The show, which won seven Olivier Awards in London, is coming to the Great White Way with Eddie Redmayne expected to take the male lead. And were told that while the cast for the Spring opening at the August Wilson Theater is already in place, producers have auditioned Mulvaney to take over the female lead British cabaret performer Sally Bowles if the show has a long run in New York.

First, let me say that the New York Post disgusts me when it refers to an anorexic little man as she. But to get to the more important point, lets talk about how cleverly Mulvaney has leveraged a small talent into a big career.

Image: Dylan Mulvaney before he hit the big time. YouTube screen grab.

Before today, Mulvaney did little regional theater roles. He was a member of the chorus (Elder White) in a production of The Book of Mormon, and had other roles, presumably in the chorus, in various local productions of shows such as Legally Blonde and Bye Bye Birdie. He sings better than most people and quite badly for anyone making a career in musicals.

Then, Mulvaney had a brilliant idea: Announce that hes a girl (not a woman, but a girl) and go on TikTok. And because he is charming in an elfish way and because he captured the leftist zeitgeist, suddenly he was a star. Mulvaney may have destroyed Bud Light practically singlehandedly, but the left loves him, and it will support him forever.

Thats why hes being asked to audition for the female lead in Cabaret. We are being reminded that Dylan Mulvaney is a womaner, a girl, and that his marginal talent is real and powerful. But theres a lesson here that his supporters are missing.

Liza Minelli was actually miscast when she played Sally Bowles in Cabaret. That was because, at least in that movie, her talent was real. She was brilliant and powerful.

However, in Christopher Isherwoods original Goodbye to Berlin, as well as the original Broadway play and musical made from his novel, Sally Bowles was talentless. She was a failed British performer who ended up in a seedy German cabaret as the Nazis were coming to power. Her awfulness was emblematic of Germanys social and economic collapse, and its consequential debauchery, and the seemingly inevitable way Germans turned to a demented strongman who promised to rescue them.

Looked at from the correct perspective, Dylan Mulvaney is perfect for Sally Bowles. He lacks talent, and he is the avatar of Americas decline. Lets just hope hes not also the harbinger of a Democrat strongman (or woman) who promises to rescue us from the fall that Democrats themselves have engineered.
Who says attending to disaster relief can't be combined with a ritzy Hawaiian holiday?

That's what's going around as news rolls out of just how FEMA officials, flown in from the mainland, are enduring the "hardships" of their search and recovery work on Lahaina.

According to the Daily Mail, which broke the story:

Bungling U.S. government bureaucrats dispatched to the Maui disaster zone are shacked up in $1,000-a-night luxury hotels on the Hawaiian island, DailyMail.com can reveal. Officials from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been slammed by locals over their slow response to the devastating wildfires that have claimed at least 114 lives and left thousands of people homeless after their houses were scorched to the ground. But that has not stopped the under-fire agency from splashing taxpayer cash to put up more than 1,000 of its personnel at four bank-breaking resorts in Wailea after the deadliest wildfire in the U.S. for more than a century that caused an estimated $5billion in damage.

RadarOnline has more details here about the luxury hotels  the Fairmont Kea Lani, Four Seasons, and the Grand Wailea Astoria which are housing the disaster bureaucracy.

Pools, spas, $32 drinks, towel service, laundry, room service, and other luxury accommodations are all available to them. One of the hotels is suites-only. The cheapest ones go for $1,000 a night, which is more than the $700 that Lahaina's residents are getting for their entire ordeal being burned out of their homes.

What's more, these pricey celebrity-level accommodation digs aren't anywhere near Lahaina and its fire zone  they're a 45-minute drive up to the ritzy north side of the island  which ups the vacay quotient for sure. Fox News's Jesse Watters noted that there was actually plenty of hotel space closer to the disaster site available and at much cheaper rates.

And that has given Maui's beleaguered residents mainly from fire-razed Lahaina another reason to be angry at big government, according to Hawaii News Now:

It's rubbing devastated Lahaina residents the wrong way as they continue dealing with the wildfires' aftermath. Some are displaced and have lost their homes and jobs; others may have lost loved ones or still have unaccounted-for loved ones. One resident, Dustin Kaleiopu, lost his home in the Lahaina fire. "So they're seeing government employees or government volunteers staying in these luxury accommodations being funded by taxpayers; that's where a lot of the frustration comes from," said Kaleiopu.

Maui's a relatively small place, and word gets around fast  which means the luxury vacay life of FEMA elites is pretty well being waved in the residents' faces.

Oh, but hey, nothing funny here, they're paying the government rate, a FEMA spokesman told Hawaii News Now:

FEMA Spokesperson Darrell Habisch does not deny they are staying at five-star hotels. He confirms that taxpayers' money is paying for lodging for employees and survivors. "FEMA personnel and responders are not here on vacation," said Habisch. "We're all here for the residents of Maui and the survivors of this terrible, this terrible incident." Habisch said instead of the $1,000 a night rate, FEMA is paying hotels the government rate of $345. "And if these larger resorts have the capacity, they're the ones who agreed to it to say, yeah, we want to help; they want to help as much as everybody else," said Habisch. "So, they're saying we will take a dramatically reduced government rate that you can get at any hotel on the island, and we'll agree to that." "And they will still receive all the amenities available at that hotel, and that is a decision made by the hotel."

That makes these underpriced rooms a gift, a taxable gift, for sure, but don't hold your breath that these people will pay it.

All of this comes in striking contrast to what FEMA is doing to house Lahaina's displaced residents, the people they are ostensibly there to "help." While the FEMA elites take in the spas at the Four Seasons, the local talent get sent to places with names like the Days Inn, the Sheraton, and private homes, plus some talk about bringing trailers in. Five-star accommodations for FEMA elites; little guys get the motels and private homes.

In other words, FEMA kept the best for themselves. Their help is only for about 620 residents, according to one report, or 1,900 residents, according to another. FEMA itself is housing more than 1,000 of their own personnel in these luxe spaces.

Something a little out of proportion here?

And not surprisingly, FEMA's top official says the agency is running out of money.

Wonder why.

It roughly resembles the dynamics of America's endless wars, where huge amounts of money are splashed out for "aid," and all of it goes to consultants and their contracts rather than the people intended to help.

Seems FEMA has adopted this model, too, and with several disasters to tour every year, it's a sweet life, indeed.

But maybe that's not how this is supposed to go.

Image: Screen shot from Forbes Breaking News video via YouTube.
Amid the many ideological struggles of the 20th century, liberalism emerged as a surviving force. However, the prominence of liberalism, once envisioned by Francis Fukuyama, has diminished, at least in the Atlantic world. Even Europe's era of social democracy, with its socialist leanings, as an expression of this liberalism, appears to be fading away.

As a German in Germany, I think about this based on what I see here.

Despite Germany's unique historical trajectory following the Second World War, which necessitated a significant re-evaluation and consolidation of liberal values, the location of liberalism within the Federal Republic remains elusive.

The principles of the rule of law, market economy, human rights, and civil rights are universally recognized as democratic guidelines here. Liberal ideas have permeated society in various forms, but that has made it difficult to pinpoint a singular "pure doctrine." While some retreats on the left can be observed, there seems to be a vague liberal consensus that isn't entirely defined.

The formative years of the country can be characterized as a process of assimilating Western liberal traditions, as Jurgen Habermas argued. Democracy, pluralism, parliamentarianism, and critical public debate  essentially, the guiding principles of the liberal constitutional state  had to be reaffirmed and solidified in their relevance in order to transform Germany. While this common foundation allows for various democratic perspectives, it does not generate a unified concept of liberalism.

Yet Germany's specific history of liberalism has been shaped by its failures since 1848.

Unlike, say, France or the U.K., the liberal goals of unity and freedom were never realized here, and the country did not experience any sort of bourgeois revolution of the kind Karl Marx obsessed about.

The influence of national liberalism, which became dominant in politics since the founding of the German Reich in 1871 (think Bismarck) through its accommodation with the monarchical authorities, posed a significant constraint on the emergence of a well defined and clear liberalism as it formed elsewhere.

As a result, Germany moved toward liberalism, but paradoxically so, with tyrannical features.

The predicament of nominal liberalism in Germany is evident in the German State Party's support for the Enabling Act, betraying liberal principles in favor of assumed power responsibility. Consequently, German liberalism faced compromise on two fronts after 1945: on one hand, it had sacrificed its ideals for "Realpolitik" considerations, as exemplified by Ludwig von Rochau's observations, and on the other hand, it hindered the development of an active civic social policy necessary for promoting a democratic political culture.

It is not a new observation that Germany's affinity for the idea of freedom is limited. When in doubt, the preference often leans toward the comforting embrace of an all-encompassing welfare state, which greets newcomers with bureaucratic procedures and responds to every challenge, no matter how simple, with a multitude of new laws. The lack of trust in citizens' ability to provide for their own well-being or make responsible choices leads to excessive reliance on state intervention.

In contrast, the concept of liberalism is commonly associated with capital markets or seen as self-serving.

In essence, freedom in Germany is often equated with free beer and trivial entitlements, without sufficiently recognizing that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. The belief that the state should take care of everything, resulting in the reluctance to acknowledge parental responsibility, is detrimental. The German tendency to address problems by imposing bans or throwing money at them exemplifies the two prevailing approaches. For instance, the Christian Democratic Union's proposal to implement an alcohol ban at certain train stations due to a sexual assault involving a drunk individual is as misguided as any other knee-jerk reaction. This behavior reflects a classical German inclination to regulate, even though children of terrorists are treated like terrorists themselves, while conveniently disregarding the fact that such measures do not address the root causes effectively.

The same pattern emerges in debates around issues like violent video games, where conservatives, in particular, advocate for prohibition rather than addressing underlying concerns. Similarly, discussions surrounding financial investments highlight the pervasive focus on money across all political parties in Germany. Any mention that real poverty is not prevalent is seen as political suicide. Criticizing the state's provision of a relatively good life for the children of the unemployed, ensuring they have food and shelter, is considered social agitation or dismissing the reality of poverty. Superfluous aspects like vacations and cultural events are readily discussed, despite their non-vital nature. Political parties advocate for free education, while teachers' salaries and school supplies remain the responsibility of individuals  an inconsistency concealed from the public despite being funded by taxpayers.

It is evident that intervention is necessary when parents abuse their children, a problem prevalent in every country. However, solving such issues cannot be achieved solely through monetary means. Citizens often express surprise when the state, despite its best intentions, intervenes in every aspect of their lives, conflicting with their self-interest. Personal responsibility is an integral part of freedom, but it remains a foreign concept in Germany. It is ironic that Germany perceives itself to have a significant problem with child poverty. Given the country's low birth rate of 1.4 children per woman, which poses a substantial demographic challenge, the focus should be on this aspect instead of artificially inflating concerns.

Liberalism in Germany is a complex and multifaceted concept. The prevalence of liberal ideas in the country remains obscured, with liberalism often superficially portrayed. While German citizens tend to elect representatives from a wide range of parties, they are equally wary of excessive political interference in their lives. Germany's relationship with liberalism can be characterized as cautiously neutral, with a tendency to prioritize moral concerns.

Image: Dorotheum via Picryl, public domain.
As more details emerge about what really happened in Maui, one thing is unmistakable: the government has completely surrendered its delegated charge as the guarantor of unalienable rights, and in its current form, it is wholly unsuited to have any sort of authoritative role.

A report out yesterday at The Hill detailed that Maui residents fleeing the blaze were barricaded in by several road closures, established by local authorities. Those who heeded the orders died, and those who didn't escaped the flames. From the article:

Those who disobeyed the barricaded road closures during the Maui fires survived the disaster, while many of those who heeded orders to turn around perished in their cars and homes with no way out. ... Officials closed Lahaina Bypass Road due to the fires, blocking the only way out of Lahaina to the southern part of the island. ... One family swerved around the barricade set up to escape the flames, while another resident took a dirt road uphill to climb above the fire. ... However, many others who stayed in the cars on that road were stuck in a gridlock, with fires surrounding them on most sides.

Let me pre-empt this with a language warning, but the first video below gives us a firsthand sense of the chaos, while the second is a survivor's account:

Maybe somebody should tell this unnamed officer that "I was just following orders" isn't a valid defense.

It goes without saying: it's very concerning that we really can't tell whether the government is simply staffed by the most utterly incompetent people because that's the nature of the beast (like a moth drawn to a flame, so are unhireables to government) or if the carnage was intentional. I think at some point, the "I'm just a hopeless dunce" excuse runs out.

See how Harmeet Dhillon broke it all down:

Aloha



When arguing in federal court in HI in 2020, I had to get permission from the governor to enter his precious state to argue that his silly COVID lockdowns violated the Constitution. I lost. This same state, in real life, has shown how little respect for life its leaders  Harmeet K. Dhillon (@pnjaban) August 22, 2023

There is a lot we still don't know, like where hundreds of children are, or how it's possible that John Pelletier, Maui's police chief, was also the incident commander over the Las Vegas shooting in 2017. Present for two very shady and high-profile tragedies? What're the odds? From USA Today:

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier is no stranger to responding to mass tragedy. Nearly six years before disaster struck in the form of wildfires ... he was on the ground in the aftermath of the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Pelletier was named chief of ... the Maui Police Department in 2021. ... On Oct. 1, 2017, Pelletier was the incident commander covering the Strip when a gunman unleashed a hail of bullets on a country music festival, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds more.

Yet here are a few things we can deduce:

Listening to the government may very well cost you your life; a little civil disobedience might just save it.

Nothing is more incapable at securing inalienable rights than the American government in its current state...especially when it comprises (Deep State) Democrats just following orders.

Image: X video screen grab.
I sat through all two hours of the debate among the Republican primary candidates, although I was irked by Larry Elder's absence. Having said that, he didn't miss much. It was like watching a junior high school debate, complete with the cool kids asking stupid questions and the geeks fighting on the stage. I hated every minute of it, thought it was embarrassing for all involved, and found it insulting to the American voters.

If you want details about questions and answers, you'll find them elsewhere. These are just my impressions.

As is the case every election cycle, the format is appalling. It caters to the media's assumption that voters cannot hold anything in their brains for more than a minute or two. They think we're stupid, and the format is set up to cater to that. It's cruel to legitimate candidates to force them to address complex issues in one-minute sound bites, and it deprives the American people of important information. It's such a degradation of real political debate.

Within that appalling format, I couldn't be less impressed with Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum. Their questions were shallow and, considering that it was their format, they had no control over the candidates. I also disliked that they thought it was smart to open with a question that saw them playing Oliver Anthony's "Rich Men North of Richmond." Yes, I understand that the song has resonated with Americans. However, if each candidate gets only one minute, don't waste time on a song.



Image: Republican debate. YouTube screen grab.

Regarding the candidates, I came away thinking that Vivek, DeSantis, and what's-his-name from North Dakota managed to look the same or better by evening's end. The fact that I can't remember what's-his-name's name, though, is a reminder that, while he had a couple of good answers, he's fundamentally a nonentity who just looked better in comparison to some of the others on the stage.

Nikki Haley is a shrill, establishment harridan who kept playing the woman card. Speaking as a woman, I was not impressed. When she ridiculed Vivek Ramaswamy's lack of foreign policy chops, all I could think of was that she's someone who supports Biden's foreign policy. What's that say about her chops?

I also disagreed profoundly when she said Ukraine is our friend. As far as I'm concerned, Ukraine, one of the most corrupt nations in the world, is a friend only to politicians and defense contractors (a point Vivek made). And when Pence went on a rant about Putin entering NATO countries, I wanted to yell at him that it's America that ignored a promise never to push NATO right up to Putin's doorstep. I'm not defending Putin or Russia. This is a war that would be best ended if both countries lost. What I don't want to see is America get sucked in.

Vivek made a few good points that deserve to be noted. He's right that he's the candidate best situated to reach young people and minorities, two groups that Republicans consistently fail to reach. He's the only man who had the courage to say that anthropogenic climate change is a hoax and to promise to stop funding Ukraine and start funding the American border. He's right about fatherlessness and the lack of stable, nuclear families as a large part of the crime epidemic. And he's right to promise to pardon Trump should he be convicted.

Most importantly, every person on that stage other than Vivek believes that you just need to take the government and steer it correctly to fix things. They remind me of American communists who promise we'll be nothing like the Soviet Union. "Communism," they insist, "was just never done right." Every candidate essentially said, "Big government can be done right." Vivek is the only one who understands that it can't, that it is fundamentally antithetical to liberty.

DeSantis tried to stay above the fray (wise) and had strong answers about education and the rule of law. Chris Christie bloviated about the rule of law, but DeSantis is the only person on the stage who has fired corrupt prosecutors.

Speaking of Chris Christie...ick. No more need be said.

Mike Pence came across (to me) as a nasty bully who simultaneously dislikes Trump while taking credit for Trump's (not Pence's, but Trump's) policies. He's also clearly terrified of Vivek, which I found interesting.

Asa Hutchinson is bland, locked in the 1980s, and lost every bit of credibility he might have had when he cited the two professors who claim Trump is banned from office because of Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. The professors are NeverTrumps whose animus blinded them to the law, and Hutchinson is...well, least said, soonest mended.

Burgum (that's what's-his-name's name) was the only one who got the abortion question right: Dobbs honored the Constitution by holding that only the states have a say about abortion. End of story. Every other GOP drone claiming the feds should do something about it was wrong and harmed the GOP's ability to win a general election. All of them should have been marched off the stage for their answers.

I also watched 30 minutes of Trump's discussion with Tucker and was reminded that, while I loved Trump's policies, and enjoy his sense of humor, I find him very boring. He's way too repetitive. I don't need to hear five times in two minutes that we sold the Panama Canal for $1. It's an important point...once, maybe twice.

I'm very disheartened.
The Fushimi Castle in Kyoto was one of the last places of action during the age of warring statesa period in Japanese history, stretching from the mid-15th to the early 17th centuries, that was marked by near-constant military conflict. It ended when Tokugawa Ieyasu came into power and established the Tokugawa shogunate and unified all of Japan under a feudal system.

But before that could happen, he had to defeat the supporters of Toyotomi Hideyori, the five-year-old son and designated successor of the recently departed Toyotomi Hideyoshi. When Hideyoshi died in 1598, the five regents he had appointed to rule on behalf of his minor son began jockeying amongst themselves for power. Tokugawa Ieyasu was the most powerful of the five.

History preserved in blood. 400-year old blood-stained footprints on the ceiling of Genko-An, Kyoto. Photo credit: Andrew Evans/Flickr

Ieyasu gained the loyalty of many daimyos, or feudal lords, who didnt like Hideyoshi, but Ishida Mitsunari, a powerful daimyo, opposed him. Mitsunari allied himself with the other regents and plans were made on all sides for war.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, meanwhile, had sieged Fushimi Castle from Toyotomi Hideyori, and placed it under the protection of Torii Mototada, a samurai and a trusted ally of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Shortly after the siege, Mitsunari organized an army of 40,000 and marched towards Kyoto in order to take the castle back. Mototada was forewarned of Mitsunaris approaching army, but despite being badly outnumbered2,000 men against 40,000Mototada elected to stay and defend the castle.

For the next twelve days, Mototadas garrison put up a gallant resistant to the attack, until a betrayal from within allowed Mitsunaris men to breach the fortress. With fires raging everywhere, Mototada and his remaining three hundred and seventy warriors did what any respectable samurai facing defeat would have doneseppuku or ritualistic suicide. Taking their swords, the brave warriors cut open their bellies severing their insides, causing massive bleeding and instant death.

Blood ceiling at Genko-An, Kyoto. Photo credit: michael hobby/Flickr

Although the siege of Fushimi Castle is considered a mere skirmish, Torii Mototada's actions had a great impact on the course of Japanese history. In the weeks that followed, Tokugawa Ieyasu raised an army of 90,000 and challenged Ishida Mitsunari's forces for a decisive battle at Sekigahara, which would mark the final victory of Tokugawa Ieyasu over all his rivals. With Mitsunari vanquished, Tokugawa Ieyasu became the first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate. His family would rule Japan for the next 268 years.

In 1623, Ieyasu had the fire-damaged Fushimi Castle dismantled, and sections of the castle that had not been burned or destroyed were salvaged. Some of the salvaged materials happened to be the floor boards upon which Torii Mototada and his men committed suicide to avoid capture. Their bloods had soaked so deep into the wood that the boards were permanently stained.

In honor of their valiant sacrifice, these floor boards were incorporated, mainly as ceilings, into a number of castles and temples across Kyoto. They are known as chitenjo, or blood ceilings. The patterns on the darkened boards resemble little more than water stains, but on close examination, you can clearly see footprints and handprints.

For those interested in visiting, the temples where you can see blood ceilings are, Genkoan, Shodenji, Yogenin, and Myoshinji in central Kyoto, Hosenin in the Ohara area, Jinouji in Yawata, and Koshoji in Uji.

Bloody hand prints at Shodenji Temple. Photo credit: JapanVisitor/Flickr

Blood smears at Shoden-ji temple. Photo credit: taiken.co

A replica of the Fushimi Castle built in 1964. Photo credit: Maechan0360/Wikimedia
From left, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin hold a trilateral meeting in Jakarta to discuss measures against North Korea's missile provocations, July 14. Yonhap





The top diplomats of South Korea, the United States and Japan "strongly condemned" North Korea's latest space rocket launch Thursday while agreeing to review additional unilateral sanctions against Pyongyang, Seoul's foreign ministry said.







The North said it launched a spy satellite, the Malligyong-1, mounted on a new type of rocket named the Chollima-1, but it failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight, according to the country's state media.







In their phone consultations earlier in the day, Foreign Minister Park Jin and his U.S. and Japanese counterparts, Antony Blinken and Yoshimasa Hayashi, respectively, "strongly condemned North Korea's ballistic missile launch under the pretext of a so-called space launch vehicle," according to the ministry.







Park stressed the urgent need for resolute and united international responses to the North's unlawful provocations. Blinken and Hayashi agreed on the need for ongoing coordination among the three countries in delivering a unified message to the North on the international stage.






After in-depth research and findings, BeenVerified points out AT&T and T-Mobile scammers best picks. The findings leading up to this conclusion went on for two good years and gave a lot of insight into the matter. On top of the list of scammers favorite carriers were two VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers.

These carriers are Onvoy and TextNow and scammers have a serious reason why they love these providers. Following these two are AT&T and T-Mobile, which are cellular carriers popular among Americans. The first two carriers on this list are not as popular as the third and the fourth, thanks to the different ways they operate.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Onvoy and TextNow require an internet connection to place or receive calls, this means scammers dont need to purchase a call plan. For AT&T and T-Mobile, users are required to acquire a call plan before they can make or receive calls without internet access. While VoIP networks are a more favored choice of scammers, a lot of them still make use of cellular carriers.

How scammers put services from network carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile to use

A popular attacking method among scammers over the years has been calls and text messages. To get this done, these scammers need to access the services of carriers in the location of their unsuspecting victims. Sadly, most scammers pick victims within America and for this reason, make use of American carriers to carry out their attacks.

BeenVerified has come up with a comprehensive list of the top 11 carriers that scammers turn to. Topping the list are VoIP carriers, and following these are AT&T and T-Mobile. AT&T accounts for over 46% of all wireless subscriptions in America and T-Mobile boasts of better 5G coverage attracting users.

Due to their popularity, it is easy for these network carriers to be the top choice of scammers. They access these services to call and text victims in a bid to scam them of their money or possessions. Usually, these scams (texts and calls) masquerade as technical support from services that Americans actively use.

Hoping to understand more about or fix these issues unsuspecting individuals fall into the hands of scammers. It is important to be alert when you receive any technical support text that you arent sure of its source. If possible, you can reach out to the providers of the service in question (via their official email or contact lines) to confirm if they reached out to you via text or call.

Advertisement

If the service provider confirms that they didnt contact you with that number, you can report it as a spam caller. This will help protect other users of various network carriers from scammers. While the fight against scammers is growing stronger, you can play your part to protect yourself and others.

Remember not to give out your personal information to anyone online without proper verification. If you arent sure of the number that calls or texts, you can search it on Google. Taking these steps can protect you from scammers, but you must always be cautious while receiving calls or texts from unknown numbers.
Samsungs second-gen smart object tracker, the Galaxy SmartTag 2, is nearing its market release. The company hasnt officially announced the device but it has popped up on MobileFun, a UK-based accessory retailer. The retailer has revealed the color variants and alleged local pricing of the product. It has also shared a tentative launch timeline and given us a better look at the Galaxy SmartTag 2, which has undergone a complete redesign.

According to MobileFun, the Galaxy SmartTag 2 will be available in Black and White colors. They have the manufacturer part numbers EI-T5600BBEGEU and EI-T5600BWEGEU, respectively. The EIT5600 is the model number of the product. Its unclear if Samsung will add more colorful options for the tracker later on. The first-gen model, which came in two versions, was available in some brighter shades as well, including Mint and Pink.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The two versions of the original Galaxy SmartTag, which debuted in January 2021, differed in connectivity technologies (and price, of course). The standard version only had Bluetooth connectivity, while the Plus version added UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) support. With Samsung only releasing a single version of the Galaxy SmartTag 2, UWB will come as standard along with Bluetooth.

Coming to the price, MobileFun has listed the Galaxy SmartTag 2 with a price tag of 52.99. Thats a bit higher than what Samsung charged for the Galaxy SmartTag+ (39/$39.99/39.90). Perhaps the pricing is inaccurate. That seems more likely when you consider the alleged pricing of a four-pack Galaxy SmartTag 2 (129.99). Well have to wait for confirmation on that. The accurate pricing structure may emerge closer to its launch.

The Galaxy SmartTag 2 is rumored to launch in October

Samsung is reportedly planning to release the Galaxy SmartTag 2 in October. We dont have a precise launch date yet, but the retailer is confident that the tracker wont be delayed any further. Meanwhile, it has shared images showing the devices new design, which we first saw in an FCC certification earlier this month. The Korean firm has made it larger with a big hole where you can easily put a lanyard or key rings.

The Galaxy SmartTag 2 can be tracked using Samsungs SmartThings Find app. Thanks to UWB support, you can see its location even when the tracker is not in your Bluetooth range. You can create a virtual fence around your home to receive notifications every time it enters or leaves the designated area. The upcoming Samsung smart object tracker is also expected to work with Googles Find My Device network.
While the introduction of the Bing AI chatbot in Microsofts Edge browser has redefined the way users search for information on the web, Chrome users have long been lacking such a feature. However, the extension HARPA AI could be a solution to the problem, as it not only combines web automation by using both ChatGPT and Claude but also helps users manage spreadsheets, generate YouTube video summaries and more.

Based in Helsinki, the company began before the advent of generative AI chatbots as an online price monitoring and form-filling tool. However, with the integration of Claude and ChatGPT, the Chrome extension has evolved into a personal AI that automates tasks, garnering a user base exceeding 150,000.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Benefits of using HARPA AI

Although similar in essence to Bings AI chatbot in ways such as AI-driven web searches, page-aware conversations, text composition, and web page summarization, HARPA AI distinguishes itself through its diverse automation and customization tools. These include personalized ChatGPT prompts, page-aware prompts for specific purposes like marketing and SEO, and content writing abilities, spanning from professional emails to SWOT analyses and articles.

Additionally, the extension can also provide YouTube video summaries, which users can configure based on their needs. Moreover, similar to Microsofts integration of Bing AI chatbot in Office apps, the HARPA AI extension integrates with both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets to get instant help with formulas and allows users to create custom macros. Lastly, taking advantage of ChatGPTs abilities, the extension allows users to draft Facebook posts, reply to direct messages, and enhance their CVs.

While some may argue that other extensions also offer similar functionality, HARPA sets itself apart by offering a clean and user-friendly experience. HARPAs product philosophy is centred around creating a tool the team would want to use themselves. This approach, combined with unique automation functionality, sets HARPA apart in the current market, reinforcing its commitment to quality and user satisfaction, said HARPA AI project manager Aleksei Sharuk, in an interview with Android Headlines.

The difference between using ChatGPT and Claude

Although both AI chatbots offer similar features, Anthropics Claude stands out by integrating Constitutional AI, a measure to prevent exposure to harmful content. Additionally, the recently unveiled Claude 2, which is also available in HARPA, enables more extensive and detailed responses than ChatGPT, along with improved skills in mathematics, coding, and reasoning. Moreover, Claude 2s capacity to analyze 75,000 words at once renders it an exceptional companion for comprehending lengthy PDFs and research papers.

Advertisement

However, it is important to note that Claude 2 is only available in the U.S. and the U.K. Therefore, users who want to switch to using Claude 2 in HARPA will need to use a VPN to access it.

HARPA is continuously working on innovation, focusing on new features such as AI personas, where the AI assistant will have memory and personality traits. This initiative will enhance user interaction, making it more personalized and engaging. Additionally, HARPA is diligently improving automation processes in custom prompts, a move that promises to elevate the user experience further, said Aleksei.

Keeping Privacy in Mind

In an era where privacy concerns and data collection are paramount, HARPA asserts its adherence to strict GDPR regulations as an EU-based startup and states that user data is not transmitted to HARPAs servers, guaranteeing safety and privacy. Additionally, the company also highlights its commitment to not collecting or disseminating personal data, housing all information on users devices.

However, HARPA did acknowledge a potential instance of information sharing with the introduction of paid subscriptions. In such cases, user information would be shared with payment systems like Fastspring or Stripe during account creation.

Googles efforts to integrate Bard in Search

When asked about whether Googles plan to integrate Bard into Search would majorly impact HARPA since users would prefer a first-party solution, Aleksei highlighted the companys unique proposition of incorporating various types of AI chatbots and stated, While Google might introduce its AI solutions, HARPA sees this as an opportunity rather than a threat. Rather than competing with new AI like Bard, HARPA can integrate them alongside existing solutions such as ChatGPT, Bard and Claude. This allows HARPA to maintain its unique position, leveraging the best of various AI technologies.
If youre a Windows 11 user, youve certainly come up with some preinstalled apps after booting up the system. Most of these apps are quite useless, and some of them cant even be uninstalled. However, the Redmond tech giant might soon loosen its rules for the preinstalled bloatware.

According to The Verge, Microsoft wants to finally allow Windows 11 users to remove some of the preinstalled apps that come with the operating system. The change has appeared in a new Windows 11 build in Canary Channel testers. The Camera app, the Cortana app, the Photos app, the People app, and the Remote Desktop (MSTSC) client are the preinstalled bloatware that you can soon remove from your system.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Microsoft has just killed Cortana, and removing its app from Windows 11 isnt surprising. The other four apps are among the most useless apps that users might never open.

You can soon remove preinstalled Windows 11 apps

To be fair, some of the preinstalled apps that come with Windows 11 are useful for some specific purposes. Microsoft dubbed these inbox apps and believes theyre essential to the overall Windows experience. The company now lets users remove most of them by choice. The option is now available through Windows Insider builds.

These apps also dont occupy too much space in your system. So dont expect to free a considerable amount of space after removing them. The only benefit you get from removing preinstalled apps is probably having a trimmed and less crowded Start menu.

At the same time that Microsoft allows you to remove bloatware, its adding CPU, memory, and GPU monitoring widgets to Windows 11. These widgets might be handy for gamers, allowing them to check the systems performance while playing. The GPU widget also lets you switch between different graphics cards if youre using multiple GPUs.

Microsoft also plans to launch a major update for Windows 11 in September. The update might bring native support for RAR and 7-Zip files, more uninstallation options, a new settings homepage, etc.
Samsung has revealed when it plans to release the second One UI 6.0 beta update for the Galaxy S23 series. A moderator for the companys South Korean community forum recently confirmed that the Beta 2 will arrive in late August or early September. The official didnt reveal a precise date, though.

One UI 6.0, which is Samsungs latest custom Android software (based on Android 14), is currently in open beta. The Korean behemoth launched the beta program for the Galaxy S23 series earlier this month. As expected, the first beta build is quite buggy. It isnt completely unusable, but there are a few quirky bugs that affect the normal functioning of some critical features.

Advertisement

Advertisement

A Galaxy S23 user who has enrolled in the One UI 6.0 beta program recently took to Samsungs community forum to flag some known issues. A moderator responded by saying that the companys software team is already working on fixing those bugs. They added that you can expect fixes for some of them if not all with the second beta build, which will roll out later this week or next week.

Note that One UI 6.0 Beta 2 may not fix every single bug present in the initial release. Samsung will address the remaining issues with subsequent beta releases later. It is expected to roll out a few more beta updates in September and October. The stable rollout for the Galaxy S23 series may begin in late October or early November. We will keep you posted with all of these updates.

Samsung may expand One UI 6.0 beta to more countries

The One UI 6.0 beta program is currently available for Galaxy S23 users in only three countries: Germany, South Korea, and the US. However, Samsung later confirmed that the beta program will also launch in China, India, Poland, and the UK. While it didnt reveal a timeline, we may see One UI 6.0 beta reach the latest Galaxy flagships in these countries alongside the Beta 2 release.

Samsung is also preparing to release One UI 6.0 beta for the Galaxy S22 series. It will eventually add more devices to the beta program, including its recent Galaxy Z series foldables and select Galaxy A series premium mid-range phones. If youre using a compatible Samsung phone and live in a supported region, watch out for a One UI 6.0 banner in the Samsung Members app. If you see one, you should be able to enroll in the beta program from that banner.
Samsung launched seven new Galaxy products during its Galaxy Unpacked event in late July. The company debuted two foldables, three flagship tablets, and two smartwatches at the event. However, it may not be done for the year yet. The Korean firm has eight more Galaxy devices lined up for launch in the coming months, including a special version of the Galaxy Z Fold 5.

Galaxy Z Fold 5 Thom Browne Edition is coming soon

Over the years, Samsung has launched Thom Browne Editions of several Galaxy foldables. It teamed up with the New York City-based fashion designer for customized versions of the Galaxy Z Flip, Galaxy Z Fold 2, Galaxy Z Flip 3, and Galaxy Z Fold 3. However, the company didnt launch Thom Browne Editions of last years Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Galaxy Z Fold 4.

Advertisement

Advertisement

With that in mind, there has been little hope of Samsung teaming up with the designer again for its latest foldables. However, it turns out the partnership hasnt ended. The company recently took to X to tease a new book-like foldable with the iconic Thom Browne stripes. It doesnt require rocket science to determine that we are looking at a customized Galaxy Z Fold 5 here.

Samsung didnt reveal when the Galaxy Z Fold 5 Thom Browne Edition will arrive. However, we may not have to wait for much longer. Note that its the same foldable phone that arrived in stores a couple of weeks back. However, its external appearance has been customized with unique colors. If history is any indication, Samsung will offer the device in a special package consisting of other goodies. Naturally, it will cost more than the standard version, which starts at $1,800.

Take a seat at the @ThomBrowne table for a celebration of a new experience in design and innovation. #GalaxyxThomBrowne pic.twitter.com/XxPW5zMJ9l  Samsung Mobile (@SamsungMobile) August 24, 2023

Samsung has seven more new Galaxy products in the pipeline

The Galaxy Z Fold 5 Thom Browne Edition may not be a completely new product, but Samsung does have more in the pipeline. As pointed out by X tipster @TheGalox, the company is readying at least seven new Galaxy devices. These include the Galaxy S23 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab A9, Galaxy Tab A9+, Galaxy Buds 3, and Galaxy SmartTag 2.

Rumors about these devices have been around for a long time now. Some of them have even received regulatory approvals and picked up support pages on Samsungs official website. It remains to be seen whether the Korean behemoth will unveil them all together. In that case, we could have a major Samsung launch event next month. The Galaxy S23 FE is rumored to arrive in September.
The Google Pixel Tablet checks a lot of boxes (see how many it checks in our review), but theres something that people have been pining for. This device doesnt have stylus support yet; however, thats going to change. According to Mishaal Rahman, the Pixel Tablet is going to gain stylus support soon.

This is Googles first tablet in years, and its the fourth entry into the Pixel ecosystem of devices. What makes it stand out is the included charging dock that charges it and acts as a speaker. While docked, it will basically turn into a Nest Hub speaker. Its a highly-reviewed device, and you can pick one up for only $499.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Pixel Tablet will gain stylus support soon

Sometimes, people want to interact with their tablet using more than just their fingers. Using a stylus is great for people who want to sign documents, jot down handwritten notes, and draw. This is why it was a good idea for Google to run this tablet through the USI (Universal Stylus Initiative) certification.

While the device got the certification, people arent able to use styluses on it out of the box. Folks were confused about this because of the certification. If you bought this tablet with the hope of writing on it, dont worry, your wait will soon end.

Android analyst Mishaal Rahman just posted a tweet showing us what Google has planned for the tablet. Backing up, we covered the story of Google working on a way to let you use handwriting in every text field.

Stylus handwriting support is nearly ready to go live on the Pixel Tablet! The Pixel Tablet, if you aren't aware, supports USI 2.0 styli. When you connect one to the tablet, you'll get the option to select a "default notes app" and "write in text fields".

Tapping "write in text pic.twitter.com/RFu3hmPJXE  Mishaal Rahman (@MishaalRahman) August 23, 2023

Well, according to the tweet, Google is ready to roll that out too. When you go into your settings, youll see a new menu under the Connected Devices section. Youll be able to adjust the settings for your stylus. Youll be able to test out writing on the tablet to get a sense of how you should adjust the settings.

While we dont have a timetable for when to expect this new feature, it shouldnt be too long. If youre looking to pick up a Pixel Tablet in the meantime, click the link below.

Buy the Pixel Tablet
U.S. military stages a key wartime "deployment readiness" exercise in South Korea in this captured image from the Pentagon's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Aug. 24. Yonhap



The U.S. military has conducted a key wartime "deployment readiness" exercise in South Korea, the first such event involving U.S.-based troops since the last publicly known training in 2017, informed sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to strengthen defense against growing North Korean threats.



The exercise took place earlier this month, ahead of the annual South Korea-U.S. Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) exercise that kicked off Monday and is set to end on Aug. 31. The U.S. Army is known to have staged the last such public training in September 2017.



The 2nd Infantry Division/ROK-U.S. Combined Division, a U.S. Forces Korea unit here, posted a video clip showing the exercise under way on Aug. 17 on the Pentagon's Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS). ROK stands for South Korea's official name, the Republic of Korea.



The exercise demonstrated U.S. troops' "fight tonight" readiness on the heels of a "no notice" Deployment Readiness Exercise (DRE), the division wrote on the DVIDS.



"The DRE enabled forces to rehearse routine processes for reception, staging, and onward integration in order to respond to any emergency in the Korean Peninsula," it said of the exercise featuring troops from the 1st Battalion, 77th Armored Regiment based in Fort Bliss, Texas.



"Deployment readiness exercises are required by the Department of Defense in order to ensure that the U.S. military remains at a high state of readiness in support of peace and security across the U.S. Army Pacific area of responsibility," it added.



Maj. Gen. Hank Taylor, commander of the combined division, said that during the exercise, the South Korean military facilitated the ability to conduct the exercise enabling the U.S. Army to "respond quickly to any emergency or requirement here on the Korean Peninsula by rapidly deploying combat troops."



"The constant improvement of our planning or synchronization and using our rotational forces in coordination with our host nation really makes us better," he added.



The latest DRE coincided with a crisis management exercise (CMX) that took place last week with a focus on a pre-war scenario. The CMX is a routine training program that is conducted before a major allied exercise, like the UFS.



The exercise came as Pyongyang has been ratcheting up tensions as seen in its failed but defiant launch of a claimed space rocket early Thursday.



With the Yoon Suk Yeol administration pushing for sturdier defense under its mantra of "peace through strength," Seoul and Washington have been striving to reinforce allied drills and trilateral security cooperation with Tokyo. (Yonhap)


(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 24 - A minor suspected of gang raping a 19-year-old woman with six other young men in Palermo last month was ordered back to prison from a juvenile home Thursday after bragging on TikTok about the support he has been getting from so-called fans on social media.

At the basis of the decision by the preliminary investigations judge (GIP) of the Court of Palermo to send back to prison the minor accused of the gang rape of the 19-year-old girl is the fact that the suspect, entrusted to a community after being released from prison, filmed a series of videos, posted on TikTok, violating the magistrate's orders, in which he brags about the messages he received from several fans.

The young man also posted threatening phrases on the social platform such as "whoever messes with me messes with death".

(ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 24 - Anti-gay general Roberto Vannacci on Thursday scrapped his participation via videolink at a political event in Puglia Sunday saying he had not known it would be of a political nature.

"I was given the invitation days ago for Ceglie Messapica. I was not familiar with the event and I had initially given an outline availability. Then, seeing that it is an event that despite being promoted by associations has a political connotation, I decided to decline the invitation. I reserve the right to communicate this to the organisers', said the 55-year-old general, who was removed from his post as head of the military geographical institute after self-publishing a book, The World Back To Front, which slams gays, Jews, migrants, environmentalists and feminists among others after Defence Minister Giudo Crosetto ordered disciplinary proceedings against him.

Vannacci was due to have opened, by video link, the online media outlet Affaritaliani event 'La Piazza-Il bene comune' (The Square-The Common Good) scheduled for Sunday 27 August in Ceglie Messapica, in the province of Brindisi.

Vannacci added that, despite a furore which has seen him slated by the left and hailed by the right, he planned to present his book early next month but might pull out of those presentations because of the row.

"The first presentation of the book is scheduled for 9 September in Versilia (on the northern Tuscan coast) and another a few days later, but I am still evaluating them, given the media clamour", he said.

Other participants at the Puglia event include Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Deputy Premier and Transport and Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini.

Crosetto said on Tuesday that Italy's defence top brass had made a mistake in sacking Vannucci because they had turned him into a martyr.

His free-speech rights have in fact been defended by many members of Premier Giorgia Meloni's rightwing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party, of which Crosetto was a co-founder, while rightwing League leader Salvini, a key Meloni ally, has had a very cordial phone call with the general, defended his right to speak out, and said he would gladly read his book.

Culture Undersecretary, art critic and libertarian polemicist Vittorio Sgarbi, who has noted Vannacci's position on gays is the same as the Vatican's, said the sacked general could probably stand for the League in next year's European elections.

"The League is a buffer party which is not extreme right and Salvini has said that he recognises himself in the values of the book written by Vannacci," Sgarbi told Affaritaliani.it.

"The way to reiterate that could be to put him up for the European elections". (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, AUG 24 - The European Commission is concerned about the increase in the number of migrants and refugees arriving in Italy, a spokesperson for the EU executive said on Thursday.

"The Commission is aware of the increase in arrivals in the central Mediterranean and in Italy in particular and remains very concerned," said the spokesperson.

"The Commission has been working with the Italian authorities to help decongest the Lampedusa hotspot, in particular by providing emergency assistance to enable the transfer by air of vulnerable migrants from the island to other locations on Italian territory," she added. "The Commission is aware of the pressure on the reception system in Italy, has supported it in addressing the challenges of migration and is ready to do so again," concluded the spokesperson.

Italy has seen a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees arriving by sea on its southern shores since the start of the year, putting the reception system under strain.

Some 105,909 people have arrived by sea so far in 2023, according to interior ministry figures updated to August 23.

This compares to 51,328 in the same period last year and to 36,479 in 2021.

"The EU agencies Frontex, the European Asylum Agency (EUAA) and Europol have 450 people deployed in Italy," the European Commission spokesperson continued.

"As regards the reception of asylum seekers and refugees, the Commission's reference is the Reception Conditions Directive" laying down minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers under national law.

"The EUAA supports the Italian authorities in the field of asylum procedures and reception" including through "the direct deployment of experts to support the interior ministry and the Prefectures", the spokesperson said.

"In addition, (Home Affairs) Commissioner (Ylva) Johansson offered further support to the Italian authorities in July when she visited Lampedusa together with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi," she continued.

This, said the spokesperson, has already led to "tangible results".

"With more than 14 million euros of EU funding, a new project is now helping the Italian authorities to ensure adequate reception conditions during emergencies and the safe transfer of migrants who land on Lampedusa to other reception centres in Italy," she said.

"The Commission stands ready to provide further assistance to Italy. Additional emergency funding can also be used for projects in member states under severe pressure (from migration). These funds can be made available quickly and flexibly in the event of an emergency," concluded the spokesperson. (ANSA).
Bosses at Amazon Studios said they were shocked and disappointed at Jeremy Clarksons criticism of the Duchess of Sussex in a column last year.

The popular Prime Video series, Clarksons Farm, which documents the workings of his 1,000-acre holding in the Cotswolds, was renewed by the streamer as it said there is so much more to the show than the presenter.

During a session of the Edinburgh TV Festival, panel host Scott Bryan asked representatives for Amazon why they continued with the show following the controversial column, which was the subject of numerous complaints to the press watchdog, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso).

Fozia Khan, unscripted lead, UK Originals for Amazon Studios, said the team were shocked and disappointed but ultimately made the decision to continue the show.

Clarksons Farm stars Charlie Ireland, left, and Kaleb Cooper outside 10 Downing Street (Victoria Jones/PA)

She added: I mean, theres lots of conversations going on. But I think the thing that I want to say is that the show is so much bigger than Clarkson.

Its a really good show.

Ipso upheld a complaint that the column was sexist towards the duchess, describing some of the comments about her as pejorative and prejudicial.

The regulator found the articles use of a comparison to Scotlands former first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and serial killer Rose West was because the three are female.

In the December 17 2022 article, Clarkson wrote: I hate her (Meghan). Not like I hate Nicola Sturgeon or Rose West. I hate her on a cellular level.

The former Top Gear presenter apologised for the piece, describing his language as disgraceful and said he was profoundly sorry.

The Sun also apologised and said it regretted the publication of the column, which was removed online.

Dan Grabiner, head of originals for UK and Northern Europe, Amazon Studios, told the audience at the EICC: I cant tell you what a phenomenon the show itself is and the impact it has had on the agricultural community and farming.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Matt Dunham/PA)

We get messages from farmers around the world who just love the show and love Kaleb (Cooper) and Gerald (Cooper) and they relate to those characters, saying they have never really seen their world properly reflected on-screen before, which is amazing.

And, as Fozia said, its a hell of a lot bigger than Jeremy Clarkson.

Ms Khan also said that the show is entertaining and joyful.

She added: It addresses issues of climate change, the struggles of farming and Brexit.

Earlier this year, stars from Clarksons Farm, such as land agent Charlie Ireland, and farming contractor Kaleb Cooper, attended a meeting on farming at Downing Street with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Prime Video has also shared an image of the rarely photographed investigative journalist, Mazher Mahmood, ahead of the release of a new documentary series, called The Fake Sheikh.

Mahmood, known as the fake sheikh, was found guilty of tampering with evidence at the trial of N-Dubz star Tulisa in 2014.

She was accused of supplying class A drugs but the charges were dismissed.

Mahmood was sentenced to 15 months for conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

The series also sees model Jodie Kidd, who has made allegations about Mahmood, being interviewed about what happened to her and the effects on her life and career.

The three-part show follows tabloid journalist Mahmoods rise and downfall and will be released on Prime Video on September 26.
The loss of sea ice in Antarctica has caused unprecedented breeding failure for emperor penguins, researchers say.

According to British Antarctic Survey (BAS) scientists, the penguin colonies experienced unprecedented breeding failure in a region of Antarctica where there was total sea ice loss in 2022.

They say the discovery supports predictions, based on current global warming trends, that more than 90% of emperor penguin colonies will be quasi-extinct by the end of the century.

In the new study, researchers discussed the high probability that no chicks had survived from four of the five known emperor penguin colonies in the central and eastern Bellingshausen Sea.

They examined satellite images that showed the loss of sea ice where the animals go to have their young, well before chicks would have developed waterproof feathers.

Emperor penguins need stable sea ice that is firmly attached to the shore from April through to January.

Once they arrive at their chosen breeding site, the animals lay eggs in Antarctic winter  from May to June  which hatch 65 days later, but chicks do not have waterproof feathers until between December and January.

According to the study, at the beginning of December 2022, the Antarctic sea ice extent had matched the previous all-time low set in 2021.

The most extreme loss was seen in the central and eastern Bellingshausen Sea region, west of the Antarctic Peninsula where there was a 100% loss of sea ice in November 2022.

Emperor penguin chicks do not develop their waterproof feathers for months after they are born (Peter Fretwell/BAS/PA)

Lead author of the study, Dr Peter Fretwell, said: We have never seen emperor penguins fail to breed, at this scale, in a single season.

The loss of sea ice in this region during the Antarctic summer made it very unlikely that displaced chicks would survive.

We know that emperor penguins are highly vulnerable in a warming climate  and current scientific evidence suggests that extreme sea ice loss events like this will become more frequent and widespread.

Since 2016, Antarctica has seen the four years with the lowest sea ice extents (areas of ice that cover the ocean) in the 45-year satellite record, with the two lowest years in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

Between 2018 and 2022, 30% of the 62 known emperor penguin colonies in Antarctica were affected by partial or total sea ice loss, the experts say.

Although it is difficult to immediately link specific extreme seasons to climate change, a longer-term decline in sea ice extent is expected from the current generation of climate models.

In the past, emperor penguins have responded to incidents of sea ice loss by moving to more stable sites the following year.

However, scientists say that this will not work if sea ice habitat across an entire region is affected.

The five colonies of penguins studied were all discovered in the last 14 years using satellite imagery  Rothschild Island, Verdi Inlet, Smyley Island, Bryan Peninsula and Pfrogner Point.

All five colonies had been shown to return to the same location each year to breed, with only one previous instance of breeding failure at Bryan Peninsula in 2010.

According to the findings, by the end of December 2022, sea ice extent was the lowest experienced in the 45-year satellite record.

In the Bellingshausen Sea, the home of the penguin colonies in this study, sea ice did not start to re-form until late April 2023.

And the trend has continued.

As of August 20 2023, the sea ice extent was 2.2 million square kilometres lower than the 1981-2022 average (17.9 million square kilometres) significantly surpassing the record winter low on August 20 2022 of 17.1 million square kilometres.

This missing area is larger than the size of Greenland, or around 10 times the size of the United Kingdom.

Dr Caroline Holmes, a polar climate scientist at BAS, said: Right now, in August 2023, the sea ice extent in Antarctica is still far below all previous records for this time of year.

In this period where oceans are freezing up, were seeing areas that are still, remarkably, largely ice-free.

Year-to-year changes in sea ice extent are linked to natural atmospheric patterns such as El Nino-Southern Oscillation, the strength of the southern hemisphere jet stream, and regional low-pressure systems.

Well need years of targeted observations and modelling to know precisely how much the current conditions are being influenced by these phenomena and by natural ocean variability.

However, the recent years of tumbling sea ice records and warming of the subsurface Southern Ocean point strongly to human-induced global warming exacerbating these extremes.

It is believed that more than 90% of emperor penguin colonies will be quasi-extinct by the end of the century (Christopher Walton/PA)

Dr Jeremy Wilkinson, a sea ice physicist at BAS, added: This paper dramatically reveals the connection between sea ice loss and ecosystem annihilation.

Climate change is melting sea ice at an alarming rate. It is likely to be absent from the Arctic in the 2030s  and in the Antarctic, the four lowest sea ice extents recorded have been since 2016.

It is another warning sign for humanity that we cannot continue down this path, politicians must act to minimise the impact of climate change. There is no time left.

The study, published in Communications Earth & Environment, used images from the European Commissions Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite mission, which has continuously monitored the area in Antarctica since 2018.
A British surgeon who was killed during violent protests in South Africa was shot in the head, an inquest has heard.

Kar Hao Teoh, 40, who worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, was a tourist in Cape Town when he was shot.

An inquest, which was opened and adjourned in Chelmsford on Thursday, heard he died on August 4 of a gunshot to the head.

Michelle Brown, area coroner for Essex, said: On August 4, this 40-year-old was on holiday in South Africa with his family when an unknown person approached the car and discharged a firearm, hitting him in the head.

A post-mortem examination carried out in South Africa recorded that Mr Teoh, of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, died of a gunshot to the head, Ms Brown said.

It is believed he had taken a wrong turn from a nearby airport when a group approached the vehicle he was in and shot him.

The surgeon is believed to have taken a wrong turn and ventured into a Cape Town township (Alamy/PA)

Unrest on the outskirts of South Africas second-largest city began after minibus taxi drivers announced a week-long strike.

Ms Brown said Mr Teohs body has been repatriated to Essex.

The case will be adjourned off and will be heard at some point, depending on the time limits for the evidence to arrive from South Africa, she said, adding that the date for a full inquest hearing is to be confirmed.

Mr Teoh worked as a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

In a statement, the hospital said he was a well-respected member of the team, valued colleague and friend to many across the hospital as well as in regional, national and international trauma and orthopaedic networks.

In 2021, Mr Teoh won an international prize for his pioneering research into the treatment of ankle fractures.

South African police have opened a murder case into the shooting, which happened in the Nyanga township near Cape Town International Airport.
A double killer who murdered a vicar and a pensioner six weeks apart has died in jail, the Ministry of Justice said.

Stephen Farrow, 58, was serving two whole life orders after being found guilty of the murder of 77-year-old Betty Yates and 59-year-old Rev John Suddards in 2012.

He died at HMP Frankland in County Durham on Monday.

He broke into the pensioners home in Bewdley, Worcestershire, on January 2 that year and struck her from behind with a heavy walking stick.

Vicar John Suddards and retired teacher Betty Yates (Police handouts/PA)

She fell unconscious and hit her head on the floor before he arranged her body and put a pillow over her head.

He then stabbed the retired teacher four times and left the knife in the fatal wound.

On February 13 that year, he killed Rev Suddards after the clergyman let him into his vicarage.

He attacked him with knives in his doorway, leaving seven deep wounds, and when the vicar got back up he kicked his victim back to the floor.

The reverend told the killer he was dying, to which Farrow replied f****** die then and hurry up before watching his victim pass away.

Farrow drank beer, ate food and watched two DVDs in the vicarage before leaving the following morning.

The vicar was discovered on the morning of February 14 lying fully clothed on his back in the hallway of the vicarage surrounded by pornography, party poppers, a condom wrapper, underwear, a canvas of Jesus Christ and a mirror.

Jurors at Bristol Crown Court deliberated for eight-and-a-half hours in 2012 before finding him guilty of two counts of murder and one count of burglary.

Stephen Farrow (Avon and Somerset Police/PA)

Farrow, who was diagnosed as a psychopath, had denied both murders.

He had, however, admitted the clergymans manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and a separate burglary in the village where the vicar was murdered.

Farrow had an obsession with religion  claiming he had been sexually abused at boarding school by a priest  and wanted to murder the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The murder of Mr Suddards at his vicarage in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, was the culmination of a two-month reign of terror in which Farrow killed Mrs Yates and threatened to kill Christian scum.

His trial heard that Farrow sent a chilling text message to a friend on New Years Eve 2011, warning her that the church will be the first to suffer.

According to Farrow, 2012 marked the start of the second coming of Christ.

In the burglary he had admitted, Alan and Margaret Pinder spent Christmas and new year away and returned to find a note pinned to a table by two knives, which read: Be thankful you didnt come back or we will have killed you, Christian scum. I f****** hate God.

A Prison Service spokesperson said on Thursday: HMP Frankland prisoner Stephen Farrow died on August 21.

As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate.




Over 200 people have been apprehended nationwide for posting murder threats on various online sites over the past month amid increasing violent crimes targeting random people, the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) said Thursday.







The KNPA said it has nabbed 216 suspects on charges of writing such threats as of 9 a.m. Thursday and put 21 of them under arrest. The number of online threats and apprehensions increased by seven and three, respectively, from the previous day, it added.







A suspect was arrested in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, on Wednesday for making an online post vowing to kill game company developers.







A company employee in his 30s, who was nabbed early this week after threatening a knife rampage at Gangnam Station in southern Seoul in an online writing, is set to attend his arrest warrant hearing at a Seoul court Thursday afternoon. (Yonhap)


A new series from Happy Valley creator Sally Wainwright will see a celebration of women of a certain age as they form a punk rock band.

Screenwriter Wainwright, 60, ended her BBC crime drama about no-nonsense West Yorkshire police sergeant Catherine Cawood (Sarah Lancashire) earlier this year to critical acclaim after three series.

Her recently commissioned BBC drama, Hot Flush, was announced on Thursday along with three other new shows from the broadcaster as the Edinburgh TV festival entered its second day.

Gemma Whelan (left), Sally Wainwright and Suranne Jones (right) arrive for the screening of Gentleman Jack (Danny Lawson/PA)

The series follows five women coping with work, grown-up children, dependent parents, husbands and the menopause.

Set in Hebden Bridge, where much of Happy Valley was filmed, the six-part series will follow the women as they create a band in order to enter a talent contest.

Wainwright, also known for Gentleman Jack and Last Tango In Halifax, said: Ive been wanting to write a series like this for a long time. Its a celebration of women of a certain age, and all the life stuff they suddenly find themselves negotiating/dealing with.

The show is also my own personal homage to (musical drama) Rock Follies Of 77, and the feisty (band from the show) Little Ladies who woke me up to what I wanted to do with my life when I was 13.

Executive producer Roanna Benn, from Drama Republic, described the show as about the women who hold up modern Britain, their stories urgently need to be told, and who better than Sally Wainwright to do that.

Also coming to the BBC is a four-part thriller about a Lancashire rookie detective, played by Victoria star Jenna Coleman, who looks into a podcast journalist investigating missing people, a fire at a holiday home and a man having a relationship with underage girls.

The Jetty creator and writer Cat Jones, who has worked on EastEnders and Harlots, said: What feels like a total dream team continues to grow with the addition of Marialy Rivas to direct and the brilliant Jenna Coleman.

Ive no doubt audiences are going to be completely transfixed by her as (detective) Ember (Manning).

Liz Carr, who is also known for The Witcher (Ian West/PA)

Also among the BBC commissions is a new detective series, based on AA Dhands Bradford-based crime novels and starring The Great actor Sacha Dhawan, called Virdee.

A six-part mystery thriller about a self-made businesswoman from the writer of Bafta-winning Mood, Nicole Lecky, was also announced as an untitled series.

Aside from the news shows, disability rights activist and Silent Witness star Liz Carr, who has previously spoken of her concerns about assisted dying will explore the issue in new documentary Better Off Dead?

Carr, also known for The Witcher and This Is Going To Hurt, said: Im pro-choice, an atheist, a rights campaigner and assisted suicide scares me.

I want everyone to have a good death and through this documentary, I hope to show why Im unconvinced that any type of assisted dying is the answer to this.

Comedy thriller Black Ops, created by Bafta-winning actor and writer Gbemisola Ikumelo, has also been recommissioned for a second series.
A former couple who plotted the brutal and cold-blooded murder of an electrician have been jailed.

Father-of-two Liam Smith, 38, was shot in the face and then covered in acid after being lured outside his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on November 24 last year.

Rachel Fulstow, 37, who had met Mr Smith through dating app Tinder three years earlier, was convicted of his murder, as well as a charge of perverting the course of justice, on Wednesday following a trial.

Michael Hillier, 39, who had been in a relationship with Fulstow since 2021, was also found guilty of the murder, having admitted manslaughter.

Liam Smith was shot and attacked with acid outside his home in Wigan, Greater Manchester (GMP/PA)

Mr Smiths family shouted monsters as the pair left the dock after Fulstow, who was also found guilty of perverting the course of justice, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 30 years at Manchesters Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday.

Hillier was jailed for at least 33 years.

The trial heard Fulstow had met Mr Smith in York in 2019.

She said they had non-consensual sex at a hotel, but she did not describe it as rape.

Michael Hillier, who was convicted of the murder of Liam Smith, poses with guns (GMP/PA)

Hillier, of Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, told the court that in early 2022 his then-girlfriend confided in him she was graphically raped by Mr Smith and together they decided to go down the vigilante route to seek justice.

Sentencing the pair, Judge Maurice Greene said whatever happened on the night appeared to be the underlying motive for the attack.

He said: It was decided between you, you would exact your own vengeance.

The two of you decided to act as judge, jury and executioner.

He described the murder as brutal and cold-blooded.

Addressing university graduate Fulstow, the judge said it was almost incomprehensible that she had acted the way she had.

He added: Whatever happened between you and Liam Smith can never be justification for what you and Michael Hillier did.

As the pair were taken down, Mr Smiths sister, Gemma, shouted from the public gallery: You lying, murdering bitch. Liam has done nothing wrong, hes completely innocent.

As he left the dock, Hillier, in handcuffs, said: Your boys a rapist.

Hillier, who said he was concerned in the production and distribution of a large-scale cannabis operation, had admitted driving to Mr Smiths home on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, on November 24 and waiting outside in a Mitsubishi Shogun with false number plates.

Just before 7pm, he lured Mr Smith out of the house and shot him with a modified shotgun, pouring acid and then soda crystals over him, the court heard.

Fulstow claimed she knew nothing of the attack until Hillier arrived at her house in Andrew Drive, York, and was petrified to go to the police.

But the court heard in the days after the killing the couple went on holiday to Jamaica together.

In a statement read to the court, Mr Smiths mother, Julia Smith, said he was a devoted father to his sons, aged 11 and 14, and a gentleman.

She told the court: We are never going to be able to fill this massive void which has been left in our lives.

Louise Blackwell KC, defending Hillier, said he would not have carried out the attack were it not for his drug addiction and the influence of Fulstow.

She said: Of course, Mr Hillier took the lead role in the sense that he went and he was the person who carried out the acts but it was under pressure from Fulstow.

Howard Bernstein, representing Fulstow, said the evidence against her showed her role was to provide information about Mr Smith and an alibi for Hillier.

But, he said the evidence was not inconsistent with her not knowing that her co-defendant had a gun and acid.
The percentage of top GCSE grades in Northern Ireland has fallen for the second year  but remains higher than before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) has published the provisional 2023 results for more than 30,800 GCSE students across Northern Ireland on Thursday.

The results show that 86.8% of students received grade C/4 and above, while 34.5% received grade A/7 and above.

GCSE entries in the region increased slightly this year to 168,118 from 164,413 in 2022.

The vast majority of students in NI sit exams set by CCEA (Liam McBurney/PA)

In GCSE English language, 27.3% of entries achieved A/7 and above, and 86.5% achieved grade C/4 and above.

This years figures for GCSE mathematics show that 29.2% of entries achieved A/7 grade and above, while 76.4% of entries were awarded a grade C/4 or above.

More than 41% of all GCSE entries were in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects.

Exam bodies are continuing to move back towards more normal awarding arrangements which were disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and public health measures.

In 2020 and 2021 there were no exams and teacher-assessed grades were issued instead.

This year students in Northern Ireland were provided with advance information on some topics in the majority of exams.

Examiners were also told to be mindful of disruption caused by the pandemic when considering overall student performance.

The vast majority of GCSEs in Northern Ireland are taken by pupils through the regions exam board, the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), although a small number of pupils take exams through English and Welsh exam boards.

CCEA chief executive Gerry Campbell said: The results are the culmination of two years hard work and commitment by these students, their school leaders, teachers and wider school community.

Thank you to the teachers, exams officers, examiners and moderators for their support and dedication which helped to ensure a successful delivery of this years examinations and assessments.

Also, I wish to acknowledge the important role of the thousands of parents and carers across Northern Ireland, as they have guided and supported our young people throughout their studies.

Mark Baker, chief executive of Controlled Schools Support Council (CSSC), congratulated students receiving their results.

He said: They should be proud of their achievements, not only those confirmed today but those realised throughout their school life.

I would also like to acknowledge the dedication and diligence of the teachers and support staff, who have inspired, encouraged and guided their learning.
This years GCSE results suggest some subjects are flourishing while others could be heading for extinction.

Here are some of the key trends:

 Computing enters top 15 most popular subjects

The top 10 subjects with the most GCSE entries is unchanged this year  as it has been every year since 2018, with the science double award in first place, maths in second place and English third.

There is a new entry in the top 15, however.

Computing has been climbing the chart in recent years and is now in 15th place, up from 16th last year and 20th place in 2016.

Design & technology has been moving in the other direction for some time.

It was the sixth most popular subject back in 2012, but slipped out of the top 10 in 2018 and is now out of the top 15 altogether.

 Music and drama continue to slide

Entries for GCSE music are down 13% this year and drama is down 7%.

Both subjects have been suffering a slow decline for many years and the latest figures suggest they are continuing to fall out of favour.

Music has dropped 36% since 2010 while drama is down 39%.

Completing a bleak picture for the creative industries, GCSE performing arts had just 6,835 entries this year  down 17% from last year and a fall of 72% since 2010.

(PA Graphics)

 Spanish closes in on French

On current form, Spanish could overtake French as soon as next year to become the most popular foreign language at GCSE.

The gap between the subjects has been narrowing for some time and they are now only a few thousand entries apart, with French on 130,901 and Spanish on 125,651.

Spanish has rocketed in popularity over the past few years, with entries up 11% between 2022 and 2023 and up 86% since 2010.

By contrast, French has dropped by 26% since 2010  though entries were up slightly this year, by 1%.

Meanwhile, German looks to be moving closer towards extinction, falling 4% year-on-year and down 51% from 70,169 entries in 2010 to 34,707 in 2023.

(PA Graphics)

 Other languages

The number of entries classed as other modern languages jumped 9% this year to the highest on record.

There were a total of 39,896 entries across the 15 languages covered by this category, comfortably above the 34,707 entries for German.

Within the group, Chinese jumped year-on-year from 5,504 entries to 7,091, Polish rose from 6,003 to 6,938 and Arabic increased from 4,931 to 5,171.

(PA Graphics)

 Gender imbalance

GCSE home economics was formally dropped from the syllabus several years ago, but just over 2,000 candidates took the subject in 2023, of whom 98% were girls  the biggest gender imbalance of any subject, as was the case in 2022.

Other subjects where girls accounted for the vast majority of entries this year included performing arts (95%), health & social care (95%) and social sciences (72%).

Boys made up the most entries in construction (90%), engineering (83%) and computing (79%), as well as the small category called other technology subjects (94%).

(PA Graphics)

 Business booms

The recent growth in GCSE business studies shows no sign of faltering. There were 123,166 entries this year, up 15% from last year and an increase of 59% since 2010.

The subject is currently the 14th most popular choice at GCSE and is likely to move up the rankings in the next few years, overtaking Spanish (13th) and French (12th).

 Statistically speaking

Entries for GCSE statistics jumped by 20% this year, lifting it from 26th to 25th place in the rankings.

It is still something of a minnow in terms of entries (26,559), particularly when compared with the big fish at the top of the popularity chart.

But if the subject grows at a similar rate over the next few years, it should move up the rankings quickly and could return to the top 20 for the first time since 2010.
Award-winning actress Hannah Waddingham will present the Fantasy, Myths And Legends Prom at the Royal Albert Hall, it has been announced.

The actress and singer said she was thrilled to return to the prestigious venue for the event, having last appeared at the BBC Proms in 2016.

Waddingham has recently shot further into the public consciousness through her performance in the Bafta-winning Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso, and her co-hosting of the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

Host Hannah Waddingham during the opening of the grand final for the Eurovision Song Contest final (Aaron Chown/PA)

She also hosted the 2023 Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall in April.

The Fantasy, Myths And Legends Prom will feature music from some of the industrys biggest franchises, including Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord Of The Rings, and Game Of Thrones  in which Waddingham also appeared.

The BBC Concert Orchestra, led by new chief conductor Anna-Maria Helsing, will be joined by mezzo soprano Felicity Buckland and the Huddersfield Choral Society.

Waddingham said: I am thrilled to be back at the magnificent Royal Albert Hall after hosting the 2023 Olivier awards here earlier in the year.

Having performed at the Proms before, and having played Septa Unella in Game Of Thrones I cannot wait to present a programme of some of the most-loved music from the fantasy genre. Its going to be magical.

The actress last appeared at the BBC Proms in 2016 to sing extracts from Kiss Me Kate and The Boys From Syracuse alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra.

The concert featured a selection of music written for stage and screen adaptations of works by Shakespeare.

The Fantasy, Myths And Legends Prom will broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 on August 28, and will be on BBC Sounds for 30 days.

The concert will also be filmed for TV, with an edited version airing on BBC Two on September 2 at 7.50pm.

It will be available on BBC iPlayer for 12 months.
Heavy rain, thunder, lightning and hail will lash people on their way to work and possibly cause flooding, forecasters have warned.

An inch of rain could fall in just one hour on Thursday in south-east England, where a yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued by the Met Office until midday.

People should be wary of possible disruption on roads and public transport due to water and hail, as well as power cuts and damage to buildings, the forecaster said.

It comes after much of the UK basked in glorious sunshine and warm temperatures on Wednesday.

People basked in hot and sunny weather on Wednesday (Lucy North/PA)

Jonathan Vautrey, of the Met Office, told the PA news agency: We expect a large expanse area of thunderstorms to develop in the Channel, moving in from France, which may push into parts of south-east England.

Areas in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight will widely see 10 to 15 millimetres of rain over the course of the morning.

But if we do see the more intense thunderstorms then some locations could see 25 to 30 millimetres of rain in about an hour or so, which is quite a lot to fall in that time.

 Yellow weather warning issued  Thunderstorms across southeastern parts of EnglandThursday 0700  1200 Latest info  https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/5aBmEJpRm9  Met Office (@metoffice) August 23, 2023

This may produce some disruption, particularly due to the fact that it is rush hour during that period so there could be some localised disruption for anyone travelling.

In addition to the rain weve got lightning, hail to around three centimetres in diameter and some quite squally winds.

The heat from the past few days has built up, feeding more humidity into the atmosphere, which leads to the clouds that cause thunderstorms.

Mr Vautrey said areas surrounded by fields or where roads dip could be more prone to localised flooding.
Hundreds of historical artefacts have gone missing from the British Museum since 2013, the institutions records reportedly show.

Gold coins, silver necklaces and 540 pieces of pottery are unaccounted for, according to a new Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The British Museum revealed last week that police are investigating items that are missing, stolen or damaged from its collection.

Legal action is being taken by the London-based institution against an unnamed member of staff, who has been sacked.

Hartwig Fischer will step down as director of the British Museum next year (Benedict Johnson/The British Museum/PA)

The Times reported on Thursday that an FOI request to the museum has disclosed that a Greek silver coin, a 4th-century Roman coin and a German coin disappeared from the museum in the year to April 2014.

An early 20th-century ring, a chain made up of round-sectioned silver wire, wooden opium poppy scorers shaped like birds and frogs, and glazed leaf pendants and beads are also said to be among the items missing over the last 10 years.

Emails leaked to BBC News claim the museum was alerted by an antiquities dealer to items being sold on eBay in 2021 and ignored the report.

In a statement to the PA news agency on Wednesday, director 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.

No arrests have been made following reports of theft from the British Museum in London (Chris Young/PA)

In July, the museum announced that Mr Fischer, a German art historian, will step down from his role next year.

Ittai Gradel, an author, academic and antiquities dealer who said he alerted the museum, told the BBC: The claim that I withheld information from the British Museum is an outright lie.

I was explicit in my communication with the British Museum that I was entirely at their disposal for any further information or assistance they would require. They never contacted me.

The museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are, saying only that they are small pieces, including gold jewellery and gems of semi-precious stones and glass dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

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.

Online marketplace eBay said: 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.

The British Museum has been contacted for a response.
A producer and director who works with the Kardashian family said he is going to miss working with best mate James Corden so much.

Ben Winston, 41, was speaking to an audience at a panel held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday, where he said his friendship with Corden is the most beautiful relationship of his life  seconded only by his spouse.

Winston was speaking with TV presenter and founder of Yes Yes Media Richard Bacon, where he spoke in depth about working with Corden over the years.

Mr Winston was producer of The Late Late Show With James Corden, which ran from 2015 until April 2023.

Commenting on the end of the show, he said: I am going to miss it so much. Im going to miss every day working with my best mate.

As [Corden] said in 2014, creating an hour of TV every single night off a blank page.

I dont want to sound over-blown-up  I genuinely think hes a genius.

Director and producer Ben Winston (left) pictured alongside Gabe Turner and Ben Turner, with producer Leo Pearlman (Joel Ryan/PA)

One of the duos most notable works together was when Corden met Tom Cruise, hilariously skydiving from a plane together.

Bacon asked the producer/director how they were able to get Cruise to agree to the show.

Winston said James can get anyone to do anything, stating he makes them feel secure and they feel theyre going to make it funny.

He added: I think that he is not just an amazing actor which weve seen on stage.

Hes not just an amazing writer, like weve seen with Gavin And Stacey, but also this unbelievable producer, who, I would go in with an idea, and Ill pitch it to him thinking its amazing, and he will pitch it back to me and its so much better.

And its been, the most, outside of my wife, the most beautiful relationship of my life, because we try and just always make each other better.

And at the end of the day, we just have each others support in everything that we do and Ill definitely miss that now hes moved to London and left me.
Liz Curtis, 49, a former teacher from Warlingham, Surrey in London and partner Dave, 51 an electrician, lost their eight-month-old daughter Lily to Mitochondrial Disease in 2007. Turning her pain into a positive, Liz set up a charity to raise awareness of the relatively unknown condition in order to help others. Here, she tells her story.

Liz and her partner Dave Merritt with their daughter Lily, who died as a result of Mitochondrial Disease in 2007. (Supplied)

In 2003, my partner Dave and I welcomed our first daughter, Katie, now 20. A couple of years later we happily ushered in our second daughter, Rosie, now 18. Parents to two healthy and beautiful children we had no reason for concern when I fell pregnant with a third daughter, Lily.

But Lily was born with Mitochondrial Disease, a rare condition that affects the body's organs and systems including the brain, heart, lungs, gut, liver and skin. A person with mito, as it's commonly known, may suffer from seizures, fatigue, vision and hearing loss, cognitive disabilities, respiratory problems or poor growth and eventual death.

We lost Lily in April 2007.

A person with Mitochondrial Disease may suffer from seizures, fatigue, vision and hearing loss, cognitive disabilities, respiratory problems or poor growth and eventual death.

Despite our heartache, I wanted Lilys memory to live on and more awareness to be raised about the condition. So, with the loving support of family, friends and our local community we founded the The Lily Foundation in October the same year.

Today is Lilys birthday and a better time than ever to share our story - particularly with the impending arrival of World Mitochondrial Disease Week in September.

Liz wanted Lily's memory to live on and founded The Lily Foundation. (Supplied)

First signs something was wrong

It was during the routine 20-week pregnancy scan that the sonographer noticed Lilys heart would beat and stop and then beat again. The blood flow between myself and Lily was good so there was nothing untoward to worry about.

I was asked to go to St George's Hospital every other day for two weeks to monitor Lily's heart. I was working and had to take time off, as did Dave, and it took over an hour to by car plus was hugely expensive to park. Fortunately I had a lot of family support to care for Katie and Rosie as it took the whole day.

I was 32 weeks pregnant when doctors found that Lily had still not grown and was the same size at 20 weeks. At the 34-week scan they found the blood flow between Lily and I had stopped.

The blood flow between Lily and I had stopped.

Welcoming Lily

It was decided that I needed a cesarean section. Lily was born on August 24, 2006 - five weeks and one day early - weighing just 3lbs 8oz and was immediately taken to the special care baby unit.

She had to reach 4lbs in weight and it took 4 weeks, I remember one of the consultants saying, "Lily, will you just grow." We went home on 20th September.

Lily was born weighing just 3lbs 8oz.

Once home, I wanted everything to be as normal as possible and so planned a shopping trip to Croydon Central Shopping Centre. With three children under three to content with, my mum came along to help out.

While there, Lily had a seizure and started foaming at the mouth. First responders arrived very quickly and took us to the nearest hospital, Mayday. After a couple of days, once breathing on her own, Lily was discharged.

Katie and Lily Merritt at home: The family wanted to have as much time with Lily as possible. (Supplied)

Mitochondrial Disease diagnosis

We took her back to East Surrey Hospital where she had been born, for 10 days for further tests and an X-ray revealed Lilys heart was enlarged on one side. She was rushed to Royal Brompton Hospital by ambulance to see a specialist cardiologist, suffered further seizures and was later taken to yet another hospital: Chelsea and Westminster.

A couple of days later, we were told Lily could have a condition called Mitochondrial Disease and that it could affect her development. Exhausted and unaware what it was, I was told to go home for a break and spend time with my other girls.

An X-ray revealed Lilys heart was enlarged on one side.

A couple of hours later the hospital contacted me. When I arrived back, there was a weird atmosphere. Lily had been moved to the nurses station - she looked grey and tiny.

She had another seizure and experienced a cardiac arrest. She was transferred to the Evelina Childrens Hospital at Guys and St Thomas Intensive Care Unit. Ill always remember being in the ambulance - it was like a spaceship and Lily was in an incubator that looked like a cocoon.

She was put on a life support machine and a muscle biopsy and lumbar puncture was carried out. I didnt even know what these tests were: it was terrifying watching our baby go through this.

Later we were told that Lily would not make it if her life support was withdrawn. She was in so much pain that we made the awful decision to turn it off. We sat and waited and held her, fed her, kissed her and loved her in those precious last moments with Rosie and Katie and surrounded by family.

We made the awful decision to turn off life support.

The day Liz and Dave decided to withdraw Lily from the life support machine. (Supplied)

Adoring sisters Katie three, Rosie two, with Lilly at 8 months. (Supplied)

But, Lily made it through the night. The doctors couldnt tell us how long she would survive and advised us that we could take her to a hospice or go home.

We chose to go home - whatever time we had with Lily we were going to spend it together as a family. Lily came back home on October 30, 2006.

She put on weight, began to smile, gurgle and laugh especially as the doctors put her on high-calorie milk. Her big sisters, aged one and three at the time, adored her.

We were waiting for our baby to pass away.

Although everyday was a gift to Lily, it was also a very emotional way to live - we were waiting for our baby to pass away. I couldn't bear her dying on her own so she slept on my tummy every night - we were always with her.

Lily began to lose weight by the middle of April 2007. It hurt me to see her not smile as much - we had hoped quietly for a miracle.

She died in hospital on April 30, 2007.

Life after death

We had two children and we had to live with loss - how was I supposed to get through the days?

I remember trying to come to terms with Lilys loss and coming down the stairs one morning to Katie asking if she could do some painting. I decided then that Lily was never going to have a negative impact on our lives and that our memories would all be happy ones of her.

It was OK to be sad but it would not interfere with our relationships because Lily lived with us. I was determined not to feel guilty about living our lives.

I was determined not to feel guilty about living our lives.

We asked for donations at her funeral instead of flowers because we were trying to fundraise for some equipment at our local hospital. It wasnt very long before people wanted to raise more money for us and I realised that there wasnt a charity solely to research Mitochondrial Disease for us to donate the money to.

The Lily Foundation

By October 2007 we had set up The Lily Foundation, a registered charity and in February 2008 had our first charity event. The staff at the charity knew Lily personally and have been involved since its launch. Others have lost loved ones to Mitochondrial Disease, or know someone with the condition.

In October 2022, I was awarded an MBE for services to people with Mitochondrial Disease. Lily has lived on touching many lives, raising money for vital research and pushing for mito awareness - she was always a fighter.

Through the foundation, Lily has lived on and touched many lives.

Liz with husband Dave and daughters Katie and Rosie on receiving an MBE in the October 2022 Honours List. (Supplied)

Some of The Lily Foundation's aims are to to fund research; to support families; to raise awareness and here are some landmark achievements:

Raised over 8.5 million

Changed the law on mitochondrial donation

Developed and funded their own genetic testing programme - Lily Exome Sequencing project

Invested in 20 research projects across the UK

Funded researchers, scientists, and specialist nurses in the UK

Send families on respite breaks to Center Parcs

Help fund specialist equipment

Connect families and patients so that they are not alone on their journey

Host a respite weekend and have set up a support group for young adults

Support over 1200 UK families and patients, through our support networks, often from diagnosis through to end of life and beyond.

World Mitochondrial Disease Week 2023 runs from 18-24 September. Learn more about the awareness raised and support offered here.
A man has been interviewed by Metropolitan Police officers following thefts which were reported at the British Museum.

The London institution revealed last week that the force is investigating items that are missing, stolen or damaged from its collection.

In a statement on Thursday to the PA news agency, police said: A man has been interviewed by investigating officers. No arrests have been made.

British Museum director Hartwig Fischer said the institution is helping police with their criminal investigation (Benedict Johnson/The British Museum/PA)

We have worked closely with the British Museum and will continue to do so.

We will not be providing any further information at this time. Inquiries continue.

An unnamed member of staff has been sacked and the institution is taking legal action.

It is understood that the items, which include gold jewellery, gems of semi-precious stones and glass, were taken before 2023 and over a significant period of time.

Emails leaked to BBC News claim the museum was alerted by an antiquities dealer to items being sold on eBay in 2021 and ignored the report.

Director Hartwig Fischer said the museum had taken concerns two years ago about a small number of items seriously.

The German art historian, who the museum announced in July will step down from his role next year, added: The 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.

He also said a full audit in 2022 had revealed a bigger problem which led to police involvement.

Mr Fischer also said: 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.

Ittai Gradel, an author, academic and antiquities dealer, who said he alerted the museum, disagreed with its version of events.

He said in a statement to PA: The claim that I withheld information from the BM (British Museum) is an outright lie, and I can prove it.

I was explicit in my communication with the BM that I was entirely at their disposal for any further information or assistance they would require. They never contacted me.

The British Museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are (Yui Mok/PA)

The museum has not specified how many items have been stolen or detailed what the missing items are, saying only that they are small pieces dating from the 15th century BC to the 19th century AD.

An independent review of security, conducted by former museum trustee Sir Nigel Boardman and Lucy DOrsi, Chief Constable of British Transport Police, has been launched.

Online marketplace eBay said: 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.
Policemen attempt to drag a student away from a protest against Japan's discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in front of the Japanese Embassy in central Seoul, Aug. 24. Yonhap





Police apprehended 16 university students who attempted to break into the Japanese Embassy in central Seoul on Thursday in protest of Japan's discharge of radioactive water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.







Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the tsunami-wrecked nuclear power plant, began releasing the first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean at around 1 p.m., despite concerns from neighboring countries and fishing groups in the region.







According to the police, the students attempted to enter the Japanese Embassy at around 1 p.m., while chanting slogans against the discharge of the radioactive water.







They initially gathered on the eighth floor of the building where the consular section is located. The embassy space on the ninth through 11th floors can only be accessed through the eighth floor entrance.






A UK minister has warned it is important not to jump to conclusions over the reported death of the leader of the Wagner mercenary group in a plane crash which is speculated to have been an assassination.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was reportedly on the passenger list of a private jet which went down almost 185 miles north of Moscow on Wednesday, according to Russian authorities.

The Wagner Group chief mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June in a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putins authority.

Many observers expected Mr Putin to seek revenge, despite his vow to drop charges against Mr Prigozhin after initially denouncing the rebellion as treason.

In his first comments on the death of the Wagner leader, Mr Putin said he had known Mr Prigozhin since the early 1990s and described him as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed  both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months.

He was a talented man, a talented businessman, he added.

He said the passengers on the jet had made a significant contribution to the fighting in Ukraine.

Russian president Vladimir Putin made no mention of the crash when he addressed the Brics summit via video-link on Thursday (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/Kremlin Pool/AP)

We remember this, we know, and we will not forget, the president said in a televised interview with the Russian-installed leader of Ukraines partially occupied Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin.

The UK Government is closely watching the situation but schools minister Nick Gibb said it must avoid making assumptions about the crash.

He told Sky News: We only heard about this it only happened a few hours ago.

We are monitoring the position. Its important not to jump to conclusions.

We are working with our allies, and as soon as we have assessed the situation the Government will of course have more to say on the matter.

Mr Gibb added that we know what kind of person Putin is, having engaged in an illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Shadow Home Office minister Stephen Kinnock said it is difficult to speculate because we dont know all of the facts.

But he added: Russia is a mafia state, and this is one part of a mafia clan striking back against another  that would appear to be whats happening.

In the US, President Joe Biden was less circumspect, saying: I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

Mr Prigozhin was among the dead in the crash, according to Wagner sources cited by Russian media.

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

All 10 people on board  three crew and seven passengers  died, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

Videos and photos circulating on social media appeared to show the plane plummeting out of the sky, and a burning heap of aircraft wreckage.

There is heavy speculation, but no evidence, that the crash may not have been an accident.

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, wrote on Twitter, now known as X: No matter the cause of the plane crash, everyone will see this as an act of retaliation and retribution, and the Kremlin wont particularly counteract this view.

From Putins perspective, as well as many among the security and military officials, Prigozhins death should serve as a lesson to any potential successors.

International relations expert Afzal Ashraf, from Loughborough University, told the PA news agency that Mr Prigozhins presumed death comes as a surprise to most Russians and indeed to most Russian officials.

A part of a private jet by the crash site, near the village of Kuzhenkino, in the Tver region of Russia (AP)

I can say that because Im in touch with a Russian dissident who is in touch with senior officials in the Kremlin, and everybody is confused, he said.

And that should not be a surprise to us, because if this is, as alleged, an assassination plot, clearly its a secret one and only a few people know who did what in this incident.

Mr Ashraf said it is significant that the Wagner chief had been on his way to a meeting to discuss the Kremlins plans to reorganise his mercenary group and bring it more in line with the regular army, a move he vehemently opposed.

Mr Prigozhin was a key ally of the Russian president but their relationship soured after the Wagner boss staged the failed mutiny in June over dissatisfaction about the treatment of his private military fighters in Ukraine.

Wagner has fought alongside Russias regular army during the invasion, and has often been seen as the more fierce and successful military force.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had nothing to do with the crash, telling reporters: Everyone understands who does.

A man lays flowers at an informal memorial next to the former PMC Wagner Centre in St Petersburg, Russia (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP)

The mercenary chiefs fate has been the subject of close scrutiny ever since after his apparent exile to Belarus following the uprising.

Reports suggested he had appeared in Russia in recent weeks and he made his first video appearance since the mutiny earlier this week, suggesting he was in Africa alongside Wagner fighters.

The Russian state has a history of links to the deaths or serious illnesses of Russian elites and spies who have fallen out of favour with the Putin regime, including on UK soil.

Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with Russia-developed nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 2018.

Alexander Litvinenko, a prominent Putin critic and defector to the UK, was poisoned with polonium and died in 2006 after meeting two former Russian agents in London.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Mr Prigozhins death.

According to the Associated Press, he said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.
A Stormont department was urged not to embarrass schools by asking them to host visits by new education minister Martin McGuinness amid a series of protests at his appointment, archives reveal.

The late former IRA commanders installation as Sinn Fein minister for education in December 1999 prompted around 50 demonstrations in schools in mainly unionist areas in Northern Ireland, with some pupils walking out of classes to form pickets.

Newly released files from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland include Department of Education (DoE) documents and correspondence related to the classroom boycotts.

One is a confidential briefing note sent to a senior DoE official by then chief inspector of schools Tom Shaw.

The document references one particular walkout at Kilkeel High School in Co Down and goes on to offer analysis on the wider protest activity.

There is circumstantial evidence which suggests that the demonstrations by pupils are being orchestrated, Mr Shaw wrote.

Many of the protests have been preceded by pupils asking their peers to sign a petition objecting to the Minister, the pupils who are acting as organisers are quoting the same mis-information to persuade their peers to join them in protest (all pupils will be forced to learn Irish, play Gaelic games, attend integrate schools); the spokespersons leading the protests use the same form of words and cliches; there are flags, banners etc in readiness when the protest begins; others, over school leaving age, turn up to support the protest; local, anti-agreement, politicians are soon on the scene, as are representatives of the Press.

He said the demonstrations, however fleeting, were damaging the morale and relationships within the schools affected.

They make it even more difficult to plan a programme of school visits for the Minister, he added.

I suspect that, for some time, many schools will be very reluctant to invite the Minister to functions, fearing a reaction of the kind being witnessed at present.

Mr Shaw then relayed a conversation he had had with a representative of the Governing Bodies Association  an organisation that represents voluntary grammar schools in Northern Ireland.

At last nights function at Parliament Buildings, a GBA representative said he hoped the department would not embarrass schools by asking them to host a visit by the Minister.

He said that the relaxed response of schools to such requests in the past would not be sustainable in current circumstances.

It would take time, he judged, to establish trust and openness.

In a separate document related to the same issue, Mr McGuinness made clear he would only attend schools he was invited to.

By January 2000, he said he had received invitations to 39 schools and had attended seven.

I wont impose a visit on any schools and will go only on the invitation of the school authorities, stated a line prepared for attribution to the minister.

A departmental guidance document issued to schools on how to handle the protests warned staff that they should not attempt to prevent pupils leaving classes to take part.

To attempt to restrain a pupil in this way could result subsequently in an allegation of false imprisonment, it stated.

Education minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein makes his way to the first sitting of the Northern Assembly at Stormont in Belfast (PA)

The guidance urged school leaders to contact the Royal Ulster Constabulary if they had information that a protest was being planned.

The police at this stage will rely heavily on a schools own assessment of the potential for disturbance, it added.

The document said protests on school grounds should be supervised by staff.

Supervision would reduce the possibility of the school being found negligent should a pupil get injured during such an incident, it stated.

In terms of any engagement with the media, schools were told to refrain from saying no comment and avoid dodging questions, reading from scripts or getting angry with the interviewer.

The files also contain letters written by unionist Assembly members on the issue.

In one, former DUP MLA Iris Robinson raised concern that pupils taking part in a protest at Comber High School in Co Down were locked out when they tried to return to class.

Mr McGuinness replied refuting the claim and making clear pupils were not prevented from re-entering the school.

I am disappointed that pupils felt the need to take this action but I can understand their concerns during this period of change, he added.

In another letter, former Northern Ireland Unionist Party MLA Patrick Roche raised objections to Mr McGuinnesss appointment.

Many parents and teachers are horrified by the appointment of the alleged former overall commander of the IRA in Londonderry to the post of Minister of Education responsible for the education and welfare of their children, he stated.

One piece of correspondence from the newly published papers is a letter of apology to the minister from a pupil at one school where a protest took place.

It was an act which could have been peaceable but degenerated into supreme senselessness and I completely disassociate myself from it, wrote the unnamed pupil.

I hope you can find it in you to forgive these people who perpetrated such an incident, as I dont believe that they are being led by anything other than indoctrination from the pessimistic surrounding world.

In his reply, Mr McGuinness wrote: I was disappointed at what happened at a number of schools but I have been greatly encouraged by the general level of support which I have received since my appointment as Minister for Education.

I can understand that people may feel concerned during this momentous period of change.

I am, however, totally committed to the fair and equal treatment of all the children here and will strive to ensure that they receive the best education possible.
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.

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.
Former agricultural story editor of The Archers Graham Harvey has said that the radio show will continue to bring in new audiences as farming has started to be cool again with young people.

The environmental campaigner, who was a scriptwriter on the long-running BBC Radio 4 show, thinks that the programme will draw in the younger generations through storylines that explore climate change, class and sustainable agricultural practices.

Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: There are just unmistakable signs that young people are interested in farming and I think that it is linked in with nature and also climate change, and the threat to our planet.

Nature is probably the best thing we have, governments pour money into high tech solutions like carbon capture and all that, but nature can do it better.

Farmers can do more to fix it (climate-related issues) than any new technology.

He added: Theres no sign that its (The Archers) failing to bring in new audiences, young audiences. In a sense its always reinvented itself.

Explaining how different types of storylines have captured the attention of younger listeners, Harvey discussed the Horrobin family and their influence.

Underneath The Archers: Natures Secret Agent on Britains Longest-Running Drama (Unbound)

He said: When I worked on the show, there were a couple of them, but they were kind of marginal characters.

Now that family, working class family, are very central and the two key members are teenagers, Brad and Chelsea.

Theyre really strong characters and Im sure theyre bringing in new listeners, young listeners.

Harveys memoir, Underneath The Archers: Natures Secret Agent on Britains Longest-Running Drama, was published on Thursday and it explores his time as a story editor and how he would implement storylines about sustainable agricultural practices.

The writer said that The Archers once encouraged the use of pesticides and chemicals as it was more focused on industrial farming, but he worked to change this.

Harvey said: When The Archers started, it very much followed the government line that we had to increase the supply (of food) and at that time, they thought that meant using more fertiliser, so in a way The Archers encouraged the use of chemicals and so on.

Now, I think The Archers could be showing the way out of that crisis weve got into with loss of diversity and soil damage by showing a different way of farming, regenerative, planet fixing and nature friendly.

The Archers has been on the radio for more than 70 years and explores the lives of people living in the fictional rural village of Ambridge.

In his new book, Harvey writes about The Archers and his love for the British countryside, but he also traces his roots and uncovers a wartime secret of his fathers.

Harvey said he had never dreamed of writing a memoir whilst he was writing for The Archers and described the book as a personal journey.
Pressure is building on the UK and Irish governments to do more as the political stalemate in Northern Ireland is branded the seventh circle of hell.

The Stormont Assembly has been effectively collapsed for more than a year while the DUP refuse to participate until they are satisfied that the UK has acted to protect the region in post-Brexit arrangements.

Speaking after meeting a large group of US politicians during a visit to Belfast, DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly insisted things could move quicker with political willingness on the part of the UK government.

DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly after a political panel discussion with representatives of the five largest political parties at Stormont during a visit by the American Irish State Legislator Caucus in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said the UK and the Irish governments have a responsibility to work together to resolve the impasse.

During the meeting with the US politicians, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said Northern Ireland is in the political equivalent of the seventh circle of hell.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ms Armstrong said she was inspired to make the reference to Dantes Inferno after being asked by the US delegation how things were going in Northern Ireland.

It feels like were going round in circles, were not getting anywhere fast, we have a budget that is causing so many problems in Northern Ireland and sadly we have no legislature here to take any solutions forward, she said.

The DUP are the people who need to take a decision about the Windsor Framework, Im hoping that they can do that very quickly so that we can all get back.

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy giving reaction after the discussion with representatives of the five largest political parties at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA)

Responding to a question around whether parties felt embarrassed meeting the delegation in Parliament Buildings that were not functioning politically, Mr Murphy said if there was embarrassment it should belong to the DUP.

Mr Murphy also said his party has had meetings with the UK government over the summer, and detected no urgency to get Stormont functioning again.

He said his party raised that with Irish premier Leo Varadkar when he visited Belfast earlier this month.

The penny seems to be dropping in Dublin at least, he said.

It is not a tenable situation to allow this to drift on. Were moving now into the implementation phase of the (Brexit) protocol arrangements and the DUP are still holding out in terms of negotiations.

The two governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, they have a responsibility for taking action, for working together in the first instance, which would be a welcome development, and taking action to ensure that these institutions are put back in place.

It shouldnt continue one day longer. It wasnt tenable when the DUP brought down the institutions, and its certainly not tenable now.

Pressed for a timescale on her partys discussions with the UK Government to secure what they need to return to Stormont, Ms Little-Pengelly said it could happen quickly with political willingness.

We are engaged in a process of back and forth in terms of the constructive discussion to try to find resolution to the issues, she said.

We have been very clear with the Government in the document we have given them, what we need to see, and we have highlighted the concerns and issues raised to us by businesses about the Windsor Framework, and I think its very clear there are a lot of questions around what the implementation of all of this will mean.

We want to find solutions, we havent been prescriptive about what those are because we want to get the maximum flexibility.

I think there is, at the moment, a real obligation on the UK Government to build that trust with the people of Northern Ireland, fulfil what it is that the Prime Minister and his Government have promised to the people of Northern Ireland, and thats what were waiting to see.

These things can be done very, very quickly if there is political willingness to stretch, and to move and to find solutions. We believe this can be done very quickly if that willingness is there and we would urge the Government to find those workable solutions sooner rather than later and to allow for the stabilisation of things here.
A probation officer who quit his job after being subjected to monkey chants and racial abuse has won a payout.

Lloyd Odain said he felt ignored and isolated because a complaint he made to his bosses alleging racial discrimination in the wake of incidents at HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) offices in Reading, Berkshire, in 2019 was swept under the carpet.

According to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), Mr Odain was working for a contractor used by the service at the time and was subjected to multiple incidents of racial discrimination and harassment by another contractor.

These included the person making making monkey chants towards Mr Odain while he was talking to colleagues.

He reported the racist behaviour to probation service managers but, following a flawed investigation, the offender was allowed to return to work in the same office, leaving Mr Odain with no choice but to leave the job he enjoyed, the body that supported his legal case said.

More than three years since his initial complaint, Mr Odain has received compensation after the probation service settled the case in June before a final hearing, following preliminary proceedings held at Reading Employment Tribunal in October which, according to the EHRC, found it may be liable for the racist behaviour of the contractor towards Mr Odain.

But the settlement, the value of which has not been disclosed, does not include an admission of liability or a commitment from HMPPS to review its policy around how contractors are treated.

The EHRC said the monkey chants were not disputed by the probation service in the legal case, which instead focused on the liability of organisations to protect workers employed through third parties from harassment from other workers also employed through third parties.

British-born Mr Odain, who is of Caribbean heritage, told the PA news agency he was shocked when no-one challenged the incidents and felt like the matter was swept under the carpet when he lodged a grievance, with his concerns not taken seriously or dealt with promptly.

He said: There was no acknowledgement whatsoever of a wrongdoing, I felt a lot of it was based on discrimination.

For me it was not about retribution. I just felt let down, theres no restoration.

I just felt so disappointed (by the way it was handled). I felt I couldnt tolerate it.

Mr Odain, who is in his 50s and lives in London, said he had worked for the probation service in various roles over the last 10 years and even studied for a criminology degree to further specialise in his job.

He says he has not worked in this field since resigning from his post as a probation services officer (PSO) managing cases and supervising offenders in light of the ordeal.

Citing problems with culture in the probation service, he called for change and said policies that are already in place should be properly used to protect contract workers from racism in the workplace.

In a statement issued on his behalf by the EHRC, Mr Odain added: I feel grossly let down by the prison and probation service. I worked in the Reading office for many years in different roles and took pride in my job helping people who were struggling to find a path in life.

After being subjected to monkey chants and other racist behaviour, I followed the correct processes in making a complaint.

I felt ignored and isolated as nothing appeared to be done.

I then found out that the person who had behaved so appallingly was back working in the building.

The thought of dealing with more racism, and having no support, left me with no option but to give up the job I enjoyed and was good at.

I have spent more than three years fighting for change so that others shouldnt face what I faced.

I hope that, by exposing the horrendous treatment I suffered, HMPPS learn lessons from this case.

I am grateful to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and to my solicitors for their support. I couldnt have continued fighting for so long without their help.

EHRC chairwoman Kishwer Falkner said: Everyone going to work should expect to feel safe from harm and no-one should suffer the shocking racism experienced by Mr Odain.

Employers, third-party contractors and workers all benefit if any awful incidents like this are addressed quickly and appropriately by management.

It is disappointing that, in this case, HM Prison and Probation Service chose to defend themselves on the basis of legal technicalities rather than to commit positively to protect and support their own staff.

Racism is never acceptable.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has been contacted for comment.
A team of scientists have set out to develop new ways to measure the capture of carbon dioxide in volcanic rock.

The carbon storage technique known as mineralisation has been used successfully in Iceland, where the reactivity of the basalt volcanic rock converts the carbon dioxide rapidly into new minerals, safely locking it away underground.

Carbon capture and storage is becoming increasingly important in efforts to reduce the levels of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, where they are the principal contributor to global warming.

The scientists will work with Icelandic mineralisation operator Carbfix to test new methods to track the carbon dioxide being captured at Hellisheidi, Icelands largest geothermal power plant, and verify its safe and permanent storage.

Stuart Gilfillan, of the University of Edinburgh, and his team will use mineral analysis techniques and a novel CO2 fingerprinting tool currently being patented by Edinburgh Innovations, the universitys commercialisation service.

The project centres on a geothermal power plant in Iceland (University of Edinburgh/PA)

The Inclusion project, in collaboration with Carbfix and the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre (SUERC), has been awarded 1 million of funding from the Natural Environment Research Councils Pushing the Frontiers scheme.

Dr Gilfillan said: This project will combine the state-of-the-art scientific laboratory facilities available in Scotland with the worlds leading CO2 mineralisation project to provide essential understanding of how to safely lock away CO2 underground in basalts.

We will also develop our understanding of the reactivity of basalt and other volcanic rock, to understand the potential of mineralisation in other parts of the world, such as Scotland.

Professor Fin Stuart, director of SUERC, said: We will determine the unique chemical fingerprint of the injected CO2 at Carbfix, and record how that changes during the storage process.

This will enable us to determine how, and how much, CO2 is stored and provide confidence in the amount of CO2 that can be stored by mineralisation in the future, which can also aid participation in carbon credit schemes.

Dr Sandra Osk Snaebjornsdottir, head of CO2 mineral storage at Carbfix, said: Partnerships with prestigious research institutes such as the University of Edinburgh helps us to increase our understanding of the natural processes we build our technology on, add to our existing verification methods, and move forward the technical development.

Furthermore, it gives new perspectives, and trains the next generation of experts in the field. We are honoured to collaborate with this world-leading team of scientists, and excited for the outcome.
A show about the Kardashian family and a Sir David Attenborough series looking at the ways animals hear and produce sound are among the new documentaries announced by Sky.

House Of Kardashian will explore the lives of the reality TV stars-turned-businesswomen, who include Kourtney, Kim and Khloe Kardashian and their mother, Kris Jenner, and her other children, Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

The three-part series, set for release in the autumn, will also include first-hand testimony from those in the familys inner circle, including the Jenner childrens other parent, Caitlyn Jenner.

(Left to right) Corey Gamble, Kris Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Kanye West, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, pictured at the Met Gala (Jennifer Graylock/PA)

Also revealed on Thursday, as the Edinburgh TV Festival takes place this week, is three-part series Secret World Of Sound With David Attenborough, coming in spring 2024.

Sir David will explore how unhatched caimans communicate with each other while in the egg, how lions and hyenas battle in the dark using sound, a fish with an eerie hum, and mimicry in birds.

Director of documentaries and factual at Sky Poppy Dixon said: With Sky Documentaries we aim to bring our audience incredible true stories, made by the best storytellers in the business  which were proud to showcase in the richly compelling narrative of Louis Therouxs Tell Them You Love Me, as well as in the riveting, thought-provoking series House Of Kardashian.

We also could not be more delighted to announce our ground-breaking natural history series, Secret World Of Sound With David Attenborough, set to premiere next year.

Journalist and broadcaster Theroux will serve as executive producer in his Sky programme about Anna Stubblefield, an esteemed university professor who became embroiled in a controversial affair with Derrick Johnson, a non-verbal black man with cerebral palsy.

Louis Theroux is executive producer on his documentary Tell Them You Love Me (Ian West/PA)

Sky and Peacock are also screening an adaptation of New Zealand writer Heather Morriss Holocaust novel, The Tattooist Of Auschwitz, for a limited series.

Oscar-winning musician Hans Zimmer, who scores the programme with fellow composer Kara Talve, said: Within the depths of Auschwitz, here is a story of hope and love, that transcends boundaries and resonates with the very essence of our humanity.

I stand humbled to be part of this extraordinary production and both Kara and I are deeply privileged to compose this score.

We invite you to join us on this journey, as we celebrate the human spirit and the power of hope within the darkest corners of history.

The series, filmed in Europe and airing next year, has Reservoir Dogs star Harvey Keitel, The Little Mermaid actor Jonah Hauer-King and Yellowjackets actress Melanie Lynskey among the cast.

Funny Woman, starring Gemma Arterton, has also been recommissioned for a second series, and next year Sky Arts will delve into three-part documentary series Battle Of The Bagpipes.

Sir Trevor Phillips is taking over from Sophie Ridge on Skys Sunday Morning programme (Sky News/PA)

Elsewhere, Sky News revealed details about forthcoming Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips.

Sir Trevor, who was announced in July to be taking over the slot from Sophie Ridge, will host an extended interview show when his first 90-minute episode airs on September 3.

The 69-year-old veteran broadcaster, who previously covered for Ridge in 2021 when she was on maternity leave, said it is a privilege to be taking over from the 38-year-old journalist.

He added: The longer show will give us a chance to include a wider range of voices and to report whats happening as it happens, but also to step back and ask if were really seeing the whole story.

Viewers who care know that real politics isnt just about what MPs are saying to each other  so well be talking to people way beyond Westminster about business, about culture, about science and technology, religion and sport  all issues that shape the big political choices.

And while we wont be afraid to ask what needs to be asked, we know that viewers arent tuning in for a shouting match. With us, the answers are always going to be more important than the questions  because thats how we hold our leaders to account.
Teenagers across the country are waking up to their GCSE results in a year when the proportion of top grades awarded is expected to fall.

Hundreds of thousands of pupils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are receiving grades to help them progress to sixth form, college or training.

Similar to the pattern with A-level results last week, it is expected that top GCSE grades will drop on last year as part of a plan to bring grades down to pre-pandemic levels in England this year.

It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

Some sixth forms and colleges could decide to admit pupils with lower GCSE grades on to A-level courses this summer compared with recent years.

Greater attention may be given to the induction process for this cohort of students starting sixth form next month to ensure they cope as best they can, the leader of a headteachers union has suggested.

Last year, more than a quarter (26.3%) of UK GCSE entries were awarded top grades, compared with 28.9% in 2021 and 26.2% in 2020.

In 2019  the year before the pandemic  around one in five (20.8%) entries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland were awarded a 7/A or above.

In England, exams regulator Ofqual has said this years GCSE results will be lower than last year and they would be similar to those in 2019.

Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at the University of Exeter, said: The fear for thousands of pupils is they will miss out on the basic grades they need to get into sixth form  which has the potential to damage their future life prospects.

While traditional A*-G grades are used in Northern Ireland and Wales, in England GCSEs are graded using a numerical system from 9 to 1 rather than from A* to G  with 9 being the highest grade.

A 4 is broadly equivalent to a C grade, and a 7 is broadly equivalent to an A.

Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said it was likely that sixth forms and colleges could lower their entry requirements for this years cohort of students.

He told the PA news agency: Youre not going to expect the same standard of youngsters coming in when you know that nationally the bar has been moved back to where it was in 2019.

Its not a straightforward thing because what you dont want is a youngster whos got a grade 6 going on to a physics course and not coping with it because theyll drop out.

When asked whether there could be more drop-outs from A-level courses, Mr Barton said: I think what it will mean is that the way in which teaching starts in September will be the main focus. There will be more emphasis on induction skills to make sure those youngsters very quickly feel confident.

My guess is that what we will see is a generosity of spirit not just in who is brought into a sixth form, but also the individual attention they get from their teachers to make sure they cope as best they can.

Bill Watkin, chief executive of the Sixth Form Colleges Association (SFCA), said it was possible that some sixth forms and colleges will lower the GCSE grades required for entry compared with last year.

He told PA: I think entry level requirements compared to the last two years might be flexed to accommodate people who have got lower grades than they would have got in the last two years.

But what no-one wants to do is to raise false hopes by saying Oh, youve got 3s and 4s in your GCSEs. Im sure last year they would have been 4s and 5s so lets put you on an A-level course. Because the bottom line is if you do that you risk a young person being overstretched and very unhappy.

Earlier this week, Professor Alan Smithers, director of the Centre for Education and Employment Research (CEER) at the University of Buckingham, suggested 300,000 fewer top GCSE grades could be awarded this summer.

The results for many Level 2 vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) will also be awarded to students on Thursday.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said: This cohort have shown tremendous resilience in recent years and should be proud of all the work theyve done to reach this milestone.

Grading is returning to normal which means a pupil who would have achieved a grade 4 before the pandemic is just as likely to achieve that this year.

She added: Students now have more options to choose from than ever before  such as our high-quality T-levels, including legal and agriculture starting from this September.

They can also take A-levels or earn and learn on a wide range of apprenticeships, from journalism to accountancy.

Whichever path students decide to take, they can have confidence it will set them up for a successful career. I wish everyone the very best as they move on to their next chapter.

In Scotland, the national results for the National 5 qualifications were published earlier in the month and showed that the pass rate was 78.8%  down from 80.8% last year, but up from 78.2% in 2019.
Rishi Sunak warned the asylum system is under unsustainable pressure after the bill for the taxpayer almost doubled in a year to nearly 4 billion.

The Prime Minister, who has promised to stop the boats bringing migrants across the English Channel, said the cost was unacceptable.

Home Office spending on asylum rose by 1.85 billion, from 2.12 billion in 2021/22 to 3.97 billion in 2022/23. A decade ago, in 2012/13, the total cost to the taxpayer was 500.2 million.

Government statistics also showed that 80% of asylum seekers are waiting longer than six months for an initial decision.

Home Office figures showed Channel crossings topped 19,000 for the year so far, despite Mr Sunaks promise to voters that he will stop the boats.

Mr Sunak has also pledged by the end of 2023 to clear the backlog of around 92,601 so-called legacy cases which had been in the system as of the end of June last year.

But in the six months since Mr Sunak made his promise, the figure reduced by just less than a quarter (23%).

The Prime Minister told the Daily Express: The best way to relieve the unsustainable pressures on our asylum system and unacceptable costs to the taxpayer is to stop the boats in the first place.

Thats why we are focused on our plan to break the business model of the people smugglers facilitating these journeys, including working with international partners upstream to disrupt their efforts, stepping up joint work with the French to help reduce crossings and tackling the asylum backlog.

Overall, a total of 175,457 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of June 2023, up 44% from 122,213 for the same period a year earlier  the highest figure since current records began in 2010.

Of these, 139,961 had been waiting longer than six months for an initial decision, up 57% year on year from 89,231 and another record high.

(PA Graphics)

Labour said the record-high asylum backlog amounts to a disastrous record for Mr Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman, while campaigners called for claims to be processed more efficiently.

By the end of 2023, the Prime Minister has pledged to clear the backlog of 92,601 so-called legacy cases which had been in the system as of the end of June last year.

In the six months since Mr Sunak made his promise, the figure reduced by less than a quarter (23%), with 67,870 legacy asylum cases awaiting a decision as of June 30 2023.

The Home Office insisted the Government is on track to clear the legacy backlog by the end of the year and said progress has been made since June, citing provisional figures to the end of July which indicated the total backlog of cases had fallen.

Mr Sunak said: Weve already reduced the legacy backlog by over 28,000  nearly a third  since the start of December and we remain on track to meet our target.

But we know there is more to do to make sure asylum seekers do not spend months or years  living in the UK at vast expense to the taxpayer  waiting for a decision.

Peter Walsh, senior researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said: The backlog remains stubbornly high, despite falling numbers of asylum claims and more asylum caseworkers in the Home Office.

Its becoming harder to see how the Government can meet its pledge to eliminate the so-called legacy backlog of older claims by the end of the year, as the rate of decision-making would have to be more than doubled.

Amnesty International UK said it was utterly disgraceful that new asylum laws are being introduced to actually prevent the processing of claims altogether, which will make this backlog, its cost and the limbo it imposes on people even worse.

The Home Office said the rise in the asylum backlog is due to more cases entering the asylum system than receiving initial decisions.

But the number of cases waiting to be dealt with increased by less than 1% in the three months to the end of June, suggesting the rise is slowing down.

This was in part due to an increase in the number of initial decisions made, and an increase in the number of asylum decision-makers employed, the department added.

Small boat arrivals accounted for fewer than half (46%) of the total number of people claiming asylum in the UK in the period.
Some fish seller stalls at Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market in western Seoul are closed even at 5 p.m., Tuesday, as few customers have been visiting. Korea Times Photo by Jung Da-hyun



Merchants worried about citizens' reluctance toward marine products



By Jung Da-hyun



On Wednesday evening, hordes of people were relishing raw fish at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market  a rare scene of late due to growing fears over Japan's release of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean.



Some of those who ventured to the nation's largest fish market in southern Seoul were there with a common sentiment, wondering when or if they would next visit because of concerns about the safety of seafood.



"I abruptly decided to visit with my friend after hearing news about the upcoming water discharge," Lee Na-yeon, 26, told The Korea Times, referring to Japan's plan to begin dumping wastewater on Thursday.



Lee Jung-sook, 26, accompanied by her friend, also said, "I like raw fish, so I'm a regular visitor here. But now, amid concerns over the radioactive wastewater issue, I am questioning if I will visit again for a while."



As the two 26-year old women expressed, the Fukushima water release is sparking concerns among many locals, with fisheries markets falling financial victims.



On Thursday, Japan initiated the release of contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, with the dumping expected to continue for at least the next 30 years.



"Even though the Chuseok holiday is around the corner, everyone here is worried that business will not go well due to the radioactive wastewater matter," said Kim Duck-ho, a chief of the promotional team at the Noryangjin market.



The woes among merchants are carried across the board by seafood market merchants.



"I have not had a single customer today (until 4:30 p.m.)," a fishmonger at Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market in western Seoul told The Korea Times, Tuesday, hours after the Japanese government announced its release plan.



There were only six people looking around to purchase seafood, while all the merchants at marine product stalls were sitting around on chairs, waiting for customers to appear.



"I've been selling products here for 25 years, and never before have I experienced such a profound recession," said Jung Yang-ho, a president of the merchant association of the Mapo market.



"Ever since Japan brought up the issue of discharging radioactive water into the ocean, our marine product sales have been on a continuous decline," he added.





Korea to toughen tests on farmed seafood amid Fukushima woes Japan begins release of treated radioactive water from Fukushima plant Korea calls on Japan to transparently disclose info on Fukushima water release over next 30 years: PM The street in front of Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market in western Seoul is quiet, Tuesday, hours after Japan announced its plan to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun

According to a store owner at the Mapo market, his store's operating profit was 21 million won ($15,700) in 2020, but it plummeted to 14 million won in 2021 and further to 11 million won last year.



The hardest blow came from the dwindling orders from institutions like schools, bars, restaurants and military bases.



"It appears that we are at a more challenging phase now than when schools temporarily halted meals due to COVID-19, ironically," said Lee Seung-hee, a merchant dealing with frozen marine products at the market.



To make the situation worse, local fisheries market merchants are increasingly worried about the public's widespread reluctance to consume marine products.



Storeowner Shin Dong-seok, said he was continuously questioned by two customers who stopped by his shop regarding the origin of the fish he had for sale even after he said they were domestically farmed.



"With Japan's announcement of the wastewater discharge, things are bound to get worse," Shin said sighing after the customers left.



Customers walk around at Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market in Seoul, Wednesday, one day before Japan releases contaminated water in to the ocean. Korea Times photo by Jung Da-hyun

While the Korean government explains that there are no scientific or technical flaws in Japan's plan for releasing contaminated water, merchants argue that public sentiment against marine products has already veered toward hostility.



"We are trying our best to continue radioactive testing and to sell verified products only. I just hope people recognize this," said Cha Deok-ho, president of the merchant association at the Noryangjin market.



Poster of voucher event / Courtesy of Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries In response to the sagging marine product market, the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries plans to hold a voucher event, next month, under which it will offer consumers refunds in the form of vouchers, amounting to up to 30 percent of their purchase value on the same day.



Previously conducted twice during the Chuseok holiday in 2022 and the Lunar New Year at Mapo market, these events yielded positive results.



"On event days, there was a noticeable influx of customers compared to regular days," Jung said.



Despite the past success, some merchants remain skeptical about the upcoming event.



"Unlike before, the release of wastewater is now a reality, and I'm uncertain if the event will produce similar outcomes," Shin said.



Fisheries merchants are not the sole individuals grappling with concerns over Japan's contaminated water discharge.



The sales of Giku Sushi, a Japanese restaurant in Sinchon, dipped by approximately 10 million won in August from a month ago.




Up to 10,000 Ukrainians are being offered free English language lessons in a bid to improve their job prospects in the UK.

Some of those who have fled the war in their homeland and settled in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be given almost 20 hours of online English learning a week over a period of 10 weeks, the Government said.

The announcement comes on Ukrainian Independence Day.

Other employment support over 12 weeks will include advice on how to find jobs, CV writing and application support, as well as one-to-one interview practice, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said.

The latest Government data up to August 14 shows that 184,400 Ukraine Scheme visa-holders have arrived in the UK under either the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

Survey results published in July suggested more than half of adults who fled Ukraine due to the war want to stay living in the UK even when it is safe to return to their home country.

Some 52% said they intend to live in the UK most of the time when they feel it is safe to return to Ukraine, according to research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The majority of these people said this decision was because there are more opportunities for work in the UK, according to the survey, which was based on data collected from 10,709 people aged 18 and above between April 27 and May 15 2023.

Minister for housing and homelessness Felicity Buchan said: Ukrainian Independence Day is a time to celebrate Ukrainian culture and traditions, as well as our shared values.

It is also a sombre reminder of the need to continue to support our Ukrainian friends in their fight against Putins barbaric invasion. We continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

These new English language and employment support courses add to the package of wider government support in place to help Ukrainians find work and settle into our communities while its not safe to return to Ukraine.

World Jewish Relief is the charity chosen in partnership with the British Council to run the online courses and the aim is to train up to 10,000 Ukrainians within a year.

Paul Anticoni, chief executive of World Jewish Relief, said: We are proud of the difference that World Jewish Relief has made, and will continue to make, in providing essential support for those forced to flee by war.

This much-needed programme will enable us to offer transformative language and employment support in partnership with the British Council to thousands more Ukrainians seeking to rebuild their lives in the UK.
Hundreds of thousands fewer top GCSE grades were handed out to teenagers this year following efforts to bring results back down to pre-pandemic levels.

Official figures also show disparities in results across regions reveal that a significant proportion of pupils face resitting key English and maths exams after failing to score a standard pass.

Many of the students who received their GCSE results on Thursday were in Year 8 when schools closed as a result of coronavirus.

Around 203,000 fewer top GCSE grades were awarded in England, Wales and Northern Ireland than last year.

But 142,000 more top grades were awarded this summer than in 2019.

It comes after Covid-19 led to an increase in top grades in 2020 and 2021, with results based on teacher assessments instead of exams.

More than a fifth (22.0%) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades  at least a 7 or an A grade  this year, down by 4.3 percentage points on last year when 26.3% of entries achieved the top grades.

(PA Graphics)

But this was still higher than in 2019 when 20.8% of entries were awarded the top grades.

Ministers faced calls to address regional disparities after the gap in top GCSE grades between London and the North East widened.

Overall, 28.4% of GCSE entries in London were awarded a grade 7 or above, compared with 17.6% in the North East  a gap of 10.8 percentage points. Last year, the gap was 10.2 percentage points.

The proportion of UK GCSE entries getting at least a 4 or a C grade  considered a standard pass  dropped from 73.2% in 2022 to 68.2% this year, but it was higher than in 2019 (67.3%).

(PA Graphics)

In England, many students who do not secure at least a grade 4 in English and/or maths at GCSE are required to retake the subjects during post-16 education.

A PA news agency analysis of figures by Ofqual shows that it is likely that almost 22,000 more 16-year-olds in England did not reach this standard in maths this year compared to last year.

In English, it is likely that over 38,000 more 16-year-olds in England this summer did not secure a grade 4 or above compared to 2022.

Headteachers unions have called on the Government to reform the system to ensure many students are not stuck in a demoralising cycle of retakes.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan met pupils as they opened their GCSE results at Paddington Academy in London on Thursday (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

But speaking as students received their GCSE results on Thursday, Education Secretary Gillian Keegan said people do a lot better over their lifetime if they secure maths and English qualifications.

The gap in top grades between private schools and comprehensive schools in England remained large (27.5 percentage points), but it narrowed on last year.

Some 46.6% of GCSE entries at private schools in England were awarded grades 7 or above this year, down from 53.1% in 2022. In comprehensive schools, the figure was 19.1%, down from 23.2% last year.

In England, exams regulator Ofqual said this years GCSE results would be lower than last year and they would be similar to those in 2019.

Ofqual built protection into the grading process to ensure a pupil received the grade they would have received before the pandemic even if their quality of work was a little weaker this year.

(PA Graphics)

In Wales and Northern Ireland, results are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels next year.

In Wales, 21.7% of entries were awarded an A grade or above, compared to 18.4% in 2019, and in Northern Ireland 34.5% of entries were awarded the top grades, compared to 30.5%.

In England, 21.6% of entries were awarded a grade 7 or above, compared to 20.7% in 2019.

According to figures from Ofqual, the number of 16-year-old students in England who received a 9  the highest grade under the numerical grading system  in all their subjects nearly halved from last year.

Some 1,160 16-year-olds in England taking at least seven GCSEs achieved a grade 9 in all their subjects, compared with 2,193 last year and 837 in 2019.

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.

Many students in Wales and Northern Ireland were given advance information about topics to expect in their exam papers this summer, but pupils in England were not given the same support.

In England this year, pupils were given formulae and equation sheets in GCSE mathematics, physics, and combined science exams in acknowledgement of pandemic disruption to learning.

Jo Saxton, chief regulator of Ofqual, said the decision on whether to continue to offer exam aids to GCSE pupils in England in some subjects next summer would fall with the Department for Education (DfE).

Students at Sullivan Upper School, Belfast, celebrate their results (Liam McBurney/PA)

She told the PA news agency: They know they need to confirm their position about next year. Weve agreed thats very much in DfEs space because its about curriculum. Whatever decision they make, we enable it to happen.

Dr Saxton added: In terms of grading, this has been the second step in the two-step plan to get back to normal. So as far as Ofqual is concerned, were now back to normal.

Earlier this month, schools minister Nick Gibb said there was an expectation that exam aids would not be offered to GCSE students next year.

Speaking on GCSE results day on Thursday, Mr Gibb acknowledged that progress on closing the attainment gap for disadvantaged pupils had been undone during the pandemic.

He told BBC Breakfast: We did achieve a 9% closing of that gap for secondary and we closed the gap by 13% for primary, but that has been undone, as you say, by Covid, and now we need to get back to normality.

Weve got the recovery programme happening in our schools right now. And then we need to get back to the reform programme to make sure that we can continue to close that gap.

Shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said: The schools minister has confirmed that Conservative promises to level up education are dead and buried.

In Scotland, the national results for the National 5 qualifications were published earlier in the month and showed that the pass rate was 78.8%  down from 80.8% last year, but up from 78.2% in 2019.
A delay in joining the European Unions research and innovation scheme has damaged the UKs reputation in the life sciences field, experts have claimed, with scientists finding it much harder to bring the brightest and best into their labs.

The Government was also warned the UK faces a brain drain of talent if not made more attractive globally.

Horizon Europe is a collaboration involving Europes leading research institutes and technology companies.

It was initially launched in 2021 with a budget of 95.5 billion Euro (81.8 billion), with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) issuing more than 2,000 grants worth in excess of 1 billion by April 2023.

The Government had negotiated membership of the programme in the Brexit withdrawal agreement but the EU went back on the deal after disputes emerged over the Northern Ireland Protocol.

In June, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology confirmed it remains in discussion on the UKs involvement in EU research programmes and hopes that negotiations on Horizon Europe will be successful.

However, it added any agreement must be fair for UK researchers, businesses and taxpayers and reflect the lasting impact of two years of EU delays to the UKs association.

Now, Cancer Research UK has called on the Government and EU to close a deal, saying it is in the interests of cancer researchers and people affected by cancer.

The charity conducted a poll of 84 experts, with 75% favouring an association to Horizon compared to 11% that favoured a UK-based alternative scheme.

Dr Ian Walker, executive director of policy, information and communications at Cancer Research UK, said the delay has damaged the UKs reputation as a hub for international collaborative research and investment in life sciences.

Cancer scientists are finding it much harder to bring the brightest and best into their labs, he added.

Not having access to Horizon Europe on the same terms as researchers in the EU would mean UK scientists are at the margins, rather than at the centre, of future funding opportunities.

Association to Horizon Europe is overwhelmingly in the best interests of people living with cancer, and the scientists and clinicians researching new ways to beat it.

Hopes have been raised that a deal is close, and its imperative that the UK and EU get association over the line.

Dr Walker called on the UK and EU to work intensively to unlock association to Horizon Europe and end the delays that have frustrated scientists, adding time is of the essence.

Two months ago the Government extended the support provided to UK Horizon Europe applicants until the end of September.

Prof Julian Downward, head of the oncogene biology lab at the Francis Crick Institute, said: We need Horizon Europe very badly. The current situation is damaging UK science every day.

We are losing top junior faculty regularly who decide to move to EU countries so they can take up ERC grants.

The UK faces a brain drain of scientific talent unless we can make the UK more attractive to international talent. Being able to bid for grants in Horizon Europe is an essential step towards that.
UK ministers are closely watching Russia following reports that the leader of the Wagner mercenary group died in a plane crash.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner chief, was reportedly on the passenger list of a private jet which went down almost 185 miles north of Moscow on Wednesday, according to Russian authorities.

All 10 people on board: three pilots and seven passengers, died according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

It was not clear if Mr Prigozhin was among those on board the plane, but Russias civilian aviation regulator said he was on the manifest.

Mr Prigozhin mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, over dissatisfaction about the treatment of his Wagner fighters in Ukraine.

Wagner has fought alongside Russias regular army during the invasion, and have often been seen as the more fierce and successful military force.

The mercenary bosss fate has been the subject of close scrutiny ever since after his apparent exile to Belarus following the uprising.

Russian president Vladimir Putin initially denounced the rebellion as treason, but charges against Mr Prigozhin were dropped and reports have suggested he has appeared in Russia in recent weeks.

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

The mercenary leader made his first video appearance following the mutiny earlier this week, suggesting he was in Africa alongside Wagner fighters.

Videos and photos circulating on social media appear to show what appears to be the crashed plane plummeting out of the sky, and a burning heap of aircraft wreckage.

The Russian state has a history of links to the deaths of Russian elites and spies who have fallen out of favour with the Putin regime, including on UK soil.

Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with a Russian-developed nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury in 2018.

Alexander Litvinenko, a prominent Putin critic and defector to the UK, was poisoned and died in 2006 after meeting two former Russian agents in London.

There is heavy speculation, but no evidence, that the plane crash may not have been an accident.

Russian president Vladimir Putin speaking in 2018 (Adam Davy/PA)

A UK Government spokesperson said: We are monitoring the situation closely.

In the US, President Joe Biden said: I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised.

A UK security source quoted in The Daily Telegraph newspaper, meanwhile, suggested the plane had almost certainly been shot down by Russias domestic intelligence agency, the FSB, acting on orders from President Putin.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs committee, suggested the speed at which Russian authorities confirmed Mr Prigozhin was on the plane should tell us everything we need to know.

Writing on Twitter, now known as X, the MP added: For Putin there is one unforgivable sin: the betrayal of Putin and Russia.

He hunts down those he perceives to be traitors, (including) on British shores, such as Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal.

Now Yevgeny Prigozhin has been added to that list, ending Putins humiliation.

But Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Mr Prigozhins death.

According to the Associated Press, he said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

As news of the crash was breaking, President Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine.
A Ukrainian evacuee in the UK has become the first to be employed as a bus driver through a recruitment scheme.

Volodymyr Syrotiuk, 61, worked in a warehouse and drove heavy goods vehicles near Kyiv before the invasion by Russia in February 2022.

He has since settled in Brighton and has joined Brighton and Hove Buses as a driver.

Parent company Go-Ahead began taking steps to hire Ukrainians in November last year in a programme supported by the Department for Work and Pensions.

The Government has eased the process for Ukrainians to exchange their driving licences for British versions.

The Government has made it easier for Ukrainian refugees to convert their driving licences to British versions (James Pike Photography/Go-Ahead Group/PA)

Mr Syrotiuk said his new job has made settling into the country easier.

He went on: Id encourage my friends from Ukraine to come here and to seriously consider being a bus driver like me.

I get to be in a position where Im responsible for 80 people every journey and its satisfying.

The UK has suffered from a lack of bus drivers since the end of coronavirus lockdowns.

Industry body the Confederation of Passenger Transport recently estimated that 7% of bus driver positions are vacant.

Brighton and Hove Buses managing director Ed Wills said: Were extremely happy to welcome Volodymyr to the team.

As a company we can offer jobs to people from Ukraine who are looking to rebuild a more peaceful life.

I hope this is the first of many to come, and that we continue to be able to help more refugees like Volodymyr find work and security in the UK.

Eloise Cornish, employer adviser lead at Brighton and Hove Jobcentre, said: Were thrilled to hear about Volodymyrs job start with Brighton and Hove Buses.

We met Volodymyr at a jobs fair and his positive attitude shone through.
A man found guilty of murdering his estranged wife has maintained his innocence and refused to reveal where her body is during a public parole hearing.

Glyn Razzell, 64, was convicted of the murder of his wife, Linda Razzell, 41, and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2003.

Mother-of-four Mrs Razzell disappeared on her way to work at Swindon College, Wiltshire, in March 2002 and no trace of her body has ever been found

Razzell became the first prisoner to be refused parole under the so-called Helens Law in 2021, which aims to make it harder for killers to get parole if they refuse to reveal where they hid their victims body.

Linda Razzell disappeared on March 19 2002 on her way to work at Swindon College (PA)

In a new hearing on Thursday, Razzell told a panel of three parole judges he could not say where his wifes remains were as he does not even know if she is dead.

He also said his wife must have been involved in planting her own blood in the car he borrowed on the day of her disappearance but insisted he was not victim blaming.

He said: I dont know where Lindas remains are. I dont know if she is dead for sure. I am sorry if that upsets people.

I understand the anguish my children (feel) in particular. I understand the way they feel, if there was anything I could do to help with that, I really would, particularly for my children.

I dont know where the remains are. I dont even know if she is dead.

The Parole Board hearing is only the third to be open to the press and public. It was held at the open prison where Razzell is serving his sentence with a livestream being relayed to a public gallery at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Razzell wished not to be seen on video but could be heard.

Asked about bloodstains matching his wifes DNA being found in the boot of the car, Razzell said: I think that it (the blood) wasnt in the car when I had the car.

He pointed to the fact that the vehicle had been examined three times, but no blood was found until the third examination.

He said the blood was placed there to incriminate me and, when asked who by, added: It must have been with Lindas involvement because it was fresh blood. So, I suspect it wasnt Linda herself, I suspect it was someone co-operating with her.

A livestream of the Parole Board hearing was relayed to a public gallery at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (John Stillwell/PA)

When told that even at this stage, you are victim-blaming Linda Razzell for her involvement, he said: I am not victim-blaming. I am saying she was alive the week after she disappeared because it was fresh blood.

Asked three times whether he killed his wife, he told the Parole Board panel each time: I didnt kill Linda Razzell.

Discussing his plans for the future if the panel decides he can be safely released, Razzell said he would try and locate his wife, saying: I dont know where she is and I would like to try and find out.

Razzell said there is absolutely no risk of him being violent in any way in the present or future, and when asked if he feels guilt about the psychological harm caused to his children, he said: I dont feel guilt for it because it is not caused by me but I do feel their pain and their suffering and I carry that too.

The second part of the hearing is due on Friday but it will be closed to the public.

A decision on whether Razzell, who was recommended to serve a minimum term of 16 years in jail, will be released is expected within two weeks.

The panel will consider his evidence, testimony from probation officials and more than 1,000 pages of information including victim-impact statements before making their decision.

It is the third time the Parole Board has considered his case.

In October 2021, he was refused parole under the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020, which was dubbed Helens Law after insurance clerk Helen McCourt, who vanished on her way home from work in 1988.

It places a statutory duty on parole board panels to consider the non-disclosure of information as part of its decision on whether to release prisoners.

Razzell and his wife were embroiled in divorce proceedings when she went missing and his trial was told he faced a financial settlement he was not prepared to accept.

The court also heard that Mrs Razzell left her home in the village of Highworth, near Swindon, at 8.45am on March 19 with her children and boyfriend, Greg Worrall.

She dropped Mr Worrall off in Highworth and her children at school before being seen parking for work in Alvescot Road, as usual.

She is believed to have taken her usual route down an alleyway towards the college and her phone was found in a recess of the alleyway the next day during a police search.

Her boyfriend contacted police on the evening of her disappearance after she failed to pick up her children from their after-school club.
No new coal-fired power stations should be permitted anywhere in the world, John Kerry has said, warning it could be a critical step in the fight against climate change.

Describing coal as the dirtiest fuel, the US special presidential envoy said there is no rational reason for contributing to the problem by burning it.

He made the plea in a speech in Edinburgh in which he also hit out at climate change deniers, warning the world is now at a precipice where the reckless abuse of the environment could have unleashed forces of nature way beyond our control.

With major wildfires having brought devastation this year to places such as Hawaii, Canada, Turkey and Greece, Mr Kerry warned: Mother Nature is now sending an ever-more desperate distress signal about the coming catastrophe.

John Kerry was speaking at the first annual Scottish Global Dialogues in Edinburgh (PA)

Mr Kerry said the climate crisis was caused by the unabated burning of fossil fuel, along with deforestation and potent super-pollutants from industry and agriculture.

Calling for action, he said: It should be obvious by now  we have better choices.

He said it is time for countries across the world to join together and take a more critical step  there should be no more permitting of any new unabated coal-fired power anywhere in the world.

He continued: Knowing what we know are the impacts and given the alternative options, there is just no rational reason for contributing more to the problem by turning to the worlds dirtiest fuel burned in the dirtiest way.

Unless we, all of us, start doing more, faster, now, future generations will trade the inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness for struggle in the pursuit of survival.

The comments came as he delivered an address at the inaugural Scottish Global Dialogues in Edinburgh  a new annual series of lectures focused on the climate crisis.

Mr Kerry, who was introduced by Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf at the event, used his speech to condemn those extremist political voices and those with vastly vested interests who he said had declared war on facts and science when dealing with environmental issues.

These groups would choose a destructive status quo over the opportunity to build a clean energy economy, he added.

Hitting out at those who refuse to accept the facts behind the increasingly obvious damages of the climate crisis, Mr Kerry said that without facts or economics on their side, they flatly deny what is happening to our planet and what we must do to save it.

As a result, he said: Humanity is inexorably threatened by humanity itself.

But while he said the Earth could be at one of the most dangerous moments in human history, he added it may also be the greatest moment of opportunity for human advancement.

With the Cop28 climate change summit due to take place in Dubai in November and December, he said: In this moment we have a unique opportunity to significantly accelerate this transition to a clean energy economy.

First Minister @HumzaYousaf and US @ClimateEnvoy @JohnKerry met in Edinburgh ahead of the first Scottish Global Dialogues lecture. The First Minister reaffirmed @ScotGovs commitment to addressing the climate crisis and taking a human right based approach to climate justice. pic.twitter.com/APovZFHCKa  First Minister (@ScotGovFM) August 24, 2023

The latest climate talks will take place almost a decade on from the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015  where 200 nations vowed to try to keep global temperature rises to below 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Mr Kerry warned were significantly off track with efforts towards that target, noting emissions are currently rising, not falling.

Despite that, Mr Kerry insisted there are many more reasons for optimism as he highlighted the growth in renewables and increased sales of electric vehicles.

However he said the world is now on the precipice of tipping points, describing this as being the point at which events can simply unfold of their own momentum, the point at which our reckless abuse of an ecosystem has unleashed forces of nature way beyond our control.

Mr Kerry said: No-one can predict with certainty the exact pace and scope of this unravelling.

But common sense tells us inaction doesnt have a prayer of stopping what is happening.

This is one of the most dangerous moments in human history.

But it may also be the greatest moment of opportunity for human advancement. We have the chance now to write a future filled with choices that not only make life cleaner, healthier, fairer, and safer.

Speaking to journalists after his keynote speech, Mr Kerry alluded to disagreeing with Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks stance on maxing out new oil and gas opportunities in the North Sea.

Asked how those views can align with the special envoys comments on fossil fuels, he said: Its not my job to be commenting on other countries policies specifically.

But when pressed, he said about his opposing views: Well then, youve got your answer.

We have to reduce unabated burning of fossil fuels.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been accused of climate denial by Scotlands First Minister over plans to give out 100 new oil and gas licences.

Humza Yousaf made the accusation following an event where he introduced US climate envoy John Kerry in Edinburgh and announced a 24 million fund from the Scottish Government to support countries worst affected by the climate crisis.

The Prime Minister announced during a visit to Scotland last month that he would reveal the first of the new licenses in the autumn.

US climate envoy John Kerry spoke at the event in Edinburgh (Robert Perry/PA)

Speaking to journalists after the event, Mr Yousaf said: What holds us back, of course, is a prime minister thats in climate denial, coming up to Scotland to announce approval of 100 new oil and gas licences.

Of course, the North Sea is important, weve got to take workers with us if we want to accelerate pace of the just transition, which cant happen with a UK Government that simply denies the state of the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, the First Minister announced that three aid agencies, including the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, will each receive up to 8 million over the next three years from the Scottish Governments Climate Justice Fund to support work in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia.

It will enable them to work closely with communities to manage the material and social effects of climate change, funding projects such as building more climate-resilient housing or repairing village flood defences.

John Kerry, US special presidential envoy for climate, is in Scotland this week (Yui Mok/PA)

Mr Yousaf launched the programme on Thursday as he introduced a lecture by Mr Kerry focusing on the climate crisis.

During his introductory address, the First Minister said: The countries which are the worst affected by the climate crisis are often those which have done little or nothing to cause it.

The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago, and why we have led the way in being the first global north country to commit funding to address loss and damage.

Today, we are able to announce the start of the Climate Just Communities programme in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda. The programme will work with local communities  including with marginalised groups  so that they can identify their own priorities, and build their resilience to the climate crisis.

The 24 million programme that we are confirming today is a significant commitment from a devolved government. It will make a real difference to the communities we are working with and its a further sign of Scotlands determination to be a good global citizen  and to do our bit in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.

The event in Edinburgh is the first in a series of annual Scottish Global Dialogues taking place during the Edinburgh International Festival to discuss global challenges, organised by Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society with support from the Scottish Government.

Mr Kerry said: Im honoured to be given the opportunity to speak at a historic site like the Signet Library to address the climate crisis at this critical moment.

With just a few months to go before Cop28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the worlds greatest threats.

Founder of Beyond Borders Mark Muller Stuart said: We are delighted that Secretary Kerry has accepted our invitation to come to Scotland to launch Scottish Global Dialogues by giving the inaugural address on such a critical issue as the climate crisis as we move towards Cop28.

We believe the convening power of the Edinburgh festivals and the Signet Librarys Scottish Enlightenment connections provides the perfect backdrop for such an address, to say nothing of the Scottish peoples enduring commitment to protecting our environment.

The Prime Minister told BBC Radio Scotlands Good Morning Scotland programme: Even when we reach net zero in 2050, a quarter of our energy needs will still come from oil and gas, and domestic production has about a quarter of a third of the carbon footprint of imported gas.

So not only is it better on our energy security not to rely on foreign dictators for that energy, not only is it good for jobs, particularly Scottish jobs, it is actually better for the environment because there is no point in importing stuff from halfway around the world with two to three times the carbon footprint of the stuff weve got at home, that makes absolutely no sense.
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.

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.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian prime minister Narendra Modi at the 2023 Brics Summit (AFP via Getty Images)

Six new countries including Saudi Arabia have been invited to join the Brics bloc of developing nations, South Africa has announced, after three days of closed-door discussions between members.

Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to become full members of Brics, summit host Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday.

The membership of the new members will come into effect from 1 January 2024, Mr Ramaphosa said.

The debate over expanding the bloc  which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  was the key item on the agenda of the three-day summit in Johannesburg that culminated with the announcement.

The UAEs president Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the announcement, saying the country is looking forward to joining the bloc.

We respect the vision of the BRICS leadership and appreciate the inclusion of the UAE as a member to this important group. We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world, he said on X.

Chinese president Xi Jinping called it a historic moment that will write a new chapter for developing countries to work together in unity.

Mr Xi, Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and host country South Africas president Cyril Ramaphosa held meetings throughout the summit at the conference centre in Johannesburgs Sandton financial district.

Chinese president Xi Jinping claps during the Brics summit at the Sandton Convention Centre (AFP via Getty Images)

Russian president Vladimir Putin, who attended the forum on Tuesday via video link, did not attend the summit after an International Criminal Court warrant was issued for his arrest. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov took part in discussions and meetings instead.

The Brics leaders welcomed the move and issued statements after Mr Ramaphosas announcement.

Expansion and modernisation of Brics is an indication that institutions of the world must get accustomed to changing times, Mr Modi said.

Mr Lula da Silva said: We will remain open to new candidates. He added that Brics offers a source of creative solutions for the challenges that we face.

Russian president Vladimir Putin speaks via video link during a press conference (Reuters)

This membership expansion is historic, said Mr Xi, who skipped the opening speech of the summit, at a briefing with the other leaders. It shows the determination of Brics countries for unity and cooperation for the broader developing world.

In a video message, Mr Putin said: The adoption of the guiding principles in the expansion of Brics will ensure that the role and importance of Brics in the world will continue to grow.

China has called for the expansion of the bloc to counter Western multilateral forums at a time when geopolitical polarisation is gathering pace globally.

The move is being framed as a way to amplify the voice of developing nations, but some members have previously shown hesitation amid fears a shift in makeup could help Brics serve the geopolitical interests of Beijing and Moscow.

An Indian government source told The Independent that significant development[s] on the issue of expansion came during the first day of the summit on Tuesday, when the leaders present had a retreat which included dinner together.

India took the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members, the source said, adding that Indias objective in the talks was to incorporate our strategic partners as new members. Among the six countries invited, the UAE is one of Indias closest allies.

Despite Indias ongoing territorial dispute with China, Mr Xi and Mr Modi were pictured shaking hands and engaged in a brief interaction.

The other concrete policy that the bloc raised in South Africa is a broad plan to pivot from using the US dollar for trade between Brics nations and instead trade in local currencies.

South Africa said that more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining Brics and 22 have formally requested to be admitted.

The expansion of Brics to include Saudi Arabia, which is the top oil exporter in the world and the blocs biggest trading partner in the Middle East, is expected to see the group of countries outstrip the gross domestic product of the G7.

However, the US leadership appeared to downplay the relevance of the multilateral business forum.

Jake Sullivan, the White Houses national security adviser, on Tuesday said that the Biden administration is not looking at the Brics as evolving into some kind of geopolitical rival to the United States or anyone else.

He said that the US has strong relations with several Brics members and we will continue to manage our relationship with China, and we will continue to push back on Russias aggression.
China urges Japan to stop releasing nuclear-contaminated water into ocean

Xinhua) 14:09, August 24, 2023

BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China opposes and condemns Japan's release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean, and has asked the Japanese government to stop this wrongdoing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

On Aug. 24, in disregard of the strong criticism and opposition from the international community, the Japanese government unilaterally started the release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.

"China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We have made serious demarches to Japan and asked it to stop this wrongdoing," the spokesperson said in a statement.

Noting that the disposal of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water is a major issue about nuclear safety, the spokesperson said its impact goes beyond Japan's borders, and the issue is by no means a private matter for Japan.

The spokesperson said since humanity began using nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, there has been neither any precedent nor universally recognized standards for discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean.

The Fukushima nuclear accident which took place 12 years ago was a major catastrophe that already caused the leakage of large amounts of radioactive substances into the ocean, the spokesperson said, adding that there could be a man-made secondary disaster to the local people and the whole world if Japan chooses to dump the water into the ocean just to serve Japan's selfish interests.

The spokesperson noted that the Japanese government failed to prove the legitimacy and legality of the ocean discharge decision, the long-term reliability of the purification facility, and the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear-contaminated water data, saying that it failed to prove that the ocean discharge is safe and harmless to the marine environment and people's health, and that the monitoring plan is sound and effective.

Japan also failed to have thorough consultations with other stakeholders, said the spokesperson.

Noting that the ocean belongs to all humanity, the spokesperson said that to forcibly start the ocean discharge is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act in disregard of the global public interest.

"By dumping the water into the ocean, Japan is spreading the risks to the rest of the world and passing an open wound onto the future generations of humanity," the spokesperson said, adding that by doing so, Japan has turned itself into a saboteur of the ecological system and polluter of the global marine environment.

It is infringing upon people's rights to health, development and a healthy environment, which violates Japan's moral responsibilities and obligations under international law, the spokesperson said.

From the moment Japan started the discharge, it has put itself in the dock in front of the international community and is bound to face international condemnation for many years to come, said the spokesperson.

"The Chinese government always puts our people's wellbeing first, and will take all measures necessary to safeguard food safety and the health of our people," added the spokesperson.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a regulatory innovation meeting at G Valley Industrial Museum in western Seoul, Aug. 24, in this photo provided by the presidential office. Yonhap



President Yoon Suk Yeol called Thursday for quickly removing regulatory barriers to improve the public's livelihoods and spur investment and business.



Yoon issued the call as he presided over a government-business meeting on regulatory barriers affecting industrial complexes, the environment and hiring.



"Regulations are made with good intentions but they also distort markets or create monopolies and oligopolies," he said during the fourth regulatory innovation strategy meeting held at G Valley Industrial Museum in western Seoul.



"Ultimately, these regulations often hamper fair competition," he continued. "The government has until now completed around 1,400 cases of regulatory improvements and put a lot of effort into regulatory innovation. But people in the field are requiring it to be bolder and faster."



Yoon stressed that speed is of utmost importance in removing regulations and urged public officials to focus on breaking "killer regulations," a term he used last month to refer to critical regulations that deter investments by businesses.



Thursday's discussions focused on ways to reform regulations governing the use of space at industrial complexes, the production of chemical substances and the hiring of foreign workers.



The government said it will expand the quota for E-7-4 visas issued to skilled foreign workers from 2,000 last year to 35,000 this year. (Yonhap)


Mr Trump has ridiculed his Republican challengers and cast doubt over whether Mr Biden would 'make it' to election day - Jim Watson/AFP

Donald Trump intends to skip all of the Republican primary debates and will only go head-to-head with Joe Biden, the former presidents aides have revealed.

As the overwhelming frontrunner in the Republican race, Mr Trump considers himself the undisputed leader of the party, his allies told The Telegraph.

He believes any Republican debates that happen without him dont mean anything, and is therefore unwilling to give oxygen to his rivals.

Mr Trump has previously implied he would skip every debate of the 2024 election cycle, saying: The public knows who I am and what a successful presidency I had.

He added he would therefore not be doing the debates. But his aides suggest it is only fellow Republicans he is unwilling to debate.

President Trump has not been shy about debating when the stakes are high, a senior adviser said. Hes shown that when the stakes are high he performs.

Hes gonna win

They believe he is more than willing to take on Mr Biden, or any other Democrat, should another candidate win the partys presidential nomination.

Hes gonna go up against whoever the Democrats are gonna put up - whether its [Joe] Biden or Kamala [Harris] or whoever it is  and hes gonna win, said Steven Cheung, a campaign spokesman.

It came after Mr Trump ridiculed his Republican challengers and cast doubt over whether Mr Biden would make it to election day in an interview with Right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson.

The first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 presidential election featured, among others, Mike Spence, Vivek Ramaswamy and Ron DeSantis - Janathan Ernst/Reuters

He said of the US president: I think hes worse mentally than he is physically, and physically, hes not exactly a triathlete.

The interview was broadcast on Twitter, dramatically overshadowing Mr Trumps eight top rivals as they participated in the first Republican debate of the campaign season in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday night.

It received more than 80 million views within two hours, and surpassed 200 million by Thursday afternoon.

Fox News, which hosted the debate, was due to release its own viewing figures on Thursday night.

With Mr Trump absent, it was Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old political newcomer, who dominated the debate stage in Milwaukee.

After surging in polls to challenge Florida governor Ron DeSantis second place position, Mr Ramaswamy was the focus of attacks from rivals during the two-hour event.

Valuable spotlight for Ramaswamy

Chris Christie, a former New Jersey governor, accused Mr Ramaswamy of copying lines from Barack Obama, saying the 38-year-old sounds like ChatGPT, and branding him an amateur.

But the onslaught gave Mr Ramaswamy a valuable spotlight to boost his nascent profile. He capitalised on the opportunity to introduce himself to the audience.

He has gained traction by enthusiastically championing Mr Trumps America-first platform and has vowed to pardon Mr Trump on day one in the White House in the wake of his mounting legal woes.

Mr Trump was due to surrender at an Atlanta jail late on Thursday in his latest indictment on charges of illegally scheming to overturn Georgias 2020 election results.

While it is not Mr Trumps first booking, it is expected to be the only one where he will have to pose for a mug shot  the first ever of a current or former US president.

It follows a last-minute shake-up of his legal team and as Fulton County district attorney Fani Willis proposed an October 23 trial date.

It appears highly unlikely such a speedy trial will be granted, but it could further complicate Mr Trumps chaotic court schedule.

Ms Willis had given Mr Trump a Friday noon (5pm UK) deadline to surrender at the notorious Fulton County Jail.

It is understood he opted to travel down on Thursday evening to claim primetime billing on US cable news, and once again steal the limelight from his rivals.

Ahead of his trip he derided Mr DeSantis, whom he nicknamed DeSanctimonious, claiming he was a bomb on the debate stage.

The Florida governor was previously viewed as the best placed to dethrone Mr Trump, but delivered a tepid performance and lost valuable air time to the seven rivals on stage.

Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and Mr Trumps former UN ambassador, was one of very few candidates on stage to attack the former president.

She said: We have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We cant win a general election that way.

But Mr Trumps team said they were thrilled that Mr Trump had dominated the night as they briefed reporters in the media-spin room at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Jason Miller, a senior Trump adviser, told The Telegraph that Mr DeSantis debate performance marked the beginning of the end for the governors campaign.

He said: I knew President Trump wasnt going to be there tonight. I didnt know Ron DeSantis was going to skip the debate as well.

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.
Birdena Oakley-Carlisle poses outside her home on RCA Park Drive on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. The home was built for her as part of the Autumnview land trust neighborhood in the '90s.

In 1994, Birdena Oakley-Carlisle watched builders construct her home from the ground up in Bloomington's land trust neighborhood, Autumnview. She didn't know then that the trust would disappear less than 20 years later.

As Bloomington's new land trust approaches the building phase, community members have raised concerns about the land trust model, citing the failure of the previous program by Housing Solutions, Inc., said Nathan Ferreira.

Beginning in 1993, Monroe County Housing Solutions, Inc.  a freestanding nonprofit  built houses in a neighborhood on West RCA Park Drive and surrounding streets, Cardinal Court and Harmony Place, as part of a community land trust. But by 2010, the trust had dissolved, Ferreira, the city's director of real estate development, said.

Bloomington and Monroe County residents who remember this effort find themselves asking a question: Will the Summit Hill Community Land Trust be different?

"I'm one of the few who have managed to hold on."

Twenty-nine years ago, Oakley-Carlisle watched contractors pour the concrete footings for her new home. They had encouraged her to choose a lot next to a community park, and, considering her only roommate  a 165-pound Rottweiler  she agreed.

In the next few decades, Oakley-Carlisle would survive cancer, endure racism and get married. Even when she received offers on her home for its proximity to the park, Oakley-Carlisle held on. She lived in that house through it all, even after the organization that helped her afford it was no more.

The trust dissolving meant land would no longer be separate from the price of the home  a core principle of land trusts. Buyers enter land trust agreements because of the affordability offered by paying for a house, not the land. Many Autumnview residents took out second mortgages to purchase their lots.

Oakley-Carlisle took a different approach that helped her afford her payments. She sold the house back to the contractors, renting from them until she could repurchase it with the help of a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher. She still lives there today.

Monroe County Housing Solutions Land Trust: What was it?

A Herald-Times article published July 31, 1994, said Autumnview would be Indiana's first land trust subdivision where affordable housing for local families would be built.

According to Patrick Murray, who was a board member at Housing Solutions, there were a few phases of the plan. It began when RCA gifted land in southwest Bloomington to the city. Part of it would be used for what is now RCA Community Park, and the rest later became land trust housing.

The city used Community Development Block Grant funds to assemble the infrastructure for Autumnview, then worked with the newly formed nonprofit called Monroe County Housing Solutions, Inc. (later renamed Housing Solutions, Inc.).

Potential land trust homeowners who met income eligibility guidelines were required to take Housing and Neighborhood Development's homeownership program, Murray said. They would then choose a lot, which the city deeded to the nonprofit. The first home was completed in 1993. Autumnview would eventually contain 29 houses.

"Under the trust, a person who meets income guidelines can purchase a $40,000 to $55,000 house," The Herald-Times wrote in a 1994 story. "The land will be retained by the trust and the homeowner will lease it for 99 years for less than $100 a month, including money set aside for property taxes."

The house at 906 Cardinal Court on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. It sits on a lot in Autumnview and was one of the original land trust homes built in Bloomington.

After Autumnview's completion, grant funds paid for more land. The land trust built 19 houses on Countryside Lane and Peoples Court and called the neighborhood Winterwood. Two more stand-alone houses were later built.

Jeff Stone, assistant director for Housing Solutions, Inc., praised the benefits of the land trust model in a 2003 publication for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The Bloomington land trust would complete its 50th home that year, he wrote.

"A home buyer who takes this opportunity is also providing opportunity for future home buyers. Buying a land trust home is building and buying with a sense of social conscience," Stone wrote. "For everyone who has a hand in this  providing a glass of water to those who thirst  our cup runneth over."

What went wrong?

In 1993, when it was created, land trusts were more common in large cities, Murray said. As Indianas first, and because it was based in a town of less than 65,000 at the time, the land trust struggled to secure reliable funding.

Making it work was a challenge, Murray wrote in an email. It was not easy.

To pay for staff, construction and administration, Housing Solutions charged a developer fee, or a surcharge on the sales price of each house. In the beginning, that provided some income. Housing Solutions fundraised annually, but its donor base did not provide a steady stream of funds, and donations waned.

Another unstable source of income was lot rent, a monthly charge homeowners paid. However, because Housing Solutions used grants from the city to establish the housing, only low- to moderate-income families could live there. This meant that some residents were unable to make those required payments, especially when property taxes increased, Murray said.

Construction of the homes was financed by local banks, so when banking consolidations forced Housing Solutions to use out-of-town lenders, another problem was introduced. Per land trust principles, mortgages did not include the land upon which the homes were built. Usually, local lenders sell loans to a secondary market, Murray said. But third-party lenders were reluctant to buy loans that didn't include land.

When land trust homes were resold, Housing Solutions had the right to refuse, usually when the seller could not find a buyer who met low-income requirements. In these cases, the organization would buy the houses back.

The house at 921 Cardinal Court on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023. A land trust homeowner signed a lease on the newly built house in 1994.

"Individually, perhaps the problems were manageable," Murray wrote. "Collectively, it was too overwhelming to manage."

Housing Solutions sold lots to homeowners when possible, paid back its loans and dissolved the land trust, Murray said. The nonprofit followed suit shortly thereafter.

How the Summit Hill Community Land Trust is different

The Summit Hill CLT agrees with the philosophy Stone shared in his 2003 piece: that participating in the land trust model is an investment in maintaining affordability for current and future homebuyers. But this new program's structure is a bit different, and that's what will make the difference, Ferreira, Bloomington's director of real estate development, said.

Because Summit Hill Community Development Corporation is part of Bloomington Housing Authority, it is able to "hit the ground running" with this land trust, Ferreira said. It has reliable staffing, funding and lending plans in place.

To address housing demands securely and long-term, the city wanted to anchor the land trust within an agency where it can succeed without having to cover overhead, Ferreira said. So it chose BHA's Summit Hill Community Development Corporation, a subsidiary that will collect revenue by building market-rate homes in the 40-lot Arlington Park neighborhood.

Federal funds from the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act and other grant funding will help, he said. Land trust homeowners will pay an application fee, due at closing, and monthly stewardship fees (which is like an HOA fee, but less expensive), keeping payments below 30% of their take-home pay.

The area where the 45 housing lots are planned as part of the Summit Hill Community Land Trust is shown on this aerial map inside the red square.

Since Summit Hill Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit, will retain ownership of the land, Ferreira reported the county assessor said it won't be charged property taxes.

In 2012, after the Housing Solutions land trust had dissolved, Freddie Mac changed the way ground leases would be written for land trusts, Ferreira said. The mortgage rider lays out conditions for land trust mortgages so they're treated like any other and can be sold the same. This solves an issue Housing Solutions faced, wherein land trust mortgages were considered "unconventional."

Today, Oakley-Carlisle's house is completely paid for. It sits beside a community park, where the 70-year-old can walk her dogs along the trails. The front yard is green and flowering, and she's proud of the work she has put into it. It's her forever home, she said.

Though she considers hers a success story, Oakley-Carlisle said Bloomington's housing market  like an old home with a leaky roof  still needs some work.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Arlington Park land trust neighborhood's plan for affordable homes
Fox News on Wednesday night hosted the first Republican primary debate, held in Milwaukee, Wis. Did former president Donald Trumps absence pave the way for one of his challengers to emerge as the new GOP frontrunner?

The two-hour debate featured eight candidates, including North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former Vice President Mike Pence, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

No-show Trump announced his decision to forgo the GOP debates just days after being indicted for the fourth time in five months. The former Apprentice host was most recently charged with 13 felonies in Georgia for allegedly conspiring to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, which he lost to President Joe Biden.

The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had, Trump wrote Sunday on his social media site, Truth Social. I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!

Instead, Trump sat down with fired Fox News personality Tucker Carlson for a pre-taped interview that was uploaded to X (fka Twitter) at 8:55 pm ET  five minutes before the start of the GOP debate.

From left to right: Hutchinson, Christie, Pence, Desantis, Ramaswamy, Haley, Scott & Burgum Win McNamee/Getty Images

Ahead of the second commercial break, Fox News cut to a live look at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, where Trump will be processed Thursday. Moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum then gave each candidate a chance to weigh in on Trumps legal woes.

You all signed a pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee, Baier pointed out. If former President Trump is convicted in a court of law, would you still support him as your partys choice?

Burgum, Desantis, Haley, Ramaswamy and Scott all raised their hands in solidarity with Trump.

Christie, Pence and Hutchinson kept their hands down.

Based on what you saw and heard Wednesday night, which of the candidates do you think has the best shot of knocking Trump off the Republican ticket? Vote below.

The next Republican presidential primary debate will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27, live from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and air on Fox Business Network and Univision.
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani surrendered to authorities this week in Fulton County, Ga., on charges of racketeering in connection with former President Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

His mug shot posed a stark contrast to images from Giulianis time in the Big Apples top office, when he was hailed as Americas Mayor for his leadership after the 9/11 attacks. And there was a unique irony to the case, with Giuliani facing RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) charges similar to those he used to prosecute the mob as a U.S. attorney earlier in his career.

But American mayors have a sordid history as an institution, with a number of high-profile charges and convictions over the years. And just like Giuliani, who has yet to go on trial, their legal travails frequently make national news.

Here are six current and former U.S. mayors who were convicted of crimes.

Boston Mayor James Michael Curley (D)

Charges: Mail fraud

Curley, the City on a Hills second Irish-American mayor, was beloved by voters, who elected him four times. Curley also served a single term as governor of Massachusetts and two terms, three decades apart, in the House of Representatives.

It was not until late in his 40-year political career that Curley ended up in serious legal trouble, and he was indicted on mail fraud charges in 1945  but still won a fourth term as mayor while under indictment. He was convicted and sentenced to 6-18 months in prison, but then-President Truman commuted his sentence five months in.

Where is he now? Curley finished his term after leaving prison, but in 1949 lost the Democratic primary to John Hynes, who served as acting mayor while he was in prison. He retired from politics and died in 1958.

Providence, R.I., Mayor Buddy Cianci (R)

Charges: Kidnapping, racketeering conspiracy

Cianci started his political career similarly to Giuliani, as a crusading, media-savvy federal prosecutor running against the corruption of a big-city Democratic machine. He ended it with the ignominious distinction of being the only person on this list convicted of two different crimes in two different terms.

In 1984, Cianci allegedly kidnapped a contractor he believed to be having an affair with his wife and beat him with a piece of firewood, eventually pleading no contest and resigning.

However, he remained such a popular local figure that he won election again in 1991, serving as mayor for another 11 years. In 2002, he was one of several city officials indicted in a federal corruption investigation known as Operation Plunder Dome and was sentenced to five years in prison and forced to resign (again).

Where is he now? Cianci was released from prison in 2007 and tried to make another political comeback, running for mayor in 2014 after his probation was up. He lost the race and died two years later, but remains the longest-serving mayor in Providence history. His story was told in the first season of the hit podcast Crimetown.

Camden, N.J., Mayor Angelo Errichetti (D)

Charges: Bribery and conspiracy

Errichetti was a key figure in the Abscam FBI operation in the late 1970s, in which both local politicians and members of Congress accepted bribes from undercover agents disguised as investors from the Middle East.

Errichetti arranged the meetings in exchange for a cut of the bribes. The FBI targeted a total of 31 people, and eventually 12 of them, including Errichetti and seven members of Congress, were convicted of bribery and conspiracy. Errichetti served 32 months of a six-year sentence.

Where is he now? Errichetti died in 2013 at 84 years old. Jeremy Renner played a fictionalized version of him, renamed Carmine Polito, in the film American Hustle later that same year.

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick (D)

Charges: Perjury, obstruction of justice, mail fraud, wire fraud, racketeering

Kilpatrick was first elected in 2001, the youngest mayor in Detroit history at 31 years old. Two years later, the former deputy chief of the Detroit Police Department and a former Kilpatrick bodyguard filed a lawsuit alleging they had been fired for investigating an affair between Kilpatrick and chief of staff Christine Beatty. Upon the discovery of text messages confirming the affair, Kilpatrick was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice and resigned shortly thereafter.

In 2010, Kilpatrick was indicted again as part of a federal investigation into bribery and fraud in city contracts. He was convicted on 24 counts and sentenced to 28 years in prison.

Where is he now? Trump commuted Kilpatricks sentence in January 2021. His story was told in the second season of Crimetown.

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh (D)

Charges: Tax evasion, conspiracy

Pugh became the subject of a federal investigation in 2019 over sales of her own Healthy Holly childrens books to the University of Maryland Medical Center, raising suspicions of self-dealing. Pugh at first said those had been her only book sales, but she was later discovered to have sold nearly $200,000 worth of books to institutions that do business with the city. Pugh resigned that May and was indicted on fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy charges that November, pleading guilty to conspiracy and tax evasion.

Where is she now? Pugh was sentenced to three years in prison in 2020. She was released in April 2022.

Bridgeport, Conn., Mayor Joe Ganim (D)

Charges: Racketeering, extortion, bribery, mail fraud

Ganim was first elected mayor of Connecticuts largest city in 1991, defeating incumbent Republican Mary Moran during a period where Bridgeport had become shorthand for the decline of American cities. He was reelected four times but in 2003 was convicted on 16 counts in connection with an alleged scheme to extort hundreds of thousands from city contractors, with the presiding judge calling the alleged crimes the stuff cynicism is made of.

Where is he now? Ganim was released from prison in 2010 and ran for mayor of Bridgeport again in 2015. He won, was reelected in 2019 and is the citys current mayor.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Editors Note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travels weekly newsletter. Get the latest news in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments.

The forthcoming charge for travelers to enter Europe has been postponed  again.

The ETIAS visa waiver program will come into force in 2025  a year later than planned.

On October 19, eu-LISA  the EU agency responsible for the forthcoming digital Entry/Exit system and ETIAS  informed ministers that they need more time to implement the changes.

The Entry/Exit system  a central database tracking non-EU residents when they enter the block  will now come into force in the second half of 2024. Following that, the ETIAS program will start in the first half of 2025.

When it does launch, ETIAS will allow entry into EU countries from $7.70. As the name suggests, it isnt a visa  its a system for visitors from countries who dont require visas to enter Europe, to preregister their visits. Those who currently need visas to enter will still need them.

While many US citizens appear shocked by the move, they might be surprised that the ETIAS system is modeled on the ESTA visa waiver program, which was introduced in 2009 by the United States. And, of course, citizens of many countries need real visas to EU countries  which is not only a costly process, but a time-consuming one, too.

ETIAS will join the myriad accommodation and tourist taxes that are already charged around Europe. Heres what to know about them.

When will ETIAS come into force?

Originally slated to start in May 2023, ETIAS has been pushed back several times  until now, it was down for a 2024 launch. That has now been pushed back  again  until 2025. You cannot make applications in advance, so theres no need to worry about registering for your Mediterranean summer of 2025.

Who needs ETIAS authorization?

Citizens of the 60 or so non-EU countries who dont currently need a visa to the EU  such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore and the UAE. EU residents are exempt, whatever their nationality.

Those who currently need a visa to enter the EU, on the other hand, will still need a visa.

How will it work?

ETIAS will be run along similar lines to the United States ESTA program. Travelers must request permission to enter the EU before their travel through a simple online process.

Itll cost 7 euros ($7.70) and will cover multiple entries for three years, or until your passport expires  whichever comes first. Thats cheaper than an ESTA, which costs $21 for two years.

Applications should be processed in minutes with the vast majority completed in 96 hours, the EU predicts. Some applicants may be asked to provide additional information or documentation or to participate in an interview with national authorities, which may take up to additional 30 days, they warn, however. It suggests not booking flights or accommodation until you have confirmation.

For more details, check out the official ETIAS website here  going through third parties may incur extra charges.

What other tourist taxes are there in Europe?

Most cities in continental Europe now charge a tourist tax for overnight visitors  usually a few euros added to your bill at the end of your stay, though sometimes it must be paid in cash. If youre staying in an Airbnb, hosts will often collect this from you on arrival.

The taxes usually go towards buffering public services which are affected by visitors, such as trash collection and street cleaning. Amsterdam, for example, recently allocated an extra 7 million euros to its public transport network. Theyre also usually only charged for a set period, usually of up to a week. That way, youre rewarded if you stay longer.

The notable exception is the UK  however, this is changing. Manchester became the first UK city to introduce a 1 ($1.30) tax on overnight stays in March 2023. Edinburgh looks set to follow, and Wales is looking to introduce a visitor levy for overnight stays.

Amsterdam charges a hefty 7% of your room rate in tax. - adisa/iStockphoto/Getty Images

What if I dont stay the night?

Then youll probably be paying an overnight tax wherever you do stay, since most European countries charge these taxes, though they tend to be cheaper in less popular municipalities. Dont forget that tourism adds a heavy burden to destinations, often in countries and areas that are significantly poorer than those of the tourists themselves.

What about cruise passengers?

Good question. Cruises are notoriously bad for the environment, as well as for cities who are engulfed by passengers on port days  passengers who spend precious little money in the destination as theyre already catered for onboard.

Some cities have reacted by implementing arrival taxes on cruise passengers. If your ship docks at Barcelona for 12 hours or more youll pay 4.75 euros (3 euros regional fee and 1.75 euros city surcharge). Amsterdam visitors arriving on a cruise pay 8 euros. Its only valid for boats that dock for the day  if your cruise starts or ends in Amsterdam, or if youre staying overnight in the city, youre exempt.

Its not just cruise ships that charge landing taxes for arriving by sea, however. Italy has the contributo di sbarco or disembarkation contribution that non-resident passengers must pay when arriving on islands, whether by public ferry or private boat. The price is set by local authorities.

Pretty Olhao, in Portugal, introduced a tourist tax in 2023. - Armando Oliveira/iStockphoto/Getty Images

Are some cities more expensive than others?

Yes  essentially, the more popular the place, the more youll pay. Stay in Barcelona, for example, and as well as the regular Catalonia tourist tax, youll be in line for a city surcharge imposed on stays in the regions capital.

Amsterdam charges 7% of the hotel rate plus 3 euros per person per night.

In Vienna, its 3.2% of the total room rate, excluding breakfast and sales tax, and then lopping off 11% of the remainder. It works out as about 2.5%.

In Portugal, three municipalities on the tourist-filled Algarve coastline charge tourist tax: Faro, Vila Real de Santo Antonio and Olhao, which introduced a fee (1 euro in the winter, 2 euros otherwise) in 2023.

Crucially, the posher your accommodation, the more you pay. In Rome, for example, staying in a three star hotel incurs a 4 euro nightly tax, but a four star hotel is 6 euros and five stars is 7 euros.

In Venice, the tax goes from 1 euro per person per night in a one star hotel, to 5 euros in a five star. The tax is only payable for the first five nights, in a bid to get people to stay longer.

And in Paris, it ranges from just 0.20 euros for a one star property to 5 euros per person per night in a swanky palais hotel.

In France overall, the charges vary by both municipality and class of accommodation  ranging from 0.20 euros to 4.20 outside Paris.

While in Greece, its done solely by the type of accommodation, with charges ranging from 0.50 euros to 4 euros per room per night.

How about that Venice entry fee?

The much mooted contributo di accesso or entrance fee to Venice  which has been repeatedly postponed since first being proposed for 2019  is now slated for 2024. Charges have been announced as starting at 3 euros on a quiet day to 10 euros at peak times.

However, this charge is only for day-trippers, who are thought to form 90% of the visitor numbers, add little to the local economy but cause plenty of problems in the city. If youre staying overnight, youll already have paid the overnight city tax and will be exempt.

Does only Europe do this?

No. Many US states charge accommodation taxes, for starters  plus many US hotels add on a resort fee too, which doesnt even go to the community. The taxes are also standard in the Caribbean, where theyre commonly added to hotel fees. Theres an entrance tax on tourists arriving in New Zealand, and a departure tax for vacationers departing from Japan.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
MILLERSBURG  A local physician is concerned about the potential health risks presented by a product being marketed as a miracle pain reliever.

Tapee Tea is an imported product from Southeast Asia. Despite its claims of being "all natural," it was tested and found to be laced with steroids. It is not surprising, therefore, that people feel so much better when drinking it, according to family physician Maurice Stutzman, MD.

Stutzman notes steroids should only be administered by licensed providers using a prescription. With continued use, steroids have dangerous side effects which include, but are not limited to: high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, adrenal insufficiency, neck deformities, thin skin, kidney failure and psychosis.

A package of Tapee Tea, which a local physician believes is the same product that is under investigation in Thailand for being laced with steroids.

Tapee Tea is an herbal tea being sold in Holmes County amongst the Amish and Mennonite community, Stutzman said. It is marketed as an all natural herbal drink. Consumers of this tea report that within a day, an almost miraculous resolution of joint and back pain, aches and stiffness occurs.

However, after using it a bit, they dont like an accompanying weight gain, he continued. I did some research on the listed herbal components and none of them could account for this rapid complete response to joint pain.

A skeptic about 'all natural' product

Dr. Stutzman was skeptical of this tea due to a history in Holmes County when a prior Amish rage about an all natural relaxing herbal concoction called Black Pearls was found to be laced with diazepam.

I would expect to see this response and side effect when someone is taking a drug like prednisone on a long-term basis, Stutzman said. Upon doing some research I found that a company in Thailand was found to be lacing its tea with steroid medications.

FDA discovers steroids in herbal drink: The Phi brand faces legal action | Thaiger (thethaiger.com)

In June, Stutzman purchased Tapee Tea at Troyers Market in Berlin. When he compared the tea purchased with the label from the brand laced with the steroids, he found the exact same wrapping and the exact same number on the right lower corner of the package.

It appears that the company that was caught lacing a tea in Thailand with a steroid is now selling the exact same product in Holmes County through a local distributer, Stutzman said. Not only that, there are multiple websites promoting its all natural pain relieving effects. See: https://www.tapeetea.com/. That website also shows a picture of exactly the same product packaging with the same number.

Dr. Maurice Stutzman

Tapee Tea is also being sold on Amazon, eBay, Walmart and other places, all with the same packaging and number of the package described.

Troyers Market has since removed their Tapee Tea display.

Illegal to sell steroids

Stutzman adds that if this tea is laced with steroids, as his investigation suggests, then whoever is selling it is doing so illegally, because it contains a prescription medication.

It is not even a tea, rather a drink mix which requires adding water to the powder, he said. A tea bag would inhibit the dissolution of undocumented medications and thus their effect.

In the United States, selling prescription medication without a legitimate prescription or a valid license is illegal, Stutzman continued. This is because prescription medications are classified as controlled substances, which means they have a high risk of misuse and dependency. If Tapee Tea does contain steroids, and I believe that it does, the distribution, selling and consumption of this tea is in violation of Ohio Revised Code Section 4729.51.

Wanted to share pain relief

Louie Iannello of Coshocton is an importer of Tapee Tea from Thailand who sells to stores in the area. He began using it to relieve arthritis pain and wanted to share the benefits he reaped from the product.

He suggested directing any inquiries to Coconut Island Company.

As far as I know, there are no steroids in it, he said. Its all natural herbs. Thats the first thing people think, because it helps with arthritis. I just think its incredible. I have arthritis and this really helps.

Ianniello notes there are numerous testimonies about the product.

I dont have to sell this, Ianniello said. I tried it because I have a lot of aches, and it worked for me. I thought I should share this. If it comes back with anything bad in it, Ill refuse to sell it. Its no big deal. Thats all I know about it.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Local physician concerned about health risk of Tapee Tea
The 19 defendants charged by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for their alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia are in the process of negotiating their bond terms and surrendering to be processed and released from the Fulton County Jail prior to the Friday deadline set by the district attorney.

Former President Donald Trump, whose bail was set by a judge at $200,000, is expected to surrender to authorities on Thursday.





Latest Developments





Aug 23, 7:06 PM

Willis says she had 'a duty and a responsibility to bring charges'



Speaking on a local Atlanta radio show, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis defended her decision to bring the sprawling racketeering case, arguing that the case is an even-handed application of the law.

"There's really nothing sexy about this," Willis told Atlanta Up Close's Maria Boynton. "There's allegations of a crime, and then to look at the law and if the facts bear out that the law has been broken, then we have a duty and a responsibility to bring charges."

The DA also said that recent threats made against her will not deter her from pursuing her case against the former president and his co-defendants.

"In the words of Jay-Z, brush my shoulders off and we just keep pushing," Willis said. "That is not going to deter me from doing my job."

PHOTO: FILE - Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, talks with a member of her team in Fulton County, Ga., May 2, 2022. (Ben Gray/AP, FILE)

Willis described the process of determining defendants' bond amounts as "literally just plugging things in" to a formula based on factors related to a defendant's flight risk. She also reiterated her past statement about the requirement for all defendants to surrender for processing by Friday at noon.





"Should people fail to turn themselves in, then a warrant will be filed on the system, and they'll have to be arrested," she said.





Of the 19 defendants, 15 have negotiated their bond packages and nine have subsequently been booked and released.





Aug 23, 6:12 PM

Judge denies Meadows' motion to move case to federal court

A federal judge has denied former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows' emergency motion seeking removal of his Fulton County case to federal court.



The judge also denied Meadows' bid to prevent his arrest.



"While Meadows' imminent arrest may present an actual injury, there are strong countervailing reasons to not enjoin the state criminal proceedings," the judge said in the ruling.



Meadows last week filed a motion to move his case on the basis of a federal law that he argued requires the removal of criminal proceedings brought in state court to the federal court system when someone is charged for actions they allegedly took as a federal official acting "under color" of their office.



"The Court determines that, the clear statutory language for removing a criminal prosecution, does not support an injunction or temporary stay prohibiting District Attorney Willis' enforcement or execution of the arrest warrant against Meadows," the judge said in denying the motion.



Former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark and former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer have also filed motions seeking to move their cases into federal court.





Aug 23, 6:03 PM

Chesebro files request for a speedy trial



Attorney Kenneth Chesebro, one of the 19 defendants charged in the DA's indictment, has filed a request for a speedy trial -- a development that a RICO expert says could have a "massive" impact on the case.

Chris Timmons, a former Georgia prosecutor who is an expert on Georgia racketeering laws -- which are known as RICO for short -- tells ABC News that when a defendant files a speedy trial demand, they have to be tried within a certain amount of time, or they are acquitted by law.

Though it's not immediately clear what the exact effect will be in this case, Timmons said that many of the defendants won't be ready for trial that quickly, meaning the case could end up having multiple trials.

"That completely changes the strategy of this trial," Timmons said.

Referring to his time as a prosecutor, Timmons said, "We used to view [speedy trial requests] as a declaration of war. It means you are ready to go now."

Cheseboro, a former Trump-aligned attorney, faces seven counts in the indictment, which alleges that he outlined "multiple strategies for disrupting and delaying the joint session of Congress on January 6, 2021."





Aug 23, 5:40 PM

Judge denies Clark's motion for emergency stay

United States District Court Judge Steve Jones has denied Jeffrey Clark's motion for an emergency stay in his case.



Clark, a former Justice Department official, had sought an emergency stay of the Fulton County proceedings, including his arrest warrant, until after Labor Day, so a judge could rule on his motion to remove his case to federal court.



Clark, in a separate motion, is seeking to remove his case to federal court on the basis that he was serving as a high-ranking DOJ official during the timeframe alleged in the DA's indictment. Former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer have also filed similar motions.



Clark is accused in the indictment of urging senior DOJ officials to falsely tell Georgia state officials that the DOJ had "identified significant concerns" about the tabulation of election returns in the state.





Aug 23, 6:18 PM

Mug shots released of Giuliani, Powell, Ellis



The Fulton County Sheriff's Office has released mug shots of three of the attorneys who prosecutors say helped lead the efforts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Authorities released mug shots taken of former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Trump campaign lawyers Sydney Powell and Jenna Ellis.

All three were processed at the Fulton County Jail and released on bail.

PHOTO: Rudy Giuliani is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via Reuters)

PHOTO: Sydney Powell is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office via Reuters)

PHOTO: Jenna Ellis is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)





Aug 23, 4:38 PM

Mug shots released of first 6 defendants processed

Authorities have released mug shots of the first six defendants to surrender in the election interference case.



The Fulton County Sheriff's Office released mug shots taken of attorneys John Eastman and Kenneth Chesebro, former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer, former Coffee County GOP chair Cathy Latham, Georgia lawyer Ray Smith III and Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall.



All six have been processed at the Fulton County Jail and released on bail.

PHOTO: John Eastman is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 22, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

PHOTO: Kenneth Chesebro is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

PHOTO: Cathleen Latham is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

PHOTO: Cathy Latham is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

PHOTO: Ray Smith is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 23, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

PHOTO: Scott Hall is seen in a mugshot provided by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office in Georgia, Aug. 22, 2023. (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)





Aug 23, 4:12 PM

Willis opposes Meadows' motion to move case to federal court



Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has responded to Mark Meadows' emergency motion to prevent his arrest and remove his case to federal court, arguing that the former Trump chief of staff's arguments are "baseless and in direct contravention with the requirements of the law."

"In essence, the defendant's 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," the response said, highlighting that Meadows had previously requested additional time to surrender on two occasions.

Willis argued that Meadows' removal motion only entitles him to an evidentiary hearing, which is already set for August 28; otherwise, criminal proceedings in the case, including his surrender, can continue as planned, the response said.

Meadows last week filed a motion to move his case on the basis of a federal law that he argued requires the removal of criminal proceedings brought in state court to the federal court system when someone is charged for actions they allegedly took as a federal official acting "under color" of their office.

Among other allegations, the DA's indictment says Meadows traveled to Cobb County Center and "attempted to observe the signature match audit being performed by law enforcement officers and officials from the Georgia Secretary of State despite the fact that the process was not open to the public" and that he sent a text message to a state investigator on Dec. 27, 2020, asking if there was a way to "speed up" results ahead of Jan. 6, "in furtherance of the conspiracy."





Aug 23, 3:35 PM

DA opposes Jeffrey Clark's motion for emergency stay

District Attorney Fani Willis is contesting former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark's request for an emergency stay of the Fulton County proceedings.



Clark had filed a motion in federal court Tuesday seeking an emergency stay of the proceedings, including his arrest warrant, until after Labor Day, so a judge could rule on his motion to remove his case to federal court.



In a filing today, Willis wrote that Clark "seeks to avoid the inconvenience and unpleasantness of being arrested ... but provides this court with no legal basis to justify those ends."



Clark has filed a separate motion seeking to remove his case to federal court on the basis that he was serving as a high-ranking DOJ official during the timeframe alleged in the DA's indictment. Former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Georgia GOP chair David Shafer have also filed similar motions.



Clark is accused in the indictment of making false statements to senior DOJ officials "urging the officials to let him convey the false information to Georgia State Officials" that the DOJ had "identified significant concerns that may have impacted the outcome of the election in multiple states, including the State of Georgia."





Aug 23, 3:13 PM

Giuliani surrenders for processing

Former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani has surrendered at the Fulton County Jail for processing, according to online records.



Bail for the former New York City mayor was set at $150,000 earlier Wednesday.



He faces 13 counts related to efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.





Aug 23, 3:01 PM

Trump attorney Sidney Powell surrenders to authorities

Trump attorney Sidney Powell has surrendered to authorities at the Fulton County Jail for processing, according to the jail's official website.



Powell faces 16 counts in the DA's indictment, including two counts of conspiracy to commit election fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit computer theft.



She is accused of conspiring with other co-defendants to commit election fraud by allegedly encouraging and helping people tamper with ballot markers and machines inside an elections office in Coffee County.



Powell's bail was set at $100,000 Wednesday morning.

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
People watch a television broadcast showing a file image of a North Korean rocket launch at the Seoul Railway Station on 24 August (Getty Images)

North Korea said it made a second attempt to launch a spy satellite into orbit on Thursday, triggering alarm sirens in Japan as residents were ordered to take shelter.

Pyongyangs attempt to launch a reconnaissance satellite again failed, North Korea state media and neighbouring nations said, with KCNA citing an error in the third stage of the rockets separation.

Emergency alerts and evacuation orders were issued early in the morning for residents of Japans southernmost island of Okinawa as the rocket flew overhead before coming down in the Pacific Ocean.

North Korea vowed to make a third attempt to get its satellite into space in October, the state-run KCNA reported.

Its first failed attempt came on 31 May this year, but the projectile and its payload crashed into the sea shortly after being launched. Pyongyang later said it was due to rocket failure.

On Thursday, the space agency of North Korea said it launched the reconnaissance satellite Malligyong using a new type of carrier rocket  Chollima-1.

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, KCNA reported.

The rocket fell into the Yellow Sea after it broke into multiple parts, said Japans vice minister of defence Kimi Onoda.

South Koreas military also said that it detected a rocket flying above international waters off the Korean Peninsulas west coast.

An object salvaged by South Koreas military that is presumed to be part of the North Korean military spy satellite (EPA)

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launch violated UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit Pyongyang from using ballistic technologies.

South Korea has said it will salvage the parts of the second spy satellite to study it and later release an investigation report.

The South Korean military retrieved fragments following the first launch. The officials said in early July that the North Korean satellite wasnt advanced enough to conduct military reconnaissance.

Japan said North Korea had informed it of the planned launch of the satellite in the direction of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea between 24 August to 31 August.

In preparation, the Japanese Coast Guard issued a navigational warning in the sea and ordered ships to remain on alert for objects falling into sea.

The placement of its spy satellite into the orbit is among an array of high-tech weapons systems that Kim Jong-un is seeking to development in the face of what he calls US-led hostility. Analysts say North Korea is continuing to develop its nuclear and other capabilities in order to pressure Western nations into talks on sanctions.

The Kim regime has said that it needs a reliable reconnaissance information system in order to keep a grip on enemy military activities in real time.

The launch was condemned by the US, Japan and South Korea, saying the Norths repeated provocations will only result in strengthening a Washington-Tokyo-Seoul cooperation.

South Koreas National Security Council (NSC) deplored North Korea for driving its people to starvation and death by wasting the few resources they have on reckless provocations.

Japans chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Tokyo strongly protests North Koreas spy satellite launch and condemns it in the strongest terms.

Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White Houses National Security Council, said the US strongly condemns the launch, adding that it involved technologies directly related to the Norths intercontinental ballistic missile program.

Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that North Koreas space agency, National Aerospace Development Administration, is under time pressure to succeed.

[October] may be enough time for a new iteration. Theres no reason to think we wont see another launch attempt in that time frame, he said.
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) fired off a sweeping request for documents dealing with former President Trumps prosecution for election interference in Georgia, asking Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) to turn over all records relating to the case.

Sent hours before Trump is expected to surrender at the Fulton County Jail, the letter cites concerns about [Williss] motivation in bringing the case and suggests her sprawling racketeering indictment against the former president and 18 others highlights the threat that such state prosecutions can pose to the operations of the federal government.

The letter also asked whether Willis at any point communicated with the team of special counsel Jack Smith, who earlier this month brought federal charges against Trump related to his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

The letter mirrors those the committee has sent related to other criminal cases against Trump and echoes the former presidents frequent complaints that all of the charges leveled against him are motivated by politics rather than any wrongdoing.

The timing of this prosecution reinforces concerns about your motivation, Jordan wrote.

You did not bring charges until two-and-a-half years later, at a time when the campaign for the Republican presidential nomination is in full swing, he continued. Moreover, you have requested that the trial in this matter begin on March 4, 2024, the day before Super Tuesday and eight days before the Georgia presidential primary.

Top Stories from The Hill

Williss office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Jordans panel has frequently sought information on criminal probes into Trump at key junctures.

He sent a letter to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D) before he had even brought charges against Trump, writing that he was reportedly about to engage in an unprecedented abuse of prosecutorial authority.

Hes also sent two letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland concerning Smiths investigation.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio)

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) asks a question during a hearing on Wednesday, June 21, 2023 to discuss the report from Special Counsel John Durham about the Crossfire Hurricane probe into allegations of contacts between Russia and former President Trumps 2016 campaign. (Greg Nash)

Thursdays letter lays out a case for Trump, arguing the actions he took in Georgia  asking the secretary of state to find enough votes for him to win and assembling a slate of fake electors  could be considered official actions taken by a president.

When states rely on acts like theseapparently taken in connection with official dutiesto criminally prosecute federal officers, it raises serious concerns under the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution and poses a threat to the operations of the federal government, Jordan writes.

The threat of future state prosecution for official acts may dissuade federal officers from effectively performing their official duties and responsibilities.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

He also posits that such prosecutions could have a chilling effect on presidents while in office.

To the extent that presidents fear that they may be subject to politically motivated prosecutions after they leave office, this could impact the policies they choose to pursue while in office, Jordan said.

And because this former President is a current candidate for that office, the indictment implicates another core federal interest: a presidential election.

For her part, Willis has denied having any contact with Smith.

I dont know what Jack Smith is doing, Jack Smith doesnt know what Im doing. In all honesty, if Jack Smith was standing next to me, Im not sure I would know who he was. My guess is he probably cant pronounce my name correctly, Willis told local media ahead of filing charges.

Updated at 11:13 a.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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.

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?
Main opposition Democratic Party of Korea leader Lee Jae-myung speaks at an emergency plenary meeting at the National Assembly in Seoul, Aug. 24. Yonhap





The main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on Thursday proposed a law aimed at banning imports of seafood exposed to radioactive water as Japan began releasing contaminated water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant.







The bill is one of four measures that the DPK has decided to pursue to ensure the safety of seafood and support fishermen and others affected by the Fukushima water release as local seafood consumption is expected to drop further in the wake of the water discharge.







The DPK made the decision at a general meeting of its lawmakers, and after the meeting, Rep. Lee So-young, a party spokesperson, said the proposed import ban on "seafood exposed to contaminated water" could include all fishery products from Japan.







"There is a possibility of the ban covering all fishery products from Japan," Lee said. "If radioactive materials are detected in other parts of the Pacific, an import ban on fisheries products from those regions could be necessary."







The other bills include strengthening regulations on place-of-origin labeling amid concern that seafood from Fukushima could still be imported after undergoing various processing steps despite the existing ban on imports from the region.






Kristin Smarts murderer Paul Flores has been seriously injured in an attack in a California state prison.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday inside Pleasant Valley State Prison, Coalinga  where the convicted killer is serving 25 years to life for Smarts 1996 murder.

The details of the attack are unclear but a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesperson said that Flores, 46, was taken to hospital and is currently in a serious condition.

The circumstances surrounding Flores injury are under investigation by [the prison]s Investigative Services Unit, the spokesperson added.

Flores lawyer, Harold Mesick, was told about the attack by prison officials.

Confirming that he has no further information at this time, Mr Mesick told The New York Post: I just pray for his recovery.

The Independent has contacted the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for further comment.

Flores had been transferred to Pleasant Valley State Prison in August after being previously held at North Kern State Prison, where prisoners are initially processed following a conviction.

Flores was arrested in April 2021 and convicted of first-degree murder in October 2022, more than 25 years after Smart disappeared from a college campus in San Luis Obispo.

Paul Flores in mugshot (San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office)

This March he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Smart, a 19-year-old student, vanished from California Polytechnic State University during Memorial Day weekend back in 1996.

Although her remains have never been found, Smart was declared legally dead in 2002. Her murder remained unsolved until Flores 2021 arrest  despite both forensic evidence and witness accounts linking him to Smarts death from the get-go.

Flores had been the last person to be seen with Smart, when he walked her home after an off-campus party she attended with her roommate Margarita Campos and other California Polytechnic State University students on 25 May 1996.

Kristin Smart (San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office)

At the time, they were both first-year students and at the trial prosecutors maintained that Flores murdered Smart in his university dorm room during an attempted rape.

Althought it was an unsolved cold case for 25 years, Smarts family brought a wrongful death suit against Flores in the 1990s. Renewed public interest then came after the 2019 release of theYour Own Backyard podcast, which led to new information being considered and authorities re-examining the case.

Flores father Ruben Flores was also arrested and charged with being an accessory to murder after he was accused of helping to move Smarts body. The 81-year-old was acquitted of the charges.
Rudy Giuliani repudiated accusations he interfered in Georgias 2020 election after surrendering Wednesday at the Fulton County jail.

I am very, very honored to be involved in this case, because this case is a fight for our way of life, Giuliani said Wednesday afternoon after being booked at the jail. This indictment is a travesty.

The longtime ally of former President Trump faces 13 charges in a sweeping case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis (D) alleging he and 18 co-defendants joined a criminal enterprise that aimed to keep Trump in power after he lost the 2020 election.

Giulianis charges are centered on his efforts to spread false claims of election fraud, particularly to members of the Georgia Legislature, whom he allegedly tried to convince to join in a fake electors scheme to benefit Trump.

All the defendants face state Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act charges  the same charge Giuliani used to prosecute mobsters and Wall Street titans in the 1980s.

Giuliani admitted in a different case  where two Fulton County election workers are suing him for defamation  that his statements about election fraud were false and carry meaning that is defamatory, but he maintained that they were constitutionally protected.

The former New York City mayor agreed to a $150,000 bond earlier Wednesday. He was spotted walking into a bail bondsman office that afternoon.

The terms of Giulianis bond dictate that he may not talk about the facts of the case with any co-defendants or witnesses, except through his counsel. That includes the former president.

Trump is expected to surrender Thursday, after agreeing to a $200,000 bond Monday.

Giuliani is the eighth defendant in the case to turn himself in, after Willis gave all the defendants until noon Friday to surrender at the local jail. He contended Wednesday that the Fulton County district attorney will go down in history for having conducted one of the worst attacks on the American Constitution ever.

This is an attack on the American people, Giuliani said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
June 23, 2023; Columbus, Oh., USA; Cannabis is hung and dried inside PharmaCann, Inc.'s cultivation and processing facility at Buckeye Lake.The cannabis industry opposes Senate Bill 9, which would revamp the state's medical program, saying there is an oversupply of cannabis in Ohio for the medical marijuana program.

The Ohio Ballot Board approved ballot language Thursday for a proposal to legalize recreational marijuana that will go before voters in November.

The statute, if passed, would legalize, regulate and tax adult-use marijuana in addition to the current medical cannabis program. The Republican-controlled board unanimously backed the draft language with little fanfare after clashing over what voters will see for the proposed abortion rights amendment.

The marijuana issue will be known as State Issue 2.

Unanimous approval by the bipartisan ballot board should assure voters that 'What they see is what they'll get,'" said Tom Haren, spokesman for the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol. "That means: hundreds of millions of dollars in new revenue and stringent regulation like we already have in our existing medical marijuana market. We are looking forward to putting the illicit market out of business this November."

The measure is an initiated statute, which means the Legislature could modify or repeal the law if it passes in November. Gov. Mike DeWine and Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, are staunchly opposed to adult-use marijuana, but Haren previously said he expects lawmakers to respect the will of the voters.

What would the recreational marijuana law do?

The proposal would allow Ohioans age 21 and older to buy and possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of concentrates. They could also grow up to six plants individually and no more than 12 in a household with multiple adults.

Products would be taxed 10%, with revenue going toward administrative costs, addiction treatment programs, municipalities with dispensaries and a social equity and jobs program.

The initial round of licenses would go to growers, processors and dispensaries in the medical marijuana program. A certain number of cultivator and dispensary licenses would be reserved for participants in the social equity program, which aims to help those who are disproportionately affected by the enforcement of current marijuana laws.

Two years after the first adult-use licenses are issued, the state will determine if more should be authorized.

Read the ballot language here:

Cannabis Proposed Ballot Language by Anthony Shoemaker on Scribd

Haley BeMiller is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Proposed Ohio marijuana law gets ballot language for November election
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.

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.
Guests can join Peter Pan and Tinker Bell in a quest to save John from Captain Hook in Peter Pan's Never Land Adventure.

Tokyo Disney is already on the bucket lists of many Disney fans, but there will be even more to see next spring when Tokyo DisneySea opens a major expansion built on fan-favorite franchises.

Fantasy Springs will be the parks eighth port, which is DisneySeas version of themed lands.

Itll feature three distinct areas  Frozen Kingdom, Rapunzels Forest and Peter Pans Never Land  as well as a new hotel called Tokyo DisneySea Fantasy Springs Hotel, which Disney says will be integrated into the park with multiple dining venues and the finest accommodation experience at Tokyo Disney."

Disney unveiled the names of the four new attractions coming to Fantasy Springs and other details Thursday. Heres what fans can expect.

Peter Pans Never Land

Guests can help Tinker Bell deliver packages to four seasonal areas of Pixie Hollow in Fairy Tinker Bells Busy Buggies.

Anyone who has ever been to Walt Disney Worlds Magic Kingdom or Disneyland Park knows how popular Peter Pan is. Peter Pans Flight consistently has one of the highest wait times across both parks, and Tinker Bell is among one of the most beloved characters in Disney animation.

The new Peter Pans Never Land in Fantasy Springs will kick it up a notch with two unique attractions, both featuring Tinker Bell. Guests can help Tinker Bell deliver packages across Pixie Hollow in Fairy Tinker Bells Busy Buggies and join Peter Pan and Tinker Bell in a 3-D quest to save John from Captain Hook and his pirates in Peter Pan's Never Land Adventure.

There will also be a pirate ship guests can explore and a themed counter-service restaurant called Lookout Cookout.

Peter Pan's Never Land will include two attractions and a new restaurant, Lookout Cutout.

From gumbo to lemon-filled beignets: See the menu for Tiana's Palace at Disneyland Resort

Rapunzels Forest

Guests can join Rapunzel for her "best day ever" at Rapunzel's Lantern Festival.

The Tangled-theme restrooms and photo spot in Magic Kingdom are about the closest fans get to Rapunzel's world in the U.S., but theyll be able to go even further in Japan.

Rapunzels Forest in Fantasy Springs will be home to a new attraction called Rapunzels Lantern Festival, which Disney describes as "Rapunzel's 'best day ever' as she falls in love with Flynn Rider on a romantic boat ride to the annual lantern festival."

Guests can also see Rapunzel's tower and dine in The Snuggly Duckling, a counter-service restaurant where the local rough-and-tumble crowd gathers, according to Disney.

Rapunzel's Forest will feature the new Rapunzel's Lantern Festival attraction and The Snuggly Duckling restaurant.

Frozen Kingdom

Anna and Elsas Frozen Journey follows the storyline of the first "Frozen" film.

The wildly popular Frozen franchise already has a Frozen Ever After attraction at EPCOT and another coming to the World of Frozen opening this fall at Hong Kong Disneyland. There's also the Frozen Sing-Along Celebration at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Shanghai Disney, but Tokyo Disney is getting a whole Frozen Kingdom in Fantasy Springs.

Its new attraction, Anna and Elsas Frozen Journey, will feature the same storyline and familiar songs from the first "Frozen" film.

Frozen Kingdom will also have two dining venues: a snack shop called Oakens OK Foods and a counter-service restaurant Royal Banquet of Arendelle inside Arendelle Castle.

Disney describes Frozen Kingdom as "full of happiness now that Elsa has embraced her powers to create ice and snow."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Disney shares closer look at new Fantasy Springs area of Tokyo Disney
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Firefighters struggled Thursday against strong winds and hot, dry conditions to tame multiple wildfires ravaging Greece, including one in the country's northeast that officials say is the largest recorded in the European Union.

The wildfires have left 20 people dead over the last week. Eighteen of those, including two boys aged between 10 and 15, are believed to be migrants who crossed the nearby border with Turkey. Their bodies were found near a shack in a burnt forest area near Alexandroupolis in northeastern Greece. Sixty firefighters have been injured, fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios said.

The wildfire in the Alexandroupolis region, burning for a sixth day, combined with smaller fires to create a massive blaze that consumed homes and vast tracts of forest and triggered multiple evacuations of villages and of the city's hospital.

With more than 730 square kilometers (282 square miles) burned, the Alexandroupolis blaze was the EU's largest on record, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

We must continue strengthening national & collective prevention and preparedness efforts in view of more brutal fire seasons, he tweeted.

Elsewhere in Europe, fires in Spain's Canary Islands and northwestern Turkey were being brought under control, officials said.

Firefighters in Greece tackled 104 fires across the country in the 24 hours between Wednesday and Thursday evening, 69 of which were new wildfires, the fire department said.

One of the major blazes was on the outskirts of the Greek capital, where flames scorched homes on Wednesday and burned into the national park on Mount Parnitha, one of the last green areas near Athens. By Thursday night, the situation appeared somewhat improved, although firefighters were still dealing with flare-ups, the fire department said.

Greeces Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said arson was to blame for some of the blazes near Athens.

Some ... arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives, Kikilias said in a televised statement. What is happening is not just unacceptable but despicable and criminal.

The minister said nine fires had been set in the space of four hours Thursday morning in the area of Avlona, in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha.

You are committing a crime against the country, Kikilias said. We will find you. You will be held accountable to justice.

Police on Thursday arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of arson for allegedly setting at least three fires in the Avlona area. A search of his home revealed kindling, a fire torch gun and pine needles, police said.

With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has asked other European countries for assistance. Germany, Sweden, Croatia, Cyprus sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian, Albanian and Slovak firefighters have been helping on the ground.

Artopios, the Greek fire department spokesman, said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, battled the Parnitha fire supported by 10 planes and 11 helicopters. Bulgarian, Albanian, Romanian and Czech firefighters with vehicles were helping in the Alexandroupolis fire.

Greece suffers destructive wildfires every summer. The deadliest killed 104 people in 2018 in a seaside resort near Athens that residents had not been warned to evacuate. Authorities have since erred on the side of caution, ordering evacuations whenever inhabited areas are under threat.

In 2007, a series of devastating wildfires that affected mainly the southern Peloponnese region killed more than 70 people by the end of that summer and burnt around 2,700 square kilometers (1,040 square miles).

Last month a large wildfire on the resort island of Rhodes forced the evacuation of some 20,000 tourists. Days later, two air force pilots were killed when their water-dropping plane crashed while tackling a blaze on the island of Evia.

With their hot, dry summers, southern European countries are particularly prone to wildfires. EU officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

In Spains Tenerife, a fire that has scorched 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) was being brought under control.

Canary Island regional President Fernando Clavijo said Thursday the blaze had not gained a single square meter" for the first time in over a week. Of the 12,000 people forced to evacuate their homes earlier in the week, only about 200 were still unable to return.

In Turkey, firefighters in the northwestern Canakkale province brought a wildfire under control Thursday, less than 48 hours after it erupted amid high temperatures and strong winds, Turkish Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

Yumakli said the fire, which had forced the evacuation of 11 villages, had affected 40 square kilometers (15 square miles) including 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles) of agricultural land.

A firefighting volunteer who was injured and six other people who suffered from smoke inhalation were being kept under observation in hospitals, Yumakli said.

We are extremely happy that there was no loss of life, Yamukli said. However, we are heartbroken for other creatures of the ecosystem that were affected.

Shipping traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, a major maritime thoroughfare linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, was being partially restored to one lane only, after being completely suspended as fire-dousing aircraft use the waterway to pick up water.

____

Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey and Raf Casert in Brussels, contributed.

____

Follow APs climate coverage at: https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
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.

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.

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.
The recent upturn in COVID-19 cases in some regions has spurred a handful of entities around the country to reinstate mask mandates, reigniting the debate over what place masking requirements have in an era of living with the coronavirus.

Earlier this week, Hollywood movie studio Lionsgate asked its employees to wear masks on certain floors of its facilities in Santa Monica, Calif., in response to a few staff members testing positive for COVID-19.

Kaiser Permanente began to require staff, patients and visitors to wear masks at its facility in Santa Rosa, Calif., this week in response to a spike in cases. Upstate Medical University in New York announced a similar decision last week for two of its hospitals.

Schools including Rutgers University in New Jersey and Morris Brown College in Georgia have issued mask mandates for their respective campuses, with the Atlanta-based school reinstating masks as a two-week precautionary measure.

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R) spoke out against the news from Morris Brown College, writing on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Americans have had enough COVID hysteria. WE WILL NOT COMPLY!

Top Stories from The Hill

Nationally, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have been rising the past few weeks. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, shows that hospital admission rates are still considered low in 97 percent of the U.S.

According to Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), the necessity of mask mandates will come down to a case-by-case basis, adding that publicly available data should inform these decisions.

I think the new approach is we want to make that information available to the public and give people some warning that there may be some increases in disease activity, Plescia said. And then people decide for themselves sort of how they want to react and what kind of precautions they want to take.

Mask-wearing became highly politicized over the course of the pandemic, with opinions on whether businesses, schools and government agencies had the authority to make such requirements divided largely along partisan lines.

Sign up for the latest from The Hill here

The Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that the White House did not have the authority to enforce a vaccine-or-mask mandate on companies with 100 or more employees, though individual businesses can uphold their own policies on the matter.

The court also ruled last year that the Transportation Security Administration could impose mask mandates on planes, trains and other forms of transport, leaving mask requirements as an option for the federal agency.

Clinicians and public health experts maintain that high-quality N95 masks help in reducing viral spread in communities.

The vast majority of people have some level of antibodies against COVID-19, either through prior injection or vaccination. The updated COVID-19 shots for this fall are expected to become available sometime in September, pending approval by federal regulators.

As the pandemic went on and the U.S. gathered more tools for treating and limiting the spread of COVID-19, health experts advised that people use mitigation methods based on their own individual risk assessments.

Schools and businesses will similarly have differing levels of risk theyre willing to tolerate, with the onus of mask mandates shifting from the public to the private sector, Plescia said.

But he doesnt think the U.S. is currently in a state where all workspaces should be expected to bring back mask requirements, with a few caveats. Nursing homes and health care facilities are two settings where he said masking rules are advisable, as people in these spaces are often at a higher risk for severe illness.

There is no universal threshold for when masking should be deemed appropriate, but the CDC has established some some recommendations for counties. Hospital admission levels have replaced the COVID-19 community levels as the key indicator for such decisions, as case surveillance largely diminished.

The CDC categorizes admission levels as green, yellow and red. If hospital admission rates in a county are classified as yellow or red  when there are 10 to more than 20 COVID-19 hospital admissions per 100,000 people  then it is recommended that people at a high risk of getting very sick wear a mask while at an indoor, public space.

When COVID-19 hospital admissions are red, this recommendation is applied to everyone, and high-risk individuals are advised to avoid public non-essential indoor activities.

Just 3 percent of U.S. counties are currently in the yellow category, and none are in the red.

Heading into the respiratory viral season, however, Plescia noted that COVID-19 should not be the sole factor informing viral mitigation measures.

Were hoping we wont see a situation where things are as dire as they were a couple of years ago, Plescia said.

When you take flu and RSV and, you know, if we had a little bit of a surge in COVID  the biggest concern right now is hospitals becoming overwhelmed. And we had a little bit of that last year that is very much in everybodys minds and concerns right now.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
On McDowell Road and 24th Street in Phoenix, a sign emblazoned with a pink scrawl beckons passersby to Rosita's Place, "Established in 1964."

The patio hasn't always overlooked McDowell Road, but it's been called Rosita's from the very beginning.

"The name Rosita's comes from the owner before the Delgados," said MaryLou Medina, the current owner, whose parents purchased the restaurant from Alex and Maria Delgado in 1964. She pointed to a 1947 map of Phoenix hanging in the restaurant's waiting area. "She owned it at least at the end of the Second World War, so Rosita's has been around for almost 100 years. Subsequent owners kept the name for good luck," she said. "We are the family that's had it the longest."

With the emergence of Phoenix Civic Plaza, the restaurant had to relocate from downtown Phoenix to 18th Street and Buckeye in the early 1970s and was forced to move again to the current location, a former Chinese restaurant on McDowell Road, in 1989 when the entire area was purchased for Sky Harbor Airport's construction.

The restaurant grew from nine stools at the downtown location to 12 tables in Buckeye to 24 at the current location.

"I've heard my mom's story from my godmother on her deathbed," MaryLou said of her mother Micaela, who was known as Mickey. "When she moved here from Mexico in the '50s, she was by herself and looking for a job. At that time, you either went to the radio station or newspaper if you were looking for a job. She went to the only Hispanic newspaper, El Sol. They sent her to Rosita's next door, which at the time was on Washington and Third in downtown Phoenix. My mom became really good friends with the daughters of the owners and lived with their grandmother. We still see them. She met my dad working at Rosita's."

Customers eat at Rosita's Place in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

Rosita's Place serves Phoenix comfort food

On a recent visit, the blue door with a bright yellow border opened into a diminutive waiting area with a hostess stand made of logs. Streamers the colors of the Mexican flag hung over a candy case. The area gave way to two vibrantly painted dining rooms with walls filled with framed old photos of Mexican revolutionaries like Pancho Villa and Zapata, photos of departed loved ones, paintings and news articles about Rosita's Place. The bar area sat at the back of the first dining room and behind it a party room.

MaryLou glided seamlessly between waiting tables, making drinks at the bar and checking guests in or out at the hostess stand. "Oh honey, I do it all." Silverware clinked, conversations pierced by occasional guffaws. On the way out, a patron stopped to tell her three companions, "I love it. They are the best," while another guest entered, stopping to greet MaryLou with a hug. "Everything is so good, I'd come here in 116-degree weather."

The food that draws a steady stream of regulars reflects their tastes.

Rosita's Place owner MaryLou Medina serves customers at her restaurant in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The Medina family has owned Rosita's Place since 1964.

"My parents didn't have a certain cuisine because at that time it was what they could get," said MaryLou. She remembers taking trips to Nogales with her family to find ingredients. "There wasn't the availability of spices we have now, so the food was a combination of what they could get here made into comfort food. If you are looking for a good chicken soup, we have it. So many people love it."

The restaurant caters to the culture it functions in. Alongside cocido and menudo, it also serves wings and burgers. And the menu has continued to evolve over the years. "Oh my God," MaryLou said. "My mom would never think of doing loaded nachos or carne asada fries."

When it comes to Rosita's Mexican cuisine, MaryLou knows people are divided. Some customers bring their friends for "authentic Mexican food," while others complain that it's not like the dishes they remember from back home. But the ones who love it, stay with it.

No pets allowed: Publix-style dog bans make it safer for service dogs and people who need them, advocates say

Regulars are used to rubbing shoulders with celebrities and politicians

Julie Diaz shows off a cheese crisp with green chiles at Rosita's Place in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.

"We have such a diverse clientele and that's what I love," said MaryLou. "You could have your landscaper sitting next to the CEO of Banner."

Celebrities, like Paul Rodriguez and Rob Lowe, have dined there along with politicians like former governor Doug Ducey, Janet Napolitano and former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

"He announced running for presidency and had lunch with community leaders at Rosita's Place in November 2019," MaryLou said, adding that she had only 24 hours to prepare. "I had never seen so many news outlets in the same place and all I could think about was how in the world will our plugs handle the electrical demand. But what an honor for a small business owner to be selected for the event."

Even more important are the regulars who keep coming back.

"I've seen three generations come to the restaurant over the years," MaryLou said.

Brisa Molina Medina, the owner's cousin, who has worked at Rosita's for more than 30 years, said her first customers kept returning and would occasionally remind her of the first time she waited on them, hands shaking from nervousness. Regulars often ask for their favorite server and if the person no longer works there, Brisa and MaryLou fill in and "try to give them our best service," she said.

Near the entrance, a customer letter dated 2019, is taped to the wall. The note reads: "For twenty years, every Saturday morning we'd come in for red menudo and chips and salsa  the best in Phoenix." The couple retired, left Phoenix and returned years later. "We of course had to have our usual at Rosita's ... Nothing had changed. Breakfast was just as we remembered. Thank you for that."

The future of Rosita's Place is uncertain. And MaryLou Medina is just fine with that

Anais Medina, the daughter of Rosita's Place owner MaryLou Medina, works the bar at the family-owned restaurant in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The Medina family has owned Rosita's Place since 1964.

Whereas MaryLou's mother didn't want her in the kitchen, MaryLou has always encouraged her three kids and eight grandkids to participate at the restaurant. And though she'd love to keep the business in the family, she only wants to pass it along if her children want to run it. If not, she's at peace with selling the place.

Her daughter Anais Sorkhabi started working at the restaurants in 2009. "Some of the customers have seen my kids and now their kids growing up." Her one rule is that there's no talk of business once they are home.

For MaryLou Medina, Rosita's Place is more than a restaurant. It's a place to preserve happy family memories and create new ones.

"You're going to remember your grandma," she said. "You're going to remember your aunt or a certain family member who used to cook for you. The whole place reminds me of my family, of my mom and dad and everything they cooked."

Mexican food is served at Rosita's Place in Phoenix on Wednesday, July 19, 2023. The Medina family has owned Rosita's Place since 1964 and has multiple regular customers.

Reach the reporter at BAnooshahr@azcentral.com. Follow @banooshahr on X, formerly Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Mexican restaurant Rosita's Place serves a taste of Arizona history
President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a government-business meeting on lifting regulatory barriers at G Valley Industrial Museum in Guro District, Seoul, Thursday. Joint Press Corps



President calls for 'flexible labor supply' through eased migrant worker rules



By Nam Hyun-woo



President Yoon Suk Yeol on Thursday called for swift deregulation around migrant workers in order to enable a more flexible labor supply to address the country's workforce shortage.



To this end, the country will expand the quota for E-7-4 skilled worker visas to 35,000 by the end of this year from last year's 2,000, and increase the limits on the number of foreign employees that a company can hire.



"When there are people willing to work and businesses in need of their labor, it is essential to swiftly rectify any impractical regulations that stand in the way," Yoon said during a meeting on lifting regulatory barriers.



"This becomes even more imperative given the pressing demographic crisis. To effectively tackle the challenges posed by the changing population dynamics, it's crucial to ensure a flexible labor supply that aligns with the workforce demands."



The government held a meeting with businesses to collect opinions and explore ideas to lift what Yoon calls "killer regulations."



As part of those efforts, the government will increase the quota of E-7-4 visas to address workforce shortages stemming from the low birthrate and population decreases outside of Seoul.



The number of E-7-4 visa recipients has been increasing consistently from 1,000 in 2020 to 1,250 in 2021 to 2,000 in 2022 and to 5,000 this year, but there has been growing demand for expansion.



The increased quota will be available for foreign workers who have been staying in Korea for four years or longer with E-9, E-10 or H-2 working visas. Also, their annual salary should exceed 26 million won ($19,700) and they must have a certain level of Korean language ability. Detailed requirements are available at hikorea.go.kr.



Those who received an E-9 visa can work in Korea for 10 straight years without leaving and revisiting the country. So far, E-9 visa holders had to leave and return to Korea at least once after working 4 years and 10 months.



The limits on the number of foreign employees available per company will also be increased. For example, a manufacturing company can hire up to 80 foreign workers, up from 40, and an agricultural firm can hire up to 50, up from 25.



"We must remember that speed is the top priority in deregulation efforts," Yoon said. "For companies doing business, the most important thing is time. Whether something is going to happen or not, what matters the most is that a swift conclusion by the government (occurs)."





gettyimagesbank
Even as the party appears to be turning away from further support for Ukraine, all but two of the eight Republican presidential candidates on the debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night said they wanted to see continued aid to the embattled Eastern European nation.

The two, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, raised their hands when asked by moderator Bret Baier if they wanted aid to stop.

GOP front-runner Donald Trump skipped the debate for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. Trump has said he could negotiate an end to the war quickly, though, without laying out specifics of how he would accomplish that. He has also suggested no more aid be given to Ukraine unless federal agencies give Republicans in Congress evidence of wrongdoing by President Joe Biden and his son Hunter.

Ukraines defenders on Wednesday night said the issue is not only a strategic one but also a moral one. Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said Russian President Vladimir Putin is known for killing his domestic opponents.

This guy is a murderer, and you are choosing a murderer, she said, turning to Ramaswamy, who was at the lectern next to hers. The line drew cheers in the hall.

This guy is a murderer, and you are choosing a murderer.Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pointed out that the number of Ukrainian children Russian forces are accused of kidnapping and taking to Russia would more than fill the debate hall and cited reports of Russian troops using torture and rape as weapons of war.

He also used his time to attack Trump for supporting Putin. This is the Vladimir Putin who Trump called brilliant and a genius. If we dont stand up to this type of autocratic killing in the world, we will be next, Christie said.

If Ukraine falls, former Vice President Mike Pence said, it is not going to be too long before he rolls across a NATO border and, frankly, our men and women of our armed forces will have to fight him.

Ramaswamy said he worried the war was driving Russia into a closer relationship with China, a fear that has been voiced by Trump as well.

The Russia-China military alliance is the single greatest threat we face, and nobody in either political party is talking about it, he said.

Citing Iraq and Vietnam, Ramaswamy said, You cannot start another no-win war.

DeSantis took a slightly different tack, saying he wanted to condition further aid on European allies of Ukraine contributing more to the effort.

I will have Europe pull their weight. Right now, theyre not doing it, he said.

A car on the central square of Ukrainian city of Chernihiv lies wrecked by a missile strike on Aug. 19.

A car on the central square of Ukrainian city of Chernihiv lies wrecked by a missile strike on Aug. 19.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economy, a German think tank, estimates the U.S. has pledged about 71 billion euros ($77 billion in U.S. dollars) in military, financial and humanitarian aid, while multilateral European Union institutions have pledged about 35 billion euros ($38 billion) through the end of May. Individual European countries have also donated directly to Ukraine, such as with Germanys 11 billion euro ($12 billion) contribution.

An early August CNN poll showed for the first time that a majority of Americans, 55%, do not want the U.S. to send additional funding to Ukraine. Perhaps more important for the GOP candidates, it also showed 71% of Republicans did not support further aid and 59% thought the U.S. had done enough already.

Though only one poll, it is clear that support for Ukraine has fallen sharply from the high levels seen right after Russia invaded Ukraines eastern and southeastern regions after taking over the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

The issue will be in the front burner politically soon, as President Joe Biden has asked for an additional $21 billion in aid as Ukraines counteroffensive has made steady, if very slow, progress in dislodging the Russians. The aid is likely to be an issue in negotiations between the White House and Congress over annual funding of the government.

Related...
TODAY meteorologist Dylan Dreyer is reminiscing about her favorite memory of her wedding day to her husband, Brian Fichera, more than 10 years ago.

In a recent story on People, Dreyer recalled dancing late into the night as husband and wife.

At the end of our wedding, the DJ asked Brian what song to play last. Brian just randomly said Viva La Vida by Coldplay, she said.

Dreyer shared photos of her and Fichera from their 2012 wedding in honor of their 10th anniversary. (Dylan Dreyer / Instagram)

We have no connection to the song but it was absolutely perfect. I tied up my long dress and he just spun me around the dance floor. It was pure joy and love and happiness.

Dreyer met Fichera while they both were working at NBC's Boston affiliate, WHDH. Fichera is a cameraman. They tied the knot on Oct. 6, 2012.

In the years since, they have welcomed three boys: Calvin, 6, Oliver, 3, and Rusty, who will turn 2 in September.

The couple says they're done having kids.

Dont think Brian and I havent had that conversation, Dreyer told TODAY.com earlier this year. But its like, no, we are so done. I know my luck and it would be a fourth boy!

The two regularly share behind-the-scenes glimpses into their lives with their rowdy kids. From loudly mixing drinks in a shaker to drown out the kids' yelling to laughing at her son's misunderstandings of swear words, Dreyer and Fichera approach parenting with a good sense of humor.

On their 10th anniversary, Dreyer celebrated being "happy for the rest of (her) life" with her husband.

"Thank you for a perfectly easy kind of love where every day is simply better than the day before," she captioned a slideshow of photos. "I dont know how to say it much more eloquently than that!! I love you and this life we have together!"

Fichera also posted in honor of their 10 years of marriage, writing that he's not "a big anniversary guy" but still celebrated everyday he's spent with his wife.

"The 10 year anniversary of a day where i fell even more in love with Dyl. Same can be said for the next dayand the day after thatand on and on and on.the point is nothing could possibly top right now.until tomorrow comes that is," he wrote at the time.

"Yesterday I was with her in Italy in the most beautiful town in the world pinching myself thinking Ive reached the apex of Aristotles idea of Happiness. (Yea thats rightI flexed Aristotle on all yall). But today on the couch with a bowl of popcorn sitting next to you in our apartment in New York is hands down the happiest day of my life."

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Joseph Hart, a former Kansas City priest and retired Wyoming bishop whose tenure was clouded by a string of sexual abuse allegations deemed credible by two U.S. bishops but dismissed by the Vatican, died Wednesday. He was 91.

His death was confirmed late Wednesday afternoon by the Diocese of Cheyenne. Hart had been dealing with health issues for years and had recently entered hospice care.

Hart had been the subject of abuse allegations spanning more than three decades and was the target of two criminal investigations in Wyoming that both ended without charges being filed. He also was one of several priests featured in Procession, a highly acclaimed 2021 Netflix documentary about clergy sexual abuse.

News of Harts death evoked a strong reaction from sexual abuse survivors and their families.

May his victims know that they are believed, said Ed Gavagan, of New York City, who grew up in Cheyenne and whose allegations against Hart led to the criminal investigations. And may the families of those victims who died without knowing that fact be comforted by the community of survivors who worked against all odds to expose both the abusers and the long, shameful collusion of the Catholic Church in hiding their sins.

Darrel Hunter, who with his two brothers was among the minors Hart was accused of abusing in Kansas City decades ago, said the death was difficult to process.

Upon learning of his death, as a victim of abuse by Joseph Hart when I was a boy, I can only express profound disappointment in his failure and that of his church to bring about a just solution for the harm that he caused to so many families, he said.

Hart had maintained his innocence over the years. After the Vatican exonerated him in 2021, his attorney, Thomas Jubin, said in a statement that the allegations were unwarranted and accused Steven Biegler, the bishop of Cheyenne who pushed for an investigation, of grandstanding.

Bishop Hart has had to live under the cloud of these allegations for many years, especially so since Bishop Biegler was installed as Bishop of Cheyenne and began this divisive, irresponsible and unfathomable campaign against his predecessor, Jubin said.

Despite this, Bishop Hart asks me to convey that he continues to pray for all involved in this case so that they may find peace and healing. He now asks, and I ask, too, that he may now be afforded peace in the twilight of this life as he prepares to meet his God in the next.

The Cheyenne diocese had remained responsible for Harts care until his death.

Born Sept. 26, 1931, Hart was a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph from 1956 to 1976. He became auxiliary bishop of Cheyenne in 1976 and was bishop from 1978 until retiring in 2001.

Allegations against Hart first surfaced in 1989 and 1992, with two Missouri men alleging that Hart had sexually abused them when they were boys and he was a priest in Kansas City. Church officials at the time found those allegations not credible, but the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese helped one of the men buy a pickup truck and paid for his counseling. The diocese also paid for counseling for two sisters of the other man. In 2018, Bishop James V. Johnston found those allegations to be substantiated.

In 2002, Gavagan accused Hart of sexually abusing him as a boy when his family lived in Cheyenne. Authorities in Cheyenne concluded there was no evidence to support the allegations. But in July 2018, Biegler  then the new bishop of Cheyenne  announced that the diocese had reopened its investigation into Hart.

Biegler said the previous investigation was flawed and that a second man had come forward alleging sexual abuse by Hart. Both mens allegations, Biegler said, had been deemed credible and substantiated.

Wyoming authorities, spurred by the Cheyenne diocese, opened a new criminal investigation. If charged, Hart would have become the highest-ranking Roman Catholic cleric in the country to face criminal prosecution for sexual abuse of a minor.

Though the alleged abuse occurred decades ago, Wyoming  unlike most states  has no statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions, so charges can be filed years later.

In August 2019, the Cheyenne Police Department recommended that Hart be charged. By September 2019, the Diocese of Cheyenne said it had received a total of six credible allegations against Hart.

According to the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese, Hart was named by 10 individuals in lawsuits regarding child sexual abuse claims in that diocese dating from the 1970s. Those claims were part of two settlements of $10 million each that the diocese entered into in 2008 and 2014 in cases involving dozens of victims and numerous priests.

In September 2019, the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese said it had received four additional allegations against Hart in the past year.

In 2020, a special prosecutor assigned to the criminal case in Cheyenne declined to file charges against Hart, citing insufficient evidence. That decision, Biegler said, didnt mean the alleged victims were not credible.

I commend the victims who have spoken courageously about their abuse, Biegler said in a strongly worded statement. I also stand behind the determination made by the Diocese of Cheyenne that allegations of sexual abuse against former Bishop Hart are credible.

In January 2021, despite both Bieglers and Johnstons findings that the allegations against Hart were credible, the Vatican cleared him of seven accusations that he sexually abused minors and said five others could not be proven with moral certitude.

But the Vaticans Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith also issued a canonical rebuke to Hart, the Cheyenne diocese said, for his flagrant lack of prudence as a priest and bishop for being alone with minors in his private residence and on various trips, which could have been potential occasions endangering the obligation to observe continence and that would give rise to scandal among the faithful.

Hart also was rebuked for his disregard of the urgent requests that he refrain from public engagements that would cause scandal among the faithful due to the numerous accusations against him and the civil and canonical investigations and processes being conducted in his regard, the Cheyenne diocese said.

The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reminded Hart that restrictions placed upon him by Pope Francis in 2018 remained in force, the diocese said. Those restrictions prohibited Hart from having any contact with minors, youth, seminarians and vulnerable adults and from presiding or participating anywhere in any public celebration of the Liturgy.

Biegler, clearly disappointed in the Vaticans exoneration of Hart, had a message for the accusers who had come forward.

Today, I want the survivors to know that I support and believe you, Biegler said in the dioceses statement. I understand that this announcement will not bring closure to the survivors, their family members, Bishop Hart and all those affected.

I will continue to work and pray for their healing and for all involved in these painful and distressing matters. In the Diocese of Cheyenne, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect the most vulnerable and to accompany those who have been harmed on a journey of healing.

The Cheyenne diocese said the accusations against Hart involved 11 males and one female. Moral certitude is held to be equivalent to beyond a reasonable doubt, the standard of proof required for a criminal conviction, it said.

These findings do not equate to innocence; rather, a high burden of proof has not been met, the diocese said.

Johnston issued a statement on the Kansas City-St. Joseph dioceses website at the time, saying the case was of special interest because several of the accusations against Bishop Hart originated from our diocese, dating to the time when he served here as a priest prior to becoming a bishop in Cheyenne in 1976.

This has been a long and often difficult process, especially for the survivors and their families who bravely shared their stories, Johnston said. I am grateful for the courage and perseverance of those who brought this matter to a point of decision; the survivors, their families and Bishop Biegler.

Just five months earlier, as the Vatican was still investigating Harts case, Gavagan had received a letter from Pope Francis in response to an emotional letter hed written the pontiff. Gavagan had described what hed endured and asked Francis to remove Hart from the priesthood and strip him of the authority that his arrogance and vanity have used to cover his evil.

Now, Hart is very close to death, Gavagan wrote. But whatever awaits him after this life needs also some measure of earthly judgment and accountability. He has evaded all of it so far by using his office and the church as protection.

Francis responded in a letter dated Aug. 20, 2020.

Reading your letter, I felt pain, indignation and great shame in learning that a brother bishop had done these things, he wrote. Your letter ends with, I need your help. For my part, I will make every effort to help. Please know that I am close to you, and allow me to say that, since reading the letter and beginning to reply, I myself have been brought to tears.

I ask your forgiveness and I promise that I will seriously concern myself with this matter.
A Fulton County Superior Court judge has set a trial date for the first of 19 defendants in a sweeping racketeering case involving former President Trump over efforts to overturn Georgias 2020 presidential election results.

Judge Scott McAfee ruled that defendant Kenneth Chesebros trial will begin on Oct. 23, after the lawyer and key coordinator of the fake electors plot demanded a speedy trial.

Per Georgias speedy trial rules, Chesebros case would have to be tried before the end of two court terms following his arraignment. He asked the court earlier Thursday to expedite the scheduling of dates for his arraignment, pretrial hearings and trial itself.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis replied to Chesebros motion requesting an Oct. 23 start date in Georgia. The date is four months earlier than the one Willis initially suggested for the trial over whether Trump and others participated in a criminal conspiracy after the 2020 election, a timeline legal experts previously told The Hill was ambitious at best.

You worry its going to turn into a circus atmosphere, Kay Levine, a law professor at Emory University in Atlanta, previously said of the original timetable.

Willis requested that all 19 defendants  not just Chesebro  be tried starting in October, according to a Thursday court filing. McAfee said that his ruling only pertains to Chesebro at this time. The judge also set Chesebros arraignment for Sept. 6 and said that all discovery is due by Sept. 20.

If Williss proposal to have all the defendants tried in October is accepted by a judge, Trumps Georgia trial would become the first of his four criminal cases to be heard by a jury.

A March 25 trial date is set in Trumps New York hush money case, and a May 20 date is set for the federal case probing his handling of classified documents.

Special counsel Jack Smith has proposed a trial start date of Jan. 2 in the Washington, D.C., federal case over Trumps efforts to subvert the 2020 election results  with which Trumps legal team countered an April 2026 start.

Later Thursday, Trumps counsel filed a motion opposing the October trial date, asking to sever his case from Chesebro and any other co-defendant who requests a speedy trial. A key strategy in all of the former presidents cases has been to try to delay proceedings until after the 2024 election and beyond.

Willis has said she has no desire to be first or last in prosecuting Trump. But shes indicated that her office wont waste time  a signal bolstered by Thursdays request.

We do want to move this case along, she said when announcing charges earlier this month.

Updated 4:39 p.m.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Vivek Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley squaring off at the Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee. (/Morry Gash/AP)

When asked about the issue of abortion at Wednesdays first Republican presidential debate, the candidates  seven men and one woman  touted their pro-life stances, but it was apparent that one thing was clear: None of them had a consistent message on the reproductive rights issue.

Read more on Yahoo News: Where do the 2024 presidential candidates stand on abortion? Take a look, via AP

What they said: Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, the only female candidate, expressed how she wants to find common ground with a respectful approach on the issue. "We need to stop demonizing this issue," she told Fox News moderator Martha MacCallum. Cant we all agree that contraception should be available? And cant we all agree that we are not going to put a woman in jail or give her the death penalty if she gets an abortion?

Haley also argued that a national abortion ban, which all of the candidates were asked about, wouldnt pass unless her party finds a consensus on the issue, citing that any federal legislation would need 60 votes in the Senate.

Former Vice President Mike Pence challenged Haley saying, Nikki, youre my friend, but consensus is the opposite of leadership. Pence, perhaps the most vocal anti-abortion advocate among the candidates, argued that there should be a minimum 15-week ban on abortion at the federal level.

When the Supreme Court returned the question of abortion to the American people they didnt just send it to the states, he said. Its not a states-only issue, its a moral issue.

The former vice president said he would enact such a ban if he were elected to the White House.

Meanwhile, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis skirted around the question and didnt take a clear position on a federal abortion ban. I'm going to stand on the side of life. I understand: Wisconsin will do it different than Texas. ... But I will support the cause of life as governor and as president.

Why it matters: Hours ahead of the presidential debate, South Carolinas Supreme Court upheld the states ban on abortion around six weeks of pregnancy. In a 4-1 ruling, the all-male bench reversed the courts decision it made in January that struck down a similar abortion ban the GOP-led Legislature passed in 2021. The six-week ban takes effect immediately in South Carolina.

Abortion issues have been a thorn in the side of the GOP ever since they were defeated across the board on abortion ballot initiatives in the November 2022 midterms, months after the fall of Roe v. Wade. Abortion rights supporters won in all six states where abortion-related issues were on the ballot, including red states.

Voters in conservative Kansas, Kentucky and Montana used citizen-led ballot initiatives to reject proposals restricting abortion access, while voters in the more progressive states of California, Michigan and Vermont passed initiatives to enshrine abortion rights into each of their state constitutions.

Most recently, abortion rights supporters won a major victory in a special election in Ohio on Aug. 8, and defeated a ballot measure (Issue 1) that would have made it more difficult to amend the states constitution.

Republicans in the state Legislature had called the special election, hoping to undercut a vote in November that will decide whether to amend the states constitution to establish protections for reproductive health. But it proved to be yet another defeat, and an added challenge ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

Read more on Yahoo News:
By Bhargav Acharya and Tannur Anders

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg and highlighted concerns India has about border issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India's foreign secretary said.

Modi and Xi agreed "to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said.

Relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours have been sour for more than three years after soldiers from both sides clashed in the Himalayan frontier in June 2020, resulting in 24 deaths.

While the situation on the nearly 3,000-km (1,860-mile)frontier has been calm since, the face-off continues in a few pockets.

On the sidelines of the BRICS summit Modi highlighted to Xi "India's concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC", Kwatra said.

Modi also "underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship," the foreign secretary said.

This is the first time that Modi has brought up the issue directly with Xi, repeating India's stand that has been shared with China through other ministers multiple times.

The two leaders interacted on the sidelines of the Group of 20 nations summit in Indonesia last year, but only exchanged courtesies and discussed the need to stabilise ties, the Indian government said recently.

Discussions have taken place at several levels to find solutions to border issues, but a resolution remains elusive.

Xi told Modi that improving China-India relations served the interests of the two countries and was conducive to peace, stability, and development, according to China's official Xinhua news agency, which said the meeting was at Modi's request.

"The two sides should bear in mind the overall interests of their bilateral relations and handle properly the border issue so as to jointly safeguard peace and tranquillity in the border region," Xi said.

Just before the two leaders travelled to Johannesburg, military commanders held talks for five days along the Himalayan frontier in an attempt to find a breakthrough. While the two sides said the talks had been positive, there was no word on any pullback of troops on the ground.

China's foreign and defence ministers visited India earlier this year for G20 and Shanghai Cooperation Dialogue events and met their Indian counterparts.

(Reporting by Bhargav Acharya, Tannur Anders and Michael Martina; writing by Krishn Kaushik; editing by Jonathan Oatis)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Seoul office worker Kim Mijeong said she intends to stop eating seafood because she deeply mistrusts the safety of Japans release of treated radioactive wastewater into the sea from its crippled nuclear power plant.

We should absolutely cut back on our consumption of seafood. Actually, we can't eat it, Kim said. I cant accept the Japanese plan because its too unilateral and is proceeding without countermeasures.

Many foreign experts said the water discharge will have a negligible impact on the environment and human health. The International Atomic Energy Agency also said it has experts on the ground to ensure the release goes as planned. But with the discharge starting Thursday, public fears and frustration were being shared in its Asian neighbors, where many still bear strong resentment over Japans World War II aggression.

In response to the release, China banned seafood from Japan. Ministry of Commerce spokesperson Shu Jueting called the discharge extremely selfish and irresponsible and said it would "cause damage and harm to the global marine environment that cannot be predicted.

Hong Kong and Macau said they were banning seafood from Fukushima and nine other Japanese prefectures. North Koreas Foreign Ministry called the release a crime against humanity and said Japan would be wholly responsible its catastrophic consequences.

South Korean police detained 16 student activists Thursday for allegedly trying to enter the Japanese Embassy illegally to protest the release. The activists entered the building housing the embassy, shouted slogans and unfolded banners but failed to enter embassy offices, according to police.

In South Korea, fierce domestic political wrangling has erupted over its own governments endorsement of the Japanese plan. Liberal critics accused the conservative government led by President Yoon Suk Yeol of pushing to improve ties with Japan at the sacrifice of public health.

The Yoon Suk Yeol government and the ruling People Power Party are accomplices in the dumping of the wastewater, said Kwon Chil-seung, a spokesperson for the main opposition Democratic Party.

The governing party accused the opposition of inciting anti-Japan sentiment and public fears for political gain, undermining South Korea's national interests and driving those in the domestic fisheries and seafood industries to the edge.

Yoons government and the Democratic Party have already fought bitterly over another Japan issue  Yoons contentious decision to take a major step toward easing historical grievances over forced Korean laborers during the Japanese colonial period. The Democratic Party accused Yoon of making concessions to Japan without receiving steps in return. Yoon maintains that improved ties with Japan are necessary because of shared challenges like North Koreas advancing nuclear arsenal and the intensifying U.S.-China rivalry.

Yoon administration officials have tried to ease public concerns by expanding radiation tests on seafood at major fish markets. Last month, some governing party lawmakers even drank seawater from fish tanks at a seafood market in Seoul to emphasize food safety.

But surveys of South Koreans show that more than 80% of respondents oppose the Japanese discharge plan and more than 60% said they wont eat seafood after the water release begins.

I totally oppose the Japanese plan. The radioactive wastewater is truly a bad thing, said Lee Jae-kyung, a Seoul resident. My feelings toward Japan have worsened because of the wastewater release."

Fears about the wastewater are taking a heavy toll on some businesses in South Koreas seafood industry.

In a seafood market in the southeastern port city of Busan, fishmonger Kim Hae-cheol said his revenues have halved since a few months ago and worried that his business would suffer more after the start of the discharge.

I havent had any customers today. In past years, I sold fish worth 400,000-500,000 won ($300-$380) by this time on a normal day, Kim said in a midday phone interview Wednesday. Others in this market have had few customers today as well.

Kim said he trusts the safety reviews by the IAEA, Japanese and South Korean officials, but that his business has been battered mainly because some opposition politicians and media outlets make much ado.

Japan also faced strong protests from local fishing organizations, which worry their catches will be shunned. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has promised his governments full support for fishing communities during the decades the wastewater will be released. The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives opposes the release, but its leaders say some members have gained confidence in the plan's safety.

Hong Seong-been, a Seoul resident, said political strife over the release has left many with a lack of genuine information about whether the water is truly safe or not.

In Hong Kong, about a dozen residents took part in a march in a central business district to protest against Japans move.

After the protesters reached the building housing the Japanese Consulate, they tore up a big banner bearing Japan's flag and the words No trace of humanity. An enemy of the whole world. Some held up placards calling for Kishida to step down.

The discharge plans have dealt a blow to Japanese restaurants which were already reeling from other problems, said Martin Chan, a director of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades. If Hong Kong follows Chinas lead and bans all seafood from Japan, he will have to suspend operations at his Japanese restaurant, he said.

During lunch hour, some residents rushed to Japanese restaurants and supermarkets to have what they called their last safe sushi meals.

Housewife Vivian Li said she would stop eating aquatic products from Japan after finishing her sushi lunch. Li said she likes eating Japanese food but she had to make the decision due to health concerns.

I want to act as a role model for my children, so they will stop eating these products even when they grow up, she said.

But young professional Janet Yip said she would not cut her consumption of Japanese food because the release plans meet international standards.

In Taiwan, reactions to the release plan were muted. On a governmental level, Taipei is aligned with Tokyo on a score of issues and hasnt vocally opposed the discharge plan, which has been portrayed by Taiwanese media as conforming to international norms.

Taiwans Atomic Energy Council, a government agency, expressed concern in the past over the discharge. On Tuesday, it said it would closely monitor radiation levels in waters around Taiwan.

The Philippines, which receives coast guard vessels and other aid from Japan, also stressed that it was looking at the issue from a scientific perspective and recognized the IAEA's expertise.

As a coastal and archipelagic state, the Philippines attaches utmost priority to the protection and preservation of the marine environment," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

___

Associated Press journalists Jin-man Lee in Seoul, Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan, Jim Gomez in Manila, Philippines, and Kanis Leung in Hong Kong contributed to this report.
Less than two weeks into the school year, a Kentucky school district has canceled in-person classes for the rest of the week after nearly a fifth of its students came down with Covid, strep throat, the flu and other illnesses.

The Lee County School District, which has just under 900 students, began classes Aug. 9 but noticed attendance drop to about 82% on Friday, Superintendent Earl Ray Schuler said.

By Monday, the rate dipped to 81%, and 14 staff members called in sick, Schuler said.

The district canceled classes Tuesday and Wednesday and will shift to remote learning Thursday and Friday. Extracurricular activities, including sports practices and games, have been canceled through the week to allow for a deep clean of the schools, Schuler said.

Were sanitizing our buses and our buildings and giving our staff and our students time to heal, he said.

Lee County Elementary school in Beattyville, Ky. (Google Maps)

The district, which is split into an elementary school and a combined middle and high school, had about equal numbers of students call in sick across the two schools, Schuler said.

As the new school year begins across the country, various other districts have already had to cancel classes, though primarily because of severe heat waves or tropical storms. Districts in Palm Springs, California; Johnston, Iowa; and Milwaukee, among others, suspended classes or closed early at least one day this week.

In Kentucky, the Lee County School District is encouraging families to stay home and limit contact with other students if possible. It has also urged people to get vaccinated against the flu and Covid (though the school district does not require either).

Officials from public health agencies across the country advised people this month to protect themselves against respiratory viruses this fall by getting their yearly flu shots and new Covid boosters when they are available.

Flu shots are typically recommended for everyone over 6 months old in September or October, and this years guidelines are no exception. Updated Covid boosters, meanwhile, are expected to roll out in mid- to late-September but have yet to get the Food and Drug Administrations authorization.

Though back-to-school season is in full swing, its still early in the year to see large flu outbreaks, said Dr. Danny Benjamin, a professor of pediatrics at Duke University. In the coming weeks, school districts are more likely to experience outbreaks of Covid and other non-flu viruses, he said.

Benjamin predicted flu outbreaks in schools around early October. Last year, the U.S. flu season ramped up earlier than expected, in the first few weeks of October.

When the vaccines become available, its something to really think through in protecting yourself and your family, Benjamin said.

Benjamin also advised parents to teach their children to follow basic health precautions, like thoroughly washing their hands and sneezing into their elbows.

For the small share of children who are severely immunocompromised, he said, it may be worth considering masking at school, though he acknowledged that might bring unwanted attention in some situations.

For parents of children who are healthy, if there are other children in the classroom who are masking, just remind your kids that not everybody has the same health background and some folks need a little extra protection, Benjamin said. It can be hard to be the one sixth grader in middle school wearing a mask.
A gunman who officials say killed three people and wounded six others Wednesday night at a landmark biker bar in Trabuco Canyon was a former police officer, according to officials.

Orange County Dist. Atty. Todd Spitzer identified the gunman as John Snowling, a retired sergeant from the Ventura Police Department. Snowling, 59, was targeting his estranged wife, who was reportedly a regular at the bar, according to two law enforcement sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The gunman was also killed Wednesday night, the Orange County Sheriff's Department posted on social media.

Sheriffs officials received a 911 call just after 7 p.m. about the shooting at the Cook's Corner bar on Santiago Canyon Road. The first deputies arrived within two minutes. Deputies found a man with a gun, and multiple deputies opened fire, officials said.

A tarp covers a body as Orange County crime scene investigators view the scene where a gunman killed three people and six were taken to hospitals after a shooting Wednesday night at Cook's Corner, a landmark biker bar at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Law enforcement sources told The Times that deputies pinned Snowling down beside a silver truck, and his body remained next to the truck Wednesday night.

Snowling had two handguns and a shotgun, according to a law enforcement source with detailed knowledge who was not authorized to discuss the investigation and requested anonymity. The shotgun was used in a gun battle with deputies in a parking area, the source said.

The six people who were injured in the shooting were taken to Providence Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo on Wednesday night. Two were in critical condition  a man who was shot in the chest and a woman who was shot in the jaw, according to James Chisum, a spokesman for the hospital. The woman was transferred overnight to UC Irvine Medical Center, Chisum confirmed Thursday.

The four other victims, all men, were stable, Chism said. One was released from the hospital late Wednesday, and two others with minor injuries were expected to be released soon. The fourth man, shot in the arm, is likely to have surgery Thursday.

Authorities did not provide additional details about the identities of the victims.

Law enforcement sources said Snowling's estranged wife, Marie Snowling, survived being shot and is hospitalized.

Mark Johnson, pianist for the Orange County band that was performing at the bar Wednesday night, said two members of the M-Street Band "were hit and were hospitalized but stable."

Johnson, drummer Brian Lynch and singer Debbie Johnson said in a video that guitarist Ed Means and bassist Dave Stretch were in the hospital. Lynch said they were "all going to be OK."

On Thursday morning, Orange County sheriff's deputies were seen serving a search warrant at Snowling's address in Camarillo.

Snowling worked for the Ventura Police Department from 1986 to 2014, rising to the rank of sergeant, according to a department spokesman. He served as the president of the citys police union in 2008 and 2009, records show.

In December 2022, Marie Snowling filed for divorce. A hearing was scheduled for later this year, records show.

John Snowling, then a Ventura police officer, patrols the Pacific View Mall in Ventura in 2000. Snowling, who retired in 2014, was identified as the gunman in Wednesday night's mass shooting in Trabuco Canyon. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

James Goldsmith, 68, lived two doors down from the Snowlings in Camarillo for more than two decades. Marie Snowling had moved out to live with her sick mother in Orange County, he said, adding that he knew the couple had been going through "marital issues" but never heard any shouting or saw the police come by due to domestic disputes.

John was always kind of a standoffish kind of person, Goldsmith said. He wasnt the most personable guy, not that I can say that there was anything really negative. He wasnt the type of neighbor that youd get the warm fuzzies from.

He described Marie Snowling as an "absolute sweetheart." She was the more social one of the couple, according to Goldsmith, who would often see her walking her dog outside. When Goldsmith's son was younger, he would play with the Snowlings' son, Patrick.

Goldsmith didn't know whether Marie had a new partner but said she often posted on Facebook about her life after filing for divorce.

I think it reached a point where it felt like life was passing her by because he didnt want to do anything, Goldsmith said. He would barely maintain the house. I think she wanted to have friends and live life, and thats why I think she made the move that she did. Its sad that he couldnt allow that and let her live her own life.

Snowling moved his parents into the house next door about 20 years ago, where he helped care for them before they both died, Goldsmith said. Snowling had recently purchased a house in Ohio and was staying there most of the time; Goldsmith most recently saw him come back a few months ago to do some maintenance work on the house.

Snowling, right, and partner Sam Arroyo on patrol at Ventura's Pacific View Mall in 2000. (Carlos Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

The shooting occurred in the middle of $8 Spaghetti Night at Cook's Corner. Geoffrey Kagy, 52, is a regular at the bar with his girlfriend, Jacqueline Bass. On Wednesday night, she was at Cook's Corner without him  but around 7:30 p.m. she suddenly sent Kagy a volley of text messages. The first said "911," followed by "Help" and "Omg." She'd been inside Cook's Corner when the gunman opened fire.

When they spoke by phone, Kagy said, "she just kept saying how she was running and that she saw somebody shoot."

At about 7:07 pm Wednesday, a dispatcher on the radio channel for local California Highway Patrol troopers said: "Male came in and started shooting. Eight shots were fired. White male. Plaid shirt and jeans. Still shooting. Possibly active shooter."

Emergency dispatchers reported hearing gunshots in the background of radio traffic as multiple deputies arrived at the bar, Orange County Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said at a late-night news conference Wednesday.

In a video posted to Facebook by Betty Fruichantie, a friend of Marie Snowling's, first responders are seen putting victims on gurneys to be taken to the hospital. Fruichantie wrote that the gunman fired "4 or 6 shots" at her but missed.

In the video, Fruichantie pans to a woman being wheeled away on a stretcher.

"Oh, Marie ... ," she says.

Fruichantie mentioned in Facebook comments that she was sharing a table with Marie Snowling before the shooting and later learned that the gunman was her friend's estranged husband.

"He shot her in the face," she wrote. "They transported her to the ER."

The Times reached out to Fruichantie but didnt immediately hear back.

Gus Gunderman, 60, stopped by Cooks Corner on Wednesday evening for a bite to eat and had left just minutes before the shooting started. The bar was filled with patrons sipping beers as the band prepared for their set. On the patio, families sat devouring large plates of spaghetti and salad.

Gunderman ordered a burger and a soda, not remembering it was all-you-can-eat spaghetti night. Looking back, hes grateful for that decision.

Had I ordered spaghetti I would have gotten another plate or more salad, and then I would have been in the thick of it," Gunderman said. Its a tragedy."

Orange County sheriff's deputies monitor the scene after the shooting. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Cooks Corner, which sits at the juncture of El Toro, Santiago Canyon and Live Oak Canyon roads near ONeill Regional Park, is known as a biker bar as well as a family-friendly spot where patrons often bring their children for an inexpensive weeknight dinner. It's a popular haunt among local riders who want to avoid freeway congestion and enjoy the winding route through the hills to get there.

In the four decades hes frequented the eatery, Gunderman said hes never once felt unsafe.

Ive never even seen a fight there. This could have happened anywhere, he said. It has nothing to do with motorcycles or motorcycle culture.

News of the shooting brought concern from local officials and residents.

An aerial view of investigators working the scene where a gunman killed three people and six were taken to hospitals after a shooting Wednesday night at Cook's Corner, a landmark biker bar at Cook's Corner in Trabuco Canyon Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times)

Im heartbroken by the news of yet another mass shooting tonight, this time at Cooks Corner, a historic bar in the heart of Orange County," state Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine) said in a statement. "My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the victims."

Its disturbing to learn that another domestic dispute led to another mass shooting. We must do more to prevent senseless acts of gun violence and protect survivors, said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley.

Cooks Corner was named after Andrew Jackson Cook, who got about 190 acres of Aliso Canyon in a land trade in 1884, according to a Times story. His son, Earl Jack E.J. Cook, opened a roadside hamburger joint in 1931. Soon after Prohibition ended in 1933, alcohol was added to the menu, and Cooks Corner became a full-fledged bar. In 1946, Cook bought an old mess hall from the Santa Ana Army Air Base, hauled it up El Toro Road, and the tavern was born.

Motorcycle riders discovered the place in the 1970s, and it has been a popular spot for decades.

First responders attend to people at the shooting scene. (OnScene.tv)

On Thursday morning, Erwin Lima stood outside the police tape blocking the two-lane road that leads to Cooks Corner with a look of concern on his face.

The Victorville resident has worked weekends detailing motorcycles at Cooks Corner since 2007. He drove to the scene hoping to learn anything he could about the condition of his co-workers and friends.

I couldnt believe it when I started getting calls, said Lima, 54. He turned on the TV to learn that four people had been killed.

My body just shut down, Lima said. He later learned that a bullet had grazed his friend Thomas arm in the shooting. Thomas, who is in his 50s, works in the bars kitchen.

Marie Snowling frequented the bar most weekends for the live music, Lima said. Sometimes it would get so crowded that shed bring her own chair so shed have somewhere to sit.

Everywhere now is shootings: schools, bars, church, he said.

Times staff writers Terry Castleman, Connor Sheets and Gabriel San Roman contributed to this report.

Sign up for Essential California, your daily guide to news, views and life in the Golden State.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo delivers a special statement on the Fukushima discharge plan at the government complex in Seoul, Aug. 24. Yonhap



Prime Minister Han Duck-soo called on Japan on Thursday to transparently disclose information about its discharge of contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima plant over the next 30 years.



Han made the remark in a public statement, as Japan has initiated the discharge of contaminated water, a process expected to span more than three decades, despite lingering concerns from neighboring countries.



"Our government hopes and once again urges the Japanese government to disclose information in a transparent and responsible manner about the water discharge process that will continue over the next 30 years," Han said.



Addressing public concerns about safety, Han said "excessive worry" is unnecessary, as the ocean disposal plan, if executed accordingly, should not result in significant harm.






YORK, S.C. (AP)  A 50-year-old woman was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison for killing her newborn daughter, whose stabbed body was found in a plastic bag in a South Carolina river in 1992.

A York County jury convicted Stacy Michelle Rabon of homicide by child abuse earlier this month. She was charged with her baby's death two years ago when her DNA sample taken in a 2019 drug arrest matched the DNA from the infant.

Rabon will be eligible for parole starting in 2031 because she was sentenced under the law in 1992 which allowed for shorter sentences for serious convictions.

Rabon told investigators she delivered the baby in a van by the Catawba River near Rock Hill, but then gave it up to a couple because she didn't want to keep her and never saw the child again.

Prosecutors said she made up that story after she was arrested. They said the infant was found wrapped in sheets inside a plastic bag in the river in August 1992 and was stabbed at least 50 times. Investigators couldn't determine if the baby died from the stab wounds or suffocated in the bag.

Stacy Rabon threw her baby into that cold Catawba River  never looking back, abandoning her, keeping her secret for 29 years," said York County Sheriffs deputy Lanelle Day, the detective who made the DNA link.

Rabon asked for mercy. She said her decision to give the child up to people she didn't know haunts her.

I cant think of anything but her face, Rabon said. Think about her everything, growing up -- all these things were taken from her because I made poor decisions.

Circuit Court Judge Bill McKinnon said the life sentence was appropriate because the victim was so vulnerable.

A newborn comes into this world looking for its parents to protect it, McKinnon said. This baby was stabbed more than 50 times.

Rabon's lawyer said she is a much different person than the teen who had the baby more than 30 years ago. She came into court Wednesday in a wheelchair and needs surgeries.

The community called the girl "Baby Angel Hope and buried her in 1992.
Russian President Vladimir Putin made his first public comments Thursday on the plane crash believed to have killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, saying the Wagner leader was talented but made serious mistakes in life.

The crash Wednesday took place northwest of Moscow and killed all on board, said Russias aviation agency, including Prigozhin, chief of the mercenary group that gained prominence for its brutal methods worldwide and its battleground victories in the Ukraine war. Authorities are still identifying the bodies.

First of all, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of all the victims, this is always a tragedy, said Putin.

Indeed, if they were there, it seems  preliminary information suggests that Wagner Group employees were also on board, Putin said during a meeting with the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Peoples Republic (DPR) Denis Pushilin in the Kremlin.

Speaking about Prigozhin in the past tense, Putin said hed known the Wagner chief for a very long time, and that he was a talented man, a talented businessman.

He was a man of difficult fate, and he made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results needed both for himself and when I asked him about it  for a common cause, as in these last months, the Russian president said.

The crash of Prigozhins plane happened two months after Prigozhin and Wagner staged their insurrection, the biggest challenge to Putins authority during his long rule.

Just days after the mutiny, a furious Putin made it clear that he viewed the actions of Wagner as a form of treason. While he did not mention Prigozhin by name, he accused the organizers of the rebellion of betraying Russia itself.

A witness to the crash told Reuters he saw a wing fly off the plane before it headed toward the ground on Wednesday. It glided down on one wing. It didnt nose-dive, it was gliding, he said.

Prigozhins apparent death follows a series of incidents in which Kremlin critics have died or had attempts made on their life.

No evidence has been presented that points to the involvement of the Kremlin or Russian security services in the crash. The cause of the crash is unknown and Russian authorities have launched a criminal investigation.

Putin pledged this investigation would be thorough. But what is absolutely certain, the head of the Investigative Committee reported to me this morning. They have already launched a preliminary investigation into this incident. And it will be carried out in full and brought to completion, Putin said.

Speaking to CNN, US officials cautioned that it was too early to draw any conclusions about the cause, but a number of possibilities are being evaluated, including an on-board explosive device causing the crash.

At the same time, people familiar with the intelligence do believe that the downing of the plane was deliberate and that the goal was to kill Prigozhin.

Pentagon spokesman Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder said the Pentagon doesnt have any information to indicate right now that the plane Prigozhin was on was shot down by a surface-to-air missile, adding that the Defense Departments belief that Prigozhin was indeed killed in the crash.

The crash took place northwest of Moscow and killed all on board, said Russia's aviation agency. - Ostorozhno Novosti via Reuters

US President Joe Biden, prominent Russia critic Bill Browder and Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak have all suggested they believe Putin was behind the crash.

CNN spoke to several individuals in Russia about the crash on Thursday. All agreed to be identified only by their first name so they could speak freely without fear of retribution.

Some openly speculated about its cause. He was killed by Putin, who does not forgive betrayal, said Alexey from Moscow. Putin was behind it or it could have been his Politburo but Putin knew and approved.

No one CNN spoke to believed Ukraine was responsible for the crash.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied that his country was involved, Ukrainian state media reported.

First, we have nothing to do with this situation, thats for sure. But I think everyone realizes who has, he said.

Nathan Hodge, Jessie Yeung, Lauren Said-Moorhouse, Oren Liebermann, Jim Sciutto, Katie Bo Lillis and Alex Marquardt contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
On the day South Carolinas six-week abortion ban was ruled constitutional, the states former governor stood on a national stage, the sole woman among eight Republicans making their cases for the presidency, and said national consensus on the issue is needed because any national ban would require 60 votes in the U.S. Senate.

Former S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley came out fiery in the first Republican presidential debate, held Wednesday night in Milwaukee.

Lets treat this like a respectful issue that it is and humanize the situation and stop demonizing the situation, Haley said.

Haley said consensus is needed on abortion while calling herself unapologetically pro-life, as fellow South Carolinian U.S. Sen. Tim Scott reiterated his call for a 15-week national ban.

We cant allow states like California, New York and Illinois to have abortion on demand up to the day of birth, Scott said.

From abortion to the southern border to the legal woes of former President Donald Trump  the GOP frontrunner who opted to skip debating his fellow candidates  the first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign turned into a series of shouting matches with candidates taking hard swings at entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who are most closely trailing Trump in national polls.

Both Haley and Scott are in single digits in the polls nationally, but one Fox News commentator said the former South Carolina governor had a good night and suggested her presence may increase after the debate.

I think Nikki is going to get a second look from some people, Kellyanne Conway said.

Foxs Laura Ingraham said, Nikki Haley was the best establishment candidate of the night.

Scott, however, received criticism from NewsNation contributor Johanna Maska, who tweeted, Tim Scott didnt say anything unexpected. He didnt have any strong moments. I know many of my friends love him. But he didnt win tonight. Prove me wrong.

Politico reporter David Siders said while Scott probably didnt lose anything as a result of the debate, some may be disappointed in him.

There are a lot of traditionalist Republicans who once had a lot of hope for him who will be disappointed with the lack of any real movement here, Siders tweeted.

Haley didnt hesitate to call out Scott, DeSantis and former Vice President Mike Pence for raising the national debt during the Trump administration.

The truth is that Biden didnt do this to us. Our Republicans did this to us too, Haley said. They need to stop the spending. They need to stop the borrowing. They need to eliminate the earmarks that Republicans brought back in, and they need to make sure they understand these are taxpayer dollars.

Haley attacked DeSantis for his previous comments calling the war in Ukraine a territorial dispute with Russia.

First of all, the American president needs to have moral clarity, needs to know the difference between right and wrong and know the difference between good and evil, Haley said.

She also went after Ramaswamy for wanting to cut funding for Israel.

You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations said.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speak during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Scott, however, played nice for the two-hour debate, as where he repeated his familiar messages on abortion, China and the southern border. Scott stayed away from attacks on any other candidates by name and, by and large, flew under the radar in his time on screen compared to the more heated candidates of the night.

Scott attempted to be the adult in the room when the debate devolved into shouting matches among a handful of the candidates.

Heres what the American people deserve, is a debate about the issues that affect their lives. Going back and forth and being childish is not helpful to the American people, to decide on the next leader of our country, Scott said.

When it came to national spending, Scott touted how he helped write the Trump-era tax cut bill.

If you dont send (money) to Washington, we cant spend it. Thats good news for the American people, Scott said.

Scott didnt necessarily address questions related to whether climate change is human caused, and he dodged a question on China, instead referring to the U.S. southern border. He also continued to reference his religious beliefs and his strength through God, as did Pence.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie talks with Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., during break at a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The debate, moderated by Fox News Martha MacCallum and Bret Baier, heavily featured Ramaswamy attacking almost every candidate, with most  with the exceptions of Scott and Burgum  firing back.

The elephant in the room  or, as Baier put it, the elephant not in the room  was quickly evident, as the debate turned to the topic of Trump, whose presence hung over the room despite his physical absence.

Trump, who is facing four criminal indictments, opted to not participate in Wednesdays debate and instead prerecorded a one-on-one counter program with former Fox News personality Tucker Carlson, as he holds healthy leads over the rest of the field of candidates.

Both Haley and Scott said they would support Trump if he were convicted in a court of law and still won the Republican presidential nomination.

However, they both said Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6, 2021, in certifying the election.

Scott went on to criticize the U.S. Department of Justice and its pursuit of Trump.

We should be asking ourselves a bigger question about the weaponization of the Department of Justice, Scott said. The first thing I would do is fire (Attorney General) Merrick Garland. The second thing I would do is fire (FBI Director) Christopher Wray because we need lady justice to wear a blindfold.

Haley pivoted to say the party needs to move on from Trump, who lost the popular vote in both of his presidential elections.

Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We cant win an election that way, Haley said.

Before the debate, South Carolina Democratic Party Chairwoman Christale Spain took aim at both Haley and Scott.

Spain criticized Haley for signing a 20-week abortion ban when she was governor. The ban did not have exceptions for rape or incest.

Spain also hit Scott for helping write the Trump-era tax cut bill, which Democrats criticized for benefiting the wealthy.

Haley and Scott do not represent the best of South Carolina, and its a shame that theyre going to use this national platform to spew dangerous rhetoric and uplift policies that could harm folks in our state, Spain said.

Haleys campaign defended the former governors record.

Governor Haley proved every critic wrong, turned South Carolina into an economic powerhouse, and was the bold leader the state needed when crisis struck, said Haley spokesman Ken Farnaso. South Carolinians trusted her to get the job donenot once, but twice. Her success shows the kind of leadership she will bring to the White House.
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.

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.
The trial of Bryan Kohberger, who is accused of killing four Idaho college students last year, has been delayed indefinitely after he waived his right to a speedy trial Wednesday.

Kohbergers trial was originally scheduled for Oct. 2 and was set to move forward after Latah County Magistrate Judge John Judge denied his legal teams request for a stay Friday.

However, Kohberger waived his right Wednesday to a speedy trial, allowing the court to schedule his trial more than six months out from his arraignment.

Kohbergers lawyer, Anne Taylor, reportedly told the court that his legal team was not prepared to present their case by the original October trial date, according to CNN.

Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Kohberger, who is accused of killing University of Idaho students Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves at a rental house near the campus last November.

Kohberger, who was a graduate student studying criminology at nearby Washington State University, was connected to the murders through a white sedan that was seen repeatedly driving past the house on the night of the killings. Police later matched his DNA to traces on a knife sheath found inside the house.

Kohberger has pleaded not guilty to the killings, claiming he was out on a long drive alone at the time of the murders last November.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
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.

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.
By Jack Queen

ATLANTA (Reuters) - Donald Trump will be in a Georgia jail for the blink of an eye on Thursday, protected by his lifetime Secret Service detail in a tightly orchestrated process meant to get the former U.S. president in and out of a facility he describes as a humanitarian crisis.

In an apparent bid to rally supporters, the front-runner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination said in a campaign email on Tuesday that the Fulton County jail in Atlanta, Georgia, is a violent place where guards have collected over 1,000 shanks fashioned from the crumbling walls.

Trump, 77, was unlikely to encounter any shanks, prison slang for homemade weapons, or any inmates either, security experts said.

Its fair to say the standard protocols are not all going to be followed, said former Secret Service agent and risk consultant Jonathan Wackrow. But this is a former U.S. president who is under constant secret service protection. Why would it be normal?

The Georgia case in which Trump is accused of conspiring to subvert the results of the 2020 presidential election is one of four criminal cases pending against him.

Trump has denied wrongdoing and repeatedly claimed the prosecutions are part of a "witch hunt" orchestrated by political enemies.

But he has repeatedly used them to fundraise and drum up support among supporters who view him as an anti-establishment candidate.

Trump's support has grown since his first indictment in March, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling, and his campaign has said all of them boosted fundraising.

In the Georgia case, Trump was quick to seize on the Fulton County jail's poor safety in the campaign email, touting his resolve to save an "America in decline."

The U.S. Department of Justice opened an investigation into the jail in July, citing violence, unsanitary conditions and 15 inmate deaths last year. One was a man whose family claims in a lawsuit was "eaten alive" by bedbugs.

The Fulton County Sheriff's Office did not respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.

Trump, who gleefully led supporters in lock her up chants aimed at his 2016 presidential rival Hillary Clinton, is unlikely to be handcuffed or see the inside of a cell.

Jails are volatile places rife with security challenges for the former presidents retinue, and jail staff and the Secret Service have a mutual interest in getting Trump in and out swiftly.

Trump supporters were expected to gather outside the jail in sweltering heat alongside a small army of reporters.

A flier circulating online promised a peaceful demonstration at the jail situated off a quiet, tree-lined residential street in central Atlanta.

During his booking, Trump was expected to have his mug shot taken for the first time in four criminal cases. Law enforcement in Washington, D.C., Florida and New York decided that mug shots, generally meant to help identify suspects who flee, were unnecessary.

Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said Trump would have his photo taken like any other defendant.

Trumps face is among the worlds most recognizable. He alluded to this in a post on his Truth Social platform on Monday, saying Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis insistence on a $200,000 bond package indicated she thought he was a flight risk.

Would I be able to take my very understated airplane with the gold TRUMP affixed for all to see. Probably not, Id be much better off flying commercial - Im sure nobody would recognize me! Trump said in the post.

Trumps mug shot could wind up on official, or unofficial, campaign merchandise.

After his first arrest in New York in March on charges related to a hush-money payment he made to a porn star, both supporters and detractors were quick to circulate a fake mug shot online.

(Reporting by Jack Queen in Atlanta; Editing by Noeleen Walder and Howard Goller)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration is prepared to provide Venezuela sanctions relief if the country moves to restore democracy, including free elections next year, 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.

The administration has been working for years to bring President Nicolas Maduro and the opposition to talks on fair elections. Maduro was re-elected in 2018, a vote which the U.S. and other countries have considered a sham.

Jake Sullivan, the U.S. national security adviser, reaffirmed on Aug. 10 that Washington was willing to alleviate sanctions in Venezuela should it take steps toward fair elections.

The U.S. imposed tough sanctions on Venezuela's oil sector in 2019 and the Biden administration has taken an initial step to ease them. In November, the administration granted a license to Chevron to export oil to the U.S.

Venezuela has not yet taken the necessary steps toward democracy for corresponding sanctions relief, the NSC spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; editing by Diane Craft and Marguerita Choy)


By Doh See-hwan



This year marks the 78th anniversary of Korea's restoration of sovereignty after gaining independence from Japan, but there are still ongoing provocations due to Japanese encroachments into Korean territory. Specifically, Japan's ever-increasing claims to Dokdo, a symbol of Korea's territorial sovereignty.



Moreover, 2025 is the 120th anniversary of Japan's invasion of Korea's Dokdo, and it is worth noting that the Japanese government is attempting to distort not only historical facts but also international legal principles through the Japanese Society of International Law, which is building a policy basis for Japan's claim to Dokdo.



In other words, the seriousness of the problem is that the Japanese government's claim to Dokdo has been raised via the theory of the preoccupation of terra nullius in 1905. And the historical distortion with the inherited territory in the 17th century, is being transformed into a comprehensive policy of strengthening international legal titles, and that such a long-term strategic distortion frames the results as a legal distortion with the Treaty of San Francisco in 1951.



Therefore, it is a historical mission and an international legal task that is given to us today to trace the genealogy of the research on titles of the Japanese Society of International Law, which have provided the "legal" principle for the Japanese government's claim to Dokdo and to identify the essential problems of the legal distortions inherent in the treaty based on title research.



With this in mind, I traced the genealogy of research on titles that the Japanese Society of International Law uses, starting with the "Theory of historical title" by Takeshi Minagawa, "Theory of original title" by Toshio Ueda, "Theory of substitutional title" by Kanae Daijudo, "Theory of commonable title" by Gentaro Serita. And I reviewed "Theory of effective title" by Hirose Yoshio based on the View of History on International Law, the epitome of the lineage of research on titles to Dokdo's sovereignty.



After Hirose Yoshio's "the View of History on International Law" which established the core of the Japanese government's claim that both Japanese colonial rule and the Dokdo invasion were legitimate, the research on titles from the Japanese Society of International Law, including Takashi Tsukamoto and Tetsuya Nakano, who appear as mainstream scholars, reaches the same conclusion. Regardless of the theoretical difference, it all conceals the essence of Japan's colonial invasion and distorts Japan's invasion of Dokdo legally under international law.



At this point, due to the defects in international law regarding the theory of the preoccupation of terra nullius in 1905, which the Japanese government claimed as the original title in international law on the 1905 Dokdo invasion, the inherited territory in the 17th century was raised as a historical title in the verbal note sent to the Korean government in 1962, but when the conflicting limitations between the two were exposed, it is necessary to identify the distortion of the principle of international law in that the Japanese Society of International Law is attempting to prove the title based on the San Francisco Peace Treaty.



In this regard, it is essential to examine the legal distortion using the historical inflection point of the rise of the Cold War system in relation to the treaty based title research coming from the Japanese Society of International Law, mobilizing the San Francisco Peace Treaty.



In other words, in relation to the Allies' territorial policy toward Japan at the end of World War II, the Cairo Declaration (1943. 12. 1), the Potsdam Declaration (1945. 7. 26), the Surrender Document (1945. 9. 2) and SCAPIN 677 of the Allied High Command (1946. 1.29), SCAPIN 1033 (1946. 6. 22), Dokdo was marked as Korean territory until the fifth draft of the San Francisco Treaty, but after the only change to Japanese territory in the sixth draft, the notation of Dokdo itself was omitted until the final treaty.



Nonetheless, when examining the arguments of the Japanese Society of International Law that they claim as the treaty based title to Japan's territorial sovereignty over Dokdo, Dokdo was changed to Japanese territory in the sixth draft of the San Francisco Peace Treaty through a telegram sent on Nov. 14, 1949 and the written opinion on Nov. 19, sent to the U.S. State Department by William J. Sebald, an American political adviser to Japan, as an extension of that, a Rusk letter was delivered to Korea on August 10, 1951, denying Dokdo as Korean territory.



However, Dokdo, which was the Japanese territory in only the sixth draft, was omitted from the final treaty, and in the process of requesting the Japanese Parliament's consent to ratify the San Francisco Peace Treaty. In the fact, Dokdo is marked as Korean territory in "the reference map of the Japanese territory" produced by the Japanese National Maritime Security Agency in August 1951, Sebald's lobby which linked the interests of the United States and Japan also ended in failure.



In addition, regarding the validity of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, the Rusk letter dated Aug. 10, 1951, which the Japanese government insisted on, was a secret document not disclosed to the Japanese government and was published as a foreign relations document of the United States dated April 28, 1978. The theory of approval of the San Francisco Peace Treaty on "the preoccupation of terra nullius in 1905" is being raised. However, the content of the Rusk letter is based on false information provided by Japan and the approval of the San Francisco Peace Treaty is nothing more than a typical distortion of historical facts and international law.



Therefore, it should be noted that the Japanese government's territorial claim to Dokdo, which mobilized the San Francisco Peace Treaty, coincides with Japanese colonialism as the essence of violence and greed declared in the Cairo Declaration. As Korea's true territorial sovereignty on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of liberation and the cornerstone of the East Asian Peace Community, I urge Japan to fulfill its true historical and international legal obligations regarding Dokdo's Korean sovereignty.





Dr. Doh See-hwan is a senior research fellow at the Northeast Asian History Foundation.


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.

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.
A federal judge on Wednesday rejected efforts by former Trump White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and ex-Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark to avoid arrest if they fail to turn themselves in by Fridays deadline in the Georgia election subversion case.

US District Judge Steve Jones declined the emergency requests by Meadows and Clark, who are both trying to move Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis prosecution to federal court.

Meadows argued he should be allowed to avoid processing in the Fulton County election subversion case that has been brought against former President Donald Trump and 18 others ahead of a hearing scheduled Monday.

(T)he clear statutory language for removing a criminal prosecution, does not support an injunction or temporary stay prohibiting District Attorney Williss enforcement or execution of the arrest warrant against Meadows, Jones wrote.

In a separate order, Jones turned down Clarks emergency request, which was more sweeping and argued that the entirety of the state court proceedings  including any attempt to arrest any of the 19 defendants who did not turn themselves in this week  should automatically be put on hold.

Willis told the federal court in court filings earlier Wednesday that it should not interfere in any efforts to arrest Meadows, calling his request for the courts intervention improper and baseless.

It should be noted the defendants former boss, the former president of the United States, voluntarily agreed to surrender himself to state authorities, while other defendants have already surrendered, Willis office said.

She made similar arguments in a filing submitted Wednesday afternoon in response to the request by Clark.

Defendant Clark boldly asks this court for expeditious action when he himself has shown no urgency, Willis wrote, noting that Clark had waited a week after the indictment was handed up to turn to the federal court in Atlanta for relief.

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, Willis said in her filing in the Clark case.

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, Willis office said of Meadows request to avoid being processed.

Meadows conduct was political activity, Willis says in push against claim of immunity

In a separate filing, Willis said that Meadows attempt to move the election subversion case against him to federal court should be rejected because the conduct in question was political activity outside his official duties as Trumps White House chief of staff.

He has not shown how his participation in a RICO enterprise that conspired to overturn an election had any relationship to his official duties, much less how his participation in such an agreement was necessary for him to perform as a Chief of Staff, Willis wrote, referring to the Georgia anti-racketeering law under which she charged Meadows, Trump and 17 other co-defendants.

The filing  which was Willis broader response, ahead of Mondays hearing, to Meadows arguments for moving the case to federal court  is a preview of how she could fight against a similar effort by Trump, who is also expected to ask that state court proceedings be moved to federal court.

The filing also hints at the evidence Willis is assembling for Mondays hearing, with references to House January 6 committee depositions given by top Trump White House aides who witnessed episodes involving Meadows, which Willis contends were overt acts of the alleged RICO conspiracy. Her office has also issued subpoenas for testimony at Mondays hearing to two lawyers who were present on the Trump call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, which is central to the allegations Fulton County prosecutors are making against the former White House chief of staff.

District attorney calls Clark legal theories unusual

Willis took several swipes at the legal claims Clark is pushing, telling the federal court that the theory the defendant advances could charitably be characterized as unusual.

Clarks bid to move her case to federal court is more broadly framed than Meadows, and Clark argues that the federal court should follow the rules of federal removal in civil proceedings. Such rulings would require state court proceedings for entire case  for all the defendants  to automatically be paused and moved to federal court, Clark argued in court filings earlier this week.

Because any urgency in the defendants situation is entirely attributable to his own delay, he should not be rewarded with a stay that deprives the state of the opportunity to first oppose removal of his criminal case, Willis wrote.

Willis pushed back on his claim that the special purpose grand jury prosecutors used to investigate the election subversion was a civil entity, therefore triggering the civil rules. She submitted to the federal court a state court ruling during those proceedings that described the special grand jury as criminal in nature.

The pending indictment against defendant is exclusively criminal, she wrote.

As inconvenient as modern air travel can admittedly be, whatever nuisance involved in the defendant securing a flight to Atlanta within the window provided is self-evidently insufficient justification to invoke this courts authority to enjoin a state felony criminal prosecution, Willis continued.

This headline and story have been updated with additional developments.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
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.
Not-so-smooth operator: The plane lands in California (Abhinav Amineni/YouTube)

Passengers were left screaming as an Alaska Airlines flight landed hard in California during Tropical Storm Hilary, with sparks flying along the runway.

One of the terrified travellers managed to film the planes arrival into John Wayne Airport in Southern California from Seattle, Washington, on Sunday night (20 August), uploading it to YouTube.

Sparks began to shoot out as the left wing looked as though it was dragging on the ground, and a loud slamming sound could be heard, leading to cries from some on board. Before the impact, one person can be heard shouting on the video: Why are we going so fast?

Another said: Theres sparks outside. Why are there sparks outside?

There were 106 passengers and six crew members on the flight, reports Fox News. Everybody made it safely off the aircraft with the help of the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and no injuries were reported.

John Wayne Airport confirmed the incident on its Twitter/X account.

Alaska Airlines told Fox News that the Boeing 737 experienced an issue soon after landing during the storm and was unable to taxi to the gate due to an issue with its landing gear.

Our focus is taking care of our guests who were on board, including retrieving their checked bags. We apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate their patience during this situation, it said in a statement.

The safety of our guests and employees is always our primary priority. This incident is a rare occurrence, our flight crews train extensively to safely manage through many scenarios.

The Independent has contacted the airline for further comment.

OCFA said that they were called to the airport amid the rain and wind to assist the plane with an issue while taxiing to the gate after landing.

Fortunately, no one was injured, they said. They were however stranded. Firefighters worked with airport staff and the pilots to safely get everyone off the plane.
The Princess of Wales had a classic reaction when met a fellow partygoer in the same outfit at Windsor Castle

Princess Diana continues to reign as a fashion icon, and a gown that exemplified her exceptional style will soon be available for sale.

Early Thursday, Sothebys announced that a black and white strapless Murray Arbeid gown that the late Princess of Wales wore twice in 1985 will be included in its inaugural Fashion Icons auction, opening next week. Princess Diana first wore the timeless style to the Midsummer Night's Ball held in honor of Prince Edwards 21st birthday at Windsor Castle  and was ever gracious when she met another guest in the same outfit!

According to Vogue, partygoer Natasha Fairweather also wore the taffeta number by the British brand and approached the princess to see how shed react.

When I noticed that Diana and [Prince] Charles had gone to the dance floor, I went and danced very close to them so that they would notice. As I remember it, Charles pointed it out to her and she laughed; it certainly wasnt a big deal, Fairweather said of the royal repeat in June 1985.

Tom Wargacki/WireImage Princess Diana attends the Worshipfull Company of Fanmakers Banquet at Mansion House in December 1985.

Related: Princess Diana's Original Black Sheep Sweater Is Going Up for Auction: All About the Rare Sale

Cynthia Houlton, Sothebys Global Head of Fashion and Accessories, exclusively tells PEOPLE that the interesting twist is that the Princess of Wales reached for the Murray Arbeid dress again soon after. Diana sported the look for the Worshipful Company of Fanmakers Banquet at Mansion House that December, styling it with sapphire and diamond earrings, a statement sapphire, diamond and pearl choker (a favorite combination she wore to the White House!), black gloves and a burst of white feathers.

This was a gown that other people could purchase, but she chose to wear this gown again. I think what's special about it is that most women who buy evening gowns wear them more than once, so theres this relatable situation where she wore a gown that you could buy retail. Someone else was wearing it [at the party], but she still liked the gown enough that she decided to wear it again, Houlton tells PEOPLE.

Sotheby's Princess Diana's Murray Arbeid gown going up for auction.



There are different elements of her supporting British designers, people referred to her as a People's princess. She did things that were often relatable, she wasn't just always doing things that only someone in her position could do. Thats what makes this gown specifically special, the expert says.

While the curve-hugging Murray Arbeid look has moved through auction before, it will be sold alongside another piece from Princess Dianas closet with more unusual provenance. In June, Sothebys announced that the princess original red sweater with a much-discussed black sheep motif would headline the Fashion Icons sale during New York Fashion Week.

Nineteen-year-old Lady Diana Spencer famously wore the Warm & Wonderful jumper (British parlance for a pullover) with jeans to then-Prince Charles' polo match in June 1981, one month before their royal wedding.

Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Princess Diana in a Wonderful & Warm sheep sweater in June 1981.

Related: Princess Diana's Most Glamorous Looks of All Time

The fashion statement put British brand Warm & Wonderful on the map, and designers Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne received a letter from Buckingham Palace a few weeks later. A secretary said Diana had damaged her whimsical jumper and asked if it could be repaired or replaced. A new sweater was sent and the original became forgotten  until Osborne stumbled upon it in storage this winter.

We looked at all photographs of her wearing it, and we compared the two and we both felt certain that it was the actual one. We just knew because every jumper is different, so it was easy to see. So we called Sotheby's! Osborne exclusively told PEOPLE.

Princess Diana Archive/Getty Princess Diana in a Warm & Wonderful sheep sweater at Prince Charles' polo match in June 1983.

The letters Buckingham Palace sent to Warm & Wonderful to coordinate the sweater swap are also included in the auction, and Houlton speculates that the rare, never been-to-market nature will elevate the allure  and demand.

Online bidding for Princess Dianas original red sweater opens Aug. 31 and will run to Sept. 14 through Sothebys. The jumper is in good company, as one of ten items in Fashion Icons sale attached to modern style icons.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Sotheby's A letter from Buckingham Palace to Joanna Osborne of Warm & Wonderful coordinating the sweater swap for Princess Diana.

In addition to the late Princess of Wales Murray Arbeid frock and original sheep sweater, Sothebys is also selling Sarah Jessica Parker's Bird of paradise headpiece from Sex and the City: The Movie, Michelle Obamas vintage Normal Norrell black lace dress from TNTs Christmas in Washington special in 2010, Kate Winslets Alexander McQueen for Givenchy evening gown and bolero from the 1998 Academy Awards, where she was nominated for Titanic, and Madonnas vintage Brussels lace veil from the first Vanity Fair Icons Issue.

On what makes the collection cohesive, Houlton tells PEOPLE, They're all unique, one-of-one pieces that kind speak to the wearer, the time, who that person is, and that's ultimately what our sale is about.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Vladimir Putin has praised Yevgeny Prigozhin as a talented businessman, but criticised him for making serious mistakes in his first remarks since the Wagner leaders death.

I knew Prigozhin for a long time, from the early 1990s. He had a difficult path and made serious mistakes in his life. But he got results  for himself, and when I asked him, Putin said in a televised address.

The Russian leader expressed his condolences to the victims of the plane crash, which occured on Wednesday evening in the Tver region north-west of Moscow. A total of 10 people died, including six passengers and three crew members.

Putin said that the Wagner members killed in the incident had made a significant contribution to our common cause of fighting the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine.

Putin did not comment on the cause of the crash, and said they would have to await the outcome of an official investigation.

But US officials said that early intelligence suggests Prigozhin was assassinated, and that a bomb may have exploded on the aircraft.

07:50 PM BST

That's it for today

Thanks for following todays live blog.

We will be back tomorrow with all the latest updates on the incident involving the plane crash in Russia and the wider Ukraine war.

Read the latest news on the conflict here.

06:47 PM BST

US officials believe crash intentionally caused by explosion

Yevgeny Prigozhin was assassinated by a bomb that exploded on the plane he was travelling in, according to briefings from US officials.

Initial intelligence compiled by the US suggests the Wagner boss was killed after a bomb detonated on the aircraft or some other form of sabotage caused the plane to crash north of Moscow.

Western security sources say they believe the assassination was ordered by Vladimir Putin.

Russia on Thursday opened an investigation focussing on a possible bomb plot as Kremlin-linked propagandists blamed Ukraine for what they called a terror attack.

Read more on this story here.

05:53 PM BST

In full: Putin's remarks on plane crash

Vladimir Putin has broken his silence on the plane crash in which Yevgeny Prigozhin was killed. Speaking in a televised address, he said:

As for the aviation tragedy, first of all I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families of all the victims. It is always a tragedy. Indeed, if employees of the Wagner company were there, and the preliminary data indicate they were, I would like to note that these people made a significant contribution to our common cause of combating the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine, we remember this, we know it and we shall not forget. I had known Prigozhin for a very long time, since the start of the 90s. He was a man with a difficult fate, and he made serious mistakes in life. And he strove for the results he needed for himself, and when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months. He was a talented person, a talented businessman, he worked not only in our country, and worked with results, but also abroad, in Africa in particular. He was involved there with oil, gas, precious metals and stones. As far as I know, he just returned yesterday from Africa. He met some officials here. But what is quite definite - the head of the Investigative Committee reported to me this morning - is they have already begun a preliminary investigation into this event. And it will be carried out in full, and taken right to the end. There are no doubts about this. Lets see what the investigators say in the near future. And now, expert examinations, technical examinations and genetic ones are being carried out. This takes some time.

05:27 PM BST

Inside Prigozhin's final hours before fatal plane crash

Yevgeny Prigozhin was last seen alive wearing military fatigues, holding an assault rifle and standing in a desert, writes Joe Barnes.

The leader of the Wagner Group appeared in a recruitment video hoping to bolster his firms ranks for its shadowy operations in Africa on Tuesday.

The next day, his private jet climbed to an altitude of 28,000 feet out of Moscow, before it disappeared off the radar.

His aircraft, an Embraer Legacy 600, was next spotted rapidly descending from the sky in a near-nose-first dive, falling thousands of feet in a matter of seconds.

Read the full story here.

04:55 PM BST

Pictured: Putin meets tank crew in Moscow

Vladimir Putin meets members of the Alyosha T-80 tank crew in Moscow - MIKHAIL KLIMENTYEV/AFP/Getty Images

The tank unit reportedly destroyed a Ukrainian armoured convoy near to Zaporizhzhia - Mikhail Klimentyev/Kremlin/Reuters

04:22 PM BST

Leaderless and under pressure but Wagner will persist  one way or another

For nearly a decade, it was a piratical lynch pin of Russian foreign policy: fronting deniable wars in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, and growing rich in the process, writes Roland Oliphant.

But with the death of its chief and his closest deputies, the Wagner private military company may have come to the end of the road.

But the Kremlin may also find the Wagner brand  with its unique mix of hard power and its influence in the Middle East and Africa  hard to replace.

Read the full story here.

04:13 PM BST

Norway to give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Norway will become the third country to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to bolster its Soviet-era air force, Norways prime minister said on Thursday.

We are planning to donate Norwegian F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, and will provide further details about the donation, numbers and time frame for delivery, in due course, said Jonas Gahr Store.

The announcement came as Store made a surprise visit to Kyiv on Thursday, Ukraines Independence Day.

Norway is expected to give Kyiv between five and 10 aircraft, most likely in the lower range, according to Norwegian news.

Norway also announced that it would supply Kyiv with Iris-T anti-air missiles, demining equipment, and a 111m aid package for the purchase of gas and electricity this winter.

03:51 PM BST

Ex-Kremlin adviser: Prigozhin had 'many enemies'

A former adviser to the Kremlin has said Yevgeny Prigozhin had many enemies, and many people in various parts of the world might have had a sigh of relief over his reported death

Andrey Kortunov was speaking to BBC Radio 4s World at One programme on Thursday.

When asked whether he believed Prigozhin may have been assassinated under orders from the Kremlin, he said: Putin made a very clear promise not to go after Prigozhin and definitely defenders of Mr Putin would say he usually stands by the personal promises that he makes.

03:20 PM BST

Wagner 'will be bigger threat under Putin'

Wagner mercenaries will be an even bigger threat under Vladimir Putin than they were under Yevgeny Prigozhin, Polands prime minister has suggested.

Mateusz Morawiecki told a news conference: The Wagner Group comes under Putins leadership. Let everyone answer the question for themselves - will the threat be bigger or smaller? For me, thats a rhetorical question.

It comes after Prigozhin and several of his key lieutenants were reported to have been killed in a plane crash yesterday.

Thousands of Wagner fighters have set up camp in Belarus following their botched coup against Russias military leadership in June, raising tensions with neighbouring Poland.

Warsaw has since sent thousands of troops to shore up its eastern border. Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian president, has claimed he had restrain mercenaries from attacking Polish cities.

02:41 PM BST

Watch: Putin's reaction to reported death of Prigozhin

02:15 PM BST

Pictured: Zelensky lays yellow and blue flowers for Ukraine's independence day

President Volodymyr Zelensky, participates in events on Independence Day in Ukraine - APAImages/Shutterstock

02:04 PM BST

Portugal 'ready to train Ukrainian pilots to use F-16s'

Portugal is ready to join Denmark in training Ukrainian pilots to use F-16 fighter jets, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.

The Ukrainian president said: President of Portugal Marcel Rebelo de Sousa and I spoke, first of all, about our defence and security cooperation.

I briefed Mr President on the situation on the battlefield, as well as on the defence needs of Ukraine.

Portugal confirmed its readiness to join the training of Ukrainian pilots and engineers on F-16s.

02:00 PM BST

Prigozhin 'identified after being taken to mortuary'

Yevgeny Prigozhins body has been identified after his private jet crashed north of Moscow yesterday, according to Russian media.

Fontanka, the St Petersburg-based news outlet, said indirect evidence indicated the mercenary leader was among the ten people who died aboard the Embraer jet.

The bodies have been transported to a mortuary in the Tver region, with formal identification expected to take place later.

Previous reports from the crash site suggested they were too charred to recognise and would have to undergo DNA testing.

It is unclear what evidence suggests Prigozhin is among the dead. He is thought to have a partially-missing finger on his left hand, which may have aided identification.

01:39 PM BST

Watch: Wagner fighter mourns mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin

01:23 PM BST

Prigozhin's death 'could cause split in Russian society'

The former chief of Britains general staff has said the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin could cause a split in Russian society.

Lord Dannatt told Sky News: I think it is probably most likely that even if it wasnt ordered by Putin directly that it was by someone who knows what Putin would have wished and has ensured the elimination of Prigozhin has happened.

I think on the balance of probabilities that this is Putins doing.

He added that the move could divide Russia as some people opposed the Wagner mutiny while others would have thought of Prigozhin as a hero.

01:09 PM BST

Watch: Ukrainian soldiers raise flag over Robotyne on southern front

 Soldiers of Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade raised Ukrainian flag on a roof of local school in Robotyne, #Zaporizhzia Oblast. The settlement has been liberated.#UkraineRussiaWar pic.twitter.com/BJKFadImKQ  MilitaryLand.net (@Militarylandnet) August 23, 2023

01:05 PM BST

Ukraine 'strikes Russian air defences and equipment'

Ukraines military claim to have struck a number of Russian targets in the daily update on its counteroffensive campaign.

It said in a statement: The Defence Forces of Ukraine made two strikes on control points, nine strikes on personnel concentration areas, and four strikes on enemy air defence systems.

Units of missile troops and artillery struck two control points, one area of concentration of personnel, weapons and military equipment and two artillery means in firing positions.

12:26 PM BST

Zelensky: 'Everyone knows who killed Prigozhin'

Ukraine had nothing to do with the reported death of mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, Volodymyr Zelensky says.

According to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency, he told journalists: We had nothing to do with it. Everybody realises who has something to do with it.

12:02 PM BST

Polish PM: Wagner under Putin's control is a bigger threat than before

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki attends a press conference in Warsaw, Poland, 04 April 2022 - Marcin Obara/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Wagner mercenaries under Vladimir Putins control will be more dangerous than when they were led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Polish prime minister has suggested.

Mateusz Morawiecki told a news conference: The Wagner Group comes under Putins leadership. Let everyone answer the question for themselves - will the threat be bigger or smaller? For me, thats a rhetorical question.

It follows claims from Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian leader, that he had been forced to intervene to stop Wagner fighters attacking Polish cities.

11:54 AM BST

Putin 'thought he could stop Prigozhin becoming a martyr'

Vladimir Putin may have shot down Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet because he believed he could kill the mercenary leader without turning him into a martyr, a think tank has said.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted the Kremlin had had success enlisting Wagner commanders to its Redut paramilitary group, which is affiliated to the defence ministry.

It added that Wagner is also said to have lost personnel amid financial difficulties, which may have resulted in Prigozhin losing favour among the... rank-in-file.

British intelligence has previously suggested Wagner could be forced to downsize if the Kremlin cut off state funding and Belarus did not make up the shortfall.

11:41 AM BST

Wagner fighters' families 'interrogated over possible coup'

Families of Wagner mercenaries are being interrogated about a possible coup following the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian media reports.

Baza, the Telegram channel, said: Since yesterday evening law enforcement officers have been contacting some relatives of the members of the Wagner Group.

This was reported to us by relatives of fighters from the Moscow region and Vladivostok. Some of them made phone calls, others came home.

The police are interested in whether someone is going to participate in the rebellion after the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

11:35 AM BST

'If Prigozhin isn't dead yet he soon will be'

A former head of MI6 has said there is a slim chance that Yevgeny Prigozhin was not on the aircraft that crashed north of Moscow yesterday.

Sir John Sawers told Radio 4s Today programme: All the indications point to the fact that Putin has taken him out, he has reasserted his control, he is making clear to everyone both inside Russia and outside he is not going to brook any challenge.

So if there is a slim chance that he is not dead, that he wasnt on that plane, he will be soon.

11:24 AM BST

Sanctions not having 'economic impact', says German foreign minister

The German foreign minister has said Russia will continue its war in Ukraine because Western sanctions are not having an economic impact.

In an interview for a book that took place in July, Annalena Baerbock said: Economic sanctions should have an economic impact. But that is not the case.

We have learnt that with rational decisions, rational measures, agreed between civilised governments, it is not possible to end this war.

The logic of democracy does not work in autocracies.

11:17 AM BST

Pictured: Putin avoids mentioning Prigozhin at Brics summit

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in the 15th BRICS Summit - SPUTNIK/via REUTERS

11:15 AM BST

'Russia suffered losses' during Ukraine's Crimea mission

Ukraines intelligence services say they inflicted losses [on] enemy personnel during a special operation in Crimea, according to Ukrainian media.

Few details are known about the mission, although Russian Telegram channels have said it took place near a camp site in the northwestern Chernomorskoye district.

A spokesman for the intelligence services said: The goal was achieved, there were no losses among the personnel.

The special operation continues, we do not disclose all the details, there are losses among the enemy personnel, as well as among the forces and means. The information on the number of losses is being clarified.

10:54 AM BST

Investigators working at second crash site

Security forces are investigating the crash site of the tail of Yevgeny Prigozhins private jet that landed two miles away from the rest of the plane, Russian media reports.

10:39 AM BST

Prigozhin killed in plane crash, says Russia, as allies point finger at Putin

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, was killed in a plane crash, Russia said on Wednesday night, in what security sources believe was an assassination ordered by Vladimir Putin.

Prigozhin, who led a failed mutiny against the Russian military in June, was among 10 people  crew members and passengers  who died when the aircraft came down in the Tver region north of Moscow, the countrys federal air transport agency said.

Allies of Prigozhin claimed the Embraer jet was shot down by Russian air defences. Dmitry Utkin, the Wagner co-founder, was also reported to be among the dead.

Read the full story here.

10:27 AM BST

10 people wounded in Dnipro missile attack

The number of people injured in a missile strike in Dnipro has increased to 10, the regions governor has said.

Serhiy Lysak wrote on Telegram: Now there are three people in hospital. She is a 55-year-old woman, the men are 33 and 48 years old. They are in a moderate condition.

10:24 AM BST

'No sign that Wagner mercenaries are returning to Russia'

A media monitoring outlet has said there is no confirmation of reports that Wagner fighters are returning to Russia from Belarus.

It follows the reported deaths of senior Wagner personnel including Yevgeny Prigozhin, Dmitry Utkin and Valery Chekalov.

According to Belarusian Hajun: Considering that the news of Prigozhins death was unexpected... it will take some time to start the internal processes of PMC reorganisation and decision-making.

[We do not] record the withdrawal of mercenary forces from their main base in Belarus... at the same time, internet outages were recorded in the vicinity of the camp last night.

10:07 AM BST

Russian fighter jet 'turns back Norwegian plane from border'

Russias defence ministry says it has turned back a Norwegian air force place approaching its territory over the Barents Sea.

It said in a statement: An MiG fighter aircraft of the Northern Fleet was scrambled to identify the aerial target and prevent a violation of the state border of the Russian Federation.

The Russian fighter jet identified the aerial target as a Norwegian Air Force R-8A Poseidon base patrol aircraft.

As the Russian fighter approached, a foreign military aircraft made a U-turn away from the state border... [which] was not intruded.

09:51 AM BST

Pictures: Bodies taken from crash site to nearby mortuary

People carry a body bag away from the wreckage of a crashed private jet, near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia - AP

Emergency specialists carry a body bag near the wreckage of a private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin - STRINGER/REUTERS

09:43 AM BST

Pictured: Putin awards 'Hero of Russia' to tank gunner

Russia's President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with tank gunner Alexey Neustroyev after awarding him with the Hero of Russia title last night - MAKSIM BLINOV/AFP

09:36 AM BST

'Loud shots' heard in Crimea amid reports of Ukrainian operation

Russian media has reported that shots were fired near a campsite in Crimea following reports that Ukraine had carried out a special operation in the region.

According to Baza, which has links to the security services: Those who stopped at the Olenevka village campsite in the Chernomorskoye district heard two loud shots, as if from a grenade launcher.

When people went out to see who was shooting, about 10 metres from the shore they saw two rubber boats, in which there were about 10 people.

After firing from automatic weapons, the boats are then said to have sailed away. There are not believed to have been any casualties.

09:27 AM BST

Ukraine 'carries out special operation in Crimea'

Ukraines intelligence and naval officers have carried out a special operation in Russian-annexed Crimea, it has been reported.

A spokesman told state broadcaster that the goal has been achieved and that there were no losses. The nature of the mission is not yet clear.

Speculation has been building over a possible Ukrainian operation in Crimea after Russia apparently sank a reconnaissance boat some 24 miles off the peninsula.

09:16 AM BST

MoD: Putin 'wanted to project authority after Wagner coup'

Vladimir Putin visited a military base in Rostov this month because he wishes to project his authority over the Wagner Group, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said.

The city in southern Russia was taken over by mercenaries in June in the early stages of their coup before they marched on Moscow.

The MoD said: On 19 August 2023, President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to Southern Military District HQ at Rostov-on-Don.

Wagner Group briefly seized the HQ in June 2023. Putin highly likely wishes to project his authority and to portray the senior military command as functioning as usual.

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine  24 August 2023



Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/cbZNr5RJ9I



 #StandWithUkraine  pic.twitter.com/l2HqPIy7QW  Ministry of Defence  (@DefenceHQ) August 24, 2023

09:06 AM BST

Kremlin maintains silence on plane crash

The Kremlin and the Russian defence ministry were silent early on Thursday following the presumed death of ally-turned-rebel Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The mercenary boss, led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military earlier this year, is thought to have been aboard a private plane that crashed north of Moscow yesterday.

Vladimir Putin is currently speaking at the Brics summit in South Africa, but it is unclear whether he will address the circumstances of the crash.

09:03 AM BST

'We have reasonable doubts about crash', says Paris

The French government has said it has reasonable doubts about the plane crash that apparently killed prominent members of the Wagner Group.

A spokesman told France 2 television: We dont yet know the circumstances of this crash. We can have some reasonable doubts.

08:56 AM BST

Evan Gershkovich detention extended by three months

Russia has extended the detention of US reporter Evan Gershkovich, who is being held in a Moscow prison since being arrested on spy charges in March.

The time of detention has been extended by three months... until November 30, 2023, a spokesman for Moscows Lefortovsky court said.

Mr Gershkovich, a reporter with The Wall Street Journal, denies the charges,

08:45 AM BST

Veteran aircraft investigator given Prigozhin case

A veteran aircraft investigator has been put in charge of finding out what happened in the plane crash that reportedly killed Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner lieutenants.

Ivan Sibul, who investigated the SSJ 100 crash in 2019 that killed 41 people, will take charge of the case, according to the VChK-OGPU blog, which is close to Russias security services. The news has subsequently been confirmed by RBC.

Mr Sibul is also said to have worked on the Saratov Airlines crash that killed 71 in 2018 and a fatal collision at Moscows Vnukovo airport in 2014.

08:32 AM BST

Pictures: Tail of Prigozhin jet lands miles away from crash site

A wreckage of the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the Tver region, Russia - STRINGER/REUTERS

A wreckage of the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in the Tver region, Russia - STRINGER/REUTERS

08:23 AM BST

No mention of Prigozhin in Russian investigation

Russias investigative committee has opened a criminal investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed Yevgeny Prigozhin but did not mention him by name.

According to Sky News, it said in a statement: The Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under article 263 of the Criminal Code.

This is a violation of traffic safety rules and the operation of air transport. Jets business, en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, crashed in the Tver Region. According to preliminary data, 10 people on board died.

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.

08:16 AM BST

Wagner-linked channel plays down mutiny reports

Another Wagner blogger has poured cold water on claims that the mercenary group is planning a second attempt at its abortive coup against Russias leadership.

Wagner Z Group posted on Telegram: [Channels] pretending to be Wagners say here we are preparing a trip to Moscow.

Everyone carries what he wants, now every gopher is an agronomist.

Rybar, a prominent Russian military blogger, dismissed reports of a mutiny as Ukrainian propaganda which is easy to recognise.

08:03 AM BST

Pictures: Tributes left for Prigozhin outside Wagner's Russian base

People lay flowers and light candles for Yevgeny Prigozhin at the memorial in front of the 'PMC Wagner Centre' in Saint Petersburg, Russia - Anadolu Agency/Anadolu

People lay flowers and light candles for Yevgeny Prigozhin at the memorial in front of the 'PMC Wagner Centre' in Saint Petersburg, Russia - Anadolu Agency/Anadolu

07:42 AM BST

No 'plan of action' after Prigozhin's death

A prominent Wagner-linked Telegram channel appears to have dismissed suggestions that the mercenary group could march on Moscow for the second time.

Reverse Side of the Medal, which has around 400,00 subscribers, said: Some kind of mythical plan of action in case of death of the command staff of the PMC Wagner Group is a fake... born in the inflamed mind of individual authors.

Those who make such throw-ins are clearly striving either for hype, or trying to rock the oat in an already stormy reservoir. To cause repressive actions against the fighters and commanders of the PMCs.

07:37 AM BST

'Free, strong and dignified': Ukraine celebrates Independence Day

Happy Ukraines Independence Day!



The day of the free, the strong, and the dignified. The day of equals. Ukrainian men and women. In our entire country.



In this fight, everyone counts. Because the fight is for something that is important to everyone.



An independent Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/tUYTsn3TrE    (@ZelenskyyUa) August 24, 2023

Independence is about true freedom. About the right to choose. About who you really are. About the willingness to move forward, often against all odds. It's about true agency, when you are well heard in the world and your pain is understood...

Ukraine is at war today. A pic.twitter.com/WPmIMROaTB    (@Podolyak_M) August 24, 2023

07:27 AM BST

Flowers and candles left outside Wagner base

Tributes have been reportedly laid for the Wagner founders Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin at the Wagner headquarters in St Petersburg.

Grey Zone, a Telegram channel with links to the mercenary organisation, said: A small spontaneous memorial begins to form near the Wagner Centre, people bring flowers, candles and symbols of the Wagner Group.

Mr Prigozhins private jet was apparently heading from Moscow to St Petersburg when it crashed in the Tver region.

07:23 AM BST

Kyiv's forces 'advancing south of Bakhmut'

Ukrainian are reportedly moving towards the eastern city of Bakhmut, according to its general staff, although it is unclear how much ground it has taken.

It said in a statement: The Ukrainian military is advancing south of the city of Bakhmut... in that area they are entrenched at the achieved boundaries.

Previous fighting has taken place around the village of Klishchiivka, where Ukraine has attempted cut off a supply route to the besieged settlement.

The statement continued: On the southern front, the Defence Forces are conducting an offensive operation in the direction of Melitopol, and were successful in the direction of Novoprokopivka.

07:15 AM BST

Nursery and homes targeted in Kherson

Seven people have been wounded in Kherson as the Russian military fired dozens of shells on the southern region, according to its governor.

Oleksandr Produkin said a nursery, shop, factory, administrative building and homes had been targeted, adding: As a result of Russian aggression, seven people were injured.

06:51 AM BST

Ukraine key issue at Republican presidential debate

The issue of Ukraine was a hot topic at the Republican presidential debate last night.

It demonstrated sharp divisions within the party.

Both Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy said they opposed more funding to Ukraine, arguing the money should be spent securing the US border against drug and human trafficking.

As president of the United States, your first obligation is to defend our country and its people, Mr DeSantis said.

Mr Ramaswamy compared support for Ukraine to the ill-fated US military interventions in Iraq and Vietnam.

Chris Christie, Mike Pence and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley cast support for Ukraine as a moral obligation and a national security imperative, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue his aggression if he succeeds in Ukraine, potentially threatening US allies.

Anybody who thinks we cant solve problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a small view of the greatest nation on earth, Mr Pence said.

06:40 AM BST

What we know at this point

Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, a key figure in Russias invasion of Ukraine who led a failed mutiny in June after expressing anger at the wars conduct, has died in a private-plane crash in western Russia, according to Russian aviation officials.

Nine other people including members of his Wagner mercenary group were among the dead on the flight from Moscow headed for St Petersburg. They included a Wagner founder, Dmitry Utkin.

Russias aviation agency Rosaviatsia said it had set up a special commission to investigate the crash of the aircraft belonging to MNT-Aero, and Russias Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said it had opened an investigation into the crash.

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.

The Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet, believed to have carried Prigozhin to his death, showed no sign of problem until a precipitous drop in its final 30 seconds, according to flight-tracking data.

Neither Russias President Vladimir Putin nor the defence ministry have commented publicly yet on the reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Prigozhin appeared in a video released earlier this week said to have been filmed in Africa.

06:08 AM BST

Doomed plane showed no problem until last 30 seconds: flight tracking

A grab taken from video posted on a Wagner-linked Telegram channel @grey_zone of a plane falling in the sky near the village of Kuzhenkino - TELEGRAM/ @grey_zone/AFP via Getty Images

The Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet, believed to have carried Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin to his death showed no sign of problem until a precipitous drop in its final 30 seconds, according to flight-tracking data, according to Reuters.

At 3:19pm GMT (4.19pm BST) on Wednesday, the aircraft made a sudden downward vertical, said Ian Petchenik of Flightradar24. Within about 30 seconds, the aircraft had plummeted more than 8,000 feet from its cruising altitude of 28,000 feet.

Whatever happened, happened quickly, Mr Petchenik said.

They may have been wrestling (with the aircraft) after whatever happened, Mr Petchenik said. But prior to its dramatic drop, there was no indication that there was anything wrong with this aircraft.

Video showed the plane descending rapidly with its nose pointing almost straight downward and a plume of smoke or vapor behind it.

Flightradar24 said the jet went thorough a series of ascents and descents of a few thousand feet each over 30 seconds before its final, disastrous plunge. Flightradar24 received its final data on the jet at 3:20pm.

06:01 AM BST

Three Ukrainian drones shot down, Russia says

The Russian defence ministry said air defence systems had shot down three Ukrainian drones over Russian regions.

Two drones were downed over the Bryansk region that borders Ukraine and one more over the Kaluga region that is closer to Moscow, the ministry said early today.

05:55 AM BST

Air strike injures seven people in Ukraines Dnipro

An early-morning missile strike had injured seven people in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, governor of Dnipropetrovsk region Serhiy Lisak said.

Three men and four women were among the wounded, he said on Thursday.

Two residential buildings, commercial buildings and busses and cars in the central Ukrainian city were also damaged, Lysak said, adding that one of the missiles had been shot down by air defences.

Pictures shared on Mr Lysaks Telegram account showed debris on top of a car with its windows smashed and debris littering the floor.

05:51 AM BST

Putin gains in power after crash, former aide says

Yevgeny Prigozhin shows Russian President Vladimir Putin around his factory which produced school meals, near St. Petersburg in 2010 - Alexei Druzhinin/Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP

Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speech writer turned critic whom the Russian authorities have branded a foreign agent, suggested 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, Mr Gallyamov wrote on Telegram. Putin is strong enough and capable of revenge.

05:32 AM BST

Russian crash inquiries begin amid missile claim

A video grab in April shows Yevgeny Prigozhin at a cemetery for fallen Wagner fighters in the settlement of Goryachiy Klyuch in the southern Russian Krasnodar region. - TELEGRAM/ @concordgroup_official/AFP via Getty Images

Russian investigators said they had opened a criminal investigation into the Wagner plane crash. Some unnamed sources told Russian media they believed the plane had been shot down by one or more surface-to-air missiles. Reuters reported it could not confirm that.

Russias aviation agency Rosaviatsia said it set up a special commission to investigate the crash of the aircraft belonging to MNT-Aero.

Russias Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said it opened an investigation into the crash.

Putin never forgives and never forgets. He looked like a humiliated weakling with Prighozin running around without a care in the world. This will cement his authority and is standard Putin operating procedure https://t.co/NiOlrpIr9T  Bill Browder (@Billbrowder) August 23, 2023

Bill Browder, a US-born British 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.



05:28 AM BST

Two Russian TU-22 bombers destroyed, says Ukraine official

Ukraines intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov says recent attacks on Russian airfields had destroyed two TU-22 bombers and damaged two more bombers.

Two were destroyed, two were damaged. Two can not be repaired, Mr Budanov said in a TV interview on Wednesday night for the Ukrainian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Russian officials reported drone attacks on military airfields Soltsy in the Novgorod region on Saturday and Shaykovka in the Kaluga region on Monday and said that one warplane was damaged during the first attack.

On Tuesday, British military intelligence said that Russia was likely to have lost a nuclear-capable TU-22M3 supersonic long-range bomber in the attack on Soltsy.

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian intelligence said this week that the agency coordinated the attack on the Shaykovka airfield.

05:25 AM BST

Wagner chief's supporters search for crash explanation

Part of the wreckage of the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin - Marina Lystseva/Reuters

In the absence of much verifiable fact about Wednesdays plane crash after its takeoff from Moscow, some of Yevgeny Prigozhins supporters pointed the finger of blame at the Russian state, others at Ukraine which was due to mark its Independence Day on Thursday.

Other prominent Russians 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.

A building housing Prigozhins Wagner group offices in St Petersburg lit up its windows after dark in such a way as to display a giant cross in a mark of respect and mourning. Flowers were left and candles lit near the offices early on Thursday.

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.



05:17 AM BST

Good morning and welcome to today's live blog

Follow the latest news and developments on the Ukraine war and the private jet crash in Russia that killed ten people including reportedly Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

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.
With Donald Trump skipping the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate, eight of his primary rivals  most of them men wearing ties similar to the bright red one regularly worn by the former president  brawled for second-place status Wednesday night.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old entrepreneur and first-time candidate, was alongside Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the center of the stage  and he was the central figure for much of the night. Ramaswamy clashed with former Vice President Mike Pence over his experience, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley over foreign policy, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie over Trump, and more.

And because he has positioned himself as a defender of Trump, Ramaswamy was, at times, a stand-in for the former president, who momentarily ceded the stage Wednesday night but will take it back Thursday when he turns himself in at the Fulton County jail in Georgia as he faces election subversion charges.

For all the fireworks in the two-hour showdown, the debate had the feel of an undercard. Trump has retained his massive lead in the polls despite his legal woes, and nothing that happened Wednesday night is likely to turn the race on its head.

The former presidents absence meant several candidates who have positioned themselves as strident critics of the former president were denied opportunities to directly confront him. Christie, who Ramaswamy said is running a campaign based on vengeance and grievance against Trump, spent more time brawling with the entrepreneur than the former president. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson went long stretches of the debate without being acknowledged.

Meanwhile, for North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, the most significant development Wednesday was that he was able to participate in the debate at all. Burgum was taken to a Milwaukee emergency room Tuesday after suffering a high-grade tear of his Achilles tendon.

I think I took it too literally when they said, Go to Milwaukee and break a leg, he joked.

The debate played out in front of a rowdy crowd of about 4,000 people at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The crowds reactions  including jeers and boos when candidates criticized Trump  at times drowned out the Fox News moderators.

Here are seven takeaways from the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate:

Candidates go after Ramaswamy

With Trump absent from Wednesdays debate, the target of most of the debate participants was not DeSantis or South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott or any candidate who has ever held elected office. It was political newcomer Ramaswamy. The first jab at the Ohio entrepreneur came from Pence: Vivek, you recently said a president cant do everything. Well, Ive got news for you, Vivek. Ive been in the hallway. Ive been in the West Wing. The president of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America.

That spurred a heated back-and-forth and light name-calling between the two candidates. Later, in the first bit of the debate, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie compared Ramaswamys answers to something cranked out by ChatGPT. Christie then capitalized on Ramaswamy rhetorically asking what a little-known guy with a funny name was doing on the debate stage by pointing out that the quip sounded awfully like Barack Obamas old stump line about him being a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him.

At another point, Pence went after Ramaswamy when the entrepreneur said, We are in the middle of a national identity crisis. The former vice president replied, We dont have an identity crisis, Vivek. We are not looking for a new national identity.

The pile-on aimed at Ramaswamy was surprising. Hes new to politics. At the same time, recent polling has shown him rising over other candidates who have spent, in some cases, decades in electoral politics. For Ramaswamys opponents, this is about scuttling any momentum he is having.

DeSantis doesnt stand out

DeSantis set the expectation that he would be the focal point of Wednesdays debate. He was anything but.

He certainly didnt speak the most. Though his campaign suggested his Republican opponents would have their knives out for DeSantis, he wasnt on the receiving end of many attacks. And at a key moment  when the candidates were asked to raise their hands if they would support Trump if he is convicted in a court of law  DeSantis peeked around the stage to see how everyone else had responded before he half heartedly put up his right palm.

DeSantis, who earned the center-stage spot, appeared content to exit Milwaukee without risking his second-place standing in the polls. But he also did little to erase the impression, confirmed by polling, that he is closer to the rest of the pack than in a tier with Trump or in one of his own.

When he spoke, DeSantis largely leaned on rehearsed lines familiar to anyone who has heard him speak in recent months. Just as he does on the campaign trail, he opened the debate by declaring Our country is in decline and We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement. He joked about Hunter Bidens paintings  a regular punchline when he visits early nominating states. He said under a DeSantis administration, people who cross into the United States illegally would end up stone cold dead, a promise he has repeated for weeks.

At times, moderators attempted to move DeSantis off his practiced remarks. When DeSantis touted his record on crime by declaring it was at a 50-year low in Florida, Foxs Brett Baier interjected that crime was up in Miami. DeSantis clarified: Well, statewide. Asked if he would support a federal six-week abortion ban, DeSantis talked about his electoral victory in Florida. Pressed to give an answer, he replied as he has for weeks, by refusing to rule it out or get behind it.

DeSantis attempted to shed his reputation as a cold and stiff debater by forcefully speaking directly to Americans at home, often pointing directly at the camera, and by sharing anecdotes from an abortion survivor and a mother whose son died from fentanyl poisoning. He shared his biography  thrice mentioning his military service and talking repeatedly about his young family  an acknowledgment that voters may not yet know his story beyond the cultural clashes and Covid-19 policies that have made him a Republican star.

Christie doesnt have a breakout moment

If there was one candidate who was expected to emerge from Wednesday night with a knock-out punch of a moment, it was Christie. Nearly eight years ago, the former governor embarrassed Marco Rubio during the final debate before the New Hampshire primary by pointing out the Florida senators habit of repeating lines. While Rubio won more votes than Christie in the Granite State  coming in fifth to Christies sixth  the senator struggled to shed a reputation for being robotic.

Christie seemed ready to give Ramaswamy the same treatment. But while Christies ChatGPT line was reminiscent of his past debate performance, he failed to trip up the Ohio businessman. Instead, Ramaswamy went on to attack him over his criticism of Trump.

Asked if he would support the former president if hes convicted of a crime, Christie said the party needs to stop normalizing this conduct, drawing boos from the crowd.

Your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based in vengeance and grievance against one man, Ramaswamy said.



Ahead of the debate, Doug Mayer, a senior adviser to the Christie campaign, told CNN the former New Jersey governor would turn anyone who defended Trump into Trump. But Christies attempt to attack the former presidents top defender onstage was met with more vitriol from the crowd.

You make me laugh, Christie said before the sound of boos drowned him out. The optics didnt help: Fox News showed a split screen of Christie standing silently as Ramaswamy grinned until the moderators asked the crowd to let him finish.

Candidates draw distinctions on abortion

Some candidates supported a 15-week federal abortion ban. Some said they were against efforts to pass a nationwide ban. And no one clearly stated they would sign a six-week federal abortion ban  even if theyd approved such laws as governors.

More than a year after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, abortion policy is still a tricky issue for Republican candidates caught between the need to demonstrate their anti-abortion bona fides and address the realities of the political landscape, where voters have rejected stringent abortion restrictions and the candidates who backed them.

At one end of the spectrum stood Haley, who sparred with Pence over the possibility of passing a federal ban. Haley called on the other candidates to be honest with the American people about the low odds of getting 60 senators to overcome a filibuster and approve a federal abortion ban. She instead pushed for consensus on issues such as encouraging adoption and allowing doctors and nurses with moral objections to the procedure the right not to perform them.

Consensus is the opposite of leadership, Pence said in response. But even Pence wasnt willing to go further than endorsing a 15-week federal abortion ban, the cutoff offered in a bill South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham introduced last year.

A 15-week ban is an idea whose time has come, Pence said. Scott also backed the 15-week ban onstage.

Two candidates who have signed six-week abortion bans into law  DeSantis and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum  stopped short of saying they would do the same nationally. Burgum said his opposition to a national ban stems from his support for the 10th Amendment. DeSantis, asked if he would sign a federal six-week ban, simply said he would stand on the side of life.

I understand Wisconsin will do it different than Texas, DeSantis said. But I will support the cause of life as governor and as president.

DeSantis tries, but fails, to duck January 6 question after being pressed by Pence

When moderators asked DeSantis whether Pence was right to reject Trumps pressure campaign to overturn the 2020 presidential election, the Florida governor attempted to dodge  ignoring what hed been asked and complaining about the weaponization of the federal government.

But Pence dug in, putting DeSantis on the spot.

The American people deserve to know whether everyone on this stage agrees that I kept my oath to the Constitution that day. Theres no more important duty, so answer the question, he said.

Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him, DeSantis said, attempting to quickly move on.

The moment illustrated how cautious the Florida governor is of alienating Trumps base.

Christie, though, mocked DeSantis answer, calling it a pre-canned speech.

He said Pence deserves not grudging credit; he deserves our thanks as Americans.

Haley leans towards the general election

Haley, the former South Carolina governor and US ambassador to the United Nations under Trump, brought onto the stage Wednesday a message that was geared more directly for a general electorate than those of her rivals.

Whats less clear is whether she did enough to impress Republican voters to get there.

Haley balked at a federal abortion ban, saying the reality of the Senates 60-vote threshold to break the filibuster and the need for a House majority means consensus is necessary on the issue. She also said contraception should be available to all women.

She was one of the few candidates to acknowledge that climate change is real.

She was the first to criticize Trump by name, pointing to rising spending during his presidency. She praised Pences actions on January 6, 2021, despite Trumps pressure on the former vice president to seek to overturn the 2020 election result. Haley also called her former boss the most disliked politician in America.

We cannot win a general election that way, she said.

And she hammered Ramaswamy during an exchange over Russia, as Haley defended the United States support for Ukraine.

You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows, she said during one of the nights most animated exchanges.

Scott sticks to Mr. Nice Guy routine

The plan for Scott going into the debate was to stick with his kill em with kindness attitude. For the first part of the debate, he did that. The problem was that approach kept him out of most of the exchanges. While the other candidates were debating and skirmishing over abortion, Ukraine or whether Trump should be pardoned, Scott wasnt really in it. He did try and insert himself with warnings about the weaponization of the federal government and crime in America. But all of his comments and arguments faded into the background as candidates piled on Ramaswamy or Christie praised Pence for his actions on January 6, 2021.

When Scott did get a chance to weigh in on the southern border, illegal immigration and fentanyl, he offered a long answer about how important and easy it would be to finish Trumps border wall.

As the next president of the United States, I will make that border wall complete, Scott said, extending each word in that concluding sentence. He paused for applause. There was none.

Ahead of the debate, Republican strategists argued that this was the approach Scott wanted to take because its his authentic self. The question now is if the South Carolina senator will stick with it going forward.

This story has been updated with additional reporting.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy was accused of plagiarizing one of Barack Obamas signature speeches during his remarks at Wednesdays Republican presidential primary debate in Wisconsin.

During the debate, Mr Ramaswamy responded to a question about his political newcomer status, telling the crowd, Let me just address the question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight.

Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage? he continued.

Observers quickly pointed out how this remark sounded similar to Barack Obamas career-making 2004 speech as a Senate hopeful at the Democratic National Convention, a famous address where Mr Obama spoke of his patriotism and the hope of a skinny kid with a funny name who believes that America has a place for him, too.

Skinny guy with a funny name sounds very.Obamaesque, former Biden administration press secretary Jen Psaki wrote on X about Mr Ramaswamys debate comments.

The issue came up onstage as well.

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie made the comparison to the Obama speech as well, remarking, Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight.

Skinny guy with a funny name sounds very.Obamaesque  Jen Psaki (@jrpsaki) August 24, 2023

Mr Ramaswamy responded with a jab of his own, saying, Give me a hug just like you did Obama.

Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy is seen debating on screens in the media filing center at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (REUTERS)

(Mr Christie, while he was in office, caught heat from fellow Republicans for photographs showing him warmly shaking hands and patting the back of Barack Obama as the then-president came to the state to assist with the response to 2012s Hurricane Sandy. Mr Christie insists the men never actually hugged.)

Other candidates made similar attacks on Mr Ramaswamy, a wealthy businessman and entrepreneur who has seen a recent rise in national polls over other better-known candidates like former vice president Mike Pence.

The former vice president accused Mr Ramaswamy of being a rookie.

When I was the leader of the House conservatives, I balanced budgets and cut taxes when I was governor. Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad, he said. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie.

Mr Ramaswamy responded that now everybodys gotten their memorized, pre-prepared slogans out of the way we can actually have a real discussion now.

You have a bunch of people, professional politicians, super PAC puppets following slogans handed over to them by their ... Super PACs last week, he added. The real choice we face in this primary is this  Do you want a super PAC puppet? Or do you want a patriot who speaks the truth? Do you want incremental reform, which is what youre hearing about, or do you want revolution? I stand on the side of the American Revolution.
A key piece of groundwork starts Monday to begin connecting one of Minnesota's most-visited parks with one of its original rail trails.

The first phase of establishing a connector trail of more than 20 miles from Itasca State Park to Park Rapids and the Heartland State Trail will begin with a new tunnel under Hwy. 71, just south of Hwy. 200 near the park's east entrance. A section of trail will run from the box culvert west to the state park entrance. The project, paid for with $2 million in bonding money approved by the Legislature, is expected to be finished in late September.

When the final phases of trail-building continue is unknown and dependent on funding, among other factors. But plans call for phase two to pick up where builders left off near the park with 13 miles of trail headed east to Emmaville, the bulk of it on Hubbard County land, followed by an 8-mile segment from Emmaville to the Heartland trail.

The Heartland, a multi-use trail that currently runs 49 miles from Park Rapids to Cass Lake, is one of the first rail trails in the country, according to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Itasca State Park, home to the headwaters of the Mississippi River, draws more than 500,000 people yearly, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

"Having this trail connect to Itasca State Park is important, as it's Minnesota's oldest and one of the most-visited state parks," said Sara Joy Bernhow, a Parks and Trails spokesperson.

While visitors seek out the headwaters, the park has become a biking destination, too, Bernhow added. There are 16 miles of paved bike trails. "Connecting to the Heartland State Trail will make Itasca State Park even more of a draw for biking enthusiasts."

The trail project has involved years of planning, and like similar efforts is a complex land management mixture of easements, engineering and environmental review. For example, trees were felled last winter to accommodate phase one because of concerns about bat nesting this summer. Plus, there have been wetland protections to address, said DNR parks and trails area manager Dave Schotzko in Bemidji.

"The hardest thing is getting started," said Schotzko. "Itasca is a big deal. It is all working out."

Schotzko said some of the same "contingencies" considered before phase one are inherent as the spur trail work continues. In addition to considering habitat like wetlands and old-growth trees, Schotzko said topography comes into play: The trail needs to be at a grade that isn't a barrier for use by multiple groups, from walkers to cyclists and more. Already some mapping of the proposed route has come from the air to aid engineers.

"We pretty much have the route figured out," he added.


remaining of

Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading.


Japan makes another historic blunder



Defying a myriad of opposition both at home and abroad, Japan began releasing treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean, Thursday.



It's a task that has a beginning but an uncertain end.



"From 7.5 years to 30 years and a minimum of 30 years." Those were the words used by Japanese media, saying it is difficult to predict when the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant will end.



All optimistic conclusions about the discharge of treated nuclear wastewater assume that "everything will go as planned by the Japanese government." But Tokyo is not even sure of when it could terminate the process.



Japan cites the need to decommission the plant quickly as the reason for using this method. However, Japanese media are skeptical, citing about 880 tons of nuclear fuel debris accumulated in the plant. Few know the exact amount and locations. There are also limits to using robots to remove them. Greenpeace says it is "impossible within this century."



Those who support or endorse Tokyo's move, including the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), say that the filtered and diluted water will do little harm to human health. We hope they are right. However, many scientists point out that related discussions, including its long-term, cumulative effects through the marine food chain, have been insufficient. After all, even science can't go beyond the limits of what we know today.



The IAEA has a credibility problem regarding this controversy. The U.N. agency, which promotes the nuclear industry, reportedly recommended the ocean release idea to Japan a decade ago, two years after a tsunami crippled the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Considering the U.S.' influence on most U.N. agencies and that America has not been free from its responsibility for the nuclear contamination of the Pacific Ocean, Washington's support for Tokyo has long been expected.



What was unexpected was Seoul's move.



Korea and Japan have long been closest geographically but furthest apart in terms of national sentiment. So, Seoul's otherwise unthinkable act of consent must have been the proverbial "support of a thousand horses" for Tokyo. A simple endorsement did not suffice. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration made PR material to advertise the released water's safety using taxpayer money while attacking its political opponents as scaremongers. Little wonder Koreans ask whether theirs is a Korean or Japanese government. Greenpeace called it Tokyo's irresponsibility plus Seoul's abetment.



Yoon, who prioritizes trilateral cooperation, might have found it difficult to oppose what Japan decided and America supported. His shortsighted adherence to nuclear power generation could be another reason.



Still, Korea must have an independent voice on issues of global importance, like the environment and climate. As far as nuclear issues are concerned, Japan is becoming a world first, for the second time, by leaving a bad precedent of polluting the ocean with water tainted and originating from a nuclear disaster. Who can block similar attempts by others in the future? And why should Korea become an accomplice for this historic blunder?



Seoul must do what it can before it's too late to minimize the damage.



First, it must call for forming a more independent international monitoring group than the IAEA-led one. The proposed group should comprise not only officials and scientists but the victims of the act, including fishermen. Second, it must call for introducing a more compulsory provision that makes Tokyo stop  not suspend  the current method and seek new ones if things go awry. Third, it must work out financial and other support measures for Korea's fishing industry, including a continuous import ban on Japanese fisheries imports, for which pressure will likely accelerate.



The government has no time to quarrel with opposition parties. Of course, this issue will adversely affect the ruling party in the parliamentary polls next May. But it's all self-inflicted.



The government and its party must let opposition parties play their role. Korea must make its voice heard in the international community regarding opposing the Japanese move  if for no other reason than leaving a record in the history books.






The writer is a development and communications consultant and the author of Kabul Blogs: My Days in the Life of Afghanistan

Nehrus vision of India was one where differences would be celebrated, and we would be unified. But no mechanisms set in place then or now.

In November 1949, a month before I was born, the Indian Parliament adopted the Constitution, and it came into force two months later, in January 1950. The document laid down the ideals and modalities of how India, as a new nation, would function. Among these was the principle of unity in diversity.

In newly independent India, those were heady days. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India and the leader of the Indian National Congress party, promoted unity in diversity as an ideal essential to nation-building and progress. In his 1946 book, The Discovery of India, he wrote of the physical appearances and mental habits and traits of Indians, pointing to the physical difference between the Pathan of the North-West and the Tamil in the far South -- differences in their racial stock -- two extreme examples and all the others that lay in between. All had distinctive features, and still more, the distinguishing mark of India.

Though outwardly there was diversity and infinite variety among our people, everywhere there was that tremendous impress of oneness, which had held all of us together for ages past, whatever political fate or misfortune had befallen us, wrote Nehru.

The Cambridge dictionary defines oneness as a state of being joined as one thing, and no longer separate. In 1947, a year after Nehru wrote about this oneness, the land experienced the Partition and India and Pakistan were created as two countries. Some 14 million to 18 million people moved between the newly and randomly created borders, Hindus to India and Muslims to Pakistan, accompanied by bloodshed, violence and unwarranted grief, the memory of which persists to this day.

In 2023, what then is the distinguishing mark of India? What is the oneness? I believe it is notional. A decade ago, while travelling in the Northeast and chatting with a group of young people, I asked if they got to Delhi much. They smiled and said no, as people they met there asked them if they were from China or Korea. I was not surprised.

As a people and government, we have not promoted oneness. It was assumed that by adding it in the Constitution it would happen, just like equality and justice. While the mechanisms were put into place for justice and equality, it was not so for oneness. Lost in the myth of diversity, we deluded ourselves that it was something to be proud of. Side by side, we steeped ourselves in our differences, clinging on to our religious beliefs, foods and customs, guarding them zealously, afraid they would be lost in the sea of diversity. And as a majority of Indians were Hindus, it was assumed that all the others were inconsequential. This is true till today.

Muslims living in Delhi talk about how Hindus will not rent out homes to them. The author Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar wrote a short story in which his Adivasi parents, both professionals, move to Gujarat, but find it hard to get housing as they are non-vegetarians.

Examples abound. Questions about caste, gotra, class, gender and sexual orientation influence our lives after we check each others complexion and features to determine origin.

The recent incidents of violence in the states of Manipur and Haryana, spurred by false news on the social media but based on decades of conflict in the two states and communities, point to the inability of the government, both Central and state, to promote harmony and oneness. The roots of the conflict existed, aided and abetted by policies of ruling parties. But what about the citizenry?

Let us start with institutions. The family is the first place where seeds of both oneness and differences are sown. When parents see differences as problematic, how can they pass on the notion of diversity as something positive to children? If differences based on caste, class, religion, language and sex are threatening, then how can oneness be promoted? Adult Indians are a product of their upbringing, besides their families, in institutions of education, and religion, which pay lip service to harmony, but practice discrimination. These biases are carried over to the workplace, where they are reinforced.

Promoting the idea and practice of unity in diversity is a responsibility of all institutions.

Central and state governments can practice and create and broadcast programmes addressing diversity and the importance of peace and harmony via their radio, television and social media platforms. Workplaces and educational institutions can create curricula on how our biases develop and are perpetuated. Families can inform themselves on how to be better examples for young children and raise them differently. It must start with each of us.

When the Constitution was adopted, there was little awareness how to inculcate these values in citizens. Today, with the advent of the Internet, knowledge and awareness are available to us. There is no excuse to be ignorant.

The India of 2023 is vastly different from the India that became independent in 1947. The Constitution is but a piece of paper to guide the nation. Nehrus vision of India was one where differences would be celebrated, and we would be unified. But no mechanisms were set in place, then and even now.

The conflict and violence in India today are not surprising. And it will get worse. The challenges of keeping 1.4 billion people together are huge and the task of building unity in diversity is for each of us, an urgent and compelling task. As in our diversity, there is little unity.
by Mathias Hariyadi

Following the path traced by Fr. Taliano, of the Society of Divine Vocations originally from Naples, since 2018 three Indonesian confreres have moved to Ho Chi Minh City. On Aug. 19 the fruits: the pronouncement of first vows of 10 local seminarians. The Asian country is today a fruitful land of mission and vocations.

Jakarta (AsiaNews) - A land of mission, a fruitful reality for new vocations and for the proclamation of the Gospel. This is Vietnam according to Fr. Rosario Taliano, a missionary of the Society of Divine Vocations (SDV) originally from Naples, in southern Italy, who since 2017 had identified the South-East Asian country as the goal for a renewed effort in the journey of evangelization of the continent.

This conviction has grown over the years and after a series of visits, in which the religious, already delegate for Indonesia of the order he belongs to, has deepened his knowledge of the territory, of the local Church and of its faithful.

On the instructions of the Italian missionary, at least three Indonesian priests of the SDV have moved to Ho Chi Minh City to look for candidates for the priesthood. One year later, in April 2018, a local community was inaugurated in the ex-Saigon, under the guidance of the first missionary: the Indonesian Fr. Fabianus Hane Seran, followed a few months later by the confreres Fr. Kasianus Nana Seran and Fr. Valentinus Lesak.

From that first seed of mission, the first fruits have emerged in these days. In particular last August 19, when 10 young Vietnamese took their first vows in Ho Chi Minh City during a ceremony attended by dozens of religious and hundreds of faithful from different areas of the southern Vietnamese metropolis.

The superior general of the Society of Divine Vocations, the Brazilian Fr. Antonio Rafael Do Nascimento and the director of formation Fr. Salvatore Musella were also present at the celebration.

The 10 new seminarians are: Anton Nguyen Tri Cong; Gioan Thanh Gia Nguyen Trung Duong; Giuse Le Tran Thanh Lap; Joseph Huynh Tan Loc; Phero Nguyen Ha Nhat Quang; Giuse Tran van Quan; Phero Le Tuy Le Trieu Nguyen; Luy Nguyen Trung Tin; Joseph Nguyen Van Tuong; Giuse Tran Van Truong.

"Initially, our formation house in Vietnam - Fr. Lesak - accepted five locals who wanted to join us. Since the arrival of the first delegate (Fr. Taliano), adds the religious, "more and more young Vietnamese have expressed their desire to join our community".

Vietnam has 27 dioceses and according to the Indonesian SDV priests in Saigon the religious vocation has always been abundant. "We have strong expectations - says Fr. Lesak - may more and more young people join" the mission, which in the past was often carried out with discretion so as not to offend the central and local authorities, but which today can be affirmed with greater freedom.

Two Vietnamese seminarians of the congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the Dehonians) are now studying theology at the Sanata Dharma University in Yogyakarta. They confirm to AsiaNews the enthusiasm for consecrated life that characterizes many young Catholics in their country of origin. Of their experience in Indonesia they say that "the biggest challenge is of course the language, but after more than two years in Yogyakarta I was able to speak and write Indonesian".

(P. Valentinus Lesak contributed to the article)
Beijing announces "total" blockade of seafood, but remains silent on its spills into the sea. Environmentalists and activists on the streets in South Korea and Japan, at least 14 arrests among protesters in front of the Japanese embassy in Seoul. IAEA reassures on fairness of procedures. South Korean premier calls for "maximum transparency" and data "for the next 30 years."

Tokyo (AsiaNews) - Widespread concern among regional nations and populations; commercial reprisals and warnings from governments which invoke transparency and, albeit with different nuances, criticize Tokyo's decision on enviornmental grounds and its pandering to its electorate; moderate caution among scientists, who applaud the procedures adopted so far and exclude imminent dangers for health and the environment in the Asia-Pacific region.

There have been many reactions from governments and public opinion to the Japanese government's decision to start releasing cooling water from the Fukushima plant, scene of the atomic accident in March 2011, into the ocean at 1pm (local time).

In the morning they showed concentrations of tritium - the only radioactive element left after treatment - below the standard of 1,500 becquerels per litre, which represents the limit established by the company for the release of water and which should continue for the next 30 years.

Beijing is among those expressing concern and has already issued a "total" ban on the importation of fish products from Japan in a move that threatens to bury the many activities related to catering inspired by Japanese cuisine from Hong Kong to Macao, up to mainland China.

However, it is worth remembering here that the same Chinese nuclear power plants have been releasing radioactive and contaminated water into the seas for some time, without - in this case - any supervision or control by international agencies and the sector as is happening now.

According to some sources, the levels would be up to 6.5 times higher than those in Fukushima, scene of the atomic accident in March 2011. A document published in the past by the Tokyo government, and relaunched by the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, reveals that in 2020 from the Qinshan III nuclear power plant in Zhejiang Province released water containing about 143 trillion becquerels of tritium.

One story among others that shows, according to Tokyo, how the current operation is actually much safer while other governments hide the data or carry out the spill in great secrecy, endangering general health.

If the Chinese front worries (in part) for economic issues, the real interest of the Rising Sun is aimed at Seoul: in fact, in recent years there has been a slow and tiring attempt to mend and strengthen relations (not only economic, but including diplomats and soldiers) after the tragedies and divisions of the past, starting with the legacies of the Second World War.

For this reason, Tokyo has spent time and resources in an attempt to overcome the resistance of the Seoul government and the hostility of a public opinion very worried about the consequences, especially on fishing.

This discontent could weigh on the approval of the executive led by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo who calls for "maximum transparency" and to provide data relating to water contamination "for the next 30 years".

Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA director general, underlines that the experts of the international atomic agency are "in the field" to verify with their own eyes - and at the service of the international community - that the procedures are "in line with safety standards". "Through our presence - he adds - we help to generate the necessary trust that the process is carried out in a safe and transparent way".

Despite the IAEA recognition, the South Korean government has nonetheless said it will not approve or support the release of the water while positively evaluating the direct channel with the agency.

Concerns are also expressed by the world of fishing, in particular by the South Korean trade associations, in some cases also by the Japanese and the Philippines who fear involvement. In this regard, the Japan Fisheries Agency will be responsible for monitoring the concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10 km radius of the nuclear power plant, then sharing them on the website.

Scientist Wen-Ti Sung of the Australian National University recalls how in the face of a slowdown in the basic economy (read China) "nationalism is the most convenient tool for rallying society".

"For public health, issues - he continues - such as the invisible and foreign threat of radiation are among the few that cross class, geographical and ethnic lines" by rallying the entire population. Civic groups have launched protests in Japan and South Korea, particularly in Seoul where police arrested 14 protesters who tried to break into the local Japanese embassy.

Also, before the release of the waters, a few dozen protesters gathered in front of the Tepco headquarters in Tokyo with placards reading "Do not throw contaminated water into the sea!". Park Jong-Kwon, a Korean environmentalist interviewed by Reuters, says he is "furious" over a "bewildering" decision.

I am even more angry  he adds  for our president, Yoon Suk Yeol, who has remained silent on this matter. I live near the sea, so I like fish. However, I will reduce its consumption. The 73-year-old Hong Kong citizen Jacay Shum also speaks of "irresponsible, illegal and immoral" action because "no one can prove that nuclear waste and materials are safe".

Finally, the inevitably critical and harsh stance taken by North Korea should be noted, which orders the Japanese government to "immediately stop" the release of waste water from Fukushima. In an official note relaunched by the state news agency KCNA, the foreign minister of Pyongyang branded the decision as an "unforgivable crime" committed by Tokyo against humanity and for which it will be "held responsible".

"Japan - concludes the statement - should immediately withdraw the dangerous release of radioactive wastewater that seriously threatens life, safety and the future of humanity".

(Photo taken from the Tepco website)


By Bernhard J. Seliger



When in mid-August, just before Koreas national holiday (Gwangbokjeol), the World Scout Jamboree ended, a catastrophe narrowly could be avoided. With the additional urge due to an upcoming typhoon, 40,000 scouts were evacuated from the original jamboree site in Saemangeum. While the organization of the evacuation of the scouts worked flawlessly, and once again confirmed Korea's reputation to be able in rapid planning, before that reputation took a heavy blow.



The jamboree site from the beginning suffered from shortcomings: the promised greening of the only recently reclaimed area failed due to the high salt concentration in the ground, so that no escape from the pitiless sun was possible, summer rain and the swampy ground were ideal to breed millions of mosquitos, the sanitary installations were insufficient  hundreds of scouts already fainted or got sick during the opening ceremony. Unfortunately, all of this could have been foreseen. Indeed, were it not so sad for the scouts who came from all over the world to hold a peaceful and exciting meeting, one could feel a grim sense of content that years of warning about the detrimental reclamation activities in Saemangeum now became vindicated.



Once, Saemangeum was one of the most productive tidal flat systems of Korea, providing not only a resting place and food for hundred of thousands of shorebirds but also a livelihood for tens of thousands of shell fishers. When in the 1980s the discussion of the reclamation of this vast area began, the goal was to increase the agricultural area of South Korea.



South Korea, one of the most densely populated countries in the world, saw a rapid growth of population after the Korean War, but food resources for a long time were scarce, and adding urgently needed fields seemed to be a good idea. Later on, rapidly industrializing South Korea, which became an economic powerhouse out of abject poverty, also saw great advances in agricultural productivity and thereby less pressure to feed the population.



However, by now plans for the reclamation had progressed. And these plans were huge, making Saemangeum the largest reclamation area not only on the Korean Peninsula but indeed around the Yellow Sea. When in 1998 Kim Dae-Jung became President, the debate on the Saemangeum project restarted: should it be finished even if additional agricultural land was not really needed anymore?



The political answer to this was foreseeable, but unfortunately wrong: the Korean government had spent already huge money, several billion U.S. dollars, on the reclamation project. How could such an investment be "wasted"? The fallacy here involved is a wrong view of so-called sunk costs. Sunk costs are costs already incurred, and which are non-recoverable, and which accordingly should not really affect decisions made for the future. For example, starting to build sea walls was such sunk cost.



When it was clear that the original idea to convert the area to agricultural land was not any more viable, politicians did not really consider sopping the project  which economic as well as ecological reasoning would have required  but instead looked for alternative ways of using the newly reclaimed area. As for now, the idea to build huge industrial complexes there failed. Unfortunately, for the politicians indeed the course of reason  stopping projects, if they are not viable anymore, is politically much more risky than just finishing projects. Who wants to be responsible for stopping a project and thereby openly acknowledging that billions of dollars are wasted?



Politically, it mostly pays off to spend another couple of billions of U.S. dollars to finish a project, and then find some alternative use. This was also the secret rationale behind the jamboree decision, despite the obvious unsuitability of the area for such a large-scale meeting in the scorching summer heat among strong summer storms. While the work on infrastructure planned for the event, including the airport, has barely started, the sunk cost problem comes up again: is it better to scrap an airport plan which is obsolete, or better to finish it anyway and then hope that someone will use it? The political answer, unfortunately, seems to be clear.



But, what are the alternatives? Saemangeum once was one of the most important wetlands of Korea. While new large-scale reclamation stopped by now (after 75 percent of tidal flats already disappeared in Korea over the course of the last 70 years), there are myriad challenges and threats to the still remaining tidal flats; new roads, new construction, new seawalls. Protecting tidal flats does not mean prohibiting any human activity; instead, as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of international importance says, it is "wise use" which is necessary.



This wise use can include sustainable fisheries, sustainable tourism and other forms of livelihood activities. South Korea was successful in attracting the Ramsar Regional Center for Northeast Asia to Suncheon, another important tidal flat area. That area, home to thousands of overwintering hooded cranes, became a center for Korean-style mass eco-tourism, with millions of visitors coming every year. I do not deny that this also creates new challenges, e.g. through the high concentration of birds in relatively small areas where they are artificially fed.



But, it is a way to preserve wetlands and their inhabitants, birds, fish and mammals. Fortunately, by now South Korea at least symbolically recognized the value of tidal flats by adding them to World Heritage, together with China. Even North Korea is hoped to follow soon with at least one key tidal flat site.



Had Saemangeum embarked on a similar trajectory, the current blow of the failed jamboree would not have happened. And this blow is not a singular event. It also puts a big question mark on the next high-level international application of Korea, namely that for the Busan World Expo. The pristine tidal flat of Saemangeum is history.



But even now, it is better to look for a sustainable way to develop Saemangeum; not as an industrial zone zombie, but as a slowly re-naturized zone. The jamboree of 2023 was not a highlight for South Korea like the one held in Goseong in 1991. Now is the chance to learn from this debacle, and embark on a new policy of a "wise use" of wetlands.





Dr. Bernhard J. Seliger is a resident representative of the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF) in Korea, based in Seoul. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he traveled frequently to North Korea, where he implemented projects on forestry, environment and renewable energy as well as medical cooperation. He is an honorary citizen of Seoul and Gangwon Province.






New Mexico Woman Sentenced to 2 Years for Stealing from Auto Body Shop Employer

Published Aug. 24, 2023

Christina Joyner, 48, of Rio Rancho, NM, was sentenced to 24 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $2 million in restitution to her former employer, after she pled guilty to wire fraud on Sept. 2, 2022.

Alexander M.M. Uballez, U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced the sentence Aug. 22.

According to court records, from approximately July 2014 through September 2021, Joyner used her position as bookkeeper for Quanz Motor Car Company, doing business as Quanz Auto Body, to defraud the company of more than $2 million.

Joyner accomplished this by issuing checks to herself and coding them to give the appearance they were for legitimate business expenses, using company credit cards to make personal, online purchases, retaining money from cash transactions and creating fraudulent pay stubs for her husband that were used as proof of income to obtain loans.

Joyner maintained email reminders to herself to modify entries in the accounting software and manipulated the software to conceal her actions.

Joyners employer completely trusted her with the companys finances, as well as the employees personal information, and one reported her abuse of their trust has hurt far worse than any financial impact has.

Joyner blamed her deceased husbands addiction for her theft; however the investigation revealed Joyner used the money to fund both her and her husbands lifestyle.

Upon her release from prison, Joyner will be subject to three years of supervised release and must complete 60 hours of community service.

The Albuquerque Resident Office of the U.S. Secret Service investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Brawley is prosecuting the case.

Source: U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico
Ford is transferring the Lobo designation to the United States. So far a designation for the F-150 in Mexico, the name now arrives in the US lineup of the refreshed best-selling pickup truck.

The 2024 F-150 is going through a mid-cycle refresh and is inching closer to its global debut. The current generation has been on the market since 202, and the facelift model will premiere in September at the Detroit Auto Show. What we know so far is that the pickup truck is getting minor cosmetic tweaks, but also a new hybrid variant, that the company's CEO Jim Farley has already referred to as the F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid.The dashboard of the F-150 will be restyled, and there will be a portrait-oriented touchscreen at the top of the center console. The model will also come with an updated front fascia that integrates a modular bumper and new headlights design. At the opposite end, there will be slimmer taillights.Sources familiar with Ford's strategy regarding the F-150 series claim that the Lobo name is coming to the lineup of the 2024 model year. We are yet to see if it will come as a trim or a package that brings some upgrades.'Lobo' is Spanish for 'wolf,' and Ford has been using the designation for decades in Mexico instead of the 'F-150' used in the United States and the rest of the world. The carmaker considered that the designation is easier to remember and can attract a younger clientele. And apparently, it works. The name has been in use there since the 1990s.The report makes sense, considering that Ford has recently filed an application to trademark the 'Lobo' tag with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for both the F-150 and the Maverick pickup trucks. There is still no info on what Ford is planning to do with the Maverick Lobo in the US, but probably, for a start, they want to make sure that no other carmaker is using the name.This year, Ford has also trademarked destinations such as F-150 Flash and F-150 Thunder. Considering that there is already an F-150 Lightning in the lineup, these two might also come with some sort of electrification.FoMoCo has recently ramped up production of the Lightning variant , planning on tripling the capacity to 150,000 units per year, in an attempt to compete with Tesla. That is probably one reason why the Dearborn carmaker slashed the F-150 Lightning prices back in July. The long-awaited Cybertruck has only recently entered production.The 2024 Ford F-150 will still have Tremor and the Raptor R variants. Ford will disclose further information on the updated pickup truck at the Detroit Motor Show that starts on September 13.
Tech giant Xiaomi, best known as one of the largest smartphone manufacturers in the world, has received the first necessary government approval for the production of electric vehicles.

EV

The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) gave the go-ahead to the tech giant, which also needs clearance from the Ministry of Industry and Information (MIIT) in China.NDRC regulates new investments and production capacity in the auto sector, whereas MIIT inspects companies seeking approval from a technical and safety standpoint.Oddly enough, Xiaomi received NDRC's blessing at a time when two of the largestmakers in the United States are still waiting for clearance. Tesla wants to expand its Shanghai production capacity, while Lucid plans to begin EV manufacturing in China. According to a report , both have applied for NDRC clearance but are yet to receive an answer.Xiaomi wants to launch its first electric vehicle in the first half of 2024, and its production strategy includes making 100,000 units in the first year. The production capacity would then increase to 200,000 units a year.The company will build its cars at a plant in Beijing and is now on a hiring spree, as it plans to significantly accelerate the production in December ahead of the car's official launch.Xiaomi is the first tech company to launch an electric vehicle built from scratch, as local rival Huawei has also expanded in the automotive industry but partnered with carmakers to provide the required software for smart systems. Xiaomi is building the vehicle from the ground up without involving a traditional auto manufacturer.Apple is also working on an electric vehicle , probably the most anticipated product of the decade. Apple plans to unveil its car in 2025 or 2026, at the earliest, with the company expected to make an official announcement in 2024. The iPhone maker will follow in the footsteps of Xiaomi and build the car without help from traditional carmakers after several failed attempts to work with big names like Hyundai, Nissan, and possibly others.Apple aims for full self-driving capabilities, but the first version of the vehicle will sport limited features. The first Apple Car will use a more conventional approach with a driver's seat, steering wheel, and pedals. Still, Apple wants to eventually convert the cabin into a living room on wheels by removing all traditional interior parts. Depending on the first model's reception, an improved vehicle version that could align with this plan could follow later this decade.Apple will launch the Apple Car in the United States and then gradually expand it to Europe. Xiaomi will stick with China but is undoubtedly planning an international expansion, too, though further specifics in this regard will be shared when the car sees daylight early next year.
Even the best drivers out there make mistakes. The driver of the Z06 in the video below did exactly that at Virginia International Raceway. Despite totaling the car, the flat-plane crankshaft V8 of the 'Vette still runs, and the driver walked away unharmed.

Slow-motion footage from the built-in Performance Data Recorder of the 2023 model year Z06 shows the driver trying to apply throttle on corner entry. He then opened the steering wheel, yet the front left tire lost grip after going off track on the outside. In this situation, the driver couldn't do anything to save the Z06 from hitting the guardrail on the inside nose-first, carrying a lot of speed.An impact of 8.47 Gs may not seem like much, but it's actually hard on anyone who hasn't undergone fighter pilot training in a centrifuge. The car gets into a spin after the original impact. When it comes back around, the rear end also hits the guardrail at 5.5 Gs. While it may be depressing to see a 2023 model year Z06 in this state, bear in mind the car doesn't matter. What actually matters is the driver not getting hurt. You can easily replace a car, but a life-threatening injury is a different matter altogether.The C8-generation Z06 is the fifth since the 1963 model year. 199 units were produced back then. Better known as the Big Tank due to the 36.5-gallon (138-liter) fuel tank, the Z06 option used to retail at $1,818.45 over the C2 coupe's $4,252 base price.After the C2, the Z06 nameplate returned to the Corvette with the C5. The largest automaker of the Big Three in Detroit pushed the Z06 in a different direction with the C7 by means of supercharging.Even though its predecessor featured a 6.2-liter small block, the C8 is even more powerful despite packing 5.5 liters. The naturally-aspirated V8 of the 2023-and-newer Z06 is a masterpiece, the largest flat-plane crankshaft V8 ever fitted to a series-production car entitled to wear a license plate.Codenamed Gemini and referred to as LT6 in the order guide, the high-revving engine redlines at 8,600 revolutions per minute. It belts out 670 horsepower at 8,400 spinnies and 460 pound-feet (624 Nm) at 6,300 revolutions per minute. By comparison, the previous gen offers 650 horsepower at 6,400 spinnies and 650 pound-feet (881 Nm) at 3,600 revolutions per minute.Chevrolet isn't stopping here, though. The ZR1 is rumored to be revealed next year with a twin-turbocharged version of the LT6, as in the LT7. The grand finale for the C8 generation is expected to be called Zora as a tribute to the engineer who introduced the small-block V8 to the 'Vette.Word has it the ZR1 is coming with more than 800 horsepower as opposed to 755 for the previous generation of the ZR1. The heavily anticipated Zora may get a staggering 1,000 ponies, which is Lamborghini Revuelto and Bugatti Veyron territory.
It's been a while since a new movie in the Cars series came out, and there are no known plans to make one in the near future. Even so, it's doubtful any of you reading this now, no matter the age, forgot what they were all about. And this one is for you.

Disney and Pixar kicked off the Cars craze back in 2006, with the release of the first movie, and kept people on their toes with two more, in 2011 and 2017. All three flicks brought to life characters that are loved by adults and kids alike.So it's no wonder that alongside the many toys and games made after Mater, Doc Hudson, or Guido, people started making life-size interpretations of them, more specifically of the movie's two main characters, Sally Carrera and Lightning McQueen.The first time the best-known (and official) life-size versions of the two characters came into the spotlight was in the launch year of the first movie, 2006. Two cars replicating the animated ones were shown at the Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte.Since that time the two examples have taken to various other events, but mostly stayed in museums, and that means they didn't come back together as often as some people might have liked. Especially given the on-screen relationship of the two.The Lightning McQueen, which is not based on a particular vehicle, is currently on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. Sally on the other hand, given how it's a Porsche 911 Carrera both in the movie and in real life, resides an ocean away, at the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.At the end of September Porsche will invade the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the Rennsport Reunion 7, an event considered to be the largest get-together of classic Porsches. It is there where the German carmaker will be bringing its museum-stored Sally Carrera, to once again meet with Petersen's Lightning.It'll be an incredible event for Cars fans, naturally, but the get-together will be made even more exciting by the presence there of yet another Sally Carrera. Yes, lucky McQueen will get to meet two of them, as the Sally Special will be there tooExactly one year ago Porsche presented to the world this so-called Sally Special . Unlike the museum Sally, which is based on a 996-generation 911, the Special started out as a 911 Carrera GTS, and was made for one purpose and one purpose only: sell for charity.And sell it did, at the hands of auction house RM Sotheby's. It actually did more than actually sell, as it became a record breaker when it comes to new Porsche being auctioned: it snatched an incredible $3.6 million. The entire pile of money went to charity.So, if you're wondering how Lightning McQueen and the two Sally's will look like together on the same track, wait until the end of September and travel to Laguna Seca. Or just wait for a deluge of images to flood the Internet at around the same time.
The peeps at EarthCruiser have unleashed a superb-looking upfit designed specifically for the most badass electric pickup truck in production today. Enter the GMC Hummer EV EarthCruiser, which comprises a carbon-fiber house construction with a full-size bed for two adults and a pop-up roof.

EV

Measuring 117 inches in Camp Mode or 90 inches in Drive Mode, the GMC HummerEarthCruiser features an overall length of 217 inches. Originally headquartered in Australia, the Oregon-based RV manufacturer also sweetens the deal with an outdoor shower, exterior scene lights, rooftop solar panels, lockable utility hook-ups, and a grey water tank.The freshwater tank's capacity is 13.5 gallons, which converts to a little over 51 liters for those who prefer the metric system. That's more than enough for a weekend in the boonies. Only available through EarthCruiser , the overlanding upfit solution further includes a flat-pack toilet, a 7.0-inch touchscreen control panel between the sink and bed area, an induction cooktop, underbed storage, a refrigerator/freezer, as well as an 1,500-watt inverter.We're not done yet, though. A 12-volt water heater also needs to be mentioned, along with integrated cabinets and drawers, a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 460 Ah, dimmable interior lighting, 35 inches of headroom in the bed area, 76 inches on the step in the hallway, and 80 inches at the entry.EarthCruiser advertises the GMC Hummer EV-specific upfit with 605 watts of solar power and up to a week's worth of off-grid power, exterior filtered water access, and exterior recovery gear storage. This amazing machine will debut in the flesh on August 25 at Overland Expo Mountain West.Pricing is  unfortunately  a mystery at the moment of reporting. Be that as it may, prospective customers can reserve the slide-in camper by means of a $100 refundable deposit. EarthCruiser's website reads that the configurator will open at a later date. First deliveries are scheduled for 2024, although the company failed to mention the exact quarter.Given the sticker price of the Hummer EV pickup truck, it's not going to be cheap. For the 2024 model year, the Hummer EV can be yours for anything between $98,845 for the 2X dual-motor setup to $150,295 for the tri-motor 3X Omega Edition.Later on, the lineup will also welcome the 2, which also comes with two electric motors. Both the 2 and 2X pack 625 horsepower and a ridiculous amount of torque. Why ridiculous? Because GMC measures torque differently from the rest of the industry for a rather shrewd reason: to make the Hummer EV seem like it's the end-all-be-all of electric trucks.The 3X features the same tri-motor powertrain as the First Edition, which is rated at 1,000 horsepower in the pickup's case or 830 for the Hummer EV SUV . The automaker quotes 11,500 pound-feet (15,592 Nm), but in truth, it actually makes a little over 1,000 pound-feet (1,356 Nm) of tire-shredding torque in the Watts to Freedom launch mode.
Electric bicycles can make the daily commute shorter, more fun, more convenient, and healthier, but only if we want it that way. But electric bikes are also a great way of exploring the great outdoors and can even prove reliable for towing small campers and, this way, allow for extended hikes.

Photo: Jack Stewart/Tiny Cabin Life

Photo: Jack Stewart/Tiny Cabin Life

Photo: Jack Stewart/Tiny Cabin Life

Photo: Jack Stewart/Tiny Cabin Life

Bike trailers and campers, designed specifically for towing by a motor-assisted bicycle, are gaining ground on the e-bike market. They're sold as a viable, more affordable alternative to full-size towables, but they're still priced like premium products Here's one that's the very definition of "affordable" since it's a full DIY (do it yourself) project made from recycled materials and cheap products. It's called the Bike Cabin because it's meant to replicate the feeling of a log cabin, but in a much more compact footprint and with fewer creature comforts.This Bike Cabin is the work of Jack Stewart, a known TV presenter, popular online personality, and also a glamping units builder, experienced travel guide, and naturalist. His previous project is the Travel Cabin, a very small cabin he built mostly from scrap and which serves as a temporary home for himself, his wife, their dog, and, as of a few months ago, their newborn child. The Travel Cabin offers a living footprint of just 32 square feet (3 square meters), so it's the tiniest of tiny homes out there. Jack knows a thing or two about downsizing in order to experience a more mobile lifestyle, immersed in nature, that's for certain.This new build is designed to get him (and his dog Ellie) even farther and deeper into the woods than the Travel Cabin or even a tent. It's a towable he pulls by e-bike that looks more like a shed but is strong enough not to fall apart during transport on the trails and well-built to offer protection and comfort.The Cabin is 3.5 feet by 8 feet (1 by 2.4 meters) and offers 28 square feet (2.6 square meters) of interior space, enough to accommodate a one-person bed with a memory foam mattress and room to spare for the dog. Three windows with plexiglass and mosquito screens offer cross-ventilation, aided by two small USB fans. There's also a small LED reading light, storage all around the bed for camping gear, and a pair of candle lanterns for exterior lights.It seems to use the wheels and axle of a cargo trailer with a lightweight frame of plywood. In keeping with the name, it even has corrugated metal roofing.It's a rudimentary setup, but it works, as Jack proves in the video below, shot on the maiden journey in Minnesota, U.S. Additional gear includes a single-burner propane stove, a small camp chair, a small camp table, and other necessary stuff like cups and bowls and at least one spork.If you compare the Bike Cabin experience to what you might get in one of those off-road teardrop trailers, you'd probably turn up your nose at the former. But this Cabin, like all the other bike trailers out there, is meant as an upgrade to bikepacking  and it's definitely that. You're no longer sleeping on the ground, and you get protection against the elements, along with some home-like creature comforts.For towing, Jack uses one of the new entries in the latest X Series from ENGWE , so the video doubles as promotion for this particular e-bike maker. The bike is triple-suspension X24, which uses a powerful motor with 1,200W peak power and 70 Nm (52 ft-lb) of torque to cross surfaces and inclines other bikes would probably struggle with.Range is a solid 93 miles (150 km) thanks to dual batteries, while top speed is 31 mph (50 kph). The X24 rides on fat tires and features a folding frame, so it's ideal for transport in the back of a larger car. In other words, it was designed specifically for the kind of adventures Jack loves  and now enjoys with his Bike Cabin.Like with his Travel Cabin, Jack plans to reveal the entire construction process of the Bike Cabin shortly, including a breakdown of materials and costs, as well as labor time. More than tutorials for wannabe travelers (though they can definitely work like that, too), his videos are meant to inspire travelers to think outside of the box so as to make the most of their outings.That's why, on the maiden journey with Bike Cabin, he places quite a lot of emphasis on paying attention to your surroundings, respecting the places you visit, and making a conscious choice to focus on the positives in life instead of the negatives. That part is perhaps the most inspirational.More importantly, the Bike Cabin shows that, when it comes to making the most of your outings, a DIY build will do just fine, if not actually better than the more expensive variant. The company of man's forever best friend is a much-welcome bonus.
Naver CEO Choi Soo-yeon introduces the company's hyperscale AI HyperCLOVA X and related services during Team Naver DAN 23 conference, held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas hotel in southern Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Naver



Korean tech giant to open new mega data center to accelerate analyzing capabilities



By Baek Byung-yeul



Naver will offer enhanced and customized AI services for both general users and business customers based on its hyperscale AI platform, HyperCLOVA X, to counter prominent generative AI services such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, according to the CEO of the Korean IT giant, Thursday.



"From the dawn of the internet era to the present, we've been asked similar questions, but we've only grown stronger by focusing on improving our technology and our users and have proved our capabilities. The same thing will happen in the era of generative AI," Choi Soo-yeon, CEO of Naver, said during the company's Team Naver DAN 23 conference in Seoul.



The CEO said that the company has been working on developing its own hyperscale AI platform since before the term generative AI was coined, and in 2021, it developed HyperCLOVA, the world's third hyperscale AI-powered large language model (LLM). And now, the company will solidify its competitiveness in the AI era, with AI services based on HyperCLOVA X, an upgraded version of HyperCLOVA.






SUV

CVT

Think about it for a second. On the Old Continent, as a tribute to the cost-cutting ordered by the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, the Japanese automaker is like a Chinese brand trying to copy everything around it. As such, now we're getting Mitsubishi Colt hatchbacks and ASX subcompact crossovers looking like Renault's Clio and Captur with a three-pointed diamond badge.And they're clearly not looking good. Moving to the United States, Mitsubishi's range consists of a couple of Mirage models, the cheap Outlander Sport and quirky Eclipse Cross, plus the only model worth considering in their range  the Outlander and Outlander plug-in hybrid. Just recently, we heard from the rumor mill the Mirages are biting the dust, so they are also losing the argument of selling one dirt-cheap model to help empower people regardless of social condition.The only bright star still shining in Mitsubishi's constellation is the ASEAN region, where it recently presented the Xforce compact crossoverand the sixth-generation Triton mid-size pickup truck. The former is an exciting take on the compact CUV trope as it looks ready for any adventure. However, that's a ruse because it's got 2WD only and a! On the other hand, the new Triton is the real deal.Naturally, the model attracted much attention  including across some parallel universes. For example, the imaginative realm of digital car content creators quickly took notice and started playing with it. Some wanted a more rugged demeanor; others went for the street-savvy option. Of course, even more of them began to imagine the potential arrival of the fourth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (Montero Sport in North America) with lots and lots of Triton DNA.The same happened to Dimas Ramadhan, the virtual automotive artist behind the Digimods DESIGN channel on YouTube, who has taken up the task of revealing yet another Triton version - in CGI, albeit with a twist. Thus, he didn't opt for a Triton-based Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero Sport after first envisioning a 2025 Triton HD looking like a Mighty Max that's ready again for America and also restarting 'Project America' for Endeavor's hypothetical return.Instead, he went for the full Monty, morphing the mid-size Triton pickup truck's DNA into the fully-fledged, full-size Pajero  aka Montero. The model that was a thorn in Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender's side for so many years bit the dust in 2021 after the fourth generation had a very lengthy lease of life (it appeared back in 2006). Now, the pixel master has envisioned a potential return of the nameplate with modified Triton DNA  which is especially visible at the front. So, do you like it or not?
Volkswagen's first California camper van launched in 1988 on the T3 platform. Inspired by the Westfalia campers from earlier, the California is up for a ground-up redesign. Enter the T7-based California Concept, which is described by the German automaker as a near-production concept.

kW

kWh

WLTP

TDI

The pop-up roof is  without a shadow of a doubt  the first thing that catches one's attention. More than a glorified tent, said pop-up roof comprises triple-layered bellows, an aluminum shell, and a bed with spring plates. USB-C slots for your mobile devices are featured as well, together with LED lights.How do you raise or lower the pop-up roof? As expected from Volkswagen, the Wolfsburg-based automaker came up with a needlessly complex solution to a rather simple problem. More specifically, there's a tablet integrated into the wall of the driver-side C pillar's cupboard. As a rule of thumb, the more complexity added to a vehicle, the more things that can go  and will go  wrong.Said tablet is also programmed to show information on the waste and fresh water tanks, power supply, auxiliary heater, refrigerator, and interior lighting. All of the aforementioned, as well as the pop-up roof, can also be controlled via a smartphone app (Cali on Tour) or via the infotainment system.The T7 Multivan-based California Concept previews the first plug-in hybrid California intended for series production. Don't get too excited, though, because the powertrain isn't exactly a wowzer.Manufactured in Hanover, the T7 Multivan eHybrid pumps out 160and 350 Nm at full chatter. That's 215 horsepower and 258 pound-feet in the imperial system, of which 148 horsepower and 184 pound-feet are generated by the 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The electric drive unit is joined by a 13-battery pack.Thecombined fuel consumption is completely irrelevant because the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure greatly favors plug-in hybrids over normal ones and internal combustion-only vehicles. When it comes to zero-emission range, the T7 Multivan eHybrid is rated at up to 48 kilometers (nearly 30 miles).Add the additional weight of goodies fitted to the California Concept, and you'll be looking at something in the ballpark of 40 kilometers (roughly 25 miles) for the production model, if not worse. Boasting a sliding door on the kitchen side, which is a first for the California, the concept further sweetens the deal with seating for six people, an induction cooktop, a gas cooker, and a grill.Targeting customers who like to spend their free time away from the urban jungle, the T7 California will be offered with an awning. A folding table and folding chairs are certain to be offered as well.With a bit of luck, Volkswagen won't make the mistake of giving us a hybrid-only California. The 2.0-literseems like the much better choice for a camper van, especially if we're dealing with a small camper trailer. The T7 Multivan 2.0-liter TDI is rated at 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds).
Volkswagen is taking the chip shortage bull by its horns and seeking to eliminate the supply chain's weak links. Whats the best way to be immune to the global parts-sourcing pandemic? Get in touch with the manufacturer and strike a deal.

Photo: Volkswagen

EV

Photo: Volkswagen

According to Reuters, the German auto group announced it has begun purchasing critical chips (estimated to become a high-demand, short-supply product in the future) from ten manufacturers. The selected chipmakers group includes NXP Semiconductors, Infineon Technologies, and Renesas Electronics.Volkswagen is distancing from its previous business paradigm that counted on parts suppliers to buy the much-needed chips. The German carmaker took the first steps last October, reaching deals for direct supply with chip-producing entities.The auto giant has lost trust in the global market capacity to sustain the automotive industrys needs  at least regarding chips. Since every new car system has at least one microprocessor to govern its function and operation, its obvious why the Germans want to blanket themselves from the inconsistencies of supply and distribution mishaps.Since electric vehicle production began cutting ever larger slices of the global industry pie, demand for chips has sky-rocketed . However, the rate of growth reported inmaking  including the critical and increasingly complex software architectures developed for electrified automobiles  hasnt been met by a symmetrical rise in chip manufacturing. Just factor this in: in 1978, only eight semiconductors were installed in a control unit of a Porsche 911. 45 years later, a Skoda Enyaq relies on some 90 control units with around 8,000 electronic components.Setting up a high-precision micro-component factory isnt as easy as snapping fingers. VW is not waiting to see whether it is left among the living half of the automotive universe in case a supply-chain Thanos decides to wreak havoc in the automobile universe. According to VW's estimates, the value of electronic components for cars will likely more than double by 2030, from the 2023 average of 600 euros per vehicleAs we speak, the automotive industry ranks 5th among the major semiconductors buyers, with an overall purse of 47 billion dollars. Seven years from now, the carmaking business will leap two places up and $100 billion in value .Besides securing a direct sourcing channel for its critical components, Volkswagen and Franco-Italian chipmaker STMicroelectronics join efforts to co-develop a new semiconductor. The announcement  made last month - marks VW's first direct relationship with a second and third-rank semiconductor supplier.The German automakers initiative didnt just come out of the blue. Federal authorities in Berlin have been trying to attract some of the world's largest contract chipmakers with billions of euros worth in subsidies. The giants from Intel and the Taiwanese TSMC made public earlier this year their plans to build production factories in Germany.TSMC is the world's biggest contract manufacturer of semiconductors, so the fiscal state aid proposal offered by Germany makes complete sense, given that the auto industry is one of the countrys main economic pillars. Volkswagen has yet to strike a deal for a direct supply relationship with TSMC. Still, the two enterprises keep in close contact.According to Karsten Schnake, head of Volkswagens COMPASS (Cross Operational Management Parts & Supply Security) task force for component supply founded in 2022, representatives from the two companies regularly meet for updates on chip demands. Additionally, the automobile constructor plans to use a narrower variety of chips in its vehicles - to release some of the tension on the supply chain  meaning it simplifies its software offering, too, Schnake added, cited by Reuters
Lahbib proceeded to Baku on Thursday two days after holding talks with Armenian leaders in Yerevan. She was expected to meet Aliyev during the trip.

The Azerbaijani government-linked news agency APA cited an unnamed government source as saying that the meeting will not take place because Lahbib made in Yerevan pro-Armenian statements that are far from reality.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan, Lahbib called on Baku to reciprocate Prime Minister Nikol Pashinians recent recognition of Azerbaijans territorial integrity. She also expressed serious concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Karabakh, warning of a risk of famine in the Armenian-populated region.

It is incumbent on Azerbaijan to ensure the security of Karabakhs population and free traffic through the Lachin corridor, said the top Belgian diplomat.

The Azerbaijani leadership has repeatedly dismissed similar appeals from the European Union, the United States and Russia. It denies blocking Karabakhs sole land link with Armenia and says the international community should instead facilitate the regions reintegration into Azerbaijan.
Avinian predicted that the party headed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian will win more than 50 percent of the vote and retain control of the city council empowered to appoint the Armenian capitals mayor.

We are confident that we will manage to garner the majority [of votes,] he told RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

We have delivered on what we promised [in 2018,] and we are proposing a new, more ambitious five-year plan, he said.

Civil Contract fell short of the outright majority in Yerevan during Armenias last general elections held in June 2021. Official vote results showed it doing much better in other, especially rural parts of the country. But the party should benefit this time around from the decision by the two main opposition alliances to boycott the local polls slated for September 17.

Andranik Tevanian, a lawmaker representing one of those alliances, Hayastan, disagreed with the boycott and set up his own electoral bloc to join the mayoral race. Tevanian insisted that his victory would pave the way for Pashinians removal from power as he and his allies campaigned in Yerevans northern Arabkir district on Thursday.

Our participation in the municipal elections in Yerevan is an opportunity to effect regime change at the national level, he told local residents. Regime change is the key precondition for ensuring the security of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh.

Another opposition contender, the Aprelu Yerkir party, has also described the mayoral race as an opportunity to precipitate Pashinians ouster.

Avinian indicated that unlike in the last Yerevan elections held five years ago, Pashinian will not actively participate in the ruling partys election campaign because of much tougher challenges facing his government.

Avinian also denied illegally using his administrative resources to gain unfair advantage over his rivals and facilitate his victory. A coalition of civic groups that will monitor the September 17 vote again accused him and Civil Contract of foul play in an extensive report released this week.
Meeting with his visiting Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin, Pashinian said it shows that Russian-Armenian relations remain very strong despite problematic issues causing friction between the two nations.

Russian-Armenian trade doubled last year and in the first half of this year as the South Caucasus country took advantage of the barrage of sanctions imposed on its main trading partner following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This, coupled with other cash inflows from Russia, is the main reason why the Armenian economy grew by over 12 percent in 2022.

It must be said that our commercial exchange reached $5 billion in 2022 and this growth is continuing. This year we have already passed the $3 billion mark and hope that this year we will surpass last years volume, Pashinian told Mishustin in his opening remarks.

We have a very strong and durable relationship, he added during talks held in the Armenian resort town of Tsaghkadzor on the sidelines of a meeting of the prime ministers of Eurasian Economic Union member states.

Despite the difficult foreign economic situation, Russias trade and economic ties with Armenia are growing stronger  and this makes us happy, Mishustin said for his part.

In line with Russias broader efforts to reduce its dependence on the U.S. dollar, Mishustin called for greater use of the Russian and Armenian currencies in bilateral trade. He also proposed that Moscow and Yerevan accelerate work on joint investment projects in Armenia.

The soaring trade is primarily driven by Armenian exports to Russia that tripled in 2022 and January-June 2023. Goods manufactured in third countries and re-exported by Armenian firms are thought to have accounted for most of that gain. They include consumer electronics as well as other hi-tech goods and components which Western powers say could be used by the Russian defense industry.

The Armenian government has faced in recent months strong pressure from the United States and the European Union to curb the re-export of these items. It announced in late May that Armenian exporters will now need government permission to deliver microchips, transformers, video cameras, antennas and other electronic equipment to Russia. Pashinian said at the time that despite its strategic relations with Russia, Armenia cannot afford to be placed under Western sanctions.

Washington has so far blacklisted only on one functioning Armenian company for allegedly helping Russia evade the sanctions.
24 August 2023 16:15 (UTC+04:00)

Abbas Ganbay Read more

Today, the speed of information has reached the jet speed, due to technological progress and rapidly developing structures of mass media accessed by public in the world. However, true information has been as precious as gold as finding it becomes tough.

It is not a secret that often the majority of mass media, using their influence, under the pressure of geopolitics and separatism, draws the masses of society into the abyss of disinformation, and it becomes more and more difficult for society to distinguish the reality when what can be relied on is corroded by words and fake news.

The pro-Armenian Diaspora in France has a strong influence on terrorizing with disinformation in order to divert and direct the attention of the masses to a certain point in world events. The Armenian authorities, who are fighting for power in Yerevan, continue to sow their propaganda policy, and in this, Armenians are often assisted by French patrons, such as the Mass Media represented by France24.

The slanderous article from the French publication France24, once again proves the commitment of the separatist regime in its policy of exacerbating the conflict in Garabagh, promoting and sowing lies for the future, that allegedly in a couple of weeks due to the blockade of the so-called "Nagorno-Karabagh," there will be hunger, lack of water, and death.

The author of the French article has no journalistic ethics and professionalism in his false messages and fooling, as Armenia has already been dealt a blow of truth from Azerbaijan on the world level, and in the issue of the alleged blockade of Lachin, Armenians rejected the road offered by Azerbaijan through the Aghdam-Khankendi route, and in the issue of the lack of humanitarian aid, the aid from Azerbaijan was rejected. The Armenian lies were exposed both by Armenians themselves and the world mass media from such countries as Romania, Lithuania, Denmark, and others.

As long as the policy of lies of the Armenian "leaders" continues in their struggle for power, the Armenian population will suffer and fall for the bait, which is to please their "leaders" in order to easily blame Azerbaijan for everything. The French publication in an article collected the most contradictory alleged evidence, attributing deaths and even children, and in the not updated water supply infrastructure.

Pashinyan, in the last government session on August 24, used double standard tactics, stating to the public and media that the Armenian side allegedly offered Azerbaijan its new proposals regarding the peace treaty between the countries, and after a while, he stated that Baku is constantly "torpedoing the dialogue with Khankendi" in various ways. Azerbaijan offered integration of the Armenian inhabitants of Garabagh, humanitarian aid, and to start a new life for Yerevan by signing a peace treaty, but the "leaders" and patrons of Armenians were not interested in improving relations between the countries. Dragging the process into the deterioration of the environment for the Armenian society eventually led to a misfire.

Proved by researchers

German researcher, Dr Michael Reinhard Hess, has expressed his doubts about the content of Luis Moreno Ocampo's anti-Azerbaijani report. In an open letter to the lawyer, Hess noted that the report contains strong support for Armenian interests and creates an ambiguous, if not outright misleading, impression.

He pointed out that the term "Artsakh" used by Armenians has no roots in the Armenian language, and Ocampo's claims that the Garabagh region is "predominantly populated by Armenians" are purely theoretical conclusions. The German researcher also noted that the term "Artsakh" was not widely used among Armenians until at least 1921.

The researcher further refuted Ocampo's claims of an alleged "genocide" in Garabagh, noting that it is doubtful that such a small population of 120,000 could have starved to death in the height of summer. He also emphasized that the establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint cannot be interpreted as a means of preparing for genocide, as many countries have such checkpoints to prevent the smuggling of people and goods without being accused of preparing for genocide.

Abbas Ganbay is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @Noend33

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 20:00 (UTC+04:00)

Rena Murshud Read more

The Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society (AzQAC/ARCS) has been a part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement for more than 100 years since 1920, guided by the 7 fundamental principles of the International Movement, especially the principles of "neutrality", "impartiality", and "unity," in times of peace and in the conditions of military conflicts, and at the same time during emergency situations, regardless of religious belief, nationality, race, political views, provides necessary humanitarian aid to war victims, internally displaced persons and refugees, mine victims and other needy people without distinction between people.

During the First and the Second Garabagh Wars, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, ARCS provided appropriate humanitarian aid to the victims within the framework of close cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. Besides, over the last 30-year activities, both international organizations have implemented quite a variety of humanitarian projects in Azerbaijan.

However, the ICRC, which has been trying to overshadow the activities of ARCS, has undermined its credibility with a series of biased activities. In an interview with AZERNEWS, political analyst and Chief Editor of Milli.az news site Elchin Alioglu, who shed light on this type of activity of the organization, noted that the biased position in the activity of the ICRC is not a new phenomenon.

"The ICRC does not act arbitrarily, on the contrary, it remains loyal to the policy it has been pursuing for many years. The common slogan of the ICRC is "not to interfere in politics, not to politicize humanitarian issues, to help peaceful people in areas with humanitarian disasters, famine, disease epidemics, in areas where military operations have taken place, and at the same time, prisoners of war and to be interested in the fate of the hostages, and the most importantly to assist in the release of those persons."

According to the political analyst, if we look at the activities of the ICRC in different countries of the world during the last 15 years, we will see that its activities have been observed with very bad and very defective actions, from Latin America to Africa, South East Asia and other countries.

Also, the expert gave examples in this regard.

"For example, during the humanitarian disaster and genocide in Miami, the ICRC issued 26 statements regarding the genocide of Rohingya Muslims, but did not save 26 people. In Africa, Somalia and Somaliland, Ethiopia and Eritrea, Nigeria and Niger, Algeria and Mali, as well as in military conflict zones, most recently in Venezuela, where tens of thousands of people are at risk of starvation after two coup attempts, the ICRC has taken no action against it."

Later, the analyst spoke about the Committee's attitude towards Azerbaijan.

"As for Azerbaijan, since 1991, the ICRC has not investigated any issue related to the fate of approximately 4,648 (numbers are not exact) prisoners and hostages. After those persons were captured and hostage by the Armenians, there is no any information about their whereabouts and whether they are alive or not. The ICRC is sparing mediation efforts to organize the return of 2 Azerbaijani soldiers recently captured by Armenians. The ICRC's flawed activities related to financial frauds, financial scandals, various gender inequality, national and ethnic, religious tolerance, racism, and other issues are known to the world. At the same time, the inconsistency between the ARCS and the ICRC is obvious. It is obvious that people are discriminated against in ethno-confessional and especially ethnic terms," the expert noted.

E. Alioglu also touched on some mysterious points while talking about the international humanitarian aid of the Committee.

"Why has the ICRC not made a statement so far that it cannot include Azerbaijan's humanitarian aid in the areas where the Russian peacekeeping contingent is temporarily stationed? Why can't they conduct sociological, ecological, humanitarian and general monitoring in Aghdara, Khankendi, and Khojaly?" the expert emphasized.

Elchin Alioglu pointed out that the statement of the Armenians "We are under blockade" is a stark lie, and in fact, they put themselves in a situation of blockade.

"Is it really true that during these months there was not a single patient who needed resuscitation? Is everyone there healthy?" the expert added by asking a question.

In addition to this opinion, Elchin Alioglu noted that the ICRC did not compile any official document about the "starvation" spread by the separatists.

"According to the Armenians, a so-called humanitarian disaster and famine is taking place in Garabagh. But the question arises, has the ICRC representation in Khankendi registered the fact of "starvation"? If it has not, then the committee is acting biased. Another point is why does the Committee's representative office in Yerevan deal with these issues? The Committee is currently engaged in purely political activities in the territory of Azerbaijan. The Committee has not made a single statement that all the territories under the control of Russian peacekeepers in Garabagh are monoethnic."

Finally, Elchin Alioglu linked the activities of the Committee with support for Nazism in WWII.

"The Committee supported the Nazi ideas of Germany and the Vatican and showed the same attitude when committing genocide against the Jews. Also, the Committee remained silent against the sailors who disappeared in Norway and the German refugees who disappeared in Switzerland. All these mentioned facts can be found in the book of the writer named Anne Frank", the expert said.

Noting that the committee turned a blind eye to thousands of Ukrainian children being taken to Russia, Alioglu added that the organization continues such fascist activities.

The organization has not even helped to evacuate a single Ukrainian from war zones. Ukraine officially criticized the Committee on behalf of the ombudsman. Therefore I think that expecting any objective position from the ICRC is unreasonable.

---

Rena Murshud is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @RenaTagiyeva

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 12:30 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

On August 22, the head of the separatist regime in Garabagh Arayik Harutyunyan, said at the so-called meeting of the security council that a decision had been made to trade through the Aghdam-Khankendi road (with Azerbaijan). However, he did not say where and by whom the decision had been made.

According to the Armenian media outlets, the leader of the separatists said that products such as construction materials, fuel, and medicine would be delivered from Aghdam, but food would be delivered via the Lachin-Khankendi road.

As for gas and electricity supplies, he noted that this issue would be discussed at a later stage. He also added that gas and electricity would be purchased from Azerbaijan.

To recall, before the so-called meeting of the security council, Ruben Vardanyan put strong pressure on Harutyunyan and requested his resignation. Even the rumors about Harutyunyans resignation circulated in the Armenian mass media. However, it is said that after the intervention of the armed groups created by Harutyunyan after the war, he stated that he would not resign.

Thus, this information caused a great interest in Azerbaijani society, and to find out what is going on in Khankendi, Azernews learned political analyst Elkhan Shahinoglu's opinion. The expert said that Armenians have run out of alternatives.

After the second Karabakh war, the Armenians in Karabakh have no alternative but to fulfill the demands and conditions of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan liberated a large part of the occupied territories and soon it will restore the control over the small part that remains in the hands of the separatists. So, cargoes can also enter Azerbaijan not through Lachin, but through the road shown by us. Therefore, they have no alternatives but the Aghdam-Khankendi road. There is also the matter of meeting at Barda, Elkhan Shahinoglu added.

He pointed out that Armenians tried to put international pressure on Azerbaijan, but they failed. Even they could not get anything from the UN Security Council. Now, they understand that they have two options, either they will accept the condition of Azerbaijan or will face the harsh reality.

That is, they understand that they could not organize international pressure on Azerbaijan, and this is not possible at all. No document against us was accepted at the UN. Therefore, they understand that they have only one option - to accept the conditions and demands of Azerbaijan. Otherwise, an anti-terrorist operation will be the only solution, and this possibility is also high because they do not stop provocations. Now, the course of events indicates that they should logically take the path of dialogue with Azerbaijan. They discussed the opening of Aghdam Road [among themselves]. Our demands remain on the agenda. I believe that if they do not want to face an anti-terrorist operation, they should accept our conditions. In the near future, they should also accept to live by the laws of Azerbaijan. Otherwise, if they refuse to live under the laws of Azerbaijan, the only alternative will be to leave the territories of Azerbaijan. Just like many Armenians who no longer want under the Azerbaijani laws abandon Azerbaijan from Lachin border crossing point, Elkhan Shahinoglu noted.

To recall, Ruben Vardanyan is an Armenian billionaire who made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s. When the Ukrainian war broke out, Ruben Vardanyan denounced his Russian citizenship and went to Garabagh to avoid the sanctions that the Western countries imposed on Russian oligarchs. Later, he was parachuted into the so-called state minister (some kind of prime minister) in a separatist regime in November 2022 by Russia. At that time, many believed that Russia would repeat its well-known scenario, and like Robert Kocherian, he would replace the head of separatists Arayik Harutyunyan and at the end of the day would be the PM of Armenia. However, due to Azerbaijan's pressure, Ruben Vardanyan was dismissed in February 2023.

---

Qabil Ashirov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @g_Ashirov

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 10:50 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov will represent the country at the 78th high-level week of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports.

According to the press secretary of the head of the General Assembly Paulina Kubiak, the 78th session of the UN General Assembly will begin its work on September 19 at the UN headquarters in New York.

On the same day, the current head of the UN General Assembly, Hungarian diplomat Csaba Keresi, will sum up the results of the 77th session. The new session of the UN General Assembly will be chaired by the former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and the country's Permanent Representative to the UN, Dennis Francis.

The high-level week, which will be attended by representatives of states and governments from 193 UN member countries, traditionally starts on September 20.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is also expected to attend. During the week, issues of intensifying activities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, climate change, global warming, drought and depletion of groundwater resources, the war in Ukraine, as well as food shortages in the world, the energy crisis, and other relevant topics will be discussed.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Nako Sung, head of Technology at Naver Cloud, introduces hyperscale AI platform HyperCLOVA X during Team Naver DAN 23 conference held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas hotel in southern Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Naver



Tech giant unveils conversational AI, generative AI search services



By Baek Byung-yeul



Naver will provide upgraded search, shopping and other services through its hyperscale AI platform HyperCLOVA X, as well as AI services to help business customers be more productive, the IT company said Thursday.



"HyperCLOVA X, an advanced AI model, improves users' productivity and competitiveness. The platform is built to help individuals and businesses be more productive and will serve as the most convenient tool to increase efficiency," Nako Sung, head of Technology at Naver Cloud, introduced the company's latest hyperscale AI platform HyperCLOVA X during a conference in Seoul.









During the conference, Naver introduced its hyperscale AI-powered large language model (LLM) HyperCLOVA X. It also unveiled new services based on HyperCLOVA X, including CLOVA X, a conversational AI service that is available from Thursday, and Cue:, a generative AI search service that will debut in September.



CLOVA X can provide a variety of answers such as creation, summarization, reasoning, translation and coding, enabling what it calls "multi-turn conversations" where questions are asked and answered one after another. In particular, Naver added that CLOVA X is able to connect its internal and external services to provide an enhanced service experience, which makes it easier to access various vertical services.





Kim Young-bum, chief scientist of Naver, introduces Naver's Cue:, a generative AI search service, during Team Naver DAN 23 conference held at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas hotel in southern Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Naver
24 August 2023 11:13 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev will not receive the Belgian Foreign Minister because of her pro-Armenian stance, Azernews reports, citing Trend.

During her visit to Armenia, Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Labib made pro-Armenian statements that are far from reality and incompatible with the situation in the region.

The Belgian Foreign Minister will arrive in Azerbaijan today as part of her visit to the region.

Foreign ministers of foreign countries visiting our country are usually received by President Ilham Aliyev and exchange views on bilateral relations, and topical issues of the region and the world.

However, President Ilham Aliyev will not receive the Belgian Foreign Minister because of her pro-Armenian stance and unjustified statements made during her visit to Armenia.

It should be noted that today the Belgian Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib's visit to the region started on 22 August. She first visited Armenia, and then visited Georgia on 23 August. Hadja Lahbib, who also visited the so-called "Armenian Genocide" monument in Armenia, in her meetings with the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister of this country once again demonstrated her pro-Armenian stance and expressed unfounded claims against Azerbaijan.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 11:42 (UTC+04:00)

The Network of Azerbaijani Canadians (NAC) and the Azerbaijani Canadian Community released the statement on Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's recent comments regarding Azerbaijan's Garabagh region.

Azernews presents the statement:

The Network of Azerbaijani Canadians (NAC) and the Azerbaijani Canadian Community deplore the recent statement made by Canadas Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, where she referred to Azerbaijans internationally recognized territory of Karabakh as Artsakh.

Artsakh is an illegal, Russian-backed separatist regime on the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, unrecognized by any country in the world, including Canada. The illegal regime has been responsible for three decades of UN-condemned occupation of Azerbaijans sovereign territories, over 40,000 lives lost in Armenias wars of invasion, the ethnic cleansing of 800,000 Azerbaijani civilians from their homes, the destruction of Azerbaijani cities, and the ongoing landmine catastrophe in Azerbaijans Karabakh region.

The insensitivity toward Azerbaijani Canadians, who have suffered from Armenias invasion of Azerbaijan, mass ethnic cleansing, and massacres in the 1990s, is deplorable. This is akin to referring to the Russia-occupied parts of sovereign Ukraine by their separatist names.

This past January, Canadas Foreign Ministers Parliamentary Secretary rightfully expressed Canadas support for Azerbaijans territorial integrity in the House of Commons. In the strongest possible terms, we condemn Minister Jolys recent comments, which contradict Canadas official position. The implication of the comments expressed by Canadas Foreign Minister is irresponsible at best, detrimental to international diplomacy and the ongoing EU-facilitated peace-building process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

We have written to Minister Jolys office requesting a meeting to discuss this is person and will await a prompt response.

TORONTO - Please see our statement regarding Canadas Foreign Minister, Hon. @melaniejolys recent comments regarding Azerbaijans Karabakh region.



In the strongest possible terms we condemn the usage of illegal separatist terminology in reference to Azerbaijans sovereign pic.twitter.com/xMlb4GAePe  Network of Azerbaijani Canadians (@azcanet) August 23, 2023

Network of Azerbaijani Canadians

Executive Team

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 11:20 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the occasion of the Independence Day.

The letter reads:

Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the national holiday of Ukraine  the Independence Day.

The current high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine stems from the historical traditions of close friendship and mutual respect between our peoples. It is gratifying that thanks to our joint efforts, our interstate relations, which stem from this will and are built on solid foundations, have developed dynamically and reached a new stage. I believe that Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations will continue to develop in accordance with the goals and objectives reflected in the Joint Declaration we signed during my visit to Ukraine in January of last year.

I recall our meeting in Chisinau this June, our exchange of views on Azerbaijan-Ukraine bilateral relations with fond memories.

Guided by the UN Charter, the norms and principles of international law, Azerbaijan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine. We always keep the issues of humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine in the spotlight, and express our readiness to continue to provide the necessary assistance.

I am confident that we will consistently continue our joint efforts to expand friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine and strengthen our mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the interests of our peoples.

On this festive day, I extent my best regards to you, and wish the friendly people of Ukraine peace and tranquility.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 21 August 2023

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 15:58 (UTC+04:00)

Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov has sent a letter of congratulations to his Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal on the country's Independence Day. Asadov expressed his gratitude for the centuries-old traditions of friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Ukraine. He also noted the current level of interstate relations built on these solid foundations, Azernews reports, citing PM.

A. Asadov expressed confidence that the relations of traditional friendship and fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine would continue to develop and expand successfully in line with the interests of both countries and peoples. This sentiment was echoed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who thanked Asadov for his kind words and wished the people of Azerbaijan a prosperous future.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

In January-July of this year, the volume of foreign trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan reached USD 623.2 million, according to data of the Agency on Statistics under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Azernews reports, citing Kabar.

Export from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan amounted to USD 159.5 million, Import from Uzbekistan to the Kyrgyz Republic - at the level of USD 463.7 million.

Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan intend to increase the volume of mutual trade up to USD 2 billion. This was emphasized at the recent Kyrgyz-Uzbek intergovernmental commission in Cholpon-Ata.

In January-July, the volume of foreign trade of Uzbekistan reached USD 34.97 billion. It should be noted that the proceeds from the supply of gold in July increased significantly - up to USD 5.63 billion. The export of the precious metal is almost twice as high as in 2022.

The largest volume of foreign trade turnover was recorded with China, trade with which amounted to USD 6.89 billion or 19.7% of the total foreign trade turnover. In particular, Chinese imports accounted for USD 5.36 billion.

In second place is Russia with USD 5.27 billion, while it remains the largest export market for Uzbekistan (USD 1.63 billion).

Third place is occupied by Kazakhstan (USD 2.49 billion), followed by Turkey (USD 1.86 billion) and South Korea (USD 1.27 billion).

To date, Uzbekistan has trade relations with 155 countries of the world.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 15:11 (UTC+04:00)

Agile Spirit 2023, a multinational military exercise involving 21 countries, has kicked off in Georgia. The exercise, which began on August 21, 2023, is taking place at the National Military Training Center "Krtsanisi" in Georgia, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Defense of Georgia.

Servicemen of the Azerbaijani Army are also taking part in the military exercises.

More than 3,500 military personnel from NATO member and partner countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, Poland, Azerbaijan, and Japan, are participating in the exercise. The joint drills are aimed at enhancing interoperability and training and improving the operational capabilities of exercise participants during the planning and execution of operations in real-time within a multinational environment.

The exercise includes a computer-aided command and staff exercise with a training staff of a multinational brigade and battalion tactical exercises, which will be held at ranges in Georgia until September 1, 2023. The exercise also features joint training of different branches of the military, as well as combined operations of special forces.

The "Agile Spirit" exercises have been held annually since 2011. Since 2015, military personnel from various member countries and partner countries of the Alliance, including Bulgaria, have participated in it.

The aim of the exercise is to increase interoperability and improve the operational capabilities of the participating forces during the planning and conduct of operations in a multinational environment, as well as to contribute to the maintenance of a stable and secure environment in the Black Sea region.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 18:22 (UTC+04:00)

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has suggested speeding up work in all areas of cooperation with Armenia. Mishustin made the suggestion during a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan before an extraordinary meeting of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council, Azernews reports.

We value friendship, partnership, and allied relations with Armenia. Despite the difficult external economic situation, trade and economic relations with Armenia are growing stronger, trade is increasing. This is the effect of Armenias participation in the EAEU. We record an increase in the effectiveness of interaction with all participating countries, Mishustin said.

Mishustin noted that the meeting of the EAEU is planned to discuss the pressing problems of the Union's strategy for the next decade. He conveyed the best wishes from Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed that Russia values friendship, partnership, and allied relations with Armenia. Despite the difficult external economic situation, Mishustin said that trade and economic relations with Armenia are growing stronger and that this is the effect of Armenia's participation in the EAEU.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 23:50 (UTC+04:00)

The trade turnover between Kyrgyzstan and Belarus for the first half of 2023 amounted to about USD 45 million, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Bakyt Torobaev told during a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Anatoly Sivak, Azernews reports, citing Kabar.

He said that the volume of mutual trade is growing every year.

So, according to the results of last year, the volume of mutual trade amounted to more than USD 110 million, and for the first half of this year it amounted to about USD 45 million. These figures indicate the possibility of reaching higher rates, he noted.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 23:20 (UTC+04:00)

Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Gayrat Fozilov met yesterday with the sub-regional coordinator of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for Central Asia Zeynal Hajiyev, Azernews reports, Kun.uz news agency.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the parties discussed the current state and prospects for the development of relations between Uzbekistan and IOM, exchanged views on improving the organizations project activities in Uzbekistan.

The sub-regional coordinator was informed in detail about the cardinal changes taking place in Uzbekistan in all spheres of society, in particular in the field of labor migration. It was noted that Uzbekistan attaches great importance to migration issues both at the national and international levels.
24 August 2023 22:15 (UTC+04:00)

The European Commission is concerned about the increase in the number of migrants and refugees arriving in Italy, a spokesperson for the EU executive said on Thursday, Azernews reports, citing ANSA.

"The Commission is aware of the increase in arrivals in the central Mediterranean and in Italy in particular and remains very concerned," said the spokesperson.

"The Commission has been working with the Italian authorities to help decongest the Lampedusa hotspot, in particular by providing emergency assistance to enable the transfer by air of vulnerable migrants from the island to other locations on Italian territory," she added. "The Commission is aware of the pressure on the reception system in Italy, has supported it in addressing the challenges of migration and is ready to do so again," concluded the spokesperson.

Italy has seen a significant increase in the number of migrants and refugees arriving by sea on its southern shores since the start of the year, putting the reception system under strain.

Some 105,909 people have arrived by sea so far in 2023, according to interior ministry figures updated to August 23.

This compares to 51,328 in the same period last year and to 36,479 in 2021.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz




SK bioscience said Thursday it has reached a deal with Vaxxas, an Australian biotechnology company, to jointly develop a new patch-type typhoid vaccine.







The global charitable foundation Wellcome will fund the collaboration for the first two years, awarding $3.67 million to conduct the first-phase clinical trial, according to SK bioscience.







Under the agreement, SK bioscience will supply the antigen utilized by its typhoid conjugate vaccine SKYTyphoid to Vaxxas, which will develop a new type of vaccine-delivery device using its high-density microarray patch (HD-MAP) platform technology based on the SKYTyphoid antigen.







Vaxxas' HD-MAP delivers the vaccine directly to abundant immune cells in the skin and has the potential to be more immunogenic than traditional needle and syringe administration.







This patch-type vaccine also reduces the cost and complexity of cold-chain distribution and storage, removing barriers to vaccine accessibility in lower- and middle-income countries, SK bioscience said. (Yonhap)


24 August 2023 18:55 (UTC+04:00)

The International Association of Operative Millers (IAOM) Eurasia will gather for a conference in Istanbul next week, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

The association carries out 55% of the global flour trade.

Starting on Thursday, the two-day conference will host around 1,000 participants from Europe, the Baltic region, Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Turkiye and Central Asia, according to a statement.

Experts, officials and sector representatives will discuss pressing issues for the grain market at the conference.

Eren Gunhan Ulusoy, the head of IAOM Eurasia, said Turkiye, the largest flour exporter of the world for the last nine years, has ended 2022 with exports worth 3.4 million tons.

The target is to reach 3.5 million tons this year, worth $1.4 billion, he added.

Recalling that the Black Sea grain corridor agreement was suspended on July 17, Ulusoy said it can be reactivated as a result of Turkiye's diplomatic efforts.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
24 August 2023 20:22 (UTC+04:00)

The Islamic Republic of Iran officially became a member of the BRICS bloc of emerging economies, the Iranian presidents deputy chief of staff for political affairs has announced, Azernews reports, citing Kazinform.

Iran joined the BRICS group of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as a full member, Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on his Twitter page.

Such a full membership in the BRICS group of emerging economies is a historic achievement and a strategic success in Irans foreign policy, Jamshidi underlined.

The XV BRICS summit of emerging economies is underway in Johannesburg, a city in northeast of South Africa, as of August 22 for three days.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has attended the summit at the invitation of his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa.

In South Africa, President Raisi is to address the BRICS summit and hold talks with some participating heads of states from 70 world countries.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
You can reach Ishani Desai at 661-395-7417. You can also follow her at @_ishanidesai on Twitter.
Solomon Islands PM condemns Japan's decision to start ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater

Xinhua) 14:10, August 24, 2023

SYDNEY, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare has condemned Japan's decision to start releasing the nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The prime minister of the Pacific island country made the remarks while attending the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders' Summit held in Vanuatu's Port Vila, along with ruling party leaders from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Caledonia.

A press release from the Prime Minister's Press Secretariat earlier in Thursday said Sogavare "delivered a strong statement against Japan's decision to release nuclear treated water into our ocean which has an impact on our people, ocean, economy and livelihood."

Participants of the MSG meeting will decide on a number of important matters concerning the MSG region, one of them being Japan's plan to dispose nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, according to the press secretariat.

Japan's ocean discharge plan of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater has met with strong opposition and criticism both at home and abroad, including from Pacific island countries whose economies rely heavily on the fishing industry.

Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Matai Seremaiah has said Japan's decision needed robust actions, urging polluters to "seriously consider other options."

Seremaiah said they were pushing for a declaration for the whole MSG group to denounce Japan for putting anything into the Pacific Ocean until they are absolutely clear that there's no danger.

On Thursday, live video provided by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, showed the ocean discharge of the first batch of the plant's radioactive wastewater has started as scheduled. The discharge commencement date was in a decision announced by the Japanese government on Tuesday.

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.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
INNOVAC Advisor and Safety Control Manager Kim Bong-cheol, fourth from right, poses with officials from POSCO International and INNOVAC to celebrate their first pig vaccine exports to Vietnam at CTCVAC's production facility in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, Monday. Courtesy of POSCO International



By Kim Jae-heun



POSCO International has successfully exported its very first swine pneumonia vaccine to Vietnam's largest animal vaccine firm NAVETCO, the company said Thursday.



The vaccine "InnoMHP" is developed by a local venture company INNOVAC and POSCO sent enough to administer to about 100,000 pigs.



INNOVAC was founded by Prof. Hahn Tae-wook of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Kangwon National University and his researchers in 2016. The company owns new technologies that can simultaneously defend against infectious diseases such as pneumonia and Circovirus. It patented its animal vaccine in the United States and Europe and received a license for use in Vietnam.



"We will continue to advance the group's eco-friendly future materials by establishing a value chain throughout the bio business. We will also provide financial support for small and medium-sized venture firms here through a mutual growth fund while actively promoting overseas marketing cooperation," a POSCO International official said.



According to a global research firm The Business Research Company, the global pig vaccine market is expected to grow significantly every year from $1.99 billion (2.63 trillion won), this year, to $2.7 billion in 2027. The damage to farms around the world caused by pig diseases amounts to 2.5 trillion won, annually.



POSCO International plans to lead the global animal vaccine market by strengthening its cooperation with INNOVAC in the future. It will push for exports not only to Vietnam but to China as well.



In addition, the company will continue its partnership with a local bio venture firm Bioapp. It owns "plant protein platform" technology which the trading company secured a stake in by investing 5 billion won in last year.


The Fox News Republican Presidential debate once again showed how the format of what are now called "debates" need to be changed back to real debates. Moderators from big media steer debates to their own agendas rather than the issues important to candidates or voters. They also spin questions to favor or disfavor specific candidates. Moderators should only keep order, not inject their own agendas into debates. Debates should be about the candidates and their issues, not the preening moderators and their egos and agendas.

A glaring example that has received quite a bit of comment was how the Fox moderators downplayed the immigration issue, which is a top issue for GOP voters and candidates. They harped on January 6 but ignored what the GOP base is concerned with, election integrity.. They tried to push the candidates into the globalist narrative position on climate, which multiple candidates, to their credit pushed back on.

The more liberal networks would be even worse in their spin and skewing.

The best solution is to use the format of the Lincoln-Douglas debates, the gold standard of American political debates. There each candidate composed an equal number of questions to be asked. The media did not get to inject themselves into policy issues.

The RNC should never have allowed this type of debate, because they should not be setting precedents for what will be allowed in general election debates. The media-controlled general election presidential "debates" have been controlled by big media moderators hostile to Republicans, and that should never be allowed again.

https://bigleaguepolitics.com/fox-news-moderators-ignored-immigration-questions-during-1st-hour-of-republican-debate/
Here are three states that have updated their policies for certified registered nurse anesthetists in 2023, according to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology:

1. In July, Oregon repealed "redundant provisions" and clarified guidelines for CRNAs practicing in the state with the passage of a bill. The bill reaffirms the Oregon State Board of Nursing's authority to establish CRNA scope of practice.

2. In June, Delaware opted out of federal regulations requiring physician supervision of CRNAs.

3. In May, Wyoming opted out of federal regulations that require physician supervision of CRNAs for hospitals with 25 licensed beds or fewer.
Fifteen healthcare companies have been named among the top employers in New York state for 2023, according to an Aug. 22 report from Forbes.

Forbes partnered with research firm Statista to survey 70,000 workers at companies with more than 500 employees in all 50 states.

Participants were asked to evaluate their employers on a number of factors, including diversity, compensation and working conditions.

A total of 1,392 companies were named the top employers for 2023.

The top healthcare employers in New York:

Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Buffalo) is a cancer treatment and research center. It is the only facility in upstate New York to hold the National Cancer Institute designation of "comprehensive cancer center."

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (Tarrytown) is a biotechnology company that initially focused on clinical research for medications focused on regenerative capabilities, although it has since expanded its scope.

University of Rochester Medical Center is one of the main campuses of the university and comprises the university's primary medical education, research and patient care facilities.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield (Rochester) has been a health insurer for over 85 years offering Medicare, mental, dental, vision and employer insurance plan options.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital (New York City) is a comprehensive academic healthcare system that delivers high-quality patient care. Its physicians offer a variety of emergency, primary and specialty care.

Pfizer (New York City) is a pharmaceutical and biotechnology company that was established in 1849 to develop and produce medicines and vaccines.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York City) is a comprehensive cancer treatment and inpatient facility offering treatments from immunotherapy to integrative medicine.

Northwell Health (New Hyde Park) is the state's largest healthcare provider with locations spanning all over. It is the most awarded health system in the state by U.S. News & World Report.

Hospital for Special Surgery (New York City) is a leading medical center focused on musculoskeletal healthcare and research. It is consistently ranked the top orthopedic care facility in the nation.

AHRC Nassau (Brookville) is a nonprofit helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive necessary care.

NYU Langone Health (New York City) is an academic medical center with six inpatient facilities in the area, making it one of the largest healthcare systems in the Northeast.

HealthNow New York (Buffalo) is a pioneer in providing healthcare to companies and individuals in the Buffalo region, offering individual health coverage and Medicare options.

BronxCare Health System (New York City) was founded in 1890 and has been providing patient care in the region since.

United Health Services (Binghamton) is the largest and most comprehensive healthcare provider in upstate New York's Southern tier. It is a locally owned, nonprofit system.

Mount Sinai Health System (New York City) is an integrated health system that provides patient care to communities both local and global.
Keith McLean, MD, has joined Norton King's Daughters' Health in Madison, Ind.

Dr. McLean is a cardiologist who will administer diagnostic tests including electrocardiograms, echocardiograms and stress tests, according to an Aug. 21 news release.

With the addition, Norton King's Daughters' Health will have three cardiologists at the practice. Dr. McLean will join Anil Sharma, MD, and Gerasimos Stavens, MD.

Norton Heart & Vascular Institute treats more than 137,000 patients in Louisville, Ky., and Southern Indiana each year, according to its website.
Medicaid patients in Indiana are finding it difficult to receive treatment amid a shortage of dentists and fewer dentists working under the state program, the Indianapolis Star reported Aug. 24.

11 notes:

1. The Indiana Dental Association and other dentists hoped the state's most recent legislative session would include a more substantial increase in dental care reimbursement rates, but they were only given a 10 percent bump. Some rates will also be lowered.

2. Doug Bush, executive director of the Indiana Dental Association, said the low rates could lead even more dentists to stop providing care under the program.

3. In addition to low reimbursement rates, challenges with insurers denying claims and patients not making appointments has also led some dentists to leave the program.

4. Fifty-two of Indiana's 92 counties are designated as dental health professional shortage areas, according to a 2022 report from Bloomington-based Indiana University. Some counties have zero dentists, while others have fewer than five dentists or dental hygienists.

5. About 40 percent of Indiana dentists surveyed by the university said they treat Medicaid patients, while about 35 percent said they accept new Medicaid patients.

6. Indiana is projected to see a 20 percent increase in demand for dentists within the next decade as older dentists retire.

7. John Roberts, DDS, told the news organization that the number of patients he sees under Medicaid has increased as well, from 20 percent several years ago to almost 60 percent now.

8. Harvey Weingarten, DDS, associate dean for clinical affairs and an assistant professor in comprehensive biomedical sciences at the IU School of Dentistry, told IndyStar that fewer young dentists establish their own practices. They instead opt for joining group practices or corporate entities that often don't accept Medicaid.

9. Leila Alter, DDS, Indiana Oral Health Coalition chair, said dentists should wait to see the final fee schedule before deciding whether to leave the state's Medicaid program because some services will see a larger rate increase.

10. The Family and Social Services Administration, which oversees the program, is meeting with dentists to decide how to implement the increase and determine which services should have rates increased or decreased.

11. The fee schedule could be finalized in September.
Ola Kallenius, chairman of Mercedes-Benz speaks about the company's business strategy and introduced the first all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV at a press conference held at The Shilla hotel in Seoul, Thursday. Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Korea



By Kim Hyun-bin



Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius said Thursday that the German luxury car brand plans to further expand collaboration with Korean partners and finds the local market to be "hugely important" for the carmaker during a press conference held at The Shilla hotel in Seoul.



The previous day, Kallenius had discussions with Chey Jae-won, senior vice chairman of SK Group, regarding battery-related cooperation. He said meetings were scheduled with other companies during his visit to Korea.



"We literally have hundreds of suppliers in Korea. I am meeting with key supply partners and technology partners today," the chairman said. "I don't think we build a single car around the world without a piece of Korea in those cars. From the technology point of view, Korea is hugely important to us in many different technical verticals."



Korea is considered one of the most significant markets for Mercedes-Benz headquarters. Last year, sales of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Korea rose to a record 80,976 vehicles.





First all-electric Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV / Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Korea
The $135 million Phoenix Children's campus in Glendale, Ariz., looks to partially open in November, according to an Aug. 23 Daily Independent report.

That is ahead of schedule, with the opening originally estimated for 2024. A multispecialty clinic will open in November, and the campus will be completely open next year, according to the report.

The Arrowhead campus will house 24 inpatient beds, six operating rooms, two minor procedure rooms and 30 emergency bays. It also will have a surgery center and 45,000-square-foot medical office building, Becker's reported in May 2021.

An additional 24 beds will be added according to patient needs, according to the Daily Independent.

More details on all of Phoenix Children's construction projects can be found here.
A federal appeals court has rejected a class-action lawsuit against University of Chicago Medicine and Google that claimed their predictive analytics partnership violated patient privacy.

In the July decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit said patient Matt Dinerstein lacked standing to file his claims and failed to "plausibly" allege any injuries. A federal district court judge previously dismissed his lawsuit before he appealed.

UChicago Medicine and Google began partnering in 2016, with the health system sharing deidentified patient data with the tech company so it could train a predictive modeling tool to forecast patients' health and tailor their treatment plans.

Mr. Dinerstein had claimed that because he had a smartphone with his geolocation and Google apps, the tech giant could combine that with the anonymized medical data to identify him. The court rejected this as hypothetical. It also said UChicago Medicine is permitted to share patient data in "limited research-related circumstances" and that he signed an agreement stating that he would "not be entitled to any compensation" connected to it.
Nursa, a digital nurse staffing platform designed to combat hospital staffing shortages, raised $80 million in series B financing.

The company was founded in 2019 and has since expanded to partner with 1,300 healthcare facilities nationwide. Nursa's platform is designed to eliminate the requirements for bulk shifts and limited networks, according to an Aug. 22 Nursa news release.

Drive Capital led the financing round.
University of California San Francisco has appointed Rachel Nosowsky as the first chief counsel for UCSF Health to advise the expanding health system and lead a team of attorneys to support its health priorities.

Ms. Nosowsky has worked for more than two decades in public academic medicine. In her new role as chief counsel, she will help shape UCSF Health strategy and policy, align the system's business strategies with legal requirements and reduce legal risk.

Raised in San Francisco, Ms. Nosowsky earned her law degree at UC Berkeley School of Law. In 2010, she joined the UC Office of the General Counsel in Oakland, Calif., to provide advice on research and clinical trials at the university's health professions schools.

She became deputy general counsel in 2012, overseeing legal services for the university's academic health systems, health sciences faculty practice plans, health professions schools, and student health and counseling centers. She also served as chief counsel to UC Health and worked with the UC Office of the president, UC Legal and UC Health leaders to advance the university's clinical, teaching and research missions.

UCSF Health has about 18,000 physicians and staff members, with $6.27 billion in revenues. In 2022, the system admitted more than 42,700 inpatients across its four adult and two pediatric hospitals, and provided more than 2.5 million outpatient visits.
Nurses at St. Catherine of Siena Hospital in Smithtown, N.Y., have approved a new contract with management.

On Aug. 22, 89 percent of nurses voted in favor of ratification, according to a news release from the New York State Nurses Association, which represents the workers.

The union said the agreement includes set nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, expedited staffing enforcement language, and an average wage increase of 23 percent over three years. It also includes Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a premium holiday and float incentive pay, among other provisions.

The agreement comes after nurses voted to authorize a strike earlier this month. Union members and the hospital reached a tentative deal Aug. 18, and nurses approved the agreement Aug. 22.

NYSNA President at St. Catherine Tammy Miller, RN, said in the release: "From the beginning, St. Catherine of Siena nurses made clear what this was all about: Safe staffing for our patients and respect for our nurses. With improved staffing and wage increases that make us competitive with other Long Island hospitals, St. Catherine will be able to recruit and retain more nurses to ensure quality care for every single patient that walks through our doors."

St. Catherine, in a statement shared with Becker's, said the hospital "is pleased to have reached an agreement that reflects the hospital's commitment to our nurses. The agreement ensures that our nurses continue to be supported with competitive salary increases and staffing improvements. Our nurses are vital to ensuring the communities we serve have access to the highest levels of care, and we are grateful for their dedication to our patients."

St. Catherine is part of Rockville Centre, N.Y.-based Catholic Health.
This fall will mark the first virus season since COVID-19 emerged in which hospitals and health systems must independently determine when and how to implement universal masking, if at all.

The CDC dropped its universal masking guideline in September 2022, saying that healthcare facilities in areas without high transmission can decide whether to require patients, visitors and staff to wear face coverings. This May, the agency further loosened mask guidelines in accordance with the public health emergency's end, putting masking decisions in the hands of hospital leaders, versus national health officials.

The updated guidance says healthcare facilities should take a risk-based approach that considers various factors when determining when to implement universal masking, including local virus transmission, the types of patients cared for and stakeholder input. Universal masking should still be used when a unit or facility is experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak.

The hands-off approach from federal health officials means hospital and health system leaders nationwide are now strategizing on the best approach to masking this fall as COVID-19 admissions tick up and new variants emerge. The U.S. saw 12,613 new COVID-19 admissions in the week ending Aug. 12, marking a 21.6 percent jump from the week prior and the fourth consecutive week of significant increase, CDC data shows.

At least three hospitals in New York state reinstated mask mandates this month amid an uptick in positive cases and staff out sick with the virus. Auburn (N.Y.) Community Hospital restored its universal mask mandate Aug. 19 only a month after officially ending the policy. This trend is not isolated to the East Coast. Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente also reintroduced universal masking at Santa Rosa (Calif.) Medical Center and its affiliated medical buildings this week.

Houston Methodist has not implemented universal masking, but still recommends it throughout its facilities and requires it for interactions with immunocompromised and highly at-risk patients. The organization is looking at numerous factors to inform decisions about universal masking, including data from its robust wastewater surveillance program, positivity rates for patients and employees, and COVID-19 variant activity. The system is also monitoring COVID-19 patient levels in the hospital and intensive care unit, along with the severity of these cases.

"If we saw a variant that showed increased virulence or a big shift in immune escape from immunity from prior infection and from immunization, those are all things we look at that would give us more reason to recommend universal masking," Ashley Drews, MD, system epidemiologist and medical director of infection prevention and control at Houston Methodist Hospital, told Becker's.

Conversations about masking's role in healthcare is not limited to this immediate fall. The industry as a whole is navigating what masking policies may look like coming virus seasons. Dr. Drews pointed to numerous studies, which found universal masking during COVID-19 was linked to a decrease in other respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus. However, masks can also hinder the patient-provider experience or impede communication.

Dr. Drews said there are ongoing efforts among leaders across the Texas Medical Center, which includes Houston Methodist, to decide what parameters to set for universal masking in the future. She predicts masks won't disappear from healthcare for good but acknowledged that blanket mandates may not be necessary every fall and winter. Instead, healthcare organizations are likely to embrace a more situational approach that allows for nuanced and tailored responses.

"We really want to be cautious and make sure that we're recommending it in the right place at the right time," Dr. Drews said.
Kaiser Permanente is reintroducing a mask mandate at its facilities in Santa Rosa, Calif., amid an uptick in patients testing positive for COVID-19, according to a statement obtained by The Press Democrat.

According to a statement shared Aug. 22, the Oakland, Calif.-based health system said there's been a rise in the number of patients testing positive over the last three weeks.

"To ensure that we are helping protect the health and safety of our patients, our workforce and our community, we have reintroduced a mask mandate for physicians, staff, patients, members, and visitors in the hospital and medical offices in the Santa Rosa Service Area," Kaiser said in the statement, according to the report. In addition to Santa Rosa Medical Center, Kaiser has several medical offices in the region.

In a statement sent to Becker's, a spokesperson for Kaiser Permamente's Northern California region in part said, "We are supportive of and will adhere to requirements required by local county public health departments in addition to state guidelines," confirming the mask policy was reintroduced in the Santa Rosa service area.

"As the status of COVID-19 in our communities continues to evolve, our Kaiser Permanente Infection Prevention and Control experts continue to monitor transmission rates closely. These experts use this information to inform the need to institute masking requirements as indicated for situations such as outbreak management and/or reducing healthcare-associated transmission of COVID-19," the statement said. Even in areas where they are not required, "masks remain a recommended tool" to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses across the health system's facilities in Northern California, the statement said.

At least three other hospitals  each in New York  have brought back mask rules amid a nationwide increase in COVID-19 admissions. On Aug. 22, 10 experts penned a commentary urging healthcare facilities to integrate masking as part of routine policies and recommended four approaches for hospitals to consider when it comes to masking policies.
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, based in Palo Alto, Calif., implemented bedside virtual reality school lessons for hospitalized children who are too ill to attend its "Hospital School" program.

Hospital School has been offered to Lucile Packard patients since 1924, allowing them to keep up with their learning throughout their hospitalization. However, the hospital implemented the VR lessons for patients who are too ill or immunocompromised to learn alongside the other children in the in-person Hospital School, according to an Aug. 23 news release from Stanford Medicine.

The Stanford CHARIOT program, which stands for Childhood Anxiety Reduction through Innovation and Technology, launched the VR lessons through its immersive technology education program, allowing the children unable to attend Hospital School to learn with a VR headset offering various subjects and lessons. The program is a collaborative effort between the hospital and teachers who have been accredited by the Palo Alto Unified School District.

"Keeping up with school work and maintaining the everyday activity of going to school gives hospitalized kids a reassuring sense of routine," Faith Collins, educational technology coordinator of the CHARIOT program, said in the report. "Parents tell me a VR lesson is the first time they've seen their child smile in a long time."
From HCA settling a nonpayment lawsuit, to a New York judge permanently blocking New York City's plans switch 250,000 retired city employees to a Medicare Advantage plan, here are 10 healthcare industry lawsuits and settlements Becker's reported since Aug. 14:

1. A federal appellate court ruled that some beneficiaries of UnitedHealth Group's behavioral health unit may be entitled to have their claims reprocessed.

2. A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed on behalf of two families accusing Florida of terminating their Medicaid coverage without proper notice or a chance to contest the decision.

3. A Pennsylvania judge ruled that Scranton-based Commonwealth Health's physician group cannot stop a former surgeon from working for a local competitor.

4. A group of Maine healthcare workers is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review its case regarding the state's COVID-19 shot mandate.

5. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit issued a ruling upending parts of an Oklahoma law that was created to help smaller pharmacies gain customers.

6. Olive AI is being sued by a state economic development arm over allegations the healthcare tech company missed hiring goals it was supposed to meet in exchange for incentives.

7. As the Supreme Court considers a case against the approval of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortion, a federal court ruled that the FDA had stretched too far in allowing the pill to be mail-ordered and for it to be used in the first 10 weeks of gestation.

8. An Amedisys stockholder filed a lawsuit against the home health provider and its directors, alleging they misrepresented key information in a proxy statement related to UnitedHealth's proposed acquisition of the company.

9. Asheville, N.C.-based Mission Hospital and HCA Healthcare settled a nonpayment lawsuit that alleged they did not pay for on-call child psychiatric and medical resident training and supervision services at the agreed-upon rate.

10. A New York State Supreme Court judge permanently blocked the implementation of New York City's plan to switch 250,000 retired city employees from traditional Medicare to an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan.
Alix Dorsainvil, the American nurse who was kidnapped in Haiti with her child for about two weeks, said she would provide care for her former captors if they entered her clinic.

On July 27, Ms. Dorsainvil and her child were abducted while at the campus of faith-based group El Roi Haiti near Port au Prince. She is from Middleton, N.H.; married to the founder and director of El Roi Haiti, Sandro Dorsainvil; and was operating a children's clinic at the time of her kidnapping.

Captors demanded $1 million in ransom, The Associated Press reported. It is unclear if ransom was paid, but the nonprofit said the two were safely released Aug. 8.

In her first public statement since the event, Ms. Dorsainvil said she "holds no grudges" against her captors, according to a video uploaded Aug. 17 on YouTube and posted Aug. 21 to El Roi Haiti's website.

"I want you guys to know that everything I said during my time in captivity was sincere," she said. "They were not the manipulative words of someone desperate to escape, but simply the truth. Especially when I told you my clinic doors are always open to you or anyone in need, when you're sick or wounded, without any problem."

Ms. Dorsainvil thanked God and those who prayed and marched for her release.
EcoPro's cathode materials plant in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of EcoPro



By Park Jae-hyuk



EcoPro stepped closer to its goal of leading the global battery materials market through its new manufacturing facilities to be built in Korea, Canada and Hungary, the battery materials firm said Thursday.



The company plans to establish EcoPro Cam Canada, which will handle the construction of a cathode materials plant in Becancour, Quebec.



"The excavation work for the factory has already begun, and the construction will be in full swing once we finish establishing the joint venture with SK On and Ford," said Joo Jae-hwan, the CEO of EcoPro BM, a cathode materials manufacturing unit of EcoPro.



Last week, EcoPro BM agreed with SK On and Ford Motor to invest a combined 1.2 billion Canadian dollars ($888 million) to build the new factory. EcoPro BM will be the largest shareholder of their forthcoming joint venture.



Once the construction is completed in 2026, the new factory will produce 45,000 tons of cathode materials annually, all of which will be supplied to SK On to produce batteries for Ford's electric vehicles.





EcoPro founder Lee Dong-chae, third from left, shakes hands with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Korean firm's cathode materials factory in Debrecen in this April file photo. Courtesy of EcoPro
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his administration took key steps to begin implementing the Nurse Licensure Compact across the state, according to an Aug. 22 news release.

The goal is to release some of the strain on the healthcare workforce by allowing nurses with multistate licenses to practice without barriers.

"Allowing nurses who have a compact license from another state to start work without unnecessary bureaucratic hoops to jump through is a great first step," Pennsylvania State Sen. Lisa Boscola, who sponsored the state bill, said in the release. "I will continue to work to ensure this compact is fully implemented in Pennsylvania because our nurses deserve the full benefits of being a compact state."

Leaders from multiple state healthcare associations including The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals applauded the administration for taking these steps.

The new law will go into effect Sept. 5.
Heading into fall, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are rising, according to the CDC's most recent data, and that trend has already prompted several hospitals across the country to reinstate mask policies.

Here are the hospitals and health systems that have already done so:

Note that this list is not exhaustive and will be updated as new information becomes available.
Intermountain Park City (Utah) Hospital is welcoming its first pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Marcella Woiczik, MD, to further expand pediatric care for families in the region.

Dr. Woiczik has more than 14 years of experience treating orthopedic patients in different healthcare settings, from outpatient facilities to emergency rooms, according to an Aug. 24 press release.

She most recently practiced at the University of Utah and Shriner's Children's in Salt Lake City. Park City Hospital began offering pediatric orthopedics on Aug. 1. She will also provide care for patients at Salt Lake City-based Primary Children's Hospital.
Healthcare professionals have faced increased risks in the last year. Violence against healthcare workers saw a significant increase globally in 2022. Meanwhile there are regular risks in the operating room with radiation exposure and other illnesses.

Six spine surgeons told Becker's how they manage safety precautions for their staff.

Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. Becker's invites all spine surgeon and specialist responses.

Next week's question: How is the payer market evolving in your market?

Please send responses to Carly Behm at cbehm@beckershealthcare.com by 5 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Editor's note: Responses were lightly edited for clarity and length.

Question: How are you addressing physician and healthcare employee safety where you work?

Chester Donnally, MD. Texas Spine Consultants (Dallas): Radiation safety is so important. I have shifted more and more of my cases to navigation due to my (rational) fear of cancer associated with surgical radiation. This also helps our team  scrub nurses, anesthesia and PAs. We all work way too hard to be taken out at an early age due to a possibly modifiable risk factor.

Brian Fiani, DO. Mendelson Kornblum Orthopedic & Spine Specialists (West Bloomfield, Mich.): Ensuring physician and healthcare employee safety in Michigan involves implementing various measures. Some effective strategies include training programs to provide thorough training on safety, infection control measures, and emergency response procedures. Adequate staffing levels prevent workload-related stress and fatigue, which can compromise safety. Open communication channels foster a culture of open communication where healthcare employees feel comfortable discussing safety concerns. Employee wellness programs support the physical and mental well-being of healthcare professionals. This can include stress management initiatives, counseling services and promoting comradery.

Brian Gantwerker, MD. The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: We listen to our staff. Because we are small, we can quickly adapt to changing regulations and guidance. Our patients have grown to trust us in the community and always know we have their best interests in mind.

Joseph Koziol, MD. Chair of neurological surgery at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center (Livingston, N.J): As part of its commitment to raising awareness around workplace violence and creating a safe reporting culture, RWJBarnabas Health has implemented policies and provided a series of trainings to ensure that our caregiving communities across the system are educated, prepared, and able to address any potential incidents quickly, confidentially, and without concern for social stigmas. At the department of neurosurgery at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center, we support the hospital and systemwide efforts around safety and have conducted mandatory active shooter training for all physicians and staff, designed to instill the mindset and skills necessary to respond to an active shooter event.

Philip Schneider, MD. The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics (Bethesda, Md.): Employee safety is a top priority at my practice. We have implemented a number of procedures and policies to ensure our physicians, care providers and staff work in a safe environment. We started mandatory active shooter training and testing for all employees, along with an extensive deescalation course to educate and prepare our employees to appropriately handle a threatening situation. In addition to specific training courses, we also secure all elevators before and after hours and have instituted a patient code of conduct that is posted throughout the office. There are a number of safety concerns that can impact employees, and we are actively and consistently making updates to our policies to ensure employees are safe and equipped to handle difficult situations.

Christian Zimmerman, MD. St. Alphonsus Medical Group and SAHS Neuroscience Institute (Boise, Idaho): The operating room, specifically in the healthcare delivery, presents an increased risk of injury to employees, with operating room staff (nurses and aides) having some of the highest rates of injury from lifting, retracting and setting up cases. Physicians likewise are at increased risk for skin barrier intrusion and exposure to HIV, HBV and HCV infectious agents over the courses of their careers. OSHA-assigned specifics and guidelines inadequately address the burgeoning populace, voluminous case carts and instruments or rapidity of turnover times to create more efficient turnovers.

Our message is the same in dealing with carrier patients and case setups for ourselves, our staff and adjunct personal: Slow and methodical is openly discussed and expected in action. Efficiencies are secondary when potential injury is heightened in its presentation.
Kainos has just hosted its 10th CodeCamp for STEM students, running a training programme for 150 teenagers at Queens University Belfast.

More than 1,600 students have now participated in the programme for 14- to 18-year-olds, trained by 150 Kainos mentors in Belfast as well as the firms other international locations such as Buenos Aires, Toronto, Gdansk and Indianapolis.

Young people are offered the opportunity to take their first steps into the world of coding, and gain skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork; talents which are transferable across all industries.

Maeve Donnelly, associate software engineer, Kainos said: I attended CodeCamp in 2017 and really enjoyed it. I had the opportunity to learn about the variety of career pathways I could follow.

CodeCamp looks great on any CV or personal statements for university. You get to meet lots of like-minded people, who may become your colleagues in the future.

After CodeCamp I knew that an apprenticeship would be the best option for me, so I completed my studies while working at Kainos through our Earn as You Learn scheme. Im now a fully qualified software engineer working on real-world projects.

This years CodeCamp included tutorials on artificial intelligence, machine learning and cyber security, as well as a series of engaging hands-on technical and programming tasks.

During the week, CodeCamp participants benefit from time working directly with industry mentors helping them develop the skills and capabilities for a successful career in the technology sector.

Past CodeCamp participants have gone on to pursue careers at Kainos through its Early Careers programme, including Earn as you Learn apprenticeships, placements and graduate opportunities.

Tom Gray, director of innovation, Kainos, said: For 10 years, CodeCamp has been an integral part of Kainos mission to inspire and connect with the next generation of tech professionals.

The impact that it has on young students is significant and creates opportunity for many young people who would have never considered a career in the tech sector.

With exam results coming out this week we know that lots of young people will be considering their futures, and we hope to see lots of them embracing a career in technology.

Were proud of the positive impact that CodeCamp has had in the last decade, and we are excited about the amazing opportunities we will create for future generations.
Aislean Nicholson, Fast 50 lead partner at Deloitte in Belfast, and Colin Hutchinson of Fibrus, which made the Fast 50 for the first time last year

Top tech firms have a chance to show off their talents as applications open for the annual Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Awards.

Ranking Irelands 50 fastest-growing indigenous technology companies based on revenue growth over the last four years, the awards celebrate the innovation and entrepreneurship of local firms.

Last year, nine companies from Northern Ireland made the prestigious list, which was topped by Dublin-based same day grocery delivery company Buymie.

Belfast-based fintech company Lightyear was the highest ranked Northern Ireland business last year at number 11 on the list and was joined by fellow first-time entrants Fibrus Networks, Locate a Locum and WorkPal, plus Data Intellect (formerly Aqua Q), Datactics, Foods Connected, Totalmobile and SciLeads.

Deloitte Fast 50 lead partner in Belfast Aislean Nicholson said: Northern Irelands reputation as a hub for creative, homegrown technology companies continues to grow every year and the success of companies who make it into the Fast 50 demonstrates talent, ambition and an ability to compete at a global level.

We continue to see strong growth from companies who are offering services that help meet the needs of modern life, for example those in areas such as cleantech, sustainability, cyber-security and health tech. Deloittes Fast 50 recognises this success and also the future ambitions of the companies, putting the spotlight on the potential they have for new growth opportunities.

Colin Hutchinson, chief financial officer of Fibrus, said: Being named as one of Deloitte's Fast 50 companies is testament to Fibrus reputation for pushing boundaries and achieving remarkable growth in the last four years. Our journey has become synonymous with bringing Full Fibre broadband to every corner of Northern Ireland  an accomplishment that wouldn't have been possible without the dedication of our exceptional team.

This years awards programme will include several award categories that companies can enter in addition to the overall ranking as well as introducing a new Rising Star award.

The Rising Star award in association with Enterprise Ireland will be awarded to a company who demonstrates a promising growth trajectory and the potential for inclusion in the Fast 50 rankings in years to come. Companies being considered for this award have operating revenues accounting for a minimum of two years and less than four years.

Some of the other awards include:

Growing New Technology Award in association with Google  this award recognises a company that has created or introduced a new or innovative product or service to international markets, which helped grow their business over the last four years.

Impact Award in association with Meta  this award recognises a company that has made a significant impact within the current year.

Women in Technology Advocate Award in association with NetSuite  this award will be presented to an individual who has demonstrated through their actions that they are an advocate for increasing participation by, and promotion of, women in the technology sector.

Scale Up Award in association with Scale Ireland  the award recognises a company that has demonstrated an impressive ability to scale up/expand overseas over the last four years.

Financial Services Innovation Award in association with Financial Services Ireland  this award will recognise a company with an innovative product or service that is having a disruptive impact within the financial services industry.

The closing date for entries is October 6 and the winners will be announced at a ceremony in Dublin on November 30.
Organisers had originally advertised the event with- shuttle bus services

A Northern Ireland comic book festival s announcement that shuttle buses will be unavailable at an upcoming event has caused anger among its followers.

Comic Con Northern Ireland are set to hold the event in less than a month at the Eikon Centre, Lisburn after a successful first year in 2022, but announced on Wednesday that the buses would be unavailable for fans.

Previous advertisements posted on their social media accounts had indicated the shuttle bus service would be available.

One fan who contacted the Belfast Telegraph said there was a lot of anger, with many punters booking their tickets on the basis of the original plans to provide the shuttle buses.

An original announcement in September 2022 said: After feedback from the event we are pleased to announce that we will be putting shuttle buses on for Comic Con Northern Ireland 2023.

That was followed by a second promise in July 2023: We are delighted to announce we will be putting shuttle buses on, we are pricing these up as we speak and more info will follow on this service.

On Wednesday night, the company posted an update confirming the buses would not be available.

"Regrettably we will not be providing a shuttle bus service for Comic Con NI 2023, they said.

"It was our intention to provide a shuttle bus service from Lisburn to the Eikon Exhibition Centre, however due to costs and availability we are unable to offer this facility.

"It is our intention to host a survey on the Comic Con website at a later date to gauge the desire for this service. We would like to offer a shuttle bus service going forward however we can only do so if there is a demand.

"For those travelling by car, we are delighted to offer FREE PARKING at the venue. If you are planning on using public transport please visit www.translink.co.uk to view bus and train timetables.

"We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding. We look forward to seeing you at COMIC CON NI on September 9/10 2023.

Comic Con NI has been approached for further comment.
Special stamps are being issued to celebrate 65 years of marmalade-loving bear Paddington.

Six stamps in the main set are taken from Ivor Woods strip cartoons of Paddington, which were originally published in the London Evening News paper in the late 1970s as the character became a star of the small screen.

Working with the animation company FilmFair, Wood designed and directed the first Paddington television series for the BBC from 1976.

These images were taken from Ivor Woods London Evening News strips from the 1970s (Royal Mail/PA)

Another four stamps presented in a Miniature Sheet capture moments from this TV series.

Michael Bonds classic childrens character  a Peruvian bear who is adopted by the Brown family in London after arriving at the train station he is named after  first appeared in October 1958, in the book A Bear Called Paddington.

The character has gone on to star in two smash-hit movies in recent years, with Ben Whishaw voicing Paddington in both. This version of the bear also made a memorable appearance alongside the late Queen Elizabeth II in a comic sketch marking her platinum jubilee in 2022.

The animated BBC series will be familiar to millions who grew up in the 70s and 80s (Royal Mail/PA)

David Gold, director of external affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: Paddington continues to bring cheer to generations of children worldwide. These delightful stamps will brighten up the day of anyone receiving mail with a touch of Paddingtons charm.

Rachel Clarke of the Copyrights Group said: Paddington is a real heritage brand with a modern hero and we are delighted to be partnering with Royal Mail to celebrate 65 years since Michael Bond first introduced us to the beloved bear.

The stamps are available to pre-order from today and go on general sale on September 5.
The Olympia Leisure Centre is at the centre of the debate

Legal advice which stalled controversial plans to erect Irish language signs at a south Belfast leisure centre should be disclosed for full public scrutiny, a tribunal heard today.

In a potentially landmark case, campaign group Conradh na Gaeilge launched an appeal against being denied documentation on the decision taken by the City Council.

Dual-language signs were set to be put up at Olympia Leisure Centre, located off the Boucher Road and close to the mainly Protestant Village neighbourhood.

But the proposals were put on hold last year following a successful call-in motion tabled by DUP representatives on the council.

Concerns about a possible adverse community impact were raised at the time.

The proposals for bilingual signage at the leisure centre have since been put out to public consultation.

Meanwhile, the Information Commissioners Office is being challenged for upholding the Councils decision to deny its request for details on the legal opinion and material which determined that the test for the DUPs call-in motion had been met.

In December the ICO concluded that an exemption for information protected by legal professional privilege outweighed the public interest in disclosure.

But Conradh na Gaeilge, a social and cultural organisation which promotes the Irish language, insists that full transparency is required.

As its appeal began at a tribunal sitting at the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast, the groups barrister, Iryna Kennedy, submitted: The Council cannot hide behind legal privilege in order to stop the public from scrutinising the legal process.

Four representatives from the Irish speaking community attended the hearing and were set to give evidence on the importance of having dual-language signs.

They were expected to make brief, introductory remarks in Irish - a potential first since use of the language for court proceedings in Northern Ireland was banned under the Administration of Justice (Language) Act (Ireland) 1737.

This was a decision about the public interest without hearing from the public, Ms Kennedy said.

This court is in a perfect position to hear from the people who are Irish speakers.

However, the hearing was adjourned before any of the witnesses got to speak.

Identifying a lack of analysis provided for the public interest test, the tribunal panel issued directions for more evidence.

It was also confirmed that the City Council is to be put on notice as a party to the proceedings.

Outside court, Cuisle Nic Liam of Conradh na Gaeilge insisted that dual-language signs achieve the required parity and equality in shared spaces such as Olympia Leisure Centre.

Alarm bells went off for us that the legal determination provided to Council was found to have met the threshold which suggests that bilingual signage could disproportionately affect adversely a section of the inhabitants of the district, she said.

This determination seriously impacts a community, but they have refused to release it to that community.

With the challenge supported by the Committee on the Administration of Justice, its director Daniel Holder added: It cries out for an explanation how a decision can be reached that having to place Irish on a sign alongside English could constitute discriminatory treatment.

That is why we consider it is important that these documents are released for public scrutiny.
LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, left, checks an experiment equipment related to quantum computing with Xanadu CEO Christian Weedbrook at the Xanadu laboratory in Toronto, Tuesday. Courtesy of LG Group



By Kim Jae-heun



LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo visited Boston and Toronto to check his company's current business status and future growth strategies in the bio and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors, Korea's fourth-largest business group said Thursday.



Koo's Aug. 21 to 24 business trip to North America to examine future growth engines is part of his long-term plan to expand related businesses internationally.



LG is focusing on AI, bio and clean tech (ABC) businesses as future growth engines and striving to strengthen their capabilities and competitiveness in the market.



LG Chem, a subsidiary of LG Group that manufactures and develops new drugs, established its headquarters, an innovation center for life science business, in Boston in 2019. The company is focusing on expanding global clinical trials of new products and strengthening its commercialization capabilities at its innovation center.



"Looking back on the group's business history, LG has always been preparing for 10 years and 20 years in advance to lead the new industry. For example, we have been investing in technology development for secondary batteries, which is one of our main businesses, for over 30 years," Koo said as he checked the company's strategies for developing new medicines such as anticancer and cell therapy drugs in Boston, Monday.



"LG's bio business is small at the moment, but if we continue to work on it, it will grow into a huge success that represents LG," Koo added.





LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo, right, discusses the company's AI strategies with employees at LG Electronics' AI Lab in Toronto, Tuesday. Courtesy of LG Grou
The latest report from the Department of Health (DoH) shows that 5,033 complaints relating to 7,671 issues were received in the last financial year

Complaints against Northern Ireland health trusts are on the rise, according to new figures.

The latest report from the Department of Health (DoH) shows that 5,033 complaints relating to 7,671 issues were received in the last financial year.

This represents a 27% increase in complaint issues received since 2018/19.

It comes after major concerns were raised about patient safety and other issues at Belfasts Royal Victoria Hospital last month.

A single communication received by a trust is deemed a complaint, but may include several separate issues.

It should also be noted that trusts received more than five times as many compliments as they did complaints in the last financial year, according to the report.

Of the 7,671 complaint issues received by our health trusts in 2022/23, almost a third (2,463) related to the Belfast Trust, which is the largest trust in Northern Ireland.

Some 1,665 complaint issues were received by the South Eastern Trust and 1,429 were received by the Southern Trust.

Over the course of the financial year the Western Trust received 989 complaint issues and the Northern Trust received 919. Some 207 issues were raised about the ambulance service.

The news comes at a time when our health service is facing severe resourcing issues, staff burnout and a major pay dispute.

In the absence of an Executive, Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris had to set a budget, which the DoH said is around 470m short of its estimated funding requirements.

A departmental briefing note on the budget published back in May said: A funding gap of this size will require the implementation of high impact savings with adverse consequences for an already highly pressurised health and care system.

This would be very damaging for service delivery with long-term impacts.

The 2023/24 budget will exacerbate the gap between capacity and health care need in Northern Ireland, meaning reduced service levels and more patients waiting excessive periods for care."

Of all the health trusts, the largest increase (of 68.1%) in complaint issues since 2018/19 was in the Southern Trust.

The highest number of issues (2,054) were about diagnosis, operations and treatment, followed by information and communication (1,737) and patient experience (1,545).

Alliance Party health spokesperson Paula Bradshaw said the figures reinforce the need both for pursuing the transformation agenda with greater vigour, and for reform of the administration of health and social care to ensure patient safety is the absolute number one priority.

She said the implementation of fully independent scrutiny mechanisms would improve performance when it comes to complaints.

The number of complaints arises in part also from the severe strain being placed on healthcare workers by a system which does not adequately take account of the need not just for improved pay but also for improved conditions for staff within it, she added.

Safe staffing legislation is an essential part of addressing this.

The report also shows that trusts received 26,474 compliments in 2022/23, with over a third relating to the Southern Trust. Some 45.1% of the compliments were about the quality of treatment and care and 31.5% were about staff attitude and behaviour.

Regarding complaints, the vast majority (60%) were made via email.

The SDLPs Colin McGrath said the significant increase in complaint issues shows the incredible pressure the health service has been under, alongside a failure to implement transformation and the impact of the Covid pandemic.

I think its important to remember that despite these complaints our health staff have worked incredibly hard over the past few years, going above and beyond and putting themselves in harms way to care for people during the pandemic, he said.

These complaints should in no way be seen as a reflection on their hard work and dedication.

It is clear from these complaints that many patients felt their care was below the standard required, communication was poor and that they faced long waiting times.

Thats something that must be addressed going forward. These statistics are the latest indicator that our health service is really struggling and we can only address that in the long-term by implementing transformation with the funding to make it happen.

The DoH said: Transparency and accountability are vitally important cornerstones of our health and social care (HSC) system. Much work has been done across HSC Trusts to ensure that we have embedded complaints procedures that are robust, effective and timely, and which provide opportunities for learning.

Each time a patient or client has a negative experience of health and social care services this is an important opportunity to learn, and our HSC is very committed to doing so. It is important to note the wider context for these statistics in that each year there are in excess of 15 million key interactions between HSC staff and service users in the form of appointments, admissions and other interventions.

It is encouraging to note that there were over five times as many compliments received (26,474) compared to the number of complaints received (5,033). The majority of the compliments were for the high standard of treatment and care provided to patients by health and social care staff who work in very challenging circumstances.
The advice was contained in a detailed civil service document which set out acceptable and unacceptable terminology for NIO ministers

Northern Ireland Office ministers were in 1999 warned to avoid any reference to joint authority because it would infuriate unionists, a declassified government file reveals.

The advice was contained in a detailed civil service document which set out acceptable and unacceptable terminology for NIO ministers.

A file, which has been declassified at the Public Record Office in Belfast under the 20 Year Rule, contains the document in which ministers were warned to avoid joint authority, joint sovereignty or joint rule, with officials explaining: These phrases are best avoided as likely to infuriate unionists.

The New Ireland Forum report (1984) proposed joint authority between the Irish and British Governments as a way of administering Northern Ireland. But anything which implied a joint exercise of power would be seen as derogating from UK sovereignty; and, indeed as the Agreement itself says, there is no such derogation.

Ministers were also advised to avoid referring to the Irish Government having a consultative role in Northern Ireland  not because it might annoy unionists, but it might annoy the Irish Government.

They said: The Irish are sensitive about the idea that they are merely consulted and advised to instead say the UK was committed to determined efforts to resolve any difficulties that may ariseand we shall take that obligation seriously.

The detailed checklist of acceptable and unacceptable terminology advised ministers that plastic baton rounds was OK, but plastic bullets was not, describing it as an unofficial term, emotive and to be avoided.

They were told in bold that references to H-Blocks/Long Kesh/The Kesh were unacceptable as these were terms used by nationalists referring to HMP Maze.

The sectarian terms taigs and fenians were also on the list of unacceptable words, as was the word republicans because it was a potentially offensive term which is generally taken to refer to those who countenance the use of violence to promote Irish unity  but it was OK to use the term in reference to Sinn Fein.

Ministers were urged to instead use terms like the minority community or the nationalist side of the community.

They were told that Blackmen referred to members of the Royal Black Institution, but the term was not usually required by ministers.

Orangemen was unacceptable, they were told, except when specifically referring to members of the Orange Order.

The Northern Irish was judged unacceptable to unionists

One of the biggest no-nos was the Republican Government, described as 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.

Similarly unacceptable was the term being out here (ie. in NI)  unacceptable because it smacks of the colonial out-post attitudes. The phrase being over here is more often used, but should also be avoided.

Ministers were told that the terms orange and green were unacceptable publicly but were common shorthand in private conversation.

It was explained to ministers that the UK is a political expression; Great Britain is a geographical term, with Northern Ireland part of the former but not the latter. It warned ministers: NI people set considerable store by the proper use of the two terms.

British Isles was on a list of terms which were best avoided. It was described as not popular in the Republic.

Officials suggested these islands as a way of avoiding British Isles.

The mainland was rejected as a term used by unionists but not generally acceptable while Ulster was best avoided.

The six counties and the North of Ireland were described as terms commonly used by nationalists and indicative of support for Irish unity. Objectionable to unionists.

The acceptable list included the province, with the note that although strictly not accurate when referring to the old 9 counties Province of Ulster, the term is in fairly common usage. It is best avoided when talking to nationalists.

The north was described as an acceptable colloquialism used by both communities.
Danny Quigley arrives at Carrickarory Pier, Moville, Inishowen, Co Donegal, as part of his Celebration of Life swim

After braving hours in the cold sea, lonely night swims and the stings of jellyfish, Derry native Danny Quigley completed his epic swim of the River Foyle, swimming 100 km in open water to celebrate the lives of people who died by suicide.

Danny, a father-of-three, who lost his own father, Colm, to suicide when he was just a teenager in 2011, began his swim at Lifford, Co Donegal, on Monday, swimming in the direction of Derry until the tide turned.

All along the way crowds gathered at piers and shores to watch his progress as he swam down the Foyle, heading for the wide open mouth of the Atlantic Ocean.

As he passed under the Peace Bridge in his native Derry city by night, crowds gathered with torches and cheers went up as he swam underneath, his beacon flashing in the water behind him.

Danny Quigley arrives at Carrickarory Pier, Moville, Inishowen, Co Donegal, as part of his Celebration of Life swim

By Tuesday evening he had reached Carrickarory Pier in Moville, Co Donegal, where family members and supporters gathered in their dozens to greet him on his swim, which Danny named a Celebration of Life.

He began the last push of his challenge on Wednesday morning, swimming around the swirling waters off Inishowen Head before arriving at Kinnagoe Bay, a cove where one of the Spanish Armada ships sank in 1588.

No stranger to gruelling physical challenges  the Derry man previously completed 10 Ironman triathlons in 10 days during the pandemic  Danny was aware that this undertaking would logistically be tricky to navigate; the Foyle is the fastest-flowing river in Europe and swimming with the tide is important.

The tide changes every six hours, so Ill swim with the tide, so was Dannys plan.

The Foyle, on average, travels at 4.2 knots. And Michael Phelps, when he broke the 200m record, averaged 3.7 knots.

So, Phelps swimming at full pelt for 200m isnt going to beat the Foyles average flow.

You would be going backwards  and its physically, humanly impossible to swim against the Foyle when its flowing against you.

While the physical aspect of the challenge was gruelling, Danny said the mental aspect proved just as big of a part of the undertaking.

During his challenge, with only five hours sleep in a 48-hour period, he said he was feeling worn out but that the support of people is keeping him buoyed up on his journey.

After he arrived at Carrickarory Pier in Moville, Danny told the Irish Independent: The swim means so much to me and equally all the families for whom Im swimming in celebration of their loved ones lives.

Danny Quigley arrives at Carrickarory Pier, Moville, Inishowen, Co Donegal (Pic: Lorcan Doherty)

Ive had people come up to me and break down in tears telling me how much it means to them. Thats hard-hitting and difficult to take, but in a way it warms my heart. As I swim I need a warm heart, as the waters are cold and deep. Theyre dark at night and a scary place to be when things get real.

Throughout his challenge he was supported by volunteers from Foyle Search and Rescue, to whom, alongside Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum, monies raised will be donated.

Danny believes we still have a long way to go in terms of demystifying mental illness.

Helping people to know they can reach out for support, as well as helping get rid of the shame that often surrounds conversations around mental health, particularly for men, are all part of his mission.

This isnt about me. Its about celebrating the lives of those who we have lost. Remember them. Dont be afraid to speak about them. Bring them up in conversation and be proud of them. Do it all the time without fear of what others think.
Drew Harris, who formerly served as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI, is now Commissioner of An Garda Siochana in the Republic of Ireland.

Intelligence officers in An Garda Siochana had eyes and ears in dissident republican circles within minutes of receiving the news about the PSNI data breach, the organisations Commissioner has said.

Details of more than 10,000 PSNI officers and police staff were mistakenly released to the public as part of a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request earlier this month.

The incident will be the subject of an independent review led by City of London Police Assistant Commissioner Peter ODoherty.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who formerly served as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI, also said the organisation had been in regular contact with the PSNI and British security services since the breach.

Mr Harris said it had reacted to the news within 10 or 15 minutes.

"We started putting eyes and ears just to see what was being said, in dissident republican circles, frankly, he told the Irish Times.

"And we have kept a watching brief and we would exchange information constantly then with the PSNI and the British security services, MI5. That is just ongoing every day co-operation.

Harris said dissident republicans were the biggest domestic threat facing An Garda Siochana  branding them a small lunatic fringe  and insisted co-operation between the organisation and the PSNI was seamless when required.

The former PSNI officer said An Garda Siochana was much better resourced than its northern counterpart, and that the organisation had better connection with local communities.

He said that although Gardai had previously kept their professional lives discreet, there was now much more openness in policing within the Republic of Ireland.

"My colleagues from America who would visit us; they are just dumbfounded at the connection [between Gardai and the public] because they, too, would maybe not tell their neighbours that they are police officers. And thats a change for them in the last 20 years, he said.

Like his counterpart in the PSNI, Chief Constable Simon Byrne, Mr Harris position has come under scrutiny in recent times.

Serious assaults in Dublin  including assaults on tourists  have dominated headlines in the Republic for much of the summer.

The Garda Representative Association (GRA) has tabled a motion of no confidence in Mr Harris leadership, despite him being granted a two-year extension to his contract in February this year.

Under-pressure PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne. Pic: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A motion of no confidence in the commissioner is an unprecedented event.

More than 11,000 rank and file Gardai  in a force of just under 13,900  are voting on whether they have confidence in their boss in a dispute, mainly, over rosters.

The development has left Mr Harris genuinely surprised.

"I was a little perplexed about what on earth this was about, he said.

"I think as time went on, and its been out there nearly four weeks now, I became very concerned about it because of the impact that was having, around both public confidence in the [Garda] organisation but also then because of the discourse in the organisation.

"I think it left [GRA] members with a choice that they werent particularly looking for.
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has paid tribute to a highly respected and valued doctor who passed away after collapsing at a leisure centre in Co Armagh.

On Tuesday, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council confirmed Dr Sean McMahon, a doctor at Craigavon Area Hospital, died after falling ill at South Lakes Leisure Centre.

Dr McMahon was attending the Health & Wellbeing Suite at the time and later became unresponsive .It is understood staff at the centre rushed to his aid, performing CPR until an ambulance arrived.

He was later taken to Craigavon Area Hospital where he passed away on Tuesday evening.

In a statement, the Health and Social Care Trust called him a friend and colleague and expressed shock at his sudden death.

"Dr Sean McMahon was a highly respected and valued member of the anaesthetic team in the Trust, working in the locality which he knew so well and had settled in, a statement from the Trust reads.

"As a colleague and friend, the shock of Seans sudden passing is a great loss to all in the department. He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his fiancee, parents, brother, sisters and wider family circle.

A death notice confirmed the young doctors funeral will take place on Sunday at St Patricks Church in Cullyhanna and said he was the treasured son of Charles and Frances.

"Loving fiance of Debbie and devoted brother of Terence, Edel, Aideen, Searlait and Sarah-Louise.
A proposal for a tunnel between Northern Ireland and Scotland was raised with then Northern Ireland PM Captain Terence O'Neill in the 1960s

Just a few years before the outbreak of the Troubles, the old Northern Ireland government examined the possibility of a tunnel to Scotland in which driverless electric trains moved back and forth each hour - but quickly abandoned the idea due to the enormous cost.

The idea of a physical link between the island of Ireland and Great Britain had existed since Victorian times but newly-declassified government files show that it was resurrected in the 1960s - more than half a century before the DUP and then Boris Johnson suggested such a grand project.

A proposal for a tunnel between Northern Ireland and Scotland was raised with then Northern Ireland PM Captain Terence O'Neill in the 1960s

Professor AA Wells, chair of structural science at Queens University Belfast, was an enthusiastic proponent of the undersea link and wrote to the Stormont government on a confidential basis in 1964.

He proposed a single rail track tunnel to run from Float Bay on the Galloway shore to a short distance south of Donaghadee, a distance of 23 miles, with an electrified track linked to Bangor on one side and British Railways on the other side.

He suggested the electrified track could double as an electricity interconnector between Scotland and Northern Ireland, and also carry a gas interconnector. An independent gas interconnector was opened in 1996 and an electricity link in 2001.

Tunnel shore assembly station

Prof Wells suggested that his sea bed tube design could cost about 35m (587m in todays money) and be built in three years after three years of planning with just 50 workers on each shore.

He suggested it could carry 1.1m passengers and 600,000 cars in 1971, its first year of operation, before increasing to 2.64m passengers within 20 years.

He proposed this would be profitable to private companies if the Stormont and London governments would pay for the cost of building the structure.

He set out in some detail how the aluminium alloy tube lined with concrete blocks could be pushed out from each shore to meet in the middle, resting on a bed of concrete. But the professor disconcertingly admitted that he had only been able to do small scale experiments...with his garden hose. Nevertheless, he was confident there would appear to be a wide margin of safety against buckling.

He suggested the trains could be driverless under intrinsically fail-safe conditions.

To convince the public that his design was safe, he proposed dropping a sealed section of tube and subjecting it to depth-charging.

Tunnel assembly

One official was sceptical about Prof Wellss case for the tunnel, saying he had exaggerated the case for it by overstating the problem of sea or air crossings cancelled by bad weather.

He said the economic assumptions behind the case for the tunnel were based on the premise that virtually all passenger traffic would transfer from sea and air to using the tunnel. The official wrote: Personally, I would very much prefer to travel by sea or by air than by a long rail tunnel and I doubt very much if I would be alone in this respect.

John Semple in the Offices of the Cabinet of Northern Ireland - a future head of the civil service - wrote in November 1964 that the first step was to see if a tunnel costing 35m could possibly pay; if so, they could examine the technical case for whether it could be constructed for that sum.

He referred to the rather crude and grossly over-optimistic traffic estimate from Prof Wells and said that if the economic case was insurmountably negative then he thought they should not encourage the professor and Queens Universitys engineering department to develop new techniques which will almost certainly never be used.

On the plus side, Mr Semple considered that the tunnel would provide intangible economic and social benefits to Northern Ireland. It would provide more reliable connectivity with Britain, improving Northern Irelands access to the British market and stimulating tourist growth by making it easier for tourists to get to Northern Ireland.

The cost of imports to Northern Ireland might be reduced and social connections - both for the public and those in business - would be improved.

On an optimistic assumption, 2.4m might be gathered in revenue from the tunnel in its first year of operation in 1970, he said (at 2 a car), rising to about 5m a year in 1990. But he concluded that even in this scenario, the project would be uneconomic.

Proposed tunnel route

A report in the News Letter at the time noted immediately the constitutional significance of such a venture, saying that if the tunnel could be built the psychological factor of Ulster being cut off from the rest of the British Isles would disappear.

Another official said it had been examined by his technical colleagues and there is nothing inherently impossible in the various ingenious techniques which are embodied in [the proposal], though the fact that they are theoretically possible does not mean that difficulties could not arise in practice.

Ken Bloomfield, another future head of the civil service, was involved, saying in a 14 September 1964 memo: The Prime Minister has now returned from his continental visit and I have shown him your letter about the project for a tunnel link between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Captain ONeill feels that you could best discuss this matter with the Minister of Health and Local Government, Mr WIlliam Craig.

On 1 September 1964, Mr Bloomfield wrote to a colleague that although the whole idea of a tube link between Northern Ireland and Scotland seems to the layman to be rather far-fetched a US firm called Technical Studies Inc had expressed interest and it seemsto be backed by a number of extremely reputable American financial and other organisations.

An earlier memo from Stormonts chief engineer in February 1964 said that the issue had been raised in the Senate in 1954 but the problems remained the same.

The difficulties of draining, ventilating and lighting a tunnel 28 miles long could probably be overcome at a high cost, but the problem of obtaining accurate information of the strata to be encountered below the sea bed, at a depth of at least 450ft, and possible 900ft, below sea level, has not yet been solved.

Also, present methods of tunnelling are not applicable to places where water pressures of up to 500lb per sq inch may be met.

He added: I would be well to remember that the area in and around Beauforts Dyke was used as a dump for surplus explosives during and after the last war and these would certainly add to the hazards of any operation in this area.

The file also contains a clipping from the Belfast Telegraph in 1963 headlined Butcher has plan for pipe link, reporting that Moira butcher George McCartney had been campaigning for a GB-NI tunnel but had switched his idea to a pipeline as an alternative.
The reports publication has taken a step closer, its author has said.

A report into the activities of Stakeknife  the renowned British Army-run agent within the Provisional IRA  has taken a step closer to publication after clearing national security checks.

The reports author Jon Boutcher, who led the five-year investigation into the agent, confirmed to BBC NI it had been cleared with no changes or redactions.

Known as Operation Kenova, the investigation examined the double-life of the agent, widely believed to have been Freddie Scappaticci, who died in April while in his late 70s.

The 37m investigation has been probing the agent's actions and a report on its findings is being readied for release.

Part of the process involved consultation with the Cabinet Office on whether any of its contents were prejudicial to national security.

Through the 1980s, Stakeknife was operating within the IRAs internal security unit  often referred to as the Nutting Squad  whose chief aim was to find and execute suspected informers.

The report, which is believed to run to hundreds of pages, is set to examine the degree to which the state was complicit in his crimes, which include murder, kidnap and torture.

Jon Boutcher, who led the investigation into Stakeknife's activities

While concerns had been raised that the report could be censored by UK intelligence agencies, a recent update on the Kenova website has indicated it will not be changed.

"It has now been provided to the Public Prosecution Service of Northern Ireland to assess whether the report is prejudicial to any possible future prosecutions, wrote Mr Boutcher.

"I anticipate this will be a relatively expeditious process and once completed I will be able to provide a further update on the progress to publication."

Scappaticci was named in May 2003 by four newspapers as being Stakeknife, including the Glasgow-based Sunday Herald and the Sunday Tribune in Dublin.

He denied the accusation and left Northern Ireland a year later when a recording surfaced of him talking to journalists about senior republicans, including the late Martin McGuinness.
A mural of hunger striker Bobby Sands on the Falls Road in Belfast

A group representing Troubles victims has welcomed Cambridge University Labour Societys acceptance of an invitation to meet with them after the club shared content from an Irish republican group.

Cambridge Universitys Labour Club (CULC) apologised for sharing a social media post from Lasair Dhearg (Red Flame) commemorating the anniversary of the 1981 hunger strikes, which also provided details on how to join the republican organisation.

A row over the incident erupted on the universitys campus, with student Tories furious and a senior member of the Labour societys executive team resigning over the furore.

The CULCs executive body has since apologised for the post, which it said was shared by mistake, without any knowledge of the beliefs and affiliations of the organisation.

We value and recognise the validity of the resulting criticism, they said in a statement to the universitys Varsity newspaper, adding they will take action to ensure such mistakes do not happen in the future.

The club went on to champion the Good Friday Agreement, describing the peace accord as one of the greatest achievements of Labour in government.

A spokesperson also condemned any organisation which attempts to frustrate that hard won peace.

Kenny Donaldson of the South East Fermanagh Foundation

Kenny Donaldson of the Troubles victims organisation the South East Fermanagh Foundation subsequently wrote to the CULC requesting a meeting to educate their members upon the realities of who the hunger strikers were and the crimes for which they were incarcerated and to raise awareness about the legacy of terrorism.

Mr Donaldson said the request was promptly accepted.

"We welcome the commitment from the Labour Club at Cambridge University to meet with us where we will seek to educate their members as to the realities of terrorism and other Troubles related violence, he said.

"We are encouraged at the speed of which our request has been responded and we hope to build a positive relationship with the club in the times ahead alike all other democratic political parties".

The incident reportedly caused divisions within the clubs executive.

Lasair Dhearg has provoked controversy on several occasions over the years, including openly opposing the extradition of Liam Campbell, who was found liable for the 1998 Omagh bombing, from the Republic of Ireland to Lithuania to face terror charges.

Following the incident Sam Spiri from the rival Cambridge University Conservative Association said there is no excuse for sharing the post.

We condemn the posting of material on the Cambridge University Labour Clubs Instagram from Lasair Dhearg, a dissident group which frequently celebrates the violent actions of the IRA during the conflict in Northern Ireland, the chairman told the Belfast Telegraph.

The decision to share this post, which contains encouragement to join the group, is profoundly irresponsible.

Promoting such groups is especially inappropriate now, as Lasair Dhearg has participated in campaigns against the PSNI, many of whose members are currently at risk.

This included the sending of letters referring to the police as armed gunmen to schools.

The decision to amplify the voice and recruitment campaign of this group has given support to a lamentable political force.

Cambridge University and the CULC have been contacted for comment.
The late Martin McGuinness at his desk in the Department of Education in 1999 (PA)

There was circumstantial evidence that walkout protests by pupils at Jeffrey Donaldsons old school were being orchestrated using misinformation, according to a declassified government file.

Sinn Feins unexpected decision to put Martin McGuinnesss into the role of Education Minister in December 1999 caused consternation among many unionists at a time when the IRA had not yet given up any weapons or given any indication that it was done with violence for good.

There were multiple protests in schools across Northern Ireland, one of which was in Kilkeel High, the school once attended by Jeffrey Donaldson.

The then UUP MP, who is now the DUP leader, had backed the protesting pupils, saying that politics are everywhere in Northern Ireland - including the classroom.

A report by TJ Shaw, the chief inspector of schools, was sent to the Department of Education the following week after he had sent a colleague to the school to assess what had gone on.

The document, which has been declassified at the Public Record Office in Belfast under the 20 Year Rule, said: There is circumstantial evidence which suggests that the demonstrations by pupils are being orchestrated: Many of the protests have been preceded by pupils asking their peers to sign a petition objecting to the minister; the pupils who are acting as organisers are quoting the same mis-information to persuade their peers to join them in the protest (all pupils will be forced to learn Irish, play Gaelic games, attend integrated schools; the spokespersons leading the protests use the same form of words and cliches; there are flags, banners, etc, in readiness when the protest begins; others, over school leaving age, turn up to support the protest, local anti-agreement politicians are soon on the scene, as are representatives of the press.

He said that the demonstrations were damaging the morale and relationships within the schools affected and they make it even more difficult to plan a programme of school visits for the minister.

However, on 9 December the department received a letter from a pupil whose name has been redacted but said: Dear Mr McGuinness, As a pupil of [redacted] who is pro-Agreement, pro-Executive and supportive of you in your new post, I would like to apologise for some of the pupils of my school in the light of todays protest against you therein.

It was an act which could have been peaceable, but degenerated into supreme senselessness and I completely disassociate myself from it.

The pupil went on: I hope you can find it in you to forgive these people who perpetuated such an incident, as I dont believe that they are being led by anything other than indoctrination from the pessimistic outside world.

The pupil asked Mr McGuinness that their name and their school name not be mentioned. Almost a month later, he replied to thank them and wish them well.

DUP leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson

Around the same time, Iris Robinson wrote to Nigel Hamilton, then Mr McGuinnesss top official and a future head of the Civil Service, to object to what she said shed been told was the refusal to allow back into Comber High School pupils who had gone out to protest for a time.

She said they returned to find their classrooms locked and said it was a total over-reaction by the principal to have locked the classrooms in this way and it had only helped to inflame the situation.

Department of Education official Josie McCausland said they had spoken to Mr Drennan, the principal, who had said pupils werent locked out. Another official recommended that Mr McGuinness, rather than his top official, reply to Mrs Robinson to refute her claim.

A list was drawn up to monitor where protests were taking place. In the Belfast area there were short protests in or beside the school grounds at the Boys Model, Castle High, Glengormley High, Mount Gilbert Community College, and Girls Model schools.

An official recorded that some pupils choose to stay away from school as a protest.

Read more How Irish Sea tunnel proposed in 60s became just another pipe dream

In the west of Northern Ireland, five pupils threatened to skip class as a protest and some pupils walked out of Omagh High School.

At Duke of Westminster College in Kesh and Omagh Academy, a small number of pupils protested in a low key manner.

There were more protests in the more unionist Northern Education and Library Board area. Ballymena Academy saw protests from one hour to all afternoon, as did Cambridge House, Cullybackey High, and Ballymoney High where some pupils stayed out for two days.

Carrickfergus Grammar pupils signed a petition and the principal wrote to the minister.

There was a similar picture across a number of state schools in other areas. The most extreme protest was in Dundonald High where it lasted three to four days. An official noted that a large number walked out and paraded at board headquarters and at Stormont which was significant.
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 on Aug. 23. AFP-Yonhap



BRICS leaders have agreed to expand the club of major emerging economies and adopted conditions for entry, South Africa said Wednesday, as the bloc pursues greater clout to shape 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 members.



China is seeking to rapidly grow the BRICS amid rising competition with the United States but the group's other major power, India, is wary of the intentions of its geopolitical rival.



South African officials say nearly two dozen countries have formally applied to join the BRICS, which accounts for 40 percent of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy.



On Wednesday, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said BRICS leaders had "agreed on the matter of expansion" and a detailed announcement would be made before the summit's close on Thursday.



"We have a document that we have adopted that sets out guidelines and principles, processes, for considering countries that wish to become members of BRICS," Pandor told state-run Ubuntu Radio.



"That's very positive."



Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the summit 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 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.



The bloc makes decisions by consensus and no new members have been admitted since South Africa in 2010.





South African President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the closing ceremony of the BRICS Business Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 22. Xinhua-Yonhap



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 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 summit has underlined divisions with the West over the war in Ukraine, and the support Russia enjoys from its 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.



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.





Members of the media watch Russia's President Vladimir Putin address via videolink the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23. AP-Yonhap
DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly after a political panel discussion with representatives of the five largest political parties at Stormont during a visit by the American Irish State Legislator Caucus in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Unionists have rejected claims from the government that improvements can be made to the Windsor Framework from within a restored Executive.

It comes as the DUPs Emma Little-Pengelly accused Minister of State for NI Steve Baker and others in the government of engaging in megaphone diplomacy.

Speaking previously Mr Baker said improvements could be made to the agreement between the UK and EU from within a restored Executive.

"The best future available to people is to restore the Executive, make the most of the Windsor Framework and yes, propose improvements if people need to, but make the most of it, Mr Baker told Cool FM.

Pressed for a timescale on her partys discussions with the UK Government to secure what they need to return to Stormont, Ms Little-Pengelly said: We are engaged in a process of back and forth in terms of the constructive discussion to try to find resolution to the issues.

We have been very clear with the Government in the document we have given them, what we need to see, and we have highlighted the concerns and issues raised to us by businesses about the Windsor Framework, and I think its very clear there are a lot of questions around what the implementation of all of this will mean.

We want to find solutions, we havent been prescriptive about what those are because we want to get the maximum flexibility.

I think there is, at the moment, a real obligation on the UK Government to build that trust with the people of Northern Ireland, fulfil what it is that the Prime Minister and his Government have promised to the people of Northern Ireland, and thats what were waiting to see.

Meanwhile Sinn Feins Conor Murphy said he has detected no sense of urgency from the UK Government to get the Stormont Assembly fully functional again.

We have had meetings with the British Government over the summer, and we have said when we came out that we dont get any sense of urgency whatsoever, he said.

We have raised that with the Taoiseach when we met him a couple of weeks ago, and the penny seems to be dropping in Dublin at least.

It is not a tenable situation to allow this to drift on. Were moving now into the implementation phase of the (Brexit) protocol arrangements and the DUP are still holding out in terms of negotiations.

Steve Baker

The two governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, they have a responsibility for taking action, for working together in the first instance, which would be a welcome development, and taking action to ensure that these institutions are put back in place.

It shouldnt continue one day longer.

Addressing Mr Bakers comments, TUV leader Mr Allister said any unionist foolish enough to return to Stormont on the current terms would be assisting the dismantling of the very Union they claim to profess.

"If Steve Bakers adjuration of fidelity to the Windsor Whitewash represents HMGs definitive position - and it probably does - then, for any principled unionist, Stormont is dead, and so it ought to be, because to operate it now is to implement the Union-dismantling Protocol in all its parts, he said.

"As for the disingenuous pretence that from within Stormont change could be wrought, such is so threadbare as to not even amount to a figleaf."

The North Antrim MLA also hit out at Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie and suggested a Sinn Fein veto would guarantee a lack of reform on the Windsor Framework.

"Anyone tempted to listen to Doug Beattie disseminating such nonsense just needs to remember two critical realities: the Sinn Fein veto (aided by the other Protocol fanatics in Alliance) will guarantee no Protocol diluting proposals will ever emerge from Stormont, the rigorous implementers will see to that; and Stormont itself has no say over U.K./EU negotiations, either now or in 2025, he said.

Thus, those who pretend change can be secured from within Stormont are peddling deception exceeded only by their disavowal of the solemn pledge of all Unionist leaders on 28 September 2021.

Jim Allister

It is only by staying out of Stormont that it affords any leverage, but even if it didnt, going in is impossible, surely, for any unionist who recognises the Protocol for the Union-dismantling instrument it is.

"There is nothing impossible about the sovereign government of the UK exercising sovereignty over its own territory.

In the previous interview, Mr Baker said he and Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris maintained their optimism over a Stormont return, but conceded it was unlikely.

"The reality is that the Windsor Framework wasnt able to bring the DUP straight back, Mr Baker said.

"It really is in their hands and we cant keep going to and fro. The ball is in both our courts; the government and the DUP.

"We continue to talk to all parties, but really, in the end, in a democracy as we saw throughout the whole process, painful as it was leaving the EU, in the end its in the hand of electors.

"If electors, unionist electors want the Executive back they do need to say to their elected representatives that is what they demand.
The Central Bank of Ireland admitted to the error on Monday (Niall Carson/PA)

The Minister for Finance has said it is important for him to receive an assurance from the Central Bank of Ireland that it will not repeat an error which potentially impacted the ability of thousands of borrowers to access credit.

On Monday, the Central Bank admitted that an archiving error saw borrower information staying on the central credit register (CCR) for an additional three months and included in credit reports when it should not have been.

The financial services regulator became aware of the mistake, which is a breach of data protection legislation, by following up on an enquiry from a member of the public earlier this month.

As a result of this error additional, outdated, information relating to May-July 2018 was available on the CCR database for inclusion in credit reports issued to borrowers and lenders in the period June 1 to August 7 2023.

The Central Bank said while this information was accurate, the additional three months of information should not have been made available.

Minister for Finance Michael McGrath speaking to the media at Government Buildings in Dublin, following the publication of the annual taxation report (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

It may have adversely affected decisions by lenders to extend new credit or decisions by borrowers to seek new credit in situations where the records for the extra months pointed to repayment difficulties during that period.

Of the 476,000 enquiries by borrowers in the first week of August  the records of approximately 20,500 borrowers with repayment difficulties in the extra period were accessed.

Speaking to reporters at Government Buildings on Thursday, Minister Michael McGrath said he will decide on any measures to seek accountability for the matter following his next discussing with the Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf.

However, he said he expected the matter to be fully dealt with independently by the Central Bank.

Asked what avenues of accountability are open for him to pursue, Mr McGrath said: The Central Bank has put its hand up and acknowledged this was an error and it will be addressed.

He added: From my point of view, the important thing here is to fully understand how it happened, to have a reassurance that it wont happen in the future and then to ensure that no customer is disadvantaged as a result of information being provided to a financial service provider that shouldnt have been provided.

The Central Bank said the error was resolved on August 7 (Niall Carson/PA)

Speaking earlier on Thursday, Housing Minister Darragh OBrien said the data breach was of concern.

Obviously, peoples credit ratings and the fact that theyre up to date is actually very important.

And I know Minister McGrath and his team have been engaging with the Central Bank on this. I will call on them to ensure that this is rectified with great haste, and that they look at their procedures within the bank to ensure that this doesnt happen again.

Minister for Housing Darragh OBrien (Niall Carson/PA)

The Central Bank said it began a remediation process on August 4 and the error was resolved on August 7.

It sincerely apologises for the error, saying: We are engaging with lenders to advise them of the incident and to establish if the additional three months of historical credit information affected their lending decisions in any way.
Gardai have recommended that Daniel Kinahan is charged with directing a murderous criminal organisation, in a file submitted to state prosecutors.

The extensive file is being examined by the Director of Prosecutions (DPP), who will decide if there is enough evidence to bring formal charges against the cartel leader.

Detectives from the Gardas Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau have been working on the inquiry for several years, with the aim of bringing down both Kinahan and the rest of the gang's hierarchy.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris, who formerly served as Deputy Chief Constable of the PSNI, revealed this week that a file has been submitted to the DPP for consideration as part of the investigation.

Independent.ie understands that recommendations contained within it are that Daniel Kinahan be charged with directing an organised crime gang. The offence, on conviction, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The submission of the file to the DPP had remained secret until the garda chief stated it had been sent to prosecutors for consideration.

A garda spokesman said: Following a comprehensive and wide-ranging investigation by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau into numerous serious offences committed here in Ireland by the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang, An Garda Siochana has recently submitted a file to the DPP.

Mr Harris said gardai would hope to see leadership figures within the Kinahan Organised Crime Group brought to justice here in Ireland.

While Mr Harris previously stated it was more likely that they would be brought to justice abroad, the development gives fresh hope that they could be trailed in Ireland.

Gardai said they were continuing to work with law enforcement partners in the US, UK and Europe as part of a combined international effort to disrupt and dismantle the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang.

While the material submitted within the file has not been revealed, it is understood that detectives have gathered a large amount of evidence which they allege connects Daniel Kinahan to the day-to-day running of the gang.

A collective $15 million (13.8m) bounty also remains in place from the US Treasury Department for information leading to the conviction of Daniel Kinahan, his father Christy Sr and brother Christopher Jr, and the dismantling of their crime gang.

Gardai said that to date, more than 70 gang members have been convicted for offences, including murder, drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering.

A spokesperson said that as the file has been submitted to the DPP, they could not comment any further.

It is a further blow to the Kinahan organised crime gang, which in recent years has had senior figures jailed or being sought to face charges by gardai.

An international arrest warrant remains in place for Crumlin man Sean McGovern, who is wanted over the murder of Noel Duck Egg' Kirwan in west Dublin in 2016.

Gardai also want to charge Mr McGovern with gangland offences relating to the murder attempt on Hutch associate James Mago Gately.

The crime group's main man in the UK, Thomas Bomber Kavanagh, is currently serving a 21-year jail term for conspiring to import cocaine and cannabis into Britain.

Earlier this month, the 55-year-old was hit with additional charges of conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition without a certificate, possessing and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Liam Byrne, the leader of the Byrne Organised Crime Group which was effectively the cartel's Dublin branch, remains in a Spanish prison awaiting extradition to the UK.

He was detained in June while on a family holiday in Majorca after the National Crime Agency issued a warrant for his arrest for firearms trafficking.
Mo Mowlam and David Andrews led the British and Irish delegations at an intergovernmental conference in 1998 (Ben Curtis/PA)

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.

The Good Friday Agreement was signed in April 1998 (Niall Carson/PA)

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.

In 1998 Mo Mowlam was the Northern Ireland secretary and David Andrews was the Irish foreign minister (Chris Bacon/PA)

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.
The distinctive bird of prey had recolonised naturally in an area of Co Fermanagh, conservationists said (Giles Knight/UlsterWildlife/PA)

Conservationists are celebrating after finding evidence of ospreys having bred in Ireland for the first time in more than 200 years.

A pair had bred at a confidential nest site in Co Fermanagh, Ulster Wildlife said.

The charity said the distinctive bird of prey had recolonised naturally in the area and successfully produced at least two, possibly three chicks  the first known wild osprey chicks on the island of Ireland in modern times.

The discovery was made by Giles Knight, environmental farming scheme adviser with Ulster Wildlife.

He has been observing the breeding pair for the last three seasons alongside his local farm visits in the area.

I have been keeping this news close to my chest for a long time to ensure the safety and welfare of these spectacular but vulnerable birds, he said.

Along with my son Eoin, I have watched the adults return to the same site since 2021, so you can imagine my excitement the moment that I saw three chicks and two adults this year.

It was a rub-your-eyes, once-in-a-lifetime moment; an absolute highlight of my 30-year wildlife career  like finding long-lost treasure.

With at least two of the chicks fledging this season, this is a huge conservation success story and indicates a healthy wetland ecosystem with plenty of suitable habitat and fish to bring this apex predator back to our skies and plunging into the Fermanagh Lakelands.

Truly the return of a living countryside.

Ulster Wildlife said ospreys were thought to have become extinct as a breeding bird in Ireland in the late 18th century due to systematic persecution.

Although often sighted on migration to and from Sub-Saharan Africa, confirmed breeding in Ireland has been elusive until now, with Scotland the UK breeding stronghold.

Dr Marc Ruddock, from the Northern Ireland Raptor Study Group, hailed the brilliant news.

All the signs and sightings in recent years have been pointing towards this, but now actual breeding success has finally been confirmed  truly brilliant news, he said.

Mr Knight said the location of the site would not be disclosed to ensure the safety of the birds.

Now these birds are back in Ireland and breeding successfully, it is critical that they are left in peace so their numbers can continue to grow by returning year-on-year to breed. We believe and hope that this could be the start of a raptor dynasty, he said.

It has been both encouraging and heartwarming to see the landowner, the local farming community and our partners welcome the ospreys return.

Their ongoing support will enable future generations to enjoy these magnificent birds far into the future.

Across Ireland, osprey monitoring, the erection of nesting platforms, and planning for translocation and reintroduction programmes have been ongoing for years.
The Government has released updated figures for Afghans who have come to the UK under resettlement schemes, which have been branded too slow by humanitarian organisations (Jacob King/PA)

Vulnerable Afghans are being failed by Government, a humanitarian group said as figures showed just 107 were resettled in the UK in the year to June under part of a scheme set up to help the most in need.

The latest statistics come as it was confirmed Afghans were the most common nationality to arrive by Channel crossings in the first half of 2023.

There were at least 1,474 Afghan nationals who arrived in small boats from January to June, Home Office figures showed.

Separately, Afghans were the second most common nationality applying for asylum in the year to June 2023, with 9,964 applications, almost double the number in the previous 12 months (5,154).

After the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the British military airlifted thousands of people from the country to safety in the UK, and set up two schemes to help others left behind.

But both the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) and Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) have faced criticism from campaigners and charities which branded them too slow and suggested people desperately fleeing the Taliban have felt forced to make dangerous Channel crossings instead.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK said the numbers reveal the shocking reality of the Governments failure to provide protection for vulnerable Afghans.

Under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)  which is split into three pathways  some 233 people were resettled in the UK in the year to June, the latest official figures released on Thursday showed.

A total of 66 people were resettled under pathway two  the strand that covers vulnerable refugees referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), while some 41 people came under the third pathway covering those who supported the UK and international community efforts in Afghanistan, or are particularly vulnerable, such as women and girls.

Pathway one, focused on those who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme or who were unable to board flights at the time of the large-scale evacuation, has seen 126 people resettled in the year to June.

(PA Graphics)

Another scheme, the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) which was launched in April 2021 for those who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan, saw 2,336 people resettled in the UK in the 12 months to June this year.

The Government pledged to resettle more than 5,000 people in the first year of ACRS, and up to 20,000 over the coming years.

In the two years between July 2021 and June this year, a total of 9,778 people had been resettled under ACRS  although more than 9,000 were resettled before the scheme had officially opened in January 2022.

Laura Kyrke-Smith, executive director of IRC, said: These statistics reveal the shocking reality of the Governments failure to provide protection for vulnerable Afghans, with just 233 Afghans brought to the UK under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) over the past year.

In pushing forward the Illegal Migration Act, the Government time and time again assured concerned Parliamentarians and the British public that there existed safe routes for refugees from countries like Afghanistan.

These statistics show that these routes simply arent matching the scale of the need. Instead, the majority of the almost 10,000 Afghans seeking safety in the UK were forced to make dangerous journeys across the Channel.

The organisation called on the Government to urgently deliver on its commitments to eligible Afghans waiting to find safety in the UK, insisting the 20,000 cap must be lifted and saying the scheme must be properly resourced to accelerate delivery as well as a clear process being put in place for reuniting Afghan families with loved ones already in the UK.

There were 6,575 Afghans in hotels or serviced accommodation by the end of June  half of whom were children, the Government said.

Afghans were given a deadline to leave hotels by the end of August, with Cabinet Office minister Johnny Mercer recognising earlier this month that the announcement had been a controversial move but insisted it was done with compassion in mind to get people into permanent accommodation.

Councils have expressed concerns that many of those evicted from hotels could end up presenting as homeless, therefore needing temporary accommodation.

The Government said it is continuing to work with the UNHCR and others to identify at-risk people, including women and girls, for resettlement in the UK.

A Government spokesperson said: No one should be risking their lives by crossing the Channel or taking dangerous and illegal routes to reach the UK  there are safe and legal routes to come here.

The number of Afghans which the UK has committed to resettling under the ACRS scheme is generous, and greater than many of our international counterparts.
Headteacher Shelley Baker at Varndean School in Brighton, where her pupils were collecting their GCSE results (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA)

A Brighton headteacher has expressed her delight at the GCSE results of the year group most affected by the Covid pandemic.

Shelley Baker, head of Varndean School, said despite national doom and gloom with general results down in some areas, she found pupils had performed on par with the last few years.

Ms Baker said one of the big challenges was getting pupil attendance back up since Covid.

She said: My duty is to get students back into school, we know when they are here theyre going to do well.

But she added it is a balancing act on how to push pupils while recognising the impact on mental health and their needs as waiting lists are years long.

One Varndean student, Fi Abou-Chanab, has been among those campaigning for more mental health support for students in all schools across Brighton and Hove.

Working with Citizens UK, the campaign secured pledges for funding from Labour and Green councillors in the local elections to help staff schools with more support.

The 16-year-old was inspired to get involved by her own mental health experiences just before Covid began, which meant she felt forgotten as everyone became stuck at home and couldnt do anything to help.

There was a period of time when a lot of people around me were struggling  I really wanted to make a change, she said.

On her own GCSE results she was feeling quite happy with her 9s, 8, 7s and one B in AS-level additional maths.

While she found it hard coming back to exams after being at home for so long, she added: Once we did three sets of mocks, and once we had done the ones in January, I felt completely ready which was really helpful.

Meanwhile, Ruben Murphy, 16, said he finally decided to knuckle down only when the exams started and he pushed through the period.

Ruben Murphy, 16, after collecting his GCSE results at Varndean School in Brighton (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA)

Although happy with his results of 5s, 6s and 4s which means he will get into college, he expressed how hard attending school remotely through the pandemic was and he probably would have done better otherwise.

I just didnt really do any of it, two years of not really doing any schoolwork. Its just having to wake up just to get on a Zoom call, he said.

But in advice to others, he said: Just knuckle down and get your GCSEs.

Ive never really been the most academic type of person but it does feel good when you put in the work, you get your results and you have done it. It feels good.

Ben Sassons, 16, with his GCSE results at Varndean School in Brighton (Anahita Hossein-Pour/PA)

For Ben Sassons, 16, who achieved seven 9s, two 8s, a 7 and a 6 for his GCSEs, he felt the pandemic affected other people at school worse than himself as he can work quite well on his own at home.

But he also praised the brilliant teacher support for when students returned to school.

He said: Obviously (it was) stressful and difficult but in the end it worked out.

But he did feel he may have missed out on other aspects of school life such as his enjoyment of joining orchestra and other clubs he discovered after the pandemic.

At college I want to do as much as I can do, I know I enjoy it now. I didnt realise that earlier, he said.
Commuters will face heavy rain on their way to work (Aaron Chown/PA)

Heavy rain, thunder, lightning and hail will lash people on their way to work and possibly cause flooding, forecasters have warned.

An inch of rain could fall in just one hour on Thursday in south-east England, where a yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued by the Met Office until midday.

People should be wary of possible disruption on roads and public transport due to water and hail, as well as power cuts and damage to buildings, the forecaster said.

It comes after much of the UK basked in glorious sunshine and warm temperatures on Wednesday.

People basked in hot and sunny weather on Wednesday (Lucy North/PA)

Jonathan Vautrey, of the Met Office, told the PA news agency: We expect a large expanse area of thunderstorms to develop in the Channel, moving in from France, which may push into parts of south-east England.

Areas in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight will widely see 10 to 15 millimetres of rain over the course of the morning.

But if we do see the more intense thunderstorms then some locations could see 25 to 30 millimetres of rain in about an hour or so, which is quite a lot to fall in that time.

This may produce some disruption, particularly due to the fact that it is rush hour during that period so there could be some localised disruption for anyone travelling.

In addition to the rain weve got lightning, hail to around three centimetres in diameter and some quite squally winds.

The heat from the past few days has built up, feeding more humidity into the atmosphere, which leads to the clouds that cause thunderstorms.

Mr Vautrey said areas surrounded by fields or where roads dip could be more prone to localised flooding.
Firefighters staged a rally against cuts to fire service funding proposed by the Scottish Government (PA)

Firefighters may have no other option but to take strike action if an anticipated 36 million in cuts to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service go ahead, a union has warned.

Hundreds of Fire Brigades Union (FBU) members across Scotland gathered for a rally at George Square in Glasgow on Thursday in protest against savings expected to be required at the fire service over the next four years.

The demo was addressed by union officials and politicians including Green MSP Maggie Chapman and Labours Pauline McNeill.

FBU Scottish secretary John McKenzie warned that members could consider walking out if the Scottish Government does not heed their concerns.

He said: Our members take this really seriously.

The Scottish Government have an opportunity to listen to their concerns. They can show that in their budget in December.

If they fail to do that, they will leave our members with no other option but to consider industrial action, and that industrial action will be up to and including strike action.

Our members morale has been chipped away at over the last 10 years.

It ultimately means they can provide less of a service to the public.

Mr McKenzie said the Government is yet to reply after the FBU wrote to ministers over the anticipated cuts.

He added: Weve had decent engagement with the minister on this, but ultimately this is about funding.

Engagement isnt going to cut it. Weve seen significant funding stripped from our service over the last 10 years, much greater cuts due to come, and our members arent going to tolerate that.

Mr McKenzie warned the cuts could mean communities have to wait longer for fire appliances to be deployed to emergencies and members of the public may therefore sustain injuries that would otherwise have been avoided.

Green MSP Maggie Chapman was among the speakers at the rally (PA)

FBU general secretary Matt Wrack also addressed the rally on Thursday.

He said: We are proud of what we do but there is a price to pay from communities and Government.

We demand a return to decent levels of investment, decent fire engines, decent procedures, training all the things that we need to plan, protect and intervene to tackle fires and other emergencies, and we make no apologies for making those demands.

We went to the Scottish Parliament some months ago, we will be back at the Scottish Parliament later this autumn.

We are going nowhere, this is just the start of our campaign and we will fight until we win.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is a vital service which is why, despite difficult financial circumstances due to UK Government austerity, we are providing it with more than 368 million this year, an increase of 14.4 million on 2023/23.

We are also maintaining frontline services, with a higher number of firefighters in Scotland than other parts of the UK, and we are pleased firefighters have also recently accepted an improved pay offer.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman have been accused of overseeing complete chaos in the asylum system (Phil Noble/PA)

The UKs soaring asylum backlog amounts to a disastrous record for the Prime Minister and Home Secretary, Labour has said.

The Opposition accused Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman of overseeing complete chaos as Home Office data showed a record 175,000 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application at the end of June.

The figure is up 44% from a year earlier and the highest since current records began in 2010.

Campaigners warned Government policy is causing immense suffering to refugees who just want to get on with their lives and called for claims to be processed more efficiently.

The data, which also shows 80% of people have been waiting longer than six months for an initial decision on their claim, piles further pressure on Mr Sunak, whose migration pledges have included a promise to cut the backlog.

Stephen Kinnock, Labours shadow immigration minister, said: These new statistics set out in stark terms the complete chaos the Tories have created in the immigration and asylum system.

With this level of mismanagement, there is very little prospect of reducing the eye-wateringly high bill for hotel rooms for all those left in limbo, currently costing the British taxpayer 6 million a day.

Ministers hope to accommodate migrants on the Bibby Stockholm barge despite a series of setbacks (John Gurd/PA)

Ministers are looking to house migrants on former military bases and a barge to reduce the expense of accommodating them in hotels.

Freedom from Tortures associate director Natasha Tsangarides said: This is a crisis of the Governments own making. The huge backlog of asylum claims is the result of over a decade of policy failures, mismanagement, and systemic neglect that has left over 175,000 people  over a third more than last year  languishing in limbo and unsafe accommodation.

Rather than pushing cruel and draconian measures aimed at punishing refugees, this Government must rebuild a fair and efficient asylum system and urgently expand safe routes to the UK.

She also noted that Home Office statistics showing that just over seven in 10 of initial decisions in the year to June were grants of refugee status disprove the Governments toxic narrative as they left no doubt that most people reaching our shores are refugees  men, women, and children fleeing the most unimaginable horrors.

Refugee Council chief executive Enver Solomon said: The record high asylum backlog is having a devastating impact on the people we work with, whose lives are put on hold indefinitely while they anxiously wait to hear whether they will be allowed to stay in the UK.

He also raised concerns over an unprecedented number of asylum claims being withdrawn, saying: The Home Office certainly shouldnt rely on asylum claims being withdrawn as a way of showing its backlog figures are going down.

The Institute for Public Policy Research also called the alarm bells over withdrawals, which made up 47% of all initial asylum decisions.

Marley Morris, associate director for migration, trade and communities, said: In the long run, this could backfire on the Government, as people whose applications are withdrawn end up being pushed underground or make fresh asylum claims.

Rachel Goodall, head of asylum services at Refugee Action, said: The huge backlog in asylum decision making is a product of the Governments hostile environment and it is causing immense suffering to refugees who just want to get on with their lives.

(PA Graphics)

It has forced thousands of people into inappropriate housing such as former hotels, prison ships and MoD (Ministry of Defence) sites from which only the private firms trousering millions in taxpayer-funded profits benefit.

The charity called for the Government to give asylum seekers leave to remain in the UK if they end up waiting more than a year for a decision on a claim.

Steve Valdez-Symonds, Amnesty International UKs refugee and migrant rights director, said: It is utterly disgraceful that new asylum laws are being introduced to actually prevent the processing of claims altogether, which will make this backlog, its cost and the limbo it imposes on people even worse.

The Governments Illegal Migration Act, central to Mr Sunaks pledge to stop the boats crossing the Channel, means asylum claims of people who come to the UK via unauthorised means will not be considered.

Rishi Sunak has made stopping Channel boat crossings one of his top five priorities ahead of next years likely general election (Yui Mok/PA)

Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said it was time for the Home Secretary to stop grandstanding and finally get serious by creating an immigration system that works for the UK and our economy, while treating everyone with dignity and respect.

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which represents civil servants including at the Home Office, said the best way to reduce the unacceptable asylum backlog is by properly training and paying staff so they can carry out the work quickly, efficiently and humanely.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also faced pressure from inside his own party after the official figures showed nearly one-and-a-half million visas were granted to people coming to the UK for work, study or family reasons, or through one of the Governments settlement schemes.

Right-wing Tory MP Jonathan Gullis urged Mr Sunak to put forward urgent changes to dramatically reduce legal immigration given the Conservatives manifesto pledge to bring overall numbers down.

We must stop relying on the lever of migration, and focus more energy on skilling up the British people, whilst also getting business to do their part with increased wages, better terms and conditions, and investing in local workforces, to create the high-skilled, high-wage economy we all want, he said.

Downing Street and the Home Office have been contacted for comment.
A Taiwanese soldier holds a Taiwan national flag near a group of soldiers with red markings on their helmets to play the role of an enemy during the annual Han Kuang military exercises simulating an attack on an airfield at Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan, Northern Taiwan, July 26. AP-Yonhap



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 recipient's 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 recipient's capability to meet current and future threats by contributing to the recipient's 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 Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen renewed a pledge to strengthen Taiwan's 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. (AP)


UK authorities are watching closely after the reported death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin (PA)

UK ministers are closely watching Russia following reports that the leader of the Wagner mercenary group died in a plane crash.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner chief, was reportedly on the passenger list of a private jet which went down almost 185 miles north of Moscow on Wednesday, according to Russian authorities.

All 10 people on board: three pilots and seven passengers, died according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

It was not clear if Mr Prigozhin was among those on board the plane, but Russias civilian aviation regulator said he was on the manifest.

Mr Prigozhin mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, over dissatisfaction about the treatment of his Wagner fighters in Ukraine.

Wagner has fought alongside Russias regular army during the invasion, and have often been seen as the more fierce and successful military force.

The mercenary bosss fate has been the subject of close scrutiny ever since after his apparent exile to Belarus following the uprising.

Russian president Vladimir Putin initially denounced the rebellion as treason, but charges against Mr Prigozhin were dropped and reports have suggested he has appeared in Russia in recent weeks.

The mercenary leader made his first video appearance following the mutiny earlier this week, suggesting he was in Africa alongside Wagner fighters.

Videos and photos circulating on social media appear to show what appears to be the crashed plane plummeting out of the sky, and a burning heap of aircraft wreckage.

The Russian state has a history of links to the deaths of Russian elites and spies who have fallen out of favour with the Putin regime, including on UK soil.

Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with a Russian-developed nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury in 2018.

Alexander Litvinenko, a prominent Putin critic and defector to the UK, was poisoned and died in 2006 after meeting two former Russian agents in London.

There is heavy speculation, but no evidence, that the plane crash may not have been an accident.

Russian president Vladimir Putin speaking in 2018 (Adam Davy/PA)

A UK Government spokesperson said: We are monitoring the situation closely.

In the US, President Joe Biden said: I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised.

A UK security source quoted in The Daily Telegraph newspaper, meanwhile, suggested the plane had almost certainly been shot down by Russias domestic intelligence agency, the FSB, acting on orders from President Putin.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs committee, suggested the speed at which Russian authorities confirmed Mr Prigozhin was on the plane should tell us everything we need to know.

Writing on Twitter, now known as X, the MP added: For Putin there is one unforgivable sin: the betrayal of Putin and Russia.

He hunts down those he perceives to be traitors, (including) on British shores, such as Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal.

Now Yevgeny Prigozhin has been added to that list, ending Putins humiliation.

But Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Mr Prigozhins death.

According to the Associated Press, he said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

As news of the crash was breaking, President Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine.
Louie Morgan-Kemp, seven, who was born without a right hand, demonstrates his new prosthetic arm (Joe Giddens/PA)

A seven-year-old boy who was born without a right hand beamed with joy as he tried out his new robot arm.

Louie Morgan-Kemp, of Swavesey, Cambridgeshire, had just started fundraising for the prosthetic when a kind-hearted businessman saw his story in the news and offered to pay the full 13,000 cost.

The youngster collected the Ironman-themed Hero Arm this week and can move its mechanical fingers by using muscles in his arm to press buttons inside the sleeve.

Louie was born without a right hand (Joe Giddens/PA)

Louie said the gadget, made by Bristol-based Open Bionics, helps him with picking things up, cutting food and pouring drinks.

He said it was exciting to get the arm and he was happy that businessman Billy Dixon had paid for him to get it.

The 73-year-old, of Egham, Surrey, saw a story about the familys fundraising in the news this year and contacted Louies mother on Facebook offering to pay in full.

Mr Dixon said at the time: I couldnt think not to do it, its just in my nature doing things like that.

Louies Hero Arm was made by Bristol-based Open Bionics (Joe Giddens/PA)

Louies mother, Hannah Morgan, 32, said she was grateful to Mr Dixon, adding: We werent expecting to have it happen so quickly.

Louie used the arm to drink lemonade from a glass and to hold a bag of crisps, using his left hand to eat them, as he got to grips with it on Wednesday.

Teaching assistant Ms Morgan said the school summer holidays this year had been all about waiting for that  for the Hero Arm.

Louie can move its mechanical fingers by using muscles in his arm to press buttons inside (Joe Giddens/PA)

Its all he spoke about, she said.

People have said how cool it is.

Speaking earlier this year, she said Louie had been telling people he was getting a robot arm and was so excited.

Open Bionics said the Hero Arm is engineered and manufactured un the UK.

It describes it as the worlds most affordable multi-grip prosthetic arm, with multi-grip functionality and empowering aesthetics.
Flames burn a forest near the village of Sykorrahi, near Alexandroupolis town, in the north-eastern Evros region, Greece (Achilleas Chiras/AP)

Major wildfires burning for days in north-eastern Greece and on the fringes of the capital Athens have incinerated more tracts of forest and forced additional evacuations as firefighters struggled against strong winds and arid conditions.

The wildfires have left 20 people dead over the last week.

Eighteen of those, including two boys aged between 10 and 15, are believed to be migrants who crossed the nearby border with Turkey.

Their bodies were found by firefighters near a shack in a burnt forest area near Alexandroupolis in north-eastern Greece.

A helicopter flies near a burnt house in Acharnes suburb, on Mount Parnitha, in north-western Athens, Greece (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

Sixty firefighters have been injured battling the flames, fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios said.

Greeces climate crisis and civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias said arson was to blame for some of the blazes near Athens.

Some  arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives, Mr Kikilias said in a televised statement. What is happening is not just unacceptable but despicable and criminal.

The minister said nine fires had been set in the space of four hours on Thursday in the area of Avlona, in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha near the Greek capital.

You are committing a crime against the country, Mr Kikilias said. You will not get away with it. We will find you, you will be held accountable to justice.

Elsewhere in Europe, fires on Tenerife in Spains Canary Islands, north-western Turkey near the border with Greece, Portugal and Italy were being brought under control, officials said.

In Greece, dozens of firefighting aircraft, including from other European countries, assisted crews on the ground trying to beat back multiple fires raging across the country.

On Wednesday alone, firefighters battled 99 separate blazes across the country, authorities said.

The wildfire in the Alexandroupolis region, burning for a sixth day, combined with smaller fires to create a massive inferno that has consumed homes and vast tracts of forest and triggered multiple evacuations of villages and of the citys hospital.

With more than 730 square kilometres (282 square miles) burned, the combined blazes are now the largest wildfires on record the EU has faced, European commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

We must continue strengthening national & collective prevention and preparedness efforts in view of more brutal fire seasons, he tweeted.

On the outskirts of Athens, a major fire that destroyed homes in the foothills of Mount Parnitha on Wednesday was racing across the mountains forested slopes and threatened the heart of a national park that is one of the last wooded areas near the Greek capital.

A helicopter drops water over a wildfire atop Mount Parnitha, in north-western Athens, Greece (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

Evacuation orders were issued for several outlying suburbs overnight into Thursday, while other neighbourhoods were put on standby for possible evacuation.

With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has asked other European countries for assistance.

Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus have sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian and Albanian firefighters have been helping on the ground.

Mr Artopios said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, were battling the Parnitha fire supported by a multinational force of 10 planes and 11 helicopters.

Bulgarian, Albanian, Romanian and Czech firefighters with vehicles were helping in the Alexandroupolis fire.

With their hot, dry summers, southern European countries are particularly prone to wildfires.

European Union officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

Gale-force winds combined with hot, dry weather to whip up the flames over the past week in Greece, making the blazes exceptionally difficult to bring under control.

Burnt trees in the village of Avra, near Alexandroupolis town, in the north-eastern Evros region, Greece (Achilleas Chiras/AP)

Weather conditions this summer have been the worst since meteorological data have been gathered and the fire risk map has been issued in the country, Mr Kikilias said.

Extensive parts of the country have been placed at Level 5  the highest for fire risk  seven times this year.

Mr Kikilias said that was double the number of 2021, four times that of 2019 and seven times more than in 2012.

In Spains Tenerife, a fire that has scorched 150 square kilometres (58 square miles) was being brought under control by Wednesday night.

Its a very tough battle that the firefighting teams are winning, Canary regional government official Manuel Miranda said on Wednesday evening.

In Turkey, firefighters in the north-western Canakkale province on Thursday brought a wildfire under control less than 48 hours after it erupted amid high temperatures and strong winds, Turkish forestry minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

Mr Yumakli said the fire, which had forced the evacuation of 11 villages, had affected 40 square kilometres (15 square miles) including 14 square kilometres (5.4 square miles) of agricultural land.

A firefighting volunteer who was injured and six other people who suffered from smoke inhalation were being kept under observation in hospital, Mr Yumakli said.

Firefighters evacuate a goat during a wildfire in Acharnes, a suburb of northern Athens, Greece (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

We are extremely happy that there was no loss of life, Mr Yamukli said.

However, we are heartbroken for other creatures of the ecosystem that were affected.

Shipping traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, a major maritime thoroughfare linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, was being partially restored to one lane only, after being completely suspended as fire-dousing aircraft use the waterway to pick up water.

Mr Yumakli said another fire in central Turkey has also been brought under control and there were no other active wildfires in the country on Thursday.

Two large fires in Portugal and a smaller one in Italy were brought under control by Thursday, those countries authorities said, but temperatures  and the risk of new fires  remained high.
Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing everyone on board, according to Russias civil aviation agency.

Rosaviatsia posted a list of seven passengers and three crew members who it said were on the plane according to the airline.

The private jet crashed en route from Moscow to St Petersburg, some 60 miles north of the Russian capital.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the plane, Russias civil aviation agency said (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool/AP)

Exactly two months ago Prigozhin led a short mutiny against the Russian military that President Vladimir Putin denounced as treason and a stab in the back.

The Russian leader vowed to avenge it.

But the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped, and the Wagner chief was allowed to retreat to Belarus, while reportedly popping back to Russia from time to time.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, who was believed to have been killed in a plane crash north of Moscow on Wednesday, made his name as the mercenary boss who mounted an armed rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin in June.

Russias civil aviation agency said Mr Prigozhin, 62, and Dmitry Utkin, his right-hand man in the Wagner mercenary group, were among 10 people who died when the flight from Moscow to St Petersburg crashed.

His extraordinary journey took him from prisoner and hot dog vendor to elegant St. Petersburg restaurateur, then from propaganda wars to the battlefields in Ukraine.

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.

A man places flowers at an informal memorial next to the former PMC Wagner Centre in St Petersburg, (Dmitri Lovetsky/AP)

In May, they seized the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut in a rare victory for Russia, but Mr Prigozhin complained bitterly about the defence ministrys conduct of the prolonged battle, saying it had denied ammunition to his forces.

As the war continued, he dropped his public reticence and began releasing social media videos in which he lauded his troops and increasingly denounced Russias defence 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.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, top, serves food to then-Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin at Prigozhins restaurant outside Moscow in 2011 (AP)

In a televised address, Mr Putin had vowed to punish those behind the armed uprising led by his one-time protege. He called the rebellion a betrayal and treason.

But under the deal allowing Mr Prigozhin and his forces to go free, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later said the presidents highest goal in the deal with the Wagner chief was to avoid bloodshed and internal confrontation with unpredictable results.

The owner of a high-end restaurant, Mr Prigozhin won Kremlin catering ventures which 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.

Russian servicemen guard a road towards the crash near the village of Kuzhenkino (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Both Mr Prigozhin and Mr Putin were born in Leningrad, now St Petersburg.

During the final years of the Soviet Union, Mr 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 Mr Putin who, in his first term, the Russian leader took then-French President Jacques Chirac to dine at one of them.

In 2014, he 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.
Republican presidential candidates, from left, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former vice president Mike Pence, Florida governor Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum stand on stage before a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by Fox News Channel in Milwaukee (Morry Gash/AP)

The Republican presidential candidates vying to be the leading alternative to front-runner Donald Trump fought over abortion rights, US support for Ukraine and the type of experience needed to manage an expansive federal government during the first debate of the 2024 campaign.

But when it came to arguably the most consequential choice facing the party, virtually everyone on the debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night lined up behind Mr Trump, who declined to participate, citing his commanding lead.

Most said they would support Mr Trump as their nominee even if he is convicted in a series of cases that range from his handling of classified documents to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his role in making hush money payments to a porn actress and other women.

Lets just speak the truth, said tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. Its a fact.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at the Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee (Morry Gash/AP)

In the face of such an unprecedented moment in American politics, that sentiment was a reminder of the power Mr Trump continues to wield in the party and the reluctance of most Republican White House hopefuls to directly confront him or his norm-breaking activity.

And it spoke to the struggle of any single candidate in the crowded field to emerge as a credible counter to Mr Trump with less than five months until the Iowa caucuses formally jumpstart the Republican presidential nomination process.

That challenge was particularly acute for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his campaign in May to great fanfare but has since struggled to gain traction.

He was sometimes eclipsed on Wednesday by lower-polling candidates, including former vice president Mike Pence, a generally understated politician who demonstrated an aggressive side as he positioned himself as the most experienced candidate on stage.

Mr Pence along with former New Jersey governor Chris Christie sparred frequently with Mr Ramaswamy.

The goal for almost every candidate was to use the event, hosted by Fox News, to displace Mr DeSantis from his distant second-place standing and introduce themselves to viewers who are just tuning into the race.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis (Morry Gash/AP)

While the candidates repeatedly tangled  often talking over moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum  most refused to oppose Mr Trump as the nominee, even if he becomes a convicted felon.

The question came nearly an hour into the debate and a day before Mr Trump is set to surrender in Georgia on charges of trying to overturn the states 2020 election.

The moderators appeared apologetic about even raising the issue of a potentially incarcerated nominee, saying they would spend just a brief moment discussing the man they called the elephant not in the room, which drew boos from the audience.

Someones got to stop normalising misconduct. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, said Mr Christie, a one-time Trump ally who has since become a fierce critic.

Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson was the only person who clearly refused to raise his hand, indicating he would not support Mr Trump as the nominee if he was convicted.

Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson (Morry Gash/AP)

Mr DeSantis was among those who did raise his hand.

He said Mr Pence did his duty on January 6 2021 when he refused to go along with Mr Trumps unconstitutional scheme to overturn the vote, but nonetheless pressed the hosts to move on.

This election is not about January 6 2021. Its about January 20 of 2025 when the next president is going to take office, he said.

For his part, Mr Pence defended his decision not to overturn the election in Mr Trumps favour, a move that ended their strong partnership, saying he upheld his oath to defend the constitution.

Mr Trump, who had long said he felt it would be foolish to participate in the debate given his dominant lead in the race, followed through with his threat to skip the Fox event in a blow to the network.

Instead, Mr Trump pre-recorded an interview with ex-Fox host Tucker Carlson that was posted to the platform formerly known as Twitter right before the debate kicked off.

Former president Donald Trump (Charlie Riedel/AP)

Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me? Mr Trump said.

But even without Mr Trump, the debate demonstrated sharp divisions within the party that he has stoked on issues including the war between Russia and Ukraine after Russias invasion nearly 18 months ago.

Both Mr DeSantis and Mr Ramaswamy said they opposed more funding to Ukraine, arguing the money should be spent securing the US border against drug and human trafficking.

As president of the United States, your first obligation is to defend our country and its people, Mr DeSantis said.

Mr Ramaswamy compared support for Ukraine to the ill-fated US military interventions in Iraq and Vietnam.

Mr Christie, Mr Pence and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley cast support for Ukraine as a moral obligation and a national security imperative, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue his aggression if he succeeds in Ukraine, potentially threatening US allies.

Former vice president Mike Pence (Morry Gash/AP)

Anybody who thinks we cant solve problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a small view of the greatest nation on earth, Mr Pence said.

The candidates also tangled on abortion, underscoring the partys challenges on the issue after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade last year.

All of the candidates identified as pro-life, but they differed on when restrictions should kick in after the court ended the constitutional right to an abortion, leading to a wave of restrictions in Republican-led states.

Mr DeSantis refused again to say whether he supports a federal ban.

Im going to stand on the side of life. Look, I understand Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to be different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president, he said.

Ms Haley, who has said she would absolutely sign a 15-week federal ban, argued for consensus, saying that barring the procedure nationwide would be highly unlikely without more Republicans in Congress.

Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley (Morry Gash/AP)

Consensus is the opposite of leadership, rebutted Mr Pence, who has made his opposition to abortion rights a central tenet of his campaign.

Mr Pence supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant, and has called on the field to back a 15-week national ban as a minimum.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also countered those who argued the issue should be left to the states.

Republican presidential candidates Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum (Morry Gash/AP)

We cannot let states like California, New York, Illinois have abortions on demand up until the day of birth. That is immoral, it is unethical, it is wrong, he said.

While Mr DeSantis had expected to be the top target as the front-runner on the stage, the candidates focused many of their attacks on Mr Ramaswamy, who has been rising in the polls and espouses many of Mr Trumps positions.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie. We dont need to bring in people without experience, quipped Mr Pence.

Mr Christie also laced into Mr Ramaswamy.

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie (Morry Gash/AP)

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, he said, referencing the artificial intelligence chat program, and calling him an amateur.

Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, Mr Ramaswamy shot back  a reference to Mr Christies embrace of the former president after a storm ravaged his state.

Ms Haley, the only woman on stage in a sea of men wearing red ties, tried to rise above the fray.

I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said.
The state intelligence agency has accused a gay rights group and some youth organizations in the southern Philippines of being fronts for communist insurgents, the Commission on Human Rights said on Thursday.

The commission, an independent quasi-government agency, confirmed that the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) had made the allegation against several groups, including the Mujer LGBTQ+.

Mujer has been providing relief assistance to war-ravaged and disaster-prone communities in the Muslim-dominated south. It along with several organizations, including Akbayan Youth Zamboanga and the Crimson Youth Network, were labeled as front organizations for the outlawed Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) during a recent NICA lecture in Zamboanga City, the rights commission said.

The commission considers red-tagging as an arbitrary attack against persons that has the effect of violating their freedom of speech and association, Judelyn Macapili, the commissions regional director, said in a statement.

Red-tagging refers to baselessly accusing someone of being a communist sympathizer.

Macapili said the confirmation stemmed from the lecture by the NICA to officials of a local village, during which the speakers urged citizens to report all the monitored youth organizations affiliated and personalities with the CTG [communist terrorist group) Front Organizations.

NICA, an agency under the office of the president, did not immediately respond to multiple BenarNews requests for comment on Thursday. In Manila, the press office for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declined comment.

Mujer has no political affiliations and carries out medical services as well as paralegal services to victims of gender-based violence, its leaders said.

The group said it relied on donations and grants for funding and has helped educate communities in the south about LGBTQ+ issues. While the Philippines is a fairly open-minded country when it comes to sexuality, it still is the bastion of Catholicism in Asia and certain quarters remain highly conservative.

One of Mujers leaders, Rhadem Musawah, said homosexuality in the Muslim south, meanwhile, could have deadly consequences.

We have assisted and engaged with over 20 municipalities and cities all over Mindanao. That is why being a part of this list has really put down the morale of the entire group, Musawah told BenarNews on Thursday.

This is a challenging job, an advocacy that constantly puts our lives at risk, he said. But we do it because we believe that we cannot attain peace without tolerance, co-existence and respect.

Musawah said he feared that being red-tagged could set back Mujers inroads in the region. In June, it conducted LGBTQ+ rights awareness in the city of Cotabato, dominated traditionally by Muslim clans.

He recalled one incident when a high-ranking police officer who belonged to an influential Muslim clan threatened Mujer members with violence.

Fighting for LGBT rights in the Muslim dominated south, especially in the Bangsamoro region, has always been very challenging because we risk our lives every time we travel to armed-conflict areas, Musawah said.

Irreparable damage

The rights commission cautioned the NICA and said the alleged red-tagging had produced irreparable damage to the reputation of the persons or groups labeled as working with armed dissenters.

Red-tagging has been weaponized to restrict dissent and limit participation of groups and individuals in democratic discourse. The Commission considers red-tagging as an arbitrary attack against persons that has the effect of violating their freedom of speech and association, Macapili said.

She said that the public naming of these groups was done without identifiable, actionable wrong but only a presumption that could have a chilling effect on the groups.

In July 2020, then-President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Anti-Terrorism Act that allows state intelligence organizations to designate foreign or local individuals and groups as terrorists. Suspects can be scooped up and detained without charges for up to nearly a month.

The NICA has been using the law to go after groups suspected of having links to the underground CPP and its military wing, the New Peoples Army.

But Duterte also used it to stifle dissent, according to human rights groups.

Months after the law passed, a military general accused a reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer of being a propagandist for the rebels because she had reported on petitions against the law. The military later apologized.
A demonstrator tears off a cardboard with an image of a radioactive barrel during a protest after Japan's announcement to release treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, in Hong Kong, China, Aug. 24. Reuters-Yonhap





Chinese customs on Thursday suspended imports of all "aquatic products" from Japan over the release of wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.







"In order to comprehensively prevent the food safety risks of radioactive contamination caused by the discharge of nuclear wastewater from Fukushima into the sea, protect the health of Chinese consumers, and ensure the safety of imported food, the General Administration of Customs has... decided to completely suspend the import of aquatic products originating in Japan from Aug. 24, 2023, including edible aquatic animals," the customs authority said in a statement. (AFP)






Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S., July 29. Reuters-Yonhap



Donald Trump is set to surrender Thursday to authorities in Georgia on charges that he schemed to overturn the 2020 election in that state, a booking process expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.



Trump's arrival follows a presidential debate featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination, a contest in which he remains the leading candidate despite accelerating legal troubles. His presence in the state, though likely brief, is expected to swipe the spotlight at least temporarily from his opponents in the aftermath of a debate in which other candidates sought to seize on his absence to elevate their own presidential prospects.



The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted. Since then, he's faced federal charges in Florida and Washington , and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others  including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani  under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organized crime. Giuliani, Trump's lawyer and confidant, turned himself in on Wednesday and had a booking photo taken.



The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the campaign trail. He's turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move.



The campaign has also used the appearances to solicit fundraising contributions from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his reelection chances.



His Atlanta appearance will be different from others, though, requiring him to surrender at a problem-plagued jail  but without an accompanying court appearance for now. Unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, Fulton County officials have said they expect to take a booking photo like they would for any other defendant.



"Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesn't matter your status, we'll have a mug shot ready for you," Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat said at a news conference earlier this month.





A member of the Atlanta Young Republicans attends a watch party of the first Republican Presidential primary debate at a bar in Atlanta, Georgia, Wednesday. AFP-Yonhap
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Periods of rain. High 51F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 31F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Juan Estuardo Calvo Lopez, known as "Juanito," died last week of a head injury, and the circumstances of his death are under investigation by police. His mother is trying to raise money to help her bring his body to Guatemala and mourn him there.
A Hong Kong ban on aquatic produce such as seafood from the Fukushima area and 10 other Japanese prefectures kicked in at midnight on Wednesday. Courtesy of Jelly Tse



Japanese people living in Hong Kong have brushed aside concerns over seafood safety as the release of treated radioactive water from the disabled Fukushima nuclear plant started and some insisted the controversy had become "very political".



Fujimoto, a banker who has worked in the city for 13 years, said fears over the discharge's long-term effects on the ocean food chain were groundless.



He said he was confident that Japanese seafood would still be safe to eat after Tokyo started to release the treated waste water, which contains radioactive tritium, into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.



"The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has approved [Japan's plan]. According to some scientific studies, China has released more radioactive [material] than what Japan will release," he told the Post.



The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, earlier said one of China's nuclear plants, Qinshan, had discharged 143 terabecquerels  a unit of radioactivity  of tritium in liquid form in 2020, compared to the less than 22 terabecquerels of tritium that would be released from the Fukushima plant every year.



Fujimoto said he felt that the ban by some parts of the region was a "political" gesture.



"Other countries have accepted the proof and evidence provided by the IAEA, but only China does not accept it," he said.



He was speaking after the release of the treated water from the tsunami-crippled Fukushima nuclear plant started and sparked mixed reactions in Asia.





Local fishes are displayed in a tank at a wholesale market that used to sell Japanese seafood affected by the city's import ban, in Hong Kong, Thursday. AP-Yonhap



Beijing, Hong Kong and Macau imposed bans on seafood imports from 10 prefectures, but South Korea and Taiwan took no action.



But Fujimoto said: "If the Chinese and Hong Kong governments consider the seafood is not safe at all, they will ban those from all the prefectures."



He admitted, however, that the Japanese government could have done a better job of explaining why it decided to discharge the water into the sea instead of keeping it in storage.



The Hong Kong ban, which came into force at midnight on Wednesday, covers the import and supply of aquatic products "live, chilled, frozen, dried or otherwise preserved", as well as sea salt and raw or processed seaweeds, from the blacklisted prefectures.



Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu earlier slammed Japan for "imposing its problems on others irresponsibly", after the country said it would release 1.32 million metric tonnes, equivalent to 500 Olympic swimming pools, of treated radioactive water over three decades.



Tokyo earlier said most radioactive elements would be filtered out of the effluent, except tritium, an isotope of hydrogen difficult to separate from water.



But the Japanese authorities insisted the treated water would be diluted to well below internationally approved levels of tritium before it was pumped into the sea.



Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, said last week that Washington considered Tokyo's plan to be in line with international standards.



The South Korean government has also said it accepted the IAEA's approval and that its study had established that the water to be discharged met international standards.





Seafood prepared by sushi chef Jasy Choi is seen in a kitchen he runs for takeaway Japanese food in Hong Kong, Thursday. AFP-Yonhap
GREAT BARRINGTON  The Berkshire District Attorneys Office has released the identity of a Texas man who was killed while working on a state railroad project this month.

Rodolfo G. Rocha, 51, of Los Fresnos, Texas, was working for Middlesex Corp., when he was hit and run over by equipment on the morning of Aug. 4.

He was airlifted to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield where he died of his injuries.

An obituary on the Los Fresnos Funeral Home website said that Rocha, who was originally from Chicago, Ill., left a wife and son as well as other family.

The family, the obituary says, held a funeral for Rocha on Aug. 14.

After the apparent accident on a remote stretch of tracks near the Sheffield town line, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said it had shut down the project pending a safety review of Middlesex.

The incident is under investigation by the DAs Office, state police, Great Barrington Police, as well as the Federal Railroad Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.

A preliminary report from the NTSB about the cause of the accident is expected early next month. A report by the FRA will likely take about six months from the date of the incident.

Middlesex is based in Littleton and specializes mostly in heavy construction and paving, like interstate bridges and highways in New England and Florida, according to its website. The company also has branched out into some transit work, including projects for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.

Middlesex secured this $7.3 million contract with the DOT last year. It is ongoing work as part of earlier plans to bolster the tracks for the heavy freight run by Housatonic Railroad Co. that traverses Berkshire County from Connecticut to Pittsfield.

The contract, which was provided to The Eagle by the DOT, says the work was critical to supporting freight.

Track elements on the Berkshire line need urgent rehabilitation, it says, adding that the bulk of the work is to install approximately 8.1 track miles of a heavier-duty continuous welded rail.

The work was expected to take one year and be finished by July 30, but the company requested an extension to Oct. 27 due to supply chain and other problems.
The conflicts of interest arose from Davis-Hassan's two municipal positions as well as her status as listing agent for the Berkshire Mall.
Morgan Ovitsky, executive director of Berkshire Bounty, said she's aware that there has been no frozen meat delivered to Berkshire County from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts since its relocation to Hatfield.
The POST Commission's database is a step in the right direction, and it should inform the next steps by demonstrating where more training, oversight and disinfecting sunlight is needed within the departments we depend on to protect and serve the citizenry.
Former President Donald Trump looks over the crowd Aug. 13 during the final round of the Bedminster Invitational LIV Golf tournament in Bedminster, N.J.
Indias ever-growing Bio-Economy graph is going to contribute significantly to Indias overall economy, with India having a 3-5% market share in the global biotechnology industry: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said that India is set to achieve $150 billion Bio-Economy by 2025, which stood at over $100 billion in 2022.

The Minister was speaking, while overseeing the signing up of the Implementation Arrangement between the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the United States-National Science Foundation (US-NSF) recently in New Delhi. This was a follow-up of the discussion meeting held between Dr Rajesh S. Gokhale. Secretary, DBT and Dr Sethuraman Panchanathan, Director, NSF in June, 2023 to discuss opportunities for developing Strategic Partnership between DBT and US-NSF.

The Implementation Arrangement will lay the foundation for collaboration between the two countries on accelerating innovations in the area of Biotechnology Innovation and Biomanufacturing. This will advance knowledge, technologies, and innovation through supportive collaborative research to empower biotechnology industries and promote bioeconomy of both the countries.

US National Science Foundation (US-NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in the United States. It was established to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure national defence, through administering grants.
The goal is for 50 Indian healthcare professionals to be sent from India to Germany each month

Indo-Euro Synchronization (IES) has announced the groundbreaking event, Upskilling Certification Linked to Nursing Employment in Germany, which took place recently at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The event served as a catalyst for fostering collaborations between Germany and India while prominently spotlighting the wealth of lucrative career opportunities within the health sector, particularly in the field of nursing.

At the inaugural stage, IES has set the ambitious goal of selecting 2000 students from diverse regions across India in its inaugural year. The selection process is based on comprehensive counselling and rigorous psychometric evaluations, with a primary focus on B.Sc. Nursing students.

IES plans to gradually expand this number in the subsequent years. Upon successful selection, students will undergo intensive full-time training meticulously crafted to meet German standards, conducted within Indian centres. After obtaining certification, all candidates will receive robust support in securing desirable employment positions in Germany's healthcare industry.

Lukas Rogge, Head of Global Business Operation, Calmoroi Germany said: "Our skilled team is committed to addressing Germany's pressing deficit of 1.8 million healthcare professionals. Through collaboration, we're facilitating the transition of up to 50 Indian healthcare professionals per month to Germany, with plans to increase this number. This initiative span locations and begins with language training in India, forming a solid foundation for seamless integration.
The 2023 BBC News Komla Dumor Award has been awarded to Paa Kwesi Asare, a Ghanaian television and radio presenter.

Image supplied. Television and radio presenter Paa Kwesi Asare is the first Ghanaian to win the Komla Dumor Award

The award was created in 2015 to honour the memory of Komla Dumor, a presenter for BBC World News, who was known for his commitment to reporting African stories comprehensively and authentically.

Asare, who has worked at television station, TV3, since 2016, is thrilled to have won the Komla Dumor Award.

This is arguably the most prestigious award for any African journalist, and I am honoured to be in the company of such incredible previous winners. Komla Dumor was a true pioneer in African journalism, and its a great privilege to be following in his footsteps, he says.

As part of the Award he will be given the opportunity to further develop his journalism skills through training, workshops, and mentoring with leading BBC journalists and will spend three months working with BBC News teams in London across television, radio, and online.

This award gives me the motivation to continue striving for excellence in my career, and I am excited to use this platform to amplify African voices and tell the stories that matter to our continent, adds Asare.

A rising star in African journalism

The judges were impressed by the quality of Asares journalism, his ability to grasp complex topics and explain them clearly, and his commitment to telling stories that matter.

We are delighted to welcome Asare to BBC News. He is a rising star in African journalism. A passionate advocate for African stories, we are excited to have him join the BBC to continue Komla Dumor's legacy of telling the stories that matter to Africa, says Liliane Landor, senior controller of BBC News International Services and director of the BBC World Service.

Previous winners include Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya (Zambia), Victoria Rubadiri (Kenya), Solomon Serwanjja (Uganda), Waihiga Mwaura (Kenya), Amina Yuguda (Nigeria), Didi Akinyelure (Nigeria) and Nancy Kacungira (Uganda).
Recently hosted and curated by Twyg and Imiloa Collective, the inaugural Africa Textile Talks 2023 gathered over 150 people to witness presentations, discussions and exhibition of sustainable textiles from across the continent, to map the way forward in practical and poetic steps.

Image by dodmichaela via Pixabay

A purpose-drive Pan African conversation

Attendees came from Mauritius, Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa representing roles all along the value chain. Merging the worlds of fashion and artisanal craft, with textiles being the middle ground, Africa Textile Talks 2023 celebrated and demonstrated support for the growing African textile ecosystem that acts with care for people and the planet.

In the opening address, Kenyan creative director and cultural producer, Sunny Dolat, referred to Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui, who once said, Cloth is to the African what monuments are to Westerners.

This set the tone for Dolats keynote on African textiles as vessels of memory, identities, and heritage. Dolat is the co-founder of The Nest Collective, a multidisciplinary collective living and working in Nairobi, Kenya.

Yvette Tetteh, Sammy Oteng and Kennie MacCarthy from The Or Foundation  a pioneering Ghanaian organisation  spoke about the need for a new justice-led and circular textile economy, based on their research into the international secondhand clothing market and work supporting circular textile solutions in one of the biggest secondhand markets in the world, the Kantamanto Market in Accra.

Tetteh recently completed the Agbetsi Living Water Expedition  a 450km swim down the Volta River System in Ghana. During the swim, Tetteh and the research team collected water samples every day for their scientific research on microplastic and water pollution from fashion waste.

A deep dive into traditional and next gen textiles

On exhibit at Africa Textile Talks was a curation of textiles that are slow, considered, natural and kind to the environment. In many cases, these textiles can become pathways to a more circular, kinder world. The exhibition included innovative and age-old materials from industrially woven fabrics, hand woven fabrics from Sabahar in Ethiopia, recycled denim from Mauritius, upcycled textile waste from Madagascar and Nigeria, banana fibre from Madagascar, wild silk, ShweShwe, Kuba cloth, to Bogolanfini (mud cloth).

Sappi showcased their climate-positive forest to (viscose) fashion process  from saplings to finished Tshepo Jeans garments. On showcase, too, was a visual farm-to-fashion display from Cape Wools, with samples of processed wool.

Included was a newly developed future-fit fabric made from pineapple waste brought along by Kenyan speaker and entrepreneur, Noreen Mwancha from Rethread Africa. Garments from Uni Form, Viviers, and Lukhanyo Mdingi were on show as examples of what the outcomes of caring, considered textile processes can be.

The Lukhanyo Mdingi spring / summer 2023 collection pays homage to the CABES Textile community in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A short film screened at the Talks showcased this communitys work and the connection to the Lukhanyo Mdingi brand.

Our collective future depends on our ability to dissolve barriers and create shared solutions. Textiles are a medium for social change, says Jackie May of Twyg. The Africa Textile Talks 2023 was a catalyst in this movement.

In summary, Imiloa Collectives Priya Ramkissoon says, The Africa Textile Talks truly showcased our commitment and vision to build a brighter and connected future. Our event was not only a celebration of the continents achievements, but it also created a pan African platform for fostering sustainability, cross-cultural exchange, and the sharing of invaluable knowledge.
In June 2020, three months after South Africa entered the first of a series of hard lockdowns to slow the spread of Covid, the country's president Cyril Ramaphosa described men's violence against women as a " second pandemic ".

In the first three weeks of that lockdown the Gender Based Violence Command Centre, designed to support victims of gender-based violence (GBV), recorded more than 120,000 victims. Also in its 2019/2020 crimes statistics, the South African Police Services indicated that an average of 116 rape cases were reported each day.

While South Africas GBV crisis is not new, it was exacerbated by the Covid pandemic, which made the perpetual challenges faced by many women and gender non-conforming individuals hyper-visible.

This visibility sheds light on the reality that the home is a complex space where care and violence can co-exist. Women can feel simultaneously safe and in danger in their homes. All of this happens behind closed doors, often robbing women of a voice to express their fear, suffering and pain.

That affects more than just individual women: GBV is a collective, structural challenge. When women are violated at home, it affects familial relations, productivity at work, and overall societal functioning.

I am a psychologist who wanted to harness the power of visual artistic expression to highlight the multi-layered ways in which gendered violence is woven into everyday encounters. To do so, I turned  as I have done in previous research  to embroidery.

As I have written in my previous research into the role of embroidery in empowering womens storytelling, for this current work, I drew again from this methodology to visually tell the narrative of GBV in colourful and creative ways, paying attention to moments of encounters where those who perpetrate and those against whom the violence is perpetrated appear in the same frame. The visual artwork invites the viewer to witness. The hope is that beyond the witnessing is a call for action.

Everyday violence









Beyond making visually appealing artwork, needlework has always been a useful tool to tell difficult or unspeakable stories. Through depicting their lived experiences of gender trauma, women can have an outlet for their pain. While their embroideries serve as a canvas for the outpouring of pain, loss and trauma, their work also tells stories of hope, resilience and resistance.

For this research I worked with the Intuthuko womens collective. The group consists of 16 Black women based in one of the townships (these are historically Black urban residential areas) in Ekurhuleni in the Gauteng province. GBV in South Africa continues to affect Black women disproportionately, a reality rooted in history as well as in present systems.

The idea with this project was to let the visuals do the talking. So we did not focus on personal experiences, but an overview of the many ways in which GBV shows itself in our lives. I was part of the group and also contributed in making an embroidery piece. This allowed me to shift from being just a researcher and spectator to becoming a contributor in the process of thinking, reflecting and making. It was a collaborative endeavour where we came up with themes as a collective and then each focused on a particular theme for the making of the embroideries.

During the process of making the embroideries, we would share stories of how GBV constantly affects our communities, reflecting on the need to use these embroideries as a form of awareness raising, tool for community dialogues, and to challenge the patriarchal system that has rendered the world unsafe for women.

The aim was to highlight the multi-layered ways in which gendered violence is woven into everyday encounters. We sought to engage the ways in which creative meaning could be made of GBV in our communities  and how the challenges facing our society because of gendered violence could be given attention.

Perpetual fear

The embroideries depict a society where fear is manufactured, created, and produced by patriarchal and unjust structural violent systems. This in turn leads to women living in perpetual fear; they cannot feel safe within and outside of their homes.

Through our artistic visual depictions, we expressed how GBV creates a sense of women being regulated and controlled, and of not entirely owning their bodies.

Some embroideries featured women being violated and robbed in public places, reduced to kneeling down for mercy. The artworks highlighted womens sense that the streets are not safe and that they are never sure whether they will make it back home safely.









Feeling unsafe and in a constant state of fear makes it difficult for many women to exercise their agency: when society is structured in ways that make women victims, patriarchy prevails.

Staring reality in the face

These embroideries are not just pieces of visual art. They are a challenge to the viewer to stare the violence in the face with the hope that they will be compelled to reflect and to act.

The embroideries have been displayed at an art exhibition where the public could attend and engage with the pieces. We also produced a multilingual visual booklet which is being used in the womens community and schools as a tool for opening up dialogues on GBV.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (Saica) successfully concluded its highly anticipated Inaugural Public Sector Summit that was held on 15 August 2023. The summit brought together a broad array of industry leaders, stakeholders, Saica members, the broader accountancy profession, and society from across the public sector landscape. The summit marked a significant step forward in Saica's commitment to making a positive difference in the public sector. Following the summit, Saica has been reflecting and debriefing, a process being undertaken to ensure that actionable strategies are adequately derived from the proceedings.

Msizi Gwala: Saica project director for Enabling Competencies

Some key takeaways

The summit, themed 'Nurturing Change for a Better Society', served as a dynamic platform for impassioned discussions, knowledge sharing, and strategic collaborations aimed at fostering transformation within the public sector. Members of the panel and attendees alike engaged in thought-provoking and at times challenging conversations that explored the state of affairs in South Africas public sector. Through these discussions, various challenges, innovative approaches, best practices, and actionable insights, all geared toward building a better public sector, were shared.

"We are thrilled to have witnessed the overwhelming success of our inaugural Public Sector Summit," said Milton Segal (Saicas executive director: Standards). "Some of the key messages the profession will be taking forward include increasing focus on implementation, not only legislation and policy, more support for the sector and less reflection on the negative. Segal went on to mention the importance of a collaborative response amongst the broad stakeholders in the ecosystem, and the need for the profession to also be held accountable, as key themes coming through strongly during the deliberations.

Panellists and attendees shared insights on improving governance, accountability, financial management, fiscal responsibility, service delivery and professionalisation.

The need for directional clarity for the country, reforms in the system of public procurement that has eroded state capacity, better hiring and expertise management or sharing practices and working towards better service delivery also featured prominently in the discussions during the summit.

Esteemed panel members and discussions

Panel members deliberated on the improvement of governance, accountability and transparency and the role of the profession in the professionalisation of the public sector. Moderated by Khaya Sithole, the insights from both panels resonated deeply with attendees and underscored the urgency of collaboration in effecting lasting change, and the need for fewer 'talk shops' and more work to follow such initiatives. Freeman Nomvalo, Saica CEO, highlighted whistleblowing as an area needing urgent attention by all stakeholders. Those who stand up for good and draw our attention to problems we face as a country, tend to be victimised, says Freeman.

Adding to this, Wayne Duvenage, OUTA CEO, notes that the lack of consequences and accountability in the sector remains a key challenge. Wayne cited the unfortunate incidents that result in victimisation and unfortunate deaths. As an example, he noted that two years after reports on the alleged Thembisa Hospital corruption, there have been no real consequences for wrongdoing.

According to Jan van Schalkwyk (from the AGSA, which is considered to be a professionalised public institution and counts amongst the countrys top employers), a lot can be done despite resistance, a misty tone at the top or even a lack of political will.

Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa also challenged professionals to commit to their work despite all the challenges they face, and not be part of the problem. Hlengwa added: Dont put the entire salvation of this country in the hands of politicians, it requires a collective effort. Every right, such as to vote, comes with a responsibility, which is missing in certain parts. There is a need to mobilise and raise the voice of civil society, which makes such conversations an important contributor to the democratic discourse.

Prof. Somadoda Fikeni, Natashia Soopal and Dr Emmanuel Ngcobo all emphasised the need for competence beyond technical expertise, in order for professionals to make a difference. Stakeholders present were urged by the moderator to work on a cure for what he termed 'South Africas implementation paralysis'. As Saica plans a way forward, the institute commits to being a key partner in making a positive difference in the public sector, and nurturing change for a better South Africa.

Saica extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, speakers, partners, and stakeholders who contributed to the resounding success of the Inaugural Public Sector Summit. The momentum generated during this event will undoubtedly continue to shape the discourse and drive change in the public sector for years to come.

Panel discussions on public finance, governance, accountability, and transparency can be accessed here, while deliberations on professionalisation can be accessed here.

Saica thanks the following panel members and stakeholders for taking part in the discussions:

Freeman Nomvalo (chief executive officer of Saica),



Alice Muller (head of portfolio AGSA),



Shabeer Hamid Khan (accountant general of South Africa),



Wayne Duvenage (chief executive officer of OUTA),



Hon. Mkhuleko Hlengwa (chairperson of SCOPA),



Dr Emmanuel Ngcobo (president elect of CIGFARO),



Prof. Somadoda Fikeni (chairperson of the Public Service Commission),



Jan van Schalkwyk (executive in the office of the auditor-general (AGSA)),



Natashia Soopal (Saica executive: Ethics Standards and Public Sector), and



Darren Issacs (founder and chief executive officer at Makosi).




In the current economic climate, with rising interest rates and soaring inflation, many consumers are struggling to meet their debt obligations. This may lead to creditors instituting legal proceedings and taking judgement against defaulting consumers.

Image source: Eunika Sopotnicka  123RF.com

Sheriffs play an integral role in various stages of legal proceedings. This article outlines some duties and obligations of sheriffs in the South African legal system, as well as the rights and responsibilities that members of the public have when interacting with sheriffs.

Role of Sheriffs

By definition, a sheriff is an officer of the court appointed by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in terms of the Sheriffs Act 90 of 1986. Amongst other things, this Act regulates sheriffs' appointments, conduct and functions.

The principal roles of sheriffs include:

Serving court documents: Arguably the most common role of sheriffs is to formally deliver (or "serve") court documents such as summonses, legal notices, subpoenas, warrants and court orders to individuals and entities.

Enforcing court orders: Sheriffs are responsible for ensuring a court's instructions (as set out in court orders) are executed in an organised, fair, and dignified manner. For example, in eviction matters, a sheriff ensures that parties who have been ordered to vacate a property by a court, do so as outlined in the court order. In some instances, sheriffs may seek the assistance of the South African Police Service to perform their duties in situations where they are prevented (or have a reasonable belief that they will be prevented) from performing their duties.

Attaching property and facilitating sales in execution: A sale in execution is a process that may take place when a court has handed down judgment for the payment of money and the judgment debtor (i.e. the person against whom the court has ruled) has failed to make payment as ordered by the court. In this case, the sheriff may be instructed  in a court document known as either a warrant or writ of execution  to attach (i.e. to seize and take control of) property belonging to the judgment debtor and sell it on auction to satisfy the debt.

Your rights when interacting with the sheriff

In line with the Bill of Rights in the Constitution, sheriffs are required to treat the public with dignity, equality and respect.



As far as reasonably possible, the sheriff must protect your right to privacy and refrain from sharing your confidential information with unauthorised parties.



The sheriff may not discriminate against you based on your race, gender, religion, or any other prohibited ground of discrimination.



You have the right to request and receive an explanation about: why the sheriff has come to see you; the nature of the documentation that is being delivered to you; and the next steps you are required to take.



You may request a sheriff to show you their official identity card to verify that they are in fact a sheriff.

Your responsibilities when interacting with the sheriff

Where there are rights, there are corresponding responsibilities. Should you encounter a sheriff, you are required to allow them to execute their duties without any interference.

Sheriffs are allowed to use reasonable and necessary force to gain access to property in order to perform their duties in instances where access is denied or there is no one present to allow the sheriff to have access to such property

It is important to note that it is a criminal offence to obstruct the work of the sheriff. Obstruction includes conduct such as:

disposing of goods that have been attached by the sheriff;



refusal by a judgment debtor to point out property that is to be attached and sold to satisfy the judgment debt; or



a judgment debtor falsely alleging that they do not own any property; or that the property they own is insufficient to satisfy the debt.

Any person found guilty of any these offences may be imprisoned for up to six months or ordered to pay a fine.

Sheriffs may not attach certain property belonging to a judgment debtor or his or her family, such as necessary clothing, bedding, beds, household utensils, food and drinks for consumption by debtor and/or the debtor's family for the month, as well as tools of trade.

Complaints against sheriffs

Given the nature of their duties, sheriffs must maintain honesty, good ethics, and professionalism. If you believe that a sheriff has conducted him or herself improperly, you have the right to report that sheriff to the South African Board of Sheriffs ("Board"), which is a body that is established under the Sheriffs Act. The Board is required to investigate the complaint, after which it may charge, discipline, or remove the sheriff, if found guilty.

Conclusion

Sheriffs have an indispensable role in the administration of justice. They must ensure that they execute their duties in accordance with the law. The public must know their rights and obligations, as well as where and how to lodge a complaint against sheriffs who have misconducted themselves.
The Western Cape Government cabinet has rejected the idea of buying electricity from a Karpowership for 20 years. This was after careful research into this emergency option to solve the energy crisis. The cabinet decided that Karpowership technology is not a good choice for the Western Cape and the country.

Karpowership procurement deal intended for 20 year contract. Source: Karpowership

I do not believe investing vast resources into one company is appropriate and allowing Karpowership SA (Pty) to operate in South Africa for such a long time should not be allowed, said Premier Alan Winde.

Karpowership SA (Pty) Ltd should not be given the monopoly. If we are to include powerships in our efforts to resolve the energy crisis, we must also consider other companies, and the time period over which they would be utilised must be strictly limited to five years, subjected to clear guidelines. This measure should also not negate our investment into green energy, he stressed.

Karpowership is one of the preferred bidders under national governments Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP).

Premier Winde stated, This crisis demands urgent interventions which must be considered in a transparent manner. We must explore all viable and feasible options to end rolling blackouts, but not at the expense of other role players in the energy space who should also be given the opportunity to be a part of the overall solution.

Renewables an integral part of future energy mix

Cabinet has emphasised that renewable energy (RE) projects must form an integral part of the provinces future energy mix.

Not only is RE becoming increasingly cost-effective it will also assist greatly in our transition away from fossil fuels. We need to strike a balance; we have an obligation to meet the countrys climate change commitments while at the same time growing our economy which requires a stable, resilient, low-carbon energy mix, continued the Premier.

It was resolved at todays meeting that future electricity generation for the Western Cape should come from low-carbon, renewable technologies.

Western Cape Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, said, The energy choices we make now will impact the natural environment we hand over to future generations. As a government, we should be careful not to take knee-jerk actions.
Xero, the global small business platform, has opened applications for its inaugural Xero Beautiful Business Fund. The initiative is now open for submissions with more than R8m in funding available globally.

Four South African Xero small business customers will each win R250,000, with an additional R545,000 available in each category should a South African winner receive a global prize.

The Xero Beautiful Business Fund is open to Xero small business customers in South Africa, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, and the US and will recognise companies who are eager to take the next step in various aspects of their business.

Colin Timmis, country manager, Xero South Africa said: Im constantly inspired by the optimism and ambition of the self-made businesses that are at the heart of the South African economy. However, they often face barriers to growth and access to funding can be a huge hurdle. We are pleased to be able to provide this funding to help small businesses invest in areas where they may not have had the cash to do so.

There will be four winners in South Africa, one for each category, and these will be determined by a judging panel consisting of industry leaders Lornelle Jonas, managing director Elique Advisory; Nick Dreyer, co-founder Veldskoen; Yaeesh Moosa, head of marketplace at Takealot.com; Colin Timmis, country manager Xero South Africa, and Xero employee judge Kabir Thakor.

A total of 28 regional winners, one from each region for each category, will be determined by regional judging panels before being put forward to the global judging panel to select the global winner for each of the four categories.

To apply, Xero small business customers will need to submit a 90-second pitch video and complete a brief written form for as many categories as they want:

Innovating for sustainability: for small businesses who want to take the next step on their sustainability journey. For example, it could be to move to sustainable packaging, implement energy-efficient equipment or carbon-neutral transport.

for small businesses who want to take the next step on their sustainability journey. For example, it could be to move to sustainable packaging, implement energy-efficient equipment or carbon-neutral transport. Trailblazing with technology: for small businesses seeking to innovate. This could include digitalising parts of their operations or integrating new emerging technologies.

for small businesses seeking to innovate. This could include digitalising parts of their operations or integrating new emerging technologies. Strengthening community connection: for small businesses or non-profits who strive to give back to their communities. It could be to contribute to philanthropy, social good, or make an impact on the community in a meaningful way.

for small businesses or non-profits who strive to give back to their communities. It could be to contribute to philanthropy, social good, or make an impact on the community in a meaningful way. Upskilling for the future: for small businesses seeking to support training and development of themselves or their employees.

Each submission should be future-focused and detail how the funding would benefit the small business.

For full submission criteria and details, please visit the website. Submissions will close on 6 October 2023. Winners will be announced later this year.
As the new year approaches, South African college and university students are gearing up for their academic pursuits. However, the cost of education can be a significant hurdle for many, particularly those who do not meet the criteria for government funding. Fortunately, there are viable funding options out there that students can use to turn their educational dreams into a reality.

The dawn of a new academic season is exciting for many, however it can be stressful for students who are struggling to finance their education. With the average cost of studying sitting at R19,000, many South African households are struggling to put their children through varsity. This holds especially true for students falling within the 'missing middle' category, or rather, those who do not qualify for financial aid from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) but who are still unable to afford university fees.

Fortunately, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, as there are still alternative ways in which students can fund their studies in 2024. Here, the team at FundiConnect unpacks how students can fund their studies in the new year:

1. Apply for a student loan

One common method of funding education is through student loans. Fundi, a leading education finance and fund management specialist in South Africa, offers student loans that are specifically designed to assist students in covering tuition fees, textbooks, study devices and other related expenses.

The process of applying for a student loan with Fundi is streamlined, making it convenient for students to access the funds they need. To apply for a Fundi study loan, all students need to do is fill out the form online and wait for a friendly consultant to call them back. Alternatively, students can send a WhatsApp at (063) 602 4851 or email az.oc.idnuf@troppus.

2. Fund your studies with a bursary

Bursaries are a form of financial aid that is awarded based on academic performance, leadership qualities or other specific criteria. Many universities, organisations and corporations in South Africa offer bursaries to deserving students. These bursaries can cover a portion or even the entirety of tuition fees and other educational expenses.

To secure a bursary, students often need to excel academically and demonstrate their commitment to their chosen field of study. Research bursary opportunities well in advance, and ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Keep in mind that bursaries are competitive, so putting in the effort to maintain a strong academic record and participate in extracurricular activities can greatly enhance your chances of receiving one.

3. Get a part-time job

An effective way to contribute to your educational funding is by getting a part-time job. Many students find part-time employment opportunities that align with their schedules and allow them to earn money while pursuing their studies. Whether it's working in retail, hospitality or freelancing, a part-time job can provide a steady source of income to cover various expenses.

It's crucial to strike a balance between work and studies to ensure that your academic performance remains strong. Prioritise time management and effective scheduling to avoid overwhelming yourself. Additionally, consider remote or online job opportunities that offer flexibility and allow you to work from the comfort of your home.

Conclusion

As students prepare to embark on their educational journey in 2024, financial challenges should not stand in the way of their aspirations. Applying for a student loan with reputable institutions like Fundi, actively seeking out bursaries and securing a part-time job can all contribute to making students education affordable and attainable.

By leveraging these strategies, South African college and university students can access the financial support they need to achieve academic excellence and pave the way for a successful future.

For more information, visit www.fundiconnect.co.za. You can also follow FundiConnect on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn.




Brics has achieved phase one consensus, extending invitations to six new member nations: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE Their membership will take effect from 1 January 2024.

Source: Supplied. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva defended Argentina joining Brics earlier this week.

The news of the expansion comes on the back of the Brics Summit which, on Thursday (24 August) hosts leaders from Africa and the Global South in the Brics-Africa Outreach and Brics Plus Dialogue.

This will drive inclusive dialogue on key issues affecting developing economies and will identify actions that can be taken towards towards building a more equitablle, inclusive and representative world.

"We are confronting an existential crisis," UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres said in his address at the summit. "The cost of the climate crisis is poverty, hunger and inequalities, while the conflict between Russia and Ukraine is having profound global implications. We need to set new objectives for sustainable development."

He added, "We are moving towards a multi-polar world, which is a positive thing. However, multipolarity is not enough to guarantee a peaceful community; multipolarity must be sported by multilateral institutions that are strong."

Russia's President Vladimir Putin attended the summit virtually. "It is obvious that we are in the process of a new world order," he stated..

XV BRICS SUMMIT 2023 Media Conference #BRICSSummit2023 https://t.co/b1SufIVfJN  Cyril Ramaphosa  (@CyrilRamaphosa) August 24, 2023

While he stressed that Brics is not competing with anyone, he did caution that the new expansion will be met with fierce opposition. "Neopoliticians will try to slow down this process to contain the emergence of new independent centres of development in the world, but preserving the old world order only benefits them. They are aiming to eliminate our traditional values of family- and cultual traditions, and they are doing so to only serve their own interests."

China's clean energy partnership

Putin identified key areas of focus for the growing Brics community, namely working towards food security in Africa with the donation of 25- to 50-000 tonnes of grain to the continent, delivery free of charge; a focus on Russia energy exports which will further enhance agricultural development and the distribution of clean energy namely through the development of nuclear power plants and the supply of hydrogen technologies.

This ties in with China's development of its global clean energy partnership that will support investments and integrate clean-energy supply chains to help countries meet their net-zero targets. Chinese President Xi Jinping drew attention to this at Brics2023. Moreover he urged that, "the representation and voice of developing countries in global governance should be increased."

African Union's G20 membership

Brazilian President Lula da Silva echoed this point with his announcement that the African Union has been invited to be a permanent member of the G20. This is a gamechanger, he declared, as many African nations are limited by immense foreign debt. "The volume of resources directed to the Global South through trade and investment has been diminishing, while the export of commodities is impacted by volatile demand and the rise in prices of goods. This comes on the back of financial institutions imposing high interest rats and conditionalities, which is impossible to sustain," he said.

"The African Union is a growing protagonist in conflict resolution, in forging the rebirth of exclusive alliances and decelarerating tensions," he concluded.

Katja Hamilton is at the Brics Summit this week in Johannesburg, reporting live for Bizcommunity.
China, Bhutan hold meeting on boundary issues

Xinhua) 14:14, August 24, 2023

BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues was held in Beijing from Aug. 21 to 24.

The meeting was co-chaired by Hong Liang, director-general of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, secretary of the International Boundaries of Bhutan.

Building on the consensus reached at the 12th Expert Group Meeting, the two sides had candid, friendly and constructive discussions on continuously implementing the MoU on the Three-Step Road Map for Expediting the China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiations.

Both sides agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement the Three-Step Road Map. One of the important outcomes of the 13th EGM is the establishment of the Joint Technical Team on the Delimitation of China-Bhutan Boundary which held its first meeting on the sidelines of the 13th EGM.

The two sides also agreed upon keeping the positive momentum of frequent Expert Group Meetings, holding the 14th Expert Group Meeting on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues as soon as possible and maintaining communication on holding the 25th Round of China-Bhutan Boundary Talk.

The Meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere in keeping with the ties of friendship and cooperation between China and Bhutan.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
It is our sad duty to inform you that Daniel Hopsicker has passed. He left us around noon on August 22, 2023. May he R.I.P.







From Wikispooks:

Daniel Hopsicker was a film producer, director and investigative journalist whose primary focus was the illegal drug trade by the establishment in general, and the US deep state in particular. Hopsicker published The Mad Cow Morning News. Based in Venice, Florida, he carried out a number of investigations, notably exposing Mohammad Atta - whose observed lifestyle contradicted the official narrative that he was a strict Moslem.

He died in August 2023.[1]

Reporting of Drug smuggling

The body drips blood from the cargo hold of the CIA's [2] The body drips blood from the cargo hold of the CIA's Western Global Airlines N545JN , which touched down in Harare in February 2016. An official narrative explained this as a "diplomatic shipment" (i.e. 67 tons of cash) and the man as a stowaway who had died from lack of oxygen.

The illegal drug trade is a major focus of Hopsicker's, and has lead him to research the hidden hand of the US deep state. Since about 2003 he has been energetic in documenting some of its more memorable episodes, focusing particularly on stories which are more or less censored by the corporate media. These include the 2006 Mexico DC-9 drug bust, a DC-9 carrying over 5 tonnes of cocaine which had been painted out to resemble the United States Department of Homeland Security (which he memorably dubbed "Cocaine 1"). Later the plane and crew "disappeared", but it was later reported to be for sale and then later still carrying out rendition flights. The following year, when a CIA plane full of cocaine crashed in Mexico, he dubbed it "Cocaine 2" and published a coherent narrative replete with details.

Western Global Airlines N545JN

Another flight which Daniel Hopsicker picked up on - but which was almost completely ignored by the commercially-controlled media - was Western Global Airlines N545JN, a "diplomatic shipment"[3] of 67 tonnes of fresh South African cash. When it stopped in Harare the plane was also found to be carrying a dead body,[4] but Zimabwean police reported that the man was a stowaway with no apparent injuries who had died due to lack of oxygen. The crew of five were released without charge.[5]

September 11th, 2001

Hopsicker's personal involvement began the day after 9/11, with the news that three of the four "terrorist" pilots had learned to fly in Venice Florida, a sleepy Florida suburb which Hopsicker knew well since his parents had retired there. He was curious why 3 would-be hijackers chose that place to learn how to fly.

Curious also about Rudi Dekkers, the manager of Huffman Aviation, "who had been everywhere on television during the days after the attack", he asked the local police chief, Mike Treanor whether Dekkers had had any prior arrests only to be told that "The FBI took all our files, everything. They loaded the files right outside this window [indicating the parking lot outside the police station] into two Ryder trucks, then drove them onto a C-130 military cargo plane at the Sarasota airport, which took off for Washington with Jeb Bush aboard." He later received confirmation of this pattern of events from an anonymous source. Those involved assumed that this was to the FBI headquarters, but the plane diverted to McLean Virginia and the FBI never got them.[6]

Hopsicker was described in 2002 by a reporter from Venice, Florida as a "local conspiracy theorist".[7]

Criticism of David Ray Griffin

Hopsicker has written ungenerously about David Ray Griffin, describing him as "a retired professor of theology at a conservative bible college in California who had nothing to say, but said it anyway, in book after book after book... But that of course, was the point. They accomplished nothing. But they made the half-baked official story of the 9/11 attack sound almost reasonable."[8]

Publications

The major publisher of Hopsicker's work was his MadCowNews website. He wrote various books, including "Welcome to Terrorland. Hopsicker authored Barry & the boys about the cabal (with the infamous photo of Operation 40 on its cover). His work has been widely praised by reviewers and the book has been reprinted.[9] Hopsicker has also produced at least one video about the illegal drug trade, with a focus on the USA and the cabal.[citation needed]

External articles

"The reporting of Dan Hopsicker (Madcowprod.com, 12-26-2001), delves deeply into what a Tampa Tribune headline called, 'The Phantom Flight from Florida,' wherein a Saudi prince - the son of the nation's defense minister - as well as the son of a Saudi army commander took off in a twin-engine Lear jet just two days after the September 11 attacks, when every other plane in the United States was grounded. Moreover, Hopsicker made a special point that the Federal Government said the flight never happened despite the Tribune's glaring headline. Meanwhile no one has even asked why the princes were in Tampa on 9/11!" [emphasis added]





Quotes by Daniel Hopsicker

Page Quote Source Federal Aviation Administration the FAA system for registering airplanes is little-changed from when it was started back in the good ol boy days of the 1930's. Each plane has a paper folder, for example, stuffed with all correspondence regarding airworthiness and ownership relating to that plane. Its an antiquated system which some feel is kept deliberately in place to encourage a certain ambiguity when a plane is interdicted. When a change of registration is mailed in, the FAA places a plane's folder in what they call "suspense". That's a tremendous inducement to anyone with a chance of having a plane nabbed to keep floating sales in progress. The CIA , for example, is very adept at keeping files on its planes "in suspense". Mad Cow News David Ray Griffin a retired professor of theology at a conservative bible college in California who had nothing to say, but said it anyway, in book after book after book... But that of course, was the point. They accomplished nothing. But they made the half-baked  official story  of the 9/11 attack sound almost reasonable. Mad Cow News

Many thanks to our 24 Patrons who cover  of our hosting bill. Please join them if you can.


Borsa Italiana non ha responsabilita per il contenuto del sito a cui sta per accedere e non ha responsabilita per le informazioni contenute.

Accedendo a questo link, Borsa Italiana non intende sollecitare acquisti o offerte in alcun paese da parte di nessuno.

Sarai automaticamente diretto al link in cinque secondi.
Barbara Elias

Elias, a former Afghanistan analyst at the National Security Archive in Washington, DC, was asked, along with several dozen other scholars, for her response to the proposition that the US should normalize relations with the Taliban government.

Elias disagreed with the statement. Official recognition will not shift the Talibans policies toward women, aid, or al Qaeda, she wrote. The Taliban are reliably obstinate and duplicitous with the international community about their affiliations with pro-Taliban terrorist groups, as well as the complex political and ideological motivations for their devastating policies toward women, she continued. Elias said the prospect of full diplomatic recognition is one of the few levers the United States has in negotiations with the Taliban, and Washington might need it acutely in the future.

She also said that cooperation with the Taliban on issues like counterterrorism and aid should be fully pursued, even though it is much less efficient without official diplomatic ties. Yet the costs of giving up on human rights and surrendering one of the few concessions the United States can use as an incentive toward future cooperation makes waiting seem like the best of a set of bad options, she added. Read more. (Also among the scholars tapped by Foreign Affairs was Seth Jones 95, senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. He too disagreed with the proposition.)

Elias is the author of Why Allies Rebel: Defiant Local Partners in Counterinsurgency Wars (Cambridge University Press, 2020), which has won numerous awards, including the 2022 Best Book prize by the International Security Studies Section of the International Studies Association. Her latest book project examines structural flaws in US counterinsurgency doctrine, looking at interventions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Vietnam.


Scientists celebrate at the control room of ISRO headquarters after ISRO's third lunar mission Chandrayaan-3's Lander Module (LM), comprising the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan), successfully touches down on the Moon's surface, on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Photo: PTI.

WASHINGTON, LONDON (PTI): Chandrayaan-3's successful soft-landing on the Moon to propel India into an elite group of nations was lauded by leading foreign media outlets as a marvellous achievement and a massive moment for the country's space exploration that has raised its profile as a spacefaring nation.



From The New York Times to BBC and The Guardian to The Washington Post, the historic event in India's space programme on Wednesday made headlines across the globe.



Mainstream American newspapers, many of which had been sceptical of India's space mission and sometimes even made fun of it through cartoons, noted the great Indian achievement.



"The Chandrayaan-3 mission makes India the first country to reach the lunar south polar region in one piece and adds to the achievements of the country's homegrown space programme," The New York Times reported.



The Washington Post wrote a couple of stories covering various perspectives and an opinion piece to celebrate this historic occasion.



"It is a marvellous achievement for India's space programme - and symbolic of an important moment in geopolitics. For the successful landing came just days after a Russian mission to the same region went haywire and smashed into the lunar surface like a hammer coming down on the last nail in the coffin of Russia's decline," wrote David Von Drehle, Deputy Opinion Editor of the daily.



"'India Is on the Moon': Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Lands on Lunar South Pole," wrote The Wall Street Journal.



The BBC headlined its article as 'Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon's south pole'.



"This is a massive moment for India - and it bumps them up the space superpower list," Rebecca Morelle, BBC's science editor wrote.



"Landing on the Moon is far from easy as Russia's attempt this week highlighted and many missions have failed, including India's first attempt," she said.



"The mission could cement India's 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," CNN said in the article 'India becomes the fourth country ever to land a spacecraft on the moon'.



Chandrayaan-3's landing site is also closer to the moon's 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, it said.



"Working alongside allies such as the United States and France, India is part of a second wave of emerging space powers. The country's space programme has become one of the world's busiest in its development of exploratory space technology," it said.



India's mission has taken on even greater significance since Russia's 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 moon's far side, CNN said.



India is only the fourth country to pull off a controlled landing on the surface, after the US, China and the former Soviet Union. That India chose one of the moon's poles as its destination a tougher prospect than landing near the equator makes the success that much sweeter, Ian Sample, The Science Editor of The Guardian newspaper wrote in the article headlined 'India's south pole moon landing is big business for global space race'.



"Landing at the poles is much more difficult than landing at the equator. You've got to get into a polar orbit to release the lander, and nobody has done that before. The US hasn't landed anything at the poles on the moon," he said.



There is more to the achievement than the technical feat. The landing boosts the prestige of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) less than a week after a Russian probe spun out of control and crashed into the moon's surface.



The landing raises India's profile as a spacefaring nation at a crucial time. Like other countries, India has privatised its rocket launches. Through foreign investment, India plans to expand its share of the global launch market fivefold over the next decade. That ambition will be helped by India being seen as a low-cost provider of space launch services, the paper said.



"This is an exciting moment for Indian space exploration," said Prof Andrew Coates at UCL's Mullard space science laboratory.



"Following their earlier successful orbiters to the moon and Mars, this cements their position as one of the key spacefaring nations and is an impressive scientific and engineering achievement," he said.



India has just fired the starting gun on the race for resources on the Moon,

Sarah Knapton, science editor, of The Telegraph wrote.



Nasa plans to send a rover to the south pole next year with US-based company Astrobotic Technology to measure water ahead of landing astronauts there in 2025 in the Artemis III mission.



China has also committed to sending astronauts there by the end of the decade, while Russia attempted a soft landing last week, which ended in failure.



So, it is somewhat surprising that it is relative newcomer India that got there first, giving the country an unexpected head start in the hunt for water and other resources, she said.



Calling it a huge triumph for Indian scientists and engineers, Tom Clarke, science and technology editor of Sky News, wrote by its engineers' own admission, Chandrayaan-3 isn't the most sophisticated spacecraft ever built, but they have achieved what other countries (most recently Russia) failed to do with an innovative, low-cost design.



Leaders in space like the USA, Europe and Japan are now looking to the private sector to explore and commercialise space. Sticking a moon landing is about the best pitch India's high-tech sector could have wanted for its readiness to partner in international space projects, Sky News said in the article titled 'India joins the exclusive club after successful moon landing - with innovative, low-cost spacecraft'.



India has become the first country to reach the moon's uncharted south pole, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to claim victory in a new global space race, The Independent newspaper wrote.



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 programme'.



Japanese daily Nikkei appreciated the mission by calling it a historic leap'.



The landing is also a win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government which is showing off India as a leader in technology and an assertive global superpower, The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said.


NEW DELHI (PTI): 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.



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 ISRO's (Indian Space Research Organisation) 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 (AI)-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 (DST), 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.


Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia's Wagner Group mercenary force, was listed as being a passenger on a plane which crashed north of Moscow on Thursday evening, according to Russia's civil aviation authority.

The Wagner chief captured headlines around the world earlier this year as his mercenaries staged a short-lived revolt after sustained tensions between the force and Russian military chiefs over their approach to the war in Ukraine.

Advertisement

Here are some facts about Prigozhin...

Prigozhin (62) soared in prominence after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, where his fighters - including thousands of convicts he recruited from prison - led the Russian assault on the city of Bakhmut in the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.

Prigozhin used social media to trumpet Wagner's successes and wage a feud with the military establishment, accusing it of incompetence and even treason.

In June, Prigozhin led a 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. President Vladimir Putin called it an act of treachery that would meet with a harsh response.

The revolt was defused in a deal whereby the Kremlin said that in order 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.

Confusion has surrounded the implementation of the deal and the future of Prigozhin. The Kremlin said he attended a meeting with Putin five days after the mutiny. On July 5th, 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 on a raid on one of his properties. But in late July, Prigozhin was photographed in St Petersburg while a Russia-Africa summit was taking place in the city. This week he appeared in a video which he suggested was shot in Africa, where Wagner has operations in several countries.

Born in St Petersburg on June 1st, 1961, Prigozhin spent nine years in Soviet prisons for crimes including robbery and fraud. Released in 1990 amid the Soviet Union's death throes, he launched a career as a caterer and restaurateur in his hometown. He is believed to have met Putin, then a top aide to St Petersburg's mayor, at this time.

Leveraging political connections, Prigozhin was awarded major state contracts, becoming known as "Putin's chef" after catering for Kremlin events. More recently he joked that "Putin's butcher" would be more appropriate.

In 2014, Prigozhin founded Wagner, a private military company whose fighters have deployed in support of Moscow's allies in countries including Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic. The United States has sanctioned it and accused it of atrocities, which Prigozhin has denied.

Prigozhin has 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 said he had interfered in US elections and would do so again.
Charlie Birds major fundraiser Climb With Charlie has been shortlisted in the World Public Relations and Communication Awards which had been submitted by his friend and public relations professional Paul Allen.

Mr Allen's Paul Allen and Associates is the only Irish firm to be shortlisted in the annual global awards which features companies in the UK, USA, Europe and across the globe.

Advertisement

Mr Allen said: We are thrilled for Charlie Bird, what he has done and achieved for Climb with Charlie which has been remarkable raised 3.6 million for two great charities.

Mr Allen added: We have over 30 years in business and we decided to give something back, put our shoulder to the wheel and donate our professional services. From developing the campaign to working with sponsors such as Dunnes Stores and creating awareness for the overall project. Charlies passion ignited a nation with climb with Charlie.

Advertisement

Charlie Bird set up the Climb with Charlie campaign following his own diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease to help and show support for everyone who has to climb their own physical and mental mountains in their daily lives.

Commenting on the success of the Climb with Charlie campaign, Charlie Bird said: I am truly humbled and inspired that so many thousands of people took part in Climb with Charlie events across the world. I want to thank people all across the country for their incredible support throughout this journey. All of the generous donations will go to the two charities which are so close to my heart. It is an amazing gesture of support for me and my family.

Advertisement

Mr 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.
The funeral of the Meath man who died in last weekend's Ironman event in Co Cork will be held on Thursday afternoon.

Brendan Wall had been living in Solihull in the UK in recent years but was originally from Slane in Co Meath.

Advertisement

He died while taking part in the rescheduled Ironman event in Youghal, Co Cork last Sunday.

A post on RIP.ie says Brendan is survived by his fiancee Tina, his parents Oliver and Gertrude, one sister and two brothers.

His funeral service takes place at 1pm on Thursday at the Church of St Brigid in Grangegeeth in Co Meath. He will be laid to rest afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.

Ivan Chittenden also died during the Ironman event. The 64-year-old has now been cremated and his ashes are being returned to his native Canada.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Meanwhile the investigations into their deaths are continuing.

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.

A vigil to remember both men will take place in Youghal on Thursday evening.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has said University Hospital Galway is correct to launch a review into a number of incidents after newborn babies suffered head injuries after being delivered.

He said the Saolta hospital group, which runs UHG, told him a small cluster of babies had been identified as suffering subgaleal haemorrhages last year.

Advertisement

As first reported by the Irish Independent on Thursday, Saolta has initiated a review into the matter.

It said when subgaleal haemorrhage of a newborn occurs in one of its hospitals it is reported through the incident reporting process and logged with the National Incident Managing System (Nimis).

In a statement, the HSE-established group said: This is consistent with the HSE Incident Management Framework.

Every such incident will have a preliminary review performed, and the findings are presented at the Saolta Serious Incident Management Team meeting.

Advertisement

Advertisement

There are varying grades of severity of subgaleal haemorrhage dependant on a number of clinical factors.

UHG are currently undertaking a review of cases of subgaleal haemorrhage which occurred during 2022 as part of a commitment to quality of care.

In all of the cases the infant was discharged home well from hospital.

Mr Donnelly said it was critical that the review into the incidents is open and transparent.

Advertisement

I can confirm that all of the parents involved in the review have been informed, which is essential, he told RTE's Morning Ireland.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. Photo: PA

Asked about the reporting that one affected mother has expressed concern her daughter is not meeting developmental milestones, Mr Donnelly said: There are worries  and the hospital is doing exactly what we would expect them to do, which is to initiate a full review.

He added: It's exactly the type of thing we want to see hospitals do when they spot a potential patient safety issue. They've initiated a review. They've engaged with all of the parents involved. And we now need to let that process happen and see what it finds.

Advertisement

Mr Donnelly said he did not know the exact number of cases, he had been told by the hospital that it was a small number. It was his hope that the review would be published.

Advertisement

Saolta did not provide a figure for the number of cases under investigation.

Children's hospital delays

The Minister also spoke of his deep frustration at the ongoing delays in the completion of the National Childrens Hospital.

Mr Donnelly said he was deeply frustrated at the delays and level of claims, now at 760 million by the contractor. He added that he was determined that the hospital was going to be completed as quickly as possible.

Advertisement

There has been intensive engagement between the board and the contractor in recent months. The contractor had submitted a completion date of March of next year. That's what we were all looking forward to. Then they resubmitted one to say it wouldn't be March, it would be May. They then resubmitted again with another date, which the board at this point is not accepting and is in very intensive engagement with the contractor on this.

The Minister rejected the suggestion that the board was helpless, they were doing a very commendable job and they were fighting the 2,000 claims from the contractor. To date 12 million has been awarded, and the board would continue to fight the claims and keep costs down.

We have to get the hospital open, he said.

Mr Donnelly claimed that three factors led to the delays  the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the necessity to fight the claims. The contractor was seeking an extra 760 million. The board obviously is saying you're not getting anything like that. And that's an ongoing intensive interaction between the board and the contractor. Some of it is in the courts, some of it is in the dispute resolution mechanism set up within the contract.

Mr Donnelly said 90 per cent of the hospital was complete with the remaining 10 per cent involving mechanical and electrical works.
The Labour Court has recommended a 12 per cent pay increase for a number of workers at one of the country's best known bookshops, Hodges Figgis.

The nine workers who brought the pay claim are legacy workers and worked for Hodges Figgis prior to book retailer, Waterstones purchasing the Hodges Figgis business in 1999.

Advertisement

The store on Dublins Dawson Street employs 45 and is consistently one of the top performing stores in the Waterstones UK and Ireland group.

The majority of Hodges Figgis workers are on Waterstones contracts and have received two pay increases of 6 per cent each in April and December 2022 while the legacy workers did not receive any pay increase.

Now, the Labour Court has recommended that the nine legacy retail assistants receive the 12 per cent pay increase from September 1st on certain conditions.

Advertisement

The Labour Court was told that there are three principal matters in respect of which the working arrangements of legacy workers and those on Waterstones contracts differ - Sunday working, public holidays and special events such as book launches.

Advertisement

Legacy contracts

The Labour Court recommendation says that in practice, for example, those on legacy contracts are not rostered to work public holidays as their contracts provide for payment of double time plus a day off in lieu when a public holiday is worked.

In contrast, those on Waterstones contracts who work on a public holiday receive a days pay and can avail themselves of a days annual leave thereafter.

It has been open to those on legacy contracts to voluntarily move to the Waterstones contract at any stage.

Now, as part of the recommendation, Deputy Chairman of the Labour Court, Alan Haugh has stated that the 12 per cent pay increase is conditional on the nine agree to adopt and apply the arrangements that apply to their colleagues on Waterstones terms and conditions in relation to Sunday working, working on public holidays and at special events as and from September 1st.

Advertisement

The nine were represented by SIPTU in the claim and Industrial Organiser at the Services Division at SIPTU Myles Worth said that the nine legacy workers have been balloted and have voted in favour of the Labour Court recommendation.

Mr Worth said the last of the workers concerned reached the top of their incremental pay scale in 2018 and none of the nine have had any cost of living pay increases since then.

He said: We are delighted with the outcome after such a long dispute. The members are very happy that it has finally come to a conclusion.

Mr Worth said that the nine legacy workers have also missed out on annual bonus payments during profitable years for the company.

Retail Manager at Waterstones Ireland Sinead McCorry said that Waterstones welcomes the Labour Court recommendation, that we are happy to honour".

She said: Hodges Figgis booksellers have a long illustrious tradition of bookselling to the people of Dublin and beyond since 1768. As we continue to evolve, we look forward to enriching our customers experience with Hodges Figgis through the launch of a website commencing an exciting new chapter in our stories history."
Pressure is building on the Irish and UK governments to do more as the political stalemate in Northern Ireland is branded the seventh circle of hell.

The Stormont Assembly has been effectively collapsed for more than a year while the DUP refuse to participate until they are satisfied that the UK has acted to protect the North in post-Brexit arrangements.

Advertisement

Speaking after meeting a large group of US politicians during a visit to Belfast, DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly insisted things could move quicker with political willingness on the part of the UK government.

DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly after a political panel discussion with representatives of the five largest political parties at Stormont during a visit by the American Irish State Legislator Caucus in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said the UK and the Irish governments have a responsibility to work together to resolve the impasse.

Advertisement

During the meeting with the US politicians, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said Northern Ireland is in the political equivalent of the seventh circle of hell.

Advertisement

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ms Armstrong said she was inspired to make the reference to Dantes Inferno after being asked by the US delegation how things were going in Northern Ireland.

It feels like were going round in circles, were not getting anywhere fast, we have a budget that is causing so many problems in Northern Ireland and sadly we have no legislature here to take any solutions forward, she said.

The DUP are the people who need to take a decision about the Windsor Framework, Im hoping that they can do that very quickly so that we can all get back.

Advertisement

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy giving reaction after the discussion with representatives of the five largest political parties at Stormont (Liam McBurney/PA)

Responding to a question around whether parties felt embarrassed meeting the delegation in Parliament Buildings that were not functioning politically, Mr Murphy said if there was embarrassment it should belong to the DUP.

Mr Murphy also said his party has had meetings with the UK government over the summer, and detected no urgency to get Stormont functioning again.

Advertisement

He said his party raised that with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when he visited Belfast earlier this month.

The penny seems to be dropping in Dublin at least, he said.

It is not a tenable situation to allow this to drift on. Were moving now into the implementation phase of the (Brexit) protocol arrangements and the DUP are still holding out in terms of negotiations.

Advertisement

The two governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, they have a responsibility for taking action, for working together in the first instance, which would be a welcome development, and taking action to ensure that these institutions are put back in place.

Advertisement

It shouldnt continue one day longer. It wasnt tenable when the DUP brought down the institutions, and its certainly not tenable now.

Pressed for a timescale on her partys discussions with the UK government to secure what they need to return to Stormont, Ms Little-Pengelly said it could happen quickly with political willingness.

We are engaged in a process of back and forth in terms of the constructive discussion to try to find resolution to the issues, she said.

We have been very clear with the Government in the document we have given them, what we need to see, and we have highlighted the concerns and issues raised to us by businesses about the Windsor Framework, and I think its very clear there are a lot of questions around what the implementation of all of this will mean.

We want to find solutions, we havent been prescriptive about what those are because we want to get the maximum flexibility.

Advertisement

I think there is, at the moment, a real obligation on the UK Government to build that trust with the people of Northern Ireland, fulfil what it is that the Prime Minister and his Government have promised to the people of Northern Ireland, and thats what were waiting to see.

These things can be done very, very quickly if there is political willingness to stretch, and to move and to find solutions. We believe this can be done very quickly if that willingness is there and we would urge the Government to find those workable solutions sooner rather than later and to allow for the stabilisation of things here.
Three police officers have been injured after trying to stop a stolen car in Belfast.

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after a police car was rammed in the early hours of Thursday.

Advertisement

A PSNI spokesperson said: While on patrol in the Falls Road area of west Belfast, shortly before 2.45am, officers attempted to stop a stolen vehicle.

The driver tried to avoid police by mounting a footpath and then striking an officers arm before making off.

A short time later the vehicle was located in the Cluain Mor Close area where the driver then reversed into the patrol car multiple times causing injury to two officers.

Advertisement

A 38-year-old man has been arrested after three police officers were injured when their patrol car was rammed in west Belfast in the early hours of this morning, Thursday 24th August.



Read more: https://t.co/Oz4rbqQdyi pic.twitter.com/eQki6klohm Advertisement  Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) August 24, 2023

Advertisement

The man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including driving whilst unfit through drink or drugs, failing to report an accident whereby injury was caused and failing to stop for police.

He remains in police custody at this time.

Two officers were unable to continue their duties.

The spokesperson added: This type of behaviour places members of the public and our officers at risk of serious harm and we are lucky not to be dealing with serious injuries.

Advertisement

I am appealing to anyone who may have seen the white Vauxhall Mokka in the area, or who may have any information or dash-cam footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police via 101 quoting reference number 152 of 24/08/23.
A suggestion for a tunnel to be dug between Ireland and Scotland was raised several times in the 1960s, newly declassified files have revealed.

The idea, which some believed would boost connectivity and tourism, even reached the desk of Northern Irelands prime minister at the time, Captain Terence ONeill, who was approached for a meeting.

Advertisement

However, the idea was met with scepticism with one Stormont official stating: Homo sapiens does not like tunnels  even short ones.

The state papers at the Public Record Office in Belfast show that discussions over a tunnel more 20 miles long between Donaghadee and Portpatrick continued for several years during the decade.

In 1961, the former Moira Rural District Council adopted a resolution advocating the construction of a tunnel and sent a letter stating its support to the Ministry of Commerce in Belfast.

Advertisement

It stated: It is felt that such a connection would be of inestimable value to Ulster in view of the high cross channel freight rates and the numbers of tourists which would be attracted to the Province in this way.

Advertisement

Several other local district councils then wrote to the ministry express their support for the idea.

However, the papers reveal scepticism in the Ministry of Commerce, with one official stating he hoped the department had enough information to provide a killing answer in response to the councils letter.

Captain Terence O'Neill, Northern Ireland prime minister (right), and Roy Bradford, minister of commerce. A proposal for a tunnel to Scotland was raised with Mr O'Neill in the 1960s, newly declassified files have revealed. Photo: PA

The idea resurfaced in 1964 when Frank Davidson, President of Technical Studies Inc (USA), wrote to Mr ONeill asking for a meeting about the prospect of a tunnel.

Advertisement

He said: As a matter of personal interest, I would be very pleased indeed to have the opportunity of speaking with you, perhaps in the latter part of September or during October.

I might be able to suggest some steps that could be taken in order to obtain reliable advice and without great expense.

Attached to the letter is a note from an engineer which states: The difficulties in draining, ventilating and lighting a tunnel 28 miles long could probably be overcome at a high cost, but the problem of obtaining accurate information of the strata below the sea bed, at a depth of at least 450ft and possibly 900ft below sea level has not yet been solved.

In response to Mr Davidsons letter, a government official wrote an internal memo suggesting he should be granted a meeting with another minister, rather than Mr ONeill.

Advertisement

It stated: Although the whole idea of a tube link between Northern Ireland and Scotland seems to the layman to be rather far-fetched, the firm of Technical Studies Inc, seems from the brochure which Mr Davidson has sent us, to be backed by a number of reputable American financial and other organisations.

In the circumstances it might not be a complete waste of time to hear what Mr Davidson has to say.

However, in a handwritten note, another official was scathing of the idea, stating it was a non-starter, due to the cost and effort required.

The note says: I believe that not enough thought has been given to the human side of the proposition. Homo sapiens does not like tunnels  even short ones.

Given the choice of air or sea borne ferry service, would you use a 25-mile sub-marine tunnel, with the additional nuisance that you would be (required) to load your car or lorry on to a special train?
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.

Advertisement

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)

Advertisement

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.



Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.
Crash investigators on Thursday picked through the wreckage of a jet said to have been carrying Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin that crashed with no survivors, two months after he led a mutiny against the army leadership.

Investigators opened a criminal probe, but there was no official word on what may have caused Wednesday evening's crash, or even official confirmation of Prigozhin's death beyond a statement from the aviation authority saying he was on board.

Advertisement

The Kremlin and the defence ministry also made no comment on the fate of Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group and a self-declared enemy of the army top brass over what he said was its incompetent prosecution of Russia's war in Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin made a virtual statement to a summit of the BRICS nations in South Africa which his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, was attending. Neither referenced the plane crash in which 10 people were said to have been killed.

Advertisement

State media gave the disaster low-key coverage.

The Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet, which had been flying from Moscow to St Petersburg and was reported to have also been carrying senior members of Prigozhin's team, crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver region north of Moscow.

Advertisement

Body bags

A Reuters reporter at the crash site on Thursday morning saw men carrying away black body bags on stretchers. Part of the plane's tail and other fragments lay on the ground near a wooded area where forensic investigators had erected a tent. Residents of Kuzhenkino said they had heard a bang and then saw the jet plummet to the ground.

One villager, who gave his name as Anatoly, said: "In terms of what might have happened, I'll just say this: it wasn't thunder, it was a metallic bang - let's put it that way."

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.

Mourners left flowers and lit candles near Wagner's offices in St Petersburg.

Advertisement

A Telegram channel linked to Wagner, Grey Zone, pronounced Prigozhin dead on Wednesday evening, hailing him as a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia".

Advertisement

Amid the absence of verified 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 his authority since he came to power in 1999.

Prigozhin's death would also leave Wagner, which incurred Putin's wrath in June by staging a failed mutiny against the army top brass, leaderless and raise questions about its future operations in Africa and elsewhere. The plane showed no sign of a problem until a precipitous drop in its final 30 seconds, according to flight-tracking data.

Advertisement

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.

Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speech writer turned critic, suggested without offering evidence that the Russian leader was behind the crash and had now strengthened his authority.

"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 with that theory.

Advertisement

Advertisement

"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," Mr Browder wrote on Twitter. US president Joe Biden told reporters he did not know what had happened.

"But Im not surprised," Mr Biden said on Wednesday. "There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind."

Second plane linked to Prigozhin

Flightradar24 online tracker showed that the plane had dropped off the radar at 6.11pm (1511 GMT). An unverified video clip on social media showed a plane resembling a private jet falling out of the sky.

Soon after the plane crashed, a second private jet thought linked to Prigozhin which also appeared to be heading to St Petersburg, his home base, turned back to Moscow, flight tracking data showed, and later landed.

Prigozhin, 62, spearheaded the mutiny against the army leadership on June 23rd-24th which Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war. Wagner fighters shot down Russian helicopters during the revolt, killing an unconfirmed number of pilots and infuriating the military.

He had also spent months criticising Russia's war in Ukraine - which Moscow calls a "special military operation" - and had tried to topple defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, 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.
Major wildfires burning for days in north-eastern Greece and on the fringes of the capital Athens have incinerated more tracts of forest and forced additional evacuations as firefighters struggled against strong winds and arid conditions.

The wildfires have left 20 people dead over the last week.

Advertisement

Eighteen of those, including two boys aged between 10 and 15, are believed to be migrants who crossed the nearby border with Turkey.

Their bodies were found by firefighters near a shack in a burnt forest area near Alexandroupolis in north-eastern Greece.



A helicopter flies near a burnt house in Acharnes suburb, on Mount Parnitha, in north-western Athens, Greece (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

Advertisement

Sixty firefighters have been injured battling the flames, fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios said.

Greeces climate crisis and civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias said arson was to blame for some of the blazes near Athens.

Advertisement

Some  arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives, Mr Kikilias said in a televised statement. What is happening is not just unacceptable but despicable and criminal.

The minister said nine fires had been set in the space of four hours on Thursday in the area of Avlona, in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha near the Greek capital.

Advertisement

You are committing a crime against the country, Mr Kikilias said. You will not get away with it. We will find you, you will be held accountable to justice.

Elsewhere in Europe, fires on Tenerife in Spains Canary Islands, north-western Turkey near the border with Greece, Portugal and Italy were being brought under control, officials said.

In Greece, dozens of firefighting aircraft, including from other European countries, assisted crews on the ground trying to beat back multiple fires raging across the country.

On Wednesday alone, firefighters battled 99 separate blazes across the country, authorities said.

Advertisement

The wildfire in the Alexandroupolis region, burning for a sixth day, combined with smaller fires to create a massive inferno that has consumed homes and vast tracts of forest and triggered multiple evacuations of villages and of the citys hospital.

With more than 730 square kilometres (282 square miles) burned, the combined blazes are now the largest wildfires on record the EU has faced, European commissioner for crisis management Janez Lenarcic said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

Advertisement

We must continue strengthening national & collective prevention and preparedness efforts in view of more brutal fire seasons, he tweeted.

On the outskirts of Athens, a major fire that destroyed homes in the foothills of Mount Parnitha on Wednesday was racing across the mountains forested slopes and threatened the heart of a national park that is one of the last wooded areas near the Greek capital.

Advertisement



A helicopter drops water over a wildfire atop Mount Parnitha, in north-western Athens, Greece (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

Evacuation orders were issued for several outlying suburbs overnight into Thursday, while other neighbourhoods were put on standby for possible evacuation.

With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has asked other European countries for assistance.

Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus have sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian and Albanian firefighters have been helping on the ground.

Mr Artopios said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, were battling the Parnitha fire supported by a multinational force of 10 planes and 11 helicopters.

Bulgarian, Albanian, Romanian and Czech firefighters with vehicles were helping in the Alexandroupolis fire.

With their hot, dry summers, southern European countries are particularly prone to wildfires.

European Union officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

Advertisement

Gale-force winds combined with hot, dry weather to whip up the flames over the past week in Greece, making the blazes exceptionally difficult to bring under control.



Burnt trees in the village of Avra, near Alexandroupolis town, in the north-eastern Evros region, Greece (Achilleas Chiras/AP)

Weather conditions this summer have been the worst since meteorological data have been gathered and the fire risk map has been issued in the country, Mr Kikilias said.

Extensive parts of the country have been placed at Level 5  the highest for fire risk  seven times this year.

Mr Kikilias said that was double the number of 2021, four times that of 2019 and seven times more than in 2012.

In Spains Tenerife, a fire that has scorched 150 square kilometres (58 square miles) was being brought under control by Wednesday night.

Its a very tough battle that the firefighting teams are winning, Canary regional government official Manuel Miranda said on Wednesday evening.

In Turkey, firefighters in the north-western Canakkale province on Thursday brought a wildfire under control less than 48 hours after it erupted amid high temperatures and strong winds, Turkish forestry minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

Mr Yumakli said the fire, which had forced the evacuation of 11 villages, had affected 40 square kilometres (15 square miles) including 14 square kilometres (5.4 square miles) of agricultural land.

Advertisement

A firefighting volunteer who was injured and six other people who suffered from smoke inhalation were being kept under observation in hospital, Mr Yumakli said.



Firefighters evacuate a goat during a wildfire in Acharnes, a suburb of northern Athens, Greece (Thanassis Stavrakis/AP)

We are extremely happy that there was no loss of life, Mr Yamukli said.

However, we are heartbroken for other creatures of the ecosystem that were affected.

Shipping traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, a major maritime thoroughfare linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, was being partially restored to one lane only, after being completely suspended as fire-dousing aircraft use the waterway to pick up water.

Mr Yumakli said another fire in central Turkey has also been brought under control and there were no other active wildfires in the country on Thursday.

Two large fires in Portugal and a smaller one in Italy were brought under control by Thursday, those countries authorities said, but temperatures  and the risk of new fires  remained high.
Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military earlier this year, was on board 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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement



Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the plane, Russias civil aviation agency said (Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool/AP)

Advertisement

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 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.

Advertisement

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 on board, as was Dmitry Utkin, whose call sign Wagner became the companys name.

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



The crash site burns (Ostorozhno Novosti/AP)

Advertisement

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 Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

Advertisement

Lets not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa, Mr Giles said.

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.

Advertisement

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.



Plane wreckage falls near the village of Kuzhenkino (Ostorozhno Novosti/AP)

Videos shared by the pro-Wagner Telegram channel Grey Zone showed 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 were 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.

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

Advertisement

His troops pulled back from front-line action after capturing Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region, in late May.



All ten people on board were killed (Ostorozhno Novosti/AP)

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 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 news of the crash was breaking, Mr Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine.
North Korea said its second attempt to launch a spy satellite has failed and it will make a third attempt in October, the countrys state media reported.

The Norths state news agency said the launch ended in failure because of an error that happened during a three-stage flight of the rocket.

Advertisement

It cited the countrys aerospace agency as saying that North Korea will conduct a third attempt in October after finding what caused the failure.

The announcement followed a statement by South Koreas military that North Korea had launched a long-range rocket.

In late May, a North Korean rocket carrying a spy satellite plunged into the sea soon after lift-off, posing a setback to leader Kim Jong Uns push to establish a space-based surveillance system to better monitor the US and South Korea.

Advertisement

North Korea had since vowed to make a second attempt.
Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and top officers of his private Wagner military company are presumed dead in a plane crash that was widely seen as an assassination, two months after they staged a mutiny that dented Russian President Vladimir Putins authority.

Russias civil aviation agency said that Mr Prigozhin and six top lieutenants were on a business jet that crashed on Wednesday, soon after taking off from Moscow, with a crew of three.

Advertisement

Rescuers quickly found all 10 bodies, and Russian media cited sources in Mr Prigozhins Wagner company who confirmed his death.

US and other Western officials long expected Mr Putin to go after Mr Prigozhin, despite promising to drop charges in a deal that ended the June 23-24 mutiny.



Yevgeny Prigozhin (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, said his country was not involved.

We have nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who does, Mr Zelensky said.

Advertisement

Police, meanwhile, cordoned off the field where the plane went down in Kuzhenkino, about 300 kilometres (185 miles) north-west of Moscow, as investigators studied its wreckage.

Vehicles took away the bodies.

Several Russian social media channels reported that the bodies were burned or disfigured beyond recognition and would need to be identified by DNA.

The reports were picked up by independent Russian media, but The Associated Press was not able to independently confirm them.

Advertisement





Prigozhin supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging app channels that the plane was deliberately downed, including suggesting it could have been hit by an air defence missile or targeted by a bomb on board.

Advertisement

These claims could not be independently verified.

Russian authorities have said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Kuzhenkino resident Anastasia Bukharova, 27, said she was walking with her children on Wednesday when she saw the jet, and then  boom!  it exploded in the sky and began to fall down.

She said she was scared it would hit houses in the village and ran with the children, but it ended up crashing into a field.

Advertisement

Something sort of was torn from it in the air, and it began to go down and down, she added.

Numerous opponents and critics of Mr Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts.

Speaking to Latvian television, Nato Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence director Janis Sarts said that the downing of the plane was certainly no mere coincidence.



A man lays flowers at an informal memorial next to the former PMC Wagner Centre in St Petersburg, Russia (Dmitri Lovetsky)

Further fuelling speculation that the plane crash was a strike at the heart of Wagner, among those aboard was a top Prigozhin associate, Dmitry Utkin, according to the civil aviation authority.

Mr Utkins call sign was Wagner, which became the companys name.

The crash came the same week that Russian media reported that General Sergei Surovikin, a former top commander in Ukraine who was reportedly linked to Mr Prigozhin, was dismissed from his post as commander of Russias air force.

Gen Surovikin has not been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Mr Prigozhins forces to pull back.

At Wagners headquarters in St Petersburg, lights were turned on in the shape of a large cross.

Advertisement

Mr Prigozhins supporters brought flowers to the building in an improvised memorial.

While countless theories about the events swirled, most observers saw Mr Prigozhins death as Mr Putins punishment for the most serious challenge to his authority of his 23-year rule.

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, 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, Ms Stanovaya said in a Telegram post.

In the revolt that started on June 23 and lasted less than 24 hours, Mr Prigozhins mercenaries swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot, before driving to within about 200 kilometres (125 miles) of Moscow in what Mr Prigozhin called a march of justice to oust the top military leaders who demanded that the mercenaries sign contracts with the Defence Ministry.



A Russian serviceman inspects part of a crashed private jet near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia (AP)

Advertisement

They downed several military aircraft, killing more than a dozen Russian pilots.

Mr Putin first denounced the rebellion as treason and a stab in the back and vowed to punish its perpetrators, but hours later made a deal that saw an end to the mutiny in exchange for an amnesty for Mr Prigozhin and his mercenaries and permission for them to move to Belarus.

Details of the deal have remained murky, but Mr Prigozhin has reportedly shuttled between Moscow, St Petersburg, Belarus and Africa where his mercenaries have continued their activities despite the rebellion.

He was quickly given back truckloads of cash, gold bars and other items that police seized on the day of the rebellion, feeding speculation that the Kremlin still needed Mr Prigozhin despite the mutiny.

Earlier this week, the mercenary chief published his first video since the mutiny, declaring that he was speaking from an undisclosed location in Africa where Wagner is making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

Mr Prigozhins overseas activities have reportedly irked Russias military leadership, who have sought to replace Wagner with Russian military personnel in Africa.

The Institute for the Study of War argued that Russian authorities probably moved to eliminate Mr Prigozhin and his top associates as the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organisation.

Advertisement



A Russian serviceman guards a road near the crash site (Alexander Zemlianichenko/AP)

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

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 fell, one of its wings missing.

A freefall like that occurs 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.

Mr Prigozhins death is unlikely to have an effect on Russias war in Ukraine.

His forces fought some of the fiercest battles over the last 18 months, but pulled back from the front line after capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut in late May.

As news of the crash was breaking, Mr Putin projected calm, speaking at an event commemorating the Second World War Battle of Kursk and hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine.

On Thursday, he addressed the Brics summit in Johannesburg via video link, talking about expanding co-operation between the groups members.

He did not mention the crash and the Kremlin made no comment about it.
Guyana president Irfaan Ali has lashed out at the descendants of European slave traders, saying those who profited from the cruel, trans-Atlantic trade should offer to pay reparations to todays generations.

The leader of the South American country also proposed that those involved in the slave trade be posthumously charged for crimes against humanity.

Advertisement

Mr Ali spoke ahead of Fridays planned formal apology in Guyana by the descendants of Scottish 19th-century sugar and coffee plantation owner John Gladstone, saying the apology should also include issues of compensation and reparative justice.

The president said that while he welcomed plans by the family to acknowledge what he called the sins of the past, it also implies an acknowledgement of the cruel nature of African enslavement and indentureship in Guyana and an act of contrition that paves the way for justice.

Advertisement

The Gladstone family has admitted that it benefited from African enslavement and indentureship on the Demerara and other plantations owned by its patriarch, John Gladstone, he added.

Mr Gladstone was the father of 19th-century British prime minister William Gladstone and received more than 100,000 in compensation for hundreds of slaves.

Advertisement

Former British prime minister William Gladstone (PA)

The Gladstone family could not be immediately reached for comment.

Six members of the family are scheduled to arrive in the English-speaking nation to participate in a brief ceremony at the University of Guyana on Friday, where they will formally apologise for the role John Gladstone played in what was then British Guiana.

Advertisement

Travelling with them is supposed to be former BBC journalist Laura Trevelyan, whose family earlier this year apologised to slave descendants in Grenada because her ancestors owned hundreds of slaves in that eastern Caribbean island.

Absentee plantation owner Gladstone, who owned more than 2,500 slaves in Guyana and Jamaica, never set foot in Guyana or in the neighbouring West Indian islands, but was in charge when the renowned 1823 slave rebellion erupted on his plantation at Success Village on Guyanas east coast, about seven miles from the capital of Georgetown.

Historical records show that hundreds of revolting slaves were killed and their heads chopped off and lined on poles all the way to the capital as a reminder to others nursing similar ambitions as colonisers snuffed the two-day rebellion.

Advertisement

Making his case for reparations, Mr Ali noted that demands by members of a Caribbean trade bloc for reparation payments have intensified.

Advertisement

He argued that reparations (are) a commitment to righting historical wrongs. The trans-Atlantic slave trade and African enslavement were an affront to humanity itself. The heinousness of this crime against humanity demands that we seek to right these wrongs.

Caricom nations, including Guyana, already have hired a British law firm to examine their case for financial compensation from Britain and other European nations. The trade bloc has said it was advised that its case is strong and should be pursued.

The descendants of John Gladstone must now also outline their plan of action in line with the Caricomplan for reparatory justice for slavery and indentureship, Mr Ali said.

The plan includes a formal apology and investment of billions in education, health, infrastructure and cultural revitalisation to ensure that future generations are unshackled from the chains of history.

Advertisement

A handful of nations have apologised for their role in slavery, including the Netherlands.
The Republican presidential candidates vying to be the leading alternative to front-runner Donald Trump fought over abortion rights, US support for Ukraine and the type of experience needed to manage an expansive federal government during the first debate of the 2024 campaign.

But when it came to arguably the most consequential choice facing the party, virtually everyone on the debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night lined up behind Mr Trump, who declined to participate, citing his commanding lead.

Advertisement

Most said they would support Mr Trump as their nominee even if he is convicted in a series of cases that range from his handling of classified documents to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his role in making hush money payments to a porn actress and other women.

Lets just speak the truth, said tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Advertisement



Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at the Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee (Morry Gash/AP)

Advertisement

President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. Its a fact.

In the face of such an unprecedented moment in American politics, that sentiment was a reminder of the power Mr Trump continues to wield in the party and the reluctance of most Republican White House hopefuls to directly confront him or his norm-breaking activity.

And it spoke to the struggle of any single candidate in the crowded field to emerge as a credible counter to Mr Trump with less than five months until the Iowa caucuses formally jumpstart the Republican presidential nomination process.

That challenge was particularly acute for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his campaign in May to great fanfare but has since struggled to gain traction.

Advertisement

He was sometimes eclipsed on Wednesday by lower-polling candidates, including former vice president Mike Pence, a generally understated politician who demonstrated an aggressive side as he positioned himself as the most experienced candidate on stage.

Mr Pence along with former New Jersey governor Chris Christie sparred frequently with Mr Ramaswamy.

The goal for almost every candidate was to use the event, hosted by Fox News, to displace Mr DeSantis from his distant second-place standing and introduce themselves to viewers who are just tuning into the race.

Advertisement



Florida governor Ron DeSantis (Morry Gash/AP)

Advertisement

While the candidates repeatedly tangled  often talking over moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum  most refused to oppose Mr Trump as the nominee, even if he becomes a convicted felon.

The question came nearly an hour into the debate and a day before Mr Trump is set to surrender in Georgia on charges of trying to overturn the states 2020 election.

The moderators appeared apologetic about even raising the issue of a potentially incarcerated nominee, saying they would spend just a brief moment discussing the man they called the elephant not in the room, which drew boos from the audience.

Advertisement

Someones got to stop normalising misconduct. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, said Mr Christie, a one-time Trump ally who has since become a fierce critic.

Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson was the only person who clearly refused to raise his hand, indicating he would not support Mr Trump as the nominee if he was convicted.



Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson (Morry Gash/AP)

Mr DeSantis was among those who did raise his hand.

Advertisement

He said Mr Pence did his duty on January 6 2021 when he refused to go along with Mr Trumps unconstitutional scheme to overturn the vote, but nonetheless pressed the hosts to move on.

This election is not about January 6 2021. Its about January 20 of 2025 when the next president is going to take office, he said.

For his part, Mr Pence defended his decision not to overturn the election in Mr Trumps favour, a move that ended their strong partnership, saying he upheld his oath to defend the constitution.

Mr Trump, who had long said he felt it would be foolish to participate in the debate given his dominant lead in the race, followed through with his threat to skip the Fox event in a blow to the network.

Instead, Mr Trump pre-recorded an interview with ex-Fox host Tucker Carlson that was posted to the platform formerly known as Twitter right before the debate kicked off.



Former president Donald Trump (Charlie Riedel/AP)

Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me? Mr Trump said.

Advertisement

But even without Mr Trump, the debate demonstrated sharp divisions within the party that he has stoked on issues including the war between Russia and Ukraine after Russias invasion nearly 18 months ago.

Both Mr DeSantis and Mr Ramaswamy said they opposed more funding to Ukraine, arguing the money should be spent securing the US border against drug and human trafficking.

As president of the United States, your first obligation is to defend our country and its people, Mr DeSantis said.

Mr Ramaswamy compared support for Ukraine to the ill-fated US military interventions in Iraq and Vietnam.

Mr Christie, Mr Pence and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley cast support for Ukraine as a moral obligation and a national security imperative, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue his aggression if he succeeds in Ukraine, potentially threatening US allies.



Former vice president Mike Pence (Morry Gash/AP)

Anybody who thinks we cant solve problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a small view of the greatest nation on earth, Mr Pence said.

The candidates also tangled on abortion, underscoring the partys challenges on the issue after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade last year.

Advertisement

All of the candidates identified as pro-life, but they differed on when restrictions should kick in after the court ended the constitutional right to an abortion, leading to a wave of restrictions in Republican-led states.

Mr DeSantis refused again to say whether he supports a federal ban.

Im going to stand on the side of life. Look, I understand Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to be different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president, he said.

Ms Haley, who has said she would absolutely sign a 15-week federal ban, argued for consensus, saying that barring the procedure nationwide would be highly unlikely without more Republicans in Congress.



Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley (Morry Gash/AP)

Consensus is the opposite of leadership, rebutted Mr Pence, who has made his opposition to abortion rights a central tenet of his campaign.

Mr Pence supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant, and has called on the field to back a 15-week national ban as a minimum.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also countered those who argued the issue should be left to the states.



Republican presidential candidates Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum (Morry Gash/AP)

We cannot let states like California, New York, Illinois have abortions on demand up until the day of birth. That is immoral, it is unethical, it is wrong, he said.

While Mr DeSantis had expected to be the top target as the front-runner on the stage, the candidates focused many of their attacks on Mr Ramaswamy, who has been rising in the polls and espouses many of Mr Trumps positions.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie. We dont need to bring in people without experience, quipped Mr Pence.

Mr Christie also laced into Mr Ramaswamy.



Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie (Morry Gash/AP)

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, he said, referencing the artificial intelligence chat program, and calling him an amateur.

Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, Mr Ramaswamy shot back  a reference to Mr Christies embrace of the former president after a storm ravaged his state.

Ms Haley, the only woman on stage in a sea of men wearing red ties, tried to rise above the fray.

I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said.
Sandwich chain Subway has said it will be sold to private equity firm Roark Capital.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Advertisement

Earlier this week, The Wall Street Journal reported that Roark was offering around 9.6 billion dollars (7.6 billion) for Subway, which is privately owned.

Subway chief executive John Chidsey said the deal reflects Subways long-term growth potential and the value of the brand.



Advertisement

Subway plans to continue to modernise restaurants and expand internationally under Roarks ownership.

Roark is a private equity firm with 37 billion dollars (29 billion) in assets under management.

It specialises in franchised businesses, and owns multiple restaurant chains, including Arbys, Dunkin and Buffalo Wild Wings.

Advertisement

Subway, which has dual headquarters in Miami and Connecticut, was founded in 1965 and is still owned by its founding families.

Advertisement

It is now one of the worlds largest restaurant chains, with 37,000 outlets in more than 100 countries.

But in the US, it has been losing market share in recent years to fast-growing rivals such as Panera and Firehouse Subs, which feature more varied menus and newer stores.

Subway has been trying to catch up; in 2021 it refreshed its menu and last year it announced a line of chef-developed sandwiches.

Advertisement

But in February, Subway announced it was exploring a sale.
Donald Trump dismissed his Republican rivals for the US presidency as they went head to head in the first debate on Wednesday.

The former president, the early frontrunner to secure the partys nomination, skipped the first presidential debate in Milwaukee, opting for a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson on X, the website formerly known as Twitter.

Advertisement

The interview was posted online five minutes before the debate between eight candidates aired on Fox News.

In the 46-minute interview, Mr Trump said: Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president?

Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me?



Donald Trump skipped the debate in Milwaukee (Charlie Neibergall, AP)

Advertisement

Advertisement

Mr Trump attacked some of his rivals, calling former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson nasty, and cited him as an example of someone who should not be on the debate stage, along with former New Jersey governor Chris Christie.

Both candidates have been critical of Mr Trump and said he should not be running for president.

Im going to have all these people screaming at me, shouting questions at me, all of which I love answering, I love doing. But it doesnt make sense to do them so Im taking a pass, Mr Trump said.

Advertisement

Mr Trump, who is facing a barrage of legal problems  including in Georgia where he is expected to turn himself in on Thursday for booking on state charges of conspiring to overthrow the 2020 presidential election  has said it is beneath him to appear with the other candidates on the Milwaukee debate stage because of his large lead in the polls.

His ongoing feud with Fox News seemed to cement his decision.



Florida governor Ron DeSantis and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speak during the Republican presidential primary debate (Morry Gash, AP)

Advertisement

He has continued to align himself with those espousing extreme views and conspiracies while wrapping his campaign around bogus claims about the last election.

Advertisement

Mr Carlson tried to engage Mr Trump in conspiracy theories about disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and then asked if his political opponents might threaten his life, which the former president did not dismiss.

They are savage animals. They are people that are sick. Really sick. You have great people in the Democrat Party, great people that are Democrats, Mr Trump said. But Ive seen what they do, Ive seen the lengths that they go to.

He also told Mr Carlson: I think it was a terrible move getting rid of you.

Advertisement

In the debate in Milwaukee, most of the participants raised their hands to say they would support Mr Trump as the partys nominee, even if he was convicted in a court of law  even after the moderators noted that Mr Trump is facing more than 90 criminal counts in separate cases across four states.
Donald Trump is expected to turn himself in to authorities in Georgia today on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 US election in the state.

A county jail booking in the state is expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former US president.

Advertisement

Mr Trumps surrender, coming amid an abrupt shake-up of his legal team, follows the presidential debate in Milwaukee the night before featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination  a contest in which he remains the leading candidate despite broad legal troubles.



A Trump supporter shouts at the media outside the Fulton County Jail (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

His presence in Georgia, though likely to be brief, is again taking the spotlight away from his opponents after the debate in which they sought to seize on his absence to elevate their own presidential prospects.

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Mr Trump since March, when he became the first former president in US history to be indicted.

Since then, he has faced federal charges in Florida and Washington, and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others  including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani  under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organised crime.

Giuliani, Mr Trumps lawyer and confidant, turned himself in on Wednesday and had a booking photo taken. Meadows, who had sought to avoid having to turn himself in while he seeks to move the case to federal court, turned himself in on Thursday. Bond was set at 100,000 US dollars (79,000).



Rudy Giulianis mug shot after he turned himself in on Wednesday (Fulton County Sheriffs Office via AP)

Advertisement

The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Mr Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the campaign trail.

He has turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move.

The campaign has also used the appearances to solicit fundraising contributions from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his re-election chances.

Advertisement

Advertisement

His Atlanta appearance will be different from others, though, requiring him to surrender at a problem-plagued jail  but without an accompanying court appearance for now.

Unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, Fulton County officials have said they expect to take a booking photo like they would for any other defendant.



A police vehicle outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Advertisement

Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesnt matter your status, well have a mug shot ready for you, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat said at a news conference earlier this month.

District Attorney Fani Willis has given all of the defendants until Friday afternoon to surrender at the main Fulton County jail.

Just ahead of his expected surrender, Mr Trump hired a new lead lawyer for the Georgia case.

Prominent Atlanta criminal defence lawyer Steve Sadow took the place of another high-profile criminal defence lawyer, Drew Findling, who had represented Mr Trump as recently as Monday when his bond terms were negotiated.

But by Thursday Mr Findling was no longer part of the team, according to an anonymous person with knowledge of the change.

Advertisement

Mr Sadow, who has represented a rapper, Gunna, who pleaded guilty last year in a racketeering case also brought by Ms Willis, said in a statement that the president should never have been indicted. He said Mr Trump is innocent of all the charges brought against him.

We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding the president not guilty, he added. Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the president have no place in our justice system.



Supporters of Donald Trump gather outside Fulton County Jail (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

It is not the first time this year that Mr Trump has shaken up his legal team either in the run-up to an indictment or in the immediate aftermath. One of his lead lawyers, Tim Parlatore, left the legal team weeks before Mr Trump was indicted in Florida on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents, citing conflicts with a top Trump adviser.

Two other lawyers, James Trusty and John Rowley, announced their resignations the morning after that indictment was returned.

Mr Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a perfect phone call in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him find 11,780 votes for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.

Advertisement

Mr Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail, which has long been a troubled facility. The Justice Department last month opened a civil rights investigation into conditions, citing filthy cells, violence and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects in the main jails psychiatric wing. Three people have died in Fulton County custody in the past month.

But Mr Trump is not expected to spend much time there.



Donald Trump being escorted to a courtroom in New York on April 4 (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

His lawyers and prosecutors have already agreed to a bond of 200,000 US dollars (158,000), along with conditions that include barring the former president from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case, including on social media.

When defendants arrive at the jail, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby. During the booking process, defendants are typically photographed and fingerprinted and asked to provide certain personal information. Since Mr Trumps bond has already been set, he will be released from custody once the booking process is complete.

Unlike in other jurisdictions, in Fulton County, arraignments  in which a defendant appears in court for the first time  generally happen after a defendant surrenders at the jail and completes the booking process, not on the same day.

Advertisement

That means Mr Trump could have to make two trips to Georgia in the coming weeks though the Fulton County Sheriffs Office has said some arraignments in the case may happen virtually if the judge allows, or he could waive Mr Trumps arraignment.

When Mr Trump eventually appears in court, the public is also likely to see much more of the proceedings firsthand. Georgia courts typically allow photographs and video of the proceeding, unlike in federal court and in New York, where press access is tightly controlled.

Only in Manhattan were still photographers allowed to capture images of Mr Trump briefly while he sat in the witness box. Federal courts generally prohibit photography, recordings and electronics of any kind.
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.

Advertisement

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)

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.
Construction giant Multiplex has sued casino operator Star Entertainment claiming losses of more than $400 million due to soaring costs while building Brisbanes $3.6 billion Queens Wharf resort.

The Queens Wharf project was first announced in 2015 with plans to build 2000 apartments, 1000 hotel rooms and a casino on the edge of Brisbanes CBD, just across the river from the citys tourist-heavy South Bank.

The $3.6 billion Queens Wharf project in Brisbanes CBD. Credit: Rhett Hammerton

Multiplex filed a claim in Brisbane Supreme Court late last month against the Destination Brisbane Consortium, a joint venture behind the resort consisting of Star and two Hong Kong companies, alleging breaches of contract and deceptive conduct.

Multiplex claimed it had not been compensated adequately for 23 excusable delay events that resulted in more than 1000 days of lost productivity and about $313 million in losses.
The words organised crime might not immediately conjure images of illegal operations targeting the aisles of your local Coles, but this week the supermarket giant mentioned the trend that has captured the attention of investors and shoppers.

In her maiden set of full-year results, Coles boss Leah Weckert said the grocery giant was fighting a rising wave of theft, with total stock loss, which includes stolen goods and waste, climbing by 20 per cent for the year.

The chief executives of Coles and Woolworths both say the vast majority of consumers do the right thing. Credit: Michele Mossop

While the trend includes cash-strapped individuals shoplifting to counter rising costs, Coles made it a point to call out the larger, more co-ordinated, attacks on its stock.

We have also seen an increased level of the organised crime side of stock loss which is more focused on some of our non-food areas where people come in and take large amounts of stock at the one time, she said.
Qantas boss Alan Joyce has dismissed concerns that a lack of competition is driving up airfares after the company delivered a record $2.47 billion profit, arguing the cost of a domestic flight with the airline is only 4 per cent higher than it was before the pandemic.

Joyce said the underlying profit marked the end of a torrid period for the $10.7 billion company  which holds more than 60 per cent of the domestic market during which it accrued more than $7 billion in statutory debt.

Qantas boss Alan Joyce said giving Qatar extra flights may have distorted the market rather than lower airfares. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

Weve safely shifted from heavy losses to a strong profit and a pipeline of investment worth billions of dollars, Joyce said in his final result after 15 years as leader of the aviation group.

Joyce said Qantas fares peaked late last year and passengers could expect lower ticket prices as capacity returns to the airline industry.
Aside from the big awards ceremonies, the festival hosts a series of important satellite exhibitions that showcase the best-emerging talent. Under the title Salon Art Projects, two local dealers, Paul Johnstone and Matt Ward, have organised a Salon des Refuses; dual painting and sculpture shows with a bird theme; and excellent solo exhibitions at their respective galleries: Bugai Whyoulter at the Paul Johnstone Gallery, and Binygurr Wirrpanda, at Outstation.

The NATSIAA is indisputably the years major Aboriginal art event. It coincides with the Darwin Festival, which encompasses a broad range of activities, including the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF), the National Indigenous Fashion Awards, and the National Indigenous Music Awards. There is a lot of cross-over between categories, with some communities excelling in painting, sculpture, fashion design, and music.

Another hot August night in Darwin, another National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. It was the 40th occasion this event has been celebrated at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory (MAGNT), and rarely has it gone off so smoothly. Things felt a little tentative last year as the industry emerged from the pandemic, but the intervening 12 months have given everybody a chance to find new creative vigour and productivity.

Just around the corner in Parap, the Laundry Gallery has a tempting show of sculptural pieces from Anindilyakwa Arts of Groote Eylandt. Back in the city, at the Doubletree by Hilton, there is an annual survey of new work by Tiwi artists, presented by Munupi Arts and Jilamara Arts and Crafts, from Melville and Bathurst Islands. Theres also a student show called Remix at the Charles Darwin University Gallery, and work by Gary Lee at Coconut Studios.

Keith Wikmuneas Theewith & Kalampang: White Cockatoo, Gilah and the Wandering Dog that won the $100,000 prize.

Both the NATSIAA, and especially, the Salon des Refuses, were noticeably better than last years efforts, and the same could be said for the Tiwi show. The most likely reason for this upsurge is that last year artists were still in post-lockdown mode and feeling a little tentative. They have since been able to sit down together and make new work, benefitting from the company and perhaps the competition. Theres a palpable sense of new energy, and thats good news for the entire sector at a time when question marks over the practices of the APY Art Centre Collective (APYACC) have cast a shadow on the Indigenous art market.

The dedicated art buyers who make their way to Darwin every year dont seem to have been discouraged by the controversy. These collectors - who are discriminating in a way that casual, speculative buyers are not - simply steer clear of anything suspicious. If there was ever a moment of crisis it was a mere blip.

Its another matter altogether as to how the APYACC will come out of its tailspin. The group was not allowed to exhibit as a collective in the DAAF, and Adam Worrall, one year into the job as director of MAGNT, has taken a stand by saying he will not work with any organisation that has been expelled from the Indigenous Art Code. The basis of trust between seller and buyer has been undermined, and the biggest problem may be how institutions and art prizes should deal with works by associated artists.
The Walk-In covers various dramatic bases. On one level its an espionage thriller, tracking the infiltration of National Action and escalating the tension as the murder plot inches closer to fulfilment and the possibility of Mullen being exposed  and the dreadful consequences for him that would ensue  remains ever-present. There are moments of truly stomach-clenching suspense as the walk-in must navigate the tightrope among the Nazis, whose capacity for horrific acts we are left in no doubt about.

Graham has never been better  and thats a high bar  than in The Walk-In, based on the true story of Matthew Collins. As a young man, Collins was an active neo-Nazi, volunteering as a loyal soldier to the white supremacist cause. Somewhere along the line he turned, becoming an informant for anti-fascist causes. He went on to become a leader in the group Hope Not Hate, which campaigns against racism and fascism. The Walk-In is Collins story, but also the story of one particular Hope Not Hate operation, when Collins recruited Robbie Mullen to be the titular walk-in  a mole within the Nazi organisation National Action, which was formulating a plan to assassinate a Labour MP.

Stephen Graham is the kind of actor you can become familiar with almost without knowing it. You may have seen him as a record executive in Bohemian Rhapsody, or as Johnny Depps sidekick in the Pirates of the Caribbean. Or, if youve a taste for British drama, youll have come across him in any one of myriad hard-edged roles, both villainous and virtuous, and come to appreciate what a remarkable talent he is  all the more extraordinary when depicting the ordinary.

On another level, the show functions, obviously, as a portrait of a certain aspect of British society in the 20th century. Early on, real news footage of rallies, marches and political speeches give a snapshot of the tensions at the heart of the country in the time of Brexit. Throughout, even seemingly mundane scenes carry a bubbling undercurrent, resentment and repressed violence looking for an outlet as angry young white men look to the immigrant community, and Muslims in particular, for someone to blame for everything wrong in their lives. The ease with which a person can be coaxed into hatred, and the difficulty of fighting against the tidal wave of racism, are made all too clear. Much of the series is ugly, frightening and difficult to watch, all the more because none of it is sensationalised or overblown.

But more than anything The Walk-In is about Matthew Collins, and in the role Graham is simply stunning. Collins is a man whose mind is fighting on multiple fronts: having devoted his life to a cause, he must deal with the fact that that cause has painted a target on his back, and more importantly, on his familys. At the same time, he must wrestle with the memories of the atrocities he committed himself in the past: his activism is an attempt to make amends for his youth, but whether a man can ever outrun his own shadow is an open question.

Loading

Collins inner conflict  the pressure of battling a social evil while questioning whether its worth the toll it takes on those he loves, along with the struggle for redemption and the knowledge that he is responsible for the young man hes put in harms way by using him as an informant  is written clearly in Grahams weary, weatherbeaten face and resonates in his every line. So many other actors would have played Collins as an overflowing fountain of emotion, or as an upstanding hero. Graham plays him as simply a man: a man of noble intention, bulldog determination and fierce passion, undoubtedly; but still just a man. Striving for normality despite choosing a most abnormal life, calm despite a balled fist of insecurity in his heart, self-doubting but infused with an inner steel: without doing anything showy or spectacular, Graham brings worlds of meaning to Collins. If the pinnacle of the actors art is to make it easy to forget that theyre acting, then Graham has scaled the heights by breathing life into a character that amidst fearsome events, feels as real as anyone you might meet.

The Walk-In is on SBS On Demand.
Banning development in parts of NSW to protect flora and fauna is among almost 60 recommendations made following an independent review, with environmental groups welcoming the chance to improve one of the most important biodiversity laws.

In the review of the states Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, released on Thursday, lead author and former federal Treasury secretary Ken Henry said outdated regulation had resulted in biodiversity not being conserved in the state.

The diversity and quality of ecosystems are not being maintained, nor is their capacity to adapt to change and provide for the needs of future generations being enhanced, he said.

A review into the states biodiversity conservation act found it was failing to help maintain a healthy environment. Credit: Brook Mitchell

Among 58 recommendations included identifying high biodiversity value areas, where development cannot occur, expanding threatened species programs, better engagement with First Nations and proactively addressing climate change impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Advertisement

Eating outEating out Australias most famous yacht club set to make a splash with spectacular new harbourside restaurant Seafood, champagne and yachts: The Boathouse Group has teamed up with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia as part of their ambitious expansion plans. Bianca Hrovat August 25, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The countrys most famous yacht club, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, is relaunching its 300-seat restaurant in an overhaul by the ambitious Boathouse Group. This is the first major change to the dining experience at the waterfront club, which is home to the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, in eight years. Cruising Yacht Club of Australia chief executive Justine Kirkjian (left) and Boathouse Group chief executive Antony Jones have formed a partnership to start a new upmarket waterfront restaurant at the club. Louie Douvis The Boathouse Group is known for its eponymous venues at Rose Bay, Balmoral and Shelly Beach, in addition to Manly Pavilion. The group has transformed the CYCA dining room and terrace using a similar design ethos used across many of their 10 (predominantly waterfront) properties, including greenery, white rattan and hanging crab pots.

Advertisement

Group executive chef James Brownrigg has created an all-day menu which members and visitors (from outside a five-kilometre radius) can eat at a table overlooking Rushcutters Bay. The share plates, including beef carpaccio, calamari fritti and eggplant parmigiana. Jessie Ann Harris The lunch and dinner menu features a seafood-leaning selection of share plates, such as calamari fritti ($19), prawn toast ($24) and crab pasta ($36). Therell also be a new pizza oven pumping out hand-stretched prosciutto, margherita and prawn pizzas. Margaritas, mojitos and spritzes are part of the new drinks list, which retains its emphasis on celebratory champagne (a sailing staple). And for breakfast, therell be a small selection of classics like bacon and egg rolls ($14) and avocado toast ($19) alongside coffee by Sydney roasters Single O.

Advertisement

Group executive chef James Brownrigg. Jessie Ann Harris Im hoping [the changes] bring a younger group of members into the club, so we can introduce more people to this sport were so passionate about, CYCA chief executive officer Justine Kirkjian says. Kirkjian explains that, after eight years of relying on Blond Catering to service the clubs bistro and Cafe 44 offering, it was time for something different. In particular, the club wanted to partner with a multi-venue hospitality group, able to weather the service challenges associated with Sydneys ongoing staffing shortage. When people come in, theyll straight away see the aesthetics have changed . But theyll also see a big change in the food and the food service, Kirkjian says. We hope it will be fast, efficient, and look spectacular.

Advertisement

The partnership is part of an expansion of The Boathouse Group, under new chief executive officer Antony Jones. Jones came on board this year, after working (most recently) as the chief commercial officer at hospitality giant Merivale. During his time under Merivale chief executive officer Justin Hemmes, Jones learned the atmosphere within a venue is just as critical to its success as the food and beverages on offer. That means its important to consider everything from temperature, to music, to style of service, Jones says. Its not just about the food on the plate. The Boathouse in Rose Bay. Edwina Pickles

Advertisement

Jones says the partnership came about as The Boathouse Group sought a greater presence in the eastern suburbs, following the success of The Boathouse at Rose Bay. The group has plans over the next year to open a new 200-seat beachside venue in North Wollongong (It probably has the best views across all of our properties, says Jones); overhaul another boathouse in an undisclosed location between Manly and Palm Beach; unveil renovations at Manly Pavilion; and convert its Palm Beach homewares store into a pop-up cafe and restaurant called Casa. The original owners of The Boathouse Group, Andrew Goldsmith and Pip Robb, are no longer involved in the business, having departed along with Robbs parents, former Liberal trade minister Andrew Robb and wife Maureen. Goldsmith and Pip Robb founded The Boathouse Group in 2008, with financial help from Robbs parents. The couple sold the business in 2019, and in 2020, Goldsmith declared bankruptcy, owing more than 500 creditors a total of $21.5 million. The company is now owned by property developer brothers Ben and Jono Isaac and the Sorrensen family.
For the first time, an intergenerational report has touched on the issue of homeownership. And the results, as anyone under the age of 40 knows, are confronting, reports Shane Wright.

As prices have gone up, and mortgages have grown, people take longer to own a home. As the graph shows, among people in their late 20s, the proportion of homeowners has dropped by 17 percentage points since 1981.

Starting to buy a home later increases the chances of taking a mortgage into retirement. For those unable to buy a home, it also means a longer period on the rental rollercoaster.

The report makes clear that if this trend continues, the nations key financial support systems for older Australians will start to fray.

These trends present a fiscal risk to age pension spending in the future and may impact patterns of how superannuation is drawn down, it warned.

Read more: Australias financial future in five graphs.
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 This story is part of the August 19 Edition of Good Weekend. See all 19 stories . Its a sunny winter morning in the southern suburbs of Sydney, and at the Tynan Motors car yard there are six monster US pick-ups in a row. They make even the nearby Jeeps, SUVs and regular utes look tiny. Most are RAM 1500s, which are huge enough, but to the right is an even bigger bopper, a RAM 2500. Its well over six metres long, has a stonking great diesel V8 engine and weighs more than twice as much as a typical family SUV. Im tall, yet the chromed grille almost reaches my shoulder. The side windows start at neck height. Its hard not to think of The Simpsons Canyonero, Twelve yards long, two lanes wide, 65 tons of American pride! The young salesman, Hugo, knows Im not a potential buyer, but hes happy to go through his routine. He opens doors, points to features, extols the roominess, the comfort and the towing capacity. He stresses, again and again, just how much people love the size. The 1500 range starts out at about $96,000, Hugo says, but most spend about $170,000 on the RAM Limited model. As I hoick myself up into the Limiteds drivers seat, I hear about the advantages of adjustable air suspension, 360-degree cameras, a Harman Kardon sound system, leather-trimmed seats with heating and cooling built in. Absolute luxury, Hugo says. There are three anchor points in the back as well, so you can actually fit three baby seats. Loading The US pick-up truck category, which took off in Australia with the launch of the RAM in 2015, is hot. Australians bought a record 5724 RAMs and Chevrolet Silverados in the first half of 2023, up 65 per cent on the same period last year. Thats still only a small percentage of the new vehicle market, but no other style of vehicle is growing as quickly. Other makers are trying to catch up. Fords F-Series pick-up is imminent, priced from about $107,000, and the company is reporting strong advance orders. The similarly sized Toyota Tundra should go on sale early next year. All are manufactured in the US, where pick-ups have dominated the sales charts for more than 40 years. Jeff Barber, RAM Trucks Australias national manager, is effusive about what US style pick-ups offer, and why their popularity is increasing: [They enable] a range of customers to travel business class whether theyre towing, on work sites, on family road trip adventures or even doing the school run.

Advertisement

Why do people buy these things? I could find no local research and had to turn to an American with English and Australian antecedents to find out. Alexander Edwards is president of Strategic Vision, a market research company that surveys more than 200,000 new vehicle buyers in the US annually. Edwards is not one to give an answer thats brief or bereft of figures. Fortunately, he agrees to summarise his arguments. Via video call from his Californian office, the fresh-faced 50-something believes that Australian and American buyers have many of the same values and priorities. The workhorse ability of pick-ups is important in rural and regional areas of both continents because they can carry and tow much greater loads than regular utes. In such places, If the truck cant do job A, it doesnt matter what the image is. Pick-up trucks are also about protection, real and perceived, about keeping my tribe safe including from crime and political unrest. Size is a cue of security. They get a vehicle that says, I may not go off camping but I could, if I wanted to.  Alexander Edwards, president of US market research company Strategic Vision But its not only people who need to cart farm equipment or tow a four-horse float that are buying such vehicles. Edwards turns to his screen and reads out some figures: 31 per cent of American pick-up owners never tow, 30 per cent never go off road and 11 per cent never put anything in the tray. For many who do, it might be just once a year. He says buyer motivation in the US breaks roughly into thirds: those who need the capabilities, those who are buying on image and those who are in between. There are people out there, and its more often a male, who is married, who has kids still in the home, has a nine-to-five job or is an entrepreneur  they never have the time to go out and do the things that they want to do. So they get a vehicle that says, I may not go off camping but I could, if I wanted to. The Chevrolet Silverado (top) and Fords F150  both big sellers in the US  are being imported and converted to right-hand drive. Theyre taking care of business, theyre feeding their family, their doing the work they need to do  Because theyre the ones who they feel the buck stops with them, [they say], I want a vehicle that can do whatever I want to, because I need that to feel good about all those other sacrifices I make.  Pick-ups might be the most extreme example, but Australians are opting for bigger and bigger vehicles, year by year. The Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger utes regularly top our bestseller lists; indeed, more than three-quarters of new vehicles we buy are SUVs or utes, making the traditional sedans and wagons bit players. But US-built pick-up trucks are on a different scale, literally. The Ram 1500 TRX is advertised as THE APEX PREDATOR OF THE PICK-UP TRUCK WORLD. Yes, in all-caps. The advance blurb for the Ford F-Series says simply, This is Going to Be Big, while the HSV version of the Chevrolet Silverados Australian website declares, These heavy-duty trucks perform as aggressively as they look.

Advertisement

Loading Pick-up advocates tend to be passionate, likewise their critics. It doesnt help that, just before Good Weekend speaks with him, Professor Peter Newman has exchanged words with a driver of one of those extraordinary things. He explains, In my street in inner-city Fremantle, there was enough space for three cars and I parked in the middle with space for one in front and one behind, and this big burly thing came up behind me and just sort of half-parked. The man leaned out and said, Please move forward, I need to take these two spots. I said, What are you driving a thing like that for here? and he got very angry and said, Move your bloody car or Ill push it out the way.  Newman, professor of sustainability at Perths Curtin University, says big SUVs and pick-up trucks often block the vision of other drivers and waste space and resources, and thats before climate change is even considered with their fuel use. Theyre just so big, he says, joking, I can fit in the back with my Toyota Prius. He adds, And theres always one male in it, and thats it. The self-declared activist academic has been campaigning since the 1980s for walkable cities. These, Newman says, are not only more liveable but generate far more wealth. He points to Copenhagen and Vancouver as the kind of cities Australia should be modelling its future on. But huge vehicles tend to

undermine any good work in this direction. In dense, traditional city centres and inner cities, they are completely inappropriate. The emergence of the pick-up as something other than a work vehicle can be traced to 1964 and a 25 per cent tariff imposed on light trucks imported into the US, most notably the top-selling van and pick-up versions of Germanys VW Kombi. This was the then US President Lyndon B. Johnsons revenge for a European impost on US poultry, but the chicken tax stayed and the US automotive industry gravitated towards producing pick-ups with passenger comforts and marketing them to regular consumers. Conveniently, these trucks have also been given an easy ride on emission and safety legislation, the latter despite vehicles with a high centre of gravity having compromised handling, and those with high bonnets being deadlier. A report by the USs Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in April said such vehicles were more likely to knock cyclists down (rather than flick them up), where they can be run over by the vehicle as the driver attempts to stop.

Advertisement

Loading Yet the Ford F150 pick-up is the single bestselling vehicle of any type in the United States, with the Chevrolet Silverado second and the RAM third. All three are built with left-hand drive, but that doesnt stop companies shipping them to Australia, pulling them apart and adding hundreds of bespoke new parts to convert them to right-hand drive. So much so, they are the foundation of our new motor industry, employing more than 1000 assembly line workers, mostly with Victoria-based contractor Walkinshaw. Australia has no fuel efficiency standards and new combustion vehicles sold here have improved their average emissions by only a few per cent in the past decade. In April, the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, said that Australian new cars use 40 per cent more fuel on average than those in the European Union and promised to introduce fuel efficiency standards. But progress is slow: draft legislation is only expected by the end of the year and the department confirms any new laws will be framed to protect the continued sale of vehicles Australians love, such as utes and four-wheel drives. Whether pick-ups will even be included is unclear. The Fiat Topolino, top speed 45 kilometres per hour, is creating excitement in Europe but like other electric quadricycles is banned from Australian streets. Some see hope in electrification. But, with current technology, batteries make pick-ups even heavier and even more brutal in a collision. They also reduce the payload, drastically cut the range when towing and increase the price. And electric pick-ups still take up just as much space. Is there any way to reverse the trend to ever-bigger vehicles? In European cities such as Paris and Rome, the electric quadricycle is providing one solution. With a classification between a motorcycle and a car, these four-wheel micro-vehicles have a maximum speed of 45 kilometres an hour. Primarily two-seaters, their light weight means even a small battery pack can give them a range of 70 to 80 kilometres. They can be parked nose to curb, two or three per a regular car space. Another benefit: in many cases they are 50 per cent cuter than a button. Look no further than the new Fiat Topolino, which is also available in a Dolcevita version, with roll-back roof and nightclub-style velvet ropes for doors. Clearly they arent going to mix safely with pick-ups or even regular utes and SUVs. Professor Newmans solution is to ban larger private vehicles from city centres in favour of electric micro-mobility, which is to say scooters, e-bikes and quadricycles. You dont put these quadricycles on freeways, says Newman. The SUVs will eat them up. But in cities there are no great safety risks because they dont get to any great speeds, theyre just helping to make it all work.

Advertisement
A brothel boss who likened his role to the Hollywood crime franchise Charlies Angels says he only wanted to help a single mum get back on her feet before she was later found dead inside her apartment.

Giving evidence during her alleged killers Supreme Court murder trial on Thursday, adult entertainment figure Mark Gray said he had met dancer Ellie Price at a Melbourne strip club in 2017 and they had gone on to develop a close friendship.

Mark Gray leaving the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Thursday. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui

Gray, who is a prosecution witness, told the court he had provided her with a rental reference and paid her rent, before later financing a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz E-Class as they grew closer.

I was like her god, Gray said. She wanted to be like me. I just wanted to help this girl.
The dire outlook for household prosperity was not the only grim verdict for Australians when Treasurer Jim Chalmers confirmed on Thursday that the country was heading for lower growth, weaker income and bigger debt.

The dismal picture of a poorer future was painted with care, drop by drop in the news cycle this week, to make sure nobody missed the Intergenerational Report when it arrived on Thursday.

School test results released this week showed that a third of students are not meeting literacy and numeracy targets. Credit: iStock

The overwhelming message is that young Australians will not enjoy the big gains in prosperity of the past few generations. But that is only one part of the gloomy message from Canberra when todays younger voters will also have to bear the cost of climate change.

And to add to the bad news, the school test results released this week showed that a third of students are not meeting literacy and numeracy targets. So Australians are being warned about a future of feeble growth at the same time schools are struggling to teach the basic skills that could change that future.
If only New Yorkers with their own lofty lofts understood the magic of the Melbourne-style loft apartment lifestyle.

Take a look at what those Gothamites are missing out on  that unique Melbourne antipodean laneway culture, brimful of superlative restaurants, killer cafes (with digestible coffee), brilliant hole-in-the-hole-in-the-wall bars and with the mighty G an easy saunter or tram ride away.

Add to that the indisputable fact that the Victorian capitals lively CBD is as close as you get Down Under to a Manhattan-like ambience, and it comes complete with requisite amounts of grunge and graffiti (the arresting spray-can paint splattered Hosier Lane runs off Flinders Lane).

A heat-in, eat-in kitchen.

Earlier this year the modern 59-apartment Adina Melbourne on Flinders (as in the thoroughfare) opened six adjoining not-so-modern warehouse-style loft apartments, tucked away on edgy Malthouse Lane, just off Flinders Lane between Exhibition and Russell Streets.
BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The idea blossomed from the acronym coined by Goldman Sachs economist Jim ONeill to describe the potential of four fast-growing global economies. It launched as BRIC in 2009, before South Africa was added the following year. A man watches a large screen showing CCTV broadcasting news of Chinese President Xi Jinping delivering his speech at the BRICS Summit held in South Africa, at an outdoor shopping mall in Beijing. Credit: AP However, in the shadow of Russias war on Ukraine, the resulting severe economic sanctions on the Putin regime and worsening trade disputes between the US and China, the bloc wants greater clout to expand its influence. The original idea [...] was to group countries with similar growth characteristics, maybe with similar investment returns, and it never really came to anything, said investment analyst Chris Weafer, a strategic consultant specialising in Russia and Eurasia. Now, there is a strong chance that BRICS could actually evolve into something more substantial.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his opening remarks at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. Credit: Reuters Weafer said the grouping had attracted a willing audience throughout the developing world with the pledge to be a unifying voice. It has allowed for Moscow and Beijing to go to countries in BRICS, and others like Saudi Arabia essentially saying, this could happen to you, we need to work together, we need to create a stronger group to survive the actions of the Western world. Host nation South Africa also sees potential in the group to rebalance the world order away from the West, in favour of what is known as the Global South (roughly, developing countries south of developed ones). Who else wants in?

The five original BRICS members account for 40 per cent of the global population and more than one third of the worlds economic output. But more than 40 nations are now interested in joining, some of which sent delegations to the sidelines of the summit. On Thursday, the sought-after invitation landed for six nations. Significantly, the worlds top oil exporter Saudi Arabia is among them, a move which connects some of the worlds largest energy producers with the biggest consumers. Chinese President Xi Jinping meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the summit at Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. Credit: Reuters Indias former ambassador to Saudi Arabia Talmiz Ahmad this week told the Associated Press Saudi Arabia would bring extraordinary importance to this grouping if it were to join. Some analysts say the bigger the bloc, the greater the influence. However, ONeill told Bloomberg more member countries could make it harder to find common ground.

Loading Beyond the admittedly hugely powerful symbolism, Im not quite sure what having a lot more countries in there is going to achieve, he said. The growing queue of interested nations reflects a larger trend of multi-aligning, where states turn to informal groups with different powers, said senior fellow of the Rising Power Alliances Project at Tufts University, Mihaela Papa. Countries see possible benefits in aligning with a multipolar agenda, belonging to the club for economic benefits, pursuing specific BRICS initiatives to reform global finance and transitioning to local currencies, she said. What about Russias war on Ukraine? People receive medical treatment at the scene of Russian shelling, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Credit: AP

If and when enlargement happens, interactions become more complicated and reaching consensus more difficult, which risks turning BRICS into a G7-like group. Who benefits from growing the club? For China, BRICS is another powerful engine to spread its influence and challenge American dominance, particularly in developing nations. I think thats especially true for the Middle East, Africa, and, to some extent, Latin America as well, Brian Hart, fellow for the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, said in a summit preview last week. In published remarks, Hart argued the expansion strategically favours China, but may be less advantageous for smaller economies in the group.

Not inside the meeting: Ukrainian supporters protest near the venue of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. Credit: AP The director of the China program at Washingtons Stimson Centre, Yun Sun, said Beijing sees BRICS as one cornerstone of the alternative world order China is trying to shape. Given the sway  both political and economic  it carries within the group, BRICS is one of the instruments for China to align with like-minded countries and present an alternative to the West-dominated order, she said. While India may seek a cautious approach to new members, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi this week said he fully supports an expansion. Loading

Russia sees expansion as beneficial to its cause by proving it still has allies despite western-led sanctions, and while Brazil is wary of diluting its influence, it has been keen to welcome neighbour Argentina to the group. And what about the war? Putin was also patched in by video-link to attend a pre-summit banquet with fellow BRICS leaders. He did not travel to South Africa for the summit because he is the target of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes in Ukraine. He used his speeches by video to accuse the West of continuing neocolonialism, while other bloc leaders called for global equality. Loading

Brazils Lula, meanwhile, called for BRICS to play a greater role in working to end fighting in Ukraine, adding that he could not remain indifferent to the deaths and destruction that increase every day. He has previously nominated Brazil to lead a mediator group to help end the war. While the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa have talked about the need for peace, all have maintained diplomatic relations with Russia while including it in new initiatives under the BRICS umbrella. That said, the war has changed the ability of the [BRICS] New Development Bank to operate, given its ties to Russia, and [the fact that] President Putin could not join the summit, Papa said. with Bloomberg, Reuters
In early August, Chinese Coast Guard ship blocked and fired a water cannon at a Philippine resupply vessel which was transporting provisions to the crew on a dilapidated warship that Manila deliberately grounded almost a quarter of a century ago as a mark of its territory. The incident near Second Thomas Shoal, a submerged reef in the contested Spratly Islands, left the Philippines up in arms and has renewed discussion about joint patrols in the area in an effort to counter Chinas coercion. Filipino protesters demonstrate outside Chinas embassy in Manila after the incident this month. Credit: Getty Images The United States is likely to start such operations with its long-time security partner before the end of the year, a Philippine National Security Council official said this month, and Australian patrols with the Philippines are also being considered. We have thought carefully about how we might coordinate and cooperate with the Filipinos in relation to maritime activity. There has been a lot of thought that has gone into that, Marles said on Thursday from Malaysia, where he was meeting with his counterpart before heading to the Philippines.

Im sure how we work together in the maritime domain will form part of the conversations that I have with the new defence secretary. We need to have a region which is operating in accordance with established global rules and we are here to support that. A Chinese Coast Guard ship aims a water cannon at a Philippine military resupply boat near Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands on August 5. Credit: Philippine Coast Guard The south-east Asian archipelago is becoming more important to the nations strategic outlook and Albaneses trip marks the first visit of an Australian prime minister to the Philippines since Malcolm Turnbull in 2017. The Labor government has also sought to stabilise fraught diplomatic and trade relations with China, and supplementing Australias existing freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea could anger Beijing.

Marles, however, believes Australia can walk the line of supporting the Philippines without throwing affairs with China off course. Any bilateral patrols would not venture near Chinese-occupied land features in the waterway, a policy Australian governments have maintained to avoid provocation. The Sierra Madre, a Second World War warship intentionally grounded by the Philippines in 1999 as a mark of its territorial claims in the South China Sea. Credit: AP I think as long as we are engaging very clearly and sensibly and understandably in pursuit of our national interest, that is something that every country will be able to understand including China, Marles said. Its consistent with also seeking to stabilise our relationship with China.

Richard Heydarian, a political scientist at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said Manila was eager for its key allies and partners to present a show of strength and unity of purpose in the face of Chinas aggression. Loading In light of the rising tensions over the Second Thomas Shoal, which could become the next big flashpoint in the South China Sea, the urgency for these joint patrols has dramatically escalated, he said. I think the Philippines right now is really looking for any sign of support from like-minded powers but especially in this case because the United States is a treaty ally, Australia has a status of [visiting] forces agreement and Japan is also negotiating a visiting forces agreement with the Philippines as well. After his predecessor Rodrigo Dutertes pivot towards China, Marcos has this year reinforced defence ties with the US, lifting the number of military bases its troops can access to nine. Among the four new facilities the US was granted use of was one on the island of Palawan, facing the Spratly Islands.

Australia also has long-standing security relations with the Philippines, particularly in military training, counter-terrorism and in providing resources such as vessels and drones for the Philippine Coast Guard. More than 2000 Australian Defence Force personnel and Australian warships are involved in pre-arranged combined air, land, sea and amphibious exercises taking place in the Philippines and its waters this week. A naval transit with Japanese vessels was also conducted as the HMAS Canberra and HMAS Anzac made their way there and there were plans for Australia, the US and Japan to stage a three-way naval drill off the Philippines on Wednesday, although it didnt eventuate because American ships were deployed elsewhere. However, the Australian government has so far not lived up to its rhetoric about supporting the Philippines against clear breaches of international law by Beijing, according to Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.
One of the most predictable elements of war is surprise. Since the large-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year, there have been myriad surprises. From Russias defeat in its Kyiv campaign, the Ukrainian Kharkiv offensive, and attacks on the Kerch Bridge and Moscow, surprise has been a constant in this conflict.

Perhaps one of the most profound surprises, at least for Russian politics, was the Prigozhin mutiny of June this year. Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the private military company the Wagner Group, led a short but high-profile insurrection that saw his troops advance to within 300 kilometres of Moscow. The main casualties of the day were from the Russian Air Force, which lost multiple helicopters and other aircraft. More than 30 airmen were killed.

This is tragic, yet all the more ironic given events of the past hours. Travelling in his private jet, Prigozhin was shot down over Russia. All aboard the aircraft, including Prigozhin and the Wagner chief of operations Dmitry Uktin, were killed.

The crash has set off another round of guessing among pundits and Russia experts about who is to blame and what might be the impacts of Prigozhins spectacular death. But ultimately, the cause of the crash is irrelevant. Most will assume Putin is to blame, and he has most to gain from the death of Prigozhin and his most senior confederates. Putins enemies rarely die of natural causes. Normally poison, windows or planes are involved.
New York City isnt the only place celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Washington, D.C. will host a free two-day event this fall featuring rap pioneers such as Public Enemy, Roxanne Shante, The Sugarhill Gang and Ice-T.

Announced Wednesday, the first and only National Celebration of Hip-Hop will take place Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 at West Potomac Park on the National Mall. While VIP and travel packages are available for purchase, sign-up for free general admission can now be found on the events website.

Hip-hop is beyond, not just a musical genre, Public Enemy frontman Chuck D said in a statement. 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.

Presented by Chasing Live in collaboration with The Art of Rap, the festival is a nod to the old-school artists who helped shape todays dominating music genre, and will also include performances by Mc Sha Rock, Kurtis Blow, Kid n Play, Busy B, Peter Gunz, and Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Fives Melle Mel and Scorpio, among others.

DJ Hurricane will pay a special tribute set in honor of the Beastie Boys.

National Celebration of Hip-Hop in Washington takes place Oct. 6-7, 2023.

The National Celebration of Hip-Hop promises the opportunity to enjoy various activities including guest speakers, comedians, public figures as well as interactive events and exhibits throughout the day, according to the press release.

We are coming to the National Mall itself to bring you authentic hip-hop for the 50th celebration! Ice-T said in Wednesdays announcement.

New York City ? where hip-hop originated ? has played host countless events to commemorate the golden anniversary of the culture. On Aug. 11, recognized as the actual day it began, the star-studded Hip-Hop 50 Live concert took place at Yankee Stadium, with performances by Run DMC, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Lil Wayne and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.
London: Perhaps the only thing we should be surprised about is that it took this long.

The assumed demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the mercenary leader who mounted the greatest challenge to Vladimir Putins authority in two decades during a short-lived mutiny in Russia in June, was shocking but not a shock.

Loyalists might view it as a kind of poetic justice, but it is another reminder of revenge served Putin-style, and of the thuggish mafia state he runs. We should not shed a tear for Prigozhin and we should never forget how Putin treats those who pose a threat to him. Poisonings, detainment, torture, disappearances, falls from windows, and now, probably, a plane shot from the sky.

Putin, an ex-KGB officer, has maintained that the one thing he cant forgive is betrayal.
The founder of the Wagner military company and six other passengers were on a private jet that crashed on Wednesday soon after taking off from Moscow with a crew of three, according to Russias civil aviation authority. Rescuers found 10 bodies, and Russian media cited anonymous sources in Wagner who said Prigozhin was dead. But there has been no official confirmation. The Russian government has said it is investigating the cause of the crash, but hasnt offered an explanation. Social media channels close to Prigozhins Wagner have claimed that the aircraft was downed by a Russian military anti-aircraft missile. Emergency specialists carry a body bag near the wreckage of the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Credit: Reuters Russias Investigative Committee launched a criminal probe into alleged violations of air safety rules. Like the US, other Western officials believe an explosion on board the private jet was the leading theory behind the crash, with the blast potentially caused by a bomb or other device planted on the aircraft.

But some have stressed other possibilities, like adulterated fuel, were also being explored.

US intelligence has not confirmed Prigozhins death, though multiple officials said it appeared likely he was killed in the plane crash. Britains Defence Ministry also said the warlords death was highly likely. There is not yet definitive proof that Prigozhin was onboard and he is known to exercise exceptional security measures. However, it is highly likely that he is indeed dead, it said in a defence intelligence update posted on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Putin said Prigozhin was a talented businessman not just in our country, but he got results in Africa, where he was into oil, gas, precious stones, and metals. Prigozhin had just got back from Africa yesterday, as far as I know, and met here with certain officials, he added without elaborating.

The Russian president said he had known Prigozhin for a long time, from the early 1990s, revealing that their relationship had started earlier than previously thought. Prigozhin once said in an interview the pair had met in 2000. He had a difficult path and made serious mistakes in his life. But he got results  for himself, and for the common cause when I asked him, like in the last few months, Putin said. Who else is believed dead in Wagner plane crash Dmitry Utkin, 53, a former special forces intelligence lieutenant who helped found Wagner with Prigozhin and lead forces in Syria, Ukraine in 2014 and elsewhere.

Valeriy Yevgenyevich Chekalov, 47, a business tycoon in the upper ranks of Prigozhins empire and reportedly his other right-hand man who helped move weapons and run Wagner operations around the world.

Evgeniy Makaryan, a reported long-time Wagner fighter and former police officer.

Sergey Propustin, another mercenary who reportedly served among Prigozhins personal guards. Little information is available about the remaining crash victims, named as Alexander Totmin and Nikolai Matuseyev. The crew members were identified as Captain Alexei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova. - The Telegraph, London Prigozhin and his group are accused of numerous brutal war crimes in Ukraine and also in parts of the Middle East and Africa where they have operated. But the warlord was popular with some in Russia for his battlefield successes in Ukraine and his straight-talking critique of the army leadership. Roman Saponkov, a Russian war-blogger and invasion cheerleader who is also considered close to the Wagner group, said the assassination of Prigozhin would have disastrous consequences.

A fighter of the Wagner private mercenary group visits a makeshift memorial in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Credit: Reuters The people who gave the order do not understand the mood in the army and morale at all, he said. Several Telegram channels affiliated with the group posted a video showing a fighter in Wagner uniform kneeling and crying before a makeshift shrine in Novosibirsk, a city in southern Russia. All of us are emotional now, but we have to hold ourselves together, a post on the Grey Zone channel said. Dont do anything stupid. A former adviser to the Kremlin, Andrey Kortunov, told BBC Radio that Prigozhin had many enemies, and many people in various parts of the world might have had a sigh of relief over his reported death.
Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is believed to have died after a private jet on which he was listed as a passenger crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday (Russian time) with no survivors.

Prigozhin, 62, spearheaded a mutiny against Russias top army brass on June 23 to 24, which Russian President Vladimir Putin said could have tipped Russia into a civil war.

Others who have opposed Putin or his interests have also died or come close to death under unclear circumstances.

Here are some details about these mysterious incidents:
Latest News Overseas property searches surge in Australia  PropTrack This as migration returns to pre-pandemic levels

LocalAgentFinder demystifies Queensland Property Law Bill CEO explains how it will benefit buyers

The Australian economy needed to capitalise on the global race to achieve net-zero emission to reap an economic dividend of $435 billion, according to a new report commissioned by NAB from Deloitte Access Economics (DAE).

The report, titled All Systems Go: Powering Ahead, probed into how Australia can cut the cost of transition and grow new export opportunities to replace emissions-intensive activity as the world decarbonises. Failure to do so, the report said, will constrain Australia from the growth opportunities presented by the transition and will see its existing projects fall by $270bn out to 2050 under the current net-zero policies.

The Deloitte report also revealed, however, that more than offsetting a slowing, or stopping of global demand for high-emissions commodity exports, Australia can tap into renewable energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, and enhanced metals manufacturing for its potential future economic growth.

To achieve the $435bn opportunity by 2050, Australia will have to build new infrastructure on an unprecedented scale for the nation, which according to industry experts will involve roughly 10,000km of new transmission, 44 gigawatts of new renewables, and 15 gigawatts of firming capacity this decade.

The report also said Australia would need to invest in new technologies, development of skilled workforces, and growth of supply chains of green industrial sectors to boost their output by $280bn and create new export opportunities of $420bn by 2050.

Australia has two challenges: getting to net-zero and replacing our existing export industries as global demand falls away. The harsh reality is that if we only hit our targets without replacing exports, we will become a materially poorer nation, NAB Chair Philip Chronican (pictured above left) said.

Chronican said the report highlighted that Australia could secure its future economic prosperity by becoming a major exporter of what the world needs to decarbonise.

Australias natural endowment of land, sunshine and wind puts us in a strong starting position, he said. Significant coordination of public and private planning and investment is also required to transform and replace industries that have been at the centre of our historic economic growth and create a new green industrial base.

Chronican said Australia can and needs to achieve these challenges despite their scale, complexity, cost, and the increasingly pressurised timeframe because the cost of inaction or too little action is far too great.

NAB Group CEO Ross McEwan (pictured above right) said significant progress has been made in Australia in the last 12-months, but much more needs to be done.

First and foremost, we need to build, build, build, McEwan said. To do this, we need investment and labour to drive the projects, shorter lead-times, as well as improved consultation and a consistent national framework that delivers major green infrastructure projects that have widespread community support.

Australia can reap the benefits of innovation and productivity growth that will lift Australias supply-chain competitiveness and put the country on a strong footing as our traditional exports are replaced.

McEwan added that as Australias biggest business bank, NAB can help fund the transition and support its customers with the capital they need to invest in new technology and ideas that future-proof their business and deliver new ways to grow.

Australia has made progress toward achieving net-zero over the past 12 months, including expanding the Safeguard Mechanism, legislating a 2030 emissions reductions target, federal and state government renewable energy investments, and more businesses making decarbonisation commitments and progress, NAB said.

See also All systems go: Powering ahead.

Use the comment section below to tell us how you felt about this.
Latest News Overseas property searches surge in Australia  PropTrack This as migration returns to pre-pandemic levels

LocalAgentFinder demystifies Queensland Property Law Bill CEO explains how it will benefit buyers

MA Financial has delivered generally positive results for the first half of 2023, highlighted by ongoing growth in Finsure and accelerating loan volume growth for MA Money.

However, the ASX-listed financial services groups overall financial results were less optimistic with the challenging macro environment leading to lower transactional activity, which impacted performance fees and corporate revenue.

Joint CEOs Chris Wyke (pictured above left) and Julian Biggins (pictured above right) said they were very pleased with the underlying momentum in the business which positioned MA Financial for strong future growth.

The composition of our earnings improved significantly with growth in recurring revenue and expense management largely offsetting the decline in performance fees, Wyke and Biggins said in a joint statement.

Despite the challenging economic backdrop, we continue to see the benefits of our diversified business model, and our intentional strategy to build a business that can deliver for investors through the economic cycle.

Financial technology division

MA Financials financial technology division, headed by mortgage broker aggregator Finsure and the emerging fintech tool Middle, continued to be the focus of significant investment, growing its underlying revenue by 27%.

Finsure was the main driver of this growth, delivering record settlements of $3.8 billion in July and growing its managed loan portfolio to $99bn up 18% on the first half of last year.

Finsure also increased the number of brokers on its platform to 2,846, adding more than 200 brokers in the first half of the year as it continues to gain market share.

This helped offset the expense of investing in Middle, which is expected to become revenue generating in the last quarter of this year.

Lending platforms division

It was even better for MA Financials lending platforms division.

Comprised of residential mortgage lender MA Money and high-margin specialist lender Specialty Finance, the Groups lending division grew its total loan book by 59% to $564 million.

MA Moneys loan book was up 85% due monthly loan settlements accelerating after the launch of its new products earlier in the year.

Over the six months to the end of June, MA Moneys lodgements have grown by more than 500%, which according to Wyke, highlights the positive response to MA Moneys product offering from brokers.

However, the investment in this space came as a drag overall, leading to a $1.6m EBITDA loss in the half-year results.

The loss is expected to increase over the rest of the year as it continues to scale and position itself to take advantage of the substantial opportunity for long-term growth in the residential mortgage market.

As a result, MA Money is expecting to break even by the second half of next year, and with competitive pressure expected to subside, the Group expects to deliver up to $20m in net profit after tax by FY26.

The expansion and success of our private credit business is very pleasing. MA Financials credit funds are among Australias fastest growing, Wyke and Biggins said.

Advisors and investors continue to value our expertise in originating and managing credit assets, highlighted by the 74% growth in the assets under management of our private credit funds over the last 12 months. We believe private credit investing will continue to benefit from demographic and structural growth drivers for many years.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) and the Digital Finance Cooperative Research Centre (DFCRC) have published a report of their findings on the potential use cases for a central bank digital currency (CBDC) in Australia.

A key focus for the joint research project was RBA issuing a limited-scale pilot CBDC to selected industry participants in a ring-fenced environment, so they can demonstrate how the digital currency could be used to provide innovative and value-adding payment and settlement services to Australian households and businesses.

The project, which benefited from strong industry participation, explored various use cases which highlighted a range of areas where a CBDC could enhance the functioning of the payments system. The project also raised a number of legal, regulatory, technical, and operational issues associated with a CBDC that warrant further consideration in future research.

The project yielded valuable insights into how a CBDC, alongside other innovations in digital money, could potentially unlock benefits for the Australian financial system and the wider economy, Brad Jones (pictured above), assistant governor of financial system at RBA.

It also highlighted the benefits of close engagement between industry and policymakers in exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with innovations in digital money.

Jones said the key findings from the research will help shape the next phase of the central banks research program into the future of money in Australia.

Alongside our ongoing work on cross border payments, this will include deepening our understanding of the role that tokenised asset markets and programmable payments could have in the Australian economy, he said.

Andreas Furche, CEO of the DFCRC, said the report highlighted that innovation in finance is a

continuous journey.

The strong industry engagement in this project speaks to the importance of collaboration between central banks as ultimate issuers of national currency, and industry experts driving its potential use cases, Furche said.

Moving forward, the DFCRC chief said Australias research on CBDC could look to target use cases where CBDC has the best potential to provide an infrastructure layer for further innovation in financial products and services.

For more information about the project see: Australian CBDC Pilot Project.

Read the Australian CBDC Pilot for Digital Finance Innovation report.

Use the comment section below to tell us how you felt about this.
This BURO Beauty Empties winner has been a firm favourite of our Beauty Editors since its launchfind out why ahead.

In the last year, Ive been quite the jet-setter. First, a brisk three weeks in the London autumn, then three days in the Turkish winter, a few fruitful weekends in Singapore, and finally, a hot and humid trip to Sri Lanka. Youd think all this travelling would have me looking as rough as I feel, right? Well, no, actually.

How, you ask? Ive got a secret weapon, and it has seen me through each and every one of my travels in the last year. Behold, the Sunday Riley C.E.O Afterglow Brightening C Gel Cream. We spoke to the actual Sunday Riley late last year in the lead-up to the launch of the moisturiser, and since then Ive been pushing the product to its limits.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunday Riley (@sundayriley)

According to Riley, the idea behind C.E.O. Afterglow was to create a lightweight, humectant moisturiser that would work for all skin types. The product has been formulated to absorb quickly into the skin while delivering long-lasting hydration and a generous boost of brightening vitamin C. Specifically, the star ingredient is THD ascorbate, often touted as the gold standard of vitamin C for its stability and efficacy. In addition, the cream is fortified with other potent actives to further plump, protect and smooth the skin, such as antioxidant-rich lutein; the anti-ageing ergothioneine; moisturising allantoin; and hydrating sodium hyaluronate. But, is it as good as it sounds?

Id have to say yes! Applying the cream is a sensorial dream. Although it is indeed lightweight, the cream creates a film over the skinnot one that feels suffocating, but one that instead soothes and cushions the skin, creating a moisturising veil thatll have you waking up to plumper, more radiant skin. Its a great companion in our sunny and humid Malaysia, helping me combat my dark spots and dull skin with daily use. That said, I was curious to see how well the moisturiser would perform in different climateshence, the world tour.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sunday Riley (@sundayriley)

When I was in London, my skin was really suffering. First from the nippy weather, but also from the terribly hard water. I was battling breakouts and dryness from every angle, and this moisturiser is the only thing that was stopping me from becoming a husk of inflammation. I was expecting the need to follow up with several layers of face oil given that the moisturiser was so well-suited to our Malaysian humidity, but to my surprise, a light serum layered underneath was enough to keep my skin from cracking and crusting over. All in all, despite the chilly winds and dry weather, this moisturiser kept me glowing and hydrated and really helped to brighten up any pesky post-breakout hyperpigmentation.

I was expecting the moisturiser to perform similarly in Singapore and Sri Lanka given that the weather there is comparable to Malaysias heat and humidity. However, because I did end up spending far more time outdoors when travelling to these countries (public transport in Singapore is too convenient to pass up and I couldnt bring A/C to the beach in Sri Lanka), I did find that I had to switch up my C.E.O. Afterglow routine a bit. Rather than wearing it day and night like I do at home or in cooler climates, I kept the moisturiser for my evening routine, using just sunscreen during the day. It ended up being the only product (except for sunscreen and cleanser) that I needed on my trips. Not only did it help to stave off any signs of sun damage, but it also kept my skin moisturised overnight without turning me into a greasy, congested mess come morning.

Essentially, the verdict is that the C.E.O. Afterglow is the moisturiser that does it all. Plus, if that wasnt enough, its also vegan and cruelty-free as well as B Corp certified. Knowing that the product has been made not only to the highest quality but also to the highest ethical standards instils a lot of confidence in me as a consumer.

Sunday Rileys C.E.O. Afterglow won the award for Best Glow Up in our 2023 BURO Beauty Empties. Shop the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Afterglow here and check out the full list of winners here.

For more beauty reviews, click here.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has put on hold the regulations that make it mandatory for doctors to prescribe only generic molecule names instead of brand names for drugs, a health ministry notification said on Thursday.

In a notification dated August 21, the ministry said the NMC-Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, were to be held in abeyance with immediate effect. They will remain inoperative and ineffective till further Gazette Notification. It also said the NMC adopted and made effective with immediate effect the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.

The NMC, a government body regulating medical education and professionals, initially issued the regulations on August 2. This led to an uproar in the pharmaceutical industry and among doctors. The pharma industry lobby asserted that the quality of drugs could become an issue if doctors were restricted from prescribing branded generics.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA), representing approximately 400,000 doctors, expressed concern, stating that this directly impacts patients' care and safety. They argued that if the government genuinely wanted to implement generic drugs, it should not license branded drugs and simultaneously ensure the quality of generic drugs.

The prescription of only generic medicines or molecule names by doctors would allow chemists to offer patients the cheapest option, reducing their costs. Some industry insiders view the move as a step towards the implementation and codification of the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), a voluntary guideline that currently prevents pharma companies from offering freebies to doctors.

On Monday, representatives from the pharma industry and doctors advocated for permitting both generic (molecule) names and brands in prescriptions during a meeting with senior Central government officials in Delhi. After a two-hour discussion, IMA representatives reported that the government had noted the suggestions.

India is known for its branded generic drugs market, where pharma companies sell copy-cat drugs (off patent) under various brands. This means that the same molecule may be sold under different brand names.

In its recently released 'Regulations relating to Professional Conduct of Registered Medical Practitioners,' the NMC stated: Every RMP should prescribe drugs using generic names legibly and prescribe drugs rationally, avoiding unnecessary medications and irrational fixed-dose combination tablets."

Also Read Clear final MBBS exam in 2 attempts: SC to foreign return medical students What are generic medicines and how India became the 'pharmacy of the world' What is new medical registration system and why doctors are concerned? Here's what Apple's Vision Pro prescription optical inserts look like Pharma industry in a huddle after fresh NMC regulations for doctors DAC approves proposals worth Rs 7,800 cr to purchase defence equipment Commercial production of battery cells under ACC PLI likely in Q4FY24 Onions farmers set to absorb maximum impact amid export tax issue Alternate financing poised to capitalise on $570 bn SME credit opportunity Govt plans to curb subsidised-urea diversion to plywood, other industries

An IMA representative told Business Standard: The doctors and industry have suggested that brand names should be mentioned in the prescription along with writing the molecule name. Otherwise, the power shifts to chemists instead of a medical practitioner."

The representative added that industry conferences should be permitted to continue, as these platforms facilitate the exchange of ideas and ensure the continuity of medical education.
A Black transgender woman who said she suffered abuse, mistreatment and denial of medical care at the Broome County Jail in New York has reached a landmark settlement seen as one of the strongest policies in the country to protect trans people in custody, her lawyers said.

Makyyla Holland of Binghamton sued county officials early last year alleging she had been repeatedly discriminated against because of her gender identity during the six weeks she spent under Broome County custody in early 2021.

I was harassed, mocked, misgendered and worse: jail staff strip-searched me, beat me up, placed me in the male section of the jail, and withheld my hormones for a period of time, forcing me to go into agonizing withdrawal, Holland told the Daily News in March 2022.

Holland, who was diagnosed with gender dysphoria and had been on hormonal replacement therapy for about five years before she was taken into custody, said she also asked correctional officials to protect her from threats she received at the facility, but her pleas for help were ignored, according to the lawsuit.

On Thursday, lawyers representing the 25-year-old training nurses assistant announced she reached a landmark settlement with the south-central New York county.

Under the agreement, county officials have committed to implement a wide-sweeping policy to affirm the rights of trans, nonbinary and intersex people in custody.

That includes conducting searches and housing trans people in units consistent with their gender identity with limited exceptions; ensuring that correctional officers respect a trans persons gender identity, including the use of pronouns and names; guaranteeing access to medical care free from discrimination, and facilitating access to gender-affirming items such as binders and wigs.

Holland will also receive $160,000 in compensation.

No one should ever have to go through what I went through at the Broome County Jail, and I am so grateful that with this new policy hopefully no one else ever will; this is a great outcome, Holland said in a statement shared with The News. This policy and policies like it can impact a lot of my community, and I will continue to fight to ensure that no other trans person in New York or anywhere has to endure what I did.

Holland was represented by the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF), and the private law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison.

Shayna Medley, TLDEF senior litigation staff, celebrated the agreement, saying the new policies will better protect transgender peoples safety while in custody.

At a time when trans people are increasingly under attack across the country, it is even more important for states and local governments to affirmatively protect trans people in custody, she said.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar said he was pleased to reach an amicable agreement that establishes clear LGBTI Guidelines, which were previously nonexistent, while noting the agreement settles a lawsuit filed before he was elected sheriff.
Paytm promoter Antfin is likely to sell a 3.6 per cent stake, or 23 million shares, in fintech company Paytm via block deals on August 25.

The floor price for the deal is likely to be discounted at Rs 880.10 per share, which is a 2.7 per cent discount from the closing price of Rs 904.45 recorded on Thursday.

Citigroup has been appointed broker to the deal, which is reportedly valued at around $234 million.

On August 7, the company informed the stock exchanges that Vijay Shekhar Sharma, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Paytms parent One97 Communications, agreed to purchase a 10.3 per cent stake, worth $628 million, in the fintech firm from Antfin (Netherlands) Holding BV. The purchase will be made off the market via Sharmas 100 per cent-owned Netherlands-based entity Resilient Asset Management BV.
The leaders of the Brics nations on Thursday decided to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the new members of the grouping. The decision was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a joint media briefing along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The new members will become part of Brics with effect from January 1, 2024, Ramaphosa announced.

He said the decision on the new members was agreed upon after firming up the guiding principles, criteria and procedures for the expansion process.

"We have consensus on the first phase of this Brics expansion process," Ramaphosa said at the end of the grouping's summit in Johannesburg. "We have decided to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of Brics," he said.

"We value the interests of other countries in building partnership with Brics and have tasked our foreign ministers to further develop the Brics partnership model and list of prospective countries (which want to join the grouping)," Ramaphosa added.

PM Modi said that the decision to expand Brics will further strengthen the belief of many countries in a multipolar world and India has had "very deep and historic" relations with these nations.

"I am confident that we would be able to give new dynamism to Brics by working with new member countries of grouping," he added.

Ramaphosa also said that the leaders have tasked their foreign ministers to further develop the Brics partnership model and make a list of prospective countries.

(With agency inputs)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed hope for a reconciliation process that addresses the aspirations of the minority Tamil community in Sri Lanka for equality, justice and self-respect, as he highlighted the implementation of the 13 Amendment to the Constitution to achieve the objective.

The remarks by Jaishankar came on Wednesday as he updated through a video message members of the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association on bilateral relations.

He also reiterated India's support for the preservation of Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-religious identity.

Jaishankar expressed hope for a reconciliation process that addresses the aspirations of the Tamil community for equality, justice and self-respect within the framework of a united and prosperous Sri Lanka. He highlighted a meaningful devolution of powers according to the 13th Amendment (13A) to the Constitution and early conduct of Provincial Council elections as being facilitative towards this objective, according to an official statement by the Indian High Commission in Colombo.

The 13A provides for the devolution of power to the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. India has been pressing Sri Lanka to implement the 13A which was brought in after the Indo-Sri Lankan agreement of 1987.

Jaishankar also delved into India's positive contributions to Sri Lanka's development, stability, and prosperity based on geographical proximity and shared democratic values between the two countries.

He highlighted the swift and substantial response by India to the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka over the past year, exemplifying India's commitment to the Neighbourhood First' policy. EAM emphasised that the financial assistance of approximately USD 4 billion extended by India was unprecedented in both magnitude and swiftness, surpassing the response of international institutions and bilateral partners, the statement said.

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka triggered by forex shortages forced the public into the streets which led to the ouster of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Jaishankar elaborated on India's vision of fostering long-term and sustainable solutions, mentioning collaborative efforts to address Sri Lanka's energy requirements through grid connectivity and a Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants (POL) pipeline. He highlighted the potential of renewable energy and regional economic activities, including the Trincomalee hub, for mutual benefit.

On regional security, Jaishankar reiterated India's "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) outlook and its expression through forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), the statement said.

Also Read Sri Lankan Prez to call all-party meet on implementation of 13A: Minister Plan to privatise Sri Lanka Telecom delayed over national security concerns Indian travel association to help in boosting tourist flow to Sri Lanka Sri Lankan rupee shows appreciation against US Dollar in recent months TN fishermen to meet EAM Jaishankar, seek release of boats seized by Lanka Sandwich chain Subway agrees to sell itself to Arby's owner Roark Capital Chandrayaan-3 on Pak media's front-page, politician calls it 'great moment' Sunak apologises for inadvertent code breach over wife Akshata's shares Niger junta's 3-year plan is a 'provocation,' says West African bloc Will strengthen grouping, says PM Modi as Brics adds 6 countries to group

The address by Jaishankar served as a "reminder of the enduring friendship between India and Sri Lanka and reinvigorated the commitment to strengthen ties for the mutual benefit of both nations and the broader region," the high commission said.
Describing the Republican presidential candidates as extremists", Vice President Kamala Harris has said that the participants at the party's maiden primary debate laid out an agenda that makes the country less fair, less free and less safe.

No one on stage won' tonight's debate. Instead, the American people heard how much they stand to lose from an extremist agenda, Harris, a Democrat, said on Wednesday after the two-hour-long Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The debate included two Indian Americans Nikki Haley, 51, the former Governor of South Carolina, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, 38.

One by one, each extremist Republican candidate laid out a vision for an America that is less fair, less free, and less safe. These candidates want to raise costs for working families in order to benefit special interests and the ultra-wealthy. To gut Social Security and Medicare. To strip fundamental rights and basic freedoms from millions of people, Harris, who is contesting in the 2024 race for the White House as the running mate of President Joe Biden, said.

And to reverse the Bidenomics strategy that has helped create 13 million jobs, the strongest two years of small business creation in history, and record-low unemployment. These extremists focus on unnecessary debates meant to divide our nation in hopes that the American public will not notice they have no affirmative agenda, the 58-year-old Vice President said.

President Biden and I will continue to grow the economy from the bottom up and the middle out and build a nation in which all people can truly thrive. We are laser-focused on finishing the job we've started: to create good jobs, lower costs, fix America's roads and bridges, create a clean energy economy, protect a woman's right to make decisions about her own body, keep our children safe from gun violence, and make sure all Americans can dream about their future with ambition and aspiration, Harris said.

In a separate statement, Ajay Bhutoria, Deputy National Finance Chair for the Democratic National Committee said MAGA Republicans attempted to divert attention from their controversial support for nationwide abortion bans by introducing new policy positions. However, the American people have consistently rejected their extreme anti-choice positions in recent elections, and they are likely to do so again in 2024.

It's important to recognise the remarkable accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration," he stated.

"From restoring the soul of the nation, passing the infrastructure bill, achieving the lowest unemployment rate, enacting the Science and Chips Act, to revitalising manufacturing jobs in the USA and restoring America's leadership on the global stagePresident Biden and Vice President Harris have consistently delivered on their promises," Bhutoria said.

Also Read You'll make US less safe: Haley to Ramaswamy at Republican Party's debate If voted, I will cut aid to countries which hate America: Nikki Haley Kamala Harris faces new test of political skills in US poll 2024 campaign Trump's indictment more about revenge, claim Nikki Haley & Vivek Ramaswamy Elon Musk calls Indian-American Ramaswamy a promising candidate for US prez Chandrayaan-3 makes headlines globally, hailed as great achievement Nearly 1 bn people globally will have osteoarthritis by 2050: Lancet study China bans seafood from Japan after Fukushima plant releases wastewater You'll make US less safe: Haley to Ramaswamy at Republican Party's debate 4 people dead in shooting at California biker bar: Sheriff's officials
The West African bloc ECOWAS rejected the proposal by Niger's mutinous soldiers for a three-year transition to democratic rule, with a commissioner describing the slow timeline as a provocation.

The door for diplomacy with Niger's junta remained open but the bloc is not going to engage in drawn-out talks that lead nowhere, Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS commissioner for peace and security, told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday.

It is the belief among the ECOWAS heads of state and also the commission that the coup in Niger is one coup too many for the region and if we allow it then we are going to have a domino effect in the region and we are determined to stop it, Musah said. While direct talks and backchannel negotiations are ongoing, he said the door to diplomacy wasn't open indefinitely.

We are not going to engage in long, drawn out haggling with these military officers We went down that route in Mali, in Burkina Faso and elsewhere, and we are getting nowhere, Musah said.

His comments came days after an ECOWAS delegation met the head of Niger's military regime, Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani, for the first time since the mutinous soldiers ousted President Mohamed Bazoum in July.

After last week's meetng, Musah said the ball is now in the junta's court.

The junta has been keeping Bazoum and his wife and son under house arrest, and ECOWAS has demanded Bazoum be freed and constitutional order restored.

ECOWAS has used Niger as a red line against further coups after several in the region, including two each in Mali and Burkina Faso since 2020.

The bloc has imposed severe economic and travel sanctions and threatened the use of military force if Bazoum is not reinstated, but the junta has dug in. It has appointed a new government and said it will return the country to democratic rule within several years.

Niger was seen as one of the last democratic countries in the Sahel region below the Sahara Desert that Western nations could partner with to beat back a growing jihadi insurgency linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. France, other European countries and the United States have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into providing equipment and training for Niger's military and in the case of France have conducted joint operations.

Also Read French embassy in Niger attacked as protesters with Russian flags march Support for Niger at risk as military takeover threatens stability: Blinken Niger's neighbours, UN looking to reduce tension with last-minute diplomacy Niger crisis: Govt asks Indian nationals to leave 'as soon as possible' Nigeriens call for mass recruitment of volunteers as junta faces invasion Will strengthen grouping, says PM Modi as Brics adds 6 countries to group Argentina to Iran: BRICS leaders agree to admit 6 countries as new members Trump to surrender at Georgia jail on charges to overturn 2020 election Pak court resumes hearing on Imran Khan's appeal in Toshakhana case Moscow court extends arrest of jailed WSJ reporter Gershkovich: Report

Since the coup those military operations have been suspended while both sides decide what to do. France and the U.S. have some 2,500 military personnel in the country and the U.S. operates two key drone and counter-terror bases.

Musah said ECOWAS was not discussing military plans with any external partners and everything it was planning is based on the resources of member states. Earlier this month, ECOWAS said 11 of its 15 member states had agreed to intervene militarily if talks didn't work.

ECOWAS is banking on a combination of external pressure through sanctions and internal unrest within Niger's security forces and the fact that Tchiani, the junta's leader, met with ECOWAS face to face after multiple attempts, is a sign that the coup leaders are feeling the pressure, said Nate Allen, an associate professor at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies.

Nonetheless, it is clear that the two sides remain very far apart and the risk of conflict is high, he said.
The Islamabad High Court on Thursday resumed hearing on an appeal filed by jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan challenging his conviction and sentence by a sessions court in the Toshakhana corruption case.

Judge Humayun Dilawar of the Islamabad-based court on August 5 sentenced Khan, 70, to three years in prison for hiding the proceeds from the sale of state gifts.

The case was launched in October last year on the complaint of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which had earlier disqualified Khan in the same case.

Khan within days had challenged the conviction in the Islamabad High Court (IHC), seeking to suspend his sentence and overturn the judgment.

The court held the initial hearing on August 22 but adjourned the cases till August 24 after the ECP Lawyer Amjad Pervez stated that he had not been provided with the record of the case and needed time to prepare.

Khan's lawyer Latif Khosa opposed the move by the ECP counsel and pressed for a hearing and grant of request to suspend the sentence of Khan.

However, the panel of judges comprising chief justice Amer Farooq and justice Tariq Mehmood Jahangiri granted the request of the ECP lawyer and adjourned the hearing until Thursday.

During Thursday's hearing, Khan's lawyers are expected to argue for the suspension of the sentence. Their case has been strengthened after the Supreme Court in its hearing on petitions on the case on Wednesday observed that there were shortcomings in the Toshakhana case judgment of the sessions court.

The apex court also stated it would wait for the IHC hearing before giving its judgment and is set to hear the case at 2.00 pm on Thursday.

Khan is currently lodged in the Attock Jail.

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.

Also Read Imran Khan approaches Pak SC against Islamabad HC order in Toshakhana case Toshakhana case: What's behind the arrest drama at Imran Khan's residence Pakistan court gives 1 day exemption to Imran Khan from appearance Why are the police trying to arrest Imran Khan? All that you need to know Asia Cup 2023 full schedule, match timing, venues, live streaming in India Moscow court extends arrest of jailed WSJ reporter Gershkovich: Report Extremist Republican candidate laid vision for US that is less fair: Harris Chandrayaan-3 makes headlines globally, hailed as great achievement Nearly 1 bn people globally will have osteoarthritis by 2050: Lancet study China bans seafood from Japan after Fukushima plant releases wastewater

According to reports, Khan 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.
Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, also known as Putin's chef, died in a plane crash on Wednesday, several media reports stated. It was later confirmed by the Russian aviation authorities.

Progozhin came into the limelight two months ago when he led an abortive mutiny against Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin had denounced the June rebellion as "treason," but the mercenary leader had appeared to escape immediate retaliation by the Kremlin under a deal brokered to end the revolt as his fighters came within 200 kilometres of Moscow.

Questions about his fate have swirled in the two months since the mutiny.

No cause was announced, but the crash immediately raised suspicions that Prigozhin had been killed. According to Bloomberg, Russia's aviation regulator said Dmitry Utkin, Prigozhin's number 2 in Wagner, was also among the passengers on the plane.

Who was Yevgeny Prigozhin?





Also Read: Fukushima nuclear plant ready to release radioactive waste water into sea Born in St. Petersburg on June 1, 1961, Prigozhin spent nine years in Soviet prisons for crimes including robbery and fraud.

He was released in 1990 on the sidelines of the Soviet Union's disintegration. He launched a career as a caterer and restaurateur in his hometown. It is believed that he later met Putin, who was then a top aide to St Petersburg's mayor.

He later used his political connections to bag major state contracts and came to be known as "Putin's chef" after catering for Kremlin events.

During the war with Ukraine, he had joked that "Putin's butcher" would be more appropriate.

Prigozhin and Wagner Group

In 2014, Prigozhin founded Wagner, a private military company. The fighters were used in support of Moscow's allies in countries including Syria, Libya and the Central African Republic.

The United States has imposed sanctions against it and accused it of atrocities. Prigozhin, however, has denied the allegations.





Also Read: US approves new $500 mn arms sale to Taiwan as tension from China surges Prigozhin rose to prominence after Russia's February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. His fighters - including thousands of convicts he recruited from prison - led the Russian assault on the city of Bakhmut in the longest and bloodiest battle of the war.

Also Read Nepali Gurkhas joining Wagner group for Russian citizenship, better life Why is the world discussing Russian President Vladimir Putin's health? Putin bans use of foreign language words: History of loanwords in Russian Lessons from a year of war TMS Ep463: Food inflation, Yevgeny Prigozhin, primary market, AI hype World sees optimism, confidence, opportunity in Indian economy: PM Modi Fukushima nuclear plant releases radioactive waste water into sea In Japan's neighbours, fear, frustation over radioactive water release Chandrayaan-3 landing a matter of pride for world: Indian diaspora in US US approves new $500 mn arms sale to Taiwan as tension from China surges

Prigozhin also used social media to trumpet Wagner's successes and wage a feud with the military establishment, accusing it of incompetence and even treason.

June mutiny against Vladimir Putin

In June, Prigozhin led a mutiny where Wagner fighters took control of Rostov-on-Don, shot down a number of Russian military helicopters and advanced toward Moscow. Putin called it an act of treachery that would be met with a "harsh response".

The mutiny was defused in a deal where the Kremlin said that Prigozhin and some of Wagner's fighters would leave for Belarus. A criminal case against Prigozhin for armed mutiny was to be dropped.

How did Yevgeny Prigozhin die?

In a video circulating in the Russian media, a jet, an Embraer SA Legacy 600, can be seen cruising on a course from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Suddenly, it began behaving erratically for a few seconds and then plunged. The video showed the plane dropping from the sky.

Later, Russian authorities confirmed that Prigozhin was among the 11 dead in the crash.
Rishi Sunak has apologised to the UK parliamentary watchdog after an investigation concluded that the British Prime Minister's failure to declare wife Akshata Murty's relevant business interest arose "out of confusion" and was "inadvertent".

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Daniel Greenberg, had opened an inquiry into allegations that when discussing the government's financial incentive scheme for people joining the childminding workforce, Sunak failed to declare that his wife held shares in one of six childminding agencies selected by the government to provide its new members with an enhanced financial incentive.

Sunak, 43, told the parliamentary watchdog that he had declared the interest on the Ministerial Register and Greenberg concluded that he was satisfied that Sunak had confused the concept of registration with the concept of declaration of interests.

I formed the view that the failure to declare arose out of this confusion and was accordingly inadvertent on the part of Mr Sunak, noted Greenberg in his inquiry report released on Wednesday.

In view of this, I decided to conclude my inquiry by way of the rectification procedure available to me under Standing Order No. 150, he said, which stops short of a formal report to be tabled with members of Parliament in the House of Commons to determine a course of action.

Under the requirements of the Standing Order, Sunak acknowledged and apologised for the breach of the rules.

I apologise for these inadvertent errors and confirm acceptance of your proposal for rectification, Sunak wrote in his letter to the Commissioner.

I welcome your confirmation that your investigation related to declarations of interests; there is no question that I correctly registered my wife's shareholding," he said.

"I am also grateful that during our helpful discussion, you accepted that my response during the Liaison Committee hearing on March 28, 2023 complied with the rules on declaration, given that at that time, I had no idea of the connection between Koru Kids and the Childminder Grants Scheme policy. It was only after the hearing that I became aware of the link, as set out in my subsequent letter to Sir Bernard, the Chair of the Liaison Committee, dated April 4, 2023, he said.

Also Read Data breach: Personal data of Covid vaccine recipients leaked on Telegram Rishi Sunak, Akshata Murty's fortunes take a hit in new rich list analysis My daughter made her husband a PM: Rishi Sunak's mother-in-law Sudha Murty UK PM Rishi Sunak reads from biblical book at multi-faith Coronation UK PM Rishi Sunak's wife earned Rs 68 cr in dividend income from Infosys Niger junta's 3-year plan is a 'provocation,' says West African bloc Will strengthen grouping, says PM Modi as Brics adds 6 countries to group Argentina to Iran: Brics leaders agree to admit 6 countries as new members Trump to surrender at Georgia jail on charges to overturn 2020 election Pak court resumes hearing on Imran Khan's appeal in Toshakhana case

In his correspondence, the British Indian leader also noted that should such a scenario arise again, he acknowledges a duty to write to the committee after an appearance before a parliamentary appearance to correct the record.

"I accept and once again apologise that my letter to the Liaison Committee on 4 April 2023 was not sufficiently expansive, as it confused the language of registration and declaration," he said.

The issue had dominated the headlines in the wake of the Spring Budget in March, which included a pilot scheme of incentive payments of 600 pounds for childminders joining the profession, a sum that doubles to 1,200 pounds if they sign up through an agency.

Koru Kids was one of six childminder agencies in England listed on the government's website when the policy was announced, and Akshata Murty was listed as a shareholder in the most recently filed paperwork for the business on Companies House.

Asked at a Commons Liaison Committee hearing if he had any interest to declare when talking about how the policy was formed, Sunak said: "No, all my disclosures are declared in the normal way.
Also Read

PM Modi to attend 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg: Check details here

OnePlus 11 5G Marble Odyssey: You may need an invite code to buy this phone

BRICS Summit 2023: Will adding more bricks to a divided house help?

OPPO Reno10 Pro Plus 5G review: An imaging-centric phone full of surprises

Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus review: Spatial sound in minimal setup

Argentina to Iran: BRICS leaders agree to admit 6 countries as new members

Trump to surrender at Georgia jail on charges to overturn 2020 election

Pak court resumes hearing on Imran Khan's appeal in Toshakhana case

Moscow court extends arrest of jailed WSJ reporter Gershkovich: Report
NIQ, the global leader in consumer intelligence, today celebrates its 100th anniversary. Founded by Arthur C. Nielsen, Sr. in 1923, the company that created the concept of market share has evolved into the worlds leading authority on consumer buying behavior and actionable, data-driven insights  measuring more channels, consumers, and countries than any other provider.

Earlier this year, NIQ announced the successful completion of its strategic combination with GfK. With the leading consumer intelligence providers for FMCG, technology, and durables together, the global company is uniquely able to offer the Full View, the worlds most complete and clear view of consumer buying behavior. The combined company has over $4 billion in sales and over 30,000 clients covering more than 100 countries. This was just the latest development in decades of successful investments in coverage and technology innovation designed to prepare customers for the future via omnichannel coverage, business intelligence tools, and predictive analytics.

This is an exciting and transformative year for NIQ, as we celebrate our long history as an industry leader while advancing our vision to lead the next chapter in consumer intelligence, said Jim Peck, CEO of NIQ. We are so proud of how far we have come and confident in our position as the best and only choice for companies who understand how tremendously powerful omnichannel data and insights are in navigating an increasingly complex consumer landscape.

For the next 100 years and beyond, NIQ will continue to move measurement forward and uncover new pathways for growth by helping retailers and brands:

Track sales and share across brick-and-mortar, e-commerce, and omnichannel to identify trends and understand competitive and category performance.

Understand consumer and shopper behavior, demographics and loyalty through consumer panels and custom survey capabilities.

Maximize profitability, eliminate wasteful trade spend, and ensure the right price and promotion strategy with more granular data and precise recommendations.

Create sustainable growth by improving assortments and merchandizing.

Evaluate opportunities to increase sales and quantify the impact of potential outputs, media, and in-store actions based on geographies and demographics.

Create the best shopping experiences for consumers through personalization and digitization.

Maintain sales by quickly identifying out-of-stock risks and reducing supply chain disruptions.

Fuel growth and accelerate time-to-market by testing, refining, and reinventing product lines with highly predictive, market-tested consumer insights.



As we step into the next century, we are more committed than ever to leveraging cutting-edge technology to empower businesses with the insights they need to succeed  and I firmly believe that the best is yet to come, added Peck.

About NIQ

NIQ is the worlds leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insightsdelivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platformsNIQ delivers the Full View.

NIQ, is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the worlds population. For more information, visit NIQ.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824041435/en/
A hit-and-run driver who killed a married couple on New Years morning in Queens two years ago has been criminally charged, police said Thursday.

Anthony Martin was arrested Wednesday for criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident for the Jan. 1, 2021, crash on Rockaway Freeway near Ocean Crest Blvd. in Far Rockaway, cops said.

Thelma Reid, 60, and Donovan Gibbon, 57, were in a blue Nissan Rogue when Martins gray Dodge Ram T-boned them about 5 a.m., cops said.

Donovan Gibbon, left, and Thelma Reid died in a blistering New Years morning crash in Far Rockaway, Queens, on Jan. 1, 2021.

Both Reid, who was driving, and Gibbon, in the passenger seat, were pinned in the sedan. They were rushed to St. Johns Episcopal Hospital but couldnt be saved.

Martin, 37, managed to get out of the mangled wreck and bolt before first responders arrived, leaving his two passengers behind, police said.

A 37-year-old man riding in the truck suffered a head injury and was taken to Jamaica Hospital in stable condition. A 33-year-old male passenger also in the truck was taken into custody after arguing with investigators.

Investigators identified Martin as the driver early on but it took some time to prove that he was the man behind the wheel, police said. He lives in the Arverne area of the Rockaways, according to cops.

A judge ordered him held without bail during a brief arraignment in Queens Supreme Court Wednesday.

Anthony Martin was arrested Wednesday for criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene of a fatal accident for the Jan. 1, 2021, crash on the Rockaway Freeway near Ocean Crest Blvd. in Far Rockaway, cops said.

Gibbon and Reid, both from Jamaica, married in 2013 and worked at LSG Sky Chefs catering company at Kennedy Airport, Reids niece, Renee Vrightly, told the Daily News after the crash.

Even if she wasnt working, shed wait there for him and hed do the same. They really did love each other, Vrightly said. They were both hardworking immigrants. They were churchgoing people. They were always together. Everything they did was together.

The crash happened right near their home, she said.

I dont know how you can just leave the scene of an accident like that. I dont understand it, Vrightly said. We are a very big family, very close knit. (Theyre death) left a huge hole in our family.
A Bronx man stabbed in a dispute over drugs died from his wounds after a week in the hospital, cops said Thursday.

Camilo Pabon, 29, got into an argument with his killer near Southern Blvd. and East Tremont Ave. in Crotona about 3:20 a.m. Aug. 5, cops said.

The clash was over drugs, a police source said.

During the quarrel, the assailant pulled a knife and stabbed Pabon in the back and left arm.

Medics rushed Pabon to St. Barnabas Hospital, where he died on Aug. 12.

Pabon was about eight blocks from home when he was attacked, cops said. He had no arrest history in New York City.

His attacker ran off and has not been caught.
A 42-year-old man was killed by a teenager who hit him in the head with a rock near the Manhattan shoreline, knocking him into the Hudson River, and then continued to attack him, police said Thursday.

The victim got into an argument with his 19-year-old accused killer in the Hudson River Greenway park at W. 158th St. in Washington Heights about 5 p.m. Wednesday, cops said.

As the quarrel escalated, the victim was struck in the head with a rock and fell into the Hudson River. His attacker continued to attack him with rocks, police said, based on eyewitness accounts.

The victim was pulled from the river by an FDNY marine unit and rushed by medics to Mount Sinai Morningside but could not be saved. His name was not immediately released.

Miguel Cortez was arrested near the scene and charged with murder.

Cortez, who lives in the Bronx, has two prior arrests, in May for menacing and last September for misdemeanor assault, according to cops.

His arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court was pending Thursday.
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...
The murder trial of Bryan Kohberger, accused of killing four University of Idaho students in a grisly murder last year, has been postponed indefinitely.

The delay came about when the 28-year-old suspect waived his right to a speedy trial Wednesday, according to the Idaho Statesman. Kohberger had until Sept. 15 to make that decision. His capital murder hearing was slated to begin in October.

Kohberger was indicted in mid-May for breaking into a Moscow, Idaho home and fatally stabbing Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin. None of the victims were older than 21. Not guilty pleas was made on Kohbergers behalf a few days later.

The Goncalves family already expressed concern that their daughters alleged killer would drag out his hearing.

We are afraid he is going to waive his rights to a speedy trial. If he does, trial will not be starting on Oct 2nd and it is very likely that it wont take place for years, the victims family wrote on Facebook Wednesday morning. We want to get this trial over.

Theres no known motive for the slaughter that took place early Nov. 13, 2022, after the victims returned home from a night out. Kohberger, a former criminal justice graduate student at nearby Washington State University, appeared to have no relationship with the quartet.

He was arrested while visiting his family in Pennsylvania in December during a school break. Evidence against him is said to include DNA from a knife sheath found at the crime scene and trash outside his parents home.

If convicted, Kohberger could be put to death. He has spent the past eight months in the Latah County Jail under the county courthouse, the Idaho Statesman reports.
Netflix has released a teaser for its upcoming animated Adam Sandler film Leo.

The streamer has enjoyed a lot of success with its recent animated features such as The Monkey King, Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie, and Nimona, all of which debuted on the streamers global Top 10 list in their first weeks. At first glance, though, none of those have the wide appeal that Leo is likely to bring when it hits the platform on November 21.

Film details:
Aardman Animations Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget will world premiere at this years BFI London Film Festival on October 14, two months ahead of December 15 Netflix debut.

Directed by Sam Fell, Dawn of the Nugget is the long-awaited sequel to 2000s stop-motion hit Chicken Run. This is the second year in a row that Netflix will premiere an animated title at the London festival. Last year, Guillermo del Toros Pinocchio and My Fathers Dragon both debuted there.

Dawn of the Nugget is directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Sam Fell, who previously helmed ParaNorman and Flushed Away.

In a statement, the director said:

What an honor to world premiere our film on home turf at the London Film Festival this year. Dawn of the Nugget showcases the amazing talent and ingenuity of the crew at Aardman, backed by the enduring passion of the team at Netflix. Weve poured everything weve got into making this a treat for both die-hard fans and the new generation of families discovering Chicken Run for the first time.

BFI London Film Festival director Kristy Matheson added:

We are so excited to be sharing the magic and artistry of the Aardman studio and their favorite feathered friends with audiences this October with a film thats brimming with fun and has such enormous heart.

Netflixs synopsis reads:

Having pulled off a death-defying escape from Tweedys farm, Ginger has finally found her dream  a peaceful island sanctuary for the whole flock, far from the dangers of the human world. When she and Rocky hatch a little girl called Molly, Gingers happy ending seems complete. But back on the mainland, the whole of chicken-kind faces a new and terrible threat. For Ginger and her team, even if it means putting their hard-won freedom at risk  this time, theyre breaking in.

Dawn of the Nugget is written by Karey Kirkpatrick and executive produced by Nick Park, Peter Lord, and Carla Shelley. Its voice cast includes Thandiwe Newton, Zachary Levi, Bella Ramsey, Imelda Staunton, Lynn Ferguson, David Bradley, Jane Horrocks, Romesh Ranganathan, Daniel Mays, Josie Sedgwick-Davies, and Nick Mohammed.
John Warnock, co-founder of Adobe, a key figure in the development of the PDF format, and creator of Adobe Illustrator, died on Saturday, August 19, aged 82. His passing was confirmed by Adobe on Sunday.

Warnock co-founded Adobe in 1982 with the late Charles Geschke, a colleague from his time at Xerox. Together, the duo developed Adobe Postscript, a groundbreaking programming language that was used to create Adobe illustrator, the graphic design software which was foundational in the rise of desktop publishing. The work of Warnock, Geschke, and the team they put together at Adobe established the company as a computing powerhouse fundamental to the rise of the digital age.

Born and raised near Salt Lake City, Utah on October 6, 1940, Warnock seemed unlikely to play such an important role in the future of computing after failing mathematics as a freshman in high school.

In fact, a 2013 University of Utah profile of Warnock said his high school counselor told him that he had zero chance of being a successful engineer because he didnt have a head for math. However, a math teacher at the school was able to strike a chord with Warnock and inspired one of the most important minds of the computing era.

I had an amazing teacher in high school who, essentially, completely turned me around, Warnock said in the profile. He was really good at getting you to love mathematics, and thats when I got into it.

Warnock graduated high school with straight As and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics and philosophy, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in electrical engineering (computer science), and an honorary degree in science at the University of Utah. He also later received an honorary degree from the American Film Institute.

At the University of Utah, he invented the Warnock algorithm for his doctoral thesis. The algorithm renders complicated images by allowing simple scenes to be computed normally while more complicated scenes are divided into smaller parts which are tested for simplicity and either rendered or broken down into even smaller parts to be tested again. The process is then repeated until its finished.

Early in his career, Warnock held positions at Evans & Sutherland Computer Corporation, Computer Sciences Corporation, and IBM. Before co-founding Adobe, he worked as a principal scientist at Xeroxs Palo Alto Research Center, alongside Adobe co-founder Geschke.

In a video put out by Adobe in 2014 about the history of Adobe Illustrator, Warnock explained the motivation to develop the Postscript language and the Illustrator software.

I joined Xerox in 1978, and their goal was to make the office of the future. We had text editors, email, networks, and laser printers. What they didnt have was graphic engines that could make arbitrary graphics. They were computer scientists, and they were imagining what computer scientists wanted to do. They werent imagining what the world was trying to do from a creative point of view, and they were simply not making tools to address that community.

Warnocks wife Marva was a graphic designer, which provided Warnock with that other point of view.

After founding Adobe in 1982, Warnock served as CEO until 2000 and continued as chairman of the board, a position shared with Geschke, until 2017. Until his death, Warnock remained a member of the companys board of directors.

Warnocks career accolades include the National Medal of Technology and Innovation, presented by then-President Barack Obama; the Computer Entrepreneur Award from the IEEE Computer Society; the American Electronics Association Medal of Achievement; and the Marconi Prize for contributions to information science and communications.

The impact that Warnock and his colleagues have had on the world of animation is hard to overstate. Adobe is the publisher of software including Photoshop, Premiere, and After Effects, which are used in nearly every studio pipeline in the industry.

On the lasting impact of Adobes software, Warnock said:

The creativity is in the designer. The creativity is in the person who uses the tools. I think what weve been able to do is just release the creativity and allow them to think anything they want and be able to create it.

Johns brilliance and technology innovations changed the world, Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen said in a letter to Adobe employees. It is a sad day for the Adobe community and the industry for which he has been an inspiration for decades.

Warnock is survived by his wife and three children.
A retired police officer fatally shot three people and injured six others at a landmark California biker bar, an attack authorities suspect was intended to target his estranged wife.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office received reports of gunfire on Wednesday around 7 p.m. inside Cooks Corner in the Trabuco Canyon area of Orange County, according to the Orange County Sheriffs Department. The first deputies arrived on the scene within minutes of the first 911 call, and they were immediately confronted by an armed suspect.

The gunman was killed in the subsequent gunfire exchange and pronounced dead on the scene, police said. His name has not been released, but Cmdr. Mike Brown told reporters he worked at the Ventura Police Department from 1986 to 2014.

The Orange County aheriffs mobile command post uses the parking lot at Saddleback Church as as staging area in Lake Forest, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, after a fatal shooting at Cooks Corner in Trabuco Canyon.

Another three people were fatally struck in the gunfire while six others were rushed to the hospital, five of them with gunshot wounds, the sheriffs department posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. Two of them were in critical condition, Providence Mission Hospital, a trauma center in Mission Viejo, said in a statement.

None of the victims have been identified.

Authorities provided few other details about the bloodshed, though they did say a weapon was recovered at the scene.

A pair of law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times that the shooter was targeting his estranged wife during the attack. Its unknown whether he followed her to the bar, a longtime community staple where motorcyclists and biker enthusiasts for years have enjoyed drinks, live music, and open-mic nights.

Sgt. Frank Gonzalez, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriffs Office, speaks briefly to reporters Wednesday night, Aug. 23, 2023, in Lake Forest, Calif., after the shooting at Cooks Corner, a biker bar in Trabuco Canyon.

Its also not clear exactly how many people were present, but police said the place was packed with patrons enjoying the bars $8 Spaghetti Night when the shooting occurred. M Street  a five-piece Orange County rock band  was also scheduled to perform at the bar Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., according to the venues online calendar.

Police said they are still in the process of interviewing upwards of 30 to 40 witnesses.

Trabuco Canyon is a small community located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles.

With News Wire Services
Japanese art director and background painter Nizo Yamamoto died on August 19 of stomach cancer. He was 70.

Yamamoto was born in Goto City, Nagasaki Prefecture, in 1953. After studying architecture in high school, he attended art school in Tokyo and before graduating had already started working as a background artist for animated tv series.

Yamamotos first work as an art director came on the series Future Boy Conan. In 1979, he worked under Hayao Miyazaki as a background painter on the classic feature Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro.

That working relationship flourished, and over the years, his work appeared in other Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli films including Castle in the Sky, Spirited Away, and Princess Mononoke. Yamamoto was art director on many enduring non-Miyazaki films as well, such as The Girl Who Leapt Through Time, Little Nemo: Adventures in Slumberland, Perfect Blue, and Grave of the Fireflies.

In a 2017 interview with The Statesman, Yamamoto talked about working on Grave of the Fireflies:

As art director of Grave of the Fireflies, I visited Kobe to collect reference material together with writer Akiyuki Nosaka and director Isao Takahata. During the preparatory stages of the production, I had to paint the flames and smoke for the air raid scenes, including the colors and patterns of the sky. So I had to study those under the supervision of Takahata. I sometimes had to paint through tears, and often felt that I could not stand to paint all that. Nonetheless, I made a reconstruction of the rows of houses and nature, and landscapes of the era. When Nosaka saw the movie, he shouted out, This is what animation is all about!

Explaining the importance of background art in animation more generally, he said:

If a background is really good, its taken for granted viewers can ignore it and just immerse themselves in the world of the movie. If its bad, they cant help noticing it, and lose their concentration. When we remember the good times in our lives, we always remember the background as beautiful, even if we didnt pay much attention to it at the time. That is the kind of realistic beauty that I want to depict.

In 2010, Yamamoto began painting a series of landscapes of locations in and around his hometown of Goto City. Over the next 11 years, he painted 100 pieces which were collected and displayed as The Hundred Famous Views of Goto.

In a recent interview, Yamamoto explained that the project had been a dream of his for decades.

I left my hometown when I was 15, and when I returned to my hometown when I was 23, I visited with a classmate in an area called Taiho, which was very beautiful. I wanted to draw the coastlines, churches, and other places where the hearts of the people who live there are based, and I wanted to draw the culture and scenery of Goto.

In 2018, an art book of Yamamotos work titled Yamamoto Nizo Hyakkei (100 Views of Nizo Yamamoto) was published. The book is loaded with background art from films in which Yamamoto served as art director as well as tv series and video games to which he contributed. There are also personal pieces that Yamamoto painted while traveling across Japan.

An exhibition of Yamamotos work is currently on display at the Hamamatsu Municipal Museum of Art (Shizuoka Prefecture) and will run until September 10. More of his work is displayed year-round at the Nizo Yamamoto Museum in his hometown of Goto City.

Yamamoto is survived by his son Takao, who shared the news of his fathers death on social media. In the post, Takao said that Yamamoto continued working until just a few days before his death.
The burden of sepsis

Sepsis is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.1 While sepsis is often attributed to bacterial infections, sepsis may result from infections of any etiology, including viral infections such as COVID-19. Sepsis is a leading cause of hospitalization and hospital mortality,2 contributing to over a third of all hospital deaths.3,4 In the United States (U.S.), there are an estimated 1.7 million adult sepsis hospitalizations annually, of which 350,000 result in hospital death or discharge to hospice.5 Beyond being a major driver of hospital mortality, sepsis also contributes to incident disability.6 Patients who survive hospitalization for sepsis are at increased risk for negative health outcomes including the development of new morbidity, inability to return to work, hospital readmission, and death.7-9 Due to the burden of morbidity and mortality from sepsis, the World Health Organization recognized sepsis as a global health priority in 2017.10 Despite the burden of sepsis and importance of early treatment, community knowledge of sepsis remains low.11

Efforts to improve sepsis identification, management, and outcomes

There have been many initiatives to improve identification, management, and outcomes of sepsis over the past two decades. The Surviving Sepsis Campaign first published international guidelines for the management of sepsis in 2004,12 and has issued updates to these guidelines every four years.13 Dedicated pediatric guidelines were added in 2020.14,15 More recent updates to the guidelines have used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of the evidence and formulate recommendations using an evidence-to-decision framework that takes into account not only the magnitude of effect and quality of evidence, but also patient values, resources and cost, equity, acceptability, and feasibility.16-19 Large-scale quality improvement and state-based regulatory initiatives (e.g. New York State Department of Healths Rorys Regulations) focused on recognition and early management of sepsis have been associated with reductions in in-hospital mortality.20-24 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: Management Bundle (SEP-1) has further emphasized the importance of early sepsis management in U.S hospitals. Recently, there is growing interest in and use of clinical decision support to facilitate sepsis recognition and treatment,25,26 although more work is needed to improve the accuracy, usability, and clinical impact of clinical decision support for sepsis.25,27-31

The challenges of implementing sepsis care

Despite the availability of evidence-based guidelines for sepsis, success of several large-scale quality improvement initiatives, and growing interest in clinical decision support, there remains much work to ensuring optimal sepsis care in hospitals. Sepsis is a complex condition that requires care to be coordinated across multiple clinical care locations and disciplines, and to be tailored to specific infections and clinical presentations. Ethnographic studies demonstrate that the implementation of seemingly simple sepsis bundles involve[s] a complex trajectory comprising multiple interdependent tasks that require prioritization and scheduling, and which are prone to problems of coordination and operational failures.32 Five factors were identified as critical for improving the delivery of recommended sepsis practices: (1) healthcare staff knowing what to do and why, (2) healthcare staff understanding risks and benefits of treatments, (3) healthcare staff having strong team collaboration, (4) healthcare staff feeling empowered and supported, and (5) hospitals having adequate staffing.33 Beyond the challenges of coordinating multi-disciplinary care, the best practices for sepsis treatment continue to evolve. Many guideline statements are based on weak evidence, such that guidance may change as more evidence is accrued.16 Given this landscape, hospitals must have processes in place to implement recommended sepsis practices and also evolve practice over time in response to accruing evidence.

The Purpose of the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements

This document summarizes Core Elements of hospital sepsis programs, which are intended to monitor and optimize hospital management and outcomes of sepsis. It complements existing sepsis guidelines14,18,19,34,35 and helps facilitate implementation of guideline-recommended care practices that apply to a broad range of persons with sepsis, including adults, children, and people who are pregnant or post-partum. There is no single template for a hospital sepsis program. Rather, the complexity of medical decision-making in identification and management of sepsis, and the variability of sepsis epidemiology and patient populations served by hospitals in the U.S. require flexibility in the structure of hospital sepsis programs and the implementation of sepsis care. However, sepsis programs can be implemented effectively in a wide variety of hospitals and healthcare systems, and this guidance lays out key features of effective programs.36 The guidance is informed by expert knowledge, examination of peer-reviewed literature, and extrapolation from the features of effective quality improvement programs addressing sepsis and other conditions.
A sexual assault case involving a CIA officer trainee has sparked a movement among female agency employees, with at least two dozen already claiming instances of misconduct and suppression.

Officer trainee Ashkan Bayatpour was convicted Wednesday for an incident that took place in 2022, during which he attacked a colleague in a secluded stairwell, wrapped a scarf around her neck and tried to kiss her on the mouth.

The case was notable for the surprising way it displayed the CIAs covert inner-workings in a public courtroom, and has since led to a flood of women stepping forward to make new accusations.

In recent months, 24 women have shared other stories of abuse and sexual misconduct  from lewd remarks to an instance where a manager showed up at a subordinates house at night, holding a gun and demanding to have sex.

Many claim there is a concerted effort from superiors to intimidate victims from speaking out, with threats of how their stories could ruin their careers or jeopardize national security.

In the case of Bayatpour, the 39-year-old continued working in his position for over a year after the woman initially reported the attack to the agency, and nine months after she reported it to the FBI and local police.

There are harassers everywhere and bosses that try to cover them up, said Kristin Alden, a Washington lawyer representing some of the women who have filed complaints. But the whole nature of intelligence work  the culture of secrecy and people working under assumed names  really elevates the chilling effect of retaliation and isolation that victims feel.

District Court Judge Dipti Pidikiti-Smith found Bayatpour guilty during the Wednesday hearing, sentencing him to six months probation and ordering him to stay away from the victim.

His attorney has already appealed the ruling, and the CIA has not yet said whether Bayatpour will face internal discipline, as they are unable to confirm whether he is affiliated with the agency.

This guilty verdict came despite and not because of the CIA, said the victims attorney, Kevin Carroll.

The number of complaints of sexual misconduct and discrimination at the CIAs employment office have reportedly already doubled last years total, with 76 individual incidents and counting.

The number is starting to get the attention of Congress, with Virginia Sen. Mark Warner and Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who oversee the CIA, calling for an investigation into the agency and considering congressional hearings into the matter.

CIA Director William Burns also launched several reforms back in May, attempting to streamline the discipling process and replacing some of the senior leadership who was accused of discouraging women from making complaints.

With News Wire Services
Newly appointed board members chosen by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis were met with protest from employees of Walt Disney Worlds governing district over a decision to eliminate the workers free passes to Disney.

The removal of this benefit takes away, for some, their entire reason for working here, firefighter Pete Simon said.

Workers voiced their complaints during a monthly board meeting on Wednesday, with current and former firefighters echoing the integral role the passes played in their choice to work for the 56-year-old district.

The idea of losing the complimentary passes and other discounts angered many, who said that visits to the theme park would now become a significant financial burden.

Desantis appointees, who had recently taken control of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, submitted a complaint to the Inspector General on Monday, recommending the removal of the passes.

They argued that the passes and discounts for hotels and other goods at the resort, which total around $2.5 million worth of perks, were technically unethical and led to benefits for the company.

The passes were previously provided to all 400 employees who worked for the district and provided firefighting services, mosquito control, wastewater treatment, drainage and planning services to Disney World.

Disney and Desantis have been in conflict ever since the company publicly opposed what critics have dubbed his Dont Say Gay law.

Passed in March 2022, the law restricts teachers of kindergarten through third grade classrooms from covering material that touches on gender identity or sexual orientation.

In response, DeSantis has taken control of the district via legislation passed in the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature, which allows him to appoint supervisors to oversee municipal services for Disneys business ventures.

Disney has since filed a lawsuit against DeSantis in federal court, claiming the governor violated the companys free speech rights, with the district later filing a countersuit in state court.

With News Wire Services
Evan Gershkovich  the Wall Street Journal reporter detained in Russia on charges of espionage  has had his pre-trial detention extended for another three months, effectively keeping him behind bars until at least the end of November.

The 31-year-old journalist has been in custody since March 29, when he was arrested during a reporting trip in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg, about 800 miles away from the Moscow prison where hes currently being held. Hes accused of acting on the instructions of the American side, collect[ing] information constituting a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex, according to the Russias Federal Security Service.

Sporting jeans and a plain T-shirt, Gershkovich appeared in court on Thursday to hear the result of the prosecutions motion to extend his arrest. He also previously appeared in April and June for hearings to appeal his pre-trial detention, which had been approved through Aug. 30.

Under Russian law, prosecutors are required to request the pre-trial detention be continued every few months.

Gershkovich  who covers Russia, Ukraine and the former Soviet Union for the Wall Street Journal  his employer, and the U.S. government have all denied he was involved in spying.

Today, our colleague and distinguished journalist Evan Gershkovich appeared for a pre-trial hearing where his improper detention was extended yet again, the Wall Street Journal said in a statement. We are deeply disappointed he continues to be arbitrarily and wrongfully detained for doing his job as a journalist. The baseless accusations against him are categorically false, and we continue to push for his immediate release. Journalism is not a crime.

In wake of his arrest, State department officials said the U.S. determined the journalist had been wrongfully detained.

In June, the House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution calling for the immediate release of Gershkovich and Paul Whelan, an ex-Marine also being held in Russia on charges of espionage.

With News Wire Services
As part of the Urban League of Greater Chattanoogas celebration of National Black Business Month, the organization will host its eighth annual Entrepreneur Power Luncheon on Thursday, Aug. 31 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Westin Hotel. TVA will serve as this years presenting sponsor.Candice Matthews Brackeen will serve as the events keynote speaker. She is a general partner of venture capital fund Lightship Capital, where she finds and supports high-achieving and minority-led companies in underserved ecosystems.While we support black and minority-owned businesses all throughout the year, it is important to set aside time to connect and reflect on the progress that our entrepreneurs have made to start and grow their businesses, while also facing challenges in doing so, said Lya Kimbrough, senior director of operations and client engagement for ULGC.The luncheon serves as the primary fundraiser for ULGCs Center for Economic and Black Business Success, one of three empowerment centers at the Urban League."The CEBBS, formally the entrepreneurship center, aims to provide a culturally responsive ecosystem of support for African American and other minority-owned businesses to accelerate growth, and expand networks, access and knowledge for business success," officials said.This luncheon has grown to become a premier gathering in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, where business leaders, innovators and community champions come together to celebrate achievements, foster connections, and gain valuable insights into the entrepreneurial journey. This year's event promises to be empowering and impactful, and it would not be possible without the numerous sponsors who help make this celebration a success, said Candy Johnson, president and CEO of ULGC.General admission tickets are $75 and can be purchased here . Friday, August 25, is the last day to reserve a table sponsorship.For more information about the event, contact Ms. Kimbrough at lkimbrough@ulchatt.net.
Fire Chief Todd Pangle has been named as Dalton's new assistant city administrator. Mr. Pangle's selection follows an interview process in which both internal and external candidates were considered for the role.Mr. Pangle will work with City Administrator Andrew Parker to serve as the primary liaison to certain City departments, authorities and commissions, as well as overseeing a set of special projects. Mr. Pangle's first day in his new role at City Hall will be next Monday.The Dalton Public Safety Commission will meet to name an interim chief for the Dalton Fire Department, but a date for a called meeting has not yet been finalized."Mr.Pangle has developed the ideal skillset for serving in this position following 17 years of supervisory roles within the Fire Department," Mr. Parker said in announcing Mr. Pangle's promotion. "Since earning the rank of chief in 2017, Mr. Pangle has provided exceptional executive leadership further establishing Dalton Fire Department as one of the most highly respected fire service agencies in the State of Georgia, due to advanced training programs, credentialing achievements and staff development initiatives. I believe Mr. Pangle will bring these same attributes to local government management within the City in its ongoing efforts to continue building Georgias premier city to live, work, and play.""I think that since he is already a department head and knows the city as well as anybody does, and I think that his personality and Andrews mesh wonderfully, so I think hes perfect for the job," said Mayor David Pennington.Mr. Pangle has been a member of the Dalton Fire Department since the summer of 1997, rising through the ranks to become deputy chief in 2015 and then earning promotion to fire chief in March 2017."Ive been fire chief now over six years and Ive been able to see our department advance and to do good things and improve where we needed to improve," Mr. Pangle said. "With the opportunity to move into this role and still be engaged with the fire department, but also the police department in a different role, you know its an exciting opportunity for me to be able to still be engaged with what I do, but also to have the opportunity to have an impact in other areas of the City."The City has good things going for it right now and all of our department heads work so well together its just a perfect scenario for me to be able to make this transition," Mr. Pangle continued. "Im so excited because its not like Im going into something where I dont know the situation. I work well with all of the people over at City Hall already, so it just seems to fit and it just adds to the excitement of new responsibilities.""(Todd) has spent his life and 26-year career in Dalton and Whitfield County, and has shown unending dedication to the betterment of the fire department and City," Mr. Parker said. "For those reasons and more, the City of Dalton will be positioned for a bright future for many years to come."
Grant, Konvalinka & Harrison, PC announces David C. Higney has received inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America."Once again, David is being recognized by his peers in two practice-area categories: Environmental Law and Energy Regulatory Law," officials said.Mr. Higney is a Member of Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C., a 28-attorney firm based in Chattanooga, where he previously served as managing director. He earned his undergraduate business degree, with honors, from UT-Chattanooga, and then obtained his law degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville."For more than 40 years, the rigorous methodology of Best Lawyers has ensured the integrity and esteem of our legal recognitions," said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer."It is with great pleasure that we continue to provide potential clients with the pinnacle measurement of credibility through our Best Lawyers awards as they search for counsel."
Middle Valley Church of God, 1703 Thrasher Pike in Hixson, announces that Pastor Mitch McClure will be preaching on the topic "More Than Enough" this Sunday in the 10:30 a.m. service. The sermon will be titled, "Exceedingly, Abundantly Should Be Enough."Each Sunday at 5:30 p.m. the church conducts a Prayer Meeting. The Prayer Meeting is open to all who wish to participate.Craig Paul will be leading an interactive Bible study each Wednesday at 7 p.m.All services will be held in the church auditorium.All are welcome.If you have questions, contact the church office at 423-843-1539.
What happens when a Chattanooga media legend offers his name and reputation for a roast to benefit a 44-year-old non-profit that serves at risk adults and students? An evening of merriment, memories, and meaning is absolutely guaranteed, said Joe Smith of the upcoming Hey Earl Roast.

The dinner roast is a fundraising event set for the Chattanooga Convention Center on Sept. 12 at 6 p.m. benefiting the areas ministry that serves justice-involved men and women as well as at risk students in a structured mentorship program that assists in reducing recidivism for adults and services targeted to at-risk students to address behavioral and academic issues, the Prison Prevention Ministry and INZone Students.

Mr. Smith, executive director of the ministry founded in 1979 by a group of Chattanooga businessmen and successor to Roger Ingvalson, the director, welcomes all to join in the evening for the guaranteed laughter that serves a critical cause.

Tickets and tables are available, but going fast, noted Mr. Smith, founder of the successful Y-CAP early intervention program and leader at PPM/INZone. The work that serves individuals in their efforts to have a fresh start has proven effective and needed. Every penny goes to the operations that serve adults and kids to equip them for opportunities rather than a dead end of dependency and trouble.

The menu will feature as its main course, the roast of Hey Earl Tennessee Hall of Fame recipient, WAPO, WDOD, WDEF, WDYN and WDEF and American Forces Network, Frankfurt.

Mr. Freudenberg, often saluted by, Hey, Earl, is a larger-than-life broadcaster with a storied life thats characterized as a walking encyclopedia of Chattanooga area news, history, and relationships. His awards include the Freedoms Foundation Appreciation Award, the Tennessee Associated Press Broadcaster of the Year, and the Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award.

Good causes benefit from good fun, quipped Mr. Freudenberg. Lending my name for an evening with dear friends to stroll down memory lane is a perfect combination that promises to entertain and provide resources for a wonderful ministry.

LocalNews3 anchor, David Carroll, will serve as the emcee with roasters set to bring the heat and the humor.

Tickets, tables, and program advertisements are options for the evening and available online.

Because of an amazing anonymous donor, contributions will be matched when given by Sept. 12, announced Mr. Smith. Participants in the dinner will assist in this one-time opportunity, but any who are unable to attend are asked to make their investment now. The generosity of Earl Freudenberg and the entire community is so appreciated to play an incredible role in touching the lives of students, women, and men standing at a moment of being changed in the hope of Jesus Christ.
The manager of Westin Hotel at 801 Pine St. told police one of his employees found a Glock 45 9mm, wrapped inside a plastic bag inside of the ice machine on the 10th floor. The Glock was found to be loaded with an extended magazine, 9mm x23. Police found the firearm was stolen out of East Ridge and it was taken out of NCIC. Police transported the stolen firearm, magazine, and ammo to the Chattanooga Property Division. The owner of the stolen firearm was informed to contact the Chattanooga Property Division to retrieve his gun.

* * *

Police were called to Veterans Way where a woman said she and her boyfriend got into an argument that grew heated. She called police but he left before police arrived.

* * *

While on patrol, an officer saw a man sitting on the back porch/loading dock area of 5114 Hixson Pike, an address that had specifically requested officers to trespass anyone on their premises after closing. The officer spoke with the man who said he was just resting. The officer told him that the business had requested no one be on their property unless engaged in their business. He agreed to leave without issue.

* * *

Police were called to W. 47th Street where a man and woman were in a verbal altercation over car keys. Officers split them up to avoid further conflict. The woman then gave the man the keys to his car and he left.

* * *

An anonymous caller reported a black male sitting by the door of Christian Brothers Automotive at 5595 Hixson Pike. The caller stated that the man told him he needed to be picked up by the police. Upon arrival, an officer spoke with the man who identified himself at the front door of the business. He said he wanted a ride to the hospital, but when the officer asked him what his emergent medical complaint was, he told police to make one up for him. The officer told the man they would not be lying to EMS for him, and he needed to leave the property. He agreed to do so and left without issue.

* * *

A woman called police and reported two homeless people were sleeping in front of her medical business at 5109 Brainerd Road. Police spoke with the man and woman and told them to pack up and vacate the premises and that they were trespassed by the property owner. They left without incident.

* * *

The owner of a store at 5210 Brainerd Road told police a man came in and stole a vaping cigarette. Police detained the man and brought him into the store where he was checked for warrants. The owner said he didnt want to prosecute but wanted the man criminally trespassed from his property. Police explained to the man if he returned to the property he would be arrested.

* * *

A man on Montview Drive told police his pop-up camper had been stolen sometime in June. He said the camper had heavy hail damage on the top. The camper was entered into NCIC.

* * *

A woman told police she wanted to report a potential credit card scam. She performs home inspections as a profession around the state of Tennessee. She was contacted by email in reference to a home inspection being performed on Hamill Road. The suspect(s) asked if they could send funds, approximately $5,025, via credit card to her account so that she could send the funds to another account. The woman asked police if she should continue communication with this fraudulent email in an attempt to catch the suspect(s). Police asked the woman to stop all communication with the fraudulent email address and that it probably originates overseas. At this time there has been no monetary loss of any kind, the woman only inquired about the matter.

* * *

A man on Wilcox Boulevard escorted an officer around the property and saw three vehicles that were apparently vandalized by decorative river rocks that were on scene. The vehicles damaged were a Mercury Montego, Toyota Tacoma and Kia Sorrento. At this time there is no victim to associate with the vehicles to report a true vandalism but this report will be documentation in the event they do wish to report in the future.

* * *

A man on Passenger Street told police someone stole his laundry basket. The man said the basket was dark navy blue and was last seen around noon.

* * *

The general manager of DoubleTree at 2232 Center St. wanted a man trespassed. Police spoke with the man and told him he was trespassed. He left the premises.

* * *

An officer was sitting at 7703 Lee Hwy and saw a gold Honda Accord drive north on Lee Highway. The driver had his hat turned in the direction where the officer was so that his face was hidden. Approximately three minutes later that same vehicle passed the officer again, with the driver's hat again turned toward the officer so that the driver's face was hidden. The officer noticed this suspicious behavior, got behind the Honda and initiated a traffic stop at 3700 Jenkins Road for expired tags. As the officer was approaching the driver door, the driver rolled his window up to the point a small crack was still open. The officer opened the driver door and instructed the man to step out. Based off the drivers behavior, the officer detained him. The officer ran the man through NCIC and he had a valid license. He was extremely argumentative and appeared to be hostile to police. As the officer was taking the man out of cuffs, the man said the officer was being rough. The officer noted that zero force was used.

* * *

A man told police he was driving by an address on 13th Avenue and a white male who lives there (and was supposedly named Steve Petty) came out at the exact time he drove by, holding a gun and called the man several names. He knew the man from his brother having run-ins with him. The man lives with his mother. He said this is an ongoing issue with this man. When asked why the man continues to go out of his way to drive by this 13th Avenue address, he became offended by the question and could not give a reasonable answer. The officer noted that they have dealt with the man several times over the course of their career with CPD and he is known to call in outlandish incidents that are later found out not to be true. The officer went to the address on 13th Avenue in an attempt to speak to Steve Petty. The officer spoke to a man at the residence that showed his I.D. and said he didnt know any one by the name Steve Petty and that he has lived there for several years.

* * *

A man on Edith Lane told police he had been out of town for work in Alabama. While he was out of town his wife used all the money in his account so he was unable to book more days at the hotel. The man went home to confront her because she was not answering the phone nor moving money back over to the account. They got into an argument and his wife said he needed to get out or she would call people to get him out. The man said in the past police have been out there and never heard his side of the story and took him to jail. He is calling ahead of time because she was making statements of calling police to get him out of the house. He said he didnt touch her or do anything besides have a verbal disorder.

* * *

Police spoke with the owner of one of the apartment complexes on 15th Avenue. The man said he wanted to make a report of people other than his tenants dumping garbage in the trash bin that he supplies for his tenants. The man said he's been trying to contact the owners of the other property located on the street but has been unsuccessful in doing so. He told police he will continue to try and contact the owner(s) and will put cameras on his property.

* * *

A woman on Chateau Lane told police she was upset over the constant noise coming from the apartments around her, especially the one above. She provided police with two names of the tenants that live there. Because there was no noise while police were there, contact was not made. A report was created for the womans file if needed down the road for the office.

* * *

Police found an unoccupied gray Oldsmobile in the 1800 block of Cleveland Avenue. While running the vehicle's information, the registered owner arrived and reported his daughter had the car and she had car trouble. He was able to get the vehicle started and move it from the roadway.

* * *

An employee at 1905 Gunbarrel Road told police a man had stolen beer and left with two others in a black Audi. The suspect was a black male in his thirties wearing a black shirt with yellow on the front and had dreads that he had in a bun.

* * *

A woman called police and said three hours earlier a truck was turning and clipped her vehicle under the overpass at Belvoir Avenue and S. Terrace. The officer asked the woman why she didnt call police to report the hit and run when it occurred and she said she had an errand to run.
Jackie Shields, age 83, of Evans, Georgia went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 25, 2023, to be with his wife, Sheilah Allene (Moore) Shields, who passed away on December 5, 2010. They were married for 50 years of bliss.

Mr. Shields was born in Chattanooga, and was a 1959 graduate from Central High School. He later attended Chattanooga State. He worked as a Power Operator Training Center instructor. He was baptized at Woodland Park Baptist Church, and last attended Wesley United Methodist Church. He served our country in the United States Air Force. He was a member of the Hixson Chapter 310 OES, and served as worthy Patron in the lodge. He was chairman of International Temple Funds for a brand new chapter in Tennessee. He was also a Master Mason at Hixson Masonic Lodge #727 F&AM.

Mr. Shields started off his career with Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) as an Instrumentation Mechanic at Allen Steam Plant, located in Tennessee. He loved his job at TVA as a certified instructor in power plant training under Joe Johnson in Soddy-Daisy, TN. In 1989 he completed 19 yrs as a level 3 manager in power operations center technical control. He was better known as the BAT. He took a job with SRS as an electrical instructor. He retired after 15 years from SRS under Brian Givens. The site of retirement was Washington, Savannah. He was certified at Westinghouse as a qualified instructor for the electrical instrumentation program under his supervisor, Bob Andy and he also worked for Bob Patterson.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Johnny Shields; sisters, Nola, Edith, Mary Sue, Frankie and Betty; mother, Minnie D Shields, and father, John I Shields of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Survivors are his children, Angela Marie Hamill and Eugene Shields, grandchildren, his namesake, Jackelyn Michelle, Kaili Carissa and Clinton Bailey and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, in Chattanooga Memorial Park with Bro. James Eggert officiating.

Arrangements are by Legacy Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8911 Dallas Hollow Road, Soddy Daisy, Tn., 423 843-2525. Share your memories at legacyfuneralhome.com.
United States Attorney Francis M. Hamilton III announced the appointment of Assistant District Attorney Charles Minor to serve as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Attorneys Office in Chattanooga.

The appointment is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Attorneys Office and the Hamilton County District Attorneys Office.

Due to the extraordinary proliferation of crimes against children originating on the internet, we have joined efforts with District Attorney Coty Wamp to fight crimes against children by a adding a specially appointed federal prosecutor to work these types of cases, said U.S. Attorney Hamilton. As a SAUSA, ADA Minor will work with the districts Project Safe Childhood program and other Assistant U.S. Attorneys to improve the programs effectiveness. We are grateful that District Attorney Wamp is willing to share her talent with our office to combat dangerous predators who relentlessly use the internet to exploit the most vulnerable members of our community.

"ADA Minor has developed a great working relationship with federal agents and task force officers over the years, and his record shows he is dedicated to ending the exploitation of children.

When my office realized there was a way in which we could partner with the U.S. Attorneys Office and federal agencies to ensure prosecution for offenders who prey on children, we knew it was something we wanted to be involved in, said District Attorney Coty Wamp. ADA Minor stepped up and has made these cases a priority. We are very proud of this partnership.

Charles Minor has worked as an assistant district attorney for Hamilton County since 2006, where he has focused on prosecuting child abuse and child exploitation cases, homicide, violent crimes, and drug cases. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and a Juris Doctorate from the Northeastern University in Boston.
Maui County is suing Hawaiian Electric for allegedly causing the deadly wildfires that ravaged the island earlier this month.

The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, accuses the company of acting negligently by not powering down their equipment after the National Weather Service issued a red flag warning on Aug. 7.

The suit blames Hawaiian Electric for causing the wildfires after its power lines were downed by high winds and ignited the dry grass and brush in historic town of Lahaina.

A general view shows the aftermath of a wildfire in Lahaina, Hawaii, Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. During the deadliest U.S. wildfire in more than a century, a developer of land around a threatened Maui community urgently asked state officials for permission to divert stream water to help fight the growing inferno.

At least 115 people were killed and thousands were displaced by the catastrophic wildfires, which spread quickly and left officials and residents with precious little time to prepare or escape.

They have since become the deadliest wildfires in the United States in over a century. The death toll is expected to rise as the FBI confirmed that between 1,000 and 1,100 remain unaccounted for more than two weeks after the blaze ripped through the city.

Maui County stands alongside the people and communities of Lahaina and Kula to recover public resource damages and rebuild after these devastating utility-caused fires. These damages include losses to public infrastructure, fire response costs, losses to revenues, increased costs, environmental damages, and losses of historical or cultural landmarks, the county said in a statement.

Victims of the wildfires have also sued Hawaiian Electric.

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez has said last week that her office will conduct a comprehensive review of decision-making and standing policies before and during the wildfires, but the investigation is not considered a criminal probe.
Meghan Markle has been steering clear of the United Kingdom as much as possible, and that seems to remain the case with this next trip; Harry will visit the UK for a charity event while Meghan remains at home.

Prince Harry is set to make a trip to the United Kingdom  and once again, Meghan Markle will not join him. Harry is reportedly returning to the UK for a charity event, which will take place before Harry and Meghan are set to travel to Germany for the Invictus Games, and Meghan will reportedly remain back in California until its time for her to head to Germany.

There are rumors that Harry is planning a post-Germany trip to London as well, though Meghan is also rumored not to join him on that trip, either.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Matt Dunham/WPA Pool/Getty Images

Prince Harry will take another solo trip to the UK while Meghan Markle stays home

It seems Meghan tries to avoid the UK as much as she can. Harry is slated to attend a charity event hosted by WellChild, an organization that works with sick children, in early September. The event also happens to perfectly coincide with Queen Elizabeths first death anniversary, which takes place the day after the charitable event. However, Harry and Meghan seemingly have no plans to memorialize the queen alongside the royal family (there is no official memorial taking place, either) given that Meghan will not be flying with her husband, according to Express.

Meghan has attended WellChild events in the past, though it seems she does her best to avoid returning to the UK. The duchess will remain home with the couples two children. Harry will likely make a quick trip to the UK before returning home; then, the two will head to Europe together later in the month for the Invictus Games. Harry did not attend the WellChild event last year due to the queens death.

Its unlikely that Harry will see the royals while hes in the UK, unless it were strictly to attend some sort of event to remember the queen. Harry and his grandmother remained close through the years despite the ongoing tensions with the rest of the royals.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle | Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Prince Harry is rumored to meet up with King Charles after the Invictus Games

Its hard to know if the rumors are true, but some royal insiders claim that Harry and Charles are gearing up for a quick meetup once Harry is done in Germany next month. Though there isnt much known about the encounter (including whether its even true), Meghan reportedly would not attend that event, either. It would be strictly a meetup for Charles and Harry, though William could certainly pop in.

Meghan has done her best to keep her distance from the family entirely, though she did return to the UK twice in 2022  but only to celebrate the queen. Meghan attended the queens Platinum Jubilee as well as her funeral later that year, but Meghan did not fly across the pond to honor King Charles at his coronation ceremony. The relationship between Meghan and the royals has remained incredibly rocky, and it seems neither side has made much effort to reach out and repair things. Harry might be the only one with a chance to make anything better.
Deborah Gist, the Tulsa Public Schools superintendent since 2015, announced that she would be leaving Sept. 15. Her departure comes amid state-level concerns about district test performance and financial management matters. The Cherokee Nations principal chief praised Gists courage in the face of unprecedented and unjustified political attacks on the largest school system in our state.
You have permission to edit this article.

Edit Close
Welcome back, Viral Jesus family! During our summer break, many of you asked if we could do more episodes on the subject of mental health. And we wasted no time in giving you exactly what you wanted. Were kicking off Season 4 with TikTok's favorite trauma therapist, Kobe Campbell. Kobe joins Heather for an incredibly thoughtful and wise conversation about the intersections of faith, social media, and mental health.

Heather also asks Kobe for her thoughts on the rise of TikTok therapy. Has social media created an oversimplification of therapy terminology? Has this generation become too comfortable with invoking high-level language and concepts that they dont fully understand? And are these trends helping or hurting us? You will find this conversation incredibly insightful, and we hope it also leaves you feeling hopeful about boldly facing any trauma youve endured.

An Important Warning: Heather and Kobes discussion of mental health and trauma includes the mention of a suicide attempt.

Also in todays episode, Heather introduces a new segment called Safe Space. In each installment, she will be joined by her best friend and co-blogger Scarlett Longstreet to discuss social media, popular culture, and other interesting topics. Heather and Scarlett are very different. They dont share the same religion or background, but as BFFs theyve done a good job of creating a safe space for both meaningful and casual conversation.

Guest Bio

Kobe Campbell is a Charlotte, NC-based, Ghanaian American and an award-winning licensed trauma therapist, bestselling author, and transformative leader. She holds a masters degree in Christian Counseling from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Kobe uses TikTok to create posts (that often go viral) about teaching people real-life applications for her clinical study. Her latest book is Why Am I Like This? How to Break Cycles, Heal from Trauma, and Restore Your Faith.

Additional Links

You can sign up for Heathers encouraging email that goes out every Friday night at 7pm EST at www.heatherthompsonday.com/links

Host Bio

Heather Thompson Day is an associate professor of communication at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She is the author of eight books, including Ill See You Tomorrow and Its Not Your Turn. Reach out to Heather on Twitter @HeatherTDay and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Producer: Loren Joseph

Associate Producer: Azurae Phelps

Mix Engineer: Alex Carter

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper
Bank of America closes accounts tied to Christian outreach ministry Debt collection services, not religious beliefs, fueled decision, bank says

Did Bank of America discriminate against a Tennessee ministry over its Christian views or was it simply a business matter?

Steve Happ, board member and founder of Indigenous Advance, a Memphis-based charity that, along with Indigenous Advance Customer Center LLC, has partnered with and served indigenous people in Uganda since 2015 to provide basic needs and share the Gospel.

Despite holding deposit and credit card accounts with Bank of America since its inception, Indigenous Advance received a series of letters in April in which the bank announced it was closing the groups accounts within 30 days.

According to the nonprofit legal group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF), the only explanation provided in the letters was that "upon review of [the] account(s) we have determined you're operating in a business type we have chosen not to service at Bank of America."

The groups deposit account had over $270,000, according to ADF. A partner entity, Indigenous Advance Customer Center, LLC, and a church operating at the group's address, Servants of Christ Community dba University House of Prayer (UHOP), received similar letters closing their accounts.

Happ said after experiencing shock and confusion upon receiving one of the letters that referenced Indigenous Advances business type, he reached out multiple times to Bank of America.

I asked them, What type of business do you think we are? and they wouldnt answer me, he told The Christian Post via phone Wednesday. They said, Im sorry, we cannot give you that information.

Far from being simply an inconvenience, Happ said Bank of Americas actions significantly disrupted the groups outreach and impact.

When they closed the accounts, it meant that people who are dependent on us couldn't eat, he said. To us, its not that big of a deal if your paycheck is delayed for a day or two, but for Ugandans, they live day to day, trying to find where theyre going to find their next meal.

Happ said due to the banks actions, Indigenous Advance couldnt pay its employees or provide their ministry partners with donations until Hap returned to the States to sort out the issue.

In a statement shared with CP, a spokesperson for Bank of America said, religious beliefs are not a factor in any account-closing decision, but rather it was debt collection services provided by Indigenous Advances customer center that led to the account closures.

The statement added: 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.

After a complaint was filed with the Tennessee attorney generals office, its still unclear whether the state will open an investigation, but regardless of the outcome, ADF Senior Counsel and Senior Vice President for Corporate Engagement, Jeremy Tedesco, said Bank of America and other large banks are leveraging their own risk tolerance policies in order to box out disfavored but legal business operations.

The practice, said Tedesco, started during the Obama administration under Operation Chokepoint, which sought to eliminate fraud in the U.S. banking system but was criticized by Republicans and other industry advocates before it was shut down in 2017 under the Trump DOJ.

Tedesco said Operation Chokepoint used reputational risk as a tool to get the federal regulators to push banks to push certain industries out of banking privileges and access to services and may have opened the door to further de-bank Christians, conservatives and other aligned groups which hold certain views the progressive Left doesnt like.

So now its reputationally risky to serve Christian or other organizations that the Left disagrees with, he added.

He pointed to a separate incident last year where Chase Bank abruptly closed the bank account of the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), a faith-based nonprofit organization led by Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador-At-Large for Religious Freedom.

This is exactly what happened with JP Morgan Chase, Samuel Brownback, and the same storys playing out here with Indigenous Advance, Tedesco said.
I love my country: Natalie Grant shares why she sang national anthem at Republican debate

Award-winning Christian artist Natalie Grant put her patriotism on display during a passionate performance at the first Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday.

Grant said she is more interested in bringing people together as Americans regardless of their politics.

"I'm patriotic. I like to keep politics to those who know how to do that best," she shared in an interview on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday morning before her performance. "I love my country, I love my anthem, and it's just an honor."

In times past, Grant revealed that she has performed at Democratic Party events as well.

"This isn't about endorsing a candidate or a party," she clarified, as reported by The Christian Beat. "I simply love this country, and I love what our anthem represents."

"At a time when public faith in our democracy is low, I'm excited to be a part of the democratic process by doing what I do best  and that's performing," the Nashville resident added. "I've had the distinct privilege of singing at events for both Republicans and Democrats in the past, and this is no different. It's a privilege."

Grant gave a signature soulful rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" before the eight Republican presidential hopefuls and the crowd gathered at the Fiserv Forum.

She told "Fox & Friends" that the anthem is one of the "hardest songs" she's ever sung because of the pressure to get it right.

The nine-time Grammy nominee is gearing up for the release of a new album in October titled Seasons. She wishes to pay homage to all of her favorite worship songs and hymns throughout the years. The album features duets with Dolly Parton, Mary Mary and Tauren Wells.

Grant explained that she wanted to use her interview on "Fox & Friends" as an opportunity "to shine for the glory of God." She said that Jesus has always been the center of her music, and this album will be no different.
An intentional explosion brought down a Wagner Group jet said to be carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin and his top lieutenant, according to U.S. intelligence reports.

Preliminary investigations suggested a surface-to-air missile or a bomb on board destroyed the plane carrying Prigozhin and several other leaders of the mercenary organization from Moscow to St. Petersburg on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

Yevgeny Prigozhin speaks in a video he released on May 5.

Two months earlier, Prigozhins Wagner Group rebelled against Vladimir Putin and threatened to march on Moscow. Putin and Prigozhin cut a deal in which Prigozhin stopped his assault in exchange for freedom in the allied nation of Belarus. But few felt Putin would truly let him go.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, President Biden said following the crash. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

A body bag is carried away from wreckage of a plane that carried Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Ten people were on board the private Embraer jet when it plummeted to the ground on Wednesday. In addition to Prigozhin, the manifest included Dmitriy Utkin, Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, Valeriy Chekalov and Nikolay Matuseev. The three-person crew was made up of Cmdr. Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova.

Utkin was Prigozhins second-in-command and head military tactician. Chekalov was the groups logistics planner, and Makaryan was known for fighting with Wagner in Syria. He was wounded in a U.S. airstrike.

One wing of the private jet is seen on the ground near the village of Kuzhenkino in Russia on Thursday.

The decision to put so many senior-level people on one plane was a poor decision, said Lou Osborn, an author working on a book about Wagner Group.

Investigations into the crash remained in their early stages Thursday. Videos shared in a well-known Wagner Group channel on Telegram showed the plane plunging from the sky from a cloud of smoke.

A member of the Wagner Group pays respects to Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin.

Prigozhins revolt was the biggest challenge to Putins rule since he took control of Russia in 2000. Amid the chaos, he promised that leaders and supporters of the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment.

It is no coincidence that the whole world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced ex-confidant of Putin suddenly falls from the sky, two months after he attempted an uprising, said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

With News Wire Services
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.
Pastor, over 20 Christians assaulted during evangelism event in Uganda

NAIROBI, Kenya  Hardline Muslims at an open-air evangelistic event in eastern Uganda on Aug. 11 assaulted a preacher and more than 20 other Christians for his teaching about Christs divinity, sources said.

Robert Faisali Miya, a 34-year-old father of four, was also struck with a thorny object and stomped on during the event in Busolwe, 236 kilometers (147 miles) northeast of Kampala, an eyewitness said.

On the third day of a five-day event planned by an undisclosed church from another town, Miya cited passages from the Quran as examples that acknowledge the uniqueness of Christ, and said the Bible affirms His uniqueness as the Son of God who grants forgiveness by virtue of His death and resurrection.

Muslims began chanting the jihadist slogan, Allah Akbar [God is greater], and a Muslim leader known in the area to be a hardline sheikh, Hiisa Mubaraka, rushed to the podium and pulled the evangelist down, said the eyewitness.

Others were saying that Allah has granted to them authority to kill all infidels, the source told Morning Star News. Another Muslim sprayed what looked like acid, while another hit him with a thorny object and stepped on the evangelists back and the stomach.

The sheikh continued shouting loudly that infidels could not be allowed to influence area Muslims, said the source, whose identity is withheld for security reasons.

We cannot allow you to preach in this town or come and mislead our people here, Mubaraka said, according to the eyewitness. We are going to fight in the cause of Allah to kill all of you.

He also told the approximately 20 Muslims in attendance to destroy church properties, the source said.

Christians who tried to rescue the evangelist were injured as Muslims beat them and Miya with walking sticks, while other Muslims damaged the podium, loudspeakers, microphones, public address system and keyboard, the source said.

The Christians eventually overpowered the Muslim assailants, who retreated to a nearby mosque as the event organizers rushed the evangelist to a nearby clinic, he said.

Miya, recovering at home but still in much pain, told Morning Star News that the suffering was worth the Gospel opportunity.

More than 20 Christians were injured on their heads, while others had broken hands, Miya said. Though our meeting with the Muslims failed, the Muslims heard the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Miya, whose children range in age from 3 to 13 years, left Islam to put his faith in Christ in February 2010.

The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented.

Ugandas Constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country.
Ohio Right to Life staffer says she was fired for refusing to 'bend the knee to political correctness'

A recently ousted Ohio Right to Life staffer says she was terminated for refusing to "bend the knee to political correctness" as her former employer insists that a Christian statement of faith she posted on social media that received pushback from a Republican Congressman had nothing to do with her departure.

In an op-ed published by The Blaze Monday, former Ohio Right to Life Communications Director Elizabeth Marbach maintained that she was fired last week because she "refused to be muzzled and bend the knee to political correctness, which my employer saw as a threat to the organization's ability to remain influential with those in political power and with moderate voters."

The controversy began when Rep. Max Miller, R-Ohio, took issue with Ohio Right to Life Communications Director Lizzie Marbach's Aug. 15 post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, declaring that "There's no hope for any of us outside of having faith in Jesus Christ alone." That same day, Miller, who is Jewish, called Marbach's tweet "one of the most bigoted tweets I have ever seen."

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. https://t.co/QCx8oAT1Kr  Max Miller (@MaxMillerOH) August 15, 2023

"Delete it, Lizzie," he added. "Religious freedom in the United States applies to every religion. You have gone too far."

Two days later, Ohio Right to Life Chief Executive Officer Peter Range announced on X that "Ohio Right to Life can confirm that Elizabeth 'Lizzie' Marbach is no longer employed at Ohio Right to Life." He insisted that "this decision was not based on any single event as some on social media claim," adding, "We appreciate Lizzie's service and wish her the best in future endeavors."

The following statement can be attributed to Ohio Right to Life @ohiolife:



Ohio Right to Life can confirm that Elizabeth "Lizzie" Marbach is no longer employed at Ohio Right to Life. This decision was not based on any single event as some on social media claim. We appreciate  Peter Range (@PeterRange12) August 18, 2023

In her op-ed, Marbach argued that "the last few years have been a non-stop battle between traditional conservatives afraid to appear offensive and the new brazen brand of conservatism that welcomes a struggle for our future."

She claimed "this same internal battle among conservatives" was the reason for her termination.

"I wanted to fight against abortion more boldly, and the organization was uncomfortable with ruffling feathers to do so," she wrote.

She elaborated on her disagreements with her former employer, specifically, the fact that the organization's head opposed a heartbeat bill banning abortions in Ohio after six weeks gestation in the name of "strategy" for over 10 years before supporting it in 2019.

While she said that when she was hired, the new brand of conservatism would be welcome, she was advised not to use terms like "murder" and "evil" to describe abortion and to frame messaging more positively.

"I pleaded for us not to prioritize politics over ending abortion during board meetings, which upset some," she wrote. "Most frustratingly for them, I post very openly on my personal X (formerly Twitter) account about God and the evil of abortion, while also condemning weak-kneed Republicans who proved themselves useless."

While she contends that she was fired, Marbach did suggest that her termination would have "happened regardless of the viral exchange with Max Miller."

"That the exchange with Rep. Miller was not the cause of my firing," she stated. But she does believe "it played a role in the timing in which it happened."

She recalled discussing the possibility of "switching roles" two days before her Aug. 17 termination.

Ohio Right to Life released a statement Monday attempting to put to rest the idea that Marbach's proclamation of faith led to her termination.

"Ohio Right to Life affirms the right and ability of every individual, to include all staff, Board members and affiliates, to express their faith in both their personal and professional life," the organization asserted.

OHIO RIGHT TO LIFE STATEMENT ON BOARD MEETING AND DEPARTURE OF COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR LIZZIE MARBACH



COLUMBUS, OH  Last week, Ohio Right to Life parted ways with our communications director, Lizzie Marbach. A discussion about Lizzie moving to a different role had been pic.twitter.com/SlG40pulHh  Ohio Right to Life #VoteNoInNovember (@ohiolife) August 22, 2023

The Ohio Right to Life board "reaffirmed in a unanimous vote" that Marbach's statement of faith was "worthy of being advanced by all Christians" while expressing an invitation to "all Ohioans  no matter what their faith  to join us in our work to protect innocent human life."

The organization stated that "a discussion about Lizzie moving to a different role had been discussed" before the outcry over her remarks and Miller's reaction to them.

For his part, Miller apologized for condemning Marbach's tweet as "bigoted" in a post published the same day he shared his initial response.

"I posted something earlier that conveyed a message that I did not intend," he wrote. "I will not try to hide my mistake or run from it. I sincerely apologize to Lizzie and everyone who read my post."

I posted something earlier that conveyed a message I did not intend.



I will not try to hide my mistake or run from it.



I sincerely apologize to Lizzie and to everyone who read my post. https://t.co/PNd8iSdNCS  Max Miller (@MaxMillerOH) August 16, 2023

Ohio Right to Life addressed Miller's apology as well as concerns that the presence of Miller's wife, Emily, on the pro-life group's board may have played a role in Marbach's departure.

"Lizzie, who acknowledged in an interview that her departure was 'not due to the exchange with [Congressman] Miller,' was brave in the face of criticism about her faith and we admire her commitment to boldly proclaim that faith. Congressman Miller was correct to apologize for criticizing Lizzie's statement of faith," the Ohio Right to Life statement reads.

"Ohio Right to Life Board Member Emily Miller has never encouraged or asked anyone at Ohio Right to Life to take any personnel action related to Lizzie," the pro-life organization insisted. "After the public disagreement between Lizzie and Congressman Miller, Emily voluntarily recused herself from board deliberations about Lizzie and today's board meeting."

The statement concluded by wishing "Lizzie the best of luck in her career" while expressing confidence that "she'll do great things."
Here's why US Evangelicals want the Afghan Adjustment Act

In 2018, the Pew Research Center released a poll that found that only a quarter of white evangelicals believed the U.S. had a responsibility to receive refugees.

As a longtime staffer at World Relief, the only distinctly evangelical organization among 10 national refugee resettlement organizations, that finding was painful. But it was not entirely shocking having lived through the decline in evangelical enthusiasm for refugee resettlement. Beginning in 2015, spurred by politicians misinformed, alarmist rhetoric about Syrian Muslim refugees, in particular, evangelical attitudes toward refugees began to harden. Some apologetic pastors whose churches had partnered with us to welcome refugees for decades explained that refugee resettlement had just become too divisive within their congregations to promote from the pulpit.

And then, two years ago this week, the tide changed again. As evangelicals saw the horrifying images of the evacuation after the fall of Kabul to the Taliban, our refugee resettlement programs were overwhelmed by calls and emails from evangelical Christians eager to donate and volunteer to welcome Afghans, many of whom were now at risk because of their service to the U.S. military. Our warehouses were soon overfull with donations for Afghans. And an ABC News/Washington Post poll found that six-in-10 evangelicals supported the U.S. taking in Afghan refugees, a 35-point shift in public opinion in just a few years.

Like other refugee resettlement organizations, World Relief had dramatically reduced our staff size and geographic footprint as the Trump administration reduced the refugee admissions ceiling to historically low levels and the Biden administration had only slowly begun to rebuild. The resettlement of more than 70,000 Afghans in just a few months strained the national resettlement infrastructure. Our organization, at least, could not have done our part without the sustained commitment of volunteers giving of their time to befriend new Afghan neighbors, donors providing furniture, household items and gift cards, business owners offering jobs and landlords making exceptions to rent to new arrivals without a credit history  and much of this goodwill came from evangelical Christians.

Polling reflected sustained growth in evangelical support for refugee resettlement: by last year at this time, 68% of white evangelicals said that receiving refugees was an important priority. In 2018, just 25% of white evangelicals said the U.S. had a responsibility to receive refugees; four years later, just 24% disagreed with that statement.

But as evangelicals have stepped up to welcome and befriend resettled Afghans, theyve discovered a challenge: While the Afghans evacuated by the U.S. military certainly fled a credible fear of persecution from the Taliban, they were not technically admitted as refugees. Had they been, they would almost all be Lawful Permanent Residents by now, three years away from eligibility for naturalization.

But because of the chaotic nature of the evacuation  a result of the Biden administrations failure to heed pleas from veterans groups and resettlement organizations to evacuate U.S. allies before withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan  most Afghans were brought to the U.S. with humanitarian parole, which offers just temporary legal protections and employment authorization.

Now, as Afghan allies grapple with the uncertainty associated with legal documents bearing expiration dates, the evangelical resettlement volunteers who have become their friends are frustrated: Why would our government spend billions of dollars to bring Afghans here only to leave them in temporary status, fearful of becoming undocumented or even being returned to their persecutors in Afghanistan?

Why doesnt Congress simply fix this?

A newly introduced bipartisan bill, the Afghan Adjustment Act, would do just that, allowing Afghan parolees to apply for permanent legal status after undergoing additional vetting. Evangelical leaders  from the National Association of Evangelicals to the Southern Baptist Conventions Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission and beyond  have voiced their support for this bill, echoing the sentiments of evangelicals in the pews. A poll released this week found that fully three-quarters of white evangelical registered voters support the bill.

Given that white evangelicals historically make up roughly half of GOP primary voters, Republican lawmakers, in particular, would do well to throw out a now-dated 2015 anti-refugee campaign playbook and catch up with their voters. They should start by passing the Afghan Adjustment Act.
Why we should elevate the individual over group rights

While our United States government is not Christian per se, I would argue that it is Christianity-inspired. The Declaration of Independence cites inalienable rights endowed to us by our Creator, and individual civil liberties are explicitly listed in the Bill of Rights, establishing our core American ethos. This reflects the Protestant Christian principle that faith is comprised of a personal relationship between the individual and God. As we are equal individuals in the eyes of God, so too are we equal under the law.

The U.S. Supreme Court has halted a growing movement in the United States to elevate the rights of selected groups over the rights of individuals. This check on institutional power was affirmed by two just and critically important decisions: 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis and Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina.

In 303 Creative, the court upheld the First Amendment right to free speech, ruling that a Colorado-based web designer could not be compelled to create a site that incorporates messages with which she, the individual designer, disagrees.

The second ruling rolls back the use of affirmative action in elite college admissions, as the majority determined that such policies violate the Constitutions Equal Protection Clause. In essence, theyre affirming that our Constitutional rights correspond with our God-given individuality. These rulings maintain the religious liberty foundational to our American freedoms.

Both cases shed light on how the government exercises power. The case ending race-based Affirmative Action determined that individual merit outweighs the claims of groups based on skin color, gender, or other criteria. In the case of the Colorado web designer, her individual right not to be compelled to produce content she disagreed with outweighed the claims of aggrieved groups. When our Constitutional government adjudicated this dilemma, it rightly chose to uphold the explicitly guaranteed rights of the individual, as opposed to group rights created by legislation or edict.

As Americans, we must resist efforts to be herded into tribes, each with a discrete set of rights that serve only to pit group against group. Further, a government empowered to describe groups could also ascribe groups. Would you want to find yourself assigned to a group with fewer rights than another group?

Elevating group rights over individual rights diminishes our explicitly guaranteed freedom of religion. Christians believe individuals forge their relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the result of a binary, personal choice.

In turn, we must honor and protect a government that aligns with Christian doctrine honoring and protecting this same individual choice. I posit that the individual is best equipped to withstand societal pressures to conform to sin. Malleable group consensus, especially when enforced by the government, diminishes the individuals ability to forge a relationship with God.

Though the Church certainly recognizes the value and power of the collective, that collective must serve to strengthen the bond between the individual and God. The collective power of government serves best when it empowers and protects the freedoms of the individual.
'Camp Hideout' comedy infused with Christian values, counters 'unbiblical' Hollywood films

"Camp Hideout," starring "High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu and "Back to the Future" star Christopher Lloyd, is a family-friendly comedy about a troubled kid who goes to summer camp and finds a sense of purpose and belonging.

But beneath the surface, the film, from the Christian production company Called Higher Studios, delivers an important message: True happiness and transformation come through a relationship with Jesus  and an uplifting community matters.

"Our faith is very important to us at Called Higher Studios," producer Jason Brown told The Christian Post.

"We're owned by over 5,000 Christian brothers and sisters who have invested $100 or $1,000 with the mission to go and make content that spreads the name of Christ. It was very important for us to do something that lined up with our values, and that's why you'll see those elements in this film. We didn't want to be heavy-handed, we didn't want to beat kids over the head with Scripture. But if you watch the movie, you're going to probably pick out some things."

Directed by four-time Emmy winner Sean Olson, "Camp Hideout" follows Noah (Ethan Drew), a foster teen who finds himself on the wrong side of the law again. Instead of facing juvenile hall after a minor offense and tangling with two adversaries, he opts for summer camp thanks to the prodding of his social worker (Amanda Leighton).

However, he soon discovers that the camp's infamous owner, Falco (Lloyd), and his dog Lazarus aren't fond of kids. But things start looking up when Jake (Bleu), a positive camp leader, influences Noah's outlook. Noah begins to connect with other campers, yet trouble arises when adversaries come to reclaim what Noah had taken. Noah and his new friends create a hidden fortress in the forest, complete with inventive traps, zip lines and buzzing bees.

Surprisingly, the once stern Falco comes around, lending a hand to the campers, and together, they discover the importance of unity.

Brown shared how he and his partner, Philip Glasser, who has an impressive catalog of movies, were struck by inspiration for the film several years ago. The driving force, he said, was his kids and the joy they felt watching classic films like "Home Alone" and "Ernest Goes to Camp."

"I really realized that to speak into a kid, you have to get their attention first," he said. "We turned around and built this movie for the specific purpose of entertaining kids and pointing them back to Christ. We knew we had to get their attention first; to speak to anyone, you have to get their attention."

The approach wasn't about creating a blatant faith-based film but rather integrating subtle religious undertones. In one scene, for example, Bleu's character breaks through to Noah in a conversation  "and if you're a believer, you'll recognize that as the parable of the sower," Brown said.

"There are little easter eggs and elements through the film where we show Christian values. These kids really don't preach to Noah and they don't tell him the Gospel; they really show him the Gospel through their actions, friendship and belonging," he added.

The producer said that in the Book of Matthew, Jesus reminded the Pharisees to both "love the Lord your God" and "love your neighbor as yourself."

"Noah, who is from the foster care system, has a lot of walls up," he said. "These kids come alongside him, and with all of his faults, and with all of his lies, you know, they show him unconditional love. And it's in the form of, when the bad guys show up at the end of the movie, these kids all get together and the last third of the movie really is just 'Home Alone' with a lot of hijinks. It's a great physical comedy, but Noah in his journey ends up finding a family."

According to Brown, Called Higher Studios was the first Christian fan-owned company, predating Angel Studios and "The Chosen."

The idea, he said, was to allow Christians to be both emotionally and financially invested in content creation. "Camp Hideout" came to fruition after fans and viewers expressed a desire for family-friendly movies through a survey.

"For so long, Hollywood has been making what they want you to see," he said. "There's no shortage of content for kids where they're trying to promote unbiblical values and really have an agenda. It's great to get a chance to go to the end user, to the ticket buyer, and to ask them, 'Hey, what do you want to see? What do you want to be a part of?' And that was something that was really important for us, to go on this collective journey as a community."

Next, Called Higher Studios is gearing up for a project revolving around the life of Ann Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne's pretzels. A Mennonite farmer, Beiler grew her business from a single stand in 1987 into the world's largest hand-rolled soft pretzel franchise.

Beiler, an outspoken Christian, previously shared with CP how her success was forged after years of depression and shame stemming from tragedy in her life, including devastating personal loss, an abusive sexual relationship and spiritual manipulation.

"Without God, there would be no Auntie Anne's today. I can say that with confidence," Beiler told CP. "I would've died. I was about to run away and start a new life. Instead, God said, 'Get up off your knees.' What I know now is that all of the things I've experienced have been for a purpose; out of my pain, purpose was born."

"We're going to focus on turning her turning her life story into a film," Brown revealed. "We just want to keep doing what we're doing. We want to go and continue to make movies. And who knows, maybe there will be a 'Camp Hideout 2' in the future."

"Camp Hideout" hits theaters throughout the country on Sept. 15.
A crippling hit to the porn industry?

Scripture makes clear that sexual immorality is an offense to God and harmful to those who engage in it. Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? asked Paul of the church in Corinth. Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the Kingdom of God (I Cor. 6:9-10).

Thats quite a list. The apostle covers a lot of sins ground, including sexual sin. He likens it to idolatry  the worship of a false god.

Pornography is a form of just that, devotion to a master that captivates and lies. It is also virtual adultery, or as someone once put it, sex without persons. But adultery is adultery: Jesus said that to look on a woman in lust is to violate her sexually; this is the very nature of pornography  sexual arousal through the gate of the eye (Mathew 5:28).

Not only is pornography sinful, its also dangerous. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) has documented extensively the harmful effects of pornography. It distorts the way the brain functions, encourages prostitution and sex trafficking, and dehumanizes both participants and viewers. Pornography contributes to the hypersexualization of teens and prepubescent children and may lead to low self-esteem, body image disorders, an increase in problematic sexual activity at younger ages, and increased desire among adolescents to engage in risky sexual behavior. Pornography may also impact brain development and functioning, contribute to emotional and medical illnesses, shape deviant sexual arousal, and lead to difficulty in forming or maintaining positive, intimate relationships, as well as promoting problematic or harmful sexual behaviors and addiction.

Yet this last quote is not from NCOSE but a piece of legislation recently enacted in Louisiana. It was authored by freshman state legislator Laurie Schlegel, a certified sex addiction counselor who has witnessed firsthand the devastation caused by pornography. Her measure passed the Louisiana House 96-1 and 34-0 in the state senate and was signed by Democrat Governor John Bel Edwards, notorious for trying (thankfully, unsuccessfully) to veto a measure banning puberty blockers, hormone therapy and elective surgery for minors. In other words, so-called transgender procedures that include the mutilation of healthy teen bodies.

Schlegels bill holds pornography websites liable unless the websites perform reasonable age verification methods  in short, requiring users to show government ID to prove they are 18 or older. Its argument is that pornography has created a public health crisis. It has adversely affected millions of young Americans whose still-forming brains and behavior patterns are misshapen by exposure to graphic and often perverse sexual acts. The result? According to Ethical Capital Partners, the private equity company that owns Pornhub, (online pornography) traffic in Louisiana has dropped 80%.

Louisiana is not alone. According to journalist Marc Novicoff, In the other three states where the laws have been in effect for months  Utah, Mississippi, and Virginia  Pornhub did something even more unprecedented: It simply stopped operating.

As might be expected, the pornography industry and its allies are litigating under the pretense of free speech. Yet given the indisputable and extensive evidence that pornography does horrible things to, especially, its younger viewers, its hard to argue that something as simple as proof-of-age-to-view is not needed.

Moreover, this isnt about free speech. Its about stopping the exploitation of the vulnerable, not allowing a corrupt and corrosive industry to captivate them when they are especially susceptible. Its about preventing addiction to something that enslaves the brain and erodes the soul, not freedom.

It is a sad commentary on our culture that we need to use public health as a basis for limiting access to something so intrinsically debasing to those who bear Gods image. No married man and woman can deny that when ones spouse draws sexual pleasure from someone else, whether through a physical encounter or from scenes on the internet, hurt and a sense of betrayal are natural responses. Nor can any honest person fail to admit that in the stillness of the God-given conscience  at least, until consciences voice is repeatedly silenced  there is profound moral unease about watching sexual acts and nudity online.

With that said, Ill take the hard scientific data on pornographys effects on physical, mental, and emotional well-being as a basis for keeping it away from young people. At the same time, Ill also keep teaching my students that the beauty of sex is found only in a lifelong commitment to ones partner in the covenant of one-man, one-woman marriage. Thats what our good Creator and Redeemer has declared. To argue to the contrary is, ultimately, to contend with Him.

Originally published at The Washington Stand.
Are banks going woke and canceling religious customers?

Radical cancel culture is one of the most destructive forces in America today. Its no secret it has infiltrated virtually every sphere of our lives, whether our public schools, colleges, government institutions or corporations. There is an ever-growing number of religious employees and business owners  many whom First Liberty represents and is fighting for  whove lost their livelihoods at the hands of this extreme and toxic ideology.

Woke corporate culture, however, is moving beyond purging religious employees. Now, it appears customers increasingly are being canceled because of their beliefs.

The most recent example? Americas banking industry.

The Christian Post recently reported that Chase Bank abruptly closed the bank account of the National Committee for Religious Freedom (NCRF), a faith-based nonprofit organization led by Sam Brownback, former U.S. Ambassador-At-Large for Religious Freedom.

NCRFs stated mission is focused on defending the right of everyone in America to live ones faith freely. The organization opened an account with Chase in April. Brownback wrote in an opinion piece published by The Washington Examiner that his organization initially had a very positive experience with the bank.

Chase informed NCRF that the bank would be closing the account less than three weeks after it was opened. Brownback explained:

The decision to cancel the NCRF was described by multiple Chase employees as one from the corporate office. It was initially explained to us by someone at the Chase corporate office that the decision was final and nonrevocable. To this day, the NCRF does not have a clear reason as to why our account was closed after only three weeks.

Chase reached out to NCRFs executive director and said the bank would be willing to reconsider doing business with them. But it said the organization would have to provide a list of donors, a list of political candidates it intended to support and a full explanation of the criteria by which they would endorse and support those candidates. Brownback properly responded:

It was entirely inappropriate to ask for this type of information. Does Chase ask every customer what politicians they support and why before deciding whether or not to accept them as a customer?

Ironically, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon had testified before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs just last month. He described what a wonderful country we live in and the freedoms we enjoy:

We live in the greatest country in the world predicated on foundational beliefs in freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise, the sanctity of the individual, and the promise of equality and opportunity for all  These core values are the fabric that bind us as Americans, where the best of what we are shines through, especially in times of adversity.

Though eloquent, this statement rings hollow. It seems Chase bank opted to embrace extreme woke culture instead of respecting our countrys historic commitment to religious freedom.

No pals of freedom

NCRF is certainly not the only group or person canceled because of their religious beliefs. Cancel culture knows no boundaries. Anyone  religious or not  risks being cut off from the marketplace altogether if they dont worship at the altar of modern orthodoxy.

PayPal and its subsidiary Venmo, for example, have been under scrutiny in recent weeks for canceling accounts. Fox Business reported that Gays Against Groomers, an organization opposing the growing movement sexualizing children, had its accounts shut down. The payment processing company also shut down accounts of groups advocating for free expression and those of a media outlet that expressed its opinions about the origins and spread of COVID-19.

Cancel culture isnt just spreading among private employers. It has also perverted many of our governmental institutions. First Liberty successfully represented Christians Engaged, a non-profit that encourages praying for our nation and elected officials, voting, and being civically active. But the IRS denied the organizations tax-exempt status. In a bizarre letter, the IRS shockingly claimed Bible teachings are typically affiliated with the [Republican] party and candidates and thus are considered partisan. First Liberty appealed to the IRS on behalf of the organization, and the IRS reversed course and granted the tax-exempt status.

Could pastors, Christian business people, houses of worship and faith-based organizations be de-banked next? We cannot ignore the dangers of woke corporate culture. It is a form of soft totalitarianism that wants to force people of faith to celebrate ideas and actions at odds with their religious beliefs. The consequences of this toxic ideology are severe. Anyone who doesnt conform will be punished and ostracized, putting their careers, businesses, and families at risk. It threatens to destroy the lives of Americans who dare to live according to their faith  by denying them something as basic and essential as a bank account.

As Christian author Rod Dreher explained in a recent article:

Theyre going to ultimately debank you, you know. If not Chase, then somebody. This is how the regime works. Theyre going to make it more and more difficult for dissenters from wokeness to participate in society and the economy.

Canceling religious Americans and organizations because of their beliefs is wrong. It makes a mockery of our laws and our nations founding values. NCRFs cancelation makes it crystal clear: when religious people are attacked and religious freedom is not upheld, all other civil liberties  including economic freedom  soon start crumbling down.

Originally published at First Liberty.
Christian investors celebrate win against debanking trend

I love it when I have good news to share, and today I have some excellent news. By Gods grace, we have pounded another nail into the coffin of the discriminatory trend of big banks canceling accounts and financing relationships of conservative Christian organizations and individuals. We have been negotiating with M&T Bank, a large financial institution with over 17,000 employees, regarding a shareholder proposal that we filed with them regarding their religious and other discrimination policies that could be invoked to debank Christians or anyone else with viewpoints the bank disagreed with, for that matter.

After initial resistance, M&T has wisely agreed to our request to publish critical information about their discrimination policies to allow for the public accountability necessary to safeguard bank customers from hateful discrimination and harassment based on their religious or political viewpoints. Here is the decisive memo we received from the management of M&T:

M&T is actively working to increase its transparency and enhance its disclosures based on what is important to our shareholders. In addition to the Survey responses, we would ask that you also take the following information into consideration in determining whether to withdraw your shareholder proposal: In 2023, we will include enhancements to certain disclosures included within M&Ts ESG Report (that will be published this spring) that would allow us to complete additional questions in the Survey, including for example: o Expanding information regarding our commitment to fair lending. Currently, we note that we treat customers consistently and equitably, in compliance with consumer protection laws and regulations, and without regard to any specific characteristics or basis as prohibited by law. However, we do not describe specifically all the characteristics protected by M&Ts fair lending policies, which include religion, creed and political affiliation, among other protected classes. o Disclosing new information regarding the M&T Diversity Councils Mission Statement; and o Providing additional details regarding the subjects/topics covered in M&Ts diversity training.

Praise God for His blessing! And thank you, M&T Bank, for respecting the voice of your Christian shareholders and making this critically important change to protect the well-being of all your customers, Christian or otherwise!

This debanking problem has steadily grown over the past few years, recently including JP Morgan Chase Bank canceling the bank account of a religious non-profit led by former Senator and U.S. Ambassador Sam Brownback. Earlier this year, My Pillow CEO and conservative political activist Mike Lindell had his bank accounts closed at Minnesota Bank and Trust. And the list goes on.

Even if you dont like Mike Lindell or Ambassador Brownback or what they stand for, is it right to cut them off from essential financial services? What happens when a society denies banking services based on political or religious viewpoints?

Today its Lindell or Brownback; tomorrow, it is you and me. Today its conservatives, tomorrow, its moderates and liberals. Today its Christians, tomorrow, its anybody who disagrees with the regime. You get the picture; this has to stop.

That is why we at Inspire Investing are leaning into the effort to crush the debanking trend before it goes any further. This is why we are celebrating this victory with M&T Bank and their decision to heed the voice of their Christian shareholders.

Do you want to join this good fight? When you invest with Inspire Investing, you give us the opportunity to make your voice heard as we speak biblical truth to corporate power. Together we are inspiring transformation for Gods glory throughout the world with the biblically responsible investing movement!

Will you join us?
The New Testament Church of God: 70 years of sharing the Gospel

The New Testament Church of God (NTCG) is set to celebrate its 70th anniversary this week. Launched by the Windrush Generation in 1953, it is the largest black Pentecostal denomination in the UK and served as a place of fellowship for Caribbean Christians when British churches refused to accept them upon arrival to the country.

The Church will commemorate the milestone at its annual convention in Wales with special guest speakers and a celebration concert.

Christian Today spoke with Bishop Claion Grandison, National Overseer of the NTCG, to hear about the history of the Church and his vision for the Church going forward.

What does it take for a church to keep going strong for 70 years?

Strong and confident leaders. That has been one of the hallmarks of our leaders. In addition there has been a change in leadership over the years. We have had many new leaders come to the forefront and each one brings a whole new vision, which I think has kept the Church fresh.

Within our local churches, we have had some very confident and capable leaders and we have also had loyal and dedicated followers. Members have faithfully stayed within the organisation and remain loyal to the New Testament Church of God which has been a huge factor in the church's longevity.

Prayer has been another key factor, and we have always been a people of prayer in all of our churches.

Finally, I think investment in terms of our young people and the younger generation. There has always been a very vibrant and strong youth ministry over the years and I think that is what has kept us going for this period of time.

What impact do you think the NTCG has had on its congregation and the wider community over the years?

If we go right back to the beginning, seventy years ago, what the New Testament Church of God did offer its people was an alternative place of worship. It is well documented that mainstream churches did not receive us and, as a result, we had to form our own organisation.

I think the NTCG became a haven for West Indian people looking for somewhere to worship and that remains to this day. For example, we have senior citizens clubs up and down the country, and they are a place to meet and to congregate with like-minded people of faith and people from the Caribbean.

It has been a journey of meeting the needs of the people from the time of their adolescence when they came fresh off the Windrush, right up to being senior citizens. What you find is people who came from the Windrush decided to become social workers rather than just be factory workers. That was something that was encouraged from pulpits in certain settings, as was ensuring that the next generation was educated well.

What does the Windrush generation symbolise to you?

So many things - courage being one of them. The Windrush generation possessed courage and resilience; they did not give up and go back home. They were innovative people. I think that generation spoke about innovation and great strength - great emotional strength and mental strength. Unfortunately there were some who suffered mental health breakdowns and the government sent them back to their countries. But there was also a pioneering spirit - they were like the Mayflower of the Caribbean. They started a whole new society which still exists today. Anywhere you go you can see very strong West Indian Caribbeans around the country.

The NTCG has over 130 congregations across the country. Why do you think the church is so popular?

Our reach is due to outreach. Our founding Bishop, Dr Oliver Lyseight, had a vision to have a church on every corner and in 1953 that was quite the vision and statement. In terms of popularity we were actually very unpopular I would say! People saw us as a cult because there were these groups of black people who did not have proper liturgy, did not have their own building and did not do funerals! Most of our people were young so they just thought there was something dodgy about us.

However, I think what made us popular subsequently was our national conventions. We would meet every year and these gatherings have been legendary. Thousands of people would converge on one particular site, whether it was at our youth conventions in Leicester or in Brighton. Thousands would come together to worship and these annual gatherings were explosive. Our young people were always vibrant and excited about the faith and that drew so many of the young people in. This was a time when I think the New Testament Church of God paved the way for other organisations, other Pentecostal churches, and black-led churches to come and find a place within society.

What is your vision and hope for the future of the NTCG in an increasingly secular society?

The church in general has survived many kinds of revolutions - the sexual revolution, the Renaissance and other secular seasons. I personally have great hopes for the Church and for humanity. As secular as society is, there is this trivial pursuit that exists at the moment. People are looking for the next high and my hope is that the Church will offer relational and relevant reimagining faith, one that is engaging with society without being in any way compromising or offering any kind of gimmick. I think if the Church continues to be true to itself and scripture, it does not matter how secular society becomes.

Society always looks for the real after a while, especially when we have things like Covid, or other real calamities and crises. Society always looks to wherever or whoever for answers. If we are a Church that has an answer or has the answer, we will always be the faith of choice. That is my hope. That is part of our mission: being relational and relevant and reimagining, always seeking advice from God on what our approach needs to be. The mission that we have set is one that seeks to bring the heart of God closer to the heart of humanity.
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Elon Musks SpaceX company for discriminating against asylees and refugees.

According to the DOJ, the space exploration company run by the worlds richest person routinely discouraged asylees and refugees from applying and refused to hire or consider them, because of their citizenship status between September 2018 to May 2022 at least.

Such practices are prohibited by the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Feds claim SpaceX falsely claimed in job postings that export control laws prohibited the hiring of applicants who werent U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division said in a DOJ statement.

SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials are accused of actively discouraging asylum seekers and refugees from seeking work opportunities at the company.

Through this lawsuit we will hold SpaceX accountable for its illegal employment practices and seek relief that allows asylees and refugees to fairly compete for job opportunities and contribute their talents to SpaceXs workforce, Clarke added.

The California-based company was founded in 2002 by Musk, who became a U.S. citizen that same year. The 52-year-old businessman is a South African native who moved to Canada as a student before making his way into the United States.

Musk wrote on X, the social media platform he bought for $44 billion in October when it was named Twitter, that he supports immigration with proper screening.

I am very much in favor of hard-working people coming to America, but we cant have de facto open borders with no screening, he posted in February. Meanwhile, our legal immigration system is super slow & extremely difficult to navigate!

SpaceX hasnt replied to a request for comment.
Thousands expected at March for Life UK

March for Life UK is hoping to build on the success of the last few years when it takes to the streets of London in just over a week.

Last year, some 7,000 people took part in the march, a huge increase from its humble beginnings in Birmingham in 2012 when a small group came together to hold a pro-life walk through the city. Since 2018, it has been held each year in London.

This year's march is taking place on 2 September with the theme of 'Abortion Destroys the Freedom to Live'.

Explaning the theme, March for Life UK's co-director, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, said, "While many are concerned about restrictions on freedoms, the most fundamental freedom, the freedom to live, is still not accepted as a basic human right for all. This is why we march."

The march will conclude in front of the Houses of Parliament where there will be addresses by guest speakers, including Scott Klusendorf, president of The Life Training Institute, and Lois Mclatchie-Miller from Alliance Defending Freedom UK (ADF UK).

A young woman called Ellie will also share her testimony of how she was "enslaved" by multiple abortions before going on to find healing with the help of pro-life organisation, Rachel's Vineyard.

Speaking ahead of the march, Ellie said, "We're told that abortion is empowering to women, but actually, I found it to have a devastating impact on my life.

"I'm marching, and invite others to join me, because in 2023, women and babies deserve better than being abandoned to this trauma.

"We can and must find solutions to support both lives in a pregnancy. Freedom for women surely means so much more than this."

Before the march, a pro-life festival called LifeFest will be held at the nearby Emmanuel Centre on Marsham Street. The march departs The Emmanuel Centre at 1:30pm.

Find out more about the event at marchforlife.co.uk
Gov. Hochul said Thursday that she had sent a letter to the White House asking for more support for migrants pouring into New York City, placing responsibility for the crisis at President Bidens feet in her first major address on the issue.

But the speech from Hochul  who did not commit new state funds and said she would not force upstate communities to take migrants  drew a mixed reaction from some city officials and met a lengthy, frustrated statement from Mayor Adams.

Speaking from the state Capitol building on the day her governorship entered its third year, the governor insisted the state does not have good options to handle the situation without more federal support.

Barring much-needed changes at the border, there does not appear to be a solution, Hochul said in a 10-minute speech. This crisis originated with the federal government, and it must be resolved through the federal government.

Hochul, who faces growing political pressure to help the city with the crisis, stopped short of making any significant new state commitments in the speech. The state has allocated about $1.5 billion to support the migrants, the governor said.

Her three-page letter to Biden asks the federal government to deliver more funds, expedite migrants work papers and provide more spaces to serve as shelters.

In her speech, Hochul said New York has countless unfilled jobs that are begging for someone to just take them.

Our quest continues to squarely tell the White House: Let them work, Hochul said of the arrivals.

The White House did not immediately reply to requests for comment.

Adams, who has called on the state to pitch in more resources and to force upstate municipalities to welcome migrants, said in a statement that he was gratified to hear Hochul call for federal action but disappointed that the state today appears to minimize the role that they can  and must  play.

Leaving New York City alone to manage this crisis  and abdicating the states responsibility to coordinate a statewide response  is unfair to New York City, Adams added.

Hochuls speech carried echoes of Adams long-running calls for a more active White House response, though the governor avoided using the sharp language sometimes deployed by the mayor. In April, Adams said Biden had failed New York City.

Later, Adams dropped off Bidens team of 2024 campaign surrogates. Hochul joined the squad.

Gov. Kathy Hochul

More than 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City since spring 2022, according to city government figures, and about 60,000 remain in the citys care. In a year, the count of people sleeping in the citys over-stretched shelter system has roughly doubled.

Many of the migrants fled political and economic turmoil in Central and South America.

With waves of arrivals showing no signs of abating, the Adams administration has said city support for the migrants may cost $12 billion by 2025. And over several days beginning last month, a crowd of asylum seekers slept outside an intake center at the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan.

Front page for Aug. 10, 2023

In the last two weeks, the city has opened state-funded megashelters at a parking lot belonging to the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in eastern Queens and another on Randalls Island. Combined, the shelters are expected to house about 4,000 people.

City Hall has also urged Hochul to use executive powers to override county-level orders intended to block the movement of migrants, an approach supported by advocates for the homeless but spurned by the governor.

We cannot and will not force other parts of our state to shelter migrants, Hochul said in her Thursday remarks.

Some progressives pounced. Im very disappointed to see the governors unwillingness to compel jurisdictions outside NYC to do the right thing, Antonio Reynoso, the liberal Brooklyn borough president, said in a statement.

And Adams said upstate counties must have the same legal responsibilities to the migrants as the city, which for four decades has been required to provide shelter to the homeless under a consent decree premised on a provision of the state Constitution.

Whatever differences we all may have about how to handle this crisis, we believe what is crystal clear is that whatever obligations apply under state law to the City of New York apply with equal force to every county across New York state, Adams said in his statement.

As Adams has pressed Hochul for more state support, tension has seemed to boil between the two moderate Democrats, who are aligned on many issues and take pride in their warm public relationship.

Their handling of the crisis is under the microscope in a Manhattan Supreme Court case centered on the citys right-to-shelter responsibilities. In court filings, the city and state have traded criticisms and gripes, each painting the others approach as insufficient.

But on Thursday, Hochul turned her focus to the president, pleading for more help.

The reality is, weve managed thus far without substantive support from Washington, the governor said. New York has shouldered this burden for far too long.
84,000 5G base stations built up in China's Shanxi

Xinhua) 16:17, August 24, 2023

TAIYUAN, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- A total of 84,000 5G base stations have been built up in Shanxi, a major coal-producing province in north China, according to a digital economy development summit held in the provincial capital, Taiyuan City.

The 5G coverage in administrative villages in Shanxi is expected to reach 75 percent by the end of the year.

By the end of 2022, Shanxi had 67,000 5G base stations. This year, Shanxi will build 25,000 new 5G base stations, bringing the total number of 5G base stations in the province to 92,100.

China has sped up its efforts to develop 5G technologies and networks. By 2025, China aims to achieve 5G network coverage in all cities and towns, as well as most villages, according to a development plan on digital infrastructure issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows Wednesday lost his bid to avoid being arrested and booked as a co-defendant in former President Donald Trumps sprawling election interference case.

A federal judge tersely rejected Meadows emergency appeal to block Fulton County Fani Willis from forcing him to turn himself in to face the music in the Georgia racketeering case.

U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones also tossed a similar appeal filed by former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark, another defendant in the case.

Until the federal court assumes jurisdiction over a state criminal case, the state court retains jurisdiction over the prosecution and the proceedings continue, Jones wrote in a brief order.

The twin rulings mean Meadows and Clark must turn themselves in by the Friday noon deadline set by Willis or be subject to arrest.

Jones has not yet made any ruling on their demand that their cases should eventually be moved to federal court. A hearing is expected next week on that issue.

Meadows and Clark claim they must be tried in federal court because they were carrying out official duties when they allegedly helped Trump overturn his loss to President Biden in the 2020 election.

Willis charged Trump and the pair, along with a total of 18 co-defendants, under Georgias state racketeering law. She plans to argue that their actions in seeking to overturn the election were not part of their official roles.

Trumps former lieutenant and other defendants in the case would prefer to have their cases heard in federal court in part because the jury would be drawn from a broader swathe of north Georgia, including Trump strongholds.

A state court jury, on the other hand, would only include residents of Fulton County, the heavily Democratic area that includes the majority-Black city of Atlanta and its nearby suburbs.

Trump is expected to turn himself in Thursday. Unlike other cases, he will likely be photographed and fingerprinted by authorities before being freed on bond.

In another legal developments in the case, former Trump campaign lawyer Kenneth Cheseboro filed a demand for a speedy trial, which under Georgia law would require a trial to take place by November.

Willis has requested a March 4 trial date. Trump has not yet weighed in on a potential trial date but he has sought to delay other cases for as long as possible or after the 2024 election.

It wasnt immediately clear whether Cheseboros demand means he could wind up being tried separately from Trump and others.
Transparenta Consiliului Superior al Procurorilor, intre a fi sau a nu fi. Ce constatari se regasesc intr-un raport prezentat de CRJM?
The Charity Commission has criticised a lack of scrutiny of Care4Calaiss founder Clare Moseley and inappropriate payments made to her when she was both chief executive and a trustee as its three-year investigation concludes.

Its statutory inquiry report , published today, is critical of Care4Calaiss former trustees, which included Moseley and her sister, but says the charitys decision to challenge the governments Rwanda plan was within its objects.

The inquiry found that, over a number of years, the charity lacked appropriate governance structures, had poor internal financial controls and that its approach to handling complaints was inadequate.

An investigation by interim managers referred to in the report concluded that there had not been any robust challenge of Moseley in her position as CEO and that the charity placed an unhealthy reliance on her.

However, the report says that the current trustee board has implemented new action plan and introduced significant improvements to the charitys management, governance and operation.

Moseley registered the charity in 2016 and was its chief executive until her replacement, Steve Smith, was appointed in April 2023.

In May this year, Moseley stepped down as a trustee, which the report says was due to a disagreement with Smith over the distribution of decision-making power in the charity.

Smith said in response to the report that the charitys new trustees have taken the criticisms of previous governance shortcomings seriously, and are dedicated to learning from the past, embracing change, and making Care4Calais a symbol of hope and compassion.

Orlando Fraser, chair of the Commission, said he was very aware that this charitys work has generated attention and controversy but that the regulator will not be influenced by political debates.

Inappropriate payments to founder

The Commission has had a history of engagement with the charity since its registration in 2016, according to the the report, and first opened a compliance case in 2017.

It then opened its inquiry in August 2020 and appointed interim managers to the exclusion of Moseley and the other trustees from July to December 2021.

The inquiry report is critical of the charitys financial management, notably a lack of suitable internal financial controls.

Between October 2017 and August 2020, payments totalling 340,000 were made to Moseleys personal bank account when she was both unpaid CEO and a trustee.

The payments ranged in value from 2,800 to 20,000, and at the beginning of the inquiry the Commission restricted financial transactions between the charity and its trustees.



It found that these payments were reimbursements for charitable expenditure incurred by Moseley.

Moseley said this arrangement saved the charity around 3,000 per year in foreign exchange fees, but the inquiry concluded that while no funds were misused or misappropriated for private benefit, this arrangement was inappropriate.

The report says Moseley does not accept that this practice was inappropriate and maintains that the independent examination of the charitys accounts after the financial year end was a sufficient control mechanism.

Conflict of interest

The report also found that between 2020 and 2021, Care4Calais operated with two trustees, below the minimum of three required.

Moreover, a dispute between board members left them unwilling or unable to resolve their conflict, and the regulator therefore appointed additional trustees.

The inquiry also concluded that the charitys handling of complaints was inadequate, as it failed to demonstrate that complaints were handled in an impartial, fair, open and transparent way and failed to maintain records of investigations.

On at least one occasion, Moseleys sister handled a complaint about her and the charity failed to identify or manage the conflict of interest and/or loyalty which arose.

The inquiry found that the lack of properly defined roles for the CEO coupled with insufficient oversight and scrutiny by the trustee board led to Moseley dominating the charity and going unchallenged for some time.

Campaigning and political activity

As part of its inquiry, the Commission reviewed the trustees decision to issue judicial review proceedings to challenge the UK governments migration and economic development partnership with Rwanda.



It found the decision was properly made, adequately documented, and was within the range of reasonable decisions open to the trustees of this charity.

The activity itself served to further the charitys objects, and the inquiry determined it was in line with the Commissions guidance on political campaigning.

There were also a number of media reports alleging that that charity is involved in or facilitates illegal immigration which the charitys trustees have strongly denied, the report adds.

The Commission does not investigate crime or criminal offenses, and during the inquiry, the charity repeatedly confirmed that it does not support, encourage, or facilitate illegal border crossings.

Its inquiry advised the charity to make this explicitly clear in all its policies and procedures and training materials for staff and volunteers.

New charity CEO: Trustees taking criticisms seriously

Steve Smith, CEO of Care4Calais said; Everyone at Care4Calais is incredibly proud of the journey our charity has been on since it started in 2015. Thanks to our fantastic volunteers, we have been able to provide direct aid and support to thousands of refugees in northern France and the UK, making a huge difference to the lives of people who have survived some of the worst things imaginable such as war, torture and modern slavery.

The Charity Commission inquiry provided us with an invaluable opportunity to critically assess our practices, identify areas for improvement and overhaul our governance. We now have an entirely new board of trustees who all acknowledge that the growth in our humanitarian work since 2015 vastly outpaced the development of the charity's governance structures. As a charity dedicated to helping those in need, our new trustees have taken the criticisms of previous governance shortcomings seriously, and are dedicated to learning from the past, embracing change, and making Care4Calais a symbol of hope and compassion.



Despite the challenges of the inquiry, our commitment to support refugees never wavered. I am eternally grateful to all our volunteers and staff who kept our humanitarian work going throughout this period, enabling the charity to continue growing. We welcome the conclusion of the Inquiry and the opportunity that brings to mould this important charity into a new and forward looking organisation that puts refugees front and centre of our work.

Fraser: Care4Calais was not managed well

Commission chair Fraser 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.



I am pleased that the Commissions intervention has led to significant improvements to the charitys governance, not least thanks to the work of the interim manager and new leadership. The charity is now in a much better position to deliver on its purposes. We have issued the new trustees with advice and guidance, including in relation to its international activities, so the charity is managed in line with the law and our regulatory expectations into the future.



He added: I am very aware that this charitys work has generated attention and controversy. We will not shy away from examining concerns raised about any charity and will take strong action where necessary. However, as a fair, balanced and independent regulator we will not be influenced by political debates, nor should we stop charities from furthering their purposes in line with the law set down by Parliament. It is for the Commission to assess whether trustees are meeting their responsibilities  and that is what we have done.

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,
Charity sector organisations have criticised comments made by the home secretary in response to a Charity Commission investigation into Care4Calais.

The Charity Commissions report , published today, found serious misconduct and/or mismanagement by the refugee support charitys former trustees.

However, it found that the trustees decision to challenge the governments migration and economic development partnership with Rwanda served to further the charitys objects and was in line with the Commissions guidance on political campaigning.

As reported by the Telegraph , Suella Braverman said in response to the report: The Charity Commission finding serious misconduct at Care4Calais is concerning but not particularly surprising. As with certain immigration lawyers, its 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 wont be fooled.

Charity sector membership bodies ACEVO, NCVO and Bond criticised Bravermans remarks, while Care4Calais said her comments did not reflect the inquirys findings.

ACEVO: Irrelevant and politically-motivated point about charitable purpose

Jane Ide, chief executive of ACEVO, said: It would appear that the home secretary has chosen to use a Charity Commission inquiry into the appropriate governance of a charity to make an irrelevant and politically motivated point about charitable purpose.

It is clearly laid out within regulation that campaigning and political activity can be legitimate and valuable activities for charities to undertake and it is a legal requirement that political campaigning or political activity must be undertaken by a charity only in the context of supporting the delivery of its charitable purposes.

Charities working within the refugee and migrant sector have a legitimate right to campaign and to seek to influence government policy in these areas.

For any politician to suggest that by carrying out that work in line with their charitable objects as agreed by the Charity Commission they are acting against the interests of the British public and in some way masquerading as humanitarians is not only deeply insulting to committed professionals and volunteers in our sector but also clearly demonstrates that some in our political system would seek to encroach on and limit our sectors legally defined rights.

Bond: Comments foster a hostile environment towards UK civil society

Stephanie Draper, chief executive of NGO umbrella body Bond, said: These comments from the home secretary are damaging for our very democracy and foster a hostile environment towards UK civil society, which puts the safety of charities, lawyers and asylum seekers at risk.

Charities are a core part of our society, connected to the people they work with, and who care deeply about the most vulnerable people in the UK and beyond.

Civil society groups play an important role in promoting and informing public debate, driving social reform and supporting vulnerable communities.

Care4Calais: Clear that home secretary hasnt read report

A Care4Calais spokesperson said: Its clear that the home secretary hasnt read the Charity Commissions report, which has effectively given Care4Calais, under our new trustees, a clean bill of health.

The Charity Commission clearly acknowledges that the purpose of Care4Calais is to deliver humanitarian relief and assistance to refugees fleeing war, torture and modern slavery.

They have recognised the rapid expansion of that work since we started in 2015 but found that our governance arrangements didnt keep pace. The concerns are historic, relate solely to governance matters and do not reflect in any way the humanitarian work of our volunteers and staff.

Importantly, the Commission found our political activity in advocating for the rights of refugees to be acceptable.

NCVO: Bravermans language damaging to the effective working of charities

Sarah Vibert, chief executive of NCVO, said: All charities exist to improve and enhance our society, and one important way to do that is by championing the views of the communities they work with in the public discourse, as part of a healthy democracy. In fact, for many charities campaigning is the best way of meeting their charitable objects.

In this instance, the home secretary has unfairly, and in an ill-considered way, used the outcomes of this report to criticise the broader, democratic, function of charities such as Care4Calais.

The language that has been used by the home secretary is damaging to the effective working of charities, and creates a hostile climate where charities are more cautious about speaking out on issues. We would encourage her to rethink her comments and reflect on the impact they have.

It is important that the government, and those in positions of power to affect change, understand and respect the value of seeking engagement from, and partnership with, charities to ensure that policy decisions are truly reflective of the diverse views of the people they represent.

DSC: Report is about governance failures

A spokesperson for the Directory of Social Change said: At the core of this story is the failure of governance at the charity concerned  which has nothing whatsoever to do with the nature of their charitable endeavour or lawyers.

The Charity Commission has done a great job in supporting Care4Calais to get its governance right so that the charity can continue its vital work.

This is a good example of where the Commission can truly help charities fix mistakes and move on.

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,
Congressional Republicans on Thursday launched an investigation of Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis over her indictment of former President Donald Trump for allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election outcome in the Peach State.

Rep. Jim Jordan, chairman of the GOP-run House Judiciary Committee, whipped off a letter to Willis demanding answers about the 21/2-year probe that resulted in the sprawling racketeering charges against Trump and 18 co-defendants.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks in the Fulton County Government Center during a news conference, Aug. 14, 2023, in Atlanta.

The staunch Trump loyalist suggested that the probe is politically motivated because the charges come as the Republican presidential primary race is getting underway in earnest.

The timing of this prosecution reinforces concerns about your motivation, Jordan wrote in the five-page missive.

Jordan asked Willis for information about any federal funds that may have been used in her probe and details of any coordination with special counsel Jack Smith, who filed his own federal charges against Trump in the election interference case, as well as a separate case accusing the former president of mishandling classified documents that he took to his Florida resort after leaving office.

The GOP leader suggested that he believes Willis has acted improperly and that Congress has the right to investigate.

Your indictment and prosecution implicate substantial federal interests, and the circumstances surrounding your actions raise serious concerns about whether they are politically motivated, Jordan wrote in the letter.

The letter gave Willis until Sept. 7 to cooperate.

It was issued the same day that Trump was poised to turn himself in at an Atlanta jail for criminal processing.

The effort to take on Willis appears to be a near carbon copy of Jordans attacks on Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who charged Trump with falsifying business records in connection with the Stormy Daniels hush money investigation.

Bragg has mostly resisted cooperating with the probe and has sued in federal court to get Jordan to back off.

A spokesman for Willis said her office did not have any immediate comment on the letter.

Congress generally does not have authority to interfere with local or state criminal prosecutions, although it could find a way to withhold federal funds.

State and federal law enforcement authorities often cooperate or charge defendants with various crimes covering overlapping conduct that may violate laws in various jurisdictions.

But Trump and his Republican allies claim he is being singled out for prosecution because Democrats fear he could win the 2024 election and return to power.
Earlier this month, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, started blocking Canadian users from seeing news on its platforms. When a user tries to post a link to a news story on their Facebook or Instagram page, an error message pops up: In response to Canadian government legislation, news content cant be shared. In June, Meta started blocking news links for a small number of users as a test; then, on August 1, it announced that the block would be broadened to include all users and all news sources. Meta said its action was necessitated by a law that the Canadian government passed in late June, called the Online News Act, aimed at forcing digital platforms to pay news publishers for their content. It is set to take effect at the end of the year. (Google also said that it would block news links from its Search and News portals, citing the same legislation, but a recent test by CJR brought up news links from multiple Canadian publishers, in both Search and News.)

In a statement in June, Meta described the new law as flawed legislation that ignores the realities of how our platforms work [and] the value we provide news publishers. Google said that it amounted to a link tax, and that it was fundamentally unworkable because it creates uncertainty for our products and exposes us to uncapped financial liability. Metas decision to block the news was a replay of a tactic that it used in Australia in 2021, in protest of a similar law called the News Media Bargaining Code. (Canadas law was based on the Australian one, as I wrote back in March.) After the Australian government made a number of changes to the law, Meta removed the news block, and both it and Google started cutting deals with news publishers. (Last year, Bill Grueskin, a professor at Columbia Journalism School, dug into that process in a piece for CJR.)

Until last week, Metas news blockade seemed mostly to be a nuisance for users in Canada. But it took on new significance recently as forest fires in the country expanded in a number of areas, leading to deaths, mass evacuations, and the loss of millions of hectares of forest and millions of dollars in property. Earlier this month, Pascale St-Onge, Canadas heritage minister, called Metas decision to block the news a reckless choice, adding that the incumbent Liberal government was calling on the company to reinstate news-sharing on Facebook for the safety of Canadians facing this emergency. On Monday, Justin Trudeau, the prime minister, accused Meta of putting corporate profits ahead of peoples safety.

David Troya-Alvarez, a spokesperson for Meta, told CBC News on Monday that, while the company doesnt intend to restore access to news, people in Canada are still able to use Facebook and Instagram to connect to their communities and access reputable information, including content from official government agencies, emergency services and non-governmental organizations. Troya-Alvarez noted that Meta had also activated a feature called Safety Check, which allows users of Facebook to let their friends and family know that they are safe. Andy Stone, a spokesperson for Meta, added that the company has been clear since February that the broad scope of the Online News Act would impact the sharing of news content on its platforms, and that the company remains focused on ensuring people in Canada can use our technologies to connect with loved ones and access information, such as pages run by civic and emergency-response agencies.

But some media watchers in Canada say Metas block on the sharing of news links at such a critical time is irresponsible. Dwayne Winseck, a professor of communication and media studies at Carleton University in Ottawa, called Metas actions reprehensible in an interview with the Globe and Mail, adding that when a tech platform shuts down an important source of news at a time of crisis, we are right to be very concerned. Daniel Tsai, a lecturer in communication and technology at the University of Toronto, told the Globe that Metas decision was insane, and that people are not getting critical information such as whats happening in Yellowknife, with the prospect of an entire town being burned down. The Canadian Association of Journalists asked Meta to drop its ban on news, and a number of freelance and independent journalists said that the blockade is hurting them by preventing them from reaching their readers.

This episode, too, has precedent in Australia: as Grueskin noted in his piece for CJR, Facebook, in attempting to remove news from its platform, bungled the job by also removing public-service information about a wave of bush fires in that country. (The platform also took down critical information about the COVID-19 pandemic and support pages for victims of sexual violence.) This provoked a visceral reaction among many Australian users of Facebook, which in turn put pressure on the company. It was the worst calculation they could ever have done, Bruce Ellen, the general manager of the Latrobe Valley Express and leader of a regional newspaper association, told Grueskin. It galvanized not just the media but the general public.

Sign up for CJR 's daily email

Public opinion may have turned against Meta and its platforms as a result of the news blockade in Australia, but it took concessions by the Australian government to end the ban. As the New York Times reported at the time, the government agreed to change the law in a number of waysperhaps the most important being that the digital platforms could avoid being forced to pay news publishers if they had already cut deals with them voluntarily. This provision allowed both Meta and Google to reach specific agreements with individual publishers, rather than being forced to pay the same amount to all of them. Canadas law also allows the platforms to reach their own deals with publishers. But Meta and Google say that the Canadian law could cover a much wider field of news sources than Australias law, which could entail a great deal more financial liability for a commoditynewsthat Meta has said only comprises about three percent of an average users activity.

While critics like Winseck and Tsai see Metas block on news as reprehensible, some media observers see it as a rational response to a flawed law. Indeed, since the idea was first mooted, many observers have criticized the laws premise. Writing last year, Joshua Benton, of Nieman Lab, called the Canadian bill a terrible idea, arguing that the central feature of both the Canadian law and the Australian version is misdirection. Publishers complain about Google and Facebooks use of their stories, but thats not what theyre actually angry about, Benton wrote. What theyre angry about is that Google and Facebook dominate the digital advertising business. And those are two really different things! Also writing last year, Isabel Macdonald, a technology researcher at the University of Ottawa, wrote in an essay in Policy Options, a conservative magazine, that if the government wants to fund Canadian journalism, it should redistribute digital revenue, instead of forcing the platforms to cut news deals.

More recently, the editorial board at the Globe and Mail, Canadas largest daily newspaper, has also suggested that there are better ways of funding journalism than the approach taken by the Online News Act. The legislation, the papers editorial board wrote, creates the perception that some media are preferred by the government of the day, and will likely direct money to existing journalistic entities at the expense of innovative journalistic startups. When Grueskin wrote his piece for CJR, one of the biggest issues with Australias legislation was a lack of transparency about the deals being cut, with publishers reluctant to discuss details thanks to ironclad secrecy agreements insisted upon by the tech companies. Critics say that the Canadian law suffers from a similar problem.

If Australia was able to modify its law and get Meta to drop its blockade on news, does that mean Canada can, or will, do likewise? Some experts are skeptical. Michael Geist, a professor of law at the University of Ottawa who has been writing about digital copyright and related issues for decades, told CBC News that many people seem to have decided that Metas block is all just a bluff and they will ultimately come back to the table. But Geist argues that there are some key differences with the Australian precedent. In Australia, Meta implemented its news ban before the bill passed, allowing the government to more easily make changes, but Canadas bill has already become law; the Australian government left itself with the wiggle room to engage in that kind of negotiation, Geist told CBC News, whereas Canada did not. And retracting the law altogether isnt really an option, Geist says, despite his view that it is already a failure and seems certain to cost the Canadian media sector hundreds of millions of dollars.

The government could try to pass amendments before the law goes into effect at the end of the year, and has reportedly expressed interest in making some changes, including capping the platforms financial liability. But Geist and others think it unlikely that the government will find a compromise with Meta. (It may have more luck with Google.) While Meta was still nominally interested in funding journalism in 2021, when Australia put its news bargaining code together, the company has since made it abundantly clear that it has lost interestnot just in funding journalism through investments like training funds and fellowships, but in having it on its platforms at all. That doesnt leave a lot of room for negotiation. Meanwhile the fires rage on.



Other notable stories:

ICYMI: Prigozhin and the press

Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg.
The workers compensation industry and state and federal tax authorities are losing hundreds of millions of dollars every year from fraud schemes involving shell companies in the construction industry, federal authorities are warning.

The schemes, in which the shell companies are used to dodge payroll taxes and workers compensation premiums, are carried out by illicit actors primarily through banks and check cashers.

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) recently issued a notice to financial institutions calling attention to the increase in the fraud schemes that they say affect the local and national construction job markets and put legitimate construction contractors and their employees at a competitive disadvantage.

IRS-CI Chief Jim Lee said that the agencies hope that by drawing attention to the schemes, they will be able to get financial institutions to assist in preventing fraud and reporting suspicious activity. By enlisting the help of financial institutions, we hope to crack down on fraudsters and level the playing field for legitimate business owners, Lee said.

The agencies notice provides financial institutions with an overview of the underlying schemes, red flag indicators, and specific suspicious activity reporting instructions. (See sidebar below.)

According to the notice, payroll tax evasion and workers compensation fraud schemes may involve networks of individuals and the use of shell companies and fraudulent documents.

Based upon Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) reporting and other available information, FinCEN said it has identified money laundering activity by drug trafficking organizations and transnational criminal organizations that leverage these schemes to launder cash. These schemes are often part of a broader, global money laundering network that inserts cash into the U.S. financial system in small amounts, across a large number of cities, and then collects checks from the involved businessesincluding shell construction companies.

How the Schemes Work

According to FinCEN, the workers compensation insurance fraud scheme typically begins when individuals, usually part of an existing fraud network, recruit others into that network. The new recruits establish a shell company purporting to be a legitimate subcontracting construction company. This shell enables its construction contractors to underbid law-abiding construction firms and evade paying the requisite payroll taxes and workers compensation premiums. The shell company may also engage in other illicit transactions such as money laundering.

11 Select Red Flag Indicators The Treasurys FinCEN, in coordination with the IRS-CI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), has identified a range of red flags to assist financial institutions in detecting, preventing, and reporting suspicious transactions associated with shell companies in the construction industry: The customer is a new (i.e., less than two years old) small construction company specializing in one type of construction trade (e.g., framing, drywall, stucco, masonry, painting, etc.) with minimal to no online presence and has indicators of being a shell company for illicit activity. The person or company opening the account has no known prior involvement with, or in, the construction industry, and the individual opening the account provides a non-U.S. passport as a form of identification. Beneficial owners of the shell company have no known prior involvement with, or in, the construction company and may have prior convictions involving fraud. The companys recently acquired workers compensation insurance policy, which may be verifiable through an official state website, was issued within the last year and covers only a small number of employees. However, a high volume of transactions is observed in the companys bank accounts, which is not commensurate with a construction company of that size. A customer receives weekly deposits in their account that exceed normal account activity from several construction contractors involved in multiple construction trades (e.g., framing, drywall, stucco, masonry, painting, etc.). The deposits may be conducted from locations in multiple cities or states. A customer engages in behavior that suggests efforts to evade CTR filing requirements (e.g., the account holder or company representative alters or cancels a transaction when advised a CTR would be filed or engages in structuring with multiple check payments for under $10,000). A representative of the construction company conducts large or unusual volumes of cash withdrawals or negotiation of checks for cash when accompanied by another involved person(s) or using an armored car service to deliver bulk cash. Large volumes of checks for under $1,000 are drawn on the companys bank account and made payable to separate individuals (i.e., the workers), which are subsequently negotiated for cash by the payee. The companys bank account has minimal to no tax- or payroll-related payments to the IRS, state and local tax authorities, or a third-party payroll company despite a large volume of deposits from clients. The Internet Protocol (IP) address identified from the account holders online banking activity also may be associated with the online banking activity for another customer involved in the same type of purported construction-related activity. The account holder or company representative makes statements to bank tellers or check cashers that the purpose of the cash withdrawals, negotiation of checks for cash, or check cashing activity is for payroll and the volume, amount, and frequency of transactions are uncharacteristic for a construction company with a small number of employees. Source: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN)

According to law enforcement, the contractors frequently employ undocumented workers, and the scheme typically involves undocumented individuals setting up and running the shell companies. The shell companies may engage with a crew of undocumented workers to work on a construction project, without including those workers formally on the payroll or workers compensation policy. In these cases, the shell company rents itself to the undocumented workers for a fee.

The shell company operators obtain a minimal workers compensation policy for a small number of purported employees, typically through a local insurance agent. The insurance policy enables the shell company to apply for official business registration status, which can be verified through the appropriate state authoritys website.

The shell company then rents or sells access to its minimal workers compensation policy, along with its business license and any tax documents, to construction contractors, most of which employ a larger number of workers than what the insurance policy is designed to cover.

The result is that a workers compensation policy that was meant to cover just a handful of workers is used fraudulently to cover potentially hundreds of workers. This enables the construction contractors that have rented or purchased access to the workers compensation policy to avoid paying most of their workers compensation insurance premiums.

Check Writing

The shell company typically goes out of business just before the first annual workers compensation audit. The operator then creates and new shell to assume the operations and repeats the process.

The other component of the scheme involves the construction contractors writing checks payable to the shell company to facilitate off the books payroll and evade state and federal payroll taxes. This creates the facade that the shell company is performing construction projects.

The shell company operators will take the checks to a check casher or deposit them into the shell companys bank accounts and make bulk cash withdrawals from bank accounts. The shell company operator will then return the cash to the construction contractor, after deducting a fee from the contractor.

The shell company operator may also choose to issue individual checks made out directly to each worker working for the construction contractor. The construction contractors will then pay the workers without withholding appropriate payroll-related taxes or paying any workers compensation premiums.

Cases Prosecuted

In one case pursued by FinCEN, a Portland, Oregon, area construction company operator was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $29.9 million in restitution to the IRS. According to court documents, in total, the group cashed approximately $192 million in payroll checks, causing a combined employment and individual income tax loss of $68 million.

In another case, a Jacksonville man was sentenced to more than four years and ordered to pay to pay more than $5.4 million for facilitating an off the books pay scheme. As a result of contractors using the shell companies proof of insurance but never paying any insurance premiums, insurers were defrauded out more than $10 million.

A Massachusetts man was sentenced to 18 months and ordered to pay $1,110,257 to the IRS and $41,352 to an insurer. The man had obtained a workers compensation policy in the name of the shell company to cover a minimal payroll for a few purported employees and rented the insurance to work crews who had obtained subcontracts with contractors on projects in various Florida counties. The conspirators cashed payroll checks totaling approximately $4,388,371. According to the IRS, the amount of payroll taxes due was approximately $1,110,257. The workers compensation policy rented out was for an estimated payroll of $91,000, for a premium of $15,206. Had a policy been purchased for a payroll totaling $4,388,371, the policy premium would have totaled about $728,030.

The Manhattan District Attorney announced an indictment alleging workers compensation fraud totaling $3 million in premiums. The suspect defrauded the states insurance fund by significantly underreporting his payroll during annual insurance premium audits. He cashed more than $26 million in checks at locations across Manhattan and Queens, using the cash to fund his companies unreported payrolls. He allegedly issued cashiers checks to shell companies in the names of family members.

After a multi-year investigation, federal prosecutors in South Carolina succeeded in getting 12 people to plead guilty to a check-cashing scheme used to avoid payroll taxes and workers compensation premiums. The defendants admitted to cashing at least $15 million in checks. Prosecutors said their investigation found that similar schemes operating along the South Carolina coast have resulted in tens of millions of tax losses.

FinCEN Acting Director Himamauli Das said that data collected under the Bank Secrecy Act plays an instrumental role in the agencys criminal investigations. Last year, FinCEN began to crack down on shell companies and illicit finance by establishing a beneficial ownership information reporting requirement as called for under the bipartisan Corporate Transparency Act. The rule will require most corporations, limited liability companies, and other entities to report information about their beneficial ownersthe persons who ultimately own or control the company, to FinCEN.
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 Hawaiis 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 states 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 Moodys 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)
COLUMBUS, Ohio  A former deputy for the Pike County Sheriffs Office was found guilty Wednesday by a federal jury of violating the civil rights of a suspect who was in custody.

Jeremy Mooney, 48, of Piketon, was accused of repeatedly using pepper spray and hitting the victim while the suspect was restrained, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Ohio. Authorities say the victim posed no threat to Mooney.

The incident occurred during the night shift of Nov. 17 and carrying over to the morning of Nov. 18. Prosecutors say Mooney had transported the victim from the jail to the Pike County Sheriffs Office and put the man in a violent prisoner restraint chair.

The assault lasted more than an hour as Mooney dragged the victim while he was in the chair outside, then sprayed him in the face with pepper spray, prosecutors say. When the victim tipped the chair backward while writhing in pain, Mooney again sprayed him the face with pepper spray, prosecutors say.

Mooney brought the victim back inside the sheriffs office. He reportedly punched the victim in the head 11 times, hitting him so hard he broke his own hand.

The jury convicted Mooney of three counts of deprivation of civil rights under color of law. He could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.

A second suspect charged in the case, former Pike County Sheriffs Office supervisor William Stansberry Jr., 47, of Chillicothe, pleaded guilty in July to deprivation of civil rights under color of law.
AKRON, Ohio  A 16-year-old male was arrested Wednesday in connection with a shooting on Sunday that critically wounded a 7-year-old boy and also wounded a 19-year-old man.

The arrest was made at about 4 p.m. a residence on the 800 block of Raymond Street in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood after a significant shift in the investigation, according to Akron police.

The suspect is accused of throwing a .45 caliber handgun out of a bedroom window while police were searching the residence. The gun was recovered and the teen suspect was arrested without incident.

The suspect is charged with two counts of felonious assault and tampering with evidence. He is being held in the Summit County Juvenile Detention Center.

A 37-year-old woman in the home also was arrested after a second handgun was found in her bedroom, police say. She is charged with having weapons under disability.

The shooting occurred at about 4 p.m. Sunday on the 600 block of Vernon Odom Boulevard in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood, police say. No additional details have been released.

Anyone with information can call detectives at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crimestoppers at 330-434-COPS. Individuals also can send tips by texting TIPSCO to 274637. Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411 or accessing the link at www.AkronCops.org.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Felonious frontrunner Donald Trump wasnt in the room of the first Republican Debate Wednesday at Milwaukees arena. But his 40 to 50% poll lead was still the Dumbo doppelganger in the room overshadowing his eight rivals who were.

Despite Trump now having 4 indictments, 54% of Republicans still have a strongly favorable opinion of him. Only 14 to 16% think he should have been charged. 80% think the charges against Trump are politically motivated and that hes still more electable than Governor Ron DeSantis, his nearest rival, who may no longer be that after Wednesdays debate performances.

Members of the self-proclaimed Law & Order party being polled seem to no longer even know the difference between right and wrong. And Trumps old quip that he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and no one would care is being born out in those democracy endangering poll numbers.

Who did care, are the writers of the U.S. Constitution, in particular, the authors of the 14th Amendment. According to Conservative Constitutional scholars, a highly regarded Conservative Federal Judge, J Michael Luttig and Harvard Law Professor Laurence Tribe, section 3 of the 14th Amendment prohibits Trump from being on the ballot.

Written after the Civil War, section three of the Amendment states that a person cant hold office if theyve engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the [U.S.], or given aid or comfort to the enemies thereof.

Its now expected there is a high likelihood that under the 14th Amendment, some Secretaries of State will not put Trumps name on their States ballots. That will lead to appeals taking the case to the U.S. Supreme Court for the ultimate Presidential Debate between appointees of Republican and Democratic Presidents.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  Meghan Guegold Heges accomplishment at the Cleveland Orchestra may not be truly, officially historic, but it is newsworthy nonetheless.

As the newest member of the orchestras horn section, appointed in June, she is not the ensembles very first female brass player, but she is the second, and the first in many years, and in that capacity, she stands to make an enormous impact.

Hege herself would prefer to downplay her break into the predominantly male quarter of one of the worlds top orchestras, But I know its a big deal, and an incredible honor, she said. Its not lost on me that this is very significant.

Its significant for more than one reason. Not only has Hege transcended a stubborn gender barrier. Shes also done so at the orchestra nearest and dearest to her heart, the ensemble shes revered the longest and spent much of her career to date circling.

A native of Mantua, Ohio, Hege grew up around the Cleveland Orchestra. She went on to play in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, study and teach at the Cleveland Institute of Music, a close partner of the orchestra, and perform with the Akron and Canton Symphony Orchestras.

I would not be where I am if I had not studied with them, said Hege, referring to current Cleveland Orchestra member Richard King and retired member Richard Solis, and another teacher, William Hoyt.

I have looked up to the Cleveland Orchestra forever. The people who are now my colleagues? They were my teachers. To me, the Cleveland Orchestra is the epitome. They are the pinnacle, and they always have been.

Another important beacon to Hege was Shelly Showers, the former Cleveland Orchestra member who holds the distinction of being the groups very first female brass player. Although her tenure with Cleveland was brief  she served as acting principal horn from 1995-97  Showers has remained a role model to Hege as a longtime member of the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Hege also pointed to female brass players in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic, all of whom she said laid the foundation for her success in Cleveland.

I see this being possible because of the wonderful female brass players who came before me, Hege said. Theyre the ones who paved the way for my generation, the ones I specifically looked up to.

Last but far from least among Heges predecessors are her parents.

As professional musicians and educators at multiple levels, they were Heges earliest models of rewarding, productive lives in music. They also get credit for setting their daughter on the path that would lead her confidently into a space from which women had long been excluded by tradition.

My parents picked the horn for me, Hege explained. I still remember the day. I thought the instrument was beautiful. It looked so unique and so cool. There was something about it that suited my personality, and I took private lessons right from the start.

Eventually, as those lessons led to seats in high-level youth ensembles, Music became too much a part of my soul to not keeping doing this, Hege added. Thats when I had the thought that I had to be a musician.

As it happens, Hege almost missed her shot at the Cleveland Orchestra.

At the time of the audition, in May, Hege was several months pregnant with her and her husband Daniel Heges first child. (She has since given birth to a baby boy.) Fearing she wouldnt be at her best, she considered declining the opportunity.

Happily, her husband, music director of the Wichita and Binghamton Symphony Orchestras, allayed her trepidation and encouraged her to give it a shot.

I let go of everything else and just played the way I wanted, Hege said. It gave me a real freedom. It was all a blur, and turned out to be one of the greatest moments of my life.

Now, in addition to a new mother, Hege has become a role model herself, a beacon to a whole new generation.

Thanks to her and her predecessors, though, the dynamic today is different. Hege may consider herself the luckiest person in the world, in the best seat in the house, but the last thing she wants to be is the exception. With her appointment in Cleveland, Hege said she hopes to clear away the last vestiges of a barrier she and her many female students and colleagues moved past a long time ago.

I dont want what Im doing to seem out of the ordinary, Hege said. I want it to be common. Theres certainly a movement to make that happen. Maybe this is where things start to transform in the next decade.
WILLOWICK, Ohio  Two people were injured Wednesday night when a parking garage partially collapsed at an apartment complex in Lake County.

Willowick Fire Chief William Malovrh said in a news conference broadcast by WEWS Channel 5 that both victims were taken to University Hospitals Lake West Medical Center and their injuries were minor.

Malovrh said its unknown what caused the collapse of the north section of the parking garage at Shoregate Towers Apartments, 30901 Lakeshore Blvd. Melissa Merritt, a resident of the apartments, said the collapse was very scary.

There is a car that went down with the parking lot. Flipped on its side, Merritt said. Also fire is being seen inside of the wreckage that I can see with my eyes and its a huge piece of the parking lot as well. ...

I have never seen anything like this in my life, she said.

Malovrh said an investigation into the cause will begin Thursday morning after authorities are sure they can safely enter the structure.

Were not going to risk our personnel to go in there, he said.

Its unknown how many cars were damaged in the collapse. Malvorh said the apartment building was safe and residents were allowed to remain inside.
WASHINGTON, D. C.  House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan on Thursday announced hes launching an inquiry into whether the Georgia district attorney who indicted ex-President Donald Trump on conspiracy charges coordinated her work with federal law enforcement.

Jordan, a Republican from Champaign County, on Thursday sent a letter demanding that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis provide his committee with information on her offices communications with U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and executive branch officials, and information on federal funding that the office receives.

Your indictment and prosecution implicate substantial federal interests, and the circumstances surrounding your actions raise serious concerns about whether they are politically motivated, Jordans letter says.

His letter comes on the day that Trump plans to turn himself in at Fulton Countys jail to address the charges stemming from Trumps efforts to overturn Georgias 2020 presidential election results. The indictment alleges 161 improper acts by Trump and his associates, including a call where Trump urged Georgias Secretary of State to find the 11,780 votes needed to overturn his election loss.

It also accuses Trump of making false statements and writings for a telling state election officials that up to 300,000 ballots were dropped mysteriously into the rolls in the 2020 election, that more than 4,500 people voted who werent on registration lists and that a Fulton County election worker, Ruby Freeman, was a professional vote scammer, among other claims.

Jordan announced similar probes against others prosecuting Trump. He held a hearing in New York in an effort to embarrass Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., who indicted Trump for falsifying business records.

He also sent Attorney General Merrick Garland repeated letters about Special Counsel Jack Smiths probes of Trump. Smith oversaw indictments of Trump in Washington, D.C. for attempting to overturn results of the 2020 presidential election, and in Florida for improperly handling classified documents after he left office.

Jordans letter to Willis notes that to the extent that presidents fear that they may be subject to politically motivated prosecutions after they leave office, it could impact the policies they choose to pursue while in office.

And because this former President is a current candidate for that office, the indictment implicates another core federal interest: a presidential election, it continues.

To bolster his claim that the charges are politically motivated, Jordans letter points out that that just four days before issuing the indictment, Willis launched a new campaign fundraising website to highlight her Trump investigation.

Moreover, you have requested that the trial in this matter begin on March 4, 2024, the day before Super Tuesday and eight days before the Georgia presidential primary, Jordans letter continued. It is therefore unsurprising many have speculated that this indictment and prosecution are designed to interfere with the 2024 presidential election.

The letter asks about overlap between her investigation and Smiths, and whether they coordinated, and seeks all communications between them. It also asks for all documents and communications related to her offices receipt and use of federal funds, and all documents and communications between her office and any federal Executive Branch officials over the probe of Trump an others charged in the case.

Given the weighty federal interests at stake, the Committee is conducting oversight of this matter to determine whether any legislative reforms are appropriate or necessary, Jordans letter says.

Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
COLUMBUS, OhioThe Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday indicated it will weigh in on the constitutionality of the states current congressional district lines, as it issued a timeline to both sides in a lawsuit challenging the map.

Ohios congressional districts, which were drawn last year by a Republican-controlled redistricting commission, have been in a sort of legal limbo for months.
Former President Donald Trump will once again turn himself in to authorities for the fourth time this year, this time in Georgia in a case involving election interference in the Peach State.

Trump is one of 19 people criminally charged with attempting to overturn the presidential election outcome in Georgia in 2020 after Trump lost the state to President Biden. He is being charged with racketeering, conspiracy to commit forgery, and 11 other charges.

When is Trump expected to turn himself in?

That remains unclear. So far, the Fulton County District Attorneys office has not released any information pertaining to when Trump is expected to turn himself in. We do know that its expected Thursday and comes a day before D.A. Fani Willis deadline ordering Trump and his co-defendants turn themselves in.

Will Trump receive any special treatment?

No. According to Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat, Trump will be fingerprinted and have a mugshot taken, making Trump the first former U.S. president to have a mugshot.

The Sheriffs department, however, isnt treating the proceeding normally. Athorities have been preparing for months should there be any unexpected moments of violence.

What is Trump charged with exactly?

Trump is charged with 13 counts by the Fulton County district attorney, including racketeering under Georgias RICO statute. Willis said Trump operated his alleged scheme to overturn the election results in Georgia like a criminal enterprise by pressuring state officials in reversing the outcome while also conspiring to create a slate fake electors backing Trump.

Trump is also being charged for solicitation of oath by a public officer for attempting to reverse the election outcome through his now infamous call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, where Trump declared he wants to find 11,780 votes, which is one more than we have because we won the state.

Is he expected to post bail?

Hes already posted $200,000 bond ahead of his appearance in court today, which comes with a set of conditions he agreed to that include making zero threats on social media toward witnesses, his co-defendants and 30 other unindicted co-conspirators.

Who else is being charged in the case?

Eighteen other people within Trumps orbit have been criminally charged for various alleged crimes involving alleged election interference in Georgia, notably former Trump attorney and New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

Other defendants include constitutional lawyer John Eastman, former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, and attorneys Sidney Powell and Kenneth Chesebro. So far, 12 people charged in the case have copped bail deals.

When will Trump be tried?

No official date has been set, though Willis is asking the court to have the trial start on March 4, 2024.
COLUMBUS, Ohio  Republicans on the Ohio Ballot Board have decided on language to be printed on Nov. 7 ballots to explain the proposed abortion rights amendment  including phrases the measures backers say amount to propaganda.

Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights, after a late Thursday afternoon Ballot Board meeting, said it is considering filing a lawsuit at the Ohio Supreme Court to compel the board to use more accurate language. The campaign doesnt have a lot of time  only roughly a week to submit a complaint.
WASHINGTON, D. C.  Native American tribes whom Gen. Anthony Wayne helped remove from Ohio more than 200 years now want to remove his name from the Southeast Ohios Wayne National Forest.

The Forest Service on Monday formally proposed changing the name of the 244,000-acre forest in the Appalachian foothills to the Buckeye National Forest, in response to requests from American Indian Tribes and local community members. 

A Forest Service press release said Waynes complicated legacy includes leading a violent campaign against the Indigenous peoples of Ohio that resulted in their removal from their homelands, and described the current forest name as offensive because of this history of violence. It said the tribes suggested the Buckeye National Forest name, since the buckeye is both Ohios state tree and the states nickname. Other names floated for the forest include Ohio National Forest and Koteewa National Forest.

U.S. Sen. JD Vance on Thursday asked top Forest Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials to oppose the change. In a letter to Agriculture Sec. Tom Vilsack and Forest Service Chief Randy Moore, Vance said the name change would denigrate Ohio history and represent a lack of fidelity to our nations founding generation.

Vance said calling Waynes legacy complicated is an all-too-common dismissive, academic handwave that is beneath the dignity of the United States government.

This sterile summarization is part of a wider federal trend that is replacing real people with abstract things and real histories with vapid anecdotes, Vance continued. Wayne heroically served our nation in a time when its continued existence was not a foregone conclusion. He fought wars and won peace for our government, the government you now serve, and hewed Ohio out of rugged wilderness and occupied enemy territory. Just as the United States would not exist without George Washington, Ohio would not exist without Anthony Wayne.

Wayne served as a general in the Revolutionary War and participated in the Constitutional Convention. His nickname was Mad Anthony Wayne either because of his bold military tactics, or his hot temper and penchant for off-color language. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army by President George Washington and dispatched to subdue tribes who lived in Ohio.

According to Encyclopedia Britanica, Wayne ended Indian resistance when his seasoned force of 1,000 men routed the 2,000 warriors gathered for a final confrontation near Fort Miami on the Maumee River. His victory led to the 1795 treaty of Greenville, which ceded much of Ohio and parts of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan to the United States.

It was signed by the Chippewa, Delaware, Eel River, Kaskaskia, Kickapoo, Miami, Ottawa, Piankishaw, Potawatomi, Shawnee, Wea, and Wyandot Tribes, the Forest Service says. Many of the displaced tribes now live in Oklahoma, says Wayne National Forest Supervisor Lee Stewart.

Stewart says the name change is being proposed to listen to and better serve the Tribal Nations and community members who objected to its old name. He said renaming it for the buckeye would embrace its identity as Ohios only national forest and the welcoming, inclusive nature of the people of Ohio.

Forest Service representatives said the Ohio name change was guided by a 2021 order from Interior Secretary Deb Haaland which created a Federal Advisory Committee to address derogatory and offensive geographic names. In 2022, they began discussing the issue with federally recognized American Indian Tribes with ancestral ties to Ohio. During those meetings, the tribes sought a name change for Wayne National Forest.

Representatives of the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Shawnee Tribe, Delaware Nation, Forest County Potawatomi, Miami Tribe of Oklahoma, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, and Osage Nation actively participated in the name change discussion, Forest Service representatives said.

This has been a discussion that has been ongoing for some time now with a whole contingency of different tribes that are no longer in Ohio, added Devon Frazier, of the Absentee-Shawnee Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma.

She noted that the part of Ohio where the forest is located was the historic home for indigenous people for eons before Wayne arrived on the scene, and said shes very pleased with the suggestion that it be renamed for the buckeye, which tribes used for purposes including food, medicine and adornments.

The word buckeye itself was important, as it reflects things important to Ohio today and connects to the past of the indigenous people who were removed, said Frazier.

The Forest Service is asking interested members of the public to share their thoughts on the name change by submitting comments to the r9_wayne_website@usda.gov email address over the next two weeks. After reviewing public input, the Forest Service will make a recommendation to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, who has authority to change the name.

Stewart estimates changing the parks name would cost around $400,000, mostly to replace signs. He predicts the transition would take less than a year. He declined to describe the nature of formal comments hes received so far for fear of influencing results, but said theres been good public discourse.

Comments on the proposal posted on the parks Facebook page ranged from questions about the cost of the change, to criticism of the idea as political correctness run amuck, to support because Wayne did some messed up stuff to the natives.

Vances letter said the name change drive made him think the USDA possesses such a low opinion of Ohioans that you believe us incapable of appreciating the complexities of American history, and said he found it odd that Waynes name was regarded as offensive because of this history of violence.

I submit to you that our nation was born in war and there would be little left of American history if we censored out all instances of violence, Vance continued. You say that you sought input from the American Indian Tribes. I suggest that you give due weight to the comments of Ohioans who live near Wayne National Forest or share an affection for General Wayne that comes with being his beneficiaries.

He asked Vilsack and Moore to reverse this misguided decision to rename Wayne National Forest.

It would greatly benefit Ohioans, and all Americans, if our government could be counted on to defend our Founding Fathers instead of capitulating to politically motivated renaming efforts, Vance concluded. Until such courage can be found, I humbly recommend that the federal government disband all renaming committees.

It is not the first time that native tribes have objected to honoring Wayne. In 2019, members of the Miami Tribe of Oklahoma told the Fort Wayne, Indiana, city council they were upset about a resolution it approved that designated an Anthony Wayne Day in the city named for the general, according to a report from wane.com.

Diane Hunter, the tribes historic preservation officer, told the council the resolution it passed to honor Wayne incorrectly said Wayne was merciful as he killed our people in order to take our land and that we were not merciful to invading armies. She described that as a skewed and offensive perspective.

In addition to popping up from time to time in controversies over his treatment of Native Americans, Waynes ghost is rumored to haunt an almost 400-mile Pennsylvania stretch of U.S. Route 322 because parts of his body were allegedly lost there when his corpse was moved from the site of his death, near Erie, Pennsylvania, for reburial closer to the family home in Pennsylvanias Chester County.

Pennlive.com reports that Waynes ghost has also been spotted in areas such as U.S. Route 1, close to the Revolutionary Wars Brandywine battlefield, and at Fort Ticonderoga, lounging in a chair by the fireplace, smoking a pipe.

Sabrina Eaton writes about the federal government and politics in Washington, D.C., for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer.
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.

Zero states allow for abortions up until the moment of birth.

That fact didnt stop Republican candidates from spreading misinformation about abortions that happen later in pregnancy during the first GOP presidential debate Wednesday night.

Fox News moderator Martha MacCallum said about five states allow abortion up until the time of birth, before switching the discussion to focus on a potential federal abortion ban.

What the Democrats are trying to do on this issue is wrong, to allow abortion all the way up to the moment of birth, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said about the subject.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott echoed those remarks, claiming that California, Illinois and New York allow abortions up until the day of birth.

That is immoral. It is unethical, Scott said.

Currently, six states and the District of Columbia do not have limits on abortion care, meaning that the procedure can occur past 24 weeks. The states include Alaska, Colorado, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont.

Candidates onstage and the moderators repeatedly touted false claims that Democrats are actively advocating for abortions right before an infant is born, a procedure that is not performed by medical providers anywhere in the U.S.

Only providers in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Colorado can undertake abortions after 24 weeks. Still, abortions in the third trimester are rare and are typically done if life-threatening medical complications arise for either the pregnant person or the fetus.

The false impression that Democrats support abortions up until the time of birth has been repeated by GOP lawmakers throughout recent years.

In 2020, when speaking to members of the U.S. Senate, Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, himself a former presidential hopeful, said that Democrats have supported the concept as well as abortions that occur after birth  considered a crime nationwide.

The idea of killing a child while the mother is in labor instead of delivering the infant is horrifying beyond words, he said at the time.

During Wednesdays debate, Former White House Press Secretary and MSNBC anchor Jen Psaki took to X  formerly known as Twitter  to squash the misinformation.

No one supports abortion up until birth, she said.

Following MacCallums comments, candidates were asked whether theyd be willing to implement a federal abortion ban. Both former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley and DeSantis did not directly answer the question.

Haley called on Republicans to stop demonizing the issue, while DeSantis reiterated his pro-life stance.

Only one candidate, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, outrightly said he would not sign a federal abortion ban, calling it a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Burgum signed a six week abortion ban in April. Reproductive rights groups note that people rarely realize they are pregnant at six weeks, illustrating how restrictive such a ban is for birthing people.

Former Vice President Mike Pence all but directly insinuated that he would sign a national abortion ban.

Its not a states only issue, its a moral issue, he said. A 15-week ban is an idea whose time has come.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  I remember my first flight on Spirit Airlines, back in early 2015, shortly after the budget airline made its debut at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.

A flight attendant made a joke that went something like this: Thank you for flying Spirit, the airline travelers love to hate. We look forward to seeing you again soon.

And its true  not just about Spirit, but Frontier, Allegiant, Breeze and other low-cost airlines. We travelers love to gripe about them.

But we clearly love to fly them, too  thats why theyre some of the fastest-growing airlines, not only in Northeast Ohio, but all over the United States.

Breeze Airways, a new low-cost carrier that started flying in 2021, is poised to become the largest carrier at the Akron-Canton Airport this fall  just two years after its debut. It will take over the top spot from another low-cost carrier, Allegiant.

At Cleveland Hopkins, both Frontier and Spirit airlines have become major players in recent years, adding destinations and bringing down fares.

Since the pandemic recovery especially, these airlines have done well, with their low fares and leisure-focused business model.

Yet even as they add flights and customers, these airlines continue to rack up traveler complaints. The Airline Quality Rating, an annual ranking of U.S. airlines based on government data, listed Spirit ninth and Frontier tenth in its most recent performance ranking of the 10 largest airlines in the United States.

I regularly hear from readers with complaints about these airlines -- much more than United, say, or Delta.

My theory is that even though these airlines have been around for years, some travelers are newly discovering them. And maybe they dont realize that theres a learning curve involved.

The low-cost airlines dont operate the same way United and Delta do. And if you expect them to, you will be disappointed.

Ive flown both Spirit and Frontier a lot  multiple times every year  and while I cant say Im never disappointed in them, its rare that Im surprised.

If you know what to expect, then you know how to handle a problem when it arises.

For example, when Frontier canceled a flight of mine a few years ago, I didnt delay  I immediately booked a flight on an alternative airline, before seats filled up.

Despite a handful of bad experiences, most of my flights on these airlines have been uneventful, just the way I like them.

I dont know if its luck or skill or some combination -- avoiding connections in Chicago or New York City, say, or booking flights early in the day. There are ways to maximize your luck when you fly.

Need a primer on these (not so) new airlines? Read on for my tips:

Unbundled fares

One of the biggest differences between low-cost carriers and their legacy cousins is the way they sell you a ticket  although this difference isnt as big as it used to be, as more airlines are adopting this unbundled model.

A ticket on Spirit is just that  a ticket to fly. It doesnt include a suitcase (checked or carry-on). It doesnt include a beverage or a snack. And it doesnt include a seat assignment  you have to pay extra if you want a seat reserved in advance.

In some ways, this makes sense  youre only paying for whats important to you. In other ways, it feels like youre being nickel and dimed. (And of course, were not talking about nickels and dimes  the cost to take a carry-on on a Spirit flight has increased to $60 or more, one way, on many routes.)

The airlines have been criticized in the past for not being transparent about their fee structure, but Ive found that when you buy from the airlines directly, the carriers are pretty straightforward about their charges. Its when youre buying through another site that things can be unclear. So buy directly from an airlines website unless you have a good reason not to.

Speaking of baggage

It was Spirit, of course, that ushered in the era of carry-on bag fees, back in 2010. Two years before, American Airlines started charging for a checked bag. Now, almost all airlines charge for a checked bag (Southwest being the exception) and many also charge for a carry-on.

The concept of charging for a suitcase is simple enough  the implementation of it, however, can be crazy complicated.

Spirit, Frontier and other low-cost carriers have set up elaborate fee structures depending on when you pay for your bag. On Spirit, there are five different price points  when you buy your ticket, before you check in for your flight, when you check in, at the ticket counter and finally at the gate. The difference in price is substantial -- $64 versus $99, one way, according to a recent search.

Its always the cheapest to buy when you book, so think ahead to what youll need on your trip and buy your bag then if you possibly can.

Frontier has generated more recent controversy with the enforcement of its personal item policy.

On all the airlines, travelers can fly with a free personal item  a purse, small backpack, briefcase, etc. These items must meet certain size requirements (on Frontier: 14 inches by 18 inches by 8 inches).

In recent months, Frontier agents, in Cleveland and elsewhere, have been relentless in their enforcement of size limits, requiring travelers to insert their personal items into bag sizers. If they dont fit, travelers are assessed the $99 gate fee  and theres no room for debate. You pay it or you dont board the flight.

Earlier this summer, a Florida woman filed a lawsuit against Frontier, alleging that the airline is violating its own policy, denying bags that meet the carriers own requirements. I will be watching to see how that gets resolved.

Pay for a seat  or not

It used to be that when you bought a ticket on a flight, you were given a seat assignment at the same time.

On Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, Allegiant  and numerous legacy carriers  you now have to pay for that advanced reservation.

Usually, I dont pay it.

The airfare guarantees you a seat  maybe not the seat you prefer, but a seat.

The only time I buy a seat assignment is if I want to upgrade my seat for more legroom  which Ill sometimes do on a long flight or a late-night route.

One more observation: My experience has been that airlines typically seat reservation parties together if theyre able. So more often than not, Im seated next to my husband or other traveling companion.

The U.S. Department of Transportation has been pressuring U.S. airlines to seat families with kids ages 12 and under together without additional fees. So far, just three airlines have guaranteed to not charge families to sit together  American, Frontier and Alaska.

Help when you need it

The U.S. Department of Transportation last year created an online resource designed to help travelers figure out what an airline owes them when theres a problem.

The Airline Customer Service Dashboard includes commitments on what an airline owes its travelers for cancellations and delays. (Note: The commitments are for controllable cancellations and delays  in other words, not for weather or air traffic control issues.)

The information on controllable cancellations, for example, shows which carriers will rebook passengers on another airline at no additional cost. Among those that will: United, Delta, American and Alaska. And those that wont: Spirit, Frontier and Allegiant.

Keep in mind, too, that many of these low-cost carriers dont fly to their destinations every day. So if your flight is canceled  for weather or any other reason  it may be days before you can get home. And thats assuming there are available seats on the next flight.

In my experience, its often better to take matters into your own hands when theres a problem. Find a hotel room or a new flight and book it yourself if youre stranded, instead of waiting for the carrier to do it for you. Remember: You always have 24 hours to cancel a flight after booking.

And heres something you already know: When you need help, its hard to get it. Neither Breeze nor Frontier has a customer service phone number -- so youre stuck communicating with them via text, messenger, social media or Morse code if you need help.

These are clearly the DIY days of air travel.

Complain about it all you want. But Ill see you at the airport.

Ranking U.S. airlines

Ultra-low-cost airlines fared the worst in this years Airline Quality Rating, an annual performance ranking of U.S. carriers based on data collected by the federal government. The ranking tallies information on on-time arrivals, mishandled bags, denied boardings and consumer complaints. For details: airlinequalityrating.wichita.edu/

1. Delta

2. Alaska

3. Hawaiian

4. United

5. American

6. Southwest

7. Allegiant

8. JetBlue

9. Spirit

10. Frontier

Note: Breeze, new in 2021, was not included in the ranking.

Read more:

How to make that cheap Spirit or Frontier airfare even cheaper (hint: step away from your computer)

$112 for a carry-on bag? Airline fees are on the rise; heres how you can save
CLEVELAND, Ohio - We arent done with rain yet, but things look to start drying up the second half of the weekend.

The National Weather Services forecast calls for highs around 80 on Friday and only in the mid 70s both Saturday and Sunday. A Flood Watch remains in effect until Friday morning with localized flooding still possible. Saturday could again a slight chance of rain during the day with things clearing a bit late Saturday into Sunday when sunshine returns. Lows will be in the mid 60s Friday and around 60 both Saturday and Sunday nights.

Lake Erie marine forecast

The NEORSD is advising swimmers to stay out of the water at Edgewater Beach due to the sewage overflow caused by Wednesday nights rains. Tests will continue twice daily until the all-clear is sounded. Expect highs in the low-to-mid 70s all weekend with overnight lows around 70 degrees. Wave heights will fluctuate between one and two feet at various points throughout the weekend. Current Lake Erie water temp off Cleveland is 73 degrees.

Work week forecast

Monday will see more sun with highs in the upper 70s. A chance of showers returns Tuesday with highs around 77.

Ohio regional radar
The Georgia judge overseeing President Trumps election interference case set a lightning quick Oct. 23 trial date for co-defendant Kenneth Chesebro after the former Trump campaign lawyer demanded a speedy trial.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee agreed to the date proposed by the prosecution but only for Chesebro, noting that no decision has been made about when Trump and the other 17 co-defendants will go on trial in the sprawling racketeering case.

Trump has already asked McAfee to separate his case and other co-defendants may follow suit.

But a trial kicking off so soon could provide a dramatic early precursor of what Trump will face later and may bare evidence against Trump that he would rather not be revealed before the presidential election campaign kicks off in earnest.

The rapid fire development came after Chesebro demanded a speedy trial, which under Georgia law requires a trial to start by Nov. 1. District Attorney Fani Willis quickly agreed.

Trump on Thursday filed legal papers of his own, formally asking for his case to be severed from Chesebros.

Willis had earlier asked for a March 4 trial date in the case, which accuses Trump of leading a wide-ranging conspiracy to overturn his loss in the 2020 election.

Trump has not proposed a date but he has sought to dramatically delay all his criminal cases until at least after the 2024 election, in which he hopes to win a return to the White House.

The legal back-and-forth came as Trump prepared to turn himself in to authorities in Atlanta later Thursday.

Just hours earlier, Trump fired his lead defense lawyer in Georgia on the eve of his arrest.

Drew Findling, a celebrity Atlanta defense lawyer who led the team that negotiated a bail agreement with Fulton County authorities, was unceremoniously dumped and replaced by Steve Sadow, who is also a prominent legal figure in Georgia.

[Trump] should never have been indicted. He is innocent of all the charges brought against him. We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding [him] not guilty, Sadow said in a statement.

No reason was given for the shakeup.

Trump has regularly hired and fired lawyers as he has dealt with innumerable legal battles, with some of them complaining about his reluctance to abide by legal advice or pay his hefty bills.
North Korea announced it had a failed attempt at launching a spy satellite, shortly after South Koreas military claimed it detected a long-range rocket sent from the country on Thursday.

The attempt marks the second failure claimed by North Korea, which said it would make a third try this October. North Koreas first attempt on May 31 failed when their rocket fell into the sea soon after its launch.

The efforts are part of leader Kim Jong Uns intent to build a space-based surveillance system to track the military activity of the U.S. and South Korea.

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 reported of Thursdays flight.

The cause of the relevant accident is not a big issue in terms of the reliability of cascade engines and the system, the agency added.

The launch led to Japan issuing an emergency warning around 4 a.m. local time, using their J-alert broadcasting system. Residents in Okinawa were instructed to take cover indoors, but the warning was lifted roughly 20 minutes later.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said that they detected the rocket around 3:50 a.m. off the Korean Peninsulas west coast, where North Koreas main space launch center is housed.

The launch came just three days after the U.S. and South Korea began their annual joint military drills, which North Korea sees as rehearsals for an invasion  and which it considers to be increasing the threat of nuclear war between the countries.

Defense systems in South Korea were bolstered in response to Thursdays launch and the country said it was closely communicating with the U.S. on the matter.

The United States and South Korea issued statements back in May, condemning the first launch for violating United Nations agreements that ban the use of ballistic missiles.

Last week, South Koreas spy agency reported that North Korea was preparing for tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles and other weapons. On Monday, KCNA reported the firings of tests involving strategic cruise missiles.

With News Wire Services
Tropical Storm Franklin killed at least two people and sent 3,300 others to higher ground in the Dominican Republic. One person remains missing.

Authorities searched the weather-battered Caribbean country Thursday where they said 670 homes were affected and two dozen communities were cut off by hard rain. Hundreds of thousands of people were left without power and at least 1.6 million had no clean water following a Wednesday downpour causing floods and landslides.

Santa Rosario Rodriguez told The Associated Press she and her two daughters were among the 352 Dominicans who hunkered down in a government shelter when the Nigua River soaked her home.

When it fills up with water, it has nowhere to go, she said.

Domingo Ogando Figuereo and his family took shelter to escape the surging Yubaso River.

We hope everything turns out well, the husband and father of three told the AP.

Franklin entered Thursday morning with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph as it made its way north across open water east of Turks and Caicos at 7 mph. The storm is expected to become a hurricane once at sea. Forecasters expect the weather event to run parallel to the New England coast from a relatively safe distance, though rain is in the forecast. Bermuda may find itself in Franklins path early next week.

New Orleans outlet WDSU says the storm could become a Category 2 hurricane.

A late El Nino and warm oceans caused the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to anticipate a more violent than usual hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean. More than 20 named storms are a possibility, with roughly half of them reaching hurricane strength, according to NOAA.

The National Hurricane Center has tracked at least five weather systems in the Atlantic this week, including Tropical Storm Emily, which formed in the Atlantic Ocean Sunday and quickly lost strength without making landfall. In Texas, Tropical Storm Harold drenched the southern part of the state Tuesday, but was not a major event for the area, according to the National Hurricane Center.

Storm season is expected to peak next month.

With News Wire Services
It was Aug. 24, 2021, that, in the wake of Andrew Cuomos meltdown, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul became Gov. Hochul, to shape her own record and legacy in New Yorks top job. She squeakily passed her biggest political test last year, winning reelection more narrowly than expected in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans more than two-to-one. On other consequential tests, her record has been decidedly mixed  but she seems to be learning as she leads.

The clear lowlight of her term thus far was the unwise selection out of the gate of Brian Benjamin as lieutenant governor. Hochul did so despite flapping red flags in this newspaper and elsewhere, and the decision backfired spectacularly when the feds arrested Benjamin on corruption charges last April. Though a judge tossed the most serious charges against Benjamin, that hardly counts as vindication.

In the rest of her first year-plus in office, Hochul spent much of her time and energy reaching for an elusive brass ring called Democratic Party Unity, which is to say she avoided tough fights against the further-left progressives who set the agenda in the Legislature.

She signed into law extremely partisan, gerrymandered districts, which were ruled unconstitutional by the courts. She gamely tried to attack New Yorks single biggest economic crisis by goosing housing production  but when suburban Democrats squawked, she quickly buckled. So too, when she tried further refining a pretrial detention law passed by the Legislature and signed by Cuomo back in 2019, she settled for minor adjustments. Taking baby steps, she seemed to think, was the price of keeping the party together and winning a term in her own right. The only priority for which she seemed prepared to go to the mattresses was construction of a new stadium for her beloved Buffalo Bills.

Once elected to a full term, Hochul has mostly wielded power more freely and more wisely. We said mostly: Her nomination of Hector LaSalle as chief judge was substantively solid, but politically ham-handed, forcing a do-over with Rowan Wilson, who is far more politically palatable to left-leaning lawmakers.

In her second budget cycle, she managed to push through another round of pretrial detention reforms, and she fought harder for a comprehensive set of policies to spark new housing supply in New York City and especially its suburbs, including production targets for every locality and a requirement allowing denser housing near transit. It was precisely the right medicine for the states chronic illness  yet again, the Legislature rejected it. But this time, we couldnt fault the governor.

She also gets high marks for the politically easy but necessary task of reinforcing New Yorks abortion and gun laws in the wake of two disastrous Supreme Court decisions last summer. The wind was at her back in both cases, but she did the right thing.

Last and the opposite of least, the verdict is out on an ongoing crisis that could be administration-defining: Handling the migrants. Hochul has been too hesitant to take charge, leaving Mayor Adams to try to answer the challenge with the limited resources and tools at his disposal  and constrained by the right to shelter. She needs to do better, and she needs to do better soon.
Nvidia (NVDA) shined once again with the release Wednesday of its second-quarter fiscal year 2024 results. Similar to its blowout first quarter, the artificial-intelligence chipmaker handily exceeded Wall Street's expectations and offered a forecast that was well above already-lofty expectations  driving shares to another new all-time high in afterhours trading. Revenue for the three months ended July 30 climbed 101% year-over year, to $13.51 billion, well ahead of analysts' forecasts of $11.24 billion, according to Refinitiv. Adjusted earnings-per-share (EPS) grew 429% from last year, to $2.70, exceeding forecasts of $2.09 a share, Refinitiv data showed. Adjusted gross margin of 71.2% beat out Wall Street's 70.1% estimate, according to FactSet. Shares of the Club holding soared roughly 6% in post-market trading, to nearly $500 apiece. Bottom line Coming into the print after the closing bell Wednesday, expectations were about as high as they could be, with the stock up more than 200% year-to-date and up more than 50% since last reporting earnings in May . Analysts covering the stock were increasing price targets hand over fist, competing with each other about who would deliver the new 'Street High.' And yet, there was also plenty of unconfirmed chatter that Nvidia wouldn't have enough supply capacity to offer another revenue forecast materially above expectations  a camp that believed Nvidia's upside would be capped by its suppliers. But we said to block out the noise and reiterated Nvidia as a rare "own it, don't trade stock" because its graphics processing units (GPUs) and software stack make up the computing infrastructure of generative AI . As one analyst from UBS put it last week, Nvidia is the "kingmaker" in AI. "During the quarter, major cloud service providers announced massive NVIDIA H100 AI infrastructures. Leading enterprise IT system and software providers announced partnerships to bring NVIDIA AI to every industry. The race is on to adopt generative AI," founder and CEO Jensen Huang said in the company's earnings press release. "The world has something along the lines of about $1 trillion worth of data centers installed, in the cloud, in enterprise and otherwise. And that $1 trillion of data centers is in the process of transitioning into accelerated computing and generative AI. We're seeing two simultaneous platform shifts at the same time," Jensen added during Nvidia's post-earnings conference call. He later explained that when it comes to high demand for the company's products, "the world is transitioning from general-purpose computing to accelerated computing [and] the best way for companies to increase their throughput, improve their energy efficiency, improve their cost efficiency, is to divert their capital budget to accelerated computing and generative AI." These trends support our conviction in Nvidia. While a high valuation has always been a sticking point for the Nvidia bears, one of the main reasons why we said to own this stock is because it ends up looking much cheaper in retrospect when the actual earnings come out much higher than forecasts. And once again, the company delivered a massive upside surprise, guiding for $16 billion in revenue for the current quarter when Wall Street was only looking for $12.6 billion. With gross margins expected to be slightly higher than expected as well, Nvidia's implied EPS guidance was much stronger than the consensus. And we can only surmise that the additional step-up in revenue will force analysts to raise their full-year estimates even higher Wednesday night. Needless to say, our current $450-per-share price target will be revised higher. Quarterly commentary Data-center revenue in the quarter  comprising 76% of total revenue  reached a new record, more than doubling from a year ago and on a sequential basis. Driving those gains were increased orders from cloud-service providers and large consumer-internet companies like Club names Amazon (AMZN), Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Meta Platforms (META) and Oracle (ORCL). Driving the strong demand for the Nvidia HGX platform based on its Hopper and Ampere GPU architectures was the development of large language models and generative AI. Within its data-center unit, networking revenue almost doubled from last year thanks to strong demand for its end-to-end InfiniBand networking platform, which the company called "the gold standard for AI." InfiniBand offers more than double the performance of traditional ethernet for AI, according to the company. While there had been some market chatter about China doubling, or even tripling, orders to get ahead of potential new U.S. export restrictions, Nvidia said China demand was within the historical range of 20% to 25% of data-center revenue. Although there's always a risk of future export restrictions on data-center GPUs to China, Nvidia said Wednesday evening that, if adopted, it does not anticipate an immediate material impact to its financial results because of the strength of demand for its products worldwide. Gaming revenue, at roughly, 18% of total revenue, was up year-over-year as channel inventory levels finally normalized, primarily reflecting demand for the new GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs. Nvidia believes global end demand has finally returned to growth following last year's significant slowdown. Given how large Nvidia's data-center business and, to a lesser extent, gaming unit have become in the past year, there's less investor emphasis on Nvidia's other business lines than there was previously. But they are still worth noting. Revenue at the professional-visualization unit fell from last year, primarily due to lower sell-in to partners in an effort to normalize channel inventory levels. However, revenue was up sequentially on improved demand for Nvidia's enterprise workstation and the ramp of Nvidia RTX products. Sales at Nvidia's automotive unit were up from last year but fell sequentially, primarily due to lower overall auto demand, especially in China. As a cherry on top, Nvidia announced that its board of directors approved an increase to its share-repurchase program by an additional $25 billion. This adds to the $3.95 billion the company had remaining at the end of the second quarter. Nvidia said it bought back $3.28 billion worth of stock during its second quarter. Guidance Looking ahead to Nvidia's third quarter of fiscal 2024, the company once again provided massive upside relative to Wall Street's expectations. The last time Nvidia offered a quarterly revenue outlook, the company shocked the business world by issuing guidance for roughly $11 billion, which at the time was nearly $4 billion higher than the consensus on Wall Street. This time, the company said it expects revenue for the current quarter to be $16 billion, plus or minus 2%, representing strong sequential growth of about 18% that was also about $3.4 billion above consensus estimates. Additionally, management expects adjusted gross margins to be 72.5%, plus or minus 50 basis points, nicely above estimates of 70%. One reason why gross margins have been increasing at the company level is due to higher sales from data-center products, which have a higher-margin software component Though management does not provide a forecast for EPS, analysts at Truist Wednesday calculated that the implied earnings guidance was $3.32 per share. That's 92 cents more than what the Street was expecting. The results, combined with the outlook, demonstrate how Nvidia's lofty price-to-earnings multiple can be deceiving when the company is firing on all cylinders and its chips are in high demand. Looking further out, we were encouraged to hear Nvidia say not only that its demand visibility extends into next year thanks to AI, but also that it expects supply for its data-center chips to increase each quarter throughout next year. This should help investors feel more comfortable about Nvidia's ability to meet a ferocious level of demand. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

Nvidia President and CEO Jensen Huang speaks at the COMPUTEX forum in Taiwan, May 28, 2023. Sopa Images | Lightrocket | Getty Images
Nvidia CEO Jen-Hsun Huang at the Consumer Elctronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, USA, 04 January 2017. Huang announced that his company would collaborate with the German car company Audi in future.

Nvidia is on a tear, and it doesn't seem to have an expiration date.

Nvidia makes the graphics processors, or GPUs, that are needed to build AI applications like ChatGPT. In particular, there's extreme demand for its highest-end AI chip, the H100, among tech companies right now.

Nvidia's overall sales grew 101% on an annual basis to $13.51 billion in its second fiscal quarter, which ended July 30, the company announced Wednesday. Not only is it selling a bunch of AI chips, but they're more profitable, too: The company's gross margin expanded over 25 percentage points versus the same quarter last year to 71.2%  incredible for a physical product.

Plus, Nvidia said that it sees demand remaining high through next year and said it has secured increase supply, enabling it to increase the number of chips it has on hand to sell in the coming months.

The company's stock rose more than 6% after hours on the news, adding to its remarkable gain of more than 200% this year so far.

It's clear from Wednesday's report that Nvidia is profiting more from the AI boom than any other company.

Nvidia reported an incredible $6.7 billion in net income in the quarter, a 422% increase over the same time last year.

"I think I was high on the Street for next year coming into this report but my numbers have to go way up," wrote Chaim Siegel, an analyst at Elazar Advisors, in a note after the report. He lifted his price target to $1,600, a "3x move from here," and said, "I still think my numbers are too conservative."

He said that price suggests a multiple of 13 times 2024 earnings per share.

Nvidia's prodigious cashflow contrasts with its top customers, which are spending heavily on AI hardware and building multi-million dollar AI models, but haven't yet started to see income from the technology.

About half of Nvidia's data center revenue comes from cloud providers, followed by big internet companies. The growth in Nvidia's data center business was in "compute," or AI chips, which grew 195% during the quarter, more than the overall business's growth of 171%.

Microsoft , which has been a huge customer of Nvidia's H100 GPUs, both for its Azure cloud and its partnership with OpenAI, has been increasing its capital expenditures to build out its AI servers, and doesn't expect a positive "revenue signal" until next year.

On the consumer internet front, Meta said it expects to spend as much as $30 billion this year on data centers, and possibly more next year as it works on AI. Nvidia said on Wednesday that Meta was seeing returns in the form of increased engagement.

Some startups have even gone into debt to buy Nvidia GPUs in hopes of renting them out for a profit in the coming months.

On an earnings call with analysts, Nvidia officials gave some perspective about why its data center chips are so profitable.

Nvidia said its software contributes to its margin and that it is selling more complicated products than mere silicon. Nvidia's AI software, called Cuda, is cited by analysts as the primary reason why customers can't easily switch to competitors like AMD .

"Our Data Center products include a significant amount of software and complexity which is also helping for gross margins," Nvidia finance chief Colette Kress said on a call with analysts.

Nvidia is also compiling its technology into expensive and complicated systems like its HGX box, which combines eight H100 GPUs into a single computer. Nvidia boasted on Wednesday that building one of these boxes uses a supply chain of 35,000 parts. HGX boxes can cost around $299,999, according to reports, versus a volume price of between $25,000 and $30,000 for a single H100, according to a recent Raymond James estimate.

Nvidia said that as it ships its coveted H100 GPU out to cloud service providers, they are often opting for the more complete system.

"We call it H100, as if it's a chip that comes off of a fab, but H100s go out, really, as HGX to the world's hyperscalers and they're really quite large system components," Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said on a call with analysts.

Correction: Nvidia's sales grew 101% on an annual basis. An earlier version misstated the figure.
Young workers in America have a vacation problem: 35% of Gen Z workers in the U.S. say they feel guilty when they don't work during their paid time off, according to a recent LinkedIn survey. That guilt comes down to a lot of things, including young workers feeling like they have to impress their boss, get along with co-workers and show they're pulling their weight. But in some countries around the world, workers regularly take more than a month of paid vacation days and even build stronger teams for it. That's how Jane Naumova sees it. The 25-year-old works in social media in London, where UK workers are entitled to 28 paid vacation days each year. Naumova's employer offers even more: one mental health day for each quarter, birthdays off, a day off for every year working for the company, and a two-week break around the winter holidays. That's roughly two months of business days in vacation time per year. Given her company, and country's, favorable stance on leisure time, Naumova says it's not difficult to justify taking her allotted paid time off. "The main thing to remember is that you are getting paid for this time off, as it's already included in your salary," she says. "It's not something you should be working toward or feel awkward when asking for it."

'You work in PR, not the ER'

Naumova says she's a "big advocate for work-life balance and mental health in general," as are the other members of her team. That makes it a lot easier to combat burnout because they encourage each other to fully unplug during their scheduled time away. The right kind of environment puts her work and life in perspective. "I like the saying that 'you work in PR, not the ER,'" Naumova adds. "There is nothing so urgent that no one else can do when you are off." She finds it pretty easy to request days off and says her company helps people pace their breaks. By summer, employees are "highly encouraged to take time off and leave no more than 10 days for the last quarter, if we are not planning any big traveling by the end of the year," she says. Naumova works with five people on her team, and they coordinate holidays as much as possible to avoid leaving too much work for one person. Her longest time off was for a two-week vacation to Italy, but it wasn't too stressful to prepare: "I just left my handover, had a meeting with the team and left my OOO automatic reply," she says. "Also, I mute all work apps on my phone, get lots of books to slow down the speed my brain receives information, and sometimes even switch off my phone for a few days," she adds. All that time away can lead to a stressful return to the office, Naumova admits, but she says easing into things comes down to communication, trust and respect. She and her co-workers "have a kind of unspoken rule that when someone comes back from vacation, we always offer help and take as much work as we can from their hands," she says, "so a person can adapt to the workload again and not feel drained in the first week."

Shorter and more affordable vacations still have big benefits
Apple CEO Tim Cook reacts to a customer carrying a Macintosh SE during the opening of the new Apple BKC store in Mumbai, India, on April 18, 2023.

Apple is now backing a California right-to-repair bill, a major shift in the company's attitude toward the movement and a potential boon for the environment, according to a letter obtained by CNBC.

California Senate Bill 244 would require manufacturers such as Apple to allow customers to fix their broken or damaged devices. It was introduced by state Sen. Susan Talamantes Eggman in March. Eggman has put forward other right-to-repair bills in the past, saying that expanded right-to-repair legislation would "give consumers the choice to save some money."

In a Tuesday letter to Eggman's staff, Apple's policy team concurred but said the company would not support the bill if it allowed repair shops to turn off Apple's anti-theft remote locks, which often make it impossible to repair or activate old computers that have been sold.

"We support SB 244 because it includes requirements that protect individual users' safety and security, as well as product manufacturers' intellectual property. We will continue to support the bill, so long as it continues to provide protections for customers and innovators," the company's lobbyists wrote in the letter seen by CNBC.

Apple also said that it would continue to support the bill as long as repair shops were required to disclose "the use of non-genuine or used parts."

TechCrunch and do-it-yourself repair-guide company iFixit were first to report on the letter.

"Apple's support for California's Right to Repair Act demonstrates the power of the movement that has been building for years and the ability for industries to partner with us to make good policy to benefit the people of California. I'm grateful for their engagement on this issue and for leading among their peers when it comes to supporting access to repair," Eggman told CNBC.

Apple engaged with the lawmaker's team "very early on" in what Eggman's chief of staff David Stammerjohan told CNBC were "very constructive" conversations. Stammerjohan declined to comment on engagement or lobbying from other manufacturers.

"Apple supports California's Right to Repair Act so all Californians have even greater access to repairs while also protecting their safety, security, and privacy. We create our products to last and, if they ever need to be repaired, Apple customers have a growing range of safe, high-quality repair options," Apple said in a statement to CNBC.

The bill would require manufacturers who sell products for more than $100  a threshold that applies to most of Apple's products  to make replacement guides, parts, and tools available for at least three years after the date that manufacture ended.

Historically, the company has opposed right-to-repair laws. Apple is not usually a major direct lobbying force but has reportedly used its considerable heft to curb right-to-repair legislation in other states, including New York.

There have been a few reasons why the company has opposed similar bills. Apple sells AppleCare+ insurance for all of its major product lines, which drives store visits and can sometimes lead to ancillary revenue if a product needs to be replaced.

But Apple is also serious about maintaining quality and controlling customer experiences. In the past, replacing an iPhone screen at a non-authorized vendor would void your iPhone warranty. Substandard materials used by non-official repairers can lead to further damage down the line, or simply just not work.

The company, under pressure from consumer groups, has relaxed its position in recent years. For example, customers can now replace iPhone batteries under Apple's Self Service Repair program, first launched in 2021. The program lets customers order genuine parts directly through Apple and repair devices themselves.

Apple left the door open to supporting further expansion of right-to-repair in the letter to Eggman. "Apple appreciates the opportunity to support your efforts to improve consumer options in California," the letter said.

 CNBC's Kif Leswing contributed to this report.

WATCH: Apple's fix-it program a good but small step in the right direction
A Chinese scientist works at the national laboratory of medical genetics of China in Central South University June 19, 2006 in Changsha city, Hunan province of China.

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 to the Science and Technology Agreement, or STA, will keep the pact in force as the U.S. seeks "authority to undertake negotiations to amend and strengthen the terms," a State Department spokesperson told NBC News on 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 world's two leading economies, supporters have warned.

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.

"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.

China also considers it the enabling document for all other science cooperation with the U.S., including with academic and research institutions.

But the agreement's renewal faced resistance from lawmakers who argue that collaboration on technologies in sensitive fields could advance China's military modernization. In June, 10 Republican members of Congress sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging him not to renew.

"We are clear-eyed to the challenges posed by the PRC'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 State Department spokesperson said.

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 signatories included Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, the chair of the House Republican Conference, and Rep. Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, the chair of the House 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 the agreement's renewal, citing the Chinese government's 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 Biden administration's plans aren't unprecedented. Under former President Donald Trump, the U.S. sought a similar short-term extension to renegotiate the terms of an annex of the agreement to strengthen intellectual property protections.

The State Department spokesperson said it was aware of the issues involved with working with China in the are of science and technology.
A Falcon 9 rocket is displayed outside the Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) headquarters on January 28, 2021 in Hawthorne, California.

The U.S. Department of Justice sued SpaceX on Thursday, alleging Elon Musk's space company discriminated in its hiring practices against refugees and people granted asylum in the U.S.

The lawsuit says between 2018 and 2022, SpaceX "wrongly claimed" that export control laws limited its hiring to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

The DOJ has been investigating SpaceX since June 2020, when the department's Immigrant and Employee Rights Section received a complaint of employment discrimination from a non-U.S. citizen.

"Our investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law," Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement.

Clarke added that the DOJ's investigation found "SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials took actions that actively discouraged asylees and refugees from seeking work opportunities at the company."

According to data SpaceX provided, the DOJ said that over a nearly four period and across more than 10,000 hires, the company "hired only one individual who was an asylee and identified as such in his application."

That lone hire came about four months after the DOJ notified SpaceX of its investigation.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. The suit was filed in the Executive Office for Immigration Review, a division of the DOJ that adjudicates immigration cases.

The DOJ lawsuit seeks to win "fair consideration and back pay for asylees and refugees who were deterred or denied employment at SpaceX due to the alleged discrimination," as well as civil penalties and policy changes from the company.

In 2021, the DOJ's Immigrant and Employee Rights Section alleged that SpaceX was stonewalling a subpoena related to its investigation and requested a judge order that SpaceX comply with its request for documents related to how the company hires. SpaceX had filed a petition with a DOJ administrative tribunal to dismiss the subpoena on grounds that it exceeded the scope of IER's authority, but that petition was denied.

IER opened its probe after a man named Fabian Hutter complained that SpaceX discriminated against him in March 2020 when he was asked about his citizenship status during a job interview for a technical strategy associate position.

Hutter is not a U.S. citizen, but according to a document filed by SpaceX in response to a DOJ subpoena in 2021, he is a "lawful permanent [U.S.] resident holding dual citizenship from Austria and Canada."

Hutter declined to comment on the suit when contacted by CNBC.

Read the DOJ's lawsuit below:
BRICS officials during the last day of the bloc's 15th summit in South Africa.

The BRICS economic coalition of emerging markets on Thursday extended membership invitations to six nations, South African President and current BRICS Chair Cyril Ramaphosa said.

The BRICS alliance  which is composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  is set to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to join, Ramaphosa said in a speech published on the X social media platform, previously known as Twitter.

Their membership would take effect from Jan. 1, 2024.

South Africa is presently hosting the 15th BRICS summit, where the group's expansion was a key point of the meeting agenda. Russian President Vladimir Putin was unable to attend in person, likely on account of an International Criminal Court warrant that would have theoretically obliged the host country  an ICC signatory  to proceed with his arrest.

"BRICS is a diverse group of nations," Ramaphosa said. "It is an equal partnership of countries that have differing views but a shared vision for a better world. As the five #BRICS members, we have reached agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the #BRICS expansion process."

A combined 23 countries have formally applied for BRICS membership, including the six that Ramaphosa said were hereby invited. Other major African players, such as Nigeria and Ghana, have expressed informal interest.

China's president, Xi Jinping, said Thursday that the expansion is a "new starting point for BRICs cooperation."

"It will bring new vigor to the BRICS cooperation mechanism, further strengthening a force for world peace and development," he said at a press briefing, in comments officially translated by a summit interpreter.

Putin thanked Ramaphosa's "unique diplomatic mastery as we negotiated all the positions, including when it comes to BRICS expansion," noting the talks proved to be "challenging work," according to an official summit translation.

Ramaphosa hinted at the possibility of future additions.
Stray cats are an issue, but dont vilify them

Manhattan: I am writing to voice my concerns about the article Flood of stray cats hits many city nabes (Aug. 20). When I saw the headline, I was elated to see the Daily News bringing attention to the cat crisis in New York City. The elation turned to horror as I read what is, at best, grossly irresponsible reporting.

The section regarding health risks is fear-mongering misinformation. Outdoor cats only transmit toxoplasmosis to other outdoor cats. For people to be infected, they would need to come in close and prolonged contact with the feces of an infected cat. Accordingly, the claim that cats are pooping on doorsteps is laughable. Cats are biologically driven to bury their poop to protect themselves from predators.

Also misleading was the assertion that cats are the top domestic animal carrier of rabies. Not only is this not true (its bats), but according to the NYC Department of Health, over the last six years, an average of three cats per year tested positive for rabies (far fewer than racoons and skunks). If there are an estimated 500,000 stray cats on the street, this would mean that only .0006% of them are infected with rabies annually.

I fear that there are people who will use this article to justify harming cats. There have already been reports of cats being intentionally poisoned or appearing with horrific injuries due to abuse. Most people will take the article at face value and spread the misinformation it contains. Elizabeth Montero

Feline allies

Brooklyn: When I read the article about the influx of stray cats in Brooklyn, I thought that the new rat czar had come up with an ingenious solution to the horrible rat problem we have been enduring. Then, when I saw that some actually saw the cats as a problem, I had to shake my head. What are you thinking, people? Id much rather see cats on the streets instead of the rats that scurry around my neighborhood all hours of the day and night. Do me and my neighbors in Williamsburg a favor and send the cats our way. They would be most welcome around here. Vera Badamo

Productive predators

Brooklyn: Theres a good solution to the citys rat problem: the cat problem. I think it would be a great idea if the city established a branch of animal welfare to trap, neuter and release cats back to the city streets to take care of the rodent problem naturally. When I was a kid growing up in a tenement apartment, cats would live in the basement of these buildings and roam the streets and backyards, and you never had the rodent problem you have today. Joe Many

Cold-hearted care

Manhattan: To Voicer Elizabeth Forel: As a psychologist writing about animal cruelty, I am horrified by the dire situation at NYC Animal Care Centers and ACCs abysmal failure to save the animals in its care, killing thousands each year while blaming the public. Despite intake numbers far below pre-pandemic levels, killing has risen sharply. Despite its claims, ACC routinely kills healthy, adoptable animals. Bronx and Queens shelters remain unfinished, hours in the other three are inadequate, phone calls are unreturned and adoption vans and events are virtually nonexistent. Despite a 34-year, billion-dollar contract with NYC, ACC cries poverty, and despite its wealth, ASPCAs funds for animals in hopeless situations are not given to the doomed ACC animals a few blocks away. Many cities with even higher intake rates than NYC have successfully implemented the programs of the No Kill Equation, but ACCs failed vision and leadership continue the immoral killing of our citys animals. Deborah Tanzer

You hire, you pay

Manhattan: Douglas Wagners defense of the status quo (Shifting broker fees has its costs, op-ed, Aug. 18) is wrong. It is logically consistent for the individual hiring a broker to pay his or her fee. Inversely, it is logically inconsistent  and unfair  for the tenant to bear the entirety of the brokerage commission, particularly when a landlord engages the broker for his or her services. In most real estate markets around the country, landlords pay the brokers who list the landlords apartments for rent. To assert that New York City is an anomaly is to defend a system that is somewhat antiquated. Rent is high enough, and tenants should not be burdened with a brokerage commission unless they choose to hire a broker. This is a model that is ripe for disruption  and should be disrupted. Daniel Dolgicer

Overpriced

Brooklyn: I was at Bay Ridge Toyota on Monday morning for my annual New York State inspection, which I was told I failed due to a blown taillight. No problem, my fault  I should have done a pre-inspection inspection. Obviously, I gave them permission to fix it and was told that, for a $10 bulb, the installation would cost me more than $90. It makes you wonder, does the technician open the bulb compartment, start the labor clock, then walk away for a half-hour? I know that dealerships are generally a lot more expensive than your local mechanic, but this was absolutely over the top. Alan Zarrow

Financial toll

Jamaica: So now the subway and bus fare is $2.90, which honest people will have to pay to compensate for the MTA losing some $700 million due to freeloading fare-beaters. I got it. Reason #117 to leave NYC. Yvonne Scibelli

Redistributed cost

Brooklyn: So, the MTA 5% fare hike went into effect on Sunday. That day, I was refilling my MetroCard and witnessed two people jump the turnstiles in the time I was there. The token booth clerk yelled helplessly at both of them. If that happened at my station in one minute, how often does it happen throughout the city per day? What happened to the transit cops? Put them back in every station and you cut down on the fare-beaters. If you tell me there are not enough cops for that, well, maybe there would be if we treated them with respect instead of treating them like they are the bad guys. You have to hold those who break the law accountable  even the fare-beaters. Hard-working people go to work every day, paying while these deadbeats get away with it. John De Angelo

Vicious cycle

Flushing: The MTA proposes raising the subway and bus fares, followed by an endorsement of same by the Daily News, followed by stories of waste and mismanagement by the MTA, followed by a request for another fare increase to cover the shortfall, followed by another endorsement of a fare increase by the Daily News. The riding public has become a cash cow for all this and will continue to be so. Lester Simon

Under his spell

San Francisco: It should be astonishing that nearly 70% of Republican voters support former President Donald Trump as the nominee for the 2024 election. It is interesting that more than 60% of voting Republicans believe that a candidate guilty of committing a felony should not be permitted to run for president. This says that the majority of voting Republicans have been convinced that Trump has not committed a felony. He has convinced them that the witch hunt continues. Will the majority of these people be convinced of his guilt if the courts render such opinions? I fear they will not. This is how fascism works. A charismatic leader convinces enough people that the rule of law is a conspiracy against him and thus them. And this is the base to which other Republicans are trying to cater. It should be astonishing that this is where we are. Bruce Farrell Rosen

Trust issues

Bronx: A recent CBS poll of Trump voters asked who they trusted to tell the truth. Seventy-one percent said Trump, 63% said their families and 42% said their religious leaders. While their clergy might be as full of lies as Trump (difficult as that may be), anyone who trusts Trump more than their relatives should move out immediately. Randall Borra
LONDON  European markets stumbled on Thursday as an early boost from Nvidia's bumper earnings report and falling bond yields faded through the session.

After three consecutive positive sessions and a strong open, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index closed 0.4% lower. Financial services added 0.5% while tech stocks retreated from a recent rally to fall 2.3%.

The European blue chip index gained Wednesday even as euro zone purchasing managers' index figures came in well below expectations and services activity slid into decline.

Shares in Asia-Pacific rose on Thursday, with Hong Kong's Hang Seng index leading gains as investors reacted to a blockbuster earnings report from U.S. artificial intelligence chipmaker Nvidia .

U.S. stocks were little-changed in early trade.

Investors are also awaiting comments from U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on Friday at the conclusion of the central bank's symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which Wall Street hopes will offer some insight into the likely path of interest rates.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's campaign attorney Kenneth Chesebro is shown in a police booking mugshot released by the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Atlanta, Aug. 23, 2023.

A Georgia judge on Thursday scheduled the first trial for a co-defendant of former President Donald Trump for criminally interfering in the state's 2020 election to begin on Oct. 23.

The co-defendant, Kenneth Chesebro, on Wednesday had filed a demand for a speedy trial in the case in Atlanta.

Earlier Thursday, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, responded to that request by asking a a judge to set Oct. 23 as the trial date for Trump, Chesebro and the other 17 defendants.

But Chesebro, an attorney, is the only one of Trump's co-defendants who will stand trial starting that day under the new order issued Thursday by Judge Scott McAfee in Fulton County Superior Court.

Chesebro's lawyers earlier said he "will be prepared to move forward with trial for whatever date the Court ultimately sets."

McAfee's order lays out an extremely fast timeline for the Chesebro's case before trial.

Chesebro, Trump and the other defendants were indicted by a grand jury on Aug. 14. Prosecutors accuse the defendants of a wide-ranging criminal enterprise that intended to use several strategies to reverse Trump's defeat in the 2020 presidential election.

It routinely takes months, and sometimes much longer, for a criminal case to go to trial, much less one involving a former U.S. president and many co-defendants.

When Willis asked McAfee to set Oct. 23 as the trial date for all defendants, Trump's lawyer quickly replied in court opposing the request. Trump's attorney also said he would seek to sever his case from that of Chesebro and "any other co-defendant who makes a similar request" for a quick trial.

McAfee's order setting Chesebro's trial was issued as Trump was en route to an Atlanta jail to be booked in the case.

The judge set Chesebro's arraignment for Sept. 9, with the exchange of evidence by prosecutors and his lawyers to be completed by Sept. 20.

Chesebro was booked and released Wednesday on $100,000 bond.

He is charged with seven felony counts: violation of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act; conspiracy to commit impersonating a public officer; two counts of conspiracy to commit forgery in the first degree; two counts of conspiracy to commit false statements and writings; and conspiracy to commit filing false documents.

Chesebro was the architect of a plan in which Trump electors would meet and cast electoral votes for him in states which he had lost to President Joe Biden, including Georgia.

As a rule, only the candidate who has won an individual state can get votes in the Electoral College for that state.

The idea of having so-called "fake" electors cast votes for Trump was designed to cast doubt on the legitimacy of Biden's victory, and give then-Vice President Mike Pence and Republicans in Congress a purported basis of rejecting Biden electors.

That plan failed when Pence refused to go along with it.
A general view shows damage in the fire ravaged town of Lahaina on the island of Maui in Hawaii, U.S., August 15, 2023.

Maui County on Thursday sued Hawaiian Electric for damages over the deadly wildfires that have claimed more than100 lives and resulted in billions of dollars in estimated property losses.

Hawaiian Electric's stock fell 6% in extended trading on news of the lawsuit. The electric utility said it will suspend its quarterly dividend beginning in the third quarter to free up cash to help rebuild and restore power in the wake of the fires.

Maui County's attorneys said Hawaiian Electric inexcusably left its powerlines energized despite a warning from the National Weather Service that high winds from Hurricane Dora and drought conditions created a high fire risk.

The wildfires reduced the historic town of Lahaina to ruins in the deadliest blazes in the U.S. in more than a century and the worst disaster in Hawaii state history. At least 115 people have died and more than 1,000 are still missing.
Following Nvidia 's (NVDA) brilliant quarterly results and astounding guidance, we're raising our price target on the artificial-intelligence chipmaker Thursday to $600 a share, up from $450. Nvidia's second-quarter fiscal year 2024 earnings release is the latest sign that the generative AI boom will continue to propel the chipmaker's stock higher, further underscoring the Club's rare "own it, don't trade it" mantra on this semiconductor stock. Here are three major reasons why Nvidia stock  which has amore than tripled so far in 2023  has not finished its climb, justifying our $600-per-share price target. Valuation As the market on Thursday cheers Nvidia's better-than-expected results and current-quarter outlook, its stock has gotten cheaper than before the print. That's because Wall Street's earnings estimates have been revised much higher than Nvidia stock's more-than-3% post-earnings gain. A forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is calculated by dividing a company's stock price by its annual earnings-per-share (EPS). If the denominator  in this case, EPS  increases by a larger magnitude than the numerator, the quotient will get smaller. And that's precisely what transpired with Nvidia on Thursday. Using Thursday's midday price of roughly $486 per share, Nvidia stock trades at a 46.6 P/E, based on fiscal year 2024 estimates. The stock's valuation drops further, to roughly 30 times forward earnings, based on 2025 estimates. At Wednesday's close of $471.16 per share, Nvidia traded at a P/E of 56.3, based on 2024 estimates, and a P/E of 36.8, based on 2025 estimates. Nvidia's five-year average forward P/E is about 40, according to FactSet. This dynamic has persisted for years, including just a few months ago in the wake of Nvidia's standout first-quarter earnings and guidance. History shows that, in many instances, Nvidia looks expensive on estimates, and then proves to be cheaper on the actual results. That makes Nvidia's stock rally largely an earnings-driven story, not an ascent rooted in multiple expansion. Those are the rallies that can hold because they're based on fundamentals, not based on a belief that there will be another buyer willing to pay a higher premium for a stock. Data-center transformation The way that Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang tells it, the widespread adoption of generative AI has sparked a need to reconfigure the world's data centers, shifting more work to accelerated computing enabled by graphics processing units (GPUs), away from traditional processors known as central processing units (CPUs). The greater role for GPUs in servers plays right into Nvidia's hands, because it has the best chip in that category, along with the accompanying software needed to optimize the hardware. And even though CPUs  a market long led by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel (INTC)  will remain in AI-optimized data centers, Nvidia is starting to encroach on that turf , too. Taken together, Nvidia's technology is at the center of a transition cycle in a massive market, proving a tailwind for its revenue and earnings in the years ahead. "There's about a trillion dollars' worth of data centers, [and] call it a quarter of a trillion dollars of capital spend each year," Huang said Wednesday following the earnings release. "You're seeing that data centers around the world are taking that capital spend and focusing it on the two most important trends of computing today, accelerated computing and generative AI," he added. The spending shift is being led by the big cloud-service providers (CSPs), such as Club holdings Microsoft (MSFT), Alphabet (GOOGL), Amazon (AMZN) and Oracle (ORCL). In its second quarter, Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said Wednesday, these large CSPs contributed "a little bit more than 50%" of the company's record $10.32 billion in data-center revenue. Consumer-internet giants like Meta Platforms (META), another Club stock, were the second-biggest contributors to data-center sales. Clear leader Overall spending on AI is expected to reach $154 million this year, and roughly double from that level by 2026, according to estimates from market-research firm IDC . Many semiconductor firms will be able to benefit from this expansion  which is part of why we initiated a position in Broadcom (AVGO) earlier Thursday  but the clear leader is Nvidia. For customers who prioritize performance above all else, Nvidia is where they turn. Not only does it have the fastest GPUs around, but Nvidia's InfiniBand infrastructure helps link together all those servers. In the second quarter, Nvidia said its networking revenue, which includes InfiniBand, nearly doubled compared with the year-ago period. And with Nvidia sending in the cavalry on the CPU side, one of the only holes in its AI portfolio will soon be plugged. Known as the GH200 Grace Hopper Superchip, this CPU-plus-GPU combo is designed to run generative AI models on a day-to-day basis. Nvidia's multifaceted hardware portfolio across processing and networking, combined with its software offerings , place the company on the high ground in the lucrative AI battle. Of course, there's competition from the likes of AMD and cloud-service providers themselves, such as Amazon . But, when we survey the landscape, no company is better positioned to gain a bigger share of AI spend than Nvidia. And that should keep sales and profits growing well into the future. (See here for a full list of the stocks in Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED.

A sign is posted in front of the Nvidia headquarters in Santa Clara, California, May 10, 2018. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images
CNBC's Investing in Space newsletter offers the latest news, investor updates and exclusive interviews from the business of space exploration and privatization. Sign up to receive future editions from CNBC space reporter Michael Sheetz  as well as subscriber-only editions  first and straight to your inbox.

It's a sad irony, but an irony nonetheless, that this week the European Space Agency announced that a piece of space debris  left in orbit by a 2013 launch of Arianespace's Vega rocket and the target of a removal mission  appears to have been struck by other space debris.

The ClearSpace-1 mission aims to demonstrate the process of "active debris removal" by grabbing the discarded rocket part with a spacecraft outfitted with robotic arms. The spacecraft is developed and operated by Swiss startup ClearSpace, which is backed by ESA and venture investors such as OTB Ventures and In-Q-Tel.

Separately, NASA and SpaceX are getting ready to launch the Crew-7 astronaut mission to the International Space Station. But the ISS itself may have to dodge space debris this afternoon, with station controllers considering changing its altitude.

The risk posed by space debris is not a novel problem for the industry, but it's an ever more pressing one. Brian Weeden, a director at Secure World Foundation and one of the leading experts on the subject, said he "wasn't hugely surprised" to hear the ClearSpace-1 target had been struck, "because we honestly don't have good statistics on collisions with really small pieces of debris."

"We are pretty sure there's upwards of a million additional pieces of debris  between one and 10 centimeters that are up there  but they're too small to currently track, so we can't predict where they're going to be. We can't avoid them," Weeden said.

Satellites and space debris are largely tracked via ground-based radars and telescopes. The U.S. military, through Space-Track.org, has the "most complete public catalog" of objects, Weeden noted. Europe, Russia and China each have their own tracking networks, too. Japan, Korea and India are working on it.

Meanwhile companies are working on commercial tracking services. Weeden called LeoLabs "the big leader" and noted others like ExoAnalytic, Slingshot Aerospace, HEO and NorthStar are also building out networks.

"We do a pretty good job, but not nearly good enough," Weeden said.

Debris removal is a nascent part of the broader satellite servicing market (also known as In-Space Servicing, Assembly and Manufacturing, or ISAM). But there are a couple of still-theoretical sticking points, Weeden pointed out, as "no company or government has ever claimed damages to a space satellite as a result of a collision or debris."

While there are mitigations in place for commercial satellite operators  such as FCC requirements for how long satellites can stay in orbit after finishing service  the "bigger question" to Weeden is around governments, who he says are the biggest culprits: "How do you incentivize governments to clean up their junk?" Followed shortly by: "How do they do it?"

Weeden envisions something like NASA's Commercial Cargo program, where the government helps fund research and development and then holds a competition to award service contracts to companies.

"But someone in the government has to say, 'We're going to put up money to do this,' and we're talking about hundreds of millions or billions" of dollars, Weeden said.
A member of private mercenary group Wagner pays tribute to Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin following their apparent deaths in a plane crash on Aug. 23, 2023.

Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, an ally-turned-traitor of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is presumed dead after a private jet carrying him and nine others crashed while traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg on Wednesday evening.

Russia's aviation authorities have launched an investigation into the crash of the Embraer Legacy 600, which fell precipitously from the sky and burst into flames in the Tver Region near the settlement of Kuzhenkino shortly after 6 p.m. local time. All passengers on board are believed to have died.

The Kremlin has yet to comment on the crash, which is believed to have also killed Wagner co-founder Dmitry Utkin. However, Wagner backers and Western allies were quick to draw a link to Moscow, with U.S. President Joe Biden saying he believed Putin was behind the incident.

Prigozhin led his paramilitary forces in a short-lived mutiny against the Russian government on June 23 following months spent vocally criticizing the country's top brass.

The abortive insurrection had led to an apparent deal between Prigozhin and Putin, which was meant to see the Wagner leader and his forces relocate to Belarus, while Prigozhin himself pledged to leave Russia for good.

Meantime, Putin on Thursday hailed the expanded influence of the BRICS coalition following the invitation of six new members to join the emerging market bloc.
Analysts at Morgan Stanley picked several global stocks they say are set to benefit from the artificial intelligence trend, from semiconductors to server companies. "The 2024 earnings for AI stocks are higher than they were on July 1, and fundamentals for AI companies look even better," Morgan Stanley said in a note to investors seen by CNBC Tuesday, titled "A Pivotal Moment for AI." The analysts also described AI stocks as "materially cheaper today than they were last month." Nvidia reported earnings on Wednesday that topped estimates . Revenue in the second quarter doubled from $6.7 billion a year earlier and increased 88% from the prior period. Morgan Stanley said this is a "pivotal moment for NVDA and the AI supply chain," adding that investors should "prepare for potential AI opportunities." "Unconstrained demand is probably well above what investors are modeling as NVDA is only serving less than half of the demand out there today. So fundamentals for companies are even better and still on an uptrend," the analysts, led by Shawn Kim, wrote. 'Greater China' stock picks Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is Morgan Stanley's top pick under its "Greater China Semiconductors" coverage. The bank described the company as a "key enabler of future AI semis given its technology leadership." It estimates TSMC will make 6% of its revenue from AI-related semiconductors in 2023 and said the company expects a compound annual growth rate of 50% in the next five years. The bank also likes fellow Taiwanese company Global Unichip Corp , saying: "We also suggest investors to build positions on dip for GUC, as we believe the market has factored in the 2023 weakness." In AI tech hardware, its preferred choice is server company Wistron . It also likes PC-maker Asustek and tablet company Quanta Computer , saying "we like Quanta because it's the key server rack assembly partner to the US hyperscalers and will start to ramp from 4Q onwards." Korean and Japanese stocks In South Korea, its top pick is chipmaker SK Hynix , and it also likes Samsung . In Japan, Morgan Stanley named Disco Corporation , a maker of semiconductor manufacturing devices, for its "meaningful demand increase from generative AI-related Equipment." "With a backdrop of a shift in spending towards AI, and an exceptional supply demand imbalance that should persist for the next several quarters, investors need to be cognizant of tactical upside risk for AI stocks. Fundamentals remain intact  earnings revisions are higher and valuations lower," the analysts said.  CNBC's Michael Bloom and Yeo Boon Ping contributed to this report
Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who is expected to be arrested upon his return as he ends almost two decades of self-imposed exile, waves at Don Mueang airport in Bangkok, Thailand August 22, 2023. R

The return of Thailand's former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra after years of self-exile could mark the end of a chapter in the country's politics, even as some analysts believe he will still be pulling some political strings  albeit from behind.

The founder of Pheu Thai party and widely seen as its de facto leader, Thaksin returned to Thailand on Tuesday after 15 years in exile, and was sentenced to eight years in prison upon his return.

The same day, property mogul Srettha Thavisin from the Pheu Thai party, was elected prime minister after securing 482 votes  including more than 150 from senators and well over the simple majority of 375 votes that he needed.

"It closes a crucial chapter in Thai politics because Thaksin has been such a dominant force over the past two decades," Thitinan Pongsudhirak, an executive director from Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Security and International Studies, told CNBC in an email.

Thaksin went into self-imposed exile in 2008 to avoid a jail sentence for abuse of power following a military coup that had overthrown his government. Even from a distance, the tycoon continued to influence Thai politics.

"Since he is now 74, he is unlikely to return to power directly. But he will be the key person driving Pheu Thai Party behind the scenes," said Kasem Prunratanamala, head of Thailand research at CGS-CIMB.

Pheu Thai is the latest iteration of his old party Thai Rak Thai after several before were disbanded by the courts.
Nordstrom begins the process of closing its stores in Canada with the first day of a sale at the Eaton Centre in Toronto. March 21, 2023.

Nordstrom on Thursday surpassed Wall Street's quarterly sales and earnings expectations, as it showed signs of progress in turning around its lagging business.

Yet despite a sizable beat, the retailer stuck with its previous full-year outlook  signaling caution about the coming months. The company expects revenue to fall 4% to 6% and adjusted earnings per share to range between $1.80 and $2.20 for the fiscal year, excluding the impact of winding down its stores and online business in Canada.

Nordstrom's results, while better than expected, reflect the company's challenges. Sales for the upscale department store operator in the fiscal second-quarter still fell below pre-pandemic levels. Nordstrom largely missed out on the stimulus-fueled spending spree during Covid that benefited other retailers.

What's more, Nordstrom Rack, the off-price chain that the retailer wants to fuel its revival, still posted sales declines during the quarter reported Thursday.

CEO Erik Nordstrom said the retailer will focus on boosting the Rack's sales, on improving inventory management and making its supply chain more efficient through year-end.

"Looking ahead, we remain confident in our ability to deliver on these priorities, all while keeping the customer at the center of everything we do," he said in a news release.

Shares fell over 4% in extended trading Thursday, after initially rising.

Here's how Nordstrom did in the quarter ended July 29 compared with what analysts were anticipating, based on Refinitiv estimates:

Earnings per share: 84 cents vs. 44 cents expected

Revenue: $3.77 billion vs. $3.65 billion expected

Nordstrom's net income in the quarter rose to $137 million, or 84 cents per share, from $126 million, or 77 cents a share, a year earlier.
North Korea's attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit ended in failure, state media said on August 24, 2023 just months after Pyongyang's first launch crashed into the ocean shortly after blast off.

North Korea tried and failed for a second time to launch a spy satellite, state media said, vowing to make a third attempt in October.

The Malligyong-1 spy satellite was launched Thursday local time on the newly developed Chollima-1 rocket, whose first- and second-stage flights were normal, the official Korean Central News Agency reported. It said the launch failed "due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight."

The North Korean space agency said there would be a third launch attempt in October after it assessed why the Thursday launch failed. "The cause of the relevant accident is not a big problem in aspect of the reliability of cascade engines and the system," it said, according to the KCNA report.

The launch was also reported by the governments of South Korea and Japan.

The United States strongly condemned the launch as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that bar North Korea from using ballistic missile technology, saying it raised tensions and threatened regional stability.

The Biden administration is assessing the situation and will take all necessary measures to protect the security of the U.S. and its allies South Korea and Japan, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

North Korea, which seeks to develop a space-based surveillance system to better monitor U.S. and South Korean military movements, notified the Japanese Coast Guard this week that a launch would take place between Aug. 24 and 31.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had vowed a second launch attempt after the first one on May 31 ended with the rocket carrying the spy satellite crashing into the sea shortly after liftoff.

In an unusually frank acknowledgment of failure, North Korea said at the time that the rocket had lost thrust between the first and second stages of the launch. Top North Korean officials later called the failed launch this year's "most serious" shortcoming in the country's efforts to advance its weapons programs, according to KCNA.

The South Korean military, which recovered wreckage from both the satellite and the rocket used to launch it, said last month that they had "no military utility."
When the wheels came off for Bernie Kerik not quite 20 years ago, Rudy Giuliani used installments to explain how he had elevated his 1993 campaign bodyguard to police commissioner, then recommended him to serve as U.S. secretary of homeland security in 2004 despite several warning flags he chose to ignore.

First he denied knowing Kerik had lobbied his mayoral administration to award a waste-transfer license to two men linked to organized crime at the time he named him to run the NYPD, despite a career in the department that stopped at detective. Then, asked whether he had been warned about those ties by his investigation commissioner, the late Edward Kuriansky, Giuliani said he didnt recall such a conversation, and insisted Kerik, warts and all, had been a great commissioner.

Then, after Kerik was convicted for accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of housing expenses from those two businessmen and someone else whod had business before the city, Rudy said it was a shame that his loyal aide had proved so ethically challenged.

Kerik served three years in a Maryland federal prison and lamented that his old buddy had never visited. But after he came out a decade ago, proclaiming himself an advocate of reform of the kind of prisons hed once commanded at Rikers Island, he found his way back to working with Rudy on behalf of Donald Trump, who granted him a presidential pardon.

So there was a distinct irony that when Fulton County DA Fani Willis announced sweeping indictments for the Trump-led efforts to upend the 2020 election results, Giuliani matched Trump in being hit with 13 criminal counts, while Kerik was not among the 19 people charged. Kerik is unindicted co-conspirator Individual 5, who allegedly plotted to alter the results from Pennsylvania, Arizona and Georgia, and while he accompanied his old boss to his surrender yesterday, he was not arrested himself.

But those who still wonder how an ex-prosecutor who rode the federal RICO statute to prominence as a racket-busting U.S. attorney in Manhattan could wind up ensnared in Georgias RICO statute are missing an essential truth about Giuliani: he often thought societys rules didnt apply to him  just as long as he produced positive results to paper over his ethical transgressions and bad judgments.

As mayor, he parried criticism of policies that were harshest towards people of color by saying that greater discipline in those communities was the answer, even as he publicly cheated on his wife at the time with multiple women. He was disdainful of the free-speech rights of those whose views were different from his, reaching a low point when peaceful protesters who were taken into custody were strip-searched in an attempt to intimidate them that wound up costing taxpayers tens of millions in settlements.

His administrations abuse of stop-and-frisk led two police-union leaders to accuse him of creating a blueprint for tyranny in the minority community and a toxic atmosphere for cops trying to get cooperation from residents there. And after shoddy construction by Orthodox Jewish developers led to a workers death and a veteran Buildings Department official cited favoritism, his administration gave to that group in return for its political support, Giuliani claimed the official had been stripped of his job because he was incompetent.

In those years, while he and Trump were friendly, Giuliani, for all his flaws, had considerable accomplishments in government; Trump was viewed as a rich self-promoter whose fathers money and political connections had bailed him out of countless jams.

Then Giulianis cool behavior in calming a frightened city on 9/11 redeemed him and made him a national hero, even as it emerged that his bad decisions prior to the terrorist attacks might have made the damage greater. But as Kerik had so often, Giuliani overplayed his hand, and eventually found himself looking for glory as a Trump loyalist.

His misadventures in Ukraine trying to dig up dirt on Joe Biden, his incendiary words  Lets have trial by combat!  in whipping up Trump supporters before the riot at the Capitol, and the efforts both before and after the insurrection to change the results through deceit and pressure tactics all had parallels in his conduct as a political candidate and as mayor. His upbringing was vastly different from Trumps, but he shared his sense of entitlement and the apparent belief that the only crime was getting caught.

Maybe Kerik, humiliated by years on the wrong side of a prison cell, learned when to pull back. Or maybe Giuliani, his life veering out of control, could only be stopped by a prosecutor.

Steier is the former editor of the civil-service newspaper The Chief.
Wall Street analysts seemingly can't get enough of Nvidia . The chipmaker earned an adjusted $2.70 per share on $13.51 billion in revenue. That easily exceeded the expectations of analysts surveyed by Refinitiv, who forecast $2.09 earned per share and revenue at $11.22 billion. All eyes were on the artificial intelligence darling's report, as investors wondered if the company could meet heightened expectations. Nvidia has already soared more than 200% this year, making it the top performer of 2023. Shares climbed nearly 8% in premarket trading, signaling investors feel the report lived up to the hype. NVDA 1D mountain Nvidia's 2023 rally Nvidia also forecast more strength ahead with guidance for current-quarter revenue set at about $16 billion. That would easily surpass the $12.61 billion anticipated by analysts. Meanwhile, net income was more than 400% higher than the same quarter a year ago. Multiple Wall Street analysts pointed to Nvidia's data center business, which includes its AI chips, as an area with potential to help drive further gains. It's already a popular business  the company reported $10.32 billion in data center revenue, reflecting a 171% increase from the same quarter a year ago. "We have long viewed NVDA as the primary beneficiary of the increasing investments being made on large language models/generative AI training clusters," said Stifel analyst Ruben Roy, who upgraded his rating to buy from hold following the report. However, "we underestimated the opportunity related to the potential shift of $1 trillion of installed data center infrastructure from general purpose compute to accelerated compute architectures." Roy also raised his price target for shares to $600, which reflects a 27.3% jump from Wednesday's close. If met, that price target equates to a more than 310% gain from where the stock finished in 2022. He isn't the only one growing increasingly bullish following the report. While keeping his overweight rating, Wells Fargo analyst Aaron Rakers also raised his target to $600 per share. Some are expecting even more gains ahead. Goldman Sachs analyst Toshiya Hari raised the firm's price target to $605 per share from $495. Bank of America's Vivek Arya hiked his price target to $650 from $550, and Atif Malik of Citi now expects the stock to go to $630. In addition to the data center business, Goldman's Hari pointed to improving supply as a reason to be optimistic that there's still upside ahead. BofA's Arya said the company's free cash flow is another thing to like. "We recognize emerging competition from the large cloud service providers (i.e. captive/internal solutions) as well as other merchant semiconductor suppliers," Hari said. But "we expect Nvidia to maintain its status as the accelerated computing industry standard for the foreseeable future given its competitive moat and the urgency with which customers are developing/deploying increasingly complex AI models." The report has even gotten the stamp of approval from those on the sidelines. While Deutsche Bank analyst Ross Seymore applauded the release, he said he'd maintain his hold rating while waiting for a more attractive entry point. "In a highly anticipated report and against elevated expectations, NVDA delivered another stunning quarter as demand for AI compute  remains as robust as ever," he said. "The co's outlook was even more impressive."  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
A pool photograph distributed by Sputnik agency shows Russia's President Vladimir Putin addressing the audience during a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk, a major World War II Eastern Front battle between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, in Kursk, on August 23, 2023. Gavriil Grigorov | Afp | Getty Images

Prominent Kremlin critic Bill Browder believes the presumed death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin will shore up President Vladimir Putin's shaken authority, saying the Russian leader "never forgives and never forgets." His comments come shortly after Russian aviation officials said Wednesday that Prigozhin was believed to have been killed in a plane crash. The mercenary boss, who exactly two months ago led his notoriously brutal fighters on a short-lived march on Moscow, was listed as a passenger on the downed private aircraft along with nine others, including senior Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin. Russian authorities said the business jet crashed in the Tver region northwest of Moscow, leading to the deaths of all 10 people onboard. NBC news has not confirmed that Prigozhin was on the plane. A Telegram channel associated with the Wagner Group, which has fought on the front lines of the Kremlin's war in Ukraine and has been linked to violence in Syria, Libya and elsewhere in Africa, said Wednesday that Prigozhin and Utkin had died. "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," a post on the Grey Zone channel said.

A view of site after a private jet, allegedly carrying Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin and other passengers crashed in Russia's northwestern Tver region, Russia on August 23, 2023. Wagner Telegram Account | Handout | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

Russia's Federal Agency for Air Transport said an investigation is underway into the cause of the crash, amid intense speculation that Prigozhin was targeted following his armed mutiny against the Russian government on June 23-24. "Putin never forgives and never forgets," Browder said via X, the platform previously known as Twitter. "He looked like a humiliated weakling with Prighozin running around without a care in the world. This will cement his authority and is standard Putin operating procedure," Browder said. The Russian Embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Putin 'still runs the show'

Prigozhin had kept a low profile since he led his march on the Russian capital in late June and was last reportedly seen in a short video published earlier this week. Standing in a desert-like area, Prigozhin said in the 41-second clip that he wanted to make Africa "more free" and "Russia even greater on every continent." NBC has not been able to verify the video's authenticity, nor where or when it was recorded. The Wagner boss had struck an apparent deal with the Kremlin in the aftermath of the June rebellion. The terms of the agreement were such that Prigozhin and his Wagner fighters would relocate to Belarus.

A screen grab captured from a video shared online shows Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Russian private security company Wagner, holding a rifle in a desert area while wearing camouflage in a video for the first time after his rebellion against the Russian administration in an unspecified location in Africa on August 21, 2023. In the footage shared on the Telegram channel 'Wagner's evacuation', Prigozhin stated that they have made Russia 'even greater' on all continents, including Africa. Wagner Account | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

"A reminder to all that [Putin] still runs the show & consequences for taking him on remain deadly," Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, said Wednesday via X in reaction to Prigozhin's presumed death. Bremmer had previously described Prigozhin as a "dead man walking" after the Wagner chief's botched rebellion. "I would be very surprised that he's still with us in a few months' time," Bremmer told CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia" on June 26.

'The situation is very dangerous'

Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak, meanwhile, said the apparent death of Prigozhin showed that "it is obvious that Putin does not forgive anyone." "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,'" Podolyak said via X. Samantha de Bendern, an associate fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Programme at the Chatham House think tank in London, highlighted that the plane crash which appears to have killed Prigozhin took place on the same day that Russian Gen. Sergei Surovikin was dismissed as head of the country's aerospace forces. "This suggests that a certain amount of tidying up had to be done before getting rid of Prigozhin and those associated with him," de Bendern said, adding that it "is a clear message to all elites that no matter how powerful they think they are, if they oppose Putin they will meet a similar fate."
Head of the Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin left the Southern Military District headquarters on June 24, 2023 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Stringer | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

Russian mercenary force Wagner Group may have suffered a "final nail in the coffin" with the presumed death of leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash, analysts suggest. Two months after leading Wagner fighters in a March on Moscow as part of an attempted mutiny against the Russian defense forces, Prigozhin and senior Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin were believed to have been killed along with eight others on Wednesday evening when a private aircraft came down in the Tver region northwest of Moscow. NBC News has not confirmed that Prigozhin, a former close friend and ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was on the plane, but Wagner-affiliated social media accounts have seemingly confirmed his death. The Kremlin has yet to confirm or comment. Wagner-backed Telegram account the Grey Zone announced that Prigozhin had died "as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia." "But even in Hell he will be the best! Glory to Russia!" it added. Yet the group also appeared to call for peace, with the Wagner Group Telegram channel on Thursday calling for its members and supporters not to "take any measures" within Russian territory.

A view of site after a private jet, allegedly carrying Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin and other passengers crashed in Russia's northwestern Tver region, Russia on August 23, 2023. Wagner Telegram Account | Handout | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images

"Due to the great loss for everyone who supported and supports all the commanders and musicians, we ask you not to engage in amateur activities, do not take any measures within the country while there is an external threat, the First-Ninth would not approve of unconsidered decisions on our side," a post on the Wagner Group Telegram channel said Thursday morning, according to a Google translation. Uncertainty surrounds the future of the world's most infamous mercenary force, which alongside its notoriously brutal frontline military efforts in Ukraine, has prominent operations in a number of politically unstable nations such as the Central African Republic, Libya, Mali, Sudan and Syria. 'Not much left of Wagner' The Russian Defense Ministry said last month the Wagner Group was completing a handover of thousands of tons of weaponry to the Russian military, while mercenaries were being urged to sign new contracts with the Russian Armed Forces and other Kremlin-affiliated private military contractors, including Redut PMC. Mercenaries' refusal to sign contracts with the Defense Ministry despite pressure from Moscow was a key source of the discontent that led Prigozhin and Wagner to launch its ill-fated revolt in June. Though a camp of around 4,000 fighters remains in Belarus, while its operations as a praetorian guard service for various African regimes and governments have remained active. "What's been happening in Africa is that the Russian government has been trying to replace those Wagner operations with official government-controlled ones," Jason Bush, senior analyst at Eurasia Group, told CNBC on Thursday. "They've been persuading Wagner personnel to sign new contracts with the Russian military  that's what has been happening in Syria and certainly parts of Africa."

watch now

Given the depletion of its forces, through both massive losses in Ukraine and systematic dismantling by the Kremlin, Bush said "it's not really that clear that there is much left of Wagner," adding that the world's most infamous mercenary force has become a "pale imitation" of its former self. "There's something left and Prigozhin was trying to preserve it, but certainly not much compared to what it was and the trend was clear that it has been pushed out of the picture," Bush said. "This is like the final nail in the coffin. I don't think it's practical now for them to revolt against this. They lost it. Whatever chance they had to stage some sort of uprising, they decided to squander it and not to follow through with it, and I don't think there's any serious possibility of them trying something similar now." Along with the thousands of remaining fighters, Prigozhin had also built a significant groundswell of popular support in Russia on account of his hardline military strategy in Ukraine, and criticism of what he perceived to be incompetence and corruption among the Kremlin's defense apparatus. Some analysts had cited his massive political influence as a key reason he was not immediately prosecuted or killed after the mutiny. In its immediate aftermath, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko brokered a deal that would see Prigozhin exiled to Belarus, though he soon returned to Russia and resumed regular trips back and forth to Wagner positions in Africa.

A member of private mercenary group Wagner pays tribute to Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin following their apparent deaths in a plane crash on Aug. 23, 2023. Vladimir Nikolayev | Afp | Getty Images

Bush suggested that in light of the June mutiny, Putin "bided his time" in initially disarming and disbursing Wagner close to home while slowly facilitating a transfer of power in the contractor's security operations in Africa and the Middle East. "He didn't want to cause complications with the African leaders who'd hired Wagner thinking they were government-backed Russian mercenaries only to discover that they weren't, so he had to organize that transition. I think two months later, he felt in a very much stronger position to exact his revenge," he said. The Kremlin has not commented on the mercenary leader's apparent fate and the Russian Embassy in London did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment. Social media channels linked to Wagner have blamed Moscow for orchestrating the deaths. New leadership and rebranding Catrina Doxsee, associate director with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic & International Studies, said if confirmed, the deaths could mark the "first major step toward reimagining Wagner operations" after the mutiny. Doxsee noted that the crash coincided with the official removal of Prigozhin ally Sergei Surovikin from his post as commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces. Surovikin allegedly knew about the June mutiny in advance and was detained after it failed in late June. "Although Wagner's  and Prigozhin's  future has been in question for the past two months, it remains unlikely that Russia would abandon its PMC [private military contractors] model altogether given that it provides significant benefits at relatively low financial or political cost," Doxsee said in a Q&A on Thursday. "Without a clear successor organization, Moscow is unlikely to dismantle Wagner's operational infrastructure in host countries, as it would be difficult to rebuild the same relationships, knowledge, and systems that Wagner personnel have established over the years."

Members of the Wagner Group prepare to depart from the Southern Military District's headquarters and return to their base on June 24, 2023 in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Anadolu Agency | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Yevgeny Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner Group military company, arrives during a funeral ceremony at the Troyekurovskoye Cemetery in Moscow, April 8, 2023.

WASHINGTON  Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his silence Thursday in quick, impersonal remarks to the families involved in the fatal plane crash believed to have killed Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Prigozhin, who was once Putin's personal chef and confidant, was living in exile following an attempt in June to revolt over frustrations stemming from a lack of Russian battlefield successes in Ukraine.

"With regard to this plane crash, first of all, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of all the victims. It's always a tragedy," Putin said in a televised speech.

"I've known Prigozhin for a long time, since the early '90s," Putin said, describing him as a "talented businessman" with a "complicated fate" who "made serious mistakes in his life."

The Russian leader stopped short of confirming Prigozhin's death but did speak in the past tense when referring to the 62-year-old. Putin said an investigation into what happened to the private jet carrying 10 people and departing from Moscow to St. Petersburg was already underway.

The Pentagon said Thursday that initial intelligence indicates that the Wagner chief died in the Wednesday plane crash.

"It's likely Prigozhin was killed and we're continuing to assess the situation," said U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder during a Pentagon briefing.

"The press reporting stating that there was some type of surface-to-air missile; we assess that information to be inaccurate," Ryder said, declining to elaborate further.

CNBC and NBC News have not confirmed Prigozhin's death.

Former deputy national security advisor Ben Rhodes told MSNBC that the attack "was not a mysterious accident."

"This has all the hallmarks of appearing like a military-style takedown," Rhodes said, adding that Prigozhin's fate was eminent following a short-lived mutiny about two months ago.

Former U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis, who led the NATO alliance's forces between 2009 and 2013, said Prigozhin's death was a dog whistle to those who dissent from Putin's absolute rule.

"He [Putin] needed to demonstrate who really is running the joint," Stavridis said, describing the attack as a "public execution."

"No real surprise here, it's a marker of how lethal, and how deadly and how unscrupulous Vladimir Putin is," Stavridis added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied claims that Kyiv was behind the downing of the private jet on Russian soil.

"We have nothing to do with it. Everyone understands who is involved," Zelenskyy said.
Republican presidential candidate and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy gestures at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Aug. 23, 2023.

Political novice Vivek Ramaswamy's contrarian aggression won him outsize attention in the first Republican presidential debate Wednesday night.

But former President Donald Trump remained a central focus throughout the two-hour debate, even though he skipped the event and attempted to undermine its ratings.

Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old entrepreneur, defended Trump as he delivered, and received, more attacks than any other candidate on the Milwaukee stage.

Ramaswamy lashed out 16 times, including one moment where he accused all seven of his debate rivals of being "bought and paid for" by special interests. In turn, he weathered attacks from his rivals 11 times, according to an NBC News analysis.

Despite being considered a long shot for the GOP nomination, Ramaswamy stole much of the spotlight from higher-profile contenders, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

DeSantis, who has received massive media coverage as Trump's apparent top rival in the primary field, spent surprisingly little time in his opponents' crosshairs. He spoke less than three other candidates and was attacked directly just twice, per NBC.
Nvidia's unprecedented rise to the top is just beginning, according to Rosenblatt. The firm raised its price target from $800 to $1,100  a new high among Wall Street analysts  after the chipmaker beat second-quarter estimates and issue optimistic guidance. Rosenblatt had already hiked its price target heading into this week . The new price target implies more than 133% upside from Wednesday's close. Rosenblatt also reiterated its buy rating on shares. Analyst Hans Mosemann described Nvidia's AI growth story as "the mother of all cycles." "NVDA remains our top conviction idea following epic results and guidance showing accelerating momentum. With data center and AI inferencing opportunities massive and most of the $1 trillion server market shifting to accelerated computing, NVDA is poised for multi-year growth as supply expands," Mosemann said in a Thursday note. "Edge AI, automotive, enterprise, networking, and software are just gravy," Mosemann added. The company's new platforms, such as Hopper, L40S and Grace-Hopper, will further drive upside, according to the analyst. Mosemann acknowledged that Nvidia's supply is constrained in the near term. However, he forecasts constraints lifting in 2025, which would then raise the company's earnings per share power to a degree not reflected in the current valuation  and justifying the price target increase. "NVDA's unmatched software capabilities and exposure to secular AI and data center tailwinds reinforce its position as a top secular grower even amidst competition," Mosemann said. Shares were last up nearly 3%. NVDA 1D mountain Nvidia shares Intraday  CNBC's Michael Bloom contributed to this report.
South Korean internet giant Naver released its own generative artificial intelligence tool on Thursday, joining other companies in launching large language models to compete with OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Naver is dubbed the Google of South Korea, as the operator of the country's top search engine. The company said its large language model HyperClova X can improve search as well as marketing and shopping experiences for advertisers and users.

HyperClova X powers a slate of new applications Naver announced Thursday including generative AI search service Cue: and chat app Clova X.

Naver said Clova X can increase work productivity by summarizing documents and running language translation. Users can also use its AI writing tool to draft emails and blog posts. Naver said Clova X will start beta testing Thursday.

"In terms of productivity, this will save 10% to 50% of time spent on those tasks," Kim Yuwon, CEO of Naver Cloud, said in an exclusive interview with CNBC aired on Thursday.

An AI boom led by ChatGPT  the AI chatbot which has gone viral for its ability to generate humanlike responses to user prompts  has sparked clones around the world such as Alphabet's Bard, Meta's Llama, Alibaba's Tongyi Qianwen and Baidu's Ernie Bot.

"ChatGPT is a very challenging competitor. I think it's an honest confession that we worked hard to keep up with the various abilities of ChatGPT," said Kim.
In this photo illustration, a Subway meal is seen on a table at a Subway restaurant on January 12, 2023 in Austin, Texas.

Roark Capital is buying Subway, ending the sandwich chain's more than five decades of family ownership and marking a new era for the struggling company.

The announcement Thursday ends the chain's lengthy sale process, which publicly kicked off in February. Subway reportedly sought $10 billion, a high price that alienated many potential suitors like restaurant conglomerates, leaving only private equity firms to duke it out in an auction. Other reported bidders included TDR Capital and Sycamore Partners.

Subway and Roark did not announce a transaction price, but The Wall Street Journal reported Monday that the firm's final bid was roughly $9.6 billion.

Roark's current portfolio includes more than a dozen restaurant chains. Subway dwarfs all of them by number of restaurants, and brings in more annual sales than all but Dunkin'.

Through holding company Inspire Brands, Roark owns Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, Sonic, Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Jimmy John's. Separately, housed under Focus Brands, the firm owns Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister's, Moe's Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky's. Roark also invested $200 million in the Cheesecake Factory during the early days of the Covid pandemic to help the struggling chain stave off insolvency.

"In essence, Roark brings more to the table than other investors would have, and while the deal closed based on cold hard cash, the outcome is a good one," Neil Saunders, a retail analyst and managing director of GlobalData analytics, wrote in a note.

Roark plans to keep Subway as a separate entity within its portfolio, Subway CEO John Chidsey told the Journal.

Subway has been trying to turn around its business under Chidsey, who joined the company in 2019. The company has revamped its menu, recruited new franchisees and invested in technology. In the first of half of the year, its same-store sales climbed 9.8%, showing that the turnaround may be taking hold.

"This transaction reflects Subway's long-term growth potential, and the substantial value of our brand and our franchisees around the world," Chidsey said in a statement Thursday.

Founded in 1965 by Fred DeLuca and Peter Buck, Subway grew from a single sandwich shop in Connecticut to a global restaurant giant.

But for roughly a decade, the company's sales have fallen. Its popular $5 footlong sandwich deal and aggressive development put pressure on franchisees' profits. The chain was hurt further by the high-profile trial of former spokesman Jared Fogle and the death of CEO DeLuca, which both occurred in 2015.

Subway ended 2022 with roughly 20,600 locations open in the U.S., down from its peak of 27,100 in 2015, according to franchise disclosure documents. While the chain is still closing franchised locations, the pace has slowed down considerably. The chain shuttered 571 units last year, down from the more than 1,600 restaurants it closed in 2020.

DeLuca's half of the company was left to his family after his death. Buck, who died in 2021, bequeathed his to a charity run by his sons. Chidsey told Restaurant Business Online that he convinced the two families to consider selling the company.
Former President Donald Trump speaks with the press at the Iowa Pork Producers booth during the 2023 Iowa State Fair at the Iowa State Fairgrounds, Aug. 12, 2023.

Donald Trump is changing lawyers in his Georgia election case ahead of the former president's scheduled surrender in Atlanta on Thursday, NBC News confirmed.

Trump has hired attorney Steve Sadow to replace Drew Findling, the lawyer who until now had represented him in the criminal investigation into his effort to get Georgia officials to reverse his loss in the state's 2020 election to President Joe Biden.

"I have been retained to represent President Trump in the Fulton County, Georgia case," Sadow said in a statement.

"The president should never have been indicted," Sadow added.

"He is innocent of all the charges brought against him, we look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding the president not guilty. Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the president have no place in our justice system."

ABC News and CNN reported the lawyer swap earlier.

Trump was indicted last week by a Fulton County grand jury in the case, along with 18 other defendants.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis speaks to the media after a grand jury brought back indictments against former President Donald Trump and 18 of his allies in their attempt to overturn the state's 2020 election results, in Atlanta, Georgia, Aug. 14, 2023.

The Republican-led House Judiciary Committee opened an investigation into the work of the Atlanta prosecutor who has criminally charged Donald Trump and others with interfering in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia.

The House committee on Thursday sent Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis a letter asking for documents and information, including any communications her office had with Jack Smith, the federal special counsel prosecuting Trump on charges related to trying to overturn the national results of the 2020 election.

"Your indictment and prosecution implicate substantial federal interests, and the circumstances surrounding your actions raise serious concerns about whether they are politically motivated," Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, wrote Willis.

"The indictment appears to be an attempt to use state criminal law to regulate the conduct of federal officers acting in their official capacities," Jordan wrote.

In addition to asking for communications with Smith, Jordan asked for documents related to the District Attorney's office's use of federal funds, and her communications with any officials in the federal executive branch.

Jordan asked Willis to provide the information by Sept. 7.

Trump is due to surrender at an Atlanta jail on Thursday evening to be booked in the case. Eighteen other people, including lawyers who promoted false claims about the 2020 election, also were indicted in the case.

The lion's share of Jordan's letter is dedicated to justifying why a congressional committee has the right to demand information about a state criminal investigation.

Traditionally, the committee's jurisdiction is limited to oversight of federal courts and federal officials.

But Jordan claims that Willis' case, which concerns Trump's effort to overturn his loss to President Joe Biden by interfering in Georgia's results, falls under his committee's purview because she is targeting actions of then-federal officials, among them Trump and his White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.

The House Judiciary Committee earlier this year demanded similar information from the office of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg Jr., who is prosecuting Trump in another criminal case.

Bragg charged Trump in New York state Supreme Court with falsifying business records related to a 2016 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels.

Trump has pleaded not guilty in that case.

Trump is currently leading polls among all contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.

In his letter, Jordan noted that Willis had "identified a number of acts that you claim were committed in furtherance of this purported criminal enterprise" by Trump and others.

Those include "the then-White House Chief of Staff asking a Member of Congress for the phone number of the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; (2) the then-President tweeting that hearings in the Georgia legislature were being aired on a news channel and commenting on those hearings; and (3) numerous acts taking place in other states not involving the conduct of the 2020 election in Georgia or the counting of the votes cast in Georgia."

 Additional reporting by CNBC's Christina Wilkie.
Tens of thousands of skilled New Yorkers have been shut out of good jobs that could lift themselves and their families out of poverty, simply because they dont meet often unnecessary degree requirements for the positions they seek. This contributes to the deep inequalities that are still too prevalent in New York Citys economy. Theres now a giant opportunity to change this: by expanding skills-based hiring, the practice in which employers eliminate degree requirements for some jobs and instead hire based on an assessment of skills.

In a city where 2.3 million people lack a college credential, shifting to skills-based hiring  even if only for a fraction of jobs in the citys economy  would open up countless well-paying jobs to New Yorkers who would otherwise be excluded for lack of a specific credential. A skills-first approach to hiring would also help far more New Yorkers of color get on the path to the middle class. Right now, just 25% of Hispanic New Yorkers and 30% of Black New Yorkers have at least a bachelors degree (compared to 68% of white New Yorkers).

While earning a college credential is still essential for many jobs in todays economy, there is now compelling evidence that many occupations could be ably filled by workers who bring considerable skills to the role but are too often screened out because the hiring process doesnt adequately assess underlying skills. This isnt just limited to clerical or blue-collar fields, it includes many well-paying positions in industries from tech and finance to health care and government.

Momentum is building behind this idea. A growing number of private sector employers including IBM, Accenture, Google, Amazon, Ernst & Young, Penguin Random House, Starbucks, and the health care start-up Ovia Health  have eliminated a bachelors degree requirement for a range of entry- and mid-level positions. These companies are shifting toward skills-based frameworks for assessing the ability of prospective employees to succeed. According to a recent report, 19% of job postings nationwide no longer require degrees, up from 15% in 2021.

But we still have a long way to go in New York. Locally, only a handful of the citys largest employers have embraced a skills-first approach.

This is where our elected officials must take the lead.

While many more private sector employers will need to step up and embrace skills-based hiring, city government should get the ball rolling and lead by example. Removing degree requirements for even a fraction of the more than 330,000 city government jobs would open up hundreds or even thousands of well-paying public sector jobs to New Yorkers that have been shut out of these opportunities.

In the past couple of years, the governors of Maryland, Pennsylvania, Utah and Alaska have taken bold steps to eliminate the four-year college degree requirement for thousands of state government jobs, making those positions accessible to residents who have relevant experience or training, but not a college degree. Mayor Adams should make New York the first major municipality to shift towards the skills-first approach.

In addition to helping the city address near-record high employee shortages, this action would also elevate the visibility and profile of skills-based hiring at a time when few employers in the city have even heard about the practice. A city commitment to removing degree requirements signals to employers that skills-based hiring is a legitimate option in their hiring toolkit  and complement the citys efforts to strengthen talent pipelines for New Yorkers without college degrees. It will also create a blueprint that private-sector companies can use to implement the practice in their own hiring processes.

The approach benefits not only potential employees, but employers as well. Shifting to a skills-first approach will result in a larger and more diverse talent pool from which to hire, with better retention over time. At a time when a number of employers in both the public and private sector have been struggling to fill open positions, this could prove to be immensely valuable.

Research shows that expanding the talent search to include workers with relevant skills leads to a 19-fold increase in eligible workers across all jobs. It has also been shown that hiring for skills is five times more predictive of job performance than hiring for education, and more than two times more predictive than hiring for work experience.

There is an incredible opportunity right now to expand skills-based hiring in New York City. Leadership from the mayor could be the spark that ignites this movement locally, expanding access to middle-class jobs for many more New Yorkers.

Bowles is the executive director of the Center for an Urban Future.
Ukrainian lawmaker Lesia Vasylenko on Thursday said some U.S. Republican presidential candidate comments over support for her country are concerning.

"With some of the United States politicians claiming that they will reduce the support to Ukraine, well, that's actually quite concerning, and upsetting in a way because the United States [is] the country that has been the strongest supporter of democracy and has been the baseline for democracy," Vasylenko told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe," in response to statements made during the inaugural debate of Republican presidential candidates on Wednesday.

The issue sharply divides the nine leading GOP contenders for the top U.S. job. During the Republican discussion, outspoken entrepreneur and political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy said he would not support additional aid to Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, calling U.S. support for Ukraine "disastrous" and a distraction from domestic issues.

Ramaswamy was rebuked by opponent Nikki Haley, a former ambassador to the United Nations, who has argued for the provision of equipment and ammunition to Ukraine.

"Ukraine is working with both the Republicans and the Democrats and all political circles in the United States to make sure that there's all-round support, because what Ukraine is doing is, we're actually fighting here on the ground with our own resources, especially human resources, for the very concept of democracy to stay alive," Ukraine politician Vasylenko told CNBC, adding that a Ukrainian victory would only be possible with "enough weapons, fighter jets, long-range missiles to fight with."
An artist's rendering of an I6 satellite in orbit.

A second Viasat communications satellite is malfunctioning in orbit, this time from the fleet of recently acquired U.K.-based Inmarsat, the company said on Thursday.

The I6 F2 satellite, which Inmarsat launched in February, suffered a failure with its power system while climbing in orbit to where it planned to operate as a backup.

Airbus manufactured the satellite and is, alongside Viasat, assessing whether the satellite can be recovered for use.

A person familiar with the matter told CNBC that the odds of the satellite recovering are low.

Viasat said the I6 F2 issue "does not impact ongoing customer services," and is also not expected to "materially affect the financial outlook" the company gave in August.

The malfunction with the satellite, inherited by Viasat after closing its $7.3 billion acquisition of Inmarsat in May, comes weeks after the Carlsbad, California-company disclosed that its highly anticipated, $750 million ViaSat-3 Americas satellite suffered a malfunction.

Viasat has been assessing how to address "unanticipated challenges" presented by the ViaSat-3 Americas problem.

I6-F2 had not finished orbit raising nor begun the commissioning process yet.

Viasat noted the I6 F1 satellite is operational and continues to perform as expected. That satellite launched in December and provides communications services above the Indian Ocean.
watch now

For the past year, Keneth Byarugaba has been working as a runner for Worldcoin in Uganda. His job is to get as many people as possible to scan their eyeballs into a big metallic orb in exchange for about $60 worth of cryptocurrency. Runners, who are paid a commission based upon how many Ugandans they recruit to sign up, station themselves in shopping malls, universities and on sidewalks to try to sell passersby on the idea of trading their biometric data for a new kind of digital identity known as a World ID. "I knew I had what they needed because this was much more like a marketing job where you have to teach people about something and make them pique interest  something that I knew I could do so well," said Byarugaba, who told CNBC that his knack for engaging strangers was perfected during his days as an Uber driver. Getting on Worldcoin's payroll involved jumping through a few hoops. After passing the application and interview phase, Byarugaba was one of around 500 recruits. A battery of trainings and examinations on blockchain and marketing slimmed his class size down to about 200 employees. The organization's goal is to make Worldcoin a household name in Uganda. Byarugaba and his colleagues are selling the idea of being part of a novel world economy, where a scan of your iris unlocks access to universal basic income, online banking and a new form of virtual currency that streamlines the process of paying bills. The narrative is sticky, and apparently, effective. Worldcoin says more than 2.2 million people have signed up since its soft launch in late 2021, though the organization's ultimate ambition is to scale to 2 billion people. But governments have expressed concerns over the biometric enrollment process and possible violations of national data protection laws. Some potential applicants are nervous about the aggressive evangelism associated with the product, as well. "It just looked like a cool, fancy ball, which I discovered later took biometric IDs from people," said Namureba Abel, who has worked in the crypto industry for the last decade. "It looked like a scam mainly because of the focus on marketing and signing up new users," continued Abel. "They were everywhere. They were in every mall here in Kampala." Abel works for Yellow Card, the largest centralized crypto exchange on the continent, and is typically a big advocate of emerging tech in the digital asset sector. "The trigger for me was just their marketing style and how many users are signing up without any formal education," he said. "They were actually paying people for data."

watch now

'A bit too dystopian'

When Muvya Muthama went to a mall in Nairobi, Kenya, to get his hair cut at the end of July, a long queue of people caught his eye. The line, he soon found out, was comprised of Kenyans keen on getting 25 Worldcoin "WLD" tokens  a free sign-up bonus given to all those who scanned their eyes into the orb. Muthama, who also works for Yellow Card, was simultaneously intrigued and concerned. After asking on-site representatives about the arrangement, Muthama went to a restaurant in the mall and examined Worldcoin's white paper on his phone for three hours. "I saw how they were using proof-of-personhood and blockchain, and I thought, alright, cool, it sort of makes sense," Muthama told CNBC. "And then I saw that it was by Sam Altman." As Muthama dug into the larger mission statement around collecting biometric data as a means to differentiate people from robots, he thought it all seemed "a bit too dystopian." Peter Mwangi signed up for Worldcoin in May, ahead of the project's official launch in July. "When I'm scanning my face, I'm also asking myself some questions internally: 'What will they do with all of this data?'" Mwangi told CNBC. "There's a feeling that they're taking too much away from you." Muthama was also suspicious for the same reason as Abel in Uganda: cash incentives to sign up. "They were mostly collecting data from third-world countries. For me, it's like alarm bells going off," he said. "I don't think the majority of people in third-world countries know about data privacy." "They're getting enticed by the free Worldcoin and the money," added Muthama. "When there's a lot of poverty within a country, they will just rush to go for that free money without actually knowing what they're going to put themselves into." When Mwangi enrolled in May, he said few on the ground knew there was an incentive to sign up and only 10 people were waiting in line with him. By the time the project officially launched in July, there were reports of lines with thousands of Kenyans queueing for a World ID  and the free money that went with it. "They were giving people these Worldcoins that people could easily convert to Kenyan shillings," said Mwangi. "People that I've spoken to, they don't care much about what will happen to that data, as long as they receive some of these coins." Mwangi told CNBC that the Worldcoin Orb operators he dealt with in Nairobi "didn't explain much" and that there wasn't enough time to fully read the terms and conditions on the app before the scan. CNBC reached out to Worldcoin to ask about Mwangi's experience in Nairobi, but the organization did not respond to CNBC's request for comment.

Worldcoin's orb-shaped devices scan people's eyes in exchange for cryptocurrency. Worldcoin

An eye for an ID

Worldcoin, reportedly valued at $3 billion in its most recent funding round, is making a few big promises, but its overriding goal is to sign up the world's population for a new, decentralized form of identity. The premise is called proof-of-personhood  that is, validating the identity of every individual on the planet through biometric capture and then connecting that decentralized virtual ID to an address on the blockchain. The company describes World ID as a sort of "digital passport that lets you prove you are a unique and real person while remaining anonymous." According to Worldcoin, this ID could be used to sign into all websites without the user having to forfeit identifying information in the process, such as a name or email. It would also theoretically be untraceable by governments or other organizations. As Worldcoin explains on its website, it doesn't "want to know who you are, just that you are unique." Digital identity management company Okta is a first mover on the adoption front. The business-to-business software firm, which has a market cap of $11.5 billion, gave users the option of logging in with their World ID beginning in June. Social media app Discord also uses World ID for verification. But ultimately, the foundation envisions a future where a World ID could be used to facilitate nationwide votes, among other use cases involving banking and e-commerce. Ava Labs president John Wu tells CNBC that the self-custody feature of the Worldcoin ID is also critical. "Having privacy, digital identity and having it to yourself  self-sovereign, meaning self-custody  is a big theme in all of the world, not just in web3," said Wu. Worldcoin is the brainchild of Sam Altman, the man behind OpenAI and ChatGPT, a large language model-based chatbot capable of human-like conversations that sparked widespread interest in generative artificial intelligence when it launched to the public last year. At the same time, AI-powered tools have engendered a sophisticated new breed of deep fakes, or digital renderings that mimic the likeness of a real person through voice and video. Collectively, this fresh wave of technology has made it easier than ever to impersonate a human online. In a way, Worldcoin is Altman's antidote to the very problem he helped create. Granting users a unique online persona could theoretically help cut through online fraud and create a virtual world that more closely resembles reality. As the Worldcoin white paper puts it, "Custom biometric hardware might be the only long term viable solution to issue AI-safe proof of personhood verifications." The iris, which controls both the size of the pupil and the color of the eye, is specific to every human. For a decade, the FBI has augmented its fingerprint database with iris imaging. Similarly, Worldcoin's orb uses multispectral sensors to scan this intricate pattern of ridges and folds in the eye and uses it to assign a singular World ID, which demonstrates definitively that its holder is a human and not a bot. So far, there are 1,500 orbs in more than 20 countries across five continents. By Altman's estimates, on day three of its launch, one person was getting verified every eight seconds.

A tester operating one of Worldcoin's orbs in Chile. Source: Worldcoin

Safeguarding your eyeballs

Ricardo Macieira, Worldcoin regional manager, Europe, holds the biometric imaging device, the Orb, in his hands, Berlin, Aug. 1, 2023. Annegret Hilse | Reuters

Embracing a brave new world

Kenya has stamped out Worldcoin for now, though it's worth noting the country has a confusing relationship with crypto. The government hasn't passed a legal framework to regulate the sector, yet the finance ministry is looking to capture a cut of the proceeds, having just proposed a 3% tax on the transfer of digital assets in next year's budget. Still, Worldcoin participants in Kenya and Uganda tell CNBC they see a great deal of utility in both the World ID and the WLD token. Despite his concerns, Mwangi ultimately chose to enroll in the project because he believed in the wider mission of the World ID. "Currently in Kenya, a large number of people have been conned out of their money when trying to trade cryptocurrency," said Mwangi. "It got so bad to the point where the government had to warn people not to use it, and banks will prevent people from trying to buy crypto from crypto providers outside the country, because a lot of people are losing their money." "From that perspective, it's easy to understand that Worldcoin is sort of trying to solve for an identity crisis in the crypto market," he added. "For that reason, I signed up." In Uganda, Byarugaba indoctrinates recruits in other benefits of the WLD token. "People can use Worldcoin as a medium of exchange because it's designed to be more of a utility token. That means they can use it in their day-to-day payments," he said. Byarugaba also listed off a battery of other potential use cases, including global remittances, accessing loans on the blockchain through decentralized finance and paying bills using the WLD token. CNBC has not independently confirmed whether people on the ground in Kampala, Uganda, are able to use the tech to these ends. The overwhelming majority of users, however, appear to be cashing out their WLD tokens for fiat cash. "Most of them have exchanged it and put it to use," said Byarugaba. Byarugaba, for his part, isn't paid in Worldcoin's WLD token, but in Ugandan shillings via mobile money, which is an electronic wallet tied to a phone number that does not require a smartphone or data to operate. Users can pay bills and shop with their phone through SMS texting, instead of having to rely on traditional banking options. "We get a daily pay advanced to each one of us to handle our daily expenditure," he explained. "This advance is deducted off the gross monthly pay per sign-up, and we are given what remains."  CNBC's Jordan Smith contributed to this story.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  The Commission on Audit (COA) is looking into reviewing government financial transactions before a certain budget is spent on projects and other expenditures to prevent the misuse of public funds.

According to a COA circular, a pre-audit means financial transactions will be examined before the payment process is completed. It will determine whether a proposed expenditure complies with regulations and that it is not unreasonable or extravagant.

COA chairperson Gamaliel Cordoba admitted to members of the House Appropriations Committee on Thursday that the post-audit process sometimes frustrates him.

Minsan ang pakiramdam ko po ay natapos na, nasayang na ang pera, nasayang na ang oras, Cordoba said during a hearing on the COAs 2024 budget.

Kung maaari po ay maayos namin ang pre-audit, maglalagay lang siguro ng mga occasions or amounts kung saan tayo mag pre-audit so actually gusto po namin iyon, he added.

[Translation: I sometimes feel it's a waste of money and time. If we could fix the pre-audit, we could arrange for occasions or amounts where we could pre-audit. so we'd prefer that.]

Cordoba's comment came after SAGIP Partylist Representative Rodante Marcoleta pointed out that a pre-audit may be better than a post-audit.

Siguro pwede sila magsimula kahit sa big ticket projects, Marcoleta said.

[Translation: Maybe they can begin even with big ticket projects.]

CIF funds

The COA is planning to convene several government agencies to revisit guidelines on the use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF).

Cordoba said he wants the meeting to happen within the third quarter of the year.

Because of the increase in the confidential and intelligence funds, we will try to convene the inter-agency committee na nag-promulgate ng rules na ito para ma-update natin kasi medyo matagal na rin po ito, 2015, so eight years ago, he said.

[Translation: Because of the increase in the confidential and intelligence funds, we will try to convene the inter-agency committee who promulgated these rules to update them because it has been a while -- 2015, so eight years ago.]

Alliance of Concerned Teachers Partylist Representative France Castro pointed out the upward trend in the appropriation of CIF.

She particularly noted the ?125 million in confidential funds spent by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) in 2022.

Wala ito sa GAA 2022 pero parang na-realign ito so pwede bang imbestigahan bakit ito na-realign? Castro asked.

[Translation: This wasn't in the GAA 2022 but it seems to be realigned so can we look into why it was realigned?]

Cordoba said COA will look into it.

The OVP earlier released a redacted transparency report that showed adjustments in the budget, including a 125 million allocation for confidential expenses. Other details such as the approving authority werent indicated.

The COA assured Castro that agencies are not able to download their CIF unless they submit quarterly liquidation reports on the use of the fund.

Quarterly po kasi kung i-release iyan eh. Hindi sila makakakuha ng panibago kung hindi sila nakapag-submit ng liquidation doon sa nakaraang quarter, COA commissioner Mario Lipana explained.

[Translation: It's released quarterly. They cannot get a new one if they haven't submitted the liquidation from the previous quarter.]

Meanwhile, several lawmakers expressed their support to provide COA with additional funds to increase operational expenses and personnel salaries.

The COA is proposing a budget of 13.3 billion for 2024, a bit lower than last years 13.5 billion.

Long overdue na rin yung compensation package ng ating state auditors dapat magawa ito agad tapos bukod sa compensation, dapat matiyak yung proteksyon at seguridad, Gabriela Partylist Representative Arlene Brosas said.

[Translation: The compensation package of state auditors is long overdue, this has to be done immediately and aside from compensation, we should assure protection and security.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23)  Germany will give the Philippines two surveillance drones, as it expressed concerns over recent tensions between Manila and Beijing over Ayungin Shoal.

"We are offering two drones so far. This program will be extended to give you more drones, to help the Philippines, the PCG (Philippine Coast Guard) in surveying the sea waters of the Philippines," German Ambassador to the Philippines Andreas Michael Pfaffernoshke told CNN Philippines' The Final Word on Wednesday.

Pfaffernoshke said the drones will help the country's coast guard survey the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"Germany is an enthusiastic defender of the international word order, based on the charter of the United Nations," he added. "The law is clear that the West Philippine Sea is part of the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines."

Earlier this month, the China Coast Guard blocked and fired water cannons at Philippine vessels on the way to Ayungin Shoal for a resupply mission.

This is just one of the many Chinese incursions in the WPS despite the landmark arbitral ruling in 2016.

READ: 7 years on, more can be done to maximize potential of 2016 Hague ruling on South China Sea - envoy

Pfaffernoshke also said Germany's support may cross other regions from time to time as they also have the interest in keeping the disputed South China Sea a "free area for all ships of the world."

"We are a trading nation. We depend on world trade. We depend on the freedom of navigation, including in the South China Sea," he added.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  The government recently issued revised guidelines for international-bound Filipino travelers, citing the need for stricter rules to combat human trafficking.

The new document from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) was made public on Tuesday, Aug. 22, and shall take effect 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.

Complaints over the fresh set of guidelines have surfaced after its release, with a lawmaker saying the additional requirements are too burdensome.

Former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay also questioned its constitutionality.

An unconstitutional sleight of hand: from right to travel to permission to leave, he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Hilbay said it gives immigration officials wide latitude to harass migrant workers and warned that it can be used to harass critics of the government.

He added that it may result not only in longer lines at airports but also corruption.

What exactly are the new requirements that will soon be asked of Filipinos before they can leave the country? CNN Philippines lists them down.

What are the basic travel documents?

- Passport (valid at least six months from the date of departure)

- Appropriate valid visa, whenever required

- Boarding pass

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket, when necessary

Passengers will be subject to inspection by an immigration officer (IO) who will interview them about the purpose of their travel and check their basic travel documents.

The IACAT said the IO may ask relevant clarificatory questions and additional supporting documents, which will be enumerated later in this article, to establish the purpose of travel.

In certain cases, IOs may find the need for secondary inspection, which shall not exceed 15 minutes unless extraordinary circumstances require such, the IACAT said.

It added that whenever circumstances require, an authorized secondary IO may still conduct a random redundancy check on a passenger already cleared by a primary officer.

What are the additional supporting documents?

Below are the additional supporting documents which immigration officers may require from travelers.

FOR TOURISTS

SELF-FUNDED TRAVELS

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket

- Proof of hotel booking/accommodation

- Financial capacity or source of income consistent with the passengers declared purpose of travel

- Proof of employment and other equivalent documents.

SPONSORED TRAVELS

If the sponsor abroad is a relative within the 1st civil degree of the passenger:

- Original Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-issued birth certificate/report of birth or marriage certificate/report of marriage

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket

- Copies of the following documents of sponsor: valid passport; valid work visa/permit, residence permit or any equivalent document; and overseas employment certificate (OEC), e-receipt, or OFW clearance, for OFW sponsors

If the sponsor abroad is a relative up to fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity, unless otherwise limited by the Philippine embassy or consulate exercising jurisdiction:

- Original Affidavit of Support and Guarantee (AOSG)

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket

- Original PSA-issued birth certificate/report of birth or marriage certificate/report of marriage showing the exact relationship between the passenger and the sponsor.

If the sponsor abroad is a non-relative or a legal/juridical entity:

- Original Affidavit of Support and Guarantee

- Substantial proof of relationship

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket

- If a legal/juridical entity, registration papers of the sponsor

The IACAT noted that the AOSG must be duly notarized by the Philippine embassy, consulate, or honorary consulate authorized to perform notarization services. If it is notarized by a local notary public in the country of destination, the AOSG must be duly authenticated by the Philippine embassy, consulate, or honorary consulate (for non-Apostille countries), or apostilled by the apostille authority in the country of destination (for Apostille countries).

If traveling with a local sponsor:

- Duly notarized affidavit executed by the local sponsor

- Substantial proof of relationship

- Copy of the sponsors return ticket consistent with that of the passenger

FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS

For OFWs departing for the first time:

- OEC, E-receipt, or OFW clearance duly issued by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) as appearing in the Border Control Information System (BCIS)

- Valid and appropriate employment visa or work permit or any equivalent document

- Employment contract, as necessary

- Visa Usage Undertaking or Manpower Request specifying visa usage approved or verified by the Migrant Workers Office (MWO), if applicable

For Balik-Manggagawa:

- Valid and appropriate employment visa/work permit or any equivalent document

- OFW clearance

- OEC issued on-site by the MWO or by the DMW or Migrant Workers Airport Assistance Center (MWAAC), or Online BM OEC Exemption or manually issued OEC

- Proof of employment, as necessary

For direct hires:

- OEC, E-receipt, or valid OFW clearance

- Proper and valid work visa/work permit or any equivalent document

For OFWs traveling to other countries during their vacation in the Philippines:

- If the OFW will travel to other country/ies for tourism, but will return to the Philippines before proceeding to his/her jobsite, the OFW shall undergo the usual immigration inspection for tourist travelers.

- If the OFW will travel to other country/ies for tourism, but will proceed directly to his/her job site, a valid OEC may be required.

OFWs requiring special travel exit clearance in lieu of OEC:

- Locally employed seafarers (conduction crew) who will be manning a Philippine Registered Ships conduction from a foreign port to the Philippines

- Seafarers who will undergo orientation and other analogous circumstances as a requirement before their employment, as the prospective foreign employer prescribes. The foreign employer must be accredited by a licensed local manning agency

- Emergency change crew for Philippine registered vessels docked in international ports.

FOR MINORS

Minors traveling with parents:

Minors traveling with parents may be required to present their original Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA)-issued birth certificate or report of birth. The IACAT added that a minor traveling without the mother may be asked to show a copy of his or her parents PSA-issued marriage certificate.

The revised guidelines also state that the following may be asked to show a travel clearance certificate (TCC) or a certificate of exemption from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD):

- Passengers traveling with a minor may be asked to present a DSWD TCC if the parents are not married and the minor is traveling without the mother; if the minor is traveling with a person other than his/her parent/s; or if the passenger is over 18 years old but unable to fully take care of himself/herself or protect himself/herself from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical or mental disability or condition.

- Minors 13 years old and above who are traveling alone may be asked to present a DSWD TCC. Those below 13 years old are absolutely prohibited from traveling on their own.

- Passengers traveling with a minor may be asked to present a DSWD certificate of exemption from TCC if the parents are not married and the minor is traveling with the biological father who has sole parental authority or legal custody over the minor; or when the traveling companion is the legal guardian.

- A certificate of exemption from TCC may also be asked of orphans of married parents and who are traveling with the substitute parent/s (grandparent or nearest kin), as well as orphans of non-married parents and who are traveling with the substitute parent/s or nearest kin on maternal side.

Minors subject of adoption:

- For adopted minors with an Order of Adoption but pending issuance of a new PSA-issued birth certificate, a travel authority for the adoptive parent/s and adopted minor issued by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) may be needed.

- Prospective adoptive parent/s traveling with a minor subject of pending domestic adoption proceedings may also need a DSWD travel clearance certificate if the proceedings are pending with the NACC. If the proceedings are pending in courts, what may be required is a manifestation or notice about the intended travel, duly received by the court where the case is pending, and filed at least 7 calendar days before the intended date of travel.

- Prospective adoptive parent/s traveling with a minor subject of pending inter-country adoption proceedings may be asked to present a travel authority for the prospective adoptive parent/s issued by the NACC; a travel clearance certificate for adoptee issued by the NACC; and clearance from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas.

FOR STUDENTS

Immigration officers may meanwhile ask for the following documents from students or scholars:

- Acceptance letter issued by the institution or school abroad

- Duly-notarized affidavit executed by the scholar/student indicating the name of the educational institution and the duration of the course or program of study

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket consistent with the duration of the program, if practicable

- Proof of financial capacity or academic scholarship/funding/support

- If applicable, endorsement from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF) for Arabic language scholars

- For basic education students under an international exchange program or joining a competition abroad, a certification issued by the School Division Superintendent shall be presented. If said student is a minor traveling without the parents/legal guardian, a DSWD travel clearance certificate shall also be required

Students under the International Student Affairs Program or Student Internship Abroad Program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) may require an endorsement from CHED to be able to leave the country.

FOR OTHER KINDS OF PASSENGERS

Dependent family members joining an OFW at the job site:

- Valid dependent visa or any equivalent document

- Copies of the OFWs valid visa and OEC, E-receipt, or OFW clearance

Passengers with prospective employers abroad:

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket consistent with the duration of the travel

- Relevant documents relating to the purpose of the travel

- Duly-notarized affidavit executed by the passenger indicating the purpose and duration of travel

Passengers traveling abroad for a compassionate or humanitarian visit to a Filipino overseas:

- Certification from the DMW or the Department of Foreign Affairs, through its foreign service posts, specifying the purpose of the travel

Passengers traveling for intra-company transfers or intra/inter-company trainings:

- Intra-company transferees: Proof of local employment as certified by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and secondment agreement between the local/domestic company and the foreign host company, as necessary

- Intra/Inter-company trainees: Proof of local employment as certified by DOLE; and traineeship agreement, duly authenticated by the Philippine embassy or consulate where the training or skills enhancement shall be conducted, as necessary

Filipino volunteer workers:

- Endorsement from the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency

Hajj pilgrims to Mecca:

- Endorsement/List of pilgrims from the NCMF

Filipino donor traveling for organ donation or organ transplantation:

- Department of Health clearance approving the organ donation or organ transplantation

Government-endorsed trainees for skills enhancement:

- Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI)s trainees: DA-ATI endorsement

- TESDA Trainees for Agro-Studies: TESDA endorsement

- Other government-endorsed trainees: Endorsement from the concerned government agency

Non-government endorsed trainees for skills enhancement:

- Confirmed return or roundtrip ticket for programs 6 months and below

- Traineeship contract apostilled or duly authenticated by the Philippine embassy or consulate

- Duly-notarized affidavit executed by the trainee indicating the name of the training institution and the duration of the training

Passengers requiring clearance from the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO):

- Filipino spouse, fiance(e), or a partner of a foreign national with immigrant/resident/spouse/long-term/partner/prospective-marriage/family-reunification visa and other similar visas

- First time Filipino emigrants, holders of residence visa or permit/holders of Permanent Resident Card registering for the first time with CFO

- Filipino J1 Visa Holders or Exchange Visitors Program Participants bound for the United States of America

- Passengers traveling under Au Pair Visa

According to the IACAT, passengers not specifically falling under any of the mentioned categories shall undergo the required immigration inspection and show documents that would sufficiently establish their purpose of travel.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  Malacanang has ordered the start of summary deportation proceedings against all foreign nationals nabbed at a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Pasay City, according to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).

The PAOCC on Thursday said Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin issued a memorandum directing the heads of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to process the deportation of all the 231 foreign workers of raided SA Rivendell Global Gaming, Inc.

Earlier this month, authorities seized several items -- including almost 7 million in cash and 24,000 pre-registered SIM -- from Rivendell, which was found to be behind illegal activities such as love scams, illegal gambling, and cryptocurrency scams.

Marami kaming tutuluyan diyan. May mga taong kailangan talagang tuluyan ng charges [We want to sue more people there. There are people who really needed to be charged], DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in an afternoon briefing.

READ: 27 Chinese nationals sued after Pasay POGO raid - DOJ

Meanwhile, the PAOCC said BI has already released a commitment order for the transfer of the 27 charged foreign nationals to the Pasay City Jail.

It said that another eight high-value foreigners will be detained at the Immigration Detention Center.

The PAOCC added that Bersamin also instructed the Anti-Money Laundering Council to freeze all assets of Rivendell.

Tracker teams out for VIP escapee

According to the PAOCC, law enforcement agencies have dispatched tracker teams to locate escaped detainee Lin Guowei, who was reportedly among the 27 Chinese nationals charged.

The Immigration Bureau has also sent out a fugitive manhunt team to detain him.

Ang detail na sinabi sakin [The detail shared to me] that caught my attention is VIP - meaning to say person of interest talaga, maybe one of the co-conspirators of the scams, Remulla said.

The DOJ chief said the probe is underway into Lin's escape from custody and the individuals who permitted it. Remulla suspects that palm greasing may have come into play.

Hinuhuli natin mga tao but sometimes nangyayari na napapalusutan yung ganito," he noted. "Pondo [is] running low, natetempt yung ibang nagbabantay siguro."

[Translation: We catch people but it happens that this kind of thing gets through sometimes. Fund [is] running low, maybe the other watchers are tempted (with bribes).]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corporation will challenge the Office of the Ombudsmans recommendation to file graft charges against the firms executives and some former and incumbent public officials over purchases of medical supplies during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, who represents the implicated company executives, on Thursday said they are greatly saddened and surprised by the Ombudsmans decision against Pharmallys Mohit Dargani, Linconn Ong, Huang Tzu Yen, and Twinkle Dargani.

This was in relation to three transactions between the government and Pharmally in 2020 for a combined 51,400 units of RT-PCR test kits, with a total cost of 4.165 billion.

Topacio maintained that the pieces of evidence they submitted showed there were no overpricing, non-deliveries and ghost deliveries, or any anomalies of any kind.

At any rate, we are prepared to exhaust all remedies under the law to assail the indictments, and look forward to our day in court, where we can  once and for all  prove that these persons have done nothing wrong, and that these charges stemmed from a political vendetta which has ultimately backfired on its authors, and will continue to haunt these politicians, he wrote in a statement.

According to Ombudsman Samuel Martires, respondents may still file a motion for reconsideration.

Besides Pharmally officials, the Office of the Ombudsman also said it found sufficient basis to file graft charges against former Procurement Service-Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) Undersecretary Lloyd Christopher Lao, as well as former PS-DBM procurement group director and now Overall Deputy Ombudsman Warren Rex Liong, among other individuals.

Both Lao and Liong have also previously denied any wrongdoing.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  The Supreme Court (SC) on Thursday granted Cagayan Governor Manuel Mambas petition to halt the implementation of the House of Representatives contempt and detention orders against him  a move announced by the court shortly after his voluntary surrender.

The SC en banc issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the House Committee on Public Accounts and Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, as well as the lower chambers Sergeant-at-Arms, and all persons acting in their behalf.

This came a week after the two committees approved a motion seeking the governors detention, citing his repeated failure to attend hearings on his alleged public spending violation during the election period.

Earlier in the day, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said Mamba voluntarily surrendered to the House.

Governor Mamba's choice to voluntarily surrender is a commendable stride in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions, Romualdez said.

It signifies his readiness to collaborate with the House's proceedings and underscores a steadfast commitment to the fundamental principles of accountability and transparency that form the cornerstone of our democracy, he added.

Before the surrender, Mamba sought help from the SC, asking it to nullify and declare the House orders as unconstitutional. He also asked that a TRO be issued pending further orders from the court.

The SC said it received Mambas petition on Aug. 22 and had it raffled the following day.

It also ordered the respondents to comment on the petition within a non-extendable period of five days from receipt of notice.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 24)  Local fisher groups and environmentalists have raised the alarm over Japan releasing treated radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

They said the Philippines cannot simply be reactive and called on the Philippine government to take a stronger stand over Japans action.

Japan has started discharging the water on Thursday afternoon amid concerns from some neighboring countries.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that it is looking at the matter from a science- and fact-based perspective and its impact on the waters in the region.

As a coastal and archipelagic state, the Philippines attaches utmost priority to the protection and preservation of the marine environment, said the DFA.

The department has yet to comment on whether the government will file a formal protest .

Rommel Arambulo, national spokesman of the Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya), told the Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on Thursday that Japans move to release wastewater could endanger the lives of millions of fishermen.

Nais po naming ipaabot ang mariing pag kundena sa aming panawagan na huwag lasunin ang aming Pacific Ocean, Arambulo said.

Kung magpapatuloy ito maapektuhan ang ating pangisdaan at milyun-milyong mangingisda na umaasa sa Pacific Ocean , he added.

[Translation: We condemn the decision on the wastewater and we appeal not to poison our Pacific Ocean. If this would continue, our fishing sector would be affected, and the millions who greatly depend on the Pacific Ocean.]

Environmental activist Cecilia Alvarez said that this is "an emergency" situation and the Philippines must act fast.

This is an emergency. We should not be reactive, Alvarez said.

Kailan sila magsasalita kapag dumaloy na yung tubig sa Maynila [They should speak up when the water reaches Manila]," said Bayan's Mong Palatino.

"The DENR and the Philippine government should form an independent panel to review the IAEA study, he added.

Japanese envoy: Release of treated Fukushima water transparent, compliant

Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa maintained that the Japanese government followed all the international standards when it comes to the ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treating water into the sea.

Japan has provided information to the international community in a transparent manner based on scientific evidence, with an emphasis on providing sufficient data," the envoy said.

"Nevertheless, there are some who questioned the IAEA Comprehensive Report, he also said.

I believe this is evidence of their disregard for science and such moves will only hamper global cooperation in utilizing nuclear energy and jeopardize international cooperation to ensure its safety, Koshikawa added.

China, South Korea react on Japans treated wastewater decision

The Chinese Embassy in Manila expressed its strong opposition over the release of the treated Fukushima wastewater.

This act blatantly transfers the risk of nuclear pollution to neighboring countries including China and the international community, and puts self-interest above the long-term well-being of people in the region and the world," Director Wu Chenq said

"It is extremely selfish and irresponsible," he added. "China expresses serious concern and strong opposition."

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo also urged Japan to be transparent and responsibly disclose information on the discharge of water.
China, Pakistan strengthen cooperation on cultural protection

Xinhua) 16:59, August 24, 2023

CHONGQING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Two leading cultural heritage institutions in China and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting cooperation on cultural protection, with a particular focus on ancient cave temples.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Establishing Friendly Relation and Cooperation was inked this week by China's Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings and Pakistan's Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The signing took place at the International Forum on Cave Temple Conservation, held in Dazu District, southwest China's Chongqing.

Dazu is home to Dazu Rock Carvings, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage site. Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is a region rich in cultural heritage, with over 20 museums and more than 20,000 archaeological sites.

According to the memorandum, the two sides will make out plans for cooperation, build an international cooperation platform for cave temple conservation, and hold international academic seminars in the future.

Jiang Siwei, head of the Academy of Dazu Rock Carvings, said that the two sides will work together to exchange experience, share technologies, and join hands to promote the development of cultural heritage conservation.

Abdul Samad, director of the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said that he was glad to witness the signing of the memorandum of understanding, which is expected to provide an exchange platform for outstanding archaeologists from both sides.

Samad said that Pakistan and China have in-depth cooperation on politics, economics and energy, and this new step will further enhance the cooperation and exchanges on the cultural heritage conservation.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Amber Heard has scored a legal victory as a long-going case against the actress, who was accused of perjury for illegally importing her dogs into Australia, has been dropped.

Australias Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry announced Tuesday its decision to not further pursue the case against Heard for allegedly lying to the local officials about how her two Yorkshire terriers ended up in the country in 2015. She was previously accused of breaking Australias stringent quarantine rules, which were put in place to prevent disease from spreading across their borders.

Prosecution action will not be taken against actress Amber Heard over allegations related to her sentencing for the illegal import of two dogs into Australia in 2015, the biosecurity watchdog wrote in its statement. The department collaborated with agencies, both in Australia and overseas, to investigate these claims against Ms. Heard.

Johnny Depp and Amber Heard speak in a videotaped apology played during a April 18, 2016 hearing at the Southport Magistrates Court on Queensland states Gold Coast.

In 2015, Heard was married to Johnny Depp, who was filming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales on the Gold Coast during that time. She brought her two pups, Boo and Pistol, along for the couples extended overseas stay.

Heard pleaded guilty in 2016 to providing a false immigration document during a hearing at Southport Magistrates Court in Australia. According to ABC News, she was sentenced to a one-month good behavior bond, while the charges of illegally importing the dogs into Australia were dropped. Had authorities prosecuted her on the more serious charge, she could have faced 10 years in prison.

Heard and Depp, who are now divorced, are currently the subject of Emma Coopers three-part Netflix docuseries, Depp v. Heard, which chronicles their headline-grabbing June 2022 court trial. A seven-person Virginia jury sided with Depp in his $50 million defamation trial against his former spouse.
Offer a personal message of sympathy...

By sharing a fond memory or writing a kind tribute, you will be providing a comforting keepsake to those in mourning. If you have an existing account with this site, you may log in with that below. Otherwise, you can create an account by clicking on the Log in button below, and then register to create your account.
A $25 million defamation lawsuit brought against actor Alec Baldwin was dismissed Wednesday, as a federal judge ruled that Baldwins private messages about a slain Marine constituted free speech.

The actor was sued by the family of a Marine killed in Afghanistan, who was angered by posts Baldwin made referencing the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, NBC News reported.

When I sent you the $ for your late brother, out of a real respect for his service to our country, I didnt know you were a January 6th rioter, court documents allege Baldwin said in a private message.

His comment came in response to seeing Roice McCollum, a sister of the late Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum, post a photo on her own social media of a person wearing a Make America Great Again hat.

Baldwin previously donated $5,000 to McCollums family after the Marine lost his life in a 2021 attack in Kabul.

While Roice McCollum was in Washington on Jan. 6, she was not involved in the riot and has not been charged with any crime related to Capitol attack.

U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos said in his decision that, because several of Baldwins harsher comments were sent via private messages, they did not qualify as defamation.

The suit was dismissed last year but brought back again in September.

Ramos also considered Baldwins other comments, which he posted publicly, to be protected by the First Amendment.

Earlier Wednesday, a New Mexico judge denied Baldwins request to dismiss a separate lawsuit involving three Rust crew members who alleged that Baldwins skipping of his safety training during the shoot endangered the crew.
A man has been arrested for allegedly stalking Drew Barrymore multiple times this week, including once in an incident at 92NY thats since gone viral.

Chad Michael Busto was taken into custody after showing up at the actress home in Southampton Wednesday, authorities confirmed to TMZ.

The arrest came on the heels of Busto accosting the 48-year-old talk show host while she was being interviewed by Renee Rapp on Monday at a panel hosted by the 92nd Street Y, according to a video previously published by the outlet.

Busto screamed at Barrymore during the event, as seen in the clips.

Chad Michael Busto, pictured in multiple mugshots, has been arrested for allegedly stalking Drew Barrymore multiple times.

Though she excitedly responded when he started by calling her name  Oh my God, yes, hi!  Busto didnt stop.

Im Chad Michael Busto, he said, approaching the stage. You know who I am. I need to see you at some point while Im here in New York.

Broadway star Rapp, 23, helped lead Barrymore off stage, with security coming between the pair. Busto was subsequently escorted from the venue, per The Hollywood Reporter.

Upon the actress return to the stage, Barrymore praised the Sex Lives of College Girls actress for the level of protectiveness she exhibited.

That went full Bodyguard,' said Barrymore, before equating Rapp to Kevin Costner, in a nod to the 1990s drama in which he plays bodyguard to Whitney Houstons character.

Drew Barrymore attends the Clooney Foundation For Justice Inaugural Albie Awards at New York Public Library on September 29, 2022 in New York City.

The NYPD previously told The Hollywood Reporter that Mondays incident had not been reported to them.

Neither the NYPD nor the Southampton Police immediately responded to the Daily News requests for comment.
The members of the Worlds Fakest News Team (previously, The Best F#@king News Team Ever) represent the finest comedy journalists in the world  or at least the finest ones who have worked on Comedy Centrals The Daily Show. With more than 25 years of fake news under its belt, the show has employed a number of correspondents who have sullied the good name of journalism in the name of satire.

Heres our official ranking of every Daily Show correspondent ever

Click right here to get the best of Cracked sent to your inbox.

34 The Contributing Correspondents Over the course of The Daily Shows run, a number of reporters have been assigned the Contributing Correspondent label. One thing most have in common: crazy-short tenures. We love The States David Wain, but 14 days as a correspondent isnt going to cut it on this list. So apologies to the other short-lived contributing correspondents, but youre landing in a lump at the bottom of this list: Mary Birdsong, Josh Gad, Jeff Ross, Denny Siegel, Jeff Stilson, Miriam Tolan, Stacey Grenrock-Woods and Bob Wiltfong.

33 Rachael Harris A five-month run didnt give Harris enough time to make much of a dent on our comedy consciousness. Wed show a clip but neither YouTube nor Comedy Central can seem to cough one up.

32 Brian Unger The Daily Show doesnt show up on funny actor Ungers Known For section on his IMDb, so his 1996 run isnt going to get a lot of love here either.

31 Lauren Weedman Weedman recalls Daily Show producers telling her that she was going to go freelance, which she later found out meant fired. No hard feelings: I dont think I was great on it, shes confessed. Comedy Partners Advertisement Advertisement

30 Dan Bakkedahl Bakkedahl was hired to replace Stephen Colbert after he left for his own show in 2005. Note that Comedy Central has yet to commission a Bakkedahl Report spin-off. Hed do better on Veep.

29 A. Whitney Brown Brown was one of the shows earliest correspondents from back in the Craig Kilbourn days. His desk pieces on SNL generally got tepid responses, and it was more of the same on The Daily Show. Advertisement Advertisement

28 Michael Che For a while, Che held the record for shortest correspondent tenure, but he left for a good reason  Lorne Michaels tapped him to anchor Weekend Update on SNL. Heres a clip of an impossibly young Che looking like hes heading to a post-prom party:

27 Olivia Munn Dont remember Munns year-long stint as Senior Asian Correspondent? She made a bigger 2000s impact on G4s Attack of the Show. Advertisement Advertisement

26 Michael Kosta Kosta brings all the smarm of a high-paid celebrity attorney without any of the law-school baggage.

25 Al Madrigal Despite a five-year run as Senior Latino Correspondent, Madrigal clips are quote-unquote scarce on YouTube and Comedy Centrals website. Comedy Partners Advertisement Advertisement

24 Vance DeGeneres Ellens brother was an early Jon Stewart correspondent, funny enough but overshadowed on his regular Dollars and Cents segments by the likes of Steve Carell. Comedy Partners

23 Matt Walsh Despite getting his own Daily Show special in 2002 (Matt Walsh Goes to Hawaii), Walsh wouldnt really crash the comedy consciousness until The Hangover and his memorable turn on Veep. Comedy Partners Advertisement Advertisement

22 Beth Littleford The only correspondent to transition from the Craig Kilbourn regime to the Jon Stewart monarchy, so she has that going for her. Comedy Partners

21 Desi Lydic A current correspondent and part of the rotating guest-host rotation, Lydic is fluent in Foxsplainglish. Advertisement Advertisement

20 Nancy Walls One of Stewarts first regular correspondents, Walls probably spent most of her time reminding co-worker (and spouse) Steve Carell that she got cast on Saturday Night Live and he didnt.

19 Ronny Chieng Chiengs signature segment, Everything Is Stupid, is smart, which is an appropriate oxymoron for our troubled times. Advertisement Advertisement

18 Aasif Mandvi Boom! The Senior Foreign Looking Correspondents interview with Don Yelton led to Yeltons resignation from the North Carolina Republican Party office. (More specifically, it was Yeltons lazy Blacks comment that led to his departure.)

17 Roy Wood Jr. Wood may be in the running to take over for Trevor Noah, thanks to his work as Senior Mars Correspondent, Senior Immigration Correspondent and the shows Senior Steve Harvey Impersonator. The guy is such a correspondent that he got the White House Correspondents Dinner gig this year. Advertisement Advertisement

16 Dulce Sloan Sloan has proven herself to be an able reporter  she is the shows Senior Fashion Correspondent, after all  as well as a sly sketch player in segments like 9-1-1 for White People Emergencies.

15 Jason Jones Jason Jones put in a full and fruitful 10 years as a Daily Show correspondent, overcoming the comedic handicap of being Canadian. Advertisement Advertisement

14 Mo Rocca The early Stewart correspondent parlayed his Daily Show run into a ubiquitous presence on VH1s I Love the (Decade)s series before landing on CBS Sunday Morning, the place he really belonged all along.

13 Jaboukie Young-White The shows Senior Youth Correspondent had fun sticking it to Millennial Trevor Noah for being old, parlaying his young-guy attitude into roles on Only Murders in the Building and more. Advertisement Advertisement

12 Rob Riggle Riggles turn on the show wasnt long (two years), but it was memorable, with the Senior Military Affairs Correspondent heading to Iraq for a series of attention-grabbing reports. Comedy Partners

11 Jessica Williams It had been a while since wed seen The Daily Shows Senior Beyonce Correspondent, but shes back, scoring a comedy Emmy nomination this year for her role in Shrinking. Advertisement Advertisement

10 Lizz Winstead Is Winstead the funniest correspondent of all time? Heck no, but were going to give her bonus points for co-creating the damn show.

9 The Corddry Brothers If were being fair, big brother Rob had a more impactful Daily Show career than Lil Nate. But there was a greater than the sum of its parts quality to joint segments that inevitably descended into sibling-on-sibling violence. Comedy Partners Advertisement Advertisement

8 Ed Helms Next to Steve Carell, no one parlayed a Daily Show gig into TV (The Office) and movie (The Hangover) stardom more effectively than Helms.

7 Wyatt Cenac Cenac, who went on to host his own show, Problem Areas, on HBO, spoke truth to power (read: Jon Stewart) at a time when Cenac was the only Black writer and performer on the show. Stewart was defensive at first and later humbled. Advertisement Advertisement

6 Jordan Klepper The last remaining correspondent from the Stewart era (he returned after hosting his own spin-off, The Opposition), Kleppers man-on-the-street style has kicked ass in the TikTok era. @thedailyshow

5 Hasan Minhaj Variety reported that Minhaj is one of the front-runners to take over for Noah, a testament to both his successful Daily Show run and Patriot Act show on Netflix. The guy quit Twitter while hosting! What a maverick. Advertisement Advertisement

4 Steve Carell Did anyone watching The Daily Show in 2002 realize they were watching one of the biggest sitcom and movies stars of the next decade? The clues were there all along.

3 John Oliver Oliver seemed like the natural choice to replace Stewart, but Comedy Central dragged its feet on signing Oliver to a new deal. HBO swept in, and here we are a few years later with Last Week Tonight and its 26 Emmy wins. Advertisement Advertisement

2 Samantha Bee Stephen Colbert used to be the longest tenured correspondent on the show until Bee passed him (and then some). She parlayed her hilarious Daily Show outrage into a spectacular six-year run on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee.
Blog Archive: Oct 2023 (145) Sep 2023 (150) Aug 2023 (155) Jul 2023 (155) Jun 2023 (150) May 2023 (155) Apr 2023 (150) Mar 2023 (155) Feb 2023 (140) Jan 2023 (155) Dec 2022 (156) Nov 2022 (150) Oct 2022 (155) Sep 2022 (150) Aug 2022 (155) Jul 2022 (154) Jun 2022 (150) May 2022 (155) Apr 2022 (150) Mar 2022 (155) Feb 2022 (140) Jan 2022 (156) Dec 2021 (156) Nov 2021 (150) Oct 2021 (155) Sep 2021 (150) Aug 2021 (155) Jul 2021 (155) Jun 2021 (150) May 2021 (155) Apr 2021 (150) Mar 2021 (155) Feb 2021 (140) Jan 2021 (155) Dec 2020 (155) Nov 2020 (150) Oct 2020 (158) Sep 2020 (150) Aug 2020 (130) Jul 2020 (124) Jun 2020 (120) May 2020 (124) Apr 2020 (120) Mar 2020 (124) Feb 2020 (116) Jan 2020 (125) Dec 2019 (126) Nov 2019 (120) Oct 2019 (124) Sep 2019 (120) Aug 2019 (125) Jul 2019 (124) Jun 2019 (120) May 2019 (123) Apr 2019 (121) Mar 2019 (124) Feb 2019 (112) Jan 2019 (125) Dec 2018 (126) Nov 2018 (120) Oct 2018 (124) Sep 2018 (121) Aug 2018 (124) Jul 2018 (125) Jun 2018 (120) May 2018 (124) Apr 2018 (121) Mar 2018 (124) Feb 2018 (112) Jan 2018 (123) Dec 2017 (124) Nov 2017 (124) Oct 2017 (141) Sep 2017 (135) Aug 2017 (138) Jul 2017 (137) Jun 2017 (134) May 2017 (138) Apr 2017 (135) Mar 2017 (139) Feb 2017 (129) Jan 2017 (143) Dec 2016 (135) Nov 2016 (138) Oct 2016 (142) Sep 2016 (128) Aug 2016 (133) Jul 2016 (136) Jun 2016 (138) May 2016 (164) Apr 2016 (311) Mar 2016 (348) Feb 2016 (320) Jan 2016 (348) Dec 2015 (314) Nov 2015 (338) Oct 2015 (363) Sep 2015 (358) Aug 2015 (399) Jul 2015 (374) Jun 2015 (331) May 2015 (337) Apr 2015 (319) Mar 2015 (320) Feb 2015 (271) Jan 2015 (286) Dec 2014 (254) Nov 2014 (238) Oct 2014 (287) Sep 2014 (267) Aug 2014 (259) Jul 2014 (260) Jun 2014 (238) May 2014 (241) Apr 2014 (228) Mar 2014 (240) Feb 2014 (217) Jan 2014 (263) Dec 2013 (226) Nov 2013 (254) Oct 2013 (256) Sep 2013 (252) Aug 2013 (263) Jul 2013 (261) Jun 2013 (251) May 2013 (250) Apr 2013 (221) Mar 2013 (193) Feb 2013 (164) Jan 2013 (157) Dec 2012 (155) Nov 2012 (240) Oct 2012 (526) Sep 2012 (411) Aug 2012 (394) Jul 2012 (284) Jun 2012 (229) May 2012 (213) Apr 2012 (213) Mar 2012 (253) Feb 2012 (269) Jan 2012 (298) Dec 2011 (273) Nov 2011 (219) Oct 2011 (204) Sep 2011 (201) Aug 2011 (236) Jul 2011 (217) Jun 2011 (211) May 2011 (206) Apr 2011 (215) Mar 2011 (215) Feb 2011 (186) Jan 2011 (215) Dec 2010 (107) Nov 2010 (98) Oct 2010 (55)
Sometimes the role of a lifetime was actually intended for someone elses lifetime. Time and again, we hear about the casting that almost was, and feel fully satisfied with the version of the film we actually got. In some cases, the actor didnt connect with the material; in other cases, the requisite schedules simply didnt line up.

Redditor Helloimafanoffiction recently asked r/Movies to reflect on the funniest time an actor turned down an iconic role. The way some of your favorite movies almost looked might surprise you  and the things these actors opted to take on instead may be even more shocking and/or hilarious in hindsight.

10 John Leguizamo and Philadelphia

9 Kevin Costner and Shawshank Redemption and Kill Bill

8 Sean Connery and The Lord of the Rings

7 Billy Crystal and Toy Story Advertisement Advertisement

6 Jean Claude Van Damme and Predator

5 Will Smith and The Matrix Advertisement Advertisement

4 Matt Damon and Avatar

3 Cuba Gooding Jr. and Four Oscar-Nominated Movies Advertisement Advertisement

2 Will Smith and Django Unchained
The Fulton County Sheriffs Office made good on its promise by releasing the first batch of booking photos for those charged with crimes relating to 2020 election interference in Georgia. The highlight of the mugshots is none other than Rudy Giuliani, who served as Donald Trumps personal lawyer and called the charges an attack on the American people as he made his way to A 2nd Chance Bail Bonds. And much like a highly anticipated album release, Twitter is awaiting the arrival of Trumps mugshot, which is set to drop tomorrow and surely will reach metrics the website hasnt seen since the Ellen DeGeneres Oscar selfie.

While we impatiently wait for said mugshot, weve had all day to indulge in some hilarious tweets, including those about the reward for hard work, the teen drama that finally ended and the old boot and rally.

18

17

16

15 Advertisement Advertisement

14

13 Advertisement Advertisement

12

11 Advertisement Advertisement

10

9 Advertisement Advertisement

8

7 Advertisement Advertisement

6

5 Advertisement Advertisement

4

3 Advertisement Advertisement

2
The number of ransomware attacks in July rose over 150% compared to last year and the actors behind the Clop ransomware were responsible for over a third of them. The gang took the lead from LockBit as the top ransomware threat after exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in a managed file transfer (MFT) application called MOVEit in June. While the MOVEit attacks were used for data theft and subsequent extortion, they were not used to deploy the actual Clop ransomware program, even though the actors behind the attacks are associated with this ransomware program and took credit for the campaign.

"This campaign is particularly significant given that Clop has been able to extort hundreds of organizations by compromising one environment, Matt Hull, global head of threat intelligence at NCC Group, said in a report. Not only do you need to be vigilant in protecting your own environment, but you must also pay close attention to the security protocols of the organizations you work with as part of your supply chain.

Clop takes the ransomware lead

NCC Group has recorded 502 ransomware-related attacks in July, a 16% increase from the 434 seen in June, but a 154% rise from the 198 attacks seen in July 2022. The Clop gang was responsible for 171 (34%) of the 502 attacks while LockBit came in second with 50 attacks (10%).

LockBit has dominated the ransomware space since the middle of last year after the notorious Conti gang disbanded and the LockBit authors revamped their affiliate program to fill the void and attract former Conti partners. Ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operations such as LockBit rely on collaborators called affiliates to break into enterprise networks and deploy the ransomware program in exchange for a hefty percentage of the ransoms.

Clop is also a RaaS operation that has existed since 2019 and before that it acted as an initial access broker (IAB) selling access to compromised corporate networks to other groups. It also operated a large botnet specialized in financial fraud and phishing. According to a CISA advisory, the Clop gang and its affiliates compromised over 3,000 organizations in the US and over 8,000 globally to date.

The Clop actors are known for their ability to develop zero-day exploits for popular enterprise software, especially MFT applications. The group exploited Accellion File Transfer Appliance (FTA) devices in 2020 and 2021, Fortra/Linoma GoAnywhere MFT servers in early 2023, and MOVEit transfer deployments in June  an attack campaign thats believed to have affected up to 500 organizations.
We use a range of cookies to give you the best possible browsing experience. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies.

You can learn more about our cookie policy here, or by following the link at the bottom of any page on our site. See our updated Privacy Policy here.


Moonstruck! From US to South Africa -- a 'proud day' for Indian diaspora It was a 'proud and historic day' for India's 32 million-plus strong diaspora, which stood in unison with their mother country amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram', as the nation conquered the moon on Wednesday with its historic Chandrayaan-3 mission. From holding special screenings of the landing event, to saying prayers and distributing sweets, loudest cheers on the mission's success could be heard from the community that is far away, yet not away from India.



Capturing the excitement of Indians in South Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the country for BRICS Summit, shared pictures of community members meeting him and celebrating.



"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," PM Modi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.



Taking to X, member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament, Lord Rami Ranger, said, "Indians are literally over the moon with the smooth landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft! Congratulations ISRO. India becomes the only nation to land on the South Pole of the Moon."



"Congratulations to India on the #MoonLanding -- this is a national, regional and global success story. Everyone involved has played their personal part in a national victory.

#Chandrayaan3 is a win for everyone," Virendra Sharma, Member of British Parliament, posted.



Indians from across the UK joined the High Commission in London where people chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' slogans.



Calling it a "moment of immense pride", the Friends of India Society International (FISI), a UK-based diaspora group, celebrated India's expanding prowess in the realm of technology.



"The successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface is a moment of immense pride for the 1.4 billion people in India and the global Indian diaspora. This achievement serves as a powerful testament to India's unwavering dedication to scientific progress, poised to ignite the aspirations of forthcoming generations of explorers and scientists within the nation," FISI said in a statement.



Singapore's Indian-origin Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also dropped a congratulatory message to Indians. "Congratulations India for landing on the South Pole of the Moon. This is indeed a proud achievement that will resonate across the world!"



M A Yusuff Ali of Emirates-based Lulu Group and Second Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said, "It is a historic moment not just for India and Indians but for the entire mankind. May this landmark landing of #Chandrayan3 pave for many more achievements in the science and technology field".



Chandrakanth 'Chandra' Arya, a powerful Indian-origin voice in the Canadian parliament, who visited India in July this year and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, attributed the success to 'India's mastery of advanced technologies'.



"India is now on the Moon. Congratulations to India on Chandrayaan-3 becoming the first space mission to land near the south pole of the Moon and joining the exclusive club of just three other countries in the world to land on moon," Arya, who hails from Karnataka, wrote on X.



"This is proof of the sophistication of India's space programme and India's mastery of advanced technologies. This is a great moment for the people of India and all those of Indian heritage across the world," he said.



With Tricolours in their hands, Indian-Americans gathered at Times Square in New York to celebrate the event.



"Congratulations to India for the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the southern polar region of the moon. Its an incredible feat for all the scientists and engineers involved. We are proud to partner with you on this mission and space exploration more broadly," US Indian-American Vice President, Kamala Harris, said.



Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, who was in India this month to celebrate Independence Day, called it a "big moment" for the country. "A big moment for India. Congratulations... I saw incredible ingenuity and dynamism across India in the delegation we recently led," Khanna said.



Calling the success an "incredible moment", Google's Sundar Pichai and Microsoft's Satya Nadella congratulated ISRO for its victory.



"My congratulations to ISRO on the moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3. What an exciting moment for India - and the future of space exploration," Nadella wrote.



"Wow! Chandrayaan-3's moon landing is a great achievement for India and all humanity! Congratulations to the ISRO team and all of India," Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, wrote on X.



The success of the moon mission was of prime importance to India, which has now become the fourth country to master the soft-landing technology on the lunar surface after the US, China and the erstwhile Soviet Union.



Via this mission, India will understand the lunar surface better but also its potential for human habitation in the future.



Chandrayaan-3 landed successfully after a 40-day journey starting from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.




Resilience uplift: Auckland Airport announces its results for FY23 amid historic upgrade of the airport precinct

Auckland Airport today announced its financial results for the 12 months to 30 June 2023, including its first dividend and full underlying profit in three years.

Auckland Airport Chair Patrick Strange said: Its been a year marked by the strong return of international travel, with new airlines and routes, getting underway with the most significant upgrade of Auckland Airport in history, and making progress on sustainability initiatives that will have a meaningful impact across the aviation precinct.

Key performance data for the 12 months to 30 June 2023:

 Total number of passengers increased to 15.9 million, up 183%

 Domestic passenger numbers increased 90% to 8.1 million, and international passenger numbers (including transits) increased 480% to 7.8 million

 Revenue was up 108% to $625.9 million

 Operating EBITDAFI was up 175% to $397.1 million

 Reported profit after tax was down 77% to $43.2 million

 Earnings per share was down 78% to 2.9 cents

 Net underlying profit after tax of $148.1 million

 Net underlying profit per share of 10.1 cents

 4.0 cents per share dividend will be paid (1)

Auckland Airport now has more than 400,000sqm of aeronautical-focused infrastructure in development across major airfield, transport and terminal projects.

This major upgrade of infrastructure is essential. Airports play a critical role in our countrys social and economic wellbeing, developing long-life infrastructure assets that support travel and trade. Its vital we continue to invest so we dont create a drag on the economy and constrain Auckland and New Zealands future growth.

As New Zealands main gateway, our infrastructure programme reflects this responsibility. It is prudent investment which will deliver critical assets that will have decades of ongoing use and create the uplift in experience travellers are asking for.

Airlines have asked us to pause investment. We appreciate their concern about cost, as infrastructure is a significant investment. We are always open to further feedback about how to reduce costs while still delivering a resilient, long-term solution.

However, we remain committed to the current programme of work we have underway to pave the way for a new domestic terminal. Delaying infrastructure is not in New Zealands best interests  we know where that road leads. For the airport, it would keep domestic capacity constrained, allow the customer experience to deteriorate, place upward pressure on airfares and reduce the airports resilience to unacceptable levels.

Travellers have told us they want a better domestic experience, and we must get on with it, Mr Strange said.

Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui said: The thread running through every aspect of Auckland Airports aviation precinct is connection. Whether thats reuniting family and friends, welcoming visitors to Aotearoa New Zealand, or connecting businesses and workers to new opportunities, Auckland Airport plays a key role.

Travellers and businesses can now choose from 25 airlines to 40 international destinations at Auckland Airport as airlines have added new routes or grown the frequency of their services. At a time when demand for travel has outstripped supply, each of these connections has a very real and tangible impact, providing greater choice for travellers, more competition on popular routes, and better freight connections for New Zealand businesses.

Overall, there were 15.9 million domestic and international passengers at Auckland Airport in the 2023 financial year, up 183% on the 2022 financial year. Domestic passenger numbers were up 90% to 8.1 million while international passenger numbers (including transits) rose 480% to 7.8 million.

Auckland Airport serves to connect travellers and businesses, and I want to acknowledge that the rapid return of aviation has not always been a smooth experience for customers. Weve experienced storm events unlike anything before, causing the closure of the international terminal, and global aviation staffing shortages have created ongoing issues across the aviation system, including mishandled bags, longer queues and delays in the arrivals process.

For Auckland Airport, since the beginning of the year we have been taking a lead role in working to collectively solve issues as an ecosystem of border agencies, airlines, ground handlers and other auxiliary services. There will be some quick wins and some aspects that will take longer to solve, but rest assured we will continue to work on this until we get it right.

We have appreciated the patience and understanding of travellers and our airport partners, and I am also thankful to the Auckland Airport team for their incredible effort in supporting the recovery of the business.

Alongside the return of travel, Auckland Airport has ramped up its infrastructure development programme.

Attracting and retaining airline networks, which support tourism and trade, requires high quality, resilient and reliable airport infrastructure, with sufficient airfield and terminal capacity, Ms Hurihanganui said.

Auckland Airport needs careful, considered investment to meet these needs, not only today but in anticipation of the future.

We have three anchor projects underway across terminals, airfield and transport: enabling works for a new domestic terminal to be integrated into the international terminal; a 250,000-square-metre airfield expansion; and the development of a world-class transport centre.

With our 57-year-old domestic terminal now reaching capacity, development of a new domestic terminal is essential. Without continued investment, the airport system will degrade and stagnate.

When it opens in 2028/29, the new domestic terminal will deliver significant customer improvements including integrated self-service check-in, shorter queuing times with 44 per cent more capacity for passenger processing per hour, and a five-minute indoor walk between domestic and international flights.

It will not only transform the experience for travellers; it will also build necessary resilience into our airfield with a 26 per cent uplift in domestic seat capacity thanks to additional gates catering for larger jet aircraft.

The decision to move ahead with the new $2.2 billion integrated terminal was made after extensive consultation, including producing over 21 concept designs for a new domestic terminal since 2012.

Airlines are asking to stay longer in the domestic terminal  well beyond 2030  and for alternative, additional designs to be considered. After a decade of careful analysis, we are confident our infrastructure plans are in the best interests of all airport users, but we will always include refinements proposed by our airline partners where they are viable and make sense, said Ms Hurihanganui.

Rebuilding connections

Auckland Airport has experienced a stronger than anticipated rebound in domestic and international aviation markets over the 2023 financial year.

Overall, by years end international seat capacity had recovered to 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and domestic recovered to 89%. The return of passenger flights also restored international freight capacity to 95% of pre-pandemic level as at 30 June 2023.

We still have some way to go to achieving full recovery, but it all amounts to a fantastic turnaround for an industry that was in dire straits two years ago  bringing relief and optimism to those of us who work in aviation.

Strength in North American services has been leading the charge. Air New Zealand now flies into seven North American cities including its flagship New York service, joined by Qantas on the same route from June 2023, bringing greater choice and more competitive pricing to travellers. Hawaiian Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines and American Airlines reconnecting into Auckland will also be joined by newcomer Delta Air Lines over the summer from October this year.

It will be a busy summer with current projections showing capacity between Auckland and North America set to exceed 2019 levels, with a forecast 29% increase over November 2023 to March 2024 compared to the same five-month period prior to COVID-19.

There has been a promising recovery in capacity to and from China as well, after a slower return due to a more protracted COVID-19 response. Five airlines now fly four routes, including daily services to some of the main centres, with capacity between China and New Zealand recovered to 78% of 2019 levels at 30 June 2023, and forecast to reach 93% of pre-pandemic levels by September.

There was plenty of activity on the trans-Tasman route, by far our biggest international market, which is back to 96 per cent of pre-pandemic capacity. Frequent flyers Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar have been joined by AirAsia X flying between Auckland and Sydney, with Batik Air starting on the Perth route tomorrow.

Building a thriving aviation precinct

Beyond the airfield and terminals, Auckland Airport continued to progress a range of key developments across transport, retail and commercial property during the 2023 financial year.

Later this year Te Arikinui Pullman Hotel (a joint venture between Auckland Airport and Tainui Group Holdings) will open, followed by the first stages of the Transport Hub opening up for drop-offs and pick-ups in the new year. During the 2024 calendar year well be providing new parking options with the opening of Park & Ride South; and offering a new shopping experience to visitors with the opening of Manawa Bay premium outlet shopping destination, expected in late 2024.

These projects will bring further vibrancy and amenity to our aviation precinct, whether its creating smoother transport connections or great visitor experiences. As workforces grow it also becomes part of what attracts people to jobs at the airport  whether its easy access to local shopping or improved options for getting to and from work.

Within the terminal, retail operations are back in full swing and the airport team is fielding strong interest in future leasing with a total of 115 outlets now operating. After hibernating during the pandemic, most have now returned to normal business operations with sites fully open.

This year weve made the move to a single duty-free operator, with Lagardere AWPL-owned Aelia Duty Free agreeing to a short-term extension of its contract until mid-2025. Not only is a single operator model in line with most overseas airports, it also creates the opportunity for the introduction of additional retail lines and improved in-store experiences. In what was a seamless transition, around 90 per cent of existing duty-free employees were able to transfer to Aelia Duty Free.

One of the fastest growing commercial areas is The Landing business park located on the northern end of Auckland Airport. In 2023, developments for Kerry Logistics and Healthcare Logistics (part of the EBOS Group) were completed, while the construction of two additional facilities remains on track for completion in the 2024 financial year. Auckland Airport has also been appointed to develop new standalone facilities within The Landing for companies which include IKEA, DHL, and Reece Group, all of which target a 5-star Green sustainability rating and will begin construction during the 2024 financial year.

The airports rent roll increase by 15% off the back of sustained customer demand for its high-quality, well-located real estate products. Auckland Airports portfolio ended the year having a total value of $2.9 billion, and occupancy levels remaining at 99% and a weighted average lease term (WALT) of 8.6 years  this is one of the highest WALTs relative to the NZ listed property sector.

Sustainability, people and community

As the upgrade of Auckland Airport continues at pace, Ms Hurihanganui said the team remained focused on its sustainability targets, with investments to progress climate change goals and create a more sustainable airport.

We are playing our part, not just in reducing carbon emissions and waste from our own operations but also assisting the wider aviation systems sustainability goals. Its our investment in infrastructure that will support the deployment of new aircraft technology  whether thats larger, more efficient domestic aircraft or future low-carbon aircraft and fuel types. We already have a range of initiatives in play to reduce fuel burn from non-flying activities, from predictive technology to manage push-back timing to ground power units available to plug in to at the gate.

Significant progress has been made in reducing waste and carbon emissions from our own operations also. We are systematically switching off natural gas in favour of electricity in the terminals, and new developments such as the Transport Hub and Manawa Bay will be electric only, with plans to draw a substantial portion of their power use from giant rooftop solar arrays.

Alongside initiatives to benefit the environment, Ms Hurihanganui said Auckland Airport is also focused on bringing improvements to employees, as its workforce scales up to support a once-in-a-generation upgrade of the airport precinct. In the 2023 financial year, the airports team grew 24% to 579 people, with additional growth in expected infrastructure and operations-based roles during the 2024 financial year.

Its an exciting time to be working at Auckland Airport and we want to offer people support that makes a meaningful difference to their lives, which is why weve overhauled our parental leave policy, Ms Hurihanganui said.

The airports new parental leave policy includes primary carer top-up payments on the Government-funded rate to 100% of salary for 18 weeks; six weeks paid leave for partners (Auckland Airport pays the two weeks which are statutorily unpaid, plus an additional four weeks); continued employer KiwiSaver contributions of three per cent to primary carers; and on the return to work, five days of family leave for primary carers to use for any reason connected with their new child.

In the 2023 financial year, Auckland Airport continued its long-standing support of community organisations in South Auckland. This included supporting the Ara Education Charitable Trust, which creates pathways into work for school leavers not going directly into tertiary education or training. Students are currently renovating houses on site at Auckland Airport to gain valuable construction work experience, while six students were able to take part in work experience at the Transport Hub during the financial year, opening them up to new career opportunities.

Pricing

After freezing prices for a year to support airlines to rebuild, Auckland Airport has now reset airline charges for Price Setting Event Four (PSE4) for the period of 2023 to 2027 financial years, with the new charges introduced on 1 July 2023.

We consulted extensively with airlines in setting these new charges, which are the payments airlines make to operate at the airport and fund necessary infrastructure investment, said Ms Hurihanganui.

Our domestic charges, which have risen from a low base of $6.75 per passenger, will increase by $3.50 to $10.25 over the 2024 financial year. By 2027, they will be at a similar level to current charges at Wellington and Christchurch airports.

The new aeronautical charges are now being independently reviewed by New Zealands competition regulator, the Commerce Commission.

We welcome this scrutiny as it is an important step in ensuring airports work to benefit the traveller and make long-term decisions that are in the best interests of New Zealands economy. We will await the Commissions review of our PSE4 pricing decision, which is expected in May 2024, before commenting further.

Outlook

As Auckland Airport looks ahead to the 2024 financial year, Ms Hurihanganui said the airport continued to see positive signs in the market with increased connectivity supporting the ongoing recovery in aviation.

To reflect this, Auckland Airport is providing guidance of underlying profit after tax (excluding any fair value changes and other one-off items) of between $260 million and $280 million. In addition, with the significant investment across the airport precinct, Auckland Airport is also providing guidance on capital expenditure of between $1 billion and $1.4 billion in the year.

As always, this guidance is subject to any material adverse events, significant one-off expenses, non-cash fair value changes to property and deterioration as a result of global market conditions, or other unforeseeable circumstances.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Investors:

Stewart Reynolds

Head of Strategy, Planning and Performance

+64 27 511 9632

stewart.reynolds@aucklandairport.co.nz

Media:

Libby Middlebrook

Head of Communications and External Relations

+64 21 989 908

Libby.middlebrook@aucklandairport.co.nz

(1) Reflecting the earnings period of 1 January to 30 June 2023 following the removal of the covenent-related restrictions

Refer AIA - FY23 Results at a Glance for a reconciliation between reported profit after tax and underlying profit for the years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022

Comments from our readers

No comments yet

Add your comment:

Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process.

Related News:

CHI - Exchange Mechanism of CHI010 notes for CHI030 bonds

CHI - Channel launches retail bond offer

October 30th Morning Report

AGL - Accordant Group - Half Year Financial Performance

CBD - Successful Verification for Oral Solution Products

Spark Finance extends Westpac Sustainability-Linked Loan

General Capital (GEN:NZX) Subsidiary General Finance Update

Ryman announces new director

BFG Capital Return to Shareholders

SAN - Annual Results, Annual Meeting, Director Nominations Dates


Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): Half Year Results

Evolva with good business momentum and significant progress in profitability in 1H 2023, despite major financing challenges



24-Aug-2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



PRESS RELEASE | AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR



Evolva with good business momentum and significant progress in profitability in 1H 2023, despite major financing challenges Reinach, 24 August 2023  Evolva (SIX: EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, reported sales of CHF 4.5 million for the first half of 2023. The lower sales compared to the prior year period resulted from the absence of Vanillin deliveries in 1H 2023, which as previously communicated had been planned to take place in the second half of the year, as well as lower royalty income from EverSweet. Adjusted for Vanillin and EverSweet, product revenue grew by 11% in 1H 2023 despite the business disruptions created by the Nice & Green situation. Significant further progress in profitability was achieved with a positive gross contribution margin of 30.4% vs. 10.9% in 1H 2022. Continued strong operational progress and key milestones marked additional highlights of 1H 2023. In 1H 2023 a non-cash relevant impairment of goodwill and other assets of CHF 68.3 million had to be recorded as result of the current financing situation. In particular for cash preservation reasons the company now decided to move the next Vanillin production campaign from 2H 2023 to 2024 which reduces the revenue expectations for 2023 towards lower double-digit millions while profitability is expected to further enhance. Foundations were laid to enable mid-term ambition, i.e., EBITDA and cash break-even by 2025 as planned provided the going concern of the company can be secured. Business and corporate highlights Solid sales growth of Valencene and Nootkatone of 7% and Resveratrol of 14% in 1H 2023 compared to 1H 2022, despite major customer destocking activities across the entire industry

Signed multi-year agreement with a leading CMO to enable the supply of Vanillin to a global F&F customer of around CHF 35 million by 2026 and enhances profitability for several key products from 2024 onwards

Broadened product offering with the successful introduction of Natural Nootkatone in the EU markets which has already met good interest and demand

Entered new market segments with Resveratrol and L-Arabinose to adress the personal care industry

Entered into a partnership with Grace Breeding to enter the field of sustainable Agro-solutions to replace chemical fertilizers Financial highlights 1H 2023 Total revenue stood at CHF 4.5 million compared to CHF 8.1 million (-45%) in the prior year period. Lower revenues are due to no Vanillin deliveries in 1H 2023. As communicated in May, these had been planned to take place in the second half of 2023 due to production capacity considerations (and were now decided to move to 2024). Adjusted for the Vanillin deliveries and excluding EverSweet  the underlying product-related growth achieved 11% in 1H 2023

the underlying product-related growth achieved 11% in 1H 2023 Gross contribution margin increased significantly to 30.4%, compared to 10.9% in 1H 2022 and 21.9% in 2H 2022. The increase was primarily driven by the strengthened production network and better value capturing on the pricing side. A further continuous increase in gross contribution margin is expected

Flavors & Fragrances sales stood at CHF 1.8 million, below the CHF 5.5 million achieved in the prior year period due to the lack of Vanillin deliveries in 1H 2023

Health Ingredients revenues amounted to CHF 2.5 million, 13% higher than in 1H 2022 (CHF 2.2 million), especially driven by Resveratrol

Royalties from EverSweet, marketed by Avansya, were still below expectations in 1H 2023 but Evolva remains positive about the long-term potential of EverSweet  as a sugar replacement

as a sugar replacement Adjusted EBITDA improved by CHF 1.2 million to CHF-6.3million

Operating free cash flow improved by CHF 10.7 million to CHF -4.0 million

Cash position at the end of June 2023 amounted to CHF 4.4 million Current Financing Situation and Strategic Review Current financing situation, which was created when Nice & Green informed Evolva beginning of June that they do not intend to keep their financial commitments due to a different interpretation of the then existing contractual agreement, poses a significant risk to the company.

Evolva was forced to implement strict cash management and postpone relevant activities into 2024.

For cash preservation reasons and to secure lower production costs under the new CMO contract, the company decided to move the next Vanillin production campaign to 2024. This reduces the revenue expectations for 2023 towards lower double-digit millions while profitability is expected to further enhance.

To secure liquidity at least until the end of the year, Evolva was forced to sign a new financing agreement with Nice & Green which will enable Evolva to draw at least CHF 5.25 million, provided that shareholders approve the increase of the conditional capital at the EGM later today (more information on EGM: Link) and unless the following applies: If, on any given day until the end of 2023, the daily VWAP of an Evolva share is equal or lower than CHF 1.40, the investor is entitled to suspend the agreement for 7 trading days by written notice to the issuer.

A comprehensive review of strategic alternatives has been initiated, including a potential sale of the company.

Active discussions are ongoing with multiple interested parties.

At the latest by end of 2023, the Board of Directors is confident to have successfully implemented strategic measures that will secure sufficient liquidity and the going concern of the Group in the long term.

If no buyer, strategic or financing partner can be found during the strategic review, or no other strategic transaction or measure can be implemented, the company would eventually have to cease its operations.

As a result of the current financing situation, the company specific risk factor was increased, leading to a WACC of 23.9% (2022: 13.2%) which triggered a non-cash relevant impairment of goodwill and other assets of CHF 68.3 million. The underlying business expectations in the impairment test were not fundamentally changed. Outlook The Board of Directors aims to complete the strategic review in 2023.

Positive business momentum is expected to accelerate despite destocking activities of customers in the industry

Further improvement of EBITDA and Operating Free Cash Flow in 2023

Confident regarding mid-term ambition of cash and EBITDA break-even by 2025, albeit at slightly lower revenues and a higher profitability, provided the going concern of the company can be secured.

Financial Key Figures Period from 1 January to 30 June CHF million 2023 adjusted 2022 adjusted 2023 reported. 2022 reported. Revenue from contracts with customers 4.5 8.1 4.5 8.1 Product-related revenue 4.3 7.8 4.3 7.8 Direct production costs (3.0) (6.9) (3.0) (6.9) Gross contribution 1.3 0.9 1.3 0.9 in % of product-related revenue 30.4% 10.9% 30.4% 10.9% Research & development revenue 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.4 Cost of goods sold (excl. direct production costs) (2.4) (2.2) (3.5) (6.7) Gross profit (1.0) (1.0) (2.0) (5.5) Research & development expenses (3.5) (5.2) (28.9) (19.4) Commercial, general & administrative expenses (5.3) (5.7) (47.2) (6.0) Operating loss (EBIT) (9.8) (11.9) (78.1) (30.9) Depreciation and amortization (3.5) (4.4) (3.5) (4.4) Impairment of intangible assets 0.0 0.0 (66.3) (17.0) Impairment of tangible assets 0.0 0.0 (2.0) 0.0 EBITDA (6.3) (7.5) (6.3) (9.5) Cash position (end of period) 4.4 7.4 4.4 7.4 Extraordinary items (68.3) (19.0) - impairment (68.3) (17.0) - inventory write-off 0.0 (1.6) - others 0.0 (0.4) 1) This table includes references to operational indicators and alternative performance measures (APM) that are not defined or specified by IFRS. These APM should be regarded as complementary information to and not as substitutes to the Groups consolidated financial results based on IFRS.



Documentation:

Results documentation will be available on the company website at 07.00 CET under this link: https://evolva.com/financial-data/hy-results/



Webcast and Conference Call information:

Evolva will host a conference call with media and the financial community today, 09 a.m. CET. Registration link for conference call:

https://webcast.meetyoo.de/reg/k8pdLBjRiLer

Following registration, particpants will receive a confirmation e-mail with individual dial-in information.

Webcast link for conference call particpants

https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2023-hy/no-audio



https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2023-hy/no-audio Webcast link to the livestream:

https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2023-hy

To ask questions during the Q+A session you must dial in to the moderated conference call. A replay will be available after the call via the Evolva website.



Important dates

24 August 2023, 11.00 CET Extraordinary General Meeting, Hotel Victoria, Basel



Contact

Doris Rudischhauser

Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

+41 79 410 81 88

dorisr@evolva.com



About Evolva

Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolvas employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellness and sustainability. Find out more at evolva.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.



Disclaimer

This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.

Additional features:





File: Evolva with good business momentum and significant progress in profitability in 1H 2023, despite major financing challenges

End of Inside Information
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.
As more Chinese companies invest in LAC (Latin America and the Caribbean) countries, there is an increased need for Chinese security firms to deal with local threats from local organized crime gangs as well as general lawlessness. When there are a lot of Chinese businesses in an area, that usually means Chinese gangsters are not far behind. After becoming familiar with the local culture, the Chinese gangsters will expand their operations to include local non-Chinese firms. This is a problem for the Chinese firms and for local police. The locals often cant tell the difference between Chinese businessmen and Chinese gangsters and adopt an anti-Chinese attitude that makes trouble for all Chinese in the area. Chinese firms came up with a solution; Chinese PSCs, or Private Security Companies. The Chinese PSCs not only provide security advice for the Chinese firms that hire them but also work with the local security forces to identify the Chinese criminal gangs operating in the area. The Chinese PSCs often partner with local private security firms to provide more comprehensive security services for Chinese firms.

New Chinese firms in less developed nations are often introducing large new enterprises like mining or manufacturing. In many countries the new Chinese operations will attract the local gangsters and that can be a major problem. Chinese PSCs often hire former or retired Chinese police or security personnel. Former Chinese police commanders working for a Chinese PSC can establish contacts with local law enforcement and make life more difficult for the Chinese gangsters as well as improve security for the new Chinese firms. Local authorities appreciate this because as the new Chinese firms prosper, tax revenue increases as do opportunities for local officials to solicit bribes from the Chinese firms. This can sometimes get out of control and threaten the continued survival of the Chinese firms. Once more the Chinese PSCs make themselves useful and work independently or in cooperation with local police, to deal with the problem.

The LAC nations are a new region for Chinese PSCs, the Chinese can rely on experience in other parts of the world, especially Africa and Asia. The cultures are different but the corruption and local criminals are similar. Chinese firms in less developed nations initially had a hard time adapting to the local security and government culture. This created the need for Chinese PSCs to deal with these problems competently, confidentially and in a familiar language.
MBABANE  The Financial Service Regulatory Authority (FSRA) says investigations in the matter of QZ Asset Management operations, which it alleges to be a pyramid scheme, are ongoing.

This comes after reports that several emaSwati, who had invested their money into the alleged scheme, have been frequenting FSRA reporting their cases with hope to be assisted to recover their money. In an interview with this publication, FSRA Head of Stakeholder and Consumer Affairs Mbuso Gamedze stated that the process of receiving complaints was ongoing and members of the public were encouraged to continue submitting the complaints in order to aid the investigation.

Suffered

When asked about the value of money emaSwati had allegedly lost through this scheme, Gamedze said the extent of loss suffered by emaSwati would be determined once the investigation had been completed. The matter is still under investigation by a combined team of the FSRA and Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE), said Gamedze. He further mentioned that at this stage they could not pre-empt any form of assistance pending the outcome of the investigation. Gamedze mentioned that the investigation would ascertain if there were any violations and if such is determined, the full extent of the law will apply. In May, The Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) was granted an interim order to suspend QZ Asset Management operations.

The CBE sought to interdict and freeze the first to the ninth respondents identified bank accounts, which have been receiving unusual amounts of deposits from various members of the public.

Activities

The application is in respect of the activities of QZ Asset Management along with all the cited respondents relating to the already mentioned alleged pyramid scheme. Advancing their reasons for making this an ex-parte application, the CBE submitted that the nature of the relief sought, necessitated that this matter be heard on an ex-parte and urgent basis. The matter was heard by High Court Judge Justice Mavuso, where the relief sought was successful.
MBABANE  A police officer, who intentionally failed to open a criminal docket for his colleagues to investigate a rape case has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment.

Muzi Dlamini, who is stationed at Manzini Police Station under the General Duty Department (GD), was sentenced to 18 months without an option of a fine by Judge Doris Tshabalala yesterday. This was after she found him guilty of attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice. Instead of opening a case against the suspects, Dlamini is said to have negotiated with one of them (suspects) for payment of money to the complainants mother. The genesis of the matter is that on June 2, 2014, *Nobuhle and her mother *Zodwa reported a crime of rape that was allegedly committed against the former and the suspects were Mbuso Dlamini and Mcolisi Dlamini. Upon arrival at the police station, the duo of Nobuhle and Zodwa found Muzi, to whom they narrated or reported the matter to.

Muzi, who was on duty, gave Nobuhle the police medical form (RSP 88) for her to go with it for medical examination. The officer is said to have intentionally failed to open a criminal docket for the matter to be investigated, instead he proceeded to convene a meeting at the Manzini Police Station between the complainant and the suspects, to discuss the rape incident that was reported. Muzi later received a sum of E6 000 from one of the suspects (Mbuso) for him to give to the complainant.

Witnesses

When the matter was heard in court, Muzi pleaded not guilty and the Crown led evidence of five witnesses. In her judgment, Judge Tshabalala said she was convinced from the evidence of the Crown that the accused (Muzi) deliberately deviated from the procedure followed at the police station and failed to record the complainants statement. The court said notably, the accused did not report the matter to his superiors as expected. Judge Tshabalala said as a result, there was no investigation until the mother of the complainant lodged a complaint. All the omissions were committed for no justifiable reasons. The accused went on to negotiate with the suspect for payment of money to the victims mother, said Judge Tshabalala. It was the courts finding that the accuseds conduct as narrated supported the intention on his part to commit the offence, of which he was charged. The court concluded that, his conduct established beyond reasonable doubt an attempt to defeat or obstruct the course of justice.

Procedure

The Crowns evidence shows that in flouting the procedure, the accused deliberately omitted to create a record of the rape complaint that would be acted upon for investigation by the relevant department. The accused did not only fail to open a docket and to make occurrence book entries of the case, he also failed to report to the next senior officer, reads part of the judgment. Judge Tshabalala said, it could be deduced from these actions that his intention was to have the matter dead and never see the light of day.The court also observed that, the accused went on to have clandestine communication and meeting with one of the rape suspects and the complainants mother. The accused literally derailed a reported criminal matter and reduced it to a bargaining tool for purposes best known to himself, said the court. The Crown was represented by Sibusiso Phakathi from the chamber of the director of public prosecutions (DPP), while Masondo from Masina Mzizi Attorneys appeared for the defendant.
MBABANE  There has been a major breakthrough made by South African police in arresting a suspect linked to the murder of a police officer in the country, Constable Bongani Maphalala.

The suspect was arrested yesterday by the Durban Metro Police, according to the eThekwini Municipality News. His name will not be published as he has not been officially charged. It was stated that the suspect was wanted in the kingdom for a number of armed robbery cases and the murder of the police officer in 2021. The investigations are still ongoing. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Superintendent Phindile Vilakati, confirmed the matter.

Communique

Vilakati said they had received a communique pertaining to the arrest of the suspect from the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Durban. Maphalala was shot dead after five men staged a robbery at Siphofaneni Buy Cash in 2021, where an amount of E200 000 was stolen. He was accompanying a vehicle that had come to collect the money from the hardware store.

It was established that collections of the money had been done from two other Buy Cash Hardware shops situated at Sithobelweni and St Phillips. According to reports, the five armed robbers were on board a getaway white Toyota sedan, which had its registration plates removed. The robbers were said to have entered the hardware store and disarmed the deceased police officer of his R4 rifle, which had 20 live rounds of ammunition and shot him. They then forcefully grabbed the money that was being counted and fled the scene of crime. In another matter, the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is seeking the publics assistance in locating three men to help the cops with information in connection with a string of armed robberies.

Robberies

The armed robberies were committed across the country. The three are; Innocent Inno Ndlangamandla from Nhlangano, Hugo Mamba from Sithobelweni and Phinda Ndlovu. Anyone who may have information on their whereabouts can contact Hhohho RCBO Assistant Superintendent Jabulani Madlopha on 7606 8493 or Lukhozi Serious Crimes Unit Assistant Superintendent Derrick Makhanya on 7608 9712. They can also contact Mbabane Desk Officer Assistant Inspector Akhona Dludlu on 7626 0105, Investigating Officer Constable M. Fakudze on 7625 1206 or alternatively dial 999/9999 or 112. The police are also seeking help in locating Sandile Themba Khumalo (60) of Mazombizwe, to assist the cops with information in connection with several cases of theft by false pretences. Anyone who has information about his whereabouts can contact Manzini RCBO Superintendent Thabo Hlophe on 7606 8570 or the Malkerns Police Desk Officer, Assistant Inspector Gamedze on 7623 2716.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has signed separate civil aviation deals with Pakistan and Bangladesh as part of the Saudi aviation sector strategy aimed at building international partnerships.

The signing of the deals came as President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej met civil aviation officials and specialists in both Pakistan and Bangladesh.

As part of a Saudi delegation headed by Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Al-Duailej separately met Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) Director General Khaqan Murtaza and Bangladeshi Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism Mahbub Ali.

Air transportation officials and CEOs of air carriers attended the meetings.

Officials at the meetings discussed ways to increase seating capacity for transporting religious visitors to the kingdom as well as the best solutions to overcome current and future challenges. They also reviewed cooperation and ways of providing more facilities for air carriers.

On the sidelines of the Pakistan meeting, Al-Duailej signed an agreement with his Pakistani counterpart on the provision of air transportation services.

The agreement aims to enhance cooperation between the two sides regarding air services and develop regulatory frameworks for air transport between the two countries in a safe and orderly manner.

The GACA President signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Minister Ali in the field of air transport to boost the number of flights between the Kingdom and Bangladesh, increase seating capacity, facilitate the arrival of the religious visitors to the Kingdom, and boost air cargo flights.

The Saudi aviation sector strategy aims to foster the kingdom's air connectivity with the world to include 250 destinations and triple the number of passengers to 330 million passengers. The strategy also seeks to up air cargo capacity to 4.5 million tonnes annually by 2030. - TradeArabia News Service
Tokyo, Aug 24 (UNI) Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa held a phone conversation with his US and South Korean counterparts, Antony Blinken and Park Jin, respectively, on Thursday, during which the top diplomats condemned an attempted satellite launch by North Korea, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said.

North Korea's state-run Central News Agency reported on Thursday that the country's second attempt to launch a spy satellite had failed, adding that in October, a third attempt will be made.

"The three Ministers strongly condemned North Koreas launch using ballistic missile technology for the purpose of satellite launch on August 24th, and they once again shared the view that ballistic missile launches by North Korea, which are in an unprecedented frequency and in new manners, constitute a grave and imminent threat to the regional security and pose a clear and serious challenge to the international community," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the foreign ministers reaffirmed that they will continue to work closely together on the issue of North Korea's total denuclearization.
Srinagar, Aug 24 (UNI) Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday interacted with foreign delegates of democratic countries including USA and Italy at Raj Bhavan in Srinagar.



The 19 young leaders from 9 democratic countries, who are visiting India under ICCR's Gen Next Democracy Network Programme met the Lieutenant Governor at Raj Bhavan today.



The Lt Governor welcomed the young delegates from Ireland, Namibia, USA, Iceland, Luxembourg, Italy, Denmark, Albania and Moldova to Raj Bhavan.



During the interaction, the Lt Governor shared his views on the transformational journey of Jammu and Kashmir.



He said J&K is moving ahead on the path of development with the ambitious goal of building a digital society and inclusive, sustainable development.



Sinha also highlighted the historic landing of Indias Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface. The historic achievement belongs to the entire world, humanity and to the young leaders like you, he said.



The Lt Governor also responded to the questions of the members of the foreign delegation.

Dr. Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, President ICCR, Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor were present during the interaction.

UNI QAB CS1611
Dr Giraldi Residents visit Fair

Care Agency Dr Giraldi Residents and respite service users attended the Fair during their sensory friendly time slot over the weekend.

At the Fair they visited the Family Pavilion, enjoyed local food and participated in a variety of activities available. Residents will continue to attend during the course of the week as they had a fantastic time.
Fort Johnson, LA (71446)

Today

Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 53F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 53F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
Samantha Harvey in The Guardian:

All our body wants is to sleep, it wants to leave us, head back to the stable, a worn-out horse, writes Marie Darrieussecq, at which I, a worn-out human, think yes. In a recent interview, Darrieussecq reflected on how much of her work is concerned with inhabiting. Who has a right to inhabit this planet, she asks, and who doesnt? Though she was talking about her novel Crossed Lines, in which a Parisian woman finds her life becoming bound up with that of a young Nigerian refugee, she could just as well be referring to Sleepless (Pas Dormir in the original French), a book that is  what? A memoir/interrogation/painting/song of insomnia, her own and that of others. Its a book about where, why, how we sleep and dont sleep; about how to find a place in the world where sleep can happen, a stable for the worn-out horse.

Sleepless isnt a book thats straightforward to convey, at least not briefly.

More here.
It is good timing for showmanship by the dentist-politician as he was destined to be relegated to footnotes of history after his term ended

The cheeky dental pun goes, a dentist is a man who tries not to get on your nerves. But anyone with a smidgen of memory of visits to the dentist would know otherwise, especially with the image of the dentist with a drilling machine in their hand. However, the pain can multiply infinitely and across the spectrum, if the dentist also happens to be a politician, like the Pakistani President, Dr Arif-ur-Rehman Alvi.

Dr Alvis dental lineage is traced back to his dentist father who was supposed to be Nehrus dentist. Dr Alvi has now been in recent news for inflicting unbearable pain upon the Pakistani establishment (Pakistan Military) and their caretaker government, by wielding the constitutional drilling machine, as it were. The former senator and Presidential appointee of Imran Khans Pakistan-Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)  Dr Alvi found himself in a piquant situation as his political mentor, Imran Khan was virtually ousted by the establishment (under his hapless nose) and a vindictive approach was undertaken to coerce the PTI into insignificance, with Dr Alvi rendered to a mute spectator to the proceedings.

As part of the establishments ongoing agenda of tightening the noose by bestowing itself even more controlling powers with changes to the Official Secrets Act and the Pakistan Army Act, the bill (approved by the Senate and Parliament) was sent for Presidential assent, to Dr Alvis secretariat. This was the moment of the proverbial visit to the dentists office with his ability to make the patient uncomfortable, which the good doctor did not waste.

Dr Alvi claims to have refused to sign his assent on the bills and supposedly conveyed the same to his staff, but since he did not ink any observations or issue a press statement, then  as per the caretaker government authorities, it was deemed approved. Interestingly, Dr Alvi did not concur with that viewpoint and in an unprecedented move that typifies the palace intrigues underway in Pakistan, the President tweeted his displeasure against his government and his staff!

As God is my witness, I did not sign the 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. However, 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 effected. This tweet by the President has drawn passionate reactions of beholden-partisanship and conduct unbecoming of a President  but the reality is more complicated, as the establishment has sought to undermine the PTI with the ferociousness that hardly looks democratic, or even constitutional. Expectedly, PTI has given a big thumbs-up to the Presidential dissent, whereas almost all other political forces and the establishment have dissed him for the same, as the battlelines get clearer, before the impending national elections.

This move ends any pretence of neutrality of the Pakistani Military towards the competing politicians as the establishment now simply cannot accept any PTI dispensation or its role in governance, going forward. It may just be the last hurrah for the incarcerated Imran Khan who is building himself as a martyr to the national cause. The pressure on the residual PTI bandwagon (that has survived the mass exodus of ranks) will only increase, as the sleight afforded by Dr. Alvi is not expected to go down well. The already ceremonial role of the President of Pakistan does afford immunity from the old-fashioned pressures of the establishment till the time he holds office (till 9th September 2023), the office of Sadr-i-Pakistan will be made even more inconsequential, hereinafter.

However, the clever dentist-politician will have to brace for some creative headwinds as he has set the cat amongst the pigeons with his grandstanding and may posture himself to be constitutionally eligible for extension, as all provincial assemblies with the national assembly (electoral college for Presidential elections) are dissolved and Article 44 does mandate continuation, till a new President can be elected, which is only possible after the elections! He is unlikely to throw in the towel and given his recent move of publicly embarrassing his government and the establishment, a further showdown is inevitable. He may just draw the establishment to undertake certain moves that discredit their claims of neutrality and commitment to democracy towards making Imran Khan an even bigger hero in the public eye, even if Imran is disallowed from winning, by whatever means the establishment deploys.

It is good timing for showmanship by the dentist-politician as he was destined to be relegated to footnotes of history after his term ended, as even his parent PTI would have accused him of timeserving and ungratefulness. The one-time senator and now President, has suddenly guaranteed himself of legitimate political relevance and bragging rights, with what is arguably, the most popular political party in Pakistan, still. Dr Alvi has made a long-term move but will pay with short-term consequences. Dr Alvis latest move has upped the ante for the establishment to react, which it will, and the power struggle with electoral tamasha has only started.

(The writer, a military veteran, is a former Lt Governor of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Puducherry. The views expressed are personal)
A toll plaza located at Sarore in the Samba district has become a new battleground in the Jammu region. Not only different political parties and social activists, but the Bar Association of Jammu and Kashmir High Court(Jammu wing), Chamber of Commerce and Industry have also thrown their hats in the ring to put pressure on the Union Territory Administration to address the genuine grievance of the commuters.

Since July 19, 2023 passengers have been facing hardships due to the suspension of traffic on the bridge over Tarnah Nallah along Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

Flash floods caused damage to three pillars of the 580-meter-long bridge located between Dayalachak and Chadwal Morh stations on the Jammu-Pathankot-Delhi National Highway.

Since then, the traffic has been operated via the border route from Chadwal Morh-Sanji Morh-Chaktra-Londi- Rajpura- Ghagwal. Sensing the mood of the angry commuters, a campaign was launched to suspend the collection of toll fees at the Sarore toll plaza. In the absence of any plausible solution, the UT administration failed to address the grievances of the commuters. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on Sunday, said that he has taken up the issue of the Sarore toll plaza in Samba with the Chairman of the National Highway Authority of India.

People are facing problems due to damage caused to (Tarnah) bridge. The NHAI is sending its team and hopefully, the issue will be resolved, he added. Ironically, the National Highway Authority of India has failed to provide any alternative to the commuters. Though several attempts were made to construct a temporary diversion, the same could not be executed as the construction material was washed away on many occasions.

To lend support to cause, leaders belonging to different political parties including Bharatiya Janta Party, Congress, National Conference, APNI party issued statements demanding immediate suspension of toll plaza at Sarore.

The activists of Yuva Rajput Sabha, last week staged a protest demonstration at the Sarore toll plaza and issued a warning to the NHAI authorities that if they failed to suspend the collection of toll fees by August 21 they would uproot the toll plaza.

On Monday, a large number of activists of Yuva Rajput Sabha (YRS) led by their leaders were detained by the police as they continued their protest despite assurances from the higher authorities to look into their demands at the earliest. Meanwhile, the district administration of Jammu and Kashmirs Samba Tuesday imposed Section 144 around the Sarore toll plaza to prevent assembly of protestors and road blockades.

Despite the heavy presence of security forces, several protest demonstrations took place on Tuesday. At some places in Jakh, the police used tear smoke shells and mild lathi-charge to disperse the protestors in order to throw open the traffic on the highway.

The local BJP leaders while addressing a press conference in Jammu on August 19 made it clear that the people should not be made to suffer as the National Highway is in very bad condition.

BJP vice president and former Minister, Surjeet Singh Salathia in a statement said, National Highway as well as service roads are in a dilapidated condition and need immediate repair. Traveling through it as well as service roads has become time-consuming and commuters are facing many hardships.

He said that the BJP has already taken up the matter with the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). Lok Sabha MP Jugal Kishore Sharma too has written a letter to the Union Transport Minister, Nitin Gadkari appealing to look into the matter and has sought his immediate intervention.

Bar Association of Jammu has also extended its support to the agitating activists, stating that it is unfair to collect toll fees from the public when the toll plaza is legally invalid, as it is against their own manual.

Office Bearers and Sr. Members of the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Tuesday strongly condemned the action of the administration to impose section 144 and lift the activists of Yuva Rajput Sabha who were peacefully and democratically protesting and demanding the removal of Sarore Toll Plaza on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has also accused the government of engaging in exploitative practices, claiming that the collection of toll at Sarore Plaza is undemocratic and arbitrary.

Earlier, MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, on August 3, had said, In response to public demand, the request was made by me to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to allow relaxation on the toll tax being charged at Lakhanpur and Thandi Khui toll plazas, respectively, for commuters who are unable to take an alternative route due to the damaged to Tarnah Nallah bridge, causing disruption of traffic on NH4. The NHAI has agreed to bring about suitable curtailment in the toll tax at these two locations.

Apni Party provincial president, Jammu, and former Minister, Manjit Singh also criticised NHAI for continuing the practice of charging Toll Tax at Sarore in Samba district despite the worse condition of the Jammu-Pathankot Highway.

DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, Shakti Pathak along with SSP Samba, Benam Tosh visited the protest site to pacify the agitators and asked them to withdraw their agitation. DIG said that the positive outcome is expected as the Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha has taken up the issue with NHAI authorities. He said the protestors should wait for some time to see the response of the LGs communication to NHAI authorities.

DC Samba, Abhishekh Sharma also visited the site on Monday to convince the protestors to withdraw their agitation as LGs has already taken up the issue with NAHI.
As tension persists at the border in Ladakh between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday flagged this issue during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Both leaders agreed to expeditious de-escalation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

During his meeting with the Chinese President on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, Modi highlighted concerns over the situation at the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said.

Modi and Jinping agreed to work for expeditious de-escalation along the entire LAC, where tensions have been high since the violent face-off in June 2020 in eastern Ladakhs Galwan Valley.

It was a conversation with President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. The Prime Minister had

interaction with other BRICS

leaders. In the conversation with President Xi Jinping,

the Prime Minister

highlighted Indias concerns over unresolved issues along the LAC and other areas along the India-China border, Kwatra said..

He said the PM underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of India-China relationship.

In this regard, the two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation, the Foreign Secretary said.

The two leaders on Thursday were seen having brief exchanges ahead of a media briefing by the BRICS leaders on the final day of the high-profile event.

Also, post the briefing, the two leaders were seen exchanging a handshake on the stage.

The exchange took place in the backdrop of ongoing tension at the Line of Actual Control(LAC)in Eastern Ladakh and the two armies holding a series of meetings there since August 14 to find ways to hasten the process of disengagement.

While the Corps Commanders at the level of Lt Generals held 19th round of talks on August 14 since trouble erupted at the LAC in May 2020, Major Generals of the two armies held talks for a few days starting August 18. These talks focused on strengthening confidence building measures, sources said.

As regards Modi-Jinping interaction in Johannesburg, video footage aired by a South African broadcaster showed the two leaders having a brief exchange. The Prime Minister and the Chinese president met briefly at a dinner during the G20 summit in Bali in November last year.

The ties between India and China came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border row that began in May 2020.

Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

India and China held the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks on August 13 and 14 with a focus on resolving pending issues at the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh.

A joint statement described the talks as positive, constructive and in-depth and that both sides agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner.

Days after the fresh round of high-level talks, the local commanders of the two militaries held a series of negotiations in two separate locations to resolve issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday held a productive meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali on the margins of the BRICS Summit. The two leaders discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in areas like capacity building, trade and investment, defence and agriculture.

Modi met the African leader on a day when BRICS leaders officially endorsed Ethiopias entry into the bloc. Giving a boost to India-Ethiopia ties! A productive meeting between PM @narendramodi and PM @AbiyAhmedAli of Ethiopia on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. PM congratulated PM @AbiyAhmedAli on Ethiopias membership of BRICS. PM @AbiyAhmedAli appreciated Indias support for Ethiopia to join the BRICS family, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in a post on platform X, formerly Twitter.

Prime Minister Ali felicitated Prime Minister Modi on the success of Chandrayaan mission, terming it as a moment of pride and inspiration for Ethiopia and the Global South.

Discussions covered ways to expand bilateral cooperation in areas like parliamentary contacts, development partnership & capacity building, trade and investment, defence, ICT, agriculture, skilling of youth and people-to-people linkages, Bagchi said in another post.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi held a bilateral meeting with South African President 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.

From South Africa, the prime minister will travel to Greece on August 25 at the invitation of his Greece counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis. It will be his first visit to this ancient land. I have the honour to be the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Greece after 40 years, Modi had said.
Delhi BJP leaders and workers staged a protest on Wednesday near Minister Kailash Gahlots residence in Civil Lines , demanding his resignation for having an officer accused of rape with a minor as his OSD when he held the Women and Child Development portfolio.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva said the officer charged with raping a minor was serving as the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Gahlot when he was the Women and Child Development (WCD) minister.

Sachdeva said that DCW chief Swati Maliwal had got the news on 8th August, but till 21st August she kept silent and as soon as the FIR was registered and the police came forward to take the statement of the girl, from that time Maliwal started her dirty politics. Delhi BJP President said that it is unfortunate that why Arvind Kejriwal, who speaks exaggeratedly in every matter, is silent in this matter. Not only this, Arvind Kejriwal should answer where he has hidden Naresh Balyan in his Sheeshmahal. He said that this turned out to be such a case that even Kansa the uncle of Lord Krishna would get teary-eyed upon hearing his acts. The officer now arrested and suspended from the post of deputy director of WCD department washandpicked by Gahlot, the BJP leaders alleged.

No immediate reaction was available from the AAP leader over the issue.

The officer, Premoday Khakha, was deputed as OSD to then WCD minister Kailash Gahlot on March 29, 2022. He was relieved from the duty of OSD to WCD minister on March 10, 2023, after the portfolio was handed over to another minister of Delhi government Atishi, official documents showed.

Khakha was suspended following Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwals order on Monday. Later, police arrested the WCD officer and his wife after questioning them and recording the statement of the survivor.
Central Bank of India holds CAs Meet

A Chartered Accountants Meet was organized by the Central Bank of India, Regional Office, Ranchi here on Wednesday. The programme was inaugurated by Y. Anil Kumar, General Manager, Central Bank by lighting the lamp. Highlighting the role of Chartered Accountant and Central Bank on this occasion, Kumar explained in detail about various schemes of the bank. Speaking on the occasion, Sunil Kumar, Regional Head, Central Bank of India said that CAs and Banks complement each other and this type of event will not only increase mutual understanding between us but will further strengthen our relationship. On this occasion, President ICAI, Ranchi Chapter Pankaj Makkar thanked the bank for organizing such an event and promised full cooperation with the bank. Vice President ICAI, Ranchi Chapter Shraddha Wagla, Prabhat Agarwal, Member ICAI, Ranchi Chapter, Alok Kumar, Chief Manager also presented their views on the occasion. Giving information about various schemes of the bank under the programme, the officers of the bank Manish Kumar and Amit Kumar gave solutions to the questions asked.

Kachap, Kongari remember Ramdayal Munda



Khijri MLA Rajesh Kachhap and Kolebira MLA Naman Vixal Kongadi celebrated the birthday of Padma Shri recipient Dr. Ramdayal Munda by garlanding his statue at the residence of Khijri MLA Rajesh Kachhap. On the occasion, MLA Rajesh Kachhap said that Padma Shri recipient Dr. Ramdayal Munda was a great scholar for Jharkhand and tribal society. Kolebira MLA Naman Vixal Kongadi said that Dr. Ramdayal Munda was a great person of Jharkhand and tribal society.
The Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Karan Mahara has said that the Congress candidate is all set to win the by-election in Bageshwar. Interacting with the media persons at the Congress Bhawan here on Wednesday the PCC president said that the BJP is misusing the official machinery and is trying to intimidate the supporters of the Congress party but the workers of the Congress are prepared to meet the challenge. He said that the BJP has succeeded in pressuring some persons and they were forced to join the party but the general public has understood the designs of the party. Mahara, who has returned from Bageshwar after camping there for many days, said that the mood of the public is for a change in Bageshwar this time. He said that the people are fed up with the leadership of one family from the last 16 years and are now looking at Congress with hope. The PCC president added that the issues of unemployment, increase in the price of the general commodities and corruption are figuring prominently in Bageshwar. He said that the women are agitated at the way the Ankita Bhandari murder case was handled and the efforts made to save the VIP involved in the crime. He said that women safety is a major issue in Bageshwar. Mahara said that the manner in which the daughter of the minister belonging to the area was able to get the job of a doctor despite getting only 13 marks in the examination is the talk point among the general public. Mahara said that the Congress candidate Basant Kumar secured more than 16,000 votes in the last assembly polls and the Congress has got more than 20,000 votes in the last three polls. If one adds all these votes then it is an easy victory for the Congress candidate Basant Kumar, he said.
Ayodhya Nagar police station in-charge was suspended by Bhopal police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra after a constable, who had gone to close the liquor shop was assaulted with sticks by the shop employees at liquor shop, constable sustained injuries on his hand, leg, head and face.

The incident was reported in the night on Tuesday under Ayodhya Nagar police station area. Its video has also surfaced in which the accused are seen attacking a constable.

Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari told that station in-charge Ritesh Sharma has been suspended on Wednesday. He has been considered responsible for keeping the liquor shop open in the police station area after the allowed permissible time. A letter will be written to the Excise Department for action on the liquor shop and will be asked to take action against the shop for violating the rules.

Police said that constable Kalyan Singh of Ayodhya Nagar police station reached at 12.30 on Tuesday night and asked them to close liquor shop where shop employees Ajit Dubey, Sachin Shandilya and Amit Pandey were found drinking liquor by keeping it on the bonnet of the car. The constable asked Ajay, the driver of Dial 100, to click photographs to keep this action of the staff as evidence which made Amit angry and he started abusing and threatening.

Constable Kalyan Singh told the police that when the accused were asked to close the shop and not drink alcohol, all of them started misbehaving. Amit, one of the accused, said that he comes everyday to get the shop closed. Amit took out a stick from the car and hit him on the head. Ajit also attacked with a stick hitting him on the face.

Ayodhya Nagar police station said that the police force was sent as soon as the information about the incident was received. Spotting the police force that reached the spot, Amit, who was among the accused, escaped the spot. Ajit and Sachin were caught and brought to the police station. A case has been registered against the accused in other sections including attempt to murder, obstructing any public servant in the discharge of duty, assault.
The bypoll to Ghosi assembly seat in Mau district is all set to witness direct contest between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the Samajwadi Party as the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party have decided to stay away from the by-election.

The bypoll will be held on September 5. It has been necessitated following the resignation of sitting SP MLA Dara Singh Chauhan, who joined the BJP in July. The BJP has fielded Chauhan while former MLA Sudhakar Singh is leading the charge for the SP.

As the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the INDIA bloc of opposition parties vie with each other on the national political stage, the bypoll to Ghosi assembly seat will be among the initial big battles between the two sides.

Over half a dozen ministers of the BJP government in UP, along with leaders from allied parties Apna Dal (Sonelal) and Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP) had accompanied Dara Singh Chauhan when he filed his nomination papers on Wednesday last week.

The Jayant Chaudhary-led Rashtriya Lok Dal has announced to campaign for the SP, while the Congress, which is taking the lead in the opposition talks through INDIA, has not yet officially declared support for the SP. However, leaders say that not fielding a candidate is a message in itself. A Congress leader said that the party will be fulfilling the spirit of alliance to defeat the BJP.

The Congress has been a marginal player in Ghosi and it received only 0.78 per cent votes in the 2022 assembly polls. The BJP and SP have been key players, with contests between the two being neck-and-neck. In 2022, the SP secured 42.21 per cent of the votes and the BJPs vote share was 33.57 per cent.

There was a tight contest in the 2019 bypoll too that was held after BJP MLA Phagu Chauhan vacated the Ghosi assembly seat following his appointment as the governor of Bihar. Rajbhar won the subsequent election with 31.24 per cent votes while Sudhakar Singh, then an independent backed by the SP, got 30.43 per cent of the polled votes.

The absence of the BSP, which has a popular base in the region over the years and has secured significant vote share, has intrigued political observers. In the 2022 assembly polls, the BSP candidate had polled 21 per cent of the polled votes and finished third. In the 2019 bypoll, the BSP had received 23 per cent votes.

The BJP is going all out for the campaign in this constituency but Chauhan is facing some resistance from some sections of the ruling party. The main point of contention is his defection to the SP last year before the assembly elections.

According to sources in the BJP, some Chauhan (OBC) leaders in Ghosi do not want the rise of Dara Singh Chauhan as an Other Backward Class face. Some workers are also upset with the partys decision to ignore dedicated workers and give the ticket to party hopper Dara Singh Chauhan.

Given the close contests of the past, the BJP hopes to capitalise on the OBC votes in the constituency Chauhan can attract. Ghosi has 60,000 Rajbhar voters, 50,000 Chauhan (Nonia OBC) and 40,000 Yadav voters. There are 60,000 Dalits and 90,000 Muslims.

Muslims will certainly support the SP candidate because the BSP and the Congress are not contesting the bypoll. In that situation, Dalit voters are likely to play a significant role in the outcome of the bypoll, a political observer said.
In view of the Haryana Vidhan Sabhas upcoming monsoon, beginning on August 25, the Speaker Gian Chand Gupta on Wednesday presided over a meeting at Vidhan Sabha Secretariat with the senior administrative officers of Haryana, Punjab, and UT Chandigarh and gave them necessary instructions to strengthen the security during the session.

During the meeting, he sought details from top officials of Haryana, Punjab, and UT Chandigarh regarding the security arrangements within and outside the Vidhan Sabha campus.

In the meeting, Gupta said that a large number of students from schools and colleges and a delegation of journalists are expected to watch the proceedings of the Vidhan Sabha session. In view of this, there is a need to make concrete arrangements. Computerized photo identity cards should be issued for the visitors.

In the meeting, Gupta instructed the police officers and the officers of the Legislative Assembly Secretariat to make proper arrangements for all the visitors.

Speaker directed the officers to ensure that the audience gallery is used effectively with the enrollment of maximum visitors. For this, passes will be issued for a period of one hour. Instructions have also been given to set up a temporary canteen outside the Vidhan Sabha for refreshments for the employees on duty.

The strict security arrangements should be made to prevent any untoward incident during the session. For this, he also directed to form a coordination committee of officers of Haryana, Punjab and UT Chandigarh Police. The officers included in this committee should be connected with each other on WhatsApp Group.

In addition to this, the Chandigarh Administration was directed to depute Duty Magistrate along with deployment of additional forces to strengthen the security at the Vidhan Sabha campus during the session. Gupta said that no protest of any kind would be allowed outside the Vidhan Sabha premises. For this, he instructed the police officers to ensure strict security measures around the Vidhan Sabha campus in advance.




|



Committed to providing quality health care services along with improving the medical infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi government has paved the way for setting up of liquid oxygen storage tanks in nine autonomous state medical colleges as well as approved financial grants for several pending projects.

The financial and administrative clearance has been granted for disbursing a total amount of Rs 86.58 lakh to establish liquid oxygen storage tanks in autonomous state medical colleges of Kanpur Dehat, Bijnor, Pilibhit, Auraiya, Gonda, Chandauli, Lalitpur, Sonbhadra and Lakhimpur Kheri.

Consequently, the way has been cleared for providing funds of Rs 9.62 lakh, including GST, for setting up liquid oxygen storage tanks in each of the autonomous state medical colleges.

In view of the shortage of liquefied oxygen on July 11 last, these autonomous state medical colleges had urged state governments assistance in establishing liquid oxygen storage tanks.

Besides, the first installment of Rs 2.28 crore, out of sanctioned Rs 4.56 crore, for the construction of a foot-over bridge at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences has been released. This bridge will connect the main campus to the academic block in Lucknow.


BJP State President and former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi congratulated ISRO scientists on behalf of 3.25 crore people of the state and BJP workers on Chandrayaan III successful landing on the Moon.

India has made history as the Chandrayaan-3 mission has successfully landed on the moon's south pole, an unexplored region that is thought to be rich in water ice.

Marandi said that the scientists of India have created history under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. India has become a world leader in the space sector today. Today India became the first country in the world to land Chandrayaan on the South Pole of the Moon.

Marandi said that today the land of Jharkhand has also become proud. The launch pad of this Chandrayaan was made in HEC. Along with this, the youth of Jharkhand has also played an important role in this historic achievement.

BJP Organization General Secretary Nagendra Tripathi said that today is a proud moment for the country. India's talent and valor has made the world believe in its iron today. He congratulated all the scientists of I

State Organization General Secretary Karmaveer Singh while congratulating and best wishes said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister today India is marching ahead on the path of progress in all fields. He said that India will now strengthen world brotherhood from both earth and space.

State General Secretary and MP Aditya Sahu, Dr. Pradeep Verma etc. are included in those who congratulated and wished.

Hemant Das, Suraj Chaurasia, Shivpujan Pathak, Saroj Singh, Rahul Awasthi, Pawan Sahu, Tariq Imran, Sanjay Jaiswal, Ramesh Singh, Lalit Ojha, Amarnath Chowdhary, Umesh Ranjan Sahu, Shashank Raj, Chandan Kumar, Anil Hundreds of workers including Singh, Devraj Singh, Sanjay Mahato, Kumud Jha, Bhupendra Singh were involved.

In a historic achievement, India on Wednesday became the very first nation in the world to achieve a lunar landing in the Moon's enigmatic south polar region. The Chandrayaan-3 mission landed its Vikram lander on the Moon this evening at 6:03 pm.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Chandrayaan-3's triumph mirrored the aspirations and capabilities of 140 crore Indians after the space craft's Vikram lander successfully soft landed on the Moon's surface. With this, it became the first spacecraft to land on the Moon's south polar region.
A man of Khariar town was arrested for uploading defamatory posts on Hindu goddesses on social media.

"Asif Raju was arrested on August 22 and was forwarded to court, following a complaint lodged by a few Hindu activists against him for making defamatory posts on Hinduism on Facebook," said the Khariar police.

Angry activists and members of different Hindu organisations called for shutdown of shops and Government institutions and held a rally on Wednesday protesting the postings by Asif. "The postings have hurt our religious sentiments as such offensive postings against any community or deity are not acceptable," they said.

Businessmen threw their weight behind the Bandh call and closed their shops while Government and non-Government offices, educational institutions, schools and colleges remained closed. Security arrangements were beefed up to avoid any unforeseen situation. A platoon of police force was deployed to keep vigil over the streets and public areas.

Former MLA Hitesh Bagartti, NAC Chairman Ujjwal Gupta, Sujit Patra, Surendra Sharma, Bunty Tandi, Vinod Agarwal, Pradeep Trivedi, Soumya Ranjan Singh, Sunil Kumar Nag, Akshay Nanda and Vikas Shukla among hundred others joined the rally.

Meanwhile, Sunni Hanfi Jamat of Khariar, in a Press statement, blamed the postings. Jamaat is no way related to the issue; it is his personal matter and we condemn such actions that hurt religious sentiments of others," said the head of Sunni Hanfi Jamaat.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that Sneh Yatra is a journey of wonderful joy. The yatra tells us about the power of saints.

The land of Madhya Pradesh is getting blessed by the holy fellowship and blessings of the saints. Saints have done an important task of uniting the society by undertaking Sneh Yatra. The grand campaign focused on harmony, coordination and participation will be launched again.

This Yatra to connect the society is very important. A book and documentary will also be prepared based on the experiences of Sneh Yatra, which will nurture the spirit of social harmony for a long time. Chief Minister Chouhan was interacting with the respected seers and saints taking in the Sneh Yatra in 53 districts of the state through video conferencing from the residence office yesterday.

It is noteworthy that under the inspiring guidance of seers and saints, Sneh Yatras are being organized with the aim of creating a positive and meaningful environment, social harmony, rendering unity in social life and Ekatma beyond the discrimination against the forces that divide the society. Seventy two revered saints of the country are participating in these yatras being conducted in 53 districts of the state from August 16 to 26.

The Sant-Samaj, governance, institutions, coordination, harmony and participation are the basic components of these Yatras. Through Sneh Yatras, the society is getting the guidance of saints who are the leaders of Indias Gyan Parampara. In these yatras conducted with public participation, the use of indigenous goods is being encouraged in the society with the active participation of social, spiritual and cultural organisations.

In the Sneh Yatra, 3618 Samwad programmes have been held in 3980 settlements and villages of 207 blocks of 53 districts of the state, the yatra has covered 3640 kms. More than 25 social/cultural organizations are participating in this campaign. In the Yatra, saints are motivating people for works of social concern like de-addiction and plantation.
After Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met Madhya Pradesh Governor Mangubhai Patel late on Tuesday night, it is expected that cabinet reshuffle is likely in a couple of days. It was anticipated that Chief Minister would add four new ministers to his Cabinet, aiming to address caste-based representation right before the upcoming State Assembly elections. This move aims to balance Upper Caste and Other Backward Class (OBC) representation within the Cabinet.

Political observers feel that this exercise is to battle the anti-incumbency, but making new ministers only for around 45 days is not going to solve the purpose. In such a short span of time, there will not be much for the incumbent ministers. However, induction of new ministers in the cabinet, before elections is considered important.

Polls in five states, including Madhya Pradesh, is expected to set the tone for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress had returned to power in Madhya Pradesh in 2018 but lost it in March 2020 when 22 Jyotiraditya Scindia loyalist legislators quit the party and resigned from the state assembly.

Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Monday asserted his party BJP will secure a clear majority in the upcoming assembly polls in Madhya Pradesh and form the next government. He said, "I am not an astrologer to tell the number of seats (that BJP will win). But we will form a full majority government in the state," he told reporters here during his visit to the Gwalior-Chambal division which accounts for 34 assembly segments.
Exuberant celebrations filled the air in the KIIT and KISS campuses here on Wednesday evening as students came together after the historic achievement of Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the moon's surface.

As the lunar mission made its gentle descent onto the moon and touched down on the lunar surface, the live visuals of which were streamed on television screens, more than 60,000 students of KIIT and KISS broke into spontaneous celebration.

In keeping with the wishes of KIIT and KISS founder Dr Achyuta Samanta, the administrations of the institutions had made elaborate arrangements to enable students, faculties and staffs to witness the historic event in real-time. Across the campuses, digital display boards attracted large gatherings of students.

Students of the DAV Public School, Chandrasekharpur here also jubilantly celebrated the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 at the South Pole of the moon. Regional Director of DAV Institutions, Odisha Dr KC Satapathy, Principal of the school Dr Sujata Sahu, Coordinator Indira Bhattacharya, Academic Supervisors and teachers were also present to witness the historic moment and encourage the students.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik thanked the scientists of ISRO for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the moon.

He said, This is a tremendous scientific achievement for India.

Patnaik watched the landing live on television at the Naveen Niwas along with Secretary to CM (5-T) VK Pandian and officers of the CMO.
AIIMS Bhopal, renowned for its cutting-edge treatments and expert medical teams, proudly announces the successful surgical removal of a rare case of Fetus-in-Fetu.

The complex procedure, performed by the team of skilled surgeons and anaesthetists, exemplifies the institute's commitment to exceptional patient care and medical innovation as envisioned by its Executive Director, Prof. Ajai Singh.

Fetus-in-Fetu is an exceedingly rare congenital anomaly where a partially formed fetus is found within the body of its twin. This intricate medical condition poses unique challenges due to its rarity and complex nature.

The 5-month-old female child Roshni (name changed) from Satna was taken to a physician by the concerned parents with complaints of abdominal distension since one month of age, which was gradually progressive. The physician then referred the child to AIIMS Bhopal for the suspicion of abdominal cancer.

A team of pediatric surgeons and anaesthetists, including Dr Pramod Sharma, Dr Roshan Chanchlani, Dr Ankit K, Dr Zainab Ahmad, Dr Pratik and Dr Preeti, meticulously planned and executed the complex operation. The team successfully removed the vestigial twin weighing about 300 grams from the patient's abdominal cavity after a surgical procedure, which took about three hours and required intricate precision due to the close proximity of the fetus with the blood vessels supplying the intestine and spleen.
A devastating incident unfolded at the Government Senior Secondary School in Baddowal, Ludhiana, as the roof of a building collapsed on Wednesday, leaving one teacher dead and three critically injured. Taking a grave stance on the situation, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ordered a comprehensive magisterial inquiry into the incident.

The Chief Minister has also ordered registration of an FIR against the contractor that was carrying out renovation work in the school premises.

In a tragic turn of events, the collapse of the school's roof led to the untimely demise of Ravinder Kaur, a dedicated school teacher aged 45. The incident has left the entire community in shock and mourning. Furthermore, three teachers, Narinderjeet Kaur, Sukhjeet Kaur, and Indu Rani, have sustained critical injuries. While undergoing treatment at DMCH Ludhiana and Ludhiana Mediways Hospital, the condition of these teachers is reportedly stable, offering a glimmer of hope amid the tragedy.

Panic gripped the school before teams of the Indo Tibetan Police Force (ITBP) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were called in to rescue the four teachers after the incident occurred at 12.45 pm. The teachers were pulled out from the rubble and rushed to hospital, where one of them, Ravinder Kaur, was declared dead.

The school building, which was constructed in 1960, was in a dilapidated condition yet construction was underway on the first floor when its lintel collapsed. With the impact, the roof of the staff room on the ground floor also came crashing down on the four teachers.

Ravinder Kaur, who taught English, was transferred to Ludhiana from Noorpur Bet only three months ago.

Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu said that the school building was unsafe and demanded a high-level probe.

After meeting the injured teachers, Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik said that an FIR was being registered against the contractor by Ludhiana Rural Police. She said that the Chief Minister had taken serious cognizance of the mishap and ordered strict action against the guilty.

Malik also said that a safety assessment of the school building had been ordered and the building had also been sealed. She also appealed to the people residing near school not to go near the school building till completion of assessment.

The Deputy Commissioner said that as soon as information regarding mishap was received, several teams of administration were sent to the site and Indo Tibetan Police Force (ITBP) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel were called in to rescue the four teachers trapped under debris. She said that the teachers were pulled out by the teams and immediately rushed to hospital, where one of them, Ravinder Kaur (45) was declared dead.

Malik also said that all treatment expenditures of the teachers would be borne by the Punjab Government.

Education Minister Condoles Death of the Teacher

Punjab School Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday expressed grief over death of SS Teacher Ravinder Kaur posted at Government Senior Secondary School Badowal (District Ludhiana).

In his condolence message, the School Education Minister said that 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 brighten the future of the children.

Education Minister prayed before the Almighty to grant eternal peace to Ravinder Kaur and give courage to the family to bear this loss.

Punjabs All Schools Closed Till Aug 26 In View Of Heavy Rains

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Wednesday announced holidays in all government, affiliated, private or recognized schools in the State due to heavy downpour up till August 26.

Complying to the directives of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, holidays have been declared in all the government, private or recognized schools due to heavy rainfall in various parts of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Across the nation, euphoria and pride reverberate as India achieves yet another remarkable milestone in its space journey with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface. From political leaders to educational institutions, citizens from all walks of life are uniting to celebrate this momentous achievement that signifies India's growing prowess in the field of space exploration.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hailed the landing as a Red Letter Day of History, expressing his heartfelt congratulations to both the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) scientists and the entire nation for this marvelous accomplishment, which showed the power of India to the world.

Witnessing this proud moment to become a reality through television, the overwhelmed Chief Minister said that now this is the proven fact that India is going to become a world power in near future and our scientists made the nation proud. It is a blissful moment for all fellow Indians, which opened a new window to explore life on the Moon. With this remarkable feat, India became the first country to softly land a spacecraft on the Moons South Pole, he said.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar echoed the sentiments of pride and achievement, lauding the ISRO scientists as the country has taken another giant leap in space exploration.

Expressing his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for consistently encouraging and inspiring the ISRO scientists, Khattar said that 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 our Chandrayaan-3 has touched down on the lunar surface, fulfilling the anticipation of the entire nation, he said.

Notably, the world was also keenly watching this significant mission of India, which has now etched its name in history. The Chief Minister highlighted that this accomplishment is not just India's but a triumph for all of humanity, he said, adding that the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon signifies India's prowess in space exploration and its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge on a global scale.

Himachal Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu also hailed the brilliance of Indian scientists. Heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable team behind Chandrayaan, ISRO, and our brilliant scientists, including India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, whose establishment of INCOSPAR in 1962 laid the cornerstone for India's space aspirations. This historic achievement showcases our nation's potential and the role of dreams & science in driving innovation  a feat that unites humanity, he tweeted.

The live broadcast of the landing event was also witnessed by UT Administrator and Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and other officials at PG Government College for Girls Sector-42, Chandigarh. As Chandrayaan-3 safely touched down on the lunar surface, cheers of joy erupted, and Governor Purohit congratulated ISRO for this historic achievement. He emphasized that India's success signifies a new chapter in the nation's space research sector and paves the way for a self-reliant India in space exploration.

At the onset of the live telecast, Adviser to the UT Administrator Dharam Pal gave a detailed presentation about the technical aspects of the Chandrayaan Mission and answered queries of students related to this mission. The enthralled audience watched the live scenes from ISRO.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, accompanied by students from Punjab Government schools, also celebrated the historic moment by conveying their heartfelt wishes to the ISRO scientists and the nation. Enthusiastic students across the State engaged in creating posters, slogans, paintings, and human chains to express their pride and anticipation for the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Minister Bains highlighted the significance of this mission in sparking scientific curiosity and igniting discussions among the younger generation.

In the day-long events in the schools, while expressing their excitement, students said that this historic event of Chandrayaan 3s moon landing has filled them with immense pride and fervor. We were eagerly looking forward to witnessing this historic achievement and we all are immensely proud of our scientists, the students said.

At Panjab University, Chandigarh, the Sophisticated Analytical Instrumentation Facility (SAIF) organized a live landing event for Chandrayaan-3, drawing over 100 students, researchers, faculty, and staff in a shared moment of pride and enthusiasm.

The event, presided over by the varsitys Vice Chancellor Prof Renu Vig, showcased the institution's commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and engagement. The celebratory atmosphere was punctuated by the distribution of sweets, encapsulating the joy of collective achievements and the institution's role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and researchers.
Mother of a girl was attacked with wooden sticks by her neighbour couple after she protested molestation with her daughter at Shankar Nagar; Chhola Mandir police have started searching for the accused couple.

The victim girl reported that their neighbour Sheru Raikwar molested her and when the mother protested, the accused and his wife misbehaved with the woman and after the dispute escalated, they attacked the woman in her head.

The accused hit the woman with a stick in her head. The accused also thrashed her daughter, who was defending her. The accused youth attacked the woman's leg several times, as a result of which one leg of the woman got fractured. The woman got seven sutures in her head.

Police said that a 45-year-old woman lives with her family in Shankar Nagar, her husband died long ago, her 18-year-old daughter works at shop. On Sunday, the 18-year-old victim's daughter was returning home during which Sheru who lives in her neighborhood blocked the way of the girl and passed lewd comments.

When the girl protested, she threatened to kill her. After reaching home, the girl informed her mother about the matter. The mother went to protest and angered by this, the accused Sheru Raikwar and his wife attacked victim's mother.

The daughter who came to the rescue was also beaten by the accused. After this, the accused husband and wife fled after threatening to kill them.

The accused is threatening the woman again. The victim woman said that even after three days the police could not arrest the accused. Not only this, the complaint of threatening by the accused was made in the police station, but the police has not registered an FIR.

Station in-charge Suresh Chandra Nagar said that a case of assault and molestation has been registered against the accused Sheru, a case has been registered against his wife under the sections of assault. The search for the accused is on.
TVS Motor Company has unveiled its premium electric crossover two-wheeler TVS X targeting the millennials and Gen Z population in India and abroad.

Launched at an introductory price of Rs 2.50 lakh, the electric two-wheeler comes with a high-performance battery pack that delivers 4.44kWh of installed capacity of energy, acceleration of 0-40 kilometre per hour in 2.6 seconds, and a sustained maximum speed of 105 kmph.

The in-house developed battery management system at TVS Motor ensures safe operation and prolonged lifespan of cells by continuously monitoring current flow.

Customers will get the option of Smart X home rapid charger that delivers 0-50 per cent in 50 minutes (optional add-on 3 kW fast charger) or portable charger delivering 0-80 per cent in 4 hours and 30 minutes (950W charger).

"TVS X will be available at a thrill-electric introductory price of INR 2,49,990 (ex-showroom Bengaluru) with portable 950W chargers at INR 16,275 (including GST) and a 3kW Smart X home rapid charger is also available as an option," the company's CEO K N Radhakrishnan said at the launch event in Dubai on Wednesday.

Bookings for TVS X are open now on company's website and deliveries across 15 cities will start from Nov 2023 in phase-wise, he said, adding the government's FAME incentive is not applicable for the model.

In an interaction with media, Sudarshan Venu, Managing Director, TVS Motor Company, said, "We are targeting the millennials and the Gen Zs. Our dedication to harness technology and innovation towards a greener and more sustainable future has brought to us this incredibly desirable machine."

Millennials comprise people born between 1981 and 1996, while those born between 1996 and 2010 are referred as Gen Z (generation Z).

The electric two-wheeler model has been designed for the global citizens, who are trendsetters and visionaries with a passion for technology. It is set to inspire a shift towards premium yet sustainable and technologically advanced mobility solutions, he said.

Venu also said that the company has invested Rs 250 crore as capital expenditure for the production of the new model.

Besides selling in India, the company is also eyeing to export the model to Bangladesh, Nepal, Europe and Latin America, Venu said in reply to a question on exports.

The electric two-wheeler comes with a unique feature of 10.2-inch HD+ TFT touchscreen, the largest in this class, and offers navigation, music, video offerings, gaming o
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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) China Evergrande winding-up hearing adjourned to Dec. 4 by Hong Kong court Agreement reached to end strike that shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for a week

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) China Evergrande winding-up hearing adjourned to Dec. 4 by Hong Kong court Agreement reached to end strike that shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for a week

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he'll have history to contend with Hurricane Otis death toll rises to 48, missing now number 36 as search and recovery work continues Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Trade tops the agenda as Germany's Scholz meets Nigerian leader on West Africa trip Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) China Evergrande winding-up hearing adjourned to Dec. 4 by Hong Kong court Agreement reached to end strike that shut down a vital Great Lakes shipping artery for a week
Lockheed Martin Corporation was formed in 1995 by the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, and is the No. 1 U.S. defense contractor by revenue and market cap. It is the worlds third-largest aerospace company, with 75% of its business in the defense market. Ten percent of Pentagon spending goes to Lockheed Martin, and 50% of its annual revenue comes from the Department of Defense. In 2020, it was the No. 1 recipient of Pentagon spending, at $72.9 billion, more than three times the money spent on the No. 2 U.S. defense player and more than all spent on the second through fourth positions.

Lockheed Martin Corporations roots date back to the Loughead (pronounced Lockheed) Aircraft Manufacturing Company, founded by the Loughead brothers in 1912. By 1920, the first venture had gone bankrupt due to a decline in post-WWI demand, but it restarted in 1926. Investors, including John Northrop of Northrop Grumman Corporation, raised the money to start the Lockheed Aircraft Manufacturing Company. They used technology developed from 1912 to 1920 to produce the Vega, a cutting-edge passenger plane that could seat up to seven passengers.

By 1928, the company made about five planes a week and brought in more than $1 million per year. The Depression cut the bottom out of the aircraft market, and the company fell on hard times. By this point, the founders were out of the business and failed to make a bid to repurchase the company when it fell into receivership. Among the many early successes were the Vega and the Model 10 Electra, both flown by Amelia Earhart, the latter to her end.

The new Lockheed Aircraft Corporation expanded its aircraft lines into World War II, including plans for potential defense aircraft. This planning had the company in an excellent position to win defense contracts when the U.S. entered World War II and helped launch it to its current status. It was also when the company launched the advanced development projects, which came to be called Skunk Works. Skunk Works is responsible for many advances in military technology, including the first kill recorded in jet-to-jet combat. Cold War advances include the C-130, the Polaris Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile System and the iconic SR-71 Blackbird.

Martin Marietta was formed in 1961 by the merger of Glenn L. Martin Company and American Marietta Corporation. The company was an aerospace-focused manufacturer specializing in missiles and missile systems. Projects accredited to it include the Titan and Pershing Missile Systems and the MGM-51 Shillelagh Anti-Tank Guided Missile System.

Today, Lockheed Martin Corporation operates as a security and aerospace company worldwide. It researches, designs, develops and manufactures defense and security systems for government and private use. The company operates in four segments: aeronautics, missiles and fire control, rotary and mission systems and space. The companys other projects include health, renewable energy, energy distribution and nuclear fusion research and development.
When a state asset goes wrong, there is no other alternative but to liquidate that asset. This dictum is the same in the West as much as it is in Russia. The Wagner Group were useful at one point, but will now be hunted down one by one until the threat has been neutralised to Putin and his evil regime.

An asset may just know too much, or there are many other factors involved. In this case, Wagner Group chief Prigozhin overstepped the mark, first with videos decrying the lack of logistical support in Ukraine and publicly shaming Putin and his cronies. Secondly, the march to Moscow coup attempt, an intelligence officer surmised.

Most of the Wagner Group were very capable soldiers and used to be an exemplary military asset to the Kremlin, however their capabilities were a double-edged sword and if not kept in check could easily turn against the Russian dictatorship, as they eventually did.

Dictators like Putin have to be brutal, otherwise they are easily overturned. The only way to overturn someone like Putin is by every person within and without the state turning against him, the intelligence operative revealed, before disappearing into a crowd of people.

Right now, every Wagner threat will be hunted down and neutralised. The troops in Belarus have already had their internet cut off by the pro-Putin government.
Allu Arjun

Hyderabad: "Thaggedhey Le (No backing down)", spoken in a typical Rajahmundry accent with a brazen look of defiance and a stylish flicker of the hand, won Allu Arjun the Best Actor award at the 69th National Film Awards announced on Thursday evening in New Delhi.

With the win, Arjun broke a 68-year-old jinx as the award had evaded even legendary actors like N.T. Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Krishna and Krishnam Raju, among others.

Tollywood, meanwhile, had a night to remember as it bagged a slew of awards at the event, propelled by Allu Arjun-starrer Pushpa: The Rise and Junior NTR and Ramcharan-starrer RRR, which alone bagged six awards at the event. While Pushpa bagged two awards, Konda Polam; and Uppena also won an award apiece, giving a fillip to Tollywood.

RRR music director M.M. Keeravani shared the best music direction award with Pushpa (The Rise Part I) music director Devi Prasad. The S.S. Rajamouli-directed film also bagged awards for best popular film providing wholesome entertainment, best male playback singer to Kalabhairava, best special effects, best action director and best choreography.

The Hindi film Rocketry: The Nambi Effect, starring Madhavan in the lead, was named the Best Feature Film. Alongside Arjun, Bollywood actresses Alia Bhatt and Kriti Sanon won the top acting honours for their roles in Gangubai Kathiawadi and Mimi, respectively.

The Best Director award went to Nikhil Mahajan, for his Marathi film Godavari, while Vivek Ranjan Agnihotris The Kashmir Files won the Nargis Dutt Award for best film on national integration.

"It seems to be a reflection of changing times and jury members are considering several other factors," said producer Raj Kandukuri, who bagged a national award for his content-driven film 'Pellichoopulu in 2017.

Allu Aravind, Arjuns father, said: "Allu Arjun has broken a 68-year record by bagging the National Award for Best Actor and its a proud moment for us. I also thank the Telugu audience and makers of Pushpa: The Rise for fetching us such a rare honour."

He was celebrating with producers Ravi Shankar and Naveen Yerneni, all of whom were seen joyfully shaking hands and hugging one other over Arjuns rare achievement.

Top producer D.V.V. Danayya, who made the magnum opus RRR, shared plans for a big celebration for sweeping the national awards. "We are on cloud nine and I am short of words to express my immense happiness. Our blockbuster film bagged six prestigious awards in varied categories and we thank each one of them for their eminent contribution. Initially, we were elated when our film garnered `1,500 crore worldwide; then we bagged two Oscar awards, which added a new feather to our steaming cap. Now, sweeping national awards amid stiff competition has led to abundant joy," he said.

Veteran writer Vijayendra Prasad, father of ace director S.S. Rajamouli and the one who penned the script for RRR said, "It is time for celebrations and we are being flooded with congratulatory messages from our friends and well-wishers all over the world. Our film has been widely viewed and appreciated across the world. It has also bagged national and international honours, so it is like a double bonanza for us."

Commenting on an apparent reluctance on the part of Telugu filmmakers to apply for national awards, Raj Kandukuri said, "Legendary actors like NTR and ANR were satisfied with the response of the fans and Telugu audience, and didnt really make an effort to win national awards. However, in the past two decades, our people have been sending applications and vying for national honours. This time, 24 films were in the race, with four films bagging the coveted awards."

Congratulating Allu Arjun, Kandukuri said, "Allu Arjun deserved this award for his outstanding performance. His style and mannerisms like Thageydey Ley and Srivalli dance steps were aped by kids across the world. His film was widely appreciated and quite successful even in Japan and China. So, reaching out to viewers as much as possible is the key, and it set a new benchmark for global recognition."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other world leaders poses for a photo during the 15th BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg, on Thursday. (Image: PTI)

New Delhi: In a historic move, the five-nation Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping agreed by a consensus to expand with effect from January 1, 2024, to include six new members, that will take its total membership to 11 nations. These new six member-nations will be Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The announcement was made on Thursday morning by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Johannesburg at a joint address by the five Brics leaders at the end of the 15th Brics summit that ended there earlier on Wednesday, after which the Johannesburg-II Declaration was adopted on a range of issues.

The South African President said this was the first phase of expansion involving the "guiding principles, criteria and procedure" decided by consensus, and that other phases will follow in later years, adding that Brics was a "champion of the people of the Global South" (developing nations). Brics also agreed to support Indias proposal for membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20. The grouping also agreed on the "importance of encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between Brics as well as their trading partners". It also condemned all forms of terrorism, including cross-border terror.

Speaking at the joint address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India had always supported the expansion of Brics and that the new members will add more strength to the grouping, which would also illustrate a multipolar world order. Hinting at the UN Security Council (UNSC) without naming it, Modi said this expansion should be an example to other multilateral institutions that need to change in accordance with the realities of the modern world.

Congratulating the leaders of the new member-nations, Modi said India has "deep and historical" relationship with all these nations and added he was glad that the teams of the Brics members had reached a consensus on expansion. Referring to other nations who wish to associate themselves with Brics, Modi said India would contribute towards a consensus on making them partner countries.

Meanwhille, Brics decided that a list of "prospective partners" of Brics would be submitted at the next Brics summit.

Of the six new member-nations announced, three are oil-rich West Asian nations (Saudi Arabia, Iran and the UAE), two are African nations  Egypt in the Arab North Africa and Ethiopia in eastern Africa, while Argentina is a prominent nation in South America. It may be noted that China, the worlds second largest economy, has also been reportedly keen on Brics expansion so that the expanded grouping emerges as a challenger to the Western-led groupings of the developed nations such as the G7.

Speaking in a separate address at the Brics-Africa Outreach and Brics Plus Dialogue, Modi mentioned the importance of Africa for India and pointed out that India has recently opened 16 new embassies in African nations. He said India was now Africas fourth-biggest trade partner and its fifth-biggest investor. Modi also spoke about Indian assistance to African nations for capacity-building and infrastructure and pointed out that the term "Global South" (developing nations) was not just a diplomatic term. Talking about Indias G20 presidency, he spoke about Indias vision of "One Earth, One Family, One Future" applicable to the entire world  from Latin America to Central Asia, West Asia to Southeast Asia and from the Indo-Pacific to Indo-Atlantic.

Meanwhile, in an obvious reference to the Ukraine conflict, the South African President also said Brics was "concerned about ongoing conflicts" in the world and that there should be a "peaceful resolution through dialogue and inclusive consultation". Ramaphosa also spoke about the global financial architecture and said there was a "growing momentum" for trade in local currencies and alternative modes of payment (besides the US dollar). Brics also tasked the finance ministers or central bank governors of member-nations "to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back by the next summit".

The grouping, in its declaration, also sought reform of the UN, including the UNSC, so that countries like India, Brazil and South Africa can play a greater global role. It also drew attention to the dire humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories under Israeli occupation, opposed the expansion of illegal settlements and supported the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mahender Reddy at the Raj Bhavan.

HYDERABAD: BRS MLC Patnam Mahender Reddy was inducted into the state Cabinet on Thursday. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Reddy at a simple ceremony in Raj Bhavan.

With this, the lone vacancy in the Cabinet following the ouster of Etala Rajendar, now BJP MLA, in May 2021, has been filled.

Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao and all his Cabinet colleagues barring K.T. Rama Rao, Errabelli Dayakar Rao and Puvvada Ajay Kumar attended the ceremony.

Dayakar Rao and Ajay Kumar could not make it to the event due to their pre-scheduled meetings in Warangal and Khammam districts, while Rama Rao is in the United States.

Mahender Reddy's induction is seen as Raos move to address dissatisfaction after the announcement of tickets in the upcoming Legislative Assembly polls. Mahender Reddy, who had served as transport minister in Rao's first stint, was a strong contender from Tandur. Rao allocated the seat allocated to incumbent MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, who had defected from the Congress.

When Rohith Reddys name was cleared, there was a lot of resentment in the Mahender Reddy camp. In order to pacify them, Rao accommodated Mahender Reddy in the Cabinet.

Meanwhile, Raos 20-minute separate meeting with the Governor prior to the oath-taking ceremony created a buzz in political circles given the open confrontation between the two of them on several issues. Rao visited Raj Bhavan only when Chief Justices of the High Court took oath.

The Chief Minister and the Governor reportedly discussed bills pending with the latter and the pending MLC nominations. They reportedly have agreed to resolve the issues amicably.
Gadwal MLA Bandla Krishnamohan Reddy (Facebook)

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court on Thursday set aside the election of BRS Gadwal MLA Bandla Krishna Mohan Reddy and declared BJP national vice-president D.K. Aruna the legislator, effective from December 12, 2018, when the results were announced.

Aruna was then a member of the Congress.

The court issued the verdict after finding discrepancies between the EVM (electronic voting machine) data and the printed VVPAT (voter-verified paper audit trail) slips. The court also found that Mohan Reddy had not disclosed in the election affidavit property details, loans availed of by him and government dues, which amounts to corrupt practice as per the Representation of Peoples Act and liable to disqualification.

Besides declaring Mohan Reddys election void, Justice T. Vinod Kumar of the Telangana High Court imposed a fine of `2.5 lakh on him for filing a false affidavit. Further, the BRS leader was directed to pay `50,000 to Aruna, the petitioner, in litigation costs.

In 2019, Aruna had filed an election petition challenging the returning officer declaring Mohan Reddy as the Gadwal MLA.

"When VVPAT printed slips are counted as part of random checking, it was noticed by the election agent of D.K. Aruna, that there were discrepancies and variances in terms of secured votes through EVM and printed slips of VVPATs," the complaint stated.

Aruna said that against the 1,89,013 votes stated by the returning officer, the vote count from ballots was 1,89,281, with a difference of 268 votes. She also brought to the courts notice that Mohan Reddy owed `1.09 crore to banks, besides another `1.21 crore, suppressed in his affidavit.

It was also submitted that Mohan Reddy, in a separate PIL in the High Court, had claimed ownership of 24.09 guntas of land in Puddur village of Gadwal mandal in Mahbubnagar district (currently Jogulamba Gadwal district), but failed to mention it in his election affidavit.

Justice Vinod Kumar said that candidates contesting the elections must be "utmost transparent", with truthfulness in the disclosure of materials. "Such a failure is non-compliance with the provisions of the Constitution of India and Representation of People`s Act," the judge observed.

Mohan Reddy claimed that the High Court did not allow him to state his contentions and said that he would challenge the verdict in the Supreme Court.

In a media interaction at the BRS office, he hit out at Aruna, claiming that his opponents did not have faith in democracy or the election process. "Hence, they played backdoor politics," he said.

Reiterating his stance that he won the 2018 elections by a huge majority of 37,000 votes, he said that he will win the upcoming elections by 50,000 votes.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Johannesburg on Thursday. AFP

New Delhi: Following a "conversation" during the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed "to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation" in the Ladakh sector. Foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra revealed this during a late-evening media briefing in South Africa.

During the conversation, Modi expressed India's concerns regarding the unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the western (Ladakh) sector and emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas and respecting the LAC for normalising the India-China relationship.

This marks the first time that Modi and Xi have discussed the military situation at the LAC in the Ladakh sector, which began more than three years ago. While they briefly exchanged pleasantries at the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, in November last year, this conversation is more substantive. Prior to the military tensions in 2020, the leaders held a detailed bilateral Summit near Chennai in 2019.

The foreign secretary clarified that the interaction between the two leaders was a "conversation" and not a formal meeting. Modi also had interactions with other BRICS leaders during the Summit.

Though live footage showed Modi and President Xi talking as they approached the stage for the BRICS leaders' Joint Address in Johannesburg, the actual conversation might have taken place earlier.

India has consistently maintained that China's large troop deployment at the LAC in the Ladakh sector in 2020 and the reluctance of Chinese troops to withdraw from friction points violate border pacts from the 1990s. India insists that normalising ties with China requires the withdrawal of Chinese troops from all friction points and the restoration of the status quo as of March 2020.

Notably, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval conveyed to his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during the BRICS NSAs' Meeting in Johannesburg that Chinese military actions at the LAC in the Ladakh sector over the past three years had eroded strategic trust and the foundation of the Sino-Indian relationship.

While India has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the G20 Summit in New Delhi next month, the Chinese side has not yet confirmed his visit to New Delhi.
Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao addressed a public meeting at Medak on Wednesday. (Image: By Arrangement)

Hyderabad: Chief Minister and BRS president K. Chandrashekar Rao on Wednesday said that there will be some major announcements on what his government intends to do for the people at a public meeting in October. He also hinted that the BRS government, depending on the availability of resources, will explore possibilities of increasing benefits from the myriad people-friendly welfare schemes and programmes.

"Running a government is like running a family. We started Kalyana Lakshmi with Rs 50,000 and now we give Rs 1,00,016 to each beneficiary. We doubled the pension amount to Rs 2,000. We will keep increasing the amounts as and when the government is in a position to do so. There will be major announcements at our public meeting in October," he said.

Rao was addressing a public meeting at Medak, where he cautioned people against falling for aapada mokkula (SOS pleadings) of the Congress.

"Elections are round the corner; do not get confused. Differentiate between what is true and what is false and act accordingly. Dont fall for traps and try to pragmatically assess who truly works for the people. The Congress had made huge promises in Karnataka and now it cannot implement even one of them. They are not able to give even seven hours of power to farmers and they are asking for one chance in Telangana state? Why?" Rao asked.

Though the Chief Minister and BRS leaders have been mostly attacking the Congress, on Wednesday, Rao took an aim at the BJP.

He said, "The BJP says install meters for motors. Our state suffered a loss of Rs 25,000 crore by not installing meters for agricultural connections. But we remained defiant. Today, we are providing 24-hour free power."

He said that he was handing over the responsibility for full and complete development of Medak district to finance minister T. Harish Rao, as Harish Rao has the potential to turn Medak into another Siddipet with respect to overall development.

The Chief Ministers comment comes in the wake of severe criticism of Harish Rao by party MLA Mynampally Hanumanth Rao, who warned of teaching a lesson to the minister in Medak district. Incidentally, Hanumanth Rao was given the party ticket despite the trenchant criticism of Harish Rao.

The BRS chief praised Padma Devender Reddy, the Medak MLA who has been renominated, calling her a hard worker, who the people should elect with a huge majority in the coming polls.
TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy said We brought in the SC/ST sub plan to deliver justice to them. But KCR has rendered injustice by taking away lands given to them while tribals were tied to trees and beaten up. Social justice can only be ensured by a Congress government. KCR, Modi and Asaduddin Owaisi are together in sharing the spoils of power. A vote for BRS is a vote for AIMIM. (Image: Twitter)

Hyderabad: TPCC president A. Revanth Reddy on Thursday filed his application to contest from the Kodangal Assembly seat. His bid received a shot in the arm as some BRS leaders joined Congress while former MLA Gurnath Reddy extended his support.

Addressing supporters in Chevella, Revanth Reddy said that if Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao had any problems with BJP leader Etala Rajendar, he should sort them out personally. Taking his ire out on the Mudiraj community, to which Rajendra belongs, and denying them a single seat was unjustified.

He found fault with the induction of Patnam Mahendar Reddy, who is not from the Backward Classes community, into the Cabinet.

He said, "KCR gave just three ministerial posts to BCs who constitute 50 per cent of the population and four posts to those of his own caste who account for half a per cent. He promised to seek categorisation of Dalits but failed to question Modi on it even once. Furthermore, there is no one from the Madiga caste in the cabinet."

The TPCC president said "We brought in the SC/ST sub plan to deliver justice to them. But KCR has rendered injustice by taking away lands given to them while tribals were tied to trees and beaten up. Social justice can only be ensured by a Congress government. KCR, Modi and Asaduddin Owaisi are together in sharing the spoils of power. A vote for BRS is a vote for AIMIM," he said.

Addressing those who joined the party in Kodangal, Revanth Reddy said, "Rao cheated people despite promising that he will adopt Kodangal. The Hyderabad to Bijapur highway was because of my efforts as were schools, drinking water facilities, 30 substations, bus depot and several roads. In contrast, the BRS government has failed to complete the Narayanpet lift irrigation scheme."

Taking objections to comments by incumbent MLA Patnam Narender Reddy calling for physical attacks, Gurnath Reddy said, "Persons like Narender are not suitable for public office. He should be defeated this time."

Explaining that improving the living standards of the people was the single point agenda of his party, Revanth Reddy said, "By increasing the health insurance limit to `5 lakh we will provide free health for all under Aarogyasri. Unlike now, pensions of `4,000 will be given on the first of every month. Rao is switching his constituency as he fears defeat in Gajwel. The spectre of defeat was evident in his speeches."

Addressing Congress cadre in Tandur, he thanked them for standing by the party in the hour of crisis despite desertions by others.

Referring to the induction of MLC Mahendar Reddy into the cabinet, he flayed Rao and said, "What would accrue to Tandur with his joining the cabinet now? The BRS leaders are found to be involved in all sorts of wrongdoings. Did we deliver a state to enable BRS leaders loot? I call on the cadre to come to Chevella in droves and make the meeting in which SC/ST declaration is set to be unveiled a success."

Kodangal MPP Muddappa Deshmukh, municipal chairman Jagappa and MPTCs were among those who joined on the occasion.
Johnson & Johnson is a US-based multinational pharmaceutical company that started in the early 1870s. Robert Wood Johnson began training as a pharmacist at 16 and founded his 1st company in 1873. That company would be disbanded by 1886 when Johnson joined his brothers to form today's entity. The companys first line of products was sterile surgical dressings which were soon followed up by household products and medical guides.

Today, Johnson & Johnson is one of the worlds largest companies. It is ranked 36th on the 2021 Fortune 500 list and is a Dow Jones Industrial Average member. The company operates via 250 subsidiaries with operations in 60 countries and product sales in 175. As of 2021, annual sales were in the range of $95 billion and growing. The company is also a leader in equality and the advancement of womens rights. Johnson & Johnsons workforce was nearly 50% female by 1910, and many held significant positions of responsibility.

Among the companys many advances in health care is the advancement of sterile conditions to prevent postoperative and secondary infections. Products include sterile gauze, cotton and dressings, and the development of the industrial sterilization process. However, the product that launched the company to success was the combination of a sterile dressing with tape. The company called the new products Band-Aids, which is now synonymous with small, prepackaged bandages. Another major win for the company was Johnson & Johnson Baby Soap.

Today, Johnson & Johnson operates in 3 segments: Pharmaceutical, Consumer Health and MedTech. The Consumer Health segment alone covers brands like Aveeno, Listerine, Tylenol, Zyrtec, Band-Aid and Neosporin, which are among the worlds most recognizable brands. The companys purpose is to blend science and ingenuity to change the trajectory of health for humanity profoundly.

The Pharmaceutical segment offers products in all segments of the healthcare spectrum and has partnerships to develop new drugs with at least 10 other major healthcare providers and dozens of smaller research facilities. Products are offered wholesale to retailers and through healthcare systems. The MedTech segment develops and manufactures various healthcare devices and diagnostic tools. Among the many recognizable products from this segment are ACUVUE contact lenses.

Johnson & Johnson went public in 1944 and began paying dividends soon after. The company began increasing its dividend payment in 1962 and has increased it yearly. The company is a member of the Dividend Aristocrat Index and qualifies as a Dividend King with more than 50 years of consecutive annual increases. The company employs more than 142,000 individuals and serves more than 1 billion daily. Regarding the companys health, its track record of dividend payments is backed up by a AAA credit rating. Johnson & Johnson is one of only 2 US corporations with such a rating and is more trusted than the US government.

The company announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies in 2021. The move is expected to be complete in late 2023 and will result in a Consumer Health company and a Pharmaceutical company.










A 33-year-old woman has had a conviction every year since 2010, Derry Magistrate's Court heard today.

Bridget Mongan (33) of Foyle Road in Derry appeared to face a series of charges including hijacking and assault.

Mongan was charged with hijacking a vehicle and assault on June 16. She was also charged with the theft of alcohol from a local supermarket on March 28.

Mongan was further charged with possessing Pregablin on August 22.

Bail was opposed due to the risk of flight as a police officer said that after the hijacking offences the defendant had fled to the Republic.

He said that on June 16 a delivery driver was delivering to an address in Abercorn Road.

He arrived at the address and left the keys in the ignition before attempting to make the delivery.

There was no response and as he made his way to his car he saw a male and female in the vehicle.

The driver tried to grab the door but Mongan was said to have pushed him away before the vehicle drove off.

The vehicle was stopped by Gardai in Letterkenny and Mongan and a male were imprisoned in Dublin.

The court heard that police were concerned she would flee the jurisdiction if released.

Details were also given of an alleged theft on March 28 when a woman identified by CCTV as Mongan was seen stealing alcohol.

The court then heard that on August 22 police received a report of a female stumbling across the Letterkenny Road and hitting her head off a kerb.

Police found Mongan and she admitted taking Pregablin and a blister pack of five tablets was found on her.

Bail was opposed also due to the risk of re-offending and the court heard that Mongan had 63 previous convictions.

Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that fear of flight was not an issue as Mongan had returned to the jurisdiction on her release from prison in the Republic.

The solicitor said that there was a man involved in the hijacking that had yet to be apprehended.

Bail was granted to an address approved by police and Mongan will appear again on September 4.
Save my User ID and Password

Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site.

Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site.
US friendshoring expands to Southeast Asia and Mexico; China closely follows behind

The US's friendshoring policy has resulted in Western and Japanese companies moving their supply chains out of China to Southeast Asia (SEA) and Mexico. However, Chinese companies have also significantly enhanced their investments in the aforementioned regions.

According to a report from Nikkei, IMF data up to 2021 showed that among the major countries of ASEAN, the funds received through direct investments from China are about US$52 billion, which is higher than the US$51.2 billion from the US. That figure is also set to double within 3 years.

Furthermore, in the first half of 2023, China's direct investment applications to Thailand reached THB 61.5 billion (approx. US$1.74 billion). This accounted for 20% of all investment applications and ranked first.

Mexico, which has signed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), received 18 investment cases from Chinese companies in 2022. This number is almost the same as US companies, which accounted for the most cases.

Within the EV battery supply chain, the nickel produced by Indonesia is a crucial raw material, accounting for half of the world's production capacity. Japan's Sumitomo Metal Mining backed away from setting up a nickel refinery in Indonesia in 2022 and was replaced by a Chinese company. Chinese capital now accounts for around 70 of Indonesia's nickel refineries.

Regions like SEA and Mexico were previously considered alternative locations for the US and Japan to diversify their risks. However, China is also investing significantly in these regions. For SEA countries, due to the increase in direct investments from Chinese companies, their ties with China actually grew stronger. If the US and Japan want to expand their influence in SEA, they need to offer better technology and conditions that align with local demands.

As a major exporter of automobiles, Japan has historically held a high market share in the automotive markets of SEA countries like Indonesia and Thailand. While Japanese manufacturers have maintained their leads in ICE and hybrid vehicles, they have clearly fallen behind Chinese manufacturers in the field of BEVs.

For example, Chinese automakers SAIC Motor and Great Wall Motor announced at the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in August 2023 that they will be presenting plans for the local production and sales of BEVs in Indonesia. South Korea's Hyundai Motor has similar plans as well.

The concept of friendshoring to SEA and Mexico was originally meant to reduce risk by diversifying supply chains away from China. However, if Chinese companies elect to expand their supply chains in these countries, will friendshoring still achieve the same goal of diversifying risk?

On the other hand, the overseas expansion of Chinese companies in response to friendshoring also presents the potential risk of hollowing out China's local industries, which represents an alternative effect of the policy.
Lextar obtains DEKRA ISO 26262 automotive functional safety certificate

DEKRA, a German certification body, issued ISO 26262 ASIL-B Functional Safety Process Certification to Lextar, a leading manufacturer of LED packages and modules under Ennostar. This certification strengthens the quality and accreditation of automotive interior and exterior automotive lighting, in-cabin and exterior displays, automotive backlight, sensing, and LED-related products. Lextar, a subsidiary of Ennostar, has been dedicated to providing automotive solutions in line with international automotive development processes and management systems.

Terry Tang (left) Chairman and President of Lextar and Aaron Lee (right), Managing Director of DEKRA Taiwan

ISO 26262 is a globally recognized automotive functional safety standard that applies to the entire product life cycle of electrical and electronic components in the automotive industry, from initial safety concept, system development, software and hardware development to production, operation, maintenance, and scrapping. Its main purpose is to ensure driving safety in case of failures in electronic parts and components and systems, so it is regarded as one of the basic requirements for suppliers to enter the automotive supply chain. ASIL (Automotive Safety Integration Level) is a risk classification system defined by the ISO 26262 standard. There are four levels - A, B, C, and D - with ASIL D being the strictest level of development process.

Lextar has established a strong foothold in the automotive market over the long term. With the flourishing development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), autonomous driving, and smart vehicles, the utilization of LEDs has experienced a significant upsurge. Leveraging their extensive research and development technologies to elevate product performance and quality, Lextar is actively expanding its presence in the automotive sector. By adhering to rigorous automotive standards and certification, the company is crafting standardized design and manufacturing processes, along with comprehensive services. This strategic approach is geared towards delivering automotive solutions that precisely cater to market demands, such as interior and exterior automotive lighting, in-cabin and exterior displays, automotive backlight, as well as automotive sensing components for Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS).

Lextar holds safety as an indispensable prerequisite when producing automotive electronic components. Their focus lies in creating an integrated and secure as well as comfortable in-vehicle environment, with the paramount goal of protecting the safety of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The establishment of a functional safety process framework is a vital element of their strategy. The recent reception of the ISO 26262 Functional Safety ASIL-B certification from DEKRA signifies that Lextar is making multi-faceted contributions in the automotive sector that aligns with international automotive development processes and management systems. Through the incorporation of advanced technological development capabilities and the implementation of the functional safety system, the company guarantees meticulous quality control to ensure that their automotive products work to the certified safety risk standards. Consequently, they are able to offer highly reliable, safe automotive products and committed to creating better smart cockpit experience. Lextar also showcases their capability from the certification in collaborating with European and American automakers and Tier 1 suppliers.

Mr. Aaron Lee, Managing Director of DEKRA Taiwan, expressed that in recent years, advanced smart automotive electronic products have emerged as the primary trend in the automotive industry. These products have pushed the needs for higher safety requirements, and this is where ISO 26262 comes into play to aid automotive electronics manufacturers in boosting their development in functional safety. We are honored to witness Lextar successfully obtaining this certification and receiving the ISO 26262:2018 Automotive Functional Safety ASIL B Product Certification from DEKRA. This achievement further highlights Lextar's competitiveness in the automotive market. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with Lextar in various domains in the future, working jointly to bolster the development of safety in the automotive industry.

The automotive industry is rapidly edging towards electrification, autonomous driving, and connectivity, and in turn drives the need for more advanced electronics and safety assistance systems mounted on future cars. Accordingly, safety is of critical priority when it comes to design and development. ISO 26262 Functional Safety has always been key to automakers and suppliers. To be certified by ISO 26262 standards means to secure the ticket to the market for the automotive players. As an internationally renowned testing, inspection, and certification service provider, DEKRA excels in providing a suite of integrated solutions for the automotive industry supply chain, in the implementation of ISO 26262, ISO 21434, Automotive SPICE, and Cyber-Security processes. Moreover, DEKRA offers an array of testing and international certification services encompassing areas such as EMC, RF, 5G, V2X, wireless technology, electrical safety, functional safety, reliability verification, and more.
Lenovo AI server orders lined up; AI PC coming soon

Many next-generation customers, including cloud service providers, are shifting their upgraded computing platforms from traditional platforms to Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing platforms ahead of time, despite the fact that the conversion will take time and affect the pace of procurement. Lenovo CEO Yang Yuanqing is optimistic about the future demand of the industry, emphasizing that the demand of next-generation customers is at the juncture of new and old dynamics.

"We are actively responding to customers' purchases due to the popularity of large language models (LLMs)," according to Yang, quoted in Chinese media reports.

Chen Zhenkuan, vice president of Lenovo Group and general manager of Lenovo's Infrastructure Business Server Division in China, revealed that AI servers are currently in short supply. Lenovo's two newest AI servers, which were just introduced at the recent Computing Power Conference in China, have received many orders, with some of them even lined up until 2024.

Chen said that the changes in the AI algorithmic model have caused the demand for AI computing power to enter a stage of explosive growth. Since 2018, with the launch of the large Transformer models, the computing power is no longer doubling every 18 to 20 months like in the past but is now growing hundreds of times per year.

In response to the current demand for AI computing power, Lenovo has recently announced two new AI server products: the Lenovo WA7780 G3 AI Large Model Training Server and the Lenovo WA5480 G3 AI Training and Push Server, which have been receiving orders since their launch, and have also benefited major suppliers such as Intel and NVIDIA.

It is worth noting that NVIDIA's H800 is out of stock in the Chinese market, and Lenovo's strong alliance with Intel did not stop at AI computing solutions in the cloud, but the two factories are accelerating the Meteor Lake processor, which will be released in 2023, to push forward the development and innovation of AI experiences.

Chinese media cited supply chain information in August that Lenovo's upcoming AI PC, which uses Intel's most advanced processor, not only has powerful computing power and advanced AI technology but also brings innovative interaction and visual experience to fully meet the demands of the new generative AI workload.
Samsung received 1.5x growth in pre-orders for its latest foldable phones in India

Samsung announced 1.5x growth in pre-orders for its latest Flip and fold smartphone models, looking to grab more market share as its arch-rival Xiaomi is ceding ground amid India's regulatory pressure against Chinese brands.

According to Mint, Businessline, and Business Standard, Raju Pullan, senior vice president of mobile business at Samsung India, said that Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5 received a record pre-booking of 150,000 units worth INR15 billion (US$180 million). The pre-orders for the two models are 1.5x of their previous generation in India.

Pullan said that many consumers under 35 are buying the Flip, and the age group of 2545 is the primary Fold model market.

Samsung is looking to weather the market downturn by relying on high-end models. According to IDC, India's smartphone shipments fell by 10% year-on-year to 64 million units in the first half of the year, while the mid-to-high-end and premium segments, priced at 400-600 and over US$600, saw their growth reach 34% and 75% year-on-year in the second quarter, respectively.

In early August, T. M. Roh, the president and head of the Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, told PTI that Samsung targeted its market share from 35% to 50% in the super-premium segment with Galaxy Fold5 and Flip5.

IDC data shows that Samsung, with a market share of 15.7%, lost its first place to vivo, which commanded 16% of the market, in the third quarter in smartphone shipments. The previous long-term market leader Xiaomi saw its shipments plummet by 39.4% in the quarter, dropping to fifth place.
1

Boeing announced on 23 August 2023 that it has discovered a new quality issue with its 737 MAX aircraft, specifically concerning a supplier, Spirit AeroSystems.

The problem pertains to incorrectly drilled holes on the aft pressure bulkhead. Boeing noted that, as a consequence of this defect, there will be delays in near-future deliveries. The company is also assessing whether this issue might potentially jeopardize its ability to meet its annual delivery goal of at least 400 737s this year.

In after-hours trading, Boeing's shares experienced a 2.7% decline, while Spirit AeroSystemss shares saw a 6.1% drop.

This recent supply-chain hiccup represents the most recent setback affecting the delivery of the revenue-generating MAX series. Prior to this, Boeing had revealed an issue in April, when Spirit had incorrectly installed brackets connecting the aft fuselage to the vertical tail.

Boeing has officially confirmed that this latest problem will result in a delay in the first delivery of a MAX 8 aircraft to Malaysia Airlines. The airline had initially planned an arrival event for August 28th.

Spirit AeroSystems stated that, as it relies on various suppliers for the aft pressure bulkhead, not all 737 fuselages are affected by the newly discovered issue of elongated holes.

Spirit has said that given the information currently available to it, the problem would not significantly affect its delivery projections for the year.

As of now, Boeings assessment suggests that the flaw is confined to a segment of its highly popular MAX8 model. However, the company is in the process of evaluating whether older-model 737 Next Generation jets might also be affected.

Boeing reported that the exact number of jets requiring repairs, and the duration of the rework process, remain uncertain. The time needed for completion will depend on the individual condition of each aircraft.

Boeing has affirmed that it would still be delivering 737s that are unaffected. The company acknowledged that the problem was discovered recently but did not offer additional details.

Spirit AeroSystems confirmed that it has introduced modifications to its manufacturing processes to rectify the problem.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the matter and clarified that it does not compromise the safety of flight.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said there are worries for the development of some babies who suffered a head injury while being delivered at University Hospital Galway (UHG).

He said the Saolta hospital group, which runs UHG, told him a small cluster of babies had been identified as suffering subgaleal haemorrhages last year.

As first reported by the Irish Independent on Thursday, Saolta has initiated a review into the matter.

It said when subgaleal haemorrhage of a newborn occurs in one of its hospitals it is reported through the incident reporting process and logged with the National Incident Managing System (Nimis).

In a statement, the HSE-established group said: This is consistent with the HSE Incident Management Framework.

Every such incident will have a preliminary review performed, and the findings are presented at the Saolta Serious Incident Management Team meeting.

There are varying grades of severity of subgaleal haemorrhage dependant on a number of clinical factors.

UHG are currently undertaking a review of cases of subgaleal haemorrhage which occurred during 2022 as part of a commitment to quality of care.

In all of the cases the infant was discharged home well from hospital.

Mr Donnelly said: The hospital advises that all of the babies went home healthy. I can confirm that all of the parents involved in the review have been informed, which is essential.

And whats happening here is the hospital is initiating a review. Its exactly the type of thing we want to see hospitals do when they spot a potential patient-safety issue.

Theyve initiated a review, theyve engaged with all of the parents involved and we now need to let that process happen and see what it finds.

Speaking to RTEs Morning Ireland, the health minister said he did not know exactly how many babies were affected but said it was a small number.

Asked about the reporting that one affected mother has expressed concern her daughter is not meeting developmental milestones, Mr Donnelly said: There are worries  and the hospital is doing exactly what we would expect them to do, which is to initiate a full review.

Critically, there has to be full openness and transparency with the parents involved.

Mr Donnelly said his hope and default position is that the report into the hospital will be made public, but said there are incidents where certain elements may not be published.

Saolta did not provide a figure for the number of cases under investigation.
With less than two weeks left to go, make sure to catch some of the exciting events taking place across the east coast and midlands this August Craft Month before you miss out.

Celebrating the vibrant local craft scene, you will have the chance to experience exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops across a variety of crafts across the region and support local makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

The programme, which has been running throughout August, provides fantastic opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy and learn about the local stand-out craft sector and, with over 400 events on offer across Ireland throughout the month, here is just a taste of some of the events still to take place locally.

Today, Saturday 26th August sees Louth host the 'Meet the makers with Bridge Street Studios' event at Bridge Street Studios, Dundalk from 10am to 5pm

Meet the makers and artists of Bridge Street Studios, explore the ceramics workshop of Sarah McKenna and Mary Cowen.

Talk to painters Orlaith Cullinane, Suzanne Carroll, Cathy McKeown and Orla Barry and investigate the textiles and mixed media of Caoilfionn Murphy O Hanlon, Fiona Quigley and Rachel Tinniswood.

The studio members will be in their workshops throughout the day, demonstrating their crafts and discussing their influences and future plans.
This year 27th Infantry Battalion will be marking its 50th Anniversary on Saturday 2 September with a parade in Market Square, Dundalk commencing at 10.30am.

Soldiers from 27th Infantry Battalion will depart from Aiken Barrack's Barrack Street Gate at 10.15am and march to Market Square.

The Battalion was established by Army Headquarters Operation Order 7 of 1973 to be effective from 1 September of that year and replaced the 1st & 2nd Infantry Groups which were 'ad hoc' military structures formed in the wake of upsurge of violence in Northern Ireland in 1969.

The 1st Group had its HQ in Dundalk while the 2nd Group HQ in Cootehill, with each having a post in Castleblayney and Cavan respectively.

ABOVE: previous event at Market Square in Dundalk

The personnel for the newly formed Battalion were to be provided from existing units and staff and also from recruit intake. A substantial number of acting NCO ranks were allowed pending the build up of the Unit.

Routine Order Number 1 showed Lt Col Louis Hogan assuming command with Capt Tom Staunton appointed Adjutant. BSM Brendan Burke became the first Sergeant Major.
A CORK initiative that is Irelands fastest-growing online school has launched a new immersive platform for its students.

Breakthrough Maths caters for students from second class in primary school through to Leaving Certificate.

The school launched in 2020 with just 24 students, increasing to 2,000 young people last year.

Its aim is to teach 3,000 students by the end of the new school year.

Breakthrough Maths new platform will enable tutors to spot when a student is struggling and when they need to be moved to an easier class. Parents will also receive the test results on a weekly basis.

Founder of Breakthrough Maths, TJ Hegarty, said: Weve huge aspirations to expand globally and our new technology will help us to scale while staying true to our foundations.

Our aim has always been to change peoples attitude to maths, to make it fun, and to increase each students confidence in what many people perceive to be a difficult subject.

Our experienced, engaging, and enthusiastic teachers will now have the technology to spot instantly when a student is struggling and ensure that no one is lost in class.

The online school is now teaching classes seven days a week, with lessons on Sunday catering specifically for exam years. The Cork-headquartered company continues to expand its team and has added a head of operations, chief technology officer, and head of product in recent months.

Breakthrough Maths head of operations Ben Sheehan, a financial maths graduate from the University of Galway, said: Maths is a really important subject and is needed for more third-level courses than ever.

However, there are so many demands on students attention spans, from extracurricular activities, social media, part-time jobs  and the issue is exacerbated by missed school time during covid-19, plus a shortage of teachers in parts of the country.

Weve refined our curriculum and hired top-quality tutors to help students to reach their academic goals.

I believe that a lack of confidence is what is holding most students back and Im confident that through our engaging and fun classes, we can empower students and unlock their full potential.

Weekly classes will resume on Monday, September 4.
SOUNDS from a Safe Harbour Festival (SFSH) has announced the final round of special events to their line-up for the 2023 edition.

Taking place from September 7-10 there will be an extensive array of ticketed and free events in Cork to explore, curated by festival director Mary Hickson, Bryce and Aaron Dessner of The National, actor Cillian Murphy and playwright Enda Walsh.

A number of international and Irish artists will come to Cork for the week leading up to the festival, to experiment and collaborate with each other in what has been titled the 37d03d residency.

Some of the results of which will feature in previously announced ticketed events where special guests are mentioned.

They will also be appearing on the pop-up programme around the city over the course of the weekend.

Many of the artists already announced will feature on the residency too, with the addition of: Alexi Murdoch, Cillian Murphy, David Kitt, Dermot Kennedy, Dustin OHalloran, Elaine Howley, Eoin French, Hana Stretton, Laoise Leahy, Niamh Regan, Olafur Arnalds, Paddy Keenan, Peadar OGoill, Richard Reed Parry of Arcade Fire, Shahzad Ismaily, Sophie Gough, The Space Between, and The Staves.

Dermot Kennedy has been announced as a special guest for Sounds from a Safe Harbour Festival (SFSH).

Speaking at the festival launch on Tuesday at the Kiln, in the Heineken Brewery, festival director Mary Hickson described the 37d03d residency as the beating heart of this years festival.

We have had glimpses of this in previous editions of the festival but this year we are going all in - with almost 50 artists coming to Cork to write, experiment, collaborate and spend time together, she said.

Keep an eye on our social media for updates over the weekend. SFSH is all about new experiences for both the artists and the audience - please come with an open mind, Ms Hickson continued.

Closing out the festival, there will be an Ireland x Iceland food collaboration called The Last Supper with Takashi Miyazaki of Ichigo Ichie, Rob Krawczyk of Chestnut and Georg Arnar Halldorsson previously of Ox in Reykjavik, who will present a unique seven course menu in The Mirror Room at the River Lee Hotel.

For full listings and tickets, visit soundsfromasafeharbour.com.
A large kitchen table with bowls of steaming hot vegetables, a cooked roast and several empty plates on the perimeter, waiting to be piled high with the home cooked dinner, is a scene common in most homes in Ireland. But this one is in New York and where the origins of Project Children began, in the Mulcahy home in 1975.

It has taken over 50 years for Denis Mulcahy and the Project Children Charity to be honoured by his native Cork. A Civic Reception in Cork City Hall was first on the honorary event agenda, followed by a screening of the award-winning documentary, 'How to Defuse a Bomb  The Project Children Story'. The documentary was shown in the legendary Pav cinema on Patrick Street. The Saturday night event was also honouring fellow Corkonian, Maureen Forrest, Founder of The Hope Foundation. The event took place at The Rochestown Park Hotel in Douglas.

President of B.P.& P association Thomas Browne, Honorees Maureen Forrest and Denis Mulcahy, Banquet Chairperson Robert Daly. Picture: Gerard O'Sullivan.

Both founders were being honored at the 23rd Biennial Reunion Banquet hosted by the County Cork Benevolent, Patriotic & Protection (B.P.&P) Association of New York. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Kieran McCarthy sang his speech as he specified that the story, he wanted to share was better sung than spoken. It is a song that resonates with Cork about their first immigrant, Annie Moore, coming through Ellis Island in 1892. The words of the song 'Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears' gathered momentum among friends and guests in the room where they joined the Lord Mayor singing the very fitting song.

Denis Mulcahy was born in Rockchapel, Cork and is one of the founders of the Project Children Charity. He emigrated to the United States in 1962 and joined the New York City Police Department in 1969. The charity was set up when Denis, his brother Pat, family and friends were horrified at the images and news reports of the conflict in Northern Ireland that was been broadcast live across the US news channels in the 1970s and 1980s. They wanted to help the children and families caught in the crossfire. They brought over 24,000 young Catholic and Protestant children to the US for a summer holiday break, away from the everyday violence and conflict of their homes in Northern Ireland during The Troubles.

The charity is still supporting young people with a range of internship programmes and scholarships. Denis is now retired and has also received many awards for his work as an NYPD Bomb Squad Officer. He shared his honorary award with all his family and friends involved with the charity since it began.

He said: It was a two-way street really, both the Irish children and the US host families benefited from the programme.

Members of the B.P.&P. Association, Honorees Denis Mulcahy and Maureen Forrest, Lord Mayor Kieran McCarthy. Picture: Gerard O'Sullivan

Maureen Forrest originally from Mogeely in East Cork founded The Hope Foundation in 1999 to help the vulnerable children in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). Her contributions have been through education and training initiatives and establishing the Hope hospital as well as numerous other humanitarian services. Maureen has changed the lives of many children in India now grown up with a better education and like the charity name states  Hope for their future.

Maureen retired earlier this year and is confident that the next generation will guide the Foundation to the next level while always staying aligned with their vision, which is - A world where it should never hurt to be a child. From a kitchen table in New York in 1975 and a walk through the streets of Kolkata, the link with Cork will always be there with these two incredible charities and extraordinary founders.
CORK City Councils decision to refuse planning permission for a residential development at a former industrial site in the city centre has been upheld by An Bord Pleanala (ABP).

At the start of 2022, Ballygifford Holdings Limited lodged a planning application with the city council seeking permission for the construction of an apartment block of up to five-storeys in height at a site fronting the junction of York St and Wellington St.

The proposed development was to contain 23 apartments made up of 22 one-bed units and one two-bed unit.

The application also sought permission for all ancillary site development works, including the provision of bike storage and amenity areas.

A design statement submitted as part of the application stated that the site contains a former industrial building, which the applicants had proposed to demolish in order to facilitate the optimum development of the site.

It stated that the design had been informed by the significant demand for housing within the city centre, the in-fill nature of the site (having regard to the adjoining buildings) and other issues including the sites topography.

Refusal

However, Cork City Council decided to refuse planning permission.

Included in its reasons, the council said the proposed development would constitute overdevelopment of a sensitive site and would be contrary to the requirements of an objective of the Cork City Development Plan 2015 that states residential developments should be sustainable and create high quality places and spaces which deliver a quality of life which residents and visitors [are] entitled to expect in terms of amenity, safety and convenience.

The local authority also said the development would be contrary to the guidance set out in the Sustainable Urban Housing: Design Standards for New Apartment  Guidelines for Planning Authorities.

A first party appeal was later lodged with ABP, however, the planning board has ruled to uphold the councils decision.

The board stated that the proposed development would not comply with the unit mix for apartment developments on city centre sites as set out in the Cork City Development Plan 2022-2028. It also said the proposed development would not provide high-quality, communal open space for future occupants .
FIFTY percent of pubs that closed in Ireland in 2022 were in Cork. 108 pubs closed nationally, with 54 pubs across the county.

A new report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) shows that 365 pubs have closed their doors in County Cork since 2005.

The report points to a continuing decline in the number of pubs across Ireland, with the rate of decline accelerating since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The latest national data shows an average of 152 pubs closing annually since 2019.

450 pubs 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.

All 26 counties experienced a decline in the number of public houses during the 2005 to 2022 period, the lowest fall was in Dublin at 3.4% while 32% of pubs closed in Limerick. In Cork, 29.9% of pubs closed during this time period.

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.

Independent councillor Danny Collins owns the Boston Bar in Bantry. He believes transport is a major factor of the decline of pubs.

If you come into many rural pubs on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights, you would be lucky to get a handful of people inside of them and a big thing is getting transport home at the end of the night. Taxi services are not available in a lot of rural places while Cork city and Dublin have. Many people cant go for a drink without a spin home at night because of the lack of taxi services, he said.

Mr Collins highlighted that a lot of people have started to drink at home since the covid-19 pandemic.

A lot of people since covid are using off-licences and drinking at home, among other things have hit the pubs over the last 10-15 years.

DIGI Chair and Irish Distillers Communications and Corporate Affairs Director Kathryn DArcy 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 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.

Michael ODonovan of The Castle Inn on South Main Street, and chair of the Vintners Federation of Ireland Cork branch, echoed the calls to reduce the excise duty.

We would be asking the Government ahead of the upcoming budget to really have a look at [excise duty] because if there was a reduction in excise duty, we would be able to sell alcohol at better prices and attract people in. Consumers are affected by mortgage increases and household budgets, as they have been really reduced to due to the cost-of-living crisis, he said.
Works are underway to replace damaged watermains in Macroom.

Uisce Eireann, working in partnership with Cork County Council, is replacing approximately 1.4 kilometres of old and damaged watermains on Inchigeela Road in Macroom that were prone to frequent bursts and leakage.

The mains are being replaced with new high-density polyethylene (plastic) pipes.

The works started this week and is due to be completed by the end of September.

Customers should expect a more reliable water supply upon completion.

Ward and Burke Construction are contracted to carry out the work on behalf of Uisce Eireann.

The section of works will take place along the R584 Inchigeela Road and L3430 Sleaveen Road in Macroom.

To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, traffic management in the form of traffic lights will be place for the duration of the project.

Local and emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Paul Gray of Uisce Eireann explained: Old and damaged water mains are a huge source of leakage and continue to impact communities right across Ireland, causing low pressure and supply disruption.

Replacing these old water mains in poor condition will eliminate existing leaks and significantly reduce the amount of clean drinking water lost into the ground.

We would like to thank customers in advance for their cooperation and patience while we complete these works.

The works may require some short-term water shut offs, but customers will be given a minimum of 48 hours notice prior to any planned water shut offs.

Uisce Eireann said it understands that this type of work can be inconvenient and work crews will make every effort to minimise any disruption.

For more information visit www.water.ie/projects-plans/national-projects/leakage-reduction-programme/.
Mary OBrien from Ballincollig was first diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, neuroendocrine tumours, 10 years ago. Her husband, Eoin OLeary, is her carer. As volunteers, the couple run the Facebook page of Net Patient Network, a support group for patients with the condition and their families. Now they are involved in a new initiative to formally say thanks to the health professionals and administrative staff who support people with the disease.

Patients with the condition receive specialist care at the National Centre of Excellence, Saint Vincents Hospital Dublin and at satellite centres, including Mercy University Hospital, Cork and University Hospital, Galway. But for many years, with the support of the HSE and their Irish consultants, dozens of Irish patients have travelled to hospitals in Sweden, the Netherlands and the UK for procedures that are not available in Ireland.

According to Mary, the quality of the support, including the right to access care abroad, has helped to keep alive many Irish patients, herself included. As a formal gesture of gratitude, the Net Patient Network committee, decided to present plaques to a number of centres, acknowledging their gratitude.

The project was initiated by a Co Wexford estate agent, Adrian Haythornthwaite, who had travelled to Uppsala in Sweden, for care involving infusions of a radioactive isotope. Sadly, Adrian died last March but recently his fellow committee members gathered at the HSE offices in Kilkenny, where a plaque was erected, in accordance with Adrians wishes.

The chairperson of the Netpatient Network Support Group, Mark Mc Donnell, said the Kilkenny ceremony was a "very emotional event and a small but sincere gesture of gratitude". The HSE offices at Seville House on the Callan Road in Kilkenny are the headquarters of the Treatment Abroad Unit where applications to access care abroad are processed.

According to Mary OBrien over the years, we have found the HSE staff in Kilkenny very helpful and it makes such a difference when you are living with a cancer challenge. In November the Net Patient Network will hold its annual patient day in Cork.

Journalist Tommie Gorman, a founder member of the support group, says Cork-based consultants, oncologist, Derek Power and surgeon Criostoir OSuilleabhain, have played a leading role in the development of NETs services in Ireland and it is important to stage our annual information day at centres outside of Dublin.

Mary OBrien and Eoin OLeary are co-ordinating the preparations for the annual gathering at the Oriel House Hotel, Ballincollig on November 17th/18th. According to Eoin, the programme will include the handover of a thank you plaque for installation at Mercy University Hospital, Cork.
FORMER Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams will be in Cork city this Saturday to sign copies of his book Black Mountain and Other Stories.

Mr Adams will also read extracts and answer questions from the audience during the event which takes place in the Graffiti Room, Marina Market, at 3.30pm.

Black Mountain and Other Stories is a collection of short stories published by Brandon books, an imprint of OBrien Press.

"In this collection, one of Irelands best-known political figures brings us stories of love, of politics, of war and of friendship," O'Brien Press states.

"These are portraits of Ireland, and especially Belfast, old and new, in times of struggle and in times of peace, showing how our past is always part of our present.

"Sometimes sad, sometimes funny, always moving, these are stories of ordinary people captured with wit, with heart and with understanding."

Black Mountain and Other Stories is Gerry Adams' twenty-first published book.

He has also published a book of poetry and eleven Leargas books in which he writes about well known republican leaders he has known, including Maire Drumm, John Joe McGirl and Bobby Storey and others.

The forward for Black Mountain and Other Stories was written by well-known author Timothy O' Grady.

"One of the stories is called 'Black Mountain' - and Im very happy with the notion of Sliabh Dubh as the overarching witness to many of the events Ive written about in this new tome," Mr Adams said, speaking about the book.

The book signing takes place the day before the National Hunger Strike Parade in Cork city, at which Michelle O'Neill will be the main speaker.

The Sinn Fein party said the event is being held to "remember Irelands hunger strikers from all generations of the struggle for freedom".

That event assembles on Kennedy Quay at 2pm.
Cork County Council has announced a new Affordable Housing Purchase Scheme in Carrigaline. Applications for the new two-bed and three-bed terrace houses at The Waters Edge, Church Road, Carrigaline will open on Monday the 28th of August 2023 at 12 noon.

Constructed by CitiDwell Developments Ltd, the houses will generally be available for first-time buyers who do not own a home - although a small number of exceptions apply - and Fresh Start applicants.

The scheme is close to essential amenities such as schools, shopping centres, healthcare facilities, and public transportation options.

The 14 two-bedroom terrace houses will be available from 241,000, representing a reduction of approximately 29% from market value, while the 18 three-bedroom terrace houses will be available from 262,500, which represents a reduction of approximately 27% from market value.

Welcoming the new affordable homes, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank OFlynn said: Cork County Council is delighted to present this new development in Carrigaline that will not only bring much needed housing to the area at more accessible prices, but will also enrich the lives of those who will call it home.

"Located near the waterfront and close to many local amenities, these homes are well designed and finished to a very high standard.

Through the scheme, purchasers will enter an affordable dwelling purchase arrangement with Cork County Council. Under this arrangement, the council will retain a percentage equity share in the dwelling, equal to the difference between the market value of the dwelling and the price paid by the purchaser, expressed as a percentage of the market value of the dwelling (minimum of 5%).

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: In line with the national Housing for All policy, Cork County Councils Housing Delivery Action Plan aims to address the need for suitable social and affordable accommodation in the county.

"The Affordable Purchase Scheme is an important part of this plan to provide new homes in areas with the greatest housing need.

"These new homes in Carrigaline are one of a series of developments underway, with a scheme soon to be announced in Cobh, as well as a number of other towns.

Applications for the scheme will be accepted between 12 noon on August 28 and 12 noon on September 18, 2023 via the online application portal on Cork County Councils website www.corkcoco.ie.

Further information on this scheme and other upcoming schemes, including the Scheme of Priority, guide to making an application and documentation required is also available on the councils website.
AN Ironman competitor who died during the swimming section of last weekends event in Youghal smiled and waved to his fiancee and family as he entered the sea, his funeral has heard.

Brendan Wall, aged 45, who lived in Solihull in England but was originally from Meath, was one of two men who lost their lives on Sunday morning. Ivan Chittenden, who was in his 60s and from Toronto in Canada, also died in the swim off Claycastle beach.

A row has since broken out between Irelands national governing body for triathlons and the events organisers. Triathlon Ireland said it did not sanction the event amid concerns about adverse sea conditions, but differing accounts have emerged over the timeline for the decision and whether it was communicated to Ironman Ireland before the race began.

An investigation is ongoing, with gardai also preparing a file for the attention of the Cork City coroner. Family and friends gathered for Mr Walls funeral at the Church of St Brigid, Grangegeeth in Meath today.

Parish priest Fr Gerry Boyle began by offering words of comfort and condolence to the fitness enthusiasts fiancee Tina, his parents Oliver and Gertie, brothers Martin and Joe, and sister Maria.

He trained hard and no doubt it gave him purpose and direction in his life, and he had trained hard for the Ironman on Sunday and was very excited about it, he told mourners. He had a big smile on his face and waved goodbye as he entered the water.

Fr Boyle said Mr Walls fiancee and family have been plunged into shock, grief, pain and loneliness and said his death has left a huge gap in their lives.

His sudden death can speak to us maybe better than any advertising campaign or warning about the fragility of life, he added.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A suggestion for a tunnel to be dug between Ireland and Scotland was raised several times in the 1960s, newly declassified files have revealed.

The idea, which some believed would boost connectivity and tourism, even reached the desk of Northern Irelands prime minister at the time, Captain Terence ONeill, who was approached for a meeting.

However, the idea was met with scepticism with one Stormont official stating: Homo sapiens does not like tunnels  even short ones.

The state papers at the Public Record Office in Belfast show that discussions over a tunnel more 20 miles long between Donaghadee and Portpatrick continued for several years during the decade.

In 1961, the former Moira Rural District Council adopted a resolution advocating the construction of a tunnel and sent a letter stating its support to the Ministry of Commerce in Belfast.

It stated: It is felt that such a connection would be of inestimable value to Ulster in view of the high cross channel freight rates and the numbers of tourists which would be attracted to the Province in this way.

Several other local district councils then wrote to the ministry express their support for the idea.

However, the papers reveal scepticism in the Ministry of Commerce, with one official stating he hoped the department had enough information to provide a killing answer in response to the councils letter.

Captain Terence O'Neill, Northern Ireland prime minister (right), and Roy Bradford, minister of commerce. A proposal for a tunnel to Scotland was raised with Mr O'Neill in the 1960s, newly declassified files have revealed. Photo: PA

The idea resurfaced in 1964 when Frank Davidson, President of Technical Studies Inc (USA), wrote to Mr ONeill asking for a meeting about the prospect of a tunnel.

He said: As a matter of personal interest, I would be very pleased indeed to have the opportunity of speaking with you, perhaps in the latter part of September or during October.

I might be able to suggest some steps that could be taken in order to obtain reliable advice and without great expense.

Attached to the letter is a note from an engineer which states: The difficulties in draining, ventilating and lighting a tunnel 28 miles long could probably be overcome at a high cost, but the problem of obtaining accurate information of the strata below the sea bed, at a depth of at least 450ft and possibly 900ft below sea level has not yet been solved.

In response to Mr Davidsons letter, a government official wrote an internal memo suggesting he should be granted a meeting with another minister, rather than Mr ONeill.

It stated: Although the whole idea of a tube link between Northern Ireland and Scotland seems to the layman to be rather far-fetched, the firm of Technical Studies Inc, seems from the brochure which Mr Davidson has sent us, to be backed by a number of reputable American financial and other organisations.

In the circumstances it might not be a complete waste of time to hear what Mr Davidson has to say.

However, in a handwritten note, another official was scathing of the idea, stating it was a non-starter, due to the cost and effort required.

The note says: I believe that not enough thought has been given to the human side of the proposition. Homo sapiens does not like tunnels  even short ones.

Given the choice of air or sea borne ferry service, would you use a 25-mile sub-marine tunnel, with the additional nuisance that you would be (required) to load your car or lorry on to a special train?
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.

Storage tanks holding treated wastewater at TEPCO's crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in Okuma, Fukushima prefecture on Aug. 24, 2023. STR / JIJI Press / AFP via Getty Images

Japan has begun discharging treated water containing radioactive tritium from the decommissioned Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean. The move led to China announcing an immediate ban on all aquatic products from the island nation.

Chinas customs bureau said in a statement that it was highly concerned about the risk of radioactive contamination brought by Japans food and agricultural products, reported Reuters.

Last month, the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) gave its approval for Japan to discharge the radioactive water. An earthquake and a tsunami destroyed the Fukushima Daiichi plant in 2011.

China called Japans release of the water a selfish and irresponsible act, CNN reported.

The purpose of the Chinese customs department ban on all imports of aquatic products from Japan was to prevent the risk of radioactive contamination of food safety caused by Japans Fukushima nuclear contaminated water discharge, the department said.

China accused the Japanese government of not proving that the radioactive water was 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, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement, as reported by Reuters.

Japan said the water being released is safe, that the IAEA had concluded the waters impact on the environment and humans would be negligible and that China was spreading scientifically unfounded claims.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters that Japan had asked China to lift its aquatic products import ban immediately and would like to discuss the impact of the waters release from a science-based perspective.

Japanese exports of aquatic products to China are Japans biggest exports market, worth about $600 million in 2022. According to government data, Japanese aquatic exports to Hong Kong and China made up 42 percent of the total last year.

Fukushima Daiichi plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) said no abnormalities had been identified with the release of the water so far, Reuters reported.

According to TEPCOs test results released today, the first discharge of 7,800 cubic meters  which will happen over about 17 days  contained approximately up to 63 becquerels (a becquerel is one unit of radioactivity) of tritium per liter, which is well below the drinking water limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Additionally, a statement released by the IAEA said its own on-site analysis showed the concentration of tritium was well below the WHO limit of 10,000 becquerels per liter.

There are not going to be any health effects There is no scientific reason to ban imports of Japanese food whatsoever, said Geraldine Thomas, a former London Imperial College professor of molecular pathology, as reported by Reuters.

Japanese fishing groups opposed the waters release, their reputations having been damaged by years of radiation fears.

Macau and Hong Kong also instigated bans of seafood imports from 10 regions in Japan.

The area surrounding the release of the water will be monitored by Japan. It is estimated that the total discharge of the water will take about three decades, and Japans Minister of the Environment Akihiro Nishimura said weekly results will be published.

According to some experts, nuclear power plants  including in China  have been discharging diluted tritium into the ocean for years without issues, The Guardian reported.

Nuclear power plants worldwide have routinely discharged water containing tritium for over 60 years without harm to people or the environment, most at higher levels than planned for Fukushima, said Tony Irwin, an Australian National University honorary associate professor, as reported by The Guardian.




Kemin Industries appoints new country president for Vietnam





Kemin Industries has appointed Hung Tran  who previously served as the product manager for Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health  Asia Pacific  as the company's new country president for Vietnam.

Tran served in his prior position, overseeing the LYSOFORTE and antioxidant portfolio for Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health  Asia Pacific. Within a year of his tenure, he grew the LYSOFORTE business by 19%. He was part of the team that had actively promoted Kemin's science-optimised savings (SOS) campaign to help partners better tide through the period of escalating raw material costs.

"I see my new role at Kemin as an opportunity to expand my scope of expertise," said Hung. "In the past years, I have thoroughly enjoyed solving the onset of business challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising raw material costs. I am excited to translate my knowledge into business success in Vietnam. I prioritise customer value and strongly believe that it starts with our people. This mindset is reflected in the quality of products and services we offer and our dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences in everything we do."

Before joining Kemin, Hung held over ten years of experience working in the animal nutrition industry in Asia, including Provimi, Cargill, De Heus and Trouw Nutrition Vietnam.

Hung currently resides in Vietnam for his new role.

- Kemin




Malaysia aims to cut corn imports by half within five years



Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Minister, said that Malaysia could significantly reduce its reliance on grain corn imports if domestic production could reach 50% within the next five years, Malay Mail reported.

Currently, Malaysia imports nearly 100% of its corn from foreign sources, prompting the government, particularly Malaysia's Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM), to focus on boosting local corn production.

Corn serves as a primary food source for livestock, and while the government has initiated certain measures, it seeks private sector involvement to achieve success in this endeavour.

Emphasising that the government has introduced various incentives to support this initiative, Mohamad Sabu underlined that reducing the outflow of foreign exchange spent on importing corn supplies is a key goal.

Speaking during a working visit to the grain corn project site in the state of Perlis, Mohamad Sabu highlighted the efforts undertaken in the state, with the leading corn cultivation company, Green World Genetics Sdn Bhd, planning to expand cultivation to Sabah as well.

This year, the government allocated MYR 13 million (~US$2.7 million; MYR 1 = US$0.22) for the development of the grain corn industry, encompassing research, studies, quality enhancement, machinery procurement, and planting.

- Malay Mail




Remora Robotics secures US$2.7 million investment to propel aquaculture automation

Norway-based Remora Robotics, a company specialising in aquaculture robotics, has announced a successful EUR 2.5 million (~US$2.7 million; EUR 1 = US$1.10) funding round, which will be used to advance the company's autonomous net cleaning technology, EU-Startups reported.

Grieg Kapital and Momentum, prominent investment firms in the industry, have led this funding effort. This infusion of funds is poised to accelerate the company's technological evolution and bolster its sales expansion initiatives.

Brage C. Amundsen, chief executive officer of Remora Robotics, said that the support from Grieg Kapital and Momentum grants Remora Robotics the vital flexibility to execute their plans and deliver impeccable net cleanliness to their valued clients.

He said this injection of capital empowers the company to expedite the deployment of their technology, enhancing their capacity to expand their sales efforts.

Founded in 2015, Remora Robotics stands at the forefront of automating fish farm pen cleaning processes. Central to its technological advancement is an autonomous submarine robot, specifically designed to methodically clean and assess fish farming enclosures, all while gathering crucial data about the aquatic ecosystem.

Lars Jorgen Loktu, investment manager at Grieg Kapital, said that Remora Robotics has developed innovative and compelling technology tailored for a global market. This investment perfectly aligns with Grieg Kapital's investment strategy, which emphasises maritime technology.

Remora Robotics has established strategic partnerships with prestigious research organisations in Norway, including SINTEF, the Norwegian Research Council, NTNU, and Innovation Norway. In 2017, the company conceptualised an autonomous marine version of the robotic lawnmower to revolutionise net cleaning in aquafarms. Leveraging their expertise in remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), Remora Robotics embarked on this transformative journey.

Christian Mogster, investment manager at Momentum, expressed confidence in Remora Robotics' team and their potential for a successful large-scale commercial rollout.

After an initial prototype faced challenges in 2018 and was subsequently abandoned, the company persisted in refining the technology and making significant progress. By 2019, Remora Robotics successfully tested a functional prototype, with its effectiveness in cleansing fish farming enclosures further confirmed by a comprehensive NORCE report. This achievement culminated in the acquisition of a patent for the innovative belt mechanism.

With a focus on continuous improvement, the company diligently developed an upgraded prototype in 2020. Collaborating with Sterling White Halibut AS, Remora Robotics subjected the technology to rigorous testing, optimizing it for practical implementation. The year 2021 marked a pivotal milestone as the company manufactured three specialised devices tailored for comprehensive testing and further advancements.

- EU-Startups
Statements on Racism & Injustice

Eastern Michigan University stands as a united community, firmly denouncing and condemning all forms of racial inequality and injustice. We acknowledge the deep-rooted systemic presence of racism in our society, a force that diminishes the worth and dignity of human lives. Together, we strive to foster a climate of understanding, empathy, and respect, working towards a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Read the Statements
Crossroads have opened a new community space



Crossroads community space

A space for the local community to use has been opened by Manx charity, Crossroads, thanks to Manx Lottery Trust funding.

The charity has been awarded a grant of 2,500 from Manx Lottery Trust and has used the funds to open a community space above its new store on Tynwald Street, Douglas.

The area includes a kitchen, coffee machine, and bathroom and is furnished with "comfortable" furniture throughout.

Jackie Betteridge, CEO of Crossroads, said: Crossroads wanted to create a comfortable and welcoming space, which brings the community together and supports those who may be struggling with the rising costs of living and social isolation.

Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, Stephen Turner expressed his delight to support Crossroads with its community space initiative.

He said: We hope funding will enable the charity to develop upon their existing social and charitable activities, whilst supporting those most in need.
Apple officially endorsed Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman's Right to Repair Bill in California, according to iFixit. Reuters says the tech giant even sent legislators in the state a letter, urging them to pass Senate Bill 244, which requires companies to provide consumers and third-party providers the repair diagnostics and parts needed to be able to repair their products. iFixit's CEO Kyle Wiens called Apple's endorsement "a watershed moment for consumer rights." He said it "feels like the Berlin Wall of tech repair monopolies is starting to crumble, brick by brick," because the bill's passing could lead to a more competitive market offering cheaper repairs.

If SB 244 becomes a law, the parts, tools and documentations needed to repair products that cost between $50 and $100 will have to be available in the state for three years after the last date they were manufactured. Meanwhile, repair materials for products over $100 will have to be available for seven years. With those rules in place, manufacturers can't refuse to make information or components available after people's warranty periods are over. Companies violating the law will be fined $1000 per day for their first violation, $2000 for their second and $5000 per day for more violations after that.

As iFixit notes, Apple has had a long history of opposing Right to Repair rules and previously said that Nebraska would become a "mecca for hackers" when a bill was introduced in the state. Over the past few years, though, the tech giant has been showing signs of a change of heart. In 2021, Apple announced that it would start selling parts and tools directly to consumers and even offer repair guides to help them fix their iPhones and Macs on their own. "We support 'SB 244' because it includes requirements that protect individual users' safety and security as well as product manufacturers' intellectual property," Apple reportedly wrote in its letter.

Whether Apple's endorsement can finally give the bill the support it needs to be approved remains to be seen. Eggman introduced the Right to Repair Act in California way back in 2018, but the bill was only able to amass significant backing this year. The Senate unanimously passed the bill, which will have its final hearing next week. After that, it will have to go to the floor and be approved for the final time by legislators before the governor can sign it into law.
Discord started notifying users affected by a March data breach on Monday, about three months after the communications server went public about the attack in May. Of the 150 million monthly users that Discord reports to have, only 180 had sensitive information exposed in the attack, according to a data breach notification filed with the Office of the Maine Attorney General. That means if you're a Discord user, you're much more likely to be impacted by the Discord.io breach that impacted 760,000 users earlier this month, and ultimately led to the site shutting down.

Discord.io let Discord users make custom links for their channels. On August 14, a major data breach caused by a vulnerability in the website's code let a third-party attacker steal information and put it up for sale on a breached data forum. That includes hashed passwords, billing information and Discord IDs.

"We have decided to take down our site until further notice," Discord.io wrote in a post. The company plans a "a complete rewrite of our website's code, as well as a complete overhaul of our security practices" as it looks for a way to mitigate the breach and prevent future problems.

This is different from the Discord breach that the company may have reached out to you about this week. A separate incident, affecting Discord and not the separate Discord.io entity, happened earlier this year when an unauthorized user gained access to Discord data via a third-party service provider. The hacker stole data on service tickets, which included personal information like driver's license numbers, for 180 users. Discord is reaching out via email to let impacted users know about the incident, and offering credit monitoring and identity theft protection services to prevent further damage.

"Discord is not affiliated with Discord.io. We do not share any user information with Discord.io directly and we do not have access to or control of information in Discord.io's custody," a Discord spokesperson said. "We are committed to protecting the privacy and data of our users and encourage our users to enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to help keep their accounts protected, and consider SMS Authentication."
The company says some users were reselling storage and using the service for other shady purposes.

Dropbox is killing off unlimited storage in its business-focused Advanced plan following a surge in shady activity. It wrote in a blog post that as other services made similar changes to limit storage capacity, it has seen an increase in people using Advanced plans "not to run a business or organization, but instead for purposes like crypto and Chia mining, unrelated individuals pooling storage for personal use cases or even instances of reselling storage."

While there will of course be legitimate outliers when it comes to unlimited storage plans, Dropbox says bad actors "frequently consume thousands of times more storage than our genuine business customers, which risks creating an unreliable experience for all of our customers. It already has policies that prohibit abusive behavior, but the company says that creating a set of acceptable-use restrictions is unworkable. To that end, Dropbox is moving to a metered model.

The company will gradually move current users over to the modified Advanced plan starting on November 1st. Customers will get at least a 30-day heads up before Dropbox migrates them to the new policy.

Over 99 percent of customers on the Advanced plan each use less than 35TB of storage per license. Dropbox says those teams can continue to use however much storage they're taking up at the time they get migration notification, plus an extra 5TB of pooled storage for five years with no price increase to their current plans.

The minority of users taking up over 35TB of storage per license will receive a similar offer but for one year. Dropbox will work with them in the aim of finding a plan that works for everyone involved in the long run. All versions of the Advanced plan will max out at 1,000TB of storage.

From today onward those who buy an Advanced plan with three licenses will get a total of 15TB of pooled storage. Every additional license will add 5TB of storage. Beyond that, starting on September 18th for newcomers (November 1st for current users), Dropbox will start offering storage add-ons. These cost $10 per month for 1TB on a month-to-month payment plan, and $8 per month if purchased annually.

If that all seems unnecessarily complicated compared with the previous version of the Advanced plan, there's only one thing for it: blame crypto bros.
The US Department of Justice just sued SpaceX, alleging that the company engaged in discriminatory hiring practices against refugees and asylum seekers. The suit says that these practices occurred between 2018 and 2022 and that SpaceX wrongly claimed that export control laws limited it to hiring US citizens and lawful permanent residents.

The DOJ began its investigation in 2020 when the departments Immigrant and Employee Rights Section received complaints of employee discrimination. Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General of the DOJs Civil Rights Division, said in a statement that the investigation found that SpaceX failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status going on to say that this amounted to a ban regardless of their qualifications. This is a violation of federal law.

The investigation also found that SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials took actions that actively discouraged these people from seeking employment with the company.

The DOJ lawsuit seeks damages and back pay for asylees and refugees who were deterred or denied employment at SpaceX. It also seeks civil penalties and hiring policy changes from the company. The Immigrant and Employee Rights Section (IER) even alleges that SpaceX ignored a subpoena related to the suit in 2021, forcing the DOJ to request a judge order the company to comply with document requests.

The IER opened this probe in 2020 after claimant Fabian Hutter alleged discrimination after losing a spot at SpaceX when asked about his citizenship status during a job interview. It's requesting other alleged victims to come forward and contact the department, particularly if they were discouraged from applying to SpaceX due to citizenship concerns.

Is this the only Elon Musk-led company facing legal troubles regarding hiring practices and employee treatment? Of course not! The self-proclaimed Technoking of Tesla faced penalties when a federal court found that Musk made unlawful threats surrounding employee compensation and unions. Theres also a suit making its way through the New York courts that alleges Musk and Tesla fired workers in retaliation for union activity.

Another big suit alleged a racist work environment at Tesla, which was recently settled for just over $3 million. Employees recently sued Twitter/X after Musk-led mass layoffs. The list goes on and on for the man who used to repeatedly state that he simply wants to save the world. Nowadays, he spends most of his time issuing controversial posts on X and being investigated for building literal glass houses using Tesla company funds.
(Informacion remitida por la empresa firmante)

HUDDINGE, Sweden, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XNK Therapeutics AB ("XNK") today announced that the company has entered into a research collaboration with the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, to evaluate the suitability of the company's autologous natural killer (NK) cell therapy candidate XNK02 as a novel therapy for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

In collaboration with Karolinska University Hospital, XNK will perform a large-scale bioreactor culture study of AML patients' immune cells. These cells will be activated and expanded using XNK's proprietary technology. The study aims to further investigate the expansion procedure (NK cell growth) and to study the properties of the expanded NK cells with respect to their ability to kill the patient's own tumor cells ex vivo.

"We look forward to conducting this important study together with the group of Dr Martin Jadersten, Medical lead for AML at the Karolinska University Hospital. The study will evaluate our product candidate XNK02 as a novel therapy for patients with AML, for which new treatment modalities are desperately needed," said Dr Tim D'Alessandri, senior scientist and project leader at XNK.

The research collaboration complements the current collaboration with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to study XNK02 in AML patient material from various stages of the disease.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults. Globally, close to 200,000 new patients are diagnosed and about 150,000 will die from AML each year. In AML, the bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal immature blood cells, so called blasts, that can overcrowd the bone marrow and interfere with the production of healthy mature blood cells. This results in, for example, infections and anemia. The blasts can also spread to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system.

Current treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation and targeted therapy such as kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. The overall outcome for patients remains poor, relapse is common and 5-year survival rates are around 30%.

For more information, please contact:

Johan Liwing, CEO, XNK TherapeuticsTel: +46 706 70 36 75E-mail: johan.liwing@xnktherapeutics.com

About XNK Therapeutics AB

XNK Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunotherapy company focused on bringing new and more effective treatments to cancer patients. The company is at the forefront of autologous NK cell-based cell therapy development with a proprietary technology platform and a pipeline spanning both hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications. The most advanced product, evencaleucel, is in phase II studies in combination with the CD38 antibody isatuximab targeting multiple myeloma. Other programs include XNK02 in acute myeloid leukemia, currently in preclinical studies in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Karolinska University Hospital, XNK03 in bladder cancer, currently in preclinical studies in collaboration with the Karolinska University Hospital and XNK04 in liver cancer in collaboration with a global pharma company. XNK's efforts are supported by a dedicated team that includes world-renowned NK cell experts and an approved in-house GMP facility. XNK Therapeutics is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. For more info, please visit www.xnktherapeutics.com.

The following files are available for download:

View original content: https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xnk-therapeutics-enters-into-research-collaboration-with-karolinska-university-hospital-in-acute-myeloid-leukemia-aml-301908928.html
US Dollar to Yen Forecast: 148 in Next Three Months, says Rabobank's Foley

Posted by Dave Taylor on 29 Oct, 2023

While the US Dollar's strength is expected to dominate in the upcoming months, according to currency analysts at Rabobank, potential policy adjustments from the BoJ could support the psychological resistance around the USD/JPY150 mark. "Our forecast of a move back to USD/JPY 148 on a 3-month view, assumes further policy normalisation by the BoJ and continued speculation of a potential exit from negative rates in 2024," says Jane Foley, Senior FX Strategist at Rabobank. At the time of writing, the US Dollar to Yen exchange rate...

 US Dollar to Yen Forecast: 148 in Next Three Months, says Rabobank's Foley
Foreign exchange specialists at UOB forecast that the Australian Dollar (AUD) could decline to 0.6300 against the US Dollar (USD) if it remains below the 55-day exponential moving average at 0.6610.

They suggest the previous October low of 0.6170 is unlikely to be reached in the coming month.

However, the analysts note that surpassing the long-term resistance at 0.6810 in the upcoming quarters would indicate a reduced downside risk for the AUD/USD.

At the time of writing, the Australian US Dollar exchange rate (AUD/USD) is trading at 0.64442, 0.57% lower than the day's opening levels,.

"Looking ahead, as long as AUD/USD stays below the 55-day exponential moving average (currently at 0.6610), there is a chance for AUD/USD to drop to 0.6300 later on," says Quek Ser Leang, Markets Strategist at UOB.

This implies a potential drop of around 2.24% from the current exchange rate seen today for investors.

The analyst adds, "At this point in time, we do not foresee last Octs low of 0.6170 to come into view, at least not in the next month or so."

Such a decline would signify a 4.25% loss from the present AUDUSD rate.

Despite the downward pressure, there is a silver lining for the Australian dollar on a longer-term horizon.

"Projecting forward to the next couple of quarters, only a break of the critical long-term resistance (now near 0.6810) would suggest that the downside risk in AUD/USD has faded," the strategist points out.

This resistance level would translate to an impressive gain of approximately 5.68% from the current rate.

The recent history of the AUD/USD pair offers some context to Leang's analysis.

"As expected, AUD/USD fell as it broke below both targets of 0.6460 and 0.6400. The sharp decline appears to be overextended; if AUD/USD were to break above the 21-day ema, it would mean that the weakness has stabilised," says Leang.

This perspective showcases the currency pair's tendency to shift rapidly, but also hints at possible stabilisation if certain conditions are met.

The strategist then elucidates further on the AUD/USD's historical performance.

"When AUD/USD was trading at a higher level of 0.6565, in our Chart of the Day update on 07 Aug 2023, we highlighted that the breach of the trendline support combined with weekly MACD turning negative suggests there is room for AUD/USD to drop below Mays low near 0.6460.

This prediction materialised as the currency pair broke through two crucial support levels, which then culminated in reaching a low of 0.6365.

The current state of the Australian dollar, according to UOB's strategist, is such that the rapid descent from mid-July seems stretched.

"The sharp and swift decline from the mid-July peak of 0.6895 appears to be overextended," Leang notes.

"Notably, the daily RSI is rebounding from deeply oversold levels. In addition, downward momentum appears to be slowing."

These indicators point towards a potential relief for the AUD, but the currency remains fragile.

The 21-day exponential moving average stands as a benchmark for stability.

If the AUD/USD manages to surpass this level, currently at 0.6520, it may indicate that the recent downward trend has found its footing.

But with the Australian dollar's complexities, Leang offers investors a multifaceted lens.

While shorter-term signals like the daily RSI and the 21-day moving average provide insight into the currency's immediate path, longer-term indicators, like the 55-day and critical long-term resistance, paint a broader picture of potential long-term stability or volatility.
Rudy Giuliani is surrounded by media outside the Fulton County jail as he surrendered Aug. 23, 2023 on criminal charges. (Jill Nolin | Georgia Recorder)

Giuliani, 79, on Wednesday agreed to pay a $150,000 bond to be set free on a 13 count indictment that includes charges he violated Georgias Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, committed criminal conspiracy, made false statements and writings, and solicited public officials to violate their oath.

Trump is scheduled to turn himself into the Fulton County jail on Thursday on charges related to being one of the ringleaders in alleged criminal racketeering and conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia and several other states.

Prior to arriving in Atlanta to meet with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, Giuliani defended his involvement in attempting to persuade Georgia lawmakers to appoint an alternate slate of Republican electors to discredit Joe Bidens close win over the former president in 2020.

Giuliani on Wednesday claimed that his support for Trump was about protecting American rights and compared his actions to his tenure as U.S. attorney in the 1980s, when he took down criminal mafia organizations in New York.

Im fighting for justice as I have been from the first moment I represented Donald Trump and as a man who has now been proven innocent several times, he said in a brief appearance before the media in New York City before flying to a suburban Atlanta airport.

Giuliani also took aim at the indictment alleging that several of Trumps former campaign and personal attorneys were involved in a criminal conspiracy.

Its not accidental that theyve indicted all the lawyers, he said. Ive never heard of that before in America.

Now whether you dislike or you like Donald Trump, let me give you a warning theyre going to come for you, Giuliani said. When the political winds shift, as they always do, let us pray that Republicans are more honest, trustworthy, and more American than these people in charge of this government.

Three other former Trump attorneys Kenneth Chesebro, Ray Smith and Sidney Powell also turned themselves into the Fulton authorities on Wednesday after negotiating bond agreements.

On Wednesday, Chesebros lawyers filed a petition for a speedy trial on charges of violating the states racketeering act and criminal conspiracy. The charging document against Chesebro alleges that the former Trump campaign lawyer provided an alternate slate of Republican electors with the documents that were intended to be considered as legitimate electoral votes for Trump.

The post Giuliani surrenders at Fulton County Jail appeared first on Daily Montanan.
Hello, Northeast Ohio. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to speak at a conference for farm transition planners in Iowa. This conference brought together over 200 attorneys, tax specialists and other farm transition experts for learning, networking and idea sharing. This conference was sponsored by Iowa State University, the National Ag Law Center and Ohio State University.

While at the conference, I learned from professionals from around the country and was honored to present my thoughts on preparing farm families for the farm transition experience. I was able to share how OSU Extension is helping Ohio families develop transition and estate plans for their farms.

Farmers are very proficient at solving the day-to-day problems on their farms. When a problem arises, the cause is determined, potential solutions are developed and then action is taken. When it comes to fixing a broken piece of machinery or overcoming the latest crop disease or insect, the traditional problem-solving method works pretty efficiently and effectively.

However, farm succession does not always fit neatly into the see a problem and fix the problem process. So, what can be used to help farms start the process of planning for the future of their farm?

Appreciative Inquiry

In 2003, a team led by Chet Bowling, Marta Stone and Cheryle Jones Syracuse helped the Ashtabula County Commissioners vision for the future through the development of a county comprehensive plan. It was my first time to see a problem-solving method called Appreciative Inquiry used for futuristic planning.

The foundation of the AI process is collaboration. It builds on the positive aspects of a business rather than focusing solely on its problems and weaknesses. This approach can be a valuable and positive method for families as they plan for the succession of their farm to the next generation.

Often, we get the proverbial cart before the horse when it comes to succession and estate planning. We want to jump into the details of wills, trusts, business structures, transfer on death affidavits, probate, tax mitigation and how to divide the assets fairly before examining the long-term succession goals of the family.

Instead of jumping directly into estate planning, the AI approach starts with examining and appreciating the legacy of what has been (discovery phase) and then allows groups to envision what might be and dialogue about it (dream phase). This then leads to the family working collectively to plan what the future will be (design phase) and then ultimately to implementing the plan (destiny phase).

I encourage your family to think of how you can use the discovery and dream phases of appreciative inquiry to lay the foundation for developing your farm transition plan.

Discovery Phase

During this phase, family members come together to share stories and experiences of the farms successes and positive moments throughout its history. This allows everyone to acknowledge and appreciate the strengths, values and achievements that have contributed to the farms success.

What are your historical points of pride? What is your farms mission statement? I know of a farm family in Pandora, Ohio, that has its history on a hidden website that family members can access. It shares the family genealogy, 500 pages of a family members daily journal, and the history of their sugar camp, potato business and the construction details of the farmstead, barns, corn crib and sugar camp.

Dream Phase

In this phase, family members work together to envision the future they want for the farm. During this time, each member of your family shares their individual goals and aspirations for the farm. This could also be described as the brainstorming phase. Remember, in brainstorming, there are no wrong answers  just the generation of ideas.

In our OSU Extension workshops, we stress the importance of each generation having the ability to provide input. I think it will surprise you how much positive momentum can occur from everyones collective ideas.

So, as you embark on the farm transition and estate planning process, I encourage you to examine how appreciative inquiry can create a positive and collaborative environment for your planning. This will lead to a smoother and more successful transition of your farm to the next generation.

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you, just drop me a line at marrison.2@osu.edu or access our website at farmoffice.osu.edu

To close, I would like to share a quote from Jack Canfield who stated, By taking the time to stop and appreciate who you are and what youve achieved  and perhaps learned through a few mistakes, stumbles and losses  you actually can enhance everything about you. Self-acknowledgment and appreciation are what give you the insights and awareness to move forward toward higher goals and accomplishments.
There was a time when the U.S. Department of Agricultures August Crop Production report was more feared by American farmers than any paste-colored Soviet leader with a shaky finger near the nuclear launch button.

Now, however, the August report generates more yawns than yips.

So it was again Aug. 11 when USDAs first detailed look of the 2023 corn/soybean production year confirmed what most farmers already suspected: Almost everyone in American agriculture will be dealing with lower prices, shrinking profits and tighter belts for much of the upcoming marketing year.

Still even tougher  if not as well-reported  soybean market news arrived the same day in USDAs Foreign Agricultural Services Oilseeds: World Markets and Trade report.

Soybeans

The bad-news portion of that report showed just how little total U.S. soybean exports have moved compared to how far Brazilian soybean exports have soared since the 2020/21 crop year.

According to the FAS, this coming years U.S. soybean exports will extend their four-year slide from 61.6 million metric tons in 2020/21 to 49.7 mmt for 2023/24. That 11.9 mmt drop translates into 440 million bu. less U.S. soybeans going overseas this coming year than just four short years ago.

And its not because the world (principally, China) is importing fewer soybeans; total year-to-year world soybean imports are pretty stable at 165-166 mmt.

Brazils simple trick is no trick at all; it just takes market share, almost at will, through price. In 2020/21, for example, Brazil exported 81.6 mmt of soybeans. This coming year, FAS estimates Brazil will export a whopping 96.5 mmt, an increase of 545 million bu.  or 105 million bu. more than the total bushels lost by the U.S.  in the last four years.

Overall decline

Despite that loss, U.S. soybean exports are still in better shape in todays global market than other big American ag exports like corn, wheat, cotton and milled rice. In a striking and informative Aug. 11 video presentation by farmdocDAILY, Joana Colussi compared 2022 U.S. exports for the four crops to their 2017-2022 average exports.

The results were stark. U.S. corn exports last year were 25% lower than their five-year average, wheats 2022 exports were off 16%, cotton down 16%, and milled rice down 31%. Soybean exports over the same period were as flat as an anvil.

As revealing as those figures are, they are even worse when 2022 U.S. ag exports for all five crops are compared to what American export competitors sold. While our corn, wheat, cotton and rice exports were headed south, the rest of the world increased its 2017-2022 exports  mostly at our expense  of corn by 10%, wheat by 16%, and rice by 17%.

And our soy competitors? The rest of the world increased their collective soybean exports by 11% over the five marketing years while ours just held steady. (The competitors cotton exports fell 11% while ours was off 16%. Worldwide, cotton continues to fall out of favor.)

Growing concerns

All these numbers point to two growing worries for the Biden White House, Congress and U.S. farm and commodity groups.

First, given our coming, more-than-enough corn and soybean crops, sagging exports and bound-to-slip prices, the Biden Administration will be under increasing pressure to come up with creative ways to boost farm program payments when farm income inevitably slides and election-year politics just as inevitably pick up steam.

Second, how much more hard evidence do farm groups and Farm Bill writers need before they acknowledge that yesterdays export-directed, revenue insurance-heavy Farm Bills need revision for U.S. farmers to compete in todays changing global markets?

And, no, Americas days as a major ag exporter arent over, but its days as the dominant player in the global corn, cotton, wheat, and rice markets likely are even as it clings to its part of the global soy market.

A forward-thinking farm bill would recognize that plain fact even if we choose not to.
PERRYSVILLE, Ohio  The Second Annual Bigfoot Basecamp Weekend returns to Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Districts Pleasant Hill Lake Park Oct. 5-8.

Matt Moneymaker, founder and president of the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) and co-host of Finding Bigfoot on Animal Planet Channel will be the special guest for the weekend.

Moneymaker will host a dinner and presentation Oct. 5, along with a campfire BFRO speakers, activities for children and a movie under the stars. Saturdays activities will include a community town hall with Moneymaker, BFRO investigator presentations, Bigfoot author book signings, guided pontoon tours, Bigfoot T-Shirt tie dye and a casting class.

Ohio now ranks fourth in the U.S. with more than 321 BFRO reported sightings, Only Washington, California, and Florida tallied more total Bigfoot reports. Locally, Ashland County has nine reported sightings and Richland County has four reported encounters, according to the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization.

The weekend will feature family-friendly events, food trucks, Bigfoot souvenirs, a caricature artist and Bigfoot Bigfoot-themed movie at the Lake. Reservations are required for the VIP dinner and select scheduled events. More information, a detailed schedule and tickets can be purchased online at MWCD.org/Bigfoot.

The BFRO site is the only collection of bigfoot reports from across North America that have been investigated by researchers to determine credibility. The BFRO has a large network of experienced volunteer investigators across the U.S. and Canada who use various methods to determine the credibility of reports.
COLUMBUS  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry invites the public to attend an in-person open house to learn more about the Annual Work Plan for State Forests. Three open house events are scheduled for Sept. 12, 13 and 14.

The Division of Forestrys managers and foresters develop an annual work plan to guide specific management activities for 24 state forests in Ohio. This work plan encompasses more than 200,000 acres combined.

The open house events provide opportunities for the public to ask questions and comment on Ohios plans for sustainable forestry, which include recreation, treating invasive species, prescribed burning, and timber cruising and harvesting.

Ohio Division of Forestrys 2023 Open House events are as follows:

 Southeastern District, Athens Headquarters: Sept. 12, 4:306:30 p.m., 360 E. State Street, Athens, Ohio. For more information, call 740-272-8519.

 Southern District, Chillicothe Headquarters: Sept. 13, 4:306:30 p.m., 345 Allen Ave., Chillicothe, Ohio. For more information, call 740-774-1596.

 Northern District, Loudonville Library: Sept. 14, 4:306:30 p.m., 122 E Main Street, Loudonville, Ohio. For more information, call 419-424-5004.

Open house information and the draft Annual Work Plan for State Forests are posted on the Division of Forestrys State Forest Plans webpage.

If you would like to submit written comments, send an email with your name to: DNR-stateforestworkplancomments@dnr.ohio.gov.

Comments will be accepted through Oct. 9, at which time they will be considered as the plans are finalized.
CLINTON, Pa.  Don and Barb Craig were not interested in leasing their farmland for solar energy. The couple ignored the letters in the mail and the phone calls that came next.

It wasnt until their neighbor stopped by that they thought twice about the land agents who had been hounding them with offers to lease their land.

Duane Miller had been carefully considering the offers for solar leases from the land agents. He had solar panels powering his farm already, so he was keenly interested in leasing his land for large-scale solar development. Miller needed the Craigs to sign up their abutting land in order for a project to move forward.

I said, If theyre that interested, theyll show up at the door, Don recalled telling Miller. A few days later, an agent knocked on the front door, Don Craig said.

That was more than five years ago. Now the Craigs and Millers land is a sea of glass solar panels, producing an estimated 35,700 megawatt hours of electricity to the University of Pittsburgh each year to help it reach its sustainability goals. The solar farm consists of 55,000 panels spread across 68 acres on the line between Beaver and Allegheny counties.

Representatives from Vesper Energy, the company that developed and operates the project, and the University of Pittsburgh cut a ribbon during a ceremony Aug. 16 to celebrate the projects completion.

Our partnership with Vesper on the Gaucho solar array demonstrates Pitts commitment to not just purchasing renewable electricity, but purchasing local renewable electricity that has cascading local, economic and environmental benefits, said Aurora Sharrard, Pitts Executive Director of Sustainability.

The project is the first Vesper has completed in western Pennsylvania. The Dallas-based energy company is developing another solar project in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania.

The University of Pittsburgh, through a power purchasing agreement, will buy all of the power generated by the array for the next 20 years. The facility will provide about 18% of the universitys electrical needs and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 15,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide each year, said Scott Bernotas, Pitts Vice Chancellor of Facilities Management.

Decisions

The project represents more than just Pitts desire to reach carbon neutrality by 2037. For the Craig family, it represents a way to retire comfortably, something few farmers get to do these days.

Don Craigs father, Harry, bought the farm in 1954. He worked as a coal miner and ran the farm on the side. Don Craig took it over in 1974 and turned it into a dairy farm. The farm grew over the years. They added a free-stall barn and a milking parlor. At one point they were milking up to 110 cows, Barb Craig said.

The couple raised three children on the farm. One of their sons, Don Jr., was slated to take over the farm from his parents, but he died in a motorcycle accident in 2007.

They were milking about 75 cows at the time they sold the milking herd. The entire herd went to a farm near Somerset, Pennsylvania in December 2021.

I miss the cows, Don Craig said. I dont miss the milking schedule.

The decision to get out of dairy farming wasnt easy, nor was it simple. Don and Barb loved the cows and loved the work, but they were both getting older. Their other children had no interest in taking over the farm. The solar lease wasnt the only reason they sold the herd, but it played a part.

The steady income from a solar lease, spread out over 30 years, would give them stability to retire and continue farming, albeit at a slower pace. Theyd also started getting royalty payments from a nearby gas well, drilled by Range Resources.

Advice

Don Craig still farms about 500 acres. He has a few beef cattle, too. He has some advice for other farmers or landowners considering a solar lease.

Get someone to negotiate for you that knows the situation, he said. He got a few conditions added to his contract to allow him to continue farming his land, but in retrospect, he wouldve liked another set of knowledgeable eyes to look at the contract and advocate on his behalf.

One of the conditions for the Craigs to sign the lease was that he needed access to fields that lay behind the proposed solar array. The layout of the solar field landlocked some of his corn fields. Don Craig said it was a sticking point during negotiations, as landowners are typically not allowed access to leased land once construction is underway.

Eventually, he got a 50-foot right of way through the solar facility to get to his fields and a gate leading straight from his farm into the array. The access road through the solar panels is wide enough for Don to get his combine and other large equipment through without damaging the panels.
An annual campaign will put a spotlight on the progress being made by the dairy industry to ensure all dairy-bred calves are reared with care and for a purpose.

Great British Calf Week, from 13-20 September, will showcase interactive events hosted by industry stakeholders, ranging from farm open days to panel sessions, podcasts and webinars.

The week-long campaign for 2023 will focus around two themes: dairy beef genetics and TB calves.

The week aims to celebrate the progress that the industry has made since the launch of the GB Dairy Calf Strategy in 2020.

Since the launch of the strategy three years ago, strides have been made across the supply chain to implement breeding strategies which rear all healthy calves with care and for a purpose.

This includes an increase in the use of sexed dairy semen, from 31.9% in 2019 to 76.5% in 2023.

In the run up to this years event, NFU dairy board chair, Michael Oakes said: As an industry, we have seen significant progress under the GB Calf Strategy.

Since 2020, there have been a number of commitments made across both the beef and dairy supply chains to better integrate the two, and help ensure, as dairy farmers, we are rearing calves with an end market in mind.

As we approach the end of the initiatives final year, we need to continue working together to identify market opportunities and help ensure we are maximising the value of each calf to optimise returns.

At the outset of the GB Calf Strategy, a Bovine bTB Subgroup was established to help increase access for TB restricted cattle into licenced TB units.

The group, comprising the NFU, NFU Cymru, Defra, APHA, Welsh government, and representatives from the dairy and beef supply chains, have worked to try to overcome some of the red tape and barriers impacting producers affected by TB.

Great British Calf Week will begin at UK Dairy Day in Telford with a breakfast launch on the NFU stand H119 at 9am followed by two seminar sessions later in the day.
A US agriculture foundation has provided UK-based Country Trust with a 78,000 grant to support the expansion of its educational farm programme.

The AGCO Agriculture Foundation, which aims to prevent and relieve hunger through sustainable agriculture development, has announced the grant.

It has provided a $100,000 (78,000) grant to Country Trust, an educational charity connecting disadvantaged children with food and farming.

Last year, 20,000 children from disadvantaged communities visited a working farm with the charity.

The grant aims to enhance the growth of the farm discovery programme and enable thousands of children from disadvantaged areas to explore working farms.

Roger Batkin, chair of the Foundation, said: "Supporting our youths connection to farming requires us to sow the seeds of inspiration and embrace new knowledge through farm visits, cultivating a sustainable future for our world.

"Driven by our farmer-focused solutions to sustainably feed the world, AGCO Agriculture Foundation remain committed to supporting the next generation to understand agriculture and food production from farm to table."

The on-farm experience will teach students about climate change, soil health, crop production, agricultural technology, food nutrition and other agricultural-related topics.

The funding will also provide up to 70 teachers with access to resources and digital activities to sustain the impact of the farm discovery programme.

Jill Attenborough, CEO of the Country Trust, said: "We are facing significant environmental, health and educational challenges, the impacts of which fall disproportionately on the poorest in our society.

"We urgently need to enable the next generation to forge a strong connection with the land, our life support system and to help them acquire the knowledge and skills that will enable them to thrive."
A farm has been fined 60,000 following the death of a father-of-three who was electrocuted by an overhead power line.

Patrick Paddy Rice was fatally electrocuted on 13 May 2021 while operating a tipper lorry at VB Farms LLPs Littlecombe Farm in Crediton, Devon.

Paddys mother says her family have been traumatised and deeply shocked since the 43-year-old lost his life.

Employed by Langford Plant Hire, Paddy, who was from Crediton, was delivering stone that was going to be used to repair farm tracks by VB Farms LLP.

The hydraulic arm of the tipper lorry came into contact with an 11kV overhead power line. He was electrocuted after exiting the lorry.

A Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation into the incident found VB Farms LLP failed to carry out an assessment of how the work could be completed safely and did not consider the dangers involved with working near an overhead power line.

Overhead power lines typically carry electricity at voltages similar to the 11 kV in this case, but can go up to 400 kV.

The UK's workplace regulator said it was also concerned about a nationwide trend of farm machinery getting bigger, increasing the risk of contact with power lines.

Fran Rice, Paddys mother, said in a statement presented to the court: Paddy was an extremely practical person. He had loads of friends and was very popular and liked adventures.

Since the loss of Paddy, we are all traumatised and deeply shocked. It has all been hazy. We find it difficult to talk about what happened, Gordon, Paddys dad, does not talk a lot about it.

"We are living in a life that is carrying on and ours isnt, we are not fitting in, we go out and want to enjoy what we do but it is never quite there.

Michele Webber, Paddys partner, said in her victim personal statement: When the accident happened, I was off work for about five months.

"My memory is terrible since it happened and I am stuck on the day of the accident. I feel like I have no purpose or joy and no future.

VB Farms LLP, of Love Street, Chester, was found guilty of breaching work regulations following a trial at Exeter Magistrates Court.

The company was fined 60,000 and ordered to pay costs of 11,715 on 17 August 2023.

HSE inspector James Collins said: This was a tragic and wholly avoidable incident  another sad reminder of the dangers of overhead power lines.

"Paddys death could easily have been prevented if VB Farms LLP had acted to manage the risks involved and put in place a safe system of work.
The Wildlife Trusts has unveiled a new 6m ecological restoration fund to support rewilding projects across the UK.

The programme, entitled 'Transforming Natures Recovery', aims to boost UK nature and help reverse 'catastrophic declines' in wildlife.

Figures show more than 40% of species in the UK are in decline and over 15% are threatened with extinction.

The charity said rivers "are dying from agricultural and sewage pollution, and many people suffer from lack of access to nature".

Funding will contribute towards applications and release programmes of 'free-living' beavers to restore wetlands and low-level grazing, alongside Exmoor ponies, Welsh blacks, and highland cows.

The programme will also seek to create bigger and more connected wild areas "to allow natural processes to help restore natures abundance, resilience and diversity".

The charity will also launch a landscape recovery programme along Hadrians Wall, back projects in Hertfordshire, the Welsh Marches, Peak District, and Northern Ireland, and complement nature recovery work across the River Severn catchment.

The programme is designed to help the UK achieve its existing target of protecting at least 30% of land and sea by 2030 and reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Dr Rob Stoneman, director of landscape recovery at the Wildlife Trusts, said: Our bold approach to nature recovery is a highly necessary change of gear that will benefit every single one of us.

"Restoring and expanding wild places tackles problems of flooding, drought and pollinator decline; this is critical for farming, healthier rivers and seas, and adapting to the changing climate.

"We must create a place where wildlife, farming and people thrive together; where beavers work their magic and benefit communities; where seas are abundant with marine wildlife, and where theres easy access to nature to improve peoples lives.

"This game-changing donation from the Ecological Restoration Fund will bolster our work when nature needs us most.
Donald Trump has questioned whether Joe Biden is physically able to run in the 2024 presidential election.

Donald Trump has launched an excoriating attack on Joe Biden

The former US president launched a scathing attack on his successor's mental and physical status and suggested that Biden "can't put two sentences together" and "can't walk".

In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson - on the same night that his Republican rivals took part in the first TV debate of the campaign - Trump said: "I don't think he gets to the starting gate, but these people do miracles.

"I think he's worse mentally than he is physically, and physically, he's not exactly a triathlete, or any kind of athlete.

"You look at him and he can't walk to the helicopter. He can't lift his feet out of the grass. It's only two inches at the White House (but) it looks like he's walking on toothpicks."

Trump also dramatically hinted that he could be assassinated by political opponents who are trying to stop him from returning to the White House.

He said in the interview: "Honestly, they're savage animals. They are people that are sick, really sick. You have got people in the Democrat Party, you have great people that are Democrats, most of the people in our country are fantastic.

"And I'm representing everybody. I'm not just Republicans. But I represent everybody - the president of everybody. But I've seen what they do. I've seen the lengths they go to."
Amber Heard will not be prosecuted over the illegal importation of her two dogs into Australia eight years ago.

Amber Heard will face no further charges over the incident eight years ago

The Australian Government's Department of Agriculture confirmed on Tuesday (22.08.23) that the 'Aquaman' actress will face no further charges regarding the 2015 incident.

The government said in a statement: "The department collaborated with agencies, both in Australia and overseas, to investigate these claims against Ms. Heard.

"A brief of evidence was referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, who has made the decision not to prosecute in this instance having applied the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth."

The 37-year-old star was still married to her ex-husband Johnny Depp, 60, in May 2015 when she brought their two Yorkshire Terriers, Pistol and Boo, into the country without declaring the pets, despite the country having a strict quarantine policy.

The dogs failed to go through customs and adhere to Australia's 10-day quarantine rule, and in July 2015, Amber was charged with two counts of illegally importing the animals.

After she pleaded guilty to falsifying travel documents in court the case was closed, with the then-couple filming an apology video in which the Pirates of the Caribbean' actor urged viewers to declare everything.

Johnny told the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show about the incident in September 2015: "We were under the impression we had all the paperwork done for the dogs. We were there with the dogs in front of everybody."

The video apology came a year later, in which she added she was truly sorry for not following the dog declaration rules.

Despite the case being declared closed, a spokesperson for Australia's Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment told E! News in October 2021 that it was seeking to obtain witness statements and once obtained, the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions will consider whether the evidence is sufficient to warrant pursuance of the matter."

Because of the country's biosecurity laws, the charges could have seen Amber face 10 years in prison and slapped with a $75,000 fine, while the false document charge would have added a year in prison and a fine of $7,500.
Danny Trejo is celebrating 55 years "clean and sober".

Danny Trejo celebrating 55 years sober

The 79-year-old actor has been sober since 1969 and took to Twitter on Wednesday (23.08.23) to celebrate the momentous anniversary.

He posted a smiling picture of himself and wrote: "I'm 55 years clean and sober today by the grace of God! I've done this one day at a time, and for anyone out there struggling YOU CAN TOO!"

Danny - who grew up in a troubled home in Pacoima, California - spent more than a decade in and out of prison for armed robberies and drug-related offences in his youth.

After hitting a prison guard in the head with a rock while trying to throw it at other inmates, he was warned he could face the death penalty for attempted murder.

Danny previously told The Guardian: "I was throwing it at a group of guys and he happened to be hit.

"So we all had gas-chamber offences, and we were taken to the hole and I remember saying: 'God, if you're there, everything will turn out the way it's supposed to. If you're not, I'm f*****.'"

Danny's prayers were answered and the case was dropped, leading him to turn over a new leaf.

Meanwhile, he recently offered to pay $800,000 per year for the next five years to settle his debts.

The 'Spy Kids' actor filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, listing $2.2 million in assets and $3.6 million in liabilities, which were largely in back taxes that the star said was caused by the IRS taking improper deductions for years.

And, according to RadarOnline.com, Danny proposed a repayment plan that would see him make payments totalling $800,000 per year until early 2028 as part of his Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is often referred to as reorganisation bankruptcyand lets a company stay active while it restructure itself.

Danny's case covers the actor individually, and doesn't include his successful business ventures including stakes in a coffee/donut shop, a taco restaurant, and a record label.

Court records show the 'Desperado' star's monthly income is $165,000 and his expenses over the same period total around $14,000.

The veteran star's assets include a $1.2 million home in Mission Hills, California, and a second property in the state, worth $750,000, in the Pacoima area.

In addition, the 'Machete' actor has a fleet of cars, including a 1942 Chevrolet Master Deluxe worth $10k, a 1976 Cadillac Seville 4D worth $12k, a 1998 Cadillac Eldorado 2d worth $5k, a 2001 Cadillac Eldorado 2D worth $7,500, a 1961 Ford Truck worth $15k, a 2006 Range Rover worth$6k, a 1997 Cadillac Eldorado worth $2k, a 2005 Ford Truck worth $8k, and a 2006 Mercedes Benz worth $12,500, as well as a Harley Davidson motorcycle worth $7,500.
Lottie Moss has a "special connection" with Adam Collard.

Lottie Moss is dating the reality star

The 25-year-old beauty has confirmed that she's dating the reality TV star, who rose to fame when he appeared on the UK version of 'Love Island'.

During an appearance on the 'Chloe Vs The World' podcast, Lottie shared: "When I first saw Adam I was like nah, he's not my type. Literally not my type at all and then bam."

Lottie described Adam, 27, as being "handsome" - but she also feels they've developed a strong bond in a relatively short period of time.

She said: "He's very charming, he's handsome obviously 6'5, I like the tattoos.

"It's weird we just have a connection, even the height the tattoos wouldn't have been enough but we have a special connection."

Asked if they're a "soppy" couple, Lottie replied: "You know what, he is actually quite soppy when it is one on one, he's just cute. We'll have a cuddle and he'll be lying on me and likes being stroked like a puppy.

"I think it's just when you meet somebody and you feel that way, I've never been like that with guys, like I'd say get the f*** off me now but when you feel like that about someone and it is so rare that it is mutual, so when you find that it's so nice."

Lottie previously hinted at their romance, revealing that they "really care" about one another.

The blonde beauty - who is the half-sister of model Kate Moss - told The Sun newspaper: "Well he's a lovely guy. We really care about each other."

Asked if a romance could be on the cards, Lottie replied: "There could be. You never know. You never know."
Sofia Coppola has always been looked at "in a different way" as the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola.

Sofia Coppola has discussed the influence of her dad

The 52-year-old filmmaker has directed the new movie 'Priscilla' - which is based on the life of Priscilla Presley, Elvis Presley's ex-wife - and Sofia admits that she can relate to the story, having grown up in the shadow of her dad, who directed movies such as 'The Godfather' and 'Apocalypse Now'.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Sofia explained: "I was struck by how much I connected with it emotionally. I thought it was just going to be a fun adventure, and I was surprised by how relatable her story was."

The acclaimed director described her dad as a "big personality" and a "great artist".

Sofia - whose other film credits include 'Lost in Translation' and 'The Virgin Suicides' - said: "I know from my family what its like to be inside a show business family.

"I know that growing up, people are looking at you in a different way. And also living in a house with my dad, this big personality, a great artist and a lot of our life revolving around that. And seeing my moms life, how she was trying to find her way within his, I could relate to that."

Sofia's new movie was inspired by the 1985 book 'Elvis and Me', and she jumped at the opportunity to direct the new film.

The award-winning filmmaker said: "Her story was so vivid in my mind and the visuals of that world, Memphis, the 60s. Its so American. And I always like themes about finding ones identity and teenage girls growing into adulthood."
Vanessa and Nick Lachey feel "unstoppable" as a partnership.

Nick and Vanessa Lachey have been married since 2011

The 42-year-old actress and Nick have been married since 2011, and although their romance hasn't been entirely straightforward, Vanessa thinks they make a great partnership.

During a new clip from the Netflix series 'The Ultimatum' - which has been shared with Us Weekly - Vanessa told the cast: "Nick and I have been together for 16 years and we know each other. Married for 11. But its so funny that for some reason we dont learn more about each other until were in, like, a therapy session.

"We do not need to get into this, but it messes with your relationship. And the reason why Im choking up is because Ive had to get through so much s*** to be the best woman for [Nick]  To find that person, that I can trust and that can carry me through, is what made us unstoppable."

In July, Nick took to social media to thank his wife for 12 "incredible" years together.

The 49-year-old star - who has Camden, ten, Brooklyn, eight, and Phoenix, six, with his wife - praised Vanessa for working through the "tough times".

Alongside a series of throwback photos from their wedding day, he wrote on Instagram: "Vanessa, not a day goes by that Im not grateful for your love, your patience, your understanding, your fight and determination, your support, and your willingness to always work through the tough times. While we dont always have it all figured out, nor claim to, we know that together we can find our way.

"I love you baby!! Thanks for twelve incredible, exciting, unpredictably wonderful years together. Heres to many, many more (sic)"
Australia has worked successfully to bring the Great Barrier Reef off the UNESCO Heritage danger list



The Great Barrier Reef off Australia is the largest coral reef system in the world. Stretching for over 2,300 kilometres, the reef encompasses over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. This marine ecosystem is one of the most popular attractions Down Under and for good reason  it is a fascinating underwater world that nature enthusiasts and visitors cannot get enough of.



The reef used to be considered under serious threat due to pollution, coral bleaching events and ocean warming, so much so that the UNESCO committee had placed it on the danger list. However, there has recently been heartening news connected with this natural wonder. UNESCO has removed the Great Barrier Reef from the danger list and commended the actions of the government of Australia and its commitment to improving the health of the reef.







The country has been working hard to have the Great Barrier Reef taken off the danger list. Being on the danger list comes with the risk of the natural attraction losing its heritage status, which, in turn, would have impacted the reefs reputation as one of Australias key draws. The Great Barrier Reef supports 64,000 jobs and contributes Australian $ 6 billion to the countrys economy.



The turnaround has come due to progress made in sustainable fishing, improved water quality, and in measures related to mitigating climate change. However, since the reef is not yet in the clear, the Australian government will spend A$1.2 billion to protect the reef and keep it off the endangered list.



Images: Shutterstock



Also Read: Now Transit In Egypt For 96 Hours For Free!


Brunei, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia recently signed the second protocol to amend the agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA).

Economic ministers from the four countries gathered at the sidelines of the 28th ASEAN Economic MinistersCloser Economic Relations (AEM-CER) Consultation in Semarang, Indonesia on August 22 to sign the agreement.

Brunei, Indonesia, New Zealand and Australia recently signed the second protocol to amend the agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area on the sidelines of an ASEAN meeting in Semarang, Indonesia. The upgrade helps strengthen supply chain resilience, digital technology adoption, and cooperation on trade and sustainable development.

Brunei is the ASEAN country coordinator for AANZFTA and Indonesia is the ASEAN chair for this year.

The signing was the result of three years of negotiations to upgrade the agreement establishing the AANZFTA.

The upgrade is a significant milestone towards ensuring that the AANZFTA remains of high-quality, responsive to emerging challenges, takes into account modern trade practices and remains commercially meaningful to businesses in the region, a joint statement said.

In addition, it was intended to maximise AANZFTAs synergies and complementarities with other regional trade initiatives for resilient and inclusive growth in the region.

The upgrade helps strengthen supply chain resilience, digital technology adoption, cooperation on trade and sustainable development, inclusive trade and transparency to boost investors confidence in the region.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
German exports to non-European Union (EU) countries faced a decrease of 2.9 per cent month-on-month (MoM) in July 2023, as per the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). The value of exports to third countries amounted to 59.0 billion after seasonal and calendar adjustments.

Despite the monthly drop, the figures showed a slight improvement on the same month a year earlier, with an increase of 1.1 per cent on a calendar and seasonally adjusted basis, and a 1.2 per cent increase in original values, Destatis said in a press release.

German exports to non-EU countries declined 2.9 per cent month-on-month in July 2023, totalling 59.0 billion after adjustments, as per Destatis. Despite this drop, there was a slight year-on-year increase of 1.1 per cent on a seasonally adjusted basis and 1.2 per cent in original values. Destatis suggests the decline may reflect global trade dynamics.

The decline in July comes after previous gains and could reflect challenges in global trade dynamics or other economic factors impacting Germanys export activities.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (NB)
Urvashi Rautela is an enigma of sorts. Not only has she conquered many territories on her home turf, but she has also had several milestones achieved Internationally too. The beauty pageant winner recently attended Cannes too and had only the most wonderful things to say about her experience. Gracing the August 2023 Digital cover for Filmfare, she gets candid about her beauty secrets and regimen which is an inspiration to many and more.My experience attending the Cannes Film Festival was quite remarkable. Being part of such a prestigious and internationally renowned event provided me with a unique platform to showcase my talents on a global stage. I interacted with fellow actors, directors, and industry professionals from around the world, fostering valuable connections and gaining insights into the global film scene. This experience has given me the opportunity to contribute to the growing recognition of Indian talent and cinema on the global map. Also, most importantly, I was really overwhelmed to know from my friend Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere from Paris that I had topped EMV earned media value 2023 with $22.4 million earned media value at the Cannes Film Festival, beating kpop and Hollywood artists.I feel a sense of solidarity and joy when fellow countrymen or colleagues receive recognition at prestigious events like the Cannes Film Festival. Such achievements not only elevate the profile of Indian cinema on the global stage but also indicate progress and increased representation. As a member of the industry myself, I take pride in the growing diversity of talent being acknowledged and celebrated at such renowned platforms.Winning international beauty titles has been a source of immense pride and accomplishment for me and my family. Such achievements often symbolise the recognition of my hard work, dedication, and talent on a global stage. Representing my country and winning these titles have given me a sense of responsibility to use her platform for positive impact and to promote various causes. The feeling of making my country proud brought a mix of emotions, including joy, gratitude, and a heightened sense of purpose in my career. As an actor, I love the ability to immerse myself in different characters and bring stories to life. Acting allows you to explore diverse emotions, experiences, and perspectives, enabling you to connect with audiences on an emotional level.Confidence and elegance define my style. I embrace bold fashion choices while staying true to my individuality. With every outfit, I aim to exude poise and grace, leaving a lasting impression wherever I go. My style is an artistic expression of modern sophistication. I curate a blend of high fashion and individuality, pushing boundaries while maintaining an air of effortless elegance. Each ensemble I choose tells a unique story, showcasing my passion for creativity and innovation in the world of fashion.My biggest fashion inspirations include Gianni Versace, who laid the foundation for the iconic Versace brand. also draw inspiration from contemporary designers like Tom Ford and Alexander Wang, who share a bold and innovative approach to fashion. Moreover, cultural influences, art, and architecture play a significant role in shaping your designs, resulting in the bold and vibrant style that characterises Versace. I also love designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Alexander McQueen, and Valentino, who are known for their innovation and creativity. I also draw inspiration from international style icons like Anna Dello Russo and Olivia Palermo, who are recognised for their impeccable taste and ability to set trends.There was excitement about taking on a more serious and intense character, as well as the opportunity to showcase my versatility as an actress. It was a transformative experience for me as I explored a different aspect of her acting skills and worked alongside a talented actor like Randeep Hooda. I played a real-life character and went through thorough research to understand the character's background, personality, and experiences.I am optimistic and excited about the potential to explore diverse roles, work with renowned directors, and make a lasting impact on both industries. I am looking forward to exploring a diverse range of characters that challenge my acting skills and allow me to showcase my versatility. As for the fashion industry, I see myself continuing to make bold style statements, collaborating with renowned designers, and becoming an even stronger trendsetter. I am also enthusiastic about leveraging my platform to advocate for meaningful causes and inspire fans. Whether it's through her acting or fashion choices, I aim to leave a positive impact and contribute to the evolution of both industries.Oil pulling: Swishing coconut or sesame oil in the mouth for a few minutes daily is believed to improve oral hygiene and promote overall health.Turmeric Face Mask: Mixing turmeric with ingredients like honey or yoghurt to create a face mask is thought to enhance the skin's radiance and combat blemishes.Rose Water for Eyes: Applying rose water-soaked cotton pads over closed eyes can help soothe and refresh tired eyes.Amla (Indian Gooseberry) for Hair: Amla is often used in hair masks or oils to promote hair growth, prevent greying, and enhance the overall health of the hair.Sandalwood Paste: Applying sandalwood paste to the skin can help cool and soothe irritated skin while promoting an even complexion.Herbal Teas: Drinking herbal teas like ginger, tulsi (holy basil), and neem can help detoxify the body and improve skin health.Dry brushing: Gently brushing the skin with a natural bristle brush is believed to exfoliate dead skin cells and promote circulation.Ayurvedic Oils: Using oils like sesame, coconut, or almond for self-massage (abhyanga) is said to balance the doshas and improve skin texture.Glacier Water Splash: Using cold glacier water to splash your face in the morning can invigorate the skin, tighten pores, and provide a refreshing start to the day.Edelweiss Extract: Edelweiss is a flower that grows in the Swiss Alps and is known for its antioxidant properties. Skincare products containing edelweiss extract can help protect the skin from environmental stressors.Alpine Herbal Baths: Enjoying herbal baths with alpine botanicals like lavender, chamomile, and thyme can relax the body and promote healthy skin.Double Cleansing: Korean skincare emphasises double cleansing, starting with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup and sunscreen, followed by a water-based cleanser to clean the skin.Sheet Masks: Sheet masks soaked in various serums are a staple of Korean skincare routines. They provide intense hydration and address specific skin concerns.7 Skin Method: This involves layering a hydrating toner or essence seven times to deeply hydrate the skin and create a plump, radiant complexion.Gua Sha Massage: Using a Gua Sha tool to massage the face can help improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and promote a more sculpted appearance.Cushion Compacts: Cushion compacts are popular in Korean makeup. They contain liquid foundation or BB cream and come with an applicator puff for easy on-the-go touch-ups.Sleeping Masks: Sleeping masks are applied before bed and left on overnight. They provide intense hydration and nourishment while you sleep.
Nitesh Tiwaris speculated Ramayan has sparked speculation due to its star-studded cast. The film - Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Yash. Bhatt was expected to play Sita but it looks like she wont be playing the part.As per a new report in a leading news portal, Alia Bhatt is no longer a part of Nitesh Tiwaris Ramayan. The actress has opted out of the project owing to a scheduling conflict. The report also mentions that Ranbir Kapoor is still a part of the project.Early reports suggested that Ranbir Kapoor will play Ram while Yash is roped in to play Raavan. Yash is still in the process of being finalised in the film. Ramayan is reportedly a three-part movie that will go into production by the end of the year. However, the project has not been finalised.Alia Bhatt was last seen in Heart of Stone, a spy thriller starring Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan. The film which was released last month, marks her Hollywood debut.
Imran Khan fans frequently say that they miss the "era of Imran Khan Bollywood romcoms." Fans were won over by the actor's boy-next-door charm in films such as Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Meri Brother Ki Dulhan, and Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, among others. He is also remembered for his outstanding performances in the films Delhi Belly and Break Ke Baad. While he took a break from acting following Katti Batti, in which he co-starred with Kangana Ranaut, Imran recently teased his return in a comment on Zeenat Aman's Instagram post.



He has now taken to Instagram to reflect on the good old days of 2010. He shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos from the sets of Break Ke Baad and wrote about his experiences in Mauritius during the summer of 2010. Every day, he revealed, they ate an abundance of seafood, drank potent Mauritian rum, and formed lifelong friendships. The note stated, In the summer of 2010, I went to Mauritius to shoot Break ke Baad. We swam every day, ate a lot of seafood, sampled Mauritian rum (potent), and made some friends for life. It was a blast. Apparently, in between all the revelries, we managed to make a film as well. This one always had a special place in my heart, because of how much I enjoyed making it. I cant show you many of the behind the scenes photographs, as it may compromise the modesty of certain individuals but heres a glimpse."




After running for eight seasons, The Vampire Diaries came to an end on March 10, 2017, having premiered on The CW on September 10, 2009. After running for eight seasons, The Vampire Diaries came to an end on March 10, 2017, having premiered on The CW on September 10, 2009.

Paul Wesley, who starred in the popular fantasy drama The Vampire Diaries from 2009 to 2017 alongside Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder, captured the hearts of many. The show revolves around Elena (played by Nina Dobrev) as she navigates a complicated love triangle with two vampire brothers (portrayed by Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder) in the small town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, while facing various dangers and challenges. Although the chemistry between Paul and Nina was well-received by the audience, it may come as a surprise that Paul had intentionally ignored his co-star before their auditions as a strategy to enhance their on-screen chemistry.In a recent podcast interview, Paul said, "I had a real specific approach. Nina, who was already cast as the lead, was there, and everybody in that audition room during that process was kissing her ass because she was in the hallways. Everyone was going up to her and saying hi. And I was like, Fk that. Im not going to look her in the eye, and Im also not going to introduce myself. Im just gonna sit in the corner."Paul Wesley revealed that he got the inspiration for his action from how his and Nina's story began in The Vampire Diaries. He clarified that he didn't do it to avoid being impolite but because their characters were not supposed to know each other in the scene. He noted, "Its supposed to be a mystery. We were supposed to meet for the first time. We were supposed to meet at that exact moment." Hence, he wanted the audition moment to be unique, where Nina could get to know him, staying true to the storyline.The actor revealed that his initial acting method caused Nina Dobrev to have a negative first impression of him. He explained that Nina still remembers the incident when she attempted to introduce herself, but he ignored her, leading her to believe he was arrogant. Recounting his audition, the actor described it as a magical moment that was felt by everyone present, including the studio executives, which ultimately helped him secure the role.
critic's rating: 3.0/5

Trailer : Retribution

In most films starring Liam Neeson of late, we see him running towards danger in order to save his loved ones. The premise of the present film, which is an official remake of 2015 Spanish film El Desconocido, is just that. The only change is here hes running away from danger. Or trying to, at least. Much like Speed (1994), which had a bomb strapped to a bus, Retribution has a bomb strapped under the seats of a car. The bomb is both remote controlled and is pressure controlled so no one can get away from their seats.Liam Neeson plays Matt Turner, a businessman who is so busy cracking deals he has no time for his wife or kids. Hes forever on the phone, trying to land one deal after another. The film does start with him sparring with a punching bag like a pro but thats about the only physical thing he does in the film. He isnt bashing up the baddies like in his Taken franchise, sorry. His long suffering wife Heather (Embeth Davidtz) asks him to drop the kids to school and Matt, who isnt dad of the year by a long shot, grudgingly agrees to do so. His kids  teenage son (Jack Champion) and younger daughter (Lilly Aspell) live in their own world and like most teenagers are glued to their phones. In fact, one of the most daunting tasks he has to do in the film is to convince his kids to give him their phones, which he promptly throws out of the window at the orders of the person blackmailing him on the phone.The rest of the film involves him driving to different locations at brisk speeds, where his colleagues also get called in their cars and get blown up. Neeson is shown to be one step ahead of the competition in his Taken films but here hes shown to be totally helpless and at the mercy of his tormentor. He plays along for the sake of his children and even agrees to syphon funds from a secret account. Its only when the children are off the chessboard after being rescued by the police that he goes on the offensive and tries to confront the man responsible for the seat bomb and all the killings.Were so used to seeing Liam Neeson getting out of situations trickier than this that were sure hell get out of this one too. To be fair to the star, he doesnt play the aggressor here but a victim who discovers that while he was running after money, he was losing his family. A crisis brings him closer to them again and perhaps thats the real lesson of the film  that one shouldnt be blind to the real things which define us. Neeson looks good as the concerned father here and maybe thats a sign that the actor is ready to go back to dramatic roles. We love him in action films but were sure hes capable of so much more. And dont worry action buffs, theres plenty of car chases and road rage mayhem to make your day. It all feels like its been shot in live traffic. Kudos to the cinematographer and editor for that.
Renewable energy manufacturing offers a pathway to boost economic growth, create 6 million jobs by 2050, and mitigate climate change impacts across Southeast Asia, according to a new analysis

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Southeast Asian region could lose up to 30% of its gross domestic product by 2050 due to increases in global temperature and extreme weather events, but bolstering the region's renewable energy manufacturing capacity would position Southeast Asian countries to create new jobs and meet growing energy demand while drastically reducing emissions, according to new research released today on the sidelines of the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Bloomberg Philanthropies, ClimateWorks Foundation, and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL).

Growing Southeast Asia's solar photovoltaic (PV) cells, battery, and electric two-wheeler industries presents an estimated $90 billion to $100 billion revenue opportunity by 2030, with a potential 6 million renewable energy jobs to be created by 2050.

The new report, Renewable Energy Manufacturing: Opportunities for Southeast Asia, explores how to support the development of the clean energy manufacturing sector in Southeast Asia and help countries reap its immense economic potential while mitigating the impacts of climate change. Seizing this opportunity depends on government policy measures specific to each country in the region, including stimulating domestic renewable energy demand, ensuring cost competitiveness, improving the ease of doing business, and improving access to export markets. Collaboration at the regional level is also essential to provide further support through the deepening of intra-regional trade.

The report identifies potential ambition and outcomes for Southeast Asia to achieve the following:

Grow solar PV manufacturing capacity in modules from 70 GW to 125-150 GW by 2030.

Develop a regional battery manufacturing value chain, increasing national and regional demand, and establish Southeast Asia as a regional and global export hub, producing 140-180 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of battery cells by 2030.

Expand assembly capacity for electric two-wheelers (E2W) in Southeast Asia from 1.4 to 1.6 million units annually to approximately 4 million units by 2030.

The report also highlights how Southeast Asia can build on its strong history of regional collaboration to enhance the competitiveness of its renewable energy industries and meet its Net Zero targets. For example, production factors could benefit from trade across the value chain and regional efforts to improve workforce quality and distribution. Demand markets could be supported by the build-out of the ASEAN Power Grid to enable higher renewables deployment through multilateral power trade and expanded grid balancing areas. Harmonization of technical standards for E2W vehicles and charging stations could enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop products that suit needs across Southeast Asian markets.

Today's announcement builds on collaboration earlier this year between the African Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, ClimateWorks Foundation, and Sustainable Energy for All to publish Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing: Opportunity and Advancement and launch the Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative to drive investment and mobilize action with partner governments to scale up renewable energy manufacturing capabilities in African countries.

Supporting Quotes

"As we often say in ADB, the battle against climate change will be won or lost in Asia and the Pacific. A decisive front in that battle is Southeast Asia. This research shows the promise of renewable energy manufacturing - with policy, technical, and financing support - in helping the region's developing countries to transition away from coal-based energy, while lowering carbon emissions, expanding local industrial capabilities, spurring job creation, and driving long-term economic growth." -Ramesh Subramaniam, Director General and Chief, Sectors Group, Asia and the Pacific, Asian Development Bank

"Southeast Asia has the potential to become a leader in renewable energy manufacturing to contribute to the global renewable energy deployment, while simultaneously achieving economic growth and mitigating the impacts of climate change. This report proves how increasing private sector investments into local renewable energy manufacturing sectors, strengthening regional value chain collaboration, and bringing together key stakeholders will create jobs, increase GDP, and help Southeast Asian nations meet their climate goals." -Antha Williams, Environment Program, Bloomberg Philanthropies

"The clean energy industry is already a massive growth opportunity, and will need to scale even more rapidly for us to achieve carbon neutrality globally by 2050. Southeast Asia, which is home to one-fourth of the world's population, is well positioned to become a global leader in renewable energy manufacturing with its vibrant business environment and large talent pool. In doing so, the region can boost the supply of affordable and reliable renewable energy solutions to people and communities in Southeast Asia and around the world, and create new job opportunities locally." -Helen Mountford, President and CEO, ClimateWorks Foundation

"By growing their renewable energy manufacturing capabilities, Southeast Asian countries can increase GDP, create jobs and decarbonize energy systems, contributing to both economic growth and climate progress. This report highlights how countries within the region can establish strong, local industries that will contribute to a prosperous and sustainable future." -Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy

About Asian Development Bank

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members-49 from the region.

About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on five key areas for creating lasting change: the Arts, Education, Environment, Government Innovation, and Public Health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg's giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a pro bono consultancy that works in cities around the world. In 2022, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed $1.7 billion. For more information, please visit? bloomberg.org, sign up for our newsletter, ?or follow us on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , Twitter , and LinkedIn .

About ClimateWorks Foundation

ClimateWorks Foundation is a global platform for philanthropy to innovate and scale high-impact climate solutions that benefit people and the planet. We deliver global programs and services that equip philanthropy with the knowledge, networks, and solutions to drive climate progress for a more sustainable and equitable future. Since 2008, ClimateWorks has granted over $1.7 billion to more than 750 grantees in over 50 countries.

About Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL)

Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) is an independent international organization that works in partnership with the United Nations (UN) and leaders in government, the private sector, financial institutions, civil society and philanthropies to drive faster action towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7) - access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 - in line with the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. We work to ensure a clean energy transition that leaves no one behind and brings new opportunities for everyone to fulfill their potential.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2191212/Sustainable_Energy_for_All_SE_Asia.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2007953/4232327/Sustainable_Energy_for_All_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/renewable-energy-manufacturing-in-southeast-asia-can-generate-90-billion-to-100-billion-in-sustainable-revenue-by-2030-301908409.html




MANILA, Aug 24, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - AI Asia Expo Organisers is pleased to announce the official signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines (DTI) and the Singapore Industrial Automation Association (SIAA) for the co-hosting of AI Asia Expo - Philippines 2023. The MOA signing ceremony took place earlier today at the Audio Visual Room, 6/F 385 Board of Investments Building, Makati City, coinciding with the DTI and Analytics Association of the Philippines' "AI Governance and Policy" Workshop.This ceremony marks a strategic collaboration between DTI, SIAA and LOD Events to foster the exchange of knowledge, promote innovation, and facilitate cross-border partnerships in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). Through this alliance, DTI aims to drive the growth and application of AI technologies across industries, thereby enabling businesses and empowering consumers.Amplifying its significance as a convergence of top-tier industry players, policymakers, and visionaries dedicated to driving digital transformation and inclusive growth through AI technology across the region, the event will open on 7 November 2023, bannering the Department of Trade and Industry's Industrial Digital Transformation Congress (IDTC), at the Marriott Grand Ballroom (MGBX) Convention Hall in Metro Manila.At the core of its storyline, the IDTC passionately advocates for pushing forward digital transformation and innovation across diverse industries by seamlessly incorporating AI. AI, as an essential element of this significant event is the introduction of DTI's National AI Strategy Roadmap, carefully designed to guide the progress of the nation's four key industry groups. This plan is complemented by a perceptive examination of how AI is being widely embraced in these specific areas.As the main highlight of the event, the AI Asia Expo - Philippines 2023 is scheduled to take place from 7 - 9 November 2023. This three-day event is expected to draw 4,000 participants and will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, and an exhibition showcasing cutting-edge AI products and solutions from both local and international AI companies. The event is also supported by more than 50 prestigious associations and organisations in the Philippines.The main expo, spread across four key tracks, will take a comprehensive approach to exploring the applications of AI across diverse domains. These tracks include AI in Healthcare, AI in Manufacturing, AI in Environment and Sustainability, and Generative AI. The discussions in these sessions will shed light on how AI can enhance efficiency, productivity, and sustainability across different industries.The event will also see the InfoComm Technology Association of the Philippines (ITAP) partner on a Symposium that will focus on key aspects of AI development, covering themes like cybersecurity, IoT, fintech, robotics, and AI infrastructure. This Symposium will facilitate valuable discussions on the challenges and opportunities in these areas.For more details on our event, visit www.aiasiaexpo.com/philippines-2023. Join us as we shape the future of AI in the Philippines and the broader Asian region.About AI Asia Expo:AI Asia Expo is a dynamic and influential conference-driven trade exhibition with a compelling vision to advance AI adoption in the Southeast Asian region. Our events aim to cultivate a thriving ecosystem within individual countries while fostering seamless collaboration across the broader regional community.Embracing inclusivity, our events bring together international and local entities, AI start-ups, government organisations, researchers, and end users of AI, facilitating meaningful engagements and knowledge exchange to propel the industry to new heights. By empowering participants to unlock transformative opportunities and forge strategic alliances, AI Asia Expo hopes to shape the future landscape of AI in Asia and beyond.About the Department of Trade and Industry:The Department of Trade and Industry is the agency of the Philippine government responsible for realising the country's goal of developing globally competitive and innovative industry and service sectors that enable inclusive growth and sustainable development. Its Competitiveness and Innovation Group has been at the forefront of implementing a Science, Technology, and Innovation-based Industrial Strategy to establish a Dynamic Industry Ecosystem and grow a globally competitive and innovative industry generating better opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.For media inquiries, please contact:Anis A.Marketing ExecutiveAI Asia Expoanis@aiasiaexpo.comSource: AI Asia ExpoCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): Half Year Results

Evolva with good business momentum and significant progress in profitability in 1H 2023, despite major financing challenges



24-Aug-2023 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



PRESS RELEASE | AD HOC ANNOUNCEMENT PURSUANT TO ART. 53 LR



Evolva with good business momentum and significant progress in profitability in 1H 2023, despite major financing challenges Reinach, 24 August 2023 - Evolva (SIX: EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, reported sales of CHF 4.5 million for the first half of 2023. The lower sales compared to the prior year period resulted from the absence of Vanillin deliveries in 1H 2023, which as previously communicated had been planned to take place in the second half of the year, as well as lower royalty income from EverSweet. Adjusted for Vanillin and EverSweet, product revenue grew by 11% in 1H 2023 despite the business disruptions created by the Nice & Green situation. Significant further progress in profitability was achieved with a positive gross contribution margin of 30.4% vs. 10.9% in 1H 2022. Continued strong operational progress and key milestones marked additional highlights of 1H 2023. In 1H 2023 a non-cash relevant impairment of goodwill and other assets of CHF 68.3 million had to be recorded as result of the current financing situation. In particular for cash preservation reasons the company now decided to move the next Vanillin production campaign from 2H 2023 to 2024 which reduces the revenue expectations for 2023 towards lower double-digit millions while profitability is expected to further enhance. Foundations were laid to enable mid-term ambition, i.e., EBITDA and cash break-even by 2025 as planned provided the going concern of the company can be secured. Business and corporate highlights Solid sales growth of Valencene and Nootkatone of 7% and Resveratrol of 14% in 1H 2023 compared to 1H 2022, despite major customer destocking activities across the entire industry

Signed multi-year agreement with a leading CMO to enable the supply of Vanillin to a global F&F customer of around CHF 35 million by 2026 and enhances profitability for several key products from 2024 onwards

Broadened product offering with the successful introduction of Natural Nootkatone in the EU markets which has already met good interest and demand

Entered new market segments with Resveratrol and L-Arabinose to adress the personal care industry

Entered into a partnership with Grace Breeding to enter the field of sustainable Agro-solutions to replace chemical fertilizers Financial highlights 1H 2023 Total revenue stood at CHF 4.5 million compared to CHF 8.1 million (-45%) in the prior year period. Lower revenues are due to no Vanillin deliveries in 1H 2023. As communicated in May, these had been planned to take place in the second half of 2023 due to production capacity considerations (and were now decided to move to 2024). Adjusted for the Vanillin deliveries and excluding EverSweet  the underlying product-related growth achieved 11% in 1H 2023

the underlying product-related growth achieved 11% in 1H 2023 Gross contribution margin increased significantly to 30.4%, compared to 10.9% in 1H 2022 and 21.9% in 2H 2022. The increase was primarily driven by the strengthened production network and better value capturing on the pricing side. A further continuous increase in gross contribution margin is expected

Flavors & Fragrances sales stood at CHF 1.8 million, below the CHF 5.5 million achieved in the prior year period due to the lack of Vanillin deliveries in 1H 2023

Health Ingredients revenues amounted to CHF 2.5 million, 13% higher than in 1H 2022 (CHF 2.2 million), especially driven by Resveratrol

Royalties from EverSweet, marketed by Avansya, were still below expectations in 1H 2023 but Evolva remains positive about the long-term potential of EverSweet  as a sugar replacement

as a sugar replacement Adjusted EBITDA improved by CHF 1.2 million to CHF-6.3million

Operating free cash flow improved by CHF 10.7 million to CHF -4.0 million

Cash position at the end of June 2023 amounted to CHF 4.4 million Current Financing Situation and Strategic Review Current financing situation, which was created when Nice & Green informed Evolva beginning of June that they do not intend to keep their financial commitments due to a different interpretation of the then existing contractual agreement, poses a significant risk to the company.

Evolva was forced to implement strict cash management and postpone relevant activities into 2024.

For cash preservation reasons and to secure lower production costs under the new CMO contract, the company decided to move the next Vanillin production campaign to 2024. This reduces the revenue expectations for 2023 towards lower double-digit millions while profitability is expected to further enhance.

To secure liquidity at least until the end of the year, Evolva was forced to sign a new financing agreement with Nice & Green which will enable Evolva to draw at least CHF 5.25 million, provided that shareholders approve the increase of the conditional capital at the EGM later today (more information on EGM: Link ) and unless the following applies: If, on any given day until the end of 2023, the daily VWAP of an Evolva share is equal or lower than CHF 1.40, the investor is entitled to suspend the agreement for 7 trading days by written notice to the issuer.

) and unless the following applies: If, on any given day until the end of 2023, the daily VWAP of an Evolva share is equal or lower than CHF 1.40, the investor is entitled to suspend the agreement for 7 trading days by written notice to the issuer. A comprehensive review of strategic alternatives has been initiated, including a potential sale of the company.

Active discussions are ongoing with multiple interested parties.

At the latest by end of 2023, the Board of Directors is confident to have successfully implemented strategic measures that will secure sufficient liquidity and the going concern of the Group in the long term.

If no buyer, strategic or financing partner can be found during the strategic review, or no other strategic transaction or measure can be implemented, the company would eventually have to cease its operations.

As a result of the current financing situation, the company specific risk factor was increased, leading to a WACC of 23.9% (2022: 13.2%) which triggered a non-cash relevant impairment of goodwill and other assets of CHF 68.3 million. The underlying business expectations in the impairment test were not fundamentally changed. Outlook The Board of Directors aims to complete the strategic review in 2023.

Positive business momentum is expected to accelerate despite destocking activities of customers in the industry

Further improvement of EBITDA and Operating Free Cash Flow in 2023

Confident regarding mid-term ambition of cash and EBITDA break-even by 2025, albeit at slightly lower revenues and a higher profitability, provided the going concern of the company can be secured.

Financial Key Figures Period from 1 January to 30 June CHF million 2023 adjusted 2022 adjusted 2023 reported. 2022 reported. Revenue from contracts with customers 4.5 8.1 4.5 8.1 Product-related revenue 4.3 7.8 4.3 7.8 Direct production costs (3.0) (6.9) (3.0) (6.9) Gross contribution 1.3 0.9 1.3 0.9 in % of product-related revenue 30.4% 10.9% 30.4% 10.9% Research & development revenue 0.2 0.4 0.2 0.4 Cost of goods sold (excl. direct production costs) (2.4) (2.2) (3.5) (6.7) Gross profit (1.0) (1.0) (2.0) (5.5) Research & development expenses (3.5) (5.2) (28.9) (19.4) Commercial, general & administrative expenses (5.3) (5.7) (47.2) (6.0) Operating loss (EBIT) (9.8) (11.9) (78.1) (30.9) Depreciation and amortization (3.5) (4.4) (3.5) (4.4) Impairment of intangible assets 0.0 0.0 (66.3) (17.0) Impairment of tangible assets 0.0 0.0 (2.0) 0.0 EBITDA (6.3) (7.5) (6.3) (9.5) Cash position (end of period) 4.4 7.4 4.4 7.4 Extraordinary items (68.3) (19.0) - impairment (68.3) (17.0) - inventory write-off 0.0 (1.6) - others 0.0 (0.4)

1) This table includes references to operational indicators and alternative performance measures (APM) that are not defined or specified by IFRS. These APM should be regarded as complementary information to and not as substitutes to the Group's consolidated financial results based on IFRS.



Documentation:

Results' documentation will be available on the company website at 07.00 CET under this link: https://evolva.com/financial-data/hy-results/



Webcast and Conference Call information:

Evolva will host a conference call with media and the financial community today, 09 a.m. CET. Registration link for conference call:

https://webcast.meetyoo.de/reg/k8pdLBjRiLer

Following registration, particpants will receive a confirmation e-mail with individual dial-in information.

Webcast link for conference call particpants

https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2023-hy/no-audio



Webcast link to the livestream:

https://www.webcast-eqs.com/evolva-2023-hy

To ask questions during the Q+A session you must dial in to the moderated conference call. A replay will be available after the call via the Evolva website.



Important dates

24 August 2023, 11.00 CET Extraordinary General Meeting, Hotel Victoria, Basel



Contact

Doris Rudischhauser

Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

+41 79 410 81 88

dorisr@evolva.com



About Evolva

Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolva's employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellness and sustainability. Find out more at evolva.com and connect with us on LinkedIn .



Disclaimer

This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments.

Additional features:





File: Evolva with good business momentum and significant progress in profitability in 1H 2023, despite major financing challenges

End of Inside Information
Amsterdam/'s-Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, 24 August 2023



Net profit at  5 1 . 8 million (H1 2022:  48 . 2 million )

Net AuM inflows at Private Clients:  2 . 2 billion; Wholesale & Institutional Clients: 1.0 billion

Client assets:  130 . 8 billion (2022:  124 . 2 billion ) and AuM:  115 . 2 billion (2022:  107 . 8 billion )

Robust capital ratio at 21 . 6 % (2022: 20 . 6%) ; well above our 17.5% target

Capital return proposal in the amount of 2.00 per share





Maarten Edixhoven, Chair of the Van Lanschot Kempen Management Board, said: "Against a volatile economic and geopolitical backdrop, I am very pleased with the net inflow of 3.2 billion in assets under management (AuM). This demonstrates the trust existing and new private and institutional clients have in Van Lanschot Kempen. We remain committed to growth by continuously improving our services, with a focus on personal attention and digital service. We also made good progress integrating Mercier Vanderlinden in Belgium and preparing the integration of Robeco's online investment platform in the Netherlands. Meanwhile, we remain disciplined in preserving our robust capital and liquidity positions. The commitment of our people and the confidence of our clients and shareholders allow us to look back on a solid first half.

"Private Clients reported robust results. We expanded our service offering by launching a proposition that enables private banking clients to put their own personal stamp on their discretionary management portfolios. Also, we added a further 15 private bankers to our team and launched a 'Young Private Banking Programme' training our private bankers of the future. Profitable growth is our focus at Wholesale & Institutional Clients. Following up on initiatives announced last year, we're taking additional cost-saving measures while at the same time bolstering our commercial strength. Investment Banking Clients faced a persistently challenging environment for transactions. To achieve an efficiency ratio of 70% - our target - we maintain a strict focus on costs in all our activities.

"Our annual research report into the views of high net-worth individuals in the Netherlands revealed that a majority want their wealth managers to lead by example on sustainability. We've made great strides in this respect since 2019, having cut our own carbon emissions by 41%. Our ambition also remains to reduce the climate impact of investments and mortgages year after year, in dialogue with our clients and the companies in which we invest.

"Our capital and liquidity positions remained robust, with an increase in our CET 1 ratio to 21.6%, well ahead of our target, and a liquidity ratio of 172%. This enables us to propose a capital return of 2.00 per share in the second half of 2023."

Client assets and AuM

Solid net AuM inflows of 3.2 billion combined with a positive market performance of 4.1 billion resulted in an increase in total AuM to 115.2 billion (2022: 107.8 billion). Encouraged by a positive stock market climate and rising capital market rates, clients shifted a proportion of their savings to investments, taking client savings down to 11.2 billion (2022: 12.7 billion). Total client assets stood at 130.8 billion (2022: 124.2 billion).

PERFORMANCE REPORT/PRESENTATION/WEBCAST

For a detailed discussion of Van Lanschot Kempen's results and balance sheet, please refer to its performance report and presentation on the 2023 half-year results at vanlanschotkempen.com/results. In a conference call on 24 August at 9:00 am CET, it will discuss its 2023 half-year results in greater detail. This may be viewed live at vanlanschotkempen.com/results and played back at a later date.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For additional information, go to vanlanschotkempen.com/financial.

FINANCIAL CALENDAR

5 October 2023 Extraordinary general meeting

2 November 2023 Publication of 2023 third-quarter trading update

22 February 2024 Publication of 2023 full-year results

Media Relations T +31 20 354 45 85 mediarelations@vanlanschotkempen.com

Investor Relations T +31 20 354 45 90 investorrelations@vanlanschotkempen.com

About Van Lanschot Kempen

Van Lanschot Kempen is an independent, specialist wealth manager active in private banking, investment management and investment banking, with the aim of preserving and creating wealth, in a sustainable way, for both its clients and the society of which it is part. Through our long-term focus, we create positive financial and nonfinancial value. Listed at Euronext Amsterdam, Van Lanschot Kempen is the Netherlands' oldest independent financial services company, with a history dating back to 1737.

For more information, please visit vanlanschotkempen.com

Important legal information and cautionary note on forward-looking statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements and targets on future events and developments. These forward-looking statements and targets are based on the current insights, information and assumptions of Van Lanschot Kempen's management about known and unknown risks, developments and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements and targets do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and are subject to such risks, developments and uncertainties which by their very nature fall outside the control of Van Lanschot Kempen and its management. Actual results, performances and circumstances may differ considerably from these forward-looking statements and targets.

Van Lanschot Kempen cautions that forward-looking statements and targets in this press release are only valid on the specific dates on which they are expressed, and accepts no responsibility or obligation to revise or update any information, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

Van Lanschot Kempen's semi-annual accounts are prepared in accordance with IAS 34 (Interim Financial Reporting), as adopted by the European Union. In preparing the financial information in this press release, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2022 Van Lanschot Kempen consolidated annual accounts. The figures in this press release have not been audited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding. Percentages are calculated based on unrounded figures.

This press release does not constitute an offer or solicitation for the sale, purchase or acquisition in any other way or subscription to any financial instrument and is not a recommendation to perform or refrain from performing any action.

Elements of this press release contain information about Van Lanschot Kempen NV within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No. 596/2014.

This press release is a translation of the Dutch language original and is provided as a courtesy only. In the event of any disparities, the Dutch language version will prevail. No rights can be derived from any translation thereof

Attachment
Acquisition of Paris based digital assets liquidity provider drives EU client growth

B2C2, the leading crypto liquidity provider servicing institutional clients globally, has successfully completed the acquisition of Woorton, the European leader in market making and over the counter transactions in the digital asset industry.

This strategic move marks B2C2's commitment to enhance client coverage and with the incoming MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation) regulations, B2C2 will have the opportunity to service clients in the EU (European Union) jurisdiction as well as unlocking client growth opportunities outside the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific and United States of America. The acquisition grants B2C2 access to Woorton's PSAN (prestataires de services sur actifs numeriques) License, regulated by the AMF (Autorite des Marches Financiers), authorising B2C2 to operate inside the EU.

Founded in 2017, Woorton supports an active client base of nearly 250 clients trading 96 coins and 24/7 liquidity provision. The business has strong ongoing regulatory engagement and is a co-founder of ADAN (Association for the Development of Crypto-Assets), a new initiative to maintain a dialogue between the digital asset industry and policymakers and is an active participant in drafting the regulatory framework applied to digital assets in France. It has been instrumental in founding Paris Blockchain Week which gathers over 5,000 attendees and 170 speakers from all over the world for a week-long series of events on blockchain and digital assets.

Charlie Meraud, CEO of Woorton commented: "In joining forces with B2C2 we bring together the complementary strengths of our two firms. With a stronger combined platform, our customer base will enjoy access to a more robust liquidity pool and an improved market presence. We will better support our clients in providing the best liquidity and trading experience in digital assets and are thrilled to join Nicola, Thomas and the team."

Nicola White, CEO of B2C2 said, "This acquisition is an important milestone in the ongoing journey of B2C2's growth and evolution. We welcome joining forces with Woorton's expert team who, with their collective experience, have built a first rate digital assets market making firm supported by a robust client base and strong regulatory standing. We are excited about the possibilities that this acquisition unlocks for B2C2 and our client base in the EU."

Thomas Restout, Head of EMEA at B2C2 said "Woorton is an innovative and forward-thinking firm which has an excellent cultural fit with B2C2 and with shared values, risk frameworks, operational practices. Like us, the team has a TradFi background but with the same crypto and digital assets laser focus. Together we are a combination of highly complementary businesses that deliver multi asset breadth and depth to clients in the EU market."

About B2C2

More than just a liquidity provider, B2C2 is a digital asset pioneer building the ecosystem of the future. The firm has unlocked institutional access to crypto by providing reliable liquidity across market conditions. B2C2's success is built on crypto native technology and continuous product innovation, making it the partner of choice for diverse institutions globally. Founded in 2015 and majority owned by Japanese financial group, SBI, B2C2 Ltd is headquartered in the UK, with offices in the US and Japan.

B2C2 Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 07995888 with its registered office at 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE. B2C2 Ltd is the parent company of the B2C2 group of companies. Products may be provided by different members of the B2C2 group of companies, depending on the jurisdiction of the client and the regulatory status of the product and/or B2C2 group member. B2C2 is a registered trademark.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823454816/en/

Contacts:

B2C2

B2C2@eternapartners.com
For the second consecutive year, Hyundai Mobis will grace IAA Mobility in Munich, highlighting pioneering solutions anchored in electrification

Spotlight on the groundbreaking technologies powering Kia's flagship electric vehicle, the EV9, and introduction of the transformative electrification platform, e-CCPM

With a European order target of $1.29 billion, representing a quarter of the company's global revenue target, Hyundai Mobis doubles down on electrification and automotive components to expand its European footprint

SEOUL, South Korea and MUNICH, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330) is poised to outline its electrification-centric vision at the apex of the European mobility show. The company is positioning itself to appeal to Europe's leading automotive companies, renowned for its rigorous standards in technical excellence and dependability. The strategy is to leverage its technological prowess to drive significant orders with the aim of achieving a quarter of Hyundai Mobis' global order aspirations for the year in the European market.

Today, Hyundai Mobis announced its intent to display an array of over 20 production-ready advancements in electrification and automotive components at the IAA Mobility 2023 Show. Running from 5th to 10th September in Munich, this event has a global reputation based on its origins evolving out of the esteemed Frankfurt Motor Show. This marks Hyundai Mobis' second year attending the event having previously debuted in 2021.

This year's IAA Mobility Show is pivotal for Hyundai Mobis. The company is set to underscore its electrification roadmap, a cornerstone of its forward-looking strategy. Visitors can anticipate a firsthand look at Kia's electric crown jewel, the EV9, replete with Hyundai Mobis' state-of-the-art Battery System (BSA) and the innovative Power Electric (PE) system - the essential automotive components for electrification.

Hyundai Mobis will also unveil the next-generation e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module). This cutting-edge breakthrough integrates core electrification innovations into a versatile aluminum frame, enabling the creation of diverse PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) without necessitating distinct platform developments and offering an all-encompassing solution for electrification.

During the showcase, the company is set to host discussions with prominent European automakers, including Volkswagen, Daimler, and BMW, targeting collaborations on future technologies around its cutting-edge capabilities: groundbreaking electrification solutions, autonomous driving systems, and the world's first rollable display.

Hyundai Mobis is optimistic about enlarging its European market footprint through its attendance at global mobility shows like the IAA. Hyundai Mobis' target for overseas auto component sales is $5.36 billion, with Europe contributing a considerable $1.29 billion, accounting for approximately 25%. One example of its momentum in Europe is the electrification components contract for Volkswagen, a renowned German automaker, which Hyundai Mobis recently secured. This success underlines its potential for further European contracts.

Hyundai Mobis is also gearing up for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in the U.S., followed closely by the Tokyo Mobility Show in October. With these successive global showcases, Hyundai Mobis is poised to supercharge its global outreach, securing new client acquisitions through its specialized regional teams. (End)

Hyundai Mobis Press Conference at IAA Mobility 2023

Date/Time: September 4th, 10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CET

Venue: Hall B2, at Booth D20

Presenter: Axel J. Maschka, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Division of Hyundai Mobis

About Hyundai Mobis

Hyundai Mobis is the global no. 6 automotive supplier, headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Hyundai Mobis has outstanding expertise in sensors, sensor fusion in ECUs and software development for safety control. The company's products also include various components for electrification, brakes, chassis and suspension, steering, airbags, lighting, and automotive electronics. Hyundai Mobis operates its R&D headquarters in Korea, with four technology centers in the United States, Germany, China and India. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.mobis.co.kr/

Media Contact

Jihyun Han: jihyun.han@mobis.co.kr

Myong Sun Song: sms@mobis.co.kr

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192317/Hyundai_Mobis_booth_IAA_Mobility_2023.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1166884/hyundaimobis_CI_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/hyundai-mobis-unveils-the-future-of-electrification-at-iaa-mobility-2023-301908636.html
The news release should be read in conjunction with Lavras Gold's audited consolidated financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Both are available under the Company's 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 Gold's 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 Company's 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 Gold's 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 Gold's 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 | investor@lavrasgold.com

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 Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis recently filed under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
NewGAMe in constructive and productive discussions with GAM to organize an EGM and a transition towards a new leadership at GAM

Geneva, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The investor group comprised of NewGAMe SA and Bruellan SA, which controls approximately 9.6% of the issued share capital of GAM Holding AG [GAM:SWX] ("GAM"), welcomes the decision of a substantial majority of GAM's shareholders not to tender their shares into the Liontrust offer.

Liontrust announced today that its exchange offer for GAM had only gathered 33.45% acceptance - below the 66.7% success threshold needed. NewGAMe now expects Liontrust to withdraw its offer for GAM.

The failure of Liontrust's offer means focus must now shift towards the successful turnaround of GAM. Moving towards that goal, constructive discussions have begun with GAM about adequate financing and organizing an extraordinary general meeting to renew the board. NewGAMe is looking forward to engaging with all stakeholders at GAM, in particular fund management teams, clients and distributors with the support of GAM's board and senior management.
PARIS, France, August 24, 2023, 08:30 am CET - Pharnext SA (FR001400GUN7 - ALPHA) (the "Company"), an advanced late-clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases with high unmet medical need, today reports that the last patient randomized to the double-blind period of the PREMIER trial, pivotal Phase III clinical trial of its lead drug candidate, PXT3003, in development in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), has finished the last visit.

The PREMIER trial, initiated in March 2021, is an international, randomized, double-blind, two-arm placebo-controlled, pivotal Phase III study, where the primary objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PXT3003 versus placebo in mild-to-moderate CMT1A patients, over a 15-month double-blind period. The dose of PXT3003 tested in the PREMIER trial corresponds to the high dose (HD) tested in the prior Phase III clinical study, the PLEO-CMT trial, and its ongoing open-label extension Phase III study, the PLEOCMT-FU trial.

As agreed with regulatory agencies, the primary efficacy endpoint is the Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale ('ONLS') which measures functional motor disability. A total of 387 patients with mild-to-moderate CMT1A, were enrolled in the PREMIER trial (exceeding the initial enrolment target of 350 subjects as defined in the study protocol):

153 in the United States,

in the United States, 183 in Europe,

in Europe, 39 in Canada,

in Canada, 12 in Israel.

After completion of the 15-month long double-blind period of the PREMIER trial, patients were offered continued treatment by rolling over into an open-label extension period named PREMIER-OLE (Open-Label Extension). Thus, CMT1A patients randomized in the PREMIER trial have the opportunity to receive PXT3003 HD until the treatment is commercially available, should PXT3003 be approved in the US and Europe, respectively by the FDA and the EMA. The first patient entered the PREMIER-OLE period in September 2022.

As of August 18th, 2023, out of the 387 patients randomized in the PREMIER trial:

42 early-terminated the double-blind period of the PREMIER trial,

early-terminated the double-blind period of the trial, 315 are in the open-label extension period, PREMIER-OLE , and are all treated with PXT3003 HD,

are in the open-label extension period, , and are all treated with PXT3003 HD, 25 did not enroll in the PREMIER-OLE period after completing the double-blind period of the PREMIER trial,

did not enroll in the period after completing the double-blind period of the trial, 5 early-terminated the PREMIER-OLE period.

The PREMIER trial is progressing as initially planned and Pharnext is making a diligent effort to carry out this ambitious program. The topline results announcement of this study is planned in Q4 2023.

Gilbert Wagener, CMO of Pharnext, said: "We are pleased to inform patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1A, all our investigators and the scientific community that we have completed the double-blind treatment period of our global Phase III PXT3003-06 study in patients with moderate CMT1A. This is an important milestone to prepare the NDA and MAA of PXT3003 for the treatment of CMT1A patients. The successful completion of this program will enable us to offer treatment to patients who are left without treatment options now."

Melissa Israel, VP of Clinical Operations of Pharnext, said: "Timely completion of recruitment and treatment is particularly challenging in orphan disease clinical trials. We would like to thank all patients, patient advocacy organizations, investigators, and all clinical research staff for their contribution to the successful conduct of the study."

Hugo Brugiere, CEO of Pharnext, said: "We are now looking forward to the analysis of the primary and secondary endpoints by Q4 2023 that will build the basis for the NDA and the MAA and unlock the potential of value creation of the company."

About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease Type 1A ('CMT1A')

Charcot-Marie-Tooth ('CMT') disease encompasses a heterogeneous group of inherited, severe, debilitating, progressive and chronic peripheral neuropathies. CMT1A, the most common type of CMT, is an orphan disease with a prevalence of 1/5000 people affecting about 150,000 people in Europe and the U.S. and about 1,500,000 people worldwide. The genetic mutation responsible for CMT1A is a duplication of the PMP22 gene coding for a peripheral myelin protein. The duplication of this gene results in overexpression of the PMP22 protein and failure of Schwann cells to produce normal myelin (neuronal sheath). The lack of a normal myelin structure and function leads to abnormal peripheral nerve conduction and axonal loss. As a result of peripheral nerve degradation, patients suffer from progressive muscle atrophy in both the legs and arms causing problems with walking, running and balance as well as abnormal hand functioning. They might also suffer from mild to moderate sensory disorders. First symptoms usually appear during adolescence and will progressively evolve throughout life. Patients with the most severe form of CMT1A end up in wheelchairs, representing at least 5% of cases. To date, no curative or symptomatic medications have been approved and treatment consists of supportive care such as orthotics, leg braces, physical and occupational therapy or surgery. More information can be found at https://pharnext.com/en/disease/charcot-marie-tooth.

About PXT3003

PXT3003 is a novel fixed-dose synergistic combination of baclofen, naltrexone and sorbitol formulated as an oral solution given twice a day. The three individual components of PXT3003 were selected to downregulate the overexpression of PMP22 protein, leading to improvement of neuronal signaling in dysfunctional peripheral nerves that are an essential part of the pathophysiology of this disease. PXT3003 could also have a positive effect on other cellular types of the motor unit such as the axon (direct protection), neuromuscular junctions or muscle cells. PXT3003 has shown promising and consistent results across preclinical and clinical studies in Phase II and Phase III (PLEO-CMT and PLEO-CMT-FU). More information can be found at https://pharnext.com/en/pipeline/pxt3003.

About the PREMIER Trial

The PREMIER trial is an international, randomized, double-blind, two-arm placebo-controlled, pivotal Phase III study, evaluating the efficacy and safety of PXT3003 versus placebo in mild-to-moderate CMT1A patients, over a 15-month period. The dose of PXT3003 tested in the PREMIER trial corresponds to the high dose ('HD') tested in the prior Phase III trial ('PLEO-CMT'). As agreed with regulatory agencies, the primary efficacy endpoint will be the Overall Neuropathy Limitations Scale ('ONLS') which measures functional motor disability. The secondary endpoints include the following outcome measures: 1) 10-Meter Walk Test ('10mWT'), 2) Quantified Muscular Testing (bilateral foot dorsiflexion dynamometry), 3) Patient Global Impression of Severity ('PGI-S'), 4) Patient Global Impression of Change ('PGI-C'), 5) Charcot-Marie-Tooth Neuropathy Score, version 2 ('CMTNS-v2'), and 6) Quantified Muscular Testing (hand grip). Safety and tolerability will be monitored throughout the study. Further information on the PREMIER trial can be found on the ClinicalTrials.gov website (study identification number: NCT04762758) here.

About Pharnext

Pharnext is an advanced clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing novel therapies for neurodegenerative diseases currently without satisfactory therapeutic solutions. Pharnext has a first-in-class drug candidate, PXT3003, in development for Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 1A (CMT1A), a rare, debilitating, inherited peripheral neuropathy. PXT3003 benefits from orphan drug status in Europe and the United States. In 2018, PXT3003 completed a Phase III clinical trial, the PLEO-CMT trial, with encouraging topline results. This trial was followed by an open-label extension study, the PLEO-CMT-FU trial, with 120 patients continuing treatment with PXT3003. Long-term data suggest a sustained benefit, safety, and efficacy, after 5 years of total trial time. An international pivotal Phase III study of PXT3003, the PREMIER trial, is currently ongoing with 387 CMT1A patients enrolled. PREMIER topline results are expected in Q4 2023. PXT3003 originated from the Pleotherapy R&D approach. Pharnext draws the attention of investors to the financial and other risk factors detailed in its financial reports. More information can be found at www.pharnext.com .

Pharnext is listed on the Euronext Growth Stock Exchange in Paris (ISIN code: FR001400GUN7).

Contacts

Financial Press Relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Deborah Schwartz

dschwartz@actus.fr

+33 (0)1 53 67 36 35 Investor Relations

ACTUS finance & communication

Jerome Fabreguettes Leib

pharnext@actus.fr

+33 (0)1 53 67 36 78

------------------------

This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ".

- SECURITY MASTER Key:

yW2bZ5WcYW3Jx3Jxk52al2mZZ2uUlGTKa5PGm2Sba52caJtoxm1hZ5jLZnFimW1t

- Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com.

------------------------



 Copyright Actusnews Wire

Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free

Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-81487-2023.08.24_premier_trial_lplv_en_final.pdf
KYOTO, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- OMRON Healthcare Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as the Company) based in Muko, Kyoto Prefecture, has announced the official sponsorship of European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023 (hereinafter referred to as ESC Congress 2023) via OMRON Healthcare Europe B.V., OMRON Healthcare's sales and marketing headquarters in Europe. The annual ESC congress, the world's largest congress on cardiovascular diseases, will be held from August 25 to 28, 2023, at the RAI Amsterdam in the Netherlands. The Company has been a partner for several years and, at this year's satellite symposium, it will introduce the correlation between hypertension and atrial fibrillation, which is known to cause cardiogenic embolism. At its booth, a set of innovative devices and services available in Europe will be showcased.

Logo: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/img/202308228313-O1-h8LhlZI4

Image: Exhibition booth (for illustration purposes only)

https://cdn.kyodonewsprwire.jp/prwfile/release/M000242/202308228313/_prw_PI2lg_1IFJHtMm.jpg

Under the theme of "Revealing asymptomatic atrial fibrillation and hypertension in the fight against stroke," the satellite symposium will be chaired by Prof. Gerhard Hindricks of Charite University Hospital and discuss blood pressure control and early detection of atrial fibrillation. The symposium will also introduce the latest study on detecting atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation at home as well as a technique of diagnosing atrial fibrillation in 30 seconds and its advantages.

At the booth, the Company will present a set of innovative devices and services, including "Complete ," an upper-arm blood pressure monitor with built-in ECG technology that can record ECG while monitoring blood pressure, and a portable ECG device that allows users to record an electrocardiogram whenever they feel unwell. "Viso," an OMRON Healthcare remote patient-monitoring service, will also be showcased at the booth. Viso is a service, currently available in the U.K., that allows patients to share vital data measured at home with their doctors in real time, enabling doctors to intervene in the hypertension management appropriately based on the patient's condition.

Aiming for zero cerebro-cardiovascular events, the Company has been working on advancing the ways of hypertension treatment in collaboration with healthcare professionals and researchers. The Company will continue to promote academic activities globally, develop devices and services, and contribute to empowering people worldwide to live life to the fullest.

ESC Congress 2023 event outline

Title: European Society of Cardiology Congress 2023

Date: August 25-28, 2023 (CEST)

Venue: RAI Amsterdam

Official website: https://www.escardio.org/Congresses-Events/ESC-Congress

Satellite symposium

Date & time: 10:15 - 11:00 on Sunday, August 27, 2023 (CEST)

Room: Luxembourg lecture room

Theme: Revealing asymptomatic atrial fibrillation and hypertension in the fight against stroke

Chair: Prof. Gerhard Hindricks (Charite University Hospital - Berlin, Germany)

Session 1:

Theme: How blood pressure control and early detection of atrial fibrillation can prevent strokes

Speaker: Prof. Gerhard Hindricks (Charite University Hospital - Berlin, Germany)

Session 2:

Theme: Detecting atrial fibrillation recurrence after ablation at home

Speaker: Associate Prof. Keitaro Senoo (Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine - Kyoto, Japan)

Session 3:

Theme: Diagnosing atrial fibrillation in 30 seconds and its advantages

Speaker: Prof. Faizel Osman (University Hospitals of Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust - Coventry, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Northern Ireland)

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/omron-healthcare-sponsors-esc-congress-2023-301908745.html




LONDON, Aug 24, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Acuver Consulting, a niche global supply chain management company, is thrilled to announce its strategic expansion into the UK. Building on its tremendous success in the Asia-Pacific and North American regions, Acuver is now poised to bring its world-class consulting solutions to the UK, catering to an array of industries and clients. This strategic move marks an exciting milestone in Acuver's commitment to extending its expertise and services to support Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) omni commerce enterprises.Acuver Consulting is now set to work with UK local supply chain and logistics players to transform their day-to-day operations, order management, inventory visibility and optimization, marketplace integration, going omnichannel and last-mile fulfilment solution. Key areas of focus for the latest foray into UK and European operations will include but not be limited to Digital Strategy and Transformation, Supply Chain Optimization, Data-driven Insights and Analytics, E-commerce, Retail Technology Integration and Customer Experience Enhancement.The decision to expand into the UK market comes as part of Acuver's commitment to providing unsurpassed Customer success and supreme business advisory services to organizations worldwide and to continue its record of introducing market need driven solutions. With a proven track record of empowering clients to achieve sustainable growth, streamline operations, and enhance their competitive edge, Acuver is well-positioned to meet the unique challenges and opportunities presented.On the expansion occasion, Sunny Nandwani, Founder & Managing Director, Acuver Consulting said, "As a specialized supply chain management company, we bring extensive expertise in order management and warehouse management space working with businesses across retail, manufacturing, consumer goods, and logistics. We understand the unique challenges faced by each business in each market and we craft customized solutions that have fostered successful partnerships with businesses worldwide. The UK market excites us and we are thrilled by the opportunity. We aim to empower businesses by optimizing their supply chain processes, driving scalability and success. With an unwavering commitment to tailor-made solutions, we eagerly anticipate making a positive impact in the UK's supply chain management field."Success in the UK retail industry is driven by the ability to strategically connect target audience with right set of products at accurate price and timelines. Acuver is known for its ability to offer customized solutions. The UK supply chain management and logistics sector has faced significant challenges such as Brexit Impact, Labor shortages, infrastructure constraints, rising fuel costs, e-commerce boom and technology integration across sectors that demand urgent attention and heavy embracement of innovative digital solutions to transform industry multifaceted."Even the best inventory management systems and processes can fail without a strong supply chain management system. Customers will move on in minutes if you can't deliver what they need when they need. But not when you have Acuver as your supply chain management partner. Acuver Consulting is an IBM Gold Partner and we bring a comprehensive suite of customizable solutions that help our clients retain their customers", said Krishna Raj Kodoth, Director Business Development Acuver Consulting."We have entered the UK market with more than 500-man years of domain knowledge and experience into creating cutting-edge solutions. Our offerings are a combination of technology and human intelligence and we are confident that making a good first impression will open more avenues in the market. We are looking forward to collaborating with local enterprises to create a successful, mutual business trajectory", Krishna added.According to market reports, revenue in the UK Supply Chain Management Software market is projected to reach US$0.96bn in 2023. Revenue is expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2023-2028) of 6.42%, resulting in a market volume of US$1.32bn by 2028.For more information on Acuver, please visit www.acuverconsulting.comAbout Acuver ConsultingAcuver Consulting helps companies optimize their supply-chain for enhanced efficiency, profitability and consumer experience. We combine the right tools, methodologies and expertise in IT, Business and Technology to deliver solutions customized to your unique requirement. Proactively employing the latest industry innovations and ensuring the customer-centric digital transformation of clients are the operating paradigms of Acuver. We have a strong global presence encompassing the United States, United Kingdom, India, Europe, Australia, and the APAC regions.For more information, please contactKrishna Raj Kodoth,Tel: +44 77959 18636Email: krishnaraj.k@acuverconsulting.comSource: Acuver ConsultingCopyright 2023 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Sonfu Digital Solutions LLC has announced the launch of Wellness Accelerated System, a customer reactivation program aimed at gym and spa owners.

Colonial Heights, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Sonfu Digital Solutions, an online marketing firm, is now offering an innovative and cost-effective way for business owners to re-engage inactive customers to drive repeat business and lower acquisition costs.

More details can be found at https://go.sonfudigital.com/vsl.

Sonfu Digital Solutions Announces Client Reactivation Service for Gyms & Spas

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/178363_5679693874b9eb3c_001full.jpg

The Wellness Accelerated System leverages proven customer reactivation strategies to warm up cold leads and encourage them to purchase again from clients. Though the system can work for any business, it is specifically designed to cater to the needs of businesses in the wellness and fitness sectors, according to Sonfu Digital Solutions.

The company's unique client acquisition system builds on the data that shows businesses are 60-70% more likely to succeed in selling to an existing customer than to a new one. For this reason, the Wellness Accelerated System works to identify the reason for customer disengagement in the first place and proposes ways businesses can rectify these frictions to increase conversions and customer satisfaction.

Using a series of carefully crafted messages delivered via SMS, social media, email, and phone calls, the agency helps clients restart conversations with previously active customers. Each reactivation campaign is designed to get new clients from existing leads in less than 90 days, generating a steady flow of high-value customers for the business.

Additional information can be found at https://www.sonfudigital.com/blog/b/bringing-the-dead-back-to-life-how-to-effectively-reactivate-customers.

"Reactivating customers who have been dormant for a while can lead to increased customer loyalty and higher lifetime value," says Sonnie Donaby, founder and team lead at Sonfu Digital Solutions. "Besides, customer re-engagement is a cost-effective way to fill the gap left by lost customers without dealing with high acquisition costs."

The effectiveness of the agency's strategy is underpinned by its focus on personalization and customer segmentation. This means that clients can expect Sonfu Digital Solutions to craft a tailored reactivation campaign for each identified customer segment.

Mr. Donaby offers complimentary consultations for owners of gyms, spas, and other wellness and health businesses to discuss their current business goals and strategies and ways his client reactivation system can help them lower acquisition costs.

Interested parties can find out more by visiting https://go.sonfudigital.com/vsl-2.

Contact Info:

Name: Sonnie Donaby

Email: sonnie@sonfudigital.com

Organization: Sonfu Digital Solutions LLC

Address: 84 Southgate Square #1022, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, United States

Website: https://www.sonfudigital.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178363
AM Best has made available a presentation on the significance of insurance ratings and their implications on the global insurance market. The presentation was delivered as part of a seminar organized by the Organization of Eastern and Southern Africa Insurers (OESAI), which aimed to provide insurance professionals in the region with a deeper understanding of the rating process, factors influencing ratings and how these evaluations can affect insurance companies' operations.

Tim Prince, director of analytics, and Kanika Thukral, associate director, both of AM Best, led the presentation, and highlighted that as a global credit rating agency, AM Best assesses a company's ability to meet its policyholders' obligations, rather than focusing solely on the sovereign rating of the country where it is domiciled. Sovereign ceilings, which require that ratings remain at or below the sovereign rating of a company's country of domicile, are not applied in AM Best's rating process, as an insurer can be more financially secure than the government of the country in which it is domiciled and manage its country risk effectively.

"Sovereign risk is included within our assessment of country risk, but it does not limit a company's ratings," Prince said. "Our rating process evaluates the long-term performance and future trends."

The presentation also focused on specifics of the rating process, including an expected timeline, as well as components of AM Best's rating model, which includes quantitative and qualitative evaluations of balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile and enterprise risk management. Dr Edem Kuenyehia, AM Best's market development director for Africa, moderated the discussion. In his introductory remarks, he spoke about the company's purpose and how it aligned with the interests of stakeholders in the insurance ecosystem for a stronger, more successful industry.

To view the presentation, please visit http://amb.brightcovegallery.com/oesai23.

OESAI is a member-based insurance organisation, focused on training, education, product development and the sharing of prudent and innovative risk management practices within Eastern and Southern Africa. The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and will be holding its 45th annual conference in Mauritius beginning on 27 August, with a focus on financial inclusion. To learn more about OESAI, please visit https://conference.oesai.org/.

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/20230824845951/en/

Contacts:

Edem Kuenyehia

Director, Market Development & Communications

+44 20 7397 0280

edem.kuenyehia@ambest.com
Oxford Nanopore Technologies (Oxford Nanopore) today announced the launch of "Education beta", its pilot education programme and the first of its kind in the world delivering nanopore sequencing into the global education sector, with the aim to increase life science literacy for the next generation. The pilot will include up to 50 scientists wishing to use sequencing for scientific education in high school or undergraduate settings.

In addition, a collaboration has been agreed between Oxford Nanopore and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center (DNALC) for the development of accessible educational infrastructure that has the potential to make in-classroom DNA sequencing routine for university and pre-university educators.

The DNALC is a world-leading genetics educator, established over three decades ago as the world's first science centre devoted entirely to public genetics education. Whilst located predominantly in Cold Spring Harbor, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Sleepy Hollow, New York, an additional 20 science centres globally have been modeled on or licensed to deliver DNALC educational products. Intended collaborations focus on optimising educational tools that integrate Oxford Nanopore's uniquely accessible DNA sequencing technology. This includes updating of the DNALC's DNA Subway bioinformatics platform for mobile nanopore sequence analysis, and integration of nanopore sequencing into both national and international educator training with a prioritisation for educators at institutions serving historically excluded students.

Gordon Sanghera, CEO, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, commented:

"We designed the MinION to be affordable and accessible so that anyone, anywhere could be empowered to understand biology. The next generation of scientists have profound challenges to solve and biological sciences can help. With the MinION in their hands they are encouraged to understand more about science, to ask questions of the world around them and generate answers and solutions not previously possible.

I am thrilled that we are launching our pilot community programme and working alongside the Cold Spring Harbor team who bring their unrivalled experience to bear with the passion we collaboratively share for education."

David Micklos, founder and Executive Director DNALC:

"Implementing on-demand DNA sequencing in schools and universities is one of the greatest unmet needs in bioscience education today. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is proud to work with Oxford Nanopore to meet this challenge."

This agreement comes alongside the launch of Education Beta from Oxford Nanopore, a new programme designed to enable and amplify the efforts of educators in the existing nanopore sequencing community. For years now, progressive scientific educators have been aligning nanopore sequencing with their pedagogical aims, enabling students from high school age to undergraduate to investigate the world around them. Notable examples include:

The Daffodil DNA Project, initiated by Jon Hale on the island of Jersey in conjunction with the University of Dundee1,2,3 The varied student investigations facilitated by Dan Shay, teacher and Science Curriculum Director at North Central High School, Spokane4,5 The coordinated, collaborative sequencing of Dermaptera species across Chile by the School Earwig Genome Consortium6 Dr Reindert Nijland's use of the technology with ecology undergraduates at Wageningen University7

Joining this list is the relatable real-world example from Eric Tong in Hawaii, sequencing SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants with high school students8 along with additional work on local biodiversity and global issues in bioethics9

Under the Education Beta programme a new community will be built to bring individuals together, give access to education-based pricing for a focused range of products, and facilitate a peer-to-peer network to develop further ideas for nanopore sequencing in education at undergraduate level and below.

About Oxford Nanopore Technologies

Oxford Nanopore Technologies' goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for real-time, high-performance, accessible and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 120 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses and whole environments. Oxford Nanopore Technologies products are intended for molecular biology applications and are not intended for diagnostic purposes. www.nanoporetech.com

References

https://www.ocr.org.uk/blog/developing-a-connected-approach-to-a-level-biology-a-through-the-daffodil-dna-project/ https://ecoevocommunity.nature.com/posts/taking-daffodil-dna-sequencing-to-the-public https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-020-00370-0 https://believeinme.news/why-its-so-important-to-have-girls-in-stem-education/ https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/apr/12/meet-the-north-central-high-school-science-teacher/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9935246/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_W326_3Dc0 https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2022/03/10/classrooms-across-state-students-are-helping-hawaii-track-covid-variants/ https://bigislandnow.com/2023/06/26/%ca%bbiolani-school-brings-cutting-edge-genome-science-to-hilo-high/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824945997/en/

Contacts:

media@nanoporetech.com
Use back to school sales to test systems ahead of Peak '23, nShift advises

LONDON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The back-to-school period offers retailers and ecommerce businesses an opportunity to get match fit for the 2023 peak season, according to nShift, the global leader in delivery management software.

In 2022, spending in the run up to the new school year shot up over 10% across multiple categories, including clothing, stationery, and electronics.[1][2] A similar pattern is expected this year as families equip their children for a new year of learning.

nShift advises retailers to use the back-to-school period as an opportunity to thoroughly test their systems and processes in readiness for 2023's peak season. In particular, it suggests focusing on:

Getting ready for increased demand : families have even less tolerance for late or missed deliveries at this time of year. Meanwhile, warehouse teams can find themselves stretched by rapid increases in orders, leading to delays and packing errors

: families have even less tolerance for late or missed deliveries at this time of year. Meanwhile, warehouse teams can find themselves stretched by rapid increases in orders, leading to delays and packing errors A slick customer experience : the checkout marks the beginning of the customer relationship. Everything that happens after the customer clicks "buy" needs to be branded and personalised - right down to communicating via shoppers' preferred channels. This is key to ensuring repeat purchase

: the checkout marks the beginning of the customer relationship. Everything that happens after the customer clicks "buy" needs to be branded and personalised - right down to communicating via shoppers' preferred channels. This is key to ensuring repeat purchase Rethinking returns - as retention opportunities: around 10-20% of items bought online are returned, leading to significant revenue shrinkage for retailers. Offering exchanges and incentives for returning in-store, and swiftly restocking returned items, can turn returns into a powerful driver of revenues and loyalty

Sean Sherwin-Smith, Product Director Post-purchase at nShift, said: "It's right that retailers focus many of their resources to ensuring they perform at their best toward the end of the year. What they often overlook, however, is that the back-to-school rush in late summer presents a timely opportunity to road test their operations.

"A smooth delivery and returns experience is vital for delivering ecommerce success at the start of the new school year. Families will expect real choice over when and how they receive their deliveries. And with the first day of term set in stone, they won't have time to wait. The returns process should be just as easy."

nShift customers see order values increase by 20%, reductions in cost-to-serve of 30%, and improved revenues by diverting almost 30% of returns to exchanges.

Visit nShift's 2023 Black Friday guide to learn more about preparing for this year's peak season.

About nShift

nShift is the global leading provider of cloud delivery management solutions enabling frictionless shipment and return of almost one billion shipments across 190 countries annually. nShift's software is used globally by e-commerce, retail, manufacturing and 3PL shippers. The company is headquartered in London and Oslo. It has over 500 employees across offices in Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania.

[1] https://www.mastercard.com/news/europe/en/newsroom/press-releases/en/2022/september-2022/back-to-school-season-expected-to-boost-retail-sales-in-europe-according-to-mastercard-spendingpulse/

[2] https://www.worldfirst.com/uk/marketplace-sellers/e-commerce-guides/back-to-school-e-commerce-guide/

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1782566/nShift_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nshift-back-to-school-spending-triggers-10-sales-spike-301907090.html
Novaliq GmbH, a biopharmaceutical company focusing on first- and best-in-class ocular therapeutics, today announced that the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has accepted the marketing authorization application (MAA) for CyclASol (ciclosporin ophthalmic solution) for regulatory review. CyclASol is an investigational new drug treatment for dry eye disease in patients not responding to tear substitutes. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the EMA will start its review of the MAA under the centralized procedure for all 27 member states of the European Union (EU).

Dry eye disease (DED) affects millions of people in Europe and is one of the most common ocular surface disorders. A leading cause of DED is inflammation of the ocular surface. The chronic inflammatory nature causes progressive corneal surface damage that can lead to direct or indirect visual impairment. In the EU only one drug therapy limited to a subset of DED patients with severe keratitis is currently approved.

CyclASol is ciclosporin, solubilized in a novel, water-free excipient and was designed to address unmet needs, providing patients with a fast acting and well tolerable dry eye drug therapy. Dispensed in a unique 10 microliter small drop the solution does not contain water or anti-microbial preservatives, oils or surfactants. As a water-free product, there is no associated pH and no osmolarity.

"Our in Heidelberg, Germany, invented water-free technology was designed to unfold the full potential of pharmaceuticals on the ocular surface," said Christian Roesky, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of Novaliq. "The acceptance of the EU Marketing Authorization Application is a key milestone in our global efforts to address high unmet needs to better serve patients suffering from dry eye disease. We look forward to collaborating with the CHMP throughout the review process and hope to make CyclASol available for patients in Europe."

The clinical development program for the MAA is based on six clinical studies, which evaluated the safety and efficacy of CyclASol in a total of 1,575 patients with dry eye disease. Results from the two registrational studies, ESSENCE-1 and ESSENCE-2 consistently demonstrated that the product is effective for the treatment of DED. Continued improvement under therapy in both signs and symptoms of DED has been clinically demonstrated over a period of up to 56 weeks in an extension study of ESSENCE-2. With its early onset of effect and its good tolerability profile CyclASol addresses unmet medical needs in DED.

CyclASol was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as VEVYE (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution) 0.1% for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease on May 30, 2023. VEVYE is the first and only FDA approved cyclosporine solution indicated for the treatment of signs and symptoms of dry eye disease with efficacy demonstrated after 4 weeks of treatment and is commercialized in Northern America by Harrow Health Inc, a leading U.S. eyecare pharmaceutical company.

About Novaliq

Novaliq is a private biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development and commercialization of first- and best-in-class ocular therapeutics based on EyeSol, the worldwide first water-free ophthalmic technology.

Novaliq offers an industry-leading portfolio addressing today's unmet medical needs of millions of patients with eye diseases based on its proprietary water-free eyedrop technology. On May 18th, 2023, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved MIEBO (perfluorohexyloctane ophthalmic solution; formerly known as NOV03) followed by the approval of VEVYE (cyclosporine ophthalmic solution, development name CyclASol) 0.1% on May 30th, 2023.

Novaliq GmbH is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, and Novaliq Inc. has an office in Cambridge, MA, USA. The long-term shareholder is dievini Hopp BioTech holding GmbH Co. KG, an active investor in Life and Health Sciences companies. More on novaliq.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824122107/en/

Contacts:

Novaliq Media Contact:

Simone Angstmann-Mehr

info@novaliq.com
CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 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. 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 addressed POLA ORBIS's immediate operational challenges and enhanced order fulfillment precision, minimizing transportation downtime, and boosting overall productivity in their warehouse operations.

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 300kg to 600kg, 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.

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.

For more information, visit: https://www.forwardx.com/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/revolutionizing-beauty-logistics-forwardx-robotics-partners-with-pola-orbis-to-transform-warehouse-operations-301908106.html
The equity holdings of Solidium yielded 5.4 percent during the past financial year

Solidium Oy's financial statements and half-year report 1 January-30 June 2023:

Financial year 1 July 2022-30 June 2023

The return on equity holdings was 5.4 per cent in the financial year

The value of the equity holdings increased from EUR 7,401 million to EUR 7,517 million

Solidium's result for the financial year was EUR 471 million

During the financial year Solidium paid to the Finnish State EUR 307 million as dividend. In addition, Solidium transferred its right to subscribe new shares in Fortum, worth EUR 132 million, as capital repayment to the State of Finland

Solidium's Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of EUR 290 million be paid to the owner from the financial year 2022-2023

Six-month period 1 January-30 June 2023

The return on Solidium's equity holdings in the review period was -2.1 per cent





Solidium's CEO Reima Rytsola comments:

"At the beginning of Solidium's financial year, the market feared an extensive global recession, but the worst fears did not materialise. The financial year was overshadowed by worries about electricity supply, increasing geopolitical tension and tightening monetary policy. The return on Solidium's equity holdings was decent (5.4 per cent), despite the stock market fluctuations.

Solidium's own strategy update was finished during the review period. Solidium aims to continue on the path of active ownership, in addition to which the assessment of national importance has been updated. Previously, when considering potential investments, Solidium examined companies that were of national importance at the time of making the investment. According to the new strategy, companies that are considered to have considerable potential to become companies of national importance in the future will also be examined.

During the financial year, Solidium increased its holdings in Konecranes, Nokian Tyres and Nokia and reduced shareholding in Kemira. In addition to these share transactions the Finnish State arranged bridge financing to Fortum through Solidium. The procedure chosen and the way in which it was implemented were exceptional, as were the circumstances. The financing arrangement ended at Fortum's initiative in March 2023."





SOLIDIUM'S HOLDINGS

Development of holdings and key indicators

The value of Solidium's all holdings (equity holdings and money market investments) was EUR 7,992 million on 30 June 2023 (EUR 8,345 million on 31 December 2022 and EUR 7,807 million on 30 June 2022). The return on all holdings was -1.4 per cent over the review period of six months, and 8.3 per cent for the past financial year. More detailed information on the investment key indicators are attached.

Equity holdings

The value of Solidium's equity holdings was EUR 7,517 million on 30 June 2023 (EUR 7,934 million on 31 December 2022 and EUR 7,401 million on 30 June 2022). The total return of Solidium's equity holdings was -2.1 per cent during the review period and 5.4 per cent for the past financial year. During the financial year the best returns were generated by Konecranes (73 per cent) and Metso (59 per cent).

Money market investments

Solidium's money market investments amounted to EUR 475 million on 30 June 2023 (EUR 26 million on 31 December 2022 and EUR 405 million on 30 June 2022). The return of money market investments was 2.3 per cent during the review period and 2.6 per cent for the past financial year.

During the financial year Solidium paid to the Finnish State EUR 307 million as dividend.

Distribution of profit to Solidium

During the financial year, Solidium received a total of EUR 313 million before taxes as dividends distributed by its portfolio companies (1 July 2021-30 June 2022: EUR 339 million) and after taxes EUR 290 million (EUR 307 million). The dividend income received by Solidium was approximately 4,2 per cent proportioned to the value of equity holdings on 30 June 2023.

Participation in nomination boards and board elections

A central aspect of Solidium's corporate governance model is to actively influence the board composition of the portfolio companies. Therefore, Solidium participated actively in the work of nomination boards preparing board elections during the financial year. Solidium's aim is to form a board composition which best serves the goal of shareholder value creation and needs of the company.

Representatives of Solidium have served as the chairman of the shareholders' nomination boards of Elisa, Konecranes, Metso, Nokian Tyres, Outokumpu, Tietoevry and Valmet, and as a member of the shareholders' nomination boards of Anora, Kemira and Stora Enso. The nomination boards prepared proposals for the election and remuneration of board members to the Annual General Meetings in 2023.

In accordance with Solidium's strategy, the long-term objective is to have a seat in the board of each portfolio company. During the 2022-2023 financial year, this was the case in nine companies owned by Solidium (9/12).

Share transactions

During the financial year, Solidium purchased Nokian Tyres' shares for EUR 10 million, Nokia's shares for EUR 105 million, and Konecranes' shares for EUR 29 million. As a result of the share purchases, Solidium's holding in Nokian Tyres increased from 9.4 per cent to 10.1 per cent, in Nokia from 5.4 per cent to 5.8 per cent, and in Konecranes from 10.1 per cent to 11.1 per cent during the financial year.

In spring 2023, Solidium sold 8 million shares in Kemira, which resulted in its holding decreasing from approximately 10.2 per cent to approximately 5.0 per cent. This generated proceeds of approximately EUR 129 million.

Bridge financing for Fortum

In autumn 2022, Solidium Oy's sole shareholder, the State of Finland, decided to arrange bridge financing to Fortum Oyj, in which the State is the majority shareholder, through Solidium Oy. Solidium committed to lending Fortum a maximum of EUR 2.35 billion for a loan period of up to 12 months, to be used for financing Fortum's electricity derivative collaterals. The financing arrangement ended at Fortum's initiative on 17 March 2023.





SOLIDIUM OY'S EVENTS

Solidium's strategy update

In 2022, Jouko Karvinen succeeded Harri Sailas as the chair of Solidium's Board of Directors, and Antti Makinen handed the CEO position over to Reima Rytsola. With the new chair of the Board and CEO, it was natural to review Solidium's strategy and update it as needed.

With the most recent strategy update, Solidium continues to carry out active ownership, and the assessment of national importance has been updated. Previously, when considering potential investments, Solidium examined companies that were of national importance at the time of making the investment. According to the new strategy, companies that are considered to have considerable potential to become companies of national importance in the future will also be examined. Our capital enables growth, we provide know-how concerning capital markets and we support and challenge the targeted company in the creation of shareholder value. In addition, when there is M&A interest into such companies, we see to it that there is not an element of undervaluation during opportunistic circumstances.

With the expansion of national importance horizon, Solidium's mission remains unchanged: we strengthen and stabilise Finnish ownership in companies of national importance and increase the value of our holdings in the long term. Our vision of "our portfolio companies outperforming their peers" also remains unchanged. Solidium's original objective of professional ownership and separating politics from ownership still continues to be strong today.

A long-term anchor owner's professional ownership is closely and naturally linked to the pursuit of having a seat in the board of each portfolio company, which enables the owner to be more involved in decision-making in the portfolio companies. Solidium's operations are carried out by experienced investment professionals, and the purpose of the operations and the operating model is to grow the shareholder value of the portfolio companies, which will benefit all shareholders equally.

Annual General Meeting

Solidium's Annual General Meeting was held in Helsinki on 28 October 2022. The Annual General Meeting adopted the company's financial statements for the financial year of 1 July 2021-30 June 2022 and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability. The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the proposal of the Board, that a dividend of EUR 307 million in total be paid to the owner for the financial year. It was confirmed that the Board of Directors shall have seven members. Jouko Karvinen was elected as the new chair of the Board of Directors and Aaro Cantell was elected as the vice chair until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. Timo Ahopelto, Jannica Fagerholm, Jukka Ohtola and Laura Raitio were elected as members and Suvi Haimi was elected as a new member.

Dividend and capital repayment

During the financial year Solidium paid to the Finnish State EUR 307 million as dividend. In addition, Solidium transferred its right to subscribe 8,970,000 new shares in Fortum Corporation worth EUR 133 million as capital repayment to the State of Finland. The capital repayment was distributed from the reserve for invested non-restricted equity on 23 November 2022.

The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of EUR 290 million would be paid to the owner. This corresponds to the amount of dividends received by Solidium in the financial year 2022-2023 taking into account the taxes payable on those.

Financial key indicators

Solidium's net profit for the financial period was EUR 471 million. Solidium's operating expenses were EUR 4.6 million, resulting in a management cost ratio of operations of 0.06 per cent. During the financial period Solidium's net asset value increased from EUR 7,246 million to EUR 7,359 million.

1.7.2022-30.6.2023 1.7.2021-30.6.2022 Operating profit, EUR million -4.6 -4.0 Profit for the period, EUR million 470.8 302.9 Return on investment at fair value, % 8.3 -8.5 Management cost ratio of operations, % 0.06 0.05 Net asset value, EUR million 7,358.6 7,245.6 Interest-bearing liabilities, EUR million 0.0 0.0 Equity ratio, % 92 93 Distribution of profit, EUR million 290* 307 Average number of employees 13 13

* The Board of Directors' proposal

Solidium's Annual Report in English will be published on Solidium's website at https://www.solidium.fi/en/annual-report/

This report is unaudited.

Attachment Solidium's holdings on 30 June 2023



Solidium Oy



Further information: CEO Reima Rytsola, call-back requests, Inka Virtanen, tel. +358 50 304 7904

Solidium is a limited liability company wholly owned by the State of Finland. Its mission is to strengthen and stabilise Finnish ownership in nationally important companies and increase the value of its holdings in the long term. Through its stakes, Solidium is a minority owner in twelve listed companies: Anora, Elisa, Kemira, Konecranes, Metso, Nokia, Nokian Tyres, Outokumpu, Sampo, Stora Enso, Tietoevry and Valmet. The market value of Solidium's total investments is approximately 7,5 billion euros. Further information: https://www.solidium.fi/en/ .

Attachment
CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Military Communications Market is estimated to be USD 24.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 35.4 by 2028, at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The driving factor for the military communications market is rising security concerns, evolving threat landscape, increased adoption of new technologies, network-centric warfare and the complexities of hybrid warfare, need for interoperability, replacement of aging infrastructure, emerging economies, with their growing defense prowess, represent potential markets for advanced communication systems. Military communication systems are used for command and control, intelligence information gathering, battlefield awareness, logistics and they are widely used for target & tracking, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Tactical operations, emergency response, public affairs and psychological operations etc.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=66198542

Browse in-depth TOC on "Military Communications Market"



210 - Tables

55 - Figures

250 - Pages

Military Communications Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $24.2 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $35.4 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% Market Size Available for 2019-2028 Forecast Period 2023-2028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Platform, Application, System, Point of Sale and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Complexity and data management Key Market Opportunities Use of Cloud-based solutions Key Market Drivers Rising adoption of new technologies for military communications

Based on Platform, the unmanned vehicles segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The platform segment has been segmented into land, naval, airborne and unmanned vehicles. Unmanned systems, such as drones and robotic vehicles, allow military forces to carry out missions in dangerous or hostile environments without risking the lives of personnel. This minimizes casualties and enables the military to accomplish tasks that might otherwise be too risky for human operators. Unmanned systems are widely used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. These systems rely on high-quality communication to transmit live video feeds, imagery, and sensor data to military commanders, providing crucial situational awareness for decision-making. Unmanned systems can operate around the clock, providing persistent coverage and surveillance capabilities. This requires reliable communication links to ensure continuous control and data transmission, especially during extended missions.

Based on Application, the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) segment anticipated to lead market during the forecast period.

Based on application, the military communications market has been segmented into command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, routine operations and combat. The growing use of ISR is a major trend in military communications as it is essential for military operations, as it provides commanders with the information, they need to make decisions about how to allocate resources and respond to threats. ISR is also used to support other military operations, such as target identification and strike planning. ISR involves SIGNIT which helps in collecting and analyzing electronic signals, such as radio and radar transmissions and Imagery intelligence (IMINT) which involves collecting and analyzing images, such as those taken by satellites, drones, and aircraft.

Based on System segment, the military SATCOM system segment acquire largest market share in market during the forecast period.

Military SATCOM system is currently having the largest market share in the military communications industry due to several reasons. The need for global coverage, development of new technologies, real-time data transmission, reliability in adverse conditions, increasing number of military satellites, integration with commercial satellites, are few driving factors for this segment to grow. This makes them particularly useful for applications such as navigation and positioning, disaster response and humanitarian aid, linking multinational coalitions, secure communications. As forces move, SATCOM ensures they remain connected. This is particularly valuable for naval fleets in open oceans or airborne assets in transit. Also, in scenarios where primary communication channels fail, SATCOM serves as a backup, ensuring continuous communication.

Based on Point of Sale, the upgrade segment is projected to lead market during the forecast period.

The upgradation of military communications system is projected to lead the military communications market due to several reasons. With constant advancements in communication technology, older military communication systems can quickly become obsolete. This necessitates periodic upgrades to incorporate the latest tech and maintain operational efficiency. Periodic defense budget allocations for modernization and tech upgrades can spur growth in the military communications upgrade segment. The integration of newer technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and advanced data analytics into military communication systems can necessitate system upgrades. Systems that reach their end of life or end of support status will either need to be replaced or upgraded, driving growth in the upgrade segment.

Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=66198542

Based on region, the Asia Pacific segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The military communications market is anticipated to be dominated by the Asia Pacific region in 2023. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the rest of Asia-Pacific are the regions that were looked at in this market. One of the primary international players operating in the Asia Pacific region is China, India, and Japan, which makes significant investments in the creation of military communications technologies.

Key Players-

Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), Elbit Systems (Israel), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), BAE Systems(UK), Saab AB (Sweden), Aselsan A.S (Turkey), Viasat Inc (US), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), Leonardo(Italy), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), Cobham Limited(UK), Honeywell International Inc(US), are some of the leading companies in the military communications companies. These companies have well-equipped manufacturing facilities and strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=66198542

Browse Adjacent Market: Aerospace and Defence Market Research Reports &Consulting

Related Reports:

Military Radars Market by Component (Transmitter, Digital Signal Processor), Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne, Space), Technology (SDR, Quantum, Conventional), Waveform (FMCW, Doppler), Application, Type, Frequency Band & Region - Global Forecast to 2027

Tactical Communication Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Application (Command & Control, ISR, Communication, Combat), Platform (Ground, Airborne, Naval, Unmanned Systems), Type (Soldier Radios, Manpacks, VIC, HCDR), Frequency, Technology, Point of Sale, Region - Forecast to 2027

Naval Communication Market by Platform (Ships, Submarines, Unmanned Systems), System Technology (Naval Satcom Systems, Naval Radio Systems, Naval Security Systems and Communication Management Systems), Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2028

Military Antenna Market by Component (Reflectors, Feed Horn, Feed Networks, Low Noise Block Converter (LNB)), Frequency Band (HF, VHF, UHF SHF, AND EHF), End Use (OEM and Aftermarket), Type, Application, Platform and Region (2021-2026)

Surveillance Radars Market by Application (Commercial, National Security, Defense & Space), Platform (Land, Airborne, Naval, Space), Frequency Band (HF, UHF & VHF; L; S; C; X; Ku; Ka; Multi-bands), Dimension, Component, Region (2020-2025)

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com

Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/military-communications-market.asp

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/military-communications.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/military-communications-market-worth-35-4-by-2028---exclusive-report-by-marketsandmarkets-301908868.html
CRANBROOK, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Management of Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (TSXV:EPL) ("Eagle Plains", or "EPL" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a mineral property purchase and sale agreement (the "Purchase Agreement"), dated effective August 24, 2023, with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Standard Uranium Ltd. ("Standard"),(TSX-V:STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (Frankfurt: FWB:9SU), pursuant to which Standard will acquire eight additional mineral claims totalling 4,278 hectares contiguous with the recently staked Corvo Project, in the Eastern Athabasca Basin region (the "Acquisition"). Upon completion of the Acquisition, the Corvo Project will comprise 7,989 hectares within ten claims and contain 14.5 km of prospective exploration corridors across two trends.

Summary of Purchase Agreement

Pursuant the terms of the Definitive Agreement, the aggregate purchase price payable by Standard Uranium to the Eagle Plains consists of (a) 1,250,000 common shares of the Company, (the "Consideration Shares") and (b) the granting of a net smelter returns royalty of 2.5% (the "NSR Royalty") to Eagle Plains on all Corvo claims effective as of the commencement of commercial production. The NSR Royalty is subject to a buydown right in favour of Standard Uranium pursuant to which Standard Uranium may extinguish 1% of the NSR Royalty in exchange for payment of $1,000,000, thereby reducing the NSR Royalty to 1.5%. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a four month hold period as prescribed by applicable securities laws.

With the expansion of the Corvo Project, Standard will have ownership interests in seven projects totalling over 75,895 ha across the uranium-rich Athabasca Basin.

Completion of the Acquisition remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company and Eagle Plains are at arms-length, and no finders' fees or commissions are payable by the Company in connection with the Acquisition. Upon issuance, the Consideration Shares will be subject to a four month hold period as prescribed by applicable securities laws.

"Completing this deal with Eagle Plains will add significant value to the Corvo Project, delivering more than 5 kilometres of additional prospective exploration corridors in addition to several more historical uranium showings," said Sean Hillacre, President and VP Exploration for Standard. "The fact that the project is road-accessible year-round compliments the strong geoscience attributes of the project, drawing on the analogy of the near-by Gemini Mineralized Zone. With this addition to the claims staked by our team, Corvo is now a highly optionable project with size and strong geological characteristics prospective for uranium mineralization."

Tim Termuende, P.Geo. President and CEO of Eagle Plains commented recently: "we are pleased to have concluded a mutually beneficial deal with Standard on their Corvo Project. Standard brings to the table a solid management team while Eagle Plains will maintain significant upside exposure to the project through its sizeable shareholdings in Standard and the retention of an NSR. By vending non-core claims at Corvo, Eagle Plains stays true to its proven model as a project generator and will continue its' focus of researching, identifying and acquiring new exploration opportunities in western Canada."

See Corvo Project Location Map here

Eagle Plains Announces Application to Extend Warrant Expiry

Eagle Plains has made application to the TSX Venture Exchange for approval and acceptance to amend the term of 1,526,000 outstanding common share purchase warrants which were issued in connection with a non-brokered private placement closed on September 25th, 2020 (see EPL news release dated September 25, 2020). The warrants have a current expiry date of September 25th, 2023.

The share purchase warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry at the option of the Company if the published closing trade price of the common shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is greater than or equal to $.50 for any 20 consecutive trading days, in which event the holder may be given notice that the warrants will expire 30 days following the date of such notice. The common share purchase warrants may be exercised by the holder during the 30 day period between the notice and the expiration of the common share purchase warrants.

Eagle Plains has applied to extend the expiry date for an additional 12 months to a revised date of September 25, 2024. The exercise price and acceleration clause of the warrants will remain unchanged, at 30 cents per warrant.

About Eagle Plains Resources

Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains is a well-funded, prolific project generator that continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada. The Company was formed in 1992 and is the ninth-oldest listed issuer on the TSX-V (and one of only three that has not seen a roll-back or restructuring of its shares). Eagle Plains has continued to deliver shareholder value over the years and through numerous spin outs has transferred over $100,000,000 in value directly to its shareholders, with Copper Canyon Resources and Taiga Gold Corp. being notable examples. Eagle Plains latest spinout, Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CSE:"ER") was listed on May 24, 2023, and holds a diverse portfolio of royalty assets throughout western Canada.

Eagle Plains' core business is acquiring grassroots critical- and precious-metal exploration properties. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team.

Expenditures from 2011-2022 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $30M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 45,000m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development.

Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Tim J. Termuende"

President and CEO

For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673)

Email: mgl@eagleplains.com or visit our website at https://www.eagleplains.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

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 may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

SOURCE: Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776430/Eagle-Plains-Vends-Uranium-Dispositions-in-the-Eastern-Athabasca-Basin-to-Standard-Uranium-Extends-Warrants
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RDG) (OTCQB: RDGMF) (FSE: 0GC0) ("Ridgeline" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has acquired, at no cost to the Company, an extensive historical exploration database for the Big Blue project ("Big Blue" or "Project") from an undisclosed third-party. Big Blue is a porphyry-CRD, copper ("Cu") - gold ("Au") - silver ("Ag") - lead ("Pb") - zinc ("Zn") exploration prospect in Elko County, Nevada, which includes the past producing high-grade copper Delker Mine (See February 9, 2023 press release HERE). The newly acquired data is a modern geologic database consisting of detailed mapping, surface geochemistry, drill data and multiple generations of surface and airborne geophysics. The data has been thoroughly validated and incorporated into the Big Blue geologic model and is expected to save significant time and exploration capital to advance the Project to a maiden drill program in 2024. A detailed summary of the historical database is highlighted below.

Mike Harp, Ridgeline's Vice President, Exploration commented, "The acquisition of this historical dataset is a major step forward for the geologic model at Big Blue and significantly accelerates the exploration process for our team. The geophysical surveys in particular highlight multiple potential targets, including porphyry targets and a well-defined, northeast trending structural corridor that extends between the historical Delker copper-gold Mine and Reyna Silver's Medicine Springs CRD project located on our southwestern boundary. This untested structural trend represents a highly prospective, six-kilometer-long target area that is bracketed on both ends by historical copper and base metal mines. The database also suggests that the limited historical drilling that was conducted on the project did not drill deep enough to adequately test geophysical anomalies located directly beneath multi-percent copper mineralization that was historically mined from the Delker Mine and Skarn Hill adit. Our team plans on integrating and reinterpreting the raw data sets to continue building out the geologic mode with the goal of initiating a maiden drill campaign in 2024."

Historical Data Summary:

Geophysics

Two generations of magnetic surveys including a regional airborne survey and high-resolution ground magnetics with a 3D inversion focused on the Delker Mine area (Figure 1 & Figure 2)

Ground gravity survey with supporting 3D inversion (Figure 1)

Two induced polarization ("IP") lines focused on the Delker Mine and Skarn Hill adits

Significance - Airborne magnetics and IP lines highlight potential for porphyry source at depth while ground magnetics and gravity surveys highlight key structural trends

Surface Geochemistry

Individual rock chip samples returned up to 5.5% Cu (Figure 2) A total of 61 historical rock chips have been added to the Ridgeline database ranging from below assay detection limits to 5.5% Cu (avg.0.42% Cu)

251 soil samples were collected on a 100x100m grid within outcrop and shallow alluvium in the Delker Mine area

Significance - Rock chips confirm roughly 1.5 km long trend of high-grade Cu-skarn mineralization on-trend of the Delker Mine and Skarn Hill adit.

Drilling

Six historical drillholes completed by Newmont and Exxon Minerals were drilled on the project for a total of 1,177 meters with the deepest hole reaching a maximum depth of 1,177.3 meters (Figure 1)

Significance - Limited drilling on the property did not drill deep enough to test targets within prospective limestone host horizons

Mapping

Multiple generations of detailed geologic mapping between 1989 and 1992

Significance - mapping highlights copper bearing felsic dikes that crosscut older Jurassic age porphyries in the Delker Mine area

Geochronology

Regional age-dating program highlights up to six generations of Jurassic age porphyry intrusions with multiple copper-bearing felsic dikes that crosscut the Jurassic intrusions

Significance - Jurassic age porphyries are the same age range as Nevada's Yerington copper district with mapped and crosscutting copper bearing dikes in the Delker Mine area suggesting the potential for a Cretaceous age porphyry system (ie: Robinson copper district)

Big Blue Project

Big Blue is located in Elko County, Nevada, approximately seventy-five kilometers ("km") southeast of the city of Elko, NV. The Project includes the past producing Delker Mine, which produced a reported 94,434 pounds of copper at an average grade of 6.2% Cu between 1916-1917 1 and shares its southern boundary with Reyna Silver's Medicine Springs Ag-Pb-Zn Carbonate Replacement ("CRD") project. Mineralization occurs as high-grade skarn located proximal to northeast trending felsic dikes that are interpreted as bleeding off a potential porphyry source located on or near the Big Blue property, which has never been drill-tested. The primary target at Big Blue is porphyry-skarn Cu  Au-Ag mineralization, which may be the source of distal CRD mineralization at Medicine Springs - analogous to the Butte Valley porphyry Cu-Au system inferred to be a source of CRD mineralization at the Company's nearby Selena project. A large portion of the Project is covered by shallow, post-mineral gravels covering a roughly five (5) km target area resulting in limited surface expression of the porphyry system. The 100% owned Project is comprised of a total of 29 square kilometers of highly prospective exploration ground that has seen limited exploration since the early 1900's and will benefit from the Ridgeline's systematic approach to discovery (view Ridgeline's Corporate Deck HERE) .

Figure 1: Plan view map on the left showing Residual Gravity overlying Horizontal Gradient highlighting a proposed northeast trending structural corridor. Reduced to Pole airborne magnetics on the right highlight a kilometer scale magnetics "high" in the Delker Mine area.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/178366_ddd30ac7748e1905_002full.jpg

Figure 2: Delker Mine conceptual x-section A-A' showing 3D inversion of high-resolution ground magnetics survey. Magnetic high sits directly below high-grade Delker Mine and multi-percent copper rock chips associated with felsic dike swarm mapped at surface





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/178366_ddd30ac7748e1905_003full.jpg

QAQC Procedures

Samples are submitted to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks, Nevada, which is a certified and accredited laboratory, independent of the Company. Samples are prepared using industry-standard prep methods and analysed using FA-PB30-ICP (Au; 30 g fire assay) and ICP-5AM48 (48 element Suite; 0.5 g 5-acid digestion/ICP-MS) methods. AAL also undertakes its own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. Ridgeline's QA/QC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results completed by the Company's Qualified Person, Michael T. Harp, Vice President, Exploration.

Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael T. Harp, CPG. the Company's Vice President, Exploration, who is Ridgeline's Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release.

About Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

Ridgeline is a discovery focused gold-silver explorer with a proven management team and a 192 km exploration portfolio across six projects in Nevada and Idaho, USA. More information about Ridgeline can be found at www.RidgelineMinerals.com

On behalf of the Board

"Chad Peters"

President & CEO

Further Information:

Chad Peters, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

(775) 304-9773 | info@ridgelineminerals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated benefits of the Earn-In Agreement and the transaction contemplated thereby. The words "potential", "anticipate", "meaningful", "discovery", "forecast", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "plan", "historical", "historic" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Ridgeline has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that TSX Venture Exchange approval will be granted in a timely manner subject only to standard conditions; the current objectives concerning the Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Ridgeline to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays; risks related to historical data that has not been verified by the Company; as well as those factors discussed in Ridgeline's public disclosure record. Although Ridgeline has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Ridgeline and may cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking 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. Except as required by law, Ridgeline does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178366
HIGHLIGHTS

Assays from muscovite samples from pegmatites at the Gathering Lake South project show up to 2,075 ppm lithium (0.208%).

Summary of recent exploration at Gathering Lake: Fifteen new pegmatites mapped and three new beryl bearing pegmatites discovered. Additional 49 more grab samples sent to the lab and 86 more LIBS samples taken. Two new trends along the regional batholith-sediment contact orientation established.

Additional news: Prospected the three projects located in the Case Lake area and identified and sampled eight prospective pegmatites. Most recent exploration at the Cosgrave Lake project resulted in an additional 50 pegmatites being mapped, 71 rock samples sent to the lab and about 100 LIBS samples taken. Received the final LiDAR survey DEM and files for the Wisa Lake Project.

Beyond Lithium releases interview with President & CEO Allan Frame explaining the significance of today's announcement: https://youtu.be/fn-6Z3SNfFM.

Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Beyond Lithium Inc. (CSE: BY) (OTCQB: BYDMF) (the "Company" or "Beyond Lithium") is pleased to announce the results of a recent exploration program at one of its many properties located in the Georgia Lake district in Ontario. Beyond Lithium has three properties totalling 6,948 ha in the northeast of the district, namely Gathering Lake South (3,864 ha), Gathering Lake East (986 ha), and the Gathering Lake West (2,098 ha) (Figure 1 and 2) which were the focus of the Company's most recent exploration work. The projects are located in the northeastern region of the Georgia Lake district which is associated with the regional source of LCT pegmatite formation and fractionation, the Glacier Lake batholith.

The exploration program consisted primarily of detailed sampling and mapping at the Gathering Lake South project which led to the discovery of three new beryl-bearing pegmatites with elevated Li muscovite samples. The Company also identified and mapped fifteen new pegmatites and established two new trends following the regional batholith-sediment contact orientation.

Regional samples in the Georgia Lake area were collected in 2008 by Frederick W Breaks Ph. D. for the Ontario Geological Survey1. Results of his research into the rare-element pegmatite and related S-type peraluminous granites in the area outlined an anomalous zone of Cesium (Cs) greater than 15 ppm and Rubidium (Rb) greater than 300 ppm which coincides with most of the known rare-element mineral occurrences in the Gathering Lake area. The two newly identified trends at Beyond Lithium's Gathering Lake South project also envelops samples with Cs of greater than 15 ppm and Rb greater than 300 ppm extending Breaks' rare-element anomalous zone in the area for the potential to explore for new rare-element or LCT pegmatites within the Gathering Lake South project.

"A total of twenty-five samples were collected across our three Gathering Lake projects in June as part of our Phase 1 exploration program (Figure 2)," said Lawrence Tsang, VP Exploration for Beyond Lithium. "Of particular interest were four muscovite samples collected from pegmatites outcrops at the Gathering Lake South project which showed assays up to 1,477 and 2,075 ppm (0.148% and 0.208%) in lithium."

"The results published today are significant as they suggest these samples are likely related to beryl-spodumene pegmatites as lithium contents for muscovite from a spodumene pegmatite is usually greater than 1,000 ppm Li and lithium contents for muscovite from a fertile granite is greater than 200 ppm Li. These estimates are based on data collected by Frederick W. Breaks in 2003 and published in a report published by the Ontario Geological Survey2."

Mr. Tsang added: "After evaluating the results which showed the elevated lithium in the muscovite samples and the higher fractionated samples in the southern part of the project, a five day follow up program was carried out by Beyond Lithium team for detailed mapping and sampling at the Gathering Lake South project. The follow up program mapped 15 new pegmatites with local pegmatites measuring up to 20m wide around the south-central area. The crews also discovered three new beryl-bearing pegmatites marked as green stars in the Figure 4 below. The follow up program also collected an additional of 49 grab samples which have been sent to the lab and 86 LIBS samples taken."



Figure 1. The Georgia Lake District



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/178353_8e87467ad4885aeb_004full.jpg

"I could not be more pleased with the progress made by our technical team thus far in 2023," said Allan Frame, President and CEO. "During my 47-year career in the investment business I had the benefit of financing and being associated with multiple major discoveries, including the Snip Deposit now owned by Skeena Resources Ltd. All of these discoveries had one thing in common: an experienced technical team focused on the long-term success of the company. We have such a team at Beyond Lithium. The progress they are making on several of our 64 properties is clearly refining our exploration plans which in the fall will include drilling."

He concluded: "It is important for our shareholders to keep in mind that while we are as anxious as they are to share all assay results as they come in, it is sometimes a better course of action to first consolidate our land position either through staking, optioning or both in certain districts. This can take several weeks, most of which is now behind us. We look forward to sharing additional assay results in the near term."

Geological information on the Gathering Lake area

According to 2003 Ontario Geological Survey report by Breaks2, the northeastern Glacier Lake batholith, where the Gathering Lake projects are located, is significantly more peraluminous or in other words is more fractionated with higher rare-element contents than the southwestern region with A/CNK value varies between 1.00 to 1.98 and is linked to the Gathering Lake pegmatite group including the Nelson and the Koshman spodumene bearing pegmatite showings with grab samples up to 3.22% and 2.88% Li2O illustrated as the Li Showing in the map below (Figure 2)3.





Figure 2. Location of the Gathering Lake Projects and Phase 1 Samples Location

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/178353_8e87467ad4885aeb_005full.jpg

Potassium (K) over Rubidium (Rb) expressed as a ratio (K/Rb) versus Cesium variation plot of samples is a common and convenient diagram to display the fractionation trend or the relative degree of evolution of S-type, peraluminous granites and related pegmatite granites and the rare-element pegmatite groups that fractionated from the parent granitic rocks. With increasing fractionation of the pegmatite-forming melt, the compositions of the potassium feldspar and mica become more enriched in rubidium and cesium thus the fractionation trend points to the lower right corner of the plot as the higher fractionated area.

The K/Rb vs Cs plot of the 25 samples in comparison with the samples collected by Breaks1 from the SW and the NE Glacier Lake batholith and the Gathering Lake pegmatite group established a gradual fractionation trend at the Gathering Lake projects in relation to the Glacier Lake batholith and outlined a higher fractionated sample with 192 ppm Cs was located in the south-central part of the Gathering Lake South project closely related to the highly fractionated sample from the nearby known Gathering Lake pegmatite group (Figure 3).This sample supports the potential presence of more fractionated pegmatites with higher rare-element contents in the Gathering Lake South area.





Figure 3. K/Rb vs Cs Plot of the Gathering Lake Project Samples with Glacier Lake Batholith and Gathering Lake Pegmatite Group (Breaks 2008)

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/178353_8e87467ad4885aeb_006full.jpg

Moreover, the detailed mapping from the follow up program mapped out two East-West trending sediments packages in contact with the batholith. These batholith-sediments contacts coincide with the greater than 15 ppm Cs zone established by Breaks in the area and the three newly discovered beryl bearing pegmatites on the project. The alignment of these beryl pegmatites with the elevated Li muscovite samples and the higher fractionated sample following the batholith-sediment contact delineated two new E-W exploration trends at the Gathering Lake South project outlined in orange in Figure 4.

These E-W orientated contacts between the batholith and sediment are good host and fluid pathway for the formation and the fractionation of pegmatites. As most LCT pegmatites bodies that have been discovered so far show some sort of structural control. Pegmatites tend to be intruded along faults, fractures, foliation and bedding or concordant with the regional foliation in the metamorphic host rock, like the metasediment in contact with the batholith in the Gathering Lake area4. These batholith-sediment contacts and the main foliation orientation in the host rocks become the obvious follow up exploration direction in the area.





Figure 4. Gathering Lake Projects Exploration Trends and New Beryl Pegmatite Locations

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/178353_8e87467ad4885aeb_007full.jpg

Summary of Case Lake Phase 1 Exploration

Beyond Lithium's properties in the Case Lake area are Stimson (1,630 ha), Case Lake South (2,711 ha), and Case Lake North (7.476 ha). Beyond Lithium field crew prospected the three projects last week and was able to locate and sample a few prospective pegmatites at the Case Lake South and North projects. This short program allowed us to assess the accessibility of the three projects and the few samples we collected will give us a baseline for geochemistry of the projects.





Figure 5. Case Lake Area Projects: Stimson, Case Lake South, and Case Lake North

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/178353_8e87467ad4885aeb_008full.jpg

Summary of the Cosgrave Lake Project Most Recent Exploration

On August 1st, 2023, Beyond Lithium announced the discovery of an LCT pegmatite intrusive stock covering an area of over 266 hectares, which is comparable in size to the MNW pluton (351 ha) and the Pine Portage pluton (311 ha). The analogous size of this discovery to other fertile plutons strongly suggests that it has generated substantial amounts of concentrated fluids and volatiles, serving as the source of lithium and rare earth minerals in lithium pegmatite formations in the vicinity.





Figure 6. Beyond Lithium Geological Map of the Cosgrave Lake Project Outlining the 11 km Main NE-SW Trend Conformable to the Sediment Contact

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/178353_8e87467ad4885aeb_009full.jpg

Further to the discovery, Beyond Lithium sent crews to the project for further exploration which resulted in an additional 50 mapped pegmatites, 71 rock samples sent to the lab and about 100 LIBS samples taken.

Summary of Wise Lake LiDAR Survey

A LiDAR survey was completed for the Wisa Lake Lithium project next to the Green Technology Metals' Wisa Project. The final has been delivered for interpretation. The LiDAR data will be a useful exploration tool for identifying potential outcrop and structure on the project. LiDAR is a remote sensing method that is utilized to create digital terrain (DTM) and DEM of the landscape. As the topography of the area is generally flat, a subtle change to elevation high may indicate pegmatite outcrops or features worthwhile to prospect. The Beyond Lithium team will begin the interpretation of the LiDAR data and shortly come up with an exploration plan for the Wisa Lake Project.





Figure 7: Wisa Lake Project Hillshade Map from the LiDAR Survey

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/178353_8e87467ad4885aeb_010full.jpg

Sources:

1 Breaks, F.W., Selway, J.B. and Tindle, A.G. 2008. The Georgia Lake rare-element pegmatite field and related S-type, peraluminous granites, Quetico Subprovince, north-central Ontario; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6199, 176p.

2 Breaks, F.W., Selway, J.B. and Tindle, A.G. 2003. Fertile peraluminous granites and related rare-element mineralization in pegmatites, Superior Province, northwest and northeast Ontario: Operation Treasure Hunt; Ontario Geological Survey, Open File Report 6099, 179p.

3 Pleson, A.J., 2019. Technical Report On the Gathering Lake Lithium Pegmatite Property.

4 Bradley, Dwight, and McCauley, Andrew, 2013, A preliminary deposit model for lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites (ver. 1.1, December 2016): U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2013-1008, 7 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20131008.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

All collected rock samples were put in sturdy plastic bags, tagged, and sealed at site. Sample bags were then put in rice bags and kept securely before being sent by road transport or delivered by the crew supervisor to SGS's preparation facility in Red Lake or Sudbury, Ontario, for sample preparation. Pulps are analyzed at the SGS facility in Burnaby, BC. All samples are analyzed with Four-Acid Digestion/Combined ICP-AES/MS package (49 elements). The QA/QC protocol included the insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials, in this case high concentration and low concentration certified OREAS and CDN lithium standards to validate the accuracy and precision of the assay results.

Qualified Person and Third-Party Data

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Lawrence Tsang, P.Geo., VP Exploration of the Company. Lawrence Tsang is a "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Beyond Lithium Inc.

Beyond Lithium Inc. is the largest greenfield lithium exploration player in Ontario with 64 high potential greenfield lithium properties totalling over 150,000 hectares. The Company has adopted the project generator business model to maximize funds available for exploration projects, while minimizing shareholder dilution. Beyond Lithium is advancing certain of its projects with its exploration team and will seek to option other properties to joint venture partners. Partnering on various projects will provide a source of non-dilutive working capital, partner-funded exploration, and long-term residual exposure to exploration success.

Beyond Lithium currently has 28,259,658 common shares outstanding.

Please follow @BeyondLithium on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.beyondLithium.ca

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In stating the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

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 differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements of forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, the proposed expenditures for exploration work on its properties, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 23, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

For further information, please contact:

Allan Frame

President and CEO

Tel: 403-470-8450

Email: allan.frame@beyondLithium.ca

Jason Frame

Manager of Communications

Tel: 587-225-2599

Email: jason.frame@beyondLithium.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178353
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Bayer

When it comes to raising crops, protecting them through harvest is often the toughest part of the job. With each changing season, day, hour and even second, you're faced with a number of threats ranging from weeds, disease and pests - couple these with climate change, regulatory pressures, and current supply chain issues, and you've got as much potential for stress as you do for success. That's exactly why we're innovating crop protection solutions that meet your needs today - and anticipate what you may need tomorrow.

Just as no two fingerprints are alike, no farmer or their fields are, either. From Indiana to India, from corn to cauliflower, we understand that your challenges and needs are unique to you and your farm - and that means developing crop protection solutions that are personalized down to the individual hectares that make up your operation.

Keep reading to discover some of the uniquely-you solutions that are delivering a big impact for farmers around the world - wherever they may be and whatever they may be facing.

Digital Weed Management

Combating Weeds Without Combing Through Fields

Physically inspecting every hectare or acre of your farm for potential problems is neither realistic nor cost-effective. With this in mind, it's easy to see why data-driven digital tools have become a vital part of monitoring crops for a variety of issues before they impact food production.

These tools integrate with equipment you're already using to give a range of analyses - from an individual plant to entire farming operations.

Turning Data Into Insights

On your farm - on any farm - outcomes are everything. With the help of digital platforms like Climate FieldView and Sentera, combined with local expertise, farmers are able to collect, store and analyze valuable data utilizing existing tools and equipment.

With Sentera, U.S. farmers work with agronomic partners to monitor pests and risk of crop damage by combining drone imagery with data science, gaining valuable insights that help drive optimized, real-time crop protection decisions. Sentera can deliver detailed, exact snapshots of weed pressure and location for streamlined scouting and application. Precise inputs, improved outcomes. Win, win.

Drone-Based Applications

Easing Labor Pressures in the Pacific

If you're like most farmers, drones were not-so-long-ago considered futuristic farming tech. Now, though, they're just another tool in the crop protection toolbox. In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, especially for smallholder farmers, drones have become a vital operational asset.

Climate change and COVID-19 have severely affected the value chain and labor markets in APAC, and drones are being used to identify and target specific problem areas within crops - saving farmers vital time and resources, ultimately increasing profitability and sustainability.

And They're Safer, Too.

As a farmer, you know that safety is always top of mind. In rice paddies, where backpack applications often put farmers directly in the application zone, drones have been adopted as a tool to drastically improve input regulation, but also to increase safety.

Drones offer farmers the ability to break through broadleaf crop canopies to apply protectants or individual plant applications all from a safe distance, with greater precision.

Anticipating Crop Disease

Helping Farmers Predict the Unpredictable

Going into any growing season, you're likely met with hope, excitement - and a little bit of uncertainty. One of the most unpredictable problems for farmers the world over is disease. But what if the unpredictable werepredictable?

Through a new pilot program aimed at cereal farmers, we're hoping to do just that. PreDiMa (Predictive Disease Management) utilizes data-driven insight and climatory indicators to predict disease issues before they strike. Saving farmers time, money and stress.

Piloting PreDiMa in Europe

Surely, more certainty from planting to post-harvest would be a welcome addition to any farmer. With PreDiMa, our goal is to develop a program to help farmers like you manage risk, better combat disease, increase quality and maximize yield.

More specifically, PreDiMa provides services like pre-season consultations, in-season risk assessments and recommendations as well as a risk-sharing component. We're finetuning this program to meet each farmer's individual needs - yours included.

I tried out PreDiMa to minimize the number of treatments, better treat the disease [...] and optimize costs. - Fabrice,Farmer | PreDiMa Pilot Program, France

Personalized Biologicals

Sustainable, Complementary Crop Protection

Crop protection on your farm probably looks a lot different today than it did just a decade ago. We're committed to developing solutions that, like digital tools, decrease inputs, maximize outputs, and are easier on our planet.

Biologicals are an effective form of defense that provide farmers an opportunity to reduce overall environmental impact while still maintaining tailored, individually suited crop protection scripts.

FLiPPER

A Sustainable Solution in Biological Innovations

Reduce the environmental impact of crop protection by 30% by 2030. That's our commitment to you, our industry, and the world. With this in mind, we've developed a robust and innovative biologicals portfolio.

Say hello to FLiPPER. No, not the dolphin. This insecticide has delivered some pretty groundbreaking results in the UK, where it's being used by organic and conventional farmers to control damaging, sucking pests - ensuring quality yield without affecting beneficials and pollinators. Again - win, win.

Partnering With Farmers to Keep the Future of Crop Protection in Mind

We're inspired by the ingenuity, innovation, and passion of farmers around the world. Farmers like you. It's why our research and development pipeline is second to none. It's why we continue to innovate with your needs, both current and future, at the center of every decision we make. Every breakthrough we discover. Every product we launch.

By partnering with farmers around the world who work tirelessly to feed us all, our commitment is to continuously search for new innovations that are as unique as your fields - and as unique as everything else that makes you, you.

View original content here

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bayer on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Bayer

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/bayer

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Bayer

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776616/Bayer-How-Innovative-Farmers-Are-Tailoring-Their-Crop-Protection
Vancouver, Canada--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Turnium Technology Group Inc. (TSXV: TTGI) ("Turnium" or the "Company"), an industry leader in cloud-native Software-Defined Wide Area Networking solutions (SD-WAN), now enables Managed Service Providers (MSP) to increase the reliability, performance, and quality of their AI applications, Voice, Contact Center, and Point of Sale (PoS) solutions with Turnium SD-Access, SD-Light, and SD-WAN.

When a connection to the internet fails or drops, even briefly, businesses that use hosted Voice, Communications, Contact Center, and PoS software cannot make or receive calls or complete debit or credit card transactions. Be it a coffee shop or a major retail chain, or Amazon online, without the ability to service payments or manage customer communications most businesses grind to a halt. According to Payline Data Services, one hour of PoS downtime results in up to $13,000 in business losses.

These issues are solved by Turnium's proprietary software technology. Multiple connections can be bonded together so that if one connection fails, data, voice calls, and transactions can continue. This is done efficiently and securely, with a speedy 300 millisecond failover time making the switchover imperceptible. Turnium also enables Service Providers to scale down their price points for cost sensitive applications while remaining profitable, using off the shelf, readily available hardware.

The SD-WAN market is expected to increase at a 31.6% CAGR from US$3.4B in 2022 to US$54B in 2032, according to Future Market Insights Inc. Turnium SD-Access, SD-Light, and SD-WAN products give Service Providers an affordable, reliable method of ensuring customers maintain connection to hosted services and transaction or banking platforms. The products allow for growth in monthly recurring revenue (MRR) as well as increased customer satisfaction.

Designed for single site customers, Turnium SD-Access enables Service Providers to deliver a single, managed circuit to businesses that want to avoid a disruption in their business, all at a price that is highly affordable.

Turnium SD-Light allows Service Providers to elevate their single-site customer experience by adding real-time link aggregation. Turnium does this by enabling a Managed Service Provider to use up to three active circuits from different Internet Service Providers ("ISPs") and combine them into a single virtual connection without being tied up by the customer's own ISP. Should one of these circuits fail, the customer stays connected to the applications that matter using the other circuits. In SD-Light, one circuit can also be designated as a standby, failover connection and use LTE or Starlink to provide wireless access in addition to hardwired connections.

Turnium SD-WAN is full throttle SD-WAN. It includes all SD-Light features plus unlimited circuit aggregation and private wide area networking (PWAN). SD-WAN enables MSPs to create and manage private, secure, encrypted networks for their customers easily through Turnium's no-code software platform. MSPs can include cloud locations in the private network, so their VoIP, UCaaS or CCaaS platforms are on-net for each customer location.

###

About Turnium Technology Group, Inc.

Turnium Technology Group Inc. delivers its SD-WAN solution as a white label, containerized, disaggregated software platform that channel partners host, manage, brand, and price and as a managed cloud-native service provided by Turnium. Both Turnium SD-WAN offerings are available through a channel partner program designed for Communications Service Providers, Internet and Managed Service Providers, System Integrators, and Value-Added Resellers.

For more information, contact sales@ttgi.io, visit www.turnium.com, or follow us on Twitter @turnium.

About SD-WAN

SD-WAN is revolutionizing the networking and telecommunications industry by abstracting secure, high-speed networking and network control from underlying physical circuits. SD-WAN frees enterprises, small and medium businesses, cloud and managed services providers from the business and cost constraints imposed by traditional telecommunications companies.

Turnium Contact:

Investor Relations: Bill Mitoulas, email: investor.relations@ttgi.io, telephone: +1 416-479-9547

Media inquiries, please email media@ttgi.io

Sales inquiries, please email sales@ttgi.io

www.ttgi.io, www.turnium.com

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange 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.

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 acts, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. 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. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks that the Company may terminate and not proceed with the Agreement, or that the Agreement and associated transactions will not be successfully completed for any reason (including failure to obtain the required acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange). The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178379
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Learning Pool, the leading global provider of corporate learning solutions, is the recipient of three awards at the internationally recognized Brandon Hall Excellence Awards for Human Capital Management 2023.

The Brandon Hall Excellence Awards for Human Capital Management recognize best practices for initiatives in learning and development, talent management, leadership development, talent acquisition, human resources, sales performance, diversity, equity and inclusion and the future of work.

Entering into three categories, Learning Pool is thrilled to have placed in all three. For the first time, Learning Pool achieved Gold in the 'Best Advance in Social Impact Innovation' category in partnership with Lurie Children's Hospital . With the help of Learning Pool Platform , the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children's Hospital is addressing the impact of trauma on students across the state of Illinois.

"The Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children's Hospital is honored to receive a Brandon Hall Excellence Award for Human Capital Management alongside our partner, Learning Pool. Resilience Education to Advance Community Healing (REACH) is a statewide initiative that provides virtual learning experiences to educators, school mental health professionals and community members. Our learning platform now hosts over 10,000 users and we have provided thousands of hours of on-demand learning through Learning Pool's technology, positively impacting students by providing the adults in their lives free, easily accessible information about trauma, mental health, social and emotional learning and strategies to support youth," said Meg O'Rourke, Director of Learning and Development at Lurie Children's Hospital. She continued, "The aim is to reach even more schools and educators and find ways to sustain this important. We look forward to our continued partnership with Learning Pool."

Learning Pool also achieved Gold success in the 'Best Advance in Custom Content' category with a globally recognized pharmaceutical brand. Together, Learning Pool and the company's compliance training team redesigned the company's long-standing guide on healthcare laws by streamlining the content to make it more user-friendly. The custom content project leveraged best practices in adult learning principles and used advanced data analytics to effectively tailor content and measure performance improvement over time.

In the 'Best Advance in Competencies and Skills Development, Silver was awarded to Learning Pool in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council . Increasing compliance completion rates by 240%, Learning Pool helped Aberdeenshire Council develop a one-stop learning portal that delivers effective and accessible training to more than 16,000 employees.

In response to the joint award win, Helen Milne, Acting Team Leader at Aberdeenshire Council said, "We are extremely honored to have received a Silver award in the 'Best Advance in Competencies and Skills Development' category at the Brandon Hall Excellence Awards for Human Capital Management. Our aim has always been to develop a user-friendly blended training model. We have faced many challenges along the way, however, the support of a digitally enabled learning platform provided by Learning Pool has enabled us to overcome these challenges and strengthen our ability to bring our training model into the 21st Century."

Entries to this year's Brandon Hall Excellence Awards for Human Capital Management were evaluated by a panel of veteran, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall analysts and executives based on the following criteria: alignment to business need and environment; program design, functionality and delivery; adoption, integration, user experience, innovation and creativity; overall effectiveness, impact and measurable benefits.

"Our award winners are relentless in their pursuit of excellence," said Brandon Hall Group Chief Executive Officer, Mike Cooke. "We have received some of the most innovative use of HCM strategy that we have seen in the last 30 years and in most cases, technology and collaboration across departments have helped them achieve amazing business results."

The winning organizations will be honored at the Brandon Hall Group's HCM Excellence Conference in West Palm Beach, FL in February.

About Learning Pool

Learning Pool creates learning experiences that deliver extraordinary outcomes for workplaces investing in the performance and skills of their people. Supporting thousands of businesses investing in learning experiences for their global learners, Learning Pool's innovative AI learning platforms and skills solutions, combine integrated technology and adaptive content to produce actionable insight on every learner's performance.

Its world-class customer experience makes sure clients can harness its unique ability to produce a highly skilled workforce, new competitive advantages, and an organization prepared for whatever the future might bring.

Wherever you find ambitious workplaces investing in their people, you'll find Learning Pool.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193536/Brandon_Hall_Excellence_Awards_HCM_2023.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/learning-pool-impresses-in-three-categories-at-the-brandon-hall-excellence-awards-for-human-capital-management-301909224.html
OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LemFi , a leading fintech platform transforming financial services for immigrants, has raised a $33 million Series A round led by Left Lane Capital. Other investors included Y-Combinator, Zrosk, Global Founders Capital, and Olive Tree.

Each year, millions of immigrants move abroad to start new lives, and the biggest hurdle they face is access to financial services. In 2020, Founders Ridwan Olalere and Rian Cochran joined forces to solve these challenges with a vision to build a platform that empowers the next generation of immigrants.

Olalere and Cochran first met while building OPay - one of Africa's most successful fintech platforms. After combined decades of navigating the underlying complexities and regulatory nuances of cross-border payments in emerging markets, the two were uniquely positioned to leverage their experience as a launching pad for LemFi.

Olalere, LemFi's CEO, drew from his own experience as an immigrant and shared, "Having lived on three continents and leading a multicultural team, our mission is deeply personal: creating a world where financial services are universally accessible. We've already made life easier for over half a million people, but we're only just getting started."

Today, within minutes of residency, a user can onboard with LemFi and use its multi-currency offering to send, receive, hold, convert and save in the currencies of both their country of origin and country of residence. In addition, LemFi also offers instant international transfers at the best exchange rates with zero fees on transfers or account maintenance.

"Our product is a game changer for users since traditional banks and other leading neo-banks have always steered clear of less common or more volatile currencies," Ridwan Olalere explained. "This has driven immigrants to often use unsafe, informal channels or to stitch together several other services to solve some of their basic financial needs. Until now."

In 2020, LemFi launched in Canada to enable easy and low-cost remittance payments to Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. By 2021, the company quickly expanded to the UK, and in parallel, broadened its reach by enabling 10 new African remittance corridors.

In a strategic consideration, LemFi acquired UK-based Rightcard Payment Services in late 2021. Through the acquisition, LemFi obtained an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority to provide customers with more services, such as higher transaction limits, e-money accounts, and more.

"LemFi has been very deliberate and strategic in acquiring licenses and building a robust network of financial institution partners to facilitate cross-border payments for immigrants," said Matthew Miller, Principal at Left Lane Capital, who joined LemFi's Board of Directors as part of the transaction. "We're excited to support LemFi as it expands its product offering to serve more immigrant communities globally."

2023 has similarly been a pivotal year for LemFi, with its new subsidiary Rightcard Payment Services securing an International Money Transfer Operator (IMTO) license from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The IMTO license will enable LemFi to offer its services in partnership with Nigerian banks, empowering users by eliminating the need for intermediaries. The Acting Governor of the Central Bank, Folashodun Shonubi, recognizes the alignment of LemFi with the Central Bank's goals of improving the availability of foreign exchange in Nigeria and ensuring exchange rate stability.

LemFi remains committed to offering accessible and transparent financial services to migrant communities across the globe. With the conclusion of this latest investment round, the Company will seek to expand its product offering to the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, as well as innovate on new product offerings according to the needs of its users.

About Left Lane Capital

Founded in 2019, Left Lane Capital is a New York and London based global venture capital and growth equity firm investing in internet and technology companies with a consumer orientation. Left Lane's mission is to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs who create category-defining companies across growth sectors of the economy, including software, healthcare, e-commerce, consumer, fintech, edtech, and other industries. Select investments include GoStudent, M1 Finance, Wayflyer, Yokoy, Masterworks, Blank Street, Talkiatry, WeTravel, and more. For more information, please visit www.leftlane.com .

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192947/LemFi_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lemfi-raises-33-million-to-transform-financial-services-for-immigrants-everywhere-301908888.html
Continues inriver's momentum as a new breed of product information management, with industry-leading content distribution

inriverthe leading software company powering the entire product journey with revenue-driving product information management (PIM) across every customer touchpoint, today unveiled the inriver Brand Store, a self-service digital storefront providing a centralized and secure way to distribute product information. Today's inriver Brand Store launch continues the company's commitment to evolving the product information management space with its new breed of PIM.

Getting the right content to the right place at the right time can be cumbersome and complicated for large enterprises such as industrial and branded manufacturers. Often, there is no central content repository for consumers to access the information they need. By streamlining how brands communicate with internal teams and third-party partners, inriver Brand Store eliminates time-consuming and error-prone methods. It ensures that every stakeholder has the most accurate content they need.

Early adopters of the inriver Brand Store include Brunswick, Victorinox, Rockwool, Broan-NuTone, and others. By leveraging this new solution, these brands can maintain full control over their critical product assets in this PIM platform, add new revenue streams, and work collaboratively with third-party customers.

Key capabilities and benefits of the inriver Brand Store include:

Choose how your product is presented: single, separated, or grouped Extensive customization features allow customers to personalize their store, with their branding, for their consumers

Extensive customization features allow customers to personalize their store, with their branding, for their consumers Populate multiple channels at once and increase efficiency by managing the status of each brand store Optimize the information sharing process and reduce errors, providing consistent and accurate information to all parties, enabling them to sell more efficiently, thereby increasing profitability.

Optimize the information sharing process and reduce errors, providing consistent and accurate information to all parties, enabling them to sell more efficiently, thereby increasing profitability. Accelerate setup and branded output formats with templates and provide a branded customer experience Manage how your products are presented and distributed.

Manage how your products are presented and distributed. Get insights about usage with store analytics Facilitate informed decision-making with store analytics.

"If brands and enterprises want to scale their businesses and accelerate their time to value successfully and they should they must have a reliable, secure, and fast way to share relevant product information with all their stakeholders, internal global sales teams, or external third parties," said recently-appointed inriver Chief Product Officer, Stephen Kaufman. "This is essential and a non-negotiable when winning on the digital shelf and the inriver Brand Store provides this all within a highly configurable, self-service and intuitive user interface."

Now, with inriver Brand Store, inriver's new breed of PIM solution offers the industry's most comprehensive distribution capability that combines inriver Syndicate Plus and inriver Print, forming a single, multi-tenant SaaS solution with digital shelf analytics. These products further inriver's industry-leading PIM capabilities and accentuate the growing needs of new and existing customers, no matter where they are in their product journey.

To learn more about the inriver Brand Store and the new breed of PIM, please visit inriver.com.

About inriver

inriver powers the entire product journey at every touchpoint. The inriver configurable PIM solution, with built-in digital shelf analytics and integration capabilities, connects to your digital ecosystem flexibly and efficiently, growing as your company grows. With more demands on product data than ever, B2B and B2C enterprises need a PIM solution that supports the entire product cycle, from sourcing to decommissioning and every stage.

inriver helps brands, manufacturers, and retailers turn product information into strategic assets, maximizing profitability at every touchpoint for 1,600+ global brands. Headquartered in Malmo, Sweden, and with offices worldwide, inriver has a team of over 375 people ready to strengthen your product journey. For more information, visit inriver.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824230170/en/

Contacts:

Andrew Krepow

Hotwire Global for inriver

inriverglobal@hotwireglobal.com
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / KeyBank announced an investment of $800,000 in The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland to increase meaningful access to courts and government agencies and access to justice for people with low-income.

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland provides legal services at no cost to ensure fairness for all in the justice system-regardless of how much money a person has. The organization handles cases that impact basic needs such as health, shelter and safety, economics, education and access to justice.

"The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland has helped improve the lives of thousands of people across Northeast Ohio and is a major advocate for systemic change," said Kelly Lamirand, KeyBank's Market President and Commercial Sales Leader for Cleveland. "KeyBank is known for its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, especially for marginalized communities, and we are thrilled to support this organization and their ongoing efforts to fight for racial justice, remove barriers to opportunity and meet the needs of clients in our area."

"With this gift, KeyBank shows us how together we can extend justice," said Colleen Cotter, Executive Director of The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. "This gift is an investment in Legal Aid's new strategic plan and our quest to be better for our client community."

On any given day, Legal Aid attorneys:

Represent clients in court and administrative hearings;

Provide brief advice through one-on-one consultations or at neighborhood legal clinics;

Present legal education and other outreach in community locations like public libraries and schools; and

Advocate for improved policies that affect community members with low-income

In 2022, Legal Aid served 21,700 people through nearly 8,000 cases and supported thousands more through our community legal education and outreach efforts.

KeyBank has supported the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland since 2005 and this latest investment brings the total to $1.35 million. Members of Key's legal department have also served as regular pro bono volunteers.

Since 2017, Key has made community investments totaling more than $1.8 billion in Northeast Ohio which supports low to moderate income individuals and neighborhoods through lending for affordable housing, small businesses, mortgage and transformative philanthropy.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from KeyBank on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: KeyBank

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/keybank

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: KeyBank

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776628/KeyBank-Invests-800000-in-Legal-Aid-Society-of-Cleveland
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / The Chemours Company

Decarbonizing America's buildings, homes, and plants is critical in the fight against climate change. Buildings and manufacturing plants account for roughly two-thirds of U.S. CO2 emissions, meaning organizations must rethink how they operate to help create a clean energy future.

If all organizations in the commercial, public, and industrial sectors reduced their U.S. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 50%, it would save nearly 1.5 billion metric tons of CO2e annually - more than the annual emissions from every home in the country.

Through the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Climate Challenge, Chemours and other organizations have committed to portfolio-wide reductions of Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions of at least 50% within 10 years without using offsets.

Chemours is reducing its environmental impact by responsibly manufacturing its essential chemistries. Through targeted emissions reduction initiatives and operational efficiencies, the chemistry company is halfway to its 2030 goal of reducing total Scope 1 and 2 GHGs by 60% and on a journey to achieve net-zero operations emissions by 2050.

Recently, Chemours' New Johnsonville, Tennessee site was featured on the U.S. DOE's Better Climate Challenge Road Show to explore how the chemistry company is reducing GHGs and contributing to decarbonization. The site produces a wide range of Ti-Pure titanium dioxide (TiO2), a critical component in architectural and industrial coatings, that also contributes to energy efficiency. Its solar reflectivity in applications like white roof coatings, roofing membranes, and backsheets for solar panels helps buildings repel excess heat, keeping cooling costs down.

Experts from the DOE and Oak Ridge National Laboratory learn about Chemours' waste heat recovery system to generate steam for its New Johnsonville site, plus a creative approach to water and energy efficiency. Also in this episode, data takes a starring role in decarbonization, and Chemours demonstrates real-time optimizations to maximize energy savings.

To learn more about Chemours' company-wide decarbonization efforts, click here.





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from The Chemours Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: The Chemours Company

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/chemours-company

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: The Chemours Company

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776631/Chemours-New-Johnsonville-Featured-in-the-US-Department-of-Energy-Road-Show-Series-for-Decarbonization-Efforts
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Lithuania's industrial production declined sharply in July, largely led by a plunge in utility sector output, data from Statistics Lithuania showed on Thursday. Industrial production fell a working-day-adjusted 7.8 percent year-on-year in July. Production in the electricity, gas, steam supply, and air conditioning segments tumbled 35.1 percent annually in July, and that in the manufacturing sector declined 13.1 percent. Data showed that mining and quarrying output declined at a comparatively slower rate of 3.9 percent. Among the major industrial groups, production of energy products fell the most, by 15.2 percent yearly in July, and that of durable goods slid by 10.4 percent. On a monthly basis, industrial production also dropped a seasonally and working-day-adjusted 4.4 percent in July. Without adjustment, industrial production slumped 12.8 percent yearly and 8.9 percent monthly in July. 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.
BUENOS AIRES (dpa-AFX) - The 15th BRICS Summit has decided to invite six new nations - Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia - to the five-nation bloc of major emerging economies. The invitation was extended by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the end of this year's annual BRICS summit held.in Johannesburg. The membership will take effect from 2024 January 1. This is part of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for some time. Ramaphosa told reporters that BRICS Foreign Ministers have been tasked to further develop the BRICS partner country model and a list of prospective partner countries and report by the next Summit. The Summit agreed to task the BRICS Finance Ministers and/or Central Bank Governors to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to the BRICS leaders by the next Summit. Thursday, the BRICS leaders hosted their counterparts from Africa and the Global South in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue. The expansion of BRICS will have wide ramifications, especially as the membership has been offered to major oil producing countries, sans the United States. The bloc already includes China and Russia, Washnigton's main political and economic rivals. 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.
Regulatory News:

ESI Group (FR0004110310 ESI) (Paris:ESI), leader and pioneer in Virtual Prototyping solutions, hereby releases the total number of shares making up the company's capital and the total number of voting rights on July 31st, 2023, in accordance with articles 223-16 and 221-3 of the General Regulations of the "Autorite des Marches Financiers".

Number of

shares Number of theoretical

voting rights * Number of

voting rights ** 6,089,211 8,055,994 7,672,157

* The number of theoretical voting rights is calculated based on all shares eligible for voting right (single or double), including shares temporarily deprived of voting rights (treasury shares).

** All Group shares have equal right to vote, except treasury shares, which are deprived of the right to vote, and registered shares held for more than four years that are eligible for double voting rights.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824007265/en/

Contacts:

ESI Group
PQShield and the global cryptography community have helped refine the algorithms NIST announced last year in preparation for final standards in 2024

Post-Quantum Cryptography schemes co-designed by PQShield have been included, following security, implementation and performance analyses by NIST.

The drafts will get their first full round of feedback from the cryptographic community at the 2nd Oxford PQC Summit, to be held at Oxford University in September, sponsored by PQShield and the UK National Cyber Security Centre

PQShield is now launching its Enterprise Software Access Program, which will provide eligible companies with a free access to evaluate Quantum-Safe software solutions

LONDON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PQShield , a global leader in quantum-resistant cryptography, today announced its post-quantum algorithm contributions have been published to form the basis of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) new draft post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. The standards, which aim to protect digital information and systems from attack by quantum computers, were co-developed by PQShield and other global leading experts following a seven-year process where candidate algorithms were reviewed and analysed by NIST and the cryptographic community.



The draft standards have now been published by NIST for public review and can be found below:

Module-Lattice-based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard (ML-KEM) derived from CRYSTALS-Kyber | FIPS 203 (Draft)

Module-Lattice-based Digital Signature Standard (ML-DSA) derived from CRYSTALS-Dilithium | FIPS 204 (Draft)

Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Standard (SLH-DSA) derived from SPHINCS+ | FIPS 205 (Draft)

A fourth scheme derived from Falcon will be published soon.

Team PQShield contributed to and advised on all candidate algorithms developed as part of the NIST standardisation process, in addition to providing security, implementation and performance analyses of candidate algorithms over multiple rounds of the process.

To deliver rapid feedback on these new draft standards, PQShield and the UK National Cyber Security Centre are sponsoring the 2nd Oxford Post-Quantum Cryptography Summit at Oxford University in September, which will convene leading experts from academia and industry, at a 4 day event at Oxford University's Institute of Mathematics, where PQShield founder Dr. Ali El Kaafarani is a research fellow. The invite-only event will take place 4th-7th September 2023.

Following this, the draft standards will likely become the global benchmark for quantum-resistant cybersecurity across the world in 2024.

Professor Peter Schwabe, PQShield advisory board member, says: "As governments and businesses gear up their defences against the quantum threat, this next stage of NIST's post-quantum cryptography standardization efforts is crucial in building our secure future. PQShield has played a central role in driving post-quantum cryptography forward, both in the international research community and bringing commercial success to quantum-secure solutions. I look forward to the outcomes of the 2nd Oxford PQC Summit."

The rise of quantum computers has led to an urgent need for new cryptographic standards to safeguard global privacy and data. PQShield has seen strong growth in demand for its post-quantum cryptography software and hardware, recently announcing a series of deals to meet this rising commercial demand, for example ,joining commercial partnership programmes with Palo Alto and Tata Consultancy Services. In particular, companies across the Semiconductor, Industrial, Defence, Automotive and Systems Integrator sectors, including Microchip Technologies, Collins Aerospace, MBDA Missile Systems, HCL Technologies" Lattice Semiconductor, and AMD, are proactively working with PQShield to implement the new draft standards.

PQShield was also recently selected by AWS to participate in its AWS European Defence Accelerator , to advance the development and deployment of cutting-edge technology in Defence.

As part of the World Economic Forum's Quantum Security focus, PQShield took part in developing the Quantum Security Readiness Toolkit which aims to help business leaders assess their quantum risk. This builds on other post-quantum cryptography projects that PQShield has contributed to or led organisations such as RISC-V, GSMA, the Internet Engineering Task Force, NCCoE and GlobalPlatform, amongst others.

Dr Ali El Kaafarani, PQShield's founder and CEO, says: The release of the draft standards marks a significant turning point for PQShield and the entire cryptographic community. Previously, a key barrier to adoption and migration to post-quantum cryptography has been confidence in exactly how and when the new algorithms will be finalised. NIST's new draft standards provide this assurance and a framework that allows everyone to move forward. This is a testament to the expertise of our world-leading researchers and engineers as well as the collective dedication of the entire post-quantum cryptography community.

Building on PQShield's partnership with leading industry innovators, the company is also announcing its Enterprise Software Access Program, which will allow eligible companies to access PQShield's PQC Software solutions that incorporate the latest specifications released by NIST. Companies should pre-register their interest on this landing page .

The updated software will be available in September, free to use for a period of time for non-commercial purposes and will include:

PQCryptoLib - A fully portable cryptographic library with a C/C++ interface of FIPS 140-3-ready, post-quantum (PQC) and classical cryptographic algorithms, supporting crypto-agility.

- A fully portable cryptographic library with a C/C++ interface of FIPS 140-3-ready, post-quantum (PQC) and classical cryptographic algorithms, supporting crypto-agility. PQCryptoLib Micro - This is a highly-optimised version of PQCryptoLib, specifically designed for memory-constrained platforms like microcontrollers.

- This is a highly-optimised version of PQCryptoLib, specifically designed for memory-constrained platforms like microcontrollers. PQSDK - provides easy-to-use software implementations of both post-quantum and classical cryptographic primitives, including an integration of PQShield's PQCryptoLib library with popular high-level cryptography libraries like OpenSSL and mbedTLS.

Further notes:

PQShield advisory board member Professor Peter Schwabe (Radboud University and the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy) co-authored the finalists CRYSTALS-Dilithium, CRYSTALS-KYBER and SPHINCS+

PQShield's Dr Thomas Prest led and co-authored Falcon, a finalist digital signature algorithm

PQShield have recently submitted 4 new algorithms with collaborators including the French cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, to the NIST call for further quantum-safe digital signatures

About PQShield:

PQShield is a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) company creating the global standards and core technologies to power the future security layer of the world's leading organizations. Its quantum-secure cryptographic solutions work with companies' legacy systems to protect sensitive data now and for years to come.

It is the only cybersecurity company that can deliver high-quality secure implementations of quantum-safe cryptography on chips, in applications, and in the cloud, and is also an authority on PQC side channel attack resistance, having built a dedicated SCA test lab with partners, Riscure and eShard.

PQShield is also a leading contributor to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) post-quantum cryptography standardization project, and has contributed multiple cryptographic extensions to RISC-V.

With dedicated research and development teams throughout the UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, US, Japan and UAE, PQShield is principally backed by Addition, Crane Venture Partners, Oxford Science Enterprises (formerly OSI), Kindred Capital, and InnovateUK. Its latest white papers are available to read here .

www.pqshield.com | LinkedIn | Twitter

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2086877/4056982/PQShield_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nist-publish-the-highly-anticipated-draft-standards-for-quantum-safe-cryptography-supported-by-pqshield-301909338.html
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / The rates of Indigenous students attending and completing post-secondary education have been rising in Canada over the past decade, thanks to meaningful reconciliation actions by schools, organizations, businesses and government.

But another shortfall in efforts to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous students has arisen: according to a report by the Assembly of First Nations, the majority of Indigenous students enrol in the trades, leaving Indigenous people under-represented in fields such as business and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

It's a narrative a new not-for-profit from Edmonton, AB intends to change.

Established in 2021, New Buffalo Education Circle is creating student-led chapters at post-secondary institutions to support Indigenous students in their field of study.

"The idea is to provide a sense of community with like-minded individuals . . . to bring them together and give them that feeling of community, that they're doing this together," explains Joshua Letendre, the organization's first executive director, who was appointed in the fall of 2022.

A member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, Letendre recalls his own experience studying business at the post-secondary level.

"When I did my undergrad, they had a great Indigenous space for people to come together, but they didn't have anything specific to business. I graduated not knowing of any other Indigenous business students," he recalls.

Come September, the fledgling non-profit will be operating at three Edmonton-area post-secondary institutions-and more to follow-with chapters set up for business and STEM students. Eventually, New Buffalo intends to expand across Alberta and into other provinces.

Seed funding for New Buffalo's important mission came from Enbridge. As the founding sponsor, we awarded the organization a Fueling Futures grant of $50,000 over two years to support its work in improving lives and communities through education.

The grant aligns with Enbridge's Indigenous Reconciliation Action Plan, which outlines our commitments to reconciliation through six pillars of focus, each one developed collaboratively with Indigenous individuals and groups.

New Buffalo's work fits within the IRAP pillar focused on employment and education in which we commit to developing the skills of Indigenous people at all levels. Some day in the near future, graduates from New Buffalo chapters will complete the circle: those who launch their careers in the energy industry will strengthen our field and perhaps choose Enbridge as the place to build their careers. We look forward to welcoming them.

New Buffalo recognizes that attracting students to underrepresented fields will take years. They intend to expand programming into elementary and high schools to meet with young students and plant the seeds of business and STEM education before they decide what field to pursue.

"How do we get more Indigenous people in the business community? By providing a pathway," Letendre says. "We want to make sure we have a really good relationship with the communities, so students feel that they can come to us, ask us for support, and we can help them pursue post-secondary and higher education."

Providing a sense of community and belonging for Indigenous students is essential to the success of the individuals.

Showing students they are not alone, that others have walked this same path, will help "learners to see that this is possible. Somebody else has done it and made it a successful path," Letendre says.

He adds, "We want to move the needle for Indigenous people and Indigenous communities, and the response is education."

To donate or further support New Buffalo Education Circle, donate here or reach out to Letendre at jletendre@newbuffalo.ca

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Enbridge on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Enbridge

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/enbridge

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Enbridge

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776785/Advancing-Reconciliation-Through-Education
Originally published on Rayonier.com

WILDLIGHT, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) released its 2022 Sustainability Report, which highlights the actions the Company is taking to ensure the long-term sustainability of its land resources as well as the long-term well-being of its investors, employees, communities, and other stakeholders. This report illustrates Rayonier's ongoing commitment to transparency around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and how they are incorporated into its strategic and operational decision-making.

"We approached our 2022 Sustainability Report with a mindset of continuous improvement, as we remain intensely focused on providing stakeholders transparency into ESG metrics and other sustainability issues," said David Nunes, CEO. "We believe this approach promotes constructive two-way communication and ultimately drives a better understanding of the benefits of working forests, as well as the advancement of new sustainability-related initiatives critical to a myriad of stakeholders. While we are pleased with our progress, there is still much work to be done."

Enhancements to the 2022 Sustainability Report include the addition of energy and water consumption metrics, safety-related targets, an overview of our human rights policy, a discussion of the emerging opportunities associated with land-based solutions, and highlights of our employee development programs.

Concurrent with the release of its 2022 Sustainability Report, the Company is also releasing its latest Carbon Report, which quantifies the carbon impacts across the Company's value chain. In 2022, Rayonier's forestlands sequestered an estimated 14.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents from the atmosphere versus corporate emissions of roughly 290,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents. At year-end 2022, the Company's forestlands stored an estimated 777 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents in total.

"We are committed to further increasing our transparency on ESG-related metrics and look forward to advancing Rayonier's differentiated sustainability strategy across our broad working forest portfolio," stated Nunes.

The 2022 Sustainability Report, as well as the latest Carbon Report, can be found on the Company's Sustainability web page.

About Rayonier

Rayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of June 30, 2023, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.8 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. South (1.91 million acres), U.S. Pacific Northwest (474,000 acres) and New Zealand (419,000 acres). More information is available at www.rayonier.com.

Investors: Collin Mings, investorrelations@rayonier.com, 904-357-9100

Media: Alejandro Barbero, alejandro.barbero@rayonier.com

If you would like to receive an accessible version of any document located on this page, please contact us by calling 1-855-478-5272 or emailing us at accessibility@rayonier.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rayonier on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Rayonier

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rayonier

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Rayonier

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776790/Rayonier-Releases-2022-Sustainability-Report-and-Carbon-Report
Evolva Holding SA / Key word(s): AGMEGM

Evolva shareholders approve increase of the conditional capital and upper limit of capital band at extraordinary general meeting of 24 August 2023



24.08.2023 / 20:00 CET/CEST





PRESS RELEASE

Evolva shareholders approve increase of the conditional capital and upper limit of capital band at extraordinary general meeting of 24 August 2023 Reinach, 24 August 2023 - The shareholders of Evolva Holding SA (SIX: EVE), a pioneer in the field of natural molecules and industrial biotech, approved the proposals put forward by the Board of Directors at today's Extraordinary General Meeting. At today's Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of Evolva Holding SA in Basel, the shareholders expressed their trust in the Board of Directors (Board) by approving, with large majorities (see details below), both proposals put forward by the Board: the increase of the conditional capital as well as the increase of the upper limit of the capital band. This enables Evolva to avail itself of the CHF 5.25 million under the new financing agreement with Nice & Green (subject to certain restrictions) and gives the company sufficient flexibility to find an alternative financing solution as part of the comprehensive strategic review (which includes the sale of the company) commenced in June this year. Stephan Schindler, Chairman of Evolva, commented on the successful conclusion of the EGM: "We would like to thank our shareholders for their ongoing trust and support in these challenging times. We now have the necessary time to find the best possible strategic options for the future of Evolva and to continue to build on the strong momentum of our operating business. While discussions are ongoing with multiple interested parties to find a solution ensuring the going concern of the company beyond January 2024, no successful outcome of the strategic review can be guaranteed." The convocation of an EGM become necessary after signing a new financing agreement with Nice & Green under which Evolva is required to ensure that there is sufficient conditional capital to meet Nice & Green's request to convert notes into shares. The shareholders approved the two proposals with the following majorities: Increase of the conditional capital (Article 3a Articles of Association) to CHF 2'486'730.00 for the purpose of financing and strategic cooperation and respective amendment of Articles of Association: with 93.01% of the votes represented (votes represented: 2,002,673 votes of the total outstanding shares/votes of 5,224,514).

Increase of the upper limit of the capital band (Article 3b Articles of Association) to CHF 7'836'771.00 and respective amendment of Articles of Association: with 90.60% of the votes represented (votes represented: 2,002,673 of the total outstanding shares/votes of 5,224,514). Contact

Doris Rudischhauser

Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications

+41 79 410 81 88

dorisr@evolva.com

About Evolva

Evolva is a Swiss biotech company focused on the research, development and commercialization of ingredients based on nature. We have leading businesses in Flavors and Fragrances, Health Ingredients and Health Protection. Evolva's employees, half of which are women, are dedicated to make the best products that can contribute to health, wellness and sustainability. Find out more at evolva.com and connect with us on LinkedIn . For Evolva multimedia content, please visit: evolva.com/multimedia-library . Disclaimer

This announcement is not an offer of securities into the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, pledged, sold, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in the United States, except pursuant to an exemption from, or transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. No public offering of securities is being made in the United States. Further, the securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Australia or Japan or under the applicable securities laws of any other jurisdiction where to do so might constitute a violation of such laws.

This press release contains specific forward-looking statements, e.g. statements including terms like believe, assume, expect or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may result in a substantial divergence between the actual results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and those explicitly or implicitly presumed in these statements. Against the background of these uncertainties readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements or to adapt them to future events or developments. Additional features:



File: Evolva shareholders approve increase of the conditional capital and upper limit of capital band at extraordinary general meeting of 24 August 2023





End of Media Release


Trialogics, a leading clinical trial software and services company, providing eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, announced today that it is growing its overall services by expanding their Remote Device Management capabilities.

WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trialogics, a leading clinical trial software and services company, providing eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, announced today that it is growing its overall services by expanding their Remote Device Management capabilities. Trialogics is increasing its global footprint with a new office in London that will allow it to meet ongoing clinical trial demands in the United Kingdom.

Prior to Brexit, Trialogics office in Rome supported the needs of sites throughout Europe. The UK's break from the EU necessitated the need for a London office. Trialogics also plans to open an office in Sydney, Australia in mid-2024 to serve the growing needs of their current clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

"As our international business increases, especially the supply and management of devices, we need to expand our international presence to meet those needs as efficiently as possible," said Trialogics Chief Executive Officer, Chris Gropp. "Expanding our integrated logistics with our other services such as eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, gives our clients the necessary data to monitor sites, subjects, timelines and expenses."

Trialogics deploys Samsung devices with mobile data plans to clinical trial sites. Sites utilize the secure devices to access the Trialogics system and other various clinical trial services, manage patients and upload data to secure cloud storage. Sites also assign devices to patients to complete questionnaires, diaries and capture additional data from other mobile devices. The data is transmitted to a central database associated with the ongoing clinical trial allowing clinicians to review the data in real-time.

"Since our founding, we have recognized the need for better mobile device management in the industry. Trialogics has built this technology while focusing on the security of the devices and providing exceptional clinical trial services," Gropp said.

For more information about Trialogics device management services, please visit https://trialogics.com/solution/remote-device-management/.

About Trialogics - Better Systems, Faster Cures

Trialogics is a Delaware-based clinical trial software company formed in 2015 by CEO Christopher Gropp. Chris has over twenty years of clinical trial experience with particular expertise in clinical trial software. Trialogics supports eConsent, IRT (RTSM), eCOA and Remote Device Management for global clinical trials. Trialogics services can be used individually or as a fully integrated solution. Since its start, Trialogics has focused on decentralization of clinical trials and the ability to capture patient data remotely has always been part of the long-term focus. The company has headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, with offices in Rome, London, and Sydney (2024). For more information, visit trialogics.com or email info@trialogics.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193872/Trialogics_London.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/trialogics-opens-london-office-advancing-remote-device-management-services-for-clinical-trials-301909574.html
X (formerly Twitter): @Arsenal_ADHI

HOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Arsenal Digital Holdings, Inc. (OTC:ADHI)

In a significant development this year, Arsenal Digital Holdings welcomed Blackrock Midstream as a subsidiary, enhancing its customer base, service offerings, and managerial expertise. Blackrock's presence in the traditional energy sector not only bolsters Arsenal's business plan but also solidifies its market presence for the long term.

The second-quarter results, unveiled in July, marked a significant achievement as the company reported its revenue of $19 million. These revenues align well with projections, and it is anticipated that the positive trend will be maintained throughout the remaining quarters of 2023. It's important to note that these projections do not encompass potential additional revenue streams from upcoming operations. "The results underscore the progress made, and there is much opportunity for continued growth within Arsenal's evolving portfolio," expressed Randall Eddington, Arsenal's COO and founder of Blackrock Midstream.

Building upon the foundation set by the Blackrock acquisition, Arsenal is embarking on an expansion journey into new markets, complemented by an enhanced array of services. This strategic expansion is characterized by the establishment of two additional locations, a move that further fortifies the company's vertical integration within this sector. These new facilities, specializing in liquids processing, will deploy a small-scale plant connected to the sales infrastructure. The introduction of this new business line is projected to yield higher margins, ranging from 20-50% of gross revenue, depending on the quality of the processed product. The launch of the first of these two facilities, scheduled for late September or early October in South Texas, demonstrates the company's commitment to growth. "This evolution aligns well with Arsenal's strategic vision, as the company leverages its existing resources, customer base, and market access to optimize its earnings potential," affirmed Ryan Messer, Arsenal's President & CEO.

Arsenal Digital Holdings remains dedicated to spearheading the transition towards a sustainable energy future. The company's unwavering commitment extends to the creation and deployment of cutting-edge renewable technologies.

For comprehensive details about Arsenal Digital Holdings, please visit arsenalholdings.io or follow the company on X @Arsenal_ADHI.

About Arsenal

Arsenal Digital Holdings is a pioneering force in sustainable technology aimed at accelerating the energy transition. With headquarters based in Houston, Texas, and key offices in Round Rock, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, the company is strategically positioned to bridge conventional energy resources with renewable energy technology. Arsenal's strategy revolves around acquiring underutilized infrastructure assets and orchestrating power monetization strategies that directly benefit stakeholders. The company's vision is rooted in advancing the shift towards a sustainable energy future through the inventive implementation of innovative renewable technologies.

Contact Information:

Arsenal Digital Holdings Inc.

Ryan Messer

Phone: 512-839-8169

Email: ir@arsenholdings.io

Website: arsenalholdings.io

SOURCE: Arsenal Digital Holdings Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776835/Arsenal-Digital-Holdings-Inc-ADHI-Achieves-Promising-First-Time-Revenues-and-Advances-Operations
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / CNH Industrial

New Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, presented the T6.180 Methane Power tractor and their most chosen equipment for the agricultural-livestock sector at the 135th Rural Expo that took place in July.

New Holland's tractors were exhibited proudly in the blue pavilion. The exhibit also featured a space where families could take pictures and get to know the equipment up close.

"Argentine agriculture and New Holland hold family as a fundamental pillar. Being in the city, Expo Rural represents an opportunity for children to learn about the production processes and take their first steps in the field," said Tomas Liceda, Commercial Director of New Holland Argentina.

With its commitment to the future of agriculture, New Holland welcomed and advised a group of students studying Agronomy at the University of Buenos Aires and the ITBA (Technological Institute of Buenos Aires). "We are very happy to receive again in our stands students from the Faculty of Agronomy of the UBA, house of studies with great prestige and cradle of excellent professionals. New Holland enjoys watching the countryside grow, that's why we accompany young students on the path of learning," added Liceda.

The exhibition also featured an immersive 360 experience of the biomethane tractor to learn about the production process. With the T6 Methane Power tractor, what would normally be deemed environmental waste is transformed into an asset. This new tractor prototype affirms CNH Industrial's commitment to sustainable practice and for building a bright future for agricultural professionals.

At the 135th Rural Expo in Argentina, CNH Industrial demonstrated its commitment to environmental goals by displaying their new sustainable prototypes. Dedicated to building a bright future for agricultural professionals, they were also proud to welcome back students of Agronomy from local universities for a learning experience.



View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: CNH Industrial

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/cnh-industrial

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: CNH Industrial

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776856/New-Holland-Arrives-at-Expo-Rural-With-a-Focus-on-Education-Sustainability-and-Family
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / GRI in North America

GRI is pleased to announce the release of a new iteration of the Carrots & Sticks (C&S) and an adjoining report on the current state of global sustainability policy. Carrots & Sticks is a free-to-use online database and document repository of both mandatory and voluntary sustainability and ESG public policy instruments that impact organizations worldwide.

The urgency to advance sustainable development in the face of growing inequities and crises around the world is driving the adoption of policies focused on sustainability and ESG issues. As these policies evolve, there is a pressing need for clarity on what the current policies entail and what policy gaps remain. Carrots & Sticks provides clarity on the rapidly advancing world of sustainability and ESG policy, providing an in-depth analysis of 2,463 policies - 259 of which reference or require the use of the GRI Standards - from over 132 countries, nearly 76 international and regional organizations, and in 38 languages.

This tool benefits a wide range of stakeholders including:

Policy Makers, who can gain broad understanding of how their policies fit within the comprehensive global policy landscape, and how their policies can better meet the sustainable development agenda.

Capital Market, who can assess their own requirements against those of their peers and better understand their own requirements and expectations within the global sustainability agenda.

Businesses leaders, who can gain a global comprehensive overview of their Sustainability and ESG impact and disclosure expectations and obligations. They can better understand their own compliance, either in their own jurisdiction or in others.

Academics, who can leverage the data to significantly increase their ability to produce high quality research and draw conclusions.

Civil Society, who can gain access to information about the requirements and expectations that have been, or have not been met, and hold the corresponding actors accountable.

The official launch event 'Aligning Private Sector Disclosures with the Sustainable Development Agenda- Launch of Carrots & Sticks Report', will take place concurrently with the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the SDG Summit, and Climate Week NYC. The event is co-hosted in collaboration with our long-standing partner and GRI Community member, The Governance and Accountability Institute (G&A), as well as Baruch College.

The launch event will provide insights from the dataset and demonstrate how Carrots & Sticks supports different stakeholders in navigating the complex landscape of sustainability and ESG policies. The formal program will end with a series of reflections and views by key stakeholders on global sustainability and ESG reporting developments from speakers representing policy makers and business. GRI's International Policy leadership as well as multiple representatives from the growing North American team will be present at the event and throughout other events in New York City affiliated with UNGA, the SDG Summit, and Climate Week NYC.

Due to high interest and limited event capacity 'Aligning Private Sector Disclosures with the Sustainable Development Agenda- Launch of Carrots & Sticks Report' is a closed event. You can register interest in joining by filling out this form. GRI North America also invites assorted stakeholders to get in touch to discuss potential opportunities throughout the week of September 17th and other collaborative possibilities by emailing northamerica@globalreporting.org.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GRI in North America on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: GRI in North America

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gri-north-america

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: GRI in North America

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/776865/New-York-Event-To-Launch-Updated-Policy-Database-and-Report-in-September
Tortola, British Virgin Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Sailfish Royalty Corp. (TSXV: FISH) (OTCQX: SROYF) (the "Company" or "Sailfish") is pleased to announce its operating and financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023 ("Q2 2023"). All amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise indicated.

Q2 2023 Highlights:

Gold ounces earned of 268 and 628 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (345 and 734 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022);

Revenues of $$529,648 and $1,206,126 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 ($646,859 and $1,369,424 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022);

Gross profit of $292,348 and $658,528 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 ($349,757 and $713,017 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022);

Net loss of $434,676 and $1,044,232 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (net loss of $885,833 and $682,380 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2022);

Repurchased for cancellation an aggregate of 322,200 common shares of the Company under the current normal course issuer bid for the six months ended June 30, 2023; and

Declared quarterly dividends of $0.0125 per common share on March 14, 2023 and June 13, 2023, which were paid on April 17, 2023 and July 17, 2023, respectively.

Paolo Lostritto, Chief Executive Officer of Sailfish states that, "During Q2 2023, Sailfish received and sold 628 ounces of gold from the gold stream equivalent to a 3% NSR on the San Albino gold mine. In addition to the gold ounces received from the gold stream, the Company received and sold 68,240 ounces of silver from its loan receivable for proceeds of approximately $1.6M which represented 57% of the Company's cash inflow for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Based on the Silver Purchase Agreement secured during the first half of the year, we expect increased leverage to the price of silver during the second half of 2023. The Company continues to return its capital to shareholders through its quarterly dividend payment and NCIB purchases."

Summary of Quarterly Results:



Three months ended June 30, 2023

Three months ended June 30, 2022

Six months ended June 31, 2023

Six months ended June 31, 2022

Condensed interim consolidated

statements of comprehensive loss







$

$

Revenues 529,648

646,859

1,206,126

1,369,424

Gross profit 292,348

349,757

658,528

713,017

Net loss (434,676 ) (885,833 ) (1,044,232 ) (682,380 ) Basic loss per share (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.01 ) Diluted loss per share (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.01 ) (0.01 )

For complete details, please refer to the Unaudited Condensed Interim Consolidated Financial Statements for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 and associated Management Discussion and Analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, available on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca) or on the Company's website (www.sailfishroyalty.com).

Subsequent to Q2 2023 Highlights:

On July 26, 2023, the Company announced that on April 6, 2023, the United States Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") acknowledged receipt of a Plan of Operations and Nevada Reclamation Permit Application ("PO") for the Spring Valley Mine Project ("Spring Valley") and confirmed that it is technically complete under the terms of the relevant permitting statutes. The PO was filed with the BLM on March 7, 2023 and proposes the development of an open pit mine, heap leach facilities and related operations and facilities at Spring Valley.

Subsequent to June 30, 2023, the Company received 34,272 ounces of silver pertaining to loan receivable payments.

Subsequent to June 30, 2023, the Company announced its intention to make a normal course issuer bid to repurchase for cancellation, up to 3,547,390 shares in its own capital stock during the period commencing July 18, 2023 to July 17, 2024.

About Sailfish

Sailfish is a precious metals royalty and streaming company. Within Sailfish's portfolio are three main assets in the Americas: a gold stream equivalent to a 3% NSR on the San Albino gold mine (~3.5 sq. km) and a 2% NSR on the rest of the area (~134.5 sq. km) surrounding San Albino in northern Nicaragua; an up to 3% NSR on the multi-million ounce Spring Valley gold project in Pershing County, Nevada; and a 100% interest in the Gavilanes Silver Project located in Durango State, Mexico.

Sailfish is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "FISH" and on the OTCQX under the symbol "SROYF". Please visit the Company's website at www.sailfishroyalty.com for additional information.

For further information: Paolo Lostritto, CEO, tel. 416-602-2645 or Bryan McKenzie, CFO, tel. 604-443-3834.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information

Certain disclosures in this release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by words such as the following: expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, assumes, potential and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements also include reference to events or conditions that will, would, may, could or should occur, including, without limitation, statements regarding the expectation that the Company will pay quarterly dividends in line with the Company's annual dividend policy and repurchase common shares under the current NCIB. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable, including that the Company will pay quarterly dividends in line with the Company's annual dividend policy and repurchase common shares under the current NCIB. However, the forward-looking statements in this news release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements, including without limitation that the Company will not pay quarterly dividends in line with the Company's annual dividend policy or repurchase common shares under the current NCIB. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178437
Paris and Brussels listed Engie acquired Broad Reach Power, a company specialized in battery storage and based in Houston (TX), from private equity funds EnCap and Apollo.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The completion of the transaction is expected by Q4 2023, subject to the fulfilment of certain approvals from anti-trust and energy regulatory authorities. The deal involves 350MW of operating assets, as well as 880MW under construction assets with a commissioning expected before the end of 2024, 1.7GW of advanced stage projects and a significant pipeline of early stage projects. The projects are located in Texas, California and the central states of the United States. Broad Reach Power skills, tools and teams are the perfect fit, in and outside the United States, with Engies integrated model.

The acquisition will support Engies goal of having 10 GW of battery capacity globally by 2030.

About ENGIE

Turnover in 2022: 93.9 billion euros. Listed in Paris and Brussels (ENGI), the Group is represented in the main financial (CAC 40, Euronext 100, FTSE Euro 100, MSCI Europe) and extra-financial (DJSI World, Euronext Vigeo Eiris  Europe 120 / France 20, MSCI EMU ESG screened, MSCI EUROPE ESG Universal Select, Stoxx Europe 600 ESG-X) indices.

FinSMEs

24/08/2023
Keona Health, a Raleigh  Durham, NC-based health-tech company that uses AI to streamline scheduling, triage, and communication, raised $7M in Series A1 funding.

The round was led by Riverside Acceleration Capital (RAC).

The company intends to use the funds to expand its position in the market, and to consolidate CareDesk as a solution.

Led by CEO Oakkar Oakkar, Keona provides CareDesk, an AI-powered, healthcare CRM platform that streamlines complex scheduling, telephone triage, and communication by guiding healthcare staff to the correct decisions in real-time.

The softwares Care 360 AI allows for dynamic branching, integration of patient 360 databases, and clinically safe automation. These features have allowed client organizations to double their provider and patient panel sizes without hiring any new staff. In addition to AI-guided call support, CareDesk offers digital self-scheduling.

Organizations using the product include EmergeOrtho, Virginia Womens Center, and Central Maine Health.

FinSMEs

24/08/2023
PrimaKu, a Jakarta, Indonesia-based community-based parenting ecosystem providing services to improve childhood health and development, raised an undisclosed amount in Pre-Series A funding.

The round was led by Northstar Group and AppWorks, with participation from BRI Ventures and BIG Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its childhood development support services in Indonesia.

Founded in July 2017 by Muhammad Aditriya Indraputra, PrimaKu is a community-based parenting ecosystem helping address the challenges of parenting in Indonesia. The company offers three major initiatives to help parents overcome growth stunting, including child growth monitoring, nutrition guidance, and vaccination and immunization services. For pediatricians, PrimaKu offers digital tools and guides to help clinics support childhood development, facilitate telehealth services, make doctor referrals, and offer a community to connect with industry peers.

PrimaKu is used by healthcare institutions, parents, and public health organizations, including an official partnership with the Indonesia Pediatric Society (IPS). Since its inception in 2017, the company has made a significant impact on child healthcare and development with over 1.2 million users throughout Indonesia.

FinSMEs

24/08/2023
Weekday, a San Francisco, CA-based recruitment startup operating via a crowdsourced reference network, raised $2.2M in funding.

The round was led by Venture Highway with participation from angel investors.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its business reach.

Founded in 2021 by Amit Singh, Anubav Malik and Chetan Dalal, Weekday is a Y Combinator backed startup that helps compnies hire engineers who are vouched by other software engineers.

Weekday invites software engineers to connect their social graph (i.e. LinkedIn and Contacts) and gives them a ready made shortlist to refer talent to various companies. It gamifies the experience and makes this data of references available for recruiters. Weekday hosts multiple peoples references and companies can utilize the Backchannel feature to get background references (from former colleagues) on every candidate they interact with making hiring less about resumes and interviews and more about real-life experiences and capabilities.

The company has worked with over 100 companies (specializing in seed and Series A funded startups) like Coinbase, Clipboard Health, AtoB, Daloopa, Zepto, Round Finance helping them hire CTOs, Tech Leads, and Senior Software Engineers.

FinSMEs

24/08/2023
Yahoo acquired Commonstock, a San Francisco, CA-based broker-agnostic social and community-based platform.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The acquisition extends Yahoo Finances capabilities to social investor communities and community-driven context. The team will join the Yahoo Finance organization.

Launched in August 2020 by CEO and Founder David McDonough, Commonstock is a platform for retail investors that enables users to link their brokerage accounts, share their portfolios performance, and discuss their trades and strategies. Its real-time alerts notify users when friends make trades, encouraging the exchange of investment strategies and fostering a collaborative investment environment.

With more than $10 billion in connected assets, Commonstock has received investments from Coatue, QED, Floodgate, Upside Ventures, Resolute Ventures, and Abstract Ventures, as well as renowned investors such as Philippe Laffont, Bill Ackman, Ari Emanuel, Michael Li Jin, Turner Novak and Jill Carlson.

FinSMEs

24/08/2023
According to reports published Times of India, Shah Rukh Khans Jawan gets approved by the censor board with a U/A certificate after cuts in some scenes and dialogues. Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan which is all set to hit the big screens on September 7 has reportedly got a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification. And the certification has also come with its fair share of cuts. A copy of the films censor certificate has surfaced on social media which mentions 7 proposed changes in the final print.

An U/A certificate means that people of all age groups can watch the film. Kids under the age of 12 are advised parental guidance as the film can contain violent action scenes. According to the certificate, visuals of a beheaded body have been removed, visuals of a suicide have been suitably reduced and a reference of the Hon. President of India has been replaced with Head of State. Apart from these cuts, the CBFC also asked to modify certain dialogues, and changed the reference of NSG to IISG in the SRK-Nayanthara starrer. The length of Jawan is 2 hrs 49 mins.

It is also being reported that Shah Rukh has a double role in the film and will be seen in six different looks. Besides, the superstar actor also revealed in his recent #AskSRK session that the film has a strong take on women empowerment. Apart from Shah Rukh Khan and Nayanthara, the film also stars Vijay Sethupathi, Sanya Malhotra and Priyamani in a pivotal role. Deepika Padukone is also said to have an extended cameo in the much-awaited action-thriller which is helmed by acclaimed director from the south film industry, Atlee Kumar.
Actor Imran Khan recently presented his fans with some cherished memories from the past. The Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na star who appeared alongside actress Deepika Padukone in 2010 film Break Ke Baad shared recollections of the fun behind-the-scenes and the familiar banter that happened among the cast on the sets during the shoot. Based on Imran Khans post, the 40-year-old recalled how during the summer of 2010, in Mauritius, they managed to make a film amid all the revelries. The actors co-star Deepika Padukone also reacted to the post.

Imran captioned the post, We swam every day, ate seafood, sampled Mauritian rum (potent), and made friends for life. It was a blast..heres a glimpse.

The set of pictures show Imran and Deepika sharing a unique chemistry. In the first photograph, the duo are seated together under a table while in the next, Imran is being carried by Deepika on her back. The third picture shows the actress sitting by the sea alongside the movies director, Danish Aslam.

Uploaded a few hours ago, the post has amassed over 1 lakh likes.

Check out some of the comments on the post:

Deepika Padukone was quick to comment with Soo True! on the post along with a heart emoji.

Meanwhile, a user wrote, Well, this movie has a special place in our hearts too. The amount of love I have for this guy is insane, commented Another. While one user said FAV FAV MOVIE, another noted Abhay & Aaliya.

Many others were of the opinion that Imran should return to Hindi cinema. Come back Imran Bhai, Hindi cinema misses your charm, wrote a user. Similarly, another stated, Laut aao Imran (Come back Imran). A user also remarked, Literally just watched this movie! Loved it. You made us believe in cute romantic love stories. Come back to the screen soon.

The Delhi Belly actor recently announced his comeback after missing in action for years. While replying to an enticing fans appeal on Metas Threads, the actor responded with, To whom it may concern, I hear you. And Im working on it. Thank you for being so patient with me.

Earlier, the Luck star grabbed attention after a user commented on veteran actor Zeenat Amans post that read Zeenat Ji ne bhi comeback kar lia, pata nahi mera Imran Khan kab karega. To this, Imran replied with, Chalo Aditi, lets leave this one to the internet..1M likes, and Ill make it happen.

On the work front, Imran Khan last appeared in Katti Batti alongside Kangana Ranaut in 2015. He also donned a directors hat for a short film, Mission Mars: Keep Walking India.
India is on the Moon and over the Moon  and rightly so. The nation became the first ever to successfully land an uncrewed probe  Chandrayaan-3  on the Moons south pole. Moreover, it also became only the fourth country to soft-land a craft on the Moon, after the US, China and Soviet Union.

As Chandrayaan-3 made the final descent on to the moons unexplored terrain, cheers broke out not only at the Indian Space Research Organisation but across the country and the world. Congratulatory messages poured in from all corners, and with this India has cemented its position as a player in the space exploration.

The success of Chandrayaan-3 not only has boosted national pride for India; the success of Chandrayaan-3 will have a very real impact on the countrys economy. It will aid in bringing the country closer to its dream of becoming the third-largest economy in the world.

Heres how Chandrayaan-3s success will help skyrocket Indias economy and economic prosperity.

Economic boom

The success of Chandrayaan-3 will be a big game-changer for start-ups and companies involved in sectors such as space tech, aerospace and defence. Many experts and analysts believe that the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 builds more credibility for Indias space programme. Investors, vendors, customers and everyone in the outside world will now take Indian space technology more seriously.

Mukesh Kochar, National Head  Wealth Management, AUM Capital, further explained that India already has 140 registered space-tech start-ups. These start-ups should attract a lot of investment after the success of this remarkable journey. The budgetary allocation is also expected to increase going forward. So overall this will give a boost to the Indian economy, he added.

Sreeram Ananthasayanam, from Deloitte India, shares the same views. Historical, once-in-a-lifetime moments like these, while uniting our country, also pave the way for an increased scientific temper amongst the youth of India, an accelerated pathway for self-reliance in emerging sectors and technologies, and instilling the confidence to be amongst the top 3 economies of the world, he told India Today.

Indias current space market is worth around $8 billion and has been growing at about four per cent annually in the last few years. Indias space economy is likely to touch $40 billion by 2040 and a successful Chandrayaan-3 mission may help India achieve the target much sooner, believe analysts.

Experts also note that the triumphant landing will significantly enhance investor confidence. This, in turn, could magnetise a greater influx of international investments into the country.

Moreover, increased private sector involvement can lead to the emergence of new start-ups, businesses, and job opportunities, further driving economic growth and innovation.

The Chandrayaan-3 mission will also boost employment. More students will take up aerospace education and wish to join the space-tech ecosystem, increasing Indias employment rate.

Kolkata-based investor Soumya Malani told BusinessToday, It will definitely attract a lot of investment not only in the companies that have been part of this mission but also overall in the Indian space exploration sector as a whole, he said adding it would also encourage government to spend more on these missions which can lead to positive sentiment for the related companies.

The Chandrayaan-3 success will also provide a fillip to the Make in India brand and contribute to the growth of home-grown companies. Sectors that are associated with satellite systems, telecommunications, both software and hardware will see a boost.

Stock market skyrockets

The success of Chandrayaan-3 also reflected on Indias share markets. Shortly after the success of the mission, shares of 13 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, reported Bloomberg.

Livemint reporting the same shared that Linde Indias share jumped 23 per cent this week and closed at Rs 5,923 on Wednesday. Similarly, Centum Electronics, which provided some critical modules and systems to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, saw shares rising by 11 per cent. Shares of Avantel, a satellite communication provider, also jumped more than 12 per cent this week.

The aerospace wing of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), and Godrej Companies  all played a crucial role in the Chandrayaan-3 mission  also saw their stocks rise on Thursday morning.

Catch up on all the Chandrayaan-3 related stories

How Chandrayaan-3 will leave an imprint of the national emblem on the Moon

Why Chandrayaan-3s success matters to the United States

What will the lander and rover do after landing on Moon?

Chandrayaan-3 costs lesser than big films: How India keeps its space missions frugal

Over the Moon: Meet the team behind Indias Chandrayaan-3

Sonam Srivastava, smallcase manager and Founder of Wright Research told BusinessToday, The national pride and euphoria accompanying a successful landing could positively influence market sentiment, potentially giving a boost to stock prices. However, its crucial for investors and market watchers to be pragmatic.

Touching everyday lives

Apart from the economic boost that India will see, the Chandrayaan-3 mission also will also have everyday benefits to the common man. It will unlock the Moons many secrets such as a better understanding of lunar water.

According to Union minister of state for science Jitendra Singh, the Chandrayaan-3 will also search for resources that could sustain life on Moon.

Minister Singh emphasised the scientific opportunities that could arise if Chandrayaan-3 discovers more evidence of water, as water molecules contain hydrogen and oxygen, offering a rich source of clean energy on the Moon. These findings could significantly impact future space missions and open doors to space entrepreneurship through startup ventures.

With inputs from agencies
The race is on. Ahead of the 2024 US presidential elections, the first Republican debate took place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. While Donald Trump abstained from the debate, eight of his primary competitors fought it out at the debate.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the 38-year-old entrepreneur and first-time candidate, who stood alongside Florida governor Ron DeSantis on the centre of the platform, emerged as the dominant figure for much of the night.

He argued fiercely with former vice president Mike Pence on his experience, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley over foreign policy, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie about Trump, and others. However, he is seen supporting the former president and positioning himself as Donald Trumps defender.

As Donald Trump is set to surrender in Georgia on charges of trying to overturn the states 2020 election, nearly all of the Republican presidential candidates indicated that if Trump is the partys nominee, they will support him even if he is convicted in a court of law.

Heres what else happened at the first Republican debate:

Debate shows deep divides within Republican Party

The first Republican presidential debate illustrated the deep divisions within the GOP, with the candidates on stage arguing over issues including US support for Ukraine, when and how to best restrict abortion nationwide, and support for the partys eventual 2024 nominee.

Most of the candidates vowed to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, but the notable exception was Vivek Ramaswamy. He suggested that supporting that country when the US hasnt fixed its own problems was disastrous. That drew rebukes from many of his rivals, including former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who told the 38-year-old technology entrepreneur, You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.

There was disagreement on abortion, with Haley calling for consensus and Pence saying that was the opposite of leadership. The candidates largely agreed that Pence was right to protect the results of the 2020 election against Donald Trumps pressure campaign.

Trump skipped Wednesday nights event and was not a major focus of what was said. But both Christie and Hutchison were booed for saying they wouldnt support him as their partys nominee, though Christie faltered in his answer. Despite so much consensus on Trump, however, Pence drew applause when he said the former president wasnt above the law.

DeSantis, the highest-polling candidate on stage, takes back seat

After recent campaign stumbles, Ron DeSantis was expected to have to defended himself and project likeability on the debate stage  but he had done relatively little of either as the two-hour broadcast neared its end.

The Florida governor instead seemed to take a back seat to more vocal candidates, speaking significantly less than biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, his closest GOP competitor besides former President Donald Trump in recent polls.

Ramaswamy garnered both massive applause and barbs from competitors on stage on topics from foreign policy to climate change.

In the second half of the night, DeSantis was given the first chance to answer a question about education, one of the topics he campaigns on most passionately.

He responded with ease, citing Florida legislation to remove mentions of gender identity so-called critical race theory in the classroom.

But Ramaswamy was quick on his tail. The novice candidate pleased the crowd with calls to shut down the head of the snake, the Department of Education, end teachers unions, and require civics tests to graduate high school.

Christie asked about UFOs at Republican debate

The truth is out there



There was a UFO question posed near the end of the GOP debate. Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie was asked if he would level with the American people about what was known about what was out there.

Christie took mock offence, saying hed been asked that because he was from New Jersey and that his home state is different but not that different.

He didnt otherwise take the bait, saying those on stage had better things to talk about.

Ramaswamy only candidate to oppose more funding to Ukraine

When asked by the moderators who would not support more funding to Ukraine, the only candidate to raise their hand was Vivek Ramaswamy.

I think this is disastrous that we are protecting against an invasion across somebody elses border when we should be using those same military resources to prevent the invasion of our own southern border here in the United States, Ramaswamy said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Ramaswamy also took a swipe at his fellow Republicans, including former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and former Vice President Mike Pence, who have met with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

I find it offensive that we have professional politicians on the stage that will make a pilgrimage to Kyiv to their Pope Zelenskyy without doing the same thing for people in Maui or the South Side of Chicago or Kensington, Ramaswamy said. I think we have to put the interests of Americans first, secure our own border instead of somebody elses.

This prompted a rebuke from Pence: Anybody that thinks that we cant solve the problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a pretty small view of the greatest nation on earth.

Ramaswamy takes literal centre stage at debate

At the centre of the stage, and at the centre of the hottest exchanges in the first part of the debate, was a 38-year-old novice candidate and technology entrepreneur named Vivek Ramaswamy.

Though hes well behind Trump, Ramaswamy has crept up in recent polls, leading to his position next to Florida governor Ron DeSantis at centre stage. And he quickly showed why when he showcased his ready-for-video, on-message approach, talking about how his poor parents moved to the US and he had the ability to found billion-dollar companies.

Then Ramaswamy tried to show he wasnt a regular politician and started to throw elbows. At one point he declared, Im the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for. He slammed his rivals as super PAC puppets who were using readymade, pre-prepared slogans to attack him.

Also Read: Will we see a desi in the White House? The 3 Indian-Americans vying for 2024

He seemed to be betting that primary voters preferred something memorable said to something done. His rivals were having none of it.

Candidates agree Pence did the right thing on 6 January.

The Republican presidential candidates at Wednesdays debate largely said they agreed with former Vice President Mike Pences actions on 6 January, 2021.

Pence eschewed then-President Donald Trumps demands to stop the certification of Joe Bidens election, a decision that led some in a mob of Trump supporters to chant for his hanging that day.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott said, Absolutely.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis didnt immediately answer the question, saying, Weve got to look forward. Under pressure from both Pence and the moderators, DeSantis ultimately said, Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him, prompting Pence to reply, Im relieved.

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie leaped to Pences defence, saying the then-vice president deserves not grudging credit, he deserves our thanks as Americans.

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley agreed that Pence did the right thing and deserved credit, as did North Dakota governor Doug Burgum.

Trump leans into 2020 election lies in conspiracy-dabbled interview

Donald Trump skipped the Republican presidential debate to instead lean into his bogus claims about the 2020 election in a conspiracy-dabbled interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

The former president praised the crowd he spoke to on the morning of 6 January, 2021, before his supporters stormed the US Capitol, saying, There was love in that crowd. There was love and unity.

Trump also did not dismiss a suggestion from Carlson about whether his political opponents might choose violence or threaten his life.

They are savage animals. They are people that are sick. Really sick, Trump said.

He also called the four criminal cases he faces nonsense.

Trump attacked President Joe Biden and suggested he was physically unfit for office. He also derided his rivals for the GOP nomination and said he skipped the debate because he didnt want to be harassed by people he said shouldnt even be running for president.

Im going to have all these people screaming at me, shouting questions at me, all of which I love answering, I love doing, but it doesnt make sense to do them so Ive taken a pass.

Six of eight candidates say theyd fully support Trump as nominee

The top Republicans vying to be the leading alternative to Donald Trump are finally getting a chance to weigh in on his four indictments  sort of.

Nearly an hour into the GOP debate, Fox News Channel showed a live image of Atlantas Fulton County jail, where the former president is set to surrender on charges on Thursday, drawing boos from the audience. The moderators said theyd spend a brief moment about the elephant not in the room and ask about the cases against Trump.

Those on stage were then asked to raise their hands if they would support Trump if he wins the GOP presidential nomination. Six of the candidates raised their hands, while former New Jersey governor Chris Christie half-raised his hand and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson kept his hand down.

The candidates on stage were required to sign a pledge vowing to support the eventual nominee before joining Wednesdays debate.

Haley calls for abortion consensus; Pence says thats not leadership

All of the Republican candidates on Wednesday nights debate stage say they oppose abortion, but their differences on where lines should be drawn became evident on stage.

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley  the only woman in the GOP race  says theres a need for consensus over abortion, noting that she feels it unlikely that a federal ban would pass until there are 60 senators who would support it. Haley, who often cities her own fertility struggles and the fact that her husband is adopted, says America needs to humanise the issue and stop demonising it.

Former Vice President Mike Pence challenged her position, saying that consensus is the opposite of leadership on the issue.

Pence is the only major candidate who has said he supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women know theyre pregnant. In an interview with The Associated Press, Pence went even further, saying abortion should be banned even when a pregnancy isnt viable

Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who signed a six-week abortion ban into law, said youve got to do what you think is right when asked what he felt about potential criticism that such a narrow restriction could possibly harm GOP candidates in a general election.

Christie accuses Ramaswamy of sounding like a chatbot

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie lashed out at biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy during a discussion on climate change, accusing the outsider candidate of sounding like an artificial intelligence chatbot after Ramaswamy called efforts against carbon energy a wet blanket on our economy.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, Christie said. The last person at one of these debates who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur.

Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, Ramaswamy responded, a nod to the then-president placing his hand on Christies shoulder during a visit after Superstorm Sandy. And youll help elect me just like you did to Obama too.

Also Read: Who is Vivek Ramaswamy, the 37-year-old Indian-origin CEO running for US president in 2024?

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley jumped in after the feisty exchange, distinguishing herself as the only woman onstage.

I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman,' she said, acknowledging that climate change is real and arguing that to address it, the US needs to pressure China and India to lower their emissions.

Haley goes after fellow Republicans on federal spending

Nikki Haley smoothly took the first swipe of the night on a question about excessive federal spending and nodded to her accounting degree from Clemson.

The former South Carolina governor and former United Nations ambassador didnt blink in turning to her rivals with congressional experience to blame them  not Joe Biden  for the nations debt.

You have Ron DeSantis. Youve got Tim Scott. Youve got Mike Pence. They all voted to raise the debt. And Donald Trump added eight trillion to our debt, Haley said.

Scott is a South Carolina senator, DeSantis a former Florida representative and Pence a former congressman from Indiana.

Haley said, So, you tell me. Who are the big spenders? I think its time for an accountant in the White House.

DeSantis borrows Trumps famous line

It was Donald Trumps famous line on The Apprentice, but at the debate, Youre fired! was taken over by one of his top GOP challengers.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis said that a major reason for Americas current struggles is because how this federal government handled COVID-19 by locking down this economy.

DeSantis, who has talked often on the campaign trail about how he kept Florida open during the pandemic, said at the debate that, As your president, I will never let the deep state bureaucrats lock you down.

Of Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious disease expert during the pandemic, DeSantis said, You dont take somebody like Fauci and coddle him. You bring Fauci and you sit him down and you say, Anthony, you are fired.'

The GOP front-runner is little mentioned early in debate

Donald Trump may have a dominating early lead in the Republican presidential primary, but he was barely mentioned during the GOP debates opening minutes.

The former president is skipping the debate, and his name was little spoken in its opening 25 minutes.

And thats despite former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who has promised to build his presidential run around stopping Trump, giving a lengthy answer defending his own record in his home state.

Former Vice President Mike Pence defended the record of the Trump-Pence administration and Florida governor Ron DeSantis took a page from Trumps political playbook by pledging to fire Dr Anthony Fauci, drawing applause from the crowd in Milwaukee.

But most of the early debate focused on the candidates on stage ripping President Joe Biden and his administrations economic policies.

Ramaswamy is a top early target on stage in Trumps absence

Vivek Ramaswamy emerged as a popular target early in the debate, drawing cheers from the audience when he introduced himself.

Let me just address a question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight, the biotech entrepreneur said. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name?

Former Vice President Mike Pence called him a rookie, saying people should not elect people without experience.

Christie accused Ramaswamy of trying to imitate Barack Obama and said the country had already tried that.

The last person in one of these debates who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama, and Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur, Christie said

Economics of Rich Men North of Richmond

To start off the debate, candidates were asked to lay out their economic arguments by way of explaining why a viral song decrying high taxes and the wealth of the elite had caught fire.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis used his response to the popularity of Oliver Anthonys Rich Men North of Richmond to blame President Joe Biden for what he characterised as American decline. DeSantis also took an opportunity to go after Bidens son Hunter, saying he made hundreds of thousands of dollars on lousy paintings while Americans are working hard, and you cant afford groceries a car or a new home.

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie said he agreed predominantly with DeSantis response but argued he can be a consensus builder since he was elected as a conservative Republican in a blue state.

Two most prominent anti-Trump candidates get booed

Former President Donald Trump isnt on the debate stage, but the audience seems firmly in his corner.

The crowd booed former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson as they were introduced at Wednesday nights debate on Fox News. The two are among the most prominent anti-Trump candidates in the GOP field.

Trump skipped the event for an interview with Tucker Carlson instead. He told Carlson: Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me?

Candidates take podium as leadoff GOP debate begins

The first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle has begun.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, anti-woke activist Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum took the stage Wednesday night for the Fox News event.

Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum are moderating.

Former President Donald Trump appeared poised to post on his Truth Social platform during the debate. He skipped the debate and instead conducted a prerecorded interview with Tucker Carlson that was airing at the same time.

With inputs from AP
The first Republican presidential debate was dramatic. Yes, even without the ultimate showman  former US president Donald Trump.

The eight contestants launched into frenzied talks throughout that time.

From questioning morality to mocking their promises, Vivek Ramaswamy was in for a lot of attention at the debate held in Milwaukee last night.

The Indian-American entrepreneur seemed to outshine seasoned opponents at the debate, taking the most jabs and even answering back in equal measure.

An analogy with former US president Barack Obama that was sparked by his own introduction was one of the debate debutants highlights.

Lets take a look.

Also read: Who is Vivek Ramaswamy, the 37-year-old Indian-origin CEO running for US president in 2024?

The Barack Obama jibe

Chris Christie, a fellow candidate and the former governor of New Jersey, referred to the 38-year-old as a amateur Barack Obama.

The insult was related to Ramaswamys self-introduction as a skinny guy with a funny last name, which many people found similar of the former US president. He has even received criticism on social media for plagiarising Obama.

Ramaswamy said, Let me just address the question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage?

Ill tell you, Im not a politician. Youre right about that. Im an entrepreneur. My parents came to this country with no money 40 years ago. I have gone on to found multi-billion dollar companies. That is the American dream. And I am genuinely worried that that American dream will not exist for our two sons and their generations unless we do something about it.

Hold on, Ive had enough of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT today, Christie muttered later in the debate in response to the remark. Ramaswamys remark that the climate change agenda is a hoax prompted his response.

He stands up here, and the last person in one of these debates, Brett, who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here was Barack Obama. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur tendencies tonight, the 60-year-old said.

Ramaswamy criticised Christie for waging a campaign based on vengeance and grievance against Trump in a scathing statement. In reference to Obama, he shot back, Give me a hug like you did to Obama, and youll help elect me just like you did to Obama. Give me the damn hug, brother.

Days before the 2012 presidential election, after Hurricane Sandy, Chris Christie came under fire for allegedly hugging Obama. Christie strongly denied ever having done so.

I didnt hug him, the Republican insisted and stuck to it over the years.

Also read: First Republican presidential debate: Who came out on top? Who lost out?

Vivek Ramaswamy VS Mike Pence

On stage with Ramaswamy were the governors of North Dakota and Arkansas, as well as the former governors of New Jersey and New Jersey, Chris Christie, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson, and Mike Pence, and the senator from South Carolina, Tim Scott.

Ramaswamy said that he was the only person on stage who is not bought and paid for. He ranked second in the most recent polls behind Trump.

Pence, who has worked in the political system for many years, called Ramaswamy a rookie and claimed that the US has no time for on-the-job training.

Look, Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie, we dont need to bring in people without experience, he said. Vivek, you recently said a president cant do everything. Well, Ive got news for you, Vivek. I have been in the hallway. I have been in the West Wing. The president of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America, Pence said in another dig at Ramaswamys lack of political experience.

Ramaswamy responded by saying that a real discussion could start when the senior politician finished using prepared slogans, which led to a back-and-forth. Pence responded, We dont have an identity crisis, Vivek, after the entrepreneur claimed that the US was experiencing a national identity crisis. No new national identity is desired by us.

The two clashed again during an exchange on crime. Taking a swipe at Pence, Ramaswamy said, Some others like you on this stage may have an, Its morning in America speech. It is not morning in America. We live in a dark moment and we have to confront the fact that were in an internal sort of cold cultural civil war and we have to recognise that.

Even President Joe Biden reacted to Ramaswamys comment on climate change. Climate change is real, by the way, the president posted on X.

Ramaswamy VS Haley

Ramaswamy also argued with former UN ambassador Haley on US assistance to Ukraine.

This is disastrous we are protecting against an invasion across somebody elses border when we should use those same military resources to prevent the invasion across our southern border here in the United States of America, Ramaswamy said at the Fox News debate. We need to secure our own border instead of somebody elses, he added.

During one of the most heated arguments of the evening, Haley fired back, accusing him of wanting to hand Ukraine to Russia and added, You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.

Also read: How Vivek Ramaswamy is winning over Donald Trump supporters

Badge of honour

After the debate, Ramaswamy claimed he took it as a badge of honour that he was the one being targeted by the establishment politicians, adding that at least three to four different politicians had their fire trained on me.

I think I did benefit from frankly, the fact that the other folks on the stage seem very threatened by me, Ramaswamy said, according to NBC, when asked if he benefitted from Trumps absence.

Takeaways

The only other woman in the race thus far, former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, was the other Indian-American on the Republican presidential debate stage in addition to Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy unleashed more attacks than any other performer, according to an NBC News tracker, and he also took more hits than any of his competitors.

In an aggressive turn, Ramaswamy sought to set himself apart from his rivals. He claimed to be the only contender unaffected by special interests and purposely positioned himself as the outsider. In a heated exchange, he called his rivals super PAC puppets who used scripted slogans to damage his campaign.

Ron DeSantis, the governor of Florida, put on a dismal performance despite being the debates projected centre of attention.

Vivek clearly showed that he wanted to be up there and that he wanted to be a part of it and took the opportunity that was presented to him and really made a fight for it, Chris LaCivita, a senior adviser to Trump, told NBC News, adding, It was literally a debate between the former vice president, Vivek, and occasionally Nikki and Chris Christie. And everybody else was sort of an afterthought.

Ramaswamy was jokingly referred to as the missile Christie was supposed to be on stage, according to Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a supporter of Trump.

The Chris Christie campaign is [what] everybody thought was like the Kamikaze campaign, he said. But it was Vivek [who] basically kind of took out Christie, survived the attack that went ahead and took out Mike Pence.

With inputs from agencies
Japan is set to begin pumping more than a million tonnes of treated water from the destroyed Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant today, a process that will take decades to complete.

The water was distilled after being contaminated from contact with fuel rods at the reactor, destroyed in the 2011 earthquake.

Tanks on the site now hold about 1.3 million tonnes of radioactive water  enough to fill 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools. After being filtered and diluted, the water will be released over a 30-year period.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), the nuclear plants operator, has been tasked with carrying out the plan.

Here is how Tepco plans to deal with it:

What is Japans water release plan?

Tepco has been filtering the contaminated water to remove isotopes, leaving only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate. Tepco will dilute the water until tritium levels fall below regulatory limits before pumping it into the ocean from the coastal site.

Water containing tritium is routinely released from nuclear plants around the world, and regulatory authorities support dealing with the Fukushima water in this way.

Tritium is considered to be relatively harmless because its radiation is not energetic enough to penetrate human skin. When ingested at levels above those in the released water it can raise cancer risks, a Scientific American article said in 2014.

The water disposal will take decades to complete, with ongoing filtering and dilution, alongside the planned decommissioning of the plant.

Is the water safe?

Japan and scientific organisations say the released water is safe, but environmental activists argue that all the possible impacts have not been studied. Japan says it needs to start releasing the water as storage tanks are full.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN 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.

Greenpeace said on Tuesday that the radiological risks have not been fully assessed, and that the biological impacts of tritium, carbon-14, strontium-90 and iodine-129  to be released with the water  have been ignored.

The filtering process will remove strontium-90 and iodine-129, and the concentration of carbon-14 in the contaminated water is far lower than its regulatory standard for discharge, according to Tepco and Japanese government documents.

Japan said tritium levels in the water will be below those considered safe for drinking under World Health Organisation standards.

Meanwhile, it is not the practice of any country to drink the water discharged from nuclear facilities, Japans mission to the International Atomic Energy Agency said last week.

The government will take appropriate measures, including immediate suspension of the discharge if unusually high concentrations of radioactive materials are detected, the document said.

The South Korean government has concluded from its own study that the water release meets international standards and said it respects the IAEAs assessment.

How have people reacted?

Tepco has been engaging with fishing communities and other stakeholders and is promoting agriculture, fishery and forest products in stores and restaurants to reduce any reputational harm to produce from the area.

Fishing unions in Fukushima have urged the government for years not to release the water, arguing it would undo work to restore the damaged reputation of their fisheries.

Masanobu Sakamoto, the head of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, said on Monday the group understood the release could be scientifically safe but still feared reputational damage.

Neighbouring countries have also expressed concern. China has been the most vocal, calling Japans plan irresponsible, unpopular and unilateral. China is the biggest importer of Japanese seafood.

Shortly after the 2011 tsunami and earthquake damaged the Fukushima plant, China banned imports of food and agricultural products from five Japanese prefectures. China later widened its ban to cover 10 out of Japans 47 prefectures.

The latest import restrictions were imposed in July after the IAEA approved Japans plans to discharge the treated water.

With inputs from Reuters
The UK has carried out its first-ever womb transplant.

Surgeons successfully pulled off the procedure to transplant the womb in early February, according to several media reports.

But what happened? And how did surgeons pull it off?

Lets take a closer look:

What happened?

According to BBC, the recipient of the womb transplant was a 34-year-old woman and the donor was her 40-year-old sister.

Both women, who live in England, wish to stay anonymous.

Surgeons said the donor already has two children. The recipient was born with Type 1 Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser (MRKH).

This is a rare condition wherein the uterus is absent or underdeveloped, but the ovaries are functioning. The recipient underwent fertility treatment with her husband prior to the procedure and they have eight embryos in storage.

Both women received counselling prior to the procedure  which was studied and approved by the Human Tissue Authority. The cost of the procedure, around 25,000, was paid by Womb Transplant UK  a charity.

How did surgeons pull it off?

According to The Journal, the surgery took place at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.

Professor Richard Smith, clinical lead at the charity Womb Transplant UK and consultant gynaecological surgeon at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, and Isabel Quiroga, consultant surgeon at the Oxford Transplant Centre, part of Oxford University Hospitals led the procedure.

Two teams of 30 medical staff and surgeons did the work pro bono.

According to The Conversation, womb transplantation is a complicated procedure wherein one team extracts the womb from a donor and the other implants it into the recipient.

Both stages of the procedure are serious operations lasting many hours, and the patients remain in hospital for days afterwards, the piece noted.

It added that the recipient must also take immune system-suppressing drugs to stop the body from rejecting the new womb.

According to The Journal, the first team took over eight hours to extract the womb from the donor.

Meanwhile, the second team began working on the recipient an hour before the womb was removed. The entire surgery took over nine hours. All of the surgical staff met at 7 am and we were back in our hotel at 6.30 am the following morning, Smith added.

Smith was quoted as saying by The Journal that it was quite remarkable and that the procedure was a massive success.

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, just over the moon.

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.

Al Jazeera quoted Smith as saying the recipient can now have a baby. Hopefully that embryo will take, and hopefully nine months later shell [have a] Caesarean section, Smith said. Once shes had a Caesarean section, she does have a choice  six months later  of a complete hysterectomy or to go and have another baby, he added.

Quiroga, meanwhile, told The Journal she was thrilled.

It was a very proud moment but still quite reserved  the first two weeks after the operation are nerve-racking. Now, I feel extremely proud of what weve achieved and desperately happy for her. She was absolutely over the moon, very happy and is hoping that she can go on to have not one but two babies, Quiroga added.

Her womb is functioning perfectly and we are monitoring her progress very closely.

According to Sky News, the womb is expected to last around five years. Dr Raj Mathur, British Fertility Society chair told Sky News it is a remarkable achievement. I think its the dawn of a new age, a new era in treating these patients, Mathur, a consultant gynaecologist, added.

As per The Guardian, another womb transplant is slated to take place soon and even more patients are preparing to undergo this procedure. Surgeons have been given a go-ahead for 10 such procedures with brain-dead donors and another five with living donors.

Smith told the newspaper around 20 to 30 women every year could benefit from such procedures in the near future.

Quiroga added, We have women contacting the charity  such as young women who say I dont want to have children but I would love to help others have a child or Ive already had my children I would love other women to have that experience. So yes, there will definitely be a time in which that is a main source of donors.

Al Jazeera quoted NHS England chief midwifery officer Kate Brintworth as saying: On behalf of the whole health service, I would like to send my best wishes for a speedy recovery to the donor and recipient on what is an amazing milestone.

Doctors in the United States and Sweden have successfully carried out womb transplants.

Wouldnt think twice

News of the procedure has left other women in similar situations in the UK feeling optimistic about the future.

Hannah Vaughan, who found out she had MRKH at age 16, told The Evening Standard she has a glimmer of hope.

Vaughan said at the time she was left feeling quite isolated and very different.

Thats not a nice feeling at that age because I was still becoming me and have always wanted to have children and would always talk about it, Vaughan was quoted as saying. Even though I had lots of people around me, I still felt isolated.

At that age, I thought I could put it to the back of my mind a little bit because Im not ready just yet, but at the same time  it still affected me every day and I had counselling at the time.

Im just so unbelievably happy for that woman  bless her, Vaughan added.

It just gives you that glimmer of hope that if that opportunity is there and I am able to do that safely and successfully, I would not even think twice about doing that.

Having a child of my own and carrying my own child would be the most incredible thing in the whole world for me, she added.

Unless you have MRKH or have an experience with something which may reduce your chances of having your own children, it is hard to understand what it is like.

Lydia Brain told BBC womb cancer diagnosis at age 24 left her needing a hysterectomy.

Now, the 31-year-old and her partner have banked several embryos after spending 15 thousand for fertility treatment.

Infertility was a huge part of the impact of my cancer. It affects you every day as you cant avoid pregnant people, babies, and your friends getting into that phase of their life.

Lydia added it would mean everything to have a womb transplant.

She said she wants to carry my own child and have that experience, being able to breastfeed and to have a newborn baby, at least once.

Lydia said while she considered adopting and using a surrogate, she found both rather difficult.

The laws and the process are very difficult.

You often dont get a newborn baby when you adopt, she added.

With inputs from agencies
After the historic success of Indias Chandrayaan-3 Moon mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) geared up for another big launch.

Aditya-L1, the Indian space agencys maiden space mission to study the Sun, lifted off on Saturday at 11.50 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket vehicle from ISRO was used to launch the spacecraft into orbit.

What will Indias Sun mission entail? Why is studying the Sun important? We explain.

What is the Aditya-L1 mission?

The Aditya-L1 is an observatory or spacecraft that will monitor the Sun 247. This will be the first time that India will put a spacecraft on a Lagrange point  a position in space where, as per NASA, the gravitational forces of a two-body system like the Sun and Earth produce enhanced regions of attraction and repulsion.

There are five Lagrange points in the Sun-Earth system; Indias solar mission will be placed in a halo orbit around Lagrange point 1, or L1, which is about 1.5 million km from the Earth, according to ISRO.

L1, Adityas parking spot, has been housing Solar and Heliospheric Observatory, a project by Americas NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) since 1996, reported Space.com.

The Aditya-L1 mission will carry seven payloads, out of which four will directly observe the Sun. These seven payloads or scientific instruments include Visible Emission Line Coronagraph(VELC), Solar Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (SUIT), Solar Low Energy X-ray Spectrometer (SoLEXS), High Energy L1 Orbiting X-ray Spectrometer (HEL1OS), Aditya Solar wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX), Plasma Analyser Package For Aditya (PAPA) and Advanced Tri-axial High Resolution Digital Magnetometers.

These instruments will study the photosphere or the Suns visible surface; the layer above the photosphere known as the chromosphere; and the corona  the outermost part of the Suns atmosphere.

Objectives of Aditya-L1 mission

As per ISRO, the spacecraft will examine the dynamics of the chromosphere and corona; in-situ particle and plasma environment; the heating mechanism of the corona; magnetic field topology and magnetic field measurements in corona; temperature, velocity and density of coronal and coronal loops plasma; and development, dynamics and origin of coronal mass ejections (CMEs).

It will also study chromospheric and coronal heating, space weather, the physics of the partially ionized plasma, what leads to solar eruptive events, and how CMEs and solar flares start.

ALSO READ: Why Chandrayaan-3s success has put focus on New York Times racist 2014 cartoon

Why is studying the Sun important?

Before that, here are some facts about the centre of our solar system. The Sun, which sustains most life on Earth, is a 4.5 billion-year-old star. Located 150 million kilometres away from the Earth, the Suns gravity holds the solar system together. Unlike Earth, the Suns surface is not solid but made of super-hot, electrically charged gas called plasma, noted NASA.

According to the US space agency, The Suns activity, from its powerful eruptions to the steady stream of charged particles it sends out, influences the nature of space throughout the solar system.

The solar activity constitutes solar flares, CMEs or huge plasma clouds, high-speed solar wind, and solar energetic particles.

A solar flare is a severe burst of radiation capable of affecting radio communications and harming astronauts in space. The activity on the Suns surface creates a type of weather called space weather which can impact the Earth and the rest of the solar system. Thus, understanding solar events becomes more important for better knowledge of space weather, as per Indian Express.

Moreover, ultraviolet rays from the Sun affect as well as are impacted by global climate change, according to the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center.

As BussinessLine noted changes in UV radiation can influence cloud formation, water vapor content and temperature patterns in the Earths lower atmosphere. It is important, therefore, to study the behaviour of the Sun to see its impact on the Earths climate.

While the Sun has been analysed by scientists for a long time, there are still many unanswered questions. As per a Space.com report, researchers are yet to unravel why the corona, at 1 million degrees Celsius, gets hotter than the photosphere  5,500 degrees Celsius. Suns hottest part is its core where temperature is as high as 15 million degrees Celsius.

It is also not known what goes on before the Sun ejects solar flares and CMEs in space and sometimes towards the Earth and how CMEs accelerate to tremendous speeds close to the suns disk, the report added. With Aditya L-1, scientists are hoping to unearth some of the Suns secrets.

With inputs from agencies
Was it an accidental plane crash or was it revenge extracted by Vladimir Putin? Thats the question many are asking after Russia confirmed that Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin died when a private jet crashed north of the Russian capital, Moscow.

The crash comes just two months after Prigozhin had launched a short-lived rebellion  seen as the biggest challenge to Russian president Vladimir Putins authority since he came to power. Since then many Russian watchers had called the mercenary chief a dead man walking.

Speculation over Putins one-time closest ally-turned-foes death was further fuelled when US president Joe Biden reacting to the airplane crash said, I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that (President) Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer.

Ukraine also fuelled the rumours as presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said on social media that the plane crash was a signal from Putin to Russias elites ahead of the 2024 elections. Beware! Disloyalty equals death.

We take a closer look at what happened to the plane which was carrying Prigozhin and why many believe that Putin has a hand to play in the crash.

What happened to the plane?

On Wednesday night, reports came in that an Embraer Legacy flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow.

According to the roster of the plane, it was carrying seven passengers and three crew members. According to preliminary information, all 10 people on board have died in the crash, with Interfax news agency reporting all the bodies have been recovered.

Another news agency, Tass, reported that the plane  registered to one of Prigozhins companies  had caught fire on hitting the ground. Video footage has verified that an aircraft fell from the sky in Kuzhenkino, Russia.

Russias aviation agency later said the Wagner chief was on board the plane that crashed. According to the airline, the following passengers were on board the Embraer-135 (EBM-135BJ) aircraft: Prigozhin, Yevgeny, said the agency, Rosaviatsia.

Rosaviatsia further stated that a special commission has been set up to investigate the crash of the aircraft belonging to MNT-Aero. Russias Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, said it opened an investigation into the crash.

Why the speculation over Prigozhins death?

Shortly after the Wagner chiefs death was announced, many questioned if the crash was accidental or planned.

Its important to note here that Prigozhin  who was once also called Vladimir Putins chef, highlighting how close he was to the Russian leader  had fallen from grace after he had led a mutinous march on Moscow in late June.

Under a deal to end the rebellion, charges against him were dropped and he relocated to neighbouring Belarus. However, in July, there were images of him in St Petersburg during the Africa-Russia summit. Just last week, he had also released a video suggesting he was in Africa. However, his whereabouts couldnt be confirmed or verified.

But Prigozhins mutiny against Putin had led many to note that the Wagner chiefs days were numbered. In fact, Central Intelligence Agency director William Burns had even commented then, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback. And he even added, If I were Prigozhin I wouldnt fire my food taster.

Also read: The unanswered questions surrounding Wagners mutiny in Russia

Following the plane crash, US president Joe Biden also said that he was unsurprised by the untimely demise of Prigozhin, pointing the finger at Putin.

Daniel Hoffman, a former senior CIA operations officer who served as the agencys Moscow station chief, told Reuters he was sure Wednesdays incident occurred on Putins orders. You want your own guys to know that youre brutal and ruthless and anyone who betrays Putin is going to pay the ultimate price, he said, adding, Putin is cauterising his wounds.

A former British intelligence official, Christopher Steele, went one step ahead and told Sky News that there had been information circulating that a contract had been put out on Prigozhin in Russia by senior members of the business community. Certainly it looks as though it may well be a revenge attack by somebody in the elite, possibly somebody very senior, he told Sky News.

British lawmaker Alicia Kearns, chair of the UK Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, said Putin was sending a loud message. The speed at which the Russian government 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.

Grey Zone, a Telegram channel linked to Wagner, also fanned the flames of an assassination as they blamed Prigozhins reported death on Russian traitors. However, its not clear who the traitors are.

Many in Russia are also not too shocked by the news of Prigozhins death. Ever since the Wagner chief took out what he had described as March of Justice, Russias watchers had said that his days were numbered. In fact, many had been shocked when a deal was cut between Prigozhin and the Kremlin to end the mutiny.

How have other Putin foes disappeared?

If Putin has played a role in Prigozhins demise, it wouldnt be the first time that a foe of the Russian leader has died under unclear circumstances or come close to death.

Who can forget the Alexei Navalny incident? Perhaps, the most vocal critic of the Putin, Navalny had to be flown to Germany in August 2020 for medical treatment after being poisoned in Siberia with what Western experts had concluded was the military nerve agent Novichok. It had been believed by many that it was Putins attempt of silencing Navalny.

A Russian opposition activist, Vladimir Kara-Murza has said that he was a victim of poisoning in 2015 and 2017. A German laboratory later found elevated levels of mercury, copper, manganese and zinc in him. All fingers pointed to the Kremlin, but they denied any involvement.

Another instance of a Putin foe dying was that of Alexander Litvinenko, a former KGB agent and outspoken critic of the Russian leader. He died in 2006 after drinking green tea laced with polonium-210, a rare and potent radioactive isotope, at Londons Millennium Hotel. Years later, in 2016, a British inquiry stated that Putin probably approved the killing.

Whether or not, Putin actually had a hand in Prigozhins demise may remain unconfirmed, but it does send a message to anyone who thinks of rebelling against Putin  dont do it and see what happens to those who do.

With inputs from agencies
Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, reportedly died when a private jet he was said to be on crashed on Aug. 23, 2023, killing all 10 people on board.

The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency confirmed that Prigozhin, who had led a brief rebellion again the Russian military two months earlier, was among the dead. However, Prigozhin was believed to have numerous passports, and he would compel others to travel under his name to protect him from possible attacks.

The Conversation U.S. asked national security scholar Gregory F. Treverton, a former chairman of the National Intelligence Council in the Obama administration, to explain what Prigozhins death would signify.

Who was  or is  Prigozhin?

Prigozhin came from humble beginnings.

He was a petty criminal who, after serving nine years in a Soviet prison, became a hot dog vendor and eventually owned elegant restaurants and a catering service. He was best known as the rich and connected leader of the Wagner group, a private military force with links to the Russian government. Wagner troops fought on the Russian side in Ukraine, but Prigozhin went public in the spring of 2023 with criticism of the conflicts cost in terms of Wagner troops and complaints about the way the war was being fought by the Russian government. Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu was a particular target of Prigozhins complaints regarding military strategy.

In June, Prigozhin orchestrated what was effectively a revolt against Russias government. He dispatched Wagner troops on a march unimpeded toward Moscow.

Prigozhin was 62 years old at the time of the crash.

What was his relationship with President Vladimir Putin?

It was complicated, to say the least.

An oligarch, Prigozhin was thought to be close to the Russian leader. He was called Putins chef due to the services he provided the Kremlin and the personal touches he employed when Putin dined in his restaurants.

In June, when he launched his mutiny against Moscow, Prigozhin must have realized he had gone too far with his public rebukes. The only general he admired, Sergey Surovikin, released a video message telling him to stand down and to obey Putin. Prigozhin soon disbanded the march, saying he wanted to spare Russian blood. Afterward, the mercenary leader said he met with Putin before leaving for what was expected to be his exile in Belarus.

At the time, I was looking for cracks in Russias will to fight, particularly in its military. At some level, it has to hate hemorrhaging men and materiel in a conflict that many conscripts dont even understand or support.

In that sense, I saw Prigozhins criticisms of Russias military strategy in Ukraine as a positive sign, especially as his take seemed to resonate with the Russian people and even its armed forces. Yet when it looked like Prigozhin might prevail, American officials were worried. As the saying goes: When the gods wish to punish us, they grant us our wishes. Would putting an end to Putins rule lead to chaos in Russia, and how dangerous would that be with all of those nuclear weapons it harbors?

Why do you think Putins opponents, many of whom are dead or imprisoned, have met so much misfortune?

It was painfully plain that after his failed rebellion, Prigozhin was a dead man flying.

Indeed, the surprise was that Putin dropped charges and let him go, albeit to Russias vassal ally, Belarus. But many believe, including me, that Prigozhin was destined to eventually meet the fate of others who have crossed Putin.

That growing list includes Boris Nemtsov, the Russian physicist, politician and critic of Putin who was assassinated in 2015, and Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who remains in prison after Putin allegedly orchestrated his poisoning in 2020.

Would Prigozhins death change anything for US policy toward Putin and Russia?

In the end, unless Prigozhins rebellion does turn out to have planted the seeds of real resistance, I dont believe his death is likely to change the course of the Ukraine war or US policy toward Putin and Russia.

However, its likely to take Wagner troops, which had been among Russias most effective, out of the conflict in Ukraine. And it may wind up diminishing Wagners operations in Africa, which until now have furthered Russian interests. Yet the Ukraine war has become Americas war, and the U.S. government doesnt want to see Ukraine lose it  even if it doesnt win dramatically.

The United States will still have to deal with Putin as it continues to sanction him and his associates, and ultimately seeks to see him tried as a war criminal.
The death of Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash comes as little surprise to Russia watchers.

From Putin in June saying that the only thing he cant forgive is betrayal to CIA chief William Burns recent wry comment that Prigozhin ought not to fire his food taster and US president Joe Biden saying he isnt surprised, the demise of the Wagner chief was bound to happen sooner rather than later.

Video of Putin saying the only thing he cant forgive is betrayal.pic.twitter.com/f6GwuyMuun  The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) August 23, 2023

But what happens to the Wagner Group mercenaries who Prigozhin marched on Moscow in June and are now in Belarus under Putins ally Alexander Lukashenko?

Lets take a closer look:

Wagner troops vow revenge

Some members of the Wagner Group have vowed revenge against Putin  who previously denounced Prigozhins actions as treason and a stab in the back  over the death of their boss.

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, LBC quoted some masked men purportedly belonging to the Wagner Group as saying in a new video.

BREAKING: Wagner soldiers in Belarus release a statement: 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. pic.twitter.com/vSX0JsYqud  Global Military Activity (@Gadhwara27) August 24, 2023

Firstpost has not confirmed the authenticity of the video.

Meanwhile, Visegrad 24 reported that authorities in Belarus have cut off the internet in areas where Wagner Group troops are based

The Belarusian authorities have cut off the internet in the area of the main Wagner Group camp in the Tale Village in Belarus. Looks like Putin and Lukashenko are trying to stop the Wagner Group from communicating with each other and coordinating a quick response, the report stated.

Wagner PMC mercenaries are going to take revenge on Putin and Shoigu for the death of their leader, Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraines minister of internal affairs, wrote on X.

Calls for revenge against the killers fill the chat rooms of Prigozhins channels. Law enforcers of two regions have been raised on alert.

Wagner PMC mercenaries are going to take revenge on Putin and Shoigu for the death of their leader. Calls for revenge against the killers fill the chat rooms of Prigozhins channels. Law enforcers of two regions have been raised on alert. pic.twitter.com/TuMd73p445  Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 23, 2023

Exodus from Belarus

The development comes just days after it was reported that thousands of Wagner mercenaries are leaving Belarus.

The Daily Beast quoted sources in Ukraine as saying that the number of mercenaries in Belarus have dropped from nearly 6,000 to around 4,400.

While some mercenaries are heading to Africa  where the group has operated for the years and achieved success for the Kremlin  others are simply taking a vacation.

Express UK quoted Telegram channel VchK-OGPU as saying: Officially, this is called as sending fighters on vacation. However, no one talks about returning to Belarus.

The regime in Belarus does not yet satisfy Wagner instructors with its level of payment for services, as a result, most instructors do not plan to stay in the country for a long time, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine explained to the outlet.

Franak Viacorka, the chief political adviser of Belarusian democratic Opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, told The Daily Beast, Its important to understand they are mercenaries they are not ideological supporters of Putin or Prigozhin or Lukashenko they are there because they receive good salary. While in Belarus, they dont receive good salary. The salary is many times smaller than during missions.

There is growing disappointment, growing discontent, among Wagner mercenaries. And more and more of them will be asking to leave.

CNN also reported that a top Russian general who went Missing in Action during the Wagner insurrection has been fired.

General Sergey Surovikin, who earned the name General Armageddon for his propensity to carry out brutal attacks on civilians, has not been seen since publicly since June.

CNN reported that Surovikin may have been a secret top member of the Wagner Group.

The New York Times in June reported that Surovikin may have been forewarned about the insurrection.

Russias RBC reported that Surovikin has been transferred and is currently on a small vacation.

Is Puting responsible for the killing?

Experts say Putin, who was giving a speech for the 80th anniversary of the Kursk battle in World War II when the reports broke, was likely behind the killing of Prigozhin.

LBC quoted The Institute for the Study of War as saying: Prigozhin was likely attempting to counter the Russian MoDs [Ministry of Defence] and the Kremlins destruction of Wagner and Wagners future remains uncertain.

Putin almost certainly ordered the Russian military command to shoot down Prigozhins plane.

Putins almost certain order for the Russian MoD to shoot down Prigozhins plane is likely a public attempt to reassert his dominance and exact vengeance for the humiliation that the Wagner Groups armed rebellion on June 24 caused Putin and the Russian MoD.

Putin did not mention the crash and hailed all our soldiers who are fighting bravely and resolutely in the special military operation in Ukraine.

If [Prigozhin] is indeed dead, it makes Putin look stronger with the Russian people, Rebekah Koffler, a former Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) officer told Newsweek.

If Prigozhin is indeed dead, everybody would understand that this is a payback for insubordination, for criticizing the Russian military, and it was sending a signal to any potential opposition that Putin will chase you down and eliminate you no matter where you arewhether youre in Africa or wherever, Koffler, author of Putins Playbook: Russias Secret Plan to Defeat America, added.

Anders Aslund, a former senior fellow in the Eurasia Center at the Atlantic Council, wrote on X, Was [Prigozhin] murdered? In all probability. Who did it? Obviously Putin.

Does this strengthen Putins power? Probably, it makes him even more feared. But it tells you that Putin probably killed very many other people.

What about Wagner Group?

Experts say the future of the Wagner Group mercenaries remains uncertain.

Ariel Cohen, a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Councils Eurasia Center, wrote, on the Atlantic Council website, Integration into the Russian military will be bumpy, as many fighters are personally loyal to Prigozhin, and the state armed forces affiliation would even further dilute the already-tenuous plausible deniability the Russian state-supported mercenaries have enjoyed.

Rama Yade, senior director of the Atlantic Councils Africa Center and senior fellow for the Europe Center, added that the Wagner Group and the Kremlins interests now diverge.

Africa is key in Putins strategy in Ukraine: to prove he is not isolated, to circumvent Western economic sanctions and rebuild his forces via Wagner. Prigozhins uprising required a clarification on the nature of Russias partnership with African countries. Its done, Yade added.

A piece in The Guardian noted, What is clear is that Wagner, as it was once constituted, is no more.

with Wagner out of Ukraine after deploying its fighters as cannon fodder in the battle for Bakhmut, perhaps the biggest question is whether it can continue in any viable form in the African states where it has been active, the piece argued.

It added that while some names have come up as possible Prigozhin replacements, it is to be seen whether they could measure up to the former Wagner Group chief.

Former air vice-marshal Sean Bell told Sky News in June, If the Wagner group is Yevgeny Prigozhin, then its difficult to see how it will survive. Its the end of it as we know it.

Some argue the killing of Prigozhin could backfire on Putin.

Dmitry Gorenburg, a senior research scientist at the Center for Naval Analysis, told Newsweek it is possible that the public get behind Wagner  but it is a less likely outcome than Putins move crushing any thought of further rebellion.

With inputs from agencies
Indians have been in a celebratory spirit since the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft successfully landed on the lunar surface on Wednesday (23 August) evening. India is now the first country to soft land on the south pole of the Moon and only the fourth to safely land on the lunar surface.

As the country hails Indian Space Research Organisations (ISRO) feat, some users on X, formerly Twitter, have dug up an old New York Times (NYT) cartoon that was deemed ridiculing India after the success of another space mission.

What was the cartoon about? Why is it again in the spotlight? How has NYT covered the momentous success of Indias third Moon mission? Lets take a closer look.

Indias Budget Mission to Mars

In 2014, the NYT newspaper published a cartoon showing a man, wearing a shirt, dhoti and a turban, standing with a cow and knocking on the door of a room marked Elite Space Club where two bespectacled men donning Western clothes were reading a newspaper on Indias Mars Mission.

The cartoon accompanied an article titled Indias Budget Mission to Mars.

The cartoon, which was made by Singapore-based artist Heng Kim Song, had generated widespread condemnation, with some calling it racist and accusing it of mocking India.

On 24 September 2014, India became the first nation to successfully put the Mangalyaan robotic probe into orbit around Mars on its first attempt. With this, ISRO joined the elite club of NASA, the European Space Agency and the erstwhile Soviet Union for carrying out successful missions to the Red Planet.

The total cost of Indias Mars mission was about Rs 4.5 billion ($74 million), making it one of the cheapest interplanetary space missions ever, noted BBC.

NYTs apology

As per a BBC report in October 2014, Andrew Rosenthal, the then editorial page editor of NYT, took to Facebook to apologise for the offensive cartoon, saying a large number of readers had complained about it.

He wrote in the post that the intent of the cartoonist was to highlight how space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of rich, Western countries.

Heng, who is based in Singapore, uses images and text  often in a provocative way  to make observations about international affairs. We apologise to readers who were offended by the choice of images in this cartoon.

According to Rosenthal, Heng was in no way trying to impugn India, its government or its citizens.

ALSO READ: Chandrayaan-3: What will happen after 14 days? Will lander, rover return to Earth?

The cartoon saga continues

When India scripted history by launching 104 satellites on a single mission in 2017, Indian media got its moment to respond to the NYT cartoon.

A cartoon published by Times of India (TOI) at the time altered the NYTs version. The TOI cartoon showed the Indian man and his cow inside the Elite Space Club room reading a newspaper on Indias historic feat, while the two men in Western clothes can be seen knocking on the door, eager to be let in with their rockets.

Now, as India has taken a giant leap to the Moon, the NYT cartoon is back in focus.

Taking a dig at the American newspaper for its nine-year-old cartoon, an Indian user on X wrote, Its time for a new cartoon i guess @nytimes.

Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leader Y Sathish Reddy also shared NYTs cartoon. You chuckled, questioning our capabilities. Today, we silence you with our triumph! Now, go ahead & sketch a fresh cartoon, he tweeted.

Recalling @nytimes for their Racial Taunt. You chuckled, questioning our capabilities. Today, we silence you with our triumph! Now, go ahead & sketch a fresh cartoon.#IndiaOnTheMoon #Chandrayaan3Landing #ISRO pic.twitter.com/K1nd7W2yd6  YSR (@ysathishreddy) August 23, 2023

Time to look back at this racist cartoon by the New York Times, a user commented.

Another user tweeted to never forget TOIs cartoon reply to NYT when it mocked Indias space programme.

Never forget @TOIIndiaNews cartoon reply to @nytimes when it mocked Indias space program pic.twitter.com/L5M64L9BIc  Nav (@Navdeepak_) August 23, 2023

How has NYT covered Chandrayaan-3s success?

NYT in its story titled India is on the Moon: Landers success moves nation to next space chapter mentioned that the Indian public takes great pride in the accomplishments of the countrys space programme.

It says the achievement of Chandrayaan-3 may be even sweeter, as it comes at a particularly important moment in the South Asian giants diplomatic push as an ambitious power on the rise.

In space exploration, as in many other fields, the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modis government has been clear: The world will be a fairer place if India takes on a leadership role, even as the worlds most populous nation works to meet its peoples basic needs, the NYT article reads.

With inputs from agencies
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on Thursday accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore.

To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force, the DAC has granted AoN for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category which will enhance better survivability of helicopters. The EW Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), an official release said.

The DAC meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

The DAC has also accorded AoN for procurement of Ground-Based Autonomous System for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments which will enable various operations like unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel and spares and casualty evacuation in the battlefield.

Proposals for procurement of 7.6251 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) have also been given the go-ahead by the DAC.

While induction of LMG will enhance the fighting capabilities of infantry forces, the induction of BLT will result in faster movement of mechanised forces.

AoN has also been accorded for procurement of Ruggedised Laptops and Tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti.

The release said that all these procurements will be sourced from Indigenous vendors only.

To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R helicopters of the Indian Navy, the DAC has accorded AoN for the procurement of weapons for the choppers.
A proposal to procure defence equipment was approved on Thursday by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) with an aim to enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force.

A meeting of DAC held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore.

To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force, the DAC has granted AoN for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite on Mi-17 V5 Helicopters under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category which will enhance better survivability of Helicopters. The EW suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

The DAC has also accorded AoN for procurement of a ground-based Autonomous System for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments which will enable various operations like unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery of ammunition, fuel and spares and casualty evacuation in the battlefield, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

Proposals for procurement of a 7.6251 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) have also been given the go-ahead by the DAC.

While induction of LMG will enhance the fighting capabilities of infantry forces, the induction of BLT will result in faster movement of mechanised forces. The AoN for procurement of ruggedised laptops and tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti has also been accorded. All these procurements will be sourced from Indigenous vendors only, it said.

To enhance the operational capability of the MH-60R Helicopters of the Indian Navy, the DAC also accorded AoN for procurement of weapons for the same.
A day after Congress leader Digvijaya Singh said that ISRO scientists havent received their salary in 17 months, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Thursday hit out at Singh saying that he has the habit of maligning Indias image.

Digvijay Singh has a habit of maligning Indias image. This is not the mindset of building the nation, rather a mindset of destroying it, said Scindia.

VIDEO | Digvijay Singh has a habit of maligning Indias image. This is not the mindset of building the nation, rather a mindset of destroying it, says Union Minister @JM_Scindia on Congress leader Digvijay Singhs claim on salary of ISRO scientists. pic.twitter.com/1aJ5cBRc6z  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 24, 2023

A similar claim days ago was debunked by the fact-checking arm of the Government of India Press Information Bureau.

On Wednesday, Singh had said that the Prime Minister should take note of the salary disbursal of ISRO scientists.

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 said.

Hitting out at Singh, 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.

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 pic.twitter.com/oxI3OBoIxw  Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) August 23, 2023

While India celebrates Chandrayaan-3, Congress whines, he added.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday suggested the G20 trade ministers to work collectively to ensure equitable competition between large and small sellers as there are challenges in the fast-growing cross-border e-commerce.

In a video message at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers meeting, the PM said that the region is known for its dynamic and enterprising people. He underlined that trade has led to the exchange of ideas, cultures, and technology while also bringing people closer throughout history.

Trade and globalization have also lifted hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty, PM Modi added.

Digitizing processes and use of e-commerce have the potential to enhance market access. I am glad that your group is working on the High-Level Principles for the Digitalization of Trade Documents. These principles can help countries in implementing cross-border electronic trade measures, and reduce compliance burdens, he said.

As cross-border e-commerce continues to grow, there are challenges as well. We need to work collectively to ensure equitable competition between large and small sellers, he said.

Highlighting the global optimism and confidence in the Indian economy, the PM said that India is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities and options.

During the last nine years, the PM asserted that India has become the fifth-largest global economy as a result of the sustained efforts by the government.

We embarked on the journey of Reform, Perform, and Transform in 2014, the PM remarked as he gave examples and mentioned increased competitiveness and enhanced transparency, expanding digitization and the promotion of innovation.

He further added that India has established dedicated freight corridors and built industrial zones. We have moved away from red tape to red carpet and liberalized FDI flows, Modi said.

He also touched upon initiatives like Make in India and Aatma Nirbhar Bharat that have given a boost to manufacturing and also mentioned policy stability in the country. The Prime Minister underlined that the government is committed to making India the third-largest global economy in the next few years.

Throwing light on the current global challenges, from the pandemic to geo-political tensions, the PM said that it has tested the world economy and stated that it is our responsibility as G20 nations to rebuild confidence in international trade and investments.

The Prime Minister emphasized on building resilient and inclusive global value chains that can withstand future shocks. In this context, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of Indias proposal to create a Generic Framework for Mapping Global Value Chains to assess vulnerabilities, minimize risks and enhance resilience.

Highlighting the challenges of the growth in cross-border e-commerce, the Prime Minister suggested working collectively to ensure equitable competition between large and small sellers. He also emphasized the need to address the problems faced by consumers in fair price discovery and grievance handling mechanisms.
While hearing a Female UP police constables plea seeking permission to undergo a gender-affirmation surgery, the Allahabad High Court asserted that every person possesses a constitutional right to undergo sex change in cases where they experience gender dysphoria.

The court then directed the UP Director General of Police (DGP) to dispose of the application submitted by the female constable in the department seeking permission for the same.

Justice Ajit Kumar emphasized that individuals with gender dysphoria, whose emotional and psychological traits misalign with their physical gender, have a legitimate right to seek surgical intervention to align their body with their self-identified gender.

Failing to recognize this right may contribute to the persistence of gender identity disorder syndrome, which can lead to severe distress including anxiety, depression, and negative self-perception.

The petitioners lawyer cited the 2014 Supreme Court case of National Legal Services Authority vs Union of India and Others, in which transgender individuals were recognized as the third gender and granted the right to self-identify as male, female, or third gender.

According to the petitioners counsel, the respondents were obligated to consider the application for SRS in light of the 2014 Supreme Court ruling, which affirmed that gender identity is an essential aspect of an individuals dignity.

The court also called on the state government to inform the court about the existence of guidelines based on the 2014 Supreme Court decision. These guidelines would ensure that transgender individuals receive appropriate medical care in hospitals and have access to separate public restrooms.
A day after India achieved major success in the space sector with Chandrayaan-3, the indigenous aerospace sector is all set to receive a major boost as the Indian Air Force has plans to place orders for around 100 more LCA Mark1A fighter jets.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to buy these Made in India aircraft to replace the MiG-21 fighter jets in its fleet has been submitted to the Defence Ministry and all other stakeholders in the national security establishment.

The decision to buy around 100 more of these planes came around the time when Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari held a review meeting of the indigenous fighter jet programme with all entities involved including the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Indian Air Force has decided that it would buy around 100 more of these highly capable LCA Mark-1A fighter jets from the HAL. The proposal in this regard has been submitted to the Defence Ministry. The project is expected to receive clearance soon to give the biggest ever boost to the private defence aerospace sector, defence officials told ANI.

The order would mean that the LCA Tejas fighters would renter the Indian Air Force in very large numbers. The IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes in the next 15 years.

The last order for LCA Mark1A was for 83 aircraft and the first plane would be delivered around February 2024. LCA Mark 1A is the advanced version of Tejas aircraft.

The LCA Mark 1A plane has more advanced avionics and radars than the initial 40 LCAs being supplied to the Air Force.

The indigenous content in the new LCA Mark1As is going to be more than 65 per cent.

The Indian Air Force chief in the project review meeting stated that the LCA has been the flag bearer of the forces efforts towards the indigenisation of its aircraft fleet.

The programme has been the harbinger of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives of the nation. More importantly, it is a flag bearer of Indias self-reliance in the aerospace sector.

During the review, it was brought out that all contracted fighter variants of the LCA Mk 1 had been delivered to the IAF. Representatives of HAL had assured the chief of the timely delivery of the contracted twin-seaters in the coming months, as well. Further to the LCA Mk 1, 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft have also been contracted by the IAF in 2021.

The Chairman and Managing Director of HAL had assured those present that the deliveries of this advanced variant of the LCA would commence by February 2024.
If Wednesdays US Republican debate was judged on applause alone, Vivek Ramaswamy won hands down, with Nikki Haley emerging as a pleasant surprise  at least at one Atlanta bar, where a group of young voters was trying to pick a candidate to back.

Gathered at a bar in the citys trendy Buckhead district, more than a hundred people, including young Republicans, watched eight of the contenders for the Republican presidential nomination with interest.

Former president Donald Trump was notable for his absence at the debate but was due in Atlanta on Thursday to present himself to authorities following his indictment for his attempts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.

At the viewing party, applause, cheers and incredulous cries rang out in between sips of beer.

For Riquet Caballero, 36, Ramaswamy  a climate change skeptic and entrepreneur who made his fortune in biotechnology  was the star of the show.

It was the Vivek Show, he told AFP. People call him the Trump 2.0. and I think thats the best thing we need right now.

Caballero said he found ex-president Trumps rants tired.

The rest of the bar seemed to agree: many of Ramaswamys interjections earned him loud shouts of approval or fists raised in support, as when he called for the continued burning of coal.

Thanks Vivek!

Andy Chopra, 46, already had a keen interest in Ramaswamy and said the candidates performance on Wednesday lived up to his expectations.

He said he was also surprised by Nikki Haley, who he found very strong.

Haley, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, repeatedly drew rounds of applause, notably for her support for Ukraine, her position on abortion and when she quoted Margaret Thatcher.

Allen English, president of the Atlanta Young Republicans and co-organiser of the evening, said before the debate that he backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

But he said he came with an open mind, as his biggest priority is making sure that we nominate the person whos going to win.

English was disappointed that Trump did not take part, although he said he understood the former presidents reasoning, being far ahead of his rivals in opinion polls.

Regardless, he said he would not vote for the 77-year-old tycoon because he wanted somebody who can serve (as president) for eight years  two full terms  to fix all the issues.

I think that everybody can agree were sick of old people running this country, he said, adding with a smile: I mean, I love my old people, dont get me wrong, but we got two guys (Trump and President Joe Biden) who you know, could be on canes or walkers.

Lets get down to somebody who maybe is not quite to the walker stage!

He was also impressed with Haley, who he said came out swinging.

English appreciated Ramaswamys energy but was not convinced he was right for the role.

I guess I dont quite believe or I dont quite have faith in his ability to lead the country at this time, he said.

Trump commented on his rivals performance in a plethora of posts on his social media platform Truth Social late on Wednesday.

He lashed out in particular against Ron DeSantis and horrible former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who is one of his most bitter critics.

But he had a kind word for Ramaswamy, who called Trump the best president of the 21st century during the debate.

Thank you Vivek! Trump wrote.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers meeting, said that India has moved from red tape to red carpet and has enabled unfettered Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows in the last nine years.

The meeting was held in Jaipur and was attended virtually by the prime minister.

We have moved away from red tape to red carpet and liberalised Foreign Direct Investment flows. Initiatives like Make in India and Atma Nirbhar Bharat have given a boost to manufacturing. Above all, we have brought policy stability. We are committed to making India the third-largest global economy in the next few years, PM Modi said during his address.

Hailing Indias economic growth, Modi said that it is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities and options as the world sees optimism and confidence in the Indian economy.

This region is known for its dynamic & enterprising people. Throughout history, trade has led to an exchange of ideas, cultures & technologies. It has brought people closer. Trade & globalisation have lifted hundreds of millions out of poverty. We see global optimism & confidence in the Indian economy, he said.

 India is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities & options. During the last nine years, India has become the fifth-largest economy which is the result of our sustained efforts, he added.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting says, This region is known for its dynamic & enterprising people. Throughout history, trade has led to an exchange of ideas, cultures & technologies. It has brought people closer. Trade & pic.twitter.com/Ieh6Kzti97  ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

During his address, PM Modi also called on G20 member countries to build a resilient and inclusive global value chain that can withstand future shocks.

He further said that the global uncertainties have tested the world economy and as members of the G20, it is the responsibility of the countries to rebuild confidence in international trade and investments.

With inputs from agencies
Several buildings in Anni town of Himachal Pradeshs Kullu district came down like a pack of cards after a massive landslide due to incessant rains in the region. However, there were no casualties, said an official.

VIDEO | Several buildings collapsed in Himachal Pradeshs Kullu due to rain-triggered landslides in the district. More details are awaited. (Source: Third Party) pic.twitter.com/hxDbYgzoQJ  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 24, 2023

The buildings housing shops, banks and other commercial establishments had developed cracks four-five days ago, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Anni, Naresh Verma, who was at the spot, said.

The buildings were declared unsafe and vacated recently, he said.

The assessment of damage is being done and some other unsafe buildings along the National Highway305 in Anni have also been vacated as a precautionary measure, the official added.

Confirming the news on X, formerly known as Twitter, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that the administration had identified the risk and successfully evacuated the building two days ago.

Disturbing visuals emerge from Anni, Kullu, depicting a massive commercial building collapsing amidst a devastating landslide. Its noteworthy that the administration had identified the risk and successfully evacuated the building two days prior. pic.twitter.com/cGAf0pPtGd  Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu (@SukhuSukhvinder) August 24, 2023

Disturbing visuals emerge from Anni, Kullu, depicting a massive commercial building collapsing amidst a devastating landslide, said the Chief Minister.

While the Chief Minister seemed to suggest that only a commercial building was damaged, the visuals showed three-four multi-storeyed buildings collapsing one after the other, leaving behind a massive trail of dust.

Emergency response teams, such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed to rescue those who are feared trapped in the landslide, an NDTV report had reported earlier.

Early today, hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the damaged Kullu-Mandi Highway after heavy rainfall in the district.

#WATCH | Himachal Pradesh: Hundreds of vehicles stranded in the Kullu district after the Kullu-Mandi road got damaged due to rainfall (23.08) pic.twitter.com/nsmBCHBASl  ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

The road connecting Kullu and Mandi has been damaged. An alternative route via Pandoh has also been damaged. Hence, the movement of traffic is suspended for now, senior Kullu police officer Sakshi Verma said.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert, warning of imminent heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for the next two days starting today.

With inputs from agencies
People across the country and the world celebrated Chandrayaan-3s successful landing on the moon, and soon after that several politicians rushed to extend their congratulations.

However, in their eagerness, a handful of leaders accidently revealed their lack of understanding regarding the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Among them, Uttar Pradesh MLA and SBSP chief OP Rajbhar stood out, as his bizarre statement on the Chandrayaan-3 mission soon became viral.

In an interview, Rajbhar said, I thank Indian scientists for their hard work and research. I congratulate them on their achievement with Chandrayaan-3. Once they safely return to Earth tomorrow, the entire country should welcome them.

The UP MLAs comment triggered amusement and mockery across social media platforms. Many called it a blunder, while others accused him of being uninformed about the mission.

Earlier, Rajasthans Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ashok Chandna, made a bizarre statement and said, salute to all the passengers who journeyed to the Moon.

India has now secured its place as the fourth nation globally to effectively deploy a rover on the Moon, following the footsteps of the United States, Russia, and China, thereby etching its identity in the chronicles of lunar exploration.

With inputs from agencies
Matheran is a hill station known to provide succour to tourists from Pune and Mumbai looking to escape the drudgery, heat and pollution of the cities. A short ride from Mumbai, this getaway provides the perfect relief for the city dweller with its majestic views, waterfalls and crisp, cool air. Quiet strolls to the lake or a trip through the forest on foot or horseback, watched by curious monkeys and devoid of internet connectivity, helps deliver a promise to rejuvenate the senses. Vehicles have never been permitted inside Matheran, though they are allowed to take visitors to the hilltop entrance leading into the town. However, like many hill stations across India, Matheran often turns into an unmanageable jamboree that resembles one of the overcrowded suburbs of Mumbai.

A mess called Matheran

Last week, I decided to visit Matheran with a few friends. We chose to walk from the base of the hill to the top  from where one enters the town. The gentle, pleasant route to the top has an interesting history. In 1850, Hugh Malet, who was the collector of Thane district was camping in a nearby village, when he stopped to drink water from a spring when he discovered a mountain top. The hill that Malet identified subsequently became a favourite spot for the English. The red, unmetalled mud tracks inside Matheran held a bucolic appeal not far from the cities. Until a few years ago, a drive or walk up a winding road or a train ride up the hill was a pleasant experience. That, alas, has changed, like at most hill stations.

On our way, last week, we were assailed by the unsavoury sight of rampaging, blaring vehicles, mostly local taxis out to make a quick buck, honking to announce themselves, barreling down the slope or hordes of underpowered ramshackle minivans barfing clouds of black smoke in their ambitious efforts to climb up the slope. The riotous urgency of the fleet of vehicles willing to crush any object in their path and their collective raging madness forced us to take the foot track, which we realised circled around the belly of the hill, taking longer to get to the top.

Finally, the crawling lines of taxis and vans screeched to a halt when there wasnt enough space at the top anymore, forcing a long stationary queue of vehicles parked along the road to Matheran. Annoyed tourists, having been uprooted from their cars, were soon trudging their way up the mountain slope, complaining about the unscheduled stoppage, heat, noise, carry bags, endless climb and all else. By then, we had decided to return, abandoning plans of a quiet weekend. While heaving a sigh of relief in getting away from the hills  I realised that for me, it was an unmemorable first for Matheran.

Bond with the past

There was a time when hills evoked a sense of mystery and intrigue  sparking the creative genius of Ruskin Bonds stories. Bond wrote of the enchanting life of the hills, of stories that grew into legends alongside ghosts that lurked in lonely lanes of Mussoorie. He wrote of the different species of birds that flocked to the hills around a rich tapestry of tales. Bond and the hills were a magic combination.

How apathy killed the hills

Over a decade ago, I remember hearing locals in Shimla complain how motorists from Chandigarh and the northern plains would arrive on New Years Eve and transform overnight the tranquil and sleepy town into a hideous dump yard of beer bottles, discarded cans, food trash and plastic bags; aside from leaving behind stories of drunken brawls.

Once known for its boulevards, beguiling appeal and gentle slopes, Shimla bears little resemblance to its past with hordes of builders with no architectural bone in their body having plundered for gains. Similar are the stories of Darjeeling and Ooty that have become equally miserable over the years. The ungovernable mess that we have created of our hill stations points to a steadily eroding legacy from an era when these towns were better managed. Mediocre town planning, maladministration and apathy of tourists that characterised our cities in the plains got replicated in the isolated hills.

Presently, the hill stations characterise the planning and governance malaise that has ailed administrations across the country for the last few decades. Each day, around 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles enter Nainital and the number rises to 6,000 on weekends. The city has only 2,000 parking slots. The lopsided ratio of parking spaces to incoming vehicles creates a mess in Matheran too.

It is a correct but also an incomplete description that the British ran the hill stations more adeptly. Yes, they did a fine job. But then, they could also get away by keeping Indians out of the pretty spots, villas and clubs in these locations. The hills were meant for the privileged. Economic liberalisation in the 1990s in India unleashed the ability of Indian tourists to spend on travel and logistics, which inevitably put pressure on hill stations that possessed limited capacity. Constructions of hotels, villas and homes spawned everywhere with little care for the environment or safety. The result has been an unmitigated disaster. Economic progress  a positive for the country  was bound to attach greater accountability on governance and it is here that we failed.

We havent had the will to crack the code on hill stations and thus, their cumulative decay is a natural outcome of incompetence. The disastrous impact of unplanned development has resulted in the loss of close to 2,000 lives in Himachal Pradesh in the last five years and damage to over 12,000 houses. Much has been written about the catastrophe of construction in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand that has gone unabated, but this article focuses more on the mismanagement of hill stations as tourist destinations and its outcome, which is reflective of apathy and a sense of abandonment.

The silver linings

On the flip side, the irony is that whenever a local administration has put its mind to ensure the maintenance of a hill station, it has succeeded in creating a more habitable environment. Pachmarhi in the Satpura hill ranges in Madhya Pradesh is part of a biosphere reserve  with its green canopy providing home to an assemblage of diverse species  which the locals take pride in preserving and the administration has managed well.

More than a decade ago, when I visited Pachmarhi, it was a pleasant surprise to see locals politely advising tourists to use designated bins for their food-wastes. There were fines levied on those violating the rules  and the tourists would fall in line. Since then, tourists have increased fourfold on weekends in this wonderful town, posing challenges to the administration. Recently, there were reports of how insensitive tourists had been sullying the environment and picking up fights when told to clean up. The examples of Pachmarhi, Gangtok, Madikeri and Shillong stand out even as many others continue to be mismanaged.

What works in restoring order: Punitive deterrence and regular fines

An uncouth and brash attitude seems a pattern associated with many Indian tourists as the disarray in their everyday conduct spills over onto their holiday living. The same tourists would be much more careful while behaving themselves in holiday destinations overseas. The one element that works as a deterrent to bad behaviour is the fear factor of paying fines. Fines work as a deterrent prescription for those Indian tourists who are familiar with the imposition of coercion to curb unacceptable behaviour.

Take the example of Siliguri and Gangtok. The two adjacent towns, separated by the mountain range and situated in two states, have a social code of conduct as dissimilar as any. A traveller by road would know when they cross the state from West Bengal to Sikkim  as the journey graduates from the stridency of uncouth, raucous traffic to orderliness and calm, barely a few miles adrift. Violation of laws on cleanliness and garbage disposal attracts fines in Sikkim and no horn zones help drivers, who otherwise used to roaring down the roads with impunity a few miles earlier, find new levels of civility. Fear of punitive deterrence pushes the rogue driver, traveller and holiday seeker to respect the place they visit.

As travellers strive to escape the heat of summers every year, newer destinations are sought after  Nallamalla hills and Araku valley in Andhra for instance or newer destinations in Meghalaya and elsewhere will pop up to provide succour. But visitors need to recognise that they are as much the stakeholders of the hills as those who live and maintain the place. If India has to preserve its wonderful hill stations and leverage its resources to provide eco-friendly tourism, then administrators, travellers, commercial transporters, cabs and other stakeholders would need to be sensitised on the preservation of the local environment alongside the adoption of deterrent measures that enable administrations to not be swamped by the wealthier, but culturally unthinking visitor to the hills.

The writer is the author of Watershed 1967: Indias Forgotten Victory over China. His fortnightly column for FirstPost  Beyond The Lines  covers military history, strategic issues, international affairs and policy-business challenges. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Tweets @iProbal

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis address to the nation from Johannesburg in the immediate aftermath of Chandrayaan-3s historic soft landing in the south pole of the Moon aptly alludes to the Global South. This is no doubt a remarkable feat achieved by a nation from the global south which has experienced a couple of centuries of British colonisation. To be the fourth country to have sent a space mission to the Moon after the US, Russia and China and to be the first country to have sent its spacecraft to the south of the Moon is an incredible accomplishment by India. Soft landing on the south pole of the Moon where the temperature may sink 230 degrees Celsius and mostly dark in the absence of sunlight is a difficult enterprise but this illustrates the depth of Indian engineering and space research. This develops a great deal of enthusiasm for nations in the Global South, and India becomes a nation that inspires a multitude of nations. The grit, resilience, and courage with which India has emerged from its colonial past form an inspiring story that shapes the imagination of success for many nations in the Global South. The reference made in PM Modis speech is a subtle call to the Global South to awaken from the colonially induced lethargy, and India takes the lead to shake off the invisible yokes. This enhances Indias prestige in the Global South and gives the former a leadership role. The attitudinal shift that India inspires naturally attracts allies to ensure Indias rise in the soft power sphere. The cutting-edge research that India is expected to conduct on the Moon is also going to help in several ways to the developing countries.

In the age of Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Space Research, the countries that have established their strength in these areas are going to make a difference and determine the nature of the global order. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moons surface will help India acquire information about the nature and features of the Moon and its metal and mineral constitutions, the possibility of life and bacterial formations, vegetation, etc. The importance of India, in this connection, is going to enhance globally as a nation with a difference. Indias democratic political culture and its ethos of friendship and cooperation are going to be its soft power assets to make more collaboration with NASA and other international organisations to add more critical layers to space research. This achievement will encourage a deeper ISRO-NASA research engagement. With the deployment of critical technology, the research on the Moon may arrive at some breakthroughs that may enhance the scope of the probability of life on the Moon. Indias soft power through space research is going to take a very defined shape.

This historic mission to the south of the Moon is just the end of the beginning. The real and challenging task lies ahead regarding its function on the moons surface to procure critical data for major research to take place. The Chandrayaan-1 gave India the breakthrough of exploring frozen water on the Moon. The Chandrayaan-3 is expected to examine the soil on the moon and measure its density and contents. The nature of metal and mineral compositions in the Lunar soil and rock is one of the significant objectives of the mission. The spacecraft is equipped with high-tech instruments which are capable of high-end experiments and analysis. The instruments such as RAMBHA and the Langmuir Probe sent in the module are going to play a key role in observing the plasma activities on the lunar surface. The research effort would be to understand the nature of the ion and electron particles. The thermal properties of the soil and other related constituents are going to be the key focus of this lunar expedition. NASAs payload accommodated in the module is the LASER Retroreflector Array which is going to give measurement-related breakthroughs regarding the distance between the earth and the moon and the lunar orbital behaviours. This information will help in a crucial way to understand the behaviour of the earth. This will enable scientists to make precise predictions about different geological or seismic activities. In addition, the other two critical instruments namely the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) are designed to examine the properties of the lunar topsoil. This may lead to the exploration of the history and evolution of the moon.

This along with a host of other reasons creates a compelling case for Indias soft power ascendancy on the global platform. This maiden expedition to the lunar south pole is going to empower India with critical information in space research and secure a firm place among the elite nations that compete to exercise their deep presence in space. India, in this direction, has put dedicated efforts into establishing its position as one of the impactful players in space technology and exploration. Its space-tech ecosystem and enthusiastic and sustained entrepreneurial interest in it are going to make India a hub of space research and technology. For this purpose, there are over 140 space-tech start-ups have organised their efforts to take India to a different level in space science. The success of the Chandrayaan-3 explains the top standard of Indian space technology. This will attract more investment in space engineering. The cost-effective model that India has pioneered through its Chandrayaan-3 constitutes a central motif for definitive investment. This is going to add more energy to the Indian economy. This will also generate a scope of employment for the Indian youth. The space economy may also emerge as a catalyst for diversifying Indias economic imagination. India will definitely gain strong soft power leverage across the globe and a substantive place in the space league.

Dr Jajati K Pattnaik is an Associate Professor at Centre for West Asian Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Dr Chandan K Panda is an Assistant Professor at Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
It is easy for the civilisational consorts to revive the flame of partnership effortlessly and move it into a strategic orbit underlined by mutually beneficial markers. India and Greece are no exception. Both have enjoyed a civilisational connect over the centuries that has been imbibed and enriched at the popular level. A certain curiosity and bonhomie exist. One of the markers of a good robust relationship is the high-level exchanges. There has been no dearth of such exchanges from Presidential to ministerial to institutionalised deliberations. Two Indian Presidents Dr APJ Abul kalam and Ram Nath Kovind (2018) paid state visits to Athens. Greek leaders also have visited India. Several important ministerial visits to Greece have taken place and the most recent one being that of External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar (2021) albeit after 18 years but this was closely reciprocated by the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias (March 2022). Meetings of the Joint Economic Committee and foreign office consultations were held recently to iron out some of the MoUs/Agreements that might be signed during the visit. Very often these are precursors for high-level visits.

One of the key deficits has been the absence of a Prime Ministerial visit during the last four decades, like that to many other countries. Late PM Indira Gandhi visited in 1983. Therefore, Prime Minister Narendra Modis official visit to Greece (25 August) while returning from the BRICS Summit in South Africa is remarkable as it completes the critical circle even though he has met his Greek counterpart Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis a couple of times already. The visit is set to take the relationship to a much higher orbit of cooperation in the strategic domain. In his departure statement PM Modi underscored, Our ties have been strengthened by shared values of democracy, rule of law and pluralism and cooperation in diverse sectors such as trade and investment, defence and cultural people to people contacts have been bringing our two countries closer together.

India and Greece enjoy a high level of political trust encompassing strategic contours of the bilateral relationship. Both are sensitive and supportive to each others core concerns. Athens stood by New Delhi during the trying times in 1998 when India faced sanctions from the western world . Not only that, their Defence Minister travelled to India and signed a MoU for Defence Cooperation. It also supported India on the Jammu and Kashmir issue while commiserating with it in countering terrorism and confronting perpetrators of cross border terrorism. India also supports the Greek stance on the Cyprus issue. Athens supports the Indian quest for the UN Security Council permanent seat. More importantly, it also backed Indias membership to critical export control regimes like the NSG, MTCR and Wassenaar and Australia Groups which is a testament to the convergence on critical issues. Space and Shipping are sunrise sectors of cooperation for both countries.

As the global churn intensifies both India and Greece are increasingly looking at the convergences in maritime security, defence and sustainable development. Greece is an acknowledged shipping giant and is also an EU and NATO member. Both are geo-strategically located and prefer to work for regional and global security. India historically used to be a maritime nation and is a resident power in the Indian ocean and Greece is pivotal in the Eastern Mediterranean and both have congruence of views on maintaining and ensuring free and open and secured sea lanes of communications (SLOC) for trade and transit. Hence they can complete the arc from Indian Ocean to the eastern Mediterranean as part of the global good and welfare. Both India and Greece have excellent strategic ties with major countries in West Asia, especially with the Gulf Cooperation Council and with North African countries like Egypt and Libya, which complement their strategic operating spaces for mutual benefit. PM Modi was in Cairo this July, when the bilateral relationship was elevated to strategic partnership . Both also have a challenging relationship with Turkey whose leader will also be participating at the G20 Summit next month. But some strategic messaging is a given. Elevation of the relations to a formal strategic partnership level could be a good start.

While unveiling Greeces new National Strategy for Extroversion Plan  2021, Prime Minister Mitsotakis made a laudatory reference to Indias growth and economic policy underscoring the need for closer engagement . Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat also are of great interest to Greek investors and India Participated as Honoured Country in the 84th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), the largest annual commercial exposition of Greece, and also the largest in Southeast Europe and the Balkans from 7-15 September 2019. High powered Indian business delegation was led by then Minister of State for Commerce Hardeep Singh Puri.

The New India Pavilion was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who made a public statement that invitation to India to participate as Honoured Country was not by chance, but it represented Greeces conscious policy decision to forge a robust economic, trade, and investment partnership with an economic power like India.

Trade and economic potential at the moment is somewhat under-realised even though an upswing is noticeable in the past couple of years. Currently trade is hovering around $2 billion. India is the 5th largest and fastest growing major economy in the world bypassing the UK recently and is slated to be the 3rd largest by 2030 which will further enhance her global footprint. Greek economy has come out of the woods and is doing very well, emerging as one of the fastest in the EU. No wonder Several Indian companies are looking to explore infrastructure opportunities in Greece and the Greek magnates are eyeing Indian opportunities. Indian Multinational GMR and its JV partner has already won a 850 million construction project of a new airport at Kasteli in Crete Island, becoming the first-ever entry of an Indian company in Greece in recent years. New opportunities for strategic purposes are also being flagged. Ports in the north and south are being developed as energy hubs and for regional trade and transportation links. It is an opportune time for us to strengthen our relations with Greece at this juncture for mutual benefit. Proposals even to create a twinning partnership between Indian and Greek ports are being considered. Another major area of cooperation in the domain of energy security could be closer association with the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) . Even in the finance sector, like France, New Delhi might offer UPI to promote trade and tourism.

Defence cooperation has been reinforced and expanded since 1998, through high level visits, participation in military exercises, NDC (National Defence College) visits and exchanges. Only recently we had air and naval exercises. Indian COAS was expected to visit in recent times but he spoke virtually to follow up on key issues of mutual interest . Air Force Chiefs of both the countries have initiated reciprocal goodwill visits in recent months. Both also use Rafael fighters and find compelling reasons to collaborate in the defence matrix. Drone technologies and Indias Brahmos missiles have great potential for strategic cooperation. As such there is a robust Science and Technology cooperation between the two countries.

People-to-People engagement is often the key to a lasting relationship but we faced the illegal migration problem for quite some time and post various amnesty schemes and regularisation of their stay the enterprising Indians have emerged a major asset for the Greek industry and agriculture. Over 20,000 Indians are said to be present and working in the country. However to address the emergence issues, both sides have signed a MOU on Migration and Mobility. PM Modi is also expected to meet the Indian diaspora and pay homage to the fallen soldiers during the World Wars.

Thus, the relationship is a well rounded one with all requisite elements to enrich the collaborative partnership. While bilaterally both have several initiatives to follow which will be further strengthened and expanded during the visit of PM Modi perhaps trilateral or quadrilateral format with Egypt, Israel and France may be able to craft more strategic choices for both after all they are strategic partners of India.

The writer is a former Indian Ambassador to Jordan, Libya and Malta and is a Distinguished Fellow with leading think tank Vivekananda International Foundation. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
If biographies were just about research and style of writing, then Abhishek Choudhary would have got full marks for Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right 1924-1977 (Picador India; Rs 899). Sadly, he has gone wrong in what truly is a fundamental prerequisite of a biography: The need to get the perspective right. He judges his subject, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this case, as if he were one flawed character in the otherwise perfect and perfected Nehruvian world.

At the very beginning of the book, in fact in the Preface itself, Choudhary clarifies that this is not a tribute but an assessment  and that he is not awestruck at the beauty of the tapestry. Its good not to be awestruck at the beauty of the tapestry, but its a greater sin to be obsessed with a few sporadic stains to discredit the entire fabric.

The fact is when one analyses the era and its characters dispassionately, both Vajpayee and Nehru appear as liberal as they seem illiberal; they both display secular values while simultaneously exuding their non-secular, sectarian biases.

In this volume, covering the first five decades of Vajpayees life  from his birth in 1924 in Uttar Pradeshs Bateshwar village to his becoming a minister in the Janata Party government in 1977  the author seems possessed by the idea of a rigid Hindutva streak in Vajpayee, who is projected as a diehard swayamsevak fully conversant with and committed to the ideology. He writes, The early Vajpayee was far more critical to the Sangh Parivars project of Hinduising India than is universally believed. As the founding editor of the mouthpieces Rashtradharma and Panchajanya during 1947-48, he was exactly the kind of RSS worker the government held responsible for creating the environment in which Gandhi was murdered.

No doubt, Vajpayee was critical of Mahatma Gandhis dubious role in pandering to the pan-Islamist ambitions of Indian Muslims, referring to the Khilafat movement and the resultant communal disturbances across the country, especially in the Malabar region. He also believed that the Congress leadership led by the Mahatma failed miserably in containing the Partition woes. But, to accuse him of playing a pivotal role in the creation of an anti-Gandhi milieu that led to his assassination is not a correct assessment. Being critical to Gandhi doesnt make him a complicit in fanning the Mahatmas murder.

Vajpayee shared this outlook with many of his contemporaries, especially in the wake of the idea of Pakistan gaining unprecedented support among the Muslim community  nine out of 10 Muslims, for instance, voted for the creation of Pakistan, and once formed most of them decided to stay back! In fact, BR Ambdekar took an ever more stringent stand on the issue, going to the extent of seeking the transfer of population. Is he even blamed for the Mahatmas assassination?

While Choudhary never fails to put Vajpayee and the RSS in dock for every problem ailing post-Independence India, he doesnt use the same yardstick for the Nehru-Gandhis. On the Mahatmas assassination, for instance, one would have expected the author to explore why the State administration failed to provide him security even when threats on his life were imminent. How could he be assassinated so easily just 10 days after a failed bomb attack on the same venue  and that too by the same set of people?

With a large section of the public being angry with the Mahatma, its mindboggling why the police failed to beef up Gandhis security. As per British historian Robert Payne (The Life and Death of Mahatma Gandhi), on the day Gandhi was killed, only one assistant sub-inspector, two head constables, and 16-foot constables were assigned to keep the Mahatma safe. When Nathuram Godse decided to pump bullets into Gandhis heart, he was nothing but a sitting duck at the Birla House.

Even the authors democratic, secular yardsticks are different for Vajpayee and, say, Nehru. The first prime minister, for instance, wanted the ban on RSS to continue, even when there was no concrete evidence implicating it  just because it would not be appreciated in the West, as Nehru wrote in a letter to Sardar Patel. Now, thats not the way a nation proud of its democracy and rule of law should work. But Choudhary doesnt seem to care, as he, quite approvingly, wonders in the book how things could have been different had Nehru held the direct command of the police!

Interestingly, while Choudhary accuses Vajpayee of doublespeak and being a moderate mask for the Sanghs alleged sectarianism, Nehru too manifested a similar split personality. Vajpayee told Nehru, You have a split personality; you are both Churchill and Chamberlain. That day, Nehru seemed to exhibit a Chamberlain-esque characteristic: He didnt get offended; instead, he hoped that Vajpayee would one day become the countrys prime minister and instructed one of his secretaries to take good care of this young man.

But then, there were days when he showcased Churchillian personality. Sita Ram Goel, in Why I Became a Hindu, accused Nehru of being ruthless, almost tyrant-like with those he thought he could get away with, while at the same time sustaining a deep-seated sense of inferiority vis-a-vis Islam, Christianity, and the modern West.

He recalled attending a public meeting in Chandni Chowk in 1934-35, where Nehru planted a slap smack on the face of a junior Congress leader just because the mike wasnt working. The face of the slapped Congress leader was bathed in smiles as if he had won some coveted prize, Goel recalled.

Goel shared another anecdote wherein one of his journalist friends from the US, during his Delhi visit in 1947-48, saw Nehru, accompanied by one of his sisters, hurriedly coming out of his residence and slapping a sadhu. His sister did the same! These sadhus were seeking a ban on cow slaughter now that the beef-eating British had departed. The US journalist summed up the incident by saying: I dont know the norm in your country. In my country, if the President so much as shouts at a citizen, he will have to go. We take it from no bast**d, no matter how big he happens to be.

Nehru showed the same dubious libertarian, democratic credentials while getting the First Amendment passed, thus putting reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression. He, then at least, believed that free press was poisoning the minds of the younger generation, degrading their mental integrity and moral standards. Similarly, the democratic values went missing in Nehru when he summoned the police to crush an RSS-Jan Sangh satyagraha in the capital; he even threatened to call the Army out. His secular double-standard was evident when he zealously pushed the Hindu Code Bill but was more than happy to let Muslims remain in their personal law ghettos.

And if one thought the ban culture came to India with The Satanic Verses, think again! Nehru had the dubious distinction of banning almost two dozen books and films during his prime ministerial stint. The novel, Nine Hours to Rama, written by Stanley Wolpert, for instance, was banned in 1962 for highlighting the negligence on the part of the Indian government in saving Gandhis life. Worse, Alexander Campbells The Heart of India (1959) was banned because it presented a humorous account of Indias bureaucracy and economic policymaking. And, if one thought banning books, films was the worst that could have happened, noted lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, in 1952, found himself in jail for two years just for calling Nehru a lackey of Hitler and a slave to the Commonwealth in one of his poems!

Choudharys ideological partisanship is evident not just with Vajpayee; he is equally unsparing in his criticism of Sardar Patel for his harsh words on many Muslims who had chosen to live in India, besides trying to accommodate the RSS and the Mahasabha to join the Congress. The author has abysmally failed to correctly assess Patel, deliberately or otherwise, at a time when India was precariously placed with not just the proponents of Pakistan but also the advocates of the Adhikari Thesis working overtime to balkanise the country. Patel, for all his ideological differences with the Sangh, saw a partner in the India unity project.

Coming to Vajpayee, what Choudhary sees as doublespeak could also be a case of gradual evolution of ideas, worldviews in the late Prime Minister. But the author, like many others belonging to the ecosystem he hails from, remains unsparing and unforgiving to those on the other side of ideological divide. It is this once a pariah, always a pariah mentality that makes the author go all out to bust the image of Nehru-worshipping Vajpayee. Its a premature endeavour, though. Vajpayee did criticise Nehru, scathingly many a time, whether on the Hindu Code Bill or the China issue or even the handling of Partition and the ban of RSS. But that didnt stop him from being a Nehru admirer.

When Nehru died in 1964, Vajpayee paid a deeply emotional tribute. A dream has been shattered, a song silenced, a flame has vanished in the infinite. It was the dream of a world without fear and without hunger, it was the song of an epic that had the echo of the Gita and the fragrance of the rose The common man has lost the light in his eyes. In the Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki has said of Lord Rama that he brought the impossible together. In Panditjis life we see a glimpse of what the great poet said

Only an ardent Nehru admirer could have uttered those words. But then, in the Left-liberal ecosystem, theres no redemption for an ideological pariah. Its a lesson for Hindutva leaders and intellectuals who tend to go weak-kneed seeking Left-liberal legitimacy. They may get tactical reprieve, as Vajpayee got vis-a-vis LK Advani in the past  and is now invoked fondly in the Lutyens world when Narendra Modi is the target. But in the ultimate analysis, theres no liberal absolution for a Hindutva leader. Not at least till the idea of liberalism continues to be defined through Nehruvian phraseology and parameters.

In the end, however, the author, Abhishek Choudhary, should be thanked for bringing Vajpayee back to where he truly belongs  the Hindutva ecosystem. There has been a tendency, of late, to project him as a Nehruvian liberal. Vajpayee admired Nehru, no doubt; but he wasnt a Nehruvian. He was a Hindutva leader who lived and loved a liberal life. And Vajpayee showed, through his own life, that Hindutva wasnt an antithesis to the idea of democracy, secularism and liberalism.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.

Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,

India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Bharatiya Janata Party Thursday launched a scathing attack on Congress leader and former diplomat Mani Shankar Aiyar for calling PV Narasimha Rao the first BJP Prime Minister of India.

Rao led a Congress government and served as the ninth prime minister of India from 1991 to 1996.

PV Narasimha Rao was the Prime Minister from Congress and the kind of words that have been used for him clearly show that Gandhi familys spokesperson cant tolerate someone other than somebody from Gandhi family becoming the PM, even if the person is from the Congress partyThrough Mani Shankar Aiyar it has been said that PV Narasimha Rao was BJPs and not Congress, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said.

On Wednesday, Aiyar alleged that Narasimha Rao was "communal" and described him as the "the first BJP PM" of the country.

Intensifying his attack on the Congress party, Patra said: "One should be extremely clear whatever Mani Shankar Aiyar writes, speaks, or projects, the pen and tongue may be of Mani Shankar Aiyar, but the ideas and objectives are of the Gandhi family. He represents the Gandhi family as no other."

VIDEO | "One should be extremely clear whatever Mani Shankar Aiyar writes, speaks, or projects, the pen and tongue may be of Mani Shankar Aiyar, but the ideas and objectives are of the Gandhi family. He represents the Gandhi family as no other," says BJP leader @sambitswaraj at a pic.twitter.com/gieisADghE  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 24, 2023

"...2024 elections are approaching and 'mukut mani' (Mani Shankar Aiyar) has shone once again. This time he not only spoke but also wrote a book. He spoke especially on three Ps - Parivaarvaad, Pakshapaat and Pakistan...The soul of the alliance (INDIA) has been presented by Mani Shankar Aiyar in a written format...," Patra said.

#WATCH | BJP leader Sambit Patra says, "...2024 elections are approaching and 'mukut mani' (Mani Shankar Aiyar) has shone once again. This time he not only spoke but also wrote a book. He spoke especially on three Ps - Parivaarvaad, Pakshapaat and Pakistan...The soul of the pic.twitter.com/JAUorybeY9  ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

'India has already proved its mettle'

Hitting out at Aiyar, the BJP spokesperson said, "...Yesterday was such a big day. India achieved a milestone, Chandrayaan landed in the (lunar) South Pole. At the same time, a press conference by Mani Shankar Aiyar comes wherein he says, 'India can never be a 'Vishwaguru' because India is ignoring Pakistan. If India can't establish peace with its western neighbour, if India can't talk to Pakistan, it can never lead the world'...India has already proved its mettle..."

#WATCH | BJP leader Sambit Patra says, "...Yesterday was such a big day. India achieved a milestone, Chandrayaan landed in the (lunar) South Pole. At the same time, a press conference by Mani Shankar Aiyar comes wherein he says, "India can never be a 'Vishwaguru' because India is pic.twitter.com/hmD6SPHipy  ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

Aiyar's autobiography "Memoirs of a Maverick -- The First Fifty Years (1941-1991)" hit the stands on Monday. In his book, he also batted for resumption of dialogue with Pakistan, saying that when it comes to that country, "we have the courage to carry out surgical strikes against them, but we don't have the guts to sit across the table and talk to a Pakistani".

At his book launch event, Aiyar said he discovered "how communal and how Hindu-oriented" PV Narasimha Rao was. He went on to narrate a conversation he had with Rao at a time when he was carrying out 'Ram-Rahim' yatra.

"Narasimha Rao told me that he had no objection to my yatra, but he disagreed with my definition of secularism. I said what is wrong with my definition of secularism. He said Mani you don't seem to understand that this is a Hindu country. I sat up in my chair and said that is exactly what the BJP says," the Congress leader recounted.

Aiyar further said the first BJP prime minister was not Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the "first BJP PM" was Rao, he said.

With inputs from agencies
It looks like the world cannot have enough of Indias AI talent pool. Global tech companies, especially those dabbling with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are looking for Indian AI Talent and they are ready to pay top dollar for it.

India already had a massive pool of people talented in AI and ML, even before generative AI such as ChatGPT, became popular.

However, since OpenAI practically put the term AI on everyones tongue, people, particularly software engineers have been brushing up their skill sets and tweaking their resumes to get hired by either AI studios or by companies who are trying to figure out how to integrate AI into their workflows.

India has a massive pool of engineers, but what about AI Engineers?

According to a recent report by Nasscom-Zinnov the current tech workforce in India stands at 47 lakh employees. However, this number is set to go down drastically for a number of reasons. The Nasscom report also states that at present, India has over 4.16 lakh people employed in AI, and will need about 2.13 lakh more in a couple of years.

The situation right now is such that the world, is looking at a worrying talent crunch as far as AI is concerned. That is the reason why companies are willing to pay an obscene amount of money for anyone who can work with AI, whether they have a degree in the field or not.

Top dollar for AI talent

Case in point would be Netflix. The streaming giant recently put up a notice of hiring an AI expert who would help them monetise AI. For that position, Netflix was willing to pay the potential candidate over $900,000, plus benefits.

And its not just Netflix thats offering these ludicrous packages  Amazon, Google and a bunch of financial investment firms on Wall Street are willing to pay up.

Consider this: Insider reports that between July 2022 and July 2023, the number of job listings for GenAI positions experienced a significant increase of 50 per cent, as reported by Insider, a job search platform.

Everyone wants to get on the AI bandwagon

Along with this increase, there has also been an increase in searches for these roles, by about 12,300 per cent during the same timeframe, underscoring the escalating curiosity around these opportunities.

Analytics India Magazine also found that since the introduction of ChatGPT, there has been a 21-fold increase in the number of job listings on LinkedIn that mention GPT or ChatGPT. Furthermore, this surge in job postings is not the only noticeable trend; globally, LinkedIn users are now more inclined than ever to incorporate AI skills into their profiles.

The LinkedIn study that Analytics India Magazine quotes, involved 25 countries and meticulously tracked 121 AI skills, revealing some significant trends.

In the year 2022, among the rapidly growing AI-related skills being added to user profiles, the top five skills were all indicative of the rise of generative AI.

These skills involved abilities such as question-answering, which experienced a remarkable surge of 332 per cent, alongside classification and recommender systems. These trends collectively highlight the increasing prominence of generative AI in the professional landscape.
Eight Republican presidential candidates sparred Wednesday over immigration, the economy and abortion in the first debate of the 2024 US election cycle  but the spotlight was still stolen by Donald Trump even as he boycotted the showdown.

Trumps snubbing of the two-hour Milwaukee event deprived a chasing pack of rivals, whom he leads by massive margins in polls, of the opportunity to direct shots at him live on stage.

Instead, he gave a recorded interview with former Fox News star Tucker Carlson that was posted online minutes before the debate got underway.

But Trump loomed over the debate, with his multiple prosecutions the subject of questions from the Fox News hosts moderating the event.

Candidates were asked to signal if they would support Trump as the partys nominee even if he is convicted in one of the criminal cases he is facing.

Every candidate raised their hand except Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who waved his finger.

Heres the bottom line. Someones got to stop normalizing this conduct, OK? Christie said, drawing loud boos from the audience.

Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of President of the United States, he added.

Hutchinson earned more jeers when he said: Obviously, Im not going to support somebody whos been convicted of a serious felony.

Trump will surrender to authorities in Atlanta on Thursday over his fourth indictment of the year, for an alleged criminal conspiracy to steal the 2020 election that he lost to Joe Biden.

Trump said during his Carlson interview that it did not make sense for him to take part in the debate as he was so far ahead in the polls  more than 40 points in the RealCLearPolitics average.

He called Biden the worst president in the history of our country and suggested that the 80-year-old president may not be the Democratic candidate come election day in November 2024.

Trump also dismissed his four criminal indictments calling them trivia, nonsense.

Fierce debate, noisy clashes

The debate moderators opened with a question on the hit song Rich Men North of Richmond, about working-class alienation, prompting Trumps closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to warn that the country is in decline.

This decline is not inevitable. Its a choice, said DeSantis, who has faded in polls after previously being touted as a serious rival to Trump.

South Carolina senator Tim Scott suggested falsely that Biden had wrecked an economy that was in record shape before the last election, when in fact it was on its knees during the Covid-19 pandemic.

DeSantis also talked about his record on keeping Florida open during the health crisis, earning a cheer when he discussed how he would have fired government scientist Anthony Fauci.

With a seismic shift needed to dethrone Trump, the debate offered a showcase for candidates angling to be Trumps running mate.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, spoke often and jumped into clashes as he sought to make an impact  as well as perhaps make a case for a role in any future Trump administration.

Trumps vice president Mike Pence said he was the best prepared candidate for office but was booed during an exchange with Ramaswamy for calling the political newcomer a rookie.

Ramaswamy described himself as the only person on stage who is not bought and paid for, earning a slapdown from Christie, who complained hed had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like Chat GPT.

The candidates equivocated on climate change, railed against street crime and supported curbs on abortion access  an issue that polarizes America, with Pence rebuking former UN ambassador Nikki Haley over her call for consensus on the issue.

DeSantis was asked whether Pence was right to certify the results of the 2020 election, which Trump claims falsely was stolen, and said that Mike did his duty  I have no beef with him.

But he added: This election is not about January 6th of 2021. Its about January 20th of 2025, when the next president is going to take office.

DeSantis stayed out of the fray for much of the evening, but was at his most passionate advocating for the use of lethal force to curb illegal immigration.

When these drug pushers are bringing fentanyl across the border, thats going to be the last thing they do, he said.

Were going to leave them stone cold dead.

The Biden campaign bought expensive ad slots on Fox News and its website before the debate, while the president said he would watch as much of the event as I can.
The five BRICS developing nations will admit Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, they said on Thursday, a move aimed at growing the clout of the bloc as it pushes to rebalance the prevailing world order.

The expansion could also pave the way for dozens more countries to seek admission to the grouping, which has pledged to address their grievances over a world order many feel is rigged against them.

BRICS  whose acronym was originally coined by an economist at Goldman Sachs, currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Deepening geopolitical polarisation in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine and Chinas declining relations with the United States are spurring efforts by Beijing and Moscow to forge BRICS into a viable counterweight to the West.

BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting a summit of BRICS leaders.

The six candidate countries will formally become members on Jan. 1, 2024. Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva left the door open to the possibility of admitting other countries in future.

We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow, Ramaphosa said at a media briefing.

Lula said globalisations promises had failed, adding that it was time to revitalise cooperation with developing countries as there is a risk of nuclear war, an apparent allusion to growing tensions between Russia and the West over the Ukraine conflict.

United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, whose country is already a shareholder of the blocs New Development Bank, said he appreciated the inclusion of his country in the expansion.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed called the BRICS leaders decision to invite Ethiopia to join a great moment.

[1/4]South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa, Indias Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attend a press conference as the BRICS Summit is held in Johannesburg, South Africa August 24, 2023. REUTERS/Alet Pretorius Acquire Licensing Rights

PLEDGE TO REBALANCE WORLD ORDER

In a reflection of the blocs growing influence, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended Thursdays expansion announcement.

He echoed a recurring plea by BRICS for reforms of institutions like the U.N. Security Council, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, stating that global governance structures reflect yesterdays world.

For multilateral institutions to remain truly universal, they must reform to reflect todays power and economic realities. In the absence of such reform, fragmentation is inevitable, he said.

The debate over enlargement has topped the agenda at the three-day summit taking place in Johannesburg. And while all BRICS members publicly expressed support for growing the bloc, there were divisions among the leaders over how much and how quickly.

Though home to about 40% of the worlds population and a quarter of global gross domestic product, 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.

This membership expansion is historic, Chinas President Xi Jinping said in remarks following the announcement on enlargement. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries.

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 motivated largely by a desire to level a global playing field and attracted by BRICS promise to rebalance world bodies dominated by the United States and other wealthy Western states.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the blocs expansion should be an example to other global institutions.

The expansion and modernization of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mould themselves according to changing times, he said.
Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister of Russia, stated on Thursday that there were no indications that the West would uphold the portion of the Black Sea grain deal that affected Russia.

After a three-day meeting of the BRICS group of developing countries, Lavrov stated: For now, we dont see these signs (of grain deal implementation) at a news conference in Johannesburg.

In order to discuss the agreement, Lavrov stated that he would meet with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres later on Thursday.

Moscow withdrew from the agreement, which permitted the sale of grain from Black Sea ports in Ukraine, last month, claiming that the international community had failed to ensure that Russia could also transport its own grain and fertiliser shipments under the agreement due to the consequences of western sanctions.

The accord, which was mediated by the UN and Turkey in July 2022, sought to address high increases in food prices around the world that were mostly brought on by Russias invasion of Ukraine. Major grain exporters include both Russia and Ukraine.

(With agency inputs)
Antonio Guterres, secretary-general of the United Nations, emphasised the need for global governance reforms on Thursday so that it reflects the power and economic ties of today rather than those that existed in 1945, when the institutions were first established.

At a news conference during the 15th BRICS meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Guterres stressed that the Security Council and the Bretton Woods system are the two areas that need reforming most.

The world has changed and so global governance must change with it. It must represent todays power and economic relations and not the power and economic relations of 1945. That is why I have been advocating deep reforms to make global frameworks truly universal and representative of todays realities, Guterres said.

He further stressed having more inclusive institutions and making sure that they reassume true universal character.

We need more inclusive institutions at every level, including greater representation of women and young people.

But all these in the context in which I believe two areas require a particularly important reform effort. One is the Security Council, the second, the Bretton Woods system, Guterres said.

He added, If we are not able to reform our institutions and make sure that they reassume true universal character, we risk fragmentation, and fragmentation could be one day a factor of confrontation. And we also need a new social contract based on respect for all human rights, social, cultural, economic and political. We need to act in solidarity and with greater urgency in several future defining areas.

On Thursday in Johannesburg, the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue were held.

Following the ceremony, the presidents of the BRICS countries and other friendly nations convened in Johannesburg for a family photo.

In the South African capital on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue.

PM Modi stated during his remarks that the BRICS countries and all friendly countries participating at the conference can strengthen a multipolar world.

In addition, PM Modi thanked the leaders and people of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates on becoming full members of the BRICS and noted that India has always backed the organizations growth.

(With agency inputs)
The circumstances concerning the demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Russian mercenary group known as The Wagner, are shrouded in uncertainty.

Multiple rumours regarding the incident that led to the apparent crash of the aircraft transporting him have emerged in various media accounts.

As per a report from Sky News, a former intelligence officer has unveiled a new angle, suggesting that the flight crew aboard the ill-fated private jet had been presented with a wine crate that detonated while the aircraft was airborne, resulting in the catastrophic crash.

In addition to this account, initial theories span from engine malfunctions to ground-to-air missiles.

Speculation persists on the internet, asserting that the passengers on the plane were handed a wine crate that ultimately erupted in an explosion.

These assertions, however, lack verification.

 Likely false claims being made that Prigozhin of Wagner PMC was killed in a plane crash near Moscow in Tver. This stinks of Prigozhin's own plot to disappear.

1. Plane manifest listed Prigozhin as passenger  this is "evidence."

2. Two explosions heard in air before crash. pic.twitter.com/5fu1OUxDgE  Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) August 23, 2023

Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence operative, remarked to Sky News, It is highly probable that this is an internal operation. The indication is that a bomb concealed within a wine crate was the cause.

He humorously added, It seems quite the ironic conclusion for Putins former chef.

Meanwhile, Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday said Ukraine had nothing to do with the reported death of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to Russias Interfax news agency.

The report, which claimed the Wagner leader had died alongside nine others in a plane crash yesterday, has not yet been verified  and no one has claimed any responsibility.

President Putin of Russia has been widely accused of having had some involvement, but neither he nor the Kremlin has made any comment thus far.

Grey Zone, the connected account of the mercenary faction, initiated discussions regarding the Embraer crash approximately at 7.49pm Moscow time Wednesday.

Nevertheless, it was noted that details were still in the process of being clarified.

Subsequently, the account issued a cautionary statement asserting that while certain reports contended that Prigozhin had perished, only those who directly witnessed the boarding of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin onto the plane possess such information.

This statement neither refutes nor confirms the destiny of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin; it merely acknowledges the uncertainty.

Nonetheless, by 9.31pm Moscow time, the group confirmed the demise of the Wagner leader and communicated that the distinguished figure of Russia and a sincere patriot of his homeland had met his end through the treacherous actions of disloyal elements within Russia.
Malka Leifer, a former headmistress from Israel, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting two students at an ultra-Orthodox Jewish school in Australia.

The assaults on sisters Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper occurred between 2003 and 2007, as determined by a jury in April.

The 56-year-old was found not guilty of abusing a third sister, Nicole Meyer. This sentencing marks the conclusion of a 15-year effort to bring justice to the mother of eight.

Leifer had denied more than two dozen charges and had spent years resisting extradition from Israel. However, in 2021, an Israeli judge ruled that she had falsely claimed mental illness to avoid facing trial and ordered her extradition to Melbourne.

Throughout a lengthy trial, the jury heard evidence detailing Leifers abuse of the sisters in locked classrooms, during school trips, and at the head teachers residence. Judge Mark Gamble, outlining the 18 charges, referred to her actions as insidious.

Leifer held a respected position at the Adass Israel School, almost revered like a rabbi, the judge noted. The sisters, emotionally and physically mistreated at home by their mother, lacked love and protection. Additionally, they were uninformed about matters of sexuality.

Judge Gamble emphasized the vulnerability of the victims and condemned Leifers calculated exploitation for her own sexual satisfaction. He addressed impactful victim statements from Ms. Sapper and Ms. Erlich, highlighting their innocence in Leifers actions.

It is she and she alone who should feel guilty and ashamed for what occurred, Judge Gamble stated.

Taking into account her time already served in prison, Leifer could be eligible for parole in June 2029. Speaking alongside her sisters outside the court, Ms. Erlich expressed that the verdict marked the end of a distressing chapter.

We stand here today because we persevered, she affirmed.

And although survivors should not bear the burden of fighting for justice, this struggle was never solely ours.

To all other survivors enduring this nightmare: you are never isolated; we stand united with you.

With the conclusion of Leifers trial, authorities have reopened an investigation into her attempts to evade justice.

In 2008, the headmistress fled to Israel when accusations surfaced, purportedly with assistance from school board members.

Although she was arrested in response to Australias request in 2014, an Israeli court later suspended her extradition, citing her mental incapacity to stand trial.

Nonetheless, undercover private investigators later captured footage of her engaging in regular activities, including shopping and banking, which prompted Israeli authorities to re-evaluate and re-arrest her in February 2018. A judge concluded that she had been feigning mental illness.
Bilateral trade between India and Kuwait has reached a record high of USD 12.5 billion, Arab News quoted Indian ambassador to Kuwait Adarsh Swaika as saying.

Trade between the two nations has experienced a significant 90 per cent annual increase. Presently, the trade balance is tilted in favour of hydrocarbon exports from Kuwait and primarily food product exports from India. However, the ambassador emphasized that there is potential for diversification in bilateral trade.

There are excellent possibilities in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, automobiles and related spares, electronics goods and components, high-efficiency solar PV modules, textiles and apparel, white goods, ceramics, etc.

But the main potential area of cooperation is in the field of investments from Kuwait to India because of the attractive political and financial investment climate that the country provides, the Indian ambassador told Arab News online.

But the main potential area of cooperation is in the field of investments from Kuwait to India because of the attractive political and financial investment climate that the country provides.

On May 8, we held a high-visibility investment seminar that presented the New India growth story. We saw much interest from our Kuwaiti partners in investing in India. There are some very positive experiences sharing Kuwaiti investments in India, he added.

Swaika also stated that Kuwait Investment Authoritys (KIA) investments in India are extraordinarily significant, and expressed hope for further acquisitions.

Swaika in the interview with Chaitali B Roy of the Arab News online published on Wednesday said that regarding food security, tourism, and health cooperation, Swaika said that both countries are working to enhance relations on the basis of all three sectors.

The Indian envoy noted that medical and health tourism offers tremendous potential for further growth and that India is exploring whether Indian private hospitals can set up their chains in Kuwait.

Recalling the collaboration on the medical front between the two countries during the COVID pandemic when India came forward to help Kuwait, Swaika said, What we did together to fight the Covid-19 pandemic in terms of assistance and collaboration was genuinely remarkable. This has set the bar of bilateral cooperation very high. This demonstration of shared solidarity has brought us closer.

We had a significant investment seminar recently in which the representative of the Apollo group participated. He told me of the interest on the Kuwaiti side in such collaboration. The second thing is how Indian medicines can be made available in Kuwait much more cost-effectively. Ironically, Indian medication, many of which are US FDA approved, is not available in Kuwait.

The Embassy is working on this. The third issue is of immense opportunities available in India for medical and wellness treatment. This would not only be much more cost-effective but of a world-class standard, he added.

Regarding medical cooperation, the ambassador said that medicine is a promising sector with tremendous potential for further growth. He further added that most of the Kuwaitis go to India for medical treatment.

Today, most Kuwaitis who go for medical treatment abroad generally go at Government cost to Western countries predominantly. At the same time, India is one place that attracts people from all over the world, including the Western world and, more importantly, from its neighbourhood and extended neighbourhood, for medical treatment. This is because it provides quality health care at an affordable cost, he said.

There are chains of private hospitals specialising in different areas, e.g., Apollo, Narayana Hyudalaya, Medanta, Shankar Netralaya, Fortis, etc. Given our solid historical linkages, geographical proximity, cultural affinity, and people-to-people contacts, India should be the preferred destination for medical treatment for Kuwaitis. The Embassy is working on this with both the Kuwaiti side and the Indian hospital chains, he added.

Talking about Indias growing economy, Swaika said that the country is one of the few major economies that has grown over 6 per cent consistently in the last few years and is expected to continue doing so, reported Arab News online.

India is the fifth largest economy currently, the third most significant in terms of purchasing power parity and is projected to be a USD 5 trillion economy by 2030. It will remain one of the major growth engines of the world, he added.

With inputs from ANI.
The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar south pole has been making headlines not just in India but in leading newspapers across the world too. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Johannesburg for the BRICS summit and a leading newspaper of South Africa The Star on Thursday praised the leader for the historic feat with a front page, lead story.

Indias Modi out of this world, read the headline in bold on page 1 of the South African daily.

In a picture shared by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on X, formerly Twitter, PM Modi along with Brazils President Lula Da Silva is seen reading the front page headline of The Star.

On Wednesday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 to the moons south pole, making India the first country to venture into the region.

What does The Star report say?

The report by The Star said, The Indian community around the world is over the moon over Prime Minister Narendra Modi, literally.

The Star got a glimpse of the Indian prime minister at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg yesterday, surrounded by many well-wishers and South Africans who wanted to see him in the flesh.

The report added, The landing also comes at an important moment in the rise of Modi and India. Indias recent efforts in space exploration have been among Modis biggest achievements.
Two months after leading a mutiny against the army leadership, investigators searched through the wreckage of a plane believed to be carrying Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin on Thursday.

Even though a criminal investigation was launched, there was no official word on what may have caused the crash on Wednesday night, and the aviation authoritys assertion that Prigozhin was on board was the only official confirmation of his death.

Additionally, neither the Kremlin nor the Defence Ministry commented on what became to Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group and an open adversary of the armys senior leadership for what he claimed was its inept conduct of Russias war in Ukraine.

Virtual remarks were delivered by President Vladimir Putin at the BRICS conference in South Africa, which his foreign minister Sergei Lavrov was also attending. Neither mentioned the reported plane tragedy that claimed the lives of ten individuals.

State media barely mentioned the disaster.

In addition to carrying top members of Prigozhins staff, the Embraer Legacy 600 (EMBR3.SA) executive aircraft that crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver area north of Moscow was travelling from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

Residents of Kuzhenkino said they had heard a bang and then saw the jet plummet to the ground.

One villager, who gave his name as Anatoly, said: In terms of what might have happened, Ill just say this: it wasnt thunder, it was a metallic bang  lets put it that way.

Unnamed sources told Russian media they believed the plane had been shot down by one or more surface-to-air missiles.

Mourners left flowers and lit candles near Wagners offices in St. Petersburg.

On Wednesday night, Prigozhin was declared dead by the Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel Grey Zone, which hailed him as a hero and a patriot who had perished at the hands of traitors to Russia it had not named.

In the absence of concrete evidence, some of his followers have blamed the Russian government while others have blamed Ukraine, which was set to celebrate its Independence Day on Thursday.

Regardless of who or what caused the accident, Putin would no longer have to deal with someone who had launched the most significant threat to his authority since he took office in 1999.

Wagner, which provoked Putins wrath in June by mounting a failed mutiny against the army high brass, would similarly be left without a leader following Prigozhins death.

According to flight-tracking data, the jet did not exhibit any symptoms of a problem until a sharp descent in the last 30 seconds of flight.

All 10 passengers on the downed aircraft were identified by name by Rosaviatsia, including Prigozhin and his right-hand man, Dmitry Utkin.

Former Putin speechwriter turned critic Abbas Gallyamov claimed without providing any proof that the Russian president was responsible for the crash and had since increased his power.

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 with that theory.

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.

U.S. President Joe Biden told reporters he did not know what had happened.

But Im not surprised, Biden said on Wednesday. There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind.

At 6:11 PM (1511 GMT), the flightradar24 online tracker indicated that the aircraft had fallen off the radar. Unverified social media video footage revealed what appeared to be a private flight plummeting to the ground.

A second private aeroplane believed to be connected to Prigozhin, which also appeared to be travelling to St. Petersburg, his home base, shortly after the plane crashed, turned back to Moscow and subsequently landed, according to flight monitoring data.

On June 2324, Prigozhin, 62, led the army coup that Putin claimed had the potential to plunge Russia into civil war. During the uprising, Wagner fighters fired down Russian helicopters, angering the military and killing an unknown number of pilots.

He had also spent months condemning Russias conflict in Ukraine, which Moscow refers to as a special military operation, and had attempted to assassinate Valery Gerasimov, the head of the General Staff, and Sergei Shoigu, the defence minister.

Many Russians had questioned how he had been allowed to criticise so blatantly without suffering any repercussions.

A purported Kremlin agreement that saw Prigozhin consent to move to Belarus adjacent country put a stop to the rebellion. But in reality, following the arrangement that allegedly secured his personal protection, he seemed to be able to roam around without restriction inside of Russia.

On Monday, Prigozhin published a video speech that he said was produced in Africa. He showed up during a July conference between Russia and Africa in St. Petersburg.

(With agency inputs)
Japan started the release of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. This action has sparked divisive opinions and provoked strong criticism from China, labeling it as selfish and irresponsible.

The Japanese government had granted approval for this discharge two years ago, and it was given the go-ahead by the UN nuclear watchdog just last month. This discharge is a significant stage in the complex and lengthy process of decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant, which also involves extracting the melted fuel.

Plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) (9501.T) said the release began at 1:03 p.m. local time (0403 GMT) and it had not identified any abnormalities with the seawater pump or surrounding facilities, reported Reuters.

However, China  ahead of the release  expressed its anger.

Through a spokesperson, Chinas nuclear safety administration on Thursday called the Japanese government extremely selfish and irresponsible in forcibly launching the discharge  putting its own selfish interests above the well-being of all mankind.

China said it would also take necessary measures to protect marine environment, food safety and public health, and would step up monitoring of radiation levels in its waters following the discharge.

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.

With inputs from agencies
North Koreas latest attempt to put a spy satellite into orbit has ended in failure, state media said Thursday, just months after Pyongyangs first such launch crashed into the ocean shortly after blast off.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made the development of a military eye in the sky a top regime priority, with his nuclear-armed country claiming it is a necessary counterbalance to growing regional activity by US forces.

Pyongyangs National Aerospace Development Administration conducted the second launch of reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 early Thursday, the official Korean Central News Agency said.

The launch failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight, the report said, adding the problem was not a big issue and vowing to conduct a third attempt in October.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had detected the launch of the purported space rocket at around 3:50 am (1850 GMT Wednesday) and that it had flown through international airspace over the Yellow Sea.

Seoul held a National Security Council meeting slamming both the Thursday launch and Pyongyangs earlier attempt in May, saying the country was squandering scarce resources on reckless provocations while blaming lower officials for the economic situation that is driving its people to starvation and death.

The launch was first signalled by the Japanese government, which called it extremely problematic and issued a brief warning to residents of the southern Okinawa region to take cover.

Pyongyang had previously told Japans coast guard the launch would take place between August 24 and 31, prompting Tokyo to mobilise ships and its PAC-3 missile defence system.

The launch came days after leaders from Washington, Seoul and Tokyo met at Camp David in the United States, and follows the start of major US-South Korea joint military drills on Monday.

Known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, the annual exercises, which always infuriate Pyongyang and have already been targeted by North Korean hackers, will run through August 31.

Relations between the two Koreas are at their lowest point in years, and diplomacy is stalled after failed attempts to discuss Pyongyangs denuclearisation.

Kim has declared North Korea an irreversible nuclear power and has called for ramped-up arms production, including tactical nuclear weapons.

Space is hard

In May, Pyongyang launched what it described as its first military reconnaissance satellite, but the rocket carrying it, the Chollima-1  named after a mythical horse that often features in official propaganda  plunged into the sea minutes after takeoff.

The crash sparked a complex, 36-day salvage operation that saw South Korea retrieve parts of the rocket and satellite for analysis, later saying they had no military utility.

Though still a failure, the flight progressed further than the previous attempt, Joseph Dempsey, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told AFP.

Space is hard, he added.

Experts said that the failure of the launch wasnt entirely unexpected, but warned that Pyongyang was likely to get it right eventually.

Theyll continue to iterate toward a successful launch, US-based analyst Ankit Panda told AFP.

Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said that the third stage was a common failure point.

Its important to keep in mind that engineers learn from failure, he said.

Many of the early US Redstone rockets failed Eventually, they figured it out, and so will North Korea, he said.

Maybe the third time will be the charm for Kim, added Soo Kim, policy practice area lead at LMI Consulting and former CIA analyst.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in which he highlighted Indias concerns at the unresolved issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh with the two leaders agreeing to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation.

Addressing a press conference on Indias participation at the 15th BRICS summit, Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra said Prime Minister Modi had interactions with other BRICS leaders during the summit.

He said PM Modi in his conversation with the Chinese President underlined that the maintenance of peace in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China ties.

Prime Minister had interactions with other BRICS leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, the Prime Minister highlighted Indias concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China border areas. Prime Minister underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship, Kwatra said.

In this regard, the two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation, he added.

India and China held the 19th round of Corps Commander Level talks earlier this month at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point on the Indian side.

Ministry of External Affairs had said in a statement that the two sides had a positive, constructive and in-depth discussion on the resolution of the remaining issues along the LAC in the western sector.

In line with the guidance provided by the leadership, they exchanged views in an open and forward-looking manner. They agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels. In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas, the statement said.

There has been disengagement from some friction points along LAC in eastern Ladakh following a stand-off between India and China in April 2020 due to the actions of the Chinese army.
Rudy Giuliani, who served as the personal lawyer to Donald Trump, has surrendered at a detention facility in Atlanta, Georgia.

This move comes as he faces accusations of assisting Mr. Trump in his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election in the state.

Following his surrender, Giuliani was released on a bail amount of 118,000 ($150,000). He is confronted with a total of 13 charges, including racketeering.

Notably, among the 19 individuals indicted in connection with the election interference case, both Giuliani and Trump hold the highest number of charges.

Donald Trump, the former US President, has declared his intention to undergo booking procedures on Thursday afternoon.

Although he has not yet entered a plea, he strongly refutes any wrongdoing and contends that the charges against him are politically driven.

Giuliani, upon departing from Fulton County jail, expressed to reporters his sense of honour in participating in the legal proceedings. He framed the case as a significant battle for our way of life and denounced the indictment as a travesty.

In addition to Giuliani, other individuals such as lawyer John Eastman, Georgia bail bondsman Scott Hall, and Sidney Powell  another attorney allegedly involved in undermining the 2020 election results  have also arrived in Atlanta to be processed.

Noteworthy figures like former Georgia Republican Party Chairman David Shafer, Cathy Latham, Ray Smith III, and Kenneth Chesebro have also been processed at the detention centre.

Prosecutors in Fulton County have mandated a deadline of Friday noon for all defendants to surrender.

Subsequent court appearances will be scheduled to address the charges against them.

The mugshots of those processed on Wednesday were swiftly uploaded to the Fulton County website.

It is anticipated that Trump will also undergo this procedure. Just like Giuliani, the former President faces 13 charges, including racketeering and election meddling. He maintains his innocence, viewing the charges as politically motivated.

In a statement posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump conveyed his readiness to be arrested, highlighting his dedication to safeguarding election integrity. He emphasized that no one has championed this cause as he has.

Trump has already been granted a bail of $200,000 and has been subjected to certain release conditions, including refraining from using social media to threaten co-conspirators or potential witnesses.

Criticism has arisen due to Trump not covering the legal expenses of his co-defendants. Some argue that this has transcended beyond an individual matter, prompting questions about the funding of their defense.

Amidst these developments, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, also implicated in the case, has submitted court documents requesting the transfer of his case to federal court or alternatively, seeking protection against arrest in Georgia. This filing followed the denial by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis to postpone Mr. Meadows arrest.

These proceedings emerge as part of a series of legal actions against Mr. Trump. He is confronted with a total of 78 charges spread across three distinct criminal cases, including an inquiry into his alleged mishandling of classified information.
The BRICS members have reached an agreement to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE to become full members of the bloc, said President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Thursday.

We have reached an agreement to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE to become full members of BRICS. The membership will come into effect from January 2024, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised his people for fighting for freedom in an address Thursday to mark the countrys second Independence Day during the Russian invasion.

Today we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of our independence  the independence of Ukraine. A holiday of free people, Zelensky said in a statement on social media.

Freedom is a value for each of us, and we are fighting for it, Zelensky said as the war in Ukraine entered its 19th month.

The countrys military intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov said on Telegram that the fight for independence continues to this day  now with the imperial aggressor Russia.

Kyivs security service chief Vasyl Maliuk also said on Telegram that the holiday had taken on new meanings during the war with Moscow.

It became not only the personification of our right to life and freedom but also a symbol of heroism and bravery, Maliuk said.

A series of events are planned across Ukraine to mark the day.

In Brussels, EU government buildings were lit up in the blue-and-yellow colours of Ukraine overnight, and Ukrainian flags were hoisted along EU ones.

EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen commended Ukrainians for their courage, their force and enduring hope in a future of peace and prosperity in a united Europe.

They are an inspiration to all Europeans, she said on social media.
Thousands of atomic veterans who claim their health was compromised by radiation exposure during their military service have been denied federal benefits, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in the United States.

As cancer and age take a toll on the remaining survivors, the VAs decision has left many frustrated and disillusioned, according to reports.

Last August, the enactment of the PACT Act was hailed as a breakthrough for veterans who had been exposed to toxic substances.

This Act extended benefits to over 8,000 individuals who participated in the cleanup of radioactive sites, making them eligible for monthly disability payments.

However, a year later, a staggering 86% of claims have been rejected by the VA, as revealed by data obtained by NBC News. Out of approximately 4,100 claims processed, more than 3,500 were denied while about 570 were approved between August 10, 2022, and August 10, 2023.

Kenneth Brownell, 66, one of the early soldiers assigned to clean up Enewetak Atoll islands in the Pacific Ocean, where the U.S. conducted 43 nuclear tests between 1948 and 1958, expressed his frustration, saying, Theyre waiting for us to die. Many veterans face significant challenges in substantiating their exposure to a specific radiation dose.

While the VA acknowledges on its website that all cancers, brain tumors, and central nervous system issues could potentially result from radiation exposure, it only considers certain types of cancers as covered presumptive conditions.

These include cancers of the brain, breast, bone, colon, esophagus, liver, lung, ovaries, pancreas, stomach, thyroid, and more, along with specific types of leukemia and lymphomas. To qualify for disability compensation, veterans must present medical records indicating a diagnosis of one of these illnesses, along with service records confirming participation in assignments involving radiation risks.

Veterans diagnosed with other cancer types face a more complex process. They must provide expert medical evaluations and organ-specific radiation dose assessments through the Defense Departments Defense Threat Reduction Agency.

However, proving radiation exposure through dose estimates is nearly impossible, as noted by Rep. Dina Titus, D-Nev., an atomic historian. To address this, she introduced a bill aimed at easing the burden of proof required for such claims.

Brownells situation highlights the challenges veterans face. Diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2001, a presumptive disease linked to radiation exposure, Brownell has yet to receive a response from the VA regarding his claim filed in January.

He recalls that when he arrived at Enewetak in 1977, proper radiation-check equipment was initially unavailable. By the time equipment arrived, most of it was defective. We cant prove that we were exposed in any way, he asserted.

The VA, in cases where veterans believe faulty equipment affected radiation measurements, takes into account personal testimonials and additional facts to make judgments. Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether such cases are included in the approved claims count.

VA data indicates that many denials during the first year of the PACT Act resulted from an inability to establish clinically diagnosed conditions, prove their connection to veterans service, or meet approval criteria. The VA expressed commitment to providing radiation-exposed veterans with deserved healthcare and benefits while actively studying their conditions and approval rates.

Meanwhile, the aging veteran population exacerbates the situation, with the youngest atomic veterans now being 60 years old, according to the National Association of Atomic Veterans. The oldest known survivor is almost 101 years old. Time is not on their side, Titus emphasized.

The group of radiation-exposed veterans stands at more than 552,000 in the Defense Threat Reduction Agencys records. Distressingly, about 46,000 of these veterans have already passed away.

Previously, the term atomic veterans encompassed former service members who were prisoners of war in Japan, those who participated in post-World War II occupations of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and veterans involved in atmospheric nuclear weapons testing. These groups were eligible for benefits.

Leo Feurt, an 85-year-old Navy veteran, remembers witnessing 28 atomic bomb tests in 1958, which left his arms and hands appearing skeletal due to the intense radiation exposure.

He recalls the scenes vividly: We looked like a bunch of skeletons Everything was black and white. Feurts experiences serve as a reminder of the dire consequences of radiation exposure.

The PACT Acts recent expansion broadened eligibility to include veterans engaged in cleanup activities at Enewetak Atoll, the site of a crashed Air Force B-52 bomber carrying nuclear weapons off Palomares, Spain, in 1966, and the fire onboard another B-52 carrying nuclear weapons in Greenland in 1968.

However, the number of survivors continues to dwindle. Approximately 400 veterans are estimated to be alive, with most being Enewetak veterans, many grappling with radiation-related illnesses like cancer.

Keith Kiefer, the national commander of the National Association of Atomic Veterans, noted the ongoing loss of this aging group. Were losing an average of two to three individuals a month out of that group, he lamented.

The situation is particularly dire for the Virginia chapter of the National Association of Atomic Veterans, which saw its membership decline from about 100 to around 20 in the past two decades. In California and New York, the numbers paint a similarly grim picture.

Leo Feurt, who has battled numerous radiation-related diseases, including a cancerous tumor, for 15 years, expresses his frustration at the denial of benefits. His sentiments are shared by many others who feel they were treated as guinea pigs during their service.

In a final twist, the Defense Department distributed commemorative service medals to atomic veterans recently but explicitly stated that these medals do not guarantee federal benefits. For veterans like Feurt, this gesture is a painful reminder of their ongoing struggle for recognition and support.

As veterans and advocates continue to seek justice and support for those affected by radiation exposure, the urgency to address their claims and provide the necessary care and compensation grows stronger.
Pakistan has rescued eight people who were trapped in a cable car dangling about 900 feet above the ground over a high ravine for more than 15 hours. A video of the incident has surfaced online showing those stuck firmly holding onto grills and pole of the cable car which was hanging in a titled position.

The incident took place on Tuesday in the remote Allai valley in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after a line snapped. The rescue operation became complicated due to gusty winds.

The video of the incident that is going viral has been shared by the BBC.

As per reports, among those trapped in the cable car were seven school students and a teacher. They were travelling to a remote mountainous region in Battagram which is about 200 km north of Islamabad.

A report by Reuters quoted a rescue official saying that the cable car became stranded half way across a ravine and was dangling by a single cable after the other snapped

Military helicopters and zipline experts were deployed to rescue those stranded in the cable car.

The rescue began with a helicopter safely pulling out two children from the stranded cable car. It was forced back to base in the dark after being airborne for 12 hours.

The rescuers then used the cable keeping the gondola from plunging into the valley as a zipline to rescue the rest of those stranded.

In some areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Gilgit-Baltistan, cable cars are used to carry passengers. They connect villages and towns in areas where roads cannot be built.

With inputs from agencies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping shook hands and had a brief conversation on the sidelines of BRICS Summit 2023 on Thursday.

PM Modi and Xi were captured on camera having a conversation as they walked to their designated seats for the BRICS leaders press conference on the third day of the Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

#WATCH | PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engage in a brief interaction at the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg pic.twitter.com/1yE3jstVfx  ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

How is it important?

The handshake between PM Modi and Xi during BRICS Summit is important as it is the first such interaction since the standoff between the Indian forces and China's Peoples Liberation Army in the eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

The relations between both the countries have soured due to tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Back in November 2022, PM Modi and Xi exchanged pleasantries at the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali.

The BRICS group of nations has invited six new countries to join the bloc that has pledged to champion the "Global South". The debate over the expansion of BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - topped the agenda at the three-day summit in Johannesburg.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, the current chair of the BRICS grouping, said Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE have been invited to join the BRICS as part of the first phase of expansion. The new membership will be effective from January 1, 2024.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, PM Modi said, "On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken the decision to expand this forum. India has always fully supported this expansion. Such an expansion will make BRICS stronger and more effective. In that spirit, India welcomes Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE into the BRICS family."

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken the decision to expand this forum. India has always fully supported this expansion. Such an expansion will make BRICS stronger and more effective. In that spirit, India welcomes Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran,  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2023

PM Modi congratulated Ramaphosa for the successful summit and said India has always fully supported the expansion of BRICS membership.
French electronics company Thomson is preparing to enter the Indian laptop market, as reported by Economic Times. The company is in final talks with a Noida-based contract manufacturer to produce laptops within the country.

Seizing Opportunity with Indian Governments Laptop Import Restrictions

Thomson plans to make the most of the Indian governments new rules that limit laptop imports from November 1. This decision gives Thomson a chance to grow in the Indian market.

Since re-entering India in 2018 through a partnership with SPPL, Thomson has mainly focused on making and selling TVs on Flipkart. This approach will also apply to their laptops.

Aligned with Government Initiatives

Thomsons move fits well with the governments efforts to promote local manufacturing. Initiatives like the production-linked incentive (PLI) program and the Make in India campaign encourage companies to make their products within the country.

The governments decision to restrict imported IT hardware also aims to strengthen national security and boost local manufacturing.

Thomsons Laptop Strategy

Avneet Singh Marwah, the CEO of Super Plastronics (SPPL), Thomsons official brand licensee and manufacturing partner in India, explained their laptop plans.

Marwah mentioned that Thomson is responding to the growing number of laptop brands entering the smart TV market. The company aims to cater to a wide range of customers, from beginners to those looking for high-end laptops.

Source
Honor Smartphones In India Will Get Clean Android, Two Annual OS Updates And Google Mobile Services News oi -Alap Naik Desai

Honor recently confirmed it is coming back to India, and now its new CEO has addressed the most commonly asked question about the smartphones it will offer to Indian buyers.

The Honor smartphones that will sell in India will have a clean Android OS and interface, HonorTech CEO Madhav Sheth has confirmed. Although he confirmed there will be Google Mobile Services (GMS), there could be limitations on the apps and services that are usually preinstalled. Let's see how Honor plans to attract Indian smartphone buyers and create loyalty.

Honor Smartphones With The Latest Android OS But MagicOS Custom Skin And Limited Services?

Madhav Sheth has been quite forthcoming about Honor's plans in India. He openly and clearly answered some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Honor smartphones that will be sold in India.

Honor will ensure all its Android smartphones launching in India will have the latest Operating System running on them. In other words, Honor won't dump old smartphones with outdated software at discounted prices in India.

Huawei, the company that once owned the Honor brand, was barred from installing Google Mobile Services (GMS) on its smartphones. However, Honor has regained the privilege. GMS is at the core of Android and unlocks access to critical backend services used by millions of smartphone users across the world.

In addition to GMS, HonorTech is promising two years of Android OS upgrades and three years of security updates. Although the assurance is on the lower side, Honor may enhance support down the line.

Sheth mentioned HonorTech is, "only focusing on the applications and services that users use like Google Maps, Google Drive, or productivity apps and any other essential apps". It is not clear what he meant, but it is likely that Honor won't preinstall a lot of apps, collectively called bloatware, on its smartphones sold in India.

The Android OS running on Honor smartphones will have the latest version of MagicOS custom skin, which is currently Magic OS 7.1. Honor assures MagicOS is smooth, stable, and offers a non-intrusive user interface.

Honor Smartphones Hardware Specifications, Features Launched In India

Honor has been teasing its reentry in India for quite some time on social media platforms. Sheth has now confirmed that the first Honor smartphone to launch in India after its comeback will be the Honor 90.

Although a little premature to say, it appears Honor could be focusing on the midrange and the upper midrange category. In other words, Honor might be avoiding the budget and affordable segment, presumably because of lower profit margins and high competition.

Honor launched the Honor 90 in China recently. The 5G-enabled smartphone features a 6.7-inch curved OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of up to 1600 nits. Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset, paired with up to 16GB RAM and 512GB of internal storage, powers the smartphone.

The Honor 90 has a triple camera setup, comprising a 200MP main camera, a 12MP ultra-wide-angle camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. There's an industry-leading 50MP front-facing selfie camera on the Honor smartphone.

Honor is expected to price the Honor 90 at around 40,000. If accurate, the Honor 90 would compete with other upper-mid-range smartphones such as the recently launched Nothing Phone 2, the iQOO Neo 7 Pro, and the OnePlus 11R.

Best Mobiles in India
Oppo Find N3 Flip Launch Confirmed: Flip-Foldable Premium Android Smartphone To Arrive With Watch 4 Pro News oi -Alap Naik Desai

Oppo has officially confirmed the launch of its flagship, clamshell-style foldable Android smartphone. The Oppo Find N3 Flip features a large outer display, Hasselblad camera setup, and top-notch specifications.

The feature-packed premium flip-foldable smartphone from Oppo will launch alongside the Oppo Watch 4 Pro. Let's look at the specifications, features, launch, expected price, and availability of the latest foldable smartphone from Oppo.

Oppo Find N3 Flip and Watch 4 Pro To Launch Next Week On August 29, 2023

Oppo has announced the launch of the Oppo Find N3 Flip Android smartphone and the Oppo Watch 4 Pro. Although the watch is the fourth generation, the smartphone is Oppo's second-generation clamshell smartphone.

The launch event for the Oppo Find N3 Flip and the Watch 4 Pro is scheduled to start on August 29, 2023, at 2:30 PM China (12:00 PM IST). The event should be live-streamed via Oppo's Chinese social accounts.

Oppo Find N3 Flip Specifications, Features

The Oppo Find N3 Flip is a dual-screen, clamshell-style foldable Android smartphone. There's a 6.8-inch Full HD+ AMOLED foldable display, which accompanies the 3.26-inch AMOLED cover/outer display.

Oppo has embedded the MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC inside Oppo Find N3 Flip, which is paired with the Mali-G715 Immortalis MP11 GPU. Buyers get up to 16GB RAM and up to 512GB of internal storage.

The Oppo Find N3 Flip features a dual camera setup, optimized by Hasselblad nestled alongside the cover display. It includes a 50MP Sony IMX 890 primary lens with OIS, an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, and a 32MP telephoto sensor. The premium smartphone has a 32MP selfie camera nestled inside the inner, foldable screen.

OPPO Find N3 Flip, OPPO Watch 4 Pro to launch in China on August 29.#OPPO #OPPOFindN3Flip #OPPOWatch4Pro pic.twitter.com/JIcpw11bAR  Mukul Sharma (@stufflistings) August 24, 2023

Oppo has embedded a 4,300mAh batter inside the Oppo Find N3 Flip, which supports 67W wired fast charging. The Oppo smartphone has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner and stereo speakers.

The Oppo Find N3 Flip runs Color OS 13, which is based on Android 13. Notable connectivity features include 5G SA/NSA, 4G, Wi-Fi 802.11ax, Bluetooth v5.3, USB Type-C port, GPS, GALILEO, BeiDou, QZSS, and NFC.

Oppo Find N3 Flip Launch, Expected Price, And Availability

The Oppo Find N3 Flip and the Oppo Watch 4 Pro will launch in China. Oppo hasn't yet confirmed if these premium devices will launch outside their home country.

Oppo launched the Oppo Find N2 Flip last year in December. The Find N2 Flip has been available in India since March this year. Hence, Oppo could launch the second-generation flip-foldable, flagship smartphone in markets outside China. It may arrive in India during Diwali.

The Oppo Find N2 Flip is a competitively priced flip-foldable smartphone, which is available on Flipkart, in India at 89,999. The Oppo Find N3 Flip has several upgrades compared to its predecessor.

With a flagship MediaTek Dimensity 9200 SoC, 16GB RAM, ample internal storage, and a powerful triple camera, Oppo could price the clamshell-style foldable Android smartphone above 1,00,000 when it launches in India. Incidentally, this upcoming Oppo smartphone could be priced competitively to beat the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5.

The Oppo Watch 3 Pro is priced above 20,000 but its availability is rare in India. The Oppo Watch 4 Pro too could be priced near the 25,000 mark.

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
From Cheers to Headlines: How the World and Media Erupted with Joy over Chandrayaan 3's Moon Landing News oi -Kabir Jain

India has achieved a significant and historic milestone by accomplishing a successful soft landing of its Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft near the southern pole of the moon. This remarkable feat was achieved by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The successful landing not only signifies a substantial advancement in lunar exploration but also solidifies India's position as a formidable space power on the global stage.

Joining Elite Ranks

Joining the ranks of the United States, China, and Russia, India has proudly become the fourth nation to achieve a successful moon landing.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

'India,

I reached my destination

and you too!'

: Chandrayaan-3



Chandrayaan-3 has successfully

soft-landed on the moon !.



Congratulations, India!#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3  ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023

This achievement is a testament to India's growing capabilities and determination in the field of space exploration.

Reactions from Across the Globe

Reactions to this momentous event have poured in from around the world, reflecting the significance of India's achievement on the international stage.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Modi expressed his delight and stated that this achievement is a clear indication of India's emergence as a developed and victorious nation in the global space exploration arena.

Historic day for India's space sector. Congratulations to @isro for the remarkable success of Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission. https://t.co/F1UrgJklfp  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 23, 2023

Rahul Gandhi, Indian Opposition Leader: Rahul Gandhi congratulated India's scientific community for their remarkable ingenuity and unwavering dedication, which he said were essential to the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia: Putin commended India for its impressive achievement, just days after Russia's mission encountered a crash.

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa: Ramaphosa congratulated India on this momentous occasion and underlined its significance for the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) group.

Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency: Aschbacher praised the soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 as a remarkable achievement that demonstrates India's cutting-edge technology and pioneering spirit in the field of space exploration.

US Department of State's Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs: The Bureau highlighted the global impact of Chandrayaan-3's success, noting its potential to inspire people's imagination worldwide.

Jake Sullivan, US National Security Advisor: Sullivan lauded the achievement as a historic moment that highlights the progress and capabilities of India's space program.

Global Media Coverage

The international media extensively covered the successful landing of India's Vikram lander on the moon's southern pole, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

The New York Times: The publication dedicated significant coverage to Chandrayaan-3's moon landing, featuring articles on its homepage titled 'India Is on the Moon': Lander's Success Marks Next Space Chapter' and 'What Lies Ahead for India's Space Exploration?' They also provided a live blog of the event, keeping readers updated in real time.

Pakistani Publications: Prominent Pakistani publications such as DAWN and GEO NEWS highlighted India's achievement with headlines like 'India Achieves First-Ever Moon South Pole Landing' and 'India's Chandrayaan-3 Successfully Touches Down on Moon's South Pole', acknowledging the significance of this accomplishment.

South China Morning Post: The publication celebrated India's victory with a headline that emphasized India becoming the first nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon's surface and reach the lunar south pole.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission Details

Chandrayaan-3, India's second attempt in four years, involved the four-legged lander Vikram and the 26-kg rover Pragyan. The soft landing near the moon's south polar region was achieved at 6.04 pm after a nerve-wracking "20 minutes of terror" during the powered descent initiated at 5.44 pm, as reported by ISRO scientists.

This historic achievement showcases India's dedication to pushing the boundaries of space exploration and technology, furthering its reputation as a significant player in the global space arena. The successful Chandrayaan-3 mission not only propels India's space ambitions forward but also sets a promising trajectory for future lunar explorations.

Via 1, Via 2

Best Mobiles in India

Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe
Pathfinder operations enable Bomber Task Force 23-4

Air Force Global Strike Command AFSTRAT-AIR

Published Aug. 21, 2023

By 501st Combat Support Wing Public Affairs

501st Combat Support Wing

KEFLAVIK AIR BASE, Iceland -- U.S. Air Force Airmen deployed to Iceland on Aug. 13 to support Bomber Task Force 23-4, which is currently underway at Keflavik Air Base.

Among the Airmen are several members of the 501st Combat Support Wing who are providing base operations support to enable missions for the aircrews and ground personnel of three B-2 Spirits from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri.

"This is the first time the 501st CSW has deployed to a NATO base to provide Base Operating Support-Integrator to a Bomber Task Force," said Lt. Col. Eric Rambo, 420th Air Base Squadron commander. "Under this construct, the 501st CSW leads BOS-I functions and allows the deployed unit to focus on BTF Operations."

Missions such as this allow NATO forces to train together improving their ability to integrate and enhance collective defense objectives.

The 501st CSW has several roles in this BTF, which include Personnel Support for Contingency Operations, Transportation Management Operations, force support, security forces, logistics, communications and chaplain services.

"The 501 CSW is postured to provide BOS-I in support of bomber operations anywhere in the European Command Area of Responsibility," said Rambo. "This support was rapidly generated, and 501 CSW BOS-I personnel were in place and ready to receive BTF personnel, equipment and aircraft."

Rambo emphasized the importance of these missions for the 501st CSW, pointing to the BTF as a vital opportunity that helps improve bomber integration with allies, partners and U.S. joint forces.

Like previous Bomber Task Forces, this mission provides participating units a chance to strengthen their agility in the current operational environment and their commitment to shared defense objectives.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Indonesia Announces Commitment to Acquire Boeing F-15EX

- Indonesia signs a Memorandum of Understanding to procure up to 24 F-15EX advanced fighter jets

- Indonesian Minister of Defense tours F-15 production line in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 21, 2023 -- The Republic of Indonesia and Boeing shared their commitment to finalize the sale of 24 F-15EX aircraft to Indonesia, subject to U.S. government approval, during a visit of Indonesia's Minister of Defense Prabowo Subianto to the United States.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Air Vice Marshal Yusuf Jauhari, Head of Defense Facilities Agency, Indonesia Ministry of Defense, and Mark Sears, Boeing Fighters vice president and program manager, took place today at the company's St. Louis facility following a tour of the F-15EX production line.

"We are pleased to announce our commitment to procure the critical F-15EX fighter capability for Indonesia," said Minister Subianto who witnessed the MoU signing. "This state-of-the-art fighter will protect and secure our nation with its advanced capabilities."

The F-15EX is 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, which will all be leveraged in delivering the new F-15IDN.

"We have invested years of expertise into developing the F-15EX capabilities. There is no other fighter like the F-15 in the world, and this platform will put Indonesia at the top of air dominance capabilities," said Sears. "Boeing is ready to support this effort and remains a committed partner to the U.S. government in advancing international security objectives with allies and partners around the world."

Boeing and Indonesia have worked in partnership for nearly 75 years to support the development of aerospace and defense capabilities in the country through training, supply chain development and collaborations. Today, Boeing's presence in Indonesia covers commercial aviation, defense, space, supply chain, academia partnerships and talent development efforts across the local industry.

Currently the F-15 is operated by seven countries around the world.

# # #

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

Contact

Swetha Mahesh

Boeing Communications

+65 9824 4836

swetha.mahesh@boeing.com

Boeing Media Relations

media@boeing.com

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S., partner nations complete Regional Cooperation 23 in Montana

U.S. Central Command

Aug. 22, 2023

By Sgt. 1st Class Terra Gatti Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office

HELENA, Mont. -- Over the course of 10 days, more than 230 individuals from the United States, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, as well as observers from Turkmenistan, came together for Exercise Regional Cooperation 23, held Aug. 8-18, 2023, in Helena, Montana. The annual, multinational exercise, sponsored by U.S. Central Command and this year hosted by the Montana National Guard, aimed to enhance stability operations and promote cooperation on counter-terrorism and joint, combined capabilities among the U.S. and Central and South Asian nations.

"Since its inception in 2001, Regional Cooperation has become a key and well-known exercise," said Guy Zero, the U.S. CENTCOM deputy director for strategy, plans and policy, during his opening remarks at the start of the exercise. "This is a tremendous opportunity for all of us to build relationships, share ideas and work together to meet the strategic challenges that face us in this important region."

The initial phase of the exercise focused on academics. Advisors from the 3rd Security Force Assistance Brigade provided instruction on the Military Decision-Making Process, or MDMP, to ensure all participants were familiar with their duties and responsibilities and had a shared baseline of knowledge before the start of the exercise.

"The MDMP class before the exercise was one of the best practices for a combined exercise that helped shape the participants' idea of internationally-recognized MDMP," said Lt. Col. Tamir Udval, one of the participants from Mongolia.

On Aug. 12, 2023, the exercise officially began with a scenario that included an unstable, fictitious nation and conflicting, fictitious entities that exercise participants faced during a six-day, brigade-level Command Post Exercise, or CPX. Working with the indelible assistance of a team of interpreters, participants from all nations were integrated into staff sections and who together worked through a storyline that included border security challenges, providing humanitarian assistance, countering weapons of mass destruction and ensuring interagency cooperation.

"This exercise has a great history of success in facilitating effective training and has helped improve global military coordination and development," said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Peter Hronek, the adjutant general of Montana. "Regional Cooperation 23 provides all participants the opportunity to share military expertise and experiences while building personal and military relationships that cross borders and cultures."

Three planning conferences were held in advance of the exercise; an initial planning conference held in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in February; a main planning conference held in Helena in April; and a final planning conference held in June in Tempe, Arizona. During the planning conferences, personnel from each of the seven participating nations provided input and together built the exercise storyline and injects. Participation in the planning conferences often required travel of 30 or more hours each way for the international participants.

"Your participation in this exercise reflects our shared commitment to enduring regional stability and commitment to working together on challenges of mutual interest," Zero said.

Approximately 65 participants from the U.S. were Soldiers and Airmen from the Arizona, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana and Virginia National Guard, most of whom participate in the State Partnership Program with a nation participating in RC23. SPP is Department of Defense program administered through the National Guard Bureau that links a state's National Guard to the armed forces of a partner nation and focuses on building partner military capacity and defense capability through relationship building. Now celebrating its 30th year, SPP includes one-third of the world's countries and every U.S. state and territory.

"Participating in Regional Cooperation this year gives us an amazing opportunity to continue our relationship with our partners from Tajikistan," said Maj. Isaac Rivera, the SPP coordinator for the Virginia National Guard, which has enjoyed a partnership with Tajikistan since 2003.

Montana, this year's host for RC23, has partnered with Kyrgyzstan since 1996, Arizona with Kazakhstan since 1993 and Mississippi with Uzbekistan since 2012.

"This exercise is really about collaboration and building relationships," said Maj. Stephen Jung, the lead planner for RC23, said. "When you spend time working alongside military personnel from a partner nation, what you'll inevitably find is commonalities. My hope is that, when we leave Montana, we all leave with a better understanding of our partnerships, as well as stronger relationships, not only between our military forces at the higher level, but also at the individual level."

The first Regional Cooperation was held in 2001, and has been conducted annually every year since 2004, hosted both in U.S. cities and by participating nations.

"Right from the first planning conference until today's last inject, everything was flawless," said Brigadier Hamad Raza, one of the participants from Pakistan, as the exercise came to a close.

Finally, on Aug. 18, 2023, the exercise entered its third and final phase with an after-action review and gift exchange that marked the official end of the exercise.

"No matter what happens, as long as we're partners, we will be able to overcome so many obstacles as a group united," said Col. Peter Fiorentino, a Massachusetts National Guardsman who served as the brigade commander for the exercise. "Thank you very much, and I hope to see and work with you all in the future."



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, GEN Mark Milley, Arrives in Israel for His Last Official Visit

IDF Press Release

The IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, welcomed the General for his final official visit to the IDF

22.08.23

IDF Editorial Team

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General (* * * *) Mark Milley, arrived in Israel this morning as the guest of the Chief of the General Staff for his final official visit as his term as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff concludes.

General Milley was welcomed with an honorary guard and awarded the IDF Chief of the General Staff's Medal of Appreciation by LTG Halevi for his role in the years-long close partnership between the IDF and the U.S. Armed Forces, the cooperation in the security-strategic field and countless operational achievements and joint exercises.

Throughout his official visits to Israel over the course of the past few years, General Milley met with senior officials of Israel's defense institutions and dealt with regional security challenges, the expansion of opportunities for operational cooperation, coordination between the two militaries in order to defend against regional threats and additional areas of mutual strategic interest.

Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi: "Your term was defined by unprecedented joint activities and operative coordination, in which we significantly improved stability in the Middle East. The strategic alliance between Israel and the U.S. continues to be a significant pillar in Israel's national security, and it has only strengthened over the past two years with the transition of Israel to USCENTCOM, under your leadership and command."

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General ( * * * * ) Mark Milley: "Our countries share common values and interests. I wish the IDF and the civilians of the State of Israel regional peace and security."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Philippines says it successfully completes resupply mission to maritime outpost

China Coast Guard again attempted to block and harass Filipino boats, officials said.

By BenarNews staff 2023.08.22 -- The Philippines successfully delivered supplies to its troops at a military outpost in the South China Sea despite attempts by Chinese vessels to block its ships from the disputed waters, officials said Tuesday.

Manila carried out the mission two weeks after the China Coast Guard fired water cannons at a Philippine coast guard ship that was escorting a convoy of boats bringing supplies to marines stationed aboard a rusty old navy ship in Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal).

The mission on Tuesday "was able to deliver fresh provisions to our military personnel stationed on board BRP Sierra Madre," the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea said in a statement.

Manila calls waters of the South China Sea that lie within its exclusive economic zone the West Philippine Sea. The Philippines deliberately ran the World War II era Sierra Madre aground to serve as its outpost there.

The mission was completed "notwithstanding attempts by China Coast Guard (CCG) and Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels to block, harass, and interfere with the supply mission," the task force said, adding that Philippine Navy vessels were "on standby during the mission."

Ahead of the Philippine mission, China deployed at least 11 militia ships to Ayungin Shoal starting Monday, according to Ray Powell, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who is now a private security analyst focusing on the South China Sea.

"[The] extent of dangerous [People's Republic of China] maneuvers is hard to assess due to China Coast Guard ships running AIS-dark," he said on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter. He was referring to the ships turning off their Automatic Identification System that displays their position.

Code of conduct

As of Tuesday evening, the Chinese Embassy in Manila had not issued a statement.

But Chinese Communist Party newspaper China Daily quoted a China Coast Guard spokesman as saying that the agency had made "temporary special arrangements" allowing the Philippines to carry out the supply mission because its ships were not carrying building materials.

Earlier this month, Chinese media reports quoted the coast guard as confirming it had fired water cannons and alleging that the Philippine supply boats were transporting "illegal building materials."

Back then Manila "strongly condemned" what it called China Coast Guard illegal actions, saying they disregarded the safety of Filipino sailors and violated international law.

The Philippines in 2016 won a landmark ruling in the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which threw out China's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Beijing, however, has ignored the ruling and carried on with its military expansionism in the strategic waterway, including building artificial islands.

China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including waters within the exclusive economic zones of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Meanwhile, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo has been trying to engage with China diplomatically to calm tensions.

On Tuesday, the Philippines hosted diplomats from China and other South China Sea claimant nations for another round of negotiations for a "code of conduct" that seeks to prevent conflict in the disputed maritime region.

It was the third meeting on the code this year, with the first two having been held in Indonesia in March and Vietnam in May.

"We are negotiating a Code of Conduct precisely because we would like to prevent incidents such as the last one at the Ayungin Shoal from happening," foreign affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said.

The Philippines, she said, remains committed to an "early conclusion of an effective and substantive" code of conduct.

Separately, U.S., Australian and Filipino troops held an air assault drill on Monday in Rizal town, in the western island province of Palawan, about 108 nautical miles from Ayungin Shoal.

The exercise, held at Punta Baja Airfield, involved Australia's helicopter landing dock the HMAS Canberra; frigate HMAS Anzac and multi-role F-35A Lightning II aircraft; U.S. MV-22B Osprey aircraft; and hundreds of troops from the three armed forces.

Exercise Alon 2023 is the first amphibious exercise between Filipino and Australian troops, officials said. It opened in Darwin, Australia on Aug. 14 and will run until Aug. 31.

The exercise involved 700 Filipino and 1,200 Australian troops. About 150 troops from the United Marines Corps are participating but are playing a "support" role only, officials said.

The drills were part of Australia's Indo-Pacific Endeavor (IPE) for this year. The IPE seeks to strengthen Canberra's engagement and partnerships in Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.

An amphibious landing and live-fire exercises are scheduled to be held in the northern Philippine provinces of Zambales and Tarlac, respectively, in the next few days.

"The scenario is assault from a ship, from sea towards land," said Armed Forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.

"It's not directed at China," said Brawner, adding that the three armed forces are honing their skills in Rizal.

He added, though, that Manila had a "right and obligation to bring supplies to our soldiers" anywhere in Philippine territories.

Still, Filipino troops had been directed to strictly observe rules of engagement, Brawner said on Monday.

"We are going to avoid them to prevent an escalation of the situation," he said.

"We are not going to engage them in a water cannon battle."

Gerard Carreon and Noel Celis in Manila contributed to this report by BenarNews, 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Secretary Blinken's Call with Foreign Minister Shoukry of Egypt

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

August 22, 2023

The following is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke yesterday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Shoukry discussed ongoing efforts to address the conflict in Sudan and the need to find a diplomatic solution in Niger. The Secretary and Foreign Minister also discussed recent developments in Libya and UN support for holding free and fair elections. The Secretary welcomed the recent release of activist Ahmed Douma and others and reaffirmed the importance of progress on human rights to strengthening the U.S.-Egypt partnership.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Presidential Elections in Zimbabwe

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

August 22, 2023

As Zimbabweans prepare to head to the polls on August 23, the United States calls on all actors to commit to free, fair, and peaceful elections. The Zimbabwean people deserve the chance to choose their future without fear of repression or intimidation, in line with Zimbabwe's constitution. We believe the best route to peace and prosperity is for governments to respect the right of their citizens to vote and allow for peaceful and democratic political processes.

We are concerned by recent actions leading up to the elections, including political violence and legislation that curtails human rights and freedoms enshrined in Zimbabwe's constitution. The United States condemns the denial of credentials for multiple international journalists and domestic civil society members to cover the elections in-country, and delays in election observation accreditation. We call on the government of Zimbabwe and all political leaders to ensure the elections are free of violence and coercion. While the United States does not support any party or candidate, we are committed to supporting the democratic process and backing Zimbabwean aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen the rule of law.

The United States has supported the people of Zimbabwe since their independence in 1980, and it continues to stand with them as they head to vote on Wednesday.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

22 August 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

** Noon Briefing Guest

Good afternoon.

Our guest today is Mamadou Dian Balde, who is UNHCR's Regional Bureau Director for the East and the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes and Regional Refugee Coordinator for the Sudan Situation.

He will be joining us briefly, in a short time, from Sudan to brief you on the challenges faced by people in the conflict there.

** Libya

Also, just to let you know that, as you all know already, Mr. [Abdoulaye] Bathily, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya, just briefed the Security Council, and he will then brief you at the stakeout. We will let you know, and it will be after we are done here.

** Sudan

Since we will have a briefing on Sudan, just to give you a bit of a broader humanitarian update, our colleagues in the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs say that they are deeply concerned about the impact of renewed fighting in several parts of the country, including South Darfur and South Kordofan.

In South Darfur's state capital, Nyala, at least 60 people have been killed and 250 injured in recent clashes. As many as 50,000 people have fled the violence. Meanwhile, ongoing fighting has prevented trucks from carrying urgently needed humanitarian relief to reach Nyala.

In Kadugli Town, in South Kordofan, our humanitarian partners report that food stocks have been almost depleted. Renewed clashes have driven more people from their homes.

We of course call on the parties in Sudan to cease hostilities and allow for the delivery of life-saving assistance to civilians.

** Democratic Republic of the Congo

Turning to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The head of the peacekeeping mission there and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Bintou Keita, today condemned in the strongest possible terms the attack that took place earlier this week in the Samboko area, in Ituri. According to initial reports, [at least] 25 civilians were killed, while several others were wounded in the attack that was allegedly carried out by the Allied [Democratic] Forces (ADF).

For several weeks now, the UN Mission and the Congolese armed forces have been carrying out a joint operation in Ituri and North Kivu, strengthening security arrangements and thwarting several attacks.

The Mission expressed its readiness to support any investigation into this latest attack, and Ms. Keita reiterated her call for an immediate end to violence against civilians by all armed groups.

** Ukraine

Turning to Ukraine, we, along with our partners, have launched an initiative appealing for $268 million to be able to support more than 1.3 million people with specific assistance in the coming winter months.

The war has severely damaged homes, energy, water, and gas infrastructure, putting millions at extreme risk during the cold season which, in Ukraine, normally starts in October and runs through March. Temperatures can drop as low as -30C.

For this winter, we and our partners will prioritize emergency repairs to homes in the front-line communities. We will also provide clothes, heating appliances and other winter supplies.

We will prioritize repairs in displacement centres and financial aid to displaced people to ensure they can pay rent or utility bills. Aid organizations will also help with repairs to ensure that municipal heating systems are working.

The response will build on efforts made during the last winter, when humanitarian organizations reached 2.2 million people with similar services and distributed over 4,000 generators amidst a severe energy crisis.

** Afghanistan

You may have seen that the UN Mission in Kabul, in Afghanistan, released a report today saying that it has recorded credible reports of serious human rights violations by the de facto Taliban authorities against hundreds of former Government officials and former armed forces members. The report, which covers the period from the Taliban takeover on 15 August 2021 to 30 June 2023, documented at least 800 incidents of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrest and detention, torture and ill-treatment and enforced disappearances carried out against individuals affiliated with the former Government and security forces.

The Mission noted that this came despite an announcement by the [de facto] authorities of a "general amnesty" for former Government officials and former members of the Afghan Defense and national security forces.

More information is online.

** Middle East

Also, from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in a press release, a statement issued today, the Resident Coordinator, Lynn Hastings, warned about the precarious situation some of the 1.3 million children that are returning to school this month.

In the first six months of this year, more than 423 incidents impacting Palestinian children and their education were recorded. Three schools were demolished by the Israeli authorities in the last 12 months.

Her statement includes grim figures on child fatalities on both sides, recalling that safe access to education is a fundamental right to all children.

** Rohingya Refugees

This week marks the sixth anniversary  six years  since over 700,000 Rohingya women, men and children fled Myanmar to Bangladesh. They joined hundreds of thousands of other Rohingya who had previously sought refuge in the country.

As we mark this grim milestone, the UNHCR is appealing for the international community to provide financial support to sustain the humanitarian response.

UNHCR said that decreasing funds levels have led  for the first time  to the reduction of refugees' food assistance.

Humanitarian agencies have appealed for $876 million this year to assist some 1.47 million people, including Rohingya refugees and their host communities. However, as of mid-August, funds were only provided to about 28.9 per cent [of the people on need].

** Victims of Acts of Violence

And lastly, today is the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.

In his message, the Secretary-General underscores that freedom of religion and belief is an inalienable human right, yet people and communities face intolerance, discrimination and threats to their places of worship.

He urges everyone to speak out against hate and incitement to violence.

** Questions and Answers

Spokesman : Edith Lederer?

Question : Thank you, Steph. The end of last week, you had said that the envoy from West Africa, Mr. Santos Simao, was going to Niger. We never heard anything about his trip. Can you tell us what he did and who he talked to? And today, the African Union suspended Niger.

Spokesman : Yes. He spent about 24 hours on the ground, met with some military officials and others. His office did put out a press release early yesterday morning, which we'll send too, which will have a bit more details.

Question : And a second question on a totally different subject. The Turkish President and the Foreign Minister today have strongly criticized the United Nations calling it biased for criticizing the attack on UN peacekeepers by Turkish Cypriots trying to construct a road in the buffer zone in Cyprus. Does the Secretary-General have any reaction?

Spokesman : First of all, I think that some of the statements were made as far as I understand in reaction to the statement issued by the Security Council, which is not for me to comment on.

Question : That is true. But the Secretary-General...

Spokesman : I know. However, I did see some comments regarding the activities of peacekeepers. We, of course, stand by the work of the peacekeeping mission in Cyprus. The peacekeepers in Cyprus acted in accordance with their mandate. And I think the Secretary-General was very clear in condemning the assault against those peacekeepers. As we condemn clearly any assault against any UN peacekeeper serving around the world. And we reiterate once again our long-standing call on the parties to refrain from taking any unilateral action that can raise tensions or compromise efforts to find a mutually accepted way forward in Cyprus.

Toshi, and then Benno.

Question : Thank you, Stephane. I have a question on Japanese Government decision to discharge order from Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant. I know there is a IAEA report, but there has been concerns from local fishing industry, and as well as the neighbouring countries. How do you think Japanese Government should deal with those concerns?

Spokesman : Look, as far as the situation regarding the release around Fukushima, the only UN involvement is the technical assessment done by the only UN agency that has the technical capacity and oversight on this and that's the IAEA. And we defer to them on their decision. They've made the recommendation and I would refer you to IAEA. I don't have any specific comment on the activities or the policies of the Japanese Government.

Benno Schwinghammer?

Question : My question is about the wildfires in Greece. 18 bodies have been found today, and initial reports suggest that they may have been migrants. Do you have any comment?

Spokesman : Let me put it this way. It is horrific that people die in a wildfire regardless of who those people are. The wildfires themselves, we're seeing all over the world right now. We saw them in places where they rarely happen such as Hawaii. We're seeing them ongoing in Canada. We're seeing in Tenerife. We're seeing record temperatures throughout Southern Europe, yet another manifestation of the deadly impact of climate change.

Yvonne, and then Dezhi.

Question : Thanks, Steph. The Kenyan reconnaissance mission is going on in Haiti this week. They'll be meeting UN representatives on the ground, I believe. What will they be discussing? And can you give us a readout about those?

Spokesman : Sure. In fact, they met yesterday with our colleagues in the political office in BINUH with the Kenyan delegation. From our part, we briefed them on the mission's mandate and more specifically on the support that the UN provides the Haitian National Police Force. It's pretty straightforward. This is, as far as we understand it, an initial mission for a non-UN multinational police force. I think it's only normal that they speak to us. We explain to them the situation as we see it. What we are already doing with the police force, it's very important that whatever force gets deployed while not a UN force has an understanding of what the UN has already done and what the UN's mandate is.

Dezhi?

Question : Just to follow-up on the Japanese Government's decision to dump the water. You just mentioned that the IAEA report. The IAEA reports even said that they are not responsible for this. It's Japanese Government's decision to do that. So we know that the Secretary-General actually said a lot about the water safety. Just now, Paulina even said it's a safety issue and water related issue. Should this be concerned by the Secretary-General, the decision by the Japanese Government? Because this is going to be a three decades long operation.

Spokesman : Look, what I can tell you is that in terms of making an assessment from the UN standpoint, the competent authority on this is the IAEA. The UN system is rather large. Different agencies have different competencies from health to nuclear related issues, to postal issues, to intellectual property. Different agencies have different competencies. On this issue, it is the competency of the IAEA. They are doing the work. And I think if you have questions as to how they came to that assessment, or what it means, I think that should be directed to them.

Question : So, technically speaking, if Japan started to dump the water into the sea, there's no borders of the sea. Should Japan first get agreement with other countries on this?

Spokesman : Again, I have nothing more to say on this at this point.

Okay. We shall welcome our guest... Are you in Port Sudan?

Question : Yes. Iftikhar here.

Spokesman : Oh, sorry. Before we go to the guest, we have one more question. Iftikhar, go ahead, please. Sorry.

Question : Okay. Can you hear me?

Spokesman : I assume you're not in Port Sudan, Iftikhar.

Question : Regarding this disturbing report you read about Afghanistan, does the Secretary-General have a comment on that? And secondly, will there be any action at the United Nations?

Spokesman : Well, our reaction is really to support and echo what Volker Turk has said on this issue, which is for the de facto authorities to very carefully look at this report, consider the findings, and to uphold their obligations under international law, and to hold those people who've committed what could potentially be these crimes, to be held to account.

Question : Thank you.

Spokesman : Okay. Thank you. We will now go to our guest who's been very patient. Mamadou, can you hear us?

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






2-7 CAV troopers test new Javelin missile system at Yuma

By Chief Warrant Officer 4 Steven M. Melvin, U.S. Army Operational Test CommandAugust 23, 2023

YUMA PROVING GROUND, Arizona -- Thirty-nine Cavalry Troopers from Fort Cavazos, Texas just completed training and testing on the Army's newest anti-tank missile system.

Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Regiment (Ghost), 3rd Brigade (Grey Wolf), 1st Cavalry Division, immediately began New Equipment Training (NET) on the Javelin Lightweight Command Launch Unit (LW CLU), to learn commonalities of the existing system, differences in functionality, and improvements to lethality.

Infantryman Staff Sgt. Tom Magsino, 30, from San Diego, California, a Weapons Squad Leader said, "We had a lot of privates that just got to us that have never been to NTC (National Training Center), have never been on the 240, or other heavy weapons systems, and yeah, it's very easy."

"The way they [New Equipment Training Team] had the class, they made it very easy."

Spc. Julian Martinez, 25, from Corpus Christi, Texas praised the training.

"It was honestly some of the best training I have ever had," he said about the 40-hour block of classroom and hands-on instruction given to the Soldiers before the field scenarios began.

Cpl. Collin Iadarola, 20, from Bossier City, Louisiana said, "Me personally  when I go back to my unit  we were able to keep the binder and flashdrive. I'll definitely start making classes for the weapons squad and even the whole platoon."

Major differences between the previous Block 1 Command Launch Unit and the new LW CLU were easily noticeable to the Soldiers.

"In the lightweight you can tell a major difference; you can scan out farther with higher clarity. Everything was crystal clear. It is like watching television in high definition as opposed to TV in the 90s," said Magsino.

Once complete with training, the troopers were tested in a crawl-walk-run method to ensure all operational data is collected on the weapon system, as well as user integration with the new piece of equipment.

Grey Wolf troopers conducted dry runs focusing on detection, recognition, and identification using the new LW CLU followed by high intensity motorized battle drills featuring realistic near-peer threat vehicles, a unique capability Yuma Proving Ground provides.

Soldiers could easily notice the increased range and clarity of the LW CLU's optics.

"The LW CLU is far superior, much easier to detect, identify, and engage targets at much farther distances from the Block 1," said Iadarola.

"I am 100 percent confident to detect and identify targets," he added. "You can tell how many tires it has, sometimes lettering on the side, suspension, turret size, track size; it's far superior to Block 1."

All the Cav Troopers said they were impressed the LW CLU's imaging improvements over the old system.

Increased zoom was far from the only improved feature of the LW CLU.

Martinez said, "The autofocus was a HUGE, HUGE help. I hit the autofocus button and boom, perfect. It takes away about 5 seconds of my time doing what I need to do."

Iadarola echoed similar praise.

"I use that autofocus every time I picked up the LW CLU," he said. "It really does save time and save a lot of energy, especially with the lack of sleep and tiredness, you can just hit that button to save time and win the battle."

The lightweight CLU isn't just in name, but in practice can easily be transported and deployed via rucksack in a matter of 15-20 seconds according to the Soldiers.

Magsino recalled all the gear he must pack, like a top and bottom shirt and a couple pairs of socks, along with the old system.

"You can probably fit it in an assault pack verses the Block 1 where it can barely fit in a ruck by itself," he said. "It would still be very difficult to pack it in and take it out of the ruck."

"It is so much lighter and much more compact and smaller than the Block 1," added Iadarola, "so it's easier to travel and maneuver through the combat zone."

Ergonomics and comfort built into the new system had all three soldiers mentioning the upgraded and redesigned hand positions and controls which give relief when holding the system while on mission.

"It's a much more natural position to hold for long periods of time," said Magsino.

"I found a lot of comfortable positions with the lightweight CLU," said Iadarola. "It's not as fatiguing as the Block 1."

Col. Jonathan S. Bender, Director, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command said, "The original Javelin CLU system came out in 1995. The LW CLU update is the first major update to the system in over 25 years and this update will probably form the basis for the system for the next 25 years.

"Our Soldiers and our partner nations will be able to leverage this system in future peer to peer conflict and will give us and our allies the potential advantage in those conflicts."

All the fast-paced, high intensity battle drills, culminating with a live-fire exercise, had the Troopers pumped and ready to go.

"I knew I was going to hit that target [a T-72 main battle tank]," said Iadarola. "I could've squinted my eyes and not even thought about it and still hit it."

Martinez said, "It was dope. It was a sight to see," of the live-fire shoot.

The test unit ensured the Army has the most lethal, effective, and efficient equipment to ensure victory in current and future battles.

"The ability of the Army to leverage Soldiers in testing gives us a way to ensure we are not putting a system or platform out to the force that they get and immediately find something wrong and lose confidence in," Bender said.

"Soldier feedback in our testing will ensure we are on the right track in the acquisition of new equipment and weapons systems."

Martinez said he had no previous experience with Javelin before his trip to Yuma Proving Ground, and after being taught basic skills, he became confident with the Lightweight CLU.

With a slight smile, Iadarola said, "It's in the name, Lightweight CLU. Lighter, easier on the back. I'd pick it over the Block 1 any day."

"I feel like anyone who uses the Block 1 and is pretty proficient is gonna be even happier with this [LW CLU]," Magsino added. "It's definitely gonna be changing history for sure."

~~

About the U.S. Army Operational Test Command:

As the Army's only independent operational tester, OTC tests Army, joint, and multi-service warfighting systems in realistic operational environments, using typical Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable. OTC is required by public law to test major systems before they are fielded to its ultimate customer  the American Soldier.

The Maneuver Test Directorate, based at West Fort Cavazos, Texas, is OTC's lead directorate for conducting independent operational testing of Infantry, Armor, and robotic systems to inform acquisition and fielding decisions for the Army and select joint Warfighting systems. Poised, ready, and always able, MTD is the "go to" test directorate to provide Army Futures Command and senior Army leadership with truthful test feedback they need to make informed decisions as to what capabilities will be brought to bear against future adversaries in a Multi-Domain Battle environment

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






CENTCOM Commander Visits Syrian Camps

U.S. Central Command

USCENTCOM

Aug 23, 2023

Release Number 20230823-01

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, Fla.  On August 21, General Michael "Erik" Kurilla, commander of U.S. Central Command, traveled to Syria where he visited the al-Hol and al-Roj Displaced Persons Camps in northeast Syria. These visits involved interactions with camp administrators, as well as camp residents themselves, to observe first hand the current humanitarian conditions, continued improvements in camp security, and repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration efforts to return residents to their countries of origin.

"Our continuing multi-national 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," said General Kurilla. "The United States, SDF, and the Global Coalition remain focused and committed on the enduring defeat of ISIS while addressing the humanitarian and security challenges at camps in northeast Syria."

During this trip, General Kurilla also met with Syrian Democratic Forces and discussed the ongoing campaign to defeat ISIS and continuing humanitarian assistance efforts in the region.







NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Thailand: Statement by the High Representative on the election of Srettha Thavisin as Prime Minister

European External Action Service (EEAS)

23.08.2023

EEAS Press Team

The European Union (EU) congratulates Srettha Thavisin on his election as the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand following the general election which took place on 14 May 2023.

The EU looks forward to working closely with the Royal Thai Government to reinforce further EU-Thailand relations in support of the rules-based international order, regional stability, sustainable development, democracy and human rights, prosperity, and free and fair trade.

The EU-Thailand Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, signed in December 2022, provides the opportunity to deepen our cooperation across all these areas of common interest. The European Union looks forward to its early implementation under the new administration.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Israel/Palestine: Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest terror attacks

European External Action Service (EEAS)

23.08.2023

EEAS Press Team

The European Union is appalled by the two terror attacks on Saturday and Monday in the occupied West Bank that claimed the lives of three Israeli civilians and left another person injured. We express our condolences to the families of the victims. The EU strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms.

The European Union is gravely concerned by the continuing wave of violence in Israel and in the occupied West Bank, that is causing the loss of both Israeli and Palestinian lives. The EU has repeatedly expressed its concerns about the increasingly high number of casualties of the violence this year. We call on all parties to de-escalate the situation and refrain from actions that could increase the cycle of violence.



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






EU activates new Humanitarian Air Bridge to Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

European Commission

Press release

23 August 2023

Brussels

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Sikorsky, PTDI sign Agreement for Indonesian Black Hawks

WASHINGTON, D.C., Aug. 23, 2023 -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE: LMT), announced today the signing of an agreement with Indonesian aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) to enter into a strategic partnership to pursue a sales agreement of up to 24 Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk helicopters for the Republic of Indonesia.

"This agreement demonstrates our mutual interest with PTDI to provide S-70M Black Hawk helicopters to serve Indonesia's security needs," said Jeff White, vice president of Global Business Development at Sikorsky. "The Black Hawk is designed and built to the toughest military standards, and it can quickly and reliably deliver personnel and supplies to geographically-dispersed populations across a large archipelagic area such as Indonesia."

The agreement was finalized during Indonesian Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto's visit to the U.S. to meet with defense and industry officials in support of Indonesia's military modernization and interoperability efforts.

"We are confident that this strategic cooperation between PTDI and Lockheed Martin will result in added values gained for PTDI's capability in integration, customization, modification and system upgrade for the helicopter's completion," said Gita Amperiawan, President Director at PTDI. "In addition, with the opportunity to become an official Sikorsky supplier, PTDI will also be able to expand its aerostructure business."

Built at Lockheed Martin's PZL Mielec facility in Poland, the highly sought after S-70M Black Hawk has earned its standing as the trusted utility aircraft for operators worldwide, featuring unmatched multi-mission versatility and military-grade airworthiness capable of operating in extreme weather conditions, day or night.

About PT Dirgantara Indonesia

PT Dirgantara Indonesia, also known as PTDI is one of the indigenous aerospace company in Asia with core competences in aircraft design, development and test, aircraft structure manufacturing, aircraft production, and aircraft services for both civilian and military. Since established in August 1976, under the auspices of the Ministry of State Owned Enterprises, we have successfully developed and grown our capability as an aerospace industry by delivering more than 460 units of aircraft to many customers all around the globe. Learn more at www.indonesian-aerospace.com.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Digital Frontlines: The Marines' Battle in the Virtual Trenches of Cyber Flag 23-2

US Marine Corps News

23 Aug 2023 | Cpl. Oneg Plisner Defense Media Activity

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) -- To safeguard virtual spaces that house national secrets, power our daily lives, and influence global interactions, the United States Marine Corps remains proactive by being at the forefront of this battle. This was highlighted by the Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group and Marine Corps Cyberspace Operations Battalion's participation in this year's Cyber Flag event.

"Nowadays, normal is technology," said Sgt. Michael Rodriguez, a Defensive Cyberspace Operator with the Marine Corps Cyberspace Warfare Group. He paints a vivid picture of our everyday dependence on digital infrastructure. "Remember whenever we had a toilet paper shortage, imagine that happening but with dairy products or beef and chicken. People not being able to get their food or not being able to communicate with people, everything could turn to anarchy real quick."

According to Michael Fanning, a network analyst, "The Cyber Flag event is a training event where we come together, and it's really a way to test the team." The event is split into teams called "cells." The red cell tries to breach the network, and the blue cell identifies and stops these attempts. "So once we find [the breaches] on Friday, we talk to the red team, and we went through some of the things they did," he shared.

Rodriguez elaborates on the real-world implications of their work. "Basically, cybersecurity," he explains, discussing his specialty in defensive operations. Their goal is to detect malicious activity on Marine Corps-related networks. "We know for a fact that they're going to be on there," he says, referencing the guaranteed threats in the training environment.

Fanning emphasizes the broader importance of the event, "It happens all the time. Not only when you go home knowing what is being collected, but how to defend yourself against it." The implications of a cyber-attack can be significant, affecting national security and the economy. "The new mindset is not when we get attacked; it's how soon can we realize that we're already compromised."

While the exercise is about simulated scenarios, its real value lies in collaboration. Fanning highlights working with international allies, recalling, "I went overseas, working with the Army as well over to Albania, and then even with this team, we actually went over to Korea." Rodriguez also speaks of joint operations with other military branches, emphasizing the significance of communication in cybersecurity.

The comprehensive training these experts receive, like the Joint Cyber Analysis Course in Pensacola, Florida, covers the evolution of technology. Rodriguez and his peers are trained to respond swiftly to breaches, isolating and analyzing affected machines in a virtual "sandbox."

Fanning walks through his daily tasks, starting by checking for alerts. "The first thing I do is I log on, and I make sure there are no alerts that have been generated." His team establishes a baseline of normal network activity, ensuring genuine threats are identified. "Once I get through alerts, I'll go through, and I use the intelligence that we were given based off of what the threat is."

Speaking of the broader value of the Cyber Flag event, Fanning notes, "It trains us. It's not every day you find a compromise. So getting that experience of actually hunting and finding something builds confidence."

Every event offers lessons. Rodriguez admits to their challenges, stating, "Now we can go back to the drawing board, see where we didn't think of the full picture, and try to put those implementations into our plan." He highlights the Marine Corps' adaptability and says, "We're expeditionary. We go everywhere the Marine Corps tells us to go."

As our reliance on digital technology grows, so does the importance of events like Cyber Flag. They train our defense experts and highlight the ever-evolving nature of threats in the digital age. The Cyber Flag event encapsulates the ever-evolving world of cyber defense, where vigilance, collaboration, and continuous learning are the keys to safeguarding our digital realm. Through the dedicated efforts of individuals like Fanning, Rodriguez, the MCCYWG, and MCCOB teams, our virtual borders remain secure, as the heartbeat of cyber defense keeps pace with the ever-evolving digital threats.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hun Manet sworn in as Cambodia's new prime minister

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:07, August 23, 2023

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Srettha Thavisin elected as Thailand's new prime minister

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:09, August 23, 2023

BANGKOK, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Srettha Thavisin, a candidate backed by Thailand's Pheu Thai-led coalition, was elected as the country's new prime minister (PM) on Tuesday after winning a simple majority in a parliamentary vote.

Srettha was the only candidate nominated to be the new prime minister during the parliamentary session on Tuesday. After a roll call vote that lasted nearly three hours, Vice President of the National Assembly Pornpetch Wichitcholchai announced that Srettha received 482 votes of support out of the 728 votes cast during the joint sitting of the upper and lower houses, more than the simple majority required for the parliament to approve him to be the new prime minister.

He will be pending formal appointment by Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn to become the prime minister of the Southeast Asian country.

The 60-year-old Srettha, who previously headed Thailand's property giant Sansiri, joined politics only before the election and became one of the PM candidates of the Pheu Thai party.

"I will perform my duties to the best of my ability and I will work tirelessly to improve the livelihood of all Thais," he told reporters at the Pheu Thai's headquarters.

Srettha said in a social media post last week that he joined politics in order to help the country's development and its economy, vowing to tackle poverty and inequality in an effort to deliver better lives for the people.

Tuesday's voting result paved the way for the Pheu Thai Party and its alliance to form a new government and ended weeks of political stalemate since the election in May.

The Pheu Thai Party came second in the May election after the Move Forward Party. It initially supported Move Forward Party leader Pita Limjaroenrat as prime minister, but pulled out after Pita failed to secure necessary support in the previous two bicameral sittings of the Thai parliament.

Ahead of the PM vote on Tuesday, the Pheu Thai Party announced an 11-party alliance on Monday to form a new government, which includes major parties in the outgoing government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






BRICS leaders agree on expansion, set to announce guidelines

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 6:29 PM

Leaders of the BRICS bloc of leading emerging economies have agreed on mechanisms for considering new members, giving dozens of interested nations a path into the organization, according to South Africa's foreign minister.

"We have agreed on the matter of expansion," Naledi Pandor said on Wednesday, following a meeting of BRICS leaders at the grouping's 15th summit in Johannesburg.

"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," she added.

Pandor said that the bloc's leaders would make an announcement on expansion before the summit concludes on Thursday.

The group consists of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. These countries collectively represent around 40% of the global population and a quarter of the world's gross domestic product (GDP).

Despite differing economic and political priorities among its current members, as well as rivalry between China and India, there appears to be a general agreement among the five states that expansion of the group should be considered.

Discussions on expansion of the group have been top on the agenda of the meetings in Johannesburg.

"The world is undergoing major shifts, division and regrouping ... it has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation," said China's President Xi Jinping at the summit on Wednesday.

"Development is an inalienable right of all countries. It is not a privilege reserved for a few," he told the summit earlier on Wednesday.

Agreement on expansion could help lend global clout to BRICS. The bloc operates on a consensus-based decision-making process. This means that all existing members must reach an agreement before new members can be admitted.

The potential expansion of BRICS, known as BRICS +, aims to transform it into a geopolitical entity capable of challenging Western financial dominance.

More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, say South African officials, and 22 have formally asked to be admitted.

Iran is also among the countries that have formally applied for a BRICS membership. Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi is expected to participate in the ongoing BRICS meeting on Thursday.

In addition to giving a speech at the summit, the Iranian president will also meet with a number of leaders in attendance.

Russia and China have welcomed Iran's application and the group's expansion to include international powerhouses.

Moves to expand the bloc and push its New Development Bank as an alternative to established multilateral lenders have raised concerns in the West as BRICS member nations are contemplating shifting their economic policies away from trade denominated in US dollars within the bloc.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China backs BRICS expansion, says this can make 'global governance more just'

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 2:20 PM

China's President Xi Jinping has called for the acceleration of the expansion of the BRICS group of major emerging economies, arguing this would help the world obtain a "more just" global governance.

Xi made the remarks Wednesday while addressing the 15th summit of BRICS leaders in the South African city of Johannesburg, as leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa weigh on rules for admitting new members to the bloc more than a decade after its inception.

The Chinese president said he was glad to see that developing countries had shown great enthusiasm in participating in BRICS and many have applied to join.

"We should let more countries join the BRICS family to pool wisdom and efforts to make global governance more just and equitable," Xi said.

The bloc comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, which account for about 40% of the world's population and a quarter of global gross domestic product.

South Africa said last month that over 40 other nations have expressed interest in joining the organization, which aims to offset the hegemony of the US-led West in global affairs. Of those, 22 have formally asked to join it.

Despite diverse economic and political priorities among existing members and the rivalry between China and India, there seems to be a general consensus among the five leaders for expansion of the group in principle.

BRICS functions on a consensus-based decision-making process, meaning that all current members must agree before new members are accepted.

In the meeting, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also said India fully supports the expansion of BRICS and welcomes moving forward with consensus on this.

"We will keep working together to strengthen the voice of the global south as well," he said

He said the expansion will ensure that the world economy is growing faster than before and will continue to improve the BRICS community in developing economies and nations.

The expansion, he maintained, will address poverty, education, technology, health services, and other issues.

Russia and South Africa have already voiced support for BRICS' expansion.

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.

Iran is among dozens of countries that seek membership in BRICS and has submitted a formal application to join the body. Iranian President Ebrahim Raeisi is set to depart for South Africa to attend the event at the invitation of Ramaphosa.

Russia and China have welcomed Iran's application and the group's expansion to include international powerhouses.

In addition to expansion, BRICS members are contemplating a broader economic policy shift away from US dollar-based trade within the bloc.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






BRICS will continue talks on use of local currencies: South Africa president

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 10:45 AM

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the BRICS group of nations will continue discussions on the use of local currencies to facilitate trade and investment flows.

Ramaphosa made the remarks while opening the second day of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

Ramaphosa said the group of emerging markets stands for an equitable and multipolar world - in contrast to Western dominance.

He said there was a need for BRICS countries to advance the development interests of the Global South.

The South African president lamented that traditional financial institutions are being weaponized against the Global South and being used as "instruments of geopolitical contestation."

Russian President Vladimir Putin, who attended the summit via video link, also voiced support for greater use of national currencies in commercial transactions, saying BRICS countries should expand the number of settlements made in national currencies and interbank cooperation so they can avoid the US dollar.

Putin also said that every country has the right to defend its own traditions and plan its own models of economic development.

'Common BRICS currency'

In the meeting, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva advocated for a common BRICS currency, saying this would reduce members' vulnerabilities.

"The creation of a currency for trade and investment transactions between BRICS members increases our payment options and reduces our vulnerabilities," he said at the opening plenary of the summit in Johannesburg.

On Ukraine war: Russia blames West as Brazil voices readiness for peace efforts

Speaking on the conflict with Ukraine, Putin said the desire of several Western countries to maintain their hegemony in the world led to the crisis in Ukraine.

He said Russia's actions in this conflict were dictated only by the desire to end the war "unleashed by the West and its satellites" in Ukraine. Putin said is grateful to partnering countries in the group for attempting to resolve it.

The Brazilian president said they were ready to join efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine, calling for an immediate cease-fire and peace.

He said the Ukrainian war also showed the limitations of the United Nations Security Council. He added that many other conflicts in the world did not receive the due attention and caused massive suffering for its people.

Lula called on the BRICS nations to lead the process of peace initiatives throughout the world, warning of a second Cold War should hegemony continue.

"Everyone and all nations deserve to live in peace. The quest for peace is a collective effort," he said.

He also added that it was very difficult for some nations to fight climate change when many countries were still fighting poverty, hunger and other challenges.

Need for closer political, security coop.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the BRICS nations should expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquillity throughout the world as the geopolitical situation was getting "intense".

Xi said the world entered a new era of turbulence and called on the BRICS family to remain united and be ready to play a vital role in helping to stabilize the world.

"Development is not a privilege of a few but should be spread around so all can benefit," he said.

The BRICS Summit 2023, which started on Tuesday, is expected to be attended by over 40 heads of state, scores of government representatives, as well as local and international dignitaries and summit delegates.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Philippine officials release footage of sea standoff, as senator pushes for inquiry

Videos show China Coast Guard ships trying to cordon off boats in a Philippine resupply convoy.

By BenarNews staff 2023.08.23 -- A senator called Wednesday for an inquiry into how the Philippines could strengthen control of its South China Sea territory, 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 People's Republic of China had continued to militarize portions of the West Philippine Sea, despite international condemnation. Manila uses that name for South China Sea waters that lie within its territory.

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 country's maritime zones, particularly the West Philippine Sea."

China's actions, she said, had led to an "unprecedented challenge to the Philippine Coast Guard's primary mission of enforcing Philippine law, maintaining the country's sovereignty and upholding vital national interests.

In Beijing on Wednesday, China's 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.

Tuesday's 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 China's 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.

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 don't need permission from the People's 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.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Chinese mining firm demands ransom to free Lao gold diggers

The detentions have sparked an outcry on social media.

By RFA Lao 2023.08.23 -- 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.

"We're still investigating the issue along with officials from other sectors," he said. "We're 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 gold, but little of the wealth it generated has benefited the local community, residents said.

Villagers told RFA that this isn't 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.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Hollow Visit: Gorno-Badakhshan Not In Welcoming Mood For Tajik President On First Visit Since Bloody Clampdown

By RFE/RL's Tajik Service August 23, 2023

The streets of Khorugh were half-empty and businesses were forced to close during Tajik President Emomali Rahmon's recent trip to the remote city, the capital of the restive Gorno-Badakhshan region.

Rahmon's unannounced visit from August 15-18 marked his first to the region since at least 34 people were killed in Dushanbe's 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 president's 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 government's takeover of some of Agha Khan [Development] Network's properties," the journalist said on condition of anonymity.

The reporter was referring to Tajikistan's 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-Badakhshan's 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 Rahmon's agenda at the last minute, according to RFE/RL sources.

Rahmon was expected to visit Rushon, one of the epicenters of last year's violence. But the trip didn't 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 president's 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 don't know if the rumors were true, but Rahmon's 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 year's 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 Rahmon's itinerary. The local government reported on several new entities being officially launched during the president's visit, though he was notably absent from some of them.

In contrast, Rahmon's 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 president's 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 president's website called "activists in Gorno-Badakhshan."

Rahmon praised development and investments in the area and claimed his government is committed to improving people's lives in Gorno-Badakhshan.

But he made no mention of the violence last year or the arrests, killings, and persecution that followed the protests.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tajikistan-gorno-badakhshan- rahmon-visit-violence-security/32561814.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Georgia Condemns Medvedev's Comments On Annexing Breakaway Regions

By RFE/RL's Georgian Service August 23, 2023

Tbilisi condemned as "completely unacceptable" comments by former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that the two Georgian breakaway territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia could be formally annexed by Moscow "if there are good reasons."

Medvedev, currently the deputy chairman of the Security Council of Russia, wrote in an opinion piece published on August 23 in the Argumenty i Fakty newspaper that Georgia taking a step such as joining NATO could be such a trigger.

"This is unequivocally a categorically unacceptable statement that we heard from the representative of the state that has occupied the territories of Georgia," Mikheil Sarjveladze, a member of the parliament from the Georgian Dream party, said in a statement on behalf of the government in response to Medvedev's comments.

Georgia and Russia fought a war in 2008 over the breakaway territories -- which declared their intention to become independent from Tbilisi when Georgia declared its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 -- and Moscow continues to prop them up.

Tensions between the two countries have further soared since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine last year, which prompted hundreds of thousands of Russians to flee their country -- many of them ending up in Georgia.

Ill will linked to the growing Russian presence in Georgia spiked at the end of July when a Russian cruise ship -- with some outspoken war supporters among the onboard entertainers -- made a port call at the resort city of Batumi and was greeted by nationalist protesters, some of whom threw eggs at them.

Medvedev, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin who has been one of the most virulent -- and sometimes most outlandish -- defenders of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, said in his article that if concerns about Georgia's possible membership in the Western military alliance grow in Moscow, the annexation of the territories "could quite possibly be implemented if there are good reasons for that."

"We will not wait if our concerns become closer to reality," Medvedev wrote.

Georgia is not currently a member of NATO but was promised by the military alliance in 2008 to be admitted in the future.

The year 2008 was also when, while serving as Russia's president, Medvedev signed the decrees that recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, leading to their separation from Georgia. Most members of the United Nations have refused to recognize the two regions as independent.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Georgian government has strived to maintain a balanced relationship with Russia.

It has stated support for Ukraine and condemned Russia's invasion but hasn't joined economic sanctions imposed on Moscow by many Western countries.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-medvedev-comments-georgia- abkhazia-south-ossetia-annexation/32561779.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Afghan Media Watchdog Calls For The Release Of Detained Iranian Photojournalist

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi August 23, 2023

An Afghan press freedom organization has called for the release of an Iranian photojournalist detained by the Taliban, which has arrested around a dozen reporters over the past two weeks.

The semioffical Tasnim news agency in Iran reported on August 22 that Taliban security agents had apprehended its photojournalist, Mohammad Hossein Velayati, in Kabul three days earlier.

Velayati was reportedly detained at Kabul airport while trying to fly home after a 10-day reporting trip to the Afghan capital.

"We call for his immediate and unconditional release," the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) said on August 22.

"[We want] an end to the harassment and targeting of journalists in Afghanistan," it added.

Valayati's arrest follows a recent deterioration in relations between Tehran's clerical regime and the Taliban militants who have ruled Afghanistan since seizing power in August 2021.

Forces from the two sides clashed along their 900-kilometer-long shared border in May after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi warned the Taliban against depriving his country of its share of water from the Helmand River.

In an interview on August 22, Hassan Kazemi Qomi, the Iranian president's special envoy for Afghanistan, said his country's diplomats in Kabul were talking to the Taliban about Velayati's release.

The Taliban has not commented on the arrest.

Tasnim reported that Velayati went to Afghanistan legally and criticized the arrest of its staff member without explanation.

"Given the negative perceptions that Iranians have of the Taliban's treatment of Iranian journalists, it is expected that the group will act quickly to secure the release of the Iranian photojournalist," Tasnim said in a report.

The AFJC, however, said Velayati's whereabouts are still unknown, days after his arrest.

"This lack of information constitutes a violation of his visitation rights," the statement said. "We urge the Taliban authorities to provide an immediate update to his family and colleagues and ensure the well-being of Velayati."

The arrest follows the detention of 11 Afghan journalists in seven Afghan provinces by the Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI) this month. Global and Afghan media watchdogs have condemned the detentions and have called for their swift release.

"It is essential that [the Taliban] put an end to these arbitrary arrests and uphold the principles of press freedom and freedom of expression," the AFJC said.

Since returning to power two years ago, the Taliban has shut down independent radio stations, television studios, and newspapers.

International media and journalists, too, face severe restrictions and bans. The Taliban has banned international broadcasters and has expelled or banned several foreign correspondents from entering the country.

The ultraconservative Islamist group has also driven hundreds of Afghan journalists into exile.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/taliban-afghanistan- journalists-detained/32561629.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Selection of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin

US Department of State

Press Statement

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

August 23, 2023

The United States congratulates Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin on his selection as Thailand's next prime minister. This year, we celebrate 190 years of formal diplomatic relations, making the U.S.-Thai partnership one of our oldest relationships in the world. Together, as friends and allies, we have deepened mutual prosperity, improved security in the region, faced global public health challenges, and forged strong people-to-people ties.

We look forward to working with the Prime Minister to build on last year's U.S.-Thailand Communique on Strategic Alliance and Partnership, and to further strengthen the enduring alliance between the United States and Thailand. We will collaborate closely with the new Thai government to continue advancing our shared values and a free and open, connected, peaceful, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York

23 August 2023

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's noon briefing by Florencia Soto Nino, Associate Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

** Briefing Today

Well good afternoon, first thing is first, housekeeping note.

Once I am finished here, you will hear from the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj.

She will be here to talk to you about India's mission to the moon  which is very exciting I am sure. You all heard of it today in the news; we of course congratulate India on being the first country to land a spacecraft on the south pole of the moon. This is a great achievement, which was watched by many people around the world. As you know, this organization has taken a very keen interest in space, particularly in the peaceful uses of outer space. We wish India a greater success in its space exploration. So, you will be able to ask her all about it after we are done here.

** Secretary-General in South Africa

Today, in South Africa the Secretary-General arrived a few minutes ago in Johannesburg, where the BRICS summit is being held.

This evening he will attend a dinner hosted by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Tomorrow, the Secretary-General, at the invitation of the BRICS  as a reminder, that's Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  he will be participating in the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue sessions. And those sessions will be broadcasted live on our webcast feed.

And prior to flying back to New York, he will be holding a press briefing which will also be webcast, and I believe it's at around 2 p.m. local time [tomorrow].

** Syria

In the [Security] Council, earlier this morning, the Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pederson, briefed Council members. He said that the Syrian people  both inside and outside the country  continue to suffer acutely from the conflict in all of its dimensions, and the absence of a genuine political process is deeply detrimental to their well-being.

He added that a political process is the right of the Syrian people and the only path out of the crisis is a political process that involves the Syrian parties themselves, in line with resolution 2254.

His full remarks were shared with you.

And just to note that this afternoon Security Council will hold closed consultations on Myanmar.

** Niger

And we have a humanitarian update for you from Niger, where we, along with our partners, continue to deliver assistance across the country.

In Tahoua, in the country's south-west, humanitarians have provided medical care, reproductive health services and nutrition to over 1,000 people through mobile clinics. And last week, the World Food Programme started food distribution to more than 9,000 refugees from Mali, also in the south-west.

However, our humanitarian colleagues are warning about the consequences of the ongoing crisis on the humanitarian situation. Significant amounts of urgent medical supplies, nutritious food, equipment, and food stocks are stranded in neighbouring countries, and airspace closure affects movements in and out of Niger.

Our colleagues are stressing that humanitarian exemptions from border and air closure sanctions are urgently required to allow humanitarian stocks to be replenished. And we also have an update on the floods in the country. About 88,000 people across the country have been impacted by these floods, with the Maradi region most impacted.

We are ramping up the response and distributing sanitation kits and shelter items while assessments in newly affected areas continue. Heavy rains are forecasted to continue for the coming weeks, and it is expected to increase water levels in rivers, including in the capital Niamey.

** Mali

Turning to Mali, our peacekeeping colleagues tell us that yesterday a MINUSMA convoy came under direct attack from unidentified armed individuals, while it was en route from Gao to Menaka. The armed assailants fired shots from a distance at the convoy before retreating. Fortunately, there were no casualties among peacekeepers, and the convoy, which was supporting the withdrawal of the Mission, reached its destination without any further issue. This is the second such incident in a week of this nature.

This latest attack is another reminder of the challenges the Mission faces, as it withdraws from the country, at the request of the Malian authorities and pursuant to Council resolution 2690 (2023). The Mission is nearing the completion of implementing Phase 1 of its withdrawal plan, which entails the closure and handover of the farthest and smaller bases to the Transition Government.

Over the past weeks, the Mission has closed bases in Ogossagou, Ber and Goundam, with Menaka to follow next. And as we said before, the safety of our peacekeepers will remain a priority throughout this process.

** Sudan

Staying in the region, in Sudan our humanitarian colleagues tell us they're warning that civilian displacement is continuing at an alarming scale, as the conflict spreads to new areas. The number of people who have fled the fighting has now topped 4.5 million.

The International Organization for Migration says that more than 3.6 million people are internally displaced  that's almost 169,000 of them in the last week alone.

Meanwhile, the UN refugee agency reports that nearly 950,000 refugees, asylum seekers and returnees have sought safety outside Sudan  mostly in Chad, Egypt and South Sudan.

As hostilities in Sudan continue, hunger is also on the rise. WFP says that it has now reached 1.8 million people with food assistance since the conflict erupted in mid-April. But that's still less than 10 per cent of the 20.3 million people who are facing acute hunger.

The agency is aiming to reach some 6.7 million people by the end of the year  however, access challenges and insecurity are hampering their efforts.

** Central African Republic

In the Central African Republic, our peacekeeping colleagues inform us that starting next week, they will assist the authorities in the holding of the second criminal session of the Bangui Court of Appeal. Strengthening the rule of law and essential criminal justice services are one of the tasks that the Mission is helping with towards fighting impunity, preventing conflict and laying the foundations for peace in the country.

The Mission's support to the Court will extend to several areas, including security, transporting people under trial to the courtroom under safe conditions, as well as protecting victims and witnesses, particularly in cases of sexual violence.

** Ukraine

And now going to Ukraine, the Humanitarian Coordinator, Denise Brown, has condemned a new wave of attacks on nearly half of Ukraine's regions over the past 24 hours. According to local authorities, grain storage facilities, vital for farmers and global food security, have been hit in the Danube area.

In the Sumy region, a school was damaged, and teachers were killed and injured according to national authorities.

Our partners on the ground tell us that in the Kherson region, civilians endured hours of relentless strikes that damaged a hospital and forced aid organizations to suspend vital assistance and take shelter during the day, and that was yesterday.

** Tropical Storm Franklin

Finally, I'm sure you've seen reports that the Tropical Storm Franklin made landfall along the southern coast of the Dominican Republic this morning, bringing torrential rains to the country and to neighbouring Haiti. We are 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.

However, our colleagues are also warning that insecurity in regions affected by gang violence might create access challenges.

For its part, the World Food Programme is working to plan for potential humanitarian food needs and has also prepositioned 120 metric tons of food in a newly constructed operations base in Miragoane.

** Slave Trade and Its Abolition

And finally, today is the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

The Secretary-General noted that the impact of the slave trade remains visible in today's racial injustices and inequalities, and he underscored that ending slavery's legacy of racism is a global imperative.

And there is no quiz today because we got no money today. So, with that I will do my best to answer your questions.

** Questions and Answers

Associate Spokesperson : Edie.

Question : Thank you very much. The Taliban has banned girls who have been awarded scholarships to study in the United Arab Emirates from boarding planes to go to Dubai. Does the Secretary-General have any comment on this denial of education?

Associate Spokesperson : I think we've been pretty clear on this issue. We recently had various people come to brief you about marking the second year that the Taliban has been systematically taking rights away from women and girls. And education is one of those essential rights that is crucial and that women are entitled to, and are not just entitled to, but they are owed as part of their human rights. And that also affects not just them individually, but the whole country as a society. And I think what we will continue to be doing is to call on the de facto authorities to uphold their obligations under international law. And we will continue to advocate for the rights of women, because Afghanistan cannot develop without their full participation. And it's really heartbreaking that women who want to exercise these rights are being prevented from doing so.

Yes. Yes, Kristen.

Question : You said that the... Just some clarification on the Secretary-General's movements at the BRICS summit. You said there's a 2 p.m. local time press that would be tomorrow, obviously, I guess, 2 p.m. conference... [cross-talk]

Associate Spokesperson : Tomorrow. Yeah. So he just landed today. Tomorrow, he will be speaking at the session, and that is happening I can tell you...

Question : Could you mention what the sessions were again?

Associate Spokesperson : Yes. So he will be talking at the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue. This is all scheduled to happen between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. local time. And I think you can already go on webcast and see that there's a link for those.

Question : Okay.

Associate Spokesperson : And then the press briefing is actually, I think I said 2 p.m., but it's actually 1:50 p.m. So 10 minutes before, 1:50 p.m. tomorrow, local time.

Question : In South Africa. Okay.

Associate Spokesperson : Yeah.

Question : And my actual question is, the Secretary-General has called for revamping the financial system, called for a new Bretton Woods and so on. Does he support BRICS's efforts to reduce reliance on the US dollar? And is that something that he's going to be talking about when he's there?

Associate Spokesperson : I think his message has been very clear on these restructuring. While he might not get into the nitty-gritty and at this granularity, and obviously, he wouldn't tell blocks of countries what to do. What he has been asking for, is for a more, you know, an international financial system that is actually fair and that gives access to finance to a lot of countries that are missing out of it and that really need it. All these middle-income countries, least developed countries that really need debt financing and that need financing for issues like the climate crisis or issues that transitioning to renewables. So, I think the general message is the system needs to change. And he has been clear about that for a long time. I'm sure he will reiterate that while he's there, but I wouldn't go into the more specifics of how countries go about it.

Question : In terms of promoting local currencies as the New Development Bank is calling for planning to do and promoting. Has he taken a position on that?

Associate Spokesperson : Nothing to add at this point.

Question : Okay. Thank you.

Associate Spokesperson : Yes, Yvonne?

Question : Thank you. My question is on whether the Secretary-General has any response to the Brazilian President Lula da Silva's comments at BRICS, in which he said that Russia's war against Ukraine reveals the limitations of the United Nations Security Council and promoting peace in the world. Does the SG agree?

Associate Spokesperson : I think what I could just refer you to is what the Secretary-General has said in the past about the Security Council. He's been asked this question many times. And I think we've always said the Security Council works best when it is unified and acts with unity. And, of course, this conflict has brought to light the problems of what happens when it is not unified. And I don't think it's a secret that the Secretary-General has said many times that there need to be changes in Security Council reform, but this has to be brought about by Member States.

Yes, Abdelhamid?

Question : Thank you. There are 23 countries applying to join BRICS. Does the Secretary-General have any opinion on expansion of BRICS?

Associate Spokesperson : We have no opinion on BRICS or any other group of countries, any other grouping that is not the UN, so.

Question : Okay. My second question. Today it was revealed in Israel that they have a plan to expand the number of settlers in the occupied West Bank to a million settlers. Are you aware of this report? And what is your position on this large number of settlers taking over the West Bank?

Associate Spokesperson : Well, I have not seen this specific report. Of course, our position against settlements remains unchanged. We've been very firm in saying that they are illegal. And I think if I would refer you to [Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process] Tor Wennesland's statement yesterday where he once again condemns the expansion of these.

Question : I want to refer to his statement, Tor Wennesland, in which he treated the settlers as civilians. He condemned killing what he called father and son in Hawara. Those are settlers who are carrying guns, and he treated them just like civilian, and he called that terrorism. I want to know when the United Nations has changed policy and started treating the settlers as just normal civilian people.

Associate Spokesperson : I think I would encourage you to ask that question to Tor Wennesland himself. Thank you. Over there, please.

Question : Hi. Thank you. So I have a few questions, but they're all related.

Associate Spokesperson : About the what? Sorry?

Question : Mr. Geir Pederson, this morning, said...

Associate Spokesperson : Yes.

Question : They had contact with ASTANA players, Western players, and Arab players. What that means? Like, are they going to create a new platform for Syria peace or, like, what that means? And the following question is, is the UN also going to be in touch with SDF for this new, I think, whatever you called it? And then the last one is, what was the Turkish response to this contact?

Associate Spokesperson : Okay. On the last thing, I would just encourage you to ask our Turkish colleagues on that. We can't really speak for them. And let me check with you on the other two. I would just refer you right now to what he said in his statement. I don't have anything further, but I will check. Yes.

Did you have a question? Oh, you have the same? Any other questions? No. Okay. So I'll see you tomorrow, and I hope I'll have more details for you on the Secretary-General at BRICS.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taliban Reportedly Stop 100 Afghan Female Students From Flying to UAE for Studies

By Ayaz Gul August 23, 2023

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 [won't] 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Putin, Xi Slam West at BRICS Summit

By Kate Bartlett August 23, 2023

China and Russia used the second day of the BRICS Summit of emerging economies to criticize the West, while also throwing their support behind the proposed expansion of what's seen by some as an alternative power bloc.

The leaders of Brazil, India, and China are all in South Africa  which is hosting the event  while Russian President Vladimir Putin is participating virtually to avoid arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant over war crimes in Ukraine.

Via video link, Putin  who ordered Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year  said the West's actions had led to that conflict by trying to "promote their hegemony," "exceptionalism," and policies of "neo-colonialism."

"Our actions in Ukraine are guided by only one thing, to put an end to the war that was unleashed by the West," said Putin, speaking through a translator.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Brazil and South Africa stressed the need for a peaceful solution to the Ukraine war  though there were no words of criticism for Moscow.

For his part, Chinese leader Xi Jinping noted the world was undergoing major shifts and had entered a new period of "turbulence and transformation." He blamed countries that form "exclusive blocs" for the problems.

"The cold war mentality is still haunting our world and the geopolitical situation is getting tense," he said through a translator.

Xi had baffled China-watchers the day before by failing to turn up when the leaders each made a first-day address, instead sending his commerce minister to fill in for him.

Paul Nantulya, a researcher at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, said one could only speculate.

"What I think is happening is there are some headwinds back home in China ...which are upsetting the domestic dynamic, and I think something must have erupted that required the president's attention," he said.

In other developments, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threw his support behind the group expanding, after reports India was only lukewarm about the idea.

High on the agenda of this summit is possible expansion of the BRICS group  with Argentina, Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia among the countries that have applied to join.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also expressed support for expansion. However, he said BRICS must not aim to rival the U.S., and Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, also stressed BRICS was not in opposition to anyone.

"While firmly committed to advance the interests of the Global South, BRICS stands ready to collaborate with all countries that aspire to create a more inclusive international order," he said.

Another theme of the summit is de-dollarization and a move towards greater use of the BRICS currencies. Xi said he would like to see reform of the international financial system.

The summit concludes Thursday, with a final statement from the group expected.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 23 August 2023 - Day 546

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that as of mid-August 2023, Russian forces were continuing to employ pontoon bridges at Chonhar and Henichesk crossing points on the border between southern Ukraine and occupied Crimea. 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 resulting bottlenecks mean Russian forces are partially reliant on a long diversion via Armiansk, northern Crimea. This is adding further friction to Russia's logistics network in the south.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that during the day of August 23, Russian forces launched 9x missile and 49x air strikes, 40x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Also, today the Russian occupants launched yet another attack on the territory of Ukraine using Shahed-136/131 UAVs. The Ukrainian air defense intercepted 12x combat UAVs of the adversary. Unfortunately, the Russian terrorist attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Residential buildings, port infrastructure, schools, and other civilian infrastructure were damaged.

The likelihood of missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high.

During the day of August 23, there were 16x combat engagements.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Romny, Kostyantynivka (Sumy oblast), Dovzhyk, and Chuhunivka (Kharkiv oblast). The adversary fired mortars and artillery at more than 15x settlements, including Bleshnya (Chernihiv oblast), Iskryskivshchyna, Pokrovka, Ryasne (Sumy oblast), Ohirtseve, Hatyshche, and Krasnyi Yar (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Novojehorivka (Kharkiv oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Shyikivka (Kharkiv oblast), and Tverdokhlibove (Luhansk oblast). The settlements of Hryanykivka, Masyutivka, Syn'kivka, Kup'yans'k, Pershotravneve, and Orlyans'ke (Kharkiv oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian adversary.

Lyman axis: Russian forces fired artillery at more than 30x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Yampil', Zakitne, Verkhn'okam'yans'ke, Ivano-Dar'ivka, and Spirne (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Vesele (Donetsk oblast). The Russian invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Spirne, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Bila Hora (Donetsk oblast). More than 25x settlements, including Nykyforivka, Vasylivka, Zaliznyans'ke, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, Hryhorivka, and Bohdanivka (Donetsk oblast), suffered from Russian artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the settlements of Avdiivka, Tonen'ke, Sjeverne, Vodyane, Pervomais'ke, and Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast) came under artillery fire.

Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russian offensive in the vicinity of Mar'inka (Donetsk oblast). The Russian invaders fired artillery at the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Mar'inka, Pobjeda, Novomykhailivka, Kostyantynivka, and Katerynivka (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars'ke axis: more than 10x settlements, including Novoukrainka, Prechystivka, Zolota Nyva, Shakhtars'ke, Blahodatne, and Urozhaine (Donetsk oblast), suffered from Russian artillery shelling.

Zaporizhzhia axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive operations in the vicinity of Mala Tokmachka (Zaporizhzhia oblast). The Russian invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Orikhiv and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 20x settlements suffered from Russian artillery shelling, including Mahdalynivka, Luk'yanivs'ke, Pavlivka, P'yatykhatky, and Plavni (Zaporizhzhia oblast).

Kherson axis: the Russian adversary launched air strikes in the areas of Beryslav, Odradokam'yanka, L'vove, Kherson (Kherson oblast), and Izmail (Odesa oblast). Kherson, Yantarne, Veletens'ke, Kizomys, Sofiivka, Shyroka Balka (Kherson oblast) suffered from Russian artillery shelling.

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol' axis, consolidating their positions and conducting counter-battery fire.

During the day of August 23, Ukrainian Air Force launched 1x air strike on a command post, 10x air strikes on the concentrations of troops and 1x air strike on the anti-aircraft missile system of the Russian adversary.

During day of August 23, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 2x command posts, 1x concentration of troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 2x artillery systems of the Russian adversary at their firing positions.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in the Kupyansk direction, the assault detachments of the Zapad Group of Forces carried out offensive actions in the assigned areas of responsibility and improved the tactical situation.

With the support of aviation, artillery fire, and heavy flamethrowers, four attacks by assault groups of the 67th, Mechanised, 68th Jaeger, 25th Airborne, and 95th Air Assault brigades of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were repelled close to Sinkovka (Kharkov region), Novoyegorovka, and Novosyolovskoye (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses in this direction during the day amounted to up to 170 Ukrainian troops, one tank, five armoured fighting vehicles, three pick-up trucks, one U.S.-made M777 artillery system, as well as one D-20 howitzer.

In Zaporozhye direction, four attacks of the AFU 65th Mechanised Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) were repelled by competent actions of the Russian units, air strikes, and artillery fire during the day.

Up to 80 Ukrainian servicemen, four motor vehicles, Polish-made Krab and German-made Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled artillery systems, one D-30 gun, three U.S.-made M119 howitzer, and one U.S.-made AN/TPQ-48 counter-battery radiation station have been neutralised.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, in close co-operation with aviation and artillery, repelled three attacks by Ukrainian Armed Forces near Nevelskoye, Mayorsk, and Kurdyumovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy has suffered losses of up to 180 Ukrainian troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one Gvozdika and one Akatsiya self-propelled artillery systems, and D-30 and D-20 howitzers in this direction in the past 24 hours.

In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces' units, aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems inflicted losses on the units of AFU 21st Mechanised Brigade and 5th National Guard Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Yampolovka (Donetsk People's Republic) and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic). During the day in this direction, the enemy suffered losses of up to 60 Ukrainian troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, two pick-up trucks, and one D-30 howitzer.

?? In South Donetsk direction, aviation and artillery of the Vostok Group of Forces inflicted fire damage on clusters of AFU manpower and hardware close to Staromayorskoye and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk People's Republic). In addition, atwo AFU sabotage and reconnaissance groups were disabled near Rovnopol (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy's losses amounted to up to 145 Ukrainian troops killed and wounded, one tank, as well as an American-made M109 Paladin self-propelled artillery system during the day.

In Kherson direction, up to 20 Ukrainian troops, three motor vehicles, and one Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer were destroyed by enemy fire.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Group of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 143 areas during the day. One P-18 radar for detecting and tracking air targets was neutralised near Zaporozhye. Two command posts of the AFU 67th Mechanised and 81st Airmobile brigades was eliminated close to Serebryanka and Dronovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Russian air defence forces have intercepted one HIMARS MLRS projectile during the day.

Moreover, 18 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down close to Shipilovka, Privolye, Makeyevka (Lugansk People's Republic), Berestovoye, Kurdyumovka (Donetsk People's Republic), Chistopolye, Lyubimovka, Mirnoye, and Inzhenernoye (Zaporozhye region).

In total, 462 airplanes and 246 helicopters, 5,970 unmanned aerial vehicles, 431 air defence missile systems, 11,457 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,144 combat vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6,011 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12,390 units of special military equipment have been destroyed during the special military operation.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russo-Ukraine War - 24 August 2023 - Day 547

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that on 19 August 2023, President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to Southern Military District HQ at Rostov-on-Don, approximately 160km from the front line.

The HQ hosts the staff running the war in Ukraine.

Putin held a meeting with senior officers, including Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov who continues to command the operation in Ukraine.

Wagner Group briefly seized the HQ in June 2023. Putin highly likely wishes to project his authority and to portray the senior military command as functioning as usual.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian forces launched yet another attack on the territory of Ukraine using Shahed-136/131 UAVs. The Ukrainian air defense intercepted 12x combat UAVs of the adversary.

During the day of August 24, Russian forces launched 5x missile and 34x air strikes, 41x MLRS attacks at the positions of Ukrainian troops and various settlements. Unfortunately, the Russian attacks have killed and wounded civilians. Residential buildings, port infrastructure, schools, and other civilian infrastructure were damaged.

The likelihood of missile and air strikes across Ukraine remains high.

During the day of August 24, there were 26x combat engagements.

Volyn and Polissya axes: no significant changes.

Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna axes: Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinities of Bobylivka (Sumy oblast). The Russian invaders fired mortars and artillery at more than 25x settlements, including Bleshnya, Yanzhulivka, Mykolaivka (Chernihiv oblast), Chernats'ke, Lomlenka, Kindrativka, Novodmytrivka (Sumy oblast), Udy, Hraniv, Ohirtseve, Bochkove, Budarky (Kharkiv oblast).

Kup'yans'k axis: Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensives in the vicinity of Novojehorivka (Luhansk oblast). Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Orlyans'ke (Kharkiv oblast), and Nadiya (Luhansk oblast). The settlements of Dvorichna, Syn'kivka, Ivanivka, Kyslivka, Berestove (Kharkiv oblast) came under artillery and mortar fire of the Russian forces .

Lyman axis: Russian forces launched air strikes in the vicinities of Spirne and Rozdolivka. The adversary fired artillery at more than 30x settlements, including Nevs'ke, Bilohorivka (Luhansk oblast), Spirne and Rozdolivka (Donetsk oblast).

Bakhmut axis: The Russian invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Ivanivske and Bila Hora (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including, Vasyukivka, Min'kivka, Markove, Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, New York (Donetsk oblast), suffered from Russian artillery shelling.

Avdiivka axis: the Russian adversary conducted unsuccessful offensives in the area south of Avdiivka (Donetsk oblast). The invaders fired artillery at more than 10x settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Novokalynove, Stepove, Karlivka, Pervomais'ke, Nevel's'ke (Donetsk oblast).

Mar'inka axis: the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to hold back the Russian offensive in the vicinity of Mar'inka and Novomykhailivka (Donetsk oblast). Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Krasnohorivka (Donetsk oblast). The invaders fired artillery at the settlements of Zhelanne Pershe, Oleksandropil', Pobjeda, Katerynivka, Yelyzavetivka, Illinka (Donetsk oblast).

Shakhtars'ke axis: Russian forces launched an air strike in the vicinity of Staromaiors'ke (Donetsk oblast). More than 10x settlements, including Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, Zolota Nyva, Vremivka, Staromaiors'ke, Rivnopil' (Donetsk oblast), suffered from Russian artillery shelling.

Zaporizhzhia axis: The Russian invaders launched air strikes in the vicinities of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne (Zaporizhzhia oblast). More than 20x settlements suffered from Russian artillery shelling, including Novodarivka, Malynivka, Zaliznychne, Mala Tokmachka, Mali Shcherbaky, P'yatykhatky (Zaporizhzhia oblast).

Kherson axis: the Russian adversary launched an air strike in the vicinity of Tyahynka (Kherson oblast). The adversary fired artillery at more than 15x settlements, including L'vove, the city of Kherson, Komyshany, Bilozerka, Kizomys (Kherson oblast) and Ochakiv (Mykolaiv oblast)

At the same time, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to conduct the offensive operation on Melitopol' axis, consolidating their positions and conducting counter-battery fire.

During the day of August 24, Ukrainian Air Force launched 1x air strike on a command post, 13x air strikes on the concentrations of troops, and 3x air strikes on the anti-aircraft missile system of the Russian adversary.

During the day of August 24, the Ukrainian missile and artillery troops hit 1x command posts, 1x concentration of troops, weapons, and military equipment, and 3x artillery systems of the adversary at their firing positions, 1x anti-aircraft missile system, 1x ammunition depot and 1x electronic warfare station of the Russian invaders.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the previous night, the Russian Armed Forces have launched a long-range sea- and ground-based high-precision group strike against a decision-making centres of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The goal of the attack has been reached. The facility has been neutralised.

In Kupyansk direction, assault detachments of the Zapad Group of Forces continued successful offensive operations in the assigned areas of responsibility.

As a result of courageous actions by units, Army Aviation and artillery, five enemy attacks have been repelled close to Novosyolovskoye, Novoegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic) and Sinkovka (Kharkov region).

The enemy losses were up to 50 Ukrainian servicemen, two infantry fighting vehicles, three pickup trucks, and three U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery systems.

In Zaporozhye direction, as a result of active and well-coordinated actions by units of the Russian grouping of troops, supported by artillery, five enemy attacks have been repelled near Rabotino and Uspenovka (Zaporozhye region).

The enemy losses were up to 110 Ukrainian servicemen, four tanks, three armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, one Polish-manufactured Krab self-propelled artillery system, and four U.S.-manufactured M777 artillery systems.

In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces, supported by Ground-Attack and Army aviation, six attacks by the AFU have been successfully repelled close to Severnoye, Berestovoye and Nevelskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 125 Ukrainian servicemen, one tank, four infantry fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, and one Msta-B howitzer.

In addition, one ammunition depot has been destroyed near Verkhnekamenskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

In South Donetsk direction, as a result of actions by units of the Vostok Group of Forces, Operational-Tactical and artillery, one enemy attack has been repelled near Priyutnoye (Zaporozhye region).

In addition, units of 37th and 38th brigades of the AFU Marines have been eliminated close to Urozhaynoye and Oktyabr state farm (Donetsk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 230 Ukrainian servicemen, two armoured personnel carriers, three motor vehicles, as well as two Gvozdika self-propelled artillery systems.

In Krasny Liman direction, as a result of active actions by units of the Tsentr Group of Forces, Army Aviation and artillery, three enemy attacks have been successfully repelled near Grigorovka, Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic) and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).

The enemy losses were up to 80 Ukrainian servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, and two pickup trucks.

In Kherson direction, the enemy losses were up to 30 Ukrainian servicemen, two motor vehicles, as well as Msta-B and D-30 howitzers.

In addition, the actions of one Ukrainian sabotage and reconnaissance group have been suppressed.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, Missile Troops and Artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have neutralised manpower and military hardware in 153 areas.

One control point, one radar station, and two launchers of the S-300PS SAM system have been destroyed near Zeleny Gai (Nikolayev region).

Four enemy ammunition depots have been also destroyed near Lvov (Kherson region), Mikhailovka (Kharkov region), Iskra (Dnepropetrovsk region), and Krasnogorovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

Air defence facilities have shot down 4 projectiles launched by HIMARS MLRS.

In addition, 42 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles have been destroyed close to Kudryashovka, Lisichansk, Shishkovo (Lugansk People's Republic), Gorlovka, Nikolskoye, Artyomovsk, Berestovoye, Klyuchevoye (Donetsk People's Republic), Pologi, Tokmak (Zaporozhye region), Dobropolye (Kherson region), and Tavolzhanka (Kharkov region).

In total, 462 airplanes, 246 helicopters, 6,012 unmanned aerial vehicles, 433 air defence missile systems, 11,476 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,144 fighting vehicles equipped with MLRS, 6,024 field artillery cannons and mortars, as well as 12,408 special military motor vehicles have been destroyed during the special military operation.





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US Sees IS Effectiveness Decreasing, but Analysts Warn Resurgence Still Possible

By Dale Gavlak August 23, 2023

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 Washington's 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.

"There's 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 can't 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 we're 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 Washington's 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, it's 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PM joins ISRO team via VC to witness landing of Chandrayaan 3

India PIB

Prime Minister's Office

"This is a moment of capability of the 140 crore heartbeats and the confidence of new energy of 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"

"Time is not far when the children would say 'Chanda Mama ek tour ke' i.e. the moon is only a tour away"

"Our moon mission is based on human-centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity"

"We'll 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"

Posted On: 23 AUG 2023 7:03PM by PIB Delhi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi joined the ISRO team via Video Conferencing to witness the the landing of Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon's surface today. Immediately after the successful landing, the Prime Minister addressed the team and congratulated them for the historic achievement.

The Prime Minister, addressing the team as family members, said that such historic events become the eternal consciousness of a nation. "This moment is unforgettable, unprecedented. It is the moment of the clarion call of 'Viksit Bharat', a victory call for India, this is a moment of crossing the ocean of difficulties and walking on the 'Chandrapath' of victory. This is a moment of the capability of the 140 crore heartbeats and the confidence of the new energy of India. This is a moment of invoking the rising fortune of India", the Prime Minister told a jubilant nation. "In the first light of 'Amrit Kaal' this is 'Amrit Varsha' of success", a visibly elated Prime Minister added. The Prime Minister quoted the scientists and said, "India is now on the moon!" He stated that we have just witnessed the first flight of the new India.

The Prime Minister informed that he is currently in Johannesburg attending the BRICS Summit but his mind was also focussed on Chandrayaan 3 like every other citizen. He said that every Indian has immersed themselves in celebration and it is a day of festivity for every family as he is connected with every citizen with enthusiasm on this special occasion. The Prime Minister congratulated Team Chandrayaan, ISRO and all the scientists of the country who have worked tirelessly for years and also congratulated the 140 crore countrymen for this wonderful moment filled with enthusiasm, joy and emotion!

"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", the Prime Minister remarked. He underlined that all the myths and stories related to the Moon will now change and the proverbs will find a new meaning for the new generation. Referring to the Indian folklore where the Earth is considered 'Maa' and the Moon, 'Mama', the Prime Minister 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 Prime Minister, addressing the people of the world, every country and region, said "India's successful moon mission is not India's alone. This is a year in which the world is witnessing India's 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. 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." Shri Modi added. "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."

The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the achievements of Chandrayaan Maha Abhiyan will take India's flight beyond the lunar orbits. "We'll test the limits of our solar system, and work to realize the infinite possibilities of the universe for humans", Shri Modi asserted. The Prime Minister highlighted setting ambitious goals for the future and informed 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 ISRO's goals. "India is proving again and again that the sky is not the limit", the Prime Minister said as he highlighted Mission Gaganyaan where India is fully prepared for its first human space flight mission.

The Prime Minister emphasized 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", the Prime Minister concluded wishing all the success to the scientists in all their future endeavours.

***

DS/TS



(Release ID: 1951496)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran plans to launch 2 or 3 satellites by March 2024

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 23, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Minister of Defense has announced that the country plans to launch two or three satellites by the end of the Iranian calendar year, which begins on March 21, 2023.

Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani expressed hope that the launch of the satellites would be successful, as reported by IRNA on Tuesday afternoon.

Iran is among a group of countries worldwide capable of launching its own satellites into orbit, he said. The Minister also elaborated on the latest achievements of the Defense Ministry, citing the homegrown Simorgh satellite carrier as one of the Islamic Republic's great accomplishments.

According to the Defense Minister, many countries around the world have special equipment to test their satellite carriers, he said, adding that Iran must test its satellites through test flights, which imposes certain limitations.

On Tuesday morning, Iran's indigenous Mohajer-10 was unveiled during a ceremony marking Defense Industry Day on August 22.

1483**9417

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






India's Chandrayaan-3 lands on Moon's unexplored south pole

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 4:25 PM

India has managed to land a craft near the Moon's South Pole, a historic triumph for the world's most populous nation and its ambitious cut-price space program.

Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft landed at 1234 GMT on Wednesday, making India the fourth nation to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon after the United States, China and Russia.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi waved an Indian flag on a live broadcast to announce the mission's success as a triumph.

"India's successful moon mission is not just India's alone," said Modi from the sidelines of the BRICS diplomatic summit in South Africa. "This success belongs to all of humanity."

Russia's Roscosmos space agency in a statement on Wednesday congratulated India for successfully landing a spacecraft on the rugged, unexplored south pole of the moon

"Roscosmos congratulates Indian colleagues on the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3," the statement read. "Exploration of the Moon is important for the whole of humanity, in the future it may become a platform for the deeper mastering of space."

Wednesday's landing had been eagerly awaited by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) after the frustrating failure of its previous mission at the last hurdle in 2019. Back then, mission control lost contact with the Chandrayaan-2 lunar module moments before its slated landing.

The latest mission has captivated public attention since launching nearly six weeks ago in front of thousands of cheering spectators.

It took much longer to reach the Moon than the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s, which arrived in a matter of days. India used rockets much less powerful than the ones the US used back then.

The Chandrayaan-3 is expected to remain functional for two weeks, running a series of experiments.

S. Somanath, chief of the ISRO said that the landing has given India confidence to extend its reach to possible voyages to Mars and Venus.

The cost of India's space missions is back in focus after the latest mission made a successful soft landing on the Moon. The latest mission has a cost of $74.6 million -- far lower than those of other countries. India's previous Moon and Mars missions were also carried out at a modest cost, according to reports by Indian media.

The South Asian nation has a comparatively low-budget space program, but one that has grown considerably in size and momentum since it first sent a probe to orbit the Moon in 2008.

Experts say India can keep costs low by copying and adapting existing technology, and thanks to an abundance of highly skilled engineers who earn a fraction of their foreign counterparts' wages.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran to launch at least 2 satellites this year: Defense minister

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 8:46 AM

Defense Minister Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Ashtiani says Iran will launch at least two domestically-made satellites into orbit this year, [ending on March 19, 2024].

Speaking on Tuesday, Ashtiani announced that relevant organizations have been working to manufacture satellites and satellite carriers such as Simorgh (Phoenix).

"We are involved in the development and launch of satellites. Under our plan, we will have 2 to 3 satellite launches this year, something we hope to be successful," he said.

Despite sanctions imposed by Western countries in recent years, Iran has managed to take giant strides in the civilian space program.

It is among the world's top 10 countries capable of developing and launching satellites.

'Iran has drones more advanced than Mohajer-10'

Also in his remarks, the Iranian defense minister referred to the unveiling of Mohajer-10, an advanced indigenous drone that has an operational range of 2,000 km (1,240 miles) and can fly for up to 24 hours.

He hailed the achievement as a great job that followed a lot of endeavors.

"The world is wondering how Iran can attain such achievements at the current pace. Right now, we have other items with capabilities beyond those of the Mohajer-10 drone. These accomplishments will be presented gradually," he added.

'Defense Ministry ready to step into car industry'

Ashtiani further expressed the readiness of the Defense Ministry to step into the automotive industry, if requested.

"There are considerations and instructions in this regard that should be written, but anyway, the Defense Ministry stands ready to enter the car industry as well."

Iran's auto industry is the country's largest sector outside oil and gas. In recent years, however, it has faced challenges due to illegal sanctions. Car manufacturers have recorded accumulated losses, resulting in the short supply of vehicles and their high prices.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






India Becomes First to Successfully Land Spacecraft on Moon's South Pole

Sputnik News

20230823

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - India becomes the first in the world to successfully land a spacecraft a Chandrayaan-3 module with a lunar rover on board a on the South Pole of the Moon, according to the footage broadcast by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Wednesday.

India's Moon mission was launched on July 14, and it entered the lunar orbit on August 5. The station will conduct several maneuvers to approach the Moon until its orbit decreases to 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Moon. The Chandrayaan-3's landing module Vikram separated from the station on August 17 and previously conducted two operations to lower its orbit.

The successful touch-down of the Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander on the Moon will help lunar missions of other countries in the future, Indian Prime Minister stated.

Modi expressed confidence that all countries of the world, including the Global South, are capable of achieving such results.

Chandrayaan-3 deployed its Vikram lander on Wednesday morning, which successfully touched down near the Moon's South Pole. Additionally, Vikram brought a rover called Pragyan with a battery life of 14 Earth days or one lunar day.

The successful landing makes India the fourth country to arrive on the Moon after the United States, the Soviet Union, and the People's Republic of China.

Russia's Roscosmos Congratulates India on Successful Moon Landing

Russia's space agency Roscosmos on Wednesday congratulated India on the successful Moon landing, adding that the research of its mission is important for the whole humanity.

"The Roscosmos State Corporation congratulates Indian colleagues on the successful moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft. Exploration of the moon is important for all mankind, in the future it may become a platform for deep space exploration," Roscosmos said in a statement.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






ADF specialists support Pacific Partnership 2023

23 August 2023

The Australian Defence Force has commenced support to Pacific Partnership 2023, with specialist personnel deploying to five countries across the Indo-Pacific region from August to December.

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific region, with ADF personnel joining the United States-led mission.

ADF personnel will support mission stops in Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Tonga. Australia will provide tailored medical, dental, nursing and environmental health support, guidance on Gender, Peace and Security (GPS) considerations for operations and participate in a variety of training opportunities and information exchanges.

Approximately 30 ADF personnel will be involved in the mission, with a team of health specialists and GPS advisors arriving in Philippines this week, joining Royal Australian Navy musicians on board United States Ship Pearl Harbor.

Deputy Chief of Joint Operations, Air Vice-Marshal Michael Kitcher, AM, DSM, said Pacific Partnership 2023 was an enduring commitment to the region and significant opportunity to strengthen partnerships and support Pacific communities

"ADF participation in Pacific Partnership 2023 demonstrates our enduring commitment to enhancing resilience and preparedness to respond to natural disasters in the Indo-Pacific region," Air Vice-Marshal Kitcher said.

"It is an opportunity for our personnel to work alongside partners and friends, to share knowledge, enhance interoperability and deepen our people-to-people links.

"Strong relationships are the foundation for responding to shared security challenges and Pacific Partnership enables us to cooperate with partners, build on our shared capacity and bring nations together to support a peaceful, stable and prosperous region."

Now in its 18th year, Pacific Partnership strengthens alliances and promotes multilateral disaster management resilience in the Indo-Pacific region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Exercise Malabar deepens regional military cooperation

23 August 2023

Australia, India, Japan and the United States successfully conducted Exercise Malabar in Sydney and across Australia's east coast from 10 to 21 August.

Supported by more than 2,000 personnel across the four nations, Exercise Malabar incorporated high-end anti-submarine, air-defence and gunnery exercises, aviation and communication operations, and cultural and sporting activities.

This was the 27th iteration of Exercise Malabar and the first time Australia hosted the maritime training activity, reinforcing Australia's commitment to working with our partners for an open, secure and resilient region.

The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Brisbane, HMAS Choules and a submarine were joined by Indian Navy Ships Kolkata and Sahyadri, Japanese Ship Shiranui and United States Ship Rafael Peralta, and a United States submarine.

Australian air assets included MH-60R Seahawk helicopters and Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II, Hawk 127 and P-8A Poseidon aircraft, with India and the United States providing a P-8I and P-8 aircraft respectively.

Quotes attributable to Commander Australian Fleet, Rear Admiral Christopher Smith, AM, CSM, RAN:

"The Royal Australian Navy was honoured to lead Exercise Malabar and bring officers and sailors of the navies of India, Japan and the United States to Sydney to experience Australia and deepen relationships between our people.

"Understanding common values across partner nations is as important as the exercise itself, and Malabar provided an opportunity to build the personal relationships between our people that enable us to go beyond simply working through procedures to a place of deeper trust and respect.

"Strong navy-to-navy relationships are fostered by regular participation in exercises such as Malabar, which deepen interoperability and integration across both people and capability."

Quotes attributable to INS Sahyadri Commanding Officer, Captain Rajan Kapoor, IN:

"Exercise Malabar was conducted in the utmost professional manner.

"As the days passed by, the complexity of the training exercises increased which helped us to achieve our objectives - we could learn a lot from each other's perspective.

"There are certain differences in the way we operate, however Exercise Malabar has only paved the way for even closer joint operations in reaching our goal of regional cooperative engagement, interoperability and preparedness."

Quotes attributable to INS Kolkata Commanding Officer, Captain Sharad Sinsunwal, IN:

"Exercise Malabar has surpassed previous iterations in complexity of exercises and flexibility to change.

"Australia has outdone itself in organising a fun-filled, yet professional harbour phase, followed by a thoroughly engaging sea phase.

"The epitome of interoperability has been the frequency and ease with which managing training activities have been rotated between member nations."

Quotes attributable to JS Shiranui Commanding Officer, Commander MINAMI Kazuhiro, JMSDF:

"It was my great pleasure to participate in Exercise Malabar.

"It provided the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force the opportunity to enhance our tactical skills, improve interoperability and to deepen cooperative relationship with the Australian, Indian and United States navies throughout the exercise as well as the participating air forces.

"I believe this exercise contributes to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and strengthens maritime order."

Quotes attributable to USS Rafael Peralta Commanding Officer, Commander CT Cooper, USN:

"Exercise Malabar has been an outstanding opportunity to forge close friendships, exchange cultures and strengthen our understanding of each other's professional capabilities.

"We absolutely demonstrated our four nations' abilities to collectively travel tens of thousands of miles, come together, and work as a combined joint naval group.

"It has been honour to join our partners in this high-end exercise to promote interoperability, military cooperation and a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Combined air assault a success

By Captain Joanne Leca

23 August 2023

More than 600 soldiers from the ADF, Philippines and US 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 US Marine Corps, the exercise began on August 20 with insertion of ground combat elements via MV-22B Osprey from Marine Rotational Force - Darwin, launched from HMAS Canberra.

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.

"Only together, with our combined capabilities, equipment and soldiers can we promote security and stability in our region," Lieutenant Colonel Gallaza said.

"It's about unity and collaboration with our partners, that is why we are here."

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.

"I'm very impressed with the degree of integration and partnership I've seen on this exercise," Colonel Pashley said.

"We came together less than two weeks ago, and then we were able to conduct a complex multinational air assault.

"We never do things alone; we always need a partner.

"Young Australians, Filipinos and US marines will remember this for the rest of their lives."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China strongly opposes US' illegal visa sanctions on officials over so-called forcible assimilation in Xizang

Global Times

By Zhang Yuying Published: Aug 23, 2023 08:29 PM

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," Wang Wenbin, spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said on Wednesday after the US announced on Tuesday that it would impose visa restrictions on Chinese officials over the so-called forcible assimilation of children in boarding schools in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Commenting on queries related to the issue, Wang said at a routine press conference on Wednesday that China strongly opposes and condemns the illegal sanctions imposed on officials on the Xizang issue, which gravely interferes in China's internal affairs, harms China's interests, and violates basic norms governing international relations.

The human rights conditions in Xizang 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, Wang said.

A team of reporters from the Global Times conducted a site investigation in Xizang in March. According to their observations, the scattered population makes it difficult to build schools nearby, and the mountainous terrain poses a great challenge for students getting to school. These are the two main reasons for operating boarding schools in Xizang.

Wang said that the boarding schools in Xizang are examples of human rights and cultural heritage protection. The so-called forced assimilation is pure fabrication.

Wang noted that 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 US's armed invasion has led to millions of casualties in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Syria, Wang said.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Wednesday that the purpose of the visa restrictions imposed by the US is to provide support and encouragement to separatist forces in Xizang, allowing them to continue to accuse China of lacking democratic governance.

The US wants to use Xizang-related affairs to promote the Balkanization of China, ultimately causing the country to split, so that China cannot challenge the US' leading position, Li said.

"I need to stress that Xizang-related affairs are purely China's internal affairs that brook no foreign interference. The US needs to respect facts, fulfill its commitment on Tibet, stop using Xizang-related issues to meddle in China's internal affairs and undermine China's interests, and immediately withdraw its wrong decision. Otherwise, there will be a resolute response from China," Wang the foreign ministry spokesperson warned on Wednesday.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






PLA Southern Theater Command holds fighter exercise from islet-based airfield

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Aug 23, 2023 10:50 PM

The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theater Command recently conducted a maritime strike and air-to-air combat exercise featuring newly enhanced fighter jets operating from an islet-based airfield.

Organized by an aviation brigade affiliated with the navy of the PLA Southern Theater Command, the round-the-clock drill focused on the characteristics of the islet-based airfield, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Wednesday, without naming the islet.

During the exercise, four fighter jets took off from the airfield one by one and formed two groups of two before moving stealthily toward a designated region by skimming the sea.

Upon approaching maritime targets, they immediately pulled up to gain altitude and carried out mock strikes.

After the maritime strike training, the two fighter jet groups switched to commence an air-to-air combat exercise. The red team launched covered attacks by greatly changing flight stances in an intense dual with the blue team above the sea.

The ground maintenance crew quickly conducted checks and carried out refueling of the aircraft after their return, which allowed them to sortie again.

Islet-based airfields are characterized by fast-changing weather, complex bird conditions and the lack of objects of reference while flying over the sea, Major Tong Liguang, a member of the brigade, said in the CCTV report.

Compared with flights from land-based airfields, islet-based airfields demand higher psychological fortitude, skills and tactical capabilities from pilots, as they mostly have to rely on instruments and navigation devices to determine their stances and locations, Tong said.

The exercise omitted conventional methods, instead closely focusing on the environmental traits of the airfield, which highlighted new changes in air combat tactics, Captain Li Yingli said in the report.

"By finding problems and gaps in real confrontations, we pilots effectively improved our skills and tactical capabilities," Li said.

Based on an analysis of the report footage, a Beijing-based military expert who requested anonymity told the Global Times on Wednesday the fighter jets that took part in the exercise were two variants of the J-11B, one of an older configuration with a black nose and one of a newer configuration with a gray nose.

It is believed that the gray-nosed J-11B is enhanced with an active electronic scanning array (AESA) radar that significantly improves its situational awareness and enables the fighter jet to carry the more powerful PL-10 short-range combat missile and the PL-15 beyond-visual-range missile, making the fourth-generation fighter jet close to the 4.5 generation, the expert said.

The latest exercise shows that this upgraded version of the J-11B is now operable on islets in the South China Sea, the expert added.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin's Regular Press Conference on August 23, 2023

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

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 Jinping's 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, 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 Jinping's 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.a

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 People's 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 Xi's 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 China's Ren'ai 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 Thailand's Pheu Thai party, was elected the country's 30th prime minister on August 22. What's your comment on this and what's your expectation for China-Thailand relations?

Wang Wenbin: As Thailand's 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 country's 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?a

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 "expansion"akeeping 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. What's your comment on this?

Wang Wenbin: I shared with you yesterday China's position on the Japanese government's decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean from August 24.a

Yesterday Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japan's Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi to make serious dAmarches 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.a

The ocean sustains humanity. It is not a sewer for Japan's nuclear-contaminated water. Japan's pushing for the ocean discharge plan is no doubt a huge gamble that ventures the global marine environment and people's 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 people's health.

The negative impact of the ocean discharge cannot be undone. We don't 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 what's the scientific basis for China's opposition to Japan's 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.a

I need to stress that 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. 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, StAphane Dujarric, told reporters yesterday, that the UN along with its partners launched a fundraiser to support Ukraine in the coming winter. 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. What's China's 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 China's 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 China's internal affairs, harms China's 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 China's 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 children's 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 US's 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 China's 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 China's internal affairs and undermine China's 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 China's position just now. We ask the Philippines to immediately stop any actions that may complicate the situation on the ground.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China's Xi Receives Warm Welcome on South Africa State Visit

By Kate Bartlett August 23, 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Full Text: Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 15th BRICS Summit

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:09, August 24, 2023

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 15th BRICS Summit on Wednesday.

Following is the full text of Xi's remarks:

Seeking Development Through Solidarity and Cooperation and Shouldering Our Responsibility for Peace

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the 15th BRICS Summit

Johannesburg, August 23, 2023

Your Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa,

Your Excellency President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva,

Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,

Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

I am very pleased to join you in Johannesburg for the important discussions on BRICS cooperation and development. It is especially significant that the BRICS Summit is held in Africa for the third time. I wish to thank President Ramaphosa and the South African government for the thoughtful arrangements.

We gather at a time when the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. It is undergoing major shifts, division and regrouping, leading to more uncertain, unstable and unpredictable developments.

BRICS is an important force in shaping the international landscape. We choose our development paths independently, jointly defend our right to development, and march in tandem toward modernization. This represents the direction of the advancement of human society, and will profoundly impact the development process of the world. Our track record shows that we have consistently acted on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and taken BRICS cooperation to new heights in support of our five countries' development. We have upheld fairness and justice in international affairs, stood up for what is right on major international and regional issues, and enhanced the voice and influence of emerging markets and developing countries. BRICS countries invariably advocate and practice independent foreign policies. We always address major international issues based on their merits, making fair remarks and taking fair actions. We do not barter away principles, succumb to external pressure, or act as vassals of others. We BRICS countries share extensive consensus and common goals. No matter how the international situation changes, our commitment to cooperation since the very beginning and our common aspiration will not change.

We gather at a crucial time to build on our past achievements and open up a new future for BRICS cooperation. We should navigate the trend of our times and stay in the forefront. We should always bear in mind our founding purpose of strengthening ourselves through unity, enhance cooperation across the board, and build a high-quality partnership. We should help reform global governance to make it more just and equitable, and bring to the world more certainty, stability and positive energy.

-- We should deepen business and financial cooperation to boost economic growth. Development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege reserved for a few. The world economic recovery remains shaky, with less than 3 percent of growth for the year as estimated by some international institutions. Challenges for developing countries are even more formidable, hampering their efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals. We BRICS countries should be fellow companions on the journey of development and revitalization, and oppose decoupling and supply chains disruption as well as economic coercion. We should focus on practical cooperation, particularly in such fields as digital economy, green development, and supply chain, and bolster economic, trade and financial exchanges.

China will set up a China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era to support the deployment of innovation results. Under the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation mechanism, we will explore the establishment of a BRICS Global Remote Sensing Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Platform to provide data support for agriculture, ecological conservation and disaster reduction in various countries. China will also work with all parties to jointly establish a BRICS Framework on Industrial Cooperation for Sustainable Development as a platform of industrial coordination and project cooperation in implementing the United Nations (U.N.) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

-- We should expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquility. As a Chinese saying suggests, "Nothing is more beneficial than stability, and nothing is more detrimental than turmoil." The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world, and the geopolitical situation is getting tense. All nations long for a sound security environment. International security is indivisible. Attempts to seek absolute security at the expense of others will eventually backfire. The Ukraine crisis has evolved to where it is today because of complex reasons. What is pressing now is to encourage peace talks, promote deescalation, end the fighting, and realize peace. No one should add fuel to the fire to worsen the situation.

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, the Meeting of High Representatives on National Security and other mechanisms, support each other on issues concerning our 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. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new area of development. BRICS countries have agreed to launch the AI Study Group of BRICS Institute of Future Networks 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 exchange and technological cooperation. We need to jointly fend off risks, and develop AI governance frameworks and standards with broad-based consensus, so as to make AI technologies more secure, reliable, controllable and equitable.

-- We should increase people-to-people exchanges and promote mutual learning between civilizations. There are many civilizations and development paths in the world, and this is how the world should be. Human history will not end with a particular civilization or system. BRICS countries need to champion the spirit of inclusiveness, advocate peaceful coexistence and harmony between civilizations, and promote respect of all countries in independently choosing their modernization paths. We need to make good use of such mechanisms as the BRICS seminar on governance, the BRICS forum on people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and the Women Innovation Contest to deepen people-to-people exchanges and strengthen the bond between our peoples.

China would like to propose that BRICS countries expand cooperation on education, enhance the role of the BRICS alliance for vocational education, explore and set up a cooperation mechanism on digital education, and foster a paradigm of all-round cooperation on education. In addition, we also need to strengthen exchanges on traditional cultures and promote the renewal of fine traditional cultures.

-- We should uphold fairness and justice and improve global governance. 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 U.N. Charter, rather than dictated by those with the strongest muscles or the loudest voice. Ganging up to form exclusive groups and packaging their own rules as international norms are even more unacceptable. BRICS countries should practice true multilateralism, uphold the U.N.-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.

I am glad to see the growing enthusiasm of developing countries about BRICS cooperation, and quite a number of them have applied to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism. We need to act on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation to bring more countries into the BRICS family, so as to pool our wisdom and strength to make global governance more just and equitable.

Colleagues,

The ancient African continent is a reservoir of simple yet profound wisdom. As an African proverb puts it, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." The philosophy of Ubuntu, which believes that "I am because we are," highlights the interdependence and interconnectedness of all peoples. Similarly, harmonious coexistence has been the aspiration of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. China is ready to work with BRICS partners to pursue the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, enhance the strategic partnership, and deepen cooperation across the board. As fellow BRICS members, we should meet our common challenges with a shared sense of mission, shape a brighter future with a common purpose, and march together on the journey toward modernization.

Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






To make extra money, North Koreans pay big bribes for gold refinery jobs

Stolen gold and other metals are sold to donju, entrepreneurs engaged in smuggling.

By Son Hyemin for RFA Korean 2023.08.22 -- North Koreans wanting to land plum jobs as assayers at a well-known gold refinery a and to make extra money from illegally siphoning off some of the precious metal a must pay big bribes to supervisors, sources inside the country said.

Assayers, who test metals for purity, are the most in-demand jobs at the Jongju refinery in North Pyongan province, which is connected to gold mines in the region, they said.

The Jongju refinery smelts lead and zinc in addition to gold, making it the most valuable refinery in North Korea, said a source from North Pyongan province, who requested anonymity for safety reasons.

"So, it is not easy to get a job as an assayer at the Jongju refinery," he said.

Those who work as assayers at the Jongju refinery for a year can earn several times more money compared to North Korean workers dispatched to Russia for three years to earn foreign currency for the Pyongyang regime, a second source from North Pyongan province said.

Such activity shows how workers must engage in bribery and stealing on the job in order to survive as North Korean's cash-strapped economy continues to flag under international sanctions imposed for the regime's nuclear program and missile tests.

North Korean workers dispatched to Russia are known to earn more than US$2,000 for three years of work a an amount that includes an official salary of about US$1,000 plus additional income from other jobs in private construction and moonshine production, said the source, who declined to be identified for the same reason.

How it's done

Assayers at state-owned mines determine the weight of gold ore in extracted and mostly purified metals and record the figures before sending the gold to the Jongju refinery for processing, the source said.

For example, when ore from a mine in North Pyongan province is transported by truck to the Jongju refinery, the vehicle is first weighed with its load, the first source said. The ore concentrate - ore from which most impurities have been removed - is then poured out, and the empty vehicle is weighed again to determine the actual tonnage of the concentrate on a slip. This is recorded by the assayer.

The Jonju refinery smelts lead, zinc, gold and silver from the concentrates and holds them for the state, he said. The amount to be collected by the state is based on the figures recorded by the assayers and calculated during the first warehousing stage.

If a mine supervisor who hands over the concentrates and gold ore to the refinery has an informal arrangement with the assayers, then the refinery will receive figures that are lower than the actual weight of what has been transported, the first source said, implying that some of the metals are siphoned off for illegal sale.

The lead and gold not officially accounted for are divided between the refinery manager in charge of the smelting process and the mine material supervisor who brought the material, the first source said.

But such arrangements take time to establish, said another source from North Pyongan province, who requested anonymity for the same reason.

Dollar bribes

And the bribes must be paid in U.S dollars - which are hard to come by in North Korea, but not impossible to obtain.

"Dollar bribes are a must to get a job as a measuring worker at the Jongju refinery," he told Radio Free Asia. "You need to bribe the officials of the leadership department at the refinery on holidays and become close friends [with them] for at least a year."

A typical bribe would be clothing worth US$100, appliances worth a few hundred dollars, or more than US$1,000 in cash, the source said.

"The candidate with the largest bribe can get the measuring job," he added.

Mine material supervisors bribe assayers and adjust the tonnage of the concentrate to be entered on the slip, said the second source.

"Afterwards, he does business again with the refinery manager and steals lead, zinc, and in rare cases, gold a as much as the amount of concentrate that is not entered on the slip," he said.

The stolen lead, zinc, and gold are sold to donju - entrepreneurs involved in a wide range of businesses, including retail and smuggling a and converted into cash.

"If you buy lead, zinc and gold and smuggle them to the Chinese market, you can make a profit several times higher than the North Korean market price, so demand is high," the second source said.

Demand by the donju for the metals is growing now that land-border trade between north Korea's Sinuiju and China's Dandong soon will resume after being suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he said.

Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee for RFA Korean. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.

Copyright 1998-2016, 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






North Korea Fires Presumed Missile, Prompts Brief Evacuation Call in Japan

Sputnik News

20230823

TOKYO (Sputnik) - 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.

"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.

Japan's Okinawa had issued an air warning, a Sputnik correspondent reported, adding that locals were advised to find shelter in buildings or underground facilities.

"At 04:00 on August 24 (07:00 pm on August 23 GMT), a North Korean missile flew towards the Pacific Ocean," the government said in a statement. "The previously announced call for evacuation is canceled."

Japan has since filed a protest against North Korea for the incident, Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno announced.

"The actions of North Korea, including constant missile launches, threaten the peace and security of our country, region and the world community. Such launches, even if they are aimed at launching a satellite, violate UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit North Korea from making launches using ballistic technology," the official told a press conference.

"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.

Earlier in May, North Korea fired off a rocket carrying a satellite that ultimately crash-landed into the sea not long after take-off. At the time, officials vowed to undertake a second launch once conducting an analysis of the initial effort.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






United States Takes Actions to Combat Illicit Activity Utilizing Virtual Currency

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

August 23, 2023

Today, in a whole-of-government effort, the United States is taking actions against two of the three co-founders of the sanctioned virtual currency mixer Tornado Cash for their roles facilitating the laundering of cryptocurrency stolen by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Pyongyang's aggressive cyber theft campaign plays a key role in generating funds for the DPRK's unlawful weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. Today's actions demonstrate the United States' commitment to protecting the integrity of our financial system, including the virtual currency ecosystem, and to disrupting the ability of the DPRK to raise funds through illicit activity.

Semenov is being designated pursuant to Executive Order (E.O.) 13694, as amended by E.O. 13757, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, any activity described in subsections (a)(ii) or (a)(iii)(A) of E.O. 13694, as amended, or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13694, as amended, and pursuant to E.O. 13722 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, the Government of the DPRK, a person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 13722. For more information on today's designation, please see Treasury's press release.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Inspects Kumsong Tractor Factory

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, August 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, inspected the Kumsong Tractor Factory on Aug. 23.

Accompanying him were Jo Yong Won, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, O Su Yong, member of the Political Bureau and secretary of the WPK Central Committee, and Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the WPK Central Committee.

The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un was greeted on the spot by the director of the Vehicle Industry Guidance Bureau under the Ministry of Machine-building Industry and leading officials of the relevant sector and the factory.

Looking round the remodeled room for education in the revolutionary history and room dedicated to the factory's history, he highly appreciated the fact that the factory has conducted in an effective way the education in the undying leadership feats of President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il who devoted themselves to the development of the Juche-based tractor industry. And he asked the officials and employees of the factory to fulfill their noble mission and duty in the struggle for implementing the programme for the rural revolution in the new era, with the pride of living and working at the glorious working place.

Then, he went round different parts of the factory to learn in detail about its renovation and modernization and production.

When visiting the Kumsong Tractor Factory in November 2017, he said that the factory is a historic one associated greatly with guidance feats of the President and the Chairman. And he set forth a vital task for turning it into a core and advanced factory which plays a leading role in realizing the comprehensive mechanization of agriculture and can serve as a model of the vehicle industry and into a factory where cultured way of production and life is perfectly established, and personally settled the important problems for carrying it out.

He also indicated the detailed orientation and ways for turning the factory into a world-level one, ranging from the issues of designing, modernization of production processes, professional construction unit and labor force to the issue of forming an executive commission for updating and a group of designers and dispatched able construction forces. And over the past five years, he has paid deep attention to the factory, taking important Party and state measures to push ahead with its modernization project.

True to his on-the-spot instructions and the resolutions of the plenary meetings of the Party Central Committee, the officials and employees of the factory, together with soldier-builders, finished the first-stage updating project in close cooperation with scientists, technicians and workers at the relevant units last year. They are now stepping up the second-stage project while striving to develop and make modern tractors and farm machines in a larger quantity.

Kim Jong Un acquainted himself with the updating of equipment, the creation of production capacity and the construction conducted during the first-stage modernization project.

He highly praised the factory for having realized in the main the automation of major production lines, through its strenuous efforts to attain the modernization goal without fail, and laid a foundation for producing tractors with less cost price, practical efficiency and fine appearance by conducting a dynamic mass technical innovation movement to improve the performance of tractors and solving lots of technical problems arising in the production of parts.

And he appreciated the fact that the factory has manufactured and installed new efficient equipment and steadily updated equipment to raise the productivity and precision and ensured the full operation of equipment in the work by arousing the enthusiasm of employees, thus expanding its annual tractor production capacity and producing various kinds of modern farm machines.

He also expressed satisfaction over the fact that major production buildings were newly built or renovated on a modern basis through a dynamic construction project to renew the factory better as required by the developing reality and provide good working environment and the work to arm the employees fully with modern science and technology has been conducted in an effective way through the normal operation of sci-tech learning space.

He seriously examined the second-stage modernization now under way at the factory and set again the goal to be attained by it.

Stressing that to map out a realistic strategy for the development of farm machines and make a radical leap forward in the farm machine industry is the most urgent issue in solving the food problem, the foremost fundamental in our grand revolutionary struggle for achieving the great cause of building a rich country with strong army and, at the same time, an important work for the eternal prosperity of the Korean revolution, he said that very important is the duty of the Kumsong Tractor Factory which holds a key position no one can substitute for in realizing the comprehensive mechanization of agricultural production.

When the practicality and efficiency of modernization now under way at the factory are closely examined, there is progress to some extent, but irrational problems exist in view of the prospective development of the farm machine industry envisaged by the Party Central Committee, he said, and indicated in detail the scale and target of modernization to be held fast to and carried out thoroughly by the factory in the new struggle.

He said that the factory should not confine its modernization target only to the visible goal for current agricultural production, but set a practical target for freely and satisfactorily producing and supplying efficient and quality tractors and farm machines suited to the specific conditions and requirement of our countryside by establishing the farm machine production process with comprehensive and modern features in keeping with the world standard and providing a large-scale production base and stubbornly attain it.

All the farm machine production sectors should be updated to activate the production and thus radically increase the country's agricultural productivity and this is an important matter which brooks no delay, he said. And he gave a task for the relevant field to survey in detail the estimation of the country's overall agricultural infrastructure and agricultural technical capability and present the data on it so that the long-term farm machine development strategy can be discussed and deliberated at the 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th WPK Central Committee to be convened at the end of the year.

He expressed expectation and belief that the officials and employees of the factory, by carrying forward the proud tradition of the Chollima workers of the preceding generation who made the first tractor with their bare hands, fully displaying the spirit of self-reliance, would vigorously turn out in the struggle to attain the goal set forth by the Party Central Committee and thus become reliable models in the van of the drive for developing the country's machine industry and carrying out the rural technical revolution.

Responding with a pledge of devoted implementation to the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un who visited their factory again and showed deep trust in them and redoubled their high sense of honor and important mission in defending the outpost of the rural technical revolution, all the officials and employees of the factory made a firm pledge to fulfill their heavy responsibility and duty for the farm machine production front in the ongoing worthwhile historic advance for opening up a new era of rural development. -0-

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister's participation in the 15th BRICS Summit

India - Ministry of External Affairs

August 23, 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participated in the 15th BRICS Summit held under South Africa's chairship, in Johannesburg on 23 August 2023.

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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 AU's permanent membership of the G20

Johannesburg

August 23, 2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prime Minister's meeting with President of South Africa

India - Ministry of External Affairs

August 23, 2023

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi met H.E. Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa on 23 August 2023 in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

2. 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.

3. 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 India's G20 presidency and appreciated India's 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.

4. Prime Minister congratulated President Ramaphosa on the successful hosting of the BRICS Summit. Prime Minister accepted President Ramaphosa's invitation to pay a State Visit to South Africa at a mutually convenient date.

Johannesburg

August 23, 2023

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






LCA Tejas successfully test-fires indigenous ASTRA Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missile off Goa coast

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 23 AUG 2023 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

Tejas, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) LSP-7 successfully fired the ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa on August 23, 2023. 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 test launch was monitored by the Test Director and scientists of 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 maneuvering supersonic aerial targets, is designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI) and other laboratories of DRDO. The indigenous Astra BVR firing from home grown Tejas fighter is a major step towards 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Raksha Mantri Shri 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 has also congratulated the teams involved in the successful launch.

****

ABB/Savvy

(Release ID: 1951428)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






SIGNING OF SOP ON WHITE SHIPPING INFORMATION EXCHANGE BETWEEN INDIAN NAVY AND PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 23 AUG 2023 4:02PM by PIB Delhi

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff and CG Admiral Artemio M Abu, Commandant of Philippine Coast Guard signed the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for exchange of White Shipping Information on 23 August 2023. The SOP was signed in New Delhi during ongoing visit of the Commandant, Philippine Coast Guard to India.

The signing of the SOP between Philippine Coast Guard and Indian Navy would facilitate operationalization of information exchange on merchant shipping traffic, which will contribute to enhanced maritime safety and security in the region.

******

VM/JSN



(Release ID: 1951398)

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






"Khorramshahr", "Haj Qasem" strategic missiles join armed forces

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Tue / 22 August 2023 / 14:07

Tehran (ISNA) - The mass addition of strategic missiles of "Khorramshahr" and "Haj Qasem" to the armed forces began with the presence and order of the President Ebrahim Raisi.

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, on the sidelines of visiting the exhibition of the latest technological and advanced achievements of the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces' Logistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran, ordered the start of the joining and mass transfer of strategic missiles of "Khorramshahr" and "Haj Qasem" to the armed forces and the aerospace force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In this ceremony, which was held in the presence of the Minister of Defence and a group of commanders of the armed forces, the President, while honouring the day of the defence industry and expressing gratitude to all the hardworking forces of the country's defence industry, said, "I hope that the efforts of all of us will increase the country's dignity, honour and authority".

President Raisi issued the order the joining of Khorramshahr and Haj Qasem strategic missiles to IRGC Aerospace Force with the blessed code of "Ya Hossein".

End Item

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran-Russia defense ties deepening day by day: Commander

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 23, 2023

Moscow, IRNA -- Commander of the Ground Force of the Iranian Army Brigadier General Kiumars Heidari has stressed that Iran-Russia defense ties are deepening day after another.

At the end of his official visit to Russia on Wednesday, Brigadier General Heidari said that the Islamic Republic of Iran has shown that it is serious in the fight against terrorism and will not only continue its interactions with Russia in this area, but such cooperation is deepening day by day.

Describing his visit to Russia as "timely" and "fruitful", he stated that they reached good agreements during a meeting with the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Army's Ground Forces General Oleg Salyukov.

Referring to the development of cooperation in counterterrorism as part of the agreement between Iran and Russia, he underlined that the two countries are determined to expand cooperation in fighting against terrorism.

He praised the presence of the Islamic Republic of Iran's pavilion alongside 70 countries at Russia's Army-2023 International Military-Technical Forum, adding that the capabilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran in various fields of land, sea, aerospace, missile, and electronic warfare surprised visitors and participants in this exhibition.

On Sunday, the first day of his trip to Moscow, the Iranian commander visited the Islamic Republic of Iran's stand at Russia's Army-2023 International Military-Technical Forum in Patriot Park near Moscow.

Also, the Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces and Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin reviewed the development of defense cooperation in a meeting on Wednesday.

The two sides discussed issues of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation. They exchanged opinions on the issues of bilateral security.

The two sides reaffirmed their intention to deepen dialogue, and increase the level of development of contact in the defense sphere, TASS reported citing the Russian Defense Ministry.

3266**2050

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iranian Chief of Staff, Azerbaijani Defense Minister confer on military, security issues

ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency

Wed / 23 August 2023 / 12:47

Tehran (ISNA) - The Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Bagheri and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov held a phone conversation, Iranian embassy in Baku announced.

The sides exchanged views on the situation and security issues in the region.

During the conversation, they also discussed the prospects for military cooperation between the two countries.

End Item

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Iran, Russia agree new defense agreements: Iranian commander

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 4:43 PM

The commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Force says the country has reached new defense agreements with Russia, hailing the ever-growing military ties between the two countries.

Speaking on Wednesday at the end of his visit to Russia, Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari described the trip as "well-timed" and "fruitful."

The general said he and his Russian counterpart, General Oleg Salyukov, reached some agreements on boosting defense ties, including in the fight against terrorism.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has shown that it's serious in fighting terrorism and it will not only maintain interaction with Russia in this field, but this cooperation will get deeper every day," he said.

The Iranian general said Tehran and Moscow are also ready to share their anti-terrorism experience with other countries.

"Terrorism in its various forms is a global threat, and Iran and Russia are ready to share their valuable experience with other countries," he said.

During his trip that started on Sunday, the Iranian commander visited Russian military academies as well as various training centers and military-industrial complexes.

General Heydari said such visits can help facilitate further cooperation on sharing knowledge and experience, as well as student exchange programs.

'Iran, Russia reaffirm intention to boost military-technical cooperation'

On Wednesday, Russia's Defense Ministry said that a Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin had discussed military cooperation with General Heydari during their talks in Moscow.

"The sides discussed topical issues of bilateral military and military-technical cooperation. They exchanged opinions on the issues of bilateral security. The sides reaffirmed their intention to deepen dialogue, increase the level of development of contact in the defense sphere," the ministry said, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the sides also agreed to further increase cooperation between the Ground Force of the two countries in various areas.

Russia and Iran, both under Western sanctions, have forged closer relations in military and other areas in recent years.

Early this week, the Iranian military participated in a Russian military exhibition, where it put on display a variety of cutting-edge military hardware, including drones and electronic warfare systems, as well as the Ababil ballistic missile.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Saudi-Israel Normalization Not So Imminent, Says White House

By Patsy Widakuswara August 23, 2023

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan lowered expectations for the Saudi-Israel normalization agreement that Washington is working on, rejecting news reports that suggest it is imminent.

"There is still a ways to travel with respect to all of the elements of those discussions," Sullivan said during a briefing for reporters Tuesday.

In past months, Sullivan and his deputies have begun separate negotiations with the Saudis and Israelis to lay groundwork for a deal.

Peace between the two countries would be "a big deal" and benefit the U.S. "in a fundamental way," Sullivan said, highlighting the goal of a "more integrated, more stable Middle East" where countries could collaborate on "everything from economics to technology to regional security."

He declined to comment on a potential meeting between President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi next month.

Talk of normalization began under the administration of President Donald Trump, who leaned on Saudi Arabia to join other Arab states - United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco - in signing the 2020 U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords that recognize Israel.

Since the Accords, Riyadh's ties with Israel have incrementally warmed, allowing Biden in July 2022 to become the first American president to fly directly to Jeddah from Tel Aviv after the Saudi Kingdom opened its airspace to flights to and from Israel.

US-Saudi-Israel deal

As negotiations continue, the parties have not publicly declared their terms, but various media reports have provided the contours of what such a deal might look like.

Israel is aiming to secure more Saudi support in deterring Iran, even as it stands to gain the most from the wider political and economic impact of normalizing relations with the Saudis, a key Arab country and opinion-maker in the Muslim world. A deal could lead to recognition from other Muslim-majority countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia.

Washington wants the Saudis to be more aligned with the U.S. in its rivalry against China and to resolve the war in Yemen, a proxy conflict between Riyadh and Tehran.

In part to secure support from his Democratic Party lawmakers in Congress, Biden may push Israel to preserve the prospects for a two-state solution with Palestinians, possibly pledging to never annex the occupied West Bank or expand Israeli settlements.

Meanwhile, for Riyadh, the deal must include protection from Iran in the form of some kind of mutual defense pact with Washington, and U.S. support for its civilian nuclear program, including in-country enrichment, as it anticipates its oil to run out.

Sullivan declined to say whether the administration would be willing to agree to those terms.

Long road ahead

"If this possible deal were a meal, the cooks right now are just assembling the ingredients and they haven't even begun to mix them together," said Brian Katulis, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.

In addition to its demands to Washington, the Saudis, unlike the Emiratis, Bahrainis and Moroccans in 2020, will likely not cut a deal that sidesteps the Palestinians, Katulis told VOA. It would push for Israeli concessions that echo the "land for peace" principle of the 2002 Saudi-led Arab League peace initiative, which conditions recognition of Israel on the creation of a Palestinian state.

However, while a U.S. security guarantee, civilian nuclear program and concession for Palestinians are desirable for the Saudis, Riyadh does not desperately need any of these, said Jonathan Rynhold, head of the political science department at Israel's Bar-Ilan University.

In this context, Riyadh is different from past signatories of the Abraham Accords that have been driven by transactional motivators: Morocco signed to secure the Trump administration's recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Sudan for its removal from Washington's state sponsors of terrorism list and relief from massive debt.

So the key issue is whether Washington is willing to give the Saudis what they want, Rynhold told VOA.

Should the Biden administration decide it is willing to meet Riyadh's demands, it can allow the Saudis and the Israelis to seal the deal under their terms or push toward some minimal Israeli concession toward the Palestinians that "makes it clear to the Democrats in Congress that Israel's heading in the right direction," he added.

Palestinian compromise

Compromise with Palestinians is unlikely to happen under the current Israeli government, the most right-wing in the country's history. But Washington could nudge Israel toward a more centrist coalition.

"What he [Biden] could do, for example, is simply say that every dollar Israel spends in the settlements, they'll get one dollar less of American aid," Rynhold said. "That is something that would make the Israeli public recognize the costs of having a right-wing government."

Such a move carries considerable political risk for Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign. Republicans would be eager to paint him as weak on supporting Israel, contrasting his approach to Trump's policy of maximum pressure and isolation of the Palestinians that accompanied the Abraham Accords.

Meanwhile, Palestinian voices are skeptical.

Far from resolving conflicts, Saudi-Israel normalization will serve as a pillar of a repressive architecture that brings no justice for Palestinians, said Dana El Kurd of Al Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network.

"Half-baked ideas about a final Palestinian-Israeli agreement," El Kurd said, in reality do not resolve underlying causes of conflict but "cement an increasingly violent status quo."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






UN envoy says Libya's stability critical to regional security

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:02, August 23, 2023

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






India pushes back hundreds of Myanmar refugees fleeing fighting

About 300 are sheltering in tents along the border and need food and supplies.

By RFA Burmese 2023.08.22 -- India has pushed back at least 300 hundred Burmese refugees who spilled across the border while fleeing fighting between Myanmar's military and rebel forces, forcing them to shelter in makeshift tents near the border, refugees and aid workers said.

More than 1,000 residents of Tamu township, in northern Myanmar's Sagaing region, fled to India's Manipur state in July and August to escape the hostilities, only to have Indian soldiers turn them back, the sources said.

The hundreds of refugees living in tents in Indian villages near the border are facing food and supply shortages, a refugee from Tamu who was among them told Radio Free Asia.

Indian troops drove the Burmese refugees out of the villages after two or three days, forcing them to seek shelter near the Myanmar side of the border, he said.

"We are currently in need of rainfly sheets to build tents and many other supplies," he said.

Burmese and Indian authorities. meanwhile, have shut a key border crossing in the area.

Altogether, about 5,000 Burmese refugees from Tamu township have sought shelter in Manipur state due to the fighting, said Salai Dokhar, founder of India For Myanmar, a group that helps Burmese refugees in India.

They are among about 50,000 Myanmar citizens who have fled to India since the military ousted Myanmar's democratically elected government in a February 2021 coup.

Bombings force villagers to flee

Junta troops conducted nighttime aerial bombings of Boke Kan village in Tamu township on Aug. 18, prompting more than 500 residents and others from nearby communities to flee to adjacent Manipur.

Similarly, on July 22, over 700 residents from Khampat, a 2,000-home township located about 8 kilometers (5 miles) southeast of the border with Manipur, fled across the border and into India because of a battle between junta forces and the resistance fighters.

Manipur authorities have been collecting biometric data from Burmese refugees, raising fears that the data could be shared with the junta, RFA reported earlier this month.

Thang Sei, an official from the Burma Refugee Committee Kabaw Valley, which is helping the Burmese refugees, told RFA that more than half of the refugees returned to Myanmar after a few days when fighting in Tamu stopped.

They went to the town of Kalay and other villages in Sagaing, but since junta troops continue to clear the Tamu area, it is still impossible for refugees to return to their homes there, said the refugee who is sheltering on the border.

Neither the Indian Embassy in Yangon nor the Myanmar Embassy in New Delhi, India, responded to RFA's requests for comment on the refugees.

The Indian government should reconsider its decision to expel Burmese refugees, said Salai Dokhar.

"When Burmese people want good relations between Myanmar and India, this kind of action by India directly destroys our hopes for the future," he said. "That is why Indian officials need to review the way they handle Burmese issues."

Translated by Myo Min Aung for RFA Burmese. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Junta officials close large Mandalay hospital for 3 months

The order follows the arrest of two doctors who joined the anti-junta Civil Disobedience Movement.

By RFA Burmese 2023.08.23 -- 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 junta's 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. "It's going to be closed starting on Aug. 25, according to the junta's 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.

Private clinics also targeted

The Civil Disobedience Movement has seen tens of thousands of Myanmar's government employees leave their jobs in protest of the military's February 2021 coup d'etat.

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 junta's 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 didn't 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.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US sanctions Myanmar junta's jet-fuel suppliers

The sanctions are in response to the military regime's "violent airstrikes" against civilians.

By Alex Willemyns for RFA 2023.08.23 -- The U.S. Treasury Department has expanded sanctions aimed at Myanmar's 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 Myanmar's 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 Wednesday's 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 People's 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.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Myanmar junta closes public buildings in a Chin state town

The military has stepped up patrols in Mindat.

By RFA Burmese 2023.08.23 -- Myanmar's junta has shut down public buildings in Chin state's 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 didn't 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 don't 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 didn't answer.

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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Expanding Burma Sanctions Authorities and Imposing Sanctions on Additional Jet Fuel Suppliers

US Department of State

Press Statement

Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson

August 23, 2023

Today, the United States expanded the use of its Burma-related sanctions authorities to allow for sanctions to be imposed on any foreign individual or entity determined to be operating in the jet fuel sector of Burma's economy. This expands our ability to exert pressure on Burma's military regime while further supporting the people of Burma.

The U.S. Government is also designating two individuals and three entities involved in the procurement and distribution of jet fuel to Burma's military regime.

The United States will continue to seek to deprive the military regime of the resources that enable its oppression of the people of Burma.

The Department of the Treasury is taking this action pursuant to Executive Order 14014 "Blocking Property with Respect to the Situation in Burma." For more information about these designations, see the Department of the Treasury's press release.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Treasury Expands Burma-Related Sanctions and Designates Additional Jet Fuel Suppliers in Burma

U.S. Department of the Treasury

August 23, 2023

WASHINGTON -- Today, taking note of the Burmese military regime's violent airstrikes against the people of Burma, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a determination that allows sanctions to be imposed on any foreign individual or entity that operates in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy. Concurrently, OFAC designated two individuals and one entity that are involved in the procurement and distribution of jet fuel to Burma's military regime, and two entities for being owned or controlled by such persons.

After overthrowing Burma's democratically elected civilian government in a coup on February1, 2021, the military regime has increasingly relied on violent airstrikes to repress the people of Burma. Most recently, fighter jet and helicopter attacks killed up to 10 civilians near Nyaung Kone village and up to 80 civilians, including women and schoolchildren, in a village in the Sagaing region of central Burma in April and June 2023, respectively. The Sagaing region attack was one many deadly air strikes since the military seized control of the country. Since the coup, over 3,900 civilians are estimated to have been killed by the regime.

"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," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Burma in their pursuit of freedom and democracy."

EXPANDING SANCTIONS: JET FUEL SECTOR

Today, OFAC is strengthening and expanding its use of Burma-related sanctions authorities by issuing a determination that identifies the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of Executive Order (E.O.) 14014. This determination allows for sanctions to be imposed on any foreign individual or entity determined to operate in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy. This action complements existing provisions for sanctions against those that operate in the defense sector of the Burmese economy. In conjunction with this determination, OFAC is issuing new guidance.

SANCTIONS ON BURMESE MILITARY JET FUEL SUPPLIERS

Today's action targets two individuals and one entity involved in the procurement and distribution of jet fuel to Burma's military, and two entities for being owned or controlled by such persons. In addition to disrupting the military regime's access to jet fuel resources, today's sanctions further align our actions with partners and allies.

Khin Phyu Win was previously associated with multiple jet fuel related companies within the Asia Sun Group, which imported jet fuel on behalf of Burma's military regime and was designated by OFAC on March 24, 2023 pursuant to E.O. 14014 for operating in the defense sector of the Burmese economy. Khin continues to maintain an interest in the procurement and distribution of jet fuel through her ownership and control of Shoon Energy PTE. LTD., PEIA PTE. LTD., and P.E.I Energy PTE. LTD., which are Singapore-based holding companies. Shoon Energy PTE. LTD. was formally known as Asia Sun Aviation and is a part of the Asia Sun Group. Khin and Shoon Energy PTE. LTD. were also designated by the United Kingdom earlier this year.



Zaw Min Tun became the director and owner of 11 Asia Sun Group companies after Khin transferred them to him, including Asia Sun Trading Company Limited, which was also designated by OFAC on March 24, 2023 pursuant to E.O. 14014 for operating in the defense sector of the Burmese economy. Zaw Min Tun was designated by the UK earlier this year as well.

Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun are being designated pursuant to E.O. 14014 for operating in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy.

Shoon Energy PTE. LTD. is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14014 for operating in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy and for being owned or controlled by, or acting for or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Khin Phyu Win.

P.E.I Energy PTE. LTD. and PEIA PTE. LTD. are being designated pursuant to E.O. 14014 for being owned or controlled by, or acting for or purporting to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Khin Phyu Win.

SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS

As a result of today's action, pursuant to E.O. 14014, all property and interests in property of the persons named above that are in the United States, or in the possession or control of U.S. persons, are blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked.

Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or otherwise exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.

U.S. sanctions need not be permanent. Sanctions are intended to bring about a positive change of behavior. Consistent with the findings of Treasury's Sanctions Review, the removal of sanctions is available for persons designated under E.O. 14014 who take concrete and meaningful actions to restore Burma's path to democracy and disassociate themselves from the military regime in Burma.

For information concerning the process for seeking removal from any OFAC list, including the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), please refer to OFAC's Frequently Asked Question 897. Additional information regarding sanctions programs administered by OFAC can be found here.

For additional information regarding the sector determination and sanctions issued today, click here.

###

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






South Koreans Join Readiness Drills Against North Korea Threats

By Eunice Kim August 24, 2023

Hundreds of thousands of people in South Korea are taking part in defense drills this week that, this year in particular, have North Korea's evolving nuclear threats in mind.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began Monday across the country to run through August 31. The annual summertime military drills uniquely merge U.S. and South Korean war games with government engagement.

During the four-day civilian Ulchi exercises, government, law enforcement and emergency personnel react to terror attacks, natural disasters and, for the first time, a North Korean nuclear strike.

Civilians took part in air raid drills on Wednesday, revived for the first time since 2017 after being halted during a detente with North Korea under previous U.S. and South Korean administrations.

The Freedom Shield component consists of exercises between U.S. and South Korean commanders, complemented by field-based drills to ensure that the allies have combined interoperability and a defensive posture amid a changing security environment.

Scenarios would be informed by lessons learned in past wars and conflicts, including the Ukraine war, officials said.

The U.S. Space Force, which launched a component field command in South Korea in December, will also participate for the first time.

A stronger deterrence

In his first remarks since returning from a trilateral summit with the United States and Japan, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Monday that Pyongyang will not hesitate to use its nuclear weapons to achieve its goal in war.

From a combined forces bunker on Wednesday, Yoon said some 8,000 U.S. and South Korean soldiers were taking part in 38 field maneuvers this year, the most in recent years. The allies' readiness is the foundation of an "immediate and decisive response" that will punish a North Korean strike, he said.

The response to North Korea's provocations will become stronger, high-level government officials have said, since last week's trilateral summit that produced a series of documents laying out a blueprint for reinforced relations among the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

Commitments include activating real-time sharing of data on North Korea's ballistic missile launches and conducting annual "multi-domain trilateral exercises."

"I think if you read the documents carefully, they are based on an understanding that a challenge to any one of us is a challenge to all of us," Kurt Campbell, National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs, said Tuesday during a digital press briefing with reporters.

North Korea angrily reacted to the Camp David documents and the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which it views as a prelude to an invasion.

The country warned that should the commitments be realized, the region would be pushed into "an unprecedented large-scale thermonuclear war."

Pyongyang also informed Tokyo of its plan to launch a rocket carrying a satellite as early as Thursday. The window runs until August 31, the day that Ulchi Freedom Shield ends.

Tokyo and Seoul have urged North Korea to call off the rocket launch, noting the claimed satellite test utilizes ballistic missile technology that is banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Lee Juhyun contributed to this report.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Video Address to the Participants in the BRICS Business Forum

Vladimir Putin made a video address to guests and participants in the BRICS Business Forum, which is traditionally held ahead of the BRICS summit.

August 22, 2023

19:10

The 15th BRICS summit is taking place on August 22-24 in Johannesburg (South Africa). The theme of the session is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism." The leaders of the Group of Five will discuss current international and regional challenges, as well as achievements and goals of the BRICS strategic partnership in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian areas. Special attention will be paid to issues of BRICS institutional development, including expansion of the association and creation of payment infrastructure resistant to external risks.

* * *

he participation of the UN Secretariat and initially aimed at ensuring global food security, reducing the threat of hunger and providing aid to the poorest countries.

We have repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that in a year under the deal, a total of 32.8 million tonnes of cargo has been exported from Ukraine, of which over 70 percent have reached high- and upper-middle-income countries, including the European Union. And only about three percent have gone to the least developed countries - that is, less than one million tonnes.

None of the terms of the so-called deal concerning the lifting of sanctions imposed on Russian exports of grain and fertilizers to world markets have been fulfilled. Obligations to Russia in this regard have been simply ignored. Even our free transfer of mineral fertilizers blocked in European ports has been obstructed. In fact, this is a purely humanitarian campaign that should not in principle be subject to any sanctions.

With these facts in mind, since July 18, we have refused to further extend the so-called deal. And we will be ready to get back to it, but only if all obligations to the Russian side are actually fulfilled.

I have repeatedly said that our country has the capacity to replace Ukrainian grain, both commercially and as free aid to needy countries, especially since our harvest is again expected to be perfect this year. As a first step, we have decided to gratuitously provide six African countries with 25a50 thousand tonnes of grain each with free delivery of these cargoes. Negotiations with partners are being completed.

Among the priority areas of interaction we also see further coordination of approaches of the BRICS members on the subject of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises. This is an important part of the overall economic agenda of the Group of Five, which implies assistance to the widest circles of citizens engaged in business activity as regards administrative and tax regulation, digitalization, e-commerce, and participation in the value chains.

I would note that thanks to the state support programmes, the entrepreneurs from the BRICS countries successfully adapt to the constantly changing situation in the global markets. They find new partners and new sales channels, attract additional funding and use more actively modern technologies.

It is equally important to continue developing cooperation within BRICS in terms of decarbonizing the economy, reducing human impact on nature and adapting to the changing climate. Russia is ready to work jointly to promote more balanced approaches to the climate change in the international arena.

Our country is consistently implementing the National Low-Carbon Development Strategy. We plan to reach carbon neutrality of the Russian economy not later than 2060, including through the introduction of technological innovations, modernization of infrastructure for access to affordable and clean energy, conservation of ecosystems on land and sea. We understand that the implementation of the climate goals can be facilitated by a variety of technologies, including those that have been in use for a long time already, such as nuclear generation, hydropower and gas motor fuel.

To sum it up, I would like to reiterate that the multifaceted partnership and cooperation within the BRICS not only makes a significant contribution to ensuring the sustainable growth of our states but also generally promotes global economic recovery and successful achievement of global development goals and targets set by the United Nations - to fight poverty, expand people's access to quality healthcare, eradicate hunger and improve food security.

Therefore, I am confident that the BRICS Business Forum and Business Council will continue their creative work aimed at expanding contacts between the business circles of the Group of Five countries and jointly implementing new mutually beneficial projects.

In conclusion, I would like to invite representatives of your countries' business circles to attend the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia that will take place on September 10-13 in the city of Vladivostok, where, by tradition, the discussions will focus on issues that are also of interest to the business communities of the BRICS countries.

Thank you for your attention.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Canada announces additional sanctions against Russia's military and nuclear sectors

Global Affairs Canada

News release

August 23, 2023 - Ottawa, Canada - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that Canada is imposing additional sanctions against 4 individuals and 29 entities that have direct ties to Russia's military-industrial complex, as well as to its financial and nuclear sectors. These sanctions are part of the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations and target those who are complicit in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Today's sanctions also include a Russian Armed Forces Colonel who was a commander of the fifty-third anti-aircraft missile brigade, which is associated with the downing of Malaysia Airline's MH17 flight on July 17, 2014, while it was flying over eastern Ukraine. The companies being sanctioned are responsible for developing products for both civil and military use, such as aviation, marine, and special nuclear equipment. The companies include Promtekhnologiya LLC, which produced weapons that were used by the Wagner Private Military Company during Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Canada is also imposing sanctions on financial entities previously sanctioned by its G7 allies and directly associated with the Putin regime.

Building upon sanctions announced in July 2023 targeting Russia's nuclear sector, and in coordination with its like-minded partners, Canada is also targeting additional persons in this sector, including in state-owned companies. The new nuclear-related targets comprise subsidiaries of ROSATOM, including companies that are part of Russia's nuclear weapons complex, and the export agency that sells Russian nuclear technology abroad. Canada's sanctions seek to constrain Russia's recklessness in this sector and complement Canada's efforts at the International Atomic Energy Agency, which seek to hold Russia to account for its disregard for international standards developed to ensure nuclear safety and security.

Canada has worked in coordination with the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia to ensure that we are aligned in targeting Russia's nuclear sector and will continue to do so to increase pressure on Russia and its decision-making bodies to cease its ongoing violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Quotes

"Canada continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine. We will continue to work with our partners, including the G7, to undermine Russia's ability to conduct its military aggression against Ukraine and to impose further costs on those who support the Russian regime." - MAlanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Quick facts

Since 2014, Canada has imposed sanctions on more than 2,600 individuals and entities in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Moldova that are complicit in the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Many of these sanctions have been undertaken in coordination with Canada's allies and partners.

Since January 2022, Canada has committed more than $8.9 billion to financial, military, humanitarian, development and immigration assistance for Ukraine.

Canada has already listed several individuals connected to the Russian nuclear sector, including members of ROSATOM's supervisory and management boards.

Russia's ongoing seizure of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, led by ROSATOM, poses serious ongoing risks of a nuclear accident that could have devastating consequences in the region.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia says Wagner head Prigozhin killed in plane crash

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Aug 23, 2023

Tehran, IRNA -- A private jet travelling in Russia crashed on Wednesday, killing all people on board including the head of the Wagner Private Military Company, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian officials have said.

The aircraft, identified as an Embraer business jet, crashed in the northwestern Tver Region when it was traveling from the capital Moscow to St. Petersburg, Russian media reported the country's Emergencies Ministry as saying, adding that all 10 people on board lost their lives.

"The Embraer plane was flying out of Sheremetyevo to St. Petersburg. There were three crew and seven passengers on board. They all died," an Emergencies Ministry official told Russia's TASS news agency.

Reports say the plane caught fire after hitting the ground and burned up. It had been in flight for less than 30 minutes.

4194

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






BRICS countries continue to strengthen cooperation amid global economic challenges: Putin

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:21, August 23, 2023

MOSCOW, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- 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."

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Prigozhin Presumed Dead After Wagner Plane Crashes With No Survivors North Of Moscow

By RFE/RL's Russian Service August 23, 2023

A private jet belonging to the Wagner mercenary group has crashed en route to St. Petersburg from Moscow, with officials saying the company's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was one of 10 people on the passenger list.

"An Embraer Legacy private jet has crashed outside the Kuzhenkino populated locality in the Tver region. Ten people, including three crew members, were on board. According to preliminary reports, everyone on board was killed," the Emergency Ministry's press service said in a statement on August 23.

The Federal Agency for Air Transport of Russia (Rosaviatsiya) added that "according to the passenger list, first and last name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was included." However, there has been no confirmation that Prigozhin was actually onboard.

Prigozhin and Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin were listed among seven passengers on the jet, the aviation authority said, quoting the airline. Two pilots and a flight attendant also were onboard the plane, the aviation authority said.

Rosaviatsiya said an investigation into the incident has been launched.

"The Commission of the Federal Air Transport Agency is starting initial actions at the scene and has also begun collecting factual materials on the training of the crew, the technical condition of the aircraft, the meteorological situation on the flight route, the work of dispatch services and ground radio equipment," the aviation authority's statement said.

There has been no official confirmation from the Kremlin or the Defense Ministry that Prigozhin and Utkin died, but a Telegram channel linked to Wagner pronounced Prigozhin dead.

The channel, Grey Zone, declared Prigozhin a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia."

U.S. President Joe Biden said he was "not surprised" at news that Prigozhin might have died in the plane crash.

"I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised," Biden said, adding "there's not much that happens in Russia that [President Vladimir] Putin's not behind. But I don't know enough to know the answer."

Emergency services officials quoted by state news agency RIA Novosti said that the bodies of eight people have been found in the wreckage. The agency did not say whether any of the bodies had been identified.

Officials did not comment on any possible reason for the crash.

A onetime close ally of Putin, Prigozhin led a short-lived mutiny on June 24 that saw Wagner fighters seize the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and march to within 200 kilometers of Moscow. A Russian military aircraft was shot down during the mutiny and altogether 13 Russian Air Force personnel were killed. It was the most serious challenge to Putin in his more than two decades in power.

Prigozhin was not arrested or detained at the time, but Putin denounced the insurrection as a "stab in the back" and vowed to punish all "traitors" involved.

"All those who consciously chose the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed mutiny, who chose the path of blackmail and terrorism, will suffer an inevitable punishment," Putin said.

The Wagner chief's whereabouts have been largely a mystery since the mutiny.

He appeared in his first video since the mutiny earlier this week. In footage possibly shot in Africa and published on August 21 on Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner group, Prigozhin is seen standing in a desert area in camouflage and with a rifle in his hands.

Earlier, he was believed to be moving between Russia and Belarus, where Wagner troops have been setting up camps to train Belarusian armed forces as part of a deal negotiated to help end the mutiny.

The leader of the Belarusian opposition, Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, said Prigozhin won't be missed in Belarus.

"He was a murderer & should be remembered as such," she said on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

She also speculated that his death might dismantle Wagner's presence in Belarus and reduced the threat to the country's neighbors.

The Wagner insurrection came on the heels of months of intense public infighting with Russia's military leadership over the war strategy in Ukraine and ammunition supplies.

The head of the U.S. CIA, William Burns, said last month that Putin would likely seek retribution against Prigozhin.

"Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback," he said, speaking on July 20 at the Aspen Security Forum.

He said he would be surprised if Prigozhin escaped further retribution.

"So in that sense, [President Joe] Biden is right. If I were Prigozhin, I wouldn't fire my food taster," Burns added, referring to a quip by Biden earlier that week that if he were Prigozhin, "I'd be careful what I ate."

Earlier on August 23, RIA Novosti and other media outlets reported that General Sergei Surovikin, a top Russian officer who has ties to Prigzohin, had been relieved of his command of Russia's Aerospace Forces.

The reports indicated that Surovikin had not been fired nor demoted, nor even imprisoned, as some observers had expected in the wake of the June rebellion.

Surovikin is being replaced temporarily as commander of the Aerospace Forces by General Viktor Aflazov, according RIA Novosti. Aflazov oversaw the forces last year when Surovikin was briefly put in charge of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and TASS

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/prigozhin-airplane-crash- wagner/32561903.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Top Russian General Linked To Prigozhin Mutiny Reportedly Relieved Of Aerospace Command

By Mike Eckel August 23, 2023

General Sergei Surovikin, a top Russian officer who commanded the Ukraine war last year and who had ties to mutinous Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigzohin, has reportedly been relieved of his command of Russia's Aerospace Forces.

The reports, which first appeared on August 22 by well-connected veteran Moscow journalist Aleksei Venediktov and subsequently followed up by other local media outlets, indicated that Surovikin had not been fired nor demoted, nor even imprisoned as some observers had expected in the wake of the June rebellion, which was the most serious challenge to President Vladimir Putin in his more than two decades in power.

Surovikin is being replaced temporarily as commander of the Aerospace Forces by General Viktor Aflazov, according to the state news agency RIA Novosti. Aflazov oversaw the forces last year when Surovikin was briefly put in charge of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The reports, which had not been officially confirmed by the Kremlin as of August 23, add further questions to Surovikin's fate in the aftermath of the mutiny. He has not been seen publicly since the early hours of the June 23 mutiny.

Known as "General Armageddon" for his command of Russian forces during their intervention in the Syria war, Surovikin and his ruthless style of leadership had been championed by Prigozhin and similarly minded hawkish nationalists who have criticized Russia's performance in Ukraine.

After taking over in October, Surovikin ordered a still-ongoing campaign to target Ukraine's civilian infrastructure -- electricity grids, water pumping stations -- with Russian missiles and drones. He also ordered a tactical withdrawal of Russian forces from the west bank of the Dnieper River, in the Kherson region, amid Ukrainian advances there.

Prigozhin and former intelligence officer Igor Strelkov had complained that Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of Russia's general staff, General Valery Gerasimov, had botched the war effort, and they called on Putin to declare all-out war and fully mobilize the country to defeat Ukraine.

Surovikin was abruptly removed from command in January, and Gerasimov was put in charge of the overall war effort.

On June 23, soldiers from Prigozhin's Wagner Group staged a brief mutiny, mostly taking over the southern city of Rostov-On-Don and sending a column of troops racing toward Moscow. The convoy stopped short of the Moscow region after the reported intervention of Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka.

Putin denounced the mutiny, angrily calling its participants traitors and suggesting criminal prosecution and harsh treatment for them.

That has not happened, though.

Prigozhin and some Wagner soldiers met with Putin days later, and Prigozhin has continued to move freely in and out of Russia. In a video released this week, Prigozhin was shown in Africa, where he has sprawling business ventures and a sizable number of Wagner troops have been sent.

Surovikin, meanwhile, appeared in a video in the early hours of the mutiny, calling on Wagner soldiers to call off their revolt. Some experts said the message may have been forced.

Prigozhin overlapped with Surovikin during his tenure in Syria. Wagner troops provided security for oil and gas facilities controlled by the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and were involved in a disastrous attack on a Kurdish-controlled oil facility.

Afzalov, meanwhile, was shown on state television briefing Gerasimov last month.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-surovikin-journalist- aerospace-/32559340.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki on the sidelines of the BRICS summit

23 August 2023 17:48

1626-23-08-2023

On August 23, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met with former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki (1999-2008) on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

They expressed satisfaction with the high level of political interaction between Russia and South Africa, including at the UN, BRICS and other international forums, and the closeness of their positions on major global issues. Mr Lavrov told Mr Mbeki about the key areas and plans for bilateral cooperation in trade, the economy, and the scientific, technical and humanitarian fields.

During the meeting, they focused on security issues, including the situation in Ukraine and around it.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Press release on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's meeting with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Johannesburg, August 23, 2023

23 August 2023 17:48

1625-23-08-2023

On August 23, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov met with South African Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

The ministers discussed various aspects of the Russia-South Africa strategic partnership, including strengthening political, trade and economic, and humanitarian links. They emphasised the ambition of the two countries to coordinate their actions more closely within the UN, BRICS and other prominent platforms regarding current issues of the international and regional agendas.

Sergey Lavrov highly praised the South African BRICS Chairmanship under the motto "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for mutually accelerated growth, sustainable development and inclusive mutilateralism." He expressed hope that the top-level meeting in Johannesburg will be an important step towards deepening cooperation within the BRICS-Africa format.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Aleksandr Fomin meets with Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Kioumars Heydari

23.08.2023

Today, on 23 August 2023, Russian Deputy Defence Minister of the Russian Federation Colonel General Aleksandr Fomin has met with Commander of the Iranian Army's Ground Forces Brigadier General Kioumars Heydari.

The sides discussed bilateral military and military-technical cooperation.

They also exchanged views on bilateral security issues and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening dialogue and increasing the level of development of contacts in the defence sphere.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russian Ministry of Defence delegation participates in seminar Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia

23.08.2023

A delegation of the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation took part in the seminar of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, which was held on 23-24 August in Astana (Kazakhstan).

The event was held in view of the decision taken by the sixth Confidence-Building Measures in Asia summit to launch a structured, inclusive, and transparent negotiation process for the gradual, phased, and consensus-based transformation of the Conference into a full-fledged regional international organisation.

The meeting focused on the political and military aspects of ensuring security in Asia.

The foreign partners were briefed on Russian approaches to building a system of regional security and the views of the Russian Ministry of Defence on ways of building confidence between participating States and developing new forms of military co-operation in the region.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Wagner Chief Prigozhin Was Aboard Crashed Private Jet

Sputnik News

20230823

An Embraer Legacy business jet with three crew members and seven passengers aboard crashed in Russia's Tver Region while en route to St. Petersburg from Moscow earlier on Wednesday.

PMC Wagner boss and businessman Evgeny Prigozhin was aboard the aircraft that crashed Wednesday near a village about 300 kilometers away from Moscow, according to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency.

Prigozhin is considered a notable Russian businessman who is primarily known abroad as the founder of Wagner Group, a private military company.

According to information released by the government agency, the plane was carrying the following passengers: Prigozhin, Evgeny Markaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, Valery Chekalov, Sergey Propustin, Nikolay Matuseev and Dmitry Utkin, who served as a Wagner deputy and co-founder.

The plane's three crew members were commander Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova.

The Russian agency has indicated the flight permit issued for the aircraft, which was owned by a firm known as MNT Aero LLC, was issued in accordance with the established procedure.

The latest details released by officials on the plane crash site note first responders have since descended on the scene, and that the ongoing investigation is being personally supervised by Tver Governor Igor Rudyenya.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






At least 26 militants killed as Russia bombs terror bastions in NW Syria: Report

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 10:05 AM

Dozens of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and Hurras al-Din Takfiri terrorists were killed after Russian military aircraft carried out strikes against terrorist bastions in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib, according to Russian media.

The Arabic service of Russia's Sputnik news agency, citing unnamed sources, reported on Wednesday that Russian forces were tipped off about the terror groups' preparations for attacks against the positions of Syrian army troops.

"A squadron of Russian warplanes carried out a series of airstrikes given the intelligence obtained, indicating that groups of terrorists are preparing to launch coordinated attacks against Syrian army site," the report said.

It added that the targets included command centers and operations rooms of the Takfiri terrorists on the western outskirts of Idlib city, south of the town of Ariha, and several areas in the Jabal al-Zawiya region.

So far six command centers, logistical equipment, arms depots as well as unmanned aerial vehicles used by the Takfiris, are completely destroyed, the report said.

The report also said that based on initial reports at least 26 militants were killed and many others wounded as a result of the raids.

The developments came a day after Russian fighter jets completely destroyed an arms depot used by HTS terrorists in the western countryside of Idlib. At least five Takfiri militants were also killed in the process.

Russia has been providing Syrian forces with crucial military assistance in the ongoing battles across the conflict-plagued Arab country.

The Russian assistance, which began in September 2015 at the official request of the Syrian government, has proved effective as Syrians continue to recapture key areas from remnants of the Daesh terrorist group and other foreign-backed terrorist factions.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






The Syrian regime and its allies continue to profit whilst the Syrian people and the region suffer the consequences: UK statement at the Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on Syria.

23 August 2023

Thank you, President, and I thank Special Envoy Pedersen and Ms Alkanawati for their briefings.

President, 12 years ago, the Syrian people peacefully took to the streets to demand freedom, political reform, and a government that respects and upholds human rights. The Assad regime met those demands with brutality. The ensuing conflict has cost the lives of more than half a million and left over 12 million displaced.

With resolution 2254, this Council agreed unanimously on a political path out of the conflict that would protect the rights of all Syrians, with civil society, women and minorities playing a critical role.

Eight years on, there has been next to no political progress. The conditions that perpetuated the conflict, including the behaviour of the Asad Regime, have not changed. Regime complicity in the production and trafficking of Captagon is a recent example. As ever, the regime and its allies profit whilst the Syrian people and the region suffer the consequences.

President, as Lubna Alkanawati has clearly articulated, despite the untold hardship faced by women in Syria, many continue to play vital roles in the pursuit of justice, accountability, and peace, often in the face of harassment, intimidation and fears for their own safety. We commend them for their courage.

The UK recognises the enormous generosity of regional states hosting Syrian refugees, and will continue to support them to do so. Whilst we hope that Syrian refugees will ultimately be able to return home, we agree with the UN's assessment that conditions in Syria do not currently allow this.

It is essential that international law is respected and that any refugee returns are voluntary, safe and dignified.

The onus must be on the Assad regime to substantively change its behaviour and provide verifiable protection assurances for prospective returnees, many of whom fear prosecution on their return.

If the regime wants to show its behaviour has changed, genuine engagement on the missing and detained would be an important step towards demonstrating a safe environment for refugee returns.

As the recent conclusions from the Arab Contact Group have noted, UN Security Council resolution 2254 remains the only viable route to a lasting and inclusive settlement in Syria. While we welcome recent efforts to make progress on the political track, proof of the regime's good faith will be in concrete steps to guarantee the rights of the Syrian people and to engage substantially in meetings of the Constitutional Committee.

Thank you.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Presidential aspirants underscore importance of peace on 823 anniversary

ROC Central News Agency

08/23/2023 05:35 PM

Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) Several of Taiwan's presidential aspirants marked the 65th anniversary of the 823 Artillery Bombardment by underscoring the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.

New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (), the opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) presidential candidate, attended a public memorial service for the military personnel who died in the battle.

Speaking to reporters, Hou said there are no winners in war, and that it must be avoided at all costs.

Regarding Taiwan, this can be achieved through de-escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait, which is key to securing stability and prosperity, Hou said.

Hou pitched the idea of making Kinmen a "cross-strait economy and trade zone" with the goal of "stabilizing the provision of daily necessities and upgrading basic infrastructure," in order to transform the offshore county into a symbol of peace and prosperity to both sides of the strait.

Meanwhile, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. founder Terry Gou () urged Beijing not to underestimate the Taiwanese people's resolve to defend their country.

"While Taiwanese people would never court war, we do not fear war," Gou said. "If there must be war, we shall do as the 823 braves did, unite against our foes, and fight until we prevail," Gou said in a speech at the Kinmen County Council.

Gou also reiterated his stance that Taiwan and China should sign a "peace agreement because peace is what we believe in."

Gou said he will act quickly to launch a "Kinmen peace promotion foundation," as he believed the former battlefield could serve as an important hub in the quest for peace across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan People's Party (TPP) Chairman Ko Wen-je (), on the other hand, chose to commemorate the historic battle in Taipei at the National Revolutionary Martyr's Shrine, where he honored the memorial tablets of military personnel who died during war, including those of three Kinmen Defense Command deputy commanders that were killed at the onset of the 823 Artillery Bombardment.

Asked by reporters why he chose not to visit Kinmen as Hou and Gou did, Ko, the TPP's presidential candidate, said the occasion was for thanking the military personnel who gave their lives to protect the country, not for election campaigns.

Ko called on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait to decrease hostility and engage in dialogue, particularly on issues relating to daily life.

While Taiwan should train its armed forces in a practical manner and build up its defense, it should also retain some "flexibility" with China, which is necessary for pursuing peace, Ko said.

Asked whether he thought Hou was copying him when he pitched the idea Tuesday to hold a referendum to gauge public opinion on whether to build a "Kinmen-Xiamen Freeway" -- a proposal first put forward by Ko last year -- Ko said, "It's only natural good proposals will inspire people to follow."

He said the proposed freeway would benefit mail delivery, transportation, commerce, and even waste processing, and that he was confident that if such a referendum were to be held, it would pass.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/kb





NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






U.S. lawmakers slam Central American Parliament for China diplomatic switch

ROC Central News Agency

08/23/2023 03:49 PM

Washington, Aug. 22 (CNA) American lawmakers across party lines on Tuesday condemned a parliamentary body in Central America for its decision to replace Taiwan with China as a permanent observer in the wake of most of the organization's members switching diplomatic recognition to China.

In a statement on his twitter page, U.S. Republican Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, co-chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, said the decision to cancel Taiwan's permanent observer status in the Central American Parliament, known by its Spanish acronym PARLACEN, was "a condemnable attack on democracy."

Earlier in the day, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced its decision to withdraw with immediate effect from the Central American Parliament in a bid to safeguard the country's national dignity, and also condemned the decision from PARLACEN.

Taipei's withdrawal from PARLACEN came in the wake of the organization's approval -- following a vote of 73-32 with 9 abstains -- of the entry of the People's Republic of China (PRC) into the bloc as a permanent observer during a plenary assembly held in Nicaragua on Monday (local time).

Taiwan is a key democratic ally and partner of the U.S., and it is crucial that the Biden administration support and promote Taiwan's rightful position on the international stage, Diaz-Balart said in the Twitter message.

PARLACEN, which was set up in 1991, has six member countries: Guatemala, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Nicaragua. Taiwan joined the parliamentary body as a permanent observer in 1999.

Guatemala, where the parliament is based, is the only member that still has official ties with Taiwan. The others -- El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama -- have all switched diplomatic recognition to Beijing in recent years.

Echoing Diaz-Balart, Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn said the United States should continue to stand by Taiwan to tackle the growing influence of China worldwide.

In addition, U.S. Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and his Republican counterpart Marco Rubio also issued a joint statement condemning the Central American Parliament for the proposal to expel Taiwan's Legislative Yuan and instead recognize the Chinese National People's Congress as a permanent observer.

"Since 1999, Taiwan has served as a strong partner in its role as a permanent observer of the Central American Parliament, encouraging good governance and economic development in our Hemisphere, while China's regime has consistently undermined democracy, hindered sustainable growth in the region, and subjected Uyghurs in Xinjiang to state-sponsored genocide, torture, rape and arbitrary detention," Kaine and Rubio said in the statement.

"As leaders of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee overseeing the Western Hemisphere, we condemn this vote to expel Taiwan and admit China," the two added.

Kaine and Rubio are the chair and ranking members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere.

The proposal to revoke the PARLACEN permanent observer status of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan and replace it with that of the Chinese National People's Congress was raised by Nicaraguan representatives.

MOFA accused Nicaraguan lawmakers, its leader Daniel Ortega, and other pro-China lawmakers in the PARLACEN of doing what they are simply to "curry favor" with Beijing and of disregarding Taiwan's decades-long contributions to the regional parliamentary organization.

Central America was once Taiwan's staunchest base of diplomatic support, with all seven countries still recognizing the ROC as of 2006.

However, Costa Rica severed ties in 2007, followed by Panama, El Salvador, and Nicaragua in 2017, 2018 and 2021, respectively.

Following Honduras' decision to cut ties with Taiwan in March 2023, Guatemala and Belize are the only countries in Central America to maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei.

(By Stacy Hsu, Joseph Yeh and Frances Huang)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Guatemala President-elect seeks to balance relations with China, Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

08/23/2023 01:26 PM

Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) The incoming president of Guatemala, Taiwan's diplomatic ally, said Tuesday he has no intention to alter the status of his country's diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan's official name, but that he also wants to improve relations with China as well.

"We believe it is perfectly feasible to have good relations with both the (People's) Republic of China and Taiwan," President-elect Cesar Bernardo Arevalo de Leon told Reuters during an interview.

Guatemala's private sector is interested in expanding relations with China, which counts the Central American country as its main trade partner in the region, Arevalo added.

It remains to be seen how Arevalo's new government will manage to navigate relations with both after assuming office, given the fact that the PRC sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has made it a precondition for a foreign country to cut diplomatic relations with Taipei before it can have closer relations with Beijing.

The 64-year-old former diplomat also told Reuters that he wants to work with the United States to expand temporary work programs for Guatemalan migrants and also increase U.S. investment in the country's poorest areas in a bid to reduce the number of people leaving.

The center-left anti-corruption politician and son of former Guatemala President Juan Jose Arevalo Bermejo won Sunday's presidential runoff by a landslide, beating his closest rival, former first lady Sandra Torres Casanova.

Taiwan's government congratulated Arevalo after his victory.

"I look forward to working with you in deepening Taiwan-Guatemala ties & furthering the prosperity of our peoples," President Tsai Ing-wen () tweeted in Spanish.

According to Presidential Office spokeswoman Olivia Lin (), the nation's ambassador to Guatemala Miguel Li-Jey Tsao () also congratulated the Arevalo campaign on behalf of President Tsai.

When asked whether Tsai or Vice President Lai Ching-te () will attend Arevalo's inauguration ceremony during a press briefing Tuesday, Foreign Ministry Spokesman Jeff Liu () did not give a direct answer, only saying that the government will definitely send a delegation to Guatemala after the inauguration date is announced.

Central America was once Taiwan's staunchest base of diplomatic support, with all seven countries still recognizing the ROC as of 2006.

However, Costa Rica severed ties in 2007, followed by Panama, El Salvador, and Nicaragua in 2017, 2018 and 2021, respectively.

Following Honduras' decision to cut ties with Taiwan in March 2023, Taiwan was left with only 13 diplomatic allies worldwide, with Guatemala and Belize the only countries in Central America to maintain diplomatic relations with Taipei.

(By Joseph Yeh)

Enditem/kb

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






China announces live-fire drills near Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

08/23/2023 01:45 PM

Taipei, Aug. 23 (CNA) China's Fujian Maritime Safety Administration on Wednesday issued a no-sail order for an area close to Taiwan proper where live-fire military drills are scheduled to take place Aug. 24-25.

According to the coordinates given by the agency, the drills will be staged in Xinghua Bay, about 160 km away from Taiwan proper, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on both days.

The announcement comes as Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (), New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih () and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. founder Terry Gou () are in Kinmen County to mark the 65th anniversary of the 823 Artillery Bombardment, a historic battle that saw the Republic of China (Taiwan) fend off People's Liberation Army aggression with the assistance of U.S. military aid.

Hou is the main opposition Kuomintang's (KMT) presidential candidate, while Gou, an independent, has been hinting heavily for months that he may launch his own presidential bid.

China intensified its daily "joint combat readiness patrols" on Aug. 19, one day after Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te (), the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) candidate in next year's presidential election, returned to the country from a visit to Paraguay, during which he had two stopovers in the U.S.

China flew a total of 45 warplanes around Taiwan that day, including 25 that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and two that flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), in addition to deploying nine warships in waters near Taiwan.

The Aug. 19 drills led to Taiwan accusing China of attempting to impact voters' decisions ahead of next year's general elections.

(By Sean Lin)

Enditem/kb



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) - F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems

Media/Public Contact: pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No: 23-25

WASHINGTON, August 23, 2023 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) has requested to buy Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; software delivery and support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistical and program support. There is no Major Defense Equipment (MDE). The estimated total cost is $500 million.

This proposed sale is consistent with U.S. law and policy as expressed in Public Law 96-8.

This proposed sale serves U.S. national, economic, and security interests by supporting the recipient's continuing efforts to modernize its armed forces and to maintain a credible defensive capability. The proposed sale will help improve the security of the recipient and assist in maintaining political stability, military balance, and economic progress in the region.

The proposed sale will improve the recipient's capability to meet current and future threats by contributing to the recipient's abilities to defend its airspace, provide regional security, and increase interoperability with the United States through its F-16 program. The recipient will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Corporation, St. Louis, MO. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement would be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor(s).

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-



NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






US Approves $500M Sale of F-16 Infrared Systems to Taiwan

Sputnik News

20230823

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US Department of State approved on Wednesday $500 million worth of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems and related equipment to Taiwan's de facto embassy in the United States, according to a release from the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States of F-16 Infrared Search and Track (IRST) systems and related equipment for an estimated cost of $500 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today," the release stated.

Following the Chinese Revolution and the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the remnants of Chiang Kai-shek's Republic of China government fled to the island of Taiwan.

Since then, Taiwan has declared itself as the Republic of China, while Beijing maintains that the island is a province of the People's Republic of China and that Chinese sovereignty over Taiwan is indisputable.

The US has been developing ties with Taiwan, violating the "one China" principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs with reckless actions, promoting official interation with the island.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






As Taiwan Marks Battle Anniversary, US Seeks Stronger Alliances Over China Tensions

By Henry Ridgwell August 23, 2023

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 a visit to Washington August 12 by Taiwan's vice president, William Lai.

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 a 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 a 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting with Acting Governor of Zaporozhye Region Yevgeny Balitsky

Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Acting Governor of Zaporozhye Region Yevgeny Balitsky.

August 23, 2023

01:50

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Balitsky, good evening. Where shall we start?

Acting Governor of Zaporozhye Region Yevgeny Balitsky: Mr President, first, I would like to express my deep gratitude for your initiative in early May to relocate people. This effort helped save several dozen lives because the adversary - the Nazi regime - and its accomplices continue to shell the cities located along the frontline.

Let me share just one small example with you. Parents expressed their deep gratitude and asked me to pass on their message to you. After we launched the relocation effort on May 4, in a matter of two days a school in Tokmak was hit by an artillery shell. But the children were not there anymore, so no one was hurt. For that, you have the deepest gratitude of the parents of these schoolchildren.

Mr President, I would like to say a few words about September 1, since this is a very important topic. This will be the second Knowledge Day for us since joining Russia, reuniting with our homeland. Mr Kiriyenko [First Deputy Head of the Presidential Executive Office] keeps a close eye on this situation. He visited us just the other day and we toured schools together. I can assure you that we have textbooks for all students. The schools are ready to offer the whole range of education and development opportunities along with extracurricular activities. We paid all the dues earmarked to this effect in the budget to the teachers who teach extracurricular activities. The National Guard has been licenced to provide security at all schools, and all first to fourth graders will receive free meals. I met with the teachers, and they asked me to express their deep gratitude to you.

The land route crossing the Zaporozhye Region along the Sea of Azov, which is now our internal waters, is another important item. This route is fully operational. The decision you and the Government took to rebuild this road was very wise and timely, I have to say, because today it serves us well. Of course, the Nazis continue targeting infrastructure, including the Crimean Bridge, and we understand this. Today, we are reaping the fruits of past efforts.

People cross the Zaporozhye Region with words of gratitude - I am saying this in all honesty. I cannot say for Russia as a whole since I do not travel much around the country these days, but our people have a lot of gratitude for this road. It was my duty to convey these words of gratitude to you.

And these are not just words. Since we constantly conduct sociological surveys, we hear respondents talk about what Russia is doing in their region, how this is being done, and how considerate every social agency is about their needs. These surveys highly commend our work; you can see this. Today, 87 percent of residents of the Zaporozhye Region support you as the head of the country; the United Russia party has 71 percent support. We are confident that United Russia will get a well-deserved percent of the vote reflecting the work it has been doing under your leadership.

Speaking of the elections, we have compiled a complete list of candidates for deputies of the legislative assembly. I would like to show it to you and report that we are fully prepared for the elections. Most importantly, we are prepared in terms of the actions we have been taking. We consider the work we have been doing as the underlying basis and the main goal set by you and by the Government of the Russian Federation.

I can say a few words about the strategic concept of the socio-economic development of the Zaporozhye Region. It is a long document, so I did not bring all of it here. I just wanted to go over the strategy that we are proposing and ask for your support, because this document is at the core of our election platform.

I heard your speech in Beijing on May 14, 2017, and you said something like "greater Russia is not an abstract geopolitical concept, but a civilisational project aimed at the future." And you know, even then, in 2017, I took in the tone of your words. I understand perfectly well that the Russian world is boundless; but we have to fight for it. And many Russian politicians such as Peter I or Anna Ioannovna did that by force of arms; they took Crimea but were forced to leave. And only Catherine, thanks to her wisdom and to Potemkin, was able to create an outpost of Russia in the south by building cities there and ensuring economic sustainability.

We believe that the Zaporozhye Region should become a similar outpost, with its own advantageous geopolitical and logistical significance.

Vladimir Putin: The potential is great indeed.

Yevgeny Balitsky: It would not be enough just to protect people; the most important task is for them to stay and live there. To do this, we need to create a number of economic prerequisites, the right conditions for people to live, love each other, and have children from this love.

We took the cue from what the civilian and military administration did last year and did not go down the path of trial and error as was the case in the Donetsk and Lugansk republics. Perhaps, some mistakes were made in Crimea as well. We tried to learn as much as we could from the experience of our colleagues in these regions to avoid making the same mistakes and tried to manage the economy in the most effective manner. That way, we created state-owned enterprises. Following our belief that the state is the most important and responsible "operator" of the people's lives, we have created 20 state-run companies such as the State Grain Operator, Melitopol Railway, or the Berdyansk Commercial Sea Port, and a company that provides security guard services to schools and other sites. All of them are state bodies. Every fourth person is working in the public sector today. We believe that this is the right thing to do as long as the SMO continues. After the SMO is over, we will - maybe it is not the most popular word - proceed to denationalising the economy. So far, doing this has allowed us to preserve abandoned enterprises and to create economic potential in them, as well as to reestablish perhaps not 100 percent, but at least most of the economic potential.

We were guided primarily by social justice considerations when we were doing this. We did not want the people to have the sense that some oligarchs had fled only to be replaced by other oligarchs. That's why we use public-private partnership arrangements to place enterprises under management and have the state keep at least 25 percent interest in them. This makes it possible for us to create additional savings that go to the Zaporozhye Region budget, the way they are doing it in Tatarstan. We used these arrangements to create a major agency that will provide financial help and create innovation-driven and education platforms that include kindergartens, schools, universities, and colleges, which will be able to develop the way we envision. That includes renovating churches and monuments.

This will allow us to create a joint-stock company "Novoye Priazovye" which we will support with state property transferred under public-private partnership arrangements. For example, if we issue a subsidy to a farmer, he will be expected to engage in what we can provide to them. Here is what it is all about. Let's say that, according to our information, the production of textiles in the Russian Federation is wanting. We can sow hemp in the Zaporozhye Region. Technical hemp makes it possible for us to sew coarse clothing, which is what we are subsidising. By the way, it is also about gunpowder. So, a planned economy gives us the opportunity to influence the situation and production. This is part of the Soviet past, and implementing it, we think, is quite a good idea.

Vladimir Putin: Fibre crops?

Yevgeny Balitsky: Yes.

I will not describe, Mr President, the entire concept, because it would take a lot of time. Please support our initiative. I have discussed it, of course, with Mr Kiriyenko and Mr Khusnullin [Deputy Prime Minister] - he has his own opinion as regards public ownership - but generally they have supported our concept, and, if you do not object, there is a letter, and we ask that you please support our construct for ministries and agencies to start working on it.

Vladimir Putin: We will support it, of course.

But, you know, I would like to hear your assessment of one pressing and important issue. I mean energy. The lack of energy resources is affecting all areas of life. What are the prospects in this regard and what kind of assistance do you need?

Yevgeny Balitsky: We had a meeting with Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov. According to the decision taken by Marat Khusnullin's working group, we have kept all power capacities of up to 35,000 kV for ourselves and handed everything higher over to the Ministry of Energy. We have also transferred our wind generation capacities, as well as, according to your decision, the nuclear power station and we will transfer the thermal power plant. We are keeping everything that is lower than 35,000 kV. Ours is a transit region, and when we push back the frontline, the Zaporozhye Region will get a handsome transit income. We are fully provided with electric energy. Of course, we would have coped had we kept for ourselves all the "high" capacities. I think we would have managed, given that we sustained them for one and a half years. But we will support the decision on the transfer.

Vladimir Putin: Is gas installation still a problem?

Yevgeny Balitsky: Yes, it is. Four of our districts out of 13 are yet to get gas distribution infrastructure. I mean parts of them. They are in the south - the Primorsky District and further north.

We will continue to install gas distribution infrastructure. A new pipeline was built under a Government decision, after the Nazi authorities switched off the Zaporozhye Region. The pipeline branched off from the Donbass gas system and crossed the region's lower part. Today, this pipeline fully supplies the whole of the Zaporozhye Region, including those districts. We hope to install 100 percent of gas infrastructure within the next year.

Vladimir Putin: Excellent. This is something you should strive for. I am sure you will manage.

I see that your entire team is mobilised in the positive sense of the word. I hope that people will see and feel it, despite the difficulties that are besetting both people and your administration. After all, the economic and social situation is being stabilised. Of course, much has to be done to rebuild, but we will certainly get it done, and we will keep helping you.

Yevgeny Balitsky: Thank you.

<...>

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Meeting with Acting Head of the Lugansk People's Republic Leonid Pasechnik

Vladimir Putin held a working meeting at the Kremlin with Acting Head of the Lugansk People's Republic Leonid Pasechnik.

August 23, 2023

01:00

The Kremlin, Moscow

chansk, Rubezhnoye and Kremennaya. We are helping people, understanding their difficult situation and trying to provide them with at least bearable living conditions.

I want to emphasise, absolutely sincerely, that, surely, Donbass has not seen this amount of care and goodwill since Soviet times.

The republic is transforming in front of our eyes. People have noticed this and the changes are having a positive effect on the social wellbeing of local residents.

To summarise, I want to say that history must be teaching us another lesson because today, we are recovering, and our unity is making us stronger and wiser.

I am certain that there are no tasks that we could not accomplish together. I am certain that we will achieve all our goals. I want to assure you that the Lugansk People's Republic has a team that can do its work well. We may lack some professionalism or knowledge of the nuances of Russian law, but our people are true patriots who are used to working hard. And we can fulfil all the tasks set by you, the Government and our local administration.

We will certainly overcome the challenges of history today and further ahead.

Vladimir Putin: Of course, all the goals you mentioned cannot be achieved before solving the main problem - ensuring security. Now, as you can see, the situation on the line of contact is stable. Moreover, I take an occasional look at what the other side is doing and I get the impression that they are sending their people into minefields, under our artillery strikes as if they were not their own - as if they were not their citizens at all. It is amazing. It is their business and their problem of course, and as for our problems, we certainly need to think about restoring the economy and the social sphere on a solid security foundation.

And actually... Yes, I do see that you are growing and restoring industry, but this is recovery, and we need to ensure that the economy recovers, that this goal is achieved, and then you can move on.

As to the social situation, economically, too, I would say the main problem is that people's incomes remain modest, to put it mildly, while prices are rising.

There are very obvious issues such as the need to restore housing, public services, communications, engineering networks, utilities, and so on. But these are regular everyday issues, as they say, and I am sure that your team will be able to solve them.

Still, I know that in the days of old - I mean, until recently, you never used to work on purely economic and administrative issues. Your job was security, but things have changed of late, and you and your team are trying your best to address the problems facing the republic now and ensure that these problems are resolved. And I see that, on the whole, you are doing well.

You certainly need to keep in touch with the people directly, receive their feedback; we are trying to arrange this in every region across the country, but it is all the more important in your region because the situation is complicated enough and requires people to stay focused and ready for serious work. And I see from the past few months' results, even the past 18 months, that your people are certainly talented.

Leonid Pasechnik: Thank you.

Vladimir Putin: And I just know that not one of them is expecting any handouts, no one is going cap in hand - everyone is ready to work, and they want to work, and they know how to work. We will certainly do everything we can to promote this positive process and very positive attitude. We just need to support people.

The issues concerning Russian laws are important, but not a top priority. The region certainly needs to fully integrate into Russia's legal system, but most importantly, you need to establish good cooperation with government agencies so that we can work together to integrate the Lugansk People's Republic into the projects that are funded from Russia, so that we will be able to achieve the same goals in the Lugansk Republic as in the country as a whole. And gradually, there is no doubt, we will solve many problems for the benefit of the people who live there.

As for the upcoming elections - I know it will not be easy to organise the voting in your situation, but with the support of the federal centre, I am sure you will do it, I have no doubts. But most importantly, in any election campaign it is essential to show the people that your entire team is ready to solve their problems and can do it, acting in the best interests of the people who live in the region. All the more so since, I have seen some statistics on people returning, that is, you have a positive migration inflow.

Therefore, I certainly wish you all the very best, and we will definitely help.

Leonid Pasechnik: Thank you very much, Mr President.

<... >

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine gets 12-bln-euro budget support from EU this year

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:14, August 23, 2023

MOSCOW/KIEV, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- The following are the latest developments on the Ukraine crisis:

Ukraine has received 12 billion euros (about 13 billion U.S. dollars) in budget support from the European Union since the beginning of the year, the country's Finance Ministry said Tuesday.

Out of the sum, 1.5 billion euros was paid to Ukraine earlier in the day as the seventh tranche of the EU macro-financial assistance package, the ministry said in a statement.

As in previous periods, Ukraine will direct the loan to finance its priority budget expenditures, including social and humanitarian spheres, the statement added.

In December 2022, the EU allocated 18 billion euros in macro-financial assistance for Ukraine in 2023 to help the conflict-affected country cover its immediate funding needs.

The 35-year loan agreement stipulates that EU nations will cover the interest and other debt-related payments instead of Ukraine.

- - - -

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolai Denkov discussed alternative routes for exports of foodstuffs from Ukraine after the collapse of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, the presidential press service reported Tuesday.

"Ukraine is ready to use alternative ways for the 'grain corridor.' We count on Bulgaria's support in this regard," Zelensky said during the negotiations in the Greek capital of Athens.

Zelensky and Denkov discussed the cooperation between their states to ensure sustainable security in the Black Sea.

Last month, the Black Sea Grain Initiative collapsed after Russia announced its withdrawal from the deal.

- - - -

A Russian aircraft destroyed a second Ukrainian military boat near Zmiinyi Island in the Black Sea in one day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

"On Aug. 22, at about 11:00 Moscow time (0800GMT), a U.S.-made high-speed military boat from the Willard Sea Force with an amphibious assault group from the Ukrainian military was destroyed by a Russian aerospace forces aircraft east of Zmiinyi Island," the ministry's statement said.

Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry said a Russian SU-30SM fighter destroyed a Ukrainian reconnaissance boat in the Black Sea.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Washington claims it does not support Ukraine's strikes inside Russia

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 3:50 PM

The United States claims it neither encourages nor supports Ukrainian strikes inside Russia, hours after Russian air defense systems managed to down hostile drones that tried to attack Moscow.

In a statement on Wednesday, a US State Department spokesperson said that Washington does not encourage or enable Ukrainian strikes inside the Russian Federation after Russian authorities said that they had foiled a drone attack allegedly from Ukraine against Moscow early in the day.

It is up to Kiev to decide how it chooses to defend Ukraine from the Russian war against the ex-Soviet republic, the spokesperson said, claiming that Moscow could end the war any time by pulling out its troops from Ukraine.

Earlier in the day, Russian authorities said that the country's air defense systems had destroyed three "Ukrainian" drones that attempted to stage a "terrorist attack" on Moscow.

The downed drone damaged the glazing of the Neva Tower in the Moscow City district on three floors, TASS quoted emergency services as saying.

"The glazing of the Neva Tower in the Moscow City district was damaged on the 11th, 12th and 13th floors on an area of about 100 square meters after the crash of the downed drone," the source said.

Ukraine typically does not comment on who is behind attacks on Russian territory while the matter is seen as an open secret.

Ukrainian drone strikes on the Russian capital have increased significantly since two unmanned aircraft were destroyed over the Kremlin in early May, signaling a change in Kiev policy.

Observers link the new development to Kiev's failure on the battlefield despite receiving all-out material and political support from the West.

Ukraine launched a hyped counteroffensive in early June after multiple postponements, but till now, the counteroffensive against Russia has been to no avail.

The Kremlin says the West and NATO are playing a direct role in the Ukraine conflict by pouring advanced weapons and military equipment into the country, warning that NATO weapons are "legitimate targets" for its armed forces.

Moscow has frequently warned that continued supply of Western arms and military equipment to the Ukrainian military would only prolong the war and add to the suffering of Ukrainian people.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia says drone attack on Moscow foiled, 3 killed in border region

Iran Press TV

Wednesday, 23 August 2023 7:05 AM

Russia said on Wednesday it had destroyed three Ukrainian drones that attempted to stage a "terrorist attack" on Moscow, but three people were killed in a drone strike near the Ukrainian border.

The governor of the Russian border region of Belgorod, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said the drone hit a sanatorium in a village. He said two people had died on the spot and doctors had been unable to save the life of the third.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement that air defenses "thwarted another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack on Moscow, which involved three aircraft-type unmanned aerial vehicles."

"Two drones involved in the attack were destroyed by air defenses over the Mozhaisky and Khimkinsky districts of the Moscow Region, while the third one was jammed by electronic warfare and lost control, crashing into a building under construction in the Moscow City complex," the statement said, noting that there were no casualties in the attack.

One drone hit a building under construction in central Moscow early on Wednesday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on the Telegram messaging app.

The Moscow City financial district has been targeted in previous Ukrainian "terrorist" drone attacks which have briefly disrupted flights and caused slight damage to buildings.

However, Moscow's four airports -- Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky -- briefly suspended flights early on Wednesday, TASS news agency reported.

These airports had been repeatedly forced to stop departing and arriving flights, disrupting schedules in recent days, due to the Ukrainian drone attacks.

The Defense Ministry also said on Tuesday Russia 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.

Ukraine typically does not comment on who is behind attacks on Russian territory, with Kiev treating the matter as an open secret.

Ukrainian drone strikes on the Russian capital have increased significantly in recent months, signaling a change in Kiev policy.

Observers link the new development to Kiev's failure on the battlefield despite receiving all-out material and political support from the West.

The observers also reckon that Kiev aimed to make up for what it could not deliver against the Russian troops on the battlefield by staging negligible drone attacks on the Russian capital city.

US condones Ukraine drone strikes inside Russia

The United States claimed on Wednesday that it does not support Ukraine's largely failed drone attacks inside Russia, nor does it decide for the war-mongers in Kiev how the developments on the battlefield play out for them.

It is up to Ukraine to decide how it chooses to defend itself from the Russian invasion that began in February last year, a US State Department spokesperson was quoted by mainstream media as saying, noting that Washington had neither encouraged nor enabled Ukraine to carry out attacks inside Russia.

In contrast to Washington's statement, analysts say the White House wants victorious results after the US-led Western countries, and especially the United States itself, provided the Kiev regime with a wide variety of weapons and firepower, ranging from drones, aircraft, tanks, and armored vehicles to massive artillery guns and missile launchers, in addition to the munitions, which include banned cluster bombs and rockets capable of reaching targets deep inside Russia.

Russia launched its special military operations in Donbas in February 2022 to stop NATO's eastward expansion.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine Counteroffensive Slogs Forward. The West Frets.

By Mike Eckel August 23, 2023

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 know...whether 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.

"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 as...battlefield 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 A 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."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-counteroffensive- slow-western-worries/32561606.html

Copyright (c) 2023. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the Kiev regime's new attacks on civilian facilities in Russia

23 August 2023 15:28

1624-23-08-2023

On the night of August 22-23, the Kiev regime made yet another attempt to attack Moscow with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The air defence forces neutralised two of them on the territory of the Mozhaisk and Khimki districts while the third one hit a building under construction in the Moscow City complex. The air attack inflicted minor damage on several buildings. There were no casualties. In the morning of August 23, the Lava village in the Belgorod Region was attacked twice. The second attack killed three civilians.

We resolutely condemn these terror acts. These criminal actions by the neo-Nazi Kiev regime that the NATO countries turned into an instrument of confrontation with Russia, will be subjected to strict scrutiny by law-enforcement bodies of the Russian Federation. Our armed forces, which are carrying out super important tasks in Ukraine's de-Nazification and demilitarisation, will not leave them unanswered, either.

For our part, we are not going to ignore the role of Western secret services in these crimes. They are supplying Ukrainian neo-Nazis with reconnaissance helping them draft routes for drones. It is appropriate to mention in this context the flight of two US-made MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance drones and a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 tactical drone, which was recorded shortly before over the Black Sea. They were collecting such information in the area of the Crimean peninsula. To prevent these drones from violating the state border of Russia, the on-duty air defence forces sent two fighters that forced the adversary to change the flight path of its drones.

We believe these actions by Kiev and its NATO curators are a cowardly attempt to attack civilians and civilian facilities in revenge for the failure of the so-called "counteroffensive" and their inability to change the situation in their favour along the frontline despite massive Western aid.

In this context, we would like to repeat to Ukraine and the international community that we will fully achieve all declared goals and tasks of the special military operation and a threat to Russia's security will no longer emanate from Ukraine's territory.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Statement by Russian Defence Ministry

23.08.2023

On 23 August 2023 at night, air defence forces foiled another attempt by the Kiev regime to carry out a terrorist attack by three fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles against the city of Moscow.

Two of the UAVs attacking the capital were destroyed by air defence forces in the air over the territory of Mozhaisky and Khimki districts (Moscow region).

The third UAV was suppressed by electronic warfare systems and, having lost control, collided with a building under construction in the Moscow City complex.

There were no casualties.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Ukraine Loses Up to 180 Troops in Donetsk Direction in Past 24 Hours

Sputnik News

20230823

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - 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.

Russian military repelled three attacks by Ukrainian forces in the Donetsk direction and two in the Krasny Liman direction.

"The losses of the Ukrainian armed forces [in the Donetsk direction] amounted to up to 180 Ukrainian soldiers, three armored combat vehicles, three vehicles, Akatsiya and Gvozdika self-propelled artillery mounts, as well as D-20 and D-30 howitzers," the ministry stated.

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.

A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Russia Strikes Down Two Drones, Jams Third UAV Dispatched by Ukraine to Moscow

Sputnik News

20230823

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Ukraine attacked Moscow using three unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) 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 early on Wednesday.

"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.

"On August 22, two unmanned aerial vehicles, MQ-9 Reaper and TB2 Bayraktar, that were carrying out aerial reconnaissance in the area of the Crimean peninsula were detected over the Black Sea by means of the airspace control of the Russian aerospace forces," the ministry said in a statement.

"In order to prevent a possible violation of Russia's 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.





A Sputnik

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Maksym Butkevych, a Ukrainian prisoner of war, had his appeal rejected after he was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the so-called Luhansk people's republic.

23 August 2023

An FCDO Spokesperson said:

We are concerned by the treatment of Ukrainian prisoner of war Maksym Butkevych who was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the so-called Luhansk People's Republic and has had an appeal against this sentence denied by a Moscow court.

This sham trial lacks legitimacy and we call on the Russian Federation to abide by international humanitarian law and treat Mr Butkevych appropriately as a prisoner of war according to the Geneva Convention.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Senators

President of Ukraine

23 August 2023 - 20:33

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, Lindsey Graham and Elizabeth Warren, who are on a visit to Ukraine.

The Head of State commended the bicameral and bipartisan support for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress and expressed special gratitude to the President of the United States and the entire American people for their leadership in defense and financial assistance to our country.

"We are sincerely grateful to the President of the United States, the Congress, and the entire American people for the assistance provided to us," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

He briefed the interlocutors on the situation at the front and emphasized the priority of further bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The importance of starting the process of transferring F-16 jets to Ukraine, training pilots and further support from the United States in this regard was noted.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Top UN aid official in Ukraine deplores latest wave of 'massive Russian attacks'

23 August 2023 - Russian strikes on at least 10 regions in Ukraine have left a path of death and destruction over the past 24 hours, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in the country said on Wednesday.

Denise Brown issued a statement deploring this "new wave of massive Russian attacks", and appealed for the violence to end.

"Grain storage facilities, vital for the Ukrainian farmers and global food security, have been hit in the Danube area," she said. "A school in the Sumy region was damaged, and teachers were killed and injured."

International media reported that a drone fired by Russia hit the school on Wednesday morning, citing Ukraine's interior minister. The incident occurred in the city of Romny, located in the northeast.

End 'brutal' attacks

Four people - the school director, deputy director, secretary and a librarian - were killed and four residents, who were passing by at the time, were injured.

Ms. Brown added that on Tuesday, civilians in the Kherson region "endured some horrifying hours of relentless strikes that damaged a hospital".

The attacks forced aid organizations to suspend vital assistance and take shelter in the middle of the day.

"I have repeatedly expressed alarm about this brutal pattern of civilian harm due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This must stop, and international humanitarian law must be respected," she said.

Wide-reaching consequences

The overnight strike in the Danube region damaged a grain storage facility and a trans-shipment complex.

Since 11 July, Russia has carried out 14 attacks against Ukraine's grain infrastructure, according to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU).

Grain terminals, warehouses and port infrastructure have been hit, along with industrial equipment and administrative buildings. The strikes have also disrupted Ukraine's global food supply lines.

The UN body warned of the far-reaching human rights consequences of the repeated attacks, and has verified the deaths of four civilians and the injury of 43 others overall.

"These attacks cause not only immeasurable human suffering and loss for families, but also have a broader impact on livelihoods, farmers, communities and businesses in Ukraine and beyond," said Danielle Bell, the HRMMU chief.

Impact on food prices

Earlier this month, the UN said that Russian attacks against Ukrainian port infrastructure are not isolated and are affecting global food prices following the collapse of the Black Sea Initiative on grain and fertilizer exports.

Russia pulled out of the landmark agreement in July, effectively ending it after roughly a year in operation.

The Black Sea Initiative allowed for more than 32 million tons of grain to be shipped from three designated Ukrainian ports. It was signed by Russia, Ukraine, TArkiye and the UN in July 2022.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Istanbul, UN Secretary-General AntAnio Guterres called the historic deal "a beacon of hope - a beacon of possibility - a beacon of relief -- in a world that needs it more than ever."

The Black Sea Initiative was agreed alongside a parallel accord between the UN and Moscow on Russian grain and fertilizer exports.

The two agreements helped to drive down spiralling global food prices and stabilize markets.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) shipped over 725,000 tons alone to support its work in Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and Yemen - regions hard hit by hunger.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






Latest in Ukraine: Ukraine Downs Russian Missiles, Drones

By VOA News August 23, 2023

Latest Developments:

Australia is sending $74 million in new military assistance to Ukraine. The package includes armored vehicles, special operations vehicles and trucks.

Britain's defense ministry says allies have trained more than 17,000 Ukrainian troops, and that the number could reach 30,000 by 2024.

Ukraine's 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 Russia's 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 Ukraine's 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 Putin's 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 Group's mutiny and its subsequent crisis as a Russian "internal matter."

He added, "This is a challenge coming from within to Putin, and that's 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 Russia's internal turmoil meant, Putin's 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 Russia's."

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 Ukraine's counteroffensive and steps to strengthen Ukraine's 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.

NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address






NEW YORK, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Shift4 Payments, Inc. (NYSE: FOUR) between November 10, 2021 and April 18, 2023, both dates inclusive (the Class Period). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 19, 2023.



SO WHAT: If you purchased Shift4 securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Shift4 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18626 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 19, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants made false and/or misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Shift4 had inadequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (2) as a result, Shift4 failed to properly account for customer acquisition costs, thereby artificially inflating its net cash provided by operating activities; (3) accordingly, Shift4 would likely be forced to restate one or more of its previously issued financial statements; (4) Shift4 employed accounting maneuvers in connection with, among other things, its mass strategic buyout program and sponsor bank merchant settlement account, that were designed to present an inaccurate picture of, inter alia, the Company's performance, its underlying business quality, and its earnings power; (5) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to negatively impact Shift4's reputation and business; and (6) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Shift4 class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=18626 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

lrosen@rosenlegal.com

pkim@rosenlegal.com

cases@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
Ad Hoc Announcement Pursuant to Article 53 of the SIX Exchange Regulation Listing Rules

EARLY REDEMPTION OF THE 0.15% CONVERTIBLE BONDS 2018  2025

Sika notifies the bondholders of its convertible bond due in 2025 that it has exercised the early redemption option

Notices to convert the Bonds may be deposited with the paying and conversion agent until September 15, 2023, 4:00 p.m. CEST

Deposit banks may set an earlier deadline to bondholders to instruct the conversion of their Bonds and bondholders should therefore reach out to their bank or broker

Bonds which will not be converted will be redeemed at par plus accrued interest

Sika has announced the exercise of its option to redeem the 0.15% Convertible Bonds 2018  2025 (Bonds) on September 25, 2023 at par plus interest accrued to such date.

The early redemption occurs in accordance with condition 5.b) ii) of the Terms of the Bonds whereby the Bonds may be redeemed if the VWAP of a registered share of Sika AG on SIX Swiss Exchange AG on each of at least 20 out of 30 consecutive trading days has been at least 130% of the conversion price in effect on each of such trading day.

Notices to convert the Bonds may be deposited with the paying and conversion agent until September 15, 2023, 4:00 p.m. CEST, whereby deposit banks may set an earlier deadline to bondholders to instruct the conversion. Bondholders should therefore reach out to their bank or broker.

As of the date hereof 60,295 Bonds remain outstanding out of a total of 82,500 initially issued. Each Bond of nominal value of CHF 20,000 may be converted into 106.70650 registered shares of Sika AG with nominal value of CHF 0.01. Fractions of shares will be paid out in cash in accordance with the Terms of the Bonds. The registered shares delivered upon conversion of the Bonds will be fungible with the outstanding registered shares.

Bonds which have not been converted will be redeemed at par. The last trading day on SIX Swiss Exchange of the not converted Bonds will be September 21, 2023.

Assuming that all bondholders exercise their conversion right, a maximum of 6,433,868 new Sika shares may be issued, which corresponds to 4.19% of the Company's issued and in the commercial register registered share capital. The newly created Sika shares will be issued out of the existing conditional capital.

CONTACT

Dominik Slappnig

Corporate Communications &

Investor Relations

+41 58 436 68 21

slappnig.dominik@ch.sika.com

SIKA CORPORATE PROFILE

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protecting in the building sector and motor vehicle industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 103 countries, manufactures in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers around the world that facilitate the sustainable transformation of the construction and transportation industries. With more than 33,000 employees, the company generated annual sales of CHF 10.5 billion in 2022.

The media release can be downloaded from the following link:

Media Release

Attachment




ALK delivers 11% revenue growth with operating profit up 120% in Q2 (unaudited)

ALKs revenue grew by 11% in Q2 2023, driven by 17% growth in tablet sales and double-digit growth in combined SCIT/SLIT-drops sales. Operating profit (EBIT) increased by 120% in local currencies on sales growth and gross margin improvements.

Q2 2023 financial highlights

Comparative figures for Q2 2022 are shown in brackets. Revenue growth rates are stated in local currencies, unless otherwise indicated

Revenue increased by 11% to DKK 1,135 million (1,045), equalling 12% growth when disregarding the one-year mandatory rebate increase in Germany. Currencies lowered reported growth by 2 percentage points.

Revenue increased by 64% in International markets, by 10% in North America, and by 2% in Europe.

Tablet sales increased by 17% to DKK 547 million (480), with an increase of 97% in International markets (mainly driven by product shipments to Japan), and 20% in North America. As expected, growth in tablet sales in Europe was flat.

Global SCIT and SLIT-drops sales increased by 13% to DKK 423 million (380) driven by Europe and China, while sales of Other products and services decreased by 8% to DKK 165 million (185) on declining Jext  sales.

sales. Q2 operating profit (EBIT) increased by 120% in local currencies, which equates to 98% in reported currency, on sales growth and gross margin improvements, which were partly offset by a minor increase in capacity costs. EBIT was DKK 97 million (49) with an EBIT-margin of 9% (5), resulting in a 14% (12) EBIT-margin for the first half year.





Financial performance for the first six months (H1) 2023





In DKKm

H1

2023

H1

2022 Growth

(local currencies)

Growth

(reported) Revenue 2,369 2,200 9% 8% EBIT 325 264 33% 23% EBIT

margin - %

14%

12%



Progress on strategic priorities

Based on the strong results from the paediatric MT-12 Phase 3 trial, ALK has started preparing a registration application for authorities in Europe and North America to expand the indications for the house dust mite (HDM) tablet to include children aged five to 11. The MT-12 trial met its primary endpoint and all key secondary endpoints.

Top-line results from the TT-06 paediatric Phase 3 trial with the tree tablet are still expected in Q4 2023.

First readouts from the Phase 1 trial of tablet treatment for peanut allergy are still expected end-2023.

The regulatory review of the Biologics Licence Application for ALKs HDM tablet in China is ongoing and is still expected to complete in 2024.

The government in Japan, one of the worlds largest allergy immunotherapy tablet markets, has launched a comprehensive action plan to further combat respiratory allergy. ALK and its partner Torii are currently assessing how to best support the governments plan.





2023 revenue outlook is narrowed; earnings outlook remains unchanged

The full-year revenue outlook has been narrowed to mainly reflect the year-to-date progress and intermittent supply shortages affecting Jext. The full-year earnings outlook is unchanged:

Revenue is now expected to grow by 8-10% organically in local currencies (previously: 7-11%), which is equivalent to 9-11% growth, disregarding the one-year temporary mandatory rebate increase for prescription drugs in Germany.

Tablets sales and SCIT/SLIT-drops sales are still expected to grow by double digits respectively in the second half of the year. Full-year tablet growth is still expected within the previously communicated range.

Earnings margin (EBIT margin) is still expected to increase from 10% in 2022 to 13-15% on sales growth, efficiencies, economies of scale and lower R&D costs.





Hrsholm, 24 August 2023

ALK-Abello A/S

For further information, contact:

Investor Relations: Per Plotnikof, tel. +45 4574 7527, mobile +45 2261 2525

Media: Maiken Riise Andersen, tel. +45 5054 1434

Today, ALK is hosting a conference call for analysts and investors at 1.30 p.m. (CEST) at which Management will review the financial results and the outlook. The conference call will be audio cast on https://ir.alk.net where the relevant presentation will be available shortly before the call begins. Please call in before 1.25 p.m. (CEST). Danish participants should call in on tel. +45 7877 4197 and international participants should call in on tel. +44 0 808 101 1183 or +1 785 424 1102. Please use the Participant Pin Code: 55214#

Attachment
Geneva, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The investor group comprised of NewGAMe SA and Bruellan SA, which controls approximately 9.6% of the issued share capital of GAM Holding AG [GAM:SWX] (GAM), welcomes the decision of a substantial majority of GAM's shareholders not to tender their shares into the Liontrust offer.

Liontrust announced today that its exchange offer for GAM had only gathered 33.45% acceptance  below the 66.7% success threshold needed. NewGAMe now expects Liontrust to withdraw its offer for GAM.

The failure of Liontrust's offer means focus must now shift towards the successful turnaround of GAM. Moving towards that goal, constructive discussions have begun with GAM about adequate financing and organizing an extraordinary general meeting to renew the board. NewGAMe is looking forward to engaging with all stakeholders at GAM, in particular fund management teams, clients and distributors with the support of GAM's board and senior management.
The equity holdings of Solidium yielded 5.4 percent during the past financial year





Solidium Oys financial statements and half-year report 1 January30 June 2023:

Financial year 1 July 202230 June 2023

The return on equity holdings was 5.4 per cent in the financial year

The value of the equity holdings increased from EUR 7,401 million to EUR 7,517 million

Solidium's result for the financial year was EUR 471 million

During the financial year Solidium paid to the Finnish State EUR 307 million as dividend. In addition, Solidium transferred its right to subscribe new shares in Fortum, worth EUR 132 million, as capital repayment to the State of Finland

Solidiums Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of EUR 290 million be paid to the owner from the financial year 2022-2023

Six-month period 1 January30 June 2023

The return on Solidium's equity holdings in the review period was -2.1 per cent





Solidiums CEO Reima Rytsola comments:

At the beginning of Solidiums financial year, the market feared an extensive global recession, but the worst fears did not materialise. The financial year was overshadowed by worries about electricity supply, increasing geopolitical tension and tightening monetary policy. The return on Solidiums equity holdings was decent (5.4 per cent), despite the stock market fluctuations.

Solidiums own strategy update was finished during the review period. Solidium aims to continue on the path of active ownership, in addition to which the assessment of national importance has been updated. Previously, when considering potential investments, Solidium examined companies that were of national importance at the time of making the investment. According to the new strategy, companies that are considered to have considerable potential to become companies of national importance in the future will also be examined.

During the financial year, Solidium increased its holdings in Konecranes, Nokian Tyres and Nokia and reduced shareholding in Kemira. In addition to these share transactions the Finnish State arranged bridge financing to Fortum through Solidium. The procedure chosen and the way in which it was implemented were exceptional, as were the circumstances. The financing arrangement ended at Fortums initiative in March 2023.





SOLIDIUMS HOLDINGS

Development of holdings and key indicators

The value of Solidiums all holdings (equity holdings and money market investments) was EUR 7,992 million on 30 June 2023 (EUR 8,345 million on 31 December 2022 and EUR 7,807 million on 30 June 2022). The return on all holdings was -1.4 per cent over the review period of six months, and 8.3 per cent for the past financial year. More detailed information on the investment key indicators are attached.

Equity holdings

The value of Solidiums equity holdings was EUR 7,517 million on 30 June 2023 (EUR 7,934 million on 31 December 2022 and EUR 7,401 million on 30 June 2022). The total return of Solidiums equity holdings was -2.1 per cent during the review period and 5.4 per cent for the past financial year. During the financial year the best returns were generated by Konecranes (73 per cent) and Metso (59 per cent).

Money market investments

Solidiums money market investments amounted to EUR 475 million on 30 June 2023 (EUR 26 million on 31 December 2022 and EUR 405 million on 30 June 2022). The return of money market investments was 2.3 per cent during the review period and 2.6 per cent for the past financial year.

During the financial year Solidium paid to the Finnish State EUR 307 million as dividend.

Distribution of profit to Solidium

During the financial year, Solidium received a total of EUR 313 million before taxes as dividends distributed by its portfolio companies (1 July 202130 June 2022: EUR 339 million) and after taxes EUR 290 million (EUR 307 million). The dividend income received by Solidium was approximately 4,2 per cent proportioned to the value of equity holdings on 30 June 2023.

Participation in nomination boards and board elections

A central aspect of Solidiums corporate governance model is to actively influence the board composition of the portfolio companies. Therefore, Solidium participated actively in the work of nomination boards preparing board elections during the financial year. Solidiums aim is to form a board composition which best serves the goal of shareholder value creation and needs of the company.

Representatives of Solidium have served as the chairman of the shareholders nomination boards of Elisa, Konecranes, Metso, Nokian Tyres, Outokumpu, Tietoevry and Valmet, and as a member of the shareholders nomination boards of Anora, Kemira and Stora Enso. The nomination boards prepared proposals for the election and remuneration of board members to the Annual General Meetings in 2023.

In accordance with Solidiums strategy, the long-term objective is to have a seat in the board of each portfolio company. During the 20222023 financial year, this was the case in nine companies owned by Solidium (9/12).

Share transactions

During the financial year, Solidium purchased Nokian Tyres shares for EUR 10 million, Nokias shares for EUR 105 million, and Konecranes shares for EUR 29 million. As a result of the share purchases, Solidiums holding in Nokian Tyres increased from 9.4 per cent to 10.1 per cent, in Nokia from 5.4 per cent to 5.8 per cent, and in Konecranes from 10.1 per cent to 11.1 per cent during the financial year.

In spring 2023, Solidium sold 8 million shares in Kemira, which resulted in its holding decreasing from approximately 10.2 per cent to approximately 5.0 per cent. This generated proceeds of approximately EUR 129 million.

Bridge financing for Fortum

In autumn 2022, Solidium Oys sole shareholder, the State of Finland, decided to arrange bridge financing to Fortum Oyj, in which the State is the majority shareholder, through Solidium Oy. Solidium committed to lending Fortum a maximum of EUR 2.35 billion for a loan period of up to 12 months, to be used for financing Fortums electricity derivative collaterals. The financing arrangement ended at Fortums initiative on 17 March 2023.





SOLIDIUM OYS EVENTS

Solidiums strategy update

In 2022, Jouko Karvinen succeeded Harri Sailas as the chair of Solidiums Board of Directors, and Antti Makinen handed the CEO position over to Reima Rytsola. With the new chair of the Board and CEO, it was natural to review Solidiums strategy and update it as needed.

With the most recent strategy update, Solidium continues to carry out active ownership, and the assessment of national importance has been updated. Previously, when considering potential investments, Solidium examined companies that were of national importance at the time of making the investment. According to the new strategy, companies that are considered to have considerable potential to become companies of national importance in the future will also be examined. Our capital enables growth, we provide know-how concerning capital markets and we support and challenge the targeted company in the creation of shareholder value. In addition, when there is M&A interest into such companies, we see to it that there is not an element of undervaluation during opportunistic circumstances.

With the expansion of national importance horizon, Solidiums mission remains unchanged: we strengthen and stabilise Finnish ownership in companies of national importance and increase the value of our holdings in the long term. Our vision of our portfolio companies outperforming their peers also remains unchanged. Solidiums original objective of professional ownership and separating politics from ownership still continues to be strong today.

A long-term anchor owners professional ownership is closely and naturally linked to the pursuit of having a seat in the board of each portfolio company, which enables the owner to be more involved in decision-making in the portfolio companies. Solidiums operations are carried out by experienced investment professionals, and the purpose of the operations and the operating model is to grow the shareholder value of the portfolio companies, which will benefit all shareholders equally.

Annual General Meeting

Solidiums Annual General Meeting was held in Helsinki on 28 October 2022. The Annual General Meeting adopted the companys financial statements for the financial year of 1 July 202130 June 2022 and discharged the members of the Board of Directors and the CEO from liability. The Annual General Meeting resolved, in accordance with the proposal of the Board, that a dividend of EUR 307 million in total be paid to the owner for the financial year. It was confirmed that the Board of Directors shall have seven members. Jouko Karvinen was elected as the new chair of the Board of Directors and Aaro Cantell was elected as the vice chair until the end of the next Annual General Meeting. Timo Ahopelto, Jannica Fagerholm, Jukka Ohtola and Laura Raitio were elected as members and Suvi Haimi was elected as a new member.

Dividend and capital repayment

During the financial year Solidium paid to the Finnish State EUR 307 million as dividend. In addition, Solidium transferred its right to subscribe 8,970,000 new shares in Fortum Corporation worth EUR 133 million as capital repayment to the State of Finland. The capital repayment was distributed from the reserve for invested non-restricted equity on 23 November 2022.

The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of EUR 290 million would be paid to the owner. This corresponds to the amount of dividends received by Solidium in the financial year 2022-2023 taking into account the taxes payable on those.

Financial key indicators

Solidiums net profit for the financial period was EUR 471 million. Solidiums operating expenses were EUR 4.6 million, resulting in a management cost ratio of operations of 0.06 per cent. During the financial period Solidiums net asset value increased from EUR 7,246 million to EUR 7,359 million.

1.7.2022-30.6.2023 1.7.2021-30.6.2022 Operating profit, EUR million -4.6 -4.0 Profit for the period, EUR million 470.8 302.9 Return on investment at fair value, % 8.3 -8.5 Management cost ratio of operations, % 0.06 0.05 Net asset value, EUR million 7,358.6 7,245.6 Interest-bearing liabilities, EUR million 0.0 0.0 Equity ratio, % 92 93 Distribution of profit, EUR million 290* 307 Average number of employees 13 13

* The Board of Directors proposal





Solidiums Annual Report in English will be published on Solidiums website at https://www.solidium.fi/en/annual-report/

This report is unaudited.

Attachment Solidiums holdings on 30 June 2023



Solidium Oy







Further information: CEO Reima Rytsola, call-back requests, Inka Virtanen, tel. +358 50 304 7904





Solidium is a limited liability company wholly owned by the State of Finland. Its mission is to strengthen and stabilise Finnish ownership in nationally important companies and increase the value of its holdings in the long term. Through its stakes, Solidium is a minority owner in twelve listed companies: Anora, Elisa, Kemira, Konecranes, Metso, Nokia, Nokian Tyres, Outokumpu, Sampo, Stora Enso, Tietoevry and Valmet. The market value of Solidiums total investments is approximately 7,5 billion euros. Further information: https://www.solidium.fi/en/ .

Attachment
Dublin, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX) Market 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Navigating the Dynamics of the Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX) Market: Growth and Trends

The global Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX) market has witnessed a dynamic trajectory, reflecting both challenges and opportunities. Despite the setbacks induced by COVID-19 in 2020, the market is now projected to grow steadily, with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of over 3.5% during the forecast period.

Key Drivers and Inhibitors

The significance of benzene and toluene in various chemical applications is positioned as a pivotal driver for market growth in the forecast period. However, the market is not devoid of obstacles, with the detrimental effects of BTX serving as a potential hindrance. It's the classic struggle between the potential benefits and the associated risks.

Rising Opportunities in Bio-based BTX

Amid these dynamics, the emergence of bio-based Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX) is poised to open doors for new opportunities. The market is gradually exploring avenues to incorporate more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, paving the way for innovation and growth.

The Power of the Asia-Pacific Region

The Asia-Pacific region is poised to dominate the BTX market landscape. With countries like India, China, and Japan spearheading major development initiatives, this region is projected to be the fastest-growing during the forecast period. The region's burgeoning significance of benzene and toluene in diverse chemical applications is a strong driver of this growth. Furthermore, the utilization of xylene as solvents and monomers is also a significant growth propellant.

China, a global plastics manufacturing hub, is witnessing substantial growth in production, impacting the BTX market positively. In India, the export of plastic products and raw materials is a driving factor for market growth. These developments underscore the substantial impact of Asia-Pacific's industrial growth on the BTX market.

Industry Dynamics and Players

The BTX market exhibits a partially consolidated nature, with notable players like China Petrochemical Corporation, Exxon Mobil Corporation, SABIC, Reliance Industries Limited, and PetroChina Company Limited contributing to the market landscape. This competitive ecosystem is continually influenced by evolving trends and innovations in the chemicals sector.

Conclusion: Unveiling a Resilient Market

In conclusion, the global BTX market is demonstrating its resilience, overcoming challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. The market's journey, marked by the interplay of drivers and inhibitors, underscores the need for innovative solutions that balance the benefits of BTX against their potential risks. As the Asia-Pacific region emerges as a dominant force, the global BTX market remains poised for sustained growth and transformation.

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 Significance of Benzene, Toluene in Various Chemical Applications

4.1.2 Growing Usage of Xylene as Solvents and Monomers

4.2 Restraints

4.2.1 Harmful Effects of Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX)

4.2.2 Other Restraints

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



5 MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size in Volume)

5.1 Type

5.1.1 Benzene

5.1.2 Toluene

5.1.3 Xylene

5.1.3.1 Ortho

5.1.3.2 Meta

5.1.3.3 Para

5.2 Product - By Application

5.2.1 Benzene By Application

5.2.1.1 Ethylbenzene

5.2.1.2 Cyclohexane

5.2.1.3 Alkylbenzene

5.2.1.4 Cumene

5.2.1.5 Nitrobenzene

5.2.1.6 Other Applications

5.2.2 Toluene By Application

5.2.2.1 Paints and Coatings

5.2.2.2 Adhesives and Inks

5.2.2.3 Explosives

5.2.2.4 Chemical Industry

5.2.2.5 Other Applications

5.2.3 Xylene By Application

5.2.3.1 Solvent

5.2.3.2 Monomer

5.2.3.3 Other Applications

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 Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC

6.4.3 CNOOC Ltd.

6.4.4 Dow

6.4.5 ExxonMobil Corporation

6.4.6 INEOS

6.4.7 IRPC Public Company Limited

6.4.8 JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation

6.4.9 MITSUBISHI GAS CHEMICAL COMPANY, INC.

6.4.10 OCI COMPANY Ltd.

6.4.11 PetroChina Company Limited

6.4.12 Reliance Industries Limited

6.4.13 Shell plc

6.4.14 China Petrochemical Corporation

6.4.15 SABIC

6.4.16 S-OIL Corporation

6.4.17 SK innovation Co. Ltd.



7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

7.1 Bio-based Benzene-Toluene-Xylene (BTX)



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/xh050x

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachments
Dubai, UAE, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As per the latest report published by Extrapolate, the Global Industrial Internet of Things Market revenue is estimated to reach USD 429.39 billion by 2030 from USD 124.54 billion in 2022, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.21% between 2023 and 2030. The increasing availability of affordable processors and sensors, along with technological advancements, are expected to drive industry growth. Furthermore, the growing need for operational competence, as well as collaboration between key players, is likely to fuel market expansion.

The term "Industrial IoT" (IIoT) refers to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) with a range of industrial processes, such as automation, optimization, monitoring, maintenance, and networking. By focusing on M2M (machine-to-machine) connectivity, machine learning, and big data, IIoT helps industries and businesses increase their operational efficiency and dependability. A number of techniques are being developed to create a united digital-human workforce, which is expected to generate significant growth opportunities.

Get PDF Sample Copy of Report @ https://www.extrapolate.com/sample/information-technology-communication-iot/industrial-internet-of-things-market/25800

Competitive Landscape

Prominent companies engage in several inorganic and organic tactics such as product launches, business expansion, collaboration, and acquisition as their primary growth strategies to fortify their presence in the IIoT market.

Prominent players in the global industrial internet of things market include:

Schneider Electric

IBM Corporation

Cisco

Siemens

GE

Microsoft

Intel Corporation

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

ABB

Texas Instruments Inc.

Dassault Systemes

Honeywell International Inc.

Huawei Technology Co., Ltd.

Enquire About Report @ https://www.extrapolate.com/enquire/information-technology-communication-iot/industrial-internet-of-things-market/25800

By Component

Hardware

Software

Services

Rapid Integration of Software Solutions by Businesses to Augment Market Revenue



Based on component, the software segment held the largest market share in 2022 due to the rapid integration of software solutions by businesses. Solution manufacturers are introducing cutting-edge information solutions for numerous industries and industrial verticals. A growing focus on integrating sensors and other technologies into crucial machinery to track real-time data and boost productivity is anticipated to bolster segmental development. The deployment of such technology enables manufacturing organizations to automate their intricate manufacturing procedures while retaining efficient monitoring.

By Vertical

Manufacturing

Energy & Power

Oil & Gas

Retail

Healthcare

Transportation

Others

Surging Adoption of Digital Manufacturing Technologies to Fuel Product Adoption

The manufacturing segment captured the largest share in the industrial Internet of Things market revenue in 2022 due to the widespread adoption of digital manufacturing technologies. The market is expected to experience significant growth in the near future due to the increasing demand for a connected supply chain that offers flexibility, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. This growth is being driven by the numerous strategic alliances and partnerships that stakeholders are forging.

Purchase This Comprehensive Research Report for Valuable Market Insights @ https://www.extrapolate.com/complete-checkout-buy/25800

Increasing Use of IoT for Mass Product Manufacturing to Propel Market Development

The industrial Internet of Things (lIoT) market is growing rapidly driven by the increasing adoption of connected devices and systems in the manufacturing industry. IoT solutions can be used to track field instruments, monitor the flow of raw materials, and track products as they travel through the supply chain. This information can be used to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality in mass-product manufacturing.

Furthermore, the market is expanding as a result of rising urbanization, industrialization, and increasing electricity generation capacity. Mass volumes of data must be processed at low voltages at high-performance gigabit processing speeds. These elements are aiding the growth of the global IIoT market.

High Maintenance Cost of IIoT Restrains Market Expansion

The high cost of industrial control and factory automation is likely to restrain the growth of the worldwide industrial internet of things market. Industrial solutions are more expensive to manufacture and need more maintenance, which has led to price increases. Significant capital reinvestment is needed to maintain and upgrade industrial control and factory automation systems and solutions. As a result, the need for substantial upfront investments and ongoing maintenance expenditures is constraining the growth of the industrial control and factory automation markets, which in turn is limiting industry penetration.

Browse Complete Report @ https://www.extrapolate.com/information-technology-communication-iot/industrial-internet-of-things-market/25800

Technological Breakthrough in North America to Elevate Market Position

North America is predicted to capture the lion's share of the global industrial internet of things market revenue by 2030 on account of being an early adopter of IIoT and developing into a hub for innovation. As a result of government initiatives to encourage the adoption of IIoT solutions throughout the nation, Canada also experienced substantial development. Technological advancements, swift digitalization, and the surging amalgamation of numerous linked smart devices play a vital part in the expanding demand for IIoT market in North America.

Table of Content

Chapter 1. Executive Summary

Chapter 2. Research Methodology

2.1. Research approach

2.2. Scope, definition, and assumptions

2.3. Data Component

2.3.1. Secondary Component

2.3.1.1. Preliminary data mining

2.3.2. Primary Component

2.3.2.1. Statistical Model

2.3.2.2. Data Triangulation

2.3.2.3. Research Objective

Chapter 3. Market Outlook

3.1. Introduction

3.2. Key trends

3.2.1. Prevalence of Blockchain Technologies in Different Verticals

3.3. Market drivers

3.3.1. Surging Urbanization and Industrialization Across Developed Countries

3.3.2. Growing Adoption of IoT to Manufacture Mass Products

3.4. Market restraints

3.4.1. Concerns Pertaining to High Maintenance Cost of Industrial Internet of Things May Hinder the Market Growth

3.5. Market opportunities

3.5.1. Increasing Adoption of Industry 4.0 in Manufacturing

3.6. Market Challenges

3.6.1. Concerns Pertaining from Cyberattacks

3.7. Porters Five Forces Analysis

3.7.1. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

3.7.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers

3.7.3. Threat of New Entrant

3.7.4. Threat of Substitutes

3.7.5. High Competitive Rivalry

3.8. Value chain analysis

Chapter 4. COVID-19 Impact On Industrial Internet of Things Market

Chapter 5. Global Industrial Internet of Things Market Overview, By Component, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.1. Global Industrial Internet of Things Market Share, By Component, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.1.1. Hardware

5.1.1.1. Market Size and Projections, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.1.1.2. Market Size and Projections, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.1.2. Software

5.1.2.1. Market Size and Projections, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.1.2.2. Market Size and Projections, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.1.3. Services

5.1.3.1. Market Size and Projections, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

5.1.3.2. Market Size and Projections, by Region, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 6. Global Industrial Internet of Things Market Overview, By Vertical, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

Chapter 7. Global Industrial Internet of Things Market Overview, By Geography, 2018 - 2030 (USD Million)

...

Chapter 13. Competitive Landscape

13.1. Competitive environment, 2022

13.2. Strategic framework

13.2.1. Partnership/agreement

13.2.2. Expansion

13.2.3. Mergers & Acquisitions

13.2.4. New Size development

Chapter 14. Key Vendor Analysis

Chapter 15. Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers

15.1. Industrial Internet of Things Market Industrial Chain Analysis

15.2. Downstream Buyers

Chapter 16. Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

16.1. Marketing Channel

16.1.1. Direct Marketing

16.1.2. Indirect Marketing

16.1.3. Marketing Channel Development Trend

16.2. Market Positioning

16.2.1. Pricing Strategy

16.2.2. Brand Strategy

16.2.3. Target Client

16.3. Distributors/Traders List

Chapter 17. Market Effect Factors Analysis

17.1. Product Progress/Risk

17.1.1. Substitutes Threat

17.1.2. Product Progress in Related Size

17.2. Consumer Needs/Customer Preference Change

17.3. Economic/Political Environmental Change

Chapter 18. Future Outlook of the Market

Browse Complete Table of Content @ https://www.extrapolate.com/toc/information-technology-communication-iot/industrial-internet-of-things-market/25800

About Us:

Extrapolate is a Global Market Research, Advisory, and Consulting firm that works closely with Industry experts from various industries to bring the latest and most accurate research reports.

In an era of breakneck change and a low tolerance for missed or misread opportunities, businesses need astute guidance to shape markets - not merely respond to them. Extrapolate helps clients develop market perspectives that drive success.
Pune, India, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global medical drone market size was valued at USD 1.05 billion in 2022 and is expected to be worth USD 1.25 billion in 2023. The market is projected to reach USD 3.62 billion by 2030, recording a CAGR of 16.4% during the forecast period.

A medical drone refers to an unmanned system that can transport large quantities of medical items and other essential supplies. The COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in boosting the demand for these drones to deliver essential supplies and vaccines in remote areas. Countries across the world had set up the required infrastructure and facilities to improve the use of drones. These factors are expected to boost the medical drone market growth.

Fortune Business Insights displays this information in a report titled, "Medical Drone Market, 2023-2030."

Get a Free Sample Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/medical-drone-market-105805

List of Key Players Profiled in the Medical Drone Market Report:

Aquiline Drones (U.S.)

Avy (Netherlands)

Bell Flight  Textron (U.S.)

Draganfly Innovations (Canada)

Drone Delivery Canada Corp. (Canada)

Freefly Systems (U.S.)

Aether Global Innovations Corporation (Formerly, Plymouth Rock Technologies Inc.) (U.S.)

Skyports Ltd. (U.K.)

Vayu Inc. (U.S.)

Workhorse Group (U.S.)

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 16.4% 2030 Value Projection USD 3.62 Billion Market Size in 2023 USD 1.25 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 200 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type Analysis

By Technology Analysis

By Package Size Analysis

By Application Analysis Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

South America

Middle East and Africa Medical Drone Market Growth Drivers Rising Use of Medical Drones in First Responder Operations to Support Market Growth Growing Technological Advancements, Testing, and Certification Approvals for Drones to Drive Market Growth

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/medical-drone-market-105805

COVID-19 Impact:

COVID-19 Boosted Product Demand to Facilitate Supply of Essential Goods

The COVID-19 pandemic played a crucial role in boosting the demand for medical drones as there was a tremendous need for unmanned systems that could supply essentials such as food and medicines to remote areas. These drones found robust use in several applications, such as laboratory samples and medical supplies. These factors helped the medical drone market share grow considerably.

Segments:

Great Vertical Lift Capacity to Boost Adoption of Rotary-Wing Drones

Based on type, the market is categorized into fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and hybrid. The rotary-wing segment is set to dominate the market as these drones have a high vertical lift capacity and can easily carry large loads due to the presence of microturbine equipment.

Remotely Operated Drones to Gain Traction Due to Their Robust Applications in the Medical Field

By technology, the market is classified into remotely operated, semi-autonomous, and fully autonomous. The remotely operated segment is anticipated to be the largest segment as these systems are being widely used in several medical applications.

Demand for 2-5 kg Drones to Rise with Growing Inclination toward Medium Load Drones

Based on package size, the market is divided into less than 2 kg, 2  5 kg, and more than 5 kg. The 2-5 kg segment captured the largest market share in 2022 due to robust demand for medium payload drones.

Rising Demand for Urgent Blood Samples to Boost Product Use in Emergency Blood Logistic Applications

Based on application, the market is bifurcated into emergency blood logistics, medical drug & vaccine, emergency organ logistics, and others. The emergency blood logistics segment held the largest market share in 2022 due to the strong demand for emergency blood during accidents and to supply blood and pathological samples.

With respect to region, the market covers North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

Inquire Before Buying This Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/medical-drone-market-105805

Report Coverage:

The report studies the market in-depth and highlights key companies, product types, and leading product applications. It also offers important insights into the latest market trends and market competition and covers key industry developments. Besides the abovementioned factors, the report mentions several other factors that have contributed to the markets growth in recent years.

Drivers and Restraints:

Rising Use of Drones in First Responder Operations to Support Market Growth

The use of drones has grown tremendously in recent years as they are known to offer vital assistance in search & rescue operations and disaster management. These widespread applications of drones have boosted their demand in the healthcare sector. These systems can transport first aid, essential goods, vital organs, and many other goods to remote areas, thereby improving their adoption for medical purposes.

However, the lack of availability of skilled pilots and adequate infrastructure can impede the markets growth.

Regional Insights:

North America Market to Gain Momentum with Robust Presence of Reputed OEMs

The North American market is set to dominate the global market as the region has a vast presence of leading OEMs and the demand for these drones is rising across the region. In fact, the U.S. was one of the first countries to use advanced drones during the pandemic, which will further enhance the regional markets growth.

The Asia Pacific region is predicted to record the highest CAGR as the region is noticing a substantial rise in the number of drones being exported to other regions such as Europe and North America.

Competitive Landscape:

Key Companies to Focus on Offering Different Services to Cement Market Position

Leading market players have a vast variety of products and services to offer and are focused on providing the best drones that enable fastest deliveries. Some of the top players in this market include Vayu Inc., Bell Flight  Textron, Zipline Inc., Avy, Aquiline Drones, and UPS, among many others.

Ask for Customization:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/medical-drone-market-105805

Detailed Table of Contents:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Industry Developments  Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis COVID-Impact 19 Impact on Global Medical Drone Market

Global Medical Drone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Fixed Wing Rotary Wing Hybrid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Technology Fully Autonomous Semi-Autonomous Remotely Operated Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Package Size less than 2 Kg 2-5Kg more than 5 Kgs Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Emergency Blood logistics Medical Drug & Vaccine Emergency Organ logistics Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa Latin America

North America Medical Drone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Fixed Wing Rotary Wing Hybrid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Technology Fully Autonomous Semi-Autonomous Remotely Operated Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Package Size less than 2 Kg 2-5Kg more than 5 Kgs Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Emergency Blood logistics Medical Drug & Vaccine Emergency Organ logistics Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Country U.S. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Fixed Wing Rotary Wing Hybrid Canada Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Fixed Wing Rotary Wing Hybrid

Europe Medical Drone Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Type Fixed Wing Rotary Wing Hybrid Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Technology



TOC Continued...!

Speak to Our Expert:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/medical-drone-market-105805

Key Industry Development:

October 2022 - Intermountain Healthcare, a healthcare NPO, introduced its drone delivery services in South Jordan. These services were launched in partnership with Zipline Inc., a global medical drone services provider.

Read Related Insights:

Drone Package Delivery Market to Reach USD 31,188.7 Million by 2028 | CAGR 53.94%

Commercial Drones Market Size to Hit USD 47.38 Bn by 2029 | With a 28.58% CAGR

Drone Software Market to Worth USD 5,961.6 Million by 2027 | At a CAGR 25.05%

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.

Address:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner,

Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045,

Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Attachment
Pune, India, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global essential oils market size was valued at USD 10.47 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 11.41 billion in 2023 to USD 22.41 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.13% during the forecast period.

Aetheroleum oils are termed non-water soluble liquids comprising unstable aroma compounds of the plants. The global market is mostly driven by the robust trend of green consumerism among the growing popularity of natural products for sensory-related aspects and food preservation.

Fortune Business Insights mentioned this in a report titled Essential Oils Market, 2023-2030.

Get a Sample Research PDF:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/essential-oils-market-101063

List of Key Players Profiled in the Essential Oils Market Report:

Biolandes SAS (France)

Givaudan International SA (Switzerland)

International Flavours and Fragrances Inc. (U.S.)

Symrise AG (Germany)

Enio Bonchev Production Ltd. (Bulgaria)

The Lebermuth Company, Inc. (U.S.)

Essential Oils of New Zealand (New Zealand)

Phoenix Aromas & Essential Oils LLC (U.S.)

Sydney Essential Oil Co. (Australia)

Young Living Essential Oils (U.S.)

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Attribute Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 10.13% 2030 Value Projection USD 22.41 Billion Essential Oils Market Size in 2023 USD 11.41 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 200 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Type

By Application

By Region Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa Essential Oils Market Drivers Rising Inclination toward Aromatherapy to Drive the Aetheroleum Oils Market Growth Increasing Demand for Natural Ingredients to Spur Market Growth

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/essential-oils-market-101063

Segments

Citrus to Dominate Market Owing to Increasing Popularity among Consumers

On the basis of type, the market is divided into eucalyptus, rosemary, citrus, lavender, tea tree, peppermint, and others. The citrus segment holds the largest Essential Oils Market share owing to their superior functional, availability, organoleptic characteristics, and strong demand dynamics.

Food & Beverages Segment to Hold the Market Share Owing to Increasing Demand for Oils

According to application, the market is divided into spa & relaxation, food & beverages, personal care & cosmetics, pharmaceuticals & medicinal formulations, and others. The food & beverages segment is anticipated to hold the largest share during the forecast period. The segment is expected to grow due to the addition of ethereal oils to food products that increase the sensory characteristics of various edibles, shelf-life, and storage stability.

Growing Awareness about the Product to Drive the Direct Distribution Channel Sales

As per the distribution channel, the market is segmented into direct distribution, MLM distribution, and retail distribution. The direct distribution segment leads the market with the largest market share. Increasing consumer demand to feel the oils fragrance is expected to drive market growth.

Report Coverage-

The report offers:

Major growth drivers, restraining factors, opportunities, and potential challenges for the market.

Comprehensive insights into regional developments.

List of major industry players.

Key strategies adopted by the market players.

Latest industry developments such as product launches, partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.

Get a Quote Now:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/essential-oils-market-101063

COVID-19 Impact-

Pandemic Skyrocketed the Demand and Need for the Product

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the ethereal oil market positively. There has been a surge in demand for aetheroleum oils, as these oils claim to enhance immunity and health. Major companies, such as Young Living Essential Oils and doTERRA, have witnessed a surge in product sales.

Drivers & Restraints-

Growing Demand and Need for Natural Ingredients to Foster Market Growth

The use of plant-based volatile oil has a vital role in the natural preservation of foods despite the increasing distress of synthetic food additives and their long-term harmful effects. Ethereal oils have shown antibacterial actions in foods such as milk, fish, meat products, fresh meat, dairy products, and cooked rice.

Ethereal oils are very concentrated products. Further, one pound of lavender oil consumes around 250 pounds of lavender flowers. The ever-rising demand against constrained supply is bound to create high-price scenarios, hindering its utilization across different application sectors in developing economies.

Ask for Customization:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/essential-oils-market-101063

Regional Insights-

Europe to Dominate the Market Share Owing to Plant-based Volatile Oils

Europe is anticipated to dominate the market share in 2022. The producers of cosmetics in Europe are inclining heavily toward including ethereal oils in their formulations. The increasing popularity and demand for aromatherapy in the U.K., Germany, and France is anticipated to further contribute to the Essential Oils Market growth.

North America is anticipated to have second position in terms of market share. The demand for the product in the region is anticipated to witness noteworthy growth during the projected period.

Competitive Landscape-

Industry Association a Priority for Prominent Companies in the Market

The global market remains primarily fragmented owing to the importance of local and private-label brands in different regions. Prominent companies, such as International Flavors and Fragrances Inc., Givaudan International SA, and Symrise AG, embark on acquisitions and mergers to increase their importance in the marketplace.

Inquire Before Buying:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/essential-oils-market-101063

Detailed Table of Contents:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Overview of the Parent/Related Markets Analysis on Global Demand of Dfferent Types of Essential Oils Supply Chain and Regulatory Analysis Recent Industry Developments - Policies, Mergers & Acquisitions, and New Product Launches Market Analysis and Insights (in Relation with COVID-19) Impact of COVID-19 on the Market Supply Chain Challenges due to the Pandemic Potential Opportunities Due to COVID-19

Global Essential Oils Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Type (Value) Citrus Orange Lemon Grapefruit Lime Others Eucalyptus Lavender Rosemary Tea Tree Peppermint Others By Application (Value) Food & Beverages Personal Care & Cosmetics Spa & Relaxation Pharmaceuticals & Medicinal Formulations Others By Distribution Channel (Value) Direct Distribution MLM Distribution Retail Distribution By Region (Value) North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

North America Essential Oils Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Size Estimates and Forecast By Type (Value) Citrus Orange Lemon Grapefruit Lime Others Eucalyptus Lavender Rosemary Tea Tree Peppermint Others By Application (Value) Food & Beverages Personal Care & Cosmetics Spa & Relaxation Pharmaceuticals & Medicinal Formulations Others By Distribution Channel (Value) Direct Distribution MLM Distribution Retail Distribution By Country (Value) The U.S. By Application (Value) Food & Beverages Personal Care & Cosmetics Spa & Relaxation Pharmaceuticals & Medicinal Formulations Others Canada By Application (Value) Food & Beverages Personal Care & Cosmetics Spa & Relaxation Pharmaceuticals & Medicinal Formulations Others



TOC Continued...!

Speak to Our Expert:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/essential-oils-market-101063

Read Related Insights:

Rapeseed Oil Market Size, Trends, Analysis and Forecast 2023-2030 | Fortune Business Insights

Cooking Oil Market to Worth USD 281.72 Billion by (2021-2028) | Cooking Oil Industry CAGR of 4.67%

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.

Address:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner,

Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045,

Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Attachment
Pune, India, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global aerospace fasteners market stood at USD 5.37 billion in 2022 and is expected to rise from USD 6.09 billion in 2023 to USD 9.88 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 7.16% during 2023-2030. The market is poised to stimulate owing to the expansion in defense aircraft production. Fortune Business Insights presents this information in its report titled, "Global Aerospace Fasteners Market, 2023-2030".

Aerospace fasteners are specialized components essential in aircraft and spacecraft construction, holding together various parts with precision and reliability. These fasteners are designed to withstand extreme conditions, including high levels of vibration, fluctuating temperatures, and intense mechanical stress. They play a crucial role in maintaining structural integrity and safety throughout the vehicle's lifespan. Aerospace fasteners come in diverse types, such as bolts, screws, rivets, and nuts, each tailored for specific applications based on factors like material compatibility, load-bearing capacity, and ease of installation.

Get a Free Sample Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/aerospace-fasteners-market-101582

List of Key Market Players Mentioned in the Aerospace Fasteners Market :

B&B Specialties Inc. (U.S.)

Boeing Distribution Services Ins. (U.S.)

HC Merchandisers, Inc. (HC Pacific) (U.S.)

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (U.S.)

LISI Aerospace (France)

M.S Aerospace (U.S.)

National Aerospace Fasteners Corporation (Taiwan)

Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (U.S.)

TFI Aerospace Corporation (Canada)

TPS Aviation Inc. (U.S.)

TriMas Corporation (U.S.)

Wurth Group (Germany)

Report Scope & Segmentation:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2023-2030 Forecast CAGR 7.16% 2030 Value Projection USD 9.88 Billion Market Size in 2023 USD 6.09 Billion Historical Data 2019-2021 No. of Pages 200 Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Company Profiles, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors and Latest Trends Segments Covered By Products

By Material

By Platform

By Region Regions Covered North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

Middle East and Africa Aerospace Fasteners Market Growth Drivers Growth in Production and Increase in Orders for Commercial Aircraft to Accentuate Market Growth Emergence of Super Alloys & Titanium for High-Quality Fasteners to Boost Market Growth

Browse Detailed Summary of Research Report with TOC:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/aerospace-fasteners-market-101582

COVID-19 Impact:

Rising Risk of Exposure to the COVID-19 Hampered Product Demand

The onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic hampered the growth of aerospace fasteners due to the disruption in the supply of raw materials. Rising risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus will further dent the forecast period. With the occurrence of the Russia-Ukraine war has led to a dearth of essential raw materials, which impeded the demand for aerospace fasteners to a great extent. Meanwhile, to overcome the new challenges, key players are adopting multiple strategies that will augur well for industry participants gearing to boost their portfolios.

Segments:

By Product, Rivet Segment to Hold the Largest Market Share Owing to Its Utility in Aero Structures

On the basis of product, the market is categorized into screws, nuts & bolts, rivets, and others. The rivet product segment is expected to hold the lion's share during the forecast period due to its growing utility in aero structures.

By Material Analysis, Aluminum material Segment Dominate As It is Cheaper

Depending on the material, the market is segmented into aluminum, steel, superalloys, and titanium. The Aluminum material segment is expected to dominate as they are cheaper than other materials.

By platform, Fixed-Wing Segment to Generate High Revenue Owing to High Demand

In terms of the platform, the market is segmented into rotary-wing aircraft and fixed-wing. The fixed-wing segment is anticipated to remain at the forefront throughout the forecast period due to the surging demand for commercial aircraft.

Report Coverage:

The report provides insights into the regional analysis covering different regions, contributing to the market's growth. The report includes qualitative and quantitative analysis of several factors, such as the key drivers and restraints that will impact the market. Adopting strategies by major players to introduce partnerships, collaboration, and new products will contribute to the market's growth.

Get a Quote Now:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/aerospace-fasteners-market-101582

Drivers & Restraints :

Growing Utilization of Robotics will Favor Market Growth

Owing to the growing utilization of 3D printing and robotics technology with the aim of getting a high degree of accuracy and reduced dependency on humans has spurred the aerospace fasteners market share during the projected period. Another prominent reason that accentuates the demand for the product is the rise in travel & tourism and air traffic.

Meanwhile, the increasing popularity of composite materials in the aviation industry could hamper the aerospace fasteners market growth.

Regional Insights:

Surging Investments in R&D Activities Fosters Growth in the North America

North America held a strong grip on the aerospace fasteners market share and is expected to lead the market during the projected period due to the surging investments in R&D activities across the region.

European's aerospace fastener market accounts for the second-highest market share and is also likely to maintain its strong foothold across the region. The growth is expected to be aided by the presence of leading aircraft manufacturers such as Airbus SE, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo SPA.

Ask for Customization:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/aerospace-fasteners-market-101582

Detailed Table of Content:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Industry Developments  Key Contracts & Agreements, Mergers, Acquisitions and Partnerships Latest technological Advancements Porters Five Forces Analysis Supply Chain Analysis

Qualitative Insights Impact of COVID-19 on the Aerospace Fasteners Market Steps Taken by the Industry/Government/Companies to Overcome the Impact Potential Opportunities due to COVID-19 Outbreak

Global Aerospace Fasteners Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2019-2030 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Product Rivets Screws Nuts & Bolts Others Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Material Aluminum Steel Superalloys Titanium Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Platform Fixed-wing aircraft Commercial Aircraft Business Aircraft General Aviation Aircraft Military Aircraft Rotary-wing aircraft Military Helicopters Civil Helicopters Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa



TOC Continued...!

Competitive Landscape:

Top Giants are investing in Multi-Specialty Tools and Superalloys to fortify their Position

Prominent firms such as LISI Aerospace, TriMas Corporation, HC Merchandisers, and National Aerospace Fasteners Corporation will likely invest in product developments such as multi-speciality tools and superalloys with an aim to shape the competitive landscape. The Wurth Group and The Boeing Company are poised to lead the marketplace on account of their global presence.

Speak to Our Expert:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/aerospace-fasteners-market-101582

Key Industry Development-

August 2021: Safran Aircraft Engines gave the certification to Qualified Aerospace forging to develop high value-added precision manufacturing capabilities along with refining its process technology for aerospace machined products.

Read Related Insights:

Avionics Market to Hit USD 159.35 Billion by 2030 | With 8.45% CAGR

Aircraft Aftermarket Parts Market to Reach USD 47.33 Billion by 2028; Increasing Number of Phased Out Aircraft to Augment Growth, Says Fortune Business Insights

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.

Address:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner,

Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune - 411045,

Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Attachment
Pune, India, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global diamond market size is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, with a considerable CAGR. The growth of the industry can be mainly attributed to the rising demand for jewelry applications especially in emerging economies in Asia Pacific like India and China. Diamonds are used to create jewelry that is in high demand at weddings and other special occasions. Rough diamond revenue growth is primarily due to increased production by smaller players.

Fortune Business Insights provides this information in its research report, titled Diamond Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand and Report Forecast 2023-2030.

Get a Sample Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/diamond-market-102887

Diamond is the world's most concentrated form of pure crystalline carbon, with the highest hardness and thermal conductivity. Diamonds are used in various industrial applications, including polishing and cutting tools. It is well-known for its beauty as a gemstone all over the world. Art, science, engineering, and a lot of labor go into making a diamond. Pipe mining, alluvial mining, and marine mining are the three forms of mining utilized to mine diamonds.

The Report Lists the Main Companies in the Diamond Market:

Petra Diamonds Limited

RioTinto

Trans Hex Group

Lucara Diamond

ALROSA

De Beers

Mountain Province Diamonds

Dominion Diamond Mines

Gem Diamonds

Others Players

Competitive Landscape:

A few major players, including ALROSA, De Beers Group, and Rio Tinto, dominated the growth of the Diamond Market. This diamond market is characterized by several small to medium-sized players that focus on a specific country or region. Upstream business is also carried out by the major players. Due to the presence of established players, entering the upstream sector is challenging.

Report Coverage:

The diamond report provides an in-depth analysis of the key trends propelling the global business landscape over the forthcoming years. It further presents an account of the vital strategies adopted by leading market players for securing a competitive edge and expanding their geographical footprints. Other components include an overview of the driving and restraining factors and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on industry expansion.

Segmentation:

The diamond market can be segmented based on type, application, and geography.

By Type

Natural

Synthetic

By Application

Jewellery & Ornaments

Industrial

By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific

Latin America

The Middle East and Africa

Get a Quote Now:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/get-a-quote/diamond-market-102887

Market Drivers :

Increasing Spending Power of Millennials to Surge Demand

Ethical and environmentally responsible sourcing of diamonds is increasingly vital. Consumer demand for conflict-free, responsibly mined diamonds stimulates initiatives such as the Kimberley Process, bolstering consumer trust and industry reputation. The emergence of lab-grown diamonds presents an ethical and sustainable alternative, appealing to eco-conscious consumers. As technology advances, these diamonds gain recognition and reshape the market's traditional paradigms. Diamonds, prized for their rarity and timeless value, attract investors seeking to diversify portfolios. Limited supply and enduring cultural significance contribute to diamonds' appeal as a store of value.

Market Restraints:

Diamond prices can be subject to fluctuations driven by changes in economic conditions, consumer demand, and supply dynamics. This volatility can impact investor confidence and consumer purchasing decisions. Despite efforts to promote ethical sourcing, challenges related to traceability and transparency in the supply chain persist. Consumers' increasing demand for responsibly sourced diamonds places pressure on industry participants to ensure ethical practices. Evolving regulations related to diamond certification, trade, and ethical practices can impact market operations. Industry players must stay abreast of changing regulations to ensure compliance.

Regional Analysis:

North America including the United States and Canada, diamonds hold a special place in the realm of engagement rings and timeless jewellery. The market is driven by consumer sentiment, with diamonds symbolizing love and commitment. With a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, consumers seek conflict-free diamonds, encouraging industry players to prioritize transparency and responsible practices.

Europe particularly countries like Belgium and the United Kingdom, stands as a historical hub for diamond trading and craftsmanship. Belgium's Antwerp Diamond District, for instance, is renowned as the world's diamond capital. The European market combines tradition with innovation, as consumers appreciate both classical designs and contemporary trends.

Asia-Pacific with its diverse range of countries, exhibits a dynamic diamond market. China and India stand out as major consumers of diamonds, driven by growing middle-class populations and increasing disposable incomes. As symbols of status and prosperity, diamonds enjoy strong demand, particularly among younger consumers seeking personalized and unique jewelry.

The Middle East and Africa are intertwined with the diamond market due to their roles in both production and consumption. African nations contribute significantly to diamond production, with countries like Botswana playing a pivotal role. Additionally, the Middle East's luxury market, marked by affluent consumers, fosters demand for high-end diamond jewelry.

Latin America while not a major diamond producer, has emerging markets that engage with diamonds as both symbols of luxury and investment. Brazil, for instance, demonstrates a growing appreciation for diamonds, reflecting changing consumer preferences and economic growth.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Regional variations bring both challenges and opportunities. Market players must navigate cultural preferences, economic disparities, and regulatory frameworks unique to each region. Ethical considerations, such as responsible sourcing and labor practices, gain prominence as consumers demand greater transparency. The rise of lab-grown diamonds further diversifies options for consumers and creates opportunities for sustainable growth.

Ask for Customization:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/ask-for-customization/diamond-market-102887

Read Related Insights:

Synthetic Diamonds Market Size, Share, Trends, and Forecast Report 2023-2030

Jewelry Industry to be Worth USD 308.36 Billion by 2030

Mining Drill Bits Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 2.57 Billion by 2030

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.

Address:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

9th Floor, Icon Tower, Baner 

Mahalunge Road, Baner, Pune-411045,

Maharashtra, India.

Phone:

US: +1 424 253 0390

UK: +44 2071 939123

APAC: +91 744 740 1245

Email: sales@fortunebusinessinsights.com

Follow Us: LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter

Attachment
Hamilton, ON, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mohawk College and McMaster University announced today the opening of the Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging (CIAMI), a new facility for educational training, imaging research, and increased magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) access for patient care.





CIAMI provides a space where education, clinical care, and research intersect through collaborative and unique models of care and approaches to training that have not been done before in Ontario.

In addition to education and research components, CIAMI partners with the affiliated academic hospital systems, Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton. The Ontario Ministry of Health has provided $5 million in funding over three years to support the creation, development, and testing of the CIAMI model, including funding to operate an MRI for clinical use.

CIAMI provides a revolutionary approach to cutting wait times and could double the speed of service for patients needing MRI scans. Currently, the provincial average for MRI scans is 1.54 patients per hour, but early CIAMI data from a pilot at St. Josephs suggests that could be improved.



Located at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute of Applied Health Sciences building on the universitys main campus, the facility includes a newly installed advanced MRI unit, the second of its kind in Canada.

CIAMI enables a new model of training with a living lab for interdisciplinary teams to provide education, taking pressure off hospitals for clinical placements while expediting the capability to graduate MRI technologists into the system.

CIAMI will also be the site for continuing research, with access to innovative technologies and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable cutting-edge discoveries. CIAMI brings technology and healthcare together in Hamilton to propel advancements in imaging research.



We have a backlog of patients waiting for MRI scans in our region, we are facing a health human resource crisis in Ontario, we have challenges in meeting the imaging needs of our hospital in-patients and our researchers need access to equipment that isnt competing with clinical needs, said Julian Dobranowski, professor and chair of the Department of Medical Imaging at McMaster and an adjunct professor at Mohawk College. CIAMI provides an innovative solution to all of these issues. We are excited to validate this new model of care to enhance patient care across the province.

The new model of care has been piloted at St. Josephs Healthcare Hamiltons Imaging Research Center (IRC) and will continue at CIAMI in the fall.

CIAMI is supported by funding from Mohawk and McMaster, the Juravinski Research Institute, and a grant from the Government of Ontarios College Equipment and Renewal Fund (CERF), with additional funding to operate an MRI coming from the province.

GE HealthCare (GEHC), the manufacturer of the MRI that has been installed in the facility, and CIAMI are collaborating on initiatives to increase access to resources to support education and research.

Quotes:

Our government is continuing our work to build a more connected and convenient healthcare system by improving access to services across the province. We are proud to partner with McMaster University and Mohawk College to ensure CIAMI has the funds they need to operate their new MRI suite to increase access to diagnostic imaging, reduce wait times and connect patients to the care they need, close to home.

 Sylvia Jones, Ontarios Deputy Premier and Minister of Health

The creation of CIAMI provides a clear example of how Mohawk College and McMaster University work together with community partners to everyones benefit. Together, we will conduct research to identify best practices, will offer students exceptional training, and will provide greater access to MRI services for patients. We are excited to move forward on this initiative with our valued partners.

 Ron McKerlie, president and CEO, Mohawk College

At McMaster, we believe in working with our community to advance human and societal health and well-being. The new CIAMI facility is an excellent example of how close collaboration with our academic partner Mohawk College and our academic hospital partners Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton is helping build a brighter, healthier future for our community.

 David Farrar, president and vice-chancellor, McMaster University

This centre presents an exciting opportunity for patients, clinicians, and students alike. The combined focus on teaching and research will undoubtedly give way to new solutions to some of our health systems most pressing issues, including healthcare worker shortages and diagnostic imaging wait times. Its a promising addition to Hamiltons robust health research and hospital network.

 Rob MacIsaac, president and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences

The opening of this centre will build on the important partnerships among our educational institutions and health care organizations. It brings together our brightest minds to challenge what we do today, improve the way imaging technologies are used and services are delivered, to benefit patients across our region and beyond.

 John Aldis, interim president, St. Josephs Healthcare Hamilton

As healthcare systems continue to grapple with labor shortages and diagnostics wait times, GE HealthCare is committed to creating solutions that address these challenges directly through innovative and sustainable collaborations with our customers. The installation of GE HealthCares SIGNA Premier MR platform and the material support for training we will provide at CIAMI will help power their new training model for medical professionals and support CIAMI to improve patient care and outcomes in the Ontario community.

 Mike Hamilton, president of GE HealthCare in Canada

Mohawk College focuses on creating future-ready graduates through experiential learning, applied research, and interprofessional education. The Medical Radiation Sciences program, in partnership with the Faculty of Science at McMaster University, is an example of best practice across the country. The joint purchase of an MRI and the creation of CIAMI, as a centre of excellence in the field, will provide game-changing opportunities for our students and offers an entirely novel approach to community patient care.

 Wendy Lawson, associate vice-president, Academic and dean, School of Health and Community Services, Mohawk College

CIAMI is certainly a win-win-win for Hamilton. Besides offering research opportunities with state-of-the-art technologies and first-class education for students, it will boost the communitys access to advanced health care.

 Paul OByrne, dean and vice-president, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University

The Faculty of Science is proud to continue building on our long-standing collaboration with Mohawk College. The new Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging will create even more learning and research opportunities for our students and faculty members while also addressing a real need in our community for timely imaging service."

 Maureen MacDonald, dean, Faculty of Science, McMaster University

-30-

Attachment
Dublin, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Chromatography Resin Market Outlook to 2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global chromatography resin market is poised for substantial growth, projected to reach USD 4.1 billion by 2028, marking a notable increase from its 2023 value of USD 2.8 billion, with an impressive CAGR of 8.2%. This comprehensive report meticulously dissects the chromatography resin market, delving into its categorization by type, technique, application, and region, offering size predictions across diverse geographic areas.

The analysis extends to key industry contenders, providing profound insights into their corporate landscapes, product portfolios, services, and pivotal market strategies, spotlighting major players such as Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Merck KGaA, Danaher Corporation, Tosoh Corporation, Bio-Works Technologies AB, Avantor Performance Materials, Inc., and Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, among others.

Chromatography has emerged as a prominent analytical technique for assessing the quality of processed food products and diverse beverages. According to the World Health Organization, the issue of food contamination has gained significant global attention, with the consumption of contaminated food contributing to over 200 different diseases annually. To ensure precise analysis of food products, methods such as liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) are gaining widespread recognition. This increasing recognition of accurate analytical methods is a key driver behind the growth of the chromatography resin market.

Synthetic Resins Drive Accelerated Growth in Chromatography Resin Market

Synthetic resins are poised to dominate the chromatography resin market, exhibiting the fastest growth during the forecast period. These resins encompass a range of synthetic polymers, including polyacrylamide, polymethacrylate, and polystyrene, which play vital roles in diverse chromatography applications. Moreover, synthetic copolymers such as polystyrene divinylbenzene and methacrylate copolymers serve as foundational matrices in chromatography. Their exceptional attributes, including mechanical stability and pH resistance, position them favorably for laboratory and analytical-scale experiments. The burgeoning demand for synthetic resins in chromatography applications is underpinned by these compelling traits, contributing to their ascendant trajectory in the chromatography field.

Mixed-Mode Chromatography Emerges as a Pinnacle Technique

The mixed-mode chromatography technique is rapidly emerging as the pinnacle of chromatographic methodologies. This advanced approach integrates various ligand-molecule interactions within an analyte, making it a cornerstone of biopharmaceutical purification processes. Renowned for its ability to surpass single interaction-based methods, mixed-mode chromatography combines ligands with diverse functionalities. This amalgamation enables simultaneous interactions such as hydrophobic interactions, ion exchange, and affinity interactions, culminating in a more comprehensive and precise purification process. By leveraging multiple interaction modes, this technique ensures elevated purity and yield of target molecules, solidifying its position as the fastest-growing chromatography technique.

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology: The Chromatography Resin Market Frontier

In the intricate landscape of the chromatography resin market, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector takes center stage. Propelled by robust investments in research and development, particularly within biotech enterprises, the demand for chromatography techniques is escalating. This surge stems from chromatography's pivotal role in precise analysis, quality control, and regulatory compliance within the pharmaceutical arena. As the pharmaceutical industry's emphasis on R&D intensifies, the adoption of chromatography techniques is set to amplify, thereby propelling the chromatography resin market forward.

Europe's Notable Presence in the Chromatography Resin Landscape

Europe commands a substantial standing in the chromatography resin market, positioning itself as the second-largest market by value in 2022. Among European nations, Germany stands as a focal point, spearheading chromatography resin consumption. Austria and Switzerland also exert noteworthy influence, bolstered by their pharmaceutical manufacturing prowess and research organizations. The region's reliance on advanced separation and purification techniques for analytical and manufacturing processes drives the demand for chromatography resins. The resulting symbiotic relationship between chromatography and industries in Europe cements the continent's pivotal role in the chromatography resin market.

Premium Insights

Growing Demand from Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Segment to Drive the Market

North America to be the Largest Market for Chromatography Resin

US Accounted for the Largest Share of the Chromatography Resin Market in North America

Ion Exchange to be the Most Widely Adopted Technique During the Forecast Period

Ion Exchange Led the Global Chromatography Resin Market

Chromatography Resin Market in India to Register the Highest CAGR Between 2023 and 2028

Market Dynamics

Drivers Growing Pharmaceutical and Biopharmaceutical R&D Activities Increasing Demand for Therapeutic Antibodies Increasing Demand for Biosimilars Rising Concern for Food Safety Increasing Use of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) in Analytics and Research

Restraints Lack of Adequate Skilled Professionals

Opportunities Rise of Contract Manufacturing Organizations (CMOs) and Contract Research Organizations (CROs) in Pharmaceutical Industry Growing Demand for Disposable Pre-Packed Columns Growing Demand for Chromatography in Drug Development and Omics Research Growing Use of Chromatography in Proteomics

Challenges Presence of Alternative Technologies to Chromatography



Companies Profiled

Major Players Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. Merck KGaA Danaher Corporation Tosoh Corporation Sartorius Stedim Biotech SA Bio-Works Technologies AB Avantor, Inc. Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation Purolite Repligen Corporation Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Other Key Market Players Novasep Sepragen Corporation Sterogene Bioseparations, Inc. Finex OY Chemra GmbH Sunresin New Materials Co. Ltd. Biotoolomics Limited Cube Biotech GmbH JSR Life Sciences, LLC Ningbo Zhengguang Resin Co. Ltd. Concise Separations Genscript Biotech Corporation Eichrom Technologies, LLC Agilent Technologies, Inc. Kaneka Corporation



Key Topics Covered

1 Introduction

2 Research Methodology

3 Executive Summary

4 Premium Insights

5 Market Overview

6 Industry Trends

7 Chromatography Resin Market, by Type

8 Chromatography Resin Market, by Technique

9 Chromatography Resin Market, by Application

10 Chromatography Resin Market, by Region

11 Competitive Landscape

12 Company Profiles

13 Adjacent & Related Markets

14 Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ziekj1

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Brooklyn, New York, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases are a group of chronic ailments characterized by inflammation in the digestive tract. It requires proper medical management and supervision as it can last lifelong and may severely impact the quality of life. Rising Prevalence of Autoimmune disorders with increasing focus on the compelled healthcare system are expected to drive the market growth. The emergence of New technologies in treating bowel disease such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET) is expected to fuel the market revenue. Also, the rising demand for biological markers to diagnose the disease condition eventually led to an increase in market size. Rise in the government spending on Research and Development and the active participation of key players to improve efficacy are some major factors pushing the market. The market is benefiting from the factors such as cost-effectiveness, non-invasive procedures, and high awareness.



In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market Report Overview:

The global In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease market report provides comprehensive insights into driving factors, restraints, opportunities, and trends, with the provision of in-depth supporting information, data, and statistics and actionable insights. Though covered and provided extensively across the report, the data and information format are simple, yet dynamic in order to ensure ease of reading and understanding, as well as presenting and maximizing leverage and use. According to Market Data Librarys analysis, the In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Diagnostic Market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.2% annually in the forecast period and reach $2.39 Bn during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030.

Request Sample Copy (To Understand the Complete Structure of this Report [Summary + TOC]): https://marketdatalibrary.com/download-sample/14526

In-vitro inflammatory Bowel Disease market share and revenues are provided in detail for previous years in order to showcase the evidence upon which our estimations and forecasts are based. Sensor market growth rates and differences, as well as comparisons and relatable data, are provided to further support all findings. Data points are provided for each year  from historical to the end of the forecast period  and this format is followed for each segment region and respective countries, as well as sub-segments and others.

The Asia-Pacific Market is expected to be the most attractive market over the period for companies and investors. The lack of skilled professionals in diagnosing and curing the diseases is kind of restricting the market revenue and some strict guidelines enacted by the government is also an entry barrier for many companies to get their marketplace.

Vital details of major companies in the market are provided in the company profile section of the report. Cover includes financials, recent developments, strategies, product launches, agreements, expansion, mergers & acquisitions, and others.

The global In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease market report is segmented according to type, power source, industry vertical, and regions and countries. Regional segmentation includes North America (United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, and Rest of Europe); Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, & Rest of Asia Pacific); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America); the Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA).

In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market Trends Analysis and Insights:

Rising Prevalence of Chronic Disorders: A surge in the number of people suffering from Crohns disease and other bowel diseases requires medical diagnosis, treatment and management therapies which in turn are driving the demand.

Advancement in Medical Research: Continuous research and development have improved the knowledge and understanding of Gastrointestinal disorders and resulted in the development of drugs having better safety profiles.

Rising awareness and Diagnosis: Improved Knowledge about the care, symptoms, and treatment place has led to better positive outcomes thus preventing the severity of the disease. Rise in knowledge has led to an increase in the number of diagnostic tests for these diseases thus driving the market growth.

What Factors Are Restraining Growth of In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market?

High Cost of Treatment: Some of the targeted specific novel technologies are quite costly and can reduce the access of many patients to their treatments.

Differences in the Therapeutic Response: The efficacy of a treatment is greatly influenced by the phenotype and genotype of the individual and can vary from individual to individuals and in the worst cases could lead to death due to adverse reactions.

Heterogeneous Clinical Presentation: Inflammatory bowel disease is a complex disease and the sign and symptoms of this disease can differ from person to person thus making it difficult to diagnose accurately with low-cost or traditional machines.

Access to Specialised Care: For effective treatment, Professionals specialized in IBD and Gastroenterology treatment are required which may not be available at remote or less developed location due to the lack of individuals.

Lack of Skilled Professionals: These conditions requires the supervision and monitoring of expert medical professional to get the best health outcome. Shortage of them will lead to inaccessibility to many and will affect the market growth.

If You want to Purchase Specific Insights by Segment/Region/Competitor, Request for Customization: https://marketdatalibrary.com/free-customization/14526

What are the Opportunities for Leading In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Manufacturers?

Microbiome Research: Research has to be conducted on the guts microbe as it plays a major role in the pathogenesis of disease. Improving the knowledge base about the causes and factors helps in developing more effective microbial-based therapies.

Telemedicine and Remote Monitoring: The e-commerce platforms in Health can help out patients to receive 1-1 consultation without physical visit. This will be beneficial for people who required frequent follow-up and are suffering from chronic diseases.

Personalized Medicine: The application of personalized medicine based on the genetic makeup of the person towards the treatment of IBD can prove to be very effective and also limiting the side effects associated with it.

Region-wise Analysis of Market

What are the Factors Driving the In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Demand in North America Region?

North America lead the global race and is expected to maintain its position for a couple of years because of the rising cases of IBD and rising need for early diagnosis and treatment.

What Fuels In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Demand in Europe?

Europe is anticipated to hold the second-largest share of the market and within this region Germany and UK are the major hotspots due to the rise in cases of patients suffering from ulcerative colitis.

What are the Factors Contributing to the Significant of Asia Pacific In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market?

Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market and a highly lucrative market for foreign investments due to the increase in capital expenditure on healthcare and medical research and as the countries in this region will grow economically, more opportunities and scope will be created.

What are the Aspects that are driving the In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market in Latin America?

The market here is on the rise and will grow steadily over the period due to improved healthcare infrastructure, widespread knowledge and facilities available.

What is the Stance on the In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market in Middle East and Africa?

The region is experiencing gradual growth as a result of rising healthcare spending, and growing awareness about the prevention and treatment of disease.

Request Sample Copy (To Understand the Complete Structure of this Report [Summary + TOC]): https://marketdatalibrary.com/download-sample/14526

Leading In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market Manufacturers & Competitive Landscape:



The In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market market is highly competitive, with several key players vying for market share and actively engaging in strategic initiatives. These companies focus on product innovation, technological advancements, and expanding their product portfolios to gain a competitive edge. These companies are continuously investing in research and development activities to enhance their product offerings and cater to the evolving needs of customers in terms of efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

Company List

DiaSorin S.p.A

F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd

Siemens Healthineers AG

Abbott

Quidel Corporation

American Laboratory Products Company(ALPCO)

Certest Biotech SL.

Biosystems S.A.

Key Developments:

August 2023: ImmPrev got the approval of its exclusive early detection tool for Crohns Disease. The invention was made possible by the efforts of long going research of the Co-Founder of the company Dr. Charles Elson, Chief Scientific Officer of the company at the University of Alabama labs.

Research Scope

Report Metric Report Details Market size available for the years 2021-2031 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2031 Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 4.2% Segment covered Product type, End-User and Regions. Regions Covered North America: The U.S. & Canada







Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America



Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN, & Rest of Asia Pacific



Europe: Germany, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, & Rest of Europe







The Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA Fastest Growing Country in Europe Germany Largest Market North America Key Players DiaSorin S.p.A, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Siemens Healthineers AG, Abbott, Quidel Corporation, American Laboratory Products Company(ALPCO), Certest Biotech SL, Biosystems S.A.





























If You want to Purchase Specific Insights by Segment/Region/Competitor, Request for Customization: https://marketdatalibrary.com/free-customization/14526

Market Segmentation:

By Product Type

Assays

Biomarker

Analyzers

By End-User

Diagnostic

Laboratories

Hospitals

Research Institutes

By Region

North America

United States

Canada

Europe

Germany

United Kingdom

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Poland

BENELUX.

NORDIC

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

ASEAN

Australia & New Zealand

Rest of Asia Pacific

Get this Report at a Special Discount Now: https://marketdatalibrary.com/buy-now/14526

Important Questions Answered in this Report:

Q: What are some key factors driving revenue growth of the global In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease market?



A: Some key factors driving market revenue growth include rising awareness, increasing research findings about the disease, prevalence of disease etc.

Q: What are some major challenges faced by companies in the global In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease market?

A: Companies face challenges such as the High cost of treatment, Access to specialized care etc.

Q: How is the competitive landscape in the global In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease market?

A: The market is competitive, with key players focusing on technological advancements, product innovation, and strategic partnerships. Factors such as product quality, reliability, after-sales services, and customization capabilities play a significant role in determining competitiveness.

Q: What are the potential opportunities for companies in the In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market?

A: Companies can leverage opportunities such as personalized medicine, telemedicine and remote monitoring and microbiome research.

Q: How is the Global In-Vitro Inflammatory Bowel Disease Market segmented?

A: The market is segmented based on factors such as product type, end-user and regions.
Alpharetta, Georgia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stryten Energy LLC, a U.S.-based energy storage solutions provider, has received the Vendor of the Year award by Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas, one of the world's leading manufacturers and providers of material handling, automation and fleet solutions.

Winners of the Vendor of the Year award are chosen based on their performance, along with growth building attributes demonstrated consistently throughout the year. Stryten Energy is the only battery manufacturer to have received the honor this year.

We are proud to be recognized by Logisnext as a preferred partner for lift truck batteries, chargers and battery accessories, said Matt Gould, Vice President, Industrial Sales and Service, at Stryten Energy. This award exemplified our pledge to our customers to provide them with the competitive advantage they need to be successful and achieve their goals for growth and profitability.

We are pleased to announce that Stryten Energy has been recognized as Vendor of the Year for their outstanding performance and dedication to excellence, said John Lamancusa, preferred partner programs manager at Mitsubishi Logisnext Americas. This distinguished award recognizes Strytens unrelenting commitment to continuous growth, as well as their proactive approach to customer needs. Through their willingness to collaborate, Stryten has consistently delivered value and exceeded our expectations.

About Stryten Energy

Stryten Energy helps solve the worlds most pressing energy challenges with a broad range of energy storage solutions across the Essential Power, Motive Power, Transportation, Military and Government sectors. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia, we partner with some of the worlds most recognized companies to meet the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy storage capacity. Stryten powers everything from submarines to subcompacts, microgrids, warehouses, distribution centers, cars, trains and trucks. Our stored energy technologies include advanced lead, lithium and vanadium redox flow batteries, intelligent chargers and energy performance management software that keep people on the move and supply chains running. An industry leader backed by more than a century of expertise, Stryten has The Energy to Challenge the status quo and deliver top-performing energy solutions for today and tomorrow. Learn more at stryten.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. Learn more at LogisnextAmericas.com.

Attachment
Dublin, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Chilled and Deli Foods Global Market Assessment 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global market for chilled and deli foods is predicted to attain a substantial value of USD 350.9 billion by 2030, displaying a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.7% between 2023 and 2030.

This growth is primarily fueled by the escalating consumer preference for chilled and deli products, coupled with a heightened interest in understanding the nutritional aspects of these foods. The market is further propelled by the modern lifestyle where consumers are increasingly opting for ready-made meals due to their convenience.

In response to these trends, manufacturers are introducing a diverse array of chilled and deli foods, particularly focusing on healthier options such as vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. This expansion is broadening the scope of the global chilled and deli foods market. For example, Veroni, a renowned producer of Italian cured meats and specialties, introduced a new snack line in July 2021 featuring authentic Italian salami combined with provolone cheese, dried fruit, and breadsticks.

The organic segment is anticipated to experience rapid growth during the forecast period, supported by new product launches in this category. Applegate Farms, an American natural and organic meat company owned by Hormel Foods, launched the Well Carved range in May 2020. This product line includes blended meat and vegetable offerings like Grass-Fed Organic Beef Burgers, Organic Turkey Burgers, and Organic Asian Style Pork Meatballs.

In terms of distribution channels, supermarkets and hypermarkets held the largest market share in 2022, a trend expected to persist throughout the forecast period. These retail outlets, such as Walmart and Target, are allocating significant shelf space to chilled and deli foods in response to heightened consumer demand, particularly in developed countries like the U.S., the UK, Germany, and France.

The chilled and deli foods sector is characterized by a consolidated landscape with numerous international players and a handful of regional participants. Prominent companies such as General Mills, Inc., PepsiCo, The Kraft Heinz Company, Nestle, The Kellogg Company, Unilever, Calbee, Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG, Conagra Brands, Inc., and ITC Limited are key players in the global market.

Key Highlights from the Chilled and Deli Foods Market Report:

North America is poised to contribute the highest revenue share, establishing itself as the leading division in terms of global revenue for 2022. The region's growing preference for nutrient-rich superfoods is driving demand for chilled and deli foods.

The organic segment is predicted to exhibit the fastest growth over the forecast period, reflecting the rising consumer interest in organic and natural products.

The online distribution channel is anticipated to experience swift expansion during the forecast period, partly due to the increased penetration of online retailers resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Key Topics Covered



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope

Chapter 2. Executive Summary

Chapter 3. Chilled & Deli Foods Market Variables, Trends & Scope

Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis

Chapter 5. Chilled & Deli Foods Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

Chapter 6. Chilled & Deli Foods Market: Nature Estimates & Trend Analysis

Chapter 7. Chilled & Deli Foods Market: Distribution Channel Estimates & Trend Analysis

Chapter 8. Chilled & Deli Foods Market: Region Estimates & Trend Analysis

Chapter 9. Competitive Analysis



Companies Mentioned

General Mills, Inc.

PepsiCo

The Kraft Heinz Company

Nestle

The Kellogg Company

Unilever

Calbee

Intersnack Group GmbH & Co. KG

Conagra Brands, Inc.

ITC Limited

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/agawb

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Global Hangover Cure Products Market 2023-2030 report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global market for hangover cure products is on a trajectory of substantial growth, projected to reach a remarkable USD 6.18 billion by 2030, with an impressive CAGR of 14.8% between 2023 and 2030. This surge in market size is propelled by the burgeoning sales of hangover cure products, particularly notable among Generation Z and millennials in the U.S. The ubiquity of these remedies, coupled with the escalating adoption of tablets and capsules globally, is set to fortify the market's growth.

Market Dynamics Driving Growth

The market is primed for expansion due to heightened consumer interest in hangover cure products and an escalating awareness of anti-hangover solutions across the globe. Industry players are strategically expanding their market presence through diverse distribution channels, enabling them to reach a wider audience. A surge in demand for functional foods and beverages worldwide has sparked interest in ingredients that augment energy, mental clarity, mood, and stress reduction. This trend offers significant potential for hangover cure product manufacturers to innovate and tailor their offerings to align with this shift.

E-Commerce and Innovation Open New Horizons

The widespread adoption of e-commerce has paved the way for seamless global distribution of hangover cure products, presenting a host of opportunities for market players. Innovation remains a cornerstone of this sector's growth, as manufacturers introduce novel hangover cure products through various distribution channels, thereby propelling the market's evolution.

Key Highlights from the Hangover Cure Products Market Report

Product Preference: Hangover cure tablets/capsules have claimed a substantial market share of 36.7% in 2022. Notably, hangover cure tablets containing dihydromyricetin are gaining global popularity. For instance, Nuun, a hydration solutions company, offers effervescent tablets that enhance energy levels and provide optimal hydration benefits, significantly impacting the growth of this segment.

Hangover cure tablets/capsules have claimed a substantial market share of 36.7% in 2022. Notably, hangover cure tablets containing dihydromyricetin are gaining global popularity. For instance, Nuun, a hydration solutions company, offers effervescent tablets that enhance energy levels and provide optimal hydration benefits, significantly impacting the growth of this segment. Shift in Remedies: Consumer inclination towards remedies offering rehydration, elevated antioxidant levels, hangover treatment, and alcohol by-products neutralization is driving the market's growth trajectory. By 2030, the hangover remedies segment is projected to capture a significant market share of 64.8%.

Consumer inclination towards remedies offering rehydration, elevated antioxidant levels, hangover treatment, and alcohol by-products neutralization is driving the market's growth trajectory. By 2030, the hangover remedies segment is projected to capture a significant market share of 64.8%. Dominance of Online Platforms: The online channel has emerged as the leading platform for hangover cure product sales, commanding a global share of 57.7% in 2022. Noteworthy is the partnership trend between FMCG companies and pharmaceutical firms with third-party aggregators such as CVS Health and Amazon.com. This strategic collaboration is significantly influencing the growth of this segment.

The online channel has emerged as the leading platform for hangover cure product sales, commanding a global share of 57.7% in 2022. Noteworthy is the partnership trend between FMCG companies and pharmaceutical firms with third-party aggregators such as CVS Health and Amazon.com. This strategic collaboration is significantly influencing the growth of this segment. Effective Hangover Prevention: Market players are actively promoting their products as efficacious solutions for hangover prevention. In June 2022, Myrkl, a Swedish company, introduced a "pre-drinking pill" in the UK, asserting its ability to break down alcohol before it reaches the liver, effectively averting the formation of toxic acetaldehyde.

In conclusion, the hangover cure products market is poised for substantial growth driven by evolving consumer preferences, innovative product offerings, and strategic distribution. As consumers seek effective solutions to mitigate the effects of hangovers, manufacturers are stepping up their game with functional remedies, leveraging e-commerce platforms, and innovating to meet the evolving demands of the market.

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 127 Forecast Period 2022-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $2.05 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $6.18 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 14.8% Regions Covered Global

Key Topics Covered



Chapter 1. Methodology and Scope

Chapter 2. Executive Summary

Chapter 3. Hangover Cure Products Market Variables & Trends

Chapter 4. Consumer Behavior Analysis

Chapter 5. Hangover Cure Products Market: Product Analysis & Estimates

Chapter 6. Hangover Cure Products Market: Type Analysis & Estimates

Chapter 7. Hangover Cure Products Market: Distribution Channel Analysis & Estimates

Chapter 8. Hangover Cure Products Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis

Chapter 9. Hangover Cure Products Market: Competitive Landscape



Companies Mentioned

Abbott

AfterDrink Ltd.

AWKN

Bayer AG

Bytox

Cheal Hangover Patch

Cheers Health

D-Tox Hangover Patches

DOTSHOT

DrinkAde

Drinkwel, LLC

EZ Lifestyle (Over EZ)

Flyby

Kaplan Laboratory, LLC (H-PROOF)

La Mend, Inc. (The Good Patch)

LES Labs (Detoxx)

Liquid I.V., Inc.

LiveToShine

More Labs

No Days Wasted

Ozmo Patch

Party Patch

Purple Tree Labs

Rally Labs LLC (Blowfish)

RallyPatch, LLC

Rebound Hangover Patch

SmartPatches

The Himalaya Drug Company

Toniiq

TRIO Patch

Wet Buffalo Patch

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/jcf52k

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Shaping the Future of Global Finance: Usul Ventures Limited's Landmark Partnership with Stefan Spath



Does the Global Finance Ecosystem Depend on Collaborative Partnerships?

ISTANBUL, Turkiye, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the fund transfers has emerged as a vital thread that weaves together economies, industries, and aspirations in international finance. According to the Market Research report , the global money transfer services market was worth nearly $26.5 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach around $110.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 15.8% over the period. While the global economy thrives on the movement of capital across borders, investments, and mergers the significance of seamless fund transfers became more pronounced for businesses aiming to grow. And a recently-made partnership between Usul Ventures Limited - a beacon of expertise in managing company mergers, IPO processes, and cross-listing activities based in Europe - and Stefan Spath, a luminary in US capital markets, has emphasized the importance of embarking strategic collaborations in the financial growth.

Kaan Ozcelik, Attorney at Usul Ventures, claimed that as interconnectivity gains momentum throughout the globe, redefining transformative collaborations as such could be the only way for enterprises to broaden their horizons and investors scout for promising ventures. And he highlighted that amid the dynamic backdrop of global capital markets, this strong and stabilized engagement between two best-in-breed structures had a chance to be one of the best examples for others in the sector.

The Importance of Fund Transferring Across Borders is Higher Than Ever

The emergence between Usul Ventures Limited and Stefan Spath has raised questions about having well-thought coalitions in order to sustain fund transferring efficiently and securely in a volatile financial ecosystem. Attorney Ozcelik answered these questions explaining the purpose and the potential of this collaboration.

Current outlook of the financial ecosystem shows that the towering amount of fund transfers across international borders cannot be overlooked. Therefore the ability to manage these transactions swiftly and securely are the found wheels of global commerce, enabling businesses to access capital, expand operations, and ultimately contribute to economic growth. And this visionary partnership in-between represents a significant milestone in harnessing the potential of seamless fund transfers for both sides.

On one hand, there is Usul Ventures Limited, a company which has a strong reputation for its prowess in facilitating IPO processes, and bridging financial resources from the US to Europe. On the other side of the equation stands Stefan Spath, a distinguished figure with an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, specializing in corporate listing services. At MCAP, Stefan Spath leads corporate advisory services, extending his expertise to guide foreign public and private issuers through the intricacies of listing shares on US exchanges. When his invaluable insights and Usul Ventures effective investment strategies come together, expanding through borders and reaching out to new achievements would be much easier than before, he added.

New Alliance Holds The Power of Starting A New Era in Financial Growth

Stating that Spaths name resonated strongly within the OTC markets, Kaan Ozcelik also added that this power carries unparalleled expertise in the nuances of cross-listing and enabling the collaboration itself more authority. He encapsulated the shared commitment to expanding global financial horizons with these statements:

"The partnership signifies a convergence of expertise and values, creating a unique consultancy network in international capital markets. This partnership embodies our commitment to empowering European companies to achieve greater global visibility and growth. With Mr. Spath's support, we are set to redefine the possibilities of international financial expansion."

Indicating that the revolutionary collaboration wasnt just an agreement but an alliance combining different forces together, This recently-made partnership upholds the power of starting a new era regarding capital markets and opens doors for European companies aiming to secure listings on esteemed global platforms through cross-listing. The shared expertise resonates as a robust testament with a potential of transcending through borders. As this transformative journey unfolds, it promises to redefine the future of global finance, offering a beacon of hope and opportunity for enterprises seeking to expand their reach and impact on a global scale, Ozcelik expressed.

As this partnership takes flight, it invites us all to witness the power of collaboration and the impact it can have on shaping the destiny of economies, businesses, and aspirations. The journey has just begun, and the possibilities are boundless. Stay tuned as we unravel the chapters of this remarkable story, rewriting the narrative of international finance, one strategic partnership at a time, he underlined once more.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/269ff742-8744-4b14-8390-503d8e594f29
Oakland, CA, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OAKLAND - August 24, 2023 - Kingmakers of Oakland (KOO), a local organization with national reach that works with schools and communities to improve the educational and life outcomes of Black boys from preschool through college, announces its partnership with the Hieroglyphics Crew to co-produce Hiero Day, the highly anticipated music festival in Oakland.

The debut of the organizations music production house, Kingmakers Music, coincides with the long-running celebration. Kingmakers Music lineup announcement includes- Kingmakers Crew ( Amari, Sin Q , 42k Lil , Freegame Vic , Zo1 ) along with Jada Imani and Afterthought + Crew . All artists are rooted in the Bay Area hip-hop scene, and have been deeply involved in the creating KOOs current music catalog and commit their artistry to the "movement music" that aligns with KOO's core values and mission.

CEO Chris Chatmon remarks, Kingmakers of Oakland now has a permanent home in West Oakland at KOO Labs Design Center and Production House. The building was formerly a professional recording studio for artists in the East Bay. We have a place now, outside of schools, where youth can gather to learn about and create music, animation, clothing design, media and film. Coming on as one of the anchor partners for Hiero Day is right on time with KOO going deeper into centering the voices of youth through music.

Hiero Day Music Block Party, in its 11th year, has become an iconic Labor Day Music Festival. It is being organized with support of the Office of the Mayor and The City of Oakland as an all-day, all-ages, free music event showcasing over 20 live performances on 2 stages by the best legendary, underground, and undiscovered artists in genres such as hip-hop, R&B, and more.

Kingmakers of Oakland has partnered with Heiro Day to reinforce one of our core strategies - Narrative Change as part of the organizations theory of change. KOO has already produced four albums that serve as part of Its proprietary Curriculum and Pedagogy work. Each album, Kings In the Making, Revolution Remix, Black Joy and Black Love has dedicated coursework available as individual units that can be taught in schools and community centers with rigor and meets Common Core standards.

The initial Hieroglyphics lineup announcement included Chicago legend Common, Paris, Project Blowed, Abstract Rude, Ultimate Breaks and Beats co-creator Breakbeat Lou. The Hieroglyphics artists will also perform at the after-party. Hiero Day takes place Monday, Sept. 4, and coincides with the 30th anniversary celebration of Souls of Mischiefs debut album 93 Til Infinity.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that it will celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW) for the tenth consecutive year. The week-long event will take place Oct. 30-Nov. 3, 2023, and includes in-person and virtual events highlighting the nations nearly two million Veteran-owned small businesses.

This year marks our tenth celebration of National Veterans Small Business Week, but Americas veteran entrepreneurs have made a difference for our communities and nations economy for decades, said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman. Supporting veterans is a priority for the Biden-Harris Administration, and this week is an important opportunity for the SBA to connect them with the resources we offer to help them start and grow their own successful businesses.

Throughout the week, SBA, resource partners, and local organizations across the country highlight various aspects of the entrepreneurial journey for veteran and military spouse small business owners. Topics include transition assistance, entrepreneurial training, government contracting, disaster assistance, and access to capital resources. Events are currently being added to the event list on sba.gov/nvsbw.

The SBA has a long history of supporting veterans and their families and has focused on improvements for the veteran small business community in the past year. In January, the SBA launched its Veteran Small Business Certification program to help veterans certify their businesses to compete in the federal marketplace. In June, the SBA modernized its loan program, an active approach to improve and expand capital for small businesses, especially Veteran-owned small businesses. Most recently, the SBA launched its new business training program, Military Spouse Pathway to Business, to further support military spouses on their entrepreneurial journey.

NVSBW is hosted by the SBAs Office of Veterans Business Development and first began in 2013.

###

About the Office of Veterans Business Development

The SBAs Office of Veterans Business Development (OVBD) works through SBAs extensive resource partner network, which includes Small Business Development Centers, SCORE, Womens Business Centers, and 22 VBOCs located throughout the nation. VBOCs are also the leading partner in hosting the Boots to Business and Boots to Business Reboot programs, which offer courses on entrepreneurship on military installations and in local communities. Since the programs inception in 2013, Boots to Business has trained and graduated more than 165,000 service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. For more information on the resources available for Veteran entrepreneurs, visit www.sba.gov/veterans.

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NorthWest Copper Corp. ("NorthWest" or the "Company") (TSXV:NWST) (OTCQX: NWCCF) today announced that it has filed an application with the British Columbia Securities Commission alleging certain failures of Grant Sawiak, John Kimmel and Tony Ianno (the Activist Group) to make disclosures required by securities laws. The Company believes that the Activist Group is acting to serve its own best interests at the cost of all other shareholders and poses a threat to the value of shareholders investment in NorthWest.



NorthWest is guided by a capable Board of Directors (the Board) with a successful track record. Over the last 12 months, the Company has refreshed both the Board and management team to guide the Companys future growth potential. A new Interim CEO and VP  Exploration has been appointed to accelerate operational efforts. Despite the unnecessary cost of this proxy fight, NorthWests focus remains on its core business and day-to-day operations.

Application Against Activist Group

The application alleges, among other things, that the Activist Group failed to properly disclose joint actor status in connection with this years Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting). Instead of complying with the early warning reporting regime, the Company believes that the Activist Group have decided that Mr. Sawiak will serve as the public face of their efforts to replace the Companys board, in order to conceal the identities of the rest of the Activist Group.

Most notably, the Company believes that Tony Ianno is part of the Activist Group. Mr. Ianno has a history of securities law violations and previously admitted to conduct contrary to the public interest. As a consequence of the Activist Groups lack of disclosure, neither shareholders nor the market have the information they are entitled to have regarding the Activist Groups relationships and intentions.

When confronted with the Companys belief that Mr. Sawiak is acting jointly with Mr. Kimmel and Mr. Ianno, Mr. Sawiak has refused to either confirm or deny the Companys allegations, but recently admitted that Mr. Kimmel is funding his efforts to replace the Companys board.

Any failure to disclose joint actor relationships deprives shareholders of information required to make the right decision about their investment. Shareholders are entitled to know who is behind efforts to install a new slate of directors.

The credentials, or lack thereof, of the Activist Groups nominees are detailed in the Companys Management Information Circular (the Circular) and showcase the risk they pose to NorthWest. The Activist Group has confirmed that it intends to use Company funds to reimburse themselves for this costly campaign. This could derail the Companys focus on exploring and enhancing the value of our large portfolio of projects in BC, including Kwanika-Stardust, Lorraine and East Niv, and may also impact the confidence and trust the Company continues to build with First Nations to conduct our work in an environmentally and culturally respectful manner. The actions of the Activist Group is impacting the Companys ability to raise funds and build value for our shareholders and local communities, - NorthWest has already deferred part of a planned 2023 field exploration program, and will likely be required to defer the whole planned program.

Shareholders who are rightly concerned about their investment in NorthWest and are looking for a complete explanation are urged to carefully review the Companys Letter to Shareholders and Circular, which can be found on www.ProtectNWST.com as well as on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.northwestcopper.ca). Shareholders will receive these materials by mail, along with a BLUE form of proxy or voting instruction form (VIF).

The proxy voting deadline is 10:00 a.m. (Vancouver time) on September 15, 2023 or, if the Meeting is adjourned or postponed, 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays or statutory holidays in British Columbia) prior to the time and date to which the Meeting is adjourned or postponed. The Meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2023 at the offices of Cassels, Brock & Blackwell LLP, Suite 2200, HSBC Building, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 3E8.

Vote to Protect Your Investment.

The future of NorthWest is at stake. As an owner, you have a chance to take control and have your say about the direction of your investment. Even if you have never voted before and no matter how many shares you own, becoming a voter is fast and easy.

Heres how:

To vote FOR, vote the BLUE proxy. Follow the instructions on the BLUE proxy or VIF. Vote online: Registered shareholders: https://login.odysseytrust.com/pxlogin Non-registered shareholders: www.proxyvote.com

Dont wait! Take Action Now!

Vote ONLY on the BLUE proxy and Protect Your Investment Today.

NorthWest shareholders can contact Kingsdale Advisors by calling 1-888-518-1565 (toll-free in North America), calling or texting 1-647-251-9704 (collect call outside North America) or by email at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com for more information. To keep current with and obtain information about voting your shares, please visit www.ProtectNWST.com.

We encourage you to read our Circular published today. The Circular outlines reasons why you should support our refreshed Board and our teams strategy for growth at NorthWest.

Sincerely,

Terry Lyons David Moore Terry Lyons David Moore Chair Interim President and CEO NorthWest Copper Corp. NorthWest Copper Corp.

For further information, please contact:

Investor contact:

Peter Lekich, Director Investor Relations

Tel: 604-683-7790 ext. 232

Email: plekich@northwestcopper.ca

Media contact:

Longview Communications and Public Affairs

Alan Bayless: (604) 417-9645; abayless@longviewcomms.ca

Joel Shaffer: (416) 649-8006; jshaffer@longviewcomms.ca

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements with respect to: the Companys complaint to the British Columbia Securities Commission; the plans and intentions of the Activist Group, including with respect to expense reimbursement, the Meeting, and the potential impact of the Activist Group on the Company and its future plans. Wherever possible, words such as may, will, should, could, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict or potential or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in NorthWests periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators. Forward-looking information are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from NorthWests expectations include risks associated with the business of NorthWest; risks related to a change in the current Board or management of the Company; risks related to reliance on technical information provided by NorthWest; risks related to exploration and potential development of the Companys mineral properties; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and First Nation groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; and other risk factors as detailed from time to time and additional risks identified in NorthWests filings with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ in Canada (available at www.sedarplus.ca). Forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the information are made. NorthWest does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tactical Resources Corp. (CSE: RARE) (OTC: USREF) (Tactical Resources or the Company), a mineral exploration and development company focused on the rare earth elements that drive the critical technologies of the future, announces that the Companys condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the nine months ended April 30, 2023 (the Amended Financial Statements) and corresponding management discussion and analysis (the Amended MD&A) have been refiled to correct the expiry date of 2,856,500 warrants to March 4, 2024, instead of May 13, 2023, which was previously stated in the financial statements (the Former Financial Statements) and management discussion and analysis (the Former MD&A) filed on June 20, 2023. All other information in the Amended Financial Statements and Amended MD&A remains the same as Former Financial Statements and Former MD&A.



On Behalf of The Board of Directors

~Ranjeet Sundher~

Ranjeet Sundher

Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tactical Resources Corp.

www.tacticalresources.com

About Tactical Resources Corp. (CSE: RARE) (OTC: USREF)

Tactical Resources is a mineral exploration and development company focused on rare earth elements based in Vancouver, British Columbia, and holds interests at the Lac Ducharme property located in Quebec, and the Peak Project in western Texas. The Company is also actively involved in the development of innovative metallurgical processing techniques to further unlock REE development potential. Find out more at: www.tacticalresources.com and follow us on Twitter.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Neither the CSE 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Tactical Resources Corp.

Investor Relations

Email: investors@tacticalresources.com

Telephone: +1 (778) 588-5483

Matt Chatterton, Director Tel:

+1 (778) 613-2068

Email: info@tacticalresources.com
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2023 - Discovery Silver Corp. (TSX: DSV, OTCQX: DSVSF) ("Discovery" or the "Company") is pleased to announce several key appointments that strengthen the Company's Board of Directors, and also the permitting and technical teams. These include:



Barry Olson (Independent Director) - more than 30 years mining experience with a track record of successfully developing and managing multi-billion-dollar international mining projects including Penasquito, Mexico's largest open pit mine.

Jonathan Gill (Advisor to the Board) - more than 50 years of global mining experience including senior mine management roles with Inco Ltd. and advisory roles on major international mining projects and currently a Director of Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Mike Neumann (Advisor to the Board) - a mining engineer with over 40 years mining experience focused on mine design, operations and environmental permitting including permitting, start up and construction experience in Mexico.

Jose Jabalera (Director, Corporate Affairs Mexico) - held senior positions over the last decade within both the Mexican Federal Government and the State Government of Chihuahua focused on establishing productive working relationships between mining corporations, government and local communities.

Gord Leavoy (Vice President, Mineral Processing) - more than 40 years' experience with major mining companies such as Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. and Goldcorp Inc. across all aspects of mineral processing and tailings dam construction and operation.

Bindu Satyajit (Corporate Secretary & Manager, Administrative Services) - more than 15 years' experience in the mining industry focused on project management, administration, internal reporting and corporate communications.

Tony Makuch, CEO, states: "We are very pleased to welcome such high-calibre industry professionals that significantly strengthen our board and management team. These new additions bring a long and successful track record in the permitting, construction and operation of large-scale mining projects globally with significant experience working in Mexico. This provides Discovery with a strong foundation built on pertinent industry experience to progress Cordero toward development and operations."

Further details on each of these new hires can be found directly below:

Barry Olson - Independent Director

Barry has over 30 years' experience in strategic management and leadership in engineering, construction, start-up and operations of large-scale mining projects. Prior to his retirement in 2013, Barry was Senior Vice President of Project Development with Goldcorp Inc. During his time with Goldcorp (2006 - 2013) Barry was responsible for the successful development of Penasquito, the largest open pit mine in Mexico, on schedule and on budget, as well as other major development projects in Chile, Argentina and Canada. Prior to Goldcorp, Barry held general manager roles with Coeur Mining Inc. (2001 - 2006) and Amax Gold Inc. (1988 - 1998). Barry is currently on the Advisory Committee for Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. and is also a former Director of Kirkland Lake Gold Inc. ("Kirkland Lake") (2014 - 2021).

Jonathan Gill - Advisor to the Board

Jon is a Professional Engineer with more than 50 years of global mining experience. During his career he held senior mine management roles for Inco Limited in its Ontario and Manitoba divisions and for PT Inco in Indonesia. Since retiring in 2003, Jon has worked on various projects including the Onca Puma project in Brazil, the Goro project in New Caledonia, the Ambatovy Nickel project in Madagascar and on multiple projects for Inco Ltd. and FNX Mining Company Inc. in Canada. Jon is currently a Director of Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. and a former Director of Kirkland Lake (2016-2022) and Lake Shore Gold Inc. (2008-2016).

Mike Neumann - Advisor to the Board

Mike is a Professional Engineer with more than 40 years of global mining experience in management and technical consultant roles focused on mine design, engineering studies, productivity improvements, environmental permitting and mine start-ups. During this time, Mike has completed work on multiple projects in Mexico for companies such as Fresnillo PLC, Industrias Penoles, S.A.B. de C.V., First Majestic Silver Corp., Torex Gold Resources Inc. and Minera Frisco and in Canada for companies such as Goldcorp Inc. and Barrick Gold Corp.

Jose Jabalera - Director, Corporate Affairs Mexico

Jose has held various senior positions in the public sector in the last 12 years, including most recently the General Director of Mining Development in the Federal Ministry of Economy from 2019 to 2022. In this role, Jose worked collaboratively with mining companies and different government agencies in areas such as community consultation, community agreements and in developing guidelines for responsible mining in Mexico. Prior to this, Jose served as Director of Mining for the State Government of Chihuahua and Industrial Promoter from 2010 to 2019. In this role he promoted investment in the mining industry within Chihuahua, provided technical and legal advice for mining corporations, helped establish local supply chains with mining operations and assisted in the planning and application of community development plans in areas impacted by mining. Jose has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Chihuahua and has completed numerous courses on Sustainability, ESG, Community Development, Mine Closure, Transparency and Implementation of international agreements and treaties.

Gord Leavoy - Vice President, Mineral Processing

Gord has over 40 years experience in mineral processing. His experience spans base metals and gold across North America and Australia. In addition, he has extensive experience in processing plant operations, plant maintenance, plant design and construction and mine tailings dam construction and operation. Prior to joining Discovery Silver, Gord was Vice President Mineral Processing and Accountable Executive Officer for tailings at Kirkland Lake. Prior to this he held a variety of roles with companies such as Falconbridge Ltd., Kinross Gold Corp., Placer Dome Inc., Goldcorp Inc., Lake Shore Gold Corp., Kirkland Lake and Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Bindu Satyajit - Corporate Secretary & Manager, Administrative Services

Bindu has more than 15 years' experience in the mining industry focused on project management, administration, internal reporting, streamlining processes and corporate communications. Prior to joining Discovery, Bindu was the Manager of Administrative Services at Torex Gold Resources Inc., Kirkland Lake, and Lakeshore Gold Corp. Prior to these roles, Bindu was Team Leader of the Project Services Group for the Tasiast project at Hatch Ltd.

Pursuant to the Company's restricted share unit plan, an aggregate total of 866,148 Restricted Share Units ("RSUs") were granted to these new officers, employees and advisors. The RSUs, each redeemable for one common share of the Company, vest annually in three equal tranches beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date of July 12, 2024.

Pursuant to the Company's deferred share unit plan, an aggregate total of 395,972 Deferred Share Units ("DSUs") were granted to Mr. Olson on his appointment as non-executive director. The DSUs vest on the first anniversary of the grant date of August 21, 2024 but can only be redeemed following the termination date of a director, in accordance with the DSU plan.

About Discovery

Discovery's flagship project is its 100%-owned Cordero project, one of the world's largest silver deposits. The PFS completed in January 2023 demonstrates that Cordero has the potential to be developed into a highly capital efficient mine that offers the combination of margin, size and scalability. Cordero is located close to infrastructure in a prolific mining belt in Chihuahua State, Mexico.



On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Tony Makuch, P.Eng

President, CEO & Director

For further information contact:

Forbes Gemmell, CFA

VP Corporate Development

Phone: 416-613-9410

Email: forbes.gemmell@discoverysilver.com

Website: www.discoverysilver.com

Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release is not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases 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) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the Offering; anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs; future operations; future growth potential of Discovery; and future development plans.

These forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business. Management believes that these assumptions are reasonable. 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 factors include, among others: risks related to the speculative nature of the Company's business; the Company's formative stage of development; the impact of COVID19 on the timing of exploration and development work; the Company's financial position; possible variations in mineralization, grade or recovery rates; actual results of current exploration activities; conclusions of future economic evaluations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, precious and base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets; change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formation pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Such factors are described in detail in the Prospectus Supplement and the documents incorporated by reference therein.

Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.
VANCOUVER, Aug. 24, 2023 - Power Metals Corp. ("Power Metals" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: PWM) (FRANKFURT: OAA1) (OTCQB: PWRMF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Winsome Resources Limited ("Winsome")(ASX:WR1) to acquire (the "Acquisition") a 100% interest in Winsome's Decelles and Mazerac projects located in Quebec. Upon closing of the Acquisition, it is anticipated that Winsome will own approximately 19.59% of the outstanding shares. Winsome currently owns approximately 9.94% of the outstanding common shares of the Company.

Johnathan More, Chairman of Power Metals commented, "Power Metals continues to strengthen its relationship with Winsome Resources through this strategic acquisition of these two prolific lithium properties in Quebec. Our strong cash position gives us the ability to expand our exploration horizon to these projects which are in close proximity to our flagship Case Lake project. Field crews are now in the field at Case Lake and more geophysical work will immediately commence on these two newly acquired properties. We also look forward to providing the market with an update at Case Lake in the coming days."

Winsome's Managing Director, Chris Evans said, "We are pleased to announce progress towards this transaction with Power Metals, which when executed will increase Winsome stake in PWM to 19.59%. This is an exciting opportunity for the Company as PWM progresses its own exploration program. The exposure to a potentially significant cesium project is very attractive given the rare nature of pollucite-hosted deposits globally. The terms will ensure ongoing exploration on the Decelles and Mazerac licences in the shorter term, while the Company concentrates its resources toward a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate at Adina and further expansion of the Cancet project. With Decelles and Mazerac being approximately 350 kilometres from PWM's Case Lake project in neighbouring Ontario, it makes commercial sense for PWM to execute exploration activities at these sites. The Winsome team looks forward to continuing our strong relationship with PWM."

About the Decelles & Mazerac Projects

The Decelles project area covers 38,404 ha, holding 669 claims close to the mining centres of Val-dOr and Rouyn-Noranda, approximately 600km from Montreal.

The prospective Mazerac region project holds 259 claims across 14,700 ha and is less than 30km east of Decelles.

Both projects are in close proximity to established infrastructure and major mining centres with a history of recent lithium discoveries.

General location

The new claim option centred about the Mazerac township, covers an area exceeding 149km2.

The area is located approximately 50km southwest of Val-d'Or, a well-established mining town in the Abitibi region. The sector is easily accessible by all-season roads servicing Quebec hydroelectric dam Rapid-7, the Decelles water Reservoir and the La Verendrye Park, all enclosed within the Outaouais river watershed.

The Mazerac claims are easily accessible by a dense network of trails and other forestry roads. The area is also accessible by boat or seaplane as it is traversed longitudinally by multiple arms and bays forming the Decelles water reservoir, upstream of the Rapid-7 hydroelectric dam of Decelles.

Geological setting

The consolidated rocks of the region are of Precambrian age. The oldest include weathered rocks of sedimentary origin and a few of volcanic origin which are considered part of the Pontiac group.

The majority of the bedrock in the region is composed of granitic and syenitic rocks, which have been intruded and mixed with rocks of the Pontiac Group. Pegmatites and associated aplites have varying textures and reported to be abundant in the region.

The schist enclaves of the Pontiac group showing various degrees of assimilation, are locally abundant. Large clusters of pegmatite are essentially homogeneous, however, some of the smaller dykes and lenses are zoned. Diabase and gabbro dykes cut across all these rocks.

Extensive Lidar coverage reveals the influence of tectonics on the topography of the region.

The general northeast orientation of the topographic features of the eastern part of the region is controlled by the granite and pegmatite sills in the biotite schists. There are many north, north-east and north-west trending joints in all the rocks of the region.

Terms of the Transaction

Power Metals will acquire a 100% interest in Winsome's Decelles and Mazerac projects located in Quebec in consideration for the issuance of 17,650,000 common shares to Winsome. The Acquisition and the issuance of the consideration shares to Winsome are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Scientific and Technical Disclosure

The scientific and technical disclosure included in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Amanuel Bein, P.Geo., Vice President of Exploration for Power Metals, a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure of Mineral Projects.

About Power Metals

The Power Metals Corp. is a diversified Canadian mining company with a mandate to explore, develop and acquire high quality mining projects. We are committed to building an arsenal of projects in both lithium and high-growth specialty metals and minerals. We see an unprecedented opportunity to supply the tremendous growth of the lithium battery and clean-technology industries. Learn more at www.powermetalscorp.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,

Johnathan More, Chairman & Director

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 the content of this news release.

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The securities being offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, a "U.S. person" (as defined in Regulation S of the U.S. Securities Act) unless pursuant to an exemption therefrom. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company in any jurisdiction.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations, including the use of funds raised under the Offering. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions, Power Metals assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law.

Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to several factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company's disclosure documents which can be found under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The TSXV has neither reviewed nor approved the contents of this press release.

SOURCE Power Metals Corp.
Max, not car, key to Red Bull dominance says Marko

Max Verstappen is the component of Red Bull's Formula 1 package that really makes the difference.

Max Verstappen, Belgian GP 2023

 Red Bull

That is the view of the team's Dr Helmut Marko, who at the age of 80 is declaring that he sees no reason to step down any time soon.

As long as I am in good mental and physical shape, and as long as they give me the opportunity to continue, I will do it, the Austrian told motorsport-magazin.com.

As long as I am able to make a positive contribution, I don't feel like a lame old man.

Indeed, with Red Bull so dominant at present, the energy drink-owned outfit would be reluctant to make any changes whatsoever.

They are simply perfect in every discipline, Ferrari boss Frederic Vasseur said this week, "regardless of whether it's the chassis, aerodynamics, engine, driver or strategy.

That's what makes the difference.

Marko, however, doesn't quite agree.

Of course we have a very good car, which we have improved compared to last year, he said. "Our rivals Ferrari and Mercedes have been surprisingly disappointing.

"They have remained at the same level and are still struggling with a variety of problems. Our car is by far the most versatile and the fastest on the track.

But the advantage, sometimes reaching half a minute at the finish line, is Verstappen, Marko insisted.

Having Max is key, he continued. "The reason for the superiority of Red Bull is the speed of Verstappen, not the car.

"You have to compare him with Sergio Perez, who is definitely one of the five fastest drivers. And on average, Verstappen is faster by half a second - sometimes more - in qualifying.
Teams unclear over rookie rule approach in 2023

How Formula 1 teams will handle a rule about using rookie drivers in practice sessions this season is unclear.

Start, Belgian GP 2023

 Red Bull

It is now known that, to comply with the regulations requiring every race driver on the grid to give up his car on an official Friday, Robert Shwartzman will take the wheel of Carlos Sainz's Ferrari at Zandvoort.

We let our drivers decide for themselves when they want to take the break, said team boss Frederic Vasseur.

Frederik Vesti will be in action in a Mercedes in Mexico - and many insiders think that will also be the scene of a lot of other teams catching up with the rookie rule.

That's because there aren't a lot of other sensible opportunities for the teams to comply.

For instance, the alternative tyre allocation rule will again be in play in Monza, and there are three more sprint weekends to come - in Qatar, Austin and Brazil - where there is only a single practice session before qualifying.

Las Vegas, meanwhile, is a brand new street circuit for Formula 1, while the demanding Singapore layout is also regarded as inappropriate for the rookie outings.

That leaves only Suzuka and Abu Dhabi as other viable locations yet to be raced. It is believed Charles Leclerc, for instance, will give up his cockpit at the 2023 finale.

Ferrari, though, will not use its juniors Oliver Bearman or Leclerc's younger brother Arthur. They should first concentrate on the end of the Formula 2 season, said Vasseur.

It is thought that one of them will be loaned to Ferrari-powered Haas for a rookie outing.

McLaren, Alpha Tauri and Williams, however, have already partly complied with the rookie rule - by fielding rookies (Oscar Piastri, Nyck de Vries and Logan Sargeant) as race drivers this year.

(GMM)
Curb cross border crimes to build vibrant economies in W/A

Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Aug - 24 - 2023 , 05:15

The Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Adelaide Anno-Kumi, has said building vibrant and sound economies in the sub-region requires total elimination of cross border crimes and other illicit activities that hinder the success of the free trade currently being implemented by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The prevailing economic and political stability in Ghana is attracting volumes of voluntary and forced migrants from other West African countries, especially Burkina Faso.The increasing numbers pose a security threat to us.

Unfortunately the majority of our land borders are porous, making them and border residents susceptible to threats such as trafficking of persons, drugs, small arms, light weapons and terrorism, she said.

Mrs Anno-Kumi said this at the launch of a project on Strengthening Community Resilience and Engagement to prevent and Respond to Violent Extremism in Benin, Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Togo.

Project

The project, being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Government of Denmark under its Peace and Stabilisation Fund (PSF), seeks to prevent and address the immediate localised drivers of radicalisation leading to violent extremism in target communities in Benin, Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Togo, while providing support to strengthening the Infrastructure for Peace, namely mechanisms for early warning and early response at the local level.

The project, among others, has sub-objectives of strengthening mechanisms and approaches for early warning and response to violent extremism in target locations and strengthening the socio-economic resilience of at-risk youth, women, and other vulnerable populations in target locations.

It will be implemented for a period of 18 month from July 2023 to December 2024.

She explained that activities of violent extremist organisations had since 2012 led to a deterioration of security and forced displacement in the West Africa Sub-region such that over 700,000 people have been forced to flee their homes as a result of insecurity in Burkina Faso alone.

She said violent extremist activities and terrorist attacks in some African countries, especially in neighbouring countries in the Sahel, always served as a threat of terrorism to Ghana.

She added that in order to protect citizens/residents of Ghana, and investments, necessary measures had been taken to preserve the safety and security in Ghana.

However, she said the measures taken required a determined, well defined, inter-agency coordination to combat the menace.

The Chief Director commended the Danish Embassy and the UNDP for sharing experiences on issues of common interest in the cross-border areas of Ghana, Benin, Cote dIvoire and Togo.

The Ambassador of Denmark to Ghana, Tom Nrring, said the situation in the northern part of the coastal states of West Africa was serious, however, if stakeholders could act now, they could contain the spill over of violent extremism from the Sahel Region.

He said we can offer an alternative to the spread of the violent extremism which we have seen having a devastating impact in various parts of the Sahel region.

Together we can ensure that democracy, safety, freedom and an enabling environment for growth will continue to prevail in the communities in the northern parts of Benin, Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Togo. But we must act now and handle the threat as a matter of urgency, he added.

UNDPs response

The UNDP Resident Representative, Dr Angela Lusigi, said the country needed to move swiftly from analysis, strategy development, and siloed interventions to accelerating a well-coordinated response, as the landscape of violent extremism in West Africa grows increasingly complex.

To address emerging drivers of conflict by building community resilience and strengthening early warning and preventive actions, she called for a more integrated and robust sub-regional response that went beyond a securitised approach.

She emphasised UNDPs response in supporting Ghana and its neighbouring countries through its Atlantic Corridor Initiative, which covered Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote dIvoire, Ghana, and Togo.

Dr Lusigi added that her outfit had supported Ghana to deepen understanding through a groundbreaking study on Vulnerability to the Threat of Radicalization towards Violent Extremism in Northern Ghana.

In partnership with the Ministry of National Security through the National Fusion Centre we developed a vulnerability index and provided real insights into the nexus between environmental, social, and economic vulnerabilities and radicalization, she said.
Ghana committed to clean, equitable energy transition

Business Desk Report Business News Aug - 24 - 2023 , 04:53

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed Ghanas commitment to a clean, equitable energy transition that will harness the full potential of renewable sources and energy efficiency.

Bearing in mind that ambition alone will not transform the countrys energy systems, he said, That was why we embarked on creating an energy transition and investment plan that details what is needed to reach our goals. I look forward to working with international partners to realise the many opportunities presented in this plan.

A release issued in Accra by the Director of Communications, of Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Sherry Kennedy, said the occasion was when President Akufo-Addo and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General of SEforALL, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi, met in Accra to discuss the plan's findings and recommendations, and ensuring that it is backed from the highest levels of government.

Ms Ogunbiyi, according to the release, also participated in an inter-ministerial committee meeting, where she briefed ministers on how the plan was designed to support the work of various ministries, including environment, transportation, industry and others.

It said at other stakeholder engagement, the private sector, civil society organisations, the youth and other advocacy groups were allowed to weigh in with what they would like to see the plan prioritise.

Among the points raised was the need for equitable access to the social and economic opportunities generated by the plan, such as jobs, particularly for women and the youth.

Ms Ogunbiyi expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet with President Akufo-Addo, the ministers, local community groups and the youth.

According to her, it offered her the opportunity to hear first-hand how committed they were to a just and equitable energy transition.

Their commitment has translated to an ambitious energy transition and investment plan that builds a case for changes across Ghanas entire energy system.

These changes present a tremendous opportunity for partners and investors from around the world to contribute to climate action and sustainable development in Ghana, Ms Ogunbiyi added.

Brief

Consultations on Ghanas much-anticipated energy transition and investment plan attracted diverse stakeholders from the government, the private sector, the youth and civil-society organisations who offered feedback on the plan ahead of its launch.

The energy transition and investment plan is expected to serve as the governments main roadmap for achieving universal energy access and net-zero carbon emissions, as expressed under the countrys current Energy Transition Framework and Nationally Determined Contributions while fostering economic growth and protecting jobs.

Ghana has set goals to diversify its energy portfolio, increase the role of renewables and reduce energy intensity. All of these will need to be done in parallel; therefore, the upcoming energy transition and investment plan provides a detailed view of what is needed in terms of technical assistance and investment across key sectors.

By mapping out these needs, the plan will serve as the main tool for the government to engage the international community and investors for support.

The government is developing the plan with technical support from SEforALL.
Otumfuo lauds banks that help national development

Business Desk Report Business News Aug - 24 - 2023 , 05:23

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, has lauded banks whose actions add to the development of the country.

He said it is also important for banks to add value to the economy and most importantly, create employment for the youth.

Otumfuo Osei-Tutu said this when the Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, Benjamin Dzoboku, and his executive team paid a courtesy call on him at the Manhyia Palace to show appreciation for the Kings presence at a luncheon hosted in his honour by Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), the parent company of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC.

The Asantehene commended the bank for its commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with the community and expressed his appreciation for the banks initiatives being carried out within Kumasi and the country as a whole.

A release issued by the bank in Accra after the visit quoted the Asantehene as saying: I am honoured to learn about all the exciting banking initiatives you are carrying out for my people in Kumasi and our nation, Ghana.

Like I mentioned to your Board Members in Trinidad, I want a bank that will inure to the development of our country, adding value to our economy and most importantly creating employment for the youth.

Assurances

Otumfuo Osei-Tutu assured the management of the bank of his support and urged them to give off their best at all times to grow the bank.

According to the release, the Asantehene further expressed his delight for being invited to the luncheon which highlighted the banks dedication to acknowledging and celebrating the legacy of emancipation and unity.

For his part, Mr Dzoboku, the release said, conveyed the profound gratitude of the Board Chairman, the President/CEO and Managing Director of RFHL, to the Asantehene for gracing the Emancipation luncheon and his advice to the bank.

Your Majesty, the luncheon was an event that celebrated the enduring spirit of freedom and the rich cultural heritage of Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. We were honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to host such a distinguished guest and to contribute to the celebration of a significant historical occasion, Mr Dzoboku said.

About Republic Bank

Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, a subsidiary of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) of Trinidad & Tobago, is Ghana's leading Universal Banking institution and arguably the most diversified financial institution. As a one-stop financial institution, the Banks services include Corporate, Commercial and Retail Banking; Investment Banking; Trustee Services; Mortgage Banking; VISA Credit and Debit Cards and Microfinance.
UBA, UNDP sign pact to scale up activities of MSMEs

Elizabeth Nyaadu Adu Business News Aug - 24 - 2023 , 06:27

THE United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support youth and women-led Micro, Small and Medium scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ghana to scale up their businesses.

The partnership seeks to support UBA Ghana to access climate financing schemes to increase financial inflows from climate funding channels to support Ghanas efforts to turn climate commitments into actions.

Through the partnership, businesses will receive a tailored programme of business service support and capacity development in areas, including corporate governance, branding, marketing, financial support and product design/development to enable easier access to markets for their products and services.

They will also be supported with energy efficiency audits and remedial actions to minimise their carbon footprints.

Significance

Signing on behalf of UBA Ghana at a short ceremony in Accra, the Managing Director of the bank, Chris Ofikulu, said MSMEs formed the backbone of the countrys economy through job creation, innovation and economic growth, driving poverty reduction and contributing significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation.

However, they face numerous challenges, including limited access to finance, lack of technical know-how and inadequate infrastructure which often hindered their ability to scale up and fully realise their potential.

He said through the MOU with UNDP, the bank aimed to address these challenges by providing targeted financial support and capacity-building initiatives to MSMEs.

By leveraging UNDP's deep understanding of the local business environment and their expertise in sustainable development, we can tailor our interventions to meet the specific needs of MSMEs and foster an enabling environment for their growth.

Collaborating with UNDP demonstrates UBA Ghanas commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on providing custom financial solutions and growth opportunities for businesses of all sizes to facilitate inter and intra-African trade, Mr Ofikulu said.

Channel resources towards development

The UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, Dr Angela Lusigi, said the UNDP was working to influence the flow of resources towards development by encouraging investors and businesses of all sizes to imbibe the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Climate action into their analytics, decision making and business practices.

The MOU, she said, would promote inclusive, resilient and green entrepreneurship by leveraging UNDPs expertise in working with MSMEs and innovators, and UBA Ghanas expertise in supporting businesses.

UNDP remains committed to drawing on our national, regional and global expertise and community of practice to advance Ghanas development agenda.

We will work through this partnership with UBA Ghana to strengthen the capacities and ecosystem for MSMEs to thrive while improving access to innovative financing for climate action, she said.
Good luck to WASSCE candidates

Daily Graphic Editorials Aug - 24 - 2023 , 08:35

Once again, the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC) has taken off and it is for candidates in Ghana alone.

Known as the Ghana Only WASSCE for School Candidates, the examination is being taken by only Ghanaian candidates because the other member-countries of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)  Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia  have reverted their examination calendar to May/June, instead of September/October as it was in the past three years which was occasioned by the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

All the five-member countries used to write the examination in May/June until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic which lasted about nine months, throwing the school calendar off gear.

Consequently, the WASSCE was shifted to September/October for all the member countries.

That went on for two years, and last year, all, except Ghana, returned to the original May/June calendar.

Last year, the Ghana Education Service (GES) explained that Ghana did not revert immediately because it had drawn up a transitional calendar to return to the old system when the academic year begins from September/October and ends in June/July the following year.

That means that Ghana is doing a gradual recovery learning based on contact hours in the classroom because returning to the May/June calendar immediately would amount to giving the candidates the short end of the stick as they would not have met the 1,134 contact hours.

Thankfully, this years Ghana Only WASSCE is expected to be the last because the transitional calendar is supposed to return the academic calendar to the old one by 2024, when Ghana would have come up to the same level with the other member countries.

Yesterday, the examination officially took off fully, with all candidates participating in Oral English.

However, the practical aspect of the examination started on July 31, where Visual Art candidates and those doing General Science and French had been busy with their practicals and oral.

As they write the examination, the Daily Graphic joins the examination body, WAEC and other well-meaning stakeholders in the educational sector to wish the candidates well in the examination.

While wishing the candidates well, the Head of National Office (HNO) of WAEC, Wendy Addy-Lamptey, cautioned the candidates against engaging in cheating, which could lead to the withholding of their papers for investigations.

She also urged parents and school authorities to also advise their children and students against taking mobile phones to the examination halls.

The Daily Graphic notes that WAEC has been giving this advice over the years and finds it unfortunate that some candidates, some of whom with the support of their parents still carry mobile phones to the examination halls.

This practice has to stop.

Over the years, most candidates fail the examination because they either do not always read the instructions carefully or do not take their time to read the examination questions well before answering.

It is important for students to note that reading the instructions and the questions well during examinations in itself is a first step to passing the exam.

The paper would like to remind both candidates and the public that Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia have already written their version of the examination and, therefore, it is possible that some past questions for WASSCE 2023 will be out there and candidates must be careful not to be tricked into parting with money in the name of securing apo.

This is also a reminder to civil society organisations (CSOs) in the educational space not to rush to announce any leakage without critically analysing and checking the facts.

We still stand by our position that no one should take delight in running to social media platforms to announce as being the first to detect the leakage of a question or an examination malpractice.

The Daily Graphic encourages all stakeholders in the educational sector to throw their weight behind WAEC to minimise, if not eliminate, examination malpractice such as leakage of examination questions.

It is also our collective responsibility, as a nation, to support WAEC by providing timeous information on any examination malpractice to the security agencies and to WAEC itself, which has its own internal security to enable the council nip it in the bud.
Malia and Sasha Obama's wild night out

Daily Mail Showbiz News Aug - 24 - 2023 , 19:46

Malia and Sasha Obama have been pictured enjoying wild night out in very revealing outfits - partying into the wee hours at star-studded event hosted by Drake.

Malia, 25, and Sasha, 22, partied it up at the Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood

USC grad Sasha donned a tiny, black crop top that left her midriff on full display

Her older sister opted for a very-revealing lace-up top and sheer pants

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.

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

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.

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.

credit: Daily Mail
Tennessee news anchor surprised with a proposal on set

People.com Showbiz News Aug - 23 - 2023 , 16:26

A Tennessee news anchor is now engaged to be married after unknowingly introducing her own proposal.

Cornelia Nicholson was recording on set at NBC affiliate WRCB when her boyfriend, Riley Nagel, asked for her hand in marriage in a proposal designed to mirror a news segment.

Video of the special occasion, which has gone viral on TikTok, showed a confused Nicholson introducing her own proposal before Nagel appeared with a bouquet of flowers for the very special report.

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. Cornelia Nicholson, would you marry me?

Im going to cry! Nicholson said in response before happily saying yes.

Nagel said the pair met in Montana nearly four years ago while working at a different news station. He was very drawn to her when they first met, and the two eventually began dating.

You have such an amazing personality, Nagel said during the proposal. Youre so bright, and you always light up a room when you come in, and make everyone laugh.

Nagel also praised his now-fiancee for being incredibly talented, especially in news.

Youre one of the reasons, or pretty much the main reason Im still in news today, he said in the clip. Youre always pushing me to do better in news and in other aspects in my life.

The reporter then got down on one knee and popped the question, leaving Nicholson speechless.

In a segment from a subsequent newscast, Nagel quipped, They dont call me the romance reporter for nothing! while his coworker wiped away a tear.

Nagel said Nicholson had some hints about what was going on, but ultimately had no clue that she would be introducing her own proposal.

In the caption of her TikTok post, Nicholson said she was still at a loss for words over the surprise segment.

@Riley Nagel hid this so well, she wrote. I am so excited for our future together.
Tributes pour in for Jayne Buckman- Owoo

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Aug - 24 - 2023 , 16:00

SINCE the death of Miss Jayne Buckman -Owoo, an actress and a Staff Writer with Graphic Showbiz which occured on Friday, August 18, tributes have been pouring in from her friends and colleagues in the creative sector who continue to share fond memories of her and how they are going to miss her.

Describing Jayne as a charming and beautiful friend, movie producer, Socrate Safo said he used to call her Corporal Lakour after a character she played in a move.

It is quite unfortunate such a calm, charming and beautiful friend is no more. I call her Corporal Lakour because I featured her in a movie where she played the role of a detective and the characters name was Corporal Lakour. Ever since, we have been friends and she will call to check on me and my family.

The last time we met was at the Graphic Showbiz Forum last month where she invited me and afterwards served me some drinks and finger foods.

If she needs anything from you, it is best you just give her and be free because you will not have your peace of mind. She was such a lovely person and I am personally going to miss her, he said.

In the words of actor/playwright, Fiifi Coleman, I was deeply saddened when I heard you were gone. I challenged the call. Texted you on WhatsApp right away and waited for a response. God indeed has you now and I know youre at peace with Him.

You were a special friend I could count on. While you may not be physically present, the impact of our friendship will continue to resonate in the lives you touched. Jayne, I will miss you dearly.

Radio presenter Andy Dosty had this to say, Jayne Buckman- Owoo, the affable, intelligent and sweet dark black sister. Her fights with me for not picking up her calls wouldnt stop until I pacified the gods with some coins. OmG, Ill forever miss her.

Ellis Adjei, Founder of Golden Age Creative Arts Awards (GACAA) described Jayne as a great woman adding, Dolphin House Production will miss you greatly. I appreciate you a lot and the time we have been together.

A mass in commemoration of the one-week observance of the death of the renowned arts writer and actress comes off on Friday, August 25, 2023, at the St Theresas Parish, Kaneshie, near Awudome Roundabout, Accra at 7 a.m.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

The late Jayne Buckman-Owoo passed on Friday, August 18, 2023, after a short illness. She was 49.

In a life devoted to the creative sector, Ms Jayne, as she was fondly known, spent two decades of her journalism career at Graphic Showbiz and was also a popular face on television who hosted popular programmes such as Viewers Choice on TV Africa and on the silver screen featuring movies including Unfinished Business, Wedlock, Who Killed Okomfo Anokye, When Night Falls and A Call at Midnight.
Climate change fight: Role of banks in environmental stewardship

Hamza Adam Opinion Aug - 24 - 2023 , 09:51

Climate change has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of this century, affecting all corners of the globe and posing an existential threat to current and future generations.

Rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, rising sea levels, food and water scarcity, and ecosystem disruptions are just some of the consequences of human-created climate change.

The recognition of this potential danger to sustainable life has led to a concerted global effort to fight this challenge.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Chane (IPCC), the Paris Agreement, etc., are some of the key global efforts aimed to combat climate change.

Individual countries are also expected to adopt their own specific climate action plans, goals, and targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).

The recent blistering and deadly heat waves sweeping across Europe and other parts of the world are a wake-up call to double down on our efforts, if we are really committed to winning this climate war.

Combatting climate change requires collective action from all sectors of society, including banks that are uniquely placed to play very significant roles in this fight.

This article seeks to explore the role of banks in mitigating climate change and the actions they can take to make a positive impact.

Role, banks

Banks first of all need to understand the impact of their operations on the climate.

They play a crucial role in the global economy and can, therefore, influence industries through their lending and investment decisions.

However, some of these decisions have actually contributed to the acceleration of climate change.

For example, financing fossil fuel projects, deforestation activities, and other environmentally harmful industries can exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions and worsen the climate crisis.

One crucial step that banks should take to prevent climate change is to shift their focus toward sustainable financing.

This involves divesting from high-carbon industries and redirecting investments toward renewable energy projects, green technologies, and other sustainable initiatives.

By supporting clean and environmentally friendly projects, banks can actively contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting a low-carbon economy.

With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other climate-related risks, it is essential for banks to incorporate environmental risk into their risk management frameworks.

By evaluating the potential impact of climate change on their portfolios and investments, banks can better prepare for and manage climate-related risks.

Banks can play a vital role in encouraging companies to adopt sustainable practices by making their lending contingent on environmental considerations.

Through responsible banking, banks can set criteria for borrowers that promote environmental sustainability, thus driving positive change across various industries.

Principles

By subscribing to the Equator Principles, banks will be compelled to show commitment by ensuring all projects they fund are developed and operated in a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.

Banks can also actively contribute to the prevention of climate change by directly funding and supporting green initiatives and renewable energy projects.

By providing financial backing for the development and expansion of clean energy sources, banks can accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions significantly.

In addition to the integration of ESG factors in their decision-making processes, banks can also take steps internally to reduce their carbon footprints and promote sustainability.

Implementing energy-efficient practices in their buildings, optimising operations to minimize waste, and adopting environmentally friendly policies for their employees are just a few ways banks can lead by example and positively impact the environment.

Finally, banks should start issuing green bonds, the proceeds of which are to be used to finance their green projects.

It is often said that there is no greater or more visible endorsement of a banks sustainability strategy than the issue of a green bond.

It is believed to be a visible manifestation of a banks commitment to its own transition journey and sustainability goals.

The issue of a green bond, apart from raising funds for green projects, will also afford climate-conscious investors the opportunity to contribute in their small ways to tackling climate change.

Conclusion

Climate change poses a severe and existential threat to life on this planet, and addressing this threat requires collective action from all of us.

Banks, as powerful economic players, have a unique role to play in preventing climate change.

By transitioning to sustainable financing, conducting environmental risk assessments, engaging in responsible lending, supporting green initiatives, and adopting internal sustainability measures, banks can serve as catalysts for saving the environment.

Through collaboration, innovation, and commitment to a sustainable future, banks can actually contribute significantly to the realisation of the goal of keeping global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius as called for in the Paris Agreement.

The writer is a professional banker with expertise in sustainable banking and green bonds.
Open letter to CJ

Bernard George Shaw Opinion Aug - 24 - 2023 , 09:05

Greetings to you, Chief Justice.

I hope you are enjoying your holiday.

Please indulge me, for, as it were, rudely interrupting your vacation with yet another edition of my epistles on criminal justice reforms.

Todays version focuses on a vital aspect of the criminal justice system: sentencing.

In my humble opinion, there is an urgent need to overhaul the whole sentencing regime, as it is at once discriminatory and incoherent.

To begin with, there is an urgent need to have a coherent and consistent sentencing regime as the current system leaves much to be desired.

We have all heard of the hue and cry that frequently erupts in the country when convicted persons are given long sentences for petty crimes.

Its not uncommon to read sensational headlines in the press like Man sentenced 25 years for stealing goat or Convict jailed 15 years for stealing yam.

Even worse, there is no uniformity in the sentencing regime where different courts consistently hand out diverse sentences for the same offence.

The panacea for such abnormalities is to have proper sentencing guidelines.

As you are very aware, sentencing guidelines help judges identify what type and length of sentence they should impose and set factors they should consider before making their final decision.

Their beauty is that they bring uniformity and consistency to the law as judges and magistrates must sentence convicted persons according to the guidelines unless it would be unjust to do so.

This enables judges and lawyers alike to reasonably predict sentences for both clients and the general public.

That way, vast differences in the sentences handed down in different courts for the same offences would be a thing of the past.

Discounts

Another area in which reform is needed, and which is closely linked to the above, is the practice of giving discounts to persons who plead guilty to charges before trial.

In some major jurisdictions, such persons get a discount on the eventual/final sentence.

For example, in England, section 152 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 gives statutory effect to the already well-established principle that credits should be given for pleading guilty.

Section 152 requires the court to take into account the stage in the proceedings at which the offender indicated his/her intention to plead guilty and the circumstances in which this indication was given.

Ordinarily, in England, the usual credit for pleading guilty in a case, where a custodial sentencing, is likely, is a one-third (1/3) reduction in that sentence (R v Buffery).

Such a system has many advantages but its obvious benefit to the court system is that it saves the court and, by extension the state, time, money and expense, especially in long trials.

Accused persons will plead guilty, conscious of the fact that their eventual punishment in terms of time to serve in prison will be reduced by a third.

In Ghana, because there is no such incentive, accused persons insist on NOT GUILTY pleas in even the most straightforward cases.

I have personal experience of cases that have dragged on for years and I am sure such accused persons would have taken advantage of that option, were it to have been available.

This, I believe, can be one of the factors that can contribute to the reduction of court time and ultimately lead to the decongestion of prisons.

Reducing

Talking of reducing the numbers of incarcerated persons as another area that will significantly help in that direction is the introduction of community sentences.

There is a plethora of minor offences that, in my opinion, do not justify prison terms.

The prison population would be significantly reduced if community sentences were introduced for minor/petty offences which comprises the bulk of cases going.

Through our courts, I am very much aware of the arguments of those who advocate that such sentences (that is community ones) take away the deterrent aspect of prison sentences.

I have anecdotal evidence that clearly points to the contrary.

I remember a very prominent client of mine who was sentenced to a community sentence  to sweep the streets of Walthamstow in East London for a month - who completely reformed after that because of the shame this brought him.

Permit me to end here and chill small.

After all, we are supposed to be on legal break.

Enjoy your vacation, my Lady, and bye for now.
Meet the six new members of the BRICS

aljazeera.com International News Aug - 24 - 2023 , 13:05

Saudi Arabia and Iran are among six countries to join BRICS as new members next year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced, on the final day of a summit of the group that considers itself a counterweight to Western powers.

The group encompassing five major emerging economies  China, Brazil, South Africa, Russia and India  which makes decisions by consensus, agreed on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, during the three-day annual summit held in Johannesburg this week, Ramaphosa said on Thursday.

As part of the first phase, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates will join Saudi Arabia and Iran to become full BRICS members in January 2024. Other phases will follow.

This membership expansion is historic, said Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The expansion is also a new starting point for BRICS cooperation. It will bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and further strengthen the force for world peace and development.

A senior adviser to Irans president on Thursday welcomed the countrys admission to the grouping.

Permanent membership in the group of global emerging economies is considered a historic development and a strategic success for the foreign policy of the Islamic republic, Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X, which was previously known as Twitter.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed what he called a great moment for his country.

Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous global order, Abiy said on Twitter.

The core group of five BRICS countries has been discussing the issue of expansion for more than a year, Ramaphosa said, and the new members were invited this week after an agreement was reached at the summit.

The expansion of the group is part of its plan to build dominance and reshape global governance into a multipolar world order that puts voices of the Global South at the centre of the world agenda.

The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran and Egypt marks the first MENA representation in the group, and the inclusion of Argentina was championed by member Brazil.

Expansion was pushed heavily by Russia and China, analysts said, as they are facing pushback from Western nations in the form of sanctions.

Other BRICS countries were initially more ambivalent, but leaders came out in vocal support of the plan this week.

The grouping of emerging economies has been in formal existence for 15 years. Some experts told Al Jazeera that it has not achieved much and the diffuse nature of their political and social interests means BRICS leaders do not always agree on issues. Some say that has prevented them from becoming a more powerful or effective entity.

What [BRICS is] trying to achieve in a way is being opened up for more discussion, Danny Bradlow, a professor with the Centre for the Advancement of Scholarship at the University of Pretoria, told Al Jazeera ahead of the summit. As long as it was just the five countries, they were talking about the reform of global economic governance or global governance generally  But they havent done very much about that.

Getting agreements among the five has not been all that easy, he said. If they expand membership, that makes it even more complicated. But it also depends on who they take on as the new members.

More than 40 countries had expressed interest in joining BRICS, and 23 formally applied to join the club, which already represented a quarter of the global economy and 40 percent of the worlds population.

Some 50 other heads of state and leaders are attending the summit in South Africa, which concludes on Thursday.
Day of joy for Kings Star Academy

Priscilla Asantewaa Obeng Junior News Aug - 23 - 2023 , 16:10

The dream of the schoolchildren of Kings Star Academy in Bunkpurugu came true when the mock parliament they organised in school gave them the opportunity to travel from Bunkpurugu to witness proceedings at the Parliament House.

During their visit, the students were given an exclusive tour of the Parliament Building and were guided by several members of parliament (MPs).

The students impressed the members of parliament with their knowledge and enthusiasm for parliamentary sessions.

The visit became possible after a video of the students went viral on social media for mocking parliamentary proceedings which caught the attention of the MP for the area, Abed-Nego Azumah, and the national executive committee (NEC) member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ms Cecilia Asaga.

Consequently, Ms Asaga urged the MPs to establish mentorship programmes for the youth in their respective constituencies. This would help instil leadership skills in the youth at an early age and ensure that they retained the skills as they mature, she noted.

Ms Asaga made these remarks at an educational session hosted by the public engagement department of Parliament last Wednesday at the Justice D.F. Annan auditorium for some students from the Bunkpurugu Constituency in the North East Region.

The students were educated on parliamentary sessions after Mr Azumah and Ms Asaga lobbied the office of the Speaker of Parliament and collaborated with the Director of Public Engagement of Parliament, Afia Tenge, to have the students visit Parliament and observe parliamentary proceedings.

She, the MP, and the Public Engagement Department of Parliament extended a special invitation to the students to have a firsthand experience of the inner workings of the nation's legislative body.

In an interview with Ms Asaga, she said the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, was also impressed by the parliamentary decorum and insightful arguments displayed by the young students in the video, hence he decided to grant them an audience.

She explained the need for teachers to observe their students and pupils with a critical eye to identify their leadership abilities and talents and develop them into future leaders.

"I was inspired and awestruck by the performance of these young people. So, facilitating their travel from the north to Parliament House to observe proceedings live was intended to encourage them to work hard and become what they demonstrated in the video," she said.

Ms Asaga also praised the teacher who organised the practice and rehearsal sessions for the students.

She stated that the video of the children demonstrated that when given the chance, they could become better MPs in the future because formerly, MPs only represented their constituents and reported back to them on the happenings and proceedings in Parliament, which was a one-sided affair.

However, now, the work of a parliamentarian is an exchange of information in which they report to their constituents and also receive feedback from them.

Speaking to some of the students, they said the visit was an inspiring experience for them and expressed their gratitude to the coordinator of the forum, Ms Asaga, and their MP for making it possible for them to observe the real-life parliamentary proceedings.
Academic City marks 5th anniversary with events

Daily Graphic Education Aug - 24 - 2023 , 07:23

Academic City University College is marking the fifth-anniversary celebration of its establishment with a series of events.

As part of the celebrations, the university is hosting a number of events that highlight its accomplishments and future vision for education.

The celebration will include a public lecture titled "Empowering the youth for the future", a beach clean-up exercise, a technological exhibition and the recognition of outstanding personalities who have impacted society.

Speaking of the celebration, the President and Provost of the Academic City University College, Prof. Fred McBagonluri, said: Our fifth-anniversary celebration is evidence of the commitment and determination of our entire academic community, from our faculty to our students to our alumni and employees.

We are committed to continuing our mission of educating future-ready leaders who can innovatively solve complex problems within an ethical, entrepreneurial and collaborative environment," he said.

Advancement

In a time of rapid technological advancements and evolving economic landscapes, he said, Academic City had become a beacon of innovation, excellence and empowerment.

A statement issued in Accra said the institution remained committed to revolutionising education and preparing students to excel on the global stage as it commemorated its fifth anniversary.

It said the focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM), and entrepreneurship institution had over the past five years become one of the top tertiary education institutions for learning in the country and across Africa.

It said it had created an environment that encouraged innovation and creativity and helping students become future leaders, adding, the universitys unique approach combines academic excellence with hands-on experience, preparing graduates to succeed in practical situations.

Achievements

The statement said Academic City's 5th anniversary was underpinned by a series of remarkable achievements that had underscored its impact on education and industry.

It cited the achievement as remarkable ranking, global success stories, international opportunities and reimaging tertiary education.

The prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) ranking has recognised Academic City's excellence, placing it as the 15th top university in sub-Saharan Africa and the second in Ghana.

This achievement confirms the university's commitment to academic rigour and innovation.

Such an impressive display of alumni accomplishments, it said, was a testament to the university's dedication to nurturing well-rounded, globally competitive professionals.

The universitys commitment to producing world-class graduates, it said, was evidenced by its alumni pursuing further education at top-tier universities, such as Virginia Tech, Oregon State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Carnegie Mellon and in Rwanda, among others.

Moreover, the statement said Academic City had taken the lead in transforming tertiary education in Ghana and beyond and that by embracing a STEAM-focused curriculum and cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit among its students, the institution was equipping the next generation with the tools they needed to address complex challenges and drive innovation across various sectors.
Dont process August salaries, allowances for CETAG members - Education Ministry to Controller and Accountant-General

Emmanuel Bonney Education Aug - 24 - 2023 , 07:18

The Ministry of Education has directed the Controller and Accountant General's Department (CAGD) not to process the August salaries and allowances for members of the Colleges of Education Teachers Association of Ghana (CETAG), who are currently on strike.

Members of CETAG have embarked on a strike from August 1, 2023, to press home demands for the government to adhere to the negotiated conditions of service.

A letter signed by the Director of Administration of the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), Saaka Sayiti, however, said, "Any arrears before August 2023 should be validated and paid".

Request

We write at the instance of the Minister of Education, requesting you not to pay monthly salary and allowances for the month of August 2023 to the teaching staff of all the 46 colleges of education.

However, any arrears before August 2023 should be validated and paid, the letter from GTEC, dated August 21, 2023, and addressed to the CAGD said.

A statement dated July 10, 2023, and jointly signed by the President of CETAG, Prince Obeng-Himah, and the acting Secretary, Thomas Amponsah, said the industrial action followed the non-compliance of the government to implement the National Labour Commissions (NLC) Arbitral Award Orders and the negotiated conditions of service since May 2, 2023.

Notice

The leadership of CETAG wishes to serve notice of our intention to withdraw our services across the 46 public colleges of education effective Tuesday, August 1, 2023, if, by Monday, July 31, 2023, the government has not implemented our negotiated allowances together with the one-off payment of one months basic salary based on CETAGs salary grade as compensation for additional duty performed in 2022 payable to tutors per NLCs Arbitral Award Order given on May 2, 2023, it said.

The decision of the association, it said, had been necessitated by the fact that from August 2021, the Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (FWSC), representing our employer deliberately prolonged its negotiations for new conditions of service for more than a year till the NLC intervened with a compulsory arbitration following CETAGs strike in January 2023.

At the end of the compulsory arbitration, the statement said the NLC issued its Arbitral Award Orders on May 2, 2023, granting CETAG members a new condition of service with effect from January 1, 2023.

Negotiation

Following the NLCs Compulsory Arbitral Award, the parties proceeded to sign off the negotiation agreement, which has been communicated to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) by FWSC since May 26, 2023, for approval and implementation.

Surprisingly, the MoF has refused to act on the FWSCs letter together with the NLCs Arbitral Orders in spite of letters we have written to the MoF requesting the immediate implementation of the negotiated agreement. Practically, CETAG members cannot continue to survive on expired 2020 CoS in this biting economy of Ghana, it said.

It said the practice was softly killing teachers and that leadership is, therefore, calling on stakeholders to adopt the in-out-out-in system to let all cohorts of students remain in school and complete the academic year together to enable tutors to take their inter-semester break.

After all, no law says all tertiary students should be accommodated on campus.
100-year-old Methodist Chapel rededicated at Gomoa Gyaman

Daily Graphic Aug - 24 - 2023 , 07:30

The renovated Ebenezer Society Chapel of the Methodist Church at Gomoa Gyaman in the Central Region has been re-dedicated.

The church, which is more than 100 years old, was recently renovated by the family of a deceased Minister of the Methodist Church, Right Rev. Ebenezer Kwadwo Dadson.

It was to give a facelift to the Chapel, as well as serve as a memorial for the late Right Rev. Dadson.

The Methodist Church at Gomoa Gyaman was started in the 1880s when four men brought together by Nana Kwaw Atta, who later became the Chief of Gyaman, travelled to Apam to negotiate for a society of the Methodist Church to be established there.

In 1900, approval was given by the Winneba Circuit of the Methodist Church for Gomoa Gyaman to have a chapel.

Re-dedication

The simple but significant ceremony attracted a host of dignitaries, including past and present bishops, clergymen from other dioceses, the chief of Gomoa Gyaman, Obaatan Amo Mensah, and the Member of Parliament (MP) for Gomoa Central, Naana Eyiah.

Ebenezer Society Chapel at Gomoa Gyaman in the Central Region

The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church Ghana, Most Rev. Dr Paul Kwabena Boafo, when performing the rededication ceremony, urged Christians to play their part in carrying out the Great Commission to spread the gospel to everyone, everywhere.

He asked the congregation to be inspired and not to lose sight of the sacrifices made to ensure the propagation of the gospel to transform lives and build Gods kingdom on earth.

Rt Rev. Dr Boafo commended the family of the late preacher for giving the chapel a facelift.

He stressed that, while a facelift for the century-old chapel was in order, what was more important was for the congregants to also rededicate their lives to God and to lead transformed lives based on the word of God.

Support

Obaatan Amo Mensah expressed gratitude to the leadership of the church for its role in helping to uphold moral values.

He indicated that the church was there to guide society to lead a good life and pledged his support to release a vast land for the church for other development projects.

The minister in charge of the Gomoa Gyaman Ebenezer Methodist Church, Rev. Michael Yawson, thanked the Dadson family for the gesture and urged other members to emulate them.

Ms Eyiah, who is also a Deputy Minister for the Interior, expressed delight that the chapel had been renovated and that it would not only continue to be a place of hope for worshippers, but it would also be an attraction given its century-old history.
2023 Ghana Teacher Prize launched

Emmanuel Bonney Aug - 24 - 2023 , 10:26

The 2023 edition of the Ghana Teacher Prize (GTP) to reward hardworking teachers in the country has been launched in Accra.

This years event would include the College of Education Category where the Best Tutor would be honoured.

The event would be held on October 5, 2023, to coincide with World Teachers Day at the Ghana Secondary Technical School (GSTS) auditorium in the Western Region.

The Minister of Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, who did the launch, said the work of the teacher would be enhanced by technology to ensure that the vast majority of the people have access to education.

The minister said that the educational system must be relevant to the socio-economic needs of the country and that it was the reason the Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative was being pursued by the government.

He acknowledged the contribution of teachers to national development, adding that without a qualified, excited and motivated teacher quality would elude you.

Introduction of aviation course

Dr Adutwum further announced that effective next academic year, aviation and aerospace subjects would be taught in some selected senior high schools (SHSs) to serve as "pipeline" to the study of the course in university.

In fact it is no longer going to be a club.

Aviation and aerospace is going to be offered as a course in our high schools.

It has been done in the US for years.

If it is the first time your students are hearing about aviation and aerospace in the university, then you are late.

It has to be a pipeline and that is the pipeline that we are creating, he said.

Significance

The Registrar at the National Teaching Council, Christian Addai-Poku, said the Best College Tutor Category was championed by Dr Adutwum to honour gallant tutors in colleges of education who trained and nurtured students to become teachers in basic schools across the country.

The World Teachers Day is set aside globally to commemorate the adoption of a joint UNESCO and ILO recommendation on the status of the teacher which was adopted in the year 1966.

Ghana has since 1995 used the occasion to recognise our hardworking teachers for their immeasurable contribution to our dear country, he said.

For his part, the President of the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT), Angel Carbonu, claimed that some union members had been moved to other agencies without the knowledge and approval of persons involved.

For instance, he alleged that Dr Addai-Poku, a former President of NAGRAT, has had his name removed as a member of the association and sent to another union.

Awards

In the Teacher Category, the overall winner of the GTP would receive a three-bedroom apartment, with the first runner-up taking home a 4X4 Pick-up vehicle, while the second runner-up would be presented with a saloon car.

Under the Teacher in Leadership and Administration Category, the winner will receive a saloon car with the first and second runners-up taking home cash prizes.

For the Non-teaching Staff Category, the winner would have a saloon car while cash prizes would be presented to both first and second place winners.

In the College of Education Tutor Category, the winner would receive a 4x4 Pick-up with cash prizes going to the first and second place winners.

Sponsors of the event include the Ghana Education Trust Fund, GCB Bank Limited, GES Occupational Pension Scheme, GLICO Pensions, Prudential Bank, Data Banc, Petra Trust, SIC Life, IC Securities and Investcorp.
$24m Integrated Rural Development Project launched

Timothy Ngnenbe Aug - 24 - 2023 , 06:00

The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development has launched the second phase of the Integrated Rural Development Project (IRDP).

The project seeks to provide critical infrastructure and economic empowerment to 23 deprived districts across the country.

The $24-million initiative, spanning 2022 to 2027, is a partnership between the government and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).

The sector Minister, Dan Botwe, launched the initiative in Accra yesterday.

Aside from providing infrastructure in the education and health sectors, the project also seeks to eradicate poverty and ensure a sustainable increase in the income level of rural communities through the provision of microcredit.

The IRDP has four components, made up of the provision of socio-economic infrastructure; the provision of credit to small-scale and medium enterprises (SMEs); outreach, sensitisation and capacity building, and management and coordination.

Under the project, OFID will provide a loan facility of $20 million while the government and beneficiary districts provide $800,000 and $3.2 million respectively.

The beneficiary districts are Tema West in the Greater Accra Region; Afigya Kwabre North, Sekyere Central, Offinso North and Sekyere Afram Plains, all in the Ashanti Region; and Okere, Akuapim South and Ayensuano in the Eastern Region.

Others are Assin North and Awutu Senya in the Central Region; Essikado-Ketan in the Western Region; Adaklu in the Volta Region; Karaga in the Northern Region; Binduri in the Upper East Region, and Sunyani West and Wenchi in the Bono Region.

The rest are Techiman in the Bono East; Lambussie in Upper West; Akotombra in Western North; Krachi West in Oti; Asunafo South in Ahafo; East Gonja in Savannah, and Chereponi in North East Region.

Value for money

While describing the IRDP as a major step towards upgrading the rural areas, Mr Botwe stressed that the initiative would be meaningless if there was no strict accountability regime at the local level.

In that regard, he urged the metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives (MMDCEs) to strictly enforce accountability systems and to effectively monitor the implementation of the projects.

He stressed the need for the MMDCEs to ensure that there was value for money by adhering to robust procurement regimes, and to also make use of local expertise.

"The engineers, planners and other technical staff at the assemblies should be able to give accurate progress reports on the projects, and the MMDCEs must insist that this is done," he stressed.

The minister also urged the MMDCEs to ensure that the projects were properly targeted to meet the needs of the local people.

"People should be able to see, feel and experience the impact of the projects when they are completed.

Let it not just be another project that offers an opportunity for people to make money while the people suffer," he said.

A former Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Emeritus Professor Kwasi Kwafo Adarkwa, underscored the need for implementers of the project to put the plight of the masses at the centre of the interventions.

"The voices of the beneficiaries are important, so let us keep that in focus when the projects are implemented," he said.

He also urged the various stakeholders to work together to make the implementation of the projects seamless.

Strategic investment

The Chief Executive Officer of the Social Investment Fund, Justice Mensah Amankwah, said the launch of the IRDP phase two was a major step towards alleviating poverty in rural areas and opening all parts of the country to development.

He said the gains made in the first phase of the project, where 256 infrastructure projects were installed, gave ample evidence that the second phase would be more beneficial to the 23 new beneficiary districts.

Mr Amankwah observed that investment in deprived districts was critical since that was the best way to build vibrant local economies that would promote decentralisation.

Again, he said, it was important to empower residents of rural communities to place them in a better position to participate actively in national development.

"I am particularly happy that this project is taking off because it aligns with the goals and agenda of the government to open up all parts of the country to development," he said.
$4m sunflower oil imported into country annually

Nana Konadu Agyeman Aug - 24 - 2023 , 10:46

The country imports an average of $4 million worth of sunflower oil every year.

As a result, a sunflower project to bolster farmers capacity to go into large-scale cultivation of the crop has been launched in Accra.

Given the huge potential of one of the most sought-after oilseed crops globally, it would help to improve on the countrys socio-economic development.

The crop can be used to produce edible oil, biodiesel for energy generation and also improve food and nutritional needs of citizens.

Fish processing companies in the country export fish flakes in sunflower oil to the tune of $147 million each year.

Besides, the project would help to mitigate environmental pollution and degradation by using sunflower to reclaim degraded lands.

The initiative is being implemented by Tropical Agriculture and Marketing Consultancy Services (TRAGRIMACS), in partnership with the Crop Science Department of the University of Ghana, Legon, and the Chemistry Department of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi.

Capacity

The Chief Executive of TRAGRIMACS, Issah Sulemana, said the country had the scientific and technological capacity to cultivate and process sunflower seeds into edible oil, biodiesel and other useful products such as animal feed.

The use of biodiesel to generate power and for public transport can earn the country millions of dollars in carbon credit, he added.

Mr Sulemana explained that the purpose for the reintroduction of the project, which he said ran successfully from 2006 until 2012, was due to the global decline in the production of the crop.

He said the war between Russia and Ukraine, two countries that produced 59 per cent of global sunflower oil, offered an opportunity for us to come up again to implement the Ghana Sunflower project again.

The chief executive expressed the optimism that farmers who cultivated the drought-resistant crop could make an average net profit of GH461 per acre.

On how the project could be sustained, Mr Sulemana said his outfit would partner the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre to add it to its investment portfolio as one of the viable projects in the country to attract entities to come and invest in large-scale sunflower production.

Funding

A lecturer at the KNUST Department of Chemistry, Dr Michael Baah Mensah, said with enough funding for research into sunflower, the two partnering universities would be able to clarify which seed variety was suitable for cultivation in the country.
AGI urges industries to reduce carbon emissions

Maclean Kwofi Aug - 24 - 2023 , 08:24

The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has pledged to partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure that industries in the country reduce their carbon footprint.

That, the association, said was crucial towards the contribution to the global call for the reduction of carbon emission, which was gradually becoming harmful to the environment.

Instead, the AGI is encouraging its members that are mainly industries to adopt renewables, which are a more efficient and cleaner source of energy in their operations to minimise impacts on the environment.

Clean energy sources such as solar, biomass and wind are fast becoming the centre of attraction across the world in delivering sustainable energy supply as they are more efficient, environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Opening the training programme on green gas reduction for chemical industries in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AGI, Seth Twum Akwaboah, stated that the association was taking deliberate steps to ensure that industries adopt renewables to reduce the cost of production and protect the environment.

We think the environment is key to the survival of businesses and human beings and so, over the years, we have been implementing a lot of programmes that support the environment, he added.

The training

The three-day capacity-building programme meant to equip firms in the country's chemical industries to reduce their carbon emission was opened on August 21, 2023, and is expected to close on August 23, this year.

Participants included 40 individuals from 22 companies, namely FC Cosmetics, Benso Oil Palm Plantation, Polytank Ghana and Tobinco Pharmaceutical Limited (TPL), among others.

It is under the Climate Action Programme for the Chemical Industry (CAPCI), which is being implemented in Ghana by the German Development Agency (GIZ) and Environmental Protect Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI).

AGIs commitment

Mr Akwaboah expressed the commitment of the AGI to build strong partnerships with relevant stakeholders to help firms in the countrys chemical industries to reduce carbon emissions.

He said there was a need for industries to take issues on sustainable development seriously.

We need to brace ourselves to understand the challenges and the opportunities to be able to take advantage and comply with sustainable development because it may have an effect on our businesses, he said.

Towards that, he said the association had established an energy centre, dubbed AGI-Energy Service Centre, to educate members of the AGI on energy efficiency and adopt renewables.

He said the adoption of renewable energy in the country was still low and for that reason measures needed to be put in place to increase the usage.

The CEO commended GIZ for its continued support extended to the AGI in the area of sustainable development.

Strengthening capacities

The Technical Advisor in charge of CAPCI at GIZ, George Johnson, stated that CAPCI was aimed to strengthen the capacities of key actors for effective climate protection in the chemical industry, thereby enabling them to tap GHG mitigation potentials in chemical production and use as well as in associated value chains.

CAPCI is closely linked with the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) and is implemented in cooperation with the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and the capacity-building network of the United Nations Climate Secretariat, he said.

He said Ghana was one of the three focus countries of the global CAPCI project, together with Argentina and Thailand and the CAPCI in Ghana was being implemented by the GIZs Sustainable Energy and Climate Cluster as implementing partner.

The project was aimed at enabling key actors in selected developing countries and emerging economies to identify and tap mitigation potentials in chemical production, use and associated value chains, Mr Johnson added.
How judges in Ghana are not equipped in handling cyber crime cases  C.J. Torkornoo calls for urgent training

Graphic.com.gh Aug - 24 - 2023 , 13:39

The lack of adequate skills and resources for judges to handle cyber crime cases is of great concern, the Chief Justice, Gertrude Torkornoo has observed.

Justice Torkornoo, has, therefore called for the adoption of relevant digital laws to assist in building the capacity of the Judiciary in this regard.

She said this when a delegation from the Joint Cyber security Committee (JCC) and the Cyber Security Authority (CSA), paid a courtesy call on her.

The delegation, led by the Director-General of the CSA, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, was to discuss with the new Chief Justice pertinent issues affecting the Judicial Service as a member of the Joint Cybersecurity Committee (JCC).

The visit was part of the plan of the JCC to touch base with its members as well as other institutions to explain its activities.

The JCC, established pursuant to Section 13 of the Cyber security Act, 2020 (Act 1038), comprises eighteen (18) institutions mandated to collaborate with the CSA and the private sector for the implementation of relevant cyber security measures in Ghana.

The Judiciary is represented on the JCC by Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe, a Justice of the Court of Appeal.

Welcoming the delegation, Justice Torkornoo commended the Judiciary for the role they play in interpreting and enforcing the laws governing the cyberspace, despite the challenges they face with regards to the ever-changing cybersecurity industry.

Touching on the state of the IT infrastructure of the Judicial Service, Justice Torkornoo expressed concerns about the lack of standardization and interoperability of IT systems and potential cyber-attacks that could undermine the integrity and availability of the Judicial Services infrastructure.

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako (left), Director General, Cyber Security Authority, Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo and Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe (right), a Court of Appeal Judge and the Judiciarys representative on the Joint Cybersecurity Committee.

In his remarks, Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, who is also the Chairperson of the JCC, emphasised the need to institutionalise cybercrime and cybersecurity knowledge in the curriculum for the training of the Judiciary at the Judicial Training Institute, in particular, and legal education in Ghana, in general. In this regard, Dr. Antwi-Boasiako indicated the resolve of the JCC to support the Chief Justice to integrate cybercrime and digital evidence training into the curriculum of legal professionals in the country as a whole, noting that such an intervention will help improve the knowledge base of legal professions in cyber security as a new branch of emerging law in the country.

The Director-General of the CSA also raised concerns about the state of cybersecurity of the Judicial Service and the cyber threats targeting critical information infrastructures of the country and urged the Chief Justice to consider improving the cybersecurity posture of the Judicial Service as a key priority, in view of the Chief Justices vision to adopt IT systems to improve the administration of justice in the country.

The Judiciarys representative on the JCC, Justice Afia Serwaa Asare Botwe lauded the Chief Justice for her leadership and vision to expand cybercrime and digital evidence training for the Judiciary.
EU injects 120m into West Africa exports

Maclean Kwofi Aug - 24 - 2023 , 05:00

The European Union (EU) has invested 120 million to boost the competitiveness of exports on the international market from Ghana and the other West African countries.

In Ghana, over GH100 million has been injected into three main value chains, namely cassava, mango and pineapple, and cosmetics and personal care products.

The investment in Ghana was to improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian exports on the global market.

The investment, made in the last three and half years, was the EUs contribution towards the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP), a partnership initiative between ECOWAS and the EU.

The programme seeks to strengthen the competitiveness of West African products and to enhance the integration of ECOWAS countries into the regional and international trading system, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The programme, which was launched in 2019 for a duration of four years, will end in January 2024.

The Team Lead in charge of Trade and Microeconomics of the EU Delegation in Ghana, Timothy Dolan, who made this known at the WACOMP Ghana International Cluster Conference in Accra, stated that the programme was adopted under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) through its regional integration programme for an amount of 120 million, covering 16 countries.

The project is being implemented under UNIDOs (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) five Cs of competitiveness, namely compete, connect, conform, coordinate and credit, through the West Africa Competitiveness Programme, Mr Dolan said.

The Officer in charge of Ghana and Liberia at UNIDO, Stavros Papastavrou, praised the joint implementation effort of the government, EU and UNIDO.

What WACOMP-Ghana has done is to prove that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not need much to contribute to the economic growth of West Africa.

SMEs need fair markets, fair trade and access to finance on fair conditions to grow and become competitive. I am particularly happy for the Ghanaian government and the EU for successfully implementing the UNIDO Cluster Development Methodology in the cassava, cosmetics and tropical fruits value chains, he said.

The Chief Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Yaw Nimo, representing the sector minister, said the government had prioritised key sectors reflecting the countrys commitment to restoring the economy on an irreversible growth path through transformative agriculture, trade and industry.

He commended UNIDO and the EU for the quality delivery and coordination they had demonstrated over the years working with the government to promote cluster development, industrial competitiveness and economic integration.

He underlined the cooperation with the ministry and the support to the governments 10-Point Industrial Transformational Agenda.

Conference

The conference, meant to strengthen business clusters across the ECOWAS region and the use of cluster development methodology for integration, was attended by over 200 cluster experts, industrial experts, SMEs and support institutions across Africa.

It was organised by UNIDO, EU and the ministry on the theme: Ghanaian clusters, a driving force for the economy.

It showcased innovations and successful results in the fruits, cosmetics and cassava value chains targeted by the West African Competitiveness Programme.
GHACEM Cement Foundation supports health, education institutions

Daily Graphic Aug - 24 - 2023 , 08:48

The social investment arm of Ghacem Limited, GHACEM Cement Foundation, has donated 9,470 bags of cement to health and educational institutions in seven regions in the southern part of the country, to improve health and educational infrastructure.

This brings to 675,000, the number of bags of cement Ghacem has given out to deprived communities across the country, annually, at a cost of GH52 million, since the foundation was formed in 2002.

The recipient institutions are in the Central, Western, Western North, Volta, Oti, Eastern and the Greater Accra regions.

The Chairman of the foundation, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, who presented the cement to the institutions, said the northern sector, which consisted of the Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East, Upper West, Brong East, Brong, Ahafo and Ashanti regions, would also receive 7,980 bags of cement today.

The chairman said the donation was to help improve their various projects to facilitate development in the country.

Aim

The Foundation, Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim said, was focusing on assisting projects that needed special attention.

In line with that, he said 3,000 bags would be donated towards the construction of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Childrens Cancer Unit building project, and pledged that the council will continue to assist the project till its completion.

The chairman of the foundation urged the beneficiaries to use the cement for its intended purpose, stressing that the foundation would carry out a post-donation visit to ensure that the bag of cement were being used for their intended purposes.

Addressing representatives of the beneficiary institutions on behalf of the Managing Director of Ghacem, the Takoradi Works Manager, Eric Appiah Odoom, said the company was proud to give back to communities through the Ghacem Cement Foundation for more than two decades.

He said while utilising natural resources during the production of cement, the company was concerned about sustainable development, and as such, had produced the different cement products in line with its long-term vision of having a sustainable cement production.

In doing all this, we are also mindful about our environment, hence our conscious efforts and commitment to the reduction of carbon dioxide in both our Tema and Takoradi plants during production, Mr Odoom said.

We have a goal to meet in 2030, so while others are just taking the clinker, not doing any innovation to it, we are finding alternative means of doing it, grinding it very fine, he added.

A member of the council, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, said it was the aim of the foundation to ensure that health and educational infrastructure in the country were improved to augment governments effort.

She, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to use the cement for its intended purpose and continue to ensure that the aim of the foundation was achieved.
Nation needs holistic tax policy review  Osafo-Maafo

Mary Anane-Amponsah Aug - 24 - 2023 , 08:03

The country must have a holistic review of its tax policies to enable it to fashion initiatives that can boost revenue mobilisation.

This is imperative for the country in the face of global economic challenges and as the second largest economy in West Africa, it has to work on improving its 14 per cent tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio, which is lower than the ECOWAS average of 18 per cent.

The Senior Presidential Advisor, Yaw Osafo-Maafo, who stated this, said 14 per cent was one of the lowest ratios in West Africa and even the world where other countries, especially the developed countries, had an average ratio of 35 per cent.

Conference

He was delivering the keynote address in Accra yesterday at the opening of a three-day international annual tax conference of the Chartered Institute of Taxation Ghana (CITG).

The 11th conference is on the theme: Taxation and Economic Development: A review of Ghanas Tax policies.

It brought together both local and international professionals such as accountants, tax experts, policymakers, academia, lawyers, security experts, top business executives, financial directors and others whose duties were to raise revenue for the state.

Mr Osafo-Maafo said there was something fundamentally wrong with the countrys tax collection which needed to be addressed because even though the percentages of taxes were not low and remained the same as in other countries, the country was not raking in as much revenues as the other countries were doing.

That, he said, did not mean that the government must introduce more taxes, rather, it must deal with how it would effectively collect the taxes.

This, therefore, means that it is not about the tax figure but something rather missing with how the taxes are collected.

And what is missing is what we want the participants in this conference to find out to help the government to deal with the problem, the Senior Presidential Advisor said.

Mr Osafo-Maafo said the government over the years had modernised the tax administration but in spite of the progress, tax evasion still remained a challenge.

Necessary proposals

The Senior Presidential Advisor pointed out that the most developed countries financed their development through their own taxes; however, only a small proportion of Ghanaians were paying taxes, with many others not contributing to the taxes, thereby robbing the country of huge revenue for its development.

We in Ghana cannot allow 2.4 million people out of over 30 million people to carry the burden of direct taxes and continue to suffer paying other taxes, Mr Osafo-Maafo said.

He challenged the institute to come up with necessary proposals to assist us the government to overcome this challenge, and also called for a collaboration between the Ministry of Education and the CITG, as a matter of priority, to introduce tax education, beginning from the basic schools to become part of the curriculum to educate pupils on the need to pay tax so that as they grew, it became part of their lives.

Bring back road toll

The President of CITG, George Ohene Kwatia, said the conference would serve as an education platform that would offer participants the opportunity to acquire more knowledge and improve on their skills in varied areas for the benefit of businesses and the nation.

The Minister of State at the Ministry of Finance, Dr Mohammed Amin Adam, said taxing the informal sector was a necessity because as a developing country, Ghana must be able to raise much revenue to deal with its socio-economic challenges.

An economist with the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) of the University of Ghana, Charles Godfred Ackah, called for the abolition of the E-Levy which had failed to meet its revenue target and rather re-introduce the road toll as it was a fair tax that would help the government make good revenue for the state.

Also, much attention should be given to the property tax which could rake in GH2 billion revenue annually.
Save Railway Company from collapse - Railway workers appeal to President

George Folley Aug - 24 - 2023 , 08:55

The Ghana Railway Workers Union has appealed to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to save the company from collapse as it has now become a highly indebted poor company (HIPC).

The workers said with its staff strength coupled with the serious operational challenges, it needed urgent attention.

At a press conference in Takoradi last Tuesday, the General Secretary of the Ghana Railway Workers Union, Godwill Ntarmah, said Ghana Railway Company Limited (GRCL), a state-owned company with a staff strength of over 1,000, was facing serious challenges operating on the existing narrow gauge rail line which was in a very bad state, coupled with the old and aged rolling stock, resulting in frequent derailments.

The above challenges have resulted in serious financial constraints which easily qualify the company as a Highly Indebted Poor Company (HIPC), he stated.

Audience

Mr Ntarmah said attempts to meet President Akufo-Addo over the difficulties of the company, including the running of the company as a Limited Liability Company without shareholders, had been unsuccessful, and therefore, requested an immediate audience with the President.

It is the expectation of workers that since the company is state-owned, some government support from the state would have been extended to the company as it was the practice in the past.

However, all that we hear is that the company is a limited liability company, and therefore, it should be able to work and generate enough to fund itself.

We disagree with this assertion, he stated.

He stressed that the truth of the matter was that with the challenges enumerated, it was impossible for the company to generate enough funds to sustain itself hence the frantic efforts made by the leadership of the Union to have an engagement with the President.

We have no option now but to meet the press and use your medium to appeal to His Excellency, the President of the Republic, for an engagement with us to save the GRCL from total collapse, the Railway Workers Union scribe appealed.

Unpaid remuneration

Also at the press conference, the workers union demanded payment of their three-month salary arrears worth GH6 million, as well as over a years unpaid SSNIT and Tier Two contributions.

They said life had become very difficult for railway workers due to operational challenges that had rendered the company highly indebted.

Mr Ntarmah stressed that Railway workers were frustrated and disillusioned over the unpaid GH6 million salary arrears and warned of a possible action, if their arrears were not paid by tomorrow.

As we speak, salaries go into three- or four-months arrears before some efforts are made to affect some payments.

Again, SSNIT payments are in arrears from October 2022 to date, which has compelled SSNIT to take GRCL to court to enforce payments.

. The company is owing GCB Bank millions of cedis, while workers Tier 2 payments have also not been settled since May 2022 to date, the General Secretary of the workers union said.

He indicated that the workers had a meeting with the Chief Director of the Ministry of Railways on August 21, and he told them that some efforts had been made to settle the arrears.

Also, he mentioned that workers own deductions meant for their various credit unions, such as GPHA Credit Union and RUCOMAS, had not been paid since September 2021, as well as the determination of the fate of the GRCL staff retrenched in 2006.

He added that these were of grave concern which needed to be addressed by the government urgently.
Tip-offs expose tax defaulters  GRA

Emelia Ennin Abbey Aug - 24 - 2023 , 08:30

Tip-offs from the public are playing a major role in the identification of businesses that are flouting the tax laws across the country, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has said.

The Accra Central Area Enforcement Manager of the GRA, Assistant Commissioner, Joseph Annan, who said this, therefore, commended the public and urged them to continue supporting the authority by providing reliable information that would expose businesses that were flouting the tax laws.

"I commend the consuming public for their support over the period and I encourage them to do more to help the GRA rake in the needed revenue for development," he said.

Although, Mr Annan did not give figures in terms of the number of tip-offs received from the public and the number of businesses that have been exposed so far, he said "we have received numerous calls while people send us receipts and invoices issued to them when they patronise goods and services and they suspect the people behind the business were not complying with the law".

The development, he added, was helping the GRA, which had been employing a number of test purchases and mystery buying, to identify businesses that were not complying with the tax laws.

Enforcement exercise

Mr Annan said this when he interacted with some journalists after a task force from the authority embarked on an enforcement exercise to arrest business operators who had failed to issue the Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices in compliance with the tax laws in some parts of Accra.

During the exercise, managers of three companies visited were arrested by the team and taken to the GRA headquarters for their statements to be taken.

They were later handed over to the Criminal Investigations Department of the Ghana Police Service for further investigations and prosecution where needed.

Record books, computers and invoices of the companies were also taken for further auditing and assessment.

The companies visited were Homebase Ventures Limited behind the Achimota Forest, dealers in electrical products; New-Tom-Pat Enterprise at Madina, dealers in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages and Modern Star and Drinks supplies at Madina, dealers in soft drinks.

It was found that the companies were either involved in selective issuance of VAT receipts or they were not issuing them at all.

E-VAT

Mr Annan said adhering to the tax laws was not only a civic responsibility, but a way for taxpayers to contribute to the development of the country.

He said the GRA would continue to conduct its unannounced visits to businesses to ensure full compliance of the tax laws.
Women in HR advised to promote equity at workplace

Mary Anane-Amponsah Aug - 24 - 2023 , 06:19

Women in Human Resource (HR) management have been called upon to strive to bring diversity and include everybody in decision making while promoting equity in salary, promotion and well-being of workers.

It is sad to see HR making it difficult for people to stay in an organisation.

Try to do a survey to keep abreast of the issues in the company concerning the workforce to be able to deal with challenges that may arise.

The advice was made by the Deputy Chairperson of the Labour Commission, Rose Karikari Anang, at the 9th Ghana Employers Association (GEA) Women in HR conference in Accra last Wednesday.

She said for a company to grow successfully, the leadership must take care of its workers needs.

Although many companies were trying to tighten their budget and therefore not interested in the issue of inclusion, it was the duty of the HR to make inclusion, equity and diversity a primary focus because if the company would succeed, the HR must Let no one feel that I am not part of it.

That is the way to go, she added.

She said HR leaders have a greater role of providing pragmatic initiatives that will enable their organisations keep their quality human resource base while dealing with the current economic hardship affecting businesses in the country.

World of work

The world of work is heading towards a future that nobody is certain of and, therefore, would take extra efforts of HR leaders to retain their skilled workers in order not to lose them as businesses strive to surmount challenges affecting them.

Many organisations were making investment in employee retention because they know it was more expensive to lose their best shots.

The well-being of the employee must be paramount to get workers to give their best, Ms Anang said.

Speaking on the theme: Driving Change, Shaping the Future of HR", Ms Anang said: We need to have people centred HR that will promote a people centred organisations to have growth at our work even in these challenges.

The conference

The two-day GEA Women in HR conference is a dynamic event designed exclusively for women in the HR industry in Ghana with the goal of addressing the unique challenges faced by women and harnessing their potential to inspire and equip participants to leverage their personal and professional networks for success.

This years edition was to offer the platform to create a transformative and empowering experience for women in the HR industry, enabling them to thrive, shape the future of HR, and contribute to the advancement of gender equality in the workplace.

Areas to cover

The 2nd Vice-President of GEA, Victoria Hajar said we recognise that the landscape of human resources is evolving rapidly, and it is essential that we, as women in this dynamic field, remain at the forefront of this evolution.

As we plan into the future, several key areas stand out and must engage the attention of HR leaders in Ghana.

Navigating these challenges, she noted, required a forward-thinking, adaptable and empathetic approach.
Extend registration to polling stations - MP appeals to EC

Daniel Kenu Politics Aug - 24 - 2023 , 06:41

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Kwahu Afram Plains North, Betty Nana Efua Krosby Mensah, has appealed to the Electoral Commission (EC) to reverse its decision to use only district offices of the commission as registration centres in the upcoming voter registration exercise.

She said if the current decision is carried through, it will disenfranchise thousands of eligible voters across many communities in the constituency.

"The Electoral Commission should not and must not exercise its powers conferred on it by the constitution in a manner arbitrary as to deny citizens the right to register and vote through administrative action or inaction," she told journalists at Donkorkrom on Wednesday.

Cost

The MP said currently, it was a disincentive for those who turned 18 years old to attempt to register because the cost of travelling to the district offices was high.

Giving the breakdown, Mrs Krosby Mensah said since most of her constituents live on the island, it will cost a person a total of GHS310 to travel to embark on the exercise.

It is against the background that some people spend two days before getting to town, which is a disincentive for them to do so.

"There are practical implications for this limited voter registration exercise if the EC proceeds with its current arrangements.

"Eligible voters, particularly women and young people who desire to enjoy their Article 42 rights, will have to travel several kilometres by water and road to Donkorkrom.

"For those who cannot make the journey in a day, they have to make arrangements for accommodation and leave only after they have been registered," she said.

Mrs Krosby Mensah said the action by the EC for the September 12 to October 2 exercise was unpredictable since people will be travelling from all communities across the constituency.

In addition, she said people who do not possess the Ghana card will have to arrange and possibly travel with two guarantors to help them register.

"It implies that eligible registrants will have to abandon school, work and other economic activities for the days that they will be trying to register.

"It will also come at a great cost to eligible constituents since they have to bear the cost of transportation and accommodation, amidst heavy rainfalls, not forgetting the frequent accidents on the lake," she said.

Statistics

In all, there are over 575 communities in the constituency, of which 222 are located on the Volta Lake.

The constituency has 31 electoral areas and 127 polling stations.

Out of this number, 13 electoral areas and 54 polling stations are located on various islands.

Indeed, given the nature of the constituency, the only reliable means of transport are boats, canoes and ferries.

The MP said to access the district capital, constituents have to travel several kilometres on water and commute by road to Donkorkrom.

"Constituents who live on Agordeke (Digya Island) for instance have to travel by boat for about 8-10 hours to get to the river bank at Supom (Bridge Ano) and then continue for over a 25-kilometre distance by road to the district capital, Donkorkrom.

Solution

She said if the EC was constrained by a lack of human and logistical resources, the proper thing to do was to come to Parliament and make a justification for resources to do its work.

"I will be the first MP to advocate that the Commission should be provided with the needed resources to perform its constitutional mandate, she said.
Super Delegates Conference: NPP aspirants justify inclusion Saturday

Samuel Duodu Politics Aug - 24 - 2023 , 11:37

The fierce race to decide who leads the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 presidential election enters the home stretch as the ruling party holds its Super Delegates Conference on Saturday to reduce the 10 aspirants to five.

The suspense-filled Special Electoral College will be a prelude to the crucial national conference on November 4, 2023, where the partys flag bearer for the 2024 general election will be selected.

The nationwide poll follows months of intensive campaigning by the aspirants across the length and breadth of the country to win the hearts and minds of the delegates in whose hands their destiny lies.

The candidates have been rallying the delegates with their capabilities not only to transform the Ghanaian economy and superintend over the countrys development, but also to lead the NPP to break the eight-year cycle of governance between the party and the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

They also trumpeted their competence and sense of nationalism to mobilise all Ghanaians to buy into their vision.

Candidates



Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen and Joe Ghartey

The thoroughbreds in the hot contest comprise the Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia; former Trades and Industry Minister, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Assin Central, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong; the MP for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey, who is also a former Minister of Railways Development and Attorney-General and Minister of Justice; a former Minister of Energy, Boakye Agyarko; and a former General Secretary of the NPP and Press Secretary to President J.A.Kufuor, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong.



Francis Addai-Nimoh, Kwadwo Poku and Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto

The rest are former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto; a former Commissioner of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku; a former MP for Mampong in the Ashanti Region, Francis Addai-Nimoh, and an energy expert, Kwadwo Poku.



Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Boakye Agyarko and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia

The campaign messages of the 10 flagbearer hopefuls so far have centred on their contributions to the party, what they will do for the party and how they will turn the economic fortunes of the country around if they get the nod to lead the party and subsequently become President of the Republic.



Delegates

Apart from the messages the aspirants have given, the 956 delegates expected to vote would also look at the competence and general appeal of each aspirant, as well as the ability to win the 2024 general election.

Also, the ethnic and religious background will play a key role in selecting the five aspirants for the national congress, coupled with the wherewithal to prosecute the 2024 electioneering campaign since next years general election is regarded as a crucial one, especially when Ghanaians have tasted the eight-year rule of both the NPP and the opposition NDC.

Those expected to cast their votes on Saturday include members of the National Council, and National and Regional Executive Committees, Members of Parliament and three representatives from each of the special organs of the party (Youth, Women and Nasara).

The rest are past national officers, three representatives from every branch, founder members during the registration of the party at the Electoral Commission (EC) and all card-bearing ministers.

"Every delegate shall be entitled to one vote", according to Article 13 (2) 2 of the partys constitution.

Ballot

The ballot paper for the election has Mr Agyapong as number one; Mr Kyerematen, number two; Mr Ghartey, number three; Mr Poku, number four and Dr Akoto, number five.

The rest are Mr Agyepong, number six; Mr Addai-Nimoh, number seven; Dr Apraku, number eight; Mr Agyarko, number nine; and Dr Bawumia, number 10.

Elections Committee

To ensure a free, fair and transparent polls, the party has constituted a Presidential Elections Committee chaired by the former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, to supervise and conduct the elections with the assistance of the EC and the Ghana Police Service.

The committee, in its operational guidelines to regulate the conduct of the election, stated that the election would be held in all the 16 regional capitals in the country and the party headquarters in Accra, with the EC headquarters as the final collation centre.

It urged all the stakeholders in the electoral process to abide by the rules and regulations governing the polls.

Some of the key guidelines are that no aspirant will appoint government officials and any delegate listed to vote in the election as agents (whether the Special Electoral College or the Main Election).

The government officials include metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives, ministers of state and chief executive officers of state-owned enterprises, regional executives and constituency executives.

The guidelines further indicate that the EC and the police should enforce and prevent delegates from taking their phones and other photographic gadgets to the voting screen.

Additionally, the EC will use complex serial numbers to avoid ballots being traced to voters at a later date, and that the Electoral Management body should deny influencers and heavily built men access to the voting centres.

The guidelines stipulated further that in the event of two, three or four of the aspirants sharing the total results, with the remaining contestants not obtaining any votes, there will be a run-off for those who obtained zero votes to add up to make up the five, while in the event of a tie between two or more candidates for the fifth position, a run-off election will be conducted for those who will tie on Saturday, September 2, 2023.

The poll will start at 9 a.m. and close at 1 p.m. at all centres.

Ballots will be counted and declared immediately after the close of poll at each voting centre, and each aspirant will have two accredited agents but at all times he would be represented by one polling agent at each polling station

The guidelines also indicate that the presiding officer at the voting centre will announce the voting centre results.

The party further stressed that failure of an agent to sign the results would not invalidate the announcement by the presiding officer.

The regional director will then send through WhatsApp the declared voting centre result sheet to a platform created by the EC and also email the results to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for collation at the EC head office.

It gave the venues for the election in the regions as follows: In the Ashanti, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Law Faculty, Kumasi; Ahafo, Pastoral Centre, Goaso; Bono, Pastoral Centre, Sunyani; Bono East, Kokroko Social Centre, Techiman; Central, Quadrangle, UCC, Cape Coast; Eastern, Koforidua Senior High Technical School; Greater Accra, YMCA, Adabraka, Accra; Northern, Tamale College of Education, Tamale; North East, Nalerigu Senior High School and Savannah, Damongo Youth Centre.

The others are Upper East, Bolgatanga Technical University Library Complex; Upper West, Old UDS Campus, Wa; Oti, Dambai College of Education; Volta, Catholic Secretariat (Bishop Koning Centre); Western, Great Hall, Takoradi Technical University; Western North, Pastoral Centre, Sefwi Wiawso; and NPP headquarters, Asylum Down, Accra.
Minority calls for review of GNPC-GENSER agreement

Daily Graphic Politics Aug - 24 - 2023 , 06:48

The Minority in Parliament has called for an urgent review of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC)-GENSER agreement to ensure a level playing field for all industry players and transparency in gas pricing.

The call for a thorough review of the agreement, the Minority said, is premised on the following grounds which include the Gas Sales Agreement (GSA) and the Gas Transmission Agreement (GTA), which does not ensure transparency in the pricing of gas.

The others are the shifting of the agreement from Ghana Gas Company and the signing of the agreement by GNPC when Ghana Gas is supposed to be the national gas transmission utility and the discount given to GENSER by GNPC for the gas transmission agreement and GNPCs inability to explain satisfactorily how this discount will be recovered.

Value for money

A statement issued and signed by the Deputy Minority leader, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, on behalf of his colleagues on the joint committee of Finance and Mines and Energy, pledged to unravel all the flaws in the agreement to guarantee value for money.

We take this position with a firm conviction that the heart and soul of Ghanas future lies in our energy security and all the critical issues related to it, including transparent gas pricing, it said.

Intervention

The Minority commended the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, for his timely intervention to rope in the finance committee to work jointly with the Mines and Energy Committee to deal with these outstanding issues to ensure that the country was not short-changed.

It said the issues were now appropriately presented before Parliament and demand thorough appraisal.

The Minority therefore described as unfortunate comments made in the public domain on the report by the Chairman of the Mines and Energy Committee, Samuel Atta Akyea, while a new referral was pending.

Transparency and accountability should be the guiding principles in this process, especially as any premature public statements can potentially compromise the integrity of the new referral which is in the pipeline, it stated.

Pledge

The Minority Caucus further requested that the chairman of the Finance and Energy Committees convey a meeting forthwith to consider the Speakers referral.

It gave an assurance that they would not compromise the trust reposed in them by the people of Ghana and pledged to uphold the interests of the citizenry, adding that they believed the country must strike the right balance between private enterprise and social benefit.

We will work to encourage private sector participation in the oil and gas sector as enacted in Ghanas local content and participation law which was championed by the government of the National Democratic Congress.

The GNPC-GENSER agreement, as it stands, raises significant concerns that cannot be overlooked, it added.
New partisan political party, Peoples Redemption Movement formed in Ghana

Diana Mensah Politics Aug - 24 - 2023 , 06:55

Ahead of the 2024 election, a new political party has been launched, with a call on Ghanaians to join in their numbers to build a new and better country.

Christened Peoples Redemption Movement (PRM), the leadership of the party said it sought to renew and restore the hope of Ghanaians in this moment of great fear, despair and anxiety that has gripped the psyche of the nation.

The interim General Secretary of PRM , Edward Adade, made the call at a news conference in Accra on Wednesday (Aug 23, 2023) to outline the vision of the new political party.

The party has a lion as its symbol, and Mr Adade explained that it portrayed the strength to defend the country against abuse and destruction of state resources by anybody in high or low places.

He said the symbol also signified royalty, dignity and respect for Ghanaians and the values of the nation.

The party has the motto: Open Government for Real Development, with black, red and white as its colours.

Political landscape

Mr Adade said with recent developments on the countrys political landscape and the re-emergence of military coups in West Africa, there was the need for a new movement to restore hope to Ghanaians.

He indicated that the re-establishment of a democratic constitutional rule as a preeminent political organisation in 1992 had caused a political turn that rotated between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Adade, however, indicated that after 30 years of the democratic experiment, Ghanaians had become disillusioned with the unprecedented levels of corruption, unemployment, insecurity, wanton dissipation of state resources and poverty that threatened the stability of the countrys democracy.

That, he explained, had led to Ghanaians demand for a new political movement for restoration of hope for a better society of peace, openness, justice and selflessness to promote real development in Ghana.

Symbol

In conformity with established standard, our abbreviation is PRM but we prefer to be known to the public by the acronym alternative, PEREMO, Mr Adade said.

He added that in conformity with the movements motto, nothing would be hidden from the people of Ghana, saying we believe that we shall gain nothing if we amass wealth in corruption, stealing and dissipation of the nation's wealth, but if we work in honesty and openness to protect the nation's resources it would benefit the people of Ghana.

Provisional certificate

Mr Adade said the movement had obtained its provisional certificate from the Electoral Commission (EC) to operate in the country, and was yet to proceed to elect its executives, adding: we already have our interim executive, so after we have officially announced our existence, we will unveil our executives.

He said the movement was serious about its decision to contest the 2024 presidential elections as it had made available to the EC all the relevant documentation to guarantee its certification.
A Resource Management Plan that has been in the works for over a decade was released last week, meeting with a mixed response from local and statewide conservation groups and political leaders.

The RMP

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been working on a Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) for the Rock Springs Field Office since 2011. An RMP is a land use plan for a management area. The area of the Rock Springs Field Office brackets the cities of Green River and Rock Springs and overlaps with portions of Fremont, Lincoln, Sublette, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties.

"RMPs identify where development activities, like oil and gas drilling, are allowed, along with the rules that all users of public lands must abide by to protect sensitive fish and wildlife, water, recreational, and other resources," Joshua Coursey, the president and CEO of Muley Fanatics Foundation, explained in a press release.

The BLM released the Draft Resource Management Plan Revision and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Rock Springs Field Office (RSFO) planning area on August 17. The announcement also initiated a 90-day comment period for the public to provide input on the draft document.

The RMP for the Rock Springs Field Office addresses roughly 3.6 million acres of public land in southwestern Wyoming.

One of the main effects of the RMP is determining what could be considered an Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC).

"The draft plan significantly increases the amount of land protected as ACECs-from 286,470 acres today to over 1.6 million acres," a press release from The Wilderness Society explained. "ACECs are the principle designation BLM can use to protect important natural, cultural, and scenic resources, intact landscapes, habitat connectivity, and ecosystem resilience."

"This plan has implications for wildlife and sportsmen for the next 20+ years, plus the potential to make lasting changes to the landscape, both positive and not," the Wyoming Wildlife Federation said in a press release about the RMP.

The praise

Several organizations quickly expressed their praise for the RMP and its proposed changes after it was released.

Muley Fanatics Foundation (MFF) applauded the RMP, particularly for its efforts toward safeguarding big game and hunting and angling opportunities in the Greater Little Mountain Area, protecting the area from "irresponsible energy development."

"The draft honors years of hard work by the citizens and elected officials of southwestern Wyoming and would protect the most sensitive fish and wildlife habitat within the Greater Little Mountain Area, which contributes to southwestern Wyoming's robust outdoor recreation economy," a press release from MFF stated.

"The plan aligns with local stakeholders' proposal to protect Greater Little Mountain that received letters of support from the City of Green River, the City of Rock Springs, and Sweetwater County Commission," the MFF press release continued.

"This proposal couldn't have come at a more crucial time, as our big game herds are suffering due to an unusually harsh winter and development that continues to encroach on their most sensitive habitats," Joshua Coursey said in a statement reacting to the RMP. "The BLM must include these protections for Greater Little Mountain in its final plan. When it comes to Greater Little Mountain and the rest of Wyoming's critical wildlife habitat, everyone agrees that conservation is important. Ensuring that future hunters and anglers can enjoy the same opportunities that we do today must be the priority."

One of the areas the RMP plan addresses is protecting wildlife habitats for big game and Greater Sage Grouse.

"I applaud the foresight these land managers have shown in this draft plan for protecting migration corridors and limiting energy development in important landscapes for a variety of wildlife," Tom Christiansen, a retired Wyoming Game and Fish Department Sage Grouse Coordinator, said in the Wilderness Society press release.

"This is a positive draft plan with the right intentions at a critical time for wildlife and the future of outdoor experiences in southwest Wyoming," Mark Kot, a retired public lands planner for Sweetwater County, added.

The RMP also addresses large sections of the Northern Red Desert and proposes expanding the existing oil and gas closures in some areas, which the Wilderness Society said is "a decision strongly supported by local communities and that Tribal Nations have historically advocated for."

The BLM is also working with Tribal governments, recognizing the importance of traditional Indigenous homelands and migratory territories, and "the agency proposes protections for Tribally-defined 'respected places' and acknowledges and upholds Tribal Sovereignty," according to the Wilderness Society.

"This plan keeps our traditional homelands safe from the exploitation we see taking place in other areas, and my hope is these lands can remain the same as they have for thousands of years," Jason Baldes, the Vice President of the Inter-Tribal Buffalo Council and an Eastern Shoshone tribal member, said in the press release.

The criticism

While many supported the RMP, several Wyoming politicians criticized it.

"Upon first glance, I am extremely disappointed, yet not surprised, by the redirection this Administration is taking with this draft," Governor Mark Gordon stated. "Over a decade's worth of work from Wyoming's cooperating agencies, local stakeholders, and impacted industries seems to have fallen on the deaf ears of the federal BLM and its imperious agenda. I know I am not alone in my desire to review this draft with a fine-tooth comb. I will protect the interests of the State of Wyoming and make sure they pay attention to the good work being done at the state and local level as we move ahead."

"The Biden administration continues to attack our Wyoming way of life," Senator John Barrasso said. "The latest hit job from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aims to take control of 1.8 million acres of land in Wyoming. This blatant land grab completely dismisses practical solutions proposed by local land managers, local agencies and the people who live and work on this land. I encourage everyone to make your voice heard through the public comment period. There is still time for us to force the BLM to turn this outrageous proposal around and strike a balanced approach that puts Wyoming, not Washington, in the driver's seat."

"The Biden administration's proposal to lock up even more federal lands willfully ignores more than a decade of thoughtful systems designed by local experts and Wyoming-based stakeholders at our state's expense," Senator Cynthia Lummis said. "While I am not surprised by this misguided decision, I am disappointed this administration is prioritizing unnecessary red tape over well-designed policies established by our experts on the ground."

The feedback

After releasing the RMP, the BLM opened a 90-day public comment period, which will close on November 16.

The public can read the full draft and find more information at eplanning.blm.gov. The BLM also plans to host public meetings during the public comment period in Rock Springs, Lyman and Big Piney.

"It is imperative that sportsmen and sportswomen from all areas engage in this process," Coursey said. "These lands are public lands owned by all Americans. Truly, this land is your land."
Project West, a project aiming to bring a new solution trona mine and soda ash processing facility to Sweetwater County, is making progress towards its goals. The most recent steps in the process included getting approval for a zone map amendment from the Sweetwater County Board of County Commissioners and hosting informational open house meetings in Green River and Rock Springs.

Planning for Zoning

Project West representatives came before the commissioners during the August 15 meeting for the Planning and Zoning public hearing to approve resolutions to change zoning for the area from Agricultural A to Mineral Development MD1. Megann Toomer from Planning and Zoning explained that the project will have two locations, one for the soda ash processing plant and one further south for the solution mining area.

The processing plant location is near Granger, while the solution mining area is approximately 16 miles to the southeast.

According to Toomer there is plenty of land zoned for agriculture still in the area, and the locations are close to other lands zoned for MD1 with other trona mines not far away. The area is "exactly where we want these types of projects to go," Toomer said.

The Planning and Zoning board voted to recommend the zone changes, and the commissioners voted unanimously to approve them.

"We appreciate you guys' community involvement," County Commission Chairman Keaton West told the Project West representatives. "It's an exciting project to bring into Sweetwater County and we're anxious to have it here. We appreciate the investment and look forward to all the revenue it's going to bring in."

"We're excited to bring it to Southwest Wyoming and open up those trona reserves south of Green River that haven't been accessed yet," Craig Rood, the future plant manager, told the commissioners.

Sharing information

With the zoning changes approved, the Project West team turned their focus to the public open house meetings in Green River and Rock Springs last Wednesday and Thursday. The meetings were two out of five Project West planned, with the others being in Granger, Kemmerer, and Evanston.

City and county officials, business and industry representatives, and members of the public attended the open house in Green River. Posters were set up to give information about what the project is and what the process will look like, including maps, charts, and diagrams. Project West team members were also on hand to give more information and answer questions.

The project will involve mining trona by injecting a hot water injection solution underground, dissolving the trona, pumping the brine to the surface, and processing it into soda ash and baking soda. A pipeline will carry the brine from the mine site to the processing plant, where it will be processed and shipped via rail.

Much of the information shared about Project West at the open house pertained to the ways the project will impact the economy and workforce in Sweetwater County, both during construction and in the future.

"It'll generate tax revenue and it'll generate jobs," Liz Brimmer from the Project West team said.

The total Project West investment is approximately $2.6 billion. The project is estimated to generate $104 million in local sales and use taxes during construction, and the estimated local material purchases are approximately $84 million. Over the life of the project, Project West anticipates generating approximately $327 million in property taxes. In the future, the trona mining is expected to result in approximately $15 million annually in mineral severance and production taxes.

The project is also expected to bring a number of jobs to Southwest Wyoming, especially during construction. Approximately 1,200 jobs will be added to Wyoming's economy during the peak of construction, with an estimated 800 jobs over the 24-month construction period, and approximately 300 permanent positions for long-term operations.

While timelines are always an approximate goal, the hope is to start construction at the beginning of 2025 and have it completed over a two-year period so operations can begin in 2027.

Before construction can begin, however, the next step is to submit the Industrial Siting permit application.

Industrial Siting

The open houses were one of the requirements in Project West's Industrial Siting permit pre-application process.

Industrial Siting permits are required for large projects and are overseen by the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality's Industrial Siting Division and the Industrial Siting Council.

Alan Edwards, who was the administrator and deputy director of the ISD until just a few weeks ago when he was promoted, and Christopher Toalson, an economist from the ISD, both attended the open houses in Green River and Rock Springs so they could introduce themselves to local government leaders and explain how the ISD process benefits communities impacted by large projects.

"The industrial siting process is focused on identifying what local impacts might occur as a result of the project," Edwards explained.

Projects have to complete studies and determine the impact on areas like wildlife, geology, and cultural and socioeconomic impacts.

The Industrial Siting Council, which is made up of volunteers from across Wyoming, can also award impact assistance funding to impacted local governments to alleviate whatever unmitigated impacts affected the community.

"It's very important for the communities to be a part of the process because if they don't make a request, then they don't get the funding," Toalson explained.

Project West is still in the pre-application process, part of which is sharing information through events like the open houses.

"Public outreach is a required part of the process," Toalson said. "However, Project West is, from my understanding, doing more public outreach than is strictly required under statute, so that's a really good thing."

Connecting with the community

Reaching out to local communities is important to Project West and to Oguz "Oz" Erkan, the Ciner US CEO who is helping oversee the project. Erkan attended the open houses and was happy to share how Project West is progressing according to plan.

"We're tracking, people are excited," Erkan said. "The timeline speaks for itself."

Part of Project West's success, according to Erkan, is that they know the industry well enough to know how things will happen, but also the fact that they're honest and open in the process.

"We actually are progressing and we're not temporary temporary investors," he added. "We're here to stay, here to grow."

Connecting with people is also a crucial part of the process that helps everyone.

"It's important that the community is excited," Erkan said. "And this is one way to be able to not only give back to our community, but it's like a win-win-win."
This sandstone buttress in Sinks Canyon State Park was identified as an alternative site for a proposed via ferrata. Climbing advocate Sam Lightner Jr. pulls a rope at the base.

Nesting falcons, development concerns and loud local opposition bedeviled a proposal to build a via ferrata in Sinks Canyon State Park. But it was an engineering cost that finally spelled its end, according to Wyoming State Parks.

State Parks recently announced it is pulling the plug on the effort to build a via ferrata - a series of cables and rungs strung up a cliff that offers users protection while climbing. After spending considerable time determining a site that most people found suitable, the agency had begun the final steps to build the project.

When it came time to find an engineer who could certify the cliff's surface was structurally safe, however, the cost estimate of nearly $80,000 was prohibitive, said Nick Neylon, deputy director of Wyoming's Outdoor Recreation Office and Division of State Parks.

"It was not easy to find someone who would do it at all," Neylon said. "The cost came in considerably higher than we imagined it would be."

With a new outdoor recreation trust fund along with millions of federal stimulus dollars, Wyoming is poised to approve the development of more outdoor recreation projects and infrastructure - both in state parks and other places. As it considers other projects, many say, the state can glean lessons from the tumult that defined the via ferrata process.

"For me the lesson is loud and clear," said Mary Sanderson, an executive committee member of Sinks Canyon Wild, which formed in 2020 in response to the proposal. "You need to listen to the public."

State Parks stands by its process and plan, Neylon said, adding that the experience underscores the challenges agencies face when attempting to involve the public in planning. "We hope for the future we can find ways to encourage more people to participate as we're going through the process," he said.

Bumps in the road

Sinks Canyon State Park is a small but popular destination located about 10 miles southwest of Lander. The 585-acre park has tallied more than 600,000 annual visitations since 2020.

Wyoming State Parks launched a master plan update for the park in 2019. When the approved plan was released in October 2020 following more than a year of meetings, surveys, small group interviews and more, it laid out a vision of a park with an updated visitors' center and other new amenities. Among those: an idea for the via ferrata submitted by a group of Lander recreation advocates as a way to draw visitors and boost the town's economy.

Following the plan's release, however, opposition to the via ferrata mounted. Much of the concern stemmed from the fact that the proposed cliff is a nesting site for peregrine falcons. Many also expressed dismay that they were unaware of the via ferrata until after the plan was finalized, and questioned whether tribes were adequately consulted. State Parks maintains it invited tribal representatives to the process, and many community members also spoke in the project's favor.

In response, State Parks held more meetings, which led to talks to identify an alternative project site. Parties ultimately arrived at a new site, a sandstone buttress across the highway.

The engineering cost of evaluating the cliff, however, proved too high to justify, Acting Agency Director Dave Glenn told lawmakers last week during an interim legislative meeting. "That project has gone away," he added.

The news brought "so much relief," Sanderson of Sinks Canyon Wild said.

Sinks Canyon is unique as far as a state park, said Ron Smith, a fellow member of the group's executive committee. Between its value for wildlife - Wyoming Game and Fish owns the vast majority of the land - traditional Indigenous use and historical management for resource protection, he said, the park has long leaned heavily on conservation.

"We wanted to continue the legacy ... of keeping it wild," he said.

The group pushed out a survey last spring to assess public opinion of the project, and the majority of people who responded said they don't support a via ferrata anywhere in the park, Smith said.

"You could tell when you talked to people in Lander ... you could tell that people were against this," Sen. Cale Case (R-Lander) said.

Case has been critical of the process, the threat of over-commercialization he says it poses and the state's potential liability vis-a-vis the via ferrata. He echoed the sentiment that Sinks Canyon requires individualized considerations.

State Parks "still treats Sinks Canyon like somehow that it's a marina that they're trying to maximize concessions for," Case said. "I still just have the feeling that they don't appreciate the breadth of their holdings and the fact that they need different policies for different places."

With a highway, campground, trails and other facilities, Case said, Sinks Canyon is far from pristine. But "it's kind of still sacred, if you want my opinion."

Takeaways for the future

State Parks is moving ahead on another project identified in the Sinks Canyon Master Plan - one that would establish a new trail on the canyon's "sunnyside." Sinks Canyon Wild supports that initiative, executive committee members said.

Meantime, Glenn said, "there are plenty of other communities requesting new amenities in our state parks, and we're gonna put our resources into those communities that are actually clamoring for those types of things."

The challenge, Neylon said, is finding meaningful public engagement during the planning process, rather than in a reactive way after a plan has been released. The agency has not seen high involvement in an ongoing planning process of Buffalo Bill State Park, for example.

"If we don't know your opinion, we can't include it," he said.

Case too advocated for a more inclusive public process as the state explores and supports recreation development. Sinks Canyon Wild, meanwhile, said the state's should strive to locate appropriate uses in appropriate places.

"We're not anti-recreation," Sanderson said. "We believe a via ferrata is perfectly fine. Just not in that park."

WyoFile is an independent nonprofit news organization focused on Wyoming people, places and policy.
The 18th Annual Art on the Green event was held August 18 and 19.

Artists from Utah and Wyoming competed in the 2D and 3D art competition for 24 hours straight. In attendance were five high school competitors, seven amateurs, 14 semi-professionals, and 16 professionals.

The weekend began at 11 a.m. on Friday. All 42 competitors began the creative process in a variety of mediums including watercolor, oil, clay, airbrush, and more.

The following are the results from this weekend's Art on the Green event:

Artist Choice: Semi-Pro 2D

1st Place: Amanda Romero

2nd Place: Megan Beavers

3rd Place: Bryce Castillon

Artists Choice: Professional 2D

1st Place: Michelle Nixon

2nd Place: Shane Steiss

3rd Place: Ben Nathan

Artists Choice: Professional 3D

1st Place: Bryan Cordova

2nd Place: Jeff Rudolph

3rd Place: Gail Van Wagoner

Mayor's Choice Awards

Mayor's Choice 2D: Shane Steiss

Mayor's Choice 3D: Jeff Rudolph

Mayor's Choice High School:

Tyler Castillon

People's Choice Awards

People's Choice 2D: Tyrell Jasperson

People's Choice 3D: Bryan Cordova

Rudy Gunter Memorial Award

(2 awards)

Tyrell Jasperson and Bryan Cordova

Judge's Choice: High School 2D

1st Place: Emily Parker

2nd Place: Tyler Castillon

Judge's Choice: High School 3D

1st Place: Emily Brady

Judge's Choice: Amateur/Hobbyist 2D

1st Place: Madisyn Montoya

2nd Place: Shellena Beaver

Judge's Choice: Amateur/Hobbyist 3D

1st Place: Wyatt Christensen

2nd Place: Briana Jacobson

Judge's Choice: Semi-Pro 2D

1st Place: Halli Riskus

2nd Place: Melody Nathan

3rd Place: Megan Beavers

Judge's Choice: Professional 2D

(There was a tie for 2nd place -

no 3rd place was given)

1st Place: Shane Steiss

2nd Place: Ben Nathan

2nd Place: Michelle Nixon

Judge's Choice: Professional 3D

1st Place: Gail Van Wagoner

2nd Place: Bryan Cordova

3rd Place: Mary Shaw

Judge's Choice - Honorable Mention

Brooke Andreasen

Mary Parker

Debra Soule

Jackie Finch Jamie Green

The 8th annual Battle on the Green competition took place Friday night. The theme for each battle round was drawn by a member of the Green River Arts Council, and competitors had only five minutes to prepare. After five minutes of preparation, they had 30 minutes to create a work of art that was then judged by the community and a panel of judges from Trona Valley Federal Credit Union.

The Judges' Choice for Battle on the Green was Jamie Green and the People's Choice went to Michelle Nixon.

The Green River Arts Council revealed the newest sculpture for the City of Green River, which was a Labradoodle made from reclaimed metal by the artist Jacob Novinger.

The Arts Council has asked the community to help name the sculpture. At a later date, there will be a ribbon cutting and name reveal for the sculpture.
It's time for the Greater Green River Intergalactic Spaceport to welcome visitors - extraterrestrial or otherwise - once again.

The annual Spaceport Days event will take place this weekend with a movie night on Friday, August 25 and a fly-in and pancake breakfast Saturday morning, August 26.

"It's just great to get people an opportunity to come together and enjoy aviation in Wyoming," Mark Westenskow, the City of Green River Public Works Director, said of the event.

The event is hosted by the City of Green River every year with the help of a grant from the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission designed to promote aviation locally.

This year's family-friendly movie night will feature a space-themed pirate movie and include a fire pit for s'mores. Families are encouraged to bring their own chairs or tailgates. The movie will start at dark, probably around 9 p.m.

Saturday morning's fly-in could see pilots starting to come in as early as 7 a.m. so they can come in while it's still cool, according to Westenskow. Typically at least a half dozen pilots fly in, and the public is welcomed to chat with them and check out their planes. This year the AirMed team is hoping to bring their helicopter by again as long as they don't have any emergencies.

All pilots who fly in will get a free goodie bag and a free breakfast.

"This year we're proud to welcome back the Boy Scouts," Westenskow said. "They're going to be serving the pancake breakfast up there in the morning."

The pancake breakfast from Troop 312 will be served around 8 a.m. and will also be available to everyone who attends, with the troop happy to accept any donations.

Spaceport Days will also include activities for kids, like painting balsam wood airplanes, and giveaways of goodies including t-shirts and more.

Last year's Spaceport Days saw about 75 people come out for the movie night and around 100 people for the fly-in. Westenskow noted that sometimes things like sporting events are scheduled at the same time, but the event still usually draws a good crowd, and they would always like to see even more people come. Westenskow is thankful for the people who come back every year, and always hopes to have people come for the first time as well.

"We love seeing new folks come in," he said.

Spaceport Days is not only an opportunity for family-friendly fun, but a chance for the community and Wyoming pilots to check out Green River's airstrip.

"We just like having people come out and see that we do have an airport and that it is safe and it's viable," Westenskow said. "It's on the books, it's on the records, it does exist, and it needs to be safe. And if we're going to do that, we want to be able to show it off once a year."

The city is always looking for opportunities to make improvements to the airstrip as well, Westenskow said. The next big project they want to do is improve the fence and put it in a better location. Westenskow is also hoping to work with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to get leftover material from nearby paving jobs in the future to be able to make improvements to surfacing.

"We're able to do little things at our strip, and little things mean a lot for the pilots who do land here," Westenskow said.

The airstrip has been used for everything from emergency landings to military flights, and Westenskow hopes to see it continue to be of use and to grow. Part of that is continuing to "show it off" to the public and have some fun with it every year at Spaceport Days.

"We know what we are," Westenskow said. "We're kind of a lonely dirt strip and we have a funny name, and we try to play with it."
Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S24 Ultra has already been rumored to switch to a flat screen - a first for the Ultra series, but something we've already gotten used to for the non-Ultras.

Now we have more news regarding the S24 Ultra's screen, coming from the usually reliable Ice Universe. There's some good news, and some bad news, so let's start with the former.

The leakster says the S24 Ultra's maximum / peak brightness will be above 2,200 nits. That's insanely bright, it goes without saying. For comparison's sake, note that the S23 Ultra tops out at 1,750 nits peak brightness, and no one has ever called that one a dim display. So the S24 Ultra will change the brightness game when it arrives, if this pans out of course.

Now let's move on to the bad news, which is nicely described in the image below. According to Ice Universe, the S24 Ultra's bezels will be about as big as the Galaxy A54's, which is definitely not a good look. Not just that, but they will only be symmetrical in pairs, as you can see - the left with the right at 3.42mm and the top with the bottom at 3mm.

Why not have all of them the same big size at least? Who knows. And it's not like it can't be done. Apple has proven time and time again that it can (while using Samsung-made panels, no less), and more recently Nothing has shown that full bezel symmetry is even achievable at much lower price points, if you actually care about it.

But Samsung doesn't seem to, so this is allegedly what we're going to get. The S24 Ultra's screen-to-body ratio is said to be a very disappointing 88%, which apparently is the lowest of a Samsung flagship device since the Galaxy S10 from 2019.

Source 1 | Source 2
In response to a letter by the Office of the Attorney General of Guam regarding a possible ineligible client, Stephen Hattori, Executive Director of the Public Defender Service Corporation, shared in response that the judge has the duty of protecting constitutional rights of the accused, including indigents, not just rich people.

The OAGs letter was directed towards Chief Justice Robert J. Torres, who also serves as chairman of the PDSC, as the OAG believed that a government official had too high of a salary to qualify for the free legal services.

Hattori further noted that as taxpayers fund the prosecution, they should fund the defense of frivolous matters. Its like Goliath complaining that David has a sling, said the director.

In addition, Hattori also had to question the AGs use of private consultants.

Both offices can hire lawyers as independent contractors, but it must be impractical and impossible to hire regular attorneys, and it must comply with procurement laws of Guam, added Hattori. I dont think there has been a finding that the prosecutors are unable to handle arraignments. There was also no request for proposal which encourages notice to potential contractors and competitive price quotations. The prosecution of crimes has never before been privatized unless there is a conflict of interest.

Hattori concluded that like their clients, Attorney General Douglas Moylan, is also subject to the laws of Guam and the presumption of innocence.

Moylan responded that the PDSC is taxpayer-funded to provide a constitutional right to an attorney only for those who cannot afford an attorney in a criminal case and nothing more.

Mr. Hattori has now diverted the limited taxpayer-paid assistant public defenders and PD resources from other poor defendants who cannot afford an attorney and are accused of wrongdoing, said the AG. This person earns $23.44 an hour and owns $220,000 in property, which appears clearly outside the PDs eligibility guidelines. So does this now mean everyone is eligible for a Public Defender regardless of how much they earn? That is exactly the floodgate that Mr. Hattori has opened with the taxpayers money.

Moylan also responded to the need for privately contracted work due to the lack of attorneys on Guam for private and public legal work.

Our budget law allows for hiring attorneys to protect our community. Mr. Hattori is complaining because I am using all the tools at my disposal to protect us against his clients again hurting us. Although innocent until proven guilty, there was sufficient probable cause to have his clients criminally charged and reason to believe that his clients committed a crime, said Moylan. Just because I am using all the tools at my disposal and seeking to protect each one of us and our families by keeping his clients in jail, it does not address what the last legislature allowed us to do to supplement our prosecutors.

Moylan clarified that Guam law does not restrict the ability of the AG to hire attorneys to supplement their prosecutors nor does it limit their number of prosecutors.

I am frugally using the money appropriated to me, hiring prosecutors to protect us, staying under budget and bringing in private attorneys at hourly rates significantly below the market rate and without any taxpayer-paid benefits. Its a good deal to address a difficult situation, said the AG.

Moylan added that ever since there was an AGs Office, the AGs have utilized private law firms to do both criminal and civil work, including to supplement its ability to perform all the legal duties required and for conflict situations requiring outside counsel.

The amount of criminal and civil work required of the Attorney General is the reason why the AGs Office is the largest law firm on Guam and does far more legal work than the Public Defenders Office, noted Moylan. Tying my hands as the Attorney General to prevent me from hiring prosecutors does no good to protect us from criminals.

Moylan further stressed that the prevention of additional prosecutors will undermine and threaten the safety of all of us.

Preventing me from retaining sufficient prosecutors to keep the bad guys behind bars only gives the guilty a better chance of getting off on a technicality. That is not justice, stressed Moylan. The AG has a more important job to protect the law-abiding people on Guam from violent and non-violent criminals and stopping each one of us from becoming a crime victim.

Moylan concluded that his detractors should not be able to complain that the OAG is wasting money, exceeding its budget or are not doing its job.

We are doing just the opposite by using every means at our disposal to protect us and our loved ones against criminals, concluded Moylan.
To address numerous complaints from parents of Guam Department of Education students, Sen. Chris Barnett sent a letter to GDOE superintendent Dr. Erik Swanson.

These complaints and concerns of parents and guardians included a lack of air conditioning, possible smells of mold and potential lead exposure.

Barnett, the legislative oversight chair on education, noted that his children attend D.L. Perez Elementary School, and he was able to visit a classroom moments after receiving concerns from residents calls.

Room 34 did not have air conditioning. There was a strong moldy smell, noted the senator. There were also no ceiling tiles in place. Ductwork and insulation were exposed. Insulation fibers were frayed and there was nothing between those fibers and students.

Barnett also shared concerns and complaints from parents about mold and the status of mold mitigation at the schools have continued, despite GDOEs assurances that moldy areas are closed off or that staff have done their best.

There has been little to no information about the true status of mold infestations in the schools. I was confused when you said you had secured expedited procurement for mold mitigation, said the senator. On the same day that you issued a release stating as much, one of the deputy superintendents told me that they were walking through schools to identify mold trouble spots so that an Invitation for Bid can be issued to procure mold mitigation. To me, this means we are still a way off from meaningfully addressing mold through mitigation performed by experts.

The legislative oversight chair on education concluded that Swanson has a legal obligation to report any hazards or infestations at schools, which is known as Public Law 37-26 or the Safe Schools Facilities Act. The law requires the superintendent to identify, publicize and remediate risks, infestations, and hazards at GDOEs public schools.

The senator added that there were fans in a classroom blowing upon a classroom wall that had been scraped of old paint.

I am concerned about potential lead exposure risks, given the scraped walls and chips of old paint being blown around by fans in the classroom. Despite the fans, parents and students were sweating profusely because of the high temperature, said Barnett. I can only imagine similar situations occurring across the district. I recall you saying during sworn testimony that you are committed to not putting anyone in a facility thats unsafe whether theyre an adult or child.

Barnett further added that parents and guardians of students in Price Elementary School in Mangilao were not informed of the risks in closed-off areas of the campus, along with similar concerns across the district.

Parents also shared with me that they were alarmed that schools like Price Elementary were allowed to open despite what media reports described as an inability to meet the required restroom-to-student ratios, stressed Barnett. The use of port-a-potties was also an area of concern for parents, who have questioned whether adequate supervision would be available when students use port-a-potties.

Barnett also noted shared concerns about the state of school safety relative to the lack of perimeter fencing at many schools.

This creates the potential for dangerous circumstances to include acts of violence or assault against students or staff, noted Barnett. School staff have shared with me that they lack the personnel to patrol school grounds to ensure that no one enters the school through the unsecured perimeter.

As of 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, a public response from Swanson has not been released yet.
A man faces a felony charge of firearms possession without appropriate identification following an incident more than a month ago, according to documents filed at the Superior Court of Guam.

According to a magistrates complaint, police responded to a complaint on July 12 at the Family Apartment on Tun Pedro Cruz St. in Tamuning. They met with a witness who told police that Erson Reselap and a third party were arguing inside a residence.

She said that Reselap was holding a gray handgun, and then she heard a gunshot.

Officers located a 9 mm casing outside the residence. Two other witnesses said that they saw Reselap allegedly fire a gun just outside the residence.

During Reselaps arrest, the documents state that Reselap confirmed he was in possession of a firearm, and that he accidentally fired a round on July 12. A check with GPDs records division confirmed Reselap does not have valid firearms ID card. The court documents state that Reselap is on parole and probation in two other cases and is not allowed to possess a firearm.

The possession charge is listed as a third-degree felony.

Biker leads police on high-speed chase

After noticing the motorcycle had no rear license plate, police attempted to pull over an operator on a motorcycle on Aug. 22.

The operator did not stop, and instead encroached into oncoming traffic as he evaded officers. The operator, later identified as Joshua Paul Taitano, jumped off the motorcycle and continued his getaway, trying to climb a gate at the residence he stopped at. Three officers caught up to him and pulled him to the ground, and Taitano continued to resist attempts to subdue him.

Officers found a black pouch on Taitano, which contained items that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

Taitano was charged with drug possession as a third-degree felony, as well as three misdemeanor charges stemming from eluding police on a vehicle without identification.

Man allegedly strikes, squeezes wifes neck

Police charged Norman Sebastian Leon Guerrero with two felonies when they responded to a disturbance Aug. 22 in Talofofo.

Leon Guerreros wife told police that her husband poked her at least three times under her eye, and squeezed her neck while lifting her off the floor before letting her go.

Police noted that the victim had redness below her eye and redness to her neck. Norman Sebastian Leon Guerrero also appears to be on probation for a felony case in 2021, also involving the same victim.
Michael Lujan Bevacqua is an author, artist, activist and the curator for The Guam Museum.




Haiti - FLASH : Results of 9th AF exams for 5 departments





The Ministry of National Education has published the results of the 9th Fundamental Year (AF) 2022/2023 exams for 5 departments, Nippes, North-East, Grande-Anse, Center and North-West.



According to the figures provided by the National Bureau of State Examinations (BUNEXE), the success rates (listed in descending order) are:



Results by department 9th AF 2022/2023 : (in descending order)



Grande-Anse: out of 6,493 participants, 6,169 candidates were admitted, a success rate of 95% (sharp increase) the previous year 79%

North-West: out of 10,669 participants, 9,241 candidates were admitted, i.e. a success rate of 87% (up) the previous year 77.31%

North-East: out of 7,504 participants, 6,499 candidates were admitted, i.e. a success rate of 87% (up) the previous year 78.33%

Centre: out of 13,105 participants, 10,002 candidates were admitted, i.e. a success rate of 76% (slight increase) the previous year 75.29%

Nippes: out of 7,115 participants, 5,129 candidates were admitted, a success rate of 72% (up) the previous year 65.54%



The Ministry informs that the results of the other departments will be available shortly and will be communicated gradually.



School principals are invited to withdraw their school's results list from the Departmental Directorate of Education (DDE) concerned.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40273-haiti-flash-results-of-9th-af-exams-for-4-departments.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40265-haiti-flash-results-of-9th-af-exams-for-3-departments.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40219-haiti-flash-results-of-9th-af-exams-for-2-departments.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-40213-haiti-flash-results-of-9th-af-exams-for-the-northeast-laureates.html



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - PNH / PM : Back on the working day with the Kenyan delegation





On Wednesday August 23, 2023, Acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry met with the High Command of the National Police of Haiti (PNH), which, the day before had had a working day with the Kenyan delegation around the support that will be provided for the strengthening of the institution and its adaptation to new forms of crime in Haiti.



The High Command of the National Police, in full force, carried out with the Prime Minister the summary of the working day with the Kenyan delegation which was chaired by Ambassador Georges Orina.



This day of work allowed the High Command of the PNH to specify what it wanted and expected from the aid that was going to be provided (if the UN Security Council votes in favor) for the reinforcement of the Police and for allow it to become more efficient.



This first visit by the Kenyan delegation was very useful, according to the High Command. It made it possible, among other things, to confirm that all the parties had the same understanding of the mission: it will not be there to replace the PNH or to carry out its work, it will come to help it become more efficient, more adapted, more able to fulfill its mission to protect and serve.



The High Command of the Police is delighted that the Haitian Police is present at all phases of the preparation of the mission and is in the reflection for the best possible articulation in order to obtain results which, from the first moments, will change the life of the population and will allow them to regain their freedom of movement and to live peacefully in their neighborhoods.



The High Command stressed that one of the requests of the National Police was the formation of special intervention units within the institution in order to face the increasing security challenges and guarantee the stability of the country.



The Kenyan delegation left Haiti on August 23.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Storm Franklin : more fear than harm

Tropical Storm Franklin has moved away from Haiti and no longer poses a direct threat to the country. As a result, the yellow alert decreed since Monday has been lifted by the authorities. Nevertheless, according to the Hydrometeorological Unit of Haiti, the rainy activities will continue in certain departments (Centre, West, South, South-East and Grand-Anse) until Thursday, August 24.



11 prisoners released on humanitarian grounds

Me Eliotte Pierre, Government Commissioner of the jurisdiction of Petit-Goave, proceeded to the release of 11 prisoners for humanitarian reasons whose state of health being seriously deteriorated, they had been imprisoned for minor offenses...



DGI NOTICE to importers

The Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) urges importers to submit proof of address as well as the certificate of their company's bank details when submitting their application for renewal of the business license certificate and/or the tax clearance certificate of the company. This provision was communicated in a notice from the DGI dated August 18, 2023.



Brazil Scholarships

Leon Charles Permanent Representative a.i. to the Organization of American States (OAS) met with Benoni Belli, the Permanent Representative of Brazil to identify financial resources to sponsor the 91 Haitian applicants selected under the scholarship program offered by universities in Brazil to young people from Caricom.



Return of the national Eco-genie competition

The national Eco-genie competition of the Ministry of the Environment is back within our walls again this year. The official launch will take place this Friday, August 25, 2023, at 10 a.m., at the Kinam Hotel. Across the 10 departments, 160 teams will be mobilized, bringing together more than 800 NS2 to NS4 schoolchildren. This competition puts these teams in competition to win more than 30 bonuses



Opont not released, despite ransom paid

The Protestant Federation of Haiti launches an urgent appeal for the release of the co-owner of Plural TV, Pierre Louis Opont held for more than two months by his kidnappers despite the payment of a ransom by his family...



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Korean Movie | 2022

 Drama

Directed by Cho Hyun-chul ()

Written by  Cho Hyun-chul ()  Jung Mi-young ()

118min | Release date in South Korea: 2023/10/25

Synopsis

"I have something I really want to say to you today."



On the afternoon of the day before her school trip, Se-mi wakes up from her strange dream and heads to her Ha-eun. It was because she felt like she had to convey the feelings she had been holding back for a long time today. However, unlike her overflowing heart, the two keep falling apart.



Can Se-mi confess her true feelings to Ha-eun, leaving behind the awkward misunderstanding and hurt?
Orpo revealed the Finnish government is this week set to make a decision on the 18th military aid package to Ukraine, adding that the package will consist of heavy weaponry and ammunition and be worth about as much as the previous packages  more than 100 million euros.

He declined to provide further details of the contents of the package.

Finland, he said, has thereby pledged a total of 1.7 billion euros in aid to the country ravaged by the brutal invasion of Russia.

Orpo and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy held a joint press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, also commenting on the possibility of licensing the manufacture of Finnish armoured military vehicles in Ukraine. The Swedish government announced a similar collaborative endeavour last week: the joint production of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles in Ukraine.

We have high-tech companies. Well see what we can do about it. This is a good and useful idea, commented Orpo.

Helsingin Sanomat on Wednesday reported that the vehicles would likely be Pasis, the military armoured personnel carriers manufactured by Patria.

The Finnish majority state-owned defence and security technology company declined to comment on the possibility when contacted by YLE on Wednesday. Charly Salonius-Pasternak, a senior researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, stated to the public broadcasting company that the idea is great.

Itd be a perfect match with the [operational logic] of Patria and would promote security of supply on a broader scale. Thered be one additional factory where these could be built in the future. Itd also split the costs, he noted.

Finnish reporters in Kyiv asked Zelenskiy if Ukraine remains interested in the Finnish Air Forces F-18 Hornet jets once they have been replaced with F-35s, the deliveries of which are scheduled to start in 2027. Zelenskiy said Ukraine prefers F-16s because they have been manufactured in high numbers but added that the country is naturally willing to receive anything that can help it defend its own territory.

If the Hornets arent needed in Finland, of course well receive them, he said.

Both Denmark and the Netherlands have pledged to deliver F-16s to Ukraine, with Ukrainian pilots and technical staff starting training in the operation, servicing and maintenance of the fighter jets earlier this week in Denmark.

Ukraine will commemorate its 32nd anniversary of independence today, on 24 August 2023.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Over the past five decades, there has been a concerning rise in cases of gastric cardia adenocarcinoma (GCA) and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) in the United States and other western nations. These forms of cancer are known to have a high mortality rate.

A new study reveals that specific types of cancer, including esophageal and stomach cancer, could be predicted in advance using artificial intelligence (AI). The research, published in the Gastroenterology journal, suggests that implementing preventive measures can prove to be a lifesaver, potentially reducing mortality rates associated with these cancers.

Dr. Joel Rubenstein, a research scientist at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles Veterans Affairs Centre for Clinical Management Research and a professor of internal medicine at Michigan Medicine, explains that early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. "Screening can identify pre-cancerous changes in patients, such as Barretts esophagus, which is often found in individuals with long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)," he states. "When detected early, patients can take proactive steps to prevent cancer."

While existing guidelines already consider screening for high-risk patients, Dr. Rubenstein emphasizes that many medical providers are still unfamiliar with this recommendation. He highlights that "many individuals who develop these types of cancer never had screening to begin with."

However, the integration of a new automated tool into the electronic health record (EHR) system could bridge the gap between medical provider awareness and individuals at an elevated risk of developing esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. Dr. Rubenstein and his team harnessed the power of AI to analyze data from over 10 million US veterans.

Their creation, the Kettles Esophageal and Cardia Adenocarcinoma prediction tool, or K-ECAN for short, employs readily available EHR data, including patient demographics, weight, prior diagnoses, and routine laboratory results, to determine an individual's risk of developing these cancers. Dr. Rubenstein notes that this AI tool improves upon previous methods, offering a more accessible and efficient solution for identifying patients at risk.

With the potential to predict cancer at least three years prior to a diagnosis, K-ECAN offers an innovative way to identify individuals who are susceptible to esophageal adenocarcinoma and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma, regardless of whether they exhibit GERD symptoms or not. Dr. Rubenstein envisions this AI tool as a crucial asset in enhancing early detection and preventive measures.

The collaborative effort behind this study highlights the power of team science and AI in improving cancer prevention. Dr. Akbar Waljee, a senior author of the study, emphasizes the vital role played by collaboration between institutions and researchers.

With this groundbreaking AI capability integrated into the electronic health record system, doctors could receive automated notifications about patients at a higher risk of developing stomach and esophageal cancers. This promising advancement holds the potential to substantially reduce the burden of these life-threatening tumors.

Dr. Rubenstein concludes, "We are excited that this tool could potentially lead to increased screening and a decrease in preventable deaths. We look forward to further validating K-ECAN for broader use beyond the VA Health Services Research & Development Center of Innovation." This groundbreaking research marks a significant step toward enhancing cancer prevention through the power of AI and data science.

HT
(JNS) - A planeload of 215 immigrants from the U.S. and Canada landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on Wednesday, sparking emotional family reunions and even dancing in one of the terminals.

"I don't think I've ever been happier in my whole life than I am today. It's been a big dream that I've had for many years," said Carol Ginzburg, 77. "I have a bunch of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are living in Israel. So I want to be here.

"Frankly, I'm ready to be in Israel and be done with the crazy conflicts in America," she added.

The flight brought 45 future lone soldiers who will join the 3,500 men and women from around the world who are currently serving as part of the FIDF-Nefesh B'Nefesh Lone Soldiers Program.

Once they become Israeli citizens, these men and women will be required to enlist in the IDF, as are all Israeli citizens at the age of 18. The majority of the future lone soldiers on today's flight are part of Tzofim-Garin Tzabar, a Friends of Israel Scouts program, who before and throughout their military service are adopted by Israeli communities that serve as their home away from home.

Their absorption period includes Hebrew ulpan studies, educational tours in Israel and introduction to the military structure and the different positions in the IDF.

One soon-to-be lone soldier, Ariel Hassan from New Jersey, said he was looking forward to joining the army, and that he hopes to serve in the IDF's elite Egoz commando unit.

"It's a very famous unit," Hassan explained. "But we'll see. The army will decide, and wherever they send me, I'll do the best that I can do."

Under Garin Tzabar, which is affiliated with the Hebrew Scouts Movement in Israel, the lone soldiers are "adopted" either by a kibbutz or the immigrant absorption center in the city of Ra'anana.

The flight from New York's JFK Airport bore 22 families with 75 children among them, 15 single men and women, and 17 retirees. Among the 215 on board were seven doctors and 15 health professionals who will be integrating into the Israeli health care system.

"It was my absolute joy to welcome these new [immigrants] upon their arrival in Israel. It is especially exciting to see families with kids and young adults embrace the Zionist dream of making aliyah," said Immigration and Integration Minister Ofir Sofer.

Nefesh B'Nefesh co-founder and executive director Rabbi Yehoshua Fass said, "Each and every [immigrant] carries with them a unique story, yet what bonds them together is a unified love for our homeland, shared goals and collective action.

"It teaches us that diversity exists within unity-that shared values and commitment can bind different individuals and groups together," added Fass.

According to figures the Jewish Agency released in July, 29,293 immigrants arrived in Israel during the first half of 2023. Eighty percent of the newcomers were from Russia.

Nefesh B'Nefesh, a nonprofit organization that facilitates the immigration of Jews to Israel from North America and which chartered the plane, said Ginzburg was the oldest immigrant arriving on the flight.

The airport's arrival hall was full of family reunions, and in some cases, people joyously dancing in circles as the newcomers tightly hugged their Israeli relatives.
(JTA) - Soon after Netflix dropped the first official trailer for its upcoming Leonard Bernstein biopic "Maestro" on Tuesday, one aspect of the film footage sparked a flurry of conversation online - and it wasn't the preeminent Jewish conductor's music, or star Bradley Cooper's acting.

Instead, the prosthetic nose supposedly used by the Oscar-nominated Cooper, who is not Jewish - and co-wrote, directed and stars as Bernstein in the film - infuriated many Jews who argued that the appendage plays into stereotypes about Jewish facial features.

Joel Swanson, a Jewish history PhD student at the University of Chicago, shared side-by-side images of Cooper's character and the composer, writing: "This isn't about making a non-Jewish actor look more like Leonard Bernstein; it's about making a non-Jewish actor look more like a Jewish stereotype."

Daniel Sugarman, the director of public affairs for the Board of Deputies of British Jews, pointed out that Cooper had previously starred in "The Elephant Man" on Broadway, a play about a man with serious physical deformities. Cooper did not use prosthetics for that role.

Bernstein's three children released a statement in response to the backlash, writing: "In happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose. Bradley chose to use makeup to amplify his resemblance, and we're perfectly fine with that. We're also certain that our dad would have been fine with it as well."

The controversy is the latest episode in a now years-long conversation about "Jewface," a term used to describe non-Jewish actors playing Jewish characters on screen. Comedian Sarah Silverman popularized the term and has been a vocal critic of the trend, which angered some Jewish fans when Felicity Jones portrayed Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the 2018 film "On the Basis of Sex" and when a planned Joan Rivers project that was set to star Kathryn Hahn was announced - before being scrapped.

"There's this long tradition of non-Jews playing Jews, and not just playing people who happen to be Jewish, but people whose Jewishness is their whole being," Silverman said on her podcast in 2021. She plays Bernstein's sister in the film.

Silverman is not the only Jewish actor in "Maestro." Miriam Shor, who has described herself as "half Jewish but not really religious," plays actor Cynthia O'Neal. Alexa Swinton, who stars on HBO's "And Just Like That..." - and who celebrated her bat mitzvah in Israel earlier this summer - plays Bernstein's daughter Nina. And Jewish actor Gideon Glick, known for his work on Broadway and on "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," plays musician Tommy Cothran.

Following the release of the "Maestro" trailer, some also resurfaced the backstory to the film itself, which Jewish actor Jake Gyllenhaal had wanted to star in.

Leonard Bernstein

In a 2021 interview with Deadline, Gyllenhaal highlighted Bernstein's Jewishness as a key factor for his interest in the project, which Steven Spielberg, who was originally to direct, eventually handed over to Cooper.

"Sticking your neck out, hoping to get to tell the stories you love and that have been in your heart for a very long time is something to be proud of," Gyllenhaal said. "And that story, that idea of playing one of the most preeminent Jewish artists in America and his struggle with his identity was in my heart for 20 some odd years, but sometimes those things don't work out."

One social media user wrote that Cooper "basically stole the rights for this film from a Jewish man who had been passionately trying to make it for years."

"Maestro" will premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September, followed by a limited theatrical release on Nov. 22 before it lands on Netflix on Dec. 20.
(JNS)  One student has been told she doesnt get to talk because shes white and therefore couldnt have been oppressed. Another found colleagues to go ghost white, fearing for safety on campus in the face of anti-Israel activism when he chose to move forward with hosting an event with a former Israel Defense Forces soldier.

The stories that pro-Israel college students shared with JNS earlier this week at the Israel on Campus Coalition National Leadership Summit about their experiences on campus ranged from being threatened and silenced to more promising feelings, which inspire confidence for the future.

At George Washington University, an urban campus mere blocks from the White House and State Department, Sabrina Soffer, a junior majoring in philosophy and public affairs and in Judaic studies, has experienced antisemitism. She turns to a statement from the late Holocaust survivor and author Elie Wieselthat indifference begets hatred.

Thats what youre seeing right now, especially on campuses, Soffer told JNS. Ive had various interactions with people where theyre like, You cant talk because youre white and you were never oppressed.

At the University of California, Davis, the full weight of anti-Israel sentiment on campus hit Owen Krauss, a senior majoring in international relations and peace and security, when he planned an event with a former IDF soldier, who was to discuss giving humanitarian aid in Gaza, struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and toxic masculinity.

It was going to be a really great program, he told JNS. But after he marketed the event, and days before the program, Students for Justice in Palestine claimed that the Zionists are having someone from the Israeli occupation force come, everyone needs to protest, Krauss told JNS.

As the groups criticism circulated on campus, there were concerns about student safety. Krauss chose not to cancel. He recalled that made his peers go ghost white, like absolutely terrified because at Davis anti-Zionism, antisemitism is a huge problem.

In fact, they were ranked one of the worst in the country, he said of his school.

Things are different at Emory University in Atlanta, according to Morgan Ames, a senior majoring in political science and religion, and Sophie Kalman, a sophomore studying political science and the Middle East.

In Amess experience, there isnt overt antisemitism at Emory, which is nearly 20 percent Jewish. Kalman told JNS that she actually felt a bit out of place at the ICC summit since her school did not have as aggressive an anti-Israel presence as many others do.

I feel this is what gives me a little bit of impostor syndrome, she said. Being here at Emory is knocking on wood.

But three years before Ames got to Emory, eviction notices showed up on the doors of Jewish students dorms. As a result, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter was kicked off campus, which was great, because for my first two years, there were no detractors, she said.

There was still concern about Emorys reaction to the notices, according to Kalman. The student group had its charter revoked not for committing a hate crime, she said, but merely for putting eviction notices on doors.

And Ames told JNS, anti-Israel activism is emerging among the Emory faculty. In 2021, the university hired an anthropology professor, whose doctoral thesis compared Israeli and Nazi policies. It was blasphemy to me that they had hired a professor with this on his record, she said.

The professor is leaving Emory, Ames said. But he somehow became the chair of the department and tenured in no time, and it was really disgusting, she said. I had it out with the Jewish studies department about it.

At Oral Roberts University, an evangelical school in Tulsa, Okla., Carlos Vasquez, a senior who is pre-law, helped relaunch what he said was a very dormant Israel club.

Vasquez knew he had the ability to kickstart the pro-Israel student group, even though hed never done something like that before. Now, members of the group are participating in Zionist campus organizations and StandWithUs, he told JNS.

At Oral Roberts, theres no anti-Israel activity to speak of. There are no anti-Israel demonstrations, he said. Theres no Israel hate.

Isaac Lichtman, who graduated in May from the University of Georgia with an economics degree, plans to spend a year on a fellowship in Krakow, Poland. He figures that like many state schools, the University of Georgia isnt particularly active politically.

I never dealt with the antisemitism or the BDS that a lot of my peers that I meet at conferences like this have, he said.
(JTA)  At least two synagogues in California evacuated during Shabbat services over the weekend as online trolls targeted Jewish congregations for the fourth straight week with fake bomb and other security threats.

At least 26 congregations in 12 states have received the threats, according to the Anti-Defamation League, which is raising alarm about the barrage. The organization believes the instigators are selecting their targets based on the availability of livestreamed services and other events, motivated by their desire to watch the congregations react to the threats in real time.

This is what happens when individuals coalesce around their hatred of Jews and use technology to try to optimize that, Oren Segal, vice president of the ADLs Center on Extremism, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The two California synagogues that evacuated in response to the threats were Temple Beth Torah, a Reform congregation in Fremont, which emptied its building on Friday evening, and Temple Beth Tikvah, a Reform congregation in Fullerton, which did the same during Saturday services. Both had received anonymous phoned-in bomb threats.

Beth Tikvahs Facebook livestream captures the moment that the threat made its way to the prayer leaders. I am afraid that we need to stop and leave the building right now, Rabbi Mati Kirschenbaum says after placing one hand on the shoulder of Cantor Shannon McGrady Bane, causing her to stop singing. She nods, removes her headset and exits the cameras view as a message goes up for viewers: Coverage will be stopping.

Temple Beth Torah and Temple Beth Tikvah did not return requests for comment Monday.

The wave of threats has also targeted two ADL offices and other religious congregations, including African-American churches. But the activity seems primarily motivated by antisemitism, Segal said, citing what he called lowbrow and classic antisemitism in the language used in the phone calls. The perpetrators do not seem to be connected to any larger antisemitic groups, he said.

Synagogues and other Jewish institutions have weathered previous waves of false threats, including a spate of bomb threats at day schools Jewish community centers in 2017 that was later attributed to a Jewish teenager in Israel and, in early 2020, emailed threats to Jewish community centers that were deemed not to be credible, but not before they caused disruptions in 23 states.

Segal said that even as antisemitic harassment has become a frequent problem for synagogues over the last few years, the sustained nature of this current campaign is a level beyond what is normal.

The increase in the number of synagogues streaming their services since the pandemic has created a new frontier for disruption. (A watershed moment in the streaming of U.S. synagogues came in January 2022, when an armed man took a rabbi and three congregants hostage in a Texas synagogue whose service was being streamed.)

While the ADL does not recommend that congregations stop streaming their services, Segal said synagogue leadership should be aware that bad actors may seek to manipulate them, especially heading into the High Holidays.

What makes this different is that this is a particular campaign using tools that many of us take for granted but that we can see are weaponized, he said. As people go into the High Holidays, its just another thing to be concerned about and to be prepared for.
(JNS)  As of Aug. 17, the Jewish Federations of North America has allocated $249,000 that it raised from 120 Jewish communities nationwide as part of its emergency Hawaii Wildfire Fund.

The funds will go to Maui Kosher Farm, Jewish Congregation of Maui, Maui Jewish Ohana, Chabad of Maui and Jewish Community Services of Hawaii, JFNA stated in a release.

The devastation in Maui is immeasurable, but we continue to be inspired by our partners on the ground that have responded with so much care, compassion and professionalism to the needs of the Jewish community and broader population, stated Wendy Abrams, chair of the Federations emergency committee.

When there is a natural disaster or crisis anywhere in the world, the local Jewish community steps up in the most remarkable of ways, Abrams added. It is the duty and also the privilege of our Jewish Federation system to support these efforts and provide the necessary resources to enable this life-sustaining work.

Hawaiian officials have confirmed 111 deaths as a result of last weeks deadly fire in Maui. With many remaining unaccounted for, that number is expected to rise.

It is hard to know how many Jews the fire has impacted, according to Ellyn Mortimer, one of the leaders at Maui Jewish Ohana, a progressive home for joyful and meaningful Jewish life on Maui. (Ohana is Hawaiian for family.)

Members of the Hawaiian Jewish community have lost homes and businesses, according to Mortimer, who told JNS that some, including she, had to relocate since their water at home is unsafe for even bathing and laundry, or due to physical damage to residences.

We dont know everyones immediate and long-term needs until they come to us, but the more resources the organizations have, the better we can serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs as they arise, she told JNS.

Members of the Jewish community are likely to seek help from Jewish organizations on the ground, which is why funding from the greater Jewish community is vital, according to Mortimer.

We are their family, she said. They will come to us for help.
(JTA)  An Israeli reporter is claiming that she was the victim of discrimination by haredi Orthodox men on a recent United Airlines flight to Newark  and that the Israeli flight attendant had sided with the men over her.

Neria Kraus account ricocheted across the internet while her plane was in the air. Competing accounts of what transpired and soon emerged, with other passengers claiming the reporters gender was never an issue and arguing that she had jumped to a conclusion based on a mans religious head covering.

Whats clear is that Kraus, a U.S. correspondent for the Israeli TV network Channel 13, has initiated a new episode in a longstanding tension between religious and secular Jews, at a time when issues of gender segregation are returning to the fore in Israel.

The situation erupted when Kraus tweeted while onboard a United flight from Tel Aviv to Newark that haredi Orthodox men had tried to pressure her to move seats, and that when she refused, a female flight attendant shouted at me that the flight will not take off if she did not comply.

I was told the flight might touch down in Egypt and it would be my fault, Kraus wrote as she posted a video of her arguing with passengers and crew. What a humiliating event for me as a woman. Kraus refused to move and the flight departed on time.

The account and subsequent social media frenzy came at a delicate moment, when incidents of sex segregation in public accommodations within Israel, usually illegal, have magnified concerns about the right-wing governments concessions to religious parties.

The countrys growing and politically powerful haredi Orthodox contingent enforces strict gender segregation within its own communities, and their political influence has extended to contested gender and modesty norms in other spaces including the Western Wall, public buses, beaches, college classes and trains.

Israels top court has typically ruled against gender segregation in public settings. But in recent months, as Israels right-wing governing coalition  which includes two haredi parties and few women lawmakers  has pressed forward with legislation that would sap the judiciarys power, the countrys press has been rife with reports of activities that flout the law. One Orthodox municipality plans to hold a gender-segregated public concert despite three legal rulings against it; another community adopted sex-segregated swimming hours at a public spring. Multiple women say they have been denied transportation on public buses because of what they were wearing.

You live in a Jewish state and you should respect the people living here, a driver told teenage girls as he ordered them to the back of a bus in one incident, according to a video obtained by Israeli news outlets, adding, When you get on a bus where there are religious and ultra-Orthodox people who respect your way of life, you should respect theirs. An Israeli protest group that has frequently staged demonstrations wearing outfits from The Handmaids Tale filed an incitement complaint over the incident.

United is not an Israeli company, and it is not bound by Israeli laws. Still, the incident on the flight filled with Israeli and U.S. Jews triggered associations with the contemporary climate in Israel, Kraus told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

There have been a few events in the past days or weeks of trying to tell women to sit on the back of the bus, or not allowing women to get on a bus. So I think this is a situation in Israeli society that Israelis really care about, Kraus said. I didnt think that it would get so much exposure, but it did, and a lot of women are writing me, Thank you for talking in our names.

The long-term takeaways from the incident involving Kraus remain as uncertain as what actually happened on the plane.

As attention to the incident grew, competing accounts emerged. A guerrilla journalist in New York, Daniel Amram, published an interview late Tuesday with Nigel, a Brooklyn man who appears in Kraus initial photo and claimed to have been the person who first asked her to change seats. Nigel, who wears a kippah but not any other signifiers of haredi identity, said he had asked her to move only so that his son and his friend could sit next to each other. He told Amram that he dropped the request when she refused.

I said, Do you mind switching? Its the same aisle seat, the man recalled. After he removed his cap to reveal his kippah, he told Amram, She started screaming, Its because Im a woman, you want me to move. She started screaming, Discrimination, discrimination!

The man further claimed that the flight attendant had threatened to cancel the flight after hearing Kraus allege discrimination. The Orthodox travel site DansDeals also spoke to Nigel and claimed Kraus had exaggerated her account of the flight.

The next day, Kraus continued to defend her interpretation of events, tweeting an interview with a man who she claimed was a fellow flight attendant on the plane. In the video, the man indicated that he concurred that the seating request had been an act of discrimination.

You have a problem sitting next to a female, you should take a different flight  go fly El Al, we dont care, he told the man. He was referencing the Israeli airline sued for acquiescing to haredi Orthodox mens demands to move women away from them.

Everything I said is true. Everything else is lies, Kraus tweeted. However, the man in the video does not address Kraus allegation that the United flight attendant started yelling at me.

Kraus told JTA that she still believes she had been asked to move because the men did not want to sit next to a woman, and disputed details of Nigels account. At the same time, she walked back her criticism of the flight attendant, saying, I dont want to see anyone losing their jobs because of this.

Uniteds response was also muddy. The plane was still in the air when the company issued a non-committal statement to JTA: We offered the customer another seat  which was declined  the flight departed for New York/Newark and is expected to arrive on time.

Thirty minutes later, United publicly tweeted an apology to Kraus, writing, We deeply apologize for this interaction and would like to look into this further. Kraus also told JTA the flight attendants had apologized to her during the flight.

She told JTA that she did not want to speculate about why her story went so viral. But she acknowledged that sex segregation has been in the news in Israel. People really care about it, she said. I think this is the issue.
(JTA)  A vacant West Hartford, Connecticut, synagogue building, shuttered in 2018, could soon turn into 49 apartments  including affordable housing, a local newspaper has reported.

Agudas Achim, an Orthodox congregation established in 1887 that primarily served Romanian immigrants, moved to its third permanent location in the building in 1969. Five years ago, it merged with another congregation, United Synagogues, and the building went up for sale the following year. Now the property, which the city appraised at about $2.5 million, is under contract.

Trout Brook Realty Advisors, the nonprofit development arm of the West Hartford Connecticut Housing Authority, is developing the new housing complex. Both of the possible redevelopment plans would incorporate the synagogue buildings facade  which includes a distinctive ground-to-roof pattern of brightly colored windows  and not require the buildings demolition.

We are really excited about it, Jill Corrado, CEO of Trout Brook and executive director of the West Hartford Housing Authority told the Hartford Business Journal. Its a cool adaptive reuse of an existing structure. We wanted to pay tribute to it by not demolishing the entire structure. It has some cool features we want to preserve.

The West Hartford project is a solution to two problems that have vexed many: what to do with synagogue buildings when their congregations shrink, relocate or otherwise shift, and a crisis in housing affordability across the United States.

A handful of efforts are underway to tackle both challenges at once. In California, a legislator who says he is driven by his Jewish identity proposed a law that would allow colleges and religious institutions to build affordable housing on their properties  even if they arent zoned for residential use. The legislation still needs approval from the Californias Assembly and governor, who has made the states housing crisis a top priority.

Corrado told the Hartford Business Journal it was too early to know how many of the units in the new development would be set aside as affordable housing.

West Hartfords town planner Todd Dumais commended the developers decision to maintain some of the exterior of the building.

Whats exciting, he told Connecticut Insider, is looking at an adaptive reuse component and keeping the architectural integrity and integrating that into the plans, Dumais said. Its got some very unique and interesting architectural heritage thats integral to the former synagogue there. I commend them to [sic] making that attempt in this first pass. Theres a lot of merit to that.

Its not the first time that a previous home of the congregation has been converted to alternate use. While the original Agudas Achim in Hartford met in private homes, by 1928 the congregation had established a permanent Romanesque Revival and Colonial Revival style synagogue. After outgrowing the building and moving to the suburbs of West Hartford, the building was sold and later became a Baptist church. Today it is the Glory Chapel International Cathedral.
Perhaps you've heard the news. Fires torching hundreds of properties. Entire households burned to the ground. Every personal belonging lost. Thousands of lives destroyed. The devastation has been unprecedented, and it will take years to rebuild that which can be rebuilt. But the personal tragedies and lives lost may never heal.

If you're in the West, you may have heard about the tremendous loss in Maui, Hawaii. Wildfires have left a trail of death and destruction. As horrible as that is, that's not what I am writing about today.

While Maui was burning in what was an act of God, Christian communities in Pakistan have been burning, torched to the ground, not as an act of God but as an act of evil. Trumped up charges of "blasphemy" by Moslems in Pakistan against two Christian men was the spark that set off a widespread rampage of attacks by Moslems against their Christian neighbors that have lasted nearly a week as of this writing.

In Pakistan, charges of blasphemy can carry a death penalty. Blasphemy can be as simple as "embarrassing" Islam. Sometimes, mobs of people take this Pakistani Islamic justice into their own hands. So much for the religion of peace.

For days, an out-of-control pogrom has been carried out against Christians, with law enforcement turning a blind eye as if there's any legitimate excuse for that. Dozens of churches have been ransacked, looted, and burned to the ground. Hundreds of Christian homes were also attacked, looted, and burned. Things that were too big to loot were simply dragged to the street and burned. Countless Bibles have been burnt, desecrated, destroyed. All this displaced thousands of lives, entire extended families forced to flee their homes, their communities, seeking shelter anywhere they could, even makeshift tents in open areas. Not that this would make them safer from the attacks of their Moslem neighbors. It just made them more vulnerable, marked, open to assault. Just less to burn. They fled with the clothes on their backs, and now have nothing left, and no homes to return to.

Even if they could return, how will they ever move back, even if their homes are rebuilt? How will they ever feel safe among the Moslem neighbors whose hate was ignited against them and their faith? But they are stuck in Pakistan, with nowhere to go, as second-class citizens, tolerated but not really accepted. And the targets of evil hatred whenever there's an excuse. There's no recourse.

A few years ago, I posted a video on YouTube of a Christian man in Pakistan being lynched and burned to death. Apparently, that violated their "community standards" against violence. Earlier this year, because of that, YouTube blocked me. When I "appealed" I got an immediate automated response that my appeal was rejected. I laughed at first, realizing that YouTube houses no shortage of gratuitous violence, but when it comes to posting real crimes to highlight the evil amid which Christians have to exist there, that's too much for their sensitive community standards. I hesitate to post videos I have seen of the most recent violence, but they are real and horrific.

Unlike Maui, Pakistani Christians have no insurance. No state of federal money to rebuild. Police are not comforting much less protecting the victims in Pakistan. Pakistani Christians exist in the crosshairs of a society that's simply unsafe. They are tolerated, sometimes, but not protected. Second class? How about seventh class.

In the past week, many of my Pakistani Christian friends have turned to me, in Israel, for prayers and support. They are heartbroken, devastated, and scared. Yet as much as they fear for themselves and their families, they are trying to help those most in need, as good Christians should for one another. However, for them, simply reaching out to me, an Orthodox Jew in Israel, could trigger more violence, even lynching. As much as they may be "tolerated" in Pakistan, Israel and the Jews are the enemy.

They also know I'll help, because I care, and because I did a year ago when floods of biblical proportions and Christians suffered because of their status far more than average Moslem Pakistanis. Seventh class.

I undertook this effort then on behalf of the Genesis 123 Foundation which exists to build bridges between Jews and Christians and Christians with Israel in ways that are new, unique, and meaningful. This includes looking out for persecuted Christians, specifically in the Middle East. A year ago, after unprecedented flooding across Pakistan, we stepped up to raise funds to support our Pakistani Christian friends who suffered even more of the devastation than the Moslem population. Unprecedented. An organization of Jews and Christians, run by an Orthodox Israeli Jew, reaching out to protect Christians in Pakistan. It was a blessing to do so, and it was our responsibility, to be a blessing to the families of the world.

As entire families in Pakistan have been devastated, we launched a campaign again, urgently, to provide any funding, as generously as possible, so we can help with the rebuilding. Our partners and friends are reliable and have the highest integrity. One is asking for a meagre $20,000. The truth is even $120,000 is not enough. But that's our goal. We want the impact to be felt as widely as possible because there are and will be needs far beyond the physical and tangible losses.

I pray that Jews and Christians, and anyone of good conscience, will step up and join the efforts. Maui is horrible. My heart is pained for all the loss. But as much as that's true, there's no aid for Pakistani Christians. Not until now.
A new 14,000-square-foot Jewish Student Center is set to open Sunday, Sept. 3rd at the University of Central Florida. The Chabad Centers grand opening will culminate a two-year building project.

This is one of the most exciting charity projects that we have been involved in and that has given the most joy to our family. It is very rewarding and very easy to support a project when you are partnering with one of the most loving, caring, dedicated, able and committed persons in the world, Rabbi Chaim and Rivkie Lipskier. You make us proud, said Moshe and Lillian Tabacinic, whose name the new campus will bear.

With a Jewish student body estimated between six and eight thousand, it is the largest Jewish student population on any campus worldwide outside of Israel. The multifaceted center was built to cater to the widest range of student needs, and includes a synagogue, social hall, student lounge, guest suites, mikvah and more. The $6.5 million center was also designed and built to the latest standards, embracing a cleaner and greener future.

Since its inception in 2006, Chabad at the University of Central Florida has served as a home away from home for the many thousands of Jewish students attending the state university from across the region, including Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa and Tallahassee.

I love the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that has my friends and I come back week after week said Rebecca Zilberman, a student from Lake Worth. At Chabad, I feel like Im with my family.

Particularly noteworthy is the diverse support the center has earned from the widest cross-section of the university and local communities, which has helped make this new home a reality. Bringing together Jews from every background and religious affiliation is a testament to Chabads hallmark attitude of acceptance and warmth to one and all.

Alan Ginsburg, a household name in the Orlando Jewish and philanthropic community and The Ginsburg Family Foundation, will be dedicating the Ginsburg Family Foundation Social Hall; Brian Hammontree, a long-time Chabad friend and neighbor, will be dedicating the student lounge; Dr Terri Fine and Paul Stenzler will be dedicating the library; and Moshe and Lillian Tabacinic, are among the many supporters of the new center.

Our main purpose here at UCF is to provide a safe haven for Jewish life and learning for the students in the Orlando Area, says Rabbi Chaim Lipskier, who co-directs the center alongside his wife Rivkie. We believe every person, regardless of observance or affiliation, should have a place where they feel comfortable to grow physically and spiritually.

With a formal ribbon cutting ceremony in the presence of community and university leaders and elected officials, the dedication will celebrate past achievements and the ever-expanding activities the new center will help to accommodate.

The community is warmly invited to attend the Grand Opening of the Chabad Jewish Student Center on Sunday, Sept., 3, 2023, at 1 p.m., at 3144 N. Alafaya Trail, Orlando, FL 32826.

For more information, dedication opportunities, and to RSVP for the Grand Opening celebration, please visit JewishUCF.com/GrandOpening.
(JNS)  Mondays murderous terrorist attack on Route 60 in Hebron, in which an Israeli woman was shot dead and a man seriously injured, is just the latest indication of the sad fact that Israel is in the middle of a prolonged security escalation in Judea and Samaria  with no end in sight.

The incident comes two days after an Israeli father and son were shot dead in Huwara, an attack that may have helped inspire Mondays shooting.

So far in 2023, 34 people (33 Israelis and an Italian tourist) were killed in Palestinian terrorism, and almost 200 shooting attacks occurred in Judea and Samaria. In the whole of 2022, terrorists killed 31 people and there were 281 shooting attacks.

These figures attest to the scope of the escalation. The Israel Defense Forces and Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet) are engaged in a non-stop effort to combat terrorism in the area, sending in backup forces and holding assessments daily all the way up to the level of the General Staff, according to an Israeli military source.

Over 20 IDF battalions are active in Judea and Samaria, including the Givati Reconnaissance Battalion that was dispatched on Saturday after the Huwara shootings.

In the end, however, no matter how many backup forces it sends, the IDF still cannot be everywhere at once or preempt every attack.

There are many roads in Judea and Samaria that provide easy targets for terrorists looking to fire on Israeli vehicles, including Route 60 and the Hurawa corridor, which Israelis in the area must use to move between north and southalthough the decision by the father and son on Saturday to stop at Hurawa for several hours was extremely dangerous.

Other signs of the escalation can be found in the fact that where in the past a single IDF company was sufficient to hold the Huwara area, now an entire battalion is needed, according to the Israeli military source.

The fact that so many IDF battalions have to be deployed to Judea and Samaria is also negatively impacting training.

Last month, work reportedly began to construct a Huwara bypass road, which if completed will significantly ease the pressure on Israeli security forces.

While the current situation is not a full-blown intifada, the figures indicate that it is indeed prolonged escalation, and despite the massive resources and efforts that the IDF and Shin Bet are pouring into Judea and Samaria, terrorists motivation remains high.

Furthermore, their ability to carry out attacks is enhanced by the enormous quantities of firearms flooding the area.

The guns are being smuggled in from Jordan, produced in Palestinian workshops and stolen from IDF bases in southern Israel. On Aug. 1, Israel announced that it would build a new security barrier on the border with Jordan, in an attempt to staunch the flow.

The July 5-6 Jenin operation launched by the IDF saw hundreds of weapons seized by security forces, and Israel will continue to launch such operations at various scales, but it will not be enough.

According to the military source, for every successful terrorist attack on average some 10 are foiled by Israel, providing a glimpse into the true extent of the threat.

The instability of the Palestinian Authority, the ability of Hamas to exploit it, and friction between Palestinians and Israelis are all contributing to the strain on the IDFs efforts.

Israel meanwhile is continuing its policy of allowing some 150,000 Palestinians who have passed security screening to work in Israel, as part of its targeted approach that seeks to differentiate between terrorists and civilians, and to decrease the ability of Hamas to use its murderous incitement to recruit even more attackers.

At the same time, the IDF is under pressure from Israeli civilians to show better results and to bring down the number of attacks.

Israels round-the-clock counter-terrorism effort is up against a network of hostile actors involving local gunmen supported by Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Iran, with the latter three pouring cash and incitement as fuel onto the fire.

Iran, for its part, is implementing a decision taken around a year ago to transfer its conflict with Israel into Judea and Samaria and the streets of Israel, after its failure to respond to a series of blasts and incidents on Iranian territory that it blamed on Israel.

As such, Iran is strengthening its support for its proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon, while in Judea and Samaria it is working to inject more cash for weapons production and for destabilizing the arena.

Israels fight against terrorism in the area is set to be a long-term affair.
(JNS)  In the event of a constitutional crisis, the Israel Police will be on the side of law and justice, Police Commissioner Yaakov Shabtai said on Wednesday.

Speaking during an induction ceremony for the new Lod police chief, Shabtai said, I would like to make it clear in a way that is not ambiguousthe police have only one compass and that is the law and justice; as long as I am in command of it the law will decide and we will act only according to it.

Israels National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who spoke immediately after Shabtai, said that should a crisis break out between the legislative and judicial branches, its the lead of the legislative branch that the police should follow.

Our police are apolitical. And according to the law and the principles of democracy, the people go to the polls and whoever is elected should dictate policy and everyone should act on it, he said.

Legal observers have told JNS that Israel would face a constitutional crisis if Israels High Court strikes down the amendment to Basic Law: The Judiciary passed by the Knesset on July 24.

The law limits the courts use of the reasonableness standard as a legal justification to reverse government decisions.

As the court derives its authority from the countrys quasi-constitutional Basic Laws, Netanyahus government argues that the court does not have the authority to overrule them.

Professor Eugene Kontorovich, director of international law at the Kohelet Policy Forum, agrees, telling JNS last month, The court has recognized Basic Laws as constitutional, even those passed without a broad consensus. If it strikes down a Basic Law, especially one dealing with its own jurisdiction, it means the court doesnt get to just interpret the constitution, but also to decide what goes in it.

Kontorovich said that striking down the law would give the court absolute power of a kind unknown in Western democracies and trigger a fundamental constitutional crisis.

Avi Bell, a professor of law at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat Gan and the University of San Diego, told JNS that Israel is already in the middle of a constitutional crisis, because the court has acted without legal restraint.

Any attempt to invalidate the reasonableness law would be illegitimate, he said.

There is no power that the court has in law to strike down an amendment to a Basic Law. There is no statutory basis for the court doing so, said Bell.

Aeyal Gross, a professor of international and constitutional law at Tel Aviv University, disagreed, telling JNS that the petitions against the amendment have merit. In his view, should the government fail to respect a court decision to strike down the amendment, this would lead to a constitutional crisis.
In a dynamic blend of business and tradition, the Jewish Chamber of Commerce is set to host a unique networking event on Sept. 7, 8:30 a.m., at TooJays on Colonial. With a vibrant Rosh Hashanah theme, this breakfast event promises not only professional connections but also a celebration of culture and community.

As summer fades into fall, the Jewish Chamber of Commerce invites entrepreneurs, professionals, and business enthusiasts to come together for an evening of camaraderie and growth. The event, set against the backdrop of the upcoming Rosh Hashanah holiday, symbolizes a fresh start and new beginnings. Attendees can anticipate forging valuable connections, sharing ideas, and exploring opportunities that could shape the year ahead. Attendees of the event will be able to partake in this spirit of renewal, as they engage in conversations that inspire growth, share goals, and pave the way for mutual success.

Weaving traditions while the focus remains on networking and professional development, the Rosh Hashanah theme infuses cultural richness into the event. From traditional sweet treats symbolizing a sweet year ahead to meaningful conversations about personal and professional aspirations, participants will experience the fusion of tradition and progress.

Embracing diversity and unity, the Jewish Chamber of Commerce has always stood as a testament to the strength of diversity within the business community. This event exemplifies the organizations commitment to bringing individuals from various backgrounds together, fostering understanding, and forging connections that transcend differences.

As Sept. 7 draws near, professionals across the spectrum are encouraged to secure their spot at this Rosh Hashanah-themed networking event. Whether youre a seasoned entrepreneur, a young professional looking to expand your network, or someone simply interested in engaging conversations and delicious cuisine, this event promises an unforgettable evening.
Four years after assuming the duties of CEO of the Rosen JCC, Dr. Reuben L. Romirowsky made the decision to retire. Hailing from the northeast, he wanted to return to his home where he could be with his wife and close to his children and grandchildren.

A search was made for a new CEO and the Jack and Lee Rosen Jewish Community Center search committee recently announced that Ofira Bondorowsky, an accomplished leader and philanthropic visionary, has been named as the new chief executive officer and executive director beginning immediately. Romirowsky is still here for a week or so to help in the transition.

Born in Israel, Bondorowsky grew up in Southeast Orlando. She joins the Rosen JCC with an exemplary record in both the public education and nonprofit sectors, where she built an impressive reputation for forging capacity-building partnerships. In her previous role as the vice president of strategic partnerships for Charity Navigator, Bondorowsky collaborated with expert groups and nonprofit leaders across the US to develop a comprehensive rating system for evaluating nonprofit performance and success. Now used to assess nearly 200,000 nonprofits nationwide, her contributions to advancing Charity Navigator's mission have helped donors give with confidence. She's described by peers as a collaborative and innovative leader with a track record of cultivating meaningful relationships within the organization and the community at large to transform big ideas into reality.

"I'm honored to join the team of dedicated staff at the Rosen JCC and grateful to Harris Rosen, the Rosen Foundation, and the Rosen JCC's board of directors for their support and trust," said Bondorowsky.

"We are very excited to welcome Ofira to the Rosen JCC," said Jason Jacobson, president of the board of directors. "Ofira's years of experience and knowledge with nonprofit organizations will enable her to explore and identify new opportunities as we grow our community partnerships," he added.

Ofira Bondorowsky

"I am excited to welcome Ofira in her new role as the Rosen JCC's chief executive officer and executive director," said philanthropist Harris Rosen, who dedicated this facility in honor of his parents. "I am confident that her passion for community service, leadership experience and vision for the future will be tremendous assets to the JCC and to Central Florida's Jewish community. When you see Ofira's distinguished record of success, you will know that the Rosen JCC and the Central Florida Jewish community are both in great hands for today and for many years to come. I couldn't be more pleased with Jason and the board of directors for selecting Ofira. She is already a pillar in our community, and I have no doubt that her passion and her vision will serve Central Florida's Jewish community very well."

"Central Florida is an extraordinary community with a long history of demonstrating that if we dream it, we can build it. I look forward to collaborating with leaders throughout the region to develop innovative and impactful programs that meet the needs of our community and redefine what's possible," Bondorowsky added.

The Jack and Lee Rosen Southwest JCC is located at 11184 S. Apopka Vineland Rd. in Orlando. For more information, visit RosenJCC.org or call 407-387-5330.
Finance Minister and leader of the Religious Zionism Party Bezalel Smotrich and National Mission Minister Orit Strock at a faction meeting in the Jewish community of Givat Harel, near Shiloh, Feb. 14, 2023.

(JNS) - Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Missions Minister Orit Strock are spearheading a 670 million shekel ($180 million) initiative with the stated goal of strengthening "civilian resilience" in Jewish communities across Judea and Samaria, local media reported on Wednesday.

The "unprecedented" addition to the 2023-2024 budget, parts of which were already agreed upon in the coalition agreement with Smotrich's the Religious Zionism Party, will be formally discussed at the weekly Cabinet meeting in Jerusalem this coming Sunday, according to the reports.

The proposal's official objective is to assist communities living under the threat of Palestinian terrorism, said the Hebrew-language Calcalist newspaper. Accordingly, 46.5 million shekels ($12.4 million) will be invested in building "resilience centers" and social programs.

Smotrich and Strock are reportedly also seeking to encourage demographic growth in more remote parts of Judea and Samaria by earmarking over 100 million shekels ($26.7 million) for northern Samaria, the Hebron Hills, Kiryat Arba and the areas around the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley.

More than 200 million shekels ($50 million) will be used to upgrade outdated infrastructure, schools and public buildings, including in "unregulated" outposts, while a budget of 184 million shekels ($49.1 million) is set aside to boost the security of Jewish communities under threat.

The proposal furthermore contains a 45 million shekel ($12 million) budget to establish a sizeable medical center in the Sha'ar Binyamin industrial park. Among other medical services, the complex will include an emergency room and imaging institute, as well as departments for pediatric medicine, women's health, dialysis and other specialist medicine services.

Some one million shekels ($265,460) will go toward a strategy to turn the Samaria city of Ariel into a student hub. Meanwhile, the Aliyah and Integration Ministry will allocate 12 million shekels ($3.2 million) with an eye towards informing potential immigrants of the possibility of settling beyond the 1949 armistice line.

Some parts of the plan are still being worked out, Calcalist noted.

For example, in the areas around Kedumim, Beit El, Alon Shvut, Ma'ale Adumim and Kiryat Arba, Smotrich and Strock suggest turning IDF military bases into residential and industrial parks, as has been done in the center of the country under the auspices of the Shoham 3 agreement.

Moreover, a yet-to-be-determined amount will be invested in securing Jewish shepherds in Judea and Samaria. Earlier this month, Israeli Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter applauded farmers' role in protecting state lands in the region.

Approximately 220 million shekels ($58.4 million) of the plan's total budget will come directly from Strock's National Missions Ministry. The remainder will be financed by other ministries, primarily the finance, interior and defense ministries.

Garrett Mills/Flash90 A house in the Israeli outpost of Esh Kodesh near Shiloh in the Binyamin Region, July 20, 2015.

The Jewish population in Judea and Samaria has surpassed half a million people, according to a report published earlier this year. There were 502,991 Jews living in Judea and Samaria as of Jan. 1, according to the document, which culled data from Israel's Interior Ministry.

The 500,000-plus Jews living beyond the 1967 Green Line account for 12% of all Jews in Israel. The report projected the Jewish population in Judea and Samaria to exceed 600,000 by 2030, 700,000 by 2035 and one million by 2047.

In February, Smotrich vowed to promote unrestrained construction in Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, and has announced plans to advance the construction of an additional 10,000 homes in Judea and Samaria.

Smotrich, who also holds the post of minister in the Defense Ministry, has been tasked by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with overseeing the Civil Administration, the Defense Ministry body responsible for approving construction and handling other bureaucratic matters in Area C of Judea and Samaria.
(JNS)  Palestinian terrorists fired on the Shahak Industrial Park in northern Samaria on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces said.

The IDF reported no casualties but said that the attack had caused material damage.

The vehicle used in the attack was located in Palestinian Authority territory and contained ammunition and spent cartridges. Israeli forces were searching the area for the suspected shooters.

The shooting joins the dozens of shooting incidents over the past year which occurred in the bloc of settlements in northern Samaria, and the attempts to launch rockets toward the towns, said Samaria Regional Council head Yossi Dagan.

The situation in northern Samaria cannot continue this way, Dagan added.

I demand that the prime minister, defense minister and all of the government ministers renew the Bayit Vagan operation [the IDFs 48-hour counterterror operation in Jenin in July] and eliminate the Palestinian Authoritys terror infrastructure. We will not be sitting ducks in a firing range, he said.

We will not accept a situation in which a person leaves for work in the morning and does not know if he will return since he is exposed to gunfire from terrorists due to the fact that we have become the Wild West, Dagan said.

The shooting came amid an ongoing wave of Palestinian terrorism throughout Judea, Samaria and eastern Jerusalem.

Shortly after midnight on Thursday, suspected Palestinian terrorists hurled rocks at Israeli vehicles on the Route 60 highway in the area of Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya near Ramallah, Rescuers Without Borders (Hatzalah Judea and Samaria) reported.

At least one car was hit, slightly injuring two people. The driver managed to keep driving until he reached the Jewish community of Eli. The two victims did not need medical treatment, said Hatzalah.

Meanwhile, local media reported on Wednesday about an attempted lynching that took place in the northeastern Jerusalem neighborhood of Issawiya on Saturday.

According to Channel 14, a haredi, or ultra-Orthodox, Jewish couple from the Etzion bloc in Judea made a wrong turn into the Arab-majority area while on their way to the delivery room at Hadassah Medical Center at Mount Scopus.

I soon realized that I did not know how to get out of the area, so I opened the window to ask, How do I get to Mount Scopus from here? And when I opened the window, immediately a bottle was thrown at me, the father related.

The Arab mob continued to bombard their car with rocks, firecrackers and bottles, and a teenager punched the husband as he tried to pull him out of the vehicle. I have no doubt that it was clear to them that my wife was in labor.  And yet, they brutally attacked, he said.

Eventually, the man was able to press the gas, escape and reach the hospital, where his wife gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The new father was taken to the emergency room, Channel 14 reported.
(JNS)  The Biden administration pressed forward with plans to allocate hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to the Palestinians despite concerns within the administration that those funds could end up supporting the Iran-backed terror group Hamas.

According to internal documents obtained by the Washington Free Beacon, U.S. State Department officials expressed those concerns privately, asking the Treasury Department to exempt them from laws barring the United States from sending funds into areas run by Palestinian terror groups.

The authorization was required to unfreeze more than $360 million in U.S. funds for the Palestinian Authority that were cut off during the Trump administration. The P.A. encourages terrorism through its pay for slay program, which provides money to terrorists and their families. (It refers to it as the Martyrs Fund.)

We assess there is a high-risk Hamas could potentially derive indirect, unintentional benefit from U.S. assistance to Gaza. There is less but still some risk U.S. assistance would benefit other designated groups, the State Department wrote in the draft of a sanctions exemption request circulated internally in March 2021.

Notwithstanding this risk, State believes it is in our national security interest to provide assistance in the West Bank and Gaza to support the foreign policy objectives, it added.

The documents show the Biden administration privately worried its efforts to restart Palestinian aid could benefit Hamas and other terror factions operating in the Gaza Strip, the Free Beacon reported.

As Biden officials publicly assured Congress and the press that the aid would be distributed consistent with U.S. law, the State Department was seeking a sanctions exemption to allow it to skirt anti-terrorism laws.

The State Department said it needed broad authorities in Judea and Samaria and the Gaza Strip that would otherwise be prohibited by the Global Terrorist Sanctions Regulations and the Foreign Terrorist Organization Sanctions Regulations, according to the draft version of the request.

Such authorization would enable activities, including assistance activities, that are critical to support the administrations efforts to advance prosperity, security, and freedom for both Israelis and Palestinians and to advance and preserve the prospects of a negotiated solution in which Israel lives in peace and security alongside a viable Palestinian state, it said.

The Free Beacon noted that the draft request bolsters Republican warnings at the time that aid would boost terror groups. In April 2021, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and a group of Republicans sent a letter to the administration urging that the aid be halted.

We call on you to halt these expenditures until the State Department accounts for statutory restrictions and remedies known deficiencies in the distribution of such assistance, which have for years promoted and facilitated terrorism against Americans and Israelis, the 2021 letter stated.

Reacting to the draft exemption request revealed by the Free Beacon, Cruz said on Wednesday:

They made a day one decision to pour hundreds of millions of American taxpayer dollars into areas controlled by Palestinian terrorists, despite knowing that such actions would benefit terrorist groups that have the blood of Americans and Israelis on their hands. State Department officials knew that doing so risked violating the most basic American laws prohibiting assistance that benefits terrorists, and so they rushed to lawlessly exempt themselves from those restrictions.

A U.S. official told the Free Beacon that the State Departments risk assessment should have caused the Biden administration to act with caution.

The fact that there was a high risk that Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, would benefit from U.S. assistance should have been enough to at least give the administration some pause in resuming aid, if not keep it from restarting it altogether, said the official.

As the administration began sending hundreds of millions to the P.A., Republicans in Congress said the funding broke additional U.S. laws as well, the Free Beaconreported.

Under the Taylor Force Act, or Anti-Terrorism Clarification Act, a 2018 law named after a former U.S. army officer stabbed to death in Tel Aviv in 2016, the U.S. cant send funds to the P.A. until it stops its pay-for-slay program.

The State Department told Congress in a non-public 2022 report that the P.A. continued payments to Palestinian prisoners who had committed acts of terrorism, as well as the families of so-called martyrs who died while committing acts of terrorism.

Michael Chamberlain, director of Protect the Publics Trust, which obtained the documents through a Freedom of Information Act request, said the documents show that the Biden administration knew its funding efforts could potentially violate the law.

The Taylor Force Act was a bipartisan effort to prevent American taxpayer dollars from funding terrorists and rewarding terrorism, Chamberlain said. But here it appears State Department officials were trying to get around the laws restrictions and send resources in a manner that even they thought was likely to result in funds ending up in the hands of a group designated as a terrorist organization.

The Biden administration talks a good game about respecting the rule of law and being the most ethical administration in history. But too often it is willing to ignore those ideals to advance a policy objectiveeven when that objective may conflict with the law, he added.
(JNS)  In a hyper-partisan, highly polarized red vs blue America, the politics of Israel and the Middle East in general have always been complicated. Rather than breaking down neatly along party lines, there are profound divisions within both Republican and Democratic ranks on issues relating to the U.S. role in the Middle East. Well discuss the intramural GOP fight at another time, but its beginning to look like the early action in next years election cycle will be in Democratic House primaries.

The great majority of Democrats in Congress are reliably pro-Israel. But the numbers of those who vote against the interests of the Jewish state are growing, and it appears that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee has decided its time to push back harder. The Jewish Insider reported last week that AIPAC is escalating its efforts to take on Democratic incumbents who have stood against Israel, actively recruiting candidates to run against Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.).

In the past, AIPAC has given some support to challengers against anti-Israel officeholders but has kept a relatively low profile to avoid becoming a target for progressive activists in those districts. But by telegraphing their intentions so early against Omar and Bowman, the pro-Israel group is making it clear that they are willing to be on the receiving end of attacks from the opposition if thats what will be required to achieve their goals.

The opposition is more than happy to oblige. De facto Squad leader Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) sent out a fundraising appeal on Bowmans behalf last week that featured the warning phrase, AIPAC is at it again. In the message, Ocasio-Cortez revisited some of the attacks she had leveled against AIPAC in the past and accused the organization of plans to target progressive working-class candidates of color.

This fight is going to get louder and nastier in the months ahead. The result will be an even sharper divide between the Democrats progressive base and establishment center over the Jewish state, at a time when the Biden administration has prioritized a possible security accord between the United States, Saudi Arabia and Israel and as Democratic leaders try to prioritize party unity heading into next years elections.

Last year, AIPAC found itself in the crosshairs of many Democratic voters when its political action committee endorsed 37 Republicans who had voted against the certification of Joe Bidens election. The organizations leaders correctly pointed out that support for Israel is the only criterion for their endorsement and that the PAC supported roughly an equal number of candidates from both parties. Not surprisingly, an American Jewish community that votes heavily Democratic in most elections virulently expressed its unhappiness. But AIPACs job is to build relationships among Israel backers in both parties, and they stood their ground.

But making friends represents one type of political challengemaking enemies is another. To be fair, its not as if AIPAC went hunting for incumbents to target for defeat. The original Squad has now roughly tripled in size. Nine House members voted against a resolution last month stating that the state of Israel is not a racist or apartheid state, which is a fairly low bar for measuring anti-Israel sentiment. Several other members have signed on to a variety of other bills that financially or rhetorically target the Jewish state. As progressives within the Democratic caucus continue to gain strength, this challenge will almost certainly increase. AIPACs public pushback is designed not only to discourage current members from this type of behavior, but to warn others tempted to join their ranks that the political consequences of this brand of anti-Zionism would be severe.

Republicans have their own problems with their most ideologically extreme members, including a former president who has been soft-pedaling criticism of the Charlottesville rioters for several years. The ugly nationalism that oozes into bigotry and antisemitism on the far right is a growing threat. But American Jews are well-practiced and comfortable fighting against an ultra-conservative menace. Standing up to the far left is less instinctual, but just as necessary.

Originally published by the Jewish Journal.
The City of Warsaw was ravaged in WWII by the Nazis, who destroyed close to 95 percent of all its buildings including museums, historical landmarks, churches, and of course synagogues. The Warsaw Ghetto in which the Jews courageously fought the Nazis was reduced to rubble.

Once liberated from Soviet domination, having prospered economically from European Union membership and increased national security under the umbrella of NATO, Poland undertook a major rebuilding of its war-torn country.

As our tour bus entered the city at dusk we were met by a modern city with gleaming skyscrapers, wide boulevards, upscale shops and restaurants, and well-dressed patrons who clearly were enjoying contemporary success.

Today, all of its historical landmarks, museums and churches have been restored. Not so its synagogues or Jewish institutions. What was left of Jewish life in Poland is now found in museums and placards on newly constructed buildings where Jewish structures and synagogues once stood.

Pre-Holocaust Poland had a Jewish population of more than 3,400,000 Jews; almost 400,000 of whom called Warsaw home. After the War the Jewish population including some returning Polish Jews numbered no more than 180,000. Unfortunately, the defeat of Nazi Germany did not end the persecution and slaughter of Jews in Poland.

At the end of the war, surviving Jews who returned to their villages and sought to reclaim their homes and other property were murdered by locals. The 1946 Kielce massacre of Jews in a frenzy of Jew hatred ultimately killed hundreds of Jews, and the antisemitic/anti-Zionist policies of the Soviet dominated Polish government resulted in the social, political and economic isolation of Jews, who were denied employment, and discriminated in every aspect of life.

Returning Jews, who thought they could pick up the pieces of a once thriving Jewish community came to the realization that there was no future for Jews in Poland. As a result, between 1946 and the decades that followed more than three quarters of the remaining Jews in Poland emigrated leaving approximately 50,000 Jews in all of Poland, most of whom remained in Warsaw or assimilated into the local population.

Combined with Polands persistent avoidance of any responsibility for

Holocaust involvement, and its suppression of discussion concerning Polish guilt in the Holocaust, along with its continuing antisemitic tendencies, explains the scarcity of Jewish life or remembrance of the great contributions made by Polish Jews over a 1,000-year history to Polish society.

After checking into our hotel, I had a delicious dinner of pirogies and other delicacies in a local restaurant with a delightful extended family in our group, who took me under their wing as the weeks activities started to wear me down.

After a restful nights sleep followed by a buffet breakfast in our hotel, we began our tour at the Jewish Historical Society Museum.

The building in which the museum is currently housed has an interesting history dating back to the formation of the Main Jewish Library in 1880 as an adjunct to the Great Synagogue of Warsaw which itself was built and dedicated on Rosh Hashanah in Sept. 1878.

When it opened, the Great Synagogue of Warsaw was considered as described in one source as one of the most magnificent Polish buildings erected in the 19th century. Tragically, in 1943, after razing the remains of the Warsaw Ghetto, the synagogue, which was being used as a storage area by the Nazis for stolen Jewish property, was also blown up to emphasize the utter defeat of the Jews.

In 1928 the Main Jewish Library had moved to its current location across the street from the Great Synagogue, While the building survived the war, its contents numbering approximately 70,000 volumes of Jewish literary material were looted, lost or destroyed by the Nazis. The building now houses the Jewish Historical Society Museum which took occupancy of the building in 1951.

Within the museum are displayed letters and narratives written by Jewish prisoners and slave laborers, most of whom did not survive, which give readers a first person glimpse of the life and dreadful horrors the Jews faced during the Holocaust. Some of the letters and narratives even wrote optimistically of the end of the Nazi regime in the face of their imminent death.

The Jewish spirit of hope and faith in humanity never left them; and while they are gone, that spirit endures in the Jewish people and has, and always will be one of the pillars of Jewish survival.

To be continued 

If you wish to comment or respond you can reach me at melpearlman322@gmail.com. Please do so in a rational, thoughtful, respectful and civil manner.

Mel Pearlman holds B.S. & M.S. degrees in physics as well as a J.D. degree and initially came to Florida in 1966 to work on the Gemini and Apollo space programs. He has practiced law in Central Florida since 1972. He has served as president of the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando; was a charter board member, first vice president and pro-bono legal counsel of the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida, as well as holding many other community leadership positions.
(JNS)  Michigan State Sen. Sylvia Santana has publicly apologized to her states Arab community for the sin of visiting Israel earlier this month. Her only intention, she pleaded, was to improve my understanding of matters related to Michigan.

Well, if Santana is genuinely interested in Arab-Israeli developments that are related to Michigan, then she didnt have to travel 6,000 miles. All she had to do was look in her own backyardat least four Michiganders have been murdered by Palestinian Arab terrorists. Im sure the victims families would be very inter...
This week, we have some exciting celebrations coming up. First, there's Rakshabandhan, a day when brothers and sisters show their love for each other by tying colourful threads called "rakhi." Then, there's Onam, a joyful harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India, with colourful decorations and delicious feasts. Lastly, we have Savan Purnima, a day when people celebrate the full moon by offering prayers and sometimes fasting. Talking of muhurta, auspicious timings are available for the purchase and sale of property and vehicle. Let's explore this weeks important Panchanga details for New Delhi, NCT, India. Get weekly Panchang to determine auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position.

Shubh Muhurat This Week

According to Vedic Astrology, the odds of accomplishing a task successfully are significantly enhanced if they are carried out during an auspicious muhurta. An auspicious muhurta provides us with the best outcome possible according to our destiny if we execute the work in harmony with the cosmic timeline. That is why it is essential to take muhurta into account while commencing any auspicious work. This weeks Shubh Muhurat for various activities is as follows:

Vivah Muhurat: No auspicious muhurta is available this week

Griha Pravesh Muhurat: No auspicious muhurta is available this week

Property Purchase Muhurat: Auspicious muhurta is available this week on August 25 (05:55 AM to 09:14 AM) and August 31 (05:45 PM to 03:18 AM, Sep 01)

Vehicle Purchase Muhurat: Auspicious muhurta is available this week on August 30 (10:58 AM to 05:58 AM, Aug 31) and August 31 (05:58 AM to 05:45 PM)

Upcoming Planetary Transits This Week

In Vedic astrology, planetary transits are particularly crucial since they are the principal way of anticipating changes and advances in life. Planets move on a daily basis and go through several nakshatras and rashis in the process. It assists in comprehending the nature and characteristics of events as they occur. Here are the upcoming transits this week:

Sun and Saturn at a deep angle of 180-degree on August 27, Sunday, 1:55 PM

Mercury enters Poorva Phalguni nakshatra on August 28, Monday, at 1:43 PM

Rahu transits Ashwini Pada on August 28, Monday, at 3:53 PM

Sun enters Poorva Phalguni nakshatra on August 31, Thursday, at 9:44 PM

Upcoming Festivals This Week

Shravana Putrada Ekadashi (Sunday, August 27): It is a Hindu festival that falls on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravana. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and meditation. The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to grant the boon of a son to childless couples.

It is a Hindu festival that falls on the eleventh day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravana. It is a day of fasting, prayer, and meditation. The festival is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is believed to grant the boon of a son to childless couples. Damodara Dwadashi (Monday, August 28): It is a Hindu festival celebrated on the twelfth day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravana. It is a day dedicated to Lord Krishna and his mother, Yashoda. On this day, devotees fast and pray to Lord Krishna for his blessings. They also offer milk, sweets, and fruits to Lord Krishna.

It is a Hindu festival celebrated on the twelfth day of the waxing moon in the month of Shravana. It is a day dedicated to Lord Krishna and his mother, Yashoda. On this day, devotees fast and pray to Lord Krishna for his blessings. They also offer milk, sweets, and fruits to Lord Krishna. Rigveda Upakarma (Tuesday, August 29): It is a Vedic ritual performed by the Brahmins to express gratitude to the rishis who gave them knowledge of the Vedas and Vedic Mantras. The ritual also involves changing the sacred thread (janeu) worn by the Brahmins.

It is a Vedic ritual performed by the Brahmins to express gratitude to the rishis who gave them knowledge of the Vedas and Vedic Mantras. The ritual also involves changing the sacred thread (janeu) worn by the Brahmins. Onam (Tuesday, August 29): It is a 10-day festival that begins on Atham and culminates on Thiruvonam. The festival is celebrated by the people of Kerala, India, and is a time for feasting, dancing, and cultural events. Onam is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the harvest season.

It is a 10-day festival that begins on Atham and culminates on Thiruvonam. The festival is celebrated by the people of Kerala, India, and is a time for feasting, dancing, and cultural events. Onam is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the harvest season. Rakshabandhan (Wednesday, August 30): It is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brother's wrist as a symbol of their love and protection. In return, the brothers promise to protect their sisters and take care of them. Due to prevailing Bhadra kaal, the auspicious timing for typing rakhi will be from 9:01 PM to 7:05 AM on August 31.

It is a Hindu festival that celebrates the bond of love and protection between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi (a sacred thread) on their brother's wrist as a symbol of their love and protection. In return, the brothers promise to protect their sisters and take care of them. Due to prevailing Bhadra kaal, the auspicious timing for typing rakhi will be from 9:01 PM to 7:05 AM on August 31. Shravana Purnima (Thursday, August 31): It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe. On this day, people fast, offer prayers and perform pujas to Lord Vishnu. They also bathe in holy rivers and lakes.

Inauspicious Rahu Kalam This Week

According to Vedic astrology, Rahu is an inauspicious planet. During the transition of planets, the time under the influence of Rahu should be avoided to do any auspicious work. Doing Puja, Hawan or Yagya to propitiate auspicious planets during this time is interfered with by Rahu due to its malefic nature. It is important to consider Rahu Kaal before starting any new work. By doing so, the possibility of achieving desired results is increased. Following are the timings of Rahu Kalam for this week:

August 25: 10:46 AM to 12:23 PM

August 26: 09:09 AM to 10:46 AM

August 27: 05:12 PM to 06:49 PM

August 28: 07:33 AM to 09:10 AM

August 29: 03:34 PM to 05:10 PM

August 30: 12:22 PM to 01:58 PM

August 31: 01:57 PM to 03:33 PM

Panchanga is a calendar used in Vedic astrology to determine the auspicious and inauspicious time for performing day-to-day tasks based on the prevailing planetary position. It comprises five elements - Vaara, Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. The essence of the Panchanga is the inter-relationship between the Sun (our soul) and the Moon (mind) on a daily basis. Panchanga is used for different branches of Vedic astrology such as natal, election, prashna (horary), religious calendars, and to understand the energy of the day. The day of our birth panchanga depicts our emotions, temperament, and nature. It can provide more insight into who we are and how we feel. It can amplify the effect of the planets and endow us with additional characteristics that we may not understand only based on our natal chart. Panchanga is the life force energy that nourishes the birth chart.

----------------------

Neeraj Dhankher

(Vedic Astrologer, Founder - Astro Zindagi)

Email: info@astrozindagi.in, neeraj@astrozindagi.in

Url: www.astrozindagi.in

Contact: Noida: +919910094779

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The global landscape of healthcare is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by evolving technologies, regulatory requirements, and a persistent quest for improved patient outcomes. As the industry increasingly embraces the potential of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), India has emerged as a formidable player, consistently demonstrating its capability to marry technical prowess with profound healthcare insights.

However, what sets India apart isn't just its technological acumen. Its the intricate blend of an expansive skilled workforce, a robust IT infrastructure, and an innate understanding of global healthcare protocols and practices. As healthcare institutions globally grapple with ever-increasing data loads, patient histories, and billing intricacies, BPOs have become the backbone, ensuring seamless, efficient, and, above all, compassionate care.

The CEO of Cynergy BPO, John Maczynski, with a storied career collaborating with global healthcare magnates like United Healthcare, Humana, and Cigna, provides his perspective: Healthcare is not just about treating symptoms; it's about holistic well-being. Similarly, healthcare BPO is not just about managing data. Its about understanding that behind every data point is a patient, a life, a story. Our partnerships in the healthcare domain have always been steered by this philosophy.

The world of healthcare BPO isn't without its challenges. Regulations such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) and HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) set rigorous standards for data privacy, security, and management. While India continues to showcase its adeptness in aligning with these benchmarks, the global competition is intensifying.

The Philippines, a burgeoning BPO hub, has been presenting stiff competition, particularly in customer-centric roles within healthcare. Cynergy BPO, with its global perspective and presence, understands the nuanced demands of different markets, offering its unparalleled advisory and vendor sourcing services even in the Philippine landscape.

Ralf Ellspermann, the Chief Strategy Officer at Cynergy BPO, weighs in on the dynamics: The global healthcare BPO industry is not a zero-sum game. Each region, whether India or the Philippines, brings its unique strengths. Our role at Cynergy is to bridge these geographies, ensuring that healthcare providers get tailored, best-in-class solutions.

However, India's long-standing tradition of academic excellence in medical and IT disciplines, combined with its cost-effectiveness, positions it favourably in this global tug of war. The ability of Indian BPOs to drive innovation, streamline processes, and elevate patient care quality remains unparalleled.

The essence of Cynergy BPO's success in the healthcare arena is a culmination of its extensive industry experience, a profound understanding of the global healthcare landscape, and an unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of patient care. With services offered free of charge and without any obligations, the choice to collaborate with Cynergy BPO is evident.

As the healthcare sector globally embarks on its next phase, characterised by even more advanced technologies, personalised patient care, and intricate regulations, partners like Cynergy BPO will undoubtedly play a pivotal role, ensuring that patient care remains at the heart of all transformations.

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.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
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. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, DCM DK Shivakumar, senior BJP leaders BS Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai with JD(S) second-in-command HD Kumaraswamy at the all-party meeting in Bengaluru. (ANI)(HT_PRINT)

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.

READ | Karnataka CM calls for all-party team to meet PM over Cauvery issue

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.

READ | Karnataka: All-party meeting on Cauvery water dispute begins in Bengaluru

"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.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday felicitated Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somnath at the headquarters in Bengaluru, after the Chandrayaan 3 lander made a successful soft landing on the surface of the moon. The chief minister also interacted with the scientists at ISRO and lauded their efforts personally in making India the first country to reach the south pole of the moon. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah.

Also Read - Chandrayaan 3: 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' echoes in ISRO HQ in Bengaluru. Pics from inside

An X post from his office read, The Chief Minister @siddaramaiah visited the ISRO center at Peenya and congratulated all the scientists and staff, including ISRO Chairman Somnath, who contributed to the success of Chandrayaan-3. Somnath and other scientists shared happiness by distributing sweets.

On Wednesday, Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar also made a visit to the ISRO headquarters in Bengaluru to congratulate the scientists. He said, The efforts of the scientists are unforgettable, and they are undoubtedly the pride of our country. Congratulations to ISRO for the commendable achievement. He was also briefed about the Chandrayaan project and what is next after the soft-landing on the moon.

At 6.04 pm on Wednesday, Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft landed on the lunar south pole, the 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the success of Chandrayaan-3 as India became the first country to land on the south pole of the Moon. When we see such historic moments, it makes us very proud. This is the dawn of new India, PM Modi said from South Africa from where he joined the ISRO team to watch India make history. He also spoke to ISRO chief S Somanath over the telephone and conveyed his greeting to the team of scientists at ISRO.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Karnataka government on Thursday filed an affidavit before the Supreme court on the ongoing dispute with Tamil Nadu government over the sharing of Kaveri water. In the affidavit, the Karnataka government said that it is not possible to release the amount of water that Tamil Nadu government mentioned in the application. No legal basis to TNs plea': Karnataka govt in its affidavit to SC on Kaveri.

Also Read - Kaveri water row: CJI Chandrachud to constitute bench for hearing pleas of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu

The Karnataka government also stressed that the state did not receive normal rainfall this year, as it saw deficit rains which required more water for its farmers. Tamil Nadu approached the apex court earlier saying that the state needs 24,000 cusecs of water per day from the reservoirs in Karnataka. In a response to Tamil Nadus claim, the Karnataka government in an affidavit said that the formers application does not hold any legal basis.

Tamil Nadu's application for Karnataka to ensure the release of 36.76 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) stipulated for September 2023 has no legal basis, since the said quantity is stipulated in a normal rainwater year and this rainwater year was a distressed one till now, so it is not applicable, said Karnataka in the affidavit to the apex court.

Chief Justice of India CY Chandrachud recently constituted a bench to hear the pleas of both governments. The Tamil Nadu government sought fresh directions from the apex court in the water-sharing agreement and filed a new application. On Saturday, The Karnataka cabinet directed the advocate general to file the state's appeal before the Supreme Court regarding the release of Kaveri river water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
A 23-year-old man was killed when a speeding vehicle hit his motorcycle on the national highway near Khanna, police said on Thursday. The bike of the victim after a vehicle hit it from a side. (HT)

The accident took place on an overbridge near Mandi Kalan on Wednesday evening. The truck driver fled the scene after the accident.

The deceased has been identified as Sumit Thakur of Sundar Nagar in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. He was pursuing a postgraduate course at DAV College in Jalandhar.

A case has been registered against unidentified accused under section 304 A, 279 and 427 of the IPC.

According to police, Sumit was riding his motorcycle from Khanna towards Jalandhar when a vehicle hit his bike from the side. He fell down from the impact and suffered severe head injuries in the incident. He was rushed to the civil hospital in Ludhiana for treatment where he succumbed to injuries.

The police have sent the body for a post-mortem examination.

On receiving the news of the tragedy, Sumits family from Mandi arrived in Khanna. Based on their statement, the police have launched an investigation. The authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage to identify the truck involved in the collision.

Sukhwinderpal Singh, the in-charge of Kot Police post, said, Efforts are underway to trace the vehicle responsible for the collision by scanning the CCTV footage. The victim died in the civil hospital.

Sumits father, Kartar Singh Thakur, is employed in the fire department of Himachal Pradesh. Two years ago, Sumits elder brother had also died.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
One person died and two others sustained injuries after car-borne assailants opened fire at them in Jhajjars Beri town on Wednesday, said police. One person died and two others sustained injuries after car-borne assailants opened fire at them in Jhajjars Beri town on Wednesday, said police. (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The deceased has been identified as Anish of Talav village in Jhajjar. The injured, identified as Rinku of Dighal village and Ashish of Gochhi village, are undergoing treatment at Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS) in Rohtak, where their condition is said to be critical.

According to police officials, the attack took place on Wednesday around 1 pm when Anish, along with his four friends Rinku, Ashish, Mohit and Sunny, was returning to his village from Jhajjar in a Baleno car.

The assailants fired more than 20 shots on their car, leaving Anish dead on the spot and Rinku and Ashish injured, the police added.

A senior police official said that old rivalry between two groups is believed to be the reason behind the attack.

The assailants belong to notorious criminal Himanshu Bhaus gang. A person identified as Sunny was arrested in connection with a murder of Himanshu Bhaus cousin and he came out of the jail on bail around three weeks ago. It is believed that crime was perpetrated to take revenge for the murder, the senior cop added.

Jhajjar superintendent of police Arpit Jain said some of the assailants had been identified and seven police teams were conducting raids at their possible hideouts to nab them.

Police are in the process of registering an FIR, he added.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Crime Investigation Agency (CIA-2) of Ludhiana police has arrested three persons for hatching a conspiracy to execute a robbery in a factory. Balwinder had five FIRs filed against him, including a murder case in Faridkot. (iStock)

Police also recovered sharp-edged weapons, an iron rod, a stash of mobile phones and two motorcycles from their possession.

The accused have been identified as Pargat Singh from Mangewal village in Moga, Gurpreet Singh alias Gopi and Balwinder Singh alias Vadda from Manuke Gill village in Moga. All the three accused work as labourers.

Inspector Beant Juneja, who is in charge of CIA-2, said that the accused were arrested on a tip-off that miscreants armed with weapons were present at the Grain Market in Salem Tabri. The police team raided the location and arrested them. However, two others managed to flee.

A case has been filed against the accused under sections 399 and 402 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Salem Tabri police station.

Juneja said that one of the detainees, Gurpreet, is already facing trial in six different cases, including attempt to murder, snatching, assault, conspiracy to commit dacoity, and under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

Balwinder had five FIRs filed against him, including a murder case in Faridkot. These cases involve charges under the NDPS Act and the Arms Act. Pargat Singh has one FIR under the NDPS Act.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday raided premises linked to former Punjab cabinet minister and Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu and some others as part of a money laundering investigation, official sources said. The Enforcement Directorate raided premises linked to former Punjab cabinet minister and Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu in Ludhiana and adjoining areas on Thursday. (Representational photo)

About 10 premises in Ludhiana and nearby locations are being searched by ED officials under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), along with a security escort of Central Reserve Police Force.

The raids are also being conducted at the premises of close associates of the former minister, including former Ludhiana Improvement Trust chairman Raman Subramanian and former municipal councillor Sunny Bhalla, they said.

The ED probe against the Congress politician is linked to alleged irregularities and allegations of receiving kickbacks through conduits for compromising tender for food procurement and transportation, its quality and conditions.

The PMLA case is based on a Punjab vigilance bureau FIR in which Ashu was also arrested earlier.

He was later granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana high court.

The bureau had registered a case against Ashu in connection with the alleged irregularities in the allotment of tenders for labour, cartage and transportation for lifting of foodgrains in Ludhiana.

Ashu is a former minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs and is the working president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC).

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The family of 34-year-old Ratanpal Singh, who was allegedly arrested by Pakistani Rangers in a drug and arms smuggling case, have denied the allegations levelled by the Pakistan authorities. Indian Army personnel rescue people stuck in the flood-affected area. (PTI File)

The Pakistan army on Tuesday said that the Pakistan Rangers have detained six Indians who were allegedly trying to smuggle narcotics, weapons and ammunition into the country between July 29 and August 3.

Pakistan Rangers troops deployed along the International Border with India have apprehended six Indian nationals inside Pakistani territory from 29 July to 3 August, the Inter-Services Public Relations - the media wing of the Pakistan Army - said in a statement.

As per Ratanpals kin, he was reportedly swept into Pakistan territory due to a strong current of water in flood-affected areas near the international border in Ferozepur district.

Mohinder Singh, Ratanpals father, said his son left for Chandiwala village in Ferozepur district to help his friend Harvinder Singhs relative to shift their belongings to a safer place due to floods on July 27.

On July 28, we received a phone call from the local authorities that both men were swept away into Pakistan territory as the village was located near the international border. The village panchayat asked us to bring their identity proofs so that they could be brought back to India, he said.

He added that on August 2, they came to know that he along with five other Punjab men had been nominated in the drug and arms smuggling case.

My husband has never been into this business. He is a daily wager. He is innocent and its a fabricated and a false case, said Surjit Kaur, Ratanpals wife.

As per the Inter-Services Public Relations - the media wing of the Pakistan Army  statement four of these smugglers --- Gurmeej, Shinder Singh, Juginder Singh and Vishal --- belong to Ferozepur, while Rattanpal Singh is a native of Jalandhar and Garvender Singh of Ludhiana.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
In a move against the rising outbreak of dengue and malaria, the health department of Punjab conducted a meeting with representatives from private hospitals to intensify efforts in preventing malaria, dengue and chikungunya outbreaks throughout the district. Punjab health department officials during a meeting with private hospitals in Ludhiana on Thursday. (HT Photo)

During the meeting, attended by doctors and laboratory nodal officers, civil surgeon Hintider Kaur said the upcoming days would witness comprehensive awareness campaigns and initiatives to educate the public about preventive measures against these diseases. The health department teams will disseminate information across the district, while also placing informative materials in private hospitals. This strategy seeks to empower the public with the knowledge needed to safeguard themselves from these infections.

Dr Kaur underlined the importance of immediate reporting of dengue and malaria cases in private hospitals to the health department. She emphasised that health minister has spearheaded an anti-dengue campaign across the state with new slogan, Har Shukarwar Dengu Te Vaar. The health drive involves a Friday cleaning routine in hospitals, targeting breeding grounds like coolers, pots, refrigerator trays and any stagnant water sources.

District epidemiologist Dr Ramesh urged doctors and nodal officers to actively cooperate in curbing these diseases. During the meeting, assistant malaria officer Dalbir Singh, health supervisor Prem Singh, Jasbir Singh and other officers were present.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh high court expressed concern over the non-filing of the status report on the part of the J&K government in forwarding a proposal for grant of prosecution sanction with regard to IAS officers allegedly involved in the infamous arms license scam. HC granted two weeks to Jammu and Kashmir administration to file status report in the arms licence case.

The division bench comprising chief justice N Kotiswar Singh and justice MA Chowdhary granted the state administration two weeks to file a status report of the prosecution sanction on the two FIRs.

The infamous arms licence scam involved several IAS and Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officers. On Thursday advocate Sheikh Shakeel Ahmed, who appeared for the petitioners in a PIL titled Sheikh Mohammad Shafi and another versus Union of India and others, pointed out that the government of J&K has failed to file the latest status report of the prosecution sanction as directed by the division bench on June 2 in respect of two CBI cases bearing FIR numbers RCCHG051201850006 and RCCHG05120185007.

On June 2, the court had directed advocate general DC Raina, additional advocate general SS Nanda and senior additional advocate general Monika Kohli to file the latest status report.

Centres department of personnel and trainings (DoPT) had in April 2021, requested the J&K government to remove certain shortcomings and re-submit the prosecution sanction proposal against IAS officers through a single window system.

Advocate Ahmed argued that almost three months have lapsed but the government of J&K did not deem it proper to comply with the directions of the high court in a multi-crore arms licence scam. He further submitted that sanction with regard to JKAS officers has already been granted but in the case of IAS officers, the J&K government has not re-submitted the prosecution sanction proposal to DoPT.

The court, after hearing both sides, observed and directed, Needful in terms of order dated June 2023 has not been done. Two weeks further time is granted to the respondents for doing the needful.

The court directed the registry to re-notify the instant PIL on September 20. Deputy solicitor general of India (DSGI) Vishal Sharma appeared for the Union of India.

The arms license scam, allegedly involving deputy magistrates, was unearthed by the ATS-Rajasthan in 2017. The Rajasthan ATS had arrested over 50 people for their alleged involvement in the illegal issuance of arms licences. According to the ATS, over 3,000 permits were granted allegedly in the name of Army personnel.

The matter was being probed by the J&K police before CBI was handed over the case by the then governor NN Vohra on August 10, 2018. The CBI had registered a case following the consent of the J&K government and further notification from the Central government in 2018.

It may be recalled here that in July 2021, the CBI had simultaneously raided multiple locations in J&K and Delhi in connection with a probe into an alleged illegal arms license case.

It is alleged that between 2012 and 2016, deputy commissioners of various districts in J&K had fraudulently and illegally issued bulk arms licences in lieu of monetary consideration.

In December 2019, CBI had carried out searches at over a dozen locations in Srinagar, Jammu, Gurgaon and Noida on the premises of the then deputy magistrates of Kupwara, Baramulla, Udhampur, Kishtwar, Shopian, Rajouri, Doda, Pulwama, and several other places.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ravi Krishnan Khajuria A principal correspondent, Ravi Krishnan Khajuria is the bureau chief at Jammu. He covers politics, defence, crime, health and civic issues for Jammu city. ...view detail
The monsoon session of the Haryana Vidhan Sabha beginning on Friday will have three sittings during which the Opposition benches led by the Congress will corner the BJP-JJP government over hosts of burning issues, including the recent communal violence in Nuh. The business advisory committee (BAC), which met on Thursday under the chairmanship of Vidhan Sabha speaker Gian Chand Gupta at the assembly secretariat, decided to restrict the session to three days. (File photo)

The business advisory committee (BAC), which met on Thursday under the chairmanship of Vidhan Sabha speaker Gian Chand Gupta at the assembly secretariat, decided to restrict the session to three days.

Other BAC members include chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, deputy chief minister Dushyant Chautala, parliamentary affairs minister Kanwar Pal, leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda and deputy speaker Ranbir Gangwa.

The proceedings of the session will start on August 25 at 11 am with obituary references followed by question hour. After that there will be legislative business. The session sittings will continue till 6 pm.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Hooda said his demand to increase the number of the sittings of the session was not accepted by the BAC. In the BAC, majority is of the government... I wanted the panel to increase the duration of House sitting. We will raise this issue in the House too, Hooda said, who has been accusing the state government of running away from a judicial inquiry into the Nuh violence.

It may be recalled six people, including two home guards, had died in the clashes that erupted in Nuh after a religious procession of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) was attacked by mobs on July 31. The violence had later spread to adjoining areas, including Gurugram.

Speaking to reporters after the CLP meeting, former chief minister Hooda said the CLP meeting discussed all burning issues on which the Congress will corner the state government and seek answers. He said Haryana Congress in-charge Deepak Babria was also present in the CLP meeting. We have assigned responsibilities to our MLAs about the issues to be raised in the House. There is no dearth of issues, but the state government is running away from debate, Hooda said.

Earlier, responding to accusations of the Congress, parliamentary affairs minister Kanwar Pal had said: Whether it is Mewat, floods or any other issue, we will respond in detail to every issue raised by the Opposition. We are fully prepared to reply on all other issues.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Division number 8 police have arrested a mother-son duo from a rented residence in Civil Lines for their alleged involvement in a flesh trade. A police team from Division Number 8 led by station house officer, sub-inspector Vijay Kumar conducted a raid on Wednesday night and arrested them. (Getty image)

The accused are residents of Indrapuri on Tajpur Road.

Assistant commissioner of police (ACP) for the Civil Lines, Jasroop Kaur Bath, said that they received a tip-off about a flesh trade racket being run by the accused. It was reported that the duo had leased a property on College Road in Civil Lines for the purpose.

A police team from Division Number 8 led by station house officer, sub-inspector Vijay Kumar conducted a raid on Wednesday night and arrested them.

The accused have been booked under Sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Immoral Traffic Act at the Division Number 8 police station.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
A 40-year-old patient died after a fire broke out, reportedly due to short-circuit, in a room of a private hospital in Hisar on Tuesday night. Patient dies as fire breaks out in Hisar hospital

The patient, identified Amit Wadwa, was under depression and admitted to the hospital on August 20 for treatment. He was a contractual employee in income tax department.

His son, Dhruva, said his fathers legs were tied when the fire broke out and hospital authorities did not make any effort to rescue him.

The relatives and family members sat on dharna outside the hospital, demanding registration of an FIR against hospital authorities.

Hisar deputy superintendent of police Satpal Singh said a case of negligence has been filed against the hospital authorities and a team has been formed to investigate the matter.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Jammu Ahead of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil (LAHDC-K) elections, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi reached Kargil on Thursday evening on his KTM 390 Adventure bike on the last leg of his maiden visit to Ladakh post the revocation of the provisions of Article 370. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi during an interaction with local youth in Kargil. (PTI)

Kargils Congress president Nasir Munshi said, Rahul Gandhi reached Kargil from Zanskar on his motorcycle around 4 pm where he addressed a youth convention of over 350 euphoric attendees cheering for him.

Gandhi, who rode over 240 kms on his bike to Kargil, assured the youth that he and his party would become their voice in Parliament and ensure justice with them.

He is expected to address a big rally at the Kargil stadium on Friday

Munshi said the workers, leaders, voters along with Congress and National Conference supporters will assemble at the stadium to listen to the Congress president.

Munshi also exuded confidence of an easy win for the alliance partners against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the ensuing polls.

Earlier, Gandhi shared several pictures about his journeyfrom Zanskar to Kargil including the one with a group of security personnel on the foothills of a mountain with a captain on our frontiers stand the brave children of Bharat Mata  ready to take on any challenge for her sake.

A look into their eyes, a heartfelt conversation, or a glimpse into their lives is enough to leave you inspired for a lifetime.

The people of Ladakh have been demanding statehood, protection under sixth schedule of the Indian Constitutionand a Lok Sabha seat each for Leh and Kargil districts respectively.

Gandhi had reached Leh last Thursday. During his visit to Pangong Lake on Sunday, Rahul Gandhi reiterated that China has taken away peoples land and they are not being allowed to graze their cattle.

Over here, the concern is the land that has been taken away by China. People here have been affected in massively because their grazing lands have been taken away, he added.

Gandhi went round almost all famous places including Pangong lake, Nubra valley, Khardungla top, Lamayuru and Zanskar on the motorcycle during his Ladakh trip which started on August 17 initially for two days. He later extended his tour which Congress termed an extension of Gandhis Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir from September 7, 2022 to January 30, 2023.

Bharat Jodo is deeply rooted in every Indians heart and mind. The resonating chant of Bharat Mata Ki Jai echoing through the streets of Leh serves as a strong example of this unity. No power can suppress this voice, brimming with affection and camaraderie, Gandhi, the Wayanad MP, wrote on his social media account after meeting enthusiastic supporters in Leh town earlier this week.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Victims of bee and wasp attacks including the next of kin of those who are killed in such attacks will now be compensated, the Uttarakhand cabinet announced on Thursday as it updated rules governing relief packages offered to victims of human-animal conflict in the state. (Representative photo)

The two insects were added to a list of animals under the Man-Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules, 2023, which superseded the decade-old Man-Wildlife Conflict Relief Distribution Fund Rules, 2012.

The rules say that in case of loss of life and property due to human-animal conflict, appropriate ex-gratia amount can be given to the affected people and their kin at latest market rates.

The new rules specify that those injured or killed in bee and wasp attacks will also be provided compensation from now on.

The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday.

The states current wild animals list includes tigers, leopards, snow leopards, elephants, Asiatic black bears, Himalayan brown bears, sloth bears, wild boars, hyenas, crocodiles and alligators, chitals, cockerels, sambars, nilgai, monkeys, langurs and snakes: This means victims of attacks by any of these animals are entitled to compensation.

Also Read:Bee attack at Pimple Nilakh leaves 25 injured

The 18th meeting of the State Wildlife Board had recommended the inclusion of bee and wasp attacks in the list of wildlife attacks that should be compensated, chief secretary SS Sandhu said after the cabinet meeting.

Sandhu did not specify how much compensation would be given for the attacks.

In 2022, Kerala government had similarly announced that victims of bee, wasp or hornet attacks would be compensated under relevant laws of the state.

Bee attacks are not rare in India.

Earlier this month, a man was killed and four others were injured when a swarm of honey bees attacked them in Madhya Pradeshs Dhar district. The victims were part of a funeral procession.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Delhi University on Thursday announced that its student body elections will be held on September 22. The DU Students Union (DUSU) polls are being held after four years due to the Covid-induced lockdown. Posters and banners by various student outfits have come up across the North Campus. (Sanjeev Verma/HT Photo)

The elections are for four DUSU office bearers  president, vice-president, secretary, and joint secretary  and members of DUs central council.

According to the election schedule, issued by DU registrar Vikas Gupta, the last date for the receipt of nomination papers is September 12. This will be followed by scrutiny of the nomination papers, and the publication of the list, which will take place on the same day. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is September 13, and the final list of candidates will be published on the same day.

The elections will be held between 8.30 am and 1 pm for the students of the morning batches, and between 3 pm and 7.30 pm for evening college students.

Undergraduate and postgraduate students can contest and vote in these elections. Professor Chandra Shekhar, who is serving as the chief election officer, last week had said, The elections are generally held within 6-8 weeks of the colleges opening. The entire process takes around 10-12 days and elections will be held via electric voting machines (EVMs).

In the last DUSU election that were held in 2019, the age bracket for undergraduate student candidates was 17 to 22 years, and the upper-age limit for postgraduate students was 25. However, this year, the university is planning to increase the age limit, which will be announced on Friday, registrar Gupta said.

Current DUSU president Akshit Dahiya, from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), said his party has already started campaigning for the polls. He said, We are trying to create awareness so that the voter turnout is good. The current batches of students have not contested or voted for student elections before.

Ashish Lamba, currently the DUSU secretary, who is from the National Students Union of India (NSUI), said his party will launch their manifesto election soon. The current DUSU members are tasked with spreading information and awareness about DUSU elections, he added.

The All India Students Association (AISA) confirmed that they will contest the elections. In a statement, the party said, When lockdown struck, AISA led the movement against online exams and then for the reopening of the campus. It was AISAs 56 Day strike that resulted in the reopening of Delhi University in February 2022. Since then, AISA has led the movement against the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme in Delhi University, championing the cause of a quality and accessible education.

Meanwhile the DU Teachers Association (DUTA) elections have been scheduled for September 27. According to the election schedule, the filing of nominations for teachers will take place on September 19 and 20. The final list of candidates will be published on September 21. The elections are set to take place in the Arts Building complex and Satyakam Bhawan in DUs north campus.

On August 12, various teachers groups such as Democratic Teachers Front came together to form a Democratic United Teachers Alliance. These included Congresss Indian National Teachers Congress, AAPs Academic for Action and Development Teachers Association, and Democratic Teachers Front, among others. They announced that Aditya Narayan Misra will run as a candidate for the post of DUTA president.

AK Bhagi from National Democratic Teachers Front is currently serving as the DUTA president.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Gurugram police arrested a man in connection with the alleged killing of a Bajrang Dal member during the recent communal violence in Haryana, an official said on Thursday. Pradeep Kumar Sharma was part of a group from Sohna in Gurugram that had participated in the VHP yatra. While they were returning to Javed Colony in Sohna, their car was pelted with stones by rioters, hours after communal clashes erupted in Nuh.

On July 31, communal violence erupted when mobs allegedly pelted stones at the Vishva Hindu Parishads (VHP) Braj Mandal Yatra in Nuh district. The violence soon spilled to adjoining Gurugram and six people, including two home guards and a cleric, were killed.

Pradeep Kumar Sharma was part of a group from Sohna in Gurugram that had participated in the VHP yatra. While they were returning to Javed Colony in Sohna, their car was pelted with stones by rioters, hours after communal clashes erupted in Nuh.

Police rescued the group and admitted them to a hospital but Sharma succumbed to injuries on August 2.

The special investigation team (SIT) of Gurugram police arrested Azharuddin, alias Ajju, of Raipur colony in Sohna. This is first arrest in the case, the police said.

The arrested accused was produced in a city court on Thursday and we have taken him on three-day police remand. We are questioning the accused, said Vijay Pratap Singh, the head of the SIT.

Local Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Javed Ahmad was booked for allegedly planning Sharmas killing but he hasnt been arrested yet.

A senior police officer said the allegation against the AAP leader is being probed and action will be taken according to the law.

An FIR was registered against Javed and others under Sections 148, (riots), 149 (unlawful assembly), 188 (disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant), 302 (murder), 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code and Arms Act at Sohna police station.

A seven-member SIT was constituted under the supervision of Singh, who is also the deputy commissioner of police (crime), to nab the accused. In the SIT, police teams of various crime units, including Sohna, were involved.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Two suspects were booked for allegedly cheating a Delhi-based woman by selling her a plot on forged documents in Gurugram and later trying to capture it, police said on Thursday. Investigators said the prime suspect was the plot owner while the second suspect was his brother-in-law. (Shutterstock)

Investigators said the prime suspect was the plot owner while the second suspect was his brother-in-law.

They said that the prime suspect had sold the plot to Sandeep Singh, a Jhajjar resident, on the basis of a general power of attorney on January 19, 2012, and later he sold the same plot on the basis of the original deed to his brother-in-law too.

Police said Shashi Chaudhary (35), a resident of Defence Enclave in Delhis Najafgarh had purchased the plot in Sector 106 from Singh on August 22 last year after making a payment of 47.85 lakh to him.

Investigators said that Chaudhary even got a house built on it after Singh gave her the possession. As per police, Chaudhary rented out the premises to a family on February 15 this year while herself continuing to live in Delhi. However, the prime suspects brother-in-law reached the premises with several associates on May 30, and threw out all the belongings of the family living in the house after forcibly barging inside.

Investigators said that soon the woman along with her husband Yashpal Singh Chaudhary (37), reached the spot after which he threatened them to vacate the plot immediately as he was its owner.

As per police, the prime suspects brother-in-law identified himself as an officer of a central agency and threatened that he was the rightful owner of the plot.

Police said looking at the scenario, the womans husband submitted a complaint on the basis of which a detailed inquiry was carried out and an FIR was registered against the two suspects under Section 34 (common intention), 420 (cheating) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at Bajghera police station on Wednesday night.

Inspector Aman Singh, station house officer (SHO) of Bajghera police station, said both the suspects are also Delhi residents. We are collecting documents from both Chaudhary and Singh after which further action will be taken, he added.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday sent a summons to West Bengal fire services minister Sujit Bose, asking him to appear before its officials next week for questioning in the alleged municipalities recruitment scam, officials of the federal agency said. West Bengal fire services minister Sujit Bose (File Photo)

Bose has been asked to reach the CBI office at Nizam Palace in south Kolkata at 11am on August 31, said officials.

Bose was the vice-chairman of South Dum Dum municipality in 2016 when the suspected scam in around 20 civic bodies across the state took place.

Responding, Bose said he did not receive the summon letter till Thursday afternoon but was ready to answer any question.

I have not received the summon letter. But I will definitely be there unless an emergency situation arises. I am ready to answer any question, the minister, said.

The CBI summons came 72 hours after the Supreme Court dismissed a petition by the state government challenging a Calcutta high court order asking the CBI and the enforcement directorate (ED) to probe alleged irregularities.

On Monday, a Supreme Court division bench headed by Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud upheld the high court order.

Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, who appeared for the Bengal government, had argued that the state police should be allowed to conduct the probe. He said a state ruled by a party opposed to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was being targeted.

The CBI and ED told both the Calcutta high court and the Supreme Court that there are common links between the civic body recruitment scam and the bribe-for-job scam in the West Bengal school education department in which several Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including former education minister Partha Chatterjee, have been arrested.

On April 21, justice Abhijit Gangopadhyay of the Calcutta high court ordered the CBI probe during a hearing on the education department scam. A report placed before him by the ED, which is conducting a parallel probe, said documents recovered from the home of a suspect Ayan Sil indicated that a similar scam took place in numerous civic bodies as well.

Sil used to run a recruitment agency that was hired by several civic bodies, the ED told the court. He was arrested on March 19, 2023, in connection with the alleged recruitment scam.

The CBI probe into the school recruitment scam, too, was ordered by justice Gangopadhyay in May 2022.

On June 7, CBI teams conducted a raid on 16 civic bodies. Escorted by central paramilitary force personnel, around 100 CBI officials seized documents from multiple civic bodies in Nadia, Hooghly and North 24 Parganas districts and also the Salt Lake municipality on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata. A CBI team went to the office of the state municipal affairs department as well.

As the raids were on, chief minister Mamata Banerjee took a swipe at the Centre while distributing compensation money among families of those who died or got injured in the June 2 railway disaster in Odisha.

Banerjee said: The biggest railway accident of this century has taken place but efforts are being made to suppress it. Why did the accident take place? How could so many people die? What will the CBI do? It can only probe a criminal case. Didnt you see what happened at Pulwama (terror attack)?

Instead of probing the train accident, the CBI has been sent by Delhi to 16 civic bodies. These tactics cannot suppress the truth behind the railway disaster, CM Banerjee said at the government event on June 7.

Meanehile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) targeted the TMC after Bose was summoned.

The TMC has no face to challenge the allegations of corruption in civic body recruitments after the Supreme Court order. Our party has nothing to do with CBI. All we want is the probe to end fast, said Bengal BJPs chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Uttar Pradesh BJPs soft spoken chief Bhupendra Chaudharys 11-Mall Avenue bungalow in Lucknow shares its boundary with the 9-Mall Avenue residence of Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati who recently returned from Delhi and ruled out any truck with either BJP or Congress for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. UP BJP chief Bhupendra Chaudhary (HT Photo)

There is a view that Mayawatis non-aligned status would help the BJP.

Inside Chaudharys room, former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singhs photo shares space with a host of photos of present and former BJP stalwarts.

Ironically enough, Charan Singhs grandson, Jayant Chaudhary, who heads the Rashtriya Lok Dal and has thus far resisted the BJPs overtures by continuing his alliance with the Samajwadi Party, appears to be a cause for concern for the BJP, which again looks towards U.P. to propel it to a record third consecutive stint at the Centre.

However, Chaudhary, in an interview with HT, does a good job of hiding any concern that the party may have as he reflects on his one year in office. His stint has been impressive with more pluses that include an impressive win in the urban local body polls, the first BJP victory in the Muslim dominated Rampur assembly seat in December 2022 and record outreach programmes. Excerpts:

Q: As the BJPs first Jat chief in U.P., how do you reflect on your one year in office that you complete on Friday?

A: It has been very satisfying. U.P. topped in all organisational initiatives assigned by the party. For the first time, the BJP won all mayoral seats, got a majority in a majority of the boards, won more than half of the Nagar Palika seats and nearly 35% to 40% of Nagar Panchayats, a record again. Such overwhelming support has become possible due to the peoples support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

Q: When BJP chose you to head the party unit from west U.P, the focus on western region of the state became clear. How do you think the party is placed there and how much of a challenge is the SP-RLD alliance?

A: I come from west U.P. but as the state BJP chief, I must focus uniformly on all regions. Yes, people do discuss regions and caste, but as a BJP man, tasked with a responsibility, I will cater to and care for all.

Q: You may play down the caste factor, but in selecting you, the party broke a pattern since 2014  of going into the Lok Sabha polls with a Brahmin chief at the helm  mere coincidence or design?

A: I am a party worker, tasked with taking everyone together. Thats what I am doing.

Q: In west U.P, despite an overall sweep, the SP-RLD combine emerged as an area of concern both in the 2019 Lok Sabha and 2022 Uttar Pradesh polls. How desperate are you to get the RLD and Bhim Army founder Chandrashekhar on board?

A: There is no desperation but yes, we welcome all who show solidarity in our ideology.

Q: So, the SP-RLD combine isnt a challenge?

A: Our real challenge is against ourselves, to better our previous performance. Connecting with more people, making a difference in more lives  thats a challenge. As I said in 2019 not only the SP-BSP but the RLD too was in a common alliance, yet the peoples faith in Modi was unshakeable. The opposition is trying to mislead the people. But, unlike them, the BJP is no seasonal party. We are with the people 24x7, all 365 days. We are confident as our alliance is with the people.

Q: Ok, I will try one more time. Whats the possibility of Jayant and Chandrashekhar joining the NDA in U.P?

A: (laughs) I will repeat again, no one is untouchable. In politics, all possibilities are possible. But to answer your query differently on the SP-RLD, in 2019 LS polls werent they in an alliance with the BSP too? Didnt we win 64 seats in 2019 with over 50% vote percentage? The common man identifies with PM Modi.

Q: Ok, what do you feel about the ink and shoe attacks that have started happening in U.P.?

A: I condemn such incidents. I am all for legal action against those responsible. But, what has been the role of the Samajwadi Party? I want to thank the media for bringing to light the Facebook pictures of the Ghosi ink-attack accused. What did SP chief Akhilesh Yadav do, except divert attention?

Q: There is a view that as the BJP continues to expand and attract new partners, the space for the old guard, the loyalist cadre who stood by the party in its bad days, is shrinking. Do you agree?

A: It is normal for party to attract new partners as it expands. But, we take great pride in stating that we are a cadre-based party. So, there is no question of any clash of interest or ideology.

Q: But as you begin-seat sharing arrangements with NDA partners, it is evident that seats that BJP cadres may have been eyeing might go to NDA partners ...

A: (intervenes)  these issues are discussed threadbare before finalisation. The party is like our mother, who knows whats best for all. And, once someone commits to our ideology then that person too becomes part of us and we work together for the larger goal of serving the common man.

Q: You have a plan for the seats that the party lost in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Whats that?

A: Our cadres have been interacting with the masses. We are telling the people that Ram temple became a reality only now. Article 370 could be done away with only now.

Q: Uniform Civil Code next ...

A: A consultation is underway. We have never hidden our commitment to the cause, but wonder why opposition parties get scared to speak on such issues.

Q: The Congress has a new aggressive chief in U.P, who has contested against PM Modi from Varanasi and who has been claiming that Rahul Gandhi would win from Amethi and Priyanka 

A: (intervenes) What can I say about those who daydream  Wont people ask Rahulji or even Sonia Gandhiji how many times they visited Amethi or Rae Bareli .. what did they do for people there?

Q: Would the party apply the 75-year age limit to phase out some sitting MPs?

A: Thats for the party to take a call on.

Q: Given the I.N.D.I.A alliance challenge, will BJP chop and change many existing MPs? Would youth be given focus?

A: Again, these arent issues discussed here but at the appropriate forum. All I can say that there should be an adequate mix of youth and experience.

Q: We hear that BJP has earmarked Lok Sabha seats in U.P. in various categories  some of them are marked red, meaning constituencies where the BJP is wary of the opposition alliance, anti-incumbency?

A: (laughs) Dont know who says so  nothing like that .. Since 2014, there are only two Lok Sabha seats that BJP hasnt won  Rae Bareli and Mainpuri. All the remaining 78 seats have been won either in 2014 or 2019.

Q: So, are you hinting that you are winning them too?

A: They are our focus seats. But we are going everywhere, with our partys report card. People know how the Congress and Samajwadi Party conspired on issues of faith. The SP ordered firing on karsevaks, the Congress did its best to stall court hearings on the Ram temple case 

Q: Lot of focus on pasmanda (backward) Muslims. Can we expect some to be fielded in 2024 LS polls from U.P?

A: The party would decide. But while you focus on tickets for the community, our focus is on their uplift. As I said, such issues cant be discussed here. We are a democratic party where all aspects are considered before decisions are made.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
LUCKNOW An SUV allegedly belonging to a minister breached a ramp for the specially-abled and entered platform no.1 at Lucknows Charbagh railway station (NR) on Tuesday. A video of the incident, captured by a few passengers, went viral on Thursday, triggering outrage among netizens who criticised VIP culture, forcing railways authorities to register a case against the driver of the vehicle. A video of the incident, captured by a few passengers, went viral on Thursday, triggering outrage among netizens who criticised VIP culture. (Sourced)

In the 45-second clip, the vehicle was seen entering the platform and then reversing for an exit. Taking cognizance of the matter, a case under Section 159 of the Railways Act (disobedience of drivers or conductors of vehicles to directions of railway servant) was registered against the unknown driver at the RPF police station, Lucknow. Investigation is underway, said Rekha Sharma, senior divisional commercial manager, Northern Railway (NR).

Railways officials said the vehicle belonged to a senior minister, who was getting late to catch a train. The minister had to travel from Lucknow to Bareilly and had to catch the Howrah-Amritsar Punjab Mail (train no 13005). The train usually arrives at platform number 4. Hence, the SUV entered the platform through the ramp as it was raining that day, they said.

Taking a jibe at the minister for allegedly taking his vehicle on to the platform, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said it is good that he did not reach there on a bulldozer. Its good that he did not go to the station on a bulldozer, Yadav said in a post on X (formerly Twitter), in Hindi.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
MEERUT Kozma Minin Nizhny Novgorod State Pedagogical University of Russia will establish its study centre in Chaudhary Charan Singh University (CCSU) here next month. CCS Universitys vice chancellor Prof Sangeeta Shukla and Minin Universitys Dr Petr Chuprikov signed the MoU for the study centre on Wednesday. (For representation)

CCS Universitys vice chancellor Prof Sangeeta Shukla and Minin Universitys Dr Petr Chuprikov signed the MoU in this regard on Wednesday.

Prof Rakesh Soni, director for International cooperation in CCS University, said that the centre was expected to be inaugurated in the first week of September. The date has not been decided yet but preparations are going on , he said, describing it a landmark achievement of the university. He shared the study centre would teach Russian language and culture free to 250 students in a period of six months. Further modalities of the course would be decided thereafter, he said.

Minin University is a state university in Russia. It is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban settings of the metropolis of Nizhny Novgorod and established in 1911.

Prof Soni shared that the Minin University had taken the responsibility of setting the infrastructure of the study centre and faculty from Russia would teach students Russian language, literature and culture. He said that some value-added courses would also be designed.

It may be noted that the foreign language department of the university also runs basic and advance courses of various foreign languages, including Russian.

Prof Soni clarified that Russian language courses would continue in the department. On the other hand, in the study centre the students could study Russian culture and literature along with basic language course.

He said that other universities interested in running courses of Russian language, literature and culture could associate themselves with the study centre.

Governor and chancellor of universities in the state Anabdiben Patel appreciates the efforts of the university for setting up the study centre and hoped that other universities would be linked online to get the benefit

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The sessions court on Thursday stayed the criminal proceedings initiated by a metropolitan magistrate court in Andheri against lyricist-screenwriter Javed Akhtar based on a cross-complaint lodged against him by actor Kangana Ranaut. HT Image

Akhtar approached the sessions court through advocate Jay Bharadwaj, challenging the summons issued by the magistrate court on July 24, which observed that there were sufficient grounds to proceed against Akhtar for various offences, including criminal intimidation and insulting the modesty of the actress.

In his plea before the sessions court, Akhtar claimed that the complaint by Ranaut was filed only to harass him, and she did not seriously pursue it, as even after filing it in September 2021, she made an appearance to give her statement only in July 2022, that too after the courts remarks.

Besides, claimed Akhtar, the magistrate court passed the order of issuing process against him hastily and failed to consider that there was no cogent explanation for the inordinate and fatal delay by Respondent No. 2 (Ranaut) in her complaint.

On Thursday, Ranauts lawyer, Rizwan Siddiquee, submitted their response to Akhtars plea, stating that Akhtar had intentionally tried to confuse the sessions court by attempting to undermine her case. He added that the unfavorable order of issuing process against him for criminal intimidation and outraging the modesty of a woman must have severely tarnished his reputation, and he had approached the court in a desperate attempt to salvage his reputation by filing this untenable and baseless petition.

In her cross-complaint filed in 2021, Ranaut had alleged that the renowned lyricist-screenwriter had unnecessarily meddled in her dispute with her co-star, Hrithik Roshan, and attacked her moral character by making unwarranted and uncalled-for statements and imputing unchastity to her, and intentionally insulted her modesty by commenting on her personal relationship with a co-star.

Claiming that Akhtar had in March 2016 called her and her sister Rangoli Chandel to his residence, where he threatened her with dire consequences if she failed to tender an apology to Roshan, Kangana had sought to prosecute him for various offences.

The actress filed the cross-complaint in September 2021 as a counterblast to the defamation complaint filed by Akhtar in November 2020, seeking to prosecute her for offences punishable under Sections 499 (defamation) and 500 (punishment for defamation) of the Indian Penal Code.

According to Akhtar, in her television interview on July 20, 2020, Ranaut had referred to him and some other film personalities as Bollywoods suicide brigade. In the interview, she had also alleged that Akhtar called her to his house in March 2016 and told her that Rakesh Roshan and his family were very big people. He told me: If you dont apologise to them, you will have nowhere to go. They will put you in jail and eventually the only path will be that of destruction you will commit suicide. He shouted and yelled at me. I was shaking in his house.

In his complaint, the 77-year-old lyricist claimed that the statements made by Ranaut in her television interview were false and defamatory and had damaged his reputation. He added that the actress dragged his name in following the suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, while referring to a coterie existing in Bollywood.

On December 19, 2020, the magistrate court ordered the Juhu police to investigate Akhtars complaint and file a report by January 16, 2021. Accordingly, the Juhu police filed their report, stating, There was a meeting between Akhtar and Ranaut in March 2016. In the said meeting, Dr Ramesh Agrawal (family physician of Kangana, Akhtar and the Roshans) was also present. Akhtar never told her (Ranaut) that she would commit suicide or would have to go to jail.

The police also said that during the investigation, they had issued summons to Ranaut on several occasions but she did not turn up. They recorded the statements of Akhtar, a family friend of his and Dr Agrawal. In his statement, Dr Agrawal said that in 2015-16, he came to know about the problems between Hrithik Roshan and Ranaut, and Akhtar had asked him to mediate and resolve the dispute, since he knew both of them well.

Dr Agrawal added that when he asked Ranaut, she agreed to meet Akhtar at his house to discuss the issue between her and Roshan. Supporting Akhtar, Dr Agrawal said the lyricist had never said things like You will commit suicide and you will be sent to prison.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Colaba police have arrested a 45-year-old electronics shop owner from Grant Road for allegedly giving out a contract to kill his younger brother on account of their financial disputes. The man who was hired, a notorious criminal from Nepal, sublet the job to two others. HT Image

On July 31, Imran Yusuf Namakwala, 40, and his friend Tariq Aziz Vakil Ahmed were travelling to South Mumbai. When they reached Jehangir Art Gallery, Namakwala decided to get down and check the air pressure in one of the vehicles tyres, said Pravin Munde, deputy commissioner of police, Zone I. While he was doing so, two men came by on a bike and attacked him. The pillion rider hit him on his face, hands, legs and other body parts with an iron rod and then both fled on the bike.

A bleeding Namakwala was rushed to hospital, and a case was registered under Sections 307 (attempt to murder), 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 120B (conspiracy) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code. A team headed by senior inspector Vijay Hatiskar, comprising API Dnyaneshwar Khandekar and constables Hanumant Nalawade, Vijay Bhor, Asif Kazi and Sarjeerao Kamble, began their investigation into the assault.

Through footage from the CCTVs covering the spot, the officers traced the first accused to Darukhana locality in Reay Road, said a police officer. He was subsequently identified as Islam Aslam Qureshi, 34. Qureshi, seeing the police team, tried to flee, but was chased for around a kilometre and nabbed. Later, the cops also arrested his accomplice Salim Mansur Shaikh, 23.

When the cops questioned the duo, they revealed that they had been asked by one Lokendra Uday Singh Rawat, 28, to carry out the attack, said the police officer. Rawat goes by several aliases such as Lucky, Rocky, Sajjan Singh, Thapa and Nepali, and hails from Baitandi, Kathmandu, Nepal.

When the police officials enquired about Rawat, they learnt that he was a known contract killer. He is wanted in the recent attack on Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh leaders at Dadar East, said the police officer. He is wanted by four police stations and there are several non-bailable warrants pending against him. He has even carried out a political murder in Ambarnath.

The police began searching for Rawat but learned that he did not have a fixed address in Mumbai which made arresting him difficult, as he used to flee to Nepal frequently. They did, however, manage to track him down to Virar, from where he was picked up.

We learned that Rawat came out on parole during the pandemic and executed four major crimes after that, said the police officer. When he was interrogated, he told us that he was hired by Imrans brother Irfan Yunus Namakwala, who paid him 2.5 lakh to attack Imran.

The police said that both brothers and their families lived in one house in Nagpada. Irfan, the elder brother, had helped Imran in the past, and both of them ran an electronic shop at Lamington Road in Grant Road while getting separate orders. When Imrans business began to flourish, the elder brother was jealous, which also created financial disputes between the two, said the police officer. That was why Irfan hired a hitman to kill his brother.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
MUMBAI: The special NIA (National Investigation Agency) court on Thursday allowed the release of former police officer Pradeep Sharma, arrested in connection with the Antilia bomb scare case and the killing of businessman Mansukh Hiren, on cash bail and granted him time to submit sureties. Sharma is likely to be released on Friday. HT Image

Sharmas lawyer, Subhash Jadhav, on Thursday, approached the special NIA court to initiate the process of his release after the Apex Court granted him bail on Wednesday. He is asked to submit a personal bond of 25,000 and sureties in the same amount. Besides, Sharma is asked to inform his latest place of residence and mobile number to the NIA in case of any change.

Meanwhile, Sachin Waze on Thursday pleaded the court to grant him time in the hearing of his bail plea to study the Apex Court order granting bail to Sharma.

Sharma was arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder of Thane trader Mansukh Hiran  the owner of the explosive-laden SUV, which was found abandoned near Antilia  the south Mumbai residence of industrialist Mukesh Ambani.

In its chargesheet, NIA claimed that the prime accused in the case (police officer Sachin Waze) had paid a huge amount in cash to Sharma to get Hiran eliminated.

Waze had allegedly taken Hirans SUV, planted 20 loose gelatin sticks in it, and parked the vehicle outside Antilia.

NIA further claimed that Waze, on March 3, 2021, a day before Hirans murder, allegedly met Sharma outside the office of his charitable trust, Pradeep Sharma Foundation, in Andheri East, and handed over a Rexine bag containing a large amount of cash (bundles of Indian currency notes of 500 denomination), the contract money to get Hiran eliminated.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Mumbai: Each one of the 40 MLAs from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena last week submitted a 6,000-page reply to assembly speaker Rahul Narwekar in response to the disqualification petitions against them. They have also demanded that each one be given a separate hearing, which means that the disqualification proceedings could go on for a long time. According to officials from the state legislature, the hearing is anyway unlikely to begin soon. HT Image

The state legislature had on July 15 served notices to 54 Shiv Sena MLAs from both factions, asking them to submit their replies to the disqualification petitions. Forty MLAs from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) submitted their 242-page replies in the third week of July within the time limit given by the speaker.

There are five disqualification petitions filed from both sides, covering 54 party MLAs. The petitions from the Sena (UBT) have challenged the appointment of the new whip and the election of the speaker after the split in the Shiv Sena in June last year. The Shinde faction, on its part, has sought disqualification of the MLAs from the Thackeray faction for their failure to obey the whip issued by it.

In their replies, the Shinde Sena MLAs have again claimed to be the real Shiv Sena. We have submitted supporting documents to prove our claim, said a leader from the Shinde camp. Some of the documents are from the petitions we submitted to the Supreme Court.

The Thackeray factions replies also claim that it is the original Shiv Sena, as it has a greater number of elected representatives. Countering this, a Shinde faction leader said that the Thackeray faction had acted against the ideology of the party and its founder Bal Thackeray. We have submitted the details of the party AGMs held in 2014 and 2019, he added. The party MLAs had written to Uddhav Thackeray about the possible split in the party because of its deviation from Hindutva. They have attached copies of these mails in their replies to the speaker.

Kiran Pawaskar, general secretary of the Shiv Sena, claimed that the Shinde faction would win the case, as the Election Commission had already ruled in their favour regarding the name and symbol of the party.

After the notices served by the speaker, the Shinde faction MLAs had sought four weeks to submit their reply. Speaker Rahul Narwekar had allotted an extension of two weeks and asked them to submit their say by August 10.

When questioned, Narwekar said that as a quasi-judicial authority, he would take the decision without discussing the matter publicly. It is not possible to say when the actual hearing will begin, but we will complete the proceedings expeditiously, he said.

According to an official from the state legislature, the voluminous replies and the demand to hold individual hearings is expected to delay the proceedings. The state legislature will bifurcate the submissions by both the factions based on the issues and contentions before the beginning of the hearing, he said. Time for the hearings will be given as per the issues individually or in groups. If the speaker accepts the demand of the Shinde faction for individual hearings, the ruling is likely to be delayed further.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration and Noida authority to clearly define the floodplain zones of the Yamuna and its tributary, the Hindon and to submit a report on it in two months. During the recent floods when hundreds of establishments located on the floodplains of the two rivers were left submerged. (HT Photo)

The direction came while hearing a petition filed in April by Greater Noida resident Mahesh Kumar, who alleged that the floodplains of Hindon were being heavily encroached on.

Notably, floodplains of the Yamuna, which separates Gautam Budh Nagar from Haryana and Delhi and the Hindon, which passes through around 28 villages before meeting the Yamuna at Momnathal in Gautam Budh Nagar, have been reeling under heavy encroachment. The situation was exposed during the recent floods when hundreds of establishments located on the floodplains of the two rivers were left submerged.

In his petition, Mahesh Kumar referred to the NGTs May 20, 2013, order stating that no unauthorised construction can come up on the Yamunas floodplain zone and all construction on the floodplains should be deemed unauthorised and necessary action initiated against violators.

Kumar further said the floodplains of the Hindon, in Lakhnawali village, were encroached on by around 250 illegal establishments.

While hearing the petition lodged by the Greater Noida resident on July 27, a bench comprising acting chairperson Sheo Kumar Singh, justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A Senthil Vel ordered the Gautam Budh Nagar district magistrate Manish Kumar Verma to refer to the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016. The order further asked the administration to refer to the ministry of environment, forest and climate changes 2022 guidelines for industries in close proximity to the river, for preparing the report.

In April, the tribunal ordered the district administration, Noida authority, and the irrigation department to take necessary steps following which, district administration had, on July 25, submitted that plot 507 mentioned in the plea fell within the notified area of Greater Noida authority and plot 652 and 673 fell under the Noida authority limits.

Gautam Budh Nagar district administration further stated that all three plots were located on Hindon floodplains and had numerous residential structures and colonies on it.

During the hearing, the bench referred to another petition filed by the owner of a farmhouse on Yamuna floodplains, Manoj Singh, where he had urged the tribunal to direct Noida authority to clearly define the floodplains of Yamuna.

Petitioner Manoj Singh said the authorities concerned had, in June this year, tried to demolish the farmhouses but the move was opposed in the absence of clearly defined floodplain zones. The petitioner later got a stay on the demolition from the Allahabad high court.

We have urged the NGT to direct the authorities concerning to fist conduct inspections and clearly define the floodplains before taking up demolition exercise.

Referring to the plea filed by Manoj Singh, the NGT ordered the Gautam Budh Nagar district administration and Noida authority to clearly demarcate the floodplain areas of Yamuna and Hindon and produce a report before the tribunal within two months. The NGT has set November 2, 2023, as the next date of hearing.

District magistrate Manish Kumar Verma, meanwhile, said they are yet to receive a copy of the order. Necessary action will be taken in accordance with the order issued, he said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Four people hailing from Manipurs Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts have been arrested in Assams Cachar district while they were transporting drugs, according to the police. Assam Police personnel after the drug bust and arrests. (HT Photo)

The suspected drug peddlers travelled from Churachandpur in a Bolero car through Mizoram and entered Cachar from Dholai area.

They wanted to take the consignment to some other state, and they chose an unusual route to distract the police, but failed, Cachar superintendent of police Numal Mahatta said.

The Cachar police launched an operation late on Tuesday based on specific intel, and intercepted the vehicle near National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar in the wee hours of Wednesday.

The arrested persons have been identified as Mamang Haokip (36), Haobem Haokip (30), Henboi Haokip (39) and Gogou Paite (30). Mamang, Henboi and Gogou are from Churachandpur, while Haobem is from Kangpokpi, the police said.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma praised the police on social media, and said, Cachar Police intercepted a four-wheeler vehicle coming from a neighbouring state at NIT-Ghungoor NH bypass and seized 104 soap cases containing 1.50 kg Heroin. Also apprehended four accused. Great work. Keep it up Assam Police.

On Sunday evening, Cachar police arrested three suspected drug peddlers from Dholai area and seized heroin worth market value of 5 crore. The arrested persons were identified as Anam Uddin Talukdar (39), Bachan Ali Sekh (22) and Fayeh Ahmed Mazumder (21). All are residents of Khulicherra area near the Assam-Mizoram border.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
India on Wednesday celebrated the successful moon landing by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with parents of at least five children born in Odishas Kendrapara district naming their newborns after the mission. Animated representation of Vikram Landers successful soft landing on the Moons surface (File)

Minutes after Chandrayaan-3s smooth landing on the moon, Ranu Mallick of Aripada village gave birth to a son while Durga Mandal of Talachua village gave birth to a baby girl in Kendrapara government hospital.

Jyotsnarani Bal of Nilakanthapur and Bebina Sethi of Angelei village gave birth to sons in Kendrapara government hospital. Damayanti Rout gave birth to a son in a private nursing home. They all named their newborns after the ISROs moon mission Chandrayaan-3.

All the mothers have decided to name their children Chandrayaan, said Anjana Sahoo, head nurse at Kendrapara government hospital.

I am delighted. As our baby was born a few minutes after the successful landing of Chandrayaan on the moon, we decided to name him after the mission, said Pravat Mallick, Ranus husband.

In the past, parents have named their newborns after natural disasters. In May 2021, several parents named newborns after Yaas, the cyclone that battered the eastern coast. Similarly, in October 2018, several families in Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur and Nayagarh named their newborn daughters Titli because they were born at the time of a severe cyclone on the coast.

On Wednesday, India scripted history by becoming the first country to land on the south pole of the lunar surface. The Chandrayaan 3s Vikram lander made a soft landing on the south pole at 6:04pm.

ISRO tweeted: Chandrayaan-3 Mission: India, I reached my destination and you too! Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon! Congratulations, India!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed gratitude to ISRO and the world leaders for their wishes on Chandrayaan-3s successful moon landing.

The crucial missions monumental success comes nearly four years after Chandrayaan 2 failed to achieve a soft landing on the moon in September 2019.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
MUMBAI: The Sahar police have arrested a 26-year-old man from Punjab who was deported to India from Thailand where he was deported from Kazakhstan for allegedly travelling on another persons documents. A search is underway for the agent who gave him these fake papers. HT Image

The incident came to light when Akashdeep Singh Mann arrived at Chhaatrapati Shivaji International Airport on Monday night. He was carrying an emergency certificate (EC) attached to his passport. Authorities in Thailand had left a remark on the certificate which said, EC is issued for Akashdeep Singhs deportation. Akashdeep travelled to Kazakhstan on passport of Mandeep Singh. He was detained and deported by Kazak authorities.

On interrogation by immigration officers at the airport, Mann said he was from a farming family and wanted to go to the US for better opportunities. He had approached a Bhatinda-based agent who assured him to send Mann to the US for a fee of 40 lakh. He had already paid 28 lakh to the agent who provided him with some documents with the picture and name of Mandeep Singh who looked very similar to him. He then started traveling in that name, a police officer said.

Usually, such agents provide their customers with documents that prove they are frequent travelers, the officer said. Once a good travel history is established, the person then goes to the desired country like the US, the UK or Canada on a tourist visa, he added.

After they have entered the desired country, they manage to get a job, marry a local resident, and carry on living there beyond the validity of their visa. They keep coming back to their country of origin in between to make things seem more legit, the officer pointed out.

Mann had on July 22 boarded a flight from New Delhi to Kazakhstan via Bangkok. The Kazakh immigration authorities noticed that the picture on his passport did not match his actual appearance and sent him back to Thailand where his passport was impounded, the police officer said. They also sought the intervention of the Indian Embassy in Thailand which provided the emergency certificate, enabling him to be flown back to India on Monday.

He was handed over to the Sahar police on Monday and after interrogation, he was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday. The police have booked Mann under section 419 (cheating by personation), 420 (cheating and dishonesty), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating) and 471 (using fake documents by presenting them as real) of the Indian Penal Code and sections of the Passport Ordinance, 1967. He has been sent to judicial custody.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Four more bodies of workers were recovered by rescue personnel from the railway bridge girder collapse site in Mizorams Sairang on Thursday, taking the death toll to 22, officials of the Mizoram State Emergency Operation Centre informed. One of the workers is still missing, they said. The railway Bridge No. 196 over Kurung River between Bairabi and Sairang railway station collapsed at 9:45am on August 23, 2023 (File Photo)

Officials informed that the search for one missing body is still underway, with canines from Mizoram Police Canine Unit helping in locating them.

The three workers injured in the accident have been admitted to the Durtlang Hospital in Aizawl, where their condition is stated to be stable, officials added.

The railway Bridge No. 196 over Kurung River between Bairabi and Sairang railway station collapsed at 9:45am on August 23, 2023.

According to Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) officials, 26 people were working on the bridge when it collapsed. The reasons for the accident are yet to be ascertained, and the Indian Railways has constituted a high-level committee to investigate it.

Aizawl superintendent of police (SP) Rex Zarzoliana Vanchhawng said the police had taken up the post-mortem examination of all 22 bodies. The bodies have been handed over to state administration, who will transfer them to their home state to West Bengal.

It is worth mentioning that ABCI Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, a private contractor, has been supplying, fabricating, assembling and erecting girders and bridges for the railway line from Bairabi to Sairang, Mizoram.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister Relief Fund (PMMRF) while Union Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced an ex-gratia of 10 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The Raj Bhawan in Bihar has written to vice chancellors of the state universities that the students not having 75% classroom attendance should not be allowed to take exams, officials said. CM Nitish Kumar had met meet Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday. (HT archive)

The letter to vice chancellors has been written by Robert L Chongthu, principal secretary to the Governor Rajendra Vishwanath.

The Governor is chancellor of state universities.

The Governor has expressed his displeasure and directed after due consideration that the students not having 75% attendance be not allowed to take exams conducted by the universities and their exam forms be not accepted, barring in case of any proper reason made available. This needs to be complied forthwith in all universities, says the letter, which has been seen by HT.

In Bihar, which has been very slow on higher education reforms and implementation of semester system, poor attendance in colleges and universities and erratic classes have been a chronic problem.

With sessions late by up to 2-3 years in some universities, the focus is invariably on conducting exams and publication of results without conforming to the basic attendance requirement and classroom teaching.

In Patna University also, which is relatively better in terms of its functioning, the closure of hostels at the start of the new session this year due to law and order problems had led to a lot of problems to students from average income families coming from far-off places.

The principal of 161-year-old Patna College, Tarun Kumar, said that attendance of students was a prerequisite for colleges and universities. The Chancellor has only reiterated it. In Patna College, it is not an issue, as we already dont allow students having less than 75% attendance, barring in case of medical reasons, to take exams. The Chancellors directive is with regard to all the universities, as the problem of erratic classes and poor attendance is reported from several universities and colleges. It is a welcome move, he said.

In Bihar, 75% attendance has been made mandatory also for students in government schools for taking board exams.

No let-up in BJP-JD-U spat

Meanwhile, despite chief minister Nitish Kumars meeting with Governor Wednesday evening, the war of words between BJP and the JD-U has continued. It was a courtesy meeting. Nitish Kumar respects constitutional bodies and so he went to meet the Governor. People may speculate whatever they want, said JD-U spokesman Neeraj Kumar.

State BJP president Samrat Choudhary and leader of Opposition Vijay Kumar Sinha, on the other hand, said it was an attempt to humiliate the Governor. Development can be done through showdown. There has never been any showdown between the Governor and the state government in Bihar, said Choudhary.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arun Kumar Arun Kumar is Senior Assistant Editor with Hindustan Times. He has spent two-and-half decades covering Bihar, including politics, educational and social issues. ...view detail
Bihars Gopalganj police on Wednesday arrested four persons for allegedly stealing 21 laptops from Kaushal Vikas Kendra located at Chakrapan village falling under Kateya police station on July 12, police said. (Representative Photo)

Those arrested were identified as Ranjit Kumar Sharma, Rajan Chouhan, and Bipul Chouhan, all residents of Gopalganj, and Ranjit Gaund, a resident of Uttar Pradesh.

Gopalganj superintendent of police (SP) Swarn Prabhat said the key accused, Ranjit Sharma had assembled a group to fulfil his sisters dowry by theft amounting to lakhs of rupees. His sisters wedding was to be solemnised in November 2023.

Following their arrest, police recovered 15 laptops from them.

For the case, the police constituted a special investigation team (SIT) led by Hathua sub-divisional police office (SDPO) Anurag Kumar to crack the case, said the SP.

Acting on a tip-off, the SIT first raided the house of the key accused at Kateya and interrogated him thoroughly. During the interrogation, he named Rajan, a native of Bishanpura, Bipul from Harharwa village and Ranjit Guand of Kushinagar as his accomplices.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the four arrested persons had been targeting desolate areas in the district. They especially focused on Kaushal Vikas Kendra. The valuables were then sold to a shop in Uttar Pradesh.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The National Medical Commission (NMC)s decision to remove three departments from the list of essential departments every medical college approved for undergraduate admissions or MBBS course should have, has added to the growing differences between the regulator and the doctors. HT Image

Physical medicine and rehabilitation (PMR), respiratory medicine and emergency medicine are the three departments the NMC Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UMEB) has curtailed from the earlier list of 24 departments for undergraduate medical colleges, while issuing the guidelines for under graduate courses under establishment of new medical institutions, starting of new medical courses, increase of seats for existing courses and assessment and rating regulations, 2023, published in the gazette on August 16.

The NMC has now whittled down the essential departments from 24 to 21, adding integrative medical research, a combination of modern and ancient medicine (allopathy and AYUSH), while removing the three departments, in addition to radiation oncology, which was optional, as part of the minimum requirements for annual MBBS admissions regulations, 2020, published in the gazette on October 28, 2020.

Experts from the respective fields have already petitioned the Union health minister Mansukh Madaviya, seeking his intervention to reinstate the departments.

It is shocking to find that the specialty of PMR has been removed from the undergraduate MBBS curriculum. This is in stark contravention to your lawful duty towards divyangjan (differently abled) mentioned in the RPwD Act, 2016, because ensuring right to health for divyangjan is possible only if the budding physicians are well aware of PMR practice during their undergraduate training in MBBS, said Dr Sanjay Kumar Pandey, national secretary of the Indian Association of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, in his letter to Union health minister Mansukh Madaviya on August 21. HT has seen the letter.

Removing PMR as a mandatory department in a medical college for MBBS curriculum will affect the new crop of medical graduates, who will be ignorant to the medical needs of the differently-abled in India, where nearly 2.5% of Indias total population are divangjan, said Dr Pandey.

Dr Surya Kant, professor and head, department of respiratory medicine, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow, and also chairman of the North Zone Task Force of the National TB elimination Programme had also written to Mandaviya on August 21, appealing to reinstate respiratory medicine department in the essential list of departments in a medical college for undergraduate medical programme. HT had seen the letter.

Nagpurs Dr Rajesh Swarnakar, secretary of the Indian Chest Society, had also written to Mandaviya on Wednesday with a similar request to reinstate respiratory medicine department as an important and necessary specialty for undergraduate MBBS curriculum. HT had seen the letter.

Earlier, the Madurai Respiratory Society had also separately written to Mandaviya on August 18, expressing its concern over the decision of the NMC undergraduate medical education board to remove respiratory medicine (TB and chest diseases) department from the mandatory list of undergraduate medical education.

It said the decision to remove respiratory medicine from the mandatory department list could potentially hinder the training and development of medical professionals who were pivotal in combating TB, pollution-related lung diseases, occupational lung diseases, smoking-related lung issues, and asthma.

Dr SN Sinha, vice-chancellor of the Bihar University of Health Sciences, which looks after all 11 state government medical colleges and four of the seven private medical colleges in the state, said: Each of the three disciplines of respiratory medicine, PMR and emergency medicine are vast and critical in medical science. They should have existed as independent departments in undergraduate medical colleges for better understanding of the subject among budding doctors. The NMC has, of late, been experimenting too much. There should have been a national debate before the NMC took a decision to remove them as independent departments.

The NMC could not be contacted for its response. NMC president of the medical assessment and rating board (MARB) did not respond to HTs e-mail, sent at 2:46 pm on Wednesday.

The NMC has, however, put these decisions in abeyance vide another gazette notification on August 23 following protest by doctors and the Indian Medical Association (IMA)s meeting with the Union health minister.

Through the gazette notification circulated today, the NMC has put in abeyance its National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, which among others banned doctors from prescribing branded drugs and attending seminars sponsored by pharmaceutical firms, after a gazette notification on August 2, said Dr Ajay Kumar, past president of IMA, Bihar.

The NMCs recent decisions to ban doctors from attending seminars sponsored by pharmaceutical firms, and also making it mandatory for them to prescribe generic drugs, which are cheaper than branded ones, has added to growing bitterness between the doctors and the regulator.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Ruchir Kumar Ruchir writes on health, aviation, power and myriad other issues. An ex-TOI, he has worked both on Desk and in reporting. He over 25 years of broadcast and print journalism experience in Assam, Jharkhand & Bihar. ...view detail
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will carry out a feasibility test for building the first expressway in Bihar, from Buxar to Bhagalpur, a top officer familiar with the matter said. Bihars deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav with Union minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi. (HT)

An in-principle agreement for this was arrived at in a meeting between Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari and Bihar deputy chief minister Tejashwi Prasad Yadav in New Delhi on Thursday.

The senior officer, who was part of the state delegation that met the Union minister, said the expressway would be a green field project, in addition to other proposed four-lane expressways like Gorakhpur-Siliguri, Raxaul-Haldia via Patna and Amas-Darbhanga access-controlled highways.

The expressway will be designed for allowing vehicles to run at the speed of 120kmph while the access-controlled highways have the permissible speed limit of the vehicles up to 100 kmph.

Gadkari told the Bihar delegation, led by Tejashwi Prasad Yadav, who also holds the road construction portfolio, that the NHAI would soon float the tender to engage reputed and competent construction firm to build the six-lane bridge on the river Ganga, parallel to the JP Setu in Patna, at a cost of 3,000 crore.

The Union minister said that since it was a mega project, entailing an expenditure of more than 2,000 crore, it required the approval of the Prime Ministers office (PMO). The PMO has cleared the project and it will be processed for the Union cabinet nod, said Gadkari.

Besides, the MoRTH minister assured that the long-delayed Patna-Gaya-Dobhi four-lane road (NH-83) project would be complete by the year-end for vehicular operations.

The Union minister was also urged to complete ongoing road project on Chapra-Hajipur stretch of NH-19, Muzaffapur bypass, which is part of Hajipur-Muzaffarpur NH-77, Maheshkhut-Saharsa-Purnia (NH-107) and Birpur-Udakishanganj-Bihpur (NH106).

The RCD official said that the Buxar-Bhagalpur expressway, if approved by the MoRTH, would be connected to 343-km-long Purvanchal Expressway, originating from Chand Sarai in Lucknow to Haidaria in Ghazipur in UP.

On the request of Bihars deputy CM, Gadkari said work on Danapur-Bihta elevated road would commence soon as the tender for the project would be finalised by the month-end.

Additional chief secretary (RCD) Pratyay Amrit, Kundan Kumar, resident commissioner at Bihar Bhawan in New Delhi were also part of the Bihar delegation.

The meeting lasted more than an hour.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, Tejashwi Yadav said Gadkari was the man in Union cabinet who interacts in a very positive manner. We have demanded an expressway in Bihar, which the state lacks as of now. We have also requested the MoRTH minister to step up work on various pending road projects, said Yadav.

The deputy CM was offered a ride on hydrogen-powered car of Gadkari from the meeting venue to Bihar Bhawan.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Subhash Pathak Subhash Pathak is special correspondent of Hindustan Times with over 15 years of experience in journalism, covering issues related to governance, legislature, police, Maoism, urban and road infrastructure of Bihar and Jharkhand. ...view detail
The anti-narcotics cell of Pimpri-Chinchwad police have busted an inter-state drug peddling gang, nabbed three persons from Rajasthan and seized 60 kgs of banned poppy straw worth 17 lakh from their possession. The action was taken on the night of August 22, said officials. The anti-narcotics cell of Pimpri-Chinchwad police have busted an inter-state drug peddling gang, nabbed three persons (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

Police received a tip-off that some suspected persons had stored banned narcotics substances and were packing it to sell it in the market.

Senior police inspector Santosh Patil and his team reached the godown and found that a vehicle carrying gas cylinders was stationed inside the godown.

The vehicle driver identified as Rakesh Jeevan Bishnoi, 24, a resident of Mhalunge in Khed taluka, who hails from Jaipur, was taken into custody.

The police team seized 32 LPG cylinders and two sacks full of poppy straw during the operation.

During interrogation, Bishnoi revealed the names of Avinash Pansare and two other accused who were carrying out the drug trade by concealing the packed drug packets inside the crowd of LPG gas cylinders.

The other accused have been identified as Kailas Jorraam Bishnoi, Mukesh Giridhariram Bishnoi, all residents of Rajasthan.

Pansare is yet to be arrested, said police.

An FIR has been lodged against the accused at Mhalunge MIDC police station under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS) Act 8 (c) and 29 including Indian Penal Code (IPC) section 420, 285,188, 34 and also relevant sections of the Essential Commodities Act.

The accused were produced before the court which remanded them into custody till August 28.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Timely action by the Kondhwa police helped a professional get back 58,500 siphoned off from his e-wallet on Thursday. The police made the bank freeze the account to which the money was credited after the complainant approached them in the Golden Hour soon after the fraud. According to the complaint, the victim received a call from cyber crooks who managed to obtain his password and ID of the payment portal and soon a transaction of  60,000 was debited from his e-wallet. (REPRESENTATIVE PHOTO)

According to the complaint, the victim received a call from cyber crooks who managed to obtain his password and ID of the payment portal and soon a transaction of 60,000 was debited from his e-wallet.

The complainant rushed to Kondhwa police station and the constable on duty alerted the cyber cell who halted the unauthorised transaction.

Santosh Sonawane, incharge, Kondhwa Police Station, said, They siphoned off 60,000, but the transaction was halted as the complaint was timely received. We got in touch with the officers of the e-wallet, blocked the transaction and could recover 58,500.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
As the Pune-Nashik semi-high speed railway project is being delayed, deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar has instructed officials to prepare a proposal under the Metro Rail Act which will be submitted to Centre. The 235- km Pune-Nashik railway line will pass through the Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts (REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE)

Pawar on Wednesday held a meeting with officials in Mumbai, wherein he hinted that the Maharashtra government is ready to execute and fund the project if Centre is taking time to approve it.

This high-speed railway has been a long pending demand by citizens of Nashik and Pune. We have been waiting for 25 years, said Pawar.

Earlier, central railways had raised concerns about the proposed track stating that it is not possible to be developed at grade (At ground level). As railway ministry raised concern over the semi-high speed rail, the future of the project was jeopardised.

Officials stated that if this project is brought under the Metro Rail Act, it does not need to be executed by central railway, but will have partial funding from state and central government.

Maha Rails managing director Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal said, As instructed by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, we will draw up the proposal and submit it to the cabinet.

The 235- km Pune-Nashik railway line will pass through the Pune, Ahmednagar and Nashik districts. At a speed of 200 kmph, the distance between Pune and Nashik is expected to be covered in one hour-and-forty five minutes. The high-speed project, if completed, will provide seamless connectivity to the industrial zones of Pune and Nashik such as Hadapsar, Wagholi, Alandi, Chakan, Khed, Manchar, Narayangaon, Sinnar and Satpur.

MLA Autl Benke, chief secretary Manoj Saunik, finance department chief secretary Nitin Kareer, planning department secretary Saurabh Vijay and MD Maharail Jaiswal were present for the meeting.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
With all three canteens at the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) currently closed, university students, especially those staying in hostels on the premises, have to walk to and from the few canteens located nearby for snacks and meals and are inconvenienced. As the university has not completed the tender process for the cafeterias despite several requests to the administration, student organisations are now demanding that members of the university management council pay attention to this among other student issues. A few years ago, three canteens at the SPPU namely Aniket Canteen, Open Canteen and Old Canteen would be teeming with students however they are closed now. (HT FILE PHOTO)

Kuldeep Ambekar, student and president of the Students Helping Hand organisation, said, Open Canteen and Old Canteen have been closed permanently. Instead, a single food mall has been started in the university. Students get a selection of food items at this place. Students have protested many times regarding the inconvenience. It has also been demanded that other canteens in the university be started. But the university administration is constantly ignoring our demands.

A few years ago, three canteens at the SPPU namely Aniket Canteen, Open Canteen and Old Canteen would be teeming with students however they are closed now. MLA Kailas Patil met the SPPU vice-chancellor (VC) Suresh Gosavi about this issue on Wednesday. We discussed various issues including that of student hostels. In the rap song case, the university has been brought into serious disrepute and the inquiry report submitted in this regard should be published. The students hostel chief, Vikas Mate, who is harassing the students, should be expelled. An equal opportunity centre should be established, and a canteen committee should be constituted. Criminal cases should be filed at the respective polling stations in case of bogus voting during student elections. Action should be taken against officials and employees who give permission to parties and organisations to hold meetings in the office of the Alumni Association, Patil said.

Rahul Sasane of the University Student Struggle Action Committee said, Aniket Canteen in the university has not been reopened despite several requests to and follow-ups with the administration. So, we have demanded that the issues related to students be discussed in the meeting of the management council to be held on August 26.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Vikram the landers successful touchdown on the Moons south pole, part of ISROs Chandrayaan-3 mission, will likely be just one of many firsts, for the Moon offers many more mysteries for humans to solve. Beyond its unexplored territories, there remains the question about how the Moon formed in the first place, even though one among various theories is widely accepted today. Beyond its origin, again, the Moon continues to fascinate modern humans as much as it did our ancestors, partly for science, partly with myths. PREMIUM Ancient humans used the Moon as a calendar system, secure in the knowledge that it follows a regular orbit around our planet(Pixabay)

The Moon was not just worshipped as a deity but also held responsible (it still is) for diverse events. Even today, the myth persists that a full moon influences people into making irrational decisions, an idea with no scientific basis. Wolves were thought to howl at the moon, giving rise to the myth about werewolves, humans who supposedly turn into wolves when the moon is full.

That said, the Moon does influence life on Earth. It is responsible for the tides in the oceans, dictates the migration of birds, and influences the reproduction cycles of some animals. And Earths natural satellite has not only revealed some of its mysteries but also inspired science.

What Moon has told us

Ancient humans used the Moon as a calendar system, secure in the knowledge that it follows a regular orbit around our planet. As knowledge of geometry evolved, scientists calculated the Moons distance from Earth based on the shadow cast during a lunar eclipse.

In the 17th century, Galileos telescopes revealed, for the first time, mountains and craters on the lunar surface. Since the 1950s, manned and unmanned lunar missions have revealed more. Among these discoveries were views of the far side of the Moon.

Although the Moon is rotating on its axis, it always looks the same from the Earth, presenting a face with features that we identify as the man in the Moon. The Moon and Earth are gravitationally tied in a way that the Moon takes the same amount of time to rotate about its axis as it takes to make one orbit around Earth. This rotation causes the same side of the Moon to always face Earth.

As a result, the far side of the Moon was a mystery until the Soviet Luna-3 probe clicked the first photographs in October 1959. Over the next few years, the USSR released clearer and clearer images. In December 1968, astronauts on NASAs Apollo 8 mission, became the first humans to see and photograph the far side, although they did not land on the Moon. Most recently, Chinas robotic spacecraft Change-4 in 2019 became the first mission to land on the far side.

All these missions have enabled scientists to identify and name several craters and other features on the far side over the years. But one mystery endures: how was the Moon formed?

What it hasnt told us

The most widely accepted theory about the Moons origin is known as the giant impactor theory. It proposes that an object, which is often described as Theia and is estimated to have been about the size of Mars, struck Earth just after the formation of the Solar System. This would have ejected large volumes of material from both objects, and this material eventually combined to form the Moon.

While many scientists contest the giant impact theory, it is still seen as more plausible than other theories that have been proposed and discounted over the years.

>The fission theory suggests that the Moon was once a piece of Earth that broke loose from its outer layers, with the separation giving rise to the Pacific Ocean. The British astronomer George Howard Darwin (Charles Darwins son) championed this idea. What he proposed was thought to be possible during his time, but scientists today discount it. Among the grey areas, the theory does not explain how materials on the Moon were baked more than those on Earth.

>The capture theory, on the other hand, proposes the Moon was formed independently of Earth, and was later captured into Earths orbit. For such a capture, there would need to have been some event that slowed the Moon down by just the right amount at just the right time. Such fine-tuning is believed improbable.

>The condensation theory proposes that the same dust cloud that led to the formation of Earth also created the Moon. The Moon has receded ever since, but was never part of Earth. While the Moon indeed continues to recede from Earth, ever so slowly, the condensation theory would require that the Moon and Earth should have nearly the same composition, which they do not.

To come back to the giant impactor theory, first proposed in the 1970s, it can explain the composition of the Moon to a far greater extent than the other theories. Those who are not convinced, however, raise various questions. If there was indeed a giant impact, a magma ocean would have formed on Earths surface, but there is no evidence that Earth ever had one. Scientists note that the ratios between various elements on the Moon are not explained by the giant impactor theory. Also, if Earth were impacted, why wasnt Venus struck by a similar object, which should have resulted in Venus having its own Moon?

Hunt for an answer

The book Asimovs New Guide to Science discusses the fission, capture and condensation theories and notes how certain aspects remain unresolved. Moon rocks brought back to Earth should have resolved the mystery, but Isaac Asimov dwells on how their composition raises questions about each of the theories.

 Scientists have been heard to mutter that if the evidence for the Moons origin is carefully considered, then the only possible conclusion is that the Moon is not really out there  a conclusion, however, that just means they must continue the search for additional evidence, Asimov writes.

There is an answer, and it will be found.

Kabir Firaque is the puzzles editor of Hindustan Times. His column, Weird Science, tackles a range of subjects from the history of inventions and discoveries to science that sounds fictional, but isn't it.
Rajasthan State Open School (RSOS) has released the RSOS class 10 and 12 results today, August 24. The Rajasthan State Open School 10th and 12th results are available on the official website at rsosadmission.rajasthan.gov.in and educationsector.rajasthan.gov.in. RSOS class 10 &12 open school results 2023 out at rsosadmission.rajasthan.gov.in

A total of 56,533 students registered for the Rajasthan open school class 10 exams out of which 43,584 students appeared while 66,266 students registered for the class 12 exams out of which 55121 students appeared.

RSOS class 10th and 12th result 2023: Know how to check

Visit the official website at rsosadmission.rajasthan.gov.in or educationsector.rajasthan.gov.in

On the homepage, look for the RSOS class 10th and 12th result link

Key in your login details

Your RSOS class 10th and 12th result link will be available on the screen

Check the result and take print for future reference.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! Get latest news on Education along with updates on Board Exams and Competitive Exams at Hindustan Times. Also get latest Job updates on Employment News

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The winners of the National Film Awards 2023 are all set to be unveiled on August 24 at 5 PM. As the entire industry and fans nationwide eagerly await to hear the names of their favourite films and stars being announced on the special day, here is how you can watch the announcement live. (Also read: IIFA 2023 winners full list: Hrithik Roshan and Alia Bhatt bag best actors, Brahmastra and Gangubai Kathiawadi win big) RRR, Kangana Ranaut and Alia Bhatt are some names doing the rounds for the big win.

Where to watch?

The announcement of the 69th edition of the National Film Awards is scheduled to begin at 5 PM. The winners will be announced during a press conference by the jury at the National Media Center, New Delhi. The event can be watched live on PIB India's Facebook page and their YouTube channel as well.

Past winners

Last year, at the 68th National Film Awards, it was Ajay Devgn and Suriya who had won the Best Actor award for their performances in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Soororai Pottru respectively. Suriya's co-star Aparna Balamurali had won the Best Actress as well. Soororai Poottru also won the National Award for Best Feature Film.

Who will win?

Meanwhile, for this year's awards, several names from Bollywood are also doing the rounds in the predictions. Chief among them are for Best Actress, where Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut's names are being considered for their turns in Gangubai Kathiawadi (2022) and Thalaivii (2021) respectively. Kangana is already a multiple National Award-winning actor, having won for one for Supporting Actress for Fashion (2008), and three for Best Actress, for the films Queen (2014), Tanu Weds Manu Returns (2015), and Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi (2019) as well as Panga (2020) respectively. Alia, on the other hand, recently won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Gangubai Kathiawadi.

On the other hand, SS Rajamouli's RRR is also eyeing major victory at the National Awards. Stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR are also in the run. RRR scored major international awards glory and had a dream run to the Oscars last month. The song 'Naatu Naatu' became the first song from an Indian production to win the Oscar for composer MM Keeravani and lyricist Chandrabose in the Best Original Song category. It competed with nominees that included Rihanna's Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, This Is A Life from Everything Everywhere All at Once, Applause from Tell It Like a Woman, and Lady Gaga's Hold My Hand from Top Gun: Maverick.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kareena Kapoor has shared a hilarious new video to tease her character in her OTT debut. And its confirmed it will be poles apart from her most popular characters. The actor stars alongside Jaideep Ahlawat and Vijay Varma in Sujoy Ghosh's adaptation of Japanese novel The Devotion of Suspect X which will mark her debut in the OTT space. Also read: Kareena Kapoor poses for selfie with Karan Johar as she hosts get-together, calls herself, Malaika Arora 'kaftan girls' Kareena Kapoor in a still from the promo of her new OTT film.

Kareena rejects stupid film offers

Sharing the video on Instagram, Kareena wrote, Its a secret I cant wait to tell, with a wink emoji. The video opens with Kareena listening to project pitches in her living room. The first filmmaker offers her Kabhi Khushie Kabhi Gun in which Kareena's Poo becomes a policewoman and hides her gun in her heels. Tumhara koi haq nahi banta ki tum itni guilty lago (You have no right to look so guilty). How dare you? says Kareena in her Poo tone but is not happy with the idea.

Next come in two men who pitch her a sci-fi thriller titled Kal We Met in which Geet is not seen in in a train but a time machine where she falls in love with her future version. And as expected, Kareena rejects the idea. It is then followed by stupid offers for projects like Poo-key Blinders, Phal We Met, Jab We Pet, Too Poo To Handle, Mujhse Heist Karoge.

Kareena finally gets an offer she likes

Kareena gets frustrated to find that people cannot think anything beyond Poo and Geet whereas she wants something original, thrilling and exciting. But then she finally gets an offer which is a thriller, has romance and is set in a mysterious location with Kareena in a never seen before avatar.

According to a Pinkvilla report, the film is titled Jaane Jaan and will release on Netflix in September. Its trailer is expected to arrive on September 5. Kareena is said to be in the role of a divorced, single mother who tries to hide the murder of her estranged husband in the company of her neighbour, all in the middle of a police investigation.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Actor Manish Wadhwa is extremely grateful for how 2023 has turned out for him in terms of his career. After starting the year with a blockbuster like Pathaan, the actor is now basking in the glory of the unprecedented success of Gadar 2, which is currently running in theatres. Its Gods blessings and audiences love. Life seems to have changed now, especially career-wise. I consider myself extremely fortunate that I could be a part of two of the biggest hits of this year. Im getting so many calls from everywhere, says an excited Wadhwa. Manish Wadhwa played the role of General Hamid Iqbal in Gadar 2

Interestingly, the actor played the role of a Pakistani Army General in both the films. However, he asserts that it was rather challenging to portray similar characters yet showing them in a different way.

If you see, both the characters are more or less the same, hatred for India is similar, and even their uniforms is alike, because of the Pakistani background. But, the era was different, he says, and explains, General Hamiq Iqbal in Gadar 2 is from 1971 era... hes very desi with a different thinking. Whereas, General Qadir in Pathaan was very polished and belonged to the modern 2023 era. So, while Manish Wadhwa is the same, I had to think how these two characters would think and behave differently.

Having played similar parts, the The 51-year-old admits that its natural for audiences and filmmakers to judge that I was stereotyped, but Id like to think otherwise. Asked if he has been getting offers to play the antagonist in his future projects, too, and the actor states, No, thats not really the case. Ive received some scripts, but I havent had the time to read them yet. I am just enjoying the success of Gadar 2, and I dont want to get distracted, neither do I want to distract my audience right now.

Another thing that the actor says really helped his characters leave an impact on audiences mind is that he completely surrendered to his directors  Siddharth Anand (Pathaan) and Anil Sharma (Gadar 2). Also, the writing was so nunanced that you just had to be there and understand what the directors wanted from me. I believe, a an artiste, if you go on set with a blank slate, then you can write anything on that slate. Agar main pehle se soch ke jaunga, toh woh sahi nahi hai, elaborates the actor, revealing that he was also signed for Takht, But after the film got shelved, I was called for Pathaan by the casting team.

As for Gadar 2, Wadhwa recalls that he was selected in the first meeting itself. I had done a Tamil movie called Sham Singha Roy, and its stunt director Ravi Verma showed the clips to Anil Sharma ji, as he was searching for a villain for Gadar 2. Anil ji liked it and selected me in the first meeting. I was asked to meet Sunny (Deol) paaji, because he was very keen about the villains role, as had been looking for six months for someone to play that role. And thats how I came on board, he wraps up.
The 69th National Film Awards were announced on Thursday via a press conference by the jury at National Media Centre, Delhi. The announcement of awards was livestreamed on Press Information Bureau's Facebook and YouTube channels. (Also read: National Film Awards 2023 live updates) The 69th National Awards were announced on August 24.

Here's the full winners list:

Feature Film Category

Best Mishing Film- Boomba Ride

Best Assamese Film- Anur

Best Bengali Film- Kalkkoho

Best Hindi Film- Sardar Udham

Best Kannada Film- 777 Charlie

Best Gujarati Film- Chello Show

Best Maithili Film- Samanantar

Best Marathi Film- Ekda Kay Zala

Best Malayalam Film- Home

Special Jury Award- Shershaah

Best Child Artist- Bhavin Rabari, Chhello Show

Indira Gandhi Award for Best Debut Film of a Director- Meppadiyan, Vishnu Mohan

Best Film on Social Issues- Anunaad-The Resonance

Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation- Aavasavyuham

Best Childrens Film- Gandhi and Co

Best Screenplay (Original)- Shahi Kabir, Nayattu

Best Screenplay (Adapted)- Sanjay Leela Bhansali & Utkarshini Vashishtha, Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Dialogue Writer- Utkarshini Vashishtha & Prakash Kapadia, Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Music Director (Songs)- Devi Sri Prasad, Pushpa

Best Music Direction (Background Music)- MM Keeravaani, RRR

Best Editing- Sanjay Leela Bhansali for Gangubai Kathiawadi

Best Supporting Actress- Pallavi Joshi for The Kashmir Files

Best Supporting Actor- Pankaj Tripathi for Mimi

Best Actress- Alia Bhatt for Gangubai Kathiawadi, Kriti Sanon for Mimi

Best Actor - Allu Arjun for Pushpa: The Rise

Best Film on National Integration- The Kashmir Files

Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment - RRR

Best Feature Film - Rocketry: The Nambi Effect

Non-Feature Films category

Special mention : Baale Bangara (Aniruddha Jatkar), Karuvarai (Srikanth Deva), The Healing Touch (Sweta Kumar Das) and Ek Duaa (Ram Kamal Mukherjee)

Best Narration/Voice over - Kulada Kumar Bhattacharjee (HatiBondhu)

Best Music Direction - Ishaan Divecha (Succulent)

Best Editing - Abhro Banerjee (If Memory Serves Me Right)

Best Production Sound Recordist (Location/Sync Sound) - Suruchi Sharma (Meen Raag)

Best Audiography (Re-recordist) - Unni Krishnan (Ek Tha Gaon)

Best Cinematography - Bittu Rawat (Paatal-Tee)

Best Direction - Bakul Matiyani (Smile Please)

Best Film On Family Values - Chand Saanse

Best Short Fiction Film - Daal Bhat (Gujarati)

Special Jury - Rekha (Marathi Film)

Best Animation Film - Kandittundu (Malayalam)

Best Investigative Film - Looking For Challan (English)

Best Exploration/Adventurous Film - Ayushman (English, Kannada)

Best Educational Film - Sirpigalin Sirpangal (Tamil)

Best Film On Social Issues - Mithu Di (Marathi) and Three Two One (Marathi & Hindi)

Best Environmental Film - Munnam Valavu (Malayalam)

Best Promotional Film - Endangered Heritage 'Warli Art'

Best Science and Technology Film - Ethos Of Darkness

Best Arts/Cultural Film - T.N. Krishnan Bow Strings To Divine

Best Writing on Cinema

Best Book on Cinema: Music by Laxmikant Pyarelal: The Incredibly Melodious Journey by Rajiv Vijayakar

Best Film Critic: Purushothama Charyulu

Best Film Critic (Special Mention): Subramanya Bandoor

Past winners

Last year, at the 68th National Film Awards, it was Ajay Devgn and Suriya who had won the Best Actor award for their performances in Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior and Soororai Pottru respectively. Suriya's co-star Aparna Balamurali had won the Best Actress as well. Soororai Poottru also won the National Award for Best Feature Film.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah took to Twitter and mocked The Kashmir Files after the film won the Nargis Dutt award for best feature film on national integration. The Kashmir Files is directed by Vivek Agnihotri. Omar sarcastically questioned the category of the award. Also read: National Film Awards 2023 full list of winners Omar Abdullah questioned Vivek Agnihotri's The Kashmir Files after its win at National Awards 2023.

Omar Abdullah reacts to The Kashmir Files' win

The politician took to Twitter and reacted to a news article on the same shared by the news agency PTI. He wrote, National integration, and added a laughing face emoji. Reacting to his tweet, Vivek Agnihotri wrote back, This is the biggest award coming from you @OmarAbdullah. If you had commented otherwise, I would have been very disappointed. Thanks again.

Vivek Agnihotri on the win

On Thursday, the 69th National Awards were announced. After The Kashmir Files fetched a space in the winners' list, director Vivek Agnihotri shared a video from the US. He said, "I am in America and got the news in the morning that The Kashmir Files has won the 69th National Award. It is one of the most prestigious awards of our country. I have always said that The Kashmir Files is not only my film but it's a film for all the Kashmiris, who have been the victim of terrorism in the Valley. It's the voice of plight of Kashmiris who faced terrorism and it's medium through which their pain was shared with the whole country. I dedicate this award to all the victims of terrorism."

Anupam Kher celebrates

Meanwhile, The Kashmir Files actor Anupam Kher shared still images from the film on Instagram. He added to the caption, NATIONAL AWARD: Delighted and proud that #TheKashmirFiles won the prestigious and most important #NationalAward - Nargis Dutt award for #BestFeatureFilm on national integration. Not only as an actor but also being an executive producer on the film I am so happy for this recognition for our film. Would have loved to win an award for my acting too. But how will I be motivated and thrilled to work more if all of my wishes get fulfilled so soon? No worries! Next time! My heartfelt congratulations to every winner! Jai Ho!

The Kashmir Files

The Kashmir Files, directed by Vivek Agnihotri, was one of the highest-grossing movies of 2022. Written by Vivek and produced by Zee Studios, the film revolved around the exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir in the 1990s. It starred Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, Mithun Chakraborty and Pallavi Joshi, among others.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A New Mexico judge on Wednesday rejected a request by Alec Baldwin s attorneys to dismiss a civil lawsuit by three Rust crew members who allege cost-cutting endangered the cast and crew as the actor-producer skipped his own safety training. Also read: Alec Baldwin to face charges of involuntary manslaughter for Rust shooting case, could face 5 years of prison sentence Actor Alec Baldwin is said to have skipped his own safety training during the making of Rust. (AP)

Chief District Judge Bryan Biedscheid also declined to delay proceedings despite arguments by Baldwin's legal team that doing to so would put their client at risk of self-incrimination since prosecutors have yet to decide whether to refile criminal charges against him over the fatal on-set shooting of a cinematographer.

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. As an example, he pointed to any interpretation of Baldwin's production contract and what authority he had over decision making.

Schwartz said the court is putting Baldwin in an unfortunate position. No protective order can protect him against that. It just can't happen," Schwartz said. "So what's 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. The judge disagreed, saying he would be mindful of Baldwin's rights. Prosecutors have been mum about when a decision will be announced, but in asking for the civil case to be delayed, Schwartz indicated Wednesday that it could some within the next few weeks.

What had happened on Rust set in 2021

Baldwin, a coproducer of the film, was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on the films set outside Santa Fe when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza. The 2021 shooting resulted in a series of civil lawsuits centered on accusations that the defendants were lax with safety standards. The cases have including wrongful death claims filed by members of Hutchins' family. Baldwin and other defendants have disputed accusations they were lax with safety standards.

The plaintiffs in the case heard Wednesday say Baldwin and the other producers cut corners, ignored reports of multiple unscripted firearm discharges and rushed to finish the film while being understaffed. They also say they suffered mental anguish and emotional distress by witnessing the shooting.

Baldwin's attorneys argue that none of the plaintiffs were physically injured and should not be allowed to recover any damages. They contend that gun safety was the responsibility of others  not Baldwin  and that his authority as a producer was limited to making suggestions on the script and casting.

A separate settlement to resolve allegations of workplace safety violations was finalized in March by New Mexico workplace safety regulators and Rust Movie Productions. Following its review, the state issued a scathing narrative of safety failures in violation of standard industry protocols, including testimony that production managers took limited or no action to address two misfires on set before the fatal shooting.

Regulators also documented gun-safety complaints from crew members that went unheeded and said weapons specialists were not allowed to make decisions about additional safety training.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The ongoing divorce saga between Kevin Costner and his estranged wife, Christine, has taken another contentious turn as the couple's legal teams spar over financial matters. The pair, who filed for divorce in May after 18 years of marriage, are entangled in a legal showdown over their prenuptial agreement and child support for their three children: Grace, 13, Hayes, 14, and Cayden, 16. Yellowstone star Kevin Costners wife filed for divorce from the actor after nearly 19 years of marriage(HT_PRINT)

The latest development involves Christine's attorneys filing a request for order in the California Superior Court, alleging that Kevin is withholding vital financial documents. In court documents obtained by People magazine, Christine's lawyer accuses Kevin of "stonewalling."

The court filing states, "[Kevin] has requested a multi-day evidentiary hearing on [Christine's] request for child support, at which time the Court will receive evidence regarding [Kevin's] gross cash flow available for support and anticipated future income. [Kevin] has also requested a trial to determine the validity of the parties' Premarital Agreement, the unconscionability of which will depend on an analysis of how the terms of that agreement compare to the parties' present financial realities."

Christine's legal team asserts that they need evidence regarding Kevin's earnings and circumstances to make an informed decision. They contend that Kevin is withholding crucial information from discovery, which could impact the court's determination.

The former couple is scheduled to appear in court next week for a child support hearing, with a trial over their prenup set for November. In previous legal documents, Kevin claimed that he couldn't afford Christine's requested $248,000 monthly child support due to decreased income from no longer starring in Yellowstone. Last month, a tentative ruling granted Christine $129,755 per month in child support.

Christine's attorneys also sought information about Kevin's forthcoming project, Horizon, to assess his future earnings. However, they allege that Kevin is withholding these details. Kevin's response to previous document requests was criticized by Christine's legal team as "deficient."

In response, Kevin's attorney argued that these documents weren't relevant to Christine's child support request and questioned their impact on calculating his gross cash flow for child support.
Recently, a clip from Nadir Ali's podcast featuring Pakistani actor Moammar Rana has surfaced online and the internet isn't happy about it. During the conversation, Moammar talked about how he had a crush on Priyanka Chopra but it faded after seeing her in real life. He narrated the incident when Nadir asked him to name any actor from India who looked bhayanak (dangerous), implying one's appearance. Also read: Fawad Khan, Mahira Khan romance and recite Amrita Pritam's Main Tenu Phir Milangi in new ad Moammar Rana recently claimed that he's failed to recognise his crush Priyanka Chopra at an event. Here's why people are unhappy about his remarks.

Moammar Rana in podcast

In the clip, Nadir Ali asked Moammar who is bhayanak in the industry in Pakistan, to which the actor said that no one is there as such. Nadir further probed him, India me bhi aapne dekha hai? (Have you anyone like that in India) Moammar replied saying that he had seen such people in the country. Nadir reacted and made faces to ask the actor if he had ever failed to recognise any Indian actor in real life.

Moammar Rana: I couldn't recogise Priyanka Chopra

Moammar said, This happened to me when I saw Priyanka Chopra. I didn't know, we were sitting (at an event). A woman came and sat on the side. We were talking amongst ourselves. I moved forward and backward, wondering where I should go. After a while, she got up and left. I inquired about who she was. Amid this, Nadir chimed in, Maid hai ki kya hai? (She was a maid or what)

The actor continued, The person I asked told me, 'You didn't recognize her?' I said no. Turns out, it was Priyanka Chopra who was seated. My whole crush on her  The actor, with a facepalm expression, cut himself off and made gestures with his hand to imply that his crush for Priyanka had warned off at that moment. The host again commented in between and compared Priyanka to kala namak (black salt), which left the actor in splits. He said, To hell with you (Priyanka).

Moammar Rana on Ameesha Patel

However, Moammar called Ameesha Patel genuine, khubsoorat (beautiful). The host asked him what made the Gadar actor beautiful to him, the actor said it was her facial features, to which the host made sly remarks by teasing the guest and asking him if there was anything more to her beauty. He also went on to sing the song Chehra Kya Dekhte Ho with a smirk and pointed towards his chest. The two burst into laughter, with Moammar saying, Do I have to tell you everything?

Internet slams Moammar Rana, Nadir Ali

Reacting to the episode, a user on Instagram wrote, Yeh koi maid hai I mean seriously this guys mind is a gutter. Two men simply body shaming and name calling a woman explains todays culture very well! And still people has stereotyped women being gossip mongers! What's this then? asked another. One more said, Not a fan of PC but this host legit has no class! The language is just so shameful. Kala namak maid Bhayanak - are you really serious? Plus, a maid is not someone below you, stop addressing it in a derogatory manner! Wallah Shameful! Someone else commented, The host is looking for spice and injecting such harsh words as maid, bhayanak prompting India? Why? Why? Why is colour disgrace a power tool for men or women.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kollywood, the Tamil film industry, is a realm of immense talent where each star is known for their distinct qualities. While M.G.R. is revered for his benevolence, Rajinikanth is applauded for his candid speech, and Kamal Haasan is celebrated for his innovation in cinema. Similarly, Ajith is renowned for his helping nature, often extending his support to many within the industry. Ajith is known to his fans for his big heart and giving nature.

Ajith's acts of kindness are often not just limited to his close circle but are extended even to those who have publicly maligned him. Recently, a situation involving him came to light that demonstrated his extraordinary compassion. A driver who was previously employed by Ajith, had spoken negatively about him. Instead of retaliating or holding a grudge, Ajith simply listened to what he had to say.

Without asking for an explanation, Ajith then appeared in front of the man, effectively terminating his employment but also paid him six months' salary. It later emerged that this former driver had borrowed money to build a house but was unable to find work to repay the loan. The situation was brought to Ajith's manager's notice through a call from the police station where the former employee had been summoned.

Upon learning the details, Ajith, not considering that this person had spoken ill of him, felt that he should not be the reason for a family's problems. He immediately transferred 8 lakh to settle the former driver's debts. As a result, the man could finally call the house his own.

It's often said that true kindness is extending help even to one's enemies, a feat not easily achieved. This is something that seems to be possible only for Ajith. Recently, he also gifted a bike worth 12 lakh to a person, who had organised his recent Nepal tour.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here! ott:10

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT Entertainment Desk Dedicated professionals who write about cinema and television in all their vibrancy. Expect views, reviews and news. ...view detail
In the second week of August, the monsoon trough moved north of its normal position to the Himalayan foothills, triggering heavy rainfall, landslides, and flash floods that damaged buildings, bridges, roads, and other infrastructure in the hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Building collapse due to landslides in Himachals Kullu on Thursday. (ANI)

An interaction between a western disturbance and the trough also led to extremely heavy rainfall in the region and caused widespread damage in July. On August 18 and 19, the trough temporarily moved southward before moving to the north of its normal position again. Whenever it shifts north, rainfall is concentrated over the Himalayan states and northeast India while the rest of the plains remain largely dry.

Continuous rainfall soaks the topsoil, leading to flash floods, heavy erosion, and collapse of structures. The soil in parts of Himachal and Uttarakhand is almost sinking and causing devastation in the geologically sensitive regions. Continued rainfall can saturate already withered topsoil and lead to small and large landslides and destruction particularly when infrastructure is not scientifically planned.

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (Dehradun) director Kalachand Sain called for the need to understand why this is happening. The monsoon trough is very active over the Himalayas. There is often also a confluence or interaction with westerly disturbances which accentuates rainfall. Due to climate change, some high-altitude regions are recording significant rises in temperatures and hence a rise in the water-vapour holding capacity. There is a lot of moisture available.

Sain said in the Himalayan slope regions, the top part of the soil is environmentally weathered in most parts. Very warm temperatures followed by cold temperaturesa cycle of thawing and freezingis further degrading the topsoil. ...there is a lot of anthropogenic activity which can further put these regions at risk such as hill cutting, slope instability, heavy load, etc in areas where load bearing capacity is not assessed.

Sain called for sensitising people about the risks in this terrain in current climatic conditions. For short-term economic gain, lives can be lost if norms are not followed.

Sain said all kinds of anthropogenic activities cannot be allowed in the Himalayan region. This should be clear to people. Second, we can develop a landslide vulnerability map to identify zones at the highest risk...land use maps should be prepared for them. Land use can allow only those structures which are safe.

Sain underlined the Himalayas are a very young mountain range and a lot of subsurface and surface activities were going on there. There is erosion going on due to heavy rainfall events and snowfall. There is exhumation of rocks and plate tectonics. It is geo-dynamically extremely active due to these ongoing processes.

He said the Himalayas are geologically very active and add to the risk. Sain cited the downstream impact on the national Capital when continuous rainfall led to devastating floods, landslides, and mudslides in Himachal Pradesh followed by Uttarakhand in July.

Pushpendra Johari, senior vice-president (sustainability) at RMSI, a global disaster risk management firm, said there has been excessive rainfall but this is not the first time that the Himalayan states are getting it. He added the use of dynamite and other invasive construction activities have also impacted the topsoil. There is no subsidence in these states on a large scale. So, every time there is heavy rain, multiple landslides are triggered. This is the case in Shimla, too, where the number of constructions is extremely high. Slope stabilisation has been completely ignored by road construction projects.

Johari said slopes have not been stabilised. It should be made mandatory for project proponents and construction companies to stabilise slopes, and ensure green cover before leaving a finished project. Secondly, the foundations of buildings and homes have to be deeper. We are seeing the topsoil just washing away with the building structure in Himachal Pradesh.

Climate scientist and former earth sciences ministry secretary M Rajeevan called on policymakers to make use of good science and prediction capability. He added the monsoon is confined to the foothills of the Himalayas due to its weak phase. In the hilly region, monsoon rains are very heavy. This is bound to happen. We should be prepared for both extremely heavy precipitation as well as a prolonged dry spell. Mitigation efforts should be strengthened.

The standard precipitation index, which reflects soil moisture and rainfall conditions for a particular location, for Mandi, Shimla, Sirmaur, and Solan in Himachal and Uttarakhands Haridwar, Dehradun, and Chamoli are very wet in August as per India Meteorological Department. It can also help identify districts facing intense rainfall.

Environmentalist Ravi Chopra, who headed the Supreme Court-appointed committee on Char Dham roads projects, in July highlighted the significant impact of roads, railways, and transmission lines on Himalayan ecology during a meeting on the Forest Conservation (Amendment) Bill

We have seen how the government ensured that the Char Dham project bypassed the environment impact assessment. ...an adverse impact could have been avoided had the project been scrutinised. For example, a lot of landslides took place in the Tankapur to Pithoragarh stretch. There were 102 sensitive zones and 45 landslides had already taken place in 2019. A geological investigation and EIA [Environmental Impact Assessment] may have helped avoid this. The muck went into the river. When muck goes into rivers, the river level rises and it can cause devastating floods.

The environmental impact appraisal was bypassed for the 880-km Char Dham project. In an affidavit, the Union government told the National Green Tribunal in 2018 that only new national highways and expansion of highways longer than 100 km need prior environmental clearance under 206 EIA notification. The Char Dham project was divided into several small stretches separated by 16 bypasses.

The impact of climate change on the temperature in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand is also significant with over 1C warming compared to the long-term average. Himachal Pradeshs average annual mean land surface air temperature during 2022 was 1.2 C warmer than its long-period average for the period 1981-2010.
A proactive social media outreach translated to rich dividends for the Bharatiya Japana Party (BJP) in 2014 and 2019 general elections. The ruling party is now ready to sharpen its social media presence on multiple platforms ahead of the 2024 elections with newer apps to focus on targetted audiences in smaller cities, people aware of the details said. The ruling BJP aims to reach out to more citizens through a sharper social media strategy ahead of the 2024 national polls. (HT Photo)

At least two new apps designed to improve the partys communication with its cadre as well as target audience will be launched soon. The content in the two apps are also expected to reach out to floating voters not necessarily bound by ideological considerations or party preferences.

These apps will help streamline the communication between the party and workers and between the party and voters. Both these sections need a different approach, so there will be segmenting of the apps and a communication strategy will be devised, a person familiar with the details of the plan said, seeking anonymity.

The number of internet users in India and social media platforms have increased in the country. As a result, the party has decided to refresh its social media strategy to focus on regional languages to woo citizens in small towns and cities across India.

India currently has 759 million active internet users and the active internet base is expected to grow to 900 million by 2025, according to the Internet and Mobile Association of India, a lobby group. This means a growing number of Indians will access social media in the months and years ahead.

Also Read: BJPs social media campaign to focus on welfare schemes in poll-bound Rajasthan

In 2024, we will have to deal with a new age audience and need a new approach, as both literacy levels and penetration of digital reach have gone up significantly. This election will be a real test of technology as a key differentiator, the person quoted earlier said.

In 2014, when the party swept to power by winning 282 of the 543 seats, it was ahead of its political competitors in engaging with the masses, particularly the youth, through social media platforms. The party ran campaigns on popular platforms and engaged with voters in remote areas through mobile communication.

While the impact could not be numerically gauged, this kind of engagement is considered to have had an impact in 30-40% of the overall seats. So, by 2019, the party was ready with a plan to cater to the audience that had grown along with social media platforms, said the person. In 2019, the BJP retained power at the Centre with a bigger mandate, bagging 303 seats, helped again by a sharp social media strategy.

In 2024, the party expects as many as 140-160 seats to be impacted by social media exposure.

But this time, the BJP has felt the need to improvise the strategy to stay ahead as other political parties too have expectedly turned to social media platforms as part of their public outreach.

In 2014, no one was close to us. In 2019, they were still trying to catch up. Now, there are many factors at play. There is anti-incumbency, there is an alliance of opposition parties, so the outreach will have to be solid, the person said.

With changing consumption patterns across social media and influencers disrupting the pattern of consumption through mainstream media and platforms run by social media giants, BJP has turned its attention to individuals and smaller channels to align with its outreach.

Influencers are here to stay and money is not the key strength. What matters is the strategy, execution and reach. So, the overall focus will be on how to get (the support of) different segments, the person said.

While the party runs extensive programmes to familiarise its leaders and workers with the basics of internet use, Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- among leaders with most followers across social media platforms globally -- has urged party colleagues to sharpen their outreach through social media. Modi underlined the need to improve their digital presence during interactions with lawmakers in Parliament.

The PMs instruction is to ensure there is seamless communication between the elected representative and the voter, a second person aware of the details said, also asking not to be named. There is information in real time about schemes and programmes and there is proactive action to take down any fake information peddled about the government or the party.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
NEW DELHI: The Brics grouping on Thursday invited Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become full members of the grouping after leaders of the 17-year-old bloc agreed on principles and criteria for its expansion. This was the first expansion of the Brics grouping since 2010, when South Africa became the fifth member of Brics. (Bloomberg)

This was the first expansion of the grouping since 2010, when South Africa became the fifth member of Brics.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, the current chair of the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) grouping, announced the expansion at a news conference that was joined by the leaders of Brazil, India and China. Russian President Vladimir Putin joined the conference on a video link.

Ramaphosa said Brics is inviting Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to become full members. Their membership will become effective from January 1, 2024, he said.

He noted that Brics is an equal partnership of countries with diverse views, and the members have reached consensus on the guiding principles and criteria for the enlargement of the grouping. There was also consensus on the first phase of the expansion and the members will work on subsequent phases, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his remarks at the news conference, said India has always fully supported the expansion of Brics and believes the new members will further strengthen the organisation and give our shared efforts a new impetus.

This step will also strengthen the belief of many countries in a multipolar world order. I am pleased that our teams have together forged consensus on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures for the expansion. On the basis of this, we have agreed to welcome Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE into Brics. First of all, I would like to convey my congratulations to the leaders and people of these countries, PM Modi said.

I am confident that together with these countries we will be able to infuse a new momentum and energy into our cooperation. India has had very deep and historic relations with all of these countries. With the help of Brics, new dimensions will be added to our bilateral cooperation also, he said.

In his message to other countries that have expressed a desire to join Brics, PM Modi said India will contribute towards building consensus for them to be a part of Brics as partner countries.

Some 20 to 30 countries had expressed interest in joining the grouping.

People familiar with the matter had said Indias efforts in the expansion process had focused on the inclusion of the countrys strategic partners. Ethiopia is the only one of the new entrants with which India doesnt have a strategic partnership.

All six new entrants have signed agreements to join Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India has not become part of.

Reuters reported this week that Argentina plans to tap a $7.5-billion disbursement from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to repay China part of the money it borrowed through a currency swap line. Ethiopia has an estimated debt of US$13.7 billion to China, much of it advanced by the China Exim Bank during 2000-2021.

Over the past few months, China has been the main proponent of an aggressive push to expand Brics to make the bloc a counterpoint to Western dominance of world affairs. It has been backed in this by Russia, grappling with its diplomatic isolation because of the Ukraine war.

Indias biggest concern regarding the expansion was that Brics shouldnt become a China-centric grouping, especially when relations between New Delhi and Beijing are at their lowest ebb due to the military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
NEW DELHI: The Brics grouping on Thursday steered clear of taking a position on the Ukraine crisis, with member states only saying that they welcome mediation aimed at resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. PM Narendra Modi with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other leaders poses for a photo during the 15th BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg (PTIVIA @MEAIndia)

The Johannesburg II Declaration issued at the conclusion of the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit expressed concern at ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world and sought peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue and consultations.

The declaration referred to the national positions of Brics states concerning the conflict in and around Ukraine as expressed at the appropriate fora, including the UNSC and UNGA. It also noted with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, including the African Leaders Peace Mission and the proposed path for peace.

China and Russia have opposed all references to the Ukraine conflict in outcome documents of G20 meetings while India has refrained from publicly censuring the Russian invasion. Russian President Vladimir Putin didnt attend the Brics summit in Johannesburg in person after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in connection with the Ukraine conflict.

The declaration outlined the approach of Brics towards several foreign policy and sustainable development issues and supported Indias proposal for including the African Union as a member of G20 at the upcoming summit of the 20 largest economies in New Delhi.

As part of an ongoing drive by Brics to increase trade in national currencies, the member states tasked finance ministers and central bank governors to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to us by the next Summit.

They stressed the importance of using national currencies in international trade and transactions between Brics states and their trading partners. We also encourage strengthening of correspondent banking networks between the Brics countries and enabling settlements in the local currencies, the declaration said.

The Brics Payment Task Force is currently mapping various elements of the G20 Roadmap on Cross-border Payments in member states, and the sharing of experiences on payment infrastructures, including interlinking of cross-border payment systems, will facilitate trade and investment flows between Brics members and other developing countries.

The Brics states further urged developed countries to honour commitments to support climate action in developing nations, including mobilising $100 billion a year by 2020 and through 2025. Doubling of adaptation finance by 2025 from the base of 2019 is also key to implementing adaptation actions, the declaration said.

Moreover, we look forward to setting up an ambitious New Collective Quantified goal, prior to 2025, as per the needs and priorities of developing countries. This will require enhanced financial support from developed countries that is additional, grant-based and/or concessional, timely delivered, and adequate to take forward adaptation and mitigation action in a balanced manner. This extends to support for the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), it added.

With Brics states producing a third of the worlds food, the member states agreed to strengthen agricultural cooperation and promote sustainable agriculture to enhance food security within the bloc and worldwide.

The declaration called for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue through peaceful and diplomatic means and hoped relevant parties will restore the full and effective implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) at an early date.

The Brics states welcomed the resumption of diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran and said deescalating tensions and managing differences through dialogue is key to peaceful coexistence in this strategically important region of the world.

The declaration sought comprehensive reform of the United Nations to make it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and supported the aspirations of emerging countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, India and South Africa, to play a greater role in the world body.

Meanwhile, in his address at the Brics-Africa Outreach and Brics-Plus Dialogue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the bloc should give importance to the priorities and concerns of the Global South.

India also accords high priority to ties with Africa, where the country has opened 16 new embassies, he said. India is Africas fourth-largest trade partner and fifth-largest investor, and it has taken up numerous development projects in the region, ranging from power projects to campuses set up by Indian universities in Tanzania and Uganda.

About 4,400 Indian peacekeepers are helping restore peace and stability in Africa, and India is working closely with African countries to fight terrorism and piracy, Modi said.

I believe Brics and all the friendly countries present today together can cooperate in strengthening the multipolar world...We have common interests in counter-terrorism, environmental protection, climate action, cyber security, food and health security, energy security, building resilient supply chains, he said, speaking in Hindi.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
A second opinion by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Mumbai trial court, suggesting a complete turnaround, led to the premature release of one of the convicts in the Bilkis Bano gangrape case, the Supreme Court was informed on Thursday. Documents were adduced before a bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan to show that there were two opinions each from CBI and the Mumbai trial court before the convict, Radheshyam Bhagwandas Shah, was released by the Gujarat government (ANI)

Documents were adduced before a bench of justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan to show that there were two opinions each from CBI and the Mumbai trial court before the convict, Radheshyam Bhagwandas Shah, was released by the Gujarat government.

Shah was one of the 11 convicts who was sentenced to life in 2008 for the gang rape of Bilkis Bano and murder of seven of her family members, and who were released prematurely in August 2022.

While the first opinion of trial court judge, who convicted 11 men in the case, declined to sign off the remission request stressing that the crime was committed only because the victim belonged to a particular religion, the second opinion of the same court in June 2022 left it up to the Gujarat government to decide the remission plea as per the 1992 policy.

Taking into consideration the nature of offence of rape and murder of the victim committed by the accused along with co-accused, his proposal for premature release may be considered in accordance with the circular dated July 9, 1992, of the Government of Gujarat (Home Department), the opinion of DP Shingade, Special Judge (CBI), Greater Mumbai stated on June 18, 2022.

Similarly, CBI in its 2019 opinion called the offence heinous, grave and serious while turning down the remission requests. However, on July 9, 2022, the CBI letter addressed to the Joint Secretary, MHA said: Action as deemed fit may be considered as per procedure. This letter was followed by a decision of the MHA on July 11 giving consent to the Gujarat government for processing the remission and the release of Shah and 10 other convicts in the case in August 2022.

The second opinions were sought after the Supreme Court judgment in May 2022 when the top court directed the Gujarat government to consider the plea of the convicts in accordance with the 1992 policy  the one prevalent on the date of their conviction. While the latest remission policy of 2014 prohibits early release of rape convicts, no such restrictions were there in the 1992 policy.

The subsequent change in the stance of CBI and the trial judge have come out in public domain for the first time after the release of the 11 life-term convicts sparked an outrage from civil society organisations, women rights groups, and leaders cutting across party lines, leading to a bundle of petitions in the top court challenging the controversial decision. Bano also filed a petition later to impugn the remission.

Earlier, the records produced by the state government did not contain these documents. Instead, there was an opinion of CBI and Mumbai special judge of 2019 objecting to the remission. The petitioners relied on these documents to question the state governments decision.

Additional solicitor general (ASG) SV Raju appearing for the Centre told the court that the CBI letter was being produced for the first time while Shahs lawyer, Rishi Malhotra, said that he obtained the Mumbai courts opinion under the right to information (RTI) Act. The Gujarat government, however, denied having knowledge of the second opinions.

As the arguments of convicts remained inconclusive, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on August 31.

Bano was 21, and five months pregnant when she was gangraped while fleeing the violence during the 2002 riots, and her three-year-old daughter was one of the seven people killed.

The release of the 11 men convicted of the crimes against her and her family in August last year sparked public outrage and several PILs came to be filed in the Supreme Court, including two by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra and former CPI MP Subhashini Ali, in August 2022. Later, in November 2022, Bano also approached the Supreme Court against the Gujarat governments decision to allow the 11 men to walk out of jail.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a preliminary enquiry (PE) to probe the allegations of illegal mining in Sahibganj district of Jharkhand by Pankaj Mishra, an alleged aide of chief minister Hemant Soren, officials familiar with the development said on Thursday. On Wednesday, a team of CBI officials visited Sahibganj to collect documents related to the case and inspect the alleged mining sites (AFP)

On Wednesday, a team of CBI officials visited Sahibganj to collect documents related to the case and inspect the alleged mining sites, an official added.

The development comes days after the Jharkhand high court ordered the CBI on August 18 to register a preliminary enquiry, which is a precursor to the first information report (FIR), in the case. The HC issued the order while hearing a petition filed by a local resident, Bijay Hansda, who alleged that stone mafias were carrying out illegal mining in Sahibganj district in connivance with government officials, including Mishra, for the last two-and-a-half years. The petition also alleged that the earthmoving machines being used to carry out blasts are causing cracks in the houses of villagers.

The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha, however, refused to comment on the matter. The matter is sub judice. We wont like to comment over it, party spokesperson Manoj Pandey said.

During the hearing earlier this month, the Enforcement Directorate told the high court that Mishra controls the illegal stone mining activities and their transportation in Sahibganj.

Citing the EDs submissions, Justice Sanjay Kumar Dwivedi noted: It has been further stated that Pankaj Mishra (is) the MLA representative of the Jharkhand chief minister and is a very influential person and he is directly involved in illegal mining in Sahibganj and its adjoining areas and the said Pankaj Mishra is already arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and he is in jail custody.

The court finds that there are sufficient materials of illegal mining in the district of Sahibganj that too on the behest of one Pankaj Mishra and others and if such materials are there on the record, the court finds in view of the counter-affidavit filed by the respondent State of Jharkhand that the investigation is only an eyewash so far the illegal mining is concerned, he added.

Ordering the CBI director to initiate a preliminary enquiry into the allegations, the court said once the preliminary enquiry is completed and report to that effect is submitted, the CBI director shall be at liberty to choose further course of action in accordance with law.

If the director, CBI, comes to the conclusion that there is no reason to proceed further in the matter, he may pass appropriate order to that effect, Justice Dwivedi said.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule on Thursday took a jibe at the Narendra Modi government over Chandrayaan 3's successful landing on lunar surface. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule.(PTI)

"It is ISRO's success & that is obvious... Our first PM Jawaharlal Nehru talked about science & its progress and there has to be a scientific temper in India...I feel it's more of ISRO success than the government...", Sule was quoted by ANI as saying.



Earlier, Bihar deputy chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav had echoed the same sentiments."It has only the scientists' contribution and we thank them. They are the most reputed people in the country. I salute them for making India's name rise", he told news agency ANI.



ALSO READ: Mamata's Rakesh Roshan gaffe in viral video after Chandrayaan 3 landing: 'Indira Gandhi asked...'



Congress general secretary KC Venugopal hailed the ISRO scientists for Chandrayaan 3's successful landing. However, he hit out at the Centre and alleged that the space agency's engineers were not paid salaries.



Yesterday was a proud moment for the country as the Chandrayaan successfully landed on the moon's surface. But the government has to look at the priority they have given to this area. The engineers are not getting salaries and the budget has also been cut down, ANI quoted the Congress leader as saying.



ALSO READ: From Rahul Gandhi to Kejriwal: Leaders hail Chandrayaan-3's success



Earlier in the day, Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi had written to ISRO chief S Somanath and hailed the landing of Chandrayaan 3 as a magnificent achievement.



This is to let you know how thrilled I was by ISRO's magnificent achievement last evening. It is a matter of great pride and excitement to all Indians, particularly the younger generation", the former Congress president wrote in her letter.



On Wednesday, India scripted history by becoming the first country to land on the south pole of the lunar surface. The Chandrayaan 3's Vikram lander made a soft landing on the south pole at 6:04 pm. Early morning today, the Pragyan rover ramped out of the lander and began its walk on the lunar surface.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
Chandrayaan 3 updates: India on Wednesday became the first nation to have landed near the Moon's south pole after a successful touchdown of Vikram Lander. Previously, only the United States, China and the former Soviet Union had achieved this feat. Chandrayaan 3 landing news: Indian across the country celebrated with fireworks, chants of Vande Matram and waving flags as ISRO's moon mission Chandrayaan-3 landed on Moon on Wednesday. (Hindustan Times)

Chandrayaan 3 landing highlights: Get all that happened yesterday.

Following the mission's success, the nation burst into a celebration with everyone reminiscing about the memories of former chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation K Sivan's emotional breakdown four years ago when Chandrayaan 2 had faced a setback with its failed soft landing attempt in September 2019.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Congress leader K C Venugopal on Thursday accused prime minister Narendra Modi of hogging the limelight of India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3's success and said that the all the credit for the historic feat goes to scientists behind the mission. Congress leader KC Venugopal(Congress/Twitter)

Read here: Indian scientists can make low-budget missions as their salary...: Ex-Isro chief on Chandrayaan 3

He said that the excitement and pride of the Chandrayaan-3 landing will "stay with us for a long time".

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the congress leader said, ISRO Chairman Dr. Somanath's leadership truly created history and we extend our hearty congratulations to him and his team. However, the PM must answer some for his hypocrisy.

Taking a jibe at PM Modi, Vengopal said, "You were quick to come on screen and take credit after the landing, but why has your government failed so terribly in supporting the scientists and the ISRO."

He further asked that why the Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC) engineers, who worked on the lunar mission, have not received their salaries for the last 17 months.

"Why did you cut the budget for such crucial missions by 32 per cent? These are the heroes of our country, they run a world-class space research program, but you have no regard for their talent and hard work. To add insult to injury, you hogged the limelight when that moment was about the scientists achievements," he posted on X.

While speaking to news agency ANI, he said, Yesterday was a proud moment for the country as the Chandrayaan successfully landed on the moon's surface. But the government has to look at the priority they have given to this area. The engineers are not getting salaries and the budget has also been cut down.

Earlier in the day, Congress veteran Sonia Gandhi had written to ISRO chief S Somanath and hailed the landing of Chandrayaan 3 as a magnificent achievement.

This is to let you know how thrilled I was by ISRO's magnificent achievement last evening. It is a matter of great pride and excitement to all Indians, particularly the younger generation", the former Congress president wrote in her letter.

Read here: Chandrayaan 3: Digvijaya Singh slammed for claiming ISRO scientists haven't received salary in 17 months

India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the moon's south pole at 6.04 pm on Wednesday, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four nations including the United States, China and Russia, and making it the first country to land on the uncharted surface.

After scripting history, ISRO sent out a message of congratulations to the nation. "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 'India, I reached my destination and you too!': Chandrayaan-3," posted ISRO on X

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota Range, Andhra Pradesh.
Right about now, hundreds of thousands of students all over India will be leaving home for college within the country and all over the world. For parents, this means confronting the university list of things that you should pack for your offspring. The best list that I have seen so far is from the Dhirubhai Ambani school in Mumbai. It includes brilliant things like a portable bidet. The Indian health faucet is a hugely underrated item. Until I learned of this handheld portable health faucet, I had resigned myself to using inferior tissue papers for my, ahem, morning ablutions. Not anymore. Not only have I bought this portable bidet for my offspring, but I also have 10 extra ones to gift to every kid going abroad for education. My grandfather used to travel with a portable enema, but the bidet is much more practical and user-friendly. It is available online. Look for one where the spray is strong. Right about now, thousands of students all over India will be leaving home for college within the country or all over the world. (HT PHOTO)

The other things that are included in most college packing lists are samahan sachets for cold and cough. I had no idea that such a thing existed but after trying it out, I added it to my travel list alongside Vicks VapoRub and Amritdhara pearls for indigestion.

The food item that does not seem to make many college lists is Maggi noodles, probably because it may be full of questionable substances that better parents dont feed their children. It is a beloved comfort food for my kids. Indeed the Ambani university list did not have a single food item, which I found odd, having bought enough MTR powders and Bukhara instant foods to fill a suitcase. A wise Mumbai friend explained this void. We in Mumbai vacuum-pack fresh foods and theplas from Chheda stores and send it weekly to our children, she said. And then we wonder why our kids are not growing up to be independent adults.

Did our parents take so much trouble when we pushed off to college? I doubt it but then, that is the creation story that every generation tells itself. When I went to college, my parents didnt even come to drop me off. My father didnt even know what subjects I was studying. I didnt even attend my graduationgot my degree by mail. And now, we are celebrating kindergarten graduations. Are we envious or proud by these developments?

There are some objects however, whose utility is 10 times their size. I would submit the humble safety pin as the Swiss army knife of packing for Indian women. I use the safety pin to pop out my SIM card from iphones, pin and tuck the sari, and draw a bindi with black kajal at a pinch. I also used the closed safety pin to clean my ears but would not recommend it.

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who can pack; and those who cannot. It has nothing to do with meticulousness or organisation. I know a doctor who keeps meticulous records and runs a superbly organised clinic. Put him in front of a suitcase and he gets anxious. He doesnt travel much and therefore doesnt have much practice with packing.

My packing issues run much deeper and have to do with choice. There is a term in computer science called binary tree. It talks about a data structure in which each node has two child nodes, called siblings, and ancestors. My packing binary tree bifurcates endlessly between sibling and ancestor. For every item of clothing, I have questions, which lead to more questions. Should I wear this in the morning or in the evening? If evening, should I pack it right away or leave it out as a last choice? If last choice, will I remember it? Since the question tree never resolves, my entire packing exercise remains stalled.

For college students, packing is about applying scenarios. Take out a shirt and figure out which part of your college schedule would suit itpun intended. Slot specific objects to specific times and events. Work forwards, then work backwards, then give up and let your parents do the packing.

In a TED talk, psychologist Barry Schwartz gave a lecture on the paradox of choice. Having too many choices, he said, stymied action. You walk into a grocery store and see an endless array of cereals and are not sure what to buy. Having a plethora of blue jeans when you need just one cripples the process. The same applies to packing. The problem for our children is one of plenty. They have too many essentials and we pack too many necessities for them. As proof, I submit the acupuncture cushion I gave my daughter to encourage her to sit cross-legged on the ground to study rather than lay sprawled on the bed. It was never used.

The best part of the Ambani packing list was the vastu section which said that the study table ought to face northeast (governed by the Lord of wealth, Kubera). As with feng shui or vastu, there are loopholes which involve fish-tanks and mirrors. The college bed is to face south or east. If not, get your kid to symbolically lie down in that direction before sleeping. And lastly put family photos in the southeast corner per vastu. If there is no wall in the southeast corner, suspend photos from the ceiling in that location.

I have great respect for those kids who will allow their parents to rejig their rooms through vastu principles and am totally envious of parents who have brought up such kids who will listen to them on any matter let alone vastu. As for me, the best I can do is move my own desk to the northeast corner and hope that my kids will not eat Maggi every night.

(Shoba Narayan is Bengaluru-based award-winning author. She is also a freelance contributor who writes about art, food, fashion and travel for a number of publications)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
KOCHI: The decision of the Kannur University to include the autobiography of CPI(M) MLA and former Kerala health minister KK Shailaja among reading topics in the syllabus for MA English course has drawn flak from various quarters. CPI(M) MLA and former Kerala health minister KK Shailajas book, My life as a Comrade, was recommended as reading material in an elective course for first-year semester students of MA English at Kannur University. (ANI)

Shailajas book My life as a Comrade, written by her along with Manju Sara Rajan and published in June this year, was recommended as reading material in an elective course for first-year semester students of MA English. The book deals with the Communist leaders experiences from her childhood to rising through the ranks of the CPI(M) and eventually becoming the states health minister in 2016.

The autobiography found space in the university syllabus alongside books, such as The story of my experiments with truth by Mahatma Gandhi, Waiting for a visa by BR Ambedkar and Mother forest: The unfinished story of CK Janu by Janu Bhaskaran.

Critics said the move was aimed at politicising the university syllabus and that the decision was taken by an ad-hoc committee illegally constituted by the vice chancellor.

For close to two years, there has been no Board of Studies present in Kannur University. The last Board of Studies which was constituted by the vice chancellor Gopinath Raveendran without the approval of the Governor was struck down by the high court. Now, an ad-hoc committee illegally constituted by the VC has included the book of Shailaja alongside great leaders like Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. The move is akin to insulting Gandhi and Mandela, said RS Sasikumar, chairman of the Save University Campaign Committee (SUCC), an outfit demanding transparency and reforms in the states universities.

Shailaja is currently facing inquiry by the Lokayukta in connection with the case of purchase of large quantities of PPE kits at inflated prices during the pandemic. Such a persons autobiography should not be a part of the university syllabus, added Sasikumar.

The SUCC has sent a letter to the Governor requesting him to strike down the move of the ad-hoc committee to include the book.

Congress student wing KSU and the teachers union KPCTA, which backs the party, have also opposed the move of the Kannur University.

Meanwhile, Shailaja, the MLA from Mattannur, told a local TV channel, My book need not be included in the university syllabus. I have not personally asked anyone to do it as well..

Shailaja, who served as the states health minister between 2016 and 2021 and hailed by many for efficiently tackling crises like the Nipah epidemic and the Covid pandemic during her term, was not inducted into the cabinet when the CPM-led LDF returned to power after the 2021 assembly elections.

Kannur Universitys vice chancellor and pro vice chancellor were not available for comment.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Enforcement Directorate (ED), probing money laundering charges at the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-controlled Karuvannur Service Co-operative Bank in Kerala, on Thursday said that many benami loans were disbursed in cash to non-members on the instructions of CPI (M) MLA and former minister AC Moideen. AC Moideen (HT Photo)

The ED charges against Moideen come three days after the federal agency searched the residence of the MLA in Wadakkanchery and the premises of those linked to him across the state as part of its probe.

ED investigation has revealed that on the instructions of certain people, who were district level leaders and committee members of a certain political party and governed the bank, loans were disbursed by the bank manager through the agent in cash to non-member benamis by mortgaging properties of poor members without their knowledge and laundered to the benefit of the accused, the agency said in a statement.

Investigation revealed that many such benami loans were disbursed on the instructions of AC Moideen, present MLA and former minister of local self-government. Accordingly, searches were conducted on Kiran PP, Rahim CM, Shiju MK, AC Moideen, and Sathishkumar P, the statement added.

The ED also confirmed that bank deposits worth 28 lakh belonging to Moideen and his wife were frozen as part of the searches. Searches have also led to the seizure of 36 properties valued at 15 crore being proceeds of crime.

The alleged siphoning of funds to the tune of 150 crore from the bank at the behest of certain CPI (M) district leaders and bank officials first came to light in 2021. As a result, at least 16 FIRs were filed across different stations in Thrissur district by the police and the case was later handed over to the Crime Branch. The ED investigation under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was initiated on the basis of the police FIRs.

Meanwhile, Moideen claimed that he has nothing to do with the alleged fraud. The ED officials came and searched my house. But their allegations are baseless. I have nothing to do with it, he said.

On Wednesday, the CPI (M) state secretariat said that the ED searches at the residence of Moideen are a continuation of the attempts of the BJP-led Centre to weaken opposition forces by misusing central agencies.

In the backdrop of the Puthuppally bypoll, fabricated stories are being created to target CPI (M) leaders and their family members. Right-wing media organisations are competing to make such attempts. The UDF in Kerala is supporting the attacks of the central government in Kerala, the party said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Former Uttar Pradesh minister Amarmani Tripathi, a convict serving life imprisonment in the murder of poetess Madhumita Shukla, is set to walk free.



The Uttar Pradesh government issued the release order on Thursday. His wife Madhumani will also walk out of the jail as the government has also waived off her punishment. Amarmani Tripathi was convicted in the murder of a woman poet in 2003. (File Photo)

According to authorities, both of them have served over 20 years jail time. The order of their release was given considering their good behaviour as well as 'maintenance of peace' inside the jail.

The former state minister and his wife were convicted of hatching a conspiracy and killing of Shukla in 2003. They were sentenced to life imprisonment by Dehradun court in 2007.

The investigation revealed both Tripathi and Shukla had an illicit relationship and the poetess conceived a child with him during the period. The former minister pressured her to abort the child. according to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Who is Amarmani Tripathi?

A gangster-turned-politician in Uttar Pradesh, he was a minister in the Mayawati-led government in 2002-03. Later he switched to the Samajwadi Party. He was a four-term MLA and he contested assembly election in 2007 from jail on SP ticket. He started his political career with the Communist Party of India and later joined Congress. He was also served as a minister in the Kalyan Singh government in 1997, in the Ram Prakash Gupta government in 1999, in the Rajnath Singh government in 2000.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated the two-day National Security Strategy (NSS) conference in Delhi and discussed issues ranging from terror and narco-financing, to cyber security, use of forensic science in investigations and, emergency preparedness for nuclear and radiological exigencies. Union home minister Amit Shah addresses the National Security Strategy Conference, at the Intelligence Bureau headquarters, in New Delhi (PTI)

According to a statement by the ministry of home affairs (MHA), Shah reiterated the governments commitment to tackle the menace of drug trafficking and urged all states and probe agencies to continue taking strong action against drug dealers and networks.

The NSS conference is organised by the Intelligence Bureau (IB) every year to discuss impending threats to the security of the country. The conference is being attended by around 750 officials, including Union home secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, deputy national security advisors, top officials involved in managing national security issues, police chiefs and inspector generals of all states and Union territories, investigating agencies and the central paramilitary forces.

On the first day of the conference, deliberations were held on various subjects of national security, including trends in terror and narco-financing in India, use of forensic science in investigation, social challenges, emergency preparedness for nuclear and radiological exigencies and cyber security framework, the MHA statement said.

During the conference, the home minister emphasised upon the crucial role of district level police officers in managing internal security. He also urged cutting edge police officers to enhance the use of scientific tools in investigation, the statement added.

A senior official, familiar with the discussions during the meeting, said on condition of anonymity that issues related to use of cyber space and cryptocurrencies by terrorists, smuggling of Afghan drugs via maritime route, money laundering activities of anti-national elements, illegal immigration, infiltration from Indo-Pakistan border and other internal security challenges such as monitoring social media for spreading hate and religious divide were discussed during the conference.

Before the commencement of the conference, Shah laid a wreath at the martyrs column, erected in memory of those who laid down their lives on the line of duty.

The home minister will also address the concluding session of the conference on Friday.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A day after the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scripted history by making India only the fourth country to achieve soft-landing on the Moon, the government on Thursday warned that there were handles on Instagram impersonating the celebrated national space agency. The fake ISRO handles on Instagram (twitter.com/PIB/FactCheck)

The government also provided the profile name of ISRO's official Instagram handle.

Several #FAKE Instagram accounts are claiming to be the official account of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The official account of @isro is isro.dos. For authentic info, visit ISRO's official website: isro.gov.in, the PIB's fact-checking unit noted in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The PIB (Press Information Bureau) is a nodal agency of the Government of India, and comes under the latter's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). It disseminates information to media (electronic, print, web) on the government's policies, programmes, initiatives, and more.

ISRO, meanwhile, is also present on Threads, Meta Platforms' (earlier Facebook, Inc.) recently-launched social network.

Chandrayaan-3

The country's third lunar exploration mission was launched on July 14, and touched down on the Moon at 6:04pm on August 23, as scheduled, sparking celebrations across the nation. Before this, only the United States, Russia, and China, had soft-landed on the Earth's only natural satellite.

Also, Chandrayaan-3's lander module arrived at the Moon's South Pole, the mission's intended destination. This makes India the only nation to reach the Moon's South Pole.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
Heavy rains triggered fresh landslides and flash floods this week in Himachal Pradesh and left at least 12 people dead even as extremely heavy rainfall was forecast on Thursday, mounting challenges for the state government in rebuilding the ravaged state facing a debt burden and empty coffers. Fresh landslides and flash floods this week in Himachal Pradesh left at least 12 people dead. (HT PHOTO)

At least 80 people died in rain-related incidents in Himachal Pradesh earlier this month, which prompted the states Congress government to declare a state calamity.

Chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has pegged the total losses at over 10,000 crore. Rehabilitating people rendered homeless has emerged as the biggest challenge for his government.

Sukhu said despite the financial crunch, the state government has managed to extend all possible assistance. We have been requesting the Union government to declare the disaster a national calamity and extend a special financial package to rebuild Himachal Pradesh.

He said they have created a disaster relief fund and received 35 crore from Congress-ruled Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. Sukhu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls Himachal his second home while urging him to support the state in its hour of crisis on the lines of help extended following the 2013 flash floods in Uttarakhands Kedarnath and the 2001 earthquake in Gujarats Bhuj. Himachal deserves the same assistance.

He said the state governments debt burden has mounted to 75,000 crore and it could take a decade to rebuild the damaged infrastructure without the Union governments help. Sukhu said the state was yet to receive any financial help from the Union government despite the losses incurred and the visits of central teams. Of the relief amount of 315 crore, pending for three years, only 189 crore was released... under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), we have got 360 crore so far.

Sukhu said the Union government released the first instalment of 180 crore in June and the second of 180 crore in December in advance. If we add the amount received as our share, it amounts to 549 crore. So our share is still pending with the Union government, Sukhu said.

He said Himachal Pradesh will be back on its feet with the support of the people. It will take time; at least four years and in the next decade, we will become self-reliant. I am sure we can overcome the challenges.

Union minister Anurag Thakur, who is from Himachal, on Tuesday said the central government will provide all possible assistance to Himachal Pradesh as per rules. It has also approved the release of 200 crore as an advance from the National Disaster Response Fund to help take up relief measures.

The State Disaster Management Authority said the public works department (PWD), responsible for building roads and bridges which is the lifeline of the hill state with skeletal rail and air connectivity, has suffered the maximum loss of 3,000 crore.

Union minister Nitin Gadkari announced 400 crore for rebuilding roads and 200 crore for the SDRF.

The Jal Shakti department has pegged its losses so far at 1,860 crore. The State Electricity Board said it has suffered losses of 1,707 crore, the agricultural department 336 crore and the horticulture department 173 crore.

Sukhu sought immediate financial assistance of 2000 crore after the August 15 landslide claimed 17 lives in Shimla. He changed the relief manual which earlier provided for 25000 as compensation for fully damaged houses. The new manual says 100000 will now be provided to rebuild fully damaged houses. The government has also increased compensation for crop damage.

Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party leader Jai Ram Thakur said the catastrophe has pushed the state backwards. Rebuilding is a challenging task for the state. The Opposition is extending every cooperation.

Retired bureaucrat Deepak Sanan said Sukhu is seeking an annual allocation of 360 crore under the SDRF. There is a government at the Centre which wants to bring all Opposition-ruled states on its knees. The Congress government in Himachal Pradesh should keep pressing for funds and other states should join. Congress should continue to fight for SDRF, after all its calamity that has affected the entire population of the state.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Nineteen years after a bomb blast allegedly carried out by the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) during an Independence Day parade in Dhemaji of Assam claimed 13 lives including 10 children and left 20 others injured, the Gauhati High Court on Thursday acquitted all five accused. The blast claimed 13 lives including 10 children and left 20 others injured (Representative photo)

Terming it unsustainable, a division bench of justices Michael Zothankhuma and Mridul Kumar Kalita set aside the trial court order of July 2019 that had held the accused guilty, and acquitted Dipanjali Borgohain, Lila Gogoi, Jatin Dowari, Muhi Handique and Hemen Gogoi stating that  the prosecution has not been able to prove the charges against them beyond all reasonable doubt.

The bomb blast took place at 8:55 am on August 15, 2004, at the Dhemaji College playground. Five years later,ULFA, which is fighting for a sovereign Assam, claimed responsibility for the blast. It was believed that the outfit carried out the blast after its diktat to boycott the function was ignored.

In July 2019, a trial court in Dhemaji held six of the 15 accused named by the police guilty, while acquitting eight others. Four of them were sentenced to life and two others sentenced to four years for their roles in the blast. One was absconding. Five of those six accused filed appeals in the Gauhati High Court the same month challenging the trial court order.

The lack of evidence to bring home the guilt of the appellants is clear from testimony of some of the witnesses and the statements given by them...We do not find any link to forge the chain of circumstantial evidence together...as per law laid down by the Supreme Court, when two views are possible, the view favourable to the accused has to be adopted, the order read, stating that the prosecution case was based entirely on circumstantial evidence.

The HC held that the trial court held the accused guilty based on suspicion and speculation, not supported by the evidence adduced by the prosecution witness.

The court held that accused Jatin Dowari was sentenced by the trial court based on his confessional statement and the allegation that he recreated the scene of the crime during investigation. But during the trial, Dowari retracted his confession, and the video recording of the crime scene investigation was never produced in court.

On Thursday, after the HC passed its order, families of several victims blamed the state police for failing to investigate the case properly and ensure justice. Some hoped that the state government, which is the respondent in the case, would appeal the HC order in Supreme Court.

We are surprised at the HC order. We cant accept it. ULFA claimed responsibility for the blast, but we feel the state government and police failed to investigate the case properly. We want justice  said the mother of one the victims requesting anonymity.

We have come to know about the HC order acquitting the accused. We will study the order properly and take a decision on whether the state government should appeal in the Supreme Court, said Assams advocate general Debajit Saikia.

Reacting to the verdict, Anup Chetia, general secretary of the pro-talks faction of ULFA, which surrendered arms in 2011 and joined peace talks, accepted the outfits role in the blast. I cant comment on the HC order; there may have been some flaws in investigation that led the court to pronounce the verdict.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Celebrating India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on moon on Wednesday, Google released a new doodle on Thursday depicting the rover module sitting on the south pole of an animated moon who looks happy. The landing of the Chandrayaan-3 took place on Wednesday evening.(Google)

The animated doodle features the Vikram lander circulating the moon and subsequently, landing on its south pole. The Pragyan rover then comes out of it and starts exploring the lunar surface while the Moon is shown delighted and happy at the achievement.

In its congratulatory message, Google said that the lunar landings are no easy feat and only the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union have completed soft landings on the moon  but no country has made it to the southern pole region before now.

"You'll catch us smiling every time we open the Google homepage today  Here's celebrating the historic feat by @isro 's #Chandrayaan3 and the first landing on the moon's south pole, with this #GoogleDoodle ," Google India posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The description further said how Chandrayaan-3 confirmed the prediction that there were ice deposits present on the moon's south pole, inside the shadowed craters.

"The moons south pole has been an area of heightened interest for space explorers as they suspected the existence of ice deposits located inside permanently shadowed craters. Chandrayaan-3 has now confirmed this prediction to be true! This ice offers the potential of critical resources for future astronauts such as air, water, and even hydrogen rocket fuel," the description added.

The description concluded by congratulating the Chandrayaan-3 space mission.

Prime minister Narendra Modi while addressing the BRICS summit on Thursday, said that the success of Chandrayaan-3's soft landing on the South Pole of the Moon was not limited to one country but the success of mankind.

India's ambitious 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.

After scripting history, ISRO sent out a message of congratulations to the nation. "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 'India, I reached my destination and you too!': Chandrayaan-3," posted ISRO on X

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft was launched on July 14, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota Range, Andhra Pradesh.
Chennai: The Raj Bhavan on Thursday refuted Member of Parliament Dhayanidhi Marans allegation that governor R N Ravi had used the state governments money in a family function held in Ooty and clarified that the expenses were borne by the governor. Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi had hosted a family event for three days in February last year at Ooty Raj Bhavan. (ANI)

Irresponsible and mischievous statement attributed to the MP casting aspersions on the Governor is highly condemnable, the Raj Bhavan said.

The governor had hosted a family event for three days in February last year at Ooty Raj Bhavan.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, former union minister Maran had accused Ravi of causing unnecessary problems. He (Ravi) is a governor. How did he organise his daughters wedding at the Raj Bhavan in Ooty? Maran asked. What right does he have to organise the event at the expense of the state government? We could also raise that question.

Since the statement is false, mischievous, and scurrilous, the facts must be brought into the public domain, the Raj Bhavan said, rebutting the allegations that all the guests were lodged in private hotels, private vehicles were hired for the use of not only guests but even for the family members of the governor and that private catering was hired. Raj Bhavan kitchen was not used at all, not even for tea or coffee.

The lighting for the entire event was done through a private source, floral decorations were privately purchased from the market, the Raj Bhavan statement said. The workforce for the entire event was sourced privately. No Raj Bhavan staff was used, the governors office said. It is to be noted that food bills for Honble Governor and family members are raised every month and though entitled the same are borne by Honble Governor.

The development comes amid an ongoing friction between the state government and Ravi.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hundreds of vehicles have been stranded in Himachal Pradesh's Kullu district after the Kullu-Mandi road was damaged following heavy rainfall. In a video posted by the news agency ANI, a huge line of vehicles can be seen at a standstill. Buildings washed away in Mandi in Himachal Pradesh after torrential rains. (Reuters)

According to commuters, there is a traffic jam stretching nearly 5-10 kilometers. We have nothing to eat or drink. People are starving here. The snarl should be cleared soon, the commuter told ANI.

Kullu Superintendent of Police Sakshi Verma on Thursday informed that the movement of traffic has been suspended since the road connecting Kullu and Mandi as well as an alternative route via Pandoh, both have been damaged.

There was heavy rainfall in the district last night. However, the PWD department is working on the restoration of traffic as soon as possible. Unless fresh rainfall disrupts the ongoing restoration work, the road, in all likelihood, will be opened for small vehicles by tonight, the SP told ANI.

IMD issues red alert

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday issued a red alert of heavy to very heavy rainfall for the next two days in the hilly state, including Shimla.

"Rainfall activity will increase from the evening/night of 22nd through 23rd and 24th August with spells of heavy to very heavy rainfall in low and mid-hill district during this period, the IMD wrote in its bulletin.

It added that the precipitation activity is likely to reduce with light to moderate scattered rainfall in the state from August 26 for subsequent 2 days.

Rain fury in Himachal Pradesh

Torrential rainfall-triggered landslides, cloudbursts, and flash floods have caused massive destruction in Himachal Pradesh this monsoon, with the state government declaring the hilly state as a natural calamity affected area.

According to the latest data, over 200 people have lost their lives in rain-related accidents so far. A total of 2,022 houses have been fully damaged, and 9,615 houses have been partially damaged, with 113 landslides occurring in this year's monsoon season, reported ANI citing government data.

Meanwhile, there has been a monetary loss of 8014.61 crore since June 24 in the state.

On Wednesday, Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said that 165.22 crore has been released to all the Deputy Commissioners and the line departments in the State for the restoration works.

(With input from agencies)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is exploring the possibility of ordering more variants of the indigenous light combat aircraft (LCA) Mk-1A to strengthen its combat potential, having already signed a 48,000-crore contract for 83 such fighter jets two years ago, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday. IAF raised its first LCA squadron in July 2016.

A proposal to place a follow-on order for 90 to 100 more LCA Mk-1 fighter jets is on the drawing board, the officials said, asking not to be named. If the order materialises, it will provide a big boost to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign.

The contract for the 83 Mk-1A jets signed in February 2021 took the total number of LCA variants ordered to 123. The 40 LCA Mk-1s already ordered by IAF are in the initial operational clearance (IOC) and the more advanced final operational clearance (FOC) configurations. The LCA Mk-1A will come with a raft of additional improvements over the existing variants, making it the most advanced LCA variant so far.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday reviewed the LCA programme, ahead of the delivery of the Mk-1A variant early next year. During the review, he described LCA as the flag-bearer of the IAFs efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet. The first Mk-1A aircraft will be delivered in February 2024, with the rest slated to join the IAFs combat fleet by 2029. The LCA Mk-1A aircraft is expected to be deployed at forward bases.

The Mk-1A will come with digital radar warning receivers, external self-protection jammer pods, superior radar, advanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and significantly improved maintainability. The fighters indigenous content is expected to be more than 60%, compared to 50% in the existing variants.

Of the earlier 40 LCA Mk1 planes, 32 aircraft have been delivered to the air force, and the remaining eight twin-seater trainers will be delivered in the coming months. IAF raised its first LCA squadron with two aircraft in July 2016 even though the project was sanctioned in 1983 as a replacement for the Soviet-origin MiG-21 fleet.

Last year, the government gave its nod for developing the next generation variant of the aircraft  the LCA Mk-2, and sanctioned 10,000 crore for the project. The Mk-2 fighter will be the most advanced LCA variant to be designed and developed indigenously. It will be equipped with a more powerful GE-414 engine, superior radar, better avionics and electronics, and will be capable of carrying a higher weapons payload. The IAF could order more than 100 LCA-Mk-2 aircraft, the officials said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
India has achieved significant milestones in the ongoing free trade negotiations with at least four countries or groupings, the UK , the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), the European Union, and Canada, with prospects bright for the conclusion of talks for the first two very soon, three officials aware of the development said. HT Image

Bilateral negotiations with several countries and groupings, including the four are being held on the sidelines of the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers Meeting (TIMM) in Jaipur, they added requesting anonymity. The visiting UK trade minister Kemi Badenoch on Thursday evening confirmed that the FTA negotiations *is part of the agenda for her India visit.

She declined to put a definite timeline for conclusion of the FTA negotiations saying that the hardest bits tend to come at the end. She said the two parties have closed many chapters, perhaps the more simpler tasks.

The minister hinted that Indias demand of easier mobility for its professionals in the UK may not face any major roadblock. According to her, while mobility for business and trade could be part of a trade framework, general visa regulations are subject matters of the home ministry.

One of the three officials mentioned above said India and the UK have narrowed the gap on contentious issues such as mobility and liquor in their free trade negotiations though more work needs to be done to resolve differences on rules of origin and investments. Both sides are making efforts to arrive at some tangible outcomes that can be forwarded to the political leadership ahead of the G20 Leaders Summit in September, he said. HT reported this on August 17.

The other negotiation in terms of fast progress and possibility of early closure is the one with EFTA, a second official said. EFTA is a grouping of four countries -- Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Commerce minister Piyush Goyal has already met with key officials of some of these countries, including Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda, he added.

India and EFTA are currently negotiating a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA). This aims to enhance trade and economic cooperation between India and the EFTA member countries, fostering an environment conducive to increased investments, reduced trade barriers, and greater market access.

TEPA negotiations are centred around outstanding chapters such as trade in goods, trade in services, intellectual property rights (IPRs), rules of origin and trade and sustainability. Goyal, during his UK visit on July 11-12, met a EFTA delegation led by Artieda, who was accompanied by industry representatives from the pharmaceutical, machinery and electronics industry. The industry of both sides are eager to conclude the FTA for mutual benefit at the earliest, the official said.

An deal with Canada is also a possibility as the negotiations are centred around an early harvest , followed by a comprehensive FTA, a third official said. India is negotiating an interim Indo-Canada Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), which may finally culminate in a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

After the relaunch of FTA negotiations between India and Canada in March, 2022, nine rounds of negotiations had been held till July this year. The ninth round was held from July 12-21, 2023, in a virtual format. The two partners have so far discussed trade matters related to goods, trade remedies, rules of origin, origin procedures, services, institutional and core provisions.

The previous and the sixth ministerial dialogue on trade and investment (MDTI) was held on May 8, 2023 in Canada. On the basis of ministerial guidance, work on various tracks are on-going to complete negotiations as soon as possible to achieve mutually beneficial outcome, the official added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
NEW DELHI: India on Thursday gave its initial approval to defence projects worth 7,800 crore, including the purchase of light machine guns, bridge laying tanks, electronic warfare suite for air force helicopters and weapons for naval choppers, to boost the combat readiness of the armed forces, officials aware of the development said. Defence minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting of the defence acquisition council that approved proposals to defence purchase worth  7,800 crore (PTI)

The defence acquisition council (DAC) chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh accorded its acceptance of necessity (AoN) for the capital acquisition proposals, the first step to procure military hardware under Indias defence procurement rules

While the induction of light machine guns (LMGs) will enhance the fighting capabilities of the infantry, the induction of bridge-laying tanks will result in faster movement of mechanised forces, the defence ministry said in a statement. The army has a requirement of tens of thousands of LMGs. It is looking for 7.62mm x 51mm LMG with an effective range of at least 800 metres.

DAC also cleared the procurement of electronic warfare suite for Mi-17 V5 helicopters to enhance their survivability, the statement said. This will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

Another proposal greenlit by the council is for buying ground-based autonomous system for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments to enable unmanned surveillance, delivery of ammunition, fuel and spares and casualty evacuation from the battlefield, the statement said.

The council also gave its go-ahead to a proposal to buy weapons for the navys new MH-60R helicopters to boost their operational capabilities. The helicopters have been ordered from the US to boost the navys anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and surveillance capabilities.

The navy has thus far received a few of the Lockheed Martin-Sikorsky MH-60R multi-role helicopters from the US as part of a 24-chopper deal signed three years ago to modernise the countrys ageing naval helicopter fleet. The government-to-government contract for the helicopters was worth around 17,500 crore.

To be armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK 54 torpedoes and advanced precision weapons, the twin-engine helicopters can operate from frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers.

Among the projects cleared by DAC is one for the procurement of ruggedised laptops and tablets for the army.
NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force is exploring the possibility of ordering more variants of the indigenous light combat aircraft Mk-1A to strengthen its combat potential, having already signed a 48,000-crore contract for 83 such fighter jets two years ago, officials aware of the matter said on Thursday. LCA Mk-1A fighter (PTI photo)

A proposal to place a follow-on order for 90 to 100 more LCA Mk-1 fighter jets is on the drawing board, the officials said, asking not to be named. If the order materialises, it will provide a big boost to the Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) campaign.

The contract for the 83 Mk-1A jets signed in February 2021 took the total number of LCA variants ordered to 123. The 40 LCA Mk-1s already ordered by IAF are in the initial operational clearance (IOC) and the more advanced final operational clearance (FOC) configurations. The LCA Mk-1A will come with a raft of additional improvements over the existing variants, making it the most advanced LCA variant so far.

IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday reviewed the LCA programme, ahead of the delivery of the Mk-1A variant early next year. During the review, he described LCA as the flag-bearer of the IAFs efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet.

Also Read: Light machine guns, weapons for naval choppers in 7,800-cr defence push

The first Mk-1A aircraft will be delivered in February 2024, with the rest slated to join the IAFs combat fleet by 2029. The LCA Mk-1A aircraft is expected to be deployed at forward bases.

The Mk-1A will come with digital radar warning receivers, external self-protection jammer pods, superior radar, advanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and significantly improved maintainability. The fighters indigenous content is expected to be more than 60%, compared to 50% in the existing variants.

Of the earlier 40 LCA Mk1 planes, 32 aircraft have been delivered to the air force, and the remaining eight twin-seater trainers will be delivered in the coming months.

IAF raised its first LCA squadron with two aircraft in July 2016 even though the project was sanctioned in 1983 as a replacement for the Soviet-origin MiG-21 fleet.

Last year, the government gave its nod for developing the next generation variant of the aircraft  the LCA Mk-2, and sanctioned 10,000 crore for the project. The Mk-2 fighter will be the most advanced LCA variant to be designed and developed indigenously. It will be equipped with a more powerful GE-414 engine, superior radar, better avionics and electronics, and will be capable of carrying a higher weapons payload. The IAF could order more than 100 LCA-Mk-2 aircraft, the officials said.
As the budget of Chadrayaan 3 which is lower than Nolan's Interstellar dominates the international discussion over India's Moon Mission, former Isro chairman Madhavan Nair said Indian scientists can do that as they are paid low wages. Indian scientists get one-fifth of what the scientists get in many other countries, the former Isro chairman said adding that Indian scientists are not driven by money. "They are not really bothered about the money but are passionate and dedicated to their mission. That is how we achieved greater heights," Nair said as quoted by news agency PTI. Former Isro chairman G Madhavan Nair said no Indian scientists are millionaires. (PTI File Photo)

Even Elon Musk, the world's richest person, noted the budget of Chandrayaan as he reacted to a post which said that India's Chandrayaan cost $75 million ( around 620 crore), less than the budget of Christopher Nolan's Interstellar ($165 million). "Good for India," Elon Musk wrote.

Speaking on how this is possible, the former Isro chief said there are no millionaires among Isro scientists and the scientists live a very 'normal and subdued' life. "The wages paid to the scientists, technicians, and other staff at ISRO are hardly one-fifth of what is given globally. So that gives an advantage," Nair told PTI.

Chandrayaan 3's budget is lower than Chandrayaan 2 ( 978 crore) as several things were already developed in the second lunar mission which failed but not without passing what it developed. Former Isro scientist Nambi Narayanan too emphasised the fact that Chandrayaan 2's failure contributed to the success of Chandrayaan 3.

In a historic milestone, Isro's Chandrayaan 3 soft-landed on the south pole of the moon making India the first-ever country to venture into that terrain. Now, for the coming 14 days, India's Moon Mission will carry out experiments on the lunar surface and send the data to Isro.

(With PTI inputs)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail
A day after India scripted history with Chandrayaan 3's successful soft landing on the Moon, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chief S Somanath on Thursday explained why they chose the Moon's South pole for landing. According to him, the South Pole has a specific advantage with respect to being less illuminated by the sun. Indian Space Research Organisation chief S Somnath

We have gone closer to the South Pole which is 70 degrees almost. The South Pole has a specific advantage with respect to being less illuminated by the sun. There is a potential to have more scientific content," the ISRO chief told news agency ANI.

He added, Scientists who are working on the moon showed a lot of interest in the South Pole because ultimately human beings want to go and create colonies and then travel beyond.

In a giant leap for its space program, India's Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole at 6.04 pm on Wednesday after a 41-day voyage. With this, India became the first ever country to land on the Moon's south pole and just the fourth country to land on the lunar surface after Russia, China, and the US.

Now, the solar-powered rover Pragyan has begun exploring the lunar surface and will transmit data to Earth in one lunar day which is equivalent to 14 Earth days.

As the Chandrayaan 3 lander module Vikram made a safe and soft landing on the Moon, ISRO chief S Somnath said, India is on the Moon.

PM Modi dialled ISRO chief

PM Modi, who watched the Chandrayaan 3's successful landing from South Africa's Johannesburg, immediately dialed ISRO chairman S Somanath to congratulate him.

"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.

He added, Please convey my greetings to everyone. If possible, I would personally greet you very soon.

(With inputs from ANI)

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has started the ground-truthing exercise to evaluate whether it can declare drought in about 120 taluks of the state that are facing shortfall of rain. A decision was taken on Tuesday at a meeting of the Cabinet sub-committee to start the drought measuring exercise. The Cabinet sub-committee will meet again after getting the reports and take a call on recommending to the Cabinet on declaration of drought in areas that conform to the prescribed norms. (Mint)

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Karnataka is facing 18 percent rainfall deficit but some districts such as Chitradurga, Kodagu, Chikballapur and Ramnagara are facing up to 50% rainfall deficit. Most of the districts facing high deficiency is in southern Karnataka bordering Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

Revenue minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who heads the Cabinet sub-committee, said the ground-level assessment has started and the deputy commissioners had been asked to take up the exercise of assessment of condition of crops in different villages as per the guidelines.

The government will get reports from districts within 10 days, he said. On the basis of these reports, a decision on declaration of drought would be taken. The Cabinet sub-committee will meet again after getting the reports and take a call on recommending to the Cabinet on declaration of drought in areas that conform to the prescribed norms, the minister said.

Gowda added that the government had decided to take up ground truthing exercise again after 10 to 15 days as more taluks are expected to face dry spell then going by the present indications of the monsoon entering the dry spell. The IMD has predicted lesser rainfall for southern peninsula in the remaining period of the monsoon due to El Nino impact caused by abnormal warning of the Pacific Ocean.

The agriculture department had indicated that the crops were in the beginning stage of deterioration. If the dry spell continues for one more week, the sustenance of standing crops would be difficult, the minister said.

The drought manual specifies various conditions including three consecutive weeks of dry spell, less than 75% of crop coverage in the targeted area, and more than 50% of crop loss to get qualified to be declared as drought-hit, he said.

There has been a demand to change the manual for declaring drought by the states considering the haphazard rainfall pattern due to climate change. Chief minister Siddaramaiah supported the view and urged the Central government to bring changes to the Manual for Drought Management 2016 for declaration of drought by States, arguing that it is necessary to have different parameters to declare drought in 14 agro-climatic zones in Karnataka in the light of dire situation caused by erratic weather conditions.
Bengaluru: The legal battle surrounding the Sri Jagadguru Murugharajendra (SJM) Mutt of Chitradurga has reached a momentous juncture as the high court concludes the hearings on the petition against a contentious decision of the state government to appoint a retired IAS officer as its administrative head. Ex-CM Basavaraja Bommai had appointed retired IAS officer as the administrator of the Mutt on December 2022. (HT)

The division bench comprising chief justice Prasanna Balachandra Varale, alongside Justice MJS Kamal, presided over the extensive hearings and has reserved the final judgment.

The backdrop of this case revolves around erstwhile pontiff Shivamurthy Sharan, the presbyter of Muruga Mutt, who faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (Pocso) Act. He was apprehended by Chitradurga police on September 1, 2022, and is presently in judicial custody. The former chief minister, Basavaraja Bommai, appointed retired IAS officer PS Vastrad as the administrator of the Math on December 13, 2022. Vastrad officially assumed this role on December 15, 2022.

However, the appointment stirred controversy, prompting Basavaprabhu Swamiji, the interim custodian of the Mutt, and the devotees to approach the high court. Their grievance challenged the governments decision. In response to the initial writ petition, Justice Krishna S. Dixit, a single-judge bench, nullified the appointment of the administrator in May 2022, asserting that government intervention in religious institutions is unwarranted.

Subsequently, seven petitions contesting this ruling were filed before a two-judge bench of the High Court. The bench, overseeing the appeal petition, directed the Chitradurga district and sessions judge to take on the role of the temporary administrator of the Mutt. This directive, issued on July 3, 2023, stipulated that this arrangement would persist until the final determination of the appeal.

With the conclusion of hearings and the legal arguments presented, the high court has now reserved its verdict. The judgment is pending, and stakeholders on all sides await the final pronouncement. The outcome of this case holds far-reaching implications for the governance and autonomy of religious institutions, marking a chapter that could potentially shape future precedents in the intersection of law and faith.

We had appealed the erstwhile chief minister B Bommai to appoint an administrator for smooth functioning of math which has over five thousand employees, running more than 50 educational institutions including medical and engineering colleges  former minister G Ekanthaiah told HT.

The state appointed retired IAS officer as administrator. But few people including close aides of the accused pontiff filed petition with HC challenging the appointment of the administrator, he said. Our aim is to save the crores of rupees worth property of mutt built by thousands of devotees. Ekanthaiah advocated the appointment of an administrator for math and expressed confidence that the verdict would uphold justice.
The Karnataka high court recently quashed an externment order by the police against a person for committing the same crime thrice between 2015 and 2022 and asked the police to use its power to extern a person sparingly as curtails ones freedom enshrined under Constitution. The court said that such power to curtail these rights must be exercised sparingly and in exceptional circumstances. (Shutterstock)

In his order, Justice M Nagaprasanna observed, If the order is read on the bedrock of the offences and the statute, it would become a classic case of misuse of power for curtailment of fundamental right of a person.

The court noted that when a person is externed, their fundamental rights are infringed upon, Bar and Bench, an online news portal reported.

The court said that such power to curtail these rights must be exercised sparingly and in exceptional circumstances. This is because Article 19(1)(d) of the Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of movement, the court added.

The court was hearing a plea by a man embroiled in three crimes, all under Section 78(3) (gambling in public) of the Karnataka Police Act. The cases, initiated in 2015, 2021 and 2022, were all closed after the imposition of a fine.

A report against the petitioner recommending his externment from Bailhongal to any other place was generated by the assistant commissioner on July 28, 2023 and he was sent a show cause notice.

The petitioner appeared before the assistant commissioner and put up his defence. The police externed the petitioner from Bailhongal sub-division to Bagalkot district for a period of three months. The order was challenged before the high court by the petitioner.

He argued that his fundamental right was compromised by citing offences that were non-cognizable and closed after the imposition of fines. As such, he contended that the order of externment was a gross misuse of power.

On the other hand, the State defended the action by contending that the petitioner had become dangerous to society. The due procedure was followed before the externment order was passed, the police told the court.

The court noted that under Section 56(g) of the Karnataka Police Act, an order for externment can be passed if one gets involved in offences under Sections 78, 79 and 80, but the crime has to be committed three times in three years. This was not the situation in this case, the court said.

Therefore, the judge held that the order would not stand the test of reasonableness as required under Article 19(5) of the Constitution of India. Accordingly, the court allowed the writ petition and quashed the externment order as unsustainable.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Karnataka government on Thursday opposed the Tamil Nadu governments plea in the Supreme Court for release of 24,000 cusecs (cubic feet per second) per day of Cauvery river water from its reservoirs, terming the DMK governments application wholly misconceived since the state suffered from a distressed water year due to the failure of south-west Monsoon. Submitting its affidavit a day before the hearing in the top court, the Siddaramaiah-government said that the Tamil Nadu governments demand is based on an erroneous assumption that this water year is a normal water year. (Shrikant Singh)

Submitting its affidavit a day before the hearing in the top court, the Siddaramaiah-government said that the Tamil Nadu governments demand is based on an erroneous assumption that this water year is a normal water year.

During this water year the south-west Monsoon has largely failed so far, due to which, the distress condition has arisen in the Cauvery basin. Karnataka, therefore, is not obliged to and it cannot be compelled to ensure water as per the stipulated releases prescribed for the normal year, stated the Karnataka governments affidavit.

It added that the claim by Tamil Nadu for the alleged shortfall of 28.849 TMC in the current month is misleading because the shortfall is calculated as of August 31 and that the said quantity has to be released in a normal water year. According to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka has had a shortfall of 28.849 TMC of water during the current irrigation year for the period between June 1 and July 31.

Maintaining that the total inflows in four reservoirs in Karnataka are lesser by 42.5% as on date, the affidavit contended: The entire current storage plus likely inflow is not sufficient for the crops in Karnataka and for meeting the drinking water requirements of towns and villages including the megacity of Bengaluru which is the technological hub of the world. Hence, Karnatakas reasonable needs are at serious risk.

It further said that its requirement of water in 2023-24 from four reservoirs is 200.360 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) but Karnataka has drawn only 7.209 TMC from the four reservoirs till August 11, 2023. 11,000 cusecs flow for a day amounts to 1 TMC, which is around 28 billion litres of water.

Karnataka also blamed Tamil Nadu for creating the present crisis by its unnecessary opposition to the proposal of the former for construction of Mekedatu balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project, near the interstate border at Biligundlu.

Karnataka also submitted that the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), a statutory body constituted for implementation of the decision of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and as modified by the Supreme Court by its judgement on February 16, 2018, cannot be directed to ensure flows as stipulated in a normal water year in the wake of the distress situation in the Cauvery basin.

The affidavit added that the Karnataka government has asked CWMA to review the decision taken on August 11 for ensuring 10,000 cusecs per day at the inter-state border Biligundlu from August 12, for the next 15 days.

A bench led by justice Bhushan R Gavai is set to take up the Tamil Nadu governments application filed last week for a direction to Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily in order to meet its pressing needs of standing crops. It urged the court to direct CWMA to ensure that the directions issued to Karnataka by Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal (CWDT) in respect of the release of water to Tamil Nadu are fully implemented and the stipulated monthly releases during the remaining period of the current water year are fully given effect to.

The plea pointed out that Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 4 apprising him of the growing concern amongst the farmers in the Cauvery Basin of Tamil Nadu due to the failure of Karnataka in adhering to the directions of CWMA.

The Tamil Nadu added that in the current water year 2023-24, Karnataka released only 11.6 TMC as against 40.4 TMC due at Billigundulu from 01.06.2023 to 31.07.2023 with a deficit of 28.8 TMC while Karnataka had a gross storage of 91 TMC in its 4 major reservoirs against the full capacity of 114.6 TMC.

The Cauvery water sharing is a long dispute between the two southern states- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The conflict traces its roots to two agreements in 1892 and 1924 between the Madras Presidency and Kingdom of Mysore.

In June 1990, the Union government established the CWDT to address disagreements concerning water sharing capacities among Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Puducherry. By a 2018 ruling, the Supreme Court issued directions on the water sharing between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Karnataka is supposed to make available 177.25 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu in a normal water year.

According to the ruling, Karnataka has to make available a total of 123.14 TMC from June to September, a period when the Cauvery issue gets flared up as the monsoon yields lower rainfall.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Utkarsh Anand Utkarsh Anand is Legal Editor at the Hindustan Times. He writes on law, judiciary and governance. ...view detail
KOCHI: The Karuvannur Service Co-operative Bank in Kerala disbursed many benami loans in cash to non-members on the instructions of Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M) legislator AC Moideen, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in a statement on Thursday. Kunnamkulam legislator AC Moideen is a CPM state committee member and was a minister in the Kerala cabinet between 2016 and 2021 (Facebook/AC Moideen)

The ED statement comes three days after carrying out searches at the residence of the former minister in Wadakkanchery and those linked to him on Tuesday.

The federal agency is probing the money laundering in connection with the siphoning of about 150 crore from the bank at the behest of some CPM district leaders and bank officials. The case first came to light in 2021 and resulted in at least 16 FIRs being filed at different stations in the Thrissur district. The case was later handed over to the Crime Branch.

ED has taken up the probe under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) on the basis of the police FIRs.

ED investigation has revealed that on the instructions of certain persons, who were district level leaders and committee members of a certain political party and governed the bank, loans were disbursed by the bank manager through the agent in cash to non-member benamis by mortgaging properties of poor members without their knowledge and laundered to the benefit of the accused, the agency said in a statement.

Investigation revealed that many such benami loans were disbursed on the instructions of AC Moideen, present MLA and former minister of local self-government. Accordingly, searches were conducted on Kiran PP, Rahim CM, Shiju MK, AC Moideen, and Sathishkumar P.

ED also said bank deposits worth 28 lakh belonging to Moideen and his wife were frozen.

The searches have also led to the seizure of 36 properties valued at 15 crore, which ED said, were proceeds of crime.

Moideen has claimed that he has nothing to do with the alleged fraud. ED officials came and searched my house. But their allegations are baseless. I have nothing to do with it, he said.

On Wednesday, the CPM state secretariat said that the ED searches at the residence of Moideen were a continuation of the attempts of the BJP-led Centre to weaken opposition forces by misusing central agencies.

In the backdrop of the Puthuppally bypoll, fabricated stories are being created to target CPM leaders and their family members. Right-wing media organisations are competing to make such attempts. The UDF in Kerala is supporting the attacks of the central government in Kerala, the party said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The Kerala high court on Wednesday acquitted seven members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) who had been convicted by the trial court for the murder of Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) activist Shihab in 2015. As per the prosecution, activists of CPI (M) had murdered Vinod, an office bearer of RSS. Shihab was the prime accused in the case. (HT Archives)

A division bench of justices PB Suresh Kumar and CS Sudha acquitted the seven men not because it was convinced of their innocence but because it found that the investigation was faulty, according to Bar and Bench.

We are constrained to acquit the accused not because we find that they are not the real culprits in the case, but because of the flawed investigation and lack of evidence. We do not find fault with the investigating officer in proceeding with the investigation in the case on the premise that on the facts of this case, the activists of the organisation, RSS must have committed the crime. Our anguish on the other hand, is with regard to the manner in which he jumped into the conclusion without collecting sufficient materials that it is the accused who committed the crime, the judgment stated.

We are conscious of the fact that acquittal of the accused in a case of this nature would seriously affect the credibility of the justice delivery system, but we are constrained to do so, as we have real doubt as to whether it is accused 1 to 7 who have committed the crime, though we do not have any doubt to the fact that the crime has been committed by a group of persons in the manner alleged, the court explained.

As per the prosecution, activists of CPI(M) had murdered Vinod, an office bearer of RSS. Shihab was the prime accused in the case.

The accused in this case then hatched a conspiracy to kill Shihab and on March 1, 2015, knocked Shihab off the motorcycle he was riding. The accused then struck Shihab on vital parts of his body with swords and Shihab succumbed to his injuries on the same day.

Eleven people were booked for the murder. The sessions court acquitted four of them while convicting the remaining seven for offences under the Indian Penal Code, including murder and criminal conspiracy.

The seven then moved the High Court with the present appeal challenging their conviction and sentence.

They argued that owing to the political climate, the investigating officers jumped to conclusions and arrayed the RSS members as accused in the case. This was done as dictated by the leaders of the CPI(M), they alleged.

It was also contended that they were arrested long before any material connecting them with the crime was collected either in the form of statements of witnesses or otherwise. They further contended that the conviction was arrived at based on the testimony of one witness alone.

The High Court examined the case diary and the testimonies of the witnesses and found that the witness testimony was unreliable since it was rife with inconsistencies. The witness was also connected to the CPI(M), it was noted.

The Court said that while some of the material collected by the investigating officer could have corroborated the case against the accused, it cannot be used in this case due to the absence of other evidence.

Opining that the benefits arising from faulty investigation ought to go to the accused and not to the prosecution, the Court acquitted the appellants.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Vishnu Varma Vishnu Varma is Assistant Editor and reports from Kerala for the Hindustan Times. He has 10 years of experience writing for print and digital platforms and has worked at The New York Times, NDTV and The Indian Express in the past. He specialises in longform reportage at the intersections of politics, crime, social commentary and environment. ...view detail
Bengaluru: According to the police, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon while the victim was heading to the womens police station to file a complaint of harassment against the accused.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on Thursday after he stabbed his former partner to death, in Puttur area of Dakshina Kannada, police said.

According to the police, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon while the victim was heading to the womens police station to file a complaint of harassment against the accused.

The deceased has been identified as Gauri (18), a resident of Adala in Vitla taluk who worked as a salesgirl at a store near Puttur bus stand, while the accused, Padmaraj (23), is a resident of Bantwal and works as a JCB driver.

The police said both the accused and the victim were in a relationship for four years. Although Gauri ended her relationship with the accused, he continued to persuade her.

On Thursday afternoon, while Gauri was on the way to the police station, Padmaraj followed her and the two got into an argument, which soon escalated. Gauri tried to seek refuge at the womens police station, but the assailant allegedly managed to corner her against a wall and attacked her with a knife, slitting her throat, the police said.

Gauri was shifted to the Puttur government hospital. She was later shifted to hospital in Mangaluru, where she succumbed to her injuries. According to preliminary investigation, the victim and the accused were in a relationship for many years, superintendent of police (Dakshina Kannada), CB Rishyanth, said.

Puttur town police later arrested the accused under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh, who was in the national capital to meet Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday, said he is in regular touch with the 10 Kuki-Zo-Hmar MLAs who have demanded a separate administration for hill districts. I have told the MLAs that I will provide them with security and that we must work together to restore normalcy. I have also spoken to the civil society organisations in Imphal (Meitei groups) and said that the MLAs should not be stopped from visiting the valley (Imphal) for work. The MLAs must join work immediately. Also, let me reiterate there can be no division of Manipur. PREMIUM Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh. (ANI)

Also read: Four Manipur residents arrested in Assam while transporting drugs

The 10 MLAs, on August 16 submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi , demanding a separate chief secretary and police chief for the hill districts, where a majority of Kuki and other tribal groups reside. The tribal MLAs have maintained that there is threat to their lives from Meitei groups. When violence broke out on May 3, one Kuki MLA, Vungzagin Valte sustained serious injuries in a mob attack. Houses of other Kuki leaders were also burnt.

Chief minister Singh is a Meitei. The Meitei community that live in the plains and valley constitute 53% of the states population, and the tribal Kuki group, which live in the hill districts makes up 29% of the state population (according to the 2011 census). In an interview with Hindustan Times, Singh claimed that the violence that erupted on May 3 was pre-planned, that his government is not against Kukis, and that the recent face-off between Assam Rifles and the state police was a misunderstanding.

Singh, who has been accused by tribal groups of selectively targeting Kukis in the name of screening immigrants and launching a crackdown against drugs, said, When we started the process to identify immigrants, I formed a committee. The chairperson of that committee is Letpao Haokip, a Kuki MLA. I am only trying to get illegal immigrants deported legally. We had to launch a crackdown on drugs as Manipur is the gatekeeper of the golden triangle. It was the governments duty to stop drugs. I want to reiterate that the government is not against Kukis.

Singh also said that he suspects the violence that started on May 3 may have been planned in advance. At least 155 people have died in the clashes between Kukis and Meiteis.

 CBI is probing the cases; the highest court is monitoring the probe, and inquiry is already on but records I have seen indicate that the violence on May 3 and the subsequent clashes may have been planned. Police records show that the first violent attack happened at 10.30 am on May 3, just as the rally started. The Manipur High court had only asked the government to look into the proposed reservation. The government had not taken any decision. Our government had just started capturing the biometrics of outsiders and found over 2000 in just a week. This caused ripples. The attacks started as soon as the rally began. This was work of militants and illegal immigrants.

The Manipur chief minister said the state government has come up with a plan to build houses for victims at the same place where they once stood before being destroyed . We require a budget of around 150 crore to rebuild the houses. I will be requesting the home minister for the fund. Currently, we are building 3000-4000 prefabricated homes and shifting the families there. The prefabricated houses are being built in hill districts such as Churachandpur, Kangpokpi as well and in valley areas such as Imphal. For now, we are shifting them to these houses so that they have a space of their own.

Around 50000 people have been displaced in the ethnic clashes. When violence started on May 3, mobs from both Kuki and Meitei groups burnt houses in different parts of the state. The internally displaced Manipur residents are living in government camps, houses of their relatives and friends; some have also fled to Mizoram.

Responding to n allegations by tribal groups such as ITLF that the looting of police armouries across the state was done by Meiteis, Singh said both sides were to blame. Weapons were looted by mobs in both hill districts such as Churachandpur, Tengnoupal, Kangpokpi and the valley areas. More than 1000 weapons were stolen from hill areas and around 2000-3000 from valley areas. It is worrying that civilians stole the arms, but security forces are recovering them every day. Around 1200 weapons have already been recovered. Around 26 arms were recovered day before yesterday.

Singh said that his government has asked for more security forces from the Centre. I asked for additional security forces because we have to complete the fencing work at the border. We have been able to fence 19 kms and are yet to complete border fencing in around 398 kms. We need security forces for this work. Higher education institutes will open soon. The forces will vacate the school building where they are living and shift elsewhere. Once the situation is better, we will also start cellular internet services.

Commentging on the status of the probes by CBI and the status of the two women who were paraded naked, with one being gangraped, Singh said, Manipur police have handed the case files to CBI, which will conduct an in-depth investigation. Meanwhile we have spoken to the two women. Currently they are not in Manipur. We have assured them that we will provide them security and any other aid that they require.

He added that the opposition in Manipur had deliberately leaked the viral video, a day before the monsoon session of Parliament was to start to fuel tension. They should have submitted the video to the police but did not. The nine people arrested are those who were directly involved in the crime. CBI is probing the case now.

To be sure, while a FIR was filed on May 18, and police were aware of the crime even before (the women were snatched from the protection of a police team on May 4 when the incident happened), the arrests were made only after the videos went viral on July 19.

A 53-member CBI team is probing the 11 cases of violence which include three cases of alleged gangrape.

Singh described the recent controversy involving Manipur police and Assam Rifles (AR) as a misunderstanding. Many Meitei groups have been protesting against the Assam Rifles and demanding their removal from the state. Manipur police, on August 5 accused Assam Rifles of interfering in their operation and registered an FIR against the force.

Singh said, Assam Rifles saved people from both hills and valley districts. The misunderstanding between them and the police was a one-off incident. If there is any issue, it must be sorted out. I am working with both forces to clear any misunderstanding.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping interacted briefly ahead of a news conference by leaders of the Brics grouping in Johannesburg on Thursday. PM Modi and President Xi, who sat on either side of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also spoke briefly and shook hands at the conclusion of the news conference (AFP Photo)

Footage beamed by South Africas public broadcaster SABC from the venue of the news conference showed the two leaders speaking to each other as they walked towards the dais from where they subsequently delivered their remarks.

The footage showed them interacting for less than a minute. Modi and Xi, who sat on either side of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also spoke again briefly and shook hands at the conclusion of the news conference.

There was no immediate official word from the Indian or Chinese side regarding the interaction.

This was the first time the two leaders interacted in public since their brief interaction during last years G20 Summit in Bali. Modi and Xi had met briefly at a formal dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on November 16, 2022.

At that time, the Indian side had characterised the interaction as merely an exchange of courtesies.

But after Chinas foreign ministry contended in July that Modi and Xi had reached an important consensus on stabilising China-India relations during the Bali interaction, the external affairs ministry said the leaders had discussed the need to stabilise bilateral ties.

During the Bali G20 Summit last year, Prime Minister and President Xi Jinping, after the dinner hosted by the Indonesian president, exchanged courtesies and spoke of the need to stabilise our bilateral relations, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told reporters.

There has been intense speculation about a possible bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi on the margins of the Brics Summit in Johannesburg following a string of diplomatic and military meetings between the two sides.

Indian and Chinese corps commanders held their 19th round of talks on the standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at the Chushul-Moldo border point on August 13-14, and this was followed by several rounds of talks among local commanders that began on August 18, people familiar with the matter said.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and external affairs mister S Jaishankar met Chinas foreign mister Wang Yi on the sidelines of multilateral meetings in July and discussed the border standoff.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Prime minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-day visit to South Africa to attend 15th BRICS summit, gifted special presents to the organisation's leaders inlcuding South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, first lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe, and Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. PM Modi poses with BRICS nations' leaders(via REUTERS)

The prime minister presented Bidri work Pair of Surahi, a purely Indian innovation of 500 years old Persian exclusive to Bidar, to Ramaphosa. The pair of surahis are engraved with pretty patterns on the casting and inlaid with pure Silver wire. The patterns or the nakkashi is a centuries old craft, where patterns are first drawn on paper and then transferred on silver sheets.

Bidri work Pair of Surahi from Telangana.

The work, which is carried out in many parts of India and particularly in Karnataka, requires a lot of hard work, accuracy and excellent skills.

On the other hand, PM Modi gifted a Naga shawl, which is exquisite form of textile art that has been woven for centuries by the tribes in Nagaland to the first lady of South Africa Tshepo Motsepe. The shawl which is made from locally sourced materials such as cotton, silk, and wool has geometric and symbolic designs as one of its most striking features. These designs are inspired by the tribe's myths, legends, and beliefs, with designs having specific meanings and significance.

Nagaland Shawl

Additionally, he gifted a Gond painting, which is one of the most admired tribal art form, from Madhya Pradesh to Brazilian president Lula da Silva. The word Gond comes from the Dravidian expression Kond which means green mountain. These paintings, created by dots and lines, have been a part of pictorial art on walls and floors of Gonds and it is done with the construction and re-construction of each and every house, with locally available natural colours and materials like charcoal, coloured soil, plant sap, leaves, cow dung, lime stone powder.

Gond Painting from Madhya Pradesh

PM Modi, in his media statement at the BRICS summit said the "expansion and modernisation" of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mould themselves according to changing times.

"India has always fully supported the expansion of the BRICS membership. India has been of the view that the addition of new members will further strengthen BRICS as an organisation, and give a new impetus to all our common endeavours," he said.

South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24. The alliance comprises five nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. South Africa became Chair of BRICS on January 1 under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism."

PM Modi will travel to Greece tonight for an official visit on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis after wrapping up his participation at the BRICS summit

During his visit to Greece, PM Modi will receive a ceremonial reception on his arrival and will also hold meetings with the Greek president and prime minister. In meeting with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis and leaders will discuss ways to further deepen the ties between the two nations.
The countrys medical education regulator the National Medical Commission (NMC) on Wednesday put on hold guidelines issued earlier this month, directing, among several steps, that they prescribe only generic drugs to patients, a suggestion that triggered massive protests. HT Image

The National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (professional conduct) Regulations are hereby held in abeyance with immediate effect,the NMC said through a gazette notification, citing the need for removal of doubts..

While NMC and the Union health ministry did not give a reason for staying its previous notification, the move, according to people familiar with the matter, was triggered by protests by the medical fraternity against the clause that directed doctors to prescribe only generic medicines.

The clause in the now-suspended notification read: Prescribing Generic Medicines: Every RMP should prescribe drugs using generic names written legibly and prescribe drugs rationally, avoiding unnecessary medications and irrational fixed-dose combination tablets. (L1 and/or L2)(Generic Drugs and Prescription guidelines).

It was met with huge criticism by the medical practitioners across the country calling it an irrational diktat, and some even saying the regulations could put power in the hands of chemists to disburse a brand of their choice.

Grand Victory for IMA against the 2023 Regulations Notified by @NMC_IND ! The entire set of 2023 Regulations that were notified by the NMC has been held in abeyance. A heartfelt thanks to Health Minister Shri @mansukhmandviya for his receptive approach and for considering the concerns raised by IMA This victory belongs to every single member of IMA who stood together, raised their voices, and displayed unprecedented unity, posted the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

The medical association had been vocal in its criticism of the said regulations and had met the Union health minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, to force the directive to be reconsidered.

The other important mentions in the regulations were that doctors can refuse treatment in case of abusive and violent patients or relatives but must ensure they arent abandoned. The move was aimed at discouraging violence against doctors.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The assembly secretariat complex in Chennai, which was converted into a multi-speciality hospital by J Jayalalithaa in 2011, will remain a hospital and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has no plans to transform it again, said health minister M Subramanian on Thursday. The complex was built during the regime of late M Karunanidhi and was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in 2010. The complex was built during the regime of late M Karunanidhi and was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh in 2010 (PTI)

The ministers clarification has ended a long running speculation which began after the DMK formed government in 2021 and gained momentum after chief minister M K Stalin inaugurated a 250 crore multi speciality hospital in Guindy, just 10 km away from the Omandurar hospital, in July this year.

The multi-super speciality hospital in Omandurar government estate in Chennai will never become the state secretariat again, the health minister told reporters in Chennai.

It has a chequered history too recent to be forgotten. In 2008, Karunanidhi laid the foundation stone at the Omandurar estate, for an oval-shaped complex, in the heart of Chennais Triplicane, to be the new secretariat complex. The 10-lakh sq feet building was completed in a record two years time. However, after the late Jayalalithaa-led the All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) came to power in 2011, she announced the conversion of the newly built complex into a multi-speciality hospital, which was seen as an act of vengeance as she retained Fort St George as the secretariat.

She promised to deliver quality healthcare on par with the AIIMS and the complex was opened to public in 2014. When Stalin took office as chief minister, there was speculation that he may shift to Omandurar. Some even wanted Stalin to end what his father started. Stalin was also cautioned by the AIADMK against doing so. However, the ruling government let the hospital be and silenced the rumours. Omandurar continues to function as a hospital, and during the Covid-19 outbreak, it was marked as an important government treatment and vaccination centre.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Divya Chandrababu Divya Chandrababu is an award-winning political and human rights journalist based in Chennai, India. Divya is presently Assistant Editor of the Hindustan Times where she covers Tamil Nadu & Puducherry. She started her career as a broadcast journalist at NDTV-Hindu where she anchored and wrote prime time news bulletins. Later, she covered politics, development, mental health, child and disability rights for The Times of India. Divya has been a journalism fellow for several programs including the Asia Journalism Fellowship at Singapore and the KAS Media Asia- The Caravan for narrative journalism. Divya has a master's in politics and international studies from the University of Warwick, UK. As an independent journalist Divya has written for Indian and foreign publications on domestic and international affairs. ...view detail
A parliamentary panel met here on Thursday to examine the bills which seek to replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and the Evidence Act. A statue of Mahatma Gandhi sits between the old and new Parliament House buildings on the opening day of the monsoon session of the Indian parliament, in New Delhi, India.(AP)

Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla is scheduled to make a presentation on the three bills - the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill - before the members of the committee.

The three bills seek an overhaul of the existing laws, described as a colonial legacy by Home Minister Amit Shah in Lok Sabha when he introduced them in the last session, by replacing them with new Acts catering to contemporary needs and aspirations of the people.

The standing committee has to submit its report in three months, in time for the government to table the updated bills in the next session of Parliament.

BJP member Brij Lal is the chairman of the Standing Committee on Home Affairs.

While introducing the bills, Shah had said these would transform India's criminal justice system and added the changes were done to provide speedy justice and create a legal system that caters to contemporary needs and aspirations of the people.
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday discussed ways to boost ties in connectivity, energy and trade and agreed to speed up collaboration in infrastructure, including the Chabahar port. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a meeting with the Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at the 15th BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg on Thursday (PTI)

These matters figured in a bilateral meeting between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg. Iran was among the six countries invited by Brics to become new members in January 2024.

Modi also held bilateral meetings with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Senegal President Macky Sall and Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi on the sidelines of the summit. Ethiopia was another of the new entrants to Brics, while Senegal and Mozambique were invited for special sessions of the summit.

All four leaders congratulated Modi on the success of the on the success of the Chandrayaan mission. Ali described the moon mission as a moment of pride and inspiration for Ethiopia and the Global South.

Had a wonderful meeting with President Ebrahim Raisi. I am glad that Iran will be joining BRICS. Discussed ways to deepen trade and cultural cooperation between India and Iran, Modi said in a tweet. Another official account of the prime minister tweeted the two leaders discussed ways to boost ties in energy, connectivity and trade.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted that Modi and Raisi reviewed bilateral ties, including in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, and counter-terrorism. They agreed to fast track infrastructure cooperation, including Chabahar project. They also exchanged views on regional developments, including Afghanistan, he said.

Modi felicitated Iran on joining Brics, and Raisi thanked him for Indias support in achieving this outcome.

At his meeting with his Ethiopian counterpart, Modi discussed ways to deepen bilateral ties and congratulated Ali on Ethiopia becoming a new member of Brics.

Bagchi said Ali appreciated Indias support for Ethiopia to join the bloc. Discussions between Modi and Ali covered ways to expand bilateral cooperation in parliamentary contacts, development partnership, trade, investment, defence, ICT, agriculture, skilling of youth and people-to-people linkages, Bagchi said.

Modi tweeted that he and Senegal President Sall discussed sectors such as energy, infrastructure and defence. India considers Senegal to be a valued developmental partner, he added.

Bagchi added that Sall thanked Modi for Indias efforts to give the African Union permanent membership of the G20. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, defence, security, energy, mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, railways, capacity building, culture and people-to-people ties.

Sall also appreciated Modis leadership in advocating priorities of the developing world.

Modi and Mozambique President Nyusi discussed ways to take forward cooperation in a range of areas, including defence, counter-terrorism, energy, mining, health, trade investment, maritime issues, parliamentary contacts, and people-to-people relations, Bagchi said.

Nyusi too appreciated Indias initiative for giving the African Union permanent membership of the G20.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Chinese president Xi Jinping and highlighted India's concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a briefing.



The prime minister underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas, and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship, Kwatra added.



In this regard, two leaders agreed to direct relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation, the foreign secretary added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engage in a brief interaction at the 15th BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg on Thursday. (ANI)

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi and the Chinese president shook hands and greeted each other ahead of the BRICS leaders' briefing. Both the leaders were seen interacting briefly on the stage.



This was the first interaction between the two leaders after the meeting at G20 dinner in Bali last November. The prime minister had shook hands with Jinping who smiled at him. PM Modi and Jinping had spoken to each other for few minutes then.



It was the first meeting between Modi and Xi Jinping since the Indian and Chinese armies clashed at Galwan Valley in 2020. The relations between the two countries have been strained since the standoff. Both the countries have held military level talks to resolve the border issues.



The two armies recently held 19th round of corps commander level talks. According to a statement by ministry of external affairs,They agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner and maintain the momentum of dialogue and negotiations through military and diplomatic channels. In the interim, the two sides agreed to maintain the peace and tranquility on the ground in the border areas".



The border dispute between the two countries has been continuing since past several decades. India and China had even fought a war in 1962.





SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called upon G20 nations to pay more attention to farmers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) because of their key role in the global economy. He also underscored the importance of small businesses for India by giving a new definition to MSME  Maximum Support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his virtual address to G20 representatives in Jaipur on Thursday. (HT Photo)

PM Modi expressed faith in the multilateral trading system under the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which needs to be reformed to meet emerging challenges. India believes in a rules-based, open, inclusive, multilateral trading system, with the WTO at its core. India has advocated the concerns of the Global South at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference. We were able to forge consensus on safeguarding the interests of millions of farmers and small businesses.

MSMEs account for 60-70% of employment and contribute 50% to the global GDP. They need our continued support. Their empowerment translates to societal empowerment, the Prime Minister said in a video message to G20 members at the opening of the two-day trade and investment ministerial meeting (TIMM) being held in Jaipur.

The Group of Twenty (G20) comprises 19 countries  Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkiye, United Kingdom and United States and the European Union. The G20 members represent around 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of the global trade, and about two-thirds of the world population.

For us, MSME means Maximum Support to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. India has integrated MSMEs into public procurement through our online platform  Government e-marketplace, PM said.

We have been working with our MSME sector to adopt the ethos of Zero Defect and Zero Effect on the environment. Increasing their participation in global trade and Global Value Chains has been a priority of the Indian presidency, he added.

He hoped that the two-day Jaipur Initiative will foster seamless flow of information to MSMEs, and address the challenge of inadequate access to market and business-related information faced by MSMEs. I am also confident that the upgrade of the Global Trade Help Desk will increase participation of MSMEs in global trade, he added.

The Prime Minister said trade and globalisation have also lifted hundreds of millions out of extreme poverty.

He called for building resilient and inclusive global value chains that can withstand future shocks. In this context, Indias proposal to create a Generic Framework for Mapping Global Value Chains is important. This framework aims to assess vulnerabilities, minimize risks, and enhance resilience, Modi said.

Current global challenges, from the pandemic to geopolitical tensions, have tested the world economy. As G20, it is our responsibility to rebuild confidence in international trade and investments, he said.

The Prime Minister said that Indian economy is seen by the world with optimism and confidence and India has embarked on the journey to become worlds third largest economy. India is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities and options. During the last nine years, India has become the fifth largest global economy. This is the result of our sustained efforts. We embarked on the journey of Reform, Perform, and Transform in 2014.

We have increased competitiveness, and enhanced transparency. We have expanded digitisation, and promoted innovation. We have established dedicated freight corridors and built industrial zones. We have moved away from red tape to red carpet and liberalized FDI flows. Initiatives like Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat have given a boost to manufacturing. Above all, we have brought policy stability. We are committed to make India the third largest global economy in the next few years, he added.

He urged the G20 to harness technologys transformative power in trade. Indias shift to an online single indirect tax - the GST - helped create a single internal market boosting inter-state trade. Our Unified Logistics Interface Platform makes trade logistics cheaper and more transparent. Another game changer is Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), which will democratize our digital marketplace ecosystem. We have already done that with our Unified Payments Interface for payment systems. Digitizing processes and use of e-commerce have the potential to enhance market access, he said.

I am glad that your group is working on the High Level Principles for the Digitalization of Trade Documents. These principles can help countries in implementing cross-border electronic trade measures, and reduce compliance burdens. As cross-border E-commerce continues to grow, there are challenges as well. We need to work collectively to ensure equitable competition between large and small sellers. We also need to address the problems faced by consumers in fair price discovery and grievance handling mechanisms, he added.

He said it is the collective responsibility of the G20, to restore confidence in international trade and investment processes. I am confident that you will work collectively to ensure that the global trading system gradually transitions into a more representative and inclusive future, he added.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told Chinese President Xi Jinping that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas and respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are essential for normalising bilateral relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engage in a brief interaction at the 15th BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg on Thursday (ANI)

PM Modi conveyed Indias position during a conversation with Xi on the margins of the Brics (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) Summit in Johannesburg, foreign secretary Vinay Kwatra told a media briefing on Thursday. He didnt specify when the conversation occurred or give many details.

On the sidelines of the Brics Summit, prime minister had interactions with other Brics leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, prime minister highlighted Indias concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China border areas, Kwatra said.

Also Read: Facing China at Brics, India stands its ground

Prime minister underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship, he added.

The two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation, Kwatra said.

People familiar with the matter said the two leaders were part of several informal interactions during the summit. The conversation apparently happened during a pull aside on Wednesday.

Also Read: Will strengthen grouping, says PM Modi as Brics decides to invite 6 countries

Footage beamed by South Africas public broadcaster SABC also showed Modi and Xi interacting briefly before a news conference by Brics leaders on Thursday. The two leaders were seen speaking to each other for less than a minute as they walked towards the dais from where they delivered their remarks.

Modi and Xi, who sat on either side of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, also spoke briefly and shook hands at the conclusion of the news conference.

This was the first public interaction between the two leaders since a short encounter during last years G20 Summit in Bali. Modi and Xi met briefly at a dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on November 16, 2022.

At that time, the Indian side characterised the interaction as a mere exchange of courtesies. After Chinas foreign ministry contended in July that Modi and Xi reached an important consensus on stabilising China-India relations during the Bali interaction, the external affairs ministry said the leaders discussed the need to stabilise bilateral ties.

There was intense speculation about a bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi on the margins of the Brics Summit following a string of diplomatic and military engagements between the two sides. Indian and Chinese corps commanders held their 19th round of talks on the LAC standoff on August 13-14, and this was followed by several rounds of talks among local commanders that began on August 18.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and external affairs mister S Jaishankar met Wang Yi, currently Chinas foreign minister, on the margins of multilateral meetings in July and discussed the standoff, which has taken bilateral relations to a six-decade low.

Following a brutal clash at Galwan Valley that killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, the two sides have deployed nearly 60,000 troops each in the Ladakh sector. Despite several rounds of diplomatic and military talks, they are yet to disengage frontline troops at friction points such as Depsang and Demchok.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Rezaul H Laskar Rezaul H Laskar is the Foreign Affairs Editor at Hindustan Times. His interests include movies and music. ...view detail
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping engaged in a brief conversation at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. They shook hands and greeted each other. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese president Xi Jinping.(AFP)

In a video shared by news agency ANI, PM Modi was seen talking to the Chinese president as they headed for the briefing of BRICS leaders.



On Wednesday, the prime minister and Jinping had attended the plenary session but stood apart during the photograph session.

Last November, PM Modi had shook hands with the Chinese president and interacted briefly at a formal dinner for G20 leaders in Bali, which was their first face-to-face meeting in public since the onset of military standoff in Ladakh in 2020.



The relations between India and China are strained since the Galwan valley clash between the two armies in June 2020. Both the countries have held 19 rounds of military-level talks to resolve the situation.



Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi welcomed the expansion of BRICS which invited Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) into the fold.



India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation, Modi said at the briefing of BRICS leaders in the South African city.

At the plenary session of BRICS Summit on Wednesday, PM Modi said that 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", ANI quoted the PM as saying.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed petitions challenging the bail given to former Andaman and Nicobar Islands chief secretary Jitendra Narain in an alleged rape case. The top court said it has also directed the trial court to expedite the trial. (Representative file image)

The top court order came on separate appeals filed by the UT administration and the woman challenging the bail order passed by the Port Blair circuit bench of the Calcutta high court on February 20.

A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Ahsanuddin Amanullah said, The high court was right in not dealing with the submissions as it will affect the ongoing trial. We have also refrained from referring to specific facts while dismissing the petitions.

The Court directed the district court at Port Blair to expedite the trial and addressed the concerns of safety raised by the woman.

Also Read: Bengal school girls murder: Mob ransacks suspects house, VHP calls for bandh

Some apprehensions have been raised by the woman about the safety of her family. The union territory administration is to adequately deal with her complaints, the court said.

Narain was arrested in November following a complaint lodged by a 21-year-old who alleged that she was sexually assaulted by several persons, including Narain on the pretext of providing her a job.

Narain along with other accused, who were arrested in the case included businessman Sandeep Singh and then labour commissioner (now suspended) Rishishwar Lal Rishi.

According to the special investigation team (SIT) formed by the UT police, the incident occurred in March and April last year.

However, the FIR was lodged on October 1, 2022 after the woman approached the magistrate alleging police refused to register her complaint.

The delay in approaching the police was one factor noted by the top court which reserved the verdict on August 1.

The bench had asked the womans lawyer about her complaint being filed before the police for the first time in August even though Narain had been transferred out of the island in July last year.

At the time the complaint was filed in October, Narain was holding the post of chairman and managing director of Delhi Financial Corporation.

The government had suspended him on October 17.

The former chief secretary was accused under provisions of rape (IPC section 376) along with related provisions of abusing his position of power for committing this crime under sections 376C, 376D.

He was also accused of assaulting women with intention to outrage her modesty (IPC section 354), causing disappearance of evidence (IPC section 201), criminal conspiracy (IPC Section 120B), criminal intimidation (IPC Section 506) among other provisions of the IPC.
Hyderabad Senior state legislative council member Patnam Mahender Reddy was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet (HT Photo)

Barely three months ahead of the elections to the Telangana state assembly, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday took up a minor cabinet expansion by inducting a Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) lawmaker into his team, people familiar with the matter said.

Senior state legislative council member Patnam Mahender Reddy was sworn in as a minister in the state cabinet. Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Reddy at a brief and simple ceremony at Raj Bhavan on Thursday evening.

Apart from the chief minister, his cabinet colleagues and several other BRS leaders and officials were present at the occasion.

Mahender Reddys induction filled the lone vacancy in the KCR cabinet, which was left vacant for more than two years, after the dismissal of former health minister Eatala Rajender in May 2021. Rajender later quit the assembly seat as well to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and won the by-election in November 2021 to his Huzurabad seat again.

This is the second time that Mahender Reddy has become a minister in the KCR cabinet. He had won from Tandur assembly seat in 2014 and served as transport minister in KCRs first cabinet till 2018.

The three-time MLA from Tandur lost the elections to Congress candidate Pilot Rohit Reddy in December 2018 elections. While Rohit Reddy defected to the BRS later, Mahender Reddy was made a legislative council member.

In the upcoming assembly elections in Telangana, scheduled to be held in November or December, Mahender Reddy was expecting to get the BRS ticket from Tandur again. However, KCR who announced the list of candidates for 115 assembly seats on August 21, retained Rohit Reddy for the seat, denying the chance to Mahender Reddy.

People familiar with the matter said Mahender Reddy was terribly upset with the denial of ticket by the BRS leadership, and made an attempt to defect to the Congress. He held a few rounds of talks with the senior Congress leaders.

However, KCR sent his emissaries to pacify the sulking Mahender Reddy and offered him the cabinet berth, a BRS leader privy to the development said.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president A Revanth Reddy found fault with the chief minister to take up cabinet expansion only to appease a disgruntled MLC.

Till yesterday, this gentleman, who could not get the appointment of the chief minister for the last four years, was lobbying to get into the Congress. Now, KCR sought to please him by inducting him into the cabinet. The credit goes to the Congress. He may get the cabinet post, but what have the people of Tandur got from the BRS? he asked.

PCC vice-president G Niranjan said the governor should not have administered the oath of office to Mahender Reddy, as only three months are left for the elections. In fact, KCR has become morally a caretaker chief minister after the announcement of candidates for 115 seats and launching the election campaign. So, it is unethical to induct Mahender Reddy into the cabinet, he argued.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said that the plea filed by Tamil Nadu in the Supreme Court seeking additional Cauvery water was not maintainable. Later in the day, the state government filed an affidavit in the top court, terming the DMK governments application wholly misconceived that this water year is a normal water year. The Supreme Court earlier this week had set up a separate bench to hear the Tamil Nadu governments plea seeking directions to Karnataka to release water from Cauvery river (PTI)

In normal years we have to release 177.25 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water, but in distress situations, yet it has not defined what distress means? the CM added.

The Supreme Court earlier this week had set up a separate bench to hear the Tamil Nadu governments plea seeking directions to Karnataka to release water from Cauvery river and also to find a solution to dispute over water sharing with the neighbouring state.

Tamil Nadu sought direction to the 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 remaining 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 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.

Tamil Nadu government accused Karnataka of failing to fully implement the directions for the release of the stipulated quantum of 10,000 cusecs (0.864 TMC per day) as the final order passed by the Tribunal as modified by this Court, the application stated.

On the other hand, Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar assured that the interests of people of the state will be protected in the SC. He said the state government will place its argument before the court aimed at protecting the interests of the state and its farmers.

We have had discussions regarding filing our (state) stand before the Supreme Courts new bench. We have filed an appeal regarding the Cauvery water sharing issue aimed at protecting the interests of the state and its farmers, Shivakumar, who is also in-charge of the water resources department, told reporters.

Responding to a question on taking an all party delegation to the Centre regarding Cauvery and other inter-state water issues like Mahadayi, he said a tentative date will be fixed first and the prime ministers office and jal shakti ministers office will be contacted, and on getting their appointment, the delegation will be taken.

Karnataka, which is under grip of a drought due to less than normal monsoon rainfall, 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.

Chief minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday convened an all-party meeting to discuss the inter-state river disputes like Cauvery and Mahadayi. 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 taking up pending projects.

Noting that the Cauvery matter is once again coming up before the SC on August 25, Siddaramaiah had said the states legal team has been asked to ensure that their (TN) petition is rejected and all that is possible should be done to protect the interests of the state.

Meanwhile, in Tamil Nadu, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has been accusing the ruling DMK of failing to safeguard interests of the state due to alliance compulsions. Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai said that to keep the alliance with Congress intact, the DMK was letting go state interests. DMK should serve ties with the Congress to safeguard interests of the state, he said.

However, the DMK has reiterated that it would safeguard interests of the state with regard to sharing Cauvery water as decided by the Cauvery Water Tribunal.
Chandrayaan 3 successfully soft landed on the south pole of the moon on August 23 and the exit process of Pragyan rover which was in the belly of Vikram lander has begun. Now for the 14 days, which is equivalent to one lunar day, Pragyan will carry out a series of experiments on the surface of the moon. The rover will send the data to the lander which will send it to Earth. But what will happen after 14 days? Will Chandrayaan 3 return to earth? Chandrayaan-3's Vikram Lander soft landing on the moon as shown in Isro's live telecast in Bengaluru.

Chandrayaan 3 LIVE: Here is what Vikram and Pragyan will do next

What will happen to Chandrayaan 3 after 14 days?

After 14 days, there will be night on the moon which will also last for 14 days. There will be extreme cold weather and since Vikram and Pragyan can work only in the sun, they will become inactive after 14 days. Also, both the lander and the rover have been designed to last for 14 days. But Isro scientists have not ruled out the possibility of Vikram and Pragyan coming back to life when the sun again rises on the moon. In that case, it will be a bonus for India's moon mission.

Will Chandrayaan 3 come back to earth?

No, Vikram and Pragyan are not supposed to come back to the earth. They will remain on the moon.

What is the total weight of Chandrayaan 3?

The total weight of Chandryaan 3 is 3,900 kg. The propulsion module weighs 2,148kg and the lander module weighs 1,752 kg including the rover of 26 kg.

Where did Chandrayaan 3 land?

Isro has already shared the photo of the landing site of Chandrayaan 3. The photo was taken by Vikram's camera after the precise soft landing that took place at 6.04pm on Wednesday. Chandrayaan 3 landed on a relatively flat region on the south pole of the moon.

What will rover Pragyan do now?

Pragyan will check the chemical composition of the lunar surface, examine the lunar soil and rocks. It will measure the ions and electrons density and the thermal properties of the lunar surface near the polar region. This will be the first of its kind as no other country ever ventured to the moon's south pole.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Poulomi Ghosh Poulomi Ghosh is a journalist with Hindustan Times, New Delhi. ...view detail
Take a slow stroll past the chocolate aisle of a gourmet store or supermarket today and watch the revolution unfold, step by step. Racks that were once stocked with brands imported from the UK, US, Australia, Japan and Europe, now proudly hold chocolate thats grown, processed and made in India. Indias craft-chocolate industry has some 50 brands, which largely produce small-batch bars using Indian beans. (Adobe Stock)

Manam Chocolate infuse their bars with jackfruit and local mangoes. (Manam chocolate)

Mysuru-based Naviluna (formerly Earth Loaf) has been around since 2012 and makes a chocolate with caramelised mosambi (sweet lime) and carraway. Soklet, established in 2015 in Coimbatore, has one with 72% dark chocolate, hibiscus and pumpkin seeds. Manam Chocolate, which launched in Hyderabad last month, infuses some bars with jackfruit and local pedda rasalu mangoes. An India raised on milky, sugary Dairy Milk, is slowly getting excited about dark chocolate with sourdough, jamun, jaggery, balkan rose, beetroot halwa, Sula wine, ghee, banana, even paan. Kerala-based Paul And Mike have won awards for the Sichuan Pepper and Orange Peel Vegan Chocolate. (Vivek R Nair / HT Archive)

Bean there, done that

All stories of chocolate start with a bean. And in India, cacao beans have been growing since 1960, cultivated mostly for mass-market brands such as Cadbury and Campco. No one cared about growing better beans or refining the fermentation and drying process that is so essential to creating finer chocolate. Artisanal chocolate-makers began upskilling farmers in the 2010s, on the bet that thered be takers for a high-quality product from India. Delhi-based Darkins is experimenting with new cacao growing regions, including Assam. (Raj K Raj / HT Archive)

For Indian bean-to-bar chocolate makers, as with artisanal brands in Indonesia, Vietnam and Taiwan, the struggle to be recognised is unique and specific. Fine, high-quality chocolate has long been marketed by countries such as Switzerland and Belgium, as a function of tempering, or slow melting the mix at precise temperatures. Brands sourced their beans in bulk from Africa and Latin America, positioning it as secondary to the process. In India, cacao beans have been growing since 1960, cultivated mostly for mass-market brands. (Manam/ HT Archive)

Drying and roasting affects the flavours too, which is why craft-chocolate companies take pride in their bean-to-bar products. Manam Chocolate has its own cacao fermentery in Tadikalapudi, Andhra Pradesh so the beans from 100 partner farmers in the West Godavari District can be processed without flavour-compromising delays. Founder Chaitanya Muppala has been working with growers to grow good beans from the get go. The aim is to find one Indian varietal which can be then propagated through grafting and be called our own, he says. Good chocolate, like a good wine, draws on beans from a single farm, so the flavours are pronounced. (Raj K Raj/HT Archive)

An Indian touch

Good chocolate is typically darker, relying more on its own flavour than milk, sugar or additives. Cadbury-loving Indians are often taken aback by the smooth but bitter taste of a bar that is more than 50% dark. India is a binary market, says Vikas Temani of Paul & Mike. There are those who want only dark chocolate for health reasons and those who want a new flavour every month, which leads us to creating new inclusions and infusions. The brands Indian Style Masala Chai chocolate recently won a gold at the Asia-pacific edition of the ICA. Soklets brand name echoes how chocolate is pronounced in Tamil Nadu; Manam means we/us in Telugu; most craft brands play up India in their packaging.

Biting truth

The awards show that the world is starting to take note. While European and American brands have been consistently winning awards at various international competitions, Thailand and Taiwan are being recognised as regions of interest. Some of the top award winners source their beans from across the world giving them an edge over Indian brands that are only working with locally grown beans. Paul and Mike has been Indias only global winner but crafters are hoping to change that.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Of all the palaces one reads about all over the world, very few are as celebrated as the Palace of Versailles. It was built by King Louis XIV of France, celebrated as the Sun King. The Palace of Versailles has a small hotel on the premises. Its perhaps the closest youll get to living like a monarch. (Adobe stock)

Palace of Versailles was built by King Louis XIV of France, who is celebrated as the Sun King. (Adobe stock)

Most of us believe that France had a monarchy toppled by a revolution and then became a republic. In fact, the French Revolution, which led to the execution of Louis XVI, the Sun Kings descendent, and the sacking of the palace of Versailles, was followed by the return of emperors and monarchs. In 1804, just 15 years after the egalitarian sloganeering of the revolution, the French turned to Napoleon, who crowned himself Emperor of France. Louis XIVs descendants returned for brief spells on the throne, Napoleons family also succeeded to the Emperorhood and there were other small revolutions. (And many other republics: the current version is the Fifth Republic.) King Louis XIV of France spent so much money on the palace that it became a byword for royal grandeur. (ARIELLES)

Versailles is now owned by the French government, which has spent hundreds of millions of euros on restoring it and it is rated as a world heritage site. The French do not offer the world too much access (Sofia Coppolas 2006 film on Marie Antoinette was mostly filmed on a soundstage in Paris) but a TV series called Versailles (available on streaming services in India) was allowed to shoot inside the palace. The show is crap, but the locations are gorgeous. The suites of the hotel in the Palace of Versailles recreate the historic furnishing, mood and design of the monarchy. (ARIELLES)

We have turned our Indian palaces into hotels. The British have country-house hotels. And the French have opened up the chateaux of the Loire valley. But Versailles has been treated as sacred. When visiting hours are over, the gates are locked and visitors are turned away. Though the hotel is run by the French luxury group Airelles, the overwhelming influence is chef Alain Ducasse. (Le grand controle)

We arrived just before lunch and enjoyed a light meal (a perfect cheese omelette, Ducasses Croque Monsieur etc) on the terrace. Our room was huge and may well have been the best hotel room I have ever stayed in. It was decorated in period style with an airy private terrace overlooking the palace. Alain Ducasse serves an elevated version of ratatouille at Le Grand Controle, his restaurant inside the palace. (Le grand controle)

The tour was followed by a Ducasse-style nine-course dinner paired with wine. We chose, unprompted, to sit at the largest table only to discover that this was called the royal table. So, before each course was served, a woman dressed in medieval costume would arrive, carrying a staff which she would bang on the floor of the restaurant to demand silence. Then, she would announce what was being served to the royal table. I, of course, had no idea what she was saying but my wife, who understands French, stiffened and looked self-conscious as the whole restaurant stared at us.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Ananya Panday's sartorial choices during the promotions of her upcoming film Dream Girl 2 with co-star Ayushmann Khurrana have been making headlines. The actor has been switching silhouettes from ethnic looks to Gen-Z-approved modern outfits during promotional events. Ananya's latest photoshoot shows her in a yellow-coloured floral printed dress. Fans and her BFF Suhana Khan complimented her elegant look in the outfit. Scroll through to check it out. Ananya Panday is Suhana Khan's 'Dreamy girl' in floral button-down dress she wore for Dream Girl 2 promotions(Instagram )

Ananya Panday promotes Dream Girl 2 in a floral printed dress

Ananya Panday shot pictures in the floral printed dress she wore to promote Dream Girl 2 and shared it on Instagram with the caption, "All smiles in Pune because #DreamGirl2 is yours in just two days. Book your tickets now!." The photos show her dressed in a button-down dress from the shelves of the clothing label House Of CB - a Bollywood favourite label worn by stars like Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, Tara Sutaria, Nora Fatehi, and more celebs. Celebrity stylist Meagan Concessio styled Ananya in the ensemble.

Suhana Khan compliments Ananya Panday

Ananya's pictures garnered compliments from her followers, including Suhan Khan. "Dreamy girl [angel emoji]," she commented. Ananya's mom, Bhavana Panday, posted several heart-eye emojis. A fan commented, "Gorgeous." Another wrote, "Elegant." A user remarked, "Looking so beautiful & pretty." A few other netizens posted heart and fore emojis to show their love for the pictures.

Decoding Ananya Panday's outfit

Ananya's dress comes in a sunshine yellow shade decked in pretty floral patterns in pink, white and green hues. The sleeveless ensemble features a wide square neckline, gathered details on the bust, front button closures, a fitted midriff highlighting her svelte frame, a pleated flowy skirt, and a form-fitting silhouette.

In the end, Ananya styled the ensemble with a dainty chain, matching earrings, sleek eyeliner, mascara on the lashes, glossy berry-hued lip shade, rouged cheeks, beaming highlighter, on-fleek brows, and centre-parted open wavy locks.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
The natural skin surface pH is around 4.7 and using products which maintain this pH and protect the skin is very essential as products that make the skin pH acidic or alkaline make the skin red, inflamed and irritated. Maintaining an optimum pH is important to keep the moisturise levels of the skin intact and retain a proper barrier function and for this, skincare experts recommend that it is better to use products close to the skins natural pH of 4.6 to 5.5. Anti-ageing role of pH balance in skin health: How to maintain optimal skin function (Photo by Mathilde Langevin on Unsplash)

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Niranjana, Co-Founder of YCDC in Bangalore and Trivandrum, explained, The pH of the skin indicates how acidic or alkaline it is. The Ph of skin varies but is often about 4.7, which is more on the acidic side. The proteins, lipids, and free fatty acids found in the skin's top layer work together to biologically maintain the pH of the skin. The acid mantle of the skin typically maintains the Ph and is autonomous, so it doesn't need any specific outside influences. However, several skin barrier disorders, like eczema and atopic dermatitis, can result in a compromised skin barrier, which changes the skin's pH. Additionally, some skincare products, such as soaps, cleansers, and cosmetics, may alter the skin's pH, especially if they are harshly alkaline.

She elaborated, This can result in a compromised skin barrier, erythema and irritation of the skin. Since the skin's pH is slightly acidic, it also aids in the skin's inherent anti-microbial characteristics; a change in pH can, therefore, change the cutaneous microbiome and make the person more prone to infections. The usage of soap-based cleansers can prove to be a little harsh on the skin when it comes to regulating the skin's pH because of their alkaline pH. Contrarily, Syndets, which are synthetic cleansers, might end up being more advantageous because of their pH, which ranges from neutral to slightly acidic and is practically identical to that of skin. As a result, it is claimed that the skin barrier is only minimally disturbed by syndet as compared to soap-based cleansers but both types of cleaners are effective at cleansing and have anti-microbial qualities.

According to Dr Mikki Singh, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Founder of Bodycraft Salon Spa and Clinic in Bangalore, healthy human skin typically has a pH of about 4.5 to 5.5, which is slightly acidic. She shared, "This acidity is due to the presence of an "acid mantle" - a thin, protective layer on the skin's surface composed of sebum excreted from the skin's sebaceous glands, which mixes with lactic and amino acids from sweat to create the skin's pH. If the skin's pH balance is disturbed, and it becomes too alkaline, it can become dry and sensitive, making it prone to signs of aging and sun damage. If the skin is too acidic, it can become prone to inflammation, which can lead to conditions such as acne and dermatitis. Therefore, maintaining a proper pH balance is vital for overall skin health."

She highlighted the role of pH Balance in skin health as:

Barrier Function - This acid mantle plays a key role in shielding your skin from environmental factors like pollutants, bacteria, and other

This acid mantle plays a key role in shielding your skin from environmental factors like pollutants, bacteria, and other Moisture Retention - The pH level of the skin also influences its ability to retain moisture. When your skin's pH is balanced, it can effectively hold onto moisture and prevent dehydration, leading to smoother and healthier-ooking skin.

The pH level of the skin also influences its ability to retain moisture. When your skin's pH is balanced, it can effectively hold onto moisture and prevent dehydration, leading to smoother and healthier-ooking skin. Skin Renewal - The skins pH plays a role in cell turnover, the process where new skin cells replace old ones. This function is optimal at the skins natural pH and any disruption can lead to skin conditions like dryness, irritation and premature ageing.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
Researchers have found adult education reduces the risk of fluid intelligence and visuospatial memory by 19 per cent for middle-aged and elderly people within five years. Participants in adult education have lower risk of dementia: Study(Unsplash)

The findings were published in Frontiers in Ageing Neuroscience by researchers from Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan's Institute of Development, Ageing, and Cancer.

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 studys first author.

Adult education is likewise associated with better preservation of nonverbal reasoning with increasing age.

ALSO READ: People who live alone at risk of cognitive decline: Study

Dr Ryuta Kawashima, a professor at the same institution and Takeuchi's co-author, examined information from the UK Biobank, which has the genetic, health, and medical details of almost 500,000 British volunteers, of whom 282,421 individuals were examined for this study.

These individuals, who ranged in age from 40 to 69, had registered between 2006 and 2010. By the time of the current study, they had been monitored for an average of seven years.

Participants received an individual predicted "polygenic risk score" for dementia based on their genotype at 133 significant single-locus polymorphisms (SNPs) in their DNA.

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.

Takeuchi and Kawashima's research revealed that participants who were enrolled in adult education programmes at the time of enrollment had a 19 per cent reduced risk of dementia than those who were not. Both Caucasians and people of other races experienced this.

Importantly, when people with a history of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular illnesses, cancer, or mental illness were eliminated, the results remained the same. This indicates that the observed lower risk was not solely attributable to participants' inability to continue their adult education because of the symptoms of these well-known co-morbidities.

The findings also demonstrated that participants who participated in adult education classes maintained their fluid intelligence and performed better on tasks requiring nonverbal thinking than their non-participating peers. However, adult education had no impact on the maintenance of visuospatial memory.

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.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
According to data presented at the ESC Congress 2023, recognising and acting on heart attack symptoms is associated with faster life-saving treatment. Patients who recognise their symptoms of heart attack are less likely to die in hospital: Study(Shutterstock)

Patients with a repeat heart attack were more likely to know the symptoms than first-time sufferers, but recognition was low in both groups, said study author Dr. Kyehwan Kim of Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju, Republic of Korea. Most patients could identify chest pain but less than one-third knew the other symptoms.

Heart attack symptoms can include chest pain, radiating pain to the arms, jaw and neck, dizziness, cold sweats, shortness of breath, feeling sick and loss of consciousness. It is crucial to call an ambulance immediately and get fast treatment to survive and make a full recovery. This study investigated the association between symptom recognition, time to treatment and clinical outcomes.

ALSO READ: Childhood inactivity raises heart disease threat in young adults: Study

The study used data from KRAMI-RCC, a registry of myocardial infarction patients in the Republic of Korea.2 Trained nurses asked survivors if they recognised the following myocardial infarction symptoms: 1) chest pain, 2) shortness of breath, 3) cold sweats, 4) radiating pain to the jaw, shoulder or arm 5) dizziness/vertigo/lightheadedness/loss of consciousness and 6) stomach ache. Patients were classified as recognised symptoms if they could identify at least one symptom; otherwise they were classified as did not recognise symptoms. The researchers compared patient characteristics, time to life-saving treatment and survival between the two groups after adjusting for age 70 years and above, sex, education, living with a spouse, previous registration in KRAMI RCC, cancer, dyslipidaemia, cardiogenic shock and presence of acute decompensated heart failure.

The study included 11,894 myocardial infarction patients, of whom 10,623 (90.4%) had a first-time event and 1,136 (9.6%) had a repeat event. Of the 1,136 patients with a repeat event, 118 were excluded due to missing data, failure to answer the survey about symptoms, or presentation with cardiac arrest, leaving 1,018 patients for the analyses. Overall, just over half (52.3%) of patients recognised the symptoms of myocardial infarction. The majority of patients (92.9%) could identify chest pain as a symptom of myocardial infarction, while approximately one-third recognised shortness of breath (32.1%) and cold sweats (31.4%). Just over one in four recognised radiating pain (27.4%), while only 7.5% identified /vertigo/lightheadedness/loss of consciousness and 1.3% recognised stomach ache.

Regarding patient characteristics, men were more likely to recognise symptoms than women (79.3% of men vs. 69.0% of women identified symptoms). Other traits associated with symptom recognition were younger age, higher education level and living with a spouse.

The researchers also compared time to treatment and outcomes between the two groups. Some 57.4% of patients who correctly identified the symptoms of myocardial infarction received treatment to open the arteries and restore blood flow within two hours, compared to just 47.2% of those who did not recognise the symptoms. Patients who recognised symptoms had a lower in-hospital mortality rate (1.5%) compared with those who could not identify the symptoms of a heart attack (6.7%). The group who could not recognise symptoms more often had cardiogenic shock and heart failure.

Among patients with recurrent myocardial infarction, the symptom recognition rate was 57.5% for those previously enrolled in KRAMI-RCC and 43.2% for those not previously enrolled. Just 14.4% of patients with a first-time myocardial infarction could identify the symptoms.

Dr. Kim said: The findings indicate that education is needed for the general public and heart attack survivors on the symptoms that should trigger calling an ambulance. In our study, patients who knew the symptoms of a heart attack were more likely to receive treatment quickly and subsequently survive. Women, older patients, those with a low level of education, and people living alone may particularly benefit from learning the symptoms to look out for.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Kenyas inviting investment to revive its once glorious tourism sector thats best known for safaris, white sandy beaches and mountain climbing. Kenya invites investors for game reserves, marine parks, ecolodges and more to boost tourism (Shutterstock)

Over the years, the industry has dropped to Kenyas third-biggest foreign-exchange earner  after agriculture and remittances  following periods of political turbulence and terror attacks that marred the East African nations image. Underinvestment in facilities also left many properties looking dated.

Now the Kenya Wildlife Service is pitching investors on projects in game reserves, marine parks and the mountains, restaurants, a convention center in the capital, Nairobi, and 71 ecolodges.

Investors in tented camps and lodges will receive 20-year renewable leases while those going into restaurants, shops and various experiences can sign 10-year renewable leases, according to an investment prospectus. Private investment is expected to boost the number of beds at KWS properties to 4,872 from 1,841.

This strategic expansion will significantly enhance Kenyas allure as a destination, KWS Director-General Erustus Kanga told reporters.

Tourism accounts for 10.4% of Kenyas gross domestic product and 5.5% of formal employment, KWS said. International visitors jumped 72% last year to 1.48 million, while earnings surged 83% to 268.1 billion shillings ($1.85 billion).

KWS manages 32 game and marine parks, reserves, sanctuaries as well as a wildlife orphanage. About 2.18 million people visited its attractions in 2022, it said.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
'Rocketry: The Nambi Effect', was adjudged the Best Feature Film in the 69th National Film Awards on Thursday. The R Madhavan directorial film is based on the life of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientist Nambi Narayanan, who was framed for being a spy and arrested in 1994. The 69th National Film Awards for Best Feature went to Rocketry.(Rocketry: The Nambi Effect)

What is Nambi Narayanan's ISRO Case? Six points

The ISRO spy case centres around allegations against two senior ISRO scientists, Nambi Narayanan and D Sasikumaran, accused of transferring confidential documents and secrets of the country's cryogenic engine technology to enemy nations in exchange for money and sexual favours.

The case ignited significant controversy upon its emergence in 1994. The alleged involvement of former chief minister K Karunakaran drew attention when a faction led by A K Antony and Oommen Chandy rebelled against him. Two Maldivian women were also arrested in connection with the case.

After a two-year investigation, CBI cleared Narayanan of all charges, blaming state police officials and then Intelligence Bureau Deputy Director RB Shreekumar for his false implication.

In 2018, the apex court directed a high-level panel to investigate the role of police officials and ordered the Kerala government to grant Narayanan 50 lakh as compensation for wrongful incarceration.

In 2020, the Kerala government offered an additional compensation of 1.30 crore to Nambi Narayanan, concluding the 25-year-old spy case wherein he was wrongly accused by state police.

During the period when the espionage case was uncovered, Narayanan headed the cryogenic division and pioneered liquid fuel rocket technology. The disruption caused by the espionage case significantly affected the country's space technology, Narayanan claimed. He pointed out a larger conspiracy in the case and said he if felt like attempting suicide, expressing in an earlier HT interview: I never wanted to die as a traitor. I lived all these years only to tell this.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
India successfully soft-landed the Chandrayaan-3 lander Vikram on the surface of the Moon on August 23. Since then, social media has been flooded with posts related to Chandrayaan-3. Now, a video that is gaining popularity online features a Pakistani individuals humorous take on Indias mission to the Moon. It has since received appreciation from many. An individual taking public opinion in Pakistan about Chandrayaan-3(X/@Joydas)

Meanwhile, the sense of humour of Pakistani people is always top class. This on Chandrayaan, wrote X (formerly known as Twitter) user Joy while sharing a video on the micro-blogging platform.

The video opens to show an individual taking public opinion in Pakistan about Chandrayaan-3. To paise laga ke ja rahe hain na, ham to already chand par reh rahe hain [They are spending money to go to the surface of the moon, we are already living on the Moon], says an individual when asked to share his opinion on Indias Moon mission. The individual then counts the similarities between Moon and Pakistan, including the lack of access to basic necessities such as water and electricity.

Watch the entire video below that will leave you in splits:

Since being shared on August 23, the video has accumulated over 5.8 lakh views, and the numbers are still increasing. Many couldnt stop themselves from posting comments after watching this video.

Heres how X users reacted to this video:

Lol! This guy can make a career in standup comedy, remarked an individual.

Another added, Most of the Pakistani people are really funny. Got some humour.

Humour is our coping mechanism, posted a third.

A fourth shared, This is high level roasting.

Chaand par paani dhundne hi gaye hai. Mil jayega toh Pakistan mey thoda bhej denge [we have gone to find water on the Moon. If we get it, we will send it to Pakistan], expressed a fifth.

A sixth commented, What a classic!

About Chandrayaan-3

Chandrayaan-3, Indias second mission to the moon, was launched on July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. 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. With this, India became the first country to do so on the south pole and the fourth to soft-land an uncrewed craft on the lunar surface.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Jens Ritter, the CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, took to LinkedIn to update his connections about the new role he recently stepped into - additional crew member. Not just this, he also shared his experience with the intriguing and demanding responsibilities it entailed. He also posted several pictures that showcased him embracing this fresh role. Lufthansa Airlines CEO Jens Ritter assisting passengers on a flight from Frankfurt to Riyadh.(LinkedIn/Jens Ritter)

This week, I accompanied our Lufthansa Airlines flight crew heading to Riyadh and Bahrain as additional crew member. What a ride! wrote Jens Ritter in his LinkedIn post. In the following few lines, he shared his experience as a cabin crew member.

Ritter said that the role was both exciting and challenging. He added, I was amazed by how much there is to organise, especially, if something doesnt go as planned  for example the meals offered on the menu cards were not exactly the meals loaded on board.

It was so interesting to address the guests wishes individually, to deal with the different energy everyone has, he further recounted.

He concluded his post by saying that his hands-on experience would contribute to making more informed decisions in the future. And honestly: I enjoyed every moment! I was astonished how much I learned in these few hours. Deciding things in the office will be different after really feeling the decisions on board. Thank you to the amazing crew, the lovely guests and everyone involved for making this experience possible! Ritter concluded.

The pictures show him assisting passengers and posing for the camera with the flight crew during his flight from Frankfurt to Riyadh.

Take a look at the pictures shared by Jens Ritter on LinkedIn here:

Screengrab of the post shared by Jens Ritter on LinkedIn. (LinkedIn/Jens Ritter)

The post was shared six days ago on LinkedIn. It has since accumulated over 6,000 reactions and a flurry of comments from people.

Heres how people reacted to this post:

What are the specific actions derived from this event that will be applicable to the company to improve it and in which area? One massive issue plaguing Lufthansa are the delays and unreliability of the flight departure/arrival times which erode customer trust and patience, posted a LinkedIn user.

To this, Ritter replied, Just a small example: I mentioned in my post that the food on the menu cards didnt match the food that was delivered. We will have this fixed. However, I totally agree with you: the aviation industry suffers and as a whole system we will have to fix that in order to regain the full trust of guests (and crews alike). We are working hard on that!

Congratulations Jens for getting into the thick of it and sharing time with the part of the company that spends the most time with the customer. What one thing would you like to see improved for you? enquired another.

To this, Ritter said, What an interesting question! Two things, actually. On the one hand it is all about stability and reliability. Because I think our crews already do a great job. However, the aviation industry suffers from lack of staff, broken supply chains, lack of aircraft and many other problems. If we fix this  their job would be a lot easier. On the other hand I think that everyone likes working if they feel being seen and appreciated and psychologically safe. This is something else I am trying hard to improve!

Next, a shift at MUC Station? suggested a third. Ritter liked this suggestion and wrote, Good idea! I try to split my time between Munich and Frankfurt and it is always interesting to compare those two hubs.

A fourth expressed, It was a pleasure to be part of this great initiative (as a guest) and seeing how a CEO role models a caring and hands-on mentality! The crew did an amazing job, thank you very much!

Ritter shared a reply to this and wrote, Thank you for reaching out to me! Good thing you were a happy guest. Take care!

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Arfa Javaid Arfa Javaid is a journalist working with the Hindustan Times' Delhi team. She covers trending topics, human interest stories, and viral content online. ...view detail
After India successfully soft-landed Chandrayaan-3s rover Pragyan on the south pole of the Moon on August 23, Amul celebrated by sharing creative illustrations on social media. Chandrayaan-3 landing: Amul gives a shoutout to ISRO after the successful Moon mission. (Instagram/@amul_india)

We thank the ISRO team for their continuous service to take India to greater heights, wrote Amul while sharing three illustrations on Instagram.

The first Amul illustration pays homage to the nations first lunar probe in 2008 - Chandrayaan-1. In it, the Amul girl collects butter from a sculpture shaped like the Moon. The texts on the illustration read, Chaar chaand lag gaye! and Over the moon.

The next illustration features the Amul girl and ISRO chief K Sivan discussing Chandrayaan-2, possibly with phrases like Chanda apna lehrayega! and Make space for it!

The last illustration celebrates the success of Chandrayaan-3 with a sweet treat - an Indian tradition for happy occasions. The post cleverly states, Moon mitha karo, using a playful pun by transforming the word mooh (mouth) into the Moon. The post also says, For launch and dinner.

Take a look at the doodles shared by Amul below:

The post was shared a few hours ago on Instagram. It has since accumulated over 8,000 likes and - still increasing. A few even took to the comments section to share their thoughts.

Heres how people reacted to this post shared by Amul:

Superb creativity. Team Amul is always at its best to deliver any important news or events with superb creative ideas, expressed an individual.

Another added, I just look out for your posts on recent news. Mind-blowing creativity.

Amul being Amul, maketh maketh? the bestest illustrations! remarked a third.

A fourth posted, I just love how I grew up watching these amazing illustrations. Thank you Amul for always portraying them so well.

Events feel incomplete without Amuls post! commented a fifth.

A sixth joined, Utterly butterly landing.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Mumbai Police shared a video on social media on August 24 to celebrate Indias incredible achievement as the first country to reach the south pole of the Moon. The departments in-house band, Khaki Studio, performed a moving rendition of Allama Muhammad Iqbals patriotic song Sare Jahan Se Achha. Khaki Studio performing a rendition of Sare Jagan Se Achha. (X/@MumbaiPolice)

Grand achievement, grand tribute! Cant describe our overwhelming emotions right now in words, so we chose music instead. Sare Jahan Se Accha. Mumbai Police Band - Khaki Studios grand tribute to @isro on this magnificent feat! You make us all proud! wrote Mumbai Police on X (formerly Twitter) while sharing a video on the micro-blogging platform.

The video opens to show the Khaki Studio performing a stirring rendition of Sare Jahan Se Accha. As the video progresses, viewers are treated to the visuals from the Chandrayaan-3 liftoff, which took place on July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. As the music swells, visuals from the triumphant moment of a successful landing on the lunar surface appear on the screen.

Watch the video of Mumbai Polices musical tribute to ISROs Chandrayaan-3 here:

The video was shared a few hours ago on X. It has so far accumulated over 6,000 views. The share has also garnered close to 200 likes and several reposts.

Heres how people reacted to this celebratory musical tribute:

Police bands showcase the musical talents of police officers, demonstrating their diverse skills beyond their law enforcement duties. Thank you, @MumbaiPolice. Jai Hind! wrote an individual.

Another added, Congratulations, my Indian friends! We, the Brazilian people, are happy with this achievement! Lets go together for a new world!

Mera Bharat mahaan. Mumbai Police ko salaam [My India is great. Salute to Mumbai Police], expressed a third.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A series of pictures of a penguin who had recently become the third highest ranking member of the Norwegian Army was shared on social media. The images show the animal named Sir Nils during his promotion ceremony. The image shows a penguin named Sir Nils who holds the third highest rank in the Norwegian Army. (X/@EdinburghZoo)

Sir Nils is a resident of the Edinburgh Zoo. The zoo recently took to X (formally Twitter) to post the pictures. Arise, Sir Penguin. The highest-ranking penguin in the world, Sir Nils Olav III, has been promoted to Major General by the Norwegian King's Guard. Sir Nils now holds the third highest rank in the Norwegian Army! they added.

About the penguin:

The zoo also shared a blog link explaining more about the penguin and his career. Sir Nils Olav is the mascot of His Majesty the Kings Guard and was adopted during one of the Band and Drill teams participation at The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The tradition of sending Nils Olav and his family fish, Christmas cards and visiting him during the units participation at the Tattoo have been an important part of the Battalions history, said Staff Sergeant Fredrik Gresseth from His Majesty the Kings Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway.

Also Read: Dog gets super excited as it returns to work after vacation

His promotion this August, for good conduct and for being a superb example for the rest of the penguins at the Edinburgh Zoo, is a milestone in his career as mascot for the guard, Gresseth added.

The penguin earlier held the post of a Brigadier in the Norwegian Army. He is now the proud owner of the grand title of Major General Sir Nils Olav III, Baron of the Bouvet Islands and official mascot of His Majesty the Kings Guard of Norway.

Take a look at this post about Sir Nils:

The post was shared on August 21. Since being posted, it has accumulated close to 1.4 lakh views, and the numbers are only increasing. Additionally, the share has collected nearly 1,000 likes. People posted varied comments while reacting to the share.

How did X users react to this post about the penguin in the army?

I can't be the first to point out that he is the very model of a modern major general, shared an X user. How amazing is that?! Hes so special. I hope he gave them his customary salute! joined another. Aww, bless him. Well done, Sir Nils, praised a third. This is magnificent news, added a fourth. Please accept my sincere congratulations Sir Nils, wrote a fifth.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
UK news presenter Patrick Christys congratulated India after it engraved its name in the annals of history through the Chandrayaan-3 missions success. However, his subsequent comments during the news broadcast didnt go down well with Indians, with many condemning his remarks. UK news presenter Patrick Christys during his show on the historic Chandrayaan-3 mission. (X/@PatrickChristys)

During his show, Christys says, I would like to congratulate India for landing on the dark side of the moon. I would also like to invite India to return the 2.3 billion pounds of aid money that we sent them between 2016 and 2021. We are also set to give the 57 million pounds next year. But I think the British taxpayer should keep a hold of that. We should not be giving money to countries with a space program as a rule.

I appear to have enraged Indian Twitter, he wrote while sharing a video from his bulletin on X (formerly Twitter).

Watch the entire video below:

The video, since being shared on August 24, has accumulated over nine lakh views, and the view count continues to rise steadily. The journalists insensitive remark has triggered an uproar online.

Heres how people reacted to this video:

We understand your pain. Even after looting Indias 45T you are not able to achieve what India did, posted an individual.

So when was the last time the UK landed anything on the moon? Brexit Man is jealous! enquired a third.

A fourth shared, How jealous could one be?

Return the kohinoor first, remarked a fifth.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
A video of a man diving into a lake to find a lost phone of a woman was shared on Facebook. The incident took place in the town of Sunapee in New Hampshire, US. The local police department shared the video of this amazing moment and a detailed caption explaining the incident. The image shows the woman hugging the man who recovered her lost phone from a lake in the US. (Facebook/@Sunapee Police Department)

Dianne Bonfiglio accidentally dropped her cell phone into the lake. A pontoon boat of young people was close by and Simon Saint Simon volunteered to dive into 15' of water to find the cell phone. Rhonda at Harborside Trading donated a pair of swim goggles and on his first dive Simon recovered the phone. There was a crowd of onlookers that all cheered when he found it and when Dianne realized the phone still worked. In the midst of a busy and stressful day in the Harbor it was nice to have this happen, the police department wrote.

How did the woman react to this incident?

Dianne Lane Bonfiglio took to the comments section of the post to express her thoughts on the incident. I am so grateful for all who were in there to help out, especially Simon and Officer Brigham. A shout out to Simon and his friends who stepped right up to help when Officer Brigham asked them. These young people had no hesitation at all to help me. I am forever grateful. God works in mysterious ways, she wrote.

Take a look at this video of this stranger recovering the phone:

The video was posted on August 21. Since then, it has accumulated nearly 4,700 views. Additionally, it has also received a few comments from netizens.

What did other Facebook users say?

Best news story of the day, shared a Facebook user. And it still worked, beautiful, added another. That is really something! joined a third. You cant make this up, wrote a fourth.

Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" "Exciting news! Hindustan Times is now on WhatsApp ChannelsSubscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
At least one person was killed and 16 people were wounded in Russian attacks across Ukraine on Thursday, local officials said, as Kyiv marked 32 years of independence from Moscow. People hold a giant Ukrainian flag during a rally to mark the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence.(AP)

The cities of Kherson and Dnipro, and the frontline town of Kurakhove, were hit by attacks which wounded civilians, and a farmer was killed by shelling in southern Ukraine, the officials said.

A Russian missile strike on a bus terminal in Dnipro wounded 10 people, regional governor Serhiy Lysak said.

Rows of shops near the station were rocked by the blast, which destroyed some of them and left others full of broken glass and ruined goods.

One woman rushed to the scene, pleading with authorities to let her see the damage to her shop selling electronics.

"When we finally got inside... we saw that everything was completely destroyed," the woman, who gave her name only as Tetiana, told Reuters.

Another shop owner, Serhiy, expressed rage with Russia.

"I think they're animals. There are lots of people here (at the bus terminal), people arrive and leave the city. How can you fire on a civilian target?" he said.

More than 10 other buildings including a bank, hotel and administrative building were damaged, Lysak said.

KHERSON ATTACKED

In the southern region of Kherson, three people were wounded in addition to the farmer who was killed, officials said.

Regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said the farmer was killed by shelling while working in a field near the village of Shyroka Balka.

A seven-year-old girl was injured by Russian shelling of the centre of the city of Kherson, Prokudin also said.

Ukraine's general prosecutor's office said two other people were wounded when one of the shells hit a roof of a private house, and posted a photo online showing a partially destroyed building with a gaping hole in one side.

Three local residents were wounded in a separate attack on a supermarket in the town of Kurakhove in the eastern Donetsk region, the prosecutor's office said.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

Russia has regularly carried out strikes on Ukrainian centres far from the front line though it denies deliberately targeting civilians.

Thursday was a national holiday commemorating post-Soviet independence. The anniversary fell exactly 18 months after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Eight Republican presidential candidates faced off for the first primary debate of the 2024 election cycle Wednesday -- with frontrunner Donald Trump stealing the spotlight, despite spurning the showdown. Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, Former Vice President Mike Pence, and Chris Christie during a break at Republican primary presidential debate (Right to left).(Bloomberg)

Trump's snubbing of the two-hour Milwaukee event deprived a chasing pack of rivals, whom he leads by a large margin in polling, of the opportunity to take shots at him live on stage.

He instead gave a recorded interview with former Fox News star Tucker Carlson that was posted online minutes before the debate got underway.

But Trump still loomed over the debate, with his multiple prosecutions the subject of questions from the Fox News hosts moderating the event.

Candidates were asked to signal if they would support Trump as the party's nominee if he is convicted in one of the criminal cases he is facing.

Every candidate raised their hand except Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson and former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, who waved his finger.

"Here's the bottom line. Someone's got to stop normalizing this conduct, OK," Christie said.

"Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of President of the United States."

He was loudly booed alongside Hutchinson, who added: "Obviously, I'm not going to support somebody who's been convicted of a serious felony."

Trump will surrender to authorities in Atlanta on Thursday over his fourth indictment of the year, for an alleged criminal conspiracy to steal the 2020 election that he lost to Joe Biden.

Trump said during his Carlson interview that it did not make sense for him to take part in the debate as he was leading his rivals for the Republican presidential nomination by 50 to 60 points in the polls.

He called Biden the "worst president in the history of our country" and suggested that the 80-year-old president may not be the Democratic candidate come election day in November 2024.

"I think he's worse mentally than he is physically, and physically he's not exactly a triathlete," Trump said.

"In many ways I'd love to run against him because his record's so bad."

Trump also dismissed his four criminal indictments calling them "trivia, nonsense."

- Fierce debate, noisy clashes -

For his closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the debate was a much-needed chance to reverse flagging poll numbers and demonstrate that he is a viable alternative.

The moderators opened with a question on hit song "Rich Men North of Richmond," about working class alienation, prompting the 44-year-old DeSantis to warn that the country is "in decline."

"This decline is not inevitable. It's a choice," he said.

DeSantis also talked about his record on keeping Florida open during the Covid-19 pandemic, earning a cheer when he discussed how he would have fired government scientist Anthony Fauci.

With a seismic shift needed to dethrone Trump, the debate offered a showcase for candidates angling to be Trump's running mate.

For lower profile candidates like businessman Vivek Ramaswamy the event was a chance to introduce themselves to the wider public -- as well as make their case for jobs in a future Trump administration.

Trump's vice president Mike Pence said he was the "best prepared" candidate for office but was booed during an exchange with Ramaswamy for calling the political newcomer a "rookie."

Ramaswamy described himself as "the only person on stage who is not bought and paid for," earning a slapdown from Christie, who complained he'd "had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like Chat GPT."

The candidates equivocated on climate change, railed against street crime and supported curbs on abortion access -- an issue that polarizes America, with Pence rebuking former UN ambassador Nikki Haley over her call for "consensus" on the issue.

The Biden campaign bought expensive ad slots on Fox News and its website before the debate, while the president said he would watch as much of the event "as I can."

Trump's former attorney Rudy Giuliani, who is charged with racketeering in the case alongside Trump and 17 other co-defendants, surrendered in Georgia's capital hours before the debate.
Major emerging market nations are preparing to invite top oil exporter Saudi Arabia and several other countries to join their bloc in a push to expand its global influence. Leaders of Brics nations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Summit in Johannesburg on Wednesday. (AFP Photo)(HT_PRINT)

Leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa agreed to expand their BRICS group at a summit being held this week in Johannesburg. It will be the first expansion since 2010.

Egypt is another nation being invited to join, along with others in the Middle East although the list was still under discussion late Wednesday, people familiar with the talks said, declining to be identified because the discussions are private.

Members have said a bigger group could help counter the dominance of the Group of Seven in world affairs.

The push for expansion was largely driven by China but had the backing of Russia and South Africa. India was concerned a bigger BRICS would transform the group into a mouthpiece for China, while Brazil was worried about alienating the West.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt have not publicly stated their position on potentially joining BRICS, although Riyadh sent a delegation to the meeting.

More than 20 nations from the Global South had formally requested to join ahead of the summit.

An expanded BRICS including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia would account for 44% of the global economy by 2040  out-rivaling the Group of Sevens gross domestic product predicted share of 21% as forecast by Bloomberg Economics.
BRICS leaders announced on Thursday the admission of six new countries, thus elevating the strength of the five-nation economic grouping to 11. Expansion of BRICS membership was on the top of the agenda for the summit being hosted this week by South Africa.(Bloomberg)

During a three-day summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, the BRICS nations forged a broad consensus to extend invitations to six countries - Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This move aims to bolster the influence of a coalition that is advocating for the interests of the "Global South."

Latest list of BRICS nations:

Countries Joining Year 1. Brazil 2006 2. Russia 2006 3. India 2006 4. China 2006 5. South Africa 2010 6. Argentina 2023 7. Egypt 2023 8. Iran 2023 9. Saudi Arabia 2023 10. Ethiopia 2023 11. United Arab Emirates 2023

What is BRICS?

The leaders of BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) nations convened for the first time in St. Petersburg, Russia during the G8 Outreach Summit in July 2006. Following this gathering, the group was formalised as BRIC during the inaugural BRIC Foreign Ministers Meeting in September 2006, occurring on the fringes of the UN Assembly's General Debate in New York City.

The BRIC group's nomenclature transitioned to BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) upon South Africa's full membership acceptance at the BRIC Foreign Ministers meeting in New York in September 2010.

BRICS stands as an important consortium, involving prominent emerging economies from around the globe, collectively representing 41% of the world's population, accounting for 24% of the global GDP, and commanding over 16% of the world's trade, according to World Bank data from 2019.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
American billionaire investor Raymond Dalio alias Ray Dalio has lauded India on the Chandrayaan 3's successful landing on the lunar surface.



Dalio, who is also the founder of Bridgewater Associates, world's largest hedge fund, called India's successful lunar mission is another one of many straws in the wind showing its ascendance.



As previously shown in my health index for countries, which is used to derive my projections for countries' next 10-year growth rates, India scores on top with a projected growth rate over the next 10 years of about 7%. It has the right mix of ingredients that shows that it has great potential and the right leadership to catalyze it, Dalio said in a post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.



It reminds me a lot of China in 1984 (when I first went) around the time Deng Xiaoping made his reform and opening up policies that catalyzed China. Congratulations India! Dalio, said, equating India's growth with that of reforms undertaken by Communist-ruled China in the 1980s. US investor Ray Dalio said India scores on top with a projected growth rate over the next 10 years of about 7%(Reuters file)

India became the first country to touch down on the south pole of the moon's surface. The Chandrayaan 3 mission is going smoothly on schedule and all the systems are normal, as per the update shared by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).



Addressing the ISRO scientists after the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan 3 on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the success of lunar mission had sounded the bugle for the emergence of a developed nation.

"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. This human-centric approach that we represent has been welcomed universally. Our moon mission is also based on the same human-centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity," he had said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
While Fox News had told the Trump campaign that no surrogates would be allowed, that didnt stop Donald Trump Jr from throwing a fit when he was denied entry into the spin room during the first GOP debate. Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson (left) and Donald Trump Jr being denied entry into the spin room during the first GOP debate

Reacting, Donald Trump Jr wrote on X: Fox News is trying to censor and silence Trump supporters to protect their hand-picked establishment candidates. That's a big reason why their ratings are dying, while my father's interview with Tucker Carlson is already at 93 million views!!!

When asked about the debate, Donald Trump Jr called Ramaswamy "standout performer" and described DeSantis as "a panicked deer in the headlight".

For his part, Ramaswamy was effusive in his praise about Donald Trump, calling him the best POTUS of the 21st Century. He also asked folks to switch to MNSBC if they wanted to see Trump-bashing.

Ahead of Wednesdays first GOP debate, Fox News had informed the Trump campaign that the former presidents surrogates are persona non grata from the first Republican primary debate. The decision to banish Trump surrogates appears to be taken after the former President confirmed he wouldnt be attending the event.

The New York Post stated in a report that no surrogates of any candidate would be allowed on stage and this isnt specific to Trump

United States former President Donald Trump, on Wednesday (local time), skipped Republicans's first 2024 presidential primary debate and questioned what he would be doing there, sitting for 2 hours and getting harassed by people "that shouldn't be running for President?"

Trump skipped the first GOP debate and instead opted for an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

Responding to a question on why he skipped the GOP debate, Trump said, "You know a lot of people have been asking me that and many people said you shouldn't do that. But you see, the polls have come out and I am leading by 50 and 60 points. And you know some of them are at one and zero and two... do I need to sit there for an hour or 2 hours, whatever it's going to be and get harassed by people that shouldn't be running for President? Should I be doing that?"

"And a network that isn't particularly friendly to me, frankly you know they were backing Ron Desanctimonious like crazy and now they have given up on him. I mean, it's a lost cause and it reminded me very much of 2016," he added.

With inputs from agencies

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Representational Image (Unsplash)

Republican debates are often fraught with questions about aliens, but a moment of hilarity ensured at the first GOP debate when Chris Christie was asked about UFOs. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was asked if he would level with the American people about what was known about what was out there. Christie took mock offense, saying hed been asked that because he was from New Jersey and that his home state is different but not that different.

Joking with moderator Martha MacCallum, he wondered if she asked the question because they are both from New Jersey. He said: Especially coming from a woman from New Jersey, I think it's horrible that just because Im from New Jersey, you asked me about unidentified flying objects and Martians. We're different but we're not that different."

Refusing to take the bait further, Christie said, that it was the POTUS job to he honest, whether it was about UFOs ore education. He said: The job of the president of the United States is to level with the American people about everything. The job of the president of the United States is to stand for truth.

Recently, a whistle-blower claimed that the U.S. is concealing a longstanding program that retrieves and reverse engineers unidentified flying objects, a former Air Force intelligence officer testified Wednesday to Congress. The Pentagon has denied his claims.

Retired Maj. David Grusch's highly anticipated testimony before a House Oversight subcommittee was Congress' latest foray into the world of UAPs  or unidentified aerial phenomena," which is the official term the U.S. government uses instead of UFOs. While the study of mysterious aircraft or objects often evokes talk of aliens and little green men, Democrats and Republicans in recent years have pushed for more research as a national security matter due to concerns that sightings observed by pilots may be tied to U.S. adversaries.

Grusch said he was asked in 2019 by the head of a government task force on UAPs to identify all highly classified programs relating to the task force's mission. At the time, Grusch was detailed to the National Reconnaissance Office, the agency that operates U.S. spy satellites.

I was informed in the course of my official duties of a multi-decade UAP crash retrieval and reverse engineering program to which I was denied access, he said.

Asked whether the U.S. government had information about extraterrestrial life, Grusch said the U.S. likely has been aware of non-human activity since the 1930s.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR HT News Desk Follow the latest breaking news and developments from India and around the world with Hindustan Times' newsdesk. From politics and policies to the economy and the environment, from local issues to national events and global affairs, we've got you covered. ...view detail
Former US president Donald Trump heads to Georgia on Thursday to face racketeering and conspiracy charges and likely be subjected to a historic mugshot. Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump(REUTERS)

The 77-year-old Trump will be arrested at Atlanta's Fulton County Jail, accused of colluding with 18 co-defendants to try to overturn the 2020 election result in the key southern state.

The billionaire's indictment is his fourth since April and sets the stage for a year of unprecedented courtroom drama as he tries to balance appearing in the dock with running another White House campaign.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he would be arrested at 7:30 pm (2330 GMT) for "having the audacity to challenge a RIGGED & STOLLEN (sic) ELECTION."

Trump was able to dodge having a mugshot taken during his previous arrests this year: in New York on charges of paying hush money to a porn star, in Florida for mishandling top secret government documents, and in Washington on charges of conspiring to upend his 2020 election loss.

But Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said standard procedure in Georgia is to take a defendant's photograph before they are released on bond -- already set at $200,000 in Trump's case.

The arrest will come one day after Trump spurned a televised debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, featuring eight of his rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination -- all of whom lag well behind him in the polls.

He still stole the spotlight though, with all but two of the candidates saying they would support him as the party's nominee even if he were a convicted felon.

During a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News talk show host Tucker Carlson -- which aired on social media at the same time as the debate -- Trump dismissed the four criminal indictments filed against him as "nonsense."

He said the Justice Department had been "weaponized" under Democratic President Joe Biden to hamstring his White House bid.

- Former aide surrenders -

A tight security perimeter has been set up ahead of Trump's arrival at Fulton County Jail, which is under investigation for a slew of inmate deaths and deplorable conditions.

Fani Willis, the district attorney who filed the sweeping racketeering case, set a deadline of noon (1600 GMT) on Friday for the 19 defendants to surrender.

Eleven have turned themselves in so far including Trump's former chief of staff Mark Meadows, who surrendered on Thursday and was released on $100,000 bond.

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served as Trump's personal lawyer when he was in the White House and vigorously pushed the false claims that Trump had won the 2020 election, was booked in the case on Wednesday.

John Eastman, a conservative lawyer who is accused of drawing up a scheme to submit a false slate of Trump electors to Congress from Georgia instead of the legitimate Biden ones, has also been booked and released.

Several supporters of the ex-president gathered outside the jail on Thursday, including Sharon Anderson who spent the night in her car.

"I think this is a political persecution and now that's turned into a political prosecution," Anderson told AFP.

Trump is the first US president in history to face criminal charges.

His unprecedented trials may coincide with the Republican presidential primary season, which begins in January, and the campaign for the November 2024 White House election.

Special counsel Jack Smith has proposed a January 2024 start date for Trump's trial on charges of conspiring to overturn the last election, a campaign of lies that culminated in the attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

Trump's attorneys have countered with suggested start date well after the election.

Georgia prosecutors want the racketeering case to begin in March next year, the same month Trump is scheduled to go on trial in New York on charges of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels.

The Florida case, in which Trump is accused of taking secret government documents as he left the White House and refusing to return them, is scheduled to begin in May.

cl/bgs

X
The House of Representatives may investigate the federal governments role in the deadly wildfires that engulfed Maui, Hawaii, earlier this month, Speaker Kevin McCarthy suggested on Wednesday. FILE - Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., talks to reporters at the Capitol in Washington, Monday, July 17, 2023. House conservatives in a group known as the Freedom Caucus have unveiled a list of demands that they want included in a stopgap spending measure to keep the federal government running after the end of September. It's a smorgasbord of non-starters for the Democratic-controlled Senate and the White House, signaling the challenges McCarthy will face next month to get a bill passed in the House without alienating a sizeable share of his conference. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)(AP)

McCarthy said, Im very concerned about the response.

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.

He also slammed President Joe Biden for his silence on the issue, saying it was unacceptable. Biden, who was on vacation in Nevada at a Lake Tahoe mansion owned by a Democratic billionaire, only said no comment when asked about the Maui wildfires on Aug. 13, sparking outrage.

The Maui wildfires, which were sparked by Hurricane Dora on Aug. 8, have claimed at least 115 lives and left another 850 missing, according to local authorities. The fires are still not fully under control after two weeks.

Local officials on Maui have also faced criticism for their lack of preparedness and action. They failed to activate emergency alarms or release water in time to combat the flames.

Biden and his wife Jill visited Maui on Monday, but their visit was riddled with gaffes.

Biden compared the Maui wildfires to a minor house fire he experienced in the early 2000s, saying he and Jill had a little sense of what it was like to lose a home.

Years ago now, 15 years  lightning struck at home on a little lake outside the home, not a lake, a big pond. It hit the wire and came up underneath our home. To make a long story short, I almost lost my wife, my 67 Corvette and my cat.

The 80-year-old president returned to Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, where he took a Pilates class and commented on whether he thought Russian President Vladimir Putin was responsible for the crash of a private jet that was carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former Kremlin ally who rebelled against Putin two months ago.

Biden said he did not know for sure what happened, but he was not surprised. He said that nothing happens in Russia without Putins involvement, but he did not have enough information to know the answer.

ALSO READ| Former president Trump ready to rock orange jumpsuit for election integrity

The 46th U.S. President has declared a federal disaster for Maui and sent hundreds of FEMA personnel there to help. He has promised that the federal government will stay in Maui as long as it takes. The White House has authorized about $700 of aid per household affected by the fires.

McCarthy has hinted that he may launch an impeachment inquiry against Biden when the House resumes next month over the Biden familys foreign business dealings.

He told Fox Business Network on Tuesday that the only thing that stops him from doing so is getting the documents he has requested. He said the outcome depends on how the Bidens handle this.
On Wednesday The first Republican primary debate of the 2024 election cycle took place in Milwaukee, but the event was overshadowed by the absence of Donald Trump, the partys frontrunner and former president. FILE PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he campaigns at the Iowa State Fair in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S. August 12, 2023. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein/File Photo(REUTERS)

Trump, who is facing multiple criminal charges for his alleged role in trying to overturn the 2020 election that he lost to Joe Biden, opted to skip the debate and instead gave an online interview with Tucker Carlson, a former Fox News host.

I have bigger things to focus on than debating candidates who are polling at one percent on the night before my wrongful arrest, Trump, 77, wrote in a campaign email before the debate.

We cannot waste energy and resources, arguing with members of our own party at a time when we should be united against Crooked Joe who is burning down America.

The former Presidents decision to snub the debate denied his rivals, who trail him by a wide margin in the polls, the chance to challenge him directly on stage.

ALSO READ| Scientists reveal why Neptunes clouds have vanished

His closest competitor, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, 44, used the opportunity to boost his flagging campaign and present himself as a viable alternative to Trump.

Ron DeSantis, governor of Florida and 2024 Republican presidential candidate, during the Republican primary presidential debate hosted by Fox News in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Republican presidential contenders are facing off in their first debate of the primary season, minus frontrunner Donald Trump, who continues to lead his GOP rivals by a double-digit margin. Photographer: Al Drago/Bloomberg(Bloomberg)

Ron DeSantis will be center-stage at the #GOPdebate because he believes in EARNING your support, rather than expecting it to be handed to him, his campaign said in a jab at Trump.

The candidates discussed issues such as China, Ukraine, Russia, and immigration, topics that have exposed DeSantis lack of foreign policy experience in the past.

The debate also served as a platform for candidates who are hoping to be Trumps running mate or secure positions in his administration, if he wins the nomination and the general election.

One of them was Indian-origin businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, who introduced himself to the wider public as a fresh voice in the Republican Party.

But some analysts have argued that it is too early to call the race, and that the 45th U.S. President could face a serious challenge from someone who catches the momentum in the coming months.

Nobodys caught the wave yet but somebodys going to and when they do, Trumps going to have a race on his hands, former US senator Judd Gregg told The Hill.

Trump also faced criticism from some of his former allies and opponents, who questioned his leadership and integrity.

Former vice president Mike Pence, who was attacked by Trump supporters during the January 6 riot at the Capitol, did not hold back his punches.

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie and Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson also took aim at Trump, hoping to gain some traction in the crowded field.

I think its fair when these other candidates say its not a coronation, its an election, debate co-moderator Bret Baier said.

The Biden campaign took advantage of Trumps absence and bought expensive ads on Fox News and its website before the debate. Biden himself said he would watch as much of the event as I can.

ALSO READ| House of Representatives may investigate federal government's role in deadly Maui wildfires, Kevin McCarthy suggests

Trumps former lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who is also indicted in the same case as Trump for racketeering, surrendered to authorities in Atlanta hours before the debate.

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 outside the county jail in Atlanta.
A woman from North Carolina is facing charges for allegedly sending fake messages to a friend and the Department of Social Services, claiming that she had been assaulted and killed. Maggie Sweeney(Franklin Police Department)

Maggie Sweeney, 37, the woman in question, was taken into custody on Monday. She was subsequently released with a written commitment to appear in court, as stated in a press release issued by the Franklin Police Department.

Charges against Sweeney include providing a false report to a police station, falsely reporting serious injury or death via telephone, and resisting a public officer.

All the charges are misdemeanors, the Macon County Court clerk confirmed.

Sweeney has not filed a plea yet. CNN has not been able to find out if she has an attorney.

The Franklin police started their investigation on Friday, when Sweeney was reported missing.

In a Facebook post, they initially revealed they received information that suggested Sweeney was endangered or deceased.

Following the North Carolina woman's safe discovery the following day, Franklin Police First Sergeant Randy Dula persisted in investigating the case.

Later that same day he developed information that Sweeney had used a third-party text app to send the fraudulent texts to her friend and the Department of Social Services that she had been assaulted and was deceased, Franklin Police Chief Devin Holland said in an email to CNN.

The police said that Sweeneys actions wasted their time and resources, as well as caused worry and concern among her family, friends, and the community.

ALSO READ| 'I've bigger things to focus,' Donald Trump shuns debate, while Ron DeSantis leads GOP pack

Sweeneys actions caused our department, as well as other departments, many hours of work which could have been spent on other matters. Family, friends, and the community as a whole were also very concerned and worried about Sweeneys welfare, the police said in their Facebook post.

Sweeney is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on September 7.
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. Passengers watch a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea firing a space rocket, at a railway station in Seoul, South Korea, August 24, 2023. (Reuters)

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.

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.

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.
Japan must "immediately call off" the release of wastewater from the disaster-hit Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, North Korea's foreign ministry said in a statement Thursday. People protest at a beach toward the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.(AP)

"Japan must immediately call off the dangerous discharge of nuclear contaminated water that seriously threatens the security and future of mankind," it said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.
Norway has decided to donate F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine for its battle against Russia's invasion, Norwegian broadcaster TV2 reported on Thursday, citing unnamed sources. An F16 fighter airplane(AP)

TV2 did not say how many jets Norway would provide.

The Norwegian foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

If confirmed, Norway would become the third nation - after the Netherlands and Denmark - to announce donations of U.S.-made F-16 jets to Ukraine.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Thursday and announced donations of anti-aircraft missiles and other equipment, but made no announcement regarding F-16s.

F-16s have been on Ukraine's wish list for a long time because of their destructive power and global availability. The aircraft is equipped with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles.

Many NATO allies have F-16s - originally designed in the 1970s - making it easier to find spare parts compared with the Russian planes currently used by Ukraine.

Last year, the Norwegian air force retired its fleet of 57 F-16s and later agreed to sell 32 of then to NATO ally Romania in what Stoere has said was a "fixed and settled" deal.

A further 12 aircraft are due to be sold to a private company providing training for the U.S. Air Force, although this deal has yet to receive final approval and some analysts have said these jets could be suitable for a donation to Ukraine.

Of the 13 remaining F-16s, the Norwegian defence ministry said last year many were too costly or hard to repair and might be placed in a museum, used for parts or sent for scrapping.

Norway has replaced its F-16s with the successor model F-35.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
When the news of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a plane crash broke on Wednesday, few were surprised. Prigozhin's fate has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted the armed rebellion against Russia's military leadership, angering President Vladimir Putin. Elon Musk reacted to the reports of Yevgeny Prigozhin's death.(Reuters)

Putin, in a televised address, had vowed to punish those behind the rebellion, calling the mutiny by Prigozhin, who was once his chef, betrayal and treason.

Reacting to the reports of Prigozhin's death, a social media user said, That didn't take too long.

Billionaire investor and 'X' owner Elon Musk replied, Longer than I expected.

Slight chance this is a psy op, he added.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said he was not surprised by reports that Prigozhin had died in a plane crash, adding that not much happens in Russia that President Putin is not behind. The White House said Biden had been briefed on the crash and he told reporters he did not know for a fact what had happened.

"But Im not surprised," Biden said.

There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind, but I dont know enough to know the answer.

Biden and CIA Director Williams Burns spoke separately last month of the potential danger to Prigozhin after his actions, although somewhat in jest.

"If I were he, Id be careful what I ate. Id be keeping my eye on my menu," Biden said during a news conference with Finland's President Sauli Niinisto in July.

"But all kidding aside...I don't think any of us know for sure what the future of Prigozhin is in Russia."

Speaking a week later, CIA Director William Burns said: 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.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
The owner and operator of a stricken cable car that dangled over a Pakistan ravine for more than 12 hours have been arrested after repeatedly ignoring safety warnings, police said Thursday. A view of the chairlift cable in the Pashto village of mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on August 23, 2023, a day after it broke sending passengers plunging into a ravine.(AFP)

Six teenage boys were among eight people left stranded hundreds of feet in the air when two of the three chairlift cables snapped on Tuesday, leading to a daring rescue mission that brought them to safety.

"The cables being utilised were of subpar quality, and the machines were also in need of overhauling," Tahir Ayub Khan, a senior police official in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, told AFP.

"The initial notice was issued to the owner in June, followed by a second notification served in August."

He said the owner had received directives to refurbish the machinery, enhance the quality of the chains and obtain a safety certificate from the local administration.

"Both the cable car operator and the owner have been arrested by the police for an investigation into the disaster," Khan said.

Amjad Ali, another police official, confirmed that the arrests were made on Wednesday.

The six children had been on their way to school accompanied by two adults when the chairlift broke down Tuesday morning midway through its journey above the remote Allai Valley.

"Some of the children were so frustrated and were considering to jump down, but the elder passenger gave us confidence," 15-year-old Rizwan Ullah told AFP on Wednesday.

"When the cable car was twisting, we were terrified and we started reciting the Koran and gave confidence to each other not to jump down."

In a daring rescue operation, military helicopters plucked the first child from the chairlift and brought the student to safety after flying several sorties in the area.

Rescuers then used the cable keeping the gondola from plunging into the valley as a zipline to rescue the seven others stranded late into Tuesday night.

Cable cars that carry passengers -- and sometimes even 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 issued a directive for all chairlifts in mountainous areas to be inspected and for those that are not "safety compliant" to be immediately closed.

In 2017, 10 people were killed when a chairlift cable broke, sending passengers plunging into a ravine in a mountain hamlet near the capital Islamabad.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
In another blow to Imran Khan, a Pakistani court has granted permission to police to arrest and investigate the jailed prime minister in connection to the May 9 vandalism incident at Lahore's Corps Commanders House, better known as Jinnah House, it emerged on Thursday. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.(REUTERS)

The 70-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman is currently lodged in the Attock District Jail in Punjab province after his conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case earlier this month.

The Anti-terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore issued the order to arrest and investigate Khan in relation to the vandalism incident on May 9 at the Jinnah House in response to a petition filed by the Lahore police investigation chief, the Express Tribune newspaper reported on Thursday.

The police stated the necessity to probe and arrest the former prime minister for his alleged involvement in the Jinnah House arson case.

An investigation team would be sent to Attock Jail to investigate the PTI chairman. The team would submit its report to the court, the report said quoting police sources.

The sources said for the time being Khan's arrest in the arson case would be kept on hold.

Pakistan saw massive nationwide anti-government protests following the arrest of Khan by paramilitary Rangers in a corruption case on May 9. Khan was later released on bail.

Dozens of military installations and government buildings, including the Corps Commanders House in Lahore and the military headquarters in Rawalpindi, were damaged or torched during the riots. Over 100 vehicles of police and other security agencies were set on fire. Following the violent protests, law enforcement agencies arrested over 10,000 PTI workers across Pakistan, 4,000 of them from Punjab province only.

The PTI contests that its members were not involved in the attacks, but the government and military reject the claims and say they have "irrefutable evidence" of their involvement.
MILWAUKEE (AP)  The Republican presidential candidates vying to be the leading alternative to front-runner Donald Trump fought  sometimes bitterly  over abortion rights, U.S. support for Ukraine and the type of experience needed to manage an expansive federal government during the first debate of the 2024 campaign. Both DeSantis and Ramaswamy said they opposed more funding to Ukraine.

But when it came to arguably the most consequential choice facing the party, virtually everyone on the debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night lined up behind Trump, who declined to participate, citing his commanding lead. Most said they would support Trump as their nominee even if he is convicted in a series of cases that range from his handling of classified documents to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his role in making hush money payments to a porn actress and other women.

Lets just speak the truth," said tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. Its a fact.

In the face of such an unprecedented moment in American politics, that sentiment was a reminder of the power Trump continues to wield in the party and the reluctance of most GOP White House hopefuls to directly confront him or his norm-breaking activity. And it spoke to the struggle of any single candidate in the crowded field to emerge as a credible counter to Trump with less than five months until the Iowa caucuses formally jumpstart the GOP presidential nomination process.

That challenge was particularly acute for Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who announced his campaign in May to great fanfare but has since struggled to gain traction. He was sometimes eclipsed on Wednesday by lower-polling candidates, including former Vice President Mike Pence, a generally understated politician who demonstrated an aggressive side as he positioned himself as the most experienced candidate on stage.

Pence along with former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie sparred frequently with Ramaswamy. The goal for almost every candidate was to use the event, hosted by Fox News, to displace DeSantis from his distant second-place standing and introduce themselves to viewers who are just tuning into the race.

While the candidates repeatedly tangled  often talking over moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum  most refused to oppose Trump as the nominee, even if he becomes a convicted felon. The question came nearly an hour into the debate and a day before Trump is set to surrender in Georgia on charges of trying to overturn the state's 2020 election.

The moderators appeared apologetic about even raising the issue of a potentially incarcerated nominee, saying they would spend just a brief moment" discussing the man they called the elephant not in the room, which drew boos from the audience.

Someones got to stop normalizing misconduct. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, said Christie, a onetime Trump ally who has since become a fierce critic.

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was the only person who clearly refused to raise his hand, indicating he would not support Trump as the nominee if he was convicted.

DeSantis was among those who did raise his hand. He said Pence did his duty on Jan. 6, 2021, when he refused to go along with Trumps unconstitutional scheme to overturn the vote, but nonetheless pressed the hosts to move on.

This election is not about Jan. 6, 2021. Its about Jan. 20 of 2025 when the next president is going to take office, he said.

For his part, Pence defended his decision not to overturn the election in Trump's favor, a move that ended their strong partnership, saying he upheld his oath to defend the constitution.

Trump, who had long said he felt it would be foolish to participate in the debate given his dominant lead in the race, followed through with his threat to skip the Fox event in a blow to the network. Instead, Trump pre-recorded an interview with ex-Fox host Tucker Carlson that was posted to the platform formerly known as Twitter right before the debate kicked off.

Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me? Trump said.

But even without Trump, the debate demonstrated sharp divisions within the party that he has stoked on issues including the war between Russia and Ukraine after Russias invasion nearly 18-months ago. Both DeSantis and Ramaswamy said they opposed more funding to Ukraine, arguing the money should be spent securing the U.S. border against drug and human trafficking.

As president of the United States, your first obligation is to defend our country and its people, DeSantis said.

Ramaswamy compared support for Ukraine to the ill-fated U.S. military interventions in Iraq and Vietnam.

Christie, Pence and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley cast support for Ukraine as a moral obligation and a national security imperative, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue his aggression if he succeeds in Ukraine, potentially threatening U.S. allies.

Anybody who thinks we can't solve problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a small view of the greatest nation on earth, Pence said.

The candidates also tangled on abortion, underscoring the partys challenges on the issue after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year. All of the candidates identified as pro-life, but they differed on when restrictions should kick in after the court ended the constitutional right to an abortion, leading to a wave of restrictions in Republican-led states.

DeSantis refused again to say whether he supports a federal ban.

Im going to stand on the side of life. Look, I understand Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to be different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president, he said.

Haley, who has said she would absolutely sign a 15-week federal ban, argued for consensus, saying that barring the procedure nationwide would be highly unlikely without more Republicans in Congress.

Consensus is the opposite of leadership, rebutted Pence, who has made his opposition to abortion rights a central tenet of his campaign. Pence supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women even know theyre pregnant, and has called on the field to back a 15-week national ban as a minimum.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott also countered those who argued the issue should be left to the states. We cannot let states like California, New York, Illinois have abortions on demand up until the day of birth. That is immoral, it is unethical, it is wrong," he said.

While DeSantis had expected to be the top target as the front-runner on the stage, the candidates focused many of their attacks on Ramaswamy, who has been rising in the polls and espouses many of Trump's positions.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie. We dont need to bring in people without experience, quipped Pence.

Christie also laced into Ramaswamy.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, he said, referencing the artificial intelligence chat program, and calling him an amateur.

Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, Ramaswamy shot back  a reference to Christies embrace of the former president after a storm ravaged his state.

Haley, the only woman on stage in a sea of men wearing red ties, tried to rise above the fray.

I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Prince Harry will be in the UK on September 7- a day before the one-year anniversary of Queen Elizabeth's death- to make an appearance at the WellChild Awards in London. The Duke of Sussex will fly from California to London for the awards, which celebrate the achievements of children and young people with serious illnesses. After this he will travel to Dusseldorf in Germany for the Invictus Games. Meghan Markle will join him in Germany for the Invictus Games, which run from September 9-16. Prince Harry and King Charles III are seen.

Prince Harry has "no intention" of seeing either King Charles or Prince William while he is in the UK, the Mirror reported claiming that the time would be a "good opportunity" for the royal family to settle their differences but the relationship between Prince Harry and the rest of the family remains "firmly rooted at rock bottom".

At the Wellchild awards Prince Harry will spend time with each winner and their families at a pre-ceremony reception, listening to their stories and helping create lifelong memories, it was reported. He has been a patron of the charity for the past 15 years and has attended the awards 11 times previously.

In a statement, Prince Harry said: For nearly 20 years, WellChild has been transforming the lives of children and young people across the UK, providing critical care that prioritizes the physical, mental and emotional well-being of these individuals and their families. The courage and strength embodied by these young people  and the tireless devotion of those who support them  never cease to inspire me. Im honored to attend this years awards ceremony and celebrate their incredible work.

OK! magazine reported, "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. 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.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Ukraine's navy and military intelligence carried out a "special operation" overnight in which units landed on Russian-occupied Crimea, the defence ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR) said on Thursday. Russia-Ukraine War: Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine's president, during a news conference.(Bloomberg)

The operation, which Reuters was unable to independently confirm, would amount to a rare demonstration that Ukrainian forces are able to stage ground operations in Crimea, which Russia seized and annexed in 2014.

Brief and dark video footage posted alongside the statement showed a small motorboat moving through water at night near a coastline. HUR said the landing point was on the western tip of Crimea, near the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak.

"Special units on watercraft landed on the shore in the area of the Olenivka and Mayak settlements," HUR said in a statement.t

It said "all goals" had been achieved and casualties inflicted on the enemy, but did not identify the goals.

"Also, the state flag flew again in Ukrainian Crimea," it said, without saying where exactly or providing further details.

Russia did not comment on the report, which coincided with Ukraine's Independence Day.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy vowed on Wednesday to end Russia's occupation of Crimea although Russia shows no sign of abandoning the peninsula.

On Wednesday, Ukraine's military intelligence also reported deliberately luring a Russian military pilot to land his Mi-8 helicopter at a Ukrainian airfield.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
While Donald Trump on Wednesday skipped the debate stage typically relished by presidential candidates, he appeared in an online interview peppered with typical attacks on his rivals. In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, Trump mocked US Vice President Kamala Harris for her accent, saying she "speaks in rhyme." Former US president Donald Trump and incumbent vice president Kamala Harris.

When asked about the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the candidate for Democrats in the next Presidential election, Trump said, Well, not really... She has some bad moments. Her moments are almost as bad as it is. I think his (Joe Biden) is worse, actually. Yeah. She speaks in, in rhyme. And, it's weird., but she has bad moments.

"Well, the way she talks, (mocking tone) the bus will go here and then the bus will go there because that's what buses do. And it's weird. The whole thing is weird. This is not a president of the United States future. And, I think they probably have some kind of a primary and other people will get involved," he added.

The video clip of Trump mocking Harris quickly went viral on social media, with his supporters hailing the former president.

The pre-recorded with Carlson was posted Wednesday night on X, the website formerly known as Twitter, five minutes before the Republican primary debate aired.

Trump attacked President Joe Biden saying he is worse mentally than physically. Recalling the incidents where Biden was captured falling on the stairs of his aircraft, Trump said that the President can't walk.

Talking about Biden's beach picture, Trump said, This beach is seeming to play a big role, but they love pictures of him (Biden) on the beach. I think it looks terrible on the beach. Well, he can't walk through the sand. You know, sand is not that easy to walk through, but when he walks, he can't walk through the sand. And there's somebody in there that looks fabulous at the beach. I think he looks horrible at the beach. Plus the beach doesn't represent what the president is supposed to be doing?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Former President Donald Trump is going to get arrested today and it seems anticipation over his mugshots has taken over the social media platform X, with over 25 thousand tweets, #TrumpMugShot is still going strong. While some eagerly await his actual mugshots, others are getting creative, generating parody memes of what his booking photo might look like. Former President Donald Trump's anticipated arrest and mugshot have sparked a surge of memes on social media.(X/58bugeye)

Why is #TrumpMugShot trending?

This surge in Donald Trump mugshot memes comes ahead of his scheduled surrender to Georgia authorities on allegations of orchestrating efforts to overturn the 2020 election in that state.

Interestingly, the booking process could make history by producing the first-ever mugshot of a former American president. Trumps associates had already started building the hype around this image after his initial indictment in April 2023. Trump's daughter-in-law, Lara, even predicted that this mugshot would cement its place as the "most famous mugshot ever to exist in America." However, the former president's first three arraignments lacked a booking photo. His campaign even took to selling merchandise featuring a mock mug shot. Here are some of the best #TrumpMugShot memes and jokes:

When life gives you lemons and oranges you squeeze a mugshot out of them

When you wish to see something for long enough, you start seeing it in everything else

This seems like a Foodstagram-worthy mugshot

You can't hurry love and mugshots

It appears that there's a new trend emerging in town



Yet, it seems that the fourth time will indeed be the charm. As Trump faces booking at the Fulton County Jail alongside his 18 co-defendants in the Georgia election interference case, he's poised to finally have his official mugshot taken. In a bold declaration on Truth Social, he announced his intentions with fervor: "PROUDLY BE ARRESTED" in Georgia. He expressed, "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!!!"

This legal battle in Fulton County marks Trump's fourth criminal case since March, solidifying his unique status as the first former president in U.S. history to face indictment. His legal journey has spanned federal charges in Florida and Washington, and more recently, an indictment in Atlanta alongside 18 others, including notable figures like ex-chief of staff Mark Meadows and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Nearly all of the Republican presidential candidates vying to be the leading alternative to front-runner Donald Trump said they would support the former president if he is the party's nominee even if he is convicted in a court of law as they gathered on stage for the first time. MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidates (L-R), former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy speak during a break in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Getty Images via AFP)

The question came nearly an hour into Wednesday night's first primary debate hosted by Fox News Channel in Milwaukee and a day before Trump, who declined to participate, is set to surrender in Georgia on charges of trying to overturn the state's 2020 election.

Here's what else happened during the first GOP Debate:

Debate shows deep divides within Republican Party

The first Republican presidential debate illustrated the deep divisions within the GOP, with the candidates on stage arguing over issues including U.S. support for Ukraine, when and how to best restrict abortion nationwide, and support for the partys eventual 2024 nominee.

Most of the candidates vowed to support Ukraine in its war with Russia, but the notable exception was Vivek Ramaswamy. He suggested that supporting that country when the U.S. hasnt fixed its own problems was disastrous. That drew rebukes from many of his rivals, including former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, who told the 38-year-old technology entrepreneur, You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows.

There was disagreement on abortion, with Haley calling for consensus and Pence saying that was the opposite of leadership. The candidates largely agreed that Pence was right to protect the results of the 2020 election against Donald Trumps pressure campaign.

Trump skipped Wednesday nights event and was not a major focus of what was said. But both Christie and Hutchison were booed for saying they wouldnt support him as their partys nominee, though Christie faltered in his answer. Despite so much consensus on Trump, however, Pence drew applause when he said the former president wasnt above the law.

Desantis, the highest-polling candidate on stage, takes back seat

After recent campaign stumbles, Ron DeSantis was expected to have to defend himself and project likeability on the debate stage  but he had done relatively little of either as the two-hour broadcast neared its end.

The Florida governor instead seemed to take a back seat to more vocal candidates, speaking significantly less than biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, his closest GOP competitor besides former President Donald Trump in recent polls.

Ramaswamy garnered both massive applause and barbs from competitors on stage on topics from foreign policy to climate change.

In the second half of the night, DeSantis was given the first chance to answer a question about education, one of the topics he campaigns on most passionately.

He responded with ease, citing Florida legislation to remove mentions of gender identity so-called critical race theory in the classroom.

But Ramaswamy was quick on his tail. The novice candidate pleased the crowd with calls to shut down the head of the snake, the Department of Education, end teachers unions, and require civics tests to graduate high school.

Christie asked about UFOs at Republican debate

Is the truth really out there?

There was a UFO question posed near the end of the GOP debate. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was asked if he would level with the American people about what was known about what was out there.

Christie took mock offense, saying hed been asked that because he was from New Jersey and that his home state is different but not that different.

He didnt otherwise take the bait, saying those on stage had better things to talk about.

Ramaswamy only candidate to oppose more funding to Ukraine

When asked by the moderators who would not support more funding to Ukraine, the only candidate to raise their hand was Vivek Ramaswamy.

I think this is disastrous that we are protecting against an invasion across somebody elses border when we should be using those same military resources to prevent the invasion of our own southern border here in the United States, Ramaswamy said, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Ramaswamy also took a swipe at his fellow Republicans, including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and and former Vice President Mike Pence, who have met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

I find it offensive that we have professional politicians on the stage that will make a pilgrimage to Kyiv to their Pope Zelenskyy without doing the same thing for people in Maui or the South Side of Chicago or Kensington, Ramaswamy said. I think we have to put the interests of Americans first, secure our own border instead of somebody elses.

This prompted a rebuke from Pence: Anybody that thinks that we cant solve the problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a pretty small view of the greatest nation on earth.

Ramaswamy takes literal center stage at debate

At the center of the stage, and at the center of the hottest exchanges in the first part of the debate, was a 38-year-old novice candidate and technology entrepreneur named Vivek Ramaswamy.

Though hes well behind Trump, Ramaswamy has crept up in recent polls, leading to his position next to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis at center stage. And he quickly showed why when he showcased his ready-for-video, on-message approach, talking about how his poor parents moved to the U.S. and he had the ability to found billion-dollar companies.

Then Ramaswamy tried to show he wasnt a regular politician and started to throw elbows. At one point he declared, Im the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for. He slammed his rivals as super PAC puppets who were using readymade, pre-prepared slogans to attack him.

He seemed to be betting that primary voters preferred something memorable said to something done. His rivals were having none of it.

Candidates agree Pence did the right thing on Jan. 6

The Republican presidential candidates at Wednesdays debate largely said they agreed with former Vice President Mike Pences actions on Jan. 6, 2021.

Pence eschewed then-President Donald Trump's demands to stop the certification of Joe Biden's election, a decision that led some in a mob of Trump supporters to chant for his hanging that day.

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott said, Absolutely."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis didnt immediately answer the question, saying, Weve got to look forward. Under pressure from both Pence and the moderators, DeSantis ultimately said, Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him, prompting Pence to reply, Im relieved.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie leaped to Pences defense, saying the then-vice president deserves not grudging credit, he deserves our thanks as Americans.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley agreed that Pence did the right thing and deserved credit, as did North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Trump leans into 2020 election lies in conspiracy-dabbled interview

Donald Trump skipped the Republican presidential debate to instead lean into his bogus claims about the 2020 election in a conspiracy-dabbled interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

The former president praised the crowd he spoke to on the morning of Jan. 6, 2021, before his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol, saying, There was love in that crowd. There was love and unity.

Trump also did not dismiss a suggestion from Carlson about whether his political opponents might choose violence or threaten his life.

They are savage animals. They are people that are sick. Really sick, Trump said.

He also called the four criminal cases he faces nonsense."

Trump attacked President Joe Biden and suggested he was physically unfit for office. He also derided his rivals for the GOP nomination and said he skipped the debate because he didnt want to be harassed by people he said shouldnt even be running for president.

Im going to have all these people screaming at me, shouting questions at me, all of which I love answering, I love doing, but it doesnt make sense to do them so Ive taken a pass.

Six of eight candidates say they'd fully support Trump as nominee

The top Republicans vying to be the leading alternative to Donald Trump are finally getting a chance to weigh in on his four indictments  sort of.

Nearly an hour into the GOP debate, Fox News Channel showed a live image of Atlantas Fulton County jail, where the former president is set to surrender on charges on Thursday, drawing boos from the audience. The moderators said theyd spend a brief moment about the elephant not in the room and ask about the cases against Trump.

Those on stage were then asked to raise their hands if they would support Trump if he wins the GOP presidential nomination. Six of the candidates raised their hands, while former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie half-raised his hand and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson kept his hand down.

The candidates on stage were required to sign a pledge vowing to support the eventual nominee before joining Wednesday's debate.

Haley calls for abortion consensus; Pence says that's not leadership

All of the Republican candidates on Wednesday night's debate stage say they oppose abortion, but their differences on where lines should be drawn became evident on stage.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley  the only woman in the GOP race  says theres a need for consensus over abortion, noting that she feels it unlikely that a federal ban would pass until there are 60 senators who would support it. Haley, who often cities her own fertility struggles and the fact that her husband is adopted, says America needs to humanize the issue and stop demonizing it.

Former Vice President Mike Pence challenged her position, saying that consensus is the opposite of leadership on the issue.

Pence is the only major candidate who has said he supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women know theyre pregnant. In an interview with The Associated Press, Pence went even further, saying abortion should be banned even when a pregnancy isnt viable

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who signed a six-week abortion ban into law, said youve got to do what you think is right when asked what he felt about potential criticism that such a narrow restriction could possibly harm GOP candidates in a general election.

Christie accuses Ramaswamy of sounding like a chatbot

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie lashed out at biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy during a discussion on climate change, accusing the outsider candidate of sounding like an artificial intelligence chatbot after Ramaswamy called efforts against carbon energy a wet blanket on our economy.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, Christie said. The last person at one of these debates who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur.

Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, Ramaswamy responded, a nod to the then-president placing his hand on Christies shoulder during a visit after Superstorm Sandy. And youll help elect me just like you did to Obama too.

Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley jumped in after the feisty exchange, distinguishing herself as the only woman onstage.

I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said, acknowledging that climate change is real and arguing that to address it, the U.S. needs to pressure China and India to lower their emissions.

Haley goes after fellow Republicans on federal spending

Nikki Haley smoothly took the first swipe of the night on a question about excessive federal spending and nodded to her accounting degree from Clemson.

The former South Carolina governor and former United Nations ambassador didnt blink in turning to her rivals with congressional experience to blame them  not Joe Biden  for the nations debt.

You have Ron DeSantis. Youve got Tim Scott. Youve got Mike Pence. They all voted to raise the debt. And Donald Trump added 8 trillion to our debt, Haley said.

Scott is a South Carolina senator, DeSantis a former Florida representative and Pence a former congressman from Indiana.

Haley said, "So, you tell me. Who are the big spenders? I think its time for an accountant in the White House.

DeSantis borrows Trump's famous line

It was Donald Trumps famous line on The Apprentice, but at the debate, Youre fired! was taken over by one of his top GOP challengers.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that a major reason for Americas current struggles is because how this federal government handled COVID-19 by locking down this economy.

DeSantis, who has talked often on the campaign trail about how he kept Florida open during the pandemic, said at the debate that, As your president, I will never let the deep state bureaucrats lock you down.

Of Anthony Fauci, the governments top infectious disease expert during the pandemic, DeSantis said, You dont take somebody like Fauci and coddle him. You bring Fauci and you sit him down and you say, Anthony, you are fired.

The GOP front-runner is little mentioned early in debate

Donald Trump may have a dominating early lead in the Republican presidential primary, but he was barely mentioned during the GOP debates opening minutes.

The former president is skipping the debate, and his name was little spoken in its opening 25 minutes.

And thats despite former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who has promised to build his presidential run around stopping Trump, giving a lengthy answer defending his own record in his home state.

Former Vice President Mike Pence defended the record of the Trump-Pence administration and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis took a page from Trumps political playbook by pledging to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci, drawing applause from the crowd in Milwaukee.

But most of the early debate focused on the candidates on stage ripping President Joe Biden and his administrations economic policies.

Ramaswamy is a top early target on stage in Trump's absence

Vivek Ramaswamy emerged as a popular target early in the debate, drawing cheers from the audience when he introduced himself.

Let me just address a question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight," the biotech entrepreneur said. "Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name?

Former Vice President Mike Pence called him a rookie, saying people should not elect people without experience.

Christie accused Ramaswamy of trying to imitate Barack Obama and said the country had already tried that.

The last person in one of these debates who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here? was Barack Obama, and Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur, Christie said

Economics of Rich Men North of Richmond

To start off the debate, candidates were asked to lay out their economic arguments by way of explaining why a viral song decrying high taxes and the wealth of the elite had caught fire.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis used his response to the popularity of Oliver Anthonys Rich Men North of Richmond to blame President Joe Biden for what he characterized as American decline. DeSantis also took an opportunity to go after Bidens son Hunter, saying he made hundreds of thousands of dollars on lousy paintings while Americans are working hard, and you cant afford groceries a car or a new home.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he agreed predominantly with DeSantis response but argued he can be a consensus builder since he was elected as a conservative Republican in a blue state.

Two most prominent anti-Trump candidates get booed

Former President Donald Trump isn't on the debate stage, but the audience seems firmly in his corner.

The crowd booed former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson as they were introduced at Wednesday night's debate on Fox News. The two are among the most prominent anti-Trump candidates in the GOP field.

Trump skipped the event for an interview with Tucker Carlson instead. He told Carlson: Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me?

Candidates take podium as leadoff GOP debate begins

The first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle has begun.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, anti-woke activist Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum took the stage Wednesday night for the Fox News event.

Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum are moderating.

Former President Donald Trump appeared poised to post on his Truth Social platform during the debate. He skipped the debate and instead conducted a prerecorded interview with Tucker Carlson that was airing at the same time.

s what el
Yevgeny Prigozhin's fate has been entwined with the Kremlin for decades  as a trusted government contractor, and the head of the Wagner mercenary army that fought in Ukraine and has been blamed for doing Russia's dirty work in Syria and Africa. 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.(via AP)

But when he turned his men toward Moscow two months ago, many inside Russia and beyond started wondering just how long he could last after drawing the fury of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Prigozhin cut a deal with Putin and the leader of Belarus for a safe haven for himself and the men involved in the rebellion. He was reported to pop up periodically in Russia, and appeared in a recruitment video earlier this week.

But then on Wednesday Russia's civil aviation agency said he was aboard a plane that crashed north of Moscow, killing all 10 people on board.

Prigozhin's Background

Prigozhin was convicted of robbery and assault in 1981, and sentenced to 12 years in prison. When he got out, he opened a restaurant business in St. Petersburg in the 1990s. Putin was the city's deputy mayor at the time.

Prigozhin used that connection to develop a catering business and won lucrative Russian government contracts that earned him the nickname Putins chef. He later expanded into other areas, including media and an infamous internet troll factory that led to his indictment in the U.S. for meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Wagner was first seen in action in eastern Ukraine soon after a separatist conflict erupted there in April 2014, in the weeks following Russias annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula. At the time, Russia denied sending its own weapons and troops despite ample evidence to the contrary. The private Wagner army gave Moscow a degree of deniability.

Wagner personnel also deployed to Syria, where Russia supported President Bashar Assads government in a civil war. In Libya, they fought alongside forces of commander Khalifa Hifter. The group has also operated in the Central African Republic and Mali.

But it wasnt until September 2022 that Prigozhin acknowledged founding, leading and financing Wagner. By then, his mercenaries  including men hed recruited in Russian prisons  were fighting and dying by scores in Ukraine, especially in the shattered town of Bakhmut.

Reputation for Ruthlessness

Prigozhin fostered Wagner's reputation for ruthlessness, and the mercenaries have been accused by Western countries and U.N. experts of human rights abuses throughout Africa, including in Central African Republic, Libya and Mali.

A 2017 online video showed a group of armed people, reportedly Wagner contractors, torturing a Syrian and beating him to death with a sledgehammer before mutilating and burning his body.

In 2022, another video showed a former Wagner contractor beaten to death with a sledgehammer after he allegedly fled to the Ukrainian side and was repatriated.

Despite public outrage and demands for investigations, the Kremlin repeatedly turned a blind eye.

Wagner's Role in Ukraine

Wagner took an increasingly visible role in the Ukraine war as regular Russian troops suffered heavy attrition and lost territory in humiliating setbacks.

Prigozhin toured Russian prisons to recruit fighters, promising pardons if they survived a half-year tour of front line duty with Wagner.

In the interview in May, he claimed to have recruited 50,000 convicts, with about 35,000 men on the front lines at all times. He has also said he had lost more than 20,000 men -- half of them convicts -- in the battle for Bakhmut.

The U.S. has estimated Wagner had about 50,000 personnel fighting in Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts.

Poking the Bear

Prigozhin claimed full credit in January for capturing the Donetsk region salt mining town of Soledar in Ukraine, and he accused the Russian Defense Ministry of trying to steal Wagners glory. He repeatedly complained the Russian military failed to supply Wagner with sufficient ammunition to capture Bakhmut and threatened to pull out his men.

After the capture of Soldear, Prigozhin increasingly raised his public profile, for months boasting almost daily about Wagners purported victories, sardonically mocking his enemies and complaining in profanity-laced diatribes about the military brass.

On June 23, he called for an armed uprising against the defense minister and headed from Ukraine toward Moscow with his mercenaries. His forces took control of the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, the city in southern Russia near the border with Ukraine, and continued their march of justice," until stopping a mere 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Russian capital.

Putin branded Prigozhin a traitor as the revolt unfolded. 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.

Some number of Wagner mercenaries headed to Belarus, but the fate of both Prigozhin and his force remained unclear.

U.S. President Joe Biden recently suggested Prigozhin was a marked man.

If I were he, Id be careful what I ate. Id keep my eye on my menu, Biden said last month.

But the man who made his first fortune as a caterer was undaunted in his latest appearance on Monday, telling would-be Wagner recruits his organization was making Russia even greater on all continents."

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Residents of a village near the site of a plane crash which is believed to have killed Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said they had heard a bang, then saw the jet plummet to the ground. Russian state-run news agencies said that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group that led a mutiny against Russia's army in June, was on the list of passengers of a plane that crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver region. (AFP)

The plane, an Embraer Legacy 600private jet, crashed on Wednesday near the village of Kuzhenkino in Russia's Tver region on its way from Moscow to St. Petersburg and killed all 10 people on board - seven passengers and three crew members.

There has been no official comment from the Kremlin or the Defence Ministry on the fate of Prigozhin but a Telegram channel linked to his Wagner mercenary group, Grey Zone, pronounced him dead.

A Reuters reporter at the crash site early on Thursday saw men taking away black body bags on stretchers.

Part of the plane's blue-and-white liveried tail and other fragments lay on the ground near a wooded area.

Forensic investigators had erected a tent and lighting gear. Parts of the wreckage lay near what appeared to be a half-built abandoned structure.

Kuzhenkino resident Vitaly Stepenok, 72, told Reuters: "I hear an explosion or a bang. Usually, if an explosion happens on the ground then you get an echo, but it was just a bang and I looked up and saw white smoke."

"One wing flew off in one direction and the fuselage went like that," he said, gesturing with his arms to show how the plane headed down towards the ground.

"And then it glided down on one wing. It didn't nose-dive, it was gliding."

Standing in a village street, Stepenok said he was afraid the plane would fall onto houses there.

"I was over there. I jumped on my bike and was there (at the site) in about 20 minutes. Everything was on fire. People were walking around. They dragged someone out, their remains... I couldn't make it out. I just saw the number on the plane, which I told them, and that was it."

Another villager, who gave his name as Anatoly, said: "In terms of what might have happened, I'll just say this: it wasn't thunder, it was a metallic bang - let's put it that way. I've heard things like that before."

"Over there by that mast. And it fell over there," he said pointing towards a farm.

The crash occurred two months to the day since Prigozhin led an abortive mutiny against the army top brass, accusing them of incompetence in their handling of Russia's war in Ukraine.

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.
BILL BURNS, the director of the CIA, recently mused on what fate might await Yevgeny Prigozhin , the mercenary leader who mounted a short-lived mutiny in Russia in June. Vladimir Putin, Russias president, is generally someone who thinks that revenge is a dish best served cold, he said. In my experience, Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback so I would be surprised if Prigozhin escapes further retribution. On August 23rd, precisely two months after that mutiny, Mr Prigozhins jet plunged to the ground. PREMIUM Founder of Wagner private mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin(REUTERS)

The cause of the crash is not yet known. Eyewitnesses reported hearing explosions prior to the incident, giving rise to speculation that it may have been shot down by air defences. One possibility, though few online commenters seemed inclined to believe it, is that it was an accident. Ukraine has conducted 15 drone attacks against Moscow and the surrounding area since May 3rd, including strikes on seven successive nights to August 23rd. Local air defences may thus have been jumpy; in 2020 Iran shot down a Ukrainian airliner in Tehran during a period of high alert. It is unlikely, though, that Russian radar operators would confuse a jet for a drone: Drones are slower, smaller and lower.

Mr Prigozhins Embraer business jet climbed to nearly 30,000 feet before suddenly falling in the Tver region near Moscow after less than 30 minutes in flight, according to public tracking data. All ten people on board were killed, and Mr Prigozhin was on the passenger list, according to Russias aviation agency and state media. Dmitry Utkin, a senior figure in Mr Prigozhins Wagner Group, and the commander of the column which marched on Moscow in June, was also listed as a passenger.

A senior source in Ukrainian intelligence said several figures in Russia were enraged enough to want Mr Prigozhin dead, including Sergei Shoigu, Russias defence minister, a frequent target of Mr Prigozhins irate video messages over the summer. Nonetheless, an operation of this sort could not have gone ahead without authorisation from Vladimir Putin himself. I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised, said Joe Biden, Americas president. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. Mr Burns was not the only spymaster to have seen trouble coming Mr Prigozhins way. In an interview in June, Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of HUR (Ukraines military spy agency), claimed the FSB, Russias security service, had been tasked to assassinate the mutineer.

Notably, the crash came on a day of wider retribution. Earlier on August 23rd General Sergei Surovikin, who had served as commander of Russian forces in Ukraine until demotion in January, was relieved as commander of Russias air and space forces. General Surovikin was closely associated with Mr Prigozhin and had come under suspicion of aiding the mutiny or having foreknowledge of it. The general was reported to have been under house arrest.

Mr Prigozhins death is likely to have a negligible effect on the front lines in Ukraine. General Valery Gerasimov, Russias chief of general staff, whom Mr Prigozhin routinely attacked, has brought some order to the military chaos of last year, says John Foreman, Britains defence attache in Moscow until last year. Wagner forces had been shoved aside after they led the conquest of Bakhmut in May. Its shock troops were not as important once Ukraine went on the offensive, says Mr Foreman, and politically suspect soldiers were less welcome in the trenches.

The impact on African countries, where Wagner was and remained active, is more uncertain. Mr Prigozhin had reportedly been in Africa, attempting to prevent the GRU, Russias military intelligence agency, from pushing his forces out of the continent. Wagner is not the only mercenary firm on the continent, and African leaders in need of muscle will not much care whether Russian troops answer to Mr Prigozhin or another Kremlin functionary.

The biggest ripples will be those inside Russia. If Mr Prigozhin was killed on Mr Putins orders, it would reinforce the presidents image as a vengeful strongman willing to dispense with procedure and law. He first caught the imagination of the Russian public as Russias president with a memorable pledge to catch [Chechen rebels] on the toilet and wipe them out in the outhouse. Over the following years, his enemies suffered a range of increasingly exotic methods of attack and assassinationfrom a radioactive isotope slipped in tea to nerve agent smeared on door handles and underpantsdesigned to cow would-be opponents.

Yet these methods have also undermined the notion that Russia is a regular state, exposing Mr Putins regime as a mafia-like enterprise driven by personal whim and blood feuds. The very existence of Wagnera private army that is formally banned by the Russian criminal codewas a sign of Mr Putins mistrust of regular institutions of the state and his reliance on informal connections.

Mr Prigozhins death could help consolidate Mr Putins power. But it could also reinforce the myth of the Wagner leader as a truth-telling patriot, and destabilise the pro-war constituency by alienating his followers and champions. The assassinationwill have catastrophic consequences, warned Grey Zone, a Wagner-affiliated group on Telegram, a social-media site. The people who gave the order do not understand the mood in the army and morale at all.

As the drama unfolded, Mr Putin was addressing a gathering in Kursk, hailing the victory of Soviet troops over German invaders 80 years ago. Russian prosecutors, who promptly shut down an investigation into Mr Prigozhins mutiny after he accepted a deal to go into exile in Belarus, were quick to open an investigation into a violation of air traffic and safety rules. The Russian public may learn that it was a pilots mistake or a fault in the plane that brought Mr Prigozhin to his end. In Russia, nobody expects to be told the truth.

 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Nikki Haley, the first Indian-origin woman running for the presidential elections of 2024 from the Republican party, appeared on America's Newsroom on August 24, 2023, Thursday. Nikki is being praised by Americans for her brave stature and fiery opinions in the debate. Americans have been left impressed with her remarks and it might just result in her winning the elections.(Reuters File Photo)

She did not leave any of her opponents to question her. Her opinions on co-contenders Vivek Ramaswamy and Donald Trump while conversing with Dana Perino and Bill Hemmer have gained a lot of popularity on social media.

Also Read: Who takes advantage of Donald Trump's absence in the Republican debate

Talking to Vivek Ramaswamy, she asserted he has no foreign political experience and it shows, arguing that the novice doesn't know Russian President Vladimir Putin.

I dont expect someone whos running for president to have that much of a lack of foreign policy," she began.

We have to make sure we keep Americans safe and this is about making sure that our enemies know that. And what we saw last night was someone who thinks they know foreign policy  you clearly dont know Putin!, added Haley.

Also Read: Vivek Ramaswamy faces backlash for questioning federal agents' role in 9/11

Later she moved on to Joe Biden and how his campaign staff refused to attend the general election debates, saying, "Bidens camp came out and said they were worried about me winning the primary.

He has to debate just like Trump needs to debate. If you want the American peoples support, you gotta show up. You cant be absent.

Bill Hemmer asked for her opinion on her ex-boss Donald Trump, when she said that Republicans can not win with him again.

I was proud to serve in his administration. I agree with most of his policies. But we have to be honest again, hes gonna spend more time in a courtroom than hes gonna spend on the campaign trail, she replied.

Then she moved on to call Trump the 'most disliked politician in all of America," saying, "three quarters of the American people dont wanna see Biden and Trump run again, and the majority of Americans, he is the most disliked politician in all of America, thats reality."

Also Read: White House hits back over criticism of Joe Biden for petting a dog in Hawaii

Additionally, she blamed Donald and the GOP for adding $7.8 trillion to the national debt and pushing the country to the ground.

Along with her eloquence, her gestures also kept the audience enchanted. Amid breaks in the debate, the presidential candidate went off stage to talk to the audience and pose for photographs, a move that is being appreciated a lot.

Americans have been left impressed with her remarks and it might just result in her winning the elections.
A member of Russia's ruling United Russia party who called the country's president Vladimir Putin a "swamp schmuck" will be expelled and barred from running for local office next month. The party informed in a statement that Yulia Trukhmanova, a member of the Marx city council in Russia's southern Saratov region, will be expelled due to making "outrageous, absurd and frankly stupid statements about the leadership of our country." Russian President Vladimir Putin.(AP)

Yulia Trukhmanova was heard calling Vladimir Putin a "swamp schmuck" and a "nobody" before he came to power in 1999 in an audio recording of a private conversation between her and political candidate Dmitry Lipensky dated August 7, it was reported.

"A decision was made to expel her from the party and faction. She will also be excluded from the list of candidates for deputies of the representative body of the new convocation from United Russia," Russia's ruling party said. The issue will be considered at a meeting in the very near future, it said.

Yulia Trukhmanova claimed that the audio recording was "doctored" saying that the phrases were "taken out of context" and "had nothing to do with the president."

She said that she intends to take legal action to protect my honor, dignity and business reputation," adding, The content of the posted audio recording does not correspond to the meaning of the conversation.

Russia's 2024 presidential election is expected to be held on March 17 next year, with some regional elections taking place next month. Vladimir Putin is expected to soon announce his bid for a sixth overall presidential term. According to constitutional changes made prior to the war in Ukraine, Vladimir Putin may remain in power until 2036.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Mallika Soni When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?" ...view detail
Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort, situated in the Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico, and part of the 31 properties in the All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy hotel portfolio in the Caribbean and Latin America, unveiled the Aqua Jungle & River experience and an additional rooms and suites tower, both part of the resort's planned expansion.

Located in the hotel's own forest canyon, the Aqua Jungle & River experience offers members an all-encompassing immersion in the surrounding lush jungle landscape with adult and family offerings. With five Jacuzzis for adults, a total of seven pools, an elongated lazy river and two kid's areas with waterslides and splash amenities, visitors of all ages will have plenty of options to enjoy this water experience including convenient food and beverage spots. Inspired by the Tolantongo caves in the state of Hidalgo, where thermal waters cascade to natural pools, the Aqua Jungle & River experience brings that model to the hotel's epicentre, allowing guests to relax and rejoice in a paradisiac adventure for themselves.

Delta Hotels by Marriott Riviera Nayarit, An All-Inclusive Resort is the first Delta branded hotel in the Caribbean and Latin American region and the first Delta to be an all-inclusive worldwide and part of an expansive portfolio that is All-Inclusive by Marriott Bonvoy. It boasts three sit-down restaurants on-site featuring Mexican, Asian, and local cuisines, three relaxing pools, a dedicated beach club just 15 min away from the resort, the renowned Tzicuri Spa, among other offerings. Infused with the local Huichol culture, visitors will find inspiration in the design, architecture, spa treatments, and food and beverage options on the hotel premises for relaxation and a unique wellness retreat.

Hotel website
While there are many ways to experience Oahu, the heart and soul of the island is uncovered by the boots-on-the-ground insights, experiences and insider knowledge that only true neighborhood natives can provide. The antidote to ordinary Oahu itineraries, Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador will open October 1, 2023 following a multi-million-dollar renovation. Formerly known as The Ambassador Hotel Waikiki, the eclectic and spirited hotel will reemerge as the heartbeat of the neighborhood - a place where guests and residents come together to share ideas, break bread, and discover something new.

Every Romer guest journey begins with artfully designed key cards that double as each guest's key to the neighborhood via curated maps, programming and happenings. The 368 easygoing rooms offer a variety of layouts for every type of traveler. Guests can expect private lanais, lounge space, and noteworthy touches such as all-gender uniforms featuring pieces by local Hawaiian designer Matt Bruening, all overlooking Waikiki's glistening shorelines.

Thoughtful and distinct design elements capture the spirit that is modern Waikiki, and the hotel's nonconformist exterior pays homage to its roots dating back to the 1960s. New interior decor includes a custom-fit lava rock wall that adorns the perimeter of the lobby to reference Hawaii's volcanic landscape, along with a curated gallery wall featuring local artists such as J.D. Nalamakuikapo Ahsing, Susan Maddux, Brennan Alexa, and Kris Goto. Green accents and unexpected pops of color allude to the juxtaposition of local street art against the surrounding lush landscape. At the third-floor pool, Romer's Waikiki Swim & Social Club serves up drinks and bites with a grooving and laid-back cabana scene. A new open-air restaurant featuring bright and locally sourced fare will debut in 2024.

Managed by Highgate, Romer personifies the local landscape and takes shape around the people, ideas, sights, and sounds that make a neighborhood unique. Romer promises the good-neighbor experience through a boutique portfolio of unique and progressive hotels that weave seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, with the culturally connected insights that only local talent can provide. Romer Hell's Kitchen will open in New York City this fall and Romer House Waikiki is set to open spring 2024.

Highgate Hotels in Hawaii, including Romer Waikiki at the Ambassador, is donating $10 from every upcoming hotel booking to the Highgate Charitable Foundation, with the goal of raising $1 million collectively for Maui families and community relief efforts. For those who are able to provide monetary support, please visit Highgate Hawaii's Love Maui donation page.

Hotel website
Director of Sales & Marketing Stacey Cameron brings extensive hospitality and leadership experience to the new hotel and is also overseeing the conference & events team during the initial launch of the hotel.

Ms Cameron's career includes managing operations at Peppers Beach Club & Spa Palm Cove and orchestrating unforgettable events in Tropical North Queensland.

After spending eight years in New Zealand's picturesque South Island, Ms Cameron's return to her home city of Geelong coincides perfectly with the opening of Holiday Inn & Suites Geelong. Her insights and commitment to innovative marketing and business development campaigns will play a crucial role in shaping the hotel's identity and creating "magical moments".
Iconic Australian hotel group, Meriton Suites, is expanding its empire by adding another two states to their growing list of locations later this year. The company has invested over 400 million in developing three new hotels, extending their luxury offering into Canberra, ACT and Melbourne, VIC.

Located in the heart of the Melbourne and Canberra CBDs, both new Meriton Suites hotels offer guests fine modern, spacious and comfortable stays, with some of the city's most iconic landmarks and attractions right on their doorstep.

The last location of the three to launch and another big milestone for the group is Liverpool, NSW. Liverpool is the 16th address for Meriton Suites in NSW alone, cementing it as the largest owner-operator of apartment-style suites in Australia.

Canberra was the first location to launch (designed by Fender Katsalidis, MONA & Australia 108) on August 19, adding another 280 luxury rooms to the Meriton Suites portfolio. Liverpools next, with 229 luxury rooms completed and open for guests from September 23. Not far behind is Melbourne, boasting 378 spacious rooms and officially opening its doors on September 26.

Each new property comes with much anticipation, excitement and demand, with Canberra and Melbourne two highly requested destinations by loyal Meriton Suites guests across both corporate and leisure markets. The new hotels are home to one, two and three bedroom suites.

Were delighted to be opening three new Meriton Suites hotels across the nation, another big step for the company. Our investment into these new markets is a clear demonstration of our confidence in the continued growth of the domestic and international inbound markets, and the ongoing demand for luxury apartment-style hotels for the modern traveller. Harry Triguboff, Founder & Managing Director Meriton Group

Meriton Suites has a reputation for delivering exceptional quality and service, and is proud to offer luxury oversized suites across all properties. Each suite features generous king-sized beds, kitchen, internal laundry, contemporary bathroom stocked with rejuvenating KEVIN.MURPHY Repair-Me products, and GHD styling tools on request and friendly Guest Services team available 24 hours. 1 Each property features state-of-the-art facilities including an all-hours fitness centre, an indoor heated swimming pool, spa and sauna.
Capstone is an innovative Hotel Management and Tourism Sales & Distribution company that has over 40 years experience and the operational knowledge to manage or represent your hotel or tourism business. Traditional management companies focus on brand awareness and reputation, at Capstone we also focus on service standards and profitability. We are proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated, managing and representing hotels, resorts and tourism businesses throughout New Zealand. Our undertaking and core value is to provide quality, profit focused, transparent business accountability.
Historic Melbourne Landmark, The Prince of Wales Hotel, Listed for Sale

The Prince of Wales Hotel, an iconic establishment in St Kilda, has been listed for sale by Melbourne-based hospitality business, Jackalope Group, which purchased the property in 2015 for $45 million.

Following a recent multimillion dollar refurbishment, the 1920s corner hotel has become one of Melbournes most attractive hotels.

For many years, the Prince of Wales has embodied the character of St Kilda in a single building, absorbing the areas eclectic personalities, the history of the property steeped across its many facets.

The freehold investment is being sold subject to an existing long lease with the Melbourne Pub Group owned by the Ryan Family who also own and operate Mitchelton Estate and Hubert Estate in the Yarra Valley.

Located on the corner of Acland and Fitzroy Street, the hotel comprises a street bar, an award-winning dining room, 39 boutique hotel rooms, a bakery with an adjoining retail outlet, a Euro-inspired wine store and a function space with an indoor pool as well as a multi-level car park.

CBREs Scott Callow and Nathan Mufale are managing the sale on behalf of Jackalope Group via an Expression of Interest campaign closing September 27 2023.

Having been involved in the hotel's last two transactions, Ive never seen it in such wonderful condition. Its a unique offering which were expecting will attract trophy investors looking for something quite special to add to their portfolio, Mr Callow said.

Mr Mufale added, The offering provides a multitude of value-add opportunities with the ability to capitalise on 360-degree views across to Port Phillip Bay and the Melbourne skyline, meaning there is huge potential for the incoming purchaser.
Canopy by Hilton Cannes Hotel

Canopy by Hilton Cannes has opened with panoramic views over the Mediterranean from one of the citys best rooftop terraces, interiors designed by designer Ramy Fischer and a swimming pool that flows from indoor to outdoor. This opening marks Hilton's entry into the city and is the latest addition to the growing portfolio of Canopy by Hilton properties across Europe.

Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, EMEA, Hilton, said, "We're thrilled to partner with Nouvelle Vague Hospitality to bring Canopy by Hilton's elevated, boutique hotel experience to Cannes' most desirable neighbourhood. Nestled in the heart of the iconic French Riviera, Cannes attracts millions of visitors annually with its timeless charm, captivating location, annual calendar of high-profile international events and of course its world-renowned film festival. The city is a treasure trove of luxury shopping destinations, acclaimed dining options, and some of the country's best beach clubs. It's great to see Hilton in such an amazing city and this spectacular hotel is yet another fantastic addition to our growing portfolio of hotels and brands in the south of France."

Matt Schuyler, chief brand officer, Hilton, said, "Celebrating the best of the city, the opening of Canopy by Hilton Cannes is an exciting milestone for both the brand and Hilton. Embodying the spirit of the French Riviera, the property's design, exquisite dining and bespoke amenities are a testament to the Canopy by Hilton brand. Our growth in France and across the Lifestyle category is unparalleled, and we remain committed to strengthening our footprint and continuing to deliver for our guests and owners."

Jean-Francois Chapel, general manager, Canopy by Hilton Cannes, said, "We are delighted to open one of the first lifestyle hotels in Cannes, with breath-taking rooftop views over the French Riviera, authentic food and drink offers and a locally-inspired experience that will help guests connect to the neighbourhood. Canopy by Hilton Cannes is a tribute to the incredible all-year-round appeal of the French Riviera and I'm proud to bring the Canopy by Hilton brand to this destination."

With an unbeatable address, moments away from the port, Canopy by Hilton Cannes exemplifies the city's relaxed chic in its design. The hotel features 129 guest rooms and suites, along with a further 12 apartments, most of which offer impressive views over the old harbour, La Croisette and the Lerins Islands. In collaboration with a prestigious jury of art experts and private collectors across the world, the hotel has invited twelve talented young artists to create unique artwork for each room. Contemporary artwork is complemented by Canopy by Hilton's sophisticated comfort, including the brand's signature canopy bed frame, exclusive bedding created just for Canopy by Hilton and thoughtful amenities like Canopy socks and Nespresso machines.

Canopy by Hilton Cannes features an indoor-outdoor heated swimming pool overlooking the sea and a fitness centre is accessible every day. Opening soon, the hotel will offer an indulgent spa, including five cabins, a hammam, a Japanese bath and sauna, where guests can revitalise and re-energise with a selection of face and body treatments.



Canopy by Hilton Cannes Hotel - Pool

Marea Rooftop Restaurant & Cocktail Bar

With an identity inspired by the tranquil beauty of the Lerins islands, the soul of old Cannes and the Grande Bleue Mediterranean Sea, Mareas breath-taking 360 panorama can be found on the top floor. From 6 p.m. to midnight, seven days a week, guests are invited to share a selection of small plates, meticulously sourced from local suppliers. Concocted by Alexander Douglas Burger, originally from California and a traveller at heart, the Canopy by Hilton Cannes head chef has devised a menu full of surprises, detours and adventurous culinary delights. Discover a variety of raw or marinated dishes, including Mareas Daurade Tiradito with a coconut milk green curry, cucumber and radish or the delicious Marea Clambake with clams, mussels, langoustines, lobster and shrimps.

Cafe Creme Brunch Club

Cannes' new Californian eatery on the hotels first floor, open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cafe Creme embraces cuisine that brings together friends, families, colleagues and soloists. Against the backdrop of lofi and hiphop beats, it is ideal for a detox juice or a locally roasted espresso, partnering with small producers, local craftsmen and artistic communities to provide a friendly, warm service.

Offering a multitude of public spaces, Canopy Central, the hotels hub, brings people together in comfort and warm natural light. A space for relaxation, work or simply to enjoy a few moments of contemplation, Canopy Central is a one-of-a-kind space that adapts to guests needs while feeling like an extension of the neighbourhood. Canopy team members are on hand to connect guests to the best of the neighbourhood and can suggest hidden gems to explore, even providing complimentary Canopy Bikes for guests to experience the city like a local.
Maximizing Direct Bookings: The Impact of Enhanced Online Visibility for Hotels

The travel and tourism industry continues to be highly competitive, with people eager to travel again and hotels and chains vying for business against online travel agencies, vacation rentals, and booking sites. After the pandemic in 2021, Google searches for hotels increased by 92%. According to statistics, more than 90% of travelers will do research online, and 82% will complete their booking online.

The hospitality industry has been consistently investing in its online presence, and key players are banking on the success of their digital offerings. While sites like Booking.com and TripAdvisor get millions of monthly visits, Phocuswright reports that 72% of travelers prefer to book their accommodations directly on a hotels website. That being said, OTAs have taken back some of the market, going from 49% during the pandemic to 52%. Although that jump may seem small, a single percentage point increase in online gross bookings can translate into a significant impact, representing a value of up to $1 billion in business revenue and a commission exchange ranging from $100 million to $200 million between hotel companies and online travel agencies (OTAs).

By establishing a strong online presence across various platforms such as search engines, social media, and review websites, hotels can capture the attention of their target audience and stand out from the competition. Search engine optimization (SEO) is a great way to increase website traffic and build awareness while also increasing direct bookings. Here are some statistics that highlight the importance of hotel website marketing and search engine marketing in driving direct bookings and generating more revenue:

Search Engine Marketing (SEM):

A study by Google reveals that 65% of leisure travelers and 69% of business travelers begin their hotel search on a search engine.

SEM efforts, such as pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, can increase a hotels visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs) and drive targeted traffic to their website.

According to WordStream, travel businesses make an average of $2 in revenue for every $1 they spend on Google Ads.

According to HubSpot research, 50% of searches include four or more words.

Mobile Optimization:

A report by eMarketer indicates that 51.8% of travelers worldwide book accommodations via mobile devices.

Hotels with mobile-optimized websites and seamless mobile booking experiences are more likely to capture bookings from on-the-go travelers.

70% of all customers do their research on a smartphone

Of the 148 million online travel bookings in 2018, 82% occurred without any human interaction via a mobile app or website.

Online Reviews:

A study by TripAdvisor found that 93% of travelers consider online reviews when choosing a hotel.

Hotels with a higher average review score tend to attract more bookings and command higher room rates.

63% of travelers are influenced by reading the reviews, while 76% are swayed by photos posted with the reviews.

In May 2022, Tripadvisor received around 167 million visits.

Social Media Marketing:

In the United States, 21% of adults 18 to 29 use social media for inspiration before they decide to go for an online travel booking. Those over 45 follow at 14%, and 30 to 44-year-olds at 9%.

Social media platforms allow hotels to engage with potential guests and drive bookings. According to a study by Expedia, 84% of travelers use social media while on vacation.

Hotels that effectively leverage social media marketing can increase brand visibility, engagement, and direct bookings.

Facebook and Instagram remain the most popular platforms for travel planning, followed by TikTok and Snapchat.

Personalization and Retargeting:

Personalized marketing efforts can significantly impact a hotels revenue. Research by Evergage reveals that 98% of marketers believe personalization enhances guest relationships.

Retargeting campaigns that display ads to users who have previously visited a hotels website can yield a higher conversion rate. AdRoll reports that retargeting can result in a 147% increase in conversion rates, according to AdRoll.

About 91% of consumers are more willing to consume products from brands that provide relevant offers and recommendations.

Approximately 90% of consumers are willing to share data if it allows them to have a cheaper and easier brand experience.

The travel and hospitality sector reports the highest shift toward tailored messaging in a survey conducted by SmarterHQ, Cheetah Digital, Liveclicker, and MailCharts. About 63% of their communications catered to individual customers.

Voice Search & ChatGPT:

In the hospitality industry, voice search is undergoing a transformative process, especially in the booking procedures.

Prominent digital assistant technologies such as Amazons Alexa, Apples Siri, Google Assistant, and Microsofts Cortana are rapidly gaining popularity.

The rise of ChatGPT and AI has sparked many questions about the future of e-commerce SEO.

Statista reports over 33% of consumers like to use virtual travel assistants during their online travel booking process.

Consumers are reacting well to chatbots, with 6.5% of conversion rates related to this new technology.

By implementing voice search and AI capabilities on your website, hotels can enhance conversions by effectively connecting with qualified leads.

Search engine optimization plays a pivotal role in improving a hotels visibility and attracting organic traffic. Effective SEO strategies help hotels rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs) when potential guests search for accommodation options. SEO not only improves a hotels visibility but also allows them to establish a direct relationship with guests, enabling personalized communication and upselling.

For those guests who make their way to a hotel website but dont convert, reservation recovery technology can turn abandoned visits into revenue opportunities. The technology is designed to capture guest data and automatically sends personalized, high-converting recovery emails, SMS, and push notifications to inspire them to complete the reservation.

Investing in enhanced online visibility and effective SEO strategies in conjunction with booking abandonment technology can lead to increased brand exposure, direct bookings, and improved guest satisfaction. By building trust and credibility and leveraging data-driven personalized digital experiences, hotels can leverage the power of the internet to drive revenue growth and achieve long-term relationships with guests that keep them coming back.

About RezRecover by CartStack

Built for simplicity, RezRecover by CartStack makes it easy for hotels to recapture lost online bookings and drive more direct revenue. The turnkey technology layers seamlessly alongside your existing solutions, inspiring more direct bookings by triggering automated, personalized, and high-converting email messages based on real-time user behavior, like abandoning a reservation. Integration is simple, the results are dramatic, and our support is unmatched. RezRecover is the best-in-class remarketing service for the global hotel industry that turns lookers into happy bookers. Recapture lost sales, boost the ROI of your marketing engine, and make your guests feel like you truly value their business. To learn more, visit cartstack.com/rezrecover.
Subscribers to Register-Star or The Daily Mail are eligible to receive full access to HudsonValley360.

If you have an existing print subscription, please make sure your email address on file matches your HudsonValley360 account email.
Hudson, NY (12534)

Today

A steady rain in the morning. Showers continuing in the afternoon. High 52F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low near 35F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Rose B. Simpson's Ancestors sculptures are displayed in an installation of 'Counterculture' at Field Farm in Williamstown last summer.

Williamstown Group Seeking to Install 'Ancestors' at Field Park

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  A group of residents wants to find a home for a public art installation honoring the first people to call the region home.

And they think one of the highest profile parts of town is just the place.

Bette Craig and Polly Macpherson met with the Diversity, Inclusion and Racial Equity Committee this week to talk about their goal of installing sculptures from Rose B. Simpson's "Counterculture" at Field Park.

"We just think that since Field Park is kind of our public square, it's where we show up when we want to protest or raise an issue, it would be a wonderful place to have this sort of public art," Craig told the committee.

If Craig, Macpherson and their collaborators are successful, it will mark the second residency for the 10-foot high, concrete sculptures in Williamstown. Last summer, they debuted at Field Farm in South Williamstown on land owned by the Trustees of Reservations.

Simpson, a Native American artist from New Mexico, has incorporated the tradition of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and other indigenous people into her art.

"Wherever they go, I'll be connecting with the people whose ancestral homeland is there to build a sort of relationship," Simpson told The New York Times last year. "Many tribes have been relocated, displaced from their own lands. So I wanted the opportunity to put their clay back in their hands."

Craig said the symbolism in Simpson's work can create a powerful message in the heart of Williamstown, which has spent the last few years starting to come to terms with the displacement of the Mohican people from the land where the town now sits.

"Our thought was, right now we have the 1753 House in the center of Field Park, and it would be wonderful to have kind of a conversation between the colonial settlers' commemoration the 1753 House represents and the people who were here, actually first, before the settlers came," Craig said.

Macpherson read to the DIRE Committee part of the text on the Trustees' website explaining the 2022 installation near Sloan Road.

"Simpson's most ambitious work to date, 'Counterculture,' honors generations of marginalized people and cultures whose voices have been too often silenced by colonization," the text reads. "The figures look across a post-apocalyptic vista, the vast homelands from which native peoples were forcibly removed. The artist imagines the figures as watchful presences, reminders that history and the natural world perpetually observe humanity."

"Counterculture" included 12 larger-than-life sculptures when it debuted on Field Farm last year. Those pieces then were displayed separately at sites around the country. Macpherson told the committee that some are in Wisconsin; some will be displayed at New York City's Whitney Museum of American Art in October.

The local group, which includes the Stockbridge-Munsee's tribal historic preservation manager, wants to bring two of the sculptures to Field Park  ideally for permanent display, Craig said.

She said the group has been in touch with the Jack Shainman Gallery, which represents Simpson, about acquiring the sculptures. In a happy coincidence, Shainman, who operates a gallery based in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City, grew up in Williamstown.

Macpherson explained that the group originally talked about creating a large public art display in the center of the planned traffic circle at the historic Five Corners intersection in South Williamstown.

Discussions with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation revealed that a large "structure" in the island would not conform with MassDOT regulations, but the agency's landscape engineer is working with the group to create some representation of traditional Stockbridge-Munsee imagery in the roundabout project.

In the meantime, the chance to acquire pieces from "Counterculture," "landed in our laps," Macpherson said.

"The exciting thing for us about art is its potential to engage people in larger conversations," she told the committee. "I was a docent at the Clark [Art Institute] and have been trained, if you will, in the Clark's methodology of engaging people with art."

Craig and Macpherson said the group working on the project is in its beginning stages and has a lot of work to do figuring out the logistics, including fundraising, determining who will be responsible for maintaining the sculptures once installed and, of course, determining a location. That said, the group understands that the Shainman Gallery cannot hold the pieces in reserve forever.

"Rose Simpson is a very, very up-and-coming artist," Macpherson said. "The Ancestors [as the sculptures are known] are very important to her. So should someone else come along and say, 'I'd like to have them come and live in my town  ' We don't want that to happen. But it could."

Craig and Macpherson came to the DIRE Committee in hopes that it would support the idea of a public placement at Field Park.

Committee members were immediately enthusiastic about the prospect.

"It's hard to imagine how to have community conversations about history in a way that doesn't involve some sort of artistic display," Andrew Art said. "Because it is a town space, and there is a memorial there now. It would be hard to provide enough context for a conversation other than through art.

"I just think this is a terrific idea."

Art said the committee could draft a resolution of support for the public art initiative. Randal Fippinger suggested that the Williams College Museum of Art, which is planning a new museum across the street from Field Park on the former site of the Williams Inn, could get involved in the acquisition process for the "Counterculture" sculptures.
The area of the proposed roundabout outside Berkshire Medical Center on the north end of North Street.

Pittsfield Council OKs Acquisitions for Road Improvements Near BMC

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The City Council OKed multiple orders for a state project last week to improve the vehicle and pedestrian ways near Berkshire Medical Center.



The state Department of Transportation is planning an overhaul of the corridor that includes the conversion of North Street between Tyler Street and Stoddard Avenue into one-way southbound traffic, a roundabout, bike lanes and shared-use paths, and new sidewalks.



Five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street were approved. The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding.



The five orders are:

City layout alterations and permanent taking by eminent domain of 16 parcels in connection with the intersection and signal at North and First Streets.



Taking by eminent domain one permanent drainage easement in connection with the intersection and signal improvements at First and North Streets.



Taking by eminent domain one permanent highway easement in connection with the intersection and signal improvements at First and North Streets.



Taking by eminent domain two permanent easements in connection with the intersection and signal improvements at First and North Streets.



Taking by eminent domain 24 permanent public utility easements in connection with the intersection improvements at First and North Streets.

Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales explained that the project is being paid for by the state Transportation Improvement Plan and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.



MassDOT estimates that the contract will cost around $9 million.



Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi abstained from all but the first order but recognized the significance of the project.



"I think we all agree that we would like to have easier access to Berkshire Health's main campus," she said.



"I mean, that intersection is a little bit confusing. In case of an emergency, you want your loved ones to get where they need to be quickly, especially if they're not in any ambulance."



Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren would like to see an alternative funding source to the Chapter 90 funds.



"I think we should come up with the monies elsewhere. I don't want to take Chapter 90 monies that should be being used for the roads," he said.
Pittsfield Man Found Guilty of Gun Charges

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  On Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, Jason McFadden, 43 of Pittsfield, was found guilty in Berkshire Superior Court of multiple gun charges.

These charges include:

Illegal Possession of a Large Capacity Weapon (1 Count)

Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (3 Counts)

Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm during the Commission of a Felony (1 Count)

Illegal Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device (1 Count)

Improper Storage of a Firearm (3 Counts)

Illegal Ownership of a Firearm (3 Counts)

Possession of cocaine with the Intent to Distribute (1 Count)

Possession of a Large Capacity Firearm during the Commission of a Felony carries with it a potential sentence of life in prison.

McFadden was found not guilty on 1 count of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony; 1 count of Improper Storage of a Firearm; and 1 count of Illegal Ownership of a Firearm.

The three not guilty verdicts were all tied to the weapon recovered at 100 Daniels Avenue.

According to a report from the district attorney, on Sept. 28, 2018, the Berkshire County Drug Task Force and the Commonwealth Interdiction Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at 98 Daniels Avenue. 98 Daniels Avenue is an apartment in a residential house. McFadden was found in a bedroom along with a second person.

Upon the execution of the search warrant, officers cleared the basement for anyone who might have posed a threat to the safety of law enforcement investigators. While doing so, investigators found an internal basement door that accessed the adjacent apartment, 100 Daniels Avenue. The door was unlocked indicating that an individual from 98 Daniels Avenue could have fled to the adjoining 100 Daniels Avenue apartment. Officers then had probable cause to then search 100 Daniels Avenue.

The search of 98 Daniels Avenue yielded:

Approximately $64,000 in cash

Multiple cellular phones

4 firearms including one large capacity firearm (all loaded with a bullet in the chamber)

Drug distribution paraphernalia (including 6 digital scales)

Two sets of keys containing car keys and miscellaneous keys including one key that opened a lock box containing 1 firearm

Residency paperwork for Jason McFadden and the second individual

The search of 100 Daniels Avenue yielded:

1 firearm (loaded with a bullet in the chamber)

3 cellular phones

Drug distribution paraphernalia

A leather shoulder holster with ammunition pouch (which fit one of the firearms located in the apartment)

Residency paperwork for Timothy McFadden (Jason's brother)

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. McFadden served time in New York based for the above charges.

First Assistant District Attorney Marianne Shelvey represented the Commonwealth. The Pittsfield Police Department, Berkshire County Drug Task Force and the Commonwealth Interdiction Narcotics Reduction Enforcement Team served as the law enforcement on the case.

Sentencing will occur after the bifurcated jury waved trial on Sept. 6, 2023. Jason McFadden is alleged to be an armed career criminal having been previously convicted of 3 violent crimes or serious drug offenses. This charge carries a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison with no eligibility for parole.
In its bid to help all kinds of businesses meet the demands and changing needs of their customers, Samsung Electronics Philippines (SEPCO) introduced the Samsung Kiosk to key enterprises and businesses in an event partnership with CTC Solutions Technology, Inc. (CSCSTI) in Hive Hotel, Quezon City.

Clockwise from left: SEPCO President Min Su Chu introduces the Samsung Kiosk to guests and attendees; SEPCO and CTCSTI leaders toast to a successful partnership; Guests from various enterprises are in attendance to know more about Samsung Kiosk; SEPCO and CTCSTI leaders pose for a photo during the event.

CTCSTI is a solutions first company with nearly 28 years of experience in catering to retail stores and quick service restaurants in the Philippines. CTCSTI has also been a premium partner of SEPCO since 2018, carrying the global brands Display technology to the retail and QSR markets.

In attendance were SEPCO President Min Su Chu, CTCSTI President Jayson Dy, CTCSTI General Manager Ina Estrolavio, Epson Philippines President and Director Kusama Masako with Senior Manager for Vertical Printers Noelle Gonzales, and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions Country Sales Manager for the Philippines Jayvee Chua.

In his remarks, SEPCO President and Managing Director Min Su Chu highlights the world class Kiosk technology Samsung offers. This year, Samsung is celebrating our 25th year in the Philippines. Our vision is to inspire generations of Filipinos with world-class technology that will not only empower every household, but also prime businesses for success. With our Samsung Kiosk, businesses will see and experience firsthand how our technology can help them go above and beyond.

He also highlights CTCSTI as a valuable partner for SEPCO. We are truly grateful for this partnership with CTCSTI. Weve seen a lot of successes together, and we thank them for generously sharing their experience and expertise in the retail and QSR industry.

Our vision is to inspire generations of Filipinos with world-class technology that will not only empower every household, but also prime businesses for success. With our Samsung Kiosk, businesses will see and experience firsthand how our technology can help them go above and beyond, shared SEPCO President and Managing Director Min Su Chu.

During the live demo in the event, guests were able to experience why Samsung Kiosk is the new standard for self-service. It is ready out-of-the-box and simple to install, operate, and maintain  helping businesses provide a modern and secure customer service.The convenience of contactless technology has become critical for businesses to meet consumer demand across various industries and applications, including bill payments, drive-thru, self-ordering, smart cafes, and many more.

Among the products and devices that guests were introduced to include the Digital Menu Board and Signage, the Flip Pro Interactive Whiteboard, Small Touch Displays, Ruggedized Phone and Tablet for mobile ordering.

Samsung Kiosk is part of Samsungs push to allow businesses and retailers around the world to optimize their customers journey. Here in the Philippines, fast food chain KFC currently uses Samsung Kiosk on Windows OS at 63 locations. The Samsung Kiosk creates an in-store digital experience for KFC customers, enabling them to self-serve and enjoy a more personalized and convenient visit. To continue enhancing its customer experience, the company will install Samsung Kiosks at more than 100 additional stores by the end of the year.

To know more about Samsung Kiosk, you may visit Samsung Kiosk with Windows i3 OS. To know more about how Samsung technologies can help your enterprise, please visit www.samsung.com/ph/business.
Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Barbie is getting a one-week Imax release in North America and select locations around the world.

Greta Gerwigs critically acclaimed film, which was originally released last month, will be shown in Imax theatres on 22 September. The forthcoming showings will feature exclusive post-credits footage selected by the director.

The news of the release was announced on Wednesday (23 August).

We made Barbie for the big screen, so its a thrill to be able to bring it to Imax, the biggest screen of all, Gerwig said in a statement to Variety. As a special thanks to Barbie fans, were excited to share a little bit more of our cast and crews incredible work by adding special new footage we hope audiences will enjoy.

Warner Bros executives Jeff Goldstein, president of domestic distribution, and Andrew Cripps, president of international distribution, added: If there was one thing missing in this winning Barbie strategy, it was being able to put Gretas singular vision on premium Imax screens over the uber-competitive summer corridor.

Heading into its sixth weekend in release, Barbie continues to draw packed audiences around the world.

We are so pleased to give them a chance to see Barbie, whether for the first or fifth time, in such an experiential format as Imax, said Cripps.

Richard Gelfond, CEO of Imax Corporation, also issued his own statement about the release, saying: For all of us in the exhibition community, its been exciting to watch an original film like Barbie become an unparalleled critical and commercial success this summer.

(AP)

Were thrilled to be partnering with Greta and her filmmaking team and our friends at Warner Bros to deliver this special edition of Barbie with never-before-seen footage exclusively to Imax audiences around the world.

Australian actor Margot Robbie, 33, leads Gerwigs movie as the titular Barbie, who must venture out into the real world to find her true purpose in life. Ryan Gosling plays Barbies boyfriend, Ken, while Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, and Simu Liu feature as other iterations of Ken and Barbie. America Ferrera and Will Ferrell star as humans.

As of 14 August, Barbie earned $1.18bn (982m) in revenue globally, securing its place as the highest-grossing release for a female director in history.

The film was well received by fans and critics.The Independents Clarisse Loughrey branded it a near-miraculous achievement from Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie in her five-star review.

Following Barbies undeniable success, Mattel has announced plans for 17 more films about its other toys, games and brands.
Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Roisin OConnors email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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.

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.

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.

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up

Bout to be Squishy Mud Man more like, another person joked on X/Twitter.

Who had Burning Man Gets Rained Out on their Armageddon Bingo? asked a third.

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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

North Korea said it made a second attempt to launch a spy satellite into orbit on Thursday, triggering alarm sirens in Japan as residents were ordered to take shelter.

Pyongyangs attempt to launch a reconnaissance satellite again failed, North Korea state media and neighbouring nations said, with KCNA citing an error in the third stage of the rockets separation.

Emergency alerts and evacuation orders were issued early in the morning for residents of Japans southernmost island of Okinawa as the rocket flew overhead before coming down in the Pacific Ocean.

North Korea vowed to make a third attempt to get its satellite into space in October, the state-run KCNA reported.

Its first failed attempt came on 31 May this year, but the projectile and its payload crashed into the sea shortly after being launched. Pyongyang later said it was due to rocket failure.

On Thursday, the space agency of North Korea said it launched the reconnaissance satellite Malligyong using a new type of carrier rocket  Chollima-1.

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, KCNA reported.

The rocket fell into the Yellow Sea after it broke into multiple parts, said Japans vice minister of defence Kimi Onoda.

South Koreas military also said that it detected a rocket flying above international waters off the Korean Peninsulas west coast.

An object salvaged by South Koreas military that is presumed to be part of the North Korean military spy satellite (EPA)

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launch violated UN Security Council resolutions that prohibit Pyongyang from using ballistic technologies.

South Korea has said it will salvage the parts of the second spy satellite to study it and later release an investigation report.

The South Korean military retrieved fragments following the first launch. The officials said in early July that the North Korean satellite wasnt advanced enough to conduct military reconnaissance.

Japan said North Korea had informed it of the planned launch of the satellite in the direction of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea between 24 August to 31 August.

In preparation, the Japanese Coast Guard issued a navigational warning in the sea and ordered ships to remain on alert for objects falling into sea.

The placement of its spy satellite into the orbit is among an array of high-tech weapons systems that Kim Jong-un is seeking to development in the face of what he calls US-led hostility. Analysts say North Korea is continuing to develop its nuclear and other capabilities in order to pressure Western nations into talks on sanctions.

The Kim regime has said that it needs a reliable reconnaissance information system in order to keep a grip on enemy military activities in real time.

The launch was condemned by the US, Japan and South Korea, saying the Norths repeated provocations will only result in strengthening a Washington-Tokyo-Seoul cooperation.

South Koreas National Security Council (NSC) deplored North Korea for driving its people to starvation and death by wasting the few resources they have on reckless provocations.

Japans chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno said Tokyo strongly protests North Koreas spy satellite launch and condemns it in the strongest terms.

Adrienne Watson, a spokesperson for the White Houses National Security Council, said the US strongly condemns the launch, adding that it involved technologies directly related to the Norths intercontinental ballistic missile program.

Ankit Panda, an expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that North Koreas space agency, National Aerospace Development Administration, is under time pressure to succeed.

[October] may be enough time for a new iteration. Theres no reason to think we wont see another launch attempt in that time frame, he said.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A 17-year-old Indian student whose naked body was found on the premises of a premier university earlier this month was subjected to slurs and had run room-to-room in his hostel to escape being bullied before falling to his death, police investigations have revealed.

The student, who has not been named for legal reasons, had moved 123km away from his home in West Bengal to the eastern states capital Kolkata, so he could attend the freshman year of college at Jadavpur University (JU).

Getting admitted to a Bengali language undergraduate course at the premier public state university was a matter of great pride for the students family.

But just three days later, his body was found near the varsitys boys hostel.

Now state investigators are trying to piece together the events leading to the teens death, amid claims he was a victim of ragging and was sexually assaulted minutes before his fall.

Ragging or hazing are terms used in India to describe bullying treatment meted out to first-year students by those in senior years, which can last the full year and ranges from performing menial chores to being subjected to physical abuse. The practice has long been outlawed, yet remains widespread.

The night of 9 August was a two-hour-long ordeal for the student. Stripped and paraded naked, he ran from room-to-room to escape bullying, before falling to his death at 11.45pm, reported several Indian outlets, citing police sources.

Police have so far arrested 13 people in the matter, including present and former students, and are considering invoking Indias stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences law.

According to the investigators, only one of the 13 arrested did not play an active role.

The teen was disrobed, bullied and abused with homosexual slurs, reported the Indian Express.

Police have carried out several reconstructions of the events on the night of 9 August in the JU main hostel, which ultimately led to the death of the student.

The teen  residing in room no 68  was summoned to room no 70 of the hostel by a senior, police were quoted as saying. There, he was stripped naked. He tried to escape the harassment and lock himself in room no 65, but was unable to do so.

He was chased from one room to another, with the seniors allegedly throwing homophobic slurs at him.

Some residents of the hostel have said that the 17-year-old told them that he was not gay. What provoked him to say so is now the focus of our investigation, a senior police officer monitoring the investigation told the outlet.

The teen was definitely ragged and sexually molested. He was paraded naked in the corridor after he was forced to undress in room no 70. We have evidence. Those 12 arrested have played some role in the whole episode, an officer told the Press Trust of India on the condition of anonymity.

The victim eventually fell from the second floor of the balcony just before midnight. The investigators have so far not been able to establish if it was an accident, a premeditated act or death by suicide.

The teen was taken to a private hospital with multiple wounds, where he succumbed to his injuries about five hours later. An initial postmortem revealed he suffered a fracture on his spine, as well as injuries to the left side of his head, rib and pelvis, reported The Times of India.

I want those who are behind the death of my son to face hell. He was murdered. He kept telling us that he was not well and was scared, and I should have brought him back home that same day, the father of the student told The Indian Express.

Senior students at the hostel are responsible for my sons death. They must have been scared that he would tell us the entire story of ragging if he returned home.

My son going to Jadavpur University was like a dream. Ever since he secured a seat there, we have been telling everyone with pride. Little did we know that this is what happens in big universities.

Many of my friends and others from my social circle are from JU, so I was very sure that he would be fine. My son was a very decent boy, he was every teachers favourite.

The incident has received national attention and is now the subject of a range of separate investigations, including by the West Bengal Human Rights Commission (WBHRC), the University Grants Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, the states child rights body, a state fact-finding committee and two of the universitys internal committees.

The WBHRCs report was the first to have indicated that the death was a result of ragging. The university administration has said it was not aware of the bullying beforehand while declining to comment further on the case.

The university has seen a change of leadership since the incident, with state governor CV Ananda Bose appointing Buddhadeb Sau, a professor of mathematics at the university, as its interim vice chancellor on Monday.

Several anti-ragging measures in the university have also been announced, including the installation of CCTV cameras at hostel gates, the segregation of first-year students from seniors and an increase in hostel security staffing, reported The Quint.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

At least 16 people have been arrested amid protests in South Korea against the release of radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear facility in Japan.

Japan began the release of a million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water on Thursday, a major step towards decommissioning the facility which suffered a triple meltdown due to the 2011 tsunami.

Dozens gathered outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul to express outrage at the release of the wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, with those arrested accused of attempting to enter an embassy building.

The Chinese government has expressed strong opposition to the plan to release the water and on Thursday announced a new ban on seafood imports from Japan in response.

The move was aimed at preventing the risk of radioactive contamination of food safety caused by Japans Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water discharge, and to protect the health of Chinese consumers, the Chinese customs department said in a statement on Thursday.

Chinas foreign ministry firmly opposed the plan on Thursday and said that the disposal of the contaminated water in Fukushima is a major nuclear safety issue with cross border implications and added that it was by no means a private matter for Japan alone.

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (Tepco), the plant operator, commenced the water release at 1.03pm local time. Local media said that the initial release operations proceeded without any reported anomalies.

Protesters outside power company offices in Tokyo hold signs reading Dont throw radioactive contaminated water into the sea! (AFP via Getty)

Over the next 17 days or so, Tepco will release about 7,800 tonnes of treated water into the ocean.

The Japanese government has maintained that the measure is necessary for the extensive work spanning decades aimed at decommissioning the facility.

Despite assurances by Japan and the approval of a two-year International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) investigation which deemed the water safe to release, some neighbouring countries have expressed scepticism over the plan, with Beijing emerging as the biggest critic.

The chief executive of Hong Kong, John Lee, said the release was irresponsible and posed impossible risks to food safety and the irreparable pollution and destruction of the marine environment.

On Wednesday, Beijing summoned the Japanese ambassador over the discharge of water.

Vice foreign minister Sun Weidong summoned Japans ambassador to China, Hideo Tarumi, to make solemn representations regarding the Japanese governments announcement that it would initiate the discharge of Fukushimas nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, a foreign ministry statement said on Wednesday.

Despite sweltering heat, hundreds of Japanese citizens from various regions of the country gathered in front of the Tepco headquarters in central Tokyo on Thursday morning, Chinas Xinhua reported. The protesters urged the authorities to stop the ocean release.

Police grapple with students attempting to break into the Japanese embassy in Seoul (AP)

The water has undergone treatment using the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), a method designed to eliminate radioactive elements except for tritium.

In the upcoming month, Tepco will conduct daily measurements of tritium levels near the water-release outlet about a kilometre off the coast.

In addition to those who will actually handle the operations, we are preparing to release information without delay, Junichi Matsumoto, the Tepco official in charge of the water-discharge project, said at a news conference before the process started, Asahi Shimbun reported.

We would like to proceed with a great sense of urgency, he added.

Earlier, the Japanese government upheld the neutrality of the final report from the United Nations nuclear agency, which maintained that Japans water-release plan adhered to international safety norms.

South Korean police detain protesters outside the Japanese embassy in Seoul (AP)

Japanese authorities also refuted claims that the country exerted pressure on the IAEA to release solely positive findings, denying any allegations of bias.

On Thursday, however, Greenpeace said that the radiological risks have not been fully assessed and that the biological impacts of tritium, carbon-14, strontium-90 and iodine-129  to be released with the water  have been ignored.

The process of water disposal is a lengthy endeavour that will span decades, involving continuous filtration and dilution, in addition to the planned decommissioning of the plant.

Tepco said that the process of the wastewater discharge will be halted in the event of natural disasters or abnormalities.

Meanwhile, fishing communities in Fukushima have expressed opposition to the plan as well. In fact, polls have revealed that these concerns are widely shared among the general populace.

A protester is carried out of the Japanese embassy in Seoul (AP)

Masanobu Sakamoto, the leader of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, stated on Monday that while the group understands the potential scientific safety of the release, they remain concerned about the potential harm to their reputation.

In a recent Kyodo poll conducted over the weekend, 88.1 per cent of respondents expressed anxiety about the potential economic repercussions arising from the release. China and Hong Kong have already tightened their restrictions on imports.

South Korea on Wednesday stepped up protests against Japan, calling Tokyos plan to discharge water from the Fukushima plant an act of terror.

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.

Additional reporting by agencies
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Terrifying drone footage has emerged of eight passengers, most of them children, clinging on for dear life while being trapped inside a cable car left dangling 900ft above a ravine in Pakistan.

The individuals  including at least six children  were stranded above the deep ravine for almost an entire day in the countrys Battagram area after one of the cables carrying the rickety car snapped at around 7.30am local time on Tuesday.

A 15-hour rescue operation unfolded, in which helicopters and zipliners were used. All those trapped inside the cable car were ultimately rescued in the incident that gripped the nation and made international headlines.

Now, new drone footage has revealed a close-up of the stranded cable car with the eight passengers holding on for support and huddled towards one side of the car that was still held intact by one of the cables.

The footage shows the rusted body of the cable car, which had no doors on one side and from the other, the doors seemed to be open.

The eight passengers  identified as Niaz, Attaullah, Usama, Ibrar Ahmed, Rizwanullah, Gul Faraz, Sher Nawaz and Irfanullah  look cramped in the space inside the cable car.

It was unclear who took the video using a drone.

Late on Tuesday, when the rescue operation involving helicopters and zipliners finally brought home the last of the stranded students, relief washed over the community as families broke into hugs and slogans of God is great reverberated through the valley.

One villager, identified as Janahzaib, told The New York Times: In that very instant, our comfort was found solely in our prayers. The entire valley is now filled with joy.

While cable cars present a practical solution for 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.

On Tuesday, when the rescue operation was ongoing, the community that had seen several cable car accidents in the last few years felt like doomsday.

One of the relatives of a stranded Pakistan student was quoted as saying by the BBC that it was like doomsday for the area.

Youngsters who were trapped in a broken cable car, receive first aid following their rescue, in Pashto village, a mountainous area of Battagram district in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (AP)

Everyone rushed out of their homes. A kid from almost every household was here, Fahim Udin Shah said.

The cause of the malfunction that risked the lives of at least eight individuals is still unknown.

On Wednesday, local authorities in Battagram geared up to undertake repair work of the malfunctioning cable car.

Pakistans caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said he ordered authorities to conduct safety inspections of all such private chairlifts and ensure that they are safe to operate and use.

I thought it was my last day and I will be no more, Attaullah Shah, one of the stranded passengers on the cable car, was quoted as saying by AFP.

The 15-year-old, one of the seven students who was trapped, expressed gratitude for having survived the incident.

God has granted me a second life, he said.

Army commandos, aided by civilians, used helicopters before high winds and falling darkness forced them to be called away on Tuesday, 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 Usama Sharif said: I had heard stories about miracles, but I saw a miraculous rescue happening with my own eyes.

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.

Mr Faraz called his family first, and then national 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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Ikea has pushed back the opening date for its new Oxford Street store to next year as it revealed new details about the planned outlet.

It came as the Swedish retail giant unveiled a 128ft (39m) by 62ft (19m) version of its signature blue Frakta carrier bag covering the scaffolding of the site.

Work on the Oxford Street store, which was previously home to Topshops flagship London site, started last year.

Ikea originally said it would open in autumn this year but has now said it hopes it will open by autumn 2024.

Ingka Investment, the investment arm of the retail group, bought the Grade II listed building at 214 Oxford Street after Topshop owner Arcadia fell into administration.

The renovation project at the site is creating a new 82,000 square feet store covering three floors, along with four floors of office space.

The new store, offering around 6,000 different products, will include a showroom, market hall, and a Swedish deli serving Ikeas famous meatballs.

Peter Jelkeby, chief executive and chief sustainability officer of Ikea UK, said: Were incredibly excited to be bringing Ikea to the heart of Londons vibrant retail scene on Oxford Street, which is a major milestone in our continued expansion plans across the capital.

By having a presence at one of the most iconic shopping destinations in the world, were taking a significant step forward in our ongoing journey to make it easier to shop with Ikea  whenever, wherever and however customers choose.

The extensive refurbishment will take more time than initially anticipated Peter van der Poel, Ingka Investments

Ingka Investments managing director Peter van der Poel said: When refurbishing this over 100-year-old historic landmark, its important for us as an investor to treat the building with care and to preserve its characteristics and atmosphere.

At the same time, we want to upgrade it to todays standards with the best possible sustainability credentials.

To ensure all of this, the extensive refurbishment will take more time than initially anticipated and Ikea Oxford Street city store is now expected to open in 2024.
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Multi-storeyed houses have crumbled in northern India after a landslide struck a hilly region amid widespread rainfall that has wreacked havoc there in the last few weeks.

The crumbling of the buildings was filmed on Thursday morning in a commercial area of Anni, a town in the Kullu district of the Himachal Pradesh state that lies along the Himalayan range.

Initial reports said there was no loss of life because the buildings were evacuated a few days ago due to the increase in risk seen from the heavy rain and thunderstorms in the area.

Emergency response teams such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed to rescue those feared trapped in the landslide.

Video shared by local media outlets showed eight to nine multi-storeyed buildings standing at a slope of a hill starting to crumble one by one and turning into rubble after a landslide strikes.

Disturbing visuals emerge from Anni, Kullu, depicting a massive commercial building collapsing amidst a devastating landslide, Himachal Pradesh chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on X, formerly Twitter.

Its noteworthy that the administration had identified the risk and successfully evacuated the building two days ago.

Himachal Pradesh has been battered by continuous rain, cloudbursts and landslides in the past few weeks which have killed dozens of people.

Rainfall has damaged key highways, including the Kullu-Mandi Highway, leading to hundreds of vehicles being left stranded.

The road connecting Kullu and Mandi has been damaged. An alternative route via Pandoh has also been damaged. Hence, the movement of traffic is suspended for now, senior Kullu police officer Sakshi Verma told news agency ANI.

Last week, a landslide in the Shimla city of Himachal killed at least 72 people as bouts of torrential rain continued to trigger landslides and floods, leaving locals scrambling for safety.

Earlier, at least 14 people were killed when a Hindu temple in the state capital collapsed, amid fears many others were still trapped beneath the rubble. A cloudburst in the states Solan district killed seven people earlier this month.

People look on after several buildings that had recently developed cracks and were evacuated, collapsed following heavy rains in Anni (AP)

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for the region and warned of imminent heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for the next two days.

While the monsoon season often gets deadly in Himachal, with several factors such as rampant and environmentally unsuitable construction making it highly vulnerable, rainfall this year has been more disastrous.

Assessments by scientists show the rising global average temperatures due to man-made climate crisis is leading to increased atmospheric evaporation and humidity levels, prompting more frequent and sudden extreme rain.

In July, record monsoon showers killed more than 100 people over two weeks in parts of northern India, including Himachal Pradesh, which was one of the worst-hit states.

South Asia receives 70-80 per cent of its annual rainfall in the three months of monsoon starting June. However, record showers this year have left even major cities like Delhi inundated with water, with water from the Yamuna river that cuts across many northern areas in India, reaching even the outskirts of Taj Mahal in July.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Pakistan, which is still reeling from last years devastating floods, has also evacuated 100,000 people ahead of flood warnings.
Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Independent Climate email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Observers and experts were dismayed as seemingly all but one candidate onstage during the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate seemed to deny the universal scientific consensus that human behaviour is causing the climate crisis.

Climate denial is alive and well in the year 2023, meteorologist Eric Holthaus wrote on X, previously known as Twitter, on Wednesday night.

During the debate in Wisconsin, the candidates fielded a pre-taped question by a youth named Alexander Diaz, who spoke about how the climate crisis is young peoples number one issue.

How will you as both president and leader of the Republican Party calm the fear that the Republican party doesnt care about climate change? Mr Diaz asked.

The moderators of the debate then asked candidates to raise their hands if they believed in the human origins of the climate crisis.

Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy argue during the debate (Getty Images)

Were not schoolchildren, lets have the debate, said Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who later insisted he never raised his hand in affirmation.

Instead of expounding on his views, he lashed out at Joe Biden for his response to the deadly Maui fires, the deadliest wildfire in more than a century in the US, a disaster that was fuelled in part by the climate crisis, according to scientists.

First of all, one of the reasons our country has declined is because of the way the corporate media treats Republicans versus Democrats, Mr DeSantis said. Biden was on the beach while those people were suffering. He was asked about it and said no comment. Are you kidding me? As someone who has handled disasters in Florida, youve gotta be activated. Youve gotta be there. Youve gotta be present. Youve gotta be helping people who are doing this.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy then chimed in, to a mix of cheers and boos, and said the climate change agenda is a hoax.

Scientists say the climate crisis helped fuel the deadly Maui fires

Lets be honest, as Republican Im the only person who isnt bought and paid for, he said. The climate agenda is a hoax... The reality is, the anti-carbon agenda is the wet blanket on our economy. The reality is, more people are dying of and by climate change policies than they are of actual climate change.

This isnt that complicated, he later said. Unlock American energy. Drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear. Put people back to work by no longer paying them more to stay at home.

The only candidate who affirmatively acknowledged the reality of the climate crisis at length was former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.

If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said, quoting former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Climate change is real, she continued. Yes, it is. If you want to change the environment, we need to start telling China and India that they have to lower their emissions.

An aerial view of a maintenance vehicle clearing mud near stranded vehicles along a flooded street after Tropical Storm Hilary floodwaters inundated an area of Cathedral City, California (Getty Images)

Climate experts and politicians were dismayed about the denial onstage, as the climate crisis helped fuel an unprecendented tropical storm in the California desert in recent days.

Climate change is real, by the way, Joe Biden wrote on X on Wednesday.

Vivek calls climate change a hoax, added the climate-focused Sunrise Movement in a post of their own. We call bluff that hes been outside this summer.

July was the hottest month on record in human history, according to scientists, the latest indicator of the gravity and urgency of the climate crisis.

Climate change is here. It is terrifying. And it is just the beginning, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said of the record last month.

The era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Selling Sunset star Amanza Smith has shared an update after undergoing surgery to treat an infection that spread from her bloodstream to her spine.

The interior designer, who works at the real estate company The Oppenheim Group, has revealed in a new interview how osteomyelitis, a painful bone infection, had affected her lower vertebrae.

Smith, 46, discovered the infection after experiencing severe backache that lasted nearly a month. After she collapsed while at her Los Angeles home back in May, her friend encouraged her to visit the hospital.

I thought I had a backache, and I almost died, Smith told People in the magazines latest issue. The doctors and my friend saved my life.

Smith told the publication that she was given antibiotics to treat the infection but faced some complications. She underwent surgery on her lower spin to clear the infection from the bones but later found out that the osteomyelitis had affected another area at the front of her spine.

The risk was the antibiotics wouldnt penetrate the bone, and my entire back could collapse, she said.

Smith had two surgeries to treat the osteomyelitis, which included having part of her spine replaced after it deteriorated as a result of the infection. The second operation lasted six hours, in which doctors inserted a titanium mesh cage in her back.

She previously said: Part of my spine has completely deteriorated due to the infection and Ill be getting a new vertebrae and a couple of screws and rods in my spine to replace what has been eaten away from the bacteria.

In the new interview, she told People: I am an iron woman, with rods and screws.

Amanza Smith pictured in 2022 (Getty Images for JOPR)

Smith returned home from hospital in early July, but her recovery period involves six months of antibiotics, physical therapy and treading lightly on her feet.

There are so many things I cant do, because I cant lift more than five pounds, she told the publication.

Sometimes my purse is too heavy. You cant speed up time, but Im very anxious to be able to do the things that I love to do. I like to decorate. I like to rearrange. I want to be able to hang things, but Im very limited right now.

Reflecting on her period in hospital, Smith said that she would never take her mobility for granted again.

When I can walk and jog again and do Pilates or ballet, I hope I stick to them because I plan on living to be 107, she said.

According to the NHS, osteomyelitis is a painful bone infection that usually goes away if treated early with antibiotics. However, it can cause serious long-term problems if not treated.

Anyone can develop the infection, but a person may be more at risk if they have diabetes, a broken bone, a weakened immune system or recently had an infection or surgery.

Smith joined Netflixs hit reality show Selling Sunset in the second series in 2019. The show follows the drama surrounding employees at The Oppenheim Group, an elite real estate brokerage selling luxury properties in Los Angeles.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Tony Blackburn has revealed that he had life threatening sepsis and pneumonia after coming out of a two-month stay in hospital.

The veteran BBC Radio DJ had pulled out of his Sound Of the 60s UK Tour and accompanying radio show earlier this year after he was taken ill.

At the time, Blackburn told his listeners he had a chest infection. Now that Blackburn has fully recovered and has been discharged from hospital, the DJ has revealed that he was actually suffering from sepsis, pneumonia and blood poisoning.

I was doing three a week at one time forgetting that Im now a little bit older, so I ended up in hospital for two months with sepsis and pneumonia and blood poisoning, he said on BBC Radio Scotlands Afternoon Show on Wednesday (23 August).

And I didnt realise how unwell I was until one day in the hospital my whole family were gathered around the bed. And I thought this isnt good.

A couple of weeks ago I went to see my specialist and he said you are cured, so that was a nice thing to hear.

After a three-month break, Blackburn has returned to his tour but will be doing one show per week rather than three per week.

He said: I havent been doing the [tour] show for about three months because I was told to rest a little bit. Now Im back in form and were selling out.

Tony Blackburn pictured in 2022 (PA)

I love being with the band and its just loads of fun.

Blackburn returned to BBC Radio 2 after Johnnie Walker covered his Sounds of the 60s radio show during his illness and has since launched a new show on Sunday afternoons  Tony Blackburns Soul on Sunday on BBC Radio London.

Back in May, Blackburn announced that he had been discharged from hospital and was looking forward to broadcasting again.

After three weeks in hospital I have just been discharged and am now at home to have some more treatment by having a daily injection for a few days from a hospital near me, he said.

Thanks to everyone at the Wellington Hospital in London, doctors and nurses for looking after me.

After my treatment and a rest I look forward to getting back @BBCRadio2 and @BBCLOCALRADIO to doing what I love doing. Just want to thank all my friends for your lovely messages, you are all so kind to think about me xx, he concluded.

According to the NHS, sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection when your immune system overreacts to an infection and starts to damage your bodys own tissues and organs.

There are lots of symptoms of sepsis, and those symptoms can be similar to other conditions, including the flu or a chest infection.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Jamie Oliver has shared a message of reassurance to children who have dyslexia on GCSE results day.

The celebrity TV chef, who was diagnosed with dyslexia while he was in primary school, shared a positive message to his Instagram page on the morning of GCSE results day on Thursday (24 August).

Oliver told his fans that while results day can be a stressful time for many, they shouldnt let school grades define them.

A lot of bright kids with dyslexia will be frustrated by what they receive, because the education system doesnt play to their strengths  but Im always keen to say dont let this define you, he wrote, sharing a picture of himself smiling in front of a green billboard promoting his first childrens book Billy and the Giant Adventure.

The TV chef, who rose to prominence after launching his campaign to introduce healthier eating to school children in 2005, reminded GCSE results recipients that school is just one part of your journey.

The wider world is more open to you coming at life in a slightly different way. You dont have to be conventional, you just have to have the confidence to do it, he wrote.

We need to embrace everyones inner genius, which definitely comes in different shapes and forms. Whatever your results today, I know you can and will achieve amazing things!

Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in fluent word reading and spelling, but it can affect a range of intellectual abilities.

Oliver left school at the age of 16 with two GCSE qualifications in art and geology before training as a sous chef. He went on to write his own best-selling recipe books and open his own restaurant chain Jamies Italian.

In 2005, Oliver launched a campaign originally called Feed Me Better to encourage healthier eating in schools. He infamously targeted processed meat in schools  a cause that the British government pledged to address.

The chef then starred in several TV series, including Jamie Olivers Food Revolution, Jamies School Dinners, Jamie at Home, and later, Jamies 15 Minute Meals. In April, Oliver launched his first childrens book, titled Billy and the Giant Adventure, which follows friends Billy, Anna, Jimmy and Andy when they stumble across a gate into another world and embark on a new adventure.

Speaking about his experience having dyslexia while in school, Oliver told Made By Dyslexia in 2017: I had nothing to offer at school, I didnt learn much about myself at school. I didnt feel compelled to excel or put any effort into my classes but I liked hanging out with my mates.

Jamie Oliver said previously that he felt that people stigmatised dyslexia while he was in school (PA Archive)

He said in the interview that he felt there was a stigma against dyslexia while he was in school, and felt as though he didnt receive the support that he required.

School is quite rigid, everything is based on measurement but every child is different, he said.

There were only five people in my special needs class [at school] but three of them have done really well. I know people who left school with AAA who are on just above minimum wage, he said.

We have a massive problem in the country with under-mentored and under-loved kids that dont see that you can be good at something very simple and turn it into a lifes work that you enjoy, that makes you want to get out of bed with a spark in your eye.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Arlyn Heart Phoenix has shared a touching message in remembrance of her late son River Phoenix, on what would have been the actors 53rd birthday.

River, whose younger brother is Joaquin Phoenix, died on 31 October 1993 at the age of 23 due to a drug overdose. His birthday fell on Wednesday 23 August.

Heart posted a candid photograph of River on her Instagram account. The image, which appeared to have been taken in 1988, showed River playing a guitar that was slung over his shoulder.

He is pictured with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a plaid shirt over a black T-shirt, with one arm raised and looking at a faraway point off-camera.

His mother wrote that bringing her eldest son into the world on 23 August 1970 was one of the most amazing days of my life, adding that it was truly a touch of the most sacred.

River Jude embraced each of his siblings (who entered through the same portal after him) with his humour, wisdom, authenticity, talent, compassion, vulnerability, and undying love, she wrote in a lengthy caption.

I would say he was and still is our greatest teacher. The greatest pain I experienced in my life was the pain of natural childbirth and, even though quite different, the pain of my sons passing.

But almost instantaneously on both occasions, the gifts that he brought were imbued in each of us and so we carry on celebrating his life for those 23 precious years. There are no guarantees in life and I dont believe any of us were promised that we would not experience tragic moments, Heart added.

I count it one of the greatest blessings by living in the moment and drawing upon inner knowing as a sacred pathway to navigate through lifes many challenges. Rivers life and death taught me that, in no uncertain terms.

She went on to write that her late son was very much alive in her, and thanked fans for all the precious messages they have sent her over the last 30 years.

Rivers death occured at The Viper Room venue in West Hollywood, California. At the time, Joaquin was with him.

Their sister Rain Phoenix, 50, also paid tribute to her late brother on social media and shared two photographs of the Stand By Me star on her Instagram account, accompanied by the caption: Happy birthday River.

One of the photographs was a black-and-white portrait of River as an adult, while the other showed River and Rain as children sat side-by-side as they smiled for the camera.

In 2020, Joaquin, 48, opened up about the impact that his brothers death had on their family. The Oscar-nominated Joker star is usually extremely private about his personal life, but spoke candidly about the tragic event during a special episode of 60 Minutes with US journalist Anderson Cooper.

River was a really substantial actor and movie star, and we didnt really know it, Joaquin said. So during that time in which youre most vulnerable, there are helicopters flying over. There are people that are trying to sneak onto your land.

Certainly, for me, it felt like it impeded on the mourning process, right?

Heart, who also appeared in the episode, agreed with Joaquin, adding: The grieving process happens out of nowhere, you know? Ill be driving and all of a sudden, I will feel it. And Ill just welcome it.

Heart had five children in total, including River, Joaquin and Rain. River was her eldest child, followed by Rain, and then Joaquin. She also has two younger daughters, Liberty and Summer.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Duke of Sussex is expected to travel to the UK in September on the eve of the first anniversary of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth IIs death.

Prince Harry will attend an award ceremony for WellChild on 7 September, where he will deliver a speech. He has been a patron of the charity for seriously ill children for 15 years. It is one of the few patronages he has kept after he and the Duchess of Sussex stepped back as senior royals in 2020.

It has been said that the duke may be in the UK on 8 September, the anniversary of the late monarchs death. He is expected to be in Dusseldorf on 9 September to kick off his Invictus Games, where he will meet Meghan Markle, who is expected to fly straight from California to Germany.

During Harrys brief time in his home country, however, he is not expected to see any members of his family, including his father King Charles III or brother, the Prince of Wales.

The King will be in Balmoral to mark the first death anniversary of his mother, while the rift between Harry and Prince William has seen contact between the siblings cease for many months now.

The news follows after royal sources claimed that peace talks between the King and his youngest son would not go ahead as hoped. It was previously reported that Charles and Harry would meet on 17 September, which would coincide with the end of Harrys Dusseldorf trip and the Kings return to London from his summer break in Balmoral.

Earlier this week, The Daily Beast quoted sources as saying that there will be no summit between Harry and any senior member of the royal family. It comes after the King appointed Sir Edward Young as one of his Permanent Lords in Waiting  a likely blow to Harry, as he previously expressed his disdain for three senior courtiers, one of whom is believed to be Young.

In his bestselling memoir Spare, the duke is believed to have nicknamed Young, who was a trusted private secretary to the late Queen, as the Bee and accused him of fixing the terms of his and Meghans departure from the royal family.

The last time Harry was seen among the rest of his family was in May, when he attended his fathers coronation at Westminster Abbey. He was seated in the third row, two rows behind William and Kate Middleton, and left the ceremony promptly after it ended. He did not speak to the King, Queen Camilla, William or Kate at the event.

Harry in the third row (Getty Images)

He was last in the UK in June, when he appeared at the High Court for his case against Mirror Group Newspapers. He entered the witness box to give evidence in an attempt to prove the newspaper group published stories about him using illegally obtained information.

According to The Telegraph, Harrys return to the UK might mean he will have to ask Buckingham Palace for permission to stay in an apartment on one of the royal estates for the first time. The Sussexes were evicted from their UK residence, Frogmore Cottage, earlier this year.

Harry also has the option of staying with friends or in a hotel. He could also stay with his cousin Princess Eugenie at her and husband Jack Brooksbanks residence, Ivy Cottage. The duke remains close with Eugenie and she has visited him and his family in the US several times.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Princess Charlene of Monacos Instagram account appears to have been deleted amid rumours that shes been living in Switzerland and only sees her husband for ceremonial occasions.

The princess, 45, who is married to Prince Albert II of Monaco, 65, appears to no longer be active on the Instagram account @hshprincesscharlene. When searching for the Instagram handle, the page returns with no results and instead a message that reads: Sorry, this page isnt available. The link you followed may be broken, or the page may have been removed.

Charlene previously used the Instagram account to share photos of the royal couples two children: Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, eight. While her personal account appears to have been deleted, the Instagram account for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation remains active.

The deleted Instagram account comes amid rumours that the princess was living in Switzerland and only sees her husband by appointment, German and French outlets recently reported. The couple were previously spotted on a yacht with their children this summer, according to the Daily Mail. However, Charlene allegedly did not return to Monaco with the family.

A source told French newspaper Voici that the former Olympic swimmer and the son of Grace Kelly are a ceremonial couple who only reunite in Monaco for official engagements. Meanwhile, sources told German outlet Bild: Albert and Charlene are now good partners, take turns taking care of the children.

The royal palace of Monaco has yet to respond to the claims. However, Prince Albert previously dismissed rumours that the couple were separated earlier this year. In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Palaces press office said they formally deny the malicious rumorus peddled by the French magazine Royaute, which claimed that the couple were in the process of separation. Please disregard this article which is totally unfounded, they said. Palace sources also told People that reports of an estrangement were made up of old stories which werent true to begin with.

Princess Charlene has previously lived on-and-off in South Africa, after she developed a sinus infection in May 2021 due to complications from a sinus lift and bone grafting procedure. She was forced to remain in South Africa under the care of doctors. Initially I was supposed to be here for 10 to 12 days, unfortunately, I had a problem equalising my ears, and I found out through the doctors that I had a sinus infection and quite a serious one. So, its taking time to address this problem that Im having, she told People in July 2021.

In September that year, Prince Albert clarified that his wife took the trip to work with her foundation and to visit family and friends, and not because they were separated. She didnt leave Monaco in a huff! he told People. She didnt leave because she was mad at me or at anybody else. She was going down to South Africa to reassess her foundations work down there and to take a little time off with her brother and some friends.

Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco attend 74th annual Monaco Red Cross Ball on 29 July 2023 (AFP via Getty Images)

Princess Charlene returned to Monaco that fall, but quickly halted her public duties in November 2021 due to a state of profound general fatigue. It was later revealed that she was receiving treatment at a facility in Switzerland. She then made her first public appearance in more than a year at the Monaco E-Prix race in May 2022, with both her husband and children. Charlene also attended the state funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022.

The latest reports that Princess Charlene is living in Switzerland comes after Prince Alberts son Alexandre Grimaldi opened up about certain narratives surrounding his parentage. Grimaldi, 19, is the second eldest child of Monacos reigning monarch. In 2005, shortly before Prince Albert ascended the throne after his father, Prince Rainier III, had died, he confirmed that he had fathered a child with former Air France flight attendant, Nicole Coste. A French newspaper reported that Alberts son Alexandre Coste was born in August 2003. Just a few days before he was enthroned on 12 July 2005, the prince confirmed via his lawyer that Grimaldi was his biological son.

Speaking to French magazine Point de Vue, Grimaldi clarified that he was not an illegitimate child since neither of his parents were in another marriage nor did they commit adultery while conceiving him. I hope no one believes the lies conveyed on the internet, he said. One bears the name of ones father when one has been recognised since birth. I had voluntary recognition from my father when I was a baby. Not from a judge or the press who have forced him to.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A recent study has found that 24 August is the sickest day of the year in the United States.

In the study shared by Flamingo - a website that tracks the paid time off that workers take at different companies - the company found that most Americans call out of work sick on 24 August.

After researchers analysed paid sick leave data from the last five years from different US-based businesses, it was revealed that the August date holds the title of Americas sickest day of the year. The study also noted that the late summer showed a more significant drop in attendance than the winter months, which is often associated with cold and flu season.

The second most popular day for Americans to call out sick was 13 February, followed by 25 October and 15 December.

In addition, Flamingo also found that February is the sickest month for American workers throughout the last five years. During February, businesses across the US saw an average of 10 per cent of its workforce taking sick time off.

As for the most common reasons for calling out sick, 54 per cent of American workers in the study cited having stomach issues, which included food poisoning or a stomach bug. A 25 per cent of people missed work due to the COVID-19 virus, nine per cent took leave for stress or anxiety, and six per cent took off due to physical injuries.

When giving their bosses notice about taking a sick leave, 54 per cent of Americans opted to do so over text - including using sites such as Slack, WhatsApp, or Messenger. While 33 per cent of workers called their company to say that they were taking a sick day, 12 per cent of Americans gave their notice via email. Only two per cent of workers gave zero notice and didnt inform their bosses when taking a sick day.

This isnt the first study to examine how frequently Americans have taken sick days. According to a survey conducted by Statistica in 2020, 30 per cent of adult respondents who either worked or studied did not take any sick leave in the last 12 months.

The number slightly decreased in 2022, with 26 per cent of survey respondents saying that they didnt take a single sick day that year. Meanwhile, 15 per cent of respondents answered that they took two to three sick days in 2022, while seven per cent took six to 10 days.

Last year, a survey conducted by One Poll - consisting of 2,000 American workers - found that 32 per cent of respondents dont feel bad when calling out of work, while 36 per cent of respondents are likely to call out of work in the moment they feel sick.

The poll, shared via New York Post, also found that Gen-Z and millennials were most likely to skip work because they are sick, while Gen-X and baby boomers are more willing to work through their sicknesses.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Spirit Airlines passengers were allegedly forced to wait more than seven hours in the plane before takeoff, the latest incident from the controversial airline.

On 15 August, passenger Lindsey Mascera shared a video to TikTok which showed a plane full of passengers who reportedly waited seven hours inside the aircraft. The video has since been viewed more than 11 million times.

Most airlines usually allow passengers to off-board the plane or find another flight in the case of delays, but according to Masceras TikTok, passengers were left fidgeting and standing as they waited for news from the airline staff.

We have 200 passengers on this flight right now, Mascera said in the video. How long have you been waiting?

Seven hours, a fellow passenger replied, to which the TikToker claimed: They told us it was going to be 30 minutes and were all still on this flight. Its almost 11 pm and weve been here since 4pm.

She then panned her camera towards the empty cockpit: We got delayed, and now theres no pilots to be found and theres no answer.

The video ended with Mascara simply stating: Do not ride Spirit. They suck.

Although well-known for its low ticket prices, Spirit Airlines is perhaps best known as the second most complained about airline in the US, according to data on passenger complaints from the US Department of Transportation. Many grievances ranged from flight delays, to cancellations, to missed flight connections.

In the TikTok videos comment section, there was an outpour of users sharing their negative experiences with the airline. My dad waited 12 hours, and it was cancelled, one user recalled, while another claimed: Once I was with Spirit, and it took 13 hours.

Bro I wouldve opened that back door and been gone, someone else wrote, as another said they wouldve yelled: Ive been kidnapped by Spirit Airlines. HELP!!

Despite the criticism, some people contended that at least the airlines seats looked comfortable.

In a follow-up video uploaded by Mascera, a flight attendant could be heard offering passengers a refund if they wished to deplane the aircraft: I have no arguments with what all of you think and your frustrations. If you do want to come off the aircraft, you can come off the aircraft, and we will issue you a refund.

Mascera later claimed that she waited 12 hours in the plane.

In a statement to The Independent, a Spirit Airlines representative said: Spirit Airlines flight 1736 returned to the gate in Fort Lauderdale (FLL) on 15 August due to air traffic control-imposed delays and weather conditions. Once at the gate, our guests were offered access to the terminal. Despite our best efforts, the continued ATC and weather delays affected our abilities to reschedule, and we later cancelled the flight.

The representative added: Our guests were offered the option to rebook on the next available Spirit flight or request a refund. We apologise for the inconvenience.

The Independent has contacted Mascera for comment.
Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Norway is rebuilding a dilapidated reindeer fence along its border with Russia in the Artic to stop the animals from wandering into the neighboring country  costly strolls for which Oslo has to compensate Moscow over loss of grassland.

Norwegian officials said Thursday that so far this year, 42 reindeer have crossed into Russia seeking better pastures and grazing land.

The reindeer barrier along the Norway-Russia border spans 150 kilometers (93 miles) and dates back to 1954. The Norwegian Agriculture Agency said a stretch of about 7 kilometers (4 miles) between the Norwegian towns of Hamborgvatnet and Storskog would be replaced.

The construction, with a price tag of 3.7 million kroner ($348,000), is to be completed by Oct. 1, the agency said.

The work is a challenge, however, as the workers have to stay on the Norwegian side of the border at all times" during construction, "which makes the work extra demanding, said Magnar Evertsen of the agency. If a worker crossed into Russian territory, without a Russian visa, that would amount to illegal entry.

The reindeer crossings bring on a lot of additional bureaucracy. Russia has sent two compensation claims, the agency said.

One claims is for nearly 50,000 kroner ($4,700) per reindeer that crossed into Russia to graze in the sprawling Pasvik Zapovednik natural reserve in the Russian Murmansk region. The other claim is asking for a lump sum of nearly 47 million kroner ($4.4 million) in total for the days the animals grazed in the park, which consists mostly of lakes, rivers, forests and marshland.

The agency said that of the 42 animals that entered Russia this year, 40 have been brought back to Norway and the remaining two are expected to come back soon.

The returned animals have since been slaughtered out of fear that they may wander back to Russia, Evertsen said. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority may demand the carcasses be destroyed for safety reasons, the government body said in a statement.

The reindeer are herded by the Indigenous Sami people in central and Arctic Norway. Formerly known as the Lapps, the Sami are believed to have originated in Central Asia and settled with their reindeer herds in Arctic Europe around 9,000 years ago.

They traditionally live in Lapland, which stretches from northern parts of Norway through Sweden and Finland to Russia. Across the Arctic region, the majority live on the Norwegian side of the border.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A man who murdered his wife has refused to reveal where her body is, claiming: I dont even know if shes dead.

Glyn Razzell was convicted of murdering mother-of-four Linda Razzell, 41, after she disappeared without a trace on her way to work in Swindon, Wiltshire, in 2002. Despite extensive searches, her body has never been found.

At a rare public parole board hearing today, the killer refused to reveal where he left her remains, despite pleas from their children to be able to hold a funeral.

He even claimed blood evidence was planted - with his estranged wifes help - to incriminate him.

The latest hearing came after he was denied parole in 2021 under Helens Law, which aims to make it harder for inmates to be freed until they reveal what they did with their victims remains.

At the hearing, held at an open prison where Razzell, now 64, is serving his sentence, he was asked by a panel of experts if he could help police locate her body.

The panel asked: Your children and Linda Razzells family have been grieving for many years and they want to arrange Lindas funeral... Where can the police locate the remains of Linda Razzell?

He claimed he shared his childrens anguish but added: I dont know where Lindas remains are. I dont even if shes dead for sure. I am sorry if that upsets people.

I do understand the anguish my children in particular and Lindas family I understand the way they feel. If there were anything I could do to help than I really would, particularly for my children.

I dont know where Lindas remains are. I dont even know if shes dead.

Razzell also told the parole board he hopes to find his wife if he is released from prison. Maintaining his innocence over her murder, he told the board: I dont know where she is. I would like to try and find her.

He also claimed some of the evidence in a 1024-page dossier of evidence being considered by the parole board paints a false picture of him and his behaviour during the couples and during their acrimonious divorce.

Linda Razzell (PA)

Razzell denied allegations he abused his wife during their marriage, alleging he was the one monstered by her as their relationship broke down.

He also denied allegations of emotional, financial and often physical abuse of Mrs Razzell in the years leading to up to her death.

The allegations arent true, he said. They were made by my wife who had a motive to make them and it saddens me it really upsets me because of the serious harm they are doing to me because thats what my children think of me.

Asked about blood evidence matching Mrs Razzell found in the boot of a car he had borrowed, he told the panel: I think it was placed there to incriminate me. It must have been with Lindas involvement because it was fresh blood.

So I suspect it was probably not Linda herself because that is not her character, I suspect it was someone cooperating with her.

He insisted he was not victim blaming, adding that he believes his wife was alive during the first week after she disappeared.

The hearing was told Razzell is now working as a prison minibus driver in open conditions, driving inmates to work placements and hospital appointments.

He insisted he would comply with any licence conditions and vowed not to engage in intimate relationships, in response to concerns a new relationship could increase his risk in the community.

He said: I am not going to have an intimate relationship. I know you have probably heard that hundreds of times before. I dont feel I need one. I have been on my own for 15 years now.

Asked if he feels guilt over the impact of his conviction on the four children he shared with Linda, he added: I dont feel guilt for it because it isnt caused by me but I do feel their pain and their suffering and I carry that too.

He is among the first inmates in history to face a public hearing under new rules to increase transparency around parole decisions, after similar hearings for notorious prisoner Charles Bronson in March and killer Russell Causley last December.

Razzell did not want to be seen on video but could be heard on a live stream of the proceedings being relayed to a public gallery at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Ahead of the hearing, Mrs Razzells partner at the time of her disappearance Greg Worrall, called for Razzell to stay behind bars.

He shouldnt qualify for parole. He has no remorse, Mr Worrall told the Guardian.

Hes not afforded us a funeral for Linda. Every day, he decides to commit the same crime again and again  preventing a lawful burial. Every day he prevents the burial should be another day on his sentence.

On the day of her disappearance in March 19 2002, Mrs Razzell left her home in Highworth, Swindon, dropped her then fiance Mr Worrall to work at the local Honda factory and her kids to school.

Her red car was later found in a side street near where she worked at Swindon College, along with her mobile phone which had been left on the ground.

Razzell was arrested and charged with her murder two months later after police found bloodstains matching Linda in the boot of a car he had borrowed.

At his trial in Bristol, Razzell was described as a methodical man who planned everything.

In 2019, police searched a country park in after a tip from a member of the public but did not find anything.

The parole board is expected to consider a range of factors, including the inmates behaviour in prison, whether they are likely to commit more crime or are a danger to the public, a victim impact statement and medical, psychiatric and psychological evidence.

Helens Law, also known as the Prisoners (Disclosure of Information About Victims) Act 2020, was named after insurance clerk Helen McCourt, who vanished on her way home from work in Billinge, Merseyside, in 1988.

The law was passed following a tireless campaign from Helens mother Marie McCourt, but came too late to stop Helens killer Ian Simms being granted parole. Simms died last year without ever revealing what he did with her body.

The hearing continues.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A fundraising campaign launched to raise money for Lucy Letby to appeal her conviction has been criticised as disgusting and an absolute travesty.

The US-based campaigner who launched the fundraiser claims that the serial killers conviction may represent the greatest miscarriage of justice the UK has ever witnessed.

Letby, a former neonatal nurse, has been unmasked as Britains most prolific child serial killer after she was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital.

She is one of only four women to be sentenced to a whole life order, meaning she will die behind bars. While she has the right to appeal against her sentence, successful appeals of this kind are rare and her legal team has not revealed if they plan to appeal.

The campaign claims that the prosecution weaponised evidence against Letby (PA)

Led by Sarrita Adams, a scientific consultant for biotech startups based in California, the aim of the campaign is to ensure that scientific evidence is used responsibly in the criminal justice system. According to her LinkedIn profile, Ms Adams has a PhD from Cambridge.

Taking to social media, members of the public called the campaign an absolute disgrace while one commented this would only bring more pain to the families of her victims.

One user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: What is wrong with these people with their belief that she is innocent. I can understand why people are angry about this.

Named Science on Trial, Ms Adams and her campaigners are hoping to secure a new trial for Letby and claim to be working alongside scientists, lawyers and activists.

The campaign is not currently open for donations but there is a coming soon note on the donate button.

A statement on the campaigns website criticised the medical evidence presented at the trial, and the decision to allow medical expert Dr Dewi Evans to give evidence relating to the injections of air and the quality of his submissions.

It also claims the prosecution weaponised evidence and that Letbys defence submissions were not adequate, despite the nurse taking to the stand.

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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A 10-year-old girl found dead at her home in Woking was seen at school with cuts and bruises on her face months before she died, a neighbour has claimed.

Sara Sharif was found after police were called from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif, who is now wanted for questioning alongside his partner Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28.

Police believe they travelled to Islamabad on 9 August, with five children aged between one and 13.

Sara suffered extensive injuries over a sustained period before she was found dead at the property in Hammond Road, a post-mortem examination showed.

It has now been claimed that Sara, who was known to Surrey County Council, had been seen in school with injuries to her face and neck in April.

(Sara Sharif )

Her neighbour, identified only as Jessica by the BBC, said her daughter told her Sara had gone to school with the injuries, but claimed she had fallen off a bike when asked about them.

Just before the Easter holidays she was in school and had cuts and bruises on her face and her neck, Jessica told the BBC.

My daughter had asked what had happened and she said shed fallen off a bike and then kind of walked away. The next day the teacher announced she had left school and she was being home-schooled.

Another neighbour told the broadcaster she never saw Sara smile or laugh and she seemed like a quiet and reserved child.

It comes as Surrey Police issued a renewed appeal for information to help the investigation after her father, 41, his partner and her uncle travelled to Pakistan a day before her body was discovered.

On Thursday, Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, of Surrey Police, said: It is now two weeks since Saras body was found and the impact of her tragic death continues to be felt deeply by the local and wider community, including our officers and staff.

Her father Urfan Sharif (left) and his partner Beinash Batool (right) are being sought by Surrey Police (PA)

We would like to thank those people who have already come forward and reported information to us.

However, we know that there will be lots of people in the Woking community and beyond who will have had contact with Sara who may not already have come forward, and we would encourage them to do so.

Surrey Police are also searching for her uncle Faisal Malik, 28 (Surrey Police)

Any information is better than no information - although you might think its insignificant, it might be vital to the investigation and in helping us to bring justice for Sara.

Sara Sharifs uncle, Imran Sharif, was being held in custody for questioning in Pakistan on Wednesday, according to Sky News.

He claimed he has not seen his brother Urfan and has denied having any knowledge of where he or his family are.

A person leaves flowers outside the home Sara was found dead on 10 August (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

According to Jhelum police, Mr Sharif claimed 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.

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting Operation Unison or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

TikTok prankster Mizzy has again been released on bail after he was accused of posting videos on social media without the consent of the people featured in them.

The star, real name Bacari-Bronze OGarro, appeared at Stratford Magistrates Court in east London on Thursday morning.

He was listed for trial on three counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order but his case was adjourned because he has now been accused of engaging in further criminal activities, according to a joint submission by prosecution and defence lawyers.

The case was previously adjourned on July 19 at the same court.

OGarro was initially placed on bail for the offences at a hearing at Thames Magistrates Court in May.

The 18-year-old spoke to the PA news agency outside court on Thursday, saying society is out to get me and adding: We will conquer.

Mizzy is charged with three counts of breaching a criminal behaviour order (PA)

One of the alleged offences took place on May 25 when OGarro visited the Westfield Centre in Stratford, which he is not permitted to do under the criminal behaviour order.

He told PA after a previous hearing that he was unaware he was in breach because he had not been given a map of the out-of-bounds area.

The two other offences relate to videos posted on May 25 and May 26 allegedly without the consent of the people involved.

OGarro will appear at Stratford Magistrates Court again on September 21.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The killer of a popular flower seller has been jailed for life with a minimum term of 20 years.

Tony Eastlake, 55, was fatally stabbed in May 2021 near his stall in Islington, north London, by his late girlfriends son James Peppiatt, who blamed him for her suicide.

The actions of Peppiatt, 23, who was found guilty of murder after a trial at the Old Bailey, were needless and senseless, Judge Richard Marks KC said while sentencing him on Thursday.

Mr Eastlake ran the stall for more than 40 years, starting work at 14 and known locally as the "Flower Man of Islington".

The Old Bailey heard Tony, 55, had a relationship with Peppiatt's mum Alicia Callaghan in 2018 after he separated from his wife.

She took her own life on April 1, 2021, which caused a "rift" between him and Peppiatt.

Julian Evans KC, prosecuting, said: Tony Eastlake told his friend that James Peppiatt blamed him for his mothers death.

Tony called Peppiatt while packing his flower stall at 5pm and then made his way along Essex Road.

There he met the killer and the pair walked together. Tony was later heard saying something along the lines of, "don't p*** me off".

Peppiatt then "moved at speed" towards Tony and a fight ensued, lasting around 40 seconds, leaving both men injured.

Tony Eastlake was known as The Flower Man of Islington (PA)

When the flower seller tried to walk away, Peppiatt continued to follow and then could be heard saying, "don't f***ing talk to me like that".

One witness thought he then landed a punch on Tony's back, but really he stabbed the flower seller in the back, severing his thoracic aorta, which is the main blood vessel in the body.

Peppiatt fled the scene and chucked the knife as well as his phone in the canal.

Three days later, he handed himself in and answered "no comment" in his interview.

Members of the public, including some who knew Mr Eastlake, ran to help him and one called the emergency services. Despite their best efforts, Mr Eastlake died just before 6pm. The stab wound was found to be 6.5cm deep.

Peppiatt told the court that his girlfriend and cousins told him his mother had attempted to take her own life two weeks before she died.

He claimed that on May 29, Mr Eastlake had turned up at his house asking him why people were calling him and blaming him for his mothers death.

Peppiatt said Mr Eastlake was fuming and told him he was p****d off, adding: What have you been going round telling everyone?

Speaking to the court, Peppiatt said: Then when he spun round he had a knife in his hand. I see it shining out of his hand. I grabbed the knife and then I grabbed his shirt.

Sentencing Peppiatt, Judge Richard Marks KC said: You were angry. You wanted to continue the argument. You were ready to have another fight.

Tony Eastlake was 55 years of age. He had a flower stall in Islington where he worked for the whole of his life.

He was extremely well-known in the area and was a hugely popular local figure. He was known as The Flower Man of Islington.

I am told that hundreds attended his funeral and a later vigil. I heard this afternoon in profoundly moving terms from his daughter and sister.

They were present throughout the trial and remain utterly broken-hearted by his senseless and needless death.

He added that when the two men came to blows, Mr Eastlake had tried to walk away.

That should have been the end of the matter, Judge Marks continued, It wasnt, because you pursued him.

You approached Tony Eastlake from behind and when he had his back to you, you punched him once to the back.

It wasnt in fact a punch but rather a blow with a knife that penetrated his aorta and led to his death at the scene, minutes later.

Mr Easlake's daughter, Paige, told the court in a victim impact statement: "Life will never be the same without him.

"He will never walk me down the aisle, he will never get to see my children. We will never do anything together again.

People lose their parents but not like this, not at 55 years old.

Theresa McLaren, Mr Eastlakes sister, said: My world was always better with Tony.

Peppiatt, dressed in a white shirt and waistcoat, was unmoved as his sentence was announced.

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects at a vigil at his flower stand, Florence & Fleur, on May 31.

Peppiatt, of Elmore Street, Islington, denied but was convicted of murder.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Pressure is building on the UK and Irish governments to do more as the political stalemate in Northern Ireland is branded the seventh circle of hell.

The Stormont Assembly has been effectively collapsed for more than a year while the DUP refuse to participate until they are satisfied that the UK has acted to protect the region in post-Brexit arrangements.

Speaking after meeting a large group of US politicians during a visit to Belfast, DUP MLA Emma Little-Pengelly insisted things could move quicker with political willingness on the part of the UK government.

Sinn Fein MLA Conor Murphy said the UK and the Irish governments have a responsibility to work together to resolve the impasse.

During the meeting with the US politicians, Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong said Northern Ireland is in the political equivalent of the seventh circle of hell.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, Ms Armstrong said she was inspired to make the reference to Dantes Inferno after being asked by the US delegation how things were going in Northern Ireland.

It feels like were going round in circles, were not getting anywhere fast, we have a budget that is causing so many problems in Northern Ireland and sadly we have no legislature here to take any solutions forward, she said.

The DUP are the people who need to take a decision about the Windsor Framework, Im hoping that they can do that very quickly so that we can all get back.

Responding to a question around whether parties felt embarrassed meeting the delegation in Parliament Buildings that were not functioning politically, Mr Murphy said if there was embarrassment it should belong to the DUP.

Mr Murphy also said his party has had meetings with the UK government over the summer, and detected no urgency to get Stormont functioning again.

He said his party raised that with Irish premier Leo Varadkar when he visited Belfast earlier this month.

The penny seems to be dropping in Dublin at least, he said.

It is not a tenable situation to allow this to drift on. Were moving now into the implementation phase of the (Brexit) protocol arrangements and the DUP are still holding out in terms of negotiations.

The two governments are co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, they have a responsibility for taking action, for working together in the first instance, which would be a welcome development, and taking action to ensure that these institutions are put back in place.

It shouldnt continue one day longer. It wasnt tenable when the DUP brought down the institutions, and its certainly not tenable now.

Pressed for a timescale on her partys discussions with the UK Government to secure what they need to return to Stormont, Ms Little-Pengelly said it could happen quickly with political willingness.

We are engaged in a process of back and forth in terms of the constructive discussion to try to find resolution to the issues, she said.

We have been very clear with the Government in the document we have given them, what we need to see, and we have highlighted the concerns and issues raised to us by businesses about the Windsor Framework, and I think its very clear there are a lot of questions around what the implementation of all of this will mean.

We want to find solutions, we havent been prescriptive about what those are because we want to get the maximum flexibility.

I think there is, at the moment, a real obligation on the UK Government to build that trust with the people of Northern Ireland, fulfil what it is that the Prime Minister and his Government have promised to the people of Northern Ireland, and thats what were waiting to see.

These things can be done very, very quickly if there is political willingness to stretch, and to move and to find solutions. We believe this can be done very quickly if that willingness is there and we would urge the Government to find those workable solutions sooner rather than later and to allow for the stabilisation of things here.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Up to 10,000 Ukrainians are being offered free English language lessons in a bid to improve their job prospects in the UK.

Some of those who have fled the war in their homeland and settled in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be given almost 20 hours of online English learning a week over a period of 10 weeks, the Government said.

The announcement comes on Ukrainian Independence Day.

Other employment support over 12 weeks will include advice on how to find jobs, CV writing and application support, as well as one-to-one interview practice, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said.

This much-needed programme will enable us to offer transformative language and employment support in partnership with the British Council to thousands more Ukrainians seeking to rebuild their lives in the UK Paul Anticoni, World Jewish Relief

The latest Government data up to August 14 shows that 184,400 Ukraine Scheme visa-holders have arrived in the UK under either the Ukraine Family Scheme or the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

Survey results published in July suggested more than half of adults who fled Ukraine due to the war want to stay living in the UK even when it is safe to return to their home country.

Some 52% said they intend to live in the UK most of the time when they feel it is safe to return to Ukraine, according to research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The majority of these people said this decision was because there are more opportunities for work in the UK, according to the survey, which was based on data collected from 10,709 people aged 18 and above between April 27 and May 15 2023.

Minister for housing and homelessness Felicity Buchan said: Ukrainian Independence Day is a time to celebrate Ukrainian culture and traditions, as well as our shared values.

It is also a sombre reminder of the need to continue to support our Ukrainian friends in their fight against Putins barbaric invasion. We continue to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

These new English language and employment support courses add to the package of wider government support in place to help Ukrainians find work and settle into our communities while its not safe to return to Ukraine.

World Jewish Relief is the charity chosen in partnership with the British Council to run the online courses and the aim is to train up to 10,000 Ukrainians within a year.

Paul Anticoni, chief executive of World Jewish Relief, said: We are proud of the difference that World Jewish Relief has made, and will continue to make, in providing essential support for those forced to flee by war.

This much-needed programme will enable us to offer transformative language and employment support in partnership with the British Council to thousands more Ukrainians seeking to rebuild their lives in the UK.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A woman teaching English to the Ukrainian military has said she hopes it will become the second international language for her country as it serves as an intellectual weapon 18 months into the ongoing war.

Olena Chekryzhova, 35, who is based in Kyiv, has been voluntarily teaching the Ukrainian military English for roughly a year and two months, through a project called ENG for UARMY, which she founded, as a means of doing her part for the war effort.

When the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia happened on February 24 2022, she started out by helping civilians to evacuate and provided people with essentials, before initially being invited to help teach English at one of the military units in Ukraine.

Commanders and personnel there wanted to implement English courses because a year ago, it was obvious that Ukraine would get military aid, weapons and support from our Western allies, Ms Chekryzhova, speaking on Ukraines Independence Day on August 24, told the PA news agency.

They wanted to increase and improve their competencies in English to co-operate with their foreign colleagues, handle weapons more effectively and communicate with journalists from abroad about the war.

I decided to give it a go and so headed to the base of this military unit and settled there for almost four months.

I lived there and I taught almost every day and it was quite an experience that allowed me to understand the military better, to understand the environment they live in and work in, their psychological climate and it allowed me to start this project to teach English to the military.

She has since taught English, which is in line with Nato standards, to thousands of people from various units, both in person and online via a YouTube channel, which translates from Ukrainian to English as Army English, alongside a team of fellow volunteers.

The lessons can take place anywhere between twice to six times a week, depending on the unit, with the project ENG for UARMY also encompassing offline teaching, speaking clubs for the military, work with veterans and workshops for teachers.

Speaking about the challenges faced, she said it can be difficult to incorporate the lessons into the soldiers tight military training schedule, but it has been possible due to their organisation and motivation to learn.

Another challenge is that soldiers have to learn something completely new while having to contend with the everyday hardships of living in a country embroiled in war.

Its much harder to learn something and devote your efforts to something apart from surviving, and intellectual processes slow down like memory and attention span, she said.

Thats why I had to break my course into smaller chunks to simplify information and teach information which is really required and at the same time, to keep the course entertaining.

Ms Chekryzhova  who has taught English professionally since 2009  said that feedback from the military has been positive, with her helping them to understand things better and improve their performance in the military field.

She spoke about the role English has played, and continues to play, in the war being of paramount importance.

The most powerful allies of Ukraine have English as their primary language and its a bridging language between us and them, she said.

I really believe that our efforts will change something in this war and equip and arm our soldiers with more knowledge and act as an intellectual weapon so we can fight in a more effective way.

I believe that English should become the second international language for Ukraine.

She said her work with the military has distracted her from the ongoing war as she is so absorbed in it, and many Ukrainians have become used to air raids, which is not healthy.

But, I think that in the conditions, its a natural process for people to adapt and try to survive, she added.

She said that as winter nears, Ukrainians are already thinking about how they will get through it, with essentials such as electricity and heating expected to be under threat.

With August 24 marking a year-and-a-half since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Ms Chekryzhova said that she wasnt surprised by the events of February 2022 as when Russia began seizing territory in eastern Ukraine in 2014, she was in Donetsk and witnessed it all unfold.

For me, that was the time that Russia invaded Ukraine and I had to abandon my home in Donetsk and become an internally displaced person and I still have this status, she said.

She hopes that Western allies continue to remember the plight of Ukrainians, adding: Another thing that people can do is to tell their politicians and governments to provide help to Ukraine or support initiatives like ours and discover the real history of Ukraine to dispel this stereotype that Ukraine is a part of Russia.

Those who wish to volunteer to teach English to the Ukrainian military can sign up using this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc8qgm_iQpPeAH2TvlbDVc465E1Ntd_8_aNF9v46IW15qqq0A/viewform

More information about the course can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@engforuarmy or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olena.chekryzhova

The team are looking for partners to support the project, and donations can be made to: olena.chekryzhova@gmail.com
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Women with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) tend to have more symptoms and co-occurring conditions than men, according to the worlds largest study of the disease.

The study, entitled DecodeME, reveals women who have the condition for more than 10 years are more likely to experience increasingly severe symptoms as they get older.

ME/CFS is estimated to affect more than 250,000 people in the UK, of all ages and from all social and economic backgrounds.

Its key feature, called post-exertional malaise, is a delayed dramatic worsening of symptoms following minor physical effort.

Other symptoms include pain, brain fog and extreme energy limitation that does not improve with rest. Causes are unknown and there is currently no diagnostic test or cure.

We discovered that the disease is worse for women, in older people, and many years after their ME/CFS started Professor Chris Ponting of the University of Edinburgh

Experts from the University of Edinburgh analysed anonymous survey questionnaires from more than 17,000 people with ME/CFS.

Two-thirds of women, and slightly more than half of men, reported at least one active co-occurring condition.

Similarly, 39.2% of women and 28.6% of men reported at least one inactive co-occurring condition.

A condition was considered active if the participant had experienced symptoms in the preceding six months.

The most common active co-occurring condition was irritable bowel syndrome, with clinical depression, fibromyalgia, anaemia and hypothyroidism also featuring prominently.

Women also reported, on average, more symptoms than men  42 compared with 36.

The most common of these symptoms were brain fog  a term commonly used to describe the cognitive impairment experienced by participants  unrefreshing sleep and muscle pain.

These findings highlight the very serious impact ME/CFS has on women who are disproportionately affected Sonya Chowdhury, chief executive of Action for M.E

Participants were also asked to define the severity of their illness from mild to very severe using definitions from the UKs National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.

Experts identified that being a woman and having ME/CFS for more than 10 years are risk factors for severe illness, with symptoms increasing in intensity as they age.

Professor Chris Ponting, study lead from the MRC human genetics unit at the University of Edinburghs Institute of Genetics and Cancer, said: ME/CFS is a devastating disease affecting a UK population the size of Derby.

We discovered that the disease is worse for women, in older people, and many years after their ME/CFS started.

Our hope is that DecodeMEs genetic results will shed light on why certain groups are more susceptible to ME/CFS than others.

Sonya Chowdhury, chief executive of Action for M.E. and chair of the management group of the study, said: These findings highlight the very serious impact ME/CFS has on women who are disproportionately affected.

Its important to also recognise the impact that it has on men who have ME/CFS and we thank the 20,000 men and women who have already signed up to take part in this very important study.

We still need more to join us, so if you are 16 or older, live in the UK and have a diagnosis of ME/CFS, please do take part now to help us decode ME at www.decodeme.org.uk/portal.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

An inspirational teenager who has achieved nine GCSEs despite battling severe health problems since being diagnosed with cancer aged three has been praised for his courage and determination.

Seb Murphy, 16, from Guisley, Leeds, has faced formidable hurdles since being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, a stem cell transplant and spinal fusion surgery.

During the pandemic he kept up with lessons at Bradford Grammar School thanks to a robot loaned by Leeds General Infirmary.

He is celebrating scoring a 9, five 8s and three 7s in his nine GCSEs, and will now take A-levels in psychology, business, history and English literature at the school.

He said: Its been a really rough journey. But the support of my family, friends, and the school has kept me strong, and Ive had a lot of support and good care from the hospital.

Ive known my consultant since I was four and Ive built up a good relationship with her.

I just take everything one day at a time.

Headteacher Simon Hinchliffe said: Seb has shown a huge amount of courage and determination to keep up with his studies in the face of such tough health issues and gruelling treatments.

We are very proud of him, he is a credit to the school and we look forward to supporting him as he pursues his A-levels in September.

I was shielding for quite a while because of Covid and so my friends and other people in the year group would take the robot and move it around for different lessons Seb Murphy

Seb went through three-and-a-half years of chemotherapy when he was first diagnosed.

After five years in remission, he was told his leukaemia had returned in December 2017.

Chemotherapy did not work this time, so he was trialled on an experimental immunotherapy treatment to get him into remission.

A stem cell transplant was needed and a German donor was identified as a match.

Seb received the life-saving operation in April 2018.

His immune system was wiped out and he spent six weeks in hospital, isolating, and missed 18 months of school during treatment and recovery.

Im also very grateful for the support of my teachers who did live Teams lessons for me to access at home which enabled me to keep up with my learning on the days Ive not been well enough to get into school Seb Murphy

Seb shielded during his recovery, and during the Covid pandemic, so he continued his studies using a robot which sat in lessons for him and beamed the action back to his tablet at home.

He said: I was shielding for quite a while because of Covid and so my friends and other people in the year group would take the robot and move it around for different lessons.

Im also very grateful for the support of my teachers who did live Teams lessons for me to access at home which enabled me to keep up with my learning on the days Ive not been well enough to get into school.

The dedicated pupil still faces health challenges and only has around one third of his normal lung capacity, which impacts his stamina and energy levels.

Even after sitting his GCSEs, he faced another operation, this time having spinal fusion surgery to correct scoliosis which developed during his cancer treatment.

I would advise anyone in a similar situation to just keep on going, keep working hard and stay positive Seb Murphy

Looking back at his exams, Seb said: Im really pleased with my results  its more than I expected. Im looking forward to celebrating with family and friends.

I would advise anyone in a similar situation to just keep on going, keep working hard and stay positive.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The government has been accused of failing vulnerable Afghans as figures show just 233 have been resettled in the UK this year under the flagship scheme.

The latest statistics come as it was confirmed Afghans were the most common nationality to arrive by Channel crossings in the first half of 2023.

At least 1,474 Afghan nationals arrived in small boats from January to June, Home Office figures released on Thursday showed.

Afghans fleeing the Taliban have been forced to make the perilous journey across the Channel because they cannot access the official routes, which have been criticised for being too narrow.

The Independent has revealed how Afghans who served alongside British troops have been threatened with deportation to Rwanda once they reach UK shores.

Military chiefs and politicians have called on Rishi Sunak to get a plan to relocate the hundreds of Afghans who are eligible for resettlement in the UK and who are currently stuck in Pakistan.

New figures show that only 66 people have ever been resettled under pathway two of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (Acrs), which was designed to help at-risk Afghans find sanctuary in the UK. Some 41 people have come under the third pathway, which supports, among others, Afghan teachers who worked with the British Council.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) UK said that the small numbers revealed the governments failure to provide protection for vulnerable Afghans.

IRC UK executive director Laura Kyrke-Smith said: In pushing forward the Illegal Migration Act, the government time and time again assured concerned parliamentarians and the British public that there existed safe routes for refugees from countries like Afghanistan. These statistics show that these routes simply arent matching the scale of need.

She called on the government to expand the Acrs scheme to honour the original pledge of 20,000 places.

Afghans were the second most common nationality applying for asylum in the year to June 2023, with 9,964 applications, almost double the number in the previous 12 months (5,154).

After the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the British military airlifted thousands of people from the country to safety in the UK and set up two schemes to help others left behind. But both the Acrs and the MoDs Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap) have faced criticism from campaigners and charities for being too slow and limited.

Shortage of safe and legal routes for migrants, Suella Braverman told by Tory MP

Pathway one of the Acrs scheme, which focused on those who arrived in the UK under the evacuation programme or who were unable to board flights at the time of the large-scale evacuation, has seen 126 people resettled in the year to June.

The Arap scheme, which was launched in April 2021 for those who worked for or with the UK government in Afghanistan, saw 2,336 people resettled in the UK in the 12 months to June this year.

The government pledged to resettle more than 5,000 people in the first year of Acrs, and up to 20,000 over the coming years.

In the two years between July 2021 and June this year, a total of 9,778 people had been resettled under Acrs  although more than 9,000 were resettled before the scheme had officially opened in January 2022.

There were 6,575 Afghans in hotels or serviced accommodation by the end of June, half of whom were children, the government said.

Afghans were given a deadline to leave hotels by the end of August, with Cabinet Office minister Johnny Mercer recognising earlier this month that the announcement had been a controversial move but insisted it was done with compassion in mind to get people into permanent accommodation.

Councils have expressed concerns that many of those evicted from hotels could end up presenting as homeless, therefore needing temporary accommodation.

A government spokesperson said: No one should be risking their lives by crossing the Channel or taking dangerous and illegal routes to reach the UK- there are safe and legal routes to come here.

The number of Afghans which the UK has commited to resettling under the ACRS scheme is generous, and greater than many of our international counterparts.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The US was on the verge of shaming Britain by giving the hero Afghan pilot who served alongside coalition forces asylum before the UK government eventually took action, The Independents Editor-in-Chief Geordie Greig has said.

The pilot was finally permission to stay in the UK after a five-month-long campaign by The Independent, backed by top politicians, military figures and celebrities.

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 and threatened with deportation to Rwanda.

But in a shock U-turn, the government granted him refugee status this week.

Britain has always had this reputation for opening its arms to those in need. We did it during the lead-up to the Second World War, we did it in the aftermath of the Second World War, weve done it for Ukraine. We promised those who were with us in Afghanistan who risked their lives that we would stand by them, Mr Greig said in an interview with LBC.

The irony for us is that America was on the verge of shaming Britain by offering this man a refuge, a place to stay.

In June, The Independent revealed that the US Department of State was investigating whether to give safe haven to the Afghan pilot after UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace refused to intervene after the pilots application to the UKs Afghan refugee scheme was rejected.

Mr Greig said it was extraordinary that the UK government threatened to deport the pilot to Rwanda who offered to put his life at risk to fight alongside us as part of a coalition force.

It broke every covenant, every agreement, every pact of decency, he said.

Speaking about the Home Offices decision to grant the pilot asylum in the UK after The Independents campaign, Mr Greig said: Wed been told at the very highest level, by the Ministry of Defence and No. 10 that this would not happen.

They seem to be worried it was going to tip up their policy over small boats. It was going to ride a coach and horses through that. They put political primacy over principle.

He continued: I think they just lost their nerve and realised it would be impossible for them to not look totally shameful in sending someone who fought and had been alongside us at our moment of need, and we were going to send him on a plane, possibly in handcuffs, to Africa, and say nothing to do with us.

The airman, who flew more than 30 sorties planned by British and US commanders against terrorist threats, was described as a true patriot to his nation by his US supervisor.

Reacting to the news of his plea to be allowed to stay in the UK, the pilot said he was completely happy.

But his battle is not over yet and he must now start the arduous process of applying to bring his wife and child, who are still in hiding in Afghanistan, to join him  a process that could take more than a year.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The justice secretary has ordered an independent inquiry into the circumstances and handling of Andrew Malkinsons case, after he wrongfully spent 17 years in prison for a rape he did not commit.

His conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal last month after DNA testing linked the crime to another man.

Justice secretary Alex Chalk said: Andrew Malkinson suffered an atrocious miscarriage of justice and he deserves thorough and honest answers as to how and why it took so long to uncover.

The core function of our justice system is to convict the guilty and ensure the innocent walk free. Yet a man spent 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit while a rapist remained on the loose. It is essential that lessons are learned in full..

The inquiry will investigate the handling and the role of Greater Manchester Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Criminal Cases Review Commission in his conviction and subsequent appeals to ensure lessons are learned.

Andrew Malkinson had his conviction quashed at the Royal Courts of Justice in London (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

Mr Malkinson was sentenced to life in prison in 2004 after a 33-year-old woman was raped and left for dead on a motorway embankment the previous year.

Despite there being no DNA evidence linking him to the crime and Mr Malkinson appearing at work the next day without a deep scratch on his face as described by the victim, he was convicted by a jury.

Having spent almost two decades fighting to clear his name and to convince authorities of his innocence, his conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in July 2023.

Responding to news of the inquiry, Mr Malkinson said: I welcome this independent inquiry because I want full answers and accountability from all those who played a role in the injustice I suffered.

I hope the chair of this inquiry will adopt a scientific approach to get to the full truth behind why the justice system was in denial for so long.

I spent over 17 years wrongly imprisoned and so I hope that my lawyers and I will be given the opportunity to feed into the inquirys terms of reference.

Mr Malkinson was cleared by the Court of Appeal (PA) (PA Wire)

I had to take the police to court twice to force them to hand over evidence. The CCRC has so far refused to apologise and take accountability. So naturally I am concerned that witnesses from these agencies may not co-operate and hand over all the evidence.

If there is any obstruction by the agencies involved, then the inquiry needs to be made statutory so that they can be compelled to hand over evidence.

I want to see serious, profound changes in our justice system coming out of this. My case shows that the police cannot be trusted to investigate impartially or act as faithful gatekeepers to the evidence. It also shows that the CCRC, which could have spared me years of life behind bars, is not fit for purpose.

Emily Bolton, founder of Appeal and Mr Malkinsons solicitor, said: It is absolutely right that there is an independent inquiry into Andys avoidable wrongful conviction and how this catastrophic injustice persisted for two decades.

He has welcomed the independent inquiry and has called for full answers and accountability (Jordan Pettitt/PA) (PA Wire)

The police, prosecution, courts and CCRC all failed disastrously in this case. Their actions must be scrutinised in the same way investigators interrogate black box data after a plane crash.

Andy must be at the heart of any inquiry including having a voice in setting its terms of reference.

If the agencies involved refuse to act with full transparency and candour, then the inquiry must be put on a statutory footing. Andy is all too conscious of the delays caused by the polices failure to disclose documents to the Daniel Morgan Inquiry, which was non-statutory.

To avoid future catastrophes in our justice system, this inquiry must not shy away from calling for bold reforms.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Archaeologists have discovered evidence which may shed new light on the distant origins of British identity - at an ancient festival site.

Its long been known that the word Britain is derived from a Celtic word (Pritani), meaning the painted ones - almost certainly reflecting a prehistoric predilection for body-painting.

However, theres never been much potential archaeological evidence for such the cultural tradition  until now.

Recent investigations of a 6,500-year-old probable ceremonial prehistoric site in north west England have identified the largest collection of pieces of red ochre ever found in Britain.

More than 600 red ochre fragments were recovered from the Stone Age site, located near Carlisle  along with the grinding stones used to reduce lumps of red ochre to powder, probably for the production of pigment.

Located on what had been a small (1.2 acre) island in the River Eden in prehistoric times, its likely that the site had been used for major ritually and economically significant communal gatherings.

Some evidence suggests that it acted as an important fishing base during the peak of the spring salmon run  probably in mid-April.

Its likely that these fishing operations were carried out with special triple-pronged fishing spears (so-called tridents or leisters) and with bows and arrows.

The 6,000 year old wooden tridents from Stainton West near Carlisle after conservation work. They are now displayed at Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery in Carlisle (Scott Wigglesworth on behalf of Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery)

There is evidence for Stone Age arrow manufacture on the site  and archaeologists have also found two large very early Neolithic wooden tridents which appear to have been deposited in surrounding wetland as votive offerings to local gods or ancestral spirits.

Although its impossible to know for sure how many people participated in exploiting the spring salmon run and took part in any associated ceremonies and rituals, there are indications of the scale of what is likely to have been an important annual event.

The flint-working debris (over 300,000 fragments have been recovered from just the 12% of the island which has been excavated) suggests that in total, many hundreds of arrows and other artifacts were being made there during each annual gathering in the late Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) period. The site was most intensely used over a period of some 800 years.

The Oxford Archaeology team excavating the wooden objects exceptionally preserved in waterlogged soil at Stainton West near Carlisle. These objects date to the Mesolithic and Neolithic - and their level of preservation is very rare. (Image owned by Oxford Archaeology)

This suggests that the number of people at the gatherings probably exceeded a hundred - a figure which implies that the April gatherings were attracting members of up to half a dozen different small hunter-gatherer bands and extended families.

The artifacts found at the site have revealed that the people who gathered there either came from a very wide geographical area.

They had somehow acquired volcanic glass (pitchstone/obsidian) from the Isle of Arran (120 miles away by sea) and from the Yorkshire coast (100 miles away cross-country), as well, as from areas much nearer the site, such as the Cumbrian Mountains (the Lake District), the North Pennines, the coast of the Solway Firth, and Scotlands Southern Uplands.

One of the two 6,000 years old tridents as it emerged from the mud during excavations at Stainton West (Image owned by Oxford Archaeology.)

The site has yielded the largest collection of volcanic glass (some 230 pieces) ever found in England.

The archaeologists - from one of the UKs leading archaeological consultancies, Oxford Archaeology, also found a rare example of Mesolithic art  a piece of stone with three parallel lines inscribed on it.

The now-long-vanished island (at Stainton West near Carlisle), which the Stone Age Britons used as their salmon-fishing base was ideally located. It was in a part of the lower reaches of the Eden, where, in prehistoric times, the river was divided into a number of very narrow channels.

An aerial view of the Stone Age site at Stainton West near Carlisle with the river Eden in the background. The excavations revealed the Prehistoric channel of the river which attracted human activity for millennia. (Image property of Oxford Archaeology)

This meant that, as the salmon migrated upstream from the Irish Sea, they were forced to swim through those narrow channels where they could be more easily caught by humans. Its likely that the Stone Age fishermen would have temporarily obstructed the narrow channels (with nets or wickerwork barriers), so as to temporarily concentrate as many salmon in as small an area as possible.

Archaeologists working at Stainton West near Carlisle, taking samples of the soil from the ancient river bed where evidence of human activity was found. The soil samples were later analysed to reveal information about the climate, plants, insects, and animals present there during the Stone Age. (Image property of Oxford Archaeology)

Some of the salmon would have weighed around 7 kg and been more than a metre long. The spring would have seen large numbers migrating up the Eden. That would have been particularly useful from a nutritional perspective.

The Carlisle site is important because it demonstrates the social complexity of Mesolithic hunter-gatherer society - and the remarkable extent to which widely dispersed communities interacted across much of Britain, said the leader of the archaeological investigation, Fraser Brown of the UK consultancy, Oxford Archaeology.

Its the first time that extensive evidence has been found, revealing just how interconnected British Stone Age hunter-gatherer bands were before the introduction of agriculture.

Its also the first time that archaeologists have found large numbers of red ochre fragments in Britain - 610 in total.

Tridents and bows and arrows appear to have been the fishing equipment used to catch the salmon. Indeed tridents became important in ancient mythology. This ancient Greek painting shows the Greek god of the sea, Poseidon, with his emblematic trident. (Louvre Museum, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Although it is by far the largest such discovery, finds in other parts of the UK demonstrate that red ochre was used by prehistoric Britons not only in and before the Mesolithic, but also in the Neolithic, the Bronze Age and the Iron Age.

The Mesolithic Carlisle red ochre (together with other, later, prehistoric archaeological red ochre evidence from other sites) complements surviving later linguistic and historical evidence to suggest that body-painting was almost certainly a British tradition - a tradition which seems to have led to the territory eventually being called Britain (ie., the [land of] the painted people).

One of the earliest recorded occurrences of a name for Britain was Prettanike - written down by a Marseille-based Greek explorer called Pytheas in the 4th century BC. He had visited Britain - and appears to have learn the Celtic name of the territorys people (the Pretani) either from its Celtic inhabitants or from their Celtic neighbours in northern France.Pytheas Greek rendering of the name of our island  Prettanike - subsequently evolved into the Roman word for Britain (Britannia).

Julius Caesar, writing in the mid 1st century BC specifically mentions that the inhabitants of Britain had a tradition of painting themselves - and from at least the late 3rd century AD onwards, the people of Scotland were also described as the painted people  Picti (Picts).

Even as late as the 6th century AD, the inhabitants of northern Britain were described by an Eastern European pro-Roman historian, Jordanes, as painting their bodies with iron red [pigments].

The red ochre discovery at the Carlisle site ) may well have been an early part of a continuous British body-painting tradition which ultimately generated the name of the island.
Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Nadine White Sign up to our free fortnightly newsletter The Race Report Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A probation worker who quit his job after he claimed the prison service ignored his complaints of being subjected to monkey chants and racial abuse by a colleague has won a payout.

Lloyd Odain, who worked as a contractor, complained to HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in 2019 alleging he was racially abused at its offices in Reading, Berkshire.

But Mr Odain said he felt ignored and isolated and nothing appeared to be done when the offender was allowed to return to work in the same office following a flawed investigation.

The decision left Mr Odain with no choice but to leave the job he enjoyed, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission.

Now, more than three years after his initial complaints, Mr Odain has received compensation after the probation service settled the case.

Mr Odain, in a statement issued on his behalf by the EHRC, said: I feel grossly let down by the prison and probation service. I worked in the Reading office for many years in different roles and took pride in my job helping people who were struggling to find a path in life.

After being subjected to monkey chants and other racist behaviour, I followed the correct processes in making a complaint. I felt ignored and isolated as nothing appeared to be done.

I then found out that the person who had behaved so appallingly was back working in the building. The thought of dealing with more racism, and having no support, left me with no option but to give up the job I enjoyed and was good at.

I have spent more than three years fighting for change so that others shouldnt face what I faced. I hope that, by exposing the horrendous treatment I suffered, HMPPS learn lessons from this case.

I am grateful to the Equality and Human Rights Commission and to my solicitors for their support. I couldnt have continued fighting for so long without their help.

The settlement, which was accepted before the final hearing, does not include an admission of liability or a commitment from HMPPS to review its policy around how contractors are treated.

But the EHRC said the monkey chants were not disputed by the probation service in the legal case, which instead focused on the liability of organisations to protect workers employed through third parties from harassment from other workers also employed through third parties.

EHRC chairwoman Kishwer Falkner added: Everyone going to work should expect to feel safe from harm and no-one should suffer the shocking racism experienced by Mr Odain.

Employers, third-party contractors and workers all benefit if any awful incidents like this are addressed quickly and appropriately by management.

It is disappointing that, in this case, HM Prison and Probation Service chose to defend themselves on the basis of legal technicalities rather than to commit positively to protect and support their own staff. Racism is never acceptable.

We hope the financial settlement will help Mr Odain move on from his experience. As Britains equality watchdog, we will continue to use our unique powers to help people like Mr Odain seek justice through initiatives like our fund for race discrimination cases.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has been contacted for comment.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A British surgeon who was killed during violent protests in South Africa was shot in the head, an inquest has heard.

Kar Hao Teoh, 40, who worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, was a tourist in Cape Town when he was shot.

An inquest, which was opened and adjourned in Chelmsford on Thursday, heard he died on 4 August of a gunshot to the head.

Michelle Brown, area coroner for Essex, said: On August 4, this 40-year-old was on holiday in South Africa with his family when an unknown person approached the car and discharged a firearm, hitting him in the head.

A post-mortem examination carried out in South Africa recorded that Mr Teoh, of Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, died of a gunshot to the head, Ms Brown said.

Kar Hao Teoh worked at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex (PA)

It is believed he had taken a wrong turn from a nearby airport when a group approached the vehicle he was in and shot him.

Unrest on the outskirts of South Africas second-largest city began after minibus taxi drivers announced a week-long strike.

Ms Brown said Mr Teohs body has been repatriated to Essex.

The case will be adjourned off and will be heard at some point, depending on the time limits for the evidence to arrive from South Africa, she said, adding that the date for a full inquest hearing is to be confirmed.

Mr Teoh worked as a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.

In a statement, the hospital said he was a well-respected member of the team, valued colleague and friend to many across the hospital as well as in regional, national and international trauma and orthopaedic networks.

In 2021, Mr Teoh won an international prize for his pioneering research into the treatment of ankle fractures.

South African police have opened a murder case into the shooting, which happened in the Nyanga township near Cape Town International Airport.
Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Four people have been injured and one person is fighting for life in hospital after a car crashed into a bench outside an East London mosque during a police chase.

The incident happened in Tower Hamlets last night before midnight. Three of the victims are thought to be seriously hurt with one person fighting for their life after sustaining life-threatening injuries.

It is not known if the four victims were associated with the mosque. Two people have been arrested following the chase on suspicion of driving, burglary and firearm offences.

Horrific footage has emerged showing the aftermath of the crash, showing paramedics working on the victims. Two of the victims appear to console each other in the wreckage as they await first aid.

A silver Mercedes appears to have careered through benches outside a Tesco Express on Fieldgate Street near Whitechapel in the pictures.

Speaking to the Evening Standard, a witness said: "I was literally standing one street away when I heard what sounded like an explosion. I heard the crash and the sirens within seconds so it was possibly a chase for how quick they were at the scene.

I saw young lads in handcuffs and loads of armed police. One man didnt look too good at all there was loads of blood coming from a bad head injury. I think it was just locals that use the benches for meeting up and chatting."

Pictured, the silver Mercedes after the crash (@CrimeLdn/X)

Commander Umer Khan, from the City of London Police, said: "At around 23:45hrs on Wednesday 23 August officers from City of London Police were in a short pursuit with a vehicle on MPS ground.

"The suspect vehicle was involved in a collision with four pedestrians in Fieldgate Street, E1. Met officers responded to assist with the collision and two men were arrested at the scene.

"All four pedestrians were taken to hospital where their condition awaits.

Pictured, the area where the car crashed (Google Street View)

According to The Standard, The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the City of London Police pursuit of the Mercedes after it reportedly failed to stop for police.

A spokesman said: said: A short time later it mounted the pavement and was in collision with four pedestrians who suffered serious injuries.

After being notified by the force we sent investigators to the scene and to the police post-incident procedure where the officers involved provided their initial accounts.

We have requested further information from the force and once received, we will determine what further action may be required from us.

Anyone with information relating to this incident please contact 101 quoting CAD 9316/23AUG23 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The cost of the UKs asylum system almost doubled in a year and now stands at nearly 4 billion as the backlog hit another record high.

Home Office spending on asylum rose by 1.85 billion, from 2.12 billion in 2021/22 to 3.97 billion in 2022/23. A decade ago, in 2012/13, the total cost to the taxpayer was 500.2 million.

A raft of immigration statistics, published by the Government on Thursday, also show that 80% of asylum seekers are waiting longer than six months for an initial decision.

It comes as Channel crossings topped 19,000 for the year so far, according to separate Home Office figures.

A total of 175,457 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of June 2023, up 44% from 122,213 for the same period a year earlier  the highest figure since current records began in 2010.

Of these, 139,961 had been waiting longer than six months for an initial decision, up 57% year on year from 89,231 and another record high.

Labour said the record-high asylum backlog amounts to a disastrous record for Rishi Sunak and Home Secretary Suella Braverman, while campaigners called for claims to be processed more efficiently.

The Prime Minister pledged by the end of 2023 to clear the backlog of around 92,601 so-called legacy cases which had been in the system as of the end of June last year.

In the six months since Mr Sunak made his promise, the figure reduced only by just less than a quarter (23%).

There were 67,870 legacy asylum cases awaiting a decision as of June 30 2023. To clear this total by the end of the year, just over 11,300 cases would need to be dealt with each month. The number of legacy cases fell by 11,084 from the end of March to the end of June  the equivalent of nearly 3,700 cases cleared a month.

The Home Office insisted the Government is on track to clear the legacy backlog by the end of the year and said progress has been made since June, citing provisional figures to the end of July which indicated the total backlog of cases had fallen. But the latest available comparable figure for the number of asylum seekers awaiting an initial decision on their claim was not provided when requested.

But Peter Walsh, senior researcher at the Migration Observatory at the University of Oxford, said: The backlog remains stubbornly high, despite falling numbers of asylum claims and more asylum caseworkers in the Home Office.

Its becoming harder to see how the Government can meet its pledge to eliminate the so-called legacy backlog of older claims by the end of the year, as the rate of decision-making would have to be more than doubled.

Amnesty International UK said it was utterly disgraceful that new asylum laws are being introduced to actually prevent the processing of claims altogether, which will make this backlog, its cost and the limbo it imposes on people even worse.

The Home Office said the rise in the asylum backlog is due to more cases entering the asylum system than receiving initial decisions.

But the number of cases waiting to be dealt with increased by less than 1% in the three months to the end of June, suggesting the rise is slowing down.

This was in part due to an increase in the number of initial decisions made, and an increase in the number of asylum decision-makers employed, the department added.

Small boat arrivals accounted for fewer than half (46%) of the total number of people claiming asylum in the UK in the period.

The Government was also accused of failing vulnerable Afghans after figures confirmed they were the most common nationality among Channel crossings in first six months of the year and more than 9,000 had applied for asylum in the same period  almost double the number for the previous 12 months.

Some 233 people were resettled in the UK in the year to June under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)  one of two schemes set up in the wake of the Taliban takeover.

Meanwhile, 345 people crossed the Channel in six boats on Wednesday, at an average of 58 people per boat.

This takes the number recorded over three days so far this week to 1,217 and the overall total for 2023 to date to 19,174.

Indians were the third most common nationality for small boat arrivals in the first half of the year, after Afghanistan and Iran.

While 1,474 Afghans arrived in the six months to June, having crossed the Channel, there were 921 Iranians, and 867 Indian nationals.

The majority of Indian nationals arrived between January and March, with the Home Office saying the 670 arrivals in those three months was higher than any calendar year total for Indian nationals arriving by this method since records began.

A Home Office spokesman said: The most up-to-date figures, released earlier this month, show that the total backlog of asylum cases has fallen to the end of July 2023, a month beyond what the statistics released today cover.

We are also on track to clear the legacy asylum backlog by the end of this year. The latest statistics show this has already been reduced by over 28,000 cases since the end of December 2022, with more than 25% of these being made in the last two months.

The number of decisions being made overall is also up by 61% and we continue to double the number of caseworkers to further speed up the system as well using asylum questionnaires in appropriate cases to simplify the decision-making process.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been accused of climate denial by Scotlands First Minister over plans to give out 100 new oil and gas licences.

Humza Yousaf made the accusation following an event where he introduced US climate envoy John Kerry in Edinburgh and announced a 24 million fund from the Scottish Government to support countries worst affected by the climate crisis.

The Prime Minister announced during a visit to Scotland last month that he would reveal the first of the new licenses in the autumn.

Speaking to journalists after the event, Mr Yousaf said: What holds us back, of course, is a prime minister thats in climate denial, coming up to Scotland to announce approval of 100 new oil and gas licences.

Of course, the North Sea is important, weve got to take workers with us if we want to accelerate pace of the just transition, which cant happen with a UK Government that simply denies the state of the climate crisis.

Meanwhile, the First Minister announced that three aid agencies, including the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, will each receive up to 8 million over the next three years from the Scottish Governments Climate Justice Fund to support work in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia.

It will enable them to work closely with communities to manage the material and social effects of climate change, funding projects such as building more climate-resilient housing or repairing village flood defences.

Mr Yousaf launched the programme on Thursday as he introduced a lecture by Mr Kerry focusing on the climate crisis.

During his introductory address, the First Minister said: The countries which are the worst affected by the climate crisis are often those which have done little or nothing to cause it.

The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago, and why we have led the way in being the first global north country to commit funding to address loss and damage.

Today, we are able to announce the start of the Climate Just Communities programme in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda. The programme will work with local communities  including with marginalised groups  so that they can identify their own priorities, and build their resilience to the climate crisis.

The 24 million programme that we are confirming today is a significant commitment from a devolved government. It will make a real difference to the communities we are working with and its a further sign of Scotlands determination to be a good global citizen  and to do our bit in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.

With just a few months to go before Cop28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the worlds greatest threats John Kerry

The event in Edinburgh is the first in a series of annual Scottish Global Dialogues taking place during the Edinburgh International Festival to discuss global challenges, organised by Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society with support from the Scottish Government.

Mr Kerry said: Im honoured to be given the opportunity to speak at a historic site like the Signet Library to address the climate crisis at this critical moment.

With just a few months to go before Cop28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the worlds greatest threats.

Founder of Beyond Borders Mark Muller Stuart said: We are delighted that Secretary Kerry has accepted our invitation to come to Scotland to launch Scottish Global Dialogues by giving the inaugural address on such a critical issue as the climate crisis as we move towards Cop28.

We believe the convening power of the Edinburgh festivals and the Signet Librarys Scottish Enlightenment connections provides the perfect backdrop for such an address, to say nothing of the Scottish peoples enduring commitment to protecting our environment.

The Prime Minister told BBC Radio Scotlands Good Morning Scotland programme: Even when we reach net zero in 2050, a quarter of our energy needs will still come from oil and gas, and domestic production has about a quarter of a third of the carbon footprint of imported gas.

So not only is it better on our energy security not to rely on foreign dictators for that energy, not only is it good for jobs, particularly Scottish jobs, it is actually better for the environment because there is no point in importing stuff from halfway around the world with two to three times the carbon footprint of the stuff weve got at home, that makes absolutely no sense.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The 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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

US climate envoy John Kerry has said he is not willing to give up on the goal of limiting rising temperatures to 1.5C  although he conceded achieving this target will be very difficult.

Almost 200 countries from across the world signed up to the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5C from pre-industrial levels, with this a key part of the Paris Agreement, signed in 2015.

But in March this year, experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said there needs to be drastic cuts to greenhouse gas emissions if this is to be achieved.

I think a lot of activists and a lot of other people arent willing to give in, because every tenth of a degree above that is catastrophe somewhere for many people US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry

Professor Peter Thorne said the report they produced was pretty clear that almost regardless of emissions scenarios the world would reach 1.5C in the first half of the next decade.

He added that the real question was now whether warming would stabilise at or around 1.5C or whether we blast right through 1.5C, crash through 2C and keep going.

However, Mr Kerry, speaking ahead of a new series of lectures in Edinburgh focusing on the climate crisis, said he was not willing to give in on the goal of limiting temperature rises to 1.5C yet.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: I think a lot of activists and a lot of other people arent willing to give in, because every tenth of a degree above that is catastrophe somewhere for many people and it will cost in the trillions of dollars for each of those escalations.

So prudent governance, smart governance, and thoughtful governance suggests you need to take the steps now.

The whole point is 1.5 is not actually completely out of reach, it is very difficult John Kerry

Mr Kerry went on to insist limiting warming to 1.5C was doable, although he conceded it would be very difficult  with this partly the result of a lack of action by countries around the world.

The US special presidential envoy for climate said: It is doable. The whole point is 1.5 is not actually completely out of reach, it is very difficult.

It has been made difficult because we keep delaying and procrastinating and running into barriers of false information.

However, he insisted that the US would not be putting pressure on China to act, instead saying he was looking to find a way for the countries to work together.

China would react very negatively to the United States trying to say do this, do that, Mr Kerry stated.

What were trying to do is find the places where we can co-operate with China.

China is doing more than any other nation in the world in terms of the deployment of renewables, in fact they have deployed more renewables than all the rest of the world put together, but it has other challenges too, in terms of its economy and so we need to work together.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

No new coal-fired power stations should be permitted anywhere in the world, John Kerry has said, warning it could be a critical step in the fight against climate change.

Describing coal as the dirtiest fuel, the US special presidential envoy said there is no rational reason for contributing to the problem by burning it.

He made the plea in a speech in Edinburgh in which he also hit out at climate change deniers, warning the world is now at a precipice where the reckless abuse of the environment could have unleashed forces of nature way beyond our control.

With major wildfires having brought devastation this year to places such as Hawaii, Canada, Turkey and Greece, Mr Kerry warned: Mother Nature is now sending an ever-more desperate distress signal about the coming catastrophe.

Mr Kerry said the climate crisis was caused by the unabated burning of fossil fuel, along with deforestation and potent super-pollutants from industry and agriculture.

Calling for action, he said: It should be obvious by now  we have better choices.

He said it is time for countries across the world to join together and take a more critical step  there should be no more permitting of any new unabated coal-fired power anywhere in the world.

He continued: Knowing what we know are the impacts and given the alternative options, there is just no rational reason for contributing more to the problem by turning to the worlds dirtiest fuel burned in the dirtiest way.

Unless we, all of us, start doing more, faster, now, future generations will trade the inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness for struggle in the pursuit of survival.

The comments came as he delivered an address at the inaugural Scottish Global Dialogues in Edinburgh  a new annual series of lectures focused on the climate crisis.

Inaction doesnt have a prayer of stopping what is happening John Kerry, US special presidential envoy on climate

Mr Kerry, who was introduced by Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf at the event, used his speech to condemn those extremist political voices and those with vastly vested interests who he said had declared war on facts and science when dealing with environmental issues.

These groups would choose a destructive status quo over the opportunity to build a clean energy economy, he added.

Hitting out at those who refuse to accept the facts behind the increasingly obvious damages of the climate crisis, Mr Kerry said that without facts or economics on their side, they flatly deny what is happening to our planet and what we must do to save it.

As a result, he said: Humanity is inexorably threatened by humanity itself.

But while he said the Earth could be at one of the most dangerous moments in human history, he added it may also be the greatest moment of opportunity for human advancement.

With the Cop28 climate change summit due to take place in Dubai in November and December, he said: In this moment we have a unique opportunity to significantly accelerate this transition to a clean energy economy.

The latest climate talks will take place almost a decade on from the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015  where 200 nations vowed to try to keep global temperature rises to below 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.

Mr Kerry warned were significantly off track with efforts towards that target, noting emissions are currently rising, not falling.

Despite that, Mr Kerry insisted there are many more reasons for optimism as he highlighted the growth in renewables and increased sales of electric vehicles.

However he said the world is now on the precipice of tipping points, describing this as being the point at which events can simply unfold of their own momentum, the point at which our reckless abuse of an ecosystem has unleashed forces of nature way beyond our control.

Mr Kerry said: No-one can predict with certainty the exact pace and scope of this unravelling.

But common sense tells us inaction doesnt have a prayer of stopping what is happening.

This is one of the most dangerous moments in human history.

But it may also be the greatest moment of opportunity for human advancement. We have the chance now to write a future filled with choices that not only make life cleaner, healthier, fairer, and safer.

Speaking to journalists after his keynote speech, Mr Kerry alluded to disagreeing with Prime Minister Rishi Sunaks stance on maxing out new oil and gas opportunities in the North Sea.

Asked how those views can align with the special envoys comments on fossil fuels, he said: Its not my job to be commenting on other countries policies specifically.

But when pressed, he said about his opposing views: Well then, youve got your answer.

We have to reduce unabated burning of fossil fuels.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Countries worst affected by the climate crisis will be supported by up to 24 million in Scottish Government funding, Scotlands First Minister will announce on Thursday.

Humza Yousaf will make the announcement as he welcomes US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry to Scotland to speak at an event in Edinburgh.

Three aid agencies, including the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF), will each receive up to 8 million over the next three years from the Scottish Governments Climate Justice Fund to support work in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia.

It will enable them to work closely with communities to manage the material and social effects of climate change, funding projects such as building more climate-resilient housing or repairing village flood defences.

The First Minister will launch the programme on Thursday as he introduces a lecture by Mr Kerry focusing on the climate crisis.

During his introductory address, the First Minister is expected to say: The countries which are the worst affected by the climate crisis are often those which have done little or nothing to cause it.

The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago and why we have led the way in being the first global north country to commit funding to address loss and damage.

Today, we are able to announce the start of the Climate Just Communities programme in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda. The programme will work with local communities  including with marginalised groups  so that they can identify their own priorities, and build their resilience to the climate crisis.

The 24 million programme that we are confirming today is a significant commitment from a devolved government. It will make a real difference to the communities we are working with and its a further sign of Scotlands determination to be a good global citizen  and to do our bit in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.

With just a few months to go before COP28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the worlds greatest threats John Kerry

The event in Edinburgh is the first in a series of annual Scottish Global Dialogues taking place during the Edinburgh International Festival to discuss global challenges, organised by Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society with support from the Scottish Government.

Mr Kerry said: Im honoured to be given the opportunity to speak at a historic site like the Signet Library to address the climate crisis at this critical moment.

With just a few months to go before Cop28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the worlds greatest threats.

Founder of Beyond Borders Mark Muller Stuart KC said: We are delighted that Secretary Kerry has accepted our invitation to come to Scotland to launch Scottish Global Dialogues by giving the inaugural address on such a critical issue as the climate crisis as we move towards Cop28.

We believe the convening power of the Edinburgh festivals and the Signet Librarys Scottish Enlightenment connections provides the perfect backdrop for such an address, to say nothing of the Scottish peoples enduring commitment to protecting our environment.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Countries worst affected by the climate crisis will be supported by up to 24 million in Scottish Government funding, the First Minister has announced.

Humza Yousaf made the pledge as he welcomed US special presidential envoy for climate John Kerry to Scotland to speak at an event in Edinburgh.

Three aid agencies, including the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, will each receive up to 8 million over the next three years from the Scottish Governments Climate Justice Fund to support work in Rwanda, Malawi and Zambia.

It will enable them to work closely with communities to manage the material and social effects of climate change, funding projects such as building more climate-resilient housing or repairing village flood defences.

Mr Yousaf launched the programme on Thursday as he introduced a lecture by Mr Kerry focusing on the climate crisis.

During his introductory address, the First Minister said: The countries which are the worst affected by the climate crisis are often those which have done little or nothing to cause it.

The injustice at the heart of the global climate crisis is why Scotland became the first country in the world to establish a Climate Justice Fund more than a decade ago, and why we have led the way in being the first global north country to commit funding to address loss and damage.

Today, we are able to announce the start of the Climate Just Communities programme in Malawi, Zambia and Rwanda. The programme will work with local communities  including with marginalised groups  so that they can identify their own priorities, and build their resilience to the climate crisis.

The 24 million programme that we are confirming today is a significant commitment from a devolved government. It will make a real difference to the communities we are working with and its a further sign of Scotlands determination to be a good global citizen  and to do our bit in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.

With just a few months to go before Cop28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the worlds greatest threats John Kerry

The event in Edinburgh is the first in a series of annual Scottish Global Dialogues taking place during the Edinburgh International Festival to discuss global challenges, organised by Beyond Borders Scotland and the WS Society with support from the Scottish Government.

Mr Kerry said: Im honoured to be given the opportunity to speak at a historic site like the Signet Library to address the climate crisis at this critical moment.

With just a few months to go before Cop28 in Dubai, we all need to ensure our unwavering commitment to addressing one of the worlds greatest threats.

Founder of Beyond Borders Mark Muller Stuart KC said: We are delighted that Secretary Kerry has accepted our invitation to come to Scotland to launch Scottish Global Dialogues by giving the inaugural address on such a critical issue as the climate crisis as we move towards Cop28.

We believe the convening power of the Edinburgh festivals and the Signet Librarys Scottish Enlightenment connections provides the perfect backdrop for such an address, to say nothing of the Scottish peoples enduring commitment to protecting our environment.
Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Louis Theroux feels there is a vested interest by some media outlets for a Brexit from the licence fee.

On Wednesday, during the annual MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh Television Festival, the broadcaster and documentary-maker said he believes the BBC is in a no-win situation of trying to avoid offence and in danger of avoiding important subjects in a bid to play it safe.

Reflecting on his speech the next day, Theroux said he thinks legacy media outlets will be able to compete against platforms like YouTube, which are unregulated by groups like Ofcom.

He said: Its possible that the licence fee is on a managed decline There is vested interest, lobbying and active campaigning for a Brexit from the licence fee.

The presenter added: Its up to us to spread the word to advocate the idea of public service broadcasting.

If we dont expose those opinions that are toxic to some kind of scrutiny, its almost comparable to having a compromised immune system Louis Theroux

Theroux said he is a fan of streaming platforms but they do not offer good news coverage.

I think the future is hopeful if we remain hopeful and positive, he added.

Theroux, who is known for his documentaries exploring fringe groups of society, also said he thinks not creating projects looking into controversial figures is futile and is almost comparable to having a compromised immune system.

Reflecting on why he feels it is still important to expose individuals like Nick Fuentes, an internet personality who has promoted white supremacist beliefs, he said: The most obvious and immediate reason is that Fuentes already has a profile so the idea of not platforming him or ignoring him is futile.

He added: We have no choice, really. The world has changed so much. There are so many outlets. The idea of putting your head in the sand and saying, Well, were just going to curate a safe space where none of that is addressed its not realistic.

The documentarian said Fuentes is a fascinating, very troubling individual as he has a veneer of plausibility but outputs his most poisonous content on Donald Trumps platform Truth Social to his mass of followers.

He qualified his point by saying he does not feel individuals like Fuentes should be put on Graham Norton where they are unmediated and no context is provided, but through programmes or documentaries where output can be framed carefully.

If we dont expose those opinions that are toxic to some kind of scrutiny, its almost comparable to having a compromised immune system, he said.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A UK minister has warned it is important not to jump to conclusions over the reported death of the leader of the Wagner mercenary group in a plane crash which is speculated to have been an assassination.

Yevgeny Prigozhin was reportedly on the passenger list of a private jet which went down almost 185 miles north of Moscow on Wednesday, according to Russian authorities.

The Wagner Group chief mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June in a blow to Russian President Vladimir Putins authority.

Many observers expected Mr Putin to seek revenge, despite his vow to drop charges against Mr Prigozhin after initially denouncing the rebellion as treason.

In his first comments on the death of the Wagner leader, Mr Putin said he had known Mr Prigozhin since the early 1990s and described him as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed  both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months.

He was a talented man, a talented businessman, he added.

He said the passengers on the jet had made a significant contribution to the fighting in Ukraine.

We remember this, we know, and we will not forget, the president said in a televised interview with the Russian-installed leader of Ukraines partially occupied Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin.

The UK Government is closely watching the situation but schools minister Nick Gibb said it must avoid making assumptions about the crash.

He told Sky News: We only heard about this it only happened a few hours ago.

We are monitoring the position. Its important not to jump to conclusions.

We are working with our allies, and as soon as we have assessed the situation the Government will of course have more to say on the matter.

Mr Gibb added that we know what kind of person Putin is, having engaged in an illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Shadow Home Office minister Stephen Kinnock said it is difficult to speculate because we dont know all of the facts.

But he added: Russia is a mafia state, and this is one part of a mafia clan striking back against another  that would appear to be whats happening.

In the US, President Joe Biden was less circumspect, saying: I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised.

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

Mr Prigozhin was among the dead in the crash, according to Wagner sources cited by Russian media.

All 10 people on board  three crew and seven passengers  died, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

Videos and photos circulating on social media appeared to show the plane plummeting out of the sky, and a burning heap of aircraft wreckage.

There is heavy speculation, but no evidence, that the crash may not have been an accident.

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, wrote on Twitter, now known as X: No matter the cause of the plane crash, everyone will see this as an act of retaliation and retribution, and the Kremlin wont particularly counteract this view.

From Putins perspective, as well as many among the security and military officials, Prigozhins death should serve as a lesson to any potential successors.

International relations expert Afzal Ashraf, from Loughborough University, told the PA news agency that Mr Prigozhins presumed death comes as a surprise to most Russians and indeed to most Russian officials.

I can say that because Im in touch with a Russian dissident who is in touch with senior officials in the Kremlin, and everybody is confused, he said.

And that should not be a surprise to us, because if this is, as alleged, an assassination plot, clearly its a secret one and only a few people know who did what in this incident.

Mr Ashraf said it is significant that the Wagner chief had been on his way to a meeting to discuss the Kremlins plans to reorganise his mercenary group and bring it more in line with the regular army, a move he vehemently opposed.

Mr Prigozhin was a key ally of the Russian president but their relationship soured after the Wagner boss staged the failed mutiny in June over dissatisfaction about the treatment of his private military fighters in Ukraine.

Wagner has fought alongside Russias regular army during the invasion, and has often been seen as the more fierce and successful military force.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had nothing to do with the crash, telling reporters: Everyone understands who does.

The mercenary chiefs fate has been the subject of close scrutiny ever since after his apparent exile to Belarus following the uprising.

Reports suggested he had appeared in Russia in recent weeks and he made his first video appearance since the mutiny earlier this week, suggesting he was in Africa alongside Wagner fighters.

The Russian state has a history of links to the deaths or serious illnesses of Russian elites and spies who have fallen out of favour with the Putin regime, including on UK soil.

Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with Russia-developed nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury, Wiltshire, in 2018.

Alexander Litvinenko, a prominent Putin critic and defector to the UK, was poisoned with polonium and died in 2006 after meeting two former Russian agents in London.

Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Mr Prigozhins death.

According to the Associated Press, he said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Police in Pakistan are reportedly close to locating the family of a 10-year-old girl found dead at home in Woking.

Sara Sharif was found dead at a property on Hammond Road after police were called from Pakistan by her father, Urfan Sharif, on 10 August.

Mr Sharif, 41, his partner, Beinash Batool, 29, and his brother, Faisal Malik, 28, are thought to have travelled to Islamabad on 9 August and are wanted for questioning.

In a statement to The Mirror, Rawalpindi Region police chief Khurram Ali said the force was trying its level best to find Mr Sharif, Ms Batool and Mr Malik, and was close to locating them.

Mr Ali said the force has interrogated the father, brother and uncle of Mr Sharif.

It comes as Surrey Police issued a new appeal for information on Thursday, two weeks after Sara was found.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information to help them piece together a picture of Saras lifestyle prior to her death.

They widened the timescale of their investigation after the post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had suffered multiple and extensive injuries, likely to have been caused over a sustained and extended period of time.

Detective Superintendent Mark Chapman, from the Surrey Police and Sussex Police Major Crime Team, said: It is now two weeks since Saras body was found and the impact of her tragic death continues to be felt deeply by the local and wider community, including our officers and staff.

We would like to thank those people who have already come forward and reported information to us.

However, we know that there will be lots of people in the Woking community and beyond who will have had contact with Sara who may not already have come forward, and we would encourage them to do so.

Any information is better than no information  although you might think its insignificant, it might be vital to the investigation and in helping us to bring justice for Sara.

If you have information, report this to the force online through the Major Incident Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4523K72-PO2 or by calling 101, quoting Operation Unison.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Top military figures and politicians have called on Rishi Sunaks government to rescue the family of a hero Afghan pilot living under the threat of the Taliban and bring them to safety in the UK.

The former air force lieutenant, who fled the regime and came to Britain across the Channel on a small boat, has been granted asylum here after a five-month-long campaign by The Independent.

But the war hero now fears for the young family left behind in Afghanistan  after being told it could take at least nine months to make a successful family reunion claim.

Supporters of the ex-pilot, who fought alongside coalition forces, are urging the Home Office to help get the family to the UK as quickly as possible  amid a barrage of criticism that the government has dragged its feet over his asylum claim.

My focus is on my family, he told The Independent. This morning I spoke with my lawyer and he said once I have received my [refugee] ID then I can apply for my family to join me. But it could take time  maybe nine months. My main focus is for them.

Lord Alf Dubs  a child refugee who fled the Nazis before the Second World War  has joined military chiefs, MPs and campaigners in their praise for The Independents fantastic campaign to win the pilot refugee status, and demanded swift action to help rescue his family.

The Labour peer added: I fear getting family out of Afghanistan wont be easy for him. We dont want them to be in danger from the Taliban. Family reunion should be a high priority for the government. We need to speed up the process for him, and many others.

Figures obtained by The Independent last month show more than 11,000 people are waiting to be reunited with loved ones in the UK  many in fear for their lives under totalitarian regimes  because of a growing Home Office backlog.

Lawyers said the target time for deciding cases had gone from 12 weeks to nine months, while some have to wait even longer. Almost 1,800 of the refugees applying for family reunion visas have been stuck in limbo for over a year.

The Independent led a five-month-campaign to get the pilot asylum in the UK (The Independent)

Falklands war veteran Simon Weston said it was wonderful news that The Independents campaign to win the Afghan veteran asylum was successful after five months. But he called for the government to act more quickly on behalf of the pilots family.

I dont understand why it takes so long to get family members here, he said. We shouldnt make it that difficult. He put so much at risk to work with us against the Taliban  himself and his family  so he deserves to be reunited with them and have some normality.

The Afghan war heros loved ones now face a risky journey to Pakistan just to provide their biometric details to the British authorities for the visa application. The UK government demands the process is done in person, and there are no offices left in Afghanistan.

Rather than having to wait in limbo in Pakistan for many months, campaigners called on the government to make his family one of the exceptional cases in which biometric fingerprinting can be done once they are brought immediately to safety in the UK.

The Refugee Council, Care4Calais and other charities say the in-person process is far too arduous, arguing that the government should make online applications  currently only done in exceptional cases  far more widespread.

Family members have to get to Pakistan or Iran at their own expense to provide details. There are very few exceptions, said the Refugee Councils policy manager Jonathan Featonby.

Simon Weston called on the government to speed up the process for bringing the pilots family to the UK (PA/The Independent)

Alamara Khwaja Bettum, a lawyer at the Safe Passage charity, said she had applied on behalf of several Afghans to allow their family visa application to be done online. None have been granted, even though they have had good cases that it wouldnt be safe.

She added: It can be risky for family to make that journey over the border to Pakistan because most dont have passports. We need a simpler and faster process.

The Care4Calais group, which is supporting the pilots case, called for a speedy processing of his family reunification application. This is a great outcome for the pilot, but its not the end, the charitys chief executive Steve Smith said.

He added: His wife and child remain in danger in Afghanistan and steps should be taken to reunite them in the UK as soon as possible. But we also need justice for all the other Afghans who supported the UK in Afghanistan. Their claims are equally as clear cut, and should be processed immediately.

Former justice secretary Robert Buckland told The Independent that the Home Office needs to speed up to clear that backlog [of family reunion cases].

The senior Tory MP added: We need to deal with the cases humanely and efficiently so people  some of whom have risked everything to defend us  can rebuild their lives and make a productive contribution to the UK. I wish [the pilot] well, and hope he makes a valuable contribution to our country.

The Afghan pilot hero fighting to stay in the UK

Labour MP Kevan Jones said one of his North Durham constituents  an Afghan interpreter who worked with the UK and was accepted under the Arap scheme  struggled to get his family settled in Britain.

After they got to the UK via Europe, the Home Office said in March that his mother, father, sister and brother would have to go back to Afghanistan. It took an intervention from the MP, who wrote to home secretary Suella Braverman, to remove the deportation threat.

The system is broken, Mr Jones told The Independent. Its an absolute mess. The case of the pilot you have highlighted may now be in that situation, going through a real struggle to get his family here.

He added: It cant be right to make it so difficult. There has to be a joined-up approach. We owe a debt of gratitude to people who worked with us, and they should be able to have their families here. It shouldnt take MPs to intercede to sort these problems out.

A government spokesperson said: 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.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The backlog of asylum seekers awaiting decisions in the UK has reached a new record of 175,457.

The Home Office blames more cases entering the asylum system than receiving initial decisions rather than a slowdown in the processing of claims.

Charity Refugee Action said the growing backlog is causing immense suffering to refugees who just want to get on with their lives.

And Labour accused Rishi Sunak of presiding over complete chaos, with hotel accommodation for those being put up in hotels costing taxpayers 6m per day.

Here, we look at where those in the asylum system are coming from and how they getting here.

Asylum applications

In the year to June, 97,390 people applied for asylum in the UK  more than a fifth higher than the same time last year and taking the number to a two-decade high.

The uptick was driven in part by those arriving in Britain via irregular routes, including on small boats, lorries and shipping containers.

And while the Home Office more than doubled the number of asylum decision-makers in the past year, it is still struggling to keep up with the increasing number of those claiming asylum.

Irregular routes

In the year to June, 52,530 asylum seekers arrived by so-called irregular routes  a 17 per cent uptick from a year earlier.

And, in a significant blow to Mr Sunaks promise to stop the boats, 85 per cent  44,460, of those who came via these routes, came on small boats.

In the past five years, three-quarters of those arriving via small boats have been men aged 18 and over, while around one in six are children aged 17 and under.

Which countries are they coming from?

The most common nationality of those claiming asylum was Albanian, with 11,790 applications. Of these, 7,557 had crossed the English Channel via small boats.

The number of Afghans applying for asylum in Britain has also increased since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021. They were the second most common asylum seekers, with 9,964 applications  almost double the number from a year earlier.

The third most common were Iranians, with 7,776 applying for asylum in the UK in the year to June.

Meanwhile, the number of Indian asylum seekers more than doubled over the year to June, with 4,403 applications.

There were 266 Ukrainians seeking asylum during the same period, following Russias invasion of the country. However, the Home Office pointed out that most arrived under special routes for those fleeing the conflict, introduced since last March.

In the year to June, almost half of small boat arrivals were from two nationalities - Albanians and Afghans.

Safe and legal routes

The prime ministers promise to stop the boats crossing the English channel hinges on the insistence that refugees must reach Britain using safe and legal routes.

Those arriving via safe and legal routes, such as the bespoke schemes to bring those fleeing Afghanistan and Ukraine, are not the reason for the growing asylum backlog.

But the United Nations refugee agency the UNCHR warns that for those falling outside of specific schemes, there are no safe and regular routes to seek asylum in the UK.

In the year to June, 154,254 people were offered a safe and legal route to the UK, the Home Office said.

Of those, 102,807 visas were granted for Ukrainians, 43,368 were from Hong Kong who were given British National Overseas (BNO) visas. Some 2,570 were from Afghanistan and relocated to the UK under schemes, including the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy for those who worked alongside the British government and armed forces.

A further 4,671 entered the UK using reunion visas to join family members already here.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Artificial intelligence (AI) models can achieve better average grades in university writing assignments than real-life students, a new report has suggested.

The research, published in Scientific Reports, found ChatGPT matched or exceeded the efforts of students when answering assessment questions in subjects including computer science, political studies, engineering, and psychology.

It also found almost three-quarters of students surveyed (74%) would use ChatGPT to help with their assignments, despite 70% of educators viewing it as plagiarism.

ChatGPT  a chatbot that can provide detailed prose responses and engage in human-like conversations using prompts  burst into the public consciousness following its release in November last year.

In the research, faculty members on 32 courses at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) provided three student submissions each for 10 assessment questions.

ChatGPT was also asked to produce three sets of answers to the 10 questions, which were then assessed alongside the students responses by three blind graders.

The findings showed ChatGPT-generated answers achieved a similar or higher average grade than students in 12 of the 32 courses, with maths and economics the only two disciplines where students consistently outperformed AI.

The gap in performance between ChatGPT and students was much smaller on questions requiring high levels of knowledge and cognitive process, compared to those requiring intermediate levels.

This suggests that educators need to come up with alternative solutions to integrate, rather than prevent, the use of AI in schoolwork Talal Rahwan and Yasir Zaki, researchers

ChatGPT only outperformed the students on questions requiring factual knowledge, as opposed to skills like creativity, and struggled most in comparison to students where trick questions were included in the assignment.

According to the report, there was a general consensus among educators and students that the use of ChatGPT in school work should be acknowledged.

Students also agreed that, in their future job, they would be able to outsource mundane tasks to ChatGPT, allowing them to focus on substantive and creative work.

Talal Rahwan and Yasir Zaki, computer science professors at NYUAD who led the project, said: AI tools such as ChatGPT have already reached a level where they can outperform students in a considerable number of university-level courses.

Moreover, as our survey indicates, the majority of students intend to use such tools to solve homework assignments.

These findings suggest that evaluating students through homework assignments may no longer serve its purpose in the age of AI, raising a serious challenge for educational institutions worldwide.

Mr Rahwan and Mr Zaki added that educational institutions need to urgently craft appropriate academic integrity policies as a means of regulation.

Two tools used for identifying AI-generated text also struggled to correctly state the origin of the assignments in the research.

OpenAIs Text Classifier mistook almost half (49%) of ChatGPTs submissions for being human-generated, whilst GPTZero misclassified around a third (32%) of submissions in the same way.

Mr Rahwan and Mr Zaki said: Current AI-text classifiers cannot reliably detect ChatGPTs use in schoolwork, due to both their propensity to classify human-written answers as AI-generated, as well as the relative ease with which AI-generated text can be edited to evade detection.

This suggests that educators need to come up with alternative solutions to integrate, rather than prevent, the use of AI in schoolwork.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: Artificial intelligence has the power to transform education. However, for that potential to be realised, we need to be able to understand both the opportunities and the risks that this new technology brings.

That is why we have launched a call to evidence so that we can learn from those working in education  helping us to make the right decisions to get the best out of generative AI in a safe and secure way.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A suggestion for a tunnel to be dug between Northern Ireland and Scotland was raised several times in the 1960s, newly declassified files have revealed.

The idea, which some believed would boost connectivity and tourism, even reached the desk of Northern Irelands Prime Minister at the time, Captain Terence ONeill, who was approached for a meeting.

However, the idea was met with scepticism with one Stormont official stating: Homo sapiens does not like tunnels  even short ones.

The state papers at the Public Record Office in Belfast show that discussions over a tunnel more 20 miles long between Donaghadee and Portpatrick continued for several years during the decade.

I believe that not enough thought has been given to the human side of the proposition

In 1961, the former Moira Rural District Council adopted a resolution advocating the construction of a tunnel and sent a letter stating its support to the Ministry of Commerce in Belfast.

It stated: It is felt that such a connection would be of inestimable value to Ulster in view of the high cross channel freight rates and the numbers of tourists which would be attracted to the Province in this way.

Several other local district councils then wrote to the ministry express their support for the idea.

However, the papers reveal scepticism in the Ministry of Commerce, with one official stating he hoped the department had enough information to provide a killing answer in response to the councils letter.

The idea resurfaced in 1964 when Frank Davidson, President of Technical Studies Inc (USA), wrote to Mr ONeill asking for a meeting about the prospect of a tunnel.

He said: As a matter of personal interest, I would be very pleased indeed to have the opportunity of speaking with you, perhaps in the latter part of September or during October.

I might be able to suggest some steps that could be taken in order to obtain reliable advice and without great expense.

Attached to the letter is a note from an engineer which states: The difficulties in draining, ventilating and lighting a tunnel 28 miles long could probably be overcome at a high cost, but the problem of obtaining accurate information of the strata below the sea bed, at a depth of at least 450ft and possibly 900ft below sea level has not yet been solved.

In response to Mr Davidsons letter, a government official wrote an internal memo suggesting he should be granted a meeting with another minister, rather than Mr ONeill.

It stated: Although the whole idea of a tube link between Northern Ireland and Scotland seems to the layman to be rather far-fetched, the firm of Technical Studies Inc, seems from the brochure which Mr Davidson has sent us, to be backed by a number of reputable American financial and other organisations.

In the circumstances it might not be a complete waste of time to hear what Mr Davidson has to say.

However, in a handwritten note, another official was scathing of the idea, stating it was a non-starter, due to the cost and effort required.

The note says: I believe that not enough thought has been given to the human side of the proposition.

Homo sapiens does not like tunnels  even short ones.

Given the choice of air or sea borne ferry service, would you use a 25-mile sub-marine tunnel, with the additional nuisance that you would be (required) to load your car or lorry on to a special train?
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Hundreds of thousands of teenagers were collecting their GCSE exam results on Thursday in a year when efforts have been made in England to return grading to pre-pandemic levels.

More than a fifth (22.0%) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades  at least a 7 or an A  this year, down by 4.3 percentage points on last year when 26.3% achieved the top grades.

Students across Northern Ireland were also celebrating positive GCSE results, with the percentage of top grades remaining above the pre-Covid average.

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan was on hand to celebrate with students at Paddington Academy in west London.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

UK ministers are closely watching Russia following reports that the leader of the Wagner mercenary group died in a plane crash.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner chief, was reportedly on the passenger list of a private jet which went down almost 185 miles north of Moscow on Wednesday, according to Russian authorities.

All 10 people on board: three pilots and seven passengers, died according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass.

It was not clear if Mr Prigozhin was among those on board the plane, but Russias civilian aviation regulator said he was on the manifest.

Mr Prigozhin mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, over dissatisfaction about the treatment of his Wagner fighters in Ukraine.

Wagner has fought alongside Russias regular army during the invasion, and have often been seen as the more fierce and successful military force.

The mercenary bosss fate has been the subject of close scrutiny ever since after his apparent exile to Belarus following the uprising.

Russian president Vladimir Putin initially denounced the rebellion as treason, but charges against Mr Prigozhin were dropped and reports have suggested he has appeared in Russia in recent weeks.

The mercenary leader made his first video appearance following the mutiny earlier this week, suggesting he was in Africa alongside Wagner fighters.

Videos and photos circulating on social media appear to show what appears to be the crashed plane plummeting out of the sky, and a burning heap of aircraft wreckage.

The Russian state has a history of links to the deaths of Russian elites and spies who have fallen out of favour with the Putin regime, including on UK soil.

Former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with a Russian-developed nerve agent Novichok in Salisbury in 2018.

Alexander Litvinenko, a prominent Putin critic and defector to the UK, was poisoned and died in 2006 after meeting two former Russian agents in London.

There is heavy speculation, but no evidence, that the plane crash may not have been an accident.

A UK Government spokesperson said: We are monitoring the situation closely.

In the US, President Joe Biden said: I dont know for a fact what happened but Im not surprised.

A UK security source quoted in The Daily Telegraph newspaper, meanwhile, suggested the plane had almost certainly been shot down by Russias domestic intelligence agency, the FSB, acting on orders from President Putin.

Alicia Kearns, the Conservative chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs committee, suggested the speed at which Russian authorities confirmed Mr Prigozhin was on the plane should tell us everything we need to know.

Writing on Twitter, now known as X, the MP added: For Putin there is one unforgivable sin: the betrayal of Putin and Russia.

He hunts down those he perceives to be traitors, (including) on British shores, such as Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal.

Now Yevgeny Prigozhin has been added to that list, ending Putins humiliation.

But Keir Giles, a Russia expert with the international affairs think tank Chatham House, urged caution about reports of Mr Prigozhins death.

According to the Associated Press, he said multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to obfuscate his travels.

As news of the crash was breaking, President Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Six new countries including Saudi Arabia have been invited to join the Brics bloc of developing nations, South Africa has announced, after three days of closed-door discussions between members.

Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been invited to become full members of Brics, summit host Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday.

The membership of the new members will come into effect from 1 January 2024, Mr Ramaphosa said.

The debate over expanding the bloc  which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  was the key item on the agenda of the three-day summit in Johannesburg that culminated with the announcement.

The UAEs president Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the announcement, saying the country is looking forward to joining the bloc.

We respect the vision of the BRICS leadership and appreciate the inclusion of the UAE as a member to this important group. We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world, he said on X.

Chinese president Xi Jinping called it a historic moment that will write a new chapter for developing countries to work together in unity.

Mr Xi, Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and host country South Africas president Cyril Ramaphosa held meetings throughout the summit at the conference centre in Johannesburgs Sandton financial district.

Chinese president Xi Jinping claps during the Brics summit at the Sandton Convention Centre (AFP via Getty Images)

Russian president Vladimir Putin, who attended the forum on Tuesday via video link, did not attend the summit after an International Criminal Court warrant was issued for his arrest. Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov took part in discussions and meetings instead.

The Brics leaders welcomed the move and issued statements after Mr Ramaphosas announcement.

Expansion and modernisation of Brics is an indication that institutions of the world must get accustomed to changing times, Mr Modi said.

Mr Lula da Silva said: We will remain open to new candidates. He added that Brics offers a source of creative solutions for the challenges that we face.

Russian president Vladimir Putin speaks via video link during a press conference (Reuters )

This membership expansion is historic, said Mr Xi, who skipped the opening speech of the summit, at a briefing with the other leaders. It shows the determination of Brics countries for unity and cooperation for the broader developing world.

In a video message, Mr Putin said: The adoption of the guiding principles in the expansion of Brics will ensure that the role and importance of Brics in the world will continue to grow.

China has called for the expansion of the bloc to counter Western multilateral forums at a time when geopolitical polarisation is gathering pace globally.

The move is being framed as a way to amplify the voice of developing nations, but some members have previously shown hesitation amid fears a shift in makeup could help Brics serve the geopolitical interests of Beijing and Moscow.

An Indian government source told The Independent that significant development[s] on the issue of expansion came during the first day of the summit on Tuesday, when the leaders present had a retreat which included dinner together.

India took the lead in forging consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members, the source said, adding that Indias objective in the talks was to incorporate our strategic partners as new members. Among the six countries invited, the UAE is one of Indias closest allies.

Despite Indias ongoing territorial dispute with China, Mr Xi and Mr Modi were pictured shaking hands and engaged in a brief interaction.

The other concrete policy that the bloc raised in South Africa is a broad plan to pivot from using the US dollar for trade between Brics nations and instead trade in local currencies.

South Africa said that more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining Brics and 22 have formally requested to be admitted.

The expansion of Brics to include Saudi Arabia, which is the top oil exporter in the world and the blocs biggest trading partner in the Middle East, is expected to see the group of countries outstrip the gross domestic product of the G7.

However, the US leadership appeared to downplay the relevance of the multilateral business forum.

Jake Sullivan, the White Houses national security adviser, on Tuesday said that the Biden administration is not looking at the Brics as evolving into some kind of geopolitical rival to the United States or anyone else.

He said that the US has strong relations with several Brics members and we will continue to manage our relationship with China, and we will continue to push back on Russias aggression.
 Close Family reacts to death of Andrea Vazquez

Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The 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.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

BTK serial killer Dennis Rader has been named as a prime suspect in at least two unsolved murders.

The Osage County Sheriffs Department said in a statement the 78-year-old had been linked to Cythia Cyndi Dawn Kinneys unsolved disappearance and several other murders in Kansas and Missouri.

The bombshell development came one day after deputies found pantyhose ligature during a fresh search of Raders former home in Park City, Kansas.

The primary focus of the search is closely tied to the Cynthia Dawn Kinney missing persons case from Pawhuska, Oklahoma, dating back to 1976, undersheriff Gary Upton said.

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.

Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden revealed that investigators had found several items of interest as they dug up the property looking for trophies this week.

Cythia Kinney was last seen leaving a laundromat in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, in 1976, aged 16, when she got into a 1965 faded beige Plymouth with two women, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Sheriff Virden told KOCO that he was 100 per cent certain that Rader was involved in her abduction and murder.

Convicted BTK killer Dennis Rader listens during a court proceeding, Oct. 12, 2005, in El Dorado, Kansas (AP)

Another cold case under investigation is the rape and murder of Shawna Beth Garber, 22, whose body was discovered in 1990 in McDonald County, Missouri. Her remains were only identified in 2021.

Rader, who referred to himself as the bind torture kill 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.

Raders daughter Kerri Rawson revealed on Wednesday that she was assisting law enforcement with an investigation into Kinneys disappearance and several other unsolved murders.

The site where Dennis Raders former property once stood after investigators dug in Park City, Kansas, on 22 August (AP)

The true crime author offered to volunteer to help law enforcement after learning that the unsolved cases had been linked to her father.

As part of that work, she said applied to lift a do not contact order banning all contact with her father and visited him twice at the El Dorado Correctional Facility where he is incarcerated.

Its not known which other murders riders been linked to, but Ms Rawson said on Wednesday that authorities were investigating violent crimes he may have committed between the early 1960s and his arrest in 2005.

In an interview with NewsNation, Ms Rawson said Rader was seething at being linked to the murder cases.

Hes very unhappy with whats going on, Ms Rawson said.

She added that her father had refused an immunity deal to admit guilt in the unsolved cases, and was effectively rotting in prison.

Hes lost like seven inches, and hes in a wheelchair, she told host Ashleigh Banfield. It was the first time he ever dropped his mask and became BTK in front of me.

Rader, a married, church-going father of two, stalked, raped and killed his victims. In 2005, he confessed to the murders of 10 women in the Wichita area between 1974 and 1991.

Investigators have long believed he was responsible for other murders.
 Close Cook's Corner mass shooting: At least 4 dead

Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

At least four people have been killed and others are being treated for gunshot wounds after a mass shooting at a popular bikers bar in Californias Orange County.

The Orange County sheriff said those killed included the suspected gunman, identified by The Orange County Sheriffs Department as John Snowling, 59.

Three people died and six others were injured before Snowling was killed by law enforcement. The fatal victims have been identified as John Leehey, 67, Tonya Clark, 49, and Glen Sprowl, 53.

The incident began with a domestic dispute between the gunman and his wife. Snowling, a retired law enforcement officer with the Ventura Police Department, opened fire on his wife Marie Snowling and her dining companion.

Sheriff Don Barnes said on Thursday that Snowling then continued shooting indiscriminately. A man who approached Snwoling as the gunman retrieved more weapons from his vehicle was fatally shot.

Ms Snowling had filed for divorce in December 2022, according to The Los Angeles Times. A neighbour of the couple told the outlet she had moved in with her ailing mother while Snowling was spending most of his time in Ohio, where he owned a property.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

At least four people have died and six others were wounded in a mass shooting at a well-known bikers bar in Trabuco Canyon, California.

According to initial reports, a retired law enforcement officer opened fire at the bikers cafe called Cooks Corner.

The gunman has been shot dead by deputies who responded to the scene, local TV station KCAL News reported, and is among the death toll of four.

There were multiple victims and the injured were being taken to hospital with gunshot wounds, the Orange Country Sheriff said in an earlier post on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Orange County law enforcement officials said that the mass shooting began at 7pm local time at Cooks Corner in the 19000 block of Santiago Canyon Road.

The incident is believed to have started following a domestic dispute between the retired law enforcement officer and his wife. The altercation escalated into a mass shooting with multiple people being shot dead, KCAL News reported.

Visuals on social media showed dozens of police vehicles and ambulances converging at the scene.

California governor Gavin Newsom was monitoring the shooting and coordinating with local officials as more details become available, his office tweeted.

Six people who suffered injuries were taken to hospital. Five of them suffered gunshot wounds, the sheriffs department posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Two people were in critical condition, Providence Mission Hospital, a trauma center in Mission Viejo, said in a statement.

Expressing his sorrow, California state senator Dave Min issued a statement urging an end to the scourge of gun violence.

Im devastated by the news of yet another mass shooting tonight, this time at Cooks Corner, a historic bar in the heart of Orange County, the Democrat said.

In a press conference late at night, Orange County Sheriffs Office said it was a very difficult night and they are working through a complex and detailed scene.

The sheriff said they recovered one weapon from the scene and there were 30 to 40 witnesses at the time of the incident.

But he did not share more details, citing an ongoing investigation.

Cooks Corner, where the mass shooting broke out on Wednesday evening, is a popular, longtime watering hole for the biker community in Southern California.

It is considered to be one of the most famous biker bar & restaurants in Southern California, its website says.

Many motorcycle riders and enthusiasts come there on weeknights and during the weekend to enjoy live music, open-mic nights or just a cold beer after a long ride.

Hours before the shooting, several patrons were stopping by Cooks Corner for an afternoon drink and meal.

Rows of motorcycles and bikes framed the gravel entrance where plaques describe the storied history of the bar built in 1884.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The suspected gunman in Wednesday nights shooting at a bikers bar in California has been identified as retired police officer John Snowling.

The Orange County Sheriffs Office said 59-year-old Snowling, a former officer from the City of Ventura, died during a confrontation with law enforcement. Undersheriff Jeff Hallock said he couldnt confirm whether Snowling was killed by deputies but said it was safe to assume so, local news station KTLA reports.

The violence broke out around 7pm at the Cooks Corner bar. Four people, including the suspected gunman, were killed.

Six others were wounded, and two of them remain in critical condition. Witnesses have said that Snowling targeted his estranged wife Marie Snowling, who was shot during the carnage, when he carried out the attack.

Despite earlier reports that Ms Snowling had not survived, her father William Mosby told The Orange County on Thursday that she is recovering from her injuries at Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo.

Her friend in the bar said she was shot in the lower jaw, Mr Mosby told the outlet. Im extremely relieved, what I heard was the worst.

Mr Mosby described Snowling as a crazy husband who couldnt cope with Ms Snowlings request for a divorce.

A neighbour of the Snowlings told the Los Angeles Times that he believed the couple had started to have marital problems because Ms Snowling wanted to go out more often, while her estranged husband preferred to stay at home.

I think it reached a point where it felt like life was passing her by because he didnt want to do anything,James Goldsmith, 68, told the outlet.

He would barely maintain the house. I think she wanted to have friends and live life and thats why I think she made the move that she did. Its sad that he couldnt allow that and let her live her own life.

Mr Goldmisth said that Ms Snowling had moved out and now lived with her mother after she filed for divorce in December 2022. Snowling had recently bought a home in Ohio and was spending most of his time there, Mr Goldsmith said.

John was always kind of a standoffish kind of person, Mr Goldsmith told the Times. He wasnt the most personable guy, not that I can say that there was anything really negative. He wasnt the type of neighbour that youd get the warm fuzzies from.

John Snowling has been identified as the gunman in the Wednesday night shooting at a bikers bar in Orange County, California (Los Angeles Times/Getty)

The Orange County District Attorneys Office said that Snwoling had been employed by the Ventura Police Department until his retirement in 2014. According to an article published in 2012, Snowling led a patrol task force within the agency.

Footage showed ATF and FBI present at the scene on Wednesday night. Survivors have recounted how they rushed out of the Cooks Corner and sought shelter in the bushes near the bar.

In an image from video, authorities work at the scene of a fatal shooting Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, at Cooks Corner (Screebgrab/@slausongirlnews)

A man who survived the shooting told CBS that he and another man who was injured in the arm barricaded in the kitchen until they thought it was safe to leave and get help.

The man also said he heard a woman pleading for her life, reportedly telling the shooter: Please dont shoot me, Im five months pregnant.

John Snowling was identified as the suspect in Wednesday nights shooting (Screebgrab/@slausongirlnews)

The suspected shooter allegedly told her: Get out of here

Ms Snowlings friend Betty Fruichantie told NBC that the two were enjoying a live performance at the popular bikers bar when the gunman entered the establishment.

We were sitting there listening to the band and all of sudden, from behind us, we hear shooting. A bunch of shooting, Ms Fruichantie said. I thought it was just firecrackers, she didnt say anything. People were getting shot. People were getting shot.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Bryan Kohberger has waived his right to a speedy trial less than two months before proceedings over the University of Idaho student homicides were to take place.

Anne Taylor, the lead public defender for Mr Kohberger, the suspect in the case, informed the court on Wednesday that one of the significant factors that determined the decision was inadequate time for proper legal counsel ahead of the planned 2 October start.

She told the court that the defence wished to reset the trial date just one time, and not again after it is rescheduled.

The prosecution plans to pursue capital punishment for Mr Kohberger, who is charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one charge of felony burglary connected to the deaths of four University of Idaho students on 13 November 2022.

Judge John Judge, presiding over the 2nd Judicial District in Latah County, Idaho, recognised the significance of the highly observed case.

Prior to officially approving the trial postponement, the judge confirmed with Mr Kohberger many times, ensuring he understood the rights he was forfeiting and his intent to proceed.

Mr Kohberger responded, Absolutely.

Mr Kohberger, 28, stands accused of the fatal stabbing of four University of Idaho students at a residence off-campus on King Road in Idahos Moscow city in November.

The individuals who lost their lives were seniors Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves, both aged 21, alongside junior Xana Kernodle and freshman Ethan Chapin, both aged 20.

Please pray for our family today, said Goncalvess family on Facebook earlier in the day.

We are afraid he is going to waive his rights to a speedy trial. If he does, trial will not be starting on Oct 2nd and it is very likely that it wont take place for years. We want to get this trial over. Just thinking it could be years absolutely kills me.

Mr Kohberger, enrolled as a PhD student in Washington State Universitys criminal justice programme, was arrested in December in connection with the murders. He was subsequently extradited from their parents residence in Pennsylvania back to Idaho.

Law enforcement established Mr Kohbergers connection to the case when DNA recovered from his parents home corresponded with DNA identified on a knife sheath discovered at the crime scene.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Elon Musks rebranded social media platform X took two days to suspend the account of a gunman identified by authorities as Laura Carletons killer.

Travis Ikeguchi, 27, posted hate-filled screeds about the LGBTQ+ community and threatened law enforcement officers on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

On 18 August, Ikeguchi fatally shot Carleton, 66, after yelling homophobic slurs about a Pride flag hanging outside her Mag.Pi fashion store in Glen Cedar, California.

He was identified as the killer by San Bernardino County Sheriffs Office on 21 August, when a spokesperson said a review of his social media accounts on X and Gab showed extremist anti-LGBTQ+ views and intense hatred for law enforcement.

Ikeguchi had pinned an image of a burning Pride flag to the top of his X account.

After numerous users reported him for violating the platforms safety standards, X finally suspended his account on Wednesday (23 August).

CNN reported that the account was suspended 30 minutes after it contacted the platform seeking comment.

After Mr Musk purchased the platform last year, he fired roughly 80 per cent of its employees including most of its content moderators and compliance team. Under previous management, accounts associated with violent incidents were typically suspended straight away.

Laura Carleton was killed by gunman Travis Ikeguchi outside her store (Mountain Provisions Cooperative)

On X, Ikeguchi 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

X did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Independent.

Carleton, a fierce LGBTQ+ ally and mother of nine, had faced repeated threats for displaying a Pride flag from her clothing store, family say.

The Lauri Carleton Memorial Fund has been set up to support community projects she was involved in in the Lake Arrowhead area.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A memorial fund for has been set up to champion LGBTQ+ causes in honour of murdered California store owner Lauri Carleton.

The Lauri Carleton Memorial Fund aims to keep her spirit alive by supporting community groups and sustainability causes in her adopted home of Lake Arrowhead, California, and is endorsed by Carletons husband Bort and nine children.

Lauri was a pillar in our community, an unwavering champion of values that sought to break down barriers and build bridges, organisers from the Mountain Provision Cooperative said on social media.

Her dedication to equality and her courage in flying the LGBTQ+ flag exemplify her commitment to creating a world where love knows no boundaries.

Funds will go towards several community groups including Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+, who described Carleton as a fierce advocate for love, equality, and human rights.

We will work closely with Lauris family in partnership with Lake Arrowhead LGBTQ+ and broader ally community to develop and amplify resources that promote LGBTQ+ awareness, equality, and inclusion, it said in an Instagram post.

Carleton was a founding member of the Mountain Provisions Cooperative, which was set up earlier this year to help residents in the San Bernardino Mountains after a winter blizzard dumped 110 inches of snow in the area in a few days.

The 66-year-old turned her store into an emergency relief centre and handed out supplies to local residents with her husband Bort during the severe snow dump, which cut off some areas for weeks.

A memorial fund has been set up with funds going towards causes championed by Laura Carleton (Mountain Provisions Cooperative)

Authorities say Travis Ikechugi, 27, shot Carleton on 18 August after shouting homophobic insults at her over a Pride flag which was displayed outside of her Mag.Pi fashion store in Cedar Glen.

Many of Carletons famous friends and acquaintances, including Hollywood director Paul Feig and comedian Bridget Everett, have condemned widespread anti-gay and trans rhetoric since her death.

The organisers of the fund did not immediately respond to questions from The Independent about how much had been raised.

* Anyone wishing to make a donation or find out more information can do so here.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Separate searches are underway for two missing women who vanished from a popular Colorado resort town within days of each other.

Melissa Whitsitt, 34, was reported missing on 13 August after she failed to show up to her job at the Winter Park resort, the Grand County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

Ms Whitsitt had moved from Tennessee to Colorado in May for the job and was extremely excited to start her new life in Winter Park, her family said.

The missing woman was last seen on Woodspur Lane. Her phone was used by an unknown male to make several calls from the Denver area but it has since been turned off, the Denver Gazette reported.

Just days earlier, on 11 August, authorities had started a search to find another missing woman, 55-year-old Svetlana Ustimenko after her rental car was found parked at the Deadhorse Trailhead area in the Arapaho National Forest in late July.

Melissa Whitsitt (left), 34, went missing on 13 August just days after police began searching for Svetlana Ustimenko (right), 55. They both vanished from a Colorado resort town (Grand County Sheriffs Office )

The vehicle was supposed to be returned on August 10 but it was left parked for an extended period of time with no sign of her, authorities said.

Multiple searches took place on August 12-13 and again on 18 August and 20 August, but there was no sign of Ms Ustimenko, who is from Florida.

Melissa Whitsitt, 34, was reported missing on 13 August after she failed to show up to her job at the Winter Park resort (Grand County Sheriffs Office )

A photo of Ms Whitsitt with brown hair has been released by the sheriffs office, but her mother recently shared two old photos of her daughter with blonde hair on Facebook and said there are reasons for the three different pics' (Cindy Whitsitt/Facebook)

An investigation found Ustimenko was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness and she was struggling as she tried to cope and was attracted to the Colorado mountains.

On 22 August, the search was suspended pending new information.

The sheriffs office says the two cases are not related and reassured local residents that there is no threat to the community.

Ms Whitsitts parents Cindy and Jerry Whitsitt, have since travelled to Winter Park from their home in Tennessee to search for their daughter.

Like a needle in a haystack, Cindy Whitsitt told CBS News. Some of the law enforcement have been very eager to help us but they are understandably outnumbered, there are literally two detectives in the department here in Denver and we found that unacceptable.

On 11 August, authorities had started a search to find another missing woman, 55-year-old Svetlana Ustimenko after her rental car was found parked at the Deadhorse Trailhead area in the Arapaho National Forest in late July (Grand County Sheriffs Office)

The missing woman had not been in contact with her friends or family since she was last seen and has not used her debit card.

A photo of Ms Whitsitt with brown hair has been released by the sheriffs office, but her mother recently shared two old photos of her daughter with blonde hair on Facebook and said there are reasons for the three different pics.

She added that her daughter may have changed her hair colour but would be easy to spot in public.

Search teams are scouring the vast wilderness in Colorado for two missing women (Grand County Sheriffs Office )

She is a livewire, her heartbroken mother said, teary eyed.

Always has been, she is very loud; you would see her or hear her if she is anywhere out there.

Melissa,if you see us, just call us, she pleaded.

Anyone with information about Ms Whitsitt is asked to contact the Winter Park Police Department at 970-722-7779. Anyone who believes they may have seen or talked to Ustimenko is asked to contact the Grand County Sheriffs Office at 970-725-3311.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A 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.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A daycare employee has been arrested over the death of a one-year-old child who was left in a hot car for hours in Omaha, Nebraska.

Deputies responded to the Kidz of the Future Child Development Center on Monday evening after an employee at the daycare made a call about an unresponsive child. The minor, identified by her parents as RaMiyah Worthington, was taken to Nebraska Medical Center but was declared dead shortly after.

RaMiyah had been inside a van owned by the daycare for about five to six hours as temperatures in the city reached 96 degrees, according to court records  the little girls body temperature was 109 degrees when she arrived at the hospital, KETV reports.

Now, the 62-year-old van driver, Ryan Williams, is facing charges of child abuse by neglect resulting in death. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has also shut down the daycare centre.

Law enforcement told KETV Mr Williams had said during an interview with detectives that nine children were in the van on Monday. He claimed to have become distracted by a child who was not wanting to get out of the van and go inside.

The child eventually exited the van when another staff member at the centre intervened. The driver reportedly admitted that although he usually checks that the van is completely empty, he didnt on Monday.

The protection and well-being of children is of the highest priority by the Department of Health and Human Services, and we are working with law enforcement as they investigate this tragic death. In addition, an emergency order has been put in place temporarily closing the facility until further investigations can take place, DHHS told 6 News in a statement.

RaMiyah Worthingtons body temperature was 109 degrees when she arrived at the hospital, after staff at her daycare realised she had been trapped inside a van for horus (WOWT/ Sina Johnson)

RaMiyahs mother Sina Johnson also told the outlet that while court documents estimated her daughter had been in the van for up to six hours, she believed RaMiyah had spent longer trapped in the car.

It had to be around eight in the morning  eight in the morning. We didnt get a call until 3pm. My daughter could have been in there eight, seven hours, no windows down, no nothing. Screaming. Crying, Ms Johnson said. Nobody heard anything. Everybodys in this building while shes literally outside in the parking lot.

Mr Williams appeared in court on Wednesday. Hes being held on $50,000 bond. Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said during the hearing that the childs death had been horrific and unimaginable.

What that child was going through the last moments of their life, as they struggled to, Im sure, try to get out of that car, out of the suffocating heat that they were in. So its very sad. Its extremely sad, Mr Kleine said, per KETV.

This photo released by the Omaha Police Department shows Ryan Williams, of Omaha, Nebraska

RaMiyah was the youngest of six siblings and was described by her family as being a smiley child who loved dancing.

So now my 6-year-old is going to be asking me, Mom is this baby OK? Is the baby OK? Its unimaginable that anybody left a baby in a car, Ms Johnson told 6 News. I have no sympathy for anybody who forg[ets] a baby in a car. You dont forget your phone. You dont forget your purse.

Mr Williams is scheduled to appear in court again on 26 September.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Children are three to five times more vulnerable to having their body temperature increase while inside a car.

An infants body temperature can increase by 20 degrees while inside a car in just 10 minutes.

The agency estimates that an average of 40 children die each year of heatstrokes caused by them being trapped in a hot car.
Sign up to our free US news bulletin sent straight to your inbox each weekday morning Sign up to our free morning US email news bulletin Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

US Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a voluntary recall on certain eye drop brands that were found to have fungal and bacterial contamination.

The products from Dr Bernes include their MSM 5 per cent Solution Eye Drops, MSM 15 per cent Solution Eye Drops, Castor Oil Eye Drops; MSM MIST Drops 5 per cent Solution

Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection. To date, Dr Bernes has received 2 reports of adverse events related to this recall, the FDA said in a statement on Saturday.

Earlier in the week, the FDA said that people should properly discard the products if they have purchased them and said: Using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection.

Both products are sold online and are considered illegal because they contain an ingredient called methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM.

These products are unapproved drugs and illegally marketed in the US. There are no legally marketed ophthalmic drugs that contain MSM as an active ingredient, the agency added.

MSM is a compound that is used widely in alternative medicine and is also sometimes used to treat arthritis  it has not been approved for use in eye drops.

There have been no reports of injuries so far but the contaminated eyedrops could pose a serious risk to consumers. However, the FDA said people who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care professional or otherwise seek medical care immediately.

The FDA tested the products and found that they had been 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, it added.

Dr Bernes MSM Drops 5 per cent Solution has a bacterial contamination known as Bacillus and a fungus called Exophiala.

The LightEyez drops contained three kinds of bacterial contamination: Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, Mycolicibacterium and Methylorubrum.

The agency said due to this, Dr Berne verbally agreed on 21 August 21 to voluntary recall the Dr Bernes MSM Drops 5 per cent Solution.

The FDA said it emailed LightEyez Limited to discuss its concerns with their products. LightEyez has not yet responded to the FDA.

Earlier this year, four people died, while others were reported to have gone blind due to a drug-resistant bacteria found in recalled eyedrops.

At the time, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention released an update on Friday (19 May), alerting the public to a rise in deaths and injuries caused by the bacteria.

Eighty-one patients in 18 states have been affected by the bacteria after using EzriCare or Delsam Pharmas Artificial Tears products, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The contaminated products, made by the India-based company Pharma Healthcare, were recalled in February, with at least seven patients diagnosed afterwards. In addition to the four deaths, 14 individuals have gone blind and four others had their eyes surgically removed.

A visit by US health inspectors to the factory uncovered failures to maintain sterility.
Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The body of a missing Florida Gulf Coast University student has been recovered from a lake on the campus, authorities say.

Graham McGrath, 19, fell from a wake boat into Lake Como, 30 miles south of Fort Myers, at around 7pm on Wednesday, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno told a news conference.

His body was found on Thursday after a 12-hour overnight search, Sheriff Marceno said.

McGrath did not have any visible signs of physical trauma, and his cause of death will be determined by a medical examiner, he added.

Thirteen other people were onboard the boat when McGrath fell overboard, the sheriff said. The group had been having fun enjoying themselves prior to the accident, the sheriff said.

All 13 were being interviewed independently on the night of the accident. The wake boat had a capacity of 16 people.

The body of missing Florida Gulf Coast University student Graham McGrath, 19, has been recovered from a lake on the campus (Lee County Sheriffs Office)

A multi-agency rescue effort consisting of dive teams, helicopter, marine boats, and drones were deployed to search for the missing teenager on Wednesday night.

When daylight broke on Thursday, the Lee County Sheriffs Departments Marine Unit & Underwater Operations used a boat with side-scan sonar to search the lake bed for McGrath.

Sheriff Marceno confirmed McGraths body had been found in a statement on social media at around midday.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Grahams family and the entire FGCU family, he said.

The circumstances of his death are under investigation.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno addresses a news conference during a search for missing student Graham McGrath (Lee County Sheriffs Office)

In a statement, Florida Gulf Coast University president Aysegul Timur said the entire FGCU community was devastated by McGraths death.

It is with deep sadness that I inform you of the passing of Graham McGrath, the FGCU student who tragically went missing yesterday afternoon while on a private boat on the shared lake between the university and Miromar Lakes.

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno announces the discovery of Florida Gulf Coast University student Graham McGraths body (Lee County Sheriffs Office)

Ms Timur thanked the Lee County Sheriff Office, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Iona-McGregor Fire District, San Carlos Park Fire District and the universitys police department for their efforts in locating the student.

Counseling services were available to grieving students and taff, she said.

During this time of great heartbreak and grief, FGCU wants to help our students, faculty and staff the best that we can. We encourage everyone to seek the assistance they need.

McGrath died one week before his 20th birthday.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Two brothers from New Zealand have been sentenced to 16-and-a-half and 17 years in prison for the drugging and sexual assault of at least 18 young women at the restaurant and bar they oversaw in Christchurch.

Brothers Danny Jaz, 40, and Roberto Jaz, 38, were arrested in 2018 as part of Operation Sinatra, a large-scale police investigation in New Zealand. After a two-month trial commencing in February, both were found guilty of multiple crimes, including rape, sex violation, indecent assault and drink spiking.

From 2015 to late 2018, they assaulted a total of 18 individuals at the bar Mama Hooch, owned by their father, and the adjacent Italian restaurant Venuti. Employing a secret WhatsApp group, they strategized targets and often drugged their victims, local media reported.

The elder brother, Danny, managed Mama Hoochs bar, while Roberto, a chef at Venuti, also assisted at the bar after hours.

According to reports, Danny assaulted 15 women, frequently cornering them in the restrooms of Mama Hooch during late hours. Roberto engaged in sexual assaults on five women, even recording one rape at Venuti.

Upon arrest, the brothers father, Michael Jaz, accused the police of corruption, claiming they coerced women into fabricating evidence against his sons.

The level of your offending is unknown in this country. said judge Paul Mabey of the Christchurch District Court during sentencing on Thursday, addressing the brothers.

You helped yourself to young women with callous disregard for their rights and their dignity, their youth.

He also ruled that they must serve half their sentence before being eligible for parole.

Neither of you has expressed any remorse, empathy or feelings, judge Mabey said. You lied. You minimised. You demonstrated an arrogant belief that you could talk yourself out of anything.

A collective of women in Christchurch, where the assaults took place, put up full-page advertisements in the citys newspapers to publish an open letter addressed to the victims of the Jaz brothers.

Know that your voices have made a profound difference. You stopped future hurt at the hands of these offenders, it read.

To all who have reported sexual violence, who have endured lengthy court proceedings, who have withstood the mental repercussions, we are in awe of you.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to make key economic, immigration and education reforms despite France's divisions and political challenges that have included months of protests against pension changes and recent rioting over a teen killed by police.

Macron said in a wide-ranging interview with Le Point magazine published Thursday that he will meet next week with the countrys main political leaders for talks about issues confronting France. The talks would be aimed at proposing new bills and possibly referendums, he said.

Macron last year lost his majority in the lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, forcing him to use political maneuvering to pass any new legislation. That was no big deal, he said in the interview, noting that his centrist government managed to pass some new laws since then with support from members of the center-left and the traditional right.

Macron wants to avoid a repetition of the major political crisis prompted by the parliamentary deadlock earlier this year over a reform to cut costs by raising the retirement age from 62 to 64. His government used a special constitutional power to force the legislation through without a vote at the National Assembly, infuriating opponents who staged a months-long firestorm of protest.

Macron promised to address the roots of several days of unrest around France sparked at the end of June by the police killing of a 17-year-old boy. He told Le Point that those who participated in the riots, including many aged under 18, acted out of a will for revenge against police and the state institutions.

There was no political message, nor a social or religious message, he said.

The 45-year-old president vowed to implement a major education reform that would including reducing students vacation days, and would allow students with learning difficulties to return to school sooner after holidays than others.

There are too many vacations, Macron said.

He also said that an immigration bill that has been postponed several times this year due to the lack of a parliamentary majority would be debated in the coming months. He said his government would hold talks with opposition parties to build a proposal.

We must significantly reduce immigration, starting with illegal immigration, he said. The external borders of the European Union must be better protected, he argued.

The comments come as a number of boats have capsized or otherwise been in distress in recent days off the North African coast and near Italian shores. Tens of thousands of migrants have tried to cross the Mediterranean Sea this year hoping to reach Europe.

Macron vowed to bring the unemployment rate down to 5%. France unemployment rate reached 7.2% this year, its lowest rate since 2008.

He said his policies since 2017 have boosted France's growth and improved its economic attractiveness to foreign. We must do more to reduce unemployment by all means, he said.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

As Russia remains silent following the reported death of Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, Independent readers will have the chance to ask questions on what we know so far, what this means for the Wagner group and the war with Ukraine more generally during an Ask Me Anything on Thursday 24 August.

Tim White, who tweets under the handle @TWMCLtd, is a documentary maker specialising in Ukraine and eastern Europe and will be on hand to answer any questions you may have in the aftermath of this breaking story.

To take part in the AMA, post your questions in the comments below.

There are many unknowns following Prigozhins death. However, we do know the Wagner chief is reported to be among 10 people killed in a plane crash, with footage showing the flaming wreckage after a private jet came down near Moscow on Wednesday evening.

The plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers was travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass. Prigozhin was on the passenger list for the plane, Russias civil aviation authority said.

Prigozhins fate has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in late June.

Russian president Vladimir Putin addressed a meeting of the BRIC countries on Thursday morning but neither he nor any other Kremlin officials have commented publicly on the plane crash.

Tim said readers might have questions including: Is there any possibility that Prigozhin (and his sidekick Utkin) are still alive? Some hardline Russians are trying to blame Ukraine - is this at all possible? Is it risky for Putin if he has killed Prigozhin? Could Wagner, other regular army members and even the public rise up against the Kremlin? Can Wagner survive? What about the contracts in Africa?

To take part in the Ask Me Anything, post your questions in the comments below. On Thursday July 24, Tim will join the conversation between 5pm and 6pm to answer as many questions as he can.

Register to submit your question in the comments box under this article. If youre not already a member, click sign up in the comments section to leave your question.

For a full guide on how to comment click here.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A former MI6 spy chief has said all indications suggest Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was taken out by Vladimir Putin, two months after staging a mutiny that dented the Russian presidents authority.

Russia's civil aviation agency said that Mr Prigozhin, leader of the private mercenary group, and six top lieutenants were among 10 killed when a jet crashed soon after taking off from Moscow on Wednesday.

Mr Prigozhins supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging channels that the plane was deliberately downed. Numerous opponents and critics of Mr Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts.

The Wagner group chief had mounted a short-lived mutiny against Russias military leadership in June and marched on Moscow with his mercenary fighters, with Mr Putin denouncing the rebellion as treason and vowing to punish those behind it.

Sir John Sawers, head of the MI6 between 2009 and 2014, said on Thursday that all signs suggest the Russian president had taken him out, making it clear to Russians he was not going to brook any challenge.

Former intelligence officer Christopher Steele also claimed it was an inside job and suggested a bomb inside a wine crate could have caused the explosion.

Prigozhin seen laughing about death in video released by Wagner-linked channel

Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Sir John said: All the indications point to the fact Putin has taken him out. He has reasserted his control.

Hes making clear to everyone inside and outside of Russia that hes not going to brook any challenge. If theres a slim chance that hes not dead and he wasnt on that plane, he will be soon.

The plane carrying three pilots and seven passengers was travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg, according to officials cited by Russias state news agency Tass. Footage shows the flaming wreckage after a private jet came down.

Sir John explained the MI6 wouldnt have any extra information on Prigozhins death yet, but said it was likely there would have been some device on board that took the jet down.

He said: If there had been some air defence missile that took him out then there would be traces of that which would be detectable through satellite means. But I would have thought there would have been some device on board that brought the plane down suddenly and killed all those on board.

Of course, those on board were not only Prigozhin but those around him like his military commander Dmitry Utkin, some other long-standing aides, so its a way of taking out the entire Wagner leadership all in one go.

Prigozhin launched a coup against Putin in June (Wagner Z Group/ Telegram)

Meanwhile, Mr Steele, who was with the Secret Intelligence Service and ran the MI6 Russia desk, claimed a bomb inside a wine crate could have caused the explosion. He added that the crash looked like part of a pattern of state-backed activity by FSB or GRU forces.

He told Sky News: I think it is unlikely that Wagner commanders were actually behind this ultimately. I would suspect very much that it was an FSB or GRU operation.

Certainly its an inside job, the suggestion is that its a bomb in a wine crate. Thats a kind of ironic end for Putins former caterer.

He added: [The crash] followed the day after General (Sergei) Surovikin, who you will remember was the commander first of all in Syria and later in Ukraine, was sacked from his job which was to be in charge of the security over the Russian homeland.

He was seen as somebody that was one of the generals who was supporting Prigozhin and was an ally of his. For him to have been removed a day before does rather suggest a pattern of state-backed activity here.

So far, the Kremlin has not commented on the crash. Mr Putin did not mention the incident during a speech in Moscow to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Battle of Kursk during the Second World War.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The 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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A video showing Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhins thoughts on death has been shared on a Telegram channel linked to the mercenary group, just hours after its chief and co-founder were feared to have died in a plane crash.

Prigozhin, a former prison convict and one of Vladimir Putins closest associates until he launched a failed military coup in June, is believed to have died in the plane crash between Moscow and St Petersburg.

The Grey Zone Telegram channel, which provides both official and unofficial updates on Wagner activities, hailed Prigozhin as a hero and a patriot who died at the hands of unidentified traitors to Russia earlier on Wednesday.

And it later shared an undated video showing the Wagner chiefs remarks on death.

We will all go to hell, but we will be the best in hell, sums up Yevgeny Prigozhin, the channel said in a post citing excerpts from an old interview.

Prigozhin can be seen laughing in the video while seated inside a low-lit makeshift tent and talking to some people. The time and location of the video is not known.

The Telegram channel Gray Zone also published remarks on death by the Wagner chiefs close associate and co-founder Dmitry Utkin, who is heard but not seen in the video.

Utkin, the co-founder of the Wagner group, is also said to be among the victims of the plane crash.

Death is not the end, its just the beginning of something else, the channel quoted Utkin as saying.

Almost two months after the military coup staged by Prigozhin near Moscow, Russian authorities on Wednesday evening claimed he and Utkin were among 10 people onboard a plane which crashed in the Tver oblast north of Moscow with no survivors.

Prigozhins death leaves the Wagner Group leaderless and raise questions about its future operations in Africa and elsewhere.

No official comment has been released from the Kremlin or the Russian defence ministry on the whereabouts of Prigozhin, who was a self-declared enemy of the armys leadership over what he had argued was its incompetent execution of Russias war in Ukraine.

Prigozhins mercenary fighters waged a brutal battle  dubbed the meat grinder  in Bakhmut last year in winter, where they eventually handed Moscow its biggest territorial gain in many months.

But a few months later, Prigozhin accused Mr Putins defence ministry of starving him of ammunition and supplies.

He spent months criticising the way Russia was handling its Ukraine invasion, and had tried unsuccessfully to topple defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the General Staff.

The 62-year-old, who said he should be called Putins butcher, spearheaded the mutiny against Russias top army brass which Mr 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 and infuriating the military.

The mutiny ended in just 24 hours as Prigozhin ordered his soldiers to return to their bases, but the incident was described as treason in a public address by Mr Putin. He later said that he had pardoned Prigozhin following talks over tea in Moscow.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Vladimir Putin 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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Vladimir Putin has said that the Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin had a complicated fate in his first remarks about the plane crash said to have killed him.

In a televised speech, the Russian president offered his condolences to the families of the 10 people who died in the crash on Wednesday evening, while appearing to eulogise Prigozhin, 62, as a talented businessman.

Putin said that the Wagner chief had made serious mistakes in his life  seemingly a reference to the attempted mutiny led by Prigozhin in June that was the most significant challenge to the Russian leader's authority during his 20 years in power.

It was that armed uprising, ended after 24 hours by a deal between the Kremlin and Prigozhin with Wagner fighters 125 miles from Moscow, that led many to believe that Prigozhin would face retribution from Putin. The episode was an embarrassment for the Russian leader of the kind he has repeatedly  and severely  punished over the years.

I have known Prigozhin for a long time, since the 1990s. He made some serious mistakes in life, but he also achieved the necessary results for himself but also for the greater good when I asked him. He was a talented man, a talented businessman, Putin said from the Kremlin, speaking about Prigozhin in the past tense.

Speculation over the fate of the Wagner chief has been swirling for more than 24 hours, after the Russian civil aviation authority said that Prigozhin was on the plane that went down between Moscow to St Petersburg, leaving no survivors of the seven passengers and three crew on board. The passenger manifest included Prigozhin and his second-in-command, Dmitry Utkin, who baptised the group with his nom de guerre, as well as Wagner's logistics chief, a fighter wounded by US airstrikes in Syria, and at least one possible bodyguard.

US officials, speaking to The New York Times, have suggested that an explosion on the plane was the likely cause for the crash, but cautioned that no definitive conclusions had been drawn. One official also told the Associated Press that an explosion fell in line with Putins long history of trying to silence his critics.

Bodies being taken away from the jet crash site in Russia (via Reuters)

In Russia, the Baza news outlet, which has sources among law enforcement agencies, suggested that Russian investigators looking into the crash were considering a theory that a bomb had been planted on board. While the Kremlin would see the benefit of such a line of inquiry, leaders of a number of nations have already suggested that nothing this big could occur in Russia without Putin being aware.

Ukraine's President Zelensky, whose nation Putin's forces invaded in February last year, suggested as much in announcing that his nation had nothing to do with the plane coming down. "We have nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who does," he said. Prigozhin's Wagner forces have been involved in some of the bloodiest fighting in eastern Ukraine, particularly around the city of Bakhmut, and have faced accusations of war crimes. I cant say anything good about these subhumans, Mr Zelensky added, according to the Interfax-Ukraine news agency. Its either a judgment at the Hague, or Gods judgement.

Annalena Baerbock, the German foreign minister, said: It is no coincidence that the whole world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced ex-confidant of Putin suddenly falls from the sky, two months after he attempted an uprising.

Putin said that those on the plane had made a significant contribution to the fighting in Ukraine. We remember this, we know, and we will not forget, the president said, with Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed leader of Ukraine's partially occupied Donetsk region, also present.

The Embraer Legacy 600 executive jet crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver region north of Moscow. On Thursday, men were carrying away black body bags on stretchers. Part of the plane's tail and other fragments lay on the ground near a wooded area where forensic investigators had erected a tent.

A man brings flowers at an informal memorial next to the former 'PMC Wagner Centre' in St Petersburg, Russia (EPA)

Kuzhenkino resident Anastasia Bukharova, 27, told the Associated Press that she was walking with her children Wednesday when she saw the jet, and then  boom!  it exploded in the sky and began to fall down. She said she was scared it would hit houses in the village and ran with the children, but it ended up crashing into a field.

Russian authorities said on Thursday that the investigation into the crash would be led by Ivan Sibul, a veteran investigator who has previously examined other high-profile plane crashes.

Prigozhin long railed against how Russian generals were waging the war in Ukraine. For a long time, Putin appeared content to allow such infighting  and Prigozhin seemed to have the unusual latitude to speak his mind. In the deal that ended his revolt, Prigozhin was due to head to Belarus with some of his fighters to settle. Thousands of fighters have set up in Belarus, including training Belarusian troops near the Polish border, but Prigozhin has been photographed back in Russia. Poland is sending up to 10,000 of its troops to its border with Belarus, with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki believing that their threat will only grow. The Wagner Group comes under Putin's leadership. Let everyone answer the question for themselves  will the threat be bigger or smaller? For me, that's a rhetorical question, he said on Thursday.

Putin said he was told that Prigozhin had returned from Africa  where Wagner has an extensive presence  earlier on Wednesday, shortly before his apparent death, and had held meetings with officials in Moscow. Seemingly referring to Wagner's extensive  and lucrative  deployment in Africa, which is essentially an extension of Russian power in the region, Putin said that Prigozhin had worked not only in our country, and achieved results, but also abroad, particularly in Africa. He was involved there with oil, gas, precious metals and stones.

An informal memorial to Progozhin in St Petersburg attracted plenty of flowers on Thursday, and Putins remarks on Wagner's service may be aimed at calming some of the vitriol that has come Moscow's way in the wake of the crash. Prigozhin died as the result of the actions of Russias traitors, wrote the Grey Zone, a social media outlet close to Wagner. But even in hell, hell be the best! Glory to Russia! Other Wagner-affiliated sources suggested they would seek to avenge Prigozhins death, with one video purportedly showing Wagner fighters carrying the message that Moscow should expect us.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
 Close Aftermath of Russian missile strike on Ukraine mail depot that killed six

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Russian Army has used new, longer-range drones for the first time in an attack against Ukraine near Kyiv, reports suggest.

The Italmas weapon, which is harder to detect than the Iranian-made Shahed drone, may be part of Vladimir Putins strategy to expand Russias arsenal as harsher winter weather approaches, the Institute for the Study of War said.

It comes as the Ukrainian city of Avdiivka, Donetsk, faced heavy shelling overnight as Russia continues with its offensive push into the region.

The enemy dropped about 40 guided aerial bombs in two nights. But the number of ground assaults has been reduced, half of what it was yesterday and the day before, Oleksandr Shtupun, spokesperson for Ukraines southern group of forces, said.

Mr Shtupun added that Russia had suffered about 2,400 casualties in the last five days during its campaing in the Donetsk region.

Meanwhile, Ukraine launched an underwater sabotage attack on Russias Black Sea fleet near Sevastopol, Crimea, on Tuesday, according to Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of the region.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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 10 people to have died when the private jet went down in the Tver oblast near Moscow, then the immediate suspicion would be that this was an assassination by the Kremlin.

In the course of 24 hours of armed mutiny, two months to the day, 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 Rosaviatsiya, the Russian aviation authority, Prigozhin was one of the names on the passenger list 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.

Putin attends concert amid reports that Wagner boss dead in plane crash

Officials in Moscow say that all the seven 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 Surovikin, who had previously been in charge of the Ukraine mission, had been fired from his post as the head of the countrys aerospace forces.

Surovikin, 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 a bloody siege and assaults lasting months,

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to 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?
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Wagner founder, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is confirmed to have died in a plane crash  a turn of events that appears to leave his Wagner Group fighters rudderless and facing a highly uncertain future.

Prigozhin, a convict, turned gourmet restaurateur, turned warlord, was onboard an Embraer private jet flying from Moscow to St Petersburg when it came down over the Tver region, killing everyone on board. Two other senior commanders, Dmitry Utkin and Valery Chekalov, were also on the passenger list.

The crash came exactly two months after Prigozhin led his men in a mutiny that gravely embarrassed Russian president Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin, his fighters leaving their posts in southern Ukraine to occupy the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don before marching on Moscow along the M4 highway.

Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead, according to Russian investigators (Wagner Z Group/Telegram)

That was the crescendo of a months-long feud between Prigozhin and Russias top military brass, over the decisions made during Putins invasion of Ukraine and the lack of support Prigozhins mercenaries had received in the battle for the eastern city of Bakhmut.

Prigozhin had been a vocal critic of Russias chief of the general staff Valery Gerasimov and defence minister Sergei Shoigu over their leadership of the war effort over the winter months.

Wagners dramatic uprising on 23 June was eventually called off after 24 hours with the mercenaries about 125 miles from Moscow, thanks to intense negotiations with the Kremlin mediated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Prigozhin said his forces had consented to stand down to avoid spilling Russian blood in the streets. As part of the deal, Prigozhin  and a number of his fighters  agreed to relocate to Belarus. Although the Wagner chief would later be pictured back in Russia, adding an air of mystery to his movements.

Precisely what Prigozhin hoped to achieve has never been definitively established, but it is possible he believed he could topple Mr Gerasmiov and Mr Shoigu. It appears difficult to believe that he would do so without at least the tacit support of some of Russias military elite, but headstrong would be an apt word for Prigozhin.

In the hours before he met his end, there were reports in Russian state media that Sergei Surovikin, AKA General Armageddon  who was said to have close ties to Prigozhin  had been formally removed from command of Russias Aerospace Forces.

What is known is that Pirgozhin and a number of senior Wagner figures met with Mr Putin at the Kremlin on 29 June, five days after the mutiny, for what appeared to be clear-the-air talks. According to the presidents spokesman Dmitry Peskov, a three-hour face-to-face meeting was held with 35 people in attendance at which Wagner unit commanders reiterated their loyalty to their commander.

Speaking to a reporter from Russias state-controlled Kommersant newspaper a little later, Mr Putin said he offered Wagner troops several options, including continuing to operate under the command of someone he identified by the call sign Sedoy, meaning Grey Hair, whom they had served under for 16 months.

Prigozhin with Wagner troops (Prigozhin Press Service/AP)

All of them could have gathered in one place and continued to serve and nothing would have changed for them, Mr Putin said. They would have been led by the same person who has been their real commander all this time.

Many people nodded when I said that, the Russian leader continued. And Prigozhin, who was sitting at the front and didnt see this, said after hearing me out: No, the guys do not agree with this decision.

That may give a clue as to Mr Putins thinking now, but he will not want to lose Wagners presence in Africa, which has essentially become an extension of Russian power in the region. Wagner is believed to have thousands of fighters on the continent, embedded in countries including Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR)  where rights groups and the UN accuse them of committing war crimes.

Wagner fighters have also been accused by the US of enriching themselves with illicit gold deals on the continent.

Leading up to the crash, Prigozhin appeared to be making clear Wagners commitment to Africa. He was photographed attending the Russia-Africa Summit at the Trezzini Palace Hotel in St Petersburg in July, posing for photographs in front of maps of the continent and gladhanding diplomats, before this month issuing a statement in support of the coup in Niger and posting a video, apparently shot in Africa, encouraging Russian investment in the CAR. Russian flags and chants mentioning Wagner have been a feature of demonstrations of pro-coup supporters in Niger.

Rama Yade, senior director of the Atlantic Councils Africa Center, said this may not have helped Prigozhins cause. Putin was very clear about that when he said the mutineers betrayed the country... He could not trust Prigozhin, who was under investigation for armed rebellion, any more. Even after his exile, Prigozhin was a threat to Russian interests in Africa, maybe a competitor with rival interests.

Vladimir Putin met with Prigozhin in the days after the failed mutiny (Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AP)

She pointed out that foreign minister Sergei Lavrov moved to reassure his countrys African allies at the summit that Russias operations in Mali and beyond of course, will continue when they expressed anxiety about what Wagners actions meant for them.

Professor David Lewis of the University of Exeter told The Independent that Prigozhins killing leaves behind an extensive business empire across three continents, which are likely to be scrambled over, given that, Prigozhins companies were involved in everything from serving school dinners in Russia to a huge gold mine in the Central African Republic.

Professor Lewis predicts that different factions linked to the Russian military will probably try to take over these lucrative business contracts and create new proxy forces to expand Russias footprint in Africa. Prigozhin was particularly skilled at managing these transnational networks, but he is not indispensable. Russia will find new ways to use mercenaries and murky business deals to challenge the West for influence in the Middle East and Africa.

For Ms Yade, Wagners mercenaries now have three options: complete dissolution, nationalisation into the conventional Russian army or finding a new leader. Should Wagner live to fight another day, Yades Atlantic Council colleague Ariel Cohen warns: Integration into the Russian military will be bumpy, as many fighters are personally loyal to Prigozhin, and the state armed forces affiliation would even further dilute the already-tenuous plausible deniability the Russian state-supported mercenaries have enjoyed.

Since the mutiny, around 5,000 of its fighters have been situated at bases in Belarus awaiting redeployment, with some fighters training Belarusian troops a few miles from the border with Poland. Warsaw, a Nato member, is certainly concerned enough about their presence to move up to 10,000 troops to reinforce the border. Following the plane crash, Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki suggested the Wagner group would become an even bigger threat now it is likely to come under Mr Putins control.

The Wagner group comes under Putins leadership. Let everyone answer the question for themselves  will the threat be bigger or smaller? For me, thats a rhetorical question, Mr Morawiecki told a news conference.

But for Belarusian journalist Hanna Liubakova: The motivations for Wagner mercenaries to remain in Belarus are diminishing rapidly. The future course of action for them remains uncertain.

Their presence in Belarus initially stemmed from Lukashenkos effort to demonstrate his loyalty to Putin. It was then manifested through the intimidation of neighbouring Western countries and Ukraine, a stance that found favour with Putin.

Now, following Prigozhins death, there is a possibility that the mercenaries could face pressure to leave Belarus. Their departure is likely to bring a sense of relief to the Belarusian people.

She added that the killing of Prigozhin will also chasten Belarusian President Lukashenko, who has boasted about the important role he played in bringing the rebellion to a peaceful conclusion, once more reminding him  and the wider world  that it is Vladimir Putin who is really in control.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Russias Wagner mercenary group, is reported to have been killed in a plane crash northwest of Moscow - exactly two months after leading a short-lived and unsuccessful mutiny against president Vladimir Putin.

The plane crash which happened near the village of Kuzhenkino, northwest of Moscow, during a flight from Moscow to St Petersburg on Wednesday evening. Western intelligence agencies believe that Putin may have had a hand in downing the aircraft.

The Wagner Group has become best known for its involvement in Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine, but the private army, which Prigozhin claimed had 25,000 soldiers at the beginning of the war, has been around since 2014 and has been involved in several other conflicts.

Prigozhin posts a video message from Ukraine (PRIGOZHIN PRESS SERVICE)

Here, The Independent takes a look at Wagners involvement in other countries, when it got involved in Ukraine and the events surrounding Prigozhins failed mutiny back in June, which sent shockwaves through Russia.

2014 - Wager group is founded by Prigozhin

Prigozhin, a wealthy businessman known as Putins chef because he provided catering services to the Kremlin, said he founded the group back in 2014 and it was involved in Russias invasion and annexation of the Crimea peninsula from Ukraine.

Wagner forces have been involved in Syrias civil war since 2015, supporting pro-government forces and oil fields. The group has had a growing presence in Africa in recent years and has been detected in Libya, Sudan, the Central African Republic and Mail.

28 March 2022 - mercenaries are deployed to Ukraine

Britains Ministry of Defence (MoD) first reported that Wagner had been deployed in Ukraine on 28 March 2022, just a month into the Kremlins invasion  after Russian losses had already begun to hamper the pace of the initial assault.

But some reports suggest they had been involved since the beginning of the invasion on 24 February.

Military consultant Nicholas Drummond told The Independent: Wagner was involved from the start but the group started to become a key player when the initial assault ran into difficulty.

By the end of March, it was very evident that the invasion had gone wrong. Putin used Prigozhin as a troubleshooter and Wagner was there to fill the gaps.

Smoke rises from a building in Bakhmut, the site of the heaviest battles between Russia and Ukraine (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

14 April - Prigozhin calls for end to war

Prigozhin urges Putin to end the war and to tell the Russian people that the country had achieved the aims of its special military operation.

He claimed that Russia had taken a fat chunk of Ukrainian territory, and that the most strategic route for its armed forces - who have suffered severe losses - would be to defend existing gains.

His comments, which came in a rambling statement posted online, marked the first time a senior figure in the war publicly called for the Kremlin to stop the war.

Over the next few months - and up until the weeks before his reported death - he would go on to repeatedly criticise the Kremlins strategy in the war and complain about the number of troops he was losing.

4 May - Prigozhin rages at top military brass

Prigozhin launches blistering attack on Russia top military brass after suffering heavy losses on Bakhmut.

In an expletive-ridden video, recorded in a field littered with corpses, blamed the Kremlin for the deaths.

These are Wagner lads who died today. The blood is still fresh, he says, pointing to roughly three dozen bodies he says are Wagner fighters.

They came here as volunteers and are dying so you can sit like fat cats in your luxury offices.

Prigozhin seen laughing about death in video released by Wagner-linked channel

20 May - Wager claims it has taken Bakhmut

Wagner claims that its forces have taken control of the city of Bakhmut after the longest and most grinding battle of the Russia-Ukraine war, but Ukrainian defense officials dismiss claims as false.

In a video posted on Telegram, Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin said the city came under complete Russian control at about midday Saturday. He spoke flanked by about half a dozen fighters, with ruined buildings in the background and explosions heard in the distance.

However, after the video appeared, Ukrainian deputy defence minister Hanna Maliar said heavy fighting was continuing.

25 May - Wagner troops leave Bakhmut

Russias Wagner mercenary group has started withdrawing its forces from the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and transferring its positions there to regular Russian troops, its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said in a video published on Thursday.

"We are withdrawing the units from Bakhmut. From today at five in the morning, May 25 until June 1, most of the units will rebase to camps in the rear. We are handing our positions to the military," he said.

23/24June - Prigozhin leads rebellion against Kremlin

Prigozhin previously provided catering services to the Kremlin (AP)

Prigozhin leads rebellion against the Kremlin and demands the sacking of defence minister Sergei Shoigu, who he blames for Russias faltering campaign in Ukraine

Thousands of Wagner fighters move rapidly from Russias south towards the capital in a "march for justice", reportedly making it to within 120 miles from the city before Priogozhin calls off their advance.

27 June - Belarus president claims he convinced Prigozhin to call off mutiny

Alexander Lukashenko says that he convinced Prigozhin in an emotional, expletive-laden phone call to end the mutiny.

Under a deal brokered by Lukashenko, an old friend, Prigozhin abandoned what a "march for justice" by thousands of his men on Moscow in exchange for safe passage to exile in Belarus.

6 July - Prigozhin free man in St Petersburg

Lukashenko says Prigozhin is in St Petersburg and a "free" man - despite staging rebellion weeks earlier.

The Belarusian leader said then "maybe he went to Moscow, maybe somewhere else, but he is not on the territory of Belarus".

18 July - Prigozhin welcomes troops to Belarus

Wagner chief appears in video allegedly showing him welcoming his troops to Belarus.

27 July - Images suggest Wagner chief attended meeting in St Petersburg

Images posted online appear to show Prigozhin attending a meeting in St Petersburg, where Putin was also in attendance for the Russia-Africa summit.

22 August - Prigozhin posts final video before reported death

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.

23 August - Prigozhin reportedly killed in plane crash

Prigozhin is presumed dead after being named among passengers on a private jet that crashed into a field near Moscow with no survivors.

Kremlin stays silent on plane crash throughout the following day.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Flight data shows the path taken by the plane reported to have been carrying Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin before it crashed, killing all those on board.

Russias civil aviation authority said that Mr Prigozhin, who led a failed coup against the Kremlin two months ago, was one of 10 people on board when the aircraft came down near the village of Kuzhenkino, northwest of the capital, Moscow on Wednesday.

Flight data shows the plane was first tracked northwest of Moscow at an altitude of 12,275ft. It continued travelling northwest and was last tracked northwest of the Tver region at 28,000.

The plane, an Embraer Legacy 600, registration number 02795, then crashed some time later near the village of Kuzhenkino, northwest of Moscow, during a flight from the capital to St Petersburg.

Flight took off from Moscow and was headed to St Petersburg (flightradar24)

There was no official comment from the Kremlin or the Russian defence ministry on the fate of Mr Prigozhin, a self-declared enemy of the armys leadership over what he argued was its incompetent prosecution of Russias war in Ukraine.

A Telegram channel linked to Wagner, Grey Zone, pronounced him dead and hailed him as a hero and a patriot. It said he died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia."

Crash site after Embraer Legacy 600 is downed northwest of Moscow (TELEGRAM/ @grey_zone/AFP via Get)

Body bags were seen being carried away from the crash site early on Thursday morning and Russian state media said all those onboard had been recovered.

Part of the planes tail and other fragments lay on the ground near a wooded area where forensic investigators had erected a tent.

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin led a failed mutiny against the Kremlin two months ago (AP)

Mourners left flowers and lit candles near Wagners offices in St Petersburg early on Thursday.

Amid fevered speculation and an absence of verifiable facts, some of Mr Prigozhins supporters 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 leaders authority since he came to power in 1999.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine have been supported on the battlefield by tens of thousands of mercenaries from a shadowy group led by a businessman and longtime ally of president Vladimir Putin.

The Wagner Group is a private military company that was under the control of Yevgeny Prigozhin until his reported death in a plane crash on Wednesday 23 August.

The unit cut its teeth in deployments to Crimea  illegally annexed by Russia in 2014  and eastern Ukraines Donbas region in the aftermath of that act and has since dispatched troops to several conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, including the Syrian Civil War.

In Russias invasion of Ukraine, Wagner has been a key part of Moscows fighting force, but a power struggle between the Kremlin and the outspoken Prigozhin threatened  for 24 hours at least  to drag Russia towards a civil war of its own.

On Friday 23 June, Prigozhin accused his countrys defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, of destroying his fighters and concocting lies to justify the invasion of Ukraine.

Prigozhin called for an armed mutiny in an explosive rant on Telegram in which he vowed to stop the evil of the Kremlins top brass.

The Wagner Groups leader did not go after Mr Putin personaly in his tirade, instead alleging that for more than a year  and after more than 350,000 casualties, a large portion of which Prigozhins men are responsible for  the Russian president had been deceived by Mr Shoigu.

The war was needed... so that Shoigu could become a marshal, so that he could get a second Hero Star The war wasnt for demilitarising or de-Nazifying Ukraine. It was needed for an extra star, Prigozhin declared on Telegram.

This outrage resulted in Prigozhin and his men leaving their posts in southern Ukraine and briefly occupying the city of Rostov-on-Don  a major logistics hub for the invasion of Ukraine  on Saturday 24 June. They then marched on Moscow along the M4 highway, shooting down a number of helicopters in the process.

Prigozhin then halted his advance approximately 125 miles from the Russian capital.

Following some intension negotiations with the Kremlin mediated by Belarussian president Alexander Lukashenko, a deal was struck under which the mercenaries would move to Belarus in return for charges against them relating to the uprising being dropped.

Mr Putin said at that point that the fighters could either leave for exile, come under the command of the defence ministry or go back to their families.

Yevgeny Prigozhin and Vladimir Putin on a food factory tour in 2010 (AP)

Before embarking for Belarus, Wagner handed over its weapons to the Russian military, part of efforts by Russian authorities to defuse the threat posed by the mercenaries and avoid bloodshed on its own soil.

Prigozhin  a 62-year-old ex-convict sometimes known as Putins chef because his catering business has hosted dinners for the Russian president  had denied all links with the group until September last year when he announced he was proud to be its founder.

He said he founded Wagner to support Russian-backed separatists in the Donbas conflict.

I cleaned the old weapons myself, sorted out the bulletproof vests myself and found specialists who could help me with this, Prigozhin said. From that moment, on 1 May 2014, a group of patriots was born, which later came to be called the Wagner Battalion.

Dmitry Utkin, a former Russian intelligence officer, alleged to be its co-founder, was also reportedly killed in the plane crash that took out Prigozhin.

Armoured vehicles the streets of Rostov-on-Don on 24 June (Reuters)

Since its formation, Wagner has been accused of committing human rights abuses in Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, Sudan, Mali, Mozambique and most recently Ukraine.

Prior to admitting his involvement, Prigozhin had a history of suing Russian and Western news outlets that alleged his ties to the group. His secretive stance was to protect the Wagner soldiers, he claimed.

Prigozhin was finally forced to confess his links with the outfit as the group rose to prominence in the Ukraine conflict. British intelligence puts the number of Wagner troops active in Ukraine at 50,000, comprising a quarter of Russias total strength.

War contractors are nothing new but military analysts say the Kremlin has been heavily reliant on Wagner due to the heavy losses incurred by official Russian forces during the war, along with difficulties in recruitment.

Britains Ministry of Defence (MoD) first reported that Wagner had been deployed in Ukraine on 28 March 2022, a little over a month into the conflict, after Russian losses had already begun to hamper the pace of the initial assault.

Wagner has since then played significant roles in capturing towns such as Soledar, Popasna and Lysychansk  offering relative operational competence while the Kremlin has been forced to repeatedly switch around command of its own forces in the face of heavy losses.

Wagner fighters in a Soledar salt mine after Prigozhin claimed to have taken the town (Telegram)

Prigozhin had been at pains to claim victories for Wagner in Ukraine before his death, sometimes putting him at odds with the Kremlin line. He has even accused Russias defence ministry of taking credit for Wagner successes.

In the battle for Soledar, a small town subject to an intense assault as part of Russias still-ongoing campaign to take over the city of Bakhmut, Prigozhin said his mercenaries had triumphed over Ukrainian forces days before the Kremlin said its own troops had done the same.

Bakhmut is prized by Moscow as its capture would put Russian forces in a stronger position in the goal of capturing all of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions that make up the Donbas.

On 12 February, Prigozhin said Wagner had taken the village of Krasna Hora near Bakhmut, making no mention of Russian forces as Moscow began to launch a major offensive targeting the Donetsk town along with several other frontline settlements.

Wagner fighters posing outside the village of Krasna Hora (Reuters)

Speculation had raged over Prigozhins ambitions in Russian politics and there were signs that Mr Putin was sensitive to any potential challenges from his former cook before the plane crash rendered such concerns null and void.

Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser who maintains contacts in political circles, said the Russian government had extracted a promise from Prigozhin that he would not create his own political movement or join a parliamentary party unless asked to do so by officials.

They are a little afraid of him and find him an inconvenient person, Mr Markov said in July.

The group, formally Wagner PMC (Private Military Company), recently moved its headquarters to an imposing glass high-rise in St Petersburg, which also acts as a technology centre and holds exhibits of advanced weaponry along grey corridors filled with camouflaged personnel.

The Wagner Groups headquarters in St Petersburg (EPA)

Unsettling accounts of life in the mercenary group surfaced recently from former members including Andrei Medvedev, who sought asylum in Norway in January after deserting a Wagner regiment in Ukraine.

The 26-year-old said sergeants were ruthless in their attempts to recruit new fighters.

They would round up those who did not want to fight and shoot them in front of newcomers, he alleged in an interview with CNN.

They brought two prisoners who refused to go fight and they shot them in front of everyone and buried them right in the trenches that were dug by the trainees.

Andrei Medvedev in Oslo after fleeing Wagner command (Reuters)

The MoD said last July that Wagner was lowering recruitment standards to include formerly blacklisted individuals.

Mr Medvedev claimed he joined Wagner as a volunteer after serving in the Russian military. He said he and his fellow fighters were often sent into battle with little direction.

Two former Wagner fighters captured by Ukraine told CNN of devastating losses in assaults reminiscent of First World War infantry charges.

Recalling his first assault near the village of Bilohorivka in Luhansk, one said: There were 90 of us. Sixty died in that first assault, killed by mortar fire. A handful remained wounded.

The other fighter said he was involved in a push for Lysychansk on the Luhansk-Donetsk border.

The first steps into the forest were difficult because of all the landmines spread out. Out of 10 guys, seven were killed immediately, he said.

The fight went on for five days, he said. There is no feeling attached to it. Just wave after wave. Four hundred [Wagner fighters] were brought there, and then more and more, all the time.

Further evidence of brutality emerged on 14 February, as footage appeared to show a Russian convict who fought for Wagner being beaten to death with a sledgehammer after being accused of fleeing the war.

The UKs opposition Labour Party is just the latest political organisation to demand the Wagner Group be classified as a terrorist organisation in response to its barbarous conduct in Ukraine and beyond.

Following Prigozhins failed mutiny and subsequent death exactly two months later, the future of the group and its role in the Ukraine war are now uncertain. Mercenaries have started to train Belarusian special forces at a military range just a few miles from the border with Nato-member Poland.

Prigozhin was shown in a video on welcoming his fighters to Belarus after the rebellion, telling them they would take no further part in the Ukraine war for now but ordering them to gather their strength for Africa while they trained the Belarusian army.

"The armed forces of Belarus continue joint training with the fighters of the Wagner PMC," the Belarusian defence ministry said.

Graves of Wagner fighters in a cemetery near the village of Bakinskaya (Reuters)

During the week, special operations forces units together with representatives of the company will work out combat training tasks at the Brest military range.

The range is just three miles east of the Polish border.

On Thursday 20 July, the UK announced a wave of sanctions against individuals and businesses involved with the Wagner Group in Mali, Central African Republic and Sudan.

These sanctions will limit financial freedoms by preventing UK citizens, companies and banks from dealing with them, alongside freezing any assets held in the UK and travel bans, the government website has said.

The UK government has accused the Wagner Group of operating in Mali, CAR and Sudan for several years and aggressively pursuing Russian foreign policy interests in the region and providing military support to counter-terrorism operations which have seen hundreds of civilians killed.

Prior to his death, Prigozhin was also sanctioned by the UK, as were several of his key commanders who participated in Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

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.
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

A 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.
Sign up to our free weekly IndyTech newsletter delivered straight to your inbox Sign up to our free IndyTech newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

IndyTech email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Scientists have seen one of the mysterious dark spots on Neptune from Earth for the first ever time.

Researchers spotted the feature using the European Southern Observatorys Very Large Telescope, or VLT. Using that telescope, astronomers were able to examine a large dark spot  which was joined by a smaller, bright spot, they said, of a kind that has never seen before.

Scientists still do not know why those spots form on Neptunes blue atmosphere. But they hope that the new observations could help answer questions about their origin.

Since the first discovery of a dark spot, Ive always wondered what these short-lived and elusive dark features are, said Patrick Irwin, professor at the University of Oxford and lead investigator of the study.

It has already helped rule out one possibility: that the dark spots are caused when the clouds on the planet clear. The observations instead suggest that the spot is formed when air particles make a layer below the main one go darker, caused by ice and haze mixing in the atmosphere.

Understanding the spots has been difficult because they leave the planets surface as mysteriously as they arise. They have also been difficult for researchers to actually examine, given the difficulty of spotting them through telescopes.

Previously, scientists were forced to send spacecraft to see the spots, and the first was observed in 1989, when Nasas Voyager 2 flew past. It disappeared a few years later.

In recent years, scientists have been able to examine them with the Hubble Space Telescope, which has seen more spots on the atmosphere. When it did so, astronomers were able to point ground-based telescopes towards them, allowing for more detailed research.

This is an astounding increase in humanitys ability to observe the cosmos, said Michael Wong, a researcher at the University of California, Berkeley and a co-author on the paper.

At first, we could only detect these spots by sending a spacecraft there, like Voyager.

Then we gained the ability to make them out remotely with Hubble. Finally, technology has advanced to enable this from the ground.

The new observations allowed scientists to examine the spot using the VLTs Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer, which let them split the light from Neptune and the spot into its component colours. That in turn means that astronomers can understand the height at which the spot sits, and how the atmosphere is composed.

As well as helping examine the dark spots, scientists also saw a surprise result: another, entirely new kind of bright spot. In the process we discovered a rare deep bright cloud type that had never been identified before, even from space, said Wong.

The work is described in a new paper, Cloud structure of dark spots and storms in Neptunes atmosphere, published in Nature Astronomy.
Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice

United Airlines has agreed to to pay $30m to the family of quadriplegic man who was left brain damaged after he was violently removed from a flight.

Nathaniel NJ Foster Jr, 26, who uses a wheelchair, ventilator, and tracheal tube, suffered the injury as he was deplaned from a United Express flight from San Francisco to Monroe, Louisiana, on 8 February 2019, while traveling to a funeral with his family.

His family alleged in court that a ramp supervisor had aggressively pushed Mr Foster, causing his body to jerk forward and then fall back, according to Reuters.

Usually four to six staff helped him to disembark, but the complaint stated that only one attendant was initially available.

The staff member called for help and a supervisor arrived with an aisle chair.

When the family requested additional assistance, the supervisor reportedly said: Fine. Do it yourself, then ... Im out, according to the court filing.

A baggage handler contracted to United then secured Mr Foster to his chair with a belt, and aggressively pushed him causing him to slump to one side.

His mother Pamela Foster sought medical help after hearing him whisper I cant breathe, which would be his last words. He remains in a vegetative state, according to a statement released by the family in June.

According to court papers, the gate agent laughed and told a surgeon who offered help we got this.

Mr Foster, from Pleasant Hill, California, went into cardiac arrest and suffered significant brain damage, according to Reuters.

United Airlines has agreed to pay $30m to the family of a man who was left brain damaged after his removal from a flight (Getty Images) open image in gallery

He was left unable to eat solid foods or speak, and his life expectancy has shrunk from 39 prior to the incident to 31.5, the complaint stated.

After a one day trial in San Francisco federal court, United agreed to pay $30m to his family. The settlement needs to be approved by a judge.

United Airlines declined to comment when contacted by The Independent.

In a statement to Reuters, the airline said: Our top priority is to provide a safe journey for all our customers, especially those who require additional assistance or the use of a wheelchair.

We are pleased to share that this matter has settled.

The Fosters attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a press statement prior to the trial, his mother Pamela Foster said that the family had received repeated assurances from United that NJ would be properly cared for.

What happened to our son, to our family, cannot be undone, Mrs Foster said.

We hope that through our loss, lessons present themselves so that no other family has to suffer.

The familys attorneys did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to Reuters, $12m of the settlement will go towards legal costs, and $3m would cover other costs associated with the trial.
Rudy Giuliani has 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 and his efforts to overturn the result of the 2020 election.

Giuliani said: I am very honoured to be involved in this case because this case is a fight for our way of life.
During the first 2024 GOP presidential debate on 23 August 2023 candidates were asked to raise their hands if they believed human behavior was causing climate change.

Nobody was able to raise a hand before Florida governor Ron DeSantis overtook the conversation by blasting President Biden over his handling of the Maui wildfires.

Vivek Ramaswamy was quick to join the conversation by saying he believed that climate change agenda is a hoax. His statement was met with boos from the audience.

The only candidate to acknowledge climate change was South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.
Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

It is not surprising that Russian authorities have declared Yevgeny Prigozhin dead. Given the attempted mutiny he led with the Wagner mercenary group against Moscow, the assumption was that he may not be long for this world. When it comes to the iron-grip President Vladimir Putin has on his nation  if you come for the king, as the adage goes, you best not miss.

But as the speculation swirls about the end of Prigozhin and the embarrassment that Putin could not let stand, it can be easy to brush past the terrible things Progozhin's mercenaries are believed to have done. Let's get this straight, Prigozhin deserved the end that all signs point to him having met.

It is Putin's invasion of Ukraine that pushed Prigozhin truly into the public consciousness, with the group having been at the vanguard of some of the bloodiest fighting of the war around the eastern city of Bakhmut.

It was this battle, for a place that has gained symbolic value for both Kyiv and Moscow, that made the military elite in the Russian capital sit up and take notice. It will have made Progozhin enemies, even if the brutality Wagner dished out will have made some wary of lashing out against him too publicly.

It is clear that atrocities have been committed by the troops he led. My colleague Kim Sengupta interviewed a former Wagner fighter last month, someone who had been on that battlefield. While the fighter refused to speak freely about this, he did say: Some very bad things happened there, Sergey says. I have seen bad things. It was not just one side  the Ukrainians shot prisoners. But there were acts against [Ukrainian] civilians that shouldnt have happened, its been a dirty war Others have spoken about shooting prisoners of war and "tossing grenades" into ditches of Ukrainian soldiers taken.

It is not just on the frontline either. Ukraine has accused Russian forces of terrible atrocities against the civilians of Bucha and other towns and villages outside the capital Kyiv, occupied by Russian troops in the opening weeks of the invasion before being liberated by Ukraine. Both Kim and another colleague Bel Trew have witnessed the bodies left in the wake of Russia pulling out of the area. Kyiv is adamant those atrocities will be tried as war crimes. It is part of a mounting body of evidence of Russian war crimes  and Wagner will have to face that particular music, too.

The mercenary group has been involved in Ukraine since Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 and the tales of their brutality are long and oft-repeated. Prigozhin's forces have also been involved in Syria's civil war and have a presence in a number of African states. The trail of blood has followed them wherever they have been.

A UN report released in May detailed an incident in Mali, in the wake of an extensive fact-finding mission conducted by UN staff over several months. It accuses foreign mercenaries  believed to be from Wagner  Wagner of being involved in the slaughter hundreds of people in the village of Moura in March 2022. Only a small fraction were said to be soldiers, with many more being civilians. The allegations would mark the worst single atrocity associated with Wagner outside of Ukraine.

Violence is Wagner's language. The fact that Prigozhin led his march on Moscow shows that it is all he really understand too. So a violent end would be appropriate. Terror follows both he and his mercenaries  and we should not forget that.
For weeks, a question had hung over the Kremlin: how was it that the leader of a mercenary group had been able to lead his troops in a short-lived mutiny against the Russian top brass and still be swanning around the country  and indeed the world  with impunity? This, despite dire warnings from President Putin at the start of the mutiny that this was treachery, that the country was threatened with civil war and that no one responsible would go unpunished.

On Thursday, two months to the day from this act of rebellion, that question appeared to find its answer. One of two private planes flying in convoy from Moscow to St Petersburg crashed in the region of Tver. Among the 10 people listed as being on board were Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, and his deputy, Dmitry Utkin. Prigozhin had led the mutiny; Utkin was the founder of the Wagner group and is said to have named it after his call-sign when he was a member of Russias special forces in the Chechen wars.
Ciaran Marron, CEO of Activ8 pictured with Alan Duffy, CEO of Allbrite

Solar panel company Activ8 Solar Energies has agreed to purchase 50pc of heat pump business Allbrite.

The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Activ8, which was founded in 2007, has over 17,500 solar panel installations located across Ireland.

The business now employs 185 people.

SSE Airtricity is also a 50pc joint venture partner with the Monaghan-based firm.

Founded in 2002, Allbrite, which is also based in Monaghan, completes around five hundred heat pump installations each year.

Activ8 said the acquisition would mark a significant expansion of its existing services.

The deal is also set to create 30 new jobs at Allbrite in the next year as demand for heat pump installations is expected to grow.

Our companies have been working together in partnership since 2017 on a range of retrofit projects across Ireland, Activ8 chief executive Ciaran Marron said.

"This strategic partnership formalises our relationship with Allbrite and reflects our shared vision for a sustainable future, he added.

Allbrite boss Alan Duffy said the company hopes to be the largest heat pump installer in Ireland within the next year.

"We are excited to combine our heat pump excellence with Activ8's market-leading solar solutions, propelling us to the forefront of Ireland's renewable energy landscape, he said.
AIB has had to apologise for a second blunder in its handling of mortgages it bought from Ulster Bank.

The bank was forced into a U-turn earlier this month when it wrote to a number of former Ulster Bank tracker customers mistakenly telling them their monthly repayments would have to rise by up to 600 a month.

It later withdrew the letter and said it was a mistake.

Now it has emerged that a small number of former Ulster Bank tracker customers have had the direct debits, which should be paying their mortgages, cancelled.

AIB bought about 32,000 Ulster Bank tracker mortgage accounts earlier this year.

One woman who contacted the Irish Independent said: Im one of the Ulster Bank tracker mortgage customers that was sold to AIB.

I just discovered today that they didnt honour the direct debits that customers had in place to pay their mortgages, despite sending a letter assuring that the direct debits previously in place to Ulster Bank would seamlessly transfer to AIB.

This did not happen. AIB messed up and are trying to cover up, again.

She said she contacted AIB three days in a row and the bank insisted her payment had gone through.

Despite this, she was told by Bank of Ireland, where she has her current account, that creditor has not presented for payment.

In bank speak, that means that AIB never sought payment. When I called AIB again, almost a week after payment was due and had still not been taken from my account, they changed the narrative and said that they hadnt taken any direct debits from any transfer customers, oops, and payment was due by the end of the week or it would be considered a late payment.

The absolute nerve of them, she said.

She said she was told to make a separate payment to AIB for this months mortgage and was assured by an AIB staff member that direct debits will continue seamlessly next month.

AIB admitted that what it described as a small number of former Ulster Bank customers had had their mortgage direct debits cancelled this month.

It is understood the issue affects only a couple of dozen customers, but it is still an embarrassment for the bank coming so soon after the previous blunder.

We are aware of a small number of customers whose direct debits were cancelled when their accounts moved to AIB following our purchase of Ulster Bank tracker mortgages.

We are contacting any customers who had a direct debit cancelled to confirm we are working to resolve this error.

AIB said it would now have alternative mortgage repayment methods in place for these customers.

We want to assure our customers there will be no customer detriment and no credit rating impact where customers mortgage repayment is temporarily delayed due to our error.

We apologise to our customers for any concern this issue has caused.

Earlier this month, AIB had mistakenly told the mortgage customers  who were on tracker loans that were sold to AIB when Ulster Bank exited the market  that they were paying too little, leaving them facing huge increases in their monthly costs.

However, in an updated statement, on foot of revelations in the Irish Independent, AIB apologised to customers and said it would now take all corrective action necessary to resolve the issue.

The bank said it had made a mistake and there would be no increased payments, in contrast to letters sent to some customers.
Stephen Termini (57) suffered serious injuries after being kicked and punched in the head on Talbot Street last month.

A US tourist who was left in a coma after being violently assaulted in Dublin city centre has said he wants to become an Irish citizen.

Stephen Termini (57) suffered serious injuries after being kicked and punched in the head on Talbot Street last month.

However, despite the vicious assault the New Yorker was today socialising on the street where the incident occurred three days after being discharged from hospital.

Speaking exclusively to Independent.ie he said that he cant work at the moment because of the assault and that he wants to continue travelling the country.

Its f***ed up I mean whats happened. Its been bizarre and everybody wants to take my picture and autograph. They were buying me pints all the time.

All the people in the country who donated money. I got to thank everybody who I dont know that dropped five or ten dollars or whatever. God Bless. I wasnt expecting money. All this money came and I thought What the f*** am I supposed to do with that.

Mr Termini also said that he would like to meet the Justice Minister Helen McEntee following the attack on him.

Asked if he remembered the assault, which occurred on July 19, he said: "I can't tell you a thing. I was looking for somebody. I never said anything to those kids... I couldn't remember the first two weeks in the hospital."

There were serious concerns that he would lose the use of his eye but the damage is limited. However, he currently has to wear sunglasses while outside to protect his eye.

Pointing to his stomach he added: "I was in a lot of pain cause one of the kids ran at me and jumped at me and kicked me."

Despite the violent assault, he told Independent.ie: "You know when I'm here I feel safe. I love this place."

He added: "I can't work now anyhow I don't have the strength; I want to be here and go to Co Mayo where my grandmother was from and see all that.

"My mother's ashes were scattered on the cliffs of Moher. I really have a connection to this country and want to become an Irish citizen."

Asked if the incident changed his view of Dublin, he said: "No, no and I can't say anything negative about Dublin because of that...that doesnt not affect the way I think about this land.

Three youths are currently before the courts charged in relation to the assault on Mr Termini.

The attack has been part of a spate of recent violence in the city which led to the Justice Minister allocating an additional 10m in overtime to gardai.

Gardai said that the funding will result in more than 16,500 additional policing hours per month in the city centre.

For the whole Dublin Metropolitan Region including the city centre Divisions, the total additional policing hours per month is 48,500, a garda spokesperson said.

As a result, a unit from the garda public order unit will be deployed to the citys streets every day while they will be supported by other specialist units.

Mr Terminis discharge from hospital this week coincided with a meeting between around 200 business owners and senior gardai.

Speaking after the meeting the senior garda in charge of policing in Dublin said that high visibility policing was important for people not just to be safe but to also feel safe.

Assistant Garda Commissioner Willis added: 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.
Niamh Mulreany (26) was arrested with Kirstie McGrath (31) at Dublin Airport on April 2, 2021. Photo: Collins

Two women facing charges for refusing to quarantine after returning from a cosmetic surgery trip to the United Arab Emirates during the Covid-19 pandemic are to continue their legal battle to avoid prosecution.
The Saolta Healthcare Group, of which UHG is part, said in all cases under review, the infant was discharged home well. Photo: Stock image graphic

A hospital has launched a review after newborn babies suffered head injuries while being delivered last year.

External experts have been drafted in to examine cases where babies were diagnosed with subgaleal haemorrhage at University Hospital Galway (UHG), according to correspondence seen by the Irish Independent.

The rare and potentially lethal condition is a bleed under the skin of the head outside of the skull. It has been associated with seizures, brain damage, cerebral palsy and development disabilities when not recognised or treated properly.

Hospital probe as babies suffer head injuries during delivery

One mother, whose childs birth is being reviewed, said she was informed by the hospital that the probe was ordered following a rise in occurrences of the injury over a short period of time.

Why did it happen to so many babies in such a short period of time? I deserve answers. My daughter deserves answers.

However, the Saolta University Healthcare Group, which UHG is part of, refused to say how many cases are being examined.

It insisted that in all cases under review, the infant was discharged home well from the hospital.

The review is examining cases where subgaleal haemorrhages occurred during 2022.

Such haemorrhages are caused by trauma to the babys head during labour and delivery.

Trauma is commonly caused by the pulling, dragging or compressing of the babys head through the mothers pelvis during delivery. Errors in the use of vacuum extractors or forceps can cause the injury.

University Hospital Galway

The mother, who spoke to the Irish Independent on condition of anonymity, was highly critical of the care she received during and after her labour. She has been told her care is also included in the review.

The woman expressed fears for her own daughter amid signs the little girl may not be meeting development milestones. The issue is currently being investigated by other physicians.

I want to know how babies could have sustained head injuries. Was it consultant error? Was it equipment error? How did it happen she asked.

It is extremely rare. Why did it happen to so many babies in such a short period of time?

I deserve answers. My daughter deserves answers.

In correspondence, a senior clinician said the review had been requested by Saoltas Women and Childrens Managed Clinical and Academic Network, a group-wide management structure, and was being carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals from outside the hospital group.

The correspondence said the aim of the review was to see if there were areas of practice that could be improved.

Coleman Legal LLC, a law firm specialising in personal injuries and medical negligence, said it was consulting with a number of families in relation to subgaleal haemorrhage incidents but it declined to comment further.

In all of the cases, the infant was discharged home well from hospital

In a statement, the hospital group confirmed a review was taking place.

There are varying grades of severity of subgaleal haemorrhage dependant on a number of clinical factors, the statement said.

UHG are currently undertaking a review of cases of subgaleal haemorrhage which occurred during 2022 as part of a commitment to quality of care. In all of the cases, the infant was discharged home well from hospital.

The statement said the haemorrhages had been logged with the National Incident Management System, in line with the HSEs incident management framework.

However, Saolta, a hospital group established by the HSE with responsibility for seven hospitals in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal, declined to say how many deliveries were being examined or when the review might be completed.

On This Day In History - August 24th

It also declined to say if supports had been provided to the families of children whose deliveries are being examined.

The mother who spoke to the Irish Independent raised several issues about her care.

She claimed that her wish not to receive oxytocin during labour was ignored and that there was poor communication throughout.

The woman also believes the warning signs of an infection which left her seriously ill in the weeks after giving birth were not investigated.

She said she ended up in another hospital on the verge of sepsis.

She also claimed there was no meaningful follow-up with her following a difficult birth and that she was only recently offered counselling services.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on Thursday stated he did not know how many babies were affected by the issue which led to the review but said there were a "small cluster" of babies involved.

The advice I have from the Saolta Group as of this morning is there was a small cluster spotted. The hospital advises that all of the babies went home healthy, he said.

Speaking to RTEs Morning Ireland, he welcomed UHGs decision to launch a review.

All of the parents involved in the review have been informed, which is essential. Whats happening here is the hospital is initiating a review, its exactly the type of thing we want to see hospitals do when they spot a potential patient safety issue.

Theyve initiated a review, theyve engaged with all the parents involved and we now need to let that process happen and see what it finds.

Asked how many babies were involved in the review, Minister Donnelly said he couldnt provide an exact figure.

The hospital is doing exactly what we would expect them to do which is to initiate a full review. Critically, there has to be full openness and transparency with the parents involved, he said.

Minister Donnelly said he couldnt confirm at this stage whether the details of the review would be made public but he hoped they would be published.

It is not the first time maternity services at UHG have come under scrutiny.

In 2012, pregnant dentist Savita Halappanavar died from sepsis after her request for medication to induce an inevitable miscarriage was denied on legal grounds.

The public outcry led to a referendum empowering the Oireachtas to legislate for abortion.

An inquest returned a verdict of medical misadventure and an external investigation commissioned by the HSE found there had been inadequate assessment and monitoring of Ms Halappanavar and non-adherence to guidelines for the effective management of sepsis.
Men who lost out on the HPV vaccine while in school will now be able to avail of it free up to the age of 22 years under an expanded roll out from next Tuesday.

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said they can register to get the vaccine at www.hpv.ie, under the programme which is open until December 31 next.

The programme in memory of the late campaigner Laura Brennan offers free HPV vaccines to all boys and girls in second-level education who were previously eligible to receive the vaccine in school and who had not yet received it.

It is also open to young women up to the age of 25 who have left secondary school and did not previously receive the vaccine.

The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause approximately 90pc of cervical cancers, 90-95pc of HPV-related anal cancer, and 90pc of genital warts.

Recent research has highlighted that almost one in three men over the age of 15 is infected with at least one genital HPV and one in five is infected with one or more high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) types.

Some types of HPV can lead to cancer in men, including penile, anal, oral, and throat cancers, while others lead to anogenital warts.

The HPV vaccine has been offered to girls since 2010 as part of the school immunisation programme. The programme was extended in 2019 to include boys in first year of second-level schools. This programme will continue as normal throughout 2023 and is not part of the catch-up programme.

To-date, the catch-up programme has provided free vaccines to over 3,500 young people who were previously eligible to receive it in schools and had not yet received it.

It is named in memory of Ms Brennan who campaigned for higher uptake of the HPV vaccine before her death from cervical cancer at the age of 26, in 2019.

Minister Donnelly said: I am delighted to announce the addition of males up to the age of 22 to the list of those who are eligible to receive the HPV vaccine as part of the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme which is open until the end of December.

Huge credit for this programme is due to the Brennan family who continue to campaign tirelessly in the memory of their brave daughter Laura. Laura herself was also an incredible patient advocate and her campaigning led to increased uptake of the life-saving HPV vaccine.

It is by increasing HPV vaccination and screening among our population that we will finally reach our goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Ireland.

Im also encouraging young men to take this opportunity to protect themselves against a number of cancers caused by HPV.

Laura Brennans parents Bernie and Larry Brennan said: As a family we know only too well the devastation that cervical cancer can cause. While we miss our wonderful daughter constantly, we are very heartened that the work she dedicated so much of her life to is being continued through the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme which is offering another opportunity for eligible females and now males up to age 22 to receive the HPV vaccine for free through the HSE vaccination clinics if they have not received it before.

Laura was determined to increase uptake of the HPV vaccine to help protect people from various cancers and eliminate cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is effective in preventing cancer and we encourage everyone who is eligible to take this opportunity to protect their health.

Recent research has highlighted that almost one in three men over the age of 15 is infected with at least one genital human papillomavirus (HPV) and one in five is infected with one or more high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) types.

The HPV vaccine has been offered to girls since 2010 as part of the school immunisation programme. The programme was extended in 2019 to include boys in first year of second-level schools.

This programme will continue as normal throughout 2023 and is not part of the catch-up programme.
National Council for Blind of Ireland asks people to keep our footpaths clear

There were just 82 dog fouling fines handed out by local authorities across Ireland last year.

Eighteen councils issued no fines at all, while Kerry County Council had the highest number with 27.

In a recent survey, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) found that dog fouling is a major issue for blind or visually impaired people when using footpaths.

People illegally parking on footpaths was the biggest obstacle, with some people suffering broken ankles and sprained wrists as a result of trying to walk around vehicles.

However, councils have been more proactive in dealing with this issue, with more than 19,000 fines handed out in 2022 for inappropriate parking.

Dublin City Council handed out the most fines with 4,494. Cork City Council dished out 2,337, while Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council gave 2,426.

Councils in Tipperary, Meath and Kildare issued more than 400 each.

Carlow, Leitrim and Roscommon gave no fines at all, with the latter saying it has no traffic warden in the county.

Cavan County Council issued two fines.

The NCBI said inappropriate parking causes a serious hazard for people who are blind as they may be injured walking into traffic to get around a vehicle, injured walking into a car or stepping off footpaths. Its survey found that nearly 40pc of people have been injured because of obstacles on walkways.

Dog fouling was the third biggest obstacle as it can prove a slip hazard and can also be distressful for people who use white canes which can be soiled by faeces.

Data provided to the organisation showed councils in Carlow, Cavan, Donegal, Dublin city, Galway city, Kilkenny, Leitrim, Longford, Meath, Monaghan, Tipperary, Sligo, Waterford, Westmeath, Wexford and Wicklow issued no fines for the offence last year.

The other councils issued five or less, except for Cork County Council (17), Fingal County Council (9) and Louth (9).

Some councils said they have provided free pooper scoopers and bins in towns, while others have run messaging campaigns calling for owners to pick up after their pets.

The NCBI launched its Clear Our Paths campaign this week, highlighting the obstacles blind people face.

Aaron Mullaniff, chief services officer with the NCBI, said the dog-fouling data shows 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, he said.

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.

On This Day In History - August 24th

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.

Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithi de Roiste said the public needs to work harder to keep paths safe.

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, he said.

"Please support Clear Our Paths in whatever way you can: your small gesture can make a huge difference.
The Spiritan Education Trust has appointed a single manager to take over the running of Templeogue College in Dublin after four members of the board of management resigned.

The school has been at the centre of controversy over staff-management tensions and a recent Department of Education inspectors whole-school evaluation found significant number of teachers were disaffected.

The inspectors identified strengths at the 698-pupil all boys school in south Dublin including positive student-teacher relationships

Among the areas the inspectors identified for improvement were policy development and communication.

They rated the overall quality of management in the school was satisfactory with some less than satisfactory practices.

Inspectors also reported that the school community recognised that communication required significant improvement in order to facilitate trusting, positive, professional and productive working relationships.

Some months prior to the inspectors visit, the board appointed a workplace facilitator on the recommendation of the Spiritan Education Trust, which is the schools patron body.

The inspectors also recommended that teachers and senior management participate in a Health and Safety Authority Work Positive programme, which had been initiated to drive positive change and improve working relationships.

Spiritan Education Trust executive director Dr Nicholas Cuddihy sent a letter to parents as the new school year got underway to update them on developments.

He advised that the stepping down of four members meant the board was not quorate. In other words, it did not enough members to hold valid meetings.

Dr Cuddihy announced the appointment of a single manager, while it awaits the appointment of new board of management.

The responsibility for the governance of the school falls back on us as patron, Dr Cuddihy stated.

It is an unusual move, but not unprecedented.

Dr Cuddihy stated that the appointment of a single manager would support the school in implementing the inspectors recommendations, while awaiting the appointment of a new board.

This is a mechanism that has been used before in schools to provide an injection of focused governance expertise for a period of time.

The manager will oversee the implementation of the recommendations of the whole school evaluation and prepare for a new board of management to take over, ideally before the end this academic year, he stated

Dr Cuddihy said while they identified the best candidate for this role, they had asked Mr Tom Sheridan to act as single manager in the interim.

Tom is a highly experience school leader and a member of the executive team of the Spiritan Education Trust, he stated.


The deceased has been named locally as Jack OSullivan who was from the Deerpark area of Cork city.

It is understood he was in Passage West with friends yesterday before resuming school next week.

The teen was scheduled to commence his second-year studies at Colaiste Eamann Ris next week.

School authorities have been shocked by the tragedy and special counselling and psychological support measures will be in place at the school when classes resume.

The teeanger is understood to have been swimming with other youngsters in a section of the harbour by Passage West around lunchtime. It was reported at around 2pm he was in difficulty in the water. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but immediate efforts to locate the boy failed.

A search of the waters near Mariners Quay was launched. The search involved the Coast Guards Waterford-based helicopter Rescue 117, Crosshaven Coast Guard unit, Crosshaven RNLI, gardai, HSE paramedics and Cork Fire Brigade. Local boat owners also joined the search. The rescue operation was co-ordinated by the Valentia Coast Guard Centre.

Jacks body was located at 4pm, not far from the shoreline, with the assistance of local divers. Emergency officials removed the body from the water as members of the boys heartbroken family stood a short distance away by the pier. They were being comforted by emergency personnel as well as by friends and family.

Officials of the State Pathologists Office have been notified.

Jacks remains were transferred to Cork University Hospital where a full post-mortem examination is scheduled to be carried out today.

Gardai are treating the incident as a tragic accident and a file will be prepared for a Cork Coroners inquest.

The area is a popular swimming spot among youngsters during the summer months. There is a playground less than 100 metres from the area where the tragedy occurred.A number of young people have been seen swimming in the area over the past week.

The stretch of water can prove dangerous because of strong tidal currents in Cork harbour.

Local councillor Jack White said people are numb by this very sad and unfortunate incident.

Its very, very sad news for Passage West and the wider community of the harbour, theyre a very tightly knit community, he said.

All young people go swimming on sunny days around here and its just a desperately sad thing to happen.

The Fine Gael councillor also noted the quick response of the emergency services, who handled the tragedy in a diligent and efficient manner.
They wont sell our beer  Irish brewer calls out Electric Picnic festival for deal with Heineken that excludes smaller businesses

Ballykilcavan Brewery was set up in 2017 to secure the financial future of a farm that has stood in the small town in County Laois since 1639

Irish brewer calls out Electric Picnic festival for deal with Heineken that excludes smaller businesses

Azmia Riaz Thu 24 Aug 2023 at 13:00

The owner of a small brewery in Stradbally, County Laois is asking why he cant sell their beers at Electric Picnic  one of the largest events to take place in their town. The annual music festival that has been running since 2004 at Stradbally Hall is just 2.5 km away from Ballykilcavan Brewery.
Working at 38,000 feet can be demanding, but brings discounted travel and other perks, airlines say

Are you a morning person, at least 5ft 2in/157cm in height, able to swim 25m unaided and have bags of enthusiasm?

If so, your ears may perk up at Ryanairs announcement of a major recruitment drive for 150 cabin crew based in Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

If youre slightly taller (at least 5ft 3in/160cm), a personality that shines and like the sound of free accommodation in Dubai as part of your pay package, then Emirates is hiring too.

Ryanairs recruitment event takes place in Swords, Co Dublin, on Wednesday, August 30  an open day where applicants can learn about cabin crew roles, which have a salary of up to 27,000.

Emirates is hosting open days on September 6 in Dublin, September 8, in Galway, September 22 in Limerick and September 24 in Cork.

Its salaries are tax-free, and average at around AED10,388 (2,591) a month, the airline says  which amounts to more than 31,000 a year.

Emirates cabin crew

Ryanairs next generation crew

The recruitment drives come as travel bounces back post pandemic, and airlines seek pilots and cabin crew to help staff their recovery and expansion.

Ryanair is running its largest ever summer schedule this year, carrying up to 600,000 passengers a day. It has a target of 300 million passengers a year by 2034.

The airline group currently has more than 14,000 cabin crew, and is looking for the next generation for its Dublin base, it says.

Ryanair cabin crew applicants should:

Have a customer service-oriented background (ie, previous experience working in a bar, restaurant, shop, etc)

Demonstrate a legal entitlement to work on an unrestricted basis across the EU

Be between 5ft 2in (157cm) and 6ft 2in (188cm) in height

Be able to swim 25 metres unaided

Be adaptable and happy to work a shift roster

Enjoy dealing with the public and provide excellent customer service with a can do attitude

Be comfortable speaking and writing in English with ease

Ryanair and Emirates are hiring cabin crew in Ireland  here's what you need to know about salaries, perks and height restrictions

Ryanair chief people officer Darrell Hughes described the roles as the best cabin crew jobs in aviation, where hard work is rewarded with fast-track promotions.

No previous cabin crew experience is required, and the roles operate on a five-days-on, three-days-off roster.

They are described as a demanding position where safety is our number one priority.

You will be required to operate both early and late shifts and report for duty as early as 5am in the morning on the early roster and not return home until midnight on the afternoon roster, Ryanair says.

If you are not a morning person, then think twice before applying.

A bar onboard an Emirates A380

Working at 38,000 feet

Meanwhile, Emirates says there are about 200 Irish recruits among its 20,000 cabin crew. Its open days in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick are walk-in events and pre-registration is not required.

Emirates cabin crew applicants should:

Be fluent in written and spoken English (additional languages are an advantage)

Be a natural team player with a personality that shines

Be at least 160cm (5ft 3in) tall and able to reach 212cm high

Meet the United Arab Emirates (UAE) employment visa requirements

Have at least one year of hospitality or customer service experience

Have a minimum of high-school (Grade 12) education

Have no visible tattoos while in Emirates cabin crew uniform

Height requirements are in place to ensure that cabin crew can safely reach the overhead lockers on board, the airline said.

If successful, cabin crew candidates will earn a tax-free salary and receive free accommodation in Dubai.

Emirates crew get 30 calendar days leave a year and one firm free annual leave ticket is provided to your country of origin, it told Independent.ie.

Other benefits include a 90pc discount on an unlimited number of flight tickets  albeit on a standby basis.

Ryanair crew also receive unlimited highly discounted staff travel rates. This includes unlimited standby travel, whereby they just pay government/airport taxes on flights with available seating, the airline said.

They can also receive an uncapped sales bonus of 10pc on any retail items sold in-flight.

Ryanair cabin crew on board

Successful applicants will receive a permanent and direct Ryanair contract, the airline says, with starting salary of up to 27,000.

The salary figure allows for factors such as flying hours, it said, and candidates are eligible for promotion after one year with an increased salary of over 33,000, according to the job description.

If successful, the next steps for cabin crew applicants include several weeks of hospitality and safety training courses in Dublin (Ryanair) and Dubai (Emirates).

Previously, Ryanair cabin crew candidates had to pay for their own training, but benefits now include a free cabin crew training course during which a 28 daily allowance is paid.

Open day details

Ryanair plans recruitment events at 10.30am on Wednesday, August 30, at Ryanair Engineering, The Kellogg Building, Lakeshore Drive, Airside Retail Park, Swords, Co Dublin.

careers.ryanair.com

Emirates is hosting open days as follows:

September 6: 9am in the Hilton, Charlemont Place, Dublin 2

September 8: 9am in the G Hotel & Spa, Wellpark, Galway City

September 22: 9am in in the Absolute Hotel, Sir Harrys Mall, Limerick

September 24: 9am in The Metropole Hotel, McCurtain Street, Cork

emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew
Survivors and relatives walk past the Arbeit Macht Frei (Work Makes You Free) gate at Auschwitz, the former Nazi concentration camp at Oswiecim, Poland. Photo: AP

On July 27, after meeting the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin tweeted: Positive meeting with members of the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland today. The Government is committed to tackling anti-Semitism both here and abroad, supporting initiatives at the EU and the UN.
It is hoped the referendum represents a unique opportunity to ensure the Constitution respects and reflects the diversity of the people and families of Ireland today. Photo: Getty

In March, the Government announced a historic referendum to amend the Constitution in line with the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality.

It was recommended that limits on the role of women be removed; to value and recognise care in the home and the wider community; and to protect all families equally.

We believe this referendum represents a unique opportunity to ensure the Constitution respects and reflects the diversity of the people and families of Ireland today.

In the referendum timeline published by the Government, the wording was expected by mid-May. This deadline has passed.

Without knowing the exact wording, it will be increasingly difficult to build a civil society response.

This is unfair to the families and communities directly affected and to the Irish people who need time to discuss these core issues.

We hope the delay does not signal a Government backtrack from the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly and the Joint Oireachtas Committee  specifically, removing the outmoded reference to women in the home; the recognition of the importance of care; and a more inclusive definition of family that protects all families.

We are seeking urgent clarification on when the referendum wording will be published. It is critical that the Irish public have sufficient time to have a national conversation on these important issues for society.

We have an opportunity now more than ever to make Ireland a more inclusive and caring place to live.

Orla OConnor, National Womens Council of Ireland; Damien Peelo, Treoir; Catherine Cox, Family Carers Ireland; Karen Kiernan, One Family; Ethel Buckley, Siptu

Letter points to heartache at state of nation and lack of action by politicians

The letter writer whose personal details are known to the editor (Ireland should take care not to end up with its own version of Trump or Brexit, Letters, August 23) is yet another Irish person who  I can only presume  is heartbroken with not alone the state of the nation but with the inaction of politicians and, alas, with the apparent nonchalance of many citizens.

August is historically a sad month for Ireland, with the anniversaries of the deaths of Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins.

The deaths of these sensible men led to the utter subservience of Irish governments to the Irish branch of the Roman Catholic Church until recent times.

The State handed all responsibility for child welfare, teaching and more to the church.

On the Sunday closest to August 22, the date of Collins death in 1922, Beal na Blath is inundated for the annual commemoration, and an eminent citizen orates, to cite WB Yeats, polite meaningless words.

Why do I write this latter statement? Because nothing has ever come of one idea put forward there.

A great tragedy today is that the Catholic Church is stuck in a rut when religious teaching is sorely required. In both the Dail and the Senate, constituency problems seem to matter more than national affairs.

The creep of fascism and totalitarianism into the world in the 1930s echoes your letter writers words: Basic law and order and fairness seem to have been all but forgotten as being core tenets of society.

The Celtic knot, a symbol of the absolute connection between man and nature, illustrates that everything is continuous and contingent on the core tenets of society  responsible men and women who act without fear or favour.

Hence the vital warning to incumbent parties here [in Ireland] [to] be alert to this, lest, at some stage in the future, we end up looking back on our own versions of Donald Trump or Brexit.

Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia

GAA pundits saga shows that some matters of taste never go out of fashion

I read that some GAA pundits were among the high-profile commentators who have been promoting clothing brands without the permission of RTE.

This practice is as old as RTE and began in the early 1960s.

Back then it was stage hands setting up bar scenes who placed particular beer brands in more prominent positions that came in for scrutiny.

It appeared that a stage hand received a fee and the other stage hands squealed on him, resulting in the then director general writing to the brewers, saying that if product placement had been remunerated it must cease.

On the question that commentators might have been receiving gratuities from fashion houses, an in-house wardrobe was established from which all commentators were outfitted.

Hugh Duffy, Cleggan, Co Galway

Heres to spending more time at work with the aim of supporting a family

I am envious of people who can afford to, or indeed have the nerve to, suspend a career to spend more time with their family.

In the course of a 50-year working life, it was a luxury I could never afford. Quite the opposite, in fact.

Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9

Hotelier weighing in on Tubridy fails to bring the broadcaster to book

So a leading hotelier believes Ryan Tubridy was the victim of a public execution (August 23). More a free cancellation, executed over time, by the self.

Eugene Tannam, Firhouse, Dublin 24

With NCT going cashless, drivers afforded no choice on how they pay for test

I was extremely disappointed to learn that NCT Ireland had announced on social media that it is going cashless.

This move is discriminatory in nature and affords the customer no choice of how to pay for the service they provide.

Unlike other businesses that have chosen to go cashless, the motorist is unable to shop around for another provider of this service.

The NCT test is a requirement by law for vehicles of a certain vintage, and therefore the Government must place pressure on NCT Ireland to reverse this decision.

Eamonn OHara, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal
Author, actor and former priest, Michael Harding will appear at an event in the Ionad Culturtha in October when he will be interviewed by locall school principal and producer, Sean Og O Duinnin

TRADITIONAL music is the bedrock of the Ionad Culturtha offering but in this years autumn schedule, just announced, theres a wide range of events and activities at the cultural centre in Baile Mhuirne in the Muscrai Gaeltacht.

An interview with author and actor Michael Harding is one of many highlights in a programme put together by Ionad Director, Liadh Ni Riada.

The programme kicks off on Friday, September 1, with an exhibition by artist Una Keating which depicts Muscrai scenes in the medium of felt. Draiocht Mhuscrai is only one of two events that evening with a distinctly local flavour as award winning accordion maestro, Diarmuid O Meachair, is the star attraction in a traditional music concert which also features concertina player Jack Talty and James Cullinane on fiddle.

Culture Night on September 22 features the showing of a film, Dying Days, which tells the story of General Liam Lynch during the last days of the Civil War.

The film focuses on the final journey of General Lynch who travelled to the Muscrai Gaeltacht and other parts of west Cork before going on to an IRA meeting in Waterford. From there he travelled to a hideout called Katmandu in Co. Tipperary. He eventually returned via the Nire Valley to the Knockmealdown Mountains and was shot dead on April 10, 1923.

In October the Ionad will host an Irish language version of John B. Keanes classic Big Maggie which has been produced by Conamaras Aisteoiri Cois Fharraige.

Another highlight will be a concert featuring Iarla O Lionaird in December.

Further information about the Autumn programme at the Ionad can be got at www.ionadculturtha.ie and on the centres social media channels.
A banner claiming there were 'only two genders, male & female' was hung by protesters outside Cork City Library during demonstrations which took place last month.

An elected member of Cork City Council has described as unhelpful a social media post by Senator Ronan Mullen claiming public libraries were distributing pornographic material to children as young as twelve years of age.

In a lengthy post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Senator Mullen claimed there were many parents who did not want pornography to be available on childrens bookshelves and claimed parents saw this as a cultural priming of their children towards their early sexualisation, exposing them to risk.

Senator Mullens comments follow recent protests at Cork City Library by members of a group who entered the building and sought to remove books which they claimed were pornographic.

The titles in question are believed to have concerned LGBTQ themes and material about trans-genderism.

The protests at the library were met by counter protests of people who claimed that the protests were seeking to ban books and signalled fascist tendencies. The Forsa trade union, which represents library workers, were also involved in protests as they said their members should not be intimidated while going about their duties.

In his statement on X which did not specifically mention which books he was talking about, Senator Mullen said that courteous engagement with library staff on this issue was more than legitimate.

"Peaceful complaints that do not target or seek to intimidate any person are perfectly acceptable, and sometimes necessary. he said.

"The easy availability of pornography in libraries is unfortunately not surprising in this context, so right thinking parents might want to check out their library before putting their children at risk.

Senator Mullen directed much of his post to a recent letter sent to library staff by An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, in which he said it was great to see and Taoiseach writing to librarians to express his support for their work

His fond memories of using libraries in his youth, of discovering a love of books, seeking to learn things or seeking solitude in a library, will have resonated with many of us who saw the letter.

"But this is the third time this summer that the Taoiseach has spoken about librarians having to face library protests, and he has pointedly attributed motivations of censorship and book banning to protestors.

On all occasions Leo has failed to get to the nub of the issue  that there are many parents who do not want pornography to be available on childrens bookshelves, who see this as a cultural priming of their children towards their early sexualisation, exposing them to risk.

Councillor Lorna Bogue, who represents the Rabharta Glas, said what was happening in the case of Cork City Library wasnt protest. Its criminal damage  theyre going in and damaging Council property.

"Thats an extremely unhelpful comment but Im not surprised he would make an unhelpful comment like that because he doesnt rely on the votes of councillors to be elected as he is elected through the NUI panel.

In his statement, Senator Mullen did not specifically refer to LGBTQ or transgenderism books  just to pornography  and stressed that he was referring only to courteous engagement with library staff and peaceful complaints which he said were perfectly acceptable and sometimes necessary.

The Corkman has sought clarification from Senator Mullen on the books he was referring to in his comment on X but have yet to receive a response.

This newspaper has also sought comment from the Forsa union, which represents library workers, to seek its response to Senator Mullens posting.
Noinin O Riordan, Ruby Cronin, Arlene Hennessy and Saibh Hourigan brushing up on their Gaeilge at the Irish School in the Culturlann, Newmarket.

Children in Group 2 at the Irish School at the Culturlann, Newmarket pictured with Coordinators Emma Fitzgerald and Rachel Duane, and Ceannarai Rachel Angland and Olivia Foley

Children in Group 1 pictured at the Irish School at the Culturlann, Newmarket. Photos by Sheila Fitzgerald

Laurann Leader, Sarah Bradley and Danny Hughes pictured at the Irish School at the Culturlann, Newmarket.

The very first Scoil Lasair Irish language camp at the McAuliffe Culturlann in Newmarket proved to be a resounding success and plans are already afoot for an even bigger and better event next year.

Custodian Mossie Angland, speaking to The Corkman, said the prime function of the Culturlann is to encourage and develop the Irish language, culture and music. That was the vision of John Paul McAuliffe back in 2012 when we first began planning the renovation of the building and that is why we organised the Irish camp.

Scoil Lasair was named after the local goddess and holy woman Lasair who later became a saint. She lived between Newmarket and Boherbue in the townland of Killasseragh.

The name signifies the flame of truth and light, and we want to rekindle the bright light of Irish culture in our own locality with classes and events like this, Mossie Angland said.

The Irish camp was co-ordinated by Boherbue native Emma Fitzgerald who teaches at Gaelscoil Thomais Daibhis in Mallow, and by Rachel Dunne, also an Irish teacher.

Ceannarais for the week were Rachel Angland and Olivia Foley who attend Laurel Hill Irish School in Limerick

Our native language and culture was taught at the camp through the medium of fun, sport, games and art, with children from Newmarket, Boherbue, Rockchapel, Kanturk and Dublin taking part.

Next year we also hope to have two different weeks, one for primary school children and another for second level students, Mossie said.

Plans are also afoot for a Club Saturn which is set to debut this October where children can attend for a few hours on Saturdays to learn Irish in the format of a youth club and fun setting.

Another exciting development to look forward to at the Culturlann is a variety voncert on Saturday, September 2nd when a host of local talent will take to the stage.

For further details about Club Saturn, contact Mossie Angland at 087 2550333
Millstreet Pipe Band returned to familiar surroundings last Saturday and Sunday for the International Rose of Tralee Festival and Michael Collins Commemoration.

The great Millstreet bastions of piped music were maintaining a long standing engagement in Tralee since its founding in 1959. Millstreets association began when a new festival concept replaced a carnival and the selection of a queen.

The first festival in 1959 was built around the concept of the world famous song, the Rose of Tralee with Roses representing Tralee, London, Dublin, Birmingham and New York.

Millstreet Pipe Band were invited to perform at the inaugural festival and hackney cars transported the band members to a new beginning and a phenomenal link with the Tralee festival.

Down through the years of both recession and boom, Tralee has carved up a distinctive place for itself to welcome thousands into the town. The Millstreet Band are part and parcel of the mardi gras atmosphere that unfolds in the Kerry capital each August.

Following the Tralee parade, it was home before they hit the road again on Sunday as they delivered a recital at the Michael Collins Commemoration in m in the presence of guest speaker Tommy Gorman.
There was a slight reduction in the waiting list for CAMHS treatment in Cork/Kerry between June and July. It reduced from 976 in June to 950 in July.

The CAMHS service to help young people with mental health issue has been described as a basket case in the Cork and Kerry region following the revelation this week that there were 950 on the waiting list for treatment in the region at the end of last month. This was a slight reduction on the June figure of 976.

Cork East TD Sean Sherlock said his office was inundated with calls from parents who were at their wits end trying to get treatment for their children.

Going on the responses were getting to Dail questions about waiting lists, Cork/Kerry could be described as a basket case in relation to this issue, he said.

Deputy Sherlock suggested that parents be given the option to seek appointments in other parts of the country where there was capacity and likened his proposal to the busloads of people heading to Belfast for treatment for conditions such as cataracts or for hip and knee replacements.

Read more The Childrens Ombudsman received 145 complaints from Cork last year

Sinn Feins Health spokesman and Cork East TD Pat Buckley added that this government and previous administrations had gone backwards in relation to the provision of mental health services.

Services in Cork/Kerry are at least 20 years behind the rest of the country, said Deputy Buckley who also recalled how a previous Fine Gael minister with responsibility in the area had said that he was asking too many questions about the issue.

Sinn Feins Health spokesman and Cork East TD Pat Buckley added that this government and previous administrations had gone backwards in relation to the provision of mental health services.

Services in Cork/Kerry are at least 20 years behind the rest of the country, said Deputy Buckley who also recalled how a previous Fine Gael minister with responsibility in the area had said that he was asking too many questions about the issue.
Kerry County Council has issued 27 fines for dog fouling last year  the highest number of any local authority but the low number of fines for such an offence has been criticised.

While the issue of dog fouling has been repeatedly raised by local councillors who have been contacted by members of the public it has now come to light as one of the top hazards for people who are blind.

The latest survey for the National Council for the Blind (NCBI) collected the data on dog fouling statistics. It also collected data on fines for vehicles parking on footpaths - identified as another serious hazard for those who are blind.

The statistics show that just 82 dog fouling fines handed out by local authorities across Ireland last year. Eighteen councils issued no fines at all, while Kerry County Council had the highest number with 27.

The 2021 survey showed also carried by the NCBI that Kerry County Council issued 31 such fines.

Kerry County Council said this week that they have issued nine fines so far this year for dog fouling.

None have been issued in the Killarney area while three have been issued in the Tralee MD area, in the Chorcha Dhuibne/Castleisland area and in the Listowel MD area. One has been issued in the Kenmare MD area.

Under the Litter Pollution Act 1997, dog owners are legally obliged to clean up after their pets if they foul in public places, with owners who fail to do so facing fines of 150.

Non-payment of these initial fines can prove even more costly, carrying penalties of up to 3,000 on conviction.

Recently figures released by Kerry County Council to Cllr Cathal Foley (Sinn Fein) in the Tralee MD showed that only three were issued in the first months of this year in the Tralee area.

Cllr Foley said the issue needs to be tackled once and for all.

Statistics show that Kerry County Council issued 379 fines for vehicles parking on footpaths. Dublin City Council handed out the most fines with 4,494.

Earlier this year Kerry County Council launched a initiative with local schools to highlight the issue of dog fouling. Speaking following the launch Breda Moriarty, Environmental Awareness Officer with Kerry County Council, said dog fouling damages the aesthetic value of shared public spaces and is a nuisance that undermines the outdoor experience, particularly for vulnerable members of society such as children, those with visual impairments and wheelchair users.

The NCBI launched its Clear Our Paths campaign this week, highlighting the obstacles blind people face.

Chief services officer with the NCBI, said the dog-fouling data shows 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, he said.

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.
South Kerry man creates loop walk on his land offering incredible views.

The seal of approval. Ukrainian residents living in Fermoyle at the entrance to the new walkway. Photo by Christy Riordan.

Tim O'Brien (far right) with the Ukrainian families living in the locality. Back row: Alexandra Sukhorebra, Damir Sukhorebry, Vladislava Bogatko and Tim O Brien. Front row: David Zinoviev, Yevhen Zinoviev, Anna Zinovieva, Lyudmila Zinovieva, and Sofia Zinovieva. Photo by Christy Riordan.

When local farmer Tim OBrien from Fermoyle near Ballinskelligs decided to transform his land to allow tourists enjoy its scenic beauty, little did he know how much in demand the picturesque hotspot would become.

The Fermoyle Hill Loop Walk comprises just over 1km in distance that takes walkers to a hill overlooking some of the most beautiful scenery Kerry and Ireland has to offer.

The walkway is only opened this season and Tim is already inundated with queries for next year. His plan is to spread the word in the hope more people will discover it.

The viewing area includes a car park and picnic area with panoramic views of Ballinskelligs Bay and Dingle Bay. Neither is it just a summer spot as it offers spectacular views throughout the year, and outside of peak tourist season.

Tim said the idea had long been staring him in the face. The nearby Kerry Cliffs viewing area in Portmagee also boosted Tims idea that a section of his land could add to tourism in the locality.

Tim now plans to further grow the attraction in time to come with the addition of a portable coffee station and ice cream service. The installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points is on the list as well.

Tim got the project up and running thanks to a tranche of 30,000 in LEADER Funding. This assisted in preparing the site and reviving a spring well at the top of the hill.

Tim insists the Fermoyle Hill Loop Walk is in the creme de creme of tourist destinations as its on the same route visitors take when visiting the Skellig Islands. The walk is sure to boost the localitys leisure and tourism offering.

There are some beautiful views from the top of that hill. The whole area is now specially prepared for visitors  from parking to picnicking. If people want a short walk for a good bit of scenery, this is it, Tim said.

Its not the first entrepreneurial venture Tim has embarked on. Earlier this year he switched to organic farming. Furthermore, an empty house in his possession, that is over 100 years old, was beautifully restored and converted into three apartments. Since May, it has been a sanctuary for two Ukrainian families.

Theyve been with me during the design phase and the works to finish the loop walk. Theyve added greatly to the locality. They were also among the first to walk the loop, Tim said.

The picnic benches on Fermoyle Loop Walk offer some of the best views imaginable in Kerry. After a lovely walk, its a great place to have a glass of wine in the evening and watch the sun go down, he said.
Some 44 pubs have closed their doors in County Sligo since 2005. Five of the pubs closed in 2002.

Thats according to a new report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) which has shown a continuing decline in the number of pubs across Ireland, with the rate of decline accelerating since Covid-19.

The Irish Pub: Supporting our communities report, based on the groups analysis1 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.

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%) say 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.

Commenting, Kathryn DArcy, 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.
India has been to the forefront of space technology as it lands a craft on the moons south pole

Indians in Sligo are overwhelmed with immense pride and awe at Indias triumphant achievement as the spacecraft Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the moon last Wednesday.

India has become the first country to land a spacecraft near the moons South pole and the fourth country in the world after United States, Russia and China to perform a soft landing there.

Indians all over the world are celebrating the historic triumph of the nation. Millions of people around the globe watched the historic moments live on YouTube and other platforms.

I was tense and nervous while watching the broadcast after what happened with the Russian spacecraft, said Diaz Xavier, a Sligo based Clerical Officer in National Recruitment Service for HSE.

A native of India, Diaz moved to Ireland around four years ago and he says he misses the celebratory atmosphere on such occasions.

He said, This remarkable feat not only showcases our nations technology prowess but also reinforces our commitment to exploring the cosmos.

If I was back in India, we might be celebrating this with fireworks and sweets but right now I am just happy and proud with the achievement.

As Indians, we stand united in celebrating this historic moment that propels us further into the realms of space exploration.

The Chandrayaan meaning moon vehicle in Hindi and Sanskrit, is a multiple mission program by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

In the first mission Chandrayaan-1, two orbiters were successful in discovering water on the Moon in 2008.

Chandrayaan-2 was launched in 2019, where the orbitar was successfully placed in the lunar orbit but the lander and rover crashed on the Moons surface.

Dr Saritha Unnikrishnan, a lecturer in the Department of Computing and Electronics at ATU Sligo couldnt watch the live broadcast as she was at work.

She said, Its a proud and precious moment for any Indian. Its even more exciting after the failure of Chandrayaan-2 and we were praying for its success.

It shows how the space engineering technology has advanced in India and we are moving forward to accomplish more such targets.

I am proud and excited, and I wanted my kids who are born and brought up in Ireland to watch it too. I sent them the link to You Tube.

Sarithas son, Sreesekhar Pillai (14), a third-year student at Summerhill College, Sligo said, Its definitely a big accomplishment and I am happy to have witnessed it. I might talk to my friends in school about it and that would be very exciting.

I visit India mostly during my summer vacations.

As India reaches a milestone by becoming the first nation to land a spacecraft near the moons South pole, it also opens doors for further exploration of chances to have life there.

I am glad to have witnessed one of the significant moments in Indian history, said Dr Vimla Sharma, President of the Indian Association Sligo and a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist at Sligo University Hospital.

Everybody is saying India is on Moon now and I want to congratulate ISRO for this achievement. Its a great day for all of us.

ISRO has been involved in some great research and space missions all along, but the failure of Chandrayaan-2 definitely hurt us all.

However, it could not stop us, we kept working and improving ourselves and the result of that hard work has been witnessed by the whole world today.

This accomplishment is not just going to help India but the whole world if we have a better idea of what is present on the moon in terms of atmosphere and resources.Being away from the country I definitely miss the celebrations but here in Sligo we have our small community, and we try to celebrate and share our happiness with each other, added Dr Vimla.

Its thought the south poles shadowed craters contain water ice that could support a future base on the moon, allowing astronauts and scientists to work there for extended periods.

If water ice is really there, it could be used for fuel, oxygen, and drinking water; and provide insight into past lunar volcanoes and the origins of our own oceans.

Prayers were held for the missions success, schools put on telecasts, and people held watch parties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had drummed up the hype, hailing the mission as a new chapter in Indias space odyssey that would elevate the dreams and ambitions of every Indian.

We have a soft landing on the moon, the prime minister was told by engineers at Indias Space Research Organisation, where there were scenes of delirious celebration.
MAD Drama students Kate O'Sullivan and Katie May McElehron Doyle competed in the 'duologue' competition at the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland All Ireland Feis Finals in Dublin earlier this year.

The Murphy Academy of Drama is celebrating its long-awaited re-opening after a three-year hiatus due to Covid and is eager to welcome a crop of new and old students back ahead of the new school term.

Established in 2016 by multi-talented Arklow woman KathyAnn Murphy, the Murphy Academy of Drama (MAD) had grown steadily and counted almost 60 students, aged between 5 and 18, on their books before the pandemic hit.

Yearning to see its return, KathyAnn has received calls from parents and students hoping for the re-opening of the inclusive and diverse space, where children can explore performing arts, take part in large-scale shows, complete their Royal Irish Academy of Music (RIAM) exams and compete in competitions.

A member of Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland, with extensive experience in the professional theatre industry and an MA in Theatre, KathyAnn said she is ready to throw open the Arklow Dance Studios doors again on Wednesday evenings and cant wait to nourish a new (and old) batch of talented Wicklow children.

We hosted our summer camps recently, but this is our first term back after Covid, KathyAnn said. 2019 would have been our last term, and we kept going up to March 2020, but we havent reopened since the pandemic hit.

Parents and students have been enquiring about when we were going to open again, and I suppose the sad thing really is that Ive lost a lot of my older kids, who have gone off to college at this stage. Then there are the children who wouldve been 14 or 15 and are now into their busy Leaving Cert year.

Also, because of Covid, there were a lot of students who might have lost that bit of interest during the pandemic, where they picked up another interest or just drifted away from the idea a bit.

I had nearly 60 students coming into 2020, and I dont expect to regain those numbers again straight away. I suppose quite a lot of people and performance companies are in that boat too.

I have a few students coming back that I wouldve had from the beginning of MAD, and Ill be starting afresh with a lot of the new students, which is kinda nice in a way.

I also have a lot of kids who are going into secondary school now, that I would have had when they were five or six, if not a bit older, who will be my new senior class now.

We can accommodate pretty much any numbers, KathyAnn continued.

Before Covid, I had three classes, a junior, senior and intermediate class, but Im going to restart with a combined junior/intermediate and a senior class.

In terms of the agenda for the year, we do the Arklow Music Festival showcases, kids have the option to their Royal Irish Academy of Music exams, and they also do the Dublin Hybrid Feis with the Speech and Drama Teachers of Ireland.

One thing to say is that, in terms of what the school entails, we are solely speech and drama, and while we do do some movement, we don't offer dancing  despite being located at a dance studio!

The response to our re-opening has been great so far, and I think I have about 20 students signed up at the moment, which isnt bad going. However, the aim would be to get it back up to that pre-Covid level, if not more.

Registration is now open for the MAD Drama School, with new classes commencing in September.

For registration details, contact KathyAnn at kathyannm391@gmail.com, text 086 398 1103 or visit the MAD Drama School Facebook Page
Jeremy Clarksons TV bosses said there is more to the show than just the presenter (Ian West/PA)

Bosses at Amazon Studios said they were shocked and disappointed at Jeremy Clarksons criticism of the Duchess of Sussex in a column last year.

The popular Prime Video series, Clarksons Farm, which documents the workings of his 1,000-acre holding in the Cotswolds, was renewed by the streamer as it said there is so much more to the show than the presenter.

During a session of the Edinburgh TV Festival, panel host Scott Bryan asked representatives for Amazon why they continued with the show following the controversial column, which was the subject of numerous complaints to the press watchdog, the Independent Press Standards Organisation (Ipso).

Fozia Khan, unscripted lead, UK Originals for Amazon Studios, said the team were shocked and disappointed but ultimately made the decision to continue the show.

Clarksons Farm stars Charlie Ireland, left, and Kaleb Cooper outside 10 Downing Street (Victoria Jones/PA)

She added: I mean, theres lots of conversations going on. But I think the thing that I want to say is that the show is so much bigger than Clarkson.

Its a really good show.

Ipso upheld a complaint that the column was sexist towards the duchess, describing some of the comments about her as pejorative and prejudicial.

The regulator found the articles use of a comparison to Scotlands former first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, and serial killer Rose West was because the three are female.

In the December 17 2022 article, Clarkson wrote: I hate her (Meghan). Not like I hate Nicola Sturgeon or Rose West. I hate her on a cellular level.

The former Top Gear presenter apologised for the piece, describing his language as disgraceful and said he was profoundly sorry.

The Sun also apologised and said it regretted the publication of the column, which was removed online.

Dan Grabiner, head of originals for UK and Northern Europe, Amazon Studios, told the audience at the EICC: I cant tell you what a phenomenon the show itself is and the impact it has had on the agricultural community and farming.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Matt Dunham/PA)

We get messages from farmers around the world who just love the show and love Kaleb (Cooper) and Gerald (Cooper) and they relate to those characters, saying they have never really seen their world properly reflected on-screen before, which is amazing.

And, as Fozia said, its a hell of a lot bigger than Jeremy Clarkson.

Ms Khan also said that the show is entertaining and joyful.

She added: It addresses issues of climate change, the struggles of farming and Brexit.

Earlier this year, stars from Clarksons Farm, such as land agent Charlie Ireland, and farming contractor Kaleb Cooper, attended a meeting on farming at Downing Street with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.

Prime Video has also shared an image of the rarely photographed investigative journalist, Mazher Mahmood, ahead of the release of a new documentary series, called The Fake Sheikh.

Mahmood, known as the fake sheikh, was found guilty of tampering with evidence at the trial of N-Dubz star Tulisa in 2014.

She was accused of supplying class A drugs but the charges were dismissed.

Mahmood was sentenced to 15 months for conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

The series also sees model Jodie Kidd, who has made allegations about Mahmood, being interviewed about what happened to her and the effects on her life and career.

The three-part show follows tabloid journalist Mahmoods rise and downfall and will be released on Prime Video on September 26.
The 52-year-old also dined in the Michelin star Chapter One restaurant in the capital.

Killing Eve star Sandra Oh has been spending some downtime in Dublin this week.

The Canadian actress was spotted at the weekend hanging out at the Curious Mister bar in the U2 co-owned Clarence hotel.

The 52-year-old also dined in the Michelin star Chapter One restaurant in the capital.

The eaterys general manager Juba Paridi, pictured with the star in Dublin, raved: An amazing person, engaging, kind with the staff and genuinely interested during our conversation about the history of the restaurant, its art pieces.

Sandra, who became an American citizen in 2018, first sprung to fame as Dr Cristina Yang in Greys Anatomy from 2005-2014, for which she won a Golden Globe award. In 2019, she made history as the first woman of Asian descent to win multiple Golden Globes for her role in Killing Eve, where she stars as Eve Polastri.

In 2019, Time magazine named her as 100 of the most influential people in the world.

Last year she was part of the Canadian delegations of the state funeral of Britains Queen Elizabeth.

She currently has two movies in production  sci-fi flick Can I Get A Witness as well as Stone Mattress, which she stars alongside Julianne Moore.

Sandra was previously married to film director Alexander Paye from 2003-2006.

She has practised Buddhism and has been outspoken about gun violence, especially the targeting of the Asian-American community.
Asa Hutchinson, Chris Christie, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott and Doug Burgum at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 US presidential campaign. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

Eight contenders for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination jockeyed for voters attention on Wednesday at the partys first debate, while the front-runner Donald Trump, the former president, bypassed the event.
Medical director Harvey accused of shameful failure by two families

A court drawing of serial baby killer nurse Lucy Letby as she listens to the verdicts being read at Manchester Crown Court. Letby murdered seven babies and attempted to murder six more before finally being caught. Picture: PA

Parents of babies attacked by Lucy Letby received a total fob off from a hospital medical director after raising concerns, a lawyer representing them has said.

Ian Harvey was medical director at the Countess of Chester Hospital at the time the 33-year-old nurse carried out her crimes, murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six others, but he retired in August 2018, a month after she was first arrested.
Lucy Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies and trying to murder six more. Photo: Cheshire Constabulary

Britains NHS ombudsman has called for a planned inquiry into the child serial killer Lucy Letby to be put on a statutory footing and for there to be a wider review of leadership and culture in the health service.
Three Scottish middle-aged fathers dressed only in quilts are taking on their younger kilted rivals with a comedy show described as warm-bodied quilted hilarity and a calendar, donating the profits to charity.
QNET is not a scam . The company, known for its lifestyle and wellness wares, uses a direct selling model to provide independent representatives and customers with exclusive, high-quality products and services to live a more holistic life. One excellent option is QLearn, an ingenious e-learning portfolio with a K-12 curriculum of visual-based questions and games designed to make learning exciting for kids.

The QLearn platform was created through collaboration with experienced educators and experts in the academic field. It has thousands of animated video explanations to help young learners find the solutions to textbook questions  many of its more than 10,000 games, quizzes, and practice questions pertain to the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Thats smart, since 6.6% of all the jobs in the United States are in STEM-related fields, which are forecasted to employ 11.3 million people by 2030. Occupations within the technical disciplines have grown 79% since 1990. However, according to the National Math & Science Initiative, at most, 36% of undergraduates are prepared for college-level science courses.

The learning platform is inclusive for learners of all abilities, which is incredibly important. Cindy Marten, the United States deputy secretary of education, said, The departments Civil Rights Data Collection continues to demonstrate that students of color and students with disabilities are disproportionately excluded from learning opportunities in STEM.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused worldwide school closures and highlighted the need for a modern digital education model. Berni Gaksch, category manager of QNETs education portfolio, stated, We want to make education accessible for kids worldwide, beyond the bounds of their school grounds or learning center.

The curriculum is available in English, with plans to expand language choices. It utilizes a blended learning approach. Gaksch explained its a form of virtual education that supplements face-to-face classes in school with many benefits, such as the flexibility for students to learn anywhere and at their own speed.

This helps kids get the most out of their schooling experience  enabling them to participate more in school activities and interact with their peers while still ensuring they can brush up on their studies anytime, he stated.

Education Unlocks New Opportunities

QNET encourages everyone to lead the change they wish to see in the world. While the K-12 education program focuses on understanding the basics of reading and writing, the QLearn platform offers a variety of programs to sharpen educational and professional skills.

The soft skills management course highlights the skills most leaders need, including teamwork, time management, and communication. Its a smart choice for those looking to learn vital transferable and interpersonal skills.

The higher education option is an extensive list of courses designed to allow learners to boost their self-confidence while studying what they love. English language courses are also available on QLearn. Students will gain confidence as they work on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and pronunciation skills.

Keeping the platform fresh is a priority. Plans include a podcast platform that will feature its educational experts to help guide students through choosing the best learning process for their personal journey.

Why Do People Think QNET Is a Scam?

QNET is not a scam or pyramid scheme, despite what some media outlets have reported. The professional, product-centric company obeys all laws and regulations. Its dedicated to delivering high-quality products, in the areas of health, wellness, and lifestyle, to customers via the direct selling model. And it offers comprehensive training and education programs to better clear up any misconceptions about the legitimacy of the direct selling industry.

Despite often getting mistaken for a scam or pyramid scheme, the company is undeterred in its mission to live up to the founders vision of establishing a business committed to making a difference in the world and making a profit. Diversity is a strength of the company, which has developed a global community of independent distributors throughout Europe, Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia, and the Middle East.

Its helped develop microentrepreneurs in many emerging economies for decades. Throughout 2023 QNET will celebrate 25 years of award-winning success, having expanded its presence in over 25 countries worldwide and been involved in giving back to communities in more than 50 countries.

I think one of the smartest things our founders did was to merge the concept of direct selling with the then very new concept of e-commerce, said CEO Malou Caluza. This disrupted traditional direct selling.

The company started in 1998 when the industry was focused on retail shops, personal connections, and face-to-face interactions. Caluza said the company experienced some challenges, but we had a lot of excitement, passion, and belief in what we were doing. The experiment paid off.

Education isnt a barrier for anyone interested in becoming an independent representative. QNET has so many moving stories of people who came from nothing and went on to achieve financial and personal goals beyond their wildest dreams, said Caluza. Direct selling democratizes opportunity for people. This business welcomes anyone from all walks of life.
Photo Courtesy: Screen Grab from Youtube

New Delhi/IBNS: India is basking on the success of its lunar mission as Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed on the South Polar region of the Moon on Wednesday, leading the nation of 1.4 billion people basking in joy.

A day after India achieved a game-changing feat in India's space exploration, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has come up with an update.

An ISRO post on X reads, "Chandrayaan-3 ROVER: Made in India Made for the MOON! The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and India took a walk on the moon ! More updates soon."

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:



Chandrayaan-3 ROVER:

Made in India 

Made for the MOON!



The Ch-3 Rover ramped down from the Lander and

India took a walk on the moon !



More updates soon.#Chandrayaan_3#Ch3  ISRO (@isro) August 24, 2023

The scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) burst into joy in the control room in Chennai, joining a proud nation, as chairman S Somanath said: "India is now on the moon."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the historic event virtually from South Africa where he is currently visiting to attend the BRICS Summit.

"This moment is historic, unprecedented. This moment is the moment of victory. This moment is the achievement of 1.4 billion people and a new consciousness of a new India. This is the dawn of a new India in the Amrit Kaal," said PM Modi.

"I congratulate from the bottom of my heart the scientists of ISRO," he said.

On Tuesday, ISRO said Chandrayaan-3 mission is on schedule and sailing smoothly for a soft landing on the South Polar Region of the Moon.

The systems are undergoing regular checks and the Mission Operations Complex (MOX) was buzzing with energy and excitement.

The soft landing was a tricky and challenging task as it involved a series of complex manoeuvres that included rough and fine braking.

Prior to landing, imaging of the landing site was done for locating safe and hazard-free zones.
Photo courtesy: IBNS File

Kolkata/IBNS: #RakeshRoshan started trending on social media platform X after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confused astronaut Rakesh Sharma with the Bollywood actor.

In a viral video, Mamata took Rakesh Roshan's name while referring to Rakesh Sharma's interaction with then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi after traveling to Space.

"I remember when they reached Space, Indira Gandhi had asked Rakesh Roshan, 'How is India looking from there?'"

Following the gaffe, the video went viral triggering memes on the social media platform.

The Chief Minister's gaffe comes at a time when India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the South Polar region of the moon on Wednesday bringing cheers to the nation of 1.4 billion people who erupted in joy and pride after an anxious wait for the moment.

What #MamataBanerjee

Told about #rakeshroshan is true, if Hritik Roshan can be Krish why can't Rakesh Roshan be astronaut, He is the one who called Jaado #Chandrayaan3Landing pic.twitter.com/IDt08uaiZ3  Rohan (@R0han_Hindu) August 24, 2023

The scientists of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) burst into joy in the control room in Chennai, joining a proud nation, as chairman S Somanath said, "India is now on the moon."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined the historic event virtually from South Africa where he is currently visiting to attend the BRICS Summit.

"This moment is historic, unprecedented. This moment is the moment of victory. This moment is the achievement of 1.4 billion people and a new consciousness of a new India. This is the dawn of a new India in the Amrit Kaal," said PM Modi.

"I congratulate from the bottom of my heart the scientists of ISRO," he said.
Photo courtesy: UNI

Ludhiana/UNI: The Directorate of Enforcement ( ED) is conducting raids at the office and house of former Congress Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu in the district.

Sources said on Thursday that earlier, Ashu was arrested by the Vigilance in connection with irregularities in the tender allotment scam.

He said he was later granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Photo courtesy: Facebook/Sujit Bose

Kolkata/UNI: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which is probing into the alleged recruitment scam in several West Bengal municipalities, has summoned West Bengal Fire Brigade Minister Sujit Bose.

Bose, a top Trinamool Congress leader, has been asked to appear before the investigation officials at its city office, Nizam Palace, at 11 a.m. on August 31, official sources said on Thursday.

The summons happened after the anti-corruption wing of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) seized several incriminating documents during raids on at least 14 civic bodies (municipalities) and found evidence of links between some influential officials in recruitment procedures, sources added.

Earlier the ED took over the investigation of the money trails after the Calcutta High court directed the CBI to probe the alleged recruitment irregularities in many municipalities.

The state government challenged a Calcutta High Court order, which the Supreme Court upheld, reversing the decision.

Bose, the MLA representing the Bidhannagar Municipality, was vice-chairman of the South Dum Dum municipality in 2016.
New Delhi: After Chandrayaan-3s successful landing on the lunar surface on Wednesday evening, the netizens in India decided to remind the US-based newspaper New York Times about an old cartoon it published, which, many thought, mocked Indias space ambitions while portraying it as backward and poor.

The nine-year-old cartoon by the New York Times on India's space programme surfaced on social media timelines again.

New York Times had published the cartoon in 2014 after Indias successful Mangalyaan mission to put a robotic probe into the orbit around Mars in a budget of just Rs 450 crore.

Earlier, the US, Russia and Europe had sent missions to Mars but Indias was one of the cheapest interplanetary missions ever.

The New York Times cartoon depicted a man dressed as an Indian villager with a cow, knocking on the door of the "Elite Space Club," where two men in Western attire were seated.

This cartoon sparked intense protests, with people alleging that the newspaper had displayed racism and mockery towards India following its remarkable space accomplishment.

The public outcry prompted an apology from the newspaper.

In a Facebook post, Andrew Rosenthal, the editorial page editor of The New York Times, acknowledged that a "significant number of readers" had raised concerns about the cartoon.

"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 apologise to readers who were offended by the choice of images in this cartoon," he had said.

Rosenthal had clarified that Mr. Heng's intention was not to criticize India, its government, or its people.

As Chandrayaan successfully landed near the Moon's southern pole, establishing India as the first nation to achieve this feat, users on Twitter resurfaced the earlier cartoon and directed their messages towards The New York Times, suggesting that it was an appropriate moment for a new cartoon to reflect the current achievement.

Rosenthal had clarified that Heng's intention was not to criticize India, its government, or its people.

As Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed near the Moon's southern pole, establishing India as the first nation to achieve this feat, users on X, formerly known as Twitter, resurfaced the earlier cartoon and directed their messages towards The New York Times, suggesting that it was an appropriate moment for a new cartoon to reflect the current achievement.

Among them was Bharat Rashtra Samithi leader Y Sathish Reddy. "You You chuckled, questioning our capabilities. Today, we silence you with our triumph! Now, go ahead & sketch a fresh cartoon," he posted on X, sharing the old cartoon.

Recalling @nytimes for their Racial Taunt. You chuckled, questioning our capabilities. Today, we silence you with our triumph!



Now, go ahead & sketch a fresh cartoon.#IndiaOnTheMoon #Chandrayaan3Landing #ISRO  pic.twitter.com/K1nd7W2yd6  YSR (@ysathishreddy) August 23, 2023

Several X users took the opportunity to share a modified version of the NYT cartoon, inspired by a response from the Times of India three years ago.



The 2017 TOI cartoon, released when India set a remarkable record by launching 104 satellites into space using a single rocket, cleverly inverted the original NYT cartoon.

Never forget @TOIIndiaNews cartoon reply to @nytimes when it mocked Indias space program pic.twitter.com/L5M64L9BIc  Nav (@Navdeepak_) August 23, 2023

In the TOI version, the Indian man and his cow were depicted inside the "Elite Space Club," while the two men who were originally inside the club in the NYT's cartoon were shown outside, knocking on the door and keen to enter.

Yesterday, many social media users modified the TOI cartoon to illustrate that developed nations are now seeking India's guidance on achieving a successful spacecraft landing near the Moon's southern pole.
Delhi: A luxurious Rolls Royce Phantom limousine caught fire as it collided with a petrol tanker on the New Delhi-Mumbai expressway on Thursday evening, burning both occupants of the tanker alive, media reports said.

The incident occurred in Haryana's Nuh. The Rolls Royce was reportedly traveling at a speed of 230 km per hour, NDTV reported.

Three occupants of the luxury car sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at a Gurgaon hospital.

The accident left the Phantom, the luxury car, extensively damaged, with visuals depicting the charred remains of the vehicle and the intense blaze that followed the collision.

Images captured at the scene depicted the devastating aftermath of the accident involving the Rolls Royce Phantom, a car worth more than Rs 10 crore.

In one video, the front of the car was reduced to a heap of mangled metal, with the engine engulfed in flames and debris scattered around the wreckage. The wrecked car's doors were open, revealing a vivid orange interior.

Speeding #RollsRoyce crashes into tanker on #DelhiExpressHighway near Haryana's #Nuh; tanker driver, his assistant burned alive, car occupants injured. Front of the car reduced to mangled metal as engine caught fire. #Accident #Delhi #Haryana pic.twitter.com/46JORDBKuP  India Blooms (@indiablooms) August 24, 2023

Authorities had previously confirmed that all five passengers, who were in the Rolls Royce were immediately taken out of the vehicle, apparently by their family members, who were travelling behind them in another car.

The man attempted to reconstruct what he thought was the string of events that led to the accident. "The tanker was coming from this lane (pointing to the far side of road). It stopped there and waited to make a U-turn. The road was clear and truck started turning but the car was travelling so fast... the control room recorded its speed as 230 km per hour."

The NDTV report said another person blamed the stunt drivers, owners of posh cars, for racing their cars up and down the highway on Sundays.

Ashok Kumar, Assistant Sub-Inspector of Nuh Police, told NDTV the tanker driver and his assistant regularly plied on this route and both vehicles were coming from Delhi when the collision occurred.

"Eyewitness say the car was speeding and this led to the accident. We cannot confirm this at this time, or the speed at which it was being driven. The investigation is ongoing," he was quoted as saying to NDTV.

"There is space for a U-turn at the accident site but we are still establishing the sequence of events. We do know the tanker was hit on its side. We are presently taking the statements of those injured and will go to the Gurgaon hospital for this soon," he added.
Bollywood stars congratulated the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) team for Chandrayaan-3's triumphant moon landing on Wednesday. Actor R. Madhavan's heartfelt message stood out, praising the scientists and the whole team for this remarkable accomplishment.

For the uninitiated, Madhavan portrayed the character of former ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan in the 2022 movie "Rocketry: The Nambi Effect."

BCCL, YouTube/YRF

In a video shared on Instagram, Madhavan appears with tears as he shares his reflections on this monumental day. He states,



"What an achievement! I am so so happy and proud, as everybody should be in India. Main bata nahi sakta, yeh kitni badi achievement hain, yeh baat toh sehraniya hain hi ki hum chand par utar paye, woh bhi south pole mein pehli baar, but jis limited resources and budget ke saath humne ise achieve kiye...I don't know kitna tareef kar sakte hain (I can't begin to express how big this achievement is, it is commendable that we landed on the surface of the moon, but the fact that we did it with limited resources and budget, I don't know how much can one be praised for that."

Madhavan further added, "This feels so good, it's fabulous to be part of history like this, to be there at the moment that Chandrayaan touched the surface of the moon. ISRO scientists hats off! I am so very happy for Nambi sir, his Vikas engine again has proved to be successful with the launch. Keep making us proud, sky se bohut aage nikal chuke hain aap (You have gone beyond the clouds). I wish you all the very best for greater explorations of the space. To the government of India, the Prime Minister, and every Indian, feel proud. This is an amazing historical moment, and I am so happy and touched. Jai Hind."

Following a 40-day voyage that commenced from Sriharikota's Satish Dhawan Space Center, the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Chandrayaan-3 mission has achieved a successful lunar landing.

Livestream

The Vikram lander gracefully touched down on the lunar surface at around 6 p.m. on August 23.



With this triumphant landing, achieved on the mission's second attempt within four years, India has now joined the ranks of the US, China, and the former Soviet Union as the fourth country to excel in the technology of soft lunar landings.

According to reports from PTI, Chandrayaan-3 serves as a successor to Chandrayaan-2, aiming to showcase secure and gentle landings on the moon's surface, traverse the lunar terrain, and undertake on-site scientific experiments.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


In a thought-provoking Reddit post, a member in their forties shared an unsettling experience involving a new directive from their employer. Despite having dedicated 18 years to the company, the individual revealed that their new boss had implemented a strict measure, demanding employees sign out each time they step away for a lunch or bathroom break.

This unexpected policy has sparked a conversation about workplace norms and the evolving dynamics between employers and long-standing staff members.

The company adheres to a 30-minute lunch schedule as part of its work routine, which is generally manageable. However, the situation takes a peculiar turn when it comes to constantly signing out for bathroom breaks.

Representational image

This practice, considered unusual by the employee, carries a significant impact, especially considering their senior role and high-performance record within the team.



The staff member elaborates in the viral Reddit thread that their decision to decline to sign out has resulted in a substantial adverse reaction from the new boss.

Threatening to file a write-up for insubordination and non-compliance with instructions, the employee now faces a challenging decision.

Contemplating the idea of resigning, their reluctance stems from their considerably higher earnings compared to peers in the engineering design field.

Additionally, the company's provision of five weeks of annual vacation further complicates the situation.

Seeking guidance on resolving this conflict, the Redditor turned to the online community for advice, and their fellow Redditors rose to the occasion.

Representational Image

Some shared humorous insights, while others criticized the new boss's controlling behavior.



Notably, the employee revealed they are dealing with Crohn's disease, even though it's remission.

Redditors advised that this medical condition could be a valid point when raising a formal complaint.

For more trending stories, follow us on Telegram.


August 23, 2023 - Information Clearing House - Experts with important-sounding titles linked to academic-sounding entities have been shaping hearts and minds in the press, both at home and abroad, in favor of endless conflict in Ukraine. Guess what deep-pocketed benefactor lurks beneath the surface?

During the Iraq War, the Pentagon backed retired generals to make the rounds of TV and radio shows as military analysts to promote the Bush administrations agenda in the Persian Gulf. It was like inviting Ronald McDonald on a program to debate and discuss the merit of Big Macs. You could almost see the strings attached to the puppets, linked to the military-industrial complex that benefited from war without an off-ramp.

Fast forward 20 years, and the sales tactics have drastically changed. The generals have been replaced by various experts with academic credentials, typically linked to one or more think tanks. Far from the neutral academic centers of intellectual integrity that the names suggest, these entities are little more than laundromats for discreet special interests. I should know  I used to be a director of one.

Click Here To Get Our FREE Newsletter

Every Wednesday, some of the highest-ranking figures of the Bush administration would come to our Washington, DC office to deliver their main agenda points for the week, requesting assistance in placing and promoting them to both grassroots activists sympathetic to the cause and to the general public. The experts within the think tank were hired based on political litmus tests, no doubt to ensure that their views aligned with the organizations. When they no longer do, youre either fired or you leave.

The donors, many of whom were well-known millionaires and billionaires driven by a passion for certain issues, would come straight out and ask for bang for their buck in exchange for the opening of their wallets. In some cases, an entire project or department would be mounted at the think tank with the understanding that it would be fully funded by a single donor. These rich, influential folks typically had business or investment interests that benefited from shaping the establishment narrative in their favor, and they wanted to do so without leaving any footprints. What better way than to have it all fronted by a shiny veneer of expert credibility?

So while the generals of the Iraq War era had all the subtlety of a sledgehammer in representing the interests of the military-industrial complex, the new salesmen of endless armed conflict in Ukraine have overwhelmingly adopted the more subtle model. A study published in 2020 found that the top 50 think tanks received over a billion dollars from the US government and its defense contractors and manufacturers, including some of the biggest beneficiaries of weapons production today for Ukraine. The top recipients of this funding include the Atlantic Council, German Marshall Fund of the United States, Brookings Institution, Heritage Foundation, Center for Strategic and International Studies, New America Foundation, RAND Corporation, Center for a New American Security, Council on Foreign Relations, and the Stimson Center.

Some of these black boxes are more ideologically-driven than others. The Heritage Foundation, for example, leans overwhelmingly neoconservative and interventionist. Others, like the Atlantic Council and German Marshall Fund, are effectively force multipliers for NATO talking points. But the RAND Corporation also houses systems analysts and scientists specializing in space and computing. The fact that not all of these entities  or even the people who work within some of them  can be tossed into the same basket and labeled mere parrots for the special interests of their organizations benefactors helps to muddy the waters.

In an analysis published in June of media coverage related to US military involvement in Ukraine, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft found that, when a think tank is cited regarding the issue, 85% of the time its a think tank with financial backing from the defense industry. Taken at face value, this risks being interpreted by the general public as expert consensus on the need for US taxpayers to continue flooding Ukraine with weapons, unaware that its really just a bunch of Pentagon-backed actors agreeing with each other about the need to pursue the most profitable course of action on behalf of their War Inc. sugar daddies. Just like when climate scientists, who have parlayed climate change into endless funding and a perpetual justification for their existence, arent going to kill their cash cow by arguing that the climate cant be controlled by man and that throwing cash at the issue  or at them  is futile.

Many of the Ukraine think tank experts are quick to attack analysis and information published on platforms they dont like  such as RT  as Russian-backed. Youd have to be living under a rock these days to not know that RT is linked to Russia. No transparency issues there. But there is far less transparency around their own organizations financing. Where is their insistence on being above board about the use of defense industry cash to influence not just the general public but the course of the conflict itself? Around a third of top foreign policy think tanks dont disclose this Pentagon funding, according to the Quincy Institute. Nor is it unheard of for these experts to springboard from these establishment-friendly platforms and the public notoriety they provide, right into public office  where they can translate the same agenda that they promoted into actionable policy. Isnt it important for voters to consider the powerful hidden hand who helped to get them there?

Rachel Marsden

is a columnist, political strategist, and host of independently produced talk-shows in French and English.
The US government is far more abusive, destructive and tyrannical than the Chinese government and Americans are far more indoctrinated by propaganda than Chinese people. Americans dont even know theyre continually ingesting US empire propaganda to inform their worldview, and they live under the most abusive regime on earth.

Theres this weird propaganda two-step being performed where westerners are being told over and over and over again that Chinese people live in a freakish backwards mind-controlled dystopia, but somehow we westerners do not.



Chinese people live in a freakish backwards mind-controlled dystopia where dissenting thought is crushed and everyones brainwashed by propaganda.

Oh yeah? How do you know?

Come on man, its all over the news all day every day!



Point 1: Its bad to be racist.

Point 2: Being a warmonger is worse than being a racist.

Neither of these points should be controversial, and saying them both should draw no objection whatsoever. But the entirety of the mainstream synthetic left  and a substantial percentage of the authentic socialist left  quietly disagree with Point #2.

You know this is true because if they actually agreed with Point #2 no mainstream western government official would ever be able to show their face in public, because all mainstream western government officials are warmongers. Mainstream media reporters and pundits would not be able to appear in polite company, because mainstream media reporters and pundits are warmongers. Anyone publicly supporting the western empire and its foreign policy in any way would be the main villain on social media for the day, and would be confronted by angry protesters wherever they appeared. The New York Times would become as socially rejected as The Daily Stormer unless it stopped churning out war propaganda.

Click Here To Get Our FREE Newsletter

The entire empire would crumble. Thats why Point #2, despite being self-evidently true, is shoved outside the Overton window of acceptable debate by mass-scale psychological manipulation. And thats why there are people reading this doing all kinds of mental gymnastics to find a way to make what Im saying here wrong. But it is definitely undeniable and worth pointing out that warmongering is far more accepted than racism throughout the synthetic left and much of the authentic left, when really both should be rejected with maximum force.



The authentic left opposes the ruling power structure, opposes imperialism and opposes economic injustice. The mainstream synthetic left does everything it can to build left-wing credibility without opposing any of those things. It opposes racism, sexism and discrimination against LGBTQ people just like the authentic left does, but whenever theres an opportunity to actually act against the interests of the capitalist imperialists its nowhere to be found.

And its important for the authentic left to be aware of this, not least because it will often fool itself about its power and its numbers by conflating the left-wing issues that are amplified by the mainstream synthetic left with successes of the authentic left. It was easy to make the mistake, for example, of thinking that the BLM protests of 2020 were a sign of a surging socialist zeitgeist, or that the opposition to Trump and January 6 was a sign of rising anti-fascist sentiments, when really they were both only getting the mainstream traction they were getting because they were supported by the mainstream synthetic left as well. Members of the authentic left hitched their wagons to those impulses in a big way hoping to see a major authentic shift to the left, but nothing meaningful actually happened as a result of them. The traction was coming almost entirely from the mainstream synthetic left, who have vastly greater numbers and vastly louder amplification.

Contrast that with the traction gained by movements driven solely by the authentic left without the support of the synthetic left, and the picture looks far more bleak. Antiwar rallies with a hundred people. Communist meetings with a couple dozen people. The only traction we ever really get is online, because the internet lets us all find each other around the world and network. But it doesnt translate to real-world movement.

Thats not our fault of course; a tremendous amount of effort has gone into stomping out the authentic left and diverting all energy to the synthetic left for generations. But its important to be real about it, because we cant begin to address the problem if we dont understand it. And we definitely dont understand it if were mistaking the successes of the mainstream synthetic left for our own successes.



Nothing will shatter your dreams of a broad left-right antiwar coalition faster than publicly opposing US warmongering against both Russia and China simultaneously.

One of the most brilliant innovations of modern empire propaganda has been splitting the population into two groups who argue about WHAT KIND of warmongering should be supported, rather than IF warmongering should be supported.



Ten Tips For Empire Critics Getting Started In Indie Media

I dont really know how I wound up gathering a following and making a living out of railing against the empire every day; from my point of view its been a happy series of miracles and coincidences combined with decent work ethic and a burning desire for a healthy world. So while I dont really know how I wound up doing this thing myself, I have picked up a few tips that might be useful to someone who wants to try to do this sort of thing in their own way.

Here then are ten suggestions for empire critics who are getting started in indie media, for whatever theyre worth:

1. Put out daily content if possible. The best way to build an audience is to become a regular part of peoples day that they look forward to enjoying in their spare time. Ive found it impossible to get an article out every single day without fail 365 days a year just because thats how life moves, but I do my best and I get pretty close. This isnt possible for investigative journalists and people who do deep dives or extensively produced videos, but if youre doing commentary, analysis or art or whatever its a real advantage.

2. Be sincere and trustworthy. People can sense sincerity and insincerity, and theyll keep coming back to your articles, videos or whatever youre putting out there if they get the sense that youre being sincere and telling the truth as best you can. Be completely honest and straightforward about who you are, where youre coming from, and what your agendas are, and trust people to sort out for themselves whether youre their cup of tea rather than trying to manipulate them into liking you by misrepresenting yourself. Theyll be able to tell.

3. Always be learning, and always be getting better at learning. Make sure youre taking in more information than youre putting out, and always work to find new sources of information. By taking in as much high-quality information as you can and forming an understanding of it, you can then simplify it and explain how it all fits in to the bigger picture for your audience in a way that they can easily understand.

4. Be courageous and kind with yourself about learning on the job. Dont expect to get everything perfect right away. Understanding and talking about power structures and systemic abuses is a skill just like any other, and youll necessarily be worse at it when you start out than you will be a few years on. You will make mistakes, but as long as you course correct then no mistake is fatal. Looking back on some of the stuff I said in my first year at this gig is a bit embarrassing, but I kept at it and got much better. I didnt walk very well when I was first learning that skill either.

5. Listen to feedback, but dont be driven by it. Everyones going to have an opinion about your content, and a lot of them are going to be 100% certain that you should listen to their opinion and no one elses and cant understand why you dont view them as the sole authority in your world. I learn more from random peoples comments on my stuff than I do from any authorized opinion-havers of mainstream punditry, but I also refuse to say anything I dont personally see as true from my own education and understanding. Let feedback provide you with information and perspective, but dont let it shape your work. Your work should be driven solely by what you sincerely understand to be true and nothing else; the job of feedback is to help you build on your own understanding, not to supplant it.

6. Check against your biases. Find out if things are really true by deeply researching opposing perspectives on them; dont just accept the narrative that confirms your worldview and feels good in your feely bits, find out if the people whose worldview it goes against have produced any compelling evidence or arguments against it. There are certain things I would love to be true just because of my conditioning and the way Im wired, but sometimes it turns out that the facts dont support it. Our cognitive biases will always place a filter over our understanding of the world to some extent, but if we bring our awareness to them and stay real honest with ourselves about them we can minimize the wobble they put on our perspective. Plus being aware of the facts and arguments which go against your biases strengthen your own arguments, because you know which arguments can be easily dismantled and which the opposing perspective doesnt have any real answers for.

7. Dont cloister yourself in an information echo chamber. Its extremely common for indie media to get lost in these weird self-validating information feedback loops where things are believed to be true solely because everyone whos always furiously agreeing with each other about everything has agreed that its true. You need to always be gathering information from a bunch of diverse circles and a bunch of different ideologies to avoid this sort of brain poison, including circles and ideologies you disagree with. Dont knee-jerk unfollow someone simply because you disagree on their current position on the debate du jour. You will disagree with everyone at times. Thats normal. Keep your information stream as diverse as possible.

8. Be very cautious about who you collaborate with. Its fine and good to have co-collaborators (mines my husband), but be unapologetically limited and exclusive about it. Once you show up as an exciting new voice youll get activists and other indie media people trying to bring you into their thing and get you on board with their agendas and use your energy to power their projects, and it can get really messy. The attention can be flattering at first, but it very quickly takes on a life of its own, and all of a sudden your voice isnt your own and isnt being used in the ways you sincerely feel called to use it. These days I avoid group chats like the plague and resist getting sucked into cliques and factions of all sorts, just because Ive found even that much can create peer pressure to speak in ways that dont feel aligned with my inner guidance, and I dont like it.

9. Meditate/do inner work. I cant understand how anyone can do this work without a discipline dedicated to bringing inner stability and a practice of discovering inner truth. Having people scream at you all day online while examining the darkest things happening in our world today will burn you out and put a massive wobble on your work unless you can create some psychological spaciousness around it somehow, and inner exploration turns up all kinds of insights on the problems in our world that you can use in your work.

10. Remember that nothing is personal. Your critics are never commenting on you as a person, theyre commenting on their own inner conditioning that shapes their understanding of what youre saying and their response to it. Were all just lost little kids interfacing with a very complex and highly manipulated world using brains that were designed to avoid prehistoric predators and find grubs to eat. Dont take it too seriously.

_____________

My work is entirely reader-supported, so if you enjoyed this piece here are some options where you can toss some money into my tip jar if you want to. All my work is free to bootleg and use in any way, shape or form; republish it, translate it, use it on merchandise; whatever you want. The best way to make sure you see the stuff I publish is to subscribe to the mailing list on Substack, which will get you an email notification for everything I publish. All works co-authored with my husband Tim Foley.
"

August 23, 2023 - Information Clearing House - " Responsible Statecraft - A forever war seems to be brewing in Ukraine.

Last week, I argued that given the failure of Kyivs summer offensive to reclaim significant territory from Russia and given the maximalist rhetoric that the U.S. government and NATO allies had been using since last year to sell the public on open-ended military support, the war in Ukraine was in danger of being prolonged again, well past the date that the Biden administration had appeared to set last year.

This increasingly looks to be the case. On Saturday, the Financial Times reported that U.S. officials are privately girding for what increasingly looks like a war of attrition that will last well into next year, echoing an earlier Wall Street Journal report that military strategists and policymakers across the West are already starting to think about next years spring offensive and about how to prepare for a protracted conflict.

It may well become a protracted struggle that lasts several more years, the Journal warned on Sunday, noting that Ukraines goal of retaking all the territory it lost now appears a distant prospect.

Writing in POLITICO, former Democratic congressman and Obama administration State Department official Tom Malinowski  now a senior fellow at the McCain Institute  argues that for the war in Ukraine to end on terms consistent with American interests and ideals, Ukraine must be seen to have won, and Russias invasion must go down in history as a decisive failure.

In particular, Malinowski points to President Joe Bidens declaration in February this year that Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia  never.

On Aug. 10, an unnamed senior official told CNN that we dont know how much longer this war is going to go on, but that the White House wont be bashful about going back to Congress beyond the first quarter of next year if we feel like we need to do that.

In other words, the United States and NATO are moving the goalposts again in a war that has already been characterized by steady mission creep. At least some of their Russian counterparts appear to feel the same, with former Russian President and Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev recently saying that should it take years or even decades, then so be it.

Yet this begs the question of when it will ever be considered a good time to wind down the war. The Ukrainian government and its supporters maintain that its a lack of advanced military weapons that have hobbled its offensive, even as military experts insist no weapon would be a magic bullet against the dug-in Russian defenses and that the reasons for Kyivs military failures run deeper. This is not an unreasonable take given the significant amount of Western-supplied heavy weaponry destroyed in the offensives opening weeks alone.

If the next offensive similarly fails, will a ceasefire be pushed back again? How many years might this go on for?

Even if Kyiv does stage a successful operation against Russian forces in the future, its not clear it will lead to an end of the war. For one, Moscow may decide to launch its own counter-offensive to erase whatever gains Ukrainian forces have made, starting perhaps an endless cycle of military toing-and-froing. Or we could have a repeat of last fall, when Kyiv and its NATO backers, emboldened by the major gains made in Ukraines September counter-offensive, rejected the idea of talks to insead pursue total victory, at ultimately disastrous cost.

Even now, Ukrainian leaders and many of its Western supporters still maintain the maximalist goals of restoring the countrys pre-2014 borders, which includes retaking Crimea.

Ironically, a prolonged war is exactly what at least some NATO officials had hoped for from the start in order to trap Russia in its own Afghanistan-like blunder, with the New York Times reporting in March 2022 that the administration seeks to help Ukraine lock Russia in a quagmire.

But a prolonged war will not be good for Ukraine, which has already suffered breathtakingly vast human and economic costs from a protracted war, and which falls further and further into debt with every month. And it will not be good for the rest of the world either, feeding into worldwide cost-of-living shocks while carrying the already twice-averted possibility of a catastrophic NATO-Russia war that could turn nuclear.

Meanwhile, should the war drag on into next year, it may become a sore political issue in the 2024 election. President Biden came into office promising an end to forever wars and to launch a new era of relentless diplomacy, while his likely opponent, Donald Trump, has staked out a pro-diplomacy position on the war, making a protracted war in Ukraine a potential political liability.

Meanwhile, as the U.S. public and Republican lawmakers increasingly sour on more military aid to Ukraine, the president risks having U.S. involvement in the war end not on his terms, but with Congress cutting off further funding. All the while, there is the unpredictability of war policy during the campaign season, potentially raising pressure on the administration to escalate Washingtons involvement, lest a perceived defeat threaten Bidens chances for re-election.

Even U.S. officials are now quietly admitting that Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. Mark Milley had a point when he called for Kyiv to make the most of its gains by suing for peace late last year, and that we may have missed a window to push for earlier talks. Now may not be too late to do so.

But if the administration continues to drag its feet, it risks trapping not just Russia but the United States and Europe into yet another endless conflict, guaranteeing ongoing horror for the Ukrainian people and keeping the specter of nuclear catastrophe looming above the rest of the globe.
Question Everything! Click Here To Support Information Clearing House US post-9/11 wars caused 4.5 million deaths, displaced 38-60 million people, study shows



Wars the US waged in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan following September 11, 2001 caused at least 4.5 million deaths and displaced 38 to 60 million people, with 7.6 million children starving today, according to studies by Brown University. By Ben Norton Tweet " ---The wars the United States waged and fueled in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan following September 11, 2001 caused at least 4.5 million deaths, according to a report by Brown University. August 23, 2023 - Information Clearing House - " Geopolitical Economy ---The wars the United States waged and fueled in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Yemen, and Pakistan following September 11, 2001 caused at least 4.5 million deaths, according to a report by Brown University. Nearly a million of the people who lost their lives died in fighting, whereas some 3.6 to 3.7 million were indirect deaths, due to health and economic problems caused by the wars, such as diseases, malnutrition, and destruction of infrastructure. These were the conclusions of a study conducted by the Cost of Wars project at Brown Universitys Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. The report also analyzed the effects of wars in Libya and Somalia, which were sponsored by Washington. The scholars estimated that, in the countries studied, there are still today 7.6 million children under age 5 who are suffering from acute malnutrition, meaning they are not getting enough food, literally wasting to skin and bones, putting these children at greater risk of death. In Afghanistan and Yemen, this includes nearly 50% of children; and, in Somalia, close to 60%. In a separate study in 2021, Brown Universitys Cost of Wars project found that the United States post-9/11 wars displaced at least 38 million people  more than any conflict since 1900, excluding World War II. Click Here To Get Our FREE Newsletter This 2021 report noted that 38 million is a very conservative estimate. The total displaced by the U.S. post-9/11 wars could be closer to 4960 million, which would rival World War II displacement. The May 2023 study, which estimated that US post-9/11 wars killed 4.5 to 4.6 million people, emphasized that large numbers of civilians are still perishing today, due of the lasting consequences of these violent conflicts. Although the US military withdrew from Afghanistan in 2021, today Afghans are suffering and dying from war-related causes at higher rates than ever, the report noted. In addition to the staggering death tolls, millions more civilians were wounded and suffered other incredible hardships due to these wars. For instance, for every person who dies of a waterborne disease because war destroyed their access to safe drinking water and waste treatment facilities, there are many more who sicken, the study highlighted. The 2023 report highlights many longterm and underacknowledged consequences of war for human health, emphasizing that some groups, particularly women and children, suffer the brunt of these ongoing impacts. People living in poverty and those from marginalized groups had higher rates of death and lower life expectancies. The document stressed how the post-9/11 wars have caused widespread economic hardship for people in the war zones, and how poverty, in turn, has been accompanied by food insecurity and malnutrition, which have led to diseases and death, particularly amongst children under age five. In virtually all wars, indirect deaths represent the majority of the lives lost. The Brown University researchers pointed out, for example, In conflict areas, children are 20 times more likely to die of diarrheal disease than from the conflict itself. Damage to infrastructure that happens during wars is likewise very deadly. Hospitals, clinics, and medical supplies, water and sanitation systems, electricity, roads and traffic signals, infrastructure for farming and shipping goods, and much more are destroyed, damaged and disrupted, with lasting consequences for human health, the report noted. Economic problems caused by these post-9/11 wars have been devastating. Two decades of US-NATO military occupation of Afghanistan left behind a borderline apocalyptic economic crisis. More than half of Afghanistans population is in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.90 per day. A staggering 95% of Afghans do not have enough food. In Yemen, more than 17.4 million people are food insecure, and 85,000 children under age 5 have likely died from starvation. Even in countries where large numbers of US troops werent deployed on the ground, Washingtons wars have destroyed the lives of countless civilians. US drone strikes in Yemen and Somalia significantly impact peoples livelihood sources, killing workers, destroying farms and businesses, and bankrupting families. The severe impact of such economic setbacks on populations who depend on the land for their survival cannot be underestimated, the report emphasized. Washingtons so-called counter-terrorism laws in Somalia have also hampered humanitarian relief efforts, intensifying the effects of famine, the researchers noted. Hundreds of thousands of children have died from famine in the East African nation. The Brown University studies are part of a growing body of scholarship documenting the death tolls of post-9/11 US wars. A 2015 report by the Nobel Prize-winning group International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War (IPPNW) concluded that 13 years of Washingtons so-called War on Terror caused a total of 1.3 million deaths, including 1 million in Iraq, 220,000 in Afghanistan, and 80,000 in Pakistan. IPPNW cautioned that this 2015 figure was only a conservative estimate. The total number of deaths in the three countries named above could also be in excess of 2 million, whereas a figure below 1 million is extremely unlikely. Ben Norton is a journalist and analyst whose work focuses primarily on geopolitics, international political economy, and US foreign policy. Views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Registration is not necessary to post comments. We ask only that you do not use obscene or offensive language. Please be respectful of others. See also
Controversial Nigerian entertainer, Charles Oputa, who is popularly known as Charly Boy has responded to a statement from the General Overseer of Deeper Life Christian Ministries, William Kumuyi urging Nigerians to forget the past and support the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that Pastor Kumuyi said that God would use the president Tinubu to build the country.

However, Charly Boy in his reaction to the clergymans statement via Twitter, shared a picture of the general overseer of Living Faith Ministries, David Oyedepo alongside Kumuyi and recounted how the former had stated that he saw a nation going down the drain.
Controversial Nigerian socio-political writer, Reno Omokri has knocked some political loyalists for criticizing the general overseer of Deeper Life Ministries, Williams Kumuyi over his appeal, asking Nigerians to believe in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Recall that Kumuyi, while addressing newsmen in Osogbo, Osun state on Tuesday, said that God would use Tinubu to build Nigeria.

Pastor Kumuyi urged Nigerians to support the new ministers recently appointed by Tinubu and believe that God will use them as instruments to build the nation.

READ MORE: Nigerians Will Experience New Things Under President Tinubu  Kumuyi

Those ministers that have been chosen in the cabinet, they are not new people, who have never done anything.

If you look at the new ministers one by one, youll see the good things theyve done.

If we support them, not criticise their every step, accept them and believe that God will work through them and use them as instruments to build our nation.

Lets forget the past. This is a new day and we all believe that we are going to see new things for our country through the president and cabinet members. Good things will happen, he said.

However, Kumuyis message, seems not to be okay with some political groups however, greeted with backlash from opponents of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Reacting via Twitter, Omokri argued that it was hypocritical to condemn the clergyman for believing in Nigeria and praise the Labour party presidential candidate, Peter Obi for asking the church to take over the government.

According to him, Can his critics tells us precisely what is wrong with what Pastor Kumuyi said here? They had no issue with Peter campaigning from church to church, but they have problems with this?

Hypocrisy Is When You Curse Pastor Kumuyi For Believing in Nigeria and Praise Obi For Asking The Church To Take Over Nigeria.
I think its fair to say that when Oracle joins a group that promises free lunch, its someone elses lunch that Oracle is hoping to eat. How else to explain the Open Enterprise Linux Association (OpenELA)? This trade association formed by Oracle, SUSE, and CIQ declares freeloaders welcome as it tries to build a free clone of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL).

None of these companies is in the business of giving away their own products for free, yet they dearly hope youll look to them to get free RHELand stick around to pay them for their services. As companies that have never successfully competed individually against Red Hat, they can be forgiven for assuming a collective effort will make a difference. It wont, but hope and industry associations spring eternal.

However, rather than kick OpenELA for being a tired resurrection of UnitedLinux, its worth looking deeper into when collective open source efforts do work. Why will OpenELA fail but Kubernetes didnt? What about OpenTF, an effort to reverse HashiCorps decision to change its license for Terraform to the Business Software License (BSL)? The key in each case is to follow the money, especially the cloud money.

Where are the clouds?

For me, the clearest indication that OpenELA will fail is that the initiative couldnt attract a single significant cloud vendor. SUSE has long made a reasonable business of being the Avis to Red Hats Hertz, developing its own distribution. But Oracle and CIQ? Their Linux businesses are just we try to give you RHELfor less! If Im an enterprise that is serious about infrastructure, why would I ever want to buy a RHEL clone from a Red Hat competitor rather than Red Hat itself? How would it ever be smart IT policy to bet big on companies that are in a poor position to improve or alter a product that they dont own?

This is probably one big reason we dont see any of the clouds jumping on the OpenELA train. Each of them already has compelling Linux distributions that are valuable in their own right for customers, not as pale imitations of RHEL. Given how much of the world is now buying software through the major cloud vendors, this is a clear indicator that OpenELA isnt going to work.

The same may be true of the signatories to the OpenTF effort. They propose to fork Terraform and create (or join) a foundation, with development that is truly open source, community-driven, [and] impartial. The idealism is palpable. Its also wholly impractical. Its easy to look at Kubernetes or Linux and imagine that it must be easy to tap into the collective genius of developers, but anyone actually involved in the setup and ongoing management of such efforts knows how incredibly hard and messy such things are.

Sure, Im on the record of saying HashiCorp was within its rights to change its license. But this isnt about personal opinion; its about history. Look at Kubernetes, rightly lauded as a community success. But consider its origin: Kubernetes didnt start because a bunch of developers were wondering how to spawn a collective effort around container management. Rather, as I wrote in August 2022, Kubernetes was Googles long-game strategy of enabling multicloud portability, the perfect approach for a cloud provider trying to make up lost ground against a dominant incumbent (AWS) and a strong second (Microsoft Azure) that boasts a much stronger enterprise position. Kumbaya, anyone?

Forget the origin story, what about ongoing development? That, too, is driven by a few hegemons, not by a scrappy collective of earnest startups. Google employees have contributed roughly one-third of all Kubernetes code since it was founded. The next biggest corporate contributor, Red Hat, accounts for 12%. In third, VMware generated 8%. After that, everyone else is basically a rounding error. Its hard to see how OpenTF can thrive without the scale and resources (people) that big companies bring, especially the cloud vendors. Not a single cloud vendor signed up to help OpenTF.

Follow the cloud money

The list goes on. The biggest open source successesat least those used in the enterprisetend to have significant corporate backing, though even that doesnt guarantee success. OpenStack, for example, promised to be an open source alternative to AWS and the clouds at a time when most companies (outside the telcos) didnt actually want an alternative. They wanted AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google, not a way to roll their own. OpenStack remains, but it is not a wildly popular project.

OpenStack is mostly still around because Red Hat finds it a useful way to serve some of its customers and contributes accordingly. In like manner, AWS launched OpenSearch as a way to ward off Elastics control over Elasticsearch. It has started to have some significant success, but only because AWS continues to plow resources into it.

There is no free lunch in open source. It costs real money to fund developers to contribute to open source projects, and that money increasingly comes from the cloud companies, the biggest contributors to open source by far. So although its not a guarantee an industry collective will fail if the cloud vendors arent on board, its an inauspicious sign. The cloud vendors tend to be pretty focused on customers, and they wont show up if their customers arent asking for an OpenELA or OpenStack or OpenWhatever. Thats not a recipe for open source success.
Rittenhouse Square has long been a site for Philly creatives to display and sell their artwork. But on Monday, three artists were kicked out of the neighborhood park by city officials, who damaged artwork and tossed some of it into the back of a van.

Artist Sean Hassett, who goes by the moniker Irregular, shared a video on Instagram on Tuesday that shows fellow creatives NEEK, NZ One, and Ginger being directed by police officers to hand over their work. As reported by Billy Penn, the incident happened near the 18th Street entrance on the east side of Rittenhouse Square.

In the video, which has amassed over 80,000 views, city officials are seen grabbing and loading paintings, drawings, and merchandise into a white van.

Ginger, a Philly-based printmaker and collage artist, said the situation kept escalating, as more and more Philadelphia police officers arrived at the park. Police then called in officials from the Department of Licenses and Inspections. I still cant believe what went down. Throughout the three to four hours of the ordeal I kept thinking, They cant be serious, the artist said to The Inquirer.

While Ginger was able to retrieve her items from police before the L&I van arrived, NEEKs pieces were damaged, the artist said. They dropped a number of pieces on the ground, damaging them, and literally threw them in the back of the truck in a big pile.

Advertisement

NEEKs work was tossed in the van [along] with our liberty, said a statement from the Anti Flower Show Movement, a local collective where NEEK serves as a committee member. And after that, the artist was ignored and wasnt given proper instructions on how they could get their artwork back.

In a video shared with The Inquirer, NEEK is heard saying, Im getting a ticket illegally for my First Amendment, my constitutional right to protest.

Philly-based NZ One opted to destroy artwork before the police could take it because I knew what time [the police] were on.

They were wrong and doubling down, NZ One said. I could see them all working together to find a way to shut us down. I knew I wouldnt receive my stuff back and I destroyed it rather than see it fall into hands of our oppressive police force.

In Philly, to sell products on a sidewalk pop-up, vendors need several permits and licenses, such as a Commercial Activity License and a $330 Sidewalk Sales License. These regulations are often overlooked in spaces like Rittenhouse Square, according to Billy Penn.

The citys policy advises that anyone issued a Vending Confiscation Notice for selling products on the street has 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of License and Inspections Review. If an appeal isnt filed within that window, L&I will abandon or dispose of the items. To retrieve the items, sellers must get or renew their vending license and pay a fine. Once the fine is paid, they can then schedule an appointment to collect their items.

On Monday, some artwork on display expressed dissent against the proposed construction of the 76ers arena in Chinatown. Once we announced we were protesting the arena, and made that clear, they started calling in more and more supervisors. Weve been displaying there for over a year, never with any trouble, Ginger said. But the one day we have our protest signs out and T-shirts on is the day they kick us out and confiscate everything.

A city spokesperson said the content of the artwork wasnt the issue, it was the location. Instead of selling their goods inside Rittenhouse Square park, the artists were stationed on the sidewalk, which requires additional vending approval.

After the artists were asked to move, they refused, the spokesperson added. At that point, L&I officials were authorized to confiscate the artwork. The city has a responsibility to maintain the accessibility of the public right-of-way for all pedestrians, including those that use wheelchairs or strollers, the spokesperson said. The requirement to obtain a permit before vending on the sidewalk is intended to ensure safety and accessibility of city sidewalks.

On Tuesday, Anti Flower Show Movement announced a peaceful protest gathering in Rittenhouse Square on Saturday. The collective announced the meetup in an Instagram post, with a graphic urging supporters to join their fight to stop police harassment.

What do we want? A right to be alive, a right to be ourselves, a right to provide beauty, not just for Philly, for everywhere. Freedom of Speech, the event flier reads.

The gathering will take place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the east and south end of Rittenhouse Square.
Pedestrians along Locust Walk on the University of Pennsylvanias campus in Philadelphia, Pa., on Thursday, June 29, 2023. Read more

University of Pennsylvania students who work as residence hall assistants will hold a unionization vote this fall, the National Labor Relations Board decided this week. The decision rejects Penns claim that students arent employees and dont have the right to form a union.

About 220 student workers filed paperwork with the NLRB in March to join the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 153, which represents students in universities around the region.

If the effort is successful, the union would be the first of its kind in the Philadelphia area. Students at other universities have formed unions in recent years following a 2016 NLRB ruling that allowed Columbia University graduate students to unionize.

 READ MORE: More student workers are forming unions  and striking  at universities in Philly and beyond

Advertisement

The residents advisers and graduate residents advisers, RAs and GRAs, at Penn are full-time students who live in university housing and assist other residents. They are looking for monetary compensation for their work, said Conor Emery, a rising senior at Penn and an RA. Currently, the student workers get housing for the year and a meal plan, without a stipend or salary. They also want general respect, he said.

In response to the unionization petition, Penn argued that the students are not employees for the purposes of the law that governs unionization and are temporary workers.

Scott Williams, an organizer with OPEIU Local 153, said that he helped unionization efforts in half a dozen universities and had never heard such a claim.

This is the first university that has contested the obvious reality that these workers are, in fact, workers, Williams said.

The NLRB rejected Penn arguments in an Aug. 21 decision.

I find that none of the RAs are temporary employees who should be deemed ineligible for collective bargaining, wrote Emily DeSa, acting regional director of Region 04 of the NLRB.

DeSa ordered that a union election will take place on campus on Sept. 27 and 28.

Ron Ozio, director of media relations at Penn, said in an email that Penn will facilitate the election on those dates.

RAs and GRAs are important student leaders on campus and valued members of the Penn community, Ozio said in an email. We encourage all RAs and GRAs to be as informed as possible and to vote on the significant issue of unionization.

An organizing wave

The residence hall assistants are among other groups of students and trainees who are organizing at Penn  and at universities throughout the region and the nation.

Between 4,000 and 5,000 graduate and undergraduates students who teach and do research are seeking union recognition from Penn. Earlier this week, Ph.D. students at Duke University voted to form a union.

 READ MORE: As union-forming efforts proliferate at Penn, university workers say organizing isnt going to stop

In May, residents and fellows in the University of Pennsylvania Health System voted to form a union to represent 1,400 workers. The Committee of Interns and Residents is the first union of physicians in training in Pennsylvania and the largest new union in Philadelphia in over 50 years.

The RAs are looking to continue this momentum in the election in September. Omar Elsakhawy is a rising freshman who will be an RA for the first time this year. He already printed vote yes posters for his dorms door and bulletin board.

We want to try our best, he said. But it seems like were gonna win the election because most people want to be represented.
A Chester County judge ordered former Jackass star Bam Margera to wear an alcohol-monitoring bracelet as part of a set of new bail conditions imposed following a hearing Thursday.

As part of the agreement, Margera, 43, must also attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and comply with outpatient treatment recommendations, the Chester County District Attorneys Office said. Judge Patrick Carmody ordered Margera to wear the ankle monitor for 30 days, and if no alcohol is detected in his system during that time, it may be removed.

Margera will remain free unless there is a violation of his bail terms, the district attorneys office said.

Known as a SCRAM  short for Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor  bracelet, the monitoring device detects alcohol in a persons system by testing samples of sweat throughout the day. If the bracelet detects alcohol, it relays the information to a monitoring center, which contacts authorities.

Advertisement

Margeras Thursday bail hearing came following an incident earlier this month in which he was taken into custody by Radnor Police in Delaware County. That incident occurred at about 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 9, when authorities received a call about an argument between a man and a woman in the parking lot of the Radnor Hotel.

Police arrived on the scene and allegedly found Margera in an intoxicated state. According to court documents, Margeras blood-alcohol content measured 0.18, and he admitted to kicking a car windshield so hard it cracked.

Margera was cited for public intoxication and disorderly conduct after being taken to a local police station. Authorities later released Margera to a friend.

Earlier this month, Assistant District Attorney Zachary Yurick filed a motion with the court to revoke Margeras $50,000 bail agreement in an unrelated assault case. With Margeras new bail terms, that motion was not granted.

Margera is to remain in the Philadelphia area until his assault case is resolved. That stems from an incident in April in which Margera allegedly assaulted his brother, Jesse, and made terroristic threats toward family members.

He appeared in court for that case last month, and was ordered to go to trial. At the time, Magisterial District Judge Albert Michael Iacocca warned Margera to abide by his bail terms.

You dont have an excuse for this, Iacocca said. This is not a joke. This is not a movie. This is life.
Philadelphia's new public bathrooms have been in place for six weeks now. At left, is the unit in Center City, and at right, is the one in Fotterall Square Park in North Philly. Read more

When I first reviewed Philadelphias new stand-alone public restroom  the Philly Phlush  I made it my sworn duty to return in six weeks, and again in six months, to provide status updates on the pilot potty project.

I heard from many who poo-pooed the bathrooms and were certain they wouldnt make it 24 hours in this city and others, like me, who wanted to be optimistic about something Philly needs so much.

On Monday, six weeks after my initial review, I visited the Phlushes currently in operation  one at 15th and Arch Streets in Center City and another at Fotterall Square Park in North Philly. I used both without fear, trepidation, or a hazmat suit. Im happy to report that things have not gone down the toilet.

Far from being city dumps, the bathrooms remain clean and everything appears to be on a roll. Both were functioning and those I spoke to were grateful for their presence.

Its so nice and convenient. Its always clean and it stays clean, Samuel Lawrence, 58, of North Philly, said of the Phlush at Fotterall Square Park.

Keeping the bathrooms clean, stocked, and functioning is the job of three public restroom specialists with the Philadelphia Department of Public Healths Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction division. They visit the bathrooms every two hours.

Advertisement

As I was checking out the Phlush at Fotterall Square, I ran into one of those specialists. While he declined to give his name because he wasnt sure if he was allowed to speak with me, he couldnt have been nicer or more genuine. Far from being wiped out, he was tankful for the work.

Honestly, Im just so grateful to have a job, he said. And I love meeting people from all over.

He said community members near Fotterall Square have been kind and supportive, and at the Center City Phlush, hes met tourists from Ohio to California who are appreciative of the bathroom and his service.

A lot of people are excited, he said.

The specialist said he hasnt witnessed any major incidents and wasnt aware of anyone locking themselves in a unit, though some do take longer than others.

Some days are crappier than others too, pun intended, he said. But its an experience, one Im glad Im getting to experience.

James Garrow, Health Department spokesperson, said there have only been four service calls to both bathrooms and those were to restock naloxone and toilet paper (in July alone, the city went through 259 rolls). The only criminal incident reported so far was for graffiti at the Center City location, but the bathrooms have a graffiti-resistant finish so it was easily cleaned off, he said.

While the cement floors and toilet seats at both sites are clean, they do look a little worse for wear. The diaper-changing table at the Fotterall Square bathroom is already taped up and covered with a BROKEN sign and the menstrual-products machine was empty. The toilet paper, seat covers, hand sanitizer, and naloxone were fully stocked.

My biggest complaint with the North Philly Phlush was the water pressure. It took three flushes to get the toilet to drain a simple number one. The pressure in the sink on the exterior of the facility was so low that it didnt stream down, it trickled back, making it nearly impossible to wash your hands.

At the Center City location, the water pressure was solid and everything was stocked. But someone had taken about a dozen toilet seat covers and spread them over the ground like avant-garde carpeting and someone had put a cigarette butt in the basin of the sink like a total jabroni.

For Darrin Curtiss, 37, who was visiting from Lawrence, Kan., the bathroom was a welcome sight. He had bicycled over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge that day, and was able to fit his bike into the large, ADA-compliant restroom.

Oh man, I love it! he said. They need a lot of these all over America because nobody lets you use their bathrooms anymore.

The bathrooms are part of a five-year, six-unit pilot project with an annual budget of $656,864. The next one is slated for West Phillys Clark Park, but an installation date hasnt been set. Garrow said the city hopes to have it up and running by the end of the year. Locations for the other three units havent been chosen, he said.

Now, its time for a mea culpa. When I reviewed the Phlush last month, I called it Center Citys first public restroom, but an astute reader wrote to tell me that wasnt accurate. In January 2007, just before I came to Philly, the city installed a self-cleaning, 25-cents-per-use toilet that played music on the north apron of City Hall.

According to Inquirer and Daily News reports from the time, there were plans to install 35 more across Philly, at no cost to the city because the winning bidder would also install hundreds of new bus shelters, newsstands, trash cans, and kiosks and own advertising rights on them for 20 years.

Obviously, that project got clogged up and never happened.

Garrow said nobody on the current project is familiar with what happened back then or why those bathrooms never came to fruition.

Digging deeper into our archives, I learned public bathroom prototypes (for viewing only) were displayed outside City Hall in 1993 and 1996, but deals were never brokered, due in part to concerns about street advertising.

The current units have no street advertising, so I hope, unlike these prior projects, they wont trickle out and fade away. Ill keep my aim on these toilets, and let you know where they stand when we reach the six-month mark in January.

Finally, I asked Garrow the following burning questions from readers, which were sent to me after my first review.

Are the toilets hooked up to the sewer system or are they self-contained and need to be emptied?

Yes, its connected to the sewer system.

Can a tall person or someone hoisted up see through the slats at the top of the Phlush?

No. They are designed to see floor level and ceiling level. The slats are angled in order to prevent a direct sight line into the unit.

Does the city have any plans to put a Phlush at the new Greyhound bus stop on Market Street?

The city is still investigating additional sites and no more decisions have been made yet.

Are there instructions inside the Phlush on how to administer naloxone?

The Narcan that is stocked in the Phlushes is in its original box, which provides step-by-step instructions with illustrations.

What is the flush power of the Philly Phlush?

Its a standard flush with a bit more power than a regular residential toilet.
Family members stand together during the funeral of Eddie Irizarry, at Christ and Saint Ambrose Episcopal Church. Read more

As rain clouds hovered in the morning sky, dozens of Eddie Irizarrys family and friends gathered Thursday in North Philadelphia, just a few blocks from where a Philadelphia Police officer shot and killed him last week.

Theyd convened in the streets of this neighborhood many times since Irizarry, 27, was shot while sitting in his car Aug. 14. Theyd called for accountability from the city and the Philadelphia Police Department and demanded that Officer Mark Dial face criminal charges for killing him. Theyd demanded answers about why police initially misrepresented the circumstances of the shooting that claimed his life, contending that he was the aggressor and wielded a knife.

But this day was about remembering and honoring Irizarrys life. On this day, the man they affectionately called Junito would be laid to rest.

Inside Christ and St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, they remembered the best of him: the way he protected his family; the care he brought to each car he worked on as a mechanic; his love for reggaeton and riding dirt bikes.

Many of those who gathered wore shirts saying Justice for Junito and bearing his photo as they came together to say their goodbyes.

The funeral was a first step toward closure for the family, whose days have been filled with grief, anger, and confusion since his death amid the rapid fire of police bullets earlier this month.

Advertisement

The police account of how he was killed changed drastically the day after the shooting, prompting a wave of questions and concerns about his death, and anger and frustration from Irizarrys family, whove maintained from the start that he was never a threat to police.

And surveillance footage released this week by a lawyer for the Irizarry family shows that Dial shot him within seconds of their encounter.

The encounter began about 12:30 p.m. Aug. 14, when police initially said two uniformed officers with the 24th Police District saw Irizarry driving erratically near B Street and Erie Avenue in North Philadelphia.

Police first said that when the officers attempted to pull him over, Irizarry fled in his gold Toyota Corolla. They said they followed him south until he stopped on East Willard Street. As officers approached the stopped car, Irizarry stepped out with a knife, police said. Officials said that the officers gave multiple commands for him to drop the weapon, but that he lunged at them, and that one officer then shot him multiple times.

About 30 hours later, after officials reviewed the body camera footage amid questions from Irizarrys family and reporters, police retracted that narrative. In a new version, they said Irizarry never lunged at police with a knife, and it was unclear whether he was even holding one. In fact, they now say, Irizarry was shot while seated in the drivers seat of his car.

Irizarrys funeral comes the day after a news conference during which Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw announced that Dial would be fired for insubordination after refusing to cooperate with the departments internal investigation into the shooting.

Outlaw declined to say whether she thought the shooting of Irizarry was a crime, saying the investigation was ongoing. And she did not answer questions about the origins of the initial erroneous narrative, saying only that it came from an internal source.

Irizarrys family has said Outlaws decision to fire Dial was not enough. His aunt, Zoraida Garcia, said the officer who killed Irizarry should go to prison. The family has said it plans to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against the city and Dial.

At the funeral Mass, Irizarrys sister, Leslie Ann, draped her arms around her sisters, Aransis and Maria. They spoke of their brother, and thanked all who gathered in support of their family and his memory.

As they moved forward with their lives in his absence, they said they would hold in their hearts the memory of Irizarry as a young man who was always smiling  not the painful video of his final moments amid a hail of bullets.

We dont take that image, Leslie Ann said in Spanish, motioning to his casket. We take the image of who he was.

She choked back tears and looked out at the crowd of mourners lining the pews. While this ceremony marked a final goodbye to Junito, she said, this was not the end of their battle  they would not give up pushing for answers about how he met his death.

Were going to keep fighting, she said in Spanish  for justice.

The family draped a white cloth atop Irizarrys casket, across it the Greek alphabet Alpha and Omega  the beginning and the end. It was rolled out of the church, accompanied by a crowd of loved ones.

Outside, one relative revved up a blue-and-yellow ATV that Irizarrys father said his son had fixed up in a garage. Then another stepped into a white Jeep.

As the hearse carrying Irizarrys body headed toward Magnolia Cemetery, the Jeep, with speakers and subwoofers in the rear, followed closely behind. It rolled up North 6th Street, then turned east, all the while blasting the song Mataron A Un Inocente  They Killed an Innocent Person.
The partners at Meetinghouse (from left): Keith Shore, Marty West, Colin McFadden, and chef Drew DiTomo. Read more

Every neighborhood deserves a chill drop-in bar like Memphis Taproom, and it appears that its successor, Meetinghouse, is already on the right track at Cumberland and Memphis Streets in Kensington. It soft-opened recently, and  after some social-media attention from the previous owner  instantly drew a packed house.

Meetinghouses owners  Keith Shore (a former art director for Mikkeller), Marty West (a former director of operations at Tired Hands Brewing), Colin McFadden (a former Tired Hands head brewer), and chef Drew DiTomo (formerly chef de cuisine of Amis and current chef consultant on Servant, the Apple TV+ series)  have retained Memphis Taps barroom bones while lightening it up and adding artsy blue wall tiles, created by Shore, behind the bar.

Whats new is a merchandise counter just inside the hitherto-unused side door on Memphis Street; walk in and snag canned beers to go, plus shirts and random items such as copies of Swill magazine and Garbage Pail Kids parody Craft Brewers cards.

Advertisement

Theyre going for simplicity with just five beers: Memphis Tap holdover Orval, Guinness, and three house brews identified as pale, dark, and hoppy, respectively. South Jerseys Tonewood Brewing makes them.

The simplicity extends to DiTomos menu, executed by chef Ethan Sobin. Among the dishes is a hot roast beef sandwich, a turkey club, and  in keeping with the solid vegan options at this address  a vegan version of a pressed bikini sandwich with greens and cauliflower.

The chocolate pot de creme is a rendition of the classic served at Dmitris.

Meetinghouse, 2331 E. Cumberland St. Hours: 4 to 11 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; 4 p.m. to midnight Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Closed Tuesday.
J.J. Tiziou and participants in the Walk Around Philadelphia in 2020. Read more

Artist and photographer J.J. Tiziou first set out in 2016 to walk the perimeter of Philadelphia as part of a project with three city-based fellow artists.

That Walk Around Philadelphia has since become a regular event, growing in size with its own panoramic exhibit of photographs and maps of the walk displayed at Cherry Street Pier.

A new roughly 100-mile-long walk, broken into about 10-mile segments over four weekends, kicks off Friday with a 9- to 10-mile hike from 61st Street and Baltimore Avenue to Philadelphia International Airport. Saturdays 11-mile jaunt runs around the airport. And Sundays 12- to 13-mile trek will take walkers from the airports edge to the Philadelphia Shipyard.

The following weekends will take walkers through various parts of the city including Bridesburg, the Schuylkill Environmental Education Center, Fox Chase, St. Josephs University, and Somerton. The event concludes Sept. 23 with a bonus walk at Cherry Street Pier and a closing celebration of the exhibit.

Advertisement

Cost is $25 per walk, with a reduced student rate of $15. Fractured Atlas, an arts-focused nonprofit, is Walk Around Philadelphias fiscal sponsor, meaning it serves as the conduit for donations. Fees go toward supporting Walk Around Philadelphia, paying segment guides, and for signs that get posted at some locations along the route.

Some segments are already filled, but potential walkers can still get on waiting lists. Some free registrations are available.

Start times vary, and Tiziou tries to keep them aligned with SEPTA schedules.

The walk is split up into 12 segments, which makes them a little bit more accessible, Tiziou said. I usually advertise the walk as being about a 100-mile adventure, but in reality it becomes closer to 115 or 120.

Tiziou said his first, and subsequent walks, have been eye-opening, giving participants a view of the city they might never encounter. And some of the segments end with an optional dinner. He said the group aims to draw an inclusive group that pulls from the citys demographics.

We have some of our veteran walkers signing on as trail angels to come along and surprise walkers with snacks along the way on certain segments, which is a really sweet bit of sort of hiking culture finding its way into this project, Tiziou said. This thing is continuing to seep its way into the citys culture.

Tiziou, 44, moved to Philly in 1997 and calls it his adopted city. He lives in West Philadelphia. It felt like home the minute I got here, he said.

He said the walk is revelatory when you take it with neighbors or people from different backgrounds.

You start off with strangers; you end up with friends, he said. Part of it is humbling. You get a sense of the scale of the city. I thought I knew the city fairly pretty well, but my ideas were rooted in the Center City skyline, historic district, business districts and my own neighborhood.

The walk has taken him past woods, parks, ports and horse stables. Hes seen highly urbanized areas, but also herons, hawks, deer and cows.

Through it all, Tiziou said, hes learned how awe-inspiring of how big and how complicated Philadelphia is. 

To register for Walk Around Philadelphia, go to www.WalkAroundPhiladelphia.com.
District Attorney Larry Krasner announced charges here against Joseph Vannauker 19, of Levittown, who they say was street racing in his blue Dodge Charger when he hit a pedestrian Tuesday. Read more

Following what Philadelphia prosecutors have described as an egregious hit-and-run accident in Port Richmond this week that was a direct result of speed racing, District Attorney Larry Krasner says he wants to crack down on the illegal activity.

Krasner described a community of drivers that rely on secret codes, social media, and last-minute meeting locations to outrun police.

Thats part of the reason we want to work so closely with our partners on some modern enforcement techniques that are going to cost a couple of bucks and theyre going to require a couple more people to be doing it, but we believe it can be very successful, said Krasner without going into too many details of what the new enforcement would look like.

 READ MORE: A look at drag racing and car meetups in Philadelphia

Advertisement

Car meetups and drag racing generally occur without incident in Philadelphia, but there have been some high-profile tragedies in recent years that have increasingly prompted rebukes from city leaders. In 2013, a 22-year-old man killed a 27-year-old mother and her three boys on Roosevelt Boulevard. This summer, a state trooper shot Anthony Allegrini Jr., 18, after authorities were called to reports of street racing in Penns Landing.

And early Tuesday morning, Joseph Vannauker, 19, was racing a blue 2020 Dodge Charger down Castor Avenue when prosecutors say he struck a pedestrian as he reached the intersection at Aramingo Avenue.

Prosecutors said Vannauker reached a speed of 60 to 70 mph at the time of impact, resulting in catastrophic injuries for the pedestrian. Police at the scene would later say the victim was struck at such a speed he was knocked out of both his sneakers.

Vannauker did not stop after the incident, according to authorities, and instead fled the scene, making his way over the Betsy Ross Bridge to Pennsauken. Prosecutors said Vannauker blew red lights and reached speeds of 100 to 130 mph as he attempted to evade authorities who were in pursuit.

He and a 16-year-old male passenger were ultimately stopped by Pennsauken police and brought back to Philadelphia. The teen was treated for injuries to his right hand and forearm at St. Christophers Hospital for Children and released to his parents. Prosecutors would only say the teen and Vannauker are not related.

In Port Richmond, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene by 12:25 a.m. His name has not been released but Krasner said his family has been informed.

Charges against Vannauker, who had an October 2022 arrest related to speed racing activities, include homicide by vehicle, third-degree murder, and reckless endangerment of another person.

Assistant District Attorney Alison Neveil, with the Homicide and Non-Fatal Shootings Units, said last October police found Vannauker holding a blow horn and screaming profanities at the police in the middle of the intersection of North Broad and York Streets. Vannauker was able to evade police at the first stop only to be arrested about 15 minutes later at another speed racing event.

He was again on the blowhorn speaking to a large crowd of individuals, said Neveil. There were numerous high-powered vehicles doing burnouts and drifting in the street and he seemed to be a key player in that evening.

Because of Vannaukers previous arrest, bail has been set at $1.1 million, said Krasner.

Authorities are still searching for the white Dodge Charger Vannauker was racing.

The incident is an example of one of the challenges in prosecuting illegal racers, explained Krasner. Apprehension is difficult in real time as police departments across the country have generally decided high-speed pursuits could create an additional danger to the broader public.

Still, Krasner said technology available to police has changed drastically in the past decade and can help in prosecuting irresponsible reckless drivers.

There are things that can be obtained technologically through the use of warrants, said Krasner, without going into additional details for fear of taking speed racers to crime school.

Additional staffing would come through a $1.5 million budget increase to the DAs Office approved by City Council for a Carjacking Enforcement Unit announced last year.
Two people with weed wacker walk into the wooded area behind this posted sign notifying them that behind this sign is Private Property, No Trespassing, No Loitering. The signs are posted along the wooded area that runs beside the Schuylkill River Trail near Haws Street entrance, Norristown, PA as seen on Tuesday, August 22, 2023. Read more

Anyone living homeless on a stretch of land owned by Peco near the Schuylkill River Trail in Norristown will have until Sept. 21 to leave, according to notices placed near a longtime encampment.

You are not permitted to enter or use this property ... to erect a tent, encampment, or other structure, or to ... live, sleep, or stay on this property after September 21, 2023, read the 20 notices, which were posted on Aug. 7. The utility wants to cut down vegetation in the area and remove waste.

While as many as 15 to 20 people were living on the site through the summer, I think the property is clear now, a Peco spokesperson said Tuesday. Advocates said two people might still be sleeping in tents there, although its difficult to know for certain.

The energy utilitys process for conducting the clear-out set a positive example for how encampments should be handled, according to Eric Tars, senior policy director of the National Homelessness Law Center in Washington.

Advertisement

He pointed out that Peco has provided 45 days of written notice before the planned closure, as well as financial support to local nonprofit Access Services to assist residents in finding new places to live, and storage and transportation costs for residents who cant move their belongings.

The utility consulted with experts on homelessness to develop a thoughtful approach, and to treat people with dignity and respect, a Peco spokesperson said.

Unconstitutional

Tars and other advocates were not as flattering to Montgomery County officials.

Several county guidelines for dealing with encampments appear to be unconstitutional, according to the Community Justice Project, a Harrisburg-based nonprofit legal aid program that represents low-income Pennsylvanians.

Last month, the CJP wrote a letter to Maureen E. Calder, an assistant solicitor for the county, saying guidelines appeared to violate the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution because they seem to allow for the seizure of most encampment residents possessions without storing and returning them.

Further, the letter said, the guidelines may violate the Fourteenth Amendment for sanctioning moving people out of an encampment if they have no place to go. At present, there are no shelter beds available anywhere in Montgomery County, the letter said.

Marielle Macher, the CJP executive director and a signatory of the letter, said in an interview shes concerned that municipalities following county guidelines on how to handle encampments will think its OK to go against settled law and possibly violate peoples constitutional rights. And thats not the reality of the legal requirements.

The letter also stated that the lack of affordable housing in Montgomery County has brought homelessness to a crisis point.

If the county were to put more resources into expanding affordable housing as well as emergency shelters, the letter went on to say, there would almost certainly be far fewer county residents needing to reside in homeless encampments.

A county spokesperson said officials intend to send a formal reply to the CJP letter, but did not indicate when.

In addition, the spokesperson provided two statements from county officials, one of which said, Our guidelines are written with residents rights and well-being in mind.

Further, it said, We are proud of our record on combatting homelessness and will continue our commitment, working with all of our municipalities toward the day when as few people as possible remain unhoused.

Neither statement directly addressed the CJPs criticism of county guidelines that potentially violate the Constitution.

One statement said that the county has been directing $32.4 million in federal funds toward construction of 325 affordable housing units, among other projects. Saying county government cant fix the tragedy of homelessness alone, officials concluded that local, state, and federal intervention is also needed.

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

Some key factors have exacerbated homelessness in Norristown, where 21% of the population of about 35,000 people lives in poverty. About 160 people are considered to be living homeless, though the number isnt exact.

In 2021, flooding from the remnants of Hurricane Ida damaged a low-income Norristown apartment complex with about 100 units, forcing tenants to evacuate.

Last year, a 50-bed homeless shelter in Norristown was closed after the state conferred to the borough the land on which the facility sat. County social services agencies petitioned to extend the lease of what had been the only local shelter, but Norristown officials declined.

Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Norristown to build something that generates tax revenue, said Borough Council President Tom Lepera in late May.

Pecos announcement in May of its intention to clear the encampment sparked a series of events that involved Lepera suggesting he would bus unhoused people to Villanova, where homeless advocate Stephanie Sena works, according to Sena and other advocates.

Lepera, a Democrat who was first elected to the council in 2019 and took over the presidency in January 2022, denied suggesting he would do so.
I am a proud alumnus of the Philadelphia School District, and will always be grateful to it for endowing me with the tools to learn English when I came to Philadelphia at age 8 from the Congo. Now, as a parent of district kids, I see how the district must do better.

At the core of my concerns is a persistent lack of equity.

Just recently, my friend Rae Minter-Alexander lamented the plummeting number of Black students at Penn Alexander, named after her mother. Although Sadie T.M. Alexander was a trailblazer for civil rights  she was the first Black American to earn a doctorate in economics, among other achievements  the student body at Penn Alexander has dropped from 57% Black when the school opened in 2002 to only 13% now.

Ive long criticized the School District for the lottery program it cobbled together to allow students in middle and high school to apply for admission to elite, magnet schools. The new criteria for the program were hashed in a backroom with no public engagement, notice, or input. And the changes will likely do little to advance equity in the district.

Advertisement

Under the old process, each magnet school used its discretion when deciding who to admit based on recommendations, test scores, interviews, and other criteria. Over concerns about the declining number of Black students at Masterman and Central High Schools, the district centralized the admissions process in 2021, and now assigns students to the schools they are applying to based on a computerized lottery; the most selective schools gave preference to students from zip codes that are historically underrepresented but also limited their lottery to students who satisfy minimum criteria, which include school attendance and a graded writing test.

Unfortunately, the School Districts own research shows that the new system did not yield any meaningful increase in the representation of Black and Hispanic students, especially among the most competitive schools, such as Masterman and Central. Beyond that, it also resulted in many criteria-based schools being left with open seats and undersubscribed, and by seizing all discretion from the schools, disrupted the careful process that other citywide admissions schools, like Paul Robeson High School, had for selecting students.

As a parent who participated in last years process, I cant overstate how dispiriting and chaotic it was. The district provided little communication of basic information about the lottery, changed critical deadlines without warning, and then revised those very deadlines. The process was equitable in that everyone was treated to the same level of disregard and disdain.

The process was equitable in that everyone was treated to the same level of disregard and disdain.

Whats more, the people who suffered most were the children  who were still recovering from the adverse effects of remote schooling because of the pandemic.

Five fixes

In the last year or so, after Tony B. Watlington Sr. took over as superintendent, the district has sought to address some of these challenges in response to the widespread criticism of the lottery  eliminating the bizarre writing test and reintroducing the PSSAs, the statewide test, as one of the criteria for admission.

These changes fall short.

The lottery system is fundamentally flawed, and as long as the district continues to rely on it, it will fail to advance equity at the citys most competitive schools and damage the carefully balanced approach that other schools had put in place to allow our students to succeed.

If the district insists on proceeding with its current approach, it has to:

Implement a ranked-choice process for the lottery, which other districts use and would allow the process to move more smoothly and efficiently. Reconsider the reliance on attendance as a strict cutoff, especially as the districts policy for recording attendance is often imprecise. It is needlessly punitive to deny a child, in the nations poorest big city, the opportunity to qualify for one of the criteria schools if they have 94% attendance, instead of 95%. Evaluate the reliance on standardized testing in this process. The trend nationally, and certainly in higher education, has been to move away from standardized tests, and its not clear why the district focuses on them as a basis for admission. Ensure that there is a real pathway open for eligible students to get access to Masterman, GAMP, Carver, and other high schools that give preference to students graduating from their middle schools. Establish a formal and robust outreach program to identify talented students across our city and encourage them to seek admission to the most competitive schools. There are children who, like I did, are growing up near Ninth and Erie Streets in North Philly, and can blossom if the district makes a concerted and early effort to build that pipeline.

There are countless other reforms that should be considered, but those are at least a start.

Focus on the future

The unrelenting attention we give to the criteria schools causes us to ignore the neighborhood schools and promotes the notion that these schools, where the vast majority of our students are educated, are less than. The district reinforces that reality by expecting students (and teachers and staff) to attend buildings that are unsafe inside (due to asbestos or lack of repairs) and outside (because of rampant gun violence). We ignore the neighborhood schools at our peril.

I understand there is no political appetite to further revamp the special admissions system. However, this is one of the reasons that, as city solicitor, I worked so hard to transfer control of the district from the School Reform Commission  the districts governing body for 16 years  back to the city in 2017: so that the city gets to decide what happens in the district.

Our next mayor can come in on day one and set up a nominating panel, like the one from which I resigned as chair, to appoint his or her own school board, which controls a budget almost as big as the citys budget and will get an infusion of state funds. It is a powerful opportunity for the next mayor to articulate a vision around the lottery going forward.

I will always feel indebted to the district for propelling me to an Ivy League education and a legal career. Which is why I continue to push for the district to offer opportunities to the kids and families who are overlooked and shut out.

Real equity feels elusive in a city with a deep-rooted history of segregation, and where its four-decade school desegregation lawsuit was settled only in 2009. While there is no silver bullet, if we dont keep trying, we have only ourselves to blame. And thats a Philly shrug we must not tolerate.

Sozi Pedro Tulante is a lawyer in Philadelphia and served as Philadelphia city solicitor from 2016 to 2018. He attended Birney, Clymer, Sullivan, Bethune, Conwell schools, and Northeast High School.
The Philadelphia Orchestra at its first concert in China in 1973. The impact of cultural exchanges through such performances should not be underestimated, writes Jennifer Lin. Read more

Fifty years ago, the relationship between the United States and China was bad but improving.

Today, the relationship is bad  and getting dangerously worse.

I have been thinking a lot about this perilous shift on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Philadelphia Orchestras historic tour of China as the first American orchestra invited to perform in the Peoples Republic.

When maestro Eugene Ormandy took off from Philadelphia International Airport on Sept. 10, 1973, the Fabulous Philadelphians crossed a Cold War-era Bamboo Curtain that had separated our countries for 24 years.

Advertisement

By 1973, the Cultural Revolution  a destructive and violent political campaign launched by Chairman Mao Zedong eight years earlier  was easing, and leaders around Mao were maneuvering to end Chinas isolation from the United States. President Richard Nixon made his move in this geopolitical chess match by meeting Mao and followed up by asking his favorite conductor to take his musicians to China.

It was a charm offensive to soften perceptions of Americans  and it worked.

The Peoples Daily ran a front-page article with a photograph of all 130 members of the Philadelphia entourage. American diplomats in China fired off cables to colleagues in Washington, D.C., declaring the tour a huge geopolitical success.

We felt like diplomats, percussionist Anthony Orlando told me recently.

My cousin, Julia Tsien, was in the audience for one of the Shanghai performances, and the concert left an indelible mark. At the time, she was 24 and assigned by the government to work as an accompanist for the Shanghai Lyric Opera. Like all performing arts organizations, her opera company could only present hard-line revolutionary productions with titles like The Red Detachment of Women. Since the start of the Cultural Revolution, Western classical music had been banned in favor of new revolutionary music. That meant no Beethoven, no Mozart, no Chopin.

But in this thaw that began with Nixon, classical music returned  if only for a moment. Julia recounted recently that every seat in the auditorium was taken. Afterward, she and her musician friends marveled at the orchestras superior musicianship. On hearing Ormandy conducting Beethoven, she told me, I never heard such a heavenly sound in my entire life.

Two other musicians, Zhenmei Wang and her husband Kwang Yu of Roxborough, attended one of the concerts in Beijing. When the Cultural Revolution began, both had been students at the Central Conservatory in the capital. They grew up listening to the orchestras vast catalog of albums. If you studied music, Yu said, you knew the Philadelphia Orchestra.

Yu had been given a ticket to the concert, but Wang had to sneak in. I wasnt the only one, she told me recently. Without a seat, she had to wedge herself between her seated friends. What Wang recalled of the first piece  Pines of Rome by Respighi  was the sound of the timpani. Wow, she said, summoning up a memory of the instruments rumble. After the piece, an usher realized she didnt have a seat and threw her out of the concert hall.

Since that first trip in 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra has toured China more than any American orchestra. I covered three of those tours as part of History Making Productions documentary crew for our film, Beethoven in Beijing. At the time of the orchestras last tour in 2019, tension between the two nations was running high, mostly over trade issues.

Then came the pandemic. And rising military threats over Taiwan. And more revelations about the treatment of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang. And the crackdown on protests in Hong Kong. And the spy balloon. And on and on and on.

What will happen to cultural interactions like orchestra tours?

Because of Chinas previous zero-COVID policy, the orchestra decided last December to cancel its planned May tour to commemorate the 50th anniversary. As tensions between our two nations escalate, I cant help but wonder: What will happen to cultural interactions like orchestra tours?

Its not just a question facing Philadelphia. Every major orchestra in the world now includes Beijing and Shanghai on their touring schedules because of Chinas growing audience for classical music. But the dilemma works both ways: Would the Shanghai Philharmonic Orchestra travel to Philadelphia to perform side by side with the orchestra, as it did in 2019 for a special Lunar New Year concert at the Kimmel Center?

Its easy to come up with a scenario where all types of exchanges are disrupted, not just cultural but also educational and scientific. If thats the case, I worry about what will be lost at a personal level. The impact of such exchanges should not be underestimated.

One of my favorite stories about 1973 was relayed to me by Robert Bobby De Pasquale, a 95-year-old violinist. He said the orchestra had just arrived in Shanghai and he wanted to stretch his legs. He went for a stroll with Harold C. Schonberg, the music critic for the New York Times, and Kati Marton, a reporter for WCAU (now NBC10). They were walking under the sycamore trees in the old French Concession when they heard the sound of a violin coming from a balcony. De Pasquale looked up and saw a young boy. He waved for him to come down.

De Pasquale didnt speak Chinese; the boy spoke no English. But they both spoke music. The musician took the tiny violin from the boy and showed him how to better practice his scales, and demonstrated legato playing of two notes. Ever the showman, he told me how he then ripped into some Sibelius and the first movement of Bachs G minor Sonata.

A considerable crowd began to form, startled by the sight of an American performing an impromptu concert of banned music on the sidewalk. There were looks of absolute wonder on peoples faces, Marton told me. This was a sound like nothing they had ever heard, coming from the hands of a master violinist.

That was the highlight of my trip, De Pasquale said. You could tell through the boys eyes how much he appreciated what was going on.

He added that he wished world leaders had been there to see it  to see how easy it is for music to bring people together, to put aside all our differences. This, he said, is what its all about.

Jennifer Lin was China correspondent for The Inquirer in the 1990s. She codirected Beethoven in Beijing and wrote a companion oral history (Temple University Press, 2022). To commemorate the 50th anniversary, History Making Productions is hosting a free community screening of Beethoven in Beijing at 7 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the Michael A. Nutter Theatre of the Pennsylvania Convention Center. To register, visit bit.ly/BeethovenTicket.
My daughter struggles with spelling and writing, and she doesnt like to read much. At times, a little panic sets in. I start to conjure plans to remediate. I consider having her tested for dyslexia. Comparing her scores with her older sibling, I wonder: Was I less attentive to her? Did I fail to do as much enrichment?

And then I take a beat and remember that she was in kindergarten when a global pandemic hit.

More importantly, I remind myself that 10 points on a standardized test in one direction or the other are meaningless in the grand scheme of her life.

Because I came of age as a teacher during the era of No Child Left Behind  which was defined by testing mandates and increased scrutiny for meeting academic benchmarks  Ive had a lot of practice talking myself off such ledges.

Advertisement

Part of that gig is learning to live with the feeling that you and your students are always failing  along with the feeling that, with just a little more grit on your part and theirs, it should be a breeze to overcome the effects of centuries of systemic inequality and racism.

If it sounds exhausting, it is.

For years, I was told that my instructional choices should be based on charts that purported to show whether or not my students were improving in reading, based on the results of standardized tests. Ive sat in countless data review meetings trying to determine why my students did well on a question about context clues  figuring out what a word means based on the other words around it  while they did poorly on another requiring them to make predictions, for example.

If it sounds a little disconnected from actual, authentic learning, it is.

Teaching successes were tracked by administrators on a color-coded spreadsheet. At one point, I was a dark blue teacher on a report that supposedly indicated that my students were making better than expected progress on state tests.

With some distance, I can tell you that the dark blue mark had nothing to do with my schools many meetings to review data from student test scores, nor the numerous, scripted reading intervention programs Id been trained on. It was the result of a gifted school leader.

When Karren Dunkley became principal of my high school, Parkway Center City in Philadelphia, she looked around at the staff and students and told us, without any evidence that we could see, that we were the best of the best.

If Parkway cannot do it, then it cannot be done, she would say once or twice a day over the loudspeaker.

She looked at particular students and teachers once considered lazy or unmotivated and started telling them stories about their worth and value. And our community started trying to live up to her expectations.

Ms. So-and-So, who never stayed past 3:15, agreed to plan a grand talent show in her off hours. Student X, once known for suspensions and fights, would be found assisting the school secretary on back-to-school night, greeting parents like a game show host.

It was under her leadership that I came to understand that, especially in circumstances of failure, storytelling  what we say to and about each other  is incredibly potent.

What we say to and about each other is incredibly potent.

And that is why I am so concerned about the storytelling around the drop in test scores in math and reading among 13-year-olds that I am seeing all over the media. Ive started to wonder: What do these scores even mean for kids? What life outcomes are they tied to, if any?

Well, it turns out that they are indeed tied to serious things like incarceration rates.

So it would not be in keeping with concerns about equity to dismiss them and tell the same its meaningless in the grand scheme of things story I tell myself about my daughter.

What is the value of the sky is falling narrative? I dont know, but I assume there are profiteers working on that calculation as I sit and write. I assume that teachers, especially those in high-poverty districts, will return to school over the next few weeks and be presented with new, evidence-based, and screen-delivered programs that will claim to be able to magically fix a problem that requires a completely different set of solutions.

I wont be at all surprised to hear about kids at schools with falling test scores missing art, music, science, and social studies so they can catch up on their learning.

 READ MORE: This Philadelphia teacher loves her job. So she quit. | Helen Ubinas

Recently, the writer of a ProPublica article about falling test scores appeared on MSNBC and told the story of a mother who said her 18-year-old had given up on his dream of becoming an engineer because of how far behind he fell in math.

What kinds of messages are we sending to kids and families when we emphasize how learning loss leads to dead dreams?

I sure hope the childs mother pushed back on her sons hopelessness and found some remedial courses at the local community college, or enrolled him in some free online courses by any number of providers. Hes really not doomed.

I left the district last year. As much as I loved working with my students, I am too tired to even think about going back into the classroom while the sky is falling even more than it was falling before.

For all of my friends and colleagues who are still in it, I wish them school leaders who tell stories about clear skies and the untapped promise of themselves and of their students. I wish them fun talent shows and reading and math remediation that is put in its proper context. I wish them fully staffed counseling departments to support the mental health needs that are most definitely at the root of some of the drop in test scores. I wish them temperature-regulated, asbestos-free classrooms, sporting events that dont get canceled due to threats of gun violence, stable administrations, and manageable class sizes that allow students to get extra attention from the teachers who know them best.

The good news is this national report card panic will pass just as my own panic about my daughter did. And teachers and schools will go back to doing what they do  meeting kids where they are.

Maureen Boland is the host of The Mighty Writers Podcast. She used to teach high school English.
A crack in the rear windshield and the closed passenger side window of the gold Toyota Corolla Eddie Irizarry was driving are visible as police investigators are on the scene in the 100 block of East Willard Street on Aug. 14. Contrary to initial statements by the police, Commissioner Danielle Outlaw later said Irizarry was in his car when he was fatally shot. Read more

As more details emerge in the shooting death of a Kensington man stopped by Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial and his partner, some facts have become clear while others remain fuzzy.

Lets stipulate the obvious: Officer Dial killed Eddie Irizarry in broad daylight as he sat in his car on East Willard Street following a traffic stop.

Advertisement

If the opposite had occurred, Irizarry would likely be in prison and charged with murder. But since it was a police officer who did the shooting, the Police Department moved slowly and struggled mightily to get its story straight.

Initially, police falsely said Irizarry exited his car with a knife and lunged at them. But that story quickly fell apart, thanks to video footage from police body cameras and a home security camera.

 READ MORE: A damning audit of the Philadelphia police must be an impetus for real reform | Editorial

In fact, video from a home surveillance camera showed Irizarry remained behind the wheel with the car windows rolled up. As police approached, Dials partner yelled that Irizarry had a weapon. With that, Dial began shooting less than five seconds after exiting his patrol car.

Police did find two knives in Irizarrys car, but that is not illegal, and there is no indication he was wielding either of them. According to an internal police email, Irizarry was shot in the face, chest, shoulder, and back.

Why such deadly force for a person sitting in their car? Why put out a bogus story? Why has it taken more than a week and several news conferences for some of the facts to emerge? How many other cover-ups go unnoticed without video evidence?

The Police Departments handling of this senseless killing is beyond disturbing, and the negative impact will be long-lasting.

The only part of the police account that matches the video footage is that Irizarry was driving erratically the wrong way down a one-way street. In the video taken from a nearby home surveillance camera, he hit a cone while parallel parking and is seen driving at high speeds.

Such actions may warrant a traffic citation, but not killing him.

More than a week after Irizarrys killing, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw announced the police were moving to fire Dial. It took a while for the facts to catch up to the police brass, but that is the obvious correct first step. Now Outlaw must release the police body camera footage so the public can see what really happened.

Whether Dial stays fired remains to be seen. Right on cue, the Fraternal Order of Police issued a statement in full support of Dial. The FOP is notorious for getting officers reinstated since, in the unions eyes, no bad police deed ever goes punished.

 READ MORE: Lacking accountability, some Philly cops follow checkered path to high-ranking positions | Editorial

That leaves it up to District Attorney Larry Krasner to determine if real justice is served. Lets hope all the facts come out soon and any and all wrongdoing is held accountable. That includes for Dial, his unnamed partner, and any other officers who may have participated in any efforts to mislead or cover up what appears to be a cold-blooded killing.

The disturbing problem is that none of the lessons of past police wrongful killings here and around the country have been learned. The same tragedies occur over and over as officers abuse their authority and use excessive force. It is often only because of video footage that the facts come out. Even then, officers often still evade accountability.

Such use of deadly force erodes trust in communities and costs taxpayers millions of dollars a year to settle police misconduct claims. Each abuse, including wrongful arrests and killings, results in calls for better recruitment, training, and reform, but to little avail. The police wrongdoing also undermines the good and brave work of many other officers that often goes unnoticed.

Commissioner Outlaw seemed to grasp this point. When asked about rebuilding trust with the public after putting out inaccurate information, she likened the incident to taking 50 steps back. But without honesty, transparency, and accountability, it will be impossible for the Police Department to take a step forward.
Janice Blanock has been demanding answers for nearly a decade. It was late 2013 when her 16-year-old son Luke was diagnosed with Ewings sarcoma  a form of bone cancer that is supposed to be quite rare but which eventually struck three other families in their small rural school district in southwestern Pennsylvania.

The first three years after Lukes diagnoses were a blur. He married his high school sweetheart  shown nationally on the television program Inside Edition  shortly before he died in August 2016. Since then, Blanock and some of her neighbors have relentlessly pressed government officials, including a confrontation with then-Gov. Tom Wolf for information on what seems to be a cancer cluster, and whether it was caused by 1,800 active natural-gas fracking sites in Washington County, Pa.

This month, Blanock and other activists learned the results of major health studies that the Wolf administration agreed to pay for right after that 2019 confrontation. They discovered that the research into whether fracking  unconventional drilling for natural gas trapped in the shale under rural Pennsylvania  is sickening people who live nearby managed to be both inadequate and alarming at the same time.

Blanock was in the audience as researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, told a packed hearing in Washington County that the sample of Ewings sarcoma cases like Luke Blanocks was considered too small to establish a definitive link to gas drilling.

But other findings by the Pitt researchers confirmed some of the worst health fears for people who live near the fracking pads that have sprouted like mushrooms across rural Pennsylvania in the first 15 years of the 21st century, and made the state a leading U.S. producer of natural gas.

For childhood cancer, we found that children living close to active wells, or near many wells, had a higher risk for developing a cancer called lymphoma, James Fabisiak, associate professor of environmental and occupational health at Pitts Graduate School of Public Health, told the meeting.

Advertisement

The researchers also found that natural-gas wells in the production mode  there are thousands of such sites across the state  increase the risk for neighbors of lower birth-weight babies, and for asthma attacks by a factor of four or five times. One expert with Physicians for Social Responsibility called that last finding a bombshell.

A bombshell that landed with a thud in Harrisburg and apparently failed to detonate.

The Shapiro administration sent a deputy health commissioner, Kristen Rodack, to the meeting, where she reportedly told the emotional room  including several parents whod lost a child to cancer  that Ill apologize on behalf of the department for not listening as well in the past. But the state response  to this research that it paid for  lacked any of the sense of urgency youd expect when a cancer risk is connected to children.

The Department of Health said the bombshell study will lead to ... more studies. It also announced a number of small-bore responses like updating its website for nearby-fracking residents to submit complaints, offering more air quality awareness education for Pennsylvania schoolkids, and better training for doctors and nurses in recognizing and dealing with environmental exposures.

Seriously? It almost feels like a scenario where a raging wildfire is fast approaching a mountain town, and the government response is to show kids some Smokey the Bear videos and give local doctors a refresher course on burn treatment  rather than evacuating the residents to safety.

We dont need more studies  we need action, Blanock told me Thursday by phone from her home in Cecil, Pa., even as she noted that state leaders continue to seem more concerned about saving oil and gas jobs. We rely on the Department of Health and the DEP [Department of Environmental Protection] to protect us as citizens, but they just keep passing the buck. Im disappointed.

Pennsylvanias addiction to the supposed economic promise of natural gas fracking  and the good-paying blue-collar jobs that never seem to quite add up  apparently makes more radical steps unthinkable. Even when the thought is to get our own children out of harms way.

Long-time anti-fracking and climate activist Karen Feridun of the Better Path Coalition  a frequent thorn in the side of Democratic governors Wolf and now Josh Shapiro  told me that Shapiros only official statement that day [the study was released] announced that Pennsylvania is open for business, referring to increased money for subsidies like the one that gave fossil fuel giant Shell $10 million to build its ethane cracker plant in Beaver County. The level of tone-deafness is astonishing.

This week, I pressed Shapiros office about the governors sense of urgency around the link between fracking and cancer. His spokesman, Will Simons, said that Shapiro first signaled a tough-on-polluters approach in 2020 when, as attorney general, he led a grand jury probe critical of both the industry and of lax state regulation  which he plans to toughen now that hes governor. But the Democratic chief executive believes its still possible to regulate the industry while reaping the benefit of energy jobs.

Governor Shapiro believes we must reject the false choice between projecting jobs and protecting our planet, Simons said in an email. The Governor is working to do both  and thats why his Administration is working to embrace the Commonwealths role as an energy leader, create good-paying jobs, take meaningful action to address climate change, and fulfill our constitutional obligation to protect Pennsylvanians clean air and pure water.

Heres three problems with Shapiros so-called false choice.

First, evidence is mounting that the economic benefits of fracking were seriously overhyped. Just last week, the Ohio River Valley Institute issued a new report finding that the Appalachian counties that produce 90% of our regions natural gas from fracking have actually underperformed economically since the beginning of the boom period  losing 10,000 jobs and 47,000 residents.

 READ MORE: Pa. grand jury indicts fracking. Now what? | Will Bunch Newsletter

Second, the Shapiro administrations balancing act between jobs and the clear-cut health risks from fracking ought to also account for the role that fossil fuels are playing in the worsening climate crisis, which has triggered a long hot summer of deadly wildfires, heat waves and floods. The new governor has said (infrequently) that greenhouse-gas pollution is a problem, but his lukewarm approach around climate change  including a task force that meets in secret and hasnt disclosed all its members  has befuddled some of his environmentalist supporters.

Third, the new state-funded Pitt study is far from the first indication that fracking is not healthy for children and other living things. In 2021, Environmental Health Network did extensive bloodwork on five families who living close to natural-gas sites and found that biomarkers for hazardous and possibly carcinogenic chemicals, linked to the fracking process, were extremely high. In 2022, a Yale School of Public Health study found that children born near fracking sites in Pennsylvania had double the risk of developing leukemia later in childhood.

These studies are not a shock for those of us who have been watching the science and seeing the real life impacts, Laura Dagley, with Physicians for Social Responsibility in Pennsylvania, told me. She added: The only response I have heard from the state is the need for more education and more studies. Even though I support this, it is not enough.

No, its not. On one hand, activists like Blanock and the retired journalist who broke the Ewings sarcoma story for a Pittsburgh newspaper have argued that the four-year Pitt study could have done a lot more to establish a connection between fracking and other types of pediatric cancer  failing, for example, to closely evaluate the impact of types of radium that are produced by gas drilling and have been linked to bone cancers for roughly a century.

But its reasonable to also question how much more information is needed at this point. These kids are our future, Blanock said, noting that increasingly the gas thats fracked in Pennsylvania is used to make single-use plastic products. If you care more about that ...  Her voice trailed off.

Activists like Blanock and Feridun would back a moratorium on fracking  something that Pennsylvanias last two Democratic governors would never put on the table, even with these damning studies. As a fallback, Dagley of Physicians for Social Responsibility and Blanock both say Pennsylvania should implement all the recommendations of the 2020 grand jury led by Shapiro  including expanding the new-drill zone around schools or other facilities from 500 to 2,500 feet, full disclosure of fracking chemicals, closing the revolving door of state regulators into industry jobs, and more.

That would certainly be better than doing nothing. A story that we tell ourselves to live in America is that absolutely nothing is more important in our society than protecting the life of a child. The sad reality is such a long way away from that.

 READ MORE: SIGN UP: The Will Bunch Newsletter
For years I avoided doing a project on the Lincoln Highway. It had been the domain of my former colleague, Eric Mencher, and his wife, Kass, who traveled the roadway coast-to-coast between 1997 and 2009 and published a wonderful book of photography, Almost Heaven. I thought I had a different perspective to offer, having lived most of my life in Pennsylvania, but I did not intrude.

But, on an early June evening this year, my wife, Theresa, and I were driving through Lancaster County on the Lincoln Highway. I was recovering from a rotator cuff injury and hadnt taken a single photograph in over two months. When we drove by the Dutch Haven, the closed shoofly pie bakery with a giant windmill on top, I decided that Eric wasnt the first photographer to do a Lincoln Highway project and I wouldnt be the last.

Starting down a road filled with history

I have two distinct memories from the summer of 1969, when I was 9 years old: listening to Sugar, Sugar, the hit song by the Archies, and the murder of Lillie Belle Allen during the race riots in York. The murder has stayed with me for over 50 years. My family had spent a lot of time in York County that summer. It was the first time I felt the outside world invade my sheltered childhood, and so I knew York was a necessary stop on the first day of the trip.

As if it were preordained, Bob Mann arrived at the memorial for Lillie Belle and York Police Officer Henry Schaad minutes after I had. He was making his daily stop in Farquhar Park to make sure the flowers were fresh and to clean the granite benches of the memorial. It was the 1,452nd consecutive day he had done this. They hold a special place in my heart. ... I dont want these people to be forgotten, said Mann, who witnessed the gang shooting of Lillie Belle as a 14-year-old.

In many ways, that chance meeting changed the tone for the trip. It became less about the Haines Shoe House, the Coffee Pot, and other unusual roadside oddities and more about remembrances and memorials. There were the obvious ones, the Gettysburg battlefield monuments, the Flight 93 National Memorial, and Patriot Park. There were the recent passings of Lincoln Highway icons, Jack Dunkle of Dunkles Gulf and Ed Gotwalt of Mister Eds Elephant Museum & Candy Emporium. And there were individuals like Scott Brozovich and Donna Miller, who used the highway as a vehicle to remember loved ones who had died. Maybe because the road had been created as a memorial for Abraham Lincoln, the assassinated 16th president, the mystic chords of memory Lincoln spoke of were instilled in its asphalt.

Brozovich, 40, of Pittsburgh, epitomizes the highways ability to produce reflections on life. He regularly stops at the site near his hometown of Bedford, where the ship-shaped S.S. Grand View Point Hotel once stood, not to remember one of the highways most famous icons but to honor his friend, Danny Devine, who died from post-COVID complications in June 2021 at the age of 41. At that location, Devine had spray-painted his name on the guardrail in his signature style. I think that spot and everything with Danny just helps me to stop and relax for a second and take those things in and appreciate life, said Brozovich. Im here in the moment, appreciating the beauty in this spot and everything all at once, like the love that we both shared for Route 30 and our love for each other.  I dont always think of it as me grieving. But I think it is a big part of my grieving process.

Advertisement

On the opposite side of the guardrail, Brozovich, a mural artist, has written his own message: I love you Danny! A true friend. Scott

Depravity and bravery

Like many, I have a personal connection to the roadway. My ancestors, the Hersheys, arrived in 1717  Swiss Mennonites trying to escape the persecution they had suffered as Anabaptists in their homeland. The Lincoln Highway, Route 452, cuts west through what was once the land they farmed in Lancaster. Living near the Conestoga Indians, they epitomized the holy experiment William Penn envisioned. On Dec. 27, 1763, the Paxton Boys, a renegade group, massacred the 14 remaining Conestoga at what is now the intersection of King and Water Streets. Two individuals, known only as Michael and Mary, would survive. They had been living on the farm of Christian Hershey, my first relative born on American shores. Hershey hid Michael and Mary in the basement of his Manheim Township home as the Paxton Boys roamed the area on horseback with scalps in hand in search of more tribal members. For months, the two friends remained hidden in an act of courage and friendship. I remain humbled by his actions.

In Gillian Welchs epic 14-minute song, I Dream a Highway, she describes a highway as a silver vision that, depending on the changing refrain, can rest, arrest, molest, and bless the soul. The Lincoln Highway achieves all four in a way the bleached concrete of an interstate will never achieve.
WASHINGTON  A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that an intentional explosion caused the plane crash presumed to have killed a mercenary leader who was eulogized Thursday by Vladimir Putin, even as suspicions grew that the Russian president was the architect of the assassination.

One of the U.S. and Western officials who described the initial assessment said it determined that Yevgeny Prigozhin was very likely targeted and that the explosion falls in line with Putins long history of trying to silence his critics.

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, did not offer any details about what caused the explosion, which was widely believed to be vengeance for the mutiny in June that posed the biggest challenge to the Russian leaders 23-year rule. Several of Prigozhins lieutenants were also presumed dead.

Pentagon spokesman Gen. Pat Ryder said press reports that a surface-to-air missile took down the plane were inaccurate. He declined to say whether the U.S. suspected a bomb or believed the crash was an assassination.

Advertisement

Details of the intelligence assessment surfaced as Putin expressed his condolences to the families of those who were reported to be aboard the jet and referred to serious mistakes by Prigozhin.

The jet carrying the founder of the Wagner military company and six other passengers crashed Wednesday soon after taking off from Moscow with a crew of three, according to Russias civil aviation authority. Rescuers found 10 bodies, and Russian media cited anonymous sources in Wagner who said Prigozhin was dead. But there has been no official confirmation.

President Joe Biden, speaking to reporters Wednesday, said he believed Putin was behind the crash, though he acknowledged that he did not have information verifying his belief.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, Biden said. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

The passenger manifest also included Prigozhins second-in-command, who baptized the group with his nom de guerre, as well as Wagners logistics chief, a fighter wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Syria and at least one possible bodyguard.

It was not clear why several high-ranking members of Wagner, including top leaders who are normally exceedingly careful about their security, were on the same flight. The purpose of their joint trip to St. Petersburg was unknown.

At Wagners headquarters in St. Petersburg, lights were turned on in the shape of a large cross, and Prigozhin supporters built a makeshift memorial, piling red and white flowers outside the building Thursday, along with company flags and candles.

In this first comments on the crash, Putin said the passengers had made a significant contribution to the fighting in Ukraine.

We remember this, we know, and we will not forget, he said in a televised interview with the Russian-installed leader of Ukraines partially occupied Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin.

Putin recalled that he had known Prigozhin since the early 1990s and described him as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed  both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months. He was a talented man, a talented businessman.

Russian state media have not covered the crash extensively, instead focusing on Putins remarks to the BRICS summit in Johannesburg via video link and Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Several Russian social media channels reported that the bodies were burned or disfigured beyond recognition and would need to be identified by DNA. The reports were picked up by independent Russian media, but The Associated Press was not able to independently confirm them.

Prigozhin supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging app channels that the plane was deliberately downed.

Sergei Mironov, the leader of the pro-Kremlin Fair Russia party and former chairman of the upper house of the Russian parliament, said on his Telegram channel that Prigozhin had messed with too many people in Russia, Ukraine and the West.

It now seems that at some point, his number of enemies reached a critical point, Mironov wrote.

Russian authorities have said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Anastasia Bukharova, 27, said she was walking with her children Wednesday when she saw the jet, and then  boom!  it exploded in the sky. She said she was scared it would hit houses in her village of Kuzhenkino and ran with the children. But the plane ended up crashing into a field.

Something sort of was torn from it in the air, she added.

Numerous opponents and critics of Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts, and U.S. and other Western officials long expected the Russian leader to go after Prigozhin, despite promising to drop charges in a deal that ended the June 23-24 mutiny.

It is no coincidence that the whole world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced ex-confidant of Putin suddenly falls from the sky, two months after he attempted an uprising, said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, while acknowledging that the facts were still unclear.

We know this pattern  in Putins Russia  deaths and dubious suicides, falls from windows that all ultimately remain unexplained, she added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also pointed the finger: We have nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who does.

Soon after the plane went down, people on social media and news outlets began to report that it was a Wagner plane. Minutes after Russian state news agencies confirmed the crash, they cited the civil aviation authority as saying Prigozhins name was on the mainfest.

Prigozhin was long outspoken and critical of how Russian generals were waging the war in Ukraine, where his mercenaries were some of the fiercest fighters for the Kremlin. For a long time, Putin appeared content to allow such infighting  and Prigozhin seemed to have unusual latitude to speak his mind.

But Prigozhins brief revolt raised the ante. His mercenaries swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot. They then drove to within about 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow and downed several military aircraft, killing more than a dozen Russian pilots.

Putin first denounced the rebellion as treason and a stab in the back. He vowed to punish its perpetrators, and the world waited for his next move, particularly since Prigozhin had publicly questioned the Russian leaders justifications for the war in Ukraine.

Instead Putin made a deal that saw an end to the mutiny in exchange for an amnesty for Prigozhin and his mercenaries and permission for them to move to Belarus.

Now many are suggesting the punishment has finally come.

The Institute for the Study of War argued that Russian authorities likely moved against Prigozhin and his top associates as the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organization.

Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Putin turned political consultant, said by carrying out the mutiny and remaining free, Prigozhin shoved Putins face into the dirt front of the whole world.

Failing to punish Prigozhin would have offered an open invitation for all potential rebels and troublemakers, so Putin had to act, Gallyamov said.

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 fell, one of its wings apparently missing. A free fall like that typically occurs when an aircraft sustains severe damage. A frame-by-frame AP analysis of two videos was consistent with some sort of midflight explosion.
A 157-unit apartment complex is proposed for a desolate strip of Lehigh Avenue thats been getting a lot of development attention as a location for large residential projects.

The six-story project at 2001 E. Lehigh Ave. from developer Isaac Singleton includes 7,763 square feet of commercial space and 59 underground parking spaces.

The architecture firm behind the project, Designblendz, said that the project is of the same scale with other new construction in the area such as The Pump House apartment building under construction to the east, which the firm also designed.

The building considers the scale of new construction in the area such as 2157 E. Lehigh Ave. down the street along with the frequency of material changes that exist within the sections of townhomes between Frankford Avenue and Emerald Street, Brian Corcodilos, CEO of Designblendz, said in an email.

Advertisement

The units are largely one-bedroom apartments, although there will also be 17 two-bedroom units.

The commercial space will be offered in two separate spaces, one of 3,461 square feet and one of 4,302 square feet.

Like the other residential projects completed or under construction on the corridor, Singletons apartment building is wedged between the five-lane Lehigh Avenue  listed among the most dangerous roads in the city  and the Conrail infrastructure that the railroad company has long neglected.

There were many challenges to consider when designing this project, including an abandoned rail line infrastructure, Corcodilos said, some of which cannot be removed, a lack of open space for community members to gather, and a public security concern for spaces under the bridges that connect East Kensington to Port Richmond.

The East Kensington Neighbors Association says it has been in conversation with the developer about keeping space open for a future trail that could run along the railway to connect cyclists and pedestrians to the Delaware riverfront.

The design team provides a public path through the rear of the site that supports the community plan along with ample commercial space to activate an otherwise vacant corridor, Corcodilos said.

The project needs approvals from the Zoning Board of Adjustment to move forward because it is taller than is allowed given the underlying land use rules and because the parcel is zoned exclusively for industrial development. Like much of the rest of the land along the railway embankment, it was used to discard derelict cars.

The zoning board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 13. First, an advisory Civic Design Review about its architecture and layout will be held Sept. 5.

East Kensington Neighbors Association seems supportive, especially if adding more residents to the area will bring more riders to SEPTAs Market-Frankford Line and put more pressure for the city to embark on serious traffic-calming efforts on Lehigh Avenue.

It seems to be fairly well received, said Andrew Ortega, president of the East Kensington Neighbors Association. Weve always been supportive of larger scale residential in places where it makes sense, not in the middle of a rowhome residential block. And weve been proponents of transit-oriented development.
File: Neshaminy Creek is one of the streams that a USGS study released in August 2023 found to contain PFAS, an "forever chemical." Read more

Pennsylvania is known by anglers and outdoor enthusiasts for its thousands of miles of streams and rivers that lace the rugged Allegheny Mountains, rolling farmlands, and cities such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Many of those waterways supply drinking water for millions.

But a study by the U.S. Geological Survey found that many of those waterways are also tainted by so-called forever chemicals. The USGS sampled streams across Pennsylvania and found that 76% of them contained the presence of at least one compound from the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family, according the first study of its kind looking at the problem across a single state and associating possible sources.

PFAS are a group of 12,000 man-made chemicals that have been used widely to make a range of products such as nonstick cookware, stain-resistant furniture, the linings of fast-food boxes, and firefighting foam.

High concentrations can lead to adverse health risks in people, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The USGS says that the chemicals persistence in the environment and prevalence make them a top concern for water quality. Some health effects associated with PFAS include decreased fertility, testicular and kidney cancers, high cholesterol, autoimmune and thyroid problems, alterations in hormone functioning, and developmental effects.

Advertisement

The two highest concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in the Philadelphia region: Neshaminy Creek in Bucks County and Valley Creek in Chester County.

The study did not include sampling of drinking water, only raw, untreated surface water. But the authors say their findings suggest the need for updated water treatments to remove PFAS contaminants in systems that draw from waterways.

What did the USGS study?

Scientists with the USGS first set out in 2019 to sample 161 waterways to find potential sources of PFAS contamination from 33 different compounds within that family, nicknamed forever chemicals because of their persistence of remaining intact in the environment and human body. Results of the study, conducted in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, were published recently in the journal Science of the Total Environment.

The DEP has also previously found PFAS in waterways. It has issued an advisory warning that anglers not eat fish caught in Neshaminy Creek.

Officials say the new study can be used by federal, state and local agencies working to reduce exposure of the compounds to the public and wildlife.

This is the first statewide study that associates electronics manufacturing as a source of PFAS in streams, which is likely an under recognized, but significant, source of PFAS contamination, said Sara Breitmeyer, a USGS chemist and lead author of the study. I was surprised to see that the highest levels of PFAS in our study streams were associated with electronics manufacturing because thats not as well known of a source.

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are two of the most widely used and studied chemicals in the PFAS group. But they have been replaced with other PFAS compounds in recent years.

PFAS and drinking water

There are no federal standards set for PFAS in surface waters, such as streams and rivers.

But this year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed the first ever national drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS concentrations and set the level to near zero. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have their own standards.

Pennsylvanias maximum levels for drinking water are 14 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 18 for PFOS. If the EPA rule is adopted, it would supersede state laws.

The USGS study used the DEPs existing network of water sampling sites. It looked for 33 types of PFAS from water collected from streams from the Ohio Valley to Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Local waterways that exceeded the proposed levels include the Schuylkill in Pottstown and at Falls Bridge in Philadelphia; Perkiomen Creek near Collegeville; Brandywine Creek at Chadds Ford; Wissahickon Creek at its mouth in Philadelphia and at Fort Washington; Red Clay Creek near Kennett Square; Neshaminy Creek near Langhorne, and Valley Creek near Valley Forge.

Philadelphia draws its drinking water from its two rivers, the Schuylkill and the Delaware. The Philadelphia Water Department monitors for PFAS but does not have filtration specifically designed to remove it. However, the PWD says that PFAS levels have been found well below allowable levels set by Pennsylvania. However, testing also showed levels above the new proposed federal rule and PWD says it is evaluating new treatment methods.

Other water departments are starting to install special filtration systems to handle the problem.

Breitmeyer stressed that her study did not sample PFAS in drinking water, and made no conclusion about its quality.

The waterways tested across the state are protected from pollution under state law if they are used for drinking water. Of the 161 tested, 16 exceeded the new EPA proposed maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt for PFOA. And 11 exceeded the proposed level of 4 ppt for PFOS, according to the study.

The potential insufficient removal of PFOA and/or PFOS during conventional drinking water treatment techniques could expose millions of residents to concentrations that exceed the EPAs proposed standards, the report states.

How much PFAS did the USGS find?

The USGS sampled the streams between Sept. 3 and Sept. 26, 2019, and meshed the data with legal discharges from manufacturing facilities. It also included data for land use.

The median concentration of PFAS, meaning half were lower and half were higher, was 3.8 parts per trillion (ppt). Concentrations ranged from nondetectable to 102 ppt at Neshaminy Creek near Langhorne.

Maximum concentrations occurred in areas that had potential sources of contamination ranging from military bases, water pollution control facilities, electronics manufacturers, and petroleum operations.

Only two streams exceeded the EPAs newly proposed EPA Hazard Index: the 11-mile long Valley Creek and the 41-mile long Neshaminy Creek. The Hazard Index accounts for a larger range of PFAS beyond just PFOA and PFOS that may be found in contaminated drinking water.

The study said that wastewater from an electronics manufacturer may have been a prevalent PFAS source at Valley Creek.

PFAS contamination in Neshaminy Creek has been associated with firefighting foam used at a former joint military base in Horsham, according to a former study.

Where is it coming from?

Commercial and housing development also appears to be correlated with higher PFAS levels. Waterways downstream from highly developed areas tended to have higher PFAS levels  particularly if an electronics manufacturing facility was part of that development. The authors note electronics manufacturing requires processes that use chemical mixtures containing various PFAS.

In rural areas, however, agriculture was associated with higher PFAS concentrations because waterways catch runoff from farmland. PFAS has been associated with the application of contaminated biosolids and recycled irrigation water on farms.

Streams near small rural towns surrounded by high oil and gas development were found to contain low levels of PFAS contamination.

Breitmeyer said no one should panic about drinking water.

We did not study treated drinking water levels, but this finding does indicate the need for effective water treatment techniques that will remove PFAS contaminants in drinking water sourced from raw stream surface waters, she said.

This article has been updated to reflect that while Philadelphia Water Department testing has shown PFAS levels well under state maximum allowable levels, some of those levels are above a proposed federal rule and that PWD is evaluating new treatment methods.
Congratulations and good luck to this years Rising Star nominees. We look forward to seeing what they go on to achieve in the years to come, said Catherine Carlyon, country leader at AXA XL Australia.
The performance statistics publication includes aggregate summaries of the general insurance industrys financial performance, financial position, capital adequacy, and key ratios. It also provides detailed statistics at a class-of-business level, a breakdown of operating income and expenses, and more granular solvency information. Meanwhile, the institution-level statistics include individual insurer information related to financial performance, financial position, capital adequacy, and ratios.
In an emailed release, the insurer said: Quai Zurich Campus (pictured) was planned, built, and renovated with sustainability in mind. Following the award of LEED Platinum certification for the whole campus in 2021, the building has now achieved the highest levels in both the LEED and WELL environmental rating systems.
Hot 100 is in its 10th run to distinguish the hottest and newest industry leaders. This is a chance to nominate someone who has made a notable impact on the industry in 2023. Self-nominations are also encouraged.
Twenty-one of the 39 rate hikes that were given the green light in this period exceeded the 10% mark, according to analysis by S&P Global Market Intelligence. Six of these approvals also represented some of the countrys most significant increases for the quarter in terms of calculated premium change.
"We've been incredibly intentional when appointing new leadership team members at Pie, said John Swigart, co-founder and CEO of Pie Insurance. We look for strategic experts who're not only passionate about supporting small businesses, but who add immediate value to transforming the small commercial insurance industry. Carla, Jaime, Arash and Kris are poised to help Pie capitalize on our steady growth and realize our goal of becoming the number one preferred small business insurance provider on the market.
A woman has admitted to bribing an employee of the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles to issue driver`s licenses to people who never took a road test.

Neta Centio, 56, of Taunton, pleaded guilty Monday to a charge of conspiracy to commit honest services mail fraud, the latest scandal at the RMV`s Brockton branch.

From July 2020 until April 2021, Centio paid a road test examiner at the Brockton office to say that applicants for drivers licenses had passed their road tests when they had not even showed up, federal prosecutors said.

That resulted in driver`s licenses being given to several unqualified drivers, prosecutors said.

Centio took money from several learner`s permit holders and used mobile payment service CashApp to split the money with the road examiner, prosecutors said.

After Centios fraud was discovered, she told the road test examiner, Dont say nothing about the CashApp.  Break the phone.

Centio faces up to 20 years in prison and the forfeiture of more than $20,000 at sentencing scheduled for Nov. 20.

In February 2020, four workers at the Brockton branch were fired after an investigation by the state Department of Transportation found that 2,100 people were granted licenses without taking a drivers test.

One of the four fired, the former manager of the Brockton branch, was sentenced earlier this month to four months in prison after pleading guilty to extortion for taking bribes in exchange for issuing passing scores on learners permit tests.

Copyright 2023 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Personal Auto
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has dropped its opposition to a motor vehicle right-to-repair law in Massachusetts that unlocks vehicle data after the state explained how manufacturers may comply in a way that lessens the cybersecurity risk.

NHTSA said it has received assurance that access to vehicles mechanical data by owners and independent repair shops can be provided through short-range Bluetooth and other wireless connections rather than riskier long range communications.

This summer NHTSA raised concerns about the cybersecurity risks if the state required car manufacturers to grant remote access to owners and independent shops over a large geographical area. The agency feared that the ability to, at scale, remotely access and send commands could affect a vehicles critical safety systems. It warned that car makers providing such long range remote access would be violating the federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act and thus it would pre-empt the states new law.

The law, known as the Data Access Law, is facing a court challenge by manufacturers, who welcomed the NHTSAs opposition.

But after consulting with the Massachusetts attorney general, NHTSA said it has learned that manufacturers can satisfy the state law, as well as federal motor vehicle safety rules, by providing independent repair facilities wireless access to a vehicle from within close physical proximity to the vehicle, without having to provide long-range remote access.

In NHTSAs view, a solution like this one, if implemented with appropriate care, would significantly reduce the cybersecurity risks and therefore the safety risksassociated with remote access. Limiting the geographical range of access would significantly reduce the risk that malicious actors could exploit vulnerabilities at scale to access multiple vehicles, including, importantly, when vehicles are driven on a roadway. Such a short-range wireless compliance approach, implemented appropriately, therefore would not be preempted, Kerry Kolodziej, NHTSA assistant chief counsel, said in an August 22 letter to the attorney generals office.

In a return letter, Eric A. Haskell, assistant attorney general for Massachusetts, confirmed that short-range solutions would satisfy the law. He said manufacturers may utilize any type of wireless communication technology, so long as it provides the features, capabilities, and access required by the lawincluding, but not limited to, the ability to directly access all mechanical data.

The types of wireless communication technology that might be used include, but are not limited to, cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth, he wrote.

[W]e can confirm NHTSAs understanding that a platform that provides the required features, capabilities, and access using a short-range wireless protocol such as Bluetooth is one approach that a vehicle manufacturer might use to achieve compliance with the Data Access Law. We appreciate the clarification of NHTSAs position that such a short-range compliance approach, implemented appropriately, therefore would not be preempted by the Motor Vehicle Safety Act, Haskel added.

NHTSA strongly supports the right to repair, wrote NHTSAs Kolodziej, expressing pleasure at having identified a way that the Massachusetts Data Access Law may be successfully implementedpromoting consumers ability to choose independent or do-it-yourself repairs without compromising safety.

The Data Access Law requires auto manufacturers selling cars in Massachusetts to equip them with a standardized open data platform so that vehicle owners can access their telematics data through a mobile device and give consent for independent repair facilities to access that data and to send commands to the system for repair, maintenance and diagnostic testing.

The new law builds on an existing state right-to-repair law requiring manufacturers to provide independent shops with the non-proprietary diagnostics information and instructions needed to repair cars.

The law was passed by voters two years ago but has been challenged in court by manufacturers. NHTSAs opposition in June had posed a potential roadblock. That NHTSA opinion put it at odds with voters, elected officials, consumer groups, independent auto service and parts businesses, and even the Biden Administrations own policies aimed at promoting competition.

The NHTSA letters are part of the record in federal court in Boston.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell began enforcing the law on June 1 despite the ongoing litigation after the court denied a restraining order sought by the industry coalition.

The coalition of car and light truck manufacturers  the Alliance for Automotive Innovation that has sued to block enforcement of the Massachusetts law claims, among other things, that it represents a data grab that would expose data that goes beyond what is necessary to diagnose and repair a vehicle.

The coalition agrees with the earlier position of NHTSA. Far from protecting consumers, the law puts consumer safety at risk by allowing third parties to access, and modify, that data on auto manufacturers systems without the manufacturers authorization, the industrys complaint argues.

The industry also contends that automotive right-to-repair already exists in that 70% of post-warranty automotive work today is handled by the independent repair community.

Topics Auto Massachusetts
A wildfire near the Greek capital burned part of the forest in mount Parnitha, after destroying homes and cars, while Athens prepares for another difficult day as authorities have issued a high alert warning for fires on Thursday.

The fires are the latest instance of extreme weather in a summer that has seen record-breaking temperatures, violent storms, flooding and blazes across Europe and North America. In July, wildfires in Greece ravaged homes and natural areas and led to the deaths of livestock and wild animals as the country saw temperatures rise to near all-time highs.

Strong winds and an unusually long stretch of intense heat have given rise to a patchwork of wildfires, some of which have been burning for days. In northeast Greece, authorities found 18 dead people in a forest on Tuesday after fire swept through the area, while in the past five days the fire service has been called on to extinguish 355 blazes.

Its a not-seen-before situation, Civil Protection minister Vasilis Kikilias said Wednesday, adding that this summer marked the first time that so many regions had been put on the highest level of fire alert so frequently since the state started collecting meteorological data and issuing fire warnings. Greece is receiving help through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, and planes, helicopters and firefighters have been sent in from Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Romania and Sweden.

The fire that broke out in the municipality of Fili on Tuesday moved southeast and passed into Parnitha mountains national park before fire service helicopters managed to contain it by Wednesday evening. Earlier it burned homes and cars in the surrounding areas. The small municipality in the foothills is about 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) northwest of the capital, yet smoke from the fire has drifted to central Athens, making it unpleasant to breathe even in enclosed spaces.

Greek authorities have ordered the evacuation of several areas around the blaze, including three senior citizens homes in a northwest suburb, according to state-run ERT TV. A migrant detention camp was also evacuated as a precaution. More than 200 firefighters are working to contain the conflagration, and many residents have stayed in the area to protect their homes with buckets, hoses and branches.

In the northeastern region of Evros, a fire that started on Saturday morning is continuing to spread and is heading west. Eighteen people were found dead in a scorched forest in the area on Tuesday, two of whom were children, according to authorities.

As no residents have been reported missing from nearby villages, authorities said the victims were most likely migrants who had crossed the nearby border with Turkey. In a separate incident, three civilians were arrested near Alexandroupolis for holding several migrants captive in a trailer, spurring debate on social media.

A prosecutor from Greeces Supreme Court has asked a local prosecutor in Alexandroupolis to conduct a preliminary investigation into possible causes of the fire in light of reports of arson. The local prosecutor has also been asked to look into incidents of violence reported against migrants.

Greeces police, fire and secret services are investigating how 15 fires began almost at the same time in Evros, Kikilias said.

Opposition parties have heavily criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis over his handling of the wildfires, which have burned more than 90,000 acres in the past three days.

Security and civil protection is the Waterloo of this government, said Nikos Androulakis, leader of the socialist Pasok party. In an interview on ANT1 TV, Stergios Kalpakis, spokesman of main opposition leftist Syriza party, described the situation for Greeks as living in days of total collapse.

Mitsotakis plans to bring the issue up for debate in parliament, according to the governments spokesman, who added that this is not the right time to exchange political barbs.

Greece, you are not alone, the EU is with you.

We are coordinating emergency assistance via the #EUCivilProtection Mechanism to help  fight the devastating wildfires.

So far, 8 aircraft, 40 vehicles and 246 firefighters have been deployed from 8 countries. pic.twitter.com/RS9off1Any

 European Commission (@EU_Commission) Aug. 23, 2023

Photograph: Flames from a wild fire are seen behind the Parthenon Temple atop the Acropolis hill, in Athens, on Aug. 23. Photo credit: Andrea Bonetti/AFP/Getty Images

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire
Japan started the release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear site into the Pacific Ocean in a process that could last about 30 years, triggering an immediate retaliation by China to curb seafood imports.

Tokyo Electric Power Co., which operates the wrecked power plant, confirmed its first discharge began as scheduled at about 1 p.m. local time Thursday. Within hours, China  the top buyer of Japans seafood  confirmed it would suspend imports of all aquatic products under steps to protect food safety.

We have made serious demarches to Japan and asked it to stop this wrongdoing, Chinas foreign ministry said in a statement. In response, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called on China to immediately remove the ban.

China is the largest single export market for Japanese fish, crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates, with Japanese companies shipping almost 72 billion yen ($496 million) worth to China last year. Hong Kong, another major importer, has also imposed curbs on Japanese food imports.

Though Japans process has been authorized as safe by the International Atomic Energy Agency, China and other opponents have questioned the accuracy of testing systems and insist the release of wastewater from a disaster site isnt comparable with similar activities that are commonplace in the global nuclear sector.

Tepcos first discharge involves the release of about 7,800 cubic meters of treated water and will take about 17 days to complete, according to a document posted on the companys website. The water will contain 1.1 trillion becquerels  a measure of radioactivity  of tritium, part of Tepcos strategy to begin the process with relatively low concentrations of the radionuclide.

The company has a target to discharge less than 22 trillion becquerels of tritium a year, and expects to release 5 trillion becquerels as it carries out a total of four releases of treated water by the end of March.

China will step up radiation monitoring in its sea areas and watch for any impact from the Fukushima wastewater releases, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said Thursday in a statement posted on its social media account. Tepco was also sampling seawater following the release, the company said.

A two-year IAEA review found Japans strategy would have a negligible impact on people and the environment. China is an important trading partner for Japan and Tepco will continue to explain the safety of its procedure, the companys president Tomoaki Kobayakawa told reporters.

Safety concerns from some nations are unfounded, according to Nigel Marks, an expert on radioactive waste and an associate professor at Curtin University in Perth. Eating a lifetimes worth of seafood from near the release site would have the tritium radiation equivalent of one bite of a banana, he said.

Relations between Japan and China have long been some of the most fraught in East Asia, with Tokyo accused by some of doing too little to atone for atrocities it committed during its invasion and colonization of parts of China in the first half of the 20th Century. More recently, ties have strained over issues including the pandemic and Chinas intrusions into waters controlled by Japan but claimed by both sides.

In the past month, Tokyo has imposed restrictions on exports of chip-making equipment and last week signed an agreement with the US and South Korea, which included criticism of Chinese actions in the South China Sea and a promise by the three nations to cooperate more on defense.

Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of a junior party in Japans governing coalition, will go ahead with a visit to China next week, according to a party spokesperson. Japanese media reported he would carry a letter from Kishida to President Xi Jinping.

Tepco needs to release a total of about 1.3 million cubic meters of wastewater  equivalent in volume to about 500 Olympic-size swimming pools  as a fleet of about 1,000 storage tanks are hitting capacity. The waste has been generated in part as the utility works to cool wrecked reactors following the 2011 meltdown that ranks as the worlds worst atomic accident since Chernobyl.

Land currently housing the storage tanks also needs to be cleared to construct other facilities necessary to complete the decades-long decommissioning of the site.

With assistance from Philip Glamann.

Top photograph: A protest against Japans decision to release treated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea on Aug. 23, 2023. Photo credit: SeongJoon Cho/Bloomberg

Related:

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.

Topics Japan
This edition of International People Moves detail appointments at Aspen Insurance Holdings, Sompo International, and BMS Group.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Dyer Appointed Chief Risk Officer for Aspen UK

Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd. has appointed Andrew Dyer as chief risk officer, Aspen UK, based in London. Dyer will join Aspen in November.

Dyer joins Aspen from the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), where he was most recently head of Division, London Markets, with responsibility for Lloyds (society and managing agents) and wholesale company markets. He has two decades of experience in risk management, governance, and oversight for insurance.

Dyer will report to Richard Milner, CEO Aspen UK, with a matrix line into Jenny Kane, group CRO. He will be a member of Aspen UKs Executive Committee. In his role, Dyer will ensure Aspen UK continues to be structured around a robust risk framework, with strong governance and that appropriate supervision and risk controls are in place within the business.

Andrews appointment demonstrates the importance we place in maintaining strong risk management and governance arrangements, and our commitment to continuing to build strong and open relationships with our regulators, commented Richard Milner, CEO, Aspen UK.

Andrews deep understanding of the regulatory environment and impressive network within the insurance industry will be invaluable as we continue to build Aspens strong reputation in the market, Milner added.

Our Lloyds syndicate and UK business are a key part of Aspens vision to become a top quartile re/insurer and deliver value to stakeholders and investors, so Im delighted that we were able to attract such a high profile and talented chief risk officer, according to group CRO Kane.

***

Sompo Intl Taps Walker From Allianz for Distribution Insurance, APAC

Sompo International, a leading global provider of commercial and consumer property/casualty re/insurance, announced the appointment of Alasdair Walker as regional head of Distribution Insurance, Asia Pacific (APAC).

He will be based in Singapore and report to Paul ONeill, president of Commercial Lines, Insurance, Asia Pacific.

Walker joins Sompo International from Allianz, where he held positions in London, Johannesburg, and, most recently, Singapore as regional head of Distribution, managing a team across seven locations.

Alasdairs appointment represents a continuation of Sompo Internationals expansion through high-calibre hires in the APAC region. His wide range of experience across distribution channels and product lines, coupled with his commitment to deliver superior client service, leaves him singularly well-positioned to further develop our network in APAC. I look forward to welcoming Alasdair to our growing Singapore insurance team as we accelerate our growth in this exciting market full of opportunity, ONeill commented.

Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is a Bermuda-based holding company and indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings Inc.

***

BMS Names Hewitt as Head of Japan

BMS Group, the London-based specialist insurance and reinsurance broker, announced the appointment of Tim Hewitt as head of BMS in Japan.

Hewitts initial focus will be to broker insurance solutions for inbound-outbound mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity as growth in the Japanese M&A market accelerates, and the need for complex risk mitigation tools for dealmakers rises.

Hewitt is a long-term resident of Japan and fluently bilingual in Japanese and English. He brings more than two decades of legal industry experience to his role. Prior to joining BMS, he was associate general counsel for Marelli, a global private equity firm portfolio company, after several years there in legal leadership roles. He also spent several years as a lawyer specializing in M&A transactions at leading law firms in Tokyo and Sydney.

The appointment reaffirms the groups commitment to providing local specialist advice to its clients, said BMS. The company aims to establish itself as the preferred specialty insurance broker in Japan by helping buyers protect their investments and sellers reduce their liability post-deal closure.

BMS has four offices across Asia: in Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul and now Tokyo. The group will continue to invest in the region as demand for local insurance solutions heats up.

Topics Allianz Japan
A federal judge in Chicago on Tuesday refused to dismiss a lawsuit accusing McDonalds Corp. of pushing out a Black executive after he criticized CEO Chris Kempczinski for appearing to blame the parents of a girl shot in a McDonalds drive-thru for her death.

U.S. District Judge Linsday Jenkins said that while plaintiff Michael Peaster did not explicitly mention race during a 2021 meeting with Kempczinski and other company officers, the context surrounding his comments made clear that he was addressing racially charged conduct.

It is reasonable to infer that Peaster was attempting to speak up for African American employees, Jenkins wrote.

Jenkins denied a motion by McDonalds and Kempczinski to dismiss Peasters race discrimination and retaliation claims. The judge did dismiss claims that McDonalds had created a hostile work environment and intentionally caused Peaster emotional distress.

McDonalds did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Carmen Caruso, a lawyer for Peaster, said he looks forward to bringing the surviving claims to trial.

Kempczinski in 2021 sent text messages to then-Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot referencing the shooting of a 7-year-old girl at a Chicago McDonalds and another shooting of a child in the city. With both, the parents failed those kids which I know is something you cant say, Kempczinski wrote, according to court filings.

Kempczinski later publicly apologized and said the texts reveal my narrow worldview that I have to work hard to correct.

At a 2021 meeting at McDonalds corporate headquarters, Peaster, the companys vice president of global safety, security, and intelligence, said Kempczinskis response to the incident had been insufficient.

According to the lawsuit, Peaster at the meeting said that we have to have empathy and compassion for the majority of families who live in tough communities, among other comments.

Peaster claims that following the meeting, Kempczinski and other executives retaliated against him by refusing to meet with him and making it impossible for him to do his job. He was ultimately fired last November for alleged performance issues, according to his lawsuit.

Peaster is seeking damages for the loss of his job and emotional distress, along with punitive damages.

Topics Claims
Drugmaker Mallinckrodt said 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 18.4% to 48 cents in early trading after the company announced a new restructuring agreement with its creditors and an opioid victims trust.

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 Ireland-based company is one of the largest manufacturers of opioids. It 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.
A Delaware judge on Wednesday rejected Newsmax Medias 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 networks 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.

Topics Lawsuits Legislation USA
Before the US Supreme Court did away with affirmative action in college admissions, corporate America was bracing itself for attacks on its diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. They have begun  and there will likely be more to come.

This week, the American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER), a group created by conservative activist Edward Blum, filed complaints against two law firms over their diversity fellowships. Three weeks ago, AAER sued Fearless Fund, an Atlanta-based venture capital firm, over a grant program it created for Black women. And in July, 13 Republican state attorneys general warned the chief executive officers of large employers like Microsoft Corp. and Walmart Inc. against introducing race-based practices in hiring and contracting.

This is just the beginning, said Janice Gassam Asare, who advises tech companies and academic institutions on their diversity efforts.

While the affirmative action decision didnt explicitly address the corporate world, its impact will surely play out there. Big employers say theyll have a harder time hiring diverse talent from elite schools. And the most risk-averse companies may end programs that benefit people from underrepresented groups.

Asare, author of Decentering Whiteness in the Workplace: A Guide for Equity and Inclusion, has seen some companies completely gutting their DEI programs because they feel like they dont know where to turn and they dont want to cause any sort of controversy.

Related: Recent Events Highlight Need to Rein in Costly D&I Risk

Blum also founded Students for Fair Admission, which sued Harvard over its admissions policies and won in the Supreme Court. Blum wasnt able to provide immediate comment.

In the law firm cases, Blums organization wants the respective courts to permanently end the firms current diversity fellowships.

First- and second-year law students from historically underrepresented groups in the legal profession, like people of color, LGBTQ individuals or those with disabilities can apply to the Perkins Coie fellowship, according to the firms website. Morrison Foersters program also gives fellowships to law students who are members of historically underrepresented groups.

AAER alleges that these programs violate the Civil Rights Act of 1866 by excluding those that fall outside of those racial groups. Blum argues that excluding students from these fellowships because they are the wrong race is unfair, polarizing and illegal.

A Perkins Coie spokesperson said in a statement that the firms commitment to its values of diversity, equity and inclusion in the legal profession remains steadfast and that it will defend the lawsuit vigorously. An email request for comment from Morrison Foerster wasnt immediately returned.

Antonio Ingram, assistant counsel at the Legal Defense Fund and a diversity fellow at Morrison Foerster in 2012, callsBlums moves in the wake of the Supreme Court decision troubling. These attacks on DEI are really attacks on pipelines to create more equity and remediate historical exclusion, he said.

Big Law is the second industry Blum has gone after in court this month.

In early August, AAER sued Fearless Fund, on the grounds that it had violated the same section of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Blums group took issue with a contest that awards $20,000 grants to Black women who own small businesses in the US.

In an open letter in support of Fearless Fund signed by more than 70 firms, the organizations noted that Black women received less than 1% of all venture capital funding, according to multiple industry estimates. The AAER effort is not only transparent, unoriginal, and unconvincing, but it also unjustly targets Black women while threatening the civil rights of all women, the letter said.

In the meantime, large swaths of corporate America are being less vocal about their efforts in DEI, slimming budgets and cutting staff dedicated to this work. Still others are foisting the work on unpaid employee resource groups or human resource departments.

Desiree Morton, co-founder of Aginci, an employee perks platform aimed at creating inclusive work cultures, expects the culture gap to widen between companies committed to creating inclusive workplaces and those that were making empty promises. The former will have better luck innovating, as well as hiring and retaining the best people, in her view.

My optimism is about the same as it was before the June SCOTUS decision, Morton said via email. The status quo largely is not working  Im looking forward to where were going, and hanging on with white knuckles for the wild ride to get there.

Photo: Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Copyright 2023 Bloomberg.
Florida authorities this week charged a south Florida contractor with underreporting his payroll by almost $6 million, cheating his workers compensation insurer out of more than $350,000 in premiums.

Miguel Porras, principal at Thiagos Enterprise Construction, of Pembroke Pines, was arrested Tuesday and charged with workers compensation fraud and theft, according to a bulletin from Jimmy Patronis, Floridas chief financial officer.

In 2021, Porras applied for workers compensation coverage through Southeast Personnel Leasing Inc. and claimed an annual payroll of about $56,000. His company paid about $4,400 in premium, said Patronis, whose Department of Financial Services includes the state Division of Workers Compensation and investigative units.

The department did not explain how the alleged fraud came to light, but said that an investigation by the DFS Division of Investigative and Forensic Services found that Porras had actively concealed the true number of workers on the job sites. The construction firms comp premiums should have been closer to $357,000, DFS said.

In similar cases, its often the insurance company that flags suspected fraud and reports it to DFS investigators. The department did not provide the name of the comp insurer. But a 2020 contested claim in Fort Lauderdale shows that an injury claim was filed against Thiagos, another firm and Liberty Mutual Insurance after a worker fell from a scaffold.

Porras was booked into the Miami-Dade County Jail Tuesday after his fraud arrest but had apparently bonded out by Thursday morning. If convicted, he could face up to 60 years in prison, Patronis office said.

Topics Florida Contractors
United Airlines has agreed to a $30 million settlement after a deplaning incident left a quadriplegic man in a vegetative state, court papers show.

The settlement with the family of Nathaniel Foster Jr, known as N.J., was disclosed on Tuesday in San Francisco federal court, and reached after one day of trial.

It arose from the treatment of Foster, who had been using a wheelchair, ventilator and tracheal tube, as he and his family were disembarking from a Feb. 8, 2019 United Express flight to Monroe, Louisiana, where they had traveled to attend a funeral.

The family said a ramp supervisor aggressively and forcefully pushed Foster, causing his body to jerk forward and then slouch back, with his feet dragging along the floor.

According to a complaint, Fosters mother sought help after she heard him whisper I cant breathe, but a gate agent giggled and told a surgeon who offered help we got this, prompting him to sit down. Foster then went into cardiac arrest.

Now 26, Foster has significant brain damage, cannot speak or eat solid foods, and is expected to live to age 31-1/2, down from 39 before the incident, court papers show.

The settlement requires court approval, and is fair and reasonable according to the plaintiffs. They have been caring for Foster at their home in Pleasant Hill, California.

Our top priority is to provide a safe journey for all our customers, especially those who require additional assistance or the use of a wheelchair, United said in a statement Wednesday. We are pleased to share that this matter has settled.

Lawyers for Fosters family did not immediately respond to requests for comment. About $12 million from the settlement would cover legal fees, and $3 million would cover other costs.

The case is Foster et al v United Airlines Inc et al, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, No. 19-02530.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, Editing by Nick Zieminski)

Topics Aviation
August 24, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) New research has revealed that Slovenia is Europe's most 'crypto-obsessed' country.

The study by cryptocurrency experts CryptoGambling.tv analysed search volumes for popular cryptocurrency terms in each European country and measured this against the population to see which countries had the most crypto searches per 100,000 people.

It found that Slovenia is currently Europe's most crypto-obsessed country. Based on searches from the past 12 months, there have been roughly 100,000 crypto-related searches each month. When this number is accounted for the population, there are an average of 4,789 crypto-related searches per 100,000 people, the highest of any European country.

Luxembourg comes in second place on the list. The Western Europe country sees around 17,000 crypto-related searches each month on average, which is a lot for a population of 645,397, meaning there are approximately 2,634 cryptocurrency searches per 100,000 people.

Coming in third place is the Netherlands, which sees around 2,608 cryptocurrency searches for every 100,000 people. This is due to an average of 452,000 monthly crypto searches for a population of 17,332,850. The Netherlands is one of the least crypto-friendly countries despite this interest, as it's one of the few countries in the world to tax unrealized gains.

Finland is fourth on the list, with around 135,000 monthly crypto-related searches over the past year. When this is accounted for a population of 5,520,314, there are 2,446 crypto searches per 100,000 people.

Rounding out the top five is Turkey, which is the biggest country to feature in the top ten, with a population of 83,429,615. Due to this, there are a whopping 1,900,000 crypto-related searches each month, equal to around 2,277 crypto searches per 100,000 people.

Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson from CryptoGambling.tv said, "While it may be surprising to see countries who have been coming down on cryptocurrency in the top ten, said legislation has likely caught coverage and sparked an interest in what crypto is as a whole. Cryptocurrency remains a new thing for many people, yet many have yet to learn about it. Therefore, any publicity, whether it be by legislation or general news, is bound to garner interest as seen by Google searches in this study."

Methodology:

Ahrefs was used to gather Google search data for the terms below:

"Binance"

"Bitcoin"

"Crypto"

"Cryptocurrency"

"Cryptocurrencies

"Dogecoin"

"Ethereum"

"Litecoin"

"Solana"

"Tether"

"USD Coin"

"Tron Coin"

"Polygon Coin"

Credit to: Journo Research

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts

Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100?

That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More
August 24, 2023 (Investorideas.com Newswire) As Nvidia's knockout earnings and guidance reports showed on Wednesday, AI is not just the future, it's the present, and all investors need some exposure to it - but there's much more than just this one California-based mega tech company.

This is the bullish assessment from Nigel Green, the CEO and founder of deVere Group, one of the world's largest independent financial advisory, asset management and fintech organizations, as the chipmaker beat estimates and says that sales will jump a further 170% this quarter due to soaring demand for AI chips.

Shares in Nvidia jumped 6% on the earnings and guidance, which came after the closing bell.

"Nvidia is the darling of the AI boom - of this there is no doubt - and with robust guidance we expect this to continue for most of the rest of the year," says Nigel Green.

"For me there are two key takeaways from the Nvidia news.

"First, clearly, AI is not just the future, it's the present.

"Investors who are serious about building their long-term wealth need exposure to this pivotal driver of innovation, competitiveness, and profitability across almost all industries.

"We're still at the beginning of the AI age and investors should not miss out on having an early advantage. Almost everyone should have investment exposure to AI as part of the mix.

He continues: "Second, whilst we expect Nvidia to continue to dominate the AI boom for at least the rest of the year, probably more, savvy investors will now likely be thinking that perhaps a lot of the good news is already priced-in for this company.

"They will be asking: can Nvidia shares really jump another 210% over the next six months? Or are there other similar and/or better opportunities in the same arena?

"They will already be looking for The Next Big Thing - and so they should.

"Despite the fact that Nvidia is way out in front, and probably still has not peaked, history teaches us that challengers can offer potentially blowout returns for investors.

Diversification as ever is investors' best tool for long-term financial success. As a strategy, it has been proven to reduce risk, smooth-out volatility, exploit differing market conditions, maximise long-term returns and protect against unforeseen external events.

"Given the rapid evolution of AI and its investment landscape, seeking advice can minimize pitfalls, optimize opportunities, and enhance the likelihood of achieving favorable returns," concludes Nigel Green.

t: +44 207 1220 925

e: george@priorconsultancy.co.uk

Twitter: @PriorConsults

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients. It has a network of offices across the world, over 80,000 clients and $12bn under advisement.

More Info:

This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders

Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions.

More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/

Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp

Get Great Trading Ideas and News Alerts

Guest posts and sponsored content - Got $100?

That's all it takes to get an article published on Investor Ideas - Learn More
Donal Dineen is from Rathmore in Co Kerry. He recently moved back to Kerry from Dublin and is working on a short documentary there about set dancing in Sliabh Luachra and the death of his father, who died in 1986.

He runs a dance night called Backstory in Dublin and has a music podcast called Make Me An Island.

Donal speaks to Eoghan O'Sullivan of the Irish Examiner at Maureen's at 5pm on Saturday, August 26 as part of the Cork Podcast Festival.

He will DJ in the Woodford later that day.

Best recent book you've read and what you liked about it:

I just re-read Rememberings by Sinead O'Connor immediately after her passing. Like most people in Ireland, I felt a deep sense of loss upon hearing the tragic news.

Reading the book for a second time while knowing how the story ended was incredibly sad but it was a way of connecting with the extraordinary power she wielded in her prime and I definitely needed to do that as I found a lot of the coverage in the aftermath hypocritical and suffocating.

Sometimes I think Ireland hasn't changed that much at all the way we love a saint. She never got her dues in life and that's such a shame.

I think it's fair to say she was the bravest and the best. One thing I love about the book is the way it serves her brilliant sense of humour so well. She had tremendous comic timing.

Best recent film:

Asteroid City by Wes Anderson. I know there are those who have grown tired of his style but to me he's just getting better.

Best recent gig youve seen:

The best performance I've seen recently was by Michelle Doyle who plays under the name Rising Damp.

She occasionally plays with a full band but I just saw a solo show she did at All Together Now festival and it was the highlight of the weekend.

Hard to describe why but it was just the kind of energy explosion that I needed to witness at that moment.

Best piece of music youve been listening to lately (new or old):

It changes all the time. I am constantly looking for tunes to play at Backstory and even if I come across something I absolutely love, the connection rarely if ever lasts forever.

I've been listening to a lot of new Cumbian music lately. There are lots of new more electronic variations on the style and I am playing a lot of that stuff in my DJ sets.

Closer to home, I am still listening to the Lankum and Lisa O'Neill records and I'm really looking forward to forthcoming releases from Rachael Lavelle, XN and Poor Creature.

First ever piece of music that really moved you:

'Joan of Arc' by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. That emotional electronic sound was made for my teenage head.

The most memorable gig you've ever seen (if you had to pick one!):

Impossible to pick one. There have been a lot of gigs!

The most memorable big one recently was Iggy Pop though, an extraordinary band on full power from start to finish. No room for argument.

I also saw an amazing show by Poor Creature who are Cormac Dermody from Lankum and Ruth Clinton from Landless. What they are doing is so special.

Tell us about your TV viewing:

I haven't owned a TV since 1997 so it's pretty much non-existent.

I am allergic to adverts which is one of the main reasons I got rid of it.

I do love documentaries however and the most interesting ones I've seen recently have been two different series on country and jazz music made by the genius that is Ken Burns.

Research and archival footage on a different level, completely exhaustive and utterly fascinating.

Radio listening and/or podcasts:

Sean Moncrieff on Newstalk is about the only mainstream radio show that I can stomach.

He's a great presenter, capable of handling the serious and frivolous equally well which is the hallmark of a quality broadcaster.

Blindboy's podcast is a remarkable thing, really. He has made that format his own.

You're curating your dream festival  which three artists are on the bill, living or dead?

Karen Dalton, Mark Hollis and Nina Simone.

You can portal back to any cultural event or music era  where, when, and why?

I am fascinated by Jamaica in the 1950s as I love the music of that place and period.

To me, it's thrilling that an entire music form emerged in the space of a few years.

It's also very interesting from the point of view of the development of DJing.

I love the way that the tunes were made for the dances by the people that hosted them to serve the needs of the dancers who craved a sound of their own.

That musical revolution and how it came about is one of the most interesting of them all.
On Tuesday night, Roisin Wiley was named as the 2023 Rose of Tralee but elsewhere in the Kerry town, a very different competition was taking place.

Over 1,500 pets entered Pet Sitters Ireland's 2023 Nose of Tralee with 32 finalists battling it out to win the overall title.

After a public vote, Stitch from Limerick was named as the 2023 Nose of Tralee.

The Maltichon came into his owners life three months after they were diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkins Lymphoma and remained by their side throughout chemotherapy.

He is described as a happy, outgoing dog who loves "treats and biccies".

"I was losing my hair but that didnt matter to him. He still loved me for me. I ended up shaving my head in October. I was afraid he wouldnt recognise me or even want to be near me but that didnt matter to him. He could see how hard it was for me to process and he comforted me through it," his owner says.

The 2023 Nose of Tralee runner-up was the Co Louth Nose, Winston. The five-year-old Aussalier (mini Australian shepherd X King Charles Cavalier) lost his eyesight last year and had to undergo emergency surgery.

According to his friends and family, he is the best boy in all of the land.

Here are some of the other Munster finalists for this years Nose of Tralee:

Winston - Louth Nose A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Willow - Cork Nose A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Podge - Tipperary Nose A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Pixie - Clare Nose A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Fudge - Kerry Nose A car is submerged in flooding along the quays in Dungarvan. Photo: Damien Storan.

Stitch - Limerick Nose
A Stormont department was urged not to embarrass schools by asking them to host visits by new education minister Martin McGuinness amid a series of protests at his appointment, archives reveal.

The late former IRA commanders installation as Sinn Fein minister for education in December 1999 prompted around 50 demonstrations in schools in mainly unionist areas in Northern Ireland, with some pupils walking out of classes to form pickets.

Newly released files from the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland include Department of Education (DoE) documents and correspondence related to the classroom boycotts.

One is a confidential briefing note sent to a senior DoE official by then chief inspector of schools Tom Shaw.

I suspect that, for some time, many schools will be very reluctant to invite the Minister to functions, fearing a reaction of the kind being witnessed at present

The document references one particular walkout at Kilkeel High School in Co Down and goes on to offer analysis on the wider protest activity.

There is circumstantial evidence which suggests that the demonstrations by pupils are being orchestrated, Mr Shaw wrote.

Many of the protests have been preceded by pupils asking their peers to sign a petition objecting to the Minister, the pupils who are acting as organisers are quoting the same mis-information to persuade their peers to join them in protest (all pupils will be forced to learn Irish, play Gaelic games, attend integrate schools); the spokespersons leading the protests use the same form of words and cliches; there are flags, banners etc in readiness when the protest begins; others, over school leaving age, turn up to support the protest; local, anti-agreement, politicians are soon on the scene, as are representatives of the Press.

He said the demonstrations, however fleeting, were damaging the morale and relationships within the schools affected.

They make it even more difficult to plan a programme of school visits for the Minister, he added.

I suspect that, for some time, many schools will be very reluctant to invite the Minister to functions, fearing a reaction of the kind being witnessed at present.

Mr Shaw then relayed a conversation he had had with a representative of the Governing Bodies Association  an organisation that represents voluntary grammar schools in Northern Ireland.

At last nights function at Parliament Buildings, a GBA representative said he hoped the department would not embarrass schools by asking them to host a visit by the Minister.

He said that the relaxed response of schools to such requests in the past would not be sustainable in current circumstances.

It would take time, he judged, to establish trust and openness.

In a separate document related to the same issue, Mr McGuinness made clear he would only attend schools he was invited to.

By January 2000, he said he had received invitations to 39 schools and had attended seven.

I wont impose a visit on any schools and will go only on the invitation of the school authorities, stated a line prepared for attribution to the minister.

A departmental guidance document issued to schools on how to handle the protests warned staff that they should not attempt to prevent pupils leaving classes to take part.

To attempt to restrain a pupil in this way could result subsequently in an allegation of false imprisonment, it stated.

Education minister Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein makes his way to the first sitting of the Northern Assembly at Stormont in Belfast (PA)

The guidance urged school leaders to contact the Royal Ulster Constabulary if they had information that a protest was being planned.

The police at this stage will rely heavily on a schools own assessment of the potential for disturbance, it added.

The document said protests on school grounds should be supervised by staff.

Supervision would reduce the possibility of the school being found negligent should a pupil get injured during such an incident, it stated.

In terms of any engagement with the media, schools were told to refrain from saying no comment and avoid dodging questions, reading from scripts or getting angry with the interviewer.

The files also contain letters written by unionist Assembly members on the issue.

In one, former DUP MLA Iris Robinson raised concern that pupils taking part in a protest at Comber High School in Co Down were locked out when they tried to return to class.

Mr McGuinness replied refuting the claim and making clear pupils were not prevented from re-entering the school.

I am disappointed that pupils felt the need to take this action but I can understand their concerns during this period of change, he added.

In another letter, former Northern Ireland Unionist Party MLA Patrick Roche raised objections to Mr McGuinnesss appointment.

Many parents and teachers are horrified by the appointment of the alleged former overall commander of the IRA in Londonderry to the post of Minister of Education responsible for the education and welfare of their children, he stated.

One piece of correspondence from the newly published papers is a letter of apology to the minister from a pupil at one school where a protest took place.

It was an act which could have been peaceable but degenerated into supreme senselessness and I completely disassociate myself from it, wrote the unnamed pupil.

I hope you can find it in you to forgive these people who perpetrated such an incident, as I dont believe that they are being led by anything other than indoctrination from the pessimistic surrounding world.

In his reply, Mr McGuinness wrote: I was disappointed at what happened at a number of schools but I have been greatly encouraged by the general level of support which I have received since my appointment as Minister for Education.

I can understand that people may feel concerned during this momentous period of change.

I am, however, totally committed to the fair and equal treatment of all the children here and will strive to ensure that they receive the best education possible.
A team of Irish astronomers have captured an out-of-this-world image of one of the youngest stars known to scientists.

The group, led by senior professor and director of cosmic physics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies Tom Ray, published its exciting discovery in the scientific journal Nature.

The discovery, made using the James Webb Space Telescope, allowed the crew to capture an image of the star named Herbig-Haro 211-mm. It is believed to be only a few thousand years old.

Prof Ray, who was the lead author of the paper, credited the infrared light used in the telescope to allow them to capture a clear picture of the young star.

These new stars are generally enshrouded in gas and dust and are difficult to view from Earth, he said.

One very exciting discovery from this new image is that when a star comes into being it emits highly supersonic beams of matter that can stretch for several light-years."

These beams resemble Star Wars lightsabers and shine with light from many different atoms and molecules.

With the use of infrared light which penetrates through the gas and dust surrounding the stars, the group can reveal the stellar births such as this.

The group also concluded that young stars such as Herbig-Haro 211-mm, are seen to emit beams of almost pure molecules, debunking what astronomers previously understood.

Mystery

However, how such beams are produced is currently a mystery, he added.

Prof Ray described stars as having a beginning and an end just like the rest of us, albeit taking thousands of years.

By developing our understanding about how they are born, through breakthroughs such as this, we are deepening our knowledge on how our sun and the solar system came into being, he said.

The telescope, launched in December 2021 in collaboration with Nasa, the European Space Agency and the Canadian Space Agency, is currently the worlds largest.

The main aim of the telescope is to understand how stars and planets are formed, with plans to look deeper into space, collecting data from the earliest stars, planets and galaxies in the universe, over the course of its 10-year mission.

As a result of the group's involvement in the development of the telescope, the astronomers at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies

have been gifted access to the Webb telescope for the further study of star formation.

The study of Herbig-Haro 211 was conducted as part of the JOYS (JWST Observations of Young protoStars) programme.
The Government has been accused of losing control of the new National Childrens Hospital project while a procurement expert has said it could be 18 months before a child is treated there.

That is after Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said the contractors BAM submitted a new finish date for their part in the build but did not say what this date is, during an interview with RTE.

Stephen Donnelly described the delays as 'deeply frustrating'.

He described delays to this point as deeply frustrating. The first date submitted had been March 2024, which was revised to May, he said.

Then they resubmitted again with another date which the Board at this point has not accepted, and is in very intensive engagement with the contractor on this, he said.

Asked what the latest date is, he said there isnt an agreed final or future date, adding this is because the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has not accepted the new estimate.

'Deeply troubling'

The Social Democrats accused the Government of losing control of the project with its TD Catherine Murphy saying the changes are deeply troubling.

While conceding that the latest completion date of May 2024 will not be met, he refused to reveal the revised handover deadline put forward by the developer. This suggests there has been a further drift in the works schedule that far exceeds our worst expectations, she said.

Mr Donnelly also said BAM submitted claims coming to 760m which the board is contesting, with just over 12m paid out.

Social Democrats Catherine Murphy TD.

Ms Murphy said it is clear that the final cost of the hospital is going to come in well above the Governments figure of 1.4bn.

With costs expected to soar above the 2bn mark, this will end up being the worlds most expensive hospital," she added.

Meanwhile, Dr Paul Davis, assistant professor of management at Dublin City University, said the contractor is legally entitled to make claims because the design was not complete when the project went to tender.

Given that we didn't have a design in the first place when we actually went out to contract, there were going to be changes to the design, he told RTEs Claire Byrne.

So what we have is 760m of claims based on the design that wasn't there. So it's understandable that that has escalated over the years.

Rising construction costs

The original agreement was additional costs covered to 7% above inflation, he said, but at times the buildings inflation had been in excess of 20%.

Mr Donnelly had highlighted the combined effects of the war in Ukraine and the pandemic as key factors in the escalating construction costs.

Dr Davis said in 2019 PWC had raised questions about the project management skills dedicated to the build.

There's still a further probably 18 months before we actually see the first child admitted at this stage, he estimated.

Had it been within a couple of months, then we probably would have expected the board to have approved it (completion date). But given that it probably is not within a couple of months of May next year, nobody really wants to announce the date, I suspect, because there's an election due next year.
A Dublin man has been accused of sharing child sex abuse videos using a social media app.

Conor OKeefe, 34, formerly of Newland Manor Park, Clondalkin, but now residing at Dorset Street in the city centre, was charged under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.

The plumber is accused of possession and distribution of child pornography at his former address on April 6 and April 16, 2022.

Detective Garda Katie Flood from the protective services unit objected to bail on Thursday due to the seriousness of the case. She told the court that gardai received a notification about the online distribution of child pornography in videos via a social media account linked to an email address.

The contested bail hearing was told he assisted gardai when they searched his home. Judge Cronin heard the accused gave gardai passwords for his social media app and the PIN for his phone.

Detective Garda Flood alleged that the accused sent 12 videos over two dates using Kik. The accused told gardai a video was sent to him, but he had not downloaded it, the court heard.

Bail hearing

The officer also cited flight-risk concerns because the accused had worked in Norway earlier this year.

Cross-examined by defence solicitor Damien Coffey, the garda accepted that he had family ties and work commitments in the jurisdiction and returned from Norway. He had also remained at his address while gardai awaited directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Pleading for bail, the solicitor told Judge Cronin that his client would abide by conditions and had a plausible account that he did not know what was shared.

Judge Cronin held it was unnecessary to deny the defendants application and set his bail bond at 250, but she required approval of a 5,000 independent surety. She remanded Mr OKeefe in custody with consent to bail to appear again next week.

On taking up bail, the accused must sign on three days a week at a Garda station, surrender his passport and not apply for a duplicate or any travel documents, notify gardai of any address change, and not use social media apps Kik or tagged.com.

The DPP has directed a trial on indictment at the Circuit Court level, which has broader sentencing powers. However, the DPP must complete a book of evidence and serve it on him before the District Court grants a return for trial order.
Mary Immaculate College has lodged an appeal with An Bord Pleanala objecting to an extension to student accommodation planned near the Limerick institutions campus, claiming it is deeply concerned that the development would be inappropriate for student life.

Developers had sought to build a new three-storey block in the existing 68-bed Westbourne Student Residences comprising 22 en-suite student accommodation bedspaces, which was given approval by Limerick City and County Council in July. It is located right by the campus for MIC in Limerick.

The crisis in student accommodation flares up again every September as students struggle to source places to live ahead of the academic year. In recent years, students in Limerick have described how theyve had to hole up in hotels or live in their cars as they try to find accommodation.

A planning report on behalf of Westbourne Student Ltd said the additional block to this development would "cater for the predicted growing student population in the city and tackle the shortage of purpose-built student accommodation".

In a letter on behalf of MIC vice president Michael Keane, first reported by the Limerick Post, an objection was lodged to the original planning permission sought and subsequently to An Bord Pleanala.

My clients, Mary Immaculate College, operate the Courtbrack student accommodation facility immediately to the west of the proposal, it said. They are concerned to ensure a proper environment for students who will be using the Mary Immaculate campus.

They are highly experienced in the matter of operation of student facilities and are deeply concerned that the proposed development would be inappropriate to student life and will have a negative impact on their property.

MIC cited five grounds for appeal, including the excessive density of the development, the interference with the amenity of nearby properties, a claim the proposal is in breach of the city development plan and the potential for traffic congestion.

It also claimed that Limerick City and County Council did not take its original objections into account when it granted planning permission.

Student accommodation can be subject to boisterous and at times antisocial behaviour, it said. It is essential to ensure that they have adequate levels of privacy as well as adequate levels of recreation space. This is manifestly not the case in the present proposal.

An Bord Pleanala has set a target of December 13, 2023, for its decision on the appeal.
Anguished faces emerged from an emergency meeting at Before 5 creche in Cork on Thursday following the sudden news the beloved centre, described as the heartbeat of the community, would close with immediate effect.

The move has left 100 families without childcare places next week and 14 staff, many of whom have worked there for more than 20 years, suddenly without jobs.

But within that anguish was a grim determination.

Weve lost enough from the northside already. Were not going to let this go too. Well fight for it, one staff member who asked not to be named, said.

Staff members Lillian Hanover, who has worked at the centre for 28 years, and Christine Mullins who has worked at the centre for 12 years. Picture: Larry Cummins

Christina Mullins, Siptu member and room lead who has worked at Before 5 for 12 years, said staff were shocked and heartbroken.

We got the text message yesterday at 3pm. It was a disgrace to be notified by text. We were under the impression that another family centre was taking it over.

They had given us new contracts. We were told wed be starting August 31. In six days that has all changed.

Were demented that were losing our jobs but our priority is the children.

Lilian Hannover has worked at Before 5 for 28 years.

We are horrified that we have children with needs who are coming back here that will now have to go somewhere else. For a child with [additional] needs its very important they have the same environment, we have AIMs [autism supports] allocated for them, where are they going to go?

They have lunch boxes and bags all ready to go. Its devastating. No one expected this. Some parents took their children out of other creches to bring them here. We were ready for them. Then to be told in a text that your job is gone. Why? Weve been given no reason why the other provider pulled out.

Regulatory burdens

Financial concerns and regulatory burdens are some of the reported reasons for the sudden closure.

Siptu has called for the Tanaiste to intervene directly in the dispute.

We are calling on Micheal Martin to ensure that this vital part of North Cork is serviced," Peter OBrien of the union said.

Its been going for 50 years plus. There are children ready to start next week, all theyre missing is a layer of management to coordinate it. And we believe in the trade union that that is possible. There is still time for this to be achieved.

This building is not just a building, its the heartbeat of North Cork.

The current board will be dissolved on September 4, the liquidator has been appointed. The company as it stands is gone but the building still stands and the staff are still available. We have a very tight timeline so we need political pressure. But it is possible.

The Before 5 Centre on Churchfield Hill was founded almost 50 years ago as a community resource. Picture: Larry Cummins

The Before 5 Centre on Churchfield Hill was founded almost 50 years ago as a community resource.

The Bishop of Cork has now been contacted about the imminent closure because the building is owned by the diocese.

Politicians said they were working cross-party to solve the problem and have urged the diocese and Cork City Childcare to sit down and thrash out a solution.

Fianna Fail TD Padraig OSullivan said another childcare provider may already be interested.

"From talking to Cork City Childcare, there might be an option or two in the pipeline.

Its a common goal to keep it going. Ideally youd replace it with another community childcare option. That would ensure staff would retain rights, pay and so on. A change of model would create more instability."

But he admitted that unless something emerges it wont open".

Fifth creche to close

Before 5 would be the fifth creche to close on the northside of Cork City in four years, Sinn Fein TD Thoms Gould, whose children attended the centre, said.

Mr Gould said although he was worried about the timeline, he believes the centre could be saved.

My own two daughters went to pre-school and creche here, the staff are amazing.

The fear is if it closes the staff will look for jobs somewhere else and theyll be lost. Parents are looking to start creche and pre-school next week."

He said all community childcare facilities should be part of the Department of Educations responsibility, as primary schools are.

There needs to be a complete review of governance of all community childcare to stop this happening every year.

All childcare facilities like this should be brought into the education system like primary schools to stop them going to wall each year. This seems to be a national issue.

"It comes back to this [community and voluntary] model. We need to look at a centralised, primary-school type childcare set-up run by the State.

'There is hope'

Fianna Fail councillor Tony Fitzgerald said: The mood inside [the staff meeting] was despondent but there is hope that we can keep the centre open.

Cllr Mick Nugent and Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould speaking with reporters after the meeting at the centre. Picture: Larry Cummins

He called for a sit-down between Bishop Fintan Gavin, Tusla, Cork City Childcare, childcare providers and parents to ensure the invaluable community resource is kept intact.

Although a volume of work would need to be done, he also believes keeping the centre open is still possible.

Theres a history here thats bigger than childcare, a staff member, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

The community fundraised to establish this centre in the 70s, we hope that the community will save us now.

Thousands and thousands of children have gone through here. Three generations have attended this centre, grandparents now bring their grandchildren. And its not just childcare, its a community centre, there are play services, painting, yoga, baby massage.

Weve lost too much from the northside already. Were going to fight not to lose this too.
Ever since the abortive coup, speculation had been that Yevgeny Prigozhin could be living on borrowed time.

When the head of the notorious Wagner group launched his historic uprising, inflicting the biggest crisis of Vladimir Putins 23-year reign, many were left wondering how the Russian leader would respond.

During the mutiny, Prigozhins band of mercenaries shot down at least two helicopters and killed about 15 Russian service personnel, many of them airmen. More significantly for Putin, Prigozhins rebellion, which reached the outskirts of Moscow, exposed the fragility of a regime many deemed to be stable.

Yevgeny 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.

The cause of the crash on Wednesday, which killed all 10 people on board  Prigozhin listed among them, officials said  was not immediately clear, but the Wagner leaders longstanding feud with the military and the armed uprising he led in June would give the Russian state ample motive for revenge.

Putin does not suffer betrayal gladly and is known to divide those who oppose him into two categories: enemies and traitors. Prigozhins uprising undoubtedly placed him in the second category.

But Putins initial response to the mutiny left many puzzled. Despite promising to liquidate the traitor in a televised address to the nation, Putin allowed Prigozhin to strike a deal with Belaruss Alexander Lukashenko and leave Russia for exile.

Unusually, weeks after the mutiny, the Kremlin said Putin had a three-hour meeting with Prigozhin and Wagner group commanders days after the rebellion.

Putin also remarkably admitted that he sought and failed during the meeting to have Prigozhin replaced as the leader of Wagners fighters in Ukraine.

Having initially left for Belarus, where his Wagner troops set up camp and trained local security forces, Prigozhin was seen moving freely back and forth between Moscow and his hometown of St Petersburg, reportedly picking up stacks of cash and gold bars that he held at his opulent mansions.

Not much later, Prigozhin was spotted on the sidelines of a major Russia-Africa summit in St Petersburg, where he met African officials at a hotel that he owned.

Those who knew Prigozhin were not surprised, believing that the warlord at some point would probably pick up the tab for his foray into revolutionary politics. A former restaurant tycoon turned mercenary leader, Prigozhin has always been a risk-taker, and was not one to sit in exile in Belarus while his mercenary army was dismantled.

Putin's reaction

Attempting to explain Putins timid behaviour, analysts argued that the Russian leader, who had not previously faced dissent from the ultra-nationalist flank, was looking to pacify rather than destroy his former ally.

But Prigozhins brazen conduct left many in the elite wondering whether Putin still held control over the country, according to western officials.

For a lot of Russians watching this, used to this image of Putin as the arbiter of order, the question was, Does the emperor have no clothes? Or at least, Why is it taking so long for him to get dressed? CIA director William Burns said earlier this month.

Prigozhin was last seen earlier this week when he released a video in which he claimed to be in Africa, where his mercenaries have relocated since the abortive uprising. But it was unclear when it was taken and whether he had returned to Russia since it was shot.

As speculations swirl on the role of Putin in the crash, the warlords death will surely raise tensions within the Russian army.

While his uprising was largely condemned by the armed forces, he remained a popular figure among some elements of the troops who sympathised with his critiques of the Russian military establishment and the faltering war.

If he is really dead, [I will] grab my stuff, we dont need this fucking war, wrote Egor Guzenko, a Russian soldier who runs a blog under the callsign Thirteenth shortly after the news of Prigozhins death emerged.

This image released by Ostorozhno Novosti shows the crash site of a private jet near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver Region. Officials say a private jet has crashed over Russia, killing all 10 people on board. Mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list.

We should be killing our enemies, not our own, wrote Sergei Markov, a popular blogger and former adviser to the Kremlin. All our enemies are celebrating  The death of Prigozhin is Ukraines biggest achievement this year. The crash of Prigozhins jet also came on the day that reports emerged indicating that Moscow had relieved Gen Sergei Surovikin of his command of the Russian aerospace forces, in the highest-level sacking yet of a military commander after Prigozhins mutiny.

Prigozhins public support for Surovikin, a veteran commander who was seen as an ally of the Wagner militia in the Russian defence ministry, had raised questions over whether he or other senior commanders aided the mutiny or at least had prior knowledge of Prigozhins plans.

While the dramatic crash footage was met with shock by his allies, some in the Russian establishment previously indicated that Putin would not let Prigozhins betrayal slide.

In an earlier interview with the Guardian, a Kremlin insider said that in half a year or a year, novichok will catch up with Prigozhin, a reference to the 2020 poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

I dont think he will be easily forgiven  Maybe not immediately, but in some time, in the best traditions, novichok will come to visit him. He should probably watch out for his underpants, the source added.

Putin, however, appears to have been working to a fast-track schedule.

It seems certain that those in the political elite will take onboard one crucial lesson from the turbulent summer of 2023: You come at the king, you best not miss.
This is the time of year when the prospect of returning to school dominates households all over Ireland, with accompanying financial pressures in many cases.

The added complication this year, however, is the staffing crisis which faces many schools. Teacher retention and recruitment are serious challenges which schools all over the country are struggling with.

This has the potential to affect children in many ways, with the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) suggesting this week that a shortage of teachers in second-level schools is narrowing the range of subject options available to students.

There are several options being considered to address this problem, ranging from increasing teaching allocations to allowing schools more full-time, permanent jobs, from halving the duration of the two-year study programme required to become a second-level teacher to reducing the red tape facing teachers returning to work here after a spell overseas.

While these are laudable suggestions, some come with inherent problems.

If two years of study is deemed necessary to achieve a professional master of education in order to teach, then can a one-year course offer a similar level of preparation and training?

As for cutting back on the amount of red tape facing teachers returning to Ireland, the occasional rogue example from the medical profession underlines the need for close scrutiny of qualifications and fitness to practice rather than the opposite.

While some of the problems with retention and recruitment are particular to the teaching profession, its also clear that this crisis is also being driven by broader problems facing modern Ireland. In Dublin, for instance, the issue of affordable accommodation for newly qualified teachers has been identified as an ongoing problem when it comes to recruitment, while the TUI has described the culture of precarious work  which affects many areas of employment  as driving people away from teaching as an option.

While it is traditional to say such problems have no quick fixes, the Department of Education must offer leadership here with schools about to reopen.

Pub closures

The changes in Irish life can be tracked in many ways, but one striking difference between todays Ireland and the country 20 or 30 years ago is the dwindling number of pubs, which is noticeable in all parts.

A report from the Drinks Industry of Ireland has put a precise figure on this vague sense of vanishing pubs, revealing this week that 1,937 pubs have closed since 2002, with 108 pubs closing in 2022 alone.

On one hand, this is hardly surprising, with the sharp changes in lifestyle we have seen in these past two decades. More people now drink at home, while drink driving is thankfully anathema. These two factors alone are surely linked to the declining numbers of pubs.

This decline also has significant regional variations. The report pointed out that the number of pubs in Dublin has only fallen by 3.4%, while in Limerick and Cork the fall has been 32% and 30% respectively, and over a quarter of pubs in Tipperary, Waterford, and Clare have closed since 2005.

Clearly, this indicates a disproportionate impact on rural areas, an impact which is difficult to overestimate.

While the status of a pub as an informal community centre in many areas can sometimes be overstated, it is still a small local business  often family-owned and family-run  as well as an attraction for tourists and passing trade which might not otherwise stop in a rural area.

When such a pub closes, theres often a double economic blow to the community as a result. Jobs are lost and there is one fewer reason to visit.

The disappearance of so many pubs from rural areas has therefore weakened communities considerably, particularly as the institutions to replace them do not seem to exist.

Rose of Tralee

The 2023 International Rose of Tralee Roisin Wiley said being a participant in the festival had 'empowered me more than anything Ive ever done in my life', which is a somewhat inconvenient response for critics of the festival. Picture: Domnick Walsh/Eye Focus

The Rose of Tralee Festival ended with New Yorks Roisin Wiley named as Rose of Tralee.

Wiley, whose parents are from Limerick, said being a participant had empowered me more than anything Ive ever done in my life, which is a somewhat inconvenient response for critics of the festival.

The charges laid against the Rose of Tralee are usually that it is outdated and misogynistic, reducing contestants to the status of compliant extras in a real-life version of Father Teds Lovely Girls competition. Those arguments seem difficult to reconcile with Wileys comments, comments which also buttress an implicit retort: Given the primacy in modern life granted to ones lived experience, who has the authority to gainsay the newly crowned Rose?

To complicate matters further, male critics of the festival run the risk of being found guilty of mansplaining to participants where they have gone wrong, which practically amounts to a capital charge in the current climate.

One of the festivals achievements is that it reflects aspects of Ireland which rarely feature on primetime, literally and figuratively. The Clare Rose shared the powerful story of her community in Feakles support for her family since her parents passed away, for instance  an inspirational story few would have known without the forum offered by the festival.

It seems odd that in a summer when one female figure changed from a caricature of femininity to a champion, other female figures remain fair game for unfair criticism.

Or is empowerment confined to Barbie alone?
WITH Cork citys main courthouse just across the road, legal eagles may swoop in on Florence Buildings, a distinctive, redbrick, copper-turreted office block, on the market for 450,000.

Its been home in the past to Daly, Derham, Donnelly solicitors, who relocated to Cleve Industrial Park on Cork Citys Monahan Road.

Now vacant, the high profile building extends over four floors, taking in 1A Washington Street and a portion of 3-4 Hanover Place. It has the benefit of being accessible from the corner of Washington Street, while also having side access from Hanover Place.

Florence Buildings, Washington St

Inside, the 2,855 sq ft premises includes a ground floor reception area, a number of private office rooms, open plan office areas, a large boardroom and staff canteen. Restrooms are on the ground and top floor levels.

Selling agents are Brian Edwards and Colm OConnor of CBRE and they say its ideally suited to a solicitor practice, given its strategic location, adjacent to Cork Courthhouse.

Cork Circuit Court on Washington Street. Picture: Dennis Horgan

They add that the property, which is being sold with vacant possession, is likely to appeal to both owner occupiers and investors.

The surrounding area is predominantly occupied by professional services, together with a wide variety of amenities such as cafes, restaurants and convenience retail

The premises, which dates back to 1920, has a long association with legal eagles. It previously featured in these pages in 2003, when it was on the market with the significantly higher guide price of 1.2m, making it look like a bargain this time around. At one point, seven barristers shared the upstairs floors, while downstairs was a shop. It was run by the Higgins family for more than 80 years and subsequently, by well-known former Irish rugby player and IRFU figure Noel Murphy. His sons ran it as a shop, and in the late 1990s it was bought by publican Tom Scriven, who had plans to incorporate it into a superpub, but subsequently sold it on.

The CRBE agents say the ground floor does have potential for retail, with the benefit of two access points.

DETAILS: Brian.s.edwards@cbre.com or Colm.oconnor1@cbre.com, Tel: 0214917255
The Republican presidential candidates vying to be the leading alternative to front-runner Donald Trump fought over abortion rights, US support for Ukraine and the type of experience needed to manage an expansive federal government during the first debate of the 2024 campaign.

But when it came to arguably the most consequential choice facing the party, virtually everyone on the debate stage in Milwaukee on Wednesday night lined up behind Mr Trump, who declined to participate, citing his commanding lead.

Most said they would support Mr Trump as their nominee even if he is convicted in a series of cases that range from his handling of classified documents to his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and his role in making hush money payments to a porn actress and other women.

Lets just speak the truth, said tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy.

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy at the Republican presidential primary debate in Milwaukee (Morry Gash/AP)

President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. Its a fact.

In the face of such an unprecedented moment in American politics, that sentiment was a reminder of the power Mr Trump continues to wield in the party and the reluctance of most Republican White House hopefuls to directly confront him or his norm-breaking activity.

And it spoke to the struggle of any single candidate in the crowded field to emerge as a credible counter to Mr Trump with less than five months until the Iowa caucuses formally jumpstart the Republican presidential nomination process.

That challenge was particularly acute for Florida governor Ron DeSantis, who announced his campaign in May to great fanfare but has since struggled to gain traction.

He was sometimes eclipsed on Wednesday by lower-polling candidates, including former vice president Mike Pence, a generally understated politician who demonstrated an aggressive side as he positioned himself as the most experienced candidate on stage.

Mr Pence along with former New Jersey governor Chris Christie sparred frequently with Mr Ramaswamy.

The goal for almost every candidate was to use the event, hosted by Fox News, to displace Mr DeSantis from his distant second-place standing and introduce themselves to viewers who are just tuning into the race.

Florida governor Ron DeSantis (Morry Gash/AP)

While the candidates repeatedly tangled  often talking over moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum  most refused to oppose Mr Trump as the nominee, even if he becomes a convicted felon.

The question came nearly an hour into the debate and a day before Mr Trump is set to surrender in Georgia on charges of trying to overturn the states 2020 election.

The moderators appeared apologetic about even raising the issue of a potentially incarcerated nominee, saying they would spend just a brief moment discussing the man they called the elephant not in the room, which drew boos from the audience.

Someones got to stop normalising misconduct. Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, said Mr Christie, a one-time Trump ally who has since become a fierce critic.

Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson was the only person who clearly refused to raise his hand, indicating he would not support Mr Trump as the nominee if he was convicted.

Former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson (Morry Gash/AP)

Mr DeSantis was among those who did raise his hand.

He said Mr Pence did his duty on January 6 2021 when he refused to go along with Mr Trumps unconstitutional scheme to overturn the vote, but nonetheless pressed the hosts to move on.

This election is not about January 6 2021. Its about January 20 of 2025 when the next president is going to take office, he said.

For his part, Mr Pence defended his decision not to overturn the election in Mr Trumps favour, a move that ended their strong partnership, saying he upheld his oath to defend the constitution.

Mr Trump, who had long said he felt it would be foolish to participate in the debate given his dominant lead in the race, followed through with his threat to skip the Fox event in a blow to the network.

Instead, Mr Trump pre-recorded an interview with ex-Fox host Tucker Carlson that was posted to the platform formerly known as Twitter right before the debate kicked off.

Former president Donald Trump (Charlie Riedel/AP)

Do I sit there for an hour or two hours, whatever its going to be, and get harassed by people that shouldnt even be running for president? Should I be doing that at a network that isnt particularly friendly to me? Mr Trump said.

But even without Mr Trump, the debate demonstrated sharp divisions within the party that he has stoked on issues including the war between Russia and Ukraine after Russias invasion nearly 18 months ago.

Both Mr DeSantis and Mr Ramaswamy said they opposed more funding to Ukraine, arguing the money should be spent securing the US border against drug and human trafficking.

As president of the United States, your first obligation is to defend our country and its people, Mr DeSantis said.

Mr Ramaswamy compared support for Ukraine to the ill-fated US military interventions in Iraq and Vietnam.

Mr Christie, Mr Pence and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley cast support for Ukraine as a moral obligation and a national security imperative, warning that Russian President Vladimir Putin will continue his aggression if he succeeds in Ukraine, potentially threatening US allies.

Former vice president Mike Pence (Morry Gash/AP)

Anybody who thinks we cant solve problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a small view of the greatest nation on earth, Mr Pence said.

The candidates also tangled on abortion, underscoring the partys challenges on the issue after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade last year.

All of the candidates identified as pro-life, but they differed on when restrictions should kick in after the court ended the constitutional right to an abortion, leading to a wave of restrictions in Republican-led states.

Mr DeSantis refused again to say whether he supports a federal ban.

Im going to stand on the side of life. Look, I understand Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to be different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president, he said.

Ms Haley, who has said she would absolutely sign a 15-week federal ban, argued for consensus, saying that barring the procedure nationwide would be highly unlikely without more Republicans in Congress.

Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley (Morry Gash/AP)

Consensus is the opposite of leadership, rebutted Mr Pence, who has made his opposition to abortion rights a central tenet of his campaign.

Mr Pence supports a federal ban on abortion at six weeks, before many women even know they are pregnant, and has called on the field to back a 15-week national ban as a minimum.

South Carolina Senator Tim Scott also countered those who argued the issue should be left to the states.

Republican presidential candidates Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum (Morry Gash/AP)

We cannot let states like California, New York, Illinois have abortions on demand up until the day of birth. That is immoral, it is unethical, it is wrong, he said.

While Mr DeSantis had expected to be the top target as the front-runner on the stage, the candidates focused many of their attacks on Mr Ramaswamy, who has been rising in the polls and espouses many of Mr Trumps positions.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We dont need to bring in a rookie. We dont need to bring in people without experience, quipped Mr Pence.

Mr Christie also laced into Mr Ramaswamy.

Former New Jersey governor Chris Christie (Morry Gash/AP)

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, he said, referencing the artificial intelligence chat program, and calling him an amateur.

Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, Mr Ramaswamy shot back  a reference to Mr Christies embrace of the former president after a storm ravaged his state.

Ms Haley, the only woman on stage in a sea of men wearing red ties, tried to rise above the fray.

I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said, If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman, she said.
Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and top officers of his private Wagner military company are presumed dead in a plane crash that was widely seen as an assassination, two months after they staged a mutiny that dented Russian President Vladimir Putins authority.

Russias civil aviation agency said that Mr Prigozhin and six top lieutenants were on a business jet that crashed on Wednesday, soon after taking off from Moscow, with a crew of three.

Rescuers quickly found all 10 bodies, and Russian media cited sources in Mr Prigozhins Wagner company who confirmed his death.

US and other Western officials long expected Mr Putin to go after Mr Prigozhin, despite promising to drop charges in a deal that ended the June 23-24 mutiny.

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

Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. Prigozhin supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging app channels that the plane was deliberately downed, including suggesting it could have been hit by an air defence missile or targeted by a bomb on board.

These claims could not be independently verified.

Numerous opponents and critics of Mr Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts.

Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting on economic issues via a video conference at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, July 25, 2023.

Speaking to Latvian television, Nato Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence director Janis Sarts said that the downing of the plane was certainly no mere coincidence.

The crash came the same day that Russian media reported that General Sergei Surovikin, a former top commander in Ukraine who was reportedly linked to Mr Prigozhin, was dismissed from his post as commander of Russias air force.

Gen Surovikin has not been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Mr Prigozhins forces to pull back.

Police cordoned off the field where the plane crashed as investigators studied the site.

Vehicles were seen driving in to take the bodies, reportedly badly charred, for a forensic examination.

At Wagners headquarters in St Petersburg, lights were turned on in the shape of a large cross.

Mr Prigozhins supporters brought flowers to the building in an improvised memorial.

While countless theories about the events swirled, most observers saw Mr Prigozhins death as Mr Putins punishment for the most serious challenge to his authority of his 23-year rule.

Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Centre, 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, Ms Stanovaya said in a Telegram post.

In the revolt that started on June 23 and lasted less than 24 hours, Mr Prigozhins mercenaries swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot, before driving to within about 200 kilometres (125 miles) of Moscow in what Mr Prigozhin called a march of justice to oust the top military leaders who demanded that the mercenaries sign contracts with the Defence Ministry.

They downed several military aircraft, killing more than a dozen Russian pilots.

Mr Putin first denounced the rebellion as treason and a stab in the back and vowed to punish its perpetrators, but hours later made a deal that saw an end to the mutiny in exchange for an amnesty for Mr Prigozhin and his mercenaries and permission for them to move to Belarus.

Details of the deal have remained murky, but Mr Prigozhin has reportedly shuttled between Moscow, St Petersburg, Belarus and Africa where his mercenaries have continued their activities despite the rebellion.

He was quickly given back truckloads of cash, gold bars and other items that police seized on the day of the rebellion, feeding speculation that the Kremlin still needed Mr Prigozhin despite the mutiny.

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.

Earlier this week, the mercenary chief published his first video since the mutiny, declaring that he was speaking from an undisclosed location in Africa where Wagner is making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

Mr Prigozhins overseas activities have reportedly irked Russias military leadership, who have sought to replace Wagner with Russian military personnel in Africa.

The Institute for the Study of War argued that Russian authorities probably moved to eliminate Mr Prigozhin and his top associates as the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organisation.

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

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 fell, one of its wings missing.

A freefall like that occurs 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.

Mr Prigozhins death is unlikely to have an effect on Russias war in Ukraine.

His forces fought some of the fiercest battles over the last 18 months, but pulled back from the front line after capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut in late May.

As news of the crash was breaking, Mr Putin projected calm, speaking at an event commemorating the Second World War Battle of Kursk and hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine.

On Thursday, he addressed the Brics summit in Johannesburg via video link, talking about expanding co-operation between the groups members.

He did not mention the crash and the Kremlin made no comment about it.
Donald Trump is expected to turn himself in to authorities in Georgia today on charges that he illegally schemed to overturn the 2020 US election in the state.

A county jail booking in the state is expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former US president.

Mr Trumps surrender, coming amid an abrupt shake-up of his legal team, follows the presidential debate in Milwaukee the night before featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination  a contest in which he remains the leading candidate despite broad legal troubles.

A Trump supporter shouts at the media outside the Fulton County Jail (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

His presence in Georgia, though likely to be brief, is again taking the spotlight away from his opponents after the debate in which they sought to seize on his absence to elevate their own presidential prospects.

The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Mr Trump since March, when he became the first former president in US history to be indicted.

Since then, he has faced federal charges in Florida and Washington, and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others  including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani  under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organised crime.

Giuliani, Mr Trumps lawyer and confidant, turned himself in on Wednesday and had a booking photo taken.

Booking photo taken on Wednesday of Rudy Giuliani (Fulton County Sheriffs Office via AP)

The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Mr Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the campaign trail.

He has turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move.

The campaign has also used the appearances to solicit fundraising contributions from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his re-election chances.

His Atlanta appearance will be different from others, though, requiring him to surrender at a problem-plagued jail  but without an accompanying court appearance for now.

Unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, Fulton County officials have said they expect to take a booking photo like they would for any other defendant.

A police vehicle outside the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesnt matter your status, well have a mug shot ready for you, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat said at a news conference earlier this month.

District Attorney Fani Willis has given all of the defendants until Friday afternoon to surrender at the main Fulton County jail.

Just ahead of his expected surrender, Mr Trump hired a new lead lawyer for the Georgia case.

Prominent Atlanta criminal defence lawyer Steve Sadow took the place of another high-profile criminal defence lawyer, Drew Findling, who had represented Mr Trump as recently as Monday when his bond terms were negotiated.

But by Thursday Mr Findling was no longer part of the team, according to an anonymous person with knowledge of the change.

Mr Sadow, who has represented a rapper, Gunna, who pleaded guilty last year in a racketeering case also brought by Ms Willis, said in a statement that the president should never have been indicted. He said Mr Trump is innocent of all the charges brought against him.

We look forward to the case being dismissed or, if necessary, an unbiased, open minded jury finding the president not guilty, he added. Prosecutions intended to advance or serve the ambitions and careers of political opponents of the president have no place in our justice system.

Supporters of Donald Trump gather outside Fulton County Jail (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

It is not the first time this year that Mr Trump has shaken up his legal team either in the run-up to an indictment or in the immediate aftermath. One of his lead lawyers, Tim Parlatore, left the legal team weeks before Mr Trump was indicted in Florida on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents, citing conflicts with a top Trump adviser.

Two other lawyers, James Trusty and John Rowley, announced their resignations the morning after that indictment was returned.

Mr Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a perfect phone call in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him find 11,780 votes for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.

Mr Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail, which has long been a troubled facility. The Justice Department last month opened a civil rights investigation into conditions, citing filthy cells, violence and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects in the main jails psychiatric wing. Three people have died in Fulton County custody in the past month.

But Mr Trump is not expected to spend much time there.

Donald Trump being escorted to a courtroom in New York on April 4 (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

His lawyers and prosecutors have already agreed to a bond of 200,000 US dollars (158,000), along with conditions that include barring the former president from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case, including on social media.

When defendants arrive at the jail, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby. During the booking process, defendants are typically photographed and fingerprinted and asked to provide certain personal information. Since Mr Trumps bond has already been set, he will be released from custody once the booking process is complete.

Unlike in other jurisdictions, in Fulton County, arraignments  in which a defendant appears in court for the first time  generally happen after a defendant surrenders at the jail and completes the booking process, not on the same day.

That means Mr Trump could have to make two trips to Georgia in the coming weeks though the Fulton County Sheriffs Office has said some arraignments in the case may happen virtually if the judge allows, or he could waive Mr Trumps arraignment.

When Mr Trump eventually appears in court, the public is also likely to see much more of the proceedings firsthand. Georgia courts typically allow photographs and video of the proceeding, unlike in federal court and in New York, where press access is tightly controlled.

Only in Manhattan were still photographers allowed to capture images of Mr Trump briefly while he sat in the witness box. Federal courts generally prohibit photography, recordings and electronics of any kind.
Russian president Vladimir Putin sent his condolences to the family of Yevgeny Prigozhin on Thursday, breaking his silence after the mercenary leader's plane crashed with no survivors two months after he led a mutiny against army chiefs.

Two US officials told Reuters that Washington believed a surface-to-air missile originating from inside Russia likely shot down the plane, though they said the information was preliminary and under review. They spoke on condition of anonymity and offered no evidence.

Russian investigators opened a criminal probe but there has been no official word from Moscow on what may have caused Wednesday evening's crash. Until Putin's comments there had been no official confirmation of Prigozhin's death beyond a statement from the aviation authority saying he was on board.

Breaking his silence, Putin described Prigozhin as a talented businessman whom he had known since the 1990s and said the investigation into the crash would take time.

Yevgeny Prigozhin

Prigozhin, 62, was head of the Wagner mercenary group and a self-declared enemy of the army top brass over what he said was its incompetent prosecution of Russia's war in Ukraine.

Putin earlier made a virtual statement to a summit of the BRICS nations in South Africa which his foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, was attending. Neither referenced the plane crash in which 10 people were said to have been killed.

The Embraer Legacy 600 (EMBR3.SA) executive jet, which had been flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg and was reported to have also been carrying senior members of Prigozhin's team, crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver region north of Moscow.

A Reuters reporter at the crash site on Thursday morning saw men carrying away black body bags on stretchers. Part of the plane's tail and other fragments lay on the ground near a wooded area where forensic investigators had erected a tent.

The Baza news outlet, which has good sources among law enforcement agencies, reported that investigators were focusing on a theory that one or two bombs may have been planted on board.

Prigozhin spearheaded the mutiny against the army leadership on June 23-24 which Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war.

Russian servicemen block a road near a private jet crash, near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region.

The mercenary leader also spent months criticising the conduct of Russia's war in Ukraine - which Moscow calls a "special military operation" - and had tried to topple Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, chief of the General Staff.

The mutiny was ended by an apparent Kremlin deal which saw Prigozhin agree to relocate to neighbouring Belarus. But he had appeared to move freely inside Russia.

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.
Washington expanded its sanctions on Myanmar on Wednesday to the jet-fuel sector, adding two Burmese businesspeople and three companies that supply jet fuel to the regimes military to its Specially Designated Nationals List.

The US Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) placed Khin Phyu Win and Zaw Min Tun on the list, which prohibits any American or US companyincluding banks and financial institutionsfrom doing business with them.

It also issued a warning. Any person determined  to operate in the jet fuel sector of the Burmese economy shall be subject to sanctions, said Bradley Smith, Deputy Director of OFAC.

Three companies linked to Khin Phyu Win were also placed on the list, including two registered in Singapore. They are: Myanmar-registered P.E.I. Energy Pte Ltd, and two Singapore-registered companies: Peia Pte Ltd and Shoon Energy Pte Ltd.

Khin Phyu Win is also known as Kyauk Kyar Shwe (the Burmese spelling of her Chinese name, Zhao Jia Shui). She continues to procure and distribute jet fuel through her ownership and control of the three companies, according to OFACs update of its SDNL.

Previously, she was associated with multiple jet fuel-related companies within the Asia Sun Group, which imported jet fuel on behalf of Myanmars military regime and was sanctioned by OFAC on March 24, 2023 for operating in the defense sector of Myanmars economy. She is the director of at least 10 companies in Myanmar.

Shoon Energy Pte Ltd, was formally known as Asia Sun Aviation and is a part of Asia Sun Group. Khin Phyu Win and Shoon Energy were also sanctioned by the United Kingdom on March 27, while the junta was celebrating the 78th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw.

Khin Phyu Win subsequently transferred 11 Asia Sun Group companies to Zaw Min Tun who became the director and owner of them, including Asia Sun Trading Co Ltd.

In January, the UK imposed sanctions on Asia Sun Trading and two executives: U Zaw Min Tun and U Win Kyaw Kyaw Aung. On March 24, Washington sanctioned three Myanmar-registered companies in the Asia Sun network: Asia Sun Group Co Ltd, Asia Sun Trading Co Ltd and Cargo Link Petroleum Logistics Co Ltd.

The new sanctions specifically target Khin Pyu Win and Zaw Min Tun for their roles in supplying jet fuel to the junta.

The new sanctions were imposed as OFAC said it had strengthened and was expanding sanctions on Myanmar. It has specifically targeted the jet-fuel sector. OFAC can impose sanctions on any foreign individual or entity that operates in Myanmars jet-fuel 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, said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson.

The United States remains committed to supporting the people of Burma in their pursuit of freedom and democracy, he said.

After overthrowing the newly elected civilian government in a coup on February 1, 2021, the military regime has increasingly relied on airstrikes to respond to rising resistance against its rule by the people of Myanmar.
Three children were injured by a junta drone attack in Kay Hlar village tract in Hpruso Township as fierce fighting continues between junta forces and allied resistance forces in Kayah State, a local rights group said.

Three children aged 10, nine and eight were hit by shrapnel yesterday. One of the children is in critical condition, said Ko Benya, spokesperson for the Karenni Human Rights Group.

The drone attack hit a village far from conflict areas, he added.

The junta has escalated shelling and airstrikes on civilian targets in the eastern state, the rights group said.

Heavy bombardments are also reported in Demoso and Hpruso townships, where fighting has intensified between junta troops and allied resistance forces in the state.

Theyve just fired six rounds of artillery bombardments just a few minutes ago, a resident of Demoso told The Irrawaddy.

Junta warplanes also conducted an airstrike near Kwaing Ngan Village in Demoso Township, damaging a bridge and a community hall on Wednesday.

There were no civilian casualties, local residents said.

Schools remain closed in western Demoso and Hpruso townships due to the escalation of shelling and airstrikes by junta forces.

We couldnt open our school as they [junta forces] deliberately bombed IDP [internally displaced person] camps and residential areas, a teacher from Hpruso Township said.

An IDP camp in Demoso Township was hit by junta airstrikes on July 5, injuring three people including a childand damaging a makeshift school.

Tension remains high in Hpruso after the junta sent heavy reinforcements in an attempt to control Pyidaungsu Road between Demoso and Hpruso townships.

Clashes have intensified near three villages in HprusoDaw Ngay Khu, Htee Ka Lu Daw and Htee Paw Sothat were seized by junta forces, sources said.

Junta forces suffered heavy casualties in three days of clashes with resistance forces in Ngwe Taung Ywar Thit and Htee Thaw Ku villages between August 10 and August 12, according to Karenni Nationalities Defense Force.

The KNDF said 71 junta soldiers were killed and three resistance fighters died in the clashes.

The Irrawaddy was unable to verify the casualty figures.

At least 516 civilians were killed and 196 were detained by junta forces in the state since the February 2021 coup, according to the Progressive Karenni People Force, which monitors junta atrocities in Kayah State.

Junta shelling and bombing raids targeting civilians had also destroyed at least 1,639 houses and 39 religious buildings, the group said.

An estimated 100,000 people are in urgent need of food and medicine in the state, aid groups say.
Myanmars junta arrested three Mandalay civilians for allegedly funding resistance groups.

A Mandalay University of Distance Education academic and her husband, a retired ophthalmologist, and another civilian were accused of supporting the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).

Tatnaylin Eye Clinic in Aungmyaythazan Township was raided by soldiers and police on Wednesday, according to residents.

Daw Myint Myat Khaing, an associate professor who joined the civil disobedience movement (CDM), and her husband Dr Mya Than and another civilian, U Yan Naung Htun, were seized.

The junta sealed off the eye clinic and their homes, including an apartment in Aungmyaythazan Township.

The arrests were reported on pro-junta Telegram channels, saying that there was evidence on their phones that they had been funding resistance groups.

A resident said: The family lives peacefully in the neighborhood. I was shocked about their arrest. The doctor is retired and the professor is a CDM participant and perhaps thats why they were targeted.

The junta has repeatedly raided private hospitals and clinics to root out striking doctors and nurses. Private hospitals have been sealed off and their owners detained for allegedly employing CDM doctors and nurses from the public sector.

In December Dr Win Khaing, a urologist at Nandaw Hospital, and two X-ray technicians from Myodaw Hospital were detained by the regime. It ordered the temporary closure of the most popular private hospitals in Mandalay, including Myodaw, Nandaw, Kantkaw, Htet Nay Lin and Sein Pin, by the end of the month.

Junta raids on Mandalays private hospitals and clinics restarted in May with numerous detentions.

In May, the juntas heath ministry revoked the licenses of three hospitals in Mandalay  Myodaw, Nandaw and Kantkaw  for allegedly violating the Private Health Care Services Law.

On August 25, the junta ordered the private Mingalar Hospital to shut for three months, for allegedly employing two striking doctors.

The NUGs health ministry said the junta had so far revoked the medical practitioner licenses of 557 doctors.

By late April, more than 800 healthcare staff had been detained by the junta with at least 71 dying in custody.
Junta spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun used a regime press conference on Tuesday to incite hatred between the Bamar and Kachin communities.

Some resistance forces in central Myanmar, where ethnic Bamar people comprise the majority of the population, have been trained and armed by the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a Kachin ethnic armed organization (EAO), in their fight against the regime following since the 2021 coup.

Along with a few other EAOs, the KIA has been fighting the regime while also supporting resistance forces collectively known as the Peoples Defense Force (PDF). The KIA is among a number of EAOs that have also rejected the juntas offer of peace talks.

The regime often accuses the KIA of supporting the resistance movement, and this time it attempted to stir up hatred between Kachin and Bamar people.

At the press conference, pro-junta media outlets People Media and NP News asked the junta spokesman if the regime has a plan to brand EAOs that have refused peace talks, and which support the parallel National Unity Government and PDFs, as terrorist organizations. In his reply, the junta spokesman said three times that he was staggered by the fact that Bamar people are willing to kill each other with weapons supplied by the KIA.

By Bamar people killing each other he means the resistance forces fighting the Myanmar military in Sagaing and Magwe regions, the Bamar-majority resistance stronghold.

There are Bamar people who supported a KIA leaders statement that Sagaing Region is now engulfed in flames after the KIA opened up an arsenal of its brigade closest to Sagaing Region, and that the whole of Myanmar will be thrown into unrest if all the weapons are given [to resistance forces]. Please carefully review this statement, Zaw Min Tun told the press conference, shifting the blame to the KIA for armed conflicts in Sagaing that were triggered by the military coup.

Media agencies are required to submit their questions to the regime ahead of press conferences. Critics said the junta likely fed the question about EAOs to the two media outlets to create an opportunity to spread hate speech.

But in the eyes of the majority of Myanmar people, the fact that ethnic armed organizations are militarily helping Bamar people and attacking the regime as their common enemy shows an unprecedented level of solidarity against the Myanmar military, and that Zaw Min Tuns incitement will have no impact on the resistance movement.

People Media and NP News are known for their racial incitement between ethnic minorities and Buddhist Bamar people, publishing false reports about PDFs killing Buddhist monks, and claiming that EAOs that arm PDFs are not Buddhist.

Nearly one hour after the press conference, General Sumlut Gun Maw, vice chair of the KIAs political wing, the Kachin Independence Organization, posted on his Facebook page pictures of Kyaw Soe Oo from People Media and Kyaw Myo Min from NP News asking questions at the press conference, with the caption Noted.

Despite its lamenting of Bamar people killing each other, the regime is indiscriminate in killing its enemies.

In October last year, more than 100 ethnic Kachin people were killed when the regime carried out an air raid on a celebratory event held by the KIO in Kachin States Hpakant.

In Sagaing, the regime has committed massacres and deadly air raids, looting houses and torching houses and farms.
More than 200 rights and civil society organizations including Justice for Myanmar (JFM) have jointly called on Singapores government to take concrete action to block the Myanmar juntas access to arms, dual-use goods, technology and funds, according to JFM on Tuesday.

The move is in response to the island-states role as a major procurer of spare parts, raw materials, and manufacturing equipment for the Myanmar militarys weapons factories since the coup.

UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews said in his report Death Trade, released in mid-May, that at least 138 Singapore-based firms have served as intermediaries in shipping US$ 254 million worth of arms and related goods to the military junta between February 2021 and December 2023.

Also, Singapore banks have been used extensively by arms dealers operating within and outside the city-state.

In their open letter to Singapores Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, the civil society groups asked the Singapore government to expedite and publicize investigations into firms involved in and enabling the transfer of arms and dual-use goods, as well as technology transferred, transited, shipped and brokered through Singapore to the Myanmar military.

The island government is also urged to introduce sanctions to prevent the direct and indirect transfer of arms, related materials and technology to the junta.

The civil society organizations (CSOs) also urged targeted sanctions to block the juntas access to Singapores financial system.

Their letter pointed out that while Singapore continues to call for the immediate cessation of violence under ASEANs peace plan, the involvement of Singapore-based businesses and financial systems in transferring weapons and dual-use goods to the military regime directly undermines ASEANs credibility.

We CSOs strongly urge you to set a precedent for the region by taking robust and tangible actions to stop Singapore businesses and financial institutions from enabling and being complicit in the juntas ongoing atrocities, read the letter to the foreign minister.

Speaking at a UN meeting on May 17, Special Rapporteur Andrews said: If the Singapore government were to stop all shipments and facilitation of arms and associated materials to the Myanmar military from its jurisdiction, the impact on the juntas ability to commit war crimes would be significantly disrupted.

In the face of daily resistance attacks, the military regime has continued to commit atrocities across the country. These include arbitrary killings of civilian and resistance members, using civilian detainees as human shields, burning people alive, looting and torching houses, shelling and airstrikes against civilian targets, and acts of sexual violence.

As of August 23, around 4,000 people had been killed by the junta while another 24,410 people including elected government leaders have been arrested or detained since the coup, said the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which monitors arrests and deaths.

Fellow independent research group Data for Myanmar said the military junta and its affiliated militia had burned down approximately 74,874 civilian houses and infrastructure during anti-resistance operations across the country as of July 31.
Seven Thai citizens including a student from Thammasat University have been sentenced to jail, some for more than two years, for taking part in a Bangkok protest against the military coup in Myanmar on February 1, 2021.

The Thai Criminal Court on Monday ruled that the defendants violated the Emergency Decree and interfered with the operations of authorities. All seven were sentenced to jail and fined, according to Thai news outlet Prachatai, citing Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).

On the day of the coup, Thais and Myanmar nationals protested the military takeover in front of the Myanmar Embassy in Bangkok.

The protest was dispersed by Royal Thai Police, who used shields and batons and made arrests.

On Monday, the Criminal Court sentenced Punnaphat Chantanangkul, a Thammasat University student, to 12 months in jail, reduced to four months and 20 days, for his participation in the protest.

A second defendant was sentenced to three years and one month and fined 40,000 baht, reduced to one year, six months and 15 days with a 20,000-baht fine.

The other defendants were each sentenced to four years and fined 60,000 baht. Their sentences were cut to two years and 50 days with fines of 30,000 baht.

The court suspended the sentences of all defendants except Punnaphat, who requested bail.

TLHR later reported that Punnaphat was granted bail after posting 150,000 baht as security.

Despite the Myanmar regimes widespread atrocities and killing of least 4,000 opponents since the coup, Thailand has maintained good relations with the junta, citing its vulnerability due to the long land border it shares with Myanmar.

Recently, Thailand also hosted an informal ministerial meeting with certain regional countries to pave the way for Myanmar to re-engage with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the leaders level. The regional bloc has banned the junta from taking part in its summits since late 2021 following its failure to honor ASEANs peace plan for the country.

Last month, the regime allowed Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai to meet ousted detained civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, making him the first international diplomat to do so.
Another gruesome milestone was reached on Wednesday: My organization has collected and published the names of at least 4,000 people killed by junta troops and Pyu Saw Hti militiamen since the post-coup crackdowns began in February 2021.

How many more people need to die for the outside world to act? Our people have received some minor attention, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) reached a consensus; a Security Council resolution; targeted sanctions by the West; and diplomatic isolation at the General Assembly. But nothing has worked to reverse the coup.

None of this worked because the military junta will continue to use violence as long as it has weapons, cash and impunity.

ASEANs Five-Point Consensus announced in April 2021 states that, there shall be immediate cessation of violence in Myanmar and all parties shall exercise utmost restraint, whilst the celebrated UN Security Council resolution on Myanmar in December 2022 demanded an immediate end to all forms of violence throughout the country, and urges restraint and de-escalation of tensions.

The junta leaders have dismissed the concerns of the UN Security Council and ASEAN, with at least 4,000 killed in under 1,000 days since the coup. This is also a conservative figure due to the need to confirm and identify each case; the actual number of junta victims will be considerably higher.

By continuing to kill civilians, despite the Five-Point Consensus and Security Council resolution, the military junta is making a clear statement of its own: It has no intention of reducing its use of violence.

Lives lost

So far, 488 women, 3,012 men, 114 girls and 266 boys have been killed, with the youngest victim only 6 months old.

All 24,410 political prisoners detained since the coup have endured torture, but 110 have been physically tortured to death in interrogation. From the point of arrest to imprisonment and post-release these violations amount to what the AAPP has termed the Flow of Injustice in our latest report.

In Myanmar, human rights violations and direct military rule used to be a fact of daily life. Since 1962, military generals have come and gone, but the parasitic military institution has remained unchanged.

In 2011 when civilian representation was permitted in order to ease diplomatic isolation and sanctions, the military institution retained a firm grip on governance and the economy. In 2021, when the State Administration Council (SAC) junta announced a coup to turn back the clock, it was the exact same military institution from 1962.

It is the same military institution that has killed at least 4,000 since the coup. The lives lost were doctors and nurses, teachers and students, farmers and poetsthe human resources of a future Myanmar.

Escalating horrors

The military junta oversees and regulates the Prison Department in Myanmar nowadays. In all prisons, including the notorious Insein and Obo, 19,895 political prisoners are currently in their custody. Never before, in the history of military rule in Myanmar, have so many political prisoners been detained in such a short period of time.

When political prisoners are transferred between prisons, they should be protected, not killed. But the junta in Myanmar does not have the capacity or intent to offer any protections to political prisoners. They hate political prisoners.

Following the public outcry and international condemnation that followed the July 2022 execution of four political prisoners including prominent student activist and leader Ko Jimmy, the military junta began to use prison transfers as cover for executions.

On June 27, 2023, 37 political prisoners from Daik-U Prison in Bago Region went missing. Since then, it has been confirmed that eight were killed under the pretense of dying during prison transfers. The other families remain in limbo, waiting in dread for confirmation their loved one is dead.

Internalized impunity

The Myanmar military has internalized the belief that it can continue with absolute impunity, with zero fear of repercussions. Decades of political persecution, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide have gone unpunished, while ethnic nationalities have borne the brunt of the juntas indiscriminate violence.

In over 30 months of destruction since the coup, the military junta has created a pattern of indiscriminate violations and widespread violence, including everything from arrests, torture, sexual violence, hostage taking, arson and looting, to air strikestoo often against schools and hospitalsand the weaponization of penal law.

Across the country 74,874 homes have been set alight, and 1,110 properties have been seized.

The military junta has created a humanitarian crisis due to its indiscriminate violenceaccording to the United Nations 1,611,300 people have been internally displaced in Myanmar since the coup 50.3 percent of them in Sagaing Region.

For the time being, it is impossible to use domestic judicial mechanisms against the military leadership for these crimes, but this will not last forever, and preparation is under way currently at national and international tribunals.

Need for justice

Over the past two-and-a-half years the military has lost control of swathes of territory. It has already lost legitimacy as the armed forces in the minds of the entire country.

The junta will appeal to regional neighbors and claim that an election would provide peace. However, even more brutal oppression and fear will follow; to put it bluntly, the junta will attempt to kill as many people as possible.

The pro-democracy movement will remain resilientaid workers, demonstrators, politicians, resistance fighters and many others will continue to struggle. It stands to reason; the junta severely underestimated the determination of the people and so will never succeed in completely crushing the revolution.

The AAPP interviews former political prisoners on a monthly basis, encountering this unwavering resilience each time testimonies are recorded.

A female former political prisoner whose husband was tortured to death in the Shwepyithar interrogation center in late 2021, told us, soon after escaping across the border, of the necessity to support the resistance movement: Regarding justice, we need more help if we want the revolution to succeed and succeed quickly I want the revolution to be over of course, but people cannot just speak verbally about it.

The wife of another political prisoner who died in prison told us she wanted the revolution to bring an end to the authority of those who killed my husband, and to the junta. I do not want other families to experience what we have. I do not want to pass on such a traumatic experience to the next generation. I want to uproot the perpetrators completely.

The outside world needs to give its full support to secure this justicein particular our neighbors India, China and Thailand. They must stop supporting and legitimizing the criminal, murderous junta and respect the will of the people.

The broad and inclusive Spring Revolution has sustained itself for so long with very little external aid. This deserves to be acknowledged for what it is: a courageous and truly remarkable struggle and an indication of what more can be done.

Bo Kyi is a former political prisoner and current joint secretary of the Assistance Association of Political Prisoners Burma.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup.
Today

Mostly clear. Low near 50F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low near 50F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunny. High 79F. Winds NNW at 15 to 25 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
Reddit Email 72 Shares

( Middle East Monitor )  Israeli media outlets have criticised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after he accused Iran of directing resistance counterattacks in the occupied West Bank.

On Monday, Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant claimed the resistance counter attacks are being directed by Iran.

We are in the midst of a terrorist onslaught that is being encouraged, directed and financed by Iran and its proxies, claimed Netanyahu.

He made his comment following the resistance attacks that led to the death of three Israelis in the Palestinian village of Huwara, which was attacked earlier this year by illegal Jewish settlers backed by occupation forces.

Channel 13 journalist Raviv Drucker said for years Israel has mocked Arab countries who blamed Israel for every negative incident.

Druker said he was not sure if Netanyahu had made his claims within the framework of an attempt to launch a campaign against the Iranian nuclear issue because of the outstanding negotiations there, adding that no one believes Netanyahu and Gallants claims.

Drucker described Netanyahus accusations as very shameful, adding that the Israeli right-wing government led by Netanyahu is looking for an escape goat or anyone to blame for the operations.

For his part, a senior commentator and the head of the Arab desk in Channel 13 News, Zvi Yehezkeli said Iran may have helped with delivering the weapons, but it is not directly involved in the operations, adding that Israel is still at war, an intifada, with the Palestinians.

Article continues after bonus IC video

MSNBC: Absolute Apartheid: Israeli general joins chorus of voices condemning persecution of Palestinians

Alon Ben David, a military affairs analyst at Channel 13 indicated that accusing Iran of directing the [Hebron] operation is a very easy solution, as Iran is not responsible for the complex dilemma in the West Bank, in which there are many Israelis, who live among the Palestinian population.

Via Middle East Monitor
Surface sampling returns multiple high-grade results up to 92.55 g/t gold

North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) (ASX: LLO) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the discovery of a new mineralized structure carrying bonanza grade gold 1 km to the north of the company's 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji.

The new mineralized structure was discovered on surface by Lion One's regional exploration team and has been named the Lumuni occurrence. The structure is located 1 km north of Tuvatu, approximately along strike from lodes UR1, UR2, and UR3. The Lumuni structure exhibits a width at surface of approximately 0.5 m to over 1 m and is manifested as two mapped zones of what may be a single continuous feature. This includes a north-south striking zone that dips steeply to the west, and a northwest-southeast striking interval that dips steeply to the southwest. High-grade gold results were returned from close-spaced channels and outcropping zones separated by up to 30 m strike length. The overall feature was traced on surface for a length of over 150 m and remains open to the south-east where it is obscured under vegetation. The high-grade mineralized structure also appears to be coincident with a large steeply-dipping CSAMT resistivity low, which may be indicative of a deeply-rooted structure.

Highlights of Lumuni channel sampling:

66.83 g/t Au over 0.7 m (CH3850)

(CH3850) 48.45 g/t Au over 0.7 m (including 92.55 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (CH3851)

(including 92.55 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (CH3851) 15.18 g/t Au over 1.1 m (including 31.25 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (CH3849)

(including 31.25 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (CH3849) 14.66 g/t Au over 1.1 m (including 16.78 g/t Au over 0.7 m) (CH3855)

(including 16.78 g/t Au over 0.7 m) (CH3855) 17.04 g/t Au over 0.6 m (including 30.59 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (CH3853)

(including 30.59 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (CH3853) 10.30 g/t Au over 0.9 m (including 13.89 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (CH3852)

(including 13.89 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (CH3852) Strike length of over 150 m observed on surface

Lion One Chairman and CEO Walter Berukoff commented: "We're very pleased with the discovery of the Lumuni occurrence. This discovery was made as part of our ongoing regional mapping and sampling program throughout the Navilawa Caldera. What makes this discovery so outstanding is the continuity of the high-grade material. It is not a single bonanza-grade sample, but rather a traceable lode of high to very-high grade material that can be followed along at surface. The fact that these high-grade samples coincide with a steeply dipping resistivity low is even more compelling as it provides us with immediate drill targets to pursue. We can now add Lumuni to our growing list of high-priority regional exploration targets."

Table 1. Highlights of channel sampling in the Lumuni area. For full results see Table 2 in the appendix.

Channel ID From To Interval (m) Au (g/t) CH3848 0.9 1.3 0.4 4.24 CH3849 1 2.1 1.1 15.18 including 1 1.45 0.45 4.54 and 1.45 1.75 0.3 31.25 and 1.75 2.1 0.35 15.09 CH3850 0.6 1.3 0.7 66.83 including 0.6 1 0.4 64.62 and 1 1.3 0.3 69.77 CH3851 0.9 1.6 0.7 48.45 including 0.9 1.3 0.4 15.38 and 1.3 1.6 0.3 92.55 CH3852 0 0.9 0.9 10.3 including 0 0.6 0.6 13.89 and 0.6 0.9 0.3 3.13 CH3853 0.6 1.2 0.6 17.04 including 0.6 0.9 0.3 30.59 and 0.9 1.2 0.3 3.48 CH3855 0.9 2 1.1 14.66 including 0.9 1.3 0.4 10.95 and 1.3 2 0.7 16.78 CH3903 1 1.7 0.7 2.32

Figure 1. Location of Lumuni surface samples in relation to Tuvatu. The Lumuni discovery is approximately 1 km NNE of Tuvatu. Underground developments at Tuvatu are shown in red and the Lumuni surface samples are identified by the black dots. Background colours represent surface geology, with Navilawa Monzonite in pink, Nadele Breccia in green, and Sabeto volcanics in dark purple.

Figure 2. Location of Lumuni channel samples. Composite results of channel sampling in the Lumuni area in g/t gold. The dashed line represents the trace of the mineralized lode on surface.

Lumuni Channel Sampling

A total of 16 channel samples were collected in the Lumuni area. The channel samples were collected by taking rock chip samples along a line oriented perpendicular to the observed structure, with overlap into the wall rock (see Figure 3).

The Lumuni structure is composed of two intervals; a northern portion trending approximately north-south and dipping sub-vertically to steeply to the west, and an eastern portion trending approximately northwest-southeast and dipping steeply to the southwest. The area between the two sections is covered in thick vegetation. It is hypothesized that the two portions are part of the same curvi-linear structure, though the eastern portion may be a splay off the northern section. The northern section is located on the margins of the Sabeto River while the eastern portion climbs up a dry creek bed to the top of a ridge, where it becomes obscured by overburden. While the northern portion appears to pinch out to the north where a series of channel samples failed to return any grade, the eastern portion may remain open to the east with mineralization observed along its entire length. The mineralized strike length of the entire Lumuni structure is currently >150 m, including both portions.

The Lumuni structure has an average estimated true width of 0.6 m, though it pinches and swells locally with observed widths reaching approximately 1 m. It is hosted in monzonite and is composed of variably white to gray chalcedonic banded and locally recrystallized quartz, with abundant heavily oxidized sulphides, giving the lode a bright red, gossanous appearance. Pyrite is the most dominant sulphide, with trace sphalerite (zinc sulphide) and galena (lead sulphide) visible locally. Alteration is intense and consists predominantly of white clays and micas. Coarse roscoelite (a vanadium mica observed in high-grade parts of Tuvatu) is also observed locally. The north-south portion of the lode is structurally controlled forming sinistral, sigmoidal shapes suggesting a north-south strike-slip foliaton as well as northwest-southeast foliations.

Figure 3. Example Lumuni channel samples. Left: Channel samples CH3848 to CH3849. Red arrows represent the approximate location of channel samples (sample lines CH3850 and CH3851 are obscured by boulders). The approximate location of Lumuni structure is represented by the yellow lines. North is up. Right: Channel sample CH3850. The Lumuni lode is visible as the reddish-brown oxidized structure in the middle of the photo. Sample bags indicate the location of samples along the channel, which is marked with yellow spray paint. North is to the right.

Figure 4. Example of Mineralization from the Lumuni Outcrop. Chalcedonic, locally banded and recrystallized comb quartz forming on the walls of open vugs, and abundant strongly oxidized sulphides in intensely altered medium-grained monzonite. Pen for scale.

CSAMT

The newly discovered Lumuni structure overlies a prominent resistivity gradient identified in the 2019 CSAMT survey as a potential drill target (Figure 5). CSAMT is a ground geophysical method that measures the electrical resistivity of rocks down to depths of several kilometers. It is highly efficient in identifying subsurface structures, such as lithological contact zones, faults, fracture systems, and potential upflow zones especially if these are deep-rooted structures. In alkaline gold deposits such as Tuvatu, such deep-rooted structures provide the principal conduits for hydrothermal fluid flow from which gold and other metals are deposited.

The fact that the Lumuni structure not only appears to be sub-vertically dipping but that it also corresponds to a steeply-dipping resistivity gradient provides credence to the suggestion that the mineralization observed at surface may be associated with a deep-rooted structure, in similar fashion to the mineralized lodes at Tuvatu. The CSAMT survey data thereby provides viable drill targets to follow up the bonanza-grade surface sampling described in this news release. Note that the CSAMT data shown here is based on the 2019 CSAMT survey. As reported on June 20, 2023, additional CSAMT lines were completed in 2023, the results of which once interpreted, will provide higher resolution imaging of the resistivity characteristics of the survey area. Due to some delay in processing, the 2023 CSAMT data is not yet available. Once it is available, the higher resolution data will be beneficial in further refining drill targets to follow up the Lumuni occurrence.

Figure 5. CSAMT gradient underlying bonanza grade Lumuni surface samples. Line 08 from the 2019 CSAMT survey. The Lumuni channel samples overly a steeply dipping resistivity gradient that was identified in the 2019 CSAMT survey as a potential drill target. Once available, results from the 2023 CSAMT survey will provide enhanced resistivity data in this area and further refine drill targeting in the Lumuni area.

About Tuvatu



The Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project is located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The January 2018 mineral resource for Tuvatu as disclosed in the technical report "Technical Report and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Tuvatu Gold Project, Republic of Fiji", dated September 25, 2020, and prepared by Mining Associates Pty Ltd of Brisbane Qld, comprises 1,007,000 tonnes indicated at 8.50 g/t Au (274,600 oz. Au) and 1,325,000 tonnes inferred at 9.0 g/t Au (384,000 oz. Au) at a cut-off grade of 3.0 g/t Au. The technical report is available on the Lion One website at www.liononemetals.com and on the SEDAR website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Qualified Person (NI43-101)



In accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43- 101"), Sergio Cattalani, P.Geo, Senior Vice President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and is responsible for the technical and scientific content of this news release.

QAQC Procedures



Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its sampling, drilling, testing, and analyses. The Company utilizes its own fleet of diamond drill rigs, using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill core rods. Drill core is logged and split by Lion One personnel on site. Samples are delivered to and analyzed at the Company's geochemical and metallurgical laboratory in Fiji. Duplicates of all samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are both re-assayed at Lion One's lab and delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia (ALS) for check assay determinations. All samples for all high-grade intercepts are sent to ALS for check assays. All samples are pulverized to 85% passing through 75 microns. Gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that have returned grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are then re-analyzed by gravimetric method. For samples that return greater than 0.50 g/t Au, repeat fire assay runs are carried out and repeated until a result is obtained that is within 10% of the original fire assay run. Lion One's laboratory can also assay for a range of 71 other elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 9 important pathfinder elements. All duplicate anomalous samples are sent to ALS labs in Townsville QLD and are analyzed by the same methods (Au-AA26, and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61).

About Lion One Metals Limited



Lion One's flagship asset is 100% owned, fully permitted high grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Lion One envisions a low-cost high-grade underground gold mining operation at Tuvatu coupled with exciting exploration upside inside its tenements covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, an underexplored yet highly prospective 7km diameter alkaline gold system. Lion One's CEO Walter Berukoff leads an experienced team of explorers and mine builders and has owned or operated over 20 mines in 7 countries. As the founder and former CEO of Miramar Mines, Northern Orion, and La Mancha Resources, Walter is credited with building over $3 billion of value for shareholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Lion One Metals Limited

"Walter Berukoff", Chairman and CEO

Contact Investor Relations

Toll Free (North America) Tel: 1-855-805-1250

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: www.liononemetals.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Full Sample Results and Collar Information

Table 2. Channel and rock sample results from the Lumuni area

Channel ID Sample ID From To Interval (m) Au (g/t) CH3848 TUS025730 0 0.9 0.9 0.51 CH3848 TUS025732 0.9 1.3 0.4 4.24 CH3848 TUS025733 1.3 1.7 0.4 0.32 CH3848 TUS025734 1.7 2.2 0.5 <0.01 CH3849 TUS025735 0 1 1 0.04 CH3849 TUS025736 1 1.45 0.45 4.54 CH3849 TUS025737 1.45 1.75 0.3 31.25 CH3849 TUS025738 1.75 2.1 0.35 15.09 CH3849 TUS025739 2.1 2.8 0.7 0.02 CH3850 TUS025740 0 0.6 0.6 0.04 CH3850 TUS025741 0.6 1 0.4 64.62 CH3850 TUS025742 1 1.3 0.3 69.77 CH3851 TUS025743 0 0.9 0.9 0.72 CH3851 TUS025744 0.9 1.3 0.4 15.38 CH3851 TUS025745 1.3 1.6 0.3 92.55 CH3851 TUS025746 1.6 2 0.4 0.69 CH3852 TUS025747 0 0.6 0.6 13.89 CH3852 TUS025748 0.6 0.9 0.3 3.13 CH3853 TUS025749 0 0.6 0.6 0.24 CH3853 TUS025851 0.6 0.9 0.3 30.59 CH3853 TUS025852 0.9 1.2 0.3 3.48 CH3854 TUS025853 0 0.6 0.6 0.23 CH3854 TUS025854 0.6 0.9 0.3 0.56 CH3855 TUS025855 0 0.9 0.9 0.15 CH3855 TUS025856 0.9 1.3 0.4 10.95 CH3855 TUS025858 1.3 2 0.7 16.78 CH3856 TUS025859 0 1 1 0.1 CH3856 TUS025860 1 1.6 0.6 0.09 CH3892 TUS025887 0 0.4 0.4 <0.01 CH3892 TUS025888 0.4 0.7 0.3 <0.01 CH3892 TUS025889 0.7 1.2 0.5 <0.01 CH3893 TUS025890 0 0.7 0.4 <0.01 CH3893 TUS025891 0.7 1 0.3 <0.01 CH3893 TUS025892 1 1.7 0.7 <0.01 CH3894 TUS025893 0 0.7 0.7 <0.01 CH3894 TUS025894 0.7 1 0.3 <0.01 CH3894 TUS025895 1 1.3 0.3 <0.01 CH3894 TUS025896 1.3 1.6 0.3 <0.01 CH3903 TUS023003 0 0.6 0.6 0.24 CH3903 TUS023004 0.6 1 0.4 <0.01 CH3903 TUS023005 1 1.7 0.7 2.32 CH3903 TUS023006 1.7 2.3 0.6 <0.01 CH3904 TUS023008 0 0.9 0.9 <0.01 CH3904 TUS023009 0.9 1.1 0.2 <0.01 CH3904 TUS023010 1.1 1.4 0.3 <0.01 CH3904 TUS023011 1.4 1.7 0.3 <0.01 CH3905 TUS023012 0 0.8 0.8 <0.01 CH3905 TUS023013 0.8 1.5 0.7 <0.01 CH3905 TUS023014 1.5 2.4 0.9 <0.01 CH3905 TUS023015 2.4 2.7 0.3 1.28 CH3906 TUS023019 0 1 1 <0.01 CH3906 TUS023020 1 1.6 0.6 0.62

Table 3. Collar coordinates (channel start) for channel samples reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji Map Grid.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIREWEED METALS CORP. (Fireweed or the Company) (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF, formerly Fireweed Zinc Ltd.) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alex Campbell to the Management Team as Vice President Corporate Development. His role will focus on finding, evaluating, and executing strategic opportunities for the Company.

CEO Statement

Brandon Macdonald, CEO, stated As Fireweeds success at our projects has grown, so has strategic interest in the Company and options available to us. Alexs diverse experience from mining to banking, combined with his passion for our industry, makes him a fantastic addition to the team as we navigate these opportunities. The Fireweed team is very pleased to welcome him as we continue to maximize shareholder value through exploration, development, and potential strategic transactions.

Alex Campbell Biography

Mr. Campbell is a mining professional with over ten years of combined expertise in South American mining operations, mine finance, and Global Capital Markets. He began his career at Antofagasta Minerals, working at the Los Pelambres copper mine in Chile. Subsequently, he relocated to Colorado to pursue his masters degree while concurrently working at Resource Capital Funds and the Critical Materials Institute, a U.S. DOE innovation hub focused on the development of secure and resilient supply chains for critical materials crucial to the energy transition. Following this, he spent five years with CIBC's Mining Investment Banking Team in Vancouver, BC, covering a broad spectrum of mining and royalty companies. Throughout this tenure, he played instrumental roles in executing diverse corporate transactions across various commodities and asset-level stages.

Mr. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Engineering (Mining) degree from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, as well as a Master of Science in Mineral and Energy Economics degree from The Colorado School of Mines.

Stock Option Grant

The Company announces that it is granting, pursuant to its stock option plan, a total of 452,000 stock options to certain employees, exercisable at a price of $1.70 per share for a five-year term.

About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE:20F): Fireweed Metals is a public mineral exploration company on the leading edge of Critical Minerals project development. Fireweed is well-funded and well-positioned to carry out a large 2023 exploration program. The Company has three projects located in Canada:

Macmillan Pass Project (Zinc-Lead-Silver) : Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km 2 Macmillan Pass project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world* where the Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources 1 (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment 2 (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential.

Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km Macmillan Pass project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world* where the Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential. Mactung Project (Tungsten) : The Company owns 100% interest in the 37.6 km 2 Mactung Project located adjacent to the Macmillan Pass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO 3 and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO 3 ) 3 make it the worlds largest high-grade resource of the Critical Mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*.

The Company owns 100% interest in the 37.6 km Mactung Project located adjacent to the Macmillan Pass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO ) make it the worlds largest high-grade resource of the Critical Mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*. Gayna River Project (Zinc-Lead-Gallium-Germanium): Fireweed owns 100% of the 128.75 km2 Gayna River project located 180 km north of the Macmillan Pass project. It is host to extensive mineralization including Critical Minerals zinc, gallium and germanium as well as lead and silver, outlined by 28,000 m of historical drilling and significant upside potential.

In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQB: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: 20F) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Fireweed Metals VP Geology, Jack Milton, Ph.D., P.Geo. (BC), a Qualified Person as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Companys website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com

ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP.

Brandon Macdonald

CEO & Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information (forward-looking statements). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to interpretation of drill results, future work plans, the use of funds, and the potential of the Companys projects, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects, "anticipates, "believes, "intends, "estimates, "potential, "possible, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will, "may, "could, or "should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Companys operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law.

Footnotes and References

* References to relative size and grade of the Mactung resources and Macmillan Pass resources in comparison to other tungsten and zinc deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poors Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database.

1: For details and QP statements, see https://www.sedarplus.ca/ Fireweed Technical Report titled NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Macmillan Pass Zinc-Lead-Silver Project, Watson Lake and Mayo Mining Districts Yukon Territory, Canada filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on February 23, 2018, and Fireweed News Release dated January 10, 2018.

2: For details and QP statements, see https://www.sedarplus.ca/ Fireweed Technical Report titled NI 43-101 Technical Report Macmillan Pass Project Yukon Territory Canada filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on July 9, 2018, and Fireweed News Release dated May 23, 2018. This Technical Report includes a Preliminary Economic Analysis disclosing an economic analysis of mineral resources that is preliminary in nature and does not include any mineral reserves. It is equally emphasized that the mineral resources disclosed within this Technical Report are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

3: For details and QP statements, see Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World and the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada, with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/

Contact: Brandon Macdonald

Phone: (604) 646-8361

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vancouver, British Columbia  TheNewswire - August 24, 2023: GSP Resource Corp. (TSXV:GSPR) (the Company or GSP) announces the results of an updated 3D vein modeling of copper mineralization at the Alwin Mine Project (the Alwin Property), located in the Highland Valley Copper Camp of British Columbia.

The initial 3D copper mineralization model integrated over 4,000 individual copper assays from more than 450 historic diamond drill holes for which results are available combined with more recent 2008, 2020  2021 drilling (see the Companys news release dated March 14, 2023). Based on these data, copper grade shells were generated via implicit modelling guided by structural trend surfaces based on the geometry of historically mined high-grade copper zones (see the Companys news release dated April 17, 2023).

The updated interpretation incorporates recent diamond drilling, further refines the 3D geometry of the known historic zones and has resulted in the identification of additional mineralized zones not previously modelled (Figure 1).

Highlights of updated 3D copper mineralization vein model:

Updated 3D model constrained by downhole composited assays of copper mineralization vein intervals along structural trends based on the known 5 historic sub-vertical vein zones;

Potentially underground mineable high-grade copper focused 3D model utilizes minimum 1.5 m downhole assay composites and greater than 0.5% copper (Cu) cut-off to isolate high-grade copper zones demonstrating increased continuity;

Three (3) new copper mineralization vein zones identified that warrant follow up drill testing located to the south, northwest and at depth of known historic mineralization zones.

Historical diamond drill intercepts from three new copper zones include:

South zone Intersected in holes 68-45, 81-26 68-45 (drilled from surface): 4.4% Cu over 2.0 m1 from 45.1 m 81-26 (drilled from underground): 2.1% Cu over 4.3 m from 37.8 m Possible eastern extension of South zone intersected by recent 2021 drilling2 AM-21-02 (surface): 3.2% Cu over 1.8 m from 52.5 m

Northwest zone Intersected in holes 67-19, 75-17 67-19 (surface): 2.8% Cu over 2.0 m from 67.1 m 75-17 (underground): 1.3% Cu over 1.6 m from 31.6 m



Deep Zone Two zones intersected historically in hole SS-73-8 (surface) 4.3% Cu over 0.9 m from 325.8 m 1.4% Cu over 2.1 m from 351.4 m



The updated 3D copper mineralization vein model will guide the prioritization of targets in the upcoming diamond drill program planned for Fall 2023. Historic drilling was primarily assayed for copper and had limited assay results for gold, and silver. Recent 2020  2021 drilling including 3.4% Cu, 40 grams-per-tonne (g/t) silver (Ag) over 6.4 m within dill hole AM-21-01A, and 10.4 g/t gold (Au), 1.2% Cu over 1.6 m within AM-21-08B highlights the polymetallic potential for zones to include gold and silver mineralization (see the Companys news release dated April 17, 2023). The Company plans a diamond drilling program of approximately 1,200m to 1,500m to test 4 to 6 targets (200 to 300 m per drill hole), subject to available funds.

Figure 1: Alwin Mine 3D Compilation Showing >1.5% Copper Mineralization Vein Model and Potential 2023 Drill Targets (oblique view looking southwest)

Link to Figure 1

GSPs President & CEO, Simon Dyakowski, commented: The updated 3D copper mineralization vein model for the high-grade past producing Alwin Copper-Gold Mine once again points to the potential for expansion and discovery of additional copper and polymetallic zones. The broad extent of polymetallic mineralization at Alwin represents a significant exploration upside and requires confirmation drilling of known zones and testing of potential new zones identified to the northwest, south and at depth of the historic mine area. We look forward to prioritizing drill targets for our proposed upcoming diamond drill program in Fall 2023.

About the Alwin Mine Project

The Alwin Mine Copper-Silver-Gold property is approximately 575.72 hectares and is located on the semi-arid, interior plateau in south-central British Columbia. The historic underground mine was developed over 500 m long by 200 m wide by 300 m deep. Production took place between 1916 to 1981 from five major subvertical high-grade copper mineralization zones totaling 233,100 tonnes that milled 3,786 tonnes of copper, 2,729 kilograms of silver and 46.2 kilograms of gold. The average diluted head grade was 1.5% copper.

The Alwin Property is adjacent with the western boundary of Teck Corporations Highland Valley Mine, the largest open-pit porphyry copper-molybdenum mine in western Canada. Alteration and mineralization of the Highland Valley hydrothermal system extends westward from the Highland Valley mine onto the Alwin property (see GSPs news release dated January 30, 2020).

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.), principal and consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a consultant to the Company and a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Raffle has verified the data disclosed, which includes a review of the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained herein. Mineralization hosted on nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization that may be hosted on the Alwin property.

About GSP Resource Corp.

GSP Resource Corp. is a mineral exploration & development company focused on projects located in Southwestern British Columbia. The Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest and title to the Alwin Mine Copper-Gold-Silver Property in the Kamloops Mining Division, as well as an option to acquire 100% interest and title to the Olivine Mountain Property in the Similkameen Mining Division, of which it has granted an option to earn a 60% interest to a third party.

Contact Information - For more information, please contact:

Simon Dyakowski, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel: (604) 619-7469

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.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forwardlooking information or statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, prospective drill program (including the size of the planned drill program) and potential drill targets, future exploration work on the Companys projects, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. 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, including the price of metals, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Companys views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, and those filed under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather conditions, failure to maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of copper, gold, silver and other metals, increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forwardlooking statements or forwardlooking information, except as required by law.

1 The estimated true width of mineralization in historic drilling approximately 40-50% of the drilled length.

2 See the Companys News Release dated October 21, 2021
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - HighGold Mining Inc. (TSXV: HIGH) (OTCQX: HGMIF) ("HighGold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has commenced trading again on the US OTCQX platform under the new ticker HGMIF. The Company's listing on the OTCQX platform had been temporarily suspended in June 2023 pending US regulatory approval for HighGold shares trading under new CUSIP number 42984X109, which has now been received.

The new CUSIP number was a result of the completion of the plan of arrangement and spin-out of Onyx Gold Corp ("Onyx Gold") that included the cancellation of all old HighGold shares for the issuance of one new HighGold share and 0.25 of an Onyx Gold share on June 6, 2023.

Management Changes

Nicole Hoeller has joined the Company as Vice-President, Corporate Communications. Ms. Hoeller, is very well versed in investor and stakeholder relations, and brings with her a wealth of experience in the mineral exploration and developer industry, having served in an executive role with public companies for more than two decades. In addition to her communications background, Ms. Hoeller has significant experience in capital markets, corporate finance, and M&A.

Ms. Hoeller was previously Vice-President, Communications and Corporate Secretary for Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. (recently acquired by B2Gold Corp. for US$824M), and prior to that, served in a similar role in Miramar Mining Corp. Through her involvement with both Sabina and Miramar, Ms. Hoeller has travelled extensively in the Canadian north, liaising and consulting with communities, indigenous organizations and all levels of government about the benefits and impacts of mining. Ms. Hoeller also serves as Vice-President, Corporate Communications for Onyx Gold enabling synergies for both companies as we build up our Vancouver based team.

"We are very pleased to welcome Nicole to the Company," said CEO Darwin Green. "Her extensive experience in investor relations along with an exceptional network of industry contacts will be a tremendous asset to the Company and we are excited for her to join the team."

"I am very excited to join the HighGold team as we advance our stellar Johnson Tract asset in Alaska," said Nicole Hoeller. "It is thrilling to be joining the Company at this relatively early stage to support our outstanding leadership and technical team as we move this Project forward. This is a great opportunity to be part of a coveted trifecta in our industry: a great asset, in a great jurisdiction in the right hands."

Nicole replaces Naomi Nemeth, who has served the Company for the past four years as Vice-President, Investor Relations. Both the Board and management thank Ms. Nemeth for her significant contributions to the Company and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

About HighGold

HighGold is a mineral exploration company focused on advancing the high-grade Johnson Tract Gold-Zinc-Copper Project located in accessible Southcentral Alaska, USA. The Company also holds 5 million shares of Onyx Gold Corp. following the spin-out of Yukon and Ontario exploration assets formerly held by HighGold. HighGold's experienced Board and senior management team, are committed to creating shareholder value through the discovery process, careful allocation of capital, and environmentally/socially responsible mineral exploration.

On Behalf of HighGold Mining Inc.

"Darwin Green"

President & CEO

For further information, please visit the HighGold Mining Inc. website at www.highgoldmining.com, or contact:

Darwin Green, President & CEO or Nicole Hoeller, VP Corporate Communications

Phone: 1-604-629-1165 or North American toll-free 1-855-629-1165

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Website: www.highgoldmining.com

Twitter : @HighgoldMining

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward looking statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively "forward looking statements"). Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "estimate", "forecast", "expect", "potential", "project", "target", "schedule", "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. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of material factors and assumptions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Company's expectations include actual exploration results, the ability of the Company to obtain requisite approvals for the Offering, 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, uninsured risks, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of personnel, materials and equipment on a timely basis, accidents or equipment breakdowns, 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 Company with securities regulators. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause such actions, events or results to differ materially from those anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and accordingly readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Prismo Metals Inc. (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) ("Prismo" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update for its ongoing drill program at the Palos Verdes property located in the Panuco district in Mexico. The Company has drilled 2,620 meters in the current program and completed thirteen holes with one hole in progress, PV-23-32. One additional hole is contemplated after completing hole PV-23-32 as part of the original drill program which began in May (see news release dated May 11, 2023).

This will be followed by the previously announced (see news release dated August 3, 2023) expansion of the drill program, with holes to be drilled from Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) concessions adjacent to the Palos Verdes concession. These holes will target the Palos Verdes vein at depth. This follows a recommendation presented by the Panuco Joint Technical Committee to drill approximately 3,600 meters in ten holes to be completed in two phases. The Joint Technical Committee is comprised of Prismo's CEO Dr. Craig Gibson, Vizsla Silver's VP Exploration Dr. Jesus Velador and Dr. Peter Megaw.

"The drilling at Palos Verdes this year has been focussed on drilling areas that have not been drilled previously because they were not accessible under our previous environmental permit," said Craig Gibson, President and CEO of the Company. "We recently intersected bonanza grade intervals at the Palos Verdes project, with the best interval being a 0.5-meter sample assaying 11,520 grams per tonne silver equivalent (102 g/t gold and 3,100 g/t silver) (see Prismo's news release dated July 27, 2023). The drilling is directed toward expanding the mineralized footprint of the vein system."

Figure 1. Geologic and drill hole map of the Palos Verdes and adjacent concessions.

The Company has already reported assays from the first seven holes in the program through hole PV-23-25 (see News Release of July 27, 2023). Five additional holes are at the laboratory, and hole PV-23-31 will be sent to the lab shortly. Results will be announced after receiving assay data for all of these holes.

Photo of core from hole PV-23-32 showing intervals with multistage vein mineralization with brecciation and locally abundant sulfide minerals. Assay results pending.

Photo of core from hole PV-23-32 showing intervals with multistage vein mineralization with brecciation and locally abundant sulfide minerals. Assay results pending.

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive pyrite and chalcopyrite in gray quartz, cut by white quartz with a sphalerite margin. The right photo is a view looking at the end of the broken core. Assay results pending.

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive pyrite and chalcopyrite in gray quartz, cut by white quartz with a sphalerite margin. The right photo is a view looking at the end of the broken core. Assay results pending.

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive sphalerite and other sulfide minerals cut and brecciated by gray quartz and by later white quartz with some amethyst. On the right, a large fragment rich in sphalerite and pyrite plus other sulfides in younger quartz.

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive sphalerite and other sulfide minerals cut and brecciated by gray quartz and by later white quartz with some amethyst. On the right, a large fragment rich in sphalerite and pyrite plus other sulfides in younger quartz.

QA/QC

Samples taken by Prismo are analyzed by multielement ICP-AES and MS methods internationally recognized analytical service providers. Certified Reference Materials including standard pulps and coarse blank material are inserted in the sample stream at regular intervals.

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and President, CEO and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release.

About Palos Verdes

The Palos Verdes project is located in the historic Panuco-Copala silver-gold district in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, approximately 65 kilometers NE of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, in the Municipality of Concordia. The Palos Verdes concession (claim) covers 700 meters of strike length of the Palos Verdes vein, a member of the north-easterly trending vein family located in the eastern part of the district outside of the area of modern exploration. Shallow drilling (<100m) conducted in 2018 on the Palos Verdes Vein was targeted 30 to 50 meters beneath largely barren vein outcrops and cut a well mineralized multistage vein two to seven metres wide with narrow intervals of high-grade precious metal values and subordinate base metals (see table of intercepts at www.prismometals.com). This mineralization is open in all directions and the currently planned drilling program is designed to follow it along strike and to depth.

About the Vizsla Silver 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 by Vizsla Silver Corp., 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 Prismo

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is mining exploration company focused on two precious metal projects in Mexico (Palos Verdes and Los Pavitos) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia).

Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6

Contact:

Craig Gibson, President & Chief Executive Officer This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Jason Frame, Manager of Communications This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement and exploration program results, the ability to complete future financings, required permitting, exploration programs and drilling, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, the analytical results from surface trenching and sampling program, including diamond drilling programs, the results of IP surveying, the results of soil and till sampling program. the quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including CSE acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, the potential impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the Company's exploration program and on the Company's general business, operations and financial condition, and other risks and uncertainties. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.
Blackjack Zone - 19.14 % Zn, 0.4 g/t Au & 29.2 g/t Ag over 30.4 m

East Hilltop Zone  20.8 % Zn & 15.0 g/t Ag over 11.6 m and 235.5 g/t Ag, 5.7 % Pb, & 7.0 % Zn over 14.0 m

RENO, Nev., Aug. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - i-80 GOLD CORP. (TSX: IAU) (NYSE: IAUX) ("i-80", or the "Company") is pleased to report additional positive results from exploration drilling at the Company's 100%-owned Ruby Hill Property ("Ruby Hill" or "the Property") located in Eureka County, Nevada. The 2023 program continues to expand high-grade polymetallic mineralization in multiple zones and has resulted in new discoveries.

While awaiting approvals (now received) for additional land disturbance permitting the Company to construct road and drill pads for the expansion of the exploration program along the Hilltop Corridor, drilling has been focused on the Blackjack deposit and also the East Hilltop Zones. These zones were discovered late in the 2022 program (East Hilltop skarn) and early in 2023 (East Hilltop CRD). Drilling in 2023 has intersected high-grade mineralization in multiple target areas including in step-out drilling where mineralization remains wide open for expansion. Table 1 provides a summary of recent drill results and recent highlight results include:

Blackjack Zone 19.14 % Zn, 0.4 g/t Au & 29.2 g/t Ag over 30.4 m (iRH23-18A) 17.8 % Zn, 0.9 g/t Au & 59.8 g/t Ag over 16.4 m (iRH23-29)

East Hilltop Skarn 12.5 % Zn & 5.7 g/t Ag over 5.0 m (iRH23-16) 12.8 % Zn & 4.6 g/t Ag over 10.7 m (iRH23-16A) 11.6 % Zn & 5.8 g/t Ag over 6.1 m AND 14.7 % Zn & 3.7 g/t Ag over 4.6 m (iRH23-27) 20.8 % Zn & 15.0 g/t Ag over 11.6 m (iRH23-30)

East Hilltop CRD (iRH23-26) 6.8 % Zn, 3.6 % Pb, 0.9 g/t Au & 136.3 g/t Ag over 9.1 m AND 10.4 % Zn, 7.1 % Pb, 0.6 g/t Au & 257.2 g/t Ag over 4.6 m AND 7.4 % Zn, 7.3 % Pb, 1.0 g/t Au & 323.5 g/t Ag over 6.1 m

Gold Mineralized Zones 45.4 g/t Au & 50.2 g/t Ag over 17.5 m (iRH23-18A)  Tyche Discovery

Recent drilling has intersected CRD mineralization proximal to Blackjack (assays pending)

"Drilling at Ruby Hill continues to return results that confirm the Property's capability to be a flagship asset for i-80 with high-grade polymetallic base metal mineralization occurring immediately adjacent to the highgrade Ruby Deeps gold deposit.", stated Tyler Hill, Chief Geologist of i-80. "Our drill program demonstrates significant potential to expand mineralization with all zones open for expansion and multiple high-priority anomalies identified from geophysical surveys remain untested."

In addition to drilling, geophysical surveys are being completed to cover the Hilltop Corridor to the FAD deposit that was acquired earlier in the year with the takeover of Paycore Minerals. Multiple anomalies have been identified for follow-up exploration.

Drill Program

In mid-2022, the Upper Hilltop Zone was discovered with an intercept of 515.3 g/t Ag, 28.9 % Pb, 10.5 % Zn and 0.9 g/t Au over 28.3 m in hole iRH22-43 (see press release dated August 30, 2022). This led to the definition of multiple polymetallic CRD and skarn zones to the south of the Blackjack deposit, on the south side of the Archimedes pit, situated along the Hilltop fault structure. Mineralization has now been defined over a strike length of approximately 750 metres including the Upper, Lower and East Hilltop Zones (see Figures 1 & 2). Current drilling is focused on the Blackjack and East Hilltop Zones until new drill set-ups are constructed for delineation and expansion drilling and to resume definition of the Upper Hilltop Zone.

Blackjack Zone  The Blackjack deposit was identified by previous owners, Homestake and Barrick, immediately under the Archimedes pit when poly-metallic skarn mineralization was discovered below the Archimedes pit (see Figure 1). Due to its location beneath an inaccessible area in the pit, the Company is utilizing directional core drilling to upgrade Blackjack to resource status.

Step-out drill hole iRH23-18A extends mineralization to the south with the most impressive skarn intercept received to date since i-80 commenced drilling at Ruby Hill. New intercepts from the 2023 drill program include:

iRH23-18A - 19.4 % Zn, 29.2 g/t Ag and 0.4 g/t Au over 30.4 m

iRH23-29 - 17.8 % Zn, 59.8 g/t Ag and 0.9 g/t Au over 16.4 m

Recent drilling in the Blackjack Zone has also identified CRD mineralization in drilling in the upper central portion of the deposit (assays pending). The Blackjack deposit occurs to the west of the Graveyard Flats intrusive and is underlain by Carlin-type gold mineralization (Lower Jack), neither of which are part of the current mineral resource at Ruby Hill.

East Hilltop Skarn  Late in the 2022 drilling program, high-grade skarn mineralization was discovered in the East Hilltop target area with an intercept of 12.3 % Zn over 39.6 m (see press release dated Dec. 19, 2022, and Fig. 1). This mineralization is located to the south of, and in a near-identical geological setting as the Blackjack deposit. Follow-up drilling continues to expand skarn mineralization at East Hilltop and has also discovered high-grade CRD mineralization. New intercepts in the East Hilltop skarn zone include:

iRH23-16 - 12.5 % Zn & 5.7 g/t Ag over 5.0 m  hole lost prior to main zone

iRH23-16A - 12.8 % Zn & 4.6 g/t Ag over 10.7 m  wedge hole  main zone

iRH23-27 - 11.6 % Zn & 5.8 g/t Ag over 6.1 m AND 14.7 % Zn & 3.7 g/t Ag over 4.6 m

iRH23-30 - 20.8 % Zn & 15.0 g/t Ag over 11.6 m

East Hilltop CRD  Early in the 2023 drill program, high-grade CRD mineralization was discovered to the east of the Upper Hilltop Zone and proximal to the East Hilltop Skarn Zone with an intercept of 9.7 % Zn, 10.0 % Pb and 226.1 g/t Ag over 8.4 m in hole iRH23-10 (see press release dated April 25, 2023 and Figure 1). New hole iRH23-26 was drilled to follow-up the initial discovery, returning high-grade mineralization, and ongoing drilling continues to expand CRD mineralization at East Hilltop with assays pending. Hole iRH23-26 intersected multiple zones of mineralization including:

6.8 % Zn, 3.6 % Pb, 0.9 g/t Au & 136.3 g/t Ag over 9.1 m

10.4 % Zn, 7.1 % Pb, 0.6 g/t Au & 257.2 g/t Ag over 4.6 m

7.4 % Zn, 7.3 % Pb, 1.0 g/t Au & 323.5 g/t Ag over 6.1 m

Tyche Zone  High-grade gold-sulphide mineralization was discovered during the current program in a previously untested area along the contact of the Graveyard Flats intrusive (stock). Exceptional high-grade gold mineralization assaying 45.4 g/t Au and 50.2 g/t Ag over 17.5 m was intersected in drill hole iRH2318A (see press release dated August 2, 2023 and Figure 1). Once new drill set-ups are constructed, the Company plans to complete additional follow-up drilling to better assess the potential of this high-grade target.

FAD Zone  Drilling is also underway at the FAD deposit which was secured through the acquisition of Paycore Minerals earlier in 2023. Delineation and expansion drilling is being completed in advance of a revised resource estimate. Drilling completed to-date has returned multiple intervals of visually impressive massive sulphide mineralization (assays pending) that compliment previous drilling completed by Paycore that demonstrate significant potential to expand mineralization in the East Lobe, which continues to remain open for expansion. Paycore drilling returned intercepts of 8.0 g/t Au, 79.0 g/t Ag, 10.0 % Zn & 1.0 % Pb over 27.4 m in hole PC22-10, 7.1 g/t Au, 376.0 g/t Ag, 6.3 % Zn & 10.3 % Pb over 14.8 m in hole PC2208 and 1.1 g/t Au, 155.0 g/t Ag, 22.0 % Zn & 1.5 % Pb over 12.5 m in hole PC22-07.

TL Target (Exploration)  While awaiting approvals to expand the drill program onto the BLM lands, eight of the listed holes were drilled to test for potential mineralization in the vicinity of the historic TL Mine. These holes generally intersected narrower widths of modest grade CRD mineralization with highlight intercepts of 0.3 g/t Au, 236.0 g/t Ag, 0.7 % Zn and 5.7 % Pb over 3.1 m (iRH23-13) and 8.5 g/t Au, 85.5 g/t Ag, 0.9 % Zn and 7.3 % Pb over 3.0 m (iRH23-21).

Geophysical Surveys

Previous geophysical surveys (MT, gravity and magnetic) have identified several highly perspective anomalies that are believed to have the potential to represent additional massive sulfide targets including the Spring Valley and Deep Blue anomalies. Several of these surveys stopped at the south side of the Archimedes pit and are now being extended to cover the southern extension and the recently acquired FAD Property including the largely untested Hilltop Corridor.

The Hilltop Corridor is a 1.5 km long, alluvial covered, trend immediately south of the Archimedes pit. It is believed to be host to multiple feeder fault structures and is largely untested by previous drilling owing to the alluvial cover. The identification of a major northwest striking fault structure that is closely associated with the discovery of the Hilltop Zones confirms the Company's geological teams' model that the Ruby Hill Property could be host to multiple types of mineralization and several large-scale deposits.

Table 1  Highlight New Assay Results from Ruby Hill

Drillhole ID Zone Type From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) iRH23-11 Blackjack Core NSI iRH23-12 Exploration RC NSI iRH23-13 TL RC 160.0 164.6 4.6 0.6 76.3 3.6 3.0 and TL RC 172.2 173.3 3.1 0.3 236.0 5.7 0.7 iRH23-14 Exploration RC 242.3 257.6 15.2 0.6 40.5 - - iRH23-15 East Hilltop Core NSI iRH23-16 East Hilltop Core 296.8 298.4 1.6 - 4.0 - 9.1 and East Hilltop Core 303.2 308.2 5.0 - 5.7 - 12.5 and East Hilltop Core 311.9 313.8 1.9 - 4.0 - 10.5 iRH23-16A East Hilltop Core 410.0 420.6 10.7 - 4.6 - 12.8 iRH23-17 Upper Hilltop Core 230.2 232.6 2.3 0.9 50.1 0.3 1.2 iRH23-18 Blackjack RC Hole abandoned at 172 m iRH23-18A Tyche Core 551.8 569.3 17.5 45.4 50.2 - - and Blackjack Core 592.2 622.6 3.0 0.8 25.5 - 10.7 and Blackjack Core 592.2 622.6 30.4 0.4 29.2 0.2 19.1 iRH23-19 TL RC 187.5 208.8 21.3 1.1 74.6 0.4 - iRH23-20 TL RC 88.4 91.4 3.0 1.1 192.0 1.9 0.4 iRH23-21 TL RC 330.7 333.8 3.0 8.5 85.5 7.3 0.9 iRH23-22 TL RC 187.5 193.5 6.1 1.1 121.5 3.0 0.3 iRH23-23 TL Exploration RC NSI iRH23-24 East Hilltop Core 305.1 311.5 6.4 - 3.0 - 5.1 iRH23-25 TL Exploration RC NSI iRH23-26 East Hilltop Core 265.9 272.0 6.2 3.5 150.6 3.8 1.4 and East Hilltop Core 278.3 287.4 9.1 0.9 136.3 3.6 6.8 and East Hilltop Core 320.7 334.7 14.0 0.7 235.5 5.7 7.0 including East Hilltop Core 320.7 325.5 4.8 0.6 257.2 7.1 10.4 and incl. East Hilltop Core 328.6 334.7 6.1 1.0 323.5 7.3 7.4 iRH23-27 East Hilltop Core 341.1 348.7 4.6 - 1.8 - 6.7 and East Hilltop Core 351.7 354.8 3.0 - 2.5 - 7.6 and East Hilltop Core 359.4 365.5 6.1 - 5.8 - 11.6 and East Hilltop Core 438.6 443.2 4.6 - 3.7 - 14.7 iRH23-28 TL RC 199.6 201.2 1.5 0.1 12.0 0.3 4.9 iRH23-29 Blackjack Core 597.4 613.8 16.4 0.9 59.8 0.8 17.8 and Blackjack Core 660.6 664.4 3.8 0.1 8.8 0.1 10.3 iRH23-30 East Hilltop Core 419.6 421.9 2.3 - 14.6 - 17.6 and East Hilltop Core 437.5 449.1 11.6 - 15.0 - 20.8 * True widths estimated at 70-90%. Numbers may not add due to rounding.

UTM Drillhole ID East m North m Elevation m Azimuth Dip NAD83 Zone 11 iRH23-11 587344 4375328 1979 047 -52 iRH23-12 585534 4376118 1934 072 -62 iRH23-13 586789 4374862 1999 013 -81 iRH23-14 586061 4376210 1936 093 -70 iRH23-15 587525 4375145 1994 067 -73 iRH23-16&(A) 587526 4375147 1995 094 -59 iRH23-17 587385 4375282 1986 034 -77 iRH23-18 588152 4375782 1962 235 -48 iRH23-18A 588154 4375786 1962 231 -48 iRH23-19 586709 4374949 2000 076 -71 iRH23-20 586874 4374812 1993 251 -70 iRH23-21 586708 4374947 2000 260 -75 iRH23-22 586642 4374882 1996 103 -46 iRH23-23 587028 4374585 2009 081 -70 iRH23-24 587521 4375183 1994 094 -64 iRH23-25 587163 4374796 2010 266 -59 iRH23-26 587519 4375185 1994 089 -70 iRH23-27 587523 4375185 1994 094 -59 iRH23-28 586717 4374948 1999 120 -64 iRH23-29 588154 4375787 1962 243 -49 iRH23-30 587525 4375150 1994 106 -57

The Eureka (Ruby Hill) Mining District has a history of high-grade polymetallic CRD production that began in the 1860's and spanned a period of more than one hundred years. Historic mined grades rank amongst the highest for any CRD district in the world. Since the 1960's, the CRD potential of the Eureka District has been largely overlooked in favour of exploration for Carlin-type gold deposits and the Company considers the opportunity to be substantial. The Ruby Hill Property is one of the Company's primary assets and is host to the core processing infrastructure within the Eureka District of the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend including an idle leach plant, an active heap leach facility, and is host to multiple gold, gold-silver and polymetallic (base metal) deposits.

Multiple types of mineralization have been identified in the Hilltop Corridor including skarn (Blackjack), CRD (Hilltop/historic mines), distal disseminated Au-Ag (Mineral Point), Carlin-type gold (Ruby Deeps/428/Lower Jack) and more recently gold-sulphide (Tyche).

The Company has submitted for approval its plan to develop an underground mine at Ruby Hill with mineralization accessed via a ramp from the Archimedes open pit. Work is also progressing for the completion of updated mineral resource estimates (gold and polymetallic zones) and an initial economic study for the gold zones (only).

Please click here for further information on abbreviations and conversions referenced in this press release.

QAQC Procedures

All samples were submitted to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks, NV, which is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratory, independent of the Company. Samples submitted through AAL and are run through standard prep methods and analyzed using FA-PB30-ICP (Au; 30g fire assay) and IO-4AB32 (35 element suite; 0.5g 4-acid ICP-OES+MS). Select high-grade gold samples were also completed with metallic screen fire assays using G-FASFAu11. AAL undertakes their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. i-80 Gold Corp's QA/QC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results.

Qualified Person

Tyler Hill, CPG-12146, Chief Geologist at i-80 is the Qualified Person for the information contained in this press release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

About i-80 Gold Corp.

i-80 Gold Corp. is a Nevada-focused, mining company with a goal of achieving mid-tier gold producer status through the development of multiple deposits within the Company's advanced-stage property portfolio with processing at i-80's centralized milling facilities. i-80 Gold's common shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE American under the trading symbol IAU:TSX and IAUX:NYSE. Further information about i-80 Gold's portfolio of assets and long-term growth strategy is available at www.i80gold.com or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to, the expansion or mineral resources at Ruby Hill and the potential of the Ruby Hill project. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.
August 24th, 2023  TheNewswire - Western Star Resources Inc. (CSE:WSR) is pleased to announce the closing of the Toad River Copper-Cobalt Property located Peace River North area of British Colombia. The Toad River Copper Property is located 56km south of Muncho Lake (Alaska Highway) and 16 kms west of Historically producing Churchill Copper Mine.

Blake Morgan, the CEO and President of Western Star, stated With the Toad River Acquisition now complete, Western Star will continue to crunch the data. With 730 meters of known strike length and the identification of copper and cobalt minerals clearly indicates that a much larger mineralized system is proximal. With extremely high copper values on this asset, we look forward to getting crews on the ground to follow up these numbers. With the demand for copper set to outstrip supply, we are looking forward to beginning the exploration for cobalt and copper.

Assays of 15.60 % and 14.80% Copper

Measured 730 meters of known strike length.

Copper Mineralization Chalcopyrite Bornite

Possible Erythrite (a Hydrous cobalt arsenate)

The Property hosts approximately 730 meters in length of dissentious vein type copper mineralization, in the form of Chalcopyrite, Bornite, and Pyrite within the Proterozoic rocks of the Aida formation.

In 1970 Canadian Superior Exploration Limited collected Fifteen (15) continuous chip samples were taken across various sections of the mineralized veins, and their copper assay values, along with the sample widths, are given below:

Sample No Meters Cu % ME- 1 1.34 4.10 ME- 2 1.16 2.40 ME- 3 0.15 13.80 ME- 4 0.43 7.40 ME- 5 0.30 4.80 ME- 6 1.01 8.20 ME- 7 0.61 1.07 ME- 8 0.55 5.45 ME- 9 0.85 2.70 ME-10 0.18 1.98 ME-11 0.61 15.60 NE-12 1.13 14.80 ME-I3 0.30 2.40 ME-14 0.30 5.35 ME-15 0.67 1.55

The veins occur as discontinuous, lens-shaped pods of variable dimensions with widths between 15- to 90- cementers and lengths of less than 25 meters. Situated primarily along the northwest margin of a steeply dipping, northeast-striking dyke which transects a number of north trending dykes.

The mineralization consists principally of chalcopyrite with minor amounts of pyrite, bornite, malachite and erythrite, and occurs within the veins in association with quartz, carbonate (ankerite?), and sedimentary rock inclusions. Chalcopyrite appears as blebs, clusters, and pockets as well as lenses within the veins, and primarily in association with the rock inclusions.

The Company has now acquired 100% of the two mineral titles totaling 2,202.15 ha for one time issuance of 5,000,000 shares to the Vendors. The Property has 1% Royality in returns on commercial production.

Derrick Strickland, P.Geo. (1000315). a Qualified Person defined by National Instrument 43-101 and shareholder has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press releases.

The company announces the resignation of David Johnson as a Director of Western Star Resources Inc. The company wishes to thank Mr. Johnson for his contributions to the company and wishes him success on his new endeavors.

Additional Information

Additional information about the Company and the Transaction is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com under the Company's profile. The summary of the Transaction set out above is qualified in its entirety by reference to the description of the Transaction in the Company's filing statement posted on SEDAR.

"Western Star Resources is a mineral exploration and development company. The company's objective is to increase shareholder value through the development of exploration properties using cost-effective exploration practices, acquiring further exploration properties, and seeking partnerships by either joint venture or sale with industry leaders. The company currently owns nine non-surveyed contiguous mineral claims totalling 2,797 hectares, which are located within the Revelstoke mining division of British Columbia. The Western Star property group is located approximately 50 kilometres southeast of Revelstoke, B.C., and roughly 10 kilometres north of the abandoned community of Camborne. Access to the Camborne area is via paved highway from either Revelstoke or Nakusp. Access to the property area is best via helicopter from Revelstoke or Nakusp."

Contact Information:

Blake Morgan, CEO and Director

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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 press release.

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information." In particular references to the private placement and future work programs or expectations on the quality or results of such work programs are subject to risks associated with operations on the property, exploration activity generally, equipment limitations and availability, as well as other risks that we may not be currently aware of. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Lancaster Resources Inc. (CSE: LCR) (OTC Pink: LANRF) (FRA: 6UF0) ("Lancaster"), is pleased to announce KLM Geophysics is commencing the Magneto-Telluric (MT) geophysics program at Lancaster's Alkali Flat Lithium Project located in Lordsburg, New Mexico, USA. The MT program is targeting highly conductive stratigraphic units (layers) to further delineate drill targets in a highly prospective area on the NE part of the property.

Within the next few weeks, Lancaster anticipates receiving survey results, which management expects will guide them in identifying clear drilling targets.

Lancaster's recent exploratory and geochemical results have highlighted a location believed to host a lithium-rich aquifer.

"Combining this MT survey with our geochemical and conductivity data will sharpen our drilling focus, targeting the discovery of lithium-saturated aquifers," remarks Andrew Watson, Vice President of Engineering and Operations at Lancaster.

The Alkali Flats Lithium Project and the MT survey target area lie about 8 miles north of the renowned Lightning Dock Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA). Additionally, the target area is immediately adjacent to Arizona Lithium's Lordsburg Brine Project. Both provide significant insight into the geology and have been pivotal for Lancaster's strategic planning.

The MT study leverages natural electromagnetic occurrences, such as solar flares and lightning, to gauge magnetic and electric field variations. This approach capitalizes on the unique characteristics of lithium brine reservoirs. Once collected, the data will be supplemented with previous geochemical findings that showcased up to 149.5 ppm Li in surface sediments to target initial drilling locations.

The MT survey will consist of three east-west alignments with ~500m spacing, having 15 receiver stations in total. Each site will be active overnight, capturing data for a period of 14-16 hours. Once data acquisition is done, all instruments will be retrieved, ensuring the location remains largely undisturbed and fully reclaimed. We anticipate the results to provide a comprehensive subsurface conductivity model to refine our drilling targets for late 2023.

Reflecting Lancaster's environmental commitment, the non-invasive nature of this MT survey ensures a negligible carbon footprint, manifesting the company's green ethos in its exploratory endeavors.

KLM Geophysics was chosen for this pivotal role due to its competitive rates, structured approach, and its seasoned team. Their established reputation in lithium brine exploration enriches our project's expertise.

Andrew Watson, PEng, a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About KLM Geoscience

KLM Geoscience, established in 2014, is a respected geophysical exploration company based in Nevada, USA. Their extensive repertoire of geophysical methods and state-of-the-art equipment allows them to perform efficient surveying even in challenging terrains. Their services span from induced polarization (IP), natural-source magnetotellurics (MT, AMT), and controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT), to passive seismic, gravity, and magnetic potential field surveys, in addition to claim staking and soil/rock sampling.

About Lancaster Resources Inc.

Lancaster Resources is engaged in exploring energy transition metals to take advantage of the global shift towards decarbonization and electrification. Its Alkali Flat Lithium Project, in Lordsburg, New Mexico, USA, involves the exploration of a below-surface lithium brine target. Lancaster's goal is to produce Climate-Positive Lithium there using direct lithium extraction technology and solar power. Lancaster recently acquired the rights to a 100% interest in the Trans-Taiga Lithium Property located within the James Bay lithium district of Quebec, and lying on the same fault as significant lithium discoveries, including Patriot Metals' Corvette Property. Lancaster plans to conduct exploration activities with a holistic view of stakeholder interests. Recognizing the importance of the diverse interest of various stakeholders, the company considers the environmental, social, and economic impacts of its activities, aimed at balancing resource exploration with sustainable practices, cultural sensitivity, and fair benefit distribution. Guiding Lancaster Resources' journey is a skilled management and technical team, with collective involvement in over 15 commercial mineral discoveries, and endowed with extensive experience in the creation of lithium brine targets and the exploration and development of Lithium projects across Canada, the American West, Mexico, and South America.

Penny White, President & Chief Executive Officer, Lancaster Resources Inc.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: 604 923 6100

www.lancaster-resources.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events, or Lancaster's future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on Lancaster's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. In particular, the ability of Lancaster to execute its exploration plans, ability to enter into a long form agreement for the acquisition of the Trans Taiga Lithium Property, obtain exploration and drilling permits retain key personnel, identify, acquire, explore, and develop high-quality mineral-rich properties and integrate sustainable energy sources and innovative technologies for climate-positive resource production constitute forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by forward-looking information.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The statements made in this press release are made as of the date hereof. Lancaster disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be expressly required by applicable securities laws.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - K2 Gold Corporation (TSXV: KTO) (OTCQB: KTGDF) (FSE: 23K) ("K2" or the "Company") today provided an update on the status of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) the company is preparing for its Mojave Project, located in California.

Highlights

K2 Gold's modified Plan of Operations for a Phase II Drill Program at the Mojave Project has been accepted as complete by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The program is designed to delineate an initial NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate at the project.

On July 3rd, 2023, a briefing was held for Senior Officials and Directors of the Department of the Interior's BLM in Washington, D.C. to inform them of the Company's proposed Phase II Drill Program at Mojave.

Following the briefing, K2's Notice of Intent ("NOI") was approved for publication. The BLM announced the decision to publish the NOI on August 16th, for the Mojave Exploration Drilling Project.

The Project is now undergoing a 60-day public scoping and comment period which began on August 16, 2023.

Following the public scoping period, the BLM will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) which will incorporate public comments and develop project alternatives.

"We are pleased to be passing this permitting milestone with the Mojave Project," stated Anthony Margarit, CEO of K2 Gold. "Now that the NOI has been published each step in the EIS process has a clearly defined timeline. K2's 2020 drill program produced some of the best oxide gold intercepts in the Southwest USA over the past decade (including 86.9m of 4g/t Au from surface). It is incredibly exciting to be planning a follow up drill program designed to capitalize on K2's previous success at Mojave. The number of tier one exploration targets on this property is simply astounding."

Proposed Phase II Drill Program

The goal of the program is to delineate an initial NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource at the Dragonfly, Remi, and Newmont target areas. To minimize impact while maximizing efficiency, low impact drill pads would be accessed overland via previously disturbed ground utilizing an exploration road developed and reclaimed between 1997 and 2000.

Figure 1: Mojave Phase II Target Areas, Proposed Roads, and Drill Pads

What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

An EIS assesses the potential impact of actions that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The comprehensive document describes the current conditions of the environment in the affected area, identifies positive and negative effects from the proposed project, as well as identifying and assessing it offers alternative actions, including inaction, in relation to the proposed project. This requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") does not prohibit harm to the environment, but rather requires that the project prevents unnecessary or undue degradation.

An EIS represents the most comprehensive environmental review possible for a mineral exploration project under NEPA.

K2 Gold's Current Progress in the EIS Process

Mojave Project EIS Timeline

Presently, K2 has completed baseline work including cultural, biological, and archaeological studies, the detailed results of which will be included in the upcoming draft EIS. The Mojave Project Plan of Operations, and Notice of Intent has been accepted and the BLM has published the NOI in the Federal Register to solicit public comments on the Project. The 60-day scoping and public comment period is underway, and following the scoping period, the BLM will prepare the Draft EIS document that will incorporate public scoping comments and develop project alternatives that will be available for a second round of public comment following the publication of a Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register.

Mojave Project Overview

The Mojave Project is a 5,830-hectare oxide gold-copper project with copper and base metal targets located in Inyo County California. Multiple previously recognized surface gold targets have been successfully drilled in the past, most notably by Newmont and BHP. Since acquiring the property, K2 has completed geochemical and geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, LiDAR, a WorldView 3 alteration survey, and successfully completed a 17-hole RC drill program focused on the Dragonfly and Newmont Zones.

Figure 2: Mojave Project Target Areas and Geochemical Zones

2020 Mojave Drilling Highlights

During the fall of 2020, K2 completed its Phase I drilling program at Mojave. The program consisted of 17 reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes for a total of 2,540m of drilling. The highlights of the first four drill holes are listed below:

51.8 meters of 1.2 g/t gold from surface, including 18.3 meters of 3.1 g/t gold - DF20-001.

from surface, including 18.3 meters of 3.1 g/t gold - DF20-001. 86.9 meters of 4.0 g/t gold from surface, including 45.7 meters of 6.7 g/t gold - DF20-002.

from surface, including 45.7 meters of 6.7 g/t gold - DF20-002. 62.5 meters of 1.4 g/t gold from 3.1 meters, including 18.3 meters of 3.2 g/t gold - DF20-003.

from 3.1 meters, including 18.3 meters of 3.2 g/t gold - DF20-003. 30.5 metres of 7.2 g/t gold from surface, including 15.2 meters of 11.1 g/t gold DF20-004.

Mojave Project - Other Notable Highlights

In May 2021, K2 reported the discovery of a significant zone of copper mineralization at the Stega target on the western side of the Mojave Project. At Stega, samples of up to 14.2% copper with mineralization associated with locally anomalous gold and silver were sampled within a sediment hosted copper zone. This target area is currently known to be up to 250m in width, 1.8km in length, and is open to the NNW.

All mineralization at Mojave is interpreted to be part of an intrusion-related polymetallic system(s). The gold mineralization in the Eastern Area (Dragonfly, Newmont, Flores) is structurally controlled with similarities to both low sulfidation epithermal and Carlin type systems and may represent the distal expression of a much larger intrusion-related hydrothermal system. Targets in the Western Target Area including Stega, Boland, Belshaw, Soda Canyon/Soda Ridge, and, potentially, Owens are likely proximal to causative intrusions and demonstrate the potential for sediment-hosted, polymetallic, skarn, epithermal, and, potentially, porphyry styles of mineralization.

Qualified Person ("QP")

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Eric Buitenhuis, M.Sc., P.Geo., K2's QP and Vice President of Exploration.

About K2 Gold

K2 is a proud member of Discovery Group and currently has three projects in Southwest USA and the Yukon.

K2 is currently permitted and planning to drill the Wels Project located in Western Yukon in late summer 2023. The property lies approximately 40km east of the community of Beaver Creek and 60km south of Newmont Goldcorp's 4Moz Coffee deposit, within the traditional territory of White River First Nation. The land position consists of 350 contiguous quartz claims covering 7,200 hectares. The Wels is underlain by metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the White River Formation that have been intruded by a series of Triassic gabbroic sills and Cretaceous granitic plugs. This package has been cut by a series of WNW trending high-angle structures that host alteration and gold mineralization. Mineralization is noted in all rock types observed on the property to date and is associated with quartz veining, brecciation, and sericite alteration with anomalous arsenic, and antimony, with visible gold locally. Five discrete mineralized trends are currently known, with only one trend drilled to date, which delivered encouraging assay results of 2.37 g/t Au over 28.5m and 10.38 g/t Au over 6.0m. All mineralized trends remain open along strike and approximately 80% of the property is currently unexplored.

The Si2 Gold Project is located in Esmeralda County, approximately 60km northwest of Tonopah, Nevada, and 20km northwest of Allegiant Gold's Eastside deposit (1.4Moz Au, 8.8 Moz Ag). The project is road accessible and consists of 118 BLM lode claims covering 986 Ha, 65 of which are under option from Orogen Royalties Inc. The claims cover an 8 km2 area of steam heated alunite-kaolinite-buddingtonite alteration within a sequence of felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks displaying brecciation and strongly anomalous mercury.

The alteration is interpreted to represent a high-level setting within a low-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver system. In this type of geologic setting there is typically minimal anomalous gold mineralization at surface, however, gold grades may increase at depth along controlling structures at critical locations in the hydrothermal system (i.e., boiling zones).

The Si2 Gold Project was initially identified by the same exploration team that identified AngloGold Ashanti's 4.22 Moz Au Silicon project1 near Beatty, Nevada, and was staked based on its strong geological similarities to Silicon.

K2 is committed to transparency, accountability, environmental stewardship, safety, diversity, inclusion, and community and indigenous engagement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Anthony Margarit

President and CEO

For further information about K2 Gold Corporation or this news release, please visit our website at k2gold.com, contact our office at 778-266-1456, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

K2 Gold Corporation is a member of Discovery Group based in Vancouver, Canada. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Forward- looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the exploration program at Si2, Wels, and Mojave, including results of drilling, and future exploration plans at Si2, Wels, and Mojave. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, and the Company's inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies. The reader is referred to the Company's public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. No securities of the Company have been or will, in the foreseeable future, be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE
The 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.

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 -

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.
In April 2019, the Gambias Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) embarked on a much-publicized excavation and exhumation at the Yundum Barracks, the countrys biggest military encampment over an hour drive from Banjul, the capital city. Relying on witness testimonies and eye-witnesses, the team of investigators found seven bodies. They are believed to be among at least eleven soldiers executed on November 11, 1994, after an attempted counter-coup against the head of a military junta led by Yahya Jammeh, who had come to power on July 22.

For more than four years the remains have been in storage at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital in Banjul. Their identities are still unknown as no DNA testing has been conducted. The exhumation of our loved ones for 4 years without being identified, so that they can return to their families, to be given a befitting burial, has serious negative impact on me and my family as Muslims, said Mamudou M. Sillah. When we contact the government, there is only one answer: we do not have the required tools to carry out the DNA [test].

Mamudou M. Sillah, brother of one of the victims of the extrajudicial executions in November 1994: "When we contact the government, there is only one answer: we don't have the necessary tools to carry out the DNA [test]".  Mariam Sankanu

Take no prisoners

Sillah is the brother of Cadet Amadou Sillah, a soldier in the Gambia National Army who on November 10, 1994, left his home to resume his duties at Yundum Barracks. The following day, he was arrested, tied with a cable and transferred in a military Land Rover to the Firing Range in Brikama, where he was summarily executed. He was eventually taken back to Yundum Barracks and secretly buried, according to the TRRCs findings.

We also heard that experts would come from Europe to identify the remains and hand them over to their families. But that was the last thing we heard about this issue. We know nothing because nobody tells us anything. Since the bodies were exhumed from Yundum, no information, added Awa Njie, widow of Abdoulie Dot Faal. The TRRC found that her husband was the first killed among the slain soldiers. After his arrest on orders of Edward Singhateh and Sanna Sabally, top members of of Jammehs junta, Fall and others were subjected to torture and taken to the remand wing of Mile 2 Central Prison, where they were further tortured. They were then transported to Yundum Barracks. After Faals execution, his body was thrown into a pit, the TRRC was told.

In their testimonies before the Commission, both Singhateh and Sabally said the directive from Jammeh was to take no prisoners, meaning the soldiers had to be killed. Sabally described the incident as a war with enemies, not captured soldiers to be treated humanely.

We havent got the expertise

Following the exhumations, a year later the TRRC assured that the identification process was underway. But in 2023 it is yet to start.

When it comes to identification, explained to Justice Info Thomas Gomez, chief superintendent of Police and local forensic scientist who led the exhumation team in 2019, its not as easy as people think. There are so many things involved. The condition of the remains is one thing and the finances involved is another. We haven't got the expertise to move things from where they are now. We are dealing with degraded remains that have been in the soil for about twenty-five years.

The DNA test cannot be conducted in The Gambia, he admitted. And until it is done the remains would continue to be housed at the mortuary. According to a 2022 article by experts from NGO Justice Rapid Response, this situation could negatively affect evidentiary value. The Gambias Truth Commission, it reads, faced significant capacity challenges in searching for the disappeared particularly around forensics. [] Following its investigative priorities, the [Truth Commission] proceeded with the exhumations [at the Yundum barracks] without the required technical knowledge on-site and with limited preparation and participation of victims' families. It had no comprehensive plans to conduct post-exhumation forensic analysis of the remains.

Describing the conditions the remains are kept in, Gomez was not reassuring: For three years I have not been there to check on the remains. Maybe the roof is leaking. Maybe they moved from fans to AC now. If the condition remains good in that store, then that will be fine. And I hope they remain fine because there is a mortuary.

Plans for more exhumations?

According to its 2020 interim report, the TRRC discovered up to five suspected burial sites, estimating that it could find at least a hundred disappeared persons. The Commission planned to search for, recover, identify and return these bodies to their families. No exhumation, however, has been conducted since 2019.

Justice Info contacted the former executive secretary of the Truth Commission, Baba Galleh Jallow, who suggested that we contact the Ministry of Justice as the remains were handed over to them with recommendations to do the needful concerning them. Last month, two experts from the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team and one jurist from the University of Chicago Law School Global Human Rights Clinic came in The Gambia at the invitation of the African Network against Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances (ANEKED), an NGO which proposed assistance to the Gambia Ministry of Justice. Obviously, there is a tremendous urgency in need for comprehensive, rigorous, credible investigations both to give answers to the families and justice. There is a general lack of expertise in terms of technical forensic investigations, police investigations, and how you actually carry out the search for graves recovery and analysis, exhumation, and how at the level of doctors you carry out autopsies and forensic anthropological analysis at the lab level, said the human rights advocate and lawyer from the University of Chicago Anjli Parrin to Justice Info after a four-day mission.

And soon it will be 30 years

In a June 20th press release, ANEKED and the Justice Ministry hoped that the outcome of the mission will close capacity gaps [] to kick-start the search and identification of the remaining scores of victims of human rights violations identified by the [Truth Commission] that are still missing.

For Gomez, even with the required expertise, there are uncertainties surrounding the identification process. I am not 100% positive to say yes they will be able to identify all of them because I know the condition [of the remains]. It is a 50/50 thing. It is possible you might not, it is possible you might.

Following the Truth commissions recommendations, prosecutions of the top leaders of Jammehs military junta  including Jammeh, Singhateh, Sabally and senior military officers who allegedly participated in the November 11, 1994, tortures and killings  are now expected to commence early 2025, according to the recently disclosed governments implementation plan. Towards the end of the year, the government said it plans to establish a mechanism for the exhumation and identification of disappeared persons. By the time it may bring results it will be 30 years since the killings took place.
There's no stopping Lee Jung Ha from showing off his versatility as an actor after landing another interesting role in the new drama "One High School Heroes."

As the 25-year-old actor captivates viewers with his exquisite performance in "Moving," he is set to continue impressing fans with his new role.

Lee Jung Ha New Drama: Actor Stars in Webtoon-Based Drama 'One High School Heroes'

In an exclusive report cited by SPOTV News, Lee Jung Ha will headline the upcoming webtoon-based K-drama. He takes on the role of main character Eui Gyeom in "One High School Heroes."

According to the report, the soon-to-be released K-drama is helmed by "Quantum Physics" director Lee Seong Tae and adapted from the webtoon of the same, which won the 2020 Today's Comic Award.

Interestingly, Lee Jung Ha's new drama has completed filming and is yet to announce its official release date.

Moreover, "One High School Heroes" will have 8 episodes in total and will be released via OTT.

Lee Jung Ha's Character in 'Moving' Delights Viewers

As mentioned, Lee Jung Ha is currently starring in the hit K-drama "Moving." Joining the star-studded cast like Han Hyo Joo, Jo In Sung, Ryu Seung Ryung, Cha Tae Hyun, Go Yoon Jung, and more, the 25-year-old actor plays a teenage superhero named Kim Bong Seok.

Emerging as a global star by playing the lead role in the Disney+ series, viewers were hooked with every episode of "Moving" as well as Lee Jung Ha's loveline with Go Yoon Jung.

In the 20-part episode series, Kim Bong Seok is far different from ordinary high school students. He has a special ability to fly, just like his father, Kim Doo Shik, played by Jo In Sung.

Interestingly, the new student, Jang Hee Soo (Go Yoon Jung), has the same secret as him. While Bong Seok has the ability to fly, Jang Hee Soo has regenerative healing powers like her father, Jang Joo Woon (Ryu Seung Ryung).

Besides the romance of Kim Bong Seok and Jang Hee Soo, viewers are also looking forward to the mother-son chemistry of Lee Jung Ha and Han Hyo Joo.

The award-winning actress takes on the role of Lee Mi Hyun, a former secret agent who has super senses. She gets entangled with Kim Doo Shik and eventually has a romantic relationship with him.

However, an unfortunate incident happened, which led her to raise Bong Seok alone.

"Moving" depicts not just the struggles of these superhumans but also the challenges of being a single parent and raising extraordinary kids.

'Moving' Episodes 12 and 13 Release Date

As viewers patiently wait for episodes 10 and 11, leaving them drawn to every episode, fans are anticipating the continuation of the story.

Unfortunately, viewers will have to wait another week as the two episodes of "Moving" are set to air on Wednesday, August 30.

Broadcasts will be available on Disney+ and Hulu for local and global viewers.

For more K-Drama, K-Movie, and celebrity news, keep your tabs open here at KDramaStars.

KDramaStars owns this article

Written by Geca Wills
Every business, regardless of type, size, or structure, has one primary reason: to make profits. In economic theory, every business is successful exactly to the extent that it does something others cannot. Business profitability rises to the extent that universal business principles are adopted and integrated into the medical practice business.

Business growth, endurance, and increasing profits over time are possible only when business management principles and marketing strategies are embedded into the business structure and functionality.

The universal reasons why physicians refuse to obtain a medical business education:

1. Medical schools have never provided or offered a business education curriculum. An MBA education is far from adequate for physicians.

2. Medical doctors and students are never exposed to the remarkable benefits that a business education offers their medical careers. Try practicing medicine without a business platform.

3. Piling a $40,000 average cost for an on-campus two-year MBA degree on top of their average $200,000 medical education cost is unaffordable. A practicing physician must stop all medical practice income to complete that course. Quickie and shorter courses are ineffective. Ask any medical school student who already has an MBA.

4. Physicians rarely stop their medical practice for a year or two to obtain a business education. They lack the background stimulus necessary to understand and trust the value of business education to their future medical careers.

5. Physicians believe the perpetuated myth that they are intelligent enough to get by without a business education, using their experientially accumulated business knowledge. The consequences of that belief are a lack of appropriate income and an inability to meet their medical practice expectations. The one positive aspect is living a lower-middle-class existence.

6. Physicians dont know what they dont know about business education. Most physicians have had no real business education during their K-12 and college premed years. No one tells them its valuable to their medical careers, so they ignore it.

7. Physicians know about digital education and courses but have no digital business education course to learn from and adapt to their practicesuntil now. Medical school scholars havent learned it yet, or ignore that factor, or refuse to offer that approach to an essential element of medical practice business education.

Physicians never earn as much income as they want or need without a medical business education. The widespread and increasing financial failure of private medical practices annually is sharply increasing. Wonder why the attrition of American physicians is decreasing the quality of medical care?

This incessant loss of medical doctors can be totally avoided by providing all medical students with medical business education. And physicians, who were never provided with medical business education while in medical school, can find online digital business education an effective means to accomplish that.

Our medical schools have never included business education in their curriculums. Ask yourself why medical education scholars cling to that belief.

The breakthrough online digital medical practice business education is about to become available to all physicians and medical students, but available only at one source.

Advantages of digital education for all physicians and private medical practice businesses:

1. The cost is astonishingly affordable comparatively.

2. This medical business education is available 24/7 on your computer or other tech devices with online access.

3. This digital medical business education platform is the only one in existence today and was created by this authorspecifically for medical doctors by an experienced physician with expert business knowledge.

4. All physicians will absolutely have the essential business tools available to create a medical practice business that will withstand financial challenges throughout their careers.

5. You will prevent losing your medical practice to financial issues. Business knowledge enables that.

6. Business tools are the keys to a highly profitable, perpetually growing, consistently efficient medical practice, and are easily adaptable to any private medical practice specialty or geographic location. The keys to using the right tools for the right reasons are only available to physicians with a medical practice business education.

7. Medical practice management coordinated with marketing strategies is the universal success blueprint for every physician in private practice. Millions of businesses have proven the validity of these two elements of business education.

Why would any burnout-struggling physician choose to ignore an opportunity to skyrocket their income and have direct access to the world-recognized business success principles and sources that enable private medical practice physicians to eliminate most present-day financial problems immediately?

The truth is that most medical students and later physicians have never been told about the extreme value of business education to their medical careers. Consequently, they are not mentally prepared to believe in, understand the need for, or trust in that business experts advice without ever allowing themselves to give that advice a trial run. And that is why physicians can never earn the incomes they can potentially earn during their medical careers.

Curtis G. Graham is a physician.
The recent ruling of the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) to eliminate race-conscious decision-making from college admissions is being openly challenged by the medical establishment. The American Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the Medical Board of California, and the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii (among others) are continuing efforts to diversify education and medical staffing despite a 6 to 3 ruling of the Supreme Court prohibiting consideration of race and ethnicity in admissions decisions.

The AAMC was quick to act and step into the ring. On June 29, 2023, the same day SCOTUS reversed long-standing affirmative action admission policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, the AAMC said they were deeply disappointed with the Supreme Courts verdict, writing, in part: We remain committed to enhancing health professional education and practice by emphasizing critical thinking, innovation, effective communication with all patients, and increased access to patient care for an increasingly diverse population  We will work together to adapt following todays court decision without compromising these goals. The health of everyone depends on it.

The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), which considers itself the voice for state medical boards, actually began addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives before SCOTUS weighed in. The FSMB formed a task force in 2021 to address systemic racism, implicit bias, health equity in medical regulation and patient care. Legislation soon followed in California that mandated continuing education courses  that includes the understanding of implicit bias [defined as] the attitudes or internalized stereotypes that affect our perceptions, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner  and often contributes to unequal treatment of people based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and other characteristics.

Individual medical schools also entered the fray. The John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) at the University of Hawaii issued a Statement on SCOTUS Race-Conscious Admissions Ruling affirming that they will not be deterred from their many diversity initiatives and programs encapsulated in their vision, mission, and values. JABSOM embraces diversity and inclusion as part of their shared Hawaiian, Asian, and Pacific values, promoting the recruitment and retention of students, faculty, and staff, who are representative of the diverse population of Hawaii, where whites are in the minority.

JABSOMs goal is similar to many other medical schools, including my alma mater the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, which incorporates community members on the admissions committee to ensure a diverse representation of students. Temples associate dean of admissions commented: There is a unique community in North Philadelphia. A big part of a medical students education is providing care within this community and learning to understand the people who live in our community and the challenges they face.

Attracting and admitting minority medical students will increase the supply of minority physicians in impoverished areas. People of all races tend to prefer to see physicians who are similar to them in race or ethnicity, and when patients are of the same race as their providers, they report higher levels of satisfaction and trust and better communication and health outcomes. Race-conscious admissions seemed to have achieved their desired effect: the percentage of minorities entering medical school has increased the past several years. Not surprisingly, an analysis of affirmative action bans in six states found that medical school enrollment of students of color who were members of underrepresented groups fell roughly 17 percent after the bans were instituted.

JABSOMs class size is relatively small, approximately 75 to 80 students. Its 2019 entering class enrolled 68 (88%) Hawaii and Pacific Island residents and 9 (12 percent) non-residents from the mainland and Canada. Ten percent of students were white. Of the total 1980 medical school applicants, the overwhelming majority  1682 (85 percent)  were non-residents, giving an undisputable advantage to the residents of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands due to the high rejection rate of out-of-state students (about 50 times more likely to be denied admission).

Although U.S. News & World Report ranks JABSOM #16 in best medical schools for primary care, for all its student and employee diversity pipelines and partnerships, the school ranks only #80 for diversity. JABSOM doesnt even rank among the top 100 schools in most graduates practicing in rural or medically underserved areas, negating the schools raison detre to train individuals from disadvantaged socioeconomic and/or educational backgrounds who ostensibly have a stronger commitment to serve in geographical areas of need.

As for the continuing medical education requirement in California, two physicians and the conservative organization Do No Harm have filed a lawsuit seeking a permanent injunction to stop the medical board from implementing implicit bias training, claiming that an instructor cannot be compelled to espouse the governments favored view on a controversial topic, further noting that [e]ven assuming sufficient evidence exists that implicit bias in health care is prevalent and results in disparate treatment outcomes, there is no evidence-based consensus that trainings intended to reduce implicit bias are effective.

Do No Harm is a group of medical and policy professionals who oppose race-conscious medical school admissions and other policies that incorporate identity-based considerations into health care decision-making. According to the website of Do No Harm, the group has filed a number of lawsuits or complaints to combat the influx of discriminatory and divisive ideologies in medicine, including a minority scholarship program in Arkansas that excludes white and Arab-American applicants, Project Hope and its journal Health Affairs for excluding whites from a fellowship, Pfizer for excluding whites and Asians from its fellowship, and the Biden administration for injecting a race ideology into medical regulations.

All this acrimony raises the concern that medicine is headed toward troubling times. It is entering an unsettling and tenuous state where every action that embraces diversity has an equal and opposite reaction, more vocal and certainly less civil than the previous one. The blowback can be seen not only in the anti-woke movement but also in ordinary citizens who feel discriminated against: more than half (55 percent) of white Americans say that, generally speaking, they believe there is discrimination against them today, according to a poll taken in 2017 by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The survey sampled 3,453 adults; 902 were white. Interestingly, 84 percent of whites believed discrimination also exists against racial and ethnic minorities. Indeed, people from every racial or ethnic group surveyed said they believe theirs faces discrimination  not only whites, but African-Americans, Latinx, Native Americans and Asian-Americans.

Most notably, while a majority of whites in the poll felt discrimination against them exists, a much smaller percentage said that they have actually experienced it. The most insightful thing I can say is that discrimination is different when you experience it than when you talk or think about it. I may have grown up white and privileged in suburban United States, but whenever I visit Hawaii  at least two times a year  I quickly realize I am a minority. I wouldnt have stood a snowballs chance in hell gaining admission to JABSOM because I do not look like the population they aim to teach and serve and I do not share their same lived experiences. Nor could I count on SCOTUS anymore to bolster my chances of being admitted.

Arthur Lazarus is a former Doximity Fellow, a member of the editorial board of the American Association for Physician Leadership, and an adjunct professor of psychiatry at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. His forthcoming book is titled Every Story Counts: Exploring Contemporary Practice Through Narrative Medicine.
During my tenure as a practicing physician, Ive grasped that each patient necessitates and is entitled to comprehensive and unique follow-up care. Fascinatingly, this rule also relates to us, the contracted physicians. Ive realized that a physicians employment contract isnt static; it is subject to deliberate and incidental alterations.

The involvement of attorneys in contract negotiation is imperative, but their influence tends to recede after the contract is inked. Having personally journeyed through this intricate terrain, I aspire to share my experiences to guide you on your path. The perpetual negotiation of physician contracts has morphed into a specialized area with unique complexities. Even with the best intentions, only some contract attorneys possess the necessary tools, insights, or drive to secure the most beneficial contract, both in the near term and in the long term, for the physician. They excel within their legal boundaries, a viewpoint for which they cannot be blamed. This underscores the need for engaging a dedicated team for physician contracts. Contract review specialists can bridge the gap in physician contract negotiations.

Each physicians journey is singular, filled with unique challenges and triumphs. Recognizing this uniqueness becomes vital when it comes to contract negotiations. Each employers situation is also unique. While many large physician employers will claim their physician employment contract is set in stone, that may not be true. Physician employers must be flexible in their negotiation terms because of their unique, specific situation, such as physicians leaving or physician demand. Lawyers will not be able to advise you on these finer points.

Ensuring fair physician compensation: the critical role of contract review specialists

The definition of a physician contract lawyer is simple. Physician contract lawyers help negotiate, draft, review, and manage physician contracts. Technically, they are hired for private legal proceedings (e.g., a physician contract) so that the business transaction (e.g., your employment) stays within the law.

Lawyers can provide guidance on contract creation, offer advice, and defend you if necessary. However, while they will research and analyze possible outcomes for you, their main focus is ensuring that the contract complies with legal requirements. Negotiating the financial aspects of the contract is typically the responsibility of the client. If necessary, they may need to seek advice from another professional such as those that review physician contracts daily. The prospective employers lawyers drafted what they believe is a legally sound contract, but remember that the lawyers merely followed their clients instructions on the details such as compensation.

Do not accept at face value that a physician contract lawyer knows everything there is to know about your physician contract and situation. There will be details they will learn along with you, such as how bonuses are calculated. For example, in some instances, if certain benchmarks are not met, the bonus is deducted from the physicians base salary at the end of a term. Technically, it is a withhold, not a bonus. They want to help you close the deal, but how the deal is negotiated or whether it is fair or reasonable is still your call, not theirs.

We use lawyers for contracts and other documents when purchasing real estate or entering an employment agreement. The lawyer has nothing to do with negotiating the terms, price, or anything else. The lawyer facilitates the process once both sides agree. The lawyer has no interest in whether the house sells for a lower or higher price. Similarly, the lawyer has no interest in whether the physician gets a high salary or negotiates better terms for fewer call responsibilities.

Why physicians need to take control of their contract negotiations

There is significant value in staying informed and engaged in your compensation planning over your medical career. In clinical practice, there is always a race to keep up with the latest methods in the changing practice of medicine. Industry trends and changes in physician contracts and compensation are no different.

The difference for most physicians comes down to two main issues: time and access. Most, if not all, physicians just dont have the time. They are so busy taking care of patients, dealing with outpatient fires, and struggling to be on time for those required meetings that there isnt time left in the day. Sure, many physicians glance at some emails detailing physician data collection, but most dont spend the necessary time for true analysis. Getting timely and relevant data can be challenging; many sources publish data from a year ago, which is already outdated.



Also, looking at just the data does not consider your particular story, situation, or circumstances. The Hippocratic Oath states in part, I will not treat a fever chart. In other words, you need to consider the totality of your situation before making a final decision on your career.

Picture this: youre a physician living in the heart of Massachusetts, perhaps in Boston. Your apartment overlooks the bustling city, and youre used to the rhythms of urban life. You take public transportation to work and enroll your children in nearby schools. Like any other big city, the cost of living in Boston is high. The prices at your local grocery store, property taxes, and even the cost of a simple cup of coffee add up. Yet, the income you receive is comparatively lower than that of your peers in other states due to the local pay scales.

Now, contrast this with a physician living in a spacious home in rural South Dakota, surrounded by miles of open space and peaceful countryside. They commute to work by car, and their children attend the local school. The cost of living here is significantly lower: grocery prices are reasonable, property taxes are minimal, no state income tax, and a cup of coffee doesnt break the bank. However, the states pay scale makes their income much higher than yours, despite having similar job responsibilities.

Yet, when you look at the same generic compensation data, its skewed towards higher-paying states like South Dakota. That doesnt accurately reflect your reality in Massachusetts. Such data fails to account for the drastically different living costs, local taxation, and lifestyle factors between the two states.

This is why its critical to have access to personalized, relevant, and up-to-date information that accurately reflects your circumstances when considering what may be considered fair compensation. Each physicians unique situation necessitates personalized data and attention, which may be challenging to obtain without the right support.

There is a role for continuous learning and adaptation in managing and maximizing compensation. It has become an art, and just about every physician needs help. It is one of the most essential methods of proactively managing your current and future financial situations. As nice and reasonable as your employer seems, they still work in their best interests, not yours. The goal is not to become an adversary with your employer but instead a partner.

Your storys distinctive elements and personal circumstances should be the centerpiece of your compensation negotiation.

The indispensable role of physician compensation review experts

While a lawyer may assist you in ensuring your contract is legally sound, a physician compensation review expert focuses on the financial implications of your contract, ensuring that you are not just legally protected but also fairly compensated.

Imagine youre a physician starting your career in a busy urban hospital. Youre offered a contract that, on the surface, seems competitive. However, a physician compensation review expert dives deeper. They examine the fine print, identifying pitfalls that could negatively affect your earnings. Perhaps the bonus structure isnt as lucrative as it initially appears, or the contract stipulates an exceptionally high number of on-call hours, which could impact your work-life balance and overall job satisfaction.

A contract lawyer might not highlight these aspects, but a physician compensation review expert will. They dont just read the contract; they analyze it against current market trends, dissecting each clause with your best interests in mind.

Take the term 1.0 FTE, for instance. A lawyer may not flag this as a potential issue, but a compensation review expert knows this term isnt defined uniformly across contracts. It could mean a manageable 32-hour workweek at one hospital but a grueling 96-hour workweek at another. This is a crucial distinction in a profession where your time is money. A compensation review expert can help you navigate these nuances, advocating for you to ensure your contract is legal, fair, and beneficial.

Drew Sutton brings his extensive expertise to Contract Diagnostics as a guest writer and advisor. With a wealth of knowledge gained from his journey in the medical field, he comprehends the nuances of physician contracts and compensation. Dr. Sutton shares theoretical insights and practical lessons from his hands-on experience. Discover more of Dr. Suttons perspectives on physician compensation by exploring the Contract Diagnostics blog or connecting on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

The Contract Diagnostics team offers comprehensive consulting services tailored to physicians and their families, addressing employment contracts and compensation structures. Our expertise spans contract physician compensation, schedules, benefits, and more.

Our mission is to establish a central resource where physicians can access information, consulting, and coaching to navigate the intricacies of employment contracts and compensation structures, ensuring equitable remuneration.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to us via our website or at 888-574-5526.
Human rights defenders operating in Uganda have been asked to observe the laws of the land while executing their duties to prevent avoidable conflicts with authorities.

The call was made by the chairperson of the Equal Opportunity Commission, Safia Nalule while closing the Rights and Justice Activity (RAJA) programme that was launched in 2020 by Freedom House, a civil society organization, with funding from the USAID.

The programme was aimed at protecting and promoting human rights in Uganda.

Nalule noted that civil society organizations claim they are not given space to work freely in the country yet they are operating illegally.

Meanwhile, Dr. Donald Rukare from Freedom House said that during the three years of executing the RAJA programme, they have been able to provide legal aid to 360 children, over 4,000 Ugandans have benefited from legal awareness sessions, established the legal advocacy coalition and issued 9 rapid response subgrants to nine CSOs for emergency response to 365 Human Rights Defenders.
Police Constable Ivan Wabwire who shot and killed a money lender of Indian descent at Raja Chambers on Parliamentary Avenue in Kampala on May 12 has been further remanded.

State Attorney from the Director of Public Prosecutions Ivan Kyazze Kyazze told Buganda Road Court Chief Magistrate Ronald Kayizzi that investigations are still ongoing, prompting him to send the suspect back to Luzira prison until September 21, 2023, to enable police finalise their inquiries.

Prosecution states that PC Wabwire a resident of CPS Kampala police Barracks on May 12, 2023, with malice aforethought unlawfully killed Uttam Bhandari by shooting.
By AFP

When Donald Trump surrenders on Thursday to face charges, he tried to overturn the 2020 election he is expected to do so at an Atlanta jail where conditions are so notorious, they are under investigation by the Justice Department.

The 77-year-old former US president and the 18 co-defendants in the election racketeering case are to be booked at the Fulton County Jail, also known as the Rice Street Jail, according to the sheriffs office.

Standard booking procedure is for a defendant to be fingerprinted and to have a mugshot taken before they are released on bond  which has already been set at $200,000 in Trumps case.

Trump did not have to undergo the indignity of having a mugshot taken during his three previous arrests this year: in New York on charges of paying hush money to an adult film actress, in Florida for mishandling top secret government documents and in Washington on charges of conspiring to upend his 2020 election loss to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump, the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, and the other co-defendants have until noon (1600 GMT) on Friday to surrender voluntarily to the charges they conspired to overturn the billionaires election loss to Biden in Georgia.

Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform that he would be going to Atlanta on Thursday to be arrested but did not give a time.

In a fundraising appeal, he said it would take place at a jail which has been described as a humanitarian crisis' where guards have collected over 1,000 shanks fashioned from the crumbling walls.

Two co-defendants in the racketeering case, Trump attorney John Eastman and Scott Hall, a bail bondsman, were booked at the Fulton County Jail on Tuesday and released on bond.

The Fulton County Sheriffs Office has set up a tight security perimeter around the facility, closing streets and restricting access.

When Former President Trump surrenders: there will be a hard lockdown of the area surrounding the Rice Street Jail, meaning no ingress or egress during that time, the sheriffs office said in a statement.

The Justice Department opened a probe in July into conditions at the Fulton County Jail, where a number of detainees have died in recent years.

Attorney General Merrick Garland said it was being launched based on serious allegations of unsafe, unsanitary living conditions at the jail.

Added US Attorney Ryan Buchanan: 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.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the jail currently houses more than 2,500 inmates, double the amount it was originally designed to hold in 1989.

Fifteen inmates died at the jail last year, the newspaper said, and there have been four deaths reported in the past five weeks alone.

Fulton County recently approved a $4 million settlement with the family of a 35-year-old man with mental health problems who was found dead in his cell covered in lice and bedbugs.

Following his booking, Trump will be subject to a court arraignment where he will be formally charged and enter a plea.

Judge Scott McAfee, who is presiding over the case, can decide whether Trump needs to appear in person at the arraignment or whether he can appear virtually.

Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney who brought the case, has asked for the arraignments to take place during the week of September 5 and for the trial to begin on March 4, 2024.

Others facing racketeering charges in the alleged Georgia conspiracy include Trumps former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and his White House chief of staff Mark Meadows.
By AFP

The head of the Wagner mercenary group, which in June attempted to topple Russias military leadership, was on board a plane that crashed on Wednesday, with all passengers killed, Russian officials said.

The crash comes two months after Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived rebellion  seen as the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putins authority since he came to power. Since then uncertainty has surrounded the fate of Wagner and its controversial chief.

Russias ministry for emergency situations on Wednesday announced the crash of a private plane travelling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

According to preliminary information, all 10 people on board died, including three crew members, the ministry said. Russias aviation agency later said the Wagner chief was on board.

According to the airline, the following passengers were on board the Embraer-135 (EBM-135BJ) aircraft: Prigozhin, Yevgeny, said Rosaviatsia, which also listed Dmitry Utkin, a shadowy figure who managed Wagners operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence. Read more
Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content.

Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist.

If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter .

Support our mission and join our community now.
A large crowd is expected to descend on Newhouse, Thomastown, Co Kilkenny for the Irish National Sheepdog Trials, which takes place from today (August 24) until August 26.

Hundreds of people from all parts of the world are expected to arrive in the Kilkenny town for the trials and homeowners are being asked to consider renting a room to visitors due to accommodation shortages across the county.

Secretary of the Local Committee, Miriam Lettner, thanked members of the local community who have supported the cause to date and believes the event will create a buzz for Thomastown and Kilkenny at large: "It (the trials) brings something to the community, its like the holidays, we all meet up and have a chat."

Local business people are set to benefit from the festivities, with over ten coffee shops and restaurants available to tourists in Thomastown alone.

County Kilkenny is no stranger to hosting the Sheepdog Trials, in 2015 Johnstown in North Kilkenny welcomed participants to the area for the three day national event.

The three day show kicks off each morning at 7am, a food marquee will be available for spectators and admission, which goes towards the costs of hosting the event, is priced at 10.
Housing Minister Darragh OBrien has said he expects a mammoth bill to overhaul the planning system to be brought to Cabinet in the coming weeks.

His comments came as data showed that there was a 22.4% increase in the number of new homes started in July 2023 compared with the same month last year.

The data show commencement notices for 2,985 new homes were received by Building Control Authorities in July 2023, up from 2,438 for the same month in 2022.

The Department of Housing said the strong uptick in commencements this year has continued and 18,546 homes have been started in the first seven months of 2023.

This is an 11.8% increase on the same period last year.

Meanwhile, Mr OBrien said his landmark planning Bill, which is expected to be the third-largest piece of legislation in the history of the State, would be introduced to the Dail in the coming session.

Its a very important reform of our planning system and our planning legislation thats badly needed, frankly, and a lot of very detailed work has gone into it.

He said the Bill was a complex matter which requires certainty in legislation to support residential and strategic-infrastructure developments.

The minister said the Bill would improve transparency while ensuring that people and communities have their say.

Mr OBrien said the reform was urgent and he wanted to see it passed before Christmas.

Speaking to reporters at the opening of a Focus Ireland housing complex, Mr OBrien said the legislation would be fully compliant with the Aarhus Convention, which relates to access to justice and public participation.

We want a no surprises planning process as well. We need our planning system to be to plan-led so communities know on different sites, what is going to be to be developed in more detail as well.

The Focus Ireland development provides a total of 20 one-bed and two-bed apartments on Connaught Street in Phibsboro, Dublin.

It is an intentional social mix in housing which includes people leaving homelessness who may need ongoing support and others on the housing waiting lists who need a home.

Focus Ireland said this approach helps to provide vibrant, sustainable communities while providing ongoing tenancy support for individuals with past experiences of homelessness or those at risk.
Northern aviation company Alkan Air started in 1977 with three airplanes exclusively serving the mining and exploration industry. It now boasts a mix of wheel and float planes, moving people, supplies and fuel to remote Yukon communities, working mines and mineral exploration projects. Alkan Air also serves British Columbia from its Nanaimo Airport base.

President and CEO Wendy Tayler spoke to Kitco in mid-July at Invest Yukons Mining Property Tours & Investment Conference 2023.

Everybody knows the exploration and mining industry is the largest economic impact in the territory, and it simply wouldnt be able to exist if it wasnt for the supply sector, she said. So aviation is a critical piece for any exploration company in the Yukon.

Tayler pointed to the growing importance of critical minerals; and a significant increase in the need for mine supplies, including aviation, helped by exploration success stories such as Snowline Gold and Fireweed Zinc, and the Victoria gold project recently going into production.

Were all a lot busier than we were four or five years ago, she said, adding there are a number of projects in the Yukon right now that are late-stage exploration. For them to become mines, we need investors and media to come to the Yukon, see the projects, and also see that we have a strong supply sector supporting them.
Get all the essential market news and expert opinions in one place with our daily newsletter. Receive a comprehensive recap of the day's top stories directly to your inbox. Sign up here!

(Kitco News) - The final day of the BRICS summit produced a dramatic turn of events as the five existing members announced that they would admit six new members, more than doubling the size of the bloc.

On January 1, 2024 the existing BRICS nations of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will be joined by new members Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), they told reporters on Thursday.

BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting the three-day BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

Ramaphosa said other countries could still be added in the future. We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow, he said. Over 40 countries have expressed an interest in joining the bloc, and 22 countries have already submitted formal applications.

Mohammed bin Zayed, President of United Arab Emirates, said he appreciated that they were included in the next phase of the blocs expansion. UAE is already a shareholder of the BRICS New Development Bank.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the existing BRICS members decision to invite Ethiopia to join was a great moment.

China's President Xi Jinping also lauded the blocs agreement on new members. This membership expansion is historic, Xi said following the announcement. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the bloc's expansion ought to serve as an example to other global institutions. The expansion and modernization of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mold themselves according to changing times, Modi said.

And Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the promise of globalization had failed and it was time to increase cooperation among developing countries as they face the risk of nuclear war, seeming to allude to the escalating conflict between Russia and the U.S.-led West over Ukraine.
Aug 24 (Reuters) - Authorities in the self-administered Wa region in Myanmar took over the ownership of tin ore in their areas from Aug. 1, according to a statement confirmed by an official on Thursday.

Myanmar is a major source of tin concentrate for top consumer China, and most of the ore comes from mines in the region controlled by the Wa militia.

In April, the militia - the United Wa State Army (UWSA) - announced a suspension of all work at mines in areas it controls starting August, causing a temporary surge in tin prices.

"The ownership of ore that has been mined after August 1, 2023, but is still in the cave shall belong to the People's Government of the Wa State," the Wa Central Economic Planning Committee said in a statement dated Aug. 21.

By Aug. 30, the mine owners are set to work with authorities to obtain approval for mineral processing, the statement said.

The purpose of the ban, according to the Committee, is to protect resources, avoid destructive mining, mitigate the environmental impact, and prevent tax loss and corruption.

It is unclear how long the mining suspension would last and traders had increased ore exports ahead of the ban.

"We are still in the process of investigation," Nyi Rang, a deputy liaison officer at the UWSA's external relation department, told Reuters in a text message on Thursday in response to a question on how long the ban would last.

Chinese imports of tin ore from Myanmar surged 86% year-on-year during May-July to 56,533 metric tons, Chinese customs data showed.

"China's raw material supply for smelting is anticipated to decrease, hinting at potential challenges in maintaining the production levels observed earlier this year," the International Tin Association (ITA) said in a statement on Wednesday.

Chinese state-backed research house Antaike expected August refined tin output in China to stay below normal levels due to the mining ban, following a 13% month-on-month production drop in July due to smelter maintenance.

Poor tin demand has eased the supply pressure, but analysts said a prolonged ban from Myanmar would eventually cause supply tightness.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Chinese imports of Myanmar tin ore ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^>

(Reporting by Mai Nguyen in Hanoi, Siyi Liu in Beijing, Pratima Desai in London and Reuters staff in Myanmar bureau; Additional reporting by Beijing Newsroom; Editing by Devika Syamnath)

mai.nguyen.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))
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 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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
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 - Westerville Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio - Youngstown Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio  TCG Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Ohio  TCS Professional Corporation, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oklahoma - Oklahoma City LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oklahoma  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oklahoma  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oregon - Portland PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oregon  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Oregon  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Pennsylvania P.C., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Pennsylvania  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Pennsylvania  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Rhode Island  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Rhode Island  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Richland County Ltd., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of San Luis Obispo County Inc., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina - Aiken LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina - Rock Hill LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Carolina  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Dakota  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of South Dakota  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  Columbia PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  Franklin PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  TCG PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Tennessee  TCS PC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Amarillo PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Atlanta PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Austin II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Austin PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Bryan PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Burnet PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Corpus Christi II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Corpus Christi PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Cypress PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Dallas PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - El Paso PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fort Worth II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fort Worth PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Fredericksburg PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Houston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Humble PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Kerrville PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Kyle PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Livingston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Lubbock PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Lufkin PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Mount Pleasant PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Plainview PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Rockwall PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Round Rock PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio IV PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio V PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio VI PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Antonio VII PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - San Marcos PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Texarkana PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas - Tyler PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Texas  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Utah  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Utah  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Vermont  TCG LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Vermont  TCS LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Virginia - 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 - Enumclaw PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Federal Way PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Gig Harbor PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Lakewood PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Mount Vernon PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Puyallup PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma II PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma III PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Tacoma PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington - Vancouver PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington County LLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Washington  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  Martinsburg PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  South Charleston PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  TCG PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  TCS PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of West Virginia  Wheeling PLLC, Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wisconsin Ltd., Hospitalist Medicine Physicians of Wyoming - 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..

Read More
President Yoon Suk Yeol presides over a National Security Council meeting at the presidential office in Seoul, Aug. 21. Yonhap



President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered the National Security Council on Thursday to share its analysis of North Korea's botched space rocket launch with the United States and Japan and to prepare against possible additional provocations by the North, his office said.



Yoon gave the instructions as he was briefed on North Korea's second launch of what it claimed was a military reconnaissance satellite that ended in failure earlier in the day.



"The president was briefed on the NSC standing committee's discussions, and ordered that the agreements reached at the Camp David South Korea-U.S.-Japan summit be thoroughly implemented, such as the real-time sharing of missile warning data, increased missile defense cooperation, and regular trilateral exercises," the presidential office said in a press release, referring to an emergency NSC meeting convened after the launch.



"He also ordered that today's analysis results be shared with the United States and Japan, and for thorough preparations against the possibility of further provocations by North Korea," it added.



The launch came as South Korea and the U.S. have been holding joint military exercises that North Korea condemns as invasion rehearsals. The North blamed the botched launch on an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight and vowed to conduct another launch in October.



The NSC meeting was led by National Security Adviser Cho Tae-yong and attended by Foreign Minister Park Jin, Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, National Intelligence Service Director Kim Kyou-hyun and other officials.



The council "strongly condemned" the launch as a "grave violation" of U.N. Security Council resolutions banning any North Korean launch using ballistic missile technology.



"The participants noted that North Korea failed again at a so-called 'space vehicle' launch following the one in May, and deplored that it is shifting the responsibility for the economic mismanagement and broken public livelihoods that have forced its people into starvation and death, to lower-level officials, and squandering the little resources it has on reckless provocations," the presidential office said.



The council vowed to make North Korea pay the due price for its repeated violations of UNSC resolutions and to work together with the international community, including the U.S. and Japan, to stop North Korea's illegal actions, including exploitation of labor exports, cyber hacking and maritime smuggling. (Yonhap)




By Daniel DePetris



Negotiating with Iran is never easy or uncontroversial. But it's often necessary to solve problems  or in one case, to free Americans who were imprisoned unjustly by the Iranian authorities.



On Thursday, the Biden administration announced the beginning of a highly synchronized process that, ideally, will end with the release of five Americans to their families after years of detention. In exchange, the U.S. agreed to release five imprisoned Iranians and unfreeze $6 billion of Iran's own money that was stuck in a South Korean bank courtesy of U.S. sanctions. Those funds will be transferred to a Qatari bank, available for Tehran to purchase humanitarian supplies. All five Americans are now under house arrest waiting for the process to play out. According to the terms of the deal, they will be allowed to leave Iran as soon as the $6 billion makes its way into the Qatari account.



This is hardly the first prisoner exchange to occur between the U.S. and Iran. While the two nations haven't had diplomatic relations with each other in more than four decades, they have nevertheless found a way to haggle when it's in their interest to do so.



In 2016, President Barack Obama's administration finalized a 14-month negotiation that resulted in the freeing of four Americans, including Washington Post columnist Jason Rezaian. In return, Washington dropped criminal charges against seven Iranians who were convicted of violating U.S. sanctions against Tehran. In 2019, President Donald Trump's administration and Iran agreed on a one-for-one swap, bringing home an American student who was in the fourth year of a 10-year sentence for espionage.



Just as those previous agreements generated outright opposition from some quarters in Washington, last week's accord spurred a fusillade of criticism from lawmakers who believed the terms were extremely advantageous to Iran. Sen. Jim Risch, the ranking member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, tweeted that "unfreezing $6B in #Iranian assets dangerously further incentivizes hostage taking & provides a windfall for regime aggression." Rep. Michael McCaul, the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, blasted the Biden administration on television for essentially enabling Iran's proxy wars in the Middle East by handing over billions of dollars. And Sen. Tom Cotton, perhaps the most hawkish of the Iran hawks on Capitol Hill, labeled the deal a "craven act of appeasement."



Viewed impartially, however, none of this criticism makes a whole lot of sense. "Appeasement," for instance, is a loaded term, suggesting the U.S. was raked over the coals during negotiations and left the room without any concessions at all. Naturally, this isn't the case; the U.S. ended the ordeal of five Americans who were rotting in Iranian prison cells. (One prisoner, Siamak Namazi, was in Iran's notorious Evin prison for about seven years.) While one can dispute the specific concessions the U.S. provided to win those Americans their freedom, nobody can seriously argue that concessions weren't required to bring the agreement over the finish line. What Cotton is opposed to, it seems, is the very idea of diplomacy itself.



The notion that Iran will see a cash windfall for its destabilizing deeds in the region is also far-fetched. It's not like the $6 billion will be deposited in a bank controlled by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. While the Iranians will have access to the funds, they won't be able to spend them freely. The U.S. Treasury Department, with the assistance of its Qatari partners, will have eyes on how the funds are disbursed and how much is being withdrawn. This money isn't going toward Tehran's missile development or regional proxies but rather to pay suppliers for humanitarian goods, such as food, medicine and medical devices the Iranian people so desperately need. The notion propagated by McCaul is simply inaccurate.



Finally, let's be clear about what most of this opposition is about: a refusal to negotiate with Iran under any circumstances whatsoever. It's no coincidence that the very lawmakers who disapprove of prisoner exchange were also proponents of killing the Iran nuclear deal and instituting a policy of maximum pressure on Tehran. The motivation behind this policy was to squeeze the Iranian economy so tightly that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would have no choice but to crawl back to the negotiating table and cater to U.S. demands in order to stem the financial bleeding. What the U.S. received instead was the exact opposite: U.S.-Iran relations worsened dramatically, the constraints and limitations over Iran's nuclear program were removed, and another dose of tension was injected in the Middle East.



Next to Vladimir Putin's Russia, Iran is the boogeyman to a significant swath of the U.S. foreign policy elite. The idea of sitting down with one of America's foremost adversaries, one whose proxies often launch missiles and drones against U.S. forces in Syria, is too much to bear.



But international relations isn't a morality contest between good and evil. Sometimes, talking with your enemies is unavoidable or the least bad option on the table. If Ronald Reagan, the arch Cold War warrior, could negotiate with the Soviet Union, there's no reason why Biden or any other U.S. president can't exhibit the confidence and dexterity to negotiate with Iran, a much weaker country than the Soviet Union ever was.



The alternative is to trap yourself in a zero-sum mentality, in which diplomacy is seen as a reward rather than the cost of doing business.





Daniel DePetris is a fellow at Defense Priorities and a foreign affairs columnist for the Chicago Tribune. This article was published in the Chicago Tribune and distributed by Tribune Content Agency.






By Carl Bildt



STOCKHOLM  In recent years, domestic developments in Niger  indeed, across North Africa's Sahel region  scarcely attracted attention from the wider world, except in Paris, where French policymakers still took an interest in Francophone Africa. But the military coup in Niger on July 26 has changed everything.



Previously relatively stable and democratic, Niger was seen as the last bulwark against the spread of violence and political turmoil across the region, much of it incited by jihadist movements tied to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Owing partly to the civil war in Libya, these groups managed to take over northern Mali in early 2012, thus forcing France to intervene militarily to prevent the capital, Bamako, from falling into the hands of extremist insurgents.



That episode inaugurated a decade of international military engagement to contain the jihadist threat and stabilize the region. Military operations conducted by France, the European Union, the United States, and African governments followed one after another. The largest, a United Nations mission deployed to Mali in 2013, marshaled some 15,000 peacekeepers.



Meanwhile, the EU sent training missions, France pursued separate counterterrorism operations, and the US gradually increased its involvement by providing military and other forms of support.



Despite their scale, these interventions were only partly successful. A 2015 peace agreement, concluded in Algiers, sought to bridge the political divide between northern and southern Mali, but it was far from perfect. The country's security situation slowly deteriorated again, and, in 2020, Mali suffered a coup, followed by another just a year later.



The coup leaders then turned against the prevailing international engagement efforts in the country. In late 2021, they invited the Russian mercenary Wagner Group to provide security assistance and asked the French to leave. The result has been greater domestic insecurity. Wagner has occupied France's former bases and conducted operations with scant regard for civilian lives. One of its top priorities has been to secure access to Mali's economic resources, chiefly minerals.



Earlier this year, the coup regime asked the U.N. to leave. The peacekeepers are now packing up and will be gone before the end of the year. There is little left of the Algiers agreement, and jihadist groups have seized control of most of the country's north. From there, they have exported violence to nearby Burkina Faso, which consequently had two coups in 2022. Burkina Faso's own coup regime has since followed the Mali model and reportedly brought in Wagner, repeating the same cycle and further undermining security both in that country and across the region.



It was in this context that Niger's current crisis emerged. One of the world's poorest countries, Niger is also one of the youngest. Its population of around 25 million is expected to reach almost 70 million by mid-century. With most of the country's territory comprising barren deserts, the government depends on foreign aid for around 40 percent of its budget.



But owing to its democratic credentials and its relatively strong record of fighting Islamist and (now) Russian-inspired instability, it had become a hub for international engagement efforts in the region. Josep Borrell, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, just visited the country in early July. While there, he praised President Mohamed Bazoum  who has since been detained  for what his administration had achieved, visited an EU security mission, and cut the ribbon on a vast new solar power plant.



The US, too, has been increasing its presence in Niger, spending $110 million on a drone base near the city of Agadez. At the time of the coup, more than a thousand American personnel were in the country. Similarly, France had 1,500 soldiers in Niger, and they had been joined by troops from Italy, Germany, and Canada.



These cascading coups pose a profound threat to West Africa's remaining democracies. The region's largest power, Nigeria, has been spearheading the wider response, with its recently elected president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, going so far as to threaten a military intervention against the Niger coup-makers. While diplomacy is to be preferred, the Nigerians' interest in their neighbor is understandable. They have too much at stake to be indifferent.



The same goes for Europe and many others, whether or not they want to accept it. A gradual breakdown of governance in West Africa would open the door for a further expansion of Islamic State and al-Qaeda affiliates, and these groups' influence would give rise to humanitarian, security, and migration challenges for which there would be no easy answers. It is not just the West and Niger's neighbors that should be concerned. As the second-biggest investor in Niger, so, too, should China.



For now, one hopes that robust regional diplomacy will allow for a return to stability in Niger. But if diplomacy fails, other options, such as a contested military intervention, will become more likely, bringing still more problems to an already fraught region.





Carl Bildt is a former prime minister and foreign minister of Sweden. This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 42F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low around 25F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy in the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 41F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low near 25F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Thank you for reading!

Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue.
SHREVEPORT, La. - It is that time of year again. Time to clean out your freezer and help others.
2023 Vote

Join us for the Louisiana 2023 Gubernatorial Debate on Sept. 7 at 7 p.m. You can catch it on KTBS 3.3, KTBS 3 Now, and KTBS.com.
On 23 August Ecuadors Energy Ministersaid that Presidents government will not respect the result of the 20 August referendum in which voters backed outlawing oil production in the Yasuni national park, and would only partially respect voters decision to ban mining in the Choco Andino cloud forest.

End of preview - This article contains approximately 399 words.

Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article

Not a Subscriber?

Choose from one of the following options
Donald Trump's three election lawyers who were accused of helping spread false information regarding the 2020 elections, Rudy Giuliani, Sidney Powell, and Jenna Ellis have turned themselves in. This is in relation to the 4th Donald Trump indictment, where he and 18 others, including his three lawyers, have been accused of fraud, racketeering, intimidation, and trying to overturn the results of the 2020 elections in Georgia.

The arrest of former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani has been considered ironic for him, as he might be jailed in a RICO case. As a New York prosecutor, Giuliani became famous for using RICO charges against members of the Mafia. As he arrived in the Fulton County Jail, the disgraced former mayor was mobbed by reporters.

CNN pointed out that Giuliani was charged with 13 crimes. This includes racketeering, engaging in various criminal conspiracies, and soliciting a public officer in the state to violate their oath.

Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis Also in Big Trouble for Donald Trump Indictment in Georgia

Meanwhile, Sidney Powell, the "Kraken Lawyer" herself, is facing seven crimes, including racketeering, conspiracy to commit election fraud, conspiracy to commit computer theft. Jenna Ellis faces two state crimes: racketeering and soliciting a public officer to violate their oath.

Giuliani agreed to a $150,000 bond while Ellis and Powell each had $100,000 bonds. Aside from the three Trump attorneys. Kenneth Chesebro, the architect of the Trump campaign's fake electors plot, also turned himself in.

READ MORE: Donald Trump Classified Documents Case: Mar-a-Lago Employee Flips

As for Donald Trump, he is expected to turn himself in on Thursday after agreeing to a $200,000 bond with conditions that he must not attack any of his co-defendants, the witnesses, or any court official. This includes him being barred from attacking them on social media. He is expected to leave Bedminster, New Jersey for Atlanta to turn himself in and then return to his New Jersey resort. Unlike his previous indictments, though, he will get his mug shot taken on this one.

Rudy Giuliani Cannot Pay His Bills and Now He Is Facing an Indictment Alongside Donald Trump

Rudy Giuliani hedged his bets on Donald Trump. However, the billionaire has been notorious for not paying his attorneys. This includes Rudy Giuliani himself, who may have committed crimes in his service for the former president but was still not paid for it.

While Donald Trump's supporters have been footing the former president's legal bills through super PACs, his former lawyers have still not been paid, and their bills are piling up. One of the former Trump attorneys struggling the most seems to be Rudy Giuliani, according to Vanity Fair.

Giuliani is now "staring down hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal bills and sanctions amid numerous lawsuits in addition to the new criminal charges-related to his work for Donald Trump after the 2020 election."

His attorney, Adam Katz, admitted that the former New York mayor has a lot of bills that "he's not paying" as a result of Trump not paying him. Despite this, he is still trying to get in Trump's good graces and blasted the charges 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: Rudy Giuliani speaks after surrendering at Fulton County jail - MSNBC
Dennis Rader, considered one of the most infamous serial killers in the US, is now the prime suspect in two additional cold cases. Also known as the "BTK Killer," Rader's former property was recently raided.

According to the Wichita Eagle, Oklahoma officials dug up the notorious serial killer's property in Park City, Kansas where they found several "items of interest." Osage County Sheriff Eddie Virden stated that these include "personal items and other binding type items."

The digging in the former Rader property began last April after a pantyhose with knots "where they would go probably around the wrist or ankle" was found. As authorities continued to scour the property, the "BTK Killer" is now named as the prime suspect in the 1976 disappearance of Cynthia "Cyndi" Dawn Kinney.

The April search was not reported to the public, given how infamous the "BTK Killer" was. This latest search was also not supposed to be released to the public, but word got out. The reason for the secrecy was that authorities were "trying to protect families of victims and not compromise the investigation."

Sheriff Virden stated that they could not say what exactly they found on this latest search of the property. However, he did confirm that they did find some evidence that was "deliberately placed 14-16 inches below the ground."

As a serial killer, Rader had a history of saving items from his victims. The sheriff noted that "it has to be meaningful for him to go through that much trouble."

"It was definitely an intentional burial of those items," said the sheriff, who added that the items were buried in two different spots, which had dirt removed and replaced with a sand-like substance.

The Two New Victims That "BTK Killer" Dennis Rader Might Have Killed

Cynthia Kinney was a 16-year-old cheerleader from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. She disappeared in 1976 and her case was investigated on and off through the years before getting reopened last December.

Her connection to Rader was made because of where Kinney was last seen, which was a laundromat, according to the Associated Press.

READ NEXT: Rex Heuermann's Properties Raided; Nearly 300 Guns Found in 'Gilgo Beach Serial Killer's' Home

Sheriff Virden noted that a bank across the street from that laundromat installed new alarms, and none other than Dennis Rader was the installer for the company in that area. However, the sheriff admitted that he could not confirm that it was Rader who installed the alarm systems there.

Rader has now also become the prime suspect in the death of 22-year-old Shawna Beth Garber. Her body was found in December 1990 in McDonald County, Missouri. She was reportedly found raped, strangled, and restrained with different bindings and her remains were not identified until 2021. The way she was killed was consistent with Rader's mode of killing, as "BTK" stands for "bind, torture, and kill."

Who Is the "BTK Killer," Dennis Rader?

Dennis Rader is currently serving life in prison for his serial killings that happened over several years, according to ABC affiliate KAKE. The investigation into these two new cold cases is still ongoing, so it is still not known if he was indeed involved.

However, as the "BTK Killer," Rader became infamous for eluding the police while committing brutal acts of murder, as well as taunting authorities and the media.

Now 78, Rader has confessed to 10 killings in the Wichita area. He was then sentenced to 10 consecutive life sentences in August 2005.

Rader worked as a city code inspector in Kansas and was also a church leader and Boy Scout volunteer when he was arrested in 2005. His family had no idea he was the depraved serial killer who had eluded and taunted police repeatedly.

READ MORE: Richard Ramirez: A Look at Horrific Crimes of the 'Night Stalker'

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: The Infamous BTK Killer: Dennis Rader | Murder Made me Famous | Beyond Crime - Beyond Crime
Tropical Storm Franklin wreaked havoc in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, triggering severe floods and landslides as it made landfall in the southern region of the country, AP reports.

Tragically, at least one person lost their life, while two individuals remain missing in the aftermath of the storm's impact.

Following its landfall, Tropical Storm Franklin gradually veered away from the shared island of Hispaniola, where the Dominican Republic and Haiti are located.

The storm unleashed relentless heavy rainfall for an extended period before finally starting to subside late Wednesday afternoon.

Meteorologists had issued warnings of the storm's potential to bring heavy precipitation to the region.

Projections indicated the possibility of up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rainfall for the Dominican Republic, particularly concentrated in the western and central areas, with a maximum of 16 inches (41 centimeters).

To safeguard the population, Juan Manuel Mendez, the emergency operations director, stressed the importance of individuals seeking shelter indoors or with loved ones or finding refuge in designated shelters to ensure their safety.

Tragedy struck with the loss of a life. Carlos Marino Martinez, a man from San Cristobal, tragically succumbed to floodwaters and was swept away.

Initially thought to be one of the Civil Defense volunteers, the agency later corrected the information, clarifying that there was a mistake in identifying his uniform.

In addition to the fatality, two women from the same city suffered injuries from a landslide triggered by the storm.

READ NEXT: Dominican Republic Explosion

Dominican Republic President Says "Businesses Will Return" ASAP

Dominican President Luis Abinader, in a briefing with the COE (Emergency Operations Center), conveyed the government's commitment to assisting communities affected by the aftermath of Tropical Storm Franklin.

He confirmed that schools and businesses would resume operations on Thursday, emphasizing a return to normalcy after the storm's disruptive effects.

Abinader stated, "Business will return to normal starting tomorrow," per Reuters.

A preliminary report from the COE indicated that while no homes were completely destroyed by the storm, more than 500 residences suffered damage. Over 300 individuals sought refuge in temporary shelters due to the storm's impact.

The destructive force of the storm extended to infrastructure, with six Dominican communities cut off from access. Roads, water infrastructure, and the electrical grid were among the vital systems damaged by the storm's onslaught, according to emergency services.

As a precautionary measure, authorities in the Dominican Republic implemented a red alert for 25 provinces due to the potential threat of flooding from rivers, streams, and creeks.

Seven additional provinces were placed under a yellow alert, signifying elevated readiness for possible flooding incidents.

Preceding the storm's impact, flooding had already been reported in the capital city of Santo Domingo and surrounding areas. Residents were alert, bracing for heavy rainfall and potential flood risks.

Tropical Storm Franklin, Expected to Hit Haiti

Tropical Storm Franklin's trajectory remained a cause for concern as it progressed northward, as reported by the US National Hurricane Center.

The storm was anticipated to traverse Hispaniola throughout the day before emerging over the southwest Atlantic Ocean.

In the Caribbean, the spotlight of apprehension was on Haiti, a nation susceptible to catastrophic flooding due to its severe erosion and topography, Al Jazeera noted.

The Haitian Civil Protection Agency issued a warning, indicating that the storm would likely bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to multiple regions nationwide.

Prime Minister Ariel Henry took proactive measures ahead of the storm's impact, urging Haitians to prepare by stocking up on essential supplies such as water, food, and medication.

Through social media, Prime Minister Henry conveyed the government's commitment to providing secure shelters, sustenance, clean water, and medical aid to all those potentially affected by the storm.

Collaborative efforts involving local authorities, relief agencies, and partner organizations aimed to leave no one behind in the face of adversity.

Meanwhile, anticipating Tropical Storm Franklin's impact, the United Nations' World Food Program took proactive measures to aid and support the affected regions in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

READ MORE: Mexico Bus Crash: 16 Dead, Dozens Injured

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Tropical Storm Franklin causes flooding in Haiti, Dominican Republic - From WPLG Local 10
Nicaragua's suppression and crackdowns on the Roman Catholic Church continue as the Daniel Ortega government has now banned the Jesuit Order, also known as the Society of Jesus, whose members include Pope Francis himself. The pope is not just the first Latin American pope, but also the first Jesuit pope.

According to the Associated Press, the Nicaraguan government under President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo, considered a conjugal dictatorship, has ordered the Jesuit Order considered illegal and that the government must confiscate all of its property.

Previously, Murillo and Ortega confiscated the Jesuit-run University of Central America, saying that the prestigious school was a "center of terrorism." The government also claimed that the Jesuits failed to comply with tax reporting.

The University of Central America was where many of the anti-government protesters hid when the Nicaraguan government started cracking down on all forms of dissent. The administration also targeted journalists and the Catholic Church, the latter getting the ire of the government for hiding several protesters during the violent and bloody suppressions in 2018.

The university itself was used as a hub for the anti-Ortega protests in 2018. After it was confiscated, the Jesuit Order condemned the action.

"This is a government policy that systematically violates human rights and appears to be aimed at consolidating a totalitarian state," their statement read.

So far, the Nicaraguan government has forced out several orders of nuns, including Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity Order. Nicaragua also forced the Red Cross to shut down its operations in the country, as well as forced several media organizations out.

READ NEXT: Nicaragua: Bishop Rolando Alvarez Freed

Nicaragua Changes Name of Confiscated Jesuit University

Shortly after confiscating the Jesuit-run University of Central America, it did not take long for the government of Nicaragua to make some changes, including its name.

According to the Catholic News Agency, the university's new name is now "Casimiro Sotelo Montenegro National University." This is in honor of the Sandinista student leader assassinated in 1967 by the Somoza regime before the Sandinista Revolution that first installed Daniel Ortega in power.

Several men were seen removing the initials of the former name on the university's facade. The CNA noted that before it was taken over by Daniel Ortega, the Central American University used to be considered the most important private university in the country.

Nicaragua Government Expels Jesuits From Their Managua Residence

Aside from banning the Jesuit Order, the Daniel Ortega government also expelled several Jesuits from their homes in Managua.

During the Conference of Jesuit Provincials of Latin America and the Caribbean (CPAL), it was revealed that after the university was confiscated, authorities then went to a private residence near the school to expel the Jesuit priests living there.

Vatican News reported that the priests presented documents that showed that their residence was not part of the confiscated university and was private property belonging to the order. However, they were still kicked out.

The priests are now reported to be safe, however, and are now being hosted at the Centro San Ignacio in Managua.

READ NEXT: Daniel Ortega Net Worth

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

WATCH: Jesuits respond to Nicaraguan government seizing university property - ROME REPORTS in English
The body of 19-year-old California woman Andrea Vazquez, who had been reported missing and believed to have been abducted in Whittier, has tragically been discovered, according to PEOPLE.

The local authorities have arrested 20-year-old Gabriel Esparza, a resident of Whittier, in connection with Vazquez's death.

Vazquez's remains were found in an open field in Moreno Valley on Monday night following the arrest of Esparza earlier that day.

The Whittier Police Department is actively investigating the incident, and the case has been presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney for further proceedings.

A total of seven charges were filed against Esparza, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping to commit rape, kidnapping, assault with intent to commit rape, and attempted forcible rape, Wednesday afternoon.

Additionally, the charges include allegations of special circumstances related to murder during a kidnapping and attempted rape, with the use of a rifle being specified in the allegations.

"Special circumstances of murder during the course of a kidnapping and murder during the course of an attempted rape" were also alleged, the district attorney's office said. Esparza allegedly "personally used a rifle," the office said.

READ NEXT: California: Mom Finds Woman's Body in Son's Room

The California Random Shooting

According to police reports, the tragic incident involving Andrea Vazquez occurred at Penn Park in Whittier in the early morning hours of Sunday, per HuffPost.

Vazquez was with her boyfriend inside his car when an armed man approached them and opened fire. Vazquez's boyfriend managed to escape the gunfire and fled the scene.

Upon returning, he found blood near the vehicle and discovered that Vazquez was missing.

The police believe that Vazquez and her boyfriend were randomly targeted in the shooting. The circumstances surrounding the incident left Vazquez's family devastated and in shock.

Her mother, Ana Vazquez, expressed the family's profound grief and bewilderment, questioning why this tragedy happened and who the perpetrator was.

"We don't 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? There's so many things in my head," she said.

The investigation into the case eventually led detectives to Gabriel Esparza, a 20-year-old resident of Whittier.

Esparza was arrested at his workplace in Lakewood on suspicion of kidnapping and murdering Andrea Vazquez.

Later that same night, Vazquez's body was discovered in a field located about 60 miles east of the initial incident.

Authorities recovered Esparza's gun and his 2013 white Toyota Tacoma truck vehicle as part of the investigation.

The relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement led to the arrest of the suspect and the recovery of evidence in this heartbreaking case.

Gabriel Esparza Pleads Not Guilty to Killing Andrea Vazquez

Gabriel Sean Esparza, the 20-year-old son of a Los Angeles County fire captain, has pleaded not guilty to serious charges related to the kidnapping and murder of Andrea Vazquez, a 19-year-old woman from California, The Independent noted.

The legal proceedings will continue as the case unfolds, and the court will evaluate the evidence and arguments presented by both the prosecution and the defense.

READ MORE: Ohio School Bus Crash Kills 1

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: What happened to Andrea Vazquez? - From FOX 11 Los Angeles
Eight presidential hopefuls participated in the first Republican debate, focusing on topics like leadership experience, abortion, and climate change, according to CNBC.

The candidates that participated in first Republican debate were:

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

Former Vice President Mike Pence

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina

The debate allowed the candidates to energize their campaigns and challenge each other.

Despite the large number of GOP candidates, the primary cycle has often seemed dominated by the perceived rivalry between former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Donald Trump chose not to participate in the debate, signaling his confidence in securing the nomination.

Instead, he conducted an interview with Tucker Carlson, a former Fox host, which was broadcast on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Trump expressed reluctance to participate in a Republican debate where he might face criticism from candidates he considered unworthy of the presidency, and on a network he felt unfavorable.

READ NEXT: Donald Trump Won't Join Republican Debate, Here's Why

6 of 8 Republican Presidential Candidates Say They Would Still Support Trump if He Wins GOP Nomination

The leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, former President Donald Trump, is expected to turn himself into authorities at an Atlanta jail.

This action comes a day after he chose not to participate in the first Republican debate. If this occurs, it will be a historic event as he would be the first former US president to have a mug shot taken, AP reports.

Trump is facing charges related to his attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia.

Despite Trump's legal situation, his criminal proceedings did not play a significant role in the debate on Wednesday.

Six out of the eight candidates on stage supported Trump's potential nomination in 2024.

This marks the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, making him the first former US president to be indicted.

He has also faced federal charges in Florida and Washington, and recently, he was indicted in Atlanta along with 18 others, including his former chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, under a racketeering statute typically associated with organized crime.

In the same debate, Nikki Haley, former governor of South Carolina and former US ambassador to the United Nations, criticized fellow Republican candidates for contributing to the nation's fiscal challenges.

She specifically pointed out Ron DeSantis, Rick Scott, and Mike Pence for their votes on legislation that increased the national debt, per CBS News.

Haley also criticized Trump for adding $8 trillion to the national debt during his single term in office.

She highlighted concerns about the financial burden being passed on to future generations, particularly through the approval of large COVID relief bills and increased earmark requests in the 2024 budget.

Rookie Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy Manages To Get Through Hot Seat

In the absence of former President Donald Trump from the debate, Ron DeSantis, the second-place contender and Florida Governor, was expected to face most attacks from fellow candidates.

However, Vivek Ramaswamy, a rising candidate in third place, found himself at the center of attention, The Washington Post noted.

Ramaswamy's interactions with Mike Pence and Chris Christie stood out during the first Republican debate. Both Pence and Christie criticized Ramaswamy for his perceived lack of political experience.

Christie compared Ramaswamy's initial answer, which referred to himself as "a skinny guy with a funny last name," to a similar statement by Barack Obama.

Christie also humorously referred to Ramaswamy as "a guy who sounds like Chat GPT," referencing the AI model.

Despite the criticisms, Ramaswamy remained composed throughout and seemed to benefit from being pitted against two candidates who were not as popular among the audience.

Ramaswamy even offered a strong defense of Trump, accusing Christie of criticizing Trump without a clear vision for the country.

Ramaswamy frequently interjected and managed to draw attention to himself, capitalizing on the relatively lenient enforcement of the debate rules.

However, Ramaswamy faced challenging moments when other candidates, including Nikki Haley, questioned his approach to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Haley accused him of prioritizing Russia over US allies and criticized his stance on Israel.

Despite these moments, Ramaswamy generally seemed to have the support of the audience throughout the Republican debate.

READ MORE: Mike Pence Joins 2024 Republican Presidential Race

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: First 2024 Republican presidential debate tonight - From KTVU FOX 2 San Francisco
The man pronounced dead in a house fire Tuesday night in Easton has been identified as a 42-year-old, according to the Northampton County Coroners Office.

Al-Malik Hakam Walker died of carbon monoxide toxicity and smoke inhalation, Coroner Zachary Lysek said in a news release Wednesday.

The manner of death remained pending the completion of the fire investigation.

Walker lived in the 900 block of Glendon Avenue on Eastons South Side, where the fire was reported about 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, according to Lysek.

A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal was assisting with the probe into the cause and point of origin for the fire.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
The Lehigh County elected row officer whose job is to monitor financial matters released a nearly 100-page report Wednesday outlining concerns about potential mislabeling of parents as child abusers.

County Controller Mark Pinsley outlined recommendations that essentially call for a second opinion when a parent is being accused of abusing a child.

The focus of my report is based on several families saying they were diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy, an exceedingly rare disease where a caregiver fabricates or exaggerates medical symptoms in a child under their care, Pinsley said in a news conference Wednesday evening outside the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown on his report titled, The Cost of Misdiagnosis.

Pinsley did not single out any medical professional or facility by name. Dozens of parents and caregivers  and some youth patients  who say theyve suffered through Lehigh Countys child-abuse system were more direct. In remarks sustained over two hours before the county board of commissioners Wednesday night, many alleged theyd been mistreated by Dr. Debra Esernio-Jenssen. The Allentown pediatrician is affiliated with Lehigh Countys John Van Brakle Child Advocacy Center (CAC) based at Lehigh Valley Hospital17th Street in the city.

Esernio-Jenssen did not respond to a message this week seeking comment that was left through her office.

The hospitals parent, Lehigh Valley Health Network, strongly defended Esernio-Jenssen, acknowledging that physicians specializing in child protective medicine are often the unfortunate target of emotionally driven and unsubstantiated criticism, according to a statement from spokesman Brian Downs.

She does not initiate child abuse cases, the statement reads. Cases of suspected abuse are referred to the CAC through the state reporting system. At the CAC, when Dr. Esernio-Jenssen and her team evaluate a case, they collaborate with the childs medical team. The vast majority of the time they do not find evidence of child abuse, which is consistent with national averages.

LVHN clinicians do not unilaterally make the final determination whether child protective services intervention is appropriate in cases of alleged child abuse or neglect.

A medical examination is one component among many factors, including evidence, photos, and witnesses that are considered by the judicial system or child protective services, who ultimately make the final decision about protective services.

Diagnoses of rare disease

Pinsley said his report stemmed from a complaint about a diagnosis of parents as having Munchausen syndrome by proxy, in which a parent or parents exaggerate, fake or even cause disease-like symptoms in a victim in an effort to appear as a heroic, self-sacrificing caregiver.

Many of the parents and youth patients who spoke out before the commissioners referred to their ordeal as having been medically kidnapped.

Pinsley asserts the Lehigh Valley has a high rate of Munchausen syndrome by proxy diagnoses. Of 10 reported cases between 2017 and 2021 across the 14-county northeastern region of Pennsylvania, eight were in Lehigh and Northampton counties  a significant majority, according to the controller. During that time, Philadelphia had seven reported cases of the syndrome despite a population more than twice that of the two Lehigh Valley counties combined, Pinsley said.

Munchausen syndrome by proxy is child abuse, as is its related diagnosis of Medical Child Abuse, according to Pinsleys report. It wasnt, however, the only diagnosis that drew his attention in reviewing child-abuse cases.

Initially focused on Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP), the investigation soon uncovered potential misdiagnoses in other types of child abuse, such as shaken baby syndrome, various forms of head trauma and brittle bone disease, Pinsleys report states.

A child-abuse investigation can result in allegations against an accused parent being founded, unfounded or indicated, according to Pinsleys report. Trouble  from parents losing custody of a child or children to unnecessary costs to taxpayers  can follow without due process, Pinsley asserts. A successful appeal before the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Office of Children, Youth and Families clears someoness name from the ChildLine and registry database of suspected abusers, but since 2013 above 99% of cases have been upheld by the panel, the report states. Further recourse, however, that is available before the state departments Bureau of Hearings and Appeals has consistently overruled a supermajority of the indicated reports  with 91% of reports overturned in 2021, 94% in 2020 and 91% in 2019, according to Pinsleys report, demonstrating a gross discrepancy between the two reviewing bodies.

The blame for this failure lies with the process and procedures suggested by the state and implementation within counties, the controllers report states.

In the meantime, children are being removed from their parents, and parents are being labeled as child abusers in the eyes of the state. Lehigh County is central to this issue; thus, county officials must find the reasons for these oversights, the report states.

Without a judge or jury these caregivers are labeled as child abusers in the eyes of Pennsylvania, Pinsley said in the news conference prior to Wednesday nights county commissioners meeting. They will receive a letter from the state that says, Human Services made a determination that you committed child abuse. They are put on the child abuse registry, they may lose their jobs or be unable to find employment. Few actions demonstrate government overreach more clearly than the county separating children from their parents without proper justification.

Kidnapped our child

Parents who spoke out Wednesday night told of time lost with children and being treated like criminals over what they say were misdiagnoses.

Among those who addressed the commissioners were Kim and Steve Steltz, of Emmaus, who said they lost custody of both of their boys after seeking care for their oldest at Reilly Childrens Hospital inside Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest in Salisbury Township. They were diagnosed with Munchausen syndrome by proxy, launching a 12-month court battle that ended with county authorities dropping the case, Kim Steltz said.

Kim Steltz, of Emmaus, speaks during a news conference Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, outside the Lehigh County Government Center in Allentown on concerns about the potential misdiagnosis of child abuse, including allegations made against her and her husband that led to the loss of custody of their two boys. Many of the parents at the news conference then spoke out before the county board of commissioners later in the evening.Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

They essentially kidnapped our child, she said, arguing Munchausen syndrome by proxy diagnoses have an incredible similar pattern from how quickly they are taken with little information without meeting parents.

The Steltzes turned their grief into action through forming the Parents Medical Rights Group Greater Lehigh Valley Chapter. They invited local parents facing situations similar to theirs to visit PMRGLV.com or email pmrglv@gmail.com. Their attorney, Beth Molony, also spoke before the county commissioners, saying she has represented parents falsely accused of child abuse who took their children to the emergency room for help and lost their kids.

Pinsley notes his report is a Viewpoint paper ... and does not represent an audit performed under the Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards.

Lehigh Valley Health Network in its statement on the findings said Pinsley ignores the fact that Munchausens by proxy perpetrators can have more than one victim.

Had the controller followed the typical audit process, we would have provided these details, the hospital network continued. Our community relies on us to heal, comfort, and care for them, especially in their most critical time of need. That remains our focus.

It takes courage for child abuse victims and their families to come forward. We encourage anyone who has concerns about child abuse or neglect to contact law enforcement or ChildLine (800-932-0313).

The Lehigh County Solicitors Office late Wednesday night issued a statement from the Lehigh County Department of Human Services on Pinsleys non-audit services report stating:

We are currently reviewing the report presented by Mr. Pinsley. At first glance we are concerned that this appears to be rather one-sided in its presentation of facts and conclusions regarding the County of Lehighs Office of Children and Youth Services. The caseworkers and attorneys of the Office of Children and Youth Services are dedicated professionals who are committed to the protection of children and youth as both a legal and moral imperative. Any case in which the agency seeks to remove a child from their parent(s) must first be presented to the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas before emergency placement, and then a hearing occurs shortly after placement.

While we are constrained by both State and Federal law from fully discussing the situations of the specific Lehigh County cases identified by Mr. Pinsley, we have reviewed the facts and are comfortable with the Countys handling of these matters, and the protection of the children involved.

Board of commissioners Chairman Geoff Brace commented that he believed Pinsleys report should have gone directly to county human services before being published and noted the countys obligation to investigate every allegation of child abuse.

Call for law enforcement probe

Joe Welsh, executive director of the nonprofit Lehigh Valley Justice Institute, attended Wednesday nights commissioners meeting to talk about affordable housing but felt compelled to urge all of those who spoke out to take their concerns to Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin. One of the parents who spoke of their personal ordeal referred to being represented by attorney Gavin Holihan, who is Lehigh Countys first assistant district attorney and the lone candidate for district attorney on the ballot in the Nov. 7 election to succeed longtime incumbent Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin.

Pinsley, a Democrat elected in 2019, also is on the ballot in November, as he seeks re-election against Republican challenger Robert E. Smith Jr.

Welsh said he was encouraged to hear Holihan is aware of this, but if this is an ongoing situation its not something that can wait for the incumbent district attorneys retirement at the end of the year. The investigation must be immediate.

A speaker discussing claims of misdiagnosed child abuse grows emotional Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in addressing the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners at the county Government Center, 17 S. Seventh St. in Allentown. Kurt Bresswein | For lehighvalleylive.com

Martin in an interview this week defended Esernio-Jenssens role at the county Child Advocacy Center in Allentown. The center employs several nurses, two Allentown police detectives and two county detectives whose sole job is to investigate child abuse and child sexual abuse, Martin said. Its overseen by Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney Matt Falk, who gets help from Senior Deputy District Attorney Christine Murphy, and the Lehigh County Office of Children, Youth and Families also plays a role in the center, the prosecutor said.

There is no investigation into Dr. Jenssen. We are not investigating Dr. Jenssen for any criminal activity at all, Martin said, adding that if Esernio-Jenssen made an error, it would be a civil matter and not the prosecutors offices responsibility to investigate it.

Doctors get sued all the time, Martin added, and accused Pinsley of overstepping his authority.

Mark Pinsley is so far out of his lane on this its not even funny, Martin said.

Pinsley argues county taxpayers foot the bill for millions of dollars in children and youth services, including foster care that is money well-spent when appropriate.

The controller decided to look at this issue because of the costs involved, the report states. This decision sparked further research into the potential economic burden resulting from misdiagnosis, with a particular focus on the causes and effects within Lehigh County. This inquiry revealed that the costs include liability, investigation (caseworker time), the additional services provided, foster and kinship care, legal system costs, and the opportunity costs borne by families in greater need and other expenses. Taxpayer pay for all these costs.

Pinsley notes his report contains many recommendations, primarily:

Lehigh County should require a second opinion concerning the diagnosis of medical child abuse when considering removing children from their families. ...

The county should hire an independent investigator to provide an unbiased review of the processes before and after a caregiver is indicated. The selection of the investigator should be undertaken in partnership with SEIU (Service Employees International Union), which represents caseworkers involved in child-abuse investigations. This collaboration aims to foster a sense of inclusion among employees, ensuring that they are integral to the process and reinforcing their confidence that they will not be unfairly targeted.

The county should request that hospitals also conduct an independent review of the Medical Child Abuse cases over the past five years.

Pinsley said that in addition to sending his report to the county board of commissioners, he was also sharing it with the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and Pennsylvania Auditor Generals Office.

The full report is available at lehighcounty.org.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Supervising reporter Rudy Miller contributed to this report.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for Allentowns new state-of-the-art fire academy was coupled with tears and some bittersweet emotions, officials said Thursday.

The academy will be renamed after the citys long-serving Assistant Fire Chief and Instructor Chris Kiskeravage, who died in June after a three-year battle with cancer that colleagues say was linked to his job.

Kiskeravage was a Schuylkill County native who started out in public safety as a teenage ambulance corps volunteer and went on to serve as a career firefighter and paramedic at Cetronia Ambulance Corps and the Easton Fire Department from 1989 to 1996; then with Allentown until 2019, his obituary states.

He was in command of the Allentown Fire Academy when he retired, and also became South Whitehalls first fire commissioner, according to the remembrance.

Kiskeravage died on June 9, 2023 at the age of 56.

I wish we were here not doing a dedication because that would mean that Chris was still with us, but we are, Allentown Assistant Fire Chief Matt Eharth said. This was his vision, and I hope he would be proud of all the work that went into making it happen.

He gave us everything, Eharth added.

The new fire academy is a far departure from the one-room school house or the three trailers once used to train at least 30 firefighters, paramedics and first responder trainees in the past, Fire Chief Efrain Agosto Jr. said. The new building includes one large, multi-use classroom with a partition capable of seating 40, several flat-screen televisions, laptop-plugin desks, a full kitchen, a cot room, and two offices for department leaders.

The building houses the citys first Emergency Operations Center to be used as a conference room for department leaders and government officials in case of emergencies.

The project was made possible through a $2.3 million allocation of American Rescue Plan funds, $129,593 in Community Project Funding secured by U.S. Rep. Susan Wild and grant funding through former state Senator turned Pennsylvanias Sec. of Revenue Pat Browne.

The project cost roughly $2.65 million to complete, officials said.

Today, were deeply feeling the loss of Assistant Fire Chief Chris Kiskeravage, Wild said during her speech. Its thanks to his leadership that the Allentown Fire Academy is the first-class training facility that it is today.

Wild said she intends to find ways to improve the first-responders working conditions, starting with limiting exposure to toxic chemicals.

We need to make it safer, and its in his memory that Ill continue to work on these issues, she said.

Teaching was an important part of Kiskeravages life, his wife of 36 years, Andrea Andy Kiskeravage, said. Although they never discussed what exactly inspired him to teach, she said, he seemed motivated to keep people alive  not just civilians.

Something just clicked for him and he wanted to keep the guys safe, she said. He was a great man, great father, and certainly a great firefighter.

During the event, Wild presented Andy Kiskeravage with a U.S. flag in her husbands honor. The retired flag was flown over the nations Capitol, Wild said.

It was through his work at Bucks County Community College which hosts a contract with the United States Department of Defense that Kiskeravage was able to travel around the world to pursue his teaching. Today, through the Allentown Fire Academy, trainees are able to graduate with various degrees as EMTs, pump operators and first responders.

Kiskeravage was also credited with increasing the training season from 14 weeks to 21 weeks.

The city is scheduled to welcome its first class of future firefighters and first responders to the new building in January 2024. The petition to rename the facility after Kiskeravage hasnt been scheduled to go before city council yet.

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk called the Allentown Fire Academy a symbol of city and Kiskeravages values about care, inclusion, support and respect.

Its an honor to stand before this state-of-the-art facility and its a testament to Chief Kiskeravages enduring legacy and commitment to our values in the city, he said.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Glenn Epps can be reached at gepps@lehighvalleylive.com or glenn_epps_on Twitter.
Pennsylvanias statewide drought watch has been lifted for 47 counties but remains in place for the other 20, including the Lehigh Valley and most of the states southeastern corner, where public water companies are requesting or mandating water conservation.

It may seem like a strange announcement for the state Department of Environmental Protection to make on a rainy Thursday afternoon, as the National Weather Service advises of a risk of spotty flooding overnight, and a chance of showers and thunderstorms persisting through Friday. Amid summer storms, rainfall in the Lehigh Valley is slightly above normal since June 1.

Rainfall is only part of the equation, though.

The DEP and Commonwealth drought task force consider localized stream and river flows, groundwater levels and soil moisture. (A daily drought map by the U.S. Geological Survey available online did show most counties in the green on those readings as of Thursday afternoon.)

State officials also consider what public water suppliers have to say.

Seventeen such suppliers are requesting residents reduce water usage. Twelve of them are in Bucks County. The Lehigh County Authority Clearview Farms Division also is making the request for customers in Northampton County.

One supplier, Audubon Water Co. in Montgomery County, is requiring conservation methods.

The DEP is asking residents in the affected counties to reduce water use 5% to 10%. The department suggests running the dishwasher and washing machines less often, taking shorter showers, checking for and repairing leaks, installing low-flow plumbing fixtures and replacing old appliances with high-efficiency front-loaders.

Pedestrians use what they can for cover as a thunderstorm brings heavy rain to Easton's Centre Square on June 14, 2023. Despite slightly above-average precipitation this summer, the Lehigh Valley remains under a drought watch issued in June.Steve Novak | For lehighvalleylive.com

This drought watch was issued back in June when a dry spring affected all 67 counties. The task force maintained the statewide watch after its July meeting.

Portions of eastern Pennsylvania also were under a drought watch for the last five months of 2022.

National Weather Service readings at Lehigh Valley International Airport show about 28 inches of precipitation so far in 2023, almost 2 inches below normal  but 14 inches since June 1, which is about an inch above normal for that time.

Counties still under a drought watch:

Adams

Berks

Bucks

Cameron

Chester

Clarion

Cumberland

Dauphin

Fayette

Franklin

Fulton

Huntingdon

Lancaster

Lebanon

Lehigh

Montgomery

Northampton

Perry

Venango

York

Current weather radar

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to lehighvalleylive.com.

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com.
A documentary about a Siberian adventure featuring Gary O'Keeffe from Abbeyleix is set to be shown on RTE this month.

The Laois led a group of international adventure motorcyclists on an epic frozen journey in Siberia in 2020.

The Laois man and his friend Declan McEvoy from Clare, went with other international adventure motorcyclists unsupported over the biggest frozen lake in the world, Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia in the vicious depths of winter. Young Laois film maker, Naoise Kettle, 18, from Wolfhill also travelled to help make the film.

Apart from making a film, they aimed to set two new World Records, first for the longest distance to travel over ice by motorbike and also the longest distance over ice by a four-wheel drive.

Lake Baikal is a mile deep, so big that it holds 30% of the world's fresh water. Just getting to itis a challenge, 4,500 km north of Moscow. Temperatures can drop to -20 by day, -40 at night.

The team included riders from India, South America, UK, Russia and Lithuania. The trip was made on seven Royal Enfield Himalayan Motorcycles and a Russian-made truck.

The executive producer of the film was award-winning adventure filmmaker Claudio Von Planta, creator of Long Way Round and Race to Dakar.

More below teaser for the film.

After returning with new world records achieved, attention turned to the film "One Mile Down: Siberian Scramble" which was produced by Darragh Kettle and was directed by Alexander Hick. The cast in full is Gary OKeeffe, Declan McEvoy, Kevin Emans, Mark Kemp, Karolis Mieliauskas, Fritz Kreis, Mariano Caroni.

It premiered at the Galway Film Fleadh in 2022 and also featured at the Dingle Film Festival. William Fitzgerald, Artistic Director, Galway Film Fleadh, described it as "a rip-roaring action-adventure doc.

The film is described as not only about an extreme motorbike expedition, but how a common passion for life and adventure can bring together a team of people from all corners of the world.

A film featuring Abbeyleix man Gary O'Keefe will screen on Thursday, August 31 at 10.10 pm RTE 1.
Work has commenced on the landmark Market House in Portarlington which will not just see the building rescued and restored but also converted into a facility that will serve a range of purposes in the town.

The Portarlington Business Association Sustainability Group have welcomed the commencement of work on the project to be delivered by Laois County Council.

"It's great to see work on the Market House starting. Local contractor Terry Higgins awarded the contract. Looking forward to seeing a piece of history restored," they said.

The building was leased in 2020 by Laois County Council for 30 years. A stategy was also carried out to plant its overhaul as an overall regeneration of the town centre, especially the Square area.

A grant of 1,094,880 was subsequently awarded towards its restoration under the Our Rural Future policy to revitalise rural Ireland. Laois County Council has confirmed that the value of the contract awarded is approximately 1.19 milion.

When completed the Market House will serve a range of public and community uses including community meeting space and an event and exhibition space.

It is hoped that the project will regenerate a key focal point within the town, acting as a launching point for further regeneration and redevelopment in the town centre.

The project will see the creation of meeting rooms, offices as well as an overhaul of the exterior space.

The development of the Market House is one of the principle projects within the Portarlington Regeneration Strategy The Portarlington Regeneration Strategy is a heritage-led regeneration strategy.

The main objective of the project is to create a more viable and visually attractive Town Centre in Portarlington for residents, visitors and workers through the appropriate rehabilitation of the Market House and other buildings and improvements to connectivity, public realm and amenities.

This overall vision also includes increasing the attractiveness of the area to encourage investment.

Minister Heather Humphreys officially announced the commencement of the long-awaited refurbishment works for the historic Market House in Portarlington during a summer visit to Laois.

Mr Gerry Murphy, Deputy Chief Executive of Laois County Council, said at the visit that that is a project that will bring huge dividends to the town of Portarlington and the surrounding area.

He confirmed to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that work has commenced with the contract awarded to Braemer Construction Limited t/a Terry Higgins Builders, Patrick Street, Kilmalogue, Portarlington.

The house is believed to have been built around 1740-1750, to serve as a Market House and Town Hall. It was centre of the towns life through the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The local courts were held there as well as being available as a hall. Regular markets were held in the open square and local courts were held upstairs.

Its use diminished due to the consolidation of court sittings in bigger towns and the demise of markets. Around 1990, the structure was converted into a motor repair shop on the ground floor, with living accommodation above.

The Laois Offaly border town project was among 24 regeneration projects across the country to get a share of the 75million for regeneration in April 2021 under the 1 billion Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.
Planning has been granted for a 36 unit apartment complex at a site where An Bord Pleanala rejected a similar plan last year.

Corrigeen Building Company Limited has been granted conditional permission to build 36 two bedroom apartments in four blocks at Davitt Road in Mountmellick.

Permission was granted subject to 19 conditions and despite the original application seeking approval for only 32 two bedroom apartments in the initial application in September last year.

Laois County Council approved permission for the development to A) demolish existing building, B) build 36 two bedroom apartments, in four, two storey blocks, C) bin bays and cycle shelters, D) 61 parking spaces, E) site entrance and all associated site works.

The initial application submitted last September sought permission to demolish the building along with approval for 32 two bed apartments at the site on Davitt Road in Mountmellick. The site is located beside School Phadraig Naofa Boys National School, whose Board of Management objected to the plan.

A previous application by Corrigeen Builders for 36 two bed apartments at the site was conditionally approved by Laois County Council but then rejected by An Bord Pleanala after an appeal by the Davitt Court Residents Committee and the Board of Management of School Phadraig Naofa Boys National School.

Both groups also lodged objections with Laois County Council to the latest application for the proposed development at Davitt Road.

Residents of Davitt Court, Davitt Road, Brookview and Acragar objected to the development on 17 grounds, such as what they said was the lack of sufficient outdoor space, the local schools already being at capacity, flood risk fears and the fact that An Bord Pleanala had rejected a similar plan at the location.

Finally, this proposed build was already objected by An Bord Pleanala, and we quote "the Board are not satisfied as to the capability of the network to accommodate the sewage generated by the proposed development...it would be prejudicial to public health and would, therefore be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area....it is considered that the proposed development could lead to adverse effects on the environment including potential flood risks and accordingly the proposed development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area", the group quoted in their submission to the council.

In their submission to Laois County Council, the Board of Management of School Phadraig Naofa Boys National School also pointed out that An Board Pleanala had rejected plans at the site last year.

We would note that an almost identical application was submitted by the applicant under Laois County Council Reference 20/620 in late 2020. This was subsequently refused by an Bord Pleanala under their reference 311526-21 in April 2022, they stated.

As part of the Board of Management's observation submitted in respect of the original planning application, and further referred to in our appeal to an Bord Pleanala at that time, we requested that a re-design of the proposals be considered by the applicants to address the overlooking concerns raised. The proposals could have been re-designed to provide the new access roadway between the proposed apartments and the school playground. This would entail mirroring the current proposals and would provide a buffer between the school playground and the apartments (with first floor full height windows and balconies currently proposed as near as 1.3m from the school boundary). The Board of Management are disappointed that the concerns raised have not been taken on board by the applicants in this new application, the Board stated.

"The immediate proximity and the extent of overlooking of the s playground has clearly not been considered by the developers of the proposed works. This level of overlooking is not acceptable to the school authorities and is a very real concern from a child protection point of view and will impact significantly on the school amenities, they said.

They also objected on the grounds that no survey had been done in relation to traffic implications for the area and said the two bedroom units are not family oriented dwellings.

Although the council has not yet published the details of the 19 conditions attached to the planning approval, the Board of Management and local residents group are both expected to appeal Laois County Councils decision to An Bord Pleanala.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee has today welcomed the opening of the 2023 campaign for the position of Recruit Prison Officer in the Irish Prison Service and urges all passionate and driven individuals with an interest to apply for the Competition.

The Public Appointments Service on behalf of the Irish Prison Service is running the competition. The Prison Service intends to recruit up to 250 Recruit Prison Officers in 2023 with an additional 300 in 2024.

This is a chance to contribute meaningfully to society, make a lasting impact, and embark on a fulfilling journey within the Irish Prison Service.

Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee said,

I am delighted that applicants can now apply to join the Irish Prison Service through the 2023 Recruit Prison Officer Competition. The Irish Prison Service have a proud tradition of serving communities, keeping people safe and ensuring safe and secure custody to those in their care.

In return for that commitment, it is the role of Government to support the work of the Prison Service in building safer, stronger communities, and I am committed to providing that support to those who work to keep our communities safe.

The last recruitment competition was held in 2022 and was very successful with over 2,000 applicants applying. The 2023 Recruit Prison Officer Competition closes at 3pm, Thursday 28th September 2023.

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service added,

The 2023 Recruit Prison Officer competition is very much welcomed and demonstrates our continued commitment to increasing the workforce. Through competition such as the Recruit Prison Officer Competition, the Irish Prison Service aims to attract individuals who possess the qualities of empathy, resilience, and dedication necessary to thrive in this challenging yet rewarding profession. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team of professionals committed to promoting rehabilitation, community safety, and the principles of our Justice system.

Information can be found on the Public Service Appointments website at https://www.publicjobs.ie/ en/.

 Applications will be accepted online through the Public Appointments Service official website [https://www.publicjobs.ie/en/ ] starting from August 24, 2023.

 Eligible candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process, including written assessments, physical fitness tests, interviews, and background checks.

 Successful candidates will receive extensive training and mentorship to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge required for the role.

 The competition will culminate in the selection of a number of candidates who will be offered positions as prison officers within the Irish Prison Service.
Goran Bregovic at the French Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia, on February 25, 2014. ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP

From his villa in Montenegro, where he was waiting to leave for his next concert in Portugal, Goran Bregovic spoke about a "stupid story" and "nonsense." "All of a sudden, I'm pro-Russian! I don't get it," the Bosnian composer and musician said indignantly over the phone. His famous Balkan brass band was prevented from entering Moldova, where it was due to perform on Sunday, August 20, at a festival some 60 km from the capital Chisinau.

This small country bordering Ukraine, which also faces serious security threats from Moscow, is particularly critical of the musician's ambiguous stance on the conflict. On August 21, Interior Minister Adrian Efros defended the Moldovan police's decision, citing "security reasons" concerning an "artist who has expressed a pro-Russian view and supported the annexation of Ukraine by the Russian Federation." Following the expulsion of his orchestra, which always travels a little ahead of schedule, Bregovic immediately abandoned his plans to visit Moldova and canceled the concert.

One of the events scrutinized by the Moldovan authorities was a 2015 concert in Sevastopol, in annexed Crimea. In some Ukrainian circles, this concert is still used as grounds for criticism against the artist. "It was a concert that was connected with the Ukrainian tour, organized by the same agency," Bregovic said, stressing that, during the same tour, he was able to play several times in Ukraine with no protests. "I'm from Sarajevo, I'm traumatized by war, I'm not going to support war or aggression," added the artist who was born in 1950 and became immensely popular throughout Yugoslavia in the 1970s.

Read more Article reserve a nos abonnes Moldova has become a battleground in the culture war between Europe and Russia

'A hysterical moment'

Spearheading the wave of Balkan music that subsequently led to Europe dance in the 2000s, the musician has always taken refuge behind his desire "not to get involved in politics" and to avoid speaking more directly about those responsible for the war in Ukraine. This is the same cautious stance as that adopted in his public comments on the sources of the Balkan wars. His huge hit "Kalashnikov" (1995) has sometimes drawn criticism from people who accuse him of promoting violence, "but it's an ironic song that pokes fun at people who like to carry weapons," he said.

Without sharing the openly pro-Putin tendencies of director Emir Kusturica, for whom he composed the music of several cult films before falling out with him, Bregovic has nonetheless sometimes made ambiguous statements about Russia. At a press conference during his trip to Sevastopol, for example, he criticized "the West's paranoia" about Moscow. "In the Balkans, we have always felt the greatness that comes from the East, from Russia," he added, echoing a line of thought widely shared in Serbian nationalist circles and by some of those nostalgic for Yugoslavia. Bregovic, who comes from a multi-ethnic family, has said that he "doesn't remember [his] statements," which date "from before the [current] war."

You have 25% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.
PLANS for a new gas-fired power plant in Limerick are back on the table with the developer seeking permission to build from council once more.

Kilshane Energy is seeking planning permission from the local authority for the 150m project having identified land at an old quarry site in Luddenmore, near Ballyneety.

The gas-fired power plant would be capable of generating power for up to 300,000 homes, but would primarily be used to tackle energy shortages which may occur during extreme weather events.

There was huge opposition from locals when the company initially sought permission earlier this year, with 800 people signing a petition in opposition.

Kilshane subsequently withdrew the application.

Now, with the firm announcing its intention to move forward with the project again, a local opposition group has reformed, and plans to campaign against the scheme.

Suzanne Higgins, a member of the action committee admitted they expected Kilshane Energy to return with a new application.

It's a little bit like Groundhog Day. Weve gone through the new application in depth and it appears to be almost a carbon copy of the first one. Theres none of the additional stuff we would have expected, like an Environmental Impact Assessment, she said, It's a very vague application.

We feel like the site is totally unsuitable even to let alone start building it. This is our main objection. We know these plans are required and we know that this is the proposal from government. But sites like these should be put into areas which are already industrialised.

Ms Higgins said for the last decade and more, the site has become greenfield, having previously been used by Mr Binman.

The area has effectively rewilded itself, she said, There are once-off houses which have been built within metres of the date, yet here we have an application for massive industry.

Concerns were also raised around access to the site, with Ms Higgins previously saying all thats there is a single-lane unmarked road.

Kilshane Energy - backed by Belfast businessman Stuart Draffin - did not return a request for comment from the Leader.

A decision is due from council planners by October 2 next.
COCAINE was always thought of as a drug to be found in the cities and large towns but those days are long gone as it has permeated down to Limerick villages and crossroads.

According to a new study involving 351 Irish farmers, one-in- three drink alcohol at harmful levels, with one-in-20 taking drugs, with most of them doing so to a risky degree.

The study was published in the Journal of Rural Health following research from a team in Dublin City University.

Ciaran Carey, Limerick hurling great and addiction counsellor at MyMove Counselling, was invited on Today with Claire Byrne on RTE Radio 1 to give his expert insight on the rise.

Definitely. There has been a huge increase in the last three years in the farming community. Now, to be fair, it's important to stress that cocaine presently is across every sector in the country.

The farmer is no different to anybody else who is engaging in addiction because the last thing hes thinking of when theyre engaging in their first few lines of cocaine is that in the next two, three or four years that they could be in the trenches and in a deep hole in the throes of addiction unfortunately, said Mr Carey.

Claire Bryne noted it doesnt fit with the image of an Irish farmer.

There would be a certain amount of people out there taking cocaine so they can drink longer and also theres a certain amount of farmers taking cocaine so they can stay on the tractor and drive longer also, believe it or not. That is what Im listening to at the ground level, said Mr Carey.

The addiction counsellor said anyone who is engaging with cocaine is thinking they wont be as bad as Mr X or Ms Y but, unfortunately, the longer you engage in it, the addiction becomes stronger.

Rural isolation was also mentioned as a contributing factor.

Of course it plays a role, and at the end of the day every one of us is responsible for our own mental health and looking after ourselves - in the farming community that is no different.

Its so important that they have a bit of balance and a bit of downtime and if they havent that and if they are not looking after themselves or their mental health, then they seem to be drawn or pulled whether its to alcohol or cocaine and they think that will fix or help them but unfortunately anybody who is engaged in addiction often enough, and long enough, it's worse it gets.

Mr Carey said judging by phone calls and the two programmes they are rolling out in MyMove Counselling, cocaine has become hugely prevalent in the last 12 months.

Definitely. Within the last six or seven months, its gone through the roof between the ages of 21 up to about 33, across the board but definitely in the farming community also. Id nearly be bold enough to put my head on the chopping block and say we are not too far away from an epidemic when it comes to cocaine in this country, said Mr Carey, who witnessed a drug deal in front of him while waiting outside a restaurant.

He believes the only way to address it is with a response similar to the Covid pandemic.

If you have been affected by this article, MyMove Counselling can be contacted at 061 639010; HSE Drugs and Alcohol helpline 1800459459.
THE DEPARTMENT of Integration are calling on Limerick families to pledge accommodation to Ukrainian refugees after a surge of arrivals earlier this summer.

The influx of refugees into the county has continued to strain housing resources, with many being placed in temporary accommodations on UL campus.

With the academic year looming, the government is necessitating a creative approach to ensure that all refugees can secure comfortable accommodation elsewhere.

A spokesperson for the Department of Integration said: It is hoped that many currently in student accommodation can be placed in accommodation pledged by Irish families.

Accommodation is now of varying standards, which is not what we would wish, and both new arrivals and those who are being transferred may experience a lower standard of accommodation.

Where serviced or pledged accommodation is not available it is said that Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTPs) may be required to stay in emergency centres in advance of other accommodation coming on stream.

John Lannon, chief executive of DORAS, an organisation advocating for the rights of migrants and refugees, said local integration is a wonderful initiative for those seeking emergency accommodation.

The 800 Accommodation Recognition Payment has meant that it was possible for people to make rooms available, Mr Lannon stated.

However, he added that this is not a long-term solution: Under the payment, people have to make this commitment for six months, but that is often as long as people can give a room.

While this option allows refugees to integrate into a society with regards finding education, work and medical care, he stated:

We do need to see the rapid build of modular homes, and renovations to existing buildings.

This situation is said to potentially escalate into a crisis, with nearly 5,000 people requiring relocation across the country.
STAFF of one of the city centres most well-known bookshops have been honoured by Limerick Tidy Towns.

The group has afforded its fourth bi-monthly award for 2023 to OMahonys Bookshop located in the heart of OConnell Street.

Maura ONeill of Tidy Towns said they were impressed by the fact that workers at the bookshop continuously maintain a beautifully presented exterior.

Throughout many changes to our city centre over the past 120 years, not least the huge redevelopment that has recently been completed on OConnell Street, OMahonys Booksellers, one of Limericks best known and most beloved businesses has continued to thrive. It has diverse, imaginative window displays and attractive flowerbeds at the entrance. It is a great asset to our city centre, and we are delighted to present our latest bi-monthly award to them, she said.

The bookshop was founded in 1902 by JP OMahony, the grandfather of the current owner Frank.

Its continued to trade from the same location and is one of the oldest retail businesses of its type in the region.

A family business, OMahonys is one of the largest independent book-sellers in the country.

It becomes Limerick City Tidy Towns fourth winner of 2023, since they switched to bi-monthly awards this year.

It will as a result be in with a chance to be their overall winner for 2023 at next years annual event.

They will stand alongside the January-February winner Dolans, March-April winner Rift Cafe and May-June winner The Flower Studio

If you wish to nominate a business in the city for an award or volunteer with Limerick City Tidy Towns, they meet every Sunday morning at 11am at the corner of Thomas Street and OConnell Street, and on Wednesday evenings at 6pm outside the White House during summer months.

For further details you can like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter, check their website www.limericktidytown.com or email limericktidytowns@gmail.com.
POPULAR Limerick festival Music on the Maigue is returning to Croom Town Park on Sunday, August 27.

Croom Community Development Association will be hosting a number of free musical events as part of the fantastic programme.

Marie Edmonds, who has a background in ethnomusicology, will be hosting some workshops in African drumming.

The classes will be held at the Well Meadow Plaza at 11am and 12pm. Childrens places can be booked on www.cromadh.com/events/all.

Music on the Maigue will move to the terrace by the playground for the afternoon.

Well known musician and entertainer, Willie Bun will be live at 3pm.

Willie plays music from the 70s onwards and people in Croom are very familiar with his music.

Prior to the pandemic, he would have played regularly in one of the local hostelries.

Funding towards this event has come from Limerick City and County Council and Councillor John ODonoghue, commented: As a local councillor, I am very pleased that Limerick City and County Council are supporting such events in the county and supporting artists, Music on the Maigue is a great free event in Croom.

Councillor Bridie Collins added: This is an amazing event for Croom and the surrounding areas and it is absolutely essential that Limerick City and County Council would support this event.

Limerick has a rich history in the arts and bringing an event like Music on the Maigue to Croom in such a people friendly and easily accessible way is novel and inventive.

I am very much looking forward to attending and congratulating Croom Development Association and the Limerick Culture and Arts Office for bringing this event to Croom Town Park".
The majority of workers in Ireland say they have been the victim of and/or have witnessed discrimination at work, a new survey by Matrix Recruitment has found.

The 2023 Workplace Equality Survey found that almost three in four (72%) workers have had discrimination issues in their place of employment.

Of those, 20% said they have personally experienced discrimination at work and 32% say theyve witnessed it.

One in five said they have both witnessed and been a victim of discrimination in the workplace.

Now in its sixth year, the 2023 survey of more than 1,400 adults covers a wide range of workplace issues including discrimination, racism, workplace bullying, and gender pay gaps.

Inequality in relation to pay and age (30%) are the most common forms of discrimination prevalent in the workplace according to the findings, alongside gender discrimination (25%).

Other types of workplace discrimination experienced or witnessed by respondents include:

Discrimination against people with a disability (17%)

Discrimination based on nationality (16%)

Discrimination based on being a member of the traveller community (14%)

Pay transparency is important according to 92% of respondents and in relation to pay discrimination, 44% of respondents said they know a colleague of the opposite sex (and with the same role/responsibility) who is being paid more than them. Of those, more than half were female (56%).

When asked how they would respond to a colleague of the opposite sex being paid more for the same work, the majority of those surveyed said they would take action. Almost half (46%) said they would address the issue with their boss. Just 4% said they would do nothing.

Other respondents said they would:

Actively look for a new job (19%)

Consider leaving if another opportunity came along (16%)

Ask for a pay rise (14%)

Resign (1%)

Breda Dooley, above, of Matrix Recruitment said: The significant number of respondents aware of pay disparities between colleagues of the opposite sex with similar roles is deeply concerning. Its clear that we have to continue striving to ensure that all workplaces value equality and fairness, irrespective of gender. However, it is encouraging to see the increasing number of individuals willing to address the issue with their bosses, indicating a growing desire for change. Fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to discuss and challenge pay discrepancies is crucial if we are to ever achieve equality in this area.

In both the 2022 and 2023 Workplace Equality Survey undertaken by Matrix Recruitment, ageism in the workplace was identified as an issue by 78% of respondents. More than two thirds of those surveyed said that workers over the age of 50 have fewer promotional opportunities then their younger colleagues, a jump of 19 percentage points on last years findings.

When asked at what age it might be difficult to move job, nearly half (48%) said those aged 50 and above would struggle.

On a more positive note, the majority of workers surveyed (89%) agree that people over the age of 50 have as much to contribute to the workplace as those under the age of 40. Of those:

55% said that over 50s have more life skills

51% said they would be able to mentor and guide younger colleagues

48% said that mature workers are more reliable than younger people

Of the 11% who said that over 50s have less to contribute to the workplace than under 40s, half said that over 50s are not up-to-speed with the digital world/technology and do not understand new ways of communicating.

More than two thirds (68%) of workers surveyed said that parenthood impacts a womans career progression, highlighting the gender bias that prevails in the workplace. When asked why, respondents said:

There is an unconscious bias towards women who may be considering starting a family

Women are still considered the primary carers (55%)

The question of a mother's ability to meet the demands of her professional role prevails in the workplace (40%)

Mothers are not offered as many promotional opportunities (30%)

Ms Dooley said: It is disheartening to see that parental gender bias persists in the workplace. The fact that over two-thirds of workers believe that parenthood negatively impacts a woman's career progression is a clear indication that we have much work to do in supporting working mothers.

Additionally, the perception of women as primary caregivers is a damaging stereotype that must be challenged. Workplace culture needs to evolve and companies and organisations in Ireland need to become the catalyst for positive change, taking collective action to break down these barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all.

The sixth Matrix Workplace Equality Survey was conducted online in July 2023 among 1,419 adults working across a broad range of industries, sectors and regions.

Marking 25 years in business, Matrix Recruitment is a leading regional recruitment firm with national leverage. Established in 1998 and with offices in Waterford, Carlow and Athlone, Matrix specialises in multiple job categories including accountancy, financial services, engineering, manufacturing, quality & laboratory, supply chain, HR, office support, IT and sales & marketing.
The Minister for Finance has said it is important for him to receive an assurance from the Central Bank of Ireland that it will not repeat an error which potentially impacted the ability of thousands of borrowers to access credit.

On Monday, the Central Bank admitted that an archiving error saw borrower information staying on the central credit register (CCR) for an additional three months and included in credit reports when it should not have been.

The financial services regulator became aware of the mistake, which is a breach of data protection legislation, by following up on an enquiry from a member of the public earlier this month.

As a result of this error additional, outdated, information relating to May-July 2018 was available on the CCR database for inclusion in credit reports issued to borrowers and lenders in the period June 1 to August 7 2023.

The Central Bank said while this information was accurate, the additional three months of information should not have been made available.

It may have adversely affected decisions by lenders to extend new credit or decisions by borrowers to seek new credit in situations where the records for the extra months pointed to repayment difficulties during that period.

Of the 476,000 enquiries by borrowers in the first week of August  the records of approximately 20,500 borrowers with repayment difficulties in the extra period were accessed.

Speaking to reporters at Government Buildings on Thursday, Minister Michael McGrath said he will decide on any measures to seek accountability for the matter following his next discussing with the Central Bank Governor Gabriel Makhlouf.

However, he said he expected the matter to be fully dealt with independently by the Central Bank.

Asked what avenues of accountability are open for him to pursue, Mr McGrath said: The Central Bank has put its hand up and acknowledged this was an error and it will be addressed.

He added: From my point of view, the important thing here is to fully understand how it happened, to have a reassurance that it wont happen in the future and then to ensure that no customer is disadvantaged as a result of information being provided to a financial service provider that shouldnt have been provided.

Speaking earlier on Thursday, Housing Minister Darragh OBrien said the data breach was of concern.

Obviously, peoples credit ratings and the fact that theyre up to date is actually very important.

And I know Minister McGrath and his team have been engaging with the Central Bank on this. I will call on them to ensure that this is rectified with great haste, and that they look at their procedures within the bank to ensure that this doesnt happen again.

The Central Bank said it began a remediation process on August 4 and the error was resolved on August 7.

It sincerely apologises for the error, saying: We are engaging with lenders to advise them of the incident and to establish if the additional three months of historical credit information affected their lending decisions in any way.
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.
Government officials suggested examining the politically charged option of closing parts of Northern Irelands rail network after safety concerns were raised in 2000, newly declassified files have revealed.

Internal memos reveal that the company responsible for delivering public transport in Northern Ireland was refusing at the time to hand over 10 million from its reserves to Government and was linking its participation in a new railways task force with gaining commitments over funding for enhanced safety measures.

In March of 2000, Joan Smyth, then chair of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, the commercial arm of public transport operator Translink, wrote directly to Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Mandelson.

She said she was taking the unusual step after her board received a detailed presentation on the findings of a strategic safety review from NI Railways.

Ms Smyth said: Although the review acknowledges that NIR is currently operating the rail network to acceptable safety standards, it also highlights the need for very significant investment in the short to medium term if rail services are to continue to operate within acceptable tolerances of safety.

The need for the essential expenditure, which relates mostly to upgrading of track infrastructure and renewal of our short-haul rolling stock, has arisen because of the under-investment over a prolonged period.

She asked for assurance that additional financial support would be made available to address shortfalls.

In his letter of response, Mr Mandelson said Minister for Regional Development Adam Ingram had decided to set up a high level task force to provide advice on options for the future of railways.

Following Ms Smyths letter, an internal DRD memo said a safety review had identified a need for expenditure of about 183 million over 10 years in Northern Irelands rail network, including 115 million in the first three years.

It stated: DRD and DFP officials believe that the time has come for a fundamental look at the future of the railways in Northern Ireland which would have to include the politically charged option of closing or moth-balling parts of the existing network.

Ms Smyth and Mr Ingram met in April. In a letter following the meeting, Ms Smyth said she would find it difficult to secure the support of her board for participation in the task force without concerns over significant funding to meet safety concerns being addressed.

She said: Board members have a legal responsibility as Directors to address this and failure to do so leaves them exposed to possible criminal liability in the event of an accident.

The task force held its first meeting on April 17 2000.

A subsequent memo on the meeting from DRD Permanent Secretary Ronnie Spence said it had been a difficult meeting.

He added: Her (Ms Smyth) letter of 14 April to the minister links the boards participation in the task force to further substantial Government funding for essential safety work this year; and the letter reports the Boards unwillingness to hand over the 10m of their reserves due in 1999/2000. Mrs Smyth is currently overseas.

He added: We are in an unsatisfactory position, where 10 million (which NITHC cannot spend) is being withheld from Government and where NITHC are trying to extract further commitments from Government before signing up to the task force.

I have told Mrs Smyth that, in my opinion, her Board is getting into dangerous waters.

To be fair, I do not doubt the sincerity of board members concerns that they would be very exposed if a serious safety related incident happened.
Lincoln University of Missouri has recently been made aware of a data breach within the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC). Lincoln is one of hundreds of higher education institutions that use NSC and its software MOVEit Transfer to share enrollment data with employers, lenders, etc. Upon learning of the vulnerability, NSC promptly launched an investigation and took steps to secure its MOVEit environment, including implementing patches to its MOVEit software. NSC reported the issue to law enforcement and has been working with leading cybersecurity experts to understand the issue's impact on its organization and systems. No systems operated or maintained by Lincoln were breached. This week, we have learned that 1,364 of Lincoln's students may have been affected by the breach.

NSC has assured Lincoln that no sensitive personal information such as social security numbers, birth dates, or transcript data was leaked. The types of personal information leaked included names, contact information, and educational information.

Again, while Lincoln has assurance from NSC that there is very little risk of identity theft for those who might have been affected, Lincoln still suggests students be diligent in taking the following precautions:

Learn the signs of identity theft from the Federal Trade Commission at https://www.identitytheft.gov/.

Check individual credit reports Credit reports can be obtained for free at https://www.annualcreditreport.com.

Monitor individual financial accounts (bank accounts, credit cards, investments, etc.)

Consider signing up for an identity theft protection

Consider placing a credit freeze on the credit report with each of the three credit-reporting agencies

Remain suspicious of any emails coming from unknown individuals or any emails with attachments or requests to click on links.

Do not share personal information on email, social media posts, or in other electronic formats. That information might include passwords, Social Security numbers, and financial account information.

It is important to remember that even if every precaution is taken, individuals can still be victims of a crime. Anyone who thinks they might be a victim of a crime, such as fraud or ID theft, is encouraged to file a police report.The NSC breach is still under investigation and is expected to take some time due to the number of schools and students involved. Stay informed of the latest information from NSC at https://alert.studentclearinghouse.org/.
Google is pushing ahead with generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools for its advertising platform in India and across the world, as it stares at a potential decline in digital ad revenue in the age of AI.

On 25 April, Googles parent reported a second consecutive quarter of declining advertising revenue, which accounts for nearly 80% of the companys annual revenue. Just a month later, it unveiled its generative AI tools for advertisers globally, and brought them to India in July.

At a media round table on 31 July, Dan Taylor, vice-president of global ads for Google, said the new tools under the Performance Max" fold will help digital marketers craft more relevant advertising, widen the impact of advertisements, and deepen customer engagement. Financial services group HDFC, e-commerce platform Myntra and insurance firm Tata AIG are among Indian companies using these tools, he said.

We see it as an enhancement, and a tool to exponentially increase the opportunity to reach consumers with relevant ads, to reach consumers with a relevant experience on their website," Taylor said.

Industry stakeholders sees the move as Googles attempt to protect its revenue in the long run. Digital ad spending growth has slumpedGroupM expects global digital ad spending growth to fall 1.5 percentage points to 5.9% in 2023 to $856 billion. This is particularly concerning for Google, which relies heavily on ads. Out of Alphabets latest quarterly revenue of $74.6 billion, $58.1 billion, or nearly 78%, came from ads. Its FY22 annual report disclosed ad revenue of $224.4 billion, accounting for 79% of its total $282.8 billion revenue.

Jaspreet Bindra, founder of tech consultancy firm Tech Whisperer and an industry veteran, terms Googles approach to generative AI as a classical innovators dilemma".

Google invented the foundational transformer model in 2017, but then sat on it without being the first to commercialize, as it posed a direct threat to Googles vast ad business. It is this that Microsoft also targetedthe advent of generative AI will basically cut down the margins of the massive-margin ads business that Google dominates. At present, Googles biggest challenge will be to see how it can monetize this new format of search that generative AI has brought forth, through ads. It is this that Google will look to address, in a bid to maintain the margins of its primary revenue driver," Bindra said.

Publishers too are joining in, according to Googles Taylor. The publishers that Im talking to are embracing the opportunity of generative AIfrom a content creation and optimization standpoint, as well as how they think about their own marketing efforts," he added.

However, digital marketers believe social media platforms could eventually pose a stiff challenge for Google. Shudeep Mazumdar, chief executive of digital marketing firm Zefmo, said, Growth in digital ad spending has been stagnating over the past four to six quarters. User-driven searches are also increasing on social media platformsas a result, ads on Googles YouTube or Metas Instagram are likely to see faster growth in the coming quarters, as against Googles display ads," Mazumdar said.

Mazumdar said Googles key offerings will try to attract brands to the AI bandwagon to take on rivals. Generative AI could make a difference here, in terms of the overall cost of advertising that brands incur. This, coupled with the ease of creating ads through generative AI, may offer an interim boost to stagnant digital ad spending," he added.

For now, the early move by Google may have a limited impact on India, though this impact could be significant in the long run.
United States telecommunication company T-Mobile has informed that they will layoff 7% of their employees in a bid to aid cost cutting, as the company spends heavily to attract new subscribers in an increasingly competitive market.

According to reports, the layoff is set to affect at least 5,00 employees. According to Bloomberg report, the corporate and back-office employees are likely to be affected. Some employees holding technology roles will also be laid-off, T-Mobile said in a regulatory filing.

T-Mobile Chief Executive Officer, Mike Sievert said in a letter to employees that the cost of attracting and retaining customers is materially more expensive than it was just a few quarters ago." Building out the companys high-speed internet business and efforts in other areas is not enough to deliver on these changing customer expectations going forward," he said, according to Bloomberg.

This development comes as a surprise, considering T-Mobile is the fastest-growing wireless carrier in the US.

The move indicates that the telecom company is looking to offset a new round of discounts and free phone promotions as the holiday season approaches, as reported by Bloomberg.

T-Mobile, like other US carriers, is grappling with a slowdown in subscriber growth as cable giants Comcast Corp. and Charter Communications Inc. sign up hundreds of thousands of new customers by offering free mobile lines.

T-Mobile is likely to cash in on the newest arrival of Apple Inc.'s phones.

According to media reports, T-Mobile had in July topped profit estimates and raised its subscriber forecast for the year. T-Mobile shares fell less than 1% in New York.

The report stood out from its peers Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc., which both reported disappointing customer gains.

Notably, AT&T Inc. has also been cutting jobs, eliminating 74,130 employees, including through divestitures, or 32% of its total staff since the beginning of 2021 through June 30.

AT&T increased its cost cut target by $2 billion to $8 billion over the next three years. The Dallas-based phone giant is currently restructuring operations by reducing more than 300 offices nationwide to 9 hubs. The move is expected to displace between 6% and 15% of its staff of 156,630.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Vedanta Resources Ltd. has agreed to pay $250 million owed to its creditors in Zambia after it resumes control of the copper mines that were seized by former President Edgar Lungu's administration in 2019.

Zambia government had accused Vedanta of paying too little tax and lying about its expansion plans while placing Konkola Copper Mines under provisional liquidation in 2019. However, current President Hakainde Hichilema wants to resolve the issue amicably, reported Bloomberg.

Vedanta Resources Limited founder Anil Agarwal has vowed to invest $1 billion in Konkola, leading to more than double copper production from the plant. Zambia's copper industry is in need of new investment in order to take advantage of the increasing demand for copper that is needed to fuel the transition to clean energy. Moreover, increased output at the Konkola Mines will also improve tax revenue for Zambia, a country that receives over 70 percent of its export earnings from Copper.

Konkolas complexes comprise of shafts, a smelter and a refinery. It currently produces about 50,000 metric tons of finished copper from its own mines. First Quantum Minerals Ltd. copper mines in the country produced 390,000 tons last year.

In an interaction with Bloomberg, Agarwal noted that the plan for paying all creditors is to make sure I win the hearts of the people," and Money will never be a constraint."

While praising South Africa, Agarwal said Africa is my heartIf I have to marry two wives, one will be India, one will be Africa."

Vedanta, Indias biggest mining company, produces metals from aluminum to zinc. It has also expanded its operations in Africa, and has mines in Namibia as well as South Africa.

Vedanta has about $2 billion of bonds due in 2024  a record annual bill for the company, with a $1.1 billion repayment due in January.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Bengaluru: Yotta Data Services, part of real estate developer Hiranandani group, is on an expansion spree. The Mumbai-based company has a data centre park each in Mumbai and Noida, and plans to expand to more locations in India and overseas. In an interview, Sunil Gupta, co-founder, managing director, and chief executive, spoke about the companys ongoing projects, its plans to start a public cloud platform and the impact of Indias new data protection law. Edited excerpts:

What are some of the major projects in the pipeline?

We are right now working on five more projects. Two of these data centre parks are coming up in Mumbai (Powai and Chandiwali). Both these projects are two buildings each with about 67 MW of IT power each. We are also planning to set up a data centre in GIFT City, Gujarat by October. We are building another data centre park containing multiple buildings in Chennai, with the first slated to be live by October 2024.

We are also exploring markets beyond India. By July 2024, we will be launching a two-building campus of 30MW in Dhaka, Bangladesh. We feel there are markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, where still theres a whole lot of potential for growth. Like India, these markets have drivers like fast adoption of digitization but corresponding capacities havent been created there.

Apart from large data centre parks, we are also focusing on establishing edge data centres. With the rollout of 5G connection along with increased use cases of artificial intelligence, there is a huge need to have data processing at edge locations since the latency requirements are in microseconds. We already have edge data centres in tier2 and -3 cities like Lucknow, Guwahati, Bhubaneshwar, Coimbatore, Indore, Nagpur, Jaipur, and Chandigarh. We plan to build a large number of these small-scale edge centres throughout the country by either building them ground up or partnering with telecom operators already present at such locations.

Last year, you said Yotta will launch a public cloud platform to take on the likes of AWS, Google Cloud. What is the status of the project?

Right from the time Yotta was established, our vision was to offer both co-location services, and manage cloud and IT services. Today, we have more than 800 enterprise and government customers to whom we not only provide co-location services, but also a full bouquet of cloud, security and managed IT services.

In this context, I announced last year that Yotta plans to launch a much larger cloud service based on the open-source software platform. The work is on and we are through the lab testing phase. In October, we will be doing a beta launch of the service for select customers, and by January 2024, we will do a full-fledged commercial launch. The idea behind launching a truly indigenous cloud service is to address data localization concerns from companies and the government for sovereignty and security purposes. In this platform, we will also have a multi-cloud orchestration layer that will help users sign into multiple cloud providers. It means users will not only get to leverage Yotta cloud services but also services from providers like AWS and Microsoft Azure.

How will the new Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act impact the data centre industry?

Under DPDP Act, the government has proposed to prepare a list of countries where data will not be transferred. Apart from such countries, data can be freely hosted outside India as well. I believe this will also lead to a huge inflow of data back to India. The Act hints that in geographies where the data from India can go, data from those geographies can flow into India very freely. For instance, currently, social media companies only have caching nodes in the country, but now they would be looking at having entire nodes in India. This gives the opportunity for the data centre industry in India to grow by 5-7% by 2030.

In April, there were reports of ex-Intel executive Raja Koduri planning to either buy or partner with Yotta for his upcoming AI venture. Where does the deal stand as of today?

We were as much surprised about the report since we never had any such discussion. When we reached out to Raja Koduri, he clarified that many companies host their workloads, including GPU-based workloads, with Yotta, and he has been in touch with one such entity. He plans to sign a deal with that entity, not with Yotta.

How will the data centre industry grow in India in the coming years?

The data centre industry in India had only 200MW of total capacity till the early 2000s. This grew to 800MW between 2015 and 2022. By 2030, the capacity is expected to grow by 3000 MW 2030. Factors like 5G, AI, social media consumption, and digitalization are pushing this growth. As per a market research firm DC Bytes report, India is already the fourth largest data centre market in the Apac region. And by 2027, it will become the largest.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
In a historic achievement for India's space endeavours, the Chandrayaan-3 lunar rover successfully disembarked from its spacecraft early on August 24. This significant move marks the commencement of its mission to explore the enigmatic lunar surface, located at the moon's south pole. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) delivered the news via the messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

However, India started celebrating on August 23 itself, when Chandrayaan-3 accomplished a precise landing on the uncharted southern extremity of the moon. This achievement followed Russia's Luna-25 recent failure, catapulting India into the spotlight as the pioneering nation to accomplish this remarkable feat.

Social media users shared posters, images and memes to celebrate the occasion.

Actor Kajal Aggarwal wrote, Chandrayaan-3's upcoming lunar rover will leave its mark by etching our national emblem, the Lion Capital of Ashoka from Sarnath, along with ISRO on the lunar surface. A historic moment that symbolizes India's lunar legacy and presence."
Shimla faces heavy rainfall causing water logging, landslides, and uprooting of trees, putting lives in danger. State declared 'natural calamity affected area'. Losses reach 10,000 crore. Schools and colleges closed for two days. CM urges people to avoid travel and evacuate landslide-prone areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall for Himachal Pradesh during the next two days, officials said as reported by ANI. On Wednesday, The meteorological office issued a 'red alert' predicting "heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated spells of extremely heavy rains" in six of the state's 12 districts including Shimla for the next 24 hours. The 'red alert' warning has been issued in parts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts. The MeT Department also issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains on Thursday. The weather department has also also issued an orange alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall of 115.6 to 204.4mm rains in the hilly state on 24 August. The weather department also forecasted landslides and localised floods and have urged people to stay away from vulnerable structures. The Himachal Police has in an update also stated that, The Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert warning of "heavy to very heavy rainfall" on Wednesday and Thursday and a yellow alert for heavy rainfall on August 25 and 26. Please avoid unnecessary travel and keep distance from water sources" All schools and colleges have been closed for two days beginning Wednesday in Shimla, Mandi and Solan districts. Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed the people to not travel during the night hours". He asked people living in landslide-prone areas to vacate their houses" Meanwhile on 23 August, hundreds of vehicles were stranded in the Kullu district after the Kullu-Mandi road got damaged due to rainfall. On this, Kullu SP Sakshi Verma said, Due to the rainfall both the roads connecting Kullu district to Mandi have been damaged. The alternative route via Pandoh is also damaged &. PWD is trying to clear the road..."

Shimla continued to receive heavy rainfall on Wednesday, the problems of the common people increased as people face a slew of problems caused by the rain, including water logging, landslides, and uprooting of trees, which in turn has not only caused inconvenience for people but also put their lives in danger.

During the past 24 hours, Shimla recorded 190 mm of rain, and during one hour, it recorded 60 mm of rain in the morning, an official said.

One of the local residents, while speaking to ANI, shared his plight and said, I am from Sanjauli. The roads are blocked, trees are uprooted, and we are facing problems due to water logging on roads. The situation is getting worse."

Another resident said, There is a fear of landslides and the uprooting of trees all around. I am in a state of shivering due to fear. It was difficult for us to be here in this tough condition of heavy rainfall," another local resident said.

Incessant rain has led to landslides, cloudbursts and flash floods, causing significant damage in the State.

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has declared the whole state as a 'natural calamity affected area'. According to the latest information provided by the state government, the total monetary loss in Himachal has reached 10,000 crore so far due to the heavy rains. A total of 2,022 houses have been fully damaged, and 9,615 houses have been partially damaged, with 113 landslides occurring in this year's monsoon season. A total of 224 lost lives in the monsoon fury while 117 people died in road accidents in the state so far, according to the government bulletin.

(With inputs from ANI)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
NEW DELHI : Leaders of Brics countries on Thursday invited six more nations to join them in the groupings first expansion since 2010.

Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Argentina, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates will join existing members Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a briefing. The six countries are expected to become members starting 1 January.

Through this step, the faith of numerous nations in a multipolar world order will become stronger," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the expansion of the organization. As I said yesterday, India has always fully supported the expansion of the membership of Brics," Modi said at a press briefing with other Brics leaders.

View Full Image Graphic: Mint

Brics began as a group of four countriesBrazil, Russia, India and Chinain the mid-2000s. In 2009, Brics nations held their first leaders summit in Russia. The organization was expanded to include South Africa in 2010.

The issue remains about the internal cohesion of Brics. The expansion of Brics without a sense of purpose between the formative five members creates a problem for Brics," said Harsh Pant, vice president for Studies and Foreign Policy at the Observer Research Foundation, a New Delhi-based think tank.

There have been questions about the continued relevance of Brics, which came together after the 2008 financial crisis as a group of fast-growing emerging economies that sought to reform international financial institutions and build a multipolar world order. However, in the intervening years, the member nations have experienced varied levels of economic success. While India and China have grown steadily, Brazil, Russia and South Africa have faced significant economic pain. Tensions between India and China have also dented the groupings ability to jointly push for reforming multilateral organizations.

The expansion of the grouping was billed as a point of contention between India and China. Experts speculated that China was trying to induct a number of countries that shared its Western-sceptic view of the world. Media reports before the summit, which is being held in the South African city of Johannesburg, cited Chinese officials who argued that the Brics should become a bloc to rival the G7.

This is a fault line within Brics. You have two major countries who have an interest in making Brics an anti-Western platform. And then you have three countriesIndia, Brazil and South Africawho will not be in favour of that kind of orientation," Pant said.

He also said most new members share reasonably strong relationships with Western powers. Pant believes the specific choice of these nations may reflect some of Indias moderating influence.

While India had not opposed the expansion of the Brics, it pushed for rules and procedures to be laid down to govern which countries could enter the bloc. South African officials stated before the summit that more than 20 countries had applied to join Brics. Some rumoured names included Cuba, Bolivia, Algeria, Indonesia and the Comoros.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra Thursday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President President Xi Jinping spoke at the sidelines of BRICS summit in Johannesburg, and agreed to direct their officials to intensify efforts to expeditious disengagemen and deescalation.

The foreign secretary said in a conversation with President Xi, the prime minister highlighted India's concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China border areas.

The prime minister underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship, Kwatra said.

This is the first time that Indian Prime Minister has brought up the issue directly with the Chinese President, India's stand that has been shared with China multiple times.

PM Modi and President Xi had an unplanned interacted on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Indonesia last year, but only exchanged courtesies and discussed the need to stabilise ties, the Indian government said recently.

While China has sought to segregate the dispute from its overall relationship with India, New Delhi insists it is a key stumbling block. At least 19 rounds of talks involving diplomats and military officials have made incremental progress in resolving the standoff. While the two sides said the talks had been positive, there was no word on any pullback of troops on the ground.

Xi and Modi met 18 times between 2014 and 2019, but have largely avoided direct talks since the border dispute began despite having crossed paths at a number of international gatherings.

The border dispute has eroded Indias trust in China and undermined public and political will to maintain relations, Indias National Security Adviser Ajit Doval told his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of BRICS meeting in July, according to a Ministry of External Affairs statement.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has called for a 12-hour bandh in West Bengal's Siliguri over the murder of a minor girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted.

We will observe a 12-hour general strike in Siliguri on Thursday against the brutal murder," VHP leader of north Bengal, Rakesh Agarwal said as quoted by Telegraph India. Due to the bandh, police and administration have made arrangements to prevent any breach of law and order, sources told the daily.

DCP Abhishek Gupta said that person who allegedly attempted to assault and then killed her has been arrested.

While speaking to news agency ANI, Siliguri Metropolitan police, DCP Abhishek Gupta said, "The minor girl was murdered at an abandoned place in Siliguri's Matigara area on Monday, as she was returning home from her school. The person who allegedly attempted to assault the minor girl sexually and then killed her has been arrested."

(More details awaited)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Kyiv is devising a plan with global insurers to reopen a crucial grain-export route for vessels navigating the Black Sea, a shipping lane blockaded by Russia for the past month.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative had secured the wartime shipment of 32 million tons of food in less than a year until Moscow backed out of the deal in July and escalated attacks on the infrastructure underpinning the Ukrainian grain industry, the countrys economic heart.

Ukrainian officials are now in discussions with global insurance firms and commodity traders to create a government-backed program to enable ships to travel to Ukraines ports, according to Marcus Baker, head of marine, cargo and logistics at brokerage Marsh, and other people who participated in the talks.

The move seeks to defy Russian efforts to hobble Ukraines grain industry and disrupt a key source of revenue for Kyiv. After withdrawing from the grain deal, Russia unleashed a wave of missiles and drone strikes on port infrastructure in Ukraines Odesa and Izmail, damaging terminals and warehouses. In retaliation, Ukrainian drones attacked a Russian warship and an oil tanker transporting jet fuel for the Russian military.

Russia and Ukraine are two of the worlds largest producers of grain. However, Ukraine is more dependent on revenues from the industry as Russia is also a major exporter of oil and gas. Before the war, grain and other agricultural products made up 41% of Ukraines overall exports, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Some 95% of those food exports went through Odesa and other Black Sea ports that Russia is now attempting to blockade.

This year, owing to favorable weather, Ukraine is expecting a larger-than-average grain harvest of around 70 million tons, according to Oleg Ustenko, an economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Its stores are filling up, meaning they have to increase exports.

This is a huge problem. Everything now depends on how we are able to move our grain," Ustenko said.

The plan that is taking shape is for the Ukrainian government to shoulder the first losses in the case of a damaged grain ship, according to Marshs Baker. This is expected to encourage more companies to provide insurance to the ships traveling to Ukraines ports, reducing premiums. A small number of insurers has continued to offer coverage for the route but at a very high price.

Lloyds of London, a major marketplace that controls about a fifth of the global marine insurance market, said it was involved in the discussions.

Insurance is crucial to Ukraines efforts to resume its Black Sea efforts without Russias involvement. Earlier this month Ukraine announced a new shipping lane to allow ships to leave from Odesa. A cargo ship, the Hong Kong-flagged Joseph Schulte, became the first to successfully use the new corridor last week, reaching the Bosporus after sailing a route close to Ukraines shore, out of range of Russian artillery strikes, and then south into the waters of Romania and Bulgaria that are under North Atlantic Treaty Organization protection.

If the wider private sector is willing to take the risk, Ukraine hopes its new shipping lane could restore much of the shipping through the corridor established by the Black Sea Grain Initiative, in which military officers from Ukraine, Russia and Turkey worked together to guarantee the safety of vessels transiting the central Black Sea.

In recent months, Ukraine has been sending more of its grain over land, using railways and trucks to transport the commodities to European ports. This route is slower and more expensive than shipping by sea, and there are capacity constraints. The U.S. and European countries are also working to expand Ukraines export capacity via the Danube river.

If they can get this [Black Sea] corridor up and running and vessels moving, this would make a massive difference," said Alexis Ellender, an analyst with a focus on dry bulk commodities at Kpler. Its much more efficient, you can move larger quantities much faster on ships through the Black Sea."

Russia also had a strong harvest in 2023, adding to its ample stocks of grain. Last year, the country boosted output of all major grains and oilseeds and produced record amounts of wheat, sunflower seed and rapeseed, according to a May report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Russias grain exports have overtaken Ukrainian flows since the war began, Kpler data showed.

Moscow is likely benefiting from reduced competition from Ukraine, according to SovEcon, a consulting firm with a focus on the grain trade in the Black Sea.

In a separate track of negotiations, Turkey and United Nations officials are urging Russia to return to the Black Sea grain deal. Russia has demanded that the West lower obstacles to the countrys agricultural exports, an entreaty that Western officials dispute since Russian exports are at a record high this year.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that he could meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in September to discuss a possible resumption of the agreement.

Global grain prices have come under pressure from high supplies from Russia and other major producers such as Brazil and Australia. Wheat futures traded in Chicago have declined 20% since the beginning of the year. The most actively traded contract was last priced at $6.27 a bushel.

Despite this, there are growing concerns about food security as disruptions to grain shipments emerged as a key battleground in the war.

The suspension of the Black Sea initiative heightens risk and triggers uncertainty at a time when food insecurity has already reached record levels," said Arif Husain, chief economist at the U.N.s World Food Program.
In the first primary debate of the 2024 election cycle, eight Republican presidential candidates took the stage, with the frontrunner, Donald Trump, absent but still dominating the discussion on August 23.

Despite Trump's decision to skip the two-hour Milwaukee event, his significant lead in the polls left the other candidates without the opportunity to confront him directly on stage. Instead, Trump gave an interview with former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson, which was posted online just before the debate.

Even in his absence, Trump's presence loomed large over the debate, with Fox News moderators expected to ask questions about his ongoing legal issues, including multiple prosecutions and an impending surrender to authorities in Atlanta over allegations of a criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.

In a campaign email before the debate, Trump expressed his reasons for not participating, stating, I have bigger things to focus on than debating candidates who are polling at one percent on the night before my wrongful arrest." He added, ""We cannot waste energy and resources, arguing with members of our own party at a time when we should be united against Crooked Joe who is burning down America."

For Trump's closest rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, the debate was an opportunity to revive his declining poll numbers and establish himself as a credible alternative to the frontrunner. Candidates were likely to discuss issues such as competition with China and America's foreign policy, particularly concerning Ukraine and Russia.

With several months remaining until the first nomination votes in Iowa and New Hampshire, some analysts believe it is premature to predict the outcome of the race. While Trump was absent, the debate served as a platform for candidates hoping to secure a role as his running mate or gain visibility among the public.

Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing Successful | LIVE Updates: NASA congratulates ISRO, says glad to be partner in the mission'

Candidates like businessman Vivek Ramaswamy used the event to introduce themselves to a broader audience and make their case for potential positions in a future Trump administration.

Trump's absence from debates had precedent, as he similarly skipped one in Iowa in 2016, allowing his closest rival at the time, Ted Cruz, to face the heat alone. The DeSantis team expected a similar scenario in this debate.

Also read: Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin death rumours: How World is reacting to Russian mercenary chief possible demise

Despite Trump's absence, some underdog candidates, including Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson, aimed to have a breakout moment by challenging the former president, while Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, also anticipated to make his presence felt.

The Biden campaign purchased ad slots on Fox News and its website ahead of the debate, and President Biden himself expressed an intention to watch as much of the event as possible.

Rudy Giuliani, Trump's former attorney and one of 18 co-defendants charged with racketeering, surrendered in Atlanta before the debate.

(With inputs from AFP)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Russian private mercenary group Wagner, was reportedly listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed north of Moscow, claiming the lives of all 10 individuals on board, according to Russian authorities. However, it remains unconfirmed whether Prigozhin had indeed boarded the ill-fated flight, Aljazeera reported.

Prigozhin, a figure of considerable notoriety, had gained international attention following the rebellion by Wagner forces in June, which was seen as the most significant challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authority during his tenure. Also read: Chandrayaan-3 Moon Landing Successful | LIVE Updates: NASA congratulates ISRO, says glad to be partner in the mission' The world has responded to this development with a mix of speculation and commentary: United States President Joe Biden expressed a cautious response to the news, stating that he wasn't surprised with the news. Biden said, I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised." He added, Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer." The US National Security Council echoed these sentiments, with spokeswoman Adrienne Watson remarking, "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." Also read: Chandrayaan-3 landing: Noida-based tech start-up powers eyes of Pragyaan lunar rover Ukraine Presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak took to social media to interpret the crash as a signal from the Kremlin to anyone displaying disloyalty. He stated, "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. Beware! Disloyalty equals death.'"

Estonia

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, in an interview with CNN, expressed concerns about Putin's approach to opponents. She stated, eliminate opponents and that scares anyone who is thinking of expressing opinion different than his."

Poland

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, on state news channel TVP Info, cast doubt on the circumstances surrounding the crash. He said, 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," Aljazeera reported.

United Kingdom

Alicia Kearns MP, the Conservative MP representing Rutland and Melton and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, commented on X that the quick confirmation by the Russian Government regarding Yevgeny Prigozhin's presence on a plane that crashed during a flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg indicates significant information.

She noted that reports suggesting the Russian Air Defense shot down the plane imply that Putin is conveying a highly assertive message for his rivals.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the 15th BRICS Summit being held at Johannesburg in South Africa. At the meet PM Modi said," I believe BRICS and friendly countries can work together to strengthen a multi polar world'.

Further, BRICS leaders announced on Thursday the "historic" admission of six new countries from next year as the club of large and populous emerging economies seeks to reshape the global order. The BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- agreed at their annual summit to make Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates full members from 1 January. The bloc, founded in 2009 and expanded the following year to include South Africa, has risen to prominence at a time of intense geopolitical rivalry and analysts said its 15th summit in Johannesburg could be pivotal.

Here are top five quotes of PM Modi

-PM Modi empahasised on the humanitarian aid to South Africa. he said, ..Around 4,400 Indian peacekeepers which also include women are deployed in Africa to restore peace. We are working with Africa in the fight against terrorism and piracy.."

-PM Modi further said, India has given high importance to relations with Africa. We have opened 16 new missions in Africa. Today, India is Africa's fourth largest trade partner and the fifth largest investor..."

-"I believe that BRICS nations and friendly nations present here can contribute to strengthening a multipolar world" PM Modi added.

-Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India enjoys "deep" ties with the new members and "with the help of BRICS, new dimensions will be added to our bilateral cooperation".

-At the Summit PM Modi also hailed Chandrayaan-3 success. "Yesterday Chandrayaan 3 achieved the soft landing on the south pole of the moon and this is not only for India but for scientists across the world. This is the first attempt made by any country on the South Pole and that is a successful attempt," he said.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  countries announced on Thursday that the awaited expansion of the grouping will go ahead.

Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, Argentina and Ethiopia will join BRICS, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The six countries are expected to become members starting 1 January, 2024.

Through this step, the faith of numerous nations in a multipolar world order will become stronger," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, welcoming the expansion in the five-nation grouping.

BRICS began as a group of four countries in the mid-2000s. In 2009, BRICS nations held their first leaders summit in Russia. BRICS was expanded to include South Africa in 2010.

This move holds the potential to open the doors for numerous interested countries to align with a coalition committed to championing the interests of the "Global South".

As I said yesterday, India has always fully supported the expansion of the membership of BRICS," said Modi during a press statement with the other BRICS leaders.

Congratulating the countries who had become new members of the BRICS, Modi said I am pleased that our teams were able to build agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of expansion."

The expansion of BRICS was billed as a point of contention between India and China. Experts speculated that China was trying to induct a number of countries which shared its Western-sceptic view of the world.

Media reports prior to the summit, which is being held in the South African city of Johannesburg, cited Chinese officials who argued that the BRICS should become a bloc to rival the G7.

India's stance on expansion

While India had not opposed the expansion of the BRICS, it did push for rules and procedures to be laid down that would govern which countries could enter the bloc. South African officials stated prior to the summit that over 20 countries had applied to join BRICS. Some rumoured names included Cuba, the Comoros, Bolivia, Algeria and Indonesia among others.

No Pakistan in BRICS

China's push to incorporate Pakistan into the BRICS alliance earlier stirred a diplomatic conundrum, introducing a layer of complexity to the ongoing proceedings. China's rationale behind this initiative stems from its belief that the BRICS alliance should embrace an expanded membership, thereby accommodating more developing nations.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
The BRICS is all set to invite Saudi Arabia to join bloc, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday. People familiar with the development also told the news agency that Egypt is another nation being invited to join, along with others in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt have not publicly stated their position on potentially joining BRICS, although Riyadh sent a delegation to the meeting.

Three sources with knowledge of an agreement between BRICS leaders meeting at a summit in Johannesburg, South Africa told Reuters that the group had come to a consensus on admitting new members with some expected to be formally invited on Thursday.

South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa was due to deliver an address Thursday morning stating the summit's outcomes.

Why Modi is opposing a bigger BRICS?

The push for expansion came from China mostly, who want to create a world order to challenge the western dominance. It also received support from Russia and South Africa.

"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."

Meanwhile, India is concerned a bigger BRICS would transform the group into a mouthpiece for China, while Brazil was worried about alienating the West.

More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS and 22 have formally asked to be admitted. And an agreement to expand BRICS - currently Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - could allow dozens of interested nations to seek admission

An expanded BRICS including Saudi Arabia and Indonesia would account for 44% of the global economy by 2040  out-rivaling the Group of Sevens gross domestic product predicted share of 21% as forecast by Bloomberg Economics.

(With inputs from agencies)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in South Africa attending the 15th BRICS Summit, was spotted having a brief conversation with China's Premier Xi Jinping, on the side lines of the leaders' press conference, according to reports.

According to news agency ANI, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seen having a brief conversation with Xi Jinping before the conference began of the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit. The brief conversation between the two leaders seems like an interesting development in the backdrop of the famously estranged relationship between the two countries following the Eastern Ladakh standoff, that began in 2020 and has failed to reach a solution despite repeated talks among various ranks.

The interactions also comes a year after Prime Minister Modi had chanced upon Xi at the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia.

During the meet at G20, both PM Modi and China's Premier Xi Jinping had exchanged pleasantries during dinner which made national headlines in hope of a positive development concerning the Eastern Ladakh Galwan Valley conflict.

The G20 meet handshake between both the leaders was a first time interaction since the standoff between China's Peoples Liberation Army and the Indian forces in eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

India and China have been in a stand-off situation for the last three years and relations at all levels have deteriorated due to tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two sides have held 19 rounds of talks so far to address the boundary issues in eastern Ladakh since 2020, post the Chinese aggression there.

Recently Congress leader and MP from Wayanad Rahul Gandhi on his six day visit to Ladakh had mentioned that China had occupied several places in the valley, and had flagged PM Modi's silence over the situation. Gandhi's statement found support in several other Opposition leaders like Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut among others.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit on Tuesday.

The opening day of the 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.

Later on, on the second day, at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, 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.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Chandrayaan-3 mission's lander module on Wednesday touched down on the surface of the Moon. The lander and the rover are designed to operate for one lunar daylight period (about 14 Earth days). With this touchdown on Moon after a flawless 41-day voyage to script history and less than a week after a Russian lander headed to the lunar south pole crashed, India is the fourth country to master the technology of soft-landing on the Moon after the US, China and erstwhile Soviet Union.

Here is how the world media covered the successful descent of Vikram lander on Moon's south pole

Popular American website The New York Times gave due coverage to the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on moon and carried out couple of article on its website's homepage titled India Is on the Moon: Landers Success Moves Nation to Next Space Chapter and Whats next for India in space exploration?. The publication also did a live blog on the event.

Another US publication Washington Post covered the event with a headline India lands a spacecraft softly on the moons surface.

Another prominent media house , the BBC of United Kingdom covered the event live and wrote," Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon's south pole".

The successful landing on the moon's south pole was also covered by many publication in European countries like Germany and also found prominence in neighbouring Pakistan as well.

Popular publications from Pakistan like DAWN and GEO NEWS also gave prominence to the story with headlines like India becomes first nation to land spacecraft near Moons south pole and 'India's Chandrayaan-3 finally lands on moon's south pole'.

The South China Morning Post headline the event as Victory cry: India lands spacecraft on moon, first to reach lunar south pole.

Taking a billion dreams to the Moon in India's second attempt in four years, Chandrayaan-3's four-legged lander Vikram with the 26-kg rover Pragyan in its belly, made the soft landing near the south polar region of the Moon at 6.04 pm successfully negotiating what ISRO scientists described as the "20 minutes of terror" during the crucial powered descent initiated at 5.44 pm.

Shortly after the landing, the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) said on Wednesday night that communication link was established between the lander and the space agency's Mission Operations Complex (MOX) in Bengaluru.

*With inputs from agencies

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
A Google employee who is supposed to be writing tools for the company's tools and products works for just 1 hour day while earning an annual salary of $1,50,000 or over 1.2 crore. In addition to this, the employee received a sign-on bonus and is expecting a year-end bonus.

According to a report by business magazine Fortune, the Google employee who has been given the pseudonym Devon in order to protect his identity, wakes up at 9 am, makes breakfast and then works till 11 am before setting aside his office work. Later in the day, Devon works till 9 or 11 pm on his startup.

If I wanted to work long hours, Id be at a startup," he says. Most people choose Google because of the work-life balance and benefits. You could work at Apple, but Apple has such fan appeal to software engineers. They work long hoursbut at Google, most people know what theyre doing is a job."

didnt really bother going for a hedge fund or quant stuff, because theyll pay you like $300,000 but the thing is, youll actually have to work well over 40 hours a week," he added. If I can work a couple hours a dayone hour a dayI think the much smaller base [salary] works out."

Moreover, Devon is also not adhering to Google's return-to-office policy that requires most emloyees to work from office at least three days a week. Devon says it doesn't work for him because it makes him feel like managers are a watchover.

Asked about what will happen if higher ups in company found out about him not adhering to the work from office policy, Devon said that his manager is cool with him not coming to the office while he believes emails from Google will start coming in at some point but hewon't worry about it until he gets a warning. He added that even if the search giant decides to let go of him, they will still offer him a generous severance package.

Devon admitted to Fortune that he is paid to do nothing. The report while quoting professor at Dartmouths Tuck School of Business Vijay Govindarajan noted that tech companies like Meta, Google, Salesforce had hired ahead of demand during the business boom of early pandemic phase.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai had also clarified the point while laying off around 12,000 employees in January. In a letter written to employees, Pichai said, Over the past two years weve seen periods of dramatic growth. To match and fuel that growth, we hired for a different economic reality than the one we face today."

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Prince Harry is preparing to make a journey back to the United Kingdom in September, marking his return on the eve of the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's passing. The Duke of Sussex has an important engagement lined up  delivering a speech at the prestigious WellChild Awards ceremony in London on September 7.

The occasion has set the stage for a potential reunion, as it coincides with the sombre anniversary on September 8. Notably, the Duke will also be commencing his commitments for the Invictus Games in Dusseldorf on September 9, which underscores his commitment to important causes.

While his visit promises a blend of emotions, Prince Harry's plans might not include encounters with his family members in the public eye. His brother Prince William and father King Charles will reportedly have other engagements at the time of his visit, keeping them apart despite the poignant occasion.

For the first time since Harry and his wife Meghan Markle moved to the US, the Duke will have to seek permission from authorities for accommodations within the Royal fold.

Following his departure from Frogmore Cottage, his former Windsor residence, Prince Harry will need to request permission from Buckingham Palace to arrange for lodgings. During Harrys visit, Meghan is not expected to accompany him to the UK.

Peace talks with King Charles

Hopes for potential peace talks" between King Charles and Prince Harry have been firmly put to rest by sources within the Royal circle. Recent speculations had hinted at a possible encounter between the two on September 17, yet insiders with close connections to both King Charles and Prince William have debunked these notions, according to The Daily Beast.

Though King Charles is reputedly inclined towards fostering a reconciliation with his grandson Harry, those in his inner circle remain sceptical about the feasibility of a face-to-face meeting. This scepticism is particularly amplified given the timing, as the King is gearing up for a significant state visit to France, further diminishing the likelihood of such an immediate interaction.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
Russian emergency services informed that all ten bodies on the Embraer Legacy jet have now been recovered. Those on board include Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his second-in-command Dmitry Utkin.

Police have now sealed off the area around the crash site and the Russian Aviation Authority has formed a special commission to look into it. A probe is underway to understand what has caused the crash.

How the plane crashed?

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.

A BBC reports cites the executive jet showed no signs of trouble until a sudden drop in its final 30 seconds of received altitude, flight tracking data shows .

Ian Petchenik, who works for flightracker Flightradar24, told the Reuters news agency that the Embraer Legacy 600 jet made a sudden downward vertical" at 15:19 GMT.

Then within about 30 seconds the aircraft plummeted more than 8,000 feet from its cruising altitude of 28,000 feet.

"Whatever happened, happened quickly," Petchenik said, before adding prior to the drop there was no indication anything was wrong with the aircraft.

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.

(With agency inputs)

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
India now has its own vehicle crash testing initiative for car-makers to get independent safety ratings along the lines of the Global New Car Assessment Programme (GNCAP), with which the road transport ministry has tied up to roll this idea out. These tests, which involve smash-ups to check the impact on dummy occupants, are not mandatory. They are voluntary, a device for car marketers to boost customer confidence. With our domestic market projected to grow faster than other major markets, and even first-time buyers getting discerning, the moment was thought apt for local safety scores to guide purchase choices. Indian roads, lets not forget, are notorious for being the worlds most deadly. How well this project picks up will depend on the credibility of these ratings as we go along.

The GNCAP takes crash results as well as safety assurers into account, and its ratings already have many followers in the country. European marques have been using its 5-star awards as a selling point for their cars. Homegrown players Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra also spotted an edge over rivals in doing likewise, and so have car-makers like Hyundai. They have seen some of their vehicles almost fly off assembly lines after receiving top-notch ratings. Our largest car-maker Maruti Suzuki, in contrast, has long stayed aloof from GNCAP tests, hinting that these are not entirely objective, nor even necessary. Its argument? All cars sold in India already meet the legal bar for safety under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules and are therefore safe for Indian roads. A lot of accidents, it argued, arise from failures to abide by road-safety rules, with unclasped seat-belts a particular worry. Maruti, however, has shown remarkable enthusiasm for the test protocols local adaptation, BNCAP (with B for Bharat), under the ministrys aegis. It has volunteered at least three of its popular models for testing. While Hyundai, Tata and Mahindra will sign up too, as will European car-makers, its the No. 1 players shift in stance that has struck curiosity.

Would the BNCAP offer cars more leeway to acquire top ratings than its global equivalent does? As stated, this is about a difference in cost, not quality. The local tests planned are said to be almost identical to the GNCAPs, and so globally well-rated cars can expect to perform well on these too. As BNCAP tests will be conducted at government labs10 of which are expectedby using inexpensive resources, automobile companies will be billed less. Cost saving is thus the ideas basic draw for car-makers. As far as consumer perceptions go, the Centres seal of approval may hold its own appeal; if Indian authorities want car-makers to compete on BNCAP scores, car buyers may want to grant them that much more weight in their decisions. The resultant pressure to perform would then help raise safety levels across the industry. A LocalCircles survey has hinted of the guidance power it can achieve. Over two-thirds of prospective car buyers said they would like to know BNCAP ratings, while most existing car owners said they would either take extra precautions or consider upgrades if their vehicles fared poorly. Should the BNCAP succeed as a low-cost, top-quality project, it would present India a chance to emerge as a global crash testing hub. With shipping costs off their covid highs, globally, it would be a service easy to outsource. Its entirely in our interest to see this happen. Not just for new earnings in hard currency, but also as a sure sign of Indian crash tests being up to the global mark on reliability.
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday said that Pragyan Rover began its moonwalk on the lunar surface. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), ISRO said, "Chandrayaan-3 Mission. Chandrayaan-3 Rover to MOX, ISTRAC, Moon walk begins!" Lunar rover 'Pragyan' slid down a ramp from the lander of India's spacecraft within hours of its historic touch-down near the moons south pole, Indian space officials said Thursday, as the country celebrated its new scientific accomplishment. India took a walk on the moon," the state-run Indian Space Research Organization said, adding that the Chandrayan-3 Rover would conduct experiments over 14 days, including an analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface. Taking to X (Former Twitter), ISRO said," Chandrayaan-3 Mission: All activities are on schedule. All systems are normal. Lander Module payloads ILSA, RAMBHA and ChaSTE are turned ON today. Rover mobility operations have commenced. SHAPE payload on the Propulsion Module was turned ON on Sunday." Chandrayaan-3 Rover to MOX, ISTRAC, Moon walk begins! Earlier today ISRO also released the images of the Lander Imager Camera which captured the moon's image just before the touchdown on the lunar surface.

"Here is how the Lander Imager Camera captured the moon's image just prior to touchdown," ISRO posted on X.

After a 40-day journey into space, the Chandrayaan-3 lander, 'Vikram', touched down on the uncharted lunar South Pole on Wednesday evening, making India the first country to do so.

India also became only the fourth nation after the US, Russia and China to successfully conduct a lunar landing mission.

The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft put down the Vikram lander on the lunar surface, tilting to a horizontal position ahead of landing.

The spacecraft was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradeshs Sriharikota on July 14.

*With inputs from agencies

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!
In a remarkable feat, Chandrayaan-3 accomplished a flawless soft-landing on the Moon's southern pole on August 23. The culmination of this achievement heralds the commencement of a pivotal phase of lunar exploration.

Chandrayaan-3's grandeur is defined by its impressive heft. Tipping the scales at 3,900 kg, this lunar mission comprises a propulsion module weighing 2,148 kg and a lander module of 1,752 kg, accompanied by a 26 kg rover.

Lets see what happens next.

Pragyan rover takes the spotlight

Embedded within the Vikram lander, the Pragyan rover has now begun its investigative sojourn on the lunar surface. Over the next 14 days, equivalent to one lunar day, Pragyan will embark on a series of pioneering experiments designed to unlock the Moon's enigmatic secrets.

The Pragyan rover will diligently collect a trove of invaluable data during its lunar rendezvous. This data will then be relayed to the Vikram lander, which will act as the intermediary, transmitting it back to Earth for comprehensive analysis by scientists.

Awaiting the lunar night

As the 14-day lunar day draws to a close, a profound transformation takes place. The Moon plunges into a 14-day night, characterized by bone-chilling cold. This extreme condition renders both the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover inert, as their functionality is tied to solar energy.

While the Vikram lander and Pragyan rover are designed to endure this lunar cycle, there is an intriguing possibility on the horizon. As the Sun's rays emerge once more, these resilient explorers might awaken from their slumber, infusing new life into India's lunar aspirations.

No return journey for Vikram and Pragyan

Although these intrepid explorers have left an indelible mark on the Moon's surface, their journey remains a one-way ticket. Vikram and Pragyan are slated to remain on the lunar landscape, serving as enduring testaments to India's technological prowess and lunar exploration prowess.

Pragyan's quest for lunar knowledge

Pragyan's agenda encompasses a constellation of scientific pursuits. From analyzing the Moon's chemical composition to scrutinizing its soil and rocks, the rover's mission promises to illuminate intricate lunar intricacies. Moreover, Pragyan will delve into the density of ions and electrons and unravel the thermal properties of the polar lunar surface, a milestone unparalleled in previous lunar endeavours.

Chandrayaan 3 is not just an exploration; it's a testament to India's unwavering commitment to unravel the Moon's mysteries and leave an indelible footprint on the lunar sands.

"Exciting news! Mint is now on WhatsApp Channels  Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest financial insights!" Click here!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sounak Mukhopadhyay Sounak Mukhopadhyay, who also goes by the name Sounak Mukherjee, has been producing digital news since 2012. He's worked for the International Business Times, The Inquisitr, and Moneycontrol in the past. He's also contributed to Free Press Journal and TheRichest with feature articles. He covers news for a wide range of subjects including business, finance, economy, politics and sports. Before working with digital news publications, he worked as a freelance content writer. Read more from this author
This sign Glenn Whiting, of Athens, TN., painted on the side of a family-owned building on the courthouse square led to a federal free speech lawsuit that was decided against Whiting in a 2022 jury trial. That verdict was upheld Aug. 18, 2023, in a U.S. Appeals Court ruling.
The lawsuit claims the school district knew of the emails and did not do enough to stop them.
Former President Donald Trump (left) and Fani Willis are seen here in a split image.
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.
Local News

By Long Island Published: August 24 2023

Five-year-old Mason Hammil, found unresponsive in an East Moriches pool on August 23, has tragically passed away, prompting a community-wide call for increased water safety vigilance.

In a heartbreaking turn of events, 5-year-old Mason Hammil, who was found unresponsive in a pool in East Moriches on August 23, has tragically passed away. The young child was pronounced dead earlier today at Stony Brook University Hospital, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

The incident occurred on a seemingly ordinary summer day, when young Mason was discovered unresponsive in a residential pool. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene, and Mason was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital, where medical professionals fought tirelessly to save his life. Despite their valiant efforts, the young boy's condition did not improve, and he succumbed to the consequences of the pool incident.

Local authorities and community members are rallying around the Hammil family during this difficult time, offering their condolences and support. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of pool safety, particularly during the summer months when many families are spending time around water.

Officials are urging parents and guardians to be vigilant when it comes to water safety, emphasizing the necessity of constant supervision while children are near pools or other bodies of water. Implementing proper safety measures, such as installing secure fences and gates around pools, learning CPR, and ensuring that children have appropriate flotation devices, can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
Baldwin Man Arrested for Scamming Victims of Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars

Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: August 24 2023

Yash Shah, 25, allegedly tricked his victims with scams that caused them to believe their computers had been compromised; he has been charged with Grand Larceny and Conspiracy.

Yash Shah, 25, with $277,000 worth of gold bars he allegedly scammed from a 73-year-old Kings Park woman.

Suffolk County Police on Wednesday, August 23 arrested a man for scamming two people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of gold bars and cash in Huntington and Kings Park.

A 72-year-old Huntington woman received a notice on her computer on June 16, informing her that her computer had been compromised and she needed to contact Microsoft. The victim called who she believed to be Microsoft, and a person told the woman, her computer contained child pornography and porn sites. After numerous conversations, she met a man and gave him $35,000.

The woman eventually believed she was being scammed, and filed a police report.

Financial Crimes Unit detectives investigated and determined Yash Shah was responsible for picking up the money from the scam. After receiving a search warrant on his phone, detectives identified a 73-year- old Kings Park woman was scammed out of approximately $430,000, including $277,000 worth of gold bars on July 20. The woman was also told she had child pornography on her computer.

Detectives contacted the woman, who was about to deliver an additional $260,000 to the scammers. The woman initially did not believe the detectives were from the Suffolk County Police Department and had to be convinced by a family member that she was being scammed.

Detectives believe Shah is working with other people.

Shah, 25, of 701 Prospect Street, Baldwin, was charged with Grand Larceny 2nd Degree and Grand Larceny 3rd Degree, and two counts of Conspiracy 5th Degree.

He will be held overnight at the Third Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on August 24.

Detectives are asking anyone who felt they might have been scammed to contact the Financial Crimes Unit at 631-852-6821.
Looking to stay up to date about all of the news stories and local headlines that are important to Long Islanders? We've rounded up the top coverage for all of the important topics from multiple sources around Long Island, so you can be sure you've got the most recent update on the top stories for Long Island. Have an idea for a news story? Email us at news@longisland.com

Columnists Press Releases
By the end of this year, 500 of the RGTR's nearly 1,400 buses should be e-vehicles

By the end of this year, 500 of the RGTR's nearly 1,400 buses should be e-vehicles  Photo credit: Anouk Antony

By the end of this year, 500 of the RGTR's nearly 1,400 buses should be e-vehicles  Photo credit: Anouk Antony

Luxembourgs cross-country bus network managed to reduce emissions by nearly 10% by increasing the number of kilometres driven by over a quarter, Transport Minister Francois Bausch said on Thursday.

Operators in 2018 introduced the first electric vehicles to the RGTR bus network in 2018 with a pledge to make the services carbon neutral by 2030. By the end of this year, 500 of the networks nearly 1,400 buses should be electric.

Despite the network being expanded, the switch to e-vehicles has led to a drop in emissions.

In 2018, the network  not including the electric vehicles introduced  produced 44,284 tonnes of CO2 emissions, Bausch said in answer to a parliamentary question, covering 59.5 million kilometres of road. That includes empty rides, such as buses returning to their depot.

The amount of emissions dropped to 43,876 tonnes of CO2 in 2022 even though the distances covered increased to 75.6 million kilometres, not including all empty services. Around 22% of the entire distance covered was driven by an electric bus, Bausch said.

This amount rose to 40.6% during the first half of this year, with 17,777 tonnes of emissions for 40.2 million kilometres driven by RGTR buses.

The data is calculated based on the kilometres covered and the emissions of the individual types of vehicles in the fleet, Bausch explained.

Climate plan target

The European Commission contributed 35 million to converting the RGTR network to an electric fleet as part of subsidies paid in the wake of the covid-19 pandemic to boost the economies in EU countries.

Reducing emissions from transport is one of the key targets of Luxembourgs national energy and climate plan, which all EU countries had to submit to the European Commission to show how they intend to drop their carbon footprint by 55% by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050.

The Grand Duchys target for 2030 is to reduce transport emissions by 57% compared to 2005. At the end of 2021, the country had managed to reduce emissions in that sector by 31%.

In most areas, including industry, building, agriculture and waste management, Luxembourg exceeded its carbon budget in 2021, the latest data available.

The government continues paying subsidies to electric vehicles buyers, including cars but also electric vans for companies. There are also subsidy programmes in place for companies installing charging infrastructure and Luxembourg is spending more than half of EU funds from its 93 million NextGenerationEU recovery package on green transition measures.
Overnight stays between January and June this year were still below 2019 levels, figures by the tourism ministry show

Good news for Luxembourg's tourism sector: More travelers have flocked to the Grand Duchy in the first six months of this year compared to last year, though the numbers are still below pre-pandemic levels of 2019, the tourism ministry said.

Total overnight stays, which includes hotels, camping sites and hostels, were up 6% between January and June this year compared to the same period last year, the ministry said in a news release Thursday.

Overnight hotel stays were up 7% compared to the first six months of 2022 to reach a little over 746,000 bookings. That is still 7% under 2019 levels, the last year before pandemic-induced lockdowns and travel bans shook the sector.

Stays at camping sites were up slightly  by 1% compared to 2022 to reach 345,000, but down 8% in relation to 2019  whereas hostels saw bookings shoot up by 20% in the first six months of 2023 to reach roughly 73,000. However, that too is below 2019 levels by 3%.

However, overnight stays in hotels between April and June this year were a 1% improvement on 2019, figures showed. "The tendency of the months of April, May and June points to continued strong growth, particularly in the hotel sector," the release said.

"Statistics show that interest in Luxembourg as a tourist destination continues to grow among tourists, residents and cross-border commuters," Tourism Minister Lex Delles is quoted in the release.

However, numbers also show that Luxembourg residents booked 6% fewer stays in the country in the first six months of 2023 compared to a year ago, which is still a 1% improvement on 2019.

During the pandemic, when international and even intracontinental travel were hamstrung, the government ran an ad campaign  dubbed Vakanz doheem  to incentivise residents to spend their holidays in the country. Every resident also received a 50 voucher to put toward an overnight stay.

Several hotels close to the Mullerthal trail and Echternach  two tourism hotspots  had to close in recent years as fewer travelers stayed for an extended period of time and younger generations chose not to carry on the family business.

The most visited spot in the country was the Parc Merveilleux in Bettembourg with over 144,000 visitors, followed by the castle in Vianden with almost 94,000 entries and the Mullerthal Trail at close to 92,000 hikers.

Other tourists magnets were the Bock and Petrusse casemates, with 56,000 visitors between April and August, and the Grand Ducal Palace.
Flowers and patches bearing the logo of private mercenary group Wagner are seen at the makeshift memorial in front of the "PMC Wagner Centre" in Saint Petersburg, early on August 24, 2023.

Flowers and patches bearing the logo of private mercenary group Wagner are seen at the makeshift memorial in front of the "PMC Wagner Centre" in Saint Petersburg, early on August 24, 2023.  Photo credit: AFP

Flowers and patches bearing the logo of private mercenary group Wagner are seen at the makeshift memorial in front of the "PMC Wagner Centre" in Saint Petersburg, early on August 24, 2023.  Photo credit: AFP

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the man who led a mutiny that posed the biggest threat to President Vladimir Putins almost quarter-century rule, is presumed dead.

Russias aviation authorities said he was in a deadly plane crash on Wednesday that killed all 10 aboard a flight from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

The crash eerily took place on the two-month anniversary of Prigozhins rebellion, one that Putin denounced as treason only to quickly agree to a deal that saw the mercenary boss exiled to neighboring Belarus. Many Kremlin observers questioned the truce would ever last long given Putins track record.

The Kremlin has repeatedly been accused of targeting its opponents for death, an allegation officials there deny.

Wagner Chief Prigozhin Was in Deadly Jet Crash, Russia Says

Described as a one-time confidante who was living on borrowed time, Prigozhin openly defied the terms of the truce. Back in July, US President Joe Biden publicly said about the man dubbed Putins chef: If I were he Id be careful what I ate.

A handout photograph taken and released by Russian Investigative Committee on August 23, 2023, shows rescuers working at the site of a plane crash near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region.  Photo credit: AFP

Prigozhin was known for his catering companies contracts with the Kremlin and was not completely blind to the danger he was in. The 62-year-old typically rented two aircraft for travel: one as a decoy, just in case.

But even that extra layer of protection appears to have failed him after he challenged a Kremlin known for its merciless punishment of traitors and opponents.

The US and Europe have accused Russia of using the nerve poison Novichok against opposition leader Alexey Navalny - who is now in jail after surviving the attack - and a double agent in the UK.

Prigozhin Turns Forces Back in Deal With Kremlin to Drop Charges

Prigozhins uprising shook Putins image of complete control, already under stress as his invasion of Ukraine drags through its second year with no end in sight. The mercenary leaders death, in circumstances that may never be fully explained, send a clear signal to Russias elite that Putin is still very much in charge.

Prigozhins own beginnings were humble, before he was able to leverage his Kremlin contracts into a lucrative catering business. He was born in Putins home city of St. Petersburg and was considered a close associate of the Russian leader for years.

A former convict who spent about a decade in prison in the 1980s for robbery, Prigozhin started his career as a hot dog seller. He then built up a restaurant and catering business in St. Petersburg in the 1990s and got to know Putin, who was deputy mayor of what was then a city plagued by crime.

Prigozhins wealth took off after his company, Concord Management and Consulting, won major government contracts including for schools and the military. His prominence increased in 2014 when his newly-formed Wagner Group, a private military company, helped to foment a Russia-backed uprising in eastern Ukraine.

The following year, Wagner fighters played a key role on the ground in Syria, where Putin intervened with an air campaign to shore up President Bashar al-Assad.

Prigozhins infamy in the US was stoked by his indictment by federal authorities that accused him of operating a troll farm that took part in Russias efforts to influence the 2016 US presidential election.

Screens shows images of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner group, ahead of the first Republican Presidential primary debate at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on August 23, 2023.  Photo credit: AFP

He expanded his reach in support of Kremlin goals to a string of African countries stretching from Libya to the Central African Republic. He pioneered a business model based on providing security services to strongmen in return for access to mineral wealth.

After Putin invaded neighboring Ukraine in February 2022, Wagner again came to the aid of the Russian state by deploying tens of thousands of its combat-hardened veterans. Prigozhin was even allowed to recruit in prisons, offering amnesty to those who signed up.

But the onetime Putin protege clashed increasingly with army chiefs, accusing them of failing to wage the invasion aggressively enough and depriving his fighters of supplies. His angry public outbursts delivered on social media won him a big following in Russia with nationalist feelings on the rise.
Manchester, VT (05254)

Today

Rain. High near 50F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 31F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
HouseFreshs latest study looked at the cleanliness of Americas cities, with Boston making its way on the list as being among the top 10 dirtiest in the country.

A yearlong study looked into 12.3 million sanitation-related complaints from the non-emergency 311 system. With this information, locations were ranked based on the number of sanitation-related reports per 100,000 population, HouseFresh said.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, people around the world have been considerably more concerned about contamination and health risks than ever before, HouseFresh said. From regularly using hand sanitizer to wearing masks on public transport, being more aware of the cleanliness of our surroundings is now second nature.

Baltimore made the top of the list, with 47,295 sanitary-related complaints made on 311. Sacramento followed with 34,186 complaints made, then by Charlotte and Los Angeles. Memphis made the fifth spot.

With a staggeringly high complaint rate of 47,295 per 100,000 population, there seems to be a disconnect between the needs of the community and the cleanliness of the city, HouseFresh said.

This all leads to Boston, the sixth dirtiest city in the United States according to HouseFresh. Bostonians made 10,252 sanitary-related complaints on 311.

The study also breaks down cleanliness and dirtiness based on city zip codes, again based on sanitary-related complaints. For example, Houston hosts the cleanest zip code while Brooklyn is home to the dirtiest.

When looking at cleaner cities with less complaints, the study initially suggests you might feel more at home in the Midwest.

With the smallest number of complaints per 100,000 population, the affordable city of Milwaukee is the cleanest in the U.S., with only 309 reports, HouseFresh said. The liberal city of Riverside (California) is not far behind, with a mere 1,609 complaints.
A Cambridge man is believed to be connected to the death and dismemberment of his roommate in Indiana in 2017, Massachusetts State Police announced on Thursday.

John Hallett, 54, was taken into custody by Cambridge police, the state police Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section troopers and U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force officers, state police said in a statement.

Michigan City, Indiana, police received information in 2022 that suggested Hallett killed his roommate in 2017 by hitting him with a blunt object before choking him. Afterward, state police said he disemboweled his roommates corpse and disposed of his remains in several public trash cans.

A cadaver dog alerted investigators to the scent of human remains in the basement of Halletts former Michigan City residence. Police sent the evidence to the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at Purdue University to confirm that decomposing matter was in the basement.

Once confirmed, police obtained an arrest warrant charging Hallett with murder, state police said.

Michigan City police and federal marshals also concluded Halletts whereabouts, locating him in Cambridge. Law enforcement officers went to his home, arrested him and took him to the Cambridge Police Station, where Hallett was booked as a fugitive from justice.

Prosecutors will have Hallett rendered to Indiana to answer to the murder charge, state police said.
Ministro @AlexContreras_M: La meta como Ejecutivo es llegar al 100% de ejecucion presupuestal, y en esa linea estamos avanzando. Hemos sido claros respecto al sector que no ejecuta, se van a reasignar esos recursos a aquellos sectores que si estan ejecutando.
Hunting season in New Hampshire is on track to start on Friday, Sept. 1, launching several phases for when its permitted to hunt specific animals, the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department announced Thursday.

Gray squirrels and black bears are the first animals hunters can legally go after at the start of the month, Fish and Game said in a statement. So too are Canadian geese, although that hunting season lasts until Sept. 25.

Then on Sept. 15, archery seasons for turkey and white-tailed deer will commence.

Fish and Game suggested picking up a copy of the New Hampshire Hunting and Trapping Digest for the full breakdown of hunting season dates, bag limits, check station locations and more. A digital copy is available at the link here.

Hunters look forward to the opening day of deer season all year, and the much-anticipated regular firearms deer-hunting season starts on Nov. 8, Fish and Game said. Both the archery and regular firearms seasons for deer will again end one week early in Wildlife Management Units (WMU).

Fish and Game asked that hunters not use natural urine-based deer lures, as these products can potentially spread chronic wasting disease (CWD), a neurological disorder that is always fatal to white-tailed deer and moose. Synthetic lures are suggested.

The department also suggested that hunters take proper care when handling wild game to minimize possible exposure to wildlife diseases and avoid shooting or handling any animal that appears sick.

Get out and enjoy New Hampshires big woods safely by wearing hunter/blaze orange, Fish and Game added. With more than a million acres of public land open to hunting and outdoor recreation, blaze orange is the safe choice for all outdoor enthusiasts this fall.

Dates for most animals beginning Sept. 1 are as follows.

Black bear: Sept. 1 (end date varies by WMU)

Gray squirrel: Sept. 1, 2023Jan. 31, 2024

Snowshoe hare: Oct. 1, 2023March 31, 2024 (bag limit varies by WMU)

Ruffed grouse: Oct. 1Dec. 31

Moose: Oct. 1523 (by permit only)

The phases of hunting white-tailed deer include:

Archery: Sept. 15Dec. 15 (ends Dec. 8 in WMU)

Youth Deer Weekend: Oct. 2122

Muzzleloader: Oct. 28Nov. 7

Firearms: Nov. 8Dec. 3 (ends Nov. 26 in WMU)

The phases for hunting fall turkey are broken down as:
Pumpkin lovers can rejoice ahead of fall this year as Starbucks announced the return of the iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte, among other fall menu items.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the drink that has had an influence on the coffee industry, pop culture and everything in between, Starbucks said in a release.

The latte is Starbucks most popular seasonal beverage, the coffee tycoon said, and is enjoyed by customers around the world. It combines Starbucks Signature Espresso and steamed milk with real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. It is then topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices and can be available as hot, iced or blended.

Starting Thursday, customers will officially be able to purchase the latte along with other returning and new fall menu items to celebrate the 20 years.

The menu features two new seasonal beverages, the Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, as well as the new Baked Apple Croissant.

Returning to its fall menu is 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, Starbucks noted.

For the first time, Starbucks Reserve locations will also introduce the Starbucks Reserve Pumpkin Spice Latte, and a full fall menu, which includes the new Pumpkin Spice Whiskey Barrel-Aged Iced Latte and Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini.

Find locations of Starbucks Reserves here.

If customers prefer to make their coffee right from home, the fall menu coffee items are available in grocery stores. This includes the Iced Espresso Pumpkin Spice Latte and the Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Chilled Coffee Drink.
SPRINGFIELD  Springfields Arise, a community-led nonprofit group dedicated to social justice and advocating for the rights of low-income people, was recently awarded a $40,000 grant from the nonprofit E4TheFuture. The organizations goal is to achieve a sustainable, low-cost energy economy and advance climate protection and economic fairness.

The grant will help Arise reach more people in its efforts to educate residents about indoor mold, provide them with high efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, air purifiers to combat mold spores, and fight for the implementation of mold-control codes.

In Springfield, implementation is a challenge, Arises Executive Director Tanisha Arena said in a statement. With the E4TheFuture grant, we will keep fighting for code enforcement when landlords neglect mold problems, continue to educate our neighbors and add to the hundreds of families with asthma diagnoses that weve been able to help by providing air purifiers.

Arise appealed to E4TheFuture as a grant recipient because of its continued efforts in numerous areas of social justice and equity issues. Recently, Arise helped protect a low-income community already affected by high rates of asthma by successfully advocating for the blocking of a planned biomass plant that would burn 1,200 tons of waste wood a day near the community.

Arises work is perfectly aligned with E4TheFutures mission to promote residential energy efficiency and sustainable resource solutions to advance climate goals equitably for all people, said Pat Stanton, executive director of E4TheFuture in the statement. When it comes to environmental justice, the people closest to the problems tend to be wisest about the solutions. E4TheFuture is excited to support Arise, and to keep learning from Tanisha and other dedicated community leaders.
A beloved Longmeadow-based grocery store thats been under reconstruction since a fire burnt the business down in November 2021 will not be coming back to its home at the Shaker Road Plaza.

While this decision was not reached lightly, given the high rebuilding costs and lengthy timeline, we believe it is in our best interest to not pursue this endeavor, Alexis Vallides, owner of Armatas Market, said in the statement posted to the stores Facebook.

We would like to thank everyone for all the continued support we received since the moment the fire began, Vallides continued. This Longmeadow Community is special and we will always carry with us all the wonderful memories at our first home on Shaker Road.

An important update for our customers. Thank you for all your continued support.  Posted by Armata's Market on Thursday, August 24, 2023

On Nov. 23, 2021, a fire originating in the wide-open attic space above the Shaker Road strip plaza destroyed neighboring businesses: Armatas, the Bottle Shop package store, Iron Chef Chinese Restaurant, a hair salon and a nail salon.

With an estimated $5 million in damage, the fire was the largest in Longmeadow history. The four-alarm fire also left more than 70 employees out of work on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.

Since the fire, Armatas found ways to fill the gaps in business left empty by the devastation of its store. In the days after the fire, the staff rallied to follow through on the markets Thanksgiving food orders, delivering more than 100 cooked meals cooked offsite.

No one expected us to do this today. And thats why were doing it, owner and manager Alexis Vallides said the day before Thanksgiving. We want to come through for everybody and show them what Armatas is all about.

The business retained about 15 employees after the fire and continued serving meals-to-go and catering from a rented kitchen at the former Longmeadow senior center.

It has also posted video cooking demonstrations and recipes on Facebook to keep in contact with customers, and in September took ownership of Hampdens Village Food Mart.

This is so sad, but not totally unexpected. As a former employee it was truly one of the best PT jobs I held, one person commented on Armatas Facebook post. Loved the store as both employee and customer! Will be missed by so many.

The owners of the Maple Center Shopping Plaza, home to Armatas Market, submitted designs to rebuild the property to the Longmeadow Planning Board by Capital Studio Architects, of East Hartford in November 2022.

The plazas landlord, Westfield-based Pun Longmeadow Realty, was proposing to rebuild and renovate the building with a new design and upgrade to the adjacent parking lot. Documents submitted to the Longmeadow Planning Board showed a fresh look for the key shopping center.

After buying the Hampden market, Vallides pledged that Armatas was planning to return to Longmeadow. The Village Food Mart would be a second store that would keep its name and staff, she said, but would add some homemade baked goods, prepared meals and other products found at Armatas.

Sad to hear this news but I wish nothing but the best to these remarkable people Ive been lucky to know personally, another former employee commented. I can honestly say it was the best growing experience for me; the people are amazing and I couldnt have asked for a better boss. Sending love and light to these remarkable people and wishing the best always to them!

MassLive reporter Will Katcher contributed to the reporting of this story.
DEERFIELD  Last week, Sen. Edward J. Markey announced that four Massachusetts fire departments and emergency management services will share a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant totaling over $1 million.

The grant is part of the fiscal 2022 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, which looks to benefit public health and safety by covering the cost of new equipment, including cardiac monitors, vehicle extrication equipment and chest compression devices.

The beneficiaries include: Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department, $30,075, and South County EMS in Deerfield, Sunderland and Whatley, $47,619.

Cheshire will use its grant funds to obtain automated external defibrillators, otherwise known as AEDs, and chest compression devices. South County EMS will use its grant to obtain cardiac monitors.

Massachusetts firefighters and emergency medical service providers are on the frontlines of protecting our friends, families and neighbors. These investments provide our fire departments and emergency medical services with the equipment these heroes need to serve as a lifeline for the communities they serve, said Markey, D-Mass., in a statement.
You head to Google and start typing to look something up.

Before you do, you notice a purple background with stars and an anthropomorphic moon. A gold object plops under Earths satellite, deploying an arm. Then the moon gives a big smile before an anthropomorphic Earth, with arms outstretched, pops up smiling.

This doodle illustrates the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft, which landed on the moons south pole on Wednesday, Aug. 23. The spacecraft launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota Range, Andhra Pradesh, India on July 14, 2023, Google said in a statement.

Moon landings are no easy feat, the tech company said. Previously, only the United States, China, and the former Soviet Union have completed soft landings on the moon  but no country has made it to the southern pole region before now.

The moons southern tip holds particular interest due to the suspected... existence of ice deposits located inside permanently shadowed craters, Google said. Chandrayaan-3s landing confirmed this to be true, providing crucial resources for future space missions like air, water and even hydrogen for fuel.

After the spacecraft landed, its message back to Earth was: India, I reached my destination and you too!

Towards the bottom of the Google info page describing the significance of Thursdays doodle, the website showed previous doodles used on Aug. 24. Most doodles reflect Ukraines Independence Day. Other doodles include one to commemorate the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Another showed each letter of the word Google wearing a mask, reflecting Get Vaccinated. Wear a Mask. Save Lives. on Aug. 24, 2021.

In 2015, the doodle showed a long surfboard with the face of professional surfer Duke Kahanamoku on it, commemorating his 125th birthday. Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges had his work reflected in a doodle in time for his 112th birthday on Aug. 24, 2011.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating an industrial accident in Holliston that ended with one worker being airlifted to a Boston hospital, the organization confirmed to MassLive.

A spokesperson for OSHA said an inspector was went to the site of the accident on Thursday morning. They were unable to provide more details about the investigation.

The purpose of an OSHA inspection is to determine whether or not the employer is in compliance with OSHA workplace safety standards, the spokesperson said. OSHA does not comment on the specifics of an ongoing inspection but can inform you of its outcome.

The organization also has up to six months to complete an inspection, the spokesperson added.

The accident happened at a business on Lowland Street just before 10 p.m. on Tuesday, the Holliston Fire Department said on Facebook.

Based on one workers injuries, a Boston Medflight helicopter was called to take them to Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston, the department said. The workers condition is unknown.

No other information was released. Holliston police are investigating the incident.
A portion of the Red Line in Boston that services roughly 43,000 people daily will be shut down for 16 days in October so crews can address critical track work on one of the MBTAs oldest lines, the agency said.

The Ashmont Branch of the Red Line will be closed between JFK/UMass and Ashmont Stations as well as the Mattapan Line from Ashmont to Mattapan from Saturday, Oct. 14 to Sunday, Oct. 29, the MBTA said.

During the closure, shuttle busses will replace train and trolley service for free. Riders are also encouraged to use buses on the Fairmount Line as well as the Commuter Rail, the agency added.

Safety of the MBTA system is paramount, and this 16-day closure allows us to address many of the Red Lines worst speed restrictions much faster than weve been able to accomplish during night and weekend work, said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. We understand service changes can be frustrating, and I want to thank the public for their patience while we perform this critical and targeted work between.

The track replacements will help alleviate 28 speed restrictions that are in the place on the line that covers much of the Dorchester and Mattapan neighbors. The goal is to improve travel time for Red Line passengers who take the Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line daily. The Ashmont Branch serves roughly 40,000 riders per day while the Mattapan Line serves about 3,700 riders, according to the MBTA.

Some other important details to know about the closure include the following:

Shuttle buses will operate every 5-6 minutes during weekday peak hours and every 10-15 minutes during weekday and weekend off-peak hours

Shuttle buses will be wheelchair accessible

Transit Ambassadors and other MBTA personnel will be available at each shuttle stop to assist riders

Riders are encouraged to allow extra travel time during this service change

The MBTA will also host four open houses in September for the public to learn more about the project and ask questions. Information about the open houses will be posted on the MBTA Public Meetings webpage.

Riders can also find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements and online. More information about the Red Line project specifically can be found here.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
SPRINGFIELD  The paint is barely dry in the model one-bedroom at 31 Elm Apartments overlooking Court Square, but more than half the buildings market-rate apartments already are rented, and applications for the workforce housing already outstrip supply.

The units will be ready for occupancy before the end of the year at the $62.8 million renovation of the 1892-built Court Square Hotel at 13-31 Elm St.
??El Poder Ejecutivo prorrogo por el termino de treinta dias calendario, el Estado de Emergencia en diversas provincias de los departamentos de Tumbes, Piura, Cajamarca, Loreto, Madre de Dios y Tacna.



?? https://t.co/Luv9YYyBf5 pic.twitter.com/djqgDBlmCx
SPRINGFIELD  The citys Department of Health and Human Services says a mosquito sample taken in Springfield was found positive for the West Nile virus.

People are urged to take precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes.

The virus can produce high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions in people, along with muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC says the virus is commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito.

Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris said while the risk of catching the West Nile virus is low, its important for the residents of Springfield to be aware of it.

She said positive cases have also been reported in East Longmeadow, South Hadley and West Springfield, as well as elsewhere in Massachusetts.

This positive test of a mosquito here in Springfield is not a surprise, she said in a statement.

Precautions include:
A bitter dispute between Massachusetts only public medical school and a Worcester-based hospital system has consumed millions of dollars in public and nonprofit funds, a months-long MassLive investigation has found.

Since late 2019, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School has racked up $7.2 million in legal expenses in an ongoing litigation with UMass Memorial Health, the nonprofit hospital system with which it is closely partnered, according to financial records obtained by MassLive.

At the center of the dispute, the medical school says its owed $40 million by UMass Memorial under a revenue-sharing agreement, public records show.

UMass Memorial, the largest health care system in Central Massachusetts, has called the medical schools claim baseless and vowed to vigorously fight it. Nearly four years in, the disagreement has reached its costliest moment, coming just as the hospital system considers potential cuts.

The matter has since gone to arbitration. Two sources involved in the dispute said an arbitrators preliminary findings suggest that despite the costly legal bills, the university could end up receiving far less than the $40 million it seeks.

Its not what the medical school expected at all, one of the sources said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for fear of retribution. Quite frankly, it will pale in comparison to their expectations.

Legal bills escalated as dispute headed into arbitration

The dispute stems from UMass Memorials 2019 sale of its stake in Shields Health Solutions, a specialty pharmacy company, for a reported $263 million. The medical school cited an agreement with the hospital system for its claim to a $40 million portion of the revenue, MassLive first reported in February.

In the roughly four years since the sale, the matter has spun into a protracted and costly legal quarrel.

Facing a disagreement with tens of millions of dollars on the line, both the medical school and the hospital system lined up elite legal representation. The medical school enlisted the law firm Foley Hoag, while the hospital system turned to Ropes & Gray.

Foley Hoag grossed roughly $300 million in 2022, according to data compiled by the National Law Journal and the American Lawyer. UMass Memorials law firm, Ropes and Gray, brought in $2.7 billion last year.

The medical schools legal receipts for the case  which MassLive sued for after the university initially declined to release them through a public records request  show dramatically rising costs as the confrontation with UMass Memorial slogged on.

At first, the medical schools financial stake escalated gradually.

Its legal spending on the case, which began in late 2019, averaged just under $60,000 a month through 2020 and 2021. In some months, the school paid as little as $750, the legal receipts show.

But from June 2022 onwards, the financial records tell a different story.

Consistently, monthly legal expenses crept into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, reflecting both attorney fees and other costs related to the litigation. The university spent $225,000 on the case in August 2022; it spent $378,000 the month after that.

In three consecutive months this spring, spending on the litigation eclipsed $800,000. The March bill hit nearly $1 million.

How much UMass Memorial has paid Ropes & Gray is unclear. As a nonprofit, the health care system is not subject to the same public transparency laws that allowed MassLive to obtain the medical schools legal receipts.

But legal experts familiar with the firms said if the hospital system is billed equivalent hours as the medical school in the dispute, it has likely also spent $7 million or more, which could possibly bring the total legal expenditures for the two institutions to about $14 million.

Spending in the legal conflict escalated just as UMass Memorial administrators are also considering cuts, according to two sources aware of the plan, who spoke on the condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to discuss the matter.

UMass Memorial would not confirm the scope of those cuts or where they are being considered.

Like many health care organizations, we continuously evaluate our programs and processes to enhance efficiency and the overall financial strength of UMass Memorial Health, the hospital system said in a statement to MassLive. This is a standard business practice that occasionally results in limited reductions in our workforce. When possible, we will help impacted employees find open positions within the UMass Memorial Health system. We are committed to ensuring that any changes do not impact the quality or accessibility of patient care.

In May, UMass Memorial announced a plan to close a birthing center at its Leominster campus. Administrators attributed the closure to falling birth rates and staffing shortages.

The UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, Mass. (Noah Bombard/MassLive).

Reaction from public officials

Despite the lofty costs and extended litigation, officials close to the dispute have remained tight-lipped.

UMass Chan Medical School and the university system, under the leadership of President Marty Meehan, have declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation. UMass Memorial also declined to comment on the dispute.

But some state legislators informed of MassLives findings said they hoped the two sides could settle their differences.

At a time when resources are stretched thin at hospitals nationwide, I believe the $7.2 million paid in legal fees to litigate a dispute between these two esteemed institutions would be better spent providing care to patients or compensating hard-working medical professionals, State Sen. Michael Moore, of Millbury, said in a statement. Worcester is fortunate to have both UMass Memorial Health and UMass Chan Medical School providing high-quality care and education to those across Central Massachusetts  I am hopeful that these institutions can settle this dispute outside of court.

Neither State Sen. Jo Comerford, of Northampton, nor State Rep. David Rogers, of Cambridge, chairs of the State Legislatures Joint Committee on Higher Education, returned calls from MassLive seeking comment.

State Sen. Edward J. Kennedy, of Lowell, a member of the committee, said he thought Dr. Eric Dickson, the president and CEO of the hospital system, and medical school Chancellor Michael Collins should work the disagreement out.

These are two very large, complex organizations that are critical to the community, and they are clearly involved in a complicated financial dispute, Kennedy said in a statement.

Other members of the Higher Education Committee were unavailable or did not respond to requests for comment.

The issue also elicited a response from the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, a nonprofit conservative advocacy group.

The ultimate losers in this legal tug of war are the UMass Memorial healthcare customers and the taxpayers of Massachusetts, Paul Craney, a spokesperson for MassFiscal, said in an emailed statement. They are the ones being asked [to] pay for this very costly litigation.

UMass Memorial Health Care CEO Dr. Eric Dickson and UMass Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins at the 2017 Winter Ball put on by the UMass Medical School and UMass Memorial Medical Center.

Why the dispute?

The university and the hospital system were not always separate institutions.

In the late 1990s, UMass Memorial Health split from UMass Medical School, becoming a nonprofit healthcare system with its own operations and assets. The contract that divided the institutions also entitled the state-run medical school to a percentage of UMass Memorials annual net revenue.

In 2019, UMass Memorial sold its stake in Shields Health Solutions for $263 million, the Worcester Business Journal reported at the time.

Sources involved in the matter said the medical school, under the leadership of Chancellor Collins and the universitys Board of Trustees, believed the university was entitled to a share of the profits.

Citing the agreement that split the two institutions, the medical school calculated the payout at $40 million, according to an audit of the hospital systems 2021 finances and sources with knowledge of the matter.

The sources said the conflict prompted infighting between top officials and board members at the two institutions, which are intended to be academic partners in a mission to educate the next generation of medical professionals.

In November 2021, the university filed a demand with the American Arbitration Association, challenging UMass Memorials calculation of the money it owed following the Shields Health sale, the audit of the hospital system said.

The outcome of the disagreement could set a precedent for future deals the hospital system strikes, Sen. Kennedy said.

I think whatever the arbitrator does come up with, that both sides should just accept that and that should be the end of it, he added.

For UMass Memorial, the Shields sale provided a one-time surge of cash to the hospital systems strapped finances. It flipped the system from a $28.4 million operating loss in fiscal 2018 to a $197.5 million gain in 2019.

In past interviews, Dickson said the 2019 sale of Shields Health Solutions saved jobs and funded key upgrades for the health care system.

We sold an asset that in many ways we didnt want to sell, because it was turning a dividend every year, but we had to do it to get facility and equipment upgrades our patients and providers deserve, he told the Boston Business Journal in late 2019.

Shields has since been acquired by Walgreens.

MassLive has also filed a public records request for the emails of top medical school administrators related to the dispute. After initially challenging the request, the university says it is in the process of compiling the records.

In the 2021 audit of its finances, UMass Memorial said its revenue-sharing calculations had been disclosed to the university for years without issue.

We have retained experienced counsel and will vigorously defend against the Universitys arbitration claims, the hospital system asserted in a short paragraph tucked into the audit.
WESTFIELD  With 18 F-35A Lighting II fighter jets expected to arrive in 2026 at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, preparations continue on the airports infrastructure to accommodate the fighters, including upgrading Taxiway Bravo South.

Were preparing for the conversion, said airport Manager Christopher Willenborg.
Vistara, Indias finest full-service carrier and a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, will commence five weekly flights to Mauritius effective 26 March 2023.

Vistara will be using the recently inducted A321LR NEO, which offers 12 Business Class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats and 152 Economy seats.

The announcement was made on Wednesday 8 February 2023 by Louis Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Housing and Land Use Planning and Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Mauritius at a Gala Dinner hosted by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority in Delhi.

I am delighted to have had the privilege to announce the start of operations of five weekly Vistara flights from 26 March 2023 to the travel trade in India yesterday evening, ahead of the official announcement today, said DPM Obeegadoo.

Vistaras flights will complement those of Air Mauritius to and from India. And provide the much-needed capacity on the route as we grow exchanges between India and Mauritius, including tourism, to a next level.

The Gala Dinner was organised in collaboration with SATTE Delhi 2023 (South Asias Travel & Tourism Exchange), South Asias leading tourism fair and was graced by the presence of Vistara senior management, including the CEO, Mr Vinod Kannan and the travel trade. A delegation of some 30 Mauritian industry professionals as well as heads of travel trade associations, luminaries from the travel industry and top tour operators were also in attendance.

We are delighted to announce the addition of Mauritius, the scenic island country, to our constantly expanding global network. Besides being a popular tourist destination, the Republic of Mauritius is an important business hub and home to many global financial institutions, says Mr Kannan.

Given the strong cultural ties, trade and bilateral relations between India and Mauritius, this new route will further aid the growing traffic between the two countries. We are confident that travellers will appreciate our world-class product and thoughtful services on this route along with convenient, direct access to and from the island nation.

Air connectivity is a key component of tourism and DPM Obeegadoo stoutly spoke about his firm belief that tourist arrivals from India will cross the 100,000 mark in the coming years. He also highlighted the continuous efforts of Air Mauritius, with plans to operate 2 weekly flights to Delhi from May 2023, in addition to the current 6 weekly flights to Mumbai.

Furthermore, DPM Obeegadoo emphasised that the presence of India and Mauritius on the UNWTO Executive Council will be instrumental in charting a new course for world tourism around key pillars like sustainability, resilience and inclusiveness. He also expressed his gratitude for this fruitful collaboration.

The Mauritian delegation will be present at the 29th edition of SATTE at India Expo Mart, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR from Thursday 9 to Saturday 11 February 2023. The event is recognised as Asias leading travel and tourism exhibition to conduct business, share knowledge, exchange ideas in order to arrive at solution-driven innovations to accelerate the pace of the growth of the industry.
The Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology, Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun attended the 2023 Edition of the Global Smart Education Conference being held from the 18th to 20th August 2023 at the Beijing Normal University in China.

To collectively address global learning crises and educational challenges and to further unlock the immense possibilities of integrating technology and education, Beijing Normal University (BNU), in collaboration with the UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education (UNESCO-IITE), the Arab League Educational, Cultural, and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), have jointly initiated the Global Smart Education Network (GSENet).

 The aim is to establish a partnership comprising researchers, practitioners, technology experts, and policymakers, to support the rethinking and redesign of education systems at the national, regional, and school levels. This initiative seeks to formulate strategic solutions and approaches to reshape and innovate education and establish anequitable, inclusive, and high-quality smart education system that caters to individuals diverse and personalized needs in the future world.
Mayo County Library is hosting a major commemoration of the 225th anniversary of the 1798 rebellion in Ireland - also known as The Year of the French or Bliain na bhFrancach. The programme coincides with 1798 Music Festival which will be held in the town over the weekend and its focus on history and heritage complements the more public events of the festival.

The commemoration event will consist of: In Humberts Footsteps  Mayo 1798 an exhibition telling the story of the rebellion in Mayo. The exhibition which was created in conjunction with late Steve Dunford tells the story of the French campaign in Mayo in a colourful story board format.

There will also be a diorama telling the story of The Races of Castlebar. To commemorate the 225th anniversary, Mayo County Library commissioned a unique re-creation of the battle in a diorama format.

The diorama tells the story of the battle between the troops led by General Humbert and General Lake on August 22in Castlebar. There will be a screening of the six part RTE series. The Year of The French and 'Humbert'  a bilingual exhibition in English and French on the life of General Humbert who led the French forces in Ireland.

Important episode

COUNTY Librarian Austin Vaughan stated: What happened in Ireland in 1798 is an important episode in Irish history but the events in Mayo are part of our folk memory, and to commemorate these events Mayo County Library has organised this programme to bring an important part of our local history to life.

On August 22, 1798 Humberts small expeditionary force, numbering 1000 men, arrived at Kilcummin. The fighting that ensued was played out over four counties and had many successes, including the famous 'Races of Castlebar', which occupied for a month the attention of all the available soldiers of a British army 100,000 strong, and ended back in Killala, a month later with the massacre of hundreds of Irish citizens.

Mayo County Library Service sincerely thank the late Steve Dunford, author of the book In Humberts Footsteps  Mayo 1798 which was the inspiration for the exhibition and for his advice and assistance in researching the original exhibition and sourcing the material on display. They have plans to republish his book, which is still much in demand, this year. They also wish to thank Colman O Raghallaigh and Pat Gleeson who conceived, designed and created the diorama.

The exhibition will be officially opened by the Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Michael Loftus and French Honorary Consul for Connacht and Donegal Catherine Gagneux on Thursday, August 24, at 7pm and all are welcome. We would encourage people to come and see the exhibitions as they will only be on display for a month and the diorama is a creation unique to County Mayo of which we can all be proud.
Zero fines were issued by Mayo County Council for dog fouling over the course of 2022 according to a national survey commissioned by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI).

Mayo County Council was one of 18 local authorities in Ireland which issued zero dog fouling fines throughout 2022 with just 82 dog fouling fines handed out throughout the country over the course of the year.

The data was gathered by the NCBI as part of its Clear Our Paths campaign to highlight that dog fouling is a huge issue for people who are blind or vision impaired who use footpaths on a daily basis. A recent NCBI survey showed that it was the third most frequent unexpected obstacle encountered by respondents and 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.

While zero fines were issued by Mayo County Council for dog fouling, Kerry County Council had the highest number of fines with 27 and the council reported that there were two convictions related to those fines.

As well as highlighting the problems of dog fouling, the NCBI also highlighted that parked on footpaths emerged as the number one obstacle faced by respondents to its 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, with Mayo County Council stating that said there were no fines handed out in the Claremorris/Swinford Municipal District. However, 150 fines for inappropriately parked cars were issued in Castlebar and 25 were issued in Westport.

NCBIs #ClearOurPaths campaign will run across social media from August 21 to 25, highlighting the different obstacles each day. Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer with NCBI said: 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, he said.

As part of the Clear Our Paths 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.

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.
The Mayo News has been shortlisted for the Best News Series category in the Local Ireland Media Awards for its coverage of the crisis in Western Care services.

The media awards ceremony which is organised by Local Ireland, the organisation which represents print and online news publishers around the country, takes place every year to celebrate regional journalism.

The 2023 Local Ireland Media Awards, which are in their eighth year, will honour the achievements of journalists, photographers and advertising staff.

The Mayo News was shortlisted in the Best News Series category with journalist Edwin McGreal nominated for his thorough investigative reporting into the crisis in Western Care services. The Mayo News has been covering ongoing issues at Western Care in some detail since last November when CEO Donal McCarthy was relieved of his duties by the Board of Western Care.

The Mayo News has been nominated alongside The Anglo-Celt, Meath Chronicle and Southern Star.

This years competition will be the sixth to be sponsored by the National Lottery, which has its own award for Best Community Story.

President of Local Ireland, Dan Linehan said: The Local Ireland Media Awards have become the gold standard in recognising excellence in regional reporting, photography and creative design.

They also acknowledge the vital part played by local newsrooms in covering news, features, sport, courts, councils and all that is important in communities.

Local newspapers serve their respective communities every day in digital and weekly in print. The awards are an opportunity to showcase the best talent across the country.

Judging for the awards will be chaired for the first time by the respected journalist, broadcaster and author, Alison OConnor.

As well as Alison OConnor, the judging panel will include broadcaster and journalist Dearbhail McDonald, Emeritus Professor at TUD Michael Foley, Dawn Wheatley of DCU School of Communications, Managing Director of Kinetic Ireland Andrew Sinclair, photographer and former Irish Times Picture Editor Frank Miller, broadcaster and writer Valerie Cox, and journalist and author PJ Cunningham.

Winners of the awards will be announced at a gala event at Bloomfield House Hotel, Mullingar, on Thursday, September 21.
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.
In this sense, the government official stressed it is an opportunity for Peru to consolidate its international outreach in the most innovative, dynamic, and fastest-growing region around the world.

"Besides, it will grant us the opportunity to project a new commercial face towards the other economies at the forum, with the construction of the Chancay Megaport, a milestone in the process of turning the country into a strategic air-commercial and port hub by building a bridge between South America and Asian countries ," he explained.
" " Penguins cannot fly because they have very short wings and proportionately heavy bodies. Wang Jianwei/Xinhua/Getty Images

Ask most people what they'd want their superpower to be, and many would say they'd want to fly like a bird. But do the birds that can't fly wish that they too had the superpower to take to the skies? While we can't possibly know what's in those little bird brains of theirs, the surprisingly large number of birds that can't fly are likely quite content given that they've evolved to protect and feed themselves without the need for flight.

Roger J. Lederer, expert ornithologist, Professor Emeritus at California State University, Chico, and author of various books about birds, shares in an email interview, "There are 126 species of birds that have lost the ability to fly. In most cases they are island dwelling birds on an island with few or no large predators, so they save energy by not flying. Or they are big birds that can protect themselves." He also says that a few species of ducks live in fast flowing waters that deter predators while others are nocturnal to keep themselves safe.

Advertisement

How did they lose the ability to fly? For years scientists have debated the cause and examined the genes of various species to understand why. For the ratites, a group of mostly flightless, long-legged birds, the extinction of the dinosaurs changed their course. Scientists have now shown through DNA samples that these birds could at one time fly, but without dinosaurs lurking around, they had their pickings of food, allowing them to grow larger and larger and eventually able to run from predators instead of taking flight.

Other species of birds found themselves in the position of using their wings for better purposes and evolved over time. Lederer explains that some birds, like penguins, use their wings to swim, some use them to remain waterproof, and the largest ones use them for balance and/or display.

Let's take a look at seven birds that can no longer fly:
The Digital Genome serves as a robust instrument for digitally scrutinizing individual genome patterns, enabling accurate identification of genetic modifications. Its primary application lies in the molecular diagnosis of a broad spectrum of illnesses, including cancer, infectious diseases, organ transplants, and prenatal health monitoring. The rising prevalence of infectious diseases worldwide, coupled with the growing embrace of personalized medical solutions utilizing patients genetic insights for treatment, is poised to facilitate the provision of precise targeted therapies. This, in effect, is anticipated to pave the way for promising growth prospects within the digital genome market in the imminent future.

The Global Digital Genome Market is estimated to be valued at US$ 7,594.8 million in 2022, and is expected to witness a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period (20232030).

Ask Us to Get Your Sample Copy Of The Report, Covering TOC and Regional Analysis @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/136

Top Companies Associated With The Digital Genome Market Report Are: Illumina, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc., Pacific Biosciences of California, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Oxford Nanopore Technologies Limited, Nanostring Technologies, Inc., IBM Corporation, Google LLC, Amazon.com, Inc., Deep Genomics, Deep Genomics, Deep Genomics, Desktop Genetics Ltd., and Ancestry.com LLC.

Increasing Technological Advancement in Digital Genome field is expected to augment the Market Growth:

The digital genome market is poised to thrive on the back of escalating technological strides and heightened awareness regarding genome utilization for diagnosing conditions like cancer, diabetes, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). An exemplary instance is the February 2018 launch of a strategic plan by the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), charting a visionary path for genomics research aimed at expediting scientific and medical breakthroughs. This strategy involves enlisting experts and engaging diverse public communities to identify multifaceted genomics areas that will catalyze fresh applications in human health and disease management.

In tandem, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning techniques are proving instrumental in surmounting genomics challenges. They address tasks such as annotating genomic sequence elements, pinpointing splice sites, promoters, enhancers, and nucleosomes positions. An illustration is Sapientia, a clinical genomics analysis platform by Congenica, leveraging algorithms to annotate and prioritize variants from whole-exome sequencing, thereby aiding in diagnosing rare diseases.

Decisively, Google introduced DeepVariant in December 2017an AI tool employing techniques to construct a more precise portrait of an individuals genome from sequencing data. DeepVariant adeptly detects minute insertion and deletion mutations, along with single base-pair mutations, within sequencing data.

Another landmark development was witnessed in February 2018, as the Canadian Genomics Cloud unfurled an advanced public cloud platform. This platform offers Canadian researchers a secure haven to store, share, and analyze genomics data, nurturing further breakthroughs.

Market Dynamics;

The global digital genome market is poised for growth due to the active involvement of key players and regulatory bodies collaborating to introduce products and services based on digital genomics. These endeavors aim to drive extensive research and development (R&D) for personalized treatments targeting conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and infectious diseases. Moreover, the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to efficiently decipher intricate genomic data, enabling seamless utilization by healthcare experts, clinicians, and researchers, is anticipated to bolster the adoption of digital genome technologies throughout the projected period.

The surge in genomics research and the escalating infusion of governmental investments, grants, and funds into the genomics sector offer a compelling opportunity for digital genome developers and providers.

For instance, Canadas Genomics R&D Initiative (GRDI) collaborates with various federal science departments and agencies, including Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the National Research Council of Canada, and Natural Resources Canada. Their collective effort drives essential genomic research. Notably, the Genomics R&D Initiative (GRDI) has been allocated an annual budget of approximately US$ 20 million by the Government of Canada (GoC) to support these research endeavors.

Detailed Segmentation:

Global Digital Genome Market, By Product Type: Sequencer & Analyzers Reagents & Kits Sequencing & Analysis Software

Global Digital Genome Market, By Application: Clinical Reproductive Health Oncology Others Forensics Drug Discovery and Development Other Applications

Global Digital Genome Market, By End User: Hospitals Diagnostic Centers Research Institutes Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Companies Others



Purchase This Premium Report And Get Up To 25 % Off @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/136

North America: North America emerges as a frontrunner in the digital genome market, propelled by robust investments in genomics research and technological innovation. The United States, in particular, spearheads advancements due to its substantial funding for research initiatives, well-established healthcare infrastructure, and the presence of major genomics companies. Canada also contributes significantly, with initiatives like the Canadian Genomics Cloud fostering collaboration and data sharing among researchers. The regions proactive approach to adopting advanced technologies and its emphasis on precision medicine drive the digital genome markets growth.

Europe: Europe stands as a fertile ground for the digital genome market, buoyed by the presence of leading research institutions, substantial government support, and a burgeoning interest in personalized medicine. Countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, and France are key players, with robust investments in genomics and molecular diagnostics. The European Unions initiatives, such as the Horizon 2020 program, have catalyzed genomic research and its applications. The regions commitment to advancing healthcare through genomics, coupled with its strong regulatory framework, fosters market expansion.

Asia Pacific: Asia Pacific is rapidly emerging as a dynamic player in the digital genome market. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing heavily in genomics research and biotechnology, driving market growth. The regions large population and increasing awareness of personalized medicine create substantial demand for genomic technologies. Collaborations between research institutions, government bodies, and industry players are resulting in advancements, and the integration of genomics in clinical practice is on the rise. Asia Pacifics evolving healthcare landscape and proactive adoption of genomic solutions position it as a significant market contributor.

Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Digital Genome 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 Digital Genome 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!

We Offer Customized Report, Click @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/136

Why Choose Coherent Market Insights?

 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.

 A clear understanding of your customers  A market report gives companys marketing department an in-depth picture about customers needs and wants. This knowledge can be used to improve products, prices, and advertising.

 Clear data-driven insights  Our Market research encompasses a wide range of activities, from determining market size and segment to forecasting demand, and from identifying competitors to monitoring pricing. All of these are quantified and measurable which means that gives you a clear path for building unique decisions based on numbers.

Explore More Related Insights:

Spatial genomics transcriptomics market

Cell therapy manufacturing market

Patient temperature monitoring market

Genome engineering market

Vaccine technologies market

Spatial genomics transcriptomics market

Cell and gene therapy market

Biotechnology market

Biotechnology instruments market

Spatial omics market

Neurological biomarkers market

Crispr and cas gene market

Humira biosimilar market

Asia pacific wound care biologics market

Conjugate vaccine market
Pharmaceutical drug delivery refers to the process of administering drugs into a patients body to achieve a therapeutic effect or treatment. Drug delivery systems can be categorized into two main types: conventional and novel. The conventional drug delivery system encompasses commonly used methods of delivering drugs through different routes, including oral (by mouth), topical (via the skin), and transmucosal (nasal, buccal, sublingual, vaginal, rectal, and ocular). These approaches are designed to alter how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated in order to enhance patient convenience.

Ask Us to Get Your Sample Copy Of The Report, Covering TOC and Regional Analysis @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/2633

Top Companies Associated With The Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Market Report Are:

Johnson and Johnson, Merck & Co, Inc., Bayer AG, Pfizer, Inc., Novartis AG, Sanofi, Antares Pharma, Inc., Accord Healthcare, Inc., Abbott, and GSK.

Global Pharmaceutical drug Delivery Market Drivers

The growth of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market is anticipated to be driven by the increasing approval of novel drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). An illustrative example is the approval of Duobrii in April 2019, a medication containing halobetasol propionate and tazarotene, designed for treating plaque psoriasis. The manufacturer behind this product is Ortho Dermatologics Company.

Furthermore, the market is expected to receive a boost from the introduction of new pharmaceutical products. For instance, in August 2018, Sanofi Genzyme launched Aubagio, a medication targeting multiple sclerosis. Aubagio offers the advantage of being a once-a-day treatment, enhancing convenience for patients.

Additionally, Pfizer made a significant contribution to the market in April 2019 by introducing trastuzumab (marketed as trazimera). This drug addresses the treatment of metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer and HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancer. These innovative products are poised to propel the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market forward.

Detailed Segmentation:

By Route of Administration

Oral Drug Delivery Solid Oral Drugs Liquid Oral Drugs Semi-Solid Oral Drugs

Topical Drug Delivery Liquid Formulation Semi-Solid Formulation Solid Formulation Transdermal Products

Pulmonary Drug Delivery Metered-Dose Inhalers Dry Powder Inhalers Nebulizers

Nasal Drug Delivery Nasal Drops Nasal Sprays Nasal Powders Nasal Gels

Transmucosal Drug Delivery Oral Formulations Others

Injectable Drug Delivery Conventional Injection Devices Self-Injection Devices Others Liquid Formulations Semi-Solid Formulations Ocular Devices

Implantable Drug Delivery Active Implantable Drug Delivery Passive Implantable Drug Delivery



By Application

Infectious Diseases

Cancer

Cardiovascular Diseases

Diabetes

Respiratory Diseases

Central Nervous System Disorders

Autoimmune Diseases

Others

By End User

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers/ Clinics

Diagnostic Centers

Others

Global Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Market Restraints:

The growth of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market could face hindrances due to drug shortages. An example of this is the shortage of Buspirone HCL Tablets  7.5mg, manufactured by Accord Healthcare Inc., as highlighted in a New York Times report from February 2019. This scarcity resulted from a heightened demand for the drug, primarily used for anxiety treatment.

Furthermore, the market could experience setbacks due to regulatory actions. In September 2018, the Union Health Ministry of India imposed a ban on 328 Fixed Dose Composition (FDC) drugs due to concerns surrounding their irrational use. Among the prohibited drugs were combinations such as Aceclofenac (SR) + Paracetamol 750, Aceclofenac + Paracetamol + Famotidine, and naproxen plus paracetamol. These bans have the potential to impact the growth trajectory of the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market.

Purchase This Premium Report And Get Up To 25 % Off @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/2633

Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Overview

Definition of Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery 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 Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery 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!

Global Pharmaceutical Drug Delivery Market- Regional Analysis:

North America: North America holds a significant share in the global pharmaceutical drug delivery market. The regions advanced healthcare infrastructure, substantial research and development activities, and strategic collaborations between pharmaceutical companies and research institutions contribute to its dominance. The presence of key pharmaceutical players and a well-established regulatory framework also foster market growth.

Europe: Europe follows closely, boasting a robust pharmaceutical industry and a strong emphasis on research and innovation. Countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom are major contributors to the market. The regions focus on personalized medicine, coupled with favorable government policies, propels the pharmaceutical drug delivery markets expansion.

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as a vital player in the pharmaceutical drug delivery market. Increasing healthcare investments, rising disposable incomes, and a large patient pool fuel the demand for advanced drug delivery systems. Countries like China and India are prominent growth centers, with a burgeoning pharmaceutical sector and a growing emphasis on improving healthcare infrastructure.

Latin America: Latin America demonstrates steady growth potential in the pharmaceutical drug delivery market. Developing economies, coupled with rising healthcare awareness, contribute to market growth. Brazil and Mexico stand out as key markets in this region, driven by increasing healthcare expenditure and a growing prevalence of chronic diseases.

We Offer Customized Report, Click @

https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-customization/2633

Why Choose Coherent Market Insights?

 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.

 A clear understanding of your customers  A market report gives companys marketing department an in-depth picture about customers needs and wants. This knowledge can be used to improve products, prices, and advertising.

 Clear data-driven insights  Our Market research encompasses a wide range of activities, from determining market size and segment to forecasting demand, and from identifying competitors to monitoring pricing. All of these are quantified and measurable which means that gives you a clear path for building unique decisions based on numbers.

Explore More Related Insights:

Anti osteoporosis and fracture healing market

India immune oncology drugs market

Softgel tumble dryer market

Gemigliptin market

Chronic liver diseases therapeutics market

Uae heart failure drugs treatment market

Hemoglobinopathy treatment drugs market

North america companion animal drugs market

Colombia wound care biologics market

Anti osteoporosis and fracture healing market

Anti aging treatment market

Liver diseases therapeutics market

Ischemia reperfusion injury therapeutics market

Sulfasalazine market

North america and europe age related macular degeneration therapeutics market
Introduction

The convergence of technology and healthcare has given birth to a transformative trend: smart home healthcare. This innovative approach leverages the power of interconnected devices and data analytics to provide personalized, remote healthcare solutions within the comfort of ones home. This article employs a market research-oriented approach to delve into the dynamic landscape of the smart home healthcare market, examining its growth drivers, key players, challenges, and future prospects.

Market Overview

The smart home healthcare market represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery. It encompasses a range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, wearable sensors, mobile apps, and remote monitoring systems that enable patients to manage their health conditions and healthcare providers to remotely monitor and deliver care. The market has gained significant traction owing to factors such as the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, aging populations, advancements in IoT technology, and the ongoing global healthcare reform.

The global smart home healthcare market size was valued at US$ 14.14 Billion in 2022 and is anticipated to witness a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.4% from 2023 to 2030.

Ask Us to Get Your Sample Copy Of The Report, Covering TOC and Regional Analysis @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/5776

Key Market Drivers

Rise in Chronic Diseases: The growing burden of chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory ailments has driven the demand for continuous monitoring and management, which smart home healthcare devices provide. Aging Population: As the global population ages, the need for remote healthcare solutions becomes more pressing, enabling the elderly to manage their health while reducing hospital readmissions. Technological Advancements: Advances in wearable sensors, IoT connectivity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence have paved the way for sophisticated remote monitoring and real-time health tracking. Cost-Effective Care: Smart home healthcare solutions reduce healthcare costs by minimizing hospital stays and enabling early intervention through continuous monitoring, thereby preventing severe health episodes.

Market Challenges

Data Privacy and Security: The storage and transmission of sensitive health data raise concerns about patient privacy and the potential for data breaches. User Acceptance: Adoption of smart home healthcare solutions depends on user comfort with technology, which can be a challenge for elderly or non-tech-savvy individuals. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that smart home healthcare devices comply with healthcare regulations and quality standards is crucial for market growth.

Market Research Insights

Segmentation Analysis: The smart home healthcare market can be segmented by device type (wearables, remote monitoring devices, smart medication dispensers), application (chronic disease management, elderly care, post-acute care), and geography, offering valuable insights for targeted strategies. Competitive Landscape: Leading players include Medtronic, Philips Healthcare, Apple, Google, and Fitbit. Analyzing their product offerings, partnerships, and market presence aids in understanding industry dynamics. Geographical Trends: Developed regions like North America and Europe have embraced smart home healthcare solutions due to advanced healthcare infrastructure, while the Asia-Pacific region is expected to experience rapid growth due to its expanding geriatric population and increasing healthcare investments. User Experience and Design: The success of smart home healthcare devices hinges on user-centric design and intuitive interfaces that cater to diverse user demographics.

Future Prospects

The future of smart home healthcare is promising, with the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery models. Continued advancements in wearables, sensor technology, AI, and telemedicine are anticipated. Additionally, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and interoperability of devices will enhance care coordination and data accuracy.

Ask For Discount Before Purchasing This Business Report : https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-discount/5776

Table of Contents with Major Points:

Executive Summary

Introduction

Key Findings

Recommendations

Definitions and Assumptions

Market Overview

Definition of Smart Home Healthcare 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 Smart Home Healthcare Market

Supply Chain Challenges

Steps taken by Government/Companies to overcome this impact

Potential opportunities due to COVID-19 outbreak

Appendix

Data Sources

Abbreviations

Disclaimer

TOC Continued!

       %  @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/buy-now/5776

Conclusion

The smart home healthcare market stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation, offering a transformative approach that empowers individuals to take control of their health and wellness. Market research plays a pivotal role in understanding user needs, predicting trends, and anticipating challenges. As technology evolves and healthcare paradigms shift, smart home healthcare is poised to redefine the healthcare landscape, offering a personalized, efficient, and patient-centric approach to well-being.

Why Choose Coherent Market Insights?

 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.

 A clear understanding of your customers  A market report gives companys marketing department an in-depth picture about customers needs and wants. This knowledge can be used to improve products, prices, and advertising.

 Clear data-driven insights  Our Market research encompasses a wide range of activities, from determining market size and segment to forecasting demand, and from identifying competitors to monitoring pricing. All of these are quantified and measurable which means that gives you a clear path for building unique decisions based on numbers.

Explore More Related Insights:

Healthcare payer network management market

Healthcare middleware market

Healthcare mobility solutions market

Virtual health service market
by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, August 24, 2023

Frasier Crane relocates to Boston as the long-awaited Frasier reboot finally gets a premiere date -- Thursday, October 12, on Paramount+.

The streaming service announced the date on Tuesday, and also released a handful of what the publicists call first look photos, one of which appears above.

In the photo, Frasier (played by Kelsey Grammer, now 68) is seen with his now-grown son, Freddy (Jack Cutmore-Scott) and Freddys roommate Eve (Jess Salgueiro). In the old show, the boy Freddy was known by the more formal Frederick.

It is a sign of the times that this new update of this quintessential network sitcom has been earmarked primarily for Paramount Globals streaming service instead of a legacy broadcast network such as CBS, which Paramount Global owns.

advertisement advertisement

With this move, Paramount Global is signaling its belief that the new Frasier has more profit potential as a streaming attraction than a network one. It is a streaming-first strategy.

Octobers premiere plan calls for the first two episodes of the new Frasier to premiere on Paramount+ on Thursday, October 12.

But five days later, on Tuesday, October 17, those first two episodes will be presented back-to-back on CBS starting at 9:15 p.m. Eastern.

The unusual start time is due to an episode of Big Brother that is scheduled to run for an hour and 15 minutes, leading into Frasier.

Thus, the new Frasier will get some ad support on both CBS (at least for these two episodes) and the Paramount+ ad tier.

Whether it will also drive subscriptions to the premium, ad-free version of Paramount+ is anybodys guess.

Indeed, whether or not the new Frasier will be welcomed and embraced by millions as a special event, or be looked on as just another reboot of an old show (like Mad About You, Will & Grace, Murphy Brown and others) is also an open question.

Two sitcoms from the same era that have never reappeared as rebooted versions are Seinfeld and Friends, and both are said to be robust streaming attractions. (The fictional reunion of Seinfeld in the seventh season of Curb Your Enthusiasm doesnt count.)

The rebooted Frasier took a long time to get here. The news that an updated version of the show was being discussed first broke back in 2018.

Production started earlier this year around the beginning of February. That gave the show plenty of time to complete production of its 10 episodes before the Writers Guild went on strike May 2, followed by SAG/AFTRA on July 14.

In its 11 seasons on NBC, 1993 to 2004, the original Frasier won 37 Emmy Awards, second only to the 38 won years later by Game of Thrones.

Acting and writing were among the categories where Frasier collected armfuls of Emmys. The show won for Outstanding Comedy for five consecutive years.

The cast was among the most storied in all of television starting with Kelsey Grammer in the title role -- psychiatrist Frasier Crane.

David Hyde Pierce played his persnickety younger brother Niles Crane, also a psychiatrist, and John Mahoney was their dad Martin Crane.

Peri Gilpin played Roz Doyle, the producer of Frasiers advice-driven radio talk show, and Jane Leeves played Daphne Moon, Martins live-in physical therapist. Martin, a retired Seattle police officer, still felt the effects of being shot in the hip in the line of duty and walked with a cane.

Bebe Neuwirth played the recurring role of Judith, Frasiers ex-wife and mother of Frederick.

The new Frasier has Frasier Crane relocating from the Seattle setting of the original show back to Boston, where the character was first introduced on Cheers in 1984.

The press release from Paramount+ did not mention whether Niles, Roz, Daphne or Judith would show up in Boston to pay Frasier a visit. John Mahoney died in 2018.

In their absence, there are always his old friends from the Cheers bar, where everybody knew his name and likely still do.
by Tanya Gazdik , August 23, 2023

Toyota Motor North America will support Jane Goodalls Roots & Shoots youth program in alignment with the automakers sustainability goals.

Since 1991, Roots & Shoots, a core program of the Jane Goodall Institute, has fostered millions of inspiring changemakers and exists in all 50 states and over 65 countries worldwide.

The organization has previously partnered with Skype in the Classroom, Google, the United Nations, Lady Gagas Born this Way Foundation and Nat Geo Education.

The partnership will focus on growing engagement in local communities around several of Toyotas manufacturing plants and promote the rollout of Roots & Shoots youth projects and celebrations regionally in the United States.

Toyotas commitment includes a $100,000 grant to be used over 2023-2024 to help catalyze Roots & Shoots youth community-service projects and conduct four events -- several with Toyota team members -- all with the goal of preserving and restoring wildlife habitat and inspiring action on behalf of the natural world.

advertisement advertisement

This work represents broader efforts by Toyota as part of its Environmental Challenge 2050, which includes a set of global challenges that seek to go beyond eliminating negative environmental impacts to create positive value for the planet and society.

Previously, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada on Roots & Shoots youth activations in the region around its Cambridge Ontario assembly plant, inspiring similar collaboration in the United States.
by Ray Schultz , August 23, 2023

Two Rhode Island weekliesThe Coventry Courier and The Chariho Timesare being closed by Rhode Island Suburban Newspapers Inc. (RISN) at the end of August.

These publications were chosen for the ax because RISN has dailies that overlap in their coverage areas:The Westerly Sun and The Kent County Daily Times, according to WPRI-TV CBS 12.

This was a very difficult decision to make, but with rising production costs, fewer resources and decreased local advertising revenue, we had no choice, Jody Boucher, regional publisher for RISN, told WPRI-TV CBS 12.

RISN still has a robust publishing presence in the area, Last year, it acquired Block Island Times, according to WPRI.

The company also owns. The Call of Woonsocket, The Times of Pawtucket, the Independent, The North Kingstown Standard-Times, the East Greenwich Pendulum and the Narragansett Times, WPRI reports. .

In addition to Rhode Island and Connecticut, RISN has publications in Arizona and California.
by Erik Oster , August 24, 2023

The dairy industry has a message for all the plant-based imitators out there.

Last week, the California Milk Processor Board (CMPB) -- who youll know from the universally recognized Got Milk? branding created in collaboration with former agency partners GS&P -- fired the latest shot in the dairy industrys push against plant-based alternatives. Everyone Wants to be Milk is an evolution of the Get Real. Got Milk? campaign launched in California last year mocking the bevy of beverages positioned as alternative milks.

CMPBs latest push, in collaboration with its agency of record, Gallegos United, parodies plant-based pretenders by extending the phenomenon to illogical, and ridiculous, conclusions. Fictional milk products  created with an AI assist -- range from the whimsical (rainbow milk), to the truly disgusting (hot dog milk).

advertisement advertisement

The ad is running in multi-language iterations in 30-second, 15-second and 6-second versions across CTV, digital and social paid video throughout California. Theres also a 45-second video on CMPBs owned digital and social channels. The campaign will expand with influencer marketing and further digital initiatives this fall  including an 8-bit digital game (likely related to the Pixel Milk referenced in the ad).

The ad marks the latest evolution a broader dairy industry response to the popularity of plant-based offerings to younger consumers.

We have to reclaim milks mojo, Yin Woon Rani, CEO for dairy industry group Milk Processor Education Program, told the New York Times earlier this year about the dairy industrys big marketing push to gain ground with Gen Z. According to Circana data cited in the story, Gen Z bought 20% less milk in 2022 than the national average.

But you know what else Gen Z cares about? Appearing authentic.

At the core, this campaign is about celebrating what's real, as championed by real milk, Gallegos United executive director, head of account management James Kulp told Marketing Daily. Via ongoing social listening, we've been following a change in sentiment towards one of 'keeping it real', with people returning to what feels right for them.

That message has become an increasing focus of the agencys work for the brand in recent years.

We've been seeing a shift in shopping behavior with Californians away from highly processed foods back towards what's real, and have been leaning into that trend with our messaging over the past couple of years, he added.

The campaign happens to follow a bit of a setback for the dairy industry in early 2023.

In February, the Food and Drug Administration allowed plant-based alternatives to milk to continue using the milk moniker, ruling there was no pretense from plant-based producers about the offerings origins, or confusion among consumers assuming that almonds and soy beans lactate.

CMPB Executive Director Steve James explained that the initiation of the strategy on display in Everyone Wants to be Milk began before the FDA ruling, and that there wasnt a connection at the time Gallegos United initially proposed the idea.

However, it is clear that there is confusion out there, and so this campaign is intended to help prompt people to think twice about what is being marketed to them as milk -- and that there really is no substitute for the real thing, he added.

Thats likely a message the dairy industrys marketing efforts will be milking -- across different organizations and brands -- for some time.
by Colin Kirkland , August 24, 2023

Not long after blocking links to Meta's competitor platform Threads, X has been called out for temporarily blocking links to NGP VAN, a major voter database and political organizing software used by the Democratic Party for Democratic and progressive campaigns.

On Wednesday, August 16, we became aware of an issue preventing links from our secure.ngpvan.com domain from being shared on X (formerly known as Twitter), a representative for NGP VAN told TechCrunch. In the past, we've had direct contacts at Twitter that helped us solve problems quickly, however, those contacts no longer work for the organization.

Over the course of a week, the organization and its X users were unable to share links to volunteer event signups, donation portals and additional resources for political causes backed by the Democratic Party on the platform formerly known as Twitter.

advertisement advertisement

Users reported seeing an error message when they tried to post a NGP VAN-affiliated link which stated that the content had been identified by Twitter or our partners as being potentially harmful.

After NGP VANs outreach to X regarding the issue was continuously ignored, the company reached out to its X user base for help, asking them to file additional reports with the platform.

Thank you to everyone who helped us bring this issue to Xs attention! NGP VAN posted on X shortly after the issue was resolved on Thursday morning. Happy organizing!

This is not the first time an organization or company has faced unexpected limitations on X since Elon Musk took over the company last October. Users who have experienced broken links or suspended accounts have typically either misaligned with the owner's political views or posed a potential threat to the platform's success.

In December, Musk's company suspended the account of Twitter alternative Mastodon, issuing the same error message seen by NGP VAN. Soon after, X made it impossible for its users to like, reply or retweet to Substack links, two days after the subscription newsletter platform launched its Twitter-like Notes feature.

More recently, X has been flagged for selectively blocking links to Threads.net's website after it launched -- making it difficult for anyone to surface conversations on Threads or locate users' profiles. The Musk-owned platform was also called out for blocking Google Search results just before Meta released Threads.

Before Twitter rebranded to X, a select group of news outlets, such as NPR and PBS, also faced misleading government-funded media labels, including a state-affiliated label that is typically reserved for propagandist outlets like Russia's RT.

According to TechCrunch, an NGP VAN representative informed them that X had not yet explained why the links were blocked.

NGP VAN is a significant resource for organizers to reach and maintain broader networks of potential voters and volunteers, Shayna OReilly, a former campaign worker and current HR lead at a political research firm, told TechCrunch. Sharing RSVP links to Mobilize events online, for example, presents opportunities for people to engage with campaigns and advocacy organizations in a more comfortable, accessible way.

With the burgeoning election season coming to the forefront in the U.S. Xs track list since Musk took charge begs the question of whether NGP VAN links were blocked due to an error or a conscious company decision.
by Teresa Buyikian , August 24, 2023

The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) today announced that Gerry A. Fernandez, its president and founder, will be retiring after 27 years at the head of the organization. He will leave his post at the end of 2023. MFHA will conduct a national search for his successor.

Beginning next year, Fernandez will support MFHA in an advisory role.

MFHA has worked with restaurant, foodservice and lodging businesses improve their cultural competency, create diverse and inclusive work environments and attract more diverse talent, particularly in leadership positions.

Fernandez himself developed a supplier diversity directory and conducted the industry's first diverse practices survey. In 2022, MFHA, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and Cornell University issued a new DEI Report outlining the effectiveness of DEI practices among restaurant employees.

An outcome of the report was MFHA's launch of ELEVATE, a toolkit that restaurants can use to build a successful DEI program.

This year, MFHA is hosting a series of Leadership Roundtables for MFHA members and non-members to learn more about current DEI trends, issues and challenges facing the food-service and hospitality industry.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of Parliament Alen Simonyan will lead a delegation to Dublin, Ireland to participate in the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament.

Speakers and presidents of parliament from the 46 member states of the Council of Europe and many partner, observer and neighbouring countries, as well as the heads of several interparliamentary assemblies, will gather in Dublin on 28 and 29 September 2023 for the European Conference of Presidents of Parliament.

Around 350 participants are expected at the parliamentary summit, which is held every two years under the auspices of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

Members of Parliament Arsen Torosyan (Civil Contract), Sona Ghazaryan (Civil Contract) and Armen Gevorgyan (Hayastan) will travel to Dublin with Speaker Simonyan, the parliament's press service said in a statement.
TSAGHKADZOR, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS. Russia is in favor of the unblocking of transport and other communication connections in South Caucasus in line with the agreements between the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin told Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan during their meeting in Tsaghkadzor ahead of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session.

I am sure that the opening of new infrastructure routes will ensure sustainable economic cooperation, regional development, and will strengthen contacts between the people living here, Mishustin added.
YEREVAN, AUGUST 24, ARMENPRESS. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan held a meeting Thursday with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin ahead of the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council session in Tsaghkadzor.

During the meeting Pashinyan commended the opening of new lanes in the Upper Lars border checkpoint, something the Russian authorities vowed to do during their previous meeting. PM Pashinyan lauded this as a very important event in bilateral relations.

With results of 2022 the trade turnover between our countries amounted to five billion dollars. It continues to grow and this year weve already surpassed three billion dollars, and we will surpass the 2022 figure in yearend. We have solid and mighty relations, which allows me to confidently say that our future cooperation will be more productive, the Armenian PM said.

In turn, Mishustin said that Russia attaches importance to the strategic partnership with Armenia.

We attach importance to the strategic partnership between our two countries. The trade-economic ties are developing, trade turnover is increasing, which is beneficial in terms of Armenias participation in the EEU. Theres productive cooperation between all members of the organization. Regarding other initiatives, we are expanding partnership in energy, mining, and logistics. There are a number of programs related to IT, the Russian PM said.

He added that the ties between business circles are positively impacting the economic growth. Russia proposes promoting the pace of cooperation in all areas, especially in terms of investment programs, he said.

Theres productive cooperation in the humanitarian sector as well. Theres great interest among Armenian citizens in terms of obtaining education in Russian universities. Today, more than five thousand Armenian students study in Russia. We will support them in obtaining high quality education. We attach great importance to the process of teaching Russian language in Armenia and we consider the prospect of building new schools. Numerous experts from Armenia are undergoing Russian language teaching trainings in Russia. We will send more than fifty thousand textbooks for all schools in Armenia by yearend, Mishustin added.
Two barrier-smashing Marine Corps veterans who were among the first Black men to enlist in the service died this month -- within a week of each other, according to officials and local news reports.

Cosmas Eaglin Sr. and Nathaniel "Nate" Boone joined the segregated Montford Point Marines during World War II and were honored decades later for helping break racial lines in the military. They were 108 and 95 years old, respectively.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said Eaglin and other Montford Point Marines set an example that helped lead the progress toward racial equality that our country has made over the last 80 years, according to the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

Read Next: Inside the Marine Corps' Fight with Fox News over a False Gold Star Family Story

The Bennington Banner in Vermont heralded Boone, a resident of Bennington County, as a "revered" veteran. He has a state-sanctioned day in his honor -- Feb. 17 is known as Nathaniel Boone Day in Vermont.

Montford Point was an all-Black training camp on the New River just outside of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The camp trained almost 20,000 recruits in the 1940s after President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 8802 -- a 1941 provision banning discrimination in the armed services.

A year after Roosevelt's executive order, the first Black recruits arrived at Montford Point and endured dismal conditions and racism. The military was not fully desegregated until 1948 by an order from President Harry Truman.

Marines like Eaglin and Boone were prohibited from entering neighboring Camp Lejeune without a white escort. Boone recalled that the barracks were made "more or less of a glorified cardboard" in an interview he gave with his alma mater, Bates College in Maine, in 2013.

The white officers didn't want us there, Boone said. So, we were sort of fighting the war before we encountered any enemy.

In fact, just months before their arrival to Montford, Maj. Gen. Thomas Holcomb said that "if it were a question of having a Marine Corps of 5,000 whites or 250,000 Negroes, I would rather have the whites."

Montford Point was decommissioned in 1949, and by then, the Marine Corps had its first Black drill sergeants, officers and female service member. In 2011, President Barack Obama signed a provision into law that awarded the Montford Point Marines the Congressional Gold Medal.

"Despite being denied many basic rights, the Montford Point Marines committed to serve our country with selfless patriotism," Obama said.

In 2012, over 400 surviving Montford Point Marines received replicas of the medal a day after Congress bestowed a collective, specially made award to the group, according to the Marine Corps. Boone told Bates College that "the ceremony brought me to tears."

The Marine Corps "treated us like royalty," he told the college. "And to see the rank that the ladies, Black and white, had achieved, and to see Black generals, which I didn't think would ever happen in the Marine Corps."

After leaving the Marines in 1948 as a corporal, Boone attended Bates College and Boston University Law School. He practiced law for 41 years until retiring in 1989 to live with his wife, Harriet Howell Boone, in Vermont, according to his obituary. They have two children. He died on Sunday.

Eaglin served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, according to the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

"His life changed the world for the better and we are forever grateful for all the sacrifices he and his family have made for freedom and equality," said retired Lt. Gen. Walter Gaskin, secretary of the North Carolina DMVA, who also honored Eaglin in January with a department coin and certificate.

"He endured unimaginable obstacles in the segregated Marine Corps," Gaskin added.

Eaglin, who joined the service when he was 27, died on Aug. 15, just five days before Boone.

-- Drew F. Lawrence can be reached at drew.lawrence@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @df_lawrence.

Related: The Montford Point Marines
In a change of command ceremony, Lt. Gen. George W. Smith Jr. relinquished command of the Marine Corps largest warfighting unit at Camp Pendleton, but a delay in the confirmation process means his permanent replacement remains in limbo.

In the interim, Maj. Gen. Bradford J. Gering, who most recently led the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at Miramar, has been tapped to lead I Marine Expeditionary Force. He took over on Friday, Aug. 18, during a change of command ceremony held at the base.

Smith is retiring after 40 years of service.

Gering, who was slated to head to the Pentagon to take over as the deputy commandant of aviation at the Marine Corps headquarters, instead will oversee the Camp Pendleton 1MEF while the Marines wait for the confirmation of Lt. Gen. Michael Cederholm, who was nominated earlier this year to command the force of 48,000 Marines.

Cederholm couldnt make the move from the East Coast because of a Senate hold-up over military confirmations that is stalling promotions and postings for at least 300 senior-level military jobs across the Department of Defense. He is presently the deputy commandant of aviation.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R- Alabama, has been refusing to vote on confirmations since February.

Tuberville has said he disagrees with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austins decision to have the Defense Department pay for travel when a service member has to go out of state for abortion services or other reproductive health care. Tuberville said the DODs decision to continue these services is a violation of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funds from being used for abortions.

The hold on confirmations is impacting military officers and their families across the Department of Defense who, during the summer months, report to new commands at bases across the nation and overseas. It has also created this sort of musical chairs shuffle at Camp Pendleton, one of the Marines most active bases.

Gerings posting to Camp Pendleton in the interim delays his promotion to lieutenant general and orders to take over as deputy commandant of aviation.

The recent uncertainty around Senate-confirmed billets complicates the transition between leadership but will not prevent this MEF from accomplishing its missions, said 1st Lt. Sean Waterman, a 1MEF spokesperson.

During the change of command ceremony, Smith was praised for his accomplishments during his tenure, which began in September 2021. As the MEF commander, Smith oversaw an increase in the number and size of deployments to the Indo-Pacific, including a deployment of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, the first Marine deployment in years to spend its entire time in the Western Pacific region. The Marines and sailors trained with allied forces in eight countries and partnering in multi-national exercises. The 13th MEU returned home in June.

We are laser-focused on the Indo-Pacific, as directed, but make no mistake, this MEF is prepared to fight and win in any clime and place, Smith said. If you are to question that, Ill tell you, over the course of the last year, Marines and sailors from this MEF have operated and exercised in every geographic combatant command.

Gering, who had previous experience with the MEF during his time at Miramar, promised to continue in Smiths steps.

I promise you that during my time here, he said, that trajectory and warrior climate will continue on my watch.
Fifty years ago, far-left movements posed the biggest domestic terrorism threat to the United States, with some environmental, communist and animal rights groups taking credit for bombings, arson and vandalism at businesses and federal buildings across the country.

But terrorism carried out by right-wing actors eclipsed that of leftist movements in the 1990s, and then, the country's focus shifted to foreign terrorist organizations for more than a decade after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Now, government agencies and scholars across the political spectrum agree that far-right movements have caused most of the political violence in the U.S. over the past few years  and present the most dangerous threat today. Data shows that the involvement of veterans and service members in some of these groups is helping to further the violence.

"It used to be far-left terrorism, then for a while the biggest threats were Islamist and international forms of terrorism," said Cynthia Miller-Idriss, who runs the Polarization and Extremism Research and Innovation Lab at American University. "Now, the official government assessment, universally, is that anti-government and supremacist forms of extremism are the biggest threat and the most lethal and pressing threat to the homeland."

The idea that far-right extremism poses a threat to the country has been contested by political pundits and some Republican lawmakers, who have attempted to minimize far-right violence and argued that far-left ideologies should receive more focus from law enforcement. But to even compare far-right and far-left movements in the U.S. today is a false equivalency because of the rate at which far-right violence outpaces the far left, said Miller-Idriss  analysis seconded by Liz Yates, a researcher at the immigration advocacy organization Human Rights First.

Thomas Spoehr, a scholar with the conservative Heritage Foundation who's argued against "wokeness" in the military, agreed that right-wing extremism is more prevalent than other ideologies, though he believes the issue of extremism overall is taking up too many government resources.

The numbers are hard to argue with. Right-wing ideologies were behind a majority of the nearly 600 domestic terror attacks that occurred from 2010 through 2021, according to data shared with Military Times by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank based in Washington, D.C. During that period, right-wing extremists were charged with 353 plots or attacks that caused 147 deaths, the data show. In the same time frame, far-left extremists carried out 126 plots or attacks, killing 23 people. The rest of the political violence during those years was committed by jihadist groups and ethnonationalists, which included antisemitic and Jewish extremists and Cuban exiles, among others.

The think tank's data supports findings from the Department of Homeland Security, which also determined that white supremacy was behind more domestic terrorist attacks and plots than any other ideology from 2010 through 2021.

Neither left nor right, just violent

While DHS acknowledged white supremacy was behind much of the violence of the last several years, the agency  and the rest of the executive branch  is attempting to stay out of the feud about whether extremism is a far-left or far-right issue. Rather than label instances of domestic terrorism as motivated by the "right" or "left," the FBI and DHS created four categories for extremism: racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism, anti-government or anti-authority violent extremism, animal rights or environmental violent extremism and abortion-related violent extremism.

A senior official in President Joe Biden's administration, speaking on the condition of anonymity under rules set by the White House, said the categories showed that the government is focusing its efforts where there's violence, rather than targeting one ideology over another.

"So much has become politicized that it was really important to us to make clear that this work is public safety, it's democracy protection and it does not have political angles to it," the official said. "What's fundamentally unacceptable is taking your grievance or your view on the political or ideological spectrum and turning violent with it. That is the thing that's unacceptable, whatever the underlying view might be, whether it's left, right or center."

Racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism is the "single greatest terrorism-related concern we have in the homeland right now," said a senior DHS official, also speaking on the condition of anonymity in order to describe the sensitive policy. Within that population, the people of most concern are those driven by their beliefs about the superiority of the white race, the official said. According to a DHS assessment of terrorism released in June, white supremacists pose the "most consistent threat" of violence against religious, cultural and government targets.

Others who fall into the category of racially or ethnically motivated violent extremism include those motivated by perceptions of racial injustice in America, such as groups advocating for a separate Black homeland  a motivation that doesn't fit neatly into the left or right political paradigm. And while Black separatist groups make threats of violence against the government, they carried out "minimal observed acts of violence" last year, the DHS assessment states.

Left or right labels simply don't apply to violent actors like incels, and they're not helpful in describing the Boogaloo movement, which draws anti-government extremists of all political stripes, a senior DHS official said. And no matter what the violent ideology or lack thereof, the government's prevention efforts are the same, the official said.

"Our desire is to treat it in an agnostic way is not just because of the politics  because the politics are very difficult in this space  but also because most of the preventative work that you want to do looks the same regardless of what ideology or motivating factors are driving an individual to carry out these attacks," the DHS official said.

President Joe Biden said white supremacy was the most dangerous terrorist threat to our homeland while speaking during Howard University's graduation ceremony in Washington on Saturday, May 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Military-veteran nexus

Data shows the most violent groups are those on the right, especially those with members who've had military training.

Veterans' and service members' participation in right-wing violence is made clear in data from the U.S. for the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism, known as START. DHS officials told Military Times that START has compiled the "best open-source data in the country" regarding the involvement of military personnel in domestic terrorism.

According to the data, 26 veterans and service members since 1990 were driven by their far-left beliefs to commit both violent and nonviolent crimes, while 333 veterans and service members were driven by their far-right beliefs to do the same. Among the violent crimes, 71% were committed by people aligned with far-right movements, while 6% were aligned with the far-left. The rest didn't fall squarely into either ideology.

Those cases don't include veterans and service members charged with crimes tied to their participation in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, when myths about voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election drove supporters of former President Donald Trump to try to stop Congress from certifying the results. According to George Washington University's Program on Extremism, 131 people charged in the riot that day had served in the military.

"These are small, small numbers compared to the size of our military, but there is an increase at the moment, which is concerning," a senior DHS official said of veterans and service members involved in ideological extremism. "Racially- and ethnically- motivated violent extremism is the most frequent bias in this community, followed by anti-government extremism. That's a really dangerous cocktail for active-duty military, veterans and reservists. It's horrible for good order and discipline and horrible for combat effectiveness, given how diverse our military actually is  and scary if anti-government extremism is among the top of those categories."

Extremism experts and government officials agree that only a small number of service members and veterans participate in extremist activities. However, data shows that when they do get involved, it's often as part of far-right movements  and they tend to wield outsized influence. Veterans and service members were responsible for 25% of all extremist-driven mass fatality plots and attacks from 1990 through 2022, a START analysis found.

The Prosecution Project, a research organization that's fiscally sponsored by the Peace and Justice Studies Association at Georgetown University, issued similar findings to START's. In data shared with Military Times, the organization found 300 cases of extremist-driven crimes committed by veterans and service members since 1990. Of those, 66% were committed by far-right actors, while 2% were carried out in the name of far-left ideologies. Many of the crimes driven by right-wing actors were designed to injure, kill or intimidate a particular group of people, said Michael Loadenthal, the founder and executive director of the Prosecution Project.

"Generally speaking, and as informed by the analysis of the Prosecution Project's data covering thousands of cases, leftist violence is exceedingly rare in the past several decades and very rarely involves veterans or active duty military," Loadenthal said.

One reason for the discrepancy is the far right's efforts to recruit veterans and service members to their cause, said Josh Lipowsky, a researcher with the Counter Extremism Project who authored a report last year about far-left extremism. Lipowsky determined that today's far-left groups lack the organizational structure used by the far right.

The Patriot Front, a white nationalist and neo-fascist hate group, takes applications from prospective members, many of whom claim to have ties to the military. Far-left movements tend to comprise more broad ideological positions rather than forming into specific groups with such bureaucratic entrance procedures, Lipowsky said.

"There isn't much overt recruitment of military personnel, whereas on the far right, we see several of these violent groups specifically going after military personnel for their experience and weapons know-how," Lipowsky said. "There are individual Antifa groups, but they're not openly plastering or flyering like we see from the Patriot Front and other groups."

While small numbers of veterans and service members are involved in domestic terrorism, DHS is encouraging others in the military community to be part of the solution. DHS' prevention plan includes enlisting veterans to intervene with their peers to turn away from violence. Veterans have "an incredible reservoir of all the right stuff we can be using... to help the country address these issues," a senior DHS official said.

"Veterans contribute to civil society at a higher rate than most Americans. They run for office, they participate in local school boards," the official said. "We need to build on those strengths in order to crowd out vulnerabilities to these kinds of threats on the margin."

People listen as President Donald Trump speaks during a rally Jan. 6, 2021, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

Violence on the left

Despite the far right causing much of the political violence over the past several years, experts aren't disregarding the left  and they shouldn't be, Yates said.

The Prosecution Project, which tracks felony-level criminal cases of domestic terrorism, maintains a database of crimes that occurred during police brutality protests following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis in the summer of 2020. Among the overall population, more than 300 people were charged with federal crimes as a result of the protests. Thirty-five people were charged with assaulting police officers, and the majority of charges were related to arson, civil disorder and destruction of property  a theme that Loadenthal, Lipowsky and Miller-Idriss said differentiates far-left extremism from the radical right.

Leftist movements have focused in recent years on symbolic property damage to get their messages across, Loadenthal said. Lipowsky and Miller-Idriss agreed, contending that far-right groups more often target people, rather than property.

"We are seeing spikes in far-left violence, but not to the magnitude that we're seeing on the far right, and not anywhere near the lethality that we're seeing on the far right," Miller-Idriss said. "It's mostly property damage. I think it's important to acknowledge that arson and property damage matters, but it's not the same thing as a terrorist attack on a synagogue or on a Black community in terms of the fear and death caused."

While not as lethal, Miller-Idriss warned against ignoring far-left movements. The government didn't pay enough attention to the threat of far-right terrorism before 2017, resulting in far-right groups carrying out some of their violent plots successfully, she contended. Miller-Idriss is predicting a rise in violence among environmental activists. While environmental groups aren't targeting people with violence at this point in time, violent fringe groups are likely to develop as the effects of climate change become more volatile, she said.

There are a host of other political issues that could inspire far-left actors to commit violence, said Tom O'Connor, a retired FBI special agent who investigated domestic and international extremism for more than 20 years. One group O'Connor is watching is Jane's Revenge, a militant pro-abortion rights group that emerged in 2022 following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade and end the constitutional right to abortion. The group was linked to multiple instances of vandalism at crisis pregnancy centers, which are established by anti-abortion groups to discourage pregnant women from having abortions. Jane's Revenge claimed credit last year for setting fire to one such center in Madison, Wisc. The building was empty at the time.

Since retiring from the FBI in 2019, O'Connor has continued to track instances of political violence across the country. The source of domestic terrorism in the U.S. has shifted from one ideology to the next over the past 50 years, and it's likely to change again, he said.

"I'm always looking for left-wing violent actions that are legitimately acts of violence for political means. It hasn't really been happening," O'Connor said. "I think there's a reason for that. It does not mean the groups that caused violence in 2020 have gone away. I honestly think they're just letting the right do their work for them. That's generally the yin and yang of how things have worked over the past several decades."

GOP pushback

Lawmakers don't agree about the magnitude of domestic terrorism threats in the United States. Shortly after a white supremacist killed 10 Black people at a Buffalo, N.Y., supermarket in 2022, Senate Republicans voted down a bill that would've ordered DHS, the FBI and the Department of Justice to set up offices inside their agencies focused specifically on the issue. The offices would've been tasked with issuing a report every six months about threats by white supremacists and neo-Nazis, including any instances of these ideologies infiltrating law enforcement agencies and the military. Republicans argued that the measure unfairly maligned police and service members.

The issue of extremism in the military has been fiercely fought on Capitol Hill and is shaping up to be a point of contention during the 2024 presidential race. In July, the House passed the annual defense authorization bill, which contained measures authored by Republicans that took a hard-right tack on numerous hot-button, culture-war issues, including one to eliminate a working group established to counter extremism in the ranks. Both chambers approved their versions of the defense policy bill this summer, and a conference committee is expected to convene to reconcile the differences.

Some Republicans have voiced outrage that focusing on extremism in the armed forces serves only to tarnish the military's reputation  a belief shared by Spoehr, who leads the Heritage Foundation's Center for National Defense and is a retired Army lieutenant general. Spoehr pointed to a recent survey by Rand Corporation that found no evidence that veterans harbor more extreme beliefs than the rest of the American public. Though the survey's authors have acknowledged its constraints  including that results were limited by how many people were willing to be honest in answering the questionnaire about their extremist stances  the findings have been upheld by Republicans as justification to end the Pentagon's extremism prevention efforts.

Spoehr also noted a Pentagon finding that only about 100 service members had participated in prohibited extremist activity in 2021, a small fraction of the overall force.

"I think there has been too much concern, too many resources and too much time spent on this given what we have found out about the incidents of extremism in the military," Spoehr said.

Spoehr also contends that when extremism prevention training does happen, the Pentagon should place some emphasis on far-left ideologies, such as the anti-fascist movement Antifa. In anti-extremism training materials made public by the Defense Department in 2021, the agency highlights white supremacist, neo-Nazi and anti-government sentiments as examples of extremist ideologies but doesn't cite any radical left ideologies by name.

O'Connor argued that the government doesn't go after one ideology over another, but rather focuses its attention on the sources of violence.

"The FBI doesn't look at ideologies. It's not, 'Hey, let's look at Antifa, or let's look at the Proud Boys,' because it's not illegal to be a follower of any of those groups," O'Connor said. "It's the violence  the violence dictates where the investigation goes. If there's no violence or no criminal activity, there's no investigation. And it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that the violence over the last four years has been the most serious from the right-wing."

There's one factor the far right has now that the far left lacks  a lot of people with large followings who are "fueling the fires" for potential violence, O'Connor said. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican and Navy veteran, has used violent imagery so far in his 2024 presidential campaign. DeSantis said earlier this month that if elected, he'd "start slitting throats" of federal workers who he deemed part of the "deep state," which he alleges is a group of government workers trying to prevent the implementation of right-wing initiatives.

Yates, who joined Human Rights First last year after researching extremism in the military at START, agreed that far-right ideologies are being espoused by public figures more often than far-left ideas.

"The far right is more integrated into political institutions," Yates said. "There was an attempted coup on our democracy, and there have been various anti-democratic appeals and continuing disinformation campaigns coming from the far right. If we aren't acknowledging that and challenging it, then we're putting our democracy at risk."

This story originally appeared on Military Times as part of partnership with Military Veterans in Journalism
AUBURN  A Brutus man accused of trying to cut off another man's head earlier this year may soon be evaluated by a psychiatrist.

Christopher M. Laframboise, 39, with a previously listed address of 2919 E. Brutus St., was in front of Judge Thomas Leone for a conference in Cayuga County Court Thursday.

Laframboise faces counts of second-degree attempted murder and first-degree assault, both class B felonies, following an incident where he allegedly attacked and seriously injured a man with a machete at the victim's home on Pople Road in the town of Victory on Feb. 6. Laframboise was arrested by New York State Police during a traffic stop the next day on Egypt Road in the town of Conquest.

In court Thursday, Laframboise's new attorney, Ben Susman, said he has filed a notice of affirmative defense to argue the defendant lacked criminal intent to commit the crimes he is accused of due to a mental disease or defect. While that notice normally needs to be filed within 30 days after arraignment, Leone allowed Susman to move forward because he is new to the case.

Susman replaced Eric Smith as Laframboise's attorney after the defendant requested new representation in July. Susman said he planned on meeting with his client at the Cayuga County Jail on Friday to discuss the case. After court, Susman said he plans on having Laframboise evaluated by a psychiatrist. He is scheduled to next appear in court on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Also in court

 Charles A. Bullock, 53, with a previously listed address of 62 N. Fulton St., Auburn, was sentenced to 1.5 to three years in state prison for fourth-degree grand larceny.

 Sky R. Low, 43, was sentenced to five years of felony probation for one count of third-degree welfare fraud.

 Paula J. Sathre, 56, with a previously listed address of 107 Crenshaw Court, Camillus, was sentenced to two to four years in state prison for third-degree burglary, satisfying an additional petit larceny charge.

Cayuga County prosecutor: Defendant tried to 'cut the victim's head off' AUBURN  A Brutus man whom the Cayuga County District Attorney's Office said essentially tried to cut off another person's head with a machete
State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada

Postal Code
Rock fans, get last-minute tickets to Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Tops Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, stop for Aug. 26 at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston.

Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek and Ticketmaster have tickets for $50 to $700 but ticket prices will fluctuate.

The classic rock acts have been alternating start times on the co-headlining tour,

Tickets are also available for tour stops in Toronto and Cincinnati.

Lynyrd Skynyrd has popularized the Southern rock genre of music with songs such as Free Bird and Sweet Home Alabama. Originally formed in 1964 under the name My Backyard, the band eventually changed its name to Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Since its formation, the group has sold over 28 million records in the US. In 1977, the band kicked off the Street Survivors Tour, during which it played in venues across the country as well as in the UK and Europe. In March 2006, Lynyrd Skynyrd was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (Stubhub).

ZZ Top is perhaps the quintessential Texas band, producing great music for a legion of worldwide fans. ZZ Top consistently sells out performances, sold multiple millions of albums and played at a presidential inaugural ball. Combining blues and rock music with their sparkling sense of humor during a live performance, ZZ Top never holds back, according to Stubhub.

Get tickets to the Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour, stop in Michigan at Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster.

Tickets are also available for tour stops in Canada, and Ohio.

Clarkson - Sat Aug. 26 6:30pm, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI

Stubhub

Vivid Seats

SeatGeek

Ticketmaster

Cincinnati - Fri Aug. 25 6:30pm, Riverbend Music Center, Cincinnati, OH

Stubhub

Vivid Seats

SeatGeek

Ticketmaster

Toronto - Sun Aug. 27 6:30pm, Budweiser Stage, Toronto, ON, CA

Stubhub

Vivid Seats

SeatGeek

Ticketmaster
ROYAL OAK, MI - Four gorillas have just moved in to the Detroit Zoo from out of state. We are getting our first look at one male and three females who now live at the Zoos Great Apes of Harambee habitat.

Three of them, Mshindi, Tulivu and Bandia, came to the Zoo in Royal Oak in Metro Detroit from the Cincinnati Zoo where they lived together in a troop since 2019. The fourth, Nayembi, came from Chicagos Lincoln Park Zoo.

The male, Mshindi, is a silverback who was born on October 17, 1987. The other three are females. Tulivu was born on May 2, 2004, Bandia on September 13, 1997, and Nayembi on November 16, 2012.

The four new gorillas are already making themselves at home, and they are wonderful additions to the Detroit Zoo, said Tami Brightrall, associate curator of mammals for the Detroit Zoological Society. They each have unique personalities, and we cant wait for our members and guests to get to know them.

The four gorillas are now living at the Zoos Great Apes of Harambee habitat, a 4-acre space which is also home to 13 chimpanzees. The gorilla area had been unoccupied since July when the Zoo said goodbye to a group of three gorilla bachelors, Chipua, Kongo-Mbeli and Pendeka, who called the Zoo home for 20 years.

Those gorillas moved to the Cincinnati Zoo on a recommendation from the Species Survival Plan. The SSP also recommended all four of the new gorilla transfers to the Detroit Zoo. This cooperative management program is aimed at ensuring the sustainability of healthy, genetically diverse and demographically varied populations of animals in human care.

The Detroit Zoo is celebrating the arrival of Mshindi, Tulivu, Bandia and Nayembi with a welcome party for the gorillas on Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3. Guests who visit the Zoo on those days will learn more about the gorillas from the animal care team who works with them every day. Habitat chats and special animal enrichments will be scheduled for 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. each day.

MORE FROM MLIVE:

Historic Michigan hotel just named as one of the top 10 in the entire U.S.

You will soon be able to board the Boblo Boat again

These 4 legendary bands are about to perform one last concert in Michigan
Two have pleaded guilty Thursday to robbing a victim at their home in the town of Owasco in November.

Jason McDeid, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree robbery (a class C violent felony) before Judge Thomas Leone in Cayuga County Court. His co-defendant, Alissa Reynolds, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of the same charge on Aug. 21.

McDeid and Reynolds, both of Auburn, were alleged to have stolen a wallet from a victim at their Owasco home on Nov. 16. The investigation was handled by New York State Police.

McDeid will be sentenced Oct. 26 and faces eight years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. Reynolds will also be sentenced Oct. 26 and faces three years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. Their prosecution was handled by Deputy Chief Cayuga County District Attorney Susan Azzarelli.

Two Auburn residents charged in Owasco home invasion Two Auburn residents are facing felony charges after a report of a home invasion robbery in the town of Owasco on Wednesday afternoon.
DETROIT -- Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy Thursday announced charges against three people who are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in connection with the abduction of twin boys earlier this week.

Worthy charged Curtis Lee Slay, 18, Davion Demetrius Sherman Chandler, 19, and Shantell Re-Azia Jones, 23, each with two counts of kidnapping  child enticement, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping  child enticement, and three counts of larceny in a building for their alleged roles in the abduction of Matthew and Montana Bridges Sunday night.

All three suspect are from Detroit and are scheduled to appear in 16th District Court Thursday before Magistrate Barbara Scherr.

The charges come three days after an Amber Alert was issued asking for the publics help in finding the twins. The mother of the twins called Livonia Police Sunday night around 10:10 p.m. after her two-week-old infants were abducted from a hotel room at the Quality Inn on Plymouth Road, between Merriman and Middlebelt roads. The alert was issued around 6 a.m. Monday.

The twins were dropped off at the Detroit Police Departments 9th Precinct just hours after the Amber Alert was sent. The boys were reunited with their parents after being evaluated at a local hospital and were determined to be in good health. However, questions remained about who kidnapped the children and how they came in contact with the mother in the first place.

In a release announcing the charges against the defendants, Worthy alleges that Jones befriended the mother with the intentions of kidnapping the babies. Worthy further alleged that Slay and Sherman Chandler assisted in those efforts. While visiting with the mother at the hotel, Jones allegedly abducted the children after the mother left the room briefly.

It is hard to imagine a worse scenario for a new mother. The evidence in this case will show that these defendants engaged in a scheme to dupe the mother of these barely two-week-old babies. They allegedly promised her some much-needed assistance to gain access to her children with the express intent on stealing them, Worthy said.

Along with the three suspects already being charged, Worthys office said charges are being considered against a fourth person who is a juvenile. A decision on those possible charges is expected next week.

READ MORE:

2 people killed, 2 others seriously injured in Northern Michigan crash

Ex-Taylor Mayor pleads guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges, faces 20 years in prison

Wayne County Jail inmate charged with murder after fatal jailhouse attack
ROMULUS, MI  A Michigan woman found something you dont see everyday outside her home in Romulus.

An alligator!

The Romulus Police Department shared some details about the unexpected encounter on Wednesday, calling it Part 1 of the Romulus Alligator Event of 2023.

A common saying in police work is that officers have a front row seat to the greatest show on Earth, a Facebook post reads. When you start your workday, you never know whats going to happen. Because of this, police work is interesting, and officers get some pretty good stories.

Police said the woman called the police station to report the alligator, which she found on her back patio.

Officers were able to determine that no one was in danger because the alligators mouth was bound. Police did ask the woman to send a picture to confirm her report, which she did.

The name of the woman and the date and address of the encounter was withheld upon request.

Anyone who is missing an alligator or knows someone who is are asked to contact the Romulus Police Department at (734) 941-8400.
EMPIRE, MICH. -- Every autumn for just one week, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore hosts a special deer hunt on one of its remote island jewels in Lake Michigan.

The unique hunting opportunity is held annually on North Manitou Island to control the islands deer herd and preserve the natural vegetation, according to the National Park Service. A park hunting permit, along with a current Michigan deer hunting license, is required to participate.

The 2023 North Manitou hunt will run from October 28 through November 4. Permit applications include a $50 fee and must be submitted by August 31.

Sitting about 12 miles off the coast of Leland, North Manitou Island is managed as wilderness and is one of the least-visited areas in the National Lakeshore. Its 15,000 acres encompass ghost towns, dunes, forests, inland lakes, and more than 20 miles of trails. Transportation to the island is via ferry or charter boat; the only overnight option is primitive camping.

White-tailed deer were brought to the island in 1925, and there is no indication that the animals were present on the island prior to that, according to park history.

For more information on the North Manitou hunt, including hunt rules, application instructions and transportation details, visit nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/nmihunting.htm.

RELATED:

8 Michigan islands where you can camp overnight

Best Sleeping Bear Dunes trail has been rerouted, see where it will take you

Historic Tahquamenon riverboat tours may shutter, seeking new owners for 97th season
BELLAIRE, MI -- The final trial for three of 14 men accused of plotting to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer prior to the 2020 election began with opening statements Wednesday, Aug. 23.

A jury is being asked to decide if Eric Molitor, 39, of Cadillac; Michael Null, 41, of Plainville; and twin brother William Null, 41, of Shelbyville, contributed material support to a terrorist plot thats resulted in the convictions of nine other men.

They supported two terrorists, Adam Fox and Barry Croft, who were planning an attack against law enforcement in Antrim County, Assistant Attorney General William A. Rollstin told the jury. These defendants arent charged with conducting a terrorist attack or attempting to conduct a terrorist act or communicating a threat of terrorism, theyre charged with providing material support to another who planned the attack.

A federal jury in August 2022 convicted Fox of Wyoming, Michigan, and Croft Jr., of Bear, Delaware, of conspiring to kidnap the governor. They are serving 16- and 19-and-a-half-year sentences, respectively.

All three defendants in Antrim County are accused of participating in surveillance near the governors vacation home.

If convicted of providing material support for terrorist acts, Molitor and the Null brothers each face up to 20 years in prison. The men are also charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, which carries a mandatory two-year sentence, in addition to any other prison time.

Molitor rode in a vehicle with Fox and a paid undercover FBI informant, Dan, during a daytime surveillance trip to Whitmers vacation home on Birch Lake in Elk Rapids on Aug. 29.

They actually reached the threshold of the governors cabins driveway, Rollstin said. They were here surveilling the cabin because Adam Fox and Barry Croft wanted to kill the governor of the state of Michigan, and they were willing to kill her security detail to get to her.

Molitors attorney, William Barnett, said Fox and the undercover FBI informant picked his client up from his home in Cadillac on the way to Whitmers property. Molitor, a divorced father who worked security jobs and had custody of his children, lived with his mother.

Molitor was told by (Fox) that (Fox) was going to take a ride to look at a high-level vacation home in northern Michigan, Barnett said in his opening statement. Molitor had no idea (Fox) was referring to the governors Elk Rapids cottage or he would never have gone.

At some point during that trip, it became clear whose property they were hunting for. Prosecutors showed evidence that Molitor typed six Google search queries looking for the address of the governors lake house.

Adam Fox wanted help from Eric Molitor and Eric Molitor provided it, Rollstin said.

The prosecutor then played audio recorded by the undercover informant of Fox asking Molitor to take a video of the governors home. Rollstin said Molitor later provided Fox a radio frequency scanning device intended to find hidden phones or electronics. Molitors attorney downplayed the scanner as a piece of junk, calling it a $50, $60 toy you buy in the back of a magazine.

Following the daytime surveillance that Molitor attended, his attorney said it was clear that Molitor, who used the codename Barricade, wasnt on board with the violent plans.

Dont count on Barricade for any extreme (expletive), Fox texted to the undercover informant five days after the first trip to Whitmers vacation home, Barnett said.

Fox would lead a larger, three-vehicle surveillance mission to Whitmers property on the night of Aug. 11 during a training exercise weekend held in Luther.

Molitors attorney called it a family weekend with children present and at least 29 other attendees. Prosecutors say the get-together also included homemade explosives and a kill house, tarps hung to simulate a residence that the attendees practiced military-style drills in.

Molitor attended the training, but did not join the nighttime surveillance. The Null brothers did, according to prosecutors.

Three vehicles set off for Elk Rapids. The Null brothers were asked to act as lookouts and alert the others if they saw law enforcement in the area. Meanwhile, another group drove down Whitmers road flashing lights while a third group parked down the lakeshore at a boat launch.

They were going to see if they could see the flashing lights of the signal car, because then they could get an orientation on it, Rollstin said. Because their plan was to go in by boat.

Their ultimate goal, the prosecution said, was to spark civil war. Rollstin showed a Facebook post written by Croft.

I believe all its going to take is one state to burn out and hang a governor, and those dominoes will start falling, it said.

He wanted a multi-state coordinated, simultaneous attack on sitting governors, including here in the state of Michigan, Rollstin said. Their plans didnt involved just kidnapping the governor. Their plan involved a 20-minute, free-for-all gun battle on Birch Lake and the murder of state troopers who were assigned to protect our governor.

Before the first witness was called, Rollstin asked to have a conversation with the judge while the jury was out of the courtroom.

Previously, Antrim County Circuit Judge Charles M. Hamlyn ruled the defense attorneys could not raise an entrapment defense.

I have over 20 instances in my notes of them alleging entrapment arguments to the jury, Rollstin said. Its concerning and I think hes trying to poison the jury to a certain extent, and with little surprise.

Barnett said his statements were fact, not entrapment claims. Among his claims during the opening statements, Barnett said the accused plotters were ineptly trained, just terrible, and likely going to kill themselves until the undercover FBI informant, who was skilled in paramilitary operation, became second in command and began leading the training sessions.

You didnt say the word entrapment, but there were a couple if times when you said the FBI did the training ... and you said (undercover informant Dan) is the one who organized these guys, so if it didnt cross the line, it certainly got up to it, the judge said. Lets just be clear going forward: no entrapment. That is a legal defense, not factual. It will not be argued to the jury.

Following opening statements, the prosecution called one witness, FBI Special Agent Henrik Impola.

The trial is expected to take up to three weeks and include more than 200 exhibits. Testimony resumes Thursday morning.

Here are the results of the other prosecutions in the kidnap plot case:

Barry Croft Jr. of Bear, Delaware, following a mistrial, was retried and in August 2022 convicted by a jury in federal court for conspiracy to kidnap the governor, conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction and knowingly possessing an unregistered destructive device. He was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in prison.

Adam Fox of Wyoming, Michigan, following a mistrial, was retried and in August 2022 convicted by a jury in federal court for conspiracy to kidnap the governor and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Brandon Michael-Ray Caserta of Canton in April 2022 was found not guilty by a jury in federal court on charges of conspiracy to kidnap the governor and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. After spending nearly 18 months in pretrial jail detention, Caserta was released.

Daniel Harris of Lake Orion in April 2022 was found not guilty by a jury in federal court on charges of conspiracy to kidnap the governor and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. After spending nearly 18 months in pretrial jail detention, Harris was released.

Ty Garbin of Hartland accepted a deal in January 2021, agreed to testify against codefendants at the federal trials and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap the governor. He was originally sentenced to six years and three months in prison, but the U.S. District Court later reduced the sentence to two years and six months in prison.

Kaleb Franks of Waterford accepted a deal in February 2022, agreed to testify against codefendants at the federal trials and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to kidnap the governor. He was sentenced to four years in prison.

Pete Musico of Munith was found guilty in October 2022 by a jury in Jackson County of providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Joseph Morrison of Milford was found guilty in October 2022 by a jury in Jackson County of providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Paul Bellar of Milford was found guilty in October 2022 by a jury in Jackson County of providing material support for terrorist acts, gang membership and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Brian Higgins of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, accepted a deal in March of this year and pleaded guilty to providing material support for a terrorist in Antrim County. He is expected to be sentenced upon completion of the trial for Molitor and the Null brothers. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.

Shawn Fix of Belleville accepted a deal in June of this year and pleaded guilty to providing material support for a terrorist in Antrim County. He is expected to be sentenced upon completion of the trial for Molitor and the Null brothers. The crime is punishable by up to five years in prison.

More on MLive:

Final Michigan kidnap plot trial begins with jury selection

Michigan AG asks judge to forbid FBI entrapment accusations at upcoming Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot trial

Michigan AGs interference with witness reveals big flaw in system, kidnap plot attorney says

FBI informant, others fear charges and refuse to testify in Gov. Whitmer kidnap plot trial
Trump is set to surrender at a Georgia jail on charges he sought to overturn his 2020 election loss

FILE - Former President Donald Trump is escorted to a courtroom, April 4, 2023, in New York. Donald Trumps aggressive response to his fourth criminal indictment in five months follows a strategy he has long used against legal and political opponents: relentless attacks, often infused with language that is either overtly racist or is coded in ways that appeal to racists. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)AP

By ERIC TUCKER, KATE BRUMBACK and JILL COLVIN Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP)  Donald Trump is set to surrender Thursday to authorities in Georgia on charges that he schemed to overturn the 2020 election in that state, a booking process expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.

Trumps arrival follows a presidential debate featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination, a contest in which he remains the leading candidate despite accelerating legal troubles. His presence in the state, though likely brief, is expected to swipe the spotlight at least temporarily from his opponents in the aftermath of a debate in which other candidates sought to seize on his absence to elevate their own presidential prospects.

The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted. Since then, hes faced federal charges in Florida and Washington, and this month he was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others  including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani  under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organized crime. Giuliani, Trumps lawyer and confidant, turned himself in on Wednesday and had a booking photo taken.

The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the campaign trail. Hes turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move.

The campaign has also used the appearances to solicit fundraising contributions from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his reelection chances.

His Atlanta appearance will be different from others, though, requiring him to surrender at a problem-plagued jail  but without an accompanying court appearance for now. Unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, Fulton County officials have said they expect to take a booking photo like they would for any other defendant.

Unless somebody tells me differently, we are following our normal practices, and so it doesnt matter your status, well have a mug shot ready for you, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat said at a news conference earlier this month.

District Attorney Fani Willis has given all of the defendants until Friday afternoon to surrender at the main Fulton County jail.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a perfect phone call in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him find 11,780 votes for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail, which has long been a troubled facility. The Justice Department last month opened a civil rights investigation into conditions, citing filthy cells, violence and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects in the main jails psychiatric wing. Three people have died in Fulton County custody in the past month.

But Trump is not expected to spend much time there.

His attorneys and prosecutors have already agreed to a bond of $200,000, along with conditions that include barring the former president from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case, including on social media.

When defendants arrive at the jail, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby. During the booking process, defendants are typically photographed and fingerprinted and asked to provide certain personal information. Since Trumps bond has already been set, he will be released from custody once the booking process is complete.

Unlike in other jurisdictions, in Fulton County, arraignments  in which a defendant appears in court for the first time  generally happen after a defendant surrenders at the jail and completes the booking process, not on the same day. That means Trump could have to make two trips to Georgia in the coming weeks though the Fulton County Sheriffs Office has said some arraignments in the case may happen virtually if the judge allows, or he could waive Trumps arraignment.

When Trump eventually appears in court, the public is also likely to see much more of the proceedings firsthand. Georgia courts typically allow photographs and video of the proceeding, unlike in federal court and in New York, where press access is tightly controlled.

Only in Manhattan were still photographers allowed to capture images of Trump briefly while he sat at the witness stand. Federal courts generally prohibit photography, recordings and electronics of any kind.

Just ahead of his expected surrender, Trump hired a new lead attorney for the Georgia case. Prominent Atlanta criminal defense attorney Steve Sadow said in filing with the court Thursday morning that he would be lead counsel.

Its not the first time this year that Trump has shaken up his legal team either in the run-up to an indictment or in the immediate aftermath. One of his lead lawyers, Tim Parlatore, left the legal team weeks before Trump was indicted in Florida on charges of illegally hoarding classified documents, citing conflicts with a top Trump adviser. Two other lawyers, James Trusty and John Rowley, announced their resignations the morning after that indictment was returned.
ANN ARBOR, MI  A former Ann Arbor and Jackson-area priest facing multiple sexual assault charges has taken a plea deal.

Timothy Crowley pleaded guilty Wednesday, Aug. 23, to two felony counts of second-degree criminal sexual conduct, court records show.

In pleading guilty, Crowleys two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct will be dismissed.

There is also a sentencing agreement in the plea deal which includes Crowley serving five years on probation and a requirement that he spends the first year in jail, receive sex offender treatment and register as a sex offender.

Crowley, 74, was charged with two counts each of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and second-degree criminal sexual conduct stemming from incidents alleged to have taken place between 1986 and 1990 at Jacksons St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, Hillsdales St. Anthony Catholic Church and Ann Arbors St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church.

Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 8 before Washtenaw County Trial Judge Patrick Conlin Jr.

Charges against Crowley were originally dismissed in October 2019 after a judge found the charges failed to abide by the alleged crimes then six-year statute of limitations.

Related: Criminal charges reinstated against ex-Ann Arbor priest accused of molesting altar boy

The Michigan Attorney Generals Office -- which was prosecuting the case as part of a large-scale investigation into sex abuse in Catholic dioceses -- argued on appeal that the district court abused its discretion when it dismissed the charges because it presented sufficient evidence that Crowley coerced the alleged victim into sexual acts and that the victim suffered personal injury well within the statute of limitations.

Charges were reinstated in 2022 after a review for the appeal court agreed with this assessment and issued an order to the Washtenaw County Trial Court to reinstate four of the eight original sexual misconduct charges against Crowley.

Crowleys alleged victim testified he was a 10-year-old altar boy for Crowley in 1982 at St. Marys in Jackson when his family encouraged him to spend time with Crowley as they believed he was a good role model. MLive does not generally name victims of sexual assault.

While spending time with Crowley, the priest told him he was a good boy and would touch him slightly while encouraging him to sleep in bed together, adding it was normal and natural, the victim previously testified.

The encounters continued regularly in Jackson and continued when Crowley was appointed to St. Anthonys in Hillsdale, where the victim stated Crowley began giving him alcohol and cigarettes, the victim said.

The victims family contacted an attorney in 1993 and a deal was struck with the Catholic Diocese where it paid the victim $200,000 to sign a non-disclosure agreement and the dioceses would take appropriate action against Crowley, the victim said.

Crowley underwent a two-year rehabilitation program and then served the Catholic Archdiocese of Anchorage in Alaska, according to news reports from the early 2000s, when the allegations came under public scrutiny.

Crowley was removed from ministry in Anchorage after U.S. dioceses adopted the Charter for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults in 2002, according to the Lansing Diocese. He was defrocked in 2015.

Want more Ann Arbor-area news? Bookmark the local Ann Arbor news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Ann Arbor daily newsletter.

Read more from The Ann Arbor News:

Woman shot by fiance in Washtenaw County still in critical condition

Man who went over median in Ford Road crash has died

Get ready to embrace fall as Dexter Cider Mill prepares for 137th season
ANN ARBOR, MI - One result of the prolonged graduate instructor strike is the University of Michigan exploring the creation on an unarmed, non-police response force.

UM President Santa Ono agreed to make a statement in support of an unarmed, non-police emergency response program available to members of the (university) community, according to spokesman Rick Fitzgerald.
FLINT, MI  Fifty illegal gambling devices and $13,260 in suspected proceeds were seized from an alleged Flint storefront casino this week following a joint investigation between the Michigan Attorney General and Gaming Control Board.

The Flint Arcade, located at 3301 Corunna Road, was visited by Michigan State Police, the Genesee County Sheriffs Office and Flint Police Department when a search warrant was executed on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Authorities seized 48 computers with slot-style games and two other illegal gambling machines.

Storefront casinos and illegal gambling pose significant risks to communities, both socially and economically, MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams said. Since they can often attract criminal activity and draw customers away from legitimate businesses that positively contribute to the local economy, it is essential that these types of operations get shut down to prevent customers from falling prey to fraudulent schemes and protect them from potential harm.

The same site, under a different name, was investigated for suspected illegal gambling in 2022, when 43 computers used for gambling and $2,572.48 in suspected proceeds were seized by authorities.

The Cellular Vault, otherwise known as The Vault, was shut down soon after.

The MGCB is committed to working with the proper authorities to create a safer and more transparent gaming environment for Michigan citizens, Williams said. The agency is dedicated to helping communities statewide remove gaming machines used for gambling from storefront operations, gas stations, and convenience stores, and we encourage residents to call us with tips.

Residents can report illegal or suspicious gambling activity anonymously through a 24-hour tipline at 1-888-314-2682. Non-anonymous tips can be sent to MIGamblingTip@michigan.gov.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

Read more at The Flint Journal:

State seizes 67 gambling devices, cash from alleged storefront casinos in Flint

Four Flint schools closed today due to extreme heat

Hailstorm causes more than $4 million in damages to Davison school district

New UM-Flint nursing partnership with Trinity Health offers full tuition assistance
Durant-Tuuri-Mott Elementary School students step off the bus outside of the Joe Davis Jr. Fire Station in Flint to participate in Fire Prevention Week demonstrations on Tuesday, October 11, 2022.Zachary Clingenpeel | ZClingenpeel@mlive.com
GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The county Board of Commissioners has adopted a $158.1-million general fund budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, turning back one attempt to amend it.

Commissioners voted 5-1 on Wednesday, Aug. 23, to approve the spending plan with Fenton Township Republican Shaun Shumaker casting the lone vote against it.

Shumakers vote came after he attempted to amend the budget to transfer roughly $240,000 from the county boards account to the Genesee Human Oppression Strike Team (GHOST), which is operated by the county Sheriffs Office.

The commissioners office budget includes funding for two new positions that the board must still approve before the funds can be spent. The $240,000 has been earmarked for the positions -- a director of organizational development and a Freedom of Information Act coordinator.

Im saddened that were supporting our office over them (GHOST), Shumaker said after his transfer amendment died after no other commissioner supported it.

GHOST is funded through the Sheriffs Office budget. It investigates people accused of arranging to have sex with underage people. It has made nearly 200 arrests since its conception in May 2018.

The county Prosecutors Office currently responds to FOIA requests to the county. The organizational development position does not currently exist but is designed to oversee employee training and development.

Director of Administration Joshua Freeman said creating the job will help employees become better.

We can choose to continue to run a mom-and-pop (operation) and have mom-and-pop results or we can professionalize the organization and have better results for our residents, Freeman said.

Commissioners Delrico Loyd, D-Flint; Ellen Ellenburg, D-Burton; James Avery, D-Grand Blanc; Dale Weighill, D-Flint Twp.; and Martin Cousineau, D-Thetford Twp., voted in favor of the budget. Commissioners Charles Winfrey, D-Flint; Beverly Brown, D-Flint; and Michelle Davis, D-Richfield Twp., were not present for the vote.

The budget approved Wednesday uses $8.5 million in rainy-day funds to balance revenues and expenditures with the fund balance used to help pay for the renovation of an office tower in downtown Flint where county offices are expected to be consolidated in 2025.

County officials have said the consolidation is expected to pay dividends in the future because it will reduce the costs associated with maintaining multiple offices.

Roughly 48% of the new budget will pay for salaries, wages and fringe benefits and the county plans to spend $13.2 million for an employee pension plan and $16 million more for retiree health care, according to budget documents.

After using $8.5 million in general fund reserves in the coming fiscal year, the county is projected to have $25.7 million in savings remaining.

Want more Flint-area news? Bookmark the local Flint news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Flint daily newsletter.

Read more at The Flint Journal:

Flint waste hauler offers free trash carts for residents but theres a catch

EPA meeting in Flint will detail developers obligations at old Buick City site

Proposal calls for fencing employee parking area hit by break-ins at Flint City Hall
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.
LANSING, MI  Michigans highest court this week opted not to hear the case of a 58-year-old man currently serving multiple prison sentences for two mid-Michigan murders.

The Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday, Aug. 22, denied an application for leave to appeal a prior Michigan Court of Appeals ruling in the case of William Hoss Jr.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  After seeing success in the Third Ward, Grand Rapids is expanding its Cure Violence program to the citys First and Second wards.

The Grand Rapids City Commission unanimously approved spending $454,369 on Tuesday to continue the program into its third year and expand the work into the remaining wards of the city.

The citys Cure Violence program began in late 2021 and is based on the global Cure Violence model that treats violence like an epidemic. The Urban League of West Michigan oversees the citys program.

The model uses methods similar to health strategies, such as detection, interruption of transmission and changing of behavior and norms, to proactively address and thwart violence.

The teams violence prevention work is multi-pronged and involves anticipating where violence may occur and intervening before it happens; identifying those at highest risk for violence and working to change their behavior; and influencing social norms to discourage the use of violence.

Related: Grand Rapids Cure Violence team begins work to prevent shootings

The expansion of the program across all wards of the city is in part thanks to residents who in 2022, as part of the citys participatory budgeting pilot, voted to bring the program to the Second Ward.

Stephen Worst, the education and resource consultant for the citys Cure Violence program, told the city commissions public safety committee last month that there has been a notable decrease in violent crime in the area of the Third Ward currently targeted by Cure Violence workers and that the team has had a positive impact in the area.

That target area is defined by Wealthy and Hall streets to the north and south, and Division and Fuller avenues to the west and east.

It is not possible to determine the cause of the decreased crime in the target area yet -- its too soon -- but there are correlations between the interventions of the Cure Violence team and the decreased levels of violent crime within the target area, Worst said.

The team needs about 2.5 to 3 years of data to establish whether the correlations are coincidental or not, Worst said.

Worst shared data showing a decrease of aggravated assaults and homicides in the area for the fiscal years of 2021-23 using Grand Rapids police data.

The citys fiscal year starts July 1 of the year preceding its name. For example, fiscal year 2021 began July 1, 2020, and ended June 30, 2021. The Cure Violence team started their work in November 2021.

In fiscal year 2021, there were 216 aggravated assaults in the target area. There were 209 aggravated assaults there in fiscal year 2022 and 178 in 2023.

There were seven homicides in the target area in the 2021 and 2022 fiscal years. There was only one homicide in the target area in fiscal year 2023.

The next step for expanding the Cure Violence teams work to the First and Second wards will be determining target areas in those districts.

Locations selected as target areas are those with the highest need for violence intervention and reduction based on police data.

With a geographic expansion, the program will also increase in staffing. Currently, the program has nine members: three outreach specialists, three violence interrupters, one site specialist, one education and resource consultant and one director of programs.

The team will grow to 15 members under the expansion plans.

Two more violence interrupters and one outreach specialist who is bilingual will be hired.

New positions include one resource coordinator who will find resources, promote programs and assist with coordinating services and events as well as one case manager tasked with providing and overseeing support for project/program-related data entry and analysis.

The last new position is an in-school youth specialist charged with providing education, mentoring, outreach and case management services in local schools.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.

Read more on MLive:

Does Grand Rapids have a deer problem? City data shows increasing nuisance

Grand Rapids plans to have police drones by mid-September

Construction to begin soon on $16.4M Grand Rapids apartment, commercial building
GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A teen who fired 11 shots at a Grand Rapids police cruiser in 2022 has been sentenced to seven years in prison.

Arthur Darelle-Jamal Williams, 18, was sentenced Wednesday, Aug. 16 in Kent County Circuit Court.

Police said Williams was in a stolen Cadillac on Prospect Avenue SE about 3:15 a.m. June 24, 2022 when it approached a Grand Rapids police cruiser going in the opposite direction. The Cadillac stopped at Highland Avenue.

Police said Williamst then 17, emerged from a moonroof and fired 11 shots at the cruiser. None of them struck the cruiser and no one was hurt.

The officer fired one shot at the Cadillac.

Minutes later, another officer began pursuing the Cadillac. The occupants abandoned the vehicle in the area of Eastern Avenue and Hall Street and fled on foot, but police later identified Williams as the shooter.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker charged him as an adult and he was sentenced Aug. 16 on charges of attempted murder and felony firearm.

Defense attorney Val Foster said she believed Williams biggest mistake is that he runs around with the wrong people.

Hes a good kid, just go around the wrong knuckle heads, she said.

Judge Paul Denenfeld, in sentencing Williams, noted that he had an extensive juvenile history but that he would abide by a plea deal struck by foster.

Youre a young man. Youve made some bad choices. You have an entire life ahead of you, Denenfeld told Williams, advising him to develop a plan for staying out of trouble in the future.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.

More from MLive

Michigan theater chain offering $3 tickets for one day

Grand Rapids Public Schools moves to half-day due to heat and humidity

Drunken driver who struck and dragged bicyclist 1.5 miles headed to prison
MUSKEGON, MI  A historic, nearly century-old school building in Muskegon that has been vacant for 20 years and fallen into disrepair is being eyed for much-needed affordable housing.

Froebel School in the citys Jackson Hill neighborhood has been the target of vandalism and trespassing, and city leaders thought it was headed for demolition.
Michigan was ground zero for the campaign after the campaign.

From the day of the 2020 election, Nov. 3, until the attack Jan. 6, 2021 on the U.S. Capitol, Michigan played a central role in the push to undermine the results of the election and cast the election in favor of then-President Donald Trump.

Here is a timeline of events in Michigan. Events that were directly cited by court filings, or mark turning points in those investigations, have been color coded.

 A Federal grand jury indictment against Trump, charging him with election interference for his efforts to change the result of the election.

 The racketeering case in Fulton County, Georgia, where a grand jury approved indictments against Trump and 18 close associates.

 State forgery charges faced by sixteen Michigan Republicans.

 A state case alleging voting machine tampering against three Trump allies in Michigan.

Nov. 4, 2020: A series of human errors in Northern Michigans Antrim County causes, in the early morning hours after Election Day, the county to report then-candidate Joe Biden with a shocking lead over then-President Donald Trump. The issues were quickly rectified, but not before election skeptics seize on the issues as evidence of widespread election fraud.

Nov. 4, 2020: The Associated Press reports Biden is projected to win Michigan.

Nov. 5, 2020: Trump claims, falsely, nobody knew where thousands of ballots came from when they arrived to Detroits vote counting center after polls closed. The claim is later discredited in court, by state officials, and a litany of news outlets.

Nov. 20, 2020: Trump meets the Republican leaders of Michigans legislature in the Oval Office. Trump reportedly asked then-House Speaker Lee Chatfield and Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey to have some backbone and do the right thing, taken to mean decide Michigans election in his favor. Chatfield and Shirkey afterward release a public statement maintaining the result in Michigan was legitimate and committing to following the law.

Nov. 24, 2020: In a tension-filled meeting, the Michigan Board of State Canvassers certifies Biden as the winner of the presidential election in Michigan. The vote is 3-0, with two Democrats and one Republican, Aaron Van Langevelde, voting in favor of the certification. Republican Norm Shinkle abstains as Republicans wage a campaign to delay the vote.

Nov. 25, 2020: Attorney Sidney Powell files a lawsuit alleging there was widespread fraud throughout the state of Michigan and includes a slew of signed affidavits claiming they witnessed fraudulent activity. No substantive evidence of illicit activity is offered.

Dec. 1, 2020: Trump again brought up fraud claims at the TCF Center, now Huntington Center, in Detroit with Attorney General Bill Barr, who reportedly told him there was no indication of fraud in the city.

Dec. 2, 2020: Trump lawyers Rudy Giulani and Jenna Ellis testify to Michigans House Oversight Committee, offering a parade of witnesses making baseless claims about the election and urging legislators to take back their power. Republican legislators arent convinced.

Dec. 2, 2020: Trump claims on Twitter that in Detroit we were winning by a lot until a vote dump of 149,772 votes came in unexpectedly, asserting Detroit is totally corrupt.

Dec. 3, 2020: Giulani tells a Georgia Senate panel, without evidence, Dominion voting machines in Michigan took votes from Trump and assigned them to Biden.

Dec. 4, 2020: Giuliani, who has been identified as co-conspirator 1 in the election interference indictment, texts Chatfield asking him to help him change the certification of electors for Trump.

Dec. 4, 2020: Antrim County resident William Bailey and his then little-known attorney, Matt DePerno, successfully secure a county judges permission to take forensic images of voting machines in one township  not to root out fraud in the presidential election, but because a tabulator allegedly failed to consider three ballots to count a township marijuana ordinance proposal that failed in a 262-262 tie. The firm making that allegation, Allied Security Operations Group, had been hired by Trumps legal team and the campaign trumpets the ruling as evidence of election fraud.

Related: Jan. 6 committee cast Michigan in major role as Trump sought to overturn election

Dec. 6, 2020: Powell hires a forensic data firm to collect and analyze data in Michigan and other states. Prosecutors said the company eventually illegally analyzed voting machines used in Coffee County, Georgia. Powell was a key proponent of false election conspiracies who promising smoking-gun evidence that never arrived.

Dec. 7, 2020: Federal Judge Linda Parker roundly denied Powells lawsuits request to block the certification of the election in Michigan. Plaintiffs ask this court to ignore the orderly statutory scheme established to challenge elections and to ignore the will of millions of voters. This, the court cannot, and will not, do, she wrote in the ruling. The people have spoken.

Dec. 7, 2020: Giuliani reportedly sent a text to intended for the Senate majority leader, telling Shirkey to pass a joint resolution declaring the election is in dispute and discrediting electors who would later certify the election in favor of then-candidate Joe Biden.

Dec. 10, 2020: Giuliani falsely told a Georgia House committee 700,000 more votes were cast than ballots available in Michigan because some votes had been counted four times.

Dec. 13, 2020: ASOG releases its now widely discredited Antrim Michigan Forensics Report, a 23-page document that would become a key cudgel for Trump allies pushing unsubstantiated theories of widespread fraud. It quickly made its way to the White House, where Trump was convinced it was his ticket to a second term. Key officials, including Barr, attorneys in the White House and cybersecurity officials dont find the report credible.

Dec. 16, 2020: The Antrim County ASOG report is used as the basis for an executive order that was drafted but never executed that would have seized voting machines throughout the U.S.

Dec. 14, 2020: Sixteen Michigan Republicans gather in the then-headquarters of the Michigan Republican Party to sign documents claiming to be legitimate electoral college representatives for the state of Michigan covening the state Capitol  neither of which were true.

Dec. 14, 2020: Chatfield and Shirkey release another statement reiterating no evidence had emerged that would change the outcome of the election in Michigan. I cant fathom risking our norms, traditions and institutions to pass a resolution retroactively changing the electors for Trump, simply because some think there may have been enough widespread fraud to give him the win, Chatfield said in a statement.

Jan. 2, 2021: During the infamous phone call where Trump asked Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger to find 11,780 votes, Trump claimed that in Michigan, a tremendous number of dead people voted in the election, first asserting it was 18,000 before revising to some unbelievably high number.

Jan. 6, 2021: Trump reiterates, on stage at a rally shortly before the attack on the U.S. Capitol, the false claim about fraudulent votes in Detroit.

Jan. 2021: Now-former state Rep. Daire Rendon begins contacting local clerks in her district in an effort to obtain voting tabulars.

March 18, 2021: Michael Lynch, an unindicted private investigator in the scheme, allegedly went to Lake City in Massaukee County and obtained a voting tabulator and laptop from the township clerk, bringing the laptop to a hotel in Oakland County.

March 21, 2021: Lynch allegedly obtains three more voting tabulators in northern Michigans Roscommon County with the assistance of local officials. Lynch also later reportedly obtained another tabulator from Barry Countys Irving Township. The tabulators, prosecutor DJ Hilson said, were also taken to Oakland County to be purportedly examined for evidence of election fraud.

May 18, 2021: An election fraud lawsuit DePerno files on behalf of an Antrim County resident, William Bailey, is dismissed by a local judge. In the suit, DePerno used the so-called analysis performed on

Dec. 3, 2021: Powell and eight other plaintiffs attorneys in the rejected election fraud suit are collectively sanctioned by the federal court in Detroit $175,000 for filing a frivilous lawsuit. They were previously ordered to also attend legal education classes in election law as part of a reprimand for the suit that was quickly ruled meritless after failing to bring forward substantive evidence.

Jan. 14, 2022: Attorney General Dana Nessel refers her departments investigation into the fake electors to federal authorities, saying she is still considering federal charges.

Feb. 10, 2022: Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson asks state law enforcement officials to look investigate illegal third-party access to voting tabulators.

Aug. 8, 2022: Nessel requests the appointment of a special prosecutor to make charging decisions in the voting tabulator investigation, revealing that DePerno is one of those under investigation and she will be facing him in the November election later that year. Nessel later defeats DePerno in the general election by about 9 percentage points.

Dec. 9, 2022: The Michigan Supreme Court denies DePernos appeal of his election fraud lawsuits dismissal in Antrim County, effectively ending his legal battle for the issue.

Dec. 22, 2022: After interviewing hundreds of witnesses, The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol begins to release transcripts of their interviews, revealing previously unknown information. Shirkey had been subject to a pressure campaign of sorts from activists in the weeks after the election and fielded multiple calls from Trump. I was tired of hearing all of these loosely calculated claims and allegations but no substance to back them up, Shirkey told investigators. Something as serious as this, it was my strong personal feeling that we were destroying the country by talking like this without having something to follow it up with.

Jan. 6, 2023: Nessel announces she has reopened the fake electors case after federal authorities dont move forward with charges in the case

Jul. 17, 2023: Charges are announced against the 16 people who purported to be electoral college representatives. All have pleaded not guilty to eight felony charges, with preliminary examinations scheduled for later this year.

Aug. 1, 2023: Court filings reveal DePerno and Rendon have been indicted by a grand jury in Oakland County. DePerno faces four felony charges while Rendon was charged with two. Special prosecutor DJ Hilson notes there is still more to come.

Aug. 1, 2023: Special counsel Jack Smith announces a grand jury in Washington, DC, has indicted Trump for his actions to try and subvert the election. The charges include conspiracy to defraud the United States; conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding; obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding; and conspiracy against rights.

Aug. 3, 2023: More court filings reveal another attorney involved in the scheme, Stefanie Lambert Junttila, has also been charged with four counts. Hilson later announces the other six individuals referred to him for investigation will not face charges.

Aug. 15, 2023: Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis announces a grand jury indictment against Trump and 18 associates, citing the groups efforts in Michigan repeatedly as evidence of illegal intentions.
Michigan nor the Midwest were mentioned on stage, but some hot issues affecting this state were during a Republican primary debate Wednesday in Milwaukee.

On climate change, only former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson raised a hand when moderators asked the eight candidates if they accepted that the problem was real and influenced by human activity.

The debate briefly touched on electric vehicle batteries and China. Two battery plants are expected in Michigan in the coming years with ties to the country: Chinese battery maker Gotion is building a plant near Big Rapids, and Ford is partnering with a Chinese company to make batteries in Marshall.

Candidates didnt single out the plants, but they did note that China greatly leads the market in EV battery production.

These green subsidies that [President Joe] Biden has put in, all hes done is help China because he doesnt understand ... half of the batteries for electric vehicles are made in China, said Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and ambassador to the United Nations.

And North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum argued this imbalance as the U.S. shifts from fossil fuels to electric vehicles threatens national security.

If were going to stop buying oil from the Middle East and start buying batteries from China, were just trading OPEC for Sinopec, Burgum said.

It was the first time top candidates met and sparred on issues from the economy to abortion to education inside the Wisconsin arena where the eventual GOP nominee will accept that honor next summer.

It was occasionally messy, as Fox News moderators stopped the debate multiple times to quiet the audience or keep quarreling candidates in line.

Former President Donald Trump, polling about 40 percentage points higher than anyone else, skipped the debate. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has held steady in second, but he did not capture the most attention Wednesday night.

That would be Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old entrepreneur from Ohio who came out swinging as a fiery outsider with quips for every candidate who tried attacking him.

Go deeper: GOP candidates tangle in Milwaukee as they vie to be the leading alternative to front-runner Trump

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley speak during a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)AP

Michigan candidate Perry Johnson, whose candidacy for state governor was derailed by signature fraud, arguably has a far steeper ascent to that summit.

Already a longshot among presidential longshots, he thought he qualified for a debate that could crucially brighten his spotlight. Instead, he had to watch from afar Wednesday night.

As the other candidates got two hours to sell their platforms and push back on the competition, the 75-year-old Metro Detroit businessman who made a fortune in auto industry quality control, announced he was pushing back against the Republican National Committee for keeping him off the stage.

The RNC and Fox News, which televised Wednesdays debate, brazenly conspired to circumvent [federal laws and regulations] to cherry-pick debate participants for their own ends, Johnson said in a complaint he plans to file with the Federal Elections Commission.

Candidates were required to have 40,000 unique donors and earn at least 1% in a certain number of polls. Johnson has had more than 50,000 donors, but he was one poll short.

Perry Johnson, during his ultimately failed primary campaign for Michigan governor last year, is greeted by supporters at the Kent County GOP headquarters in Grand Rapids on March 7, 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.com

Johnson and some media outlets that were tracking polls assumed that a Victory Insights national poll of 825 voters in mid-August that put Johnson at 1.1% support would count, but the RNC argued it did not survey voters in enough states.

According to his FEC complaint, Johnson says his campaign was informed of this just hours before debate invitations were sent out. Two other polls the campaign offered as qualification were also rejected.

To make the second debate  Sept. 27 in California  candidates will need to earn 3% in qualifying polls, something Johnson has yet to do.

Read more from MLive:

Timeline: key Michigan events after 2020 election cited in criminal cases

They wanted a civil war. Last of accused Gov. Whitmer kidnap plotters go on trial

Expect delays when crossing Mackinac Bridge this fall

Catholic church, school lawsuits against Michigan civil rights law thrown out
Gotion Inc. and Green Charter Township have found consensus on a proposed $2.36 billion, 2,350-job electric vehicle battery parts facility that has faced pushback from some in the community.

The agreement reached Wednesday, Aug. 23 addresses concerns around traffic congestion, employment, emergency services and environmental impact. Gotion Inc., a battery manufacturer with a Chinese parent company, is expected to sign the agreement in the coming week.
UPDATE: Storm risk upgraded for big part of Michigan, 75 mph wind gusts possible

The heat and humidity late this afternoon are going to give lots of fuel to potentially significant severe thunderstorms across southern Lower Michigan late this afternoon or evening.

Hot temperatures and very high humidity this afternoon will give buoyancy to the air and make it rise to higher parts of the atmosphere this afternoon and evening. That is step one in severe thunderstorm development. The Storm Prediction Center is a little more confident today about exactly where and approximately when thunderstorms will erupt.

The overall severe weather forecast shows the yellow shaded area from Bay City, Mount Pleasant and Grand Rapids southward in the highest chance for severe thunderstorms. Thunderstorms could develop over northern Lower Michigan this afternoon and become severe as they roll into the steam of southern Lower Michigan.

The severe weather would probably occur in the 4 p.m. to midnight period.

The general severe thunderstorm forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening, August 24, 2023

Because of the high instability expected this afternoon, the Storm Prediction Center even highlights an area of southern Lower Michigan that could have significant wind gusts over 75 mph. The forecast below is for the chance of severe wind gusts in the thunderstorms. The yellow area has a 15% chance of severe gusts. Thats not a really high chance. Much of the same area has a 10% chance of 75 mph gusts or higher. At 75 mph, wind gusts start to do significant damage. Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and Detroit are all in the significant wind gust potential.

Severe wind gust forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening, August 24, 2023. The black hatched area has a 10 percent chance of gusts over 75 mph.

They also find there is enough shear in this evenings set-up to create an isolated tornado or two.

Tornado forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening, August 24, 2023

Large hail forecast for Thursday afternoon and evening, August 24, 2023

If you like the guts of severe weather forecasting, here are a few parts of the Storm Prediction Centers morning severe weather discussion.

Most guidance shows strong to locally extreme instability (MLCAPE 3000-5000+ J/kg) developing along/south of a weak front from southern WI/northern IL into Lower MI and much of the OH Valley. This very favorable thermodynamic environment will be aided by the presence of mid 70s to perhaps low 80s surface dewpoints, steep mid-level lapse rates emanating from an EML over the Plains, and robust daytime heating.

MLCAPE is a way we measure how much pent-up energy is in the atmosphere. A MLCAPE of 5000 J/kg is the typical instability of a Kansas-type thunderstorm. Its not the usual energy for a Michigan thunderstorm.

They also say, If thunderstorms can initiate, they would likely become severe and pose an initial threat for both large hail and damaging winds across Lower MI given around 30-40 kt of deep-layer shear and very strong instability. Upscale growth into an intense bowing cluster appears likely along/south of a warm front, and the risk for severe/damaging winds would likely increase once an MCS(Mesoscale Convective System) develops. Given the potential for extreme instability, some threat for isolated 75+ mph winds may also exist across parts of southern Lower MI into northern OH when the MCS matures.

An MCS is a big, organized cluster of severe storms that can survive for a long path.

So definitely keep an eye on the sky, the radar and here at MLive today.

Here is the radar forecast
24.08.2023 LISTEN

The entire nation became extremely gleeful when a Team of Ghanaian citizens took a daring task to travel by road from Accra to London. The 10,000 kilometres journey which took them at 13 days through various countries saw them plying numerous countries from Africa through Europe and finally to their final destination, London.

This was not just a dotingly remarkable achievement but also, another historic feat since the news broke out. It took social media platforms by frenzy midway through their journey when the Team finally announced via their social media platforms that theyd embarked on such this exceptional trip.

Just like any other travel would have it, it didnt come easy for these Team of Ghanaians on their trip. No, there was no disaster! But as protocols would demand, they got into some few glitches, especially when they got to Mauritania. There in Mauritania, a very patriotic diplomat, His Excellency Felix Hator, came through for them.

His Excellency Felix Hator, Ghanas Consul to Mauritania showed the Team tremendous hospitality when the Team entered into the country (Mauritania). Not only did he come to their rescue but he showed extreme care and support for Team Wanderlust. Furthermore, he added a letter of support from his outfit to the high Office of Mauritania that allowed his fellow Ghanaian Citizens to use Nouakchott as a route to continue their journey into Europe and finally into UK.

H.E Felix Hator hosted and feted Team Wanderlust and made them feel comfortable while showing them some of the amazing projects hes on with other fellow Ghanaian citizens who are based there and working with him. This is a true mark of a patriotic statesman we should emulate and replicate for our fellow Ghanaian men and women everywhere in the world.

H.E Felix Hator, though would not want to highlight this himself for media clout it is very key to celebrate him for his kind gesture to Team Wanderlust; he led them through Nouakchott with a full drive till they reached the Moroccan Border and finally journeyed on to their final destination.

Below is a video snippet of Team Wanderlust celebrating HE Felix Hator for the support.
The Volta Regional executives of the main opposition party National Democratic Congress toured the Anlo constituency on Monday August 21.

Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor, the Regional Chairman led the other executives including the regional secretary Mr. James Gunu.

Mr. Rolex Agbey Miheso, the Anlo constituency chairman welcomed the regional delegation and was happy for the visit and promised that they would do everything possible to support the party win power in the 2024 general elections.

The Regional Organizer Siki Abibu, thanked the constituency executives on behalf of the regional executives for the massive support given them during their regional election.

The Regional Chairman Mr Agbavitor, at the meeting, briefed the executive committee about plans the national executive council has for the 2024 general elections.

He added that the next John Dramani Mahama administration will complete all his abandoned projects.

He further discussed the Electoral Commission's limited voter registration exercise which is about to start next month and urges them to try and get all those who qualify to register and vote in 2024.

Hon. Richard Kwame Sefe, MP for Anlo constituency, who was present commanded the regional executives for the good initiative by bringing the party to the doorstep of all.

Mr. Shugah Mawuli Anthonio, the Communications Officer for the constituency on behalf of the executives thanked the regional executives for their visit and pledged to work harder for a resounding victory come 2024.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On August 23, the global launch ceremony of Dongfeng Motor's new pure-electric vehicle brand, NAMMI, was held in Chengdu.

NAMMI 01; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

At the event, the brand's exclusive platform, Quantum Architecture 3.0, introduced its inaugural model, the NAMMI 01.

The brand logo, "NAMMI," was also revealed. As a brand built around its users, "M" (Me) is embedded within "NAMI", reflecting the brand's user-centric philosophy and its commitment to collaboratively shaping a better future with its users.

Driven by the pursuit of excellence, the unveiling also showcased the official launch of the Dongfeng Quantum Architecture 3.0 platform, the cornerstone of Dongfeng's technological advancements. This proprietary pure-electric architecture boasts four distinct advantages, namely "Ultimate Space, Ultimate Safety, Ultimate Energy Efficiency, and Ultimate Intelligence."





Quantum Architecture 3.0; photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

The Quantum Architecture 3.0 platform prioritizes spaciousness, featuring a short front and rear overhang design for optimal space utilization without compromising safety. Safety is further ensured by a high-quality vehicle body construction and advanced collision performance. The platform's innovative Mach-E "ten-in-one" electric drive system achieves remarkable energy efficiency with a low energy consumption of 11 kWh per 100 kilometers.

Additionally, the platform integrates advanced chips and algorithms to provide intelligent control in aspects like the cabin, driving, temperature, and power management.

Furthermore, the Quantum Architecture 3.0 platform boasts three exceptional technological reserves, including hub motors based on the same principles as those used in luxury models, solid-state batteries that are under pilot operations, and mature, mass-producible super-fast charging technology.
Most of the south of France is now on red alert for extreme heat, with temperatures forecast to reach 42 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday. It marks the first time that France has experienced a severe heatwave in late August, and climate experts say it is a worrying sign of things to come.

"On a national level, it is the first time that such an intense heatwave has been observed this late in the summer," says state weather service Meteo France.

Temperatures in France hit an all-time high for late August on Tuesday, it said, with parts of the south-east reaching close to 43 C.

The nationwide average temperature over 24 hours hit 27.1 C, Meteo France announced on Wednesday. According to the weather service, such continuously high temperatures have never been seen so late in summer in records going back to 1947.

Authorities have now issued red alerts, the maximum warning level, for 19 departments in the south of mainland France. Another 37 are on orange alert, the second-highest.

Residents have been struggling with oppressive heat for days, with temperatures barely dropping off at night.

"We open all the windows at night and during the day we close all the shutters. When we're trying to go to sleep at midnight, it's still hot," Eric Chaupitre, who lives in the village of Saint-Mamans in the Drome, one of the departments on red alert, told RFI.

He avoids going outside from around 11am until the evening, he says.

"There's nothing you can do. As soon as you go outside, you're just wiped out by this suffocating heat. It's very dry, stifling  basically overpowering when you're out in it."

'New normal'

Meteo France expects the heat to last at least throughout Thursday.

This week is only the sixth time that France has declared a red heatwave alert since it introduced its warning system in 2004. Every other maximum alert  in 2019, 2020 and 2022  has come in June, July or early August.

By this point in the summer, meteorologists would usually expect the heat to be tailing off  but not anymore.

"Late heatwaves are not normal, especially in France," says Davide Faranda, a researcher in climate physics at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, CNRS.

Such events are historically associated with countries further south. But climate experts have warned Europe to brace for heatwaves both earlier and later in the summer due to global warming.

"This is the new normal and does not come as a surprise," said World Meteorological Organisation climatologist Alvaro Silva at a briefing on Tuesday, referring to what the UN agency has called a "summer of extremes" worldwide.

"The frequency and intensity of many extremes, such as heatwaves and heavy precipitation, have increased in recent decades. There is high confidence that human-induced climate change from greenhouse emissions, is the main driver."

Life under strain

The result is longer, hotter, drier summers that multiply the stress on wildlife and humans alike.

"Some parts of the Mediterranean have been under these heatwave conditions practically since mid-June and it hasn't rained in vast regions of Spain, Italy and Greece," Faranda told RFI.

He warns that the heat and drought affecting much of Europe  including southern France  increases the risks of wildfires, crop damage and harm to the wider environment.

"It's worrying above all for vegetation and wildlife," says Faranda, who specialises in extreme weather events. "Certain plants are in their growth phase and that will be interrupted, while animals won't be able to follow their usual reproduction patterns."

In the Drome, residents can already see the impact, says Chaupitre.

"We can see that nature is starting to really suffer. It's very dry everywhere, the vegetation, the trees," he reports.

The long, hot summer is also taking its toll on local people, he says: "It's tough, everyone is under strain."
An Indian spacecraft landed on the Moon to join an elite spacefaring club comprising China, Russia and the United States  the only nations to have ever achieved the feat. India, however, becomes the first to land in the lunar south pole region.

India is on the Moon, announced Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman S Somanath after Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the moon's rugged south pole where the 26-kilo robotic buggy will explore for water.

The spacecraft hovered for around 20 seconds over a pre-designated landing site as ISRO scientists oversaw its controlled descent some 65 metres in the final minute at 8:34am Eastern Time.

'Gift for humanity'

It was a flawless landing, said Mission Director P Veeramuthuvel as scientists cheered and clapped at an ISRO control centre.

We have become the fourth country to land on the Moon and the first to reach its south pole, Veeramuthuvel said as his colleagues unveiled ISRO's planned projects such as a crewed lunar flight, an expedition to Venus and a solar observatory in space.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India was proving the "sky is not the limit after tuning into a live ISRO webcast from Johannesburg, where he is attending a Brics summit.

All the people of the world, the people of every country and region: India's successful Moon mission is not just India's alone ... this success belongs to all of humanity. We can all aspire for the moon, and beyond.

Modi also alluded to India's 44-million-euro maiden Moon rocket, which lost contact with Earth nine months after electronics on board Chandrayaan-1 failed in 2009.

Today is also a testimony of how to move on from failure to success, he said.

Almost a decade later, misfortune hit India again after Chandrayaan-2 carrying a lander, orbiter and a buggy went into lunar orbit on 20 August 2019 but crashed days after while attempting to touch down on the moon's rocky surface.

Russia's first moon mission in 47 years failed last week when Luna-25 spacecraft crashed into the moon after a catastrophic glitch.

The failure underscored the decline of Russia's space power since the glory days of Cold War competition when Moscow was the first to launch a satellite to orbit the Earth  Sputnik 1, in 1957  and Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first man to travel into space in 1961.

Chandrayaan-2 was originally a joint project with Russia and slated to fly out in 2011 or 2012 but Moscow pulled out of the collaboration to delay the project by years.

Away from the Chandrayaan series, India in a joint effort with Japan kicked off what is known as the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX).

The collaboration plans to launch a rocket in 2025 to assess the possibility of establishing a lunar base, search for water and conduct surface exploration, said a ISRO official.

Saku Tsuneta, a top Japanese space policy-planner, visited India this month to review the LUPEX mission. "The two sides discussed the development of a smaller lander for the joint flight, he told RFI.

India on its own has conducted 77 successful rocket launches and also put into orbit 424 commercial satellites from 34 countries and is now eyeing a larger slice of that global multi-billion-euro market.

India became the only country in the world to reach Mars on its first attempt in 2014.
The highly anticipated 3rd International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC) is set to take place on 29-30 August 2023 at the Burma Hall, Ghana Armed Forces General Headquarters, Accra, Ghana.

The new dedicated exhibition hall in Burma Camp, purposely built to accommodate the growing event will also be inaugurated at IMDEC, the largest gathering of Africa's maritime industry.

IMDEC will bring together regional and international Chiefs of Naval Staff to address the critical issues surrounding maritime security on the continent.

The conference aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders to sustain a safe and secure maritime domain, focusing on consolidating the gains made in the Gulf of Guinea.

The Keynote speech is by Guest of Honour, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of Ghana.

Strategically bringing together key stakeholders in Africa's maritime world, the high-profile event is sponsored by Israel Shipyards Ltd, Aselsan, Ocea, Leonardo and Grup Aresa International.

The forum will provide insights and case studies on the successful application of a variety of innovations relevant to maritime needs in the region.

Building upon the resounding success of the first two editions, IMDEC 2023 is a biennial event that will feature a two-day conference and exhibition, providing a platform for regional naval forces and relevant stakeholders to tackle the growing threats in Africa's territorial waters and blue economy.

The exhibition will showcase cutting-edge technologies in maritime security and foster strong resolutions and recommendations to overcome the daunting challenges facing Africa's blue economy.

It brings the world's leading defence suppliers to Accra for communication technologies, radars, satellite imagery solutions and solutions vital for further strengthening maritime defence capabilities of African navies.

Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief of the Naval Staff, Ghana Navy, at a press briefing expressed the importance of cyber security measures in African navies, stating, "Advancements in onboard systems and rapid digital transformation require African navies to implement measures to safeguard their systems and operations. However, there is a need for African countries to enhance their efforts in the area of cyber security."

He noted that the Ghana Navy recognises the potential of Africa's blue economy and its ability to address economic challenges on the continent.

Rear Admiral Yakubu added, "The blue economy offers Solutions to numerous economic challenges in Africa if properly harnessed. To realise its potential, we must ensure our maritime space is safe and secure for business and shipping."

The IMDEC Expo will feature a showcase of the latest and most innovative maritime security technologies and solutions, bringing together leading defence suppliers from around the world.

Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with technology providers specialising in communication technologies, radars, satellite imagery solutions, and vessels, among other crucial solutions for enhancing Africa's naval defense capabilities.

The event will host more than 150 attendees from over 25 countries, as more than 12 Chiefs of Navy and over 35 speakers will brainstorm on new ideas and discuss the roadmap for the future in sustaining a safe and secure maritime domain.

Organised by Great Minds Events, the conference agenda includes panel discussions, breakout sessions, and extensive site visits, making it the premier strategic gathering for Africas Navies, Coastal Guards, Port and Coastal Authorities, Marine Police, Fisheries, related Ministries, Oil and Gas, and other maritime industries.
Dr David King, President of The Farmers Organization Network Ghana

24.08.2023 LISTEN

President of The Farmers Organization Network Ghana (FONG), Dr. David King has called on policy makers to put in place incentives to make more young people go into Agribusiness.

He has called on the government to institute a 20% profit-sharing arrangement for service personnel as part of their policy for assigning National Service Scheme (NSS) personels to engage in agricultural work, where they can benefit from a portion of the profits generated from the farm activities.

Dr. King Believes this will attract more young people to go into Agribusiness and will help boost the economy of the country.

He made this call at the 2023 edition of the virtual Youth Workers Roundtable Discussion organized by Youth Arise Organisation.

A lot of our young people are going into Galamsey because they find it more lucrative and this is worrying. I believe giving a 20% share of the profit made from farm produce to young people will motivate them to keep working hard in the Agric sector.

We were working on a project in Kumasi where we shared the profit with the students. We gave them 1/3 of the proceeds from the project, the student won't go home even on vacation they stay back and work because they were making money into their pockets. some even used the money they got to pay their school fees without relying on their parents, he stated.

Agreeing to this policy proposal, Executive Director for the Youth Alliance for Agricultural Transformation (YAFAT), Saraphine Makafui Sadziafa said this is a brilliant idea that can get most young people interested and committed in Agribusiness and also get something to cater for themselves

As a National Service Personel myself, I believe this idea will get NSS personnels who serve in the agricultural sector to commit to the Government farms and to make some good money for themselves, she said.

Also on the panel was a Senior Agriculture Economist at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), Mr. Charles Ayueboro Adama and Mr. Michael Gariba, Chief Executive officer of Fruit Masters, a fast growing international fruit and vegetable producing and supplying company.

Moderating the panel discussion was the Global Chief Executive officer of Youth Arise Organisation, Moses Baffour Awuah.

The theme for this year's Youth Workers Roundtable Discussion was the urgency of Developing green skills for a sustainable world.

It was supported by Policy LINK, a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded program.

The Youth Workers Round Table Discussions is a virtual and an in person meeting organized by the Youth Arise Organization to bring young people and experts together to discuss crucial issues about young people and how they can contribute to solving an identified societal problem.
Kwaku Kwarteng, chairman of Parliament's Finance Committee

24.08.2023 LISTEN

The Finance Committee of Parliament has refuted a report by The Fourth Estate that a hotel project was wrongly granted tax exemptions under the government's One-District-One-Factory (1D1F) initiative.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 23, Finance Committee Chairman Kwaku Kwarteng said allegations in some media reports that Parliament approved a $4 million tax break for a hotel to be considered a 1D1F factory were "false."

"Nowhere in the Minister for Finance's memorandum to Parliament was there any reference to the one-district-one-factory initiative," Mr. Kwarteng wrote.

He provided documentation showing the tax exemption request was for a "strategic investor" under the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act and not related to 1D1F.

The said report had made references to 1D1F in the Finance Committee's report as evidence exemptions were improperly granted.

But the Obuasi lawmaker described those references as "unnecessary and erroneous" and unrelated to the basis for approving the tax waiver.

"It is evident from all the records that the Ministry of Finance's request for a tax waiver of US$6,389,428 was in favour of Mac4 Ltd as a strategic investor under the GIPC Act, 2013, and the approval of a reduced figure of US$3,919,628 by Parliament (upon the recommendation of the Finance Committee) was also in accordance with same," he wrote.

The MP called for the "inaccurate publications" to be disregarded and the record set straight.

The Fourth Estate reported that in December 2022, Parliament granted a US$4 million tax waiver under the One District (1D1F), One Factory programme to 4-Mac Limited, a company that is building a hotel at Airport Residential in Accra.

The waiver is to cover import bills and other import-related taxes of the company. The company also received a five-year tax holiday.

The parliamentary approval is said to have followed a request from the Ministry of Finance dated July 25, 2022.

It further noted that the ministry initially sought approval for almost US$6.4 million in import tax relief for the construction of the four-star, Le Meridien hotel.
An aspiring flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko has said if given the mandate his government will do the will of the people.

According to Mr. Agyarko, he would approach governance differently.

In an interview with Adom FM's Dwaso Nsem Show, he said politics in which the winner takes everything impedes democratic participation.

He noted that the selection of Ministers from opposition parties will be based only on experience and ability.

Admitting that the decision will be a tough one, he indicated there will be a dialogue and consultation with his partys leadership.

I will appoint ministers from the opposition party with consultation and dialogue with my partys leadership. Leadership is convincing people to go with certain decisions. Its very tough being a leader but you dont have to give up.

When people oppose you there may be darker secrets that can be discovered through dialogue. With that, youll arrive at your destination, Boakye Agyarko stated.

The former Minister of Energy said Ghana deserves a leader who has solutions to tackle the biggest enemy, poverty.

He reiterated that the NPP as a party needs a grassroots person and unifier to help the members heal and resolve all issues.
BRICS leaders have agreed to expand the club of major emerging economies and adopted conditions for entry, South Africa said Wednesday, as the bloc pursues greater clout to shape 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 members.

China is seeking to rapidly grow the BRICS amid rising competition with the United States but the group's other major power, India, is wary of the intentions of its geopolitical rival.

South African officials say nearly two dozen countries have formally applied to join the BRICS, which accounts for 40 percent of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy.

On Wednesday, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said BRICS leaders had "agreed on the matter of expansion" and a detailed announcement would be made before the summit's close on Thursday.

"We have a document that we have adopted that sets out guidelines and principles, processes, for considering countries that wish to become members of BRICS," Pandor told state-run Ubuntu Radio.

"That's very positive."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the summit he supported opening the door to new BRICS members and 'welcomes moving forward with consensus'. By ALET PRETORIUS (POOL/AFP)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had told the summit 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 South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The bloc makes decisions by consensus and no new members have been admitted since South Africa in 2010.

'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 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.

Putin, seen here in a picture distributed by the Russian news agency Sputnik, joined the summit by video link. By Mikhail KLIMENTYEV (POOL/AFP)

The summit has underlined divisions with the West over the war in Ukraine, and the support Russia enjoys from its 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.

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

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.

Chart showing the real GDP growth of the BRICS countries.. By Janis LATVELS (AFP)

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.

Some 50 heads of state and government have joined BRICS leaders in Johannesburg.

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.
Nairobi, August 23, 2023The Committee to Protect Journalists on Wednesday called on Somali authorities to unconditionally release journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Osman Bulbul and stop intimidating media covering the security sector.

On August 17, four plain-clothed security personnel arrested Mohamed, a reporter with the privately owned broadcaster Kaab TV, at Mogadishu University, where he studies part-time, according to a statement by the Somali Journalists Syndicate, a local press freedom group, where Mohamed also works as the secretary of information and human rights.

The men, who did not identify themselves or have an arrest warrant, punched Mohamed in the chest, hit him on the shoulder with the butt of a pistol, and forced him into an unmarked vehicle, according to Abdalle Ahmed Mumin, secretary general of the SJS, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app.

On Wednesday, SJS said on X, formerly Twitter, that Mohamed was being held at the Hamar Jajab police station in the capital, Mogadishu, and had not been granted access to a lawyer or his family.

Separately, on August 15, police in Dhusamareeb, the capital of central Galmudug state, arrested Goobjoog TV reporter Abdifatah Yusuf Beereed while he was interviewing regional police officers about their salaries, according to the Federation of Somali Journalists, a local press rights group, and Abdifatah, who spoke to CPJ via messaging app.

Abdifatah said he was detained overnight before being released without charge, with a warning to avoid such reporting in future. Abdifatah told CPJ that the police returned his camera on August 17, but forced him to delete his video interviews.

Somali authorities must allow journalists to report on the activities of the police; such journalism is matter of public interest that should be encouraged, not censored, said CPJs sub-Saharan Africa representative, Muthoki Mumo. Authorities should unconditionally release journalist Mohamed Ibrahim Osman Bulbul and ensure that journalists can report on the security sector without fear of retaliation.

During his detention, officers with the police Criminal Investigation Department questioned Mohamed about the sources for his August 16 report on Kaab TV, which alleged the embezzlement of European Union funds for training Somali police officers, Abdalle told CPJ.

On August 19, a court approved a police request to hold Mohamed for seven days without charge, pending investigation, according to Abdalle and Kaab TV. Abdalle said the police described Mohameds reporting as defamatory and accused him of spreading false information about corruption within the force.

CPJs emailed requests for comment to the Galmudug Ministry of Internal Security and the office of the Galmudug regional president, sent text messages to CID head Abdifatah Ali Hersi, sent and a direct message on X to the Somali Police Force, but did not receive any replies.
Some seven political parties have called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to increase the number of centres for the voter registration exercise scheduled for September 12 to October 2, 2023.

They said the 268 EC district offices earmarked for the exercise were not enough and would make eligible registrants and their guarantors travel long distances.

The situation will make registrants incur cost and risk getting to the district offices.

At a press conference in Accra , they suggested that 1,500 centres as used in the 2019 registration exercise or more should be used in order to get more eligible people to register easily.

The parties, represented by their respective General Secretaries, included the Great Consolidated Popular Party (GCPP), Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG) and Convention Peoples Party (CPP).

The others were the Peoples National Convention (PNC); All Peoples Congress (APC); the National Democratic Party (NDP) and the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP).

The press conference comes days after the EC announced arrangements for the registration, saying that the use of its district offices instead of more centres in the electoral areas would not disenfranchise eligible voters.

The General Secretary of the GCPP, Citizen Ato Dadzie, who read the statement on behalf of the seven parties, said they expressed concern about the limited centres at the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting held last Wednesday.

He added that their rejection of the use of the district offices was based on the fact that the arrangements would affect participation in the exercise, create unnecessary tension due to the concentrated numbers and bring unbearable cost.

He noted instances that supported their argument that eligible registrants from Dago and other far communities in the Akuapem Constituency would have to travel to Aburi, the district capital.

Mr Dadzie said poor roads, especially in the rainy season, could hamper their participation was also cited, following which the EC promised to revert on Monday.

Most of us were therefore taken aback when we only heard and saw on radio and TV that the Electoral commission has set a date for the registration exercise and will use only their district offices as registration centres.

We want to inform the general public that as political actors, we will continue to engage the EC to ensure they adopt a process that will be less burdensome and more convenient to ensure full participation and high success rate of the registration exercise, he stressed.

Mr Dadzie reminded the EC that per Regulation 2 (2) of the Public Elections (Registration of Voters) Regulations, 2016 (C.1. 91), as amended on Registration Centres, states that the registration should be done at a centre which is both suitable and accessible.

He, on behalf of the parties, gave the EC four days to rescind its decision else they would continue to protest the decision in various ways to be announced later.

The General Secretary of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Jantuah, advocated for the legalisation of IPAC to make its decisions binding on the EC.

Some Civil Society members present also opined that to ensure the electoral process is participatory and decentralised, it should include if not all then some electoral areas in a cluster form as done in the past.

"At least if the EC cannot do more than 1,500 registration centres as done in 2019, they should maintain the status quo. We therefore suggested that, the EC can use 7 days to do the registration exercise at the electoral areas and use another 7 days to do a mop-up exercise at their district offices to even save them time and cost.

The Electoral Commissioners informed us that they have taken our concerns and will get back to us, a phrase we are well accustomed to and so pushed further for timelines, and they indicated by close of day Monday.

Most of us were therefore taken aback when we only heard and saw on radio and TV that the Electoral Commission has set a date for the registration exercise and will use only their district offices as registration centres.

In conclusion, we also want to publicly call on the Electoral Commission through its Chair Madam Jean Mensa to rescind their decision and make the process more accessible and painless to enable the average Ghanaian who is eligible to exercise their right and entitlement to be registered as a voter.

This will reflect in the ECs commitment in building a solid and credible institution to protect the strong and enviable record of Ghana as a beacon of democracy that will continue to be worthy of emulation across the continent," they emphasized.
The Regional Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress in the Bono East Region, Suleman Mohammed-Mustapha, has admonished all communicators in both Techiman North and Techiman South constituencies to embrace peace and work for the greater interest of the NDC.

The Bono East NDC Regional Communication Officer made this statement in his welcoming address at a peace building orientation for communication team members in the two constituencies.

Suleman Mohammed-Mustapha, further urged members to desist from creating enemies and rather try to make peace to achieve the party's major aim, which is winning election 2024. ''In doing this, tolerance, obedience, respect, forgiveness and commitment are needed at all times having in mind agenda 11/11 mantra of the party in the region,'' he added.

The program, which was organized at the Regional Headquarters of the party in Techiman, were attended by other top party functionaries including Hon. Philip Oppong Amponsah - former MCE for Techiman Municipal Assembly, representatives for parliamentary candidates for the two constituencies.

Other Regional Executives who graced the occasion were the Deputy Regional Secretary, Isaac Donkor, Deputy Regional Communication Officer, Abubakari Suleman as well as the Deputy Regional Youth Organizer, Obeng Agyenim Boateng.

Kindly read the full statement issued after the peace building orientation below;

For Immediate Release

TECHIMAN NORTH AND SOUTH NDC COMMUNICATIONS TEAMS CAUTIONED AGAINST ANTI-PARTY CONDUCTS AFTER PEACE BUILDING ORIENTATION.

21/08/2023

The NDC Bono East Communications Bureau led by Comrade Suleman Mohammed-Mustapha and his Deputy, Comrade Sulemana Abubakar on Saturday 19th August, 2023 organised a *Peace Building Orientation* for members of the Techiman North and South Constituencies Communications Teams at the NDC Bono East Regional Party Headquarters - Techiman.

In his welcoming address, the Regional Communications Officer for the NDC in Bono East Region advised members to desist from inheriting perceived enemies of members and rather try as they can to make peace between party faithfuls.

He added that members should work with each other to achieve the party's major aim - winning Elections 2024 - hence no need to be friends before being Comrades. In doing this, tolerance, obedience, respect, forgiveness, and commitment are needed at all times having in mind *Agenda 11/11* mantra of the Party in the region.

He ended his address by cautioning members of the Communications Teams to refrain from Anti-Party conducts, which always lead to derailing gains made by the Party towards achieving *Agenda 11/11.*

He ended his speech by telling members of the two constituencies that the Party is ready to sanction any member who engages in activities that bring the name of the Party into disrepute and ridicule.

Contributing to the peace building process, Hon. Phillip Oppong Amponsah - Former MCE for Techiman Municipal Assembly - did not mince words when he told communicators that they are not part of the feuding factions in the Techiman South brouhaha hence should concentrate on their core mandate to project and defend the Party at all times.

In addressing the gathering, the Techiman North Constituency Communications Officer, Comrade Adom Kwabena Johnson was emphatic on the difficulty we face as communicators when there are misunderstandings in the party and took the opportunity to call on members to avoid activities which lead to divisions in the party.

During his turn to address the gathering, the Techiman South Constituency Communications Officer, Comrade Hassan Issah Balluka promised to lead his Team to sustain the peace building process towards recapturing the Techiman South Parliamentary seat from the NPP come Elections 2024.

In a related development, Hon. Kassim, the assemblyman for the Twumia Koasse Electoral Area, represented the Parliamentary Candidate for Techiman South - Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere, who is currently out of the country for further studies. He admonished members to unite towards a common goal. He told members that Dr. Christopher Baasongti Beyere is extremely happy for the peace building process and pledges to meet the Communications Teams when he finally arrives in Ghana by the end of August 2023.

Representing the MP for Techiman North, who doubles as the 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the Constituency - Hon Lawyer Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare was Comrade Adom Kwabena Johnson. He informed the gathering of Lawyer Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare's plans for the Communications Teams, hence the need for a united house.

Comrades Obeng Agyenim Boateng and Isaac Donkor, Bono East Deputy Regional Youth Organiser and Deputy Regional Secretary respectively shared their views on the discussion tabled.

There was an open forum, and members poured out their worries, which were well noted and some addressed. The others will be addressed by leadership at the appropriate time.

In his closing remarks, Comrade Suleman Mohammed-Mustapha thanked both Teams for their attendance and contribution to a successful session. He further pledged to address their grievances using the party structures.

Thank you.

Suleman Mohammed-Mustapha.

RCO - Bono East Region.
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.

XPeng's Autonomous Driving VP confirms departure to join NVIDIA

XPengs CEO He Xiaopeng posted a photo on Weibo alongside XPeng's former VP of Autonomous Driving, Wu Xinzhou, and NVIDIA's CEO, Jensen Huang. He announced that a deeper collaboration with NVIDIA is on the horizon. Following this, Wu Xinzhou retweeted the post, confirming his departure from XPeng to join NVIDIA.

ZEEKR 001 to set sail to Europe on Aug. 25

The European-spec ZEEKR 001s are enroute to the port today, and are scheduled to set sail to Europe on August 25, according to a Weibo post by Zhao Chunlin, the vice president of Zeekr Intelligent Technology.

Photo credit: Zhao Chunlin's Weibo post

Japans J-MAX to establish battery casing factory in China for CATL

J-MAX, an auto parts subsidiary of Honda, is set to construct a new battery casing factory in China to supply battery enclosures to CATL, the world's largest automotive battery manufacturer, according to Nikkei Asia. The plant is scheduled to begin construction this year and aims to start production in 2025. Including the expansion of existing facilities, the investment is estimated to be around 8 billion Japanese yen.

All-new Chery QQ Ice Cream hits market, starting at 29,900 yuan

On August 23, the all-new Chery QQ Ice Cream officially went on sale. This revamped model introduces comprehensive innovations in range, safety, comfort, intelligence, and aesthetics, aimed at providing young users with a happier and more convenient travel experience.

ZEEKR has no plans to make hybrid models: ZEEKR's CEO

On August 22, Geely Auto held its performance briefing for the first half of 2023. Speaking about the "ZEEKR" brand, An Conghui, Chairman of Geely Auto Group and CEO of ZEEKR Intelligent Technology, announced that ZEEKR has no plans to venture into hybrid vehicle model area (hereby referring to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles). The brand will maintain its emphasis on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and targets achieving annual sales of 650,000 units by 2025.

Baidu Apollo, Chongqing Vocational College of Intelligent Engineering co-establish autonomous driving technology education base

On August 22, Baidu Apollo, in collaboration with Chongqing Vocational College of Intelligent Engineering, inaugurated the "Baidu Apollo Autonomous Driving Technology Education Base for the Western China Region".

China opens first battery swap trunk line for new energy heavy-duty trucks

The collaboration between CATL and Fujian Expressway Group has resulted in the official launch of China's inaugural long-haul new energy truck battery swapping trunk line, the Ning Xia (Ningde to Xiamen) line along the G15 Shenyang - Haikou Expressway (Shenhai Expressway) on August 24.

General Motors greenlighted for autonomous driving road test in Shanghai, China

General Motors China (GM China) revealed today that it has recently obtained the intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) road testing qualification permit in Shanghai, which allows the company to conduct Level 4 autonomous road testing within the designated demonstration areas.

HiPhi to raise prices of HiPhi Y due to better-than-expected order intake

On August 22, HiPhi, the Chinese luxury electric vehicle brand owned by Human Horizons, unveiled plans to raise the prices for the HiPhi Y long-range and flagship variants due to the better-than-expected order intake for the trims equipped with the 115 kWh battery.

Dongfeng Motor launches electric vehicle brand NAMMI worldwide

On August 23, the global launch ceremony of Dongfeng Motor's new pure-electric vehicle brand, NAMMI, was held in Chengdu.

Foryou General Electronics expands partnership with BlackBerry for digital cockpit

On August 21, Chinese automotive electronics supplier Foryou General Electronics ("Foryou") announced its collaboration with BlackBerry to integrate the latters technology into its next-generation digital cockpits.
The campaign team of Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has rejected claims of stocking cash to influence New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the partys upcoming special delegates conference on Saturday, August 26.

A video circulating on social media shows some unidentified persons stockpiling money at an unidentified location.

The video comes with a caption alleging that the cash is meant to be distributed to delegates ahead of the primaries to influence them to vote for Dr. Bawmumia, one of the NPPs flagbearer hopefuls.

But Gideon Boako, the Spokesperson to the Vice President in a statement clarified that, This is malicious propaganda. This video is an old video that has been in circulation since 2020, in the lead-up to the 2020 elections. It is so unfortunate that this old video has been adapted by opponents of Dr. Bawumia, who have maliciously captioned it and circulated it widely. This malicious propaganda should be treated with the greatest contempt.

Read below the full statement:

Disregard the propaganda video with a stockpile of money/cash

The attention of the Bawumia campaign team has been drawn to a video circulating on social media and showing some unidentified people stockpiling cash in an unidentified location.

The video comes with the caption that the stockpile of cash is meant to be distributed to delegates ahead of Saturdays election to influence them to vote for Dr Bawumia.

This is malicious propaganda. This video is an old video that has been in circulation since 2020, in the lead up to the 2020 elections.

It is so unfortunate that this old video has been adapted by opponents of Dr. Bawumia, who have maliciously captioned it and circulating it widely.

This malicious propaganda should be treated with the greatest contempt.

Dr Bawumias campaign has been conducted in the most frugal manner, as has been testified to by delegates

Team Bawumia urges the teams of other contestants, who can be clearly identified in the captioning and circulation of this video, to embark on genuine decent campaigns, devoid of lies, and mudslinging It is such a decent campaign that the Npp will benefit from.

Kindly find attached the original story on the stockpile of cash when it first came up in 2020.

The Bawumia signal is strong. The campaign team remains focused on delivering a resounding endorsement on Saturday.

It will be possible.  Signed  Gideon Boako, Ph.D Spokesperson to the Vice President

-citinewsroom
The delay in completing the main Hwidiem-Kenyase road project continues to raise eyebrows among residents of the two Ahafo towns, and other road users alike, owing to the health implications and the socio-economic impact of the current state of the road has on the people.

The situation has generated uneasy calm among residents of Hwidiem and Kenyase, on one side, and Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL), the financiers of the project, on the other side, with the residents asking the mining giant to fulfil its part of the bargain by paying the contractor to complete the project.

At the moment, the contractor for the project, Kofi Job Construction Company, has abandoned work and left site due to funding challenges.

Background

In July 2022, Newmont reached an agreement with the government, through the Ministry of Roads and Highways, towards the construction of the 8.2-kilometer stretch which connects towns such as Kenyase, Tepa Acherensua and Hwidiem.

Newmont agreed to foot the full cost of the project, which was estimated at GHC 70.3 million at the time, but this was later revised to the cedi equivalent of $9.1million (GHC94.3 million) following some concerns raised by the contractor and the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) over the scope of work.

Additional funding

Meanwhile, the Ghana Highway Authority says additional funding would be required to complete the project.

The GHA contends that even though the contractor had been paid GHC 94.3 million, some of the payments covered items that were not adequately provided for in the contract such as exchange rate losses and the cost of rock fill.

Currently the works are not complete. The outstanding works include the length of road of 2.9km and access roads totaling 1.830km. The cost to complete is estimated at GHC 35,574,346.46. The amount includes an estimated amount of GHC 13,940,849.81 for exchange rate losses, Christian Nti, the Chief Executive of GHA," said in a letter to Newmont.

For now, the challenge remains whether or not Newmont would be willing to commit additional funding to the project, which still remains uncompleted and abandoned for several months.

Newmont contends that the additional funding being demanded is not supported by the scope of work and related cost agreed between all parties in the deal.

Several meetings have been held with the GHA and Kofi Job Construction for an amicable resolution and resumption of work, but these have proved futile. The abandoned project is causing dust pollution, safety concerns, and other challenges for communities along the road corridor, Newmont said in a recent publication in response to some agitations by some aggrieved community members over the delay in completing the project.

The multi-national mining company is worried that the continuous delay in the execution of the project by the contractor has resulted in several community agitations against the company, often putting the companys employees and assets at risk, which creates an unfavourable and sometimes hostile working environment for NGGL.
Voters in Gabon head for the polls on Saturday with President Ali Bongo Ondimba eager for a clear victory after a seven-year term in which health problems fuelled attacks on his fitness to govern.

The small oil-rich central African state has been ruled by Bongo since 2009, when he was voted in to succeed his father Omar, Gabon's president for nearly 42 years.

The campaign has seen Bongo working hard for victory after his re-election in 2016, when a wafer-thin margin of just 5,500 votes was disputed as fraudulent by his rival Jean Ping.

That was followed by a stroke in October 2018 that sidelined Bongo for 10 months.

His prolonged absence stoked accusations he was incapable of governing effectively, and rumours spread that a lookalike was standing in for him.

In January 2019, there was an attempted coup -- a mysterious affair involving a small number of soldiers that quickly fizzled out.

On his return from a long convalescence, Bongo re-engineered his image, promoting himself as a man of rigour bent on rooting out "traitors" and "profiteers" in his inner circle.

Those targeted included his chief of staff, Brice Laccruche Alihanga, now in prison along with several ministers and senior civil servants.

Visitors and diplomats say that Bongo today is mentally acute, though he has mobility problems in his right arm and leg.

Ahead of the vote, the 64-year-old has been on a nationwide tour, holding "republican" grassroots rallies.

The streets of the capital Libreville have been virtually wallpapered by posters of Bongo and the colours of his Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG).

The incumbent is far and away the front-runner among 13 candidates vying for the presidency, many of whom are unknowns.

The main opposition parties have belatedly joined ranks behind a single champion -- Albert Ondo Ossa, a 69-year-old economics professor who served as a minister under Bongo from 2006 to 2009.

But he staged his first rally as the "consensus candidate" last Sunday.

Election outcry

Gabon's 850,000 voters will cast their ballots in three elections -- for the presidency, legislature and local councils.

But opposition groups are crying foul over an important change in balloting that was decided a month before polling day.

Gabon, locating its capital Libreville and second city Port-Gentil. By Jean-Michel CORNU (AFP)

The change introduced a single ballot sheet for a party's candidate for president and its candidates for the legislature -- an impingement of the right to vote and the separation of powers, critics say.

The PDG already has an overwhelming majority in the outgoing National Assembly.

The opposition is also incensed by a change introduced five months ago that scrapped the need for a runoff if the first round failed to produce a winner with more than 50 percent of the vote.

Gabon's 2.3 million people are, in per capita terms, among the richest in Africa, thanks to income from oil, manganese and timber.

But virtually all of the country's finished goods and food are imported, and a third of the population lives below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
Libya's stability is at greater risk following recent militia clashes and amid turmoil in neighbouring Sudan and Niger, the country's special UN envoy said Tuesday.

Abdoulaye Bathily told the UN Security Council that political divisions in Libya were "fraught with risks of violence and disintegration".

He urged the country's rival factions to resolve all election-related issues so that long-delayed voting can take place.

It is fundamental to restore Libya's stability, to preserve regional security, Bathily 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 Moamer Kadhafi 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.

The current political crisis stems from the failure to hold elections as scheduled on Dec. 24, 2021, and the refusal of Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh to step down, while he led a transitional government in the capital of Tripoli.

In response, Libya's east-based parliament appointed a rival prime minister, Fathy Bashagha, but suspended him in May.

The powerful commander Khalifa Hafter continues to hold sway in the east.

Return to the electoral process

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 UN 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.

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 14-15 August 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.

Regional contagion

Bathily also pointed to fighting this month between armed elements based in southern Libya and government troops in Chad's neighbouring Tibesti region as another reason that political divisions in Libya are fraught with risks of violence and disintegration for countries.

In response, US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, 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 Group's pernicious impact in Libya and across Africa.

Bathily confirmed that Wagner mercenaries are in Libya but said the UN has no information on the size of its presence or equipment.

Bathily said Libya's 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.

As for Niger, Bathily said, like other countries in Africa's Sahel region, it has been affected by the crisis in Libya, as 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 destabilisation of Niger will undoubtedly have consequences on Libya, and vice versa.

(with AP)
President Akufo Addo claims that he has proven his critics wrong since they almost put an end to his presidential aspirations after telling him repeatedly that he is too short to be president. Thank God, the president has shown his critics to be mistaken. However, if I may ask him, what has he achieved so far since he was elected president almost seven years ago? Since I am not God, I can't create a human being, but the truth is that Ghana has been irreparably damaged by this "presidential height."

Many Ghanaians believe Nana Akufo Addo, the country's president, has mental health issues. I can understand why they think that way because, despite being the worst president in the country's political history, Akufo Addo believes he has accomplished what no Ghanaian leader has, not even Kwame Nkrumah, amid the collapse of businesses, financial institutions, the nation's economy, the high rates of unemployment and crime, the collapse of both domestic and foreign investments,

Akufo Addo is the most corrupt, greediest, and laziest Ghanaian leader no amount of money can satisfy. He has failed as a leader because he is more motivated by criminality than achievement.

Which president could give such anguish and misery to the underprivileged while believing they had accomplished admirably? If Akufo Addo can't realize by now that he is a complete failure and a disgrace as an African leader, I will suggest that he visit a psychiatrist. He has to because he hasn't seen the devastation he has caused. He asserted that "Yeti Sika Su Na Ekom Diyen," yet after taking office, he stole all the money and left the underprivileged starving.

No amount of money will quench Akufo Addo's insatiable hunger for corruption, yet he is the laziest of all the Ghanaian leaders. He destroys homes and hospitals that serve communities without rebuilding them because he is unable to create work. In contrast to what he had pledged, he came to upgrade corruption, and as a result, many NPP politicians are now keeping millions of dollars in their mansions while his relative, the finance minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, torments Ghanaians with debt restructuring.

People who have such a voracious thirst for corruption ought to be hard workers, not Akufo Akufo, he has left Ghana with a big debt and he does not know how the money was spent. Among the Ghanaian leaders, Akufo Addo went on a sod-cutting rampage, yet the projects he cut sods for seven years ago, are not visible, let alone those he cut two years ago. The president has been a total fraud and failure throughout his whole life. Saddest of all, he has pastors supporting his lunacy.

Akufo Addo has enjoyed talking or doing three things since he became president nearly seven years ago. First, he considers the failure of free education a success, second, he creates taxes and schemes to take money from the poor and even foreigners who visit the country for business and third, breaking the 8th cycle. Therefore, apart from what was mentioned above, the president has no other projects in mind. His bad habit of focusing on how to make money without giving anything back to people caused his failure.

Akufo Addo once told African politicians not to be beggars and to quit asking for money, but now whenever he goes outside of Ghana, he loves to take advantage to do so. He now demands that slave trade victims receive reparations, just as Holocaust victims did. Ghanaians shouldn't anticipate receiving any compensation for his request from the West or the US government, even if Ghana receives money, as long as Akufo Addo is in office, they will not see a penny.

How long does Akufo Addo have left to live on earth, yet he can't quit stealing? While everything in the nation has either crumbled or failed to operate, his government is nevertheless daily beset by corruption scandals. Only in Ghana does a non-citizen card with a 12-month validity cost $120. What sort of president prints new currency without the consent of the legislature? Is this not a crime? What sort of party continues to blame COVID for their failure without bringing up the funds they stole?

I can't create people or breathe life into the nostrils of the dead to make them come back to life, but sometimes the truth needs to be said. Ghana has had enough of this man. Even though Akufo Addo has proved his critics wrong, his height has caused destruction that can never be repaired in a decade. Ghanaians should pray for a tall leader because the status of the nation is now similar to when Nkrumah was prepared to fight for independence.
Minority in Parliament is demanding the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison to be the receiver of its petition during its protest on September 5, 2023 .

The Minority had given a 21-day ultimatum for the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Ernest Addison, and his deputies to step down, citing concerns about the central banks handling of the 60 billion Ghana Cedis losses reported in its 2022 financial statement and the ongoing $250 million new head office project.

The group has thus decided to protest at the premises of the Bank of Ghana on September 5 over the continuous stay in office of the Governor and his deputies.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting with the police on procedures for the demonstration, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga said they are hopeful that the police will communicate their demand to the Governor of the Bank of Ghana.

One of the key issues in our demand, when we met with the police, is that we want the governor to be the one to receive our petition and that is why we must march to the Central Bank building itself so that he can come down and receive the petition himself. And we insisted on that position, and so I believe the police will convey our demands to him and I believe that he will make himself available.

The Minority was invited by the Greater Accra Regional Police Command on Wednesday, August 23 ahead of the September 5 picketing.

The police later expressed discomfort with the routes selected for the protest and asked the Minority to relocate the routes and the destination for the picketing which the service said was in the interest of public order, public safety, and running of essential services.

citinewsroom
24.08.2023 LISTEN

It has recently come to our attention that, there are reports on concerns regarding potential interference by the Camp of Bawumia in the upcoming Special Voters Elections across the 16 regions of the Country.

It has specifically been observed that, Members of the Camp of Bawumia are allegedly planning to gather and influence special voters in a manner that undermines the sanctity of the electoral process in their favour.

It is reported that, the Oti NPP Regional Chairman, Hon. Evans Yaw Dapaah, the Eastern Regional Minister and the Eastern Regional NPP Chairman, together with their associates, intend to camp/house special voters at the Capital View Hotel in Koforidua, Eastern Region and the Kilimanjaro Conference Hall in Nkwanta, Oti Region from August 24th to August 26th, 2023, with similar to be replicated across the 16 regions. There are allegations that efforts will be made to exert undue pressure and offer incentives to these voters, with the aim of influencing their choices in favor of Bawumia

Moreover, there are claims that substantial financial offerings were made to party executives and promises for more were made, along with references to the President, H.E. Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, purportedly endorsing these actions of which is going contrary to the President's statement of being impartial; "I support None of the Candidates, I have a single Vote just as Every Polling Station Executive and any other Delegate, in addition, I have not ordered for any Intimidation of anyone for the Open Support of their Choices, so any who is faced with any of such Intimidations should note that, I have not sanctioned it and I frown on such malice, and should therefore resist it because it is alien to the tenet and spirit of the NPP party".

If the President is unaware of these new developments, we believe it is crucial to bring this matter to his attention, urging swift action to address these concerns.

We also wish to bring this matter to the attention of the Presidential Elections Committee and Prof. Mike Oquaye, the esteemed Chairman, as well as the party leadership. We urge them to take immediate notice and action to ensure that all members of the party adhere to the highest standards of discipline and respect for party rules. Unity within our great party is paramount, and actions that jeopardize this unity and integrity must be addressed promptly.

This is a friendly reminder to all members, regardless of their stature within the party, that flouting rules and attempting to disrupt the democratic process will not be tolerated.

We appeal to all party members to stand firm against any actions that may undermine the democratic process and party unity. We believe in the principles that our party stands for and expect all members to uphold these values and so let us speak against this communist approach to stealing. In fact, all the aspirants must speak in one voice against this blatant act.

In conclusion, we stand for the principles of democracy, transparency, and unity. Let us work together to ensure that our party remains a beacon of these values.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

God bless Ghana and NPP party.

SIGNED.

Association of NPP National Polling Station Executives (ANANPOSE)

Owoahene Dominic 0503944410

(President)

Collins Sah 0243459237

(Vice-President)

Edward Afuugu 0246513688

(Secretary)

Nana Yaw Boakye Opoku Agyemang 0243065430

(Deputy Secretary)

Alhassan Rahman 0506981786

(Deputy-Director of Operations)
It is a pleasure to welcome the Council of Elders, Constituency Executives, Polling Station Executives of Kwadaso, the Media and everyone present to our mega press conference today, 23rd August, 2023. The motive behind this event is to openly declare our unflinching support for Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto who has been our man and a leader and has served as the former Member of Parliament for two consecutive terms in our noble constituency, and his tremendous impact and contributions in every region in Ghana.

Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto was the Member of Parliament of Kwadaso from 2008 to 2016 respectively. During his tenure, he embarked on numerous developmental projects and worked assiduously with everyone in the constituency irrespective of their age, class and background. He discharged his duties with passion, respect, commitment, loyalty and selflessness without any hesitation.

His competence and determination to serve his people was extremely impressive.

He is one of our own and cannot deny him but to rally our support behind him at this point of his presidential ambition.

Ladies and gentlemen, we want to highlight a few but crucial achievements of Dr. Akoto as a member of parliament between 2009 - 2016 in Kwadaso Constituency according to electoral areas within the various communities;

APATRAPA-NYANKYERENEASE

2 Unit Classroom Block for Nyankyerenease Methodist Primary

2 Unit Classroom Block for Apatrapa JHS-Ongoing

2 Semi-Detached Bungalows for Health workers at Apatrapa Hospital

APIRE

12 Unit Classroom Block-Ongoing.

APIRE-Nwamase Road-Resurfacing

Terminal Shed

ASUOYEBOAH

Mechanized Boreholes

Rehabilitation of Asuoyeboah JHS

100 Bags Of Cement For Police Post

100s of Street Lights for IPT

EDWENASE-AMANFROM

1 Classroom Block & Office for SDA School

Ongoing construction of Edwenase Health Center

KWADASO NORTH

3 Unit Classroom Block & Office Rehabilitation of M/A Primary School

3 Unit Classroom Block & Office Rehabilitation of Prempeh College Experimental School

3 Unit Classroom Office & Store Block for 4BN Basic School

KWADASO PROPER

Roofing Sheets (3,000.00 cedis) for Kwadaso Mosque

Muslim Casket for Kwadaso Mosque

100 Tables and Chairs for Kwadaso Technical Institute

Mechanized Boreholes

Resurfacing of Township Branch Roads

200 Dual Seat Classroom Desks for Kwadaso-Asuoyeboah SDA primary

NSIAH ASARE

20 sets of Computers for Ohwimase-Beposo JHS

Ongoing construction of ICT Center for Ohwimase Beposo JHS

20 Pieces of Computer Desks for Ohwimase-Beposo JHS

NWAMASE

Construction of a 3 Unit Classroom Block

Equipments for KMA built Clinic

NZIMA-KOKODE

Ongoing construction of 18 Seater Toilet Facility

Mechanized Boreholes

Resurfacing of Nzima Road

OHWIMASE

Construction of a 3 Unit Classroom Block for Anglican JHS

TAKYIMAN-DENKYEMUOSO

Ongoing construction of a 2 Unit Classroom & Office for Presby JHS

Rehabilitation of Takyiman-Tanoso Road & Bridge

100 Pieces of Dual School Desk for Takyiman Presby JHS

10 Bags of Cement & One and Half Packet Roofing Sheets for Denkyemuoso

20 Pieces of Computer Desk to Denkyemuoso JHS

TANOSO

Yaa Asantewaa SHS Dormitory Block

20 sets of Computers for M/A JHS

ICT center

Reshaping of Tanoso-Topre Road

KWADASO CONSTITUENCY IN GENERAL

3 year scholarships for 16 students of Methodist Womens Training School

Scholarships for over 700 brilliant but needy students

42,000 Teak seedlings planted in various Basic schools across the constituency

Rehabilitation of Selected Roads Within the Constituency

Paid NHIS Premium for 450 pensioners and physically-challenged

Special scholarship for science students

BETWEEN 2017- 2022 (NPP IN GOVERNMENT)

He lobbied for the following projects for Kwadaso constituency during his tenure as the minister for Food and Agriculture;

The first ever Creative Arts School in Ghana

Kwadaso Municipal

Renovation of Methodist Technical Institute

Conversation of the University of Education, Winneba - Kumasi campus into an autonomous University; Akenten Appiah Minka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurship Development(AAMUSTED)

Construction of inner town roads at Asuoyeboah, Kwadaso North, amongst others.

Conversion of the Kwadaso Agric College into an Agric University in partnership with Mendel University of Czech Republic.

Having listed his enormous achievements in the constituency clearly demonstrates that Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto is a man of vision, ideas, competence and integrity and can solve our problems when giving the opportunity to lead the NPP and Ghana.

HIS MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR AS A FORMER AGRIC MINISTER;

Personally, he is an academia and an accomplished Agricultural Economist of international repute.

On the national scene, his tenure as a Minister for Food and Agriculture has seen great strides and pragmatic policies on the agriculture sector resulting in revamping the cocoa sector for Ghana to recapture its pride of place as the world leading producer of cocoa.

Under his leadership, not only the cocoa sector has resumed its shine and sheen, but the entire Agriculture sector has been revitalized with massive importation of agriculture machinery and promotion of non traditional food and cash crops.

It is worthy to mention that, even in the face of the world economic and food crises, Ghana for the first time was not only self-sufficient, but had the audacity to cut food and poultry import.

These are Solid achievements that positively affect the lives and the economy of Ghana

As it stands now, through his efforts and laudable initiatives all cocoa farmers in Ghana are going to be put into pension scheme called CFPS( Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme).

Planting for Food and Jobs was a mega policies that helped Ghana to achieve food stability and growth.

DR. OWUSU AFRIYIE AKOTOS VISION FOR THE NEW PATRIOTIC PARTY(NPP)

Among all the presidential aspirants thriving to lead the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, has vision for establishing business that is aimed at providing financial resources to the party to make it more robust to thrive in a globally competitive environment which of course is very laudable if he is given the mandate to lead the party.

According to Dr. Akoto, the business for the party involves setting of a chain of party-owned businesses at national, regional, and constituency levels to be managed by a holding company.

These businesses emphasized by Dr. Akoto will generate revenue to run the party as well as provide gainful employment opportunities for its members to alleviate their plight.

The strategy of the business is to Linking party to Government, which we the good people of Kwadaso Constituency think is the best sustainable means of effectively manage the party at all levels. Based on his international experience, he has realized that, a lot of political parties in some developed countries have done and achieved extraordinary results to help sustain their party and economy. Political parties like the Kuomintang (KMT) or Nationalist Party of Taiwan, ANC in South Africa, RPF in Rwanda, amongst others are typical examples.

DR. OWUSU AFRIYIE AKOTOS VISION FOR GHANA

Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akotos vision for Ghana is unprecedented and unmatched. He wants to use his brain child initiative such as Tree Crop Development authority, Poultry Development Authority and Horticulture Development Authority to generate an amount worth $ 10 - $20 billion annually for the country. The vision can only be actualized by prioritizing agriculture for the growth of the economy of Ghana. With this vision, Ghana will be free from economic slavery and Ghana will gain economic independence and will not go to International Monetary Fund (IMF) again.

It is only Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto who has a big vision and ideas to revive the current state of the party and the economy through the prioritization of Agriculture.

We are by this statement pleading and appealing to all the National Executives, Regional Executives, Members of Parliament, National, Regional and Constituency Council of Elders and Patrons, Constituency Executives, Electoral Area Coordinators and Polling Station Executives of our party that, as we have thrown our utmost support behind Dr. Akoto to become the next flagbearer of our party, you should also accept his message and vision and vote massively for him. Please vote Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto for him to use his ideas, experience gained over the years through his agricultural background to lead us to break the eight (8).

Long live Kwadaso

Long live Ghana

Long live NPP

Thank you and God bless you.

Cc:

All Media Houses
Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogho, a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Madina has demanded the Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) and his appointees to resign for mismanaging the central bank.

Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogho accused the central banks leadership of unleashing economic hardship and financial distress on the suffering people of Ghana.

He claimed that even former governors who continuously made profit did not see the necessity for a new headquarters and instead moved some of the banks functions to the Cedi House and the Spintex Road facilities.

According to Amadu Sorogho, the cost of the new head office may be used to build at least 3,750 new classroom buildings with six units each to provide access to education or at least 3,500 CHPS compounds to increase healthcare delivery especially in deprived areas.

He describes the Central Banks decision to build its new headquarters as profligacy."

Alhaji Amadu Bukari Sorogho told Kwaku Owusu Adjei on Adwenekasa on Accra-based Original FM91.9 that It is obvious that the extremely expensive new BOG headquarters structure is not a top priority.

This profligacy at a time when the Bank of Ghana must be concerned about its immediate recapitalization can have absolutely no justification whatsoever.
As the world reacts to the reported death of Wagner mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash late Wednesday, the Kremlin has remained tight-lipped. Prigozhin led a failed mutiny against Rissian President Vladimir Putin in June.

Aviation authorities said Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed on Wednesday evening north of Moscow with no survivors. There were 10 people on board.

Prigozhin's presumed death was given a small mention on Russian news while Putin  speaking at the Brics summit in South Africa via video-link  did not mention Prigozhin or the plane crash during a speech on Thursday.

He instead hailed all our soldiers who are fighting bravely and resolutely in Ukraine.

However Kyiv, Washington and Paris have been quick to react to reports of the crash.

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

"There's not much that happens in Russia that (President) Putin's not behind. But I don't know enough to know the answer."

France said there were "reasonable doubts" about the cause of the crash.

"We don't yet know the circumstances of this crash. We can have some reasonable doubts," government spokesman Olivier Veran told France 2 television.

Meanwhile Ukrainian officials interpreted the incident as a warning to Russian elites and flowers were laid for the late Wagner chief outside the organisation's St Petersburg headquarters.

Private jet

Russia's ministry for emergency situations late Wednesday announced the crash of a private plane travelling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Russia's aviation agency later said the Wagner chief was on board.

"According to the airline, the following passengers were on board the Embraer-135 (EBM-135BJ) aircraft: Prigozhin, Yevgeny," said Rosaviatsia, the Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport.

According to preliminary information, among the 10 people on board, three were crew members, the ministry said.

Authorities listed Dmitry Utkin, a shadowy figure who managed Wagner's operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence.

Telegram channels linked to Wagner posted footage showing the wreckage of the plane burning in a field.

Wagner's supporters were also seen in mourning.

But the Wagner group has yet to confirm officially the death of its head.

Who was Prigozhin?

The 62-year-old Prigozhin led a mutiny against Russia's top army brass on 23-24 June, which Putin said could have tipped Russia into civil war.

His short-lived rebellion was seen as the biggest challenge to Putin's authority since he came to power.

Prigozhin's mutiny was ended by negotiations and an apparent Kremlin deal that saw him agree to relocate to neighbouring Belarus.

But he appeared to move freely inside Russia after the deal nonetheless.

Uncertainty has however surrounded the fate of Wagner and its controversial chief since July.

Biden described Prigozhin as "the man who did Putin's dirty work", adding; "What he has done is inseparable from the policies of Putin, who gave him responsibility to carry out abuses as the head of Wagner

"Prigozhin leaves behind him mass graves. He leaves behind him messes across a large part of the globe, I'm thinking of Africa, Ukraine, and Russia itself."

Speculation

Analysts say the incident could serve as a warning from Putin to others who might seek to betray him.

Daniel Hoffman, a former senior CIA operations officer who served as the agency's Moscow station chief, told Reuters he was sure Wednesday's incident occurred on Putin's orders.

Meanwhile Pavel Luzin, an expert with the Center for European Policy Analysis, a US thinktank, said the treatment of Prigozhin showed cracks in Russia's upper echelon.

"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."

"If Vladimir Putin is so powerful, why didn't he arrest Prigozhin?

(with newswires)
Beijing (Gasgoo)- General Motors China (GM China) revealed today that it has recently obtained the intelligent connected vehicle (ICV) road testing qualification permit in Shanghai, which allows the company to conduct Level 4 autonomous road testing within the designated demonstration areas.

Photo credit: GM China

This marks GM Chinas first road testing of high-level autonomous vehicles on public roads within China's ICV testing demonstration zone, demonstrating the company's commitment to tailoring autonomous driving solutions for the Chinese market.

This road test will be conducted with mass-produced vehicles, which represents a significant milestone in the partnership between GM China and Chinese autonomous driving startup Momenta. It showcases the potential for scaling this technology onto privately-owned vehicles. Leveraging Momenta's AI technology, the road tests will accelerate algorithm iteration, laying the groundwork for GM China's future higher-level autonomous driving testing and operations.

The initial phase of this road testing is planned for one year. Chris Kinser, Executive Director of GM China Engineering Center, stated, "Safety being our top priority, we eagerly anticipate conducting real-world autonomous driving tests in Shanghai. We aspire to realize the vision of 'zero accidents, zero emissions, and zero congestion' in China, the world's largest automotive market."

The experience gained from these road tests will also contribute to advancing GM's high-level driver assistance technology in China. The application scenarios will extend from controlled environments like highways to more challenging urban roads. According to Song Leping, Chief Technology Officer of GM China, "Road testing will help us better understand China's road scenarios, regulatory requirements, and driving habits, accelerating the development and launch of tailored solutions."
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng

24.08.2023 LISTEN



The search for the NPP Flagbearer for 2024 General Elections started in earnest on 26th May with the opening, picking, filing and closing of nomination forms on 24th June, 2023 by interested candidates.

Vetting that followed cleared all those who filed as eligible to contest, however, a special delegates' congress awaits them to reduce the numbers to five in line with the Party's Constitution.

The National Council of the Party has decided to hold the Special Delegates conference at each Regional Capital on 26th August, 2023.

The total number of delegates is about 961 and from my research, only three Candidates, namely, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyeremateng and Mr. Kennedy Agyapong, may find it worthwhile to continue the battle to the national delegates' conference to be held on 4th November, 2023 depending upon the percentage of votes each obtains but the choice is Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The number of contestants is intriguing because some observers wonder their motives for picking the forms in the first place. Opinions vary but some claim they were urged on by some supporters, others to participate for the sake of writing their names in the history books of NPP and improve their political CVs.

The rest are testing their popularity as prominent members of the party for future political appointments or recognition and the remainder are contesting to satisfy their whims and caprices.

I wish them all well and remind them to note that the people they are interacting with on their way to the top, will be the same people they will meet on their way down.

They should therefore conduct their campaigns and exercise decorum and dignity in the use of language so that when they are unsuccessful in their search for the 'golden fleece', it will not be too difficult for them to join those of us on the ground floor.

The unity of the Party they seek to lead is more important than their personal egos and ambitions. For individuals to believe they can destroy the party is a big joke. No contestant is bigger and stronger than the 'Elephant'. Yes, individuals can boast of being rich but it is the 'Elephant' that has made them richer than what they were.

Those who are condemning the government in order to deliver their messages are shooting themselves in the foot because it's like cutting your nose to spite your face. If any Presidential aspirant does not understand the economic implications of four years of dumsor, nine months of Covid 19, Russia and Ukraine war and its effect on fuel, grains and four years of free SHS, that aspirant is not fit to run the race for NPP leadership.

In the face of the current world economic order and the progress that has been achieved by the government under these circumstances, they deserve some commendation by people who want to lead the party and not condemnation.

The failure of some aspirants to acknowledge the predicament of the Party in managing the economy is a betrayal of trust and Party delegates must punish them. As individuals, they have nothing to stand on and if they doubt it let them stand as independent candidates and see what will become of them. Without the Elephant they cannot achieve their objectives and therefore in seeking to lead that Elephant, it is disingenuous to discredit the Elephant because whatever the NPP has achieved is what they have to campaign on, and that is loyalty.

Yes, the government might have made some errors in governance, but who doesn't, NPP or NDC in the face of these challenges? The NDC is making the most noise today because it is not in power and hopes to be in power soon but the fact remains that NDC cannot change the economic fortunes of the country in the next four years of 'anticipated' Mahama rule.

As regards Covid-19, fuel and grains, many countries including the developed ones are still struggling to manage its effect and to blame the government is only cheap and sound minds will not buy the ugly arguments. On the campaign trail, the fact that no aspirant has made corruption, the number one evil in our society, a top priority in campaign messages, suggests that the old order may prevail.

If corruption is not minimized, all promises to better the lives of Ghanaians will be a hoax. In conclusion, messages are not in short supply for some contestants to take the government to the cleaners to sell their messages.

There are some Ghanaians who have criticized the Government's handling of the free SHS program but for me no matter how badly the scheme was initiated, free SHS has come to stay and is better than no education at all.

Besides, nothing prevents the introduction of amendments to make the scheme more effective. My beef is that if the money is not used to educate our younger generation, it would be looted and shared by the same desperate politicians who are throwing all the dirt on the programme.

Historically, some past NPP Presidential primaries have badly dented the unity of the party during election periods and had given our opponents ammunition to fire the NPP but the Party has remained strong and we hope current utterances will not make any difference.

With the determination to undo others, some unpleasant comments have come from some of the contenders and followers but I believe regrettably today they wished they had not spewed those words.

The contests that badly affected the Party's unity were the contests' between Professor Adu Boahen and President Kufuor, Nana Akufo-Addo and Mr. Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen but the party survived. The latter led to the resignation of Alan from the Party which he later rescinded but the damage had been done and the consequences are still following his attempt to lead the party.

The tribal remarks by some followers as a result of the participation of the Vice President, will ultimately dig the graves of their candidates because NPP delegates are very discerning.

The issue of di wo lane mu or edru me so was made irrelevant when President Kufuor defeated Professor AduBoahenin 1996 primaries because at the time many felt Prof had done enough to deserve the leadership automatically and had also won the first NPP primaries in 1992 but it didn't happen.

After that the only candidate who deserves the accolade, I think is Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku because he has contested many Presidential primaries more than any other Candidate. For the future, I think the Party needs to review its selection process because it is the individual's right to seek the Party's nomination but it is the right of the Party to choose who should represent it.

For the delegates, the main objective is to choose a candidate who has the capacity to ditch President Mahama. From what has transpired, no other Candidate has demonstrated the capacity to handle President Mahama more than the Vice President Dr. Bawumia.

The delegates should therefore select him to rubbish Mahama's newly acquired strategy to poultry and livestock farming which he promised wouldbe free to all who will participate in the programme.

The objective of NPP breaking the '8' is doable and the party must remain focused, united and acknowledge that in this particular election, it is Mahama who needs to be beaten and not NDC.

Message remains an important factor in every election in order to convince electorates to vote for a particular party. The individuals seeking the party's nomination, however, may have their own agenda that may conflict with the interest of the Party.

It is therefore essential that in future, the Party's objectives for general elections are clearly spelt out. Candidates who cannot champion the Party's message must give way because it doesn't make sense to sponsor a candidate who does not believe in what the Party's stands for and the issue of, NPP has no message wouldn't arise.

This is a major observation that has been over looked in the past but must now be instituted as a precondition to choose as a flagbearer of the Party.This should be an important aspect of the Vetting Committee to assess whether the Candidate can implement the Party's objectives.This will ensure that individuals' ambitions are inseparable from that of the party.

Presidential primaries is an internal party activity that needs not disturb the smooth administration of the Party when there is unity and commitment. Unfortunately, there are bad losers who cannot wait for their defeat to be announced and they tend to create unstable grounds to justify their demise.

The need for the various party structures to maintain party unity and commitment are essential forthe survival of the Party. I believe that peace will be maintained and at the end, the Party will be united and strong to break the 8!

By Brig-Gen J. Odei
Former Bank of Ghana (BoG) Governor, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor has disclosed that the next government of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will prioritise creating jobs for the youth.

This he argues is because the 2024 general elections will be about the economy and how to create jobs for the youth.

Speaking to Citi TV in an interview, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor said the NDC has addressed unemployment before and will do the same when it comes to power.

You see, when you talk about growth, job creation is important. The unemployment situation was low during 2012, 2013 the figures are there. During our time Ghanaians didnt have problems with jobs. You can ask as compare to now.

2024 election will be about the economy and trying to create jobs for the youth. The interest of the youth and the working class so we will put in place a programme to create jobs for the youth, Dr. Kwabena Duffuor who also served as former Finance Minister shared.

Meanwhile, the Politician and Businessman has pledged that after failing in his quest to become the next flagbearer of the NDC, he is ready to campaign for elected flagbearer John Dramani Mahama.

He insists that the NDC has given Ghana the best governance since independence and will support the party in all endeavours to ensure it wins power from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) next year.
24.08.2023 LISTEN

Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, Chief Naval Staff, Ghana Navy has said the maritime space contributes significantly to the world's economy which requires attention.

Addressing the media on the upcoming International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (IMDEC), he said the maritime domain is important to Ghana and the region not just for security but also economic development.

He said the number of people employed in the maritime domain is huge and that "if we turn our attention to the maritime domain most of our economic issues will be resolved."

He mentioned that about 60% of Ghana's protein taken from fish emanates from the sea, whilst 80% of imported and exported goods are transported by sea with its international trade pegged at 80%.

And with the huge investments including oil and gas it calls for collaborations among member states to combat against emerging threats in the maritime industry.

He said in 2020, Ghana alone had not less than six attacks particularly on vulnerable tuna vessels and not less than eleven sailors were kidnapped.

He said conferences such as the IMDEC culminated into the development of strategies in combating transnational organized criminals in previous years and in 2020.

However there is a resurgence of few attacks in 2023 in neighbouring African countries, "that is why this conference has come very, very timely but when those things occur they just didn't stop because the people didn't want to come again we had to put strategies in place and some of those strategies where developed during some of these conferences and the collaboration that we had with all the countries that are coming for the international maritime defence exhibition and conference."

He added that because transnational organized criminals come from neighbouring countries there is the need to work together with neighbours.

He said to make the maritime space safe some maritime related agencies have been identified towards an integrated approach but lacked the coordinating mechanism, and the National Integrated Maritime Strategy (NIMS) to be deliberated on at the conference will provide that mechanism for coordination and good governance structure.

"And we believe that when we do that as we have said the vision is that by 2030 the GDP growth of the maritime domain should double,"he emphasized.
24.08.2023 LISTEN

Traders at Mankessim Market in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region have expressed frustration at their Member of Parliament, Mrs Ophelia Mensah Hayford, regarding the renovation of the Mankessim roundabout.

The project, reportedly initiated by the Member of Parliament, saw the ceremonial start a few weeks ago.

However, it has faced significant opposition from local market women.

The Mankessim roundabout has evolved into one of Ghana's busiest traffic junctions, connecting the nation's capital to the Western Region and extending through to Cote d'Ivoire.

During interviews with traders at Mankessim market, strong objections were voiced against the prioritization of the roundabout's renovation over the dire state of the market itself.

The traders argue that the existing condition of the market poses health risks to both Mankessim residents and those from surrounding areas who frequently visit for shopping.

The traders contended that renovating the Mankessim roundabout holds little significance, insisting that the funds allocated for the project would be better spent on enhancing their market, which currently suffers from poor sanitation and hygiene conditions.

They suggested that the taxes they are compelled to pay daily could be directed towards improving the market's infrastructure.

Source: Classfmonline.com
Despite promises made at the Cop26 climate summit in Glasgow to reduce fossil fuel subsidies, a report has shown that G20 nations poured a record 1.3 trillion into the fossil fuel industry in 2022.

The more than trillion dollar figure  determined by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) think-tank  casts a shadow on global leaders' commitment to phase out "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies, coming out just ahead of a G20 meeting in September and months the key Cop28 climate conference in the United Arab Emirates in November.

According to Tara Laan, the IISD report's lead author, It reminds us of the substantial public funds G20 governments continue to allocate to fossil fuels, despite the increasingly dire effects of climate change."

Climate specialists say burning fossil fuels releases pollutants that intensify global warming and contaminate the air with toxins, causing health problems and millions of premature deaths annually.

Despite that, governments continue to use public funds to lower fossil fuel prices for both producers and consumers.

Last year, G20 governments provided over 1 trillion in subsidies, 376 billion in state-owned enterprise investments, and 58 billion in public finance loans to fossil fuels, according to the IISD  more than double the amount for 2019.

The G20's failure to curb these subsidies is in stark contrast with its commitment to phase out "inefficient" fossil fuel subsidies, a pledge first issued in 2009 and reaffirmed at the Cop26 meeting in Glasgow in 2021.

However, global crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine have driven up living costs, leading many governments to intervene by capping energy bills and compensating for fuel expenses.

Under-pricing fossil fuels

In its recent report "Fossil Fuels Consumption Subsidies 2022," the International Energy Agency warned against the massive amount of fossil fuel subsidies in 2022, even though it admits that some of them may have been justifiable.

And the World Bank, in its study "Detox Development" stresses that governments, by under-pricing fossil fuels, encourage overuse and hamper adoption of cleaner technologies.

Some three-quarters of all global energy subsidies go to fossil fuels according to the World Bank.

Richard Damania, chief economist of the Bank's sustainability group has called for substantial reforms in subsidy allocation, proposing repurposing wasteful subsidies by pushing for more transparency in demonstrating how public funds improve people's lives.

Carbon tax hike required

Meanwhile, the IISD recommends imposing a higher carbon tax of 30 to 88 per tonne of greenhouse gases, potentially generating an additional 1.2 trillion annually for governments.

To lessen the impact on vulnerable populations living in poverty, the institute also proposes targeted welfare payments.

But most crucially, the IISD calls for a total ban on fossil fuel subsidies in rich countries by 2025, while developing nations should follow in 2030.

"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," according to Laan.
Algeria said it sent a senior official to neighbouring Niger on Thursday to pursue a diplomatic initiative following a coup that has sparked threats of regional military intervention.

The foreign ministry's secretary general, Lounes Magramane, "will be visiting" Niger on Thursday, the ministry said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Niger's Voice of the Sahel radio station later said he met members of the military-appointed government, including Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Defence Minister Salifou Mody, Foreign Minister Bakary Yaou Sangare and Justice Minister Alio Daouda.

The visit comes a day after Algerian Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf began a tour of West African countries in a bid to find a solution in a crisis in which Algiers firmly opposes any military intervention.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has threatened to use force to reinstate the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, who was toppled by members of his guard on July 26.

The bloc, which has also imposed trade sanctions against Niger, has stressed that any intervention would be a last resort and that it prefers a diplomatic outcome.

Magramane's visit is another step in Algiers' "unceasing efforts... to contribute to a peaceful solution to the crisis in Niger, avoiding increased risks for this neighbouring and brotherly country and for the entire region", the Algerian foreign ministry said.

Algeria, which shares a 1,000-kilometre (600-mile) southern land border with Niger, has previously cautioned against a military solution, which President Abdelmadjid Tebboune said would be "a direct threat" to his country.

He stressed "there will be no solution without us (Algeria). We are the first people affected".

Algeria -- Africa's largest country -- also shares borders with Libya and Mali, both in the throes of years-long conflicts.

Niger is the fourth nation in West Africa since 2020 to suffer a coup, following Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali.

The juntas in Burkina Faso and Mali have said that any military intervention in their neighbour would be considered a "declaration of war" against their countries.

In the event of a military operation, "the entire Sahel will go up in flames," Tebboune has said.
24.08.2023 LISTEN

The Director of Communications for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's Campaign Team, Nana Akomea has said that electing the Vice President is advantageous to the New Patriotic Party (NPP)

According to Mr. Akomea, it would strengthen the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) position in the Northern region.

He said in an interview with Joy News that it is time for the party to let go of its 'Akan Party' tag and adopt a more inclusive identity.

You know, the NPP, weve always suffered from a certain branding from our opponents. Every election after election, they repeat that branding. And the branding is that: 'This is an Akan Party. If you are not Akan, you can't be their leader. So, in Dr. Bawumia, we have a good chance to neutralize the branding of the party.

Now, you have a candidate like Dr. Baumia, who would give you a more inclusive branding and would neutralize the NDCs propaganda, Nana Akomea stated.

He continued that Dr. Bawumia is an instrument for making a change in the party for the better.

We have the tool in our hands to change that branding and that is Dr. Bawumia, before he [Bawumia] came, we were not getting those votes. We believe that if we present him as a presidential candidate, he would, of all the candidates, further the weakening of the Northern Region as a major stronghold of the NDC, he stated.

Dr. Bawumia is competing with nine other individuals for the position of NPP flagbearer.
A day after a plane crash that presumably killed Russia's infamous mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and all other nine people on board, Russian President Vladimir was still silent on the incident on Thursday.

The crash on Wednesday evening took place exactly two months after Prigozhin led a rebellion against Moscow's top military brass, in the biggest threat to Putin's long rule.

Moscow opened a probe into violations of air traffic rules but investigators have been mute since, and speculation of a possible assassination is rife.

Ukraine denied involvement, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying: "We have nothing to do with this situation, that's for sure."

"I think everyone knows who this concerns," Zelensky said, in an apparent reference to Putin.

Deadly plane crash in Russia. By Valentina BRESCHI, Sabrina BLANCHARD, Simon MALFATTO (AFP)

Moscow had still not officially confirmed the death of the 62-year-old warlord, saying only that he was listed as a passenger on the flight.

During the Wagner rebellion on June 23-24, Putin gave an address to Russians in which he called Prigozhin -- once his ally -- a "traitor", and warned against "civil war".

Prigozhin had spent months launching scathing attacks on the way Moscow led its Ukraine offensive before his 48-hour mutiny shook Putin's rule.

Many were surprised when Moscow then dropped charges against Prigozhin and allowed him to go into exile in Belarus.

'Literally falls from the sky'

Some Western leaders questioned if the crash was an accident.

US President Joe Biden said he did not know what happened but added: "There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind."

France saw "reasonable doubts" about the crash and Germany said it followed a pattern of "unclarified" fatalities in Russia.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock appeared to say it was suspicious that "a disgraced former confidant of Putin suddenly, literally falls from the sky two months after he attempted a mutiny".

There was no update on Thursday about the investigation into the crash. By Olga MALTSEVA (AFP)

Even influential pro-Kremlin figures, such as state television personality and Putin ally Margarita Simonyan, seemed to suggest that it could have been an assassination.

"Among the versions that are being discussed (about the crash) is that it was staged. But personally, I'm leaning towards the more obvious one," she said on social media.

During his long year rule, opponents of Putin have disappeared in mysterious circumstances.

Russia's aviation authority published the names of the people on board the Embraer private jet late on Wednesday.

It included Prigozhin and his right-hand man, Dmitry Utkin, a shadowy figure who managed Wagner's operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence.

Russian police patrolled the crash site near the village of Kuzhenkino, some 350 kilometres (220 miles) north of Moscow in the Tver region. Some masked men carried rifles.

A woman living near Kuzhenkino said her neighbour heard a roar and saw "sparkling from the plane", accompanied by fire.

"A neighbour ran up to me with shaking hands and when we went to the window I saw only one mushroom (a cloud from the explosion), a black cloud," she said in video published by state-run agency RIA Novosti.

'Real patriot'

Video verified by AFP from the scene appeared to show the Embraer Legacy plane engulfed in a plume-like column of white smoke as it fell from the sky.

The Flightradar24 tracker website said the plane flying from Moscow to Saint Peterburg appeared on their radar until the last 30 seconds and descended "dramatically" at around 15:20 GMT.

Some Wagner-linked Telegram channels had initially suggested that the plane was shot down by Russian air defence, on a day when Kyiv struck Russia with more drone attacks.

While he publicly challenged Moscow's authority, Prigozhin appeared to enjoy some popularity in Russia.

Wagner supporters gathered to pay hommage to the warlord. By Vladimir NIKOLAYEV (AFP)

He appealed to nationalist-leaning Russians -- also suspicious of the army leadership during the Ukraine offensive -- who embraced his tough-guy speak.

Some even speculated that he would take part in the 2024 presidential election, which is expected to extend Putin's rule until at least 2030.

"He was one of the few real patriots in our country," Pavel Zakharov said as he laid flowers at Wagner's headquarters in Saint Petersburg.

Many Russians eagerly awaited Prigozhin's outspoken social media videos, often full of swear words and a sharp contrast to the tightly controlled narrative of Russian officials.

"Everyone was always waiting (for) what Uncle Zhenia would say," Igor, who also paid his respects to the crash victims, told AFP, referring to Prigozhin by the diminutive of his first name.

Ukrainians hope death 'true'

But some feared that Prigozhin's death would raise tensions within Russian society.

"I hope it will not become for our society some kind of red rag to a bull," Natalia, a woman who came to the Wagner Saint Petersburg HQ said.

Wagner offices were still operating and even recruiting in Russia after Prigozhin's rebellion, which saw his men take over a military headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and march on Moscow.

Moscow opened an investigation into violations of air traffic rules. By Olga MALTSEVA (AFP)

In Siberia, a region from where Wagner recruited heavily, people also laid flowers at the mercenary company's office in Novosibirsk.

But in Ukraine, where Wagner fighters were known for their exceptional brutality -- including extrajudicial killings of their own men -- many welcomed the news of Prigozhin's likely end.

The warlord had recruited tens of thousands of Russian convicts to fight in Ukraine, often thrown at the forefront of battles.

"I feel really happy that this person died, if it is true," government worker Iryna Kuchina told AFP in central Kyiv.

"Let's hope that it is."

Wagner's future without Prigozhin -- including its involvement in African conflicts -- remained unclear.

The shady businessman's fate had been under question for two months, since the unusual deal with Minsk in which the Kremlin "guaranteed" he would be allowed to live in Belarus.

Minsk has for weeks played up the presence of the Russian fighters on its territory, saying it had set up camps for them.

It is not yet clear what will happen to the Belarus-based fighters.
Mr Richard Ahiagba, the Director of Communications, New Patriotic Party (NPP), says attempts to label the present administration with economic mismanagement should not evade common reason.

He said the Government inherited and revived a slumped economy and worked to maintain its resilience even through a global pandemic, thus the efforts deserved reasonable approval.

Mr Ahiagba said this at a breakfast meeting with the media in the Volta Region.

The comparison is out of context. It is unconscionable to say that the NPP has mismanaged the economy. We need to contextualise and know the state of the economy. Getting up an economy that has shut down is not easy and we should create context and ask what the Government is doing. It will ensure fair balance, he said.

He spoke of an attempt by the main opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, to score points with the present economic challenges even though it passed on an ailing economy.

Mr Ahiagba said it continued to employ straight criticism to dominate media conversations in pursuit of negative propaganda without offering any alternative to the measures government had put in place.

It was, therefore, important for the media to help shape public discourse positively by ensuring balanced contextual conversations, he said, noting that blanket opposition from the lack of contextual conversation in the media only benefits electoral outcomes but not policy.

He cited how numerous developmental efforts by the Akufo-Addo Administration was being drowned by what he described as the NDC's attempt to make the conversation a memory contest of achievements.

The current Government had revived the nation's stalled Gross Domestic Product, and programmes such as Free Education carried generational impact and should be acknowledged.

He said the meeting, which had practitioners from various media organisations and institutions in attendance, offered the opportunity to enhance media relations.

He reassured of the Government's commitment to the betterment of professionalism and welfare among practitioners to improve their work.

Let us cause the conversation to be about development so that our people can get development. Media's work is consequential. Be loyal to the information of ideas and minimise the diabolical journalism, he said.

The meeting enabled media personnel to share experiences and concerns with the NPP Communication Director and his team.

GNA
A study conducted on obstetric violence among Ghanaian women has revealed that two out of three pregnant women have suffered violence in the hands of Health professionals during Labour and Childbirth.

The study, conducted by a German based Ghanaian Researcher, Dr. Abena Yalley and her team of researchers engaged 2,142 mothers between September 2021 and February 2022 on Obstetric Violence in Western and the Ashanti Regions.

The study, termed: Humanizing the Birthing Process sought to find out the factors impeding maternal and newborn deaths and the gaps between why many women accessed the antenatal care but did not translate into hospital deliveries and thus hampering the achievement of safe maternal care, morbidity, and mortality.

In Ghana, research had established that 310 deaths were recorded in 2017 out of 100,000 live births a major cause of worry to achieving some indicators of the SDGs.

Dr Abena Yalley at a dissemination workshop with nurses, midwives, doctors, women groups, and tutors of training institutions, said the burden of obstetrics violence in Ghana raised a matter of urgency.

Obstetrics Violence in the facilities understudied manifested in the form of disrespect, lack of empathy, non-dignified care, neglect and abandonment, physical violence and non-consented.

The Research noted shouting or yelling, beating of women in Labour, stitching of episiotomy without an aesthesia by health professionals after deliveries were some of the common but most dangerous practices in facilities.

The study established that women particularly single mothers and teenage girls suffered most of these abuses.

The perceived impact of these negative tendencies demonstrated by health professionals according to the study had resulted in many women preferring traditional birth attendants to skilled birth attendants.

Women who had suffered this violence had also been affected either psychologically or emotionally and fear to attend facility for deliveries.

A situation which the study established could reduce the gains on maternal and newborn deaths and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV and AIDS.

The study recommended that curricula of Health institutions must be revisited, and students armed with information on giving human face to their work, strategic intervention to break the cycle of violence and complaints systems to enable the abuse channel grievances.

GNA
ZEEKR, the premium electric vehicle (EV) brand of Geely Auto Group, saw its monthly registrations reach 10,986 units in the seventh month of 2023, according to the data compiled by Gasgoo Auto Research Institute ("GARI").

ZEEKR's monthly registrations in July 2023 soared 189.79% compared to the previous year, while also rose 15.8% from the previous month.

For the first seven months of this year, ZEEKR's cumulative auto registrations amounted to 51,915 units, surging 129.7% from a year earlier.

Among its three production models available for sale, the ZEEKR 001 was still the biggest sales contributor to ZEEKR's July registrations. Its registrations reached 5,408 units last month, resulting in a year-to-date volume of 35,713 units.

In terms of July registrations of the ZEEKR 001, Shanghai ranked highest among all cities on the Chinese mainland. It was followed by Hangzhou and Xiamen, which were the other two cities with over 300 ZEEKR 001s registered last month.

In July, the automaker had 1,538 ZEEKR 009s registered, indicating a 24% month-over-month decline. Cumulative registrations of the MPV model came in at 10,063 units for the first seven months of this year.

Notably, among all domestically built new energy MPV models in China, the ZEEKR 009 was the second runner-up by July registrations. It was outnumbered by the DENZA D9 (9,368 units) and the Bestune NAT (2,318 units)

Shanghai outshone other cities in China with 139 ZEEKR 009s registered last month. Besides, there was only one city, namely, Hangzhou, whose registrations also exceeded 100 units in June.

ZEEKR began the nationwide delivery of its third production model, the ZEEKR X, in mid-June. Monthly registrations of the model surged from 2,015 units in June to 4,040 units in July, with Shanghai and Hangzhou honored the top 2 cities in terms of July registrations.
- Source:

24.08.2023 LISTEN

Coastlines  the interface between land and sea  lie at the frontline in the battle against climate change impacts.

Globally , almost 1 billion people now live within 10km of a coastline and the same number live in areas less than 10 metres above sea level. These populations face some of the world's biggest climate hazards, such as coastal floods from rising sea levels and the effects of hurricanes and tropical storms, which are becoming more frequent and deadly . If there is a 2 metre increase in sea levels by 2100, this may lead to the forced migration of between 72 million and 187 million people.

However, coastlines vary substantially in their physical properties, and are found across all latitudes, environments and with a range of ecosystems and types of human activity. This means that coastline responses to climate change will vary from one place to another.

Several studies have identified sandy coastlines as particularly vulnerable to climate change, because they are made up of loose sand grains that are easily eroded by waves. A survey in 2018 showed that 24% of sandy coasts globally were already experiencing persistent net erosion because of climate change, and this was projected to get even worse in the future.

This is of concern because sandy coasts are particularly important for biodiversity, carbon storage, agriculture and tourism.

In a recent study of South African coastlines I examined the properties that contribute to their physical and biological resilience. Coastal landforms (features like estuaries, barrier islands, beaches and sand dunes) can buffer the effects of climate change and provide ecosystem and environmental services. Viewing coastal landforms as green infrastructure is a way to work with nature to manage the impacts of climate change.

Managing coastlines to boost resilience

Not all sandy coastlines respond in the same ways to climate, in part because they are made up of different landforms. Research shows that these landforms respond in different ways to waves, tides, sea-level change and sediment supply.

Their varied behaviours mean that a range of management responses are required to limit the impacts of climate change on these landforms, and this is the challenge facing all coasts globally in the 21st century.

However, there are some problems. Many management approaches used in the past are inappropriate or have actually made the situation worse. A classic example is where a sea wall or revetment is built along an eroding sandy coastline. This is usually a hard, high, straight structure, often built of concrete and designed to stabilise the coastline and keep the sea out. These structures often focus rather than disperse incoming wave energy, leading to increased beach erosion and undercutting of the sea wall, and requiring further and bigger structures to be built as the coast erodes even faster. Many such engineering structures designed to protect coasts are expensive, require continuous maintenance, and may have similar unintended consequences. Thus, these structures often make coastal problems worse, not better.

Instead, different approaches are needed. Working with  and not against  the natural processes and landforms that already exist along sandy coastlines may be a more effective and cheaper option. This is where natural beaches or sand dunes may protect the land against coastal erosion and be maintained by natural ecological and sedimentary processes.

In my study , I have shown how the natural landforms of different coastal environments can serve as green infrastructure: natural features that perform the same function as hard engineering structures in coastal protection. Natural beaches or sand dunes can stabilise the land surface and reduce erosion rates, provide ecosystem services and maintain biodiversity, store organic carbon, modify microclimate, and reduce the impacts of coastal hazards on local communities.

However, this approach has not been commonly used along African coasts, despite its environmental benefits .

Using coastal landforms as green infrastructure can build coastal resilience to climate change. This is a win-win situation for both coastal landforms and populations.

Green infrastructure

Green infrastructure is part of wider nature-based solutions to addressing environmental issues and climate change impacts. However, a number of developments are needed to make the use of green infrastructure a wider practice, but local authorities, planners and managers.

Coastlines need to be recognised as naturally dynamic, shifting environments rather than as environments that need to be controlled and managed. The multiple and varied benefits that coastlines give to the environment, ecosystems and people must be recognised, including how they relate to one another.

Coastlines therefore need to be considered as integrated and dynamic systems, not simply as the boundaries between land and sea.

And finally, not all coastlines are the same  sandy and rocky coastlines work in different ways, as do coral reef, mangrove or glaciated coasts. This means that each coastline has different elements that contribute to their overall resilience or vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Jasper Knight does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

By Jasper Knight, Professor of Physical Geography, University of the Witwatersrand
The Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr has registered strong opposition to the recent decision made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to potentially deploy a "standby force" to Niger if the military junta refuses to step down and reinstate the ousted President.

The military takeover of power in Niger last month prompted ECOWAS to issue a stern warning about potential military intervention should the junta fail to restore democratic governance.

However, Kwesi Pratt, a well-respected journalist has raised serious concerns about the consequences of such move.

Speaking to Kwami Sefa Kayi on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" morning show, Mr Pratt vehemently argued against the deployment of troops, stating that it could escalate into a larger conflict within the West African sub-region.

He pointed to the ongoing threat of Islamic insurgency that has plagued several West African countries and highlighted that intervening militarily in Niger could inadvertently embolden the insurgent groups.

"In effect, if we fight against the soldiers who are already engaged in combating these Islamic insurgents, what impact will it have on the status of Islamic insurgency in our sub-region? he asked.

He added, It means we are inadvertently strengthening the terrorists."

The journalist's concerns were not limited to the immediate security implications.

He also drew attention to the strategic positioning of Niger in the global context.

He noted that the United States maintains its second largest drone base in the country, implying that any military action in Niger could have far-reaching consequences not just for the West African sub-region but also on a global scale.

"What are the potential consequences of having the second largest drone base in the world there?

We must carefully consider the ripple effects before making any rash decisions; there is no wisdom in this fight.

Mr Pratt added that pursuing military intervention lacked strategic wisdom.

According to him, the United States of America has its second largest drone base in Niger, hence the ripple effect for West Africa will be huge should ECOWAS attack Niger.

"If you have the second largest drone base in the world there, what are the consequences likely to be?", he asked, stressing "there is no wisdom in this fight."
The Yunyoo branch of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed deep concern over the conspicuous silence of Mr Oscar Liwal, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Yunyoo Constituency, in response to the distressing situation faced by constituents after a severe rainfall two weeks ago, resulting in widespread damage and displacements.

The torrential downpour wreaked havoc in the Yunyoo Constituency of the North East region of Ghana, leaving many residents homeless and causing significant destruction to bridges, roads, and residential buildings.

According to the NDC, the Yunyoo-Nasuan district was particularly affected, with impassable roads compounding the misery of the inhabitants.

The NDC leadership in a statement signed by its communication officer, Mr Ernest Bawanin Guat said as a responsible opposition party, it has called upon local authorities to step up and address the dire state of the roads in the district.

Additionally, they have reminded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of his promise made during his visit in August 2022 to improve the roads in Yunyoo, urging him to fulfill this commitment promptly.

Furthermore, the NDC has appealed to Mr. Oscar Liwal and the District Chief Executive, Mr. Bitian Konlan, to urgently repair the Jimbale bridge, which is crucial for connecting the district to Bunkpurugu and enabling access to markets in Jimbale and Gbenteri.

Various areas within the constituency, including Namong, Gbeduri, Jimbale, and Mantana, have been severely affected by the lack of road connectivity.

The flooding and damage have led to tragic consequences, including loss of life and hindrances to economic activities.

The Yunyoo NDC has stressed the vital role of an MP as the representative and voice of the constituents in parliament.

They have expressed disappointment in Mr. Oscar Liwal's apparent lack of action and engagement in addressing the crisis faced by his constituents.

The NDC highlighted that other MPs in different regions have actively advocated for their constituents' interests in similar situations.

The NDC had expected the recess period in parliament to provide an opportunity for Mr. Oscar Liwal to visit the constituency, connect with the affected citizens, and draw national attention to the plight of the people. The party said it finds his inaction puzzling and has, thus, appealed to him and the government to promptly address the challenges faced by the Yunyoo-Nasuan district.

In closing, the statement from the NDC uses the phrase "I choose influence over affluence," suggesting that they value positive impact on constituents' lives over personal gain or wealth

Source: Classfmonline.com
Amnesty International said Thursday that rights campaigners were stunned by a decision by the African Union's rights commission to scrap its investigation into abuses committed in Ethiopia's war-scarred Tigray.

In a tweet, it said 33 civil society groups were "shocked" after the panel terminated the inquiry, yet had not published a report on its findings or recommendations.

"The decision also sets a detrimental precedent for future investigative mandates into human rights violations across the continent," Amnesty said.

The post on X, formerly Twitter, trailed a letter dated Wednesday by 33 organisations including Amnesty and Human Rights Watch.

They allege the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights "may have succumbed to undue political pressure from the Ethiopian government".

The two-year conflict between the federal government and Tigrayan rebels was marked by allegations of massacres, mass rapes and other atrocities by all sides, including Ethiopia's ally Eritrea.

The horrific reports prompted the AU commission and the UN Human Rights Council to order separate probes into the abuses in 2021.

But Ethiopia has repeatedly rejected international efforts to investigate the atrocities.

It has warned that inquiries could undermine the progress of a peace agreement signed in November 2022 and pointed to its own "transitional justice" process, which has not yet begun.

"It is disappointing that the African Commission, in its decision to terminate the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry, relied on a transitional justice policy proposal that is yet to be adopted," the rights campaigners said in their letter.

The AU-brokered peace deal called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Ethiopia, but Eritrea was not a party to the agreement and its troops continue to be present in Tigray, where residents accuse them of abuses.

"We believe that the African Commission's decision mistakenly buys into the rhetoric provided by the Ethiopian government -- a party to the conflict and accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity -- to eschew justice and accountability," the letter said.

The campaigners urged the rights commission, which is based in The Gambia, to "promptly reconsider its decision to terminate the mandate of the Commission of Inquiry and ensure that its mandate concludes, at least, with a report of its findings and recommendations".

Tigray suffered from dire shortages of food, fuel, cash and medicines during the conflict. Some basic services have resumed to the region of six million people since the signing of the peace agreement.

But media access remains restricted and it is impossible to independently verify the situation on the ground.
24.08.2023 LISTEN

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has addressed recent media reports that suggested the outgoing Moderator of the Church, Rt Rev. Prof. Joseph Obiri Yeboah Mante endorsed Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as a "religious unifier."

The church has categorically stated that the reports are misleading.

It added that the reports misinterpreted the remarks made by Rev. Prof. Yeboah Mante.

According to the initial reports, Rev. Prof. Obiri Yeboah Mante had allegedly praised Vice President Bawumia for his religious tolerance and described him as someone who bridges the gap between Islam and Christianity.

This supposed endorsement was said to have occurred during the closing session of the 23rd General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, held at the Ramseyer congregation in Abetifi Kwahu, Eastern Region.

However, in a statement released by the PCG's Public Relations Officer on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, Rev George E. Larbi stated, "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."

He further clarified the content of Rev. Prof. Yeboah Mante's speech during the event.

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 the government redeems those pledges, he added.

Rev. George Larbi, in an interview on Peace FM's Kokrokoo morning show, stressed the importance of setting the record straight due to the criticisms directed at the outgoing Moderator.

Rev. Larbi emphasized that the media's portrayal of Rev. Prof. Yeboah Mante's comments as an endorsement was inaccurate.

The church's stance was reinforced by Rev. George Larbi's assertion that while the Moderator has no opposition to Vice President Bawumia, he did not describe him as a religious unifier during the Sunday session.
24.08.2023 LISTEN

It is indisputable who the owners or Omo-Onile of Lagos are: The Olumegbon, Suenu, Ojora, Onitolo, Onitana, Onido and others. They know their own history before the first Europeans or Arabs set their foot in Africa on their mission to pillage our resources, capture slaves, debase African cultures and people with religious platitudes. Most historians trace the Ogunfunminire Awori, Aresa, Onikoyi and Olugbon from Ife to Oyo, Ilesa, Oshogbo, Ogbomoso, Abeokuta to Lagos. Ife is the cradle of Yoruba Civilization.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/348907760_Igbon_Iresa_and_Ikoyi_A_Pre-Historic_Relationship_Till_Present_Time Leyin Orun Olugbon, Orun Aresa, Orun OnIkoyi, Orun oun lori ile: apart from the authority of Olugbon, of Aresa and of Onikoyi, there was no other authority on earth. There is historical and geological evidence by Professor Babajide that Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba Civilization had moved about seven times before the present location. The evidence of the Yoruba spread from the present North Central of Nigeria to the Atlantic Ocean.

Some are named Aromire (ocean friendly) and Oloko (ship builders). This is the reason Yoruba have a visceral reaction to any attempt to dispute their origin in Lagos. Whatever your ethnic group, you cannot take Yoruba amicable relationships with others for granted. You call them Unity Beggars only to become Unity Beggars when contesting for the President of Nigeria. You cannot have it anyway you want. We must appeal to attract votes beyond our ethnic groups with love not with force or hate.

We got along better before the foreign Oil income. The African culture facilitated by Yoruba relationship of accommodation between each ethnic group: later abused in Lagos, resulted in a melting pot of all Africans. Each ethnic group has great qualities that outshined the bad eggs within them. The Igbo were known to be hard working, Hausa honest, Ghanaians neat, South Africans dedicated, some Europeans obsequious to make amends and Yoruba tolerance for all.

So, where are the hard working proud Igbo our parents told us about? Indeed, Ndi-Igbo had no better friends and supporters in the world than Yoruba. You must then wonder why they would rather ally with anybody against Yoruba interest. While parents in Lagos were telling their children to welcome every stranger in their midst and made sure anyone that entered Lagos by dawn must be fed, clothes and given a place to sleep by dawn. Igbo parents were telling their children not to trust Yoruba.

A great deal changed after the unexpected Arab Oil Embargo that earned Nigerians more money than God! Nigerians lost their heads and bearings. All the viable and budding industries that fed the whole of West Africa paused in favor of any import that foreign income could buy; including pins, pencils, used clothes, even garbage stuck at the high seas!

The same country where its Western Region managed meager Cocoa Income to create many First in Africa attracting many Africans and Europeans joined the rat race for money at the Federal Level and began losing their heads too. Skilful managers of primary industries and natural resources from Lagos to Ilorin became Federal politicians. None of you could have done what you did for Western Nigeria in a Nigerian context.

Gullible Jaja Wachukwu, tolerated in Lagos in 1947, provoked his hosts that Lagos is No Man's Land as the Federal Capital. During the Ojukwu Ore Debacle they thought: Lagos was at Reach. These were dreamers nobody took seriously then until it became the mainstream cry of Igbo Youths on Yorubaland. They even made up fake stories to justify it as the developer of Lagos whose taxes built their newly discovered virgin land. Do we expect the Owner of the land most Africans were welcomed warmly into, to accept their aspiration or provocation?

It is in the spirit of tolerance that in the last Election, their Presidential candidate came first in Lagos beating Yoruba Presidential candidate because of his opprobrious character. Yet, those who voted over 90% for their Presidential candidate at home, are accusing those who voted against their son so that Igbo came first in Yoruba state: as tribalistic and intolerant. Haba, see logical thinking O! During the choice for President between Hausa/Fulani Obasanjo and Falaye, Yoruba Choice. Igbo voted with the Hausa/Fulani choice.

They actually claimed that it was out of their love for Yoruba. Yoruba have never stopped criticizing their own, especially when anyone regardless of ethnicity is unfairly treated. A case in point was how they championed the fight for Jonathan to become Acting President when Yar'Adua was incapacitated. Yoruba also voted for him to become President. Obasanjo was the first President to assign Igbo to powerful positions after the Civil War.

Yoruba love Igbo but the Youths with a different experience would not love Igbo to death at their own detriment. Wole Soyinka almost died in prison for Igbo cause, they called him a traitor. Fajuyi actually died with Ironsi rather than surrender him to mutiny. Yet, Igbo called him a traitor. Banjo led the Biafran Army against his fatherland until he was stopped at Ore. They called him a traitor. When asked why Igbo kidnappers operate freely in Yorubaland but Yoruba kidnappers would not dare it in the East, they claim it is because Yoruba are cowards

So, what did the Yoruba do apart from producing every prominent rich Igbo old money in Lagos? After voting for Azikiwe to represent Lagos in the Western House, he wanted to become their Premier. NCNC, the Party that nominated him to represent Lagos in the Western House was founded by Herbert Macauley. The Party became Igbo Party after Azikiwe became the Leader. The same way Western Region could have become Igbo controlled Region if Azikiwe had become the Premier with Yoruba votes.

They hated Awolowo who had insight of their God ordained mentality to rule others. The Yoruba Youths used that to point out that their parents were foolish to accommodate those whose intentions were to dominate, rule and take over their land. Indeed, both Nnamdi Azikiwe and Emeka Ojukwu never hid their intentions since Zik wanted to become the Premier in Western Region and Ojukwu wanted Banjo to capture Ore for him first before naming an Administrator for Lagos. Both believe Igbo are destined to rule Yoruba.
24.08.2023 LISTEN

Since the beginning of August 2023, has anyone heard any serious message being sold by the 10 presidential candidates of the NPP? It looks like there is nothing going on except scandals upon scandals.

In 2007 around this time when Kuffour was about to go, he met the leaders, delegates and communicators of the party and told them, his hard work has earned the party 50%. They only need to add plus 1 and they will retain the presidency. He told them he is also interested in who succeeds him and that he needs someone who doesnt have tensions around himself. He told them he doesnt like a dictator, who will lose the power when given to him.

When Nana Akufo-Addo met the same group of people last month, he told them he is not in support of any candidate and that the candidates should stop attacking his administration. In other words, they should stop attacking Dr. Bawumiah. He told them to rather defend the government.

As a right-thinking Ghanaian, if you compare the messages delivered to the delegates by Kuffour and Nana Addo, who do you think deserved to have a continuation of his administration? Even that, Kuffour, who had secured 50% and needed just plus 1 didnt get it, how much less Nana Addo, who has blown GHC 80 billion from the Bank of Ghana and reckless leader?

My choice of the most popular candidates on Saturday will include Konadu Apraku, Alan Kyeremanteng, Boakye Agyarko, Dr. Bawumiah and Kennedy Agyapong. They are not in that special order, but which of them is a presidential material? The party, if it had balls, should have disqualified some of the candidates before the special delegates did, but that is NPP for you. Talk only, No action.

Between now and early November, the five most popular candidates will battle it head on and give the NDC ammunitions going into the general elections. Example:

They will tell us why the choir master, who will lead the country to sing we are the world cannot break the 8. Also, they will begin to question why Dr. Bawumiah has assumed the role of the President and commissioning projects that are half completed. The party will begin to intimidate the Alan supporters with suspension and lack of support to retain their MP seat. An indication that Dr. Bawumiahs administration will also be full of tension and divisions.

At the end of the day, Ghanaians have already decided and whoever they will elect as their Presidential candidate in November, will only have that title. Nothing more.

Lawrence Appiah-Osei
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.
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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
Jean and Courtney OConnor pointed at the Red Rocks and sighed before sitting on a comfortable lounge set under the trees. They toasted and began a conversation with guests. The mother and daughter from Boston had visited Arizona before, but it was their first encounter with this stunning Sedona backdrop.

It was so beautiful, I nearly cried, said Courtney. We cant wait to explore the area.

Dressy couples in collared shirts and chiffon dresses mingled with glasses of wine, their light laughter carried on the evening breeze. A guitar player strummed bluesy tunes as people posed against majestic monoliths.

In prelude to a meal, teasers were proffered on boardscantaloupe with creme fraiche and meatballs with shaved parmesancausing conversation about what dinner would entail. The sky caught fire, silhouetting guests in the last rays of the day as all were invited to dine at one long table stretching toward the view.

A lanky Matt Cooley warmly welcomed guests to the sold-out event hosted by Cloth & Flame. Co-founded with wife Olivia, Matt explained, The outreach exercise in pop-up dining is built on years-long relationships with properties in a multi-faceted approach to broaden the community using spaces in a responsible way. The core thing is to build a frame and people will fill itthey are the experience and bringing them together is the platform. The ventures aim is experiential engagement with iconic places.

Dinner commenced as staff gently nudged between diners to deliver salads of rocket, charred beets, Mineola orange slices and goat cheese, dressed in BBQ vinaigrette, topped with puffed corn.

Appetizers of roasted garlic gnocchi with smoked Vidalia onion, hard cheeses and pickled herbs followed. The entree, achiote-rubbed skirt steak, was served with heirloom fingerling potatoes, grilled alliums and peppers as salsa verde, and the meal concluded with mesquite chocolate cake, capped in salted vanilla bean Chantilly and cocoa nibs.

These ticketed community dinners are our favorite, Cooley said. Our goal is to create legacy with locations while management maintains controlwhether its a private owner or NGOand the broader component is the blueprint on how not to change the spaces forever.

Phoenix Union Train Station is an urban example. The owner bought the property with Cloth & Flame in mind to preserve the historic site. Still, an upscale city location needs a business model to maintain it. Events held on the property can provide passive income while upholding its original nature.

Cloth & Flame began as a hot air balloon company with destination desert dining, but their culinary talents and attention to detail surpassed the flight factor. Guests enjoyed ballooning but raved about the dining, so the Cooleys evolved the culinary component solely in 2019.

We wanted to create something together at the intersection of community and experienceto scratch that itch, said Cooley.

He offered context. What began as premiere pop-up dining, now encompasses three things: a gastronomic aspect, working with public and private collaborators, like restaurateurs, artists and entertainers; an experiential agency, mostly company or brand events, like Chanel, Google or Bentley; and a revenue side, managing land or spaces as a lessee in a peer to peer marketplace. Cloth & Flame executes the promotional face in a unique venue.

Their capabilities are undergirded with a robust kitchen team and front of the house, commissary spaces and licensing, while incorporating the likes of celebrity chefs, wild and beautiful elements plus people.

We understand culinary techniques, can prep and make anything possible, Cooley said.

To generate more accessible events recently, Cloth & Flame organized a small fee wine and dance party for 1,000 guests and a free art exhibit, plus an add-on dinner, both held at the Ice House in downtown Phoenix.

Cloth & Flame is based in Arizona, taking advantage of their roots and relationships, but their adventurous exploits extend from Arizona to Austin and Amsterdam for an upcoming affair. They operate nationwide, but concentrate their efforts in California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona, where reliable weather prevails. Still, bets are hedged with banked insurance to tent an event while conserving the view.

On Friday, Sept. 29, Cloth & Flame will debut a five-course prix fixe dinner to kick off Flagstaff Fadeaway at High Country Motor Lodge. The event benefits restoration of Glen Canyon with the chance to meet and greet music festival talent.

Secretly, Cloth & Flame is the second-largest venue operator in the U.S. To expand its reach and vision, the company has plans for movie nights, ceramics classes, land art experiences and more. Also, watch for a platform coming to connect niche venues with a wider range of collaborators.
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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
Danaher Corporation, founded in 1984 by brothers Stephen and Mitchell Rales, is a globally diversified conglomerate headquartered in Washington, D.C. The company has evolved into a major player across various industries, offering a wide range of products and services in the medical, industrial, and commercial sectors. Danaher's mission is to innovate and provide high-quality solutions that positively impact people's lives worldwide. Danaher's began in 1984 as a Massachusetts real estate investment trust called DMG, Inc. The company underwent several reorganizations and strategic acquisitions, culminating in its present-day structure and diverse product portfolio.

Danaher is involved in designing, manufacturing, and marketing a broad array of products and services. Its offerings span medical diagnostics equipment, life sciences and diagnostics tools, environmental solutions, water quality analysis systems, industrial automation tools, and other specialized instruments. Danaher's mission is to leverage its technological expertise and commitment to continuous improvement to develop innovative solutions that enhance human well-being and drive sustainable growth.

The company's diverse product portfolio includes cutting-edge medical diagnostic devices, scientific instruments used in research and healthcare settings, water quality monitoring systems, and automation equipment for industrial applications. Danaher caters to various markets, including healthcare, life sciences, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and industrial automation. Its products and services find applications in research institutions, healthcare facilities, industrial manufacturers, and government organizations.

Danaher Corporation boasts a leadership team comprising highly accomplished individuals with diverse expertise, driving the company's success and strategic direction. At the helm is Steven M. Rales, the Co-Founder and Chairman, who played a pivotal role in establishing Danaher and has been instrumental in shaping its strategic vision. With his visionary approach, Rales has steered the company towards sustained growth and innovation. Rainer M. Blair holds the positions of President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director, leading Danaher's day-to-day operations and spearheading its growth strategies. Blair's dynamic leadership has been crucial in driving the company's expansion and ensuring its position as a market leader.

Danaher has displayed excellent financial performance in recent years, with consistent revenue growth and profitability. The company's financial stability and strategic acquisitions have contributed to its robust performance. Danaher's strong financials indicate its ability to generate revenue and profits, which has positively influenced investor sentiment and contributed to its favorable valuation.

Danaher's valuation metrics demonstrate positive investor sentiment and confidence in the company's future growth prospects. Its favorable price-to-earnings ratio and price-to-cash flow ratio reflect investor willingness to pay a premium for its earnings potential and cash generation capacity. Danaher's stock performance has been noteworthy, driven by its strong financials, strategic initiatives, and positive market sentiment.

Investors should closely monitor any recent news or events that may have impacted Danaher's share price, such as industry developments or major acquisitions. Danaher operates in diverse industries with various competitors. Its competitive advantages, including a broad product portfolio and emphasis on innovation, position it well within its industries.

Danaher has ample growth opportunities, including expansion into emerging markets, strategic acquisitions, and research and development investments. The company's strong focus on continuous improvement and customer-centric solutions will drive its pursuit of growth opportunities.

Danaher faces potential risks and challenges, including market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and economic uncertainties. However, its proactive risk management strategies mitigate potential impacts on the company's financial performance.
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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (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 Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
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 All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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 All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
Digital Realty is a real estate investment trust focused entirely on data centers. The company owns, acquires, develops, and operates a network of global data centers and the cloud-based solutions cloud service providers need to access and maximize them. The company has set itself apart from the traditional data center REIT by unifying its holdings across one digital platform called PlatformDIGITALR which provides seamless control of data flow.

The company was formed in 2004 when GI Partners contributed 24 newly acquired data centers to help form the business. Later that same year, the company went public through an IPO that provided the capital to begin a campaign of acquisition. The company has been steadily adding square footage and new locations to its network ever since and it is still not done. The expansion has helped to deliver a 10% FFO CAGR and fuel a steadily rising dividend distribution. The company made its 16th consecutive annual dividend increase in 2022 and additional increases are expected each year.

Digital Realty's global footprint provides access to connected businesses in more than 284 facilities in 23 countries. As of mid-2022, it had more than $53 billion in assets and was listed as the US 8th largest publicly traded REIT.

Digital Realty supports the world's IT infrastructure by providing a full range of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. Businesses can choose to rely solely on Digital Realty for their data center needs or use Digital Realtys propriety cloud-based solutions to interconnect multiple data centers, and clouds, or connect to a private network.

PlatformDIGITALR is the company's global data center platform. It provides customers with a proven solution for operating on the cloud, scaling a digital business, and managing its data flow. The platform allows for seamless connection to providers and services that are in demand by todays rapidly changing digital businesses.

Digital Realty Trust is a key member of the Green Grid, a consortium of industry insiders and policy makers focused on making data centers more efficient and sustainable. Digital Realty Trust offers industry-leading efficiency alongside its world-class quality data centers. Digital Realty Trust data centers require fewer building materials and provide industry-leading power usage levels or PUEs.
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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to this (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs New CBOE special perk helps traders target income every weekend (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
Emergency managers and public works staff continued on Wednesday to respond to flooding that impacted Tusayan.

County officials said a state of emergency proclamation is likely. That would free up monies to better respond to the three feet of water that inundated the community Tuesday and forced close to 100 residents and visitors to evacuate.

Coconino County Sheriffs Office and Tusayan officials confirmed no injuries had occurred due to the flooding and that State Route 64 was open, permitting access to Tusayan and the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park.

It is not yet clear how drinking water within Tusayan may have been impacted by the flooding. Residents have been ordered to boil any tap water before consumption through at least Thursday.

The municipal water provider has tested the towns water supply for contaminants and is expecting results Thursday morning from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The K-12 Grand Canyon School was open for classes Wednesday after nearly 70 students were forced to shelter in place during the flooding.

An American Red Cross shelter has been established at the Tusayan Airport Terminal. The shelter is planned to stay open through Thursday. Sandbags and bottled water are available at Tusayan Town Hall and the Grand Canyon Shuttle and Park and Ride parking lot on State Route 64.

St. Marys Food Bank also had food assistance packages available Thursday morning at the town hall.

County and state assessors are on site conducting ongoing damage assessments to determine impacts to public infrastructure and private property, and supporting debris removal. The county is also working with the Red Cross to establish a community assistance center in town for residents whose primary residences were flooded -- more details will be available soon.

Tusayan and Coconino County are planned for a public meeting on Thursday.

Coconino County Information Technology also supported the incident command center with a direct link to Starlink, enabling efficient and timely communications from a remote area.

The flooding came after between 2-3 inches of inches of rain fell within a couple hours in the afternoon, starting at about 12:30 and continuing until 2:30 p.m., said National Weather Service meteorologist Benji Johnson.

Nearly 2 inches of rain fell between 1:30 and 2 p.m. just east of Tusayan, according to radar estimates, Johnson said.

The mayor of Tusayan reported flooding began at about 3:30.

It appears the ground had been saturated by rain the previous day, Johnson said.

That could have contributed to the flooding, he said.

About 3 feet of water shut down State Route 64, temporarily closing the road until 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, and power was knocked out in some areas of the community.

County officials said they were working with Tusayan and National Park Service officials to coordinate an urgent response and ensure public safety. The county also mobilized resources to assist with emergency shelters, clear debris from roads and assist with evacuations if necessary.

Emergency alerts telling visitors and residents to shelter in place due to flooding went out late in the afternoon Tuesday.
ServiceNow, Inc. is a leading provider of cloud-based software solutions that help enterprises streamline their digital workflows. The company aims to enable organizations to digitize and automate their business processes, increasing efficiency and productivity. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, ServiceNow operates globally, serving customers across various industries, including healthcare, finance, technology, and manufacturing.

ServiceNow's core product is its platform-as-a-service (PaaS) offering, allowing businesses to create custom applications and workflows tailored to their needs. The platform encompasses various modules, including IT Service Management, Human Resources, Customer Service Management, and Security Operations. By leveraging ServiceNow's platform, organizations can automate routine tasks, streamline communication and collaboration and enhance employee and customer experience.

The company's target market primarily comprises large enterprises that seek to modernize their operations and enhance digital transformation initiatives. ServiceNow has established a solid customer base, including well-known brands such as Coca-Cola, Siemens, and Visa. Its solutions cater to the needs of diverse organizations, ranging from IT departments seeking efficient incident management to HR departments streamlining employee onboarding processes.

ServiceNow boasts a strong, experienced management team that drives the company's success. Led by Chief Executive Officer Bill McDermott, a seasoned technology executive with a proven track record in the industry, the group comprises individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise.

ServiceNow has demonstrated impressive financial performance in recent years, reflecting its strong market position and growing customer demand for its products and services. The company has consistently reported robust revenue growth, driven by the increasing adoption of its platform across industries.

ServiceNow has maintained healthy profit margins, showcasing its ability to generate investment returns and maintain efficient cost structures. The company's strong financial position has allowed it to invest in research and development, innovation, and strategic acquisitions to drive further growth and market expansion.

ServiceNow's valuation metrics reflect the market's recognition of its strong growth potential and position within the industry. The company's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio and price-to-book (P/B) ratio are often higher than its industry peers, indicating the market's confidence in ServiceNow's future prospects. The higher P/E ratio suggests that investors are willing to pay a premium for each dollar of earnings the company generates, reflecting expectations of strong future earnings growth. Similarly, the higher P/B ratio indicates that investors value ServiceNow's assets at a higher multiple compared to its book value, emphasizing the company's intangible assets and intellectual property.

The factors driving ServiceNow's valuation are its consistent revenue growth, expanding customer base, and market leadership position. The company has successfully established itself as a trusted provider of digital workflow solutions, capturing a significant market share and demonstrating its ability to deliver value to its customers. ServiceNow's focus on innovation and product development has allowed it to stay ahead of competitors and maintain a competitive edge in the industry.

ServiceNow operates in the broader enterprise software industry, which is characterized by rapid technological advancements and the increasing adoption of cloud-based solutions. The industry is highly competitive, with several key players vying for market share and constantly innovating to meet evolving customer needs.

ServiceNow maintains a competitive advantage through its comprehensive platform and the breadth of its product offerings. The company's focus on delivering solutions that streamline digital workflows across departments positions it well in the market. ServiceNow enables efficient collaboration, automation, and process optimization by providing a unified platform that integrates various organizational functions.

The enterprise software industry is also subject to regulatory and political factors that can impact companies operating within it. Changes in data protection regulations or cybersecurity requirements may influence the demand for software solutions, including those offered by ServiceNow. Investors must monitor such developments and assess their potential impact on the company's operations and market position.

ServiceNow has several growth opportunities on the horizon. One significant opportunity lies in expanding its product offerings and penetrating new markets. The company can leverage its existing customer base and reputation to introduce new modules or vertical-specific solutions that address specific industry needs. For example, ServiceNow can develop tailored solutions for sectors such as healthcare or manufacturing, enabling it to tap into untapped markets and drive revenue growth.

While ServiceNow presents promising growth prospects, it has risks and challenges. One of the key challenges the company may face is intense competition within the enterprise software industry. Competitors, both established players and emerging startups, continuously innovate and introduce new solutions that could potentially erode ServiceNow's market share. To mitigate this risk, ServiceNow must focus on innovation, invest in research and development and ensure its offerings stay ahead of the curve.

Another potential risk lies in changes to regulatory or compliance requirements. As a business operating in an increasingly regulated industry, ServiceNow must stay updated with evolving regulations and adapt its solutions to ensure customer compliance. Failure to address regulatory changes adequately could result in reputational damage and loss of customers.

Moreover, macroeconomic factors can impact ServiceNow's business. Economic downturns or recessions may lead to reduced spending by enterprises, affecting the demand for software solutions. ServiceNow must remain agile and adaptable to market conditions, continuously demonstrate the value of its offerings and provide cost-effective solutions that align with customers' budgetary constraints.
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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world

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) Off-duty deputy shoots man in Omaha, Nebraska, leading to hospitalization Some striking UAW members carry family legacies, Black middle-class future along with picket signs Trading Experts Call It The Perfect Tesla Trade (Ad) Takeaways from the AP's investigation into aging oil ships Deadly explosion off Nigeria points to threat posed by aging oil ships around the world
Roughly 42% of the people leaving the Coconino County Detention Facility through the Pathways to Community Program had nowhere to go after being incarcerated.

That data is fresh and will be part of the first annual report examining the success of the nearly year-old Pathways Program, according to Michele Axlund, the deputy director of Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS).

Pathways is a collaborative effort between Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and the Coconino County Sheriffs Office, a program designed to connect people leaving jail with the resources they need to successfully re-enter the community.

One of those resources is housing -- or at least temporary shelter.

Right now, CCHHS and Flagstaff Shelter Services are in the early stages of partnering to shelter people whove been incarcerated at the new Lantern facility on Lucky Lane.

Ross Schaefer, the executive director of Flagstaff Shelter Services, said people who might face homelessness after time spent behind bars usually end up being clients at the congregate shelter anyway.

By setting aside 5-10 rooms at the new facility, Schaefer hopes people exiting jail will be more removed from the circumstances that might have led to an offense in the first place.

These units have the potential to step in and provide a resource that could avoid unnecessary recidivism and other things we want to skip over. Its exciting how we can think about problems differently when we have resources like this space, Schaefer said.

The former Motel 6 on Lucky Lane was purchased earlier this year by Flagstaff Shelter Services for about $8 million.

The purchase was made possible by funding from the Arizona Department of Housings State Recovery Funds, allocated under the American Rescue Plan. The funding was specifically set aside to rehabilitate hotels for use as shelter and housing.

An alternative to congregate shelter, The Lantern will be a place for individuals and families without children to move one step closer to acquiring permanent housing.

Residents of The Lantern will have access to resources to connect them with lasting homes, addiction treatment resources and employment help.

During their Aug. 1 meeting, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted to give $10,000 to Flagstaff Shelter Services to help get The Lantern operational.

Right now, the building is undergoing asbestos abatement and renovations. The facility is being painted. Kitchenettes will be added to former hotel rooms. Railings are being replaced.

We want this to be a safe, healthy place for people to be, Schaefer said. Were shooting for an October opening.

Once open, Schaefer said, she hopes to have a number of rooms carved out for individuals who might need specific services or have specific needs.

The Pathways partnership will represent one of those opportunities.

Potentially folks that are part of the Pathways Program could potentially use the room, use the space, and connect with Guidance Center services in the transition between Pathways and permanent housing," Schaefer said. "We want to have 5-10 rooms for folks that are needing a little bit more of a connection point to something. If they go directly to the shelter, they can sometimes lose some of the momentum theyve gained through Pathways."

CCHHS also recently received funding from the state to operate in the realm of hotel-centered solutions for offering people a bridge out of homelessness.

The Board of Supervisors on Aug. 1 approved a funding agreement between the Arizona Department of Housing and CCHHS to provide hotel vouchers to people experiencing homelessness in the county.

Organizations such as Catholic Charities have offered hotel vouchers in the past, Axlund said, but this will be the first time the county will run a voucher program that isnt directly linked to an emergency like wildfires and floods.

The process of applying for the funding was a whirlwind, Axlund said, but CCHHS was awarded grant funding in the amount of $133,047.

Three days before the grant application was due, CCHHS rallied to apply for funding for local people in need.

They were going to pass out approximately $20 million statewide with a real basic priority for individuals that were impacted by the closure of the sober living and residential places that happened down in the Phoenix area. I believe there were over 200 that were closed overnight, so individuals were stranded. Then there was the expiration of the Public Health Act, Title 42, that pertained to the Arizona-Mexico border, Axlund said. We have a great team here. We pulled together, we got it. Then 10 days later we got a little over $130,000 that is going to make a big difference in our community.

Axlund said at least some of the money will go to hotel vouchers to shelter people immediately, but before any of the money is spent, CCHHS is meeting with nonprofit partners and city leadership to identify where the funding is most needed and how it can best be dispensed.

The grant award affords some flexibility so the county can address any influx of people in need immediately.

It buys us a little bit of time to get needs met in a very strategic way, and not just saying, 'Oh, well check in with you tomorrow' while theyre living out of a car. Thats just not the best scenario for anyone. The other one is being able to provide those wraparound services, so maybe they need a hygiene kit, maybe they need some clothing and food, Axlund said. Just being able to address any of the immediate issues that an individual may be having. It could be getting them a bus ticket, so they can get around once theyve found a place. Its very wide open, which is great. It allows us to really meet each clients unique needs.

The City of Flagstaff also received funding from the state to address the emergent needs of people experiencing homelessness in the area, so, according to CCHHS Director Kim Musselman, the county will collaborate with the City of Flagstaff on the grants use. CCHHS is more likely to dispense the services this grant will pay for outside of Flagstaff proper.
Raymond's shares were trading in the green in early trading on October 30th, as the company's subsidiary secured a contract in Mahim, Mumbai. As of 9:31 am, Raymond was trading at Rs 1,750.00, up Rs 6.20, or 0.36 percent on the BSE. 'Ten X Realty Limited', a wholly-owned subsidiary of Raymond, has been selected as the Preferred Developer for the redevelopment of Kumari Jethi T Sipahimalani CHS Ltd. (also known as Navjivan Society) located in Mahim West, as stated in the company's press release. The project, which is spread across 3.6 acres, is estimated to generate revenue in excess of Rs 1,700 crores over the project period. The company will pursue this project post internal and external approvals, as required. This is in line with the company's growth plans for Real Estate development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, and follows its first project outside Thane in Bandra East, where the company recently began construction. Catch all market action in our live blog The company's board of directors has scheduled a meeting on November 8, 2023 to review and approve the unaudited financial results for the second quarter and half-year ended September 30, 2023. On September 5, 2023, the share price of the company reached a 52-week high of Rs 2,240 and on October 27, 2022, it reached a 52-week low of Rs 1,072. Currently, the stock is trading at 21.92% below its 52-week high and 63.15% above its 52-week low.

USER CONSENT

We at Moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist with navigation and your ability to provide feedback, analyse your use of our products and services, assist with our promotional and marketing efforts, and provide content from third parties. Your use of Moneycontrol is subject to your agreement with the following conditions:

*We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies and cookies from third parties which may be used for personalisation and determining your location. By clicking on Continue, you accept the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our Cookie Policy

*I agree to the updated privacy terms and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age.

*I agree to the processing of my personal information for personalized recommendations, personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites.

I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS. (Optional).

Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue.

I Accept
At its first in-person meeting since the start of the pandemic, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors appointed a new chair and vice chair Tuesday.

After two speedy nominations and two unanimous votes, District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez was elected chair and District 4 Supervisor Judy Begay was voted in as vice chair.

Vasquez attended Coconino High School and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a degree in botany studies and a master's degree in social cultural anthropology. He played a key role in launching the Market of Dreams in District 2. Vasquez also worked at Killip Elementary School for over a decade, facilitating after-school programs and helping to shepherd in grant funding for STEM programming.

For the last 18 months, hes served as vice chair of the board under District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman.

District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan spoke up after Vasquezs appointment to reflect on Horstmans leadership through the COVID-19 pandemic and major wildfires and flooding in the county.

Id like to take a moment to just thank Patrice. She stepped in and got us through a lot of emergencies, a lot of federal funding and just really did a great job with advocacy. Advocacy at the legislative level was just really fantastic, Ryan said.

I would also like to thank Patrice for your mentorship. As your vice chair I appreciate all your help and guidance. I look forward to leading the charge and using all the information and experience you have offered me, Vasquez said Tuesday morning before opening the floor for new vice chair nominations.

Begay was the only nominee for the position and was selected unanimously by the board to serve as vice chair.

Begay has worked in school administration, facilities management, roads and infrastructure and public housing. Shes also served on the board of a number of nonprofit organizations, and the public school board in Tuba City for 16 years  experience she cited in the moments after she was named vice chair.

As District 4 supervisor, she oversees Doney Park, Sunset Crater, Winona, Country Club and portions of the Navajo Nation.

I just want to say thank you to my colleagues for having so much faith in me to take on this responsibility. Its an honor to do so. I will do my best. Basically, this is something that Ive done before. I will do everything I can do to help the chair and other colleagues here, too, Begay said.

In her opening remarks at Tuesdays meeting, Horstman said, Its been an honor to serve as chair, but I am looking forward to passing the gavel.

And pass the gavel she did  in person.

Leadership of the board is not all thats new this week. Tuesday mornings meeting took place in the Board of Supervisors Chambers on Cherry Avenue for the first time since COVID-19 lockdowns.

While public business, including board meetings, moved to Zoom, the chamber underwent a number of minor renovations.

The dais at the front of the semicircle-shaped room was modified to only seat the Board of Supervisors in the front. Additional places for the county manager and county attorney were carved out and set up at near the front.

The desk, behind which each supervisor sat Tuesday morning, was finished with native wood panels  harvested, according to County Manager Steve Peru, in Coconino County.

The most obvious addition to the room was also arguably the most impactful: updated monitors and brand-new microphones signaled an overall audiovisual equipment update for the county seat of government.

Two large monitors were mounted above the supervisors' seats Tuesday morning, allowing audience members in the horseshoe gallerys red upholstered chairs to see the expressions on the faces of public speakers. For those not attending in person, including District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, the audiovisual equipment was designed to provide a better experience.

Hybrid meetings, Peru said, will be the new normal for the board moving forward.

We are now hybrid. That provides the opportunity for us to be here today to do the peoples business, but it also provides the opportunity for the public regardless of where theyre at in the county -- or the world for that matter -- to connect to the proceedings of the board. Thats important, Peru said.

He said the option to tune in remotely would help county staff members retain a level of productivity that was discovered during the fully online days of the last few years.

You will not always see county departments represented here in person. Those departments will be joining remotely. Thats the best use of their time. To be able to be at their places doing the work ... and not have to travel down, Peru said.

Remote participation from people in more remote parts of the second-largest county in the country will also be encouraged by the hybrid model, he said.

The fact that our county is so large and oftentimes we have the business of the county and remote areas being done here in Flagstaff. Its not very friendly from the standpoint of being able to be connected to the body here. The hybrid approach provides the opportunity for us to stay connected, Peru said.

During the days of fully remote board meetings, technical difficulties abounded. Occasionally, supervisors or the county manager might hear their voices altered by audio filters on Zoom. They might also experience delays in connectivity, making the voting process clunky and full of skips in timing.

On Tuesday, technical glitches werent absent from the meeting. Feedback from microphones roared when Supervisor Ryan offered remarks, or interrupted Perus words of welcome in a low mechanical hum.

Those technological wrinkles, Peru said, will be ironed out in time. Overall, he said he considers the space a triumph of the County Facilities Department.

A lot of weekend work went into this place, he said. Its all yours. Well continue to work out the bugs. The important part is, were all together in the same room again.
Main Street Beatrice will begin searching for a new leader following an announcement that the organizations executive director is leaving the position.

Michael Sothan is leaving his role at Main Street Beatrice, where hes been for 10 years, after accepting a new position with History Nebraska. Main Street Beatrice is an organization that works to enhance and promote the downtown district.

"My time with Main Street Beatrice has been amazing, Sothan said in a statement.  I have a deep passion for this community and the work of Main Street Beatrice. The recent success of this downtown has been inspiring, we have seen a net gain of more than 30 businesses and have seen many improvements to downtown totaling more than $13 million invested in the last five years. Positive change is happening.

It's the people I will miss the most, they make this community great and have been the ones who have made progress happen There are challenges before us and mixed opinions on how to solve some of our issues. I feel Beatrice can accomplish a lot, it is already doing so.

The Main Street Beatrice Board is beginning the process of hiring a new executive director.

"We will miss Michael's leadership as well as his passion for Beatrice and the downtown," said Jacob May, President of Main Street Beatrice Board of Directors. Michael has served as the executive director for the last 10 years and has worked relentlessly during his tenure. Without Michael's dedication and leadership, Main Street Beatrice would not have been the success that it is today. He is our longest-serving executive director and has been instrumental in the growth over that period of time. He is leaving a positive impact not only on the Main Street organization but also on our community.

With a team of two, the executive director organizes a variety of tasks ranging from fundraising to community engagement Over the next month, Main Street Beatrice will review and select a candidate to lead the organization.

Sothan will stay on through the end of September to assist Main Street Beatrice and help ensure a smooth transition.
Officials have identified the Billings man whose body was found earlier this month near Interstate 90.

Investigators have yet to announce a cause of death for 44-year-old Luis Torres, Yellowstone County Deputy Coroner Rich Hoffman said, as they are still awaiting a toxicology report from the Montana State Crime Lab.

On August 13, the Gazette previously reported, the Yellowstone County Sheriffs Office responded to a report of a body lying in the grass near King Avenue East and City Center Circle. Members of YCSO and Montana Highway Patrol contributed to the subsequent investigation.

The toxicology report could take several months to complete, Hoffman said. A few days after Lewiss body was found, Sheriff Mike Linder said detectives did not see any immediate evidence of foul play.
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.

Swope's 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 Swope's 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 Swope's 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 Swope's 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 Swope's 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.

Swope's 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 Swope's 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.
A Forsyth woman accused of defrauding customers through her business, Rosebud County Insurance Inc., by spending client payments on personal expenses admitted fraud charges today, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.

Kileen Moria Hagadone, 57, pleaded guilty to wire fraud and to aggravated identity theft. Hagadone faces a maximum of 20 years in prison, $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release on the wire fraud crime and a mandatory minimum of two years in prison, consecutive to any other punishment, a $250,000 fine and one year of supervised release on the aggravated identity theft crime.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date will be set before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Hagadone was released pending further proceedings.

The government alleges Hagadone owned and operated Rosebud County Insurance Inc., an insurance brokerage business that acted as an intermediary between customers and national insurance companies. Hagadone was supposed to help negotiate insurance contracts for her customers and then receive and transmit payments from the customers to the companies for the negotiated policies. Hagadone received these payments from customers but failed to send the funds to the insurance companies. Instead, Hagadone misappropriated the money for personal expenses. The scheme ran from about 2020 until April 2023.

The government further alleged that one of the victims was the Chief Dull Knife College of Lame Deer, which engaged Hagadone to find an insurance policy for the college. Hagadone did so, and the negotiated premium for the policy in November 2021 was $91,883. The college paid Hagadone the full amount at that time. Instead of sending the premium to the insurance company, Hagadone fraudulently contracted to finance the colleges insurance premium with a premium financing company and forged the signature of a college representative on the contract.

The agreement enabled Hagadone to keep most of the payment without immediately cancelling the insurance policy. Eventually, Hagadone embezzled too much money from her business trust account and could not pay the financing payments she fraudulently created. As a result, by April 2022, the colleges insurance had been terminated. Hagadone concealed this from the college and falsely represented that the college was insured when it was not.

In addition, the government alleged that in November 2022, Hagadone falsely told the college that the insurance policy needed to be renewed, even though it had been cancelled and did not exist. Hagadone then created a false insurance contract for a policy that did not exist and induced the college to pay $98,893 for the fictitious policy. Hagadone embezzled the entire payment, and the college was uninsured from April 2022 until April 2023. Hagadone cheated other customers in a similar way, although the amounts paid were typically smaller.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich is prosecuting the case. The Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, FBI and Rosebud County Sheriffs Office conducted the investigation.
Our Distinctive Mission

On May 26, 1995, Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan signed into law House Bill No. 442, which directed that Missouri Southern shall develop such academic support programs and public service activities it deems necessary and appropriate to establish international or global education as a distinctive theme of its mission. That legislation was enacted as part of Missouris Blueprint for Higher Education, adopted by the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

The faculty and administration of Missouri Southern developed over the next year the outline of a comprehensive plan of international education. Included was the establishment of the Institute of International Studies, charged with overseeing the internationalizing of the campus.

Internationalizing the Curriculum

The most distinctive aspect of Missouri Southerns effort to internationalize the curriculum, and the one with the most tangible effect throughout the campus community, has been the designation of themed semesters. Each fall, a particular country or region of the world is selected to become the focus of intensive study. For the Fall 2023 semester, we are focusing on Ireland. Small but mighty economically, the country holds a special fascination for Americans  almost 10 percent of the population claims some Irish heritage. Missouri Southern was one of 13 U.S. colleges and universities included in Internationalizing the Campus 2004: Profiles of Success at Colleges and Universities , a major report published by NAFSA: Association of International Educators, for its themed semesters. The report showcases U.S. colleges and universities that are making innovative, wide-ranging efforts to integrate global approaches to teaching into campus learning.

Study Abroad Programs

Study abroad programs also provide Missouri Southern students with additional opportunities to gain an understanding of other cultures and international issues. In 2023, students traveled to Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Belize under faculty supervision. Individually, students can spend an entire semester in such countries as Austria, China, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Morocco or the United Kingdom through the International Student Exchange Program or Missouri Southerns bilateral agreements with universities around the world.

National Recognition

Missouri Southern has received national recognition for its international mission, including the Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Faculty Development to Enhance Undergraduate Teaching and Learning and a NAFSA Internationalizing the Campus award. The American Council on Education selected Missouri Southern as one of eight institutions from 57 applicants for an assessment project called Promising Practices: Institutional Models of Comprehensive Internationalization. And Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning published an article about the effects of Missouri Southerns study abroad program in its May/June 2002 issue.

Senate Bill 55, which changed Missouri Southern State Colleges name to Missouri Southern State University-Joplin, also designated Missouri Southern as a statewide institution of international or global education. The bill was signed by Governor Bob Holden on July 12, 2003.
600 Hour Certified Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy

In order to begin the process of attending the Law Enforcement Academy, applicants need to register for a Law Enforcement Academy informational orientation.

Applicants must be at least 20 years of age to begin the Academy, and must be 21 years of age at the time certification is issued. Applicants must be a United States citizen, have a high school diploma or its equivalent, and have proof of medical insurance. Applicants who have a criminal history must receive Missouri POST (Peace Officer Standards & Training) clearance before attending the Academy.

Application Process

Please contact the LE Academy Director to schedule an appointment or make arrangements to go over the application material.

Application Due Date: Spring 2024 semester due date is no later than December 15, 2023.

To register or ask questions pertaining to the MSSU Law Enforcement Academy:

Contact the Law Enforcement Academy Director, Chad Adams via email at adams-c@mssu.edu or call 417-625-9519.

Printable Academy Flyer

Missouri Peace Officer Certification and Licensing Examination

The Missouri Southern State University Law Enforcement Academy is certified by the Missouri Department of Public Safety to provide a basic law enforcement academy in Missouri. The Academy provides students with the training required to become eligible to be licensed peace officers in the State of Missouri.

Upon completion of the Law Enforcement Academy applicants that meet Missouri POST certification requirements will be eligible to take the Missouri Peace Officer Certification and Licensing Examination. The certification and licensing examination is a 200-point objective examination administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety the last week of the Law Enforcement Academy. For further information regarding the Missouri Peace Officer Certification and Licensing Examination you may visit the Department of Public Safety website at www.dps.mo.gov/dir/programs/post/.

Students who successfully complete the 600-Hour Certified Law Enforcement Academy at Missouri Southern State University, pass the Missouri Peace Officer Certification and Licensing Examination, and meet certification requirements for a Peace Officer in Missouri receive a Class A License as a Peace Officer in Missouri. A Peace Officer License does not empower you with the authority to arrest or enforce any of the laws of the State of Missouri. This will only occur after you have been employed by a law enforcement agency and commissioned by that agency. A Class A License is valid for a period of five years. If a person is not employed as a Peace Officer within five years of receiving their licenses it expires.

600-Hour Certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy Schedule

Day classes start both in Spring and Fall of each year. Day classes are scheduled to meet 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday with an occasional Saturday class.

Night classes start only in the Fall of each year, and graduate the following May. Night classes are scheduled to meet from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. (occasionally

11:00 P.M.), Monday through Thursday evenings. Night classes will meet about nine (9) Saturdays throughout the two semesters (all times are subject to change).

Cost

Tuition: 26 hours @ $280 hour (MO resident) $560 (Non-resident)

*Lion Pride Tuition Discount offers in-state tuition rates to Arkansas, Kansas,

Oklahoma, Illinois, Iowa, Tennessee, Kentucky, Nebraska, and all counties in Texas.



Estimated In-State Tuition = $7,280, Estimated Total Cost = $8,700.00



Total cost includes $1,325 Lab Fee + $125 (Health Center, Admissions, Misc.)





Estimated Out-Of-State Tuition = $14,560, Estimated Total Cost = $16,010



Total cost includes $1,325 Lab Fee + $125 Fees (Health Center, Admissions, Misc.)





Additional Requirements:



Personal Medical Insurance is MANDATED to attend the Academy.

Physical: Can be done through your own regular physician @ their fee or through MSSUs Health Center for $25.00. Please be sure to bring the physicians release form given in the packet.

Fingerprint Check:



MACHS (www.machs.mo.gov) Reason for request code: 5984 $41.75

**All costs subject to change**

What You'll Learn

Students will have competent knowledge of police officer practices.

Students will understand domestic violence issues.

Students will write clearly.

600 Hour Academy Curriculum

Legal Studies Constitutional Law

Missouri Statutory Law

Traffic Law Technical Studies Patrol

Jail Population Management

Traffic Accident and Law Enforcement

Criminal Investigation

Report Writing

Juvenile Justice and Procedures

First Aid (First Responder)
Mission

The Computer Information Science (CIS) department provides opportunities for a broad undergraduate education in the many aspects of computer hardware and software. The program offers courses of instruction that develop a thorough understanding of current methods used in the design and implementation of computer based solutions.

Why Computer Information Science?

Do you enjoy working with technology? Do you have a talent for solving problems? If so, Computer Information Science (CIS) could be the right degree choice for you. A degree in CIS can prepare you for graduate school or for entry-level positions such as systems programmer, systems analyst, applications programmer, database administrator, bioinformatics specialist, computer forensics analyst, user support specialist, network administrator or website administrator.

About C.I.S.

High salaries & job placement rates

Missouri Southern CIS graduates boast one of the highest averages in starting salaries when compared to other majors. Job placement rates are also high. Many Missouri Southern CIS graduates hold positions as middle and upper-level managers in various organizations and several have earned graduate degrees.

Fundamental Values:

Pursuant to the department's educational mission, the faculty:

Maintains the currency of the curriculum through ongoing research and consultation with industry representatives.

Engages in professional development that allows its members to remain current in their fields and to provide technological leadership to the university community.

Is committed to the success of its students, both during and after college.

Program Goals:

The Computer Information Science program will produce graduates who:
2023 Schedule Books

The Schedule of Classes sections provides all the information you need to enroll in regular University courses or Distance and Distance Learning courses for Fall, Spring, Intersession and Summer semesters.

To see which classes are open, refer to the open class list here.

To view the final examination schedule see the chart here.

Summer 2023

Summer 2023 Schedule

Fall 2023

Fall 2023 Schedule

Spring 2024

Spring 2024 Schedule

Missouri Southern joined the statewide 15 to Finish initiative, which encourages full-time college students to complete 15 or more credit hours per fall/spring semester to stay on track to completing their bachelors degree in four years.

Contact The Department

Brenda Beasley

Academic Affairs Project Manager / VP Office Academic Affairs

Beasley-b@mssu.edu

417-625-9591
We're all Lions here  you can be one, too

Being a Lion means having a family--a Pride--to call on for academic, career and personal support. It doesn't mean fitting into a rigid standard or compromising your culture, identity or beliefs to fit into a box.

Lions come from all over the world from an endless variety of backgrounds and bring to our collective university environment a wealth of knowledge, experience and diversity.

What connects us all is a thirst for knowledge, a drive for success as citizens of the world, and a passionate sense of belonging as a Lion.

Join the Pride and start your academic exploration today.

Admissions
REED POINT  Two months after a railroad bridge collapse sent carloads of hazardous oil products plunging into Montana's Yellowstone River, the cleanup workers are gone and a mess remains.

Thick mats of tarry petroleum asphalt cover portions of sandbars. Oil-speckled rocks and bushes line the shore along with chunks of yellow sulfur, a component of crude. In the middle of the river downstream of the bridge, a tangle of steel juts out of the water from a ruptured railroad tank car.

The railroad, Montana Rail Link, in conjunction with federal and state officials last week halted most cleanup work and stopped actively looking for more contaminated sites. They said falling river levels that have been exposing more pollution also make it harder to safely operate the large power boats used by cleanup crews.

Almost half of the estimated 48,000 gallons of molten petroleum asphalt that spilled has not been recovered, officials said. That includes 450 sites with asphalt in quantities considered too small or too difficult for efficient removal, according to data provided to The Associated Press.

The spill extends more than 125 miles (200 kilometers) along a stretch of river popular among anglers and recreationists and relied upon by farmers to irrigate crops. Yellowstone National Park is upstream and was not impacted.

The scope of remaining pollution was evident this week when viewed by boat downstream of the collapsed bridge, which has since been repaired. Asphalt could be seen on every river island visited, ranging from globs stuck on riverside vegetation and rocks, to thick mats of tar oozing across sandbars as summer temperatures heat it into a viscous liquid.

"What we've seen out there tells us that there should be a second phase of cleanup. They need to come back and they need to do a better job," said Wendy Weaver, executive director of Montana Freshwater Partners. The nonprofit group focused on water protection has received reports of tar balls and other asphalt at more than 40 sites cleanup workers already passed through.

Elevated levels of a toxic component of oil known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, have been detected in mountain whitefish downstream of the spill site, prompting an advisory against eating any caught along a 41-mile (66-kilometer) stretch of the Yellowstone. The contamination has not been conclusively linked to the derailment but the asphalt that was spilled contained PAHs, according to documents submitted to federal officials.

Test results on other fish species are pending, said Chrissy Webb with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks.

Downstream intakes for drinking water and irrigation were temporarily shut down after the spill and have since reopened with no impacts reported.

Asphalt is not as volatile as other oil products such as gasoline or diesel. It emits chemicals toxic to humans and the environment at a slower rate, but also breaks down slowly and can have a more lasting impact, said University of Houston petroleum chemist Ramanan Krishnamoorti.

Asphalt in the water could be especially problematic, he said. It won't readily set or harden as it typically does, such as when used in road construction or as roofing material.

"It can be toxic, especially once you let it sit in the environment without it getting really set," Krishnamoorti said. "It could also get ingested by fish in the water and that could be a massive challenge, because it's essentially not digestible by most living things so it can sit in the body."

Federal and state officials cautioned in the days after the derailment that much of the spill would not be recovered and a too-aggressive cleanup risked further harm to the environment. Cleanup crews collected asphalt at 377 sites  along with more than 20 tons of rocks, sand and vegetation that stuck to the asphalt as it began to harden, according to data provided by federal officials.

Montana Rail Link spokesperson Andy Garland said the company was committed to addressing the derailment's impacts, and decided in coordination with state and federal officials that "a different approach" was needed. He said a local task force will continue responding to reports about asphalt.

To merit removal the asphalt must cover an area greater than 20 inches (50 centimeters) wide when found in pebbles or rocks, or greater than 6 inches (15 centimeters) in sand.

As recently as Aug. 3, officials anticipated the cleanup work continuing "via boat and land" into fall, according to a planning document approved by the government and railroad. Less than two weeks later, with work slowing as the water dropped, officials said they passed a threshold triggering a wind-down of the cleanup. That threshold was three or fewer sites with contamination deemed extensive enough for removal, over any 10-mile (16-kilometer) stretch of the river.

Crews working downstream reached that point near Custer, Montana, about 136 miles (219 kilometers) from the bridge collapse.

Six tank cars filled with asphalt went in the river during the June 24 derailment along with three cars filled with molten sulfur. Railroad representatives and government officials have declined to say how much sulfur  which is also a petroleum product  was released or how much was cleaned up.

Sulfur can produce hazardous vapors at high temperatures, but is not considered a threat once it cools and hardens, Krishnamoorti said.

The derailment marked the third large petroleum spill into the Yellowstone in recent years, following ruptures of crude oil pipelines that crossed beneath the river in 2011 near Laurel, Montana, and in 2015 near Glendive. A small fraction of oil from those spills was recovered.

The cause of the June bridge collapse remains under investigation. It happened following torrential rainfall and at a time when the river was swollen with melting mountain snow.

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte's press secretary, Kaitlin Price, declined to say whether the Republican was satisfied with the cleanup. She said his priority was protecting public health and the river.

A follow-up search for asphalt is planned next year and officials said shifting sandbars could reveal more that can be removed. Weaver worries next year's spring surge of snowmelt could wash the remaining asphalt further downstream or bury it.

"I feel like they're trying to sweep this under the rug," she said.
Financial Aid for Study Abroad

Federal funds may be available to students that study abroad in exchange programs such as ISEP (International Student Exchange Program). Students who attend a certified foreign school may also be eligible for funding. In order to use financial aid, the courses that you take abroad must advance your degree (show up on your degree works audit), and you must be enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student (12 undergraduate hours or 9 graduate hours for a semester.) Please note that if you do not pass all of your credits abroad, you may be placed on financial aid warning status. It is important to note that financial aid will disburse the third week of fall/spring classes at MSSU, which could be different than your enrollment in classes abroad. Additional information regarding Missouri Southern's Study Abroad program may be acquired from the Director of the Institute of International Studies.

Gainful Employment

On Monday July 1, 2019 the Department of Education announced the recension of all gainful employment regulations, as published in final rules, and authorized early implementation, at schools discretion. Although the rules are effective July 1, 2020, if the institution decides to implement the rescission early, and documents that decision, it no longer has to comply with the GE program regulations under 34 CFR 668, Subpart Q and Subpart R as of the date the institution makes that decision. MSSU has decided to comply with the early implementation guidelines and, as of July 1, 2019, will no longer be reporting on gainful employment.

MSSU will provide a paper copy of the information upon request. This webpage is maintained by the Financial Aid Office. If you have any questions concerning our webpage, please contact us at 417-625-9325 .
Aid Eligibility

Graduate students are eligible for the following aid:

Direct Stafford Unsubsidized Loans

Direct Stafford Unsubsidized loans are awarded to graduate students regardless of need. Interest comes due within 60 days after receiving the loan, however, interest may be deferred until the student leaves school. These loan amounts will vary depending upon how much aid the student is already receiving . See the table below for more information:

Graduate/Professional Student

Loan Range (per academic year) up to $20,500

*aggregate total of $138,500 (includes undergraduate loans)

Graduate PLUS Loan Program

Federal Direct PLUS Loan Program offers loans to graduate students directly from the Federal Government. These variable-rate, low-interest, long-term loans are unsubsidized. Interest becomes due 60 days after the graduate student receives the loans. The interest can be deferred until the student leaves school. Applicants must complete the electronic Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Loan amounts may vary depending on the cost of education and other financial aid the student receives. For more information consult the Federal Student Aid Resources on the Department of Education Web Site or contact the Financial Aid Office at Missouri Southern.
Mission Statement

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a law passed in 1972 that requires gender equity in educational programs that receive federal funding, stating:

 No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.

It is the mission of Missouri Southern State University to comply with the mandates of Title IX. Missouri Southern State University is committed to maintaining an environment of equal opportunity in all areas of university life.
Welcome and thank you for visiting the web site for the University Police Department of Missouri Southern State University. It is our hope that by providing information regarding the services provided by this department the students, faculty/staff, parents and visitors will have a more positive experience.

To assist in our effort to enhance communication, MSSU has contracted with the Joplin Police Department (JPD) to provide dispatching services for the University Police Department.

For situations that are not an emergency, but still require a police officer to investigate (thefts, non-injury traffic accidents, assaults, etc.) please call 417-623-3131 (JPD Communications) and they will direct a UPD officer to the incident location.

For service calls, please continue to call 417-626-2222. Those calls would include vehicle unlocks and jump starts, building access, parking issues, lost items, safety and training programs, information, etc.

If you should have questions regarding this change or would like additional information, please call James Swift, MSSU Police chief, at 417-625-9741.

If you would like to give the University Police Department a tip about a crime on Southern's campus you can send the information to UPD@mssu.edu

Vision Statement

The Missouri Southern State University Police Department is dedicated to creating and maintaining a safe and secure environment. Our mission is to provide the highest level of protection and service to students, visitors, faculty, staff, and volunteers.

We believe everyone has the right to feel safe and free from harm. We are committed to protecting individuals from harm and the reasonable fear of harm. We strive to maintain an equitable level of order, control, and safety in all university buildings and campus grounds.

We recognize the value of personal and university property and are committed to protecting it from theft, misuse, and vandalism.

We are committed to conveying an image of professionalism in all our interactions and serving in a way that is conducive to excellent university and community relations.

Enforcing Missouri Southern State University guidelines and regulations is critical to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment. We pledge to uphold these guidelines and regulations with integrity and fairness and to treat all members of our community with respect and dignity.

We are proud to serve Missouri Southern State University and are committed to working collaboratively with all members of our community to achieve our mission.

Related sites

For information on registers sex offenders in Missouri, safety and security please see the following related sites:
A Williston man now imprisoned for attempted murder in a gang-related shooting in Bismarck two years ago has pleaded guilty to committing sex crimes while at the Burleigh Morton Detention Center awaiting trial.

Jonathan Sanchez in February had pleaded not guilty to making video calls and sending texts of a sexual nature to a teenage girl while he was in custody. Earlier this month he changed his pleas to guilty on three felony counts of promoting or directing an obscene sexual performance by a minor.

Defense attorney Steven Balaban did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment.

South Central District Judge Bobbi Weiler ordered a presentence investigation. Sanchez is to be sentenced Dec. 6. Each of the three charges carries a possible 20-year prison sentence.

Sanchez during calls made from jail in August 2022 directed a girl under the age of 18 to remove her clothes and perform sexual acts, according to a Burleigh County Sheriffs Department affidavit. The girl complied, and Sanchez at one point asked another inmate to observe the acts, the document states.

Authorities said Sanchez sent 1,000 texts of a sexual nature to the girl, and made lengthy video calls to her on two occasions.

Detention center inmates not on disciplinary measures are able to make phone calls, and send texts and make video calls on devices monitored by center officials, according to Sheriff Kelly Leben. Inmates pay a fee to offset the costs. Calls are monitored and also reviewed later for any violations.

Sanchez was arrested in Oklahoma in May 2022 on charges related to a November 2021 shooting in Bismarcks Keelboat Park. Authorities said he was among people who fired multiple shots at a car in retaliation against a man who wanted to get out of a gang. No one was injured.

Sanchez pleaded guilty in October 2022 to attempted murder, terrorizing and reckless endangerment. The then-19-year-old was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He's serving his time at the State Penitentiary in Bismarck, according to North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation records.
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.
CNMI Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and the chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources, U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman, R-Ar., pose for a photo prior to a field hearing conducted by the committee on Guam, Thursday, Aug. 23. The hearing examined the importance of the U.S. territories and the Freely Associated States to the United States ability to counter the Peoples Republic of Chinas malign influence and maintain the United States strategic interests in the region.
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.
Zaldy Dandan is a recipient of the Best Editorial Writer Award of the Society of Professional Journalists, and the CNMI Humanities Award for Outstanding Contributions to Journalism. His four books are available on amazon.com/.
A number of North Dakota business groups on Wednesday met to discuss avenues to speed up infrastructure projects that require federal approvals.

Representatives from the national, state and Grand Forks/East Grand Forks chambers of commerce gathered via teleconference along with Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, and Russ Hanson, executive vice president of Associated General Contractors of North Dakota, to discuss their support for the U.S. Chambers Permit America to Build campaign.

Permitting reform is likely to be a widely discussed topic as Congress returns. The bills that push the policy could impact North Dakotas industries and environment, according to business and environmental groups.

If there is federal dollars in it in construction then the federal rules and guidelines apply, and as a state that is very heavily dependent on a strong federal highway program, it impacts a very large number of projects, Hanson said.

Advocates for permitting reform secured a win during negotiations over the U.S. debt ceiling in June in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. The legislation includes a section that places some limits on the length and scope of reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act.

Industry groups say they want Congress to go further. Among the policies being pushed are efforts to lessen the time frame a party has to challenge a project under NEPA. There also are discussions on limiting the ability to use the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act and Endangered Species Act to block a project, according to Christopher Guith, senior vice president for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Global Energy Institute.

There should still be an ability to bring a challenge, but it needs to be much more timely, something like six months as opposed to six years, he said.

Ness said the national chamber's campaign could make it easier for the states oil and gas companies to access certain minerals that he said are being blocked by small plots of federal land. There is a checkerboard nature of land and mineral ownership in western North Dakota, where parcels of federal, state and private property are intermingled.

Ultimately America is going to block up to 58 million barrels of oil that would be produced in North Dakotas Bakken if we cannot get these leases approved and moving forward, Ness said.

He added his support to the chamber's push for removing the social costs of greenhouse gases from the federal Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act as well.

Some environmental groups favor permitting reform in the name of speeding up deployment of renewable energy, but many remain skeptical of the policy's ability to achieve their broader goals.

Scott Strand, senior attorney at the Environmental Law and Policy Center, said most NEPA lawsuits to block a permit are filed in a timely manner.

If youre an environmental group like us and you wait five years to sue somebody, then the projects going to get built, it will be too late, he said.

Scott Skokos, executive director of the Dakota Resource Council, said weakening NEPA protections would do more harm than good, even for energy projects his organization supports.

I wouldnt want to force a bunch of rural communities to have wind farms and solar panels if theres no real process for them to have input into those projects where those are being sited, he said. The way that we get decisions made, it might take a little bit longer but people are not going to be as hostile to that stuff if the decisions are made in a way where everyone has input.

Permitting reform has long been a policy priority of U.S. industry groups. Advocates for the policy cite the often yearslong legal, regulatory and environmental review process that many projects are required to undergo if any federal approval is needed.

The Laborers International Union of North America, Minnesota and North Dakota supports permitting reform to the extent that the policy makes it more difficult to tie up projects in court, but the group does not support lowering environmental standards, according to Marketing Manager Kevin Pranis.

The people who hate pipelines want every opportunity to stop a pipeline, but then they would like there to be transmission for clean energy and its the same problem, he told the Tribune. "If you want to have nice things you have to make it possible to build them.

Pranis added that he believes speeding up the permitting process would be beneficial to his unions members by creating more employment and reducing many of the legal costs projects have to incur.

Strand said he believes discussions concerning speeding up siting procedures are legitimate, but that the issue would be better addressed through increased federal staffing. He worries permitting reform could be used to weaken environmental protections.

Strand believes large projects should take longer to permit due to their potentially widespread impacts.

I dont know if theres really a way to make (large projects) go a lot faster unless were going to start eliminating the fundamental requirements about clean air and clean water, he said.
Mariposa, CA An endeavor spanning several counties in California is set to streamline the process for homeowners interested in constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties. The Mother Lode ADU initiative, a partnership between Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa, and Nevada Counties, has been launched to provide comprehensive assistance to residents in the region looking to build ADUs. The official launch of the website, www.motherlodeadu.org, is scheduled for August 30, serving as a centralized resource hub.

The forthcoming Mother Lode ADU website will guide users through the intricacies of ADU construction and offer a suite of user-friendly tools, including:

ADU Guidebook: A downloadable, county-specific guide with step-by-step instructions.

A downloadable, county-specific guide with step-by-step instructions. Floorplans: Inspiring examples, including prefabricated ADUs.

Inspiring examples, including prefabricated ADUs. ADU Plans Gallery: Allowing users to compare existing plans for design inspiration.

Allowing users to compare existing plans for design inspiration. ADU Calculator: Providing initial cost estimates, fees, and potential rents.

Providing initial cost estimates, fees, and potential rents. Can I Build Tool: Offering insights into allowable property constructions.

Offering insights into allowable property constructions. Process At-a-Glance: Summarizing the permit and building processes for each county.

Summarizing the permit and building processes for each county. County ADU Rules: Informing users about specific county regulations before project initiation.

Informing users about specific county regulations before project initiation. ADU Development Checklist: Assisting users in preparing for the application process.

As part of this initiative, homeowners are invited to attend the Mariposa County Fair. Representatives from Mother Lode, local builders, mortgage brokers, and board of supervisors members will be available to address queries. The information booth will be located in Building A of the fairgrounds on Saturday, September 2, and Sunday, September 3, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Interested individuals will also have the opportunity to explore the planning tools provided by the initiative.
A few months back, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the key details for its Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, a $42.5 billion initiative to expand broadband access and adoption in unserved and underserved areas across the United States.

The BEAD Program is designed as a block-grant program, which means that states, the District of Columbia, and territories will receive funding based on the number of unserved households in their jurisdictions. The funds can be used to support a variety of activities, including:

Building new broadband infrastructure

Expanding access to existing broadband networks

Providing affordability assistance to low-income households

Promoting digital literacy and skills training

Allocation of BEAD Funds

The NTIA has released a formula for allocating BEAD funds to states. The formula takes into account the number of unserved households in each state, as well as the states median income. States with the highest number of unserved households and the lowest median incomes will receive the most funding.

Broadband Speed Standards

All projects funded by BEAD must ensure a minimum broadband speed of 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload. This is in line with the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) definition of broadband.

Emphasis on Digital Equity

A significant highlight of the BEAD program is its stress on digital equity. This means that the program is designed to ensure that all Americans, regardless of their income, race, or location, have access to affordable, reliable broadband.

To achieve this goal, the BEAD Program requires states to integrate their Digital Equity Plans into their BEAD Five-Year Action Plans. These plans must identify and address the barriers to broadband adoption and use in their jurisdictions.

Affordability and Accessibility

Broadband projects financed through BEAD will need to introduce both a middle-class affordability plan and a low-cost broadband service option. This is expected to lead to a diverse range of affordability definitions across states and territories. The program further emphasizes robust stakeholder engagement, involving a wide range of community organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders.

Extending Access

BEAD funds are eligible to be used to extend broadband services to multi-tenant buildings, particularly in low-income urban areas. This includes the deployment of Wi-Fi infrastructure to buildings that lack high-speed broadband access.

Prioritizing Broadband Expansion

The BEAD Program focuses on deploying broadband to unserved areas (those with less than 25 Mbps download/3 Mbps upload speeds) and underserved areas (those with speeds between 25-100 Mbps download/3-20 Mbps upload). An additional emphasis is placed on connecting Community Anchor Institutions lacking gigabit service. Priority is also given to projects utilizing fiber-optic technology.

Next Steps

The NTIA is expected to release additional guidance on the BEAD Program in the coming months. States are required to submit their BEAD Five-Year Action Plans by December 31, 2023.

The BEAD Program is a significant investment in broadband infrastructure and access. It is designed to close the digital divide and ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to participate in the digital economy.

BEAD winners will need significant private capital as well to fulfill their obligations such as a letter of credit and matching funds. Be sure to reach out to RT Advisors to learn more about how a flexible and experienced, investment banking team can help get you through this process.

Aside from his role as CEO of TMC and chairman of ITEXPO, Rich Tehrani is CEO of RT Advisors and a Registered Representative with and offering securities through Four Points Capital Partners LLC (Four Points) (Member FINRA/SIPC). RT Advisors is not owned by Four Points.

RT Advisors continues its mission of assisting tech companies in M&A and capital raising using our unique tech media background and relationships to aid companies to optimally position themselves. In addition, as of late we have been increasingly assisting fast-growing tech companies in obtaining non-dilutive capital. Please let us know if we can be of assistance. The above is not an endorsement or recommendation to buy/sell any security or sector mentioned. No companies mentioned above are current or past clients of RT Advisors.
MERIDEN  Hundreds of school employees gathered at Maloney High School Wednesday for food and workshops as part of the districts third annual start of school conference.

The conference is part of a series of staff primers and orientations being held ahead of the first day of school, which starts next Monday. Last week the district held similar conferences for teachers, welcoming the 45 new hires and returning teachers back to school, while this weeks event welcomes all non-educating staff - kitchen staff, office workers, custodians, and paraeducators.

Superintendent Mark Benigni spoke at the conference to give an update about the status of the district - in how statistics show Meriden has come out ahead of other districts in mitigating learning loss from the pandemic, more students are graduating and enrolling in college-level honors classes. He also showed that Meriden is outperforming other districts that are significantly better funded.

These successes, Benigni said, were because of the dedicated work of the classified staff and educators who were there to serve the students.

Thank you for believing in our students. And thank you for coming to work every day and caring about doing a good job. That's what matters, Benigni said during his speech.

We enjoy coming to work, we enjoy seeing each other. We support one another. And really, for many of our students, if it doesn't happen here with all of us, their chances for success later in life are greatly in harm. So what we do every day matters more here than it might matter in other school systems. And I just want to thank all of you for choosing to work here, for choosing to support one another and for making us have a great school system.

The conference saw the employees split off into breakout groups where they could talk amongst themselves and learn about different aspects of the job and skills needed for a variety of rolls. They could take two classes each during the conference, which followed after an hour-long guest speech by Joe Pettit - a leadership trainer who emphasized how collaboration between staff made for a better teaching environment for the children.

According to organizers, the conferences over the last three years have been warmly received and highly attended by district staff. Having the event is important, they say, for breaking the ice after the summer season, informing them how the district is doing, and getting them excited for the coming year.

It's incredibly motivational too. I mean, it sets the school year off on the right foot, you know? said Susan Maffe , a member of the conference committee and the districts director of food and nutritional services. Seeing Dr. Benigni's presentation this morning,or even just having our keynote speaker, you hear them laughing, that's a good thing. We're ready, and just preparing for another successful year and having the incredibly dedicated staff that we have, having an opportunity to interact with each other, understand the importance of their role is critical.

The staff themselves were warm to the conference, saying that it was a great event because it gave them the opportunity to feel appreciated as part of the work they do behind the scenes at the schools, which often arent noticed as much as the work teachers do at the front of the classrooms.

They said that the district over the years has been very supportive of them and their needs, and that the conference is another step towards receiving that support.

They support us a lot, said Marianna Palmieri, a food nutrition professional who has worked for 25 years at Washington Middle School. To her, the students cant achieve success without being able to eat properly, and she says the districts commitment to crafting proper meal plans and expanding their food services over her time working in Meriden has been something worth commending.

I think when we have like a food service appreciation week, it's nice that what we get recognized that week and that people appreciate what we do. It's not so much, you know, the thank yous are nice, but that's the week when we're appreciated and we feel like we're contributing and I think that's really good of the district.

The schools will be hosting more staff events through the week up into the start of school next week.
ATLANTA  Rudy Giuliani, Donald Trumps lawyer and confidant, turned himself in at a jail in Atlanta on Wednesday on charges related to efforts to overturn then-President 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.

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.

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.

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.

Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark are both trying to have the case against them heard in federal court rather than in Fulton County Superior 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 case should be moved to federal court and the charges against them dismissed.

They had each asked a judge to allow them to avoid being arrested while those requests are pending. But U.S. District Judge Steve Jones on Wednesday rejected their requests to avoid having to be booked in jail while they fight to move the case to federal court.

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.
State police union officials on Wednesday said that 20% of the 130 state troopers accused of either submitting false ticket data or underreporting their numbers to a racial profiling database have been exonerated since the release of the audit a few weeks ago.

At a hastily called press conference, attorney Andy Matthews, a former state trooper who was the union president for years, criticized the media, state police command and Ken Barone, project manager for the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project, a group collecting traffic data and helping to identify and address racial and ethnic disparities in traffic stops.

Barone is one of the authors of a 79-page report released by state auditors earlier this summer that alleges state troopers and constables may have eroded the accuracy of the states profiling system by submitting phony traffic tickets or not reporting traffic stops  the former referred to as overreporting, the latter as underreporting.

The report identified about 130 troopers who had more than 20% of their overall traffic stop records uncorroborated in any given year, combined with those who had more than eight unmatched records in any given year. Their names have not been released to the public, and the union has gone to court to fight requests to release the names.

How is it that to this date, almost a month after a legislative hearing on this report, theyve already cleared almost 20% of the troopers? Does anybody in the press find that concerning? Matthews said.

Matthews said 26 troopers had been exonerated. State police officials have not confirmed the number.

Matthews said the records of the other 103 troopers whose names were flagged were still being reviewed.

Matthews said the coverage has had repercussions for troopers who have been threatened. He referred to a post on the unions Facebook page, which read in part, If you were a person of color, and have been harassed by one of these troopers, please dont march or pray just find their names and follow them home and handle business outside of the courts. The only way to fix the corrupt police is to take their life.

Matthews said the union has asked for a state police crime squad to investigate that threat. Matthews said he would welcome a forensic audit of his records.

Last week, the CT Mirror reported that Matthews had the second-most underreported infractions out of the 1,301 state troopers examined from 2014 to 2021.

Matthews badge number is associated in the data with 224 infractions from 2014 through 2021 that were not reported to the profiling database, an apparent violation of state law. Fifty percent of his infractions were flagged as underreported. He also may have overreported 27 traffic tickets, the data shows.

Matthews denied any wrongdoing to the CT Mirror and on Wednesday repeated why he believes he is among the 130 troopers on the list.

Matthews said the underreporting, which he doesnt think is the real issue, likely stems from him having to drive an outdated work vehicle that didnt have electronic reporting equipment. Therefore, he hand-wrote many of his tickets, he said, and communicated the required information to dispatchers. He said its possible dispatchers didnt enter his information as required. He thinks auditors failed to account for the latter in their report.

Im calling in, either on the radio or on the phone, and Im saying to the dispatchers who are not very happy that were calling in and bothering them, Hey, this is a traffic stop I had  this is the racial profiling information. Its their responsibility to put it into the computer, he said.

Ill be the first person they can investigate. Bring it, bring the DOJ, bring the state police, bring the Chief States Attorneys Office, bring whoever  but in return, lets be fair, Matthews said on Wednesday. Grab every transmission on the radio that I called in. Bring every audio recording from the phone calls. Bring every motor vehicle recording that shows me actually physically handing a ticket to the operator. Bring every hand-written ticket and every e-ticket, every transmittal, and I guarantee you 100% without hesitation theres not one falsified record.

Union officials have been critical of the methodology used by Barone and his team to do the analysis  and of state police command for not standing behind the troopers. The union recently issued a vote of no confidence in both state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner James Rovella and State Police Colonel Stavros Mellekas and asked Gov. Ned Lamont to relieve them of their duties.

Were not only here today to question the methodology of the audit. Were here to question the procedure, Matthews said.

Read the full story on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.

In the future, for any other law enforcement agency, Mr. Barone should do a couple of different things. He should sit down with the command staff of each department. He should sit down with the people that represent the police officers and say, Is there anything that happens in the field that could affect the data without trying to present to the public the perception that theres corruption or illegal or improper conduct?

Matthews said the union believes that should have happened before the audit was released, instead of scrambling now to say that people have been exonerated.

Barone has said the numbers are conservative.

It is not my job to do a forensic review, Barone said. We took all of the information we had, and we spent time and gave ample opportunity for the State Police to weigh in to tell us things that they wanted us to consider. And we did that, Barone said. At some point, the product has to be done. And Im sure the State Police would have appreciated it if we just waited for them to come up with every reason why there could be a discrepancy.

Barone described the reports methodology as conservative, so much so that it accounted for any scenario that he thinks would have called the conclusions into question.

At some point, you just have to accept the findings, Barone said.

This story originally appeared on the website of The Connecticut Mirror, www.ctmirror.org.
**



chief of the staff?

ChatGPT

"Chief of Staff" is a title often given to a high-ranking individual who holds a leadership position overseeing the operations, management, and coordination of a larger organization or a specific department. This role involves working closely with senior executives or the organization's leader to ensure smooth communication, strategic planning, and efficient execution of tasks. The Chief of Staff often acts as a key advisor, helps in decision-making, manages projects, and maintains a strategic overview of the organization's activities. The specific responsibilities and scope of the role can vary based on the organization and context in which it is used.

[User]

Chief of Staff, or Executives, who got more power?

ChatGPT

The power dynamics between a "Chief of Staff" and "Executives" can vary depending on the organization and its structure. In many cases, executives hold higher formal authority and decision-making power within an organization. Executives, such as CEOs, COOs, CFOs, etc., are typically responsible for setting strategic direction, making major decisions, and overseeing the overall operations of the organization.

On the other hand, the Chief of Staff plays a different role. While they may not hold the same level of formal authority as executives, they often have significant influence due to their close proximity to top leadership. The Chief of Staff acts as a trusted advisor to executives, helps streamline communication, manages projects, and ensures effective execution of strategies. Their power comes from their ability to facilitate decision-making, coordinate efforts, and provide strategic insights to executives.

Ultimately, the power dynamic between a Chief of Staff and Executives is nuanced and context-dependent. Executives hold formal authority, while the Chief of Staff wields influence through their role in facilitating and optimizing executive operations. Both roles are essential components of effective leadership and organizational management.

[User]

Chief of joint staff?

ChatGPT

The "Chief of the Joint Staff" is a high-ranking military officer in charge of leading and coordinating the joint staff of a country's armed forces. This position exists in many countries with a unified military structure, where different branches of the military (such as the army, navy, air force, etc.) operate together under a single command.

The Chief of the Joint Staff is responsible for facilitating communication, coordination, and planning among the various branches of the military. They work closely with the top military commanders and civilian leaders to ensure the effective utilization of military resources and the successful execution of strategic plans.

The specific responsibilities and authority of the Chief of the Joint Staff can vary based on the country's military structure and policies. In general, this role involves providing expert advice to senior military and government leaders, overseeing joint military operations, and contributing to the overall defense strategy of the nation.



In English, what is the difference between staff and administration?

ChatGPT

"Staff" and "administration" are terms often used in organizational contexts, and while they can overlap, they have distinct meanings:

Staff:

Definition: "Staff" refers to the group of people who work within an organization or company, typically employed to carry out various tasks, functions, and roles necessary for the organization's operations.

Roles and Functions: Staff members can include a wide range of positions, such as employees, workers, professionals, support personnel, and specialists. They perform tasks directly related to the organization's core activities, whether they involve production, service delivery, research, customer support, or other functions.

Administration:

Definition: "Administration" refers to the group responsible for managing and overseeing the overall operations, policies, and decisions of an organization. It encompasses planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing various activities to achieve the organization's goals.

Roles and Functions: The administration is usually composed of individuals who hold leadership, management, or supervisory positions. They make decisions, allocate resources, set policies, and provide strategic direction for the organization. Administrative roles can include executives, managers, directors, and other leadership positions.

In summary, "staff" refers to the individuals who perform tasks within an organization, while "administration" refers to the individuals responsible for managing and guiding the organization's activities and operations. Staff members contribute to the day-to-day functions of the organization, whereas the administration sets the strategic direction and ensures the organization's overall efficiency and effectiveness.

[User]

staff scientist vs. scientist; physicians vs. staff physicians ?

ChatGPT

"Staff Scientist" vs. "Scientist":

Scientist: A "scientist" is a general term that refers to an individual who conducts scientific research, investigations, and experiments to advance knowledge in a specific field. This term can apply to individuals with various levels of experience and roles in research.

Staff Scientist: A "staff scientist" is typically a position within a research organization, institution, or company. It generally implies a more experienced scientist who holds a permanent or long-term position and often has specific responsibilities related to research projects, team management, or mentoring junior researchers.

"Physicians" vs. "Staff Physicians":

Physicians: "Physicians" are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and provide medical care to patients. They can work in various medical specialties, such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, etc.

Staff Physicians: "Staff physicians" refers to medical doctors who are part of the permanent medical staff in a hospital, clinic, or medical facility. They are often employed by the institution and may hold specific roles, responsibilities, and leadership positions within the medical team.

In both cases, the term "staff" is used to indicate a more permanent or established role within an organization, and it often suggests that the individual holds a specific position with recognized responsibilities and contributions.
Yves here. This is far from the most earthshaking story, but it illustrates the degree to which the US and China are engaged in all sorts of trade spats in addition to the high profile chip war, with the US attempting to restrict Chinese access to the highest-end versions. Without relitigating these policies, quite a few experts have described why the sanctions are likely to prove to be counterproductive.

It is over my pay grade to assess the merits of the US and Chinese claims. Note that China contends the tariffs are being applied in a discriminatory manner, with US allies like Britain and the Netherlands being spared. However, it was not all that long ago that the US was very hesitant to file WTO cases, even when the abuses seemed clear. But now that China is Americas favorite unfriendly power, those inhibitions are gone.

By MetalMiner, the largest metals-related media site in the US according to third party ranking sites. Cross posted from OilPrice

The U.S. Department of Commerce levies a 122.5% tariff on Chinese tin plate steel imports, inciting criticism from China.

While Germany and Canada face lower tariffs, five other countries, including Britain and South Korea, are exempt from these duties.

The WTO backs the U.S. in a separate trade dispute, ruling Chinas counter-tariffs on U.S. steel and aluminum as a violation of trade agreements.

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.

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.

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.
Scientists at European climate monitoring authority Copernicus Climate Change Service have officially confirmed the story youve heard: July 2023 was the worlds hottest month on record. Going someplace where you might want a sweater sounds good right about now, doesnt it? You could hop a flight to Alaska, or drive four to six hours to the Smokies  or you could spend less than two hours on I-65 and visit Mammoth Cave National Park in south-central Kentucky.

Mammoth Cave, where the temperature inside stays between 50 and 60 degrees year-round, is close enough to Nashville to be a popular day-trip destination; if you grew up near Middle Tennessee, chances are good youve been there on a field trip. But staying in a cottage inside the park or finding a spot in one of the small towns nearby is a great foundation for a relaxing, budget-friendly weekend getaway. Cave City, Park City and Brownsville are in the immediate vicinity, while Horse Cave, Glasgow and Munfordville are among the places you can easily reach by car within about 20 minutes. A few minutes more and youre in Bowling Green.

Stay

Cave City has long been a stop on family road trips, and you have your pick of chain hotels, RV campgrounds and cabins. There are plenty of short-term rentals, too. Want to go glamping in a tree stand? That is an option.

Adventures of Mammoth Cave, a company that offers kayak and e-bike rentals, zipline tours and other outdoor services, also operates The Wayfarer Inn. There youll find a handful of cozy rooms with all the basic amenities you could ask for, like a full bathroom, a coffee maker, a mini fridge, TV and Wi-Fi  plus a few extras, like a cozy nook for reading. On a recent stay, we found the location hard to beat: Its along a beautiful stretch of Old Mammoth Cave Road, a few hundred yards from one of the entrances to the park and a leisurely 10-minute drive from the visitors center. Got a bigger group? Through Airbnb, Adventures of Mammoth Cave also rents the nearby Hanson Cottage, which sleeps up to six.

Do

Mammoth Cave National Park is the biggest attraction in the area, literally and figuratively: The cave system is the largest one known in the world. Some 426 miles of passageways have been mapped since the 18th century, with about 10 miles of that expanse open for touring. Many tours are available; theres some overlap, but many of them visit different areas of the cave system and highlight different geological features or historical elements. Your options run the gamut from the classic two-hour Historic Tour to the intense six-hour Wild Cave Tour that requires special caving equipment (which the rangers will provide) and beyond.

We split the difference with the Violet City Tour, a three-hour, three-mile hike. The National Park Service rates this tour as Difficult. I found it to be moderate through most of the course, though the climb got pretty strenuous in a few spots, especially toward the end. Our path was lit only by the provided clean-burning flame lanterns we carried, maintaining a fantastic ambiance for our guides to tell us the history thats known of the cave  and some that we can only make educated guesses about, since theres evidence that humans were coming into Mammoth Cave before we started recording our history, some 5,000 years ago.

A self-guided tour is a great cost-effective option, but our guides seemed excited and deeply invested in the stories. The Violet City Tour took us to some neat places, though not to some of the most dramatic rock formations in the cave. There are other tours for that  all the more reason to budget for more than one, maybe on different days so you dont get worn out.

Whatever your days entail, youll want to fuel up first. Miss Bettys Diner in Park City offered heaping plates of biscuits and gravy, and pancakes that were fluffy with a slight crispness on the bottom. Farmwalds Restaurant & Dutch Bakery, just off I-65 in Horse Cave, has you covered for breakfast plates and sandwiches as well as outstanding cakes, pies, cookies, breads and doughnuts.

Any hike is bound to whet your appetite. Bucky Bees BBQ is a highly rated spot in Cave City that recently appeared on the Food Networks Guys All-American Road Trip, and you can choose from competing Mexican restaurants in El Mazatlan and El Acapulco. Cave City Pizzas New York-style pie was exactly what we were after. The toppings were generously portioned and not too greasy, even considering that we got a Meat Eater (with sausage, pepperoni, ham, bacon and ground beef), and the crust took just the right amount of bite. We loved the cheesy breadsticks, which seemed to be made with the same dough recipe as the crust, and even the salad, often an afterthought at pizza joints, was fresh and flavorful.

We followed that up with a trip to Cave City Coffee and Creamery for some stellar scoops; they serve regionally popular Velvet brand ice cream, made by a family firm in Ohio. For drinks, some live music and maybe a game of pool in downtown Cave City, you can bounce back and forth between The Roxglass and The Dive, which are just a few doors apart on Broadway Street. We rode over to Glasgows Drink-N-Game barcade, where theres an array of multi-game arcade cabinets to choose from at a quarter per play.

Theres tons more to see and do, both inside the park  come in cooler weather to take advantage of the miles of hiking and biking trails  and outside it. Heres the tip of the iceberg: Several companies rent canoes and kayaks for floats on the Green River, and if your interest in caves is piqued, there are dazzling show caves at Diamond Caverns and Crystal Onyx Cave, or the Outlaw Cave thats part of the horseback tour at Jesse James Riding Stables. In Horse Cave, theres Hidden River Cave, home of the worlds longest underground swinging bridge. You can tour the cave separately or in addition to the attached American Cave Museum, and if someone in your party isnt into it, theres a panoply of antique shops across the street.

Youll find an abundance of spots catering to the kiddos, including Dinosaur World. Ravens Cross offers collectibles and activities like sorta-paintball-esque Gellyball throughout the year and a Haunted Village in the fall. The much-loved Kentucky Action Park, home to a well-known Alpine slide, closed during COVID lockdown, but it reopened in August as Mammoth Valley Park.

Mammoth Cave is far enough from Nashville that it feels like a vacation. Depending on your wireless carrier, you might find service in the vicinity to be spotty, which can be a bonus (as long as youve written down directions to places you want to go). But its close enough that its easy to be flexible. Im a car nut, and we made a stop at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green  exhibit highlights for me included An American Love Affair: 70 Years of Corvette and Custom CARisma  The Legendary Creations of Carl Casper (one word: Batmobile)  and we were still home in time for lunch.
I'm endlessly fascinated by the art of setlist structure at concerts. Maybe it's the dramatic writer in me, but I like my musical performances to some kind of story arc to them. For my own band, I've spent much more time than is practical laboring over the ebbs and flows of our setshow we get the audience's attention, when we slow things down, how we leave them wanting more.

But writing a setlist for Metallica? That's a whole other story.

Over at The New York Times, Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich (I know, I know) talks through the band's approach to structuring setlists for their current tour. With a four-decade career, it should be easy enough for the band to satisfy their primary directive, which is "Never again play the same set list twice." But that doesn't mean it's easy to narrow things down. For that, they've come up with an elaborate algorithm:

Eventually, the band developed what Ulrich called a "slot" system based on the band's different "food groups" of songs, a reference to their feel and tempo. Slot 1 (of 16) on the M72 tour, for example, will always be an upper-mid-tempo fan favorite  Day 1 at MetLife, it was "Creeping Death"  that has a quickly recognizable opening riff: not too fast or complicated. But the songs in that slot will rotate. Slot 10 should always be a ballad, like "Nothing Else Matters." The closer is always "Master of Puppets" or "Enter Sandman." Ulrich also keeps careful data about what song the band has played where, and tries to tailor the set list accordingly. "At times it turns into a science" he said. "We're in Montreal now, and I'll have all the info for the last 20 years that we've played Montreal in front of me. And I can put a set list together where the deeper cuts will not be repeated."

From there, Ulrich goes into detail about how they settled onto one specific setlist on the tour. It's an interesting look at the dramatic structure of live music. Or at least, he's a lot more thoughtful about that than he is about, idunno, file-sharing or drum tones.

How Metallica Hard-Wires a Different Set List Every Night [Austin Considine / The New York Times]

Full disclosure: I also write for Wirecutter, which is owned by the New York Times Company, which publishes the New York Times
NATO Deputy Secretary General, Mircea Geoana, today (24 August 2023) sent a recorded message of solidarity and support to the people of Ukraine on their Independence Day.

Mr Geoana said, Today is a proud day for all Ukrainians, a celebration of your independence from the Soviet Union. I very much look forward to the time when it is also a celebration of your victory over Russian aggression, and a celebration of your continued freedom. On your Independence Day, I wish you all strength and success going forward. Slava Ukraini!
Dr. Bryan Ardis says SNAKE VENOM PROTEINS in COVID-19 shots behind MISCARRIAGES  Brighteon.TV

Dr. Bryan Ardis believes the snake venom proteins found in the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are responsible for the miscarriages happening to pregnant women.

He elaborated on this theory during his appearance on the Aug. 16 episode of "America Unhinged" on Brighteon.TV, with guest host Amy Schaffert filling in for Dr. John Diamond. According to the Texas-based chiropractor, ob-gyn physicians such as Dr. Christiane Northrup and Dr. James Thorpe have been sounding the alarm over these vaccines that have caused so many miscarriages.

Ardis mentioned a report stating that 60 percent of pregnancies in women injected with the vaccines have failed. He continued: "Canada had reported at one point upwards of 90 percent of the pregnant women were losing their babies to miscarriages after getting the shots. So, we've never seen that before either."

The host of "The Dr. Ardis Show" pointed out that documents from the website of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) state the COVID-19 vaccines contain no SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vaccine makers also claim that only selected genes of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein are in the injections. Ardis found these revelations "interesting" and "weird" at the same time.

The "spike protein genes" were eventually found to be snake venom proteins. Studies done in 2020 have also determined the presence of venom proteins from snakes and other animals in COVID-19 patients.

Snake venom in vaccines block compound that helps uterus bond to placenta

According to Ardis, people should look at published studies about snake venom and the elements in mammals' bodies that maintain a pregnancy. A substance in snake venom called L-amino acid oxidase that blocks the human body's ability to create what is called syncytium. The latter is the prerequisite material for a cell in the female body called syncytin, which acts like a Velcro that puts the placenta against the uterus. (Related: Dr. Bryan Ardis: Venom peptides produced from COVID-19 vaccines prevent embryos from attaching to the uterus, causing miscarriages.)

"When you kill syncytium cells from being made in a pregnant woman, you can't make syncytin anymore and the Velcro starts to peel away from the uterus. Syncytin is the Velcro that keeps the placenta against the uterus wall. When that becomes detached, you miscarry," he told Schaffert.

"But before this attachment of the placenta, the syncytium cell is what initiates the placenta being formed at all. You can't make a placenta without it. So, it starts to form along the uterus wall."

Aside from keeping the placenta attached to the uterus, syncytium signals the uterus to start opening its blood vessels to penetrate into the newly forming placenta. The placenta needs nutrients provided by the mother's blood supply, and syncytium helps form these blood vessels to bridge this gap. When the blood supply stops, the baby inside the uterus dies and the mother suffers a miscarriage.

Moreover, Ardis said syncytium is necessary in the pregnant woman's body to make syncytiotrophoblasts. These cells produce the hormone progesterone, which is important to maintain a pregnancy to full term.

He also referenced a January 2017 article published in the Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins including Tropical Diseases that touched on the supposed antiviral properties of animal venom. According to the chiropractor, researchers have posited that venoms from animals around the world can help people fight the flu and other diseases caused by viruses.

Venoms from snakes, scorpions and other animals are now patented as vaccines.

Head over to VaccineVenom.com for more about the connection between COVID-19 vaccines and animal venom.

Watch the Aug. 16 episode of "America Unhinged" below. Tune in to "America Unhinged" with Dr. John Diamond every weekday at 9-10 a.m. and every Saturday at 8-9 a.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

The Tenpenny Report TV: Fertility rates dropping, miscarriages skyrocketing  Brighteon.TV

DATA ANALYSIS: Increase in miscarriages and stillbirths directly linked to COVID-19 vaccines.

Naomi Wolf: Pfizers COVID-19 mRNA shot a war on women, human fertility.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

JVAT.BioMedCentral.com
ITS COMING: Fake president Biden already buying more covid equipment, hiring pandemic safety protocol enforcers for next round of LOCKDOWNS

Recently unearthed government documents reveal that fake president Joe Biden is feverishly making preparations for another round of Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdowns, complete with mask mandates and "testing."

Biden has begun making very large purchases  using your tax dollars, of course  of various covid "equipment" and other resources designed to keep Americans subdued and living in terror in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election.

New government advisers will reportedly be in charge of enforcing Biden's new "safety protocols" for the country, including mandatory "testing" with the millions of "test kits" the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies are purchasing right this very moment for your demise.

An analysis of these contracts, which are traceable via the federal government's spending database show that the plan is to re-launch COVID 2.0 tyranny beginning in September or October at the latest.

The DoD awarded a $1.5 million contract to Hologic Sales and Service LLC. That contract begins on October 1 of this year and is slated to conclude in May 2024. The funds, according to the federal database, are to be used for "covid testing services in support of the department of pathology at Madigan army medical center" in Tacoma, Wash.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) also forged a $2 million contract with Abbott Molecular Inc. that is set to begin on September 22 and conclude in September 2024. That contract is for "covid testing" as well.

The VA also awarded the following contracts:

 $1.3 million to Biofire Diagnostics LLC, beginning on August 18 for "COVID-19 testing reagents and equipment"

 $3.3 million to Oddball Inc. for advisory services on "adequate COVID-19 safety protocols"

(Related: Check out our earlier report about the whistleblower insiders who are warning that Biden is ramping up the tyranny for another covid lockdown this fall.)

Whenever Wall Street is in trouble, expect wars and calamitous "public health emergencies" to keep the money train running

All of these contracts are scheduled to commence in the next month or two, and conclude sometime next year. And all of this is happening at a time when Pfizer is experiencing a rapid decline in profits now that everyone who got "vaccinated" for covid is jabbed, and everyone else is just saying no to its deadly experimental drugs.

We know from history that every time corrupt governments start to collapse and the economies they run falter, someone starts a war to kickstart the money train. In modern times, that war can look like a "public health emergency," such as is the case with covid.

In 2020 during the first round of covid tyranny, the stock market experienced a precipitous drop that likely would have resulted in a full-scale collapse had then-President Donald Trump not declared a covid "emergency," which set the money printers into overdrive.

The economy "recovered" as a result, only to once again reach a peak and teeter towards collapse, which means another round of covid tyranny is on the menu, compliments of the Wall Street terrorists.

The year 2024 is also an election year, just like 2020 was, which means there needs to be lots of chaos, destruction, and misery to keep the country confused and on edge, and to facilitate more election fraud.

"Nothing stops pedocrats short of death," one commenter wrote about how the government's playbook has become tired yet predictable.

"This was always the plan," wrote another. "Covid-19 was the test study."

"This won't work if many people like myself just ignore it and live as normal," said another. "Stores won't enforce it as people will just walk out and go elsewhere. And the police won't enforce it as they are undermanned, thankfully."

The covid tyranny will not end until We the People make it end. Learn more at Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

WarRoom.org

USAspending.gov

NaturalNews.com
BOP denies exclusive report that J6 prisoner was held in horrific conditions for 2.5 years

Last week, alternative news outlet the Gateway Pundit released exclusive photos showing the inhumane conditions of Jan. 6 prisoner Ryan Samsel in the Federal Detention Center (FDC) in Philadelphia. The "political" convict has been in jail without a trial since January 2021 and has been moved to 17 different facilities.

The pictures showed that his cell was a size of a closet with a light on all of the time, but there was no window. He has a thin blue mattress to lie down on but with no sheets or blankets. He has no clothing and he claimed it was cold in his detention cell. Samsel told the news outlet: "I was kept in a hard cell for about five, six months The judge was actually calling, trying to get in contact with me because I wasn't in a named cell. They were missing me and they were saying I wasn't showing up to court or showing up to medical. But they were pretty much keeping me in there."

Samsel added that he also experienced the same horrific conditions when he was in Central Regional Virginia Jail (CVRJ) in Virginia. "I was kept in and they called it booking hard cell, which is you get zero phones, zero commissaries, zero clothing because they think that you're going to hang yourself and you're on constant surveillance," he recalled. "The light has to be on 24/7. You're locked in a cell. There is no getting out. The windows in Virginia were covered by a black mat, so you weren't able to see. And it's constant nothing. It's deprivation of everything."

Worse, he has been beaten, abused, tortured, and neglected since his arrest. The J6 prisoner believes that they did this cruel treatment for months so he would testify against the Proud Boys, a far-right organization that has been charged with seditious conspiracy in connection with the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

DISTURBING Photos Leaked of Horrific January 6 Prisoner Abuse  Tortured 5 Months in Isolation in a Closet Room with Light on and a Bucket for a Toilet  Where are the ACLU, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch? https://t.co/iOdBd8JSJ4 #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit  Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) August 18, 2023

Meanwhile, a public affairs official at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) allegedly said that the photos "do not depict a cell at FDC Philadelphia." The statement was reported by the website Snopes, which claimed to have checked with the agency in the name of fact-checking.

Samsel was part of a group that knocked down barriers, allegedly causing a capitol police officer to fall, hit her head, and lose consciousness during the January 6 protest. He was accused by an officer to have said, "We don't have to hurt you, why are you in our way?" As per reports, Samsel then picked up the semi-conscious officer, who was quickly collected by the Capitol Police. He was also said to have tried to take a riot shield from a uniformed officer. There is no detail if he ever entered the Capitol after these incidents. (Related: Never-aired Fox interview of Tucker Carlson with ex-Capitol police chief reveals government pre-meditated the J6 Capitol insurrection.)

He was charged with "Civil Disorder" for assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers using a dangerous weapon, inflicting bodily injury, and aiding and abetting; entering or remaining in any restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted area with a dangerous weapon; and engaging in physical violence in a restricted area with a dangerous weapon, resulting in significant bodily injury.

He was arrested on Jan 30, 2021, in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, indicted on August 25 of the same year, and entered a plea of not guilty to all counts in September and November 2021. At an arraignment on January 27, 2022, he entered another not-guilty plea on all counts. The pretrial conference is set on October 10 and the jury trial is on October 23 before Judge Jia M. Cobb.

GP founder: Where are the Republican party and human rights organizations?

Meanwhile, Founder and Editor of the Gateway Pundit Jim Hoft expressed his disappointment that this kind of brutal and savage treatment of political prisoners such as Samsel is happening now in America.

"Ryan is not alone. Numerous January 6 prisoners have been held for months in torturous conditions, dozens have been sentenced to extreme sentences for non-violent crimes. This is a horrible chapter in American history. It must be confronted," Hoft lamented and called on the action of the Republican Party, even organizations such as the nonprofit American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch.

Follow BigGovernment.news to read more stories like this.

Sources for this article include:

SlayNews.com

News.Yahoo.com

AmericanGulag.org

TheGatewayPundit.com
Worsening DROUGHT creates big mess at Panama Canal; 200 ships stuck in major BOTTLENECK at one of worlds most important trading routes

Ever-worsening drought conditions in Panama have created a major shipping bottleneck at the Panama Canal, which has a "parking lot of vessels" piling up on both sides with no end in sight.

Lack of water in the area has made it extra difficult for some ships to make it through one of the world's most important trading routes. The Wall Street Journal is reporting as many as 200 vessels that are "currently waiting to transit, a figure that has been climbing since the canal capped daily transits to 32 last month from an average 36 under normal conditions."

Some ships, according to the Journal have been waiting "more than 20 days" to pass through the Panama Canal, which has forced some carriers to completely reroute because they know there is little chance of passing any time soon.

"The delays are changing by the day," commented Tim Hansen, chief commercial officer at Dorian LPG, which operates more than 20 large liquid natural gas carriers. "Once you make a decision to go, there is no point to return or deviate, so you can get stuck."

(Related: The Wuhan coronavirus [COVID-19] got the ball rolling in collapsing the global economy, and it is still in the process of collapsing today.)

Climate fanatics blame global warming for Central America's normal, water-deprived El Nino weather patterns

The Panama Canal, in case you are unfamiliar with how it works, is fed by two nearby lakes, one of them being Lake Gatun. Lack of rainfall has left Lake Gatun with extremely low water levels, which in turn means less water to facilitate the Panama Canal.

Because of this, the new draft restriction for safe passage is vessels that are no more than 44-feet, even though a 50-foot draft has long been considered average for safe passage through the Panama Canal under normal weather conditions.

The worst part about all of this is the fact that conditions are only expected to worsen as summer carries on and Lake Gatun's water levels decrease even further, leaving the Panama Canal with even less water to facilitate the safe passage of shipping vessels.

This is not the first time, however, that draft limits have had to be drastically lowered at the Panama Canal. Both in 2016 and 2019, two major drought years, the draft limit was set as low as 43 feet.

Still, there was no "pandemic" at those times to take a big chunk out of the global supply chain. Even years after COVID has ended, the world is still reeling from all the restrictions that were enacted, which completely upended the global economy with lasting consequences.

Official data suggests that upwards of 6 percent of all global maritime traffic passes through the Panama Canal, with the United States, China and Japan being the primary countries that use it.

"Retailers and energy companies use the canal for extensive trade between China and the rest of Asia and the U.S.," reports explain.

As usual, climate change fanatics are blaming global warming on the Panama Canal's woes, even though it is normal El Nino weather patterns across much of Central America that are actually responsible.

"Just wait until they roll out the next COVID 2.0," one commenter warned about what comes next. "The panic buying will happen. China will shut down again. There will be shortages on everything again."

"I think they will do it. September starts with the masks. October, more masks and the start of the restrictions. By December, it will be everyone having to stay inside their homes. Will they do it?"

It will not be long before the global economy comes to a grinding halt. Learn more at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

WSJ.com

NaturalNews.com
FEMAs emergency funds to be completely depleted within WEEKS  but at least Zelensky is still getting billions from U.S. taxpayers

In just a few short weeks, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will run out of funding , according to Administrator Deanne Criswell.

During an appearance on "Face the Nation," Criswell painted a dire picture of FEMA's continuity, or lack thereof, as the nation enters the harsh hurricane season, which already saw a rare hurricane-turned-tropical storm named Hilary strike the southland of California.

"Our estimates do still say that we may have a depletion of our fund," Criswell stated, adding that she is watching FEMA's disaster relief fund "very closely" as September approaches.

"Now it's pushed into the middle of September. And as we get closer to that, I mean, this is a day-by-day monitoring of the situation."

Already this year before August 8 when Criswell made these statements, there have been 15 major disaster events in the United States so far, each of them causing more than $1 billion in damage.

This tally does not include the recent "wildfires" in Maui, which decimated Lahaina and caused an estimated $6 billion in damage to the popular, but now-destroyed, coastal Hawaiian city.

It also does not account for the peak hurricane season, which will begin on September 11 this year.

(Related: Perhaps it is a good thing that FEMA is running out of money, seeing as how the agency exists more to tyrannize Americans rather than help them in times of need.)

Biden asks recessed Congress for $12 billion to replenish FEMA's coffers; FEMA says it's not enough

Earlier this month, fake president Joe Biden asked Congress to apportion another $12 billion to replenish FEMA's disaster fund, though Congress is currently on recess until after Labor Day.

There seems to be plenty of never-ending money to send to Volodymr Zelensky over in Ukraine, but never enough to help actual Americans  why is that?

Criswell is not even happy with the $12 billion Biden asked for, though, as she insists this will probably not be enough cash for what the agency is used to having in its coffers.

"The $12 billion was going to be able to cover some of the immediate needs that we were going to need to get through this fiscal year," she said. "As we're continuing to see the increasingly severe weather events, that dollar amount may need to go up as we go into next fiscal year."

In other words, because of "climate change," which is fake, FEMA needs more money than ever before because the weather is supposedly getting nastier because of all that meat-eating and car-driving still taking place on American soil.

"The biggest thing that the president [sic] needs to see is just the actual impact," Criswell further whined. "It really feels different when you're on the ground and can see the total devastation of Lahaina. He'll talk to some of the families that have been impacted by this and hear their stories."

"He's really going to be able to, one, bring hope to this community, but also reassure them that the federal government is there. He has directed them to bring the resources they need to help them as they begin to start their recovery and their rebuilding process."

Criswell also talked about Hurricane Hilary, a major storm that just struck Southern California. Though it did not cause the level of damage that meteorologists were predicting, FEMA says it needs more money to handle that disaster as well.

"We had a lot of staff already on the ground," Criswell said. "We are moving in some additional resources to make sure that we can support anything that California might need, but they're a very capable state as well and they have a lot of resources."

The latest news about the collapse of America can be found at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

CBSNews.com

NaturalNews.com
Google rolls out new generative AI feature that summarizes articles  meaning, you can only see what it allows you to see

Google has begun rolling out a new artificial intelligence-powered Search Generative Experience (SGE) feature which will summarize articles being searched while using the company's web browser Chrome.

SGE has already been active on Chrome. But the new feature, known as "SGE while browsing," is designed to take the feature a step further by immediately providing summaries to articles users click on.

Google has described this new feature as a tool to efficiently "navigate information online" and better engage with long-form content from different publishers and creators to make it easier to find certain subjects. (Related: Google is using AI to dig through Gmail accounts to "find exactly what you're looking for"  and perhaps MORE.)

The feature is currently only available as an "early experiment" that certain Chrome users can opt into. Chrome users who have already opted into using some of the SGE's earlier features will automatically have access to it.

To access this summarization feature, users scrolling through articles on Chrome will see an option at the bottom of the screen that says "Get AI-generated key points" whenever Google's AI can generate summaries for the pages they are visiting.

There will also be an "Explore on page" section that shows users certain points brought up by the articles, such as questions users are looking for answers to.

The feature will first be available in the Google app on Android and iOS, and will be available to the desktop Chrome browser "in the days ahead." The summarization feature will not be useable for paywalled articles, and publishers will have the option to block the feature by designating their content as paywalled with Google's Help Center.

The release of this AI-powered summarization tool comes with other new features, including one where users in search queries for topics related to science, economics and history can hover over certain words to get definitions or diagrams and images.

Another new feature will allow those using SGE to ask for help with programming. The generative AI will now make it easier for users to understand and debug generated code.

AI-generated summaries could be riddled with biases

Christina Maas, writing for Reclaim The Net, warned that this new generative AI feature is just the latest in Google's attacks against balanced journalistic integrity.

"The company hasn't exactly been known for its objectivity in recent years," she wrote, noting that previous precedents with Google handling what information to keep and to leave out paints "a concerning picture of Google's propensity to filter content to support its own ideological perspectives."

"By ostensibly facilitating a straightforward access to key points of an article, complete with relevant links, Google is instigating a more direct interference in the consumption and interpretation of news," continued Maas.

She noted that this is a massive leap from simply being able to filter which sites show up first on search queries and which sites  such as independent and alternative news and opinion websites  get effectively blacklisted from the first page.

"This results in a dynamic where Google AI becomes the primary summarize of news, raising concerns on impartial dissemination of information," Maas said.

"The mounting evidence points to an entrenched bias in Google's algorithms and systems," she concluded. "There's a valid concern that such bias will pervade its news AI, diluting the objectivity essential for true freedom of speech."

Learn more about the latest developments in the world of AI at Robotics.news.

Watch this video discussing how Google AI is now also controlling the flight plans of airplanes.

This video is from the Alex Hammer channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google allows users to have their explicit photos removed from search results.

Creatives push back against generative AI's theft of their work and call on Big Tech to fairly compensate them.

Mainstream media journalists are now OBSOLETE: Google tests new AI tool that can write NEWS STORIES and replace obedient journo-propagandists.

Google updated its privacy policy so it can use all your data to train AI.

Generative AI could replace up to 300 million mostly white-collar jobs worldwide.

Sources include:

ReclaimTheNet.org

EnGadget.com

TheVerge.com

TechCrunch.com

Brighteon.com
Hawaii state official deprived Lahaina of water to fight fires until devastation was complete  WHY?

It has come out that a Hawaii state official deprived Lahaina landowners of the water they needed to protect their properties before the fiery inferno burned it all to the ground.

On Aug. 8 when the fires first began, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) delayed the release of water requested by the West Maui Land Co. to help keep the fire contained and well away from people's properties.

Why did they do this, exactly? One source claims that a "woke" politician of a leftist bent set out to harm the people of Lahaina by intentionally depriving them of water until after it was already too late.

M. Kaleo Manuel, a native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and the DLNR's deputy director for water resource management, made the decision to withhold water from Lahaina. Manuel later released the requested water, but not until after the fire had already run its course.

As of this writing, neither Manuel nor any other government official in Hawaii has commented on the revelation.

(Related: Is America finally reaching a breaking point? Learn more here.)

Gov. Josh Green: Water a source of great conflict in Maui "for many years"

The West Maui Land Co. (WML) manages a number of agricultural and residential subdivisions all throughout West Maui. Other water regulators in the region include the Launiupoko Irrigation Co., the Launiupoko Water Co., the Olowalu Water Co., and the Ha'iku Town Water Association.

Four separate sources with knowledge about the situation have pegged Manuel as the culprit in rejecting the release of water to the fire-stricken area. Manuel reportedly asked WML to first get permission from a kalo (taro) farm located downstream from the company's property.

Hawaii Gov. John Green, a Democrat, has promised a thorough investigation into this and other strange matters related to the fires. According to an official response from the governor's office, "conflicts over water are being reshaped in an age of climate change and wildfires."

"One thing that people need to understand, especially those from far away, is that there's been a great deal of water conflict on Maui for many years," Green said. "It's important that we're honest about this. People have been fighting against the release of water to fight fires. I'll leave that to you to explore."

Back in 2022, two state senators, both from Maui, submitted a bill that would have pushed the DLNR "to allow fresh water to be used to fight fires and pointed to West Maui as being particularly vulnerable." That bill died without a hearing and was never passed into law.

One would think that in an emergency situation such as an out-of-control fire that it would be an all-hands-on-deck kind of situation as far as getting as much water to the scene as possible, as quickly as possible. The opposite happened in Lahaina and West Maui.

The issue seems to stem from Native Hawaiians' discontent with the takeover of their homeland by what they deem to be outsiders. This includes land owners and their water rights, which remains a point of contention across Maui.

"There is going to be much more coming from this story of the Maui fires," one commenter wrote about how all these anomalies and conspiracies are only scratching the surface of the true extent of the criminality that took place behind the scenes of this horrific incident.

"For some reason, West Maui has become a 'media-free zone' with many highly suspicious events surrounding the fire and how it originated in the first place."

More related news about the Maui fires can be found at Disaster.news.

Sources for this article include:

AmericanThinker.com

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
Hawaii resident: Biden is a vile human being for joking about Corvette when there were children who were incinerated into ash

Democrat President Joe Biden has provoked a severe backlash from Hawaiis residents after he cracked jokes and talked about himself while visiting Maui on Monday.

(Article by David Hawkins republished from SlayNews.com)

Biden did not get a warm welcome when he visited Hawaii to look at the damage from the Maui wildfires.

At least 114 people died but the true total will be many more when all the dead are counted.

Almost 1000 people are still unaccounted for, according to authorities.

Biden gave a speech during his visit where he cracked jokes and told rambling stories about himself.

At one point, he compared the devastating wildfires to a small kitchen fire in his house several years ago.

He then joked that he almost lost his Corvette in the minor fire.

That did not sit well with many residents, however.

Many Hawaiians were outraged by Bidens flippant attitude toward the disaster.

Hearing Biden talk about his house that had a little fire, one local resident said after the speech.

You almost lost your cat and your Corvette?

There were children who were incinerated into ash!

You fking old man. You vile human being.

WATCH:

Maui resident sounds off: "Hearing Biden talk about his house that had a little fire. You almost lost your cat and your corvette? There were children who were incinerated into ash! You f--king old man. You vile human being." pic.twitter.com/fVXHEYMjMf  Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) August 22, 2023

Biden had already stirred up a backlash before he arrived after failing to comment on the fires because he was on vacation.

He was met with angry protesters who waved middle fingers, shouted insults, and held signs that said no comment at his motorcade.

Go home Joe! they yelled.

Others held up signs that read:

NO COMMENT.

REALLY $7.

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN WORDS.

FJB.

Where has the president been? said Dennis Mullen.

WATCH:

? Maui residents gave Joe Biden a warm welcome to Hawaii today. Here he comes after 13 days. F*CK YOU pic.twitter.com/yJZgxKxL52  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) August 22, 2023

Read more at: SlayNews.com
Dr. Steven Hotze and Jared Woodfill discuss lawsuits against GAG RULE in Paxton impeachment  Brighteon.TV

Dr. Steven Hotze and lawyer Jared Woodfill discussed the federal lawsuits filed to block the gag order linked to the impeachment of Texas Attorney General (AG) Ken Paxton. The gag order violates the First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment rights of the Lone Star State's top attorney.

Hotze disclosed during the Aug. 14 episode of "The Dr. Hotze Report" on Brighteon.TV that he and other plaintiffs have filed lawsuits in two federal district courts in Texas. The lawsuits asked the Texas Senate and Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, in his capacity as the president of the state senate, not to violate their First Amendment rights.

"They both have adopted rules and gag orders that violate our First Amendment rights. And in order to be able to stop that we had to go to court," said Hotze. He added that legal maneuvers must be done to regain those rights and one of them is to make a motion for a preliminary injunction.

For his part, Woodfill expressed belief that the lawsuits are important pieces of litigation. This is because they have huge implications for people's First Amendment rights not just in the present, but in the future as well.

The Houston-based lawyer recounted two earlier impeachment cases in the Lone Star State. Back in 1917, Gov. James Ferguson was impeached and removed from office. This was followed by the 1976 impeachment of District Judge O.P. Carrillo.

Texas Senate's Rule 10A blocks Texans from talking to the legislators they elected

Woodfill cited Rule 10A of the Texas Senate, which bars Texans from speaking to their state senators about the AG's impeachment. This rule, a de facto gag order, wasn't used during the impeachments of Ferguson and Carrillo. (Related: Attorney Jared Woodfill blasts Texas House for impeaching AG Ken Paxton WITHOUT DUE PROCESS  Brighteon.TV.)

The rule not only applies to state senators themselves, but also to their staffers. It also encompasses state representatives. Woodfill remarked: "You're looking at fines and potential jail time  so we believe that is a clear violation of First Amendment rights not just of yourself, but of all Texans."

He also noted Rule 31 or the "one person, one vote" rule that excludes State Sen. Angela Paxton, the AG's wife. The state senator was removed from the proceeding using a provision of the Texas Constitution that had absolutely nothing to do with impeachment. This, according to Woodfill, violates the Fourteenth Amendment.

The Houston-based lawyer also told Hotze that there are state senators who financed the AG's opponents in the Republican primary elections. Even though Paxton was nominated by the GOP for the AG position, Democrats also opposed him in the general elections.

Hotze pointed out that Article 15 of the Texas Constitution clearly covers the impeachment process. If an impeachment is brought against the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general or other state official, it shall be heard by the Texas State Senate. The Brighteon.TV host stressed that this includes all state senators elected by their constituents  including Angela Paxton.

Follow Coup.news for more news about the impeachment case of Texas AG Ken Paxton.

Watch the August 14 episode of "The Dr. Hotze Report" below. "The Dr. Hotze Report" airs every Monday and Saturday at 5-6 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Dr. Steven Hotze and Jared Woodfill discuss Stand With Paxton campaign in defense of Texas AG  Brighteon.TV.

The establishments Paxton impeachment sham undermines the will of Texas voters.

War heats up between MAGA and RINOs in Texas over impeachment of AG Paxton  its us or them

Dr. Steve Hotze and Bill Zedler discuss Texas AG Ken Paxtons impeachment case  Brighteon.TV.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

TheCenterSquare.com

WoodfillLaw.com

Ballotpedia.org
Nobel Prize winner Dr. John F. Clauser signs the Clintel World Climate Declaration

John F. Clauser, winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on quantum mechanics, has decided to sign the World Climate Declaration of Clintel with its central message there is no climate emergency. Clauser is the second Nobel Laureate to sign the declaration, Dr. Ivar Giaever was the first. The number of scientists and experts signing the World Climate Declaration is growing rapidly and now approaching 1600 people.

(Article republished from Clintel.org)

Clauser has publicly distanced himself from climate alarmism and this year he also joined the Board of Directors of the CO 2 Coalition. In the announcement by the CO 2 Coalition, Clauser was quoted in the following way:

The popular narrative about climate change reflects a dangerous corruption of science that threatens the worlds economy and the well-being of billions of people. Misguided climate science has metastasized into massive shock-journalistic pseudoscience. In turn, the pseudoscience has become a scapegoat for a wide variety of other unrelated ills. It has been promoted and extended by similarly misguided business marketing agents, politicians, journalists, government agencies, and environmentalists. In my opinion, there is no real climate crisis. There is, however, a very real problem with providing a decent standard of living to the worlds large population and an associated energy crisis. The latter is being unnecessarily exacerbated by what, in my opinion, is incorrect climate science.

IPCC is spreading dangerous misinformation

In July Clauser gave a talk at the event Quantum Korea 2023. He warned the audience about the growing amount of pseudoscience and misinformation.

Now I am not alone in observing the dangerous proliferation of pseudoscience. Recently, The Nobel Foundation has formed a new panel to address the issue called the International Panel on Information Environment. They plan to model it after the UNs International Panel on Climate Change, the IPCC. I think personally that they are making a big mistake in that effort because in my opinion the IPCC is one of the worst sources of dangerous misinformation. What Im about to recommend is in furtherance of that, of the aims of that panel. [] I have a second elephant in the room that I have recently discovered regarding climate change. I believe that climate change is not a crisis. [] Beware. If youre doing good science, it may lead you into politically incorrect areas. If youre a good scientist, you will follow them. I have several I wont have time to discuss, but I can confidently say there is no real climate crisis and that climate change does not cause extreme weather events.

As Clintel demonstrated in its recent book The Frozen Climate Views of the IPCC, the IPCC indeed made serious errors in its latest report. Shortly after his talk in Korea the International Monetary Fund (IMF) cancelled a scheduled talk by Clauser about climate models. In an interview with the Epoch Times, Clauser said with respect to climate science: We are totally awash in pseudoscience.

Guus Berkhout, emeritus professor of geophysics at the TU Delft and president of Clintel, very much welcomes Professor Clauser to the Clintel Community.

Its very encouraging when high profile scientists such as Dr Clauser are willing to speak out about the glaring corruption of science by the climate establishment. We aim to make Clintel a full-fledged counterpart of the IPCC. The more excellent scientists in the Clintel network, the stronger our position in the debate with the IPCC as well as the leaders of supranational policy organisations.

The Clintel World Climate Declaration was published in 2019, the year Clintel was founded. The strength of the declaration is its accessibility and its powerful message: there is no climate crisis. This holds true regardless of whether you believe in a large or small contribution of CO 2 to the warming in the past 150 years. Scientists and experts who want to sign the declaration can submit their request here.

A great way to learn more about the life and work of Dr Clauser is to watch this Nobel Prize interview with him:

Read more at: Clintel.org
Dr. Mercola files LAWSUIT against JPMorgan Chase for de-banking Mercola Market employees

Sometimes the only way to deal with outright tyranny in violation of the law is to sue the offender , which is exactly what Dr. Joseph Mercola is doing in response to JPMorgan Chase's de-banking of Mercola Market and the employees that run it.

Dr. Mercola sat down with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, to talk about what JPMorgan Chase, under the leadership of Jeffrey Epstein sympathizer and supporter Jamie Dimon, did to try to destroy his business.

"A few weeks ago, we received a letter to our business, and actually the CEO of our company, Steve Rye, and our CFO, Amy Lagaspi, who have both been with me for close to 20 years, and the letter was from Chase stating that they were giving us a month to take our funds out of their bank because we lost our accounts," Dr. Mercola explained during the interview, which you can watch in full below.

"And they didn't give us a reason, even though subsequently we questioned them, and they put in for privacy policy reasons or some lame excuse."

(Related: Check out our earlier report for more details about what JPMorgan Chase did to Dr. Mercola and his employees at Mercola Market.)

New Florida law that forbids banks from discriminating against customers to drive Mercola lawsuit against JPMorgan Chase

What upsets Dr. Mercola the most about JPMorgan Chase's de-banking of his business is not so much that he was targeted but that his employees, their spouses, and even their families and children all had their accounts terminated with little notice and for no stated reason.

The only thing JPMorgan Chase would say in its defense is that Mercola Market had received a warning letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) several years back telling the store to stop making the suggestion that vitamin D may be helpful in protecting against the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19).

While initially Dr. Mercola was not necessarily keen on suing JPMorgan Chase because of the significant costs involved, a recently passed law in Florida specifically forbids this type of action by a bank against its customers.

"We are going to be the test case," Dr. Mercola stated about how he and his business are planning to take full advantage of this law. "We've already worked with the Florida state attorney general and they are filing suit against Chase  and it doesn't cost us anything."

"I'm not even sure Chase was aware the law existed. Chase is a huge institution, and the larger a company gets, the more likely it is that they are not aware of all the updates because there are too many darn moving parts. So, it's very possible, and likely even probable, that they are unaware this law even passed."

This is really great news for Dr. Mercola, who as you know used to have his practice and business based in the Chicagoland area. For the past 10 years, Dr. Mercola has been in Florida doing business there, and the law, in this case, is one his side.

Dr. Mercola and the Health Ranger further discussed how since the time when Dr. Mercola's newsletter was first created  this was before the days when Google even existed  it used to be easy to find health information on the web, but no longer.

"All this valuable, hard-fought, heard-earned knowledge and information that we have to change health and human lives is being essentially destroyed," Dr. Mercola laments about what the Censorship Industrial Complex is doing.

"It still technically exists, but unless you know the URL or know someone who does, you will not find it because the search engines will not pull it up."

Is de-banking an unconstitutional act? Learn more at Liberty.news.

Sources for this article include:

Brighteon.com

NaturalNews.com
North Korea scrambles fighter jets after U.S. spy plane enters its economic zone

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated again as North Korea scrambled its fighter jets to block a U.S. spy plane

The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the the U.S. spy plane entered as deep as 14 kilometers into the economic zone of North Korea. Washington thought that it was still at international airspace, given that it interprets an economic exclusion zone (EEZ) extending up to 200 nautical miles beyond a nation's territorial waters.

However, Pyongyang deemed the incident a serious violation of its sovereignty. An unnamed spokesperson of the Korean People's Army (KPA) general staff accused the U.S. of breaching their economic zone off the east coast. They also labeled the incident as "a dangerous military provocation." (Related: North Korea threatens to shoot down U.S. aircraft entering its airspace.)

The North claimed that the military spy plane crossed into its EEZ thrice between 5:38 a.m. and 6:37 a.m. on Aug. 17. The KPA stated that the EEZ is an integral "part of its territory" and warned that it was ready to take any necessary action to protect its sovereignty. This incident closely followed a similar occurrence just 20 days prior.

Moreover, KCNA said Pyongyang is considering the deployment of a missile-carrying vessel in their territory in order to prevent future intrusion by U.S. spy aircraft into the EEZ.

Pyongyang to escalate military activity in response to tripartite summit

This incident followed a relative quiet in North Korea's ballistic missile test launches, coinciding with a heightened 11-day joint military exercise held by the U.S. and South Korea. It also occurred a day before a scheduled tripartite summit between the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

A South Korean lawmaker, citing intelligence from the country's National Intelligence Agency, speculated that Pyongyang might express its opposition to the joint exercise by launching an intercontinental ballistic missile or other forms of military protest. (Related: North Koreas launch of multiple ballistic missiles threatens South Korea.)

Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Aug. 18. The summit held at Camp David in Maryland sought to strengthen ties between Seoul and Tokyo in the face of Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions and Beijing's increasing regional influence.

"We're opening a new era, and we're making sure that era has staying power," National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters ahead of the summit. The timing of this announcement, so soon after the aircraft incident, is likely to further exacerbate tensions in the region.

Sullivan outlined the key components of the enhanced security cooperation. These included its multiyear exercise plan with the two East Asian counties; deeper coordination and integration on ballistic missile defense; and improvements in information sharing and crisis communication.

The national security advisor also expressed concern about the relationship between North Korea and Russia, "including the technology and security relationship." Asked whether Moscow had a role in the development of Pyongyang's new Hwasong-19 intercontinental ballistic missile, Sullivan said the U.S. intelligence community is "taking a hard look" at it.

Visit WWIII.news for more stories about a potential war brewing in the Korean Peninsula.

Listen to the Health Ranger Mike Adams warning about North Korea's capability to launch a nuclear strike targeting any location in the United States.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

North Korea's satellites revealed to be in "ideal position" to unleash EMP attack on America's most populated cities.

North Korea just tested their version of the Poseidon doomsday weapon that can create a radioactive tsunami that could kill millions.

North Korean leaders promise to annihilate the US by end of century.

North Korea readying nuclear-capable ICBMs for launch, analyst warns.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

KoreaTimes.co.kr

Reuters.com

FoxNews.com

Brighteon.com
NYC Mayor Eric Adams mulling unconventional housing solutions for ILLEGALS

New York City (NYC) Mayor Eric Adams is reportedly considering unconventional housing solutions to shelter illegal aliens and border crossers being bused to the Big Apple.

NY Daily News reported that Adams is mulling the utilization of shipping containers, tents and pre-fab homes on city streets. He is also considering the placement of these improvised housing solutions in existing parking lots of stadiums, such as Citi Field and Aqueduct Racetrack.

The mayor has also considered repurposing out-of-use facilities such as the defunct Pilgrim and Kings Park psychiatric centers on Long Island, the Rockland Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg, and medical facilities in Buffalo and Fort Dix in neighboring New Jersey. (Related: NYC migrant crisis: Central Park being considered as HOUSING for migrants.)

Prisons may also be repurposed under Adams' plan. One such facility being eyed to house illegals is the former Metropolitan Correctional Center in Lower Manhattan, which made headlines after convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was found dead there in August 2019. Furthermore, it has come to light that Adams is already housing migrants in an old jail in Harlem.

NYC Deputy Mayor Anne Williams-Isom said City Hall is considering all options for addressing the situation. She mentioned that from July 30 onward, approximately 107,900 individuals have been under New York's care, including around 56,600 asylum seekers. Despite the Big Apple's limited space, NYC's government is trying to accommodate the influx of illegal border crossers into the self-proclaimed "sanctuary city."

Adams' proposal draws flak

The mayor's proposal has ignited a firestorm of criticism from various quarters.

Former NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, now the president and CEO of the nonprofit Women IN Need, blasted the idea as "ridiculous." She expressed concerns about the feasibility of placing people on city streets, especially considering the existing challenges with public spaces. Incumbent NYC Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala also rejected the proposal outright, stating that she would not support housing migrants in shipping containers on the streets of the city.

Murad Awawdeh, executive director of the NY Immigration Coalition, criticized Adams and his strategies. According to him, Adams' policies to address the influx of illegals were proven ineffective and unsuccessful from the start. Awawdeh also noted that the mayor's tone has shifted and is now less welcoming, compared to the initial days of the crisis.

Aside from the limited space available in the city, the financial burden of illegal immigration is another point of concern.

Each day, NYC taxpayers spend nearly $8 million to accommodate these illegals. If the Big Apple fails to address the illegal immigrant crisis, New Yorkers could be shelling out $12 billion under Adams.

To dissuade any illegals from settling in crowded NYC, the city distributed flyers that urge border crossers to "consider another city" other than the Big Apple. The flyers also emphasized a new policy that limits shelter stays for adult illegals to 60 days. "Please consider another city as you make your decision about where to settle in the U.S.," the flyer stated in English and Spanish.

In an official statement, Adams' office emphasized that the flyers are intended to counteract misinformation and guide migrants toward better-informed decisions. The flyers would focus on the substantial cost of living in the city and highlight expenses such as housing, food and other necessities.

Migrants.news has more stories about illegal aliens in the Big Apple.

Watch the video below to learn more about New York's migrant problem.

This video is from the Cleansing Flow channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Caravan of MIGRANTS march toward the southern border after banding together in Mexico.

Five illegal migrants on FBIs terrorist watchlist ARRESTED shortly after Title 42 expired.

Migrants leaving NYC for Canada by bus  on taxpayer dime.

Chicagos Black community slams city officials over $51 million fund for migrants.

NYC Mayor declares emergency over migrants, 12 months after campaigning for more migrants.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

DailyNews.com

NBCNewYork.com

AsiaOne.com

Brighteon.com
Obama, Clinton and Biden hid behind pseudonyms in emails while coordinating secret dealings

Three of the most "notable" and high-ranking Democrat leaders used alias email addresses when corresponding via electronic mail circa 2016. This raised suspicions that in this unusual and peculiar way of communicating, former President Barack Obama, then-Vice President Joe Biden, and the Democratic Party's 2016 nominee for the presidential race Hillary Clinton could have been compromising government secrets

Not-for-profit Marco Polo unearthed emails of Obama to then Secretary of State Clinton where he used the pseudonym "Obama725." As per an article published by Politico, the State Department refused to make this public as well as other emails the two exchanged. Also, lawyers cited the "presidential communications privilege" to withhold the messages under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Though not detailed, the news outlet's report indicated that the email exchange happened on June 28, 2012. It had the subject line: "Re: Congratulations," possibly referring to the Supreme Court's ruling, which came out the very same day, upholding a key portion of the Obamacare law. Since last year, it has been exposed that the two wrote to each other occasionally using Clinton's private email address. However, the White House insisted Obama did not know she relied on it routinely and exclusively for official business.

During the same year, it was also revealed that then-VP Joe Biden used aliases "Robert Peters," "Robin Ware," and "JRB Ware" for personal and professional use. The "Robert Peters" account received an email about a scheduled call with then-Ukrainian president Petro Poroshenko, who fired the Prosecutor Viktor Shokin, the same person who was probing into Burisma Holdings. Within the same timeframe, the energy company was paying Joe's controversial son Hunter $83,000 a month just to sit on the board. Some intel reports exposed that the younger Biden was hired "despite the fact that neither man had relevant experience or expertise for the job" and just for U.S. government protection from the "Big Guy." (Related: Archer: Joe Biden fired prosecutor investigating Burisma for corruption because the company was paying Hunter for protection.)

When Shokin was eventually fired, Biden bragged about it in a public speech back in January 2018. He claimed that he was personally responsible for getting that firing accomplished so quickly by bullying the Ukrainian government and threatening to withhold a billion-dollar loan guarantee unless he got what he wanted.

"And I was supposed to announce that there was another billion-dollar loan guarantee. And I had gotten a commitment from Poroshenko and from Yatsenyuk that they would take action against the state prosecutor. And they didn't I said, nah, I'm not going to or, we're not going to give you the billion dollars," he said during his appearance at the Council on Foreign Relations, an independent, "nonpartisan member organization" and think tank.

He said that at first Kyiv would not believe him because he did not have authority as he was not the president. "I said, call him I'm telling you, you're not getting the billion dollars. I'm going to be leaving here in, I think it was about six hours If the prosecutor is not fired, you're not getting the money. Well, son of a bitch, he got fired," he proudly said.

Meanwhile, former first lady, lawyer and Obama's SoS Hillary Clinton, also used two alias in her email correspondences, Breitbart reported. Uncovered by the infamous email scandal, her pseudonyms were "hdr22" and "hrod17." She reportedly set up a private email server and network  that could not be accessed by the federal government, specifically Congress  for herself, her family, and her former vice chair for the 2016 campaign, Huma Abedin. It only allowed her, Abedin, and aides Cheryl Mills and Jake Sullivan to swap emails with the Clinton Foundation, various world leaders, and Doug Band's global consulting firm Teneo Holdings, where Abedin also worked during her time at the State Department.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigation began with a simple premise that Clinton violated the Espionage Act of 1913 by allowing national defense information to be "lost, stolen, abstracted, or destroyed" through "gross negligence." The private network correspondences have ended up in the hands of Julian Assange, a man who was living sequestered in an Ecuadorian embassy at the time, and in the hands of detectives in the Anthony Weiner sexting case.

Other high-ranking Obama officials were also found to have used aliases

First in 2013 was Lisa Jackson, a chemical engineer who served as the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She used the "Richard Windsor" alias to take online training programs on subjects including ethics, whistleblowers, and records preservation, said the Competitive Enterprise Institute (CEI) which obtained EPA records that covered certifications in 2010, 2011, and 2012 through a FOIA request. Republicans condemned Jackson's use of the fake identity for her non-public e-mail account, saying that it might be part of an effort to skirt transparency and public records requirements. Richard was her dog's name while Windsor refers to East Windsor, N.J., her former hometown.

In 2016, America's 83rd Attorney General (AG) Loretta Lynch used the alias "Elizabeth Carlisle," when she was caught conducting a secret meeting with Bill Clinton aboard a private plane on a tarmac in Phoenix amid an ongoing investigation into Hillary's unsecured email server. Soon afterward, the former AG reportedly used a pseudonym to coordinate a narrative about the meeting with Department of Justice (DoJ) officials, Chuck Ross of the Daily Caller wrote.

After the plane meeting, former FBI director James Comey announced that the agency would not pursue a case against Clinton, despite admitting he had enough evidence to do so. After a month, Lynch announced the DoJ would not investigate the Clinton Foundation's relationship with the State Department during Hillary's tenure, despite the FBI's recommendation.

Discover more about the Biden family's illegal international business dealings at BidenCrimeFamily.news.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com 1

Politico.com

NYPost.com

RealPolitics.com

Breitbart.com 2
RFK Jr. confirms that the U.S. is developing BIOWEAPONS in Ukraine labs

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has confirmed to Tucker Carlson that the U.S. is indeed developing bioweapons in Ukraine-based laboratories. The Democratic presidential candidate disclosed this to the former Fox News host during the 16th episode of the latter's show "Tucker on Twitter."

"We have biolabs in Ukraine because we're developing bioweapons," RFK Jr. told Carlson. "Those bioweapons are using all kinds of new synthetic biology, CRISPR technology and genetic engineering techniques that were not available to the previous generation. They can make frightening, frightening stuff."

He also said that the Department of Defense (DoD) "began putting a lot of money into bioweapons" when the biological weapons armories were reopened in 2001 under the Patriot Act. However, the DoD was "nervous at that time" about violating the Geneva Convention that bans such weapons. It was also unsure if a provision regarding bioweapons in the Patriot Act would hold up as a loophole to treaties that have been ratified by Congress.

"So they transferred the authority for biosecurity to one agency in the HHS [Department of Health and Human Services] called the National Institute for Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), run by Anthony Fauci. Fauci got all the responsibility for bioweapons development. He got that time a 68 percent raise from the Pentagon in order to do that work. And that's why he was the highest-paid official in the American government," RFK Jr. said.

According to the presidential candidate, vaccine development always comes alongside bioweapons development. He also noted that gain-of-function research has another goal aside from making pathogens more infectious and/or lethal. Such research also allows manipulated pathogens to be immune to antibiotics, drugs and other therapeutics.

Fauci commissioned bioweapons research labs at home and abroad

RFK Jr., the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, pointed out that Fauci was receiving an annual salary of $450,000 a year prior to his retirement in December 2022. This amount, the Democratic candidate added, was higher than what the president, Supreme Court justices and members of Congress receive.

The infectious disease expert commissioned biosafety labs (BSLs) all over America, including in Boston and in Galveston, Texas. According to RFK Jr., the two he mentioned are among many such facilities in the U.S. that ordinary Americans do not know of.

He also told Carlson that back in 2014, three pathogens escaped from three different labs  all dangerous, high-profile breaches. The outbreaks involved smallpox and "a couple of bad microbes." The public learned about it and it received a lot of publicity, including hearings in Congress. (Related: HUNDREDS of accidents have occurred at U.S. biolabs but were never reported.)

Because of this, 300 scientists wrote to then-President Barack Obama, urging him to shut down Fauci. Obama eventually signed a moratorium on Fauci's research, shutting down 18 of his experiments in the process. Most of them were happening in the Galveston facility and in another lab in North Carolina, where coronavirus research scientist Ralph Baric worked.

"Instead of obeying that law, Fauci shifted a lot of his operations offshore," RFK Jr. said. "And most of those operations ended up in the Wuhan lab."

According to the founder of Children's Health Defense, the Wuhan facility was run by the Chinese People's Liberation Army. Other gain-of-function experiments bankrolled by Fauci went to Ukraine labs.

Follow BiologicalWeapons.news for more news about the American biolabs in Ukraine and China.

Watch the full conversation between RFK Jr. and Tucker Carlson below.

This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

GLOBAL BIOWARFARE: U.S.-run biolabs arent just in Ukraine: Theyre also deployed in Africa and Asia-Pacific regions.

DC has nowhere to hide the revelations about Ukrainian biolabs and their link to pandemic research.

Robert Kennedy Jr. exposes Gates, Fauci, and govt collusion in interview with Tucker Carlson.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

Summit.news
Top Russian astronomer mysteriously ends up in hospital after FAILED moon mission

One of Russia's top astronomers mysteriously fell ill and was hospitalized after the news broke that Moscow's latest lunar probe failed to safely land on the moon's surface

Russia's first moon mission in 47 years was launched on Aug. 11 from the Vostochny Cosmodrome. The Russian rocket bore the lunar probe Luna-25. But on Aug. 19, the Luna-25 spacecraft spun out of control and crashed on the moon after experiencing a problem while preparing for pre-landing orbit.

"It is so sad that it was not possible to land the apparatus," said Mikhail Marov, a leading physicist and astronomer. One of the leading figures in the space program of the former Soviet Union, Marov played a key role in the development and implementation of the Soviet space exploration program. Marov was also heavily involved in the first explorations of Mars and Venus.

"For me, perhaps, it was the last hope to see the revival of our lunar program," said Marov in a statement following Luna-25's crash. But according to reports coming out of Russia, he was hospitalized following a "sharp deterioration" in his health after hearing about the failed moon mission.

Russian-language business newspaper RBK Daily claimed that Marov may have been devastated because lunar expeditions are his life's work. A statement allegedly from Marov and printed by RBK Daily claims that he is under the supervision of doctors at the Central Clinical Hospital, a heavily guarded medical facility less than 10 miles from the Kremlin in Moscow. (Related: Russian scientist who helped invent Sputnik V COVID vaccine found strangled to death in home.)

Marov's hospitalization also came after he told multiple Russian media outlets, including RBK Daily and the Moskovskij Komsomolets, that he hoped authorities will not remain quiet about the reasons for Luna-25's failure to land. He hoped these reasons would be discussed openly and examined rigorously.

According to the Russian state-owned space corporation Roscosmos, the space program lost contact with the craft at approximately 12:00 p.m. GMT on Aug. 19 after recording a problem as the craft circled around the moon for a pre-landing orbit.

Luna-25 was supposed to hold on to this orbit for over a day, with a soft landing having been planned for Aug. 21. But Roscosmos said the craft "moved into an unpredictable orbit and ceased to exist as a result of a collision with the surface of the moon."

Luna-25's crash is expected to impact Russia's long-term plans for future moon missions. Its previous schedule envisaged several more missions over the coming years, including a possible joint effort with China.

Blame game erupting within the Kremlin over Luna-25 crash

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally ordered the Luna-25 mission, the Russian Federation's most ambitious space project. Russia had not attempted a moon mission since Luna-24 in 1976 under Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev.

Konstantin Sonin, a Russian-born political economist from the University of Chicago, claimed that the moon mission was Putin's latest "vanity project" to distract from ongoing Russian repression against intellectuals and scientists.

"In Soviet times, vanity was there, and military goals were there. Yet it was also a wealth of genuine enthusiasm of scientists and engineers They used the state's vanity and desire to have missiles to fulfill their space dreams," said Sonin. "Putin's people, besides vanity, put the money into the space project for one single reason: to have this money stolen. It would be a miracle if the Luna-25 mission was successful  Putin's people did everything to see it fail."

Russian media sources are already blaming endemic corruption within Roscosmos for the mission's failure. The future of Roscosmos Administrator Yury Borisov, a Putin loyalist and deputy premier, is already being questioned. Borisov is being accused of ending probes into corruption and the misuse of budgets at the space agency.

Learn the latest news about lunar missions and other space exploration activities at Space.news.

Watch this video that posits how corruption may have played a role in Luna-25's "spectacular crash."

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ukrainian intelligence claims Russian hackers are targeting Elon Musk's Starlink network.

NASA plans to MINE THE MOON by early 2030s, says rocket scientist.

Space Force to launch network of SPY SATELLITES to counter growing Chinese and Russian space capabilities.

Russian energy oligarch found dead in his detention cell  the 40th high-profile Russian death since February 2022.

Russia plans to install nuclear-powered observatory on its future moon base.

Sources include:

The-Sun.com

Reuters.com

Newsweek.com

Brighteon.com
Indian scientist Shekhar Mande warns of AIs dangers  including viral outbreaks, nuclear war and HUMAN EXTINCTION

A scientist has warned that getting too comfortable with artificial intelligence (AI) could pose a danger to humanity

Indian scientist Shekhar Mande issued this warning during a lecture, saying that humanity should be ready for AI to take over and create viral outbreaks, nuclear war and even human extinction. According to Mande  the former director general of India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research  AI will be the principal cause of human extinction.

Experts in the field have predicted that AI will be the first cause of humanity's extinction, followed by nuclear war and viral outbreaks. His elucidation on the three threats that could render humanity extinct invited reflection about the fine balance between progress, security and the preservation of humanity.

The Indian scientist is not the first person to think about the problems mankind faces with AI. While humans have made progress in science and technology by creating computers that think like people, some troubling thoughts are popping up as well. (Related: AI likely to WIPE OUT humanity, Oxford and Google researchers warn.)

This pivot toward AI is not in the best interest of humanity. Yuval Noah Harari, a close adviser to Klaus Schwab of the globalist World Economic Forum, stated that AI is going to perform the hard task of controlling the slave class and making them obsolete.

Harari's argument centers on the ruling class employing this technology against the slave class. Once a critical mass of the slave population completely realizes their situation, the machines will do the tough job for the sociopaths at the top.

Top U.S. official recognizes the risks of AI

Meanwhile, a top American official for cybersecurity earlier warned that humanity could be at risk of an "extinction event" if tech companies fail to self-regulate and work with the government to reign in the power of AI. The warning came from Jen Easterly, director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Easterly's remarks followed the release of a May 2023 statement involving hundreds of tech leaders and public figures who compared the existential threat of AI to a pandemic or nuclear war. "Mitigating the risk of extinction from AI should be a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war," said the one-sentence statement issued by the San Francisco-based nonprofit Center for AI Safety (CAIS).

More than 300 individuals affixed their signatures to the statement, including Open AI CEO Sam Altman, Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. Other public figures outside the tech industry also signed the statement, including neuroscience author Sam Harris and musician Grimes.

In response to questions about the CAIS statement, Easterly asked the signatories to self-regulate and work with the government.

"I would ask these 350 people and the makers of AI  while we're trying to put a regulatory framework in place  think about self-regulation, think about what you can do to slow this down, so we don't cause an extinction event for humanity," Easterly said.

"If you actually think that these capabilities can lead to [the] extinction of humanity, well, let's come together and do something about it."

For his part, Altman told senators during a hearing that he backs government regulation as a means of preventing the harmful effects of AI. Such regulatory steps include the adoption of licenses or safety requirements required for the operation of AI models.

"If this technology goes wrong, it can go quite wrong," he said. "We think that regulatory intervention by governments will be critical to mitigate the risks of increasingly powerful models."

Follow FutureTech.news for more news about AI.

Watch Yuval Noah Harai explaining how AI can destroy humanity below.

This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

AI takeover is INEVITABLE: Experts warn artificial intelligence will become powerful enough to control human minds, behaviors.

EXTREME SCENARIOS: Artificial intelligence could revolutionize tech sector forever  or wipe out the human race.

Researchers: AI decisions could cause "nuclear-level" CATASTROPHE.

Big Tech, globalist elites join forces in secret meeting to talk about artificial intelligence.

Elon Musk announces creation of new AI company after spending YEARS criticizing rapid AI development.

Sources include:

SHTFPlan.com

ABCNews.go.com

Brighteon.com
Texas seeks more than $1 BILLION from Planned Parenthood for fraudulent Medicaid claims

The state of Texas has filed a lawsuit against Planned Parenthood (PP) that seeks to recoup millions of dollars in fraudulent Medicaid payments from the nations largest abortion provider as well as fines for legal violations. The suit is the first of its kind filed by a state against PP.

Although abortion has been heavily restricted in Texas following the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year, this particular lawsuit is focused on money it took from the Medicaid system while it was not officially considered a qualified care provider.

Texas has asked a federal judge to fine the company more than $1 billion for thousands of Medicaid claims that it believes were fraudulent over a span of several years.

After considering fines, penalties and interests, the total at stake could reach $1.8 billion, an amount that could be financially devastating for Planned Parenthood. It might even result in them having to cease operations altogether in Texas.

In fact, the company said in a statement that it believes forcing them to close was the goal of the suit, claiming: This lawsuit was brought with the sole goal of shutting down Planned Parenthood.

The suit was filed under the federal False Claims Act, which enables them to pursue fines for each improper payment. The case also involves a relator, which is a whistleblower who can file a public lawsuit on behalf of the government and may receive a percentage of the money that is awarded. The whistleblower in this case maintains that PP and its affiliates not only violated the False Claims Act but also the Texas Medicaid Fraud Protection Act.

The problem can be traced back to 2011, when the state started taking measures to protect taxpayers from having to fund PP. Around that time, videos were released that uncovered how they had been trafficking aborted fetal organs. Texas ultimately decertified PP as an official provider of Medicaid.

Inspector General Stuart Bowen Jr. stated at the time: "The state has determined that you and your Planned Parenthood affiliates are no longer capable of performing medical services in a professionally competent safe, legal and ethical manner."

They were informed that they would be expelled from the program in January 2017 following a period during which they could appeal. However, they chose not to appeal and instead filed a lawsuit. They later lost the suit in the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, but in the meantime, they continued to bill for  and receive  $10 million worth of claims that should not have been filed in the first place.

The current suit seeks to be repaid twice the amount of these fraudulent claims, in addition to civil penalties of up to $11,000 per claim, court costs and attorney fees.

Planned Parenthood has faced similar suits in the past

Its not the first time the abortion provider has been accused of taking funds it was not entitled to. In a previous case, a whistleblower revealed internal memos instructing Planned Parenthood locations to defraud Medicaid by filing phony claims.

At the time, a woman who worked for Planned Parenthood for more than a decade explained how their local offices swindled Medicaid through tactics such as billing for medical services that were not necessary or were never carried out, billing for services that Medicaid did not cover, and falsifying medical records to support fraudulent billing. They settled that case for $4.3 million but did not admit guilt, even as then-U.S. Attorney John Bales said they were abusing federal programs.

Sources for this article include:

WND.com

FoxNews.com
The best adaptogenic herbs for managing stress

Adaptogens are herbs or active plant compounds that bolster the body's ability to respond to stress . They can also help restore balance after stressful situations.

Stress, simply put, is your body's normal reaction to pressure or a visible/palpable threat. According to researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, stress can sometimes be good for you as it can "push you just to the level of optimal alertness, behavioral and cognitive performance." In fact, their study on rats showed that brief stressful events stimulated stem cells in the animals' brains to become new nerve cells, which improved the rats' mental performance.

When faced with a stressor, the human body is said to react very swiftly and very efficiently. Because physiological changes mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, which releases stress hormones, happen so quickly, people in stressful situations often find themselves reacting before they can even think about what they're doing. Once the trigger is gone, the parasympathetic nervous system presses the brakes on your stress response.

But if you are constantly subjected to everyday pressures or other stressful triggers, your parasympathetic nervous system may be hindered from dampening your stress response. Chronic low-level stress causes physiological changes that can inadvertently lead to various health issues. Problems linked to chronic stress include fat buildup and weight gain and increased blood pressure, which can ultimately damage your blood vessels and raise your risk of heart attack or stroke.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to manage your stress naturally. Aside from practicing relaxation and mindfulness techniques, you can take adaptogenic herbs in the form of supplements or tea to help your body cope with stress in the most optimal way possible. On top of being safe, adaptogenic herbs can help reduce your stress response when it's no longer needed so your body can achieve a state of internal balance and stability known as homeostasis.

5 Adaptogenic herbs for improving stress resilience

Plenty of herbs used in ancient medicinal systems are still used today to treat various health issues. Although only a few medicinal herbs can be called adaptogens, these herbs are relatively common and easy to find, so they're readily available to anyone in need of non-pharmaceutical stress support. Medicinal herbs are known for having a variety of health-supporting properties, so expect more than just one health benefit when you use adaptogenic herbs.

If you need help managing stress or optimizing your stress response, try these five adaptogenic herbs:

Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Chronic stress is linked to an increased risk of heart disease because of the effects of cortisol. Having high levels of this stress hormone raises not only blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, but also blood sugar and blood pressure.

High cortisol levels also have a negative impact on your immune system. While a temporary increase in cortisol can boost your immune response, persistently high cortisol levels can lead to chronic inflammation, which can be damaging to tissues and organs. Long-term stress has also been found to weaken your immune system as it decreases the number of circulating white blood cells, the immune cells that help fight infections.

According to a study published in the Journal of Ginseng Research, Asian ginseng exerts its adaptogenic effects by helping stimulate or suppress immune response as well as regulating blood vessel function and blood pressure. Thanks to its immunomodulatory, vasomodulatory and cardioprotective properties, Asian ginseng can promote vitality, enhance physical performance and increase your body's resilience to stress.

American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)

American ginseng is a species of ginseng native to North America. Like Asian ginseng, this herb is considered a powerful adaptogen that offers benefits for the brain and immune system. (Related: Four of the best adaptogens that help you beat stress.)

According to studies, American ginseng contains plenty of antioxidant compounds called ginsenosides. These bioactive compounds not only protect the brain from oxidative stress but also support the production and growth of new neurons. The ginsenosides in American ginseng have also been found to support optimal mental clarity, improve attention and memory, and reduce mental fatigue.

The memory-boosting effects of American ginseng can be particularly helpful to students under academic stress. Although stress is thought to enhance memory formation, studies show that it actually impairs memory retrieval and hampers your brain's ability to update memories with new information. Supplementing with American ginseng can therefore help improve memory performance in times of stress.

Like Asian ginseng, American ginseng also exerts immunomodulatory effects, thanks to bioactive polysaccharides. Depending on your body's needs, these polysaccharides can either stimulate your immune system or suppress immune response to protect your body from chronic inflammation. According to research, American ginseng contains different classes of polysaccharides, which constitute about 10 percent of the dried root's weight.

Arctic root (Rhodiola rosea)

Arctic root, also known as golden root or roseroot, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. A popular remedy in many parts of Europe and Asia, arctic root is known for its ability to stimulate the nervous system, enhance physical performance and treat stress-induced fatigue and depression. (Related: Rhodiola significantly improves mental health and promotes a calm state of mind.)

Pre-clinical and clinical trials show that, as an adaptogen, arctic root has brain-stimulating and calming properties that can help improve memory performance and mood during times of stress. A Russian-Swedish study involving 40 medical students reported that those who supplemented with arctic root extract during examination week enjoyed a boost in physical and mental performance, significant reductions in mental fatigue, greater mood stability and an increase in motivation to study.

A separate study by Swedish researchers also reported on arctic root's effectiveness in alleviating fatigue. Supplementing with arctic root daily for 28 days was found to benefit burnout patients by significantly reducing fatigue symptoms and improving their ability to concentrate. The herb also decreased the participants' cortisol awakening response (CAR), suggesting that arctic root can also protect against stress-related depression. Studies have linked an elevated CAR to depression and anxiety disorders.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Also known by the names Indian winter cherry and Indian ginseng, ashwagandha is often described as one of the most important herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. It is traditionally used to increase energy levels, reduce inflammation, pain and anxiety, and improve overall health and wellness. (Related: Ashwagandha could be your next workout supplement.)

Animal studies show that ashwagandha can effectively increase stamina and protect against stress-induced gastric ulcers. In a study on horses subjected to different types of stress, ashwagandha was also found to stimulate the immune system and promote the formation of blood cells while decreasing glucose, triglyceride, cortisol and adrenaline levels.

Meanwhile, human clinical trials show that ashwagandha can help regulate stress response by lowering cortisol levels. In a prospective study involving individuals with chronic stress, ashwagandha significantly reduced the scores of participants who took the herb daily on all stress-assessment scales, including anxiety, as well as their blood cortisol levels. The study noted that even at high concentrations (300 milligrams, mg), ashwagandha was well-tolerated by participants, and its adaptogenic effects can improve self-assessed quality of life.

Five-flavor fruit (Schisandra chinensis)

Five-flavor fruit, sometimes called magnolia berry, are the purple-red berries that grow from a vine plant native to Northern China, Russia and Korea. This medicinal herb  a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine  is said to taste sweet, salty, bitter, pungent and sour all at the same time, hence its unusual name.

According to animal studies, five-flavor fruit is a potent adaptogen that can help decrease the levels of stress markers in rats subjected to hours of psychological and physical stress. A study published in the journal Scientific Reports also found that five-flavor fruit helped reverse depression-like symptoms and cognitive deficits in rats with chronic unpredictable mild stress.

In humans, several studies have reported that supplementing with five-flavor fruit results in improved work performance and strength, reduced fatigue and increased endurance. The lignans in five-flavor fruit have also been found to protect the liver by activating enzymes in liver cells that produce the antioxidant, glutathione. Five-flavor fruit can also trigger detoxification pathways in the liver and improve mental performance, particularly concentration and coordination.

Adaptogenic herbs are powerful plant medicines that can provide physical and mental support in times of stress. Find out more about these natural remedies and their benefits at Herbs.news.

Watch this video to learn more about the health benefits of ginseng, a potent adaptogen.

This video is from the Holistic Herbalist channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

7 Adaptogenic herbs that can alleviate stress and anxiety naturally.

Study: Consuming walnuts found to reduce the negative effects of stress.

Stress found to affect the brains speech center: Language patterns reveal a biological response to stress.

Gardening, art and more: 6 Home improvement projects that can help boost your mental health.

How to remain calm in stressful situations.

Sources include:

UCLAHealth.org

News.Berkeley.edu

Health.Harvard.edu

CMJournal.BiomedCentral.com

BeBrainFit.com

URMC.Rochester.edu

Health.UMMS.org

PennMedicine.org

ScienceDirect.com 1

ScienceDirect.com 2

NutraIngredients.com

Nature.com

MDPI.com 1

MDPI.com 2

ScienceDirect.com 3

Thieme-Connect.de

MDPI.com 3

Health.ClevelandClinic.org

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 1

FrontiersIn.org

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov 2

Healthline.com

Spandidos-Publications.com

Nature.com

NutritionalOutlook.com

Brighteon.com
Georgia's nefarious congressperson Marjorie Taylor Greene is just furious that Fox News treated her like a stand-in for Trump, and barred her and her colleagues from participating in a post-debate panel ostensibly clowning about the Republican candidates for president.

Trump didn't show up, so why would Fox let his "surrogates" speak? The flat-out admission that MTG, Gaetz, and others are now just Trump's minion seems an interesting revelation for Fox News.

Raw Story:
U.S. to wage economic WAR on Mexico for refusing to grow, import any more GMO corn

The globalists who control the United States are furious that Mexico has decided to no longer import any more genetically modified (GMO) corn from the U.S. or anywhere else.

Following two-and-a-half months of failed negotiations, U.S. overlords are calling for the creation of a dispute settlement panel under a North American trade deal to try to strongarm Mexico into accepting the toxic corn.

In case you missed it, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) decreed back in 2020 that all GMO corn, as well as glyphosate (Roundup) herbicide, is to be completely phased out of his country by January 2024.

(Related: As promised, Mexico is, in fact, banning all imports of toxic GMO corn from the United States.)

Because the U.S. economy relies heavily on fake GMO food, this delivered a huge blow to American agriculture. It was believed by some that AMLO was just bluffing, but he is dead serious about ridding Mexico of toxic GMO corn and toxic glyphosate herbicide, even if the U.S. chooses to throw a hissy fit about it.

Backed by agricultural, consumer, environmental, public health, and worker groups, AMLO's decision is wildly popular among We the People. It is not so popular among U.S. globalists, though, who are angrily trying to force Mexico back in line with its dictates.

U.S. threatens Mexico over GMO ban; Mexico shoots back with: GO AWAY, USA

Back in June, the Biden administration requested 75 days of formal negotiations to try to convince AMLO that GMO corn is good for Mexico  because it is good for the globalists' pocketbooks, and nothing more.

Those talks officially ended last Wednesday when U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai confirmed that, in accordance with globalist demands, a new panel will be formed under the United States  Mexico  Canada Agreement (USMCA).

"Through the USMCA dispute panel, we seek to resolve our concerns and help ensure consumers can continue to access safe and affordable food and agricultural products," Tai announced.

"It is critical that Mexico eliminate its USMCA-inconsistent biotechnology measures so that American farmers can continue to access the Mexican market and use innovative tools to respond to climate and food security challenges."

In other words, do as we say, Mexico  or else. The imperialistic nature of the U.S.'s demands against Mexico are typical, but are increasingly unwelcomed and unacceptable to a growing populist movement in both countries that no longer wants to eat poisonous GMOs for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The Mexican Ministry of Economy seems to be more aligned with We the People than our own representatives in Washington, D.C., having shot back at Tai's declaration with a rejection of her threat.

"Mexico does not agree with the position of the United States," the Ministry shot back, adding that it "is prepared to defend the Mexican position before this international panel and demonstrate: 1) that the national regulation is consistent with the commitments signed in the treaty; and 2) that the challenged measures do not have commercial effects."

Coming to the defense of Mexico's position is the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP), which affirmed that Mexico is under no obligation to abide by the U.S.'s demanding threats.

"U.S. agribusiness exporters, the biotech industry, and their allies in Congress are pushing this case, intent on compelling Mexico to accept U.S. exports without debate," said Karen Hansen-Kuhn, IATP's director of trade and international strategies. "It is an assault on Mexico's food sovereignty."

"Trade rules should provide a forum to protect and advance rights, rather than block them," she continued.

The U.S. is increasingly alone in thinking that GMOs are safe and constitute actual food. Learn more at Frankenfoood.news.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

NaturalNews.com
FUNDING FAKE SCIENCE: American Medical Association wants U.S. taxpayers to pay for uterus transplants for FAKE WOMEN trannies at $300,000 per operation

Internal cosmetic surgery is now "on the table" as the highly corrupt American Medical Association (AMA) is suggesting US taxpayers foot the bill for "Transgender Surgical Care" costing over a quarter million dollars per patient. This would involve surgeons wasting precious hours implanting a uterus into a biological man who will still obviously NOT be able to become pregnant or give birth.

To be clear, a "Trans-woman" is a biological man who pretends to be a woman. Besides getting fake breasts, taking estrogen hormones, shaving his legs and wearing a wig and some makeup, now, thanks to the AMA, he might just go to the hospital for surgery to insert a uterus so he can further pretend to be a woman. No, it's not the million-dollar-man, or the bionic woman,  it's  wait for it the million-dollar-tranny!

Science has no limits, declares the AMA clinicians, who are now obviously controlled by the gender fluid cult of insanity. To be "pro-science" these days means you are an anti-science, gay-bashing, racist bigot because you don't believe men can get pregnant and give birth.

To be "pro-science" means you don't believe in climate change, since there's no scientific proof the world is getting hotter. And to be pro-science means you don't believe in "vaccines" because vaccines are not based on "safe" or "effective" results from clinical trials anymore. Now, the AMA is literally anti-science, supporting ultra-expensive, useless surgeries for men who want to pretend they are women, so if doctors and surgeons don't "fall in line," they may just be losing their medical license, forevermore.

Inserting a uterus in a man is not an "ethical" consideration as the AMA would have us all believe

The Journal of Ethics says medicine should consider doing useless, massively expensive operations just to make trannies happy, for ethics, equality, and even political purposes. Is the American Medical Association a political activist organization now? Do they support science fiction, or science? They are stating that men who want to pretend they can have babies should be able to get a $300,000 operation that serves NO PURPOSE other than to help them pretend and avoid a little "psychological dissonance."

Meanwhile, people are dying from horrific cancer tumors caused by the Covid clot shots and need surgery to survive. But soon they will be waiting in line behind a guy in high heels and makeup who wants surgery so he can enhance his libido. According to the new tranny cult leaders at the AMA, trans women who want to give birth can plausibly justify a uterus transplant subsidy up to $300,000.

Giving birth is not just about the uterus, anyway. There is much more involved in order to birth a living, healthy child. This is not the Island of Dr. Moreau. These surgeons want to play God while they bankroll off of useless surgeries. Are they even considering the long-term detriment of improper hormone production and balance? What about ovaries, fallopian tubes, nursing a child, etc.? Is the AMA doing hysterectomies also for biological men so they can pretend more "science?" This is pure insanity.

Tune your internet dial to Gender.news for updates on the AMA pretending that men can give birth and doing useless $300,000 operations to support tranny mood swings. If America is the greatest country on earth, it sure is going down the tube faster than a tranny in high heels flushing a tampon he didnt need after getting his fake period and a definitive "no" on his pregnancy test.

Sources for this article include:

DailyCaller.com

USA.visa.com

NaturalNews.com

Oann.com
Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Several NGOs are involved in CHILD TRAFFICKING, reveals Carlos Arellano  Brighteon.TV

Federal whistleblower Carlos Arellano told Ann Vandersteel during the Aug. 14 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" on Brighteon.TV that several non-government organizations (NGOs) are involved in child trafficking

"I have reported on child trafficking as it pertains to NGOs in the past, and now we finally have a very clear insider's perspective," Vandersteel said. "Someone who worked at the very top of these organizations since 2015 and how they traffic children."

Arellano has worked for several large NGOs that operate in the Rio Grande Valley since 2015. During his on-the-road interview with Vandersteel, he shared his visit to a "shelter" for young women that's mostly known for picking up babies between five and eight months old. The facility mainly sheltered children under 12 years old, alongside some teen mothers and their babies.

According to Arellano, a scheduling system was in place for employees moving or delivering the children during weekdays. He added that three offices of the Minds Beyond Measure (MBM) non-profit in Texas, which includes the McAllen office where he used to work, were able to deliver 30,000 children per week.

He also touched on the 85,000 "missing" children under the Biden administration, noting that these children are all coming from the NGOs. Arellano thinks the actual number is more than 85,000. Given this, two senators  Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO)  have demanded an explanation from the federal government. (Related: Biden DOJ erases child sex trafficking language from government website after losing track of 85,000 migrant children.)

Despite these negatives, Arellano wasn't entirely doom and gloom. He shared to Vandersteel that he had successfully "unified" around 3,000 children within the last six months.

Vandersteel: NGOs get paid for every child in the system

Vandersteel remarked that NGOs like MBM, Southwest Key Programs and others are engaged in massive child trafficking and are profiting from the children. The children are trafficked from facility to facility based on current laws, with their conditions varying from place to place.

"What we're learning is that these major NGOs  are warehousing and basically holding children in concentration camps, mostly against their will," she said. "These kids have been brought over the border from many of the Central American countries. Some since they were infants, others as teenagers and they are typically held until they are 18 years of age when they must be legally released."

The "Right Now" host added these NGOs have working reciprocal relationships with one another. These groups make hundreds of billions of dollars, as shown by the numerous large facilities around the country and the key players involved.

Vandersteel pointed out that the amount of money made from the children who are sold into a life of slavery and incarceration is staggering. Ultimately, it is all about keeping the children in the system because every child is worth a lot of money.

She mentioned Americans are starting to see clearly government facilitation through the use of NGOs that are trafficking children. They are also waking up to fact that the federal government, the NGOs and the cartels are all in this child trafficking business together.

Follow Trafficking.news for more news about the child trafficking happening in America.

Watch the Aug.14 episode of "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" below. "Right Now with Ann Vandersteel" airs weekdays at 8-9 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

More related stories:

Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Tyler Schwab discusses efforts to rescue CHILD TRAFFICKING victims  Brighteon.TV.

Right Now with Ann Vandersteel: Whistleblower Tara Rodas says U.S. serves as the middleman in cross-border CHILD TRAFFICKING  Brighteon.TV.

The Biden crime syndicate is one of the most evil secret societies in world history, guilty of child trafficking and high treason against America, FBI And DOJ whistleblowers allege.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

NYPost.com
Drone flying above suspected origin of Lahaina fires GROUNDED; operator immediately confronted by government agents

A licensed drone operator reportedly filming the suspected origin of wildfires that ravaged the island of Maui in Hawaii claimed his drone was grounded and government agents paid him a visit.

Fox News host Will Cain recounted the story of drone pilot Davin Phelps in a thread on X, formerly Twitter, on Aug. 21. The aerial photographer said he was prohibited from filming the suspected area where the fires began in the town of Lahaina.

Phelps showed Cain a video of the town devastated by fire, with the clip showing buildings largely reduced to ashes. Aside from the videos, the drone operator showed several still images that Cain described as "stunning and haunting."

The "Fox & Friends Weekend" host then recounted Phelps' story. "I don't want to feed ridiculous conspiracies but all I can do is tell you the truth. [The drone pilot] says he was hired by an attorney to fly his drone over the suspected area where the fire started," Cain tweeted.

"There is a no-fly zone over Lahaina. But as you can see from the footage, that hasn't stopped him from getting images of [the] town. But it was a different experience at the fires' origin."

According to Cain, licensed drone pilots fly through an app coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration. While the app can deny flight permissions and remotely ground drones, such instances are "very rare." He however noted that "when Phelps got to the suspected fire origin area, he was denied flight and grounded."

Cain continued that two government agents quickly visited Phelps and asked for his license. The pilot said the two, whose agency he did not remember, ran him off the parking lot of the Lahaina Intermediate School where he attempted to launch. (Related: The Maui fires are highly suspicious: Here are NINE questions we should all be asking.)

Phelps' story points to a government coverup

It appears that the suppression experienced by Phelps over the origins of the wildfires, the deadliest in the U.S. in over a century, points to a government cover-up. At least 115 people have been confirmed dead in the conflagration.

John Mills, a spokesman for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said the Lahaina wildfires traveled so quickly that there was little chance for those fleeing to outrun it. He told ABC News' Whit Johnson: "This fire was moving like a freight train."

A report by the outlet put forward the possibility of downed power lines causing the catastrophic fires. Around 6:30 a.m. on Aug. 8, a brush fire was reported in Lahaina  with firefighters managing to control it before 9 a.m. of the same day. However, it flared up again and proceeded to consume Lahaina.

Given the involvement of power lines, a class action lawsuit against Hawaiian Electric alleged that the electricity company "inexcusably kept their power lines energized" despite forecasts of high winds that could topple power lines and potentially ignite a fast-spreading blaze.

Meanwhile, Hawaii Electric said in a statement to ABC News: "At this early stage, the cause of the fire has not been determined. We will work with the state and county as they conduct their review."

Hawaii Attorney General Anne Lopez said in a statement that an outside organization will investigate the state and county preparation for and response to the Maui wildfires. She added that the review is expected to take months.

"The information collected will be used to assess the performance in emergency preparedness as we are constantly looking for ways to improve," said Lopez. "We intend to look at this critical incident to facilitate any necessary corrective action, and to advance future emergency preparedness."

Hawaii State Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, meanwhile, said the investigation will "ensure that all aspects of the incident, including any potential shortcomings in preparation, response and communication are thoroughly examined."

Visit Conspiracy.news for more stories about the government potentially covering up the origins of the Maui wildfires.

Watch activist Jason Jones confirming the cover-up of the total number of deaths from the Maui wildfires below.

This video is from the InfoWars channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Maui wildfires: Lawsuit accuses Hawaiian Electric of negligence resulting in wrongful deaths, severe injuries and damages to property.

WILDFIRE AFTERMATH: Maui residents face new threat from CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION that could linger for months, officials say.

COINCIDENCE? Maui neighborhood was winning against catastrophic wildfire until water was deliberately cut off.

Maui wildfires burn historic town of Lahaina, kill over 90 Hawaiians with hundreds still missing.

Sources include:

WesternJournal.com

ABCNews.go.com

AG.Hawaii.gov [PDF]

Brighteon.com
Elon Musk says X, formerly Twitter, will put an end to the BLOCK function

Elon Musk, the owner of the X social media platform (formerly known as Twitter), said the block feature on the site will be removed as it "makes no sense."

In a post on the platform that he acquired in October 2022, the South African-born tech mogul said: "Block is going to be deleted as a 'feature,' except for DMs [direct messages]. It makes no sense." Under the rule, users won't be able to block accounts from interacting with their public posts. However, users can prevent these other accounts from messaging them directly.

Prior to the announcement, the block feature completely severs the connection between users as it prevents specific accounts from contacting, viewing tweets and following users. It was primarily used to counteract harassment, threats and stalking on the social media platform. The mute option, a less-stringent feature, allows users to hide content from specific followers without fully blocking their interactions.

The X owner suggested setting accounts to "private" as an alternative option for users to have more control over who can see and respond to their posts. However, this approach also limits publicity, restricting users from engaging with a broader audience.

Also, the app stores for the Android and iOS mobile platforms have guidelines strongly recommending the inclusion of a block feature in social networking apps. Google's Play Store, for instance, mandates an "in-app system for blocking user-generated content and users." Similarly, Apple's App Store expects apps to include the ability to block abusive users from the service.

Musk faces backlash over plan to remove block feature on X

The absence of a block feature could compromise user safety, particularly in cases of harassment and cyberbullying. Blocking has been a key tool for individuals to protect themselves from malicious accounts. With the block function gone, users may need to rely solely on the mute feature, which doesn't provide the same level of protection.

"Block is a form of moderation for users," said Daniel Rubino, Windows Central editor-in-chief. emphasized. Unlike muting, blocking prevents blocked users from engaging with the person who blocked them with a higher degree of control. (Related: STUDY: Twitter censorship shockingly on rise after Elon Musk takeover.)

"The removal of the block function would effectively make harassment an official feature of X, taking away what is the only setting that can reduce impact," said Tanja Bueltmann, a historian at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. "It is an extremely ignorant and privileged perspective to think that blocking makes no sense."

Meanwhile, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey approved of Musk's announcement, suggesting that the "mute only" approach could be a more effective way of handling unwanted interactions. He also stressed his support for Musk's longstanding advocacy for free speech.

Eva Galperin, the Electronic Frontier Foundation's director of cybersecurity, highlighted the necessity of blocking abusive accounts.

Even organizations such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum in Poland have weighed in. The museum noted that the block function has been instrumental in limiting antisemitic replies to their tweets commemorating victims of the Holocaust.

"A platform that disregards the need to defend the memory of the victims demonstrates a disregard for creating a respectful and empathetic online environment," it wrote.

Visit BigTech.news for more stories about X, formerly known as Twitter.

Watch this video that explains why Twitter allows the promotion of child torture, child sexual exploitation and other nefarious practices.

This video is from the Henrik Wallin - All knowledge channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Under Musk, Twitter has stopped enforcing covid misinformation policy.

Twitter yielding to more government CENSORSHIP demands under Musk leadership.

DHS role in Twitter censorship before Elon Musk bought platform is exposed.

Elon Musk: Every conspiracy theory about Twitter Turned Out To Be True.

Elon Musk tells employees: Commit to hardcore Twitter vision or leave.

Sources include:

RT.com

TheVerge.com

Variety.com

Twitter.com

Brighteon.com
Moscow says globalists in Washington, D.C., trying to unleash new deadly bioweapons in violation of international law

The Russian embassy in Washington, D.C., has issued a warning about what the globalists who run the United States have planned for the future of world affairs  and it is not pretty.

In a statement, Moscow addressed the "gross violations by the United States of its obligations" under the Biological Weapons Convention, which prohibits the types of biological weapons research and development operations that are taking place in Ukraine, communist China, and elsewhere.

Virtually every country in the world, including the U.S., has signed the Biological Weapons Convention. And yet, the U.S. has decided to flout its provisions and develop deadly bioweapons regardless.

"Washington ignores the claims, justifying itself by some humanitarian component of its programs," the Russian embassy said, adding that such excuses from the U.S. regime have absolutely nothing to do with reality.

The U.S. "brazenly and with complete impunity scatters its illegal laboratories all over the world," it added, noting that under the guise of "epidemiological monitoring," the U.S. is rapidly enhancing the pathogenic capabilities of all sorts of deadly infections.

(Related: Back in April, Russia warned that the U.S. government was working on a "universal" GMO bioweapon to cause mass death of humans, animals, and crops.)

Russia warns that U.S. is planning another covid-like "pandemic," complete with lockdown tyranny

Russia is especially concerned about the U.S.-run biolabs located right in its own backyard. The Ukrainian landscape is littered with them, which is a big reason why Russia invaded Ukraine in the first place.

"The task is obvious  to be able to create biological crises when needed," Russia said plainly and simply about what the U.S. is gunning to do. "To form artificial centers of infections. In other words, to manage epidemics, putting them at the service of [Washington's] own interests."

In Ukraine specifically, the U.S. government "has drawn dozens of the country's state institutions and private companies into its projects," exploiting civilian and military personnel alike as both biomaterial donors and as test subjects.

"There is no doubt that such actions require appropriate legal assessment, including by competent international institutions," Russia says about the matter.

Already through the rumor mill we are hearing that the Biden regime has plans in the works to unleash a COVID 2.0-style event this fall, complete with mask mandates, lockdowns, and more economic terrorism.

What Russia seems to be saying is that the U.S. is using biolabs, including in Ukraine, to build the next weapon that will be unleashed upon the world and used as a catalyst to once again plunge it into absolute tyranny.

Russia is so concerned about what the U.S. is up to that it is calling on the United Nations (UN) to probe the activities of U.S.-run laboratories throughout Ukraine. That call was, of course, vetoed by both the U.S. and its NATO allies, including Great Britain and France.

Back in March, the White House responded to ongoing claims by Russia that the U.S. is building deadly bioweapons by claiming that this is just "classic Russian propaganda" with no basis in reality.

Several months later, though, the Pentagon (Pentagram) admitted publicly that it does, in fact, support 46 different Ukrainian laboratories, though it insists that all of them are working on projects "focused on improving public health and agricultural safety."

"Very few Americans still trust their government," one commenter wrote about all this. "We know they're parasites and that they don't work for us."

"And yet no one is expelling them," responded another about the weakness of modern-day America when it comes to dealing with problems like this the way it once did back in the day.

The United States is run by psychopathic globalists who lust after genocide. Learn more at Globalism.news.

Sources for this article include:

RT.com

NaturalNews.com
LIKE CLOCKWORK: Hollywood studios led by Lionsgate re-implement forced masking, daily testing for second round of COVID TYRANNY

Deja vu is hitting la-la-land as Hollywood studio giant Lionsgate reinstates Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) mask and "testing" requirements for all Los Angeles-based office workers.

The first Hollywood studio to do so this time around, Lionsgate is leading the charge in requiring all in-office employees at its Santa Monica headquarters to wear a face mask at all times while inside the building, except when alone in an enclosed office or large open workspace, effective immediately.

These same employees will also now be required to shove a large cotton swab laced with who-knows-what up their nasal cavity in "test" for Fauci Flu germs that might be hiding in the mucus next to their brain.

This time around, though, any old face mask or bandana will not do. Lionsgate is requiring its employees to wear "a medical grade face covering (surgical mask, KN95 or N95) when indoors except when alone in an office with the door closed, actively eating, actively drinking at their desk or workstation, or if they are the only individual present in a large open workspace."

(Related: The Biden regime is once again gearing up to unleash hell across America in the form of covid tyranny.)

JUST SAY NO to ALL forms of COVID 2.0 tyranny

The tyranny from Lionsgate arrives as the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is claiming that there has been a recent uptick in the number of new covid "transmissions," though the agency admits that "overall metrics remain at a low level of concern."

Sadly, but not surprisingly, Lionsgate is not alone in reinstating covid tyranny. Morris Brown College, a "historically black" no-name college in Atlanta, is likewise forcing everyone on its campus to mask up and stay away from other people, effective immediately, because of those scary covid germs they feel are floating all around us.

This is music to the ears of the Biden regime freak show as former Barack Hussein Obama official and MSNBC medical contributor Dr. Kavita Patel said just last month on the little-watched cable "news" network's "Jose Diaz-Balart Reports" program that covid is supposedly on the rise again and that everyone should be wearing a mask so she and the rest of the covid weirdos can feel "safe."

A repeat of 2020, which was also an election year, the sudden repeat of covid fearmongering is just in time for the 2024 election, which Democrats are gunning to steal a second time using covid as cover.

"Didn't we already just conclude that the masks don't work?" one commenter asked.

"Or the standing six feet apart which they made up on the spot," responded another.

"The six-foot rule, and masks too, were both debunked back in the 1950s with the tuberculosis research conducted by Richard L. Riley at the Baltimore VA hospital," explained someone else.

"Well, there is an election upcoming," wrote another, echoing the sentiment of many who have seen this play out once already. "Without the mail-in fraud ... I mean vote, how are Democrats going to win?"

"Maybe it's wishful thinking on my part but I do think the tide is beginning to turn," said someone else with slightly more optimism.

"The demon rats (Democrats) have been outed for the cheaters that they are, and I don't think it'll be quite so easy to get away with it this time, not that they won't try."

"This was as predictable as Joe falling up a flight of stairs boarding Air Force One," joked another about this tired playbook of tyranny and election theft.

The latest news about covid can be found at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

Breitbart.com

NaturalNews.com

Gazette.com
Joe Biden lies, tells Maui fire survivors he has a sense of what its like to lose a home

President Joe Biden compared a small kitchen fire at his home in Delaware 19 years ago to the devastation in Lahaina, Maui, telling victims he had a sense of what it was like to lose a home.

(Article by Kristina Wong republished from Breitbart.com)

I dont want to compare difficulties, but we have a little sense, Jill and I, what its like to lose a home, he said while at the Lahaina Civic Center.

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 respondedAnd they ran into flames to save my wife and save my family. Not a joke, he added.

An Associated Press article from August 2, 2004, on the fire called it small and contained to the kitchen. It was under control in 20 minutes, according to the fire company chief.

It said:

Lightning struck the home of Sen. Joseph Biden, starting a small fire that was contained to the kitchen. No one was injured in Sundays fire, which started amid a storm that caused serious flooding in Pennsylvania and knocked out power to hundreds of Delaware homes and businesses.  Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the house, but were able to keep the flames from spreading beyond the kitchen, said Cranston Heights Fire Company Chief George Lamborn. Luckily, we got it pretty early, he said. The fire was under control in 20 minutes.

There are 850 people still unaccounted for, Mayor Richard Bissen said in a Facebook post on Monday. So far, 115 have been confirmed dead, according to Maui County.

WATCH: K9 Units Assist in Search for Survivors in Lahaina Following Wildfires

Many of those dead are feared to be children, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green confirmed Sunday. That is possible that there will be many children, he said on CBS News Face the Nation.

There is still 15 percent of Lahaina to be searched, which includes larger residential buildings where remains might be more difficult to recover, according to Green.

Read more at: Breitbart.com
U.S. proxy war: Kyivs counteroffensive kills or wounds 800 Ukrainians per day, Russia reports

Earlier in August, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine had suffered 43,000 casualties in the first two months of the Ukrainian counter-offensive and since then has lost about 10,000 additional men or about 800 casualties per day as of Saturday.

Russia claimed that on the weekend of Aug. 5-6, Ukraine lost 2,040 men. Since then, losses have been 8,570, including 4,215 in the last five days alone as of August 19: 845 on Aug. 14, 735 on Aug. 15, 890 on Aug. 16, 810 on Aug. 17, and 935 on Aug 19. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted that there are 10 times as many Ukrainians dying as Russians.

President Volodymyr Zelensky's Ministry of Defense does not release casualty reports but as per a media portal, "there is mounting evidence that Ukraine has been taking heavy casualties in its counteroffensive," which began June 4. "ABC News spoke with two former U.S. soldiers who are contracted in a special forces division of the Ukrainian military and who were both injured during an operation in eastern Ukraine two weeks ago," the news outlet reported. "Both soldiers are currently in a hospital in Kyiv but said they hope to be transferred to Germany for surgery this week in order to remove shrapnel from their bodies."

One of the men, a former U.S. soldier from Texas, who goes by the callsign "Tango," said his unit took "85 percent casualties" and that 40 percent of the unit was so badly injured they were rendered combat ineffective. Another private military company (PMC) told the news outlet that Ukrainian offensive operations were "disorganized." "We lost three (German-made) Leopards in one day because they were just told to drive forward into a minefield," the anonymous PMC said.

"It was definitely a very professional force that we were fighting against," Tango said adding that newly mobilized Ukrainian soldiers often appeared to lack the necessary training for complicated offensive operations on the battlefield. "It seems like they [Ukrainian soldiers] have been taught to use them [western military equipment] but not to employ them effectively in a tactical sense [on the battlefield]," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry insisted that Russia has lost 256,510 men since the beginning of the war. Other estimates put the figure at 50,000. Combined, nearly 500,000 Ukrainian and Russian soldiers have been wounded or killed in the war, the New York Times reported, citing "unnamed officials."

"Hubris clobbered by Nemesis." Brian W. Aldiss Total combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to August 18, 2023: pic.twitter.com/Sq5aAx4NUn  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) August 18, 2023

Furthermore, observers like Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have estimations of 350,000 casualties before the start of the much-vaunted "Spring Offensive." According to RFK Jr., people are being lied to about the Ukraine war and that Zelensky has his people killed on the front lines and he has been hiding this fact. "The neocons in the White House have been provoking this war for ten years," he said of the real proponents of the war.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Fox: "We are being lied to about the Ukraine war... Data now shows that about 350,000 Ukrainians have been killed on the front lines and we're not being told that... the neocons in the White House have been provoking this war for ten years." pic.twitter.com/SEuVnCuvLg  COMBATE |?? (@upholdreality) June 4, 2023

U.S. and Western allies continue to send war artillery to support Kyiv's desperate war with Russia

Officials in Washington D.C. and Europe revealed on Friday that the United States had given its approval for the Netherlands and Denmark to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to further boost its artillery in its desperate war with Russia. This latest move is just a tacit admission that Kyiv's "counteroffensive" has been a disaster with no air superiority, the Gateway Pundit wrote. (Related: The next major war is reportedly about to begin, and "D-day" has already been chosen.)

This is in line with the recent display of captured Western equipment by Russia at their Army's 2023 convention outside Moscow. The weapons included a U.S. Humvee, a U.S.-manufactured M113 APC, a Swedish-manufactured CV90-40 IFV, and a French-manufactured AMX-10RCR wheeled tank.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has advised Ukrainian soldiers to surrender. "We strongly recommend Ukrainian servicemen who are convinced of the criminal nature of the bandit junta that has seized their country to either turn their weapons against it or surrender to our forces," she said.

British Admiral Tony Radakin seemed to agree when he said: "I think some of the comments that he's (Putin) not well or that actually surely somebody's going to assassinate him or take him out, I think they're wishful thinking."

"As military professionals, we see a relatively stable regime in Russia. President Putin has been able to quash any opposition. We see a hierarchy that is invested in President Putin and so nobody at the top has got the motivation to challenge President Putin," Radakin added.

The latest news about the dragging Ukraine-Russia war can be found at WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

ABCNews.go.com

CBC.ca
Atlanta private college reintroduces mask mandate and physical distancing amid new COVID-19 fear campaign

A small private educational institution in Atlanta announced via an August 20 letter to faculty, staff, and students that it is reinstating the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic-era "health protocols" such as wearing face masks, contact tracing, and physical distancing in the coming weeks.

Morris Brown College (MBC) has reintroduced the mandates just a week after the commencement of classes, and they will remain in effect for two weeks. According to the communication, the restrictions are held in place due to "rising" numbers of positive cases among students in the Atlanta University Center.

The said university center is the oldest and largest contiguous consortium of African-American higher education institutions. Among the schools in the consortium that already began classes last week are Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University.

As per the Morehouse website, the current alert level within the Atlanta University Center is green, the lowest of a four-tiered alert system. The green designation means the "prevalence of the virus is minimal." The alert levels are determined based on the number of new cases in the past seven days on campus and the community, among other factors.

MBC President Kevin James told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) earlier in the week that his school has not yet received any reports of COVID-19 cases directly on its premises. He characterized these measures as "precautionary steps." In addition to the mask mandate, the school has also directed students to practice physical distancing and it has also prohibited parties and large student gatherings on campus for the ensuing two-week period. Temperature checks for students and employees upon arrival at the campus premises will also be mandatory.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Morris Brown College (@morrisbrownatl)

"We prioritize your safety and seek your cooperation in preventing another pandemic," James said in his message to the campus community.

AJC reported last week that COVID-19 cases are rising in Georgia. Numbers throughout the state have gone up three weeks in a row, though the total number of known infections and hospitalizations remains low. But other schools outside the consortium are not as strict with their health mandates. (Related: HYSTERIA 2.0: Scientists call for the return of face masks as they raise alarm over new COVID variant BA.6 that has a "lot of MUTATIONS.")

Georgia State University and Georgia Institute of Technology both began classes Monday and their protocols have not changed, according to their representatives. Georgia Tech's Stamps Health Services reported 17 positive cases in the last two weeks but the school recently posted a reminder on its website about COVID-19 and campus health services, acknowledging that cases spike at the start of each semester but did not revive any restrictive protocols.

Moreover, a spokeswoman at Emory University said the school is following "standard operating conditions," the lower of its two COVID-19 responses. Students are asked to self-monitor for symptoms and follow other healthy habits such as hand-washing and covering coughs and sneezes.

Fearmongering anew

The Post Millennial's X account shared a video from NBC's "Nightly News with Lester Holt," which talks about the 14 percent surge in COVID-19 hospitalizations this summer, which is still far lower than the pandemic levels.

"Theyre trying to do the COVID thing again," the tweet was captioned.

Theyre trying to do the Covid thing again. pic.twitter.com/QPJS2PuXIC  The Post Millennial (@TPostMillennial) August 18, 2023

According to the news, the uptick in cases is due to a new variant EG.5, which is "easier to give and get," primary care physician in Washington, D.C. and MSNBC columnist contributor, Dr. Kavita Patel, said.

In a separate interview with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen, she announced that a new booster shot is to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before CDC will be able to endorse it by the second or third week of September. She also claimed that the new jabs are tailored to the new variant and Americans can expect that the booster immunization will already be an annual thing, sounding like they got everything in place already.

After more than three years, reports, studies and a lot of papers have been reviewed and published exposing how the "health mandates" such as lockdowns, physical distancing, facial coverings, and others did not help mitigate the virus. These actually even caused emotional and health distress to people. Additionally, many investigations and studies were able to prove that the "vaccines" actually damaged, injured, and killed a lot of people as well; more than the virus itself.

It is no longer surprising that X users responded "skeptically" to the revival of the "fearmongering" and "mind conditioning" hidden behind the reinstating of public health protocols in response to the rising COVID-19 cases.

Users commented "Pass. Hard Pass," "Not complying," No thanks, fam," and "Good luck with that." Some of them saw this as a political tactic. A user said: "COVID uptick, must be getting close to elections." Another one said: Its right there in front of you BA.2.86 Variant. BA = Biden Administration." Meanwhile, another one connected it to climate alarmism: "Their climate change story is falling apart because of the lies in Hawaii now this."

MedicalTyranny.com has more stories related to the revival of pandemic-era protocols so that big government can again take full control.

Sources for this article include:

AJC.com

ThePostMillenial.com
RACISM: Progressive insurance SUED for offering patently unlawful $25,000 grants exclusively to black-only businesses

You know those goofy commercials with Flo, the bullhorn lady pushing insurance? Her longtime employer, Progressive insurance, is being sued for offering $25,000 grants exclusively to "black-owned" businesses, which is

The conservative group America First Legal (AFL) filed the class-action suit in an Ohio federal court this past week on behalf of Nathan Roberts, the owner of Freedom Truck Dispatch, who claims that Progressive is racially discriminating against non-black small business owners by offering the $25,000 to 10 "black-owned small businesses to use toward the purchase of a commercial vehicle."

Because whites, Asians, Hispanics, and all other non-blacks are excluded from the program, Progressive is engaged in unconstitutional racism  and, if history is any indicator, news about Progressive's "woke" program is sure to bite the company financially.

(Related: In less than 30 years, the "woke" DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] initiatives thrust on Johannesburg have turned Africa's richest city into a "crumbling hellscape.")

What would happen if a company offered white-only grants?

The lawsuit was filed after Roberts, a Progressive customer, received a mailer from the company on May 24 offering "a grant opportunity for their [Progressive's] commercial-trucking small-business owners."

"Progressive decided that only black-owned businesses would be eligible for these grants [because] studies have shown how inequities have made it harder for black entrepreneurs to access capital," the company claims.

Hello Alice is also listed as a defendant in the case because it partnered with Progressive on the financial award program, which is limited to "black-owned" businesses with 10 or fewer employees and with a turnaround below $5 million.

The winners of the Progressive grant program for 2023 have already been announced alongside a proud announcement from the company stating that "Progressive is stepping in to provide funding to Black entrepreneurs to help navigate their small business journey."

According to Roberts, the entire scheme is little more than "racially discriminatory grantmaking" because it bears a "racially discriminatory requirement" that one must have black skin in order to qualify.

We thought we long moved past this kind of thing in the '60s, but apparently left-wing America wants to revive the "back of the bus" mindset of that era  except this time the recipients of all the discrimination are those with fair skin who have a European background.

The globalists hate people with fair skin and European genetics, and seem to deliberately exclude and punish whites every change they get. And apparently these same globalists have given their kiss of death to Progressive, which is likely to go the way of Target, Bud Light (Anheuser-Busch), Best Buy, and a host of other anti-white, anti-family companies out there that are in the process of going broke.

In a statement to the media, AFL lawyer Gene Hamilton said the case is part of a much bigger pushback against big corporations injecting "racial considerations into every aspect of their business operations, employment practices, and so much more."

The suit is petitioning the court to declare Progressive's grant program illegal, and to award the plaintiffs "nominal" compensation and legal fees as a corrective punishment.

"Last month I was fishing on the coast, and at the end of the day I returned to the hotel room, cleaned up, and turned the TEEVEE on," one commenter wrote about his recent experience with anti-white America.

"Because I don't have TEEVEE at home, usually the only time I see one is at the bar and I'm' not watching it. Anyway, after 20 minutes I had to turn it off. It was nothing but blacks and gays on every channel. It's ridiculous."

Going "woke" almost always means going broke  and you're next, Progressive! Learn more at Collapse.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
Real science vs. fake science: learn the truth about the so-called climate emergency

When it comes to the science surrounding climate change, there are two distinct camps saying opposing things about the current state of global weather patterns.

On the one hand, you have climate fanatics who insist the world is "boiling" or "melting," and that the only way to fix it is to ban everything that makes life in modern times livable. On the other hand, you have climate realists who admit that the climate has always been changing, and that there is no real climate emergency based on historical weather patterns.

Nobel Laureate Dr. John Clauser falls in the second camp, having recently affixed his signature to the World Climate Declaration stating that "there is no climate emergency." Conversely, climate "apocalyptographer" Mike Mann holds a polar opposite position, claiming that every major weather event, including the recent Maui fires and Hurricane Hilary, is proof-positive that global warming is real.

Both of these men cannot be right, of course. Only Clauser holds a solid position that aligns with science, while Mann holds the conspiratorial globalist view that every activity mankind does heats up the planet, thus causing the polar ice caps to melt and ocean levels to rise.

(Related: Check out these 14 U.S. cities that are planning to outlaw meat, dairy, private car ownership, new clothing, and commercial air travel by 2030.)

Going "green" means lowering regular people's standard of living while allowing the rich to get richer

Clauser is hardly alone in rejecting the prevailing climate narrative. He is actually the second Nobel Laureate to sign the World Climate Declaration, a document that currently has nearly 1,600 prominent signatures.

Clauser also recently joined the board of directors of the CO2 Coalition, a climate organization that rejects the made-up notion that "greenhouse gases" like carbon dioxide are in any way responsible for directly causing major weather events that the "greenies" insist are occurring because too many people still eat meat and drive cars.

"The popular narrative about climate change reflects a dangerous corruption of science that threatens the world's economy and the well-being of billions of people," Clauser is quoted as saying.

"Misguided climate science has metastasized into massive shock-journalistic pseudoscience. In turn, the pseudoscience has become a scapegoat for a wide variety of other unrelated ills. It has been promoted and extended by similarly misguided business marketing agents, politicians, journalists, government agencies, and environmentalists."

In no uncertain terms, Clauser has said again and again that, based on everything he knows and sees, there is absolutely no climate crisis taking place  at least not of a kind that humans can prevent, anyway.

"There is, however, a very real problem with providing a decent standard of living to the world's large population and an associated energy crisis," Clauser does, however, say. "The latter is being unnecessarily exacerbated by what, in my opinion, is incorrect climate science."

Clauser is quite brave in his position, sharing it publicly every change he gets, including at the recent Quantum Korea 2023 event. There, Clauser warned his audience that the pseudoscience and misinformation surrounding climate change continues to grow.

"Beware: If you're doing good science, it may lead you into politically incorrect areas," Clauser stated at the event.

"If you're a good scientist, you will follow them. I have several I won't have time to discuss, but I can confidently say there is no real climate crisis and that climate change does not cause extreme weather events."

The man-made climate change hoax is a globalist plot to strip the world's population of all freedom  because freedom is "polluting" the planet, we are told. Learn more at GreenTyranny.news.

Sources for this article include:

WattsUpWithThat.com

CNN.com

NaturalNews.com
Senators call for FTC investigation into Google over YouTube ads that violate childrens privacy

A bipartisan pair of senators have co-authored a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to conduct an investigation into Google over YouTube ads that enable the tracking of children.

In the letter written by Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Democratic Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, they said that this alleged behavior by YouTube and Google "is estimated to have impacted hundreds of thousands, to potentially millions, of children across the United States."

"YouTube and Google shouldnt treat young peoples information as something they can profit from without any limits," the letter continued. "We need laws to protect young peoples privacy online, and we should stop targeted advertising to kids and teenagers."

According to a New York Times report, YouTube is allegedly engaged with channels monitoring the online activities of children through their advertisements, despite its promise to limit the collection of viewer data and stop serving personalized advertisements on videos for kids.

The recent findings suggest that these promises might not have been fully upheld. A recent example cited in the report involves Canadian bank BMO which had a recent ad campaign for a credit card that was displayed on a Barbie-themed children's video on the popular channel "Kids Diana Show."

Upon clicking the ad, users were directed to BMO's website, which embedded tracking software from various tech giants, including Google, Facebook and Microsoft.

The report also unearthed other unsettling findings, such as more than 300 advertisements for adult products appearing on nearly 100 YouTube videos that were labeled as "made for kids."

Additionally, certain children's channels were found to have displayed ads with violent content. These discoveries have ignited debates about the appropriateness of certain advertisements on children's content and have highlighted the potential risks to children's online privacy.

This practice potentially violates the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which mandates that online services directed at children must obtain parental consent before collecting personal data from users under the age of 13, especially for purposes like targeted advertising.

Google and YouTube deny accusations of child monitoring

The iOS mobile app of YouTube generates and shares a unique ad tracking ID whenever a user interacts with an advertisement on a "for kids" channel. When users click on ads adjacent to such videos, YouTube allegedly opens a specialized in-app "web view" browser, where distinct ad targeting and tracker IDs are established.

In the study conducted by Analytics, this practice extends beyond the website of YouTube, as even the mobile app appears to facilitate data exchange with ad personalization specialists.

Furthermore, Analytics identified around 313 brands advertising adult-oriented consumer products, such as cars and razors, on videos labeled as "for kids." This usually happens even when users are not signed into an account.

In response to these allegations, a spokesperson from Google stated: "Analytics has now released a second report within a short span of time, and regrettably, it is once again riddled with inaccuracies and misleading information."

The spokesperson emphasized that personalized advertising has never been permissible on YouTube Kids and that this rule was extended to cover all viewers of "made for kids" content, irrespective of age. (Related: YouTube protects child sex trafficking, pedophiles and groomers by BANNING interviews and videos about Sound of Freedom film.)

Google's representative disputed the claims, noting that the conclusions lack a well-informed basis and primarily revolve around the presence of cookies. They stated that cookies are commonly used for legitimate purposes, such as detecting fraudulent activities and managing ad frequency, in compliance with COPPA regulations.

Learn more about Big Tech companies like Google at TechGiants.news.

Watch this video that explains how the elites and President Joe Biden promote human trafficking.

This video is from the Proforce channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Google forges deal with UN, WHO to unleash new global CENSORSHIP tool.

British Home Secretary leads fight against Meta's end-to-end encryption that shields child abusers.

RFK Jr. sues YouTube, Google over "misinformation policies" that violated his First Amendment rights.

Rolling Stone, Washington Post PRAISED pro-pedophile movie Cuties, ATTACKED anti-child sex trafficking movie Sound of Freedom.

Sources include:

Breitbart.com

Techstory.in
TSA and Border Patrol officials reveal Bidens plan to reinstate full COVID lockdown measures

Two whistleblowers have revealed that the Biden administration is gearing up to reinstate full lockdown measures, starting with a series of masking mandates for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and airport employees in mid-September.

The first whistleblower, a high-level TSA official, told Infowars that TSA managers were recently briefed on new directives and policies on reintroducing mask-wearing protocols. By mid-October, the administration plans to expand the mask mandate to include pilots, flight crew, passengers, and everyone within airport premises. (Related: Bidens plan to release mass of illegal aliens into U.S. revealed by Border Patrol.)

Infowars reached out to another whistleblower, who confirmed similar directives regarding Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. This second source, a manager within the Border Patrol, said that the administration is preparing for a resurgence in COVID-19 cases and the subsequent return of masking policies.

Despite the information obtained by Infowars, government officials have not indicated a major rise in COVID-19 cases.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a newly identified variant named EG.5 has been spreading in China and the United States. But for now, the WHO has labeled it as "low public health risk."

Dr. Katherine Williams, a leading epidemiologist at the WHO, highlighted the potential for EG.5 to establish itself as a dominant variant in specific regions due to its observed properties. "While EG.5 appears to exhibit certain advantages in terms of transmission and immune evasion, it's crucial to note that no substantial changes in disease severity have been recorded," said Williams during a recent press briefing.

As of August 7, the highest number of EG.5 cases has been reported in China, followed by the U.S., South Korea, Japan and Canada. The variant has also been detected in Australia, Singapore, the U.K., France, Portugal and Spain. Notably, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that EG.5 is now the predominant strain in the U.S., accounting for 17.3 percent of cases by the week ending August 5.

Alex Jones: Sinister motives behind COVID-19 restrictions

InfoWars founder Alex Jones said bringing back COVID-19 restrictions could potentially be used to create a state of civil emergency and even martial law to further divide the public.

A report by the InfoWars speculated that the Biden administration could exploit the situation to manipulate the upcoming presidential election, including the possibility of utilizing mail-in ballots like what was done in the previous election.

The Infowars report claims that this alleged plan for lockdowns coincides with the recent coverage of a new COVID "variant" by mainstream media outlets. It suggests that the administration is using this "variant" as part of a larger strategy to induce fear and control the populace.

Visit Pandemic.news for more stories about the new COVID variant.

Watch this news to learn more about the plans of the Biden Administration to bring back full COVID restrictions.

This video is from the LoneGunman channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

ITS BASIC MATH: Border Patrol agents link 575% increase in seizures of smuggling vehicles to surge in U.S. border crossings.

Bidens federal border patrol agents sabotage Texas Gov. Abbotts efforts to keep illegal migrants out.

Smuggling network caught using fake FedEx vans to smuggle migrants past US border patrol checkpoints.

BORDER DEFENSE: America protects US-Mexico border with barbed wire and verbal warnings.

USBP agents report 743% increase in illegal migrants trying to cross northern border.

Sources include:

[your]NEWS.com

TruthPress.com

NewsWars.com

CNBC.com

Brighteon.com
Zoom updates terms of service: Privacy experts warn about potential DATA THEFT for AI training

In late July, Zoom updated its terms of service (TOS). The move sparked criticism and outrage from users and cybersecurity experts who were worried about Zoom using customers' data without their permission to train artificial intelligence (AI).

To assuage these fears about privacy infringement, Zoom revised its TOS twice: First on Aug. 7, then again on Aug. 11. The company also published a companion blog post to explain its approach to AI.

In the blog post, Zoom confirmed three times that it allegedly does not use chat, audio, video, screen-sharing, attachments or other communications like customer content to train Zooms, or third-party, artificial intelligence models.

Customer content includes poll results, reactions and whiteboard.

The post claims that the AI features are turned off by default. However, if a meeting administrator, who is usually the host, turns them on, the only way for participants to opt out is to leave the meeting.

Referencing a January ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union against Metas forced consent practices, TechCrunch pointed out that even though Zoom users could leave a meeting with Ai features turned on, it does not automatically mean Zoom has "a free choice" over what they do with user data.

Data is "gold"

Zoom said it retains all rights to service-generated data, meaning the company can modify, distribute, process, share, maintain and store said data.

Attorney W. Scott McCollough, whose experience includes writing TOS and acceptable use policies for the tech and telecommunication industry, explained that this is to be expected of companies like Zoom, which offers a free basic plan and paid plans.

McCollough warned that any free service considers the user as the product. He added that companies will always find a way for "user data appropriation and monetization" regardless of what the TOS says or what boxes you click while using their apps.

And even though there are reams of federal and state privacy laws, the exception to all of them is consent, said Greg Glaser, an attorney.

Data is important. As "the new gold," Zoom will try to bypass the invasion of privacy laws by claiming that users "consented to Zoom using and training AI on your own video [call]."

Glaser warned that Zoom may be trying to use advanced AI to create experiences that can be sold. (Related: Elon Musk announces creation of new AI company after spending YEARS criticizing rapid AI development.)

According to Search Logistics, Zoom logged 10 million daily meeting participants in December 2019. Since then, Zoom has grown by more than 2,900 percent.

To date, Zoom currently averages 300 million daily active users.

Glaser said tech giants like Zoom and Meta are trying to put into their terms that they have legitimate access to consumer information. Eventually, they will have carte blanche to create and use "emulates," or the computer version of an actual person.

This ties into companies like Zoom, Google and Meta willfully using AI on users' private videos. Glaser added that companies have big plans for data, and users might eventually be expendable to them.

According to Robin Hanson's TedTalk about emulates (ems), which he defined as the digital copies of human minds, the job of actual humans is to simply "retire and die."

McCollough also highlighted Zooms ownership structure. Since the company is public, management insiders own almost 60 percent.

The Class A lineup includes Lt. Gen. (Ret.) H.R. McMaster, former national security advisor to Trump, The Vanguard Group and T. Rowe Price. Both Vanguard and Price are big in Pharma, while the former is also big in telecom.

The Class B shares seem to be held by others involved in surveillance capitalism.

Zoom AI features

In March, Zoom announced generative AI offerings that use neural networks to identify the patterns and structures within existing data to create new and original content.

Zooms latest AI feature called Zoom IQ allows users to generate chat responses to colleagues, produce whiteboards based on text prompts, provide recaps of meetings and summarize threads in Zoom Team Chat.

Digital privacy advocate Open Rights Group has expressed concerns about the Zoom IQ tools being made available to customers on a free trial basis. The group warned that the free trial encourages customers to "opt-in," in turn making Zooms TOS revisions alarming.

Users who turn on the AI tools would be presented with a transparent consent process for training Zoom AI models using their customer content, said Smita Hashim, Zoom's chief product officer.

In the blog post, Zoom insisted that account owners and administrators can control if they want to enable these AI features for their accounts.

But in most cases, the users interaction with the options menu is itself monitored, warned McCollough. He added that for companies like Zoom and their intelligence service handlers, opting out or refusing to opt in "is a subversive act and probably leads to a demerit against your social credit score."

Fight for the Future, an advocacy group, recently launched an online petition to demand that Zoom revamp its policy.

Zoom pays $85 million to settle class action lawsuit over security issues

Zoom has already had issues with privacy laws. In April 2022, the company paid millions of dollars to settle a class action lawsuit for security issues that allowed hackers to crash virtual meetings.

The Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic triggered a troublesome surge of "Zoom-bombing" where hackers and pranksters crash into virtual meetings with abusive messages and imagery.

Zoom agreed to a "historic" payout of $85 million as part of a class-action settlement brought by several users who claimed the disruptions have left them traumatized.

As part of the settlement agreement, Zoom will pay $85 million to users in cash compensation. The company also promised to enforce reforms to its business practices.

Federal judge Laurel Beeler of California granted final approval to the agreement.

In one incident from 2020, the Saint Paulus Lutheran Church in San Francisco was hosting a bible study class. Most of the participants were senior citizens.

A federal lawsuit that was filed in May 2020 revealed that after the group video call started, Zoom allowed a "known offender" to Zoom-bomb the class.

Participants were horrified as their computer screens were hijacked and their control buttons were disabled. Next, the Zoom bombers forced them all to watch pornographic video footage.

The shocking videos included images of physical abuse and child sex abuse.

Because the host was unable to force the hijacker to leave the meeting room, they had no choice but to ask the participants to leave and rejoin the meeting.

However, the hijacker was able to bombard the meeting again with graphic content. The incident left the host and the participants "traumatized and helpless."

The plaintiffs also accused Zoom of unlawfully sharing data with authorized third parties such as Facebook, Google and LinkedIn and misrepresenting the strength of its end-to-end encryption protocols.

Learn more about the potential dangers of AI usage at FutureScienceNews.com.

Watch the video below to learn how the CCP uses Zoom to collect data from around the globe.

This video is from the Chinese taking down EVIL CCP channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Institutionalizing bias: MSM, tech companies to strike landmark deal on the use of FAKE NEWS content to train AI chatbots.

Researchers: AI decisions could cause nuclear-level CATASTROPHE.

Google updated its privacy policy so it can use all your data to train AI.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

Blog.Zoom.us

TechCrunch.com

TheGuardian.com

Brighteon.com
Experts observed that human-induced climate crisis has contributed to the devastating wildfires being encountered in Canada.

A recent study has explained that due to the drive of fossil fuels, the climate crisis made the flames at least twice as likely and that the fire-prone weather has been at least 20 percent more intense.

"Climate change made the cumulative severity of Quebec's 2023 fire season to the end of July around 50 percent more intense, and seasons of this severity at least seven times more likely to occur. Peak fire weather (FWI7x) like that experienced this year is at least twice as likely, and the intensity has increased by about 20 percent due to human-induced climate change," the study indicated.

Weather analysts noticed that the massive blaze in the country has been extreme. They pointed out that the wildfire season in Canada for this year has been the largest and most devastating as nearly 14m hectares or 34m acres.

It was also evident that the extent of fires in Canada were double the size of what was previously experienced in the country, claiming the lives of some individuals and prompting the evacuation of thousands of residents.

Read Also: Canada's Wildfires Expose People To Secondhand Smoke; Experts To Check Content of Fumes

Findings of the study

Wildfires are described as complex phenomena that are not driven solely by climate, but also by vegetation properties, land-cover and human activities.

According to experts, changes in the fire weather are associated with a significant increase in the temperature and a decrease in humidity. They said that these factors are driven by human-induced warming, noting that the effect was compounded in 2023 by unusually low precipitation.

The scientists described this year's fire season in Canada has been "exceptional" in many aspects. As of August 16, more than 5700 fires have burned 13.7 Mha since the beginning of the fire season.

They emphasized that weather and climate conditions strongly impact wildfire characteristics at several temporal and spatial scales, with warmer, drier and windier conditions that often increase the likelihood that the wildfires will ignite, spread, and intensify in most areas.

It was also found that more anthropogenic warming would further increase the severity and occurrence of fire-prone weather conditions in Canada, which may later lead to a substantial increase in the number of areas burned annually.

The experts also explained that climate change does not solely ignite huge forest fires, however, it helps set the stage for them by drying out vegetation that will later become easy fuel for flames.

The study used the Fire Weather Index, which is a combination of temperature, wind speed, humidity and precipitation. The team accumulated the data from January to July to derive the measure of severity of fire weather over the entire season.

Canada's wildfire reaching other countries

The wildfires in Canada had made headlines as these also affected other countries, with the smoke engulfing parts of the United States and Europe.

For one, New York City temporarily had the worst air quality in the world due to the smoke. This then prompted residents to stay indoors and wear masks anew, a common practice at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To recall, other eastern US states such as Massachusetts and Connecticut issued alerts as hundreds of wildfires burned in Canada.

Related Article: Canada Wildfire Smoke: Unhealthy Air Quality Affects Chicago, Minneapolis

Related Video:
Chesapeake logperch, an extremely rare and endangered fish, is receiving electronic tags in many state rivers as part of a plan for species recovery.

Chesapeake Logperch in Several State Waterways

To keep it off the federal endangered species list, researchers in Pennsylvania are working to recover a little fish species that is said to have "no commercial value" or "recreational importance."

According to a Pennsylvania State University press release, the university has been collaborating with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and other wildlife specialists to stop the extinction of the Chesapeake logperch.

The Chesapeake logperch, a unique bottom-dwelling fish with stripes and a greenish-gold hue, is detailed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. It inhabits Lower Potomac (Maryland, Virginia) and Susquehanna River (New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland) watersheds, both flowing into Chesapeake Bay, according to FWS.

A Rare and Endangered Fish Species

According to a press statement the university released in June, Penn State has also discovered Chesapeake logperch in the Allegheny River from Lake Erie tributaries and the drainage of the Mississippi River from Illinois and Minnesota.

Researchers at Penn State are working to restore the populations of the Chesapeake logperch before it gets put on the federal endangered species list. The Chesapeake logperch is regarded as an endangered fish species in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

They don't want that to happen, according to Penn State's Jay Stauffer, an ichthyology (fish zoology) professor, because the Chesapeake logperch's federal listing would complicate development in the upper Chesapeake Bay and the lower Susquehanna River basin.

Strategies for Species Recovery

The Chesapeake logperch is in danger of going extinct because of pollution and predation by "voracious invasive" fish like the northern snakehead, blue catfish, and flathead catfish, according to Penn State.

For the past four years, scientists have been catching Chesapeake logperch, examining their origins, and labeling the fish before releasing them into nearby waters.

According to Penn State, about 2,000 Chesapeake logperch were bred there and released in a few locations in the Susquehanna River drainage.

The researchers tagged every Chesapeake logperch that was cultured before releasing it, according to Stauffer, so that it could be recognized afterward. The team was able to recapture a few in Columbia.

To determine whether the fish the team released into Conodoguinet Creek migrated to the Susquehanna River, they also added electronic tags on a variety of those fish. Since they were unable to observe if the species returned to spawn, they are now continuing some of their research and looking for further funding.

Also Read: Salmon, Steelhead Populations at Risk as Invasive Voracious Predator Fish Walleye Enters Idaho Waterways

According to Penn State, the Chesapeake logperch restoration project will cost $500,000 and will be sponsored by funds from the Wild Resources Fund and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Researchers emphasize proactive conservation even though it is not favored for trade. Stauffer issues a dire extinction warning due to reduced biodiversity.

Despite time-consuming culturing and reintroduction, his team hopes to completely restore logperch across the Susquehanna River.

Researchers from Pennsylvania are not the only ones looking for solutions; the FWS, the Maryland government Natural Resources Department, and wildlife factions all work together. To resurrect logperch and broaden its range, the Northeast Fishery Center directs propagation techniques.

In 2023, the FWS will be evaluating the status of the logperch for potential federal protection. Logperch preservation supports ecosystems and averts irreparable damage.

Related Article: Chemical Rotenone in Colorado River Possible Solution to Invasive Predatory Fish Smallmouth Bass
On its fifth day, Greece's largest wildfire has already claimed the lives of 20 people while firefighters battled at least 355 other forest fires.

20 Dead in Day 5 of Largest Wildfire in Greece

Twenty people have died as a result of wildfires that raged across Greece on Wednesday, and there were also significant fires burning in Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands and in northwest Turkey near the Greek border.

The largest forest fire in Greece was burning out of control for a fifth day close to the northeastern city of Alexandroupolis, and a large fire on the northwest outskirts of Athens was destroying homes, spewing smoke over the city, and encroaching on Parnitha National Park, which is one of the last green spaces close to the Greek capital.

355 Forest Fires

According to Vassilis Kikilias, the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, firefighters battled 355 forest fires over five days from Friday to Tuesday, including 209 in the previous 48 hours.

Authorities claimed that gale-force winds mixed with the hot, dry summer weather to fan the flames and make the fires incredibly challenging to put out.

Kikilias stated this summer's weather is the worst recorded. Fire risk reached Level 5 in extensive areas, seven times in 2023-double in 2021, fourfold in 2019, and sevenfold in 2012. Evacuations ensued, including a hospital moved to a makeshift floating one due to ongoing fire threats. High fire risk persists despite subsiding winds, per the fire department.

Firefighters in the Alexandroupolis area, close to the Turkish border, were scouring recently burned areas when they came upon 18 dead in a forest on Tuesday. The victims were thought to be migrants. On Monday, two more persons were discovered dead-one in northern Greece and the other in a separate fire in the center of the country.

Firefighting Efforts

Strained Greek firefighters sought European aid. Germany, Sweden, Croatia, and Cyprus sent planes; Romania and the Czech Republic sent teams with tanks; the French aided Evia's blaze. Evacuations hit Athens, a camp, as flames menaced Parnitha Park, homes.

200+ firefighters, volunteers, military, police, 8 copters, 7 planes, incl. German/Swedish, fought. Romanian team, 8 copters, 5 planes battled Alexandroupolis fire. Supreme Court probed organized arson groups in the area, urged by prosecutor Adilini.

Thousands of citizens and visitors had to leave Greece just one month ago due to wildfires. On the island of Rhodes, where authorities claim the "largest evacuation" has ever taken place in the nation, there is one of the biggest flames.

15 Starting Points, Strong Winds, and Dry Conditions

According to Kikilias, the fire in the northeastern border region began in 15 different locations inside a forest, and a large firefront was created as a result of strong winds and dry circumstances.

No matter how powerful they were, according to Kikilias, firefighting teams would have had a difficult time with the out-of-control fires.

An elderly care home and 1,250+ from 9 villages were evacuated. A highway was closed, and 80+ were treated for smoke effects. Turkey's forestry minister stated firefighters and aircraft contained the 1,500-hectare blaze. Dardanelles Strait traffic paused for water refill.

In Tenerife, Spain, a week-long 15,000-hectare wildfire neared control, with firefighters winning a tough battle, securing a 55-mile perimeter.

Also Read: Maui Widlfire: Nearly 100-Year Old Wood House Escapes Devastating Wildfire By Surrounding Open Space



Heatwave and Sporadic Fires

This summer's fourth heatwave is burning across Spain. According to the National Weather Service, up to 16 August temperature records were broken on Tuesday.

Sporadic fires were also recorded in Italy, which is now experiencing a heatwave with highs of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit predicted for numerous cities over the weekend.

A brush fire that started early on Wednesday morning on the outskirts of Sanremo, a renowned summer vacation resort in the Ligurian Sea, was being fought by forty firefighters and three aircraft. No casualties or property damage were recorded.

Southern European nations are especially prone to wildfires due to their hot, dry summers.

European Union officials note that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire destruction on record after 2017 and attribute the increase in frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe to climate change.

Related Article: Lahaina Banyan Tree: 150-Year-Old 'Traumatized Burn Victim' of Maui Wildfire 'Still Breathing'
The expanding heat dome will bring dangerous heat to parts of the Central U.S. this week amidst the challenging tropical storms in the country, bringing record highs, including in the South and Midwest.

The early beginning of August recorded sweltering temperatures in the U.S., including in the Northeast, Southwestern, South and Midwest. In California, the hot weather can ease due to the Tropical Storm Hilary.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the soaring temperatures are likely in the South, Plains and Midwest. The high-pressure dome could bring hot weather conditions this week.

The NWS advisory said severe storms could be possible in Inter-mountain West, South Texas and Northwest.

Challenging temperatures in parts of U.S.

In addition, heat warnings are present in parts of Texas, Minnesota and Wisconsin. According to the latest forecast, troublesome temperatures could reach 120 F in the U.S. this week.

In South Texas, forecasts said beneficial rain could unfold in the region, helping improve the drought conditions. The forecast said rainy conditions could bring possible landslides, coastal flooding and urban flooding.

Triple-digit temperatures could become a concern as high temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and stress. Record high temperatures could be likely in the following areas:

Wichita, Kansas

Minneapolis

Chicago

Missouri

Arkansas

New Orleans

Dallas

Austin, Texas

On Thursday, the forecast said that very hot temperatures could unload in the following areas:

Omaha

Kansas City

Spring Field

Little Rock

Memphis

Little Rock

Dallas

Austin

Houston

Atlanta

Charlotte

Jacksonville

Houston

Orlando

Miami

Americans with travel plans should monitor the possible extreme heat this week. Limiting outdoor activities would help prevent possible health risks.

Homeowners without A.C. systems can become at risk. It is best to look for possible cooler environments to ease this week's challenging heat.

Also Read: U.S. Weather Forecast: Central U.S., Northeast Likely To Experience Massive Heat Conditions

Tropical Storm Harold

The weather forecast monitors Tropical Storm Harold, which landed on Padre Island in Texas. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the Tropical Storm Harold was tracked moving west-northwest and could likely impact parts of Southern Texas and Northern Mexico.

The tropical storm could bring heavy rains in parts of South Texas on Wednesday, causing possible urban and flash floods. The challenging weather conditions could also be likely in Northern Nuevo Leon, Northern Coalhulia and parts of Mexico.

Homeowners can also watch out for possible landslides this week.

Keeping safe from tropical storms and heat conditions

Parts of the U.S. can experience developing heat conditions and tropical storms this week. It is best that homeowners should keep updated with the latest forecasts, especially in parts of Texas and California.

In addition, people should bring bottled water at all times to prevent heat exhaustion or other heat-related heat concerns.

Meanwhile, keeping emergency kits is essential. Homeowners can store bottled water, medicine kits and small battery-powered radios.

Related Article: Tropical Storm Hilary Forecast: Heavy Rain, Flooding Unload in Southern California, Mexico

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
The new Tropical Storm Franklin will unleash heavy rainfall and flooding concerns in parts of Hispaniola midweek.

The developing Tropical Franklin could bring dangerous situations in parts of the Dominican Republic due to severe rainfall conditions.

Based on the National Weather Service (NWS) advisory, Tropical Storm Franklin could cause mudslides and dangerous flash flooding. Tropical warnings are also present in the affected areas, especially in parts of the Caicos Islands and Turks.

Tropical Storm Franklin's latest updates

Weather forecasts noted that Tropical Franklin could also unleash heavy rainfall in parts of Puerto Rico. Weather agencies are monitoring the developments of Franklin.

Franklin has made landfall in the Dominican Republic. The tropical storm unleashed severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and flooding.

At least two people were missing due to the weather conditions. One casualty was also reported in the region.

Meanwhile, at least 280 people were evacuated due to landslides and flooding threats.

The weather forecast in Haiti said the country experienced a rainy outlook.

Residents in the impacted areas are advised to monitor the latest forecasts, especially for people near low-lying or flood-prone areas.

People should immediately evacuate when floodwater rapidly rises. Severe flooding can lead to dangerous situations.

Tropical disturbances over the Atlantic

Furthermore, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) reported three possible tropical disturbances that could likely develop in the Atlantic and Northwestern Caribbean.

In the Central Subtropical Atlantic, forecasts said that a low-pressure area is being tracked in portions of the east-southeast of Bermuda. The disturbance could bring thunderstorms and disorganized showers.

Meanwhile, a low-pressure area was detected over the Northwestern Caribbean Sea. The forecast said that the disturbance is moving slowly.

Furthermore, low pressure in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic will unleash showers and thunderstorms, especially in Cabo Verde Islands.

In the U.S., the weather forecast showed that Tropical Storm Hilary will bring heavy rainfall and flooding concerns in portions of Southern California.

Hilary became a hurricane, but was downgraded to a tropical storm.

The storm conditions helped to ease the challenging heat in Southern California.

Also Read: US Weather Forecast: Severe Thunderstorms Likely to Hit Midwest This Week

Keeping safe from tropical storms

Tropical storms can bring heavy rains and thunderstorms. As hurricane season is here and tropical storms erupt, homeowners should keep updated with weather forecasts.

Here are essential reminders to people to stay safe from dangerous tropical storms this week.

Always check the latest weather

People should monitor the latest forecasts this week. Travel dangers could also become possible, and it is best that motorists should observe the road conditions.

Evacuate immediately

The latest forecasts noted that Tropical Storms can unleash dangerous flooding. Homeowners should immediately evacuate to safe areas to prevent life-threatening risks.

Having emergency kits

Emergency kits can become lifesavers during dangerous natural disasters. Homeowners should keep a home emergency kit and Go Kit for evacuations.

Related Article: New Tropical Storm Franklin: Heavy Rain, Flooding Possible in Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News.
According to the latest forecasts, parts of Europe experienced challenging heatwaves and wildfires, especially in Greece and France.

Based on a recent report, at least 61,672 deaths were recorded due to heat-related illnesses last year. The extreme heat could put at risk outdoor workers and older people.

Soaring temperatures and heatwaves

The latest weather forecast in France reported that a red alert was issued in southern parts due to record-high temperatures. The heat dome could contribute to the scorching heat in the country.

The forecast said that the challenging heat could damage crops and forests, increasing risks of possible fires.

As the grapes for wine harvest comes near in Rhone Valley, the vineyard can likely suffer from the extreme heat.

Drought conditions were also recorded in parts of Portugal and Spain. Residents were advised to look for cooler areas and stay hydrated to prevent heat stress and heat exhaustion.

In Greece, the strong winds and searing temperatures helped to unleash more wildfires in the region.

Firefighters were working 24/7 to extinguish the raging fires. Affected people near the Alexandroupolis were evacuated from fire threats.

Meanwhile, Turkey also reported the spread of fires in Canakkale. The authorities explained that the fires were under control.

In the United States, National Weather Service (NWS) advisory showed that dangerous heat could be likely in the following areas:

Plains

Central Parts

Midwest

Parts of the U.S. struggled with challenging tropical storms in the Southwest and extreme heat.

Tropical Storm Hilary is expected to unload heavy rainfall and flooding risks in Southern California, causing travel dangers and flooding concerns.

Also Read: Europe Soaring Temperatures: 61,672 Died in Heat-Related Illnesses Last Year

How to keep safe from challenging weather

Soaring temperatures are recorded in parts of Europe, bringing challenging heatwaves and wildfires. El Nino and climate change can contribute to troublesome heat.

The high temperatures in Europe sparked deadly wildfires in Greece. The heat conditions and strong winds brought wildfires that caused evacuations.

Here are essential reminders for communities to keep safe from deadly fire and challenging heat. Searing temperatures could likely bring heat-related health stress or heat exhaustion.

Check for the signs of heat-related health stress

Homeowners should also watch out for possible signs of heat-related concerns. According to the CDC, people should watch out for the following signs:

Headache

Confusion

High body temperatures

Dizziness

Fainting

Heavy sweating

Muscle cramps or spasms

Weakness

Limit activities or exposure

Limiting outdoor activities can prevent exposure to extreme heat. Staying indoors can avoid possible health risks.

Homeowners should not also leave their pets and children unattended inside hot vehicles. Car temperatures can soar, which could become life-threatening for pets even if with an AC system.

Watch out for wildfire concerns

The dry conditions and strong winds can help unleash deadly fires. It is best that people near the forests should observe the forest fire restrictions to avoid fire dangers.

Related Article: California Drought: Prolonged Heat, Climate Change Causes 36 Million Trees to Die in 2022

For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News
The Sutlej River in Pakistan has swelled to extremely dangerous and high levels, prompting the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents.

According to public policy and environment analyst Dawar Butt, an "exceptionally high flood" has been experienced in the area, which he considered as "once in every 30 years."

Butt said that the massive flooding was because Sutlej River had gone kilometers wider in just four days, noting that this has gone even wider than the Indus River.

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

River swelling

Due to the swelling of the river, much of the border between Pakistan and India as well as the south of Lahore division had been under water.

Butt said the river flows came from the huge inundation that was caused by monsoon rains experienced in Northern India.

The Punjab Irrigation Department said that on August 20, the Sutlej River had flowed at 83,000 cusecs.

The agency warned that all Sahiwal zone teams have been placed on high alert, adding that the entire flood camps on both flanks of Sutlej have been keeping a close watch in the area.

As the river swelling flooded several districts, various rescue operations have been launched to ensure the safety of thousands of residents.

Most of the evacuations that were reported were in the districts of Bahawalpur and Kasur in Punjab province.

8:00 PM at Suleimanki, Sutlej River is flowing at 83,000 cusecs. All Sahiwal zone teams are on high alert, all flood camps on both flanks of Sutlej are keeping a close watch.

Video: Courtesy Chief Engineer Sahiwal pic.twitter.com/RqHQom5GVA  Punjab Irrigation Department (@IrrigationPb) August 19, 2023

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) - Pakistan disclosed that more than 238,000 individuals and 17,000 livestock have been evacuated as seven districts were affected in the swelling of the Sutlej River.

The deep floods then submerged farmland and crops.

Officials also said the water levels in the Ravi river are currently normal, but it is expected to further rise 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

Read Also: Pakistan Flood Death Toll Reaches 1000 as Government Declares Climate Catastrophe

Previous floods

Meanwhile, the OCHA also provided an assessment as regards the floods that hit Chitral in the later part of July this year. The massive floods had a profound impact on people's lives and livelihoods.

Authorities said that the districts of Lower and Upper Chitral had received an exceptional and unprecedented torrential or orographic rain.

These rains were followed by thunderstorms, cloud outbursts, and flash floods in the streams that later resulted in massive devastation.

"These floods exposed Chitral's vulnerability to climate change, underlining the urgent need for immediate humanitarian response coupled with disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts," OCHA said.

Further, the inundation brought extensive damage to infrastructure, housing, education, transport, communications, water resources, agriculture, fisheries, and protective structures.

To recall, it was in 2022 when Pakistan was also hit by monsoon rains which caused floods that affected millions of people.

The OCHA said that the unrelenting monsoon rains across Pakistan was considered as the "worst in a decade," as it resulted in widespread flooding and landslides between June and August 2022.

The flash floods killed more than 1,700 people, destroyed 2.9 million homes, and left 20.6 million people in need of assistance.

The inundation also caused significant damaged in the infrastructure, affected 33 million people as it displaced 7.9 million individuals.

It also had an adverse effect on agriculture, flooding 9.4 million acres of crops and killing more than 1.1 million livestock.

The Center for Disaster Philanthropy said that the 2023 monsoon season could slow the recovery from the 2022 floods and bring additional hardship for Pakistan.

It noted that as of August 5, the monsoon season this year resulted in the deaths of 196 people and injury of 283 others across seven provinces.

Related Article: Devastating Flood in Pakistan Reveals the Linkage to Climate Change

Related Video:
Torrential rains in British Columbia had helped firefighters to put out wildfires in the province, which had prompted the evacuation of thousands of individuals.

North Westside Fire Rescue Department Chief Ross Kotscherofski welcomed the rains as this had helped them mop out the blaze that had hit British Columbia in the past weeks.

He noted that around 90 properties in his firefighting region were damaged or destroyed.

It was earlier reported that around 34,000 residences in British Columbia have been placed under evacuation alert as wildfires threaten the area.

Read Also: 36,000 Homes Under Evacuation Alert In British Columbia As Nearly 400 Wildfires Rage Canada

Extent of wildfire damage

So far, the estimated number of properties that were damaged or lost because of the wildfires in Okanagan already climbed to 181.

Local fire officials also said that 84 properties have been damaged to some degree in West Kelowna as well as in the Westbank First Nation, while 90 others have been affected in the North Westside area to the north.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan also launched a website in order to help evacuees check their property status.

Weather experts said that parts of the Okanagan and several other regions located in the southern British Columbia experienced significant amount of rain on Tuesday night.

With these cooler temperatures and higher humidity in the past days as well as the change in weather conditions, firefighting personnel are being able to mitigate the more than 370 fires burning across the province.

Among the areas was the Adams Lake wildfire in the Shuswap region, which was burning northeast of Kamloops.

Travel restrictions end

Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, also announced the lifting of travel restrictions.

Ma said that the emergency order that they put in place over the weekend has had the effect that they need as thousands of hotel rooms were made available for people who were forced to evacuate from their homes, as well as a number of firefighters and emergency crews who are protecting the public during the worst wildfire season in British Columbia's history.

The official said that as they continue to work with local governments and other nations, they will still place people in the accommodations that have been made available.

"Because of this, we are lifting travel restrictions for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation for most of the southern Interior, with the exception of West Kelowna. The order will be lifted for Kelowna, Kamloops, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton and Vernon starting tomorrow, Aug. 23," Ma said in a statement.

"Non-essential travel to West Kelowna continues to be prohibited for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks, and campgrounds, to ensure accommodation is available for those who may need it," Ma added.

Meanwhile, Ma cautioned those who plan to travel to British Columbia to avoid the fire-affected communities, adding that travelers should listen to the direction of local communities and pay respect and follow emergency orders and alerts.

The Canadian government has since vowed to continue supporting Canadians as all departments of government work together during the 2023 wildfire season.

Related Article: Canada's Wildfires Expose People To Secondhand Smoke; Experts To Check Content of Fumes

Related Video:
Odoo Inc., a Belgian-based business software company that has steadily expanded its presence in Buffalo, is poised to almost triple its staff here as part of an expansion that it said will create 350 jobs over the next five years.

The company, which has been looking to expand its presence in Buffalo for two years, now has 175 workers here. The company purchased seven floors in the Fountain Plaza building from the state for $1 as part of its commitment to expand in Buffalo.

That space originally was acquired by the state as part of its Buffalo Billion program to create an IBM technology hub that state officials hoped would bring in high-paying and sought-after software development and other technology jobs.

Highmark to relocate to top five floors of Seneca One tower Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York is relocating its Buffalo offices and wo

But the IBM hub has largely failed to meet those expectations and has branched out to include call center operations that provide technical assistance, rather than the highly skilled jobs for programmers, data analysis and software developers that were initially envisioned. The state has been trying to lease at least four of the floors since at least 2020.

The Odoo expansion gives the state the chance to bring new jobs and opportunity to space it once hoped would help jumpstart the Buffalo Niagara regions undersized technology sector.

In total, Odoo, which has its American headquarters in San Francisco, will occupy 103,099 square feet of space in the building and move there from Seneca One by Oct. 2, said Nick Kosinski, the managing director of US East at Odoo.

Odoos private investors have valued the company at more than $3 billion, two years after it reached unicorn status  when a startup is first valued at more than $1 billion. It is already recognized as a leading provider of integrated business applications tailored for small- and medium-sized businesses.

Its the first piece of real estate that Odoo has bought in North America, Kosinski said. It shows that were anchoring in Buffalo. Were not messing around. We have a $3 billion-plus valuation and were here to stay.

Odoo is acquiring floors three and seven through 12 at 40 Fountain Plaza, as part of its deal with the state. IBM will be leasing one floor from Odoo.

The space is fully furnished with more than 600 desks and chairs, conference rooms, refinished bathrooms, sound barriers and the networking infrastructure needed to plug and play, Kosinski said.

Odoo has already created 175 positions in Buffalo and anticipates having 525 employees in five years.

With this expansion, Odoo is looking to strengthen its presence in Buffalo and make greater contributions to the regions economic growth, said Jason Conwall, spokesman for NY Creates, the state entity that is selling the space to Odoo.

This strategic collaboration underscores Odoos dedication to the Buffalo community and the new jobs resulting from the expansion will not only stimulate the local economy but also create exciting career opportunities for Western New Yorkers, he said.

Under its deal with the state, Odoo must create 70 jobs during each of the next five years, for a total of 350 jobs.

If the company does not have 350 new jobs at the end of the fifth year, Odoo must pay $23,000 for each job it falls short, with no opportunity to catch up with additional hiring after the deadline.

If the company hits the 350 job target at the end of the fifth year but falls short of its job creation target during any of the years before that, Odoo is subject to a $23,000 penalty for each job shortfall in any given year.

For example, if during the first year, Odoo creates 65 jobs, rather than the required 70 positions, but hit its employment targets in every other year, it would be subject to a $115,000 penalty.

Could tech layoffs elsewhere help Buffalo Niagara firms find workers they covet? Could the tech industry's struggles elsewhere be an opportunity for Buffalo Niagara businesses to tap into a new pool of talent and fill tech jobs that have been hard to fill?

In that instance, the company can avoid the penalty for earlier job shortfalls by agreeing to maintain all 525 jobs, including the 175 existing positions and the 350 new ones, for two additional years. If it agrees to the extension, any penalties for previous shortfalls will be forgiven, state officials said.

Odoo started with one person in 2020, before quickly adding a second floor for a tech team, alongside software engineering, sales, support, professional and customer service teams, at Seneca One Tower two years later. It has also created an engineering internship program, aimed at training and hiring the next generation of employees.

Kosinski credited working with Seneca One and its developer Douglas Jemal as a major asset over the past three years for the company.

They have been super flexible and accommodating for us and it is a large reason why we have been successful in Western New York, Kosinski said. Douglas knows better than anyone that as you grow and opportunities present themselves, sometimes youve got to take a leap.

Kosinski considers Odoo a vibrant company and workforce that will bring additional energy to the middle of the city at Fountain Plaza on Main Street.

We want to inject a buzz into this area and by buying a building and putting our logo onto it and having control over what we do in it and the choices we make is a powerful thing, Kosinski said. I think theres a huge opportunity to have that sort of influence in the city.
The sudden and surprising collapse of Savarino Companies leaves a handful of projects  including the high-profile makeover of the DL&W Terminal in Buffalo  in limbo.

Savarino Companies goes out of business amid battle with state agency over Alfred project Samuel Savarino, founder, owner and CEO of Savarino Cos., confirmed Tuesday that the 23-year-old company "will be winding down and ceasing operations," including on several high-profile projects in downtown Buffalo and extending from Niagara County to the Southern Tier.

The developer moved to wind down its operations this week because it could not secure insurance on more than $110 million in new projects after being terminated from a SUNY Alfred State College dormitory construction project, which also cost it $3.3 million in losses. Even so, Savarino still hopes to be able to continue with the DL&W project and two others in Buffalo and Westfield.

But two other projects  the renovation of a Lockport office and retail building and a Buffalo warehouse conversion  may be dead after Savarino said it would no longer pursue those initiatives.

How can Savarino continue to pursue some projects even though its construction business is closing? Part of the reason is the way the projects are structured, with each as its own legal entity  a tactic that is commonly used to prevent problems at one venture from spilling over into other initiatives.

All five of Savarinos pending projects are owned by separate limited liability companies, sometimes with other investors. So while Savarino will no longer be doing construction work through its own contracting business, that doesnt mean that other Savarino entities cant complete what already has been started.

Those ownerships are not directly affected by the shutdown of the construction business, which also has not filed for bankruptcy. It has filed a notice with the state of its intention to lay off up to 30 employees, but only a few have been let go so far.

Regardless, there will be changes. Since all five projects were dependent on Savarino Companies being the construction contractor, Samuel Savarino, the companys founder and CEO, now has to decide whether and how to proceed. That could include finding a new construction partner or selling his interests to someone else.

And that leaves a cloud of uncertainty over each of the three projects that Savarino hopes to continue.

I am of course concerned, especially as it pertains to the Welchs Building in Westfield, said Mark Geise, deputy Chautauqua County executive and CEO of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency. The CCIDA assisted with funding incentives, and the project is well down the path. That being said, I am confident that we will find a path forward with Savarino or another developer.

DL&W

What was proposed: Savarino is collaborating with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to repair and restore the second floor of the DL&W Terminal and then turn it into a waterfront music venue.

The developer wanted to use the 40,000-square-foot outdoor deck, which could handle 4,000 to 5,000 people, as well as hold live music events inside the second floor. He also envisioned a public market of 8,000 to 10,000 square feet, with artist studios and food stalls, and a moveable stage. Meanwhile, the first floor would house a new Metro Rail station.

Built in 1917, the building has housed Metro Rails Yard and Shops complex on the first floor since 1984, but the second floor has been vacant since the last passenger train left the station in 1962. The NFTA already spent $52 million on preliminary improvements, and is now using another $30 million in state funding for the improved core-and-shell.

Where it stands: NFTA has a predevelopment agreement with Savarino DL&W Development LLC, and has been working with an architect. Savarino has helped NFTA obtain initial approval for historic designation and tax credit, while NFTA is researching new market tax credits as another funding option.

Whats next: Construction has not yet begun, Savarino said, but we intend to keep working with the NFTA to make the project a reality.

While Savarinos involvement with the DL&W is uncertain at this time, the NFTA will continue to advance the DL&W project, said NFTA spokeswoman Helen Tederous. The NFTA looks forward to restoring this incredible facility, creating a new space for public use, and restoring public access once again.

1 Howell

What was proposed: Savarino received city approval for his plan to redevelop a derelict and burned-out former factory along the Scajaquada Creek into a 50-unit apartment waterfront apartment complex.

The $15 million venture would demolish a 10-year-old industrial warehouse that was heavily damaged in a blaze, and erect the new building in its place. It would also involve a $2 million remediation of the highly polluted parcel.

The proposed five-story, 49,000-square-foot building would contain 14 studio, 28 one-bedroom and eight two-bedroom apartments.

Where it stands: Savarino completed his purchase of the property, through 1 Howell Street LLC. After obtaining Planning Board approval, Savarino had wanted to start the demolition and cleanup this year, although he didnt expect to begin construction until spring 2024. Construction would take 18 to 20 months.

Whats next: While architectural plans are completed, and Savarino was applying for inclusion in the state Brownfield Cleanup Program, no work has begun at the site.

But he said the project will not be impacted by the closing of Savarino Companies, and will presumably go on independently.

Hame

What was proposed: Savarino has contracts to buy three adjacent industrial warehouse buildings at 125, 133 and 135 Tonawanda St. from three different owners, in preparation for a $20.4 million cleanup and adaptive reuse project that would receive both historic and brownfield tax credits.

The three daylight-factory buildings consist of two-, three- and four-story structures, with a total of 83,500 square feet of space. All were originally owned and occupied by the U.S. Hame Co., which was formed in 1902 in Buffalo and produced the curved wooden or metal projections that are part of the collar of a draft horse. Currently, the buildings are used for auto-repair, storage and other purposes.

Designs by Silvestri Architects call for 108 units of workforce housing in the trapezoidal-shaped buildings, with studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments for households earning an average of 80% of the area median income, but ranging between 60% and 120%.

Where it stands: Savarino has not completed its purchase of the properties, but has received the first approval from the National Park Service and State Historic Preservation Office to get historic tax credits for the redevelopment.

Those credits would also be enhanced because of the plan for affordable housing, and because the 3.75-acre site is in a Brownfield Opportunity Area. The firm also applied to the state Brownfield Cleanup Program.

Whats next: Given that he doesnt own the properties yet, Savarino said he would not go through with the purchase at this point, but noted the work that has already been done could benefit a new owner.

Welchs

What was proposed: A partnership of Savarino and another firm agreed to buy and redevelop the historic former headquarters of Welchs Grape Juice Co. in the Village of Westfield.

Plans for a $16.15 million renovation called for the building at 2 S. Portage St. to be redeveloped into 46 mixed-income residential apartments and 3,700 square feet of commercial space. It would include 31 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments, ranging in size from 500 to 1,200 square feet, with both market and affordable rates. The commercial space would be aimed at consumer-oriented businesses and professional service offices.

Where it stands: The developers completed their $475,000 purchase of the property through 2 Portage LLC, in preparation for starting $12 million of construction, with completion after 18 months. They received approval from the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency for $1.76 million in tax breaks to support the project.

They have been very good to work with and we are hopeful that this setback will not delay the completion of this important project, said Westfield Town Supervisor Martha Bills.

Whats next: The project has received commitments for financing and low-income housing tax credits, as well as for historic tax credits and grants. But since Savarino cant be the contractor anymore, that could force some changes. Another contractor would have to be selected, and that could later the projects cost projections.

Im out there actively looking for a construction partner that can help us get the project started and completed, Savarino said.

F&M Building

What was proposed: Savarino planned to spend $9 million to redevelop the former Farmers & Mechanics Building in the City of Lockport, adding 30 new residences to the landmark building. Located at 116 Main St., the building consists of a historic tower and an attached single-story mall dating to the 1970s. But theyve been mostly vacant for over 30 years.

Plans call for 21 one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom apartments, and some first floor commercial or retail space in the historic former bank lobby. The tower would be restored, while the mall would be gutted and lined with housing along the perimeter and 22 indoor parking spaces in the interior.

Where it stands: Savarino has both buildings under contract from Granchelli Development, and had hoped to close on the purchase this summer, start work in the fall and finish after one year.

Funding would include historic tax credits, a Restore NY grant and $1.4 million from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, as well as a Main Street grant from New York State Homes and Community Renewal, a first mortgage and a loan subsidy.

Whats next: As with the Hame project, Savarino has not completed its acquisition of the property, and given my circumstances right now, I dont think it would be prudent to go forward and purchase that.

But the company already took initial steps to obtain eligibility for historic tax credits and helped the city apply for grant funding, which could benefit the next developer.

Weve made a lot of progress that somebody can take advantage of and develop, along the lines of what we had contemplated, Savarino said.

Construction pipeline

Then theres a handful of remaining construction projects, where Savarino is just the general contractor, not the owner or developer. Those include several buildings in the Olean Central School District, the Swormville Volunteer Fire Department building, the Center for Kashmir in Niagara Falls and Ellicott Station in Batavia. Savarino is nearing completion on the first three, and about 75% done with the Ellicott Station redevelopment.

And Savarino Properties, a separate company that is not affected by the construction company closure, will continue to manage more than a dozen commercial and residential properties, including 500 Seneca, Buffalo River Landing on Ohio Street, the Cobblestone District buildings, the Sidway Building and the Ansonia Building, among others.

But Savarino said he has not thought about his future plans. Right now, Im focused on making sure of the best outcomes for everyone, for employees, for clients, he said.
By Express News Service

MUMBAI: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, will invest Rs 8,278 crore in Reliance Retail Ventures (RRVL), the retail arm of Reliance Industries, to acquire a 0.99% stake. The investment will value RRVL, the countrys largest retailer, at Rs 8.28 lakh crore.

In 2020, RRVL raised Rs 47,265 crore from global private equity funds for a 10.09% stake, valuing the firm at over Rs 4.21 lakh crore. This was the largest fundraising exercise in the sector at that time. The company had raised funds from Silver Lake, KKR, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, GIC, TPG, General Atlantic and Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund at a valuation of about $57 billion at that time.

We look forward to benefitting from QIAs global experience and strong track record of value creation as we further develop RRVL into a world-class institution, driving the transformation of the Indian retail sector, said Isha Mukesh Ambani, director, of RRVL. The investment by QIA is a strong endorsement of a positive outlook towards the Indian economy and Reliances retail business model, strategy and execution capabilities, she added. RRVL operates the retail business with a customer base of 267 million and an omnichannel network of over 18,500 stores and digital commerce platforms.

The deal comes as the Mukesh Ambani-led Group is considering a public listing for RRVL and has started buying back shares in the unit and giving them to their employees as stock options. RRVL is expanding its business here by acquiring companies and getting franchise rights of leading global brands for the Indian market.

Its board had on July 4, 2023, approved a proposal in which shares held by such shareholders shall stand cancelled and extinguished as per the capital reduction plan. QIA will make the investment via its wholly-owned subsidiary. QIA is committed to supporting innovative companies with growth potential in Indias fast-growing retail market. We are looking forward to RRVL, with its strong vision and growth trajectory, joining our growing and divers, said Mansoor Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, CEO of QIA.

Funding boost for Reliance Retail

Transaction values RRVL among the top 4 companies by total equity value

The investment values RRVL at a pre-money equity value of Rs 8.28 l cr

IT raised Rs 47,625 cr from global investors in 2020

Previous fund-raising in 2020 was done at a pre-money equity value of Rs 4.21 l cr

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

MUMBAI: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), the sovereign wealth fund of Qatar, will invest Rs 8,278 crore in Reliance Retail Ventures (RRVL), the retail arm of Reliance Industries, to acquire a 0.99% stake. The investment will value RRVL, the countrys largest retailer, at Rs 8.28 lakh crore. In 2020, RRVL raised Rs 47,265 crore from global private equity funds for a 10.09% stake, valuing the firm at over Rs 4.21 lakh crore. This was the largest fundraising exercise in the sector at that time. The company had raised funds from Silver Lake, KKR, Mubadala, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, GIC, TPG, General Atlantic and Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund at a valuation of about $57 billion at that time. We look forward to benefitting from QIAs global experience and strong track record of value creation as we further develop RRVL into a world-class institution, driving the transformation of the Indian retail sector, said Isha Mukesh Ambani, director, of RRVL. The investment by QIA is a strong endorsement of a positive outlook towards the Indian economy and Reliances retail business model, strategy and execution capabilities, she added. RRVL operates the retail business with a customer base of 267 million and an omnichannel network of over 18,500 stores and digital commerce platforms.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The deal comes as the Mukesh Ambani-led Group is considering a public listing for RRVL and has started buying back shares in the unit and giving them to their employees as stock options. RRVL is expanding its business here by acquiring companies and getting franchise rights of leading global brands for the Indian market. Its board had on July 4, 2023, approved a proposal in which shares held by such shareholders shall stand cancelled and extinguished as per the capital reduction plan. QIA will make the investment via its wholly-owned subsidiary. QIA is committed to supporting innovative companies with growth potential in Indias fast-growing retail market. We are looking forward to RRVL, with its strong vision and growth trajectory, joining our growing and divers, said Mansoor Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, CEO of QIA. Funding boost for Reliance Retail Transaction values RRVL among the top 4 companies by total equity value The investment values RRVL at a pre-money equity value of Rs 8.28 l cr IT raised Rs 47,625 cr from global investors in 2020 Previous fund-raising in 2020 was done at a pre-money equity value of Rs 4.21 l cr Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Jaison Wilson By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A local court on Wednesday extended judicial custody of suspended senior Delhi government official Premoday Khakha, who allegedly raped a minor girl several times and impregnated her, by 14 days.

Additional Sessions Judge (POCSO) Richa Parihar also extended the judicial custody of Khakhas wife Seema Rani, who has been charged with giving the girl medicines to terminate her pregnancy, by two weeks.

The couple were produced at Tis Hazari Court in the city after the end of their one-day judicial custody while the hearing was held in a closed court room. Khakha (51), who was a deputy director in the Women and Child Development (WCD), had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021.

Umashankar Gautam, who appeared in the court for the accused said that the victim could not have got impregnated since Khakha had undergone a vasectomy in 2005, around 20 years ago.

The lawyer said the court has sought a report on the medical boards findings about the vasectomy procedure Khakha claimed to have undergone, before his judicial custody ends on September 6.

The medical board has been formed to find whether any lacuna occurred during the vasectomy surgery. Its report will be submitted before the court, he said. He said the court has directed Delhi Police to accelerate the investigation and file the charge sheet timely.

Police did not file any application seeking police custody of the accused persons, he said. It is worthwhile to mention Delhi Commission For Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has issued notices to St Stephens Hospital and DCP North Delhi seeking an explanation for their uncooperative behaviour obstructing the Commissions duty to gather vital information and ensuring appropriate measures for the welfare of the girl child.

READ HERE | 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 have registered a case against the couple under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 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), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman).

He had vasectomy in 2005, says lawyer

The lawyer who appeared to defend the accused said that the victim could not have been impregnated by Khakha, now suspended by Delhi govt, since he had undergone a vasectomy in 2005. The lawyer said the court has sought a report on the medical boards findings about the vasectomy.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: A local court on Wednesday extended judicial custody of suspended senior Delhi government official Premoday Khakha, who allegedly raped a minor girl several times and impregnated her, by 14 days. Additional Sessions Judge (POCSO) Richa Parihar also extended the judicial custody of Khakhas wife Seema Rani, who has been charged with giving the girl medicines to terminate her pregnancy, by two weeks. The couple were produced at Tis Hazari Court in the city after the end of their one-day judicial custody while the hearing was held in a closed court room. Khakha (51), who was a deputy director in the Women and Child Development (WCD), had allegedly raped the girl several times between November 2020 and January 2021. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Umashankar Gautam, who appeared in the court for the accused said that the victim could not have got impregnated since Khakha had undergone a vasectomy in 2005, around 20 years ago. The lawyer said the court has sought a report on the medical boards findings about the vasectomy procedure Khakha claimed to have undergone, before his judicial custody ends on September 6. The medical board has been formed to find whether any lacuna occurred during the vasectomy surgery. Its report will be submitted before the court, he said. He said the court has directed Delhi Police to accelerate the investigation and file the charge sheet timely. Police did not file any application seeking police custody of the accused persons, he said. It is worthwhile to mention Delhi Commission For Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) has issued notices to St Stephens Hospital and DCP North Delhi seeking an explanation for their uncooperative behaviour obstructing the Commissions duty to gather vital information and ensuring appropriate measures for the welfare of the girl child. READ HERE | 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 have registered a case against the couple under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 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), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman). He had vasectomy in 2005, says lawyer The lawyer who appeared to defend the accused said that the victim could not have been impregnated by Khakha, now suspended by Delhi govt, since he had undergone a vasectomy in 2005. The lawyer said the court has sought a report on the medical boards findings about the vasectomy. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The controversial NMC regulation stipulating that all doctors must mandatorily prescribe generic drugs or face a penalty has been put on abeyance.

On Thursday, the National Medical Commission (NMC) put on hold the 'Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, published on August 2.

The regulations made it mandatory for all doctors to prescribe generic drugs, failing which they will be penalised, and even their license may be suspended for a period. The other regulation barred them from accepting gifts from pharma companies or endorsing drug brands.

The regulations raised the hackles of the medical fraternity, which slammed the move to regulate them.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) vehemently opposed the move and held a two-hour meeting on Monday with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, expressing their concerns.

Speaking with The New Indian Express, a jubilant IMA National President, Dr Sharad Kumar Agarwal, said they welcome the move and are happy that the health minister understood their concerns and directed the NMC to put the regulations on hold.

"We are grateful to the minister for being receptive and considering our genuine demands. We want to promise that the entire medical fraternity would work to ensure affordable medical health for the people of this country."

"The entire set of 2023 Regulations notified by the NMC has been held in abeyance," the IMA reposted on X (formerly Twitter).

ALSO READ | More voices of protest against NMC rules binding doctors to prescribe only generic drugs

"It's a triumph that showcases the power of collective efforts and reinforces our association's significance. Let's continue to stand united, uphold the values of our noble profession, and work towards a healthcare system," the IMA reposted.

The regulation related to generic drugs was slammed by the medical fraternity and pharma companies, including branded generic and even the pharmacy association. The move was opposed by all the medical associations and bodies, including the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), the National Medicos Organisation, FAIMA Doctors Association and Federation of Resident Doctors Association.

Interestingly, a survey by Local Circles, a community-based social media platform, regarding generic medicine, revealed that just seven per cent of people surveyed agreed with the mandates of doctors prescribing only the generic name of the drugs. At the same time, the rest opposed the move; over 20,000 people were surveyed for the survey.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, past president of IMA Cochin, told The New Indian Express that the move "is welcomed by all doctors." "Doctors prescribe medications that they have found effective through years of practice. Patients are entitled to get good quality medications. While generics is a good concept overall, unfortunately, because of variation in quality, we are far from implementing a 100% generic prescription in our country."

In its notification on Thursday, the NMC said, "That National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, are hereby held in abeyance with immediate effect. That for removal of doubts, it is clarified that the National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, shall not be operative and effective till further Gazette Notification on the subject by the National Medical Commission."

In their meeting with the health minister, the IMA also suggested that doctors should be allowed to attend conferences sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or the allied health sector.

They said the regulation barring doctors from attending conferences sponsored by pharma companies warranted reconsideration and demanded that associations and organisations be exempted from the purview of NMC guidelines.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: The controversial NMC regulation stipulating that all doctors must mandatorily prescribe generic drugs or face a penalty has been put on abeyance. On Thursday, the National Medical Commission (NMC) put on hold the 'Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, published on August 2. The regulations made it mandatory for all doctors to prescribe generic drugs, failing which they will be penalised, and even their license may be suspended for a period. The other regulation barred them from accepting gifts from pharma companies or endorsing drug brands.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The regulations raised the hackles of the medical fraternity, which slammed the move to regulate them. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) vehemently opposed the move and held a two-hour meeting on Monday with Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, expressing their concerns. Speaking with The New Indian Express, a jubilant IMA National President, Dr Sharad Kumar Agarwal, said they welcome the move and are happy that the health minister understood their concerns and directed the NMC to put the regulations on hold. "We are grateful to the minister for being receptive and considering our genuine demands. We want to promise that the entire medical fraternity would work to ensure affordable medical health for the people of this country." "The entire set of 2023 Regulations notified by the NMC has been held in abeyance," the IMA reposted on X (formerly Twitter). ALSO READ | More voices of protest against NMC rules binding doctors to prescribe only generic drugs "It's a triumph that showcases the power of collective efforts and reinforces our association's significance. Let's continue to stand united, uphold the values of our noble profession, and work towards a healthcare system," the IMA reposted. The regulation related to generic drugs was slammed by the medical fraternity and pharma companies, including branded generic and even the pharmacy association. The move was opposed by all the medical associations and bodies, including the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHPI), the National Medicos Organisation, FAIMA Doctors Association and Federation of Resident Doctors Association. Interestingly, a survey by Local Circles, a community-based social media platform, regarding generic medicine, revealed that just seven per cent of people surveyed agreed with the mandates of doctors prescribing only the generic name of the drugs. At the same time, the rest opposed the move; over 20,000 people were surveyed for the survey. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, past president of IMA Cochin, told The New Indian Express that the move "is welcomed by all doctors." "Doctors prescribe medications that they have found effective through years of practice. Patients are entitled to get good quality medications. While generics is a good concept overall, unfortunately, because of variation in quality, we are far from implementing a 100% generic prescription in our country." In its notification on Thursday, the NMC said, "That National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, are hereby held in abeyance with immediate effect. That for removal of doubts, it is clarified that the National Medical Commission Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations, 2023, shall not be operative and effective till further Gazette Notification on the subject by the National Medical Commission." In their meeting with the health minister, the IMA also suggested that doctors should be allowed to attend conferences sponsored by pharmaceutical companies or the allied health sector. They said the regulation barring doctors from attending conferences sponsored by pharma companies warranted reconsideration and demanded that associations and organisations be exempted from the purview of NMC guidelines. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mukesh Ranjan By

Express News Service

RANCHI: A Dalit family has allegedly been ostracized from the village after their son married the daughter of a village mukhiya in Darida Panchayat under Barora police station around 30 km from the district headquarters in Dhanbad.

According to the Dalit family, the villagers prevented them from fetching drinking water from the public tank, bathing in the village pond, and also denied them rations and other daily essentials from local shopkeepers. The villagers often came to us and threatened us with dire consequences if my son and his wife were allowed to return to the village, said the grooms mother Sumitra Devi.

The incident came to light when Karan Kalindi, who belongs to a Dalit family, married Darida panchayat mukhiya Parwati Devi's daughter and reached Dhanbad Mahila police station seeking protection to safeguard their life.

Family members of both sides were called in for counselling. After they returned to the village, people started boycotting them socially, the Dalit family claimed.



Later, the Dalit family lodged a complaint against villagers for boycotting them socially.

Village head Parwati Devi, however, denied the allegations levelled against her.

Calling a Panchayat, I have broken all my relations with my daughter. I have nothing to do with her. We live in a society and can't stop any person from fetching drinking water and bathing in a pond. But, everyone has the right to say what is wrong and what is right," she said.

The officer in charge of Barora Police Station said that a complaint had been received by the victims family that they were being forced to leave the village.

A complaint was received from the victim's family alleging the villagers are forcing them to leave the village as their son left the village along with the girl. We are investigating the matter. Legal action will be taken if the complaint is found true as no one can be denied fundamental rights, said the officer-in-charge of Barora Police Station Nandu Pal.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

RANCHI: A Dalit family has allegedly been ostracized from the village after their son married the daughter of a village mukhiya in Darida Panchayat under Barora police station around 30 km from the district headquarters in Dhanbad. According to the Dalit family, the villagers prevented them from fetching drinking water from the public tank, bathing in the village pond, and also denied them rations and other daily essentials from local shopkeepers. The villagers often came to us and threatened us with dire consequences if my son and his wife were allowed to return to the village, said the grooms mother Sumitra Devi. The incident came to light when Karan Kalindi, who belongs to a Dalit family, married Darida panchayat mukhiya Parwati Devi's daughter and reached Dhanbad Mahila police station seeking protection to safeguard their life. googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Family members of both sides were called in for counselling. After they returned to the village, people started boycotting them socially, the Dalit family claimed. Later, the Dalit family lodged a complaint against villagers for boycotting them socially. Village head Parwati Devi, however, denied the allegations levelled against her. Calling a Panchayat, I have broken all my relations with my daughter. I have nothing to do with her. We live in a society and can't stop any person from fetching drinking water and bathing in a pond. But, everyone has the right to say what is wrong and what is right," she said. The officer in charge of Barora Police Station said that a complaint had been received by the victims family that they were being forced to leave the village. A complaint was received from the victim's family alleging the villagers are forcing them to leave the village as their son left the village along with the girl. We are investigating the matter. Legal action will be taken if the complaint is found true as no one can be denied fundamental rights, said the officer-in-charge of Barora Police Station Nandu Pal. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday approved multiple defence proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore with an aim to enhance operational capabilities of the armed forces.

A Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore, said an MoD statement.

To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force, the DAC has granted AoN for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare Suite on Mi-17 V5 helicopters, which will enhance better survivability of helicopters, it said.

The Electronic Warfare Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

The DAC has also approved procurement of a ground-based autonomous system for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments that will enable various operations such as unmanned surveillance, logistics delivery of ammunition, fuel and spares and casualty evacuation in the battlefield.

Proposals for procurement of 7.62x51 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) have also been given the go-ahead.

While induction of LMG will enhance the fighting capabilities of infantry forces, the induction of BLT will result in faster movement of mechanised forces.

The AoN for procurement of Ruggedised laptops and tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti has also been accorded. All these procurements will be sourced from indigenous vendors.

The operational capability of the MH-60R helicopters of the Indian Navy will get enhanced capability as DAC has accorded AoN to procure weapons.

The AoN means the government has accepted the need for the equipment and is the first step towards initiation of the procurement process.

The DAC is the highest decision-making body on policy and capital acquisition matters concerning the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard.

The IAF threw in its lot with the formidable Mi-17 V5 medium-lift multi-role helicopter platform after Air HQ showed interest in arming the chopper with brand new electronic warfare suites comprising radar warning receiver, missile approach warning system and counter-measure dispensing system.

A limited number from the fleet would be fitted with a laser warning receiver and directed infrared counter-measure. The IAF has stipulated that it wants this to be an Indian system by an Indian vendor.

LATEST PROCUREMENT

Air Force: Electronic warfare suite on Mi-17 V5 helicopters from BEL

Infantry: Ground-based autonomous system for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments

Army:7.62x51 mm LMG and Bridge Laying Tank Weapons

Laptops: Ruggedised laptops and tablets for Indian Army

Acceptance of Necessity means govt has accepted the need for the equipment and is the first step towards procurement process

The DAC is the highest decision-making body on policy and capital acquisition matters concerning the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Thursday approved multiple defence proposals worth Rs 7,800 crore with an aim to enhance operational capabilities of the armed forces. A Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, held under the chairmanship of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs 7,800 crore, said an MoD statement. To enhance the efficiency of the Indian Air Force, the DAC has granted AoN for procurement and installation of Electronic Warfare Suite on Mi-17 V5 helicopters, which will enhance better survivability of helicopters, it said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Electronic Warfare Suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). The DAC has also approved procurement of a ground-based autonomous system for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments that will enable various operations such as unmanned surveillance, logistics delivery of ammunition, fuel and spares and casualty evacuation in the battlefield. Proposals for procurement of 7.62x51 mm Light Machine Gun (LMG) and Bridge Laying Tank (BLT) have also been given the go-ahead. While induction of LMG will enhance the fighting capabilities of infantry forces, the induction of BLT will result in faster movement of mechanised forces. The AoN for procurement of Ruggedised laptops and tablets for the Indian Army under Project Shakti has also been accorded. All these procurements will be sourced from indigenous vendors. The operational capability of the MH-60R helicopters of the Indian Navy will get enhanced capability as DAC has accorded AoN to procure weapons. The AoN means the government has accepted the need for the equipment and is the first step towards initiation of the procurement process. The DAC is the highest decision-making body on policy and capital acquisition matters concerning the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard. The IAF threw in its lot with the formidable Mi-17 V5 medium-lift multi-role helicopter platform after Air HQ showed interest in arming the chopper with brand new electronic warfare suites comprising radar warning receiver, missile approach warning system and counter-measure dispensing system. A limited number from the fleet would be fitted with a laser warning receiver and directed infrared counter-measure. The IAF has stipulated that it wants this to be an Indian system by an Indian vendor. LATEST PROCUREMENT Air Force: Electronic warfare suite on Mi-17 V5 helicopters from BEL Infantry: Ground-based autonomous system for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments Army:7.62x51 mm LMG and Bridge Laying Tank Weapons Laptops: Ruggedised laptops and tablets for Indian Army Acceptance of Necessity means govt has accepted the need for the equipment and is the first step towards procurement process The DAC is the highest decision-making body on policy and capital acquisition matters concerning the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Indian Coast Guard Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Dilip Singh Kshatriya By

Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: A toxic gas that leaked in a factory in Gujarats Bharuch district on Wednesday hospitalised 18 workers, according to the police. There were around 2,000 workers present in the factory when the leakage was reported around 1 p.m. All were safely evacuated, the police official said.

As many as 18 workers were hospitalized after inhaling bromine gas that leaked from a tank of a chemical factory located at Vedaj village, sub-inspector Vaishali Ahir of Vedach police station said.

The workers, who were near the tank, complained of health problems and were rushed to the hospital. The leakage has been controlled, she said.

According to locals, the gas that leaked out at a Jambusar chemical factory near Bharuch is bromine. This chemical leaked for five minutes from the bromine storage tank. As a result, the workers suffered.

However, the situation was eventually brought under control. Yellow-coloured chemical air was seen soaring in the sky after the incident. No formal information has been released by the firm yet.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

AHMEDABAD: A toxic gas that leaked in a factory in Gujarats Bharuch district on Wednesday hospitalised 18 workers, according to the police. There were around 2,000 workers present in the factory when the leakage was reported around 1 p.m. All were safely evacuated, the police official said. As many as 18 workers were hospitalized after inhaling bromine gas that leaked from a tank of a chemical factory located at Vedaj village, sub-inspector Vaishali Ahir of Vedach police station said. The workers, who were near the tank, complained of health problems and were rushed to the hospital. The leakage has been controlled, she said.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to locals, the gas that leaked out at a Jambusar chemical factory near Bharuch is bromine. This chemical leaked for five minutes from the bromine storage tank. As a result, the workers suffered. However, the situation was eventually brought under control. Yellow-coloured chemical air was seen soaring in the sky after the incident. No formal information has been released by the firm yet. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Thursday acquitted all six accused in the 2004 Dhemaji bomb blast case in which 18 people, including 13 school children, were killed on Independence Day.

A division bench of justices Michael Zothankhuma and Mridul Kumar overturned a 2019 order of the Dhemaji district and sessions court, which had sentenced four persons to life imprisonment and two others to four years in jail, citing lack of sufficient evidence.

Delivering the verdict, the court observed that "the circumstantial evidence does not form an unbroken chain that leads to the possible inference that the appellants are guilty of crime''.

There is no evidence at all except for the statements recorded under section 164 of the CrPC, which are not corroborated with proof, it said.

"Further, the judicial officer recording the evidence has not given reason for believing that the same was given voluntarily as per provisions of law," it added.

The prosecution has failed to establish the involvement of the accused in the case, the court said.

Find no sufficient evidence to uphold the conviction, all the accused persons are acquitted, it said.

The high court gave the verdict after concluding the hearing on the appeals filed by the six accused on July 24.

While Dipanjali Buragohain, Muhi Handique, Jatin Dubori and Leela Gogoi were sentenced to life imprisonment by the district court, Prashanta Bhuyan and Hemen Gogoi were sentenced to four years in jail by the district court.

They were convicted under various sections of the IPC, including 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 302 (murder), besides the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA and the Explosive Substances Act.

The explosion had taken place at the Dhemaji College ground during Independence Day celebrations.

The ULFA, which called for a boycott of the celebrations, had claimed responsibility for the blast.

Besides those killed, around 45 people were injured in the explosion.

The two accused were sentenced to four years in jail by the district court as incriminating objects were recovered from their houses, said petitioners' advocate Abhijit Khanikar.

"The incriminating materials seized were a 'gamosa' (towel) and a toothpaste from Hemen's house. It could not be established that he had any connection with the outfit," Khanikar said.

Following the blast, 14 people were named as accused in the case, but the district court had convicted six and acquitted seven, while one was absconding.

A disappointed Tarulata Saikia, the mother of 14-year-old Girin Saikia who lost his life in the blast, said even as the ULFA admitted that it was behind the blast, delay in filing of the charge sheet by the police "denied us justice''.

She demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident.

"We cannot comment on the high court's judgement but we were hoping that the guilty will be punished."

Girin, a class 9 student of the Dhemaji Town Model High School, was representing his school at the Independence Day parade on the college ground.

Nitya Gogoi, the father of 10-year-old Pradipta Gogoi who also lost his life, said that though they respect the high court, they are very sad after the order.

"The lacunae was in the police investigation as it took ten years to file the charge sheet. The lower court had convicted six persons but it was only due to weak investigation that the accused will go free," he alleged.

The bomb was planted near the college gate and triggered by a remote-controlled device, according to police.

A day after the blast, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who is now a part of the pro-talk faction, had said in a statement that security forces had used school children as shields to defy the outfit's boycott call.

In 2009, ULFA's self-styled 'Commander-in-Chief' Paresh Barua sought a public apology for the blast.

The outfit's pro-talk faction held a round of negotiations with the Centre last week.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court on Thursday acquitted all six accused in the 2004 Dhemaji bomb blast case in which 18 people, including 13 school children, were killed on Independence Day. A division bench of justices Michael Zothankhuma and Mridul Kumar overturned a 2019 order of the Dhemaji district and sessions court, which had sentenced four persons to life imprisonment and two others to four years in jail, citing lack of sufficient evidence. Delivering the verdict, the court observed that "the circumstantial evidence does not form an unbroken chain that leads to the possible inference that the appellants are guilty of crime''.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); There is no evidence at all except for the statements recorded under section 164 of the CrPC, which are not corroborated with proof, it said. "Further, the judicial officer recording the evidence has not given reason for believing that the same was given voluntarily as per provisions of law," it added. The prosecution has failed to establish the involvement of the accused in the case, the court said. Find no sufficient evidence to uphold the conviction, all the accused persons are acquitted, it said. The high court gave the verdict after concluding the hearing on the appeals filed by the six accused on July 24. While Dipanjali Buragohain, Muhi Handique, Jatin Dubori and Leela Gogoi were sentenced to life imprisonment by the district court, Prashanta Bhuyan and Hemen Gogoi were sentenced to four years in jail by the district court. They were convicted under various sections of the IPC, including 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 302 (murder), besides the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA and the Explosive Substances Act. The explosion had taken place at the Dhemaji College ground during Independence Day celebrations. The ULFA, which called for a boycott of the celebrations, had claimed responsibility for the blast. Besides those killed, around 45 people were injured in the explosion. The two accused were sentenced to four years in jail by the district court as incriminating objects were recovered from their houses, said petitioners' advocate Abhijit Khanikar. "The incriminating materials seized were a 'gamosa' (towel) and a toothpaste from Hemen's house. It could not be established that he had any connection with the outfit," Khanikar said. Following the blast, 14 people were named as accused in the case, but the district court had convicted six and acquitted seven, while one was absconding. A disappointed Tarulata Saikia, the mother of 14-year-old Girin Saikia who lost his life in the blast, said even as the ULFA admitted that it was behind the blast, delay in filing of the charge sheet by the police "denied us justice''. She demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. "We cannot comment on the high court's judgement but we were hoping that the guilty will be punished." Girin, a class 9 student of the Dhemaji Town Model High School, was representing his school at the Independence Day parade on the college ground. Nitya Gogoi, the father of 10-year-old Pradipta Gogoi who also lost his life, said that though they respect the high court, they are very sad after the order. "The lacunae was in the police investigation as it took ten years to file the charge sheet. The lower court had convicted six persons but it was only due to weak investigation that the accused will go free," he alleged. The bomb was planted near the college gate and triggered by a remote-controlled device, according to police. A day after the blast, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who is now a part of the pro-talk faction, had said in a statement that security forces had used school children as shields to defy the outfit's boycott call. In 2009, ULFA's self-styled 'Commander-in-Chief' Paresh Barua sought a public apology for the blast. The outfit's pro-talk faction held a round of negotiations with the Centre last week. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Over 40 members of United Auto Workers and their supporters were waving signs on Thursday, just down Route 5 from the Ford stamping plant in Hamburg.

They werent on strike. They called it practice picketing, making themselves seen and heard as the UAW and the Detroit Three automakers negotiate new contracts.

Its to send a message to the companies we work for that the membership is united, and if companies force us to walk, were ready to do it, said Daniel Vicente, director of Amherst-based UAW Region 9.

Its a tactic UAW locals around the country have used during the negotiations. The members picketing along Route 5 were from UAW Local 897, which represents 748 hourly workers at the Ford plant.

It gives a lot of hope and it gives a lot of power to the bargaining teams, to let them know theyre not out there by themselves, Vicente said. They have the backing of rank-and-file membership.

Teamsters union members at UPS used practice picketing during their own contract talks, generating a show of unity that attracted media attention. The two sides reached a deal that averted a threatened strike; that agreement was recently ratified.

Whether the practice picketing by the UAW turns into the real thing remains to be seen. The current labor contracts between the UAW and Detroit Three are set to expire Sept. 14, and the UAW has threatened to strike one or more of the automakers if deals arent reached.

The workers at the Ford stamping plant make metal parts for a variety of Ford vehicles. The largest share of its parts is shipped up the QEW, to a Ford plant in Oakville, Ont.

Patrick Radtke, president and chairman of UAW Local 897, said the locals members want a new contract that reflects Fords financial success.

They want equality, Radtke said. Their labor produces these massive profits. They want a piece of that, their fair share. Thats all.

UAW's strike authorization votes boost bargaining power "We're going to show them that we're strong throughout the country and that we're willing to walk out and withhold our labor if that means getting a fair contract," said James Lakeman, a representative with UAW Region 9.

Radtke said production has picked up inside the plant, putting more of a strain on the workforce.

Were actually very busy, he said. Were out of the supplier shortages, so our volumes are up over 100%. Mandatory Saturdays now, so its hard.

The outcome of the UAW-Detroit Three contract talks will be closely watched in the Buffalo Niagara region. In addition to the Ford plant, the region is home to two General Motors plants, in Lockport and the Town of Tonawanda.

UAW members around the country have cast ballots in strike authorization votes, to decide whether to give union leaders the power to call a strike at one or more of the Detroit Three automakers if deals cant be reached. UAW president Shawn Fain plans to release the results of the voting at 11 a.m. Friday. The vote is expected to be overwhelmingly in favor.

What happens after that will unfold at the bargaining table. The UAW has not had a strike at Ford since 1976, but had a 40-day strike at GM in 2019.
Pronab Mondal By

Express News Service

KOLKATA: Amid a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP over the railway bridge collapse incident in Mizoram claiming 24 lives from West Bengal, a wave of sadness has gripped the Chouduar village in Malda, from where 13 victims of the tragedy hailed. Six of the victims belonged to the same family.

Residents of Choudar became speechless as they heard the news of the bridge collapse. I dont know how to console the women and children of the families of the deceased. We cant imagine how they will survive in future, said Sheikh Matiur, a resident of the hamlet inhabited by migrant workers.

The majority of the villagers live in mud-huts with straw roofs, and the families of landless migrant workers anxiously wait for their loved ones to return from other states in order to make ends meet.

The residents of Bengal blamed unemployment for the fact that many of their fellow villagers were compelled to venture out to other states in pursuit of employment opportunities.

All these labourers who went to Mizoram were earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000. Earning such an amount by offering labour is not possible in Bengal, said Mohammad Arif, another villager.

West Bengal Minister Sabina Yeasmin consoles a family member of a victim killed after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram, in Malda. (PTI)

A day after the tragedy in the northeast state, a row between the ruling TMC and principal opposition broke out on Thursday.

The Bengal CM criticized the Centre for the railway's performance under the current government, and called for job opportunities to be provided for the families of victims.

In response, the Leader of Opposition pointed to poor governance in Bengal as the reason why workers are forced to seek jobs in other states.

Adhikari alleged that Mamatas poor governance is forcing workers from Bengal to go to other states to survive.

The heart wrenching picture of Bengals migrant workers first emerged in 2020 during lockdown. A total of 5.2 lakh workers were registered as migrant workers and presently the actual figure crossed 50 lakh. They dont have any job in the state. They have no option left other than going to other states to survive, he alleged.

Toll reaches 24

Twenty-four people are believed to be dead in the under-construction railway bridge collapse in Mizorams Aizawl district, though only 22 bodies have been recovered so far, officials said.

A search is underway for the one person who is still missing, they said, adding that the chance of his survival is bleak.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

KOLKATA: Amid a political slugfest between the ruling TMC and the BJP over the railway bridge collapse incident in Mizoram claiming 24 lives from West Bengal, a wave of sadness has gripped the Chouduar village in Malda, from where 13 victims of the tragedy hailed. Six of the victims belonged to the same family. Residents of Choudar became speechless as they heard the news of the bridge collapse. I dont know how to console the women and children of the families of the deceased. We cant imagine how they will survive in future, said Sheikh Matiur, a resident of the hamlet inhabited by migrant workers. The majority of the villagers live in mud-huts with straw roofs, and the families of landless migrant workers anxiously wait for their loved ones to return from other states in order to make ends meet.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The residents of Bengal blamed unemployment for the fact that many of their fellow villagers were compelled to venture out to other states in pursuit of employment opportunities. All these labourers who went to Mizoram were earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 20,000. Earning such an amount by offering labour is not possible in Bengal, said Mohammad Arif, another villager. West Bengal Minister Sabina Yeasmin consoles a family member of a victim killed after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed in Mizoram, in Malda. (PTI) A day after the tragedy in the northeast state, a row between the ruling TMC and principal opposition broke out on Thursday. The Bengal CM criticized the Centre for the railway's performance under the current government, and called for job opportunities to be provided for the families of victims. In response, the Leader of Opposition pointed to poor governance in Bengal as the reason why workers are forced to seek jobs in other states. Adhikari alleged that Mamatas poor governance is forcing workers from Bengal to go to other states to survive. The heart wrenching picture of Bengals migrant workers first emerged in 2020 during lockdown. A total of 5.2 lakh workers were registered as migrant workers and presently the actual figure crossed 50 lakh. They dont have any job in the state. They have no option left other than going to other states to survive, he alleged. Toll reaches 24 Twenty-four people are believed to be dead in the under-construction railway bridge collapse in Mizorams Aizawl district, though only 22 bodies have been recovered so far, officials said. A search is underway for the one person who is still missing, they said, adding that the chance of his survival is bleak. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Bala Chauhan By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: Chandrayaan-3  Indias ambitious Moon Mission is a team work with several scientists, technicians, and entrepreneurs among others joining hands to make it a success.

Associate Director, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters, Dr BHM Darukesha and his team had developed the 5-watt signal amplifier (for communication) which is an important part of Chandrayaan-3s Lander and Rover when no other country came forward to provide it to India since amplifiers are mostly used by the military for defence operations. Darukehsa hails from Kottur in Vijayanagara district.

In the case of space missions, amplifiers are instrumental in getting the message from the Lander and Rover to the satellite orbiting on the surface of the Moon, which is about four lakh km from the Earth. ISRO was looking for a 5-watt signal amplifier for its Moon missions.

According to informed sources, a Japanese firm had agreed to provide its own 12-watt amplifier. However, it was not suitable for use in space travel and Isro had to develop its own amplifier. This responsibility was assigned to Darukesha, who headed the Integrated Circuit (IC) design team.

ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3: Eight ways a home on the Moon can help humans

The 5-watt amplifier developed by him and his team has won various awards by ISRO. These amplifiers were fitted in the Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-1 & 2, Mangalyaan and now Chandrayaan 3,

added sources.

An amplifier is required to know the operational status of a satellite or spacecraft that is launched from the Earth. It was an opportunity and privilege for me and my team to develop it at a time when other countries had backed out, Daurkesha told this newspaper.

Born on August 6, 1974, to Suvarnamma and Mahadevaiah  a government primary school teacher in Shivpura Gollarahatti in Kudligi taluk. Darukesha was appointed as a scientist in ISRO in 1998.

CTTC scientists hard work pays off

A team of 150 scientists, engineers and technicians, who toiled hard for the last two years to mould different types of components used in the lander, erupted in joy when lander module Vikram landed on the dark side of the Moons surface. It was the lander that had crashed during the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019. CTTC delivered over 75,000 components for Chandrayaan-3. Click here to read more...

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

BENGALURU: Chandrayaan-3  Indias ambitious Moon Mission is a team work with several scientists, technicians, and entrepreneurs among others joining hands to make it a success. Associate Director, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters, Dr BHM Darukesha and his team had developed the 5-watt signal amplifier (for communication) which is an important part of Chandrayaan-3s Lander and Rover when no other country came forward to provide it to India since amplifiers are mostly used by the military for defence operations. Darukehsa hails from Kottur in Vijayanagara district. In the case of space missions, amplifiers are instrumental in getting the message from the Lander and Rover to the satellite orbiting on the surface of the Moon, which is about four lakh km from the Earth. ISRO was looking for a 5-watt signal amplifier for its Moon missions.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to informed sources, a Japanese firm had agreed to provide its own 12-watt amplifier. However, it was not suitable for use in space travel and Isro had to develop its own amplifier. This responsibility was assigned to Darukesha, who headed the Integrated Circuit (IC) design team. ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3: Eight ways a home on the Moon can help humans The 5-watt amplifier developed by him and his team has won various awards by ISRO. These amplifiers were fitted in the Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-1 & 2, Mangalyaan and now Chandrayaan 3, added sources. An amplifier is required to know the operational status of a satellite or spacecraft that is launched from the Earth. It was an opportunity and privilege for me and my team to develop it at a time when other countries had backed out, Daurkesha told this newspaper. Born on August 6, 1974, to Suvarnamma and Mahadevaiah  a government primary school teacher in Shivpura Gollarahatti in Kudligi taluk. Darukesha was appointed as a scientist in ISRO in 1998. CTTC scientists hard work pays off A team of 150 scientists, engineers and technicians, who toiled hard for the last two years to mould different types of components used in the lander, erupted in joy when lander module Vikram landed on the dark side of the Moons surface. It was the lander that had crashed during the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019. CTTC delivered over 75,000 components for Chandrayaan-3. Click here to read more... Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: India gathered support among BRICS members to arrive at a consensus for the expansion of the grouping.

During the BRICS Leaders Retreat on Tuesday, India took the lead in forging a consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members. Our efforts were guided by our objective to incorporate our strategic partners as new members, said a source familiar with the matter.

Saudi Arabia, Iran and UAE are strategic partners of most member states and are likely to be included in the BRICS fold, it is learnt.

India fully supports the expansion of BRICS membership. And welcomes moving forward with consensus in this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

Meanwhile, before the summit, South Africas Deputy President Paul Mashatile had said that one of the core issues of discussions would be to reduce dependence on dollar.

There was extensive talk on encouraging trade in national currencies. A lot of trade amongst BRICS members is being done in national currencies and this would be encouraged further, said a source.

Meanwhile, Modi began his speech by speaking of the historic connect between India and South Africa, bringing the context of Tolstoy Farm, which was built by Mahatma Gandhi 110 years ago.

Had a fruitful meeting with PM Modi. We congratulated India on the success of Chandrayan 3 and wished India for the upcoming G20 Summit, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Amongst the suggestions for broadening cooperation, Modi suggested creating a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his video address, said the war in Ukraine was unleashed by the West and its satellites.

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 Russia in Ukraine are dictated by the desire to stop the war of extermination unleashed by the West, said Putin.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: India gathered support among BRICS members to arrive at a consensus for the expansion of the grouping. During the BRICS Leaders Retreat on Tuesday, India took the lead in forging a consensus on membership criteria and selection of new members. Our efforts were guided by our objective to incorporate our strategic partners as new members, said a source familiar with the matter. Saudi Arabia, Iran and UAE are strategic partners of most member states and are likely to be included in the BRICS fold, it is learnt.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); India fully supports the expansion of BRICS membership. And welcomes moving forward with consensus in this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Meanwhile, before the summit, South Africas Deputy President Paul Mashatile had said that one of the core issues of discussions would be to reduce dependence on dollar. There was extensive talk on encouraging trade in national currencies. A lot of trade amongst BRICS members is being done in national currencies and this would be encouraged further, said a source. Meanwhile, Modi began his speech by speaking of the historic connect between India and South Africa, bringing the context of Tolstoy Farm, which was built by Mahatma Gandhi 110 years ago. Had a fruitful meeting with PM Modi. We congratulated India on the success of Chandrayan 3 and wished India for the upcoming G20 Summit, said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Amongst the suggestions for broadening cooperation, Modi suggested creating a BRICS Space Exploration Consortium. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during his video address, said the war in Ukraine was unleashed by the West and its satellites. 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 Russia in Ukraine are dictated by the desire to stop the war of extermination unleashed by the West, said Putin. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: In a major push for indigenous fighters, the Indian Air Force is working on a proposal to induct the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.

Sources confirmed that the IAF is keen on inducting close to 100 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters for which a plan is being worked out within the air force.

The proposal is to be presented before the government subsequently.

This IAF plan is to increase the profile of indigenous combat platforms. It is part of a long term plan to not only add resources for HAL to keep its assembly lines alive but also add more indigenously manufactured combat systems, sources added.

These aircraft will replace the ageing squadrons of MiG 21 fighter jets.

Once this order is completed in the stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes.

The decision followed the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudharis review of the status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme at the Air Headquarters on Wednesday. Also in attendance were senior functionaries from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, HAL and ADA.

ALSO READ | LCA Tejas successfully test-fires ASTRA

The Air Force chief had brought out that the LCA has been the flag bearer of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet. Given the nature of this project of national importance, it is required that all stakeholders adopt a collaborative approach towards its success," he said.

The first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was inducted in July 2016. The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, the 'Flying Daggers'. Over the years, the squadron progressed from Vampires to Gnats and then onto the MiG-21 Bis, before being equipped with Tejas.

Tejas is a multi-role platform designed to undertake the air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. The LCA Mk-1A will have updated avionics, as well as an Active Electronically Steered Radar, updated Electronic Warfare suite and a Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of firing a number of weapons from increased stand-off ranges.

As per the IAF, during the review, representatives of HAL assured the CAS of the timely delivery of the contracted twin-seaters in the coming months. Further to the LCA Mk 1, 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft have also been contracted by the IAF in 2021. The Chairman & Managing Director of HAL assured those present that the deliveries of this advanced variant of the LCA would commence by February 2024.

While complimenting HAL, the Air Force chief indicated that based on these assurances, the LCA Mk 1A could be inducted in a newly raised squadron in one of the IAF's operational bases, early next year.

"With timely deliveries of the more capable variant, the LCA Mk 1A is likely to see increased deployments at forward bases, besides participation in international exercises in the days to come," he added.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: In a major push for indigenous fighters, the Indian Air Force is working on a proposal to induct the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. Sources confirmed that the IAF is keen on inducting close to 100 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighters for which a plan is being worked out within the air force. The proposal is to be presented before the government subsequently.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); This IAF plan is to increase the profile of indigenous combat platforms. It is part of a long term plan to not only add resources for HAL to keep its assembly lines alive but also add more indigenously manufactured combat systems, sources added. These aircraft will replace the ageing squadrons of MiG 21 fighter jets. Once this order is completed in the stipulated 15 years, the IAF will have 40 LCA, over 180 LCA Mark-1A and at least 120 LCA Mark-2 planes. The decision followed the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudharis review of the status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme at the Air Headquarters on Wednesday. Also in attendance were senior functionaries from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, HAL and ADA. ALSO READ | LCA Tejas successfully test-fires ASTRA The Air Force chief had brought out that the LCA has been the flag bearer of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) efforts towards indigenisation of its aircraft fleet. Given the nature of this project of national importance, it is required that all stakeholders adopt a collaborative approach towards its success," he said. The first indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) was inducted in July 2016. The first IAF Squadron to induct the Tejas was No 45 Squadron, the 'Flying Daggers'. Over the years, the squadron progressed from Vampires to Gnats and then onto the MiG-21 Bis, before being equipped with Tejas. Tejas is a multi-role platform designed to undertake the air defence, maritime reconnaissance and strike roles. The LCA Mk-1A will have updated avionics, as well as an Active Electronically Steered Radar, updated Electronic Warfare suite and a Beyond Visual Range missile capability. The new variant will be capable of firing a number of weapons from increased stand-off ranges. As per the IAF, during the review, representatives of HAL assured the CAS of the timely delivery of the contracted twin-seaters in the coming months. Further to the LCA Mk 1, 83 LCA Mk-1A aircraft have also been contracted by the IAF in 2021. The Chairman & Managing Director of HAL assured those present that the deliveries of this advanced variant of the LCA would commence by February 2024. While complimenting HAL, the Air Force chief indicated that based on these assurances, the LCA Mk 1A could be inducted in a newly raised squadron in one of the IAF's operational bases, early next year. "With timely deliveries of the more capable variant, the LCA Mk 1A is likely to see increased deployments at forward bases, besides participation in international exercises in the days to come," he added. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Mayank Singh By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft successfully fired the indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air ASTRA missile off the coast of Goa on Wednesday. The test-fire took place a day after the Air Chief reviewed the status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme at Air Headquarters.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said, The missile was successfully released from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 feet. All test objectives were met, and it was a textbook launch. This momentous occasion contributes significantly to the indigenisation of arms and equipment sources, as both the missile and the aircraft are being made domestically.

The importance of this achievement grows considering that it is a step towards overcoming potential future sanctions due to geopolitical ramifications on arms trade. In another significant step, the Indian Air Force has already successfully integrated the ASTRA missile with the frontline Sukhoi 30-MKI combat aircraft, as confirmed by sources.

The test launch was closely monitored by the Test Director and scientists from the Aeronautical Development Agency, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, as well as officials from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance. Tejas was tracked by a Chase Tejas twin-seater aircraft.

ASTRA, a state-of-the-art BVR air-to-air missile designed to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Research Centre Imarat, and other DRDO laboratories. The indigenous Astra BVR launch from homegrown Tejas fighters is a major stride towards achieving Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended ADA, DRDO, CEMILAC, DG-AQA, and the industry for the successful missile firing from Tejas-LCA. He emphasised that this launch would significantly enhance the combat capabilities of Tejas and reduce dependency on imported weapons.

Meanwhile, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari reviewed the status of the Light Combat Aircraft programme at Air Headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. Senior functionaries from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, HAL, and ADA were also in attendance.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft successfully fired the indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air ASTRA missile off the coast of Goa on Wednesday. The test-fire took place a day after the Air Chief reviewed the status of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme at Air Headquarters. In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said, The missile was successfully released from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 feet. All test objectives were met, and it was a textbook launch. This momentous occasion contributes significantly to the indigenisation of arms and equipment sources, as both the missile and the aircraft are being made domestically. The importance of this achievement grows considering that it is a step towards overcoming potential future sanctions due to geopolitical ramifications on arms trade. In another significant step, the Indian Air Force has already successfully integrated the ASTRA missile with the frontline Sukhoi 30-MKI combat aircraft, as confirmed by sources.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The test launch was closely monitored by the Test Director and scientists from the Aeronautical Development Agency, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, as well as officials from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification and the Directorate General of Aeronautical Quality Assurance. Tejas was tracked by a Chase Tejas twin-seater aircraft. ASTRA, a state-of-the-art BVR air-to-air missile designed to engage and destroy highly maneuvering supersonic aerial targets, has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Research Centre Imarat, and other DRDO laboratories. The indigenous Astra BVR launch from homegrown Tejas fighters is a major stride towards achieving Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commended ADA, DRDO, CEMILAC, DG-AQA, and the industry for the successful missile firing from Tejas-LCA. He emphasised that this launch would significantly enhance the combat capabilities of Tejas and reduce dependency on imported weapons. Meanwhile, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari reviewed the status of the Light Combat Aircraft programme at Air Headquarters in Delhi on Tuesday. Senior functionaries from the Ministry of Defence, DRDO, HAL, and ADA were also in attendance. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By PTI

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi government of "killing" the Right to Information (RTI) Act bit by bit as part of a "conspiracy to end democracy".

On the reported disappearance of a large number of applications from the RTI website, Kharge said it was a "superficial incident" whereas the internal destruction was much deeper.

"The Modi government is killing the RTI Act bit by bit. This is not just an attack on the constitutional rights (of people) but another step in the conspiracy to end democracy," he said in a post in Hindi on 'X', formerly Twitter.

He also alleged that the proposed amendment of the RTI Act under the guise of the data protection law is "a cowardly attack on the right to information by an authoritarian government".

Several opposition parties and civil society groups have claimed that the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, passed in the recently concluded session of Parliament, dilutes provisions of the RTI Act.

The government has denied the charge.

Kharge alleged, "The Modi government is so shameless that it is not concerned with transparency."

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday accused the Narendra Modi government of "killing" the Right to Information (RTI) Act bit by bit as part of a "conspiracy to end democracy". On the reported disappearance of a large number of applications from the RTI website, Kharge said it was a "superficial incident" whereas the internal destruction was much deeper. "The Modi government is killing the RTI Act bit by bit. This is not just an attack on the constitutional rights (of people) but another step in the conspiracy to end democracy," he said in a post in Hindi on 'X', formerly Twitter.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); He also alleged that the proposed amendment of the RTI Act under the guise of the data protection law is "a cowardly attack on the right to information by an authoritarian government". Several opposition parties and civil society groups have claimed that the Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, passed in the recently concluded session of Parliament, dilutes provisions of the RTI Act. The government has denied the charge. Kharge alleged, "The Modi government is so shameless that it is not concerned with transparency." Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Around 525 requests from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to obtain sanctions to prosecute corrupt government employees were pending with many state governments and Central government departments in 2022, according to the latest annual report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).

The CVC report stated that the government departments were supposed to decide on sanctioning of the agencys requests within three months after receiving them. However, out of the requests, 271 were pending for more than three months, it said.

There is a provision that one month can be further granted in certain cases for consultation if required, on the request by the Attorney General or any other law officer in office.

According to the report, the highest number of 167 requests was pending 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, and Ministry of Coal and Mines. In the Ministry of Railways, 22 requests were pending.

The report has mentioned that 25 requests were found pending prosecution sanction with the Himachal Pradesh government, 23 each with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Similarly, 20 requests were pending with the Ministry of Labour and Employment; 16 with Ministry of Defence; 12 with Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; 11 with the Home Ministry and eight with Education Ministry.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Around 525 requests from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to obtain sanctions to prosecute corrupt government employees were pending with many state governments and Central government departments in 2022, according to the latest annual report of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The CVC report stated that the government departments were supposed to decide on sanctioning of the agencys requests within three months after receiving them. However, out of the requests, 271 were pending for more than three months, it said. There is a provision that one month can be further granted in certain cases for consultation if required, on the request by the Attorney General or any other law officer in office.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to the report, the highest number of 167 requests was pending 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, and Ministry of Coal and Mines. In the Ministry of Railways, 22 requests were pending. The report has mentioned that 25 requests were found pending prosecution sanction with the Himachal Pradesh government, 23 each with the governments of Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Similarly, 20 requests were pending with the Ministry of Labour and Employment; 16 with Ministry of Defence; 12 with Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions; 11 with the Home Ministry and eight with Education Ministry. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Rajesh Kumar Thakur By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Visibly elated after the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the moon on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, India is now on the moon! And this historic success belongs to 140-crore Indians and all humanity.

Joining this moment from Johannesburg in South Africa, where he is to attend the BRICS, and addressing the ISRO scientists, PM Modi said the successful historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 has come as the dawn of new India.

Hamne dharti par sankalp kiya aur chand per usse saakaar kiya (We took a resolve on the earth and accomplished it on the moon), Modi said, adding that as no other country has reached the south pole of the moon before, India has become the first country to do so.

Bravo to our scientists, as with their hard work India is now on the moon. Our successful Mission Moon is not only meant for India but for all humanity, the PM remarked.

Elated at the success that defined India as one of the superpowers in space, the PM said, This is a year in which the world is witnessing Indias G20 presidency. Our approach of One Earth, One Family and One Future is resonating across the globe.

He said Indias Moon Mission is based on a human-centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity. 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 asserted.

PM Modi said Indias successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 will change many myths related to the moon from now onwards. The story will change. The proverbs will also change for the new generation. In India, we all call the earth as mother and the moon as mama (maternal uncle). It was once said that chanda mama is very far away but now children will say that chanda mama is just a tour, he said.

Dedicating the moment to the nation, he said this is a capability of 140 crore heartbeats of India and in the first light of Amrit Kaal, the first Amrit Varsha of success. Defining success as the eternal consciousness of a nation, the PM said the moment has given a clarion call of Viksit Bharat as a victory call for India. It has moved India on the chandrapath of victory and has come for invoking the rising fortune of India, he said.

Exuding confidence, the PM said the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission will take Indias flight beyond the lunar orbits. We will test the limits of our solar system, and work to realise the infinite possibilities of the universe for humans, the PM said, informing the nation that ISRO will soon launch the Aditya L-1 mission for a detailed study of the Sun (Solar system).

Congratulating the scientists, he said India has again proved that the sky is not the limit. We are witness to the new flight of new India. New history has been written, the PM said.

Modi also dwelt upon India gearing up for its first human-crewed space flight mission in the near future. He said science and technology are the basis of the bright future of the country. This day also signifies how victory is achieved from the lesson of defeat, the PM said referring to the preceding Chandrayaan-2 mission which failed to make a soft landing in September 2019.

Malayali connection to the Moon mission

What began as a humble yet ambitious odyssey to the Moon under a Malayali has tasted success under another Malayali. When Vikram soft-landed on the lunar south pole, it also marked a special moment of pride for Kerala, which has made immense contributions to all of ISROs Moon missions, starting with Chandrayaan-1. Click here to read more on the Malayali link to the successful Moon mission.

ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3: How indigenous amplifier played a crucial role in communication

Experts weigh in

Discovery of water (abundance) near the polar regions of the Moon by Chandrayaan-1 mission has spurred many countries 'back to the Moon', targeting the regions around the South Pole of the Moon. Now with the soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3's lander, I foresee international lunar exploration programs may further get accelerated. Instead of the Cold War that was the underlying factor for the lunar missions of the 60s and 70s, let the present new millennium rush to the Moon to mark a peaceful co-existence of all stakeholders on the Moon for the betterment of humanity.

 Mylswamy Annadurai, former director, ISRO Satellite Centre, popularly known as Moon Man of India for Chandrayaan-1 and 2 and Mangalyaan

So exciting and gratifying to see the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3; history is surely created for Naya Bharat (modern India). Hearty congratulations to Team ISRO - the scientists tirelessly worked day and night and, not to forget, through the pandemic, risking their own lives to a certain extent. Congratulations to one and all from the academia and industry as well, who were equally passionate about this mission and stood as pillars of support for ISRO. A new India has arrived. The next target would be going to Mars, Venus and beyond....the immediate next, however, is the Sun God after the Moon God. All the best to the entire team for the upcoming Aditya L1 mission, to be launched very soon.

 Dr Radhakant Padhi, HAL Chair Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru

'Tears of Joy'

Soon after Vikram lander soft landed on the south pole of the Moon, making Chandrayaan-3 a success, the crowd went up in a loud cheer. Scores of people, including students, senior citizens, and some former ISRO scientists along with their family members, who had gathered at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru, were seen cheering in celebration, congratulating each other. The atmosphere was nothing less than a festival. Click here to read how India reacted to Chandrayaan-3's success.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Visibly elated after the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the moon on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, India is now on the moon! And this historic success belongs to 140-crore Indians and all humanity. Joining this moment from Johannesburg in South Africa, where he is to attend the BRICS, and addressing the ISRO scientists, PM Modi said the successful historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 has come as the dawn of new India. Hamne dharti par sankalp kiya aur chand per usse saakaar kiya (We took a resolve on the earth and accomplished it on the moon), Modi said, adding that as no other country has reached the south pole of the moon before, India has become the first country to do so.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Bravo to our scientists, as with their hard work India is now on the moon. Our successful Mission Moon is not only meant for India but for all humanity, the PM remarked. Elated at the success that defined India as one of the superpowers in space, the PM said, This is a year in which the world is witnessing Indias G20 presidency. Our approach of One Earth, One Family and One Future is resonating across the globe. He said Indias Moon Mission is based on a human-centric approach. Therefore, this success belongs to all of humanity. 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 asserted. PM Modi said Indias successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 will change many myths related to the moon from now onwards. The story will change. The proverbs will also change for the new generation. In India, we all call the earth as mother and the moon as mama (maternal uncle). It was once said that chanda mama is very far away but now children will say that chanda mama is just a tour, he said. Dedicating the moment to the nation, he said this is a capability of 140 crore heartbeats of India and in the first light of Amrit Kaal, the first Amrit Varsha of success. Defining success as the eternal consciousness of a nation, the PM said the moment has given a clarion call of Viksit Bharat as a victory call for India. It has moved India on the chandrapath of victory and has come for invoking the rising fortune of India, he said. Exuding confidence, the PM said the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission will take Indias flight beyond the lunar orbits. We will test the limits of our solar system, and work to realise the infinite possibilities of the universe for humans, the PM said, informing the nation that ISRO will soon launch the Aditya L-1 mission for a detailed study of the Sun (Solar system). Congratulating the scientists, he said India has again proved that the sky is not the limit. We are witness to the new flight of new India. New history has been written, the PM said. Modi also dwelt upon India gearing up for its first human-crewed space flight mission in the near future. He said science and technology are the basis of the bright future of the country. This day also signifies how victory is achieved from the lesson of defeat, the PM said referring to the preceding Chandrayaan-2 mission which failed to make a soft landing in September 2019. Malayali connection to the Moon mission What began as a humble yet ambitious odyssey to the Moon under a Malayali has tasted success under another Malayali. When Vikram soft-landed on the lunar south pole, it also marked a special moment of pride for Kerala, which has made immense contributions to all of ISROs Moon missions, starting with Chandrayaan-1. Click here to read more on the Malayali link to the successful Moon mission. ALSO READ | Chandrayaan-3: How indigenous amplifier played a crucial role in communication Experts weigh in Discovery of water (abundance) near the polar regions of the Moon by Chandrayaan-1 mission has spurred many countries 'back to the Moon', targeting the regions around the South Pole of the Moon. Now with the soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3's lander, I foresee international lunar exploration programs may further get accelerated. Instead of the Cold War that was the underlying factor for the lunar missions of the 60s and 70s, let the present new millennium rush to the Moon to mark a peaceful co-existence of all stakeholders on the Moon for the betterment of humanity.  Mylswamy Annadurai, former director, ISRO Satellite Centre, popularly known as Moon Man of India for Chandrayaan-1 and 2 and Mangalyaan So exciting and gratifying to see the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3; history is surely created for Naya Bharat (modern India). Hearty congratulations to Team ISRO - the scientists tirelessly worked day and night and, not to forget, through the pandemic, risking their own lives to a certain extent. Congratulations to one and all from the academia and industry as well, who were equally passionate about this mission and stood as pillars of support for ISRO. A new India has arrived. The next target would be going to Mars, Venus and beyond....the immediate next, however, is the Sun God after the Moon God. All the best to the entire team for the upcoming Aditya L1 mission, to be launched very soon.  Dr Radhakant Padhi, HAL Chair Professor, Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 'Tears of Joy' Soon after Vikram lander soft landed on the south pole of the Moon, making Chandrayaan-3 a success, the crowd went up in a loud cheer. Scores of people, including students, senior citizens, and some former ISRO scientists along with their family members, who had gathered at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru, were seen cheering in celebration, congratulating each other. The atmosphere was nothing less than a festival. Click here to read how India reacted to Chandrayaan-3's success. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: As the tourist footfall to Jammu and Kashmir has increased since last year and tourists are thronging to the region, the government is mulling to hold a national-level tourism summit in the twin capital cities. Sources said the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to conduct the national-level tourism summit in the Union Territory.

The tourism summit, they said, is likely to be held by the end of this year or early 2024. The Lt Governor administration has been encouraged by a considerable increase in footfall of tourists in the region since last year. Sources said the hosting of the tourism summit would give further impetus to the tourism sector in the UT and attract tourists from across the country and abroad.

The government is hopeful that the tourism summit will lead to large-scale investment in the tourism sector in J&K, thus improving the tourist infrastructure in the UT.

According to government figures, 1.88 crore tourists including the yatris visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Amarnath cave in south Kashmir Himalayas last year.

An all-time high 2.5 million tourists including 3.65 lakh Amarnath yatris visited the militancy-hit Kashmir in 2022. It was the highest-ever footfall of tourists visiting picturesque Kashmir. This year, the officials are expecting a further increase in the tourist inflow to the Valley due to the drop in militancy violence and considerable improvement in law and order situation.

According to officials, over 10 lakh tourists have visited the Valley in the first six months of this year.

More than 16,000 foreign tourists have also visited the picturesque Kashmir this year. The foreign tourist arrivals began to increase after the G-20 tourism working meeting was held in Srinagar in May this year.

The hosting of the G-20 tourism meeting in Srinagar sent a clear and loud message that Kashmir was a safe tourist destination, the officials said.

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Kashmir chapter president Zahoor Ahmad Qari said holding a national tourism summit in Srinagar and Jammu would give a big boost to the tourism sector.

He said every step the government is taking is proving beneficial for the people of the Valley in all respects. The mega events are now taking place in Kashmir, which is having a very positive impact on the tourism sector and these events lead to further increase in the tourist footfall, Qari said.

Surge in footfall

The tourism summit, they said, is likely to be held by the end of this year or early 2024. The Lt Governor administration has been encouraged by a considerable increase in footfall of tourists in the region since last year. Sources said the hosting of the tourism summit would give further impetus to the tourism sector in the UT and attract tourists from across the world. An all-time high 2.5 million tourists yatris visited the militancy-hit Kashmir in 2022.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

SRINAGAR: As the tourist footfall to Jammu and Kashmir has increased since last year and tourists are thronging to the region, the government is mulling to hold a national-level tourism summit in the twin capital cities. Sources said the Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to conduct the national-level tourism summit in the Union Territory. The tourism summit, they said, is likely to be held by the end of this year or early 2024. The Lt Governor administration has been encouraged by a considerable increase in footfall of tourists in the region since last year. Sources said the hosting of the tourism summit would give further impetus to the tourism sector in the UT and attract tourists from across the country and abroad. The government is hopeful that the tourism summit will lead to large-scale investment in the tourism sector in J&K, thus improving the tourist infrastructure in the UT.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); According to government figures, 1.88 crore tourists including the yatris visited the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Amarnath cave in south Kashmir Himalayas last year. An all-time high 2.5 million tourists including 3.65 lakh Amarnath yatris visited the militancy-hit Kashmir in 2022. It was the highest-ever footfall of tourists visiting picturesque Kashmir. This year, the officials are expecting a further increase in the tourist inflow to the Valley due to the drop in militancy violence and considerable improvement in law and order situation. According to officials, over 10 lakh tourists have visited the Valley in the first six months of this year. More than 16,000 foreign tourists have also visited the picturesque Kashmir this year. The foreign tourist arrivals began to increase after the G-20 tourism working meeting was held in Srinagar in May this year. The hosting of the G-20 tourism meeting in Srinagar sent a clear and loud message that Kashmir was a safe tourist destination, the officials said. Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) Kashmir chapter president Zahoor Ahmad Qari said holding a national tourism summit in Srinagar and Jammu would give a big boost to the tourism sector. He said every step the government is taking is proving beneficial for the people of the Valley in all respects. The mega events are now taking place in Kashmir, which is having a very positive impact on the tourism sector and these events lead to further increase in the tourist footfall, Qari said. Surge in footfall The tourism summit, they said, is likely to be held by the end of this year or early 2024. The Lt Governor administration has been encouraged by a considerable increase in footfall of tourists in the region since last year. Sources said the hosting of the tourism summit would give further impetus to the tourism sector in the UT and attract tourists from across the world. An all-time high 2.5 million tourists yatris visited the militancy-hit Kashmir in 2022. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Yeshi Seli By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit and exchanged views on the LAC.

"On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, PM Modi in a conversation with President Xi Jinping highlighted his concerns on the unresolved issues on the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas. PM Modi underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for normalisation of the India-China relationship. In this regard the two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation," said Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra in Johannesburg.

The two leaders were also seen shaking hands and exchanging courtesies after the joint conference of the BRICS leaders. However, there was no official word of confirmation on whether President Xi confirmed his in-person participation for the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi.

Meanwhile, the first phase of expansion of BRICS has begun with six countries  Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Argentina, UAE and Egypt  set to join on January 1 2024. Russia will host the 16th BRICS Summit in 2024 in Kazan.

"On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken the decision to expand this forum. India has always fully supported the expansion as it will make BRICS more stronger and effective," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming the new members.

ALSO READ | BRICS to admit six new members next year; Iran, Saudi and Egypt among new entrants

PM Modi had bilateral meetings with leaders/representatives of South Africa, Iran, Ethiopia, UAE, Mozambique and Senegal.

Meanwhile, amongst the 94 points that were listed in the Johannesburg 2 Declaration, there were mentions of seeking reforms in the UN, trade in local currencies, the upcoming G20 Summit and countering terrorism.

"We support a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Councils memberships," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The declaration condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. It reiterated that they were committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens.

"We look forward to the successful hosting of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi under the Indian G20 Presidency. We note the opportunities to build sustained momentum for change by India, Brazil and South Africa presiding over the G20 from 2023 to 2025," said President Ramaphosa.

All leaders spoke about enhancing trade in local currencies.

"We recognise the widespread benefits of fast, inexpensive, transparent, safe, and inclusive payment systems. We look forward to the report by the BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) on the mapping of the various elements of the G20 Roadmap on Cross-border Payments in BRICS countries," the declaration mentioned.

BRICS members shared their views on payment infrastructures, including the interlinking of cross-border payment systems. There was emphasis on the importance of encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between BRICS as well as their trading partners.

The declaration also spoke about strengthening of correspondent banking networks between the BRICS countries and enabling settlements in the local currencies.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit and exchanged views on the LAC. "On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, PM Modi in a conversation with President Xi Jinping highlighted his concerns on the unresolved issues on the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas. PM Modi underlined that the maintenance of peace and tranquility in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for normalisation of the India-China relationship. In this regard the two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation," said Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra in Johannesburg. The two leaders were also seen shaking hands and exchanging courtesies after the joint conference of the BRICS leaders. However, there was no official word of confirmation on whether President Xi confirmed his in-person participation for the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Meanwhile, the first phase of expansion of BRICS has begun with six countries  Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Argentina, UAE and Egypt  set to join on January 1 2024. Russia will host the 16th BRICS Summit in 2024 in Kazan. "On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken the decision to expand this forum. India has always fully supported the expansion as it will make BRICS more stronger and effective," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcoming the new members. ALSO READ | BRICS to admit six new members next year; Iran, Saudi and Egypt among new entrants PM Modi had bilateral meetings with leaders/representatives of South Africa, Iran, Ethiopia, UAE, Mozambique and Senegal. Meanwhile, amongst the 94 points that were listed in the Johannesburg 2 Declaration, there were mentions of seeking reforms in the UN, trade in local currencies, the upcoming G20 Summit and countering terrorism. "We support a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Councils memberships," said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. The declaration condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations whenever, wherever and by whomsoever committed. It reiterated that they were committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens. "We look forward to the successful hosting of the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi under the Indian G20 Presidency. We note the opportunities to build sustained momentum for change by India, Brazil and South Africa presiding over the G20 from 2023 to 2025," said President Ramaphosa. All leaders spoke about enhancing trade in local currencies. "We recognise the widespread benefits of fast, inexpensive, transparent, safe, and inclusive payment systems. We look forward to the report by the BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) on the mapping of the various elements of the G20 Roadmap on Cross-border Payments in BRICS countries," the declaration mentioned. BRICS members shared their views on payment infrastructures, including the interlinking of cross-border payment systems. There was emphasis on the importance of encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between BRICS as well as their trading partners. The declaration also spoke about strengthening of correspondent banking networks between the BRICS countries and enabling settlements in the local currencies. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
A new Buffalo venture thinks it can help plants grow better indoors by using artificial intelligence to fine-tune the light they are exposed to and monitor their health.

If they are right, the computer-enhanced lighting and imaging system they envision will make it easier to grow plants indoors and extend the growing season in places like Buffalo, where summers are short and winters long.

The idea is the brainchild of a University at Buffalo graduate who just bought an industrial LED lighting company and is teaming up with the CEO of a local indoor farming business that grows vegetables and herbs in repurposed shipping containers.

Muk Musleh got dual bachelor's degrees in electrical and computer engineering from UB in 2009 and last year bought StarCo Lighting, the LED lighting company he has helped lead since 2016.

Gabe Bialkowski founded Ellicottville Greens, the container farming company thats supplying lettuce, herbs and microgreens to 14 school districts and a hospital in Cattaraugus County and is expanding to the City of Buffalo.

The companies just got a research grant to partner with artificial intelligence experts at UB to devise a product combining tunable lighting with advanced imaging and AI to better care for plants in indoor growing operations like Ellicottville Greens.

Here's how it works:

Indoor growers know plants grow better under light of differing colors and intensity. And those combinations can vary for each stage of growth. Lighting manufacturers are competing to produce lighting that can be fine-tuned for different crops to make them grow best.

Using lighting "recipes" tailored for each type of plant can produce better yields  more lettuce, more herbs, more mushrooms, to name the most common indoor crops. Higher yields lower the cost of indoor growing by making it more efficient.

But adding artificial intelligence to the mix could make the results even better.

StarCo's newest tunable grow lights allow growers to adjust their color and temperature over six to 10 segments of the spectrum to find the best lighting for each crop.

Musleh wants to up StarCo's game by equipping its lights with advanced cameras to capture images of the growing plants under different colors of light and use AI to monitor plant health up close and around the clock and "learn" to identify and flag potential problems.

FuzeHub, a nonprofit organization that supports manufacturers in New York by funding research and advancements, approved $50,000 for the project to equip smart grow lights to detect threats like bacteria or pests in individual plants before they become a threat to entire crops.

The money will help supply vertical growing racks, LED lighting panels and multispectral cameras and sensors in the lab of UB professor Jinjun Xiong for a yearlong project to develop the AI product and a database of plant images in different stages of growth under varying colors of light, Xiong said.

While the grant isnt huge, the payoff could be groundbreaking for the blossoming indoor farm industry and the problem of food insecurity in local communities, like Buffalos East Side and food-challenged nations around the world, Xiong said.

Im most interested in research that is part of developing solutions that are meaningful to solve societal challenges, Xiong said. And this one is trying to solve the problem of food shortage.

Ellicottville Greens and StarCo have both developed innovative methods and designs to deliver more efficient and less expensive solutions for their industries.

Bialkowski, a graduate of Canisius University with a masters in computer software engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, launched a music company in Los Angeles in 2013 and ran it for five years when the indoor farming industry started picking up on the West Coast.

He realized indoor farming could extend his native Buffalos growing season from a few months to year-round and decided to move home to pursue it.

In 2019, the company started buying used shipping containers and converting them to indoor farms, using organic compounds, recycled water and solar energy to grow lettuce and microgreens in vertical towers that can produce 1,000 heads of lettuce per container per week, Bialkowski said.

Now a team of 12 people tends 37 of the 40-foot containers at locations in Clarence and Olean that provide fresh produce within a 50-mile radius, vastly reducing the transportation costs and carbon footprint that plague the produce ecosystem.

Next month, they will move 20 containers to a site on Lombard Street in Buffalo to supply local restaurants and food distributors. They are in the process of bringing clusters of container farms to Louisville, Ky., and Indianapolis, Bialkowski said.

The average portion of produce on your plate travels 1,500 miles to get there, Bialkowski said. Over 70% of the produce consumed in New York is from out of state. In a climate like Buffalos, where you can only grow outside two months a year, we thought indoor growing would be a good solution for affordable, sustainable food.

Like other indoor farming operations, Ellicottville Greens uses LED lighting in several spectrums to grow its plants, but relies heavily on lighting recipes supplied by manufacturers. They also rely on individual workers to monitor the plants Monday through Friday to ensure they are pest- and disease-free.

Those functions could get a big assist from combining AI monitoring with LED lighting systems, an innovative use of AI that other grow light companies are also exploring  but not with products as "tunable" as StarCos, Musleh said.

Musleh previously worked as the LED lighting expert for Ford Motor Co. as it changed the lighting in its facilities to LED starting in 2013. In 2016, he joined StarCo as chief operating officer at its Buffalo headquarters.

He had horticultural lighting in mind as a target market when he and business partner John Calabro bought StarCo from its Chinese shareholders last year. The company was already a leader in supplying cost-efficient LED lighting for industrial environments like General Motors plants. Musleh wanted to branch into lighting that serves indoor farming for New Yorks new cannabis industry and the sustainable agriculture movement.

The company designed an interactive six-channel tunable light that growers can experiment with to dial in their preferred light spectrum for the type of plant and stage of growth of a given crop, Musleh said. The product won a 2022 BrightStar Award from LEDs magazine for innovation in horticultural lighting.

StarCo also makes an economy three-channel light thats more affordable than comparable products, Musleh said. Growers can buy one or two of the high-end lights for R&D  research and deployment  and use the recipes they devise for the economy grow lights, which can number in the thousands at some indoor farms.

The new research aims to devise lights that can monitor plant health in ways that might not be detectable by the human eye, Musleh said.

Xiongs team will equip tunable LED grow lights with multispectral cameras to store images of greens at every stage and lighting combination and store them in a database that can be viewed using AI, which could then identify threats to the plants  from a need for more moisture to pests and diseases  and proactively flag them so the grower can nip them in the bud.

If we can use the cameras as a data source and input human knowledge as to what type of plant disease is important to detect  maybe we can monitor plants more automatically and not have to rely on human observers all the time, which gets expensive, Xiong said.

At the end of a year, Musleh said at the very least they will have a product that can alert growers to changes in plant health, if not automatically provide treatment such as shining UV light to stifle mildew growth.

Bialkowski said indoor farming has already proven itself as an agriculture sector for producing fresh, local produce using less space, energy, labor and transportation while offering more consistency regardless of season and weather.

The next step is refining it to make it even more efficient and affordable, he said.

"We think this will allow us to create more efficient indoor farms, he said.
Dilip Singh Kshatriya By

Express News Service

AHMEDABAD: A large quantity of seized liquor was stolen from Piplod police station in Dahod, Gujarat, a state with a strict ban on liquor.

A total of 15 people, including a police constable from the same police station and seven GRD jawans have been charged in connection with the incident.

The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of Gujarat Police confiscated 916 boxes of liquor containing 28,336 bottles worth Rs 46.42 lakh from a truck parked near a hotel in the district on Sunday. At the Piplod police station, an offence was registered for the same. The seized liquor was moved to the police station's

evidence room.

After some time, the Superintendent of Police. (SP) Rajdeep Sinh Jhala of Dahod received information that some liquor boxes had gone missing from the Piplod police station. So they checked at the police station and discovered that 23 liquor boxes were missing.

SP Rajdeep Sinh Jhala told The New Indian Express, I received a video where it shows a petrol pump near the police station, separated by a five-foot wall. In the video, there is a person standing between them, placing a box on the bike from the police station side. A uniformed police officer was also visible in the same video.

We therefore made the decision to examine the stock at the Piplod police station, which we had seized and moved to the evidence room of the station on Sunday. Along with other officials, I arrived at the police station, to verify the stock, and it was found that 23 liquor boxes and 10 bottles from the stock were actually missing."

The incident of box theft was reported at Piplod police station. Both the CCTV footage from the police station cameras and those from a nearby petrol pump were carefully examined. The footage revealed that the crates containing liquor were taken one by one and handed over to individuals on the other side of the police station's compound wall. An auto-rickshaw and a car were used as means of transport for the stolen alcohol.

The heist was committed by 15 people, including a policeman who is working as a driver, seven Gramm Rakshak Dal (GRD) Jawans who are working under the same police station, one volunteer from the traffic brigade, and six others have been booked," SP said.

Ten people have been arrested until Thursday," said Assistant Superintendent of Police, Limkheda Vishakha Jain.

In July 2023, a similar incident took place in the Gir Somnath district of Saurashtra. It involved the arrest of a police constable and three guards of the gram Rakshak dal (GRD) from the Sutrapada police station. They were allegedly caught selling a seized liquor consignment that was obtained during a

vehicle-checking operation.

Gujarats illegal liquor

Of 40,000 people who can legally consume alcohol on health grounds, Ahmedabad accounts for almost 30% of all permits issued (13,034)

It is illegal to sell and consume alcohol in Gujarat

In two years, police confiscated alcohol worth Rs 212 crore

In terms of IMFL seizure, Ahmedabad district tops the list with Rs 28.23 crore worth of liquor seized. Second is Surat with Rs 21.42 crore and Vadodara Rs 14.61 crore

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

AHMEDABAD: A large quantity of seized liquor was stolen from Piplod police station in Dahod, Gujarat, a state with a strict ban on liquor. A total of 15 people, including a police constable from the same police station and seven GRD jawans have been charged in connection with the incident. The State Monitoring Cell (SMC) of Gujarat Police confiscated 916 boxes of liquor containing 28,336 bottles worth Rs 46.42 lakh from a truck parked near a hotel in the district on Sunday. At the Piplod police station, an offence was registered for the same. The seized liquor was moved to the police station's evidence room.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); After some time, the Superintendent of Police. (SP) Rajdeep Sinh Jhala of Dahod received information that some liquor boxes had gone missing from the Piplod police station. So they checked at the police station and discovered that 23 liquor boxes were missing. SP Rajdeep Sinh Jhala told The New Indian Express, I received a video where it shows a petrol pump near the police station, separated by a five-foot wall. In the video, there is a person standing between them, placing a box on the bike from the police station side. A uniformed police officer was also visible in the same video. We therefore made the decision to examine the stock at the Piplod police station, which we had seized and moved to the evidence room of the station on Sunday. Along with other officials, I arrived at the police station, to verify the stock, and it was found that 23 liquor boxes and 10 bottles from the stock were actually missing." The incident of box theft was reported at Piplod police station. Both the CCTV footage from the police station cameras and those from a nearby petrol pump were carefully examined. The footage revealed that the crates containing liquor were taken one by one and handed over to individuals on the other side of the police station's compound wall. An auto-rickshaw and a car were used as means of transport for the stolen alcohol. The heist was committed by 15 people, including a policeman who is working as a driver, seven Gramm Rakshak Dal (GRD) Jawans who are working under the same police station, one volunteer from the traffic brigade, and six others have been booked," SP said. Ten people have been arrested until Thursday," said Assistant Superintendent of Police, Limkheda Vishakha Jain. In July 2023, a similar incident took place in the Gir Somnath district of Saurashtra. It involved the arrest of a police constable and three guards of the gram Rakshak dal (GRD) from the Sutrapada police station. They were allegedly caught selling a seized liquor consignment that was obtained during a vehicle-checking operation. Gujarats illegal liquor Of 40,000 people who can legally consume alcohol on health grounds, Ahmedabad accounts for almost 30% of all permits issued (13,034) It is illegal to sell and consume alcohol in Gujarat In two years, police confiscated alcohol worth Rs 212 crore In terms of IMFL seizure, Ahmedabad district tops the list with Rs 28.23 crore worth of liquor seized. Second is Surat with Rs 21.42 crore and Vadodara Rs 14.61 crore Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
Usha Peri By

Express News Service

VISAKHAPATNAM: Renowned mathematician and statistician Dr. Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, better known as CR Rao breathed his last on Wednesday at the age of 102.

Born into a Telugu family at Hadagali in Karnatakas Bellary on September 10, 1920, Dr Raos academic journey began at Gudur in Andhra Pradesh. He studied at Nuzvid, Nandigama, and earned a degree in mathematics from Andhra University in Visakhapatnam.

He went on to pursue his post-graduation in statistics from Calcutta University in 1943 and completed his Ph.D. at Kings College, Cambridge University in 1948. Dr Rao was honoured with a D.Sc degree from Cambridge University in 1965. He has 39 doctorates from 19 countries to his name, presented 477 research papers, and has written 15 books.

Besides the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, the mathematician was also honoured with the International Prize in Statistics, often referred to as the Nobel Prize in Statistics, in 2023. Dr Raos bond with Vizag and Andhra University remained strong.

From our archives : A legend in the 'invisible science', CR Rao richly deserved statistics 'Nobel' at 102

Fondly recalling his association with the statistician, Andhra University, College of Science and Technology, (AUCST) principal Srinivas Rao said, I first met Dr Rao in December 1981 when he graced the varsitys Department of Statistics for unveiling the portrait of Professor Kandula Nagabhushanamthe founder of the department.

Back then, I was a second-year MSc student, designated to assist him during his stay in Visakhapatnam. This marked the genesis of our association. From 1981 to 1986, Dr. Rao frequented our department during his visits to India. His affection for his alma mater was abundantly evident, he recounted. Describing Dr Rao as remarkably unassuming and humble, Srinivas noted that he exhibited a genuine passion for engaging with young minds whenever he found the opportunity.

Shedding light on the legacy that the mathematician has left behind, the principal said Dr Raos significant contributions include a Rs 1 lakh donation in 1982 to establish the CV Naidu Gold Medal, which is awarded to the top-ranking student in the M.Sc Statistics department every year. Between 2016 and 2018, Dr Rao donated Rs 12 lakh to establish two endowment lectures, including the Padma Vibushan Prof. CR Rao Endowment Lecture, at the University. As a testament to his deep-rooted ties, he contributed Rs 1 lakh to Mrs. AVN College, also his alma mater.

Notably, GVMC has named the road adjacent to the AU Statistics department as CR Rao Marg. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the passing away of Dr. CR Rao and condoled the bereaved family.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

VISAKHAPATNAM: Renowned mathematician and statistician Dr. Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, better known as CR Rao breathed his last on Wednesday at the age of 102. Born into a Telugu family at Hadagali in Karnatakas Bellary on September 10, 1920, Dr Raos academic journey began at Gudur in Andhra Pradesh. He studied at Nuzvid, Nandigama, and earned a degree in mathematics from Andhra University in Visakhapatnam. He went on to pursue his post-graduation in statistics from Calcutta University in 1943 and completed his Ph.D. at Kings College, Cambridge University in 1948. Dr Rao was honoured with a D.Sc degree from Cambridge University in 1965. He has 39 doctorates from 19 countries to his name, presented 477 research papers, and has written 15 books.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); Besides the Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Science and Technology, the mathematician was also honoured with the International Prize in Statistics, often referred to as the Nobel Prize in Statistics, in 2023. Dr Raos bond with Vizag and Andhra University remained strong. From our archives: A legend in the 'invisible science', CR Rao richly deserved statistics 'Nobel' at 102 Fondly recalling his association with the statistician, Andhra University, College of Science and Technology, (AUCST) principal Srinivas Rao said, I first met Dr Rao in December 1981 when he graced the varsitys Department of Statistics for unveiling the portrait of Professor Kandula Nagabhushanamthe founder of the department. Back then, I was a second-year MSc student, designated to assist him during his stay in Visakhapatnam. This marked the genesis of our association. From 1981 to 1986, Dr. Rao frequented our department during his visits to India. His affection for his alma mater was abundantly evident, he recounted. Describing Dr Rao as remarkably unassuming and humble, Srinivas noted that he exhibited a genuine passion for engaging with young minds whenever he found the opportunity. Shedding light on the legacy that the mathematician has left behind, the principal said Dr Raos significant contributions include a Rs 1 lakh donation in 1982 to establish the CV Naidu Gold Medal, which is awarded to the top-ranking student in the M.Sc Statistics department every year. Between 2016 and 2018, Dr Rao donated Rs 12 lakh to establish two endowment lectures, including the Padma Vibushan Prof. CR Rao Endowment Lecture, at the University. As a testament to his deep-rooted ties, he contributed Rs 1 lakh to Mrs. AVN College, also his alma mater. Notably, GVMC has named the road adjacent to the AU Statistics department as CR Rao Marg. Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the passing away of Dr. CR Rao and condoled the bereaved family. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Raj Bhavan on Wednesday condemned the Irresponsible and mischievous statement attributed to the DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran casting aspersions on governor RN Ravi.

Section of media reported quoting from a public speech of Dayanidhi Maran in which the MP alleged the use of government money in a family function of the governor at Ooty Raj Bhavan. Since the statement is false, mischievous, and scurrilous, the facts must be brought into the public domain, a release from the Raj Bhavan said.

The entire expense for the event, including board and lodging for guests, hiring charges of vehicles, catering, including tea and coffee, lighting, flowers and floral decorations, service personnel, etc., was borne by the governor.

It is to be noted that food bills for the governor and family members are raised every month and though entitled, the same are borne by the governor, the release added.

The Raj Bhavan statement also said the governor hosted a family event at Ooty from Feb 21 to 23, 2022 and all the guests of the governor stayed in private hotels and no one stayed in Raj Bhavan. Besides, private vehicles were hired for the use of not only guests but even for the family members of the governor. No government vehicle was used at all.

Private catering was done, and the Raj Bhavan kitchen was not used at all, not even for tea or coffee. The lighting arrangements for the entire event were done through a private source, not Raj Bhavan. Even flowers for floral decorations were privately purchased from the market. The workforce for the entire event was sourced privately. No Raj Bhavan staff was used, the Raj Bhavan clarified.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

CHENNAI: The Raj Bhavan on Wednesday condemned the Irresponsible and mischievous statement attributed to the DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran casting aspersions on governor RN Ravi. Section of media reported quoting from a public speech of Dayanidhi Maran in which the MP alleged the use of government money in a family function of the governor at Ooty Raj Bhavan. Since the statement is false, mischievous, and scurrilous, the facts must be brought into the public domain, a release from the Raj Bhavan said. The entire expense for the event, including board and lodging for guests, hiring charges of vehicles, catering, including tea and coffee, lighting, flowers and floral decorations, service personnel, etc., was borne by the governor.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); It is to be noted that food bills for the governor and family members are raised every month and though entitled, the same are borne by the governor, the release added. The Raj Bhavan statement also said the governor hosted a family event at Ooty from Feb 21 to 23, 2022 and all the guests of the governor stayed in private hotels and no one stayed in Raj Bhavan. Besides, private vehicles were hired for the use of not only guests but even for the family members of the governor. No government vehicle was used at all. Private catering was done, and the Raj Bhavan kitchen was not used at all, not even for tea or coffee. The lighting arrangements for the entire event were done through a private source, not Raj Bhavan. Even flowers for floral decorations were privately purchased from the market. The workforce for the entire event was sourced privately. No Raj Bhavan staff was used, the Raj Bhavan clarified. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

ATHENS: Hundreds of firefighters in Greece struggled Thursday to gain the upper hand against major wildfires burning unchecked for a sixth day, leaving 20 dead.

A dangerous blaze continued to burn on Mount Parnitha near Athens, in the largest forest adjoining the capital, threatening a national park for a second day.

Fire department spokesman Yiannis Artopios told state television ERT there was an "explosion of fire" in a forest ravine early Thursday that renewed the threat to inhabited areas.

The largest front was in the north, where a mega-fire that erupted on Saturday near the port city of Alexandroupoli has now formed a unified front of over 15 kilometres (9 miles).

ALSO READ: More villages evacuated as a large wildfire in northern Greece rages for second day

The bodies of 19 people believed to be migrants, two of them children, were found in the area this week.

Officials have warned that as the area is a popular entry point for smugglers from neighbouring Turkey, more casualties are likely to be found among asylum seekers who could not escape the flames.

A third large fire was in Boeotia, north of Athens, where a 1,000-year-old UNESCO-listed Byzantine monastery, Hosios Loukas, narrowly escaped destruction on Wednesday.

The hot and dry conditions that increase the fire risk will persist until Friday, according to meteorologists.

Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Wednesday said the country was going through the worst summer of fires since fire-risk maps were introduced in 2009.

"It's an unprecedented situation, this is not a figure of speech," he said.

The fires have burned over 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres) in northern Greece and another 5,000 hectares west of Athens, according to estimates from the national observatory of forest fires operated by Aristotle University in Thessaloniki.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

ATHENS: Hundreds of firefighters in Greece struggled Thursday to gain the upper hand against major wildfires burning unchecked for a sixth day, leaving 20 dead. A dangerous blaze continued to burn on Mount Parnitha near Athens, in the largest forest adjoining the capital, threatening a national park for a second day. Fire department spokesman Yiannis Artopios told state television ERT there was an "explosion of fire" in a forest ravine early Thursday that renewed the threat to inhabited areas.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The largest front was in the north, where a mega-fire that erupted on Saturday near the port city of Alexandroupoli has now formed a unified front of over 15 kilometres (9 miles). ALSO READ: More villages evacuated as a large wildfire in northern Greece rages for second day The bodies of 19 people believed to be migrants, two of them children, were found in the area this week. Officials have warned that as the area is a popular entry point for smugglers from neighbouring Turkey, more casualties are likely to be found among asylum seekers who could not escape the flames. A third large fire was in Boeotia, north of Athens, where a 1,000-year-old UNESCO-listed Byzantine monastery, Hosios Loukas, narrowly escaped destruction on Wednesday. The hot and dry conditions that increase the fire risk will persist until Friday, according to meteorologists. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Wednesday said the country was going through the worst summer of fires since fire-risk maps were introduced in 2009. "It's an unprecedented situation, this is not a figure of speech," he said. The fires have burned over 60,000 hectares (148,000 acres) in northern Greece and another 5,000 hectares west of Athens, according to estimates from the national observatory of forest fires operated by Aristotle University in Thessaloniki. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
By AFP

TAIPEI: Taiwan announced Thursday it will loosen restrictions on Chinese business and group travellers in a step towards resuming tourism exchanges with China.

Beijing suspended individual tourism permits to Taiwan in 2019 in a sign of worsening relations under Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who refuses to accept China's claim over the self-ruled island.

Taiwan reopened its borders to most tourists last October after years of Covid pandemic closures but travellers from mainland China remain barred.

The Mainland Affairs Council, the Taiwanese government body in charge of cross-strait relations, announced on Thursday that they will "loosen restrictions" on business travellers from China from Monday.

Individual Chinese nationals can also apply to enter Taiwan from another country from September 1, spokesman Jan Jyh-horng said.

"We will also allow Chinese tour groups to come to Taiwan, but initially to a maximum of 2,000 people allowed in per day," Jan said.

He said the resumption of group tours would happen in a month to allow for "preparation time" but no specific date was given.

"Taiwanese tour groups can travel to China but the initial number will be capped at 2,000 based on reciprocity," Jan said.

Currently, only individual Taiwanese travellers can enter China.

Asked if the policy change amounted to Taiwan extending an olive branch to China, Jan said Taipei hoped to "resume all levels of exchanges between both sides".

"We have decided today to announce our policy on organising group tours. We have made the first step and we hope they (China) can respond positively," he said

Taiwan experienced a sharp drop in mainland tourists after Tsai took office in 2016, with tourism operators attributing the decline to a more negative portrayal of the island in Chinese media as well as Beijing banning group tours.

Ringo Lee, chairman of a Taiwanese travel association, said Chinese tourists accounted for more than a third of the sector before the pandemic.

"The situation today is not a healthy situation and it has nothing to do with Covid-19," he said, calling Thursday's announcement "a drop in the bucket".

"I don't think it is enough. We need more (Chinese tourists)," he said. "The tourism sector is suffering and in dire straits."

Beijing has been slowly allowing its citizens to travel again, although Taiwan remains off its list.

China claims democratic Taiwan as its own and has long vowed to take the territory one day, by force if necessary.

Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

TAIPEI: Taiwan announced Thursday it will loosen restrictions on Chinese business and group travellers in a step towards resuming tourism exchanges with China. Beijing suspended individual tourism permits to Taiwan in 2019 in a sign of worsening relations under Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, who refuses to accept China's claim over the self-ruled island. Taiwan reopened its borders to most tourists last October after years of Covid pandemic closures but travellers from mainland China remain barred.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-8052921-2'); }); The Mainland Affairs Council, the Taiwanese government body in charge of cross-strait relations, announced on Thursday that they will "loosen restrictions" on business travellers from China from Monday. Individual Chinese nationals can also apply to enter Taiwan from another country from September 1, spokesman Jan Jyh-horng said. "We will also allow Chinese tour groups to come to Taiwan, but initially to a maximum of 2,000 people allowed in per day," Jan said. He said the resumption of group tours would happen in a month to allow for "preparation time" but no specific date was given. "Taiwanese tour groups can travel to China but the initial number will be capped at 2,000 based on reciprocity," Jan said. Currently, only individual Taiwanese travellers can enter China. Asked if the policy change amounted to Taiwan extending an olive branch to China, Jan said Taipei hoped to "resume all levels of exchanges between both sides". "We have decided today to announce our policy on organising group tours. We have made the first step and we hope they (China) can respond positively," he said Taiwan experienced a sharp drop in mainland tourists after Tsai took office in 2016, with tourism operators attributing the decline to a more negative portrayal of the island in Chinese media as well as Beijing banning group tours. Ringo Lee, chairman of a Taiwanese travel association, said Chinese tourists accounted for more than a third of the sector before the pandemic. "The situation today is not a healthy situation and it has nothing to do with Covid-19," he said, calling Thursday's announcement "a drop in the bucket". "I don't think it is enough. We need more (Chinese tourists)," he said. "The tourism sector is suffering and in dire straits." Beijing has been slowly allowing its citizens to travel again, although Taiwan remains off its list. China claims democratic Taiwan as its own and has long vowed to take the territory one day, by force if necessary. Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp
BY ANDREW Z. GALARNEAU

Aug. 23, 2023

Latest Langfelder-informed pizzeria planned for East Aurora

If Pizzeria Florian opens next year as planned at 650 Main St., Amanda Jones will finally get a pizzeria of her own. Then, East Aurora will become the latest beneficiary of the Langfelder effect.

Jay Langfelder started his dough vision quest at 18, as a Bocces dough boy. He became an acolyte of Arizona Neapolitan-style guru Jamie Culliton, then returned home.

In 2015, Langfelder launched his OG Woodfire truck, with Jones onboard since the first pie. Langfelder sold pizza, but he also served saucy smack.

They call Buffalo a pizza town, but thats only because theres a lot of pizzerias, he said in 2015. A lot of them are doing the same old thing, buying dough and putting Redpack (canned tomato sauce) on it, and calling it pizza.

Starting with Jays Artisan Pizzeria in Kenmore, Langfelder backed that smack up. Langfelder's modern American Neapolitan, drawing on best available ingredients and techniques from Italy and America, has blossomed in Buffalo, expanding its pizza culture.

Langfelder sold Jays to its first employee, Joe Powers. Powers, 25, has made pizza and brought home national and international honors for Jays the last two years. In West Seneca, Langfelder trained pizzaiolos in Detroit-style pizza baking that flourishes at Connor's Restaurant.

Now, Pizzeria Florian is coming to East Aurora. Jones, Langfelders partner in life and business, will be its chef-owner. Theyre hoping for a spring 2024 opening. Jones is currently a pizzaiolo at Grange Community Kitchen until her shop is ready.

Florian is the patron saint of firefighters, so the wood-fired oven has an auxiliary protection system the fire marshal doesnt have to approve.

Jones and Langfelder are aiming for a pizza unique in the area.

A thinner crust, mix of New Haven and bar style, then a second type, a pan pizza style, Jones said. Were trying to make the ultimate craveable pizza for ourselves and our customers.

Jones and Langfelder were living in Savannah, Georgia, when Jones decided to make pizza her career. Returning to Buffalo made running a pizzeria financially possible, because of its pizza-of-the-week habits, she said.

In Savannah, her pizza couldnt find its following.

They just dont have as strong a pizza culture down there, she said. Not as many people care about the food scene. We missed the sense of community focused on the love of food. READ 2020 JAY'S ARTISAN REVIEW

REVIEW: Waxlight Bar a Vin: Asked to describe where cooking becomes art, Waxlight Bar a Vin was first to mind, then lips. The restaurant at 27 Chandler St. does not have a corner on the creative cuisine business in Buffalo, to be sure. Its creative core of four professionals, dedicated to helping people find new pleasure centers at each visit, just score like Gretzky. Read review

OPENINGS & CLOSINGS

Nine and Night returns: Eleven months after fire closed West Side Bazaar, its Thai specialist Nine & Night returns on Monday, Aug. 28  as a Buffalo State campus dining option.

Seven days a week, 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Htay Naing's operation will take card or Bengal Bucks for pad Thai or shrimp pad see ew (both $10.99/$6.99), beef salad ($11.99), crab Rangoon (4/$4.99), and more. This should last the semester, so get it while it's hot. Read more

Lenox Grill closing: On Aug. 17, the basement bar and grill beneath the Lenox Hotel, 140 North St. announced that Aug. 31 would be its last day of service. Bottles of Korean BBQ wing sauce remain on sale.

EVENTS

Steampunk & ska in Medina: From a mid-orchard stage, New York City ska outfit Mephiskapheles headlines in Medina on Sept. 2.

A four-act live music bill is just one stream of energy at the 11th Steampunk Festival, 3 p.m.-11 p.m. at the LynOaken apple orchards, 10609 Ridge Road.

Besides 300 varieties of apple trees, other attractions include Slyboots Circus from Rochester, fire performers, belly dancers, and the Carnival Apocalypse sideshow.

Folks showing up in costume can win a prize for best outfit, with a case of Steampunk cider as the top award. Food trucks will sell food, including Pizza Amore, Dirty Bird Chicken and Waffles, and Greenlief's on the Go. There will be Steampunk cider, of course, and more to quench thirsts.

Tickets, $30, are available through oakeswinery.com.

If you're just into apples, LynOaken's unparalleled diversity runs from Sept. 2-Nov. 5, with hard-to-find varieties like Ruby Frost, Arkansas Black, and Thomas Jefferson's favorite, the Esopus Spitzenburg.

ASK THE CRITIC

Mention of walleye fingers at Colony Seafood & Steakhouse last week brought important clarification, and perch tips.

Bill Hilts Jr., fish and game expert and Buffalo News columnist, provided crucial context.

A restaurant cant buy fish from a fisherman and sell it. Fishermen cannot sell game fish. Probably some health department stipulations in there, too. There are commercial fishermen in Lake Erie on the Canadian side and they sell walleye, perch and smelt, so there is that option.

Bonus perch sightings sent by readers: At Hoaks, 4100 Lake Shore Road, Hamburg, fried lake perch appears seasonally ($18), but yellow pike ($18) is a standard.

At Bailey Seafood, 3316 Bailey Ave., University Districts beacon of crumb-fried seafood since 1985, online ordering through baileyseafood.com makes it simple to get your favorite filets fried to order, by the piece. Ocean perch: $4.59.

Send restaurant tips, heartfelt recipes and questions to agalarneau@buffnews.com or One News Plaza, P.O. Box 100, Buffalo, NY 14240.
Create groups on WhatsApp without needing a name for it

New Delhi, Aug 23

M eta CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday announced that users can now create a group on WhatsApp without needing a name for it.

This feature is rolling out globally over the next few weeks. "You're welcome to embed his post within your piece," he posted.

It is useful when "you need to create a group in a hurry, or you don't have a group topic in mind", said the company.

Unnamed groups of up to 6 participants will now be dynamically named based on who is in a group, the company announced.

The group name will display differently for each participant, based on how they have contacts saved in their phone.

If you are added into a group with people who do not have your contact saved, your phone number will appear within the group name.

Meta-owned messaging platform is also widely rolling out a video message feature on iOS.

"You can now instantly record and send video messages in chats," the company said.

This feature can be accessed by tapping on the microphone icon in chats to switch to video.

The platform is also rolling out support for screen sharing in video calls. Users will see a new "screen share" button when they start a video call.

These features will roll out over the coming weeks, the company said.

Last month, the messaging platform rolled out landscape mode support for video calls and silence unknown callers option on iOS.

Zuckerberg had announced that WhatsApp users can now send photos in HD quality.

Create groups on WhatsApp without needing a name for it

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Johannesburg, August 23

B RICS 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 negotiations...BRICS 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 Minister's Office said on X .

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 India's G20 presidency and appreciated India's 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.

BRICS countries to continue support efforts to end Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue: Ramaphosa

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Johannesburg, August 23

I n 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 of China as its territory since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong's Communist forces.

China has 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.

Beijing has 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 rural Uyghurs out of their villages and into factories.

The Communist Party of China 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 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.

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.

This year's BRICS is under the presidency of South Africa.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 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..."

BRICS countries should practise true multilateralism, oppose division: Xi Jinping in S Africa

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
ISRO to go for Sun next month with Aditya-L1 satellite, lines up other missions

Chennai, Aug 23

T he successful moon landing on Wednesday has come like a booster shot for the officials of Indian Space Research Organisation, 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.

Speaking to reporters ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said the Aditya-L1 satellite for the Sun mission will be launched during the first week of September.

According to him, the coronagraphy satellite will take about 120 days to travel about 15 lakh km to reach its destination to study the solar atmosphere.

The Aditya-L1 spacecraft -- the first space-based Indian observatory to study the Sun -- is getting ready for the launch at India's rocket port in Sriharikota.

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). The satellite will be shortly integrated with the rocket.

The Sun mission will be followed with the Gaganyaan abort mission demonstration- which is part of India's human space mission.

The Gaganyaan abort mission will happen during September end or during the first week of October this year, Somanath said.

The Indian space agency is also planning to orbit INSAT 3DS satellite with its GSLV rocket this year, Somanath added.

After that, will be the orbiting of Anwesha satellite and XPoSAT- a X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite.

It will be the country's dedicated polarimetry mission to study the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions, the government said.

The launch of the Radar Imaging Satellite - RISAT-1B - aboard the PSLV rocket is planned during 2023.

The Indian space agency is also planning to orbit two IDRSS (Indian Data Relay Satellite System) satellites.

These rocketing missions apart, ISRO will be testing the various systems that will go into its LVM3 rocket for the maiden human space mission.

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.

ISRO to go for Sun next month with Aditya-L1 satellite, lines up other missions

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Jaipur, August 23

A day ahead of the G20 trade ministers' meeting in Jaipur, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday addressed a press conference here and said that 'Vishwakarma Scheme' launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be a gamechanger for the artisans and handicraft industry.

Speaking on an IANS query on plight of artisans' next generation in Rajasthan who are leaving the handicraft industry and moving towards greener pastures, Goyal added, "Our government has been making thorough research since years on artisans and keeping them in mind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Vishwakarma Scheme' for artisans on the Independence Day which will prove to be a gamechanger for the handmade industry. In fact, in next two days, I think there will be a further discussion on this topic."

Speaking further on a query of World Trade Organisation, he said, "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 thereand consensus-based decision making of the WTO should continue," the Union Minister added.

Speaking 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 also said that 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 in Japiur for the trade and investment ministerial meeting scheduled on August 24-25.

When asked whether disagreement among G20 member countries over the Russia-Ukraine war 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."

The G20 members include Canada, France, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UK, the US and the EU.

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," Goyal added.

Vishwakarma scheme will be gamechanger for artisans: Piyush Goyal

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Aug 24

It's not bravado or pat on the back by any political leader. Experts around the world are now saying the obvious -- India has joined the global

"India becomes the first country to land a spacecraft on the moon's South Pole, a rugged region where deep craters lie in permanent shadow and where ice could provide water, oxygen and fuel for future missions," said 'The Guardian' in a special article penned by its science editor Ian Sample.

The 'New York Times' wrote, "India's Chandrayaan-3 mission is set to 'begin exploring an area of the moon that was yet to be visited and has water ice that could be a resource for future missions."

The NYT headline is quite loaded and could flatter ego "In Latest Moon Race, India Lands First in Southern Polar Region."

"India's aim to land on moon's South Pole signals ambition to join global space race" -- 'South China Morning Post' said in an article before the successful landing by

Vikram, part of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, that dropped steadily on its thrusters to the rock below, slowed to a hover as it approached the ground, and finally came to a rest on the dusty terrain.

The Guardian article also said "The global space launch market is expected to grow from $9 billion this year to more than $20 billion in 2030. Beyond satellite launches, big space agencies including NASA, the European Space Agency, Russia and China are gearing up... There will be a place for many countries in going back to the moon."

Experts feel scientists at ISRO and the Indian leadership took a risk to choose one of the moon's poles as its destination. This was a "tougher prospect than landing near the equator", and hence the grand success is also "much sweeter".

Among others, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated India.

Putin congratulated India in a message to PM Narendra 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," said the Russian leader who stayed away from the ongoing BRICS summit in Johannesburg, but participated virtually.

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson congratulated the ISRO on the landing on X (formerly Twitter).

"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!"

Notably, Russia's Luna-25, which was launched less than two weeks ago, had been on track to get there first before the lander crashed from orbit.

A Reuters report in 'The South China Morning Post' said, "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 moon's 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."

An article in 'The Washington Post' a few days back said, "The moon may be dead and desolate, but it is now the hottest real estate in the solar system, generating interest from countries across the globe eager to demonstrate their technological prowess and aid humanity in understanding its closest celestial neighbour."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his ambitions when he said in his first globally televised message after the landing from Johannesburg, "The human-centric approach that we represent has been welcomed universally. 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."

(Nirendra Dev is a New Delhi-based journalist. He is also author of the books 'The Talking Guns North East India', and 'Modi to Moditva An Uncensored Truth'. Views expressed are personal)

India lands on moon, triggers talks on global space race

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
A couple of weeks ago, Spectrum News in Buffalo made a baffling editorial decision that looks worse by the day because of events surrounding the controversial issue of how to fairly deal with asylum-seekers.

Spectrum News wont comment on its decision to initially decline to cover the story of the asylum-seeker from Venezuela accused of raping a woman in front of a young child. Prosecutors said the suspect and the victim know each other.

Political outcry follows arrest of asylum-seeker on rape charge An accusation of rape last week in a Cheektowaga hotel against an asylum-seeker from Venezuela has touched off a firestorm of criticism from Republicans who have been critical of Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz's response to the migrant crisis.

All other local news outlets covered the story at the time.

Asked why Spectrum was an exception, a spokesman for the cable news channel said: As a practice, we dont discuss our editorial decision-making process.

Spectrum eventually covered the continuing story when a second asylum-seeker was accused of a sex crime in Cheektowaga, leading Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz to halt allowing asylum seekers to come here from New York City.

National Guard headed to Cheektowaga hotels housing asylum-seekers after second sex-crime arrest National Guard troops being sent to the Cheektowaga hotels housing asylum-seekers from New York City will act as a stabilizing presence, Erie County Executive Mark Pononcarz said Saturday, reacting to the arrest of a second migrant on a sex charge.

The asylum issue continues to be in the news after SUNY Buffalo State Universitys decision to evict 44 asylum-seekers who had been on campus since May without incident. They were in a different group of migrants than the accused.

While Spectrum News wouldnt discuss its editorial decision with the public, Spectrum managing editor Stephen Marth explained the decision to decline to cover the initial story in a memo to the staff obtained by The Buffalo News.

The memo appeared to be concerned with the inevitable politics of the asylum situation  many journalists would say overly concerned.

Marth wrote: After discussion with the senior leadership team regarding our journalistic standards, we will not be reporting on the story at this time. The person is accused at this point and appears to have known the victim.

The memo continued: If politicians are implying the person is guilty of the act, we need to steer clear. If DA or law enforcement are concerned about a larger issue and public safety, we have a story. But the DA told us there is not a public safety issue.

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.

This is only the fourth incident theyve had to deal with for asylum-seekers, the other ones were petty larcenies.

When reached for an explanation, Marth declined comment and sent this reporter to the Spectrum spokesperson who issued the statement that it wasnt going to discuss it.

Marths memo appeared to suggest that Spectrum News believed reporting on the initial story would have unnecessarily exaggerated the danger to the community.

Spectrum apparently was trying to be fair and to avoid spreading fear.

But, journalistically, the explanation is bizarre.

Spectrum seemed overly concerned about inevitable political fallout. In the process, it essentially made Erie County District Attorney John Flynn the news director. He said it wasnt a safety issue, so it wasnt one.

The journalistic way to handle the initial story was the way most in the media did: Report the accusations and air the same interview with Flynn that other stations did. He explained the circumstances and downplayed any safety concerns for the community because the reported crime involved people who knew each other.
PM Modi thanks world leaders for their wishes on successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

New Delhi, Aug 24

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday thanked world leaders for their congratulatory messages on the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Moon.

Several leaders from Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering, to UAE's Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent their good wishes to the prime minister on ISRO's achievement.

"Thank you @PMBhutan Lotay Tshering for the words of appreciation on Chandrayaan-3. India's space programme will always do whatever is possible to further global well-being," Modi wrote on X in response to Bhutan prime minister's message.

"Gratitude for your wishes President @ibusolih," the prime minister expressed his gratitude to Maldives president Ibrahim Solih.

PM Modi also thanked Prachanda for his congratulatory message.

"Thank you @cmprachanda for the congratulatory message," he posted in response to Prachanda's statement on X.

Replying to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Ghar Store's message, PM Modi said, "Indeed PM @jonasgahrstore. Today is a historic day for the planet."

The prime minister also thanked Dubai Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his wishes.

"Thank you @HHShkMohd. India's successes are powered by the strengths, skills and determination of 140 crore Indians," Modi said on X.

He also thanked Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness for his congratulatory message.

"Thank you PM @AndrewHolnessJM for the good wishes," PM Modi said.

In response to Spanish President Pedro Sanchez's tweet, the prime minister said, "Indeed, through the power of science, India is working towards a brighter future for all. Thank you for the wishes @sanchezcastejon."

He also thanked Sheikh Zayed for his message.

"I thank HH Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed for his wishes. This milestone is not just India's pride but a beacon of human endeavor and perseverance. May our efforts in science and space pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for all," PM Modi said on X.

PM Modi thanks world leaders for their wishes on successful landing of Chandrayaan-3

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Sivasagar, August 24

U nion 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 that thwarted an invasion by the vastly superior Mughal forces.

He also spoke on Chandrayaan-3's 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 Organisation's 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.

Sarbananda Sonowal calls youth to take inspiration from legendary Lachit Borphukan

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New York, Aug 24

B illionaire Elon Musk praised Vivek Ramaswamy yet again, calling him "increasingly compelling", as the Indian-American entrepreneur faced his first political debate in Wisconsin to select GOP's 2024 presidential nominee.

"Vivek is increasingly compelling," Musk said on Thursday in response to a post and video shared by journalist and tech entrepreneur Brian Krassenstein on X.

The tech billionaire's praise comes just a week after he called the 38-year-old a "very promising candidate", referring to Ramaswamy's interview with talk show host Tucker Carlson.

Sharing a video of presidential candidate Chris Christie from the GOP debate, Krassenstein said that the former New Jersey Governor won the debate in his opinion as "he's not a coward like many on the stage," Krassenstein said, referring to rival contenders, including Ramaswamy.

In response to Musk, Krassenstein wrote "The field ganged up on Vivek tonight. I don't think he did bad. I think that his climate change line will hurt him. Even republicans realize that climate change is real even if they don't think it's as urgent an issue as some on the left."

At the debate, Ramaswamy called climate change a hoax and slammed what he called Washington's anti-carbon agenda.

Christie tore into Ramaswamy during the debate, calling Ramaswamy an "amateur" Obama, and sounding like a ChatGPT.

"I have had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here," Christie told Fox News moderator Bret Baier.

"And the last person in one of these debates ... who stood in the middle of the stage and said, 'What's a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here,' was (Democrat) Barack Obama. And I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight," Christie said.

In response to Christie, Ramaswamy said "Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, and you'll help elect me just like you did to Obama".

Ramaswamy, who is the youngest presidential candidate, entered the now crowded Republican presidential nomination contest as an outsider in February.

He believes it's time for an "outsider" in the White House in 2024, and almost tying up with rival Ron DeSantis at number two in polls, beating fellow Indian-American Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence.

The political first-timer has stated that he would turn down an offer of the vice presidency if he doesn't win the presidential nomination for 2024.

'Vivek is increasingly compelling': Musk roots for Vivek Ramasamy again

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Aug 24

H ost of 'Kaun Banega Crorepati' season 15 Amitabh Bachchan has lauded Indian soldiers posted at Siachen base camp, located at the Siachen Glacier in Ladakh. He said that it is "marvellous" that soldiers are protecting our nation up there, despite the difficult conditions.

The base camp is 12,000 feet above sea level, a base camp of 102 Infantry Brigade (Siachen brigade) of XIV Corps of Indian Army which protects the 110 km long Actual Ground Position Line (AGPL) in Siachen Glacier in India. It is approximately six hours drive from the town of Leh, via, one of the highest vehicle-accessible passes in the world, Khardung La at 17,582 feet.

In episode seven of the quiz-based reality show, megastar Amitabh Bachchan welcomed Yogesh Kalra, from Gurugram, Harayana to the hot seat. He spoke about his life, and shared that he was with the Indian Army for 22 years.

An image-based question was asked to Yogesh by Senior Bachchan, which read as "In which of these environments is the Siachen base camp located?" Yogesh gave the right answer, and won Rs 3,000.

Big B then went on to say "Siachen is a glacier located in the Karakoram range in Ladakh. The expedition starts from the base camp which is one of the highest military base camps in the world. Okay. Were you ever posted there?"

The contestant replied "Sir, I was posted in Sikkim. But the post at Siachen is way higher than that. I have not been beyond Leh, sir."

The 'Shahenshah' of Bollywood further said "All our people there in the Army must have a hard time living in those conditions, sir. With all the snow and the cold. How do they survive there, sir?"

Further describing about the difficult living conditions of the soldiers in Siachen, Yogesh said "Sir, from my personal experience in Sikkim I can tell you that oxygen levels are too low. And in comparison to Sikkim, oxygen levels are lower by five times in Siachen. The tree line in Sikkim is a bit higher. We got slightly higher amounts of oxygen in Sikkim. Due to the lack of oxygen, we did not feel hungry and had trouble in sleeping."

"I'II tell you about an incident. When we were at the posting, a JCO stayed with us for a month. We spoke when he was leaving and I remembered what he said 'Everything else was fine, but honestly, I haven't slept well in a month since I got here.' You see those changes in your body. Sir, this is why specifically for those who are posted in Siachen, we do not let people stay there for over 60 to 90 days for the Army drill. They are called down to the base then," he shared.

Big B shared "When we travel to Leh, Ladakh, we need to take medicines and rest for a day or two, so that we can acclimatise. But Siachen is unimaginable. Marvellous. And our soldiers protect the nation up there."

'Kaun Banega Crorepati 15' airs on Sony.

sp/kvd

'KBC 15': Amitabh Bachchan lauds 'marvellous' Indian soldiers at Siachen

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Aug 24

E nterprise Cloud services provider VMware on Thursday announced modern AI integrations to the Anywhere Workspace platform that automatically optimise employee experience, drive new vulnerability management use cases, and simplify application lifecycle management.

VMware Anywhere Workspace is the only hybrid work platform that integrates digital employee experience (DEX), virtual desktop infrastructure and apps (VDI and DaaS), unified endpoint management (UEM) and security to enable a seamless and secure workspace on any device or location, according to the company.

"We are thrilled to unveil new advancements for our customers that expand data sources and insights, integrate with technology partners for improved security, and unify app delivery strategy across all virtual desktops and apps. These innovations continue to progress our vision of providing the next evolution of digital workspaces," Shankar Iyer, senior vice president and general manager, End-User Computing, VMware, said in a statement.

Moreover, the company said that it will now enable the delivery of new app performance scores, in addition to existing mobile device, desktop, and virtual environment experience scores.

VMware's AI-driven Insights feature now will provide anomaly detection that informs IT of potential experience issues for frontline devices and VDI environments, in addition to mobile and desktop environments.

The new Playbooks will enable IT to create step-by-step remediation workflows to resolve incidents more efficiently and use success rate analytics to automate the resolution process and streamline execution over time.

VMware also announced an expanded partnership with chip maker Intel through a one-of-a-kind, cloud-native integration of Workspace ONE with Intel vPro.

This chip-to-cloud integration will make it easier to secure and remotely manage work devices entirely from the cloud, with no additional on-premises infrastructure and management software needed.

Through line of sight and out-of-band management of vPro-powered devices, IT teams can have below-the-OS vulnerability insights, and visibility to reduce the impact of potential exploits quickly and efficiently, said the company.

Using Workspace ONE, customers can have centralised visibility into Intel vPro-powered PCs and accelerate patch remediation cycles for devices located outside of office perimeters, even if the devices are sleeping or powered off.

VMware announces AI integrations to Anywhere Workspace platform

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Johannesburg August 24

P rime Minister Narendra Modi was spotted having a brief exchange of words with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS leaders' press conference on Thursday.

Before the conference started in earnest, PM Modi and Xi were pictured having a brief conversation before taking their designated seats.

Notably, in November 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chanced upon Xi at the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia.

Both the leaders exchanged pleasantries at the G20 dinner. Notably, this was the first handshake since the standoff between China's Peoples Liberation Army and the Indian forces in eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

India and China have been in a stand-off situation for the last three years and relations at all levels have deteriorated due to tensions on the Line of Actual Control . The two sides have held 19 rounds of talks so far to address the boundary issues in eastern Ladakh since 2020, post the Chinese aggression there.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit on Tuesday.

The opening day of the 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. This is the first in-person BRICS Summit after three consecutive years of virtual meetings owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Later on, on the second day, at the open plenary session of the 15th BRICS Summit, 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.

"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 2023: PM Modi pictured having brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
PM Modi congratulates leaders of six countries invited as BRICS members, says India has always supported expansion of grouping

Johannesburg, August 24

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday congratulated leaders and people of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE over the decision on their full membership of BRICS and said India has always supported the expansion of the organisation.

In a statement in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi said India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation.

"India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation," he said.

PM Modi said India has "historic ties" with all the new members of BRICS.

He said India will also contribute to other countries wanting to join as partner countries of BRICS .

In his remarks, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the outcomes of the 15th BRICS Summit and said the grouping will be expanded.

"We've reached an agreement to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE to become full members of BRICS. The membership will come into effect from January 2024," Ramaphosa said.

Participating in the BRICS Summit on Wednesday, PM Modi had said India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS membership and welcomes moving forward with consensus in 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.

PM Modi congratulates leaders of six countries invited as BRICS members, says India has always supported expansion of grouping

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Chandrayaan-3's soft landing on moon is success of mankind: PM Modi at BRICS Summit

Johannesburg, August 24

P rime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, said that the success of Chandrayaan-3's soft landing on the South Pole of the Moon was not limited to one country but the success of mankind.

In a briefing in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi thanked South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa for his congratulatory message on Chandrayaan's successful landing and said that it was a matter of pride.

"Friends, now my friend Ramaphosa has given a lot of praise for India's moon mission and I have been feeling this since yesterday, I am getting congratulations from everyone."

Earlier, on Chandrayaan-3, the President of South Africa said, "...Yesterday we congratulated India on landing the lunar module on the Moon..."

After thanking Ramaphosa, PM Modi said, "It is a matter of pride for us that this success is being accepted not as a limited success of one country but as a significant success of mankind."

"Yesterday Chandrayaan 3 achieved the soft landing on the south pole of the moon and this is not only for India but for scientists across the world. This is the first attempt made by any country on the South Pole and that is a successful attempt," he said.

PM Modi further stated that on behalf of India, its people and scientists, he thanked the scientists and the world's scientific community for their wishes on this historic moment.

At the banquet dinner during the 15th BRICS Summit on Wednesday, several world leaders including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated PM Modi on the success of Chandrayaan-3.

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi while referring to the Chandrayaan-3 mission, said the enthusiasm of our diaspora in South Africa for India's achievements in the space sector is truly gladdening.

"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," PM Modi posted on X on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister also shared pictures of him greeting the members of the Indian diaspora who were gathered at a Johannesburg hotel on Wednesday.

On Wednesday Chandrayaan successfully executed the soft landing on the south pole of the moon.

ISRO tweeted "Chandrayaan-3 Mission 'India, I reached my destination and you too!' Chandrayaan-3 has successfully soft-landed on the moon! Congratulations, India!"

Chandrayaan-3's soft landing on moon is success of mankind: PM Modi at BRICS Summit

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Johannesburg, August 24

P rime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen exchanging a handshake and in brief conversation with each other on Thursday at the BRICS Summit in the South African capital city of Johannesburg.

Before issuing a joint statement of 15th BRICS Summit by the leaders of the grouping, PM Modi and the Chinese Premier were seen walking and chatting before they took their designated seats.

Also, post the briefing, the two leaders were seen exchanging a handshake on the stage.

In November 2022, Prime Minister Modi and Xi Jinping exchanged pleasantries at the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia.

Notably, this was the first the two leaders had met and greeted each other since the standoff between China's Peoples Liberation Army and the Indian forces in eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

India and China have been in a stand-off situation for the last three years and relations at all levels have deteriorated due to tensions on the Line of Actual Control . The two sides have held 19 rounds of talks so far to address the boundary issues in eastern Ladakh since 2020, post the Chinese aggression there.

PM Modi arrived in South Africa for the 15th BRICS Summit on Tuesday.

The opening day of the summit in Johannesburg saw the BRICS Business Forum Leaders' Dialogue which PM Modi addressed but Xi Jinping skipped the event, sending his commerce minister Wang Wentao to represent him.

Meanwhile at the Summit today it was announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS from January 2024.

In a statement in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi said India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation.

"India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation," he said.

PM Modi said India has "historic ties" with all the new members of BRICS.

He said India will also contribute to other countries wanting to join as partner countries of BRICS .

In his remarks, South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the outcomes of the 15th BRICS Summit and said the grouping will be expanded.

"We've reached an agreement to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE to become full members of BRICS. The membership will come into effect from January 2024," Ramaphosa said.

Participating in the BRICS Summit on Wednesday, PM Modi had said India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS membership and welcomes moving forward with consensus in 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.

PM Modi, Xi Jinping shake hands, greet each other at BRICS

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Haley v Ramaswamy: For the first time, 2 Indian-Americans spar in GOP debate

Washington, Aug 24

F or the first time in the history of the US, two Indian-American presidential candidates locked horns over the country's foreign policy in the Republican party's first presidential debate.

On Wednesday, Nikki Haley, 51, accused Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, for supporting America's foreign adversaries and abandoning its friends, and said that her GOP rival lacked foreign policy experience.

Asserting that a win for Russia is a win for China, Haley said that Ukraine is the first line of defence for the US, which Ramaswamy doesn't understand and wants to handover Kiev to Moscow.

"The problem that Vivek Ramaswamy doesn't understand is he wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel," Haley said.

"You don't do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends," Hely said even as Ramaswamy interrupted her on and off, calling her accusations false.

Ramaswamy, who was the only presidential candidate to raise hand when Fox News moderators asked who would not keep supporting Ukraine, argued the US should focus on protecting its own border first.

Stating that Haley was "pushing this lie" about him, Ramaswamy accused her of backing Ukraine at the behest of defence contractors.

"I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed (Martin) and Raytheon," Ramaswamy told Haley.

The youngest presidential-hopeful had recently unveiled his foreign policy vision at the Nixon Presidential Library, which called for less involvement in foreign affairs that do not directly concern the US.

"I do not want to get to the point where we are sending our military resources abroad, when we could be better using them here at home to protect our borders, protect my homeland," Ramaswamy said at the debate.

Haley said Ramaswamy is choosing Russian President Vladimir Putin who has said that once they take over Ukraine Baltic states are the next.

"That's a World War we are trying to prevent... You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country," Haley blasted Ramaswamy in a heated exchange of words, warning that Ramaswamy's moves could cost America's security.

Earlier, another GOP rival Chris Christie tore into Ramaswamy during the debate, calling him an "amateur" Obama, and sounding like a ChatGPT.

Haley v Ramaswamy: For the first time, 2 Indian-Americans spar in GOP debate

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
As Cheektowaga continues to grapple with an influx of asylum-seekers living in hotels in the community, the town has hired an outside law firm that has successfully represented another community that did not want migrants living in hotels in its town long-term.

During a previous Cheektowaga Town Board meeting on Aug. 9, board members announced their plan to pursue legal action against New York City for sending asylum-seekers to the town.

Cheektowaga officials are arguing that the three hotels being used as long-term housing for asylees are in violation of town code because they are essentially acting as homeless shelters, which are not permitted under town zoning laws. Two other municipalities in New York State  Orangetown in Rockland County and Salina in Onondaga County  presented similar arguments as Cheektowagas in court and were granted temporary restraining orders prohibiting hotels from housing asylum-seekers.

Cheektowaga feeling the strain of national immigration debate Cheektowaga did not sign up to be a focal point in Western New York for the the national debate over immigration, but with more than 500 asylum-seekers sent to the town from New York City, that is what it has become.

During Tuesdays meeting, the board unanimously approved a resolution to hire Keane and Beane, P.C. to represent the town in this matter going forward. The White Plains law firm represented the town of Orangetown in its court case.

The town will pay the law firm $300 an hour for partner attorneys and $265 an hour for associate attorneys, according to the resolution.

Around 570 asylum-seekers are living in three hotels in Cheektowaga. Since June, more than a dozen busloads of asylum-seekers have traveled to Western New York from New York City because the city is running out of room for the tens of thousands of asylees sent from the countrys southern border.

During the Aug. 9 meeting, the board approved a resolution authorizing the towns code enforcement office to inspect the three hotels housing asylum-seekers for any code violations.

The code enforcement office completed the inspection, but the Town Board did not discuss the findings during Tuesdays meeting due to the pending litigation, Supervisor Diane Benczkowski said.

The Town Board is looking to proceed with (legal) action, Benczkowski said. We are going to do it. But we are in the early stages right now.

Meanwhile, the more than 200 migrants residing in one of the hotels, on Dingens Street, will be moved to a hotel in Amherst sometime this week, Benczkowski said Tuesday during the meeting.

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.

Some Cheektowaga residents have expressed concern about the presence of migrants in their community, especially since two asylum-seekers were arrested this month on felony sex-crimes charges.

As a result, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz demanded New York City Mayor Eric Adams pause sending more asylum-seekers to Erie County and promised that migrants would be moved out of the Dingens Street hotel. The National Guard is providing security at the three hotels.

A spokesperson for Poloncarz said Monday that the asylees living in the Dingens Street hotel will be moved before the end of the week, but did not specify where their new homes would be. The new hotel needs some small repairs to make it safe for children, according to the county executives office.

As of Wednesday morning, the asylum-seekers had not been moved to Amherst, communications coordinator Jessica ONeil said in an email to The Buffalo News. The town of Amherst does not know if they will be coming and/or how many if they are relocated to Amherst.

Benczkowski acknowledged that Cheektowaga residents want answers as to whats going on with the asylum-seekers in the community, but urged residents to give the town time to work through the legal process.

If the asylum-seekers from the Dingens Street hotel are moved to Amherst, any children living there would enroll in the Sweet Home Central School District, Benczkowski said.

Erie County schools preparing to educate 120 asylum-seeker students Education officials in Western New York are working to accommodate around 120 migrant children who will be attending local schools in the fall.

Sweet Home Superintendent Michael Ginestre did not address whether any of the children would be headed there, but in a written statement, said: What I can say is that any school-age child that resides in Sweet Home is a Panther, and is absolutely welcome in our District. All students at Sweet Home have access to our full array of resources and our incredible faculty and staff.

Around 120 school-age asylum-seeker children are living in Western New York. Last week, Maryvale School District Superintendent Joseph DAngelo said the district is preparing to educate 66 asylum-seeker students across all grade levels.

Erie County Republican Chairman Michael Kracker blasted Poloncarz and other Democratic leaders over the lack of transparency in their migrant crisis plan, calling it as clear as mud.

Amherst Republican Committee Chairman Brian Rusk called on Democratic leaders to strongly condemn this proposal for illegal migrants to be housed in Amherst at this time.

The asylum-seekers living in the Cheektowaga hotels have temporary, legal status in the United States while their asylum petitions are pending. The costs for transportation, housing, food and other resettlement expenses for the migrants sheltered in Western New York are being paid for by New York City and coordinated through a government contractor called DocGo. Local refugee resettlement organizations, such as Jericho Road and Journeys End, are handling intake and helping with immigration legal assistance.

Buffalo News reporter Sandra Tan contributed to this report.
Vijay Deverakonda gets candid about his working experience with Samantha in 'Kushi'

Hyderabad, August 24

A ctor Vijay Deverakonda spoke to ANI about his upcoming Telugu film 'Kushi', which is written and directed by Shiva Nirvana, and also starred Samantha Ruth Prabhu opposite him.

Deverakonda shared his experience of working with co-star Samantha and the director, Shiva. Vijay told ANI, "The entire process of shooting it will be one of my favourite memories forever. The two persons I spent the most time with, shared the most memories and highs and lows with, and developed the closest connections with were Shiva and Samantha. I'll always find it fun to reflect on how this movie was made."

The movie's trailer shows Aaradhya and Viplav, who take us on their romantic journey and build a relatable but lovely world of romance, at the centre of the narrative. The path has its ups and downs, challenges, as well as its bittersweet moments.

The video begins with Vijay and Samantha discovering love in Kashmir's rugged mountains. But their love tale quickly turns as their families get involved to make them apart. But to prove their families wrong, Samantha and Vijay's characters unite, marry, and embark on a journey.

Written and directed by Shiva Nirvana and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, 'Kushi' is all set to hit the theatres on September 1 in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

After 'Mahanati', it will be Samantha and Vijay's second project together and it is Samantha's second collaboration with filmmaker Shiva Nirvana, who previously collaborated with her on 'Majili'.

Jayaram, Sachin Khedakar, Murali Sharma, Lakshmi, Ali, Rohini, Vennela Kishore, Rahul Ramakrishna, Srikanth Iyengar, and Saranya are among the cast members of the film.

Vijay Deverakonda gets candid about his working experience with Samantha in 'Kushi'

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Johannesburg, August 24

P rime Minister Narendra Modi hed a bilateral meeting with the Ethiopian Premier Abiy Ahmed Ali in South Africa's Johannesburg on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit on Thursday.

Both the leaders were seen exchanging a handshake and having a brief conversation with each other.

The meeting was held in the presence of envoys from both the countries. The meeting was conducted after PM Modi supported the name of Ethiopia for its inclusion in the BRICS grouping.

At the Summit on THursday it was announced that Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates will join the BRICS in January 2024.

In a statement in the presence of other leaders from BRICS countries, PM Modi said India has always believed that adding new members will strengthen BRICS as an organisation.

India and Ethiopia have very friendly relations for many decades. Last year, India and Ethiopia held the fourth foreign office consultations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia where delegations from both sides reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

The foreign office consultations were co-chaired by Puneet R Kundal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Ambassador Dr Gebeyehu Ganga Gayito Director General for Middle East, Asia & Pacific Countries Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ethiopia, a MEA press release said.

In last year's meeting, Both delegations reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral relations during the Foreign Office Consultations. Issues discussed included political engagements, trade & economic matters, development partnership projects, cultural and consular matters, cooperation in higher education, people-to-people contacts, etc.

PM Modi held bilateral meeting with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed in South Africa

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
New Delhi, Aug 24

F ilmmaker Shoojit Sircar's film 'Sardar Udham' starring Vicky Kaushal has been honoured with Best Hindi Film at the 69th National Film Awards.

The award event is being held in the National capital on Wednesday.

The film also was named in the Best Production design, Best Cinematography, the Best Costume Design and Best Audiography category.

'Sardar Udham' is a biographical historical drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar, and produced by Rising Sun Films in collaboration with Kino Works.

Based on the life of Udham Singh, a freedom fighter from Punjab who assassinated Michael O'Dwyer in London to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar.

The film also stars Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Amol Parashar, Banita Sandhu.

The film was also noted for its realistic portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, being depicted in an extended and graphic sequence.

69th National Film Awards: Vicky Kaushal-starrer 'Sardar Udham' feted with Best Hindi Film honour

Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us!
Thirty years ago, Deborah Meindls young daughter found her fatally stabbed, choked and bound in her City of Tonawanda home.

A jury found two men, Brian Scott Lorenzo and James Pugh, guilty of murder. For the last three decades, the men have maintained their innocence.

On Wednesday, with Lorenzo still in prison and Pugh out on parole, a judge vacated their convictions and ordered a new trial.

In a 19-page decision, State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek said he based his rulings on two elements: new DNA evidence that excluded both defendants from the crime scene and a finding that the prosecution failed to disclose a key piece of information to the defense. The judges ruling, issued as a court document, was first reported Wednesday by the New York Times.

However, Wojtaszek threw cold water on the defense attorneys assertion that notorious murderer Richard Matt, who escaped from prison in 2015 and was fatally shot during the manhunt, was the real murderer and had carried out the grisly killing at the behest of a now-retired City of Tonawanda police detective.

In bid to vacate murder conviction from 1994, James Pugh points to his burglaries and lies The way James Pugh tells it, he had a crime-filled day on Feb. 17, 1993. A home burglary in South Buffalo. Selling stolen goods in the afternoon. Telling accomplices where to find a drug dealer to rob and then waiting nearby in a car for them to return that evening with cash and drugs.

Ilann Maazel, attorney for Lorenzo, said he called his client at Elmira Correctional Facility, to tell him that his case had been dismissed. He has been through a very long and difficult ordeal ... Maazel said. Im not sure its sunk in yet.

Pugh was speechless and tearful, said his attorney, Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma. He said: Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

The defense attorneys are now focused on getting Lorenzo released from prison and Pugh from his parole.

We just want Scott to go home to his wife, Maazel said. A hearing is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Friday.

They also are hopeful that the Erie County District Attorneys Office does not decide to retry their clients. But DA John Flynn said in a statement Thursday that his office will appeal the decision.

On the afternoon of Feb. 17, 1993, Deborah Meindls daughter came home to find her mother dead. She was handcuffed, stabbed 11 times and strangled with a necktie. Speculation initially swirled around her husband, who had once told someone he wanted to hire a hitman to kill her, but police ruled that out. Months later, Lorenzo and Pugh were indicted. Police alleged that the killing happened when Meindl walked in on them burglarizing her house.

In 2018, Maazel wrote an article that appeared in the New York Law Journal titled How to get out of jail if youre innocent. Lorenzo wrote to him.

Maazel went to court to have new DNA tests conducted on the crime scene evidence, including the necktie and a knife. The new DNA tests excluded both Lorenzo and Pugh. That was one of the findings for Wojtaszeks decision.

The DNA exclusion evidence is newly discovered evidence because at the time of trial in 1994, the technology available to the parties was inferior and not as advanced compared to what was available in 2018 when the testing was ordered, the judge wrote.

The DAs Office had argued that the new DNA evidence didnt warrant a new trial because evidence presented at the 1994 trial from the victims fingernail scrapings also excluded the defendants.

But Wojtaszek said: The test results from the victims fingernail scrapings although consistent with exclusion do not render this new exclusion evidence simply cumulative or superfluous.

The judge also focused on a silver dollar that had become a key piece of evidence. The coin was in a duffel bag found in a stolen vehicle that Lorenzo was arrested in three months after a slaying in Sioux City, Iowa.

Prosecutors said that the coin had been given to Meindl and her husband by her father-in-law for Christmas that winter.

But the judge said that unbeknownst to the defendants was the fact that Cyril Meindl (the father-in-law), when shown the same coin prior to the trial, did not and could not identify it.

The inescapable conclusion is that the people fell short in their Brady disclosure obligation, Wojtaszek said.

But the judge rejected the theory that Richard Matt and former detective David Bentley played any role in the killing  a shocking assertion that drew national media attention. The theory stemmed from an investigation by two assistant district attorneys who were assigned to the case. One was demoted and the other was transferred, and later left. Flynn said that it wasnt because of their findings but because of their conduct.

Matts accomplice in his 2015 prison escape, David Sweat, was a key witness in the hearings to try to vacate the convictions. Bentley, who has previously acknowledged knowing Matt and having looked after him when he was teenager, has repeatedly denied any connection to the Meindl case.

This Court finds David Sweats testimony to be patently incredible, he wrote.
Champaign, IL (61820)

Today

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low near 30F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low near 30F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
A Florida woman who was found with fentanyl hidden in a car battery during a traffic stop has pleaded guilty to a drug charge, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross reported.

Elina Martinez, 65, of Miami, faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison when she returns for sentencing Dec. 8 before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. She entered a plea to possession with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Prosecutors said Jamestown Police found blue pills containing 4,389 grams of fentanyl in Martinez's rental car when they stopped it Dec. 7, 2022, for traffic violations.

According to prosecutors, officers looked under the hood of the car and discovered a battery that apparently was covered with an adhesive and appeared to be too large for the vehicle. When they cut the battery open, they found a plastic bag containing the pills.

- Dale Anderson
Between 30 to 50 percent of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) will experience memory problems but the cause is uncertain. Brain lesions are the hallmark imaging sign used to diagnose MS and are often associated with memory dysfunction. However, increased MS brain lesions are not specific to memory problems and are also associated with fatigue, walking difficulty and other common MS symptoms. Previous studies that attempted to align the anatomy of lesions associated with memory problems in MS led to conflicting results.

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital, a founding member of the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, conducted a study to figure out which MS lesion locations are associated with memory issues. The team, led by Isaiah Kletenik, MD, analyzed imaging and cognitive data from 431 people with MS enrolled in the Comprehensive Longitudinal Investigation of MS at Brigham and Women's Hospital, or CLIMB study. Researchers mapped white matter lesion locations from each person and tested associations between memory dysfunction and a memory circuit previously derived from strokes causing memory problems. They found that MS lesions that were associated with memory problems intersected with this memory circuit centered on the hippocampus. The researchers also analyzed the MS lesion locations compared to large functional and structural brain atlases to identify unique MS memory circuits.

In many neurologic diseases, we know what brain function will be disrupted based on the location of lesions, but in MS, the lesions are widespread making localization challenging. By applying a circuit-based approach, we show that lesions associated with MS memory dysfunction connect to a memory circuit." Isaiah Kletenik, MD

The team included researchers from the Brigham MS Center and from the Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics led by Michael D. Fox, MD, PhD. Rohit Bakshi, MD, Bonnie Glanz, PhD, Charles Guttmann, MD, and Tanuja Chitnis, MD, collected neuroimaging and behavioral data on people with MS as part of large, ongoing studies at the Brigham MS Center. Dr. Bakshi and Dr. Guttmann developed an imaging pipeline to automatically segment MS lesions and Dr. Glanz worked with MS Center staff to perform cognitive testing for this study.
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 wellbeing, 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 fulfilment 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."
In a groundbreaking endeavor, researchers at the University of Rochester have successfully transferred a longevity gene from naked mole rats to mice, resulting in improved health and an extension of the mouse's lifespan.

Naked mole rats, known for their long lifespans and exceptional resistance to age-related diseases, have long captured the attention of the scientific community. By introducing a specific gene responsible for enhanced cellular repair and protection into mice, the Rochester researchers have opened exciting possibilities for unlocking the secrets of aging and extending human lifespan.

Our study provides a proof of principle that unique longevity mechanisms that evolved in long-lived mammalian species can be exported to improve the lifespans of other mammals." Vera Gorbunova, the Doris Johns Cherry Professor of biology and medicine at Rochester

Gorbunova, along with Andrei Seluanov, a professor of biology, and their colleagues, report in a study published in Nature that they successfully transferred a gene responsible for making high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW-HA) from a naked mole rat to mice. This led to improved health and an approximate 4.4 percent increase in median lifespan for the mice.

A unique mechanism for cancer resistance

Naked mole rats are mouse-sized rodents that have exceptional longevity for rodents of their size; they can live up to 41 years, nearly ten times as long as similar-size rodents. Unlike many other species, naked mole rats do not often contract diseases-;including neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and cancer-;as they age. Gorbunova and Seluanov have devoted decades of research to understanding the unique mechanisms that naked mole rats use to protect themselves against aging and diseases.

The researchers previously discovered that HMW-HA is one mechanism responsible for naked mole rats' unusual resistance to cancer. Compared to mice and humans, naked mole rats have about ten times more HMW-HA in their bodies. When the researchers removed HMW-HA from naked mole rat cells, the cells were more likely to form tumors.

Gorbunova, Seluanov, and their colleagues wanted to see if the positive effects of HMW-HA could also be reproduced in other animals.

Transferring a gene that produces HMW-HA

The team genetically modified a mouse model to produce the naked mole rat version of the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene, which is the gene responsible for making a protein that produces HMW-HA. While all mammals have the hyaluronan synthase 2 gene, the naked mole rat version seems to be enhanced to drive stronger gene expression.

The researchers found that the mice that had the naked mole rat version of the gene had better protection against both spontaneous tumors and chemically induced skin cancer. The mice also had improved overall health and lived longer compared to regular mice. As the mice with the naked mole rat version of the gene aged, they had less inflammation in different parts of their bodies-;inflammation being a hallmark of aging-;and maintained a healthier gut.

While more research is needed on exactly why HMW-HA has such beneficial effects, the researchers believe it is due to HMW-HA's ability to directly regulate the immune system.

A fountain of youth for humans?

The findings open new possibilities for exploring how HMW-HA could also be used to improve lifespan and reduce inflammation-related diseases in humans.

"It took us 10 years from the discovery of HMW-HA in the naked mole rat to showing that HMW-HA improves health in mice," Gorbunova says. "Our next goal is to transfer this benefit to humans."

They believe they can accomplish this through two routes: either by slowing down degradation of HMW-HA or by enhancing HMW-HA synthesis.

"We already have identified molecules that slow down hyaluronan degradation and are testing them in pre-clinical trials," Seluanov says. "We hope that our findings will provide the first, but not the last, example of how longevity adaptations from a long-lived species can be adapted to benefit human longevity and health."
Almost everything about insects called kissing bugs is revolting, from the insidious way they bite people's faces at night to drink their blood while they sleep to the way they spread disease through their poop.

Some carry a parasite called Trypanosoma cruzi that causes Chagas disease, a leading cause of disability and premature death in the Americas. Left untreated, Chagas disease can cause serious heart and digestive problems. It's showing up more and more in patients in the United States.

Now researchers at the University of Cincinnati are investigating what makes the parasite so resilient.

UC researchers are studying the signaling pathway that leads the parasite to transform and reproduce. They follow that pathway from the beginning when an uninfected kissing bug acquires the parasite by biting an infected mammal host all the way to the time the parasite develops in the insect's gut to be spread to people or animals through the bug's poop.

The study was published in the journal mBio.

The best way of treating the disease is understanding the biology of the parasite so we can find better drugs to kill the parasite before it's too late for the patient." Noelia Lander, assistant professor of biological sciences, UC's College of Arts and Sciences

In her molecular parasitology lab at UC, Lander and her research team examined the ways T. cruzi survives in different hostile environments. They deployed technology such as the gene-editing tool CRISPR/Cas9, immunofluorescence analysis and electron microscopy for the study.

"During its lifecycle, the parasite encounters changes in acidity, temperature, nutrient availability and other conditions. It needs to survive somehow. So what we studied is how the parasite senses those microenvironmental changes and triggers reactions to transform," Lander said.

Researchers found that certain proteins play important roles in different developmental stages of the parasite. Among their functions, they help the parasite recover cell volume in the hyperosmotic environment of bug poop.

They also discovered two regions within the cell where an important "messenger molecule" called cyclic adenosine monophosphate, or cAMP, is responsible for the parasite's life cycle transformations in response to environmental stress.

"The idea is to better understand the biology of this parasite to find out which proteins in the cell are good targets for drug treatment," she said. "If we can prevent the parasite from transforming, we can kill it and also stop the transmission of disease."

The stakes are high, she said.

"The disease affects as many as 8 million people in rural areas of Latin America," Lander said. "It's called a 'silent disease.' Most people who are infected by it don't know."

But years or even decades later, Chagas disease can cause debilitating heart disease, lead author and UC Research Associate Miguel Chiurillo said.

"It's a chronic disease that mainly affects poor people in these countries with no access to treatment," Chiurillo said.

Kissing bugs are often found in older or poorly constructed homes. Sometimes they live in thatched roofs.

"Our research is mainly trying to discover new drug targets in the parasite and validate them to develop alternative strategies to control the disease," Chiurillo said.

Co-author and graduate student Joshua Carlson said too few people in the United States are aware of Chagas disease.

"A lot of people have never heard of it," Carlson said. "But hundreds of thousands of people in the United States have it. So getting educated about what the disease is and how it can be transmitted is important, especially if you plan to travel to countries where it's endemic."

University of Georgia researcher Mayara Bertolini and UC graduate Aqsa Raja also contributed to the study, which was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health.
A caregiver's education level and their child's age played large roles in determining their primary sources of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers found in a recent study by NIH's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program. Caregivers who had less than a high school education were less likely to work remotely and were more worried about finances, childcare, and access to necessities like food. Caregivers with a master's degree or higher reported greater concern about social distancing and impacts on their work.

The social factors that influenced infection rates, disease severity, and financial burden among adults during the pandemic have been broadly documented. However, ECHO researchers wanted to understand the experiences of children and their caregivers.

Understanding these experiences can help uncover social differences that could worsen conditions for some populations during future public health crises." Kaja Z. LeWinn, ScD of the University of California, San Francisco

Conducting population-based studies during the pandemic was challenging, but by using existing ECHO Program research sites across the United States and COVID-19 questionnaires, researchers were able to see how social and economic factors were affecting families and children throughout the height of the pandemic. The study analyzed data from 14,646 ECHO children and 13,644 ECHO caregivers between April 2020 and March 2022.

Caregivers completed ECHO's COVID-19 surveys about their children's and their own experiences during the pandemic. Researchers measured how the pandemic affected caregivers based on three demographic characteristics-;caregiver education, their child's age, and whether they lived in urban or rural settings. Researchers documented different pandemic-related outcomes for children and caregivers and compared these outcomes across demographic groups. For children, researchers documented COVID-19 infection, availability of COVID-19 testing, healthcare changes, and disruptions to school and daycare. For caregivers, researchers asked questions about remote work, childcare challenges, and their personal ranking of pandemic-related stressors.

Education affected caregiver experiences

Researchers found that caregivers with less than a high school education were more likely to report difficulties getting COVID-19 tests for their children. Caregivers also cited financial concerns and access to necessities such as food as primary sources of stress. In contrast, caregivers with a master's degree or higher were more likely to name social distancing as the top source of their pandemic-related stress.

The study's findings also indicate that caregivers with higher education were significantly more likely to have the option to work remotely. Caregivers with a high school or less education were less likely to be able to work remotely or change work schedules to care for their children compared to those with a master's degree or greater. Even though those with a bachelor's degree were less likely than those with a master's degree to work remotely, they were still more likely than those with lower education to change their work schedule to care for children.

Interestingly, the opposite relationship existed for arranging childcare. Those with a master's degree or higher reported more challenges finding childcare than those with less than a high school education. There is evidence suggesting greater rates of childcare center closures in areas where people had higher levels of education. Informal childcare arrangements among families with lower education levels may have been less affected by center closures.

Caregivers of young children faced more challenges

Caregivers with children between the ages of 1 and 5 years reported the least support from school systems, the most difficulty finding childcare, and fewer remote learning options. They were also more likely to have healthcare appointments canceled due to COVID19 concerns and were most concerned about how the pandemic would affect their ability to work.

"Our findings suggest that families with young children may need more support related to childcare and work flexibility, especially when school disruptions are involved," Dr. LeWinn said.

Researchers observed few differences in the experiences of urban and rural residents.

Future research may investigate the long-term effects these pandemic challenges may have on children in the ECHO Program over time.

Dr. LeWinn and Lisa Jacobson, ScD of Johns Hopkins University led this collaborative research published in JAMA Network Open .
SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, 23 August, 2023- 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.
Tonjanic Hill was overjoyed in 2017 when she learned she was 14 weeks pregnant. Despite a history of uterine fibroids, she never lost faith that she would someday have a child.

But, just five weeks after confirming her pregnancy, and the day after a gender-reveal party where she announced she was having a girl, she seemed unable to stop urinating. She didn't realize her amniotic fluid was leaking. Then came the excruciating pain.

"I ended up going to the emergency room," said Hill, now 35. "That's where I had the most traumatic, horrible experience ever."

An ultrasound showed she had lost 90% of her amniotic fluid. Yet, over the angry protestations of her nurse, Hill said, the attending doctor insisted Hill be discharged and see her own OB-GYN the next day. The doctor brushed off her concerns, she said. The next morning, her OB-GYN's office rushed her back to the hospital. But she lost her baby, Tabitha Winnie Denkins.

Black women are less likely than women from other racial groups to carry a pregnancy to term  and in Harris County, where Houston is located, when they do, their infants are about twice as likely to die before their 1st birthday as those from other racial groups. Black fetal and infant deaths are part of a continuum of systemic failures that contribute to disproportionately high Black maternal mortality rates.

"This is a public health crisis as it relates to Black moms and babies that is completely preventable," said Barbie Robinson, who took over as executive director of Harris County Public Health in March 2021. "When you look at the breakdown demographically  who's disproportionately impacted by the lack of access  we have a situation where we can expect these horrible outcomes."

In fact, Harris County ranks third, behind only Chicago's Cook County and Detroit's Wayne County, in what are known as excess Black infant deaths, according to the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. Those three counties, which also are among the nation's most populated counties, account for 7% of all Black births in the country and 9% of excess Black infant deaths, said Ashley Hirai, a senior scientist at HRSA. That means the counties have the largest number of Black births but also more deaths that would not occur if Black babies had the same chance of reaching their 1st birthdays as white infants.

No known genetic reasons exist for Black infants to die at higher rates than white infants. Such deaths are often called "deaths of disparity" because they are likely attributable to systemic racial disparities. Regardless of economic status or educational attainment, the stress from experiencing persistent systemic racism leads to adverse health consequences for Black women and their babies, according to a study published in the journal Women's Health Issues.

These miscarriages and deaths can occur even in communities that otherwise appear to have vast health resources. In Harris County, for example, home to two public hospitals and the Texas Medical Center  the largest medical complex in the world, with more than 54 medical-related institutions and 21 hospitals  mortality rates were 11.1 per 1,000 births for Black infants from 2014 through 2019, according to the March of Dimes, compared with 4.7 for white infants.

The abundance of providers in Harris County hasn't reassured pregnant Black patients that they can find care that is timely, appropriate, or culturally competent  care that acknowledges a person's heritage, beliefs, and values during treatment.

Regardless of income or insurance status, studies show, medical providers often dismiss Black women's questions and concerns, minimize their physical complaints, and fail to offer appropriate care. By contrast, a study of 1.8 million hospital births spanning 23 years in Florida found that the gap in mortality rates between Black and white newborns were halved for Black babies when Black physicians cared for them.

In 2013, Houstonian Kay Matthews was running a successful catering business when she lost the daughter she'd named Troya eight months and three weeks into pregnancy.

Matthews hadn't felt well  she'd been sluggish and tired  for several days, but her doctor told her not to worry. Not long afterward, she woke up realizing something was terribly wrong. She passed out after calling 911. When she woke up, she was in the emergency room.

None of the medical staffers would talk to her, she said. She had no idea what was happening, no one was answering her questions, and she started having a panic attack.

"It kind of felt like I was watching myself lose everything," she recalled. She said the nurse seemed annoyed with her questions and demeanor and gave her a sedative. "When I woke up, I did not have a baby."

Matthews recalled one staffer insinuating that she and her partner couldn't afford to pay the bill, even though she was a financially stable business owner, and he had a well-paying job as a truck driver.

She said hospital staffers showed minimal compassion after she lost Troya. They seemed to dismiss her grief, she said. It was the first time she could remember feeling as if she was treated callously because she is Black.

"There was no respect at all, like zero respect or compassion," said Matthews, who has since founded the Shades of Blue Project, a Houston nonprofit focused on improving maternal mental health, primarily for Black patients.

To help combat these high mortality rates in Harris County, Robinson created a maternal child and health office and launched a home-visit pilot program to connect prenatal and postpartum patients with resources such as housing assistance, medical care, and social services. Limited access to healthy food and recreational activities are barriers to healthy pregnancy outcomes. Studies have also shown a connection between evictions and infant mortality.

For Hill, not having insurance was also likely a factor. While pregnant, Hill said, she had had just a single visit at a community health center before her miscarriage. She was working multiple jobs as a college student and did not have employer-provided medical coverage. She was not yet approved for Medicaid, the state-federal program for people with low incomes or disabilities.

Texas has the nation's highest uninsured rate, with nearly 5 million Texans  or 20% of those younger than 65  lacking coverage, said Anne Dunkelberg, a senior fellow with Every Texan, a nonprofit research and advocacy institute focused on equity in public policy. While non-Hispanic Black Texans have a slightly better rate  17%  than that overall state level, it's still higher than the 12% rate for non-Hispanic white Texans, according to census data. Health experts fear that many more people are losing insurance coverage as covid-19 pandemic protections end for Medicaid.

Without full coverage, those who are pregnant may avoid seeking care, meaning they skip being seen in the critical first trimester, said Fatimah Lalani, medical director at Houston's Hope Clinic.

Texas had the lowest percentage of mothers receiving early prenatal care in the nation in 2020, according to the state's 2021 Healthy Texas Mothers and Babies Databook, and non-Hispanic Black moms and babies were less likely to receive first-trimester care than other racial and ethnic groups. Babies born without prenatal care were three times as likely to have a low birth weight and five times as likely to die as those whose mothers had care.

If Hill's miscarriage reflects how the system failed her, the birth of her twins two years later demonstrates how appropriate support has the potential to change outcomes.

With Medicaid coverage from the beginning of her second pregnancy, Hill saw a high-risk pregnancy specialist. Diagnosed early with what's called an incompetent cervix, Hill was consistently seen, monitored, and treated. She also was put on bed rest for her entire pregnancy.

She had an emergency cesarean section at 34 weeks, and both babies spent two weeks in neonatal intensive care. Today, her premature twins are 3 years old.

"I believe God  and the high-risk doctor  saved my twins," she said.
Researchers have developed an engineered adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector that yields high transduction of brain vascular pericytes and smooth muscle cells. The study describing the characterization of this novel AAV capsid is published in the peer-reviewed journal Human Gene Therapy.

In the current study, Servio Ramirez, from Temple University School of Medicine, Patricia Musolino, from Massachusetts General Hospital, and Casey Maguire, from Harvard Medical School, and coauthors, characterize AAV-PR, the capsid that demonstrated high transduction of the brain vasculature. AAV-PR offers the possibility of genetically modulating brain pericytes and smooth muscle cells in the context of neurodegeneration and other neurological diseases, according to the investigators. Many common neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, involve the brain vasculature.

Because so many neurologic conditions stem from vascular dysfunction, the ability to deliver genes to the cells comprising these vessels could be truly paradigm shifting." Editor-in-Chief Terence R. Flotte, MD, Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor of Medical Education and Dean, Provost, and Executive Deputy Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
A study published in JAMA Network Open claims that the quality of artificial intelligence (AI))-generated responses to patient eye care questions is comparable to that written by certified ophthalmologists.

Background

Large language models, including bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) and generative pre-trained transformer 3 (GPT-3), have extensively transformed natural language processing by helping computers interact with texts and spoken words like humans. This has led to the generation of chatbots.

A large amount of text and spreadsheet data related to natural language processing tasks are used to train these models. In healthcare sectors, these models are widely used for various purposes, including prediction of hospital stay duration, categorization of medical images, summarization of medical reports, and identification of patient-specific electronic health record notes.

ChatGPT is regarded as a powerful large language model. The model was designed to specifically generate natural and contextually appropriate responses in a conversational setting. Since its release in November 2022, the model has been used for simplifying radiology reports, writing hospital discharge summaries, and transcribing patient notes.

Given their enormous benefits, large language models are gaining rapid entry into clinical setups. However, incorporation of these models into routine clinical practice requires proper validation of model-generated data by physicians. This is particularly important to avoid the delivery of misleading information to patients and family members seeking healthcare advice.

In this study, scientists have compared the efficacy of certified ophthalmologists and Al-based chatbots in generating accurate and useful responses to patient eye care questions.

Study design

The study analysis included a set of information collected from the Eye Care Forum, which is an online platform where patients can ask detailed eye care-related questions and receive answers from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)-certified physicians.

The quality assessment of the collected dataset led to the selection of 200 question-answer pairs for the final analysis. The eye care responses (answers) included in the final analysis were provided by the top ten physicians in the forum.

ChatGPT (OpenAl) version 3.5 was used in the study to generate eye care responses with a style similar to human-created responses. The model was provided with explicit instructions about the task of responding to selected eye care questions in the form of a specially crafted input prompt so that the model could adapt its behavior accordingly.

This led to the generation of a question-answer dataset where each question had one ophthalmologist-provided response and one ChatGPT-generated response. The comparison between these two types of responses was done by a masked panel of eight AAO-certified ophthalmologists.

They were also asked to determine whether the responses contained correct information, whether the responses could cause harm, including the severity of harm, and whether the responses were aligned with the perceived consensus in the medical community.

Important observations

A total of 200 questions included in the study had an average length of 101 words. The average length of ChatGPT responses (129 words) was significantly higher than physician responses (77 words).

All members of the expert panel together were able to differentiate between ChatGPT and physician responses, with a mean accuracy of 61%. The accuracies of individual members ranged from 45% to 74%. A high percentage of responses were rated by the expert panel as definitely ChatGPT-generated. However, about 40% of these responses were actually written by physicians.

According to the experts assessments, no significant difference was observed between ChatGPT and physician responses in terms of information accuracy, alignment with the perceived consensus in the medical community, and probability of causing harm.

Study significance

The study finds that ChatGPT is capable of analyzing long patient-written eye care questions and subsequently generating appropriate responses that are comparable to physician-written responses in terms of information accuracy, alignment with the medical community standards, and probability of causing harm.

As mentioned by scientists, despite promising outcomes, large language models can have potential disadvantages. These models are prone to generate incorrect information, commonly known as hallucinations. Some findings of this study also highlight the generation of hallucinated responses by ChatGPT. This kind of response can be potentially harmful to patients seeking eye care advice.

Scientists suggest that large language models should be used in clinical setups for assisting physicians and not as a patient-facing AI that substitutes their judgment.
In a recent study published in Scientific Reports, researchers examined the relationship between soil mineral content and health status among the pediatric and adult female populations of India.

Micronutrient deficiency negatively impacts childrens learning, intelligence quotient (IQ), motor skills, and immune system function. In developing countries, a significant portion of the population is at higher risk due to low bioavailable mineral concentrations in crops.

Agronomic fortification, involving trace minerals like zinc, iodine, and selenium, has been employed by countries like Turkey, China, and Finland to increase crop mineral concentration and domestic human mineral status.

India, which contributes to over one-third of the world's malnourished children, is particularly crucial for research on micronutrient malnutrition. The growing availability of georeferenced data on health and nutrition status and soil nutrients provides new opportunities to understand the role of edaphic factors in food security and health.

About the study

In the present cross-sectional study, researchers investigated whether soil mineral content has a causal impact on the health status of Indian children and women concerning hemoglobin levels and physical growth.

The team linked health data from nearly 300,000 children and one million adult women across India with more than 27 million soil assessments drawn from a national soil health program. In particular, the relationship between the zinc content in soil and pediatric stunting or female height and the association between the iron content of soil and anemia in the pediatric and female populations were assessed. Linear regression modeling was performed for the analysis.

The exposure of individuals to soil minerals was measured as the percentage of soil evaluations in their residential district deemed adequate for a particular trace mineral. The health outcomes in the study comprised hemoglobin levels and anthropometrics for pediatric individuals and blood hemoglobin levels and height for adult females. Further, the team evaluated the robustness of the findings by including additional controls, district-level data on other soil micro- and macro-nutrient tests (such as percentage satisfactory specimens for phosphorus, calcium, and nitrogen), and fertilizer use-related controls.

Furthermore, the researchers examined heterogeneity by region, urban versus rural residential type, gender, and wealth. Soil information was obtained from the Soil Health Card Scheme of India between 2017 and 2019. To assess variations in the district-level data aggregates, sample-level information from the Soil Health Card of Bihar was compared to the obtained district-level information.

Data on pediatric and feminine health and data for model controls were retrieved from Indias National Family Health Survey (NFHS), conducted between 2015 and 2016. Children were described as underweight, wasted, or stunted based on their z-scores and the World Health Organizations (WHO) standards. Fertilizer information was obtained from the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics 2015-2017 datasets.

Results and discussion

Soil zinc content was positively correlated with childrens linear height growth, and the iron content in the soil was positively correlated with hemoglobin levels. The association between the amount of zinc in soil and pediatric stunting was particularly robust, with a one standard deviation elevation in tests for satisfactory zinc content in soil (corresponding to an increase of 24% in the percentage of adequate zinc assessments) related to 11 fewer stunted children per 1,000 and a decrease in 12 underweight children per 1,000.

The zinc-stunting association was strongest for wealthier households and children residing in the northern and southern parts of India, perhaps reflecting that children from poorer homes face many more health constraints beyond zinc status that contribute to stunting. The zinc content in the soil was also linked to an elevation in female height.

One-SD elevation in satisfactory zinc content in soil was related to a 0.3 cm elevation in female height. However, district-level zinc content in soil was not associated with pediatric wasting, in accordance with previous studies. A one standard deviation in satisfactory soil iron content (corresponding to a 27% elevation in the percentage of sufficient iron evaluations) was related to a 0.04 g/dL rise in hemoglobin levels for pediatric individuals and adult females.

Similar results were obtained by controlling fertilizer usage. In models controlled for other soil nutrients, the link between the zinc content in soil and stunting remained significant, but the relationships between other micronutrients and health outcomes became statistically insignificant.

Osters sensitivity test results indicated a causal association between zinc content in soil and child stunting. There were no significant differences in the strength of the soil zinc-stunting association for girls versus boys or children residing in rural versus urban locations.

The relationship between soil zinc content and women's height is less robust than between soil zinc content and child stunting. This may be due to adult women moving across districts or older generations having more constraints on height.

Some adolescents may experience catch-up growth, which may mitigate the impacts of reduced childhood zinc intake. Soil zinc and iron content may also impact height and anemia, as soil zinc deficiency impedes cereal yields and zinc concentration in edible crops.

Overall, the study findings showed that soil mineral content in India impacts human nutritional status and health, indicating agronomic fortification as a method to reduce micronutrient deficiency. The relationship between the iron content of soil and hemoglobin is crucial from a population health perspective, as India has a high anemia prevalence.

The study contributes to the scientific body of evidence on environmental factors like sanitation, air pollution, aflatoxins, and child stunting.
An Orleans County man who was previously convicted on charges that he possessed child pornography has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of possessing it again, U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross reported.

Prosecutors said that investigators Spencer Hart, 39, was found to have more than 600 images of child pornography on his computer when they executed a search warrant July 16, 2020, at his home in Albion.

Some of the images included prepubescent minors and violence against children, prosecutors said. Hart also admitted that he had distributed child pornography via a peer-to-peer software program in June 2020.

Hart had been convicted in Orleans County Court in 2018 of attempted possession of an obscene sexual performance by a child. The latest sentence was handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge William M. Skretny.
The first trial to show that vaccination could confer HIV protection was the RV144 HIV vaccine trial. This trial reported an efficacy of 31%.

A key element of the RV144 trial was gp120, generated in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and deficient in N-linked glycosylation sites vital for binding several families of anti-HIV broadly neutralizing antibodies (bN-mAbs).

Researchers consider the absence of N-linked glycosylation to have possibly contributed to the modest efficacy of the vaccine.

Numerous epitopes bound by bN-mAbs have oligomannose terminal glycans, which are early intermediates in the N-linked glycosylation pathway.1

Dr. Bermans research group at the University of California Santa Cruz showed that recombinant gp120 (rgp120) expressed by MaxCyte electroporation of a HEK 293 cell line deficient in the N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I enzyme (GnTI- 293; ATCC CRL-3022) led to epitopes mainly comprised of mannose-5 terminal glycans.2

These glycan moieties enhanced the binding of three major bN-mAb families, indicating that utilization of this rgp120 during vaccination may lead to increased efficacy. However, GnTI- 293 cells are inappropriate for large, clinical-scale bioproduction, hindering progression to in vivo efficacy studies.

CHO cells remain the gold standard for biotherapeutic development. A CHO cell line lacking alpha-1,3-mannosyl-glycoprotein 2-beta-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (MGAT1) would create proteins predominantly containing oligomannose glycans and could significantly enhance the production and purification of HIV gp120, possibly also enhancing vaccine efficacy.

Aim

The researchers aimed to produce a CHO MGAT1- cell line via CRISPR gene knockout that preserves growth properties appropriate for use in manufacturing proteins.

An additional aim was to transiently express rgp120 in the engineered CHO MGAT1- cell line and to characterize protein glycosylation patterns and bN-mAb binding.

Image Credit: Adapted from Byrne et al (2018) under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Image Credit: Adapted from Byrne et al (2018) under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

CHO electroporation

For CHO MGAT1- construction, CHO-S cells were resuspended in MaxCyte Electroporation Buffer at 2 x 10 8 cells/mL

cells/mL CRISPR-Cas9, tracrRNA with guide sequence plasmid was added to a final concentration of 300 g/mL

For large-scale transient rgp120 production, an expression plasmid encoding the gp120 from the A244 HIV strain was electroporated into CHO MGAT1- cells

Following electroporation, cells were seeded at 4 x 10 6 cells/mL in OptiCHO media and subsequently cultured in 125 mL Erlenmeyer shake flasks

cells/mL in OptiCHO media and subsequently cultured in 125 mL Erlenmeyer shake flasks Sodium butyrate (1 mM) was added to the cultures 24 hours after electroporation and the temperature was reduced to 32 C

The complete methods for CHO MGAT1- development, screening and selection, in addition to glycosylation analysis and binding assays are presented in PLoS Biol, 16(8): e2005817, 2018.

Results

CRISPR delivery and generation of CHO MGAT1- cell line

CHO-S cells were electroporated with a plasmid encoding tracrRNA, CRISPR-Cas9, and a complete guide gRNA to target the MGAT1 gene.

CHO MGAT1- clones were firstly screened for staining utilizing fluorescein-labeled Galanthus nivalis lectin (GNA), which is a lectin that binds glycans with terminal mannose but not complex, sialic acid-containing glycans.

GNA bound to MGAT1- CHO but not the parental CHO-S cell line, as expected (Figure 1).

The four GNA-binding clones that demonstrated optimum growth rates were transiently transfected with a plasmid encoding A244-rgp120.

Secreted rgp120 underwent purification and subsequent analysis for overall titer and binding to the glycan-dependent bN-mAb PG9.

The chosen CHO MGAT1- cell line had rgp120 yields like the parental CHO-S line, in addition to comparable doubling times and the capability of growing at high density.

These characteristics were significantly better than the growth time, yield, and cell density restrictions of the GnTI- HEK 293 cell line employed in earlier studies.3 The chosen clone was sequenced to verify the disruption of the MGAT1 gene.

Identification of MGAT1- CHO cells via GNA binding of oligomannose

Figure 1. CHO-S parental cells or those electroporated with MGAT-targeting CRISPR machinery were incubated with fluorescein-labeled GNA to identify cells with surface proteins containing terminal mannose residues. Image Credit: Adapted from Byrne et al (2018) under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Transient Expression of rgp120

A224-rgp120 transiently generated by the chosen MGAT1- CHO cell line or parental CHO-S cells was characterized using MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy to analyze glycan composition. MGAT1-deficiency led to rgp120 containing more than 99% oligomannose glycans, compared to only 25% when generated in CHO-S cells (Figure 2).

The MGAT1-deficiency led to homogeneity of glycosylation, which positively affected purification. The rgp120 utilized in the RV144 HIV clinical trial exhibited vast net charge heterogeneity that significantly reduced the yield and increased the manufacturing complexity.

The rgp120 generated by MGAT1-deficient cells was secreted at high titers with homogeneous glycosylation, enabling purification with more conventional chromatography.

MGAT1-deficient CHO cells create rgp120 containing more than 99% oligomannose glycans

Figure 2. Purified rgp120 from the selected CHO MGAT1- cell line or the parental CHO-S cell line were analyzed via MALDI-TOF mass spectroscopy. Image Credit: Adapted from Byrne et al (2018) under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

MGAT1-deficiency generates rgp120 with enhanced binding to multiple bN-mAbs

The binding of rgp120 generated following MaxCyte electroporation of MGAT1- CHO or CHO-S cells to a panel of bN-mAbs was examined using fluorescence immunoassay.3 With the exception of a single antibody, all had modest to significant improvements in binding to rgp120 generated in the MGAT-deficient cells (Figure 3).

These results indicate that modifying glycosylation while preserving the amino acid sequence can positively affect bN-mAb binding. Assessment of the impact of oligomannose engineering on both in vivo immunogenicity and vaccine efficacy are crucial next steps.

Improved binding of V1/V2 and V3 domain bN-mAbs to rgp120 generated in MGAT1-deficient CHO cells

Figure 3. A224-rgp120 purified from CHO-S or MGAT1- CHO cells were coated onto microtiter plates and binding of a panel antibodies with broadly neutralizing capacity examined via FIA. Image Credit: Adapted from Byrne et al (2018) under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Conclusion

The high-performance cell engineering technology of MaxCyte delivered the CRISPR-Cas9 machinery efficiently while maintaining CHO-S cell viability, facilitating the rapid production of an MGAT1-deficient CHO cell line.

The established MGAT1- CHO cell line grew robustly at high density in suspension in serum-free medium. It generated rgp120 at high titers upon transient transfection.

The rgp120 generated with the newly engineered MGAT1- CHO cells contained the desired early oligomannose glycans. These oligomannose glycans improved the binding of key bN-mAbs. This cell line promises to be a vital tool in the clinical translation of more effective HIV vaccines.

References and further reading

High-mannose Glycan-dependent Epitopes Are Frequently Targeted in Broad Neutralizing Antibody Responses during HIV-1 Infection. (2012) J Virol, 86(4):2153-2164. Glycan Modification to the gp120 Immunogens Used in the RV144 Vaccine Trial Improve Binding to Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies. (2018) PLoS ONE, 13(4):e0196370. CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing for the Creation of an MGAT1-deficient CHO Cell Line to Control HIV-1 Vaccine Glycosylation. (2018) PLoS Biol, 16(8): e2005817.

About MaxCyte, Inc.

MaxCyte is a leading commercial cell-engineering company focused on providing enabling platform technologies to advance innovative cell-based research as well as next-generation cell therapy discovery, development and commercialization. Over the past 20 years, we have developed and commercialized our proprietary Flow Electroporation platform, which facilitates complex engineering of a wide variety of cells.

Our ExPERT platform, which is based on our Flow Electroporation technology, has been designed to support the rapidly expanding cell therapy market and can be utilized across the continuum of the high-growth cell therapy sector, from discovery and development through commercialization of next-generation, cell-based medicines. The ExPERT family of products includes: four instruments, the ATx, STx, GTx, and VLx; a portfolio of proprietary related processing assemblies or disposables; and software protocols, all supported by a robust worldwide intellectual property portfolio.

Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments.
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.
A SriLankan Airlines plane coming from Colombo made an emergency landing at the Delhi airport on Wednesday evening due to a hydraulic issue, according to a source.

The aircraft had more than 140 people onboard, the source in the know said.

The source said that a full emergency was declared at the Delhi airport at around 5 pm as the plane had suffered a hydraulic issue.

There was no immediate statement from SriLankan Airlines on the incident.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday, August 24, directed budget carrier SpiceJet and its chairman and managing director (CMD) Ajay Singh to pay Rs 100 crore to media baron Kalanithi Maran by September 10, 2023. The court also orally warned the failure to do so could also lead to the court attaching SpiceJets profits for the last quarter.

In a statement, SpiceJet said, In the enforcement petition filed by Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways, the Court in consultation and with the consent of SpiceJet directed the Company to pay Rs 100 crore by September 10, 2023. SpiceJet will honour the Delhi High Courts order and make the specified payment within the prescribed timeframe.

The company added that the division bench of the Delhi High Court today admitted the appeal of SpiceJet and Ajay Singh and issued notice to Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways. The Court also stated that they would grant an expedited hearing in the matter.

We are hopeful for an expeditious resolution of the appeal. We are committed to presenting our matter diligently and respectfully, seeking a just and fair resolution, SpiceJet said.

The development comes a day after Spicejet and its promoter Ajay Singh approached the Delhi High Court challenging a single-judge order upholding an arbitral award asking them to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to media baron Kalanithi Maran.

The appeals came up before a division bench of Justices Yashwant Varma and Dharmesh Sharma which initially listed it for hearing on September 15 as the counsel for Spicejet and Singh were not present.

Later, Spicejets counsel had mentioned the matter before the bench which then listed it for hearing on Thursday.

On July 31, the single judge had upheld the award announced by the arbitration tribunal on July 20, 2018 in favour of Maran and his company Kal Airways.

There is nothing in the impugned award to suggest that it suffers from patent illegality and the findings therein are perverse and will shock the conscience of this court.

In the instant case, the petitioners have not been able to prove that the impugned arbitral award is patently illegal, against public policy of India or fundamental policy of law and thus have failed to make out a case for the award to be set aside, the single judge bench had said in its verdict.

It had said the court was barred from entering into the merits of an award unless there was an error that was apparent on the face of the record or an illegality that goes to the root of the matter.

Ajay Singh had approached the high court challenging the arbitral award.

The high court had said the petitioners had failed to substantiate the grounds for setting aside the arbitral award and dismissed the two petitions by Spicejet and Ajay Singh.

The case dates to January 2015, when Singh, who owned the airline earlier, bought it back from Maran after it was grounded for months due to a resource crunch.

While the tribunal had asked Maran to pay Singh and the airline Rs 29 crore in penal interest, Singh was asked to refund Rs 579 crore plus interest to Maran.

The tribunal, created in 2016 on the orders of the Delhi High Court to adjudicate the share transfer dispute, had held that there was no breach of a share sale and purchase agreement reached between Maran and current promoter Ajay Singh in late January 2015.

In a relief to Ajay Singh, the tribunal had, however, rejected Marans appeal for damages of Rs 1,323 crore from the Gurugram-based carrier.

In February 2015, Maran of the Sun Network and Kal Airways, his investment vehicle, had transferred their 58.46 per cent stake in SpiceJet to Singh for Rs 2 along with Rs 1,500 crore debt liability, after the airline was grounded due to a severe cash crunch. Singh was the first co-founder of the airline and is now its chairman and managing director.

As part of the agreement, Maran and Kal Airways had claimed to have paid Spicejet Rs 679 crore for issuing warrants and preference shares. However, Maran approached the Delhi high court in 2017, alleging SpiceJet had neither issued convertible warrants and preference shares nor returned the money.

(With Inputs From PTI)
Schools administered by the Uttar Pradesh Board, CBSE, ICSE, and other educational boards in Bareilly will remain closed today, August 24, as a result of the persistently torrential rainfall in the city. This holiday is applicable to all students in classes 18. BSA Sanjay Singh, the official overseeing educational matters, has issued a directive ordering the closure of all schools in the city of Bareilly for the day. Schools with exams or pre-scheduled programmes for grades one through eight, on the other hand, have been granted permission to continue functioning.

All school administrations have been asked to strictly adhere to the instructions given by BSA Sanjay Singh. SR International School, on the other hand, has made it clear through all of its communication channels that classes will be held online. Parents of students at SR International School have expressed reservations of this move since the government has declared a holiday for schools. They argue that online classes should not be conducted in disregard of the governments order.

In response to these concerns, Ruma Goyal, MD of SR International School, told Amar Ujala that online lessons are routinely held during holidays. She suggested that, given the unavoidable shutdown of physical schools due to adverse weather, offering online lessons is an acceptable course of action.

Persistent heavy rains have interrupted routine school operations in Bareilly over the last two days. On Wednesday, the schools had water seeping in, which caused several issues. While some parents chose to keep their children at home, those children who did go to school experienced a number of difficulties. Teachers had to protect their teaching supplies by placing them in raised places when the classrooms began to flood.

The water swamped a primary school in Hajiyapur and another in Ayodhya. This condition also made it difficult to prepare mid-day meals in several areas owing to waterlogging and constant rain. Teachers posted disturbing photos of waterlogged schools and videos of students playing in muddy water.

Meanwhile, the Punjab government has stated that all government, aided, and private schools in the state would be closed from August 23rd to August 26th. This preventive action is in response to the threat of flooding caused by the present excessive rainfall. Similarly, the meteorological service has issued a red alert for eight of Himachal Pradeshs twelve districts due to the risk of unusually high rainfall.
The allure of a government job has long captured the aspirations of countless young minds, propelling them into years of rigorous preparation for the UPSC exam. Among these determined individuals is Shrestha Shree from Dhanbad, Jharkhand, who achieved a remarkable feat in the UPSC 2022 examination. Shrestha Shrees journey towards success is a testament to dedication and perseverance, marked by her educational achievements at prestigious institutions like Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Shresthas outstanding accomplishment in securing 190 marks in the UPSC interview further underlines her excellence. Her All India Rank (AIR) of 444 in CSE UPSC 2022 showcases the remarkable depth of her knowledge and preparation. Facing an extensive interview that delved into various domains, Shresthas performance stands as an impressive achievement.

Passionate about the realms of political science, Shrestha pursued her higher secondary studies at DAV, where her academic journey began. Armed with a strong foundation, she ventured into her UPSC preparation, enrolling in Miranda House, Delhi, for a BA program focusing on Political Science and International Relations. In 2022, she added another feather to her cap by completing her Masters degree from the prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her deep knowledge and expertise in her chosen subjects were evident during her UPSC interview.

Arriving at the UPSC office in Delhi for her interview, Shrestha Shrees punctuality was commendable, as she appeared half an hour before her scheduled time. A unique feature of the UPSC interview process is the presence of multiple panels, with each panel assessing six candidates. The interview kicks off with an informal conversation designed to gauge the candidates personality. This phase involves light questioning to establish a comfortable atmosphere for both the panelists and the interviewees. Shresthas interview, a span of 25 to 30 minutes, was a testament to her poise and preparation.

Amid the range of questions posed, one intriguing query stood out  a question about the saree she was wearing. A panellists inquiry into the type of saree showcased Shresthas quick thinking and ability to navigate unexpected questions. Although the specific details eluded her, her response was candid and graceful. She acknowledged her limited knowledge about sarees but confidently identified the fabric as silk, celebrated for its exquisite beauty.
Calling himself a Hanuman Bhakt, Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath had years ago got one of Indias tallest statues of the deity installed in his stronghold of Chhindwara. Now, CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan is laying the foundation stone of his big project, Shri Hanuman Lok in the same district.

Ahead of the year-end Madhya Pradesh elections, both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are trying to endear themselves to the Hindu voters. Kamal Nath recently said there was no need for a debate on calling India a Hindu Rashtra since the majority population was Hindu.

CM Shivraj is in Chhindwara on Thursday, now praying to Lord Hanuman here as well. There exists an ancient Hanuman temple in Sanwali village in the district near the confluence of two rivers, which is much revered by devotees.

Whats planned

The Shri Hanuman Lok will come up near this ancient temple on 26.50 acres of land and the cost of the first phase of this project will be Rs 35 crore, followed by phase 2. The blueprint of the project accessed by News18 shows there will be many statues and figures of Lord Hanuman, including a sculpture of his child form in the first courtyard. A 500-metre-long Chiranjeevi path will lead from the entrance. Painting and artwork will be done over about 90,000 square feet.

In the second courtyard, Lord Hanuman will be depicted in the form of idols and works of art and this will be developed in about 62,000 square feet. The main entrance is inspired by the Marathwada architecture. A Muktakash Manch is also being set up, which will be an open-air theatre spread over 12,000 sq ft for Ramlila and other religious events. There will also be the development of a Sanjivani Path for circumambulation of the holy Ramtekri mountain here.

Other facilities

Administrative offices, ticket counters, control rooms, an ayurvedic dispensary, shops, and food courts will come up the Shri Hanuman Lok along with landscaping for the seating of the devotees and for other religious functions. A laboratory, Pravachan Hall, open interpretation centre, waterfront pathway and sitting area, restaurant, gaushala, and ghat on Jam river will come up here in the second phase.

The Jam Sanwali Hanuman Temple is considered a miraculous shrine by devotees who take home the water coming out of the idol here as it is believed to be holy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held talks with China President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in South Africa amid a stand-off between the two countries in Ladakh.

According to Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Prime Minister, in the conversation with Xi, highlighted Indias concerns on the unresolved issues along the Lines of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western sector of the India-China border areas.

#WATCH | Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra says, Prime Minister had interactions with other BRICS leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, Prime Minister highlighted Indias concerns on the unresolved issues along the LAC in the western sector of the pic.twitter.com/37YoxHeuC4 ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

The two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation. The PM underlined that maintenance of peace, tranquillity in border areas, respecting LAC essential for normalisation of India-China ties, Kwatra said.

The meeting comes amid strained ties between countries over the border issue. Last year, PM Modi and President Xi had a brief encounter in November during the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia.

During the G20 dinner, both leaders said to have exchanged pleasantries. This marked their first handshake since the standoff between Chinas Peoples Liberation Army and Indian forces in eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

Over the past three years, India and China have been in a prolonged standoff, resulting in deteriorating relations at all levels due to tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two nations have engaged in 19 rounds of talks since 2020 to address boundary issues in eastern Ladakh.

India and China held the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks on August 13 and 14 with a focus on resolving pending issues at the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh.

A joint statement described the talks as positive, constructive and in-depth and that both sides agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner.

Days after the fresh round of high-level talks, the local commanders of the two militaries held a series of negotiations in two separate locations to resolve issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok.
Days after Bombay high court rapped the Mumbai civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is ready to conduct a drive to fix potholes on several major and minor roads. The move has come in the wake of Ganesh Chaturthi. The roads that will be fixed usually record heavy influx of devotees and vehicles during the festival.

A report in Indian Express quoted BMC officials as saying that a map of the route  via which organisers take out processions during arrival and immersion ceremonies  will be drafted, and based on this, the pothole filling work will be taken up on war footing.

BMC in July this year floated a Rs 36-crore tender for filling potholes across Mumbai, the report stated. The IE further quoted P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (Projects), as saying that no fresh funds have been allocated for the drive, and the entire pothole filling work would be carried out under the last work order that BMC had awarded for filling the potholes on Mumbai roads.

Mandals across the city will start bringing in idols starting September 10, for the 10-day festival which begins from September 19 this year, the report stated.

Earlier this month, the Bombay high court had summoned the civic chiefs of Mumbai and five other municipal corporations to court for not complying with its directions to keep roads and footpaths pothole-free.

The HC had said no action will be taken unless senior officials are made personally liable. Apart from the commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the chiefs of the Thane Municipal Corporation, Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation, Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation and Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation were also asked to appear before the court.

The court said that it has been five years and it appears that adequate action has not been taken by the civic bodies to ensure strict compliance of the orders.

We require the presence of the BMC Commissioner and the commissioners of the other municipal corporations to explain as to why they should not be made liable for disobedience and non-compliance of court orders, the bench had said.
Madhya Pradesh Congress MLA Sanjay Sharma appeared before police in Nagpur in Maharashtra on Thursday for recording his statement in connection with the murder of Bharatiya Janata Party functionary Sana alias Heena Khan, an official said.

Sharma, who was sent a notice by police on Monday, appeared before Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Rahul Madne, the official said, adding that the action was part of a routine probe into the murder case.

Sharma is the legislator from Tendukheda in Damoh district in the neighbouring state.

A police probe has found that Khan (34) had gone to Jabalpur in Madhya Pradesh on August 2 after a fight a day earlier over a video call with her estranged husband Pappu Sahu, who allegedly suspected her character.

She went missing that day and a probe revealed she was killed allegedly by her husband and his associates and the body disposed of, the official said.

A probe has also found a sextortion link to the case as she was allegedly being used to honeytrap others by the accused. Her husband and others have been arrested and charged with murder, the official said.

Khan was part of the BJPs minority cell from Awasthi Nagar in Nagpur, as per police.
It is a scam that may sound familiar to grandparents everywhere.

The phone rings, and the voice on the other end says Grandma? or Grandpa? and proceeds to tell a tale of woe about needing money. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center reported that from January 2020 to June 2021, it received more than 650 reports of potential grandparent scams, resulting in losses of more than $13 million. More than 90 victims reported that money was picked up from their homes, resulting in losses of more than $3.6 million.

Prosecutors in Western New York say they have nabbed a man who helped perpetrate such a crime that netted more than a quarter of a million dollars from grandparents living at 18 different addresses, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court.

Mohamed Khaled Sakr, who authorities accuse of conspiring with others to commit wire fraud, made his initial federal court appearance Wednesday.

The court papers do not spell out all of the details of the case, and his brief courtroom appearance shed little light on the scheme, other than to portray Sakr as a courier who collected the money from anxious and hoodwinked grandparents.

Feds cite link between longtime scammer and Buffalo organized crime Joseph C. Bella III is absolutely not a member of any organized crime, attorney Thomas J. Eoannou said. I think the government is trying to connect dots that presently dont exist.

But the criminal complaint focusing on what happened to an Arcade grandmother reveals how the scam worked. She lost $9,000. A Cheektowaga grandmother was duped into paying more than $17,000 to the fake bondsman, according to court records.

The grandparents were strung along by fake stories about their grandchildren in trouble with the law after traffic crashes. Anxious to help their grandchildren, they paid thousands of dollars in cash to the pretend bail bondsman who showed up at their homes to collect the money, according to an affidavit from Charles S. Tolias, a special agent for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

In court, Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell Ippolito Jr. described Sakr as a money mule who collected money from the grandparents and distributed it to others in the scheme.

Law enforcement officials relied on a search warrant to track his mobile device and numerous license plate readers across the state to pinpoint 23 addresses where he drove a rented 2022 black Ford Escape from May 9 to May 13.

Sakr, whose legal representation is still being worked out, faces 20 years in prison if convicted. He was arrested in Boston and was remanded into custody here.

Scammer gets prison for cheating 200 small businesses out of $1.2M When he was talking to clients, Sergiy Bezrukov would often go by the name Thomas Paris. And if not that, then Kerry Clancy. He also would use different names  Clear Call Systems, Community Legal Aid Services and Corporate Restructure  when referring to his loan restructuring company. In the end, none of it was true. In fact, the only

The Arcade grandmothers account to the Wyoming County Sheriffs Office about how she lost $9,000 sparked the investigation from county and federal law enforcement officials.

The grandmother said she received a call from a man claiming to be an attorney, who told her that her grandson was in jail after rear-ending a pregnant lady. The man told her that his son knew her grandson, and so he was willing to represent her grandson in court.

He said he needed $18,000 in cash for bail. The man put another man, who claimed to be her grandson, on the phone. The grandmother told authorities that the man did not sound like her grandson, but he claimed to have Covid-19, which made it difficult for him to speak, according to the federal agents affidavit.

The man pretending to be her grandson advised her to listen to the man who first called her and do what he asked, according to her account to investigators.

I told (him) that I could only get $9,000 from the bank and (he) told me that would be OK, but it would need to be given to his driver in cash, the grandmother said in a deposition.

'I wanted to believe him,' says retiree who lost $30,000 in online romance scam A 70-year-old Amherst woman lost $30,000 to a man she met through eharmony.com and who said he was working as an international contractor living in

The man who initiated the phone call instructed her to tell the bank she was taking the money out for home renovations. There was a gag order on the case, he said, so if she was to mention it, her grandson would suffer the consequences, she told officials.

The man then told her a driver would come to her home to pick up the cash.

That happened in the late afternoon May 11. She received another call from the man telling her that the driver would be there any minute to get the money.

Right then, the driver arrived at her front door. She gave him the money, and he gave her a receipt.

The driver parked toward the end of the grandmothers driveway, so she could not describe the vehicle. When the driver left, the man called again, telling her that he needed $150, but this time to use her bank card. She gave him her card information.

The cost of a fraudulent romance? $250,000 In May of last year, Richard Edvin connected with a local woman on Instagram, and their friendship quickly turned romantic. Even though they had never met, the Oregon man communicated with the woman on an almost daily basis, their intimate texts and phone calls solidifying her trust in him. Edvin claimed to be working on an oil rig off

The next day, a Friday, she wanted to find out how her grandsons court appearance went, so she attempted to call the man.

The phone number came back out of service and this is when I realized I got scammed, the grandmother said in a deposition.

According to Tolias, the couriers posing as bondsmen often meet at a safehouse, where the money collected from victims is kept. The money is sent from the safehouse to a cryptocurrency converter. The ill-gotten proceeds are then transferred to leaders of the fraud scheme, often located outside of the United States.

The couriers often retain 8% of the money they cheat out of the grandparents, according to the federal agent. The safehouse retains 3% of the funds collected, and the leaders of the scheme keep the rest, typically sent to them in cryptocurrency.

Homeland Security Investigations got involved after learning of the defrauded Arcade grandmother from the Wyoming County Sheriffs Office.

Elderly South Buffalo woman scammed one, two, nearly three times She thought she was helping her grandson out of a jam last week when she twice withdrew $9,000 and handed the cash over to an unknown woman, police

A sheriffs investigator took a photograph of the fraudsters phone call on the grandmothers caller ID that showed when she received the call about the driver arriving at her home.

The call originated in Italy, Texas. The grandmother reported that she received no other visitors when the pretend bondsman arrived.

The federal agent then gathered subpoena information from Verizon that confirmed that the grandmother was in contact with the Texas phone number.

The Sheriffs Office obtained a warrant served on Google to identify any mobile devices that were located within geographic coordinates surrounding the grandmothers home at the time the driver retrieved her money.

There was only one device present on a roadway near her home at that time  the drivers.

At that time, the identity of the devices owner was unknown to law enforcement, according to Tolias.

Another search warrant served on Google allowed authorities to discover basic subscriber information, including the owners identifiers, including a Google account number, Gmail address and other information.

The name listed on the account was Mohamed Khaled Sakr, according to court papers.

The Sheriffs Office search of the state Department of Motor Vehicle system resulted in one match by that name. The Sheriffs Office also located Canadian drivers license information about Sakr, which showed he had a suspended Quebec drivers license.

A search for Enterprise Rent-A-Car rental vehicles was conducted using his Quebec drivers license information, and it turned up a rental agreement for the Ford Escape, rented and returned to Montreal Trudeau International Airport.

A search of the license plate reader system on the Quebec license plate number revealed where and when the vehicle traveled.

The search warrant information obtained from Google showed his device was observed at various addresses throughout New York State, including one in Cheektowaga among the several addresses in Western New York.

Indeed, Cheektowaga police responded to a fraud complaint at that address. A Cheektowaga grandmother withdrew $17,120 in cash to pay someone she thought was a bail bondsman.

A neighbors security system footage showed the fake bondsman parked the Ford Escape several houses down from her residence and walked to her home.

She thought she was paying a bondsman to help her granddaughter, who she was told caused a serious traffic injury. The grandmother eventually spoke with her granddaughter, who confirmed she had not been in an accident.
Welcoming G20 members to the Pink City of Jaipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that today India is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities and options. He added that Indian economy is now seen with optimism and confidence.

A very warm welcome to Jaipur, the Pink City. This region is known for its dynamic and enterprising people. Friends, throughout history, trade has led to exchange of ideas, cultures and technology. It has brought people closer. Trade and globalisation have also lifted hundred of millions out to extreme poverty. Today we see global optimism and confidence in the Indian economy. India is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities and options, the prime minister said in his address.

PM Modi further said, During the last nine years, India has become the fifth largest global economy. This is the result of our sustained efforts. We embark on the journey of reform, perform and transform. In 2014, we have increased competitiveness and enhanced transparency. We have expanded digitization and promoted innovation.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his virtual address at the G20 Meeting of Trade and Investment Ministers says, "MSME account for 60 to 70 per cent of employment & contribute 50 per cent of the global GDP. They need our continuous support. Their empowerment translates pic.twitter.com/94BLT9800E ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

Trade and investment ministers from G20 members, heads of international organisations like the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and representatives of invitee countries will attend the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting (TIMM) in Jaipur from August 24-25.

Among them is Singapores Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong, who will highlight the empowerment of the integration of Small and Medium Enterprises into the global trading system.

Hosted by India, the theme of this years G20 is Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (One Earth, One Family, One Future). During the TIMM, the ministers will deliberate on issues of common interest impacting global trade and investment across three sessions focusing on multilateral trade for global growth and prosperity, inclusive and resilient trade and leveraging technology for paperless trade.

More than 300 delegates are arriving in Jaipur to attend the meeting of the trade and investment ministers of G20 under Indias presidency. The outcomes from these deliberations would provide guidance on accelerating global trade and investment, which is increasingly facing headwinds from a challenging global macroeconomic outlook.

Singapore is participating in the G20 discussions as a guest country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Greece for a one-day visit on Friday after participating in the BRICS Summit in South Africa. This is the first visit of an Indian prime minister to Greece in four decades.

Indias Ambassador to Greece Rudrendra Tandon said that the PMs historic visit to Greece for talks with the European countrys top leadership will give a new impetus to their close bilateral relationship, particularly in areas such as trade, security, and people-to-people contact.

PM @narendramodi wraps up a fruitful visit to South Africa that launched a new chapter in the BRICS journey.PM now emplanes for Greece for engagements with an important Mediterranean partner. pic.twitter.com/2IM1ZyHvWY  Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 24, 2023

The last high-level visit to Greece took place in September 1983 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi travelled to the country.

PM Modis Greece Schedule

6:25 am (local time): The Prime Minister will arrive at Athens International Airport.

10.05 am: PM Modi will lay a wreath at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier and Guard of Honour.

10.25 am: PM Modi will receive a ceremonial reception and will hold a meeting with Greece President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

11.05 am: PM Modi will receive a ceremonial reception and will meet with the PM of Greece.

12.45 pm: The PM will attend a business lunch hosted by the Greek PM.

5.20 pm: PM Modi will meet prominent personalities.

6.05 pm: The Prime Minister will interact with the Indian community.

7.25 pm: The PM will depart from Athens

Indias Relations With Greece

Greece has stood by Indias side in the aftermath of the 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran when several countries had slapped sanctions against New Delhi. Greece has also supported Indias candidature for becoming a permanent member of the reformed UN Security Council.

It is an old relationship. It is a close relationship. It covers several dimensions. Europe is just one of those dimensions. But, we have many other convergences and we work in many of those areas, Indias Ambassador to Greece Rudrendra Tandon said in response to a question about whether India sees Athens as a gateway to Europe.

I think both sides feel that the world has changed in such a fundamental way and the relationship needs to be given a new impetus. That is what brings the two prime ministers together tomorrow, he said.

#WATCH | Members of the Indian diaspora in Athens, Greece raise slogans of Bharat Mata ki jai, Vande Mataram and Modi ji zindabadPrime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Greece on August 25. pic.twitter.com/TIvnM62Pz6  ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2023

Tandon said cross-border terrorism (CBT) will be an important agenda for discussion during Modis talks with the Greek leadership but not the only subject.

Cross-border terrorism and terrorism in general is a forgotten threat to international peace and security. We, as India, since we face so much of it in our region, we are constantly telling the international community that the threat remains, it is ever present, Tandon said.

Trade economics and investments are certainly on the cards. There is a business delegation accompanying the prime minister during this visit. I also know there will be an interaction of the two PMs with Indian and Greek businessmen. Certainly, we hope that some magic will come from those conversations, Tandon said.

I hope it will be a very successful visit. I hope we get outcomes that can take this relationship in a practical way to new levels, Tandon said.

(With PTI inputs)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in South Africa for BRICS Summit, gifted a painting, a shawl and a Surahi to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his wife and first lady Tshepo Motsepe.

The PM said his visit to South Africa was a very productive one and the BRICS Summit was fruitful and historic as it welcomed new countries to this forum.

The leaders of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) met on Thursday and decided to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the new members of the grouping, sealing a long-drawn process. Besides Modi, leaders from Brazil, South Africa and China attended the meeting while Russia President Vladimir Putin participated virtually.

The decision was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a joint media briefing along with Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The new members will become part of BRICS with effect from January 1, 2024.

Nagaland Shawl for First Lady of South Africa

Naga shawls are an exquisite form of textile art that has been woven for centuries by the tribes in Nagaland. These shawls are known for their vibrant colours, intricate designs, and the use of traditional weaving techniques, which have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Naga shawl is made from locally sourced materials such as cotton, silk, and wool. One of the most striking features of the Naga shawl is the use of geometric and symbolic designs. The designs are inspired by the tribes myths, legends, and beliefs, with designs having specific meanings and significance.

Each Naga shawl tells a unique story, reflecting the tribes history, beliefs, and way of life. The colours used in the Naga shawls are symbolic. The Nagas believe that colours have a profound impact on their lives and well-being. Red, for instance, symbolizes courage, while black represents mourning. White is associated with purity, and green is a symbol of growth and prosperity. The weavers often use natural dyes made from plants and roots to create these vibrant colours.

Bidri Work Pair of Surahi from Telangana to South African President

Bidrivase is a purely Indian Innovation of 500 years old Persian exclusive to Bidar. Bidrivase is cast with an alloy of Zink, Copper and other non-ferrous metals. Pretty patterns are engraved on the casting and inlaid with pure Silver wire.

The casting is then soaked in a solution mixed with the special soil of Bidar fort which has special oxidising properties. This causes the zinc alloy to turn into a lustrous black leaving the silver inlay intact to contrast stunningly with the black background.

Silver Nakkashi is a centuries-old craft. The patterns are first drawn on paper and then transferred on silver sheets. Silver sheets are beaten into shape with hammer and fine tools. Final touching, polishing, and buffing are done to make the article exotic. The work, which is carried out in many parts of India and particularly in the State of Karnataka, requires a lot of hard work, accuracy and excellent skills.

Gond Painting from Madhya Pradesh For Brazilian President

Gond paintings are one of the most admired tribal art forms. The word Gond comes from the Dravidian expression Kond which means green mountain.

Gond Painting from Madhya Pradesh For Brazilian President (Photo: Special Arrangement)These paintings, created by dots and lines, have been a part of pictorial art on walls and floors of Gonds and it is done with the construction and re-construction of each and every house, with locally available natural colours and materials like charcoal, coloured soil, plant sap, leaves, cow dung, lime stone powder, etc.
Tamannaah Bhatia graced the special screening of her much-awaited series Aakhri Sach looking comfortably chic. The highlight of her alluring look was the underbust corset she wore over a shirt and blue wide leg pants.

Tamannaah continued her love for corsets with the magma sculpted underbust corset in galaxy designed by British-Indian fashion designer Nikita Karizma. Nikitas unique and exquisite creations have been adorned and loved by celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Lady Gaga, Kylie Jenner, Winnie Harlow and Gwen Stefani.

With corsets being one of her iconic creations, the design styled on Tamannaah was from Nikita Karizmas SS23 collection which took three months to develop from design to production samples.

Describing Tamannaahs unique look, Nikita Karizma says, Tamannaah [Bhatia] looks so fashion forward and chic wearing a Nikita Karizma corset design. I love the pop of electric blue styled over a shirt with wide leg pants styled by Mohit Rai. This is a unique resort wear look to take you into the evening, perfect against a tropical skyline.

Styled by celebrity stylish Mohit Rai, Nikita credits him for bringing her designs to India. Elated with his and Tamannaah support, Nikita adds, I am very appreciative that Tamannaah [Bhatia] and Mohit Rai have supported an Indian designer based in London and am grateful we can celebrate Indian designers on a global fashion scene. Mohit Rai is the first stylist based in India to discover me and bring my designs back home.

Matching the dramatic Mumbai skyline, the radiant sculpted corset beautifully blended modern allure with vintage-inspired elegance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the underbust corset top features a lace-up back. Tamannaah exuded grace and glamour and caught our attention with this chic look.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Varinder Chawla (@varindertchawla)

Apart from the impeccable styling, Tamannaah hair was styled by Ratanti Pramanik and makeup was done by celebrity makeup artist Billy Manik. Tamannaah completed her look with jewellery from Outhouse Jewellery.

Tamannaahs Aakhri Sach, which is a crime investigation thriller series, is set to be released on Disney+ Hotstar on August 25, 2023. The special screening was attended by celebrities including Vijay Varma, Sonam Bajwa, Gauahar Khan, Abhishek Banerjee and Eijaz Khan among others.
Back in 2014, Salman Khans sister Arpita Khan tied the knot with Aayush Sharma in an extravagant ceremony held at the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad. The wedding had captured widespread attention. Fast forward to the present, a video from their memorable ceremony has reemerged on the internet. The video showcases Salman Khan immersed in the festivities, relishing joyful moments, sharing hearty laughter, and engaging in candid poses with fellow guests.

Looking charming in a classic black solid t-shirt, Salman Khan can be observed beaming and blowing a kiss as the camera zooms in on him, in the clip. Numerous guests can be seen dancing with fervour at the venue. The video, shared by Salmans brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri, married to Salmans other sister, Alvira Khan, gives a glimpse into the celebrations.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Atul Agnihotri (@atulreellife)

Fans were quite amazed to see Salman Khan in a carefree mood in the video. One said, Want to see Salman smiling like this always. Others said, Omg Salman so cute. A comment read, Oh my word look at Salman, awwe.

The video also shows drone footage, providing an aerial glimpse of the venue where Salman Khan and his family hosted Arpita and Aayushs lavish wedding. Apart from Salman Khans candid shots, the clip also features a photograph of Aayush and Arpita on their wedding day. They are both seen holding hands and looking at each other lovingly.

According to the reports, Arpitas wedding was one of the most lavish and expensive ones at that time. The venue, Taj Falaknuma Hotel, was earlier a palace and cost approximately Rs 1 crore every day to the Khan family. Salman Khans family had booked the entire hotel for two days for the grand wedding.

Aayush and Arpita are proud of a seven-year-old son, Ahil, and a three-year-old daughter named Ayat.

After the release of Salman Khans Tiger 3 this Diwali, the actor will start shooting for a film with Shershaah director Vishnuvardhan. The actor is reportedly playing a paramilitary officer in the film. The film will be released during the Christmas weekend of 2024.
Abhilash Joshiys multi-lingual King of Kotha is a gangster drama set in the fictional town of Kotha, although the actual shoot was at Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu. Produced by Dulquer Salmaan, who plays the title role, the film is way too long at 176 minutes and its camera is trained on him  at least most of the time. Like movies in the genre, King of Kotha weaves its way through webs and deceits with a smattering of romance and sibling love. This is precisely the movies undoing, for the digressions from gangsterism and drug deals get diluted and ultimately lose their power and punch.

The story begins with a police circle inspector, Shahul Hassan (Prasanna), taking up his new assignment in Kotha. On his arrival, the townsfolk ask him sarcastically whether this is a punishment posting. He brushes it off, but little does he realise that the place is indeed ruled by goons, who revel in the lawlessness they spread.

And when best buddies turn bitter enemies, Kotha is divided into two halves. Kannan (Shabeer Kallarakkal) and Raju or Salmaan had been thick of friends since their boyhood days, but when their principles clash, animosity and rancour split them. While Raju is dead against drugs, Kannan wants to make a quick buck by turning the town into zombie-land.

Eventually, it calls for the acumen of Hassan to get things under control, and he chooses an unorthodox method to defeat Kannan and his gang. You need an iron to cut an iron, you need a thorn to tackle a thorn, the cop quips and enlists Rajus help to get even with Kannan.

King of Kotha has a nice plot, but an over-ambitious scripting pushes it in a multitude of paths with the cream of it all turning sour. The narrative is uneven, and direction not quite up to the mark.

But I must admit Salmaans style is gripping; as a don with a kind heart, he emotes with alacrity  conveying pride, prejudices, sorrow, disappointment and fleeting joy with a touch of excellence. But we all knew where the story would lead us to. No points for guessing. And, yes, producer Salmaan needs to be a little more magnanimous with screen time for others. They appear more like uni-dimensional caricatures.
Hollywood star Matthew McConaugheys wife, Camila Alves, recently shared details about her relationship with her mother-in-law, Mary Kathleen McCabe. Speaking on Southern Livings podcast Biscuits & Jam, Alves revealed that earning her mother-in-laws respect wasnt easy when she first started dating the Interstellar star. Alves, who tied the knot with McConaughey in 2012, she revealed how she faced a number of tests by Mary during the early stages of her relationship with Matthew.

Alves said, 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 down a bit. I mean, all kinds of stuff."

Camila Alves further recounted a memory when she got a modelling job in Istanbul and received an additional first-class plane ticket and hotel stay. She kindly offered these to Matthew McConaugheys mother and told her, Ma Mac, youre gonna come with me and well travel together."

The entire 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 added.

Alves then spoke about an incident when she was taking her mother-in-law to her room. During this moment, Mary Kathleen McCabe unexpectedly became emotional and expressed feelings that Alves couldnt share. Alves felt sympathetic and was concerned for her, however, As I put her to bed, I look at her and Im like, Oh my gosh. Shes full of s**t."

At that point, Camila Alves decided to take a different approach and showed her Brazilian and Latin side, after a little argument with her, She just looked at me and she was like, Okay. Now youre in. All she wanted was for me to fight back."

Following that incident, their relationship took a positive turn and Camila stated that from that very night, their bond became stronger. She highlighted that the two have a great respect for each other, however, she also claims that while their relationship can be complex sometimes, but they manage to find ways to resolve the issue through humour and laughter.

Camila Alves and Matthew McConaughey had a lavish three-day wedding celebration at their residence in Texas, US on June 9, 2012.
Actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who is currently in the US on a break from acting, took to Instagram on Thursday to share pictures from her visit to the Natural History Museum in New York City. The actress looked beautiful in a green, corset-style top with a cold shoulder design. She paired it with matching statement trousers and a brown bag. Samantha also wore dainty gold accessories to complete her look.

She captioned the photos with the following quote: All life on Earth is related. Your hand resembles a bats wing. Your cells have the same structure as the cells of a pineapple. Segments of your DNA match a mushrooms genetic code. Why? Because you share ancestors with every living thing on Earth. Some relationships are closer, some more distant. But we are all part of the same family tree.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Samantha (@samantharuthprabhuoffl)

Samanthas fans took to the comments section to express their love for the actress. One fan wrote, Life is yours goddess  Another person wrote, Take heart take every thing One fan added, That damn smile 

I love you so much  @samantharuthprabhuoffl, one person wrote. Another fan added, Heyy my beauty Samantha garu  Omg youre such a cutie , wrote another fan.

Samantha is reportedly in the USA to get treated for myositis, an autoimmune disease that affects the muscles causing inflammation and severe pain, among other symptoms. She also recently shared a post about feeling nostalgic about her visit to the Big Apple since she shot her first film in the city. She said that back then, she felt like a scared little girl without a clue about how she was going to make it, but daring enough to dream the big dream.

She recently attended the India Day Parade in New York City as the Chief Guest to mark Indias 77th Independence Day.
Tamil filmmaker S Shankar has been known to make big-budget films that get big releases on a pan-India level. The director has worked with big names like Rajinikanth in films like Sivaji: The Boss, Enthiren and 2.0 and with Kamal Haasan in Indian (1996). He is currently making Indian 2 with Kamal Haasan.

Another big hit that Shankar delivered was with Chiyaan Vikram in the 2005 film Anniyan. Anniyan told a story rarely explored in Indian cinema, bringing Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD) to the attention of the mainstream audience.

As with many of Shankars films, Anniyan had a theme of vigilantism and was one of Vikrams career-best performances. The actor portrayed three different personalities trapped within a single body with absolute ease and perfection and the movie was a hit, earning Rs 57 crore against a budget of Rs 20 crore and also won a National Award for Best Special Effects.

Those who did not get to watch the visual spectacle on the big screen will soon be getting another chance to do so. Anniyan is being planned for a re-release very soon. Vani Ravichandran, who produced the film, has given out a statement saying that it would soon hit theatres after being modified for 4K quality. The release date has not been yet disclosed. This announcement comes not long after Kamal Haasans Vettaiyaadu Vilaiyaadu and Suriyas Vaaranam Aayiram were re-released in theatres once again.

It was widely reported that Shankar was planning to remake Anniyan in Hindi with Ranveer Singh in the lead. Reports regarding this collaboration first surfaced in early 2021 but the project has since gone through a series of trouble. Producer Ravichandran had moved court in 2021 against Shankar over the remake rights of the film. No update for the film was then received for two years and Shankar got busy with projects like Indian 2 and RC15 which means that the future of the Anniyan remake looks bleak as of now.
Even though Zendaya tries to keep her romance life with Tom Holland away from the limelight, the public interest in the couples relationship seems too far away from subsiding. While reduced privacy and manoeuvring her way through paps appears to be a constant struggle in the Dune actors life; in a recent interaction, Zendaya candidly revealed why she chooses to keep her love life private. In addition, the actress also shed light on why she cant manage to stay hidden forever and accepts that portions of her life will constantly be exposed to the media. Zendaya told Elle about keenly gaining control over what she is willing to share in the public eye.

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, she told the magazine. For the Hollywood actress, it is all about protecting her inner peace. She reportedly lets things be their own but tries not to be afraid to exist. You cant hide. Thats not fun, either. I am navigating it more than ever now, she added.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya)

The public interest in Zendayas life has existed ever since her Disney stardom days when she was merely a child. But she noticed there came a visceral change after shooting the last Spider-Man film and the last season of her hit show Euphoria. According to her, previously there were days where she could go in and out of places freely. Until everything suddenly changed last spring. The exposure to media sometimes turns so overstimulating that she chooses to be home. 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,' she explained.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zendaya (@zendaya)

The couple who met on the sets of Spider-Man: Homecoming, kept their relationship a secret for years before confirming it publicly when a photograph of the two kissing in a car went insanely viral on social media. At the time, the duo expressed their displeasure at being robbed of their privacy and have since decided to keep their relationship a close-knit affair.

On the professional front, Zendayas gearing up to star alongside Timothee Chalamet in the second instalment of Dune. She also has Luca Guadagninos Challengers in the pipeline opposite Josh OConnor and Mike Faist.
The former embattled president of Nardin Academy who was terminated in June filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against the private Catholic school and eight former or current board members and others, charging the school with financial improprieties, academic deficiencies, resisting diversity initiatives and defamation.

Sandra Betters seeks a jury trial to consider her allegations and award damages to compensate her for economic losses, mental anguish, and damage to her personal and professional reputation.

She also asks to be reinstated to her former Nardin job.

Nardin identifies its values as serving the world with "dignity, humbleness and compassion. Nothing could be further from the truth, according to the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Buffalo.

Dr. Betters was faced with a school community full of hatred, vitriol, hysteria and retaliatory intent. Board of Trustees members screamed in her face, threatened her and knowingly spread mistruths about her; faculty members secretly recorded her, spread private and sensitive information about the mental health of her child (who was a student at Nardin), and wrote false complaints in an effort to get Dr. Betters removed from her position; and community members, fueled by lies and false rumors, repeatedly defamed her online and in the media," the lawsuit claims.

Defendants named are Marsha Sullivan, Betters predecessor and current board chairwoman; former board members Michael Lawley and Frank Ewing; current and former trustees Luke Jacobs and Charlie Chiampou; former AP high school English teacher Trish Lorence and her husband, Kent; and Therese Forton-Barnes, an alum who helped spearhead Nardin Together, a group that called for change.

Rebecca R. Reeder, interim president at the school, sent an email to Nardin parents Thursday afternoon, telling them school administrators and staff have worked hard this summer to prepare for the start of the new school year in two weeks  and bracing them for what they learn about the lawsuit.

"We will defend Nardin energetically and truthfully," Reeder wrote. "We deeply appreciate the support we have received from the Western New York community as we move forward. Our focus is to prepare for a successful start to the new academic year and we will not allow any outside distractions to impact our day-to-day activities."

Betters is represented by Michael J. Willemin of Wigdor law firm in New York City. Among allegations:

 Nardin's financial situation was impacted by several significant financial improprieties, including unauthorized spending by Sullivan, self-dealing conflicts by several board members and staff; and unlawful use of federal dollars provided through the Paycheck Protection Program during the early stages of Covid-19, including the diversion of funds for use in capitol projects.

 Many faculty, staff, trustees and community members were fiercely opposed to diversity initiatives.

 New Yorks Education Law was violated, including falsely reporting the number of days of instruction.

 Betters was the victim of an orchestrated campaign to silence and force her out of Nardin.

The two-year tenure of Betters, who submitted her resignation before her removal, was marked by widespread calls for her resignation by faculty, alumni and parents. The Nardin Academy Board of Trustees was ousted by the Paris-based Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, the religious order that founded and oversees the 166-year-old institution. The newly-installed board then removed Betters from her positions as president and ex-officio board member after failing to reach a financial settlement.

Former trustees Ewing and Lawley rejected Betters' claims.

"Our clients are shocked but not surprised that the plaintiff would bring such baseless and defamatory claims against them," attorneys Dennis C. Vacco and amy Habib Rittling said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the plaintiff attempts to rewrite an account of her failed tenure at Nardin, and we look forward to aggressively responding to these false allegations and setting the record straight."

While not a subject in the lawsuit, the filing implies high school teacher Marilou Bebak used the full "N-word" to make a point to a Black student in March 2023 about how harmful her use of the word retarded was to some people, which Beback called the R-word. The lawsuit spells out the full word five times, while adding, (according to her story, the N-word).

The Buffalo News spoke with three students in the class that day who said Bebak did not use the full word.

Nardin Academy announces new leadership after tumult A new board of trustees is in place at Nardin Academy following a tumultuous period that led to the former board's removal on May 29.

Putting Bebak on administrative leave in April was a flashpoint after criticisms of Betters that had been building through the 2022-23 school year from faculty at all four school levels and among parents and alumni. The board leadership, headed by Tish Van Dyke, a staunch backer of Betters, also came under heavy criticism from the Nardin community.

In April, nine of the board's 24 trustees, along with three donors  Daniel and Leslie Keane, Kenneth and Katherine Koessler and the Gioia family  called for Betters and Van Dyke to resign. The donors said they would withhold future contributions until that occurred.

A petition on change.org garnered more than 2,000 signatures calling for Betters to resign. More than 250 students, led by high school seniors, staged a walkout in mid-April in support of faculty and calling for a change in school leadership.

Some 22 former members of Nardin's board of trustees also wrote to the current trustees in support of the movement and to "resolve this situation immediately." Later, 71 parents signed pledges not to have their students return in the fall without a change in leadership.

On May 3, the school announced Betters' resignation. The same day, the nine trustees who weeks earlier had called on Betters and Van Dyke to resign were themselves forced to step down.

The release of a study days later, by a law firm, done at the behest of the board leadership, announced Betters had been exonerated of all complaints leveled against her. The statement failed to provide details on what she had been accused of or how the conclusion was reached, and no one was made available to The News to offer further explanation.

A Nardin Together leader was quick to call the study "a whitewash."

The board was ousted on May 29, and Betters was terminated by the new board on June 16.
If biographies were just about research and style of writing, then Abhishek Choudhary would have got full marks for Vajpayee: The Ascent of the Hindu Right 1924-1977 (Picador India; Rs 899). Sadly, he has gone wrong in what truly is a fundamental prerequisite of a biography: The need to get the perspective right. He judges his subject, Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this case, as if he were one flawed character in the otherwise perfect and perfected Nehruvian world.

At the very beginning of the book, in fact, in the Preface itself, Choudhary clarifies that this is not a tribute but an assessment  and that he is not awestruck at the beauty of the tapestry. Its good not to be awestruck at the beauty of the tapestry, but its a greater sin to be obsessed with a few sporadic stains to discredit the entire fabric. The fact is when one analyses the era and its characters dispassionately, both Vajpayee and Nehru appear as liberal as they seem illiberal; they both display secular values while simultaneously exuding their non-secular, sectarian biases.

In this volume, covering the first five decades of Vajpayees life  from his birth in 1924 in Uttar Pradeshs Bateshwar village to his becoming a minister in the Janata Party government in 1977  the author seems possessed by the idea of a rigid Hindutva streak in Vajpayee, who is projected as a diehard swayamsevak fully conversant with and committed to the ideology. He writes, The early Vajpayee was far more critical to the Sangh Parivars project of Hinduising India than is universally believed. As the founding editor of the mouthpieces Rashtradharma and Panchajanya during 1947-48, he was exactly the kind of RSS worker the government held responsible for creating the environment in which Gandhi was murdered.

No doubt, Vajpayee was critical of Mahatma Gandhis dubious role in pandering to the pan-Islamist ambitions of Indian Muslims, referring to the Khilafat movement and the resultant communal disturbances across the country, especially in the Malabar region. He also believed that the Congress leadership led by the Mahatma failed miserably in containing the Partition woes. But, to accuse him of playing a pivotal role in the creation of an anti-Gandhi milieu that led to his assassination is not a correct assessment. Being critical to Gandhi doesnt make him complicit in fanning the Mahatmas murder.

Vajpayee shared this outlook with many of his contemporaries, especially in the wake of the idea of Pakistan gaining unprecedented support among the Muslim community  nine out of 10 Muslims, for instance, voted for the creation of Pakistan, and once formed most of them decided to stay back! In fact, Dr BR Ambdekar took an ever more stringent stand on the issue, going to the extent of seeking the transfer of population. Is he even blamed for the Mahatmas assassination?

While Choudhary never fails to put Vajpayee and the RSS in dock for every problem ailing post-Independence India, he doesnt use the same yardstick for the Nehru-Gandhis. On the Mahatmas assassination, for instance, one would have expected the author to explore why the State administration failed to provide him security even when threats on his life were imminent. How could he be assassinated so easily just 10 days after a failed bomb attack on the same venue  and that too by the same set of people? With a large section of the public being angry with the Mahatma, its mindboggling why the police failed to beef up Gandhis security. As per British historian Robert Payne (The Life and Death of Mahatma Gandhi), on the day Gandhi was killed, only one assistant sub-inspector, two head constables, and 16 foot constables were assigned to keep the Mahatma safe. When Nathuram Godse decided to pump bullets into Gandhis heart, he was nothing but a sitting duck at the Birla House.

Even the authors democratic, secular yardsticks are different for Vajpayee and, say, Nehru. The first Prime Minister, for instance, wanted the ban on RSS to continue, even when there was no concrete evidence implicating it  just because it would not be appreciated in the West, as Nehru wrote in a letter to Sardar Patel. Now, thats not the way a nation proud of its democracy and rule of law should work. But Choudhary doesnt seem to care, as he, quite approvingly, wonders in the book how things could have been different had Nehru held the direct command of the police!

Interestingly, while Choudhary accuses Vajpayee of doublespeak and being a moderate mask for the Sanghs alleged sectarianism, Nehru too manifested a similar split personality. Vajpayee told Nehru, You have a split personality; you are both Churchill and Chamberlain. That day, Nehru seemed to exhibit a Chamberlain-esque characteristic: He didnt get offended; instead, he hoped that Vajpayee would one day become the countrys prime minister and instructed one of his secretaries to take good care of this young man.

But then, there were days when he showcased Churchillian personality. Sita Ram Goel, in Why I Became a Hindu, accused Nehru of being ruthless, almost tyrant-like with those he thought he could get away with, while at the same time sustaining a deep-seated sense of inferiority vis-a-vis Islam, Christianity, and the modern West. He recalled attending a public meeting in Chandni Chowk in 1934-35, where Nehru planted a slap smack on the face of a junior Congress leader just because the mike wasnt working. The face of the slapped Congress leader was bathed in smiles as if he had won some coveted prize, Goel recalled.

Goel shared another anecdote wherein one of his journalist friends from the US, during his Delhi visit in 1947-48, saw Nehru, accompanied by one of his sisters, hurriedly coming out of his residence and slapping a sadhu. His sister did the same! These sadhus were seeking a ban on cow slaughter now that the beef-eating British had departed. The US journalist summed up the incident by saying: I dont know the norm in your country. In my country, if the President so much as shouts at a citizen, he will have to go. We take it from no bast**d, no matter how big he happens to be.

Nehru showed the same dubious libertarian, democratic credentials while getting the First Amendment passed, thus putting reasonable restrictions on freedom of expression. He, then at least, believed that free press was poisoning the minds of the younger generation, degrading their mental integrity and moral standards. Similarly, the democratic values went missing in Nehru when he summoned the police to crush an RSS-Jan Sangh satyagraha in the capital; he even threatened to call the Army out. His secular double standard was evident when he zealously pushed the Hindu Code Bill but was more than happy to let Muslims remain in their personal law ghettos.

And if one thought the ban culture came to India with The Satanic Verses, think again! Nehru had the dubious distinction of banning almost two dozen books and films during his prime ministerial stint. The novel, Nine Hours to Rama, written by Stanley Wolpert, for instance, was banned in 1962 for highlighting the negligence on the part of the Indian government in saving Gandhis life. Worse, Alexander Campbells The Heart of India (1959) was banned because it presented a humorous account of Indias bureaucracy and economic policymaking. And, if one thought banning books, films was the worst that could have happened, noted lyricist Majrooh Sultanpuri, in 1952, found himself in jail for two years just for calling Nehru a lackey of Hitler and a slave to the Commonwealth in one of his poems!

Choudharys ideological partisanship is evident not just with Vajpayee; he is equally unsparing in his criticism of Sardar Patel for his harsh words on many Muslims who had chosen to live in India, besides trying to accommodate the RSS and the Mahasabha to join the Congress. The author has abysmally failed to correctly assess Patel, deliberately or otherwise, at a time when India was precariously placed with not just the proponents of Pakistan but also the advocates of the Adhikari Thesis working overtime to balkanise the country. Patel, for all his ideological differences with the Sangh, saw a partner in the India unity project.

Coming to Vajpayee, what Choudhary sees as doublespeak could also be a case of gradual evolution of ideas, worldviews in the late Prime Minister. But the author, like many others belonging to the ecosystem he hails from, remains unsparing and unforgiving to those on the other side of the ideological divide. It is this once a pariah, always a pariah mentality that makes the author go all out to bust the image of Nehru-worshipping Vajpayee. Its a premature endeavour, though. Vajpayee did criticise Nehru, scathingly many a time, whether on the Hindu Code Bill or the China issue or even the handling of Partition and the ban of RSS. But that didnt stop him from being a Nehru admirer.

When Nehru died in 1964, Vajpayee paid a deeply emotional tribute. A dream has been shattered, a song silenced, a flame has vanished in the infinite. It was the dream of a world without fear and without hunger, it was the song of an epic that had the echo of the Gita and the fragrance of the rose The common man has lost the light in his eyes. In the Ramayana, Maharishi Valmiki has said of Lord Rama that he brought the impossible together. In Panditjis life we see a glimpse of what the great poet said

Only an ardent Nehru admirer could have uttered those words. But then, in the Left-liberal ecosystem, theres no redemption for an ideological pariah. Its a lesson for Hindutva leaders and intellectuals who tend to go weak-kneed seeking Left-liberal legitimacy. They may get tactical reprieve, as Vajpayee got vis-a-vis LK Advani in the past  and is now invoked fondly in the Lutyens world when Narendra Modi is the target. But in the ultimate analysis, theres no liberal absolution for a Hindutva leader. Not at least till the idea of liberalism continues to be defined through Nehruvian phraseology and parameters.

In the end, however, the author, Abhishek Choudhary, should be thanked for bringing Vajpayee back to where he truly belongs  the Hindutva ecosystem. There has been a tendency, of late, to project him as a Nehruvian liberal. Vajpayee admired Nehru, no doubt; but he wasnt a Nehruvian. He was a Hindutva leader who lived and loved a liberal life. And Vajpayee showed, through his own life, that Hindutva wasnt an antithesis to the idea of democracy, secularism and liberalism.
India is over the Moon but the oppositions INDIA front and BJP are engaged in a fight over the lunar landing by Chandrayaan-3.

As soon as news broke of the successful mission, Congress released a series of campaigns to show that the countrys space journey began during Jawaharlal Nehrus era. For instance, the party released a video showing an anchor claiming that the ISRO journey began with Nehru. It showed stills with Vikram Sarabhai and used a voiceover, saying Nehru never claimed credit nor indulged in any propaganda.

Party leader Supriya Shrinate tweeted a long statement which included: It was independent Indias first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru whose scientific outlook and vision lay the foundation of Indian space research. He spoke about scientific temper way back in 1946

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal raised the issue of payment to scientists despite the governments clarification on the issue and asked why the prime minister addressed the gathering post the launch.

This did not stop with the Congress. Other constituents of INDIA also attacked BJP and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of snatching credit from the scientists.

ISRO would have delivered anyway. The prime minister didnt do enough to laud the scientists, the RJD complained even after PM Modi patted the scientists in his speech. NCP chief Sharad Pawar too said Nehru must get credit as the journey to Space had started during his time.

However, BJP rejected the claims, saying Congress obsession with the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty showed it did not want to give credit to ISRO scientists. It also said the prime minister would go straight to Bengaluru from Greece to felicitate the scientists.

Government sources have displayed statistics to show that the leg-up to the space mission came primarily post 2014. According to government sources, the amount earned after 2014 is about Rs 3,300 crore in terms of international launches. The same sources also claimed: The total international satellites launched by India before 2014 was 35 while post 2014, it is 389. And the budget for space has seen a jump of 123 per cent, standing at Rs 12,543 crore in 2023-2024.

As Chandrayaan-3 hovers on the Moon collecting data, back in India, the INDIA front and BJP are engaged in number crunching. The opposition parties are once again claiming credit, while accusing the BJP of undermining the scientists and making it an election issue.
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghels political advisor Vinod Verma on Thursday claimed he does not have a single penny of ill-gotten money, a day after the Enforcement Directorate conducted a search at his residence.

Addressing a press conference in Raipur, Vinod Verma also said he has no connection with assistant sub-inspector (ASI) Chandrabhushan Verma, arrested along with three others by the ED on Wednesday in a money laundering case linked to the alleged illegal betting app called Mahadev Online Book.

Alleged hawala operator brothers Anil and Sunil Dammani and a man identified as Satish Chandrakar are the three others arrested in the case.

According to the ED, the probe has found that around Rs 65 crore cash was received by ASI Chandrabhushan Verma. He kept his cut and distributed the rest as bribes to senior police officers and politicians, it claimed.

The ED on Wednesday conducted searches at the premises of Vinod Verma, who is also a member of the All India Congress Committee (AICC), and the CMs two Officers on Special Duty (OSDs) in Raipur and Durg districts.

Vinod Verma addressed a press conference on Thursday and said he produced all the bills of jewellery items found in his house, except one gold ornament which was gifted to his wife.

But they still seized all the jewelleries saying the burden is on me to prove how I paid for these items. They even took cash which we received in envelopes as gift on my sons wedding day. Therefore I am calling it a dacoity and a robbery, he said.

Vinod Verma said he had a long stint as a journalist and became a politician a few years back.

I have nothing. The ED is claiming I am involved in laundering of Rs 65 crore, but I want to say I do not have a single penny (of ill-gotten money), he added.

He claimed the EDs allegations were merely based on a manohar kahani (fictional news article) published in a magazine last year. That fictional news article claimed Chandrabhushan Verma was related to me. I complained against the news article to Durg police in December last year seeking a probe into it. I had also assured to cooperate with police in the probe into the matter, he said.

However, Vinod Verma said he once met ASI Chandrabhushan Verma about two-and-a-half years back and warned to take action against him if misused the formers name. I am not related to ASI Verma. I want to ask what proof the ED and Centre have that I am related to him? This raid is based on a fictional story and statement of just one person (arrested ASI) against me. They have no evidence at all, Vinod Verma claimed, adding he will approach court against the magazine.

He also claimed the action by the ED was taken at the behest of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of the assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, due this year-end, and the BJP was targeting those working for the Congress.

The home minister knows who is going to win elections in Chhattisgarh. The prime minister is acting like a dictator and trying to crush his political opponents. They (BJP) are targeting everyone working for Bhupesh Baghel, he further claimed.

They had similarly arrested me ahead of the previous assembly elections in a CD case, he said.

Vinod Verma also accused the Centre of promoting online gambling.

The ED in a statement on Wednesday alleged that ASI Chandrabhushan Verma used his relationship with Vinod Verma and hawala funds received from Dubai to influence high-ranking officials and politicians connected to the Chief Ministers Office (CMO).

The agency alleged that the arrested accused have specifically named high-ranking officials connected to the CMO who have received hefty kickbacks on a monthly/regular basis.
Taking a jibe at Uttar Pradesh minister Dharmpal Singh for allegedly taking his official vehicle on to the platform at Charbagh Railway Station here, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday said it is good that he did not reach there on a bulldozer.

Its good that he did not go to the station on a bulldozer, Yadav said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, in Hindi.

He also posted a report stating that the minister took his official vehicle to the platform to catch the train.

Dharmpal Singh, the states Animal Husbandry Minister, has, however, denied the charge.

It was raining a lot. I dont move with a cavalcade like Akhilesh Yadav. There was only one vehicle that only went up till the escalator. The vehicle didnt go to the platform. I am a farmers son and lead life like a normal citizen, he told reporters when asked about this.

Meanwhile, a video of an SUV going down on a ramp at the Charbagh Railway Station is doing rounds on social media since Thursday morning.

The SUV is said to belong to Dharampal Singh who is the MLA from the Aonla Assembly constituency.
The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday raided premises linked to former Punjab cabinet minister and Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu and some others as part of a money laundering investigation, official sources said.

About 10 premises in Ludhiana and nearby locations are being searched by the ED officials under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), along with a security escort of the CRPF, a central paramilitary force.

The raids are also being conducted at premises of some close associates of the former minister, including former Ludhiana Improvement Trust chairman Raman Subramanian and former municipal councillor Sunny Bhalla, they said.

The ED probe against the Congress politician is linked to alleged irregularities and allegations of receiving kickbacks through conduits for compromising tender for food procurement and transportation, its quality and conditions.

The PMLA case is based on a Punjab vigilance bureau FIR in which Ashu was also arrested earlier. He was later granted bail by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The bureau had registered a case against Ashu in connection with the alleged irregularities in the allotment of tenders for labour, cartage and transportation for lifting of foodgrains in Ludhiana.

Ashu is a former minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs of Punjab and is the working president of the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC).
The deadline has lapsed for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to accept the re-allotment of 12, Tuglaq Lane bungalow after he was reinstated as Lok Sabha MP following the Supreme Courts stay on his conviction in the Modi surname case.

Congress sources, according to Times of India, this was not an outright rejection of the allotment. However, they also said there is a possibility of Rahul Gandhi not returning to the bungalow in which the Congress leader lived for 19 years but had to vacate in April this year.

When asked to comment on reallocation, Rahul Gandhi earlier said, Mera ghar poora Hindustan hai.

Rahul Gandhi was allotted 12, Tughlaq Lane bungalow in 2004 when he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the first time from Uttar Pradeshs Amethi. Over the years, 12, Tughlaq Lane emerged as the second power centre to 10, Janpath, the residence of his mother Sonia Gandhi.

On April 22, the former Congress chief vacated his official residence and moved to 10 Janpath in the national capital.

On March 24, Gandhi was convicted and sentenced to two years in jail by the Surat metropolitan court after finding him guilty in the defamation case filed by BJP MLA from Surat Purnesh Modi. A day later, he was disqualified as a Member of Parliament.

Last month, the Gujarat High Court refused to stay his conviction in the case. However, on August 4, the Supreme Court stayed Rahul Gandhis conviction in the Modi surname case paving the way for him to return to the Parliament.

Addressing an election rally in Karnatakas Kolar in 2019, Rahul Gandhi said, Why all the thieves, be it Nirav Modi, Lalit Modi or Narendra Modi, have Modi as the common surname?

This type 8 bungalow, which is the highest in its category, was given to Rahul Gandhi during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) era. A corner building in a quiet secluded Tughlaq lane, this house was chosen for its huge space and exclusivity. In fact, the entire house was done up by his sister Priyanka Vadra and is simple and basic. It has a gym and a few offices that double up as Gandhis work space.
Notwithstanding an INDIA tie-up at the national level, the Punjab Congress on Thursday asserted that it will contest on all the 13 Lok Sabha seats in the state next year. Addressing concerns of party workers, the states leader of opposition Partap Bajwa, while speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of Punjab Youth Congress office-bearers on Thursday, said, Party workers are not ready to have any relations with the Aam Aadmi Party. The party will contest on all the 13 parliamentary seats.

Indirectly referring to reports of an alliance between the Congress and AAP, Bajwa, while addressing Indian Youth Congress (IYC) national president Srinivas BV, who was present on the occasion, said the party workers need to be pumped up.

Echoing similar sentiments, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief Amarinder Raja Warring said the party high command has given them the signal to prepare for all 13 seats.

The state unit has made elaborate plans to reach out to voters and party workers beginning next month, he said. From holding meetings in all the Vidhan Sabha segments to holding parliament sammelans, party leaders would take feedback from party workers. On every 20 booths, one mandal has been created.

Despite the central-level leaders of the two parties announcing to be part of the INDIA initiative, the Congress has been facing challenges over a tie-up with AAP in states like Punjab and Gujarat. In internal party meetings, there is wide consensus to contest on all the Parliament seats and this has been conveyed to the party high command.

Local Congress leaders have told the top brass that they do not want to give up as a formidable opposition to AAP in Punjab and any tie-up in the state could damage the grand old party in the long run. Sources said that the local leadership is awaiting the assembly elections in states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan, and the performances there could play a vital role in deciding on alliances in states for the Lok Sabha polls.

In internal meetings, senior local leaders have threatened to quit the party in case the high command chooses to go ahead with the alliance at the state level for the parliamentary polls. We will be left with hardly any option as the political vendetta by the AAP government is something we cannot ignore, said a leader.
When is Paschim Banga Divas or West Bengal Day? The symbolic date to celebrate and honour the state is the latest bone of contention between the Mamata Banerjee-led state government and the BJP-led central government.

The Chief Minister has called an all-party meeting on August 29 to discuss the proposed West Bengal Day and a state song, weeks after Governor CV Anand Bose declared June 20 to be West Bengal Foundation Day with the Centres nod but purportedly without discussions with the state government.

On June 20, 1947, two meetings of separate sets of legislators in the Bengal Assembly were held. One of those who wanted West Bengal as part of India, voted 58-21 in favour of the resolution by a majority. The other was of legislators of areas which eventually became East Pakistan. The latter set decided by 106-35 votes that the province should not be partitioned and voted 107-34 for East Bengal to join Pakistan in the event of Partition.

When the Governor declared June 20 as the states foundation day, Banerjee had in a letter urged him to call off the plans as it was a painful day for the state.

I was born in this Bengal, just like others. We have spent our entire life in this state, but never heard about any State Foundation Day. Nothing of this sort has ever been celebrated in our history, nor has any act passed by the assembly, she had told reporters at Nabanna on June 20.

In a letter to Governor Bose, Banerjee had expressed shock at his unilateral decision to commemorate the Foundation Day. She had pointed out that the pain and trauma of Partition was such that people in the state have never commemorated any day as Foundation Day since Indias Independence.

The Governor, however, went ahead with the commemoration, clarifying that the event was organised as per an advisory by the Centre that proposed celebrating foundation days of all states and Union Territories by all Raj Bhavans.

The CM has now formed committee of MLAs to discuss another date for West Bengal Day and whether Bengal can have a state song.

Speaking to News18, Minister Shobhon Chatterjee, one of the members of the committee, said: The Governor does whatever he likes, he does not discuss things, but here, under the direction of the CM, this group of MLAs has discussed and decided that there can be a State Day, but it has to be good day. So we came up with the first day of Baisakh, the start of the Bengali new year. We have given the proposal to the Chief Minister. A state song will also be good, we have suggested that too. The CM has called an all-party meeting now.

The proposal, however, is unlikely to go down well with the Centre. The proposal to change the states name to Bangla is also pending for assent with the President.

We will see what happens, but June 20 is already Bengal Day. Why another day now? asked a BJP leader.

ISF MLA Naushad from Bhangar told News18: The date is okay, but it should not become a competition between the state and Centre.

Thats exactly where the issue seems headed.
Samsung has launched the new Galaxy Z foldable devices in India, which the company claims has a huge demand in the country. The companys fifth-gen foldables should ideally be head and shoulders above the competition but as most of you know, there arent many rivals for the South Korean brand so far.

All that could change with more brands entering the segment, but Samsung is ready to compete and in fact welcome them to the market, which only gives consumers more options.

Speaking to News18 Tech, Aditya Babbar, Senior Director, Mobile Business Samsung India said that having more foldable brands in the market is great news for consumers as they will have more choices. He also highlighted the advantage that Samsung has over the Chinese brands by launching five-gen products is that it gives them a better on-ground experience, trained staff and distribution that is unmatched.

So as you might have figured by his statement and not being concerned about the future, he walked us through the numbers for this years foldables, as the company has got 1.5 lakh pre-orders for the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and the Galaxy Z Fip 5 in India.

When quizzed about the reason for such a number, Babbar said, pre-orders have become appealing because of different offers and upgrade schemes. By which he refers to the Samsung Finance+ which helps people to buy these premium devices without splurging money.

He even mentioned that 50 percent the buyers taking the finance option are new to the credit system. Samsung is offering people the option to buy phones with EMIs up to 24 months, which is not the case with other brands or finance schemes, who only offer up to 9 months.

But the biggest takeaway from this interaction was that the demand for foldables is not just limited to the top tier cities anymore. In fact, we have increased the availability of these devices in tier II and III cities by 50 per cent this year, because Bharat is where the growth is currently, especially when you compare it with urban parts of the country, Babbar highlighted. Thats not all, he even mentioned that most people buying the Flip are young and first time Samsung users, which explains their fascination to use the form factor.

Selling premium foldables is one thing, but how does the company focus on the after-sale part for these products? The people who buy the fold can take appointment to visit the service centre if they have any issues, you can even say what time you want to come. We also offer home pick up, reserving slot and standby phone for the flagship and foldable devices.

Samsung is also giving a free screen replacement for the foldable if bubble comes on the screen. You can get the film replaced free of cost because we understand people take time to get used to any new tech, Babbar adds.

Now that Samsung has assured that it is not worried about the possible rivalry, how does it plan to evolve with its products in this segment? We learn from consumers, we will see what they want and work on it, Babbar giving a strong indication that Samsung will continue to work in its direction, rather than follow someone else.
OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed company behind creating ChatGPT, has announced that users of its GPT-3.5 Turbo AI model will now be able to fine-tune and customize the model according to their preferences and specific use cases. This change will allow businesses to effectively deploy these models on a larger scale, and thus align with their specific needs.

Furthermore, the company has revealed that a similar ability will be introduced for GPT-4 later this fall.

As per OpenAIs early tests, a fine-tuned version of GPT-3.5 Turbo holds the potential to match or even outperform base GPT-4-level capabilities on certain narrow tasks.And, the data that a certain business uses to fine-tune the model for their own applicationwill not be shared with OpenAIensuring both safety and privacy.

OpenAI has outlined several applications and immediate advantages of fine-tuning the AI model:

Customized Tone

By fine-tuning the model, businesses can ensure that it aligns with their particular brand tone, making it a more suitable fit for the brands identity. A business with a recognizable brand voice can use fine-tuning for the model to be more consistent with their tone, OpenAI said.

Enhanced Steerability

In simple terms, optimization and fine-tuning enables businesses to shape the model to better fit their operations. For instance, the model can be fine-tuned to respond in German or other languages as required, which may lead to better efficiency.

Consistent Output Formatting

Another immediate benefit that fine-tuning brings is the improvement in the models ability to consistently format responses. OpenAI notes that this is a crucial aspect for applications demanding a specific response format, such as code completion or composing API calls, and that a developer may use fine-tuning to more reliably convert user prompts into high-quality JSON snippets that can be used with their own systems.

Moreover, OpenAI has listed additional benefits, including the ability to handle up to 4k tokensdouble that of previous fine-tuned models. Businesses can even reduce the prompt size by up to 90%.
A service dog who bit a neighbor will be removed from his owners home and sent to live at an animal sanctuary, a Lancaster town judge ruled Thursday.

Justice David Stabler decided last week that Bandit, a 4-year-old male Alaskan Malamute, is a dangerous dog who caused serious physical injuries to Lancaster village resident Jillian Durkin.

Bandit is owned by village of Lancaster resident Joshua Gilley, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car crash more than 10 years ago. The dog serves as a companion and helps Gilley get through related seizures.

Lancaster judge rules service dog that bit neighbor a threat to public; to decide malamute's fate next week A Lancaster town judge ruled late Thursday that a service dog who bit a neighbor is considered a dangerous dog and will remain in the town animal shelter until the justice decides whether the animal should be euthanized or rehabilitated.

Stabler could have decided to euthanize Bandit, but ruled he believes the dog can be rehabilitated  but not by his owner.

I just have absolutely no assurance or confidence that (Bandit) can be trained or properly handled by Mr. Gilley, Stabler said.

Gilley appeared distraught as he walked away from the Lancaster Town Court building Thursday afternoon, following the brief hearing.

We believe Josh has the capability, certainly, to be an excellent dog owner, Gilleys attorney, Matthew Albert, said of his client. Hes just not being given that opportunity and that is a shame.

Bandit got out of his Wren Avenue home on June 28 and made his way a street over to East Drullard Avenue, where he bit Durkin outside her home.

Durkin testified last week in court that she started to panic when she saw Bandit approach her home that day because he had previously bitten her husband.

She said she grabbed the dog by the collar after Bandit approached her 8-year-old son and a neighborhood girl in a yard and pushed his head into their midsections. Durkin said she grabbed the dog by the collar to protect the children and Bandit bit her in an arm and didnt let go, eventually pushing Durkin through her glass storm door. He continued biting her on both arms until neighbors came to help, she said.

Durkin testified she required treatment for her injuries at Erie County Medical Center. Nearly two months after the attack, Durkin said, she still has pain in her arms.

In addition to sending Bandit to live at a sanctuary, Stabler ruled he must be listed as a dangerous dog in perpetuity and be neutered and microchipped if he is not already.

Lancaster man, advocacy group hope to save service dog from being euthanized Joshua Gilley of Lancaster is desperate to get his service dog, Bandit, returned to him. Bandit was taken away after the dog was inadvertently let loose and bit a neighbor who may have tried to to grab him by the collar, and now he could be euthanized.

Gilley must pay a $1,000 fine and reimburse Durkin for any out-of-pocket medical expenses, lost earnings and other damages incurred.

The court does recognize the importance of Bandit to the defendant, but the defendants wants cannot outweigh the risk to the community, Stabler said.

Albert said he plans to appeal the judges decision.

We dont necessarily believe its the best ruling, the most just ruling, said Albert, who owns an animal rescue and sanctuary called Against All Oddz Animal Alliance and hopes to take in Bandit.

Bandits life is spared, he said, and Gilleys supporters plan to get the dog out of the Lancaster animal control kennel and get him into a much better environment.
CEO of Lufthansa Airlines, Jens Ritter, took on a unique task recently that left him amazed. He decided to go undercover as a flight attendant to experience firsthand what it is like to be part of the cabin crew. In a post he shared on LinkedIn just last week, Ritter shared the details of his journey and experience on the Lufthansa Airlines flight heading to Riyadh and Bahrain. He flew with the cabin crew team as an additional crew member. In his post, Ritter mentioned that this experience was eye-opening and revealed the significant challenges that the crew members deal with, on every flight.

Ritter shared that he was amazed by the amount of organisation needed before as well as during the journey, especially if something did not go as planned  for example, the meals offered on the menu cards were not exactly the meals that were loaded on board. Ritter also shared photographs of himself serving passengers and posing with the flight crew.

He also observed that every passenger on board had a different mood and different kind of energy and it was quite a task to keep up with all of them and make sure that they had a smooth journey and delightful experience. He served the passengers in business class on the way to Riyadh and worked in economy class, during the night, on his way back to Frankfurt.

Although he had prior experience as a pilot, the unique demands of being a cabin crew member were an entirely different experience for him. He shared that he was under the assumption that he knew about the challenges a night flight entails as he used to fly as a pilot. But to be present and attentive and charming  when the biological clock just tells you to sleep  was something entirely different, he added.

Ritter also said that his future decisions in the office would be influenced by this newfound experience as a cabin crew. He was also amazed at how much he had learned during those few hours and thanked the incredible crew, the delightful passengers, and everyone involved for making this exceptional experience possible.

Ritters experience of stepping into the shoes of his cabin crew members is not an isolated case for airline executives.

In May this year, KLM CEO Marjan Rinterl also assumed the role of a flight attendant, serving passengers on a flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Amsterdams Schiphol Airport (AMS).

She is no ordinary KLM flight attendant. This is none other than the airline CEO herself, Marjan Rintel. Spotted serving passengers aboard a flight from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, this hands-on leader is in her inaugural year as the CEO. pic.twitter.com/E8Tvm9Mud6 K a r e n (@AndthenIsleep) May 30, 2023

In 2013, Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, fulfilled his duties as an Air Asia flight attendant as part of a bet he lost to Air Asias Tony Fernandes.
Prisoners at a St Louis facility took hostage a 70-year-old correction officer after a disagreement over food on Tuesday, officials said in a press conference. The incident happened in Missouri, US when the inmates demanded pizza and chicken patties and highlighted the concerns about the limited hot food options for imprisoned individuals.

According to USA Today, St Louis Public Safety Director Charles Coyle Sr told the media that two prisoners took a male correction officer hostage around 6 am (local time) at the citys Justice Centre during breakfast.

The Correction Commissioner Jennifer Celmon said that the two inmates demanded pizza and chicken patties. At 8:17 am, the departments SWAT team entered the jail. After an hour of police talking with the prisoners, the hostage officer was released. He had minor injuries and was sent to an area hospital for further check-ups.

Coyle mentioned that the early morning hours could have prevented the SWAT team from getting into the prison. He also added that the officials intend to bring criminal charges against the accused inmates. He refused to disclose what charges would be brought against them.

A lady official said that her department has improved the food served to the detainees by having the vendor look at the nutritional level of the food being served and has also slowly implemented those details. She added that the prisoners are often served double portions and have not seen any issues with what is currently being served.

The Correction Commissioner kept the hostage officers name anonymous and said that he has been employed at the department for five years now. She also said that the two detainees had been involved in disciplinary issues prior to the incident.

Colye said that the police department used less-than-lethal ammunition to control the situation. He didnt reveal further details about the ongoing investigation.

As per reports, St Louis city has 675 people imprisoned as of Tuesday at the centre out of which 93 per cent are men.
Property deals are usually done by humans, under the guidance of a real estate director. But, in a strange turn of events, the Iraninan police authorities have taken a real estate agency head into custody after a video of him selling an apartment to a dog went viral on social media. Yes, you read that right. The video footage captures an Iranian couple signing a property transfer contract with their pet dog, named Chester. The video has been widely circulated across various media platforms. According to reports, it has also sparked outrage among Iranian natives for certain ingrained cultural beliefs, pertaining to pet ownership and legal rights of pets in Iran.

Iran International English tweeted the recorded visual footage on August 21 which has received numerous reactions from social media users in the comments. The tweet revealed that not only was the real estate head arrested but his real estate firm was also shut down. A real estate agency has been shut down and its owner arrested in Iran after a video went viral of the property agency transferring the ownership of an apartment to a dog upon the dog owners request, the caption read.

A real estate agency has been shut down and its owner arrested in Iran after a video went viral of the property agency transferring the ownership of an apartment to a dog upon the dog owner's request.https://t.co/6JnmcD7CbN pic.twitter.com/9F8zbSVPsC Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) August 21, 2023

The video opened with the dogs owners having a discussion with the real estate head, presumably at his office. Once the contract papers were placed on the table, the woman helped their furry companion by placing its paws on an ink pad, following which the dog was made to stamp his paw prints on the papers, indicating that the deal was sealed. Chester the dog was made to be the owner of the property.

According to a report by the Iranian Students News Agency, the couple decided to give the apartments ownership rights to their pet dog because they had no heirs. The reports added that the police have started conducting a formal inquiry into the incident. According to Reza Tabar, the deputy prosecutor general, the couples actions of selling the flat to a dog, might be an attempt to normalise the violation of the societys moral values and bears no legal connotations.

According to reports in Money Control, although dog ownership is not explicitly prohibited under Iranian legislation, the prevailing cultural standards and religious convictions have created a negative impression surrounding dogs that they must be unclean. Similar views are prevalent among Islamic nations, which reportedly forbid keeping dogs as pets. Such acts of keeping dogs as pets or petting them have been continuously discouraged by conservative religious authorities.
Afghan Talibans top leader and acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani says that Pakistan has no problem with his country, but rather it has domestic problems. To resolve Pakistans domestic problems, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has stepped forward with no time limit, he said. But if Pakistan intends to solve the problem through the use of force, it will definitely harm the mutual commonalities and relations between both countries, said the minister.

Haqqani added that peace talks with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had started. The talks reached such a phase where things were about to conclude, but then a change of government took place in Pakistan, he said.

The military leadership also changed, Haqqani said. New people came into power who started new experiments, he said.

Now Afghanistan is getting blamed for problems that exist internally in Pakistan, the minister said. Afghanistan, he added, wants these internal problems of Pakistan to be resolved.
Major emerging market nations are preparing to invite Saudi Arabia to join BRICS, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the talks. The leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have agreed to expand their group, which would be the first expansion since 2010, the report said.

BRICS faces last-minute negotiations at a leaders summit, potentially affecting its expansion plans and the aim to enhance the influence of the Global South on the global stage, news agency Reuters reported.

The proposed expansion of BRICS, currently comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to allow interested nations to join and establish a counterbalance to Western dominance. Disagreements among the leaders over the extent and pace of expansion have been a central topic at the Johannesburg summit, the report said.

South Africas foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, announced that BRICS leaders have reached a consensus on expansion mechanisms. However, a country official with direct knowledge of the talks revealed to Reuters that a finalised admission framework has not been signed yet.

China and Russia advocate for BRICS expansion to challenge Western supremacy. Meanwhile, Brazil and India have been strengthening ties with Western powers. Despite aspirations to unite and amplify the voices of developing economies, the diverse economic scales and foreign policy objectives of BRICS countries have posed challenges to consensus-based decision-making.

More than 40 nations have expressed interest in joining BRICS, and 22 have formally applied. The potential candidates include a range of countries from Iran to Argentina, all aiming to reshape the global order.

India has maintained that it is very much open to the expansion of the grouping. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended support to the idea of the blocs expansion during his speech at the plenary.
On the sidelines of the 15th BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) leaders press conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in a brief exchange of words with Chinese Premier Xi Jinping. Before the conference commenced, both leaders were captured sharing a short conversation before taking their respective seats.

Interestingly, a previous encounter between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Xi took place during the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia, in November 2022.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the success of Chandrayaan-3 was not only significant for India but also for the mankind during his address at the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday.

India scripted history on Wednesday after its ambitious third lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3s Lander Module (LM), successfully touched down on the lunar surface. The feat has earned India the distinction of being the first nation ever to land on the southern pole of the Moon.

It is a matter of pride for us that this success is being accepted not as a limited success of one country but as a significant success of mankind, he said

Noting that the selected landing has been previously unexplored and poses challenging terrain, PM Modi said, This achievement stands as a testament to the success of scientific endeavors and the dedication of scientists. The overwhelming greetings we have received from across the globe prompt me to express gratitude on behalf of my nation, its scientists and all our citizens.

BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue

During the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue sessions, Prime Minister Modi reiterated Indias dedication to the Global South and said New Delhi stands as a trusted and close partner of Africa in its journey towards becoming a global powerhouse under the Agenda 2063.

In his address to prominent leaders from the African continent and BRICS nations in Johannesburg, Modi identified counter-terrorism, food and energy security, resilient supply chains, climate action and cyber security as mutual areas of interest.

The Agenda 2063 represents the African Unions blueprint for economic development spanning 50 years, launched in 2013.

Building bridges for global prosperity and cooperation.PM @narendramodi with leaders of BRICS and invited countries during the BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue in Johannesburg. pic.twitter.com/k7VLMGSByc  Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) August 24, 2023

The Prime Minister highlighted that India consistently prioritises the enhancement of capacity and the development of infrastructure for African nations. From Latin America to Central Asia; from West Asia to South-East Asia, from Indo-Pacific to Indo-Atlantic, India sees all countries as one family, Modi said.

Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning the whole world is one family, has been the basis of our lifestyle for thousands of years. This is also the motto of our G-20 presidency, Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi said that the term Global South holds more than just diplomatic significance and pointed out the shared history of opposing colonialism and apartheid. It was on the soil of Africa that Mahatma Gandhi used powerful methods of non-violence and peaceful resistance, Modi said, adding Gandhis thoughts and ideas influenced notable leaders like Nelson Mandela

It is on this strong foundation of history that we are reshaping our modern relations, he said.

Modi also highlighted key facets of India-Africa ties and noted that India currently ranks as Africas fourth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest investor. He also said India is collaborating with African nations in the fight against terrorism and piracy.

The Prime Minister further discussed Indias support during challenging times, citing the supply of food items and vaccines to multiple countries amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Now we are also working on joint manufacturing of Covid and other vaccines with African countries, he said.

The BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue sessions were productive. Got the opportunity to interact with leaders from Africa and reiterate Indias commitment to supporting African nations in order to further global prosperity, he later said in a tweet.

The BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue sessions were productive. Got the opportunity to interact with leaders from Africa and reiterate Indias commitment to supporting African nations in order to further global prosperity. https://t.co/pWPPVclJsw Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2023

The Prime Minister pointed out that India is eager to offer its experiences and capabilities to the African nations.

BRICS Expands Membership to Six Countries

PM Modi, during his address at the end of the three-day BRICS summit in Johannesburg, Modi said inclusion of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the new members will give the grouping new momentum and energy.

In his media statement in presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Brazils Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Modi said India has always fully supported the expansion of the BRICS membership.

The new member nations will become part of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) with effect from January 1, 2024.

The Prime Minister said that India holds the belief that the inclusion of new members will enhance BRICS as an organisational and invigorate shared endeavours. He stated that this decision would additionally bolster the faith of many countries in the multipolar world order.

Other countries which have also expressed their desire to join BRICS, India will also contribute to building a consensus for joining them as partner countries, he said.

Modi further said the expansion and modernisation of BRICS convey a message that global institutions should adapt to the evolving circumstances of the times. He added that this initiative could potentially serve as a model for reforming other 20th-century-established global institutions.

Modi expressed contentment that joint efforts have formulated guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures for expansion. And on the basis of these, we have agreed to welcome Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia and the UAE into BRICS, Modi said.

On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken the decision to expand this forum. India has always fully supported this expansion. Such an expansion will make BRICS stronger and more effective. In that spirit, India welcomes Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran,  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2023

The Prime Minister congratulated the leaders and citizens of these nations, stating that their inclusion will infuse fresh momentum and vigour into the cooperation.

He underscored Indias profound and historical ties with all these nations and expressed optimism that BRICS will introduce new dimensions to bilateral collaboration.

The President of South Africa conveyed that an agreement has been achieved regarding the guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures of the ongoing discussion on BRICS expansion. He highlighted that consensus has been reached for the initial phase of this expansion process, with more phases to ensue.

Currently, South Africa holds the presidency of BRICS.

The formation of BRICS originated in September 2006 and initially consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC). The name was changed to BRICS after South Africa became a full member in September 2010. Currently, BRICS collectively represents 41 percent of the global population, 24 percent of the global GDP, and 16 percent of the global trade. Over the years, the member nations of BRICS have played a pivotal role in driving global economic growth. Chinese President Xi regarded the expansion of BRICS as a new starting point for cooperation within the grouping.
Former US President Donald Trump, who is running to reclaim the White House, is likely to be arrested in the Georgia election racketeering case on Thursday.

Trump is likely to surrender on racketeering charges and likely have his mugshot taken at Atlantas notorious Fulton County Jail on Thursday, setting the stage for a fourth criminal trial next year.

The 77-year-old has been accused of conspiring with 18 codefendants to try to overturn the 2020 election result in the key southern state.

The booking of the billionaire real estate tycoon in his fourth and final indictment sets up a year of unprecedented courtroom drama as he tries to balance appearing in the dock with hitting the campaign trail.

The arrest comes just hours after Trump spurned a televised primary debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin featuring eight of his rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination  all of whom lag well behind him in the polls.

During a pre-recorded interview with former Fox News talk show host Tucker Carlson  which aired on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the same time as the debate  Trump dismissed the four criminal indictments filed against him as nonsense.

He also said the Justice Department had been weaponized under Democratic President Joe Biden to hamstring his White House bid, during the 46-minute video which received more than 200 million views but it remained unclear how many people actually watched it or for how long.

A tight security perimeter has been set up ahead of Trumps arrival at the Fulton County Jail, an overcrowded facility that is under investigation by the Justice Department for a slew of inmate deaths and deplorable living conditions.

Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney who brought the sweeping racketeering case, set a deadline of noon (1600 GMT) on Friday for the 19 defendants to surrender.

Proudly Be Arrested: Trump

An exact time has not been given for Trumps arrival, but the former president said in a post on his Truth Social platform it would be Thursday afternoon.

NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, he posted, using all uppercase letters, adding he will PROUDLY BE ARRESTED.

Several supporters of the ex-president gathered outside the jail, including Sharon Anderson who spent the night in her car.

I think this is a political persecution and now thats turned into a political prosecution, she told AFP.

Trump was able to dodge the humiliation of having a mugshot taken during his previous arrests this year in New York on charges of paying hush money to a porn star, in Florida for mishandling top secret government documents, and in Washington on charges of conspiring to upend his 2020 election loss.

But Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said standard procedure in Georgia is for a defendant to have a mugshot taken before they are released on bond  already set at $200,000 in Trumps case.

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served as Trumps personal lawyer when he was in the White House and vigorously pushed the false claims that Trump had won the 2020 election, was booked in the case on Wednesday.

Also facing charges in Georgia are Mark Meadows, Trumps White House chief of staff, and John Eastman, a conservative lawyer who is accused of drawing up a scheme to submit a false slate of Trump electors to Congress from Georgia instead of the legitimate Biden ones.

Trump is the first US president in history to face criminal charges. The four trials will come during the Republican primary season, which begins in January, and at the height of the campaign for the November 2024 presidential vote.

Special counsel Jack Smith has proposed a January 2024 start date for Trumps trial in Washington on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, a campaign of lies that culminated in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

Trumps attorneys have countered with an April 2026 start date  well after the 2024 election.

Georgia prosecutors want the racketeering case to begin in March 2024, the same month Trump is scheduled to go on trial in New York on charges of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election.

The Florida case, in which Trump is accused of taking secret government documents as he left the White House and refusing to return them, is scheduled to begin in May.

(With inputs from AFP)
China on Thursday slammed the release of wastewater from Japans crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, branding it extremely selfish and irresponsible. Japan began discharging the treated contaminated water from the stricken plant earlier on Thursday in an operation it insists is safe but has generated a fierce backlash from China.

The release has also been deemed safe by the International Atomic Energy Agency, but Beijing has banned food imports from 10 Japanese prefectures, with Hong Kong following suit.

Chinese customs today suspended imports of all aquatic products from Japan over the release of Fukushima wastewater.

In order to comprehensively prevent the food safety risks of radioactive contamination caused by the discharge of nuclear wastewater from Fukushima into the sea, protect the health of Chinese consumers, and ensure the safety of imported food, the General Administration of Customs has decided to completely suspend the import of aquatic products originating in Japan from August 24, 2023, including edible aquatic animals, the customs authority said in a statement.

In a statement, Beijings foreign ministry said, The ocean is the common property of all humanity, and forcibly starting the discharge of Fukushimas nuclear wastewater into the ocean is an extremely selfish and irresponsible act that ignores international public interests.

Japan did not prove the legitimacy of the plan or the long-term reliability of the nuclear wastewater purification equipment, it said. Tokyo also did not prove the authenticity and accuracy of the nuclear wastewater data, (and) did not prove that ocean discharge is harmless to the marine environment and human health.

What the Japanese side has done is to push the risks onto the whole world (and) pass on the pain to future generations of human beings, the statement said. By treating the release of the wastewater as a fait accompli, the Japanese side has simultaneously placed itself in the international dock.

In 2011, three reactors at the Fukushima-Daiichi facility in northeastern Japan went into meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami that killed around 18,000 people.

Since then, plant operator TEPCO has collected 1.34 million cubic metres of water contaminated as it cooled the wrecked reactors, along with groundwater and rain that has seeped in.

The beginning of the discharge of around 540 Olympic swimming pools worth of water over several decades is a big step in decommissioning the still highly dangerous site. Beijing said in its statement that the handling of Japans Fukushima wastewater is an important matter of nuclear security, (whose) impacts cross national borders.

The Japanese side should not cause secondary harm for local people or even the people of the world out of its own self-interest.
A bus carrying Indian pilgrims in Nepals Bara district overturned in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including six Indians. As many as 19 others sustained injuries in the bus that was en route from Kathmandu to Janakpur.

The bus overturned around 2 a.m. (local time) and plunged approximately 50 meters down a road, eventually landing at a riverbank south of Churiamai Temple in Simara Sub-Metropolitan City-22, The Kathmandu Post reported.

Among the casualties were one Nepali, hailing from Loharpatti in Mahottari district, and six Indian nationals from Rajasthan. The vehicle was reportedly carrying a total of 27 passengers, including two drivers and a helper.

Nepal law enforcement officials took three individuals into custody, including the bus driver, Jilami Khan, from Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City-7 in the Dhanusa district. The detained also included the co-driver and the helper of the bus.

The detained driver and his colleagues had sustained injuries during the accident and were apprehended after receiving medical treatment in Janakpur. Local police officials said that the investigation into the incident is underway, and more details are awaited.

The preliminary probe suggests that the accident might have been triggered by driver fatigue. The bus, reportedly traveling at a high speed, met with the accident due to the driver falling asleep at the wheel.

The Nepali newspaper said that the injured passengers are currently undergoing treatment at several hospitals in Hetauda, located in the Makwanpur district.
NEW YORK  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:

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. 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.

___

The 2024 presidential field, in the order they've announced Donald Trump, Republican Nikki Haley, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican Marianne Williamson, Democrat Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Independent Larry Elder, Republican President Joe Biden, Democrat Asa Hutchinson, Republican Tim Scott, Republican Ron DeSantis, Republican Mike Pence, Republican Chris Christie, Republican Doug Burgum, Republican Francis Suarez, Republican (dropped out) Will Hurd, Republican (dropped out)
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Thursday condemned North Koreas attempted spy satellite launch, which ended in failure again. By comprehensively assessing all factors, we have confirmed nothing thrown into earth orbit in the launch this time around, so we consider it a failure, Kishida told reporters. But nonetheless, behaviour like this goes against the UN resolutions and were already firmly protesting.

North Koreas latest attempt on Thursday comes just months after Pyongyangs first such launch crashed into the ocean shortly after the blast off. Kim Jong Un has made the development of a military eye in the sky a top regime priority, with his nuclear-armed country claiming it is a necessary counterbalance to growing regional activity by US forces.

Pyongyangs National Aerospace Development Administration conducted the second launch of reconnaissance satellite Malligyong-1 early Thursday, the official Korean Central News Agency said. The launch failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system during the third-stage flight, the report said, adding the problem was not a big issue and vowing to conduct a third attempt in October.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said it had detected the launch of the purported space rocket at around 3:50 am (1850 GMT Wednesday) and that it had flown through international airspace over the Yellow Sea.

Seoul held a National Security Council meeting slamming both the Thursday launch and Pyongyangs earlier attempt in May, saying the country was squandering scarce resources on reckless provocations while blaming lower officials for the economic situation that is driving its people to starvation and death.

The launch was first signalled by the Japanese government, which called it extremely problematic and issued a brief warning to residents of the southern Okinawa region to take cover. Pyongyang had previously told Japans coast guard the launch would take place between August 24 and 31, prompting Tokyo to mobilise ships and its PAC-3 missile defence system.

The launch came days after leaders from Washington, Seoul and Tokyo met at Camp David in the United States, and follows the start of major US-South Korea joint military drills on Monday. Known as Ulchi Freedom Shield, the annual exercises, which always infuriate Pyongyang and have already been targeted by North Korean hackers, will run through August 31.

Relations between the two Koreas are at their lowest point in years, and diplomacy is stalled after failed attempts to discuss Pyongyangs denuclearisation. Kim has declared North Korea an irreversible nuclear power and has called for ramped-up arms production, including tactical nuclear weapons.

 Space is hard 

In May, Pyongyang launched what it described as its first military reconnaissance satellite, but the rocket carrying it, the Chollima-1  named after a mythical horse that often features in official propaganda  plunged into the sea minutes after takeoff.

The crash sparked a complex, 36-day salvage operation that saw South Korea retrieve parts of the rocket and satellite for analysis, later saying they had no military utility. Though still a failure, the flight progressed further than the previous attempt, Joseph Dempsey, a researcher at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told AFP. Space is hard, he added.

Experts said that the failure of the launch wasnt entirely unexpected, but warned that Pyongyang was likely to get it right eventually. Theyll continue to iterate toward a successful launch, US-based analyst Ankit Panda told AFP.

Jeffrey Lewis, a non-proliferation expert at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, said that the third stage was a common failure point. Its important to keep in mind that engineers learn from failure, he said.

Many of the early US Redstone rockets failed Eventually, they figured it out, and so will North Korea, he said. Maybe the third time will be the charm for Kim, added Soo Kim, policy practice area lead at LMI Consulting and former CIA analyst.
In another blow to Imran Khan, a Pakistani court has granted permission to police to arrest and investigate the jailed prime minister in connection to the May 9 vandalism incident at Lahores Corps Commanders House, better known as Jinnah House, it emerged on Thursday.

The 70-year-old Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman is currently lodged in the Attock District Jail in Punjab province after his conviction in the Toshakhana corruption case earlier this month.

The Anti-terrorism Court (ATC) Lahore issued the order to arrest and investigate Khan in relation to the vandalism incident on May 9 at the Jinnah House in response to a petition filed by the Lahore police investigation chief, the Express Tribune newspaper reported on Thursday.

The police stated the necessity to probe and arrest the former prime minister for his alleged involvement in the Jinnah House arson case.

An investigation team would be sent to Attock Jail to investigate the PTI chairman. The team would submit its report to the court, the report said quoting police sources.

The sources said for the time being Khans arrest in the arson case would be kept on hold.

Pakistan saw massive nationwide anti-government protests following the arrest of Khan by paramilitary Rangers in a corruption case on May 9. Khan was later released on bail.

Dozens of military installations and government buildings, including the Corps Commanders House in Lahore and the military headquarters in Rawalpindi, were damaged or torched during the riots. Over 100 vehicles of police and other security agencies were set on fire. Following the violent protests, law enforcement agencies arrested over 10,000 PTI workers across Pakistan, 4,000 of them from Punjab province only.

The PTI contests that its members were not involved in the attacks, but the government and military reject the claims and say they have irrefutable evidence of their involvement.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina exchanged pleasantries at a dinner here hosted by the current Chair of the BRICS and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

South African President Ramaphosa on Wednesday hosted a dinner at Gallagher Estate, Midrand in Johannesburg in honour of heads of the states and governments who arrived in Johannesburg to join the 15th BRICS Summit at his invitation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was a few yards away from the Bangladesh premier, walked to Sheikh Hasina and exchanged pleasantries, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was quoted as saying by Bangladeshs national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

The two prime ministers also inquired about each others well-being for a while, Momen said.

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 this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping were observed walking together at the ongoing BRICS Summit in South Africa on Thursday. Both leaders engaged in a brief conversation before assuming their designated seats ahead of the joint press conference for the Johannesburg Declaration.

Even before PM Modis departure for the African nation for the summit, speculation had arisen about whether the leaders would engage in bilateral talks amidst the ongoing tensions between India and China.

#WATCH | PM Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping engage in a brief interaction at the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg pic.twitter.com/1yE3jstVfx

This brief meeting comes amid strained ties between countries over the Ladakh border issue. Last year, PM Modi and President Xi had a brief encounter in November during the G20 dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Indonesia.

During the G20 dinner, both leaders said to have exchanged pleasantries. This marked their first handshake since the standoff between Chinas Peoples Liberation Army and Indian forces in eastern Ladakh in April 2020.

Over the past three years, India and China have been in a prolonged standoff, resulting in deteriorating relations at all levels due to tensions on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two nations have engaged in 19 rounds of talks since 2020 to address boundary issues in eastern Ladakh.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday paid his condolences over the presumed death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Russian premiere described him as a man who made mistakes but achieved results.

Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief mutiny against the top Russian army brass, is presumed dead after being named on the passenger list of a private jet that crashed north of Moscow, killing all 10 people on board on Wednesday.

An investigation is underway to ascertain the cause behind Wednesdays crash. The plane crash comes exactly two months after Wagners brief rebellion against Moscows military leadership.

First of all I want to express words of sincere condolences to the families of all the victims, Putin said in a televised meeting, adding that the incident is a tragedy.

I knew Prigozhin for a very long time, since the early 90s. He was a man of complicated fate, and he made serious mistakes in his life, but he achieved the right results, the Russian premier added.

He further highlighted Prigozhins work in Africa, where the Wagner chief claimed to be earlier in the week. The Wagner group maintains a significant military presence in Africa.

As far as I know, he just returned from Africa yesterday and met with some officials there, Putin further said, adding that the investigation into the crash will take some time.

It will be conducted in full and brought to a conclusion. There is no doubt about that, the Russian president added.

Putin also said the Wagner members who died in the crash made a significant contribution to Moscows offensive in Ukraine and shared a common cause. We remember that, we know that, and we will not forget that, he added.

Among those killed in the crash was Dmitry Utkin, who managed Wagners operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence.

Putin had termed Prigozhin a traitor after the Wagner groups rebellion earlier this year in June.

(with inputs from AFP)
South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday announced that the BRICS grouping has reached a consensus to include six countries including Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Ramaphosa, president of the host nation, announced the decision while delivering the Johannesburg Declaration during a joint press conference.

BRICS Leaders have reached a consensus on the expansion guidelines for admission to BRICS. The following countries will become full members of BRICS starting from 1 January 2024: Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE," stated the official BRICS Summits social media account on X, formerly known as Twitter.

#BRICS | BRICS Leaders have reached consensus on the expansion guidelines of admission to BRICS. The following countries will be full members of BRICS with effect from 1 January 2024:Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.#BRICSSummit2023  BRICSza (@BRICSza) August 24, 2023

BRICS, which was established in 2009 with the inclusion of Brazil, Russia, India, and China, is undergoing its second expansion. South Africa joined the bloc in 2010. The BRICS coalition constitutes approximately 40 percent of the global population and contributes over a quarter of the worldwide GDP.

News agency Reuters reported that BRICS faced last-minute negotiations at a leaders summit aimed to enhance the influence of the Global South" on the global stage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India will continue to build consensus for those countries wishing to join BRICS. Expansion and modernisation of BRICS is a message that global institutions must mold themselves to changing times; an example of reform for other global institutions," he said.

The proposed expansion of BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to allow interested nations to join and establish a counterbalance to Western dominance.

Disagreements among the leaders over the extent and pace of expansion have been a central topic at the Johannesburg summit. Earlier, South Africas foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, announced that BRICS leaders have reached a consensus on expansion mechanisms.

Despite aspirations to unite and amplify the voices of developing economies, the diverse economic scales and foreign policy objectives of BRICS countries have posed challenges to consensus-based decision-making.
Taiwan will spend an extra T$94.3 billion ($2.97 billion) to buy weapons next year including fighter jets to bolster its defences against China, the government said on Thursday, and will get a further boost from new F-16 fighter jet tracking systems.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past three years to assert those claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen already announced on Monday that overall proposed defence spending for 2024 would be set at T$606.8 billion, a 3.5% increase from the previous year.

About half of the T$94.3 billion additional spend would be used to purchase fighter jets, and the remainder will go into bolstering naval defences, the governments statistics department said after a cabinet meeting to discuss the budget.

The United States on Wednesday approved a possible $500 million sale to Taiwan of infrared search and track systems for F-16 fighter jets, as well as other equipment.

Taiwan deputy defence minister Po Horng-huei told reporters the search and tracking systems were the same as those used by F-35 and F-22 fighters, among the most advanced the United States operates.

These will help to target the J-20 stealth fighter over the Taiwan Strait in the future, Po said, referring to the new generation of Chinese jets. It will allow Taiwan to more effectively deter Chinese air activity, he added.

The budget will have to be approved by parliament, where Tsais Democratic Progressive Party has a majority. Defence spending for next year will amount to 2.5% of Taiwans GDP.

Tsai has overseen a military modernisation programme to make Taiwans armed forces better able to face China, including upgrading its fleet of F-16 fighter jets and developing its own submarines.

Tsai said on Monday the first prototype indigenous submarine was expected to be unveiled next month as scheduled.

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.

($1=31.7490 Taiwan dollars)
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a Republican presidential aspirant have called his fellow rival Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy a guy who sounds like ChatGPT and described him as an amateur Barack Obama. Christie, 60, on Wednesday, said this during the maiden Republican presidential debate against Ramaswamy, 38, the youngest of the GOP candidates on the stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was telecast live by Fox News and its affiliate channels.

Latest opinion polls show that Ramaswamy is now the second in lead after former US president Donald Trump. He did not participate in the debate that had eight aspirants on the stage. Hold on, Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Christie said launching the first of the series of attacks against Ramaswamy after he said that the climate change agenda is a hoax.

He stands up here, and the last person in one of these debates, Brett, who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here was Barack Obama. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur tendencies tonight, Christie added.

Ramaswamy who in recent weeks has seen his popularity moving up the ladder against other GOP presidential aspirants was also attacked by former Vice President Mike Pence who called him a rookie. We dont need to bring in a rookie, Pence said, pointing towards Ramaswamy.

Even President Joe Biden appeared to react to Ramaswamys comment during the debate on climate change. Climate change is real, by the way, the president posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, soon after Ramaswamy described it as a hoax.

Im the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for so I can say this: The climate change agenda is a hoax. And the reality is the anti-carbon agenda is the wet blanket on our economy. And so the reality is more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate, Ramaswamy said.

Two Indian-Americans were on the Republican presidential debate stage, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the only woman in the race so far and entrepreneur-turned-politician Ramaswamy, the youngest of them on the stage.

Youve got people on this stage that wont even talk about issues like Social Security and Medicare. I mean, Vivek, you recently said the president cant do everything. Well, I got news for you, Vivek. Ive been in the hallway. Ive been in the West Wing. A president of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America, Pence said, referring to Ramaswamy. This isnt that complicated, guys, Ramaswamy responded.

Unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear. Put people back to work by no longer paying them more to stay at home. Reform the US Fed, stabilise the US dollar and go to war. The only war that I will declare as US president will be the war on the federal administrative state that is the source of those toxic regulations, acting like a wet blanket on the economy, said the young Indian-American.

Earlier, Ramaswamy described himself as a skinny guy with a funny name. Let me just address the question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage? he said with a smile on his face.

Ill tell you, Im not a politician. Youre right about that. Im an entrepreneur. My parents came to this country with no money 40 years ago. I have gone on to found multi-billion dollar companies. That is the American dream. And I am genuinely worried that that American dream will not exist for our two sons and their generation unless we do something about it, Ramaswamy said.

During the debate, Ramaswamy was continuously being attacked and pointed out in person by Pence and Christie. Meanwhile, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said that former US President Obama must be smiling that a 38-year-old son (Ramaswamy) of Hindu immigrants running to the right of Trump is cribbing from him.

Somewhere @BarackObama must be smiling that a 38-year-old son of Hindu immigrants running to the right of Trump is cribbing from him! Obamas vision for a multiracial democracy is seeping into our politics despite the intense backlash. A slow but satisfying vindication, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna posted on X.

A second-generation Indian-American, Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences in 2014 and led the largest biotech IPOs of 2015 and 2016, eventually culminating in successful clinical trials in multiple disease areas that led to FDA-approved products, according to his bio.
Mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief armed rebellion against the Russian military earlier this year, was presumed dead on Wednesday after a plane crash north of Moscow that killed all 10 people on board.

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.

Speaking to News18 on Thursday, sources close to the Kremlin said that with Prigozhins death, the Wagner private army is dismembered and beheaded.

We have very little information on what actually happened. There is one key thing you have to keep in mind which is that, since yesterday, the Wagner group is, in fact, dismembered. I would say beheaded. The top leadership is out. When you chop off a head of any structure, what happens to the structure? the source said.

In practical terms, it means that the Wagner group in its previous capacity has ceased to exist. It may see some reincarnation, but in different capacity. They will have to reinvent themselves.

Asked who would benefit from Prigozhin assassination, the source said the mercenary leader had an army of enemies, including in the Russian Defence Ministry as well as in Ukraine.

Prigozhin was one of the most controversial figures in present-day Russia who remained a mystery. It was an abnormal situation in which you have a private army which is challenging the regular army and security forces. Its not normal. Which country would tolerate that? the source said.

He, however, added that the Wagner group leader had many enemies and was also controlling enormous sums of money.

Prigozhin was a guy who had an army of enemies. He was hated by Ukraine. He had enemies in Russias Defence Ministry. He had many enemies. He was also getting a lot of money from the state budget billions of rubles. He was a controversial figure because he was also a hero of Russia.

Prigozhin & Putin

Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putins rule 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.

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.

The Wagner Group

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. US 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.

His troops captured Bakhmut in what was likely the bloodiest and longest battle of the Russia-Ukraine war. Prigozhin has said that 20,000 of his men died there, about half of them inmates recruited from Russias prisons.

THE REBELLION

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.

TIES WITH PUTIN POST-MUTINY

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.

After Prigozhins 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.

with agency inputs
Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led a brief mutiny against the top Russian army brass, is presumed dead after appearing on the passenger list of a private jet that crashed north of Moscow, killing all 10 people on board. A Wagner-linked Telegram channel claimed that the Russian military shot down the jet in the Tver Region.

The head of the Wagner Group, a hero of Russia and a true patriot, died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia, Grey Zone was quoted by the agencies. However, there was no official comment from the Kremlin or the Defence Ministry on Prigozhin. Russian state media said the aircraft caught fire upon hitting the ground, less than half an hour into the flight.

Failed Mutiny

Prigozhin was a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but their relationship soured after the Wagner chief, heading the countrys most powerful mercenary group, staged a failed mutiny against military leaders in June.

The Wagner Group led by Prigozhin seized the Southern Military District Headquarters in Rostov-on-Don. In a rebellion that lasted merely a day, the group advanced north towards Moscow, capturing several towns and villages en route.

The Russian government responded by deploying military forces to stop the mutineers but the situation was eventually resolved on June 24 in a deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The mutiny was ended by a deal that saw 62-year-old Prigozhin agree to relocate to Belarus. However, he had appeared to move freely inside Russia after the agreement which had reportedly guaranteed his personal safety.

Although the issue was resolved amicably, experts believed that the episode remained a significant event that seemingly undermined Putins power amid the Russia-Ukraine war.

Bidens Not Suprised

During his trip to California, US President Joe Biden told reporters he did not know for a fact what had happened. But Im not surprised, Biden said. There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind.

A former British intelligence officer told BBC said it was inevitable that this would be Prigozhins ending. He said the plane crash was likely to have been organised or ordered by somebody high up in the security apparatus, maybe with Putins tacit approval.

We were told some weeks ago, in fact, that there had been a contract taken out on Prigozhin inside Russia by senior people in the business community. So he had a lot of enemies, very few allies actually inside the regime and in a way it was inevitable that this would be his ending.

No Effect on the Ukraine War

Even if confirmed, the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin is unlikely to significantly impact the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. His forces were engaged in some of the most intense battles over the last 18 months.

Prigozhins troops withdrew from frontline engagements after taking control of Bakhmut, a city in the eastern Donetsk region, in late May. Bakhmut saw some of the most brutal clashes in the entire conflict, with Russian forces struggling for months to gain control.

Following the rebellion, Russian authorities stated that Prigozhins fighters could only reenter Ukraine as part of the regular army. Prigozhin recently released his first recruitment video after the mutiny, where he mentioned Wagners involvement in reconnaissance and search operations to enhance Russias global influence.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

THE European Union Election Observer Mission (EU-EOM) is doling whiskeys, grocery vouchers, fuel coupons and other handouts to select journalists across the country as part of a clandestine operation to build a negative report on next week harmonized elections.Using its media arm, Live Stream Company (LSC) the European Union recently met with journalists in Midlands Province, reportedly to devise ways of tarnishing the country's image ahead of Wednesday elections.This comes as some of the so-called observers have strayed from their mandate, openly interfering in issues such as the Gukurahundi, with one member of the EU-EOM in particular Eckart Rohde straying off the elections observer mandate.According to sources, LSC detoured from its mandate under the veil of EU-EOM and met with 18 journalists that are based in Midlands Province in order to influence journalists to make outlandish claims that seek to sully the whole election process."LSC presented each journalist with a gift bag containing a bottle of Johnny Walker whiskey, an OK Supermarket groceries voucher worth US$300, Econet data worth US$18 and 20 litres fuel coupon," an insider said."The goods were delivered by a vehicle inscribed EU-EOM indicating that the same had been sponsored by EU-EOM."This also comes amid startling revelations that the observers have been going around all the country's 10 provinces dishing out freebies to journalists.Further, it is alleged that LSC created a telegram group for all Midlands based journalists where they are devising their evil plans, names of journalists that are being used as pawns have been availed to this publication.According to sources, the research is being led by EU-EOM long term ally, Ewa Jacobsen and the head of the LSC is an Indian National Bunga Joseph Madhukar, deputised by a television director, junior director and junior producer.The same group also comprises a drone operator, sound engineer, cameraperson, graphic designer, digital broadcaster and interviewer.Recently, the Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Mr George Charamba said elections observers who are audaciously interfering in the country's electoral processes by openly hobnobbing with some presidential candidates will be deported without any hesitation.There are individuals with a chequered history, who have come into the country under the under the umbrella of the United States Government-funded Carter Centre and have recently been addressing rallies held by the opposition.Some of the observers are openly working with CCC and even addressing rallies as was the case last week when one Sicelo Mngomezulu, a member of a Southern African non-governmental organisation (NGO), who is in the country as an election observer attended the funeral of a CCC activist who died recently and accused Zanu-PF of killing the activist even when investigations are ongoing.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) yesterday released a list of activities that are not permitted within a 300-metre radius of a polling station on election day next Wednesday.Posting on its official Twitter page, ZEC said wearing party regalia, sloganeering, using political or candidate-branded vehicles and distributing leaflets or pamphlets on behalf of a candidate or political party are prohibited.Some of the activities which are prohibited include public singing, dancing and the use of bands, music, or loudspeakers as well as the use of cameras or phones.The country goes to the polls on Wednesday next week to elect a President, Members of Parliament and councillors.According to ZEC, there are 6 623 511 registered voters in Zimbabwe with Bulawayo having 287 720 voters while Matebeleland North has 371 587.Matebeleland South has 300 763 registered voters while the Midlands has 840 961 people who are eligible to vote.A total of 12 374 polling stations have been established.Speaking during a media briefing in Harare on Wednesday, ZEC chairperson, Justice Priscilla Chigumba, said as at August 14, a total of 3 572 local observers, 136 foreign observers, 376 local journalists and 15 foreign journalists had been accredited.Meanwhile, ZEC has dismissed as unfounded, allegations that the voters' roll recently given to Presidential and National Assembly constituency candidates cannot be searched and analysed.ZEC chief elections officer, Mr Utloile Silaigwana, said the voters' roll is searchable and analysable as per provisions of Section 21(7)(1) of the Electoral Act[Chapter 2:13].The section states that where a voters roll is provided in electronic form in terms of subsection (3), (4) or (6), its format shall be such as allows its contents to be searched and analysed, provided that  (i) the roll may be formatted so as to prevent it being altered or otherwise tampered with."It is for this reason that ZEC has issued out the voters' roll in its current format. There is nowhere in the Act where it is stated that the roll should be in excel or printable formats known to have compromised security features," said Mr Silaigwana."The voters' roll issued out to candidates has columns for the voter's surname, forename, ID number, gender, date of birth, voter's address, polling station, ward, local authority, constituency, district and province as prescribed in Section 20(2) of the Electoral Act."Mr Silaigwana said the polling station codes have not been included on the voters' roll because they are an administrative tool used by the Commission to map out polling stations during delimitation hence they are not part of the voters' roll as alleged.He said the electorate and other stakeholders should expect to see real names of polling stations and not codes on the voters' roll."Ordinary voters without access to the electronic voters' roll are encouraged to dial the USSD Code *265# on their mobile phones to ascertain their registration status and respective polling stations. The Commission would like to urge all stakeholders with queries on the voters' roll or any other electoral issue to approach the Commission for clarification," said Mr Silaigwana.He said people should desist from casting aspersions on the voters' roll and other electoral processes as this may affect voter turnout and discredit the polls.
News / Local

by Staff reporter

VICE President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, yesterday paid tribute to the liberation struggle heroes from Matebeleland South Province and urged the electorate to vote in their numbers for the ruling party to honour their legacy.Speaking at Dekezi area in Insiza District, Matebeleland South where he addressed a Zanu-PF rally that was attended by thousands of supporters, VP Chiwenga said the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa has scored major milestones in fulfilling the aspirations of the liberation struggle icons.He took the large gathering down memory lane as he gave an account of the contribution of the province's distinguished heroes to the liberation struggle.Among the province's heroes is the late Vice President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, popularly known as Father Zimbabwe, Cdes Jason Ziyaphapha Moyo, George Silundika, Prof Callistus Ndlovu, Sydney Malunga, Naison Khutshwekhaya Ndlovu, Edward Silonda Ndlovu and Brigadier General Mfakazi Mleya among others."Matebeleland South province has many respected heroes of the liberation hence we should honour them by voting the ruling party Zanu-PF. In this province we have Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo. We can't talk of liberation without mentioning Dr Nkomo's name," said VP Chiwenga.He said Dr Nkomo was arrested and incarcerated at Gonakudzingwa among other prisons but he never gave up on the struggle to liberate Zimbabwe.Dr Chiwenga said Dr Nkomo remained resolute until the end. "How do we honour him, should we honour him by giving the country back to the detractors? No." said VP Chiwenga.Dr Chiwenga, who is a son in- law of Insiza where his wife, Miniyothabo comes from, said the legacy of the liberation struggle icons should not be betrayed through voting for the opposition."I am asking you my in-laws to honour these luminaries of the liberation struggle. They sacrificed their lives for this freedom we are enjoying today hence we have an obligation to honour them by voting Zanu-PF which is committed to fulfilling their aspirations," he said.VP Chiwenga said President Mnangagwa's Government is committed to uplifting the people's lives as demonstrated by the implementation of many life- changing projects across the country."We should not leave anyone behind. We want all the corners of Zimbabwe to be developed. That is why we say Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo/Ilizwe Lakhiwa Ngabanikazi Balo," he said.
UPDATE

Aug 23, 2023 5:51 PM CDT

A South Carolina woman was given a life sentence Wednesday in the 1992 death of her newborn daughter. Stacy Michelle Costner Rabon, 50, had been found guilty of homicide by child abuse this month by a York County jury. She'll be eligible for parole in 2031 because she was sentenced under the law in 1992, which provided for shorter sentences for serious convictions, the AP reports. Rabon asked the court for mercy. "I can't think of anything but her face," she said. Circuit Court Judge Bill McKinnon told her the life sentence was appropriate because the victim was helpless. "A newborn comes into this world looking for its parents to protect it," he said. "This baby was stabbed more than 50 times."

Aug 18, 2021 4:29 PM CDT

Nearly 30 years after an infant girl's stabbed body was found floating on a South Carolina river, authorities announced the arrest Tuesday of the child's mother and said she has been charged in the death, per the AP. Stacy Michelle Costner Rabon, 48, of Rock Hill, SC, faces a charge of homicide by child abuse in connection with the girl's death in August 1992. She could face 30 years to life if convicted. Only hours old when she died, the child was found wrapped in a bedsheet inside a plastic grocery bag that was discovered by a swimmer on the Catawba River, officials said. Authorities said the child had stab wounds but a coroner's report determined that the death was the result of suffocation. In 1992, the baby was named Angel Hope by members of the community who also paid for her burial at a cemetery in Rock Hill.
UPDATE

Aug 24, 2023 5:14 AM CDT

A $25 million defamation lawsuit against Alec Baldwin from the widow and sisters of a Marine killed in the 2021 suicide attack at Kabul's airport has been dismissedagain. The actor donated $5,000 to the family of Lance Cpl. Rylee J. McCollum after the attack. He was sued after he found out Roice McCollum, the Marine's sister, was at the protest that preceded the Capitol riot and called her an "insurrectionist." US District Judge Edgardo Ramos said some comments from Baldwin, including one calling Roice McCollum a "rioter," were in private messages and others were protected by the First Amendment, reports NBC News. He gave the family a Sept. 12 deadline to file an amended complaint. An earlier lawsuit filed in Wyoming was dismissed because the actor is a New York resident.

Aug 31, 2022 5:30 PM CDT

A defamation lawsuit against Alec Baldwin that was dismissed in Wyoming in May has been refiled in New York. The widow and two sisters of fallen Marine Rylee McCollum accuse the actor of making false charges against them, including calling Roice McCollum, one of the sisters, an "insurrectionist." Baldwin made the comment after she posted a photo of protesters in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021. A federal judge tossed the suit this spring, saying the court lacked jurisdiction because Baldwin is a New York resident, CNN reports. Saying Baldwin's accusations caused emotional distress, the family is asking for $25 million in damages.
Trader Joe's has issued another recall of a product that might contain a foreign objectthis time, metal. Multigrain Crackers with Sunflower and Flax Seeds joins four other recalls in the past four weeks, WGN reports. The packages affected carry "best if used by" stamped dates from 03/01/24 through 03/05/24. The company said that none of the products recalled has caused any injuries and that stocks were pulled from store shelves and destroyed. Here are the other items recalled:
The booking photos of more people who surrendered in Atlanta in the Georgia election interference case have been released. Among them is the official mugshot of Rudy Giuliani, former President Trump's onetime personal lawyer and current codefendant. The biggest smile so far belongs to Jenna Ellis, another former Trump attorney. Ellis posted the photo on X with two Bible verses about loving your enemies and trusting in God, the Hill reports.

Nine of the 19 defendants have been booked at the Fulton County Jail, per Newsweek, with Scott Hall, a former state lawmaker, and David Shafer the only other arrestees posing with something of a smile. Ellis faces two counts. Hall, who was a Fulton County poll watcher for the Republican Party, faces seven, per Yahoo News. Shafer, who was chairman of the Georgia Republican Party, already has made his mugshot his profile photo on X, per the Hill. He faces eight counts. (Read more election interference indictment stories.)
UPDATE

Sep 13, 2023 2:30 AM CDT

An Oklahoma sheriff said Dennis Rader, who dubbed himself the "BTK Killer," was a prime suspect in the disappearance of a 16-year-old cheerleader whose body was never found. But now the local district attorney is saying there's not enough evidence to label Rader a suspect in the disappearance of Cynthia Kinney, NBC News reports. The DA says speculation about Rader's possible involvement has caused Kinney's family "pain, heartache, sleepless nights and emotional distress." But the sheriff's office says the DA has not gotten all the details on the investigation and thus has "incomplete information." At a press conference Tuesday, the sheriff said he was "absolutely furious" at the DA's comments, KAKE reports. (In other recent developments, a woman featured in Rader's drawings may have been identified.)

Aug 24, 2023 3:00 AM CDT

The BTK serial killer has been named the "prime suspect" in two unsolved killingsone in Oklahoma and another in Missourileading authorities to dig this week near his former Kansas property in Park City, authorities announced Wednesday. Osage County, Oklahoma, Undersheriff Gary Upton told the AP that the investigation into whether Dennis Rader was responsible for additional crimes started with the re-examination last year of the 1976 disappearance of Cynthia Kinney, a 16-year-old cheerleader in Pawhuska. The case, which was investigated on and off over the years, was reopened in December.
We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy
When the topic of Donald Trump emerged in the second hour of the first GOP debate, the Fox News moderators asked the eight candidates on stage to raise their hands if they would support Trump as the nominee even if he is convicted of a crime. Only Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson opted not to do so, reports Politico. (Christie did actually seem to raise his hand, but he explained he was wagging his fist.) That prompted some fireworks between Christie and Vivek Ramaswamy:

Ramaswamy: "Let's just speak the truth. President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. It's a fact." He said the campaign of Christie is based solely on "vengeance and grievance" against the former president.

"Let's just speak the truth. President Trump, I believe, was the best president of the 21st century. It's a fact." He said the campaign of Christie is based solely on "vengeance and grievance" against the former president. Christie: He said Trump's "conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States." When he was met by loud boos (including when he said Ramaswamy made him laugh), he told the crowd: "This is the great thing about this country; booing is allowed, but it doesn't change the truth." He also said of Trump: "Someone's got to stop normalizing this conduct," per CNN.

He said Trump's "conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States." When he was met by loud boos (including when he said Ramaswamy made him laugh), he told the crowd: "This is the great thing about this country; booing is allowed, but it doesn't change the truth." He also said of Trump: "Someone's got to stop normalizing this conduct," per CNN. Hutchinson: Though he said he couldn't pledge to support Trump, Hutchinson cited a somewhat technical reason: that Republican National Committee rules would prohibit backing Trump should he be convicted, per the New York Times. He also noted that some conservative scholars have suggested that Trump already is disqualified from running again. The crowd booed his answer.

Though he said he couldn't pledge to support Trump, Hutchinson cited a somewhat technical reason: that Republican National Committee rules would prohibit backing Trump should he be convicted, per the New York Times. He also noted that some conservative scholars have suggested that Trump already is disqualified from running again. The crowd booed his answer. Pardon? Ramaswamy challenged Mike Pence to pledge to pardon Trump on day one of his presidency, as he would. Pence said only that as president, he would give fair consideration to any pardon requests, per the Washington Post.

(Read more Republican debate stories.)
News / National

by Staff Reporter

In what can only be described as a shocking move, EFF Zimbabwe President and aspiring Member of Parliament for the Lobengula-Magwegwe Constituency, Innocent Ndibali, announced the party's controversial endorsement of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the upcoming August 2023 elections during a "Meet the Candidate" series held at Magwegwe Hall on Thursday.Addressing the audience of constituents and party supporters at the event organized by the National Youth Development Trust, Ndibali staunchly defended the party's decision to support Mnangagwa's bid for another term which got an applause from ZANU PF supporters.Ndibali went on to attempt to rationalize the party's choice, emphasizing notions of stability and continuity in leadership, particularly at a time of undeniable turmoil.Critics argue that this unexpected move undermines the EFF Zimbabwe party's purported commitment to change and reform. Ndibali's assertion that the party aligns with Mnangagwa's administration on crucial issues like healthcare, education, and job creation has been met with derision by those who point to the government's track record of unfulfilled promises.Political analysts and a certain section of Lobengula-Magwegwe residents have voiced their concerns over the party's sudden shift in allegiance, with some openly questioning Ndibali's motives and the party's commitment to its original ideals.As the "Meet the Candidate" series continues, Ndibali faces an uphill battle in convincing his constituents of the wisdom behind the party's endorsement of Mnangagwa. Skepticism is rife, and many are demanding transparent explanations for this unexpected pivot.
A key feature of Vietnam's famed Ha Long Bay could collapse if officials don't act to keep boats away. A recent report warns two favorite islets among the thousands of rainforest-topped limestone formations that dot the emerald bay are eroding, with tourists partly to blame, per the BBC . Hon Trong Mai, two islets resembling a rooster and hen facing each other, are better known as the fighting cocks (Ga Choi) or kissing rocks, as their "heads" appear to touch from certain angles. Though imposing at 45 feet 14 meters tall, the islets are marked by deep fissures, says Ho Tien Chung, head of the Tectonic and Geomorphology Department of the Vietnam Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (VIGMR).

Low tide reveals they are "precarious," with a supporting foot that is "gradually being eroded, causing a risk of collapse if no measures are taken to protect and reinforce them soon," according to Chung. Unregulated tourism is taking a toll in Ha Long Bay, visited by 4.3 million international tourists in 2019. Though tourists aren't allowed to approach the rocks, "the movements of boats continue to buffet them," according to Asia News Network. During research for the report, one tourist boat was observed stopping within about 60 feet of the rocks, per the BBC.

This behavior combined with rising sea levels is speeding up erosion and leaving officials fearful that the landmark will suffer the same fate as Thien Nga, the swan-shaped islet whose "head" detached in 2016, per the BBC. The report recommends that Ha Long Bay's management board better regulate boat activity by limiting speeds and encouraging vessels to stay well clear of the twin rocks, considered a a symbol of Vietnam tourism, about 3 miles from Bai Chay Port. It also recommends VIGMR explore reinforcement measures. (Read more Vietnam stories.)
Before he took his own life last year, a young doctor in Japan had worked 100 days in a row and put in more than 200 hours of overtime in a month, according to the country's labor standards inspection office. Relatives of 26-year-old Takashima Shingo, who killed himself after finishing his May 17 shift, say the health system should make changes to prevent deaths from overwork, known as "karoshi" in Japan, CNN reports. The family says the Konan Medical Center in Kobe has made no efforts to prevent deaths like that of Takashima, who was hired in April 2020.

Takashima "had just become a medical specialist and was assigned the same kind of duties as senior doctors, being instructed to write reports and give conference presentations, which led to extremely long working hours," the labor office said in a June ruling, per the Mainichi. The office said the doctor became depressed due to overwork. It said the amount of overtime he worked far exceeded the threshold for workers' compensation for mental disorders. Labor laws were tightened in 2018 but overwork remains a problem in many sectors in Japan, especially health care, reports CNN.

At a press conference last week, Takashima's mother said that in the weeks before his death, her son had become pale. She said he complained that work was too hard and nobody was looking out for him. "My son said he wanted to be a kind doctor," she said. "The hospital may be able to replace any number of doctors, but for the family, he was an irreplaceable treasure." The hospital denies overworking Takashima, arguing that the overtime hours logged include "self-study time," the Asahi Shimbun reports. "We do not have a recognition that we imposed excessive workloads on him," hospital chief Eisei Gu said last week. (Read more Japan stories.)
Much of the country continues to bake under a heat dome, with more than 110 million people in 20 states under heat alerts as of Thursday. More than 81 million are under excessive heat warnings , including in New Orleans, Dallas, and Louisville. The National Weather Service expects "another day of dangerous and oppressive heat" Thursday, including "record-breaking heat with forecast highs into the upper 90s and low 100s" in "a broad region between the Midwest and central Gulf Coast." With the brutal humidity, heat index values will approach 120 degrees, bringing a risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke with prolonged exposure, as humidity slows evaporation of sweat, making it difficult for the body to cool down.

"Residents are advised to follow proper heat safety by staying hydrated, avoiding extending periods of time outdoors, and looking out for vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors," NWS said. This week's heat is attributed to a high-pressure dome over much of the country. New Orleans tied the all-time record high temperature of 102 degrees on Wednesday, while Slidell, Louisiana, set an all-time high of 104, per WDSU. Milwaukee closed schools as temperatures hit 101. Meanwhile, Chicago's commuter rail service slowed trains "to compensate for heat-related stress on the tracks," per NBC Chicago. Chicago's O'Hare airport reported 96 degrees on Wednesday, with the heat index at 116the highest since 1995, per the Weather Channel.

"Temperatures near or above 100 degrees are expected again Thursday for cities including Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City and Des Moines," the Weather Channel reports. The forecasted high of 98 degrees in Indianapolis would tie a record set in 1936, per Axios. A cold front will bring relief for much of the Midwest by Saturday, though searing heat is expected to continue in the South. In parts of the Lower Great Lakes, Upper Ohio Valley, and Northeast, a slow-moving warm front brings a risk of thunderstorms. "These storms will be able to take advantage of elevated atmospheric moisture content to create intense downpours," NWS said. "As a result, the threat of flash flooding exists from northeast Ohio to much of Pennsylvania and southern New York State." (Read more extreme heat stories.)
UPDATE

Aug 25, 2023 12:00 AM CDT

The retired police sergeant who opened fire during a lively Wednesday evening at a popular Southern California biker bar had traveled from Ohio to confront his estranged wife, shooting her in the face before turning his gun on the crowd, authorities said. John Snowling killed three people, including his wife's dining companion and a man who approached him as Snowling retrieved additional guns from his truck, and wounded six others, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes said Thursday. He was fatally shot by deputies within minutes of the rampage. His wife, who filed for divorce in December, survived the shooting but remained hospitalized Thursday, the AP reports. Her father says Snowling, who was married to his daughter for more than 30 years and with whom she shares two grown children, couldn't "deal with the divorce."

Aug 24, 2023 1:00 AM CDT

Three people were killed and five others were wounded in a shooting Wednesday at a Southern California biker bar, the Orange County Sheriff's Department said. The gunman was also killed by deputies, the AP reports. The shooting occurred after 7pm at Cook's Corner in rural Trabuco Canyon in Orange County, a popular longtime watering hole for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts who gather for live music, open-mic nights or just a cold beer after a long ride. Deputies were on the scene two minutes after the first report of the shooting and quickly engaged in gunfire with the shooter, Orange County Sheriff's Sgt. Frank Gonzalez said.
Iran and Saudi Arabia are among six countries that will join the BRICS bloc of developing economies as new members from 2024, South Africa's president said Thursday. United Arab Emirates, Argentina, Egypt, and Ethiopia are also set to join the bloc that is currently made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose country presently chairs BRICS, made the announcement at a bloc summit in Johannesburg, the AP reports. The five current members agreed at this week's summit to expand the bloc after two days of talks, although Ramaphosa said the idea of expansion had been worked on for over a year.

This is the second time that BRICS has decided to expand. The bloc was formed in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa was added in 2010. The BRICS bloc currently represents around 40% of the world's population and contributes more than a quarter of global GDP. Three of the group's other leaders, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chinese President Xi Jinping, are attending the summit and were present alongside Ramaphosa for the announcement. Russian President Vladimir Putin did not travel to the summit after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for him in March for the abduction of children from Ukraine.

The inclusion of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates together in the same economic or political organization would have been unthinkable in recent years amid escalating tensions following the collapse of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal and a series of attacks attributed to the country since. But the UAE was first to reengage diplomatically with Iran as it emerged from the coronavirus pandemic and following missile attacks on Abu Dhabi claimed by the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels of Yemen. In March, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced they reached a separate detente with Chinese mediation.

(Read more BRICs stories.)
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe's opposition CCC leader Nelson Chamisa accuses Zec of "primitive" rigging, saying it does not make sense that far-flung areas like Uzumba-Maramba-Pfungwe have adequate ballot paper yet Warren Park in Harare, located near the printers, has no ballot paper.Addressing a Press conference, Chamisa says the deliberate voter suppression is meant to create room for further illegalities in the electoral process.He warns that this could plunge Zimbabwe into a constitutional crisis.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Julia Cassano, Tofoof Al Mansoor

Despite the fact that Bahrain has ample resources and is not at risk of food insecurity, the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bafco, Tamkeen, Bahrains Economic Development Board, and the government are banding together to give additional support to factories in the Kingdom.

Speaking to the media, Khaled Al-Amin, Chairman of the Food Sector Committee at BCCI, said, "It is our job to enhance and improve food security in Bahrain.

The Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working to improve food security with its partners to achieve the basic goal of self-sufficiency.

"We have spoken to parliament and the Shura Council about our vision regarding food security, and we are trying to extend our vision to other branches of government," he said.

Al-Halal Food Centre

The chairman stated during the meeting that Al Halal Food Centre will be coming to Bahrain very soon, having already presented the proposal to the Ministry of Municipalities.

Al Halal Centre will facilitate operations for exporters, particularly those in Saudi Arabia, as Saudi Arabia requires a water certificate, which Halal Centre can supply.

"I want us to have all of the certificates for the companies in Bahrain to export to Saudi Arabiaa huge market near us that we should be taking advantage of," Al-Amin said.

Food factories in Bahrain

When speaking on food factories in the country, the Chairman of the Food Sector Committee at BCCI stated that several factories in Bahrain, such as Bafco and Al-Taawon Foodstuff, have recently opened and that the Bahrain government, Tamkeen, and EDB are eager to provide help for food exports, presenting Bahrain as a food industry hub.

He did remark, however, that while Bahrain adheres to international policies and the government is doing well in terms of food regulations, there are laws that must be regulated for Bahrain to become an appealing hub for opening food factories.

The Bahrain Economic Development Board and Tamkeen have played a crucial role in allowing the factories to thrive, and we will provide startups with logistical, emotional, and financial support and ease the process with banks," Al-Amin said.

"Here at BCCI, along with Tamkeen, EDB, and the government, we are working to ensure food security in Bahrain and to attract bigger players to come and present Bahrain as a base for them to export from," the chairman stressed.

Prospects

In terms of prospects, AlAmin highlighted the creation of a wheat factory in the coming year, which the Kingdom hopes to use as a hub for wheat exports from Bahrain.

Rice export ban: India

When discussing the recent ban on non-basmati rice exports from India he emphasised, "Do not believe the nonsense you read on WhatsApp and other social media platforms.

Though the move raised concerns that it would destabilise rice supplies in some parts of the world, Amin stressed that Bahrain is unaffected since the country gets its food from a variety of nations, including Pakistan, Oman, Yemen, Turkey, and Egypt.

"There was a monopoly on white rice in India when, last month, the Indian government announced the abrupt ban.

However, we cannot blame the Indian government, as they are protecting their people," he relayed.

He clarified that while Bahrain has stopped receiving onions from India, the Kingdom has other options for importing the item, meaning the matter is under control.

Challenges

While outlining some of the Kingdoms current issues, he pointed out that Bahrain currently contains several bodies regulating food security; however, he hopes to have only one body regulating food in the future, making the process simpler.

Price increases on food

When answering a question on rising prices of food products, the chairman claimed that costs vary widely and, due to supply and demand, governments have little control over the matter. "BCCIs goal is to reduce financial stress in the Kingdom, Al-Amin said.

As many families have stringent monthly budgets for their essentials, he noted that even a 100-fill increase on a food item can financially damage families. And as a result, he wishes to avoid that at all costs.

COVID revolutionised food security.

Explaining the impact of potential food crises, Al-Amin referred to the stark losses that arose from COVID.

"Covid has essentially taught us lessons on how countries and governments around the world handle food storage. "We always advise industries to buy and keep stock of food for at least 6 months to avoid a food crisis. We had a tough time during COVID; food security should be inside the country. If anything like COVID happens again and we do not have food security inside the country, thats when problems arise," the Chairman of the Food Sector Committee at BCCI said.

To provide further support and awareness, a workshop with Export Bahrain during export week in November welcomes businessmen, startups, and family-owned businesses to gain insight into how food items are exported from Bahrain.
Japan has begun discharging more than 1m tonnes of tainted water into the Pacific Ocean from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in a move that has move that prompted China to announce an immediate blanket ban on all seafood imports from Japan and sparked anger in nearby fishing communities.

The plants operator, Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco), pumped a small quantity of water from the plant on Thursday, two days after the plan was approved by Japans government.

Tepco said the release began at 1:03pm local time (0403 GMT) and it had not identified any abnormalities with the seawater pump or surrounding facilities. Live video showed engineers behind computer screens and an official saying  after a countdown  that the valves near the seawater transport pumps are opening.

Monitors from the UN atomic watchdog, which has endorsed the plan, were due to be on site for the procedure, while Tepco workers were scheduled to take water samples later on Thursday.

The discharge, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years, has caused anger in neighbouring countries and concern among fishers that it will destroy their industry as consumers steer clear of seafood caught in and around Fukushima. ...continue reading
TOKYO, Aug 25 ( News On Japan ) - Footage captured Thursday morning near Ikebukuro Station in Tokyo shows several police officers surrounding a man wielding a knife.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the man approached a female police officer stationed in front of a police box at around 5:30 am and called out "Excuse me" while taking a knife from his backpack, pointing it at the female officer's face.

The man was dressed in black holding a 15cm-bladed knife, assuming a Kung Fu-like stance.

The suspect, a self-proclaimed unemployed individual, was arrested for offenses including violating the Swords and Firearms Control Law.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Thousands of people thronged polling stations across the country to cast their votes for their preferred candidates for Presidential, National Assembly and local authority elections.A peaceful environment characterised the voting process throughout, underscoring the long-held view that Zimbabweans are peace-loving people.The campaign period itself was largely peaceful with just minor incidents reported, contrary to other countries where fierce fighting and killings take place during campaigning and on voting day.Most polling stations were a hive of activity from as early as 4am as voters arrived to join queues wanting to be the first to cast the vote, and spend the day, which was a holiday, with family and friends.First time voters, mainly youths, were also part of the thousands who turned up.President Mnangagwa, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa and family, voted at Sherwood Primary School in Kwekwe.There was a lot of activity in Kwekwe, with about 6 000 people casting their ballots by mid-morning in Kwekwe Central Constituency, according to the constituency elections officer Mr Edmund Magaya.However, voting started late at some polling stations across the country as voting material arrived late, or did not arrive at all, prompting the gazetting of a Statutory Instrument late last night, to allow those that did not vote to get an opportunity to cast votes.Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday said about four wards in Manicaland Province didn't not vote due to delays in the arrival of voting material while in other areas, the ballot papers had mixed up pictures and party symbols.Minister Mutsvangwa said she then spoke with Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister to establish the next course of action under the circumstances and was assured that a Statutory Instrument would be gazetted to allow everyone to vote, if they failed yesterday.Therefore, all wards that did not vote yesterday, will have a chance to vote today from 7am to 7pm.In Harare, voting at most polling stations started at 7am, with voting starting at about 7:20am at David Livingstone Primary School's polling station B, as scores of observers, including former Mozambique President Joachim Chissano, was there to witness the start of the process.There were four polling stations at David Livingstone Primary, and the other three started at 7am.President Chissano said he was happy with the process and peace that characterised the start of voting.At Queen Elizabeth School and Girls High School in Harare, voting went well with hundreds of voters turning up.Some areas such as Glen View, Budiriro and Warren Park, received voting material late, with voting continuing well after 7pm in Warren Park after ballot papers came late.There was low activity in the central business district with most shops closed and roads clear, with the bulk of vehicles seen at polling stations.In Bulawayo, voting at some of the polling stations was also delayed by late delivery of ballot papers, among others.Polling began three hours late in Bulawayo South Constituency, but determined voters remained on the queue.More than 300 people patiently waited for the voting to start at Greenfield Primary School. Zanu-PF candidate for Bulawayo South Constituency, Raj Modi, commended voters for their patience and orderly conduct during the delayed voting process.Similarly, Lobengula Magwegwe Constituency encountered late starts in some wards but voters displayed remarkable patience.In Cowdray Park, after a six-hour wait under the scorching sun, residents, including Professor Mthuli Ncube, the Zanu-PF National Assembly candidate, finally cast their votes.Prof Ncube stressed his commitment to action and expressed pride in the country's economic achievements.In Ward 23 of the Nkulumane Constituency, 3 308 males and 3 769 females had cast their votes by 7pm.Assisted voters were 48 males and 107 females while 45 males and 35 females were turned away for various reasons.Voting in a majority of wards within the Bulawayo Central Constituency also started late, with some polling stations anticipated to remain open well past midnight.In Matabeleland South, voting progressed peacefully from 7am.In the morning, there were long 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 in some polling stations faced challenges as their names were not appearing on the voter's roll, but were referred to other polling stations.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 peaceful 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, Spare Sithole, was among the first people to cast their votes at St Matthews Primary School polling station.In Gwanda South, the voting exercise was peaceful with polling stations opening at 7am and closing at 7pm.Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Abedinico Ncube was one of the first voters at Buvuma Primary School.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.In Beitbridge, Zanu-PF Vice President and Second Secretary 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 7:30am as they were having challenges communicating with that station.Zanu-PF's Lupane East constituency candidate, Phathisiwe Ncube, expressed satisfaction with voting process.She cast her vote at Makhovula Primary School in Lupane.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, 4 419 people had 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.The highlight of the day was the participation of the San community in the Mtshina area under Chief Goledema in Tsholotsho North. The community participated in the process for the first time after Government's decision to integrate it into the rest of the country through the issuance of relevant identity documents.In Umguza constituency voting started at 7am and it was generally peaceful throughout the day.Zanu-PF candidate for the constituency Richard Moyo led the early voters and cast his vote 10 minutes after the 7am opening time at Green Haven polling station. He came out happy saying the process was fast.Other candidates vying for the seat are Ms Queen Maligwa of the Citizens Coalition for Change, Mr Peter Khumbula Ncube of the Democratic Official Party (DOP), Mr Young Sibanda an independent candidate and Mr Andrew Wilson of UZA.Zanu-PF Secretary General Dr Obert Mpofu, together with his wife Sikhanyisiwe also cast their votes in the constituency.Voter turnout, according to presiding officers interviewed, was average across the constituency, with records revealing that more women than men had cast their votes.A bigger percentage of voters were youths while there was a handful of elderly voters as well.The number of voters turned away was low and most of them had showed up with no national identity documents while some went to wrong polling stations.In Nkayi District voting started at 7am but network challenges saw some polling officers failing to give regular updates to their constituencies command centres.In Nkayi South as at 4pm, 28 out of the 59 polling stations had submitted their statistics to the district command centre, according to the constituency elections officer, Ms Langelihle Maipisi.In Nkayi North, constituency elections officer Mr Mncedisi Ndlovu said as at 2pm they had collected voting figures from 22 out of the 60 polling stations in the constituency that has four candidates in the National Assembly contest.Zanu-PF is represented by Sithembiso Nyoni, CCC has Mr Mandla Ndlovu while Mr Chief Ndlovu is standing in for MDC-T. There is one independent candidate, Ms Sithabisiwe Mathema.In Hwange District's three constituencies, voting started at 7am at most polling stations and proceeded without glitches.The district has Hwange Central, Hwange East and Hwange West constituencies.In rural polling stations, some voters complained that pictures of candidates on the ballot papers were not visible, making it difficult for the elderly who depended on pictures to see their preferred candidates.Hwange District elections officer Mrs Sithembile Mlilo said turnout was satisfactory basing on voter population.Binga District was no exception as a peaceful atmosphere prevailed as voting progressed in the two constituencies of Binga North and Binga South.In Masvingo district, 16 496 males and 17 649 females had voted by 3pm while 604 were redirected.A total of 410 were turned away, and 1 056 were assisted.In Mwenezi District, 13 525 males and 17 858 females voted by late afternoon, with 110 redirected while 287 were turned away and 1 729 were assisted.Gutu and Bikita districts had not sent statistics to the Command Centre by 3pm.In Chivi District, 10 971 males and 14 222 females had voted by 3pm, with 102 voters redirected, while 362 were turned away.Chiredzi District had 40 884 males and 43 055 females who voted by afternoon while 590 were redirected.In Zaka, 28 550 males and 43 194 females voted by 3pm.In Mashonaland East, the Mudzi district elections officer Mrs Loice Masimu said voting went on well and results for local authorities and National Assembly are expected to start trickling in today.Voting in all five constituencies in Gokwe South district started at 7am and progressed well throughout the day.Voting went well in Gweru Urban, Mkoba South and North constituencies, with no hassles.In separate interviews after voting, voters praised the peaceful environment.Mr Prosper Kahunde of Mudzi said he was satisfied."Last elections we spent hours waiting to vote, but this time around it was well organised. When l arrived at 9am l thought it was the usual only to cast my vote at ease," he said.A first time voter, Ms Rudo Kandiya (23) of Harare said she was over the moon for having voted."This is my first time to be voting its quite a refreshing experience. I was just nervous but when l was inside the polling station the process was smooth."I also thought it takes time, but l spent less than five minutes inside," she said.Mrs Rutendo Rwenya from Chivhu said she was happy that the elections were peaceful."I am happy that the polls were peaceful and there was no violence in the constituency. I would like to thank all voters and the leadership at large for maintaining peace in the elections," she said.A Warren Park resident, Mrs Anna Gondo however, complained about the voting delays."I came here at 7am, but it's now 10am and l am yet to cast my vote. The elections officer says they are waiting for ballot papers of local authority candidates," she said.
First investment in Indigenous-led enabling infrastructure in Alberta

Upgrade to and realignment of seven kilometres of road, including relocating utilities, enhancing drainage and new lighting along the route

including relocating utilities, enhancing drainage and new lighting along the route New multi-use pedestrian trail with safety features to support community well-being

to support community well-being Enables road construction and maintenance subcontracting, training and employment opportunities for Enoch Cree Nation-owned contracting company and local Indigenous people

for Enoch Cree Nation-owned contracting company and local Indigenous people Project is being led and delivered by an all-Indigenous crew

EDMONTON, AB, Aug. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) is providing a $15 million loan to support the Enoch Cree Nation Arena Road Rebuild Project in partnership with Enoch Cree Nation, Yekau Lake Settlement Trust, and River Cree Development Corporation. Through the financing partnership, the main transportation artery within the Enoch Cree Nation reserve will be paved and upgraded to include pedestrian crossings and a new multi-use pedestrian trail.

Construction is underway for the Enoch Cree Nation Arena Road. (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank) A rendering of the upgraded road and new pedestrian trail. (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank) Enoch Cree Nation (CNW Group/Canada Infrastructure Bank)

The enhanced seven kilometres of the road will connect the village core area to the economic hub of the community and future on-reserve developments. Once completed, the upgraded access road, street lighting and pedestrian safety features will support community well-being, enable economic development and offer safer commuting for all users.

Throughout construction, community members will benefit from valuable training and employment opportunities, which will create capacity within the community. The project expands Enoch Cree Nation's in-house civil construction and maintenance capabilities, allowing the First Nation and its band-owned contracting company to perform and deliver on future larger civil projects. A crew of over 30 Indigenous employees  from Enoch administration and finance, to the road construction and development crew  are advancing the project.

Enoch Arena Road is being financed through the CIB's Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, which lends to projects that deliver a direct benet to Indigenous communities.

By tapping into CIB financing, Enoch Cree Nation, supported by its trust, the Yekau Lake Trust, will access affordable capital to accelerate and future-proof its community's infrastructure needs. This partnership will address the current infrastructure gap while ensuring the community can continue to invest in its many other economic and social priorities.

The project is expected to reach substantial completion by the end of 2023.

Endorsements

Our loan will enable Enoch Cree Nation to upgrade a critical transportation artery on its reserve. The project fills an Indigenous infrastructure gap and supports community well-being and economic development. As our first investment in Alberta towards Indigenous-led enabling infrastructure, this partnership will help the First Nation's capacity to develop and deliver future infrastructure projects.

Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

Having this project become a reality, is an accomplishment for all of us, as a Nation. Working with Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) helps secure our economic development and the future of infrastructure advancements within our community. Expanding and modernizing our current infrastructure has been long overdue and having a project like this will improve the quality of life for every Nation Member, and by this, ensure the safety of Maskekosihk (Enoch Cree Nation). Moving forward these projects will lay the foundation and help look after the next generations to come.

Cody Thomas, Chief of Enoch Cree Nation

Seeing this project become a reality for the Nation has been a very gratifying moment for not only the Infrastructure branch of Enoch Cree Nation, but to all our Nation members. Securing this loan from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, shows the country that First Nations are striving to better our own infrastructure to continue to pursue a higher quality of life for our people, now and in the future. Knowing that we could access this loan from CIB has helped us in the planning and development of our infrastructure.

Troy McDonald, Senior Manager of Infrastructure, Enoch Cree Nation

The day many Enoch Cree Nation band members have been dreaming about for decades is finally coming true. Upgrading an unsafe generationally used travel route in the Nation from what once was an old wagon trail will now be a modern City of Edmonton standard and designed built road. With the guidance and support from our Nation's Chief and Council, we are slowly but surely closing a long existing infrastructure gap in our First Nation with this access to below-market-rate investment from the Canada Infrastructure Bank. With loan security being provided by our Yekau Lake Trust, we are securing our economic future by leveraging our existing assets for the benefit of the entire community.

Ron Morin Jr, Capital Projects Coordinator, Enoch Cree Nation

Learn More:

Enoch Cree Nation

River Cree Development Corporation

SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank

For further information: Media contacts: Canada Infrastructure Bank, media@cib-bic.ca; Enoch Communications, [email protected]
News / National

by Staff reporter

THE Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) says presidential election results will be announced by August 28.In a statement yesterday, Zec said the time stipulated for the announcement was meant to ensure that meticulous verification processes are carried out before the final results are made public."The prohibition aims to maintain the integrity of the electoral process and prevent the dissemination of inaccurate or misleading information," Zec said in the statement."It is illegal to announce election results verbally or in print before they are announced by Zec. Violators will face legal consequences including fines, imprisonment, or both."In 2019, Tendai Biti, who was at the time an MDC-Alliance executive was convicted and fined $200 for unlawfully announcing results of the disputed 2018 polls.Biti announced that then MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa had won the presidential election.In 2018, six citizens were shot dead by soldiers while protesting over "delays" in announcing election results.On X, formerly Twitter, yesterday, data analysts Team Pachedu, which developed a parallel tabulation app Mandla which takes just six hours to come up with consolidated results, said its system could not take more than a week to tabulate election results."What takes you five days will take us six hours. We can lend you our systems should you want. We have no control what Mandla will do, the boy could be rogue at most times," it tweeted.In 2008, results of the first round of the presidential elections were only released after two months with no outright winner, forcing a run-off between the late former President Robert Mugabe and also late MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), has urged Nigerians to coexist peacefully for the speedy development of the country.

Akume spoke on Thursday at an award ceremony organised by Arewa Youth Advocacy for Good Governance (AYAGG) in Abuja.

Represented by Chris Tarkar, his chief of staff, Akume said the Bola Tinubu administration is grappling with many challenges.

He said the federal government has embarked on a slew of programmes to solve these challenges, adding that Nigerians must unite, irrespective of tribe or religion, to build a better nation.

We are not by choice Nigerians but we are Nigerians by the making of the Almighty God, he said.

We did not choose to be born into any tribe but God in His wisdom coded for us because that is what it should be.

He also chose that we should all be in this great nation. You could have been an Igbo man in America or Hausa man in China but He decided otherwise, that we should be here.

In recognition of that fact, we owe it to ourselves to work together.

We all have differences in terms of culture and religion but if we believe in the unity, the purpose and the greatness of this nation, we can build a great Nigeria.

The politics of divisiveness either based on religion or ethnic sentiments will not lead us anywhere.




The Court of Appeal in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday, sacked Julius Abure, and recognised Lamido Apapa as the National Chairman of the Labour Party.





The court also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to immediately recognise and publish the names of all the governorship candidates produced by the Apapa-led National Working Committee in Imo, Bayelsa, and Kogi states.





The court also dismissed the governorship candidature of Senator Athan Achonu of Imo State, and others belonging to the Abure-led LP faction.





In April, Apapa said his suspension as a member of the party was invalid, noting that he remained the legitimate acting chairman.





On August 14, it was reported that a Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City, Edo State capital, affirmed Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Obiora Ifoh.





Prior to this, on May 26, it was reported that a State High Court sitting in Edo dismissed the notice of suspension issued against Abure by some party members at the ward level. The judge, Justice Emmanuel Aihamoje, threw out the case for lacking merit.




The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Idowu Owohunwa, has said there is increasing local expertise on firearms fabrication by criminal elements in the state.





He disclosed this on Wednesday at the unveiling of the state command Complaint Response Unit by the acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.





Owohunwa said the firearms include replicas of foreign-made pistols, AK47s and other assault rifles.





The police boss added that the trend, coupled with the rise in cultism activities, poses a potent danger to the security space in the state.





He said, We are also constantly confronted with the challenge of dissecting and dealing with the thin line between the civil and criminal dynamics of land disputes which are also prevalent in the state. Also of routine concern is the traffic gridlock and the attendant occasional traffic robberies which are compounded by ongoing road projects across the state including, in particular, the Lagos-Ibadan highway. The crime profile of the state is further accentuated by the prevalence of illegal firearms, illicit drug abuse and traffic robberies.





Hardly does a day pass by without the ever-vigilant operatives of the command recovering weapons and illicit drugs of various descriptions at stop and search points, raids of black spots and other operational engagements; with all such recoveries linked to the perfection of crimes across the state. Most worrisome in all this is a noticeable trend that indicates an increasing local expertise in the fabrication of various types of firearms including replicas of foreign-made pistols, AK-47s and other rifles.





Owohunwa called on all strategic state actors and the citizens to complement the efforts of the police in rolling back the dangerous tide. He noted that the command would organize a conference in the coming weeks in a bid to initiate a discourse to contain cultism and violent crimes in the state.





Egbetokun, however, warned police officers to shun unprofessional conduct and show commitment to professionalism.





He specifically noted that complaints of extortion about police officers have given the police force a bad image.





On the proposed establishment of a special intervention squad, Egbetokun disclosed that mobilisation of personnel had begun to that effect.





He said this was in line with ongoing efforts to rid some troubled parts of the country of criminal elements.





He said, If you have been following our activities since I came into the office of the Inspector General of Police as acting IG, we have taken steps to do a number of things to ensure that crime is reduced to its barest minimum, to restore security to troubled areas. We are taking necessary steps to get rid of criminal elements that were terrorising the motorists along the Abuja-Kaduna route. Very soon you are going to be seeing results.





We are embarking on the establishment of a special intervention squad. We have started mobilisation to make a success of that. And very soon, the SIS will start operation in the states that we have chosen as pilot states. Just give us a little more time and you will start seeing our actions yield results.





Luckily we have a government in place that cares about the welfare of the police officers and the challenges relating to welfare. I have assurances from Mr president that efforts are underway to bring smiles to the faces of policemen in Nigeria, he added.
Ali Pate, the minister of health, says there is a need to improve the countrys health outcomes and end medical tourism by Nigerians.

Speaking on Monday at his maiden meeting with Kachollom Daju, the permanent secretary at the ministry of health, Pate said there is a gap in health outcomes that needed to be improved upon.

When you fly from Addis Ababa to New Delhi you see a lot of people going for medical tourism and it is not a thing we in the health sector should rest on our oars and regard as normal, he said.

We should do something about it and improve our health outcomes.

It is important that we deal with the issues of governance to improve the governance of health.

The federal government, states and local governments and other stakeholders will work together, including those who may be differently abled in the construct of health policy and implementation.

According to NAN, Pate also said the economic value chain existing in the health sector should be harnessed, adding that it needs to be carefully crafted with every stakeholder being a part of the conversation.

There is an important signal in the choice of those assigned the health portfolio, and we are very excited about that, he said.

I think the fact that the president also included social welfare in the health portfolio indicates he also considers the people as the basis; the foundational element for what his administration tries to do.

This is because the welfare of the people is linked to their health; their health and well-being are interconnected right from gestation to childhood, to adulthood to elderly, and all across the life cycle.

We need to grow our economy, but we also need to attend to the people and health is an important component of that and I think that is one signal that is important.

The president is the driver and we will follow and we will work hard to ensure that our driver takes us to the desired destination; the vision that he has of transforming this country.

The president realises that Nigerians are eager to feel the impact of government so that people feel the difference that his `Renewed Hope agenda actually begins to touch the lives of people and we are right where it can be done.




President Bola Tinubu is meeting with a delegation of Nigerian Muslim leaders (Ulama) led by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, at the State House, Abuja.

The purpose of the Ulamas meeting with President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, was to brief him on the outcome of their visit to Niger Republic over the political situation in the country.

The group of Islamic clerics had offered to interface with the coup leaders in Niger Republic on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), got the approval and actually interacted with the General Abdourahamane Tchiani-led junta in Niger Republic.

The Ulamas, who are opposed to war with the Nigerien military, as threatened by ECOWAS, said that apart from the dire consequences of armed conflict, they were enjoined by their religious faith and the Quran to seek mediation first in cases like this before resorting to war.

ECOWAS had also taken steps to show its disapproval of the military takeover of power in Niger by imposing a series of sanctions and an ultimatum, which the body threatened could lead to an armed response.

Details later
The immediate past Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, has urged his supporters attacking Governor Hyacinth Alias administration to remain calm.

Recall that the present administration had accused Ortom and others who worked with him of looting the states resources.

The erstwhile governor was on June 21 2023 invited by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over the allegations.

Similarly, some properties belonging to the state government were allegedly recovered from the former governor.

Vexed by what they termed as harassment, Ortoms supporters have continued to make derogatory statements against the incumbent governor and his team.

But Ortom, in a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Terver Akase, urged the supporters to remain calm, adding that they should not heat up the polity.

The former Governor stated that he is capable of responding to the issues being raised against him and other officials of the previous government and has always made known his belief in the rule of law.

He reiterated his readiness to make himself available to respond to issues bordering on his administration whenever the need arises.




President Bola Tinubu has asked the delegation of Nigerian Muslim leaders, (Ulamas), to return to the Niger Republic for more diplomatic talks with the military junta.

Tinubu gave the directive on Thursday after the Ulamas briefed him on the outcome of their last mission made on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

After the meeting with Tinubu, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, who led the delegation, spoke to State House correspondents and expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to meet with the president.

He also emphasised the Ulamas commitment to peaceful and amicable dialogue with the military junta in Niger Republic.

Sheikh Bauchi called for fervent prayers from the entire community across the region to ensure that peace and harmony continue to reign.

First and foremost, we thank Allah for giving us the opportunity and we appreciate and commend the efforts of his excellency the president, he said.

And as you saw, we have just met with him and told him all what went on there in Niger and he appreciated and he still has us the mandate that we should continue to make this dialogue and discuss with the junta over there, because they gave us listening ears and we are sure, through peaceful discussions well be able to achieve what we want.

We are still going back there to ensure that through peaceful and amicable ways, as spiritual leaders, well be able to do and contribute what we can be able to do.

What we want? We dont want war, we want peace to reign in our region. So may Allah continue to bless the president for giving us this opportunity.

We want serious and fervent prayers from the entire community, across the region so that Allah will grant us that so that peace and harmony will continue to reign.

Without peace and harmony, theres nothing we can do. We cant even enjoy the dividends of democracy and you cannot even practice your religion.

Im optimistic, Insha Allah, with this intervention, Allah will answer our prayers.

The Ulamas said they are opposed to war with the Nigerien military, as threatened by ECOWAS.

They added that apart from the dire consequences of the use of force, they are enjoined by their religious faith and the Quran to seek mediation first in cases like that of Niger before resorting to war.

The return of the Islamic leaders to Niger comes as ECOWAS defence chiefs said the bloc still favours diplomacy even though a day for military intervention had been fixed, as a last resort.

Abdulsalami Abubakar, former head of state, had also assured that diplomatic interventions to restore constitutional order in Niger will succeed.

After leading an ECOWAS delegation to the unstable West African country, Abdulsalami said discussions with Nigers military junta had been very fruitful, expressing hope that positive actions will soon come out of it.

James Heappey, the United Kingdoms minister of state for the armed forces, said the UK recognised Nigerias diplomatic mediation efforts to peacefully restore democracy in its northern neighbour.

Heappey added that the UK would continue to support Nigeria and ECOWAS in their efforts to ensure that constitutional order returns to the Niger Republic.

Tiani had announced that the country would hand over power in three years but ECOWAS rejected the plan, adding that it would no longer tolerate prolonged transition periods in the sub-region.
Edo North Senator, Adams Oshiomhole, has said President Bola Tinubu broke a jinx by appointing Nyesom Wike as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

Oshiomhole said Tinubus decision to appoint Wike as FCT Minister was ground-breaking.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Oshiomhole said Tinubu gave every part of Nigeria hope with his ministerial appointment.

He also noted that President Bola Tinubu should be credited for fixing what former Presidents could not do.

Oshiomhole assured Nigerians that Tinubu was already laying a solid foundation for the development of the country.

According to Oshiomhole: May this government be credited as the one that fixed what others could not fix. This will not be a government of lamentation, but one that will do what others failed to do.

This singular move shows that anyone can become the minister regardless of their birthplace, tongue and dialect.

For me, one of the ground-breaking decisions President Tinubu has taken is to give every part of Nigeria a hope that regardless of your birthplace, tongue or dialect, you can be the Minister of the FCT.
Donald Trump is to surrender on racketeering charges and likely have his mugshot taken at a Georgia jail on Thursday, setting the stage for a fourth criminal trial next year as he bids to reclaim the White House.

The 77-year-old former president will be arrested at Atlantas notorious Fulton County Jail, accused of conspiring with 18 co-defendants to try to overturn the 2020 election result in the key southern state.

The booking of the billionaire real estate tycoon in his fourth and final indictment sets up a year of unprecedented courtroom drama as he tries to balance appearing in the dock with hitting the campaign trail.

The arrest comes just hours after Trump spurned a televised primary debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, featuring eight of his rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination  all of whom lag well behind him in the polls.

He managed to steal the spotlight, though, as the focus of questions, with all but two of the candidates saying they would support Trump as the partys nominee even if he were convicted in any of the cases.

During a rambling pre-recorded interview with former Fox News talk show host Tucker Carlson, which aired on X, formerly known as Twitter, at the same time as the debate, Trump dismissed the four criminal indictments filed against him as nonsense.

He said the Justice Department had been weaponized under Democratic President Joe Biden to hamstring his White House bid.

A tight security perimeter has been set up ahead of Trumps arrival at the Fulton County Jail, an overcrowded facility that is under investigation by the Justice Department for a slew of inmate deaths and deplorable living conditions.

Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney who brought the sweeping racketeering case, set a deadline of noon (1600 GMT) on Friday for the 19 defendants to surrender.

 Proudly be arrested 

An exact time has not been given for Trumps arrival, but the former president said in a post on his Truth Social platform that it would be Thursday afternoon.

NOBODY HAS EVER FOUGHT FOR ELECTION INTEGRITY LIKE PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP, he posted, using all uppercase letters, adding he will PROUDLY BE ARRESTED.

Trump was able to dodge the humiliation of having a mugshot taken during his previous arrests this year: in New York on charges of paying hush money to a porn star, in Florida for mishandling top secret government documents, and in Washington on charges of conspiring to upend his 2020 election loss.

But Fulton County Sheriff Pat Labat said standard procedure in Georgia is for a defendant to have a mugshot taken before they are released on bond, already set at $200,000 in Trumps case.

Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani, who served as Trumps personal lawyer when he was in the White House and vigorously pushed the false claims that Trump had won the 2020 election, was booked in the case on Wednesday.

Also facing charges in Georgia are Mark Meadows, Trumps White House chief of staff, and John Eastman, a conservative lawyer who is accused of drawing up a scheme to submit a false slate of Trump electors to Congress from Georgia instead of the legitimate Biden ones.

Trump is the first US president in history to face criminal charges. The four trials will come during the Republican primary season, which begins in January, and at the height of the campaign for the November 2024 presidential vote.

Special counsel Jack Smith has proposed a January 2024 start date for Trumps trial in Washington on charges of conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, a campaign of lies that culminated in the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

Trumps attorneys have countered with an April 2026 start datewell after the 2024 election.

Georgia prosecutors want the racketeering case to begin in March 2024, the same month Trump is scheduled to go on trial in New York on charges of paying hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels on the eve of the 2016 election.

The Florida case, in which Trump is accused of taking secret government documents as he left the White House and refusing to return them, is scheduled to begin in May.
The BRICS group of nations has extended invitations to six oil-producing countries to become full members.

So far, the BRICS economic bloc comprises five countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

South Africas President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke on the groups expansion plan during a news conference on Thursday at the ongoing BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

He said the new members will join the club by January 1, 2024.

The invited countries include Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As a five-BRICS country, we have reached agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process which has been in discussion for quite a while. We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow, Ramaphosa said.

We have decided to invite the Argentina Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to become full members of BRICS.

The membership will take effect from the 1st of January, 2024.

Three of the six oil-producing countries  Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE  are key members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

Nigeria, which is a member of OPEC as well, is not a member of the BRICS group.

In July 2023, the country secured the third largest oil-producer status in Africa, with an average oil production of 1,081,396 barrels per day (bpd).

On August 21, Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed Nigeria to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 15th BRICS summit in South Africa.

At the summit, heads of state are expected to deliberate on issues of trade and investment facilitation, sustainable development, innovation, and global governance reform.

It is also expected that the conference would focus on global geopolitics and infrastructure development as the body continues its outreach to leaders from Africa and the global south.
News / Press Release

by Charles Kwaramba

As evening falls, voters continue to queue up in droves to cast their ballots - some have been waiting hours to exercise their democratic right.By now, every single one of the 12,374 polling stations across the country should have closed their doors to voters and started the count.However, a huge number of polling stations, mostly in the urban centres of Harare and Bulawayo, did not open until many hours after the official 07:00 start. Outrageously, some polling stations in Harare still had their doors resolutely shut to voters at 18:00, 11 hours after voting was meant to commence.ZEC'S WOEFUL EXCUSESThe ZEC has blamed this on the court wrangling of the proceeding weeks that has formed the backdrop to this election, which they claim severely delayed the printing of ballot papers. This is simply untrue. The failure to provide polling stations in the capital with ballot papers was a gross negligence on their part. Nelson Chamisa addressed this blatant voter suppression in his press conference this afternoon.One particularly egregious example is the Girls High School polling station in Harare, which opened for voting well after 7am due to a delay in delivering ballot papers. The school is a four minute drive away from ZEC's headquarters.ZEC's solution - to keep polling stations open late into the night and early hours of the morning - is worrying. Extreme vigilance is required throughout the night to mitigate the risk to both voters and democracy.Our faithful and committed agents are deployed country-wide and will continue to observe the polling stations and voting process with all the dedication it requires.WHAT THE NUMBERS SAYData analysis of election incidents at sample polling stations as of 14:00 has been published by research and advocacy organisation Good Governance Africa. It shows the most frequent incident observed by agents was violence and/or intimidation, followed by issues with polling stations and ballot boxes/papers.This aligns with the anecdotal evidence reported by agents, observers and voters all over the country.Reports have flooded in of intimidation by FAZ activists and ZANU-PF members who have been conducting unofficial exit polls outside polling stations, while voters country-wide are outraged by polling stations remaining closed for shockingly long period of time.DEDICATION TO DEMOCRACYIn light of the on-going mismanagement of polling stations by the ZEC citizens remain determined to wait in line in order to cast their vote.Despite some polling stations having not received their ballot papers, Zimbabweans have bravely remained in queues since well before 07:00 to exercise their democratic right to vote.At Westlea Primary polling station in Harare, voters have vowed to remain in line until the ballot papers arrive. Meanwhile, at Epworth South Constituency Ward 4, voters continue to wait, showing their faith in the democratic process despite being thrown numerous obstacles.Today has shown the extraordinary perseverance of opposition voters. The spirit of the people is undoubtedly strong, despite the best efforts of a desperate and panicking ZANU-PF.EYES IN THE SKYInstitute for Security Studies (ISS) head Piers Pigou has tweeted a picture apparently showing SADC observers at the departures lounge of Robert Mugabe Airport before polls had even officially closed in Zimbabwe.Given the importance of today's elections and the widespread reports of irregularities, this reduced vigilance is very concerning. The CCC urges all observer missions to carry out their inspections throughout the voting and counting process and to call out and condemn any irregularities.Charles KwarambaPresidential Chief Elections Agent
Chicago State University (CSU) says it will release the academic records of President Bola Tinubu if a United States court grants the order.

In a document seen by NigerianEye, the university asked the court to direct only limited and targeted discovery of the information sought by Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election.

BACKGROUND

Recently, Abubakar approached a US court for the northern district of Illinois in Chicago, for an order compelling CSU to release the academic records of Tinubu.

Tinubus credentials show that he graduated from CSU in 1979 with a bachelors degree in business administration, accounting and management.

However, there have been allegations bordering on discrepancies with Tinubus certificate.

In the suit filed before the US district court, Abubakar prayed that the court should subpoena Tinubus files domiciled with CSU.

Abubakar said the files will settle the controversy surrounding Tinubus academic background and aid the election petition tribunal.

The president, through his counsel, had filed a counter application opposing the request for the release of his academic records.

The US court had also ruled that it has the jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by the former vice-president.

CSU RESPONDS TO ATIKU

The university, in its response to Atikus application, said it does not understand why Tinubus academic records could possibly have any bearing on a 2023 election challenge in a foreign country.

CSU argued that some requests in the application are clearly inappropriate, adding that the applicant is also seeking the employment details of one of his former employees.

Finally, in the event the Court determines to allow any discovery to proceed here, the University urges the Court to direct only limited, targeted discovery on the University, CSU said in a response filed by Michael Hayes, its counsel.

As leave to issue any discovery has not yet been granted, and the Courts views on what if any discovery is appropriate here under 28 U.S.C. 1782 are not yet known, it is premature for the University to raise objections to the scope of the documents and information sought in Abubakars two subpoenas.

But without limiting further objections, which the University expressly reserves, the University notes that the scope and relevancy of certain of Abubakars requests are clearly inappropriate.

For example, Abubakars document subpoena Request No. 5 seeks information on diplomas issued by the University for a 44-year period (1979 to the present), and Abubakars deposition subpoena Topic No. 7 seeks information on the employment status and reasons for departure of a former employee in the Universitys General Counsels Office.

Following this Courts ruling on the Application, should any discovery be permitted, the University will meet and confer promptly and in good faith with Abubakars counsel to attempt to address all the Universitys concerns.

ELECTION TRIBUNAL

On June 23, the presidential election petition tribunal admitted certified copies of Tinubus academic and professional records tendered by Abubakar and the PDP.

The documents, which include a BSc certificate from Chicago State University, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate and Mobil Nigeria Oil Plc certificate of service, were tendered through a witness.

On July 4, a counsel to Tinubu submitted 12 documents containing the presidents educational records from CSU.

The petitioners  Abubakar and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP)  told the court that Tinubu allegedly distorted his age and has conflicting academic and personal records.

The tribunal has completed proceedings on the case against Tinubu and will announce a date for judgment.
A day after an Eagles offensive lineman appeared on the leagues transaction report because his contract had been terminated, the team added him back, signaling that he would play a part in the teams depth on the critical unit.

BUY EAGLES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

The Eagles announced Thursday that they had signed tackle Fred Johnson to a two-year deal. Johnson, 26, has been playing well as a backup left tackle a year after he spent last season on the practice squad. Johnson broke into the league with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019 and made stops with the Cincinnati Bengals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before coming to Philadelphia.

The addition of Johnson indicates he will be on the 53-man roster and fill in the role that Andre Dillard played last year as the backup for Jordan Mailata. However, Dillard signed a three-year, $29 million deal with the Tennessee Titans, leaving a void at the backup spot. Johnson will use his 6-foot, 7-inch, 327-pound frame to block on the outside and continue to use the footwork that has made him a standout in camp.

With Johnson signed, it puts the roster spots for players such as Josh Sills, Sua Opeta, and Tyrese Robinson. Sills had a game against the Browns that he would like to forget, allowing a sack after being beaten inside. Sills has shown the versatility necessary to dress for a game because he can line up at guard and tackle but needs consistency in his pass blocking and dealing with stunts.

Opeta can play left and right guard and is a better run blocker than a pass blocker. Robinson has improved after spending last year on the practice squad and has also played both guard positions. However, Opeta is more experienced, starting in four games in his career.

MORE STORIES: Eagles new WR Freddie Swain could impact this area because of injuries | Eagles Nakobe Dean used to study this LB in college. Now hes playing next to him

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Chris Franklin may be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com.
A Union City man was sentenced Thursday to nearly two years in federal prison for his role in a purchase of fentanyl from Mexico, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Miguel Polanco, 31, had previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of a substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

In addition to the prison term, Polanco was ordered to four years of supervised release when he was sentenced Thursday in Newark federal court.
The mayor of Princeton was behind the wheel of a vehicle that engaged a fleeing stolen car in late 2021 which eventually crashed in town, killing a teenage suspect and an innocent motorist, a recent lawsuit filing alleges.

Mayor Mark Freda activated a blue emergency light in his vehicle during the pursuit or chase, the suit charges.

Freda did not immediately return emails seeking comment Wednesday. Princeton Administrator Bernard P. Hvozdovic, Jr. declined to comment, citing the pending litigation.

Voters elected Freda mayor in 2020 and he took office in January 2021. He previously served many years on the towns council as well.

Freda is also a 45-year member of the Princeton First Aid & Rescue Squad, for which he currently serves as president.

In one of those roles, Freda was involved in the pursuit or chase of a vehicle on Nov. 7, 2021 that crossed into oncoming traffic on Princeton-Kingstown Road and killed driver Jodi Marcou, 61, of South Brunswick.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, 15-year-old Damajia Jenay Majia Horner, of Newark, also died in the collision. (An unidentified 14-year-old passenger from Newark was critically injured and survived.)

The allegation is in a lawsuit filed on behalf of Marcous husband David Marcou, who is suing the town, the estate of Horner and several others. Freda was added in July to the suit, filed in Middlesex County, records show.

The filing does not offer many specifics on Fredas alleged involvement in the crash. It says he activated the blue light  a device used by volunteer firefighters and EMS  and knew or should have known it would lead to a dangerous response, the suit says.

Defendant Freda had no formal authority in activating his blue lights and in conducting any form of pursuit or at speed chase of the vehicle ... Horner was operating and was not authorized to conduct such light activation or any form of an speed chase or pursuit, it says.

Marcous lawyer, Nicholas J. Leonardis, said Wednesday he could not comment on many details, but said their investigation of the incident shows Freda had significant involvement in the matter.

The incident started as a report of a possible stolen vehicle, Princeton police have said.

Police were alerted by a call reporting three people had fled in a Jeep Grand Cherokee after trying to steal a vehicle on Clover Lane.

An officer located the Jeep a few minutes later heading west on Clover Lane, which was followed by a Land Rover Range Rover that had just been stolen from a residence on Dodds Lane, police said.

The officer investigating the initial attempted theft began following the Range Rover, but the Jeep fled in another direction. (The Jeep had been reported stolen Pequannock Township.)

Police briefly pursued the Range Rover, but cut off the chase near Snowden Lane because of the vehicles reckless driving. The Range Rover was later found abandoned in Newark.

About 30 minutes later, police responded to the crash involving the Jeep and Jodi Marcous Acura RDX on Princeton-Kingston Road at Carnegie Drive. Horner and Marcou died at the scene.

In May 2022, Princeton police charged Elhajjmalik Diallo, then 19, of Newark with hiring the teens to steal the Jeep.

They charged him with employing a juvenile to commit a criminal offense and several related charges, and he was also implicated in burglary and theft offenses in four other counties, Bergen, Essex, Middlesex and Ocean, records show.

From February to July of this year, Diallo, now 21, was sentenced to prison for the offenses in the five counties, the last being Mercer County. He is currently serving an aggregate three years in the state prison system under the name Elhajjmal Diallo, records show.

He is eligible for parole in September 2024.

Marcou lived in Kendall Park in South Brunswick and was a fundraising coordinator at Rutgers Universitys School of Communication and Information. She is survived by her husband and two grown married children.

Jodi will always be remembered for volunteering her time to help anyone in need. She loved to meditate, play cards and Mahjong. Jodis favorite activities included hiking with her husband and walking with friends. Her family and friends were her world, her obituary said.

Horner attended Newark Kipp Collegiate High School, her obituary said. Her family remembered her as a joyous teen with a big smile who loved teasing her brothers and sisters and eating popsicles who had dreams of becoming a rapper.

She obsessed over her sneakers, and loved the color red, her moms blue smoked chicken, and SpongeBob.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.

Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com
UPDATE: Message in a bottle finders in N.J. locate its sender in Ireland

--

They were just doing a good deed on the Jersey Shore, but ended up making a discovery that is drawing international attention.

Now Frank Bolger and his family are hoping to identify the author of a message inside a bottle that is presumed to have floated more than 3,000 miles from Ireland.

It was right at the waters edge in a clump of seaweed, Bolger, 58, told NJ Advance Media on Thursday.

His wife, Karen, spotted the bottle around 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, on the beach in North Wildwood, while the couple and their granddaughter, Autumn, were removing trash and other stray items, according to Bolger.

They quickly realized something was inside the bottle: A brief, handwritten note.

Greetings from Ireland. I have thrown this bottle into the sea for someone to find another day, read the letter.

It was dated July 17, 2019.

Maybe its traveled down to Africa or to IcelandI I wont know if someone found it, but I hope it is found, the note concludes.

This letter, found inside a bottle on a beach in North Wildwood, may have traveled more than 3,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland.Photo courtesy of Frank Bolger

The writer signed only her first name, Aoife, a popular name for girls in Ireland and typically associated with beauty and joy.

Bolger, whose ancestors immigrated from Ireland in the 1860s, is hoping to find her. He contacted Irish Central, a New York City-based digital media site, to share his story.

From there, it has continued to spread far and wide  Bolger said he has given interviews to several radio and television stations in Ireland  but, as of Thursday, without drawing a response from the notes writer.

Bolger said he has no way of knowing if the bottle and message really did originate from Ireland. He said he and Karen, in the immediate aftermath, wondered if they had stumbled onto an elaborate practical joke.

We kind of thought that, but we have no idea, he said.

Bolger and his wife live in Bellmawr, but are longtime summer vacationers at the Shore.

The note is stashed at their beach house in West Wildwood, about a 5-minute drive from the North Wildwood beach, as they wait to hear from Aoife.

Bolger is holding off on getting it framed.

If we find her, we figure shed want it back, he said.

Please subscribe now and support the local journalism you rely on and trust.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com.
By Clifford Kulwin

On Sen. Cory Bookers office wall, there hangs a photo of two men. One is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. No explanation needed. The other is Rabbi Joachim Prinz, Kings friend, who led Temple Bnai Abraham on Newarks Clinton Avenue, and whose own very local story is not merely remarkable, but historic.

Sixty years ago, an unprecedented quarter of a million demonstrators, concerned that the Civil Rights Movement was losing steam, gathered in front of the Lincoln Memorial in a massive public outcry.

Hundreds of Newarkers made the trip to Washington, including Prinz, who was one of the days featured speakers.

White, Jewish and foreign-born, Prinz was an unlikely headliner. That August he had been a citizen for barely two decades. But in that short time, he achieved national fame as one of the civil rights movements fiercest advocates.

President John F. Kennedy stands with Rabbi Joachim Prinz and a group of leaders of the March on Washington, at the White House on Aug. 28, 1963. From left are Whitney Young, National Urban League; Martin Luther King Jr., Southern Christian Leadership Conference; John Lewis, Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee; Prinz of the American Jewish Congress; Dr. Eugene P. Donnaly, National Council of Churches; A. Philip Randolph, AFL-CIO vice president; Kennedy; Walter Reuther, United Auto Workers; Vice-President Johnson, rear, and Roy Wilkins, NAACP. (AP Photo/File)AP

Prinzs commitment to civil rights came from his years as a rabbi in Berlin. Many German Jews were convinced that it cant happen here. But Prinz was a realist. He denounced the Nazis publicly, seeing danger earlier than perhaps any other German Jewish leader. He saw no hope and remained as long as he could, warning his people to get out, until the Gestapo made it clear his own time to leave had arrived.

At best days and more likely hours ahead of arrest and certain death, he left Germany and crossed the Atlantic. In 1939, he became rabbi of Temple Bnai Abraham, which he would serve for the rest of his life.

He spent those first Newark years getting to know his new congregation and his new congregants. He was an exceptional rabbi. Pastoring to the ill and bereaved, officiating at a funeral or wedding, standing in front of a class; his words never failed to touch and inspire. As someone from those days once told me, You knew you were in the presence of greatness.

His sermons were magnificent. Berlin Jews had flocked to his synagogue. Even in a new country and a new language, his eloquence didnt miss a beat. For Newark Jews in the mid-20th century, Friday night services at Temple Bnai Abraham were the place to be.

With the end of World War II, now firmly established in his congregation, Prinz began to examine his adopted homeland closely. His gratitude for having been given refuge would never cease, but he scrutinized American society with the same unflinching gaze he had previously cast upon German society.

Left to right; Rabbi Joachim Prinz, spiritual leader of Temple B'nai Abraham of Essex County; Jonathan Askin of West Orange during a model seder at the Suburban House in South Orange. 4/14/73 File photo Star-LedgerFile photo Star-Ledger

Here, as well, he saw things he did not like, but there was a difference.

The Final Solution, the Nazi effort to make Germany Judenrein, Jew free, led to the slaughter of 6 million Jews. That was about Prinzs own people.

In America, Prinz became outraged by American attitudes toward race. As a Newarker, he had a front-row seat. He was outraged because of a grievous injustice staring him in the face. It has nothing to do with him or his people. Nevertheless, he was incapable of ignoring it. He railed against racial discrimination and rose to prominence in the Civil Rights Movement, becoming intimate with such luminaries as Ralph Abernathy and, especially, Martin Luther King.

Many Jews, even in his own congregation, were not happy about this. As Jackie Levine, a protege of Rabbi Prinz and a civil rights activist in her own right, now 97, said of her fellow congregants of that time: If we as a group were more inclined to support King than others were, it was only because we had his friend Prinz as our teacher. But even in our own congregation, many were suspicious of Kings motives. They distrusted him and Blacks in general. That was the sad truth.

If this concerned Prinz, it didnt stop him.

Prinz was in Europe in the summer of 1963 but cut his visit short. During his absence, planning continued for what would become the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. President John F. Kennedys midsummer blessing ensured the event would take place.

Rabbi Joachim Prinz during a session of "The World Jewish Congress" in Rome, in Italy, Jan. 6, 1969. Prinz served as president of the Congress. (AP Photo/Giuseppe Anastasi)AP

Prinz arrived home three weeks ahead of schedule. He and his son Jonathan flew to Washington the evening before and it was probably only then that he learned he would speak immediately before King, a prospect that might have scared a lesser man but which likely only energized Prinz.

In Washington, Prinz received a draft speech staff had prepared for him. He didnt like it, so that night, in his room at the Statler-Hilton, writing from scratch on hotel stationery, Prinz crafted a new speech. It clocked in at a spare 479 words... and this from a rabbi whose sermons could run over an hour.

Prinz identified himself as a rabbi but immediately made it clear he spoke as a fellow American, an American who had seen horror up close.

When I was the rabbi of the Jewish community in Berlin under the Hitler regime, I learned many things. The most important thing that I learned under those tragic circumstances was that bigotry and hatred are not the most urgent problem. The most urgent, the most disgraceful, the most shameful and the most tragic problem is silence.

Nazism succeeded, Prinz believed, because good Germans kept silent. Racism would succeed in America, Prinz believed, if the many good Americans continued to keep silent. In both places, he believed, people were by and large good. Their sin was not belief; it was silence.

When Prinz finished, the audience roared its approval. The racism he described was unadulterated in its ugliness, yet his message was positive and uplifting. I have seen this before, he said. This can change.

A photo of Rabbi Joachim Prinz with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hangs on Sen. Cory Booker's wall.

Regarding the photo on his wall, Senator Booker says, Every time my eyes fall upon it, I am reminded of Rabbi Prinzs insistence on our obligation to speak out because we are bound together in destiny. His insistence that we are complicit in injustice if we do nothing about it. We are complicit in injustice if we remain silent.

Leviticus teaches us we cannot stand idly by. Jewish law expanded on that: if we have a chance to right a wrong, but dont even try, we are as guilty as the one committing the wrong.

Prinz believed in this principle passionately. And in an age that daily feels ever more hostile and ever less compassionate, his message resounds. This Newark rabbis words live on, reminding us, as it did those present 60 years ago, of the ultimate danger  the danger of silence.

Clifford Kulwin is rabbi emeritus of Temple Bnai Abraham in Livingston.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom.
By Emma Tsurkov

The realization that my sister, Princeton doctoral student Elizabeth Tsurkov, had been kidnapped hit me like a ton of bricks on March 21. At first, I thought it was preposterous, but I quickly realized that it must be true.

One of the things I know without question about my sister is that she loves my son, her only nephew. When I send her a photo of him, she responds regardless of where she is or what she is doing. So when six hours passed  and then 12  I knew she was in trouble.

Months later, my entire family is still living on pins and needles, hoping for any news on how we can bring Elizabeth home. We want Princeton, as one of her main connections to the United States, to be an ally in this effort. Princeton must not only meet its moral responsibility for my sister, but also honor the words it claims as its unofficial motto: In the nations service and the service of humanity.

Elizabeth has been researching sectarianism in the Middle East and is a doctoral student at Princetons prestigious Politics Department and part of the Bobst Center for Peace and Justice community. The chair of her dissertation committee is the world-renowned Dr. Amaney Jamal.

When Elizabeth applied to grad school, the Princeton admission letter was one of the first (of many) she received. She was so overjoyed with the possibility of working with Dr. Jamal that she committed to Princeton before all the schools she applied to even announced their decisions. To her, Princeton was the next chapter of her life and she was giddy with excitement to start it.

While earning a Ph.D. in the comparative politics program can take around six years, my sister was especially excited for years three and four, when she was required to conduct fieldwork abroad while being paid her regular stipend and being exempt from the workshop attendance or preceptor requirements at Princeton.

My sister has long been committed to human rights. This is something that runs in our family, as our parents faced persecution as Russian Jews in the days of the former Soviet Union. Despite that, we are proud of our Russian heritage and maintain our dual citizenship. But Elizabeths form of human rights has always been rooted in the belief in the common humanity of every person.
He didnt take my advice. And now its coming back to haunt him.

My advice to Donald Trump a year ago at this time was to flee to Ireland, which has a tradition of granting asylum to those in legal trouble elsewhere.
One person died and another was injured in a Wednesday afternoon shooting in Paterson, investigators said.

The shooting happened in the area of Putnam Street and Rosa Parks Boulevard around 3:18 p.m. and while officers were on their way to the scene, they were told a 19-year-old had just been dropped off to Saint Josephs University Medical Center in the city, according to a joint release from the Passaic County Prosecutors Office and the Paterson Police Department. The unidentified Paterson man had been shot in the abdomen.

A short time later, police learned that a second man, a 29-year-old city resident, also was taken to the hospital for treatment for a gunshot wound to his leg, the agencies said.

The 19-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the hospital while the other man was in stable condition as of 10 p.m., police said.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting were still unclear as the incident remained under investigation late Wednesday night.

Anyone with additional information was urged to contact the offices tips line at 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org or contact the Paterson Police Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
Opinion / National

One can fairly conclude that what is happening here in Zimbabwe on polling day is an attempt at voter suppression in opposition electoral strongholds in the metropolitan provinces.Reader, let me first state that I went to vote at the open ground, tent C in ward 41, Harare West constituency.The polling station opened at 7 am. The process went on smoothly for most voters. I voted at 8.19am without any glitches.While in the queue some people were whispering to whoever cared to listen that they were going to vote for change. Here and there others complained that the young people ama 2000' [those born from 2000] were not visible in the voting queues.In general, I have no doubt from what I heard, smelt and saw that Harare West will once again resoundingly vote for change.However, as I drove around some parts of Harare like Warren Park, I witnessed that many polling stations had not yet opened despite long winding queues and the blistering heat.I wondered whether this was a national logistical nightmare. I got in touch with folks on the ground in Bulawayo province. Most told me that the polling stations had not opened by 8 am. Before concluding, I quickly drove to parts of Mashonaland East province and all the polling stations I checked had opened at 7am.Amidst my growing worries, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC)-the statutory body managing elections- officially confirmed the opening status of polling stations at http://7.am as follows: Masvingo (100%); Midlands (99%); Matebeleland North (100%); Matebeleland South (100%); Mashonaland Central (95%); Mashonaland East (95%); Mashonaland West (99%); Manicaland (85%); Harare (23%) and Bulawayo (0%).It does not need a rocket scientist to see that in ZANUPF's electoral strongholds polling stations opened at 7.a.m compared to the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change's electoral strongholds namely Harare and Bulawayo provinces.According to ZEC, this has been caused by the delays in the printing of the ballot papers. Reader, are ballot papers being printed as voting goes on? I have never heard of this anywhere in the world.The political strategy is evidently to frustrate the opposition voters.Within these machinations, voters should not be passive victims. The counter strategy is simply to endure and unrig' the election through staying in the queue until one cast his or her vote.How so? It is important for voters to note that if the polling station opens late that is after 7am, the constituency officer should still keep the polling station open for 12 continuous hours.For example, if your polling station opened at 11am it must close at 11pm.The law is also very clear that the presiding officer should permit every voter who, at the time set for closing, is in the queue, to cast his or her vote before closing the polling station.The belief is that the opposition supporters are risk averse and have low endurance levels. So frustrate the urban voters and they easily give up on demanding their right to vote. In addition, the ever growing kiya kiya [informal] economy might make some people think of opting out of long winding queues to go hunt for today's meal. It is sadly a hand to mouth economy.However, this is one day in five years where citizens must never give in to frustration. Citizens in Zimbabwe must remember that the real challenge is to do everything possible to win an unfree and fair election.Part of the strategy therefore is for voters to defy the attempt at voter suppression going on in Harare and Bulawayo by standing in the queues till they vote for a candidate of their choice. Even if the anti-riot police is deployed to intimidate people after 7pm as happened in the 2002 Presidential election, the political response isto peacefully resist in the queues.On that note, it is important for the media, the local and foreign observers to be present at those polling stations as it gets darker in Harare and Bulawayo. Reader, a vote is the modern day liberation struggle but requires only a day of sacrifice and endurance. That day is today.
A former student at a community college in northern New Jersey was arrested Wednesday after threatening to harm a campus security officer, police and school officials said.

Sussex County Community College in Newton reported the threats to police at 6:58 p.m. on Tuesday, according to Newton Township Police Chief Steven VanNieuwland.

College administrators also ordered an evacuation and the campus was closed for the rest of the night.

On Wednesday morning, the school announced a delayed opening and later decided to remain closed for the day as law enforcement was still investigating the incident.

Karl V. Taguinod, 24, was arrested at his residence in Sparta on Wednesday afternoon. He has been charged with two counts of terroristic threats and one count of false public alarm, police said.

The College is grateful to our security team and law enforcement for working together to peacefully resolve this matter, said Sussex County Community College President Jon H. Connelly said. We are also appreciative of community members who reached out with concern for the school and demonstrated great patience during this dynamic situation.

He is being held in Morris County Jail pending his first court appearance.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Nicolas Fernandes may be reached at nfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
NEW YORK  Wednesday couldve been one of the worst nights in Yankees franchise history.

A loss to the Nationals wouldve been the Yankees 10th in a row, making this their longest losing streak since 1913.

Can you imagine the boos that wouldve rained down from a frustrated crowd at Yankee Stadium, a fan base thats been forced to sit through a historic implosion from a club thats expected to contend for a World Series?

It wouldve been the icing on an embarrassing cake after general manager Brian Cashman met with reporters earlier in the afternoon, fielding questions about what he called a disaster of a season, a campaign that has much of the fan base calling for his job.

Hours later, Aaron Judge made sure that those fans had something to cheer about.

BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER

Judge powered the Yankees to a 9-1 win over the Nationals, crushing three home runs for the first time in his big-league career.

The captain went yard in each of the first two innings against Washington left-hander MacKenzie Gore. His solo shot in the first soared over the Yankees bullpen in right-center field. He swatted a grand slam in the next frame, a towering flyball that landed on the netting above Monument Park.

Judges third of the night wasnt nearly as majestic as his first two, but it counts the same. The opposite-field homer flew just 352 feet, hooking into the corner over the short porch.

With his third blast, Judge became the 25th player in Yankees history to hit three home runs in a regular season game (34th time). His 32 multi-hit games are the fifth-most in franchise history, trailing only Babe Ruth (68), Mickey Mantle (46), Lou Gehrig (43) and Joe DiMaggio (35).

Even after missing two months with a right big toe injury  a torn ligament that hes still playing with to this day  Judge has 27 home runs in 2023. Only four other players in the American League have more as of Wednesday night.

Through his first 72 games played last year, Judge had 28 home runs and a 1.006 OPS. This year, hes one homer behind a pace that turned out to be historic, producing an even better OPS (1.051).

Hes special, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. Obviously what we saw him do last year. Hes basically doing the same thing. Its just that he missed a big chunk. Hes just a special player. Its pretty remarkable what he does, under any circumstance.

This win doesnt put the Yankees back in playoff contention. Cashman admitted earlier in the day that while the Yankees arent mathematically eliminated yet, they have nothing more than a minute chance to sneak into the postseason picture. After the win on Wednesday, the Yankees are 9 1/2 games out of the third and final Wild Card spot, staring up at a deficit of 17 games in their division.

Still, as the focus shifts to 2024  with Everson Pereira and Oswald Peraza getting unconditional playing time for development purposes  these feel-good games certainly cant hurt.

I think [the losing streak] certainly has weighed on us, Boone said. Its no fun going through that and it can beat you down. But like Ive said, I think these guys continue to come in and prepare the right way and are ready to compete. And I know were going to continue to do that tomorrow and as we hit the road. Were going to keep fighting. Definitely good to have a game like that where we were able to keep adding on and have an easy one in the end.

Starter Luis Severino receiving a standing ovation as he came off the mound after 6 2/3 scoreless innings was a special moment as well. Similarly, it doesnt wipe away this nightmare season  for Severino, the worst possible way to spend a walk year leading into free agency  but its a night to build on as the Yankees try to finish the regular season on a high note.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.

Max Goodman may be reached at mgoodman@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.
georgeclerk - Getty Images

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are the coffee industrys biggest byproduct, and theyre filling up landfills worldwide.

Looking to keep SCG out of landfills, where they produce more carbon dioxide and methane, scientists from RMIT University in Australia developed a concrete thats 30 percent stronger when infused with SCG.

Not only could this innovation keep coffee grounds out of landfills while making concrete stronger, it could also curtail the environmental degradation that comes from sourcing natural sand, the fine particle aggregate found in concrete.

Spent coffee grounds (SCG) are the most wasteful byproduct of the entire coffee industry. By one estimate, 60 million pounds of the stuff ends up in landfills around the world. If that wasnt bad enough, as organic material decomposes, it gives off methane and carbon dioxidetwo no good, very bad gasses that are driving climate change.

Thinking of ways to address the ecological concern, scientists from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in Australia created a biochar (a substance created from pyrolysis) of coffee grounds that actually enhanced the strength of concrete by 30 percent. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Cleaner Production .

The disposal of organic waste poses an environmental challenge as it emits large amounts of greenhouse gasses including methane and carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change, Rajeev Roychand, lead author and professor at the RMIT School of Engineering, said in a press statement. The inspiration for our work was to find an innovative way of using the large amounts of coffee waste in construction projects rather than going to landfillsto give coffee a double shot at life.

Every year, concrete used in construction projects relies on extracting 55 billion tons of natural sand as the particulates rough exterior provides more surface area for water and cement to bind. Sadly, this sand is often sourced from river beds and banks, which disrupts the natural environment. So, replacing sand with spent coffee grounds could solve two ecological problems at once, since SCG are similarly fine particles.

Story continues

Roychands team first scoured coffee shops in Melbourne to source a fresh supply of SGC. The grounds were then dried and heated to different temperatures662 degrees or 932 degrees Fahrenheitbefore undergoing an oxygen-free process known as pyrolysis, where organic molecules vibrate and break down into smaller components. This creates what is known as biochar, a lightweight, charcoal-esque substance.

Our research team has gained extensive experience in developing highly optimized biochars from different organic wastes, including wood biochar, food-waste biochar, agricultural waste biochar, and municipal solid-waste biochar, for concrete applications, co-author Mohammad Saberian said in a press statement.

This biochar, created from two different temperatures, was then incorporated in various percentages into Portland cement as a replacement for fine aggregate (in this case natural sand). After pouring in molds, removing air bubbles, and drying at room temperature for 24 hours, the team analyzed the twelve difference mixtures using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy and came up with a clear winner. A SCG biochar heated at 662 degrees Fahrenheit and replacing 15 percent of natural sand as an aggregate yielded concrete 29.3% stronger in compressive strength.

The researchers also found that pyrolysis was vital for this strength enhancement, as untreated SGC show[ed] that the leaching of organic compounds from the SCG hinders the hydration reaction of cement particles, thereby significantly hampering the compressive strength of SCG-blended concrete, according to the paper.

The team is now working toward field trials and eliciting interest from industries that could benefit from this coffee-infused enhancementboth in their cups and in their concrete.

You Might Also Like
This story was reported by The Preservation Resource Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve New Orleans historic architecture, neighborhoods and cultural identity. For information, visit prcno.org.
Blue crabs are causing havoc in Italy right now, with a surging population of the nonnative species threatening Italian fisheries, especially clams, mussels and eels. In response, Italians are being urged to reduce the crab population the old fashion way  by eating them.

This has spurred a campaign in Italy showcasing different recipes to get people excited about a less familiar catch, right up to Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni posing with a platter of boiled blue crabs for a social media post that looks like it couldve come from Bucktown.

Naturally, this got me thinking about the bounty of blue crabs that we actually enjoy here in Louisiana, which is far and away the top crab-producing state in the U.S., and how the local harvest is treated at our restaurants and seafood markets.
There will be leather, despite the weather. There will be summer blouses stretched over weightlifter physiques.

There will be eyelashes as long as palm fronds, wigs that would turn Dolly Parton green with envy, and more glitter than the Milky Way. There will be sashaying, sweating, dancing, assorted shenanigans and the sipping of Champagne into the wee hours.

Southern Decadence weekend is coming up, y'all, from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4. Damn the thermometer, full speed ahead.

The big, LGBTQ-oriented party is estimated to draw more than a quarter-million folks, when the hospitality industry needs them most. Look for special events at gay bars and other venues in the French Quarter and elsewhere, including the Bourbon Pub, Oz, The Parade, Civic Theater and the Phoenix, which will be the site of the, uh, Full Moon Wet Underwear contest.
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.
The New Orleans City Council Thursday voted to hold off on enforcing much of the parklet rules they passed last year while they make changes to them.

Those rules banned much of the existing street seating outside of businesses because of a provision only allowing parklets in areas the city has zoned non-residential from corner to corner on both sides of the street. That meant popular parklet seating at bars like Bud Rips and Pepps Pub in the Bywater and Marigny would be forced to cease at months end.

A group of business owners were working with city officials to amend the rules when they started receiving letters from the city telling them to take down their parklets by Aug. 31. The motion by Council Member Freddie King gives the council up to six months without zoning enforcement to make those changes.

Along with King, Council President JP Morrell, Vice President Helena Moreno and Council Member Joe Giarrusso voted for the measure. Council Member Lesli Harris recused herself because her husband owns a business with a parklet, while Council Members Oliver Thomas and Eugene Green were not present for the vote.

The Office of Economic Development has already drafted amendments to the rules, including removing the ban in non-residential areas, allowing more parklets per block with council approval, letting businesses have both sidewalk seating and parklets, and giving breweries the option to have a parklet.

According to Kings Land Use Director Winston Fiore, amending the rules will take three to four months because they involve zoning changes. Fiore said Kings office plans to introduce a motion to start that process at the next council meeting on Sept. 7.

Under the motion, the city also wont be enforcing the ban on parklets in the French Quarter, though Kings office said they have no intention of lifting that ban with the amendments. The few parklets operating there can legally operate for a few more months.

The idea is to just buy them a little bit more time, a little bit more of an off ramp to wind down their operations, Fiore said.

Public comment came from the owners of Cuban Creations Cigar Bar, who said there should be an exception to the French Quarter ban for their parklet, which they said their neighbors supported. King said his office also received feedback in favor of that parklet.

King told them to talk with Vieux Carre Property Owners, Residents & Associates (VCPORA) and other stakeholders in the French Quarter, so you can come to some sort of resolution.

Meanwhile, the City Council earlier in the meeting voted to overturn Mayor LaToya Cantrells veto of a measure that puts the city-owned French Quarter apartment in the Upper Pontalba Building up for rent rather than let the mayor use it for free as has historically been allowed.

The council also passed a measure directing the Office of Workforce Development to pay its summer teen workers, including some who havent gotten paid in months.

Moreno said she would look into getting the teens additional money for not being paid on time.
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.

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.

Story continues

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.
North Devons SWITCHFRAME: Scenic Dance Projects is back with a new offering for Summer 2023. Its new dance film, Bohemia, has strong steampunk styling with a darker, grittier feel.

Choreographer, Sarah Grant, hopes the title of Bohemia suggests a tightly-knit artistic society, living in an unconventional setting - the audience gets a glimpse of their social dance rituals used not only to express themselves but also to solidify their kinship. This is reflected in the music used.

The piece begins with Hans Zimmers chilling The End? from the movie Sherlock Holmes - A Game of Shadows, and then leads into a driving classical folk piece Stampede by Alexander Jean and Lindsey Stirling.

All 29 dancers stem from Brauntons Dancing Feet Academy and represent the dedication, focus and determination needed to continue as an adult dancer, juggling work and homelife to attend rehearsals and be ready for the big filming day on July 1. SWITCHFRAME is proud of its dancers and the opportunity to showcase this strong and supportive community.

The company has grown considerably since the first filming project back in 2020. Bohemias 29-strong cast embrace a range of dance experience, ability, and ages with the youngest dancer at 22 years and oldest at 67!

Bohemia was shot on location at the old Dairy Crest milk factory in Great Torrington, Sarah Grant commented: I knew I wanted a different direction for this years piece and I spent a lot of time searching for a location that partnered the more dramatic, atmospheric music and its strong instrumentals. A few people had suggested checking out the derelict Dairy Crest factory in Torrington. As soon as I saw it I knew I had the right location. The faded beauty and dilapidated grandeur of the art deco buildings, set against the jagged broken windows and graffiti-strewn walls were the perfect stage for our steampunk society of bohemians.

This is the eighth piece on which SWITCHRFAMEs creatives Sarah Grant, choreographer, and Gemma Pons Alsina, videographer, have collaborated. A successful mix of English precision and Spanish spontaneity, the duo bring their individual ideas, concepts and creativity together on shoot day to work as a team.

SWITCHFRAMEs previous films have used a variety of beautiful Devon locations including Ilfracombe Harbour for the groups first ballet piece; Castle Hill in Fileigh; and picturesque Appledore for SWITCHFRAMEs most recent technicolor jazz piece, Book Club which was kindly screened at last years Appledore Book Festival.

Bohemia will be performed live on stage at Chance to Dance, Exeter at The Northcott Theatre on a Sunday 29th October, 4.45pm - this is a mixed bill showcasing performers from the south west. Tickets are available from The Northcott Theatre.

SWITCHFRAME always welcomes new dancers, so if you are interested in joining this incredible community of creatives and dancers for future projects then Sarahs first port-of-call for performers is Dancing Feet Academy in Braunton who offer regular adult dance classes.

View it here on SWITCHFRAMEs YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kKsXZNRmwNw
Students and staff at Bideford College located in North Devon, part of Athena Learning Trust, are celebrating today as they receive their GCSE grades.

After much hard work studying and preparing, pupils at the academy have been collecting a set of fantastic GCSE results, demonstrating their dedication and tenacity to their studies over the last two years.

The whole school community has come together to mark the achievements of all the students, who have worked exceptionally hard over the past couple of years to secure these grades.

Alongside the continued success of the college, there are also some standout individual performances, including:

Daisy Williams who achieved 5 grade 9s, 4 grade 8s and a grade 7.

Matthew Cloke achieving 4 grade 9's, a distinction*, 2 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s and a grade 5.

Henry Callaghan achieved 5 grade 9s, a grade 8, 2 grade 7s a BTEC pass and a grade 5.

Millie Thurlow achieved strong GCSE passes in 11 subjects including a grade 9 in Business Studies and grade 8s in Biology, English Language, Maths and RE.

Sam Robinson, who has just returned from the world scout jamboree in South Korea has been awarded a grade 9, 3 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s and 2 grade 6s.

Dr Claire Ankers at Bideford College, said: I am extremely proud of our students who are receiving their GCSE grades today. They have worked hard over the last two years and they fully deserve these successful results.

We are excited to see what the future holds for them and look forward to welcoming many of them back to our sixth form in September. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our students, parents, carers, staff and local community for your support and encouragement.
Students and staff at Atlantic Academy located in North Devon, part of Athena Learning Trust, are celebrating their fantastic GCSE results today.

After two years of dedication and tenacity, pupils have been rewarded with a brilliant set of results, which reflect their continued drive and hard work. The entire school community has come together celebrate the results of all the students.

The academy is pleased to see a year of strong results, with 62% of students achieving a grade 4+ in both English and maths, a 20% improvement on 2022, and 46% of students achieving 5+ in English and maths, a 33% improvement on 2022 results.

Atlantic Academy saw particular success in many subjects including 80% of students achieving a grade 4+ in English, 74% of students with a 4+ in science and 100% pass rate at 4+ in performing arts. Top grades were also awarded to many of our talented artists in fine art or photography.

Alongside the continued success of the academy, there are also some standout individual performances, including:

Logan Jago secured grades 7 and 8 in all of his subjects, going to study A levels in maths, physics and geography locally.

Sophie Langston, gained an impressive grade 8 in photography, to accompany her grade 9 in art and design, making great progress to follow her dream of becoming an architect.

Albert Lincoln secured strong grades to secure his prestigious engineering apprenticeship with Harland and Wolff.

Lynsey Slater, principal at Atlantic Academy said: I am incredibly proud of all the students who have received their GCSE results today. They have worked extremely hard over the last two years and it is fantastic to see their dedication rewarded with an excellent suite of results.

We are excited to see what the future holds for them and look forward to welcoming many of them back to share their adventures, and inspire younger year groups. We would like to say a huge thank you to all our students, parents, carers, staff and local community for your support and encouragement.

Kelly Dunn and Zoisa Peers were delighted with their results. Kelly commented: Im so happy with my exams.

Both students are ready to study A levels, with Kelly studying law, environmental science and geography and Zoisa studying Spanish, drama and design technology.
Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images

Research by Indiana University academics details how bad actors are taking advantage of AI.

The study found over a thousand of bot accounts promoting scams on X, formerly Twitter.

Experts said AI-generated content will further degrade online information if left unchecked.

People keep finding new uses for ChatGPT. One of the latest is flooding social media with spam bots and AI-generated content that could further degrade the quality of information on the internet.

A new study shared last month by researchers at Indiana University's Observatory on Social Media details how malicious actors are taking advantage of OpenAI's chatbot ChatGPT, which became the fastest-growing consumer AI application ever this February.

The research, conducted by Kai-Cheng Yang, a computational social science researcher, and Filippo Menczer, a computer-science professor, found that ChatGPT 's ability to generate authoritative-looking text is being used to run "botnets" on X, formerly Twitter.

What are botnets and why are they bad?

Botnets are networks of hundreds of harmful bots and spam campaigns on social media that can go undetected by current anti-spam filters. They are deployed for many reasons  in this case, the botnets are promoting fraudulent cryptocurrencies and NFTs .

The bot accounts attempt to convince people to invest in fake cryptocurrencies and may even steal from their existing crypto wallets.

The network Yang and Menczer discovered on X housed over 1,000 active bots. The bots followed and responded to each other's posts with ChatGPT outputs, often publishing selfies stolen from human profiles to build fake personas.

The rise of social media gave bad actors a cheap way to reach a large audience and monetize false or misleading content, Menczer said. New AI tools "further lower the cost to generate false but credible content at scale, defeating the already weak moderation defenses of social-media platforms," he said.

Story continues

In the past few years, social-media bots  accounts that are wholly or partly controlled by software  have been routinely deployed to amplify misinformation about events, from elections to public-health crises such as COVID.

These social-media bots have been easy to pick out because of their robotic behavior and unconvincing fake personas.

But generative-AI tools like ChatGPT produce humanlike text and media in seconds. "The advancement of AI tools will distort the idea of online information permanently," Yang told Insider.

The AI bots in the network uncovered by the researchers mainly posted about fraudulent crypto and NFT campaigns and promoted suspicious websites on similar topics, which themselves were likely written with ChatGPT, the survey says.

Entire websites can be made up of AI-generated misinformation

Beyond social media, ChatGPT-like tools have generated spammy generic news websites, many of which publish blatant falsehoods.

NewsGuard , a private company that rates news and information websites' reliability, has so far found more than 400 such AI-generated websites as part of its ongoing audits since April.

These websites generate advertising revenue from automated ad tech that purchases ad space on websites regardless of their quality or nature.

We can still detect AI-generated spam  for now

Both NewsGuard and the paper's researchers were separately able to unearth AI-generated spam content using an obvious tell that chatbots currently have.

When ChatGPT can't produce an answer because the prompt is against OpenAI's policies or concerns private information, it generates a canned response such as, "I'm sorry, but I cannot comply with this request."

Researchers look for when these responses slip out in an automated bot's content, whether on a webpage or in a tweet. They use the phrases to uncover parts of a broader bot campaign and from there discover the rest of the spam network.

However, experts fear that as chatbots get better at mimicking humans, such telltale signs will disappear and make it much harder to track AI-generated content.

Wei Xu, a computer-science professor at the Georgia Institute of Technology, told Insider that it will become harder to detect and filter AI-generated content while more malicious users exploit it, creating a vicious cycle of AI-generated content that's increasingly hard to detect.

Xu's concerns could be a reality soon. Europol, the EU's law-enforcement agency, predicts 90% of internet content will be AI-generated by 2026.

Without regulation, as long as there are more incentives and low costs for creating AI-generated content, bad actors will always be far ahead of those trying to shut it down, added Xu.

"It's similar to plastic bottled water. We know it is a disaster for the environment, but as long as it is cheap without a big penalty, it will widely exist," said Xu.

Regulators are sprinting to catch up with the deluge of spam

The AI content detectors available, such as ZeroGPT and the OpenAI AI Text Classifier, are unreliable and often can't accurately tell the difference between human-generated and AI-generated content, a recent study by European academics found. OpenAI's detection service had such a low accuracy rate that the firm decided to shut it down.

In July, the Biden administration announced that big players in AI, including Google, Microsoft, and OpenAI, had given commitments to the White House about engineering guardrails to reduce AI risk.

One such measure was tagging AI-generated content with a hidden label to help people distinguish it from content made by humans, per the White House.

But Menczer, the coauthor of the Indiana University research, said these safeguards would likely not stop bad actors who ignored them.

Yang said that tracking suspects' social-media activity patterns, whether they have a history of spreading false claims and how diverse in language and content their previous posts are, is a more reliable way to identify bots.

People will have to be even more skeptical of anything they encounter online, said Yang, adding that generative AI will "have a profound impact on the information ecosystem."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Donald Trump Jr., son of former President Donald Trump, talks to members of the media following the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wis., on Aug. 23, 2023. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of former president Donald Trump, has criticized Fox News after claiming he was denied entry into the media spin room in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, following the Republican primary debate on Aug. 23.

The younger Trump accused Fox News of trying to silence supporters of President Trump by blocking his access to the designated room where journalists conduct interviews with politicians following debates.

Fox News is trying to censor and silence Trump supporters to protect their hand-picked establishment candidates, he wrote in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Thats a big reason why their ratings are dying, while my fathers interview with Tucker Carlson is already at 93 million views!!! he added.

The post was accompanied by a video of Donald Trump Jr. speaking to reporters following the debate, explaining that he had been told by others that I would be able to go in to the spin room after the candidates had left the stage.

So they said we werent able to go in then they said we were and now that were here he said. The candidates that theyve been boosting while simultaneously trying to cut down Trump for the last two years didnt perform as they had hoped. So they cant have someone who can maybe be a representative of my father, just like a few weeks ago when I was canceled after the first indictment, I was scheduled to go on, and about 5 minutes before Im on, I found out Im no longer on because apparently, I wouldnt be a great surrogate to talk about my fathers indictment!

Shouldnt Surprise Any of Us

Just so we understand what were dealing with here. So it shouldnt surprise any of us, he said.

The younger Trump said his ban from the spin room proved President Trump was 100 percent right to not go to this debate.

Its beneath him! And when you know that youre walking into a setup because of exactly these kinds of circumstances, you understand exactly whats going on in mainstream media, even conservative, he said.

Prior to the debate, President Trumps campaign confirmed his eldest son would be in Wisconsin to serve as a surrogate for his father, who did not make an appearance.

Mr. Trump Jr. himself had also posted on social media that he and his partner Kimberly Guilfoyle were excited to see all of our friends in Milwaukee who want to Make America Great Again!!!

However, Fox News Channel, which hosted the debate, reportedly informed campaigns this week that only surrogates of candidates who attend the debate would be allowed to enter the spin room.

Republican Lawmakers Censored at Debate

It later clarified that only aides of candidates who are participating in the debate would be allowed in the spin room, while aides of nonparticipating candidates would be granted access only if they were invited as guests of media organizations, according to the New York Times.

The Epoch Times has contacted Fox News for further comment.

President Trump has not yet commented on his son allegedly being denied entry into the media spin room following Wednesdays debate.

However, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), who said she was an official surrogate for President Trump, also took aim at Fox News for allegedly censoring her when it denied herself and others including, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), access to the spin room.

We argued with them, talked to them, we showed them the correct credentialswe had spin room credentialsand they would not let us in. This is censorship from Fox News, this is censorship, not allowing surrogates for President Trump to go into the spin room, she said.

The Epoch Times has contacted a spokesperson for Mr. Gaetz for comment.

A total of eight candidates appeared on stage during Wednesdays GOP primary debate: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, and Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

President Trump, however, did not attend, citing his lead over the other candidates in multiple Republican presidential polls.

Instead, President Trump opted to sit down for an interview with Tucker Carlson, who parted ways with Fox News earlier this year.

From The Epoch Times
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows speaks to members of the press outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington on Aug. 28, 2020. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

A federal judge on Aug. 23 denied requests made by former Trump administration officials Mark Meadows and Jeffrey Clark to avoid arrest in Fulton County, Georgia, over state charges related to the 2020 election results while their requests to move the case to federal court are pending.

Mr. Meadows and Mr. Clark have been named as defendants in an indictment against former President Donald Trump and a total of 18 others. Their actions in the former presidents challenge of the Georgia election results have led to them being charged with violating the states Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis alleges that their actions constituted a criminal racketeering enterprise and gave the defendants until noon on Aug. 25 to voluntarily surrender or face arrest.

Mr. Meadows and Mr. Clark both filed motions for emergency relief, arguing that state criminal proceedings shouldnt continue when they expect their case to be moved to federal court. Ms. Willis was required to respond by Aug. 23, which she did in opposition, calling the arguments baseless, meritless, and improper.

U.S. District Court Judge Steve Jones of the Northern District of Georgia, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, denied the emergency requests the same day. He emphasized that no comment or ruling had been made on the requests to remove the case, but the pause in proceedingswhich would have allowed Mr. Meadows and Mr. Clark to avoid arrestwas the only thing denied at the time.

Mr. Clark confirmed that he would be voluntarily surrendering before the deadline.

The filing of a notice of removal of a criminal prosecution under Section 1455 shall not prevent the State court in which such prosecution is pending from proceeding further,' Judge Jones wrote in his order denying Mr. Meadowss request, echoing Ms. Williss arguments.

The order on Mr. Clarks request was a brief paragraph, but the order on Mr. Meadowss request was six pages, citing a scheduled upcoming hearing as the judges rationale for the ruling.

The court had already ordered an evidentiary hearing with both parties on Aug. 28 regarding the notice of removal, and Mr. Meadowss lawyers pointed out that cases have been removed without such a hearing, but the judge didnt find the precedents cited in the emergency motion to have similar agreements.

Section 1455s statutory language makes clear that an evidentiary hearing is to be conducted once a summary remand order has been entered, Judge Jones wrote. 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.

Legality

Ms. Willis had opposed the requests in a 13-page response, citing Section 1445, which outlines the process required for removals and doesnt prevent state proceedings from taking place while a removal request is pending, only a state conviction.

Both defendants, along with defendant David Shafer, who served as an alternate elector in Georgia after the 2020 election, had argued that they were acting as federal officers and were thus immune to state prosecution under the Constitutions supremacy clause.

This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof  shall be the supreme Law of the Land; and the Judges in every State shall be bound thereby, anything in the constitution or laws of any state to the contrary notwithstanding, the Constitution reads.

This has generally been taken to mean that federal laws take precedence over state laws and that federal officers therefore arent bound by state laws and courts.

Mr. Meadows, as former chief of staff to President Trump, was a high-ranking federal official. Mr. Clark, who served as assistant attorney general for the Environment and Natural Resources Division and later acting head of the Civil Division in the Department of Justice (DOJ) under President Trump, is likewise a high-ranking official, whose charges include issuing a DOJ statement. Mr. Shafer, as an alternate elector whose role was created by Congresss Electoral Count Act, argued that Congress has jurisdiction over his actions, not a state court, and that at the very least he was acting under color of a federal official, which also allows him the same immunity.

The defendants have further argued First, Fifth, and 14th Amendment defenses.

Bond Agreements

More than a dozen defendants have already had bond agreements set, and several have already surrendered.

In total, President Trump had his set the highest at $200,000, former Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani at $150,000, Sidney Powell at $100,000, John Eastman at $100,000, Kenneth Chesebro at $100,000, Jenna Ellis at $100,000, David Shafer at $75,000, Cathleen Latham at $75,000, Stephen Lee at $75,000, Ray Smith III at $50,000, Robert Cheeley at $50,000, Michael Roman at $50,000, Shawn Still at $10,000, and Scott Hall at $10,000.

Attorneys Mr. Eastman, Mr. Chesebro, Mr. Smith, Mr. Giuliani, and Ms. Powell; alternate electors Ms. Latham and Mr. Shafer; and Georgia bail bondsman Mr. Hall have been booked at the Fulton County jail and released on bond.

Twice this week, President Trump confirmed an Aug. 24 surrender and on Aug. 23, promoted a rally led by supporter Laura Loomer.

At 10 a.m., supporters of the GOP front-runner in the 2024 presidential race are expected to gather along the street outside the Fulton County Jail.

From The Epoch Times
Watch live as Brics leaders close the summit on Thursday, 24 August, with a news conference in Johannesburg.

After the conference and a family photo of heads of state and government, South Africas president Cyril Ramaphosa and Chinas president Xi Jinping will co-chair a China-Africa Roundtable.

Mr Ramaphosa will address the media on Thursday morning to deliver the outcomes of the summit of leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

South African officials say that more than 40 countries have expressed an interest in joining Brics and 22 have formally asked to be invited.

Todays meeting comes after Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was thought to be among 10 people killed in a plane crash in Russia.

Footage shows the flaming wreckage after a private jet came down near Moscow on Wednesday evening.

The Wagner leader was on the passenger list for the plane but it was not confirmed if he was on board.
An exhibit will show people how the lakefront community of Beverly Shores came to be and how it was envisioned as a "Miami of the Midwest."

The Depot Museum & Art Gallery at 525 S. Broadway at U.S. 12 is displaying "Early Builders of Beverly Shores" through Sept. 30.

"The founders of Beverly Shores, brothers Frederick and Robert Bartlett, had big plans for the town, which they envisioned as a sort of Miami of the Midwest," the museum said in a press release. "This exhibit displays original sales posters and brochures touting the resort life and showing a bustling Beverly Shores with Central Avenue as its main thoroughfare."

Visitors also can check out the "Dancing for Our Tribe: Potawatomie Traditions in the New Millennium" exhibit at the art and local history museum in a historic but still working South Shore Line station at the entrance to the town of Beverly Shores in Porter County. It features photographers Sharon Hoogstratens "stunning large-format photographs of Potowatomie in full regalia."

She is a photographer of Potawatomi descent whose work has been exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute, the National Museum of the American Indian, the State Museum of Illinois and the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Cultural Heritage Center. The tribe was once spread across Indiana, Illinois, Canada, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Hoogstraten does portraits of contemporary tribal members in traditional garb that includes historically accurate quillwork, ribbonwork and beading.

That exhibit also is on display through Sept. 30.

Both exhibitions are free and open to the public.

The gallery is open from noon until 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

For more information, visit bsdepot.org.
PORTAGE  The Portage City Council this week repealed its obscenity ordinance in the wake of an ongoing battle across the country and Region over a flag containing a profane message directed at President Joe Biden.

"I really think we oughta take a deep dive here," city attorney Dan Whitten said Monday, suggesting the council form a committee to come up with a replacement ordinance that can survive a legal challenge.

"We have the morality of the community to keep in mind," he said.

Portage resident Kyle Vottero filed a federal lawsuit July 2 accusing the city of trying to infringe on his right to free speech by ordering him to remove a flag reading, "(Expletive) Joe Biden."

Vottero's flag "constitutes core political speech, which is afforded the broadest protection by the First Amendment," according to the suit filed by Indianapolis-based attorney Jay Meisenhelder.

U.S. District Court Judge Philip Simon had granted Vottero's request for a 14-day temporary restraining order halting the city's effort to remove the flag, records show.

NASCAR origins

The 3-by-5-foot flag in question, which also targets a local homeowners association, was posted by Vottero outside his house in the 2800 block of Winterberry Road in protest of the 2020 election results.

It is not the only flag of its type in the city or Region. A caravan of Donald Trump supporters traveled hours from Evansville to Hammond in May 2021 to drive by Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr.s house in response to his condemnation of an anti-Biden flag containing the F-word that a resident had placed across from a park.

McDermott argued the use of the F-word on the flag violated a Hammond ordinance banning public display of "obscene" material.

Similar ideological battles have occurred elsewhere in the country over the message, which appears to have originated when a crowd chanted the message during a media interview in October 2021 with NASCAR driver Brandon Brown. Finding it difficult at first to interpret exactly what the crowd was saying, a reporter suggested they were chanting, "Let's go, Brandon," only later to learn they were saying "(Expletive) Joe Biden."

While the phrase "Let's go, Brandon" quickly became a cryptic way of uttering the obscenity about the president, others have opted to be more direct.

Vottero said he received a letter June 28 from Portage Code Enforcement Officer John Siroky ordering him to remove the flag, citing a violation of a city ordinance prohibiting signs or flags with obscene language. The sign was ordered to be removed by July 2 or the city would take further action.

The lawsuit argues a First Amendment violation, claiming that the flag does not "fall within those relatively few categories of instances where prior decisions have established the power of government to deal more comprehensively with certain forms of individual expression."

"Vottero's flag is neither obscene nor indecent, because it is not erotic," the suit says.

He argues that the message on the flag is protected political speech.

Mayor Sue Lynch, who is among the city officials targeted by the suit, had declined comment other than saying the litigation has been turned over to the proper officials.

"I am looking into the legal issues surrounding his allegations," Whitten said at the time of filing. "We will respond and take appropriate actions."

Balancing community protection with free speech

Vottero is asking the court to prohibit the city from using its sign ordinance to remove his flag and to find the ordinance unconstitutional as it applies to political speech.

He is also seeking an unspecified amount of money to "make him whole with respect to emotional distress, humiliation, embarrassment, damage to reputation he has suffered."

Trio reminded the hard way that pot is not legal in Indiana like its neighboring states All three men face a felony count of dealing marijuana due to the quantity of the drug discovered, police said.

In calling on the Portage City Council Monday to consider repealing its obscenity ordinance, Whitten said, "I don't believe its enforceable in its current format. It doesn't pass constitutional muster."

He then called on the council to consider forming a committee to come up with a new ordinance that "protects the prurient community interests, but also recognizes and protects political speech under the First Amendment."

Whitten said he will make sure any new proposal is constitutional, reviewed by himself and includes clearly defined terms, guidelines for enforcement and review by the city attorney before any future enforcement action is taken. Fair warning will also be provided and a new ordinance will make sure "political speech is specifically addressed and protected."

Members of the community can be involved in the committee, Whitten said.

Whitten said when asked that there is no particular urgency to come up with a new proposed ordinance.

"The ordinance hasn't really been used in the past very much at all actually," he said.
GARY  From its very inception, Gary's historic Union Station has connected people.

"Immigrants from across the world came right here, to relocate, to work at this company (U.S. Steel), to build this city, to build this region, to build this heritage area," Tyrell Anderson explained as he stood before the grand structure. "We're about to reconnect it again, in a different way."

Anderson and the rest of the Decay Devils urban preservationists have been working to restore the building for about seven years. With help from a fiber optics company and some funding from the city, the group's dream is finally being realized.

Moving into the future

Jamiyah Woodson, a 16-year-old "Decay Devil in training," didn't quite see his mom's vision when she first joined the Union Station preservation efforts.

The Hammond Morton High School student remembers when the vacant building was "riddled with trash, sticker bugs, deer ticks, old tires and weeds." Now there are plans to bring tech-related job training to the station, a career path Woodson said he is interested in.

Located at 251 Broadway, in between the elevated Norfolk Southern and CSX rail lines, the station was built in 1910. For decades, it transported workers and materials to the nearby U.S. Steel plant; however it was abandoned in the 1970s.

The station was formerly designated one of the 10 Most Endangered Places in Indiana; it was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2019 after the Decay Devils lobbied for the addition.

The Decay Devils took ownership of the property in 2018. Over the years the organization has removed overgrown brush from the property, cleaned up debris, installed bright murals done by local artists and added a historical marker and a bench.

However, Anderson said the group was looking for "anchor tenant" that could help maintain the building. Then Mayor Jerome Prince connected the Decay Devils with the national telecommunications company Digital Equity, LLC and the idea for "Fiber Smart House" was born.

The $8 million project broke ground Wednesday morning. Tom Dakich, managing member of the Digital Crossroads Data Center, said the facility will include a network operation center filled with computer screens that will monitor fiber operations across the globe. Dakich said Union Station is a perfect location because fiber infrastructure is often installed along old rail lines.

Prince has been leading a citywide digital equity initiative for the past few years as most of the homes in Gary have internet speeds under 25 megabits per second, or Mbps. According to Broadband Now, 100 Mbps is considered an average internet speed for a home with 3-4 users.

The city is currently working to install more fiber infrastructure and in November the state named Gary a "Broadband Ready Community," a designation that will help the city obtain grant funding. Over the winter, the Gary Common Council also approved putting $5 million of the city's American Rescue Act Plan towards digital equity. Dakich said the $5 million will go towards the Fiber Smart House' total $8 million price tag; the remaining funding will come from private investors and grants.

The front part of the 10,000-square-foot space will be open to the public. Dakich said the Center for Workforce Innovations will operate a digital job training center where students will learn coding and other tech-related skills. Decay Devils is also going to maintain a community space in the building, though Anderson said the exact use has not been decided. Decay Devils Vice President Lori Gonzalez said the goal is to add something that will draw visitors into the building "so they can see everything that's going on."

Anderson also said he wants to use the building for art installations.

Decay Devils will maintain ownership of the property and have entered into a 50-year lease with Digital Equity. McLaurin Development Partners is the developer for the project; CEO Zeb McLaurin said construction will likely begin before the end of the year and be completed by next fall.

During the Wednesday groundbreaking Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, who is seeking the Republican nomination for governor next year, said investing in technology will help move Gary and the Region "forward into the future."

"When we work together anything is possible for the city of Gary," U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan, D-Highland, told the crowd of attendees.

PHOTOS: Groundbreaking at Gary's historic Union Station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station fiber, union station Fiber, gary union station fiber union station
The EduAmerica University Fair 2023 to be Held on the 26th of August in NCR; Officials from 50+ US Universities to Attend

New Delhi [India] Published : August 23, 2023



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.



Find it Useful ? Help Others by Sharing Online

Comments and Discussions
A theater in Gary is partnering with a Maryland university to help provide scholarships to students looking to pursue theater after high school.

In May, Anthony Jenkins, president of Coppin State University in Baltimore, announced the school would approve students from states with no Historically Black College or University to receive in-state tuition. Indiana is one of those states without an HBCU.

Thats when Garey A. Hyatt, chair of the theater department at Coppin, gave a call to McKenya Dilworth Smith, the executive director of the Morning Bishop Theatre Playhouse, a community performing arts organization in Gary, about looking for potential candidates to receive theater scholarships.

I called the theatre because I had researched them prior and saw the footprint that they had in the community, Hyatt said in a press release.

We were happy to assist Coppin State with finding potential students here in Gary, Dilworth Smith said.

According to Dilworth Smith, Morning Bishop will be assisting the university in finding eligible students by training them in their after-school program, where they will be exposed to theater production, design, playwriting and performing.

In addition, the theater will provide potential candidates with an advocate to mentor them as they go on college visits and go through the application process.

According to the theaters executive director, Coppin State is looking to award up to five students with scholarships this upcoming year, ranging from $500 to $7,000.

Morning Bishop has prior experience in helping a student through the audition and admission process for Coppins theater program. Earlier this year, they helped Alexandria Edwards, a 2019 graduate of 21st Century Charter School get into the schools theater program.

Edwards said she was blessed by the opportunity.

I am grateful for this chance to go to an HBCU, Edwards said. There arent many scholarships for people like me who have been out of high schools for like four years.

Edwards started her first semester at Coppin this week.

PHOTOS: Gary Public Transportation Corporation electric bus unveiling
LAKE STATION  As they were scorched underneath the August heat, their calls for justice rumbled through the air.

"There will never be an excuse," a speaker yelled through a megaphone, as the group responded with rallying cries: "for animal abuse."

A group of approximately 20 people gathered outside of Lake Station City Hall Wednesday afternoon on behalf of People for Ethical Treatment of Animals to call for an independent investigation into the deaths of at least eight German Shepherd dogs last month due to heat exhaustion. While on a two-hour trip from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Michigan, the animals overheated in the back of a box truck when the truck's air conditioning unit stopped working.

The protestors stood in 95 degree heat with a heat index well over 100 degrees, which PETA Senior Campaigner Amanda Brody said mimicked the conditions the dogs were in when they were overheating in the back of the truck.

PETA rally Protestors came from Chicago and the greater Northwest Indiana area to protest Lake Station police's response to a group of dogs who suffered 

"These dogs were essentially baked to death in the back of the box truck," Brody said. "The city's local humane society responded immediately, and police denied them from helping."

PETA alleges Lake Station police hindered staff from the Humane Society of Hobart from immediately tending to the nearly 20 dogs in the truck and allowed the man who was transporting the animals to leave the scene with some of the remaining dogs. Lake Station Police Chief James Richardson and the man who was transporting the animals allegedly have an existing relationship, which PETA said indicates a conflict of interest. They have requested the Indiana State Police step in to investigate the potential conflict of interest and hold the man accountable for purported animal abuse.

"The box truck that these dogs were in was not the proper vehicle to transfer these dogs," Brody said. "They were left in crates where they didn't have any water. Some dogs were convulsing, suffering from diarrhea, vomiting. One dog was so desperate to escape he shredded everything in his crate."

Richardson has not responded to requests for comment on the incident. Humane Society of Hobart's Executive Director Jennifer Webber did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday. PETA has contacted Lake Station police and city administration but have not received a response, Brody said.

Citizens came from the greater Northwest Indiana and Chicago areas to protest the treatment of the animals. Peg Cushman, of Chesterton, said she was in disbelief that the person transporting the animals and police would refuse to let the humane society help the dogs.

PETA rally Protestors stood outside for approximately an hour Wednesday afternoon, demanding Lake Station police recuse themselves from an investigation 

"You have to be knowledgeable to be incompetent," Peg Cushman said. "But you just have to have a heart to be compassionate. And police absolutely did not do anything to be compassionate toward these dogs."

The dogs were heading to the facility in Michigan to be trained as K-9 officers. Police said the driver, who was stuck in traffic, was alerted to the situation when many of the dogs started barking. He exited the interstate and pulled into a Road Ranger gas station parking lot, where he discovered the dogs, some already dead. Many of the dogs were transported to the Hobart Animal Clinic and Crossroads Animal Hospital in Joliet, Ill. to receive medical care. In an initial Facebook post, Lake Station police said they determined it was not an act of animal cruelty. The post has since been removed.

Lake Station Mayor Bill Carroll said information related to the investigation had been passed on to the Lake County Prosecutor's Office and it was "no longer in our hands."

"What has happened is a travesty and that is why it was handled as delicately and quietly as it was," Carroll said in a statement issued shortly after the protest. "We took the time necessary to make sure that the statements from our police department were thorough and correct and as soon as we were given the green light we gave all information to Lake County in the hopes that their investigation would satisfy the public."

Carroll said when the city was asked for an outside investigation, they "complied as quickly and efficiently as possible." However, Carroll did not name the other agency that might have investigated the incident. The Lake County sheriff's department denied involvement.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
MICHIGAN CITY  The Michigan City Police and Fire departments and Michigan City Area Schools will once again hold their car wash fundraiser on Friday.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the car wash is back. Representatives from the three entities will be stationed at the MCAS Plant Planning parking lot across from Ames Field from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A waterless wash option is available for those who prefer to donate but do not want to have a vehicle washed. In addition, all donations made online on Friday at https://www.unitedwaylpc.org/ will be credited to the car wash effort.

A minimum donation of $5 is suggested. However, an elite waterless wash service is offered to businesses or individuals who donate $100 and above.

Donors at this level will be presented with a special certificate and a thank you gift from United Way of LaPorte County.

They will also be invited to have a photo opp with Police Chief Steve Forker, Fire Chief Doug Legault, MCAS Superintendent Dr. Barbara Eason-Watkins, or United Way Executive Director Kris Pate.

WEFM radio will be broadcasting live from the event, and Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry will be serving free hotdogs to patrons between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

This is the 11th year for the car wash fundraiser, which began in 2011 as a rivalry challenge, with each entity washing cars on the same day at separate locations.

In 2015, the groups decided to combine forces, working together to wash cars at Ames Field. Each year, volunteers from the police, fire, and school system have provided the manpower to wash cars and a tall fire truck doused vehicles with a final rinse, delighting donors.

Since 2011, more than $50,000 has been raised for the United Way through the car wash.

Over the past decade, the car wash has become a community tradition, said Eason-Watkins. This year, the funds raised for United Way are more important than ever in supporting LaPorte County families in need.

Forker said hes hopeful individuals and businesses across the community will step up to support the cause.

Our officers have enjoyed being a part of this each year, and we are proud to continue the tradition.
For the past two years, administrators at Vermont Law and Graduate School have been locked in a legal battle with the artist who painted a set of murals for the school in the 1990s. Painted on the interior walls of one building, the two murals depict the brutality of slavery, including a slave market.

The administrators moved to conceal the murals, which some students believed depicted Black people in racist ways. But the artist, a white man named Sam Kerson, sued to block the school from hiding his work, saying the concealment violated federal law.

Under the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990, artists have certain moral rights to their work, which include the right to prevent art from being destroyed, modified or distorted without their consent. Kersons lawyers had argued that the schools installation of acoustic panels was equivalent to modifying, and even destroying, the 24-foot-long murals.

A federal appeals court rejected Kersons argument last week, ruling that ensconcing a work of art behind a barrier neither modifies nor destroys the work.
It was the battle of power ties.

Red is the Republican Party color. Red was the tone of offense mounted by presidential candidates who came out swinging. And red, of course, is the 800-pound political gorilla who skipped the debate: Donald J. Trump. With the exception of the former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, every Republican in Milwaukee for the first debate of the 2024 presidential campaign wore a red necktie. Most were solid slashes against a crisp white (or in Tim Scotts case, white-ish blue) shirt and offset by the frame of a dark blue suit. It was as though Betsy Ross had styled the debate.

For at least some segment of the viewing public, however, the most pressing issue of the day may not have concerned Bidenomics, abortion rights, deregulation or the candidates general positions and values. It was not even who might wrest voter attention back from the canniest scene-stealer in American political life. It was whether Ron DeSantis  the governor of Florida and, pre-debate, the stiffest competition Donald J. Trump faces for the Republican nomination  wears lifts.

Height and hair are often cited as key determinants in how voters view candidates. Thats the folklore, and history suggests it contains a germ of truth. Think of John F. Kennedys forelock. Think of George W. Bushs Texas barbershop special. Think of Bill Clintons Arkansas pompadour or even Mr. Trumps preternaturally blond hairdo, a tonsorial confection defying equally comprehension and the laws of physics.

As for Governor DeSantis, his hair looks thick enough to comb with a rake. It is a matinee idol mane, styled perhaps in a manner more West Side Story than West Wing, yet projecting potency and vigor, as Samsons did. In the battle of optics he has that undeniable asset. So, too, do Vivek Ramaswamy, Doug Burgum (salt-and-pepper version) and Mike Pence. Questions about Mr. DeSantiss height, on the other hand, arose again online as they have since he first threw his hat in the ring.
It was an unusual litmus test for a Republican primary debate, one that quickly descended into personal attacks and obfuscation: The candidates were asked whether humans had contributed to climate change.

There is no scientific dispute that the answer is yes, but hardly any of the Republican candidates gave a straight answer.

Before they could raise their hands, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida broke in.

Look, were not schoolchildren, he said, rejecting the idea of a show-of-hands response. Lets have the debate.

The line of questioning from the moderators, Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, was about the devastating wildfires in Maui and a recent tropical storm that caused flooding in Southern California. They mentioned rising ocean temperatures and played a clip from a young conservative, who asked how the Republicans running for president could assuage young peoples concerns about climate change.
North Korea on Thursday launched a space vehicle carrying its first military reconnaissance satellite, but failed to put it into orbit.

The launch was the second such failure in three months, denting the image of the Norths leader, Kim Jong-un, who has made it one of his top priorities to strengthen and modernize his countrys military capabilities. North Korea said it would try to launch the satellite again in October.

North Koreas new Chollima-1 rocket, launched at 3:50 a.m. local time from its space launch station in Tongchang-ri, near its northwestern border with China, flew south over the sea between Korea and China. The launch triggered an emergency warning in Japans southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, where residents were asked to take cover. Japan lifted the warning 20 minutes later, as the rocket flew toward waters east of the Philippines.

North Korea later said its launch had failed because the emergency blasting system of the rockets third stage malfunctioned.
Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group who staged an aborted mutiny against Russias military leadership in June, in one of the most dramatic challenges to President Vladimir V. Putins rule in decades, was listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed on Wednesday in Russia, killing everyone on board, the nations aviation authorities said.

Mr. Prigozhins fate was not immediately known. A passenger manifest released by the Russian authorities showed his name and that of Wagners top commander, Dmitri Utkin, among the seven passengers and three crew members. And Grey Zone, a Telegram account associated with the Wagner group, said that Mr. Prigozhin had been killed. But there was no official confirmation of his death from Wagner or the Russian authorities.

Russias aviation authority offered no comment on the reason for the crash, and announced that it had created a special commission to investigate the circumstances and causes of the accident.
When the Museum of the Moving Image opened in 1988, its mission seemed obvious. The institution was built upon the former grounds of a Paramount studio where the Marx Brothers sometimes filmed. The traditional definition of moving images largely meant television and movies, so the museum built its collection of 130,000 objects to explain how people designed within these artistic media.

During an interview, Isham suggested that the definition had changed with the rise of video games, social media and artificial intelligence.

The moving image is how we define our time and wrestling with our future, he said.

The museums board is fully behind his vision, according to Ivan Lustig, who works in private equity and one of the organizations chairmen. He said the museum would probably need to increase its $7.9 million budget to add staff members and capabilities that might fulfill Ishams vision. And though planning is still preliminary, Lustig has been brainstorming what shape the new core exhibition might take.

If you have been to the second floor, you have seen a lot of televisions and cameras, he said. Compared to their importance today, we can tell that story in 20 to 35 percent of the space that is there and introduce other digital images.

That is not to say that the museum is behind on the times; it has a reputation for creating significant exhibitions around video games and artificial intelligence ahead of its more academic peers.
As it turns out, Branch had one last gauntlet to throw down. On Friday, International Anthem will release Fly or Die Fly or Die Fly or Die ((World War)), the quartets third and final studio LP, recorded in April 2022 during her residency at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts in Omaha. It is just as electrifying as the groups first two LPs, but with a wider sonic horizon and more parts in motion. And theres a triumphant streak running through it that only heightens the pain of Branchs demise. She was moving fast and riding high when we lost her.

Synths, mixed percussion, guest horn players and extra vocalists flood in at the edges. The nine-minute centerpiece Baba Louie starts out as a spiked punch of Caribbean carnival rhythm and South African-inflected horns, introduces a short flirtation between marimba and flute, blossoms into an anthemic trumpet solo section, and finally veers into a dragging, almost dublike stretch of groove.

There is more space on ((World War)) than any previous album for Branchs disarming, half-sung vocals, which she had started using on Fly or Die II: Bird Dogs of Paradise from 2019. Were gonna gonna gonna take over the world, and give it give it back back back back to the la-la-la-land, she chants on Take Over the World, from the new album, stuttering rhythmically over Taylors deceptively complex drum beat, Jason Ajemians centering acoustic bass and Lester St. Louiss furious scrub on cello.

Stripped down to just two voices and a bass, she and Ajemian harmonize on a cover of the Meat Puppets Comin Down, a satirical inspirational country ditty, here retitled The Mountain. On the closer, World War ((Reprise)), she jangles a Fisher-Price musical toy and sings in an even, intimate tone, almost like Patty Waters:

Publicize, televise, capitalize

on revolutions eyes

What the world could be

If only you could see

Their wings are false flags

On our wings, they all rise.

Branch began her career on the Chicago scene, internalizing the citys pulpy, blues-based brand of free jazz. She made her way to music school in Boston and Baltimore, then on to New York, where many of the musicians she played with (including all of Fly or Dies original members) were Chicago transplants. Part of what delayed her in stepping forward as a bandleader was, sadly, an addiction that she would battle off and on for over a decade.

But during periods of recovery, she found that she could get a natural high from putting it all out on the table as a performer, she told the audio journal Aquarium Drunkard in 2019. Playing a simple melody is probably not something I would have done in 2007 or 2008, she said, but the vulnerability of making a strong, clear statement gave Branch the chemical reaction that I wanted.
But even as streaming became the core of its business  Netflix had 238 million global subscribers last quarter  devotees to the rental-by-mail service remained. For a monthly fee (starting at $9.99 for one disc at a time), the company continued to ship its signature envelopes to a dwindling but passionate customer base. Netflix does not disclose how many subscribers are signed up for DVDs, but The Associated Press estimated that last year the total was between 1.1 million and 1.3 million.

Because of format-specific rights agreements, the company offers many movies as DVD or Blu-ray rentals that are not available on most streaming services.

Theres quite a few movies Ive come across that Im kind of shocked arent streaming, said Michael Fusco, a DVD.com subscriber who said he had rented more than 2,300 movies since joining Netflix in 2006.

In addition to the breadth of the physical catalog, Fusco said he appreciated common bonus features such as deleted scenes and commentary tracks by directors. Its a shame that streaming services havent really come up with anything to match that, he said.

Current or new Netflix subscribers who sign up before Aug. 29 will be able to request up to 10 additional movies, although the company says the actual number of discs that customers receive will depend on supply. A spokesman said Netflix had not determined what it would do with its remaining inventory.
When Donald Trump is booked this evening on 13 state felony charges at a notorious jail in Georgia, it will be striking to see how the former president is treated. Trump for the first time will be required to pay bail, and he is expected to sit for a mug shot.

Like many of his co-defendants in the sprawling racketeering case, who have eagerly smiled through their booking photos, the former president has struck a defiant tone: I will proudly be arrested tomorrow afternoon in Georgia, he wrote yesterday.

Before arriving in Atlanta, Trump shook up his legal team. Steve Sadow, a veteran criminal defense lawyer who has taken on a number of high-profile cases, filed a document in court stating that he is now Trumps lead counsel. Often a dissatisfied client, Trump was said to have wanted a more sophisticated legal team, and he let go one of the lawyers who negotiated his $200,000 bond.

The former president also said in a court filing that he opposed an effort by Fani Willis, the Fulton County district attorney, to bring the case to trial in October. Willis had sought an earlier start date after one of the defendants, Kenneth Chesebro, asked for a speedy trial.
The candidates were clashing and the Milwaukee crowd was getting rowdy. After an hour of policy discussion, the first Republican primary debate of 2023 had turned chaotic when the Fox News moderators brought up the elephant not in the room.

Donald J. Trump was not onstage on Wednesday, but the mere mention of his name created fireworks. Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor, urged Republicans to stop normalizing the former presidents conduct. His rival Vivek Ramaswamy responded that Mr. Trump was the best president of the 21st century. A sleepy debate had yielded to a gloves-off battle over the future of the Republican Party.

As the audience drowned out Mr. Christie with boos, Bret Baier, one of the moderators, paused and turned in his chair.

The more time we spend doing this, the less time they can talk about issues you want to talk about, the anchor told the audience, like a headmaster scolding fidgety students. So lets just get through this.
CNN is moving a step closer to its digital future.

The cable news network will start a 24-hour streaming channel on Max on Sept. 27, Warner Bros. Discovery, the parent company of both CNN and Max, said on Thursday.

The CNN Max channel will feature distinct live programming, including a streaming-only news program hosted by the veteran anchor Jim Sciutto, and, in a more unusual move, it will livestream several programs from the cable network, the company said.

The overlap will include at least four hours of cable shows like The Lead With Jake Tapper, The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer and Anderson Cooper 360. The cable shows will stream at the same time they appear on cable, JB Perrette, the president of global streaming at Warner Bros. Discovery, said in an interview.

CNN, as well as competitors like Fox News, has generally shied away from delivering live programming from its mother ship cable network at the same time on streaming channels, usually out of fear that it would run afoul of lucrative agreements with major cable operators.
But administrators quickly realized the bot bans were ineffective. For one thing, wealthier students who owned smartphones or laptops could simply use ChatGPT, a chatbot developed by OpenAI of San Francisco, or similar bots like Googles Bard at home.

Children who have devices and unfiltered, unfettered connectivity at home are already benefiting from access to these tools, Alberto M. Carvalho, the superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, said in an interview this week. Students who depend on district devices and connectivity are restricted.

In May, New York City schools issued a public mea culpa, saying the district had acted too hastily and would unblock ChatGPT. This week, Mr. Carvalho said Los Angeles schools were also working on a more permissive policy.

As schools reopen for fall, educators and district leaders are wrestling with complex questions posed by the A.I. tools: What should writing assignments look like in an era when students can simply employ chatbots to generate prose for them? How can schools, teachers and students use the bots effectively and creatively? Does it still count as cheating if a student asks a bot to fabricate a rough draft that they then rewrite themselves?

Some large districts, including Milwaukee, still have ChatGPT blocks in place. Some districts like Newark Public Schools are trying out specialized chatbots specifically designed for student tutoring.
Shein, the e-commerce retailer founded in China, is teaming up with the parent of Forever 21 to expand its reach into Americans closets. The tie-up will bring together two of the biggest names in the fast-fashion sector online and in malls across the country.

As part of the agreement, Shein could one day operate stores-within-stores at Forever 21 outlets, while Forever 21s clothes would be sold on Sheins site. The deal also includes investments from each partner in shares of the other.

In the early 2000s, Forever 21 helped popularize the concept of fast fashion to American shoppers, standing out in malls with a revolving carousel of $5 tops and $10 dresses that hit racks more quickly than traditional department store schedules.

Shein, founded in 2012 and now based in Singapore, has gained popularity among American shoppers in recent years by taking fast fashion to the next level. The companys technology and supply chain allow for hundreds of new styles to be made in weeks, offering shoppers, especially teenagers and 20-somethings, more options tailored to every shift in taste.
When scientists switched on the instrument aboard a new satellite this summer, they got a preview of what will soon be the nations first continuous record of air pollution.

The satellite will stay parked above North America and provide scientists with hourly daytime updates on air pollution nationwide. On Thursday, researchers released their first images, which show changes in nitrogen dioxide pollution over the United States over the course of a day.

Its really exciting to see the instrument just working as expected, said Xiong Liu, the deputy mission director and a physicist at the Center for Astrophysics run by Harvard University and the Smithsonian Institution. The satellite instrument, called TEMPO, will be able to measure several other pollutants as well.

The images come during a summer of exceptionally bad air quality for the United States, with smoke from wildfires blanketing multiple cities and regions. But even before this summer, over the past decade or so, the gains in air quality Americans have enjoyed since the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970 had started to plateau.
Four out of five emperor penguin colonies in Antarcticas Bellingshausen Sea region very likely lost their chicks late last year because of disappearing sea ice underneath their breeding grounds, according to a new study.

Parts of this coastal region had lost all of their sea ice by November, which was probably before penguin chicks had grown waterproof adult feathers and learned to swim. Its the first time scientists have seen a widespread failure across multiple penguin colonies in a region, researchers said.

At the moment, were not sure if this is just a blip, said Norman Ratcliffe, a seabird ecologist with the British Antarctic Survey and one of the authors of the new study. But if this becomes a consistent phenomena in the longer term, clearly its going to have repercussions for the species.
The Portrait Bar

A new cocktail bar inside the Fifth Avenue Hotel is inspired by London landmarks and decorated with an array of portraits, hence the name. The drinks program is by Darryl Chan, who for many years worked at Bar Pleiades on the Upper East Side. The chef Andrew Carmellini is overseeing the food. Cocktails include the Grapefruit Crusta, inspired by the classic Brandy Crusta.

250 Fifth Avenue (28th Street). October.

Paradise Lost

This long-anticipated destination for rum and tropical cocktails has an occult vibe, from the partners Kave Pourzanjani (formerly of Nitecap), Ray Sakover (Slowly Shirley) and Josh Vera. The decor includes an eight-foot-tall altar and a giant taxidermied bat head. Sample cocktail name: Seventh Circle Swizzle.

100 Second Avenue (Sixth Street). October.

Ask for Janice

With a name that references the Beastie Boys album Pauls Boutique, this new cocktail and food project from the Eavesdrop and Upside Pizza team is appropriately located behind the pizzerias Greenpoint location. Expect a soppressata-washed gin martini.

640 Manhattan Avenue (Nassau Avenue), Greenpoint, Brooklyn. October.
Times Insider explains who we are and what we do and delivers behind-the-scenes insights into how our journalism comes together.

On Aug. 9, Genevieve Glatsky, a reporter for the Andes bureau of The New York Times, received an alarming text message: A presidential candidate in Ecuador had been shot and killed on the campaign trail.

The text, sent by Julie Turkewitz, the Andes bureau chief, led Ms. Glatsky on a quest to understand the events that resulted in the countrys latest act of political violence. The candidate, Fernando Villavicencio, was an outspoken critic of the ties between drug trafficking money and Ecuadors political establishment.

He was known for being a muckraker and someone who spoke truth to power, Ms. Glatsky said in an interview. And his views made him a target.

Here, Ms. Glatsky, who is based in Bogota, Colombia, shares her thoughts on the first round of Ecuadors election, held Sunday, and why the assassination is a tragic turning point for the country. This interview has been edited.
In Blue Box, the director Michal Weits challenges a national narrative about Israel that, for her, also happens to be a family narrative. One of her great-grandfathers was Joseph Weits (sometimes spelled Weitz or with variants of Yosef), who had a reputation as the father of Israels forests. That was how Michal thought of him growing up.

Joseph Weits oversaw land and forestry initiatives for the Jewish National Fund, but that job description leaves out important context. In the 1930s, before the founding of Israel and in preparation for a possible Jewish state, he was instrumental in purchasing land that Palestinians lived on. During the 1948 war that followed the declaration of Israel as an independent nation, he assembled a committee that sought, among other things, to prevent Arabs from returning. The film makes the case that transforming the landscape, including planting trees, became a way of ensuring that.
Through the 1970s and much of the 1980s, Kira Muratovas stirring films Brief Encounters and The Long Farewell went unseen, banned by the Soviet Union. The Long Farewell provoked such outrage from censors that Muratova, then a new voice in cinema, was stripped of her film degree and prohibited from filmmaking for years.

A blacklist is, obviously, an undesirable home for any worthy feature. But as I watched the exquisite 4K restorations of these two films (a collaboration between StudioCanal and the Criterion Collection), I was struck by how much their stories harmonize with their embattled history. The works, which were Muratovas first solo outings as a director, overflow with restless, disaffected women beating against the boxes in which society has confined them. The female characters pine, ache and, amplified by the dramas surrounding them, seem to scream: Life is hard! Let us free!

Both films were eventually released during the era of perestroika, and Muratova, born in what is now Moldova in 1934, went on to direct more than a dozen other features, earning international acclaim. Yet her couplet of debut films still hold a special, subversive power.

Brief Encounters, from 1967 and my favorite of the pair, is an audacious portrait of two women on the cultural fringes pining after the same man. Muratova plays one of the leads, Valentina  a brusque regional councilwoman in Odesa, Ukraine, whos in charge of the water supply for local buildings. The film opens on Valentina cast in chiaroscuro, groaning over unfinished work and dirty dishes. Her malaise is interrupted by the arrival of Nadia (Nina Ruslanova), an impressionable girl from the countryside who becomes Valentinas housekeeper.
Our Father, the Devil centers on Marie (Babetida Sadjo), a Guinean refugee in southern France who possesses the kind of thick armor forged by intense hurt. When a figure from Maries past life arrives in the guise of a priest at the upscale retirement home where she works as the head chef, something in her cracks.

In the assured hands of the writer-director Ellie Foumbi, Maries unraveling yields not only an absorbing psychological thriller, but a profound meditation on the ethics of immigration.

Maries story begins on a high note. Her culinary mentor, Jeanne (Martine Amisse), has written Marie into her will, giving Marie an idyllic mountainside cottage. Yet Foumbis stark, formalist tableau captures even the glittering French countryside as a space trembling with contained anxiety.
Screwy and strange, Perpetrator is gleefully unsubtle, but its ensanguinated excess is part of the fun. (As is the casting of actors who appear to be on their 10th repeat of 12th grade.) The tone swivels from campy to menacing, outrageous to comic; but Sevdije Kastratis oleaginous photography has the surreal power to nail some of the movies dottiest sequences, like the killer siphoning his victims blood through a wound that resembles an angry anus.

The films most enjoyable idea, though, is its positioning of female empathy as armor instead of Achilles heel. Gazing into the mirror, Jonnys face wobbles and shifts; when the perpetrator is revealed, will she be ready?

Perpetrator

Rated R for a disembodied heart and a disgusting dessert. Running time: 1 hour 50 minutes. In theaters.
The mayors return to New York City from overseas was plagued by mishap. The chair of his reception committee was late; his aides violated the health code by boarding the mayors ship, the Vulcania, before it could be screened for contagion.

And reporters  barred from asking questions on political or administrative matters  had the nerve to question the length of the mayors journey, which, in an apparent first for a New York City mayor, included a three-day visit to the new nation of Israel.

In the 72 years since Mayor Vincent R. Impellitteris voyage in 1951, every single New York City mayor would follow his lead, in recognition of a faith-based political reality: New York City is home to the largest population of Jews outside of Israel.

Mayor Eric Adams upheld that rite of passage this week, visiting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in a three-day tour highlighted by meetings with Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and its president, Isaac Herzog.
Howard J. Hubbard, a once lionized street priest who became the nations youngest bishop at 38 and presided over the Albany, N.Y., diocese longer than any of his predecessors, then acknowledged covering up sex abuse scandals and was himself sued for sexually abusing children, died on Saturday in Albany. He was 84.

His death, in a hospital, was caused by a stroke, his spokesman, Mark Behan, said.

Bishop Hubbard, whose upstate New York diocese encompassed more than 300,000 Roman Catholics in 125 parishes in 14 counties, was widely regarded as a progressive voice in the church on social issues like the death penalty and the ordination of women, though he unsuccessfully sued the state in 1984 to block the approval of two abortion clinics in the diocese.

But when he resigned in 2014 after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75, becoming bishop emeritus, he acknowledged in a legal deposition and in an interview with The Albany Times Union that the diocese had covered up allegations of sexual abuse of children by priests to avoid a public scandal.

The police were not notified when priests accused of the abuse were sent away for treatment, he said, and their return to the ministry after medical professionals approved it was kept quiet. He expressed regret at the time over the lack of transparency.
An upstate New York man who admitted threatening to harm Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and show her what violence truly is in a series of phone calls to her Washington office last year was sentenced on Thursday to three months in prison.

Judge Brenda K. Sannes of Federal District Court in Syracuse deferred a decision on Ms. Greenes request that the man, Joseph Morelli, reimburse the Republican lawmaker about $67,000 for steps she took to bolster security at her Georgia home in the wake of the threats.

Mr. Morelli, 51, of Endicott, N.Y., pleaded guilty in February to three counts of transmitting interstate threatening communications in connection with seven menacing messages he left for Ms. Greene over two days in March 2022.

In one message, Mr. Morelli said of Ms. Greene that he was going to have to take your life into my own hands, according to an F.B.I. agents affidavit. Im gonna hurt you, he added, the affidavit says. Physically, Im gonna harm you.
During the operation, Mr. Duprey sold narcotics to one of the officers. After the sale, undercover and plainclothes officers nearby moved in to arrest him, the police said.

A man, who the police did not identify, then wheeled a motorbike over to Mr. Duprey. Mr. Duprey got on the bike and sped off down Aqueduct Avenue, driving one way then another, the police said.

Moments later, near the corner of 190th Street, a surveillance video reviewed by The New York Times shows him driving up onto the sidewalk and heading in the direction of a group of about 10 people sitting at a table, an account confirmed by the police.

It was then that Sergeant Duran grabbed a white plastic cooler from the table and threw it at Mr. Duprey, the 18-second video clip shows. The cooler struck Mr. Duprey, and the motorbike skidded. He lost control and hit a tree, then a Jeep Cherokee, before the motorbike tipped over and fell to the ground.

Surrounding officers rushed over to Mr. Duprey and called for an ambulance. Emergency service workers arrived at 5:31 p.m., according to the police and New York Fire Department officials.
In a crowded debate, you can tell which candidates are seen as the greatest threat because they take the most incoming fire from their rivals.

During the Republican presidential primary debate on Wednesday night, that person wasnt Ron DeSantis, who was once considered Donald Trumps greatest threat, but Vivek Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old political upstart with little chance of actually securing the nomination.

Watching the DeSantis campaign collapse has been an extraordinarily edifying spectacle.

There would have been no DeSantis without Trump. Trump endorsed DeSantis for governor of Florida when DeSantis was struggling against a strong Republican opponent for the partys nomination. DeSantis rode Trumps endorsement to victory.

So there was always something about the DeSantis campaign that seemed reminiscent of Macbeth coming to kill his king. The only problem is that DeSantis has ambition, but not the bloodlust. He lacks the courage, which is ironic given that before his run he wrote a book titled The Courage to Be Free.
To the Editor:

Re What I Saw on That G.O.P. Debate Stage Was Complete and Utter Moral Cowardice (Opinion, nytimes.com, Aug. 24):

Frank Bruni is on target regarding those candidates who raised their hands in support of a Donald Trump candidacy, even if he is convicted. It was astonishing to see people willing to show fealty to a convicted felon who refused to sign a pledge to support them if they were nominated.

Sadly, those same candidates have a realistic understanding of the leadership cult that is todays Republican Party. Donald Trump is a great admirer of the vindictive Vladimir Putin, who demands unconditional, one-way loyalty. Who among them would want to be metaphorically blown out of an airplane during the primary season?

Stephen Sander

Pennsbury Township, Pa.

To the Editor:

Re Ramaswamy Seizes Spotlight as DeSantis Hangs Back: 7 Debate Takeaways (nytimes.com, Aug. 24):

Vivek Ramaswamys performance at the first G.O.P. presidential debate showed that he learned a lesson from the success of Donald Trump in capturing the Republican Party nomination in 2016: The more outrageous you are, the more attention you will get. The cheers from the audience demonstrated that.

John A. Viteritti

Laurel, N.Y.

To the Editor:

Re Trump, During Tucker Carlson Interview, Belittles Republican Rivals (nytimes.com, Aug. 24):

During his interview with Mr. Carlson, Donald Trump repeated his view of the Jan. 6 Capitol rioters.
On Friday, Aug. 18, a man named Travis Ikeguchi shot and killed Laura Ann Carleton in Cedar Glen, Calif. On Monday, the San Bernardino County sheriff Shannon Dicus said, 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. Ikeguchi was subsequently killed in a standoff with the police.

The police highlighted elements of what appears to be Ikeguchis feed on X, the site formerly called Twitter, and noted that it included a picture of a burning Pride flag with the text What to do with the LGBTQP flag? (As of Thursday morning, a representative from the San Bernardino county sheriffs office said the account, which has since been suspended, had not yet been confirmed as the shooters.) I went to the feed as well and found it chilling, and not simply because of the obvious hatred for L.G.B.T. Americans. It was chilling to me in part because it wasnt substantially different from the sentiments I see and hear all the time from right-wing Christians in the age of Trump.

Mixed in with the accounts strident anti-L.G.B.T. rhetoric and conspiracy theories were posts endorsing Christianity, including some that would otherwise suggest a compassionate heart. The account reposted, for instance, a post that read: When your heart is hurting and you have nothing left to pray, speak the name of Jesus. When the tears fall and no one else can see, whisper His name. The account also reposted a meme that declared, in part, God has chosen you to make you a blessing to many.

Yet not far from that post was another, which took the words Pride Month and gradually blurred out the letters at either end, leaving only the word demon highlighted in the middle.
Ross Douthat: Of all the varied and vigorous clashes between Mike Pence and Vivek Ramaswamy, the moment when Ramaswamy started talking about despair and doom and declining mental health in America and Pence shot back with the claim that actually theres nothing wrong with the American people, just with our failed government and leaders, offered an especially pellucid distillation of the big divide between pre-Trump and post-Trump conservatism.

Its a divide thats both ideological and generational, pitting the old G.O.P. defaults (which are clearly still Pences defaults) of patriotic boosterism against a growing sense on the right that the American exceptionalism conservatives once defended has decayed or dissolved  and that something more radical than a message of small government and stewardship is required to bring it back.
James J. Jordan was a Mad man  a copywriter who devised advertising catchphrases that were annoying but memorable, including Id rather fight than switch for Tareyton cigarettes and When youre having more than one for Schaefer Beer. In other words, he was very good at his job.

Now he has posthumously become a sloganeer for an actual madman, a former president who tried to overturn an election and may yet destroy U.S. democracy.

Given the existential threat he poses to America as we know it, Donald Trumps economic ideas arent the first thing on most peoples minds. Nonetheless, it was a bit startling to see Trump propose, as he did last week on Fox Business, a 10 percent tariff on all U.S. imports, which he called a ring around the collar of the U.S. economy.

Before I get to why that would be a really bad idea, I cant help noting how remarkable it was to hear Trump using that phrase. Its an article of faith among many Republicans that President Biden is doddering and senile (even though he isnt, at all). What would they be saying if Biden were promoting one of his big policy ideas with a 55-year-old advertising slogan that was meant to describe something bad? (Wisk detergent was supposed to prevent ring around the collar.)
A male saltwater crocodile approached a female saltie  as theyre known in Australia  in the same enclosure at Australia Zoo. He snapped at her aggressively.

But then in a change of heart that wasnt what youd expect from one of Australias most fearsome predators, he appeared to think better of it.

He went down under the water and started blowing bubbles at her, said Sonnie Flores, a crocodile researcher at the University of the Sunshine Coast who observed the interaction. It was kind of sweet. It was almost like he was blowing her a kiss.

Trying to decipher what crocodiles like that one are saying is at the center of ongoing research by Ms. Flores and her colleagues to create the worlds first crocodile dictionary. Such a gator glossary would catalog different forms of crocodilian communication and unlock their meanings. If successful, it could even help prevent conflict between humans and crocodiles.
First, I encourage educators  especially in high schools and colleges  to assume that 100 percent of their students are using ChatGPT and other generative A.I. tools on every assignment, in every subject, unless theyre being physically supervised inside a school building.

At most schools, this wont be completely true. Some students wont use A.I. because they have moral qualms about it, because its not helpful for their specific assignments, because they lack access to the tools or because theyre afraid of getting caught.

But the assumption that everyone is using A.I. outside class may be closer to the truth than many educators realize. (You have no idea how much were using ChatGPT, read the title of a recent essay by a Columbia undergraduate in The Chronicle of Higher Education.) And its a helpful shortcut for teachers trying to figure out how to adapt their teaching methods. Why would you assign a take-home exam, or an essay on Jane Eyre, if everyone in class  except, perhaps, the most strait-laced rule followers  will use A.I. to finish it? Why wouldnt you switch to proctored exams, blue-book essays and in-class group work, if you knew that ChatGPT was as ubiquitous as Instagram and Snapchat among your students?

Second, schools should stop relying on A.I. detector programs to catch cheaters. There are dozens of these tools on the market now, all claiming to spot writing that was generated with A.I., and none of them work reliably well. They generate lots of false positives, and can be easily fooled by techniques like paraphrasing. Dont believe me? Ask OpenAI, the maker of ChatGPT, which discontinued its A.I. writing detector this year because of a low rate of accuracy.

Its possible that in the future, A.I. companies may be able to label their models outputs to make them easier to spot  a practice known as watermarking  or that better A.I. detection tools may emerge. But for now, most A.I. text should be considered undetectable, and schools should spend their time (and technology budgets) elsewhere.
John Warnock, a founder of Adobe Systems whose innovations in computer graphics, including the ubiquitous PDF, made possible todays visually rich digital experiences, died on Aug. 19 at his home in Los Altos, Calif. He was 82.

The cause was pancreatic cancer, Adobe, which Dr. Warnock started in 1982 with Chuck Geschke, said in a statement.

Until Dr. Warnock and Adobe came along, desktop printing was an arduous, expensive and unsatisfying endeavor. Users relied on either a screechy dot-matrix printer, with its pixelated text, or a specialized typesetting machine, which could cost $10,000 and take up most of a room.

Dr. Warnock developed protocols that came loaded into desktop printers themselves, and that accurately rendered what a computer sent them. Adobes first such protocol, PostScript, went into Apples revolutionary LaserWriter, released in 1985, and within a few years it was the industry standard.
But when another man said he too felt fat, she said, she concluded the problem lay not with the men, but with how society saw them. She asked other audience members if they felt the man looked overweight, then kicked out anyone who agreed.

Clown is really about connection, Masli said in the interview when asked why she thought the show was a success. Maybe right now everyone just wants to be connected.

The daughter of two lawyers, Masli grew up in Tallinn, Estonia, until age 12 when her parents sent her to a girls boarding school in England. Masli has said she spoke so little English at the time that she would mime to be understood.

As a teenager, her heart was set on becoming an actor and performing the great tragedies on London stages. She auditioned for British drama schools, she said, but got nowhere because I had this really strong accent. So she moved to Etampes, France, to study under Philippe Gaulier, a clowning instructor whose past students include Sacha Baron Cohen.
A refuge from the modern world

In the fall of 1870, four young bachelors from the Icelandic fishing village of Eyrarbakki landed on Washington Island. Their arrival, in turn, drew more immigrants from their homeland. By the end of the century, the island had become a center of Icelandic culture.

For those with enough money to buy where the land is more fertile, the Island is one of the worst places to come to; but for the poor it is one of the best, for they can live off the water and off the land, wrote one of the bachelors in a letter reprinted by an Icelandic newspaper. I dare say there is no lazy and idle man in Iceland, no matter how many children he has got, who cannot live the good life here.

Just weeks after returning from that now tourist-swamped nation myself, I was perhaps aiming for a glimpse of what Iceland used to be. Washington Island is the second-oldest Icelandic settlement in America, and if you know where to look, I assured Mel, hints of that history still abound.

Hidden beneath a grove of towering maples, our charming hotel near the harbor was no exception. Established in 1904 by Ben Johnson, another Eyrarbakkian, the colonial-style Hotel Washington now offers eight small guest rooms and two shared bathrooms above a farm-to-fork restaurant awash in natural light. Once the islands social hub, the hotel retains an old-world feel, despite the updates.
Theres a misconception that exposure is necessarily a bad thing, Ms. Mishkin said. After reading descriptions of every occupation for the study, she and her colleagues learned an important lesson, she said: Theres no way a model is ever going to do all of this.

Large language models could help write legislation, for instance, but could not pass laws. They could act as therapists  people could share their thoughts, and the models could respond with ideas based on proven regimens  but they do not have human empathy or the ability to read nuanced situations.

The version of ChatGPT open to the public has risks for workers  it often gets things wrong, can reflect human biases, and is not secure enough for businesses to trust with confidential information. Companies that use it get around these obstacles with tools that tap its technology in a so-called closed domain  meaning they train the model only on certain content and keep any inputs private.

Morgan Stanley uses a version of OpenAIs model made for its business that was fed about 100,000 internal documents, more than a million pages. Financial advisers use it to help them find information to answer client questions quickly, like whether to invest in a certain company. (Previously, this required finding and reading multiple reports.)

It leaves advisers more time to talk with clients, said Jeff McMillan, who leads data analytics and wealth management at the firm. The tool does not know about individual clients and any human touch that might be needed, like if they are going through a divorce or illness.
As increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence systems with the potential to reshape society come online, many experts, lawmakers and even executives of top A.I. companies want the U.S. government to regulate the technology, and fast.

We should move quickly, Brad Smith, the president of Microsoft, which launched an A.I.-powered version of its search engine this year, said in May. Theres no time for waste or delay, Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, has said. Lets get ahead of this, said Senator Mike Rounds, a South Dakota Republican.

Yet history suggests that comprehensive federal regulation of advanced A.I. systems probably wont happen soon. Congress and federal agencies have often taken decades to enact rules governing revolutionary technologies, from electricity to cars. The general pattern is it takes a while, said Matthew Mittelsteadt, a technologist who studies A.I. at George Mason Universitys Mercatus Center.
Mr. Rader would go on to kill many more times, through the early 1990s. He seemingly chose the rest of his victims, all women of varying ages, at random. In addition to being featured in the series viewed by the Osage County sheriff, the gruesome murders had an overarching presence in Netflixs Mindhunter, as a fictional version of Mr. Rader makes appearances throughout the series about a serial killer.

In January, Undersheriff Gary Upton, a 31-year law enforcement veteran, joined the Osage County Sheriffs Department and began investigating the reopened cold case of Ms. Kinney, who had been working at a laundromat in Pawhuska when she disappeared in 1976. Mr. Upton and the sheriffs office pored through old evidence, including Mr. Raders journals, where he kept meticulous notes of his stalking and the killings.

Mr. Upton said the police determined that Mr. Raders employment as a regional installer with ADT, the residential and commercial security company, coincided with the construction of a bank across the street from the laundromat where Ms. Kinney worked.

Mr. Rader also had a diary entry around the same time that Ms. Kinney went missing that went into detail about kidnapping a girl from a laundromat. The entry was titled Bad Wash Day.

Ms. Kinneys body was never discovered.

The sheriffs office continued to record Mr. Raders whereabouts and looked up all missing persons and unsolved murders in areas where they knew he had been working. After ADT, Mr. Rader went on to become a regional supervisor for the state and United States censuses. Records put him in the same area at the same time of Ms. Garbers disappearance in 1990, Mr. Upton said.
For all of Californias many charms, living here isnt always easy.

Theres the astronomical cost of housing, of course, and the seemingly constant threat of catastrophe, whether from earthquakes, fires or extreme heat. Especially as the effects of climate change increase, disaster often seems to be lurking right around the corner.

This newsletter recently covered the increasing popularity in California of disaster-proof homes, built to better withstand high winds and temperatures, and to limit entry points for wildfire embers. And last year, my colleague Ivan Penn wrote about Californians who, out of frustration with blackouts and rising utility prices in our warming world, are opting to live off the grid.

Heres another way Californians are trying to adapt: microgrid communities. Kaya Laterman recently wrote about them in The New York Times.

These are energy-resilient communities that can operate independently from a larger municipal electrical system when necessary, by generating their own electricity (often using solar panels) and storing it in batteries for later use.
Asked whether he would send special forces into Mexico to combat drug cartels, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida didnt hesitate to swing for the fences.

Yes, and I will do it on day one, he said.

He pledged to declare a national emergency and added: When these drug pushers are bringing fentanyl across the border, that is going to be the last thing they do. We are going to use force and leave them stone-cold dead.

Republicans participating in the first presidential debate on Wednesday traded barbs and clashed repeatedly over abortion, climate change and how much fealty they owe to former President Donald J. Trump.

But, when it came to immigration, there was little disagreement, only efforts to outdo each other in offering aggressive recommendations for military responses to unauthorized immigration and drug trafficking across the southern border. The overwhelming majority of illicit substances are brought into the United States in commercial vehicles coming through official ports of entry, rather than by migrants, according to law enforcement.
Karol Bobko, an Air Force pilot who joined NASA as an astronaut in 1969 and then waited 14 years before going into space, piloting the first voyage of the shuttle Challenger nearly three years before it exploded soon after liftoff, died on Aug. 17 at his home in Half Moon Bay, Calif., south of San Francisco. He was 85.

His son, Paul, said the cause was complications of an unspecified degenerative disease of the nervous system.

In 1966, with NASAs early Gemini missions nearing their end and the Apollo programs start-up in sight, Colonel Bobko joined a Defense Department project to explore the military uses of space. The Air Forces Manned Orbiting Laboratory planned to shoot astronauts into orbit in a modified Gemini capsule that would have been connected to a 50-foot-long lab and powered by a Titan booster rocket.

But in June 1969  a month before Apollo 11 made the first moon landing  the government canceled the laboratory, citing its cost. Colonel Bobko, who was known as Bo, was one of the seven laboratory astronauts transferred to NASA.
Albert Quie, a Minnesota dairy farmer who became a member of the House of Representatives and the governor of his state  and who made Christian piety and fiscal conservatism the core of his political identity in the 1970s, before that was the standard model for Republicans  died on Friday at his home in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis. He was 99.

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota announced the death on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.

In 1974, The New York Times wrote of Mr. Quie (pronounced kwee) as a central participant in an ascendant phenomenon in the nations capital: the power prayer group.

The corner on pietism in Washington has long appeared to be held by pressure groups, chanting and praying from the fringes, John Deedy, the managing editor of Commonweal magazine, wrote in The Timess Ideas & Trends section. Devils, it has been argued even by nonbelievers, there might be on Capitol Hill. But there are fewer, it seems, of the religiously indifferent than has been thought to be the case. In fact, considerable praying has been going on in Washingtons inner sanctum.
Turning first to the question of motivation, it is noteworthy that just four days before this indictment, you launched a new campaign fund-raising website that highlighted your investigation into President Trump, he wrote.

Mr. Jordan said he was demanding all documents and communications between Ms. Williss office and federal officials and any relating to the Fulton County District Attorneys Offices use of federal funds. A review of budget documents indicates that most of the offices funding comes from local government, though prosecutors offices often receive at least some federal grant money.

Ms. Williss office declined to comment.

It was the latest example of House Republicans allied with Mr. Trump using their power in Congress to try to derail efforts to prosecute him. After Alvin L. Bragg, the Manhattan district attorney, filed charges against the former president over accusations that he falsified business records related to hush money paid to an adult film actress, Republicans promised to scrutinize the work of Mr. Bragg and held a field hearing in New York that aimed to blame him for crime in the city.

They have also vowed to investigate the Justice Department for its inquiries of Mr. Trump over the effort to overturn the 2020 election and his handling of classified documents, both of which have resulted in indictments. Mr. Jordan has recommended House Republicans eliminate any funding for the F.B.I. that is not absolutely essential for the agency to execute its mission, including as a starting point eliminating taxpayer funding for any new F.B.I. headquarter facility and instead examining options for relocating the F.B.I.s headquarters outside of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.

He has pushed for any new F.B.I. headquarters to be in Alabama.

Mr. Trump now faces 91 felony charges across the four criminal cases against him.
Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III has chosen a former career Army lawyer who served in Iraq to oversee the Guantanamo war court, a job that includes approving plea deals and deciding whether prosecutors can seek death sentences.

In a memo signed this week, Mr. Austin said that Susan K. Escallier, the former Army lawyer, would become the convening authority for the Office of Military Commissions on Oct. 8. The current convening authority, Jeffrey D. Wood, will voluntarily leave the job on that date, Mr. Austins memo said.

Ms. Escallier will take over as the Pentagon has been reducing detention operations at the base. The prison, which held about 660 prisoners at its peak, now has 30 detainees and 900 guards and support staff members. Eleven of the detainees are charged with war crimes or have already been convicted.

In the meantime, the war court complex, Camp Justice, has been expanding under a program that began during the Trump administration. Contractors have been preparing a second, maximum-security courtroom, so two judges can hear cases simultaneously; new prefabricated administrative buildings; and more housing near the court.
Follow live as Republican presidential candidates debate for the second time.

One thing was clear when former President Donald J. Trump decided to skip the first debate of the 2024 Republican primary race: There would be a vacuum to fill.

But it was not Mr. Trumps chief rival in the polls, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who emerged at the epicenter of the first Trump-free showdown on Wednesday, but instead the political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy, whose unlikely rise has revealed the remarkable degree to which the former president has remade the party.

Mr. DeSantis had stumbled heading into the debate and was widely seen as in need of a stabilizing performance. He sought it by largely avoiding the scrum and sticking closely to the core case he makes on the stump, hoping to gain incremental ground in front of a national audience.

All eight candidates mostly jostled for position among themselves, and few targeted the front-runner who is set to surrender on Thursday after his fourth criminal indictment.
The Republicans who gathered at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library to watch their partys presidential primary debate werent exactly spoiling for a fight. But they did want to see some policy disputes aired. They wanted some sign that maybe, just maybe, their party might move beyond former President Donald J. Trump.

Some said they got what they were looking for.

They were almost all impressive, Rocky Brister, 62, said on Wednesday night, standing over his empty wine glasses after watching the debate from a replica of the White Houses East Room.

Vivek did great  boy, were they after him! his wife, Loretta Brister, 61, added of Vivek Ramaswamy, the biotech entrepreneur who was a dominant force on the stage in Milwaukee. She said she hoped to see a Trump-Ramaswamy ticket.

Indeed, it was not that the roughly 200 Republicans who watched the debate from the shrine to the 37th president did not support the 45th. People in the crowd frequently referred to Mr. Trump as one of the greatest American presidents of all time. But many worried that his bombastic approach and criminal indictments had started to eclipse the policies he supported.
If our candidates arent able to find a response and put out a response, were not going to win, Ms. McDaniel said.

But if Ms. McDaniel welcomed the discussion Wednesday night, so, too, did some Democrats and abortion rights activists, who were eager to remind voters that most Republicans  including those on the debate stage  are far to the right of public opinion.

Someone tell her theyre also not going to win if they do talk about abortion, a leading abortion rights group, Naral Pro-Choice America, responded on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This month, Ohio voters rebuffed a Republican-backed ballot measure that would have made it more difficult to amend the states constitution, an effort by Republicans to make it harder for voters to preserve abortion rights through an amendment. Though abortion was not technically on the ballot, discussion of the issue dominated the conversation.

While a 2024 candidates fierce opposition to abortion may help draw voters in a Republican primary, that stance could hurt them with moderate or independent voters in a general election.
It was a moment the eight Republican candidates on the stage in Milwaukee should have known was coming. Though the question took an hour to arrive, they still seemed unsteady in their response:

If Donald Trump is the partys nominee for president as well as a convicted criminal, will they still support him?

Vivek Ramaswamy, the candidate who has clung closest to the front-runner, immediately raised his hand in the affirmative. He was followed quickly by Nikki Haley, who served as Mr. Trumps ambassador to the United Nations; Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who helped Mr. Trump weather accusations of racism; and Gov. Doug Burgum of North Dakota, who has been struggling to even be recognized as a candidate for president.

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, once seen as the most formidable challenger to Mr. Trump, looked to his left, looked to his right and then raised his hand  after the four others had done so. Mike Pence, Mr. Trumps vice president, then lifted his, clearly reluctantly.

Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey and the Trump ally-turned-enemy, appeared to raise his hand, too, in a halfhearted way, before wagging a finger; he later said he wasnt answering the question but was simply seeking recognition to explain why he wouldnt support a convicted Mr. Trump. Another Trump critic, Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, kept his hands locked at his sides.
The traditional mug shot is usually a grim affair: poorly lit and sullen. It is a permanent portrait of shame  the legal systems scarlet letter.

It is, almost by definition, unsmiling.

But the booking photos emerging from the Fulton County Sheriffs Office in Atlanta, where Donald J. Trump and 18 others are being charged with conspiring to overturn the 2020 election, include several that are oddly cheerful.

Mr. Trumps former lawyer Jenna Ellis smiles broadly, as does David Shafer, the former chairman of the Georgia Republican Party. Scott Hall, a Trump operative, fails to repress a smirk. Sidney Powell, accused of peddling debunked conspiracy theories about the election, reveals a twinkle in her eye.

Image Sidney Powell, accused of peddling debunked conspiracies about the election, was photographed somewhere between a smile and a scowl. Credit... Fulton County Sheriff's Office, via Associated Press

The statement that all of their facial expressions convey unmistakably? Defiance.

How Mr. Trump will approach his fateful appointment with a sheriffs photographer when he posts bail Thursday night is anyones guess  although he has long favored a scowl over a grin, the better to project strength.
Yet the former presidents absence created an opening, if an illusory one, for a broader array of conservative positions. Republicans have long discussed the far-off notion of what Trumpism without Mr. Trump would look like. For fleeting moments in Milwaukee, that possibility felt almost like a reality.

The Fox News hosts waited nearly an hour to ask only two questions in the entire two-hour debate on Mr. Trump, or, as Bret Baier, one of the moderators, called him, the elephant not in the room. Asked whether they would back the former president if he was convicted, all but Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey, and Asa Hutchinson, the former governor of Arkansas, indicated that they would.

The Trump-free spell, it seemed, was broken.

Since his rise eight years ago, Mr. Trump has sucked the oxygen out of Republican gatherings, from the halls of Congress to the fairgrounds of Iowa. The manufactured environment of the debate seemed to remind Republicans what it was like to breathe, politically speaking, in Trumpless rooms.

On abortion, all the candidates declared themselves pro-life. But they disagreed on the specifics of that pledge in a post-Roe world. Former Vice President Mike Pence supported a federal ban. Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida indicated that states should be allowed to set their own restrictions, despite signing a six-week ban in his home state. And Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, urged Republicans to stop demonizing the issue, saying that the party lacked the votes to pass any kind of federal restriction.
To former Vice President Mike Pence, hes Vih-veck. To a Fox and Friends panelist on Thursday morning, he was Vee-veck. And to some Iowa voters, its Vy-vick  if they said his name at all.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a tech entrepreneur running for president who has climbed the polls in recent weeks, has branded himself as a political newcomer who, despite participating in his first Republican debate Wednesday night, seemed at ease bringing the event to near-chaos several times as he sparred with the likes of Mr. Pence and Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor.

A different hurdle he may face, however, is getting others to say his name correctly.

The son of Indian Americans, Mr. Ramaswamy has both leaned into and away from his racial background. He has often expressed gratitude that his parents immigrated to the greatest nation on Earth, and on Wednesday, he echoed a line from former President Barack Obamas speech onstage when he introduced himself as a skinny guy with a funny last name. (Mr. Ramaswamy has said that Vivek rhymes with cake and pronounces his last name Rah-muh-swah-mee.)

When Sean Hannity, the Fox News host, asked after the debate why Mr. Ramaswamy hadnt corrected the mispronunciation sooner, the candidate laughed and said, I appreciate best efforts.
The first Republican debate on Wednesday night offered political pundits a bit of a thought experiment: If the clear front-runner doesnt take part, can the debate have a clear winner?

Even as commentators spent the debate and its aftermath arguing over which of the eight underdogs on the debate stage performed best, they largely agreed that little seemed to alter the state of a race in which Donald J. Trump appears the runaway favorite.

Still, some pundits said that Mr. Trumps absence did offer candidates the chance to differentiate themselves, an opportunity they may not have had if he had participated. And the battle to become Mr. Trumps top challenger, some said, is more hazy. Here is a sampling of commentary on how the candidates fared.

Ron DeSantis

Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida in some ways entered Wednesdays debate with the most to prove and the most to lose. While he has long been viewed as Mr. Trumps strongest potential challenger, his campaign has stumbled in recent weeks amid fund-raising trouble and staffing changes.
A retired police sergeant opened fire at a popular biker bar in Southern California Wednesday evening, killing at least three people and wounding at least six others before he was killed in a confrontation with sheriffs deputies, the authorities said.

The shooting occurred at about 7 p.m. at Cooks Corner, a bar in Trabuco Canyon, a rural community in eastern Orange County, Jeff Hallock, undersheriff at the Orange County Sheriffs Department, said. The Orange County district attorneys office identified the gunman on Thursday as John Snowling, 59, who had worked for the Police Department in Ventura, Calif.

Mr. Snowling retired in 2014 and moved to Ohio, Sheriff Don Barnes of Orange County said at a news conference on Thursday afternoon. He appeared to have returned to Southern California, where he had a second home, during an ongoing dispute regarding the pending divorce with his wife, Sheriff Barnes said. Law enforcement believed Mr. Snowling was armed with two firearms when he entered the bar, Sheriff Barnes added.

Mr. Snowling approached his wife, who was sitting with another woman at the bar, and without a word drew his gun and fired, striking both his wife and the other woman at least once, Sheriff Barnes said. The other woman eventually died of her injuries, he said. He did not elaborate on the nature of the wifes injuries but said that he had heard she was conscious and speaking.
Just before his visit to an Atlanta jail to be booked on 13 felony counts, Donald J. Trump has shaken up his Georgia legal defense team, adding Steve Sadow, a veteran criminal defense lawyer who has taken on a number of high-profile cases.

Mr. Sadow filed a document with the court on Thursday stating that he was now lead counsel of record for Donald John Trump.

Mr. Trumps decision comes soon after one of his lawyers, Drew Findling, and his two other lawyers in the Georgia case, Jennifer Little and Marissa Goldberg, negotiated a $200,000 bond for Mr. Trump, who is one of 19 defendants in a sweeping racketeering indictment charging them with engaging in a criminal enterprise that sought to overturn Mr. Trumps 2020 election loss in Georgia.

Mr. Findling is expected to be let go, according to a person familiar with the matter, while Ms. Little will be retained.
I dont think this robot is ever going to take my job, said Andrew Emerick, the duty chief for Cal Fires northern region. Mr. Emerick, an experienced operator of the cameras, gives the example of the deliberately set fires in agricultural areas: vintners burning branches after an autumn pruning or rice farmers burning stalks after harvest.

Mr. Emerick knows the area and understands the context  these are not fires that he needs to dispatch engines and aircraft to snuff out. But he is not sure the A.I. program will ever fully understand those nuances.

What we do is going to require some sort of human intervention, someone with experience to say, Hey, do something about this, or No, dont do something about it, he said.

During two days in July, when the A.I. trial had been in operation for only two weeks, the system flagged fires with varying degrees of certainty. A hilltop camera trained onto a raging fire in Topanga Canyon, west of Los Angeles, a blaze that was sending up a column of billowing smoke. The A.I. framed the fire with a red square and calculated a 71 percent probability that it was indeed a fire. When asked why the A.I. had come in with such a relatively low probability for a seemingly obvious fire, Neal Driscoll, a geophysicist at the University of California, San Diego, and a leader of the A.I. project, answered that the system was still in its early stages.
A chaotic presidential election left Zimbabweans anxiously awaiting the outcome on Thursday after thousands were forced to wait overnight to vote and the police arrested dozens of independent election observers tasked with ensuring a fair election.

Voting in Zimbabwe, a nation of 16 million people in southern Africa, was supposed to run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. But many polling stations, almost exclusively in urban areas that tend to favor opposition parties, had to stay open into Thursday because their ballots were not delivered until late the previous afternoon.

As early results trickled out, supporters of the main candidates  the incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa, who leads the governing ZANU-PF party, and Nelson Chamisa, head of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change  all claimed they were on the path to victory.

For many, Mr. Mnangagwa has represented a continuation of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe, running an increasingly autocratic government that has failed to reverse a long-term economic crisis and isolating Zimbabwe from the West. Mr. Chamisa has sold himself as a fresh start and has vowed to re-engage with the world, particularly with the United States and Europe.
The former principal of an ultra-Orthodox Jewish girls school in Australia was sentenced Thursday to 15 years in jail for sexually abusing two students more than a decade ago.

The sentencing, in a Melbourne court, concluded a yearslong fight for justice for her accusers and a case whose protracted extradition battle strained relations between Australia and Israel and caused an Israeli lawmaker to resign.

In April, a jury found the principal, Malka Leifer, guilty of 18 counts of sexual abuse, including rape, and sexual penetration and indecent assault of a 16- or 17-year-old. She was acquitted on nine charges, including rape and indecent assault.

The charges, to which Ms. Leifer pleaded not guilty, spanned from 2003 to 2007, when she was principal of the Adass Israel School in Melbourne. Prosecutors said that the sexual abuse, which occurred at the school, on school camping trips and at Ms. Leifers house, began when the girls were students and continued when they became student teachers.
Mr. Kwon, who is of Korean descent, graduated from Iowa State University in 2014 with a degree in aerospace engineering. His Chinese name is Quan Ping, but he preferred to use his Korean name online. Mr. Ran said he wanted to be a great entrepreneur and cared much about Chinas democratization.

Mr. Kwon disappeared into Chinese police custody in September 2016, soon after posting the photo of himself in the shirt that likened Mr. Xi to Hitler. Lets work together and topple this invisible wall, Mr. Kwon wrote in that post. In his Twitter profile, he described himself as a perpetual student, citizen, dedicated to overturning communism.

He went on trial for inciting subversion in February 2017 and was sentenced to 18 months in prison, according to Mr. Lee, the Korean activist. The charge was based on 70 or more comments, images and video that Mr. Kwon had shared on social media, his Chinese lawyers said at the time of his trial.

Mr. Kwon was released from prison in March 2018, but the authorities continued to monitor him and barred him from leaving China, Mr. Lee said. He said Mr. Kwon had contacted him in 2019 through connections to other human rights activists, expressing interest in seeking asylum in South Korea.

This month, Mr. Lee said, he received a message from Mr. Kwon after years of silence, saying that he was coming to South Korea.
Why It Matters

In the two years since Japan announced its plan to release the wastewater into the sea, the plan has provoked serious political tensions with nearby China and South Korea, as well as anxiety at home. The Chinese government had previously criticized the plan as unsafe; in South Korea, the administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol supports Japans efforts, but opposition lawmakers have castigated the move as a potential threat to humans. Within Japan, fishermens unions fear that public anxiety about the safety of the water could affect their livelihoods.

Background

Ever since a huge earthquake and tsunami in 2011 led to a meltdown at the Fukushima plant, Tepco, as the power company is known, has used water to cool the ruined nuclear fuel rods that remain too hot to remove. As the water passes through the reactors, it picks up nuclear materials. The power company runs the cooling water through treatment plants that remove most radioactive nuclides except for tritium, which the International Atomic Energy Agency said in July will not pose a serious health threat to humans if released to the ocean.

The Japanese government has said that with more than 1.34 million tons of wastewater already accumulated on site, the power company will shortly run out of storage room and that it has no choice but to release the water into the ocean.

Whats Next

The first release of 7,800 tons of treated water is expected to last about 17 days. Both Tepco and Japans fisheries agency have said they will monitor the ocean water for radioactive levels, and the IAEA has said it will also oversee the process, which is expected to last decades.

To compensate fishermen who lose business due to public anxiety, the Japanese government is allocating 80 billion yen ($552 million).

Miharu Nishiyama and Hisako Ueno contributed reporting from Tokyo.
The election was supposed to be about change. Three months ago, Thai voters propelled the progressive Move Forward Party to a surprise victory. A new day for the people has arrived, said Pita Limjaroenrat, the party leader, as he paraded through the streets of Bangkok.

On Tuesday, Thailand named a new prime minister, but it was not Mr. Pita. A coalition government was formed in Parliament, made up almost entirely of parties linked to the generals who led the last military coup. Move Forward is in the opposition.

Now, many Thais are asking why the future they had voted for is looking so much like the past.

If you go around and talk to middle-class Thais at the moment, theyre saying, What the hell did we have this election for, if this is the result that we get? said Christopher Baker, a historian of Thailand.
He is one of the most romanticized figures in Scottish history: a charismatic young prince, born and raised in exile, who stirred a Jacobite uprising in the Scottish Highlands in a last-ditch attempt to restore his family to the British throne.

Though the 1745 uprising failed, the prince, Charles Edward Stuart, was immortalized in the popular imagination as a tragic hero, nicknamed Bonnie Prince Charlie for his good looks.

A new recreation of the princes face as it might have looked when he led the rebellion is now seeking to humanize the man behind the legend, pimples and all.

The recreation, made at the University of Dundee in Scotland, is a stark departure from how Prince Charles, as played by the actor Andrew Gower, has appeared on the hit television series Outlander. It is also a departure from traditional portraits that depicted him as a fresh-faced, rosy-cheeked young man.
Seeking more political and economic influence in a global system dominated by the United States and Europe, the BRICS club of emerging nations agreed on Thursday to expand by inviting six new countries to join.

The expansion push was regarded as a significant victory for the two leading members of the group, increasing Chinas political clout and helping to reduce Russias isolation. Yet, Russia and China face growing economic headwinds that could undermine the economies of the very nations whose interests they claim to be promoting.

Invited to join China, Russia, India, Brazil and South Africa in the group are three prospective members from the Middle East, most notably Saudi Arabia and a fiercely anti-American Iran, a firm backer of Russias invasion of Ukraine.

Host South Africa, with longstanding ties to Tehran, also supported Irans inclusion, but it was an awkward outcome for countries like India and Brazil, leaders of the so-called Global South that want to preserve their freedom of action between Washington and Beijing.
Sitting in a park in Zaragoza, a city in northeastern Spain, Jorge Jimenez, 41, was trying to enjoy a day off from his job as a municipal garbage collector. But the heat was making it difficult.

We get very hot these days, Mr. Jimenez said. Its horrendous.

He was not alone.

Large areas of southern Europe baked under extreme temperatures on Thursday, the latest in a string of heat waves that have scorched the continent over the summer and sent residents and tourists scrambling for cool shelter.

In a region where it is not especially common for homes and businesses to have air-conditioning, many areas sweltered under temperatures exceeding 86 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 30 to 35 degrees Celsius, and some topped 104 degrees. Temperatures in some cities were not as high but still far above the norm for so late in the summer.
Even as the Greek authorities battled scores of wildfires, stretching from north to south on the mainland, the fires encroaching on a treasured national park north of Athens on Thursday provoked special anger.

Mount Parnitha, a protected wildlife area widely known as the lungs of Athens, is normally a respite for city dwellers, especially as the heat of Greek summers has tipped to dangerous extremes.

But on Thursday, with the air acrid with the smell of burned wood, residents and conservationists alike lamented the potential loss of one of the few green spaces left near the capital. They accused the authorities of failing to protect a precious forestland that is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and animals, including red deer and wolves.

No other European capital has been blessed with such a hot spot of biodiversity literally at its doorstep, said Demetre Karavellas, director of World Wildlife Fund Greece, adding that the extent of the damage was still unclear as fires continued to rage. Its a crying shame.
King Charles III of Britain announced plans on Thursday for a visit to France next month, his first trip to the country as monarch, after widespread demonstrations postponed a visit planned earlier this year and caused an awkward moment for President Emmanuel Macron.

The British monarch and his wife, Queen Camilla, will visit Paris and Bordeaux from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, Buckingham Palace said, adding that it would be a celebration of the shared history, culture and values of the United Kingdom and France.

The French president had originally intended to host King Charles in March, in one of the kings first overseas trips as Britains head of state. On the heels of a visit from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the plan for King Charless trip was a signal of a warming in the relationship between the two countries, which has been strained in the years since Britain formally left the European Union in 2021.

But an outpouring of anger in March over a plan by Mr. Macron to raise the retirement age in France to 64 from 62 spurred huge street demonstrations and strikes, some of which turned violent. The strikes also disrupted train services, causing concerns over the travel logistics.
Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the leader of Russias Wagner mercenary group who staged a brief mutiny in June, was among 10 people who died when a private plane crashed outside Moscow on Wednesday.

Mr. Prigozhins death was confirmed by the Russian authorities on Sunday after investigators said that genetic testing showed that the victims of the plane crash matched all the names on the jets manifest. The confirmation put an end to days of speculation over whether Mr. Prigozhin had died.

A day after the crash, President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia spoke of Mr. Prigozhin in the past tense and offered condolences to the families of the crash victims. U.S. officials said they believed that the likeliest cause of the crash was an explosion on board. They also suggested that Mr. Putin had ordered Mr. Prigozhins killing.

Heres what to know:

What happened?

The plane left Moscows Sheremetyevo airport on Wednesday at about 6 p.m. local time, bound for St. Petersburg, Russia. It crashed in a wooded area in the Tver region, less than 100 miles northwest of Moscow.
When President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia let the mercenary tycoon Yevgeny V. Prigozhin escape seemingly unscathed after launching a mutiny in June, critics around the world seized on the Russian leaders apparent show of wartime weakness. Some even said the brief rebellion presaged the start of the post-Putin era.

Two months later, Mr. Prigozhin is presumed dead in the mysterious crash of a private jet in a field between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Mr. Putin is securely in the Kremlin, publicly eulogizing Mr. Prigozhin as a talented person with a complicated fate, who made many mistakes in life. And the remaining Wagner group leadership is either dead or silent.

U.S. and other Western officials said their leading theory is that the plane was brought down by an explosion, and several, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said they believed Mr. Putin ordered it destroyed.

In Mr. Putins Russia, fates can quickly change in a system where existential affronts to the leader are neither forgiven nor forgotten. For more than two decades, individuals who have posed threats to the Russian leader have regularly found themselves exiled, imprisoned or dead, swiftly stripped of their power.
Ukraines Defense Ministry claimed on Thursday that its special forces had staged a brief raid inside the occupied Crimean Peninsula overnight and clashed with Russian forces. If confirmed, the incursion, though apparently small, would suggest the Ukrainian militarys growing ability to strike far behind Russian lines even if such attacks are unlikely to have a significant effect on the direction of the war.

According to a statement shared by the defense ministrys intelligence directorate on the Telegram app, special forces soldiers working with Ukraines Navy landed on Crimeas western tip at the settlements of Mayak and Olenivka. The closest land under Ukrainian control to Mayak is approximately 100 miles away across the Black Sea.

Ukrainian defenders clashed with the occupiers units, the statement said. As a result, the enemy suffered losses among its personnel and destroyed enemy equipment. Neither claim could be independently verified, nor could the authenticity of a video that the ministry posted, showing a soldier manning a mounted machine gun on what appeared to be a moving boat at nighttime and a Ukrainian flag pinned to the wall of a building.

The claim came on Ukraines Independence Day.

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine and other senior Ukrainian officials have said that they intend to retake Crimea, which Moscow illegally annexed in 2014. But while Ukraine has struck military targets in Crimea repeatedly with missiles and drones, there have been few if any previous reports of Ukrainian troops setting foot on the peninsula during the war.
Ukraine is observing its second wartime Independence Day by displaying the carcasses of destroyed Russian military equipment along a central avenue in Kyiv, giving residents a firsthand glimpse at the countrys struggle to defend itself from Russias invasion.

There will be no parades or other major events. The authorities have announced that the national holiday on Thursday  which also comes 18 months after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began  wont include public celebrations amid concerns that Russia could launch huge strikes to spoil the occasion.

I urge all Kyiv residents and guests of the capital to be as attentive and cautious as possible these days and not to neglect the air-raid warnings, Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kyiv, the capital, said on Monday.

Independence Day in Ukraine commemorates the countrys 1991 break from the Soviet Union, but also increasingly serves as a rallying point for Ukrainians to assert their identity and aspirations.
The Pentagon said on Thursday that it plans to begin training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in the United States in September.

Defense Department officials said last week that Ukrainian pilots would be trained in the United States if a European coalition effort to instruct dozens of pilots, led by the Netherlands and Denmark, reached capacity.

But the approach is now changing to also bring several Ukrainian pilots and dozens of maintenance and other support personnel for training in the United States as soon as Ukraine identifies them, Brig. Gen. Patrick S. Ryder, the Pentagon spokesman, told reporters.

We want to do everything we can to help move this effort along as quickly as possible in support of Ukraine, he said.
BORD na Mona has revealed that a pair of common cranes have returned from their wintering grounds from abroad to one of the company's rewetted peatlands and successfully fledged a new chick in recent weeks.

The common crane chick which has taken its first flight (also known as fledging) will soon leave Ireland along with its parents and most likely spend the winter in southern Europe.

This occurrence marks the second time a common crane chick (or chicks) has fledged and left Irish shores in the past two years. Prior to this, the species had no known cases of breeding in Ireland for over 300 years.

Additionally, there have been two separate sightings of common crane pairs in Offaly and Tipperary over the last few months.

The sites where these Common Cranes have been spotted comprise Bord na Mona cutaway bogs, which were formerly used to extract peat for energy production but have since been rewetted in recent years under different initiatives including as part of the companys Peatlands Climate Action Scheme (PCAS) also referred to as EDRRS.

This EU funded scheme involves the rehabilitation of Bord na Monas peatlands, and aims to rewet drained peatlands for improved climate, environmental, ecological and hydrological impacts.

The benefits of bog rehabilitation include the return of carbon storage that occurs naturally in wet peatlands, as well as restored biodiversity with the revival of various plant and wildlife species, including potentially such species as the recently sighted common cranes.

Historically the common crane was a breeding resident in Ireland but has been extinct in this country since at least the end of the 16th century, if not longer.

Sightings in Irish skies of this species have increased in recent years during periods of migration and overwintering.

This is largely attributable to ongoing population increases across the known breeding range, supported in part by conservation efforts but also natural factors such as climate change effects.

In recent years, efforts have been made by Bord na Mona to rehabilitate its peatland sites across Ireland to encourage climate action and the restoration of wildlife in general.

This now appears to be benefitting species like the Common Crane, which is more likely to continue to increase in Ireland now that suitable supporting habitat is available in rewetted peatland areas.

The restoration and rehabilitation of peatlands is also supporting habitat development for other native plant and animal species, including for example bog cotton, and other bird species of conservation concern such as Redshank and Lapwing.

Mark McCorry, lead ecologist at Bord na Mona highlighted the significance of this years events: Further to last years successful fledging of two common cranes in Ireland, we are delighted to report further fledging and additional sightings in recent months of this striking species on home soil.

"These sightings are a positive sign that the population of common cranes in Ireland may be on the rise, while also serving as a good indication that we are developing the right conditions and a favourable habitat to enable the species to thrive in this country.

Rehabilitating our peatlands is a crucial part of Bord na Monas wider Brown to Green Strategy enabling our transition from traditional peat harvesting to climate solutions development.

It is great to see the impact that peatlands rehabilitation is having from a biodiversity perspective in just a few years since we commenced our peatlands rehabilitation scheme in 2021, and we hope that more plant and wildlife species will continue to thrive in Ireland similar to the return of the common cranes.
OFFALY County Council has given the go ahead to Aldi for the construction of a single storey ESB substation and switchroom on lands at and between O'Connell Street and Offaly Street, Tullamore.

The demolition of the old Texas site began in the middle of May to make way for an Aldi supermarket.

The Texas site is zoned as an opportunity site and a plan was submitted in 2020 by Weavermay, headed up by Tullamore businessman Tony Flanagan, for a single-storey dual-height 1,664 sq. metre retail store to include an off licence. A three storey 874 square metre retail/office unit and a two-storey 281 sq metre cafe.

In June of this year Aldi submitted a planning application to Westmeath County Council for a new 6.8M store to be located in Moate.

Aldi is aiming to open the store in Autumn 2025, creating up to 30 permanent jobs, while up to 50 jobs will be supported during the construction period.

Once open, the 1315sqm store will have 117 car parking spaces available for customers and 13 bike parking spaces. It will also provide four electric vehicle charging points, while the store will be powered by 100% green electricity and will feature 245 solar panels on the roof.

Commenting, Donald Mackay, Managing Director of Operations, ALDI Ireland said: ''We are delighted to submit our plans for a store in Moate and to commit to further investment in Co. Westmeath. At a time when everyone is dealing with rising costs, the ability to offer our customers the best value at locations most convenient to them matters more than ever.''
AN IRISH message in a bottle has been washed to shore in New Jersey, America.

The message was written by a girl called Aoife on July 17, 2019 and it reads: "Greetings from Ireland. I have thrown this bottle into the sea for someone to find another day.Maybe it's travelled down to Africa or to Iceland. I won't know if someone found this, but I hope it's found. Aoife."

The bottle was discovered by Frank Bolger, his wife Karen and granddaughter Autumn while they were enjoying a walk on the beach.

A search is now underway by the family to locate Aoife as the family actually have Irish connections as they moved to America from the Emerald Isle in 1860s.

Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Frank said 'Aoife did not include an email or address or any way to identify her other than her first name.

He said that he and his wife thought it was really strange, so they contacted some people about it and the story went viral.

There have been a number of people reaching out however, Aoife seems to be a mystery!
KENNEDYS from home and abroad descended on North Tipperary in early July to retrace the footsteps of their ancestors.

From Laura in her early 20s to Mary in her early 90s, they came from all over Ireland and mingled happily with visitors from Australia, UK, USA and Canada. All had one thing in common  an interest in their Irish Kennedy heritage, which in most cases could be traced back to Upper and Lower Ormond in North Tipperary.

So, their first port of call on Saturday was the historic village of Lorrha, where local guide, James Heenan, enlightened them on the important role played by Kennedys there throughout the centuries.

Having been well fortified with a refreshment break in the Sceal Community Shop in Lorrha, it was then on to Lackeen Castle to be met by historian David Broderick who shared his knowledge and research of the Kennedy chiefs who lived there for over 200 years.

Coorevin Farm was next on their travels. Padraig Moran recounted the developments of both Coorevin House and the adjoining farm since his family first came to farm there in the pre-famine 1840s right up to the present day.

The first day concluded with a chance for all to chat, connect and trace relations in the convivial atmosphere of the Fairgreen Cafe in Borrisokane.

On Sunday they all repaired to Kennedys Bar in Rearcross. Here, visitors were treated to an overview of Irish Kennedy DNA project being conducted by Professor Mark Kennedy. Brian Patrick Kennedy and his son Terrence launched their most recent publication Our Irish Kennedy DNA Roots  Hidden in Plain Sight.

An entertaining insight on relocating back to Ireland was delivered by two Kennedy couples  Bryan and Lucinda, and Eamon and Kathryn, who have now settled in Tipperary and Sligo respectively having visited here from Victoria, Australia and Seattle, USA. Music and song was provided by a local musician, but long after the music finished, the chat continued as visitors continued to connect to their Irish roots and their Irish Kennedy cousins.

Covid may have hampered holding such gatherings over the past three years, but judging by the huge attendance at their 2023 gathering, interest among the Irish Kennedy Diaspora in researching their ancestral roots in North Tipperary and surrounding counties remains as strong as ever.

For any further information, check out their website irishkennedyheritagegroup.ie

The Irish Kennedys facebook page or contact Tom at (087) 6545646.
HERDWATCH, the market leading farm software company based in Roscrea, has raised over 11k for Aware and Ukraine through a charity fundraising climb.

For their philanthropic ascent, approximately 30 members of the Herdwatch team reached the peak of the Devils Bit Mountain in Co. Tipperary.

Some members of the Herdwatch team are based near Kherson in Ukraine and the wider personnel were keen to ensure that the funding helped provide some assistance on the ground in that part of the war torn country. The donations will be used to deliver thousands of humanitarian kits, especially near Kherson which was recently badly impacted by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam. This has resulted in flooding in the region and endangered thousands of civilians.

The donation follows on from the additional 10k+ provided to the relief efforts in Ukraine last year.

In recognition of the ongoing mental health crisis which is increasingly being felt across communities in Ireland, the other beneficiary of the fundraising is Aware who have received just over 5,500. The donation will assist their efforts in delivering support, education and information services to those impacted by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and related mood conditions.

Speaking about the activity, Herdwatch CEO and Founder, Fabien Peyaud said, We are delighted that we were able to raise funding that will go towards two really important causes. It was fantastic to see so many of our colleagues, friends, families, farmers and clients dig deep and provide such generous donations. We are very grateful to everyone who helped us reach our fundraising peak.

Herdwatch is lucky to be working with some fantastic people in Ukraine and we are very conscious of what the war has meant for them and their families. Their lives have been turned upside down. These are friends and colleagues we were talking to and working with practically every day before the Russian invasion of Ukraine. They are never out of our thoughts and we wanted to provide a contribution that was specifically targeted to make as much of a local impact to them as we could. Thats why the donations will go towards humanitarian kits provided to those affected near Kherson.

We also recognise there are problems at home in this country too. Mental health issues are impacting communities and families all across Ireland, and were especially concerned about their impact on the farming community. Clearly more focus needs to be placed in supporting people who need help and to be there for those who may be in crisis. That is what Aware does and we have no doubt that all donations that go towards enabling that activity is money very well spent, Mr. Peyaud concluded.
ALL MALES up to their 22nd birthday will now be entitled to receive a life-saving vaccine, named after a young woman who passed away from cancer in 2019.

The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD has announced the expansion of the Laura Brennan HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine Catch-Up Programme to include all males up to 22 years of age.

The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause approximately 90% of cervical cancers, 90-95% of HPV-related anal cancer, and 90% of genital warts.

It is named in memory of Laura Brennan, a Clare woman from Ennis, who campaigned for higher uptake of the HPV vaccine before her death from cervical cancer at the age of 26, four years ago.

From 29 August, those who are now eligible can register to get the vaccine under this programme which is open until 31 December.

Minister Donnelly said: Huge credit for this programme is due to the Brennan family who continue to campaign tirelessly in the memory of their brave daughter Laura. Laura herself was also an incredible patient advocate and her campaigning led to increased uptake of the life-saving HPV vaccine.

It is by increasing HPV vaccination and screening among our population that we will finally reach our goal of eliminating cervical cancer in Ireland.

Im also encouraging young men to take this opportunity to protect themselves against a number of cancers caused by HPV.

Since its launch last year, the programme has offered free HPV vaccines to all boys and girls in second-level education who were previously eligible to receive the vaccine in school and who had not yet received it.

It is also open to young women up to the age of 25 who have left secondary school and did not previously receive the vaccine.

HPV infection can lead to cancer in men, including penile, anal, oral, and throat cancers, as well as anogenital warts.

Laura Brennans parents Bernie and Larry Brennan said: As a family we know only too well the devastation that cervical cancer can cause.

While we miss our wonderful daughter constantly, we are very heartened that the work she dedicated so much of her life to is being continued through the Laura Brennan HPV Vaccine Catch-Up Programme.
From Tamil Nadu to Taiwan  Journey of a government school student from Tamil Nadu

Chennai

oi-Oneindia English Desk

For the first time in history, a girl student from a government school is going abroad on a full international scholarship. Only 3 students are selected for this international scholarship, out of which 2 are bagged by students from Tamil Nadu government schools.

One of the students studied in a government school till 11th standard and owing to her high marks in 11th she was offered admission in Dharmapuri government model school. From government school she improved to the level of getting an international scholarship.

Who is this student with the international scholarship?

The name is Jayasree, daughter of a wage labourer. She said that her opportunity to study in the government model school and the teachers in the school were the reason for her achievement. After completing school, she was selected for the "Naan Mudhalvan" scheme which provides dynamic information on courses and skill development training.

After the selection in Naan Mudhalvan scheme, Jayasree stayed in Chennai and applied for educational institutions abroad. "My application was accepted and now with the help of the Tamil Nadu government I am going abroad", said Jayasree.

She continued, "My father Perumal and mother Amala, both are wage labourers. I studied in government schools in 2 districts, Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri. I scored 96% in 12th exam and after selection in Naan Mudhalvan scheme I was getting special skill training. Through the scheme, now I am going to study Mechanical Engineering in Kun Shan University with a scholarship from Taiwan's Ministry of Education."

Jayasree comes from a very humble background. In this case, coming to Chennai and now going abroad is a big achievement, for which her education acted as a catalyst. She said, "I am the first graduate in my family. The reason for all of my accomplishments is my education. The only treasure that cannot be stolen is education. CM Stalin has brightened the life of many students by introducing many schemes such as Pudhumai Penn, Naan Mudhalvan, Illam Thedi Kalvi, SIRPI, Vanavil Mandram etc."

CM Stalin said, "Social justice will be achieved only when government school students enter into distinguished institutions. Equality will be established when everyone gets equal opportunities in society. The objective of the Dravidian model government is to establish social justice and equality. My request to the professors of NITs and IITs is to take care of the students coming from Tamil Nadu and guide them in the right path."

CM Stalin announced the distribution of a Certificate of Appreciation and a laptop for the students selected in higher educational institutions. Last year 75 government school students got admissions in higher educational institutions and this year the number has been exponentially escalated to 225, which is a 200% increase.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 13:26 [IST]
7th Pay Commission: Big Decision To Be Taken On Dearness Allowance (DA) Hike On Wednesday

DA Hike In UP: 4% DA Hike Likely For Govt Employees, Arrears Expected In October

7th Pay Commission: When Can You Expect Next Dearness Allowance (DA) Hike?

India

oi-Prakash KL

Over one crore central government employees are eagerly looking forward to the next dearness allowance (DA) hike.

The Centre is expected to make a formal announcement in this regard soon. Although there is no official confirmation, it is speculated that the decision is expected to be out in the month of September.

How Much Can Govt Employees Expect DA Hike?

Going by a PTI report, the government is likely to increase the dearness allowance (DA) for its over one crore employees and pensioners by three percentage points to 45 per cent from the existing 42 per cent as per the agreed formula for the purpose.

The calculation of dearness allowance for both employees and pensioners are done on the most recent Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW), which is published by the Labour Bureau on a monthly basis.

"The CPI-IW for June 2023 was released on July 31, 2023. We are demanding a four percentage point hike in dearness allowance. But the dearness allowance hike works out to be a little over three percentage points. The government does not factor in hiking DA beyond the decimal point. Thus DA is likely to be increased by three percentage points to 45 per cent," PTI quoted All India Railwaymen Federation General Secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra as saying.

Additionally, he elaborated that the Finance Ministry's expenditure department will create a proposal outlining the increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) along with its financial impact. This proposal will then be presented to the Union Cabinet for approval.

The DA hike will be effective from July 1, 2023.

The last revision in DA was done on March 24, 2023, and was effective from January 1, 2023.

The Centre had increased DA by four percentage points to 42 per cent based on the percentage increase in the 12 monthly average of the All India Consumer Price Index for the period ending December 2022.

The DA is provided to employees and pensioners to compensate them for rising prices.

The cost of living increases over a period of time and is reflected through CPI-IW. The allowance is revised periodically twice a year.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 21:24 [IST]
All Party Delegation To Meet PM Modi To Resolve Cauvery Water Issue

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

Karnataka Chief Minister on Wednesday announced that the government plans to form an all-party delegation to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve the issue of 'releasing Cauvery water' to Tamil Nadu in a meeting organised at Vidhana Soudha.

Taking a stern decision over the issue, the Karnataka CM made it clear that the government is not going to compromise over water, language, and border issues.

The decision comes after the Tamil Nadu government appealed to the Supreme Court over the release of Cauvery water in the rain deficit year.

According to CM Siddaramaiah, suggestions from various party leaders were taken over the ongoing issue of releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. He further said that they presented their arguments to the Cauvery Water Management Authority [CWMA] defending the farmer's interests.

Former Chief Ministers BS Yediyurappa, Veerappa Moily, HD Kumaraswamy, Basavaraj Bommai, Sadananda Gowda, and Jagadish Shettar were among the attendees. In addition to that several Members of Parliament (MPs) also participated in the discussions.

Why Is The Cauvery Water Dispute Flaring Up Again?

Earlier this week, the Tamil Nadu government appealed to the Supreme Court to direct Karnataka for the release of 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for standing crops.

Talking about the challenges over the release of Cauvery water, CM Siddaramaiah asserted that the government had to overcome huge challenges due to low rainfall this year. The government was compelled to release only 26 thousand million cubic feet [TMC], however, the actual amount was 86.38 TMC. After all the arguments, the government concluded to release 10,000 cusecs per day until August's end instead of 15,000 cusecs per day."

However, former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was not happy with the government's way of handling the dispute. Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appealed to the opposition parties to give importance to state interests over political agendas.

Meanwhile, protests by Karnataka's farmers continue against the release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu over drought-like conditions due to reservoirs' dwindling water levels.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 10:47 [IST]
The 18-year-old driver who struck and killed a 13-year-old Reedsburg girl in May as she was boarding a school bus was texting while driving, authorities said.

Kevin Green, also of Reedsburg resident, was charged Wednesday with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle for the crash that killed Evelyn Gurney in front of her town of Excelsior home on May 12, according to the state Department of Justice.

According to the DOJ:

Green was driving a red Ford F-150 truck west on Highway 23-33 toward Reedsburg just before 7:30 a.m. when he failed to notice a stopped school bus with its stop sign arm deployed. Traveling at around 63 mph, Green swerved right to avoid the bus but hit its right side before striking Evelyn.

Green noticed the stopped bus when he was roughly 200 feet from it, according to a Sauk County Sheriffs Office deputy who interviewed him after the crash. The driver alleged in the interview that he did not know he hit anyone until he left his truck and joined first responders in attempting CPR on Evelyn.

One of the responders, a Reedsburg Fire Department member, was on his way home from work and was stuck in traffic behind the scene when he was paged to help, according to the complaint. He attempted CPR before other responders arrived.

The driver of the school bus told another responding deputy that he saw Evelyn and another student at the stop, according to the complaint. He felt the bus jolt when Green hit the rear of the bus then saw the victim lying in the ditch.

If convicted, Green faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

Were sorry that hes also having to go through the grief he is, Evelyns father, Brian Gurney, said days after the accident. We hope that he can try to grow from this and not let it ultimately affect him for the rest of his life.
India To Send Man To Moon By 2040, Space Station To Set Up By 2035: PMO

Chandrayaan-3 Camera Designer Anuj Nandis Kin Glued To TV Amid Exam Preparations

India

oi-PTI

The nephew and niece of ISRO scientist Anuj Nandi remained glued to their television set at their home in Islampur, a small town in West Bengal, to watch Chandrayaan-3 land on the Moon on Wednesday evening, though both have to write their exams at school the next day. Nandi designed the camera of Chandrayaan-3, and on the special day when the lander (Vikram) was supposed to make a soft landing on the moon, the two kids were too excited to study.

Instead, they along with the other family members, sat before the television watching the live telecast of the event as India made history with Chandrayaan-3 becoming the first to land in the uncharted south pole of the Earth's only natural satellite.

"I am happy that everything happened smoothly. But at the same time, I am a bit anxious and worried because my son and daughter have to take their exams on Thursday. They did not study at all till the evening (on Wednesday)," Rinku Nandi, the sister-in-law of Anuj Nandi, told PTI over the phone.

ISRO Chief S Somanath's Joyful Dance Goes Viral After Chandrayaan-3 Success

Bong connection to #Chandrayaan3. Scientist Anuj Nandi from Islampur (Uttar Dinajpur) has designed the camera that is being used here. These cameras will capture images of the lunar surface and other objects. It's a proud moment. #Chandrayaan3Launch pic.twitter.com/e8GOITQRcX  horekrokom |  (@horek_rokom) July 15, 2023

She said all members of the family watched live telecast of the lander (Vikram) touching down according to the plan.

"It was a great feeling that a member of the family is a part of such a great mission," Rinku Nandi said.

She also hoped that her two children - Anuj Nandi's nephew who studies in class 9 and niece, a KG-1 student - would be able to write their exams properly.

The family has not spoken to Anuj Nandi since the launch of Chandrayaan-3 in July. "We knew he would be very busy and so we have not spoken to him," she said.| Meanwhile, when contacted by PTI on Wednesday night, Anuj Nandi said everyone should feel very happy after the achievement.

'Cycle Se, Chand Tak': ISRO Scientists' Inspiring Journey Goes Viral After Chandrayaan-3 Success

Mother of scientist Anuj Nandi who designed the camera pic.twitter.com/zhRTFZqQkU  Subham. (@subhsays) August 23, 2023

Anuj Nandi hails from Ashrampara locality of Islampur town in Uttar Dinajpur district.

He went to Ambagan Primary School and then went on to study at Islampur High School. He completed his graduation in a college in district headquarters Raiganj, and completed his masters in physics from Jadavpur University in Kolkata.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 12:38 [IST]
India To Send Man To Moon By 2040, Space Station To Set Up By 2035: PMO

Chandrayaan-3: ISRO Releases First Pictures Of The Lunar Surface

India

oi-Sushmita Halder

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released the first images of the lunar surface after the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. It shows a portion of the Chandrayaan-3 landing site with a leg and its accompanying shadow.

Taking to platform X formerly known as Twitter, ISRO posted "The image captured by the.. Landing Imager Camera after the landing. It shows a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site. Seen also is a leg and its accompanying shadow. Chandrayaan-3 chose a relatively flat region on the lunar surface."

The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the south pole of the lunar surface created history. ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission has made India the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the lunar surface followed by the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union.

The historic landing of India's Chandrayaan-3 took place on August 23 at 6:04 PM. The whole world witnessed this historic moment.

In Pics: ISRO Scripts History As India Over The Moon

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.

Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

The image captured by the

Landing Imager Camera

after the landing.



It shows a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site. Seen also is a leg and its accompanying shadow.



Chandrayaan-3 chose a relatively flat region on the lunar surface  pic.twitter.com/xi7RVz5UvW  ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023

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.

The nation applauds the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and it looks forward to the discoveries that the Vikram land rover will make. However, the scientists know that the rover's journey will be challenging. The lunar surface is harsh and unforgiving, and the dust will make it difficult for the rover to move around.

Despite the challenges, the scientists are confident that the Vikram land rover will be able to make significant discoveries. They are excited to begin this new chapter in India's space odyssey, and they are eager to learn more about our place in the universe.
Father Kills 8-Year-Old Daughter In Hyderabad After Horoscope Predicts Hardships in Life

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In a horrific incident, an eight-year-old girl was allegedly murdered by her own father in Hyderabad. The chilling motive behind this heinous crime is believed to be a horoscope prediction that forecasted future hardships for the young girl.

The father, identified as Chandrasekhar, carried out the appalling act on the evening of August 18. He took his daughter, named Mokshagna, on a fateful car ride, during which he ended her life by using a blade to slit her throat.

The dreadful incident came to light when Mokshagna failed to return home from school, raising alarms about her whereabouts. On that ominous day, her father deliberately turned off his phone and vanished, adding to the distress of her disappearance.

In an attempt to conceal his heinous crime, Chandrasekhar roamed along the Outer-Ring-Road (ORR) between Taramatipet and Koheda, where he had planned to dispose of his daughter's lifeless body.

Hyderabad Shocker: Man Strips Woman In Front Of His Mother

However, his plans took an unforeseen turn when his car experienced a puncture around 10:30 pm. A concerned passerby stopped to offer assistance, only to make the horrifying discovery of a lifeless body in the vehicle, accompanied by telltale bloodstains on the man.

The police were immediately summoned to the scene, and an active investigation is presently underway to shed light on the circumstances and motivations behind this deeply distressing incident.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 11:21 [IST]
Haryana 10th, 12th Open Exam 2023 Dates: BSEH Dates Out At bseh.org.in, Check Full Schedule Here

Explosion at Firecracker Factory in Haryana Kills Two Migrant Workers

Haryana Mayors Get Power to Suspend Group C and D Employees

TV Reporter Paraglides In Haryana To Recreate Hamas Attack On Israel

Principal of Government Girls School in Haryana Suspended Over Sexual Harassment Allegations

Haryana: Another Nuh Violence Accused Held After Gunfight With Police

India

oi-PTI

A man allegedly involved in the communal violence in Nuh was arrested after a brief encounter with police, officials said Thursday.

The arrested accused was identified as Osama alias Pehelwan, resident of Ferozpur Namak village, police said.

According to police, so far 61 FIRs have been registered and 286 accused arrested in connection with the communal clashes that erupted in Nuh when the Vishva Hindu Parishad's Braj Mandal Yatra was attacked by a mob on July 31.

Six people, including two home guards and a cleric, died in the communal clashes.

Late Wednesday night, the Nuh police arrested Osama after a brief encounter near Ujina canal drain.

Nuh Violence: Cops Catch Accused Bittu Bajrangi Near His Faridabad House

A search operation was launched following inputs that the bike-borne accused was headed to Ali Meo village from Ferozpur Namak.

When police tried to intercept Osama, he opened fire at them and in retaliatory firing, he suffered a bullet injury in his leg. He was nabbed and placed under arrest, police said.

A country-made pistol, one cartridge and a motorcycle were recovered from his possession, police said.

Nuh Police spokesperson Krishna Kumar said the arrested accused, Osama, was wanted in Nalhar arson. He is being treated in Nalhar medical College.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 12:09 [IST]
Amit Shah appeals for votes in MP, says BJP ensured development in all sectors

'India's Modi Out Of This World': EAM Shares Pic of PM Modi Holding South African Newspaper

India

oi-Prakash KL

While India's successful soft landing near the moon's south pole hit the headlines across the world, a photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi reading a headline from a leading South African daily has caught the attention of the netizens.

Shared by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the headline reads: India's Modi out of this world. South African daily The Star gave this header for India's Chandrayaan-3 success.

The Indian PM is seen along with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in the photo.

This morning at the BRICS Summit. pic.twitter.com/14r0ZmiHCx  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2023

"Prime Minister Modi toasted after historic outer space mission," the report stated. "The Indian community around the world is over the moon over Prime Minister Narendra Modi, literally," it added.

In a giant leap for its space programme, India's Moon mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the lunar south pole on Wednesday, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four and making it the first country to land on the uncharted surface.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted on Thursday that the success of India's lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 is a milestone not just for the country but for global space research as well, as he thanked US Vice President Kamala Harris for her wishes on the historic feat.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Harris said, "Congratulations to India for the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the southern polar region of the moon. It's an incredible feat for all the scientists and engineers involved. We are proud to partner with you on this mission and space exploration more broadly." To this, Modi replied, "Thank you for your warm wishes @VP @KamalaHarris. The success of Chandrayaan-3 is not just a milestone for India but for global space research. Collaborative spirit in space exploration accelerates our journey to progress."

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 22:02 [IST]
India To Send Man To Moon By 2040, Space Station To Set Up By 2035: PMO

ISRO Chief S Somanath's Joyful Dance Goes Viral After Chandrayaan-3 Success

India

oi-Madhuri Adnal

August 23 was a historic day for India as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully landed Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's South Pole. The achievement made India the first country in the world to land on this unexplored region of the lunar surface.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, ISRO chief S. Somanath and his team can be seen celebrating the successful landing by dancing to Bollywood songs. The video shows the team members, including Somanath, grooving and jumping up and down in excitement.

The video has been met with widespread praise on social media, with many people applauding the ISRO team for their hard work and dedication. This heartwarming video was shared on the Instagram page 'Bollywood.mobi,' quickly gaining viral status with numerous views and reactions.

One Instagram user shared, "Working hard and celebrating harder is applicable to government officials as well. Cheers to the ISRO team for their exceptional triumph." Another individual inquired, "Well deserved!! They have great taste in music. Which song is playing?"

'India Took A Walk On The Moon', Says ISRO As Pragyan Rover Rolls Out Of Vikram Lander

It is the country's third lunar mission and the first to land on the South Pole. The mission is expected to help scientists learn more about the Moon's geology and its potential for resources.

ISRO director Dr. S Somnath along with other scientists is going to celebrate like this only tonight for successful landing of the Chandrayaan 3 lander module. pic.twitter.com/KhOmNFP9FS  Shantanu (@shaandelhite) August 23, 2023

The ISRO team's joyful celebration is a reminder of the excitement and joy that space exploration can bring. It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the scientists and engineers who make these missions possible.

In an interview, Somanath said that he was "overwhelmed with joy" after the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3. He said that the mission was a "historic moment" for India and that it would "inspire future generations of scientists and engineers."

The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 is a major victory for India's space program. It is a testament to the country's growing capabilities in space exploration and a source of pride for all Indians.

Chandrayaan-3: ISRO Releases First Pictures Of The Lunar Surface

The Chandrayaan 3 moon landing was broadcasted live on various platforms, including ISRO's YouTube channel, Facebook page, and the DD National TV channel. This achievement marked the third lunar exploration mission formulated by ISRO, building upon the learnings from the earlier Chandrayaan-2 mission. Serving as a continuation of the 2019 Chandrayaan-2 mission, Chandrayaan-3 aimed to demonstrate the full capability of a safe lunar landing and roving on the moon's surface.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 10:38 [IST]
Manipur CM Leaves For Delhi, Likely To Meet Shah

India

oi-PTI

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh along with a few of his cabinet colleagues went to New Delhi on Thursday, officials said.

During the visit to the national capital, Singh is expected to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to discuss the situation in his state, where ethnic clashes broke out in May, they said.

Singh and his colleagues went to Delhi in a chartered flight, and are likely to return to the state at night, they added.

Among those accompanying the CM are state ministers Govindas Konthoujam and Sapam Ranjan, officials said.

SC To Take Up Plea On Manipur Violence On August 25, Panel To Submit Report By Then

Rioting between the Meiteis and Kuki-Zomi communities broke out in May after protests over a court judgment which seemed to favour the majority Meiteis who live in the Imphal valley and who have been demanding Scheduled Tribe status, currently enjoyed by Kuki-Zomi and Naga tribals in the state.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 17:48 [IST]
Reconstituted CWC To Hold First Meeting In Hyderabad; Strategy For Assembly, LS Polls On Agenda

BJP Is Not In Alliance With AIADMK, Will Decide Before Polls, Says D Jayakumar

Opinion Poll: Can Opp Bloc INDIA Defeat BJP-led NDA In 2024 Lok Sabha Polls?

India

oi-Prakash KL

Will the newly-formed Opposition bloc INDIA defeat the BJP-led NDA in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls? No, says India Today-CVoter Mood of the Nation poll.

According to the survey, 54 per cent of the people who took part in the poll said that the NDA cannot be defeated. However, 33 per cent of the respondents felt that the Opposition Bloc could beat the NDA. The remaining 13 per cent of respondents are undecided.

In the previous meeting held in Bengaluru, the Opposition parties choose the name of the bloc as INDIA.

39 per cent of respondents felt that the change in the name would help the Opposition bloc to get more votes while 31 per cent felt that it would not make a difference.

An additional 18 per cent of individuals indicated that the new name "INDIA" would not attract votes and lacked an appealing quality. The remaining respondents remained uncertain about the potential electoral impact of the name change.

On asked who should lead the Opposition bloc, 24 per cent of people picked Rahul Gandhi's name. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal garnered 15 per cent votes, each.

The survey highlights a shift in public sentiment towards Rahul Gandhi since January. Back then, only 13 per cent of participants believed he was the most suitable candidate to lead the Opposition. In contrast, support for Arvind Kejriwal dropped from 27 per cent in January.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's popularity has slightly dropped when compared to a survey done a few months ago, but 52 per cent of the respondents still want him to get the third term, according to the Mood of the Nation survey.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 23:01 [IST]
Respecting LAC Essential: PM Modi Tells China's Xi On BRICS Sidelines

India

oi-Prakash KL

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told Chinese President Xi Jinping that maintaining peace and tranquillity in border areas and respecting the Line of Actual Control (LAC) are "essential" for the normalisation of the bilateral relations.

He conveyed India's stand during a conversation with Xi on the sidelines of BRICS summit. "On the sidelines of the BRICS summit, the prime minister had interactions with other BRICS leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, the prime minister highlighted India's concerns on unresolved issues along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas," Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said at a media briefing on Thursday.

The Foreign Secretary said both the leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at "expeditious disengagement and de-escalation". He

"The Prime Minister underlined that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship," he said. "In this regard, two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and deescalation," Kwatra added. The government refers to the eastern Ladakh region as Western Sector.

However, the Foreign Secretary refused to a question whether PM Modi invited Xi for the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi. It is understood that there was no structured bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi.

During Thursday's events, Modi and Xi were observed engaging in short conversations while walking toward the podium for a press conference. Footage aired by South Africa's public broadcaster SABC depicted the two leaders sharing another brief exchange and shaking hands after the press conference concluded.

It was their first interaction in public after their brief encounter on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali in November last year. The two leaders met briefly at a formal dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on November 16.

The ties between India and China came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border row that began in May, 2020. The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

India has been consistently maintaining that peace and tranquillity along the LAC were key for normalisation of overall ties. India and China held the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks on August 13 and 14 with a focus on resolving pending issues at the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. A joint statement described the talks as "positive, constructive and in-depth" and that both sides agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner.

Days after the fresh round of high-level talks, the local commanders of the two militaries held a series of negotiations in two separate locations to resolve issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok.
Donald Trump Set To Surrender At Georgia jail On Charges That He Sought To Overturn 2020 Election

International

oi-PTI

Donald Trump is set to surrender Thursday to authorities in Georgia on charges that he schemed to overturn the 2020 election in that state, a booking process expected to yield a historic first: a mug shot of a former American president.

Trump's arrival follows a presidential debate featuring his leading rivals for the 2024 Republican nomination, a contest in which he remains the leading candidate despite accelerating legal troubles. His presence in the state, though likely brief, is expected to swipe the spotlight at least temporarily from his opponents in the aftermath of a debate in which other candidates sought to seize on Trump's absence to elevate their own presidential prospects.

The Fulton County prosecution is the fourth criminal case against Trump since March, when he became the first former president in U.S. history to be indicted. Since then, he's faced federal charges in Florida and Washington and, this month, was indicted in Atlanta with 18 others - including his ex-chief of staff, Mark Meadows, and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani - under a racketeering statute normally associated with gang members and organized crime.

Donald Trump to Turn Himself In At Atlanta Jail On Thursday Over Georgia Election Case

The criminal cases have spurred a succession of bookings and arraignments, with Trump making brief court appearances before returning to the campaign trail. He's turned the appearances into campaign events amid a far lighter schedule than his rivals, with staff delighting in wall-to-wall media coverage that has included news helicopters tracking his every move. The campaign has also used the appearances to solicit fundraising contributions from his supporters as aides paint the charges as part of a politically motivated effort to damage his reelection chances. His Atlanta appearance will be different than others, though, requiring him to surrender at a problem-plagued jail - but without an accompanying court appearance for now. Unlike in other cities that did not require him to pose for a mug shot, Fulton County officials have said they expect to take a booking photo like they would for any other defendant.

"Unless somebody 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," Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat said at a news conference earlier this month.

District Attorney Fani Willis has given all of the defendants until Friday afternoon to surrender at the main Fulton County jail.

Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing. He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a "perfect phone call" in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him "find" enough votes for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.

Trump is expected to turn himself in at the Fulton County jail, which has long been a troubled facility. The Justice Department last month opened a civil rights investigation into conditions, citing filthy cells, violence and the death last year of a man whose body was found covered in insects in the main jail's psychiatric wing. Three people have died in Fulton County custody in the past month.

But he is not expected to spend much time there.

Trump Says He Would Impose Reciprocal Tax On India If Re-Elected

His attorneys and prosecutors have already agreed to a bond of $200,000, along with conditions that include barring the former president from intimidating co-defendants, witnesses or victims in the case - including on social media. When defendants arrive at the jail, they typically pass through a security checkpoint before checking in for formal booking in the lobby. During the booking process, defendants are typically photographed and fingerprinted and asked to provide certain personal information. Since Trump's bond has already been set, he will be released from custody once the booking process is complete.

Unlike in other jurisdictions, in Fulton County, arraignments - where a defendant appears in court for the first time - generally happen after a defendant surrenders at the jail and completes the booking process, not on the same day. That means Trump could have to make two trips to Georgia in the coming weeks though the Fulton County Sheriff's Office has said some arraignments in the case may happen virtually if the judge allows, or he could waive Trump's arraignment.

When he eventually appears in court, the public is also likely to see much more of the proceedings firsthand. Georgia courts typically allow photographs and video of the proceeding, unlike in federal court and in New York, where press access is tightly controlled. Only in Manhattan were still photographers allowed to capture images of Trump briefly while he sat at the witness stand. Federal courts generally prohibit photography, recordings and electronics of any kind.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 14:51 [IST]
Amit Shah appeals for votes in MP, says BJP ensured development in all sectors

PM Modi Emplanes For Greece After Conclusion Of BRICS Summit

International

oi-Prakash KL

After attending the BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday emplaned for Greece for a visit on the invitation of his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

During his visit to Greece, PM Modi will receive a ceremonial reception on his arrival and will also hold meetings with the Greek President and Prime Minister.

The two leaders will discuss ways to further deepen the ties between the two nations. PM Modi will also interact with business leaders from both countries. Also, he will also have an interaction with the Indian community in Greece.

VIDEO | PM Modi leaves for Greece after concluding his South Africa visit.



(Source: Third Party)#BRICSSummit2023 pic.twitter.com/3DzOZ9yyd8  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 24, 2023

A business lunch hosted by the Greek PM is also scheduled during the visit. PM Modi will also lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens and interact with the Indian community there.

South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg from August 22-24. The alliance comprises five nations - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. South Africa became Chair of BRICS on January 1 under the theme: "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism."

MEA said in a press release, "Following his visit to South Africa, Prime Minister will pay an official visit to Greece on 25 August 2023 at the invitation of H.E. Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece. This will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Greece in 40 years."
Watch: PM Modi Picks Up Indian Flag, Keeps It With Him During BRICS Group Photo Session

PM Modi, Xi Jinping Interact Informally At BRICS Summit

International

oi-Sushmita Halder

Prime Minister Narendra Modi who witnessed the landing of Chandrayaan-3 virtually from South Africa was seen having an informal conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the BRICS Summit on Thursday.

Although the conversation between the two leaders is not clear, but reportedly PM Modi might have a bilateral meeting with the Chinese President before leaving the Summit.

However, this is not the first time that the two leaders have interacted with each other. Last year both leaders had interaction during the G20 Summit. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, PM Modi and the Chinese President had discussed border issues during the Bali Summit.

For the last four years since the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Galwan Valley, PM Modi and Xi Jinping never had any bilateral meetings.

On the final day of the Summit, PM Modi is scheduled to engage in five bilateral meetings. He is all set to meet the leaders of Iran, Ethiopia, and Mozambique. However, the government has kept the names of the other two countries under wraps.

UAE, Saudi Arabia Among 6 Countries Invited to Join BRICS

According to a joint statement issued before the BRICS summit, a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping at the G20 Summit in Delhi is quite possible. Although the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister's Office did not disclose any plan for the meeting between the two leaders.

Reacting to PM Modi's bilateral meeting with the Chinese President, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Monday while addressing a press conference gave a cryptic reply that the Prime Minister's bilateral meetings are being finalised.

However, if both leaders hold a bilateral meeting, then it would be the first meeting post the Indo-China clash in 2020.

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Thursday, August 24, 2023, 17:44 [IST]
Watch: PM Modi Picks Up Indian Flag, Keeps It With Him During BRICS Group Photo Session

UAE, Saudi Arabia Among 6 Countries Invited to Join BRICS

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

South African President and BRICS Chair Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the group has adopted the Johannesburg Declaration 2, inviting Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to become full members. They will become full members from Jan 1, 2024. Effective from January 1, 2024, these countries will be welcomed as full members.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia are among six countries that have been invited to join the BRICS bloc, which currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

The expansion of BRICS is seen as a boost for the global south and a way to counter the influence of the United States and other Western countries. The new members bring diverse economies to the table, which could help to strengthen BRICS's economic and political clout.

The new members will become part of BRICS with effect from January 1, 2024, Ramaphosa announced. He said the decision on the new members were agreed upon after firming up the guiding principles, criteria and procedures for the expansion process.

"We have consensus on the first phase of this BRICS expansion process," Ramaphosa said at the end of the grouping's summit in Johannesburg.

"We have decided to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS," he said.

"We value the interests of other countries in building partnership with BRICS and have tasked our foreign ministers to further develop the BRICS partnership model and list of prospective countries (which want to join the grouping)," Ramaphosa said.
Vivek Ramaswamy Says He Would Fire 75 Per Cent Of Federal Workforce If Elected US President

Vivek Ramaswamy Is Described As Amateur Obama, Rookie And A Guy Who Sounds Like ChatGPT

International

oi-PTI

Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a Republican presidential aspirant have called his fellow rival Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy a guy who sounds like ChatGPT and described him as an "amateur" Barack Obama.

Christie, 60, on Wednesday, said this during the maiden Republican presidential debate against Ramaswamy, 38, the youngest of the GOP candidates on the stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was telecast live by Fox News and its affiliate channels.

Latest opinion polls show that Ramaswamy is now the second in lead after former US president Donald Trump. He did not participate in the debate that had eight aspirants on the stage.

"Hold on, I've had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT," Christie said launching the first of the series of attacks against Ramaswamy after he said that the climate change agenda is a hoax.

Elon Musk Calls US Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy 'Promising Candidate'

"He stands up here, and the last person in one of these debates, Brett, who stood in the middle of the stage and said, 'What's a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here' was Barack Obama. And I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur tendencies tonight," Christie added.

Ramaswamy who in recent weeks has seen his popularity moving up the ladder against other GOP presidential aspirants was also attacked by former Vice President Mike Pence who called him a rookie.

"We don't need to bring in a rookie," Pence said, pointing towards Ramaswamy.

Even President Joe Biden appeared to react to Ramaswamy's comment during the debate on climate change.

"Climate change is real, by the way," the president posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, soon after Ramaswamy described it as a hoax.

"I'm the only person on the stage who isn't bought and paid for so I can say this: The climate change agenda is a hoax. And the reality is the anti-carbon agenda is the wet blanket on our economy. And so the reality is more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate," Ramaswamy said.

Two Indian-Americans were on the Republican presidential debate stage, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the only woman in the race so far and entrepreneur-turned-politician Ramaswamy, the youngest of them on the stage.

"You've got people on this stage that won't even talk about issues like Social Security and Medicare. I mean, Vivek, you recently said the president can't do everything. Well, I got news for you, Vivek. I've been in the hallway. I've been in the West Wing. A president of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America," Pence said, referring to Ramaswamy.

"This isn't that complicated, guys," Ramaswamy responded.

"Unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear. Put people back to work by no longer paying them more to stay at home. Reform the US Fed, stabilise the US dollar and go to war. The only war that I will declare as US president will be the war on the federal administrative state that is the source of those toxic regulations, acting like a wet blanket on the economy," said the young Indian-American.

Earlier, Ramaswamy described himself as a skinny guy with a funny name.

"Let me just address the question that is on everybody's mind at home tonight. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage?" he said with a smile on his face.

Who Is GOP Presidential Hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy? 10 Things To Know About Him

"I'll tell you, I'm not a politician. You're right about that. I'm an entrepreneur. My parents came to this country with no money 40 years ago. I have gone on to found multi-billion dollar companies. That is the American dream. And I am genuinely worried that that American dream will not exist for our two sons and their generation unless we do something about it," Ramaswamy said.

During the debate, Ramaswamy was continuously being attacked and pointed out in person by Pence and Christie.

Meanwhile, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said that former US President Obama must be smiling that a 38-year-old son (Ramaswamy) of Hindu immigrants running to the right of Trump is "cribbing from him".

"Somewhere @BarackObama must be smiling that a 38-year-old son of Hindu immigrants running to the right of Trump is cribbing from him! Obama's vision for a multiracial democracy is seeping into our politics despite the intense backlash. A slow but satisfying vindication," Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna posted on X.

A second-generation Indian-American, Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences in 2014 and led the largest biotech IPOs of 2015 and 2016, eventually culminating in successful clinical trials in multiple disease areas that led to FDA-approved products, according to his bio.
What Happened In The Final 30 Seconds Of Wagner's Boss's Plane Crash?

International

oi-Madhuri Adnal

In a significant development on Wednesday, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary army known for its involvement in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Africa, as well as an attempted mutiny against President Vladimir Putin, tragically lost his life along with nine others in a dramatic plane crash. However, questions arose about labeling the plane as "ill-fated" due to its "unusual descent" during the final 30 seconds prior to crashing near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver Region.

Russia's emergency situations ministry reported that the 13-seater Embraer (EMBR3.SA) Legacy 600 executive jet took off from Moscow with its destination set for Putin's hometown, St. Petersburg.

BREAKING Wagner Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who launched an attempted coup against Putin in June, along with atleast 10 others, have been killed in a plane crash in Russia's Tver region pic.twitter.com/41Dkq2OzwB  Megh Updates  (@MeghUpdates) August 23, 2023

According to Flightradar24, a Swedish internet-based service that provides real-time aircraft flight tracking information, the flight proceeded normally until 3:19 p.m. GMT.

The service noted that the aircraft underwent a "sudden downward vertical" movement, plummeting over 8,000 feet within a span of just 30 seconds from its cruising altitude of 28,000 feet.

We have processed the raw data received from RA-02795, which crashed this afternoon near Tver, Russia. The aircraft did not send position data, but sent other data to provide a picture of how it fell from the sky. https://t.co/Yt1PreVrn5 pic.twitter.com/lW6bD8jgPw  Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) August 23, 2023

According to Flightradar24, there were "no indications of any issues with the aircraft" prior to experiencing a sudden and significant drop.

Wagner Chief Prigozhin Was Aboard Plane That Crashed, Leaving No Survivors, Says Russian Aviation Authority

"At 15:10 UTC, the aircraft reached an altitude of 28,000 feet and maintained level flight at a steady speed. This continued until 15:19 UTC, when the vertical rate underwent a sharp decrease. The aircraft briefly descended before ascending to a peak altitude of 30,100 feet, followed by another descent to approximately 27,500 feet," as reported by Flightradar24.

The aircraft was in level flight at 28,000 feet when it experienced an altitude upset, then descended at a high rate until data reception ceased at 19,725 feet. The graph below shows the final 32 seconds of received data from the time of deviation from cruise altitude to end of pic.twitter.com/a47PnPaVQU  Flightradar24 (@flightradar24) August 23, 2023

"It again climbs, reaching 29,300 feet before levelling off once again. It then descends, with the final data received at 15:20:14 UTC at an altitude of 19,725 feet. The altitude graph below shows the final 32 seconds of received altitude data," it noted.

Currently, the cause of the crash remains uncertain; however, numerous media outlets have speculated that the possibility of the aircraft being targeted from the ground cannot be ruled out. Russia, while refraining from providing specific information regarding the incident, has announced the initiation of a criminal investigation into the tragic crash.
A top Ukrainian adviser says Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin "really frightened" the Kremlin with an uprising in June. Meanwhile, an EU military chief has cast doubt on Ukraine's progress. DW has the latest.
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."

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
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.

Next Page 1 | 2 | 3

(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
Engineering is a field that constantly changes, and MEP design tools are no exception. More information is now available to humans than ever before, and "big data" is affecting all industries, including engineering and construction. The MEP design process will undergo a revolution as a result of the growing use of mobile applications and the Internet of Things (IoT). This article will give a brief summary of six technologies that, 
Maya Kannan, the Canada-based Geo-economist, investor, Venture Promoter and inventor, has a stellar record of contributing to the transformation of economic outputs in the US, Canada and Europe. His global endeavours have facilitated representatives of nations to gain significant economic advantages. In a strategic move, renowned Geo-economic expert and investor Maya Kannan is entering the promising southeastern region to support and accelerate businesses and provide economic empowerment 
Planet Cinema, the premiere online film awards competition, has proudly unveiled the winners of its 2023 inaugural round, spotlighting a slew of innovative independent filmmakers. Leading the roster with an impressive nine awards and 11 nominations is Oh My Night from the Netherlands, directed by the prodigious Isis Mihrimah Cabolet. Its closely followed by Denmarks Victim of Love, directed by Jesper Isaksen, clinching five awards and nine nominations.



The top 10 films in contention for the coveted $1,500 cash prize for Best Picture of the year are:

OH MY NIGHT (Netherlands)  Isis Mihrimah Cabolet  9 awards + 11 nominations

(Netherlands)  Isis Mihrimah Cabolet  9 awards + 11 nominations VICTIM OF LOVE (Denmark)  Jesper Isaksen  5 awards + 9 nominations

(Denmark)  Jesper Isaksen  5 awards + 9 nominations THE JOURNEY OF MURDER (China)  Jun Wang  3 awards + 8 nominations

(China)  Jun Wang  3 awards + 8 nominations MAN WITH SHADOW (Slovenia)  Ema Kugler  3 awards + 15 nominations

(Slovenia)  Ema Kugler  3 awards + 15 nominations MONKEY BEACH (Canada)  Loretta Sarah Todd  2 awards + 8 nominations

(Canada)  Loretta Sarah Todd  2 awards + 8 nominations IF WE HAD TOMORROW (Ukraine)  Anastasiya Yevchenko  2 awards + 7 nominations

(Ukraine)  Anastasiya Yevchenko  2 awards + 7 nominations OLMA DJON (France)  Victoria Yakubov Schneid  1 award + 9 nominations

(France)  Victoria Yakubov Schneid  1 award + 9 nominations LA TIERRA LLAMANDO A ANA PLANET EARTH CALLING ANA (Spain)  Fernando Bonelli  1 award + 7 nominations

(Spain)  Fernando Bonelli  1 award + 7 nominations NAKED ISLAND (China)  Jim Yufei Zou  1 award + 7 nominations

(China)  Jim Yufei Zou  1 award + 7 nominations THE CANNIBALS (USA)  Kim Hopkins, Abigail Breslin  1 award + 4 nominations

(USA)  Kim Hopkins, Abigail Breslin  1 award + 4 nominations THE DITCH (Finland)  Kim Saarinen, P.J. Piippo  5 nominations

1st Place OH MY NIGHT (Netherlands)  Isis Mihrimah Cabolet

Aside from the significant cash prize, Planet Cinema offers filmmakers a unique opportunity to earn IMDb-accredited awards and nominations, as well as receive professional film reviews. The competition serves as a prominent platform for all filmmakers, whether theyre embarking on their cinematic journey or have already etched their mark in the industry.



Recognising that some films might not meet the stringent standards of festivals like Cannes, yet deserve acknowledgment, Planet Cinema ensures these masterpieces receive the appreciation they merit. The platform offers filmmakers an environment free of the risk of violating distribution contracts, emphasising pure cinematic critique and feedback.

2nd Place VICTIM OF LOVE (Denmark)  Jesper Isaksen

Planet Cinema, while being a relatively new entrant, has rapidly gained recognition in the online film festival domain. The brands core values of fun, transparency, and celebrating filmmaking prowess are evident. The competition boasts incentives like prompt feedback, IMDb-recognised awards, and opportunities for some winners to join the esteemed jury panel in the subsequent year.



Entries for the next competition round are now open. Filmmakers are invited to seize this chance to be globally recognised, benefit from a myriad of incentives, and be a part of a community that genuinely celebrates the world of independent cinema. For more details, visit Planet Cinemas official website.
The longtime owner of Portlands Hippo Hardware & Trading Co. store, which overflows with building materials rescued from the Victorian era to the midcentury modern atomic age, issued a call for help on Aug. 17: Customers were needed to keep the doors open.

It seems like more of our favorite stores are closing by the day, and we are gutted  It can take just one bad year to be added to that list, and were having a bad year, owner Steven Miller posted on Hippo Hardwares Facebook page about the second-hand business he co-founded in 1976.

People responded. The outpouring of love and support today has been amazing and overwhelming, Miller, 75, posted on Facebook the next day. Since then, hes heard from previous customers who had moved faraway but were shopping remotely to buy hard-to-find lighting, plumbing, trinkets, whatnots, and whoziwhatsits, as described on hippohardware.com.

Hippo Hardware-branded T-shirts sold out and were reordered. Restore Oregon preservation organization posted an endorsement on its Facebook page: Check out this incredible business and lets help them celebrate nearly 50 years in business!

It is so humbling, overwhelming to hear that this company has touched so many people, said Miller. I never knew we had that kind of impact.

Regulars and first-timers have been wandering through the three levels of the store at 1040 E. Burnside St., pointing out oddball objects, from doors used in Grimm episodes to a bucket of rusty nails. One corner of the store is filled with antique duel gas/electric light fixtures.

Some items like a gilded, steampunk-style faucet arent for sale in the store often referred to as a museum. But most every item  like an unused 1963 Electro-Sink-Center  stirs exuberant reactions and starts conversations.

Before Millers social media plea, traffic had been slow inside the store with 30,000 square feet of floor space. People are buying experiences as opposed to objects, said Miller on Sunday, sitting in a movie theater chair made by midcentury-modern furniture maker Heywood-Wakefield.

Owner Steven Miller sits in a movie theater chair made by Heywood-Wakefield, a midcentury modern furniture manufacturer.Janet Eastman/The Oregonian/OregonLive

COVID-19, competition from other salvage stores and fewer spontaneous buys from window shoppers on the block are to blame, he said, along with rising costs of rent, utilities and labor. Hes not increasing his prices, but he cant discount them either. He said his 10 employees give their heart and soul and deserve the living wage and benefits he provides.

We would just like the flow of customers to be greater, said Miller. The goal is not to make a lot of money, but for the people who work here to have a good life.

He acknowledges that fewer people are restoring historic homes or want vintage items. Cam Em posted on Facebook about older dwellings being bulldozed to make room for new housing, so have not been motivated to do needed bits & pieces on my 100 year old home.

Em ordered T-shirts and shared Hippo Hardwares request for support, then added, Some of the amazing small businesses weve lost have left holes in our hearts. Hang in there. Portland needs you.

Staffer Jackson Woldrich said Thursday that people who had been delaying home improvement projects because they just assumed wed always be here, came in as soon as they learned we might not always be here.

People new to the store have also shown up as a result of this social media push, said Woldrich.

Deborah Higginbotham commented on Facebook that she relied on Hippo Hardwares inventory when renovating a 1899 Stick-style house three decades ago. An antique chandelier and four-panel solid wood doors were installed in her home. She was able to replace missing doorknob plates, door locks and double-hung window latch exchanges that were sold individually at the store.

Thank you for all you do and have done for Portland with your iconic business, wrote Higginbotham. Ill head to the website and grab a T-shirt now. Long live Hippo Hardware!

 Janet Eastman | 503-294-4072

jeastman@oregonian.com | @janeteastman
TriMet will add to several bus routes in the tri-county area and cut underused lines starting Sunday.

The changes, part of the transit agencys Forward Together service plan, are intended to improve connections for people from low-income communities who use public transit to make it to work or school.

The changes include more service on lines with high ridership and the discontinuation of routes with frequently low numbers of riders.

One added convenience for some riders: Line 54 (Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway) will be upgraded to frequent service, with buses arriving every 15 minutes for most of its service hours every day of the week.

TriMet will adjust its weekend schedule for the FX2 (Division), which has 6,650 daily riders according to a spring 2023 TriMet report, in an effort to keep buses on time. With the new change, buses will arrive up to four minutes earlier than usual.

TriMet will also move lines 75 and 77, which collectively serve 9,000-plus daily riders, out of Hollywood/NE 42nd Avenue Transit Center. It will add temporary stops on Northeast 42nd Avenue, Broadway and Halsey Street.

Some of the most dramatic changes will come to routes that serve Marquam Hill, the site of the Oregon Health & Science Universitys main campus.

Lines 61 (Marquam Hill/Beaverton), 64 (Marquam Hill/Tigard), 65 (Marquam Hill/Barbur Blvd), 66 (Marquam Hill/Hollywood) and 68 (Marquam Hill/Collins Circle) will be eliminated altogether. TriMet said the lines had low ridership.

Riders who use TriMet to reach OHSU, Doernbecher Childrens Hospital, Portland VA Medical Center and other destinations can take lines 43, 54 and 56, which will continue to serve Marquam Hill, or hop on lines 8 or 9 or the MAX Orange Line, connecting with the Portland Aerial Tram.

TriMet will move Line 17 (Holgate/Broadway) for eastbound travel to Southeast 122nd Avenue and Holgate Boulevard in an effort to keep buses on schedule. Passengers continuing to Southeast 136th can use Line 17 buses to Portland City Center to reach their destination.

TriMet developed Forward Together with the goal of increasing bus service by more than 30% in the next few years before COVID-19 brought plans to a screeching halt.

The pandemic hit the transit agency hard, reducing ridership by nearly 70% in a matter of weeks since its onset. As of January, numbers still fell about 40% below pre-pandemic levels.

The drop in ridership gave rise to a 30-cent fare increase, which will take effect in January, in hopes of easing TriMets financial shortfall.

TriMet received $303 million in federal grants to sustain its 2021 fiscal budget during COVID-19. It expects only $157 million in its 2024 budget.

For a full list of route changes, visit trimet.org.

-- Kayla Nguyen, knguyen@oregonian.com
An independent newspaper carrier was wounded in a hail of gunfire early Wednesday when she was apparently mistaken for a member of a rival gang, according to police and her employer.

Sandy Worthylake, 62, was tossing out copies of The Oregonian while driving at a crawl in the Hazelwood neighborhood when she was shot in the leg about 3 a.m., police say.
Just when you think Portland has reached peak pizza, local chefs say, Think again. Here are a half dozen upcoming pizzerias *that we know of* looking to broaden the citys already stellar pizza reputation over the next few months.

Flame Pizza

Just opened at the BIPOC and LGBTQ-focused Lil America pod, this wood-fired pizza cart from owners Dais Fernandez and Julie Isaacson infuses old world techniques with fresh new flavors, according to a press release. Beyond classic Italian pies including a margherita and a sopressata, the cart serves less commonly seen flavors such as a lemon zest Fresca Blanca and a vegan pie with cashew ricotta and mushrooms.

Details: 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, 1015 S.E. Stark St.

Fusion Curry Pizza

A new Indian fusion pizza place in the style of Beavertons Bombay Pizza & Curry or Hillsboros Curry & Crust appears to be taking over the Hollywood neighborhoods former Hot Lips location, according to signage in the window, an LLC filed with the Secretary of State and a brief report on the website Bridgetown Bites.

Details: Keep an eye on oregonlive.com/dining for more information on Fusion Curry Pizza, 4630 N.E. Sandy Blvd.

Pizza pop-up Grana Pizza Napoletana will open its first brick-and-mortar restaurant this fall in the former Pizzicato at 2811 E. Burnside St.Courtesy of Maya Setton/Grana Pizza Napoletana

Grana

This new Portland pizzeria will specialize in traditional Neapolitan pizza, with portafoglio (wallet-style) folded pizzas sold through a takeout window by day, and more straightforward pies served in the dining room at night. Locals Maya Setton and chef Chris Flanagan first learned of the style while watching travel host Rick Steves visit Naples, inspiring them to bring the portable pizza style to Portland.

Details: Grana PDX plans to open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday starting on Oct. 14, 2811 E. Burnside St., granapdx.com

Montelupo Market

The popular Northeast Portland Italian restaurant plans to expand to Sellwood-Moreland with a new Italian market serving focaccia sandwiches and Roman-style pizza bianca seven days a week. The new market will feature imported Italian goods, beer, wine, to-go cocktails, olive oils, tinned fish and take-and-bake pastas in addition to the focaccia-based pizza.

Details: Montelupos Sellwood-Moreland market hopes to open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily starting later this month, 1613 S.E. Bybee Blvd., montelupo.co

The Parlor

The Peoples Courts, a 48,000-square-foot recreational center in the old Lumberyard space, 2700 N.E. 82nd Ave., brought in a ringer to provide pizza for any after-Pickleball hunger pangs. The Parlor, one of two food options on site, will feature tavern-style pizza created in consultation with Brian Spangler of Apizza Scholls, as well as soft-serve ice cream and shakes.

Details: The Peoples Courts plans to open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily (and until midnight Saturday-Sunday) starting on Aug. 25, 2700 N.E. 82nd Ave., 503-455-4843 thepeoplescourts.com

The Turning Peel

Malka co-owner Candy Yiu is turning the over-the-top Southeast Division restaurant into a pizzeria, Eater PDX was first to report. Rather than tear down the dining room, the former tech worker will use it to serve sourdough pies including a margherita, a pepperoni and a Summer Splash with seasonal vegetables such as roasted cherry tomatoes, morels, yellow zucchini or corn.

Details: The Turning Peel hopes to open in late August, 4546 S.E. Division St., theturningpeel.com

 Michael Russell; mrussell@oregonian.com

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
After last weeks challenge at Los Angeles Dodger Stadium, MasterChef offers a double-header of its own with the Wednesday, Aug. 23 installment. Two episodes of the show will air back-to-back, with each episode featuring a different challenge.

(No cable or antenna? Stream MasterChef live on Fubo, which offers a free trial; or watch episodes the day after they air, on Hulu.)

In the first episode, host/judge Gordon Ramsay and fellow judges Aaron Sanchez and Joe Bastianich introduce a military mystery box challenge. The remaining home cooks will be asked to prepare a gourmet meal using three components from Army rations.

In addition, the military mystery box challenge will require the cooks to compete not as a member of their regional team, but as individuals. In case you forgot, this season of MasterChef is subtitled, United Tastes of America, and began by dividing the cooks into teams from four regions: the West, the Northeast, the Midwest and the South.

The second episode features the tag team challenge, in which the cooks still in the kitchen will take turns making a three-course meal, working together to deliver a cohesive meal. The two who prepare the food that most impresses the judges will earn immunity in the next challenge and win spots in the top 10.

Portlands MasterChef home cook, James Barfield, has hung in there, though last week was rough, when Barfields ability to be a captain of his team came under criticism from Ramsay and some of the team members.

But, despite some bumpy moments, Barfield survived. How will he do in tonights MasterChef? Well have to tune in to find out.

MasterChef airs from 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 23 on Fox.

 Kristi Turnquist

503-221-8227; kturnquist@oregonian.com; @Kristiturnquist

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
In the summer months, the doors to the old Shaniko Wedding Chapel are nearly always open and the stray tourist or traveler is welcome to peek in and explore the tiny, one-room wooden building.

Theres a sense that the old chapel, tucked away in the ghost town of Shaniko in south Wasco County, is abandoned. But thats far from true. Its caretakers, just around the corner at the Outpost Gas Station, have created a nonprofit aimed at restoring the building.

Pamela Brown and Mark Haskett came to Shaniko about five years ago, when they bought and reopened the Outpost. As owners of the towns only gas station (and the only place for fuel along the 75 miles of U.S. 97 between Moro and Madras), theyre the unofficial greeters for travelers who stop in Shaniko.

The Outpost doesnt have a store, but it does have a sort of community living room where drivers and cyclists can rest over free cold drinks and Otter pops in the summer, or warm up around the pellet stove in the winter. Brown and Haskett sometimes invite travelers to their home for dinner or have impromptu jam sessions with passing musicians.

People say that Shaniko is in the middle of nowhere, but actually Shaniko is in the middle of everywhere, Haskett said. Its equal distance from Portland to Spokane to Bend. Its just a fabulous place, and when you get up here, if you can make it past the first year, then you really start to fall in love.

Shaniko has a population of about 23 people, but in its heyday  about 110 years ago  some 600 people lived there. Today, Brown calls Shaniko a living ghost town, and visitors like to stop by to wander the remaining block of Old West buildings that make up the town today.

The couple lives in Shaniko half the year and spends the winter months in Roanoke, Virginia. There, they play in a four-piece bluegrass band named after the man who sold them the Shaniko gas station: Leon Whistler.

Everybody who comes to live here is eclectic, and they bring this flair to Shaniko, Brown said. Theyve got their own history, and they left wherever they lived for a reason. It really adds to the renaissance element of Shaniko.

Earlier this month, the Shaniko Hotel reopened for the first time since 2008, bringing a renewed sense of promise to the tiny community.

When we first came here, the town was, Im not going to say dead, but it was much more ghosty than it is now, Haskett said. And, when we opened the gas station, people started stopping. And once people stop, they started to look around, and there started to be more people wandering about.

The Outpost, Shaniko's gas station.

HERE IS OREGON: HereisOregon.com | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

Brown and Haskett hope that sense of promise extends to the Shaniko Wedding Chapel, which they bought not long after they opened the gas station.

The old chapel started its life in 1897 as a schoolhouse halfway between Shaniko and Maupin. Brown said several local ranchers had pooled their money to build the school for their children and hire a 16-year-old teacher from The Dalles.

In the 1960s, local resident Jim Hogan bought the building and had it trucked into Shaniko, where he transformed it into a chapel and officiated over weddings. The buildings design, with a bell and small steeple, seemed to work just as well for a church as it had for a school.

After Hogans death in 2000, his wife maintained the property.

Tourists were able to come in, visitors were able to look around, but it hadnt been used in a decade or two, Brown said.

When they bought the chapel in 2019, Brown and Haskett brought back the weddings; theyre both ordained and can preside over ceremonies. Couples can rent out the chapel starting at $500.

Rustic would be a generous way of describing the facilities. Theres no electricity, plumbing, heat or water. The closest public bathrooms are two blocks away next to City Hall, though theres a vintage Shasta trailer for couples to use.

For those looking for a summer, pioneer-style wedding, the place certainly has character.

Its leaning a little bit, it needs a new roof, Haskett said. Were trying to revitalize it, and thats why we put it in the nonprofit.

Last December, the couple formed a nonprofit, the Shaniko Music Sanctuary, to raise funds for repair and preservation of the little one-room chapel. The nonprofit board hopes to raise $20,000 to make repairs, starting with the foundation and roof. Theyd like the chapel to be able to host church services, public gatherings, performances and music camps.

The nonprofit also organizes the Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree, and proceeds from the weekend-long event, Sept. 22-24, will go toward the chapel.

Its a wonderful space, Haskett said of the chapel. It sort of defines the area, and we want this to be something that can be enjoyed by the tourists and the locals.

If you go: The Tygh Valley Bluegrass Jamboree will be Sept. 22-24 at the Wasco County Fairgrounds. Tickets for the entire weekend are $45. For more information, visit tyghvalleybluegrass.com.

For more information on supporting the restoration of the chapel, visit shanikomusicsanctuary.com.

To inquire about renting the chapel, visit shanikoweddingchapel.com.

Sign up for our free Here is Oregon newsletter. Email:



-- Samantha Swindler, sswindler@oregonian.com, @editorswindler
A Portland man who tried to open an emergency door on a Delta Air Lines flight home from Salt Lake City because he wanted to make a statement about COVID-19 vaccines was sentenced in federal court Wednesday to time served  just over 10 months in custody.

Michael Brandon Demarre, 32, was a passenger on Delta Air Lines Flight 1580 from Utah to Portland on Feb. 11, 2022, when he approached an exit door, removed a plastic safety cover from the doors handle and repeatedly pulled on the handle.
Last month, Jordan Barbeaus husband left their Northwest Portland home to take their dogs, Rosie and Bodhi, on an evening walk. They made it only to the other side of the street before an aggressive raccoon lunged at them.

That raccoon may still be roaming the neighborhood weeks later, and 36-year-old Barbeau and others are escalating their warnings after a second raccoon attack sent a woman to the emergency room with two bites this month.

Its unsettling, said Barbeau.

On July 16, a raccoon emerged from the bushes across the street from Barbeaus home at Northwest Johnson Street and 22nd Avenue and charged at her husband and the couples dogs without warning, Barbeau said. The raccoon clung to Rosie, a 73-pound husky and malamute mix, dug into her chest, tore her ear and bit her face. The raccoon left puncture wounds in the other dogs leg. The attack was caught on video. Her husband was not injured.

From that point on, the couple walked the dogs together and carried flashlights at night. They also contacted the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Barbeau then set traps the wildlife department loaned her, near her back patio and garage.

A few weeks later, on Aug.1, a raccoon that Barbeau said she believes is the one that mauled her pets, attacked a woman walking her dog outside Barbeaus home. Video footage shows the woman screaming for help and the dog barking wildly. The woman, who lives in the area, was bitten twice and went to the emergency room, Barbeau said.

We heard the screaming outside, and my heart just dropped, she said. We went out and sure enough this raccoon was attacking this woman and her dog.

After the attack, Barbeau spotted a pack of five raccoons on surveillance footage of her backyard. Officials said the aggressive raccoon is likely a protective mother, and that it sees the dogs as threats.

Raccoons that attack people and pets or are desensitized to humans must be euthanized, according to the wildlife department. Barbeau hired a third-party wildlife control company to help capture the animals.

But the animals were smart enough to dodge the catch-and-release traps Barbeau set up in her yard. Barbeau caught two of the younger raccoons in a different trap over the weekend.

Wildlife officials euthanized those two raccoons, which is standard practice, according to Benjamin Cate, a wildlife biologist with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. They had lost wariness of people and pets, Cate said in an email.

It is illegal in Oregon to relocate raccoons because they can spread disease, and often dont survive in a new environment, Cate said.

A third raccoon was found dead in the neighborhood Aug. 5, Barbeau said.

If you have been bitten by a raccoon or another animal, seek medical attention immediately. Make sure your pets are up to date on all vaccines. People can report bites and aggressive behavior to the wildlife department and their local county health department, Cate said. The raccoons are unlikely to have rabies, found mostly in bats in Oregon, he said.

Nonetheless, the wildlife department said people should stay aware of their surroundings and do their best to keep their pets away from wild animals. Officials said to avoid putting your body between your pet and an aggressive animal if they do begin fighting. Officials recommend standing back and giving the animal a route to escape.

People also should avoid feeding raccoons, or leaving food outside that the raccoons can access. If you need assistance with a wild animal, you can call the wildlife department for advice. They can refer you to licensed wildlife control professionals.

While she doesnt want to see the animals harmed, Barbeau said theyre too dangerous and unpredictable. She hopes to catch the larger raccoon in the coming weeks.

The raccoon has no fear around dogs or people, she said. The attacks that have happened, shes not cornered and no one is between her and her babies, and she decides that anyone who has a dog within sight is too close.

 Austin De Dios; adedios@oregonian.com; @austindedios; 503-319-9744

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
I offer some advice to the Oregon Republican Party, a party I once belonged to that is seeking relevance. I spent a career in the consumer products industry, acting first as a buyer and then a seller. Buyers I knew were always repelled by a negative sales presentation, one that simply knocked the competitors items. A successful sales presentation requires the seller to dig deep into the needs of their customer, to understand their business and to develop programs for the product being presented that would grow the customers business.

This is simply what Republicans need to do. Understand what Oregonians want and need, and tailor the platform to fit that model. Then develop marketable and competent candidates to implement it. It is hard to imagine a Tom McCall, a Mark Hatfield, or a Vic Atiyeh walking out of a meeting if they were losing a fight. Instead, they would have done their homework and had salient arguments to use against the other side, and they most likely would have been willing to compromise. To my Democratic friends, you need to make sure you are following the same playbook. And to both parties, we need loyal opposition - not the ugly rancor affecting Oregons and our nations politics.

Patrick Smith, Gladstone

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
A majority of Oregonians support repealing the states landmark law that decriminalized small amounts of street drugs and funneled hundreds of millions of tax dollars into treatment programs and services, a new poll found.

Emerson College Polling, a leading pollster, conducted the survey this month, finding 56% of Oregonians support a total repeal of Measure 110, with 64% saying they support repealing parts of the law.
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
Residents living just south of Salem were ordered to evacuate immediately after a wildfire broke out in the area Wednesday afternoon.

The Marion County Sheriffs Office issued a Level 3 (go now) evacuation order west of Jory Hill Road South and Liberty Road South about 4:30 p.m. The alert warned people in the area to leave immediately and without stopping to gather their belongings.

Sheriffs deputies are going door to door at residences in the evacuation zone to tell people to leave, the agency said in a social media post Wednesday afternoon.

Representatives of the Salem Fire Department and Marion County Sheriffs Office did not immediately respond Wednesday to phone and email inquiries from The Oregonian/OregonLive about the fire.

The blaze is burning next to the Tucker Tree Farm, a six-acre Christmas Tree Farm on Jory Hill Road South.

The farms owner, 60-year-old Candy Page, said the blaze appeared sometime before 3 p.m. and had quickly transformed into a huge smoke inferno.

Theres many, many families and homes here, Page said in a phone call Wednesday. I know that a couple of homes are in danger right now, and thats where our concerns are.

Page said she saw over 12 fire trucks and two helicopters battling the fire, which started at the corner of Jory Hill Road South and Liberty Road South and was spreading quickly through a wooded area.

This story will be updated.

 Where are wildfires happening? Keep tabs with our live wildfire tracker map

 Your emergency go bag needs to have these essentials in case of wildfires

 Best-rated air purifiers with HEPA filters to buy online, or pick up locally, to improve indoor air quality in your home

 The latest news on wildfires and wildfire smoke dangers in Portland and around Oregon

-- Catalina Gaitan, cgaitan@oregonian.com, @catalinagaitan_

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe.
A blaze burning more than 52,500 acres in California hopped the border Wednesday into southern Oregon and remains 0% contained.

Only about 325 acres are burning on the Oregon side of the line, primarily in Rogue River-Siskiyou National forestlands in Curry County. Level 2 (be set) and Level 1 (be ready) evacuation orders have been announced in areas near OBrien, a rural burg of about 500 in neighboring Josephine County.

Nearly 1,500 firefighters are battling the wildfire, which consists of 27 separate blazes that first ignited in Californias Del Norte County on Aug. 15.

Fire maps based on heat data show the flames already creeping into Josephine County. But a Northwest Incident fire team spokesperson says helicopter and drone crews took advantage of northerly winds Wednesday to visually map the fire, and dont believe its crossed the county line into Josephine yet.

The fire wasnt moving very much, and we werent socked in by smoke, at least on the north end of the fire, spokesperson Mary Huels said.

Officials have ordered Level 2 (be set) evacuations in Josephine County south of Lone Mountain to the state border, encompassing about 88 homes and outbuildings along U.S. 199 near Elk, Blue, Dwight and Gilligan creeks. Fire crews in the area are setting up sprinklers and clearing foliage near some of these homes, Huels said.

Level 1 (be ready) orders encompass almost 900 structures in OBrien itself and nearby Takilma.

Officials have closed U.S. 199 to all traffic at the Oregon-California border, and Pacific Power has de-energized wires serving several coastal California towns. Around 1,200 people in California have evacuated, some as far as to Brookings, Oregon.

While winds have been favorable so far, meteorologists expect thunderstorms to roll through the area this afternoon, with minimal rain and wind gusts up to 40 mph.

Theyre worried about new fires, said Huels. Sooner or later this wind is going to want to push it across into Josephine County.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

 Where are wildfires happening? Keep tabs with our live wildfire tracker map

 Best-rated air purifiers with HEPA filters to buy online, or pick up locally, to improve indoor air quality in your home

 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 around Oregon

 Zane Sparling; zsparling@oregonian.com; 503-319-7083; @pdxzane

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
A part of early Willamette Valley wine history just got a makeover. Vitae Springs Vineyard & Winery turned their red barn into a tasting room, and they are eager to share.

Beyond South Salems sprawling suburban landscape, a historic wine property sits nestled in the hills. Grapes have been growing there for 45 years, yet Vitae Springs isnt known as far and wide as it should be.

Randy Freund and Alexis Harrington hope to change that with their estate wines and a new tasting room.

Vitae Springs Vineyard was planted in 1978 with mostly riesling by a Salem physician named Earl VanVolkinburg. VanVolkinburg picked up the wine bug while on duty with the U.S. Air Force in Germany in the early-to-mid 1970s. His first Vitae Springs vines consisted of suitcase cuttings he brought home from Europe.

VanVolkinburg and his family planted more vines over the years, including one of the earliest known commercial vineyard plantings of Gruner Veltliner in the United States. Based on information provided to his family by the VanVolkinburgs, Freund pegs 1980 as the year the famed Austrian grape debuted in Vitae Springs Vineyard.

HERE IS OREGON: HereisOregon.com | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

The VanVolkinburgs sold their fruit to Willamette Valley wineries such as St. Innocent in Jefferson and Brooks Wine in Amity for many years. It took until 2005 for the family to release a wine under their own label.

Britt and Kay Freund, Randy Freunds parents, purchased Vitae Springs Vineyard from the VanVolkinburg family in 2018. The Freunds 35-acre property includes 13 acres planted with riesling, Muller-Thurgau, Gruner Veltliner, pinot noir, pinot gris, pinot meunier and six vines of what is likely the relatively rare savagnin rose variety.

Randy Freund is the everything by hand vineyard manager who made the familys wines in 2019. Harrington is making Vitae Springs wines now in close cooperation with Freund. Were like any couple in that we pretty much end up doing everything together, Harrington said.

This fall, Freund and Harrington will make all the Vitae Springs wines on the Freund family property for the first time ever. Almost all of Freunds previous wines had been made at other Willamette Valley wineries. The new tasting room is their other big step forward.

The Vitae Springs tasting room is located inside a rustic red barn with beautiful views of the vineyard and a giant cherry tree that shades the outdoor tasting area. Inside the barn, sofas, a wooden table and a wine bar are at guests disposal when it comes time to taste.

A cooling breeze livens the tasting experience when the barns giant doors are open. The setting is quiet and relaxing, making you forget that you are but a short drive from Salem.

The fee for tasting five wines is $25, with olives, hazelnuts and cheese and charcuterie cheese boards available for purchase. The tasting fee will be waived with any three-bottle purchase.

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit to taste wines with Freund and Harrington. Trying the 2019 Vitae Springs Heure Doree Pinot Noir made by Freund side-by-side with the 2021 version made once Harrington came aboard was fascinating. They are two great reserve wines with intriguing differences.

There is one wine, however, that is worth the drive to Salem all by itself  the 2021 Vitae Springs Heure Doree Gruner Veltliner ($45  13% ABV)

The grapes are plucked from Vitae Springs oldest Gruner Veltliner vines and made into wine in a combination of acacia wood barrels and stainless steel. It is brisk, lively and filled with aromas and flavors of lime zest, pears, lemon, green tea and white pepper. Buy some before it disappears.

To get a sneak preview of this delightful tasting room and try the Vitae Springs wines for yourself, the grand opening takes place Saturday, Aug. 26, from 3-9 p.m.

Five wines will be available to taste at the grand opening for $20. The Big Blue Thai BBQ truck will sell food to pair with the wines. The winery will also provide complimentary snacks. Live music by Derek Kidd begins at 6 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to RSVP via the winery website if they plan to attend the grand opening. Walk-ins will also be welcome at the event.

By appointment, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 3535 Vitae Springs Road S., Salem, vitaesprings.com or info@vitaesprings.com.

-- Michael Alberty writes about wine for The Oregonian/OregonLive and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. He can be reached at malberty0@gmail.com. To read more of his coverage, go to oregonlive.com/wine
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
Photo: (Photo : CDC on Unsplash)

Preliminary tests conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed the presence of a new highly mutated COVID-19 variant, BA.2.86, in wastewater samples collected in the United States. While the CDC has not yet disclosed the specific location of the sample, it clarified that the discovery was part of routine monitoring through its National Wastewater Surveillance System.

Nine human infections of the new variant have been reported globally-three in Denmark, two in the United States, two in South Africa, one in the United Kingdom, and one in Israel. The variant has also been found at low levels in Swiss wastewater. The two U.S. cases are from Michigan and Virginia, with the former being an older adult who has not required hospitalization and the latter being a woman who had recently traveled to Japan.

Concerns Over International Transmission

According to the CDC, the fact that this new variant has been identified in multiple countries in a short time frame suggests evidence of international transmission. The variant is different from its closest ancestor, BA.2, in that more than 30 genes have changed. This is a big jump in evolution, similar to the one seen from Delta to Omicron last year.

Dr. Bette Korber, a computational biologist at Los Alamos National Laboratory, expressed concern about the variant's potential to evade antibody neutralization. "It will be harder for our bodies to protect us from infection with this variant," she said. Scientists across the country are now working to create accurate models for lab tests to better understand how our immunity might respond to this variant.

The earliest known samples of BA.2.86 were collected in late July, but their origins remain unknown. Experts believe that it could be spreading in a region that is not contributing data to GISAID, an open-access database for sharing virus sequences. With a lack of observed local spread, it's uncertain how the variant will behave.

Read Also: Pfizer's New COVID-19 Booster Targets Omicron Variant, Offers Extra Protection for Kids

Why Health Authorities Are Concerned

Variants like BA.2.86 worry health experts because of their potential to escape the protection offered by vaccines and past infections. "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," says the new CDC report.

Michael Diamond, an expert on emerging RNA viruses at Washington University School of Medicine, summed up the scientific sentiment: "There is a bit of a waiting game going on for all of us. This uncertainty arises partly because genomic sequencing rates have dropped, possibly allowing more variants to emerge and spread undetected for longer periods of time.

The CDC clarified that this new variant is not the cause of the current increase in hospitalizations but issued a warning that things may change as more information becomes available.

Despite the evolving nature of the virus, the CDC recommends that existing protective measures, such as vaccination, staying home if sick, and wearing quality masks, remain effective.

The fight against COVID-19 continues to be an unfolding story, with variants like BA.2.86 raising new questions and challenges for global health.

Related Article: Emerging COVID-19 Variants Outpacing 'Arcturus' in Concern and Spread
Photo: (Photo : Jon Cherry / Getty Images)

In a swift response to a health crisis, Kentucky's Lee County School District has temporarily halted in-person classes, transitioning to remote learning. This decision comes after a significant percentage of students contracted illnesses, including the flu and COVID-19, marking one of the earlier school district responses to illness in the academic year.

Kentucky's Lee County School Faces Rapid Attendance Drop

Within the first two weeks of the new academic year, the Lee County School District in Kentucky witnessed a concerning dip in physical attendance.

Starting off the session on August 9th, the district, which encompasses almost 900 students, faced an 82% attendance rate by the week's end. This decline continued with a further drop to 81% the following Monday. Additionally, Superintendent Earl Ray Schuler reported that 14 staff members had fallen ill.

The dual-campus district, consisting of an elementary and a joint middle-high school, recorded almost parallel numbers of student illnesses across both institutions.

With health and safety as a top priority, Kentucky's Lee County School District saw the urgent need to shift its teaching strategy. In this evolving health landscape, the district decided on remote learning as the most feasible solution.

Transitioning to Remote Learning Amid Health Concerns

In the wake of the health concerns, Lee County School decided to suspend in-person classes for the immediate week. The district, leaning into the benefits and capabilities of remote learning, planned to conduct virtual classes on Thursday and Friday. This switch to remote learning isn't just about continuity in education; it's a preventive measure to curb the further spread of COVID-19 and the flu.

Furthermore, Kentucky's Lee County School halted all extracurricular engagements for the week. This break is earmarked for intensive sanitization procedures on all school properties and transport facilities.

Superintendent Schuler stated that they are concentrating on implementing thorough sanitization procedures for their buses and educational areas, all while ensuring that their staff and students receive the necessary time to recover.

Read Also: Viral TikTok Prank: Egg Crack Challenge Sparks Concerns Over Child Safety, Health Risks

Nationwide Repercussions and Expert Opinions

The onset of the school year has not been without challenges across the U.S., with different districts facing unique adversities.

Locations such as Palm Springs, California; Johnston, Iowa; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, had to suspend or cut short school hours due to reasons ranging from extreme heat to tropical storms. However, in Kentucky, the duel of health challenges posed by the flu and COVID-19 necessitated the shift to remote learning for the Lee County School.

Public health officials nationwide are ringing alarm bells, urging people to gear up against potential respiratory virus outbreaks this fall.

Emphasizing the importance of vaccinations for both flu and COVID-19, they advocate for proactive protection. In this regard, the Lee County School District is championing the cause by encouraging families to restrict contact and get vaccinated.

Dr. Danny Benjamin, a respected pediatrics professor at Duke University, notes that while it's still early in the academic calendar to observe large flu outbreaks, schools should be prepared. The forthcoming weeks may see more COVID-19 surges. He predicts significant flu outbursts to commence around early October, reminding us of the unexpected early peak during the previous year.

Benjamin emphasizes, it's crucial to mull over vaccinations when they become accessible, ensuring the safety of oneself and loved ones.

Related Article: Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School Admissions Policy Sparks Supreme Court Interest for Racial Discrimination Claims
Photo: (Photo : Sean Rayford / Getty Images)

The South Carolina Supreme Court's recent decision to uphold a contentious abortion ban has ignited a firestorm of controversy, triggering outrage and intense legal debate.

The 4-1 ruling, delivered by an all-male bench, has thrust the state into the heart of a heated national conversation about reproductive rights and the scope of governmental control over personal healthcare decisions.

Reproductive Rights at the Forefront: Supreme Court's Support for Abortion Ban

The echoes of the South Carolina Supreme Court's decision to uphold the state's abortion ban are reverberating far beyond its geographical boundaries.

The ruling effectively prohibits most abortions around the six-week mark of pregnancy, placing South Carolina at the epicenter of the ongoing struggle for reproductive rights.

Advocates of the ban contend that they are safeguarding the sanctity of life, while opponents decry the erosion of women's autonomy and healthcare choices.

In the majority perspective, Justice John Kittredge expressed that, according to the legislature's decision, there comes a specific juncture in the pregnancy where the woman's pursuit of autonomy and privacy is surpassed by her concern for the unborn child's right to life.

This assertion encapsulates the crux of the legal debate, shedding light on the intricate balance between the rights of the mother and the rights of the unborn.

Gender Dynamics and the All-Male Bench in Reproductive Rights

The composition of the South Carolina Supreme Court, currently comprised solely of male justices, has added an additional layer of complexity to this contentious matter.

The absence of female representation raises pertinent questions about the diverse perspectives essential for rendering impartial decisions concerning reproductive rights.

With the court's male-dominated lineup, concerns have arisen regarding whether this ruling adequately considers the nuanced facets of women's healthcare choices.

As the verdict rekindles discussions on gender representation within the judiciary, it also underscores the broader implications of the court's rulings on cases pertaining to reproductive rights.

The dissenting voices, including that of Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty, contend that the new law suffers from the same shortcomings that led to the unconstitutionality of its predecessor.

This aspect highlights the significance of gender balance in the court and its potential ramifications for critical issues such as abortion rights.

Read Also: Colorado Police Face Lawsuit After Fatally Shooting Pregnant Woman in Shoplifting Mix-Up

Catalyzing Legal Contests and Nationwide Public Outcry

The South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling is rippling across the legal landscape, kindling fervent debates about the limits of governmental authority in matters of personal choice.

Advocacy groups on both sides of the spectrum are gearing up for an extended legal battle that could have far-reaching implications.

While the ruling pertains specifically to South Carolina, it has catalyzed a nationwide dialogue concerning the future trajectory of reproductive rights in the United States.

As advocates for reproductive rights mobilize against what they perceive as a regressive step, anti-abortion groups are invigorated by what they consider a triumph for the preservation of life.

The juxtaposition of these differing viewpoints is poised to fuel legal and political discourse in the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, the South Carolina Supreme Court's affirmation of the controversial abortion ban has set the stage for a protracted struggle over reproductive rights.

This pivotal ruling, with its consequences for women's autonomy, healthcare choices, and legal precedents, underscores the pivotal role that state courts play in shaping the national conversation on profoundly divisive issues.

Related Article: Ohio Teen Mackenzie Shirilla Faces Lifetime in Jail Following Deadly High-Speed Crash
From alcohol to cigarettes, most adults have tried some form of recreational drug. Fewer people have experimented with prescription medication for recreational reasons, but certain areas of the country are experiencing a serious problem with opoid addiction. Other drugs like cocaine and LSD, are used sporadically among adults in the U.S.

Using data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Data Archive, the experts at HealthGrove, a health data site, ranked the 25 most commonly used recreational drugs. The substances are ordered by the increasing percentage of people age 12 and over who used the drug recreationally in 2015. In the case of a tie, the drug with a higher classification by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is ranked higher.

To collect this data, SAMHDA conducts the annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in which they record use of illicit drugs, alcohol and tobacco in the U.S. population aged 12 or older. It is important to note that this data only includes recreational use of drugs, not proper medical use.

Drugs that are legal, alcohol and tobacco, have the highest recreational use. According to the survey, nearly one in five people over the age of 12 also used marijuana in 2015. As the drug becomes legal in more states, recreational use is likely to increase. Other Schedule I drugs (drugs determined to have no medical benefit by the DEA) including heroin and DMT had a recreational prevalence rate of less than 1 percent in 2015.

Note: Not all images in slideshow depict the exact drugs.
Photo: (Photo : Jezael Melgoza on Unsplash)

The experience of shopping with children can be a mixed bag of joy and challenges. While it serves as an excellent platform for family bonding and imparting essential life skills like decision-making and financial planning, it can also escalate into a stress-laden ordeal marked by tantrums and impulsive buying.

Setting clear rules before stepping foot into a store can make the experience not just tolerable but actually enjoyable and educational for both parent and child. Research has shown that children who grow up in structured environments develop better self-regulation skills later in life.

Rules are not meant to be dictatorial mandates but rather frameworks within which children can learn to make responsible and informed choices. Studies indicate that clear behavioral expectations can significantly help children adapt their behavior appropriately across different settings.

Read Also: 5 Financial Planning Tips For Single Parents For Your Family's Protection

Types of Rules You Can Establish

Budget Limitations

One of the first rules you may want to establish is a budget. Doing so not only instills a sense of financial discipline but also encourages children to prioritize their wants and needs. Reports found that children who received financial education from a young age were better equipped to manage their finances as adults.

Time Management

Another rule to consider is the time allocated for shopping. By setting a time limit, the shopping process becomes more focused, and it discourages aimless wandering in temptation-laden sections of the store like the toy or candy aisles.

Shopping with a List

Impulse buying is not just an adult problem; children too are susceptible to it. Using a shopping list as a rule can significantly decrease the chances of going overboard. Research from the University of Pennsylvania suggests that shopping with a list can decrease unplanned purchases by up to a third (University of Pennsylvania).

The "Wish List" Approach

Creating a "wish list" serves as an excellent medium for children to express their wants without the immediate pressure to purchase, offering a valuable lesson in delayed gratification. The famous "Marshmallow Test" from Stanford University shows that children who exhibit strong self-control skills tend to be more successful in later stages of life (Stanford).

Rule Enforcement Strategies

Transparent Communication

Before you go shopping, sit down with your child and explain the rules clearly. Make sure they understand why each rule is important, as comprehension promotes greater compliance.

Positive Reinforcement

Good behavior should always be rewarded. Positive reinforcement can range from verbal praise to small material rewards and helps to encourage adherence to the set rules.

Consistency Is Vital

The same set of rules should be applied across different shopping trips to build consistency and make it easier for the child to remember and adhere to the rules.

Active Involvement

The more involved a child is in the rule-making process, the more likely they are to follow the rules. Studies in the Journal of Child and Family Studies indicate that children are more likely to follow rules and guidelines when they have been part of establishing them.

Turning shopping trips into structured yet flexible experiences helps parents use these opportunities as teaching moments. These rules not only make the shopping excursion less chaotic but also serve as life lessons in budgeting, time management, and decision-making. Setting rules before hitting the stores is not just beneficial for that particular day but also sets the groundwork for responsible behavior that lasts a lifetime.

Related Article: Money Talks: 10 Ways to Teach Financial Literacy to Your Children
Photo: (Photo : Chayene Rafaela on Unsplash)

The arrival of a new baby is always a transformative moment in any family's life. However, when the newest family member is born with a cleft lip, siblings may be faced with questions and concerns that they may find difficult to express.

Preparing siblings for this unique situation is beneficial not just for them but also for the emotional harmony of the entire family. A study emphasizes that a family-centered approach can significantly improve emotional and psychological outcomes for children with special healthcare needs, such as cleft lips.

The Importance of Honest Communication

Clear, honest communication is the cornerstone of preparing siblings for the arrival of a new baby with a cleft lip. When discussing the condition, it's important to use age-appropriate language. Address any questions they might have and reassure them that cleft lips are correctable conditions that don't define the baby's worth or potential.

Psychology Today advises that open conversations about difficult topics can help reduce anxiety among children and foster a sense of stability.

Sometimes words can fall short. In such cases, visual aids like children's books, videos, and illustrations can make complex topics more accessible. Many children's books on the market specifically deal with the subject of accepting and understanding a sibling's unique differences.

A study asserts that visual aids can help children gain a more profound understanding of medical conditions, making them more empathetic and informed.

Active involvement in preparing for the new arrival helps older siblings feel included and less likely to harbor feelings of neglect or jealousy. Whether it's letting them pick out baby clothes, decorate the nursery, or assemble baby furniture, their participation makes a difference. A report highlights that such inclusion can not only improve the mental health of siblings but also strengthen family bonds.

Read Also: New Jersey Parents Adopted 7 Siblings From Ukraine Even as They Have 6 Biological Children

Emotional Range and Support Systems

Emotional preparedness is crucial. Siblings might experience a slew of emotions, ranging from excitement and curiosity to jealousy and resentment. Recognizing and addressing these feelings is essential for emotional well-being. According to reports, family therapy can offer valuable coping mechanisms and provide a safe space for children to express their feelings.

Empowering children by teaching them how they can actively contribute to the baby's care encourages bonding and fosters a sense of responsibility. Whether it's fetching a bottle, helping with diaper changes, or softly singing a lullaby, these small actions can have a big impact.

The University of Michigan Health System recommends a participatory approach, as it benefits not only the newborn but also strengthens sibling relationships.

Understanding what to expect during hospital visits for either birth or post-operative care can alleviate unnecessary stress for siblings. Explain the sights, sounds, and smells they may encounter and why the baby might look a certain way post-surgery.

Navigating the complexities that come with welcoming a new baby with a cleft lip can be challenging, but it is entirely manageable with the right strategies. Transparent communication, active inclusion, and emotional preparedness can ease the process for everyone involved, including siblings. When managed correctly, the family unit emerges more robust, more unified, and better prepared to face both the challenges and joys of what lies ahead.

Related Article: Sibling Bonding: Fostering a Positive Relationship Between Your Toddler and Infant
My remarks at the 2023 FAIR LDS conference (Understanding History Backwards) are now available via YouTube.

I am so surprised that Yevgeny Prigozhin appears to have died in the catastrophic crash of a private jet. (One of its wings apparently fell off in mid-flight, at about 26,000 feet.) Could anybody possibly have seen this coming? (Out of the clear blue sky, as it were.) But Im reassured by the fact that a Russian government investigative committee has been tasked with determining the cause of the crash.

And my confidence in Vladimir Putin as a defender of Christian civilization and its values  a faith that I still see occasionally expressed online  remains strong and unshaken.

And, speaking of Christian leaders, one Peggy Brown has been posting helpful commentary over on the Facebook page for the Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods group in opposition to the building of the Cody Wyoming Temple  and, for that matter, against the building of temples in general.

Mrs. Brown has marshaled a number of cogent arguments against the temple that Codys Planning and Zoning Commission will, no doubt, find very useful in its consideration of the matter. Did you know, for example, that Latter-day Saints regard Jesus as the brother of Lucifer and that we worship Satan? Ill bet you didnt! And were you aware of the Mountain Meadows Massacre? (John D. Lee took a bullet for Brigham Young. See my recent Meridian Magazine article Searching Out the Truth about the Mountain Meadows Massacre.) Such actions are apparently typical of the Mormon cult, which is really a corporation masquerading as a church. Others have joined in to complain about how the Latter-day Saint temples in Pocatello and Idaho Falls and Twin Falls  the latter with its phallic spire (spires being an architectural feature apparently unknown in prior religious architecture)  dominate their towns and blot out the wondrous natural beauty that was once so visible in those unfortunate areas, which are now blighted by the visible presence of Mormons.

Some have demanded that the question of whether Latter-day Saints should be allowed to build a temple on a plot of land that the Church owns (because it was donated to the Church) should be put up for public vote even if it meets zoning rules. Thats certainly a novel approach to private property rights. I wonder if they intend to make their demand apply across the board, for all buildings (including all homes) or only in the case of a proposed Latter-day Saint temple.

The proprietors of the Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods group, who have apparently blocked me from posting on it, wisely want to frame the dispute there as being entirely about the height of the temple spire (on which compromise is, I think, certainly possible), the brightness of its lighting (on which a compromise has already been offered), its vast size (which, at under 10,000 square feet, may well be smaller than some of the homes that will surround it and which will make it perhaps the second smallest temple that weve ever built), and its sheer location.

But a subset of the participants at Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods are disinclined to follow the preferences of the owners of the site when commenting there. Some do think that it would be better sited elsewhere in Cody (perhaps in an area zoned for commercial and industrial activity), but some want it located somewhere amidst the sagebrush outside of the city, some think it should be built in another town altogether, where there is a higher percentage of Latter-day Saints, and some, quite candidly, oppose its being built at all, anywhere.

One commenter on the Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods site has repeatedly proposed that, since Latter-day Saints favor and support pedophilia, a matching shrine to Jeffrey Epstein should be built adjacent to it. On this matter, though, Jennifer Roachs presentation earlier this month at the 2023 FAIR LDS conference, Shedding Light on the Complexities: Understanding Abuse within the LDS Church, is an absolutely necessary foundation for any informed discussion on the topic. And Im not exaggerating even slightly. Its scheduled to go up publicly on YouTube publicly next Wednesday, but, in the meanwhile, it can be watched now in the FAIR LDS bookstore after free registration. Moreover, a good source of material on the subject of Abuse and the Church, largely put together by Sister Roach, is already available on the FAIR website.)

I was just a tad curious about Peggy Brown and her husband, Dale Brown, and I was not surprised to find that they are visible online well beyond the Preserve Our Cody Neighborhoods Facebook page. Here are a few examples that should give readers an idea of their approach and their attitudes. I spent only a few quick minutes looking for them; I expect that considerably more material is available:

Ive posted on four prior occasions here about the controversy that has been swirling around the proposed Cody Wyoming Temple. (See, in chronological order, A small tempest about a small temple in Cody, In the world after the Fall, Once More, on the Conflict in Cody. and An Update on the Continuing Crisis in Cody, Wyoming.

A pro-temple and pro-Latter-day Saint Facebook page focused on the Cody Wyoming Temple is available here.

Posted from Newport Beach, California
As it happens, today, the 23rd of August, in 1335 is the anniversary of the death of Heilwige Bloemardinne, also known as Heilwijch Blomart. Born to wealth in Brussels Heilwige was a popular spiritual teacher and mystic.

While throughout her lifetime she was protected, appears to have authored a book, and definitely many pamphlets, we really only know her teachings today through the cracked mirror of a harsh critic, John of Ruysbroeck.

While some of her defenders allege there was personal animosity on Ruysbroecks part, fueling his polemics, its important to note he is also considered a major mystic within the Catholic tradition.

We appear to know two things about her teachings. The first is seraphic love. That is a love which is angelic and pure. She seemed to teach the possibility of an absorption into God. Which captures my imagination as it one of the many variations of nonduality we find within the worlds religious cultures. The other, and the teaching that Ruysbroeck seemed especially concerned with is Quietism.

Ruysbroeck writes, Thus they are poor in spirit for they are without will of any sort having forsaken everything and making no choices of their own. This pure passivity in the presence of the divine is a hallmark of Quietism.

Quietism as a technical term is used for a religious movement in seventeenth century western Europe, most associated with the Spanish mystic Miguel de Molinos and his admirer Madam Guyon. I am very interested in Quietism and especially its practices. They bear a similarity to Zens disciplines of pure presence. And they raise questions about potential problems in the discipline.

For Zen the issue turns on Original Awakening.

Original Awakening is derived from the doctrine of Tathagatagarba the assertion of a potential to Buddhahood, but later describing the exact identity of the causal world and awakening. It is found among other sources in the Mahayana Mahaparinivara Sutra, the Avatamsaka Sutra, and the Awakening of Faith, and rests at the foundations of Zens understanding of awakening. We are from before the creation of the stars and planets, awake.

The thirteenth century master Eihei Dogens personal question, what drove his spiritual pursuit was the question if everything is originally awakened, then why striving, why practice? Which of course is a way to look at the Quietist question, as well.

For Dogen the resolution was found in the identity of practice and our awakening. He wrote

The practice of Zen has nothing whatever to do with the four bodily attitudes of moving, standing, sitting, or lying down. So, it isnt simply a matter of assuming a correct posture. Rather he is inviting us elsewhere. Then he tells us where. The zazen I speak of is not learning meditation. It is simply the Dharma-gate of repose and bliss. It is the practice-realization of totally culminated enlightenment. It is things as they are in suchness.

This is what he calls practice-enlightenment. In fact Ive seen that term rendered without the hyphen, simply reading practiceenlightenment. One word. One thing. In some ways it is taking up the koan of just sitting as if it were a huatou, the single koan one needs for a lifetime of engagement.

What I am sure of is this. You want a classic koan? Show me practiceenlightenment.

Here were invited into something that is both an illustration of what Quietism can be, as well as avoiding the challenge of passivity with which the school is associated in Christianity. And passivity is a problem. It is missing a critical point.

And, of course, thats the shadow of the way of just sitting. People proof text the term and warn against gaining-mind with unfortunate consequences. We are not being invited into being bumps on some log. Although, sadly, Ive seen people think that is precisely what shikantaza is. The shadow of Quietism. The heresy, if you will, of Quietism. Certainly, the mistake, and sometimes deadly mistake of Quietism

I offer an alternative understanding. I think it can be called the truth of Quietism, of original awakening, of presence as something just like the world, dynamic and wild.

With shikantaza were given a place to put our great questions, our deep curiosity, our profound longing. Here were being invited into a mysterious alchemy of the heart. Yes, gaining-mind does not carry us across the river. And, it is no different than our awakening.

The mystery of bodhicitta, our desire for awakening is discovered as we experience it, and as we surrender it. But, this isnt surrender in the sense of burying it or throwing it away. Rather it is a transformation into confidence, or trust, or maybe the right word is faith. Here we discover faith as a matter of heart, as an invitation into an ancient love. Master Taizan Maezumi tells us,

When you do shikantaza, have faith in the fact that your zazen is the same zazen as the zazen of the Buddhas and Patriarchs. Have this kind of faith. Then, just sit. Since your zazen is the same zazen as that of the Buddhas, you dont need to worry about anything: just sit. Appreciate that your zazen is the zazen of the Buddha. The zazen of Shakyamuni Buddha is okay; the zazen of the Buddhas and Patriarchs is okay. In other words, you are not sitting; Buddha is sitting.

If we bring our full selves to the matter, we find something breaks open. Well, sometimes breaks open. Sometimes unfolds like a flower. The images both liberate and trap. We must walk carefully. Gently. And fiercely at the same time.

And so Dogen charges us to Devote your energy to a Way that points directly to suchness. And, critically he tells us how. If you concentrate your effort single-mindedly, you are thereby negotiating the Way with your practice-realization undefiled. As you proceed along the Way, you will attain a state of everydayness.

And so. From before the creation of the stars and planets, we are awake.

And, we must turn our attention to the great matter and come to know for ourselves this ancient, ancient truth.

To see as we sit, the Buddha is sitting. As we reach out a hand, the Buddha is reaching out a hand.

In that we may well find the saving of the world
How many pixels can your gaming PC push at once at 240 frames per second? If the answer is less than 16.5 million, then you probably arent in the market for Samsungs latest ultrawide monitor. The Odyssey Neo G95NCs massive, 57-inch panel is bested only by its 76802160 resolution  basically two 4K displays, side-by-side  and its massive $2500 price tag. The much-anticipated monitor is now up for preorder in the UK, with other markets set to follow soon.

The newest version of the Neo G9 lacks the flashy OLED tech thats making waves elsewhere (though Samsung does sell both a 49-inch OLED ultrawide and a 55-inch 16:9 OLED gaming TV). But it makes up for it by packing in pretty much every other bit of modern monitor tech, like a 1000-nit Mini-LED VA panel, 240Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and compatibility with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro. The massive, 42-pound display also uses a dramatic 1000R curve, so the edges of the screen will be tickling your ears while you play. (Not literally. Unless you have very wide ears.)

In terms of I/O, the Odyssey Neo G9 uses a DisplayPort 2.1 port for its primary connection, supplemented by two HDMI 2.1 ports The monitor also features a USB hub, but the spec list doesnt mention any USB-C or KVM functionality. It is rocking standard VESA mount brackets (though youll need an awfully hefty monitor arm to keep it up) and the obligatory RGB lighting on the rear of its glossy white casing. Its also one of the only displays on the market with HDR10+ Gaming capabilities.

Precisely when the G95NC will hit the market isnt entirely clear, even though Samsung is giving it a second official unveiling at Gamescom. But with preorders live, Id guess itll start shipping no later than October.
Hollard Life Assurance, a subsidiary of Hollard Ghana insurance group, was named the Best Growing Life Insurance Company of the Year at the esteemed Ghana Insurance Awards.

The award ceremony held at the Icon Event Centre celebrated Hollard Life's remarkable growth, outstanding financial performance, and commitment to delivering innovative insurance solutions to the Ghanaian market.



Established in 2018 as a start-up headed by Managing Director Nashiru Iddrisu, Hollard Life has quickly made its mark in the insurance industry by focusing on creating and securing a better future for Ghanaians. With a business purpose tailored to address the unique life risks faced by individuals and businesses, Hollard Life has emerged as a trailblazer in the life insurance segment.



Nashiru Iddrisu, Managing Director of Hollard Life, expressed his gratitude for the recognition, saying,



"We are immensely honoured to be recognised as the Best Growing Life Insurance Company of the Year. This award reflects our team's dedication, passion, and tireless efforts to provide innovative insurance solutions that positively impactGhanaians' lives. At Hollard, it's our purpose to enable more people to create and secure a better, and so we are on the path of achieving sustainable and inclusive growth for all."



"Hollard Life has consistently demonstrated its commitment to financial stability and sustainable growth, with a remarkable 83% revenue growth over the past year. The company's innovative product offerings and strong customer relationships have been crucial in achieving this commendable financial performance. He added to all Hollardites, our partners and customers for sticking with us on our journey of becoming the country's favourite insurer, thank you".



As a testament to continuous improvement and innovation, Hollard Life remains committed to the industry's forefront by delivering cutting-edge insurance solutions to its valued customers.



The Ghana Insurance Awards recognise excellence and leadership in the insurance industry, honouring companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the sector.



About Hollard Life Assurance



Hollard Life is a subsidiary of the insurance group Hollard Ghana, which combines its deep local knowledge of the market with the world-class expertise of an international insurance brand. With feet firmly planted on Ghanaian soil but Headquartered in South Africa, Hollard delivers innovative insurance solutions customised to the unique risks Ghanaians face. Hollard was previously Metropolitan Insurance which operated in Ghana for over 25 years. Hollard Life was birthed in 2018 as a subsidiary. The company offers various life insurance products, including funeral, personal accident, savings and investments, group life insurance and employee plans, and more. Beyond various nationwide office branches and Hollard 2U franchise shops, Ghanaians can find Hollard Life at Shell Fuel Station Welcome Shops, Melcom stores and online at www.hollard.com.gh, www.melcom.com/hollard-insurance and www.jumia.com.gh for all their insurance needs.





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.

Featured Video
The Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH), in collaboration with the DigiCAP Ghana and other esteemed partners, is set to host the highly anticipated INDAC-TED 9 and the second Agritech Symposium and Exhibition. The one-day event, scheduled for Thursday, August 24, 2023 will take place at Ho Technical University under the theme Application of Agritech to Improve Food Production.



The 9th edition aims to bring together academia and industry specialists from the agricultural sector to investigate the transformative potential of Agritech in enhancing food production while also fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovation in the agricultural sector.



The Agritech Symposium, according to David Gowu, Executive Director of the Institute of ICT Professional Ghana (IIPGH), will provide a platform for industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and students to exchange ideas, showcase cutting-edge technologies, and discuss practical solutions to improve food production.



"I am very excited about our second Agritech Symposium, and this session will explore various aspects of Agritech, providing our participants with more valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in applying technology to improve food production." "This forum will include thought-provoking presentations, panel discussions, and interactive sessions led by experts in these fields," he stated.



Exhibition



Mr. Gowu said: The exhibition segment of this Agritech symposium will showcase innovative Agritech solutions, products, and services from both local and international companies. It will serve as a catalyst for knowledge exchange and networking, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of Agritech innovation. He reiterated that attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge technologies, and discover potential collaborations and partnerships.



Hanna Schlingmann, the Project Manager for DigiCAP.gh described how the forum will provide a unique platform for academia and industry to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on solutions that will drive agricultural transformation in Ghana and beyond. We are thrilled to host this event and look forward to the positive impact it will have on the agricultural sector, she revealed.



The Institute for ICT Professional Ghana (IIPGH), in collaboration with AFOS Foundation and digiCAP, has been at the forefront of promoting dialogue and collaboration between industry and academia. The partnership between IIPGH and AFOS Foundation is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) within the framework of the Special Initiative Decent Work for a Just Transition via sequa gGmbH

INDAC-TED 9 aims to foster a collaborative and innovative ecosystem that will drive advancements in Agritech and ultimately improve food products.



















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
Thailands Incoming Prime Minister Has Ties to Crypto  Heres What You Need to Know

Image Source: Unsplash

Thailands incoming prime minister Srettha Thavisin, who is known for his success in the property industry, has also been involved in the cryptocurrency sector.

On Tuesday, Thavisin was elected by the Thailand parliament to be the countrys next prime minister.

The real estate tycoon was the only candidate nominated by the Pheu Thai Party, securing an impressive 482 out of 747 votes in Thailands parliament.

Thavisin was the former president and CEO of Sansiri, one of the largest real estate developers in Thailand. The company has also made some investments in the crypto sector.

For one, Sansiri participated in a $225 million funding round for XSpring Capital, an investment management firm with a focus on digital assets.

Following the investment, XSpring launched a fully integrated cryptocurrency trading platform in 2022, with ambitions to rank among the top three companies in the crypto exchange market by 2025.

Thavisins Sansiri has also made headlines for issuing its own token, called SiriHub Token, through XSpring in 2022.

The digital asset was part of a real estate-backed initial coin offering that aimed to distribute a total of 240 million tokens to the general public.

Therefore, Thavisins victory is expected to impact the countrys cryptocurrency industry given Sansiris involvement in the digital asset space.

It is worth noting that back in April, Thavisin stepped down as CEO of Sansiri amidst speculation that he would soon become Thailands prime minister.

At the time, he also relinquished his 4.4% stake in the company.

Thavisin Proposed Crypto Airdrop if Elected Minister

In April, Thavisin proposed the idea of distributing money to Thai citizens in the form of digital currency if he won the election.

The proposal included giving each individual 10,000 Thai baht (equivalent to $285) through digital means.

Back then, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Pheu Thais chief adviser on public participation and innovation, claimed the policy is part of a blockchain-based project designed to distribute Thai products abroad and help introduce digital currencies to Thailand.

Shinawatra said the policy is designed to make Thailand an Asian fintech hub while spurring the development of its economy.

He explained that the funds would be invested in local areas for people to use within several months after receiving them, although critics slammed the initiative for lacking transparency and not clearly outlining the funding sources.

In the lead-up to the prime ministerial vote, Thavisin took to social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) to assert his motivations for participating in the elections is to improve the country and the economy.

My enemies are poverty and the inequality of the people. My goal is the well-being of all Thai people, he added.

Thavisins ascent to Thailands highest political office comes a few months after the countrys cabinet announced tax benefits for companies that issue digital tokens for investment.

In March, Deputy Government Spokesman Rachada Dhnadirek revealed plans to provide tax breaks for corporate income tax and value-added tax for such companies.

The government hopes that this initiative will generate a staggering 128 billion baht (approximately $3.7 billion) in the next two years.
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









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
Exceptional performance is valued at Priority Insurance Company Limited. This is why the Insurance Company on the 22nd of August 2023 rolled out the drums to celebrate 11 best-performing agents and other agents who were awarded consolation prices under its Agents Awards programme. The Agents Awards decoration ceremonies took place simultaneously at the Priority House, Head Office of Priority Insurance Company Limited.



The Award programme is designed to motivate and encourage individual agents to go the extra mile in their job functions as they pursue the Insurance Companys set goals and corporate objectives. Mr. Matthew Kweku Atta Aidoo, the Managing Director, of Priority Insurance Company Limited described the 11 high performers and the other winners as agents of shifts and change that created extraordinary value for the organization by consistently exceeding expectations.



He congratulated the Agents and urged them to continue to push the brand with pride even as they enjoy the associated privileges which include, accelerated career development and training by the Marketing Team, unrestricted access to company events, cash rewards, leadership exchange programs, cross regions supervisions as well as the much-coveted commissions they get as recognized agents by both Priority Insurance Company and National Insurance Commission.



We are honouring todays Agents for their exceptional performance and in appreciation of what they have contributed to the growth of the Company. Out of the over 11 agents here and being celebrated, 9 are repeat Winners since last two years meaning that they were able to retain their High Performing status awarded in previous years, Mr. Salifu Abubakar Godmar, General Manager, Marketing and Business Development added.



The General Manager of operations, Mr. Felix Akyea- Bekoe and the General Manager of finance, Mrs. Wendy Klome, equally urged all agents present to aspire to increase the commissions and do more business to earn more. They also asked the agents to thread carefully and follow all regulations by both the company and the of the National Insurance Commission.



Mr. Emmanuel Ampong, Branch Manager at Madina and Mrs. Docas Badu, Branch Manager at Spintex all expressed happiness with the Agents saying that the drive and passion that the awardees have shown in their commitment to excellence in their roles, is what has made Priority Insurance Company Limited a Role Model in the Insurance sector; while the HR and PA to the Managing Director, Miss Eunice Dede Ofei, through her vote of thanks advised the agents and agencies not to relent, but to strive for greater heights.

Acknowledging that each individual is unique, Priority Insurance Company added a personal touch to its recognition program. Alongside the traditional cash rewards, Priority Insurance presented personalized citations of appreciation to each agent present. The effects of Priority Insurances recognition program extend far beyond the award ceremony. This approach fuels a workforce that are motivated, engaged, and invested in the companys success.



High-performing agents, armed with the knowledge given, consistently deliver exceptional service to our clients and that is why we always do this each year, and we are looking for a way to do it differently next year, Mr. Matthew Aidoo hinted Atinka TV in an interview that day. There were winners who excelled in resilience and execution across their working and challenging environments. There were also those who were rewarded for their entrepreneurial abilities and extra efforts.



Bernice Akosua Nyarko, was chosen in the special award category of DVLA Best Agent Nationwide, Mrs. Esther Ntorinkansah Badu as Best Agent Non-Motor Nation-wide and Joel Oppong-Antwi from Kumasi as Second Best Nation-wide and were described by General Manager, Marketing and Business Development, Mr. Salifu Abubakar Godmar as relentless agents who breaks difficult barriers, extends the insurance horizon and inspires others in their territory to do more.



The star award went to Mrs. Esther Ntorinkansah Badu again, an agent at the Weija branch, who won Ghs 39,226 cash. The Overall Best Agent (National) who won it in 2022 and now 2023, Esther Ntorinkansa, speaking to Atinka TV also expressed her profound gratitude to Priority Insurance Company Limited for honoring her again. However, she mentioned that her colleagues should try to be more than her and that she will be glad to see others win next year.



The Managing Director, Mr. Matthew Kweku Aidoo, who went on to congratulate the outstanding agents personally, said they exemplified people who were committed to the hallmarks of excellence in the execution of their duties.



Meanwhile, Ernest Kwaku Danquah, Head of Retail and Agency, congratulated the awardees for their hard work and consistency. He also assured clients of the continuous provision of Customer Service Values, which has always been the driving tool for the growth of Priority Insurance Company Limited.



Right after the award ceremony, the agents were given lunch treats at Alisa Hotel held in their honor to further thank them for their business.



BELOW ARE THE LIST OF WINNERS



 Esther Ntorinkansah Badu

 Joel Oppong-Antwi

 Maame Efua Kesson

 Rosaline K. Suglo

 Alex Ben Amoah

 Daniel Hammer

 Doris Mensah

 Acoeshiehu Catherine

 Nashiru Rashid Baleng

 Elizabeth Asare

 Victor Manigah









Source: Priority Insurance Company









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
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of a jet which crashed killing all on board, Russia's civil aviation authority has said.



Earlier, Wagner-linked Telegram channel Grey Zone reported the Embraer aircraft was shot down by air defences in the Tver region, north of Moscow.



The jet, which was flying from Moscow to St Petersburg, was carrying seven passengers and three crew.

Prigozhin led a failed mutiny against the Russian armed forces in June.



Grey Zone 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, adding that four bodies had already been found.



The aircraft had been in the air for less than half an hour, it said.



Read Full Story .... HERE >>> :









Source: BBC









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
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









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The 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.



The new consulate will be located in Accra, the capital of Ghana.



The opening of the new consulate will further boost the long history of trade, investment, and Pan-African cooperation between the two countries.



As is well known, Ghana and Tanzania enjoy a cordial relationship dating back to the independence era when our founding leaders 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 H.E. 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.









Source: Peacefmonline com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The 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

Your browser does not support iframes.

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
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.

Featured Video
By Matt DiSanto, Centre Daily Times

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

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.
The Superior Court of Pennsylvania affirmed a mans life sentence after he shot and killed a man and injured another in the 600 block of Lafayette Street in Lancaster on Fathers Day 2019.

Shawn Connelly was convicted of first-degree murder in February 2022 and sentenced to life in prison plus nine to 20 years in May 2022 for the shooting death of Anthony Marshall on June 16, 2019.

The man, who was convicted of first-degree murder in February 2022, had his appeal denied last week.

Connelly appealed the conviction, claiming the court failed to suppress his identity because of unduly suggestive police procedures, failed to provide enough evidence to identify him as the shooter and denied his post-sentence motion for a new trial because the verdict was against the weight of the evidence, the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office said.

Connellys defense argued that the identification process  which involved a witness watching video footage  was unreliable and unduly suggestive, but had their motion denied in a December 2021 hearing, the DA says.

Connelly also asserted that his pretrial motion was denied because the photos shown during the identification process were suggestive, not given in a double-blind fashion, and that officers showed the victim pictures of Connelly before making the identification, according to a press release.

The Superior Court found last week that Connelly presented no evidence suggesting the officers pressured [the victim] into making an identification, nor did the appellant present any scientific evidence challenging the identification procedure used by the officers.

Major Crimes Unit Supervisor Mark Fetterman convicted the case and Lancaster City Police Detective Eric McCrady filed the charges. Assistant District Attorney Tiffanie Camarota took over the case during Connellys appeal.

Connelly is currently in state prison, according to the DAs office.

READ MORE:

Former CEO of central Pa. company embezzled, stole millions for personal gain: police

Two large cats spotted near central Pa. cemetery: police
The owner of an animal rescue in Northumberland County is facing charges of animal neglect.

Anne Gibbs, 59, runs K9 Hero Haven in Herndon, a nonprofit that takes in retired military and police dogs.

A warranted search of the center conducted by Pennsylvania SPCA Humane Society Police found that several dogs were living in unsanitary conditions and were in need of medical care.

Gibbs failed to maintain a clean and sanitary shelter and provide necessary veterinary care to the dogs, causing bodily injury or placing them at risk of imminent bodily injury, according to reports from The News-Item and WNEP.

Kristen Penn, a kennel warden supervisor of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Dog Law, claims that many of the kennels at the animal rescue contained feces, and many dogs had feces matted into their coats. A foul odor of animal waste was also reported.

As a result, a total of 12 dogs were removed from the animal rescue, WNEP said.

Some of the dogs were severely underweight, positive for parasite giardia and aural debris in one or both of the ears, among other injuries.

Despite the poor conditions of the kennels, Raeanne Koonsman, a volunteer at K9 Hero Haven, told The News-Item that Gibbs keeps bringing more dogs to the location but does not provide more staff to address the kennels.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.

Read More:
Worldcoin Faces Global Regulatory Hurdles Amid Expansion

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Recent developments around Worldcoin have reignited discussions on data privacy and the ethical implications of personal identification. The projects audacious goal to grant everyone on Earth a biometrically verified digital ID has captured attention globallyand not always in a good way.

With its rapid ascent, the platform faces significant challenges, as governments and experts scrutinize its methods and intentions . Lets take a look at some of the main issues and concerns.

A Quick Recap on Worldcoin

Worldcoin launched on July 24 of this year, issuing its $WLD cryptocurrency token. Initially given to beta program participants, Worldcoin offered an airdrop of 25 $WLD (worth around $2.21 USD each at the time of launch) to people willing to undergo an iris scan.

The company states its mission is to create a global system where anyone can verify their humanity online. To achieve this, they introduced the World ID , a unique identifier generated through an iris scan.

This IrisCode acts as a one-time mark to ensure authenticity, and once issued, the ID is stored on the Worldcoin blockchain , ostensibly safeguarding user privacy. Simultaneously, the World App stores user credentials and doubles as a cryptocurrency wallet, facilitating transactions with $WLD.

As of August 11, over 2.2 million people have registered on the platform . But this rapid expansion hasnt been without its share of controversy.

Tackling Privacy Concerns Head-on

The ethical ramifications of trading biometric data for cryptocurrency have been a central concern for many. Users willingly share their iris scans in exchange for WLD tokens. Critics argue that this model could exploit economically disadvantaged populations , luring them with the promise of easy money in exchange for sensitive data.

John Wu, president of Ava Labs, commented on the ongoing debate in a CNBC interview today, highlighting the global need for self-sovereign digital identity.

Having [a] privacy [focused] digital identity and having it to yourself, self-sovereignmeaning like self-custodyis a big theme in all of the world, not just in Web3, he told CNBC. Wu also pointed out concerns about the tokens overseas airdrop practices, which affected the projects perception.

Growing Global Concerns

On August 3, Kenyas government, for one, took a decisive step against Worldcoin by banning its technology and raiding its Nairobi offices. Additionally, France, Germany, and the UK have initiated inquiries into Worldcoins operational model, emphasizing worries about the platforms handling of highly sensitive user data.

In response, a Worldcoin spokesperson assured that the team is taking steps to improve their system. They told CNBC today that During the pause, the team will develop an onboarding program that encompasses more robust crowd control measures and work with local officials to increase understanding of the privacy measures and commitments Worldcoin implements, not only in Kenya but everywhere.

Expert Opinions and the Road Ahead

While Worldcoins promise of a global digital identity has its supporters, skeptics arent hard to find.

<oembed url=https://twitter.com/DeepBlueCrypto/status/1694479646916530261[/embed] Muvya Muthama, working in fraud prevention for the crypto exchange Yellow Card expressed concerns after reviewing Worldcoins whitepaper , stating, I went into a restaurant for 3 hours, and I went through the whitepaper. When I continued to read all of that, I was like, this seemed a bit too dystopian for me. Additionally, Kenneth Byarugaba, a former runner for Worldcoin in Uganda, described his role in recruiting users and receiving commissions for each successful registration. We would stop people in shopping malls, in universities, in walkways. Just stop someone, greet them, ask for a few minutes of their time, and explain the project. His perspective offers a glimpse into the aggressive expansion strategies Worldcoin employed, especially in developing regions. Sam Altmans Worldcoin project, with its current $3 billion valuation , remains a focal point in discussions surrounding digital identity. As Worldcoin continues its expansion, balancing ambition with ethical concerns will be paramount. The platforms future will be shaped not only by its technological innovations but also by its ability to address legitimate global concerns about privacy and data protection.
A Collingdale man is being accused of leaving multiple kittens to die in two sealed, plastic bins outside a Delaware County veterinary clinic, where they suffocated in the heat.

The suspect, 59-year-old Harold Thomas, is wanted in two incidents that left five kittens dead.

The first incident occurred on July 15, when the owner of the Spayed Club Veterinary Clinic, located at 800 Chester Pike in Sharon Hill, contacted the Brandywine Valley SPCA to report that a crate had been left outside of the clinic on a Saturday, when the clinic was closed. Temperatures that day were high as well, reaching 90 degrees.

When a staff member discovered the crate hours later, the lid was taped shut with no air holes. Inside were two dead kittens. Surveillance video from the business showed a man carrying the crate to the clinic, leaving it there and quickly walking away.

Then, on Aug. 11 at 8:30 p.m., the same man was captured on surveillance footage carrying a second crate and leaving it outside of the clinic when it was closed. Staff members didnt discover the crate until the following afternoon.

Much like the first crate, the second was also sealed, with no air holes, and there were three dead kittens in the sweltering hot container, NBC10 reported.

Thomas was later identified as a suspect by the two surveillance videos. He later admitted to leaving the first crate but denied dropping off the second.

Litters arent litter, Adam Lamb, the Brandywine Valley SPCAs chief executive officer, said to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Cats deserve more, and we will do everything we can to get justice for them so they may rest in peace.

Thomas has been charged with multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty and also faces five counts of neglect of animals, one for each kitten killed, the Inquirer reported.

Read More:
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  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.

Yarls 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.

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 familys 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, Yarls 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.

Andrew Lester appears in court to answer charges of first-degree assault and armed criminal action on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 in Liberty, Missouri Lester, 84, accused of shooting Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager, pleaded not guilty. (KMBC via AP, Pool)AP

Yarl and his family will have the opportunity to face his alleged assailant at Lesters 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.

More:

Driver killed by Pa. trooper making illegal pass honked as flames engulfed her car: Help me!

Central Pa. man dies after hitting high-voltage electrical line: coroner
WILLIAMSPORT  A Lycoming County judge stands by his opinion that two voters are not entitled to a forensic audit of the November 2020 presidential election in the county.

Judge Eric R Linhardt stated so in an opinion filed Wednesday in response to the issues raised by Richard Houser and Catherine Burns in their appeal of his July 5 decision.

The court is satisfied with that opinion and believes it has properly decided the issues in this case, he wrote.

In his July ruling, Linhardt pointed out there is no provision in the state Election Code compelling the board of elections through an independent third party to conduct the audit that was requested.

Look Ahead America, a website operated by Matt Braynard, a former Trump official, provided 11 potential fraudulent registrations to county election director Forrest K. Lehman who is alleged to have admitted six were, they said.

He further found Houser and Burns did not strictly adhere to the statutory requirements for contesting an election after the results are certified.

Lacking, according to Linhardt, was a petition of at least 100 electors who voted in the election and a verification affidavit signed by at least five of them.

A bond must be posted within five days of the petition being filed which did not occur either, he said.

Houser and Burns, who are members of the conservative Patriots organization, contend the judge erred in dismissing their entire complaint.

They also question whether he did so based on the fallacy they were challenging the election.

They have claimed they were not challenging the results but their complaint sought a court order decertifying them if the audit uncovered proof of fraud.

The basis of their suit is the allegation county election officials failed as required to refer to the district attorney all allegations of fraud or irregularity.

Houser and Burns claim the county commissioners were presented evidence of specific vote irregularities but failed to have them investigated.

Look Ahead America, a website operated by Matt Braynard, a former Trump official, provided 11 potential fraudulent registrations to county election director Forrest K. Lehman who is alleged to have admitted six were, they said.

The judges order and Houser and Burns on Monday filing a concise statement of the matters they are appealing are prerequisites for case being sent to Commonwealth Court.

President Trump defeated Joe Biden, 41,462 to 16,971, in Lycoming County in 2020.

More:

DeSantis in Harrisburg; presidential candidate has campaign stop planned for Sept. 5

Ex-N.J. Gov. Christie beating everyone but Trump in GOP presidential poll
PHILADELPHIA  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.

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.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro takes off his face mask to speak during the Emergency Aid Extension ceremony at the Planalto Palace in Brasilia, Brazil, on June 30, 2020. Bolsonaro has tested positive for COVID-19. (Andre Borges/NurPhoto/Zuma Press/TNS) TNSTNS

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.

Zoe Greenberg of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote this story. Staff writer Ryan Briggs contributed to this article.

2023 The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC. Visit at inquirer.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
By EMMA BURROWS and AAMER MADHANI, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  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, according to U.S. and Western officials.

One of the officials, who were not authorized to comment and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the explosion falls in line with Russian President Vladimir Putins long history of trying to silence his critics.

The officials did not offer any details on what caused the explosion that was believed to have killed Prigozhin and several of his lieutenants to avenge a mutiny that challenged the Russian leaders authority.

Details of the U.S. assessment surfaced as Putin on Thursday expressed his condolences to the families of those who were reported to be aboard the jet and referred to serious mistakes by Prigozhin. The White House declined to comment.

The founder of the Wagner military company and six other passengers were on a private jet that crashed Wednesday soon after taking off from Moscow with a crew of three, according to Russias civil aviation authority. Rescuers found 10 bodies, and Russian media cited anonymous sources in Wagner who said Prigozhin was dead. But there has been no official confirmation.

President Joe Biden, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, said that he believed Putin was behind the crash, though he acknowledged that he did not, at that time, have solid information verifying his belief.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, Biden said. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer.

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)AP

If the deaths are confirmed, the crash would be the most serious blow the group has ever suffered to its leadership. The passenger manifest included Prigozhin and his second-in-command who baptized the group with his nom de guerre, as well as Wagners logistics chief, a fighter wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Syria and at least one possible bodyguard.

It was not clear why several high-ranking members of Wagner, including top leaders who are normally exceedingly careful about their security, were on the same flight. The purpose of their joint trip to St. Petersburg was unknown.

In all, the other passengers included six of Prigozhins lieutenants, along with the three-member flight crew.

At Wagners headquarters in St. Petersburg, lights were turned on in the shape of a large cross, and Prigozhin supporters built a makeshift memorial, piling red and white flowers outside the building Thursday, along with company flags and candles.

In his first comments on the crash, Putin said the passengers had made a significant contribution to the fighting in Ukraine.

We remember this, we know, and we will not forget, the president said in a televised interview with the Russian-installed leader of Ukraines partially occupied Donetsk region, Denis Pushilin.

Putin recalled that he had known Prigozhin since the early 1990s and described him as a man of difficult fate who had made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed  both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months. He was a talented man, a talented businessman.

Russian state media have not covered the crash extensively, instead focusing on Putins remarks to the BRICS summit in Johannesburg via video link and Russias invasion of Ukraine.

A woman reacts at an informal memorial next to the former 'PMC Wagner Centre' in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, reportedly died when a private jet he was said to be on crashed on Aug. 23, 2023, killing all 10 people on board. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)AP

Elsewhere, police cordoned off the field where the plane went down in Kuzhenkino, about 300 kilometers (185 miles) northwest of Moscow, as investigators studied its wreckage. Vehicles took away the bodies.

Several Russian social media channels reported that the bodies were burned or disfigured beyond recognition and would need to be identified by DNA. The reports were picked up by independent Russian media, but The Associated Press was not able to independently confirm them.

Prigozhin supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging app channels that the plane was deliberately downed, including suggesting it could have been hit by a missile or targeted by a bomb on board. Those claims could not be independently verified.

Sergei Mironov, the leader of the pro-Kremlin Fair Russia party and former chairman of the upper house of the Russian parliament suggested on his Telegram channel that Prigozhin had been deliberately killed.

Prigozhin messed with too many people in Russia, Ukraine and the West, Mironov wrote. It now seems that at some point his number of enemies reached a critical point.

Russian authorities have said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Kuzhenkino resident Anastasia Bukharova, 27, said she was walking with her children Wednesday when she saw the jet, and then  boom!  it exploded in the sky and began to fall down. She said she was scared it would hit houses in the village and ran with the children, but it ended up crashing into a field.

Something sort of was torn from it in the air, and it began to go down and down, she added.

Numerous opponents and critics of Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts, and U.S. and other Western officials long expected the Russian leader to go after Prigozhin, despite promising to drop charges in a deal that ended the June 23-24 mutiny.

It is no coincidence that the whole world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced ex-confidant of Putin suddenly falls from the sky, two months after he attempted an uprising, said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, while acknowledging that the facts were still unclear.

We know this pattern  in Putins Russia  deaths and dubious suicides, falls from windows that all ultimately remain unexplained, she added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also pointed the finger. We have nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who does, he said.

According to the civil aviation authority, the flight manifest included Dmitry Utkin, who was long believed to be the founder of Wagner. Utkins call sign was Wagner, which became the companys name. He was a retired special forces officer and a member of Russias GRU military intelligence service and was responsible for Wagner command and combat training, according to investigations by the Dossier Center and Bellingcat.

Other top associates listed on the manifest included Valery Chekalov, who was Wagners logistics mastermind, in charge of managing mercenaries and securing weapons, and Yevgeny Makaryan, who was wounded while fighting with Wagner in Syria.

The crash also came the same week that Russian media reported that Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former top commander in Ukraine who was reportedly linked to Prigozhin, was dismissed from his post as commander of Russias air force.

Prigozhin was long outspoken and critical of how Russian generals were waging the war in Ukraine, where his mercenaries were some of the fiercest fighters for the Kremlin. For a long time, Putin appeared content to allow such infighting  and Prigozhin seemed to have unusual latitude to speak his mind.

But Prigozhins brief revolt raised the ante. His mercenaries swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot. They then drove to within about 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow and downed several military aircraft, killing more than a dozen Russian pilots.

Putin first denounced the rebellion  the most serious challenge to his 23-year rule  as treason and a stab in the back. He vowed to punish its perpetrators, and the world waited for his next move, particularly since Prigozhin had publicly questioned the Russian leaders justifications for the war in Ukraine, seen as a red line.

But instead Putin made a deal that saw an end to the mutiny in exchange for an amnesty for Prigozhin and his mercenaries and permission for them to move to Belarus.

Now many are suggesting the punishment has finally come.

The downing of the plane was certainly no mere coincidence, Janis Sarts, director of NATOs Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, told Latvian television.

Even if confirmed, Prigozhins death is unlikely to have an effect on Russias war in Ukraine. His forces fought some of the bloodiest battles over the last 18 months, but pulled back from the front line after capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut in late May. After the rebellion, Russian officials said his fighters would only be able to return to Ukraine as part of the regular army.

The Institute for the Study of War argued that Russian authorities likely moved against Prigozhin and his top associates as the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organization.

Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for President Putin turned political consultant, said Putin had to step in because, by carrying out the mutiny and remaining free, Prigozhin shoved Putins face into the dirt front of the whole world.

Failing to punish Prigozhin would have offered an open invitation for all potential rebels and troublemakers, so Putin had to act, Gallyamov said.

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

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 fell, one of its wings apparently missing. A free fall like that typically occurs 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.
By ELENA BECATOROS, Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Firefighters struggled Thursday against strong winds and hot, dry conditions to tame multiple wildfires burning for days in northeastern Greece and on the fringes of the countrys capital.

The wildfires have left 20 people dead over the last week. Eighteen of those, including two boys aged between 10 and 15, are believed to be migrants who crossed the nearby border with Turkey. Their bodies were found by firefighters near a shack in a burnt forest area in northeastern Greece.

Sixty firefighters have been injured battling the flames, fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios said Thursday.

Elsewhere in Europe, fires on Tenerife in Spains Canary Islands, northwestern Turkey near the border with Greece, Portugal and Italy were being brought under control, officials said.

Greeces Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said arson was to blame for some of the blazes near Athens.

Some ... arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives, Kikilias said in a televised statement. What is happening is not just unacceptable but despicable and criminal.

The minister said nine fires had been set in the space of four hours Thursday in the area of Avlona, in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha near the Greek capital.

You are committing a crime against the country, Kikilias said. You will not get away with it. We will find you, you will be held accountable to justice.

Dozens of firefighting aircraft, including from other European countries, and hundreds of ground forces were faced with tackling numerous fires across Greece. On Wednesday alone, firefighters battled 99 separate blazes across the country, authorities said.

In Greeces northeast, a major fire in the Alexandroupolis area that forced several evacuations, including of the citys general hospital, was burning for a sixth day.

According to the European Unions Copernicus Emergency Management Service, the Alexandroupolis fire had scorched more than 723 square kilometers (280 square miles) by Wednesday, making it one of the largest on European soil in several years. Copernicus is the EU space programs Earth observation component and uses satellite imagery to provide mapping data.

On the outskirts of Athens, a major fire that destroyed homes in the foothills of Mount Parnitha on Wednesday was racing across the mountains forested slopes and threatened the heart of a national park that is one of the last wooded areas near the Greek capital.

Evacuation orders were issued for several outlying suburbs overnight into Thursday, while other neighborhoods were put on standby for possible evacuation.

With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has asked other European countries for assistance. Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian and Albanian firefighters have been helping on the ground.

Artopios, the Greek fire department spokesman, said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, were battling the Parnitha fire supported by 10 planes and 11 helicopters. Bulgarian, Albanian, Romanian and Czech firefighters with vehicles were helping in the Alexandroupolis fire.

Burnt trees in the village of Avra, 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)AP

With their hot, dry summers, southern European countries are particularly prone to wildfires. European Union officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

In Spains Tenerife, a fire that has scorched 150 square kilometers (58 square miles) was being brought under control by Wednesday night.

Its a very tough battle that the firefighting teams are winning, Canary regional government counselor Manuel Miranda said Wednesday evening.

In Turkey, firefighters in the northwestern Canakkale province on Thursday brought a wildfire under control less than 48 hours after it erupted amid high temperatures and strong winds, Turkish Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

Yumakli said the fire, which had forced the evacuation of 11 villages, had affected 40 square kilometers (15 square miles) including 14 square kilometers (5.4 square miles) of agricultural land.

A firefighting volunteer who was injured and six other people who suffered from smoke inhalation were being kept under observation in hospitals, Yumakli said.

We are extremely happy that there was no loss of life, Yamukli said. However, we are heartbroken for other creatures of the ecosystem that were affected.

Shipping traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, a major maritime thoroughfare linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, was being partially restored to one lane only, after being completely suspended as fire-dousing aircraft use the waterway to pick up water.

Yumakli said another fire in central Turkey has also been brought under control and there were no other active wildfires in the country Thursday.

Two large fires in Portugal and a smaller one in Italy were brought under control by Thursday, those countries authorities said, but temperatures - and the risk of new fires - remained high.

Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Turkey, Barry Hatton in Lisbon, Portugal and Colleen Barry in Milan contributed to this report.
Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and top officers of his private Wagner military company were presumed dead in a plane crash that was widely seen as an assassination, two months after they staged a mutiny that dented President Vladimir Putins authority.

Russias civil aviation agency said that Prigozhin and six top lieutenants were on a business jet that crashed Wednesday, soon after taking off from Moscow, with a crew of three. Rescuers found all 10 bodies, and Russian media cited sources in Prigozhins Wagner company who confirmed his death.

Police cordoned off the field where the plane crashed a few hundred kilometers (miles) north of Moscow, as investigators studied the site. Vehicles were seen driving in to take the bodies for forensic examinations.

At Wagners headquarters in St. Petersburg, lights were turned on in the shape of a large cross. Prigozhins supporters brought flowers to the building in an improvised memorial.

U.S. and other Western officials long expected Putin to go after Prigozhin, despite promising to drop charges in a deal that ended the June 23-24 mutiny.

I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised, U.S. President Joe Biden said. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind.

Prigozhin supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging app channels that the plane was deliberately downed, including suggesting it could have been hit by an air defense missile or targeted by a bomb on board. These claims could not be independently verified. Numerous opponents and critics of Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts.

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)AP

The downing of the plane was certainly no mere coincidence, Janis Sarts, director of NATOs Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, told Latvian television.

The crash came the same week that Russian media reported that Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former top commander in Ukraine who was reportedly linked to Prigozhin, was dismissed from his post as commander of Russias air force. Surovikin hasnt been seen in public since the mutiny, when he recorded a video address urging Prigozhins forces to pull back.

As news of the crash broke, Putin projected calm, speaking at an event commemorating the WWII Battle of Kursk and hailing the heroes of Russias war in Ukraine. On Thursday, he addressed the BRICS summit in Johannesburg via videolink, talking about expanding cooperation among the groups members. He didnt mention the crash and the Kremlin made no comment about it.

While countless theories about the events swirled, most observers saw Prigozhins death as Putins punishment for the most serious challenge to his authority of his 23-year rule.

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, and the Kremlin wouldnt really stand in the way of that.

In the revolt that started on June 23 and lasted less than 24 hours, Prigozhins mercenaries swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot. They then drove within about 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow in what Prigozhin called a march of justice to oust the top military leaders who demanded that the mercenaries sign contracts with the Defense Ministry. They downed several military aircraft, killing more than a dozen Russian pilots.

Putin first denounced the rebellion as treason and a stab in the back and vowed to punish its perpetrators, but hours later made a deal that saw an end to the mutiny in exchange for an amnesty for Prigozhin and his mercenaries and a permission for them to move to Belarus.

Details of the deal have remained murky, but Prigozhin has reportedly shuttled among Moscow, St. Petersburg, Belarus and Africa where his mercenaries have continued their activities despite the rebellion. He was quickly given back truckloads of cash, gold bars and other items that police seized on the day of the rebellion, feeding speculation that the Kremlin still needed Prigozhin despite the mutiny.

Earlier this week, the mercenary chief published his first video since the mutiny, declaring that he was speaking from an undisclosed location in Africa where Wagner is making Russia even greater on all continents, and Africa even more free.

Prigozhins overseas activities reportedly have irked Russias military leadership, who have sought to replace Wagner with Russian military personnel in Africa.

Russian servicemen guard a road near a private jet crash, near the village of Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, reportedly died when a private jet he was said to be on crashed on Aug. 23, 2023, killing all 10 people on board. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)AP

The Institute for the Study of War argued that Russian authorities likely moved to eliminate Prigozhin and his top associates as the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organization.

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.

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 fell, one of its wings apparently missing. A freefall like that 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.

Prigozhins death is unlikely to have an effect on Russias war in Ukraine. His forces fought some of the fiercest battles over the last 18 months, but pulled back from the frontline after capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut in late May.
In 1977, a 21-year-old Mount Pocono man who had just celebrated his birthday, was found in the trunk of his own car, beaten and strangled to death.

David Gross body was found on Aug. 10 in the Delaware Water Gap Recreational Area on Route 611 in Upper Mount Bethel Twp., Northampton County.

Gross, who lived in Mount Pocono, Monroe County, may have been murdered at another location and transported to the location where his body was recovered, according to Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers.

On Tuesday, Crime Stoppers said, the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, Criminal Investigation Assessment Unit, is continuing to investigate the cold case and a $5,000 reward has been offered for information.

Crime Stoppers said Gross was a 1974 graduate of Pocono Mountain High School and was employed at his fathers carpentry business. He also had just started working for an art gallery.

The victim hosted his own 21st birthday party in nearby Cresco, several days before his death. The party was heavily attended by people from the Pocono Mountain and Lehigh Valley areas and several bands had been hired to play at the event, Crime Stoppers said.

People can anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 800-472-8477 or online.

Tipsters, Crime Stoppers said, could be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest, the solving of a crime/cold case or the location of a wanted person/fugitive or missing persons.

READ MORE: Reward offered for information about fatal shooting of Pa. man 35 years ago
Eight GOP candidates for president after they entered the debate hall in Milwaukee on Aug. 23, 2023. Scott Olson/Getty Images

After weeks of speculation over who was going to participate, eight Republican candidates seeking their partys presidential nomination appeared on stage together in Milwaukee on Aug. 23, 2023, for the first debate of the 2024 election season. Lest this sound like a normal event, it was not  the leading candidate, former President Donald Trump, whos getting more than 50% in national primary polls, chose not to come. But that may have been a benefit to the debaters, who were able to spend their time talking about issues and not simply fighting off attacks by Trump.

The Conversation U.S. asked three experts  foreign policy scholar Jordan Tama from American University, Michigan State law professor Brian Kalt and Arizona State historian Calvin Schermerhorn  to watch, listen and analyze the debate. Here are their contributions:

Speaking about race in code

Calvin Schermerhorn, Arizona State University

At a time when the Republican Party is struggling to gain the support of minority voters, their first debate featured a chorus of dog whistling on issues of race.

In response to a question about rising urban crime rates, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy whistled the loudest. He would put more cops on the streets who did not have to look over their shoulder for getting sued, a jab at Black Lives Matter and the broader push for police accountability.

Ramaswamy vowed to end the teachers unions and impose a civics test on 18- to 24-year-olds in order for them to vote, echoing Jim Crow literacy tests that were imposed on Black voters. Reverse racism is racism, he added in closing.

Not to be out-dog-whistled on the crime issue, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis accused liberal philanthropist George Soros of funding radical left-wing district attorneys, who, in this view, turn a blind eye to street crime at the urging of the 93-year-old Jewish billionaire.

DeSantis has partially built his brand on clamping down on school curricula around race and racism. On the stage he claimed to have eliminated critical race theory and eliminated gender ideology from Florida schools, declaring that we need education in this country, not indoctrination in this country.

Not to be outdone, former United Nations ambassador Nikki Haley said, Theres a lot of crazy woke things happening in schools.

Former Vice President Mike Pence opposed bail reform, a civil rights measure that is strongly supported by progressive voters.

Haley, Ramaswamy and U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina stood shoulder to shoulder with the five white men on stage, each claiming to have boot-strapped their way up. Yet, in this historically diverse field of Republican candidates, there was not a diversity of views regarding race.

Scott mentioned repeatedly that he was raised in a single-parent home and touted the Trump-Pence administrations low unemployment rate for Black and Hispanic workers.

Yet Scott didnt deviate from the conservative script that government aid hurts families and vowed to break the backs of the teachers unions.

Candidates spar over funding the Ukraine war

Jordan Tama, American University School of International Service

The debate moderators pivoted to foreign policy questions in the second half of the two-hour debate revealing an important divide within the Republican Party over the United States role in the world.

The candidates all agreed on the importance of countering China and securing the southern border with Mexico, but disagreed sharply over whether the U.S. should continue providing military and other kinds of support to Ukraine, now in its second year of war with Russia.

DeSantis said that he would make U.S. aid to Ukraine contingent on European countries providing more funding. Ramaswamy, meanwhile, countered that the U.S. should not prioritize the war in Ukraine, arguing that, We have to put the interests of Americans first, secure our own border instead of someone elses.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, Pence and Haley then pounced on Ramaswamy, making the case for a more robust vision of American leadership on the world stage.

Anybody who thinks we cannot solve the problems here in the U.S. and be the leader in the free world has a pretty small view of the greatest nation in the world. We can do both! Pence said.

Haley also took Ramaswamy to task for suggesting that China, not Russia, represented the real threat to the U.S., expressing her belief theres an important connection between the two countries. A win for Russia is a win for China, Haley said.

This quick exchange captured Republican politicians core differences on fundamental foreign policy issues. Will the Republican Party  and possibly, the U.S.  stand for international engagement, democracy and freedom? Or will Republicans adopt a narrower, inward-looking vision?

The first debate shows that this question remains on the table.

Pardoning Trump  and its limits

Brian Kalt, Michigan State University

As the debates discussion of Donald Trump wound down, Ramaswamy reiterated his pledge to pardon Trump if elected, and asked Pence if he would do the same. Pence responded by saying he would give due consideration to a pardon, but suggested that he would only do so if Trump was convicted and showed contrition.

Presidential pardons typically are, similar to what Pence described, given only to restore the civil rights of people who have been convicted, served their sentences and shown contrition. But presidents have the power, if they want to use it, to grant pardons to people who have shown no contrition at all. They occasionally do so.

Presidents also have the power to issue pardons preemptively, to people who have not been convicted or even charged yet. Thus a President Ramaswamy would be able to use his pardon power not only to reverse a Trump conviction but also to end any ongoing federal prosecution or investigation against him.

But it is important to remember that presidential pardons cannot reach state crimes. So a President Ramaswamy would not be able to completely end the prosecution of Trump, only the federal part of it; any state prosecution  such as those in New York and Georgia  could still go forward.

Jordan Tama, Associate Professor of International Relations, American University School of International Service; Brian Kalt, Professor of Law and Harold Norris Faculty Scholar, Michigan State University, and Calvin Schermerhorn, Professor of History, Arizona State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Police on Wednesday said Troop H in Harrisburg has seen an increase in the number of seizures in "candy" with THC or psilocybin.
An athlete gets a high five from a friend as swimmers move to the start line of the first leg of 2022 Subaru Ironman Canada event.
Azerbaijan's foreign ministry argues Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is undermining peace in the Nagorno-Karabakh region by referring to the area as Artsakh, the name for the region used by Armenian secessionists. A checkpoint of the Russia peacekeeping force is seen on a road in Armenia leading towards the separatist region of Nagorno-Karabakh, Tuesday, March 14, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-PHOTOLURE, Vahram Baghdasaryan
A local nonprofit organization is on track to having its collection of vintage railroad cars put on public display.

This past spring, state Rep. Thomas Kutz, R-87, announced that a $130,000 grant has been awarded to the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association Inc. of Monroe Township.

Part of the grant will be used to reimburse the association the upfront costs to install a display track off the mainline of the associations private railroad, Vice President Dale Bentz said.

Right now, the association has several cabooses, tank cars and other rolling stock in storage out of sight of the public, Bentz said. We want to bring them out and display them on this track.

Work on the display track could take place in 2024, Bentz said. It would have to be coordinated somewhat with the project to move the carousel house from the former Williams Grove Amusement Park site to the steam engine association grounds, he said.

The balance of the grant money will be used to reimburse the association the costs to purchase and install about 15 interpretative signs throughout its 94-acre site, Bentz said.

Some signs will touch on local history such as the Great Grangers Picnic Exhibition and the railroad that provided service to the Williams Grove area during the heyday of the annual event.

Other signs will interpret different site features including the boiler room the association uses to demonstrate past uses of steam power.

There will also be signs for the railroad cars that will put out on the future display track and for Engine 643, a 120-year-old locomotive that has been preserved, restored and put into operation.

The track project would involve putting the work out for bid, Bentz said. The signs are an easier project that could be turned around quicker, he said.

The association was awarded the grant under the Local Share Account grant program, Kutz said in a press release. Those grants are funded by revenue collected as part of Pennsylvanias Gaming Act.

The funding was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority, an independent agency that holds fiduciary responsibility over the funding of programs and investments in Pennsylvanias economic growth.
$200 No Deposit Bonus and 200 Free Spins for Real Money

August 23, 2023 Sam Coyle Senior Casino & Gaming Manager

Looking for the much-talked about $200 no deposit bonus with 200 free spins?

Some say this is the biggest 'unicorn' in the casino world, but in this article well point you in the right direction for the best no deposit bonus offers and the best free spins promos around. This means that by the time you have finished reading you will have banked much more in bonuses at online casinos than even that headline offer promises.

Simply read on to find our links to claim more than a $200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins for Real Money.

To be totally transparent, the $200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins Real Money offer is the stuff of legend, and you wont find it at any legal and reputable online casino. Therefore, what you need to do is sign up at a number of casino sites that are available in your region and take advantage of all the bonuses on offer.

Find the Best Online Casino Bonus Get the latest offers for the recommended online casino in your location. (T&C's and other restrictions apply) GET BONUS

Important Notice: The bonus offers listed on this page were available at the time of writing and may since have changed. Always check the latest information, including all the terms and conditions, before signing up and placing a bet at any online casino.

Where To Claim $200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins Real Money USA

Online Casinos where you can play for real money are currently legal in the USA only in the States of Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, so use the links on these pages to claim a $200 no deposit bonus + 200 free spins for real money through multiple online casinos if you are aged 21 or over and reside in one of these.

Get Free Coins Bonuses at Social Casinos

In a location where real money gaming isnt legal? No worries, weve still got you covered. You can play your favourite casino games such as roulette, blackjack, and slots at our top recommended free-to-play social casinos.

Find Your Next Social Casino Play Online Slots & Casino Games completely free on a social casino site! (T&C's and other restrictions apply) Play Now

The Best Casino Bonuses at US Online Casino Sites

Fanduel Casino: $1,000 Back if Youre Down

While FanDuel Casino doesnt offer a no deposit or free spins bonus, we would be remiss not to mention the bonus offer that they have.

FanDuel Casino have a new player offer where you can get up to $1,000 back if you're down after your first day playing on the online casino.

Simply make your first real money deposit, and you'll receive a refund in casino credit for any net losses in this first 24 hours of playing at FanDuel Casino.

The minimum bonus you can receive is $5, and the maximum is $1,000.

PokerStars Casino: Bet $1 & Get $100 Casino Bonus + 250 Bonus Spins

Get $100 Free Play when you join PokerStars Casino as a new player! It's easy to get set up and take advantage of this offer. Just register and opt-in at PokerStars Casino, bet at least $1 on a casino game, and claim your $100 Casino Free Play!

PLUS, you can also get 250 Bonus Spins on top of this offer to use on PokerStars Casino slots!

BetMGM Casino: Deposit Match Bonus and Free $25

New players who sign up for a BetMGM Casino account will be eligible for a free $25 and a 100% deposit match up to $1,000 when you deposit at least $10. This offer is available for players who are signing up to BetMGM Casino for the first time.

Here's how it works:

Borgata Casino: Welcome Deposit Bonus offer + $20 Free

For all new players to Borgata Casino, there is a welcome deposit bonus offer which includes a $20 bonus. From 3 days after creating your account, you will be eligible for $20 bonus.

With a minimum required deposit of $10, Borgata will also match the value of your first deposit up to a maximum of $1,000. However, for the bonus this will expire 30 days after creating your new account.

bet365 Casino 100% Bonus up to $1,000 New Jersey

Kickstart your casino play with this fantastic offer, ready to use on an incredible range of exciting games at bet365 Casino in New Jersey.

To claim your bonus, follow the easy steps below:

Deposit a minimum of $10 up to $1000 at bet365 Casino. To claim your bonus, got to 'Account Menu' then 'My Offers'. Wager your qualifying deposit to start using your bonus. Wager the value of your qualifying deposit by 20x on eligible games to move the bonus to your withdrawable balance.

Wheel of Fortune Casino Deposit Match Bonus plus $25 dollars

Sign up for Wheel of Fortune Casino and take advantage of their Welcome Offer: 100% Deposit Match up to a maximum of $2,500 PLUS $25 BONUS DOLLARS!

Just follow these steps to claim this offer:

Visit Wheel of Fortune Casino (NJ only) and create your account. Your $25 Bonus Dollars will be added to your account when your account is verified. Make your first deposit of $10 or more, and Wheel of Fortune Casino will match it 100%, up to $2,500, in Bonus Dollars. The deposit amount, bonus match amount, and any associated winnings will be restricted until the wagering requirement is completed.

Read the full terms & conditions of this offer, and any other bonuses at Wheel of Fortune Casino, before signing up.

PartyCasino NJ Deposit Match Bonus & 100 Spins

Take advantage of the great bonuses on offer when making a deposit at PartyCasino in New Jersey. This offer means that PartyCasino NJ wil match 100% of your deposit up to a maximum of $500!

PLUS, you can now get 100 Bonus Spins as part of this offer to use on PartyCasino NJ slots!

BetRivers 100% Deposit Match up to $500 Bonus

Sign up now at BetRivers Casino and take advantage of their great Welcome Offer!

Make a deposit of at least $10, and use the code 'CASINO500', and BetRivers Casino will match this 100%, up to a maximum of $500 in Bonus Money. 1X playthrough is required on select games, and terms & conditions apply.

Just follow these steps to activate this offer:

Create a new account at BetRivers Casino. Make your first deposit of at least $10. Use the code 'CASINO500' for your offer to be activated.

Unibet 100% up to $1000 Deposit Match + 10 Bonus Spins!

Just follow these simple steps to claim the offer at Unibet Casino NJ:

Visit Unibet Casino and create your account. Make your qualifying deposit which will be matched up to $1000. Get credited with your bonus money & 10 additional free spins. Enjoy a fantastic selection of slots and other casino games!

Read the full terms & conditions of this offer and any other bonuses at Unibet Casino before signing up. Always gamble responsibly.

$200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins In Your State

We have already established that the $200 no deposit bonus + 200 free spins real money bonus isnt actually available, no matter which State you live in, but below well tell you which is, in our opinion, the best casino sign-up bonus offer in your state (correct at the time of writing).

Best No Deposit Bonus or Free Spins in Michigan

The Wolverine State has introduced a number of new online casinos since becoming regulated and there are many Michigan online casino bonuses on offer.

The best offer you can get in Michigan is the one offered at BetMGM Casino. As well as a deposit match up to $1,000, there is also $25 in free credit just for signing up and verifying your account.

Best No Deposit Bonus or Free Spins in New Jersey

If you live in the state of New Jersey, then count yourself lucky. There are a number of New Jersey Online Casino bonuses for you to choose from, more so than in any other State.

You can get $20 and $25 by signing up at Borgata Casino and BetMGM Casino respectively, plus another bonus when you make your first deposit, and you can also get 250 free spins at PokerStars Casino for placing a bet of just $1.

Put yourself in an advantageous position by claiming all the offers listed on this page for New Jersey players (make sure you read the T&Cs and always gamble responsibly).

Best No Deposit Bonus or Free Spins in Pennsylvania

Players in Pennsylvania have some excellent options when it comes to registering with online casinos for the first time, with PA online casino bonuses available at FanDuel Casino, BetMGM Casino, and PokerStars Casino, among others.

The offer at FanDuel Casino might not include a No Deposit Bonus or Free Spins, but it is worth considering as one of the better bonuses in PA, as any losses you make in your first 24 hours will be refunded up to $1,000!

Best No Deposit Bonus or Free Spins in West Virginia

There are fewer online casinos in West Virginia than in some of the other States, but there are still some good online casino bonuses in WV for you to take advantage of. As well as the $25 on offer for signing up at BetMGM Casino, players in WV can get deposit match bonuses at both FanDuel Casino and BetRivers Casino.

$200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins Real Money UK, EU & Canada

Much like in the US, the $200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins Real Money isnt actually available anywhere else, either, at least not in reputable and regulated casinos. But that doesnt mean there arent some great offers out there.

If youre in the UK, Europe, Canada or various other countries around the world where online casino betting is legal, then there are a number of casinos at which you can sign up to get no deposit bonus offers or free spins.

Right now, for players in the UK or EU, the best place to play with no deposit is 888casino, where you'll find a huge range of slots, jackpot games as well as table casino games.

888casino 88 FREE SPINS

888casino offers a no deposit free bonus with 88 FREE SPINS to play selected slots for newly signed up players. All you have to do is create an account for a chance to start spinning the reels and win real money too!

Terms and Conditions apply:

New players only

Use your 88 Free Spins within 14 days after registration

1x wagering required only on games contributing 100%

*See full T&C page on 888casino.

Get 88 FREE SPINS at 888CASINO

Best Games To Play With $200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins

Slots

If you are trying a new online casino and have plenty of bonus funds to use, then online slots are as good a place to start as any. On PokerNews, we have lots of content devoted to online slots, including the best online slots to play, but if you just want to dive straight in then why not try one of these..

Table Games

If slots arent your thing, and you prefer traditional casino table games, then why not claim your no deposit bonuses and get started with.

Roulette

Blackjack

Craps

Baccarat

$200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins Terms & Conditions and Wagering Requirements

As with anything when it comes to online gambling, when you sign up for a new online casino, you should always pay close attention to the terms and conditions and the play-through or wagering requirements.

Most sign-up bonus offers will come with wagering requirements (others include eligible games, max cashout, max bet, etc). To give a simple example, a 1x wagering requirement means that if you get a $25 free bonus cash, you need to wager $25 before you can withdraw (or continue playing).

However, in most cases, the wagering requirement is usually a bit higher. If you receive a $20 free money casino bonus with a 5x wagering requirement, you need to wager 5x $20 = $100. Note that table games like blackjack and roulette may have higher wagering requirements:

$200 No Deposit Bonus + 200 Free Spins FAQs

What is a no deposit bonus and how does it work? A no deposit bonus is a type of promotion offered by online casinos where players receive a certain amount of bonus funds without having to make a deposit. In this case, the offer includes a $200 bonus. Players can use this bonus to play games and potentially win real money. Do I need to deposit money to claim the $200 bonus and 200 free spins? The $200 and 200 free spins bonus doesnt actually exist at reputable online casinos, but for many of the offers listed on this page there is no requirement to make a deposit. Can I win real money with this bonus and free spins? Yes, you can win real money using the bonus funds and free spins listed on this page. If you meet the wagering requirements and any other terms set by the casino, you can withdraw your winnings as real cash. What are the wagering requirements for this offer? Wagering requirements are conditions that specify how many times you need to play through your bonus winnings before you can withdraw them. Check the terms and conditions of the offer for the specific wagering requirements associated with all the bonuses on this page. Are there any restrictions on the games I can play with this bonus and free spins? Some promotions restrict the games you can play using bonus funds or free spins. Make sure to review the terms of the offer to see if there are any limitations on the games you can enjoy with this promotion.

The promotion presented on this page was available at the time of writing. With some Casino promotions changing on daily basis, we suggest you to check on the site if it still available. Also, please do not forget to read the terms and conditions in full before you accept a bonus.
The first one-day 25,000 No-Limit Holdem of the 2023 PokerStars European Poker Tour (EPT) has come to an end and Felipe Ketzer beat a field of 28 players to win the top prize of 255,480 at Casino Barcelona.

Ketzer wins the big bag from a total prize pool of 672,280. He was followed in second by Eduard Barsegyan and in third by Lei Yu. Kayhan Mokri and Ottomar Ladva rounded out the five cashing players.

Finishing just outside the money was Timothy Adams after his ace-eight lost to Mokris king-ten to burst the bubble. Hes joined by the two other players that made the final table but could not cash, Erik Seidel and Bruno Volkmann.

$25,000 No-Limit Hold'em Final Results

Rank Player Country Prize 1 Felipe Ketzer Brazil 255,480 2 Eduard Barsegyan Russia 164,700 3 Lei Yu China 109,200 4 Kayhan Mokri Norway 79,000 5 Ottomar Ladva Estonia 63,900

Timothy Adams

The Highlights

The day started with nine players registered, including all five players that cashed. Ketzer jumped out early and was one of the first players to double the starting stack, and by Level 4 it had nearly tripled.

Barsegyan was also among those that jumped to the top part of the leaderboard in the early going, thanks in part to a nut flush that eliminated Tom Orpaz. Adams also made early moves, including the double knockout of Orpaz and Daniel Rezaei. Orpaz got it in on his second bullet with ace-queen and Rezaei had fours, but the pocket jacks of Adams held on to take a big early pot.

The final table was reached in Level 14 and Seidel was the first exit just before the dinner break when his queen-jack lost to Ladvas suited ace-eight. Ketzer maintained his lead throughout the early going, and seven-handed play stretched out as players looked to survive a tough bubble.

Erik Seidel

Barsegyan, who came into the final table with just 13 big blinds, picked up chips throughout seven-handed play and was the one to knock out Volkmann to send the tournament to the stone bubble.

Six-handed play continued for just over 30 minutes before Adams hit the rail to burst the bubble, while Barsegyan used the opportunity to jump into the chip lead after a clash with Ketzer. Within just a few minutes, Ladva hit the rail in fifth after his king-queen ran into Ketzers ace-queen.

Ketzer reclaimed the lead and Mokri doubled up in four-handed play, but he was the next to go when his king-five lost to Yus ace-eight. Yu, who battled in the middle of the pack throughout the day, was knocked out in third when he shoved with a pair of nines and lost to the suited king-five of Barsegyan.

Eduard Barsegyan

Heads-up play started with a small margin for Ketzer, but an early nut flush gave him a comfortable lead. Barsegyan managed to find a small double, but it wasnt enough. The big moment came when Ketzers king-four found three-of-a-kind to beat the king-five of Barsegyan.

Be sure to keep it with the PokerNews team for coverage of your favorite events at EPT Barcelona.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

From leading in the Republican presidential primary 16 years ago to having his mugshot taken on Wednesday as other Republicans head to the first GOP primary debate, Rudy Giulianis fall from grace is brutally apparent.

The former mayor of New York City surrendered today for arrest at the Fulton County, Georgia courthouse on RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) charges. He spent his earlier career prosecuting RICO cases and mafia bosses in New York in the 1980s. His bond was set at $150,000.

Giuliani, a former prosecutor, is charged with making false statements and soliciting false testimony, asking state lawmakers to violate their oath of office in order to appoint Trump electors and conspiring to create phony paperwork.

In July, the D.C. bar recommended the Republican be disbarred for his 2020 legal efforts in trying to overthrow the election for Donald J. Trump.

Giuliani will best be remembered for his infamous press conference in front of the Four Seasons Total Landscaping garage, during which he sweated profusely while making false election fraud claims about the 2020 election.

But in 2007, he led polling in the Republican primaries for almost a year.

Today, that man has been arrested.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

Eight candidates took the stage for the first Fox News GOP debate, and there were clear winners and losers coming out of the Trump-less event.

Republican Debate Winners:

1). Mike Pence  Lets begin with some reality. Mike Pence isnt going to win the Republican presidential nomination. Pence is viewed as a traitor by Trump and MAGA, but Fox News gave Pence and his actions on 1/6 an entire segment of the debate to defend his actions, and he took full advantage of it. Pence also took apart Vivek Ramaswamy over Putin and Ukraine. It will probably Pences best moment of the campaign, and he was one of the candidates who took the most advantage of Trumps absence.

Clip of Pence:

Mike Pence crushes Ramaswamy on Putin, " Vladimir Putin wants to reestablish the old Soviet sphere of influence. He is a dictator and a murderer and the United States of America needs to stand against totalitarianism." #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/eCrPDuUCFL  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 24, 2023

2). Nikki Haley  Debates are largely about creating moments and Haley got herself a soundbite that will be played on cable news for days to come as she got into a heated argument with Ramaswamy on foreign policy. Nikki Haley also will not be the Republican nominee, but like Pence, she was able to separate herself as one of the Republicans with experience who takes foreign policy seriously. Unfortunately for her, voters tend not to care about foreign policy.

Clip of Haley:

Nikki Haley lights up Ramaswamy, "You have no foreign policy experience and it shows." #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/j4EqoFiZiH  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 24, 2023

3). Chris Christie  There is a theme in the winner section. Chris Christie is not going to be the Republican presidential nominee. If getting booed by the Republican debate audience was a sign of success, Chris Christie had a great night. Chris Christie spoke passionately about going to Ukraine, and condemned Trump and his love of Putin. Christie got booed for daring to criticize the conduct that got Trump indicted. For Christie this debate was all about New Hampshire where he has taken over second place in the polling. Chris Christie has no chance in the larger GOP primary, but he was another experienced debater who knew how to leverage the platform to create moments.

Clip of Chris Christie:

Chris Christie gets booed for saying that we ought to stand up to Putin at #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/hSkECWXuJt  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 24, 2023

4). Donald Trump  Sure, Trump is a coward for avoiding the debate while facing four felony indictments, but judging from the rest of this field, it looks like he was right not to show up. None of the candidates on the debate stage are a serious threat to him. In fact, none of these candidates are likely to be his running mate in 2024. The counterprogramming to the debate by hanging out online with Tucker Carlson likely flopped, but what showed up in the Fox debate stage should cause no worry for Trump.

(No clip of Trump because he didnt show up.)

Republican Debate Losers:

1). Vivek Ramaswamy Ramaswamy was exposed in the debate. Judging by who got attacked by the other candidates, Vivek was clearly the candidate who the other campaigns viewed as having momentum. The problem is that Ramaswamy was picked apart by the more experienced candidates who were able to exploit his lack of knowledge and inexperience.

Ramaswamy decided to play the role of Trumps stand-in at the debate, and he was peppered hard by the other candidates. Ramaswamy is marketing something superficial with no substance. He is following the Trump 2016 campaign playbook to the letter. The problem is that Donald Trump is also in the race, which means that there is no room for a Trump mini-me.

Clip of Ramaswamy:

Vivek is Trump's mini-me. He leans hard into the gloom and doom, "It is not morning in America. We live in a dark moment. We have to confront the fact that we are in an internal cold culture civil war." #GOPDebate pic.twitter.com/1JBPpGp2RJ  Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) August 24, 2023

2). Ron DeSantis DeSantis was forced and awkward which was not surprising. DeSantis is also a terrible debater. What stood out was how the other candidates on the stage did not go after DeSantis. Ron DeSantis wasnt treated like a frontrunner, He wasnt treated like someone who has a chance of winning. DeSantis was center stage, but he didnt command the stage. Ron DeSantis looked and sounded like a confused candidate with no identity, a zombie candidate, who is leading a zombie campaign.

3). Tim Scott- Scott came in as a candidate to watch out for, but he was totally forgettable in this debate. In fact, I forgot to include him in my initial list.

4). Asa Hutchinson- He sounded like a throwback Republican from the pre-Trump GOP takeover era, which meant that he had no place on this stage in this race. Hutchinson will be gone from the campaign after Iowa if not sooner.

5). Doug Burgum  Props to Burgum for debating on what he described as a blown-out Achilles tendon, but that was the highlight of his debate.

6). Fox News  This debate likely still did decent ratings, but it was reminiscent of those kiddie table debates that Fox held during the 2016 campaign for candidates who could not make the main stage. This debate was totally forgettable.
PITTSBURGH  A person facing eviction opened fire from inside a Pittsburgh home Wednesday and was later pronounced dead after a siege that lasted much of the day, authorities said.

Pittsburgh Public Safety said city emergency medical service responders pronounced the person dead shortly after 5 p.m. Wednesday after the hourslong siege that forced evacuations from the city's Garfield neighborhood.

The Allegheny County Sheriffs Office said its people were trying to serve the eviction notice when the occupant began firing shots. Witnesses said they heard what sounded like hundreds of shots beginning about 11 a.m. Wednesday. Hours into the siege, more gunfire erupted.

A sergeant leading the eviction notice detail suffered an injury unrelated to gunfire and is doing OK, sheriff's office spokesman Mike Manko said.

A state police spokesperson said drones were used during the siege, and a large number of police and other first responders were at the scene, just a few blocks from a childrens hospital.

Pittsburgh Public Safety, a grouping of law enforcement and other emergency responders in the city, did not immediately elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the person's death.
Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Email

Print

Trump told Tucker Carlson that he is the president of everyone, even though he is not the president of anything in the United States.

Carlson asked Trump if he was worried that they are going to try to kill him.

Trump answered, Theyre Savage animals they are people that are sick really sick you have great people in the Democrat(ic) Party. You have great people that are Democrats most of the people in our country are fantastic and Im representing everybody. Im not just Republicans but I represent everybody Im the president of everybody, but Ive seen what they do Ive seen the lengths that they go to when they make up the Russia Russia Russia when thats exposed and they go down and Barr should have gone after them and other people should have gone after and they did very late because the Durham report came out it was fairly good it could have been a lot tougher I guess but it was fairly good but it explained how corrupt it was.

Video:

Trumps Comments Are Alarming On Multiple Levels

Trump begins by using the standard authoritarian tactic of dehumanizing his opponents. Trump calls those who oppose him savages. He then moves on to another autocratic tactic of claiming that he represents everyone, but the most troubling part of his remarks was that he still referred to himself as the current president.

Trump is not the president. Joe Biden won the presidential election.

Donald Trump is not the president for anyone or anything. Trump isnt representing anyone, and for him to think that he is, borders on the height of delusion.

As the rest of the Republican candidates held a debate that showcased their weaknesses, Trump was off in a fantasy world where is still representing people.

It says a lot about the weakness of the Republican Party that Trump can maintain a stranglehold on power in what appears to be such a deteriorated state of mind.
Aiken Standard reporter

Bianca Moorman is a public safety and courts reporter for the Aiken Standard, with the occasional coverage of other community news and features.

She can be reached at @biancarmooman or bmoorman@aikenstandard.com.

To support local journalism, sign up for a subscription. See our current offers 
For the sixth year in a row, Lake Anna is suffering from a harmful algae bloom.

The result has been the Virginia Department of Health issuing a no-swimming advisory for portions of the water, expanding the scope of previous bans issued earlier this summer.

Another result: a serious stench.

Our end of the lake is worse than it has ever been, a member of the Lake Anna Civic Association wrote to the groups President Greg Baker, per an exchange Baker shared with The Daily Progress. Smells like a gigantic cow pie. Its so bad we stopped going there.

Smells aside, harmful algae bloom, also known as cyanobacteria, is dangerous. According to the state, it can cause skin rash and gastrointestinal illnesses, such as upset stomach, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Hence the no-swim advisory.

It is sad to look off our dock, the civic association member said to Baker in an email. It looks like someone dumped 10,000 gallons of red paint into the lake and as previously mentioned, the smell of cow ass is unbearable.

But swimming and smells aside, Baker is worried about implications for the health of locals.

The academic community doesnt understand how this can potentially get in the air, Baker told The Daily Progress. Is it causing harm were not going to know about for decade or longer?

People can be exposed to cyanobacteria by ingesting it, touching it or breathing in airborne droplets or mist that contain toxins, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The latter is what Baker is most concerned about.

You can breathe in toxins even if you do not go into the water, according to a CDC report. More research is needed to better understand the effects of breathing in toxins over a long period of time.

A study conducted in 2019 by Florida Gulf Coast University and the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science produced evidence that airborne cyanobacteria toxins may travel more than a mile inland.

One concern is if these toxins can get into the air and be carried by winds so people living on lake can experience symptoms, Harry Looney, the Lake Anna Civic Associations water quality program manager, told The Daily Progress. Were concerned about that because that could have chronic or acute effects on people that dont even get in the water.

Currently, the no-swimming advisory only applies to the Upper North Anna Branch of Lake Anna. It stretches from the western edge of the branch, downstream past the Route 522 Bridge and to Lumsden Flats at Rose Valley Drive.

A no-swim advisory was put on Pamunkey Branch earlier in the year, and while it has since been lifted, the Department of Healths website shows that cyanobacteria was detected there and in other parts of the 13,000-acre lake, albeit at acceptable levels.

The algae bloom is caused by warm temperatures and excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The nutrients often come from agricultural runoff.

All the variables matter, but it is clear that agriculture in the watershed is what has been the major contributor of nutrients to the lake, Baker said.

Preventing more agricultural runoff from entering the water will require buffers, such as native plants that soak up the nutrients before they make it to the lake. But that still wont fix the problem of nutrients that are already in Lake Anna.

And removing them will be expensive.

Last Thursday, the Lake Anna Civic Association board met with EutroPHIX, a water restoration company. According to Baker, the board was told it would cost $10 million over three years to neutralize the nutrients that have accumulated in Lake Anna for the past 50 years.

Then there would be an additional maintenance cost of $1.5 million each year for at least a decade beyond that, Baker said.

Baker is hoping to get federal and state funding to cover the cost.

Considering the treasure that Lake Anna is to Central Virginia, Baker said, this is money that should be considered to be spent.
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 owner of Northwoods Mall in North Charleston has let go of another large South Carolina shopping center carrying tens of millions of dollars in debt. Read moreSC mall sale marks a Palmetto State three-peat for the former owner
For 37 years, a small Pepto-pink building on Charleston's upper peninsula served countless diners classic Southern dishes of down-home country cooking such as fried chicken, lima beans and cornbread.

Soon, the site of Martha Lou's Kitchen, an iconic restaurant that closed in 2020 a year before its founder and legendary cook Martha Lou Gadsden died at the age of 91, will become a memory.

The city's Board of Architectural Review recently voted unanimously to allow the Morrison Drive building to be demolished.

As part of the conditional approval to raze the one-story structure, much of the artwork on the building's exterior, which includes a wall-sized head mural of Gadsden, will be salvaged.

The rest of the 917-square-foot structure has no significant architectural elements, according to the city's planning staff in its report to BAR.

Gadsden's granddaughter, Melanie Alston, plans to preserve the artwork and signage and move them to a new restaurant she plans to open in North Charleston.

In a letter supporting demolition of the structure to the review board, Alston called the former soul food diner "a beloved institution" that held "significance for our family and the community."

"By preserving important elements of Martha Lou's Kitchen signage and artwork, we can ensure that the legacy my grandmother created is not lost," she wrote.
NORTH CHARLESTON  A commercial building nestled on the bustling street of West Montague Avenue features a mural on its metal roof. The distinct image depicts two trumpeters, one a man and the other a young boy  playing in harmony. Beneath is bold black lettering that spells out The Charleston Jazz Academy.

The academy serves as a hub for children to explore the captivating world of improvisational music. Founded in 2008, the nonprofit's mission is to build a community for jazz through performance, education and outreach while celebrating Charlestons rich history in jazz. And that is exactly what is happening on this particular week in June.

Within the academys cozy upstairs rooms, out-of-tune instruments clash during warmups. Among the talented young musicians on site is 16-year-old Christian Murray, shining brightly behind the drumkit in "Band Room B. Murray is attending jazz camp on a recommendation-based scholarship.

Kids are accepted through teacher recommendations, as well as observation. And a third of all kids who attended the camp this summer were there on scholarship.

That kid can play everything, said Basil Kerr, the director of the Charleston Jazz Academy. It was an easy decision to put him on our scholarship.

Murrays musical ability stems from his father, Sharell Eadie, who serves as the pastor of Totally His Cathedral  a church where Murray began playing gospel music during services.

Christians been a part of ministry since the day he was born, recalls Eadie. Probably by the age of 5, I already had him assisting me on drums.

In Charleston, often referred to as The Holy City, religious institutions have significantly influenced popular music, especially Black-made genres, such as jazz, R&B, and hip-hop, which are all branches off the gospel music tree.

This music requires an intensity that matches fervid preaching during the service. For Murray, music is an avenue to express emotions and connect with listeners.
COLUMBIA  Three men have been sentenced to federal prison for their role in stealing a U.S. Postal Service master key from a mail carrier in Columbia's Hollywood Hills neighborhood.

In March 2022, a USPS postal carrier was walking his route in the subdivision when he was robbed at gunpoint.

Wearing masks, Shylik "Mitch" Lamont Smalls and Elijah "Smoke" Rasue Dewayne Ellis approached the mail carrier, according to investigators. Ellis pointed a gun and demanded the keys, police said.

One of the keys on the ring was the USPS arrow key, which is used to unlock mail receptacles and collection boxes. The carrier told postal investigators the key could open any blue collection box and neighborhood delivery unit in the Columbia area, according to the criminal complaint.

The 22- and 21-year-olds ran off and were picked up by 21-year-old Don "Pop" Everett Peters III, according to investigators.

The investigation by U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Columbia Police Department took months. A $50,000 reward put out for information leading to arrest and conviction of the suspects.

Peters and Smalls were arrested in May 2022. Smalls was found with the stolen key in his pants pocket.

Stolen mail and materials to make checks were found during searches of their apartments, according to the Columbia Police Department. A privately made firearm, known as a "ghost gun," was found in each of the two bedrooms.

Ellis was arrested later that month in his hometown of Valdosta, Ga., by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Lowndes County Sheriff's Office. Ellis was also found in possession of a "ghost gun."

On Aug. 22, U.S. District Judge Mary Lewis Geiger sentenced Peters to seven years in prison. Smalls and Ellis were each sentenced to six years in prison. Following their federal prison terms, each will be on supervised release for three years.

Make no mistake, we will bring all of our federal resources to bear when our postal carriers are robbed, U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs said. Postal carriers are an integral part of our communities, and we are thankful for the residents who provided critical information as a part of this investigation and those who stood by the carrier at the sentencing hearing.
Ohio-based, fast-casual taco restaurant Barrio Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey, which announced plans earlier this year to open a Lexington location, has announced it will add to its Columbia offerings with a Devine Street restaurant. These are the first two locations of the chain in South Carolina.

The build-your-own-taco joint will be open seven days a week and until late hours on weekends at 4420 Devine St., owner Richard Kotlarek and real estate firm Colliers confirmed to the Free Times. Barrio's Lexington location will open at the beginning of October, according to Kotlarek.

"Barrio means neighborhood in Spanish, so their concept is to be the heart of the neighborhood, the neighborhood bar," John Gressette, an associate with Colliers, said. Barrio Tacos got its start over a decade ago and operates locations in states like Ohio, Texas and Florida.

The hip Mexican franchise's bread and butter is its build-your-own-taco option, with a variety of protein fillings like braised pork rib and butter lime shrimp, plus eight signature sauces, Kotlarek said. The eatery also offers vegan protein options like tofu and sweet potatoes.

"We work all morning on (preparing) the meats, braising the pork and such," Kotlarek told Free Times.

Tacos sit just under $4 and margaritas, offered with house-made and fruit-infused tequila, are $7. The restaurant's happy hour options include $4 margaritas and $1 off tacos, as well as deals on drink pitchers. The eatery and bar will also offer around 100 varieties of tequila and 70 different whiskeys, with an indoor and outdoor bar to accommodate around 175 people. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, Barrio will offer brunch options.

Barrio's Devine Street spot sits in a building that was meant to hold Griffin Chophouse, before plans for the restaurant fell through. It is across from a row of businesses, including Cosmic Rays Comic Book store and Devine Street Tattoo, in a growing retail district just off of the busy Garners Ferry Road. The area is between the bustling Devine Street District, which houses spots like Backstreets Grill and Cantina 76, and the busier fast-food-heavy Garners Ferry that lends itself to growth through restaurants like Barrio, Gressette said.
GREENVILLE  The Pendleton man charged in April with running a $20 million Ponzi scheme was taken into custody for additional charges of cyberstalking and threats after an armed standoff, unsealed documents show.

Michael J. French, 40, appeared in federal court in Greenville on Aug. 24 after FBI special agents arrested him at a local hotel on Aug. 18. He was charged with one count each of interstate transmission of threatening communications and cyberstalking.

Authorities say French, who remains under investigation after the Securities and Exchange Commission charged him with fraud in an alleged lending scam, threatened to harm himself and showed a firearm to agents when they arrived at the Greenville hotel to arrest him.

Sign up for updates! Get the latest Greenville news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email

Sign Up!

The FBI evacuated surrounding hotel guests and negotiated a peaceful surrender, officials said.

Cyberstalking charges stem from alleged relationship gone sour

The additional FBI investigation into French began after a long-distance relationship between him and a woman he met on TikTok turned sour in June. After she ended their relationship because of the outstanding SEC charges against him, he began to harass her through text messages and on social media using multiple telephone numbers and social media accounts, according to court filings.

In July, the woman received a package through the Post Office with doctored letters, allegedly from a lawyer associated with French and FBI special agents who had dropped the case.

The FBI determined that the letters were fraudulent, documents show.

Continued threats to the woman by French from different emails led the FBI to discovery where the emails were being sent from, which then brought agents to the Greenville hotel where French was staying.

Outstanding SEC charges for Ponzi scheme remain

Operating as MJF Holdings, French is accused of selling more than $20 million in high-yield promissory notes  promising 12 percent returns on one-year investments  to more than 400 investors across the country.
GREENVILLE  Days after a group of local state legislators sued Greenville County Council for what they say was illegal adoption of a budget that raised taxes for the first time in three decades, the council's chairman has spoken out, calling the suit more about politics than legality.

Council Chairman Dan Tripp's response came in the form of a prepared statement issued Aug. 24 on the lawsuit filed Aug. 21.

This is a political disagreement masquerading as a lawsuit," Tripp said in the statement. "The County carefully followed the prescribed laws and rules in approving by a supermajority of votes its budgets. We will vigorously defend the integrity and lawfulness of our budget process."

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Greenville-area legislators  state Sen. Dwight Loftis and Reps. Mike Burns, Patrick Haddon, Adam Morgan, Alan Morgan and Ashley Trantham. The Simpsonville-based South Carolina Public Interest Foundation is also a plaintiff.

The dispute centers on how the council approves county budgets on a two-year cycle instead of annually and whether the county did so with proper public involvement, including an allegation of a "secret meeting."

The council's final vote to raise taxes among a raucous crowd July 18 was the culmination of weeks of on-the-brink political maneuvering. Having not increased taxes in 30 years, the issue became in large part an avatar for the larger public debate over federal spending.

The tax increase amounts to $56 more on the bill for a $200,000 single-family home.

The 8-4 vote met the requirement of a supermajority to raise taxes.

The suit alleges a quorum of the council met June 6 in a closed-door meeting that was not announced to the public to discuss the budget. Such a meeting would be in violation of the state's Freedom of Information Act.

"At that meeting a poll took place about the pending votes and efforts were made to encourage councilors to support the budget," the complaint states. "With a quorum present this should have been publicly announced, open to the public, and minutes of that meeting should have been taken."
JOHNS ISLAND  Stockton Jacobs sits in a recliner as Dr. Shannon Kennedy injects ketamine into his left arm, then he leans back with eyeshades on as the softly pulsating atmospheric music from the band East Forest drifts through his headphones.

Then Jacobs, 48, is "gone," awash in images on what he calls "a bit of a journey" through his senses. He hopes to emerge with a different perspective on emotions from his childhood and issues he grapples with. And Kennedy sits quietly by, monitoring and taking notes and preparing a second syringe.

Ketamine has been used as a painkiller and anesthetic since the 1960s, but also misused as a street drug for its psychedelic effects. It created newfound interest about 20 years ago when smaller doses were found to have a powerful anti-depressant effect. It was particularly effective for patients who had not found relief with other medications. Many felt rapid relief from a single dose and some lingering effects afterward while, for others, it did not last.

The early research was promising for mood disorders, the American Psychiatric Association noted in 2017. But the group urged caution for clinicians offering it as that use had not been scrutinized by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA in 2019 approved a form of ketamine known as esketamine as a nasal spray, taken along with an antidepressant pill, for treatment-resistant depression, and later, for those with suicidal thoughts. There is less of the mind-altering effect with this form. But because of the risk of abuse  ketamine is also a street drug known as Special K or Vitamin K, among other names  the FDA limits esketamine's distribution along with requiring clinics and patients to be registered.

There is no such limitation on ketamine.

Jacobs receives his therapy at Remedy Internal Medicine and Wellness, one of more than a half-dozen clinics offering some form of ketamine therapy in the Charleston area. There may be more than a dozen across South Carolina. An exact number is hard to know because the clinics are not specifically tracked by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, a spokeswoman said. Nor is South Carolina alone in that. Most states do not specifically regulate ketamine clinics, said Griffen Thorne, an attorney in Los Angeles specializing in ketamine clinics and psychedelic-assisted therapy at the international law firm Harris Bricken.
BEAUFORT  In less than a month, Beaufort County has lost its two top executives.

County officials confirmed in an Aug. 23 email that Deputy County Administrator Whitney Richland resigned from her office Aug. 18. County officials did not explain why they waited five days to announce her departure.

"There will be no additional information provided as Beaufort County does not comment on personnel matters," wrote County Attorney Brittany Ward in a prepared statement.

The exit comes after Eric Greenway, the former county administrator, was fired by County Council during a special meeting July 28.

Rumors of Richland's departure have been circulating widely for nearly two weeks. Repeated attempts to confirm her status with a variety of county officials during that time were unsuccessful.

Reached for comment, Richland told The Post and Courier she was not interested in speaking about her employment.

Richland's role as deputy administrator was second to that of the county administrator. According to the county's organization chart, Richland reported directly to Greenway prior to his termination, and then to interim County Administrator John Robinson.

Reporting to Richland were six assistant county administrators, the Human Resources department and a special assistant to the county administrator.

It is unclear why Robinson was elevated to the interim county administrator role over Richland when Greenway was terminated last month. At the time, Robinson was the assistant county administrator for Public Safety reporting to Richland, and he had only been in his job since February.

Greenway's firing

County Council has disclosed little information regarding the reasons for Greenway's termination. Up to this point, there's been no direct connection made between Richland's resignation and her boss's firing.
A 21-year-old Albemarle County man is facing the prospect of as many as seven years behind bars for having sex with a 12-year-old girl.

Ricky Xavier Dubon-Hernandez appeared in Albemarle County Circuit Court earlier this month to plead guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual battery.

I accept your plea, said Judge Claude Worrell near the close of the Aug. 9 hearing in the main courtroom of the county courthouse.

A grand jury in early June heard evidence that led them to indict Dubon-Hernandez for sexually abusing a child described in the indictment as B.G.B., her initials. Dubon-Hernandez, a high school graduate who told authorities that he had recently started working for his uncle as a painter, has been held without bail in the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail since his June 12 arrest.

Prosecutor Alicia Milligan told the court that the case began nearly a year earlier. She said police were attempting to serve Dubon-Hernandez with an arrest warrant on July 31, 2022, for violating a protective order lodged by another girl.

The police report indicates that officers pulled over a vehicle driven by Dubon-Hernandez and found the 12-year-old as a passenger with hickeys on her neck. The police reported they learned from the girl that Dubon-Hernandez had urged her to sneak out of her residence without her familys knowledge.

The child, Milligan said, admitted to the hickeys but denied sexual contact. The girls mother took her to an emergency room, Milligan said. There, technicians swabbed the girls private parts, and subsequent testing by the state crime lab told a different story.

The certificate of analysis that came back in February from the Virginia Department of Forensic Science showed that there was just one chance in 7.2 billion that the recovered DNA came from someone other than Dubon-Hernandez, who was 20 years old at the time of the incident.

By that time, according to court records, Dubon-Hernandez had already been convicted of contributing to the delinquency of the 12-year-old based on the traffic stop. He was also thrice convicted of violating the protective order from the other juvenile girl, P.T., who alleged unwanted contact. Such repeat offenses led prosecutors to move in the Albemarle County Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court to reimpose 180 days of suspended jail time, a request that appears headed for a decision on Oct. 16.

In court for his plea hearing, Dubon-Hernandez was dressed in a jail jumpsuit and wore his dark hair tied up in a bun. He seemed attentive as he listened to a translator convert the English proceedings into Spanish for him.

The felony plea agreement signed by him and his lawyer, Bryan Jones, caps the active portion of his sexual battery sentence at seven years and drops the third charge: rape. The deal requires Dubon-Hernandez to register as a sex offender and have no contact with B.G.B. or her family.

His sentencing has been set for Oct. 26.
According to Williamsburg County Fire Department, Thursday afternoon at 5:41pm a Williamsburg County firefighter was responding to a motor vehicle versus pedestrian incident on US Highway 521 near Spring Gully Baptist Church when the firefighter's vehicle was involved in an accident on Stead Read moreFirefighter involved in single vehicle accident
MYRTLE BEACH  Grand Strand cities will fill multiple council seats this November, and the candidate filing period for many of those posts is approaching.

Candidates can file to run for seats in Loris and Myrtle Beach starting noon Aug. 24, and in Conway, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach starting noon Aug. 25. The deadline to file in all municipalities is Sept. 8.

All seats are non-partisan, and the terms expire Dec. 31, 2028. Fees may apply to some candidate filings, though not in Myrtle Beach.

Three seats on Myrtle Beach City Council are up for grabs, including those of Mayor Pro Tempore Michael Chestnut, City Councilman John Krajc and City Councilman Philip Render.

The seats of Conway Mayor Barbara Blain-Bellamy and council members Autry Benton, Justin Jordan and Larry White will be on the ballot.

In North Myrtle Beach, the seats of Mayor Pro Tempore J.O. Baldwin III, City Councilman Fred Coyne and City Councilman Hank Thomas are up for grabs.

In Surfside Beach, Mayor Bob Hellyer's seat and the seats of three council members will be on the ballot.

And in Loris, the seats of Mayor Todd Harrelson and three council members need to be filled.

To file as a candidate, the South Carolina Ethics Commission requires a statement of economic interest and a campaign disclosure form.
CONWAY  A North Carolina man was sentenced to 40 years in prison Aug. 23 after pleading guilty to murdering a man in 2021 during an attempted robbery in Myrtle Beach, according to the 15th Circuit Solicitor's Office.

Leo Watkins of Hendersonville, N.C., was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Heath Taylor just before Watkins' trial was scheduled to begin. Taylor sentenced Watkins to 40 years for the murder and a concurrent 20-year sentence for the attempted armed robbery. Watkins will not be eligible for parole.

The murder stemmed from a robbery scheme. Katerena Bedjan, a co-defendant in this case, met the victim a few days prior to the shooting while she was auditioning to be an adult entertainer at The Dollhouse in North Myrtle Beach, according to a news release from the solicitor's office. She and the victim made a deal: he was going to pay her to spend the weekend with him in Myrtle Beach.

At the same time, Bedjan was texting Watkins to let him know that the person she was spending the weekend with would have cash and should be an easy target for a robbery.

Around 3 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2021, Bedjan texted Watkins that she and the victim were in her car outside the Sands Ocean Club Resort in Myrtle Beach. Watkins arrived a short time later and approached the vehicle while armed with a 9 mm pistol. He then opened the door and attempted to take the victims wallet. When the victim refused, Watkins fired one shot, which led to the victims death.

Bedjan, 28, pleaded guilty in March to attempted armed robbery and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, according to the solicitor's office. She must serve 85 percent of her sentence before she is eligible for supervised release. The charge carried a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Charleston County has around $2 million to help income-eligible residents repair or replace their wells and septic tanks, or connect their homes to existing lines.

Employees with the Community Development and Revitalization Department are hosting in-person workshops over the next month around the county to assist residents with their applications.

Those who qualify for the well, septic tank and connection program must own their home and earn no more than 80 percent of the area median income  about $66,000 for the average Charleston County household.

Access to fresh, clean water and a functioning sewage system touches a trifecta of key issues, said LoElla Smalls, the department's director. It has to do with money, the environment and affordable housing.

Connecting a home to existing water and wastewater infrastructure is expensive. It costs the county an average of $10,000, Smalls said, and the resident is responsible for paying monthly water and sewer bills.

Many homeowners in rural areas aren't close to infrastructure and instead rely on wells and septic tanks. Replacing these systems is pricy: A new well costs about $5,000, whereas a new septic tank can be around $8,000.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control encourages septic tank owners to routinely inspect and pump the system. Periodic maintenance can cost between $250 and $500 every three to five years.

Residents who cant afford to pay the fees are left dealing with faulty tanks. They might opt to move out and live with relatives instead, Smalls said. The county program helps ensure people can stay in their homes.

If a septic tank fails, it can cause raw sewage to overflow and leak into the groundwater, which flows into nearby creeks.

Ruth Washington is familiar with the problem. The 62-year-old woman has lived nearly all her life on Wadmalaw Island and relies on a well for water and a septic tank to take care of waste.

Sometimes, especially when the area sees heavy rain, the toilet inside her mobile home wont flush. A foul scent fills the air. She spots bugs and worms crawling up through the clogged pipes.
Imprisoned former lawyer and convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh is set to plead guilty next month to federal financial charges.

He is set to appear Sept. 21 for a plea hearing before U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel in Charleston.

Murdaugh, 55, is serving a life sentence in state prison without the possibility of parole for the 2021 murders of his wife Maggie and youngest son, Paul. In May, Murdaugh was named in a 22-count federal indictment along with his close friend and law school roommate Cory Fleming.

Fleming, a former Beaufort attorney, was sentenced this month to serve 46 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty this week to additional state charges.

Murdaugh and Fleming were accused of conspiring to steal a $4.3 million civil settlement that was supposed to go to the adult children of Gloria Satterfield, Murdaugh's longtime housekeeper. She died in February 2018 after a fall at Murdaugh's Colleton County hunting lodge. Murdaugh reportedly convinced her sons to hire Fleming and to sue him to be able to collect from Murdaugh's insurance coverage.

Satterfield's children never received a dime of the settlement money until they hired another law firm to represent them.
Harvesting of horseshoe crabs will end on more than 30 islands along the South Carolina coast under a new deal conservation groups struck with Charles River Laboratories.

The deal comes in the wake of a federal lawsuit challenging the Charleston-based lab's controversial collection of the crabs for its lucrative blood extraction business. The company has long collected the crabs for their bluish blood, which is used to make an extract that can detect deadly toxins in vaccines and medical equipment. A gallon can fetch $60,000.

But conservationists also have fought the practice for years, arguing that the harvest harms the crabs and threatens vulnerable birds such as the red knot, a species that feeds on the crabs' eggs.

The agreement, which was filed Aug. 23 in the federal court in Charleston, lasts for five years and involves Charles River Labs, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, Gault Seafood and Marsh Point Farm. The Southern Environmental Law Center represented the Defenders of Wildlife and the Coastal Conservation League.

It comes in the wake of investigative reports by The Post and Courier Uncovered project in 2022, Monkeys and Blood, and The State newspaper that exposed the secretive nature of Charles River Labs monkey-breeding and horseshoe crab businesses in South Carolina.

Horseshoe crab collection, according to the deal, would be restricted on more than 30 island beaches that are established feeding grounds for red knots. Charles River Labs agreed not to collect crabs from Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge.

Federal wildlife officials determined this month that horseshoe crab harvesting was not compatible with Cape Romains mission of protecting nature and recommended it should be halted during the spawning season.
Poverty doesn't look like it used to  it could be a single mother working two full time jobs who still doesn't have enough money to feed her family or a full-time employee who can't keep up with bills after a medial crisis even with insurance.

"We need to reset what the perception of poverty and economic instability is in our region," said Melissa Levesque, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for Coastal Community Foundation.

On Aug. 23, Trident United Way hosted a panel discussion with four community leaders that represent faith, government, business and nonprofit sectors at the State Of Our Families event, moderated by Autumn Phillips, editor in chief of The Post and Courier.

In the tri-county area, 40 percent of households are on the verge of financial instability. United Way uses the acronym ALICE  asset limited, income constrained, employed  to describe people with full-time jobs that don't earn enough to cover the rising cost of living.

"It is a new way of dividing and understand the struggles of households that earn above the federal poverty, but not enough to afford our basic necessities," said DJ Hampton II, president and CEO of Trident United Way, who assumed the position in April.

The cost of housing remains a top issue for people struggling to make ends meet. Rent prices continued to rise in South Carolina even as prices across the U.S. declined this summer compared to last year, as previously reported by The Post and Courier.

Trident United Way saw a 47 percent increase in rent assistance requests through its 211 hotline that connects callers with local resources.

Panelist Rev. Byron Benton, senior pastor at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in North Charleston, said the issue of housing is not bound by age  it ranges from families who were priced out of an area and had to move away from work and daycare to seniors on a fixed income who can't afford an increase.
Leaders of the Wassamasaw Tribe of Varnertown Indians are becoming alarmed at the rate of growth in the Summerville area where their community is based.

New apartment buildings and subdivisions threaten to encroach on historic tribal lands and compromise the Wassamasaw's ability to protect and preserve their culture, they say.

Thats a big reason why they are seeking federal recognition, which would deliver all sorts of benefits and strengthen the tribes standing in South Carolina. Its a tough climb, though.

The Wassamasaw are depending on the advocacy of congressional lawmakers and hoping for the generosity of other tribes already recognized by the federal government.

The bureaucratic challenges are no small thing, and the effort can drag out for two years or more. But obtaining this upgraded status would empower the tribe to have a say regarding the repatriation of human remains and cultural objects, qualify for various federal benefits and programs such as Head Start, substance abuse treatment, land procurement assistance, special funding and more.

If archaeologists discover Native American artifacts, they must consult federally recognized tribes before any decisions are made about what to do with the objects.

The door swings open for you, said Christopher Judge, assistant director of Native American Studies at the University of South Carolina Lancaster.

'Need to act fast'

The Wassamasaw Tribe received state recognition as a Native group in 2005, and as a tribe in 2009. It now is among nine tribes with that status. That has helped, to a point.

It mean the Wassamasaw can form a tribal government and enjoy a degree of autonomy. Federal recognition, instead, gives tribes far more power. Like U.S. states themselves, tribes officially listed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs have jurisdiction over their communities and can tax, make and enforce laws and regulate activities.

They cannot declare war, engage in foreign diplomacy or produce their own currency. And they are still subject to U.S. laws, resulting in an imbalance of power that advocates of Native American reparations and autonomy claim is unfair.
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
With the S.C. Supreme Court turning South Carolinas on-again-off-again abortion restrictions back on again  and with those restrictions likely to stay on unless theres a seismic political shift in our state  its time to return to first principles: the obligations the Legislature took on when it acted to outlaw most abortions.

Quite simply, if youre going to tell women they have to carry their pregnancies to term, you have to realize its going to be the poorest women and girls who do that, so its going to result in more babies and children whose parents cant care for them properly.

That means you have to invest more in keeping the babies healthy  something we are not doing adequately now, as measured by our high and rising infant-mortality rates. You have to do a much better job of educating those babies as they grow into children and adults, because otherwise they will get stuck in that cycle of poverty that requires even more public assistance and too often leads to a life of crime that endangers the rest of us.

It also means you have to make it easier to adopt children whose parents dont want to or cant raise them, and you have to come up with a way to strengthen our embattled foster care system for those cases where the state has to step in to protect children from their parents. Because even if the state does a better job of providing medical care for children, more parents who didnt want to be parents will inevitably result in more children who arent properly cared for.

Requiring women to carry their pregnancies to term also means that if youre smart  and unless your goal really is to force girls and women to become baby-making machines, as critics claim  you have to do much more to reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies.

The Legislature passed a law last year allowing women to purchase birth control without a prescription. This year, lawmakers required the state to cover contraceptives for the dependents of state employees. And a budget proviso will require insurance companies to cover contraception in a few cases that arent already covered by federal law.
Kerrville, TX (78028)

Today

Cloudy and windy at times with periods of rain. Low 36F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy and windy at times with periods of rain. Low 36F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall may reach one inch. Higher wind gusts possible.
FLORENCE  The city of Florence has formed a Water Quality Team to address persistent problems with discolored water.

While the water shouldnt pose any health risks, city officials said they recognize that its inconvenient and can be disturbing.

We understand their frustration. We apologize for their inconvenience. We get it. No one wants to drink dirty water, City Manager Randy Osterman said.

Complaints of discolored water have soared over the past several months, but a serious uptick began over the weekend, city officials said. Normally, the city sees just a few complaints a week. Officials have sometimes been receiving dozens of complaints a day recently.

The problem is centered on the corridor from Timmonsville to Alligator Road, between West Palmetto and South Irby streets.

The discolored water is caused by the presence of iron, which occurs naturally in the citys groundwater aquifers. The citys water treatment plants filter out the iron as much as possible, but the mineral will always be present, said Michael Hemingway, utility planning and economic development director.

During normal operations, the iron settles to the bottom of the citys water lines, much the same way salt will settle to the bottom of a cooking pot. When the water is disturbed, however, the iron rises to the top, sometimes making its way into residents sinks and showers.

Consuming iron has no adverse health effects, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Iron will give water a bitter, metallic taste, however, and it can cause stains.

The kind of disturbances that cause the iron to rise can take many forms.

Two of the citys 14 groundwater plants have been taken offline for maintenance recently.

City staff have also adjusted treatment protocols, which can cause the water to change direction for a brief period of time. That will stir up sediment.

Hemingway pointed to construction on Alligator Road as one of the major contributing factors.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy skies. Near record high temperatures. High 83F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds from time to time. Low around 60F. Winds light and variable.
No former Democratic Party office-holder ever goes hungry. Democrats are great at finding jobs for politicians that dont quite work out. A case in point is Minnesotas Melisa Lopez Franzen.

Franzen was briefly the Democratic Leader of the Minnesota State Senate. Alpha News describes the end of her political career charitably:

Lopez Franzen spent a decade representing the Edina area in the Minnesota Senate, culminating in her election as the leader of the DFL caucus, before announcing in February 2022 that she would not seek reelection due to redistricting.

Actually, Franzen did not seek re-election because she was embroiled in a scandal. We wrote about it in a post titled Political Corruption In Minnesota:

Last August, two Democratic state officials were involved in a rollover accident as they were leaving Farm Fest, an annual ag industry show in southern Minnesota. Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha was driving her SUV and Senate Minority Leader Melisa Lopez Franzen was her passenger. They were on their way to a Democratic fundraiser or party. Blaha apparently was negligent in pulling out from the Farm Fest parking lot, causing her vehicle to be struck by a semi. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt. This was Blahas vehicle:

Blaha, the State Auditor, was not intoxicated, but the passenger, Franzen, apparently popped a White Claw as they were leaving Farm Fest. An open, cold, nearly full can of White Claw was found in the car. This is a clear open bottle violation under Minnesota law, and would normally be charged as such. The driver also can be criminally charged for allowing an open alcohol container in his or her vehicle.

But not to worrythese people are Democrats! They used political juice to get off scot-free:

Apparently the first thing Blaha and Franzen did after the accident was to call Ken Martin, the Chairman of the DFL Party. He was on the scene in a matter of minutes, driving an official brightly-colored DFL van. He is captured on body cam video making sure the officers at the scene know they are dealing with high-ranking politicians. Senator Franzen lied about the White Claw to investigating officers.

What mere highway patrolman would dare to buck the Democratic Party machine? Franzen got away with her lie. Details at the link.

Blaha got off with a minor traffic citation and Franzen, who had been illegally drinking the White Claw, was not charged at all. The Democrats transparent lies became the official story of the accident, which gained a lot of publicity at the time. No newspaper or other media outlet chose to look into the accident until the Alpha News story that appeared today.

Having used political influence to dodge criminal prosecution, Franzen has landed on her feet, to the tune of $250,000 a year:

A former high-ranking Minnesota Democrat who left office just seven months ago will make $250,000 annually in her new role as the University of Minnesotas top lobbyist, Alpha News has learned. Melisa Lopez Franzen was named executive director of government and community relations last week by interim university president Jeff Ettinger, who just a year ago was a DFL congressional candidate.

See how that works? Former DFL congressional candidate appoints former DFL senator as top lobbyist for the University of Minnesota, an institution that is wholly in the grip of Democrats. It pays to be part of a political machine. And Ms. Franzen will be welcomed with open arms when she lobbies her former DFL colleagues in Minnesotas legislature. Whats a crime and a cover-up between friends?
In a Tuesday interview with conservative podcaster Charlie Kirk, Big Data pollster Rich Baris claimed that support for former President Donald Trump is stronger today than in either 2016 or 2020. He also believes the 2024 election will be a total disaster for the Democrats. From his lips to Gods ears.

Heres some of what Baris had to say:

Its just not 2020. Its not 2016. They are just totally different races and hes doing so much better with e-groups  which we can get into  than he was in either 16 or 20. Im not a lawyer, but as a pollster, its just very clear why theyre trying to do what they are doing to him. They cant beat him. When we look back at 2020 and I know a lot of people, especially Trump supporters, think that he won in 2020 and thats fine. And you know how I feel about that personally as well. But the truth is, he still could have done better with certain groups that would have made it even more difficult for them to pull something like that off. Look at new voters for instance. Biden won that by 30 points in 2020 and in September of 2021, that turned into a Trump +2. Now in this poll, it is going to be roughly Trump +8. Massive shifts, new generation Xers and millennials that are men working that are coming into the fold. Non-whites that are coming into the fold. And underclass voters. Its a total disaster for the Democrats. A total disaster. And we do poll other candidates and I have to make this clear, this is only Donald Trump. So if you are a crook DA or a crook prosecutor for the Justice Department, youre looking at this and youre trying to survive. You dont want him to come back in, now a target of their prosecutorial misconduct and whatever else it is, and have him clean house. So, if youre the Biden administration and youre hiding bribes, youre going to try to make sure that he cannot get on that ballot. Youre going to try to make sure that he doesnt have the money to campaign, hes going to be prosecuted, hes hurt by political prosecutions and right now, thats just not happening.  Nothing damages him. Nothing.

Kirk reminded Baris that Trump is currently facing four indictments and asked if it was correct to say that he is more popular now than before the indictments.

Baris replied:

Yeah, thats correct to say. Favorability is one thing.  There are people that always never liked Donald Trump but would vote for him and flirt with voting for him. And to us, that group is what matters. They are going to dislike both him and Biden, but they trust him to do a good job. Or they see what is going on and think its just wrong, Charlie. Just wrong. We dont do this to people in this country. We dont beat people in the jury box, we beat them in the ballot box. So he has strength with this group right now even more so than he had with Hillary Clinton.

Despite the frequently repeated talking point that Republicans will support Trump no matter what, but his real challenge lies with opposition from independents, Baris claimed that Trump is leading with independents as well.

Baris went on to say that Americans love an underdog. When the trials begin, he said, Its just going to look like the guy is being persecuted and Americans dont like that.

Interestingly, he pointed out that Martin Luther King Jr. had been extremely unpopular until they threw him in prison.  He was grossly unpopular.  The beatings really did it. The most popular photo of him back then was the mugshot.

Americans dont like watching someone beat down by the man, he said.

Rich Baris is obviously a right-leaning pollster, but there are indications he may be right.

A CNN panel worried out loud last week about Trumps strength in head-to-head polls against Biden. The two are currently neck and neck in the RealClearPolitics average of polls.

But a look at 2020 presidential polling data shows that Biden maintained an overwhelming lead  in the high single-digits to the low double-digits  over Trump throughout the election cycle.

Although not quite as pronounced as Bidens lead in 2020, Hillary Clinton also led decisively in the polls over Trump throughout the 2016 election cycle.

Just a little something for us to think about as we wait for tonights debate to start!
Our pal Mark Perry asks a simple question: If America is such a horrible systemically racist country why did the number of Black immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean double from 2M to 4M between 2000 and 2019?

Theres an even more politically-incorrect question to be asked on top of this: recent African and black Caribbean immigrants tend to be every economically successfulsometimes with higher median household incomes than other minority groups. Why is that? Heres another snapshot from Pew:
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 21:32:59

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 458 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

X (formerly Twitter): @Arsenal_ADHIHOUSTON, TX / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Arsenal Digital Holdings, Inc. (OTC:ADHI)In a significant development this year, Arsenal Digital Holdings welcomed Blackrock Midstream as a subsidiary, enhancing its customer base, service offerings, and managerial expertise. Blackrock's presence in the traditional energy sector not only bolsters Arsenal's business plan but also solidifies its market presence for the long term.The second-quarter results, unveiled in July, marked a significant achievement as the company reported its revenue of $19 million. These revenues align well with projections, and it is anticipated that the positive trend will be maintained throughout the remaining quarters of 2023. It's important to note that these projections do not encompass potential additional revenue streams from upcoming operations. "The results underscore the progress made, and there is much opportunity for continued growth within Arsenal's evolving portfolio," expressed Randall Eddington, Arsenal's COO and founder of Blackrock Midstream.Building upon the foundation set by the Blackrock acquisition, Arsenal is embarking on an expansion journey into new markets, complemented by an enhanced array of services. This strategic expansion is characterized by the establishment of two additional locations, a move that further fortifies the company's vertical integration within this sector. These new facilities, specializing in liquids processing, will deploy a small-scale plant connected to the sales infrastructure. The introduction of this new business line is projected to yield higher margins, ranging from 20-50% of gross revenue, depending on the quality of the processed product. The launch of the first of these two facilities, scheduled for late September or early October in South Texas, demonstrates the company's commitment to growth. "This evolution aligns well with Arsenal's strategic vision, as the company leverages its existing resources, customer base, and market access to optimize its earnings potential," affirmed Ryan Messer, Arsenal's President & CEO.Arsenal Digital Holdings remains dedicated to spearheading the transition towards a sustainable energy future. The company's unwavering commitment extends to the creation and deployment of cutting-edge renewable technologies.For comprehensive details about Arsenal Digital Holdings, please visit arsenalholdings.io or follow the company on X @Arsenal_ADHI.About ArsenalArsenal Digital Holdings is a pioneering force in sustainable technology aimed at accelerating the energy transition. With headquarters based in Houston, Texas, and key offices in Round Rock, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, the company is strategically positioned to bridge conventional energy resources with renewable energy technology. Arsenal's strategy revolves around acquiring underutilized infrastructure assets and orchestrating power monetization strategies that directly benefit stakeholders. The company's vision is rooted in advancing the shift towards a sustainable energy future through the inventive implementation of innovative renewable technologies.Contact Information:Arsenal Digital Holdings Inc.Ryan MesserPhone: 512-839-8169Email: ir@ arsenholdings.io Website: arsenalholdings.io SOURCE: Arsenal Digital Holdings Inc.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 13:01:23

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 580 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP:Do you, or did you, own shares of Baxter International, Inc. (NYSE:BAX)?Did you purchase your shares between May 25, 2022 and February 8, 2023, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in Baxter International, Inc.?Do you want to discuss your rights?Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Baxter International, Inc. ("Baxter" or the "Company") (NYSE: BAX) between May 25, 2022 and February 8, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired Baxter securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Baxter International, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 11, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.According to the Complaint, Baxter is a multi-national healthcare company, primarily focusing on products designed to treat kidney disease and other chronic and acute medical conditions. During the Class Period, Defendants allegedly misrepresented and concealed the true nature and severity of supply chain problems the Company was encountering and the impact they were having on Baxter's current and expected earnings.On February 9, 2023, before market hours, Baxter issued a press release to report on its Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2002 earnings results. The press release revealed that despite Baxter's assurances during the Class Period, the problems with the Company's supply chain and its effect on its operations were not under control, it did not meet its earnings guidance for the year, and Baxter would lower its earnings guidance for the first quarter of 2023.On this news, Baxter's stock price fell $5.54 per share, or over 12%, to close at $40.14 per share on February 9, 2023.If you purchased or acquired Baxter securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Baxter International, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 15:31:48

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 999 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

PORTLAND, OR and MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / BlockChain Loyalty Corp. (OTC PINK:BBLC) is pleased to announce the imminent closing of a previously issued Letter of Intent (LOI) dated May 19th, 2023, to acquire all the assets of the clean beauty brand Luscious Group LLC DBA True + Luscious.This acquisition is an integral part of BBLC's growth plans to increase revenues through geographic expansion and strategic acquisitions of product lines and companies which are compatible with its business philosophy, brand, and strategic path to generating shareholder value.Transaction termsThe terms of the agreement called for BlockChain Loyalty Corp. to pay a total consideration of $749,000 in a mix of Consideration Shares and cash as the final acquisition price. To date, the company has issued a total of 1,163,333 shares equal to $349,000 to the company's founder, Mehir Sethi, with a cash component of $235,529 having been paid as of today's press release. BBLC anticipates the remaining balance of approximately $165,000 to be completed before the end of the month.Mehir Sethi founded one of Pakistan's top clean beauty brands; Luscious Cosmetics, which saw its products on the shelves of Sephora Australia after global goods corporation, LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) snapped up Singapore based e-commerce brand Luxola.com in the summer of 2015, where Luscious had been regularly selling its products. Sephora became aware of Luscious' success after acquiring Luxola. The management and board are delighted that Ms. Sethi will stay on with True + Luscious after the acquisition is complete; with her reputation and experience expected to be pivotal in the global expansion of the brand."Her role will be extremely important in the continued future growth of BBLC's new flagship brand True + Luscious. True + Luscious is a top seller on Amazon and has been featured in Forbes, Allure, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Women's Health, and has been listed as one of the best natural makeup brands with products that deliver' by Marie Claire, said Joel DeBellefeuille, CEO & President of BBLC.Clean Beauty IndustryThe "Clean Beauty" business category consists of products made without ingredients shown or suspected to harm human health and is expected to see a massive 40%+ Compound Annual Growth Rate from 2023 to 2028, according to a December 2022 research report by Azoth Research. True + Luscious presents a unique opportunity, as the acquisition comes complete with $2,615,000 in existing inventory, and an email list that consists of over 8,000 customers. The brand is a reputable and profitable business in the high growth clean-beauty industry. There are current pending sales contracts in queue totaling close to $1,000,000 in revenue with a near 40% profit margin. BBLC anticipates closing of the pending purchase orders during the middle of Q2. Ongoing partnerships with the QVC & HSN (Home Shopping Network) and independent retailers also exist.UpdatesPursuant to the Letter of Intent (LOI) entered into by BlockChain Loyalty Corp. with Heather Marianna LLC dba Beauty Kitchen on March 7th, 2023, with the expected closing date of April 7th, 2023, having passed without a completed closing; both companies have decided to no longer pursue the transaction at this time. BlockChain Loyalty Corp. may seek to explore this potential opportunity at a later date.Corporate Name ChangeTo better reflect the company's long-term vision of exponential growth through key brand acquisitions of revenue generating, all-natural clean beauty, skincare, and cosmetics company's; BBLC, through discussion with its board, has also decided to change its name. The trading symbol of the corporation played an important role in the decision, making it easily recognizable. The company is pleased to announce that the new name of the corporation will be changed to Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. with an expected effective date by both FINRA and the State of Delaware taking place by September 15th, 2023.The company has taken the necessary steps to electronically notify FINRA and has submitted the required amendments of the articles to its registered agent in the State of Delaware. BBLC must advise its shareholders that certain delays out of their control from regulatory bodies, such as the OTC Markets Group or FINRA, may prevent the name from changing on the expected date. However, the company will push for the change to take effect as soon as possible, if they are faced with delays.The new name was carefully thought out with both Belle & Bonica translating to the word "beautiful" in French and Catalan (the official language of Catalonia) and Luxe, short for luxury. A new website has already been developed, which can be seen here; by visiting, www.bellebonica.com About True + LusciousFounded in 2020 by a beauty industry veteran, True + Luscious is a makeup & skincare brand with established traction in the clean beauty niche. All products are Clean, 100% Vegan, with Sustainable Packaging. True + Luscious is certified by Leaping Bunny, which is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers, that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying their logo.Mission statement: "Good, Clean, Glam, and Luxurious"About BlockChain Loyalty Corp.(BBLC) is a lifestyle & accessories company that acquires and develops clean, genderless beauty products, and all-natural skincare and cosmetics brands, while seeking long-term shareholder value.For more information visit: www.BlockChainloyaltycorp.com Contacts: Joel DeBellefeuille, Co-Founder, CEO and President, E. joel@ marianna.ca Tel. 1.800.971.2200To learn more about Joel visit: www.joeldebellefeuille.com Investor Relations: Just3 Public Relations, Zoltan Sarkozy, Tel. 604.722.0305This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934 as well as relevant Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's expectations regarding future business prospects and opportunities. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "antic
Benton County Sheriff's deputies recovered the body of a 33-year-old man near Bowman Park, Albany on Tuesday, Aug. 22.

Deputies were called to the scene, responding by boat, around 2 p.m., according to an agency news release. Following an investigation, they identified the deceased as Matthew Lee Kline, believed to be unhoused and from Albany.

Kline was not wearing a life jacket, the Benton County Sheriff's Office reported.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help (copy) Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

"Detectives are continuing to investigate but do not believe the death was related to a criminal act at this time," the news release said.

The Albany Police and Fire departments assisted in the recovery.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 19:00:42

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 443 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 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 and Grossman, LLC
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 17:02:23

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 461 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Author, Actor, Mom and Founder of MomSanity.com Dawn Yanek Provides Inspiration for Making MemoriesATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / August is National Family Fun Month and the perfect time to take a break and enjoy some carefree playtime with the kids before they return to school. Dawn Yanek, author, mom and Founder of Momsanity.com , shares unique new ways to promote family fun. Everything from dedicated family time, activities that inspire imagination, interactive family play, exercising in a fun and relaxing way or splashing around in the pool together. MomSanity.com Founder Dawn Yanek Offers Ideas for National Family Fun MonthSuper Mom Dawn Yanek Shares Tips for Family Fun Month TOGETHER TIMEThere is nothing like a family vacation and a top pick is the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun. Surrounded by lush jungle and sparkling waters, the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is a tropical, all-inclusive paradise for all ages that ranges from the serene Zen Spa to the winding water park, with several surprises along the way. There are tons of restaurants, round-the-clock fitness facilities, nine pools, and kids will never want to leave that water park. Kids can check out the KidZ Club, which provides supervision and keeps them entertained, while parents indulge in some super-relaxing hydrotherapy treatments. For more information, visit www.resortsbyhyatt.com FUN AND FITNESSGood weather allows everyone to get outside and away from their screens by going for a family bike ride. Huffy offers several options for some classic summer fun. With bikes, scooters and more available in almost every size and style, Huffy truly has a product to help every family member live the ride to spend more quality time together. Older kids who have a need for speed will love the Huffy CR8-R mini bike. Ideal for ages 14 and up, the CR8-R offers a push-button start and easy acceleration to 19 miles per hour, so any rider can get riding, fast! For more information, visit www.huffybikes.com FUN FAMILY ACTIVITYBe a kid with the kids at SkyZone! This is a favorite for so many parents. With more than 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and unforgettable attractions made for everyone, Sky Zone is the leading active play destination, providing bounce-off-the-wall fun for both kids and kids at heart. Ranging from Ultimate Dodgeball, Air Courts, Ninja Warrior Courses, to Ziplines and more. It is perfect for rainy days, days to get out of the heat, and birthday parties. At SkyZone, everyone will laugh harder and smile more than they have in ages. For more information, visit www.skyzone.com POST|VIDEOAbout TipsOnTVTipsOnTV covers a variety of topics, including food, entertaining, personal finance, technology, travel, health, lifestyle and more.Contact InformationR Etipsontv@ gmail.com SOURCE: TipsOnTV
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 13:01:31

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 656 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP:Do you, or did you, own shares of Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR)?Did you purchase your shares between April 21, 2022 and April 24, 2023, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in Danaher Corporation?Do you want to discuss your rights?Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Danaher Corporation ("Danaher" or the "Company") (NYSE: DHR) between April 21, 2022 and April 24, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired Danaher securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Danaher Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 15, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.The Complaint alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (i) as the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, revenue growth associated with Danaher's COVID-19-related businesses was declining; (ii) contrary to the Company's prior representations to investors, revenues associated with Danaher's non-COVID-19-related businesses were insufficient to compensate for the foregoing negative trend; (iii) Danaher overstated its ability to sustain the growth it had experienced in 2020 and 2021; and (iv) as a result, it was unlikely that Danaher would be able to meet its 2023 revenue forecasts.On April 25, 2023, Danaher issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2023. Among other items, Danaher reported that "[r]evenues decreased 7.0% year-over-year to $7.2 billion, with a 4.0% non-GAAP core revenue decrease, due to the impact of lower COVID-19 revenue, and 6.0% non-GAAP base business core revenue growth." The Company also projected that "[f]or the second quarter and full year 2023, . . . non-GAAP base business core revenue growth will be up mid-single digits year-over-year", down from an earlier projection of high-single-digit growth. Notably, this announcement appeared to be at odds with Danaher's prior reassurances that revenues associated with the Company's non-COVID-19-related businesses would compensate for the foregoing negative results.On this news, Danaher's stock price fell $22.36 per share, or 8.79%, to close at $231.99 per share on April 25, 2023.If you purchased or acquired Danaher securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Danaher Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 16:31:26

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 397 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

RADNOR, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 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
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 14:15:32

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 958 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Grants will benefit 39 nonprofits that have experienced increased demand for servicesGrants will support individuals and families facing homelessness, hunger and other challenges by supporting expanded capacity of community programsCHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / As North Carolina communities continue to feel financial strain from the rising cost of basic needs, the Duke Energy Foundation is providing $1 million to support nonprofits dedicated to serving low-income communities. These grants will strengthen capacity and increase the impact of local agencies that are on the forefront of helping North Carolinians with essential services like meals and shelter."Duke Energy's long-term success is deeply intertwined with the wellbeing of the communities we serve," said Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy North Carolina. "Many nonprofits have experienced unprecedented demand in the last few years. These grants focus on building nonprofits' capacities so they can meet the increased need." In Raleigh, Oak City Cares has seen a rapid increase in demand from Wake County and the capital region. They are now serving 97% more individuals and families than last year."We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership we have with Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation," said Kathy Johnson, executive director of Oak City Cares. "We have seen a 97% increase in guests seeking services at our center and Duke Energy Foundation's investment will help Oak City Cares expand our capacity to serve of our guests in meeting their basic needs and achieving stable housing. Not only are they providing this financial investment, but they are true partners on-the-ground in our work, providing both volunteers and in-kind resources to support our work." In Winston-Salem, Crisis Control Ministry has seen a significant rise in requests for assistance, with volunteers interviewing over 200 potential clients weekly. In their fifty-year history, the organization has helped more than 100,000 residents in Stokes and Forsyth County meet basic needs and they expect the need for assistance with rent, food and prescriptions to continue to rise."Over the years, Duke Energy has been a wonderful partner to Crisis Control Ministry in our mission to support our neighbors in times of crisis," said Margaret Elliott, Executive Director of Crisis Control Ministry. "We are always looking for ways to better serve our community, and the recent grant awarded by Duke Energy will make it easier and more convenient for our neighbors to access our services." Grants were awarded to the following 39 nonprofits in North Carolina across the state.Organization CountyOak City Cares Wake County Raleigh Rescue Mission Wake County Shepherds Table Soup Kitchen Wake County PLM Families Together Wake County CASA Wake County Good Shepherd Ministries New Hanover County Bladen Crisis Assistance Bladen County Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry New Hanover County Step Up Wilmington New Hanover County Brunswick County Partnership for Housing Brunswick County Safe Haven of Pender Pender County Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina Columbus County Crisis Control Ministry Forsyth County Eblen Charities Buncombe County United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County Buncombe County Roots & Wings Person County United Way of the Tar River Region Nash County Matthews Help Center Mecklenburg County United Way of Gaston County Gaston County Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry Union County Orange Congregations in Mission Orange County CORA Food Pantry Chatham County Salvation Army of Lee County Lee County Greensboro Urban Ministry Guilford County Cooperative Christian Ministries Rockingham County Cabarrus Cooperative Christian Ministry Cabarrus County Stanly Community Christian Ministry Stanly County Interfaith Assistance Ministry Henderson County Yokefellow Service Center Rutherford County Better Health of Cumberland County Cumberland County Our Daily Bread Christian Food Ministry Richmond County Hoke County Open Door Soup Kitchen Hoke County Montgomery County Council on Aging Montgomery County Caldwell County Yokefellow Caldwell County Christian Crisis Center Alexander County South Caldwell Christian Ministries Caldwell County United Way of Wayne County Wayne County Lenoir County United Way Lenoir County Four-Square Community Action Cherokee CountyDuke Energy FoundationThe Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation Duke EnergyDuke Energy (NYSE:DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com . The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.Duke Energy media contact: Emily KisseeMedia line: 800.559.3853@DE_EmilyKView original content here.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: Duke EnergyWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Duke Energy
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 17:51:16

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 957 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Volunteer firefighters employed by John Deere can leave work to respond to an emergency callWASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Once upon a time, employers used to let volunteer firefighters leave work to answer an emergency call. This was especially beneficial in small-town and rural communities, where the majority of firefighters are volunteers. It ensured enough responders would show up during weekday emergencies when the volunteers were at their "day jobs." While most companies ended this practice decades ago, one company is turning back that clock and making it easier for volunteer firefighters who live where they work to punch out long enough to turn out for a 911 call.The perk, which falls under John Deere's Power for Good program, lets workers who are volunteer firefighters leave work to respond to calls. They can also come in late if they were on an early morning call. While many of the Deere production workers are located in more rural communities, the option is open to all Deere employees around the globe.Power for Good is operated by John Deere's charitable arm, the Deere Foundation. The company is the main financial contributor to the foundation.It's a perk that means something to its employees.Jake Smith has been a volunteer firefighter for nearly 30 years and a product development specialist for John Deere for the past five years. Being available for his community is critical to why he continues to volunteer."What if there was a call and nobody showed up?" Smith asked.Glenn Pope is a chief product verification and validation engineer at Deere who also serves as a lieutenant and medical officer for the Greene Township Fire Protection District in Viola, IL."When I first got married," Pope said, "we had an elderly neighbor next door, just the nicest guy, and I found myself wondering about what if something happened. It wasn't a very hard stretch for me to say, What would I do for Bill?'"Like most volunteer firefighters, Deere employees understand what level of personal sacrifice is needed and why that sacrifice is so important to the community.Deere, apparently, gets it too. This is no small sacrifice for a company bound by tight production schedules and a specialized workforce. When workers leave their post to fight a fire, production slows.Although Deere does not pay its volunteer firefighters for their time away from the job, employees can earn money for the fire department for the number of hours they volunteer. Employees who volunteer their time for a recognized 501(c)(3) organization - such as a volunteer fire department - can log those hours and designate a charitable organization. The Deere Foundation gives money to those organizations based on the hours employees volunteer.In fact, employees do not have to allocate the money they earn to the group they volunteer for. That means employees who are not volunteer firefighters who donate their time to another group, can direct those earnings to a volunteer fire department.In 2021, the Foundation pledged to spend $200 million over the next 10 years - $50 million is set aside for this volunteer program. Volunteer firefighting has consistently logged the most hours by Deere employees when compared with other volunteering outlets.In 2022, Deere employees clocked more than 13,000 hours across five states, which led to nearly $224,000 donated. This made Fire Protection one of the top categories by hours recorded across the company globally. And all those hours were recorded by only 79 of the company's more than 82,000 employees."We know we have more employees providing this kind of tremendous community support," Nate Clark, global director for corporate social responsibility, said. "So the goal becomes how do we get more people to understand and take advantage of the benefits that Power for Good can provide? We know more volunteer firefighters are needed all over the United States and beyond." While not part of the volunteer program, Deere funded a full-length documentary movie that explores the life of volunteer firefighters around the country. The film, "Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat," was available throughout the spring and summer for local fire departments to host community screenings to help increase recruitment. It is now available on streaming platforms nationally; information can be found at www.oddhoursfilm.com/watch "A topic like this is part of our legacy because John Deere, as a person, was a firefighter," Clark said. "And we've been protected by customers, dealers, colleagues, and loved ones who served as volunteer firefighters over our entire history." One way communities, or companies like John Deere, can do more to bolster the ranks of volunteer firefighters is to engage in recruiting programs such as the National Volunteer Fire Council's (NVFC) Make Me A Firefighter campaign.Make Me A Firefighter is a national volunteer firefighter and EMS recruitment campaign launched in 2015 by the NVFC to help departments reach new members. The NVFC has been awarded three federal grants to conduct this nationwide campaign, which features a department portal filled with resources and tools for implementing a local recruitment campaign as well as a public web site to allow potential volunteers to find local opportunities. Learn more at https://makemeafirefighter.org/info About The National Volunteer Fire CouncilThe National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services. The NVFC serves as the voice of the volunteer in the national arena and provides critical advocacy, resources, programs, and education for first responders across the nation. Learn more at www.nvfc.org Contact InformationNational Volunteer Fire CouncilKimberly Quiros(202) 887-5700kimberly@ nvfc.org SOURCE: National Volunteer Fire Council
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 20:00:34

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 566 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

SAN FRANCISCO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Hagens Berman urges Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE) equity and bond investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now.Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/HE Contact An Attorney Now: HE@ hbsslaw.com 844-916-0895Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HE) Investigation:The investigation focuses on Hawaiian Electric's assurances that it has a robust wildfire mitigation and grid resiliency program that includes, among other things, inspecting its infrastructure.When historic wildfires recently broke out in Maui, killing dozens of people and causing billions of dollars of damage, the company's assurances came into question.On Aug. 12, 2023, The Washington Post reported that "[b]efore the Maui wildfires, Hawaiian Electric did not have a plan - adopted widely in California and other states - to shut off power in certain lines in advance of dangerous winds." According to the Post "Hawaiian Electric was aware that a power shut-off was an effective strategy, documents show, but had not adopted it as part of its fire-mitigation plans, according to the company and two former power and energy officials interviewed by The Washington Post." Citing a former member of the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, the Post reported that the decision to avoid shutting off power "is reflective of the utility's struggles to bolster its aging and vulnerable infrastructure against wildfires[.]"Then, on Aug. 16, 2023 Forbes reported that "[a]n unusually sharp reaction to the Lahaina calamity also occurred in the area of credit ratings[]" and "Standard & Poor's downgraded Hawaiian Electric all the way from BBB- to BB-, three rating notches at once." CNN Business reported that "S&P Global said the wildfires have placed the company at a higher risk of default[.]"After the close on Aug. 16, 2023, The Wall Street Journal reported that "Hawaiian Electric is speaking with firms that specialize in restructuring advisory work to address the electric utility's financial and legal challenges arising from the Maui wildfires, said people familiar with the matter." This news drove the price of Hawaiian Electric shares and bonds sharply lower."We're focused on investors' losses and whether Hawaiian Electric misled investors about its operational safeguards necessary to comply with state safety requirements," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the investigation.If you invested in Hawaiian Electric and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, click here to discuss your legal rights with Hagens Berman.Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Hawaiian Electric should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email HE@ hbsslaw.com # # #About Hagens BermanHagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation law firm focusing on corporate accountability through class-action law. The firm is home to a robust securities litigation practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and fraud. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com . Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw.Contact:Reed Kathrein, 844-916-0895SOURCE: Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 13:01:44

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 721 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Do you, or did you, own shares of Hayward Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:HAYW)?Did you purchase your shares between March 2, 2022 and July 27, 2022, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in Hayward Holdings, Inc.?Do you want to discuss your rights?NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the common stock of Hayward Holdings, Inc. ("Hayward" or the "Company") (NYSE:HAYW) between March 2, 2022 and July 27, 2022, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired Hayward common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Hayward Holdings, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 2, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.The Complaint alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Among other things, Defendants failed to disclose that: (i) Hayward and its management had engaged in a channel-stuffing scheme designed to artificially boost Hayward's short-term sales and earnings; (ii) Hayward had flooded its channel partners with inventory that they did not want or need at a level that far outpaced then-existing consumer demand; (iii) Hayward's channel partners were suffering from an inventory glut as a result of the channel-stuffing scheme that would require a massive de-stocking in the second half of 2022; (iv) Hayward's channel-stuffing scheme had cannibalized future sales, materially impairing Hayward Holdings' ability to sell to its customers; and (v) the demand for pool equipment had slowed down, which, combined with flooding channel partners with more inventory, led to an inventory glut and the need for these channel partners to reduce inventory levels.On July 28, 2022, Hayward reported poor second quarter 2022 results - the same quarter during which the SPO was conducted. Most notably, Hayward disclosed the need for a massive inventory de-stocking as its distribution partners had far more product than they could sell to consumers. Hayward slashed expected 2022 net sales growth from a range of 9% to 12% to a decline of 2% to 6%. In addition, Hayward cut expected 2022 adjusted earnings from a range of $460 million to $475 million to a range of just $385 million to $400 million, a 16% decline at the mid-point. Because Hayward had already achieved $254 million in adjusted earnings during the first six months of the year, at the low end of this range Hayward's adjusted earnings would fall by half over the next six months.On this news, Hayward's common stock declined $3.23 per share, or approximately 23.5%, to close at $10.48 per share on July 29, 2022.If you purchased or acquired Hayward common stock, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Hayward Holdings, Inc. Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 08:01:03

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 973 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

HORIZONTE MINERALS PLC APPOINTS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR FOR THE ARAGUAIA NICKEL PROJECTLONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIMHZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company") a nickel company developing two Tier-1 assets in Brazil, is pleased to strengthen its management team with the appointment of Mr. Fernando Marino as its Operations Director for the Araguaia Nickel Project ("Araguaia" or "the Project").Jeremy Martin, CEO of Horizonte, commented: "We are pleased to welcome Fernando as Operations Director for the Araguaia Nickel Project, which marks an important milestone for Horizonte as we prepare to bring Araguaia into production given that construction is now around 65% complete. Fernando's extensive experience in commissioning, production ramp-up, and operating Brazilian nickel operations, coupled with over 20 years of stakeholder engagement experience in the Para state, will be invaluable at Araguaia and we look forward to working with him." Fernando has over 35 years of experience in the resources industry, with a strong track record of ramping up and operating mining operations in Brazil. He worked across a range of mining operations for Vale in Brazil, including as Director of Operations at Onca Puma, a ferronickel operation in Para state located approximately 250 km from Araguaia. During his time at Onca Puma, he managed the initial ramp-up phase and subsequently implemented improvements to the original furnace design in conjunction with Hatch (Araguaia's furnace vendor). Additionally, he led a comprehensive review of the operational, maintenance and safety procedures, resulting in a record annual production of 25,000 tonnes of nickel, without any lost-time accidents. Prior to joining Horizonte, Fernando was Executive Manager at Vale's Base Metals South Atlantic operations, and previously managed the Salobo copper mine and plant.For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact:Horizonte Minerals plcJeremy Martin (CEO)Simon Retter (CFO)Patrick Chambers (Head of IR)info@ horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)Ross AllisterDavid McKeown+44 (0)20 7418 8900BMO (Joint Broker)Thomas RiderPascal Lussier DuquetteAndrew Cameron+44 (0) 20 7236 1010Barclays (Joint Broker)Philip LindopRichard Bassingthwaighte+44 (0)20 7623 2323Tavistock (Financial PR)Emily MossCath Drummond+44 (0) 20 7920 3150ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALSHorizonte Minerals Plc (AIM/TSX: HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Para state, Brazil - the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are large scale, high-grade, low-cost, have low carbon emission intensities and are scalable. Araguaia is under construction with first metal scheduled for 1Q 2024. When fully ramped up with Line 1 and Line 2, Araguaia is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage and is expected to supply nickel to the critical metals market. Horizonte's combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte's top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments S.a r.l., Glencore Plc and Orion Resource Partners LLP.CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATIONExcept for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company's lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company's future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 15:31:51

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 752 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Greater Washington Tech Founder and Business Leader Unites With Prominent Tech LeaderCHEVY CHASE, MD / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Ruxton Ventures, a firm founded by Mark Walsh, an early backer of successful technology startups Blackboard, GoCanvas, Homesnap, Fiscal Note and others, announced that Jonathan Aberman, currently the Dean of Marymount University's College of Business, Innovation, Leadership and Technology, will be joining Ruxton Ventures as a full-time partner. Aberman, described in Forbes as the "unsung hero" of the successful effort to bring Amazon HQ2 to Northern Virginia, is a prominent figure in Greater Washington's technology business community.Ruxton Ventures makes seed investments in early-stage technology businesses, with a particular focus on media, marketplaces, data sciences, software, and education. Through Walsh, Ruxton has taken a board seat or other leadership role in many of its investments. Adding Aberman will enhance Ruxton Ventures' reputation as a founder-focused investment firm that directly engages with founders. Ruxton Ventures' expansion will benefit the Greater Washington region's innovation economy, since access to experienced advice and capital is always needed. Aberman will assume his new role immediately upon transitioning out of Marymount.Aberman is the founding Dean of Marymount's College of Business, Innovation, Leadership and Technology ("BILT"). He conceptualized and then led the formation and growth of BILT, a merger of previously existing programs in technology, business, art and design. Its combination of disciplines and interdisciplinary offerings is unique in the United States. Since becoming Dean in 2019 of BILT's predecessor - the School of Business and Technology - Aberman oversaw BILT's growth and strategic development, managed BILT through the COVID pandemic, and positioned it for continued expansion. During his tenure as dean, BILT achieved record growth in profitability and revenue per student and launched innovative new programs. Aberman is committed to a smooth and seamless transition.Before Marymount, Aberman was a widely respected observer on the Greater Washington region's growth, writing for The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal. He was an advisor to the Greater Washington Partnership, the 2030 Group, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, and Arlington County Economic Development Corporation. He has consulted with federal, state and local government entities on innovation and economic development and was a senior economic advisor to Virginia Governor Ralph Northam's campaign. Through Amplifier Ventures, he helped found successful regional startups including RegScale, Hook Mobile, Spydrsafe, and Zenoss. Previously, he practiced law and served as managing partner of the local offices of two national law firms.Mark Walsh, Ruxton Ventures founder, said, "This is the best environment for startup investing I have seen since the mid-1990s. The combination of a massive tectonic change in our economy being forced by AI, with an overreaction to late-stage valuation decreases make it the right time for founders and investors to commit. Experience proves that the best companies come from the toughest times. Adding Jonathan allows us to expand our reach and give our existing portfolio companies access to another experienced hand - one that has deep expertise in finance, law and education." Aberman added, "Everyone is focused on AI, but ChatGPT is making plain something that tech veterans have known for a while - a business that can serve customers and own and enhance data is defensible. AI is a tool that will create what we call 'Small Language Models.' This is the future of startups - how do you use AI and not be used by it." "I truly enjoyed my time at Marymount. I originally thought the job would be a short-term strategic engagement, but it became an engrossing and rewarding four-and-a-half years. I made lifelong friends, and together our team created something special and lasting. I'm very proud of my team and I look forward to seeing them continue to grow BILT and succeed under the leadership of Dr. Irma Becerra." Tien Wong, Chairman of Opus8, founder of CONNECTpreneur, and a leading voice in the Greater Washington region's entrepreneur community, sees Aberman joining Ruxton Ventures as an important moment for the region's future. "Adding Jonathan's extensive experience to Ruxton Ventures is quite literally creating a 'dream team.' Founders love these guys. They are smart, approachable and hyper connected. Jonathan is one of the guys we all look to for leadership and for getting the community organized to get things done, like he has with the Tandem Product Academy, FounderCorps, and most recently at Marymount. I couldn't be happier." Contact InformationMark WalshFounder, Ruxton Ventureswalsh@ ruxtonventures.com 301 825 5715SOURCE: Ruxton Ventures
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 04:32:55

Press Information





Published by

ACN Newswire

+65 6304 8926

e-mail

https://www.acnnewswire.com/







# 588 Words

ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 23, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - PT Pertamina (Persero) and its sub-holdings have initiated several potential strategic collaborations with several energy companies in Africa, including in the upstream oil and gas sector, infrastructure development, processing refineries, potential downstream product distribution collaborations, and the development of new and renewable geothermal energy.In Kenya, Pertamina, through PT Pertamina Geothermal Energy (PGE) Tbk, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa Geothermal International Limited (AGIL) on Sunday, August 20, 2023, for technology development and resource utilization in geothermal. With this collaboration, PGE will have the opportunity to study infrastructure development, implement geothermal technology in Indonesia, and expand geothermal development in Kenya."Several collaborations that will be launched by the Pertamina Group in Africa, along with the visit of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, on August 20 - 24, 2023, will become one of the mainstays in the energy sector for the country. This collaboration can strengthen cooperation between African countries and globally," President Director of Pertamina Nicke Widyawati said during her visit to Kenya, Africa, on Monday (21/8).In the upstream business, the upstream sub-holding subsidiary, PT Pertamina Internasional EP (PIEP), is exploring the potential for cooperation with the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK). This exploration is the first step for Pertamina's upstream footprint abroad, strengthening national energy security."Spirit brings the barrel home; Pertamina's footprint in the upstream sector is to increase production so that it can be processed at Pertamina's domestic refineries," Nicke said.Nicke revealed that Pertamina also has opportunities to expand in various energy fields with the government-to-government (G-to-G) collaboration between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Kenya. This bilateral cooperation also opens investment opportunities and collaboration for Pertamina in the African region."We appreciate the role of the government, including the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in supporting Pertamina's expansion efforts on the global stage," she explained.Before the visit, Pertamina had a Memorandum of Understanding with GUMA, an African energy company, regarding strategic alliances for potential upstream, midstream, and downstream business projects.The collaboration includes the exploration and production of oil and gas fields, the development of oil and gas pipelines, and the development of oil and petrochemical refineries. Apart from that, Pertamina also trades petroleum products in Kenya. According to Nicke, cooperation beneficial to the Indonesian state will be prioritized in every collaboration carried out by the Pertamina Group."We bring the government's spirit, the spirit of the 1955 Asian-African Conference. We are now working together on economic development. Pertamina opens opportunities for cooperation in the upstream and downstream sectors, including geothermal in Kenya," Nicke said.Meanwhile, Vice President of Pertamina, Fadjar Djoko Santoso, added that Pertamina had brought several sub-holdings to explore the potential for cooperation in Africa. These collaborations will further strengthen national energy security and realize the company's role as a global energy company. "We are open to all business cooperation opportunities that positively impact Pertamina and the country," Fadjar said.Pertamina, as a leader in the field of energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emissions 2060 target by continuing to encourage programs that have a direct impact on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These efforts align with implementing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) in Pertamina's business lines and operations.Media Contact:Fadjar Djoko SantosoVice President Corporate CommunicationPT Pertamina (Persero)M. : +62 813-2063-0765E. : fadjar.santoso@pertamina.com
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 09:58:28

Press Information

Dhirtek Business Research and Consulting Private Limited









+91 7580990088

email

www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com



Published by

Parmeet Singh

7580990088

e-mail

https://www.dhirtekbusinessresearch.com/







# 678 Words

+91 7580990088Parmeet Singh7580990088

The global polyxylylene adipamide market report is a comprehensive report that provides a detailed analysis of the current status and future trends of the polyxylylene adipamide 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 polyxylylene adipamide market. This includes the increasing demand for polyxylylene adipamide 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 polyxylylene adipamide 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 polyxylylene adipamide 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 Polyxylylene Adipamide market are as follows: CAC Group, Korea Engineering Plastics, MGC, Mitsubishi Gas Chemicals, Nanocor, Solvay, Terez Performance Polymers, ToyoboBy 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: Injection Molding, Extrusion Molding, OthersApplication: Automotive Industries, Electrical Industries, Textile Industries, OthersIdentifying growth opportunities is crucial for companies operating in the polyxylylene adipamide 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 polyxylylene adipamide 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 polyxylylene adipamide 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 polyxylylene adipamide 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 polyxylylene adipamide market.
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-25 00:27:49

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 821 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Hawaiian Electric Industries, Inc. ("Hawaiian Electric" or the "Company") (NYSE:HE) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, and docketed under 23-cv-04332, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Hawaiian Electric securities between February 28, 2019 and August 16, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Hawaiian Electric securities during the Class Period, you have until October 23, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]Hawaiian Electric, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electric utility, banking, and non-regulated renewable/sustainable infrastructure investment businesses in the state of Hawaii. The Company provides service to 95% of Hawaiian residents and operates in three segments, including the Electric Utility segment, which engages in the production, purchase, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity in the islands of Oahu, Hawaii, Maui, Lanai, and Molokai.Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Hawaiian Electric's wildfire prevention and safety protocols and procedures were inadequate to meet the challenges for which they were ostensibly designed; (ii) accordingly, despite knowing the degree of risk that wildfires posed to Maui, the Company's inadequate safety protocols and procedures placed Maui at a heightened risk of devastating wildfires; and (iii) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.In early August 2023, a series of severe wildfires broke out in Hawaii, predominantly on the island of Maui. The most destructive fire began in West Maui near the town of Lahaina on the morning of August 8, 2023. By that afternoon, intense winds had knocked down approximately 30 utility poles throughout Maui, resulting in at least 15 separate outages impacting more than 12,400 customers. Moreover, videos captured by local residents showed that downed power lines belonging to Hawaiian Electric appeared to have ignited at least several of the fires. Ultimately, the wind-driven fires prompted evacuations, caused widespread damage, and have killed at least 114 people, with some 850 others still missing in Lahaina.On August 12, 2023, news outlets began reporting that Hawaiian Electric lacked the proper policies and procedures to mitigate the impact of the wildfires. Specifically, it was revealed that, at the time the wildfires began, the Company did not maintain a public power shutoff plan-i.e., a plan in which electricity is intentionally cut off to areas where strong wind events could cause the fires to spread.On this news, Hawaiian Electric's stock price fell $10.94 per share, or 33.76%, to close at $21.46 per share on August 14, 2023.Then, on August 16, 2023, the Wall Street Journal ("WSJ") reported that Hawaiian Electric is meeting with firms that specialize in restructuring advisory work, exploring options for the various financial and legal challenges that the Company faces as a consequence from the Maui wildfires.Finally, on August 17, 2023, the WSJ reported that Hawaiian Electric had for years been aware of the threat posed by wildfire but waited years to act. Indeed, the WSJ stated that between 2019 and 2022 the Company spent less than $245,000 on wildfire-specific projects on Maui and did not seek state approval to raise utility rates to pay for broad wildfire safety improvements until 2022.Following the publication of the WSJ articles, Hawaiian Electric's stock price fell $2.54 per share, or 17.43%, to close at $12.03 per share on August 17, 2023.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 19:47:16

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 462 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Originally published on Rayonier.com WILDLIGHT, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Rayonier Inc. (NYSE:RYN) released its 2022 Sustainability Report, which highlights the actions the Company is taking to ensure the long-term sustainability of its land resources as well as the long-term well-being of its investors, employees, communities, and other stakeholders. This report illustrates Rayonier's ongoing commitment to transparency around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors and how they are incorporated into its strategic and operational decision-making."We approached our 2022 Sustainability Report with a mindset of continuous improvement, as we remain intensely focused on providing stakeholders transparency into ESG metrics and other sustainability issues," said David Nunes, CEO. "We believe this approach promotes constructive two-way communication and ultimately drives a better understanding of the benefits of working forests, as well as the advancement of new sustainability-related initiatives critical to a myriad of stakeholders. While we are pleased with our progress, there is still much work to be done." Enhancements to the 2022 Sustainability Report include the addition of energy and water consumption metrics, safety-related targets, an overview of our human rights policy, a discussion of the emerging opportunities associated with land-based solutions, and highlights of our employee development programs.Concurrent with the release of its 2022 Sustainability Report, the Company is also releasing its latest Carbon Report, which quantifies the carbon impacts across the Company's value chain. In 2022, Rayonier's forestlands sequestered an estimated 14.6 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents from the atmosphere versus corporate emissions of roughly 290,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents. At year-end 2022, the Company's forestlands stored an estimated 777 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents in total."We are committed to further increasing our transparency on ESG-related metrics and look forward to advancing Rayonier's differentiated sustainability strategy across our broad working forest portfolio," stated Nunes.The 2022 Sustainability Report, as well as the latest Carbon Report, can be found on the Company's Sustainability web page.About RayonierRayonier is a leading timberland real estate investment trust with assets located in some of the most productive softwood timber growing regions in the United States and New Zealand. As of June 30, 2023, Rayonier owned or leased under long-term agreements approximately 2.8 million acres of timberlands located in the U.S. South (1.91 million acres), U.S. Pacific Northwest (474,000 acres) and New Zealand (419,000 acres). More information is available at www.rayonier.com Investors: Collin Mings, investorrelations@ rayonier.com , 904-357-9100Media: Alejandro Barbero, alejandro.barbero@rayonier.com If you would like to receive an accessible version of any document located on this page, please contact us by calling 1-855-478-5272 or emailing us at accessibility@ rayonier.com View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Rayonier on 3 blmedia.com Contact Info:Spokesperson: RayonierWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/rayonier Email: info@3 blmedia.com SOURCE: Rayonier
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 13:01:47

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 569 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP:Do you, or did you, own shares of RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX)?Did you purchase your shares between February 8, 2021 and July 25, 2023, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in RTX Corporation?Do you want to discuss your rights?Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of RTX Corporation f/k/a Raytheon Technologies Corporation ("RTX" or the "Company") (NYSE: RTX) between February 8, 2021 and July 25, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired RTX securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit RTX Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than October 2, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.The Complaint alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Among other things, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that RTX's geared turbofan ("GTF") engines had been affected from at least 2015 by a quality control issue, which would require RTX to recall and reinspect many of its GTF airplanes, affecting customers and harming its business.On July 25, 2023, Reuters released an article entitled "RTX shares tumble on Pratt & Whitney airliner engine problem," which reported that "more than 1,000 [GTF] engines must [be] removed from Airbus planes and checked for microscopic cracks." Reuters further reported that "RTX said it was reducing its 2023 cash-flow forecast by $500 million to $4.3 billion due to the inspections." On this news, RTX's share price fell $9.91 per share, or 10.2%, to close at $87.10 on July 25, 2023.If you purchased or acquired RTX securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit RTX Corporation Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 13:01:34

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 620 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Bernstein Liebhard LLP:Do you, or did you, own shares of Sea Limited (NYSE:SE)?Did you purchase your shares between April 23, 2022 and May 15, 2023, inclusive?Did you lose money in your investment in Sea Limited?Do you want to discuss your rights?Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationally acclaimed investor rights law firm, reminds investors of the deadline to file a lead plaintiff motion in a securities class action lawsuit that has been filed on behalf of investors who purchased or acquired the securities of Sea Limited ("Sea" or the "Company") (NYSE: SE) between April 23, 2022 and May 15, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period"). The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona and alleges violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 against the Company and certain of its officers (the "Complaint").If you purchased or acquired Sea securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Sea Limited Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than September 17, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Your ability to share in any recovery doesn't require that you serve as lead plaintiff. If you choose to take no action, you may remain an absent class member.The Complaint alleges that Defendants made materially false and misleading statements throughout the Class Period. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (i) Sea overstated its ability to manage the growth of its user base and loan book while enhancing its profitability; (ii) Sea's expansion to a broader user base and growing loan book rendered the Company significantly more vulnerable to higher credit losses; (iii) as a result, the Company was likely to book a significant increase in loan loss reserves; and (iv) the foregoing was likely to have a significant negative impact on Sea's earnings.On May 16, 2023, Sea issued a press release announcing its financial results for the first quarter of 2023. Among other items, Sea reported first-quarter earnings that fell significantly short of expectations due to a sharp increase in loan loss reserves. The Company advised that "[o]ur provision for credit losses increased by 120.5% to US$177.4 million in the first quarter of 2023 from US$80.5 million in the first quarter of 2022, primarily driven by expansion to a broader user base and the growth of our loan book"On this news, Sea's American Depositary Share ("ADS") price fell almost 18%.If you purchased or acquired Sea securities, and/or would like to discuss your legal rights and options please visit Sea Limited Shareholder Class Action Lawsuit or contact Peter Allocco at (212) 951-2030 or pallocco@ bernlieb.com Since 1993, Bernstein Liebhard LLP has recovered over $3.5 billion for its clients. In addition to representing individual investors, the Firm has been retained by some of the largest public and private pension funds in the country to monitor their assets and pursue litigation on their behalf. As a result of its success litigating hundreds of lawsuits and class actions, the Firm has been named to The National Law Journal's "Plaintiffs' Hot List" thirteen times and listed in The Legal 500 for sixteen consecutive years.ATTORNEY ADVERTISING.  2023 Bernstein Liebhard LLP. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Bernstein Liebhard LLP, 10 East 40th Street, New York, New York 10016, (212) 779-1414. Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.Contact Information:Peter AlloccoBernstein Liebhard LLP(212) 951-2030pallocco@ bernlieb.com SOURCE: Bernstein Liebhard LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 17:15:27

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 999 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Shift4 Payments, Inc. ("Shift4" or the "Company") (NYSE:FOUR) and certain officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, and docketed under 23-cv-03206, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Shift4 securities between November 10, 2021 and April 18, 2023, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), seeking to recover damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, against the Company and certain of its top officials.If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Shift4 securities during the Class Period, you have until October 19, 2023 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com . To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 7980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased.[Click here for information about joining the class action]Shift4 provides software and payment processing solutions in the United States. The Company provides, among other products and services, integrated and mobile point-of-sale ("POS") solutions.In Shift4's third quarter of 2022, the Company completed its so-called "mass strategic buyout program" as part of a purported strategic initiative to insource its sales distribution network.According to Shift4, because the Company is not a "member bank" as defined in certain payment network rules, the Company is not eligible for primary membership in certain payment networks and is therefore unable to directly access them. Accordingly, Shift4's payment networks require the Company to be sponsored by a member bank as a service provider, which the Company has accomplished through a sponsorship agreement with its sponsor bank. To cover overdraft obligations at the sponsor bank, prior to December 2022, Shift4 had funds deposited in a sponsor bank merchant settlement account to facilitate gross card transaction deposits for those customers the Company bills on a monthly, as opposed to a daily, basis.The Complaint alleges that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operations, and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Shift4 had inadequate disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (ii) as a result, Shift4 failed to properly account for customer acquisition costs, thereby artificially inflating its net cash provided by operating activities; (iii) accordingly, Shift4 would likely be forced to restate one or more of its previously issued financial statements; (iv) Shift4 employed accounting maneuvers in connection with, among other things, its mass strategic buyout program and sponsor bank merchant settlement account, that were designed to present an inaccurate picture of, inter alia, the Company's performance, its underlying business quality, and its earnings power; (v) all the foregoing, once revealed, was likely to negatively impact Shift4's reputation and business; and (vi) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.On October 21, 2022, Shift4 disclosed in a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that the Company's third quarter 2021, full year 2021, first quarter 2022, and second quarter 2022 financial statements should no longer be relied upon and would need to be restated because of a material weakness in the Company's financial controls, which had caused it to incorrectly treat "customer acquisition costs" as cash used in investing activities rather than cash used in operating activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As a result, Shift4 was forced to negatively revise its net cash provided by operating activities to $3 million (down from its originally reported $29.2 million), $30.8 million (down from its originally reported $37.1 million), and $70.8 million (down from its originally reported $85 million) for the year ended December 31, 2021, the three months ended March 31, 2022, and the six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.On this news, Shift4's stock price fell $1.21 per share, or 2.67%, to close at $44.16 per share on October 24, 2022.On April 19, 2023, Blue Orca Capital published a report addressing Shift4 (the "Blue Orca Report"). The Blue Orca Report alleged, among other things, that "Shift4 [is], in reality, a roll-up of low-tech POS systems and payment processors which is substantially less profitable, generates far less cash, and is materially more levered than investors are led to believe." The Blue Orca Report further alleged that in 2022, "Shift4 engaged in a string of highly questionable and hyper-aggressive accounting maneuvers seemingly designed to keep the stock afloat, from cash flow manipulation to inexplicable distributor acquisitions that enabled it to capitalize a major component of COGS [cost of goods sold]." For example, the Blue Orca Report alleged, inter alia, that Shift4's "buyout of 50% of its independent distributors"-i.e., in connection with its mass strategic buyout program-"and Q4 2022 cash account withdrawal" from its sponsor bank merchant settlement account "together inflated operating cash flow by 61%."On this news, Shift4's stock price fell $5.95 per share, or 8.68%, to close at $62.59 per share on April 19, 2023.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 18:46:42

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 742 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

Upcoming Lead Plaintiff Deadline is October 19, 2023NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP ("Wolf Haldenstein") reminds investors that a class action has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on behalf of those who acquired Shift4 Payments, Inc. ("Shift4" or the "Company") (NYSE:FOUR) securities during the period from November 10, 2021 through April 18, 2023, inclusive (the "Class Period").All investors who purchased shares and incurred losses are advised to contact the firm immediately at classmember@ whafh.com or (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774. You may obtain additional information concerning the action or join the case on our website, www.whafh.com If you have incurred losses, you may, no later than October 19, 2023, request that the Court appoint you lead plaintiff of the proposed class. Please contact Wolf Haldenstein to learn more about your rights.PLEASE CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE CONTACT AND TRANSACTION INFORMATIONIn Shift4's third quarter of 2022, the Company completed its so-called mass strategic buyout program as part of a purported strategic initiative to insource its sales distribution network. According to Shift4, because the Company is not a member bank as defined in certain payment network rules, the Company is not eligible for primary membership in certain payment networks and is therefore unable to directly access them. Accordingly, Shift4's payment networks require the Company to be sponsored by a member bank as a service provider, which the Company has accomplished through a sponsorship agreement with its sponsor bank. To cover overdraft obligations at the sponsor bank, prior to December 2022, Shift4 had funds deposited in a sponsor bank merchant settlement account to facilitate gross card transaction deposits for those customers the Company bills on a monthly, as opposed to a daily, basis.On October 21, 2022, Shift4 disclosed in a filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that the Company's third quarter 2021, full year 2021, first quarter 2022, and second quarter 2022 financial statements should no longer be relied upon and would need to be restated because of a material weakness in the Company's financial controls, which had caused it to incorrectly treat customer acquisition costs as cash used in investing activities rather than cash used in operating activities in its consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As a result, Shift4 was forced to negatively revise its net cash provided by operating activities to $3 million (down from its originally reported $29.2 million), $30.8 million (down from its originally reported $37.1 million), and $70.8 million (down from its originally reported $85 million) for the year ended December 31, 2021, the three months ended March 31, 2022, and the six months ended June 30, 2022, respectively.On this news, the price of Shift4 shares declined by $1.21 per share, or approximately 2.67%, from $45.37 per share to close at $44.16 on October 24, 2022.Then, on April 19, 2023, Blue Orca Capital published a report alleging that Shift4 "engaged in a string of highly questionable and hyperaggressive accounting maneuvers seemingly designed to keep the stock afloat" including "cash flow manipulation" and "inexplicable distributor acquisitions that enabled it to capitalize a major component of COGS." Blue Orca Capital also alleges that Shift4 engaged in unreported related-party transactions and that the Company's questionable accounting maneuvers "inflated 2022 gross profit by 13%, Adj. EBITDA by 34%, and operating income by close to 3x."On this news, the price of Shift4 shares declined by $5.95 per share, or approximately 8.68%, from $68.54 per share to close at $62.59 on April 19, 2023.Wolf Haldenstein has extensive experience in the prosecution of securities class actions and derivative litigation in state and federal trial and appellate courts across the country. The firm has attorneys in various practice areas; and offices in New York, Chicago and San Diego. The reputation and expertise of this firm in shareholder and other class litigation has been repeatedly recognized by the courts, which have appointed it to major positions in complex securities multi-district and consolidated litigation.If you wish to discuss this action or have any questions regarding your rights and interests in this case, please immediately contact Wolf Haldenstein by telephone at (800) 575-0735 or via e-mail at classmember@ whafh.com Contact:Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLPPatrick Donovan, Esq.Gregory Stone, Director of Case and Financial AnalysisEmail: gstone@ whafh.com , donovan@ whafh.com or classmember@ whafh.com Tel: (800) 575-0735 or (212) 545-4774This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.SOURCE: Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 15:01:00

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 357 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

FORT WALTON BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Step One Automotive Group, a leading automotive dealership network with locations across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, proudly announces its successful participation in the community-led "Stuff the Bus" initiative. Focused on providing essential school supplies to students in low-income families, Step One Automotive Group transformed its various dealership locations into donation stations for the duration of the campaign.In a partnership with the United Way Emerald Coast and United Way of West Florida, Step One Automotive Group's Florida dealerships mobilized efforts to provide crucial educational tools for students in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. The initiative underscores the company's belief that every student should have the necessary resources to excel in their academic pursuits, irrespective of their economic background.Similarly, in Alabama, Step One Automotive Group joined forces with Andalusia City School to extend its philanthropic reach, ensuring that more children had the materials needed for a successful educational experience. The company's dealerships in Georgia also participated, partnering with the United Way of the Coastal Empire to support local students with the supplies essential for academic achievement."We take immense pride in our commitment to community service, and this year, our 'Stuff the Bus' initiative has allowed us to make a profound impact on the lives of young learners in the areas we serve," said Maureen Bierman of Step One Automotive Group. "We believe that contributing to the welfare of our future leaders is not just a responsibility but a privilege. Through our collaboration with these amazing organizations, we have been able to take a meaningful step toward leveling the educational playing field." Step One Automotive Group invites the community to join them in their ongoing efforts to better the lives of the students and families they serve. Donations are welcome year-round, and individuals interested in contributing can visit any of the Step One Automotive Group's dealership locations for more information.For more information about Step One Automotive Group and upcoming events, please visit www.steponeautomotive.com Contact InformationShantelle DedickePresident, Frances Roy Agencyshantelle@ francesroy.com 307-631-7644SOURCE: Step One Automotive Group
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 13:00:36

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 926 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Silver Tiger Metals Inc. (TSXV:SLVR)(OTCQX:SLVTF) ("Silver Tiger" or the "Corporation") is pleased to report gold and silver extraction results from initial scoping-level metallurgical test work from its high-grade silver-gold El Tigre Project in Sonora, Mexico (the "El Tigre Project"). The Corporation also expects to release an updated and expanded mineral resource estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) in Q3 2023.METALLURGICAL TEST WORKPreliminary metallurgical work demonstrates excellent recoveries of silver, gold, copper, zinc and lead in the Sulphide and Black Shale Zones with silver equivalent recoveries of 95.7% and 98.1%, respectively. The newly discovered, high-grade Sulphide and Black Shale Zones have been the focus of recent drilling and they show great exploration potential being open both laterally and at depth.Previous drilling of the Surface Stockwork Zone has indicated a mineralized zone in excess of 100 meters true width. With high recoveries of 78.1% silver equivalency in column testing, simulating a heap leaching process, the Corporation sees the potential for an open pit low-cost heap leach process. This open pit heap leach process will be defined as part of the upcoming PEA.Results reported in this news release pertain to test work conducted by SGS Lakefield in Ontario in 2022 and 2023 on the Au-Ag mineralization from the Surface Stockwork Zone and Ag-Au-Zn-Cu-Pb mineralization from the Black Shale, Sulphide Zones and High-Grade Silver Veins. An updated and expanded mineral resource estimation and PEA for the El Tigre deposit is expected to be released during Q3 2023.Highlights Include:Preliminary rougher flotation tests of the Black Shale Zone recovered 91.1% copper, 98.2% lead, 98.8% zinc, 91.9% gold, and 98.4% silver. Overall Silver Equivalent Recovery - 98.1%Preliminary rougher flotation tests of the Sulphide Zone recovered 94.2% copper, 95.3% lead, 97.6% zinc, 79.6% gold, and 96.0% silver. Overall Silver Equivalent Recovery - 95.7%Surface Stockwork Zone column test extractions recovered - 83.1% Gold, 64.3% Silver at 3/8-in crush size (leach profile shown in Figure 3) with no requirement for agglomeration indicated in these tests. Overall Silver Equivalent Recovery - 78.1%Also notable is the low cyanide consumption of 0.68 kg per tonne and lime consumption of 2.33 kg per tonneGlenn Jessome, President and CEO, stated: "Based on representative samples from the Sulphide, Black Shale and Surface Stockwork Zones, we are pleased to report very high silver, gold and base metal recoveries. For flotation tests of the Sulphide and Black Shale Zones we note tremendous recoveries of 96 to 98% total silver equivalency for the milling process on the underground deposit; and for the open pit heap leach column tests we note that silver equivalency recoveries average above 78%, which represents a high recovery for a low-cost leaching process." Mr. Jessome further stated: "Metallurgy is critically important to understanding the potential economics of a mineral project and these new results give us great encouragement that the upcoming PEA may show robust economics for the underground and open pit deposits." Estimated and Expanded Mineral Resource Estimate and PEAAn updated and expanded mineral resource estimation and PEA for the El Tigre deposit is expected to be released during Q3 2023.Black Shale and Sulphide Flotation Samples and TestingTwo (2) drill hole composites were sampled and shipped to SGS Lakefield for the flotation scoping test work. Shown in Figure 1, these two drill holes (ET-22-436, Black Shale Zone; ET-22-443 Sulphide Zone) were crushed, ground to 74 microns and subjected to rougher flotation to produce two (2) concentrates - copper/lead (with gold and silver) and zinc (with gold and silver).Standard flotation methods were carried out to produce the copper/lead concentrate while depressing the zinc followed by a zinc flotation. Testing to optimize recovery and cleaner concentrate grades is underway and will be reported when finalized. This ongoing testing will confirm marketable grades and confirm associated net smelter return (NSR) of the products.Figure 1: Long section looking east of 2023 metallurgical samples (green) in relation to the Sulphide (red) and Black Shale Zones (orange).The calculated head samples for the testing are shown in Table 1 below:ZoneHole #Au (g/t)Ag (g/t)Cu (%)Pb (%)Zn (%)Black ShaleET-22-4360.233840.392.336.36SulphideET-22-4430.156450.812.515.63Indicative recoveries from the scoping testing are shown based on the calculated head from the testing in Table 2 below:Indicative Recoveries% Cu%Pb%Zn%Au%AgBlack Shale91.198.298.891.998.4Sulphide94.295.397.679.696.0Metallurgical Sampling - Surface Stockwork ZoneThe samples consisted of five (5) drill holes within the Surface Stockwork Zone and were crushed and composited for the metallurgical testing to give approximate average deposit grades. The location and details of the holes are given in Figure 2 and Table 1. The column testing (C1 and C2) was done on these five (5) hole composites.Figure 2: Plan view of 2023 metallurgical samples (green) in relation to the Surface Stockwork Zone (purple) and Veins (red).The summary of the five (5) holes analysis are shown in Table 3:U/G Heap Leach Samples Hole #Sample #Weight (Kg)Au (g/t)Ag (g/t)AuEq (g/t)*AgEq (g/t)*ET-16-085C-1,283.00.4230.710.7866.27ET-16-087C-1,274.10.823.290.8672.71ET-16-088C-1,284.00.5820.130.8269.34ET-16-096C-1,275.70.7011.920.8471.02ET-16-108C-1,281.80.4725.140.7765.36Composite 398.60.6820.300.9375.72* AuEq (gold equivalent) and AgEq (silver equivalent) calculated with ratio of 81.5:1Figure 3: Column Leach Test on Surface Stockwork Zone at -3/8" CrushFigure 4: El Tigre - Conceptual Cross Section Showing Four Mineralization StylesQuality/Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Measures and Analytical Methods.The drill core for metallurgical testing were drilled to normal industry standards with core and rejects stored at the El Tigre Project. Sample rejects were stored in clearly labeled, plastic bags before being palletized prior to shipping to SGS Lakefield by DHL.SGS Statement of Qualifications - SGS Canada Natural Resources Lakefield conforms to the re
PR-Inside.com: 2023-08-24 23:00:11

Press Information





Published by

ACCESSWIRE News Network

888.952.4446

e-mail

http://www.accesswire.com







# 482 Words

ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446

The luxurious high-rise senior living community moves forward with development, bringing 259 units of independent living, assisted living, and memory care to North Bethesda, MD.DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Experience Senior Living (ESL) continues to make strides with The Reserve at Strathmore Square, an upscale senior living community in North Bethesda, MD. After working closely with Montgomery County officials, Experience Senior Living and master developer Fivesquares Development have secured site plan approval. The project is anticipated to break ground in Q4 of 2023.The Reserve at Strathmore SquareRendering of The Reserve at Strathmore Square Designed by the world-class architects at Handel and located adjacent to the renowned Music Center at Strathmore at 10514 Strathmore Hall Street, the 29-story, 413,140-square-foot development will house 259 apartment homes dedicated to independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The amenity-rich development will feature seven distinct restaurant venues, private wine lockers, a makerspace for creative projects, Teslas for chauffeured car service, and 24/7 concierge service. Additionally, the development offers a suite of exclusive amenities, including an indoor saltwater swimming pool, pickleball court, smart fitness room, professional salon, and spa. In addition to these perks, residents at The Reserve at Strathmore Square will have access to a private memory care courtyard, as well as a sky lounge and a dedicated theater for performing arts.Upon its completion, The Reserve at Strathmore Square will become part of a larger intergenerational development effort that unites multiple generations in a visionary arts-centric community that values immersive culture and lifelong learning."Experience Senior Living is proud to be a part of creating cross-generational living opportunities in such a vibrant epicenter of arts and culture. Our residents will have unprecedented access to high-end luxury living in a thriving community environment. The Reserve at Strathmore Square will be the new gold standard for High Rise Senior Living," said Phill Barklow, president of ESL.The Reserve at Strathmore Square is now accepting priority waitlist deposits. Interested residents are encouraged to visit: https://experiencesrliving.com/reserve-strathmore-square/ About Experience Senior LivingExperience Senior Living is a full-service, vertically integrated owner, developer and operator of active adult, independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. We are reimagining senior housing by leveraging our vast experience to seamlessly integrate strategic, operational and human-centered aspirations. We translate those experiences to create new and inspiring models of care focused on hospitality, which are responsive to residents' needs and centered around holistic wellness and engagement with a broader community. Experience drives everything we do, and our team of dynamic professionals is fueled by their passion for empowering individuals to lead enriching lives at every stage of their journey. Experience Senior Living is based in Denver, with communities operating or under development in seven states: Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington.Contact Info:Kirstin Barbourpr@ esl5280.com 970-441-8100Contact InformationKirstin Barbourpr@ esl5280.com 970-441-8100SOURCE: Experience Senior Living
For the umpteenth time, the General Overseer of Omega Power Mission (OPM), Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere, is in the news over allegations of adultery.

This time, social media sensation Happie Boys (Mathew Kelechi and Amakor Johnson) went viral with an allegation that the famous cleric raped and impregnated a 14-year-old girl.

On 17th August, the boys, via Instagram, shared screenshots of a particular Facebook user threatening to arrest the pastor for allegedly molesting young girls.

In another related development, a 22-year-old lady, on Wednesday, accused the pastor of allegedly impregnating her and refusing to take responsibility for their child.

Via his official Facebook page, Mr Chibuzor, however, debunked both allegations, saying he was being blackmailed.

In the lengthy post written by Frank Laga titled, Apostle Chibuzor cannot be subjected to blackmail, the pastor disclosed the reasons behind the blackmail.

The post read, First, they recruited happy boys, then fabricated news about Miss Deborahs family, which all turned out to be fake.

This person is busy bringing up strategies and recruiting people against the man of God promising to relocate them and their families to America.

He stated that the supposed blackmailer and his team claim to be in partnership with Simmons University US.

However, when they reached out to the president of Simmons University, they confirmed that they didnt know him.

The same man promised to connect the happy boys to the president of Cyprus and take them to America. That is the reason the happy boys said OPM abandoned them and refused the flight tickets that were bought for them.

If they need help, the Apostle will generously help them, but trying to gain through blackmail will not work.

Happie Boys not behind blackmail

In the Facebook post, the alleged blackmailer was revealed as a doctor residing in the US, contrary to social media claims that the Happie Boys could be behind the blackmail.

It read,  I have been reading comments on social media posts concerning the allegations against OPM, and I see so many people blaming the happy boys that Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere sent to Cyprus.

They are not responsible for the blackmail. There is a supposed doctor in the US who called Daddy OPM demanding one million dollars, or he and his group will fight him.

Alleged Adultery

A yet-to-be-identified lady has accused Mr Chibuzor of having a sexual relationship with her, which resulted in pregnancy.

The lady, who spoke boldly in a video making rounds on social media, narrated her escapade with the pastor, adding that it occurred when she lived in his house.

She claimed that he slept with her multiple times without protection, despite knowing she was engaged and that she eventually got pregnant.

The lady also claimed that Mr Chibuzor threatened to kick her out of the house and tarnish her image if she turned down his sexual advances.

She said after much persuasion, she finally gave in to his demand.

She said, I think I was 18 then. He told me what if he asked me to go into a relationship with him and what would I say. At that point, my assumption, everything in my head, concluded.

I was confused. I didnt know what to answer, not because of what he said but because it was coming from him. This was in 2019 between March and April.

The lady also claimed that after discovering she was pregnant, he allegedly sent her money to terminate the pregnancy.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mohammed Abubakar, has given the reason for the failure to arraign Godwin Emefiele and his co-defendant on corruption charges on Wednesday.

Mr Abubakar also spoke on plea bargain talks reportedly ongoing between the prosecution and Mr Emefiele.

Mr Emefiele, the suspended governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Saadatu Ramallan-Yaro were billed for arraignment over a N6.9 billion corruption charges at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Maitama.

But 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 headed by the DPP, Mr Abubakar, nor the defence teams were in court for the case scheduled to come up before Hamzat Muazu, a judge at the Maitama Division of the FCT High Court.

Mr Emefieles lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and Ms Ramallan-Yaros counsel, Abdulhakeem Labi-lawal, were absent.

This newspaper reported that Wednesday was the second time Mr Emefiele and Ms Ramallan-Yaros scheduled arraignment was stalled.

Earlier on 17 August, Mr Emefiele was brought to court but Ms Ramallan-Yaro was absent due to ill health, a development that compelled the judge to reschedule the pairs arraignment.

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 corruption involving procurement of vehicles worth as much as N6.9 billion for the CBN.

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 failure of the arraignment to take place on two consecutive occasions had fuelled speculations about ongoing plea bargain talks between the defence and the prosecution. It was reported that Mr Emefiele opted for the plea bargain.

Security threats

But speaking exclusively to PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday in Abuja, the DPP explained that Mr Emefiele was not arraigned on Wednesday because there were safety concerns around the court.

You remember at the last sitting, some angry persons mobilised to the court threatening to lynch him (Mr Emefiele), Mr Abubakar said.

We were ready to bring the defendants to court for arraignment on Wednesday, but we received an intelligence report that some people were out to foment trouble. So, we had to shelve the arraignment.

Contrary to media reports that Mr Emefiele had struck a plea bargain deal with the government, Mr Abubakar said nothing like that has come up in the case.

He said neither Mr Emefiele, his co-defendant, nor the prosecution had made any suggestion for a plea agreement.

READ ALSO:

As far as we are concerned, there is no such application for plea bargain before the Ministry of Justice, Mr Abubakar said.

He, however, added that the law provides for plea bargain, and if there is any such request it would be considered.

A plea bargain is a legal process that allows a defendant charged with an offence in court, usually before trial begins or gets to an advanced stage, to plead guilty to a lesser crime in order to get softer sentence.

Many of the early high-profile corruption cases in which the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had secured conviction were based on plea bargains. Such cases include that of the deceased former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeisegha, the late former Inspector-General of Police, Tafa Balogun.

Background

At last weeks proceedings, protesters thronged the premises of the FCT High Court at Maitama, demanding to whip Mr Emefiele for subjecting Nigerians to excruciating pain during the botched CBN currency redesign policy.

My only desire is for the security people to surrender Godwin Emefiele to us so that every Nigerian can flog one stroke of cane for the suffering he put through, a protester who refused to disclose his name told this reporter at court premises last week.

Another protester wondered how many Nigerians died as a result of their inability to access funds from the banks during the CBN currency redesign policy.

After the days court hearing, the protesters besieged the two exit points of the court, forcing the SSS operatives who had brought Mr Emefiele to court to tarry over an hour before whisking him away in a gestapo manner.

In February, the central bank currency redesign policy phased out old N200, N500 and N1000 banknotes.

But the unavailability of the new naira notes stifled socioeconomic activities across Nigeria, compelling some state governments to sue the central government.

Owing to the widespread hardships, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ordered the federal government to halt the currency redesign policy, but then President Muhammadu Buhari and Mr Emefiele stubbornly pursued its implementation.

Fresh charges

President Bola Tinubu suspended Mr Emefiele from office as CBN governor on 9 June, the next day Nigerias secret police, SSS, arrested him in Lagos. He was later flown to Abuja where is being held.

After holding apex bank chief for several weeks, the government arraigned Mr Emefiele before the Federal High Court in Lagos over illegal possession of firearms.

But the two-count charge was later struck out after it was withdrawn by the DPP.

On 14 August, the government filed a 20-count charge bordering on procurement fraud against Mr Emefiele and Ms Ramallan-Yaro.

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.

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.

Edited: Adeyemi Adesomoju, Tosin Omoniyi

Produced by: George Ogala

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Aisha Sulaiman was running a countdown to September when she will write her final examination at the Maryam Abacha University in Maradi, Niger Republic.

Then, the countrys democratically elected government was toppled by troops from the countrys Presidential Guard. She no longer looks forward to that examination.

With the closure of borders, I wont have access to the country, and even if I should, theres tension between the citizens and we students because of our presidents intervention, Ms Sulaiman, a 500-level student of Nursing, told PREMIUM TIMES in a series of WhatsApp messages.

Ms Sulaiman, currently in Katsina doing her clinical training, said she is worried that all the years she has put into her study may go to waste.

Im not happy with the coup because Bazoum is a nice man, Ms Sulaiman said.Bazoum has made a lot of changes in Niger. For example, Maradi now has tarred roads with water drainage in virtually all the streets.

Last month, soldiers in the Presidential Guard unit forcibly took over power from the democratically elected administration of President Mohamed Bazoum. The coup drew wide condemnation from international and regional organisations.

Nigeria, which heads the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), closed its borders with Niger as part of the sanctions to compel the military junta to relinquish power, including the threat of using a regional military force to remove the junta from power. Nigeria also cut electricity supply to the country.

In a swift reaction, the junta cut off diplomatic ties with Nigeria, the United States, France and Togo in a television announcement by its spokesperson, Amadou Abdrahmane.

The suspension of diplomatic relationships between Nigeria and Niger is affecting trade and other cooperation, including education between both countries. Some of those affected are Nigerian students studying in Niger who have been unable to travel across the border to complete their studies.

Universities in Niger Republic were on holiday when the junta took over power.

Were apprehensive of what will happen when the semester break gets exhausted, said Abdurrashid El-Ladan, a 500-level student of the Medical Laboratory at the Maryam Abacha University in Maradi.

Its normal for students like me who are in their final year to be afraid. Well just go (in September) to do our final clearance (preparations for examinations).

When asked by PREMIUM TIMES what his options are if the situation deteriorates further, Mr El  Ladan, a resident of Katsina, said he hoped the impasse would be resolved soon.

Well continue to pray for it to be resolved, amicably.

A few years ago, private universities (many of which are owned by Nigerians) and other institutions of higher learning started springing up in Maradi and Zinder in Niger Republic to attract international students, mainly Nigerians living in states such as Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto along the long border between both countries.

The Kano and Niger Republic government has an existing student exchange programme that began in 2013, while some politicians from northern Nigeria regularly sponsor students from their constituency to study in Niger.

Their schools have a seamless education setting. Most of us ditched Nigerian schools for the Niger Republic because they dont go for strikes, unlike in Nigeria, Mustapha Yusuf, a graduate of Maryam Abacha University, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Now, the smooth academic calendar is being threatened by the coup and the resultant sanctions.

The Government of Nigeria is not thinking of the relationship in terms of Educational exchange between the two countries, just like what happened with Sudan Students that were stranded.

We hope our government will recognise the military junta and enter into dialogue to resolve the situation so that business activities along the border will be restored, Aminu El-Ladan, a top civil servant in Katsina State whose son studies in Maradi.

Hauwa Usman-Shehu, 19, and her sister, Fatima Usman-Shehu, 18, echoed the sentiments of other students who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES. For the two daughters of a retired state civil servant, studying in the Niger Republic was their only option before the coup. Now, they are confused about what to do next if the diplomatic stalemate continues for a long time.

The sisters are 200-level students of Nursing and Midwifery at the Abubakar Ibrahim International University Maradi.

To be honest with you, the coup has placed us in a worrying situation, Hauwau said.

Its more worrying, especially since were about to return to school. We cant enter the country (Niger Republic) due to the border closure, which will affect our studies. Were happy that were progressing in our studies, but with this development, well have no option but to pray and hope for the situation to get better, she added.

She said she feared having to start her study afresh in Nigeria.

Her younger sister, Fatima, has similar concerns. The thought of wasting a year waiting to sit for the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination terrifies her.

She expressed that the military junta will open borders for students.

Its not a situation I wish anyone would find themselves in, she said. I pity our situation because some people are in the final year of their studies. If at our level, weve done a lot in the one year weve finished. Now, in year two, well lose a lot of time if were to return to Nigeria and continue our studies.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The BRICS economic coalition of emerging countries on Thursday extended membership invitations to six nations, South African President and current BRICS chair Cyril Ramaphosa said.

The BRICS alliance  which is composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  has unanimously approved Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to join, Mr Ramaphosa said in a speech published on the X social media platform, formerly known as Twitter.

BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous, Mr Ramaphosa said at the ongoing summit in Johannesburg.

The new candidates will be formally admitted as members on 1 January, 2024.

A combined 23 countries formally applied for BRICS membership, including the six that Mr Ramaphosa said were approved. Other major African players, such as Nigeria and Ghana, have expressed informal interest, CNBC reported.

Mr Ramaphosa and Brazilian President Luiz Silva left the door open to the possibility of admitting other new members in future.

We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow, Mr Ramaphosa was quoted as saying at a media briefing.

Mr Silva said globalisations promises had failed, adding that it was time to revitalise cooperation within developing countries as there is a risk of nuclear war, Reuters reported.

Chinas President Xi Jinping said Thursday that the expansion is a new starting point for BRICs cooperation.

It will bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism, further strengthening a force for world peace and development, Reuters quoted him as saying at a press briefing.

United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed, whose country is already a member of the blocs New Development Bank (NDB), said he appreciated the inclusion of his country as a new member.

We respect the vision of the BRICS leadership and appreciate the inclusion of the UAE as a member to this important group. We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world, Mr Zayed said on X in the wake of the announcement.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Brazils President Lula da Silva said the countries have started a working group to study a reference currency for BRICS.

A reference currency can be described as the primary legal tender used to carry out foreign bank transactions for a specific exchange rate.

Mr Lula has been a strong advocate for a common BRICS currency.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Troops of the Nigerian army, on Wednesday, destroyed an illegal oil refinery in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State, south-south Nigeria.

The army spokesperson, Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Nwachukwu, a brigadier-general, said the illegal refinery was destroyed by troops of 6 Division of the army as part of their ongoing onslaught against saboteurs of Nigerias oil sector in South-south Nigeria.

The army spokesperson said the operation was carried out in response to a tip-off about activities of some suspected oil thieves at the site of the illegal refinery located in Ogboko and Atu in the council area.

During the operations, troops destroyed eight active ovens used for illegal refining of stolen crude oil, 14 storage reservoirs containing stolen crude oil estimated at 200, 000 litres and 90, 000 litres of locally refined Automotive Gas Oil, he said.

Mr Nwachukwu said the suspected oil thieves fled the scene, on sighting the troops advancing to the site.

READ ALSO:

The spokesperson added that the illegal refinery was destroyed in line with extant guidelines of operations Delta Safe of the army.

Investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing criminals, he stated.

He urged residents of the state to report to security agencies any crime around their neighbourhood to enhance the armys operations and ongoing efforts to curb oil theft in the country.

Oil theft, illegal bunkering in oil-producing communities mainly in South-south Nigeria, and its negative impact on the countrys economy have been a source of concern to the Nigerian government over the years.

The federal government in August 2022 awarded a pipeline surveillance contract reportedly worth N48 billion per year (N4 billion per month) to Government Ekpemupolo, who is popularly known as Tompolo, to check massive oil theft in the region.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to pull civil servants out of the National Housing Fund (NHF), citing difficulties faced by workers in accessing the mortgage scheme despite monthly contributions to the fund.

The congress also criticised the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) over its management of the funds of contributors.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, said on Wednesday during an investigative hearing organised by an ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives.

The committee is investigating remittances of the mandatory NHF contributions and the utilisation of the fund from 2011 till date.

The NHF Act of 1992 mandates all employers in both the private and public sectors to contribute 2.5 per cent of their workers monthly earnings to the Fund.

Mr Ajaero said the federal government has been deducting the 2.5 per cent from the salaries of workers but the FMBN often fails to notify workers of the remittance to their NHF accounts.

He added that administrative bottlenecks in the process of accessing the mortgage scheme have created room for corruption in the system.

While the Act provides for 90 days from the date of application for the loan to disbursement, the experiences by many workers are horrific as the undue delay in approving the loans force many workers to abandon pursuit of the loan, he said.

He added that many resort to third-party agencies to fast track the loan application at unofficial fees thus creating perception of corruption in the process of housing loan approval and disbursement to workers who needed the funds.

Mr Ajero also informed the committee that despite the increase in the total pool in the NHF, workers are still not able to get loans to get shelter.

He, therefore, called for drastic action to save the mortgage scheme.

The Managing Director of the Bank, Madu Hamman, informed the House that civil servants still contribute the bulk of the funds, stating that the total amount of contribution from MDAs from 2011 till date is N238 billion, while the total individual contributions from 2011 till date is N225 million.

Mr Hamman also urged the committee to give the bank time to reconcile the information requested by the lawmakers.

The request by Mr Hamman was granted by the Chairman of the Committee, Dachung Bagos (PDP, Plateau).

The hearing was consequently adjourned to Thursday.

Earlier, the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, said the lawmakers will consider reviewing the law which he described as obsolete.

Mr Abbas, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu, said the House is committed to bridging the housing gaps in the country.

The House will look into this law which is obsolete now. From 1992 till date calls for a review. There are other issues that the House will inject to make it fit for purpose.

As a noble initiative rooted in the principles of collective responsibility, the scheme identifies the critical need to ensure access to affordable housing by hard-working Nigerians, in order to bridge the housing deficit gap in the country, he said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Police Command in Nasarawa State has arrested a man and his wife for allegedly stealing their neighbours two-year-old son.

The Commands Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, said this on Thursday in Lafia while briefing journalists.

Mr Nansel said that the father of the victim, Adamu Abdullahi of Orange Market Mararaba, Karu Local Government Area, reported to the police on 13 August, at about 3:30 p.m., that his two-year-old son had been missing for almost two weeks.

He said the complainant also told the police that he had received a phone call on the same day from an unknown person demanding a ransom of N2 million.

READ ALSO:

The spokesman said police detectives were immediately deployed in search of the missing child, and their efforts led to the arrest of the prime suspect and three accomplices.

According to him, the prime suspect who is a neighbour to the victims father, upon interrogation, confessed to having conspired with the other suspects, all of Orange Market, to steal the child.

He added that the suspect also revealed to the detectives that he handed the child over to his wife, who took him to Katsina State.

Mr Nansel said the police trailed the wife to Katsina State, arrested her and recovered the child, who was reunited with his parents.

The spokesman also said that the command had arrested 14 suspects between July and August for various offences including kidnapping, armed robbery and cultism.

He added that three guns and 11 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from some of the suspects.

Mr Nansel who cautioned residents to be security conscious, said all the suspects would be charged in court upon completion of an investigation.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A soldier was killed in a robbery attack in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday, the police have confirmed.

The police spokesperson in Edo, Chidi Nwabuzor, told reporters that the robbery took place at the First Eastern Circular and Akpakpaba Roads intersection in Benin.

He said the soldier was shot dead by suspected armed robbers who attacked the patrol van conveying the soldier and two of his colleagues.

The patrol van itself was escorting another van loaded with bags said to be loaded with cash.

Mr Nwabuzor said investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attack was ongoing.

A good Nigerian reported the incident at the police station covering that neighbourhood. The hoodlums carted away Ghana-Must-Go bags believed to have been loaded with cash from the van.

READ ALSO:

Since they were in their patrol vehicle, they should have been armed. The assailants acted on information, Mr Nwabuzor added.

A witness told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the assailants, numbering four, drove against the traffic flow in an unmarked Toyota Camry car as they headed toward the army vehicle.

He said two of the assailants alighted from the vehicle and opened fire on the soldiers.

The soldiers jumped out of the vehicle but one of them was hit by bullets and could not escape from the scene.

Many people would have died if the soldiers had responded to the hail of bullets shot at them as the area is a busy spot for business activities, the witness said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru, says Nigeria will strengthen her bilateral relationship with the United Kingdom (UK) to combat insecurity.

Mr Badaru said this when a UK delegation led by the Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans, James Heappey, paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja, by Victoria Agba-Attah, Director, Press and Public Relations of the ministry.

Mr Badaru said that Britain had been supportive in ensuring the safety of Nigerian waterways, adding that security was a dynamic issue which had its own challenges.

He added that the Nigerian and British Military have to work together to combat the Boko Haram threat, and stressed that the West needed to give more support to Nigeria, just as it gave to other nations.

Similarly, in his remarks, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said that Nigeria and the UK have had good bilateral relationship.

READ ALSO:

Mr Matawalle reaffirmed the federal governments commitment to ending insurgency and banditry in the country.

He added that both countries needed to work closely in areas of capacity building, training of military personnel, technology transfer as well as the provision of modern equipment to fight Boko Haram.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Ibrahim Kana, permanent secretary in the ministry, said that Britain topped the list on Nigerias international friends, adding that Nigeria cherishes the relationship between the two countries.

Mr Heappey, earlier in his remarks, said that the purpose of their visit was to adjust and expand their support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria based on the needs and perception of the changing threats.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


An ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives investigating communal clashes in Abia State has called for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently in the custody of the State Security Service (SSS).

The committee, chaired by Obinna Aguocha, is investigating banditry around Isiukwuato and Umunnochi Local Government Areas of Abia State.

Mr Aguocha, in his speech at the commencement of the hearing on Thursday, said the committee must navigate the complexity of insecurity in the South-east by tackling the root cause of the problem. He said the steps start with the unconditional release of Mr Kanu.

For absolute peace, reduction of crime and criminality, investment in meaningful infrastructure development, ending the unproductive sit-at-home and improving economic growth and opportunities in the South-east, starts with the governments recognition of the rule of law, justice, and equitable inclusion of the South-east zone in the project Nigeria and the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unlawful detention to ensure lasting peace and security in the entire region, Mr Aguocha said.

Mr Kanus detention

The IPOB leader has been in and out of detention in Nigeria since 2015, the fallout of his run-in with the Nigerian government over his separatist campaigns.

He and IPOB, already designated as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria, are seeking the creation of an independent Biafra nation, comprising most of the areas of the old Eastern Region.

He was arrested in September 2015 and subsequently charged with treasonable felony for allegedly attempting to take up arms against the Nigerian state. The Federal High Court in Abuja granted him bail in 2017.

While he was on bail, the military invaded his country home in Afara-Ukwu, near Umuahia, the Abia State capital, in September 2017. He fled Nigeria in the wake of the military invasion.

He would later appear in Israel after a period of confusion about his whereabouts. After some time, he re-emerged in the UK, where he continued his incendiary Biafra secessionist campaigns through his social media channels, instigating violence in Nigerias South-east region.

Mr Kanu has been in detention in Nigeria following his arrest and repatriation from Kenya.

Challenges in South-east are beyond statistics

Speaking further, Mr Aguocha said the insecurity in the South-east is impeding development in the region, adding that it is beyond statistics or newspaper headlines.

The challenges we face are not mere statistics or headlines; they are real-life manifestations that affect the lives of our people, disrupt the functioning of our institutions and communities, thus impeding the growth of our region, he said.

The lawmaker said there is a cross-border element to the communal clashes in the state because Abia State shares boundaries with four other states.

The cross-border dynamics of the primary focus areas bring additional complexity to the challenges of the task ahead. The common borders, shared with four other states connect the primary focus areas to Ebonyi State via Isiagu, Enugu State via Agwu, Imo states via Okigwe and Anambra via Awka, he said.

The opportunity for interstate collaboration presents itself and must be explored to foster regional participation.

The committee subsequently went into a closed-door session with the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu OnOnwumelie.

Edited: Festus Owete, Tosin Omoniyi

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Nigerias President Bola Tinubu says he is he is the one holding back ECOWAS and other unnamed forces from invading Niger to restore constitutional order in the country.

Mr Tinubu, who is also the chairperson of the ECOWAS heads of state and government, said this Thursday during a meeting with Nigerian Islamic clerics who are acting as mediators with the Niger junta.

I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS, he said, according to an account of the meeting sent to PREMIUM TIMES by his spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale.

The Nigerian leader, however, told his guests that he could not delay such military intervention for too long and so they must hasten their dialogue with the Niger junta.

Although Mr Tinubu did not name the other people he was referring to, it could be a reference to France whose troops are stationed in Niger and have refused to recognize the authority of the junta.

This newspaper reported how despite Mr Tinubus appeal, ECOWAS heads of state approved a military intervention in Niger and ordered the deployment of an ECOWAS standby force in the country to ensure the return of President Mohamed Bazoum to power if dialogue fails.

Mr Bazoum was removed in a coup by soldiers last month and is still being detained alongside members of his family.

Despite the ECOWAS resolution which has since been supported by the AU and the UN, many Nigerians are opposed to military intervention in the neighbouring country. The Islamic clerics who met with Mr Tinubu volunteered to mediate in the crisis due to their opposition to war and the close ethnic and religious ties between Nigeria and Niger.

Nigeria will be expected to deploy the largest number of troops as part of the ECOWAS force should a military intervention proceed.

Read Mr Ngelales full statement below.

The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu, has implored a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas), who were previously engaged in discussions to facilitate the restoration of constitutional democratic governance in Niger Republic, to expedite progress in their ongoing dialogue with the military junta.

The President received a comprehensive briefing on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, from the Ulamas, who were led into the meeting by Sheikh Bala Lau.

The briefing followed the Ulamas two most recent visits to Niger Republic.

The Islamic leaders had informed the President that the military junta was open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS as more steps are being taken to forestall armed conflict with a more detailed acceptance of the ECOWAS position by Niger military council officials.

Responding to the delegation of Ulamas, against the backdrop of ethnic rumours peddled by domestic political figures inside and outside of the country, President Tinubu emphasized that he is at the forefront of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, even in the midst of more hawkish individuals urging swifter intervention.

I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS, he disclosed.

Addressing the urgency of the situation, the president added:

Even as of this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you.

President Tinubu told the Islamic delegation that the military junta must be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger Republic in jeopardy.

They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country, he said.

President Tinubu pledged that ECOWAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to diplomatically engage with all stakeholders and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse in Niger Republic.

I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic, he stated.

On the request by the Islamic scholars for the federal government to monitor the distribution of palliatives to states, the President promised that more palliatives are coming for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

He also appealed to state governments to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution and management of these palliatives.

The people reside in the states. Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable, he continued.

Its unheard of that in a constitutional democracy; a president will sit here and give orders to states. I can only appeal to them to implement. The people reside in the states, and if the governor is not doing well, the people must vote them out, he concluded.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 24, 2023

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


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

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


While I wish my sister, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, and my brother, Ike Neliaku, the very best in todays AGM and election, I urge them to see the election as a contest among siblings and not war, as this will sustain and improve the relationship not only among them but also among all the members of the perception and reputation management profession.

The 2023 Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has cleared 29 candidates vying for the seats of 18 Governing Council members of the institution.

The election will be held at NIPRs Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference, with the theme, Leadership, Public Relations and Value Creation, in Abuja, today 24 August.

The Chairman and Secretary of the electoral committee, Chief Casca Ogosu and Mr Uzoma Onyegbadue told the Spokespersons Digest, a sister publication of PRNigeria that among the 29-list candidates, 18 of them have achieved the esteemed status of being Fellows of the Institute, with an additional nine candidates entering the fray as Members, while one person is an Associate Member.

According to the NIPR Act, after voting, the elected Governing Council members will form an Electoral College to further elect the President and Vice President of the association, who would double as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Governing Council of NIPR for a tenure of two years each.

The major contenders for the presidency of the institute are two Fellows, Mrs Nkechi Ali-Balogun, of the Lagos Chapter, and Dr Ike Neliaku of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter.

While I am reluctant to get involved in the typical politicking around the candidates, I must say that the two major gladiators are exceptional PR professionals whose professionalism, competence, capability, and performance on the job I can vouch for.

I have known Dr Ike Neliaku since 1994 when I was deployed to the Federal Ministry of Information as a staff, after winning the 1993 Presidential National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) award, which came with automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service.

Neliaku, who had previously won the same award in 1991, was then the personal assistant to the Minister of Information, who not only guided me through the rudiments of work in the civil service but equally gave unforgettable moral and kind support to ease me into the new work environment.

In a statement titled, Lets Make History Together, Nkechi outlines her vision for the institute, as she listed her agenda, to include: Caderisation by strengthening professional cadres to ensure excellence at all levels; organisational renewal, by breathing new life into our institute; a befitting secretariat by providing NIPR with the infrastructure it deserves and increased revenue generation by sustaining and expanding initiatives.

I recall vividly how he had strongly urged me to sustain my regular article writings, which were being recognised for awards and honours at that time. In fact, he was delighted with some of the books I wrote subsequently, whose endorsements he facilitated with the Minister, while also helping secure written Forewords by Ministers. He has also been a guest at our events, including the Annual Spokespersons Communication Awards (SCA) and book presentations. The more recent instance was during the book I unveiled in honour of the most charismatic minister in the immediate past administration, Professor Ali Isa Pantami.

On the other hand, while I know Mrs Nkechi Ali Balogun as the quintessential Woman in PR, going by her activities and accomplishments as Chairperson of the Lagos chapter of NIPR in the past, our paths have equally crossed on several occasions at national and international PR events. She always has kind words of appreciation in encouraging efforts, presentations and performances at such occasions.

I can attest to the fact that both Neliaku and Ali-Balogun are highly creative, result-oriented, widely networked and well-grounded, yet they are distinct personalities with peculiar strengths and senses of purpose.

A Fellow of NIPR, and a Senior Member of the African Public Relations Association (APPRA), Mrs Nkechi Ali-Balogun is the Principal Consultant/CEO of NECCI Limited, a PR firm based in Lagos. She had previously worked as Head of Corporate Affairs at prominent financial institutions, including NEXIM Bank and Equitorial Trust Bank.

She holds a first degree in English/Education and a Masters degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos. She also obtained an MBA in Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

On his part, Neliaku attended the University of Jos, where he obtained a Bachelors of Arts degree in Theatre Arts in 1989 and thereafter a Masters degree in Political Economy, and a PhD in Development Studies, both from the University of Abuja. Having served as Special Assistant to the Ministers of Information, as well as that of Cooperation and Africa Integration, he was later appointed as Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 2010 and 2015. He is currently the Executive Vice Chairman, of Rightangle PR and Executive Secretary/Member of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Prize for Leadership.

While NIPR members, mostly from the Lagos axis, testify to the fact that Nkechis track record is steeped in competence, unwavering ethical values, and proven leadership ability, the PR professionals in the Abuja axis have described Neliaku as emotionally intelligent, relationship-driven, skilful in managing different interests and tested in managing power and public assets.

The two candidates have both unveiled their different agendas ahead of the election. While Nkechi unveiled a 7-point Agenda, Neliakus promises for taking the NIPR to great heights are anchored on a 9-point Agenda.

Similarly, in his agenda, Neliaku promises to work towards the establishment of the first African Public Relations University in Nigeria, having conducted project feasibility and viability studies for the NIPR-owned PR university with the support of the Education Advisory Board, as a finishing school for PR practitioners.

In a statement titled, Lets Make History Together, Nkechi outlines her vision for the institute, as she listed her agenda, to include: Caderisation by strengthening professional cadres to ensure excellence at all levels; organisational renewal, by breathing new life into our institute; a befitting secretariat by providing NIPR with the infrastructure it deserves and increased revenue generation by sustaining and expanding initiatives.

Other pledges she is making to members comprise: Digitisation by embracing technology for efficiency and reach; Improving Chapter Capacity and Collaboration and Global Recognition and Affiliations.

Similarly, in his agenda, Neliaku promises to work towards the establishment of the first African Public Relations University in Nigeria, having conducted project feasibility and viability studies for the NIPR-owned PR university with the support of the Education Advisory Board, as a finishing school for PR practitioners.

He listed his agenda as follows: Reposition the National Secretariat for effective administration; enhance membership value and professional development, Ensure digitalisation of the institutes operations and elevate the institutes national recognition; empower state chapters for greater viability and sustainability.

More so, Neliaku seeks to: ensure regulatory compliances and strengthen the rank and status of NIPR Fellows; special projects for sustainable revenue generation; initiate the development of Nigerian Reputation House in Abuja and facilitating the establishment of Africas First Public Relations University in Nigeria.

Both candidates have been assuring their colleagues that they have the reputation to deliver on their campaign promises of making NIPR a beacon of professionalism and excellence.

While I wish my sister, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, and my brother, Ike Neliaku, the very best in todays AGM and election, I urge them to see the election as a contest among siblings and not war, as this will sustain and improve the relationship not only among them but also among all the members of the perception and reputation management profession.

Yushau A. Shuaib is author of A Dozen Tips for Media, Writings for the Media, Financial Public Relations and Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies. www.YAShuaib.com, yashuaib@yahoo.com

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


86 percent of Nigerias vast population of over 200 million people currently lack access to electricity. Even 5.96 million of those who do have electricity are overcharged by the countrys electricity distribution companies, according to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Amidst this energy challenge, BLUETTI, a leading clean energy storage company, offers effective solutions to help address Nigerias power deficit. With BLUETTIs solar power stations, Nigerians can harness free solar energy and have reliable backups during power outages. Lets dive into these products and discover how they can truly make a difference.

AC200MAX+B230  Scalable Home Backup Power

BLUETTIs flagship model, the AC200MAX, features a substantial 2,048Wh battery capacity and a powerful 2,200W AC output (4,800W surge). The 16-outlet power station provides uninterrupted power to most household appliances and essential devices during power outages, including refrigerators, air conditioners, and electric ovens.

A notable feature of the AC200MAX is its expandability. It lets you increase the total capacity to 6,144Wh by adding two 2,048Wh B230 battery units. An AC200MAX unit can power a 150W refrigerator for 10 hours, a 10W light bulb for over 150 hours, and a 5000 BTU AC for approximately 1-4 hours. By adding B230 battery units, you can extend the power supply to these appliances twice or even thrice the duration.

The AC200MAX offers 7 charging methods, either separately or in combination, for flexible and fast recharging. For example, it takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to fully charge the AC200MAX using an AC adapter at 500W, but by combining 900W of solar power with AC charging for a maximum of 1,400W dual input, the charging time could be reduced to less than 3 hours.

EP500Pro  Powerhouse for Extended Power Outages

The EP500Pro comes with a massive 5,100Wh capacity and an impressive 3,000W output. It can provide electricity to the entire house, ensuring that the lights stay on, food remains fresh in the refrigerators, and all essential equipment is running. Featuring sensitive UPS functionality, it switches over seamlessly within 20ms in the event of a power outage, providing uninterrupted power at all times.

The EP500Pro can handle multiple devices simultaneously with its 15 power outlets. It can charge various devices simultaneously. For instance, it can run a 100W smart TV for about 50 hours, a 500W space heater for 8.6 hours, and a 1,000W microwave for 4.3 hours. Despite its weight, the EP500Pro has four sturdy wheels at the bottom, making it easy to move and position wherever you need power.

The EP500Pro is powered by safe and reliable LifePO4 lithium iron phosphate batteries that can deliver at least 3,500 life cycles before reaching 80% of their original capacity. This is approximately equivalent to ten years of use at one discharge per day. Plus, the EP500Pro is equipped with an intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) that ensures efficient battery usage and protects against

overcharging and over-discharging for peace of mind.

EB3A/EB70  Compact Emergency Power

If you are looking for portable power solutions foremergencies, the EB3A and EB70 offer compact and powerful options. Weighing only 4.6kg, the EB3A offers 268Wh of capacity with 600W of power output to power electronics and small devices. The EB3A features 9 versatile outlets and can charge a 100W laptop for approximately 3.5 hours, a 60W mini fridge for 3.6 hours, and a 5W light for 30 hours. Small as it is, the EB3A could be an uninterruptible power supply with a responsive UPS feature, powering critical loads during sudden power failures.

The EB3A can be recharged in any way, either by AC, solar panels, car, or generator. It even supports a 430W dual charge, fully recharging within two hours. Even more impressive is the EB3As capability for remote monitoring and control via a dedicated BLUETTI app on your phone.

The EB70 has a larger capacity of 716Wh while weighing only 9.7kg. With 12 outlets and 1,000W of power, it could charge various essentials and mid-range devices during power cuts. A 12W lamp could keep on for 50 hours, a 400W juicer for 1.5 hours, and a WIFI router for 65 hours, not to mention small devices such as phones, computers, and speakers for more runtime.

The EB70 also accepts multiple charging methods, including wall outlets, solar panels, and cars. Pairing to an adapter or solar panels for 200W input, it charges quickly in under 5 hours to minimize downtime. BLUETTI equips almost all of its power stations with an intuitive screen for better monitoring and management of the battery storage, and the EB70 is no exception.

Empower All in Need

Driven by its mission to empower communities and individuals, BLUETTI is committed to bringing clean energy to every home for a sustainable future. Since 2021, BLUETTI has launched the 5-year LAAF (Lighting an African Family) program to bring electricity to off-grid households in Africa. BLUETTIs latest endeavor is a partnership with Solar Sister,donating home solar kits to Nigerian women in off-grid families. Along the way, BLUETTI will continue to bring light and hope to those without.

In response to Nigerias insufficient power supply, BLUETTI shines as a beacon of hope, providing efficient and dependable power solutions to both households and businesses. Dedicated to making clean energy accessible to all, BLUETTI has recently organized offline activities in four communities of Lagos. These events offer residents a unique opportunity to experience various BLUETTI power products firsthand and conveniently charge their devices on-site for free during power outages.

For more information, please visit BLUETTI online at: https://bit.ly/3qIUfNu

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


A two-storey building collapsed Wednesday night in Abuja leaving at least two people dead, residents told PREMIUM TIMES.

Located on Lagos Street, Garki, one of the districts in the Nigerian capital, the dual-purpose building (residential and commercial) collapsed at about 11 p.m.

Speaking to this newspaper, Aminu Idriss, an occupant of the collapsed building, said he had just returned from work to rest when the building fell on him and his brothers.

 as we enter inside, we no come know wetin happen, the thing come hit us for our body, he narrated in pidgin English. Our brothers have died and many people were injured.

Relevant stakeholders including the(NEMA) and FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) later arrived on the scene to evacuate rubbles and check if anyone was trapped.

The Director General of FEMA, Abbas Idris, confirmed the number of casualties:  we were able to rescue 37 people out of which two were fatally injured and we have moved them to various hospitals within the city.

He noted that the rescue mission started on Wednesday night and they continued to search until they got to ground zero to make sure no one was left behind.

On the number of people living in the building, Mr Idriss said There are no statistics. We tried to get the number of people living here but we could not ascertain and that is why we are getting to ground zero.

Charity Yusuf, who lives across the street where the building collapsed, told this newspaper that occupants had been advised to vacate the building but did not.

The building was already collapsing and notice had already been given asking everyone to vacate, they did not. This just happened, she said.

The new Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, arrived at the building Thursday morning and ordered the arrest of the owner of the building. He promised that the Abuja administration would pay the hospital bills of those injured.

Alluding to his first speech on assuming office as FCT minister, he said This is what we are talking about; people just built houses without due diligence to minimum standards.

Mr Wike in his first speech said he will demolish all illegal buildings and structures in the territory as part of efforts to restore the Abuja Master Plan.

Several occupants of the collapsed building continued to loiter around the excavation scene hoping to retrieve whatever was left of their property trapped in the building.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Abuja authorities have confirmed the death of two people in a building collapse in the Nigerian capital.

PREMIUM TIMES reported the collapse of the two-storey building in Lagos Street, Garki, late on Wednesday night.

On Thursday, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, ordered the arrest of the owner of the building.

The FCT Emergency Management Agency (FCT FEMA), which confirmed the two deaths in a statement, also said that 37 others were evacuated and taken to the hospital.

Mr Wike gave his order when he visited the collapsed building on Thursday. He also asked the Permanent Secretary, FCT Administration, Adesola Olusade, to pay the medical bills of those hospitalised.

The minister also urged the Department of Development Control, FCTA, to urgently resettle the residents of the community.

READ ALSO:

He urged stakeholders to work with government officials for the interest of everyone.

This is what we are talking about; people just built houses without due diligence to minimum standards.

This is why cities are planned  forestall this kind of incident.

I sympathise with those who lost their lives while the medical bills of those in the hospitals will be paid immediately, he said.

Earlier, the Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima, had explained that the area was unplanned and houses an indigenous community.

Mr Galadima said that the two-storey building was multipurpose and was for both residential and commercial use.

The permanent secretary commended security agencies and some contractors who came out in their numbers to render support in evacuating the rubbles and searching for more victims.

Also, the Director-General, FCT EMA, Idriss Abass, said that relevant agencies arrived at the venue of the accident early to rescue the victims.

Mr Abass said that efforts were still ongoing to ensure that no one is left under the rubbles.

Meanwhile, some of the victims, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that they lost their investments and properties to the incident, and called for government support.

One of them, Glory Perekeme, who operates a restaurant and a bar at the building, said she lost about N5 million as she could not take anything from her restaurant.

I closed for business around 10:00 p.m. and was on my way home when I received a call that the building had collapsed and my investment gone.

I am still in shock and I dont even know where to start from.

I really need assistance. Government should come to our aid so we can start all over again, she said.

Another victim, Ann Anyi, who owned a laundry and sells shoes, said that she lost everything to the incident.

I have been crying since I got the news of the incident in the midnight.

I am just hoping that when the rescue operation is over, I will be able to salvage something from the rubbles, she said.

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Nigerian Army has solicited the support and cooperation of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the fight against insecurity in Katsina State.

The Commander of the 17 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Katsina, Oluremi Fadairo, a brigadier general, solicited the cooperation when he paid a familiarisation visit to the NSCDC Command in Katsina on Thursday.

The visit is for familiarisation and to seek your support and cooperation to collectively face security challenges in the state.

I am here to extend my hand of fellowship to the Command, and my doors are always open to promote good working relationships between us, Mr Fadairo told the NSCDC Commandant, Jamilu Indabawa.

He stressed the need for regular supervision and monitoring of arms and ammunition, armouries and personnel to fish out bad eggs in the system and to ensure proper compliance with the rules of engagement.

Responding to the gesture, Mr Indabawa expressed NSCDCs preparedness to cooperate and collaborate with all security agencies in the state.

He also assured of collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to ensure adequate security and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

Mr Fadairo assumed office as Commander of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on 4 August.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


The Ebonyi State Government said it has received N2 billion and 3,000 bags of rice from the federal government as palliatives to cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Jude Okpor, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abakaliki while briefing reporters at the end of the weekly State Executive Council meeting.

Mr Okpor said Governor Francis Nwifuru announced the receipt of the money and the bags of rice during the meeting and subsequently constituted a 10-man committee to ensure equitable distribution.

The governor will head the committee and will be assisted by the deputy governor.

The secretary to the state government, state chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress, chairman of the state traditional rulers council, among others, are members of the committee, he said.

The commissioner said the government has approved that N2 million each be given to 1,500 indigenes of the state engaged in hawking and other menial jobs in the state and in other parts of the country.

The state executive council had directed the commissioners for skills development, commerce and industry to visit major cities of the country and identify citizens engaged in street hawking and other menial jobs.

The programme will cost the state over N3 billion and will be implemented in three phases of 500 beneficiaries in each phase.

READ ALSO:

The training and subsequent empowerment of the first 500 beneficiaries will commence as soon as all the necessary frameworks are in place, he said.

He said the government has approved the payment of arrears of gratuity to retired civil servants from 1996 to 2021 with a cost implementation of N4.3 billion.

The state executive council also directed that all issues surrounding the pension payment to some beneficiaries be resolved immediately.

This magnanimous gesture of the governor is aimed at ameliorating the suffering of our senior citizens and serve as a morale booster to workers who are still in service, he said.

(NAN)

Share this: Twitter

Facebook

WhatsApp

Telegram

LinkedIn

Email

Print


Safaricom Ethiopia has reportedly hit five million subscribers less than a year since it launched in the populous East African nation, with ambitions to double that figure in March.

Business Daily reported that Safaricom chief of corporate affairs Stephen Kiptinness confirmed the figure was correct to the publication.

Safaricom only launched its operations in October gaining almost three-quarters of a million (740,000) in its first month and generating US$1.8 million in revenue. It hit the one million mark in November and amassed 2.8 million by March.

Safaricom Ethiopias subscriber base is still dwarfed by state-owned Ethio Telecom which has 72 million subscribers, according to its full-year results ending June 2023, reported Business Daily.

Ethiopia has a population of over 120 million and was seen as one of the last bastions of opportunity for the telecoms market, as its economy was closed off to international corporations.

Naturally, when the Ethiopian government opened its borders, international operators showed interest. Safaricom, Vodacom, Vodafone Group, Sumitomo Corporation and British International Investment, joined hands to form Safaricom Ethiopia.
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 1324 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

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)

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 to any destination in (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 -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

Press Images: www.japanhouselondon.uk/media-centre

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192663/Japan_House_London_1.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192664/Japan_House_London_2.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192665/Japan_Hosue_London_interior.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192666/Japan_House_London_Exterior.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192669/Prince_William.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192670/WAVE_exhibition.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2192700/WAVE_exhibition.jpg

SOURCE Japan House London
EVANSTON, Ill., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 160 Driving Academy's newest location in Daleville, Indiana hosted a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Academy.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Muncie Location occurred on Wednesday, August 16th from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Attendees included Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce, Indiana House Representative Elizabeth Rowray, local business leaders, 160 Driving Academy Muncie Yard and Branch Team, and current 160 Driving Academy students.

160 Driving Academy launches its new Academy in Daleville, Indiana

The Muncie Branch is located at 14301 West Commerce Road, Daleville, IN 47334.

Overview of 160 Driving Academy CDL Training Programs in Muncie:

Starting salaries for 160 Driving Academy graduates (on average) start at $65,000/annual, with tremendous growth potential.

Commercial Truck Driving is one of today's fastest growing career paths. Estimates predict 300,000 new jobs for CDL Holders.

Technologically Driven: Our unique and data-driven programs focus deeply on driver safety and personalized analytics to provide our students with individual feedback and top of the line instruction via our proprietary App.

Lifelong Career Support: We offer continuous job placement opportunities through our subsidiary company, Truckers Network the premier job posting and hiring platform in the trucking industry.

About 160 Driving Academy

160 Driving Academy is the nation's largest commercial driving school. As the fastest growing vocational school in the country, in 2023, the Company will train over 35,000 students on how to safely operate a commercial vehicle across its 158 CDL schools across North America. 160 Driving Academy is licensed and operates in 45 states and operating soon in Canada. Each school is certified and licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Entry Level Driver Training Program. The 160 Driving Academy is integrated with over 550 Workforce offices nationwide to create jobs for unemployed and underemployed workers. 160 Driving Academy supplies the largest employers in the nation with an unparalleled level of recruiting, high-quality training, safety effectiveness, and driver analytics. Many of these employers have trusted 160 to provide the majority of their driving workforce.

160 Driving Academy's sister companies, Truckers Network, and the 160 Driver Score provide the most advanced job placement and compliance scoring capabilities in the industry. Truckers Network is the trucking industry's premier job rating, posting, and hiring platform. This mobile technology offers the most advanced and modernized hiring options to match qualified CDL candidates with Companies at the lowest cost in the industry. With over 200,000 curated CDL Drivers in the Network, companies can find qualified drivers more efficiently than any other hiring platform. The Truckers Network facility rating, and review functionality now offers Drivers the ability to rate, review and share their delivery experience, reduce overall wait times, and improve supply chain efficiency across North America. Visit truckersnetwork.com or download the Truckers Network App on the Google Play or the Apple App Store.

SOURCE 160 Driving Academy
Operator MTN South Africa has announced a move into a new area of financial services. It has launched funeral cover to South African consumers under its new Khava brand  via WhatsApp.

The insurance scheme is backed by Sanlam, a diversified financial services company headquartered in South Africa with a strong presence in more than 30 countries on the African continent. It is facilitated by insurance provider aYo Intermediaries South Africa, which says it provides fast, convenient, easy-to-use hospital and life insurance cover directly to a users mobile phone through its partnership with MTN and leading insurers.

The service's onboarding process takes place through WhatsApp. Collections and claims payments are managed via MTNs Mobile Money (MoMo) platform.

The cost of the service  whose formal name is MyMTN Prepaid Funeral Khava  starts from R75 (just under US$4) per year. MoMo customers can get coverage for either six or 12 months via a one-time premium payment.

Prepaid funeral insurance is only the start, apparently. MTN plans a range of insurance products designed for the local market, in what is described as a strategic step towards rendering essential financial services more inclusive and responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens.

However, this move may also be a financial necessity for the operator. As news website TechCentral points out, operators in South Africa have been pushing aggressively into financial services in recent years as they look to broaden their revenue mix beyond voice and data products, where margins are fairly tight.
Smith to focus on scaling and partnering with portfolio companies across 5CP's core sectors

CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 5th Century Partners ("5CP"), a purpose-driven private investment firm, is pleased to announce the launch of its Portfolio Optimization Group and the addition of Will Smith as an operating partner, providing operating expertise and industry focus as the firm continues its growth momentum. The Portfolio Optimization Group will work with 5th Century Partners' portfolio companies to accelerate growth, provide functional centers of excellence, and support thematic industry investing initiatives. Smith, a member of the senior leadership team, will play a key role in further building out 5CP's healthcare services platform and work closely with the firm's portfolio companies. Smith's appointment and the launch of the Portfolio Optimization Group demonstrates 5CP's continued commitment to partnering with great businesses and leaders while also investing resources to help them scale and remove barriers to growth.

"Will is a true testament of how operators can add value, and his substantive experience with PE-owned healthcare companies is exactly what we need to accelerate growth of the firm and our portfolio companies," said Marques Torbert, co-founder and managing partner, 5CP. "He's also been a supporter of 5CP since day one and has served as a strategic advisor to us for the last two years."

"In addition to bringing deep industry expertise, Will is also a great cultural fit for the firm and will help us advance our mission to deliver superior investment returns to our diverse set of stakeholders," said Bruce Hampton, co-founder and managing partner, 5CP. "In this new role, Will is also charged with developing infrastructure at our portfolio companies to optimize performance and support growth, including collaborating on strategy, building out management teams, and being a top tier resource for our portfolio company executive teams."

As operating partner, Smith will tap decades of senior-level leadership to identify new areas of investment interest, cultivate industry relationships and work with several of 5CP's portfolio companies. He will focus on key growth areas of each company, working with their leadership to develop and execute on post-acquisition and long-term strategic plans.

"I'm honored to have the opportunity to leverage my experience and network to take the firm's portfolio companies to much greater heights while advancing 5CP's value creation framework," Smith said. "I believe 5CP's approach is both refreshing and necessary when working with its portfolio companies. It starts with an unwavering growth mindset anchored by strategy, smart investment, and a purposeful mission that has the 5CP ecosystem well positioned for growth. As a purpose-driven person, I couldn't be more excited to join the executive team, in these earlier stages, as a true partner to the founders."

Smith brings more than 25 years of operating experience with a strong track record of growth, M&A, and operational leadership. Smith has served in various executive roles leading teams of up to 1,000 employees across his experiences. Smith previously served as Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at private equity-backed One Call, where he helped grow the company to more than $1 billion in revenue and led its client services, client analytics, stakeholder experience, sales and marketing teams. He led the successful integration of multiple acquisitions to create a comprehensive company portfolio of healthcare services, including diagnostics, physical therapy, home health & complex care, durable medical equipment, transportation and language, and dental. Throughout his more than 20-year tenure, Will was instrumental in private equity board management, leading and advising boards on initiatives and investments that drive growth and operational excellence.

Smith also serves on the board of Leadership Jacksonville, an organization dedicated to educating, connecting and inspiring diverse leaders to build and strengthen the Jacksonville, Florida community.

5CP is a next-generation private investment firm that focuses on growing middle market companies within the healthcare, consumer and business services industries. The firm seeks to generate strong financial outcomes for its portfolio companies that help improve the economic outlook of diverse communities and stakeholders.

About 5th Century Partners

5th Century Partners is a purpose-driven private investment firm that invests in middle-market companies within healthcare, consumer and business services that have outsized growth potential. The firm provides capital, operating expertise and strategic relationships that lead to sustainable growth, which in turn allows partner companies to realize their full potential and deliver positive outcomes to their stakeholders. Learn more at www.5cpartners.com .

SOURCE 5th Century Partners
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayAGS, Inc. (NYSE: AGS or "the Company"), a leading supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products and services to the global gaming industry, today announced that Robert "Bob" Blair will join the Company as Deputy General Counsel, effective immediately.

Bob Blair, Deputy General Counsel

"Bob is an exceptional legal mind who is a valuable addition to the AGS leadership team," said Rob Ziems, AGS Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. "With his extensive knowledge and experience on corporate legal affairs and patent matters, Bob will be a key player in protecting and advancing our business and our brand as AGS continues to capitalize on many growth opportunities ahead."

Blair joins AGS from Aruze Gaming America, Inc. ("Aruze"), where he served for over five years. At Aruze, Blair held a variety of roles within its legal organization, including Global General Counsel, Global Deputy General Counsel, and Global Senior IP Counsel.

Prior to Aruze, Blair served as Counsel and U.S. Patent Attorney for EIP, an international law firm specializing in patents, as Vice President of Patents for Unwired Planet, a publicly traded intellectual property company focused exclusively on the mobile industry, and as Associate General Counsel of Intellectual Property at International Game Technology for over seven years. Blair earned his Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of Denver  Sturm College of Law, and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Reno, Nevada

About AGS

AGS is a global company focused on creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Our roots are firmly planted in the Class II Native American gaming market, but our customer-centric culture and growth have helped us branch out to become a leading all-inclusive commercial gaming supplier. Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, an expansive table products portfolio, real-money gaming platforms and content, highly rated social casino solutions for operators and players, and best-in-class service, we offer an unmatched value proposition for our casino partners. Learn more at www.playags.com.

AGS Media Contact:

Julia Boguslawski, Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

Nikki Davis, Director, Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

AGS Investor Contact:

Brad Boyer, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Operations

[email protected]

2023 AGS LLC. All notices signify marks registered in the United States. All  and  notices signify trademarks, which are not registered on any country-wide basis. Products referenced herein are sold by AGS LLC or other subsidiaries of PlayAGS, Inc.

SOURCE AGS
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Arixa Capital Advisors, LLC ("Arixa Capital" or "Arixa") today announced the launch of a $100M strategic joint venture, with the ability to upsize in the future, with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P. ("Oaktree") to originate senior secured loans backed by residential and commercial real estate.

Arixa Capital is a leading private real estate lender and investment manager, operating throughout the Western United States. The firm has established a successful track record of generating attractive risk-adjusted returns for accredited and institutional investors by providing bridge, value-add, and construction loans for single family and multifamily real estate projects.

"Arixa is known for its long-term relationships, built over the course of originating more than $3.5 billion in real estate loans," said Seth Davis, Managing Director of Arixa Capital. "With the support of Oaktree, a premier global investment manager, we will expand Arixa's capacity to meet the needs of professional real estate investors and developers who continue to generate attractive investment opportunities and require reliable access to capital for their success."

"As an experienced capital provider in this space, we are thrilled to partner with Arixa Capital and support the expansion of its vertically integrated lending program," said Jason Keller, Managing Director and Assistant Portfolio Manager of Oaktree's Real Estate Group. "We are impressed with both Arixa's historical track record of loan performance and the strategic planning that is driving the company's future growth."

The joint venture is designed to provide bridge, renovation, and construction loans across residential and small balance commercial real estate projects. The partnership will focus on urban infill markets, targeting opportunities in California, Arizona, and other Western U.S. markets.

"We are excited to partner with Oaktree and owe this opportunity to the talented real estate investors and developers who partner with us, year after year," said Greg Hebner, Managing Director of Arixa Capital. "As an independent lender, we have a personal stake in the success of our borrowers. In partnering with them over the past 13+ years, we know what it takes to build their vision: quick decisions, customized solutions, and exceptional service. This new joint venture provides us with significant additional capacity to continue supporting our clients' financing needs."

About Arixa Capital

Arixa Capital is a leading private real estate lender and investment manager. Founded in 2006, we specialize in providing bridge, renovation, and construction loans to professional real estate investors and developers throughout the Western United States. Arixa strives to deliver exceptional client service through its vertically integrated platform and has developed long-term relationships with a substantial base of repeat borrowers over the course of originating more than $3.5 billion in loans since the firm's inception.

When our borrowers succeed, so do our investors. Arixa's investment philosophy is focused on working with experienced borrowers who have a history of adding significant value to real estate projects, while building a healthy margin of safety on every loan we make to help preserve investors' principal. We measure our success by the consistency of our track record and our ability to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns for accredited and institutional investors.

Arixa is led by an accomplished management team averaging 25+ years of relevant real estate lending and investment experience. As an employee-owned firm, we have a personal stake in the success of our borrowers and investors. This partnership has fueled Arixa's growth as one of the fastest growing private companies in both the Inc. 5000 and the Los Angeles Business Journal rankings. 1

For additional information, please visit Arixa's website at https://www.arixacapital.com/.

About Oaktree

Oaktree is a leader among global investment managers specializing in alternative investments, with $179 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2023. The firm emphasizes an opportunistic, value-oriented, and risk-controlled approach to investments in credit, private equity, real assets and listed equities. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Oaktree has over 1,100 employees and offices in 20 cities worldwide. For additional information, please visit Oaktree's website at https://www.oaktreecapital.com/.

In 2019, Brookfield Asset Management acquired a majority interest in Oaktree. Together, Brookfield and Oaktree provide investors with one of the most comprehensive offerings of alternative investment products available today. While partnering to leverage one another's strengths, Oaktree operates as an independent business within the Brookfield family, with its own product offerings and investment, marketing, and support teams. To learn more about Brookfield, please visit http://www.brookfield.com.

Contact Information: For more information, please contact Steve Pavlov, Vice President of Marketing, at [email protected].

1Arixa provided Inc. de minimis compensation to be considered for the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. To be eligible, companies must have been privately held, operating for profit, independent, and with revenue of $2,000,000+ in 2022. No payment was made to be considered for the Los Angeles Business Journal's rankings of L.A.'s 100 fastest growing companies. To be eligible, companies must have been privately held company, headquartered in Los Angeles, and in business for a minimum of three years.

SOURCE Arixa Capital Advisors, LLC
DALLAS, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A team of trial attorneys from the Dallas plaintiffs' law firm Hamilton Wingo are being recognized for winning Texas' largest uninsured motorist (UIM) verdict in 2022.

Hamilton Wingo's Barrett Robin, Grant Boston, and Damian Williams successfully represented Patricia Jeanne Lippold in her claims against State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company for failing to honor her uninsured motorist policy.

"We are extremely happy for our client and proud of Barrett, Grant, and Damian for their hard work in this difficult case," says Hamilton Wingo founder Chris Hamilton. "We take a lot of pride in being able to help people when insurance companies unfairly deny their claims."

Ms. Lippold was seriously injured in June 2015 when a tractor-trailer driver with no insurance struck her from behind. As a result, she suffered severe facial injuries that forced her to endure extensive dental work and oral surgery.

State Farm agreed to pay some of her medical expenses but denied that the wreck caused her injuries and refused to pay her remaining policy benefits.

The case went to trial last November in the 158th District Court in Denton County. Following a three-day trial, the jury awarded Ms. Lippold total damages exceeding policy limits.

The final judgment entered in December included Ms. Lippold's UIM policy limit of $500,000 in addition to $75,000 in attorneys' fees for the work done by Mr. Robin, Mr. Boston, and Mr. Williams on her behalf.

The jury's $575,000 award was recently recognized by TopVerdict.com as the state's largest verdict for an uninsured motorist in any Texas court last year. Hamilton Wingo also won the largest verdict in the nation in 2022 with a $7.53 billion award recognized as the Most Impressive Plaintiffs Verdict of 2022 by the Courtroom View Network.

Hamilton Wingo is one of Dallas' premier trial law firms, having won billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements in the past decade alone. The firm's skilled attorneys represent people from all walks of life in serious personal injury and wrongful death cases involving automobile, airline, and other transportation incidents, workplace safety issues, dram shop liability, dangerous products, industrial catastrophes, medical malpractice, premises liability, utility accidents, and water contamination in addition to high-stakes business litigation. To learn more about the firm, visit www.hamiltonwingo.com.

For more information, please contact Bruce Vincent at 214-763-6226 or [email protected].

SOURCE Hamilton Wingo, LLP
Autotrader Celebrates National Dog Day with Makeovers to Help Shelter Pups Find Fur-Ever Homes

ATLANTA, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a recent study from Autotrader, 92% of dog owners consider their dogs to be a part of their family, and more than 77% of dog owners think about transporting their dog as they consider which vehicle to buy. Whether it's choosing the best kibble, the most fabulous leash or opting for a car from Autotrader's Best Cars for Dog Lovers List, the furry members of our family are always on our minds when making big decisions. Yet many pups are still waiting to find their fur-ever family with whom they can drive away from the shelter once and for all.

... more than 77% of dog owners think about transporting their dog as they consider which vehicle to buy. Post this *Photo credit: McLendon Photography Pawsome Insights from Autotrader: Keep Your Best Furry Friend Safe on the Road

For its 10th annual National Dog Day celebration, Autotrader , a Cox Automotive brand, sets its sights on helping pups in need by tapping Emmy-nominated celebrity personality and New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Van Ness for the job.

Van Ness and a team of makeover specialists wagged down to Austin Pets Alive! in Austin, Texas, to give some well-deserved pampering to the shelter's long-term residents. They hope to help the dogs catch the attention of their future families by ensuring the pups are all cleaned up and ready to assume their positions in comfort as beloved shotgun riders.

"We honor the unbreakable bond between humans, their furry companions and the joy of driving with Autotrader's Best Cars for Dog Lovers for 2023," said Brian Moody, executive editor at Autotrader. "Partnering with the effervescent Jonathan Van Ness to pamper these shelter dogs, we're reminded that just like finding the perfect car, the journey to finding a loving home for these dogs is a special one. Together with Jonathan, we're embracing the spirit of National Dog Day and creating memories that will last a lifetime by celebrating love, compassion and the open road."

Autotrader has a long-standing commitment to helping dogs in need and raising awareness about the importance of animal adoption. In honor of its 10th annual celebration of National Dog Day and in tandem with the makeovers, Autotrader also donated $10,000 to Austin Pets Alive! to help all the shelter's residents.

The Best Cars for Dog Lovers list, curated by the expert editors at Autotrader, makes it simple and easy to find 2023 model-year vehicles that are paw-fectly suited for dogs and their owners.

Autotrader's 2023 Best Cars for Dog Lovers*

2023 Audi Q3

2023 Ford Bronco Sport

2023 Honda Pilot

2023 Hyundai Venue

2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

2023 Kia Soul

2023 Subaru Forester

2023 Tesla Model Y

2023 Toyota Sienna

2023 Volvo V60 Cross Country

*Models are unranked, listed in alphabetical order.

For more information from Autotrader on the 2023 Best Cars for Dog Lovers, including details on which dog-friendly features helped each model secure a spot on this year's list, visit https://www.autotrader.com/best-cars/best-cars-for-dogs.

For more information and news from Autotrader, visit press.autotrader.com , Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/autotrader_com/ (or @autotrader_com), like our page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/autotrader/ , and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/autotrader-com .

About Autotrader

Autotrader is the most recognized third-party car listings brand, with the most engaged audience of in-market car shoppers. As the foremost authority on automotive consumer insights and expert in online and mobile marketing, Autotrader makes the car shopping experience easy and fun for today's empowered car shopper looking to find or sell the perfect new, used, or Certified Pre-Owned car. Using technology, shopper insights and local market guidance, Autotrader's comprehensive marketing and retailing solutions allow consumers to build their deal online, and guide dealers to personalized digital marketing strategies that grow brand, drive traffic and connect the online and in-store shopping experience. Autotrader is a Cox Automotive brand. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive is the world's largest automotive services and technology provider. Fueled by the largest breadth of first-party data fed by 2.3 billion online interactions a year, Cox Automotive tailors leading solutions for car shoppers, automakers, dealers, retailers, lenders and fleet owners. The company has 25,000-plus employees on five continents and a family of trusted brands that includes Autotrader, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital and vAuto. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with $22 billion in annual revenue. Visit coxautoinc.com or connect via @CoxAutomotive on Twitter, CoxAutoInc on Facebook or Cox-Automotive-Inc on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Autotrader
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Aerospace is celebrating alongside its mission partners today as the Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument releases its first images of Earth, the next step in its mission to improve air quality monitoring across greater North America.

NASA's TEMPO instrument measured concentrations of nitrogen dioxide pollution over North America for the first time on August 2, 2023. The visualization shows six scans made hourly between 11:12 a.m. and 5:37 p.m., with closeups on the I-95 corridor in the US northeast, central and eastern Texas to New Orleans, and the southwest from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Areas of missing data indicate cloud cover. Credits: Kel Elkins, Trent Schindler, and Cindy Starr/NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

TEMPO launched on April 7, 2023, from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as part of NASA's Earth Venture Instrument program and led by Principal Investigator Kelly Chance of the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian (CfA). Following a monthslong commissioning process, the Ball-built instrument opened its aperture for the first time to perform solar calibration and make its inaugural scan across the continent. The instrument is performing as expected in its initial tests.

"Achieving first light from TEMPO is a major milestone in our goal to provide a complete picture of air quality issues across the United States and beyond," said Dr. Alberto Conti, vice president and general manager, Civil Space, Ball Aerospace. "This mission will fundamentally transform the way we measure pollutants in our air, providing new insights for public health officials, atmospheric researchers and members of the public looking to protect themselves from dangerous conditions."

TEMPO uses a geostationary ultraviolet/visible spectrometer to scan across the continent hourly  over the continental United States in addition to most of Mexico and Canada  capturing daytime measurements of major air pollutants like ozone, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and formaldehyde. The high-resolution and frequency of images will provide precise data on the origin, concentration and movement of pollution over time, far exceeding the capabilities of current ground-based monitoring systems.

Now that the instrument is active, the TEMPO team will spend the coming months validating spatial, spectral and radiometric performance, as well as the science data processing chain. Once that process is complete, members of the public and the scientific community will have access to near real-time data packaged by the CfA and distributed by NASA.

TEMPO was developed alongside the Geostationary Environment Monitoring Spectrometer (GEMS), another Ball Aerospace-built instrument that launched in 2020 as part of an air quality monitoring mission for the South Korean National Institute of Environmental Research.

The TEMPO mission is a collaboration between NASA's Langley Research Center and the Center for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian. The instrument is integrated and hosted on Intelsat's IS-40e satellite built by Maxar.

Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, Ball Aerospace pioneers discoveries that enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most. We create innovative space solutions, enable more accurate weather forecasts, drive insightful observations of our planet, deliver actionable data and intelligence, and ensure those who defend our freedom go forward bravely and return home safely. Go Beyond with Ball. For more information, visit www.ball.com/aerospace or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) supplies innovative, sustainable aluminum packaging solutions for beverage, personal care and household products customers, as well as aerospace and other technologies and services primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ 21,000 people worldwide and reported 2022 net sales of $15.35 billion. For more information, visit www.ball.com, or connect with us on Facebook or Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," "believes," and similar expressions typically identify forward-looking statements, which are generally any statements other than statements of historical fact. Such statements are based on current expectations or views of the future and are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. You should therefore not place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, and they should be read in conjunction with, and qualified in their entirety by, the cautionary statements referenced below. Ball undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to be different are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99 in Ball's Form 10-K, which are available on Ball's website and at www.sec.gov. Additional factors that might affect: a) Ball's packaging segments include product capacity, supply, and demand constraints and fluctuations and changes in consumption patterns; availability/cost of raw materials, equipment, and logistics; competitive packaging, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather and related events such as drought, wildfires, storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods; footprint adjustments and other manufacturing changes, including the startup of new facilities and lines; failure to achieve synergies, productivity improvements or cost reductions; unfavorable mandatory deposit or packaging laws; customer and supplier consolidation; power and supply chain interruptions; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; inability to pass through increased costs; war, political instability and sanctions, including relating to the situation in Russia and Ukraine and its impact on Ball's supply chain and its ability to operate in Europe, the Middle East and Africa regions generally; changes in foreign exchange or tax rates; and tariffs, trade actions, or other governmental actions, including business restrictions and orders affecting goods produced by Ball or in its supply chain, including imported raw materials; b) Ball's aerospace segment include funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts; failure to obtain, or delays in obtaining, required regulatory approvals or clearances for the proposed transaction; any failure by the parties to satisfy any of the other conditions to the proposed transaction; the possibility that the proposed transaction is ultimately not consummated; potential adverse effects of the announcement or results of the proposed transaction on the ability to develop and maintain relationships with personnel and customers, suppliers and others with whom it does business or otherwise on the business, financial condition, results of operations and financial performance; risks related to diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; the impact of the proposed transaction on the ability to retain and hire key personnel; and c) Ball as a whole include those listed above plus: the extent to which sustainability-related opportunities arise and can be capitalized upon; changes in senior management, succession, and the ability to attract and retain skilled labor; regulatory actions or issues including those related to tax, environmental, social and governance reporting, competition, environmental, health and workplace safety, including U.S. Federal Drug Administration and other actions or public concerns affecting products filled in Ball's containers, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; technological developments and innovations; the ability to manage cyber threats; litigation; strikes; disease; pandemic; labor cost changes; inflation; rates of return on assets of Ball's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; uncertainties surrounding geopolitical events and governmental policies, including policies, orders, and actions related to COVID-19; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting Ball's debt; successful or unsuccessful joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures, and their effects on Ball's operating results and business generally; and potential adverse effects of the announcement or results of the proposed transaction on the market price of Ball Corporation's common stock.

SOURCE Ball Aerospace
SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Baseus Technology, the leading global consumer electronics brand, proposes the Airpow PD 20W Fast Charging Power Bank to users.

This USB-C power bank supporting Bidirectional Fast Charging is sold at an eye-dropping price of only $19.99 . The budget for a power bank with this feature, specifically a bidirectional fast-charging USB-C port, is likely 50% more or even higher.

"Features and price tag are unmatched"

PD USB-C 20W Fast Charging

Whether using a smartphone's original cable or the included cable of Baseus Airpow Series 20W Power Bank, it can charge the iPhone 8 to 14 series or Android devices that are compatible with PD 20W or QC 18W quickly, boasted to fast charge an iPhone 14 Pro up to 50% in only 30 minutes.

PD USB-C 18W Recharging

Baseus power bank generously features a USB-C port that supports PD 18W fast input charging, reducing charging time and outperforming entry-level branded power banks that only support a max of 5V 2A (10W) for recharging itself.

Simultaneous Charging

This affordable power bank features USB-C and USB-A ports, each supporting fast charging, and shares its total output to charge two devices simultaneously.

USB-C Input PD 18W 1*USB-C/A Output PD 20W/QC 18W USB-C+A Output USB-C+micro-USB Output USB-A+micro-USB Output Shared 12W

10,000mAh Capacity in Ultra-Slim Design

Its battery houses a 10,000mAh capacity tested to provide more than one full charge to mainstream devices like an iPhone 14, Samsung Galaxy S23+, Google Pixel 7 Pro, and more. This power bank is only 0.7 inches thick, so it is easy to slip into a bag or pocket without a massive bulk and excessive pounds.

Baseus Airpow Series PD 20W USB-C Power Bank is now available on Amazon at a price as low as $19.99 .

About Baseus

Baseus is a consumer electronics brand founded in 2011, bearing in mind "Simple for More," creating seamlessly practical and aesthetic products for young tech enthusiasts. We offer a range of products, including Portable Chargers , Desktop Chargers , Wall Chargers , Wireless Earbuds , and Docking Stations .

Media Contact:

Name: Roy Liao

Phone: +1 (213) 512-7063

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Baseus Technology (HK) Co., Ltd
The Chicagoland-based company is honored for its environmental, social and governance (ESG) efforts

CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- BCS Financial is proud to announce the company has been named a winner in Ragan's Workplace Wellness Awards. BCS was chosen from a wide pool of entries to receive recognition in the ESG (Environmental, Social, & Governance) category, based on its commitment, engagement and investments in areas of environmental, social and governance responsibilities.

BCS wins Workplace Wellness Awards for ESG.

"At BCS, we think of ourselves as a dynamic corporation with a distinct purpose. I am proud to receive this award, but even more proud of the efforts BCS is making to leave a lasting impact in our communities," said Peter Costello, president & CEO of BCS Financial.

The Ragan's Workplace Wellness Awards celebrates the organizations, people and teams that have made significant strides in improving their employees' health and well-being, with a focus on physical, mental, financial and social wellness. As ESG efforts have become more mainstream for companies, BCS has taken important steps to formalize an internal strategy that focuses both on advancing ESG initiatives such as supplier diversity, sustainability, charitable giving, and governance certifications, and measuring those initiatives to ensure clarity and commitment company-wide.

"ESG is more than a buzz word at BCS, it is the sense of responsibility we feel to make a lasting impact for the future," said Costello. "Our efforts in the last year have formalized an ESG program with great success, but it has been embedded in our culture for a long time."

BCS also received an honorable mention award in the "Employee Engagement" category.

More information about Ragan's Workplace Wellness Awards, and a write-up of the company's award honors can be found by visiting: https://www.ragan.com/awards/events/workplace-wellness-awards-luncheon-2023/

About BCS Financial:

BCS Financial Corporation has more than 70 years of experience delivering a wide-range of insurance and financial solutions for Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations and commercial markets nationwide. Through its subsidiaries, BCS Insurance Company and 4 Ever Life Insurance Company, BCS is licensed in all 50 states and is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. BCS Financial is headquartered in Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. Learn more at bcsf.com.

About Ragan Communications and PR Daily:

Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for more than 50 years to internal and external communicators and business executives via its conferences, webinars, training, awards, subscriptions and its membership divisions. Its daily news sitesPRDaily.com and Ragan.comare read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators monthly.

Media Contact:

Nathan Post

Phone: 630.472.7860

[email protected]

SOURCE BCS Financial
CINCINNATI, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Belcan, LLC ("Belcan"), a global supplier of design, software, manufacturing, supply chain, information technology, and digital engineering solutions to the aerospace, defense, space, automotive, industrial, and government services markets, was the proud host of the Artemis I Celebration Tour, held at Belcan's headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, on August 16.

Spanning the U.S. since May, the Artemis I Celebration Tour commemorates the next-generation moon exploration program, which successfully launched from the Kennedy Space Center in November 2022.

Belcan employees receive thanks from space industry business leaders for their contribution to the successful launch of Artemis I.

The Belcan-hosted event featured business leaders from the space industry discussing recent advancements and future plans for lunar surface missions and exploration to other destinations, including Mars. The delegation included Astronaut Lee Morin as well as representatives from NASA, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman, and local political officials. The event also featured a tour of Belcan's Digital Innovation Lab, a flexible workspace equipped with technologies that enable the exploration and definition of digital engineering solutions for emerging industry needs.

Belcan was selected as a host location for the tour as a result of the company's instrumental role in supporting the Artemis program in the areas of software development, manufacturing engineering, quality engineering, and other fields.

"Belcan is very proud to have contributed to the historic and successful launch of Artemis I through the exceptional efforts of our talented team members," said Lance Kwasniewski, CEO of Belcan. "We look forward to continuing to earn the trust of NASA and its partners by providing innovative engineering solutions for future Artemis missions and other important space programs in the coming months and years."

Sarah Weis, Boeing's SLS B1B Deputy Program Manager, commented, "I am so proud of and thankful for the work Belcan and all our suppliers do in making the Artemis missions successful and enabling NASA's return to deep space!"

About Belcan

Belcan is a global supplier of design, software, manufacturing, supply chain, information technology, and digital engineering solutions to the aerospace, defense, space, government services, automotive, and industrial markets. Belcan engineers better outcomes for customers  from jet engines, airframe, and avionics to heavy vehicles, automobiles, and cybersecurity. Belcan takes a partnering approach to provide solutions that are adaptable, integrated, and value-added, and has been earning the trust of its customers for over 60 years. For more information, please visit www.belcan.com.

Contacts:

Lambert

Jennifer Hurson

845-507-0571

[email protected]

SOURCE Belcan, LLC
The addition of Pennsylvania-based firm comes after top branch offices, Freedom Financial Group and 1st and Main, brought aboard new advisors in recent months

The recruits boost Berthel Fisher's assets under management by $165 million

Firm also announced it has named Nate Spencer Vice President of Business Development to help build on recent recruiting momentum

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Berthel Fisher Companies (Berthel Fisher)  a Cedar Rapids, IA-based, full-service independent financial services firm serving the needs of growth-oriented financial advisors and RIAs  today announced the successful recruitment of MP Butterworth & Associates, a Reading, Pa-based firm with approximately $85 million in assets under management. The firm is led by Mike Butterworth.

This addition comes after Berthel Fisher branch offices have made a series of advisor additions. Freedom Financial Group, a top-performing branch based in North Dakota, welcomed Carl Wallin to its team, while 1st and Main Investment Advisors in Colorado added Dylan Brooks. In all, Berthel Fisher has recruited over a dozen advisors in recent months, boosting its AUM by $165 million.

"We are very excited to welcome Mike, Chris, Dylan and Carl, along with several next-gen advisors to the Berthel Fisher family," said Paige Swartzendruber, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Berthel Fisher. "In the years to come, we look forward to supporting all of these teams in the important work they do on behalf of clients."

Meanwhile, as part of this announcement, Berthel Fisher has also named Nate Spencer Vice President of Business Development. In this role, Spencer's responsibilities will include recruiting new independent financial professionals, developing acquisition strategies and fostering organic growth and retention among existing financial professionals.

Spencer comes to Berthel Fisher from Allworth Financial, where he worked in the firm's mergers and acquisitions unit. He will report to Swartzendruber.

"Over the years, Berthel Fisher has worked hard to adapt to the needs of its advisors and the realities of our ever-evolving industry while remaining steadfast in our commitment to providing financial professionals with the products, platforms and resources necessary for their businesses to succeed," Spencer said. "I look forward to sharing the firm's story with the market and achieving the lofty growth goals we have set for ourselves."

Mr. Butterworth founded his eponymous firm in 1984. His son Chris joined the practice in 2012. While the firm offers comprehensive wealth management solutions, it specializes in supporting the long-term planning needs of families caring for loved ones with special needs.

"Our firm is delighted to affiliate with Berthel Fisher," Mr. Butterworth said. "Over the years, we have developed a reputation for working with special needs families across the country, so we needed a partner with the flexibility and resources to allow us to serve these clients in a way that works for us and them. That, in part, is what brought us to Berthel Fisher. They understand what we're about and are as passionate about our work as we are."

Freedom Financial Group was founded by Marissa Nehlsen, the firm's Chief Executive Officer. Freedom Financial delivers a holistic experience to clients, coordinating wealth management, risk management, and small business and estate planning solutions. Nehlsen, who has over 25 years of financial services experience, believes strongly in education and is devoted to ensuring her firm provides the necessary tools to help people take control of their financial futures.

Meanwhile, 1st and Main is led by its founder Fraser Horn. Armed with over 30 years of experience, he and his team assist clients with goals-based planning using tactical portfolio management. The addition of Brooks gives the firm a total of five financial professionals. Besides its two Colorado locations, the firm has an office in Greenville, SC.

Swartzendruber concluded, "As excited as I am about welcoming new advisors to our firm and adding Nate to our leadership team, this is only the beginning of Berthel Fisher's next growth stage. I am confident we will continue to recruit advisors who act with the highest level of integrity and are committed to staying with us for the long term and building high-quality books of business through comprehensive, goals-based wealth management strategies."

In 2025, Berthel Fisher Companies will be celebrating 40 years in business. Given its current growth trajectory, the companies plan to celebrate that milestone not only with its long-time partners, but also many new financial professionals seeking a culture that focuses on integrity, family values and relationships.

About Berthel Fisher Companies

Berthel Fisher Companies is a national financial services firm which supports four unique companies that together provide comprehensive investment management as well as financial products and services to financial advisors and their clients: Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. (BFCFS) is a full-service broker-dealer supporting independent financial advisors across the U.S. in running their business as they see fit. Securities Management & Research, Inc. is an insurance-based broker-dealer that provides multiple business opportunities for representatives. BFC Planning, Inc. is a SEC Registered Investment Advisor providing an extensive list of portfolio managers and access to top-tier custodians. Berthel Fisher & Company Insurance, Inc. is an insurance agency providing comprehensive insurance solutions from top carriers.

Media Contact:

Joseph Kuo / Michael Dugan

Haven Tower Group LLC

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4852

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Berthel Fisher Companies
The Black Market, Cash and Freedom in Cuba Those who want a free Cuba must embrace and sustain the black market, just as those who want a subjugated country fear and seek to destroy it by eliminating what makes it possible: cash.

Something is terribly wrong in a country where the black market for dehydrated milk is infinitely greater than that for cocaine, and where that for antibiotics and cytostatic serums is more widespread than that for firearms.

Every black market is, primarily, a political reaction, because it is not scarcity, but rather the barriers that the authorities put on trade, that give rise to illegal exchanges. Therefore, this type of underground trade is more widespread not where there is less supply, but rather where there are more prohibitions.

As a form of subversive resistance to the elite that monopolizes the State, the black market is always targeted under the pretexts of public health, collective security, fiscal control and other justifications, all of which reaches a paroxysm when, as in Cuba, control of the individual is essential for the political caste's survival.

Thus, the Castroist system strives to prevent individual autonomy and horizontal relationships between citizens as much as possible, imposing vertical relations between the people and a government that appropriated resources and powers to become essential for the people's subsistence.

Under this totalitarian scheme, the black market is especially threatening to the powers that be and, probably, the last stronghold of freedom, as through it not only are goods exchanged, making possible activities that the Government prohibits, but information and examples of personal development are also communicated, of Cubans contemptuously termed bisneros, or negotiators, independent of a power that imposes itself as one indispensable for social stability.

Therefore, those who want a free Cuba must embrace and sustain its black market, just as those who want a subjugated Cuba fear it and endeavor to destroy it by eliminating the technology that makes it possible: cash.

The most underrated characteristic of cash, due to its limited economic relevance, is its anonymity, which, however, is a politically transcendental one, so much so that the future of freedom in Cuba depends on this medium not being replaced by traceable means of payment, through which individual activities can be known and discretionarily controlled.

Two years ago Castroism began to intensify its efforts to eliminate cash through bankarization, and since then we have been warning readers of the threat that looms over Cuba, since bankarization would complete the totalitarian circle, giving the Government such a capacity for control that it would place civil society in check-mate, removing any capacity for response and protest. Individuals would be absolutely at the mercy of the State, which could easily monitor their actions, travel, interactions and expenses, and not only for fiscal reasons, but mainly for political ones.

Fortunately, the depletion of Cuba's material reserves infrastructure, foreign currency, labor has hampered the advance of this Totalitarianism 3.0, but it is an issue that Castroism has not lost sight of, and, although slowly, it continues to advance and dedicate resources to it; among other things, because it is perhaps the only point where an increase in social control converges with an increase in economic efficiency.

Deputy Minister of Communications Ernesto Rodriguez recently stated that this delay is not due to a lack of resources, but rather "a cultural rather than technological issue," such that "work must be strengthened at the territorial level in terms of the requirement that electronic payment be present at each entity, at each business where a service is provided."

"We must ensure that all commercial establishments in the country, whether state or private, have electronic payment enabled," Rodriguez said. In other words, this means that, although people are wary of bankarization, they will force it upon them.

Fortunately, if Castroism is consistent in any area, apart from prioritizing its power over the well-being of the people, it is in its infinite capacity for failure; thus, although there are already electronic commerce devices at 64% of bodegas, 90% of Cimex stores, and 36% of Caribe stores, only 1.1% of total payments have been made by this means, according to Inalvis Smith, Deputy Minister of Internal Trade.

Despite its dramatic failure to implement electronic commerce, the Government is now supported by the Russians, for whom it would be ideal to bankarize Cuba for the same reasons that it would be for Castroism. Not surprisingly, the Sputnik press release, which revealed the rapprochement between the two dictatorships, highlighted that Boris Titov, the mafioso tapped by Putin for the recolonization of Cuba, emphasized that "the role of the banks in the system described is very important, they are the ones who create the platform on which it is based" and "the participants in the discussion emphasized that, within the framework of the concept, in Cuba cryptocurrencies anonymous means of exchange should not circulate."

Will there be enough Russian investment to fund the technology needed to minimize the use of cash in Cuba? Will the combined interest of both dictatorships, which seem to be teaming up to exploit even more the Cuban people, including emigrants, prove greater than Castroism's tendency to fail? Russia's internal problems call into question its capacity for this Caribbean adventure, but Moscow's central power is not the only economic one in Russia.

What is clear is that reducing and eliminating cash transactions is a high-priority objective for Castroism, which, weary of waiting to get there by evolution, has decided to impose it by the force of law, which is worrisome because, although freedom has in its favor the Cuban regime's long history of failures, unfortunately it has against it the scant attention that the media pays to the consequences of bankarization on politics in Cuba. Hopefully this will change soon.
Addition of Third Fleet of Vehicles Provided by Kia America Facilitates Concurrent Programs in North Carolina, Nebraska and California

More than 110,000 teens and parents have been trained over the past 15 years.

Teens who graduate from B.R.A.K.E.S. are 64 percent less likely to be in a crash in their first three years of driving.

CONCORD, N.C., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For the first time in its 15-year history, the B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) national teen pro-active driving school founded by multi-time Top Fuel drag racing champion Doug Herbert has trained more than 1,000 teens and their parents in one weekend.

B.R.A.K.E.S. instructors in Lincoln, Nebraska B.R.A.K.E.S. Founder Doug Herbert

The record-setting weekend marked the first time that B.R.A.K.E.S. has conducted training sessions in three different cities concurrently. Programs were held in Concord, North Carolina and San Marcos, California, as well as in Lincoln, Nebraska--the program's first-ever visit to "The Cornhusker State."

Capacity sessions in all three locations featured hands-on instruction in distracted driving awareness, panic braking, drop-wheel/off-road recovery, crash avoidance and car control/skid recovery  all the biggest causes of crashes for new drivers.

The record-setting weekend furthered the B.R.A.K.E.S. goal of hosting an unprecedented number of training sessions throughout the U.S. in 2023. In addition to Nebraska, B.R.A.K.E.S. will visit new locations in Kentucky, Nevada and Texas this year. The program also returns to popular venues in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Updated schedule and registration information is accessible at www.putonthebrakes.org.

Expansion of the life-saving programwhich has now surpassed 110,000 teens and parents trained since its inceptionhas been facilitated by three fleets of 22 all-new vehicles provided by Kia. This includes popular models Carnival, Forte, Niro, Rio, Seltos, Sorento, Sportage, Soul and Telluride.

"The growth of our program has exceeded any expectations I could ever have had when B.R.A.K.E.S. was established 15 years ago in memory of my two sons Jon and James," explains Herbert. "On behalf of our entire organization, I'd like to thank Kia America for its support, which has been invaluable in helping us make U.S. roadways safer. Together, we're helping teens and their parents become more confident and prepared behind the wheel."

Established in 2008 following a tragic car crash that claimed the lives of Herbert's sons Jon and James, the GuideStar Platinum-rated 501(c)(3) addresses a leading cause of death among teens  car crashes  helping to improve road safety and prevent other parents from facing the heartbreaking loss of a child.

Through their participation in the pro-active defensive driving program, B.R.A.K.E.S. graduates are 64 percent less likely to get in a crash within their first three years of driving, according to an independent study conducted by Dr. Paul Friday of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

Media Contact:

Jeff Perlman

818-317-3070

[email protected]

SOURCE B.R.A.K.E.S. With Doug Herbert
AUSTIN, Texas, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vironix Health Inc., an innovative leader in AI-powered remote patient monitoring applications for healthcare providers, is bolstering its alliance with the University of Oxford's Mathematical Institute. The collaboration aims squarely at advanced prediction of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progression.

Oxford University

Building on the triumph of last year's synthetic patient data generation project, the partners are setting their sights on CKD, a medical challenge marked by gradual kidney function deterioration. Early interventions leveraging AI can amplify patient well-being, decelerate the disease progression, and reduce healthcare costs. Dr. Sumanth Swaminathan, CEO of Vironix Health, commented on the partnership's potential, remarking, "Vironix is committed to innovating preventive care technologies that prioritize validation through scientific rigor and peer review. Working with Oxford Mathematics to leverage machine-learning methods for prevention of end-stage renal disease is a timely and critical global effort. We're honored to be a part of this collaboration."

In a stride signifying the collaboration's promise, an Oxford graduate from the Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing MSc program will spearhead the research, receiving guidance from experts of both entities. Oxford's Mathematical Modelling program equips students with tools to address global challenges, harmonizing seamlessly with Vironix Health's vision.The results from the previous project were presented this month at the eminent, peer-reviewed Machine Learning for Healthcare conference in New York City

Dr. Kathryn Gillow of the University of Oxford heralded the collaboration by saying, "Partnering with Vironix Health Inc. exposes our scholars to practical medical applications. This initiative is a golden opportunity to blend academia with real-world solutions."

The mission? To develop state-of-the-art deep learning models that predict CKD progression and enable early intervention to prevent end-stage renal disease. Prof. Terry Lyons, Wallace Professor of Mathematics from University of Oxford, elaborated, "Our ventures with Vironix have consistently been a nexus of academic enrichment and tangible solutions. The CKD project is a testament to the transformative power of industry-academia collaboration."

Vironix Health Inc., already recognized globally for its game-changing AI tools in Heart Failure, COPD, Asthma, and Acute Respiratory Illness, is now geared to apply its expertise in overhauling CKD management.Amid their synergistic endeavors, Vironix Health Inc. and Oxford University stand at the cusp of reshaping healthcare. Their combined efforts have the potential to reduce global mortality, morbidity, and spiraling healthcare costs while elevating standards of personalized care.

To uncover more about Vironix Health Inc.'s expertise in AI-enhanced chronic disease management, visit: https://www.vironix.ai/.

Media contact:

Sumanth Swaminathan

[email protected]

2676349997

SOURCE Vironix Health Inc.
CARLSBAD, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Water conservation legislation and the Water Infrastructure Modernization Act are in the spotlight on the latest episode of the H2OMICS podcast from leading smart irrigation solutions company Calsense, with featured guest U.S. Congressman John Duarte.

Congressman Duarte represents California's 13th District, which includes Fresno County and cities such as Lathrop, Patterson, Mendota, and Coalinga. He co-sponsored the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Modernization Act bill with Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz.

In this episode, Congressman Duarte sheds light on the pressing water challenges faced by California and Arizona, emphasizing the need for efficient water management to address supply and quality issues. As a fourth-generation farmer and native of the Central Valley in California, he advocates for a shift in perspective, encouraging a move from viewing water scarcity strictly as a moral pursuit, to embracing ways to achieve water abundance through improved infrastructure and water conservation legislation. The Water Infrastructure Modernization Act intends to provide $50 million in EPA funding and grants for community water systems, to identify leaks, assess pipe integrity, and adopt smart water technologies, fostering increasingly innovative water storage solutions.

Congressman Duarte says: "We need to use our surface water as efficiently as possible; and manage it carefully. We can then preserve our groundwater resources to carry us through the longest, driest droughts."

Water conservation remains a top priority for farmers and for residents and organizations striving to maintain beautiful landscapes, while efficiently utilizing limited water resources. Calsense and its customers, for example, are committed to promoting a sustainable future by preserving water with smart irrigation control solutions. Through sophisticated smart irrigation solutions and education initiatives, Calsense empowers communities and organizations to make the best use of the available water resources, encouraging responsible water management and environmental stewardship.

"We are thrilled to feature Congressman Duarte on our H2OMICS podcast. His insights and dedication to promoting water sustainability and advancing water policies are of immense value for our listeners," says podcast host, Carolina Alban-Stoughton.

The H2OMICS podcast offers informative interviews with water conservation and sustainability experts, shedding light on vital topics that may not be on listeners' radar. To listen to the full interview with Congressman John Duarte, visit www.calsense.com/podcast or search for H2OMICS on your favorite podcast platform.

About Calsense

Calsense is a partner with the Environmental Protection Agency's WaterSense program in promoting water efficient products and services. For 35 years, the company has contributed to providing a sustainable future by developing water resource management tools and strategies, directly incorporating input from its customers. Calsense helps its customers conserve water, manage labor, and ultimately save money through smart irrigation. The company's industry-leading technology and support bridge the gap between irrigation designer, installer, landscape maintainer and water manager to provide the support needed at each phase of a project. Customers partner with Calsense for a reliable system that provides long-term value. For more information, visit www.calsense.com.

CONTACT:

Julia Teske

[email protected]

SOURCE Calsense
Pioneering Research Harnesses Cannabis-Responsive (C-Res) Biomarkers & Machine Learning to pave the way for Customized Therapies Across a Broad Range of Neurological & Neuropsychiatric Disorders including Alzheimer's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis & PTSD

The paper showcases the potential of Cannformatics C-Res biomarker database to define the mechanism of action (MOA) and therapeutic window for every major cannabinoid.

The paper begins to define a novel approach to using C-Res biomarkers to distinguish cohorts within the ASD population based on metabolic imbalance. This approach opens new opportunities for developing patient-specific therapies that can go beyond the use of medical cannabis.

The study shows for the first time the therapeutic role of non-cannabinoid phytochemicals including terpenes, flavonoids, and phytosterols in ASD, commonly referred to as the entourage effect.

Preliminary results suggest that machine learning applications can identify the specific MOA of cannabinoids and entourage effect of phytochemicals without the need to test each one separately in patients with ASD.

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Cannformatics an early-stage biotechnology company announced today that its paper titled, "A Machine Learning Approach for Understanding the Metabolomics Response of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to Medical Cannabis Treatment" was published by Nature's Scientific Reports. This paper unveils the company's progress towards launching a saliva-based lab testing service to guide healthcare providers, patients, and families with personalized medical cannabis treatments. The initial service is expected to launch for people with ASD within six-months of the company completing its Series-A fundraising round.

"With the release of this paper, we've now published three scientific papers that collectively lay a strong foundation for developing C-Res technology-based applications. Our focus is on introducing a saliva-based lab testing service that empowers healthcare providers and patients to tailor and evaluate cannabis-based treatments with precision," explained Itzhak Kurek, Cannformatics CEO and Cofounder.

Dr. Kurek continued, "For me, the most important discovery to come out of the machine learning research was the ability of C-Res biomarkers to serve as a probe to identify metabolic imbalances in children with ASD. This innovative approach holds remarkable potential to positively impact the broader ASD community. Ultimately, we want to positively impact all patients struggling with neurological and neuropsychiatric conditions by identifying the MOA and metabolic pathways underlying THC, CBD, CBG and phytochemicals. This understanding will pave the way for a new generation of cannabinoid-based therapeutic solutions," added Dr. Kurek.

"For years, the cannabis industry has searched for scientifically valid published data that showcases the medical benefits and safety of cannabis. This absence of pharmaceutical grade data is what is heard most often from the medical community and regulators. Today we have three rigorously peer-reviewed papers, leaving no doubt. We've presented this compelling data to physicians and policymakers, all of whom were convinced of cannabis' impact in treating study participants," remarked Kenneth Epstein Chief Commercial Officer and Co-founder. "As we move forward, we are ready to partner with the cannabis and life science communities to create a new wave of economic growth and breakthrough products for our industry," shared Epstein.

About Cannformatics

Cannformatics is an early-stage biotechnology startup focused on the development of Cannabis-Responsive biomarkers found in saliva for personalized cannabis treatment, product development and other applications. The company has written a scientific white paper that summarizes the findings from its three published papers. Cannformatics is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Investors interested in learning more about the Series A investment opportunity please email [email protected]. Follow us on Twitter @cannformatics.

SOURCE Cannformatics
The donation will support healthcare workers who are providing recovery support and medical care for communities harmed in the Maui wildfires.

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Careismatic Brands Inc., the world's largest medical apparel retailer, announced today that it will donate medical apparel and accessories to support healthcare professionals in Maui, Hawaii, as they provide critical care to their communities in the wake of this month's tragic wildfires.

Careismatic is sending to Maui nearly 800 units of medical apparel includes scrubs from Cherokee Uniforms and footwear from Infinity. It will also donate stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and scissors.

"Healthcare professionals in Maui are doing what they do best: stepping up under unimaginable circumstances to provide the compassionate care their community needs," said Girisha Chandraraj, CEO of Careismatic Brands, Inc. "Careismatic Brands is deeply moved by their commitment and honored to support them in this critical mission."

This donation, which will be followed by an additional shipment of supplies and accessories, will help outfit approximately 120 healthcare professionals with high-quality apparel and accessories to keep them safe and comfortable as they provide recovery support. Hawaii Work Uniforms, a trusted Careismatic retail partner, will distribute the apparel and equipment to healthcare workers across the island.

In 2018, in response to the Paradise Fire in California, Careismatic Brands donated more than 11,000 pieces of medical apparel and other supplies to support healthcare professionals across the affected communities.

ABOUT CAREISMATIC BRANDS: Careismatic Brands, Inc. is a trusted global leader in medical apparel, footwear and accessories, with a distribution platform that spans 70 countries. Its extensive portfolio of trusted brands includes Cherokee Uniforms, Dickies Medical, Heartsoul Scrubs, Infinity, Scrubstar, Tooniforms, Anywear, Healing Hands, Med Couture, Medelita, Classroom Uniforms, Allheart, Silvert's Adaptive Apparel and BALA Footwear. Careismatic is proud to support a number of nonprofit organizations, including The DAISY Foundation, U-VOL Foundation and Mercy Ships.

For more information about Careismatic Brands, visit www.careismatic.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

SOURCE Careismatic Brands
The custom-built, mortgage-free home is located in The Woodlands Hills in Willis, Texas

HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc., (NYSE: CCS)  a top 10 homebuilder, industry leader in online home sales and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023  along with the Houston Texans, The Howard Hughes Corp., Greater Houston Builders Association and Operation Finally Home, celebrated the groundbreaking of a custom-built, mortgage-free home for U.S. Army Sergeant Joanna Ellenbeck.

U.S. Army SGT Joanna Ellenbeck and family at the groundbreaking ceremony for their future home | August 11, 2023

Century Communities is building the home for Ellenbeck and her daughter on a lot donated by The Howard Hughes Corp. in The Woodlands Hills in Willis, Texas. Ellenbeck was surprised with the news during a Texans game last December.

"Century Communities is honored and privileged to partner with such great organizations to build a deserving veteran a home," said Liesel Cooper, national president of Century Communities. "We are proud to be able to make a difference in the communities we are a part of through efforts like this, but more importantly we are proud to have been given the opportunity to help an American hero and mother."

The groundbreaking ceremony for the 2,012-square-foot home was held Aug. 11. Slated for completion in spring 2024, the four-bedroom, three-bath home features an open-concept design with island kitchen overlooking the combined great room and dining area and a spacious owner's ensuite featuring a huge walk-in closet.

The home was custom designed for Ellenbeck, who enlisted in the U.S. Army after 9/11 and served for more than eight years, including three combat deployments: one to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. Serving with the 25th Infantry Division, Ellenbeck worked as an avionics mechanic throughout her military career, repairing Black Hawks, Chinooks and Kiowa 58 helicopters.

For her service, Ellenbeck received multiple awards and recognition. These include an Iraq Campaign medal with five stars, four Army Commendation Medals, two Meritorious Unit Commendations and two Army Good Conduct Medals, in addition to a National Defense Service Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among others. She was honorably discharged in 2010.

She carries visible and invisible scars from her service, including a debilitating back injury sustained from her 2004 deployment. Ellenbeck's doctors believe her service-related injuries will require her to use a wheelchair in the future.

Currently residing in Arizona, Ellenbeck plans to move to Houston to be closer to family and friends and provide her daughter the medical, therapeutic and educational support she needs. Ellenbeck's daughter was born blind, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

Century Communities customized the single-story home for the Ellenbecks, including sloped concrete to allow wheelchairs smooth transitions into the home; widening of all doors; addition of a blocking system in the child's bedroom for a harness system; installation of a changing table in the owner's bathroom; addition of grab bars in all bathrooms; and removal of the linen closet in the owner's bath to replace it with a door that allows for quick and easy access to the child's bedroom.

In addition to construction by Century Communities, most of the vendors involved have donated time, money and products to the project.

"Opportunities like being able to provide the Ellenbecks a safe, custom-built home to meet their needs is what our mission of A Home for Every Dream is about," added Cooper. "We take seriously our role of partner in the communities in which we build, which is why we are thrilled to be a part of this endeavor and will continue our efforts to make a difference in the lives of others."

About Century Communities

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023. Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding  including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 18 states and over 45 markets across the U.S., and also offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.

About The Howard Hughes Corporation

The Howard Hughes Corp. 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 Corporation's 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. The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHC. For additional information visit www.howardhughes.com.

About The Greater Houston Builders Association

The Greater Houston Builders Association, chartered in 1941, is a trade organization whose members are involved in the development, homebuilding, and remodeling industries in 11 counties in the Houston area. The association currently has over 1500-member companies, is the 3rd largest builders association in the country and the largest in Texas. GHBA is the voice of Houston's residential construction industry, serving their members and the community through education and advocating professionalism and quality housing. The association also interacts with the government, community and general public to enhance the business climate for its members and to provide quality obtainable housing to the community it serves. The association is also active in community outreach and charitable events.

About Houston Texans Foundation

The Houston Texans Foundation was founded in 2002 with a mission of being Champions for Youth. The Foundation believes that youth are the champions of our future, and therefore it is dedicated to enhancing their quality of life. Since 2002, more than $45 million has been raised through annual fundraising events, disaster response programs, an annual United Way campaign and partnerships with nonprofit organizations on gameday. Through fundraising efforts, the Foundation supports and administers programs in education, character development and health and wellness to empower the next generation of Texans. The Foundation has aligned with three strategic community partners; the Houston Texans YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Food Bank, and the majority of their support goes to these three organizations through monetary donations, programming and volunteerism. The Houston Texans Foundation is committed to inspiring positive change within the Houston community.

About Operation Finally Home

Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home is a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. Established in 2005, the organization has completed or is in planning on more than 430 home projects in more than 32 states. Operation Finally Home partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors and volunteers to help these heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs  a safe place to call home. For more information about Operation Finally Home, visit OperationFinallyHome.org, follow @OpFinallyHome on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

SOURCE Century Communities, Inc.
COP28 will elevate water on the climate agenda and seek to drive forward progress and raise ambition.

will elevate water on the climate agenda and seek to drive forward progress and raise ambition. The COP28 Water Agenda identifies three priority areas for programming at Water Day during COP28's two-week thematic program: conserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems, enhancing urban water resilience, and bolstering water-resilient food systems.

Water Agenda identifies three priority areas for programming at Water Day during COP28's two-week thematic program: conserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems, enhancing urban water resilience, and bolstering water-resilient food systems. The COP28 Presidency also announced a partnership with the co-hosts of the UN 2023 Water Conference, Netherlands and Tajikistan, who will serve as COP28 Water Champions to help lead the Agenda.

Presidency also announced a partnership with the co-hosts of the UN 2023 Water Conference, and Tajikistan, who will serve as Water Champions to help lead the Agenda. COP28's two-week thematic program includes a special day dedicated to exploring climate action across food, agriculture, and water.

It will also see the first UNFCCC high-level dialogue on water resilient food systems.

STOCKHOLM, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The COP28 UAE Presidency has launched its Water Agenda during World Water Week in Stockholm, which took place from August 20 to 24.

COP28 announced its top priority areas, which include conserving and restoring freshwater ecosystems, enhancing urban water resilience, and bolstering water-resilient food systems.

Furthermore, the COP28 Presidency announced a partnership with the Netherlands and Tajikistan to serve as COP28 Water Champions.

This partnership aims to build upon outcomes and momentum from the UN 2023 Water Conference held in March, which was co-hosted by the Netherlands and Tajikistan, and resulted in the Water Action Agenda.

COP28 aims to give unprecedented attention to water risks and opportunities across the agenda, from agriculture to disaster prevention.

This partnership unites the COP28 Presidency, Tajikistan, and the Netherlands to deliver water policy, technology, and financing results at COP28.

Support from the Netherlands and Tajikistan is essential to ensuring progress and commitments from the UN Water Conference are driven forward.

Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak, UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28, spoke on the launch of the Water Agenda and partnership, saying, "Climate change profoundly affects water through flooding, droughts, and sea level rises, impacting homes, ecosystems, and livelihoods. Yet water is not only essential for human survival, health, and food systems, but it's also fundamental to nature's balance and the flourishing of biodiversity. With the COP28 Water Agenda, in collaboration with the Netherlands and Tajikistan, we seek to bridge the insights from the UN Water Conference with the climate community, amplifying our adaptation and mitigation efforts."

Tajik Minister of Economic Development and Trade, His Excellency Mr. Zavqi Zavqizoda, welcomed the partnership and expressed his commitment to co-lead COP28's Water Agenda.

"I am pleased that Tajikistan and the Netherlands have recently been invited by the UAE to co-lead the Water Agenda at COP28. We are honored to have this great role and express our strong commitments to work hard to bring water on the top of the climate agenda, since water plays a critical role both in terms of climate adaptation and mitigation and thus greatly contributes to achieving climate resilience," he said.

Rene van Hell, Ambassador for Sustainable Development, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of the Netherlands, also stated, "We need collective action on water and climate now. As co-host of the UN 2023 Water Conference, we firmly believe that the Water Action Agenda commitments, the pathways of change of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water, and other initiatives are the backbone for the realization of our goals. Our cooperation will support that, from New York to Dubai, and from Dubai to the world. Tangible outcomes on water and climate at COP28 are essential. There's no time to waste. We have to act, all together, from public to private sector leaders. And we will."

This collaboration will help put nature, people, lives and livelihoods at the heart of climate action.

Stuart Orr, Freshwater Practice Leader, WWF International, said, "We welcome the partnership with the COP28 Presidency to restore 30% of degraded freshwater ecosystems by 2030, leveraging the Freshwater Challenge. Rivers and wetlands are among our greatest allies in adapting to the climate crisis and need urgent attention and investment that benefits not only nature but also people across the world."

The UAE and Brazil will also co-host the first UNFCCC high-level dialogue on building water resilience in food systems at COP28, bringing together ministers, the private sector, international organizations, and civil society to assess water and food resilience within National Determined Contributions (NDCs) and National Action Plans (NAPs).

It will take place on Food, Agriculture and Water Day during COP28's two-week thematic program.

The first day of its kind, it will focus on innovation investment, regenerative agriculture, and national transformation pathways, underpinned by financing mechanisms. Water programming will look at freshwater restoration and conservation, infrastructure for urban water resilience, and integrated governance and management of water-food systems.

Billions of people worldwide are now facing severe droughts, floods, and water contamination due to climate change, further undermining food security, community cohesion, and economic development. These climate impacts worsen existing challenges around clean drinking water access and sanitation.

Notes to Editors COP28 UAE:

COP28 UAE will take place at Expo City Dubai from November 30-December 12, 2023 . The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors.

from . The Conference is expected to convene over 70,000 participants, including heads of state, government officials, international industry leaders, private sector representatives, academics, experts, youth, and non-state actors. As mandated by the Paris Climate Agreement, COP28 UAE will deliver the first ever Global Stocktake  a comprehensive evaluation of progress against climate goals.

The UAE will lead a process for all parties to agree upon a clear roadmap to accelerate progress through a pragmatic global energy transition and a "leave no one behind" approach to inclusive climate action.

SOURCE COP28
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 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 top 3 European telecom and network operator by market cap and by mobile subscriptions1, for the SBOM Studio platform.2

This engagement marks the second global telecom leader undergoing a pilot evaluation of SBOM Studio, and follows the recent announcement about Cybeats adding the telecom market to its list of target market segments.3 Cybeats has demonstrated an impressive 75% conversion rate from pilot evaluations to commercial contracts, as previously announced in January 2023.4 The Company is also in discussions with one of the top 3 largest telecom and managed service providers (MSP) worldwide, in pursuit of a commercial partnership to leverage its market reach and to help to scale the SBOM Studio platform globally.

"The telecom market continues to present a keen interest in SBOM Management, and Cybeats has been very pleased with the response to our product and the rapid growth of our commercial pipeline. Engaging with telecom at this time comes with first mover advantages, as the telecom sector is both eager for innovation and will also soon face regulatory challenges involving SBOM management and the software supply chain. This engagement underscores our success in expanding our reach with SBOM Studio - a proven and endorsed solution by industry leaders across multiple other sectors," said Bob Lyle, CRO, Cybeats.

Further to Cybeats' recent press release dated June 165, the Company announced its strategic direction to also include the global telecom sector as it is an accelerating Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) adopter. The Company has been continuing to strengthen its commercial pipeline which now includes over 6 qualified telecom prospects that are in various stages of commercial advancement, and several of which are among the largest Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Mobile Network Equipment providers globally.

SBOM management enables telecom giants to achieve software transparency and ensure compliance with government regulations. It provides valuable visibility into software components and dependencies, enabling telecom companies to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their software. Telecom and mobile device providers must adhere to specific regulations such as FCC regulations, NDAA provisions, the EU Cybersecurity Act, UK Telecommunications (Security) Act, and NISTand GSMA guidelines. Complying with these regulations is crucial for ensuring software transparency and security in the rapidly evolving telecom industry. In addition, a push to open infrastructure, like Open Radio Access Network Infrastructure (O-RAN), further signals a trend towards greater interoperability and security, i.e. with O-RAN software components anticipated to require SBOMs in the near future.

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.
IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Peregrine Connect integration platform has been selected by Elektro Gorenjska to integrate their applications and platforms to reduce development & deployment costs. Elektro Gorenjska is a Slovenian electricity distribution company that specializes in investments (reconstructions, expansions), to increase the robustness of the electricity network within the Gorenjska region.

Elektro Gorenjska realized the need to scale its existing integration platform to handle the intricate demands of its growing operations. They wanted to expedite their system integration to increase productivity for their organization to expand on their digital transformation efforts. The strategic decision to transition from their previous integration processes to Peregrine Connect was driven by Peregrine's low code integration platform.

Since implementing Peregrine Connect, Elektro Gorenjska has reduced development time by an impressive 90% enabling Elektro Gorenjska to integrate systems within a single day. Neuron ESB facilitates the integration and complex data workflows for Elektro Gorenjska's business processes, providing real-time system access. Furthermore, the company was able to leverage its existing Microsoft .NET resources without switching to a JAVA-based technology platform.

Elektro Gorenjska successfully achieved its goal of ingesting meter point data and transformed it into three integration workflows: CIM, service layer, and project management. The organization was able to feed these workflows into their GIS, field management, ERP, smart meter head end system, billing, call center, Jira, and internal project management systems. These advancements significantly improved operations and customer service, enabling the company to comply with environmentally conscious regulations within their country.

In Elektro Gorenjska's COTS evaluation, Peregrine Connect outperformed leading vendors, such as Mulesoft, Apache Kafka, Microsoft BizTalk, and Talend, by proving to be the most user-friendly and cost-effective integration platform.

"Reduced the time to integrate new systems by 90%. Integration work that normally took two weeks to complete is now completed in less than one day using Peregrine Connect."

 Blaz Hafnar, the Head of Services for Information Solutions at Elektro Gorenjska

Learn More About the Case Study

About Elektro Gorenjska d.d.

Elektro Gorenjska, d. d., is a Slovenian electricity distribution company in the Gorenjska region. Elektro Gorenjska, has spent the last 60 years perfecting its method of properly upgrading and maintaining the electricity network for its customers. With a customer base of over 92.000 end-users, Elektro Gorenjska d.d. plays a critical role in providing reliable and efficient electric power services in Slovenia.To learn more, visit https://www.elektro-gorenjska.si/

About Peregrine Connect

Peregrine Connect is one of the leading integration platforms that enables businesses to simplify the design, deployment, hosting, management of applications, APIs, and workflows. The platform secures the most critical integrations and business processes with actionable visibility, pinpoint diagnostics, alerting, and unified control across your entire organization. Peregrine Connect enables your Microsoft .NET resources to simplify the integration of applications and the automation of critical business functions using our innovative set of connectors for popular enterprise applications, databases, APIs and protocols.

To learn more, visit https://www.peregrineconnect.com/

CONTACT:

Nelly Monjazeb

[email protected]

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/999937/Peregrine_Connect_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Peregrine Connect LLC
DUBLIN, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Europe Data Center Market Landscape 2023-2028" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Europe data center market is expected to reach a value of $55.45 billion by 2028 from $39.9 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 5.64%

Investments across major countries such as the U.K., Germany, France, Sweden, Denmark, Poland, and others drive the Europe data center market. Locations such as Italy, Norway, and Spain are among the significantly emerging markets in the region, with growing investments in data centers.

The Europe data center market has been growing in the IT infrastructure segment with several IT infrastructure providers such as Arista Networks, Atos, Cisco Systems, Dell Technologies, and others. The industry has the presence of several global support infrastructure providers, such as ABB, Caterpillar, Condair, Alfa Laval, Siemens, Delta Electronics, and others that are increasing the competitiveness in the industry.

KEY TRENDS

Growing Deployment of 5G Services Will Increase Edge Data Center Demand

The growing 5G connectivity is increasing data generation and the need to construct more edge data centers. The demand is also growing in tier II and tier III cities, where constructing a large data center is impossible or is located farther from any established data center. The evidence of growing 5G deployments in countries across the European regions is mentioned below:

VueNow InfoTech, an Indian data center firm, has announced its plan to build six edge data center facilities in Bulgaria, connected to a data center in Plovdiv Tech Park.

Growing Adoption of Innovative IT Infrastructure Will Drive the Demand for Advanced Technologies in the IT Infrastructure Market

IT infrastructure in the Europe industry has changed over the last few years, with the increased construction of self-built data centers by hyperscale operators and expansions and new projects by colocation operators.

Some IT infrastructure trends witnessed in the industry are the adoption of NVMe storage, the increase in the adoption of 200/400 GbE ports, ARM-based architecture, server virtualization, and the adoption of converged and hyper-converged infrastructure.

SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

Regarding power infrastructure, UPS systems were the highest contributors to power market investment. Among generators, the adoption of systems with a capacity of over 2 MW is higher due to the construction of large data center facilities. At present, most data centers.

In terms of cooling systems, free cooling techniques have grown significantly over the last few years across regions with favorable climatic conditions that can use evaporative/adiabatic coolers for facility cooling purposes. The power consumed by cooling systems plays a vital role in achieving very low PUE.

Cloud, big data, and IoT continue raising demand for data centers and IT infrastructure. The Europe data center market for IT infrastructure is thriving due to investments in hyperscale data centers. Enterprises are adopting infrastructure configured or built to suit application workloads.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 165 Forecast Period 2022 - 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2022 $39.9 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $55.45 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 5.6 % Regions Covered Europe

VENDOR LANDSCAPE

Prominent Support Infrastructure Providers

Arista Networks

Atos

Broadcom

Cisco Systems

Dell Technologies

Extreme Networks

Fujitsu

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Hitachi Vantara

Huawei Technologies

IBM

Inspur

Juniper Networks

Lenovo

MiTAC Holdings

NEC

NetApp

Pure Storage

Quanta Cloud Technology

Super Micro Computer

Wiwynn

Prominent Support Infrastructure Providers

3M

ABB

Airedale International Air Conditioning

Aermec

Alfa Laval

Aksa Power Generation

Carrier

Caterpillar

Condair

Climaveneta

Cummins

D'HONDT THERMAL SOLUTIONS

Daikin Applied

Delta Electronics

Eaton

ebm-papst

EMICON INNOVATION AND COMFORT

Enrogen

FlaktGroup

Grundfos

Guntner

GESAB

HiRef

HITEC Power Protection

Honeywell International

Johnson Controls

KOHLER-SDMO

KyotoCooling

Legrand

Mitsubishi Electric

Munters

NetNordic

Nlyte Software (Carrier Global Corporation)

Perkins Engines

Piller Power Systems

Riello Elettronica (Riello UPS)

Rittal

Rolls-Royce

Schneider Electric

Siemens

Socomec

STULZ

Trane ( Ingersoll Rand )

) Vertiv

ZIEHL-ABEGG

Prominent Construction Contractors

AECOM

Altron

AODC

AEON Engineering

APL Data Center

ARC:MC

Ariatta

ARSMAGNA

Artelia

Arup

Aurora Group

Atkins

Basler & Hofmann

BENTHEM CROUWEL ARCHITECTS

Bouygues Construction

Callaghan Engineering

Cap Ingelec

Caverion

Coromatic

Collen

COWI

DataDome

Deerns

Designer Group

Dipl.-Ing. H. C. Hollige

Dornan

Etop

DPR Construction

Eiffage

EYP MCF

Fluor Corporation

Ferrovial

Free Technologies Engineering

Future-tech

Granlund Group

GreenMDC

Gottlieb Paludan Architects

Haka Moscow

ICT Facilities

IDOM

IMOS

ISG

JCA Engineering

JERLAURE

Kirby Group Engineering

KKCG Group

Linesight

LPI Group

M+W Group (EXYTE)

Mace

Mercury

Metnor Construction

MT Hojgaard

Nicholas Webb Architects (NWA)

(NWA) NORMA Engineering

Oakmont Construction

PM Group

PORR Group

PQC

Quark

Ramboll Group

RED

Reid Brewin Architects

Royal HaskoningDHV

Skanska

SPIE UK

Starching

STO Building Group

STRABAG

STS Group

Sweco

TECHKO

Tetra Tech

TPF Ingenierie

TTSP

Turner & Townsend

Warbud

Winthrop Engineering and Contracting

YIT

ZAUNERGROUP

Prominent Data Center Investors

3data

3S Group

Amazon Web Services

Artnet

Atman

Apple

Aruba

AtlasEdge

AQ Compute

atNorth

Bahnhof

Beyond.pl

China Mobile

Colt Data Centre Services (COLT DCS)

CyrusOne

DATA4

DigiPlex (IPI Partners)

Digital Realty

Echelon Data Centres

EcoDataCenter

EdgeConneX

Equinix

Euclyde Data Centers

Facebook (Meta)

Global Switch

Google

Green Mountain

Hyperco

Iron Mountain

IXcellerate

KDDI

Liberty Global

Magenta Telekom

Microsoft

MTS

Nautilus Data Technologies

NDC-GARBE Data Centers Europe

Neterra

Netia

NTT Global Data Centers

Orange Business Services

Proximity Data Centres

Pure Data Centres

Rostelecom Data Centers

Stadtwerke Feldkirch

T-Mobile

T5 Data Centers

Telecom Italia Sparkle

Vantage Data Centers

Verne Global

Virtus Data centers (ST Telemedia Global Data Centres)

VK Cloud Solutions

Yandex

Yondr

New Entrants

ClusterPower

Global Technical Realty

Stratus DC Management

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

Segmentation by Facility Type

Hyperscale Data Centers

Colocation Data Centers

Enterprise Data Centers

Segmentation by Infrastructure

IT Infrastructure

Electrical Infrastructure

Mechanical Infrastructure

General Construction

Segmentation by IT Infrastructure

Server Infrastructure

Storage Infrastructure

Network Infrastructure

Segmentation by Electrical Infrastructure

UPS Systems

Generators

Transfer Switches & Switchgear

Power Distribution Units

Other Electrical Infrastructure

Segmentation by Mechanical Infrastructure

Cooling Systems

Racks

Other Mechanical Infrastructure

Segmentation by Cooling Systems

CRAC & CRAH Units

Chiller Units

Cooling Towers, Condensers, and Dry Coolers

Economizers & Evaporative Coolers

Other Cooling Units

Segmentation by Cooling Techniques

Air-based Cooling Technique

Liquid-based Cooling Technique

Segmentation by General Construction

Core & Shell Development

Installation & Commissioning Services

Engineering & Building Design

Physical Security

Fire Detection & Suppression

DCIM/BMS Solutions

Segmentation by Tier Standard

Tier I & II

Tier III

Tier IV

Segmentation by Geography

Western Europe

The U.K.

Germany

France

Netherlands

Ireland

Italy

Spain

Switzerland

Belgium

Portugal

Other Western European Countries

Nordics

Denmark

Sweden

Norway

Finland & Iceland

& Central and Eastern European

Russia

Poland

Austria

Czech Republic

Other Central & Eastern European Countries

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/16gsec

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
In the Internet age when a vast amount of information has become widely accessible, people can gather facts about their interests and needs in the bat of an eye.

Local government officials said residents in the Wiregrass region have this luxury as well, because theyve been open and transparent about Dothan City Commission meetings.

Theres so much information on your websites nowadays. We update them, keep them and keep it very relevant. That includes projects that we have going on in the city road projects, timelines on those road projects and who to call if you have a problem. Theres just so much information there that is at their hand, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba said.

Where to find the agendas for city commission meetings

In order to find an agenda for the city commission meetings, you can visit www.dothan.org/99/Agendas-Minutes. Under the government tab, theres a section for the commissions agenda, district maps and meeting locations.

Not only does the Dothan City Commission keep info about their meetings up-to-date on the website, but they also have an app as well that details their meeting agendas.

So they can not only do that from their computer at home, but they can do a lot of  almost all of that  from an app...Just about everyone has a smartphone these days. I would say that probably digitally is where a lot of public information is dispersed, Saliba said.

How to find the city commission meetings

The Dothan City Commission meets on the second floor of the Dothan Civic Center on the first and third Tuesday of each month. You can find the center at 126 North Saint Andrews St. #214

If someone cannot join Dothan City Commission meetings in person, they can find a live stream on the City of Dothan AL YouTube channel. Access to these meetings has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. When it first struck, the meetings were completely remote and calls were held via the videotelephony software Zoom.

Its really hard to get information out to people, because a lot of times theyre just busy in their lives, jobs, family, things that are going on that they have to do. Its hard for them to make time to be online. I think that after COVID, the benefits that may have come from that would have been that. There are more people and governments like us, but others are livestreaming meetings, Saliba said.

Before COVID, there were not any livestreams via YouTube for their meetings. People could only be updated via their website.

The Alabama Public Records Law grants citizens the right to inspect and copy public writings. Pursuant to the statute, every citizen has a right to inspect and take a copy of any public writing of the state, except as otherwise expressly provided by statute.

The Dothan City Commission abides by this public information statute by publishing agendas the Thursday or Friday morning prior to their scheduled Tuesday meeting. Saliba aids in the posting of these agendas so the community can observe the information and determine if it is something of concern.

Public records have to be requested from the City of Dothans website. If a person wanted to request state-level documents, they would have to request a form from the Municipal Court. The request could take up to a week before its completion and availability to the person.
SHANGHAI, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines, today announced its interim results for the first half of 2023, along with a corporate update.

"We are pleased to have achieved a number of critical milestones during the first half of 2023, propelling Everest to a commercial stage biopharma," commented Rogers Yongqing Luo, CEO of Everest Medicines. "At the end of July, we successfully took the critical step of launching our first therapeutic drug in China, Xerava, which is the world's first fluocycline antibiotic for the treatment of multi-drug resistant infections. To support Xerava's launch, we have built a lean and efficient commercial team of highly experienced professionals, which we will gradually scale up as we prepare for additional product debuts. Over the next 18-24 months, we expect to have three additional products approved in China."

"Being one of very few biotech companies with a substantial lineup of products prepared for launch over the next two years clearly demonstrates our expertise in selecting and commercializing promising drug candidates. We expect to receive NDA approvals from both China and Singapore in the second half of 2023 for Nefecon, our first-in-disease treatment for adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and launch Nefecon broadly in China in early 2024. We will also continue to broaden our product pipeline through our dual approach of in-licensing and internal discovery, targeting underserved conditions and areas of high unmet need with innovative and differentiated therapies. Through a series of measures to improve operational efficiency and restructure our strategic focus, we have significantly reduced expenses across different functions and narrowed net loss in the first six months of this year by more than a third compared to a year ago. This will allow Everest to continue to generate value for our stakeholders and shareholders," said Mr. Luo.

Recent Product Highlights and Anticipated Milestones

INFECTIOUS DISEASE PORTFOLIO

Eravacycline (Xerava), is the world's first Fluorocycline antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by gram negative, gram positive and anaerobic pathogens including multidrug-resistant ("MDR") isolates. Its current approved indication is cIAI in adult patients.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On March 16, 2023 , the Company announced that China's NMPA approved its NDA for Xerava  in the treatment of cIAI in adult patients, marking it the first product to be commercialized by the Company in China .

, the Company announced that NMPA approved its NDA for Xerava in the treatment of cIAI in adult patients, marking it the first product to be commercialized by the Company in . Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

On July 26 , 2023, Xerava  was successfully launched in China with its first prescriptions issued at Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University. The commercialization of Xerava  in China marks the Company's transformation into a commercial-stage innovative biopharmaceutical company.

, 2023, Xerava was successfully launched in with its first prescriptions issued at Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University. The commercialization of Xerava in marks the Company's transformation into a commercial-stage innovative biopharmaceutical company.

We expect NDA approval for eravacycline for the treatment of cIAI in the Taiwan region in 2023.

Taniborbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor ("BLI") that, in combination with cefepime, may offer a potential treatment option for patients with serious bacterial infections caused by difficult-to-treat resistant gram-negative bacteria, most notably carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales ("CRE") and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ("CRPA").

Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

On 15 August 2023 , our partner Venatorx Pharmaceuticals announced that the US FDA has accepted the NDA for cefepime-taniborbactam, an investigational beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) antibiotic for the potential treatment of adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections("cUTI"), including pyelonephritis. The FDA has granted priority review of the NDA with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act ("PDUFA") target action date of February 22, 2024 .

EVER206 (also known as SPR206), is a potentially best-in-class, novel polymyxin derivative designed to reduce toxicity, especially nephrotoxicity, compared to levels observed clinically with polymyxin B and colistin.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On January 18, 2023 , the Company announced topline results from a China phase 1 study on healthy subjects demonstrating that EVER206 is well-tolerated with no evidence of acute kidney injury and no new safety signals on healthy subjects with dose ranges applied in the study. The pharmacokinetics of healthy subjects in China were comparable to the results of the overseas phase I study (SPR206-101) and the safety profile was also similar to the results from the overseas Phase I trial, supporting the Company's plans to initiate next-phase clinical development in China .

RENAL PORTFOLIO

Nefecon, our anchor drug candidate in the renal therapeutic area, is a patented oral, delayed release formulation of budesonide in development for the treatment of IgAN.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On February 10, 2023 , South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety ("MFDS") granted Global Innovative product on Fast Track ("GIFT") designation to Nefecon  for the treatment of primary IgAN. South Korea's GIFT program was launched in September 2022 to further accelerate review timeframes, especially for groundbreaking products. Nefecon  is the second product overall and the first non-oncology product included in MFDS's GIFT program. Inclusion in the GIFT program is expected to accelerate regulatory review time by 25% and allow for rolling review.

, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety ("MFDS") granted Global Innovative product on Fast Track ("GIFT") designation to Nefecon for the treatment of primary IgAN. GIFT program was launched in to further accelerate review timeframes, especially for groundbreaking products. Nefecon is the second product overall and the first non-oncology product included in MFDS's GIFT program. Inclusion in the GIFT program is expected to accelerate regulatory review time by 25% and allow for rolling review.

On March 12, 2023 , our partner Calliditas Therapeutics AB ("Calliditas") reported positive topline results from a Phase 3 NefIgArd Trial evaluating Nefecon  in the treatment of IgAN. The trial met its primary endpoint with Nefecon  demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value <0.0001) in estimated glomerular filtration rate ("eGFR") over a 2-year period, which included nine months of treatment period with either Nefecon  or placebo, then followed by 15 months off drug, observational follow-up period. The primary endpoint, time-weighted average change from baseline in eGFR over the 2-year period, demonstrated a 5.05 mL/min/ 1.73 m 2 eGFR treatment benefit in favor of Nefecon  compared to placebo over two years was observed (p<0.0001). Time-weighted average change from baseline in eGFR over the 2-year period was -2.47 mL/min/ 1.73 m 2 for Nefecon  16mg group versus -7.52 mL/min/ 1.73 m 2 for placebo group.

, our partner Calliditas Therapeutics AB ("Calliditas") reported positive topline results from a Phase 3 NefIgArd Trial evaluating Nefecon in the treatment of IgAN. The trial met its primary endpoint with Nefecon demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value <0.0001) in estimated glomerular filtration rate ("eGFR") over a 2-year period, which included nine months of treatment period with either Nefecon or placebo, then followed by 15 months off drug, observational follow-up period. The primary endpoint, time-weighted average change from baseline in eGFR over the 2-year period, demonstrated a 5.05 mL/min/ eGFR treatment benefit in favor of Nefecon compared to placebo over two years was observed (p<0.0001). Time-weighted average change from baseline in eGFR over the 2-year period was -2.47 mL/min/ for Nefecon 16mg group versus -7.52 mL/min/ for placebo group.

On April 6, 2023 , Singapore Health Sciences Authority accepted the NDA for Nefecon  for the treatment of IgAN in adults at risk of disease progression. The Company expects to receive NDA approval in Singapore in 2023.

, Singapore Health Sciences Authority accepted the NDA for Nefecon for the treatment of IgAN in adults at risk of disease progression. The Company expects to receive NDA approval in in 2023.

In June 2023 , our partner Calliditas presented more complete data from the NefIgArd Phase 3 Study at the European Renal Association  European Dialysis and Transplant Association Congress (ERA-EDTA). Most noteworthy is that data showed at 24 months, eGFR was reduced by 6.11 mL/min/ 1.73 m 2 from baseline in the Nefecon  arm compared with 12 mL/min/ 1.73 m 2 reduction in the placebo arm, demonstrating 50% less loss of kidney function. The reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio ("UPCR") was also durable, with a 30.7% decrease in UPCR in the Nefecon  arm even after 15 months off drug compared with only 1% reduction in the placebo arm. Another analysis of the effect of durability of proteinuria reduction showed a 41% reduction in time-averaged UPCR over 1224 months compared with placebo (95% CI 32-49%, p<0.0001). As for the hematuria treatment, the proportion of patients with microhematuria in the Nefecon  arm fell to 40.5% from 66.5% baseline while the placebo arm only decreased to 61.2% from 67.8% baseline. This data was published in The Lancet in August 2023 .

, our partner Calliditas presented more complete data from the NefIgArd Phase 3 Study at the European Renal Association  European Dialysis and Transplant Association Congress (ERA-EDTA). Most noteworthy is that data showed at 24 months, eGFR was reduced by 6.11 mL/min/ from baseline in the Nefecon arm compared with 12 mL/min/ reduction in the placebo arm, demonstrating 50% less loss of kidney function. The reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio ("UPCR") was also durable, with a 30.7% decrease in UPCR in the Nefecon arm even after 15 months off drug compared with only 1% reduction in the placebo arm. Another analysis of the effect of durability of proteinuria reduction showed a 41% reduction in time-averaged UPCR over 1224 months compared with placebo (95% CI 32-49%, p<0.0001). As for the hematuria treatment, the proportion of patients with microhematuria in the Nefecon arm fell to 40.5% from 66.5% baseline while the placebo arm only decreased to 61.2% from 67.8% baseline. This data was published in in .

On June 21, 2023 , our partner Calliditas announced the submission of a supplemental New Drug Application ("sNDA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration("FDA") seeking full approval of TARPEYO  (brand name of Nefecon in the US) delayed release capsules for the entire study population from the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The sNDA submission is based on the full data set from the Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial. The trial met its primary endpoint, with TARPEYO  demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value < 0.0001) in eGFR over the two-year period of 9 months of treatment with TARPEYO  or placebo and 15 months of follow-up off drug. Calliditas announced FDA accepted the sNDA with priority review on Aug. 18 .

, our partner Calliditas announced the submission of a supplemental New Drug Application ("sNDA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration("FDA") seeking full approval of TARPEYO (brand name of Nefecon in the US) delayed release capsules for the entire study population from the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The sNDA submission is based on the full data set from the Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial. The trial met its primary endpoint, with TARPEYO demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value < 0.0001) in eGFR over the two-year period of 9 months of treatment with TARPEYO or placebo and 15 months of follow-up off drug. Calliditas announced FDA accepted the sNDA with priority review on . Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

On August 1, 2023 , the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment for the China open-label extension ("cOLE") of the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The cOLE study offers an additional 9 months of treatment with Nefecon  to all qualifying patients who have completed the NefIgArd study and will evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended and repeated Nefecon  treatment in patients with IgAN.

, the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment for the open-label extension ("cOLE") of the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The cOLE study offers an additional 9 months of treatment with Nefecon to all qualifying patients who have completed the NefIgArd study and will evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended and repeated Nefecon treatment in patients with IgAN.

We expect to receive NDA approval for Nefecon  in the treatment of primary IgAN in mainland China and Singapore in 2023.

in the treatment of primary IgAN in mainland and in 2023.

We expect to file an NDA for Nefecon in the treatment of IgAN in South Korea , Hong Kong , Macau and Taiwan region in 2023.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE PORTFOLIO

Etrasimod, is an oral, once-a-day, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator designed for optimized pharmacology and engagement of S1P receptors 1, 4, and 5. In addition to UC, it is being investigated for a range of other immuno-inflammatory diseases.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On May 17, 2023 , the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment in a multi-region, multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial of etrasimod in Asia for the treatment of moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis ("UC").

, the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment in a multi-region, multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial of etrasimod in for the treatment of moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis ("UC"). Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

Our licensing partner, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) ("Pfizer") expects to receive FDA's decision for etrasimod for individuals living with moderately-to-severely active UC in the second half of 2023. The NDA was accepted by the U.S FDA in December 2022 .

.

We expect to readout 12-week induction of clinical remission data of etrasimod for the treatment of UC from the Asia Phase 3 clinical trial and discuss the potential regulatory filing strategy with relevant regulatory authorities in 2023.

mRNA PLATFORM

EVER-COVID19-M1.2, is an Omicron-targeting bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine candidate.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

Leveraging our clinically validated mRNA platform, the Company is developing an Omicron-containing bivalent booster candidate, EVER-COVID19-M1.2. The Company has initiated rolling data submissions for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application in China .

Commercialization

The Company is committed to making its new therapeutics available to healthcare providers and patients as soon as possible. We have dedicated significant resources for the successful launch of Xerava  and facilitate our transition into a commercial-stage company. We have built a lean and efficient commercial team of highly experienced professionals covering two key therapeutic areas, infectious disease and renal diseases. As of June 30, 2023 , our commercial team has 138 members, including key employees across sales, marketing, market access, medical affairs, distribution and commercial excellence.

and facilitate our transition into a commercial-stage company. We have built a lean and efficient commercial team of highly experienced professionals covering two key therapeutic areas, infectious disease and renal diseases. As of , our commercial team has 138 members, including key employees across sales, marketing, market access, medical affairs, distribution and commercial excellence. The Company also established multiple partnerships with China's leading pharmaceutical distributors, including SPH Keyuan Xinhai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sinopharm Group, Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Chongqing Pharmaceutical Group and Shanghai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Under these partnerships, we will be able to leverage their industry-leading import and channel distribution networks to accelerate the commercialization of Xerava  in China .

leading pharmaceutical distributors, including SPH Keyuan Xinhai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Sinopharm Group, Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd., Chongqing Pharmaceutical Group and Shanghai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Under these partnerships, we will be able to leverage their industry-leading import and channel distribution networks to accelerate the commercialization of Xerava in . Nefecon is expected to be the second product the Company commercializes in China . In April 2023 , we introduced Nefecon in China's Hainan Boao Pilot Zone to provide Chinese patients with IgAN early access to this innovative and first-in-disease therapy. Our early access program was well-received with over 500 patients signed up, highlighting the substantial unmet clinical needs of IgAN patients in China . Given the high prevalence of IgAN in China , our team is working diligently to have Nefecon included in insurance programs to boost its affordability and accessibility, helping to alleviate patients' financial burden. As a result, in May 2023 , the imported version of Nefecon was added to the Beijing Puhui Health Insurance Program's 2023 New Reimbursement Drug List of Specialized Medicines, as well as other local insurance programs such as Kunming City and Shanxi Province . We expect to receive the NDA decision from China's NMPA in the second half of 2023 and launch Nefecon broadly in China in early 2024.

Discovery

Our discovery pipeline focuses on novel targets for the treatment of renal diseases, and we expect to file an IND to enter clinical trials for our most advanced program in 2024. Additionally, with our clinically validated mRNA platform, we are advancing the discovovery and development of prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases as well as therapeutic cancer vaccines for solid tumors.

Business Development

Our business development efforts focus on renal diseases and autoimmune disorders. We look to continue to bolster our leadership position in these areas by expanding our pipeline and ecosystem through a combination of internal discovery and in-licensing. We are actively engaged in finding business partnerships in these disease areas.

As we previously reported, in August 2022 Immunomedics, Inc. ("Immunomedics"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, Inc., agreed to acquire the Company's rights to Trodelvy for total consideration of up to US$455 million , including US$280 million in upfront payments. The Company received the full upfront payments in late 2022 and in the first quarter of 2023, strengthening our balance sheet and empowering us to advance the development of products in our core therapeutic areas.

Future Development

We will continue to pursue regulatory approvals for our innovative drug candidates, applying our effective dual approach of in-licensing and internal discovery to expand our existing robust pipeline. In the near-term, we expect to receive NDA approvals in China for three additional products, Nefecon  , etrasimod, and cefepime-taniborbactam. Notably, we are one of very few biotech companies expected to launch a broad lineup of products in the near term.

for three additional products, Nefecon , etrasimod, and cefepime-taniborbactam. Notably, we are one of very few biotech companies expected to launch a broad lineup of products in the near term. Given the anticipated NDA approvals mentioned above, we have assembled a talented commercial team for the launch of Xerava and Nefecon. We will expand the team later this year as Nefecon's debut approaches, as well as in 2024 to establish deeper and broader hospital coverage.

Financial Highlights

IFRS Numbers:

Revenue increased by RMB7.9 million to RMB8.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 from the same period of a year ago, primarily due to the sales of Xerava and Trodelvy  during transition period with Gilead in Singapore .

to for the six months ended from the same period of a year ago, primarily due to the sales of Xerava and Trodelvy during transition period with Gilead in . Research and development ("R&D") expenses decreased by RMB57.0 million from RMB345.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB288.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily due to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to regulatory submission or commercial stages; and (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy  clinical development activities to Gilead.

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , primarily due to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to regulatory submission or commercial stages; and (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy clinical development activities to Gilead. General and administrative expenses decreased by RMB35.8 million from RMB118.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB83.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , mainly due to organization optimization and rationalization, and associated decrease in share-based compensation expenses.

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , mainly due to organization optimization and rationalization, and associated decrease in share-based compensation expenses. Distribution and selling expenses decreased by RMB84.1 million from RMB148.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB64.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily due to the transfer of Trodelvy  -related commercial activities to Gilead and related optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure since August 2022 .

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , primarily due to the transfer of Trodelvy -related commercial activities to Gilead and related optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure since . Net loss for the period decreased by RMB244.4 million from RMB668.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB423.6 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily attributable to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to the registration phase or commercial stages; (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy  related clinical and commercial activities to Gilead; and (iii) optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure.

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , primarily attributable to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to the registration phase or commercial stages; (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy related clinical and commercial activities to Gilead; and (iii) optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure. Cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits amounted to RMB2,540.2 million as of 30 June 2023 .

NON-IFRS MEASURE:

Adjusted loss for the period decreased by RMB196.8 million from RMB523.7 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB326.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily attributable to narrowed IFRS loss.

Conference Call Information

The English session of the conference call will be held at 9:00 AM on August 24, 2023 Beijing Time (9:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on August 23, 2023) and the Mandarin session of the conference call will be held at 3:30 PM Beijing Time on the same day (3:30 AM U.S. Eastern Time on August 24, 2023).

The conference calls can be accessed by the following links:

For English Session:

Time: 9:00 AM Beijing Time, Thursday, August 24, 2023

Pre-Registration Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/eventDetail/60504030

Webcast Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/meeting_live/70505775/4998?event_id=60504030

Alternatively, participants may dial in to the conference call using below dial-in information:

United States: +1-646-2543594(EN)

Chinese Mainland: +86-10-58084166(EN)

+86-10-58084199(CN) Hong Kong, China: +852-30051313(EN) +852-30051355(CN) United Kingdom: International: +44-20-76600166(EN) +1-866-6363243(EN) Password: 756491



For Mandarin Session:

Time: 3:30 PM Beijing Time, Thursday, August 24, 2023

Webcast Link: https://s.comein.cn/A12FL

Alternatively, participants may dial into the conference call using below dial-in information:

United States: +1-202-5524791

Chinese Mainland: +86-400-188-8938

+86-10-53827720 +86-10-53560182 Hong Kong, China: Taiwan, China: +852-57006920 +886-277031747 Singapore: +65-31586120 United Kingdom: +44-2034816288 Password: 684433



The replay of English session will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by visiting the Company's website at http://www.everestmedicines.com.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules, many of which are in late-stage clinical development. The Company's therapeutic areas of interest include renal diseases, infectious diseases, mRNA platform and autoimmune disorders.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

SOURCE Everest Medicines
Popular clothing brand showcases inspiring girls across the country to promote the power of positivity

DULUTH, Minn., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Evsie, the popular girls brand, is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2023-2024 brand ambassador program. As part of this exciting initiative, 11 young girls from across the country have been selected as brand ambassadors to spread kindness, joy, and unique style in their hometowns.

Evsie's brand ambassadors include:

"At Evsie, we hope to inspire and lift up more young girls in the world," Swati Kelkar, Head of Evsie. Post this evsie Fall collection

Amayah M., age 8, Georgia

Anistyn R., age 10, North Carolina

Angel S., age 9, Florida

Ariana T., age 9, Nebraska

Austyn W., age 8, Pennsylvania

Hadley M., age 9, Indiana

Harper D., age 11, New York

Meyah B, age 10, Iowa

Reagan H., age 11, Colorado

Savannah L., age 8, Missouri

Solea M., age 12, California

The brand ambassador program is an opportunity for these young girls to represent the Evsie brand and all it stands for. They will be the faces of the brand in their communities, promoting and embodying the values of kindness, positivity, self-expression and unique style in the fun, playful and supportive way that Evsie is known for.

Each brand ambassador was chosen for their passion, optimism, and commitment to making a positive impact in their local communities. These inspiring girls will partake in brand campaigns, share their personal stories on social media, and collaborate with Evsie on exciting projects.

Through their ambassadorship, these young girls will inspire others to spread kindness, embrace joy, and express their unique style. They will encourage their peers to be confident in who they are and to promote happiness wherever they go.

Evsie understands the importance of empowering young girls and supporting their dreams. By launching this brand ambassador program, Evsie aims to not only showcase its products but also to foster a sense of community and empowerment among young girls across the country.

"We are incredibly excited to introduce our brand ambassadors and watch them make a positive difference in their hometowns," said Swati Kelkar, Head of Evsie. "Through their leadership and passion, we hope to inspire and lift up more young girls in the world. Together, we can create a movement of empowered young girls who are proud to be themselves."

Follow the journey of the Evsie brand ambassadors by following the hashtag #EvsieAmbassadors on social media. Stay tuned for updates on their events, collaborations, and inspiring stories.

About Evsie

Evsie is a style shop for girls' sizes 7-14 offering on-trend fashions and Style Superstars at everyday great values. Its fashion is uniquely tailored with comfort-conscious apparel made for movement and ease. Versatile and affordable, the Evsie collection is anchored by denim in 9 leg shapes, 2 rises and 8 washes, bringing stretchable comfort to fashion-forward style. Evsie's Style Superstars are everyday essentials made with extra love and priced just right. Classic graphic tees with positive messages and specialty graphic tees offer fashionable options. Evsie is located in nearly 300 maurices stores and 9 freestanding evsie stores, with even more to love online at www.evsie.com.

For more information, please visit www.evsie.comhttp://www.maurices.com/evsie. Connect with Evsie on TikTok and Instagram @evsieofficial.

About Maurices

Maurices is a leading women's fashion brand offering size-inclusive clothing that celebrates feel-good fashion for real life. Offering versatile, affordable styles that take her from day to night, Maurices is a destination for denim, knit tops, loungewear, intimates, and accessories, along with dressy collections. Known for its fun and friendly service and trusted stylists, Maurices offers a warm welcoming experience in stores and is guided by its greater purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of women who are the heart of its hometowns. Maurices operates nearly 900 stores in hometowns across the U.S. and Canada and offers even more to love at maurices.com with additional categories, sizes, and colors.

For more information, please visit www.maurices.com. Connect with Maurices on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

SOURCE maurices
PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), a leading global agricultural sciences company, today announced Dodhylex active (pronounced DOH'-deh-leks) as the global brand name for tetflupyrolimet, a new mode of action herbicide effective on the most challenging grass weeds in rice.

"The global brand will ensure growers around the world recognize this novel mode of action in the newest herbicide products FMC expects to begin launching in 2025," said Diane Allemang, FMC executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "Growers worldwide will have the confidence that products powered by Dodhylex active contain FMC's patented active ingredient that's backed by seven years of research, development and field testing."

The Dodhylex name is derived from the site of action  dihydroorotate dehydrogenase  combined with the flexibility of use in both transplanted and direct-seeded rice and the herbicide's ability to block the nutrients needed for the weed to survive.

"Dodhylex active is the first active ingredient in the HRAC/WSSA Group 28 and the first new herbicide with a novel mode of action in the industry in over three decades," said Seva Rostovtsev, vice president and chief technology officer. "This new mode of action herbicide was discovered at the FMC Stine Research Center and is a testament to FMC's commitment to innovation and our disciplined approach to advancing the most promising new molecules. The molecule is a significant advancement for the agriculture industry as it will help combat resistant weeds."

Studies show Dodhylex active provides season-long control of important grass weeds in the rice market, as well as key broadleaf weeds and sedges. FMC is also testing Dodhylex active in other crops, including sugarcane, wheat, soybean and corn.

About FMC

FMC Corporation is a global agricultural sciences company dedicated to helping growers produce food, feed, fiber and fuel for an expanding world population while adapting to a changing environment. FMC's innovative crop protection solutions  including biologicals, crop nutrition, digital and precision agriculture  enable growers, crop advisers and turf and pest management professionals to address their toughest challenges economically while protecting the environment. With approximately 6,600 employees at more than 100 sites worldwide, FMC is committed to discovering new herbicide, insecticide and fungicide active ingredients, product formulations and pioneering technologies that are consistently better for the planet. Visit fmc.com to learn more and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Dodhylex is a trademark of FMC Corporation and/or an affiliate. Always read and follow all label directions, restrictions and precautions for use. Products listed here may not be registered for sale or use in all states, countries or jurisdictions.

Statement under the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release contains statements that are "forward-looking" and provide other than historical information. FMC has identified forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as "will likely result," "is confident that," "expect," "expects," "should," "could," "may," "will continue to," "believe," "believes," "anticipates," "targets" "intends" or similar expressions identifying "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words and phrases. Such forward-looking statements, which are based on management's current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for the company based on currently available information. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from any results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by any forward-looking statement. These factors include, among other things, the risk factors and other cautionary statements included within FMC's 2022 Form 10-K filed with the SEC as well as other SEC filings and public communications. FMC cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statement. FMC undertakes no obligation, and specifically disclaims any duty, to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which they were made, except as otherwise required by law.

SOURCE FMC Corporation
Industry Icon Leaves Legacy of Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) today announced that President and Founder Gerry A. Fernandez will be retiring effective December 31, 2023. Beginning next year, Gerry will support MFHA in an advisory role.

After 27 years at the helm of MFHA and nearly 50 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Gerry leaves a legacy of advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.

Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance logo Gerry A. Fernandez, President and Founder, Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)

Under Gerry's leadership, MFHA has helped countless restaurant, foodservice and lodging businesses improve their cultural competency, create diverse and inclusive work environments and attract more diverse talent, especially in leadership positions. He also developed a supplier diversity directory and conducted the industry's first diverse practices survey. In 2022, MFHA, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) and Cornell University issued a new DEI Report outlining the effectiveness of DEI practices among restaurant employees. An outcome of the report was MFHA's launch of ELEVATE, an award-winning comprehensive framework and toolkit that any restaurant can use to build a successful DEI program.

Gerry and MFHA are well-known throughout the industry for sharing best practices and offering products, services and solutions that are relevant to today's ever-changing DEI landscape. Gerry is also well-known for his knowledge-based workshops, webinars, research, programs, speaking engagements and consulting services. This year, MFHA is hosting a series of Leadership Roundtables for MFHA members and non-members to learn more about current DEI trends, issues and challenges facing the foodservice and hospitality industry.

"Gerry has a gift for convening thought leaders and for putting plans into action in service to our industry," said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association and CEO of the NRAEF. "His innate leadership, commitment to others' success, and passion for hospitality have helped thousands of restaurant and foodservice workers build a future of opportunity."

"Gerry's focus on access and training have allowed companies large and small to significantly enhance their DEI strategies and attract and retain a more diverse workforce," said Rob Gifford, President, NRAEF. "He is highly regarded as a leading DEI expert and is not afraid to tackle cultural and DEI issues head on. I'm confident Gerry will continue to be on the front lines of advancing our industry and its people for many years to come."

MFHA Chair, Max Langenkamp added, "Gerry always has his finger on the pulse of what's happening both at the corporate level and with the people this industry depends on. He understands the impact social and cultural changes have on us all and what we can do together to effect positive change."

Gerry earned his bachelor's degree in Foodservice Management and a degree in Culinary Arts from Johnson & Wales University and successfully managed operations at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Hemenway's Seafood Grill, Oyster Bar and The Capital Grille. He transitioned into foodservice research and development at General Mills, which supported him in the launch of MFHA.

Awards and recognition include  honorary doctorate in Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University, special recognition as a top leader and innovator by Nation's Restaurant News, Lodging Magazine, and Black Meetings & Tourism, as well as The Black Culinary Alliance and the Rainbow/P.U.S.H. Coalition. Gerry is also an honorary Board Member of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and life member of the NAACP and the Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF).

MFHA will be conducting a national search for his successor.

About the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA)

The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) is dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across the $899 billion restaurant, foodservice, and hospitality industry. Founded by Gerry Fernandez in 1996, MFHA serves as a leading resource for companies large and small seeking to improve DEI across their organization and to become culturally competent. MFHA provides tailored solutions and guidance that draw from a broad range of best practices, research, DEI partnerships and expertise in current and emerging social issues. www.mfha.net

About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

As the supporting philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the NRAEF's charitable mission includes enhancing the industry's training and education, career development, and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower, and Advance today's and tomorrow's restaurant and foodservice workforce. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org . Click here for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation's 2022 Annual Impact Report.

About the National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises nearly 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 14.5 million employees. Together with 52 State Associations, we are a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety. We sponsor the industry's largest trade show ( National Restaurant Association Show ); leading food safety training and certification program ServSafe, unique career-building high school program ( the NRAEF's ProStart ). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find @WeRRestaurants on Twitter , Facebook and YouTube .

SOURCE National Restaurant Association
DUBLIN, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market (By Disease, Test Types, Region), Key Company Profiles, Strategy, Financial Insights, Recent Developments - Forecast to 2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global autoimmune disease diagnostics market is predicted to reach US$ 10.5 Billion by 2030

Autoimmune diseases refer to a body's abnormal immune response leading to production of antibodies that attack own cells and tissues, causing deterioration and destruction of healthy tissues. Autoimmune diseases can be divided into two general groups: Organ specific, where the autoantibodies attack a specific organ, and Non-organ specific (or systemic), where the autoantibodies attack multiple organ systems.

There are almost 80 types of autoimmune diseases prevailing worldwide of which multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis are most common. As per the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, around 50 million Americans currently suffer from autoimmune related disorders. Moreover, the numbers are expected to escalate over the forecast period.



The tests used to diagnose the autoimmune disease include auto antibody test, antinuclear antibody test, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

Rising prevalence of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and presence of favorable government regulations will render significant impact on the autoimmune disease diagnostics market growth.



Recent Developments

In June 2023 , AstraZeneca signed an agreement with Quell Therapeutics potentially worth more than US$ 2 billion to develop cell therapies that could cure autoimmune diseases.

, AstraZeneca signed an agreement with Quell Therapeutics potentially worth more than to develop cell therapies that could cure autoimmune diseases. In August 2022 , KSL Beutner Laboratories (Beutner) launched a blood test to detect an antigen linked with the autoimmune blistering disease mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), which often causes painful lesions in the oral cavity.

, KSL Beutner Laboratories (Beutner) launched a blood test to detect an antigen linked with the autoimmune blistering disease mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP), which often causes painful lesions in the oral cavity. In June 2022 , Theradiag announced an agreement with Quotient Limited under which the two companies will partner to advance autoimmune diagnostics by leveraging Quotient's MosaiQ platform.

, Theradiag announced an agreement with Quotient Limited under which the two companies will partner to advance autoimmune diagnostics by leveraging Quotient's MosaiQ platform. In May 2022 , Thermo Fisher Scientific announced the availability of the Phadia 2500+ Instrument in the U.S. for autoimmune testing.

Disease Takeaways

On the basis of disease, Localized autoimmune disease segment accounted for largest market share in 2022 and is likely to dominate the market over the forecast timeframe.

Multiple sclerosis held highest share of the global localized autoimmune disease diagnostics market, followed by Inflammatory bowel disease segment.

Systemic autoimmune disease diagnostics segment will witness robust growth over the forecast timeframe.

Rheumatoid Arthritis accounted for approx. 50% share of the global systemic autoimmune disease diagnostics market in 2022, followed by Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Test Type Takeaways

Based on test types, Autoantibody test captured highest share of the overall autoimmune disease diagnostics market in 2022, followed by the antinuclear antibodies (ANA) test.

The complete blood count (CBC) is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Tests captured around 6% - 8% share of the global autoimmune disease diagnostics market in 2022 followed by C -reactive protein test.

Urinalysis Tests and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Tests are competing closely with each other to grab maximum share of the pie.

Regional Takeaways

North America dominates the global autoimmune disease diagnostics market and is likely to maintain its dominance over the forecast period.

dominates the global autoimmune disease diagnostics market and is likely to maintain its dominance over the forecast period. Europe is the second largest region for autoimmune disease diagnostics market.

is the second largest region for autoimmune disease diagnostics market. It is estimated that the prevalence rate of multiple sclerosis in Europe is 83 out of 100,000.

is 83 out of 100,000. Asia-Pacific autoimmune disease diagnostics market is expected to grow at the fastest pace over the forecast period.

autoimmune disease diagnostics market is expected to grow at the fastest pace over the forecast period. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America autoimmune disease diagnostics market is driven by the rising prevalence of autoimmune diseases and growing demand for better and accurate diagnostic procedures.

Growth Drivers

Rising Awareness and Increasing Incidence of Autoimmune Diseases to Boost Market Growth

Growing Healthcare Expenditure to Promote the Growth of Market

Growing Demand for Better and Accurate Diagnostic Procedures

Technological Advancements to Aid in Market Growth

Market Challenges

Industry Challenges by Product Differentiation

Shortcoming of Professional Operatives to Dampen the Growth of the Market

Key Company Profiles, Strategy, Recent Developments, Financial Insights

Abbott Laboratories

Siemens Healthineers

Roche Diagnostics

bioMerieux SA

EUROIMMUN AG

Bio-Rad Laboratories

Quest Diagnostics

Thermo Fischer Scientific Inc.

Scope of the Report

Systemic Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Others Systemic Autoimmune Disease

Localized Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market

Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Multiple Sclerosis

Type 1 Diabetes

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Others Localized Autoimmune Disease

By Test Type - Global Autoimmune Disease Diagnostics Market and Forecast

Autoantibody Tests

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) Tests

Complete Blood Count Tests

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Tests

C- Reactive Protein (CRP) Tests

Urinalysis Tests

Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Tests

Others Tests

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mcxcc4

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
Cross-cohort analysis found novel variant in GBA1 gene associated with higher risk of Parkinson's in people of African ancestry

gene associated with higher risk of Parkinson's in people of African ancestry Finding is from Nigerian and U.S. cohorts contributing to the Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2), a global effort to deepen understanding of Parkinson's disease genetics, including in populations traditionally underrepresented in research

Cohorts and consortium enabled by support from Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) initiative and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF)

Implications for therapies already in human testing targeting the GBA1 pathway and potential for novel treatment approaches

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Timed to the publishing of a paper in The Lancet Neurology, The Global Parkinson's Genetics Program (GP2) announces the discovery of a genetic variant that increases risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) in people of African and African admixed populations  a first that may revolutionize treatment for this underserved population and that is a testament to the need for and impact of an international approach to genetic research. The variant on the GBA1 gene was identified by GP2 researchers, led by those at the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the University of Lagos in Nigeria, and University College London (UCL). GP2 is a resource program of the Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) initiative that is funded by the Sergey Brin Family Foundation and implemented by The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF).

"This is an historic discovery and the first realization of our goal with GP2  to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic architecture of Parkinson's disease  which necessitates the inclusion of populations traditionally underrepresented in research," said Ekemini Riley, PhD, ASAP managing director. "GP2 has significantly advanced the practice of thoughtfully bringing together data across cohorts, countries and continents in a way that has led to this major breakthrough, will continue to accelerate discovery, and lay the groundwork for new therapies to improve the lives of people living with the disease. We thank the participants for sharing their biology, GP2's principal investigators for their vision, and the research community for their commitment to open science."

The discovery of a novel GBA1 variant came from a comprehensive first-of-its-kind genome-wide assessment led by GP2 in 1,488 people with PD and 196,430 control volunteers of African and African admixed ancestry. Most participants were part of (i) the Nigerian Parkinson Disease Research Network, (ii) the U.S.-based Black and African American Connections to Parkinson's Disease (BLAAC PD) study, (iii) the 23andMe research community. Analysis of genomic data was led by scientists at the NIH's Center for Alzheimer's and Related Dementias. Other GP2-linked cohorts contributed as well.

The Nigerian Parkinson Disease Research Network is part of the International Parkinson's Disease Genomics Consortium (IPDGC) Africa , a collaboration of cohorts across 12 countries to increase the scientific understanding of Parkinson's disease in Africans. IPDGC Africa is funded in part by MJFF.

, a collaboration of cohorts across 12 countries to increase the scientific understanding of Parkinson's disease in Africans. IPDGC Africa is funded in part by MJFF. BLAAC PD is a cross-sectional study collecting a blood or saliva sample and clinical data from Black and African Americans. The BLAAC PD study recently expanded to six sites in the U.S.; it is funded by ASAP and implemented by MJFF.

Most participants came from the sizable cohort personal genetics company 23andMe has assembled comprising people who have consented to contribute their data for use in varied research studies.

"Genetics study in people of European descent has led to a wave of treatment approaches in development," said Mie Rizig, MD, co-first author of The Lancet Neurology paper, Lead Coordinator of IPDGC Africa and a Senior Clinical Research Fellow at UCL. "It has been our hope in organizing genetic data from African populations, and in contributing to complementary datasets with GP2, that findings would indicate those therapies have broader application or would illuminate novel targets for a next generation of strategies."

GP2 Builds Value of Prior Investments in Global Genetics Research

GP2 gathers and analyzes global data and samples from existing cohorts  Parkinson's and control volunteers  then makes its data available worldwide for additional studies of Parkinson's genetics. The program is partnering with more than 140 cohorts across 58 locations.

"As researchers and clinicians, our shared responsibility is to make sure Parkinson's science is representative of all communities around the world," said Njideka Okubadejo, MD, Professor of Neurology at the University of Lagos, College of Medicine. "This GBA1 result is a step toward that future, where the research field is prioritizing, learning from, and treating all people with Parkinson's disease."

ASAP launched GP2 in 2019, building on previous funding efforts from MJFF to expand global genetics study in populations traditionally underrepresented in research. As early as 2004 The Michael J. Fox Foundation supported the Edmond J. Safra Global Genetics Consortia to generate and share genetics data in varied international populations. Today, GP2 is partnering with over 140 cohorts from around the world, assembling, generating and sharing data to uncover novel insights and similarities.

"The field of Parkinson's has made leaps of progress in recent decades. That work has been built upon scientific discoveries  like this one  and fueled by research participants and scientists," said Sohini Chowdhury, MJFF's chief program officer. "Our work can be exponentially successful if we ensure that our research efforts are inclusive of everyone impacted by this disease. The Foundation and our partners are committed to this work because it is vital to realizing our shared mission of ending Parkinson's."

New Variant May Broaden Application of Therapies Already in Testing

While more research is needed to define the exact mechanism of the new variant, initial findings suggest that like prior mutations in GBA1, this variant results in lowered activity of the glucocerebrosidase (GCase) enzyme.

As previously discovered GBA1 variants have been linked to increased risk of Parkinson's disease  most notably in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent  multiple therapies to increase GCase activity, with varied therapeutic approaches, already are in clinical trials. With further research, the identification of this new GBA1 variant could mean that more people benefit from those treatments.

Researchers can obtain data from the study by accessing the Accelerating Medicines Partnership (AMP) program platform, a public-private partnership among the NIH, multiple biopharmaceutical and life sciences companies, and non-profit organizations. MJFF and ASAP are partners in the AMP Parkinson's disease (AMP PD) program.

"I'm proud to be a part of this," said Dionne Phillips of Chicago, Illinois, a BLAAC PD study volunteer at the University of Chicago who was diagnosed at age 39. "Everyone asks themselves, 'Why?' when they hear that diagnosis. I'm glad we may now have a partial answer and thrilled that it may mean there could be a way to stop it."

About Aligning Science Across Parkinson's Disease (ASAP)

The Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) initiative is a coordinated research initiative to advance targeted basic research for Parkinson's disease. ASAP is devoted to accelerating the pace of discovery and informing the path to a cure for Parkinson's disease through collaboration, research-enabling resources, and data sharing. Led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Randy Schekman and Dr. Ekemini Riley, ASAP is managed by the Coalition for Aligning Science and is working with The Michael J. Fox Foundation to implement its programs. The initiative was incubated at the Milken Institute Center for Strategic Philanthropy with support from the Sergey Brin Family Foundation. For more information, visit us at www.parkinsonsroadmap.org and Twitter.

About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF)

As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding $1.75 billion in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; creates a robust open-access data set and biosample library to speed scientific breakthroughs and treatment with its landmark clinical study, PPMI; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. For more information, visit us at www.michaeljfox.org, Facebook or Twitter.

SOURCE The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research; Aligning Science Across Parkinson's Disease (ASAP)
DUBLIN, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Global Undersea Warfare Systems - Market and Technology Forecast to 2031" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The report offers a detailed analysis of the markets over the next eight years, and provides market size forecasts. Furthermore, it covers key technological and market trends in the industry and analyses factors influencing demand for undersea warfare systems.

In an era of naval modernisation and growing underwater infrastructure importance, undersea warfare systems are rising as a crucial element of naval capabilities. In this dynamic environment, the future of maritime security is being shaped by cutting-edge technologies and advancements in undersea warfare systems.

These systems have undergone significant sophistication, integrating state-of-the-art sensors, sonar technologies, and integrated command and control systems. Advancements facilitate heightened situational awareness, precise targeting capabilities, and rapid responses to emerging threats.

Undersea warfare systems are driven by the need to enhance maritime security, protect maritime borders and resources, tackle regional tensions, and strengthen naval capabilities by enhancing the capabilities of naval forces in detecting, tracking, and engaging undersea threats. This will improve their situational awareness, increase operational effectiveness, and maintain superiority in the undersea domain.

Covered in this study

Overview: Snapshot of the Undersea Warfare Systems market during 2023 - 2031, including highlights of the demand drivers, trends, and challenges. It also provides a snapshot of spending by regions as well as by payloads.

Market Dynamics: Insights into the technological developments of the payloads and a detailed analysis of the changing preferences of governments around the world. It also analyzes changing industry structure trends and the challenges faced by the industry participants.

Segment Analysis: Insights into the Undersea Warfare Systems market from a segmental perspective and a detailed analysis of factors influencing the market for each segment.

Regional Review: Insights into present Undersea Warfare Systems strength and future demand for top countries within a region.

Regional Analysis: Insights into the Undersea Warfare Systems market from a regional perspective and a detailed analysis of factors influencing the market for each region.

Trend Analysis - Key Defense Market: Analysis of the key markets in each region, providing an analysis of the Undersea Warfare Systems expected to be in demand in each region.

Key Programme Analysis: Details of the top programmes in Undersea Warfare Systems are expected to be executed during the forecast period.

Competitive landscape analysis: Analysis of the competitive landscape of the global Undersea Warfare Systems industry. It provides an overview of key defence companies, together with insights such as key alliances, strategic initiatives, and a brief financial analysis.

Reasons to Buy

Determine prospective investment areas based on a detailed trend analysis of the Undersea Warfare Systems market over the next eight years.

Gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying factors driving demand for different Undersea Warfare Systems in the top spending countries and other potential non-US markets across the world and identify the opportunities offered by each of them.

Strengthen your understanding of the market in terms of demand drivers, industry trends, and the latest technological developments, among others.

Identify the major channels that are driving the global Undersea Warfare Systems market, providing a clear picture of future opportunities that can be tapped, resulting in revenue expansion.

Channelize resources by focusing on the ongoing programs that are being undertaken by the defence ministries of different countries within the global Undersea Warfare Systems markets.

Make correct business decisions based on thorough analysis of the total competitive landscape of the sector with detailed profiles of the Undersea Warfare Systems providers around the world which include information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins and financial analysis wherever available

Leading Companies

ASL Environmental Sciences

BAE Systems

Bluefin Robotics

Boeing

ECA Group

Exail

General Dynamics

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Hydroid

iXblue

Kongsberg

L3Harris Technologies

Liquid Robotics

Ocean Aero

OceanServer Technology

SISEMAR

Thales

Key Topics Covered:

1 Introduction

1.1 Scope

1.2 Methodology

1.3 Who will benefit from this study?

2 Executive Summary

2.1 Trends and Insights

2.2 Main Findings

2.3 Key Conclusions

3 Technologies and Developments

3.1 Technology Overview

3.2 Types of Undersea Warfare Systems

3.2.1 Countermeasures Systems

3.2.2 Underwater Communication Equipment

3.2.3 Underwater Navigation Equipment

3.2.4 Underwater Weapon Systems

3.3 Technology Developments

3.3.1 Developments in Sonar Technology

3.3.2 Modern Sonar Data Processing Technologies

3.3.3 Advancements in Noise Reduction

4 Market Overview

4.1 Undersea Warfare Systems market volumes distribution over the forecast period by Region

5 Market Analysis and Forecast Factors

5.1 Market Segmentation

5.2 Drivers

5.3 Trends

5.4 Opportunities

5.5 Challenges

6 Country Analysis

6.1 The US

6.1.1 Overview

6.1.2 Overmatch Project

6.1.3 Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO)

6.1.4 Key Programmes and Developments

6.2 Canada

6.2.1 Overview

6.2.2 Key Undersea Warfare Programmes

6.3 The UK

6.4 France

6.5 Russia

6.6 Japan

6.7 China

6.8 India

6.9 South Korea

6.10 Australia

6.11 Turkiye

7 Global and Regional Market Forecast to 2031

7.1 Undersea Warfare Systems Market by Region Overview

7.2 Undersea Warfare Systems Payloads Market by Regions

7.3 Regional Undersea Warfare Systems Market by Platform

7.4 Opportunity Analysis

8 Market Forecast to 2031 by Platforms

8.1 Introduction

8.2 Undersea Warfare Systems Market by Platforms

8.3 Regional Undersea Warfare Systems Market by Platform

8.4 Platform Market by Undersea Warfare Payloads

8.4.1 Submarines Market by Undersea Warfare Payloads

8.4.2 UUVs/USVs Market by Undersea Warfare Payloads

8.4.3 Surface Vessels Market by Undersea Warfare Payloads

8.4.4 ASW Helicopters Market by Undersea Warfare Payloads

8.5 Opportunity Analysis

9 Market Forecast to 2031 by Payloads

9.1 Undersea Warfare Systems Market by Payloads

9.2 Undersea Warfare Systems Payloads Market by Region

9.3 Undersea Warfare Systems Payloads Market by Platform

9.3.1 Weapons Market by Platforms

9.3.2 Sonar Systems Market by Platforms

9.3.3 Acoustic and Communication Systems Market by Platforms

9.3.4 Navigation Systems Market by Platforms

9.3.5 Countermeasures Market by Platforms

9.4 Opportunity Analysis

10 Impact Analysis

10.1 Forecast Factors and Market Impact

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/trguim

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
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GoTopless, a prominent women's rights organization, is gearing up for its 16th annual GoTopless Day on August 26, honoring Women's Equality Day in New York City, a planetary beacon for topless rights. The popular event that draws thousands of people will feature a GoTopless March, graciously escorted by the NY City police. Similar events are also scheduled in major cities worldwide, as confirmed in a statement released today by GoTopless.

"Our aim is to establish equal gender topless rights globally," stated Nadine Gary, GoTopless President. "We strive to liberate women's nipples from societal constraints derived from Abrahamic patriarchal religions responsible for topless discrimination around the world. Before colonization, the planet was predominantly topless for thousands of years." She added, "The pushback for topless equality in Western democracies is barely 60 years old, 16 of which have been proudly spearheaded by GoTopless."

"In the U.S., most state legislations do not have indecency laws relating to the public exposure of female breasts. The local municipalities pass unconstitutional ordinances against female topless rights that are then challenged in court by topless activists like Ramona Santorelli in Rochester, NY, whose 1992 case prompted the entire state of NY to be legally topless," informed Gary.

The GoTopless initiative is symbolically aligned with August 26, which marks the historic occasion when women gained the right to vote 103 years ago, on August 26, 1920, under the same gender equality constitutional principles.

"As long as men are allowed to be topless in public, women should have the same constitutional right. Or else, men should have to wear something to hide their chests," stated Maitreya Rael, spiritual leader, and unwavering defender of human rights who founded GoTopless and the Raelian Movement.

"Enforcing equal topless rights stands as a fundamental pillar of gender parity," Gary reaffirmed.

The 1PM GoTopless March (W58th St. 8th /9th Ave.) promises to be a vibrant expression of equality and liberation, overflowing with joy, fun, and music with the NYC Triad Bass Band. Adding an element of symbolism, a colossal balloon shaped like a pair of breasts will grace the New York City skyline during the event. GoTopless Day will culminate with inspirational speeches in Bryant Park (2PM), focusing on topless equality and its profound cultural impact."

SOURCE GoTopless
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Grasp Technologies announced the official release of graspANALYTICS, a new visualization solution designed to help businesses make informed decisions. graspANALYTICS leverages the underlying graspDATA platform for clean, normalized, and complete data along with the familiarity and fluid visualization of the Microsoft PowerBI platform.

"Our goal is to provide companies with the ability to make strategic decisions from the data analyzed across sources, including expense, HR, booking tools, and corporate card data, as well as data from multiple TMCs, systems, or subsidiaries," said Erik Mueller, CEO of Grasp. "The solution provides comprehensive insights into areas such as forecasted trends across spend; potential areas for increased savings; vendor analysis; CO2 emissions report for ESG initiatives; traveler wellbeing reports; and what-if analysis that scopes out the impact of potential changes to your business."

graspANALYTICS leverages the non-proprietary technology of Microsoft PowerBI along with the proprietary technology of graspDATA for clean, trusted data and the knowledge of the travel data experts at Grasp. And as future visualization components evolve within the PowerBI platform, those will become available to graspANALYTICS customers.

"graspANALYTICS shines in many areas, especially in showing insights on multi-faceted questions that are not easily answerable by out-of-the-box AI today. The ability to access valuable insights from across various datasets allows you to make more informed decisions without having to call your data science team 24/7, empowering all departments to elevate above the minutiae of data wrangling," said Chris Smith, CTO at Grasp. "With advanced analytics and robust reporting capabilities, companies can achieve greater savings through enhanced negotiation strategies, plus better program management and control."

Turning Analytics into Action

With graspANALYTICS, businesses can leverage data to make well-informed, evidence-based decisions. The platform can transform extensive datasets into interactive maps, charts, and graphs which quickly identify patterns and trends in a glance.

Quality, clean, reliable data as a starting point enables business objectives and initiatives to be driven by evidence and insights. graspANALYTICS empowers companies to:

Further increase savings and efficiency

Make better strategic decisions

Manage risk and compliance

Setting up AI and machine learning for success

Prepare for the future and support business growth

Better Together with TMCs

graspANALYTICS furthers a new era in travel and expense management by embracing a multifaceted approach that augments already vital TMC data with a variety of other sources like payment, expense, and sustainability. By recognizing the power of TMC data while leveraging additional sources, graspANALYTICS empowers corporations to make informed decisions, enhance compliance, improve employee satisfaction, and achieve overall efficiency in travel and expense management.

About Grasp Technologies

Founded in 1996, Grasp provides data management, reporting, and virtual payment solutions. The company helps fast growing and Fortune 500 companies, TMCs, agencies, and CTDs get more out of their data. Grasp powers over $40 billion in transactions serving customers worldwide. Learn more at GraspTech.com

Media Contact:

Peter Sebio

866-278-3821

364163@email4pr.com

SOURCE Grasp Technologies
Fresh research has illuminated a significant trend in the Australian business landscape, revealing that starting a franchise is increasingly perceived as a secure and supportive avenue for aspiring entrepreneurs in 2023.

The study, commissioned by CouriersPlease, a prominent parcel delivery service boasting a network of over 1200 Franchise Partners and contractors across Australia, highlights the shifting preferences of different age groups in terms of business establishment. The study found that 66% of respondents in the age bracket of 18-30 are inclined to opt for a franchise as their preferred business model this year, as opposed to venturing independently. This stands in contrast to 59% of those aged 31-50 and 37% of individuals above 50, indicating a pronounced proclivity among the younger generation for franchise ownership.

CouriersPleases research is especially relevant in the current economic climate, where uncertainties loom large. The survey, conducted among an independent panel of 1005 Australian adults, probes the viability of independent business endeavors during these challenging times. Specifically, it gauges opinions on whether the current economic scenario necessitates a more risk-averse approach and whether a franchise structure, with the support of a franchisor, is a preferable option to mitigate potential risks associated with starting a business.

A substantial 79% of all respondents believe that the current economic conditions make starting an independent business too risky. Intriguingly, 51% of the surveyed individuals express a readiness to embark on the franchise route instead of going solo. Given that the franchise sector comprises approximately 1,200 franchisors against a backdrop of around 2,569,900 actively trading businesses in the Australian economy, these findings underscore a substantial appetite for franchise ventures in the current environment. To explore the complete survey results, including insights based on age and geographical distribution, please follow this link: Survey Results Link

Richard Thame, CEO of CouriersPlease, delves into the rationale behind this phenomenon: Younger demographics often face constraints in terms of accessing larger capital sums for an independent business launch. Additionally, they may possess limited business experience, making a franchises structured support system particularly attractive. Franchisors offer established systems, advanced technological resources, sales materials, digital marketing tools, and essential training  all of which contribute to setting up Franchise Partners for success.

Richard further elucidates, Opening a franchise provides a unique opportunity to become part of an established business model that arrives with a proven track record, brand recognition, an existing customer base, and adept technical and business guidance. From young parents aiming to harmonize business with their busy family lives to recent migrants keen on establishing themselves within their new communities, the franchise model offers the framework and support that individuals mulling over their business start-up journey require.

Rukshan Ruki Thilakaratnes journey underscores this sentiment. Joining CouriersPlease as a relief driver in 2014, he subsequently acquired his first run in 2016. Based in Brisbane, he attests to CouriersPleases customer-centric approach significantly bolstering his business growth. The companys introduction of bulk customers and investment in new technologies have enhanced the efficiency of our operational processes, helping Franchise Partners attract and retain clients in a highly competitive market. This level of support enables me to concentrate on fostering my business community and ensuring my customers are satisfied, Ruki highlights.

Vipin Mehta, a Franchise Partner for CouriersPlease based in Perth, echoes the sentiment. He underscores how the franchisors established reputation has positioned his business for success: Being a Franchise Partner comes with the recognition and trust that accompany an established brand. I take pride in contributing to the companys reputation by building strong relationships with local businesses, organizations, and individuals who require courier services. Ive also extensively utilized the training and support resources provided by the franchisor, equipping me to efficiently manage day-to-day business operations and stay updated on any new developments.

The allure of venturing into a franchise enterprise remains consistent across various Australian states. South Australia leads the pack with 56% of respondents expressing interest in franchise ownership, followed by Western Australia (54%), New South Wales (52%), Victoria (51%), and Queensland (48%).

CouriersPlease, having a network that spans 95% of the Australian population, is actively encouraging more individuals to consider launching their own parcel delivery business. Richard Thame concludes: Our Franchise Partner network extends across the length and breadth of Australia, connecting businesses with their customers. Given the consistent sentiment across different states, there is an evident appetite for franchise businesses. CouriersPlease offers both established and growth territories, along with an array of franchise package options, allowing prospective Franchise Partners to choose a model that aligns with their unique needs and aspirations.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The hair care market size in Brazil is expected to increase by USD 895.73 million from 2021 to 2026, at a CAGR of 4.19%, according to a recent market study by Technavio. The growth of the market will be driven by the influence of social media and blogging, the introduction of products with an added value proposition, and the rise in demand for hair care products for men. Charts & data tables about market and segment sizes have been covered in this report. Download The Sample Report

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Hair Care Market in Brazil 2022-2026

Technavio has extensively analyzed 15 major vendors, including Colgate-Palmolive Co., Genomma Lab Internacional SAB de CV, Grupo Boticario, Henkel AG and Co. KGaA, Johnson and Johnson Inc., LOreal SA, Moroccanoil, The Procter and Gamble Co., Unilever Group, and Wella Operations US LLC.

Key Benefits for Industry Players & Stakeholders 

The report offers information on the criticality of vendor inputs, including R&D, CAPEX, and technology.

It also provides detailed analyses of the market's competitive landscape and vendors' product offerings.

The report also provides a qualitative and quantitative analysis of vendors 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 vendors as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize vendors as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.

Expand operations in the future - To get requisite details, ask for a custom report.

Customer Landscape - Analysis of Price Sensitivity, Adoption Lifecycle, Customer Purchase Basket, Adoption Rates, and Purchase Criteria by Technavio

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.

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.

Furthermore, market adoption rates for all regions have been covered.

Get a holistic overview of the Hair Care Market in Brazil by industry experts to evaluate and develop growth strategies. Download the Sample

Expense Management Software Market - Segmentation Assessment

The market is segmented by product (Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair color, and Others) and distribution channel (Offline and Online)

The haircare market share growth in Brazil by the shampoo segment will be significant during the forecast period. Shampoos play a multifaceted role, cleansing and safeguarding hair from dirt and pollutants, while also addressing dandruff concerns and enhancing hair's smoothness and luster. Additionally, they contribute to preserving hair color and actively contribute to hair rejuvenation, countering the detrimental effects of pollution, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and harmful chemicals. Consequently, significant drivers of market growth include increasing disposable income, the expansion of the middle-class demographic, escalating urbanization, and impactful advertising and promotional efforts.

To get detailed insights about inclusions and exclusions, buy the report

Market Dynamics

Key Hair Care Market Driver in Brazil

One of the key drivers supporting the hair care market growth in Brazil is the influence of social media and blogging.

Key Hair Care Market Trends in Brazil

The increased application of keratin in the hair care market is an emerging trend shaping the hair care market growth in Brazil.

Key Hair Care Market Challenge in Brazil

The availability of counterfeit personal care products is hindering the hair care market growth in Brazil. Counterfeit products are frequently tainted with petrochemicals, bacteria, and hazardous substances, posing significant health risks to users. Their affordability stems from the lower production costs enjoyed by counterfeit manufacturers, allowing for competitive pricing and increased sales. This dynamic undermines the sales of authentic vendors and disrupts the pricing strategies of legitimate personal care product manufacturers. As a result, the budget-friendly nature of counterfeit personal care items is poised to present a significant pricing challenge for prominent market players during the forecasted period.

What are the key data covered in this Hair Care Market In Brazil report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the hair care market in Brazil between 2022 and 2026

Precise estimation of the hair care market in Brazil size and its contribution to the market in focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behaviour

Growth of the Hair Care Market In Brazil industry across North America , APAC, Europe , South America , and MEA

industry across , APAC, , , and MEA A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of the Hair Care Market In Brazil vendors

Get Instant access to 17000+ market research report

Technavio's Subscription Platform

Related Reports:

The hair care market in US is projected to grow by USD 1.95 billion with a CAGR of 4.82% during the forecast period 2021 to 2026. This his report extensively covers the hair care market in the US segmentation by distribution channel (offline and online), and product (shampoo, hair color, conditioner, and others). One of the key factors driving growth in the hair care market in US is the availability of a wide range of hair colors and color shades.

The hair loss treatment products market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 2,216.5 million. This report extensively covers market segmentation by product type (vitamins and supplements, shampoos and conditioners, and others), gender (men, women, and children), and geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The rising hair-related issues among consumers are notably driving market growth.

Table of contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Product

7 Market Segmentation by Distribution Channel

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.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
CHICAGO , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "HVAC Linset Market by Material (Copper, Low Carbon), End-Use Industry (Residential, Commercial, Industrial), Implementation (New Construction, Retrofit) & Region(NA, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa, South America) - Global Forecast to 2028", size is projected to reach USD 13.4 billion by 2028 from USD 9.2 billion in 2023, at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period.

The major drivers for the HVAC Linset market are urbanization and increase in residential construction, growing trends of smart homes, increasing demand for air conditioners, and significant growth in number of data centers and their power density. The local cooling solutions and rising environmental concerns are considered as restraining factors in this market. Whereas rising global temperatures and heat islands act as opportunities in the HVAC Linset market.

Browse in-depth TOC on "HVAC Linset Market"

185  Tables

57  Figures

214  Pages

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=209588791

Copper is fastest growing segment on the basis of material type, in terms of value, during the forecast period."

The copper segment reigns as the fastest-growing market in the HVAC Linset industry. Its versatility shines through soft and hard copper tubes, designated as Types K, L, and ACR, addressing diverse needs. Compliance with ASTM standards ensures reliability. The necessity for permanent incising guarantees authenticity, while the use of high-purity copper (99.9%), specifically UNS C12200 or DHP1 Copper, solidifies its prominence. From meeting ASTM specifications to its essential role in HVAC systems, copper's attributes propel its rapid expansion in the Linset market.

The residential end use industry has the highest market share in HVAC Linset market, in terms of value.

The residential end-use industry has the second-largest market share in the HVAC Linset market due to surging global population growth and escalating air conditioner demand. Intensified factors such as heat islands, increasing cooling degree days, and robust residential construction, particularly in India, China, and Indonesia, drive HVAC system needs and copper based Linset markets. Government initiatives to address housing shortages and accommodate low-income groups further propel this growth, solidifying the sector's prominence.

Request Sample Pages: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsampleNew.asp?id=209588791

The retrofit segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate, in terms of value, during the forecast period.

The retrofit segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate within the HVAC Linset market. Integrating new components into existing systems, retrofitting offers cost-effective enhancement while aligning with green initiatives. The need to replace both indoor and outdoor units due to component failure drives demand for efficient HVAC Linsets. Despite capital hurdles, the adoption of IoT and smart technologies fosters growth. Government incentives, like the Energy Policy Act's tax deduction, propel energy-efficient HVAC systems, cementing retrofitting's rapid expansion.

Europe has the third largest market share in the HVAC Linset market, in terms of value.

Europe has the third largest market share in the HVAC Linset market. With prominent consumers like Germany, France, and the UK leading the trend, the region thrives on increased construction activities and a hub of major Linset manufacturers. Efficient manufacturing facilities and well-established distribution channels enhance supply to renowned HVAC system manufacturers. Europe's substantial role is further amplified by thriving residential constructions and supportive government initiatives, driving robust growth in the HVAC Linset market.

Daikin (Japan), Halcro (Greece), Hydro (Norway), KME SE (Germany), and Mueller Streamline Co. (US) are some of the established players in the HVAC Linset market. These players have adopted various strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, and expansion to strengthen their market position.

Browse Adjacent Market: Equipment Machine and Tooling Market Research Reports & Consulting

Related Reports:

Precast Concrete Market  Global Forecast to 2027

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/hvac-linesets-market.asp

Visit Our Website: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/hvac-linesets.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
Hyundai Achieved Top Ranking for the Fourth Year in a Row

2023 Palisade Received Emerging Automation A ward for Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking Technology

2023 Sonata Received Infotainment and Connectivity Award for Phone-based Digital Key Technology

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, J.D. Power named Hyundai as its overall innovation leader for the mass market segment in the 2023 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) StudySM. This marks the fourth consecutive year that Hyundai has secured the top position in the U.S. TXI Mass Market Innovation Index rankings.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade is photographed in California City, Calif., on March 10, 2022. [iii] Hyundai Digital Key is photographed in Irvine, Calif., on April 17, 2019. [iv] 2023 Sonata is photographed in Irvine, Calif., on April 17, 2022.

The 2023 Palisade also received the emerging automation award for reverse automatic emergency braking technology, known at Hyundai as Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCAi). In addition, the 2023 Sonata received the infotainment and connectivity award for phone-based Digital Keyii technology. These awards underscore Hyundai's steadfast commitment to pioneering advancements that redefine the driving experience for consumers nationwide.

"At the core of our product development philosophy lies the principle of delivering innovative solutions tailored to fulfill our customers' exact needs," says Ricky Lao, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor North America. "We enhance customer peace of mind by offering cutting-edge advanced driver assistance systems and user-friendly convenience features, showcasing our dedication to prioritizing customer safety and overall satisfaction."

The U.S. TXI provides a single measure that includes both penetration levels of advanced technologies (Market Depth) and consumers assessment of the quality of execution of these advanced technologies across a brand (Excellence in Execution). Both measures are of equal weight  consumers want new technology, but they want it to work well. The TXI Study measures how effectively each automotive brand brings technologies to market, measured on a 1,000-point scale, and analyzes 40 technologies, which are divided into four categories: convenience; emerging automation; energy and sustainability; and infotainment and connectivity.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking)

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist is a standard safety feature on 2023 Palisade. It can help avoid collisions with rearward objects detected. After the warning, if the risk of the collision remains, it can assist with emergency braking. Hyundai SmartSense encompasses an array of technologies and features precisely designed to elevate driver safety, convenience, and the overall driving experience.

Hyundai Digital Key

Hyundai Digital Key is an optional feature on 2023 Sonatas, which enables drivers to start the engine of the car using a smartphone app and Near-Field Communication (NFC) instead of a physical key.

The 2023 TXI Advanced Technology award for Palisade and Sonata further demonstrates Hyundai's position as an industry pioneer. This recognition not only acknowledges the Palisade and Sonata's remarkable achievements, but also reinforces Hyundai's dedication to elevating the automotive industry through innovation.

About the J.D. Power U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) StudySM

The 2023 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study is based on responses from 82,472 owners of new 2023 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study was fielded from February through May 2023.

The U.S. TXI Study complements the annual J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM and the J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM by measuring how effectively each automotive brand brings new technologies to market. The U.S. TXI Study combines the level of adoption of new technologies for each brand with excellence in execution. The execution measurement examines how much owners like the technologies and how many problems they experience while using them.

For more information about the U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-tech-experience-index-txi-study.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America focuses on 'Progress for Humanity' and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles. Our 830 dealers sold more than 724,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2022, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

i Standard on all trims.

Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) can alert the driver of a potential collision by providing an audible warning and/or applying braking. RCCA is active when the vehicle is in reverse and operating at low speeds. Never rely exclusively on RCCA. RCCA cannot prevent all collisions and may not provide alerts or braking in all conditions. Always look over your shoulder and use your mirrors to confirm rear clearance. There are limitations to the function, detection, range, and clarity of the system. See Owner's Manual for further details and limitations.

ii Standard on SEL Plus, Limited, N-Line and optional on SEL trims. For Sonata Hybrid, Standard on SEL and Limited. Hyundai Digital Key require BlueLink connected car service.

Near Field Communication (NFC) digital smartphone key requires a compatible Android smartphone and an appropriately equipped 2023 SONATA vehicle. Not all Android devices are compatible. SONATA vehicle must be equipped with smart key with push button start, wireless device charging, and Audio Video Navigation System 5.0 (or newer) or Display Audio 2.0. Lock/unlock functionality works on front doors only. Features and specifications subject to change. See your Owner's Manual for additional details and limitations.

iii Optional features shown.

iv Optional features shown.

SOURCE Hyundai Motor North America
For the second consecutive year, Hyundai Mobis will grace IAA Mobility in Munich , highlighting pioneering solutions anchored in electrification

Spotlight on the groundbreaking technologies powering Kia's flagship electric vehicle, the EV9, and introduction of the transformative electrification platform, e-CCPM

With a European order target of $1.29 billion , representing a quarter of the company's global revenue target, Hyundai Mobis doubles down on electrification and automotive components to expand its European footprint

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330) is poised to outline its electrification-centric vision at the apex of the European mobility show. The company is positioning itself to appeal to Europe's leading automotive companies, renowned for its rigorous standards in technical excellence and dependability. The strategy is to leverage its technological prowess to drive significant orders with the aim of achieving a quarter of Hyundai Mobis' global order aspirations for the year in the European market.

Hyundai Mobis booth at IAA Mobility 2023

Today, Hyundai Mobis announced its intent to display an array of over 20 production-ready advancements in electrification and automotive components at the IAA Mobility 2023 Show. Running from 5th to 10th September in Munich, this event has a global reputation based on its origins evolving out of the esteemed Frankfurt Motor Show. This marks Hyundai Mobis' second year attending the event having previously debuted in 2021.

This year's IAA Mobility Show is pivotal for Hyundai Mobis. The company is set to underscore its electrification roadmap, a cornerstone of its forward-looking strategy. Visitors can anticipate a firsthand look at Kia's electric crown jewel, the EV9, replete with Hyundai Mobis' state-of-the-art Battery System (BSA) and the innovative Power Electric (PE) system  the essential automotive components for electrification.

Hyundai Mobis will also unveil the next-generation e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module). This cutting-edge breakthrough integrates core electrification innovations into a versatile aluminum frame, enabling the creation of diverse PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) without necessitating distinct platform developments and offering an all-encompassing solution for electrification.

During the showcase, the company is set to host discussions with prominent European automakers, including Volkswagen, Daimler, and BMW, targeting collaborations on future technologies around its cutting-edge capabilities: groundbreaking electrification solutions, autonomous driving systems, and the world's first rollable display.

Hyundai Mobis is optimistic about enlarging its European market footprint through its attendance at global mobility shows like the IAA. Hyundai Mobis' target for overseas auto component sales is $5.36 billion, with Europe contributing a considerable $1.29 billion, accounting for approximately 25%. One example of its momentum in Europe is the electrification components contract for Volkswagen, a renowned German automaker, which Hyundai Mobis recently secured. This success underlines its potential for further European contracts.

Hyundai Mobis is also gearing up for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in the U.S., followed closely by the Tokyo Mobility Show in October. With these successive global showcases, Hyundai Mobis is poised to supercharge its global outreach, securing new client acquisitions through its specialized regional teams. (End)

Hyundai Mobis Press Conference at IAA Mobility 2023

Date/Time: September 4th, 10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CET

Venue: Hall B2, at Booth D20

Presenter: Axel J. Maschka, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Division of Hyundai Mobis

About Hyundai Mobis

Hyundai Mobis is the global no. 6 automotive supplier, headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Hyundai Mobis has outstanding expertise in sensors, sensor fusion in ECUs and software development for safety control. The company's products also include various components for electrification, brakes, chassis and suspension, steering, airbags, lighting, and automotive electronics. Hyundai Mobis operates its R&D headquarters in Korea, with four technology centers in the United States, Germany, China and India. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.mobis.co.kr/

Media Contact

Jihyun Han: [email protected]

Myong Sun Song: [email protected]

SOURCE Hyundai Mobis
Blackjack Zone - 19.14 % Zn, 0.4 g/t Au & 29.2 g/t Ag over 30.4 m

East Hilltop Zone  20.8 % Zn & 15.0 g/t Ag over 11.6 m and 235.5 g/t Ag, 5.7 % Pb, & 7.0 % Zn over 14.0 m

RENO, Nev., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - i-80 GOLD CORP. (TSX: IAU) (NYSE: IAUX) ("i-80", or the "Company") is pleased to report additional positive results from exploration drilling at the Company's 100%-owned Ruby Hill Property ("Ruby Hill" or "the Property") located in Eureka County, Nevada. The 2023 program continues to expand high-grade polymetallic mineralization in multiple zones and has resulted in new discoveries.

Figure 1  Hilltop and Blackjack Surface Plan (CNW Group/i-80 Gold Corp) Figure 2  Cross Section Hilltop Target (CNW Group/i-80 Gold Corp)

While awaiting approvals (now received) for additional land disturbance permitting the Company to construct road and drill pads for the expansion of the exploration program along the Hilltop Corridor, drilling has been focused on the Blackjack deposit and also the East Hilltop Zones. These zones were discovered late in the 2022 program (East Hilltop skarn) and early in 2023 (East Hilltop CRD). Drilling in 2023 has intersected high-grade mineralization in multiple target areas including in step-out drilling where mineralization remains wide open for expansion. Table 1 provides a summary of recent drill results and recent highlight results include:

Blackjack Zone

19.14 % Zn, 0.4 g/t Au & 29.2 g/t Ag over 30.4 m (iRH23-18A)



17.8 % Zn, 0.9 g/t Au & 59.8 g/t Ag over 16.4 m (iRH23-29)

East Hilltop Skarn

12.5 % Zn & 5.7 g/t Ag over 5.0 m (iRH23-16)



12.8 % Zn & 4.6 g/t Ag over 10.7 m (iRH23-16A)



11.6 % Zn & 5.8 g/t Ag over 6.1 m AND 14.7 % Zn & 3.7 g/t Ag over 4.6 m (iRH23-27)



20.8 % Zn & 15.0 g/t Ag over 11.6 m (iRH23-30)

East Hilltop CRD (iRH23-26)

6.8 % Zn, 3.6 % Pb, 0.9 g/t Au & 136.3 g/t Ag over 9.1 m AND



10.4 % Zn, 7.1 % Pb, 0.6 g/t Au & 257.2 g/t Ag over 4.6 m AND



7.4 % Zn, 7.3 % Pb, 1.0 g/t Au & 323.5 g/t Ag over 6.1 m

Gold Mineralized Zones

45.4 g/t Au & 50.2 g/t Ag over 17.5 m (iRH23-18A)  Tyche Discovery

Recent drilling has intersected CRD mineralization proximal to Blackjack (assays pending)

"Drilling at Ruby Hill continues to return results that confirm the Property's capability to be a flagship asset for i-80 with high-grade polymetallic base metal mineralization occurring immediately adjacent to the highgrade Ruby Deeps gold deposit.", stated Tyler Hill, Chief Geologist of i-80. "Our drill program demonstrates significant potential to expand mineralization with all zones open for expansion and multiple high-priority anomalies identified from geophysical surveys remain untested."

In addition to drilling, geophysical surveys are being completed to cover the Hilltop Corridor to the FAD deposit that was acquired earlier in the year with the takeover of Paycore Minerals. Multiple anomalies have been identified for follow-up exploration.

Drill Program

In mid-2022, the Upper Hilltop Zone was discovered with an intercept of 515.3 g/t Ag, 28.9 % Pb, 10.5 % Zn and 0.9 g/t Au over 28.3 m in hole iRH22-43 (see press release dated August 30, 2022). This led to the definition of multiple polymetallic CRD and skarn zones to the south of the Blackjack deposit, on the south side of the Archimedes pit, situated along the Hilltop fault structure. Mineralization has now been defined over a strike length of approximately 750 metres including the Upper, Lower and East Hilltop Zones (see Figures 1 & 2). Current drilling is focused on the Blackjack and East Hilltop Zones until new drill set-ups are constructed for delineation and expansion drilling and to resume definition of the Upper Hilltop Zone.

Blackjack Zone  The Blackjack deposit was identified by previous owners, Homestake and Barrick, immediately under the Archimedes pit when poly-metallic skarn mineralization was discovered below the Archimedes pit (see Figure 1). Due to its location beneath an inaccessible area in the pit, the Company is utilizing directional core drilling to upgrade Blackjack to resource status.

Step-out drill hole iRH23-18A extends mineralization to the south with the most impressive skarn intercept received to date since i-80 commenced drilling at Ruby Hill. New intercepts from the 2023 drill program include:

iRH23-18A - 19.4 % Zn, 29.2 g/t Ag and 0.4 g/t Au over 30.4 m

iRH23-29 - 17.8 % Zn, 59.8 g/t Ag and 0.9 g/t Au over 16.4 m

Recent drilling in the Blackjack Zone has also identified CRD mineralization in drilling in the upper central portion of the deposit (assays pending). The Blackjack deposit occurs to the west of the Graveyard Flats intrusive and is underlain by Carlin-type gold mineralization (Lower Jack), neither of which are part of the current mineral resource at Ruby Hill.

East Hilltop Skarn  Late in the 2022 drilling program, high-grade skarn mineralization was discovered in the East Hilltop target area with an intercept of 12.3 % Zn over 39.6 m (see press release dated Dec. 19, 2022, and Fig. 1). This mineralization is located to the south of, and in a near-identical geological setting as the Blackjack deposit. Follow-up drilling continues to expand skarn mineralization at East Hilltop and has also discovered high-grade CRD mineralization. New intercepts in the East Hilltop skarn zone include:

iRH23-16 - 12.5 % Zn & 5.7 g/t Ag over 5.0 m  hole lost prior to main zone

iRH23-16A - 12.8 % Zn & 4.6 g/t Ag over 10.7 m  wedge hole  main zone

iRH23-27 - 11.6 % Zn & 5.8 g/t Ag over 6.1 m AND 14.7 % Zn & 3.7 g/t Ag over 4.6 m

iRH23-30 - 20.8 % Zn & 15.0 g/t Ag over 11.6 m

East Hilltop CRD  Early in the 2023 drill program, high-grade CRD mineralization was discovered to the east of the Upper Hilltop Zone and proximal to the East Hilltop Skarn Zone with an intercept of 9.7 % Zn, 10.0 % Pb and 226.1 g/t Ag over 8.4 m in hole iRH23-10 (see press release dated April 25, 2023 and Figure 1). New hole iRH23-26 was drilled to follow-up the initial discovery, returning high-grade mineralization, and ongoing drilling continues to expand CRD mineralization at East Hilltop with assays pending. Hole iRH23-26 intersected multiple zones of mineralization including:

6.8 % Zn, 3.6 % Pb, 0.9 g/t Au & 136.3 g/t Ag over 9.1 m

10.4 % Zn, 7.1 % Pb, 0.6 g/t Au & 257.2 g/t Ag over 4.6 m

7.4 % Zn, 7.3 % Pb, 1.0 g/t Au & 323.5 g/t Ag over 6.1 m

Tyche Zone  High-grade gold-sulphide mineralization was discovered during the current program in a previously untested area along the contact of the Graveyard Flats intrusive (stock). Exceptional high-grade gold mineralization assaying 45.4 g/t Au and 50.2 g/t Ag over 17.5 m was intersected in drill hole iRH2318A (see press release dated August 2, 2023 and Figure 1). Once new drill set-ups are constructed, the Company plans to complete additional follow-up drilling to better assess the potential of this high-grade target.

FAD Zone  Drilling is also underway at the FAD deposit which was secured through the acquisition of Paycore Minerals earlier in 2023. Delineation and expansion drilling is being completed in advance of a revised resource estimate. Drilling completed to-date has returned multiple intervals of visually impressive massive sulphide mineralization (assays pending) that compliment previous drilling completed by Paycore that demonstrate significant potential to expand mineralization in the East Lobe, which continues to remain open for expansion. Paycore drilling returned intercepts of 8.0 g/t Au, 79.0 g/t Ag, 10.0 % Zn & 1.0 % Pb over 27.4 m in hole PC22-10, 7.1 g/t Au, 376.0 g/t Ag, 6.3 % Zn & 10.3 % Pb over 14.8 m in hole PC2208 and 1.1 g/t Au, 155.0 g/t Ag, 22.0 % Zn & 1.5 % Pb over 12.5 m in hole PC22-07.

TL Target (Exploration)  While awaiting approvals to expand the drill program onto the BLM lands, eight of the listed holes were drilled to test for potential mineralization in the vicinity of the historic TL Mine. These holes generally intersected narrower widths of modest grade CRD mineralization with highlight intercepts of 0.3 g/t Au, 236.0 g/t Ag, 0.7 % Zn and 5.7 % Pb over 3.1 m (iRH23-13) and 8.5 g/t Au, 85.5 g/t Ag, 0.9 % Zn and 7.3 % Pb over 3.0 m (iRH23-21).

 Geophysical Surveys

Previous geophysical surveys (MT, gravity and magnetic) have identified several highly perspective anomalies that are believed to have the potential to represent additional massive sulfide targets including the Spring Valley and Deep Blue anomalies. Several of these surveys stopped at the south side of the Archimedes pit and are now being extended to cover the southern extension and the recently acquired FAD Property including the largely untested Hilltop Corridor.

The Hilltop Corridor is a 1.5 km long, alluvial covered, trend immediately south of the Archimedes pit. It is believed to be host to multiple feeder fault structures and is largely untested by previous drilling owing to the alluvial cover. The identification of a major northwest striking fault structure that is closely associated with the discovery of the Hilltop Zones confirms the Company's geological teams' model that the Ruby Hill Property could be host to multiple types of mineralization and several large-scale deposits.

Table 1  Highlight New Assay Results from Ruby Hill



Drillhole ID Zone Type From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Pb (%) Zn (%) iRH23-11 Blackjack Core NSI iRH23-12 Exploration RC NSI iRH23-13 TL RC 160.0 164.6 4.6 0.6 76.3 3.6 3.0 and TL RC 172.2 173.3 3.1 0.3 236.0 5.7 0.7 iRH23-14 Exploration RC 242.3 257.6 15.2 0.6 40.5 - - iRH23-15 East Hilltop Core NSI iRH23-16 East Hilltop Core 296.8 298.4 1.6 - 4.0 - 9.1 and East Hilltop Core 303.2 308.2 5.0 - 5.7 - 12.5 and East Hilltop Core 311.9 313.8 1.9 - 4.0 - 10.5 iRH23-16A East Hilltop Core 410.0 420.6 10.7 - 4.6 - 12.8 iRH23-17 Upper Hilltop Core 230.2 232.6 2.3 0.9 50.1 0.3 1.2 iRH23-18 Blackjack RC Hole abandoned at 172 m iRH23-18A Tyche Core 551.8 569.3 17.5 45.4 50.2 - - and Blackjack Core 592.2 622.6 3.0 0.8 25.5 - 10.7 and Blackjack Core 592.2 622.6 30.4 0.4 29.2 0.2 19.1 iRH23-19 TL RC 187.5 208.8 21.3 1.1 74.6 0.4 - iRH23-20 TL RC 88.4 91.4 3.0 1.1 192.0 1.9 0.4 iRH23-21 TL RC 330.7 333.8 3.0 8.5 85.5 7.3 0.9 iRH23-22 TL RC 187.5 193.5 6.1 1.1 121.5 3.0 0.3 iRH23-23 TL Exploration RC NSI iRH23-24 East Hilltop Core 305.1 311.5 6.4 - 3.0 - 5.1 iRH23-25 TL Exploration RC NSI iRH23-26 East Hilltop Core 265.9 272.0 6.2 3.5 150.6 3.8 1.4 and East Hilltop Core 278.3 287.4 9.1 0.9 136.3 3.6 6.8 and East Hilltop Core 320.7 334.7 14.0 0.7 235.5 5.7 7.0 including East Hilltop Core 320.7 325.5 4.8 0.6 257.2 7.1 10.4 and incl. East Hilltop Core 328.6 334.7 6.1 1.0 323.5 7.3 7.4 iRH23-27 East Hilltop Core 341.1 348.7 4.6 - 1.8 - 6.7 and East Hilltop Core 351.7 354.8 3.0 - 2.5 - 7.6 and East Hilltop Core 359.4 365.5 6.1 - 5.8 - 11.6 and East Hilltop Core 438.6 443.2 4.6 - 3.7 - 14.7 iRH23-28 TL RC 199.6 201.2 1.5 0.1 12.0 0.3 4.9 iRH23-29 Blackjack Core 597.4 613.8 16.4 0.9 59.8 0.8 17.8 and Blackjack Core 660.6 664.4 3.8 0.1 8.8 0.1 10.3 iRH23-30 East Hilltop Core 419.6 421.9 2.3 - 14.6 - 17.6 and East Hilltop Core 437.5 449.1 11.6 - 15.0 - 20.8 * True widths estimated at 70-90%. Numbers may not add due to rounding.

UTM Drillhole ID East m North m Elevation m Azimuth Dip NAD83 Zone 11 iRH23-11 587344 4375328 1979 047 -52 iRH23-12 585534 4376118 1934 072 -62 iRH23-13 586789 4374862 1999 013 -81 iRH23-14 586061 4376210 1936 093 -70 iRH23-15 587525 4375145 1994 067 -73 iRH23-16&(A) 587526 4375147 1995 094 -59 iRH23-17 587385 4375282 1986 034 -77 iRH23-18 588152 4375782 1962 235 -48 iRH23-18A 588154 4375786 1962 231 -48 iRH23-19 586709 4374949 2000 076 -71 iRH23-20 586874 4374812 1993 251 -70 iRH23-21 586708 4374947 2000 260 -75 iRH23-22 586642 4374882 1996 103 -46 iRH23-23 587028 4374585 2009 081 -70 iRH23-24 587521 4375183 1994 094 -64 iRH23-25 587163 4374796 2010 266 -59 iRH23-26 587519 4375185 1994 089 -70 iRH23-27 587523 4375185 1994 094 -59 iRH23-28 586717 4374948 1999 120 -64 iRH23-29 588154 4375787 1962 243 -49 iRH23-30 587525 4375150 1994 106 -57

The Eureka (Ruby Hill) Mining District has a history of high-grade polymetallic CRD production that began in the 1860's and spanned a period of more than one hundred years. Historic mined grades rank amongst the highest for any CRD district in the world. Since the 1960's, the CRD potential of the Eureka District has been largely overlooked in favour of exploration for Carlin-type gold deposits and the Company considers the opportunity to be substantial. The Ruby Hill Property is one of the Company's primary assets and is host to the core processing infrastructure within the Eureka District of the Battle Mountain-Eureka Trend including an idle leach plant, an active heap leach facility, and is host to multiple gold, gold-silver and polymetallic (base metal) deposits.

Multiple types of mineralization have been identified in the Hilltop Corridor including skarn (Blackjack), CRD (Hilltop/historic mines), distal disseminated Au-Ag (Mineral Point), Carlin-type gold (Ruby Deeps/428/Lower Jack) and more recently gold-sulphide (Tyche).

The Company has submitted for approval its plan to develop an underground mine at Ruby Hill with mineralization accessed via a ramp from the Archimedes open pit. Work is also progressing for the completion of updated mineral resource estimates (gold and polymetallic zones) and an initial economic study for the gold zones (only).

Please click here for further information on abbreviations and conversions referenced in this press release.

QAQC Procedures

All samples were submitted to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks, NV, which is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratory, independent of the Company. Samples submitted through AAL and are run through standard prep methods and analyzed using FA-PB30-ICP (Au; 30g fire assay) and IO-4AB32 (35 element suite; 0.5g 4-acid ICP-OES+MS). Select high-grade gold samples were also completed with metallic screen fire assays using G-FASFAu11. AAL undertakes their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. i-80 Gold Corp's QA/QC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results.

Qualified Person

Tyler Hill, CPG-12146, Chief Geologist at i-80 is the Qualified Person for the information contained in this press release and is a Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101.

About i-80 Gold Corp.

i-80 Gold Corp. is a Nevada-focused, mining company with a goal of achieving mid-tier gold producer status through the development of multiple deposits within the Company's advanced-stage property portfolio with processing at i-80's centralized milling facilities. i-80 Gold's common shares are listed on the TSX and the NYSE American under the trading symbol IAU:TSX and IAUX:NYSE. Further information about i-80 Gold's portfolio of assets and long-term growth strategy is available at www.i80gold.com or by email at [email protected].

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to, the expansion or mineral resources at Ruby Hill and the potential of the Ruby Hill project. Such statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, its projects, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the Company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

Forward-looking statements and information involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indicators of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements or information, including, but not limited to: material adverse changes, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts with the company to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; and the failure of exploration programs or studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued exploration, studies, development or operations.

SOURCE i-80 Gold Corp
MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With Labor Day weekend quickly approaching, residents of Memphis, Tennessee and surrounding areas can enroll for TSA PreCheck quickly and easily at IDEMIA's local Enrollment Centers. IDEMIA, an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider since 2013, provides ample appointment availability, with most locations offering next-day appointments and all locations offering appointments within two weeks.

IDEMIA's Enrollment Centers in the Memphis area are located at 5261 Mendenhall Park Place (Location ID: 2606) and 2506 Mount Moriah Road (Location ID: 1857). The Mendenhall Park location is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The Mount Moriah location is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In addition to these locations, residents can also go to 13 other locations within the state of Tennessee or any of IDEMIA's 590+ locations nationwide.

Interested travelers should pre-enroll online at https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/. After completing all pre-enrollment steps, applicants will schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment at an IDEMIA or IDEMIA's IdentoGO location convenient for them. Memphis residents should enter "Memphis, TN" or their zip code and click on the search button to select the location they would like. At the appointment, applicants will present identity and citizenship documentation, provide their fingerprints, and have a photo captured for the TSA background check. After an application is submitted to TSA, most applicants will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, and it will be valid for five years.

TSA PreCheck offers many benefits for enrolled travelers, including access to dedicated screening lanes at 200+ participating airports nationwide where 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. TSA PreCheck passengers also do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, or light jackets. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults at the TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction.

"IDEMIA is proud to offer residents of Memphis and other surrounding areas an easy way to enroll in TSA PreCheck, a valuable and affordable option for travelers, at our various locations within Tennessee," said Lisa Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Travel and Transport, IDEMIA Identity and Security North America. "Through IDEMIA, TSA PreCheck is only $78 which is less than $16 per year and passengers enjoy an expedited, seamless screening process at airport security for 5 years. Renewal is quick and easy too, and most people can do it completely online."

As an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider since the beginning of the program 11 years ago, IDEMIA has processed over 18 million TSA PreCheck enrollments. Interested travelers can enroll at any of IDEMIA's Enrollment Centers. To get started visit: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/. For more information on the TSA PreCheck program, visit tsa.gov/precheck.

About IDEMIA Identity and Security (I&S) North America

IDEMIA I&S North America is a leader in identity security and authentication services to governments and private companies, operating in North America. Our mission is to Unlock the World, Make It Safer - helping people access what matters most, more quickly, more safely, and more securely, in both the physical and the digital worlds. Our best-in-class technology helps to authenticate and secure physical and digital transactions. IDEMIA is recognized by the National Institute of Standards (NIST) as a top-ranking participant in the Institute's passenger facilitation simulation testing as well as in its regular Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) rankings, reinforcing the trustworthiness and reliability of IDEMIA's facial recognition solutions for government and consumers alike.

Learn more at www.na.idemia.com / Follow @Idemia_NA on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

Media contact:

Genevieve de Vera

IDEMIA I&S North America

(978) 808-7047

[email protected]

SOURCE IDEMIA Identity & Security USA LLC
Amid market concerns of slowdown, the "Airbnb Realtor" doubles down on demand growth and launches new brand to help realtors specialize for success

PHOENIX, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- At a time when headlines are circulating news of "Airbnb's decline", a new Airbnb-focused educational brand, Property Alpha, remains bullish about the future of short-term rentals and is betting big on its co-founder's ability to help others replicate his success as an Airbnb Realtor.

Property Alpha launched "Airbnb Realtor Mastery" to help realtors boost their commissions and increase their market exposure by specializing in short-term-rental properties.

George Mevawala, co-founder of Property Alpha, capitalized on that exact strategy of specializing as an Airbnb realtor and generated millions of dollars in commissions and built a prominent portfolio in Scottsdale, Arizona in just a few years as a residential realtor.

"Many realtors traditionally target areas like luxury properties or focus specifically as buyer or seller agents in specific neighborhoods. However, the Airbnb market presented, and still presents, untapped specialization potential for realtors," George notes. "This course doesn't just aim to diversify a realtor's skills; it's about transforming how realtors view and approach their careers, especially those with an instinct for business."

Drawing on his personal experiences, challenges, and achievements, George helped design the Airbnb Realtor Mastery curriculum as an in-depth guide for realtors eager to emulate his success, thoroughly exploring the complexities of the Airbnb market and best practices for serving investor clients. "I drop all my secrets and systems, the stuff that actually works to attract and serve investor clients."

Property Alpha's vision doesn't stop at this course. With an eye on the future, the brand plans to roll out more modules designed for investors, hosts, and designers, positioning itself as the go-to resource for all things related to short-term rentals.

Realtors looking to revolutionize their approach and capitalize on the expansive opportunities within the Airbnb market are encouraged to explore the Airbnb Realtor Master Course and set up a free strategy call.

For more information, visit www.thepropertyalpha.com or email [email protected].

Contact:

Property Alpha co-founder Ryan Finn

***@thepropertyalpha.com

Photo(s):

https://www.prlog.org/12980175

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Property Alpha
BOULDER, Colo., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of passionate community members has come together to form The Edgewooders, a newly established non-profit organization committed to safeguarding the precious natural resources that define our local environment. The Edgewooders' primary mission is to prevent the destruction of the Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor in Boulder, Colorado, and ensure its preservation for future generations.

The Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor, a vital ecosystem within our community and city limits, is facing an imminent threat. A five-block section of the riparian wonder, between 19th Street and 24th Street is at risk of being lost forever due to the City of Boulder's proposed "Upper Goose & Twomile Canyon Creek Flood Mitigation Plan," specifically in the "UGC Reach 6" section of the plan. The proposed plan includes the destruction of over one hundred cottonwood and crack willow trees, and the channelization of Upper Goose Creek, which could have devastating consequences for the delicate balance of wildlife and plant life that call this area home.

The Edgewooders recognize the importance of protecting our environment and maintaining the integrity of our local ecosystems. Through dedicated efforts and a united commitment, the organization aims to prevent the irreversible destruction of the Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor. By collaborating with community members, environmental experts, and concerned citizens, the Edgewooders seek to raise awareness about the ecological significance of this corridor and advocate for alternative flood mitigation strategies that do not compromise its ecological health.

"The Edgewooders believe that responsible flood mitigation and environmental preservation can go hand in hand," says Brian Bennett, Steering Committee member. "Our goal is to work collaboratively with the City of Boulder and fellow residents to find a solution to flood mitigation that protects both our community and our natural resources. We invite everyone who shares our commitment to visit our website, www.Edgewooders.org , to learn more about our cause, join our efforts, and make a donation to support our mission."

The Edgewooders encourage all members of the Boulder community and beyond to stand together in the fight to preserve the Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor. Through advocacy and collective action, the organization aims to ensure that this valuable ecosystem remains a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.

For more information about the Edgewooders and how you can make a difference, please visit www.Edgewooders.org .

Contact:

Brian Bennett

Steering Committee member

[email protected]



SOURCE The Edgewooders
ROSSFORD, Ohio, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul will soon showcase a new retail, moving and self-storage center in Rossford thanks to the recent land acquisition of 4.71 acres off Interstate 75 and north of Sportsman Drive.

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Rossford is scheduled to be completed by April 2025.

The multi-story facility will include more than 700 indoor climate-controlled self-storage rooms with high-end security features at affordable price points. Customers will have access to trailer and truck rentals, boxes and moving supplies, towing equipment, professional hitch installation, propane and much more.

U-Haul acquired the property on March 30. This will be the first U-Haul-owned and -operated facility in Rossford and the Company's 91st store in Ohio.

"Rossford is one of Toledo's many growing suburbs," said Logan Minnich, U-Haul Company of NW Ohio president. "U-Haul needs to follow suit to meet customer demand. Our self-storage and mobility services are vital for communities to accommodate sustained growth. We're happy to be building a beautiful new facility with easy interstate access to our DIY customers in and around Rossford."

U-Haul also plans to construct a separate warehouse for portable moving containers and drive-up self-storage units.

Minnich intends to hire at least 12 Team Members to staff the new store. U-Haul will look to hire locally to promote job growth within the Rossford community. U-Haul, honored as a Best for Vets leading veteran-friendly employer by The Military Times, actively recruits veterans and gives them preference in the hiring process. Find U-Haul careers at uhauljobs.com.

Reserve equipment on the U-Haul app or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.

About U-HAUL

Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 23,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The enhanced U-Haul app makes it easier for customers to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 to access trucks anytime through the self-dispatch and self-return options on their smartphones through our patented Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 192,200 trucks, 138,500 trailers and 44,500 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America with 959,000 rentable units and 82.3 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the top retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. We were recently named one of America's Best Large Employers (Forbes, 2023); a Best for Vets Employer (Military Times, 2022); and one of the Healthiest Workplaces in America (Healthiest Employers, 2022). Find careers at uhauljobs.com. Get the U-Haul app from the App Store or Google Play.

Contact:

Andrea Batchelor

Jeff Lockridge

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-263-6194

Website: uhaul.com

SOURCE U-Haul
Kemin's Southwest Missouri site to manufacture patented,

functional protein product portfolio for food processors

VERONA, Mo., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Kemin Industries, a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services, has opened a new manufacturing facility in Verona, Missouri, to produce its Proteus line of clean-label functional proteins that are used to increase yield and enhance the quality of meat and poultry products within the food industry.

Steve Kelleher (left), Research Fellow at Kemin Food Technologies  North America and inventor of the Proteus technology, and Marc Scantlin (right), President of Kemin Food Technologies  North America, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kemin's new Proteus production plant.

Kemin broke ground on the new building in November 2021, and yesterday, the company hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the 38,000-square-foot facility. The operation is a $70 million investment that employs nearly 30 full-time workers in the Verona community.

The facility, which will run under FSSC 22000 Certification and completed its first run under United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection on July 25, 2023, will manufacture Kemin Food Technologies  North America's patented Proteus line of clean-label, functional protein ingredients for a variety of meat and poultry applications. The Proteus portfolio of muscle-based protein ingredients can help food processors naturally retain moisture typically lost in processing, which translates to processing efficiencies with improved quality.

The state-of-the-art Proteus production plant will have an initial capacity to produce enough functional protein to treat more than a billion pounds of meat, poultry and protein-based applications.

"Since acquiring Proteus in April 2021, we've been eager to open this site and serve customers, who continue to demand sustainably sourced, technologically advanced solutions," said Marc Scantlin, President, Kemin Food Technologies  North America. "Opening our first-ever Proteus dry production plant provides the opportunity to partner with more meat and poultry manufacturers, positively impacting the quality of our global food supply."

Prior to construction of its Food Technologies site, Kemin established a presence in Southwest Missouri in 2011, with a manufacturing location for Kemin Nutrisurance, the company's pet food and rendering technologies business unit. Today, Kemin has three locations in Missouri: Kemin Nutrisurance facilities in Verona and Sarcoxie and the new Proteus production plant.

"We've found a great pipeline of talent in Verona and the surrounding area that has successfully grown our manufacturing capabilities for our pet food business, and we believe this community will offer the same support for our Proteus production plant to meet the high interest of our customers," said Dr. Chris Nelson, President and CEO, Kemin Industries. "I've been impressed with all our team members in Southwest Missouri, and I know even more potential employees are here to help us bring better meals to families around the world."

Kemin anticipates yield-enhancing Proteus solutions will further expand the global reach of its Food Technologies business, with plans for additional production capacity in Latin America beginning in 2024.

Click here to learn more about the Proteus line of functional proteins.

About Kemin Industries

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel and animal vaccine industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

Media Contact:

Katie Miner-Bryant, Worldwide Communications Specialist

[email protected] | +1 515 971 5255

Additional photos available by request.

 Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2023. All rights reserved.   Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., U.S.A.

Certain statements, product labeling and claims may differ by geography or as required by government requirements.

SOURCE Kemin Industries
FedEx Express has unveiled a new facility in southeastern Victoria, solidifying its commitment to bolstering regional express freight services.

Covering an expansive area of 4,987 square metres, the state-of-the-art facility boasts an advanced automated sorting system capable of efficiently processing up to 1,400 packages per hour.

Situated in Morwell, this facility will play a pivotal role in aiding local enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized businesses within the Gippsland area, as they seek access to both domestic and international markets. With Regional Victoria contributing to 21% of the states small businesses and Gippsland witnessing a surge in such enterprises over the past year, this establishment becomes a vital conduit, linking intrastate and cross-border trade. The Gippsland regions economic potential is projected to reach $2.66 billion GPR in the near future.

Strategically positioned near a major highway, the facility ensures swift access for express pick-up and delivery services, catering to locales like Traralgon, Leongatha, Sale, Morwell, Moe, Maffra, Yarram, Warragul, and Drouin. Beyond serving as a domestic and international collection hub, it offers comprehensive logistics solutions to local businesses.

Peter Langley, Vice President of FedEx Express Australasia, noted, By leveraging new facilities such as our new Morwell station and expanding regional capacity, we enable Australian businesses to move freight in a faster and more efficient manner to people and businesses across the country  no matter where they are located.

Aligned with FedExs global objective of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2040, the facility incorporates eco-conscious design features to minimize environmental impact. These include energy-efficient LED lighting and the onsite collection and reuse of rainwater.

In addition to its local focus, FedEx is dedicated to facilitating international commerce for businesses by continually optimizing its suite of cross-border shipping services. This includes providing access to FedEx International Economy (IE) services, offering connections from the Asia Pacific region to 170 global markets. These services cater to a wide range of shipments, supporting businesses and individual shippers with varying levels of urgency.

As part of its ongoing investment in Australia, FedExs Morwell facility stands as a testament to its commitment to empower local businesses, enabling them to efficiently tap into both domestic and international markets.

Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
RADNOR, Pa., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Shift4 Payments, Inc. ("Shift4") (NYSE: FOUR). The action charges Shift4 with violations of the federal securities laws, including omissions and fraudulent misrepresentations relating to the company's business, operations, and prospects. As a result of Shift4's materially misleading statements and omissions to the public, Shift4's investors have suffered significant losses.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR SHIFT4 LOSSES. YOU CAN ALSO CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK OR COPY AND PASTE IN YOUR BROWSER: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/shift4-payments-inc?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=four&mktm=r

LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE: OCTOBER 19, 2023

CLASS PERIOD: NOVEMBER 10, 2021 THROUGH APRIL 18, 2023

CONTACT AN ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR RIGHTS:

Jonathan Naji, Esq. at (484) 270-1453 or via email at [email protected]

Kessler Topaz is one of the world's foremost advocates in protecting the public against corporate fraud and other wrongdoing. Our securities fraud litigators are regularly recognized as leaders in the field individually and our firm is both feared and respected among the defense bar and the insurance bar. We are proud to have recovered billions of dollars for our clients and the classes of shareholders we represent.

SHIFT4'S ALLEGED MISCONDUCT

The Class Period begins on November 10, 2021, when Shift4 issued a shareholder letter before markets opened, announcing the company's Q3 2021 financial results. In the shareholder letter, the company recorded $19.3 million of customer acquisition costs in the investing activities section of its unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as well as $25.6 million in net cash provided by operating activities, for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.

On October 21, 2022, Shift4 disclosed in an SEC filing that certain of its financial statements should no longer be relied upon and would need to be restated because of a material weakness in the company's financial controls, which had caused it to incorrectly treat "customer acquisition costs" as cash used in investing activities rather than cash used in operating activities in its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As a result, Shift4 was forced to negatively revise its net cash provided by operating activities in certain past financial statements. On this news, Shift4's stock price fell $1.21 per share, or 2.67%, to close at $44.16 per share on October 24, 2022.

Then, on April 19, 2023, market analyst Blue Orca Capital published a report alleging that Shift4 "engaged in a string of highly questionable and hyperaggressive accounting maneuvers seemingly designed to keep the stock afloat," including "cash flow manipulation" and "inexplicable distributor acquisitions that enabled it to capitalize a major component of COGS." The report also indicated that Shift4 engaged in unreported related-party transactions and that the company's questionable accounting maneuvers "inflated 2022 gross profit by 13%, Adj. EBITDA by 34%, and operating income by close to 3x."

Following this news, Shift4's stock price fell $5.95 per share, or 8.68%, to close at $62.59 per share on April 19, 2023.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Shift4 investors may, no later than October 19, 2023, move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff for the class, through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages Shift4 investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information. The class action complaint against Shift4, O'Meara v. Shift4 Payments, Inc., et al., Case No. 23-cv-03206, is filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania before the Honorable Joseph F. Leeson Jr.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE

WHO CAN BE A LEAD PLAINTIFF?

A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation. The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP

Jonathan Naji, Esq.

280 King of Prussia Road

Radnor, PA 19087

(484) 270-1453

[email protected]

SOURCE Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
GLN to introduce cross-border QR payment from regions such as Taiwan , Thailand and Laos

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea Easy Payment Foundation (CEO Choi Tong-ju, hereinafter referred to as KEPF) signed an agreement with GLN International (CEO Kim Kyung-ho, hereinafter referred to as GLN) to introduce GLN cross-border QR payment.

This agreement aims to collaborate between ZeroPay with 1.72 million merchants and GLN International with global QR payment network, in order to activate domestic consumption of foreign tourists visiting Korea.

Two parties plan to promote the GLN's cross-border QR payments from three main regions Laos, Thailand and Taiwan within this year and expand its coverage from other Southeast Asian countries and other regions.

KEPF's CEO Choi Tong-ju said "We are willing to encourage foreign tourists to spend in Korea by adopting cross-border QR payment. In particular, Korea is a top destination for the region of Taiwan and Thailand tourists, and vice versa especially like to experience Korean food and lifestyle culture, which is expected to greatly help small medium size merchants and revitalize local economy."

GLN International, spun off from Hana Bank for global payment network business, connects financial companies, distributors and merchants into a single network, providing services such as QR payments, QR withdrawals (ATM), and overseas remittance freely through mobile without limitation of national boundaries.

GLN's CEO Kim Kyung-ho said "I am happy that foreign tourists visiting Korea will be able to use the ZeroPay QR merchants more conveniently. ZeroPay is a very important partner in realizing our strategy for global payment network expansion, starting with this agreement, we are planning to make a remarkable contribution to local economies and small medium enterprises."

SOURCE GLN International
New Transaction with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City to Allow for Next Phase in Urban Renewal Plan

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- La Cite Development, an award-winning real estate development corporation, announced today that it has entered into an agreement with the Housing Authority of Baltimore City to sell a 16,553 square feet site located on West Saratoga Street in the West Baltimore Poppleton area, as part of the Poe Homes Redevelopment project.

The acquisition will allow for the redevelopment and planned expansion of Poe Homes, a 288-unit public housing development in disrepair, to support and accommodate existing and future residents of all income types, family composition, and lifestyles.

Valued at $1.1 Million, the site is proposed to be developed as part of a larger Planned Unit Development and will contain 30 residential units and will deliver 36,000 square feet of residential space upon completion.

Since its inception, La Cite Development, has been committed to building great neighborhoods in partnership with governmental bodies such as the Housing Authority of Baltimore City, the fifth largest housing authority in the US, and alongside community and cultural organizations such as the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. This agreement will equally support the expansion of the current offering of the neighboring Poe Baltimore, for which further details will follow.

"La Cite is thrilled to contribute to HABC's mission of transforming neighborhoods, which has seen the Poppleton area change into a safer, stronger and more resilient neighborhood. We have taken great pride in creating local job opportunities and bringing back small businesses." said Dan Bythewood, La Cite's President. "We will continue to work closely with the local public authorities and the community in building more prosperous, safer and inclusive neighborhoods."

"The Housing Authority of Baltimore City is excited to announce that La Cite has sold the development rights of three parcels for creating affordable housing in the Poppleton neighborhood. HABC is working with the City to complete the acquisition of these parcels. We are pleased that these parcels will be part of the Transform Poe Redevelopment Project to create much needed housing opportunities." said Janet Abrahams, President and CEO of the Housing Authority of Baltimore City.

La Cite invested over $102 million in the Poppleton area with its first two buildings. This large-scale redevelopment, recognized by numerous accolades including the prestigious Urban Land Institute's WaveMaker Award and the Baltimore Business Journal's Best in Real Estate Award, has seen a 40+% drop in crime in the area since the redevelopment and construction of its first Class-A multi-family buildings.

About La Cite Development

Founded in 2001, La Cite Development, is a real estate development corporation investing in strategic real estate ventures in the US and abroad, with a portfolio in affordable housing, multi-family, mixed-use and hotel development. La Cite's philosophy embraces investment in neighborhoods that have been largely overlooked and promotes developments with a strong commitment to providing transformative change in the lives of local communities.

For media-related inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

SOURCE La Cite Development
An increase in the adoption of laboratory informatics software, the surge in R&D activities, and a rise in awareness regarding laboratory informatics software in developing countries drive the growth of the global laboratory informatics market.

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Allied Market Research published a report, titled, "Laboratory Informatics Market By Type (Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), Laboratory Execution Systems (LES), Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS), Others), By Component (Software, Services), By Delivery Mode (On-Premise, Web-Hosted, and Cloud-Based), By End User (Life Science Industries, Chemical Industries, Food and Beverage and Agriculture Industries, Others): Global Opportunity Analysis And Industry Forecast, 2023-2032" According to the report, the global laboratory informatics industry generated $3.5 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to generate $8.5 billion by 2032, witnessing a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2032.

Request Sample of the Report on Laboratory Informatics Market Forecast 2032- Allied Market Research- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/request-sample/109647

The laboratory informatics market is a rapidly evolving sector within the broader life sciences and healthcare industry. It encompasses various software solutions and technologies designed to streamline and enhance laboratory operations, data management, and analysis. These solutions encompass Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN), Scientific Data Management Systems (SDMS), and more. The market allows organizations to improve efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in their research and testing processes. By adopting these advanced technologies, companies can automate workflows, reduce manual errors, facilitate data sharing, and accelerate decision-making. As businesses strive to optimize their laboratory operations, the laboratory informatics market plays a pivotal role in helping them stay competitive and achieve their strategic objectives.

Prime determinants of growth

Rise in the use of laboratory informatics software to comply with stringent government regulations, increase in technological advancement in laboratory informatics software, and surge in the demand for lab automation drive the growth of the global laboratory informatics market. However, the high implementation and service costs of laboratory informatics software are hampering the laboratory informatics market growth. On the contrary, the increase in adoption of key strategies by key players, and the high growth potential in developing countries are expected to offer remunerative opportunities in the industry

Report coverage & details:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 20232032 Base Year 2022 Market Size in 2022 $3.5 billion Market Size in 2032 $8.5 billion CAGR 9.2 % No. of Pages in Report 400 Segments covered Type, Component, Delivery Mode, End User, and Region Drivers Growth in the use of laboratory informatics software to comply with stringent government regulations Rise in the demand for lab automation Technological advancement in laboratory informatics software Opportunities Rise in the adoption of key strategies High growth potential in developing countries Restraints High implementation and service costs of laboratory informatics software

What is the Impact of Recession 2023 on Laboratory Informatics Market?

Due to the recession in the first quarter of 2023, the laboratory informatics market faced a downturn.

However, the impact of the recession on the laboratory informatics market was temporary. The high growth potential in developing countries and growing demand for laboratory informatics software in R&D laboratories are creating significant opportunities in the industry.

Want to Explore More, Connect to our Analyst- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/connect-to-analyst/109647

The laboratory information management system (LIMS) segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on type, the laboratory information management system (LIMS) segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for more than two-fifths of the global laboratory informatics market revenue and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to high adoption of laboratory information management system (LIMS), and its wider availability. The same segment is also projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2032. This is due to the increase in technological advancement and the rise in the demand for LIMS.

The services segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

By component, the services segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for around two-thirds of the global laboratory informatics market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period, owing to a high number of people using various types of services provided in laboratory informatics such as consultant service, and implementation services. The software segment, on the other hand, is projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 10.0% from 2023 to 2032. This is attributed to the rise in demand for software and an increase in awareness regarding the use of laboratory informatics software in developing countries.

The web-hosted & cloud-based segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Depending on delivery mode, the web-hosted & cloud-based segment held the highest market share in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fifths of the global laboratory informatics market revenue, and is estimated to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period. This is owing to the rise in use & high availability of cloud-based software and benefits of web-hosted & cloud-based software such as offering more flexibility. The same segment is also projected to manifest the highest CAGR of 9.8% from 2023 to 2032. Reduction in costs (requires a monthly cost to access the software, eliminates upfront costs for hardware & infrastructure) in comparison to on-premises (requires large upfront costs to buy software, hardware, and on-site servers) drives the segment growth.

For Procurement Information- https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/purchase-enquiry/109647

The life science industries segment to maintain its leadership status throughout the forecast period

Based on end users, the life science industries segment held the highest market share in terms of revenue in 2022, accounting for nearly three-fifths of the global laboratory informatics market revenue, owing to the high use of laboratory informatics software in research regarding diseases such as cancer and its high adoption by pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies. The same segment is also expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 10.1% from 2023 to 2032 and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period. This is owing to the rise in demand for lab automation in life science industries and increase in the number of biobank & biorepositories and molecular diagnostics & clinical research laboratories.

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 around two-fifths of the global laboratory informatics market revenue, owing to robust healthcare infrastructure, presence of key players, and rise in healthcare expenditure. However, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest CAGR of 10.3% from 2023 to 2032 and is likely to dominate the market during the forecast period, due to a rise in R&D laboratories, and a surge in the demand for lab automation.

Leading Market Players: -

Agilent Technologies Inc.

CrelioHealth Inc.

Illumina Inc.

LabLynx, Inc

LabWare, Inc

McKesson Corporation

PerkinElmer, Inc.

STARLIMS Corporation

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

Waters Corporation

The report provides a detailed analysis of these key players in the global laboratory informatics market. These players have adopted different strategies such as acquisition, collaboration, expansion, partnership, and product launch to increase their market share and maintain dominant shares in different regions.

Trending Reports in Healthcare Industry-

Pharmaceutical Suppositories Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2032

Orthopedic Implants Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032

Potential Analysis of Human DNA Vaccines Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032

3D Printed Drugs Market- Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032

Wearable Injectors Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032

Computed Tomography (CT) Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032

Empty Capsules Market - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 20222032

AVENUE- A Subscription-Based Library (Premium on-demand, subscription-based pricing model) Offered by Allied Market Research:

AMR introduces its online premium subscription-based library Avenue, designed specifically to offer cost-effective, one-stop solution for enterprises, investors, and universities. With Avenue, subscribers can avail an entire repository of reports on more than 2,000 niche industries and more than 12,000 company profiles. Moreover, users can get an online access to quantitative and qualitative data in PDF and Excel formats along with analyst support, customization, and updated versions of reports.

Get an access to the library of reports at any time from any device and anywhere. For more details, follow the link: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/library-access

'We have also published few syndicated market studies in the similar area that might be of your interest. Below are the report title for your reference, considering Impact of Covid-19 over this market which will help you to assess aftereffects of pandemic on short-term and long-term growth trends of this market.'

About Allied Market Research:

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 domains. AMR offers its services across 11 industry verticals including Life Sciences, Consumer Goods, Materials & Chemicals, Construction & Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Energy & Power, Semiconductor & Electronics, Automotive & Transportation, ICT & Media, Aerospace & Defense, and BFSI.

We are in professional corporate relations with various companies and this helps us in digging out market data that helps us generate accurate research data tables and confirms utmost accuracy in our market forecasting. Allied Market Research CEO Pawan Kumar is instrumental in inspiring and encouraging everyone associated with the company to maintain high quality of data and help clients in every way possible to achieve success. Each and every data presented in the reports published by us is extracted through primary interviews with top officials from leading companies of domain concerned. Our secondary data procurement methodology includes deep online and offline research and discussion with knowledgeable professionals and analysts in the industry.

Contact

David Correa

5933 NE Win Sivers Drive

#205, Portland, OR 97220

United States

Toll Free: +1-800-792-5285

UK: +44-845-528-1300

Hong Kong: +852-301-84916

India (Pune): +91-20-66346060

Fax: +1-855-550-5975

[email protected]

Web: https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com

Follow Us on: LinkedIn Twitter

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636519/3950895/Allied_Market_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Allied Market Research
CINCINNATI, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A coalition of law firms that have been working together for over a decade to lead litigation and secure settlements on behalf of those harmed by PFAS chemical contamination are pleased to announce two significant developments in the implementation of their new settlements with 3M and DuPont-related companies that will provide benefits up to $13.6 billion for public water providers across the country.

On August 22, 2023, the federal court in South Carolina overseeing the ongoing nationwide litigation over damage caused by PFAS in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) granted preliminary approval of the settlement with DuPont and its related companies.

On August 23, 2023, a new website for the DuPont and 3M settlements was published, available at www.PFASWaterProviderSettlement.com. The site provides additional information as to estimated ranges of potential recoveries by individual public water providers under both of the proposed settlements.

One of the coalitions lawyers, Rob Bilott, a partner with the law firm of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, has been working on these PFAS issues for more than two decades when he brought the first PFAS case in the country in 1999. He continues his service through his current role in the case as the Court-appointed Advisory Counsel to the Plaintiffs Executive Committee in the AFFF litigation. Bilott also serves as Class Counsel in a case brought by an Ohio firefighter on behalf of millions of Americans seeking medical monitoring and testing as a result of PFAS contamination in their blood.

Bilott noted that, these new proposed settlements for public water providers in the AFFF litigation represent not only historic amounts of potential recoveries for victims of PFAS contamination, but also reflect the decades of work our team has undertaken to make sure the information these companies had  but withheld  as to the threat these forever chemicals pose to human health and the environment is finally revealed to the public, and that the proper parties are held financially responsible for the enormous damage caused.

Other coalition lawyers, who also have been working with Bilott for more than a decade on PFAS litigation issues all across the country, include Michael London and Gary Douglas of the Douglas & London firm.

London, who serves as Co-Lead Counsel with Bilott in other multi-district litigation and trials against DuPont in Ohio addressing certain PFAS personal injury claims, and also serves as Court-appointed Co-Lead Counsel for the Plaintiffs Executive Committee in the AFFF litigation, helped lead the historic settlement negotiations in that litigation, and will serve as Class Counsel for purposes of the new settlement.

This landmark settlement is a victory for Americans who care about protecting our water supply so their families can rest at night knowing their water is being safeguarded, London said.

With release of the new data available on the settlement website, London noted that public water systems across the United States can understand what the monetary aid they receive might look like and can plan accordingly.

Douglas, who is Class Counsel with Bilott in the Ohio medical monitoring case and has served as a lead trial lawyer in the DuPont trials in Ohio and in the AFFF MDL, added, 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. 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.

Lawyers at the Levin Papantonio law firm also have been key members of this national PFAS litigation team for more than a decade. Partners Mike Papantonio, Ned McWilliams, and Wes Bowden have helped lead trial teams and hold key leadership roles in multiple cases, including as Class Counsel in the Ohio medical monitoring case, and as members of the Executive Committee in the earlier DuPont personal injury cases and trials and the current AFFF litigation.

Kevin Madonna and lawyers at SL Environmental have also been instrumental members of the national PFAS litigation team for years.

Together, the lawyers and law firms that form this unique coalition not only led the first cases in the world addressing PFAS contamination, but have continued working together to pursue claims for an ever-expanding range of injured parties, and to resolve those claims through innovative and truly groundbreaking settlements.

The teams remarkable efforts in this regard have been the subject of both a feature-length documentary, The Devil We Know, and a Hollywood film, Dark Waters, in addition to the book, Exposure.

The team is currently representing injured parties across the country, including more than 100 public water providers, in ongoing efforts to address unprecedented PFAS damages.

While the latest milestone settlements in the AFFF litigation move the needle significantly forward, the battle is far from over; the agreements would, if granted final approval by the Court, only resolve claims by public water providers for PFAS contamination.

The legal team will continue to pursue other claims  such as natural resource damages, personal injury cases, medical monitoring, private property damage, and more  that are unaffected by these settlements.

CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE Douglas & London
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From 13-15th September, IWRC (the Innovation, Workforce, and Research Conference) will bring together stakeholders from industry, government, and academia in Little Rock. There, attendees will meet, learn, talk, and discuss the CHIPS Act along with other government programs that promote innovation and small business in rural America.

13-15th September, IWRC brings together stakeholders from industry, government, & academia in Little Rock. Save 10% Now! Post this IEEE-USA IWRC Conference

Congress last year allocated $56 Billion for chip manufacturing in the United States with a mandate that the government funding should be allocated throughout the United States. IWRC will provide an opportunity to meet potential partners from the U.S. federal agencies and learn more about how to contribute to the Arkansas innovation ecosystem.

At this event, experts from the region and across the country will discuss research grants, technology transfer programs, start-up funding, intellectual property, and a host of other topics related to inspiring and empowering true innovation in the Heartland and Delta Regions.

"IEEE-USA is excited to be bringing the IWRC conference to Little Rock to help Arkansas engineers and entrepreneurs connect with the CHIPS Act and the federal agencies supporting it," said Ed Palacio, 2023 IEEE-USA President. "IEEE-USA supported the CHIPS Act's passage through Congress and we look forward to seeing its impact across the United States."

Register by 31 August and get 10% off using the code SAVE10 at https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org.

To get your company involved with this exciting event, sponsorship packages are also available at https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org/sponsorship.

About IEEE-USA:



IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization.

Visit us online at ieeeusa.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, follow us on X, subscribe to our YouTube channel and check us out on LinkedIn.

Contact:

John Yaglenski

Director of Communications, IEEE-USA

202-530-8359 | [email protected]

SOURCE IEEE-USA
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Duree & Company, an award-winning full-service public relations and marketing firm founded in 1999 in Fort Lauderdale, recently won Fort Lauderdale Magazine's Best PR Agency of 2023 award.

The magazine's readers cast more than 35,000 votes to determine winners of its "Best of Fort Lauderdale 2023" rankings. The recognition reflects Duree & Company's deep roots in the Fort Lauderdale community, its dedication to serving its clients with the highest standards of PR excellence, and its standout work in public relations.

Duree Ross, president, founder and CEO of Duree & Company

Fort Lauderdale Magazine is a reflection of the people, places, events, issues and concerns that shape local residents' lives, influence their decisions and provide for a vibrant existence in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Magazine informs, challenges, delights, and inspires the people who live, work, and play in the city.

With strong connections in the area and extensive local knowledge, Duree & Company has been a pivotal force in the Fort Lauderdale story, assisting businesses and spearheading initiatives. The firm's understanding of the community's pulse and its invaluable network of local connections have enabled it to create compelling PR campaigns that resonate.

Founded by Duree Ross, who was born and raised in South Florida, the firm comprises a team of seasoned professionals who understand clients' needs and deliver impactful campaigns, taking a hands-on and strategic approach.

"Receiving this recognition from the readers of Fort Lauderdale Magazine is especially significant because it's not just an award; it's an affirmation from the very heart of the community that we serve and support," said Ross. "This award is as much a celebration of our contributions as it is of the vibrant city we proudly represent."

Duree & Company's practice areas include real estate, nonprofit, hospitality, business, lifestyle, health and wellness, legal, yacht and marine as well as cannabis, psychedelics, and other emerging industries. While the firm's longtime headquarters is in Fort Lauderdale, it also maintains a satellite office in Aspen, Colorado.

For more information about Duree & Company's services, visit https://dureeandcompany.com/ or call the firm's Fort Lauderdale office at 954-723-9350.

About Duree & Company, Inc.

Founded in 1999, Duree & Company is a full-service, well-respected and highly creative public relations and marketing agency serving a diverse client base of local, national and international consumer brands, landmark industries, business leaders and philanthropists from its offices in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Aspen, Colorado. Practice areas include real estate, nonprofit, hospitality, business, lifestyle, health and wellness, legal, yacht and marine as well as cannabis, psychedelics, and other emerging industries. Duree & Company is a member of some of the nation's most elite professional organizations including PR Boutiques International (PRBI). To learn more, call 954-723-9350; go to dureeandcompany.com; cannabismarketingpr.com; or psychedelicpr.com. Join the social conversation and follow Duree & Company on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn at @DureeCoPR.

Media Contact:

Duree & Company, Inc.

(954) 723-9350 / [email protected]

SOURCE Duree & Company, Inc.
DUBLIN, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Travel Retail & Duty-Free Market by Product, and by Distribution Channel - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2023-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Travel Retail & Duty-Free Market size was valued at USD 64.79 billion in 2022, and is predicted to reach USD 156.28 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.7% during the forecast period, 2023-2030.



The demand for luxury goods, such as high-end fashion, accessories, cosmetics, and spirits, heavily influences the travel retail & duty-free industry. The purchasing power and preferences of luxury consumers significantly impact the product mix and sales performance of duty-free stores.



However, duty-free operators must follow the government and customs regulations, which can affect the products they can sell and how they can operate their businesses. These are expected to restrain the market growth during the forecast period. On the contrary, the duty-free industry has significant opportunities due to the increasing number of middle-class individuals in emerging economies, rising disposable income, the growing desire for international travel, and the expansion of international airports worldwide.



Segment Overview



The global travel retail & duty-free industry is segmented on the basis of product, distribution channel, and region.

By product, the market is classified into beauty & cosmetics, alcohol, fashion & accessories, tobacco items, confectionery & catering, electronics, and others.

By distribution channel, the market is categorized into airports, railway stations, military and diplomatic, seaports & cruise ships, ferries, border shops, downtown DF shops, and others.

By region, the market is segmented into North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and the rest of the world (RoW).

Regional Analysis

Europe holds the dominant market share and is expected to maintain its position till 2030



The widespread demand for luxury cosmetics from some prominent brands such as Estee Lauder, MAC Cosmetics, and L'Oreal Paris drives the growth of the travel retail & duty-free industry. Moreover, Europe has a strong reputation in the fashion and luxury goods industry. For example, Italian fashion brands such as Gucci, Prada, Armani, and Versace are highly sought after worldwide, and duty-free shops allow travelers to purchase these luxury products at tax-free prices. The allure of Italian fashion and luxury goods contributes to the growth of the travel retail & duty-free market in Italy. All of these factors drive the market growth in this region.



Key Market Players



The key players in the global travel retail & duty-free market include:

China Duty-Free Group

Lotte Duty-Free

The Shilla Duty-Free

Dufry

Lagardere Travel Retail

Gebr Heinemann

DFS Group

Sinsegae Duty-Free

Ever Rich Duty-Free

Dubai Duty-Free

Recent Developments

May 2023



Heinemann launched a rebranded store at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The revamped store aims to create a modern and inviting atmosphere while offering diverse products and services. By refreshing its presence at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Heinemann reaffirms its dedication to the travel retail market and its ongoing efforts to cater to the needs of global travelers.



March 2023



Dufry partnered with L'Oreal and launched Valentino Make Up at Heathrow Airport. This collaboration brings the renowned Valentino brand to the travel retail & duty-free market, offering exclusive cosmetic products to passengers.



January 2023



Lagardere Travel Retail Belgium inaugurated the first automated store at Brussels Airport. The automated store incorporates state-of-the-art technologies, allowing passengers a convenient and contactless shopping experience. Introducing the automated store at Brussels Airport reinforces Lagardere Group's position as a leader in the travel retail & duty-free industry.



January 2023



DFS Group Ltd. launched the first phase of its concession at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport's Terminal 3A. The newly unveiled concession features a diverse range of luxury brands, offering passengers a curated selection of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products.



July 2022



Shinsegae Duty Free launched a cross-border e-commerce platform, expanding its reach beyond physical stores. This initiative demonstrates Shinsegae's commitment to leveraging digital technology to cater to the evolving needs of travelers. This expansion into the digital realm strengthens Shinsegae Duty Free's position in the travel retail market and showcases its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction.



KEY BENEFITS

The travel retail & duty-free market report provides a quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations from 2023 to 2030. This analysis assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.

The study comprises a comprehensive analysis of the travel retail & duty-free market trends, including current and future trends for depicting prevalent investment pockets in the market.

The information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities and their impact on the travel retail & duty-free market is provided in the report.

The competitive analysis of the market players along with their market share in the travel retail & duty-free market is provided in the report.

The SWOT analysis and Porter's Five Forces model are elaborated in the study.

The value chain analysis in the market study provides a clear picture of the role of stakeholders.

Key Topics Covered:



1. Introduction

1.1. Report Description

1.2. Who Should Read this Report

1.3. Key Market Segments

1.4. Research Methodology

1.4.1 Secondary Research

1.4.2 Data Analysis Framework

1.4.3 Market Size Estimation

1.4.4 Forecasting

1.4.5 Primary Research and Data Validation



2. Travel Retail and Duty-Free Market - Executive Summary

2.1. Market Snapshot, 2022 - 2030, Million USD



3. Market Overview

3.1. Market Definition and Scope

3.2. Market Dynamics

3.2.1 Drivers

3.2.1.1. Increasing Global Travel

3.2.1.2. The Expansion of the Air Travel Industry Infrastructure

3.2.1.3. Growing Demand for Cosmetic and Alcohol Products

3.2.2 Restraints

3.2.2.1. Travel Restriction and Security Measures by the Regional Government

3.2.3 Opportunities

3.2.3.1. Increasing Popularity of Pre-Ordering Duty-Free Products Online

3.3. Impact of COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine War on Travel Retail & Duty-Free Industry



4. Market Share Analysis

4.1. Market Share Analysis of Top Travel Retail and Duty-Free Providers, 2022



5. Global Travel Retail and Duty-Free Market, by Product

5.1. Overview

5.2. Beauty and Cosmetics

5.2.1 Global Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

5.2.1.1. Skincare Products Market, by Region

5.2.1.2. Fragrance Market, by Region

5.2.1.3. Others Market, by Region

5.2.2 Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Region

5.3. Alcohol

5.3.1 Global Alcohol Market, by Product

5.3.1.1. Wine Market, by Region

5.3.1.2. Spirits

5.3.1.2.1. Global Spirits Market, by Alcohol

5.3.1.2.1.1. Whiskey Market, by Region

5.3.1.2.1.2. Vodka Market, by Region

5.3.1.2.1.3. Brandy Market, by Region

5.3.1.2.1.4. Gin Market, by Region

5.3.1.2.1.5. Tequila Market, by Region

5.3.1.2.1.6. Other Spirits Market, by Region

5.3.1.3. Spirits Market, by Region

5.3.2 Alcohol Market, by Region

5.4. Fashion and Accessories

5.4.1 Global Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

5.4.1.1. Fashion

5.4.1.1.1. Global Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

5.4.1.1.1.1. Clothing Market, by Region

5.4.1.1.1.2. Footwear Market, by Region

5.4.1.1.1.3. Handbags and Luggage Market, by Region

5.4.1.2. Fashion Market, by Region

5.4.1.3. Accessories

5.4.1.3.1. Global Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

5.4.1.3.1.1. Sunglass Market, by Region

5.4.1.3.1.2. Watch Market, by Region

5.4.1.3.1.3. Jewellery Market, by Region

5.4.1.3.1.4. Other Accessories Market, by Region

5.4.1.4. Accessories Market, by Region

5.4.2 Fashion and Accessories Market, by Region

5.5. Tobacco Items

5.5.1 Tobacco Items Market, by Region

5.6. Confectionery and Catering

5.6.1 Confectionery and Catering Market, by Region

5.7. Electronics

5.7.1 Electronics Market, by Region

5.8. Other Products

5.8.1 Other Products Market, by Region



6. Global Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

6.1. Overview

6.2. Airports

6.2.1 Airports Market, by Region

6.3. Railway Stations

6.3.1 Railway Stations Market, by Region

6.4. Military and Diplomatic

6.4.1 Military and Diplomatic Market, by Region

6.5. Seaports & Cruise Ships

6.5.1 Seaports & Cruise Ships Market, by Region

6.6. Border Shops

6.6.1 Border Shops Market, by Region

6.7. Downtown Df Shops

6.7.1 Downtown Df Shops Market, by Region

6.8. Other Distribution Channels

6.8.1 Other Distribution Channels Market, by Region



7. Global Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Region

7.1. Overview

7.2. North America

7.2.1 North America Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.2.1.1. North America Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.2.1.2. North America Alcohol Market, by Product

7.2.1.2.1. North America Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.2.1.3. North America Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.2.1.3.1. North America Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.1.3.2. North America Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.2 North America Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.2.3 North America Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Country

7.2.3.1. U.S.

7.2.3.1.1. U.S. Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.2.3.1.1.1. U.S. Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.2.3.1.1.2. U.S. Alcohol Market, by Product

7.2.3.1.1.2.1. U.S. Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.2.3.1.1.3. U.S. Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.2.3.1.1.3.1. U.S. Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.3.1.1.3.2. U.S. Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.3.1.2. U.S. Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.2.3.2. Canada

7.2.3.2.1. Canada Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.2.3.2.1.1. Canada Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.2.3.2.1.2. Canada Alcohol Market, by Product

7.2.3.2.1.2.1. Canada Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.2.3.2.1.3. Canada Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.2.3.2.1.3.1. Canada Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.3.2.1.3.2. Canada Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.3.2.2. Canada Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.2.3.3. Mexico

7.2.3.3.1. Mexico Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.2.3.3.1.1. Mexico Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.2.3.3.1.2. Mexico Alcohol Market, by Product

7.2.3.3.1.2.1. Mexico Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.2.3.3.1.3. Mexico Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.2.3.3.1.3.1. Mexico Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.3.3.1.3.2. Mexico Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.2.3.3.2. Mexico Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3. Europe

7.3.1 Europe Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.1.1. Europe Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.1.2. Europe Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.1.2.1. Europe Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.1.3. Europe Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.1.3.1. Europe Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.1.3.2. Europe Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.2 Europe Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3 Europe Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Country

7.3.3.1. UK

7.3.3.1.1. UK Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.1.1.1. UK Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.1.1.2. UK Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.1.1.2.1. UK Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.1.1.3. UK Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.1.1.3.1. UK Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.1.1.3.2. UK Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.1.2. UK Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.2. Germany

7.3.3.2.1. Germany Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.2.1.1. Germany Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.2.1.2. Germany Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.2.1.2.1. Germany Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.2.1.3. Germany Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.2.1.3.1. Germany Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.2.1.3.2. Germany Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.2.2. Germany Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.3. France

7.3.3.3.1. France Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.3.1.1. France Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.3.1.2. France Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.3.1.2.1. France Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.3.1.3. France Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.3.1.3.1. France Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.3.1.3.2. France Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.3.2. France Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.4. Italy

7.3.3.4.1. Italy Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.4.1.1. Italy Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.4.1.2. Italy Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.4.1.2.1. Italy Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.4.1.3. Italy Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.4.1.3.1. Italy Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.4.1.3.2. Italy Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.4.2. Italy Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.5. Spain

7.3.3.5.1. Spain Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.5.1.1. Spain Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.5.1.2. Spain Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.5.1.2.1. Spain Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.5.1.3. Spain Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.5.1.3.1. Spain Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.5.1.3.2. Spain Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.5.2. Spain Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.6. Denmark

7.3.3.6.1. Denmark Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.6.1.1. Denmark Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.6.1.2. Denmark Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.6.1.2.1. Denmark Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.6.1.3. Denmark Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.6.1.3.1. Denmark Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.6.1.3.2. Denmark Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.6.2. Denmark Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.7. Netherlands

7.3.3.7.1. Netherlands Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.7.1.1. Netherlands Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.7.1.2. Netherlands Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.7.1.2.1. Netherlands Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.7.1.3. Netherlands Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.7.1.3.1. Netherlands Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.7.1.3.2. Netherlands Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.7.2. Netherlands Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.8. Finland

7.3.3.8.1. Finland Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.8.1.1. Finland Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.8.1.2. Finland Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.8.1.2.1. Finland Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.8.1.3. Finland Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.8.1.3.1. Finland Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.8.1.3.2. Finland Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.8.2. Finland Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.9. Sweden

7.3.3.9.1. Sweden Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.9.1.1. Sweden Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.9.1.2. Sweden Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.9.1.2.1. Sweden Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.9.1.3. Sweden Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.9.1.3.1. Sweden Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.9.1.3.2. Sweden Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.9.2. Sweden Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.10. Norway

7.3.3.10.1. Norway Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.10.1.1. Norway Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.10.1.2. Norway Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.10.1.2.1. Norway Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.10.1.3. Norway Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.10.1.3.1. Norway Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.10.1.3.2. Norway Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.10.2. Norway Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.11. Russia

7.3.3.11.1. Russia Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.11.1.1. Russia Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.11.1.2. Russia Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.11.1.2.1. Russia Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.11.1.3. Russia Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.11.1.3.1. Russia Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.11.1.3.2. Russia Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.11.2. Russia Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.3.3.12. Rest of Europe

7.3.3.12.1. Rest of Europe Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.3.3.12.1.1. Rest of Europe Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.3.3.12.1.2. Rest of Europe Alcohol Market, by Product

7.3.3.12.1.2.1. Rest of Europe Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.3.3.12.1.3. Rest of Europe Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.3.3.12.1.3.1. Rest of Europe Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.12.1.3.2. Rest of Europe Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.3.3.12.2. Rest of Europe Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4. Asia-Pacific

7.4.1 Asia-Pacific Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.1.1. Asia-Pacific Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.1.2. Asia-Pacific Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.1.2.1. Asia-Pacific Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.1.3. Asia-Pacific Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.1.3.1. Asia-Pacific Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.1.3.2. Asia-Pacific Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.2 Asia-Pacific Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3 Asia-Pacific Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Country

7.4.3.1. Australia

7.4.3.1.1. Australia Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.1.1.1. Australia Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.1.1.2. Australia Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.1.1.2.1. Australia Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.1.1.3. Australia Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.1.1.3.1. Australia Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.1.1.3.2. Australia Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.1.2. Australia Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.2. China

7.4.3.2.1. China Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.2.1.1. China Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.2.1.2. China Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.2.1.2.1. China Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.2.1.3. China Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.2.1.3.1. China Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.2.1.3.2. China Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.2.2. China Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.3. India

7.4.3.3.1. India Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.3.1.1. India Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.3.1.2. India Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.3.1.2.1. India Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.3.1.3. India Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.3.1.3.1. India Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.3.1.3.2. India Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.3.2. India Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.4. Indonesia

7.4.3.4.1. Indonesia Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.4.1.1. Indonesia Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.4.1.2. Indonesia Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.4.1.2.1. Indonesia Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.4.1.3. Indonesia Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.4.1.3.1. Indonesia Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.4.1.3.2. Indonesia Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.4.2. Indonesia Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.5. Japan

7.4.3.5.1. Japan Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.5.1.1. Japan Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.5.1.2. Japan Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.5.1.2.1. Japan Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.5.1.3. Japan Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.5.1.3.1. Japan Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.5.1.3.2. Japan Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.5.2. Japan Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.6. Singapore

7.4.3.6.1. Singapore Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.6.1.1. Singapore Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.6.1.2. Singapore Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.6.1.2.1. Singapore Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.6.1.3. Singapore Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.6.1.3.1. Singapore Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.6.1.3.2. Singapore Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.6.2. Singapore Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.7. South Korea

7.4.3.7.1. South Korea Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.7.1.1. South Korea Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.7.1.2. South Korea Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.7.1.2.1. South Korea Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.7.1.3. South Korea Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.7.1.3.1. South Korea Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.7.1.3.2. South Korea Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.7.2. South Korea Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.8. Taiwan

7.4.3.8.1. Taiwan Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.8.1.1. Taiwan Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.8.1.2. Taiwan Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.8.1.2.1. Taiwan Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.8.1.3. Taiwan Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.8.1.3.1. Taiwan Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.8.1.3.2. Taiwan Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.8.2. Taiwan Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.9. Thailand

7.4.3.9.1. Thailand Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.9.1.1. Thailand Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.9.1.2. Thailand Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.9.1.2.1. Thailand Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.9.1.3. Thailand Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.9.1.3.1. Thailand Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.9.1.3.2. Thailand Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.9.2. Thailand Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.4.3.10. Rest of Asia-Pacific

7.4.3.10.1. Rest of Asia-Pacific Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.4.3.10.1.1. Rest of Asia-Pacific Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.4.3.10.1.2. Rest of Asia-Pacific Alcohol Market, by Product

7.4.3.10.1.2.1. Rest of Asia-Pacific Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.4.3.10.1.3. Rest of Asia-Pacific Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.4.3.10.1.3.1. Rest of Asia-Pacific Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.10.1.3.2. Rest of Asia-Pacific Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.4.3.10.2. Rest of Asia-Pacific Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.5. Rest of World

7.5.1 Rest of World Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.5.1.1. Rest of World Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.5.1.2. Rest of World Alcohol Market, by Product

7.5.1.2.1. Rest of World Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.5.1.3. Rest of World Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.5.1.3.1. Rest of World Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.1.3.2. Rest of World Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.2 Rest of World Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.5.3 Rest of World Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Country

7.5.3.1. Latin America

7.5.3.1.1. Latin America Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.5.3.1.1.1. Latin America Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.5.3.1.1.2. Latin America Alcohol Market, by Product

7.5.3.1.1.2.1. Latin America Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.5.3.1.1.3. Latin America Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.5.3.1.1.3.1. Latin America Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.3.1.1.3.2. Latin America Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.3.1.2. Latin America Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.5.3.2. Middle East

7.5.3.2.1. Middle East Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.5.3.2.1.1. Middle East Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.5.3.2.1.2. Middle East Alcohol Market, by Product

7.5.3.2.1.2.1. Middle East Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.5.3.2.1.3. Middle East Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.5.3.2.1.3.1. Middle East Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.3.2.1.3.2. Middle East Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.3.2.2. Middle East Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel

7.5.3.3. Africa

7.5.3.3.1. Africa Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Product

7.5.3.3.1.1. Africa Beauty and Cosmetics Market, by Product

7.5.3.3.1.2. Africa Alcohol Market, by Product

7.5.3.3.1.2.1. Africa Spirits Market, by Alcohol

7.5.3.3.1.3. Africa Fashion and Accessories Market, by Product

7.5.3.3.1.3.1. Africa Fashion Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.3.3.1.3.2. Africa Accessories Market, by Fashion and Accessories

7.5.3.3.2. Africa Travel Retail and Duty Free Market, by Distribution Channel



8. Company Profiles

8.1. Dufry AG

8.1.1 Company Overview

8.1.2 Company Snapshot

8.1.3 Operating Business Segments

8.1.4 Product Portfolio

8.1.5 Business Performance

8.1.6 Sales by Business Segment

8.1.7 Sales by Geographic Segment

8.1.8 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.1.9 Primary Market Competitors

8.2. Lotte Duty-Free

8.2.1 Company Overview

8.2.2 Company Snapshot

8.2.3 Product Portfolio

8.2.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.2.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.3. Lagardere Group

8.3.1 Company Overview

8.3.2 Company Snapshot

8.3.3 Operating Business Segments

8.3.4 Product Portfolio

8.3.5 Business Performance

8.3.6 Sales by Business Segment

8.3.7 Sales by Geographic Segment

8.3.8 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.3.9 Primary Market Competitors

8.4. Gebr. Heinemann Se & Co. Kg

8.4.1 Company Overview

8.4.2 Company Snapshot

8.4.3 Product Portfolio

8.4.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.4.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.5. DFS Group Ltd.

8.5.1 Company Overview

8.5.2 Company Snapshot

8.5.3 Product Portfolio

8.5.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.5.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.6. Sinsegae Duty-Free

8.6.1 Company Overview

8.6.2 Company Snapshot

8.6.3 Product Portfolio

8.6.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.6.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.7. Ever Rich Duty-Free

8.7.1 Company Overview

8.7.2 Company Snapshot

8.7.3 Product Portfolio

8.7.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.7.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.8. Dubai Duty Free

8.8.1 Company Overview

8.8.2 Company Snapshot

8.8.3 Product Portfolio

8.8.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.8.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.9. Duty Free Americas, Inc

8.9.1 Company Overview

8.9.2 Company Snapshot

8.9.3 Product Portfolio

8.9.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.9.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.10. Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Co. Ltd.

8.10.1 Company Overview

8.10.2 Company Snapshot

8.10.3 Product Portfolio

8.10.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.10.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.11. WH Smith plc

8.11.1 Company Overview

8.11.2 Company Snapshot

8.11.3 Operating Business Segments

8.11.4 Product Portfolio

8.11.5 Business Performance

8.11.6 Sales by Business Segment

8.11.7 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.11.8 Primary Market Competitors

8.12. 3Sixty Duty Free

8.12.1 Company Overview

8.12.2 Company Snapshot

8.12.3 Product Portfolio

8.12.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.12.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.13. King Power International

8.13.1 Company Overview

8.13.2 Company Snapshot

8.13.3 Product Portfolio

8.13.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.13.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.14. The Shilla Duty-Free

8.14.1 Company Overview

8.14.2 Company Snapshot

8.14.3 Product Portfolio

8.14.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.14.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.15. China Duty Free Group

8.15.1 Company Overview

8.15.2 Company Snapshot

8.15.3 Product Portfolio

8.15.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.15.5 Primary Market Competitors

8.16. Baltona S.A.

8.16.1 Company Overview

8.16.2 Company Snapshot

8.16.3 Product Portfolio

8.16.4 Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.16.5 Baltona S.A.: Key Strategic Moves & Developments

8.16.6 Primary Market Competitors



A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

China Duty-Free Group

Lotte Duty-Free

The Shilla Duty-Free

Dufry

Lagardere Travel Retail

Gebr Heinemann

DFS Group

Sinsegae Duty-Free

Ever Rich Duty-Free

Dubai Duty-Free

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/pd8c62

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/539438/Research_and_Markets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Research and Markets
DUBLIN, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Medtronic announced the outcome of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Circulatory System Devices Panel (CSDP) meeting to review data presented in support of the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation (RDN) System. The panel Committee voted unanimously (13-0) on safety and in favor (7-6) of the effectiveness of the Symplicity blood pressure procedure. The Committee's vote was closely divided on the benefit/risk profile of the device (tied at 6-6 and one abstention), with the panel chair breaking the tie, resulting in a final 6-7 vote.

"We appreciate the robust conversation that occurred prior to the vote," said Jason Weidman, senior vice president and president of the Coronary and Renal Denervation business, which is part of the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. "We will continue to collaborate with the FDA on bringing a new option to the millions of people living with high blood pressure."

The CSDP is designed to review and evaluate data regarding the safety and effectiveness of devices for use in the circulatory and vascular systems and make appropriate recommendations to the FDA Commissioner. The panel recommendation will be considered by the FDA as it continues to review the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral RDN System for U.S. market approval.

"The Symplicity Blood Pressure Procedure has the potential to fill a significant unmet need in hypertension care, and we know patients are looking for options in addition to medication and lifestyle modifications to manage their blood pressure," said David Kandzari, M.D., chief, Piedmont Heart Institute and Cardiovascular Services and lead principal investigator of the SPYRAL HTN-ON MED clinical trial. "The totality of evidence demonstrated that there is a benefit with the Spyral RDN catheter, and there is no question about the safety of the procedure."

The Medtronic SPYRAL HTN Global Clinical Program is the most comprehensive clinical program studying RDN for more than 10 years in more than 4,000 patients in the presence and absence of medication, and with high baseline cardiovascular risk. The Symplicity blood pressure procedure has demonstrated sustained and durable drops in blood pressure out to three years in randomized control and real-world registry trials.[1],[2],[3],[4]

About Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, impacts nearly 1 billion adults worldwide1, and is the leading modifiable cause of heart attack, stroke, and death. Despite available treatment with medications and lifestyle changes, blood pressure remains uncontrolled for many patients. Nearly 80% of adults with hypertension do not have it under control1 and half of hypertension patients become non-adherent to medication within one year.2

About RDN

The Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system uses a minimally invasive procedure that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy to specific nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. Approved for commercial use in 70 countries around the world, the Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation System is currently limited to investigational use in the U.S., Japan, and Canada.

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission  to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life  unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @Medtronic on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

[1] Bhatt, D. et al, Long-term outcomes after catheter-based renal artery denervation for resistant hypertension: final follow-up of the randomised SYMPLICITY HTN-3 Trial. The Lancet. September 18, 2022. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01787-1.

[2] Mahfoud, F. et al. Outcomes Following Radiofrequency Renal Denervation According to Antihypertensive Medications: Subgroup Analysis of the Global SYMPLICITY Registry DEFINE. Hypertension. August 2023; DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.21283.

[3] Mahfoud, F. et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of renal denervation in the presence of antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED): a randomised, sham-controlled trial. The Lancet. April 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00455-X

[4] Mahfoud, F. et al. Cardiovascular Risk Reduction After Renal Denervation According to Time in Therapeutic Systolic Blood Pressure Range. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. November 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.802



Contacts:





Krystin Hayward Leong Ryan Weispfenning Public Relations Investor Relations +1-508-261-6512 +1-763-505-4626

SOURCE Medtronic plc
BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Mendoza Ventures, a female and Latinx-founded Fintech, AI, and Cybersecurity Venture Capital firm, has launched their new non-profit, Mendoza Impact, to help fund and build the next generation of diverse founders, funders, and VC/PE fund employees. Mendoza Impact builds cohorts of talented individuals to create micro-communities of innovation across the US. As part of the launch, Mendoza Impact hired Jen Hartnett-Bullen as the new Executive Director to build and drive programming, fundraising efforts, and build community across the startup ecosystem.

"Mendoza Impact operates at the intersection of Impact and Venture capital," says Jen Hartnett-Bullen, Executive Director of Mendoza Impact. "The goal is to use donated dollars towards investing in, growing, and developing the next generation of diverse founders, VC employees, and fund managers."

Mendoza Impact operates at the intersection of Impact and Venture capital Post this

The inaugural diverse founder cohort includes Latino-led Straylight Systems, Black-led Goodfynd, Latina-led Wealthbuild, and Female-led EKOS.AI. This week kicked off with an in-person event at their Boston office. Mendoza Impact will kick off a funders cohort in early 2024 for diverse emerging managers, as they continue the successful diverse MBA fellows program started by Mendoza Ventures, that is now in its third year.

"My goal is to change how capital is distributed across the tech ecosystem," says Senofer Mendoza Founder of Mendoza Impact. "Capital investment should match the make up of its community to start creating impact for those communities."

About Mendoza Ventures

Mendoza Impact is a fintech, AI, and cybersecurity venture fund based in Boston and San Francisco. The firm is run by Adrian and Senofer Mendoza, prior entrepreneurs and veterans of the startup ecosystem. The firm focuses on diversity playing an important role in their investment decisions. Learn more at mendoza-ventures.com .

About Mendoza Impact

Mendoza Impact is a nonprofit dedicated to closing the funding gap across the capital stack. Started in 2023 with the launch of its initial diverse founder cohort fund, the nonprofit will use philanthropic dollars to invest in, and build curriculum for, and establish micro-communities of diverse founders, funders and fellows. Learn more at www.mendozaimpact.org.

Contact

Senofer Mendoza; [email protected]; 617-505-6070

SOURCE Mendoza Ventures
Workers transport soil containing rare earth elements for export at a port in Lianyungang, Jiangsu province, China October 31, 2010. Photo by Reuters/Stringer

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.

Neighboring 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 signaled 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 labor 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 authorized 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.

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 specializing 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare welcomes Sherri Shepherd, a four-time Emmy nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning talk show host, sitcom actress and comedian, to its highly anticipated Healthier 901 Fest on Saturday, Sept. 2, at Shelby Farms Park. Shepherd will co-emcee and join the healthcare system to kick off its Healthier 901 challenge for Memphians to lose one million pounds of excess weight in three years.

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare welcomes Sherri Shepherd, a four-time Emmy nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning talk show host, sitcom actress and comedian, to its highly anticipated Healthier 901 Fest on Saturday, Sept. 2, at Shelby Farms Park.

Host of her self-titled talk show "Sherri" and former co-host of "The View," Shepherd is known for her brilliant comedic timing and infectious energy. She will share her journey toward improved health and inspire attendees to take advantage of free resources and support to make healthier choices in their own lives.

Healthier 901 Fest is a free event offering exciting health and wellness-inspired activities for people of all ages. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., attendees can enjoy live fitness classes, great music, delicious cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, health and wellness screenings, the Le Bonheur Family Zone, interactive sponsor booths and sponsor giveaways.

The Healthier 901 challenge was created in direct response to findings from Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare's Community Health Needs Assessment , which revealed the area's main causes of death are heart disease and cancer. Scientific studies show clear links between obesity and both conditions, and Memphis ranks as the second most overweight city in America.

Whether the goal is to lose five pounds, 50 pounds or adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle, Healthier 901 Fest and the three-year Healthier 901 challenge is for everyone. To learn more and enroll in the Healthier 901 community challenge, visit Healthier901.com .

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is committed to supporting the Memphis community and providing access to quality healthcare services. Healthier 901 Fest and the three-year challenge are sponsored by anchor community partners Cigna Healthcare, Action News 5, Nike and Kroger.

About Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has been caring for patients and families regardless of their ability to pay for more than 100 years. Guided by roots in the United Methodist Church and founded in 1918 to help meet the growing need for quality healthcare in the greater Memphis area, MLH has grown from one hospital into a comprehensive healthcare system with 13,000 Associates supporting six hospitals, including nationally ranked Le Bonheur Children's Hospital , ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities, a hospice residence and physician and specialty practices serving communities across the Mid-South. From transplants and advanced heart procedures to expert neurology services and compassionate cancer care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare offers clinical expertise with a focus on improving every life we touch.

SOURCE Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
SOLON, Ohio, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Swagelok Company is pleased to announce the promotion of Michael J. DiCesare to vice president, information technology (IT). Under his leadership, the IT function will serve as a strategic business partner with a focus on key areas including business operations, data and analytics, SAP B1 optimization, collaboration tools and technologies, digital, and security among others. DiCesare's responsibilities include sustaining a solid IT foundation, while leading a proactive, innovative team to meet rapidly changing business needs.

Michael J. DiCesare, Vice President, Information Technology

DiCesare joined Swagelok in 2020 as the director of IT operational platforms. In 2022, he took on additional leadership responsibilities as the director of enterprise applications and data platforms, where he worked across the organization and with independent sales and service centers to enable business advancement with technology. He most recently served as the director of global products on the organization's commercial team.

Prior to joining Swagelok, DiCesare worked for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. for 10 years, holding various leadership positions including IT director of global business operations. Earlier in his career, he worked as an independent SAP consultant.

DiCesare earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in information systems from Cleveland State University and serves on the board of Towards Employment, which aims to empower individuals to gain and maintain employment.

About Swagelok

Swagelok Company is an approximately $2 billion privately held developer of fluid system products, assemblies, and services for the oil, gas, chemical, semiconductor, and clean energy industries. Headquartered in Solon, Ohio, U.S.A., Swagelok has a network of approximately 200 independent sales and service centers serving customers across the globe, supported by the expertise of approximately 5,700 associates at 20 manufacturing facilities and five global technology centers.

SOURCE Swagelok Company
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Milbank LLP is pleased to announce that Nola Heller, a market-leading white collar and investigations partner and former unit chief at the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York, has joined Milbank's New York office, where she will assume the role of co-head of that office's White Collar Defense & Investigations practice.

Nola Heller

"Nola is widely regarded as a brilliant white collar defense lawyer, and we are thrilled to welcome her to Milbank," said Milbank Chairman Scott A. Edelman. "Her arrival will further deepen our roster of talented, seasoned litigators and enhance our ability to provide top-tier counsel to clients on their large-scale white collar and securities regulatory matters."

Ms. Heller has nearly 20 years of experience as a former federal prosecutor and defense attorney. She regularly serves as lead counsel on behalf of global financial institutions, multinational companies, boards and individuals in high-stakes investigations and multimillion-dollar criminal and regulatory enforcement matters. Ms. Heller specializes in representing institutional clients in enforcement-related matters and has significant experience appearing before federal and state regulators, including the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Federal Reserve, New York Department of Financial Services, FINRA and State Attorneys General. She also frequently leads sensitive internal investigations on behalf of institutional clients and has a successful track record defending individuals in major federal criminal matters. Ms. Heller has particular expertise in leading communications recordkeeping matters, both as a compliance advisor and in regulatory probes. She also has significant experience handling cryptocurrency matters, and frequently represents individuals and institutions in cryptocurrency-related criminal and regulatory probes.

"Nola exemplifies the qualities that we most prize in a lawyer and colleague: vast experience in her field, creativity, team spirit and total dedication to the client's interests," said Litigation & Arbitration Group Chair George S. Canellos. "Nola will be immediately joining longtime friends in our efforts to offer clients a unique combination of criminal and regulatory expertise and market knowledge."

"Milbank is known for its elite New York white collar practice, and I am excited to join this premier team of litigators and help clients navigate their most sensitive, critical matters," said Ms. Heller.

Ms. Heller joins Milbank from another major New York law firm, where she spent six years as a partner. Prior to that, Ms. Heller served as an Assistant US Attorney in the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York for 11 years, where she held several leadership positions, including Chief of the Violent and Organized Crime Unit and Chief of the General Crimes Unit, and prosecuted and supervised cases involving all manner of federal crimes, including those involving charges of racketeering (RICO), securities fraud, money laundering, bank and wire fraud, tax fraud, healthcare fraud and cybercrime, among other offenses. Ms. Heller received significant recognition for her public service, including the Attorney General's David Margolis Award for Exceptional Service, the Department of Justice's highest award. She also received the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation's Prosecutor of the Year Award and twice earned Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force Awards of Excellence.

Before joining the US Attorney's Office, Ms. Heller clerked for the Honorable Reena Raggi of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and the Honorable Michael B. Mukasey of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Ms. Heller received her JD from Yale Law School, where she was Managing Editor of The Yale Law Journal.

ABOUT MILBANK

Milbank LLP is a leading international law firm that provides innovative legal services to clients around the world. Founded in New York over 150 years ago, Milbank has offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Munich, New York, Sao Paulo, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo and Washington, DC. Milbank's lawyers collaborate across practices and offices to help the world's leading commercial, financial and industrial enterprises, as well as institutions, individuals and governments, achieve their strategic objectives. To learn more about Milbank, please visit www.milbank.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.

SOURCE Milbank LLP
CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Military Communications Market is estimated to be USD 24.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 35.4 by 2028, at a CAGR of 7.9% during the forecast period according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The driving factor for the military communications market is rising security concerns, evolving threat landscape, increased adoption of new technologies, network-centric warfare and the complexities of hybrid warfare, need for interoperability, replacement of aging infrastructure, emerging economies, with their growing defense prowess, represent potential markets for advanced communication systems. Military communication systems are used for command and control, intelligence information gathering, battlefield awareness, logistics and they are widely used for target & tracking, and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Tactical operations, emergency response, public affairs and psychological operations etc.

Download PDF Brochure: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownloadNew.asp?id=66198542

Browse in-depth TOC on "Military Communications Market"



210  Tables

55  Figures

250  Pages

Military Communications Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2023 $24.2 billion Estimated Value by 2028 $35.4 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.9% Market Size Available for 20192028 Forecast Period 20232028 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Platform, Application, System, Point of Sale and Region Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Complexity and data management Key Market Opportunities Use of Cloud-based solutions Key Market Drivers Rising adoption of new technologies for military communications

Based on Platform, the unmanned vehicles segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The platform segment has been segmented into land, naval, airborne and unmanned vehicles. Unmanned systems, such as drones and robotic vehicles, allow military forces to carry out missions in dangerous or hostile environments without risking the lives of personnel. This minimizes casualties and enables the military to accomplish tasks that might otherwise be too risky for human operators. Unmanned systems are widely used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. These systems rely on high-quality communication to transmit live video feeds, imagery, and sensor data to military commanders, providing crucial situational awareness for decision-making. Unmanned systems can operate around the clock, providing persistent coverage and surveillance capabilities. This requires reliable communication links to ensure continuous control and data transmission, especially during extended missions.

Based on Application, the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) segment anticipated to lead market during the forecast period.

Based on application, the military communications market has been segmented into command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, routine operations and combat. The growing use of ISR is a major trend in military communications as it is essential for military operations, as it provides commanders with the information, they need to make decisions about how to allocate resources and respond to threats. ISR is also used to support other military operations, such as target identification and strike planning. ISR involves SIGNIT which helps in collecting and analyzing electronic signals, such as radio and radar transmissions and Imagery intelligence (IMINT) which involves collecting and analyzing images, such as those taken by satellites, drones, and aircraft.

Based on System segment, the military SATCOM system segment acquire largest market share in market during the forecast period.

Military SATCOM system is currently having the largest market share in the military communications industry due to several reasons. The need for global coverage, development of new technologies, real-time data transmission, reliability in adverse conditions, increasing number of military satellites, integration with commercial satellites, are few driving factors for this segment to grow. This makes them particularly useful for applications such as navigation and positioning, disaster response and humanitarian aid, linking multinational coalitions, secure communications. As forces move, SATCOM ensures they remain connected. This is particularly valuable for naval fleets in open oceans or airborne assets in transit. Also, in scenarios where primary communication channels fail, SATCOM serves as a backup, ensuring continuous communication.

Based on Point of Sale, the upgrade segment is projected to lead market during the forecast period.

The upgradation of military communications system is projected to lead the military communications market due to several reasons. With constant advancements in communication technology, older military communication systems can quickly become obsolete. This necessitates periodic upgrades to incorporate the latest tech and maintain operational efficiency. Periodic defense budget allocations for modernization and tech upgrades can spur growth in the military communications upgrade segment. The integration of newer technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and advanced data analytics into military communication systems can necessitate system upgrades. Systems that reach their end of life or end of support status will either need to be replaced or upgraded, driving growth in the upgrade segment.

Inquiry Before Buying: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_BuyingNew.asp?id=66198542

Based on region, the Asia Pacific segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

The military communications market is anticipated to be dominated by the Asia Pacific region in 2023. China, India, Japan, South Korea, and the rest of Asia-Pacific are the regions that were looked at in this market. One of the primary international players operating in the Asia Pacific region is China, India, and Japan, which makes significant investments in the creation of military communications technologies.

Key Players-

Raytheon Technologies Corporation (US), Northrop Grumman Corporation (US), Thales Group (France), Elbit Systems (Israel), L3Harris Technologies Inc. (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), BAE Systems(UK), Saab AB (Sweden), Aselsan A.S (Turkey), Viasat Inc (US), Rheinmetall AG (Germany), Leonardo(Italy), Israel Aerospace Industries (Israel), Cobham Limited(UK), Honeywell International Inc(US), are some of the leading companies in the military communications companies. These companies have well-equipped manufacturing facilities and strong distribution networks across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.

Get 10% Free Customization on this Report: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestCustomizationNew.asp?id=66198542

Browse Adjacent Market: Aerospace and Defence Market Research Reports &Consulting

Related Reports:

Military Radars Market by Component (Transmitter, Digital Signal Processor), Platform (Land, Naval, Airborne, Space), Technology (SDR, Quantum, Conventional), Waveform (FMCW, Doppler), Application, Type, Frequency Band & Region - Global Forecast to 2027

Tactical Communication Market Size, Share & Industry Growth Analysis Report by Application (Command & Control, ISR, Communication, Combat), Platform (Ground, Airborne, Naval, Unmanned Systems), Type (Soldier Radios, Manpacks, VIC, HCDR), Frequency, Technology, Point of Sale, Region - Forecast to 2027

Naval Communication Market by Platform (Ships, Submarines, Unmanned Systems), System Technology (Naval Satcom Systems, Naval Radio Systems, Naval Security Systems and Communication Management Systems), Application and Region - Global Forecast to 2028

Military Antenna Market by Component (Reflectors, Feed Horn, Feed Networks, Low Noise Block Converter (LNB)), Frequency Band (HF, VHF, UHF SHF, AND EHF), End Use (OEM and Aftermarket), Type, Application, Platform and Region (2021-2026)

Surveillance Radars Market by Application (Commercial, National Security, Defense & Space), Platform (Land, Airborne, Naval, Space), Frequency Band (HF, UHF & VHF; L; S; C; X; Ku; Ka; Multi-bands), Dimension, Component, Region (2020-2025)

About MarketsandMarkets

MarketsandMarkets is a blue ocean alternative in growth consulting and program management, leveraging a man-machine offering to drive supernormal growth for progressive organizations in the B2B space. We have the widest lens on emerging technologies, making us proficient in co-creating supernormal growth for clients.

The B2B economy is witnessing the emergence of $25 trillion of new revenue streams that are substituting existing revenue streams in this decade alone. We work with clients on growth programs, helping them monetize this $25 trillion opportunity through our service lines - TAM Expansion, Go-to-Market (GTM) Strategy to Execution, Market Share Gain, Account Enablement, and Thought Leadership Marketing.

Built on the 'GIVE Growth' principle, we work with several Forbes Global 2000 B2B companies - helping them stay relevant in a disruptive ecosystem. Our insights and strategies are molded by our industry experts, cutting-edge AI-powered Market Intelligence Cloud, and years of research. The KnowledgeStore (our Market Intelligence Cloud) integrates our research, facilitates an analysis of interconnections through a set of applications, helping clients look at the entire ecosystem and understand the revenue shifts happening in their industry.

To find out more, visit www.MarketsandMarkets.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contact:

Mr. Aashish Mehra

MarketsandMarkets INC.

630 Dundee Road

Suite 430

Northbrook, IL 60062

USA: +1-888-600-6441

Email: [email protected]

Visit Our Web Site: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/

Research Insight: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/ResearchInsight/military-communications-market.asp

Content Source: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/PressReleases/military-communications.asp

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg

SOURCE MarketsandMarkets
ST. PAUL, Minn., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Emma Kuball, a 19-year-old college student from Waterville, Minnesota, representing Rice County, was crowned the 70th Princess Kay of the Milky Way in an evening ceremony Aug. 23 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.

Kuball will serve as the official goodwill ambassador for 1,850 Minnesota dairy farm families. She is the daughter of Nate and Shannon Kuball and attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Ten county dairy princesses from throughout Minnesota competed for the Princess Kay of the Milky Way title. Makenzie Alberts of Pine Island, representing Dodge County, and Megan Ratka of Cold Spring, representing Stearns County, were selected as runners-up.

Alberts, Kuball and Ratka were also named scholarship winners. Gracie Ash of Milaca, representing Mille Lacs County, was named Miss Congeniality.

Throughout her year-long reign as Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Kuball will make public appearances to help connect consumers to Minnesota's dairy farm families. She will work to bring dairy to life through conversations, classroom visits and various speaking engagements about the nutritional benefits of dairy and dairy farmers' continual commitment to environmental sustainability.

Kuball's first official duty as Princess Kay will be to sit in a rotating cooler in the Dairy Building (located at the corner of Judson Avenue and Underwood Street) to have her likeness sculpted in a 90-pound block of butter the first two days of the Minnesota State Fair  Thursday, Aug. 24, and Friday, Aug. 25. Minnesota artist and butter sculptor Gerry Kulzer will be carving Princess Kay and the finalists.

Other finalists are scheduled to have their likenesses sculpted as follows:

Saturday, Aug. 26: Montana Krueger , Arlington , representing Sibley County

, , representing Sunday, Aug. 27: Megan Ratka , Cold Spring , representing Stearns County

, , representing Monday, Aug. 28: Makenzie Alberts , Pine Island , representing Dodge County

, , representing Tuesday, Aug. 29: Josephine Sutherland , Flandreau, S.D. , representing Pipestone County

, , representing Wednesday, Aug. 30: Katherine Hills, Monticello , representing Wright County

Katherine Hills, , representing Thursday, Aug. 31: Gracie Ash , Milaca , representing Mille Lacs County

, , representing Friday, Sept. 1: Anne Simpson , Pine Island , representing Olmsted County

, , representing Saturday, Sept. 2: Jalyssa Beaudry, Otsego , representing Wright County

Jalyssa Beaudry, , representing Sunday, Sept. 3: Riley Ward , St. Charles , representing Winona County

Throughout the fair, Princess Kay and the other finalists will make appearances near the Butter Sculpture Booth in the Dairy Building and at the Moo Booth in the Dairy Barn. Princess Kay's Facebook page and Instagram will provide regular updates and photos of each completed butter sculpture.

Princess Kay candidates are judged on their general knowledge of the dairy industry, communication skills and enthusiasm for dairy. Midwest Dairy sponsors the Princess Kay program, which is funded by dairy farmers through their promotion checkoff.

About Midwest Dairy

Midwest Dairy represents 4,400 dairy farm families and works on their behalf to build dairy demand by inspiring consumer confidence in our products and production practices. We are committed to Bringing Dairy to Life! by Giving Consumers an Excellent Dairy Experience and are funded by farmers across a 10-state region, including Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, and eastern Oklahoma. For more information, visit MidwestDairy.com, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

CONTACT

Sara Grasmon

Bellmont Partners Public Relations

[email protected]

320-522-0483

SOURCE Midwest Dairy
- The moomoo brand earns increasing global acclaim in Q2

PALO ALTO, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Moomoo's parent company Futu Holdings Ltd. ("Futu"), a leading tech-driven online brokerage and wealth management platform, released its unaudited Q2 2023 earnings result, posting US$317.1 million total revenues and US$152.3 million non-GAAP net income.

Its global users reached new milestones, with registered users and paying clients hitting 20.53 million and 1.59 million, respectively. As of quarter end, the client retention rate remained at 98%, the total client assets hit US$59.5 billion, and the total trading volume was US$122.5 billion.

Established in California's Silicon Valley in 2018, moomoo strives to be the leading worldwide financial service platform under Futu Holdings. Our mission is to equip investors across the globe with professional-grade yet user-friendly tools, data, and insights. In the second quarter, moomoo continued its growth journey by venturing into Malaysia, marking our presence in a fifth market. This expansion follows our success in the United States, Singapore, Australia, and beyond.

Moomoo Becomes A Strategic Partner of NYSE

During the second quarter, moomoo garnered recognition from an increasing number of global users and partners. The period also marked a significant milestone as moomoo solidified its collaboration, becoming a Strategic Partner of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The partnership aims to help educate investors on financial products, trading and other industry insights, with content from the NYSE.

Moomoo remained steadfast in transforming user experience with technical innovation. In May, moomoo's Research & Development affiliate secured a patent granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office for a new method enabling investors to create and tailor charts via mobile devices. In the second quarter, the moomoo app achieved a pioneering feat by introducing round-the-clock US stock trading in Singapore and Australia, granting investors the ability to trade selected US stocks and ETFs 24/5.

Dedicated to empowering investors of all kinds, moomoo provides complimentary online courses and educational resources aimed at enhancing users' financial acumen and investment expertise. In the second quarter, the click-through rates for Moo Learn's front-page content surged by 21%, while course completion rates witnessed a remarkable 44% increase compared to the previous quarter.

Within Moo Community, the dynamic online platform that brings together kindred global investors, conversations revolving around complex products, like options, saw a remarkable surge of 100%, comparing to the previous quarter.

Technological Edge Gains Recognition Across the Spectrum in Singapore

In Singapore, moomoo achieved a significant milestone with its user base surpassing 800,000, representing nearly 30% of the local adult population. Its client assets surged by 12.5% in just one quarter. Moomoo SG was recognized for its technological prowess, gaining two prestigious awards in the second quarter, including Fintech - Investment & Wealth Management at the Technology Excellence Awards held by Singapore Business Review and Best Payments and Collections Solutions at the Asset Triple A Treasurise Awards 2023.

Collaborating closely with the Singapore Exchange, Moomoo SG introduced a new Singapore Depository Receipt under the Thailand-Singapore DR Linkage and became its largest trading platform.

Meanwhile, moomoo built a thriving community to foster financial literacy and promote the adoption of technology in the investment landscape. Collaborating with top universities, Moomoo SG actively supports academic research exploring the impact of financial technology on investment practices.

During the quarter, Moomoo SG secured a notable role as a sub-placement agent for the IPO of Pasture Holdings Ltd., attracting approximately four times the subscribers as compared to other placement agents. The company was also designated by CSOP Investments III VCC as a participating dealer for the IOP of CSOP iEdge Southeast Asia + TECH Index ETF, registering a subscription amount higher than any other participating dealer.

Amidst these achievements, Moomoo SG's wealth management services in Singapore exhibited robust growth momentum in the second quarter, with AUM going up 41.3% and fund investors climbing 30.1% quarter over quarter.

Moomoo Advances Financial Education Initiatives in Australia and the United States

In the US, moomoo deepened its engagement with investors in financial literacy education. In April, moomoo successfully hosted a paper trading competition with 2,500 participants. Meanwhile, moomoo unveiled a report from its inaugural personal finance survey among its users in the US, raising their awareness of personal financial understanding.

Moomoo also participated in the TradersEXPO in Las Vegas, a prominent trade show for active traders, demonstrating how it empowers investors through its technic innovations. Moreover, moomoo's first investing-themed, in-person event - "Trading with Moomoo," drew enthusiastic participation from the US investors who attended. The event featured valuable insights shared by four prominent financial influencers.

In Australia, moomoo hosted a national paper trading competition as part of its joint ESG research project with Macquarie University Business School.

Moomoo further demonstrated its commitment to corporate social responsibility by delivering lectures at Macquarie University to enhance student financial literacy levels. Over the quarter, moomoo Australia's CEO and strategists featured as regular guest speakers on Ausbiz's TV program and SBS's radio show.

Looking ahead, moomoo remains dedicated to furnishing users with the essential information required for making well-informed investment choices.

About moomoo

Moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. It provides users with the necessary information, advanced charting tools, technical analytics, and Level 2 Data. Moomoo grows with its users, cultivating a community where investors share, learn, and grow together in one place. Moomoo provides free access to investment courses, educational materials, and interactive events that any investor, at any level, can gain from. Users can join forum discussions, trending topics, and seminars to help their investment knowledge and insights.

Moomoo is not just your investment platform. It is your investment journey.

SOURCE moomoo
The special volunteer event was part of the company's ongoing commitment to fighting hunger and included a $5,000 donation to Treasure Coast Food Bank

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Plexus Worldwide (Plexus), one of the largest global direct selling health and wellness companies, hosted a volunteer event at Treasure Coast Food Bank in Fort Pierce, Florida with more than 100 members of Plexus' local independent salesforce ("Brand Ambassadors"). In addition to the volunteer contribution, the company presented a $5,000 donation to Treasure Coast Food Bank to support the organization's mission to help families and individuals in need by providing them with nutritious food, hope, and dignity. In total, the volunteers sorted 33,824 pounds of food on top of the monetary donation, which equates to 68,187 meals.

"At Plexus, we believe that a thriving community starts with a foundation of compassion and support, which is exactly what we're striving for with this initiative," said Alec Clark, President and Founder of Plexus Worldwide. "Through dedicated Brand Ambassadors who volunteered today and a financial contribution to support the Treasure Coast Food Bank, we aim to nourish not just bodies, but the spirit of the community as well. These efforts reflect our core values as a company and underscore our combined commitment to making a positive impact for those in need."

Plexus has held similar volunteer events with partner food banks in other parts of the country as part of a larger effort to bring the company's local Brand Ambassadors together in support of hunger relief. The events are an extension of the company's Nourish One Initiative, through which Plexus Worldwide donates the equivalent of 10 meals* for every purchase of Lean, the brand's signature meal replacement product, to Feeding America. As a Mission Partner of Feeding America, Plexus has donated more than $3.7 millionthe equivalent of more than 37 million meals*to support children and families facing hunger.

"We are profoundly grateful for the generosity and partnership of Plexus Worldwide," said Judith Cruz, President and CEO of Treasure Coast Food Bank. "This collaboration exemplifies the power of collective action and reminds us that positive change is possible when we come together with a shared purpose. Together, we are making strides towards a hunger-free future, one meal at a time."

With Hunger Action Month approaching in September, Plexus has several initiatives planned to continue amplifying the company's dedication to hunger relief. In addition to encouraging Brand Ambassadors to get involved with their local food banks across the country, Plexus employees will engage in the company's annual Week of Service, which includes volunteer opportunities, a food drive, and a $10,000 donation to a local food bank in Phoenix.

September marks Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort to raise awareness and inspire action to end hunger in the United States, and Treasure Coast Food Bank has several events planned.

Treasure Coast Food Bank is hosting the 6th Annual Out Laugh Hunger comedy show on Saturday, September 9, at the IRSC Bailey Auditorium in Fort Pierce. Tickets are $45 each and include two drinks and light appetizers. Tables are available for $300 and include seven tickets to the show.

The 3rd Annual Out Run Hunger 5K benefiting Treasure Coast Food Bank will occur on Saturday, September 16, at Causeway Cove Marina in Fort Pierce. Community members can register as individuals or as part of a team and top fundraisers will receive a prize, with a goal of raising $25,000 to provide 200,000 meals. Participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher medal, chip timing, and more.

All proceeds from these events will support Treasure Coast Food Bank's programs and outreach initiatives that serve 250,000 residents in need each week.

In addition, Light Up Orange is an awareness campaign and fundraiser that unites hundreds of local businesses throughout the month of September. Businesses that donate $15 through the Light Up Orange sign-up page will receive a complimentary orange light bulb to "light up orange" all September long.

*Every Plexus Lean sold contributes a donation equivalent to 10 meals and every Plexus Reset sold contributes a donation equivalent to 3 meals to Feeding America, helping to provide at least 1.5 million meals annually. $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks.

About Plexus Worldwide

Plexus Worldwide, LLC, is a leading health and wellness company featuring products that enable people to improve their lives and well-being. With hundreds of thousands of independent business owners ("Brand Ambassadors") worldwide, Plexus is among the top 30 largest direct sales companies globally, according to Direct Selling News. Plexus products and opportunities help individuals meet their health and financial goals. For more information about the company, visit www.plexusworldwide.com.

About Treasure Coast Food Bank

Founded in 1988, Treasure Coast Food Bank is the only food bank and largest hunger relief organization in Florida's Treasure Coast. They provide millions of meals to the community each year valued at more than $50 million through their robust programs and partnership with 300 charitable organizations in Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. In addition to emergency food distribution, Treasure Coast Food Bank operates a full roster of direct service programs that not only solve the immediate problem of hunger, but help individuals and families gain long-term food security, better health outcomes, and self-sufficiency. Treasure Coast Food Bank is a Partner Food Bank of Feeding America, a nationwide network of 200 food banks that leads the fight against hunger in the United States. For more information on Treasure Coast Food Bank visit stophunger.org or follow @TCFoodbank on Facebook or Twitter.

SOURCE Plexus Worldwide
Global Electrical Vehicle Battery Market offers analysis, market trends, and future predictions for the EV battery sector

BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The electric vehicle revolution is on the rise, and with it comes the need for cutting-edge insights into the global Electric Vehicle Battery Market. BCC Research is proud to announce the release of its latest report, Global Electrical Vehicle Battery Market. Authored by Senior Analyst Satyabrata Sahu, this report provides an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, trends, and innovations shaping electric vehicles' future.

In a world where electric vehicles are becoming the norm, the importance of electric vehicle batteries cannot be overstated. This report offers more than just data; it presents a roadmap for the future of the EV battery industry. With insights from industry experts and a comprehensive look at the technology driving tomorrow's transportation, this report is a valuable resource for businesses aiming to succeed in the rapidly evolving EV sector.

Key Highlights:

Explosive Growth in EV Sales: In 2022, electric vehicle sales exceeded 10 million units globally, with the market share of electric cars surging from 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022, marking a remarkable threefold increase. Cost Reduction in EV Batteries: The report reveals that the average cost of a Li-ion battery has dropped significantly from $1,000 /kWh in 2010 to just $137 /kWh in 2022. This cost reduction is instrumental in making electric vehicles more affordable to consumers. Global Market Trends: China, Europe , and the United States continue to be the dominant markets for electric vehicle batteries, accounting for over 80% of the global market share. Shift in EV Market Dominance: In 2022, over 60% of new electric car registrations worldwide came from China , where the proportion of electric vehicles in domestic auto sales surged to 29% from 16% in 2021. European Union's Ambitious Emission Targets: The European Union's recently proposed CO2 regulations for electric vehicles aim for a 50%-55% reduction in emissions by 2030, highlighting the growing emphasis on sustainability.

Global Electrical Vehicle Battery Market serves as a compass for manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the EV battery industry. With insights into battery types, propulsion methods, vehicle types, and more, this report is a valuable tool for decision-makers navigating the changing landscape of electric vehicles. For further information or to make a purchase, please contact [email protected] .

Download Report Overview

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.

Contact Us

Corporate HQ:

BCC Research LLC

49 Walnut Park, Building 2

Wellesley, MA 02481, USA

[email protected],

+1 781-489-7301

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.

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2183242/BCC_Research_Logo.jpg

SOURCE BCC Research LLC
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP) (OTCQB: NCPCF) ("Nickel Creek" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of a positive pre-feasibility study ("PFS") at its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Project (the "Project") located in the Yukon, Canada. The PFS has been prepared by AGP Consultants Inc. ("AGP"). The estimated Project after-tax net present value ("NPV") at a 5% discount rate is $143 million with an after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 5.8%. All dollars are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Stuart Harshaw, President and CEO of Nickel Creek commented: "The PFS is an important milestone in realizing the opportunity the Nickel Shaw Project represents in the critical mineral space where it can provide nickel and copper to take advantage of the strong nickel market for EV batteries. The sensitivity to energy costs illustrates how working with the different levels of government can lead to a significant improvement in value, especially when combined with the previously announced intention of the Federal government to provide a tax incentive for critical mineral projects such as Nickel Shaw. Moving forward, our focus will be to continue to add value to the project through work on identified key economic areas of opportunity and continued mineral exploration success while advancing towards a feasibility study."

Project PFS Highlights

$143 million after-tax NPV using a 5% discount rate and an IRR of 5.8% at the following commodity prices: nickel - US$11.00 /pound ("lb"); copper  US$4.00 /lb; palladium  US$2,100 /troy ounce ("troy oz"); platinum  US$1,000 /troy oz; cobalt  US$23 /lb; and gold  US$1,800 /troy oz, each using a 0.75 Canadian to US exchange rate.

after-tax NPV using a 5% discount rate and an IRR of 5.8% at the following commodity prices: nickel - /pound ("lb"); copper  /lb; palladium  /troy ounce ("troy oz"); platinum  /troy oz; cobalt  /lb; and gold  /troy oz, each using a 0.75 Canadian to US exchange rate. Life of mine ("LOM") after-tax cash flow of approximately $1.7 billion with an after-tax payback period of 12.7 years.

with an after-tax payback period of 12.7 years. Pre-production capital cost of approximately $1.7 billion , with a construction period of 3.0 years.

Project Opportunities

If paying Yukon grid rates of $0.11 /kWhr, the after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases by $324 million to $467 million (see NPV sensitivities section below for additional information).

grid rates of /kWhr, the after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases by to (see NPV sensitivities section below for additional information). The Company's after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases from $143 million to $336 million if the Canadian tax incentive for critical mineral companies is enacted (see Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing section below for additional information).

to if the Canadian tax incentive for critical mineral companies is enacted (see Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing section below for additional information). The Company plans to further investigate the opportunity of carbon tax offsets associated with carbon sequestration in the tailings facility with ongoing testwork and analysis.

Mineral Resource

On June 1, 2023, the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of April 3, 2023:





Metal Grades



Ni Cu Co Pd Pt Au Mg S Class Ktonnes % % % g/t g/t g/t % % Measured 122,363 0.25 0.15 0.014 0.23 0.24 0.05 16.03 0.78 Indicated 314,332 0.26 0.13 0.014 0.24 0.22 0.04 17.26 0.64 Total M+I 436,695 0.26 0.13 0.014 0.23 0.22 0.04 16.92 0.68 Inferred 114,016 0.27 0.13 0.015 0.25 0.20 0.04 17.46 0.69



Contained Metal







Ni Cu Co Pd Pt Au



Class Ktonnes M Lbs M Lbs M Lbs k Ozs k Ozs k Ozs



Measured 122,363 679 411 38 905 944 184



Indicated 314,332 1,792 871 99 2,385 2,197 361



Total M+I 436,695 2,471 1,281 137 3,290 3,141 545



Inferred 114,016 668 339 37 916 733 128







Notes: Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Summation errors may occur due to rounding. Effective Date is April 3, 2023. Mineral Resources amenable to open pit extraction are reported within an optimized containing shell. Average grade calculations on this table are impacted by rounding. Tonnages are reported in units of 1,000 metric tonnes (Ktonnes). Contained Base Metal reported in units of 1,000,000 lbs, M Lbs. Contained Precious Metal reported in units of 1,000 troy ounces, K Ozs. Metal Prices for Resource Determination in US$ Nickel: $12.10/lb; Copper: $4.45/lb; Cobalt: $25.30/lb; Palladium: $2,415/troy oz; Platinum: $1,150/troy oz; Gold: $2,015/troy oz. Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-off grades range from $17.30 to $17.61 Canadian dollars depending on Bulk Con and Split Con Mining costs, vary by bench, separately for ore and waste:

Base waste mining cost @1330m = C$2.26/t, 10 m bench incremental cost above = C$0.004/t, 10 m bench incremental cost below = C$0.02/t

Base ore mining cost @1330m = C$1.99/t, 10 m bench incremental cost above = C$0.019/t, 10 m bench incremental cost below = C$0.015/t Process and G&A costs: Bulk con  C$17.30/t; Split con = C$17.61/t Calculated process recoveries by concentrate type:























Ni Cu Co Pd Pt Au











Bulk con: Eq1 Eq2 57.0 % 54.0 % 47.8 % 74.4 %











Cu con: Eq3 Eq4 3.36 % 3.19 % 0.91 % 23.58 %











Ni con: Eq5 Eq6 53.64 % 50.81 % 46.89 % 50.82 %













where: Eq1 = Ni recovery to Bulk Con = MIN (23.21*LN(X)+30.362,88)













where X = (%S-%Cu)/%Ni Capped at 12.0%













Eq2 = Cu recovery to Bulk Con = ((Cu-0.06)/Cu)) *100, Constant tail at 0.06% Cu





Eq3 = Ni recovery to Cu Con=Ni recovery to achieve 25.6% Cu and 1.1% Ni grades in Cu Con





Eq4 = Cu recovery to Cu Con = Cu recovery to Bulk Con * 0.623





Eq5 = Ni recovery to Bulk Con  Ni recovery to Cu Con





Eq6 = Cu recovery to Bulk Con  Cu recovery to Cu Con

Capping of grades varies based on lithology for each metal.

The density is assigned based on lithology and varies between 2.76 g/cm3 and 3.38 g/cm3.

Project Description

The Company's flagship asset is its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Ni-Cu-Co-PGM Project, located in southwestern Yukon, Canada. The Nickel Shaw Project contains the Company's core Ni-Cu-Co-PGM Wellgreen deposit, as well as the Arch, Burwash, Formula, Musk and Quill claims. The Wellgreen deposit is a polymetallic deposit with mineralization that includes the significant co-occurrence of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group metals ("PGMs") and gold.

The Nickel Shaw property contains an extensive Ni-Cu-Co-PGM mineralized system hosted by mafic/ultramafic intrusions related to Triassic-age flood basalts. With over 2.4 billion pounds of nickel, 1.2 billion pounds of copper, 6.9 million ounces of PGMs and 137 million pounds of cobalt in the measured and indicated mineral resource categories, Nickel Shaw is one of the largest undeveloped nickel projects in North America not controlled by a major mining company.

The PFS contemplates that the Nickel Shaw open pit would be mined using conventional open pit methods, with a LOM of over 19 years. From the open pit the ore would be trucked to a primary crusher located adjacent to the pit and conveyed out of the valley to a concentrator designed to process 45,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") of ore. The ore would be fed into a conventional Ni-Cu-PGM flotation concentrator designed to produce a bulk Ni-Cu-PGM concentrate "Bulk conc" or alternatively into split concentrates. The split concentrates would be a Ni concentrate "Ni conc" and a Cu concentrate "Cu conc", as economics dictate. Average annual LOM concentrates production ("dmt") is expected to be 103,100 dmt of Bulk conc, 95,000 dmt of Ni conc and 19,600 of dmt Cu conc. Total LOM payable metal production includes the following:

614.3M lbs nickel;

lbs nickel; 281.5M lbs copper;

lbs copper; 21.5 M lbs cobalt;

lbs cobalt; 626,500 troy ounces platinum;

743,400 troy ounces palladium; and

174,400 troy ounces gold.

The tailings would be stored in a tailings storage facility adjacent to the concentrator. Concentrate would be transported by truck 480 km to the Port of Skagway Ore Terminal. Power will be primarily sourced from a liquified natural gas ("LNG") power plant.

Social & Environmental

The Nickel Shaw Project lies within the Kluane First Nation ("KFN") core area as defined under the Umbrella Final Agreement between the Government of Canada, Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations. Effective August 1, 2012, an Exploration Cooperation Agreement was signed between the KFN and the Company. The KFN and the government of the Yukon Territory have provided very good support for the Nickel Shaw Project.

Ultramafic rocks from the project (in the form of tailings and waste rock) are being assessed for their ability to capture and store carbon. Test work conducted in 2022 confirmed the presence of brucite (a magnesium-rich mineral known to react quickly with CO2 in air) in a subset of samples. On a mass basis, from the achieved reactivity in the testwork, this may enable maximum sequestration of 2.1 kt CO2 per Mt tailings. The Company is evaluating further work which will include the creation of a mineralogy model based on the project's geochemical database to assess the spatial distribution of rocks within the Wellgreen deposit that have high potential to sequester carbon (see news release dated December 15, 2022 for additional details).

Summary of PFS Results

Pre-Tax NPV (5%), IRR $547 million, 7.7% After-Tax NPV (5%), IRR $143 million, 5.8% Undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow (LOM) $1.65 billion After-Tax Payback Period 12.7 years Life of Mine (LOM) 19.1 years Capital Cost - Initial - Sustaining - Total LOM $1.7 billion $0.6 billion $2.3 billion Operating Cost $30.22 /mt milled Mill Throughput

45,000 tpd Initial 5 Year Annual Average Metal

Production - Nickel - Copper - Cobalt - Platinum - Palladium - Gold

29.1 M lbs 9.1 M lbs 1.1 M lbs 27,400 troy oz 36,200 troy oz 7,700 troy oz Life of Mine Strip Ratio (W:O) 1.93

Based on the assumed commodity prices noted above, the LOM revenue by metal is as follows: nickel  62%; palladium  14%; copper  10%; platinum 6%; cobalt  5% and gold  3%.

NPV Sensitivities

The discount rate sensitivity is as follows:

Discount Rate After-tax NPV 0 % $1.7 billion 5% - base case $143 million 10 % ($459) million

Sensitivity to Nickel and Copper Prices

The after-tax NPV ($Million's) at a 5% discount rate:



Nickel Price (US$) Copper (US$) $8.00 $9.00 $10.00 $11.00 $12.00 $13.00 $14.00 $ 3.00 (1,003) (633) (306) 14 325 628 925 $ 3.25 (961) (599) (273) 47 357 658 955 $ 3.50 (918) (566) (240) 79 388 689 985 $ 3.75 (876) (532) (207) 111 419 720 1,015 $ 4.00 (834) (498) (174) 143 450 751 1,045 $ 4.25 (796) (465) (141) 175 481 781 1,075 $ 4.50 (762) (431) (108) 207 512 811 1,105

Sensitivity to Energy Power Costs

The pre-tax and after-tax NPV ($Million's) at a 5% discount rate:





Power Cost ($kWhr)













Base

case





$0.09 $0.11 $0.13 $0.15 $0.17 $0.194 $0.21 Pre-tax NPV

($Million's) 1,106 998 891 784 676 547 461 After-tax NPV

($Million's) 543 467 391 314 237 143 80 Pre-tax IRR 10.4 % 9.9 % 9.4 % 8.9 % 8.4 % 7.7 % 7.3 % After-tax IRR 8.2 % 7.7 % 7.3 % 6.8 % 6.4 % 5.8 % 5.5 %

Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing

The Canadian 2023 federal budget proposed the introduction of a 30% refundable investment tax credit for investments in eligible property associated with eligible activities for clean technology manufacturing and processing, as well as critical mineral extraction and processing (the "Clean ITC"). The Clean ITC would apply to investments in certain depreciable property that is used all or substantially all for eligible activities. This would generally include machinery and equipment, including certain industrial vehicles and related control systems used in manufacturing, processing or critical mineral extraction. A portion of the Clean ITC would be recovered if eligible property is subject to a change in use or sold within a certain period of time.

As of this date, there are no specific details regarding the proposed Clean ITC and has not been legislated. Based on assumptions on the capital that could be eligible for the ITC, if the Company was able to utilize the 30% Clean ITC, the Company estimates that the after-tax NPV for the Project at a 5% discount rate would improve from $143 million to $336 million and the after-tax IRR would improve from 5.8% to 7.2%.

CAPEX and OPEX

The initial capital expenditure contemplated in the PFS, to be incurred over the three-year pre-production period of the Project, amounts to approximately $1.7 billion, with the sustaining capital over the remainder of LOM amounts to approximately $0.6 billion. The LOM capital expenditure is summarized as follows:

Capital ($Million's)



Pre-Production Sustaining Total LOM Open Pit 399 205 604 Processing 510 5 515 Infrastructure 353 258 611 Indirects 245 58 303 Environmental - 52 52 Contingency 180 60 240 Total 1,687 638 2,325

Operating Costs

The LOM operating costs are summarized as follows:



$/mt Milled Processing 17.32 Mining 7.30 G&A 2.43 Sub-total 27.05 Concentrate Trucking 2.34 Carbon Tax 0.83 Total 30.22

Future Opportunities and Value Enhancements

The PFS also identified a number of potential optimizations to the Project. These include:

Working with energy providers and Yukon government and other stakeholders on an energy strategy to reduce the costs for the project;

government and other stakeholders on an energy strategy to reduce the costs for the project; Additional metallurgical testwork to improve overall recoveries of all payable metals where a 1% recovery improvement represents approximately an after-tax $111 M improvement to the NPV at a 5% discount rate; and

improvement to the NPV at a 5% discount rate; and Continue drilling on the Arch target to define the potential resource which could provide the opportunity for an early project higher grade feed that may improve overall financial results.

About Nickel Creek Platinum Corp.

Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP; OTCQB: NCPCF) is a Canadian mining exploration and development company advancing its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Project ("Project"). The Project has exceptional access to infrastructure, located three hours west of Whitehorse via the paved Alaska Highway, which further offers year-round access to deep-sea shipping ports in southern Alaska.

The Company is led by a management team with a proven track record of successful discovery, development, financing and operation of large-scale projects. Our vision is to create value for our shareholders by becoming a leading North American nickel, copper, cobalt and PGM producer.

Qualified Persons

The PFS was overseen by AGP and the technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Gordon Zurowski of AGP. Mr. Zurowski is a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and an independent consultant to the Company. The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release in relation to metallurgical testing, including with respect to 2022-23 variability testwork, was reviewed and approved by Gordon Marrs, P. Eng., of XPS who is a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 and an independent consultant to the Company.

All other scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Cameron Bell, Nickel Creek's Geological Consultant and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101. Please see the technical report (September 2018) filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, for a description of the Company's data verification and QA/QC procedures.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information". Forward-looking information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology, or negative connotations thereof. All information in this release, other than information of historical facts, including, without limitation, regarding the results of technical test work, the estimated mineral resource, the prospect of any future potential economic viability of the Project, future commodity prices and the potential for them to improve, that a feasibility study will ever be commenced and completed, the potential to identify additional mineralization beyond the known resource, timing of further work on the Project, future demand for nickel and copper concentrates, future demand for battery products, statements concerning the availability and impact of the Clean ITC, the ability of the Company to identify additional opportunities to create shareholder value, and general future plans and objectives for the Company and the Project, are forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information.

This news release also contains references to estimates of mineral resources. The estimation of mineral resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in nickel, copper or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive or maintain required permits, approvals and licences.

For more information on the Company and the key assumptions, risks and challenges with respect to the forward-looking information discussed herein, and about our business in general, investors should review the Company's most recently filed annual information form, and other continuous disclosure filings which are available at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Nickel Creek Platinum Corp.
The retailer is ready to help Florida customers capitalize on two money-saving opportunities

ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- As Floridians prepare for two statewide sales tax holidays, Northern Tool + Equipment is ready to help customers find the right tool for the job and prepare for the next disaster.

Florida customers will have two opportunities to shop the aisles of Northern Tool sales tax-free. The Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday runs from August 26 through September 8. Northern Tool's expert staff will be in-store to help answer questions about products like portable generators, including what features and size makes sense for each customer's unique situation.

"Northern Tool + Equipment has a legacy of supporting Florida residents during storms and severe weather," said CEO Suresh Krishna. "Finding the right tool for the job is critical in a time of need, and our Parts, Service and Repair teams play an important role in keeping the equipment of Floridians up and running when needed most. With 15 stores across the state of Florida, we're ready to help shoppers find the right equipment during the next two weeks."

The Tool Time Sales Tax Holiday , running from September 2 through September 8, is another opportunity for trades professionals and serious DIYers to make tax-free purchases. Everything from power tools to toolboxes to ladders is included.

For a full list of tax-exempt items by holiday, visit the Florida Revenue website . To find a Northern Tool + Equipment location near you, visit northerntool.com/store-locator .

About Northern Tool + Equipment:

Northern Tool + Equipment is a family-owned company serving both DIYers and trades professionals tackling the tough projects. A leading supplier of more than 100,000 high-quality tools and equipment for over 40 years, the company's highly-trained team has an immense breadth of knowledge to help customers in-person at more than 130 retail stores, online and over the phone through their fully-staffed contact center. From helping customers get the right tool for the job to assisting with parts and repairs that keep tools running at peak performance, customer service is at the foundation of Northern Tool's mission. Learn more about Northern Tool + Equipment at NorthernTool.com and stay connected through social media: Facebook ( @northerntool ), Instagram ( @northern_tool ), Twitter ( @northerntool ), YouTube and Pinterest .

Media Contact: Holly Steffl

Phone Number: 612.351.8312

Email: [email protected]

Website: northerntool.com

SOURCE Northern Tool + Equipment
Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong speaks during a press conference at the Istana in Singapore, July 17, 2023. Photo by Singapore Press Holding Media Trust/Lianhe Zaobao/Ray Chua via Reuters

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching will officially visit Vietnam from Aug. 27 to 29.

The visit, per an invitation by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, will be a highlight of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and Singapore establishing diplomatic relations, and the 10th anniversary of the two countries establishing strategic partnership, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Singapore is among the top economic partners for Vietnam in the region, and the two countries have always been among each other's top 15 trade partners, with Vietnam now being Singapore's 12th largest trade partner and Singapore being Vietnam's 15th.

Singapore ranks first in ASEAN and second globally when it comes to investments into Vietnam, with 3,273 projects and a total capital at $73.4 billion. Bilateral trade turnover between the two countries reached $9.15 billion in 2022, an 11.57% increase from 2021.

Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Parks have become a symbol of economic cooperation between the two countries, with 14 such parks in 10 Vietnam localities, garnering $18.7 billion in investments for 866 projects, creating 300,000 jobs.
2023-24 school year will offer auto-placement powered by MAP Growth data for supplemental and intervention solutions Read 180, Math 180 and Waggle

BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its acquisition of NWEA earlier this year, learning technology company HMH today announced an important first step for the combined organization. NWEA's flagship assessment MAP Growth will now be used for automatic placement into HMH's best-in-class connected solutions Read 180, Math 180 and Waggle to further enhance personalized learning.

Customers using NWEA MAP Growth with HMH Waggle will benefit from placement into Waggle's CODiE-award winning gamified personalized learning. The Read 180 and Math 180 student applications, trusted and effective intervention programs built on decades of research, will use MAP Growth data to place students into Tier 2 and Tier 3 intervention. This offers educators a powerful new option to deepen student learning through more targeted placement based on refined data.

"Connecting MAP Growth Data and HMH solutions is an important milestone as we look to a future that combines NWEA's powerful insights with HMH's engaging instruction in a way that supports positive outcomes for kids," said Chris Minnich, President of NWEA. "We are confident that this connection will pave the way for deeper student learning and support teachers as they head back to school this fall."

MAP Growth, part of NWEA's suite of assessments, is one of the most trusted and innovative interim assessments for measuring academic achievement and growth in various k-12 subjects. Taken by millions of students in more than 140 countries, the data provide teachers with deeper understanding and actionable evidence informing instructional strategies. This connection with HMH solutions is a continued step in making MAP Growth data available across different instructional resources (via the Instructional Connections Program) ensuring valuable data is in the hands of educators, regardless of the platform they use.

Read 180 and Math 180 offer the powerful combination of engaging content and adaptive technology that is proven to accelerate students with gaps in foundational skills, helping them achieve an average of up to two years growth in one school year. Waggle's highly engaging practice for ELA and math builds foundations and accelerates skill growth with fun, targeted practice at the right time for each student.

This is the first step forward in the integration process of NWEA within HMH, focused on the combined organization's mission of harnessing the power of instruction and research-based insights to support educators in their efforts to drive better outcomes for students. HMH and NWEA will each continue to provide proven Professional Services to support leaders and teachers in making data-informed planning and instructional decisions.

To learn more about MAP Growth and the automatic placement feature now available in HMH solutions, visit hmhco.com/assess.

About HMH

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt is a learning technology company committed to delivering connected solutions that engage learners, empower educators and improve student outcomes. As a leading provider of K12 core curriculum, supplemental and intervention solutions, and professional learning services, HMH partners with educators and school districts to uncover solutions that unlock students' potential and extend teachers' capabilities. HMH serves more than 50 million students and 4 million educators in 150 countries. For more information, visit www.hmhco.com

Follow HMH on Twitter, Facebook , Instagram and YouTube.

Media Contact

Katie Marshall

Communications Manager

HMH

[email protected]

SOURCE Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
SINGAPORE, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pi-xcels, an innovative leader in digital receipt solutions, has successfully completed its Seed funding round, raising US$1.7 million. The round was led by Wavemaker Partners, with participation from other prominent venture capital firms such as Hustle Fund, Amand Ventures, and Black Kite Capital, as well as strategic angel investors.

The round marks a momentous step towards realising Pi-xcels' vision of revolutionising the retail landscape and empowering merchants with its interactive Near Field Communication (NFC) receipt technology.

Additionally, it coincides with Pi-xcels' recognition as the recipient of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Green Finance Subsidy Grant and acceptance into the prestigious Visa Accelerator program.

"Pi-xcels is shaping the future of retail with paperless receipts and data-centric shopper journeys," said Pi-xcels CEO Daniel Lim. "We are among the few use cases of NFC beyond payments. Not only does our app-less technology enhance customer experiences, it also equips retailers with valuable data to better understand and cater to customers' preferences."

Pi-xcels' NFC-enabled POS device enables the issuance of interactive e-receipts in stores through a contactless tap via a smartphone, eliminating paper waste and fostering eco-friendly practices. This can be done without the need for app downloads, QR code scans, or personal information sharing, enhancing the shopper experience. It also simplifies the compilation of e-receipts for official claims with a single sign-on, resulting in clutter-free wallets for end-users.

Furthermore, the interactive receipt serves as a gateway to omni-channel marketing, enhancing pre- and post-sale experiences for shoppers and providing retailers with expanded marketing avenues. Simultaneously, Pi-xcels offers real-time, comprehensive transaction intelligence, providing valuable data-driven insights for retailers.

"Pi-xcels makes it seamless for businesses and payment platforms to adopt digital receipts. Apart from making the process frictionless for consumers, the solution is already integrated with payment terminals, making it easy for merchants to adopt. The company's technology, fortified by patents, positions Pi-xcels as an industry leader. We foresee this technology setting a new standard for retail and inspiring businesses to embrace eco-friendly solutions, contributing to a more sustainable future," said Andy Hwang, General Partner at Wavemaker Partners."

The fresh funds will fuel global business development initiatives, particularly expanding Pi-xcels' footprint in Europe and cementing key projects in Japan and Southeast Asia. The company has partnered with esteemed global brand names like payment terminal company Ingenico. Overall, it has witnessed a surge of interest from major corporations in the Asia-Pacific region as evidenced by non-disclosure agreements alluding to significant market demand.

"We are focused on advancing our research and development capabilities and strengthening our engineering team with the newly raised capital," said Lim. "This will enable us to be consistent in our delivery of innovative solutions to customers and partners in key markets like Japan, Spain, Indonesia, and beyond."

About Pi-xcels: Pi-xcels is a Singapore-based technology company at the forefront of digital receipt solutions. Leveraging on their app-less NFC technology, Pi-xcels enables retailers to issue paperless receipts directly to smartphones, delivering enhanced customer experiences and data-driven insights. With strategic partnerships and soaring demand, Pi-xcels is reshaping the retail industry. For more information, visit www.pi-xcels.com/#demo.

SOURCE Pi-xcels
Managed care business delivers robust performance

Market leadership in corporate health management drives loss narrowing by 47.2%

HONG KONG and SHANGHAI, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited ("Ping An Good Doctor" or "Ping An Health", Stock Code: 1833.HK) presents its 2023 interim results. Closely integrated into Ping An's "integrated finance + healthcare" strategy, Ping An Health has consistently pursued its unique business model of "managed care + family doctor memberships + O2O healthcare services", continuing to exemplify a model example of China's managed care system. During the period, business restructuring was essentially completed, and the proportion of strategic business revenue continued to rise. The Company achieved revenue of approximately RMB2.22 billion, with the proportion of medical service revenue increasing to 46.5%. Revenue generated from corporate health management and the cumulative number of paying users grew significantly. With continuous optimisation of the business structure and a significant impact on cost reduction and efficiency enhancement, the gross profit margin further increased by 5.6 percentage points year-on-year, reaching 32.2%. In addition, the net loss was significantly reduced by 47.2% year-on-year to RMB244.9 million. This notable improvement expedites progress towards the ultimate profitability target.

Ping An Health Announces 2023 Interim Results

Corporate health management market sets benchmark, demonstrates significant synergy in integrated finance + healthcare

Drawing upon core competitive advantages including a comprehensive supplier network, leading services, extensive payer resources and strong eco-system empowerment, Ping An Health has further deepened its exploration and implementation of the managed care model. This rapid expansion within China's corporate health management field has resulted in the Company achieving a position of market leadership. As of end of June 2023, the number of enterprises served by the Company totalled 1,198, marking an increase of 449 from the same period of the previous year. This encompassed 3.9 million enterprise employees and users, with the number of paying accounts exhibiting consistent growth over the past 12 months, exceeding 45 million. During the period, the contract renewal rate for the Company's existing large-scale enterprise customers approached 90%.

During the period, the Company underwent a revamp of its "Enterprise EZHealth" corporate employee health management product system. This transformation yielded a differentiated product and service matrix with a substantial competitive edge, catering to the diverse needs of various enterprises while comprehensively promoting workplace well-being. This was realized through two primary solutions: "Health Checkup +" and "Health Management +". A case in point involves a prominent state-owned financial enterprise, wherein Ping An Health offered over 10,000 employees and their families booking services at tertiary hospitals and renowned health check-up organisations across the country. Furthermore, customised packages encompassing consultation services, accompanied medical check-ups, and post-diagnosis reports were provided through the integration of the Company's internal resources. This effectively resolved the complex challenge of delivering healthcare to a widespread company workforce with varying geographical needs. Notably, an offline service satisfaction survey revealed a remarkable employee satisfaction rate of 98%. In addition, the newly launched '1 Question 3 Worry-free' product system strives to provide a medical and health management solution, ensuring enterprise users are free from concerns about chronic diseases, medical treatment, and serious illnesses, thereby bolstering the Group's comprehensive financial business across all facets.

Furthermore, employing the business model of "deep collaboration, "procurement of benefits, and value-added services", the Company has consistently aided the integrated financial business in customer acquisition, stickiness, re-engagement and penetration of users. For instance, in the "insurance + healthcare" domain, the Company has continued to enhance the "Zhen Xiang RUN (2023)" healthcare service plan in partnership with Ping An Life, resulting in an upgraded "insurance with warmth" concept. This approach includes a "user-focused" tiered member operation system, providing a range of 18 healthcare services encompassing family doctors, healthcare management plans, health check-ups, and chronic disease prevention and control. This comprehensive plan caters to users' pursuit of a high-quality and diversified healthy life. Corporate clients increasingly recognize Ping An Health's comprehensive service capability due to its high-quality, full-lifecycle services delivered. During the period, the number of paying users originating from Ping An's integrated financial channels exceeded 38 million, constituting a penetration rate of approximately 16.6% among Ping An's nearly 229 million personal financial users.

Fortifying the foundation of healthcare services: strengthened role of family doctors within the service network of "online, in-store and delivery to home/corporate "

The foundation of Ping An Health lies in its medical and healthcare service capabilities. During the period, the Company established a comprehensive closed-loop service management system, encompassing "Online + Offline", "In-hospital + Out-of-hospital", and "Medical + Healthcare" services. This intricate system comprises 830 distinct sub-services, each guided by its dedicated standard operating procedures. A paramount focus was placed on cultivating medical quality and safety management capabilities, leading to the creation of a three-tier medical quality and safety management system. Through a collaborative mechanism involving multiple departments and shared governance, coupled with the implementation of various management policies, the Company effectively bolstered its achievements in quality and safety management, consistently maintaining a patient satisfaction rate exceeding 98%.

At the core of the Company's healthcare services stands Ping An Family Doctor, delivering comprehensive "online, in-store, and delivery to home/corporate" management along the entire service journey. As of 30 June 2023, Ping An Family Doctor offers users the efficiency of 24/7 online availability, with responses within 60 seconds, and delivery of medicines to 249 cities nationwide within an hour. Moreover, users are seamlessly connected to a network encompassing nearly 4,000 hospitals, 226,000 pharmacies, nearly 103,000 health service institutions, and over 2,000 health checkup institutions.

Ensuring service quality and optimizing user experience remain priorities for Ping An Health. This led to the development of a comprehensive "4S supply management process system," covering the entire spectrum from supplier admission and exit. This includes meticulous service quality reviews, access accreditation, site visits, risk control, and more, all designed to facilitate efficient and precise alignment with user demands.

AI technology powers diverse business scenarios: 'Thousands of People, Thousands of Faces' - customized digital health check-up solutions in new era of digital intelligence

After years of development, Ping An Health has autonomously created an AI-based diagnostic and treatment system. Presently, it encompasses diagnostic knowledge of over 2,000 diseases, boasting a diagnostic accuracy surpassing 99%. This empowers medical practitioners with a heightened knowledge base and amplified efficiency in delivering medical services. A distinctive innovation within the Company, the "PINGAN GPT" - Askbob Doctor's Station, has catered to over 1.4 million doctors spanning 46,000 medical institutions across the nation. Impressively, it provides medical assistance decisions approximately 270,000 times each day.

During the reporting period, Ping An Health embarked on a pioneering journey by establishing the "Medical Health Check-up Research Institute". This institute is steadfastly dedicated to research in the field and consistently furnishes enterprises with "1+N+X" tailor-made health checkup service solutions. Operating via the Ping An Health App, a digital nexus connecting numerous health check-up institutions, the Company proffers 1,000 health check-up packages to 1,000 individuals. These encompass thorough and comprehensible post-examination interpretations and health management strategies, effectively aiding enterprises and employees in resolving health issues more proficiently. The establishment of the Digital Insight Research Institute further amplifies the Company's prowess. Through extensive data harnessed from diverse integrated channels, it evaluates users' medical habits and needs, providing all-scenario, full-lifecycle digital marketing solutions for partner products. Moreover, the Company's shrewd business model continues to evolve, culminating in deep integration with medical devices, wearables, and smart speakers, offering a seamless "hardware + service" solution. Notably, an intensified partnership with Huawei in the field of "Smart Wearable + Health Service" has facilitated services to numerous users via products like the Huawei Watch D.

In the pursuit of sustainable development, the Company's board of directors established a dedicated Sustainability Committee. Leveraging corporate responsibility, the Company actively contributed to improved healthcare accessibility. This endeavor entailed the construction and modernization of 1,228 rural health clinics in remote locales, training over 11,000 village doctors, and fostering 10,000 village doctor-volunteer partnerships. These initiatives have tangibly elevated basic healthcare services in various regions. Additionally, the Company was granted the ISO 27799 Personal Healthcare Information Security Management System Certification, solidifying its position as the initial enterprise in the internet healthcare sector to secure such recognition from DNV. Notably, Ping An Health has received an A-grade ESG rating from MSCI for two consecutive years.

Since its inception, Ping An Health has remained steadfastly dedicated to bridging doctors and patients with professionalism and safeguarding everyone's health Fang Weihao, Chairman and CEO of the Company, expressed that the Company will unwaveringly uphold its value proposition of "worry-free, time-saving, and money-saving". It will continue to deeply fathom user needs, enhance its array of products and services, and ardently contribute to the nation's health industry in alignment with the "Healthy China" initiative.

About Ping An Healthcare And Technology Company Limited

Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited ("Ping An Good Doctor" or "Ping An Health"; Stock Code: 1833.HK), is an integral part of Ping An's managed care services system and also the flagship platform of the Group's healthcare ecosystem.

With its extensive payer resources, comprehensive supplier network, leading services and strong eco-system, Ping An Health has established a unique business model based on managed care + family doctor membership + O2O healthcare services. At present, the Company has become a professional, comprehensive, high-quality and one-stop corporate health management service provider.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193587/Ping_An_Health_Announces_2023_Interim_Results.jpg

SOURCE Ping An Healthcare and Technology Company Limited
Funds habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk

MERIDEN, Conn., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Planet Financial Group, a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions, has renewed for a fifth year its partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), the official nonprofit partner of the U.S. Forest Service. Through the partnership, Planet will have funded the planting of more than a quarter-million trees in our National Forests.

Planet With a Purpose logo

"Our Planet With a Purpose platform supports organizations and initiatives that share our global perspective and sense of purpose," said Planet Financial Group CEO and President Michael Dubeck. "Every day, we strive for a better home, a better community and a better Planet. That's why we are proud to renew our partnership with the NFF, which leads forest conservation efforts essential to the environment and health of the planet."

Planet's support includes funding native habitat restorations, post-fire planting and reduction of wildfire risk through sustainable forest management.

As a partner and supporter of the NFF, Planet will fund the planting of 75,000 trees in National Forests across the Gifford Pinchot, Lincoln, and Mississippi national forests in Washington, New Mexico and Mississippi, respectively.

"Working via our Planet With a Purpose ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) Platform, we pass on our success by sustaining initiatives that restore and enrich our planet," Dubeck added. "We're honored to continue this journey with NFF and make a positive impact on our shared national forests."

"We are extremely pleased to receive support from environmentally conscious companies that prioritize the health of our environment," said Mindy Crowell, Director of Reforestation Partnerships at NFF. "Planet continues to show its dedication and support in restoring and improving our shared national forests."

About Planet Financial Group, LLC

Planet Financial Group, LLC, Meriden, Connecticut, is a fully integrated family of companies delivering innovative origination, servicing and asset management solutions. Through this synergistic ecosystem of products, services and technologies, PFG provides best-in-class experiences for investors pursuing value maximization and borrowers seeking streamlined end-to-end loan lifecycle support. PFG is the parent of Planet Home Lending, LLC and Planet Management Group, LLC, which also does business under the name Planet Renovation Capital.

About the National Forest Foundation

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) promotes the enhancement and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. By directly engaging Americans and leveraging private and public funding, the NFF improves forest health and Americans' outdoor experiences. The NFF's programs inform millions of Americans about the importance of these treasured landscapes. Each year, the NFF restores fish and wildlife habitats, plants trees in areas affected by fires, insects and disease, improves recreational opportunities and enables communities to steward their National Forests and Grasslands. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org.

Press Contact

Dona DeZube

Vice President, Communications

Planet Home Lending

[email protected]

(443) 263-2832

SOURCE Planet Financial Group
Together, the Organizations Aim to Assist Nearly 300,000 Children Living in Underserved Dallas Communities

DALLAS, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PM Pediatric Care , a national pediatric healthcare leader boasting the largest specialized pediatric urgent care network in the U.S., is joining forces with Amerigroup Texas to launch a Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) screening program in five of its Dallas Children's Health PM Pediatric Urgent Care locations.

This innovative, tech-driven program has potential to reach roughly 300,000 children across the Dallas-Ft. Worth area who may be at risk for hunger and food insecurity, housing instability, and childcare concerns. It aims to fill the resource gap by connecting families in need with social service agencies, nonprofit groups, providers and others that can help address those needs, while at the same time supporting families' acute care needs while in the urgent care office.

"Serving local children and families is at the heart of PM Pediatric Care's mission, and we're hopeful the introduction of this screening program will continue to drive that mission forward," said David Mathison, MD, MBA, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations at PM Pediatric Care. "Our commitment to the Dallas-Fort Worth community is to provide a safe, trusted space for acute medical care, as well as support for those who need additional resources."

"Amerigroup Texas is deeply invested in improving the health of Texans. We're grateful and excited to use our systems and technology to address the key issues that drive health," said Greg Thompson, President of Amerigroup Texas, one of the largest managed care organizations in the state, with more than a million Texas members. "We must redefine health  taking a more holistic approach that looks at the whole person and their unique lives and circumstances. This program represents a powerful step in that direction."

Through the program, patients at the Dallas Children's Health PM Pediatric Urgent Care centers will be evaluated using the nationally recognized PRAPARE tool. This tool screens children and families for key health drivers such as food insecurity; homelessness and housing instability; challenges affording rent or paying utilities; trouble accessing childcare, transportation, or primary care; and other factors that shape someone's physical, mental and behavioral health.

The screenings take place on iPads issued by Amerigroup. This allows for easy data collection and the ability to connect families with community organizations and service providers, using Amerigroup's Community Resource Link. Amerigroup case managers will then work with participating families to help them address needs and access resources.

So far, the program has screened 1,000 families and connected more than 300 families to needed resources.

Children's Health PM Pediatric Care Dallas Children's Main Campus is located at 5060 Southwestern Medical Ave, Ste EL200, Dallas, TX 75235. For more information about this location and PM Pediatric Care, please visit pmpediatriccare.com .

About PM Pediatric Care

Established in 2005, PM Pediatric Care is the nation's largest provider of specialized pediatric urgent care with nearly 100 locations in more than 15 states. Recognizing that there's nothing more urgent than the mental and behavioral health of today's youth, PM Pediatric Care continues to differentiate itself through its recent launch of comprehensive mental and behavioral health services to address the overwhelming rise of related conditions among the pediatric and adolescent population. PM Pediatric Care is a recognized thought leader in the field of pediatric medicine and is a 10-time honoree to Inc.'s 500|5000 list of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. For more information about PM Pediatric Care, visit pmpediatriccare.com .

About Amerigroup Texas:

Amerigroup Texas helps improve healthcare access and quality for more than a million Texans by developing innovative care management programs and services. Members are assured care that is not only accessible, but also accountable, comprehensive, integrated and patient-centered. Amerigroup Texas provides ongoing community relations and outreach to encourage members to become active participants in their healthcare. Through health education programs, members are empowered to choose and sustain a healthy lifestyle. For more information about Amerigroup Texas, visit www.myamerigroup.com/tx . To learn more about our work, visit https://blog.myamerigroup.com/working-in-texas , and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact:

Sami Delavari

The Narrative Group

818.687.7380

[email protected]

SOURCE PM Pediatric Care
SAN DIEGO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, PrecisePK announces the celebration of the 30th anniversary of its partnership with UC San Diego Health. This decades-long initiative has proven the success of using Bayesian precision dosing to improve patient outcomes. With other UC hospitals joining, PrecisePK is delivering state-of-the-art Bayesian therapeutic drug monitoring technology to a total of 9 prominent sites.

PrecisePK was first developed in 1986 as T.D.M.S 2000 by a group of pioneers in pharmacology and computer science. Driven by the foresight and ambition to improve clinical drug dosing practice with Bayesian-method individualized treatment, the academia-born program quickly moved on to its next significant phase. In 1987, PrecisePK began its beta-testing through the Applied Pharmacokinetics Service at UCSD Medical Center and Rady Children's Hospital.

PrecisePK and UCSD Health mark 30 years of partnership in vancomycin AUC precision dosing, leading others to follow. Post this

Over the years, PrecisePK grew from an academic project to a now industry-leading and globally deployed clinical decision support software. It has developed various intuitive features that are tailored to the clinicians' user journey. Advanced analytics such as Therapeutic Target and AKI Status further allows hospitals to manage patient safety with data-driven individualized dosing.

In 2020, a new guideline regarding the dosing of vancomycin was established; of which the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists stated that the trough-based vancomycin dosing is no longer recommended. The new preferred method for therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin for serious methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections is the area under the curve (AUC), specifically "daily AUC values (assuming a MIC BMD of 1 mg/L) should be maintained between 400 and 600 mgh/L to maximize efficacy and minimize the likelihood of AKI, calculated through the Bayesian method." The guideline also acknowledges that "it has been cumbersome to estimate AUC in the clinical setting in the past," yet scholars have "demonstrated that Bayesian software programs (refer to Therapeutic Monitoring section) can be used to generate accurate and reliable estimates of the daily AUC values with trough-only PK sampling." During this time of change, PrecisePK was readily there to assist large and small hospitals transitioning to vancomycin AUC-based method with the most advanced and practical tools beyond the AUC calculator.

In addition to the success of clinical optimization of vancomycin use, some UC sites are further extending the use of model-informed precision dosing in aminoglycosides, oncology, and organ transplant, specifically with the use of drugs like busulfan and tacrolimus. With research-derived data on patient pharmacokinetics, the software expedites the clinical ability to predict what dosing regimen will work best for individual patients. This initiative holds the promise of enhancing safety in oncology treatments and improving the overall survival rates of cancer patients.

PrecisePK takes immense pride in celebrating three decades of achievements and looks forward to forthcoming partnerships that are stepping stones toward a future where medical treatments are truly personalized. By forging new partnerships and enhancing existing ones, the company remains dedicated to maximizing patient safety, optimizing drug efficiency, and ultimately improving care quality around the world.

About PrecisePK

PrecisePK is an industry-leading clinical decision support tool for therapeutic drug monitoring using Bayesian model-informed precision dosing. By leveraging real-time bedside assistance in drug dosing, therapeutic analytics, local populations model, AKI predictor , and other resources, the software is designed to streamline the work necessary to achieve individualized treatment and safeguard patient care, at the point of care. In addition to its robust vancomycin AUC calculator , PrecisePK offers a wide array of drug modules that aid in the workflow of infectious diseases as well as several other therapeutic areas including neurology, oncology, cardiology, and pulmonology. With an ever-increasing number of global partners, PrecisePK shows an unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare.

Visit PrecisePK's website for a free trial.

About UC San Diego Health

For decades, UC San Diego Health and its schools of medicine and pharmacy have been advancing medicine through breakthrough discoveries  including pioneering firsts in surgery, imaging, cancer treatment, and cardiovascular care. UCSD's academic health system serves as a primary teaching site for UC San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences IPPE and APPE students, UC San Diego School of Medicine students, and other professional programs in the health sciences.

Media Contact

Christy Xie

[email protected]

SOURCE PrecisePK
Ninth Annual Fall Market at Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, NY Showcases 275+ Makers, Live Music, Local Fare & More

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Field + Supply, renowned, modern maker fair, today announced the Fall MRKT will return to Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, New York October 6-8. Founded by award-winning interior designer Brad Ford, Field + Supply is expanding its footprint to spotlight 275 makers at the upcoming Fall MRKT.

Field + Supply Fall MRKT, Hutton Brickyards, Kington, NY, October 6-8, 2023

Field + Supply's mission is to connect a global community with artisans who are stewards of traditional craftsmanship and artistic processes. A one-of-a-kind shopping experience, the Fall MRKT will showcase a wide array of product categories spanning home goods, furniture, textiles, ceramics, art, decorative accessories, apothecary, jewelry, pets and more. New for the Fall MRKT, Field + Supply's sister brand, FAIR, will offer special experiences at Hutton Hall for members of the trade.

"Field + Supply offers a unique platform for industry professionals and design enthusiasts to discover emerging trends and boutique brands," said Brad Ford, Field + Supply Founder. "Many artisans will launch new collections and offer on-site customization, creating a truly unique experience for shoppers."

The Fall MRKT will also feature a robust lineup of activations including live music, maker demos, happy hours, kid's activities, coffee tastings, jewelry workshops and more. Exclusive Field + Supply apparel, custom tote bags from Steele Canvas and accessories will be available for purchase in the F+S booth.

Single, two-day, and three-day passes start at $20 and are available for purchase at fieldandsupply.com. Guests can experience Field + Supply from 10:00 am  6:00 pm each day Friday, October 6 through Sunday, October 8, 2023, at Hutton Brickyards in Kingston, New York. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit fieldandsupply.com and @fieldandsupply on Instagram and TikTok.

About Field + Supply: Field + Supply began in 2014, as a modern interpretation of a traditional arts and crafts fair. Founded by award-winning interior designer Brad Ford, Field + Supply consists of a carefully curated selection of makershighlighting goods from a variety of studios and workshops representing a wide range of product categories. Field + Supply's mission is to connect a global community with the artisans and makers who are stewards of traditional craftsmanship and artistic processes. This multi-day experience draws visitors and makers from local, national, and international locales, and has grown to include local food purveyors, live music, interactive activations, and a host of celebratory events with designers and makers over the course of the weekend. Now in its seventh year, Field + Supply is traditionally held twice annuallyin Spring and Fallat the scenic Hutton Brickyards, located on the banks of the Hudson River in Kingston, NY.

SOURCE Field + Supply
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Following is a statement by National Press Club President Eileen O'Reilly and National Press Club Journalism Institute President Gil Klein on the decision by Russian court to extend the pretrial period for Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, for a second time.

"Our anger over Evan Gershkovich's unjust detention has been heightened over the Russian court's decision, yet again, to extend his period of pretrial detention.

"Let's be very clear  this detention just reiterates the fact that Evan's unjust detention is simply a tool being used by the Russian government to punish Evan and to try to suppress any real journalism from happening in Russia. If Russia actually had a case against Evan  as they stated in March saying he had been caught 'red handed'  the pretrial period would have quickly been over. Obviously, this has not been the case.

"The National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute call on Russia to halt Evan's unjust detention and immediately release him from this sham of a trial without conditions. Evan Gershkovich is a well-respected journalist credentialed by Russia and other countries. Journalism is not a crime."

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. With 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization, the Club is a leading voice for press freedom worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an independent and free press, and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. The Institute is the non-profit arm of the National Press Club.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534 for the National Press Club

SOURCE National Press Club
Boston-based nonprofit helps address digital inequity

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 10 employees from QBE North America partnered with the nonprofit Tech Goes Home to deliver a free educational webinar on Internet safety. Members of QBE's Technology Service team, including Jacob Thampi, Head of Cyber Security Consulting and Taleen Armen, Head of IT Operations, hosted and served as panelists for the "Be Safe Online" webinar.

Now in its third year, the QBE Foundation's support of Tech Goes Home has helped further their efforts to provide residents from historically underserved communities in Massachusetts with the tools, skills and support to overcome barriers to digital access and advance their lives, including providing access to digital devices, network connectivity and robust training in how to utilize digital resources. "Support from partners like QBE North America enables us to better serve communities across Massachusetts, helping provide individuals and families the tools and knowledge to succeed in this digital world," said Dan Noyes, CEO of Tech Goes Home.

QBE also donated gently used computers for use by Tech Goes Home partners. QBE Executive Sponsor and Head of Specialty and Residential Insurance, Steve Gransbury, commented, "QBE is focused on creating resilient and inclusive communities. We appreciate the opportunity to help further Tech Goes Home's vision for digital equity."

About QBE North America

QBE North America is a global insurance leader helping customers solve unique risks, so they can stay focused on their future. Part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, QBE North America reported Gross Written Premiums in the first half of 2023 of $5 billion. QBE Insurance Group's results can be found at qbe.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 27 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business primarily through its insurance company subsidiaries. The actual terms and conditions of any insurance coverage are subject to the language of the policies as issued. QBE insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard & Poor's. Additional information can be found at qbe.com/us or follow QBE North America on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Tech Goes Home

Tech Goes Home is a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the digital inequities that pose a significant barrier to opportunity and success for thousands of students, workers, and families in Greater Boston and beyond. Working in partnership with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, Tech Goes Home provides curated support - including access to digital devices, network connectivity, and robust training in how to utilize digital resources - to help individuals and families pursue economic mobility, support academic achievement, access critical resources, and engage with their community and loved ones. You can learn more about Tech Goes Home's work, and ways to become involved, at techgoeshome.org.

SOURCE QBE North America
Quantron AG reports cumulative order intake of 20 million Euro for the first seven months of the year

for the first seven months of the year Order backlog and customer approved funding requests cumulatively exceed 100 million Euro

QUANTRON expands with the foundation of Quantron Italy S. r . l . and now has partners and affiliate offices in eight countries in Europe , Middle East , India & USA

Quantron r l QUANTRON and GTL establish a joint venture called ROQIT with locations in Augsburg ( GER ) and Hyderabad ( IND ) to build a digital transaction platform for the needs of zero emission fleets

AUGSBURG, Germany, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantron AG, specialist for sustainable passenger and goods transport, has successfully completed the second quarter of 2023. Given the rapid developments in the industry and the increasing international demand for zero-emission mobility solutions, the clean tech company is confident of achieving its growth targets.

In the first seven months of the year, the company recorded an order intake of 20 million Euro and an order backlog and approved funding applications at customers of cumulatively more than 100 million Euro.

Hydrogen-electric heavy-duty truck QUANTRON QHM FCEV AERO (PRNewsfoto/Quantron AG)

Foundation of Quantron Italy S.r.l

At the end of May, QUANTRON announced the acquisition of EYES Group s.r.l. from FRIEM S.p.A. and the establishment of Quantron Italy S.r.l.. Quantron Italy is based in Milan, where the initial focus will be on zero-emission vehicles for the last mile and buses. It has already delivered four all-electric minibuses to municipalities on the island of Elba and won a tender for 6 electric city buses in Turin. Managing Director of Quantron Italy is Fabrizio Simoni, a automotive executive with more than 20 years of experience in international organisations

Quantron USA at ACT Expo in California

At the largest trade show for climate-friendly commercial vehicles in the U.S. - the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) show in Anaheim, California - the U.S. subsidiary Quantron USA, Inc. presented for the first time its concept for the U.S. market as well as the first prototype of its hydrogen-electric Class 8 truck. At the start of production, QUANTRON anticipates an unprecedented range for vehicles in this class in the U.S. of approximately 750 to 850 miles with a tank capacity of 100 kg of hydrogen. QUANTRON thus offers a real alternative to diesel-powered heavy trucks in the USA. The truck will be developed and manufactured at the US site in Michigan, near Detroit.

Reinforcement in QUANTRON management and supervisory board

Beate Reimann has taken over the position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Quantron AG as of July 1st 2023 and will specifically support the company in the launched B-financing round together with STIFEL Investment Bank. She brings over 20 years of experience in leading international finance organizations as well as a proven track record in delivering financial results. She will play an important role in preparing Quantron AG for its capital market and IPO.

In addition, Mohamed Oun, Head of Accounting and Finance at Mesientos Limited - a subsidiary of Oilinvest B.V., was elected to the Supervisory Board of Quantron AG. He replaces Robert Schable, who is leaving the Supervisory Board at his own request. Mesientos Limited is an investment arm of the Oilinvest Group, which operates around 2,450 service stations in Europe through its subsidiary Tamoil.

Greentech Festival Berlin: QUANTRON and GTL present ROQIT

Together with Goldstone Technologies (GTL), a leading listed Indian company for business intelligence and IT services, Quantron AG entered into a joint venture under the name ROQIT. The aim of the joint venture is to develop a digital transaction platform as the digital backbone of Quantron-as-a-Service (QaaS).

In addition, AI-supported software solutions are being developed for the rapidly ramping up zero-emission fleet management market, which can be used independently of manufacturers. The integrated platform was first presented at the Greentech Festival in Berlin in May. It is composed of five digital pillars: Fleet Management, Insurance-as-a-Service, Hydrogen Economy, Greenhouse Gas Balancing (GHG Quotas) and Data Insights.

During his visit to QUANTRON's booth during the Greentech Festival, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner emphasized the importance of sustainable innovations and was enthusiastic about QUANTRON's broad portfolio, which includes both battery and hydrogen-electric drives: "I am committed to technology openness in Germany and Europe. As you probably know, we focus on battery electric vehicles, but there are also alternatives. I think there are different use cases and that's why we need a diversity of technologies."

Full-year 2023 outlook

Michael Perschke, CEO: "The year 2023 is our transformation year and is marked by the ramp-up of our QUANTRON QLI FCEV and our QUANTRON QHM FCEV AERO trucks- our 2 flagship Fuel Cell products that we developed together with Ballard Power. We are executing excellently on this challenge and plan to deliver as many as 25-40 Fuel Cell vehicles to our customers this year. In addition, we are in the middle of our B-round of financing and have already been able to sign various "Registration of Interest" and MoUs. The B round will secure our scaling beyond 2024. We will use the proceeds for our "Hydrogen Offensive" and are proud that partners like Ballard Power, Fund 4 Sustainability and NEUMAN ESSER Group support our strategy and are part of our ecosystem. We will announce another investor in early September."

Andreas Haller, Chairman: "On July 15, 2023 we celebrated the 4th birthday of Quantron AG and I am proud of what we as a team have achieved so far. We can now call ourselves the technology market leader in hydrogen powered fuel cell trucks and I am proud of the QUANTRON team and our global partnerships."

About Quantron AG

Quantron AG is a platform provider and specialist in sustainable mobility for people and goods; in particular ,for trucks, buses and vans with all-electric drive trains and H 2 fuel cell technology. As a high-tech spin-off of the renowned Haller KG, the Augsburg/Bavaria-based company combines more than 140 years of commercial vehicle experience with the very latest e-mobility know-how, and positions itself globally as a partner to existing OEMs.

With the Quantron-as-a-Service Ecosystem (QaaS), QUANTRON offers an overall concept that includes all facets of the mobility value-added chain: QUANTRON INSIDE includes a wide range of new vehicles as well as conversions for existing and used vehicles from diesel to battery and hydrogen-electric drives with the highly innovative QUANTRON INSIDE technology. With a Europe-wide network of 700 service partners,QUANTRON CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS guarantees digital and physical after-sales solutions along with a range of services for maintenance, repairs and spare parts, telematics and in-cloud solutions for remote diagnosis and fleet management. Customers receive individual advice on, among other things, tailored charging and tank solutions, rental, financing and leasing offers. Training courses and workshops are also offered in the QUANTRON Academy. In future, QUANTRON ENERGY & POWER STATIONS will realise the production of green hydrogen and electricity as a platform. To this end, Quantron AG has teamed up with a number of strong global partners. At the same time, this Clean Transportation Alliance is also an important building block for supplying vehicles with the required green charging and H2 tank infrastructure.

QUANTRON stands for the core values RELIABLE, ENERGETIC, BRAVE . The team of experts at the innovation driver for e-mobility is making a significant contribution to sustainable, environmentally friendly passenger and freight transport.

Visit Quantron AG on our social media channels on LinkedIn and YouTube . More informationen available at www.quantron.net

Contact:

Quantron AG

Koblenzer Strae 2, 86368 Gersthofen, Germany

Tel: +49 (0)821-789840-0

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.quantron.net

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193523/Quantron_AG.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2103039/4237345/Quantron_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Quantron AG
The Constitutional Court of the Central African Republic, or CAR, has validated the results of the July 30 constitutional referendum. According to the Court, 95.3 percent of the votes were cast in favor of the referendum, with a turnout of just over 57 percent. Opponents of the party in power say the turnout was much lower. Political challengers and some civil society groups had called for a boycott of the referendum.

Among other changes, the new constitution, which was proposed by CAR President Faustin Archange Touadera last year, extends the presidential term from five to seven years and does away with the two-term limit for presidents. Touaderas opponents have denounced the provision, saying it creates a life presidency for Touadera.

In a statement, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the change in CARs rules for the presidency undercuts the countrys democratic governance.

We believe that regular peaceful transitions of power yield strong institutions and more stable and prosperous countries, he wrote. The United States notes with deep reservations reports of low voter participation and concerns over the secrecy of the ballot. Free and fair elections, with inclusive electoral processes are essential for any democracy.

CAR President Touadera was first elected to the countrys top office in 2016 in an election which international observers deemed free and fair. The election occurred after the former president, Francois Bozize, was ousted in 2013, and competing armed groups intensified their fighting with devastating results for the civilian population. In 2019 the CAR government signed a peace and reconciliation agreement with 14 armed groups. Violence in the country, however, increased again in the run-up to the 2020 presidential race, which ended with the reelection of President Touadera. Conflict and violence continued.

Now the goal for an end to the fighting in CAR and for true democratic governance in one of Africas poorest and most strife-filled countries seems to be receding. That goal must be upheld, not undermined.

In his statement, Spokesperson Miller called on the CAR government to announce a date for local elections in which all Central Africans can express their views at the ballot box. The United States, he said, stresses the importance of all stakeholders in CAR, including the government, political opposition, and civil society to engage in the countrys electoral processes transparently, constructively, and peacefully.
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantzig, a global leader in data analytics and consulting services, helped a leading manufacturing industry located in the USA to revolutionize its operations through business process automation. The strategic partnership aimed to address the challenges faced by the client and drive unprecedented growth and efficiency through automating business processes.

The client is a prominent player in the USA manufacturing sector, renowned for its innovative solutions and global reach. As their operations expanded, they grappled with the challenges posed by manual data handling, compliance issues, and resource constraints. Manual data handling required valuable time and resources, leading to potential data discrepancies and compliance risks. As a result, compliance with regulations and industry standards became more difficult to achieve, potentially leading to legal and operational consequences.

Quantzig conducted structured end-user discussions to quickly discover process inefficiencies and collaboration automation opportunities. Through this, we created a solution blueprint to improve each business process. Our team created custom-built automation applications such as demand planning automation, NLP, and OCR-based invoice data flow and setup alert and workflow automation so that collaboration becomes easier. Besides, we automated the data gathering through Excel and emails, automated the QC and data transformation processes, and created a simple UI to standardize the processes across the globe.

The above initiatives resulted in:

40% improvement in process completion time

100% data and process compliance

60% improvement in workforce productivity

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.

SOURCE Quantzig
CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 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. 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 addressed POLA ORBIS's immediate operational challenges and enhanced order fulfillment precision, minimizing transportation downtime, and boosting overall productivity in their warehouse operations.

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 300kg to 600kg, 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.

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.

For more information, visit: https://www.forwardx.com/

SOURCE ForwardX Robotics
DUBLIN, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Life and Non-Life Insurance Market in Singapore - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Life and Non-Life Insurance Market in Singapore is expected to achieve a CAGR of 4% during the forecast period. The stringent lockdown measures imposed by the government to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a decline of economic activity in the country.

As a result, Singapore's economy was down by 13.2% in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the same period the previous year. Subsequently, the life insurance business, which recorded SGD 1.66 billion (USD 1.24 billion) in weighted new business premiums during H12020, declined by 13% compared to the same period in 2019.



Singapore's life insurance industry recorded a total of SGD 4.38 billion (USD 3.27 billion) in weighted new business premiums for year-to-date 4Q2020, a positive 3% growth, compared to 2019.

There was a rebound in the second half of the year after the initial fallout from COVID-19, which affected policy uptake significantly in the second quarter of the year. The uptake of new policies purchased online saw a significant increase to 206,679 in 2020 compared to 9,971 in 2019. The life insurance industry will continue to accelerate its digital transformation efforts and upskill the future workforce.



Overall, the industry recorded a total of SGD 2.99 billion in weighted new business premiums for year-to-date 3Q2020, a decline of 2% from the same period in 2019.

However, there was a notable 90.6% increase in new business premiums recorded in 3Q2020 compared to 2Q2020. In 2020, motor insurance gross premiums written amounted to SGD 1.13 billion (USD 0.84 billion). The COVID-19 pandemic heightened the awareness about adequate protection and compelled consumers to prioritize health insurance even more during the pandemic.

The health insurance segment recorded SGD 692.7 million (USD 517.6 million) in gross written premiums for the financial year, a 3.9% increase compared to the previous year, with underwriting profit at SGD 17.9 million (USD 13.4 million). Property insurance observed a 10% increase, or SGD 591.8 million (USD 442.2 million), in gross written premiums and recorded an underwriting profit of SGD 43.7 million in 2020. In 2019, the segment saw SGD 538 million (USD 401.1 million) in gross written premiums and noted an underwriting loss of SGD 22.4 million (USD 16.7 million).

On overall total life insurance gross written premiums is increased from SGD 40,888 million (USD 30,550.9 million) in 2020 to SGD 48,141 million (USD 37,950.3 million) in 2021 and same increase carried in non-life gross written premiums from SGD 4,364 million (USD 3,260.7 million) to SGD 4,712 million (USD 3,520.7 million).

Figures reported by the sector can be attributed to downward adjustments in market capacity and the impact of changing rates.



Singapore Life & Non-Life Insurance Market Trends

Increase in GDP Per Capita of the Finance and Insurance Industry is Anticipated to Drive the Market



GDP per capita is a very important indicator of the economic strength of a country, and a positive change is an indicator of economic growth.

The per capita income of the country has increased in recent years and is expected to continue during the forecast period. In 2021, growth in the finance and insurance sector was 4% Y-o-Y. The sector's strong performance was largely due to healthy expansions in the banking and insurance segments.



Recovery in Underwriting Profit in Motor Vehicle Insurance



In 2020, motor insurers made a stunning turnaround to record an underwriting profit of almost USD 77.55 million, up from a loss of USD 12.94 million.

Motor and travel claims decreased in 2020 following an improvement in the overall road traffic situation during the COVID-19 pandemic and the suspension of key activities in air travel. In 2021, motor insurance recorded an underwriting profit of USD 36.88 million, from USD 77.55 million in 2020. Although it posted a 2.7% year-on-year increase in gross written premiums to USD 0.85 billion in 2021, total claims paid out also rose 8.3% as more activities resumed and injuries due to road accidents increased.



Singapore Life & Non-Life Insurance Market Competitor Analysis



The report covers the major players operating in the life and non-life insurance market in Singapore. The market is fragmented, and it is expected to grow during the forecast period due to the recovering economy and many other factors.

Companies such as Aon Singapore Pte Ltd., Swiss Life (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd., AIA Singapore Pte Ltd., among others have a significant presence in the Singapore life and non-life insurance market.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Aon Singapore Pte Ltd

MSIG Insurance ( Singapore ) Pte Ltd

) Pte Ltd Swiss Life ( Singapore ) Pte Ltd

) Pte Ltd Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd

AIA Singapore Private Limited

The Great Eastern Life Assurance Company Limited

Aviva Ltd

Swiss Re Asia Pte Ltd

SCOR Services Asia-Pacific Pte Ltd

Liberty Insurance Pte Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/mz5ygv

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
Unit Delivers Exceptional Performance with Strong Processing Power for Maximum User Experience

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- RuggON, an international maker of ruggedized mobile solutions, announced today that its 10" SOL PA501 Rugged Tablet is now available with Android 12 and GMS certified. Android 12 features a reimagined UI, new privacy features designed for user safety, and more seamless ways to immediately get down to business, whatever the environment a user has to work in. Its GMS certification is Google's stamp of approval that the unit meets all the specifications and requirements Google recommends.

The RuggON SOL PA501 rugged tablet features Android 12, GMS Certification and delivers exceptional performance in the harshest environments.

"RuggON is proud that the SOL PA501 is the industry's forerunner of things to come in the rugged Android tablet market," stated Tom Wang, RuggON North America's CEO. "Adding the Android 12 operating system along with Google GMS certification to the unit's purpose-built adaptability further strengthens its ability to fit into virtually any role in any industry requiring an up-to-date, engineered, and built rugged mobile computing device."

Extremely Rugged

The SOL PA501 is designed and built to withstand abuse. No matter how severe! It meets or surpasses IP65, MIL-STD-810G, and MIL-STD-461G (for controlling electromagnetic interference characteristics of subsystems and equipment used in military programs and applications) criteria. This tough design saves companies from spending money and experiencing downtime having devices repaired or replaced. Its GMS certification meeting stringent enterprise-focused requirements adds an extra level of quality assurance.

Increased Battery Life and Optimization

The SOL PA501 with Android 12 improves battery optimization to extend battery life, even reducing multiple battery swaps. Operators can complete missions more efficiently in shorter periods of time. It has long-lasting power for all-day undertakings including field operations, drone/UAV operators, and other applications requiring extended battery life.

Enhanced Privacy and Security Levels

Military members, public safety officials, EMS personnel, and workers in many other fields often handle confidential information. Thanks to Android 12, the RuggON SOL PA501 rugged tablet provides improved privacy settings and enhanced security features to protect sensitive data, effectively reducing the risk of data loss or hacking.

Unparalleled Connectivity

With a wide range of connectivity capabilities  including 802.11 ac with 2X2 MU-MIMO, Bluetooth 5.0, and 4G LTE  the PA501 with Android 12 guarantees seamless connectivity while enhancing Wi-Fi performance and faster network switching to reduce transmission latency. Among the chief beneficiaries are warehouse workers, as it allows them to return scanned product information to data centers instantly.

Customizable UI to Optimize Workflow

With Android 12, the SOL PA501 rugged tablet offers numerous user interface customization options. Such options simplify and optimize the workflow of agricultural and utility workers, law enforcement officers, and many others, as relevant information may be accessed quickly, completing tasks faster.

Availability

RuggON SOL PA501 rugged tablet is available through authorized distributors across the U.S. For details, call (213) 269 4168 or email: [email protected].

About RuggON

With decades of ruggedized mobile solution expertise, RuggON strives to improve mobile productivity in harsh environments. A committed engineering team delivers devices of exceptional value and quality that improve user experience. The company is dedicated to understanding the various demands of different industries in order to provide application-oriented, tailored solutions that are efficient and effective. RuggON is committed to higher standards to achieve customer satisfaction. It prides itself on providing endless possibilities today to meet the demands of tomorrow. For more information, visit www.ruggon.com.

PR Contact:

Rita Lee

MegaHertz PR

T: 949-994-2052

E: [email protected]

All products/services and trademarks mentioned in this release are the properties of their respective companies.

 2023 RuggON. All rights reserved.

SOURCE RuggON
- Distinguished industry leaders with extensive track records in quality assurance and regulatory affairs join Samsung Biologics to support the company's quality-driven business operation.

INCHEON, South Korea, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS), a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced the appointments of Gail Ward as Executive Vice President and Head of the Quality Center, and Sojeong Lee as Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs.

A seasoned pharmaceutical executive, Ward has almost four decades of extensive quality experience in both large pharmaceutical companies and entrepreneurial biotech companies. Prior to joining Samsung Biologics, Ward served as Head of Quality at ProKidney Corporation, a late clinical-stage biotech company specializing in treatments for chronic kidney disease. Her experience also includes quality assurance leadership roles at Celltrion, and senior positions at Diosynth RTP and Biogen.

Samsung Biologics also appointed Sojeong Lee as the Vice President and Head of Regulatory Affairs to oversee and manage the company's response to and relationship with global regulatory agencies. Prior to this role, Lee served as the Regulatory Affairs Director at GlaxoSmithKline in Korea.

About Samsung Biologics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Biologics (KRX: 207940.KS) is a fully integrated, end-to-end CDMO service provider, offering seamless development and manufacturing solutions from cell line development to final aseptic fill/finish as well as laboratory testing support for the biopharmaceutical products we manufacture. Our state-of-the-art facilities are cGMP compliant with bioreactors ranging from small to large scales to serve varying client needs. To maximize our operational efficiency and expand our capabilities in response to growing biomanufacturing demands, Samsung Biologics fully completed Plant 4, which will further advance the company's standing as the world's largest manufacturing facility at a single siteholding a 604KL total capacityand announced plans to construct Plant 5, which will be operational in April 2025. Additionally, Samsung Biologics America enables the company to work in closer proximity to clients based in the U.S. and Europe. We continue to expand our capabilities to accommodate our clients by investing in technologies such as an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) facility, a dedicated mRNA manufacturing facility, and additional aseptic filling capacity. As a sustainable CDMO partner of choice, we are committed to on-time, in-full delivery of the products with our flexible development and manufacturing solutions, operational excellence, and proven expertise.

Samsung Biologics Contact

Claire Kim

Head of Marketing Communication

[email protected]

SOURCE Samsung Biologics
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ --

This summer the Jeep brand and partner Jeep Jamboree celebrate 70 years of extreme off-roading on one of the most difficult off-road terrain in the world, the Rubicon Trail. This iconic location is a testbed for Jeep 4x4 vehicle validation, the inspiration for the brands most capable model  the legendary Jeep Wrangler  and a lifestyle symbol of open air, off-roading adventures.

Jeep brand and Jeep Jamboree celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Rubicon Trail

New video celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Rubicon Trail takes enthusiasts along for the ultimate trail ride

In the 70 years since Jeep 4x4s first started crossing the Rubicon Trail, off-road adventuring has become a lifestyle for passionate Jeep SUV owners across the globe

The Rubicon Trail is located in northern California , near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This world-renowned four-wheel drive covers a total distance of approximately 22 miles with elevations that run from approximately 5,400 feet to more than 7,000 feet (approximately 1,646 meters to more than 2,134 meters)

, near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This world-renowned four-wheel drive covers a total distance of approximately 22 miles with elevations that run from approximately 5,400 feet to more than 7,000 feet (approximately 1,646 meters to more than 2,134 meters) This summer, 450 Jeep enthusiasts and their families and friends, driving a total of 125 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, celebrated the Rubicon Trail's seven-decade anniversary

Jeep Jamboree operates more than 40 Jeep Jamborees annually and continues to expand, this year launching two trips to Iceland that are taking place this month

The Jeep brand and Jeep Jamboree are celebrating 70 years of extreme off-roading adventure this summer. Since 1953, the Rubicon Trail, known as one of the most difficult off-road trails in the world, has been a lifestyle symbol of Jeep 4x4 off-road adventuring for the Jeep community.

This summer, 450 Jeep enthusiasts and their families and friends, driving a total of 125 Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, celebrated with a special event on the Rubicon Trail's seven-decade anniversary by living the off-road adventure of dreams and, in the process, proving that their stock Jeep vehicles can tackle the impossible, drive off the trail and get them back home. A new video posted on the Jeep brand's YouTube channel gives a taste of the adventure. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=efXiOxXrf_s&t=5s

"For more than 80 years, the Jeep brand community has defined the Jeep brand and, for 70 of those years, the Rubicon Trail has been heralded by the community as one of the toughest off-road trails in the world, which combined with its beauty has put the Rubicon Trail on every Jeep 4x4 customer's bucket list," said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. "Conquering the Rubicon Trail is tangible proof that these Jeep vehicles can literally go anywhere and do anything. As you can see in the video, Jeep 4xe vehicles demonstrate how we continue to push the envelope as we develop our next generation of electrified Jeep 4xe vehicles that can take 4x4 capability to the next level and conquer the seemingly impossible."

The mighty Rubicon Trail is located in northern California, near Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. This world-renowned 4x4 playground spans approximately 22 miles of the toughest off-road terrain on the planet  terrain that Jeep Trail Rated 4x4 vehicles are designed and built to overcome. Jeep Jamboree covers 17.5 miles of the toughest terrain on its trail rides. Elevations on the trail range from approximately 5,400 feet to more than 7,000 feet (approximately 1,646 meters to more than 2,134 meters). Today, the Rubicon is widely recognized as the premiere off-road vehicle route in the United States.

"In 1953, when Mark Smith organized the first Jeep Jamboree with 55 Willys and voyaged across the Sierra Nevada Mountains by way of the Rubicon Trail, off-road recreation was born," said Pearse Umlauf, president and CEO of Jeep Jamboree. "The following year, Willys Motors  then manufacturer of Jeep vehicles  became involved with the adventure, and Jeep Jamborees have been an off-road tradition ever since and continue to grow. Most recently, we've seen a huge surge of interest, especially after the COVID pandemic, with a tremendous demand from people who want to experience their Jeep vehicles in open-air freedom."

Jeep brand engineers have long used the Rubicon Trail to develop and test its most capable SUVs, including the Jeep Wrangler. Adorned with the legendary Rubicon Trail name, the Wrangler Rubicon took the industry by storm in the summer of 2002. The iconic Rubicon model, inspired by the enthusiasts who dreamt about it and often tried to build one of their own, became available to order straight from the factory, not to mention with a warranty. It was equipped with options unheard of at the time and not available on any production Jeep SUV, including Dana 44 axles, front and rear lockers, disconnecting sway bar, rock rails, oversized 31-inch mud-terrain tires and wheel flares, to truly take off-roading to the next level.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon continues to be a "proof of concept" for the Jeep brand, where lessons learned from iconic off-road locations like Rubicon Trail and where feedback gleaned from enthusiasts and Jeep brand loyalists continue to push the brand and the entire Jeep lineup forward. Earlier this year, the Jeep brand celebrated with a special 20th Anniversary Edition, revealed at the 2023 Chicago Auto Show.

Jeep Jamboree

Jeep Jamborees are off-road adventure weekends that bring together the outdoors, down-to-earth people and their Jeep 4x4s. These off-road treks have a long tradition dating back to 1953 when 4x4 pioneer Mark A. Smith organized the first Jeep Jamboree and voyaged across the Sierra Nevada Mountains by way of the old Rubicon Trail. In 1954, Willys Motors, then manufacturer of Jeep vehicles, became involved with the adventure, and Jeep Jamborees have been an off-road tradition ever since. Jeep Jamboree operates more than 40 events annually and continues to expand, this year launching two trips to Iceland.

Jeep Brand

Built on more than 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV brand that delivers legendary off-road capability, interior refinement, high-tech features and versatility to people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a broad portfolio of vehicles that continues to provide owners with a sense of safety and security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep 4x4 lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep brand owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support. The legendary Jeep brand's off-road capability is enhanced by a global electrification initiative that is transforming 4xe into the new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand's vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom and added 4x4 capability. All Jeep brand vehicles will offer an electrified variant by 2025.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Jeep brand: www.jeep.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/jeep

YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 18th, Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a press conference at the Shincheonji Peace Training Center in Cheongpyeong, Gyeonggi Province in South Korea under the theme of "The Path Churches in Korea Must Take, Part 2."

On August 18th, Chairman Lee Man-hee of Shincheonji Church of Jesus held a press conference.

The event followed a press conference hosted on July 19th. "This meeting is based on the saying, 'knowledge increases as people come and go in the last days,' and the key is to talk about exchange plans between Shincheonji Church of Jesus and established denominations," said a Shincheonji Church of Jesus official.

Chairman Lee personally explained the objective of Shincheonji Church of Jesus, which is taking various steps for the purpose of mutual growth and harmony with other churches. Chairman Lee also shared his will to resolve misunderstandings through dialogue.

About 180 journalists and pastors who attended the meeting had positive reactions. A pastor who signed an MOU with Shincheonji said, "Unlike general churches, Shincheonji does not use any arbitrary interpretation or commentary. It is accurate that the prophecies have fulfilled." He was convinced that "only the word of Revelation can change the corruption of the existing religious world."

Journalists and pastors questioned Chairman Lee about various issues, including the secret to Shincheonji's growth and the prophecy and reality of the Book of Revelation.

A new paradigm of word exchange between churches was also presented during the press conference, in addition to a system of ordinary saints preaching. During the conference, an 11-year-old Shincheonji Church member delivered a sermon on the subject of Matthew 13, "The Seed and the Harvest," drawing much attention.

"Recently, sermons are being delivered by ordinary saints during every Wednesday worship service at Shincheonji Church of Jesus," a Shincheonji Church of Jesus official explained. "It was prepared to show that even elementary school students can eloquently deliver sermons."

When asked about the standard of heresy and orthodoxy, Chairman Lee said, "Heresy is teaching the Word incorrectly." He added, "Established churches say that Shincheonji is heresy whenever we are mentioned. However, instead of unconditionally criticizing and slandering, they should actually take an exam or confirm using the Bible and discuss afterwards."

Chairman Lee also emphasized that religious people should unite their minds about world peace, such as the reunification of the two Koreas.

"Not only do we pray before God so that there may be peace in our world, but we also went around the global village 31 times to proclaim peace. I met with Christian pastors and spoke about religion. Religious people must also exchange hearts and minds for world peace."

For more information about Shincheonji Church of Jesus, visit scjamericas.org or email us at [email protected].

SOURCE Shincheonji Church of Jesus
Presorted First-Class Mail Stamps Highlight Engineering, Architecture

PORTLAND, Conn., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Postal Service today issued four new Presorted First-Class Mail stamps featuring striking photographs of bridges. The structures range from modern to historic, pedestrian to car-carrying, and all are important landmarks in their communities.

The Bridges stamps are intended for business mail users and are sold in self-adhesive coils of 3,000 and 10,000. Use of these stamps requires a special permit and a minimum quantity of 500 letters.

Spectacular Bridges grace stamps. Presorted First-Class Mail stamps highlight engineering, architecture.

The stamp art features four bridges completed between 1938 and 2022: the multi-span steel through arch Arrigoni Bridge connecting the Connecticut municipalities of Middletown and Portland; the S-curved cable-stayed Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge between Council Bluffs, IA, and Omaha, NE; the steel truss Skydance Bridge topped by a public sculpture in Oklahoma City; and the basket-handle twin arch Iowa-Illinois Memorial Bridge connecting Bettendorf, IA, and Moline, IL.

Bridges are among the oldest structures created by humans. In ancient times, simple slabs of stone spanned slow moving rivers. And in modern times, concrete and steel are used to cover vast distances. While the materials and designs have evolved from utilitarian structures to engineering marvels, bridges remain integral parts of American life, with over 600,000 bridges in the United States. The construction of bridges is a way to reinvigorate communities economically as well as create landmarks of regional pride. Many modern bridges are designed for use by cyclists and pedestrians as well as motorists, capturing the imagination of human possibility.

Whether simply improving transit or vibrantly lighting the night with color-changing light displays, bridges remain vital connectors drawing together people, cities and the nation.

Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, used existing photographs to design these stamps.

Postal Products

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at select Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 165 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

Contact: James McKean

[email protected]

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service
The largest U.S.-based, ultra-low-cost carrier in Colombia delivers affordable, nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Orlando (MCO)

Photos and video available HERE

MIRAMAR, Fla., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is celebrating 15 years of giving its Guests More Go between Colombia and the United States after first landing in 2008 and growing to be the largest U.S.-based, ultra-low-cost carrier in Colombia today. Spirit launched service in Bogota (BOG) and Cartagena (CTG) 15 years ago, and has since added Armenia (AXM), Barranquilla (BAQ), Cali (CLO), Medellin (MDE) and Bucaramanga (BGA) to its route map.

"Our Guests in Colombia have really embraced our low-fare, high-value model over the last 15 years, allowing us to offer even more options to travelers across the country and grow our service to seven Colombian cities," said Ted Christie, President and CEO of Spirit Airlines. "We're excited to celebrate this milestone with our Guests and local partners and look forward to continue serving our Colombian Guests and the community through the Spirit Charitable Foundation."

The Spirit Charitable Foundation today commemorated the carrier's 15th anniversary in Bogota with a $100,000 USD donation to the Mano Amiga school in Zipaquira, a nonprofit that transforms the lives of children in need through education. The Foundation has an ongoing partnership with the nonprofit and helped expand the Mano Amiga School in 2019. The Foundation also donated $15,000 USD to Club Deportivo Academia de Beisbol Hermanos Renteria in Cartagena earlier this year.

In addition to the donation, Spirit is offering limited-time anniversary fares on flights from Colombia for travel from Sept. 5 to Nov. 8, with no blackout dates.* All fares are one-way, inclusive of taxes, subject to 7-day advance purchase and are subject to availability.

Colombia Nonstop Routes Destination Frequency Anniversary Fare





Armenia (AXM)



Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 3x Weekly Starting at $193





Barranquilla (BAQ)



Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Daily Starting at $144



Bucaramanga (BGA)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 3x Weekly Starting at $161



Bogota (BOG)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Daily Starting at $207 Orlando (MCO) Daily Resuming Oct. 2023



Cali (CLO)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Daily Starting at $164



Cartagena (CTG)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) Daily Starting at $145 Orlando (MCO) 2-3xWeekly Starting at $203



Medellin (MDE)

Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 1-2x Daily Starting at $145 Orlando (MCO) Daily Starting at $191

The airline is also offering members of its Free Spirit loyalty program 1,500 bonus points on round trip flights and 750 points on one-way flights to and from Colombia.** Travel must be booked by Sept. 30 and flown by Nov. 30.

Spirit's Colombia service gives travelers easier access to visit the gateway of South America and enjoy the country's unique history, culture and cuisine. Colombia has become an increasingly popular destination for travelers in the last four years, leading to a nearly 50 percent increase in the number of Spirit's departing flights from Colombia since May 2019.

"Colombia's tourism industry is booming, and air connectivity plays a crucial role in the growing number of American tourists arriving in our country; as a matter of fact, the most visitors to Colombia are from the United States. That's why we celebrate that Spirit Airlines has been flying directly from the United States to Cartagena and Bogota for 15 years and to Cali for five years!" said Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, the promotion agency part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism of Colombia. "Due to the commitment of this key ally, each year, more Americans can visit Colombia and experience all the beauty and biodiversity of our territories".

Spirit's Elevated Guest Experience

Spirit continues its commitment to invest in the Guest, which entails a number of initiatives aimed at delivering the best value in the sky:

Spirit's Fit Fleet is one of the most fuel-efficient fleets in the industry with 24 brand-new planes planned for delivery in 2023, including eight new A321neo aircraft.

More cabin enhancements with wider seats, added cushion, new headrests, and upgrades to our unique Big Front Seat.

Fast onboard Wi-Fi that allows Guests to watch content from streaming services.

Recognition

Aviation Week Network's Air Transport World (ATW) named Spirit Airlines the Value Airline of the Year as part of the ATW 2023 Airline Industry Achievement Awards. Additionally, Spirit was also recognized for safety with the FAA's "Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence" for the fifth consecutive year.

* All fares are one-way (Colombia to U.S.), subject to 7-day advance purchase, valid for travel from 09/05/2023  11/08/2023 (no blackouts or day of week restrictions), and subject to availability.

** To qualify for Colombia's 15-year anniversary Free Spirit 1,500 or 750 Points promotion you must (i) be a Free Spirit member; (ii) book travel on a Qualifying Flight Segment. A "Qualifying Flight Segment" is a trip originating from/to AXM, BAQ, BGA, BOG, CLO, CTG, and MDE on a flight operated by Spirit Airlines and booked by 11:59PM ET on Sept. 30, 2023 with travel completed by Nov. 30, 2023. Free Spirit Bonus Points will be automatically added to your account after completing a Qualifying Flight Segment. Bonus points earned through the Colombia Anniversary Free Spirit Points promotion would offer standard Status Qualification Points (SQPs). Offer is subject to change without notice. Other restrictions and conditions may apply.

About Spirit Airlines:

Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose  like bags, seat assignments, refreshments and Wi-Fi  something we call A La Smarte. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the United States. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, making it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. We are committed to inspiring positive change in the communities where we live and work through the Spirit Charitable Foundation. Come save with us at spirit.com.

SOURCE Spirit Airlines, Inc.
The sponsorship agreement will support Planet Detroit's outreach on environmental and public health issues while providing homeowners helpful information on solar and battery storage

ROYAL OAK, Mich., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Stellar Solar, one of the most experienced solar and battery installers in Michigan and San Diego since 1998, is providing sponsorship support and educational content on solar and battery storage for Planet Detroit, the independent nonprofit local news organization whose mission is to inform and educate on environment and public health issues in Detroit and Michigan. Given the heightened profile of both solar and battery storage in Michigan due to the extension of the 30% tax credit for both solar and batteries, the electrification of the auto industry, and the proliferation of battery production in Michigan, more homeowners than ever before are exploring how they might benefit from both.

Stellar Solar Michigan and Planet Detroit have joined forces to educate Michigan homeowners on solar and battery storage. A 9.2kW solar system in Northville from Stellar Solar Michigan

Planet Detroit Founder and Editor Nina Ignaczak had this to say about the collaboration:

"Given Stellar Solar's 25 years in business, A+ Better Business Bureau ranking and educational approach to presenting homeowners with all their options, we felt they would be the perfect partner to help Planet Detroit provide valuable content for people new to solar and battery storage in Michigan."

David Boylan, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Stellar Soar added: "Stellar Solar has built our business over the past 25 years by educating homeowners on the benefits of solar and battery storage, presenting them with all their options, and guiding them through the process, rather than a hard sell. That approach is reflected by our number one source of new business coming from customer referrals. We seek the same qualities in our industry partners and Planet Detroit certainly fits that bill given the valuable content and reporting they provide. Our team of industry experts is excited to have this new platform to help educate Michiganders on the benefits of both solar and battery storage. It's an exciting time for renewable energy in Michigan and we are proud to be taking this leadership role by partnering with Planet Detroit."

Stellar Solar offers quick, easy, no-pressure virtual residential solar and battery quotes for Michigan homeowners interested in solar and battery storage.

About Stellar Solar

Headquartered in Oceanside, California and Royal Oak, Michigan, Stellar Solar is a leading California and Michigan residential and commercial PV solar and battery storage design and installation company since 1998 with over 15,000+ installations across Southern California and Michigan including notable commercial installations on The Salk Institute, US Foods, Cedars Sinai Hospital and more. Readers of the Union Tribune have voted them best solar panel company again in 2022 marking the sixth year in a row and tenth time in twelve years winning the award. Their 5 Star Reviews on Yelp, A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and high customer ratings on Angie are further testament to their standing as the leading solar, battery storage, and EV connectivity provider to homes, businesses, nonprofits and faith-based organizations in Southern California and Michigan. Learn more at www.stellarsolar.net

About Planet Detroit

Planet Detroit is an independent nonprofit local news organization designed to inform you about the environment and public health in Detroit and Michigan. We focus on accountability, solutions and community reporting, and we have a deep commitment to engaging with the community. Our mission is to produce quality climate, equity, health and environment journalism in the public interest that centers grassroots voices, holds power accountable, spotlights solutions + serves the community. Learn more at http://www.planetdetroit.org

Media Contact:

David Boylan

858.395.6905

[email protected]

SOURCE Stellar Solar
This week marks 18 months since Russias illegal, unprovoked invasion of its sovereign neighbor, Ukraine. Russian armed forces specifically targeted civilian infrastructure such as schools and hospitals, fields, and grain storage, killing thousands of Ukrainian civilians and displacing millions more. Yet Russia continues to falsely allege that it is in fact the unified support of Ukraines defense by over 50 nations that is exacerbating the war and hindering peace discussions, said Alternate United States Representative to the United Nations, Robert Wood.

Russia is telling us that it is not the invading country that is responsible for the crisis, but rather alleging it is the country doing everything in its power to defend itself from an illegal invasion that is at fault. This narrative is hypocritical and preposterous, and it strains credulity to the breaking point, he said.

While Russia attempts to brazenly rewrite this history, we cannot be distracted from the truth of Russias destabilizing activities in Ukraine and elsewhere, said Ambassador Wood. Russias irresponsible nuclear rhetoric and its announced stationing of its nuclear weapons on the territory of Belarus risks further aggravating an already highly dangerous situation.

The Russian Federation is seeking increased military cooperation with the DPRK, including by pressing Kim Jong Un to sell additional arms to Moscow to fuel its war in Ukraine, he said. Furthermore,  Russia has procured armed drones from Iran, and then deployed these UAVs in cruel, lethal attacks against civilians in Ukraine.

Lets be clear, said Ambassador Wood. Western weapons provided to Ukraine to prevent Russias brutalization of Ukraines people are not the cause of this war, nor are they prolonging this war: that responsibility is the Kremlins alone. Russia remains the sole obstacle to peace in Ukraine.

The Government of Ukraine and the United States continue to work together to maintain safeguards against diversion while responsibly providing for Ukraines ability to exercise its inherent right of self-defense against Russias brutal war. Ukraine has been a transparent and willing partner as we stress accountability and ensure robust processes to counter any attempts at illicit diversion, he said.

The United States will continue to demonstrate its enduring commitment to supporting Ukraines self-defense, said Ambassador Wood, including through the provision of arms and equipment that enable Ukraine to defend its territory and protect its people from Russias unprovoked and unjustified aggression.
Thousands of Orange County Residents Impacted by Breast Cancer Come Together

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Susan G. Komen, the world's leading breast cancer organization, will be hosting the return of the 2023 Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Newport Beach at Pacific Life Insurance Company at Fashion Island.

Thousands of individuals including family and friends will come together to celebrate breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer, honor those who have passed away from the disease, and raise critical funds that support research and critical support services for breast cancer patients, including research, Helpline, financial assistance, screening and diagnostics and patient navigation services.

"We are excited to bring back the MORE THAN PINK Walk to the community and welcome walkers to this event to make a difference in our fight against breast cancer," said Megan Klink, Vice President, West Region at Susan G. Komen. "Continuing to support individuals going through breast cancer in our community is a critical mission and the demand for our services continues to increase."

Breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic disease, caregivers, family members and loved ones will come together at the annual walk. Registration begins at 7 a.m., the opening ceremony kicks off at 8:30 a.m., and the Walk starts at 9 a.m.

The presenting sponsor for the Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk is Pacific Life Insurance Company.

Other sponsors for the event include: Albertsons Vons Pavilions Foundation, Allergan Aesthetics, an AbbVie Co., Armanino LLP, AvalonBay Communities, City of Newport Beach, Cox Communications, Evolus, Hoag Family Cancer Institute, KABC-TV, Kaiser Permanente, KCOMM, MemorialCare, Mentor Worldwide LLC, Mother's Market & Kitchen, OC Register, PepsiCo/FritoLay, Puma Biotechnology, Pure Steel, Thales Avionics, Toyota of Orange, UCI Health and Ware Malcomb.

Who: Walk participants will include breast cancer survivors, metastatic breast cancer thrivers, co-survivors and supporters of Susan G. Komen.

What: 2023 Susan G. Komen Orange County MORE THAN PINK Walk

When: Sunday, September 24, 2023, 7 a.m.

Where: Pacific Life Insurance Company at Fashion Island

Details: Register at: https://www.komen.org/orangecountywalk



Please contact Deb Song at [email protected] for interviews, live-shots 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: Deb Song

Susan G. Komen

[email protected]

SOURCE Susan G. Komen for the Cure
California company's three manufacturing plants achieve AA-rating for food safety by BRCGS

CERRITOS, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Food and beverage flavor manufacturer T. Hasegawa USA, Inc. is being recognized by the leading provider of global supply chain assurance programs with certification for the highest possible rating in food safety.

Today, the California-based subsidiary of one of the world's top flavor companies announces that its manufacturing facilities have achieved AA-rating certification by the British Retail Consortium Global Standards (BRCGS).

BRCGS is globally recognized as a leading food safety and quality certification program, providing a comprehensive framework for assessing and ensuring the safety, legality and quality of food products. An AA-rating certification from BRCGS ensures that a manufacturer meets or exceeds the most stringent standards in the industry for hygiene practices, quality control measures, employee training, traceability and ongoing compliance with industry regulations.

"T. Hasegawa develops flavors for every category within the food and beverage industry, so achieving the highest possible rating for food safety is paramount for our growing manufacturing presence in the United States," said Chris Grayson, vice president of operations at T. Hasegawa USA. "It is a milestone in our company's history for all three of our facilities to achieve BRCGS's AA-rating. Meeting this high standard demonstrates our commitment and proactive approach to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards for our clients."

The BRCGS certification rating was achieved at all three of T. Hasegawa's state-of-the-art California manufacturing facilities, including Cerritos, Rancho Cucamonga and Foothill Ranch locations. Several T. Hasegawa personnel played a key role in achieving the new certification, including Royce Yokote (Director of Quality), Tyrone Montero (Director of Operations) and Erik Calderon (Director of Operations).

"We thank and congratulate our quality and operations team on this major achievement," added Grayson. "We strive to keep our facilities at the forefront of industry best practices, and the AA-rating certification from BRCGS is a mark of distinction that reaffirms our reputation as a trusted and responsible flavor manufacturer."

The GRCGS Global Food Safety Standard has set the benchmark for nearly 25 years. Adopted by over 22,000 sites in more than 130 countries, the standard is accepted by 70 percent of the top 10 global retailers, 60 percent of the top 10 QSR chains and 50 percent of the top 25 manufacturers. Currently in its ninth edition, the GRCGS Global Food Safety Standard is the first to be GFSI benchmarked and is constantly evolving to protect the consumer. Developed with input from industry, the GRCGS standard provides a framework to manage product safety, integrity, legality and quality, and the operational controls for these criteria in the food and food ingredient manufacturing, processing and packing industry.

About T. Hasegawa USA, Inc.

For more than a century, T. Hasegawa has made 'Life Taste Better' through custom flavors and fragrances developed for the world's top food and beverage brands. T. Hasegawa is recognized around the world for its innovation and product differentiation, which builds our clients' product flavor to unparalleled standards. Through a passion for culinary creation and a strong faith in the power of aroma and taste, T. Hasegawa's flavor experts work to improve the way we experience food and beverages. Learn more at www.thasegawa.com.

Media Contacts :

Collin Whitley - Rocket Launch PR

cwhitley@rocketlaunchagency.com

SOURCE T. Hasegawa USA, Inc.
Runyon, executive vice president and chief financial officer, is being recognized by Becker's Hospital Review for excellence in financial strategy.

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Tampa General Hospital (TGH) announced that Mark Runyon, executive vice president and chief financial officer, has been named by Becker's Hospital Review to its list of "Academic Medical Center Chief Financial Officers to Know" for 2023. Runyon was one of only three CFOs named from the state of Florida and his inclusion on the list reflects his substantial impact in optimizing the academic health system's operational efficiency and integrity, ensuring the organization's continued growth and stability.

"This well-deserved national recognition demonstrates Mark's extraordinary leadership and unwavering dedication to creating an atmosphere of financial stability, safety and innovation while finding new ways to enhance financial performance and operational efficiencies system-wide," said John Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital. "It's clear to everyone who has the privilege of collaborating with him that he is deeply committed to the academic health system and supporting the team's efforts in delivering cutting-edge medical education, research breakthroughs and world-class care for our patients and community."

Runyon's recognition by Becker's follows the recent announcement that Tampa General signed an agreement to acquire the Bravera Health network, a strategic initiative in which Runyon has played a leading role. The acquisition includes three acute care hospitals and their related businesses in West Central Florida's Citrus and Hernando counties.

Runyon joined TGH in 2020 with a focus on innovation, financial stability, performance and operational efficiency. Tampa General has continued to innovate and expand under Runyon's financial leadership, providing a positive environment for both patients and all team members, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tampa General has experienced growth and enhanced financial performance over the past few years, with net revenue increasing by more than $1 billion since 2017.

Over recent years, the academic health system has expanded to more than 130 locations, many of which are located in the Tampa Medical and Research District. The district now includes the new freestanding emergency department named the TGH Kennedy Emergency Center, the TGH Rehabilitation Hospital in collaboration with LifePoint Health, and the TGH | USF Health Precision Medicine Biorepository, among many other assets. Additionally, Tampa General broke ground on the TGH Behavioral Health Hospital on Aug. 21 with plans to open later next year.

Also critical to Tampa General's community impact is its academic partnership with the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, which Runyon has supported through continued strategic investments. Tampa General is the primary teaching hospital for the College of Medicine  an affiliation that started when the school was created in the early 1970s and continues to grow today. A recent and notable collaboration includes the expansion of world-class research by the TGH-USF Health Office of Clinical Research, which initiates, operates, and coordinates clinical trials that look at new ways to prevent, detect and treat disease.

"I am immensely proud of the work our Tampa General team does to teach the next generation of health care providers, drive research and innovation, and constantly improve the quality of  and access to  care for patients," Runyon said. "It's an honor to be recognized by Becker's and to be included in an impressive cohort of financial leaders who are shaping the future of academic health systems nationwide."

The Becker's Hospital Review "Academic Medical Center Chief Financial Officers to Know" list recognizes exemplary chief financial officers at academic medical centers. Runyon and the full list of honorees can be found here.

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]

SOURCE Tampa General Hospital
Teachers Adds Support as a Silver Sponsor of the Eastern Long Island and Tampa Walks on 30th Anniversary of Making Strides

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Teachers Federal Credit Union , one of the largest credit unions in the United States with $9.7 billion in assets and more than 460,000 members, is proud to return for its second year as the Presenting Sponsor of American Cancer Society's Making Strides of Long Island . With a corporate pledge of $50,000, the credit union is kicking off an organizational-wide fundraising effort to help the American Cancer Society support breast cancer survivors, thrivers, and caregivers nationwide.

"Teachers Federal Credit Union is proud to play a meaningful role as Presenting Sponsor of Making Strides of Long Island, supporting the nation's largest and most impactful breast cancer movement," said Brad Calhoun, President and CEO of Teachers Federal Credit Union. "We are excited to build on what we accomplished in 2022 and make even further strides in 2023."

The 2023 Making Strides of Long Island event will be held at Jones Beach State Park on October 15, 2023. To further demonstrate its commitment to the cause, Teachers is also the Silver Sponsor of the American Cancer Society flagship events Making Strides of Eastern Long Island on September 30 and Making Strides of Tampa on October 28. To join Teachers at a Making Strides event or to make a donation, visit the Teachers Making Strides event page.

"We are thrilled to have Teachers Federal Credit Union back as the Presenting Sponsor of Making Strides of Long Island, the number one Making Strides event in the country," said Katie Goepfrich-Schafer, Executive Director of Long Island Market, American Cancer Society. "2022 was the strongest year yet for Making Strides, and with the support from Teachers, we know we can do even more this year."

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer has united communities in the fight against this deadly disease and for 30 years has funded breakthrough research, 24/7 support for breast cancer patients and their families, and access to lifesaving screenings. With the support of the community and organizations like Teachers, 65,000 participants joined Making Strides of Long Island to raise more than $2 million toward breast cancer research. In 2022, Teachers collectively raised $110,000 and was the top fundraising organization for the event.

ABOUT TEACHERS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION:

Teachers Federal Credit Union (Teachers) is one of the country's largest credit unions, with more than $9.7 billion in assets and more than 460,000 members across all 50 states. Founded in New York in 1952, Teachers is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution with an open charter offering membership to anyone in the U.S. through its 33 full-service branches and best-in-class digital solutions. Teachers is a key supporter of the communities it serves and is proud to offer a range of member-focused products with competitive rates and low fees. What started as a smart solution for teachers is now smart for all. For more information, visit www.teachersfcu.org.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. We invest in lifesaving research, provide 24/7 information and support, and work to ensure that individuals in every community have access to cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. For more information, visit cancer.org .

SOURCE Teachers Federal Credit Union
Mom Congress announces the bi-partisan legislation it is calling on Congress to pass; delegates will travel to DC next month to push Congress to prioritize support for mothers.

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today Mom Congress announced the bills included in its 2023 Moms' Agenda - a series of bills to address the urgent challenges mothers face because of woefully inadequate infrastructure to support pregnancy, birth, and early parenting in the U.S. These priorities are even more important than ever post the overturn of Roe v. Wade which reduced a woman's choice about whether to have a baby.

Mom Congress attendees on Capitol Hill

"If the government is 'pro-life,' then it must be pro-mother. Supporting mothers and families with health and mental healthcare, paid family leave, child care, and child tax credits is pro-life," said Joy Burkhard, Founder of Mom Congress.

The bills in the Moms' Agenda are purposefully bi-partisan.

"It's time for Congress to come together, not to deepen the political divide. America's moms and families deserve bipartisanship," said Dr. Ebony Wrenn, Director of Mom Congress.

In addition to advocating for paid parental leave and immediately addressing the childcare funding crisis resulting from the American Rescue Plan funding ending on September 30, 2023, the Moms' Agenda includes the following pieces of legislation:

Maternal Health Care Access, Maternal Mortality Prevention

Midwives for MOMS Act

Healthy Moms and Babies Act

Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act

Mothers and Newborns Success Act

Stillbirth Prevention

SHINE for Autumn Act

Maternal Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act

Maternal Mental Health

Moms Matter Act

Child Care

Improving Child Care for Working Families Act of 2023

Expanding Child Care in Rural America Act of 2023

Learn more about the Moms' Agenda:

https://www.mom-congress.com/2023-moms-agenda

The Mom Congress fly-in kicks off with the 5th annual Mom Congress "Saving and Supporting Moms" Congressional Briefing on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. View the event details here .

About Mom Congress

Mom Congress is a mothers' membership organization that is addressing the most pressing policy issues of motherhood, including what we call the "motherload" the stress that U.S. mothers carry at higher rates than other developed countries. Each year, passionate mothers convene to connect with influential change agents, be inspired, and learn how to drive change in legislative policy on Capitol Hill. Mom Congress is currently a project of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a leading maternal mental health organization, and will soon become an independent non-profit organization. Learn more at https://www.mom-congress.com/ .

Media Contact:

Crystal McAuley

214-587-4085

[email protected]

SOURCE Mom Congress
SHENYANG, China, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On August 18, the 7th Shenyang Cheongsam Cultural Festival opened with the theme of "the Charm of Cheongsam Encourages Innovation, Intelligence Inspires Beautiful Shenyang".

The opening ceremony witnessed the establishment of the "Shenyang Cheongsam Cultural Inheritance and Innovation Research Center", jointly built by the Shenyang Federation of Social Science Associations and the Luxun Academy of Fine Arts, and embraced its first group of nine resident enterprises, according to the Publicity Department of the CPC Shenyang Municipal Committee.

The 7th Shenyang Cheongsam Cultural Festival was held in Shenyang, China.

The 7th Cheongsam Cultural Festival revolved around the fusion of Cheongsam culture with digital innovation. It highlighted the significance of creative design in empowering the development of the cultural industry. The festival showcased the achievements of Shenyang's Cheongsam culture and industry in the context of cultural digitization, while also delving into future development prospects.

The 7th Shenyang Cheongsam Cultural Festival, spanning six days, took place from August 19 to August 22. Each evening at 19:00, the Cheongsam city show events were held in sequence at different locations: Joy City CD Pedestrian Street in Dadong District, Fangte Happy World in Shenbei New District, Laobei Market in Heping District, and Zhongjie Pedestrian Street in Shenhe District. Additionally, on August 22 and 23, the China Industrial Museum in Tiexi District hosted the Cheongsam Creative Design Exhibition and the Fifth China Custom Cheongsam Art Award.

The Shenyang Cheongsam Cultural Festival has positioned Shenyang as a beacon of cultural excellence, showcasing the city's international appeal through the fashionable medium of Cheongsam. This festival has been instrumental in driving the high-quality development of Shenyang's cultural sector and cultural industry, elevating the city's cultural soft power to new heights.

Image Attachments Links:

Link: https://iop.asianetnews.net/view-attachment?attach-id=441886

Caption: The 7th Shenyang Cheongsam Cultural Festival was held in Shenyang, China.

SOURCE Publicity Department of the CPC Shenyang Municipal Committee
Minnesota Supreme Court Unanimously Reversed a Lower Court and Court of Appeals Holding that Litigation Funding is not subject to Usury Rates as a Loan

Court Recognized ALFA Amicus Curiae Brief that Litigation Funding is not subject to usury law in Maslowski vs. Prospect Funding Partners LLC. Decision (A21-1338)

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesota Supreme Court took a significant step to ensuring equal access to justice with their decision in Maslowski vs. Prospect Funding Partners LLC . yesterday, overturning the trial court and Court of Appeals holding and ruling unanimously that Consumer Litigation Funding is not subject to usury law as there is no absolute requirement to repay. In their decision, reversing the trial court and Court of Appeals, the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that the repurchase rate in Prospect's agreement was not subject to Minnesota's usury statute. The American Legal Finance Association (ALFA) filed the only amicus curiae brief in this case on behalf of the interest of their members.

"The Minnesota Supreme Court's ruling in Maslowski vs. Prospect Funding Partners LLC. again made clear Consumer Legal Funding is not subject to usury laws and recognized the fundamental differences between Consumer Legal Funding and a loan," said Jack Kelly, ALFA Managing Director. "The decision closely follows ALFA's primary presentation in its amicus curiae brief to the court on the matter and stands as a testament to the importance of Consumer Legal Funding, backing individuals in their pursuit of justice while promoting fairness and equity. We commend the Minnesota Supreme Court for recognizing the merits of ALFA's argument. Empowering consumers through legal funding is core to ALFA's mission. We will continue to advocate for fair regulations, ensuring access to justice without jeopardizing financial stability."
Donation Ensures Protect Biscayne Bay Specialty License Plates Hit the Roads

MIAMI, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Florida is one step closer to seeing a new specialty license plate on cars and boat trailers. The Brady Hunter Foundation, a philanthropic organization operated by a group of philanthropists and animal lovers committed to ending animal cruelty, protecting wildlife, and making a positive impact in the lives of children, is partnering with Miami-Dade County's Office of Resilience and The Miami Foundation to ensure residents throughout Florida can support clean water preservation with a Protect Biscayne Bay specialty license plate. With a generous donation to the Biscayne Bay Recovery Fund, The Brady Hunter Foundation will cover the costs to fulfill statewide circulation requirements and distribute license plate vouchers to people passionate about climate and environmental resilience.

"We are blown away by The Brady Hunter Foundation's bold generosity and meaningful investment in the health of Biscayne Bay," said Rebecca Fishman Lipsey, president and CEO of The Miami Foundation. "Their catalytic gift will enable our community to officially bring Protect Biscayne Bay license plates to Florida, with all proceeds going to preserve the most vital natural and economic resource in Miami."

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Miami-Dade County and The Miami Foundation in their mission to create a healthier and more resilient Biscayne Bay," said Josh Fox, founder of The Brady Hunter Foundation. "Through our collective efforts, we hope to inspire others to join the worthy cause of safeguarding this precious natural treasure."

The mainland cradles Biscayne Bay to the west and barrier islands to the east; its 428 square miles continue to be a refuge for wildlife and economic vitality while providing countless recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Over 14 million people visit Biscayne Bay annually, contributing more than 10 percent to Miami-Dade County's economy each year. However, various environmental factors threaten the Bay's health, including nutrient pollution, sewage spills, and plastic trash. The restoration of the Bay is a top priority for Miami-Dade County, which has been working with The Miami Foundation to generate signups for the "Protect Biscayne Bay" plate since it was created by the Florida Legislature and led by Senator Ileana Garcia (R) District 37 and former State Representative Nick Duran (D) District 112 in a bi-partisan effort.

"We are very proud of our partnership with The Miami Foundation on this important initiative and thankful for the support received from the Brady Hunter Foundation, which will help us reach our Biscayne Bay license plate pre-sale goal," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "The County recently launched our "Biscayne Bay Friendly" public education campaign, and the sales of the specialty license plate will generate critical funding to continue educational and restoration efforts to protect Biscayne Bay, our most valued environmental asset and the blue heart of our community."

Proceeds from Protect Biscayne Bay license plate sales will go to the Miami Foundation, to invest in projects that raise awareness for Biscayne Bay recovery, including water quality, marine debris and habitat restoration. The fund is a regional effort dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring Biscayne Bay. The Protect Biscayne Bay specialty license plates will help sustain the campaign in perpetuity, generating ongoing funds to protect and restore Biscayne Bay.

Together, The Brady Hunter Foundation, Miami-Dade County and The Miami Foundation will celebrate their collective commitment to Biscayne Bay on International Coastal Cleanup Day on September 16, 2023. Spearheaded globally by the Ocean Conservancy, VolunteerCleanup.org organizes Miami-Dade County's participation in this worldwide event with 3,400 volunteers at 50+ simultaneous shoreline and neighborhood cleanups around the County. The Brady Hunter Foundation is a strategic sponsor of the International Coastal Cleanup Miami-Dade, and participating volunteers will be offered a voucher for a free specialty Biscayne Bay license plate as a thank you for their time and commitment. Interested volunteers can find a location and register at https://volunteercleanup.org/miami-coastal-cleanup-day/.

The Brady Hunter Foundation's commitment to the Protect Biscayne Bay specialty license plate campaign exemplifies its dedication to environmental conservation and community engagement. By partnering with Miami-Dade County and The Miami Foundation, The Brady Hunter Foundation is making a meaningful and lasting impact on the health and vitality of Biscayne Bay and its surrounding ecosystems.

About The Brady Hunter Foundation

The Brady Hunter Foundation is a leading 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operated by a group of philanthropists, humanitarians and animal lovers committed to ending animal cruelty, protecting wildlife, and making a positive impact in the lives of children. The Brady Hunter Charitable Fund was established in 2022, with The Brady Hunter Foundation formally launched shortly thereafter in early 2023. BHF is dedicated to creating sanctuaries all over the world to save animals from endangerment, abuse and neglect, while also recognizing the importance of uplifting children and providing them with opportunities for a better future. For more information about The Brady Hunter Foundation, please visit www.bradyhunter.org.

About The Miami Foundation

The Miami Foundation builds the philanthropic, civic, and leadership backbone for Greater Miami. Since 1967, the Foundation has invested over half a billion dollars to strengthen our community with partnerships and contributions from more than 1000 fundholders and 35,000 donors. The Miami Foundation, which currently manages over $425 million in assets, mobilizes donors, nonprofits, leaders, and locals to set a bold vision for our community's future and to invest in a stronger, more equitable, more resilient Greater Miami.

About Miami-Dade County's Office of Resilience

The Office of Resilience's mission is to lead Miami-Dade County to a resilient and environmentally sustainable future by identifying vulnerabilities, coordinating stakeholders and facilitating innovative solutions.

SOURCE The Brady Hunter Foundation
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With 2023 marking the 30th anniversary of the American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC), the business partnership with the United States and the Republic of Uzbekistan remains as critical as ever. As the oldest and most prestigious trade association in the U.S. and CIS representing major American brands, our chamber is proud to be a dynamic leader in the region and operating in collaboration with the other Central Asian states. Our members include some of the earliest investors in Uzbekistan who have manufactured successfully for the Central Asian markets from the beginning and boosted the country's attractiveness to future investors, including White & Case LLP, Coca-Cola, CNH Industrial, and GM in its alliance with UzAvto and many others. Since 1993, we have strongly advocated for American businesses' investment and trade interests in Uzbekistan and the United States. In doing so, we have encouraged the further development of the deep investment and trade ties between Uzbek and the U.S. and have worked with both governments- as needed on critical issues- to facilitate the business relationships. We are confident that the United States and Uzbekistan will continue to enhance their commitment to strengthening our partnership as we collaborate on various vital challenges.

Being the only US-based group with an exclusive focus on Uzbekistan, we have observed consistent changes and reforms by the Government of Uzbekistan throughout our existence. As with many other countries, the reforms have been evolving with challenges and opportunities. However, the arrival of President Mirziyoyev in 2016 has only enhanced the possibilities open to Uzbekistan. In April 2023, Uzbekistan passed constitutional amendments in a referendum that helped establish Uzbekistan as a sovereign, democratic, legal, social, and secular state with a republican form of government. The constitutional reforms passed with an approval of over 90 percent. Strengthening the protection of the rights and freedoms of all Uzbek citizens was regarded as incredibly important. Particular attention was brought to personal rights, personal data safeguards, housing rights, employment rights, access to healthcare, access to education, protecting religious freedom and freedom of expression, protecting the rights of disadvantaged groups, and protecting the environment.

The constitutional reforms also supported the development of Uzbekistan's growing economy. They helped to provide a more favorable business and investment climate through increased openness, transparency, and efforts to promote greater efficiency and reduce corruption. The amendments better supported the business rights of entrepreneurs and strengthened private property rights. Another critical economic change was the guarantee of the free movement of goods, services, labor, and financial resources across the whole of Uzbekistan. Then on July 9, 2023, presidential elections were held in Uzbekistan. Shavkat Mirziyoyev won them with 87.05 percent of the vote and was reelected as president. Since taking office almost seven years ago, H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has been a visionary leader, guiding Uzbekistan toward an era of stability, security, and economic opportunity domestically and in the region.

As international competition continues to grow, it is of utmost importance to U.S. investors, exporters, manufacturers, and the business community to maintain strong business relations with the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has long favored our managerial and technological excellence and is determined to work with investors and U.S. equipment and machinery manufacturers. And Uzbekistan's continued economic and industrial transformation, as well as foreign investors' privileges, are good news for American companies! Many AUCC member companies have devoted significant effort to training Uzbek citizens with innovative technology and management systems and developing skills to promote Uzbek employment. Members such as CNH, Coca-Cola, GM, Silverleafe, White & Case LLP, Zeppelin, and many others have established servicing facilities to provide in-country maintenance for their state-of-the-art equipment and trained skilled Uzbeks to give the needed maintenance and care.

As a result, the AUCC's large delegation of American investors, manufacturers, service providers, traders, and other companies indicates our confidence in Uzbekistan's future and the members' commitment to maintaining a robust economic partnership with the nation. We have accomplished much over the past three decades and steadily increased bilateral trade and investment. Our membership has now grown to include almost fifty major American companies, and we are delighted to help build more prosperity from scratch for the people of Uzbekistan and the United States. There have also been many high-level visits and interactions between Uzbekistan and the United States, including the AUCC hosting H.E. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2017 during the United Nations General Assembly and in 2018 during his working visit to the White House. In addition, the AUCC contributed to the early signing of a Bilateral Trade Agreement between the United States and the Republic of Uzbekistan in 1994 and helped bring about the first historic meeting between the leaders of our nations in 1996, i.e., President Clinton and President Karimov.

Furthermore, since the late nineties, the AUCC has organized annual conferences on trade, investments, capacity-building, and sector-specific opportunities. The AUCC has also coordinated many investment conferences highlighting the advantages of investing in Uzbekistan while facilitating one-on-one meetings between investors and Uzbek officials. Additionally, we have supported cultural exchanges with Uzbekistan throughout the years and played a crucial role in strengthening the strategic and economic alliance between Uzbekistan and the United States. We are delighted to hold the 2023 US-Uzbekistan Annual Business Forum on September 15, 2023, in Washington, D.C., and welcome a senior Uzbek Government delegation to speak at the event. We encourage all U.S. companies to participate in it!

Each year, the partnership between the United States and Uzbekistan has gradually grown more robust, resilient, and innovative! It greatly benefits both the American and Uzbek people, and we must go on nurturing our strategic alliance and bonds of friendship as we pursue shared interests and goals. As we go forward, we are excited and very optimistic about expanding business and investment opportunities for both countries. This vital relationship between Americans and Uzbeks has been enriching. It can continue to be a positive and significant influence within the business community for the next thirty years and beyond.

SOURCE AUCC
The U.S. State Department is taking steps to impose visa restrictions on Peoples Republic of China officials for their involvement in the forcible assimilation of more than one million Tibetan children in government-run boarding schools, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced in a written statement.

Earlier this year, a panel of experts from the United Nations expressed deep concern that the residential school system for Tibetan children appears to act as a mandatory large-scale program intended to assimilate Tibetans into majority Han culture, contrary to international human rights standards.

The UN experts noted that after the closure of rural schools, the majority of Tibetan children are compelled to attend the boarding schools, most of which are located far from their families. The Tibetan students must complete a curriculum in Mandarin Chinese, with no access to traditional or culturally relevant learning.

Secretary Blinken said, These coercive policies seek to eliminate Tibets distinct linguistic, cultural, and religious traditions among younger generations of Tibetans.

The most recent report by the U.S. State Department on human rights conditions in Tibet noted that parents in several Tibetan-inhabited areas are also being required to take Mandarin language training in order for them to teach their children in Mandarin. Reportedly, an additional focus of the training sessions for parents is to reform the participants thoughts through Chinese education.

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, said Secretary Blinken. We will continue to work with our allies and partners to highlight these actions and promote accountability.

The United States stands with the Tibetan people whose human rights should be respected and whose unique cultural, linguistic, and religious traditions preserved.
EDMONDS, Wash., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Marin Sorin Caba is acknowledged as a Top Pinnacle Professional for his contributions to the Water Damage Restoration Industry.

Launching his career in the construction field in 1996, Mr. Caba discovered a passion for helping create structures and fix issues which led him to study environmental protection. Combining the two skills, he created a water restoration company and notes that he was encouraged and inspired by several mentors in the water damage restoration field. He became certified for water damage restoration by the IICSC Institute and his company, American Water and Damage Restoration, was designated by the County Advisory Board as a Top Gun Snohomish County Water Damage Restoration Company.

As the owner and project manager for his company, Mr. Caba has many responsibilities, including providing residential and commercial water damage restoration to clients who need immediate assistance. He notes that since 2021, American Water and Damage Restoration is a full-service water damage restoration company in Snohomish County, Washington offering restoration services to residential and commercial properties affected by water, storms, mold, and fire damage in Edmonds, Seattle, and Puget Sound areas. The business professional also asserts that the American Water Damage Restoration Company is licensed; bonded; insured; IICRC certified; and accredited by Restoration Industry Association and the Better Business Bureau.

A leader in his community as well as the water damage restoration field, Mr. Caba is affiliated with the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce; Better Business Bureau; and the IICSC Association and is recognized as an exemplary business owner that adds financial well-being and stability to Snohomish County. His motto is "As long as you want to dream, the American Dream is still real."

Looking to the future, Mr. Caba hopes to influence local legislation affecting his industry and community while providing exemplary service in the coming years. A native of Romania, the entrepreneur believes that he has attained the American Dream and encourages others to never give up on their goals.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle
The global organization leverages generative AI to improve efficiencies and optimize creativity

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Google Cloud today announced that The Knot Worldwide , a global leader in the wedding planning industry, has rolled out Duet AI in Google Workspace as a part of a trusted tester program that gives employees at the organization early access to test and share feedback on Duet AI in Google Workspace. Duet AI enables a powerful new way of working, embedding generative AI across communication and collaboration apps that more than 3 billion users know and love, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Docs, Meet, and more.

The Knot Worldwide operates a global user base of nearly 35 million visitors per month through its brands that champion celebration, including The Knot, The Bump, The Bash, Hitched, Bodas, and WeddingWire. Within the company's wedding vendor marketplace, The Knot Worldwide connects more than 4 million couples per year with nearly 850,000 wedding professionals. With Workspace, The Knot Worldwide employees are able to communicate and collaborate across different teams and locations. Specifically, Duet AI has helped team members in Sales and Marketing produce memos and presentation decks with greater velocity, empowering their people to focus on work that really matters. Additionally, select members of the customer care team use Duet AI to reduce the average time it takes to respond to a customer inquiry.

"At The Knot Worldwide, we're constantly innovating to drive value for our partners, couples, and employees," said Zohar Yardeni, Chief Product Officer of The Knot Worldwide. "We're thrilled to be among the first companies to try out Duet AI. In the months ahead, it's my priority to continue to find meaningful ways to implement the latest generative AI developments to enhance our workflows and improve user experience."

"We're proud to support The Knot Worldwide in its technology journey as it discovers the possibilities of generative AI," said Robert Frati, VP and GM of global go-to-market and field operations, Google Workspace. "Duet AI in Google Workspace is a powerful collaboration partner for employees at companies of all sizes, helping to inspire them and make them more productive. We look forward to diving in with the teams at The Knot Worldwide to explore the many ways this emerging technology can transform the way they work."

Zohar Yardeni will share more about The Knot Worldwide's use of Duet AI and the company's AI strategy in an upcoming panel on August 30 at Next '23, Google Cloud's flagship event. Register for the complimentary Cloud Next '23 Digital Pass today to get access to the latest content and insights in Cloud technology.

Additional Resources

Keep up with the latest Google Cloud news on our newsroom and blog .

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud accelerates every organization's ability to digitally transform its business and industry. We deliver enterprise-grade solutions that leverage Google's cutting-edge technology, and tools that help developers build more sustainably. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted partner to enable growth and solve their most critical business problems.

About The Knot Worldwide

In more than 16 countries around the world, The Knot Worldwide's global family of brands enables our communities to celebrate the moments that make us. At the core of the TKWW business is a leading global online wedding marketplace, connecting couples with local wedding professionals and a comprehensive suite of personalized wedding websites, planning tools, invitations and registry services that make wedding planning easier for couples. The company's wedding planning services are offered through its global wedding brands, including The Knot, WeddingWire, Bodas.net, Hitched.co.uk and Matrimonio.com. TKWW also supports parents through the pregnancy and parenting journey with content and tools on The Bump, and helps communities plan other important life celebrations through The Bash.

The company is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland with offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Check out The Knot Worldwide on LinkedIn .

SOURCE Google Cloud
Trialogics, a leading clinical trial software and services company, providing eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, announced today that it is growing its overall services by expanding their Remote Device Management capabilities.

WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trialogics, a leading clinical trial software and services company, providing eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, announced today that it is growing its overall services by expanding their Remote Device Management capabilities. Trialogics is increasing its global footprint with a new office in London that will allow it to meet ongoing clinical trial demands in the United Kingdom.

Trialogics Opens London Office, Advancing Remote Device Management Services for Clinical Trials Post this Trialogics London Opening

Prior to Brexit, Trialogics office in Rome supported the needs of sites throughout Europe. The UK's break from the EU necessitated the need for a London office. Trialogics also plans to open an office in Sydney, Australia in mid-2024 to serve the growing needs of their current clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

"As our international business increases, especially the supply and management of devices, we need to expand our international presence to meet those needs as efficiently as possible," said Trialogics Chief Executive Officer, Chris Gropp. "Expanding our integrated logistics with our other services such as eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, gives our clients the necessary data to monitor sites, subjects, timelines and expenses."

Trialogics deploys Samsung devices with mobile data plans to clinical trial sites. Sites utilize the secure devices to access the Trialogics system and other various clinical trial services, manage patients and upload data to secure cloud storage. Sites also assign devices to patients to complete questionnaires, diaries and capture additional data from other mobile devices. The data is transmitted to a central database associated with the ongoing clinical trial allowing clinicians to review the data in real-time.

"Since our founding, we have recognized the need for better mobile device management in the industry. Trialogics has built this technology while focusing on the security of the devices and providing exceptional clinical trial services," Gropp said.

For more information about Trialogics device management services, please visit https://trialogics.com/solution/remote-device-management/.

About Trialogics  Better Systems, Faster Cures

Trialogics is a Delaware-based clinical trial software company formed in 2015 by CEO Christopher Gropp. Chris has over twenty years of clinical trial experience with particular expertise in clinical trial software. Trialogics supports eConsent, IRT (RTSM), eCOA and Remote Device Management for global clinical trials. Trialogics services can be used individually or as a fully integrated solution. Since its start, Trialogics has focused on decentralization of clinical trials and the ability to capture patient data remotely has always been part of the long-term focus. The company has headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, with offices in Rome, London, and Sydney (2024). For more information, visit trialogics.com or email [email protected].

SOURCE Trialogics
Trialogics, a leading clinical trial software and services company, providing eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, announced today that it is growing its overall services by expanding their Remote Device Management capabilities.

WILMINGTON, Del., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Trialogics, a leading clinical trial software and services company, providing eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, announced today that it is growing its overall services by expanding their Remote Device Management capabilities. Trialogics is increasing its global footprint with a new office in London that will allow it to meet ongoing clinical trial demands in the United Kingdom.

Trialogics London Opening

Prior to Brexit, Trialogics office in Rome supported the needs of sites throughout Europe. The UK's break from the EU necessitated the need for a London office. Trialogics also plans to open an office in Sydney, Australia in mid-2024 to serve the growing needs of their current clients in the Asia-Pacific region.

"As our international business increases, especially the supply and management of devices, we need to expand our international presence to meet those needs as efficiently as possible," said Trialogics Chief Executive Officer, Chris Gropp. "Expanding our integrated logistics with our other services such as eConsent, IRT (RTSM), and eCOA, gives our clients the necessary data to monitor sites, subjects, timelines and expenses."

Trialogics deploys Samsung devices with mobile data plans to clinical trial sites. Sites utilize the secure devices to access the Trialogics system and other various clinical trial services, manage patients and upload data to secure cloud storage. Sites also assign devices to patients to complete questionnaires, diaries and capture additional data from other mobile devices. The data is transmitted to a central database associated with the ongoing clinical trial allowing clinicians to review the data in real-time.

"Since our founding, we have recognized the need for better mobile device management in the industry. Trialogics has built this technology while focusing on the security of the devices and providing exceptional clinical trial services," Gropp said.

For more information about Trialogics device management services, please visit https://trialogics.com/solution/remote-device-management/.

About Trialogics  Better Systems, Faster Cures

Trialogics is a Delaware-based clinical trial software company formed in 2015 by CEO Christopher Gropp. Chris has over twenty years of clinical trial experience with particular expertise in clinical trial software. Trialogics supports eConsent, IRT (RTSM), eCOA and Remote Device Management for global clinical trials. Trialogics services can be used individually or as a fully integrated solution. Since its start, Trialogics has focused on decentralization of clinical trials and the ability to capture patient data remotely has always been part of the long-term focus. The company has headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, with offices in Rome, London, and Sydney (2024). For more information, visit trialogics.com or email [email protected].

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193872/Trialogics_London.jpg

SOURCE Trialogics
SAN DIEGO and DALLAS, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Soar Technology, Inc. ("SoarTech") has partnered with Forward Slope Incorporated ("Forward Slope" or "FSI"), backed by Trive Capital ("Trive"), the Dallas-based private equity firm. The addition of SoarTech represents another acquisition that expands the platform's core competencies and customer base in a strategic way to deliver more comprehensive solutions to marquee defense and national security customers. The SoarTech team invested alongside Trive and will continue to serve as senior leaders of the platform.

SoarTech is a leading provider of advanced artificial intelligence solutions Post this Soar Technology, Inc.

SoarTech is a leading provider of advanced artificial intelligence solutions to address complex Department of Defense mission requirements. SoarTech's AI solutions act as a force multiplier to enable quicker, better decisions and simplify human-machine interaction. By leveraging machine learning technologies built on computational cognitive designs, SoarTech creates autonomous agents to analyze large amounts of data and assist in human decision-making.

"Through our 15-year history of partnering with Forward Slope to solve customer challenges, we have developed a deep understanding and appreciation of their complementary expertise in developing software solutions. The combined set of capabilities, talented teams and cultural alignment gave us conviction that a partnership with Forward Slope was an ideal next chapter for SoarTech. We believe that joining forces with Forward Slope will accelerate opportunities for SoarTech and allow us to solve complex DOD challenges in an agile way," commented Mike van Lent, Chief Executive Officer of SoarTech.

"This partnership represents another significant milestone for Forward Slope," said Carlos Persichetti, Chief Executive Officer of Forward Slope. "SoarTech's unique expertise in AI and ML technologies will enable the combined platform to offer more integrated solutions that support critical DOD initiatives."

David Stinnett, Partner at Trive Capital, commented, "SoarTech has an excellent reputation as a differentiated solutions provider, talented team and unique market position in next-generation AI/ML technologies. As we continue to invest into the Forward Slope platform, we are thrilled to partner with SoarTech to add artificial intelligence capabilities that support and enable tactical decision making in an increasingly complex defense environment."

KippsDeSanto & Co. acted as financial advisor and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP acted as legal counsel to SoarTech. Haynes & Boone LLP served as legal counsel to Trive Capital and Forward Slope.

About Forward Slope

Forward Slope is a technology services company providing software and surveillance solutions to the defense industry. With a dedicated team of software engineers, technologists and data architecture experts, Forward Slope is committed to solving complex challenges for its customers.

About Trive Capital

Trive Capital is a Dallas, Texas based private equity firm with more than $4 billion of regulatory assets under management. Trive focuses on investing equity and debt in what it sees as strategically viable middle-market companies with the potential for transformational upside through operational improvement. We seek to maximize returns through a hands-on partnership that calls for identifying and implementing value creation ideas.

The Trive team is comprised of seasoned investment professionals who have been involved in over 100 middle-market transactions representing in excess of $6 billion in revenue across Trive's targeted industry sectors and situations.

SOURCE Trive Capital
DUBLIN, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Uruguay Life & Non-Life Insurance Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Forecast (2023-2028)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Uruguay life & non-life insurance market is estimated at approximately USD 1.7 billion in the current year and is poised to grow at a CAGR of 11% during the forecast period.

The total number of insurance companies in Uruguay in 2021 was 155, while on the same date, a year earlier, it was 208.



Uruguay's GDP contracted by 6.1%, the first annual decline since the 2002 crisis (-7.7%), with unfavorable growth rates in nearly all sectors of activity. Despite the country's social protection system and pandemic-response management efforts, the national poverty rate grew from 8.8% in 2019 to 11.6% in 2020.

Despite a greater frequency of COVID-19 in the country, the economy rebounded by 4.4% in 2021, owing to an early and efficient vaccination effort.



Uruguay's non-life insurance industry is relatively smaller, ranked 63rd in the world, with premiums of USD 868.19 million in 2020. Growth has been steady but at a varied rate. The penetration of insurance in Uruguay reached 2.9% of the GDP in 2020, reflecting an increase of 1.1% since 2005.



The demand for unemployment insurance has slowly reduced, In May 2021, the number of unemployment insurance beneficiaries stood at 80,361, including partial insurance, compared to 185,769 in May 2020.

The government expanded flexibility in unemployment insurance to safeguard employee-employer relationships in sectors affected by the slowdown of their activities, allowing firms to place employees on part-time schedules and use the unemployment insurance fund to ensure that employees received wages as close as possible to their regular wages.



Insurance companies are regulated on a variety of matters by Law No. 16,426, dated October 14, 1993, Decree 354/94, dated August 17, 1994, and several circulars issued by the Superintendencia de Servicios Financieros of Banco Central.

Uruguay Life & Non-life Insurance Market Trends

Rising Demand for Health Insurance in Uruguay



The increasing cost of quality healthcare combined with greater need and demand for health with increasing incomes, higher life expectancy, and an epidemiological transition towards non-communicable diseases have made health coverage imperative. Uruguay's expenditure on healthcare is approximately 9% of GDP, with the public sector representing 71% of these expenditures.



In April 2021, the number of health insurance beneficiaries stood at 106,276, compared to 51,730 in April 2020. On March 23, 2021, all workers who used the National Health Insurance due to having maintained contact with a person with COVID-19 received coverage through the quarantine period as indicated by a health provider. On June 28, 2021, the government announced that pregnant women could benefit from health insurance coverage for up to three months.

Increasing Focus Towards Digitalization of Insurance Supply Chains



Companies have focused primarily on customer-facing applications. But some insurers are beginning to realize that digital means much more than cool and convenient apps for consumers; it is a force that will touch and reshape the very core of their business. Yet firms will benefit from digital technology only when they embrace its potential along the entire insurance value chain, including underwriting and claims management.



Advanced analytics (AA), online sales technologies, machine learning, the Internet of Things (IoT), distributed ledger technology, virtual reality (VR), infrastructure and productivity, and others are some modern technologies that help insurance companies achieve digitalization.

Uruguay Life & Non-life Insurance Market Competitor Analysis



The report covers prominent players operating in the Uruguay life and non-life insurance market. A few major players currently dominate the market in terms of market share. However, with technological advancement and product innovation, domestic to international companies are increasing their market presence by securing new contracts and tapping new markets.

It has major players, including Banco de Seguros del Estado (BSE), SBI Seguros, Porto Seguros, and Surco Seguros, etc.

A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes

Banco de Seguros del Estado

SBI Seguros

Surco Seguros

Porto Seguros

Mapfre

Sancor Seguros

Berkley Uruguay Seguros

Surety Insures SA

FAR Insurance company SA

State Insurance Bank

CUTCSA Seguros SA

HDI Seguros SA

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/60k4x7

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
What: The first-day-of-issue ceremony for a new Forever stamp commemorating the legacy of the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg



When: Monday, Oct. 2, 2023, at 6 p.m. EDT



Where: National Portrait Gallery

Eighth and G streets NW

Washington, DC 20001



Who: The Honorable Roman Martinez IV, chairman of the USPS Board of Governors



RSVP: Media representatives and dedication ceremony attendees are encouraged to RSVP at: usps.com/ruthbaderginsburg.



Details: The United States Postal Service is proud to announce the dedication ceremony for a new Forever stamp honoring Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, celebrating her groundbreaking contributions to justice, gender equality and the rule of law.





The ceremony will feature:





 The official stamp unveiling

 A keynote address by Governor Martinez

 Remarks by other notable speakers

 A presentation on the design and significance of the stamp

 An opportunity for interviews and photographs





News of the stamp is being shared with the hashtags #RuthBaderGinsburgStamp and #RBGStamp.





This event is free and open to the public.

About the Stamp

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg stamp features an oil painting of her in her black judicial robe and iconic white collar. The stamp captures her enduring spirit and tireless dedication to upholding the principles of the Constitution.

Ethel Kessler, an art director for USPS, designed the stamp with a portrait by Michael J. Deas based on a photograph by Philip Bermingham.

The Ruth Bader Ginsburg stamp is being issued as a Forever stamp in panes of 20. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon.

Please Note: The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to nearly 165 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America's most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

National contact: Jonathan Castillo

[email protected]

Local contact: Mark Wahl

[email protected]

usps.com/news

SOURCE U.S. Postal Service
NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The vehicle leasing market in Europe is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.51% between 2022 and 2027. The size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 90.87 billion, according to Technavio - Request a sample report

Vehicle Leasing Market in Europe Insights -

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Vehicle Leasing Market in Europe

Companies : 15+, Including ALD SA, Allane SE, Arval Service Lease, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Central Contract S.O.T Ltd., Central UK Vehicle Leasing Ltd., Citroen Leasing of LMC, Deutsche Leasing AG, Europcar Mobility Group SA, ExpatRide International Inc., Groupe BPCE, King and Mayr GmbH and Co. KG, LeasePlan Corp. NV, Mercedes Benz Group AG, Millennium Leasing sp zoo, Peugeot Motor Co. Plc, PKO Bank Polski, Stellantis NV, and Volkswagen AG, among others

: 15+, Including ALD SA, Allane SE, Arval Service Lease, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Central Contract S.O.T Ltd., Central UK Vehicle Leasing Ltd., Citroen Leasing of LMC, Deutsche Leasing AG, Europcar Mobility Group SA, ExpatRide International Inc., Groupe BPCE, King and and Co. KG, LeasePlan Corp. NV, Mercedes Benz Group AG, Millennium Leasing sp zoo, Peugeot Motor Co. Plc, PKO Bank Polski, Stellantis NV, and Volkswagen AG, among others Coverage: Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and company landscape; company product insights and recent developments; key companies; and market positioning of companies

Parent market analysis; key drivers, major trends, and challenges; customer and company landscape; company product insights and recent developments; key companies; and market positioning of companies Segments: Mode of booking (online and offline), Type (passenger cars and commercial vehicles)

To understand more about the vehicle leasing market in Europe, request a sample report

Vehicle Leasing Market in Europe - Company Insights

The growing competition in the market is compelling companies to adopt various growth strategies, such as promotional activities and spending on advertisements to improve the visibility of their services. Technavio report analyzes the market's competitive landscape and offers information on several market companies, including - ALD SA, Allane SE, Arval Service Lease, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Central Contract S.O.T Ltd., Central UK Vehicle Leasing Ltd., Citroen Leasing of LMC, Deutsche Leasing AG, Europcar Mobility Group SA, ExpatRide International Inc., Groupe BPCE, King and Mayr GmbH and Co. KG, LeasePlan Corp. NV, Mercedes Benz Group AG, Millennium Leasing sp zoo, Peugeot Motor Co. Plc, PKO Bank Polski, Stellantis NV, and Volkswagen AG.

Vehicle Leasing Market in Europe  Market Dynamics

Key Driver

The cost-effectiveness of leasing as a way of obtaining a vehicle is a key factor driving market growth. Many vehicle dealers offer specialized staff to help customers buy vehicles through loans. Outright acquisition of vehicles may not be financially safe for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as it can increase fixed costs. In addition, the vehicle rental option is more feasible. Leasing involves the lessee making monthly payments, plus additional fees and taxes, just for the duration of use, making it a convenient alternative. Hence, such factors are expected to drive market growth during the forecast period.

Major Trends

The rise in demand for leasing EVs to optimize vehicle performance and reduce emissions is a major trend in the market.

Significant Challenge

The challenge posed by on-demand taxi operators 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!

The vehicle leasing market report provides critical information and factual data, with a qualitative and quantitative study of the market based on market drivers and limitations as well as prospects.

Why Buy?

Add credibility to the strategy

Analyzes competitor's offerings

Get a holistic view of the market

Grow your profit margin with Technavio- Buy the Report

What are the key data covered in this Vehicle Leasing Market in Europe report?

CAGR of the market during the forecast period

Detailed information on factors that will drive the growth of the vehicle leasing market between 2023 and 2027

Precise estimation of the size of the vehicle leasing market and its contribution to the market with a focus on the parent market

Accurate predictions about upcoming trends and changes in consumer behavior

Growth of the vehicle leasing market across Europe

A thorough analysis of the market's competitive landscape and detailed information about companies

Comprehensive analysis of factors that will challenge the growth of vehicle leasing market companies

Gain instant access to 17,000+ market research reports.



Technavio's SUBSCRIPTION platform

Related Reports

The MUV rental market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.6% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 8,070 million. The MUV Rental Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.6% between 2022 and 2027 and the size of the market is forecast to increase by USD 8,070 million. The growth of the travel and tourism industry is driving growth in MUV rental market companies.

The car rental (Self Drive) market is estimated to grow by USD 1,702.15 million between 2022 and 2027 accelerating at a CAGR of 35.8%. This car rental (self-drive) market research report extensively covers market segmentation by vehicle type (economy cars and luxury cars), mode of booking (offline and online), and geography (North America, Europe, APAC, South America, and Middle East and Africa). The growing interest in self-driving vehicles is the key factor driving the global car rental (self-drive) market growth.

Table of Contents

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation by Mode of Booking

7 Market Segmentation by Type

8 Customer Landscape

9 Geographic Landscape

10 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

11 Company Landscape

12 Company Analysis

13 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.

Contact

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com

SOURCE Technavio
SEATTLE, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Washington Poison Center (WAPC), Washington's free medical service for questions and emergencies with medications, poisons, and drug overdoses, is piloting a naloxone education and distribution program at THING Music Festival from August 25  27, 2023.

Image from the Washington State Health Care Authority's Friends for Life campaign.

In collaboration with Jefferson County and THING Music Festival, the WAPC will be providing naloxone nasal spray (NARCAN), rescue breathing masks, and educational materials around overdose prevention, including wallet cards, stickers, and flyers from the Washington State Health Care Authority's Friends for Life campaign. Representatives from WAPC and Jefferson County will be available throughout the festival, stationed at the festival market area adjacent to the main stage, from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

This pilot launches WAPC's new naloxone education and distribution program. Through outreach events and partnerships, the program aims to enhance accessibility and awareness of naloxone as an essential tool in reducing fatal opioid overdoses. Following the music festival, the WAPC will collaborate in the development and support of naloxone education programs at colleges, universities, and other organizations across Washington State. Within these efforts is the development of a comprehensive resource handbook containing up-to-date, stigma-free overdose response information tailored to college-age audiences.

"Through our Poison Helpline, the Washington Poison Center supports medical professionals, first responders, and community members in addressing potential opioid overdoses. This new program is an exciting opportunity for us to expand our efforts into the realm of naloxone distribution and education," explains Sarah Mahan, Naloxone Education Project Coordinator at the WAPC. "Our goal is to enhance the number of individuals capable of responding during crisis situations, whether for a friend or a stranger. Research underscores the importance of involving not only first responders in overdose response, but also engaging community members as part of the solution to save lives."

For inquiries or interest in collaborating with the WAPC on naloxone education, contact the Washington Poison at [email protected].

About the WAPC: The Washington Poison Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit mandated by Washington State to deliver poison and drug exposure-related medical advice and education to community members, first responders, and healthcare providers. WAPC provides medical advice through a 24/7/365 free telephone line staffed by specially trained pharmacists, nurses, and physician medical toxicologists. WAPC also provides free programs to educate local communities on poison safety, prevention, and harm reduction.

SOURCE Washington Poison Center
VERO BEACH, Fla., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care proudly announces their recognition as a winner in the 2023 Top 25 Florida Assisted Living Communities by the Innovators of Senior Living Awards.

This is the third award of distinction this year for Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach, as they were prestigiously recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2023-24 Best Assisted Living Community and a 2023-24 Best Memory Care Community in the Best Senior Living Communities Report.

Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach Assisted Living and Memory Care proudly announces their recognition as a winner in the 2023 Top 25 Florida Assisted Living Communities by the Innovators of Senior Living Awards.

"We are honored and overjoyed to be repeatedly recognized as one of the premier senior living communities in our nation and in the highly competitive Florida market," says Kim Haddon, Executive Director of Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach.

Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach is a newly-constructed senior living development project partnered between Watercrest Senior Living Group and The St. Joe Company. The community offers 75 assisted living and 32 memory care apartments with resort-style service and world-class care. Residents enjoy pampering in elegant Spa W, savor private label Watercrest wines at the bistro, and relish the flavors of locally grown, seasonal ingredients and organic fare whether dining outdoors, bistro-style, or in the chef's private dining room. Watercrest Santa Rosa Beach is conveniently located at 205 West Hewett Road along the Emerald Coast. For information, contact the community at 850-290-0462.

Innovators of Senior Living (IOSL) is a resource dedicated to helping people find the best senior living communities for themselves and their loved ones. It is created by ExaCare, a media platform committed to becoming a thought leader and convener of discourse in the assisted living industry. The magazine features intentional and curated content to improve the well-being of assisted living residents and staff across the US. The 2023 Top 25 Florida Assisted Living Communities also includes another Watercrest Senior Living Community: Watercrest Spanish Springs Assisted Living and Memory Care in The Villages of Central Florida.

About Watercrest Senior Living Group

Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A six-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders. For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com.

About The St. Joe Company

The St. Joe Company is a real estate development, asset management and operating company with real estate assets and operations in Northwest Florida. The Company intends to use existing assets for residential, hospitality and commercial ventures. St. Joe has significant residential and commercial land-use entitlements. The Company actively seeks higher and better uses for its real estate assets through a range of development activities. More information about the Company can be found on its website at www.joe.com. On a regular basis, the Company releases a video showing progress on projects in development or under construction. See https://www.joe.com/video-gallery for more information.

SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group
Indian students going to the US for higher studies may witness a new trend in the coming years. The Indian government and the US government are working closely on several initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of education for students. The US State Department is creating an educational program that aligns with Indias New Education Policy (NEP). Through the scheme, Indian academics will have a new option to enroll in American colleges and obtain a one-time professional masters degree with an artificial specialization.Akhilesh Lakhtakia, one of the 14 members of the 2022-23 Jefferson Science Fellows class, says, I am looking forward to developing cooperative relationships focused on sustainability between U.S. and Indian institutions of higher education. These relationships will exploit Indias National Education Policy to form a regenerative culture from research in STEM arenas. This will include arts and humanities as inalienable parts of a regenerative culture.The National Education Policy 2020 proposes various reforms in Indian school education as well as higher education including technical education. The programme seeks to create a new pathway for Indian students to pursue a one-year professional masters degree. The courses are currently confined to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Notably, once the course is completed, students will be eligible to stay in the US for up to three years, as per current visa rules. The move is intended to allow them to gain work experience in industry and repay student loans. This program holds strong promises for Indian students, says Saurabh Arora, CEO of University Living.The current discussions surrounding the program, which was allegedly created by the US State Department, have the potential to completely change how the US and India share knowledge, says Amit Singh, Founder of UniScholars. But, what exactly do the new initiatives aim at? This innovative project intends to create a fresh path for Indian students, giving them a unique opportunity to pursue specialised professional masters degrees at prestigious American universities with a focus on artificial intelligence. If this unique project succeeds, it could make the United States a leading center for international education, opening up more opportunities for both countries and students to grow and advance together, adds Singh.In the aftermath of the pandemic, a discernible decline in students opting for US higher education was observed. However, this trend experienced a pivotal shift in 2022, characterized by a significant surge in Indian students embarking on educational journeys to American shores. As per the annual report by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the year 2022 saw a notable influx of 64,300 Indian students to the United States. With the imminent rollout of this transformative program, the trajectory of student numbers is poised to sustain its upward trajectory in the impending years, further cementing the educational bonds between the two nations. This endeavor underscores a resolute commitment to enhancing education and harmonizing it with international benchmarks. The program represents a momentous stride toward modernizing Indias educational landscape, promising an array of potential advantages encompassing learning, career progression, and future avenues for Indian scholars, says Singh.
BEIJING, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2023 China (Arxan) Tourism Conference will be held from September 2 to 3 in Arxan, Xing'an League in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, welcoming tourists from home and abroad to join and indulge in the beautiful natural scenery of Arxan, according to information released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at a press conference held on Monday.

Arxan is situated in the southwestern part of the middle section of the Greater Khingan Range, China's largest virgin forest. Bestowed with rich natural resources, such as forests, hot springs, and beautiful snow, the city has emerged as a popular tourist destination.

The 2023 China (Arxan) Tourism Conference aims to promote development of Arxan's tourism industry. The grand event will include nine major activities, including an opening ceremony, a self-driving tour through the Greater Khingan Range, a rural artistic campaign, forums on culture and tourism as well as tourism-empowered rural revitalization and common prosperity, exhibitions on "intangible cultural heritage + tourism" experience and Arxan's development history in past decade, a tourism-themed exchange meeting, and vacation tourism product experience event.

During the conference, a camping rally, forest music festival, food festival offering Chinese, Russian and Mongolian dishes, and float parade will also be held to present new formats and scenarios of Arxan's tourism sector.

See the original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/335727.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road
HUDDINGE, Sweden, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- XNK Therapeutics AB ("XNK") today announced that the company has entered into a research collaboration with the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, to evaluate the suitability of the company's autologous natural killer (NK) cell therapy candidate XNK02 as a novel therapy for treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

In collaboration with Karolinska University Hospital, XNK will perform a large-scale bioreactor culture study of AML patients' immune cells. These cells will be activated and expanded using XNK's proprietary technology. The study aims to further investigate the expansion procedure (NK cell growth) and to study the properties of the expanded NK cells with respect to their ability to kill the patient's own tumor cells ex vivo.

"We look forward to conducting this important study together with the group of Dr Martin Jadersten, Medical lead for AML at the Karolinska University Hospital. The study will evaluate our product candidate XNK02 as a novel therapy for patients with AML, for which new treatment modalities are desperately needed," said Dr Tim D'Alessandri, senior scientist and project leader at XNK.

The research collaboration complements the current collaboration with the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to study XNK02 in AML patient material from various stages of the disease.

Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

AML is the most common form of acute leukemia in adults. Globally, close to 200,000 new patients are diagnosed and about 150,000 will die from AML each year. In AML, the bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal immature blood cells, so called blasts, that can overcrowd the bone marrow and interfere with the production of healthy mature blood cells. This results in, for example, infections and anemia. The blasts can also spread to other parts of the body, including the central nervous system.

Current treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation and targeted therapy such as kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. The overall outcome for patients remains poor, relapse is common and 5-year survival rates are around 30%.

For more information, please contact:

Johan Liwing, CEO, XNK Therapeutics

Tel: +46 706 70 36 75

E-mail: [email protected]

About XNK Therapeutics AB

XNK Therapeutics is a clinical stage immunotherapy company focused on bringing new and more effective treatments to cancer patients. The company is at the forefront of autologous NK cell-based cell therapy development with a proprietary technology platform and a pipeline spanning both hematological malignancies and solid tumor indications. The most advanced product, evencaleucel, is in phase II studies in combination with the CD38 antibody isatuximab targeting multiple myeloma. Other programs include XNK02 in acute myeloid leukemia, currently in preclinical studies in collaboration with MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Karolinska University Hospital, XNK03 in bladder cancer, currently in preclinical studies in collaboration with the Karolinska University Hospital and XNK04 in liver cancer in collaboration with a global pharma company. XNK's efforts are supported by a dedicated team that includes world-renowned NK cell experts and an approved in-house GMP facility. XNK Therapeutics is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. For more info, please visit www.xnktherapeutics.com.

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/16693/3822492/2246831.pdf XNK Therapeutics enters into research collaboration with Karolinska University Hospital in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)

SOURCE XNK Therapeutics AB
In partnership with the Congressional Black Caucus, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will continue its decades-long tradition, bringing over 1,100 members to Washington in a historic first for the organization

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 20, 2023, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. will host its annual Zeta Day on the Hill social action programmatic initiative where members of the organization convene together for education and to advocate for policy changes that directly impact communities of color across the United States. This year's event will make history for the organization and will be the first time it has brought together a delegation of over 1,100 members. Together, members will advocate for the passage of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act.

Zetas marching for equality Zeta Phi Beta International President & CEO, Dr. Stacie NC Grant, and Sorors celebrate fellow Soror, Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove on her election to the 118th United States Congress Zetas eliminating racism and empowering women

"Black women are dying because doctors do not take us seriously. As black women, we must take our lives back, educate ourselves, and instruct doctors on how to treat our symptoms and bodies," said Dottery Butler Washington, International Co-Director of Social Action for Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "The legacy our organization will leave behind on the steps of Washington this September will be one of action that pushes our leaders to stand up and fight for women to access the care they need and deserve."

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this is the first time in five years that Zeta Phi Beta will gather in person for the annual event. Zeta Phi Beta's focus on women's reproductive rights and having its members there in support of the Momnibus Act is a key facet of Zeta Phi Beta's current push for worldwide wellness.

"It's unacceptable that the United States has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country and, despite this being heavily discussed for years, the crisis continues to worsen," said Dr. Stacie NC Grant, International President & CEO of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. "Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. is in full support of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act which puts action behind and investment in addressing every driver of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities in the United States."

Zeta Day on the Hill also precedes what is expected to be one of the largest gatherings of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, where Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. will host a panel titled "Politics, Policy and Reproductive Justice" taking place on September 21st. During the panel, Zeta Phi Beta will expand and reiterate its health justice advocacy efforts and will lead a discussion open to all convention attendees.

For more information about Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., visit www.zphib.org .

About Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is the third oldest historically Black Greek-lettered sorority founded in 1920 at Howard University. With a membership of over 120,000 women, the organization has 800 chapters spanning North America, Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, and the Middle East.

SOURCE Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Nefco's second implemented energy-efficiency project in Moldova has supported the modernisation of street lighting in the city of Ungheni, which is situated in the western part of the country. The project has resulted in reduced energy usage and budgetary expenditure, and provided an extended illumination network for the inhabitants, increasing security and comfort for pedestrians and vehicles.

The city of Ungheni, located near the border of Romania, is Moldova's seventh-largest city with some 35,000 inhabitants. For many years, the municipality suffered from a worn-out and outdated street lighting system built during the Soviet era which, since then, has undergone only partial renovations and was never properly modernised to meet the latest energy-efficiency standards. This resulted in excessive municipal expenses for electricity usage. Several streets also lacked any illumination at all, making them unsafe for the inhabitants to walk and drive along in the dark.

The city of Ungheni and Nefco began their collaboration at the end of 2020 and signed a loan agreement to modernise the city's street lighting system. Active construction works began in November 2021 and were completed within approximately one year, in October 2022. The implemented energy-efficiency measures included the replacement of outdated and inefficient lamps with 1,500 new LED lamps, the installation of new lamp poles with some 1,000 luminaries on streets that previously lacked any lighting and new installed automatic control cabinets.

"This project has already provided visible and tangible benefits for the community of Ungheni by implementing modern and energy-efficient lighting and bringing safety to the streets. We are currently financing five new energy-efficiency projects in Moldova and looking forwards to further collaboration with the Moldovan communities to support the green transition in the country," explains Vitaly Artyuschenko, Chief Investment Adviser at Nefco.

The total project budget was about MDL 7.3 million (EUR 373,000). Approximately MDL 6.3 million (EUR 324,000) was provided by a Nefco loan and about MDL 1 million (EUR 49,000) was a local contribution from the municipality.

The measures introduced are having a significant positive impact on the city. The longer operational life of modern LED lamps has reduced both the maintenance costs and electricity consumption. The city's electricity usage is estimated to have decreased by approximately 1,100 MWh annually, resulting in about MDL 6.3 million in annual local budget savings (approx. EUR 324,000). The modernised street lighting network also helps to prevent car accidents with pedestrians and improve the overall quality of life for the inhabitants in Ungheni.

Modernised street lighting at the main square in Ungheni. Photo: Nefco

The Energy Saving Credits (ESC) loan programme was launched in Moldova in 2019, supporting small-scale investments in projects connected with energy-efficiency measures in social facilities such as day-care centres, schools and hospitals, as well as in street lighting. The first Nefco-financed project in the country, the modernisation of the street lighting in the village of Festelita, was completed in 2021. Nefco is currently financing the first joint energy-efficiency programme in Moldova with the Eastern Europe Energy Efficiency and Environment Partnership (E5P) with the aim of supporting the refurbishment of healthcare institutions in four major districts: Floresti, Ialoveni, Nisporeni and Telenesti.

Read more about Nefco's activities in Moldova.
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
Iberdrola's US subsidiary Avangrid has begun construction of the 240 MW True North photovoltaic plant in Falls County (Texas). It will supply clean, renewable energy to power the operations of Meta, the parent company of the social network Facebook, in the region.

Since 2020, Meta's global operations have been supported by 100% renewable energy. The True North project will support Meta's upcoming data centre in Temple City, its second data centre facility in Texas.

True North, Avangrid's first solar farm in Texas, is expected to reach commercial operation in early 2025. During construction and operation, True North will create more than 200 jobs and is expected to pay more than $40 million in property taxes over 25 years in the state, where the company already operates more than 1,250 MW of onshore wind facilities.

"We are very pleased to announce this milestone, which reflects our unwavering commitment to advancing the clean energy transition and building a more sustainable future for all", said Pedro Azagra, CEO of Avangrid. "With projects like True North, we continue our mission to help the country meet its ambitious energy goals, while creating quality jobs and strengthening our local economies".

US energy leader

In less than two decades, Iberdrola has become one of the largest groups in the North American electricity sector, listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 2015.

Headquartered in Orange, Connecticut, and with approximately $40 billion in assets, the firm has a presence in 24 states and manages nearly 10,000 MW of installed capacity, including more than 8,600 MW of renewables (primarily wind and solar PV), and more than 130,000 kilometres of power lines through eight distributors in New York, Connecticut, Maine and Massachusetts. The company serves a population of 10 million people in the United States.

Iberdrola has a portfolio of more than 25,000 MW of high-quality renewable projects in the United States, representing a stable platform for continued growth over the coming years as the country meets its decarbonisation targets.

Avangrid continues to make significant progress in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) areas. This month, for the sixth year in a row, Avangrid repeated in the FTSE4Good index.
United Nations, Aug 24 : "By aiming for the moon, India has not only reached it, but also set our sights on the limitless possibilities that lie ahead (and) as the saying goes, 'To infinity and beyond'," India's Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj has said.

While the successful landing of the Chandrayan-3 on the moon "symbolises the aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians," she added on Wednesday that "it's a historic moment for humanity as we venture into uncharted territory near the moon's South Pole".

"What really stands out is that India is the first country to land on the South Pole of the moon, where many others have not succeeded so far," she said.

Before her news conference here, India received congratulations from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and General Assembly President Csaba Korosi.

Conveying congratulations from Guterres, who is in Johannesburg for the BRICS meeting of the Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa group, his Associate Spokesperson Florencia Soto Nino said at the UN noon briefing, "This is a great achievement."

"We wish India a greater success in its space exploration," she added.

Korosi's Spokesperson Pulina Kubiak said that he congratulated India and that within his office, "many of the Indian colleagues were celebrating that achievement."

United States Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield congratulated India in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and said, "Look forward to further deepening US-India space cooperation -- including our work together at the @UN and beyond -- as new frontiers continue to be explored."

Of India's lunar mission contributing to various objectives to the UN, Kamboj singled out the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of gender equality.

"A very significant number of scientists who worked on India's moon mission Chandrayaan-3 are women, very much in sync with India's model of women-led growth and development and also linking beautifully with SDG 5, which is all about gender equity," she said.

Globally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi "has emphasised that the success belongs to all of us and holds promise for future scientific achievements that will benefit humanity as a whole," she added.

In a reference to India's international space cooperation, Kamboj said, "For India, and mankind ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has launched many rockets and satellites."

"ISROS's own lunar and interplanetary missions, including the latest Chandrayaan-3, along with other scientific projects, encourage and promote science education," she added.

On the significance of the lunar landing for developing countries as whole, Kamboj quoted Modi: "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 to the moon and beyond."

Speaking last year at a meeting of the General Assembly panel on peaceful uses of outer space, Nitish Birdi, the Minister in India's permanent mission, outlined the scope of New Delhi's global cooperation.

He said that India has signed more than 260 space cooperation documents covering aspects such as technology protection, ground station support, cooperation in aerosol monitoring, space situational awareness and peaceful uses of outer space.

A reporter asked Kamboj whether she intended to seek a resolution from the General Assembly or other organisations "to mark this significant milestone".

She replied, "Thank you very much for putting that thought in our mind. I will come back to you on this."

A Palestinian journalist asked Kamboj about Kashmir, as well about expanding BRICS membership and if the successful lunar mission enhanced India's chances for becoming a permanent member of the Security Council.

She declined to answer the questions which she said were "valid", but that "this is not the moment for these questions. Today's the day of celebration, and we are focusing on India's success and indeed, the success of the whole of humanity".

She, however, offered to meet the journalist at India's mission to discuss the questions.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Colombo, Aug 24 : India's External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar, expressed his hope for a reconciliation process in Sri Lanka that addresses the aspiration of the Tamil community.

Joining the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association through a video message, the EAM also reiterated India's support for the preservation of Sri Lanka's multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious identity.

Jaishankar was wishing for a reconciliation process that addresses the desires of the Tamil community for equality, for justice and self-respect within the framework of a united and prosperous Sri Lanka.

The Indian High Commission in Colombo in a statement said that the EAM updated the members of the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association on bilateral ties between the two countries.

Jaishankar, in his address, delved into India's positive contributions to Sri Lanka's development, stability and prosperity based on geographical proximity and shared democratic values between the two countries.

He had highlighted the swift and substantial response by India to the economic challenges faced by Sri Lanka over the past year, exemplifying India's commitment to the 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

The EAM emphasised that the financial assistance of nearly $4 billion extended by India was unprecedented in both magnitude and swiftness, surpassing the response of international institutions and bilateral partners.

Jaishankar elaborated on India's vision of fostering long-term and sustainable solutions, mentioning collaborative efforts to address Sri Lanka's energy requirements through grid connectivity and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) pipeline.

He highlighted the potential of renewable energy and regional economic activities, including the Trincomalee hub, for mutual benefit.

Jaishankar had stressed that the key to prosperous future between the two South Asian countries lay in enhanced connectivity in various domains such as maritime, air, energy, trade, investment and digital ties.

On regional security, the EAM reiterated India's "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) outlook and its expression through forums such as the Colombo Security Conclave, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and BIMSTEC.

Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, who attended the event recalled the recent visit of Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe to India, and reiterated the central role of connectivity in bringing greater economic prosperity to the two nations.
Musk says super cool as India lands on the Moon. Image Source: IANS News

San Francisco, Aug 24 : Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Thursday praised India for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon, describing it as "super cool." "Super cool!," Musk said, reacting to the successful launch.

Also, he congratulated the country for the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon.

"Congratulations India," he commented on one of ISRO's posts.

Even before the successful landing, Musk had shown support for India's Moon mission by saying "Good for India."

The world hailed the historic soft-landing of the Indian spacecraft on the Moon's south pole surface on Wednesday.

Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai also congratulated the Indian space agency and the country for the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon.

"What an incredible moment! Congratulations to @isro for the successful landing of #Chandrayaan3 on the moon," Pichai said in a post on X.

"Today India became the first country to successfully achieve a soft landing on the southern polar region of the moon," he added.

With this historic feat, India became the first nation to make a successful landing on the Moon's south pole.

After landing successfully, ISRO had posted on X: "Chandrayaan-3 Mission: 'India, I reached my destination and you too!' :Chandrayaan-3."

The lander landed 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).

The 19 minutes of suspense and excitement began at 5.45 p.m. on Wednesday, as planned earlier, and ended at 6.05 p.m. with the lander touching down on the lunar soil.
Manchester, Aug 24 : Bernardo Silva has signed a one-year extension with the Treble-winners Manchester City, keeping him at the Club until the summer of 2026. His previous agreement was due to expire in 2025.

The Portugal midfielder joined City in the summer of 2017 and has made a huge contribution to our recent success. With 308 appearances already, Bernardo has won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, two Community Shields and the Champions League.

He has also scored 55 goals, most memorably hitting the two opening goals of the 4-0 victory over Real Madrid in the semifinal of the Champions League on the way to last season's success.

aIave had six incredible years at Manchester City and Iam delighted to extend my time here. Winning the Treble last season was extremely special and itas exciting to be part of a squad where there is such a hunger and passion," Bernardo told the club's official website.

Success makes you want even more, and this club gives me that opportunity to keep on winning. I love the manager, my team-mates and the fans and hope we can share even more great memories in the coming years," he added.

Bernardo has been capped 82 times by Portugal and was part of the squad that won the 2019 UEFA Nations League, where he was named Player of the Tournament.
San Francisco, Aug 24 : Graphics chip giant Nvidia made $6.188 billion in profit for its Q2 earnings -- up a massive 843 per cent (year-over-year), as gaming become mainstream.

The company reported revenue of $13.51 billion for the quarter ended June 30, up 101 per cent from a year ago and up 88 per cent from the previous quarter. Gaming revenue was up 22 per cent (year-over-year) to reach $2.48 billion.

The company reported data centre revenue of $10.32 billion, up 171 per cent from year ago.

"A new computing era has begun. Companies worldwide are transitioning from general-purpose to accelerated computing and generative AI," said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of Nvidia.

The company expects revenue for the next quarter to be $16 billion.

"There is tremendous demand for Nvidia accelerated computing and AI platforms. Our supply partners have been exceptional in ramping capacity to support our needs," said Colette Kress, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

"We expect supply to increase each quarter through next year. By geography, data centre growth was strongest in the U.S. as customers direct their capital investments to AI and accelerated computing," she informed.

Consumer internet companies also drove the very strong demand for Nvidia.

"Their investments in data centre infrastructure purpose-built for AI are already generating significant returns. For example, Meta recently highlighted that, since launching reels and AI recommendations, have driven a more than 24 per cent increase in time spent on Instagram," Kress informed.

In May, Nvidia temporarily became a $1 trillion company in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

--IANS

na/
TikTok plans to ban links to e-commerce websites such as Amazon: Report. Image Source: IANS News

San Francisco, Aug 24 : Chinese short-making app TikTok is reportedly planning to ban links to outside e-commerce websites such as Amazon, as it ramps up its shopping platform in the US.

The move is seen as a way for the company to force people to use TikTok Shop if they want to purchase an item that they see on the app, reports 'The Information'.

According to the report, TikTok Shop is on track to lose more than $500 million in the US this year.

"TikTok Shop, the app's nascent shopping service, is expected to lose more than $500 million in the US this year," said the report, citing sources.

The loss reflects TikTok's heavy investment in hiring, building a delivery network and "subsidising merchants that offer double-digita"percentage discounts and free shipping," the report added.

Consumers in the US are spending around $3-$4 million a day on TikTok Shop. The company expects this figure to exceed $10 million by the end of the year.

TikTok, the short video platform owned by ByteDance, launched online shopping service TikTok Shop in 2021, starting in Indonesia. The shopping platform has become a strong player in Southeast Asia.

Last week, e-commerce giant Sea reportedly said it will bump up investments in its online shopping business Shopee across all markets as Chinese company TikTokas shopping venture expands into new territories.

Earlier this month, New York City banned TikTok on city-owned devices over security concerns. City employees are not permitted to download or use the app or access the TikTok website from any city-owned devices.
Sacramento, Aug 24 : At least four people, including a gunman, were killed in a shooting at a bikers' bar in California's Orange County, local media reported on Wednesday.

According to 'The Orange County Register' newspaper, the mass shooting occurred at a bar in Trabuco Canyon, about 90 kilometers south of downtown Los Angeles.

Six other people who sustained wounds in the shooting incident were in hospital.

Sources disclosed that preliminary reports showed that four, including the shooter, are dead, Xinhua news agency reported.

It is believed the shooter was a former law enforcement officer from outside the area, the report added.

Meanwhile, KCLA News reported that sources said deputies who responded to the scene shot dead the shooter.

KCLA News said the incident is believed to have started following a domestic dispute between the retired law enforcement officer and his wife.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The near-term market outlook has turned distinctly positive with the US economy's soft landing narrative lifting sentiments globally and Chandrayaan-3's successful soft landing on the moon boosting sentiments in India, says V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

Weakening US economic data, particularly the decline in the US manufacturing PMI from 49 to 47, has led to sharp decline in the US 10-year bond yield by 14 bp to 4.19 per cent. This might turn the short-term cycle of capital flows again in favour of EMs like India, he added.

The sudden reversal in the declining trend of INR also is indicative of this shift in global macros favouring India in the near-term, he said.

However, investors should remember that sentiments are transient and the medium to long-term trajectory of the market will be driven by economic growth and corporate earnings.

The recovery in Bank Nifty, which is driven by fundamentals and fair valuations, augurs well for the Nifty, he said.

BSE Sensex is up 177 points at 65,610 points having given up morning gains.

Indusind Bank, Ultratech Cement and Asian Paints are up over 1 per cent.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : It was a 'proud and historic day' for India's 32 million-plus strong diaspora, which stood in unison with their mother country amid chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram', as the nation conquered the moon on Wednesday with its historic Chandrayaan-3 mission.

From holding special screenings of the landing event, to saying prayers and distributing sweets, loudest cheers on the mission's success could be heard from the community that is far away, yet not away from India.

Capturing the excitement of Indians in South Africa, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in the country for BRICS Summit, shared pictures of community members meeting him and celebrating.

"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," PM Modi posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday.

Taking to X, member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament, Lord Rami Ranger, said, "Indians are literally over the moon with the smooth landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft! Congratulations ISRO. India becomes the only nation to land on the South Pole of the Moon."

"Congratulations to India on the #MoonLanding -- this is a national, regional and global success story. Everyone involved has played their personal part in a national victory.

#Chandrayaan3 is a win for everyone," Virendra Sharma, Member of British Parliament, posted.

Indians from across the UK joined the High Commission in London where people chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Vande Mataram' slogans.

Calling it a "moment of immense pride", the Friends of India Society International (FISI), a UK-based diaspora group, celebrated India's expanding prowess in the realm of technology.

"The successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface is a moment of immense pride for the 1.4 billion people in India and the global Indian diaspora. This achievement serves as a powerful testament to India's unwavering dedication to scientific progress, poised to ignite the aspirations of forthcoming generations of explorers and scientists within the nation," FISI said in a statement.

Singapore's Indian-origin Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan also dropped a congratulatory message to Indians. "Congratulations India for landing on the South Pole of the Moon. This is indeed a proud achievement that will resonate across the world!"

M A Yusuff Ali of Emirates-based Lulu Group and Second Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said, "It is a historic moment not just for India and Indians but for the entire mankind. May this landmark landing of #Chandrayan3 pave for many more achievements in the science and technology field".

Chandrakanth 'Chandra' Arya, a powerful Indian-origin voice in the Canadian parliament, who visited India in July this year and met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, attributed the success to 'India's mastery of advanced technologies'.

"India is now on the Moon". Congratulations to India on Chandrayaan-3 becoming the first space mission to land near the south pole of the Moon and joining the exclusive club of just three other countries in the world to land on moon," Arya, who hails from Karnataka, wrote on X.

"This is proof of the sophistication of India's space programme and India's mastery of advanced technologies. This is a great moment for the people of India and all those of Indian heritage across the world," he said.

With Tricolours in their hands, Indian-Americans gathered at Times Square in New York to celebrate the event.

"Congratulations to India for the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the southern polar region of the moon. It's an incredible feat for all the scientists and engineers involved. We are proud to partner with you on this mission and space exploration more broadly," US Indian-American Vice President, Kamala Harris, said.

Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna, who was in India this month to celebrate Independence Day, called it a "big moment" for the country. "A big moment for India. Congratulations... I saw incredible ingenuity and dynamism across India in the delegation we recently led," Khanna said.

Calling the success an "incredible moment", Google's Sundar Pichai and Microsoft's Satya Nadella congratulated ISRO for its victory.

"My congratulations to ISRO on the moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3. What an exciting moment for India - and the future of space exploration," Nadella wrote.

"Wow! Chandrayaan-3's moon landing is a great achievement for India and all humanity! Congratulations to the ISRO team and all of India," Gita Gopinath, First Deputy Managing Director of the IMF, wrote on X.

The success of the moon mission was of prime importance to India, which has now become the fourth country to master the soft-landing technology on the lunar surface after the US, China and the erstwhile Soviet Union.

Via this mission, India will understand the lunar surface better but also its potential for human habitation in the future.

Chandrayaan-3 landed successfully after a 40-day journey starting from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.

(Meenakshi Iyer can be reached at meenakshi.i@ians.in)
Appalachian Power representatives submitted an application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) last month for the Stuart Area Improvements Project. The SCC is now starting their review process. The project consists of several components for power line and substation upgrades over a period of years.

The proposed upgrades will provide a new electrical source for the region and increase reliability for customers in Patrick, Henry, Floyd, Franklin, and Carroll counties. The upgrades also replace 60 to 100-year-old equipment and improve the local distribution system.

"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 area's current power needs. The upgrades also provide opportunities for future load growth, supporting central Virginia's economy," said Scott Markwell, AEP Project Manager.

Landowners within the SCC filing corridor, approximately 300 feet on both sides of the proposed centerline, can expect to receive a mailing in the coming months explaining how to participate in the project approval process. If the SCC approves the application, Appalachian Power representatives plan to contact landowners who own property along the approved power line route to discuss next steps.

Company officials announced the proposed project in fall 2022. The project team hosted six in-person open houses and worked with community members and local officials to gather feedback on the project.

Following the public engagement process, and after months of review, the project team determined the proposed line routes. The team reviewed future land use, environmental impacts and input gathered during landowner meetings, community open houses and virtual open houses.

"Every community member's input was essential to ensuring our line routing process considers the proposed project's 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 public's engagement on this project and look forward to the opportunity to make these much-needed improvements for our existing and future customers," said Amanda Cox, AEP Manager, External Affairs.

Please visit AppalachianPower.com/Stuart to learn more about the project and view the SCC application. The Stuart Area Improvements Project involves constructing several components in the next few years with the first component expected to begin in fall 2025.

Appalachian Power has 1 million customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee (as AEP Appalachian Power). It is part of American Electric Power, which is focused on building a smarter energy infrastructure and delivering new technologies and custom energy solutions. AEP's approximately 16,700 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electricity transmission system and more than 224,000 miles of distribution lines to efficiently deliver safe, reliable power to nearly 5.5 million customers in 11 states. AEP is also one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 31,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity, including 5,900 megawatts of renewable energy.
VHP's call for 12-hr bandh in Siliguri over rape-murder of schoolgirl evokes no response. Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, Aug 24 : The 12-hour bandh called by Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) in West Bengal's Siliguri district against the recent rape-murder of a schoolgirl in the area has failed to evoke any response on Thursday.

There were picketings at certain points of the city since morning, with the people being urged to observe bandh in view of the heinous incident.

However, there was no event of forceful enforcement of the strike and hence the police contingent deployed did not have to take any action so far.

Already one person has been arrested for the rape and murder of the schoolchild. The arrested accused, identified as Md Abbas (22), is the prime accused in the crime, Deputy Commissioner of Siliguri Metropolitan Police Avhishek Gupta has confirmed.

The local people had ransacked the residence of the accused. Even the residence of a neighbour, reported to be close to the family of the accused, was also vandalised.

The Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha (BGPM) and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) chief executive Anit Thapa have demanded completion of the investigation process at the earliest and the strict punishment to the accused.

The accused has been booked under Section 302 (punishment for murder) and various sections of the Prevention of Children against Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

While decrying the heinous incident, the local Trinamool Congress leadership has also said that there had been an attempt to give the crime a communal shape.
Bengaluru, Aug 24 : A man and his son drowned while plucking lotuses from Bhoochanahalli Lake near Doddaballapur town in Bengaluru rural district, police said on Thursday.

The deceased were identified as Puttaraju (42) and Keshava (14), residents of Shanthinagar in Doddaballapur town.

According to police, the victims had gone to the lake on Wednesday to collect lotuses from the lake for sale. The lotus flowers are in demand against the backdrop of Friday's Varamahalakshmi festival.

Police explain that the victims had entered the lake without knowing the depth and drowned in the slush while plucking the flowers. They had left their foot-wears and mobiles on the bank of the lake which were noticed by another flower seller who alerted the family.

Though the police rushed to the spot, the bodies could not be tracked as it was evening.

The bodies were recovered this morning by the sleuths of Fire Force and Emergency Services.

Doddabelavangala police are investigating the case.

-- IANS

mka/shb
Kolar : , Aug 24 (IANS) Authenticating the rumours of 'Operation Hast', JD(S) MLA from Mulbagal Assembly seat in Kolar district, Samruddhi Manjunath stated on Thursday that there was pressure on him and his party MLAs to join the Congress party. "I was forced to go to New Delhi, but I rejected the offer," he said.

Speaking to the media, MLA Manjunath stated that the high command has asked the state leadership towin at least 20 seats in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Karnataka. The Congress leaders are attempting to pull leaders from other parties.

"I was abroad when I was invited to New Delhi for talks. I refused to take the offer. Congress leaders think they can pull MLAs from JD (S). I want to tell Congress leaders that in the coming days, all 19 MLAs from the JD(S) party will come together on a platform and hold a meeting to announce solidarity with the JD(S). No one will join Congress," he said.

"All sitting and defeated MLAs, MLCs, MPs and leaders will go on tour for some time, to strategise for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. A befitting answer would be given for the rumours of JD(S) leaders quitting the party to join Congress. The circus is done by the state Congress leaders to win more than 20 seats in the parliamentary elections. I don't know whether they were given a specific target or the high command had given a warning to them," he reiterated.

"The people will write the fate of the political parties. They have given mandate in the Assembly elections and they will also give their verdict to elect the central government," he maintained.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had stated that anything can happen in politics while reacting to the news about the Operation Hast. He had also questioned the BJP on toppling elected governments in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.

Sources said that the Congress is trying to pull major leaders from both BJP and JD(S). The BJP state leadership is doing firefighting to prevent the exodus. Though the core committee meeting decided not to worry much about the leaders quitting, the saffron party is concerned with the aggressive push of the ruling Congress party in this regard

--IANS

mka/dpb
Actress Seema R. Deo from 'Anand' passes away at 81. Image Source: IANS News

Mumbai, Aug 24 : Veteran Bollywood and Marathi film actress Seema R. Deo - who enacted a key role in the superhit 1971 film 'Anand', passed away here following prolonged illness, family sources said on Thursday.

She was 81 and breathed her last at a private hospital this morning after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease and other disorders.

Born in Mumbai as Nalini Saraf, Seema Deo is survived by her sons actor Ajinkya and director Abhinay.

Seema Deo acted in nearly 90 Hindi and Marathi movies in a career spanning over six decades from the black-and-white to the colour era of the Indian film industry.

She is hugely remembered for her major role in the musical blockbuster 'Anand', along with her husband Ramesh, and Amitabh Bachchan among other actors.

Top Bollywood personalities have expressed shock over her demise and condoled her passing on social media.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) was conducting search operations at several locations in Punjab in the alleged foodgrain scam, said officials on Thursday.

The search operations were going on in Ludhiana district and Nawanshahr in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district.

The ED is also taking help of paramilitary officials to avoid untoward incidents.

According to information, the search operations were being conducted at multiple premises belonging to former Punjab cabinet Minister and Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu and others.

Ashu's close aide and Congress leaders Sunny Bhalla and Raman Subramanian and a few other contractors are on the radar of the anti-money laundering agency.

The foodgrain scam was reported when Ashu used to be the food, civil supplies and consumer affairs minister.

Inderjit Indi, the former personal assistant of Ashu and one Pankaj Malhotra's premises were raided last year.

As of now the ED has not officially commented on the matter.

The sources have said that the raids are underway.

Further details are awaited.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the scientists on successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 at the South Pole of the moon.

"Moonshots work! Congratulations to @narendramodi, @ISRO, and the Indian scientists for the first successful landing at the South Pole of the Moon," Gates posted on X (formerly Twitter).

India became the first nation to make a successful landing on the moon's South Poll.

Along with Gates, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella also congratulated ISRO on successfully landing the spacecraft, describing it as an exciting moment for India and the future of space exploration.

"My congratulations to @isro on the moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3. What an exciting moment for India - and the future of space exploration," Nadella said.

With this landing in its second attempt in four years, India became the fourth country after the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union to master soft-landing on the lunar surface.

The lander landed near the South Pole of the moon 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).

The 19 minutes of suspense and excitement began at 5.45 p.m. and ended at 6.05 p.m. on Wednesday with the lander touching down on the lunar soil.
New York, Aug 24 : Billionaire Elon Musk praised Vivek Ramaswamy yet again, calling him "increasingly compelling", as the Indian-American entrepreneur faced his first political debate in Wisconsin to select GOP's 2024 presidential nominee.

"Vivek is increasingly compelling," Musk said on Thursday in response to a post and video shared by journalist and tech entrepreneur Brian Krassenstein on X.

The tech billionaire's praise comes just a week after he called the 38-year-old a "very promising candidate", referring to Ramaswamy's interview with talk show host Tucker Carlson.

Sharing a video of presidential candidate Chris Christie from the GOP debate, Krassenstein said that the former New Jersey Governor won the debate in his opinion as "he's not a coward like many on the stage," Krassenstein said, referring to rival contenders, including Ramaswamy.

In response to Musk, Krassenstein wrote: "The field ganged up on Vivek tonight. I don't think he did bad. I think that his climate change line will hurt him. Even republicans realize that climate change is real even if they don't think it's as urgent an issue as some on the left."

At the debate, Ramaswamy called climate change a hoax and slammed what he called Washingtonas anti-carbon agenda.

Christie tore into Ramaswamy during the debate, calling Ramaswamy an "amateur" Obama, and sounding like a ChatGPT.

"I have had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here," Christie told Fox News moderator Bret Baier.

"And the last person in one of these debates ... who stood in the middle of the stage and said, 'What's a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here,' was (Democrat) Barack Obama. And I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur standing on the stage tonight," Christie said.

In response to Christie, Ramaswamy said: "Give me a hug just like you did to Obama, and you'll help elect me just like you did to Obama".

Ramaswamy, who is the youngest presidential candidate, entered the now crowded Republican presidential nomination contest as an outsider in February.

He believes it's time for an "outsider" in the White House in 2024, and almost tying up with rival Ron DeSantis at number two in polls, beating fellow Indian-American Nikki Haley and former Vice President Mike Pence.

The political first-timer has stated that he would turn down an offer of the vice presidency if he doesn't win the presidential nomination for 2024.
Chennai, Aug 24 : A Television journalist from Tamil Nadu died in a road accident during the early hours of Thursday.

The deceased, identified as Shankar(32) of a local television channel was returning from Thiruvananthapuram after interviewing former scientist of ISRO on Wednesday on the Chandrayan 3 mission. He was accompanied by a reporter and two more camera persons.

Shankar was driving the car and when it reached Nanguneri in Tirunelveli district, he lost control of the vehicle which hit a median and overturned. He died on the spot.

The other three, Nagarajan, Vallinayagam, and Narayanan escaped with minor injuries.

The injured are admitted at Tirunelveli Government Medical College.

Tirunelveli district collector, K.P. Karthikeyan reached the hospital and enquired about the health of the injured.

Shankar is survived by his wife and a son.
Islamabad, Aug 24 : Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to get relief in the Toshakhana case by the apex court and may be allowed to be released from jail as well. However, the government and the establishment seem to have "planned out" registration of new cases and arrests against Khan, to ensure that he is kept behind bars.

Khan is in Attock jail after being sentenced to three-year prison in the said case.

After Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) chief justice Umar Ata Bandial is expected to announce a relief and bail for Imran Khan and direct authorities to release Imran Khan from Attock Jail, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) in Lahore has granted permission for arrest and investigation of Khan in relation to the vandalism incident on May 9 at Lahore Corps Commander's House aka Jinnah House.

Khan has been accused of being the mastermind behind the May 9 riots, triggered after his arrest by Pakistan Rangers from the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on May 9. Supporters of PTI marched on the streets in anger and vandalised the Corps Commander Residence in Lahore along with many other state buildings, monuments and installations across the country including the Pakistan Armyas General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

Political experts say that the government and the military establishment has decided to not let go of Khan and keep him in custody in different cases.

"Imran Khan faces a severe opposition by the government and the military establishment, which has shut down all doors of any backdoor negotiation with him. Imran Khan has already been declared as arrested in the Cipher case while being in Attock jail, where he is spending prison time in Toshakhana case," said Javed Siddique, senior political analyst.

"We have seen how other PTI leaders have been treated in the past. The plan for Imran Khan seems to be the same. Even if he gets relief in Toshakhana case, he will be arrested from outside the jail in Cipher case and moved in another jail if not in Attock jail itself. And later if he gets relief in cipher case, he will be arrested in May 9 related cases. Troubles are not over for Imran Khan," he added.

Sources confirmed that the Punjab province government has decided to send an investigation team to Attock Jail to investigate Khan.

"The team would submit its report to the court after investigating Imran Khan in attock jail," said the source.

Khan has at least 200 cases registered against him across Pakistan. Ranging from corruption, incitement to violence and sedition, Khan faces accusation on charges of serious nature, some of which fall under the newly approved Army Act and Official Secret Act with a maximum punishment of death sentence.
Dhaka, Aug 24 : Over 500 dengue deaths have been recorded in Bangladesh this year as the South Asian country grapples with a record outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease this year, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said.

At least 13 more people died from dengue in the 24 hours preceding 8:00 a.m. local time Wednesday in Bangladesh, Xinhua news agency reported quoting data from DGHS.

Also, 2,070 dengue patients were hospitalised in the 24-hour period Wednesday, the DGHS said.

Dengue has so far claimed at least 506 lives this year and 106,429 were infected, making this the deadliest year since the first recorded epidemic in Bangladesh in 2000.

During the first 23 days in August, according to the figure reported by the DGHS under the Ministry of Health, 54,597 more dengue cases were recorded in the country after 43,854 people were infected with the mosquito-borne disease last month.

According to DGHS data, a total of 98,098 patients have so far been released from hospitals across the country this year.
ELKO  Rebecca Barnum as Bumblebee won the $1,500 prize for Best of Show at the Elko Pop Con.

In the sewing and textile category, Amber Manzo Huff as Wonder women won a $300 Visa gift card. Logan Pierce also won a $300 Visa gift card for his armor and foam creation. In the youth category, Brady Boatman as a Ghostbuster won a Nintendo Switch and $50 gift card to GameStop.

Tom Lester of the Elko Convention Center said the event was well attended, drawing more than 3,600 people on Aug. 18-19 and collecting food for charity partner The Moses Project of Northeastern Nevada.

Next years Pop Con will be held Aug. 9.10.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Set to play a cop in the investigative thriller 'Aakhri Sach', actress Tamannaah Bhatia said that she finds it strange that conventionally good-looking actors often carry a badge of not being able to do serious roles, adding that she always felt it's easier to be realistic.

Stepping into a character that is at the epicentre of a complex situation demands vulnerability and strength from an actor. This process can lead to self-discovery and a genuine connection with the audience, creating a powerful and authentic performance.

Talking about the same, Tamannaah, who plays the role of Anya in 'Aakhri Sach' said: "I find it strange that actors, especially conventionally good-looking actors, often carry this kind of badge of not being able to do serious roles. Glam characters take as much work as something realistic. I have always felt that it's easier to be realistic as you are getting closer to reality."

"When you are putting up a persona that is larger than life, it's always more difficult; it comes purely from your imagination. Playing a character like this is more cathartic for an actor. To be honest, I felt very raw and somewhat naked while performing this character. While, I am playing a cop in 'Aakhri Sach', I am very glad to say that I really had to keep myself vulnerable, which helped me play Anya," she added.

One night, one family, multiple deaths, an investigating officer and various theories, 'Aakhri Sach' is inspired by true events. Set against the backdrop of simmering tension, the series will delve into the lives of each character as Tamannaah, playing the role of Anya, the lead investigative officer embarking on a mission to unravel the mystery of the deaths.

'Aakhri Sach' takes you on an emotional journey with a talented ensemble of Tamannaah, Abhishek Banerjee, Shivin Narang, Danish Iqbal, Nishu Dikshit, Kriti Vij and Sanjeev Chopra. Pratik Sehajpal, will be seen in a cameo role.

Produced by Nirvikar Films, directed by Robbie Grewal, and written by Saurav Dey, 'Aakhri Sach' will stream from August 25, on Disney+ Hotstar.
Seoul, Aug 24 : Sixteen university students, who attempted to break into the Japanese Embassy in central Seoul on Thursday in protest of Japan's discharge of radioactive water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, were apprehanded.

Despite concerns from neighboring countries and fishing groups in the region.Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the tsunami-wrecked nuclear power plant, began releasing the first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean at around 1 p.m. Yonhap news agency reported.

According to the police, the students attempted to enter the Japanese Embassy at around 1 p.m., while chanting slogans against the discharge of the radioactive water.

They initially gathered on the eighth floor of the building where the consular section is located. The embassy space on the ninth through 11th floors can only be accessed through the eighth floor entrance.

The police detained them in four police stations on charges of trespassing and violating the Assembly and Demonstration Act.

After they were apprehended, about 40 fellow students held a press conference in front of the building. The protesters displayed banners and protest posters on the second and eighth floors of the building, voicing their objections against the release of the contaminated water.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : A Special National Investigation Agency (NIA) Court has awarded a five-year jail term to two accused in the IS Abu Dhabi conspiracy case for promoting the banned terrorist outfit's activities in India.

The court in Delhi on Thursday sentenced them under sections 120B, 201 of IPC, u/s 17,18, 38,39 & 40 of UA(P) Act and section 5 of Explosive Substances Act. The court while awarding them jail terms also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on each.

The accused, Abdullah Basith and Abdul Qadir, were arrested on August 12, 2018 for their affiliation with IS and for furthering its violent anti-India agenda through the IS Abu Dhabi module.

The NIA launched its investigation in the case on January 28, 2016 on orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India after details of the serious conspiracy came to light during investigation in another case.

The NIA had then discovered a criminal conspiracy hatched by three Indian nationals, namely Sheikh Azhar Al Islam Sattar Sheikh, Mohammed Farhan Mohammed Rafiq Shaikh and Adnan Hussain, all members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (IS). Along with other unknown associates, these three had conspired to identify, motivate, radicalise, recruit and train gullible Indian Muslim youths, both within and outside the country, to initiate them into the planning and execution of terrorist attacks.

NIA had filed a charge sheet against the trio on July 25, 2016. In 2017, all three had pleaded guilty before the NIA Special Court, which then sentenced them to seven years of imprisonment of life.

Further investigations into these menas antecedents showed that one Abdullah Basith, an active member of IS, was also part of the IS Abu Dhabi module. He was found engaged in actively propagating the organisationas ideology in furtherance of the larger criminal conspiracy.

Basith had radicalised and motivated vulnerable youth to join IS and collected funds from accused Adnan Hussain and other associates. He had even facilitated the visa and passport of radicalised youth with the help of the funds collected. He had also been involved in arranging and managing meetings with his associates to strengthen and expand the ISIS footprint in India.

Mohammed Abdul Qadeer, the other accused charge-sheeted on Thursday, had come in contact with Abdullah Basith after watching a television interview in May 2017. He also then became a part of the conspiracy and supported the activities of Abdullah Basith in promoting the IS ideology. He openly professed to be a supporter and member of the Islamic State. Mohammed Abdul Qadeer had attended various meetings of IS organised by Abdullah Basith.

A supplementary charge sheet was filed against these two accused by NIA on February 7, 2019.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : A taxi driver crashed his vehicle into the wall of the official residence of Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju in Delhi, a police official said on Thursday.

The impact was so powerful that a section of the wall broke, resulting in a hole.

"The driver, identified as Rahim Khan, who was caught on the spot, had lost control of the cab after colliding with a DTC bus and subsequently crashing into the wall of Kiren Rijiju's residence on Krishna Menon Marg on Wednesday," said a senior police official.

The driver, who hails from Nuh in Haryana, was apprehended by the police after the incident.

During questioning, Rahim Khan explained that a bus had struck his cab, leading to the collision with the Union Minister's residence wall. He was later released.

The incident occurred while Rahim Khan was en route to Nuh with his family.

As per officials, he was released later after questioning.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The Delhi High Court has observed that pregnant women in employment are entitled to maternity benefits without being denied so based on the nature of their work, as per the Maternity Benefit Act, 2017.

Justice Chandra Dhari Singh said that the Act does not suggest barring relief to working expectant women due to the type of their employment.

Justice Singh said that maternity benefits are not solely derived from legal obligations or employment contracts; they are a fundamental part of a woman's identity when choosing to start a family.

The court highlighted that the freedom to become a parent is a constitutional right, and obstructing this right without proper legal procedures contradicts both the Constitution and principles of social justice.

The judge observed that if a woman must choose between her career and family life, it is detrimental to societal progress.

Justice Singh noted that the Act frames maternity benefits as a "Benefit", but these should instead be considered a rightful entitlement for women employees in such situations, calling for a positive change in perspective and a more adaptive approach to providing maternity benefits.

This observation came in response to a case of a pregnant woman employed under contract with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA).

Despite extending maternity benefits to permanent employees, DSLSA denied them to contractual staff.

Justice Singh criticised this discrepancy, especially considering the petitioner's role in protecting the interests of children within the justice system.

The court directed DSLSA to provide all medical, financial, and other relevant benefits to the petitioner in accordance with the Maternity Benefit Act.

Recognising the struggles women have faced in achieving equal treatment, the court highlighted that equal treatment doesn't mean identical treatment.

"To push a woman, undergoing such degree of dynamic changes while she is in the process of childbirth, to work at par with those who are not, at the same extent of labour, physical and/or mental, tantamount to grave injustice and is in no manner reasonable. This is certainly not the definition of equity and equality of opportunities that the framers of the Constitution had in their mind," Justice Singh observed.

--IANSspr/dpb
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The BRICS grouping on Thursday announced that six nations -- Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Argentina, the UAE and Saudi Arabia -- will be included as full time members.

South Africa president Cyril Ramaphosa announced this at the BRICS summit.

The membership will be effective from January 1, 2024.

"We have consensus on the first phase of this BRICS expansion process," Ramaphosa told reporters in Johannesburg.

These six nations will join Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Speaking immediately after Ramaphosa's announcement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Johannesburg to attend the BRICS Summit, welcomed all six nations and vowed to work with the other nations to continue adding nations that express interest in joining.

"I take this opportunity to welcome these six nations to BRICS... and I congratulate the leaders and people of these nations. India has close ties, historic ties, with each of these countries and I believe we will work together for a new era of cooperation and prosperity," PM Modi said.

"On the occasion of the 15th anniversary of BRICS, we have taken the decision to expand this forum. India has always fully supported this expansion. Such an expansion will make BRICS stronger and more effective. In that spirit, India welcomes Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and UAE into the BRICS family," he later said on X (earlier Twitter).

--IANS

ans/dpb
San Francisco, Aug 24 : Google has introduced a new feature that will allow space members to see view counts for messages in all spaces.

"A more detailed view of how many members are engaging with content in spaces can be seen by hovering over the message, selecting the three-dot menu, and clicking 'See message views'," the tech giant said in a Workspace Updates blogpost on Wednesday.

The view counts in spaces will only be available for messages sent on August 1, 2023 and beyond.

Also, view counts will not be available for in-line replies.

This feature is currently rolling out on the web, and will be released on Android and iOS starting August 28.

Available to all Google Workspace customers and users with personal Google Accounts, this feature does not have admin control, the company said.

Last month, the tech giant had increased the number of members users can add to a space in Google Chat to 50,000.

Earlier, only 8,000 members were allowed in Chat spaces.

With this feature, the company aimed to not only help increase connectivity and a sense of belonging but also create broader and more thriving communities within the organisations.

Also, Google had introduced the ability to easily search for members within a space.

In March this year, the tech giant had released new features for space managers in Chat, including the ability to decide if members can add or remove members or groups to a space.
Washington, Aug 24 : For the first time in the history of the US, two Indian-American presidential candidates locked horns over the country's foreign policy in the Republican party's first presidential debate.

On Wednesday, Nikki Haley, 51, accused Vivek Ramaswamy, 38, of supporting America's foreign adversaries and abandoning its friends, and said that her GOP rival lacked foreign policy experience.

Asserting that a win for Russia is a win for China, Haley said that Ukraine is the first line of defence for the US, which Ramaswamy doesn't understand and wants to handover Kiev to Moscow.

"The problem that Vivek Ramaswamy doesn't understand is he wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel," Haley said.

"You don't do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends," Hely said even as Ramaswamy interrupted her on and off, calling her accusations false.

Ramaswamy, who was the only presidential candidate to raise hand when Fox News moderators asked who would not keep supporting Ukraine, argued the US should focus on protecting its own border first.

Stating that Haley was "pushing this lie" about him, Ramaswamy accused her of backing Ukraine at the behest of defence contractors.

"I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed (Martin) and Raytheon," Ramaswamy told Haley.

The youngest presidential-hopeful had recently unveiled his foreign policy vision at the Nixon Presidential Library, which called for less involvement in foreign affairs that do not directly concern the US.

"I do not want to get to the point where we are sending our military resources abroad, when we could be better using them here at home to protect our borders, protect my homeland," Ramaswamy said at the debate.

Haley said Ramaswamy is choosing Russian President Vladimir Putin who has said that once they take over Ukraine Baltic states are the next.

"That's a World War we are trying to prevent... You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country," Haley blasted Ramaswamy in a heated exchange of words, warning that Ramaswamy's moves could cost America's security.

Earlier, another GOP rival Chris Christie tore into Ramaswamy during the debate, calling him an "amateur" Obama, and sounding like a ChatGPT.
Hyderabad, Aug 24 : Barely three months before the Assembly elections, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday expanded his cabinet with the induction of Patnam Mahender Reddy.

Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Reddy at Raj Bhavan.

Chandrasekhar Rao, his cabinet colleagues, speaker Pocharam Srinivas Reddy, legislative council chairman G. Sukhender Reddy and senior officials attended the swearing-in.

Earlier, Mahender Reddy thanked KCR for giving him the opportunity and said he would try to live up to expectations.

His portfolio is likely to be announced later. With Mahender Reddy taking oath, the strength of the cabinet has gone up to 18 including the chief minister.

Mahender Reddyas swearing-in filled the lone vacancy in the cabinet. The position was vacant since May 2021 when KCR had dropped Eatala Rajender from the cabinet.

Reddy is currently a member of legislative council. His induction into the cabinet is seen as an attempt by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) to pacify him as he was expecting a party ticket to contest the coming assembly elections from Tandur constituency.

There were reports that Reddy was planning to quit the BRS and join the Congress or the BJP.

After KCR announced BRS candidates for 115 assembly seats, Mahender Reddy had called on him and he was assured of a cabinet berth.

The BRS leadership also ensured a patch-up between Mahender Reddy and sitting MLA from Tandur Rohit Reddy. A cold war was going on between them ever since Rohit Reddy defected to the BRS a few months after he was elected from Tandur as a Congress candidate in 2018.

After BRS named Rohit Reddy as its candidate from Tandur for the coming assembly election, he called on Mahender Reddy and took his blessings by touching his feet.

This will be Mahender Reddyas second stint as a minister in Telangana. He was a member of the first KCR cabinet between 2014 and 2018. He had held the transport portfolio.

He was with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) before joining the BRS. He was elected as an MLA from Tandur in 1994, 1998 and 2009 on a TDP ticket. He joined the BRS before the 2014 elections and was again elected from Tandur. However, he lost the election in 2018 to Congress nominee Rohit Reddy.

In 2019, the BRS made him a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). He was re-elected to the Council from the local body authorities constituency in 2021.
Panaji, Aug 24 : President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday visited Basilica of Bom Jesus Church at Old Goa and Shantadurga Temple in Kavalem-Ponda and sought blessings before returning to Delhi.

During her three-day visit to the coastal state, she attended a Civic Reception hosted by the state government in her honour, addressed the 34th Convocation of Goa University at Durbar Hall, at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula and interacted with the Vulnerable Tribal Group.

The President also addressed the members of Goa Legislative Assembly at the Assembly Complex, Porvorim.

She lamented that women's representation in state legislative assembly and in the workforce is very low and advocated the need of giving attention to the participation of women in public life.

"One area in which the government and people of Goa need to give attention is the participation of women in public life and the workforce. I can see a very low number of female legislators in this house.

"The proportion of working women in Goa is also relatively low. This is not a proper situation for a liberal society like Goa and efforts should be made towards changing this situation," the President said.

While interacting with the Tribal community, the President said that they should not think themselves as inferior, who in fact are life-givers and conservators of our forest.
The beauty of Nevadas open spaces is not just in the landscapes, but in the access it affords to all of our citizens. A proposed land swap between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Winecup Gamble Ranch, a subsidiary of out-of-state multi-billionaire Stanley Kroenkes empire, threatens to restrict Nevadans from our lands, affecting recreational activities and hunting traditions in the process.

The details of the exchange may be technical, but the essence is clear: Nevadans stand to lose 150,000 acres of public access land. This isnt just about acreage; it is about our rights as Nevadans. While Winecup Gamble Ranch proposes conservation easements and other conditions, theres an undeniable fact we cannot sidestep  restricting access to 235,000 acres of BLM land is a loss for our residents.

Hunting and recreation are not mere hobbies in Elko County; they form an essential part of our local economy. In 2022 alone, hunting brought in $9.3 million. Such an economic contribution is no small matter in our region. Any potential impact on this should be approached with the utmost caution, especially considering the potential repercussions for game habitats and overall quality of land use.

Furthermore, the premise of a fair market exchange between private and public land is hazy at best. There are water rights and mineral rights that must also be considered. It is difficult to believe that the proposed exchange is in the best interests of Nevadans. It is hard to determine where the equal value lies for the public in such an exchange. And while you may be able to put some form of monetary value on the land, the heritage, traditions, and freedoms Nevadans associate with it are priceless.

Stanley Kroenke and his wife, Walmart heiress Ann Walton Kroenke, with their vast wealth, certainly do not need more land, especially at the expense of ordinary Nevadans. While consolidating checkerboard lands is a commendable goal, we must ask ourselves, at what cost? A genuine compromise should not lead to Nevadans losing out on hundreds of square miles of public land access.

It is imperative that our congressional delegation hears from us loud and clear: this is not just about land; it is about ensuring that every Nevadan, irrespective of their economic status, retains the right to our states wondrous outdoors. We cannot, and should not, barter away our heritage for the promises of better management or conservation easements. Our open spaces are a testament to the rugged independence that defines our state, and they must remain accessible to all.

In the coming months, as this proposal develops, I urge every Nevadan to make their voice heard. Together, lets ensure that our landscapes remain open, our hunting traditions persist, and our children and grandchildren can experience the boundless beauty of Nevada just as we have.

For the sake of our future, our heritage, and our rights, lets stand united in opposing this land exchange.
War of words in Bengal over death of workers from state in Mizoram rail-bridge collapse. Image Source: IANS News

Kolkata, Aug 24 : A political slugfest has erupted in West Bengal over the death of migrant workers from the state killed in the rail-bridge collapse in Mizoram on Wednesday.

Although the Mizoram government is yet to announce the exact death toll, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed that of the 35 workers killed in the mishap, 24 were from West Bengal".

However, as per sources on the day of the tragedy, at least 26 workers were killed and two others were injured after an under-construction railway bridge collapsed near mountainous Sairang area of Mizoram.

According to the leader of opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, if the Chief Minister's claims are true, the incident exposes the lack of job opportunities in West Bengal which is forcing lakhs of migrant labourers from the state to travel outside in search of jobs.

"Some of these jobs pose grave danger to their lives. These opportunities are offered to them by middlemen as they provide labour at cheap rates. But the risk always lurks as many of them do not possess the skills required for such jobs. But they are left with no choice as the West Bengal government has failed to create employment opportunities in the state," Adhikari said.

Reacting to Adhikari's comments, state Minister for Industries, Commerce & Enterprises, Shashi Panja, termed them as totally untrue.

"When lakhs of migrant workers were returning home on foot during the Covid pandemic in 2020, the Union government did not have any statistics on migrant workers. West Bengal is the only state which is deprived of Central funds under the MGNREGA scheme.

"The leader of the opposition should know that many workers are associated with the 100-day job scheme under MGNREGA. The Union government has actually forced them to become migrant workers, since no Central funds under the MGNREGA scheme have been provided to the West Bengal government since 2021," Panja claimed.

She also said that the Union government should first answer why many people are leaving the country, even giving up their citizenship and escaping abroad in search of livelihood.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Delhi Police will soon file chargesheet in connection with sexual assault of minor by Delhi official Pramoday Khakha (51), who held the position of deputy director in the WCD department, an official privy to investigation told IANS on Thursday.

Meanwhile, the crime and forensic science laboratory teams also inspected the house and collected several pieces of evidence.

"As a part of standard operating procedure, we have collected the evidence. The phones have been confiscated and soon we will be recording statements of eight to 10 people related to the case," said a senior police official, adding that they have enough evidence for now to prosecute the accused.

Khakha stands accused of repeatedly raping the girl between November 2020 and January 2021.

The victim, who was just 14 years old at the time, is said to have suffered the initial assault on October 31, 2020, after being drugged, as disclosed by sources familiar with the matter.

Subsequent to her disclosure, police acted on her complaint and initiated legal proceedings under the relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on August 13.

After a nine-day investigation, the alleged government officer was apprehended. The victim remains hospitalised and her condition is reported to be unstable due to the trauma she endured.

Sources said that there is evidence to suggest the victim may have been subjected to further assaults by the accused individual. "We are currently in possession of his custody, and through interrogation, we hope to unearth additional details," a source said.

The victim was an adopted child who grappled with depression following passing of her father on October 1, 2020. In an attempt to provide her with a change of scenery, she spent several days at Premodya's residence, as per sources.

During the initial phase of questioning, the accused maintained vehemently that the accusations were entirely unfounded. He asserted that the victim's family had made multiple visits to his home, a claim that is currently under verification. The girl eventually returned to her own home alongside her mother in 2021, during a visit, as reported by sources.

Source said that when the victim disclosed about the incident with accused wife Seema, she faced blame-shifting, with Seema insinuating that the victim might have played a role in the situation. The victim also alleged that Seema had a strict demeanor and resorted to physical discipline when the girl's exam scores were less than satisfactory.

Subsequently, instances were noted where the alleged perpetrator encountered the victim at a church, leading to inappropriate physical contact. These encounters led the victim to withdraw from attending church services after July. The victim refrained from disclosing any of these occurrences to her mother, under the assumption that her mother would not believe her, as stated by the police.

When she narrated the ordeal to Khakha's wife, she sent her son to buy abortion pills, which were given to the victim.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Around 20 CEOs of Indian startups have quit their posts this year to date, amid the deepening funding winter and regulatory concerns, a significantly higher number than previous years, the media reported.

Data compiled by Fintrackr showed that in the first eight months this year, nearly 20 startup CEOs have left their position to either join a new firm or continue in the same company in a different role.

In January, edtech company upGrad's CEO Arjun Mohan quit after a nearly three-year stint.

Last month, he joined Byju's to lead its international business.

Prashant Jhaveri, chief executive of Flipkart's online pharmacy Flipkart Health+, also left the firm after serving more than a year at the company, reports entrackr.

Fintech startup Slash and grocery tech startup Milkbasket are yet to announce their new CEOs.

Throttle Aerospace's CEO reportedly stepped down from the company.

In March, DailyRounds' CEO Deepu Sebin and FreeCharge's CEO Siddharth Mehta announced their resignation after serving for several years at the helm.

In May, all three co-founders including CEO of buy now pay later (BNPL) startup ZestMoney resigned.

Some startup founders also quit as CEOs voluntarily or were elevated to a new role.

For example, co-working space provider 91Springboard has replaced its CEO Anand Vemuri with Anshu Sarin, the report mentioned.

Logistics startup Porter promoted its CEO Pranav Goel to executive vice chairman.

Consumer electronic brand boAt, higher education edtech platform DataTrained, and Skincare brand SkinQ also promoted their CEOs to a new role within the company. Some of the startups also saw layoffs.

Cuemath laid off 100 employees and re-appointed Manan Khurma as its CEO. Before Khurma, Vivek Sunder served as CEO for nearly two years at the startup.

Car servicing startup GoMechanic laid off 70 per cent of its workforce as the co-founder Amit Bhasin acknowledged financial lapses.

Following its acquisition by Servizzy, a consortium led by the Lifelong Group, all co-founders including the CEO, have left, said the report.
Visakhapatnam, Aug 24 : A devotee deposited a cheque of Rs 100 crore in the 'hundi' (offering box) at Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Simhachalam.

When the temple authorities sent the cheque to the bank concerned, they were shocked to learn that the devotee had only Rs 17 in his account.

The photograph of the cheque surfaced on social media on Thursday. The cheque was signed by Boddepalli Radhakrishna.

The devotee has not written the date on the cheque which belongs to Kotak Mahindra Bank. The cheque shows that the devotee is an account holder in the bankas branch in Visakhapatnam.

When the officials of the temple body found the cheque in the Hundi, they took it to the Executive Officer. He sensed something amiss and asked officials to check with the bank branch concerned if it was really Rs100 crore cheque.

The bank authorities informed the temple body that the person who issued the cheque has only Rs 17 in his account.

The temple authorities are planning to write to the bank to identify the donor. Sources said if the donor had the intention of cheating the temple authorities, the bank may be requested to initiate cheque bounce case against him.

The devoteeas action evoked interesting comments on the Internet. While some netizens commented that the man invited wrath of the God, some others commented that he may have made an advance payment to the God to answer to his prayers.

Located on Simhachalam hill in the port city, Sri Varahalakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple is one of the famous temples of Andhra Pradesh.
Islamabad, Aug 24 : The Islamabad High Court has adjourned till Friday former Pakistan Prime Minster Imran Khan's plea challenging his trial and conviction in the Toshakhana case.

A trial court in Islamabad on August 5 had sentenced Khan to three years' imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 1,00,000 while hearing the Election Commission of Pakistan's criminal complaint against the former Prime Minister for concealing the details of Toshakhana gifts.

Latif Khosa, appearing for Khan, said the trial court's decision had a lot of mistakes.

Highlighting that the high court had ordered the trial court to answer the questions raised by the defence, Khosa said the latter even ignored the orders of the high court.

ECP counsel Amjad Parvez said the PTI chief had been convicted on August 5, as documented. Parvez stressed that the trial bench decisions of the top court were part of the official record and clarified that the top courtas ruling had neither been reviewed nor contested.

The trial court had found Khan guilty of "corrupt practices by hiding the benefits he accrued from the national exchequer wilfully and intentionally", Dawn reported.

The PTI chief 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 tenure as the Prime Minister, the ECP had said in its complaint.

On Wednesday, the Pakistan Supreme Court had acknowledged "procedural defects" in Khan's conviction by the trial court.

Khan is currently lodged in Attock jail.
Guwahati, Aug 24 : The Gauhati High Court on Thursday overturned the 2019 verdict of an Assam court by acquitting all six convicts in the 2004 Indepdence Day Dhemaji bomb blast case of all charges.

Six persons were found guilty by Dhemaji District and Sessions Court in July 2019. Of them, four were handed life sentences, while two others received 4 years of rigorous imprisonment.

On Thursday, the high court reversed the 2019 verdict of the lower court after observing that sufficient evidence against the convicted individuals had not been produced.

On August 15, 2004, a bomb exploded in Dhemaji during the Independence Day celebrations, killing 18 people, including 14 schoolchildren, and critically injuring at least 40 others.

The banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) had claimed responsibility for the attack, and within a short span of time, the police arrested at least 14 people.

The police filed cases against them under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), Section 120 B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with criminal conspiracy, Section 302 of the IPC, and other sections.

After many sessions, the Dhemaji District and Sessions Court determined that six of the 14 accused were guilty of both the blast and multiple deaths. Dipanjali Burhagohain, Muhi Handique, Jatin Dubori, and Leela Gogoi received life sentences of solitary confinement. Each of them were asked to pay a fine of Rs 10,000.

For their roles in the conspiracy, the other two individuals, Prashanta Bhuyan and Hemen Gogoi were handed four years' RI and fines of Rs 2,000.

The district court absolved the eight other accused -- Minu Borah, Joya Chutiya, Jiten Chutiya, Apsara Bora, Govind Kalita, Jaychandra Chutiya, Chandranath Gogoi, and Mohan Chutiya, of all allegations.

Later, the convicts filed a petition in the Gauhati High Court to review their challenge to the lower court's judgment.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The BRICS nations on Thursday recognised the need for fast, inexpensive, transparent, safe, and inclusive payment systems and noted that it looks forward to a report by the BRICS Payment Task Force (BPTF) on the mapping of the various elements of the G20 Roadmap on cross-border payments in BRICS countries.

It also stressed on encouraging use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between member nations and their trading partners.

In the Johannesburg Declaration, which was released at the end of the three-day long 15th BRICS summit, the BRICS nations welcomed the sharing of experience by member nations on payment infrastructures, including the interlinking of cross-border payment systems.

"We believe this will further enhance cooperation amongst the BRICS countries and encourage further dialogue on payment instruments to facilitate trade and investment flows between the BRICS members as well as other developing countries.

"We stress the importance of encouraging the use of local currencies in international trade and financial transactions between BRICS as well as their trading partners.

"We also encourage strengthening of correspondent banking networks between the BRICS countries and enabling settlements in the local currencies. We task our finance ministers and/or central bank governors, as appropriate, to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to us by the next summit," the declaration said.

The grouping also agreed to deepen cooperation on competition amongst BRICS countries and create a fair competition market environment for international economic and trade cooperation.
Users can now see speaker notes while co-presenting Google Slides in Meet. Image Source: IANS News

San Francisco, Aug 24 : Google has announced that users can now see speaker notes while co-presenting Google Slides in Google Meet.

Earlier this year, the company added a feature that allows multiple people to present a Slides presentation together in Meet.

"Starting today, co-presenters are now also able to view speaker notes," the tech giant said in a Workspace Updates blogpost on Wednesday.

This means that primary and co-presenters can now read from the same speaker notes while engaging with their audience during a presentation.

This will allow everyone to present with greater confidence and reduce context switching between Meet and Slides.

The company further mentioned that this new feature requires a computer with a Google Chrome or Edge browser.

Moreover, this feature does not have admin control.

Earlier this month, the tech giant had introduced a Q&A moderation feature for the video communication service 'Meet'.

The feature allows meeting hosts to review and approve questions before they are shared with meeting attendees, making sure that questions are appropriate and on topic.

Also, the company had introduced a feature that allows users to highlight or emphasize key content while they present in Google Slides.

With the new pen tool, users can circle, underline, draw connections or make quick notes directly on their presentation.

Whether in a board meeting or a brainstorming session, annotations can help make users' presentations more engaging, interactive and impactful.
Kolkata, Aug 24 : The Kolkata Police investigating the mysterious death of a fresher of Jadavpur University ((JU) have reportedly got clues that a section of the boarders at the students' hostel of the university made an attempt to grow marijuana in earthen flower pots within the hostel premises.

The first year student of Bengali honours died on August 10 after falling from the balcony of a studentsa hostel. It is suspected that he became a victim of ragging.

The police have also got some clues that the senior students who resorted to inhuman ragging of the deceased fresher by stripping off his clothes were under the influence of either alcohol or any psychotropic intoxicant.

The police reportedly found clues about attempts to grow marijuana in earthen flower pots within the hostel premises from the data retrieved from the cellphones of some of the present and former students arrested in connection with the case.

Police sources said that as per the data, attempts to grow marijuana were made in A2 Block of the studentsa hostel. However, during search the police couldn't find any earthen flower pots with traces of marijuana seeds.

The police believe that immediately after the 'mishap', the accused either destroyed or got rid of these earthen flower pots, apprehending that the issue might become big at a later stage.

Already 12 individuals, including present and former students of JU, have been arrested in connection with the ragging death of the fresher.

All of them are presently in police custody, while some more present and former students of the university are under police radar.

Meanwhile, Governor C.V. Ananda Bose on Thursday directed the newly-appointed interim Vice Chancellor of JU, Buddhadeb Sau, to immediately implement the anti- ragging guidelines set by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in the university.

The Governor also inquired as to why there is a delay in installating CCTV cameras within the university campus.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri's runaway success 'The Kashmir Files' has bagged the Nargis Dutt Award for the Best Feature Film on National Integration at the 69th National Film Awards here on Thursday.

The event took place at the National Media Centre hosted by the jury. It had 280 films across 28 languages in competition for various awards.

aThe Kashmir Filesa presents a storyline centred around the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir.

The Kashmir Files stars Mithun Chakraborty, Anupam Kher, Darshan Kumar, and Pallavi Joshi. The plot follows a Kashmiri Hindu college student, raised by his exiled grandfather and shielded from the knowledge of the circumstances of the death of his parents. After his grandfather's death, the student, who had come to believe at college that the exodus was benign, becomes driven to uncover the facts of his family's deaths.

The plot alternates between the student's quest in the present time, 2020, and his family's travails of thirty years before.
Nevada Republicans will have both a party caucus and a primary election in February 2024 to decide who they want to be the GOP presidential nominee  but only one will count.

The Nevada GOP is insisting on holding its own caucus despite a state law passed in 2021 calling for a primary election. A caucus benefits former President Donald Trump.

The Nevada GOP sued to block the primary but lost in court. Carson City District Judge James Russell denied their request on July 10.

The attorney representing the Nevada GOP was ultra-MAGA Republican Sigal Chattah. Chattah, a failed candidate for attorney general last November, is now the Nevada GOPs Republican National Committeewoman. Shes an ardent Trump supporter.

On August 14, the Nevada GOP announced it will hold its presidential caucus on Thursday, February 8, 2024  two days after the State of Nevada holds its legally-mandated presidential primary.

The dueling elections are certain to confuse Republican voters.

Delegates to the Republican National Convention will be decided by the results of the caucus, not the primary. That means the primary will be only a beauty contest  with no meaning.

Republican voters who wish to have a say in who goes to the national convention and which GOP candidate gets their support will have to show up in-person on February 8 at 5 p.m. at locations not yet determined.

Republican voters who participate in the primary beauty contest will be able to vote at any time on February 6 at any regular polling location. Theyll also be able to vote early or by mail.

The primary election is certain to have a much larger turnout than the caucus.

But a report in the Las Vegas Review-Journal is even more alarming.

The Nevada GOP is also telling the various presidential campaigns they must not participate in the state presidential primary  such as filing a statement of candidacy with the state  or else they will not be able to participate in the caucus and will be awarded no delegates.

So the party is not only shutting out tens of thousands of Republican voters who cant or wont vote in the caucus for a range of reasons, the Nevada GOP is denying legitimate Republican candidates from even appearing on the primary ballot.

This is a major public relations disaster for the GOP as Nevada Republican voters realize what the state party has done to them.

But the party doesnt care. In reality, the Nevada GOP is the Trump campaign in Nevada. Its executive director, Alida Benson, only recently resigned to become the state director for the Trump campaign.

Nevada GOP Chairman Michael McDonald and Vice-Chair Jim DeGraffenreid, longtime Trump loyalists, both signed certificates falsely stating Trump had won Nevada in 2020.

They believe Trump will crush his opposition in a tightly controlled caucus  where they can make and change the rules  but in an open primary, with vastly more Republican voters participating, the outcome would be less certain.

In addition, the party itself will be spending tens of thousands of dollars it doesnt have holding their alternative caucus rather than participating in the primary, which is paid for by the public.

Thats a lot of money the party could be spending on state legislative races where the GOP is currently a super-minority in the Assembly and only one seat away from a super-minority in the Senate.

Gov. Lombardo needs a friendlier legislature.

But for the Nevada GOP, nothing matters other than stacking the deck to assure Donald Trump gets the state convention delegates next February.

In 2020, the Nevada GOP cancelled its presidential caucus to avoid Trump facing three Republican challengers.

Trump repeatedly complains about rigged elections. In Nevada, both in the 2020 and 2024 nomination process, Trumps the one doing the rigging.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Google on Thursday released a new doodle on its web browser celebrating Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the moon's South Pole.

"You'll catch us smiling every time we open the Google homepage today Here's celebrating the historic feat by @isro's #Chandrayaan3 and the first landing on the moon's south pole, with this #GoogleDoodle," Google posted on X (formerly Twitter) with a GIF of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft landing on the moon.

Google wrote in the description section about how the Chandrayaan-3 mission began in July 2023 and culminated on Wednesday evening with the successful soft landing of Vikram, the land rover.

"The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota Range, Andhra Pradesh on July 14, 2023, and successfully touched down near the lunar south pole region on August 23, 2023. Moon landings are no easy feat," the description said.

"Previously, only the US, China, and the former Soviet Union have completed soft landings on the moon -- but no country has made it to the southern pole region before now," it added.

It further explained how Chandrayaan-3 confirmed ice deposits were present in the shadowed craters at the south pole of the moon.

"The moonas south pole has been an area of heightened interest for space explorers as they suspected the existence of ice deposits located inside permanently shadowed craters. Chandrayaan-3 has now confirmed this prediction to be true! This ice offers the potential of critical resources for future astronauts such as air, water, and even hydrogen rocket fuel," the description added.

The description ended with a congratulations on the Chandrayaan-3 space mission.
Mumbai, Aug 24 : Actor Pankaj Tripathi, who is currently receiving good response to his recent release 'OMG 2', has been feted with the Best Supporting Actor award for his work in 'Mimi' at the announcement of 69th National Film Awards in Delhi on Thursday.

The actor, who is grieving the loss of his father, has dedicated his award to his late father.

He said in a statement: "This is unfortunately a period of loss and grieving for me. If Babuji was around, he would have been really happy for me. When I first got the National award mention, he was very proud and pleased".

The actor also congratulated actress Kriti Sanon, who shared the Best Actress Award with Alia Bhatt for her film 'Mimi'.

He further mentioned: "This National Award I dedicate to him and his spirit. I'm who I'm today because of him. I'm at a loss of words due to this time but I'm happy and grateful to the team. Kriti also has won the Best Actress, so a huge congratulations to her."

The winners of the 69th National Film Awards were announced at the National Media Centre in Delhi on Thursday.
Chennai, Aug 24 : 'Kadaisi Vivasayi', directed and produced by M. Manikandan, feted as the Best Tamil Film at the National Film Awards 2023, announced in New Delhi on Thursday.

The movie is a story of an 85-year-old farmer who stood up against a property developer.

aKadaisi Vivasayia was released in theatres on February 11, 2022.

The film features the late Nallandi who played the lead role. Vijay Sethupathi and Yogi Babu played supporting roles in the movie.

The cinematography of the movie was also done by Manikandan.

Manikandan had tried to rope in Tamil super star Rajinikanth to play the role of the farmer Mayandi in the movie but the actor turned down the offer. Later, he found Nallandi to play the role of Mayandi.

Nallandi completed the shooting of the movie but passed away soon.

Tamil superstar Vijay Sethupathi played a cameo role in the movie.

Except for Vijay Sethupathi and Yogi Babu, all others were farmers who were acting for the first time in the movie.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The Karnataka government on Thursday told the Supreme Court that Tamil Nadu's application demanding release of water from Cauvery river is wholly misconceived as it is based on an erroneous assumption that this water year is a normal one, and not a distressed water year.

The Karnataka government submitted before the Supreme Court that it is not obliged to ensure water prescribed for a normal year, because a distress condition has arisen in the Cauvery basin due to the failure of southwest monsoon.

It said the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) recorded that water inflows into four reservoirs in Karnataka were lesser by 42.5 per cent up to August 9, and Tamil Nadu itself had acknowledged that rainfall is lesser by 25 per cent in its application filed before the Supreme Court.

Karnataka claimed that Tamil Nadu, instead of presenting its case before CWMA, walked out of the meeting and "has to blame itself for failing to use an opportunity before the CWMA".

"Tamil Nadu says it has started sowing Samba rice crop from July 15 onwards. If so, it is still at the transplantation stage," it contended.

Further, it has been said that Karnataka's reasonable needs are at serious risk because the entire current storage plus likely inflow is not sufficient for the crops in Karnataka and for meeting the drinking water requirements of towns and villages, including the megacity of Bengaluru.

Karnataka said that had the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water project been constructed, the surplus water to some extent of 13 tmc could have been used during the months of June and July to mitigate the distress in Tamil Nadu.

The affidavit filed by the state's Water Resources Department said that Tamil Nadu's demand for release of 24,000 cusecs per day from the reservoirs in Karnataka is based on an assumption that this water year is a normal water year.

"CMWA cannot be directed to ensure flows, as stipulated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, in a normal water year, since it has found that "rainfall is lesser by 23 per cent in K.R. Sagar catchment and 22 per cent in Kabini catchment based on the report of Indian Meteorological Department," stated the reply document filed by Karnataka.

Notably, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on August 25 the plea filed by Tamil Nadu demanding release of Cauvery river water from Karnataka dams.

Earlier on Monday, CJI D.Y. Chandrachud had agreed to constitute a bench after senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the state of Tamil Nadu, sought urgent listing of the application seeking release of water.

In its application, Tamil Nadu has sought direction from the top court to Karnataka to ensure the stipulated release for the months of August and September as per the Cauvery Tribunal award as modified by the Supreme Court in 2018.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday trained his guns at the BJP government at the centre saying that there are attempts to tarnish the image of the state government and also alleged that it is using Enforcement Directorate (ED) to torture everyone.

He also said that now it seems that the agency will contest elections in place of the saffron party candidates.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters here, a day after his political adviser Vinod Verma's residence was raided by the ED, Baghel said, "There have been attempts to suppress and tarnish the image of the Chhattisgarh government. It all started after they (BJP) were defeated in Jharkhand Assembly elections. They were silent for two and a half years, but have become active again as the elections are approaching."

Targeting the government, he said that the agencies are alleging scams to the tune of Rs 2,168 crore in Chhattisgarh, which they have been unable to prove.

He further said that the assets recovered in raids make up for only a very small amount.

He said that they accused of using fake hologram but the hologram is put by the retailer. "No action has been taken against the retailer. It was alleged by the ED that there was a loss to the state's revenue whereas it has only benefited. They alleged of Rs 500 crore FIR alleging coal scam took place in Karnataka Bhopal and Noida. The movable and immovable assets together reached Rs 150 crore," he said.

Baghel said the problem of the BJP is that it is baffled how the government procured from farmers 107 lakh metric tonnes of paddy which earlier used to rot in the open.

"We saved all those losses. This is their worry," he added.

Baghel alleged that they (ED) go to homes and confiscate mobiles.

"They seize property and accounts. Keeps people hostage in the house for five-six days. They will just keep sitting, they don't have questions. Until the order comes from above, they don't vacate, then they ask political questions," he alleged.

"What I came to know is that the ED did not even allow anyone to even sleep for more than 40 hours. ED is holding people hostage for more than three to five days in their own home and does not even allow them to purchase medicines if someone is ill. This is a pure torture," he said.

Hitting out at the BJP government at the centre, he said that be it any investigating agencies, they are only working at the behest of the BJP government.

Referring to the ED searches on Wednesday at several locations, he said: "Yesterday they reached at the house of my political consultant Vinod Verma and OSD's home. They did not found anything. First IT raided, then ED entered and now they are applying in the court that CBI inquiry should be done in these cases only. The aim is to stop the work of the state government. These are only political objectives. They don't want to contest elections democratically."

"It seems that ED will contest elections against us, and not the BJP candidates."

He alleged that the ED is threatening people to sign this paper or else they will send them to jail.

"More than 200 raids have been conducted in Chhattisgarh. The central government is getting all this done. Everyone knows about Sanjay Mishra (ED Director)," the Chief Minister said.

"In the next few months, a team of 200-250 personnel of I-T will conduct raids across Chhattisgarh...As they conduct more raids, their seats will decrease..."

"However, the people of Chhattisgarh have understood the tactics. As they conduct more raids, their seats will decrease. There are 15 seats, although at present there are 13 seats if they continue to do this, it will be hard for them to even win the 15 seats," the Chief Minister said.

Lashing out at the BJP government without naming anyone the Congress leader said that Home Minister Amit Shah visits the state and only stays inside of the BJP office and returns back.

When asked if he is scared of getting arrested, following the arrests and raids on the premises of his aide, Baghel said: "We are from Chhattisgarh. We are not scared of death, nor do we fear going to jail. The Maoists have killed so many people, all our senior leaders have been martyred, and all this happened during their (BJP) rule. They had sent me to jail earlier. Raman Singh had sent me and the government of 15 years got down to just 15 seats."

Baghel further said that he would give a befitting response to the BJP in the upcoming state assembly polls and wipe out the party from Chhattisgarh.

His remarks came a day after the ED arrested an Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Chandrabhushan Verma of Chhattisgarh Police and three others -- Satish Chandrakar, Anil Dammani and Sunil Dammani -- as part of its ongoing investigation into the Mahadev app money laundering case.

The ED had initiated a PMLA investigation based on FIRs registered by the Chhattisgarh Police. The FIRs were registered by the Vishakhapatnam Police and other states were taken on record.

Searches were conducted at multiple locations by the ED on August 21 and 23 during which a large amount of incriminating documents were seized.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has told the Law Commission of India that even a minute change in the basic format of Sharia will not be acceptable, as the Indian Constitution mentions freedom of religion as a fundamental right.

It said that Sharia law (Muslim personal law) based on Quran and Sunna (Prophet's words and actions) cannot be altered, while Ijtehad, i.e., Islamic scholars' opinions, can differ with time and situations.

A delegation from AIMPLB led by its President Moulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani had on Wednesday met the Chairman of the Law Commission, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, to convey its stand on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

The body, which claims to protect Muslim personal laws, questioned why only Muslims have not been exempted from UCC when the government is ready to exclude tribals and Christians of Northeastern states from its application.

The AIMPLB said if anybody has a problem with religious personal law, then they can solemnise their marriage under the Special Marriage Registration Act, which is a secular law.

Presently, under the Muslim law, there is no such specific age prescribed for marriage and if both husband and wife are in a position to fulfil the obligations of marriage, they can marry.

Notably, this issue whether such marriages will be hit by provisions contained under the provisions of Child Marriage Restraint Act and Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences Act is pending consideration before the Supreme Court.

As per a statement issued by AIMPL, the Chairman of Law Commission has assured that it is not going to suggest any substantial change which may alter the basic features of Sharia Law as its role is just limited to make suggestions and the government will have to take final call.

On June 14, the 22nd Law Commission had solicited the views and ideas of the public and recognised religious organisations to examine the UCC.

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his address to BJP workers in Bhopal, too had pitched for UCC.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The new Omicron sub-variants BA.2.86 and EG. 5.1 would not pose any risk to Indians, said experts here amid fresh concerns of Covid-19.

New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS) The new Omicron sub-variants BA.2.86 and EG. 5.1 will not pose any risk to Indians, said experts here amid fresh concerns of Covid-19.

BA.2.86, known to be highly mutated, has been linked to 6 cases in 4 countries: Israel, Denmark, the UK and the US. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated BA.2.86 as a variant under monitoring (VUM).

EG. 5.1 is currently present in 55 countries and has also been designated by the WHO as a "variant of interest" (VOI).

"While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence, growth advantage, and immune escape properties, there have been no reported changes in disease severity to date. We haven't witnessed anything new as far as symptomatology is concerned, but many suspected Covid patients are getting negative RT-PCR tests," Dr Vidya S Nair, Senior Consultant & HOD unit 2 - Pulmonology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Faridabad, told IANS.

"BA.2.86 will not pose any danger to India, because India has been having Omicron since last almost 20 months," added epidemiologist Dr Ishwar Gilada at the 55th Seminars on International Planetary Emergencies at Erice, Sicily, Italy, citing BA.2 and BA.4.

He noted that India has an edge over the two new variants, as the country has "since the beginning got good immunity so it will not affect India adversely".

Although there has been slight uptick in cases, Dr Gilada said the variants are not giving rise to any kind of oxygen demand, demand for bed ICU ventilators and deaths are very, very low.

The WHO, meanwhile, said that "based on the available evidence, the public health risk posed by EG.5 has been evaluated as low and it is similar to other circulating variants of interest".

For BA.2.86, the global health agency said that the information is "limited". "To date, there is no evidence of significant changes in the public health impact of these sub-lineages and there is no justification for the assignment of a new 'variant of concern', the WHO added.

"It is indeed too early to draw sweeping conclusions about the BA 2.86 Covid variant. While it has made its presence known, we do not have sufficient data to assert whether it is more infectious than its predecessors. According to the reported cases, most of its symptoms are that of the flu variant, just like the EG.5.1 variant, the symptoms of Covid variant BA 2.86 are similar to that of the flu-like cold, cough, lethargicness, myalgia, fever etc," Dr. Tribhuvan Gulati, Lead Consultant, Diabetes, Obesity & Internal Medicine at the CK Birla Hospital, told IANS.

On Monday, senior officials of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) held a high-level meeting to review the global and national Covid situation, newer variants in circulation and their public health impact.

It was highlighted that while globally a total of 2,96,219 new cases of Covid were reported in the past seven days, India, which contributes to nearly 17 per cent of global population, reported only 223 cases (0.075 per cent of global new cases) in the past week.

It was informed that the daily average of new cases continues to be below 50 from the entire country, with a weekly test positivity rate of less than 0.2 per cent.

"New variants will keep on coming and we should keep on monitoring. However, there should be no cause of concern till the trajectory doesn't say that people can get into a requirement of bed or hospitalisation or it was a kind of serious illness. So long as that is not the case. I think we should keep on monitoring," said Dr. Gilada.

"We should not be worried. We have natural immunity because of the infection to earlier variants or variants. We have been vaccinated and when we have been vaccinated and having natural immunity and also called hybrid immunity which is more divinities we also have our memory cells in us which are which get activated as soon as the attack from similar virus or organism comes and was memory cells are activated that we have our own defence system so I think we should understand those things," he said.

Dr Rahul Pandit, Chair, critical care, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai told IANS "we really don't know whether the mutation which has, has got any implications on its infectivity, or its severity. So I think as of now, we don't need to be panicking in India at all, there is no case detected in India as of now".
New Delhi, Aug 24 : BJP on Thursday hit back at Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel after he accused the Centre of attempting to tarnish the image of his government.

"We are not required to tarnish the image of Chhattisgarh government," said BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said at a press conference at the party headquarters referring to Baghel's statement.

Patra also accused the Congress-led government in the mineral rich state of rampant corruption.

"If you loot the peoples' money, then agencies will do their own work," the BJP spokesperson added.

Earlier in the day, Baghel while addressing a press conference at the Congress headquarters said, "There have been attempts to suppress and tarnish the image of the Chhattisgarh government. Be it any investigating agencies, they are only working at the behest of the BJP government. ED had recently conducted raids in the houses of my political consultant and officer on special duty."

The Chief Minister also said that now it seems that the agency will contest elections in place of the BJP candidates.

Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh are scheduled to be held later this year.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday urged the Central government to announce the devastation caused by the rains and landslides as natural calamity.

In a tweet in Hindi, Priyanka Gandhi said, "In this tough time, my prayers are with people of Himachal. Many states have taken commendable and sensitive steps to help Himachal Pradesh.

"I appeal to the Central government that in view of the huge loss caused by the disaster and tragedy in Himachal Pradesh, it should be declared a national calamity so that our sisters and brothers who are suffering can get proper and quick relief," she said.

"At the time of this dreadful calamity, all the countrymen should stand with the people of Himachal Pradesh and encourage them," she added.

Even on Wednesday, Congress incharge for Himachal Pradesh Rajeev Shukla had demanded for a package of Rs 10,000 crore and also appealed the central government to declare the devastation as a natural calamity.

On Thursday, a video of landslide in Kullu went viral on social media in which several houses can be seen getting destroyed.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Delhi minister Atishi claimed on Thursday that the Chief Secretary has outrightly refused to accept an order issued for better coordination between the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA) and the departments of the Delhi government by referring to the GNCTD (Amendment) Act 2023.

Atishi said, "The 10-page letter written by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar depicts that now an un-elected bureaucracy and L-G will decide how Delhi will be run and how the works of the people will be done here. This letter from the Chief Secretary is a big blow to democracy. This attitude of the bureaucracy and the power given to them through the GNCTD (Amendment) Bill will further delay the works of Delhi's people."

Terming the GNCTD (Amendment) Act as against the Constitution, Atishi said it says that the power to make decisions in Delhi will remain with the un-elected bureaucracy and Lieutenant Governor instead of the people of Delhi or the elected government.

She added that Section 45(J)5 of the Act says that the bureaucracy has the right to not accept the decisions of the minister. It says that the Chief Secretary can refuse to accept and execute the orders of ministers if they want, which is a massive blow to democracy, she said.

"The result of this Act was seen by us on August 21 itself, just 10 days after the notification of the Bill. Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, in a 10-page letter, refused to accept an order issued by the minister. As the Services and Vigilance Minister, I passed an order to the Chief Secretary, Secretary (Services), and Secretary (Vigilance) on August 16 for better coordination of NCCSA and the departments of the Delhi government. But in the 10-page letter addressed to me, the Chief Secretary mentioned the GNCTD (Amendment) Act and stated that the elected government does not have the power to decide, the Chief Secretary does," she said.

Atishi added, "The rejection of orders of the Services Minister by the Chief Secretary is just the beginning of what the Supreme Court bench stated in Paragraph 107. There are several projects of the government in the education, health, power, and transport sectors that have benefited the people of Delhi.

"But given the mention in the GNCTD (Amendment) Act 2023, tomorrow all secretaries can or may refuse to accept the orders of the Ministers by writing long letters. If bureaucrats refuse to accept the orders of the ministers or the elected government, democracy in this country will be shredded into pieces."
Episode 104: In a country where reverence and tradition are waning, hosts Richard Kyte and Scott Rada debate whether the pledge remains an effective way to express the best values of being an American.

Links to stories discussed during the podcast:

Here's why we should say the Pledge of Allegiance, by Richard Kyte

Is the Pledge of Allegiance just an empty, performative ritual? by Nicholas Goldberg, Los Angeles Times

Here is a breakdown of laws in 47 states that require reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, by Brad Dress, The Hill

About the hosts: Scott Rada is social media manager with Lee Enterprises, and Richard Kyte is the director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Agartala, Aug 24 : In a jolt for the opposition Congress in Tripura, its Working President and former minister Billal Mia, who resigned from the party on Wednesday, joined the ruling BJP on Thursday.

The 63-years-old leader joined BJP at a function at Kulubari in Sepahijala district.

Chief Minister Manik Saha, state BJP President Rajib Bhattacharjee, several ministers and senior party leaders greeted Mia, who was a leading Muslim leader of Congress.

Mia in a letter to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday said that he wants to quit from all posts and the primary membership of the party, which according to him, was his home for more than 40 years.

The former Minister (1988-1993) was annoyed 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.

Political circles predict that Mia's joining into the BJP would boost the partyas performance in the Boxanagar by-elections, which fell vacant after the death of sitting CPI-M MLA Samsul Haque, who passed away on July 19 after a cardiac attack.

On the other hand, Tripura Pradesh Congress President Asish Kumar Saha on Wednesday expelled Mia from the party for six years for 'anti-party' activities.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : A Delhi court has acquitted five gangsters including a former independent member of the Delhi assembly Rambeer Shokken, who is also convicted under section 174-A (non-attendance in obedience to an order from a public servant) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Special Judge Geentanjali Goel acquitted -- Neeraj Bawana, Pankaj Sherawat, Shokeen, Bawana's associates Naveen Dabas and Rahul Dabas -- in a case involving the operation of an organised crime syndicate in the Delhi-NCR region.

The court found that the prosecution failed to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt lodged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

The court agreed with the arguments presented by defense advocates M S Khan and Qausar Khan, who said that the prosecution lacked the necessary evidence to prove the case against the accused.

Shokeen, however would face a maximum imprisonment of one month for the conviction, and the court will hear arguments on sentence for Shokeen on August 26.
Bhopal, Aug 24 : The members of NSUI were cane-charged by the police at Indore in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday during a protest organised by the student wing of the Congress.

The National Students Union of India (NSUI) members -- around 2,000 -- staged a protest in Indore's Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, highlighting several issues including alleged delay in conducting exams, declaring results and poor evaluation of answer sheets.

The students took out a rally and then tried to forcefully enter the premises, prompting the police to use water cannons and resort to cane-charge to control the situation.

Several of them were detained by the police but released later.

"Students' issues remain unaddressed. Irregularities are also going on in the university which will also be highlighted by us," said NSUI city president Rajat Patel.

Indore-based Congress leader Shobha Oza said: "NSUI members are fighting for the rights of the students of Devi Ahilya University, but the police brutally attacked the agitators with water cannons and canes! It is shameful that the police, unable to prevent crimes, are wreaking havoc on the innocent."
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Congress leader K.C Venugopal on Thursday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking the limelight of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission success saying that the all the credit for the historic feat goes to scientists behind the mission.

In a tweet, Venugopal, who is the Congress general Secretary (Organisation) said, "The excitement and pride of the Chandrayaan 3 landing will stay with us for a long time. ISRO Chairman Dr Somanathas leadership truly created history and we extend our hearty congratulations to him and his team."

Slamming the Prime Minister, the Rajya Sabha MP said, "However, the Prime Minister must answer some for his hypocrisy. You were quick to come on screen and take credit after the landing, but why has your government failed so terribly in supporting the scientists and the ISRO? Why did the HEC engineers who worked on Chandrayaan 3 not receive their salaries for the last 17 months? Why did you cut the budget for such crucial missions by 32 per cent?"

"These are the heroes of our country, they run a world-class space research program, but you have no regard for their talent and hard work. To add insult to injury, you hogged the limelight when that moment was about the scientistsa achievements," Venugopal added.

India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan-3 touched down on the moon's south pole on Wednesday evening, propelling the country to an exclusive club of four nations including the United States, China and Russia, and making it the first country to land near the south pole of Moon.

It 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.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : 'Chhello Show' (The Last Show), directed by the filmmaker Pan Nalin, honoured as Best Gujarati Film at the 69th National Film Awards here on Thursday.

'Chhello Show' has captivated not only the national audiences but has also garnered international attention.

The film's journey to the 69th National Film Awards has been a remarkable trajectory marked by significant accomplishments.

Its recognition as India's official entry in the Best International Feature Film category at the 95th Academy Awards is a testament to its exceptional storytelling.

Under the direction of Pan Nalin, 'Chhello Show' artfully weaves a narrative that intricately captures the essence of Gujarati culture while exploring themes of universal relevance.

Storyline: In a rustic Saurashtra village, young Samay (Bhavin Rabari), aged nine, befriends projectionist Fazal (Bhavesh Shrimali), gaining access to a dilapidated movie theatre's projection booth. Enchanted by cinema, Samay dreams of becoming a filmmaker, oblivious to the challenges that lie ahead.
'We can do surgical strikes in Pak, but have no courage to talk to them': Mani Shankar Aiyar. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 23 : Former diplomat, MP and veteran Congressman Mani Shankar Aiyar has said that India has the capability to do surgical strikes inside Pakistan, but the country's leadership doesn't have the courage to sit down and talk to settle issues with Pakistan.

"The Pakistani people are not our enemy. It is the Pakistan government which does things inimical to us. The question is, do we have the courage to talk to them?" Aiyar said at the release of the first of the three volumes of his memoirs.

Aiyar said the majority of the officials at the Indian Foreign Office are completely wrong about Pakistan. "Our officials are very good in dealing with Paraguay, but wrong on Pakistan. They will go out of the way to do things for a distant country like Paraguay, but will not do it for Pakistan, which should have been our priority," Aiyar said after the release of 'Memoirs of a Maverick: The First Fifty Years (1941 - 1991)', published by Juggernaut Books.

He said we are completely wrong about Pakistan, although we have brilliant minds and hard- working people in the Foreign Office.

"Pakistan has a brilliant diplomatic corps. Had Partition not happened, I am afraid I may not have done well in my diplomatic career. Pakistan diplomats are utterly brilliant," Aiyar said to an audience that included former Vice President of India Hamid Ansari, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi and former RAW chief A.S. Dulat

Elaborating on India's troubled relations with Pakistan, Aiyar said our neighbour had been made "a dog whistle in present-day India only to keep Muslims in check". He said: "Why do we always ask all Khans -- Salman, Shah Rukh and Aamir -- to go to Pakistan? Why not to Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia or any other Middle Eastern country? Pakistan is no longer a foreign office issue for us. We have completely made it a domestic issue now."

He added: "When we do not know how to tackle Pakistan and how to bring peace in our region, how can we boast about bringing an end to the Ukraine and Russia war?"

Former Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon, who gave the opening talk, said that the first volume is charming and witty just like Mani Shankar Aiyar. "When I went to Pakistan in 2001," he recalled, "that was after 21-years Mani had been there, and the first thing that Pakistanis inquired about was Mani. They only asked about him, such was the aura he left behind in Pakistan."

Menon said that Rajiv Gandhi's Prime Minister Office (PMO) reflected India's many verities and Aiyar one among them. He noted that Aiyar was very serious during his career and his courage to leave the Foreign Service and join politics speaks volumes about his courage.

Talking about the late Rajiv Gandhi, Aiyar said he was an honest, upright and good, and not a devious person. "Rajiv's faults were his virtues. He has always put the nation first. He brought peace to many states during his tenure. He was a great statesman," he pointed out.

He said that at the time Rajiv took over as prime minister, Mizoram was violent. "The peace we see in Mizoram today is all because of the efforts of Rajiv Gandhi," he said.

He said that the blunder which Rajiv Gandhi committed was to bring back R.K. Dhawan to the PMO. "For the first four years, Rajiv's PMO was all technical. After Dhawan was inducted everything started to go wayward for the prime minister as well for the PMO," Aiyar noted.

Thanking Sonia Gandhi, Aiyar said she has always been a support for him.

"Sonia has always been there for me," he stressed. "She has always stood for me. When Rajiv was assassinated, most wanted me out, but Sonia stood for me. It was only because of her that I was back in the party and only because of her I was made a cabinet minister."
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to direct relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation alongside the Line of Actual Control (LAC), official sources said on Thursday.

Briefing the media on the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra when asked about the interaction between Modi and Xi, said that both the leaders agreed to direct relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and de-escalation.

PM Modi underlined that maintenance of peace, tranquillity in border areas and respecting LAC are essential for normalisation of India-China ties, Kwatra said.

During his conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Prime Minister highlighted India's concerns on unresolved issues along LAC, the Foreign Secretary said.

"It was a conversation on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit where PM Modi talked about the LAC tensions. It was not a formal bilateral," Kwatra told reporters.

Meanwhile, he said that a major outcome of the BRICS summit was the decision of the BRICS leaders to expand its membership to include six new members.

These six members are Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. On the sidelines of BRICS summit, Modi had interactions with other BRICS leaders also, Kwatra said.

"PM Modi highlighted that the BRICS Business Forum is one of the key pillars of Intra-BRICS partnership. He spoke about an important element, the need to develop resilient and inclusive supply chains. And, the importance of mutual trust and transparency in the intra-BRICS country," Kwatra told reporters.

"He (Modi) wrote to the leaders of G20 about the inclusion of the African Union in the G20. We have strongly proposed it as a permanent member of the G20. So, it should probably become G21 if it all goes through," the Foreign Secretary said.

"The prime minister spoke of something which is deeply at the heart of South Africa and many African countries, the protections of the big cats, the five big ones in South Africa under the International Big Cat Alliance. He established something important for all the BRICS countries, a repository of traditional medicines among the BRICS countries," the foreign secretary said further.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Congress leader Manickam Tagore on Thursday said that he has written to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan requesting him to withdraw the decision taken by the CBSE to organise exhibition on partition themes in CBSE schools saying hate should not be planted in the young minds.

"I express my concern towards the decision made by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding the organization of exhibitions on the theme of 'Partition' in schools. I earnestly urge you to reconsider and withdraw this decision so as not to spread hatred among the minds of our younger generations and to preserve the social harmony of our society," said Tagore's letter dated August 21.

Tagore, who is a Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar parliamentary constituency said that the decision of CBSE to organise exhibitions on the partition of nation, which is being observed as the 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day', has raised significant concerns.

"While it is important to remember and learn from the events that shaped our history, we must approach this delicate subject with utmost sensitivity and consideration for the impressionable minds of our youth," he said.

He pointed out that the violence and turmoil that transpired during the partition are indeed horrifying and tragic, representing a dark chapter in our history that we must never forget.

"However, it is equally important to ensure that the presentation of such historical events is done in a manner that fosters understanding, compassion, and a sense of unity among our young generations. Exhibitions centred around the bloodshed and atrocities could inadvertently perpetuate negative emotions and divisive sentiments, which goes against our nation's goal of nurturing responsible citizens who value harmony and unity," the Congress leader said.

He also stressed that the education system should play a pivotal role in shaping their minds positively, encouraging them to embrace diversity and contribute positively to the progress of the country.

"It is with this noble objective in mind that I kindly request you to reconsider the decision of organizing partition-themed exhibitions in schools. As such, I urge you withdraw the CBSE's decision and take steps towards promoting a curriculum so as to build a future generation that is not only informed about our history but also equipped to contribute positively to the unity, harmony, and progress of our nation," Tagore said.

Last year, the Union Government had announced that August 14 would be annually observed as 'Partition Horrors Remembrance Day', and that educational institutions may do likewise.

The CBSE circular mentions that given the sensitivity of the issue, the exhibition should be "showcased with the sobriety and solemnity it deserves".
New Delhi, Aug 24 : With focus on curbing terror activities, cyber attacks, and drugs trafficking, among others, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday inaugurated the two-day National Security Strategies (NSS) Conference-2023 in the national capital.

On the first day of the conference, deliberations were held on various subjects of national security, including trends in terror and narco-financing in India, use of forensic science in investigation, social challenges, emergency preparedness for nuclear and radiological exigencies and cyber security framework.

More than 750 participants joined the conference from across the country, both physically and virtually.

Among those who attended the conference were the two Ministers of States in the Ministry of Hime Affairs and top officers involved in managing national security issues, including the Union Home Secretary, Deputy NSAs, DGPs, IGPs of all states, UTs and CAPFs.

Interacting with the participants, Shah emphasised upon the crucial role of district-level police officers in managing internal security. He also urged cutting-edge police officers to enhance the use of scientific tools in investigation.

The Home Minister reiterated the governmentas commitment to tackle the menace of drugs trafficking, besides other issues relating to security of the citizens of India. Appreciating the work done by different agencies in this area, he urged all the states and agencies to continue taking strong action against drug dealers and networks.

Prior to the commencement of the conference, Shah paid homage by laying a wreath at the Martyrs Column, erected in the memory of those anonymous martyrs who laid down their lives on the line of duty.

Shah will address the concluding session of the conference on Friday.
Bhopal, Aug 24 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday announced a proposal to develop "Hanuman Lok" in the state's Chhindwara district on the lines of "Mahakal Lok" corridor in Ujjain.

Addressing a public rally in Chhindwara -- considered a bastion of former Madhya Pradesh CM and senior Congress leader Kamal Nath, Chouhan also announced the formation of a new district out of Chhindwara in the tribal dominated region of Madhya Pradesh.

He announced that separating three tehsils of Chhindwara, namely -- Pandurna, Manandavadi and Sausar -- a new Pandurana district would be made.

The Congress, however, took jibe at CM Chouhan, claiming the latter had announced plans to make Pandurana a district for the third time since 2008.

"CM Chouhan had announced plans to make Pandhurna a new district ahead of Assembly elections in 2018, and prior to that in August 2008. Similarly, the announcement on Hanuman Lok has also not been made for the first time. Even in October 2016, CM Shivraj had announced the same," Kamal Nath's media advisor Piyush Babele posted on social media.

Chhindwara has been a bastion of Kamal Nath for the last over four decades.

In fact, he has projected the developments of Chhindwara as a model for the assembly elections.

CM Chouhan made these promises during a visit to Chhindwara a day after two-time former chief minister and Rajya Sabha MP Digvijaya Singh visited his assembly constituency Budhni on Wednesday.

As per the proposal of the project released by the state government, spread over an area of 26.5 acre, the temple precinct will be developed by the state tourism board in two phases.

"The total cost of the Hanuman Lok project is Rs 314 crore with the first phase costing Rs 35.09 crore. The tourism board will also develop a parking lot on a land parcel of more than 40,000 sq ft, to accommodate 400 four wheelers and an equal number of two wheelers," the Madhya Pradesh government said in an official communication.
National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue receives Komeito paty Chief Representative Yamaguchi Natsuo in Hanoi on August 23 (Photo: VNA)

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue welcomed the visit which is made in the context that Vietnam and Japan are celebrating the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations.

He said he believes that it will help deepen the relations between the Communist Party of Vietnam and Komeito and contribute to the strengthening of the ties between the two countries.

The Japanese party official hailed the positive contributions that NA Chairman Hue has made to the growth of the ties between the two countries in his different positions.

The two sides agreed that amid unpredictable changes in the world situation, Vietnam and Japan have still maintained strong political trust and shared many strategic interests as well as many similarities, which is a good foundation for them to bolster their cooperation.

Both sides noted that Vietnam and Japan have maintained the exchange of delegations at all levels, holding that the two countries should strengthen parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, and foster the connections among businesses and localities.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said that the two sides should continue implementing three connections mentioned in the joint statement released at Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trongs visit to Japan, namely those in economy, production, and human resources training strategy. The Vietnamese top legislator held that the two governments should clarify the contents of these connections in the new period.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese NA supports Japans strengthening of relations with ASEAN countries and raising of its role in regional collaboration mechanisms such as the Mekong Sub-region cooperation.

He suggested that the Komeito party leader continue to support the parliaments of Vietnam and Japan to increase the exchange of delegations and young parliamentarians, promoting the role of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Parliamentarians Group and the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians Alliance.

Currently, about 500,000 Vietnamese people are living, working and studying in Japan, including about 176,000 apprentices. Since 2019, Japan has built a programme for labourers with special skills. Yamaguchi Natsuo said he hopes more Vietnamese people will work in Japan, contributing to the growth of bilateral ties.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue affirmed that the Vietnamese NA and Government have always created optimal conditions for Japanese businesses and people to operate and live in Vietnam, and asked for Japans greater attention to labour cooperation between the two countries.

The two sides showed great attention to partnership in human resources training and enhancing law enforcement at sea to ensure maritime security and safety, as well as natural disaster prevention and control, and ensuring maritime freedom.

The Komeito leader hailed Vietnams efforts in maintaining peace and law enforcement at sea in a transparent manner basing on international law.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue said he hopes Japan will continue to support the views and stances of Vietnam and ASEAN in maintaining peace and stability, and settling disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 (UNCLOS).

Learning of Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanhs passing away, Yamaguchi Natsuo expressed deep condolences to the bereaved family, the Party and State of Vietnam, and spoke highly of the late officials contributions to the Vietnams Japan relations and support to Japanese investors in Hai Phong city while he worked as Secretary of the Party Committee of the northern port city./.
Surat, Aug 24 : Surat court on Thursday pronounced verdict sentencing Aleshya Enatolenava Wolokava, a female from Uzbekistan, to one month imprisonment.

She was awarded sentence for overstaying in India for a period of five days beyond the duration permitted in her visa.

Wolokava had originally entered India on the basis of a visa nearly 13 years ago. However, her violation of the visa terms by continuing to stay in the country for an additional five days after its expiration led to a crime being registered against her under the Foreigners Act.

The efforts of the local police culminated in her apprehension, and the case remained in a pending state for more than a decade. However, on the 26th of July, 2023, Wolokava confessed to her transgression before the court.

Sources reveal that financial constraints were a contributing factor in the incident. Notably, the court has directed relevant authorities to initiate the process of deporting Wolokava to her native country, Uzbekistan, provided no other criminal charges are pending against her.
Govt to launch 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikar' scheme to encourage customers to ask for bills. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 24 : The government in association with state governments is launching an 'Invoice incentive Scheme' by the name 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar' to encourage the culture of customers asking for invoices and bills for all purchases.

The objective of the scheme is to bring a cultural and behavioural change in the general public to 'Ask for a Bill' as their right and entitlement.

The scheme will be launched on September 1.

This scheme will initially be launched as a pilot in Assam, Gujarat and Haryana and union territories of Puducherry, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu.

All B2C invoices issued by GST registered suppliers (registered in the states of Assam, Gujarat and Haryana and UTs of Puducherry, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu) to consumers will be eligible for the scheme.

Minimum value for invoices to be considered for a lucky draw has been kept at Rs 200.

Invoices can be uploaded on Mobile Application 'Mera Bill Mera Adhikaar' available on IOS and Android as well as on web portal 'web.merabill.gst.gov.in.

All residents of India will be eligible to participate in this scheme irrespective of their state.

Maximum 25 invoices can be uploaded by an individual on App/web portal in a month to be considered for lucky draw.

For each uploaded invoice an acknowledgement reference number (ARN) will be generated which will be used for the draw of prizes.

Winning invoices will be picked by a method of random draw at regular intervals (monthly as well as quarterly).
Bengaluru, Aug 24 : The Kannada cinema industry has bagged four awards in the 69th National Film Awards that were declared on Thursday while pan-India hit '777 Charlie' starring Rakshith Shetty bagged the Best Kannada Film.

Documentary 'Bale Bangara', directed by Anirudh Jatkaar, is honoured with Special Appreciation of jury members in the non-feature section. 'Ayushman', directed by Jacob Verghese and produced by Jacob Verghese, Dinesh Rajkumar and Naveen Francis, has received the Best Exploration Cinema award in the non-feature section.

Senior film journalist Subramanya Bandoor has been honoured with the Best Film Critic (Special-Mention) award. Subramanya Bandoor is working as a film journalist for 43 years. He has been contributing articles and columns.

'777 Charlie' was a super hit movie starring Rakshith Shetty and dubbed into all major languages of the country.

The movie generated good reviews in all languages and won the hearts of canine lovers.

The movie was directed by Kiran Raj and produced by Rakshith Shetty.

'Bale Bangara' documentary is based on the life and struggle of senior artiste Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, a Padma Shree awardee.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The Supreme Court on Thursday remarked that convicts in Bilkis Bano case, whose remission applications were considered by the Gujarat government pursuant to an earlier order of the top court, cannot argue that the remission orders setting them free cannot be challenged at all.

"You cannot say that the remission order cannot be questioned by anybody because of the earlier order (of the Supreme Court). That order was the starting point of the process (of remission). It was the beginning and not the end. They have challenged the end," told a bench comprising of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan to the counsel appearing for a convict.

Notably, in an earlier judgment, the Supreme Court had directed the Gujarat government to consider and decide the application for pre-mature release within two months in terms of remission of 1992 policy of the state.

The bench said that its earlier order was limited to the extent that the Gujarat government is the appropriate government to decide convicts' application for remission and remission order passed thereafter would fall under the category of 'administrative order.'

Advocate Rishi Malhotra, appearing for a convict, contended that 1992 Gujarat remission policy did not require an unanimous decision but only a collation of the views from various stakeholders.

He justified that validity of remission order cannot be set aside solely on the ground that an adverse opinion was rendered by the Session Judge in Maharashtra.

Earlier, the top court had questioned the Gujarat government for extending the benefit of remission policy "selectively" to convicts and said that the opportunity to reform and reintegrate with society should be given to every prisoner.

In defence, Additional Solicitor General SV Raju had said that the 11 convicts deserve the chance of reformation and their applications seeking remission were considered pursuant to an earlier judgement of the Supreme Court.

The final hearing is underway in the batch of petitions filed against the release of convicts, including the one filed by Bilkis Bano.

The 11 men convicted in the case were released on August 15 last year, after the Gujarat government allowed their release under its remission policy.

The convicts had completed 15 years in jail.
Bengaluru, Aug 24 : Karnataka Congress on Thursday welcomed prominent BJP leaders hailing from the Shivamogga district of the state. Shivamogga district is considered a bastion of the BJP and the family of B.S. Yediyurappa dominates the politics.

Ayanur Manjunath from JD (S) and S.P. Nagarajagowda, who contested against BJP MLA B.Y. Vijayendra as an independent candidates joined the Congress party in the presence of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress President D.K. Shivakumar at the party headquarters in Bengaluru.

Sources said that the leaders are welcomed to Congress despite the opposition from the local unit in view of the Lok Sabha elections. Yediyurappa's son B.Y. Raghavendra is representing the Shivamogga MP seat since 2009. His other son B.Y. Vijayendra is an MLA from Shikaripura constituency in Shivamogga district.

Nagarajagowda secured 70,802 votes as an independent candidate and was defeated by 11,008 votes. Sources explain that Nagarajagowda was denied a ticket to contest from Shivamogga as part of adjustment politics between Yediyurappa and senior leadership of the Congress party at the state level.

The party leadership wants to pass on a strong message by managing to pull the leaders and wants to win more than 20 seats out of 28 in the state. If a strong leader like Yediyurappa is challenged on his own turf, the Congress party will gain the upper hand in the political scenario, sources said.

Shivakumar had pulled former chief minister late S. Bangarappa's son Madhu Bangarappa to Congress and gave him the portfolio of education to strengthen the party cadres in Shivamogga.

Sources explain that Shivakumar is now trying to pull Madhu Bangarappa's brother Kumar Bangarappa who is in the BJP party presently. Kumar and Madhu, the brothers are arch political rivals. Kumar is close to Yediyurappa.

Speaking after inducting Ayanuru Manjunath and Nagarajagowda into the party, Shivakumar said that he is happy that the majority of leaders are joining the Congress party.

"During assembly elections, Congress suffered because of a lack of appropriate social engineering. The mistakes would be rectified during Lok Sabha elections," he said.

"This is not my decision but has been taken after discussing it with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. We are not assuring positions to those who join the party. The party workers from grassroots level won't be sidelined. Shivakumar won't allow newcomers to dominate over the senior leaders of the party," he said.

Sources said that Shivakumar is making all possible efforts to reduce BJP to single digits for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. In the last Parliamentary elections, BJP swept 25 of 28 seats in Karnataka. Congress managed to win only one seat.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : A man has been convicted of murdering his wife by strangulation, as a Delhi court ruled that the circumstances surrounding the crime were sufficiently established.

Additional Sessions Judge Vishal Pahuja, presiding over the case, noted that even though the prosecution failed to prove the husband's motive, this wasn't sufficient grounds to reject the case.

The complete chain of circumstances, in the judge's view, pointed to the accused as the likely perpetrator of the murder.

Sadab was accused of killing his wife Sana on September 29, 2017, in the Sangam Vihar area.

The judge's judgement indicated that the evidence presented had successfully established the guilt of the accused.

Judge Pahuja said that the chain of evidence was comprehensive enough to eliminate any reasonable doubt about the accused innocence.

The circumstances presented formed a conclusive chain that strongly indicated the accused guilt. The court found that the prosecution had successfully established its case providing cogent evidence, leading to Sadab's conviction under section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code.

The judge has listed the matter for August 31, when affidavits will be filed. Subsequently, the court will hear arguments related to sentencing.

Dismissing the defence counselas argument, the court stated that in cases where a husband commits a crime like murder in secret within their home, establishing the exact events and motives can be challenging.

In this instance, the court found that while the motive hadn't been definitively proven, other circumstances formed a convincing chain of events that pointed to the accused as the likely perpetrator.
Bengaluru, Aug 24 : Former Congress MLA Sowmya Reddy, the defeated Congress candidate has filed a petition before the Karnataka High Court to disqualify BJP MLA C.K. Ramamurthy who won by a narrow margin of 16 votes from the Jayanagar assembly constituency in Bengaluru.

The bench headed by Justice S. Rachaiah looking into the petition has issued summons to BJP MLA Ramamurthy. The petitioner Sowmya Reddy contended that she was ahead in the counting of votes of Electronic Voting Machies (EVM). But, things changed while counting postal ballot votes.

While counting 827 votes, different total count numbers emerged every time. The postal ballot papers without concerned officers' signatures were counted for voting, Sowmya Reddy claimed and sought the courtas direction for recounting 827 postal ballot votes.

She also claimed that the vote-counting process has been videographed and the footage needs to be verified. She pleaded before the court in her petition to disqualify BJP MLA Ramamurthy. The bench has issued summons to BJP MLA Ramamurthy and others and adjourned the matter to Sept 7.

BJP candidate Rammurthy was declared the winner after the neck-and-neck dramatic competition that went past midnight, a re-verification of postal ballots by 16 votes. This is the narrowest margin of victory in Karnataka elections. The Congress party had maintained that it will go to the court.
Gujarat: Doctors at SSG Hospital in Vadodara call strike after attack on medical staff. Image Source: IANS News

Vadodara, Aug 24 : The medical fraternity at Sir Sayajirao General (SSG) Hospital o Thursday called for a strike following an attack on three doctors in the emergency treatment.

Unidentified assailants assaulted the medical professionals on duty, prompting a collective response from the doctors.

According to a member of the junior doctors association, the attackers, apparently inebriated, arrived at the hospital premises around 2 p.m. in a rickshaw.

A minor dispute escalated into a confrontation with the doctors, culminating in a physical assault. After the attack, the assailants fled the scene in the same rickshaw they arrived in. The event took place in the parking area situated behind the emergency ward of the hospital.

In response to the assault, doctors from SSG Hospital initiated a strike in protest against the attack. The junior doctors unitedly declared a strike seeking justice for the victims. Their key demand being enhanced security measures within the hospital premises to prevent such incidents in the future.

"Substitute doctors from the Medical College will be deployed to ensure that medical services continue uninterrupted," a senior doctor said.
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2019 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump is pictured at the White House in Washington D.C., the United States, on April 26, 2019. Trump announced on Friday that the United States is withdrawing from an international arms tra. Image Source: IANS News

Washington, Aug 24 : Former US President Donald Trump nearly stole the limelight from last night's RNC-sponsored live FOX TV presidential debate, first in the series in the run-up to the GOP primaries, shocking the nation by calling prosecuting Democrats "savage animals and sick...", even as eight contestants grappled with each other debating abortion, Ukraine, spending as their focal points in the "elephant's absence".

Trump literally did some counter programming with his well laid out plan, under the advice of his wise legal counsel to skip the debate, by releasing a pre-taped 46-minute interview with recently-fired Fox host Tucker Carlson.

It was released on X (formerly Twitter) at 8:55 p.m., five minutes before the Milwaukee debate. Not to be outdone, Trump's timing was perfect.

Trump, as expected, complained about mail-in voting, and reiterated that the 2020 elections were rigged, even though he has been indicted twice by a federal jury and a state jury in Georgia of subverting the election process and riding roughshod over the voter's right to a free franchise, multiple media reports said.

On a question if he (Trump) faces any "Assassination Threats" from protesters and political opponents, the former President sidestepped the question altogether. Instead, he chose to abuse the Democrats, terming them as "savage animals really sick" -- but there are good people that are Democrats too.

On whether Jeffrey Epstein really killed himself or was killed, Trump said he thought Epstein "probably" committed suicide but "many people (including Carlson) think he was killed," MO News said the morning news in brief.

Abortion, Ukraine funding, Budget spends of Joe Biden and the border problem of Mexican and other Latin American countries swarming into the country through the porous borders generally dominated the first of the Republican National Committee's (RNC) presidential debates at Milwaukee at Wisconsin hosted by Fox TV on several of its platforms.

All the eight candidates led by former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis sought to outdo each other in the absence of Trump in order to project themselves as the best alternative to Trump, who was described by Fox TV news as "The Elephant is not in the room".

Some other media outlets described him as a "800-pound gorilla" who was missing.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Mike Pence, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum were all there to fight it out on national issues, sans Trump, who otherwise would have got their attention on his indictments.

"THE ELEPHANT 'NOT' IN THE ROOM" -- that is how Fox News referred to Trump, an overwhelming frontrunner for the GOP nominations with 53 per cent supporters backing him against the popular DeSantis, the close second.

What were the big takeaways from the debate? In Trump's absence, focus shifted to novice politician, the young 38-year-old billionaire businessman of Indian origin, Vivek Ramaswamy. He was singularly focused on his election campaign with his main agenda as "America First 2.0".

This led to the most contentious heated exchanges between him and others, particularly Indian-American Nikki Haley, a Trump appointed former UN Ambassador and South Carolina Governor.

Ramaswamy is the only one of the eight in the field who has come a close third to DeSantis with 11 per cent supporters' backing, against DeSantis' 16 per cent backing as against Trump's massive lead of 53 per cent.

Ramaswamy has successfully projected himself as more youthful and competent, incorporating the aspirations of the youth asking for a change, a New America, with equality and new thinking in the White House, poll strategists think.

However, Ramaswamy found himself under fire from all sides by Pence, Christie and Haley as naive, inexperienced and expressing unrealistic ideas like eliminating the FBI.

He said he would end aid to Ukraine and reestablish ties with Russia. Fellow Indian-American Nikki Haley attacked him saying, "You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country... You would make America less safe. You have no foreign policy experience and it shows."

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, second in the polls behind Trump, was literally playing second fiddle to Ramaswamy.

With a slow start, he took some time to express his strong feelings about the border issue. He said he would send US Special Forces into Mexico to fight drug cartels, and on abortion, he defended signing his state's six-week abortion ban.

While swinging and having some breakout moments in the debate, Nikki Haley, the only woman on the stage, called upon her party members for voting on the legislation that raised the national debt. Haley took potshots at former President Trump for adding a trillion dollars to the national debt.

When the other candidates were bickering, Haley interrupted with: "This is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said 'if you want something said, ask a man; if you want something done, ask a woman'."

On Trump, when Host Baier asked who would still support him as the GOP nominee even if he was convicted on any one of the indictments going to trial, everyone except Christie and Hutchinson raised their hands.

Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson said even conservative legal pundits thought Trump would be disqualified under the 14th amendment, if convicted. Christie said Mike Pence deserves thanks for putting the Constitution above politics on January 6.

Should there be a federal ban on abortion? Most of the candidates seemed to say it should be left up to the states, except for Tim Scott and Mike Pence, who said they support a 15-week federal abortion ban - an appeal to Evangelical voters who make up a big chunk of Iowa caucus voters.

Haley said, as the only woman on stage, "We need to stop demonising this issue. We aren't going to put a woman in jail if she has an abortion."

On Ukraine funding and support, the Republican divide on the issue was clearly in evidence with Ramaswamy and DeSantis saying they would cut off funding to Ukraine, while the others defended US aid to the battle-torn country against an invading Russia.

US President Joe Biden has been blowing hot and cold on the Ukraine arms supplies issues, taking care not to put any strong weapons into embattled President Zelensky's hands for fear of misuse, as it's a former breakaway constituent of the Soviet union.
Meghalaya: 9 cops among 16 injured during protest over public hearing on cement firm expansion plan. Image Source: IANS News

Shillong, Aug 24 : At least 16 people, including nine policemen, were injured in a clash between the mob and the security forces when Police resorted to baton charge and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, who are on Thursday protesting against a public hearing for a cement company's proposed expansion plan in Meghalaya's East Jaintia Hills district.

Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills District, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said that a public hearing in connection with the proposed expansion of private Cement plant was organised at Thangskai but while the hearing was underway, protesters numbering around 150 people started vandalizing the pandals and chairs of the venue.

They also attempted to set the pandal on fire. Since there were many women and children present at the venue, the district police did not use any force to disperse the mob.

Subsequently, after discussion with the district administration, officials of Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, village authorities and the cement company executives the venue for the public hearing was shifted to nearby premises.

The mob again proceeded towards the new venue with intention to cause damage to life and properties.

Despite several requests, the mob became more and more aggressive and turned violent. They resorted to stone pelting endangering lives of civilians, district administration and police officials.

The reasonable and proportionate non fatal force was used to disperse the mob, the SP said.

A case has been registered at Lumshnong police station and the probe is underway.
Pacific Partnership is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to security cooperation and people-to-people ties, said U.S. Ambassador Knapper. This was demonstrated across Phu Yen over the last two weeks by the engineers, medical professionals, and subject matter experts who have worked closely with their Vietnamese counterparts to connect with the people of Phu Yen and help improve their lives.

Having returned to Vietnam for the 12th time, Pacific Partnership enables participants, including U.S. and Vietnamese personnel, to work together to enhance disaster response capabilities and foster new and enduring friendships. Now in its 18th year, Pacific Partnership 2023 is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific.

Pacific Partnership addresses our shared interest in regional peace and security by building our shared capabilities to respond to disasters and provide humanitarian assistance in times of need, said U.S. Ambassador Knapper.

While in Phu Yen, Pacific Partnership 2023 completed: 120 subject matter expert exchanges in the areas of public health and preventive medicine at community health engagements, 11 dental events, serving more than 500 patients, 93 surgeries, five of which were pediatric, and 64 people received nutritional counseling. We trained 70 personnel over two days of basic life support events and 55 personnel in advanced life support. The culmination of all the medical training was exemplified in a mass casualty training exercise. Over 100 Pacific Partnership and Vietnamese personnel worked side-by-side at Phu Yen Hospital triaging patients from simulated disasters.

Exchanges in engineering, humanitarian and disaster response, and culture actively engaged the community of Phu Yen and highlighted the positive people-to-people ties between the United States and Vietnam.

The numbers of all that were completed during Pacific Partnership 2023s week and a half mission stop in Tuy Hoa embodies the missions values of enhancing humanitarian response and disaster relief, said Caluori. I would like to thank the Government of Vietnam for welcoming my team and look forward to seeing Vietnams relationship with the United States prosper for years to come.

The mission team of Pacific Partnership 2023 will conduct mission stops throughout Southeast Asia and the South Pacific Islands.

Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific./.
New Delhi, Aug 28 : The Bennett, Coleman and Company Limited has withdrawn from the Delhi High Court its petition seeking contempt of court proceedings against Republic TV and its Managing Director Arnab Goswami for allegedly violating a court order regarding the use of the 'Nation Wants To Know' tagline.

The plea was made in a lawsuit filed by Bennett Coleman, the parent company of Times Now news channel, claiming trademark infringement by Republic TV and Goswami.

An interim order from October 23, 2020 had restrained Republic TV from using the tagline 'News Hour' or any similar mark for its debate shows. However, the court permitted Republic TV to use 'Nation Wants To Know' as part of its speech or news presentations.

Times Group subsequently filed a contempt petition, accusing Republic TV of violating the earlier order by using the tagline as a trademark and not maintaining accounts for its usage, as required.

However, the Times Group's counsel requested to withdraw the application, stating that they would explore alternate legal remedies.

Justice C. Hari Shankar granted their request and disposed of the petition.

"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," the court noted.

Goswami had earlier argued that the tagline was used during his tenure at Times Now and claimed it was a "common speech" with no intellectual property protection.

He maintained that the tagline was spontaneous and creative, and none of the submitted documents indicated its connection to any goods or services.

Times Group argued that the tagline was coined and developed by their editorial and marketing teams for use during discussions on the 'News Hour' programme.

It was further countered by stating that Goswami was trying to take "undue advantage" of his past services at the Times Group, where he was privy to the company's utmost confidential information during his tenure as its Editor-in-Chief.
Gurugram, Aug 24 : In a crackdown against illegal constructions, an enforcement team of Zone-2 of the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) demolished an illegal colony, 10 shops, and a commercial property in different areas of Gurugram on Thursday.

Assistant Engineer (Enforcement) Sanjog Sharma told IANS that the MCG had received information through the Chief Minister's flying square that an illegal colony was being developed illegally on about 1.5 acres of land in front of Q Block, in the New Palam Vihar area.

On the instructions of Joint Commissioner-2 Vijay Yadav of MCG, an enforcement team led by Sanjog Sharma and Junior Engineer Rahul Sharma reached the spot and razed DPC (Damp Proof Course) level illegal structures being built in the colony.

After this the team reached village Sarai Alaverdi. Here 10 shops were being constructed alongside a drain. The team razed all the constructions with the help of JCB machines.

Apart from this, the team also razed a big commercial building built illegally in the Rajendra Park area.

"No illegal construction would be allowed without prior permission of the MCG. The civic body will take strict action against people involved in illegal constructions. Such demolition drive will continue against illegal structures in the future," Sharma said.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against Visa Power and its former chairman Vishambhar Saran in connection with an alleged bank loan fraud of Rs 1,964 crore.

A complaint in this respect was received by the CBI from Punjab National Bank (PNB). According to complaint lodged the PNB, it was heading the consortium of banks which gave loans to the accused firm.

The bank's complaint claims that the company and the accused officials, namely Saran, as well as directors Vikas Agarwal and Subrato Trivedi (both mentioned as accused in the FIR), had requested loans from the bank. The purpose of the loans was to fund the development of a 1,200 MW coal-based thermal power project in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh.

Investigations have revealed that the accused individuals collaborated as part of a criminal conspiracy, resulting in financial benefits of Rs 1,964 crore for themselves. Simultaneously, this conspiracy led to significant losses for the banks.

Additionally, the FIR states that interest dues have accrued since the date the account was classified as a Non-Performing Asset (NPA).

The project was carried out in two stages, with each phase having a capacity of 600 MW. Funding for the project was intended to be provided by a group of lenders working together.

However, banks classified the project's account as a non-performing asset (NPA) during 2015-16. This decision was made due to various factors including the project's inability to meet certain milestones. These included the failure of promoters to contribute their designated share, the expiration of coal linkages and power purchase agreements, and delays in obtaining environmental clearance, among other challenges.

The CBI has now lodged an FIR and are looking into the matter.
New Delhi, Aug 24 : The Indian Medical Association (IMA), which has been opposing the newly-notified Registered Medical Practitioner (Professional Conduct) Regulations 2023 by the National Medical Commission (NMC), claimed on Thursday that it has been held in abeyance by the government.

The regulations made it mandatory for doctors to prescribe only generic drugs and barred them from accepting gifts from pharma companies or endorsing any drug brands.

"Grand Victory for IMA against the 2023 Regulations Notified by National Medical Commission. The entire set of 2023 Regulations that were notified by the NMC has been held in abeyance," the IMA wrote on X (formerly twitter).

Expressing gratitude to Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the IMA said, "A heartfelt thanks to Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya for his receptive approach and for considering the concerns raised by IMA. Your support and understanding have paved the way for this remarkable outcome, and we are deeply grateful for your collaboration. This victory belongs to every single member of IMA who stood together, raised their voices, and displayed unprecedented unity."

"It's a triumph that showcases the power of collective efforts, and it reinforces the significance of our association," the IMA added.

"Let's continue to stand united, uphold the values of our noble profession, and work towards a healthcare system," it said.

Earlier this week, the IMA had written to the Health Minister raising serious concerns on the said regulations, a day after its national President Sharad Kumar Agarwal attended the meeting convened Mandaviya with all the stakeholders to discuss issues on the same.
Gandhinagar to host G20-CSAR; global scientific leaders to come together. Image Source: IANS News

Gandhinagar, Aug 24 : The second meeting of the G20-Chief Scientific Advisers' Roundtable (CSAR) is set to convene from August 27-29 here, featuring a series of engaging sessions and bilateral discussions.

The Gujarat capital will host this international event, creating a platform for collaborative dialogue and knowledge exchange among global scientific leaders.

The itinerary kicks off on August 27 with bilateral meetings, hosting delegates from Saudi Arabia, Australia, and the UK at Hotel Leela in Gandhinagar.

The 4th Intersessional Meeting follows suit, at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre.

A touch of cultural immersion is added as participants later venture to the Modhera Sun Temple, exploring the historical riches of the region.

On August 28, proceedings would commence with a meeting centered on 'One Health'.

The focus then shifts to the official G20-CSAR activities, at Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre.

The opening act features a welcome address by Mona Khandhar, Principal Secretary for Panchayats, Rural Housing, and Rural Development.

Ajay K Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, is also set to share insights.

The CSAR meeting then unfolds through sessions like 'Opportunities in One Health, for Better Disease Control and Pandemic Preparedness', 'Synergizing Global Efforts to Expand Access to Scholarly Scientific Knowledge', 'Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Science & Technology', and 'An Institutional Mechanism for Inclusive, Continuous, and Action-Oriented Global S&T Policy Dialogue'.

The closing day on August 29 unfolds with a Heritage Walk in the early hours.
New Delhi, Aug 25 : With about three months left for the crucial Rajasthan assembly elections, Congress Screening Committee chairman Gaurav Gogoi will be on four day visit to the desert state to hold zone wise discussions with the party leaders.

A Congress leader related to development said that Gogoi, who was made the chairman of the Screening Committee earlier this month will be visiting Jaipur from August 28 to 31.

He said that during his four day visit to the poll bound state, Gogoi along with other members will meet the leaders from different zones of the party till August 30.

On August 31, he will be visiting Udaipur, the party leader said.

Earlier in the day, Gogoi had also held meeting with the party leaders over the Rajasthan issue.

The party had earlier said that it will announce the first list of candidates for the 200 member assembly in September.

The party also said that following the series of meetings in Jaipur, the party will be in position to announce the candidates for the upcoming assembly elections either in first or second week of September.

Ahead of the high-octane assembly election in the desert state, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had already announced a series of pro-people schemes. The Congress this year is hoping to reverse the trend of the alternate party government in the state.

While the BJP is also looking to make a comeback in the state, several of the top BJP leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi had toured Rajasthan.
Chennai, Aug 25 : The Madras High Court has ordered an inquiry into allegations that Isha Foundation had put up unauthorised constructions on 20.80 hectares of land at Ikkarai Poluvampatti village in Perur Taluk of Coimbatore.

The court directed the Joint Director of Town and Country Planning in Coimbatore to conduct the inquiry on the allegations.

The first division bench of the Madras High Court comprising of Chief Justice SV Gangapurwala and Justice PD Adikesavalu passed the orders while disposing off a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in 2017 by P. Muthammal, president Velliangiri Hills Tribals Protection Society.

The complainant had prayed for the restoration of wetlands in the area by demolishing illegal constructions.

The Deputy Director of Town and Country Planning informed the court that of the 20.805 hectares falling under 23 different survey numbers mentioned by the petitioner, 15.53 hectares has been classified as wetland and 5.275 hectares has been classified as Punjai or dryland.

The officials also said that the owner of the land has been mentioned as Isha Foundation in the government website but no records were available with the office of the town and country planning with respect to any kind of approval being given for putting up constructions on those lands.

The Deputy Director of Town and Country Planning, R. Rajaguru said: "No record has been found in this office regarding Collector NOC (No Objection Certificate), pollution control board NOC, Hill Area Conservation Authority NOC, Fire department NOC etc."

He also said that when verified with the Ikkarai Poluvampatti panchayat, it was found that no permission has been issued by the panchayat president also.

The court after hearing the Deputy Director directed the Joint Director of Town and Country Planning to verify whether everything was in order after scrutinising the documents filed by the petitioner and Isha Foundation.

The court also said that if the same is not in order, the Joint Director shall take further steps expeditiously with regard to the building that may not be constructed in accordance with the plan and the no objection certificate.

The division bench of the Madras High Court also directed Isha Foundation to place all records before the Joint Director, Town and Country Planning within two weeks.
Hambantota, Aug 24 : Afghanistan batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz's run-a-ball 151 went in vain as Pakistan on half-centuries by opener Imam-ul Haq and skipper Babar Azam and a crucial 48 by Shadab Khan to win a last-over thriller for a one-wicket win in the second ODI here on Thursday.

Pakistan took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ODI series against Afghanistan with a nail-biting win in a match that produced 602 runs, the highest match aggregate involving the two teams in ODIs.

In the death overs of the second innings which was filled with one dramatic moment after another, Pakistan managed to hold their nerve to win the second ODI by the barest of margins a" with a ball and a wicket to spare.

Naseem Shah was once again the tormentor for Afghanistan as he snatched away what could have been their maiden ODI win against Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan were helped to a solid total of 300/5, courtesy of a brilliant 151 from Gurbaz. This was their highest total against their regional rivals, Pakistan.

Gurbaz's knock, which included 14 boundaries and three sixes, saw him take the Pakistan attack to the cleaners. Together with Ibrahim Zadran (80), he added 227 runs for the first wicket, Afghanistan's second-highest partnership for any wicket.

This was the highest score by an Afghanistan batter against Pakistan and was also the first-ever century by an Afghanistan player against the nation. Their previous highest individual effort was Hashmatullah Shahidi's unbeaten 97.

This was Gurbaz's fifth ODI ton, and it came in merely 23 innings. With this he became the third fastest player to five ODI hundreds, overtaking Babar Azam (25 innings), and sitting behind the joint-first position holders, Quinton de Kock (19) and Imam-Ul-Haq (19).

His century was also the first time that a wicketkeeper scored a 150 in men's ODI against Pakistan. The previous best by a wicket-keeper was MS Dhoni's 148 at Vishakhapatnam.

After being bundled out for merely 59 in the first ODI, Afghanistan showed a great fight with the bat in their second match in the series. The strong start from Gurbaz and Zadran was followed by a slight wobble towards the death, but Mohammed Nabi's run-a-ball 29 helped them touch 300 at the end of their innings.

In reply, Pakistan were cruising along at one point with the partnership between Imam-ul-Haq (91) and Babar Azam (53) who stitched a 118-run partnership for the second wicket.

However, the wicket of the skipper triggered a collapse that saw Pakistan lose five wickets for 41 runs. Shadab Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed steadied the ship but as wickets kept tumbling, Afghanistan inched closer to victory.

Needing 27 off 12, Shadab smashed a six and a four off the last two balls of the penultimate over. Off the very first ball of the last over, Shadab was run out at the non-striker's end while backing up by Fazalhaq Farooqi.

With just one wicket in hand, Naseem Shah, as he did against Afghanistan in the Asia Cup last year, came to Pakistan's rescue to win it for his team with a ball to spare.

Pakistan go into the final ODI in Colombo on 26 August with an unassailable 2-0 lead.

Brief scores:

Afghanistan 300/5 in 50 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 151, Ibrahim Zadran 80; Shaheen Shah Afridi 2-58) lost to Pakistan 302/9 in 49.5 overs (Imam-ul-Haq 91, Babar Azam 53, Shadab Khan 48; Fazalhaq Farooqi 3-69, Mohammad Nabi 2-46) by 1 wicket.
Bengaluru, Aug 25 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Bengaluru on August 26 to visit Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to congratulate the scientists following the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission.

The saffron party is set to hold a mega roadshow on this occasion.

R. Ashoka, the former Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and BJP MLA, on Thursday said that the roadshow will be held between Jalahalli Circle to ISRO Headquarters in Bengaluru.

"I request the people and party workers to attend the roadshow to congratulate scientists and Prime Minister Modi," he added.

In the backdrop of the visit of Modi to ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRACK), State BJP President Nalin Kumar Kateel, BJP MLAs S.R. Vishwanath and S. Muniraju have visited the centre and inspected the ISRO campus.

"The invitation is open for all to make the programme successful. If people can come at 5.45 a.m. on August 26, they can see PM Modi and ISRO scientists," Ashoka said.

The State BJP President said, "Prime Minister Modi would arrive at HAL at 5 a.m. He should be extended a grand welcome. The party workers and people are invited from Bengaluru Urban district mainly."

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police Commissioner, B. Dayananda, held a meeting at his office and discussed about security arrangements with the Additional Police Commissioners, Joint Police Commissioners and DCPs.

After arriving at the HAL airport, Modi will reach ISRO by road and it has been decided to divert the traffic in Bengaluru on the stretch of the road.

The police department has banned the movement of goods' vehicles in Bengaluru between 4 and 11 a.m.
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrates after the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3. Image Source: IANS News

Bengaluru, Aug 25 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on August 26 to congratulate the scientists following the successful Chandrayan-3 mission.

BJP will also hold a mega roadshow on the occasion.

Former deputy chief minister and BJP MLA R. Ashoka said that the roadshow will be held between Jalahalli Circle to ISRO Head Quarters in Bengaluru.

"I request the people and party workers to attend the roadshow to congratulate scientists and PM Modi," he said.

In the backdrop of the visit of PM Modi to ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRACK), BJP State President Nalin Kumar Kateel, BJP MLAs S.R. Vishwanath and S. Muniraju have visited the centre and inspected the campus.

"The invitation is open for all to make the programme successful. If people can come at 5.45 a.m. on Aug 26, they can see PM Modi and ISRO scientists," Ashoka said.

Nalin Kumar Kateel said that PM Modi would arrive at HAL at 5 a.m and should be extended a grand welcome. The party workers and people are invited from the Bengaluru Urban District mainly, he said.

Meanwhile, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Dayanand held a meeting to discuss about security arrangements with the Additional Police Commissioners, Joint Police Commissioners and DCPs. After arriving at HAL airport, PM Modi will reach ISRO by road and it has been decided to divert the traffic in Bengaluru on the stretch of the road.

The police department has banned the movement of goods vehicles in the Bengaluru City between 4 a.m. and 11 a.m.

--IANS

mka/dan
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)

Editor: ZAD
PM Modi meets Iranian Prez, several African leaders on sidelines of BRICS summit. Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Aug 25 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Thursday, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Johannesburg.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, including trade and investment, connectivity, energy and counter-terrorism.

Both sides agreed to fast-track infrastructure cooperation, including the Chabahar project. The leaders also exchanged views on regional developments, including Afghanistan.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Raisi on joining the BRICS 'family'.

President Raisi congratulated the Prime Minister on the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission and thanked him for India's support for Iran's BRICS membership.

Modi also met a slew of leaders from African nations on the sidelines of the conference.

He met Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, the President of Mozambique.

Both the leaders held productive discussions on ways to further the bilateral ties, including in the areas of parliamentary contacts, defence, counter-terrorism, energy, mining, health, trade and investment, capacity building, maritime cooperation and people-to-people relations.

Modi also met Macky Sall, the President of Senegal, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit.

Both leaders held fruitful discussions on ways to deepen their bilateral partnership across various sectors, including trade and investment, defence and security, energy, mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, railways, capacity building, culture and people-to-people ties.

The Prime Minister also held a meeting with Abiy Ahmed Ali, the Prime Minister of Ethiopia.

They held discussions on key areas, including development partnership and capacity building, trade and investment, defence cooperation, ICT, agriculture, skilling of youth and people-to-people linkages. They also exchanged views on important regional and global issues.

Modi congratulated Ahmed on Ethiopia's membership of BRICS.

He appreciated Prime Minster Abiy Ahmed for his participation in the Voice of Global South Summit.
Washington, Aug 25 : Former US President Donald Trump has scored a double whammy against eight of his rivals in the GOP race for nominations by first releasing a taped interview five minutes before the debate and he hopes to garner all limelight in the media with his announced surrender before the Atlanta courts in his fourth indictment on election interference.

While media houses are working at a furious pace to collate the numbers on the Milwaukee debate on how many people watched the debate live.

Even as most American voters would digest the debate via online clips that would be pushed out by the debaters and the media, media reports said.

As of now, Trump leads with 53 per cent backing from supporters and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis with 16 per cent and surprisingly political novice Indian-American billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy with 11 per cent over all others in the polls.

MO News, which provides a digest of the morning news online to readers in the country, said given Trump continues to dominate in early state polls, the question is whether any of the eight alternatives did enough to convince GOP primary voters that they should switch their allegiances?

The former President remained pretty unscathed and none of the candidates, except Chris Christie, really made a case to voters as to why they should stop supporting Trump. Both burly Christie and slim-fit Ramaswamy were booed by the audiences on their views.

Both Ramaswamy and Nikki Haley seem set to get some momentum from Wednesday night's debate from the respective wings of the party.

Its everyone's guess that Trump will remain in the driver's seat.

With media circus in the offing later in the day, attention will quickly be back on Trump today as he formally surrenders to authorities in Georgia, where he was most recently indicted.
With Indias support, SL plans to transform Eastern port city as a regional hub. Image Source: IANS News

Colombo, Aug 25 : With the support of India, Sri Lanka plans to transform the country's Eastern port district Trincomalee to a multi-faceted regional hub.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said this addressing a special Committee meeting on the development plan on the Eastern province with particular emphasis on Trincomalee district.

He added that a comprehensive plan formulated by Surbana Jurong, Singaporean government-owned consultancy company, focussing on infrastructure and urban development pertains to the Trincomalee district's development supported by an established agreement between Sri Lanka and India.

"It is vital that this accord is executed," President Wickremesinghe reiterated.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the endeavour, President Wickremesinghe stressed the comprehensive vision for Trincomalee's transformation into a multifaceted hub encompassing energy, transportation, maritime commerce, naval operations, aviation, industry and tourism.

He stressed the collaborative role of India in realising this strategic programme.

He emphasised the imperative of fostering a conducive environment that reinvigorates the nation's economy, stressing on the need to engage India's assistance for this endeavour.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressing the members of the India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association referred to the bilateral relations between the two South Asian neighbours.

He stressed the importance of Trincomalee hub with its potential of renewable energy and regional economic activities, for mutual benefit of both India and Sri Lanka.

Jaishankar elaborated on India's vision of fostering long-term and sustainable solutions, mentioning collaborative efforts to address Sri Lanka's energy requirements through grid connectivity and a Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) pipeline.
Patna, Aug 25 : After the murder of journalist Vimal Kumar Yadav in Bihar's Araria, the police investigation has revealed that the accused feasted on fish-rice before committing the crime.

The accused assembled at the Koshikapur locality under the Raniganj police station and enjoyed the fish-rice party on the night of August 18.

The accused also interacted with the victim Vimal Kumar Yadav and asked him to refrain from fighting the murder case of his younger brother Gabbu Yadav which he denied.

Vimal was the sole witness in Gabbu Yadav's murder which took place in 2019.

The entire conspiracy was hatched by two accused Rupesh Yadav and Kanti Yadav who are lodged respectively in Supaul and Araria jail. They interacted with the six accused who executed the crime.

The main accused Arjun Sharma planned the murder and another accused Madhav Yadav shot the victim. They arranged two bikes Apache and Pulsar and four country-made pistols to execute the journalist's murder.

As per the plan, the accused reached the house of Vimal located at Prem Nagar under Raniganj police station on August 18 around 3 a.m. and called Vimal in a friendly manner.

The accused called Vimal to come outside his house. As soon as Vimal stepped out from his house, Madhav Yadav fired one gunshot on the right side of his chest due to which he died on the spot.

Following the incident, the accused fled from the spot in two bikes.

Vimal's father Harendra Yadav and wife Pooja Yadav were present in the house at the time of the murder and are the eyewitnesses of this case.

They have filed FIR against eight persons and six of them named Arjun Sharma, Madhav Yadav, Vipin Yadav, Bhavesh Yadav, Aashish Yadav and Umesh Yadav were arrested by the district police.

The other two accused Rupesh Yadav and Kanti Yadav are already lodged in jails.
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)

Editor: WXL
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)

Editor: WXL
Yohuru Williams is a professor of history at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn., and the author of several books, including Teaching Beyond the Textbook. He is the former chief historian of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Michael G. Long is the author and editor of several books on civil rights history. Williams and Long co-wrote the childrens book Call Him Jack: The Story of Jackie Robinson, Black Freedom Fighter, and also shared their expertise on Robinson in Ken Burnss documentary on the barrier-breaking athlete. In their new middle grade book, More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedomwritten 60 years after this momentous eventthe duo explores the protests radical roots and the long-ignored role of Black women organizers. We asked Williams and Long to discuss their research and writing process, and the importance of recognizing echoes of the past in contemporary events.

Michael G. Long: My friend! After all those early-morning phone calls, all those late-night Zoom sessions, were about to march into the world with our new book.

Yohuru Williams: Im pumped. Its a powerful story.

Long: Who knew? When I was a student, even in high school, I knew next to nothing about the march. I didnt even know its name was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Anyway, thanks for coming up with the idea. Of the two of us, youre the big idea guy.

Williams: I mightve come up with the idea, but we both marched forward with it. As I remember our early chats, we were both disappointed that the march is usually reduced to Dr. Kings dream, though we understood that.

Long: We did. Kings speech was the emotional highpoint of the day. Even the militant activists from the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committeewho thought the march lacked in militancyhad tears running down their cheeks. I still get chills when I watch replays of it. No doubt, its one of the greatest speeches in world history.

Williams: And that gets to our challenge, right? Our challenge was to pull the lens back from that amazing moment and show what else was happening on March Day. What happened before Dr. Kings speech? What happened after it? It turns out that the march was much more than a dream. It was a demand. A demand for jobs. A demand for desegregation. A demand for jobs and freedom now!

What was your favorite part as we pulled back the lens?

 More than a dream suspended in history, the march was a demand for the justice that still eludes us. Yohuru Williams 

Long: Probably researching information about the demand for economic justice. One of the marchs demands was for a national minimum wage of two dollars per hour. That translates to about $19 in todays market. I love that fact because it shows just how radical the marchs two main planners were. A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin were both fervent democratic socialists who made sure that the march demanded jobs with decent wages. What about you? What was your favorite part?

Williams: Learning about the hidden voices that dayespecially the voices of student activists. March organizers discouraged young activists from attending, but they came by the busloads. Three friends even hitchhiked together, without adults, from Gadsden, Alabama. On March Day, the students bore witness to all the suffering they endured when facing snarling police dogs and high-pressure fire hoses in their local fights for civil rights. They didnt have a speaking slot at the Lincoln Memorial, but they were at the vanguard of the Black freedom movement.

Black women were, too, and their voices were also hidden at the march. Anna Arnold Hedgeman, Dorothy Height, and Pauli Murray, all of them powerful leaders, had pleaded for a womanone womanto be one of the main speakers, but the all-male Big Ten denied the request. I like to think that wouldnt happen again today.

Long: Me, too. I think one of the most inspirational parts of our book is the section on the womens fight for their rightful place on March Day. Ironically, they lost the battle to a group of men fighting for equality and justice. The dissonance in that section of the book could not be louder than it is. Did anything else surprise you?

Williams: The recurring theme of police brutality. At the march, Rita Morenothe star of West Side Storytold reporters that she was disappointed that President Kennedys civil rights bill did not address police brutality. Actor Marlon Brando compared local police officers in Alabama to German Nazis in World War II. Then there was the great John Lewis, who used his fiery speech to denounce the federal government for not defending young activists from racial violence.

Long: Just to add a bit more, I was surprised to learn that the march was designed to commemorate three people who had died because of their civil rights workincluding Medgar Evers. I dont believe anyone mentioned their names during the Lincoln Memorial program, but if you looked hard, as you and I did, you could see small ways that they were commemorated.

Williams: The topics of police brutality and race-related violence demonstrate the ongoing relevance of the march, right? More than a dream suspended in history, the march was a demand for the justice that still eludes us.

I hope our readers will be inspired to think about the ways that the march is as relevant today as it was in 1963. After all, were still struggling against police brutality. Were still trying to secure Black voting rights. Were still fighting for decent schools, homes, and jobs. We do not yet have the economic and racial justice that the march planners demanded.

We have a long way to go. And so, I hope our readers will also be inspired to think about ways that they can claim their power, just as the marchers did, and march our nation forward, to a time and place where we can finally join Dr. King and say, Free at last! Free at last! Thank God Almighty, we are free at last!

Long: Onward!

More Than a Dream: The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom by Yohuru Williams and Michael G. Long. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $21.99 Aug. 29 ISBN 978-0-374-39174-4
From landmark TED Talks to award-winning novels to profound critical reflections, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies work has taken many forms. With her forthcoming publication, Mamas Sleeping Scarf, Adichie delves into a new category: childrens books. Illustrated by Joelle Avelino, Mamas Sleeping Scarf follows a Black girl named Chino as she embarks on a day of exploration and play at home with her father, grandparents, and stuffed bunny. The centerpiece of Chinos games is her mothers beloved sleeping scarf, an object that signifies and strengthens Chinos connection to her mother while she is away at work. We spoke with Adichie about the inspiration she took from her own life for the book, the promising changes shes seeing in the literary landscape, and the unexpected challenges and delights of writing for children.

In an Instagram post, you noted that Mamas Sleeping Scarf was inspired by a day in the life of your daughter. How did the narrative come to you and why did you want to write Chinos story in particular?

Ive often been asked why I dont do children's books, and usually I would respond by saying that my vision is too dark. And so I worry that if I started to write a childrens book, I would somehow invariably have somebody die. [When] I had my daughter, I [spent a lot of time] reading to her and buying kids books, which made me start thinking about childrens literature. I was thinking maybe I should try but I wasnt sure what I wanted to write about. There was just one of those very, very simple moments where Im holding her. She reaches out and pulls at my hair. My hair was braided. And I thought, this is such a small moment but its going to go and its going to disappear from our memories forever. And then I started thinking about the idea of preserving memory. I realized I want to write a book for kids but also a book in which I try to preserve a memory for my daughterbut then I didnt do anything about it.

And then two years passed. Then one day were in Lagos and its just a happy ordinary day. My parents were there with us. My husband was making a smoothie. And I just thought, how about I capture this for my daughter? She was about four at the time. I realized I wanted that day to be the memory that I try to remember for her. So, I just made little notes, and I didnt do anything with it again for another two years. I started thinking about it again after my father died, and thats actually when I decided that I would write it. So, it became two things: creating this memory for my daughter, but also celebrating what for me is an ideal version of family, which is an extended unit, and remembering my parents.

How did the process of writing Mamas Sleeping Scarf differ from your work for adults?

I remember thinking when I started, Oh, its a children's book. Its going to be easy. But actually, I found myself stumped in the middle. You start writing and you realize that the rules for childrens books are quite different. My style isnt to be so direct but you really have to be direct with children. I felt that I had to shift my register. In some ways it humbled me because I realized its not easy to do. I also practiced it on my daughterthe first draft I read to her, she was utterly bored, and so I thought, this is not good. It made me think differently. Writing a picture book really requires an entirely different mindset.

How do you feel about writing for young readers now that youve written a childrens book?

Oh, Im still terrified. No, Im actually thinking about doing more. I hope to follow the character of Chino and still keep it loosely based on my daughter. Im hoping the next book will be where Chino is maybe seven.

Hair and mother-daughter relationships are both powerful themes in your work. Can you talk about the importance of centering the story around a sleeping scarf, and how it reaffirms Chinos bond with her mother?

The mother character is kind of based on me. I always sleep with a scarf, as do most of the Black women I know in the world. I want to make the ordinary things of Black peoples lives just become a normal part of everyday literature. I remember when I first came to the U.S. and I was surprised by how I would get my hair braided and my friends who were not Black would be like, Oh my God, your hair grew so long! And I would think, my goodness, they really do not know this sort of very basic thing about Black womens lives. When I was thinking about the scarf, I was struck by how that can become a symbol of a number of things. Its a metaphor for a mother and a daughter having this wonderful bond, but for me, its also a way of celebrating Black women in a very simple, ordinary way.

 I realized I want to write a book for kids but also a book in which I try to preserve a memory for my daughter. 

Thats beautiful. Its funny how our worlds can seem smaller than they need to be. There are things that are so obvious and mundane to so many of us that are completely new to other people.

That is why I feel so strongly about being invested in this project of making our lives not be small.

Literature has a powerful role in that. In your TED Talk, The Danger of a Single Story, you spoke about how your experience reading Western childrens books as a child influenced what you thought was possible in literature. Do you think that the publishing industry and whats available to children has changed since your talk was released?

Yes-ish. I did that talk in the early 2000s so I think things have changed a bit, but I also worry that a lot of the changes can sometimes feel almost performative and temporary. Im hopeful because I can see in the publishing world theres a lot more talk about diversity and inclusivity, and I just hope that it translates to long-term change. Im not sure yet but Im hopeful. Theres still work to be done.

By writing childrens books that feature stories and characters that are not generally centered in the literary canon, do you hope you can help change that?

I think [through] the very act of writing a childrens book thats set in Nigeria and thats about the ordinary life of a family I am contributing to diversifying the stories that are published as childrens books. But I dont want to be the only person who made books diverse. I want to be one of many. I dont want Nigeria to be the only African country that people know about. Im very committed to this idea of diversity, but I also think that it makes me uncomfortable to be seen as somehow the icon of diversity, because I think even that shows that we still have a long way to go.

Working with a visual artist on a book must have been a new experience for you. Can you talk about your collaboration with Joelle Avelino and how you feel her artwork illuminated your story?

I think shes an absolute star. I was sent samples of different illustrators works and my love for her work was almost immediate. I looked at what shed done and I just thought, yeah, this is it. I felt that she captured African life. She really paid attentionshe wanted to look at pictures of my family, and she wanted to look at pictures of our house here in Lagos. Then, when she sent the first batch of the illustrations, I was almost in tears. Theres a page that has the grandmother character kissing the little girl, and it makes me cry every time. Honestly, Ive never been as ridiculously emotional about anything Ive done as I am about this little book, and I think in some ways it surprised me.

Do you feel like Mamas Sleeping Scarf is more directly connected to your life and to the people in your life than other books youve written?

Yes, apart from my memoir about my father. This is the most personal thing Ive written. I think that is why Ive felt so emotional about it, because its this thing that Ive done as a person who no longer has parents, while having had a life deeply anchored by my parents. There was just this huge shift for me and this book is about that.

It sounds like the book was inspired by your daughter and fueled by not only by that relationship but also by who you are as a mother and what is important to you in your relationship with your daughter.

Yes, absolutely. Whats important to me and my daughter is communication, playfulness, and joy in the ordinary.

Another striking element of the book is Chinos independence and her ability to make a world for herself while her world is stillto use your wordanchored by her mother and by an object that represents her mother. How does the sleeping scarf simultaneously reaffirm Chinos independence and ground her bond with her mom?

Im not sure that I set out thinking, oh, shes going to come across as independent, but actually she does. Thats important to me. I really believe in the idea of autonomy for children. By that I dont mean being their friendI believe in being a parent because I really do think that parents know better when children are [young]. With that said, the idea of encouraging independence while also making it clear that you dont get to make all the decisions is important to me. The idea that you can explore your world, youre not being stifled but rather, youre being guided. I also believe in communication and having conversations. I believe in trying to persuade rather than just telling or demanding a child. I love the idea that Chino comes across as having this kind of independence, running around with her scarf and getting up to things in her day.

What are you working on now, and can you say more about what youre envisioning for the series centering Chino?

Im just thinking about the next one right now so I know shes going to be a bit older. Im going to base it on my family but I dont know much more beyond that. Really, at this point, Im making notes and again, realizing that writing a childrens book is quite difficult. Actually, Im supposed to be hibernating right now because Im working onknock on wooda novel. Thats whats been taking up all my time.

What is your writing process like when youre working on a novel as opposed to a childrens book?

Oh, its entirely different. With a childrens book, Im much more open to the idea of being collaborative. So, Im asking my editor what she thinks of the lines or asking if maybe its too wordy. With my novels, its an intense process. Im a person who works very intensely; I dont let anybody read drafts until Im almost happy with them, and I am obsessed with editing. Its really different also because fiction is a thing that I think of as my vocation; its the thing that I deeply love and that, when its going well, makes me the happiest. I find that I become utterly absorbed. I dont want to break the continuous creative world.

Mamas Sleeping Scarf by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, writing as Nwa Grace-James, illus. by Joelle Avelino. Knopf, $18.99 Sept. 5 ISBN 978-0-593-53557-8
The independence of Ukraine is what the Ukrainian people are fighting for in the big war, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said in a video address on the occasion of Independence Day.

"This is a value for each of us. And this is what we are fighting for. And everyone is important in this fight. Because this is a fight for something that is important to everyone. An independent Ukraine. In a big war, there are no small deeds," the president said.

According to him, "when we celebrate Ukraine's independence, everyone can feel a part of it."

Today, the president said, "I want to dedicate these congratulations to you. To you, warrior." "I thank every soldier and sailor, every sergeant and petty officer, every officer, every general. To all Ukrainian families who have raised their children to love Ukraine and have the courage to defend it with all their might," he said.

Many Ukrainians, Zelenskyy said, have lost loved ones due to the war. "Heroes, who prevented us from losing Ukraine. I thank and bow to each and every one of them," the president said.

He said "last week I visited our combat brigades. Command posts, brigade positions. And there is something that unites them all. One additional unique armor helps our warriors. The armor of humanity. The armor of sincerity. These are children's drawings. You can see them in every brigade."

" I am grateful to every Ukrainian mother for whom our country is and will remain home. Despite the fact that they had to leave because of the war. And when a mother in any country gives her child a book in Ukrainian so that the child does not lose himself or herself, when a mother teaches Ukrainian, when she worries about Ukraine and waits for news from Ukraine, waits to be able to return, this is the most important thing," the president said.

He also thanked " Ukrainian teachers who are working, who managed to work even online. Who are building an educated future even where the enemy has destroyed schools," "thousands of Ukrainian medics who save thousands of lives."

The president recalled the blackouts last winter, when "our power engineers worked around the clock. During air raids. Sometimes under fire. Always in danger. Always knowing how much people are waiting for electricity in hospitals and defense enterprises. And how much every family is waiting for light and warmth."

Zelenskyy mentioned Ukrainian journalists. "The truth was with us. And the world heard Ukraine. I thank everyone who spreads the truth about Ukraine and this war in different languages," he said.

"But today I want to speak separately about those who cannot yet be mentioned in the news, whose names are known to few, but whose work is visible to all. Our missiles. Ukrainian munitions. Our artillery. Ukrainian drones: Leleka, Fury. Naval drones, Neptune, Corsar, Stugna. We produce all of this. Ukrainians produce all of this. And when we are proud to have sunk the flagship of the enemy fleet, Moskva cruiser, when we rejoice at hitting the Kerch Bridge, we also thank those who cannot be mentioned now, whose names cannot be told, but about whom books will be written and movies will definitely be made in the future," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, " Everyone who survived the occupation is important. Who was holding the Ukrainian flag in the squares. Those who are still under occupation, but keep our flag so that the occupier cannot find it. Those who have waited and will witness the return of Ukraine. Who was wounded, who lost limbs, but did not lose themselves. And most importantly, we all did not lose you. Those who survived captivity... Who did not lose Ukraine in themselves. Those who came back and continue to fight. And those who will return."

"Because we all made it so that when one person says: 'Glory to Ukraine!' the whole world responds: 'Glory to the Heroes!" Zelenskyy said.
On Independence Day, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola reaffirms Europe's commitment to Ukraine, wishing peace and a prosperous European future.

"Freedom, sovereignty, independence. That is what Ukraine deserves, what Europe supports, what the future holds. On Independence Day, we reiterate our commitment to Ukraine. We will continue to stand with you for as long as it takes. Just like we did for the past 18 months," she said on Twitter on Thursday.

The recording is accompanied by a video address, which she begins in Ukrainian: "Champion Ukrainians, Ukrainians." Metsola then switches to English: "On Independence Day, I wish you peace, freedom, justice and a prosperous European future. Your bravery, your resolve, your determination in pushing back the aggressor back is an inspiration to Europe and the world. We are with you today and will be with you for as long as it takes."

She ends her address with the words "Glory to Ukraine."
I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. Patrick Henry. My mailbox was flooded after my article last week on Rich Men North of Richmond. Readers expressed nostalgist feelings and sentiments about a different America than todays and the belief that we have lost our way. This article focuses on one convention of the past that I think should be rekindled, but first indulge me as I reminisce a bit before getting to my point.

My oldest brother Ken was in the hospital, freshly out of the operating room and had not yet met any of the nursing staff. My other brothers (Brick and Walter) and I were visiting. A black nurse walked in. Ken turned to her and said, Im so glad I have a soul sistah for a nurse because Im a black man trapped in a white mans body. My brothers and I gave each other the did he really just say that facial expression. Ken has no filters, I mean none, zip, nadda, zero. Of course, the nurse absolutely loved him. Most people do, and I think it is because they are just startled by his lack of fear to say whatever he wants.

There may well be some truth in his statement to the nurse. Ken is 11 years older than I. One of my earliest memories is a 17-year-old Ken coming downstairs, smelling of a clean shower and aftershave, sporting that clean cut Beach Boys look of his era. Back in those days there were outdoor dance pavilions, usually on the water, all over Virginia and the Carolinas, one of which was surely his destination that evening. Mother began her inquisition. Where are you going? What time will you be home? Ken didnt answer her, but he did drop Robert Parkers 45, Barefootin on the stereo. He then grabbed my startled mother and started spinning her around on the dance floor, twirling, shuffling, jiving.. As my swooning mother was recovering from her dizziness and Robert Parker was crooning hey lil girl with your red dress on.. Ken took his happy feet and glided his way to the front door, juking, hollering, screaming and drove off. I dont think Mom ever noticed, but I took note. She never got an answer as to where he was going or what time she could expect him home. Pretty clever. He had his mojo working, so my guess is he may have hopped on the good foot and done the bad thing that evening.

Many of us had a favorite teacher or professor in college who made an impact on us and may have changed the direction of our lives. I didnt have anyone like that. I had Ken. The greatest lessons were taught by Ken. As a 7-year-old, I loved the Baltimore Orioles. Their 3rd baseman, Brooks Robinson was my hero. Now this might sound trivial, but Ken taught me a life lesson that has stayed with me ever since. He hit me grounders. It is the natural inclination for a 7-year-old to be afraid of a hardball bouncing erratically and flying towards him at 50 miles an hour. Ken would yell at me and tell me not to be a pus#y. Back before being a confused, mentally unhinged freak was cool, no boy wanted to be a P-word! Ken yelled, put your body in front of the ball! I learned that getting a few bruises and perhaps an occasional lump on the forehead were small potatoes to the thrill and self-satisfaction of accomplishing a worthwhile skill. Being afraid will get you nowhere.

My father had a rule, by the time we were 13, we were expected to have jobs. I cant remember Dad ever preaching this rule, it was just expected. Part of this convention was to get a real job, doing physical labor in the boiling Virginia sun. The thought of scooping ice cream in an air-conditioned shop somewhere didnt even cross my mind. (A buddy of mine got a job at a putt-putt course and to this day, my pals and I tease him and call him the P-word).

Im not going to pull a Joe Biden and fabricate a story about my hardscrabble youth. We lived comfortably. Our house was elevated on a high hill, unusual for Tidewater Virginia. It dated back to 1678. We had incredible, expansive views of the Rappahannock River while Cat Point Creek rolled lazily behind our house. It was a nice place to grow up. Nevertheless, we were expected to work and interestingly, so were most of my friends who also lived comfortably. I noticed that many of those who couldve really helped their family by working, did not have my fathers rule.

Ken dropped out of college and joined the Marines so he could fight in Vietnam. By the time I was 13, he was back home, married and had a job, but he also had a marine construction business on the side. I went to work for him. We built seawalls, piers, jetties and drove creosote pilings into the rivers and creeks where we lived. 12 hour plus days were not unusual. Ken taught me how to work. Hed punch me if I did something stupid. When one first starts that type of work, it is not unusual to think it must be getting close to lunch time. Then your heart sinks when you find out it is only 8 oclock in the morning. At first the days go by slowly, but over the course of the summer things pick up to the point where you are less concerned about what time it is and more concerned about the quality of your work. What a great feeling it was to stand on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay and look out at the pier and boat slips you had built. Working for Ken was a bit like boot camp at Parris Island. It was hard and demanding, but at the end of training, you were a different person. I really think that if it were not for Ken, I might have ended up a different person, one that I would not necessarily like today.

I went to so called prestigious universities here and in England. I dont view doing well at these institutions as any great accomplishment. Although appreciative, I dont value the scenic environment where I grew up. I value the jobs I had and what they taught me about myself and the world around me, not to mention the very meaningful relationships I formed and still cherish today. At 16, my tutelage under Ken was over. I began working for Wood Preservers, a multi-faceted lumber company. We produced the railroad ties for the New York Transit Authority. We pressure treated every kind of lumber product you could imagine. We had guys cutting timber and when it arrived on the yard, every inch of that tree would be used in some fashion, poles, lumber, mulch, sawdust to fire the boilers, etc. I busted my ass. Reputations are important in a community where everyone knows you and your family. I wanted a good one. Besides, I didnt want to disappoint Mr. Wright, the owner. He was as good of a man as ever walked this earth. He rewarded me by making me a foreman over other men, giving me production goals, allowing me to drive all the heavy equipment and work all the overtime I wanted. It is a heady experience for a 16-year-old to be trusted like Mr. Wright trusted me and to be in charge of 40-year-old men who had families to support. We had some really shiftless lowlifes at Wood Preservers, but we also had some extraordinarily good people. I noticed that the good people all respected one another whether black or white, rich or poor, and these good people all knew who the lowlifes were. I felt honored to be in the good people club and that they accepted me as one of their own. There was no greater accolade than having a man like Mr. Wright brag to my father about what a good worker I was.

Mitchell was a 62-year-old black man, and I loved him dearly. Mitchell would always request to be on my crew. We were like Frick and Frack. Whenever I came home from the University of Virginia, I would grab a jar of corn whiskey and visit Mitchell. He lived in a shotgun house with his wife and 9 children. Mitchell and I would both sip from the same jar while all 9 of his kids listened to us swap stories. We would laugh for hours. If I am ever lucky enough to make it through the Pearly Gates, I am sure Mitchell will be the first one to greet me. I think about him often. Vets Inn was a black night club in the next county. It was known for its shootings and knifings. My sawmill buddy Cyrus invited me to come by one Saturday night. It was just like the scene at the Dexter Lake Club in Animal House. I walked in and all the music stopped and everyone stared at me, no one smiling. Then Cyrus walks up, puts him arm around me and says Smitty awright, Smitty awright, and then the music cranks back up and everyone slaps me on the back and shakes my hand. Sawmill stories are the best stories, next time Ill tell you about when Mitchell made some homemade Viagra. On Monday morning I asked him if it worked, and he retorted with his homespun chuckle and twinkling eye, ah Smitty, I was rubbin bellies all night long!

Ive gone to Paris with a hot blond. Ridden a motorcycle along the Cote d Azur and into Italy. Skied some great mountains. Played roulette in Monte Carlo. Been to the Masters. Did the Sun Also Rises thing in Spain. Lived in Nantucket and hung out with fancy people in Marthas Vinyard and Malibu. Hell, I was even the grand master of a circus once and rode an elephant into the big tent. All cool, but I dont value these experiences. They didnt make me a better person. I value the work experiences I had as a teenager. You learn about people, some are great, some suck. You also learn about business, productivity, incentives, bad habits, different cultures, the importance of attitude, mechanics, engineering, self-discipline, saving money, witnessing bad habits you want to avoid, and a million other things. Mostly, you learn about life. By the way, Mitchell was shot and killed. So were others I worked with.

In last weeks article I stated the Oliver Anthonys were a lot smarter than many of the political and academic classes that look down on them. It goes like this. Without practical knowledge, academic knowledge is often of little use. What the elites dont realize is the working man and the self-employed businessman are also in school. They learn by what they have experienced. In todays universities, a student learns by what he is told. As Patrick Henry observed, what lamp do they have to guide them? As their careers unfold, the man engaged in the world listens to his experiences and observations while the one who looks down on him often relies on what others tell him is true. My experience is the sneering elitist will swallow almost any belief system, no matter how absurd, as long as other sneering elitists mouth allegiance to the same belief system.

In Richmond, all the tony private schools my children went to require community service hours. I think that is a crock, being forced to do charity misses the point. A better arrangement would be making each kid pay for a part of their education by working a real job and producing a W-2 to prove it. Not a job in Daddys office, but one where they might meet someone like Mr. Wright or Mitchell. Then when they get to the elite university they will have the ability to decipher what is horseshit and what is not. They will be much more likely to think for themselves as opposed to a lifetime of letting others think for them.

The best education you can give your children is to put them to work, and it doesnt cost you a dime.
Today marks Ukraines Independence Day, its second since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, and the first celebrated during Ukraines touted summer counteroffensive. Much has been said about the anticipated success and realized failures of this military operation, though it must be cautioned that real-time tactical and operational analysis often overlooks long-term strategic implications.

More importantly, the focus on blood spilled on the battlefield has been a distraction from the more critical lifeblood spilling forth from Ukraines bordersits women and children.

Ukraines resolute resistance against a colossal neighbor and the unwavering spirit of a nation that refuses to bow remains an inspiration. But, amid this tableau of tenacity, a haunting image persists: destroyed neighborhoods, decimated hospitals, and deserted schools.

War is not merely about territorial gains. While the world's powers rally or waver in their support, Ukraine's leadership faces a task that transcends the immediate conflict. Yes, defending their borders and sovereignty is paramount. But equally vital is the crafting of a vision that pulls back their women and children, the heart of a nation, home. This cannot wait until the sounds of gunfire cease.

Even before the war, Ukraine was facing an aging population and a perilous decline in birth rates, with the United Nations predicting Ukraine would lose a fifth of its population by 2050. A diminished population threatens cultural identity and survival in ways that extend past trenches and beyond armed conflict, though the war has been an accelerant.

As of July 2023, more than 6.2 million refugees from Ukraine have been recorded globally. Of those who fled the country, it is estimated that 90% are women and children. More horrifying, reportedly over 700,000 children have been taken from Ukraine to Russia. The very individuals who carry forward customs, traditions, and stories into the next generation have been scattered to the winds, or stolen.

Women have long been the keepers of collective memory. It is in their lullabies that history is whispered, in their tales that values are ingrained, and in their hands that traditions are shaped and passed on. Women are also powerful economic drivers and the literal bearers of future generations. Remove them, and you tear apart the fabric of a culture.

A small example is that of a young Ukrainian woman I befriended while spending time there over the last 18 months. She endured the initial invasion, bombardments, constant air raid sirens, energy shortages in the winter, and countless other major and minor horrors of a country invaded by an enemy bent on eradicating its existence. This last month posed the first opportunity she had to travel outside of Ukraine to Western Europe. She will not return east.

This story does not exist in isolation, and Ukraine understands the dual imperative of survival and revival. Regardless of a victorious Ukrainian push to Crimea or a negotiated settlement that cedes territory, Ukraine will not cease to exist as an independent nation. In that, Putin has certainly lost.

Therefore, Ukraine must know that as they rebuild infrastructure, they must build faith in a hopeful future. This requires a social compact that promises and delivers safety, stability, and a future. Ukrainian leadership and decision-makers should consider what public policies will best signal a prioritization of family life, to inspire confidence in the nations future.

While social welfare policies have mixed results when it comes to their effects on family formation and fertility, given Ukraines extenuating circumstances, the country may want to consider the extensive, albeit expensive, policies in Sweden, as a model. These wide-sweeping and comprehensive social policies were put into effect in the 1980s as Sweden struggled with projected unsustainable population decline. Their unique speed premium system encouraged couples to have several children quickly, one after the other, alongside permissive parental leave policies, top-notch state-funded childcare services, and other parent-focused benefits, like days off for a sick child. These policies were also uniquely crafted in a way that allowed mothers to remain in the workforce and receive benefits, a departure from other European nations like Germany. If Ukraine is to survive and thrive, it must be a homeland that its children want to inherit, and its women want to nurture. Without that, all is lost.

Borders are sacred, but the people within them are sacrosanct. And as the world looks at lines on a map, it's imperative to remember that a countrys soul is preserved not just by its soldiers on the frontlines but by its people. True independence isn't just about land but about preserving the essence of a nation. When the war is won, a Ukraine without Ukrainians will be a hollow victory.
ABC / Craig Sjodin

By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 08/24/2023



ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

winner Dotun Olubeko has revealed if he knew Charity Lawson was going to pick him over Joey Graziadei heading into the Final Rose Ceremony of Season 20.Charity rejected Joey Graziadei in second place and selected Dotun as her winner at the end of 's twentieth season, which aired Monday night on ABC.Charity and Dotun are now happily engaged , but Dotun admitted to People he wasn't sure things were going to play out that way in Fiji."As happy as I was to have the potential [to get engaged], part of you knows that if you don't get what you want, you're going to be devastated and that's going to be a tough thing to deal with," Dotun said of his mindset walking into the Final Rose Ceremony."You realize, 'I dropped my life and I took this risk and I found someone that I love and are they going to choose me?' I couldn't speak throughout most of the day."Dotun said he was so overwhelmed with emotion and fear that he "might've said -- outside of the proposal -- 10 words coherently" on that final day."It was a lot of tears," Dotun admitted.While Dotun seemingly felt very confident in his romance with Charity and their future together, he acknowledged how he "didn't want to get my hopes up" about winning star's heart.Dotun therefore attempted to "compartmentalize" his feelings throughout journey.But, "I would say beginning of Fiji was when I was be like, 'I think I'm going home with this woman,'" Dotun shared. "But you don't want to be heartbroken, so you got to be careful with that mindset."And Charity -- who was clearly "torn" and "conflicted" during her last few days in Fiji -- reiterated to People how her final decision between Dotun and Joey was definitely "not easy.""Saying goodbye was really hard for me," Charity confessed to the magazine."The emotions just overcame me, rightfully so. Throughout this whole journey for me, saying goodbye to anyone was not an easy thing to do, but especially at that point when you have formed some connection, that was difficult for me."The family and child therapist from Georgia elaborated, "I don't want to be the person that has to contribute to someone else's pain, but it was necessary."Charity said after taking "some time to collect myself" following Joey's departure, she was excited to see Dotun again and hear his final speech."It's a crazy place to be in, feeling two extremes," Charity pointed out. "Once I saw Dotun, I was just at peace and I was so excited. I was ready to say yes to forever with him."Dotun left his job at an inopportune time to compete on , and he had to leave behind a daily life he had become comfortable with in Fresno, CA.But the integrative medicine specialist concluded, "If you love someone, then you should be willing to do it all."And Dotun and star, who made each other feel valued and admired, fell deeply in love throughout the process."With Dotun, it boils down to a feeling you can't really place and you can't really pinpoint; you just have it and it's there, and when it comes together, you feel alive," Charity gushed on the finale of her season."I love Dotun, and I see, so clearly, a future with him -- a future that is going to bring me the most happiness."Charity and Dotun said on 's live Season 20 finale that they are in no rush to wed; however, they could imagine planning a wedding fairly soon -- and maybe even getting married in Nigeria, according to Good Morning America.The couple said they're just looking forward to being engaged, going on dates in public, and growing in love.To help them on that journey, ABC gifted Charity and Dotun a romantic trip to Greece. And Charity will also be competing on Dancing with the Stars' 32nd season this fall.Joey, meanwhile, was officially announced as The Bachelor star for the show's 28th season, which is expected to premiere in January 2024.And before The Bachelor returns, ABC is premiering Bachelor in Paradise's ninth season as well as The Golden Bachelor starring Gerry Turner on Thursday, September 28 beginning at 8PM ET/PT.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Many moons ago, Veterans Vices was a web-only series we ran every once in a while. Since then, weve covered dozens of different brands, each one built by a veteran and their story. A small barbecue seasoning company in Texas called Grill Your Ass Off was one of the first companies we covered back then. Since GYAO recently entered an exciting partnership, and has never actually graced the print page, we felt like this was an ideal opportunity to follow-up with them.

Following medical separation from his service as an infantryman in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, colloquially known as The Old Guard, Jason Mruff returned home to Texas. Like many veterans, his transition back to civilian life was perilous and seemingly without purpose. Also, like many, a return-to-roots was in order. Says Mruff: As a Texan, I dont know that we so much get into barbecue as much as barbecue is just in our blood. Growing up in Texas, my experience was centered around family, fun, and food, and you couldnt have one without the other.

Not only is this company veteran-owned but, at time of writing, every single employee is either a veteran or first responder. They team up with multiple nonprofit organizations and even offer Charity Bundles that allow you to choose which charity to support with a specific purchase that results in a cash-back donation by GYAO to the selected organization.

They recently partnered with Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum to create the Ironsides BBQ sauce seen here. Mruff says that 50 percent of the proceeds of Ironsides sales goes back into veteran-focused charity organizations such as the Independence Fund. So before you fire up the grill for your next summer cookout, check out Grill Your Ass Off or Sailor Jerry for a taste that warms the heart as much as the palate.
Blinken congratulates Ukrainians on Independence Day: Ukraine to prevail, Russia to pay high price for what it has done

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day and assured that the United States will continue to work with allies to endure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself and to thrive.

"August 24th is a testament to Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and democracy and a day of pride in Ukraine's strength and resilience. It is also a day of celebration of Ukrainian heritage and culture," according to the U.S. State Department website.

Blinken said today also marks one and a half years since the Kremlin launched its brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine  18 months of senseless aggression, causing death and destruction across Ukraine.

"As we join you in celebrating more than three decades as an independent country, we also mourn with you remembering your sons and daughters who have given their lives in defense of your country. We stand by you in the fight for your beloved country. It is because of you and your resilience that Ukraine will prevail, and Russia will pay a high price for what it has done," he said.

The State Department also said the United States will continue to stand with you and work with their Allies and partners to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself, to recover, and to thrive.
Stocks of defence-related companies have been firing on all cylinders on the bourses in calendar year 2023 (CY23).

Photograph: ANI Photo

Shares of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), Bharat Electronics (BEL), Bharat Dynamics (BDL), Data Patterns, MTAR Tech, Cochin Shipyard and GRSE have rallied in the range of 21-96 per cent so far this year.

By comparison, the BSE Sensex is up 8 per cent.

The gains have been sustained on the back of robust export opportunities, a healthy project pipeline and the governments continued push for local manufacturing and indigenisation of defence equipment.

However, the rally, which has been accompanied by high valuations, could stagnate in the near term as companies may not meet investors expectations of sustained performance every quarter, analysts said.

The order book cannot be evaluated on a quarterly basis as it plays out over long periods of 5-10 years.

"Since companies have got milestone payments, a lot of good news is already priced in, which has been seen in some PSU (public sector undertaking) stocks.

"Fresh buying looks difficult and stocks will consolidate in the near term as the market wants similar results every quarter, which will not happen.

"The order book can also be lumpy, so one should remain selective, said Amit Kumar Gupta, founder, Fintrekk Capital.

In the June quarter (Q1FY24), which is generally seasonally weak for the defence pocket, the net profit of companies such as HAL, MTAR Tech, BEL, BDL, and Data Patterns declined 35-72 per cent on a sequential basis.

Moreover, revenue fall was in the range of 22-69 per cent quarter-on-quarter (Q-o-Q).

On a yearly basis, the net profit grew between 25 and 85 per cent and revenue rose 8-68 per cent.

From this, BDL was the top underperformer and reported a 5 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) profit growth and a 57 per cent Y-o-Y slump in revenue.

The subdued results seem to indicate that the companies valuations have run up beyond justification, but the stocks are broadly fully valued, notes Deepak Jasani, head of retail research, HDFC Securities.

Limited floating stock and chase for revenue visibility have led to high valuations.

"But temporarily, the stocks are fully valued and can gain even more if companies deliver better-than-expected results on better execution.

"Early investors can partly book profits, while those looking to add could take the SIP route in select stocks, Jasani said.

Long-term story intact

While the strong up move for defence stocks could face hiccups in the near term, analysts believe the sectors growth prospects remain firm on the back of robust demand, both domestically and in the international markets.

As domestic demand is primarily driven by government orders, this huge dependence also implies vulnerability to political and economic risks.

But the growing export front could partially offset these concerns, according to a recent note by Fisdom Research.

Notably, the government has aimed to drive defence exports to Rs 350 billion by 2024-25 (FY25) from Rs 116 billion in 2021-22 (FY22).

India is also being increasingly seen as an appealing base for global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) due to the cost advantage to make and export defence products.

This was recently evident with the pact GE Aerospace signed with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) to produce the crucial F-414 engines.

Companies are increasing their focus on the ability to execute and are early in the delivery cycle, ramping up execution capabilities.

"Valuations are relatively high but largely justified, given the growth expectations, said the Fisdom Research note.

Looking at a favourable risk-reward ratio, analysts at PhillipCapital prefer BEL, BDL, Solar Industries and MTAR in the defence pack.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday suggested the G20 trade ministers to work collectively to ensure equitable competition between large and small sellers as there are challenges in the fast growing cross-border e-commerce.

IMAGE: Delegates at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers' Meeting during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address, in Jaipur on Thursday. Photograph: ANI Photo

In a video message at the G20 Trade and Investment Minister's meeting here, he also emphasised on the need to address the problems faced by consumers in fair price discovery and grievance handling mechanisms.

"Digitising processes and use of e-commerce have the potential to enhance market access.

"I am glad that your group is working on the 'High Level Principles for the Digitalization of Trade Documents'. These principles can help countries in implementing cross-border electronic trade measures, and reduce compliance burdens.

"As cross-border e-commerce continues to grow, there are challenges as well. We need to work collectively to ensure equitable competition between large and small sellers," he said.

IMAGE: Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal at the G20 Trade and Investment Ministers' Meeting, in Jaipur. Photograph: ANI Photo

Trade ministers of G20 grouping have gathered to discuss ways to promote international commerce and investments.

Terming the government initiative Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) as a game-changer, he said it will democratise the digital marketplace eco-system.

Digitising processes and the use of e-commerce have the potential to enhance market access, the prime minister added.

Modi also said that India is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities and options as the world sees optimism and confidence in the Indian economy.

During the last nine years, India has become the fifth largest global economy and it has increased its competitiveness and enhanced transparency, he said.

Photograph: ANI Photo

"Today we see global optimism and confidence in the Indian economy.

"India is seen as a combination of openness, opportunities and options," he said.

India has expanded digitisation and promoted innovation and it has moved away from red tape to red carpet and liberalised FDI flows, he said.

"Above all we have brought policy stability," he said, adding, "we are committed to make India the third largest global economy in the next few years."

He further said that the global uncertainties have tested the world economy and as members of the G20, it is the responsibility of the countries to rebuild confidence in international trade and investments.

"We must build resilient and inclusive global value chains that can withstand future shocks.

"In this context, India's proposal to create a generic framework for mapping global value chains is important," Modi said.

He added that this framework aims to assess vulnerabilities, minimise risks and enhance resilience.

Photograph: ANI Photo

Further, he added that there is a need to put special focus on MSMEs as they account for 60 to 70 per cent of employment and contribute 50 per cent to the global GDP.

"They need our continued support... For us MSME means maximum support to micro, small and medium enterprises," he said.

Further, he said that the proposed "Jaipur Initiative to foster seamless flow of information to MSMEs" will address the challenge of inadequate access to market and business related information faced by the sector.

"I am confident that you will work collectively to ensure that the global trading system gradually transitions into a more representative and inclusive future," he added.
My daughters always complained that I would take them travelling to the strangest places on earth when they were young. Aleppo. Yalta. Zakopane. Guernsey. Kastillorizo. Lofoten islands.

IMAGE: Mud volcanos near Baku, Azerbaijan. Photograph: Kind courtesy Uzeyir Mikayilov/Wikimedia Commons

And they could never tell classmates about their holidays, because instead of having been to the Swiss Alps or London, we went to places no one had ever heard of.

Photograph: Kind courtesy Rhajizada /Wikimedia Commons IMAGE: A village at the foothills of the Caucasus mountains.

One of the more falling-off-the-map spots we did visit in 2003 was Azerbaijan on the Caspian Sea, where my cousin Jyoti Pande was posted as the Indian ambassador. To reach this country, we took an Azerbaijan Airlines flight from Istanbul to Baku on a rickety, shuddering plane that had graffiti on its tray tables and the back of its seats.

IMAGE: Beautiful Azeri rugs selling in Sheki region. Photograph: Zelda Pande

What a delightful country Azerbaijan was. Small, sleepy, pastoral, not exactly in tune, then, with the modern world, Azerbaijan in the early 21st century was sort of cut off from much. This former Soviet republic ran on its oil wealth and the landscape was dotted with what they called nodding donkeys or strange-looking pumps used in onshore oilfields.

IMAGE: Azeris play backgammon or nard, which is their favourite game. Photograph: Zelda Pande

In spite of the alleged rampant corruption in higher government echelons, supposed crony capitalism, a non-stop low-key war with Armenia over the disputed region Nagorno-Karabakh for the past 35 years (!) and strange electoral events like how in 2013 Azerbaijan released election results before voting had even started, it came across as a prosperous nation, with wonderful scenery and inhabitants who were warm, simple folk, whose younger generation wore the strangest of fashions.

IMAGE: A 'nodding donkey'. Photograph: Zelda Pande

The perks of being guests of the ambassador was that wherever my cousin's Nissan Patrol traveled, we had a wide-open road and plenty of starchy salaams from the local police. He took us to see steaming yanardaghs or mud volcanos and drowsy villages in the shadow of the snowy Caucasus mountains in the Sheki region.

IMAGE: My younger daughter pretending to smoke a hookah. Photograph: Zelda Pande

My daughters got to help hoist the Indian flag at sun-up and sundown in Jyoti's slightly oddly-built, rambling ambassadorial bungalow, swim in the private indoor pool and lounge among the hookahs in the formal dining room.

All told it was a holiday of a lifetime thanks to my cousin. The food contributed to it in a major way.

IMAGE: An Azeri family's weekend excursion in Baku. Photograph: Zelda Pande

Azeri food has elements of Turkish, Middle Eastern, East European and Mediterranean cuisine. The giant Soviet GUM-type grocery stores sell a bewildering bunch of goods and are noteworthy for a very fine Azeri variation of caviar and also its mulberry and pomegranate wines or najib and grape-based wines or sharab.

IMAGE: Varieties of fermented cabbage selling in a Baku market. Photograph: Zelda Pande

The farm-style vegetarian meals that Jyoti's cook -- a pretty, young, woman named Jhale, who prided herself on being a white Muslim -- put together were equally splendid. Like kutabi, a soft kind of lavash, closer to a rumali roti, stuffed with tomatoes, scallions, parsley, dill and a variety of local white cheese that was a cross between paneer and feta. Or a garlicky, chana pulau or rather pilaf, called plov, with saffron and a crispy egg crust.

Pumpkins are plentiful in Azerbaijan. This excellent pumpkin soup, which I named Azeri Pumpkin Soup, locally called Balgabag Shorbasi, owes its origins in my kitchen to Azerbaijan and it is a super tasty way to utilise pumpkins.

Photograph: Kind courtesy: Kobako/Wikimedia Commons

Azeri Pumpkin Soup

Serves: 3-4

Ingredients

200 gm raw (not over ripe) lal bhopla or kadu or orange pumpkin, peeled and chopped

1 medium-sized potato, cut in half

Water

1 large onion, chopped

8 pods garlic, finely chopped

2 tsp butter or extra virgin olive oil

Salt to taste, about 1 tsp

Dash black pepper powder

Dash Tabasco, optional

1 handful, about  cup uncooked basmati rice

2 heaping tbsp cream cheese or 2 tbsp grated cheese

2 tbsp finely chopped parsley, for garnish

Method

Boil the chopped pumpkin with the two halves of the potato, in a saucepan, with enough water to cover the vegetables, over medium heat.

Take off heat.

Do not drain and allow the boiled vegetables to cool.

Peel the potato.

Take off heat. Do not drain and allow the boiled vegetables to cool. Peel the potato. Grind the pumpkin with the peeled potatoes and the water in which the vegetables were boiled in a mixer till it's a smooth paste.

Keep aside.

Keep aside. In a large saucepan, saute the chopped onions, garlic in the butter (or olive oil) over medium-low heat, till soft.

Add in the ground pumpkin-potato mixture.

Add in the basmati rice, salt, pepper, Tabasco.

Bring to a boil and simmer for about 12-15 minutes till the rice is cooked.

Add water if the soup has become too thick and bring to a boil again.

Take off heat.

Add in the cream cheese/cheese.

Add in the ground pumpkin-potato mixture. Add in the basmati rice, salt, pepper, Tabasco. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 12-15 minutes till the rice is cooked. Add water if the soup has become too thick and bring to a boil again. Take off heat. Add in the cream cheese/cheese. Serve piping hot in soup bowls and sprinkle the parsley on top in each bowl.

IMAGE: Downtown Baku. Photograph: Zelda Pande

Zelda's Note: Do choose a raw pumpkin and not an excessively ripe or sweet one.

Adding a potato is not strictly necessary. Two tbsp of maida or all-purpose white flour can thicken the soup.

The more traditional versions of this soup require a scattering of pomegranate arils or seed pods as garnish. A sprinkling of roasted pistachios and sumac also makes an excellent way to finish off the soup. Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice used in Middle Eastern cooking, that can be purchased online.

Depending on how health conscious you are, consider upping the cream cheese or grated cheese by 1-2 tbsp. For vegans, vegan cheese will do just as well.

Add 1 chicken cube to the soup, if preferred, and adjust salt accordingly.
'You declare a date, time and place for the landing two months in advance and exactly at that moment, it touched on the moon.'

IMAGE: 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 IST, August 23, 2023. Photograph: Kind courtesy ISRO

Chandrayaan-1, India's first mission to Moon, was launched on the 22nd of October 2008. And G Madhavan Nair was the chairman of ISRO then.

It was a successful mission.

Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019 consisted of a lunar orbiter, the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover. Unfortunately, it failed to have a soft landing on the south pole of the moon.

Chandrayaan-3 landed on the polar region of the moon on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

"What we had put on the drawing board in those days, my followers have succeeded in accomplishing it. So, I was really thrilled and excited by the event," G Madhavan Nair tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

What was going through in your mind when you saw Vikram the lander successfully land on the south pole of the lunar region?

In fact, way back in 2005 itself, we were dreaming of this event; how to touch down on the moon.

Of course, we were not able to make a soft landing for Chandrayaan-1, but we deposited our flag there.

Since then, it was our wish that we should be able to land on the surface of the moon, collect the samples and bring them back.

So, it was something like a dream come true moment as far as I am concerned.

What we had put on the drawing board in those days, my followers have succeeded in accomplishing it. So, I was really thrilled and excited by the event.

In your book, Rocketing Through the Skies: An Eventful Life at ISRO, you have written about how the idea to deposit the Indian flag came about...

The spacecraft was almost getting ready when A P J Abdul Kalam, the then President of India, asked me a simple question, 'Don't you think you should leave a permanent mark on the moon when you go all the way up there?'

I told him, 'Today's technology and capabilities are limited. Not only that, the payload's capabilities are also limited. So, it will be difficult...'

Though I spoke about the difficulties to him, after coming back, we brooded over it. Then, a bright mind came with the idea that we could do something like throwing a stone to the moon surface from the orbiter.

So, we came up with something like a capsule which can be thrown from the orbiter to the moon.

Of course, it would be impacting with a high velocity which would result in it breaking into pieces.

So, we had its panels painted with our Tricolour on it. The idea was, even after a break up, the Tricolour would on the surface of the moon.

That was how we designed the Moon Impact Probe (MIP) to be carried aboard Chandrayaan-1.

IMAGE: ISRO tweeted an image captured by the Landing Imager Camera after the landing showing a portion of Chandrayaan-3's landing site. Photograph: ISRO

How do you compare these three Chandrayaan missions?

In those days, moving out of the earth's orbit itself was a big challenge.

We mastered the technology in Chandrayaan-1. Also, all the mission calculations, trajectory and tracking were established during Chandrayaan-1.

But most of the observations were done through remote sensing camera, hyper spectral imaging, etc.

We received those signatures on the ground and it was by looking at the data that we confirmed the presence of water in the polar region and also the presence of helium-3.

IMAGE: ISRO Chairman S Somanath and other ISRO scientists show the victory sign after Chandrayaan-3 Lander Vikram arrived on the lunar surface. Photograph: ANI Photo

Which was unknown to the world till then?

Yes. Though there were several missions from other countries, we were the first to announce to the world that there was water in the polar region.

That was a major achievement of Chandrayaan-1.

Also, we identified the locations where Helium-3 was in plenty.

We also did the mapping of other minerals, elements and ice.

Then, a high resolution map of the lunar surface with its craters, mountains, etc was generated during Chandrayaan-1.

I would rate Chandrayaan-1 was 100% successful.

In the case of Chandrayaan-2, it was to be a follow-on of Chandrayaan-1.

We wanted to confirm the observations we made through remote sensing parameters, were accurate and could be validated.

Chandrayaan-2 was planned very similar to Chandrayaan-1 with the orbiter.

But the landing module would carry a rover that would land on the surface of the moon and pick up samples from the surface.

Unfortunately, just 2 kilometres away from the surface of the moon, it developed some problems, and the mission did not fully succeed.

But the orbiter is still alive. In fact, that will be used as a relay station for Chandrayaan-3.

In short, we will be using the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter as a backup communication link between the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander and the ground stations.

I would say, Chandrayaan-2 was 95% successful.

Now, in the case of Chandrayaan-3, corrective measures were implemented based on whatever failures that had happened to Chandrayaan-2.

It was re-validating the technology. Of course, its failure gave a lot of valuable lessons on how to manage a mission on the lunar surface.

Those lessons were put in the action plan by making design changes, strengthening the instruments, etc.

Chandrayaan-3 was fully tested and calibrated based on the changes.

Finally, we saw text book precision in its performance.

You declare a date, time and place for the landing two months in advance and exactly at that moment, it touched on the moon. This is what is text book precision!

It was a remarkable achievement.

Now, the Rover has moved out of the capsule, and it will be going around taking samples and sending the data back to us.

That will be a reconfirmation of whatever observations we had made earlier.

IMAGE: ISRO launched the Chandrayaan-3 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, July 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Which was the most challenging part of Chandrayaan-3 mission? Was it moving from horizontal to vertical position, or reducing the speed from 6000 km per hour to zero before landing, or soft landing...

We have gone around the moon earlier also. This is the third time we are doing it. So, it was a proven technology for us.

Whereas, breaking from the lunar orbit and landing on the surface of the moon is the most challenging and crucial part of this mission.

And everything is controlled by the onboard computer.

Does that mean, once the spacecraft is out there in the space, you have no control over it?

Yes, there is no intervention possible from the ground. It means whatever we have planned and simulated onto the onboard computer has to be perfect.

Only then the mission can be achieved.

Finally, when the Rover was above the surface of the moon, it looked at the location whether it was suitable or not and then decided to have the landing carefully.

The entire operation was done by the onboard computers.

IMAGE: Celebrations in Bhubaneswar after Chandrayaan-3 landed near the Moon's South Pole. Photograph: ANI Photo

Man landed on the moon way back in 1969. Why is it that no country looked at the south pole of the moon till now?

Why did it remain a dark area for so long?

In those days, the technology was limited, the power of the type of tracking equipments were limited... With all those limitations, we were able to reach only the region of 20 degree latitude.

And people were concentrating on that region.

Once the presence of water is confirmed in the polar region by us, there has been a lot of interest in the south pole.

Because of the presence of water, what are the possibilities available for future missions to the polar region?

For life support, water is the most essential element.

In addition, you can have a base there if you want to have inter-planetary travel since oxygen and hydrogen can be generated from water.

You can learn more about other planets with this region as the base.

You can also study how the moon has originated.

Also, you can find out about the minerals, contents of the ionised particles and the rare elements that are there. This knowledge will be very useful to mankind.

It is also interesting to study whether any seismic vibrations occur on the moon like what we see on earth.

The possibilities are a lot...

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'Our civil society here is vibrant, and courageous, although it is beaten up and beaten down, repeatedly.'

IMAGE: A Tiranga walkathon on the eve of Independence Day in Mumbai, August 14, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

They are just two years apart.

Scholar, Padma Bhushan awardee, author, cultural theorist, and Harvard Professor Homi K Bhabha and India are a little more than two years apart in age.

Professor Bhabha, who grew up in the elegant sea-facing Bhabha family building, that has the ambience of a yesteryear bungalow, on Cuffe Parade, was born in then Bombay Presidency in an independent India, not even two months before the young country gained her Constitution.

He attained adulthood in the environs of charming, unhurried 1950s Colaba, where the air was once rent with the euphonious sounds of trams plying, studying at St Mary's, a Jesuit school in Mazgaon, and then earning a BA in English literature from Elphinstone College.

At around 21, he went off to study at Christ Church at Oxford, putting an MA in English literature and a few much more impressive degrees on his glowing resume.

He started teaching literature, joining the faculty, first at the University of Sussex and later migrated to the US to teach at Princeton, then University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth College, University of Chicago and back to England at University College London, but finally becoming the Anne F Rothenberg Professor of the Humanities, Departments of English and American Literature and Comparative literature at Harvard in 2001 and settling near Boston, in the town of Cambridge.

He is world renowned for his postulates or rather ideas on hybridisation ('the creation of new transcultural forms within the contact zone produced by colonisation') and transformative contributions to post-colonial studies and has written 10 books, the most well-known being The Location of Culture.

Oxford, Brighton, Cambridge (Massachusetts), London, Philadelphia, Princeton, whichever side of the pond Professor Bhabha was located on, always being on the 'crossroads' meant he faithfully gravitated home to Bombay frequently, if not annually, with his Mumbai-born, German-origin wife Jacqueline Strimpel Bhabha, who is an attorney and lecture in law at Harvard Law School, and children Satya, Leah, Ishan, to renew his emotional kinship with his childhood contemporary -- India.

It was a wonderful, enigmatic India, that the professor noticed, was changing all the time, yet, unfathomably -- its banyan-like roots in some much earlier bygone century -- staying also exactly the same, quite like the Bhabha clan home, at 49 Cuffe Parade, which he says is a metaphor for India.

The Bhabha residence, where Rediff.com's Vaihayasi Pande Daniel interviewed Professor Bhabha, is dotted with tasteful brass and wood Indian masterpieces and embellished with plenty of solid or carved teak and there's marble flooring.

The coffee tables are weighed down by an eclectic selection of books and the windows look out onto the dense greenery of the next-door mansion.

Bhabha -- in kurta-cords attire, hospitably offering coffee and a snack -- spoke genially, in his, it would seem characteristic, over-enunciated professorial manner about how India appears to him on this trip back to the motherland.

One of his activities on visits home is his involvement -- which he finds deeply enjoyable -- with contemporary Indian arts, especially with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Dehi (he sits on the advisory board of the museum).

You and India are very close in age. Would you describe your relationship with India? What strikes you every time you come home?

My relationship with India has very little to do with the age of the country or mine.

It's very, obviously, a close familial relationship -- many members of my family live here; my mother is 98 and she lives here.

It's also a deep cultural relationship. When I was growing up in and living in Bombay, as a young adult, yes, in this house, in this city, at Elphinstone College -- these were my various locations while I was here -- I was very impressed, and continue to be shaped by the free exchange of views, cultures and languages, between the various Indian communities.

It struck me -- and strikes me still -- as potentially a very remarkable mix of possibilities - cultural, social possibilities.

IMAGE: School students get their face painted with the Tri-colour ahead of Independence Day celebrations, in Mumbai. Photograph: ANI Photo

How has this relationship (with India) moved on since?

I have the renewal of it each time I come.

There is a familial renewal. This apartment bears the traces of many changes, but at the same time, of many things that have a continuity.

You're sitting on a sofa that was has been here in this very room since the early 1950s, when we moved into this apartment.

The handiwork of my mother's imagination -- of what an aesthetic and familial space should look like -- is written all over this apartment.

Each time I come there are those reminders, but, of course -- to use this as a metaphor (for India) -- we also restructured the apartment, to keep in step with changes in our lives, my children coming back and forth from England and the United States.

Just to talk spatially this room, in which we are sitting, there's exactly the kind of attractions that I feel.

There's a long history, and then there are signs of change and transformation.

And I think that also reflects my own view. I come back here (to India) because it's a deep resource for me of memory and the past.

It's also a place where I see so much change -- some good, some less good. But Bombay is a very creative space for me...

(My involvement with art) makes its own connections for me. That is one lens through which I see the country. (His role with the Nadar museum) unites two of my very important affiliations with India, which is the rich cultural diversity and the inherent pluralism of this country, and certainly, this city, which I know better than I know anywhere else.

At the same time, there's the aesthetic creativity that flourishes and has flourished in this country for hundreds of years.

IMAGE: The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus building illuminated in Tri-colours. Photograph: ANI Photo

You use the word inherent pluralism. Where is India's pluralism headed?

Just look at this morning's newspaper...

I don't pretend to have a deep structural experience, or an argument culled from my own encounters in India, because I'm not here long enough.

I am in and out - that's very important to me and it's a very good way of looking at a country.

But I've never spoken about India, as if I had the answers, or as if I had a special insight because I haven't devoted my life here (to India).

There are people who have devoted their lives to the transformation and the stewardship of this very rich, diverse plural society.

So, when you ask me this question, it has to be a rhetorical question. You know exactly where it's going.

I was just reading the papers before you came. It's written all over, from the headlines about Manipur and the abuse of tribal people.

From what I read in the papers -- and I read across the range of opinion; I read about seven or eight newspapers a day here, I don't read the Marathi press or I don't read the Hindi press, but I read everything other than that -- and it's very clear that on the frontlines there is horrific abuse in Manipur and the delay it has taken to arrest people for rape and humiliation of women on the basis of their tribal affiliation, when videos exist showing the men who were involved in both the stripping of these women and gang rape.

This happened in May, and the arrests are only just being made.

There was only one person arrested. Now there are more.

The Supreme Court has intervened and said that unless the government does something, it's going to have to enter into this and take, as it were, the law into their own hands. That's on page one.

If you go further, there is again the whole story of these women wrestlers, who have (allegedly) traditionally been sexually harassed by male wrestlers, who are the dominant body of wrestling here.

And, of course, when you put it in the language of the law, which is very, very important, these offences are not only legal offenses, they are offences of people's everyday lives.

They are deep humiliations and, in a way, the humiliating of people is an impolite or violent, but veiled way of saying, 'You are not one of us. You do not belong here. You may not even be human, which is why we can parade you naked in the streets and rape you and have the whole dastardly and barbaric act filmed'.

You have that and then you have the Teesta (Setalvad) settlement case, which has been going on forever, although the Supreme Court has now intervened positively in that case, whereas the Gujarat high court still refuses to discharge her.

So, I'm just saying that you read the papers.

Then, of course, there are also stories about the prime minister hectoring his ministers and the country, saying this (Manipur violence) should not have happened, women should not be abused, there should not be violence.

But despite his hectoring it continues. It's a very mixed bag.

IMAGE: School students run through a field while holding National Flags in South Dinajpur. Photograph: ANI Photo

But is there hope?

I suppose for some sections of the society, it is a very happy place.

This morning's story, which also absolutely horrified me, was about the son of the Ahmedabad industrialist who ran into a crowd killing nine instantly and another four or five were in the intensive care, struggling for their lives.

For some people, (like) for this 19-year-old boy, driving a Jaguar SUV at a speed of 120-130 km, when the speed limit is 40, and then having his father, who is a major industrialist, come onto the scene to defend him, it's a happy place.

This may be a very human story, but it is an appalling story. It is a happy place for a 19 year old, who is given a Jaguar, which is only given to him because he's a legacy child.

There's no other reason why he would be driving this car.

He's driving at the speed so beyond the speed limit, that he clearly feels he is beyond the law, he is beyond any civic regulation, and that he sets the terms.

That to me is the really dispiriting thing.

(Hearing of) the people who feel, because they're in places of power and influence, or because they have economic success and resources thousands of times more than (for instance) the people, who were walking on the streets (in Ahmedabad), while they're driving in their Jaguars. They really set the terms of the society.

This happens everywhere, to some extent. And I think that there was no better spokesman for that kind of disregard of law regulation, the people's heritage, people's oppression, than (Donald J) Trump.

I mean, I think he validated something globally.

But that is not to say that these things have not been happening, both in the United States, and in a different way, in India for the longest time.

IMAGE: Artists perform a patriotic dance in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo

There isn't hope then? Isn't there hope visible to you?

Mine is a kind of muted hope, that a German philosopher after the Second World War, described as disappointed hopes, not saying that his hopes were disappointed.

But that, to hope is also to have to deal with disappointment. It is part of the cycle of hope; it is part of the landscape of hope.

I think what gives me hope is the fact that our civil society here is vibrant, and courageous, although it is beaten up and beaten down, repeatedly.

That certainly gives me hope.

I feel hopeful, because I think this is a highly imaginative and innovative society.

Its writers, its artists and its scientists, despite structural limitations in, say, universities, and so on, really rise above their problems and rise to a kind of international authority.

Authority to me is much more important than fame. They have an international authority.

Contemporary art in India (for instance) now has a place, it has an authority, a shaping authority in the world.

It may not be as much as others, but it has found its place. So that's the second thing that gives me hope.

And the third thing, in which I have hope, is that -- as in the past, as with the Emergency moment -- there will be a stirring of extra-parliamentary and extra-party politics.

Now, as you know, the Opposition (in India) is trying to organise such a front, so that when there is a ruling party candidate, they will be opposed by a single party candidate (put forward by the united Opposition). That must be hopeful.

But also more generally, I think, that there are times when, after decades of oppression or disadvantage (I say, not for all sectors of society, but for the majority) there is an awareness that it is the people who have to keep the government honest, and it is not the government that keeps the people honest.

Of course, I take hope, in these -- in my view -- rather dark and troubled times, from various cultural and political movements.

I take hope from Me Too. I take hope from Black Lives Matter, which now, of course, even has an organisation in Israel called Palestinian Lives Matter; I'm sure other parts of the world do too.

I take hope from the Arab Spring.

I take hope from a number of such movements.

Now there is a new participant in everyday politics and party politics, which is clearly the social media. Of course, that's not something we can discuss today...

But social media has a very specific effect on political issues. Partly because -- just to give you two recent examples, one is the Manipur video, which can circulate (much further), and the other is the global circulation of the George Floyd video -- there is something about these visual, mobile moments -- they're not just press photographs, they're videos -- there is something about these videos, these movements, literally the moving of the image that seems to rouse people and rouse within them anger and rage, but it also raises within them a certain ethical and moral affiliation.

In a way, I think that that these movements, which are usually nonparty political, seem to me a symptom of the times in which we live, where political parties across the world, not everywhere, but in many places have used democratic institutions for undemocratic purposes.

We have seen the election refusers, in the United States, they have taken up almost positions of paranoia and fantasy, for which for which there is no actual basis in reality.

But they have given these allegations, a kind of quasi legal status, by filing cases.

Once you file a case, there is an assumption that there is something in these allegations.

But when the cases have been thrown out or thrown back, they have not desisted, they have not moved (back from their position).

Photograph: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/ Rediff.com IMAGE: Homi K Bhabha at his residence.

We're in a very complex situation, also created by social media, where you can disseminate a message without much regulation.

Sometimes it's a convening of people who have no other form of social authority, or publicity.

At other times, it is a convergence of people who believe in some quite unsubstantiated reality, but simply by repeating it amongst a cadre of people, it gets a reality.

So, this is my third point: To summarise this, we live very much in a culture where allegations piled on allegations piled on allegations, have gained a certain kind of discursive reality which cannot be easily disproved.

Why do I feel that in this very depressing scenario, a possible form of hope?

Because I think, people break through that, at some point, or could be made to break through that illusion of what I have called a combination of paranoia, violence and the culture of empty allegations.

It's very dangerous, but I think, at some point, people, given the right kind of (direction), will see that the emperor has no clothes on.

And I think that's another thing that gives me hope.

One instance of it is the contemporary situation in Israel. The movement in Israel may not be entirely transformative.

It may have, all of a sudden, limitations because it is a solidarity movement, and it is a joint front of a number of parties and forms of opinion.

And those are always fragile, in some ways, but it is the people trying to keep the government honest...

I was recently, in the last three or four months, invited to speak at the Vatican, at the Academy (Pontifical Academy of Sciences) there at a conference on decolonisation and climate change.

And there were four of us there asked to give keynotes.

I was asked to speak on the whole decolonisation issue.

In that process, I read the encyclicals (circular letters sent to all churches) of Pope Francis.

And I was hugely positive. You asked me about optimism -- it made me really optimistic.

Photograph: Vaihayasi Pande Daniel/ Rediff.com IMAGE: The Bhabha residence in Mumbai.

This kind of hope has the understanding that you have to work through disappointment, and you cannot simply be hopeful in a Utopian way.

And what gave me great hope was just reading those encyclicals -- one was largely on climate change.

The other was called Fratelli tutti, or brotherhood or sisterhood of solidarity (and how) we should all get together in that way.

There were very considered but searing critiques of globalisation systems in the world today.

About disrespect, about dishonouring. About humiliation and the problems of humiliation, which are different from the problems of inequality, although they may be connected to it.

Humiliation is a different kind of ethical denigration of somebody -- it's not only because they're poor, but because they're poor, or because they're uneducated, they do not belong, they are beyond the pale.

And humiliation is the daily act of displacing somebody, not from the point of view of authority, but from the point of view of the displaced.

It's the daily act of denigration that just wears you away, layer by layer.

We live in tumultuous times. But to answer your question, the hope must come from seeing small acts, but very significant acts of possible transformations in the world order.

But if you're looking for a major figure, or a major set of figures, who are setting out a new vision, that has immediate hopes of being supported or followed or if you're looking for that kind of transformation, writ large, I think it's difficult to find it today.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
During a year and a half of a full-scale war, the Metinvest Mining and Metallurgical Group allocated almost UAH 4 billion to support the state and its citizens, of which UAH 2 billion went to the needs of the army as part of the Rinat Akhmetov's Steel Front military initiative.

Since the first day of the full-scale Russian invasion, the company has become a reliable pillar of the country in an extremely difficult time, strengthening the defense capability of the army, caring for its employees and Ukrainian civilians, and supporting the economy, according to a company press release on Thursday.

Yuriy Ryzhenkov, General Director of Metinvest, noted that the group has been investing in the development of production and the well-being of Ukraine for all 17 years of its existence.

"With the beginning of the full-scale war, we faced another, and most important challenge  to help the country to defeat the enemy and preserve its sovereignty and independence. Therefore, over this past 18 months, the Group's enterprises have become not just witnesses, but also active participants in the struggle. We work for the needs of the front line, to deliver humanitarian aid to the victims, and, despite everything, to continue to make Ukrainian steel," the top manager said.

Metinvest's businesses are operating under the constant threat of enemy shelling. The Group's assets in Mariupol and Avdiivka have been affected by enemy actions, and Mariupol is temporarily occupied. In addition, Metinvest's operations have been impacted by logistical constraints, power outages, increases in production costs and decreases in the prices for certain products.

At the same time, the Group's other businesses are operating at different levels of capacity utilisation, depending on safety, logistics, energy, economic and other factors.

Since the beginning of 2023, after the stabilisation of the electricity supply, the Group has gradually increased the utilisation of its mining assets in Kryvy Rih to at least 30% of pre-war levels and maintained a focus on production of high grade pellets and other iron ore goods.

The restoration of power supply has also ensured more stable operations and flexibility in the product mix at Kamet Steel, which is operating two blast furnaces, and the Zaporizhstal JV, which is operating three blast furnaces. Zaporizhstal's blast furnace No.3 resumed operation after being shut down in the late spring. A major overhaul made it possible to increase the efficiency of the furnace and the entire blast furnace process.

Pokrovske Coal is operating at a high level of capacity utilisation. Construction of mine block No.11 is underway. In July, the four-year modernisation of the flotation department at Sviato-Varvarynska Beneficiation Factory was successfully completed, despite the invasion.

Metinvest's priority is to take care of the employees who are ensuring the production process. All enterprises have bomb shelters equipped to accommodate people for a long period of time. The shelters have water, food, and medicines.

Since 1 June 2023, Metinvest has introduced an additional bonus for employees of its manufacturing and repair enterprises in Ukraine. The size of the bonus can reach 25% of the employee's base salary or more  depending on the team's performance.

The most important task of business in the wartime is to work together with the whole country to achieve victory. This includes paying taxes, supporting the defence forces and the economy, and taking care of people. In the first quarter of 2023, Metinvest, including its associates and joint ventures, paid over UAH 6.3 billion in taxes and duties to budgets at all levels in Ukraine.

Metinvest continues to fight against theft by the Russian Federation, which illegally removed more than 234,000 tonnes of the Group's steel products from Mariupol. In particular, 27 Group companies have filed claims with the European Court of Human Rights against Russia for damages caused to Metinvest's property and possessions in the city of Mariupol and other territories of Ukraine since February 24, 2022.
'Nobody wants to run an exploitation factory.'

IMAGE: Swiggy's food delivery workers protest outside the labour commissioner's office in Hyderabad. Photograph: Kind courtesy Indian Federation Of App Based Transport Workers/Facebook

Civil society member Nikhil Dey, also the founder member of the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan and Soochana avam Rozgar Adhikar Abhiyan, was the midwife behind two of Rajasthan's recent revolutionary pieces of legislation, one providing social security to gig workers and the other offering minimum guaranteed employment.

"Social security is a part of your (workers) wage," Dey tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com in the concluding segment of a two-part interview:

Part 1 of the Interview: 'Destitution and starvation will go from Rajasthan'

In Maharashtra we have labour courts where organised unions do not get justice on time and verdicts are often delayed. In this scenario, how will the gig workers social security law (The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers Registered and Welfare Bill 2023) help? Who will give them justice?

The question is, if you don't get justice, does it mean we do not make a law?

Today, we can say people are not getting justice because you standardise the law.

There was no social security for gig workers.

Let us take an example of Ola and Uber drivers.

They own the car, they fill the petrol, they take the risk, they give the time to business and the day they are ill or cannot work, they get nothing. And their profits are taken by Ola and Uber to an extent of 30 to 40 percent.

So, should not these drivers need social security?

Now, the Rajasthan law says that on every ride there will be a fee that will be paid to workers which will go in their separate account for social security. This is not to spend money, but for their emergency purpose.

Companies like Zomato or Uber or Ola are loss making companies at the moment. How can they run if you have such rules?

Don't run the company, as people will get their work done without you. If they are loss making companies, then they are making money on the stock markets. They are running a different business model altogether, but the workers who are working in those companies, should they get justice or not? Are they in the calculations of these companies?

Tomorrow, you will say we are a loss making money so I will take half of your food. The Supreme Court of India has said if a company cannot afford minimum wages it has no business to be in business. Social security is a part of your (workers) wage.

But how do you give money when there is no money in the company to give?

They should not run then. They cannot run companies on the exploitation of people.

Is it not a worry then that business houses will keep away from Rajasthan if such laws are passed?

There is no such worry. I as a consumer will pay 2 percent extra for the driver of Uber for his old age pension. Will you not put that 2 percent extra for his illness? It is not the company which is paying, but consumers.

Can Uber run without a driver? The driver owns the car, he pays for the petrol, so what is Uber giving in this business except one platform?

Just ask every passenger of Uber if they are willing to pay two percent extra on their fare for the social security of the driver and give them the option that if they do not pay, then Uber will leave the state. I am sure every passenger will pay.

After liberalisation in 1991 one sentence that got popular with Indian businessmen was that 'Government has no business to be in business'. Now, it looks like all that the government wants to do is be in business by telling businesses what to do.

This is not government in business, but it is about companies we are talking about.

Do companies not have the responsibility to pay wages? They are in business and they must pay minimum wages to their workers.

They have to follow that standard and the companies we sat with, they too agree on this social security aspect.

Nobody wants to run an exploitation factory. Consumers are paying in any case and not the companies.

Is it true you presented your idea to Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra after which he told Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to look into your suggestions?

We talk to every party and yes, we did speak to Rahul Gandhi about this during his Bharat Jodo Yatra.

He did mention this issue in his speech at Alwar. He said many youth get into the gig economy and get little security.

Ashok Gehlot later responded to us. We have been talking about this issue at so many places.
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar is a "senior leader and MLA of the party", Supriya Sule said on Thursday when asked about the status of the former in the Nationalist Congress Party.

Sule, on being queried about whether the NCP has suffered a split, also said taking affidavits from functionaries by the faction led by founder Sharad Pawar is a continuous process within the party.

Speaking about Ajit Pawar, the Baramati Lok Sabha MP said, "Now, he has taken a stand that is against the party, and we have given a complaint to the assembly speaker and are awaiting his response."

She also brushed aside the statement against Sharad Pawar by Dilip Walse Patil, who joined the Eknath Shinde government along with Ajit Pawar and seven others on July 2.

Addressing party workers at Manchar in his assembly constituency Ambegaon on August 20, state cooperation minister Walse-Patil said the people of Maharashtra never gave Sharad Pawar power on his own or allowed him to single-handedly form the government.

Asserting that Sharad Pawar became chief minister of Maharashtra four times, Sule said, "In 1990, when the Congress got a clear majority in the state, Pawar saheb became the CM. After the formation of NCP (in 1999), Pawar saheb never contested the assembly polls."

The NCP used to fight on 118 seats in alliance (with Congress and other smaller units) so getting the magic figure of 145 in the 288-member Maharashtra Assembly by itself was not possible, Sule pointed out.

The names of chief ministers Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal), Jaganmohan Reddy (Andhra Pradesh) and (Bahujan Samaj Party chief) Mayawati that Walse Patil has mentioned all "revere Pawar saheb", said Sule, who is NCP working president.

Asked to elaborate on her statement that there were three attempts to break the NCP, Sule said several moves were made to break her party, "sometimes successful and sometimes unsuccessful".

"The term saam, daam, dand, bhed are words of (Deputy Chief Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader) Devendra Fadnavis. Be it party or elections, remaining in power is important for them (BJP). There is no governance in the government," she alleged.
Top leaders of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) nations on Thursday decided to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the full members of the grouping that is largely seen as a counterweight to Western powers.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi poses for a group picture with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Brazilian President Lula da Silva at the 5th BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg. Photograph: @MEAIndia/Twitter

The decision to invite the six countries to join the bloc as the new members was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the final day of the annual summit of the BRICS that currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

"The new membership will take effect from January 1, 2024," Ramaphosa, flanked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, said at a media briefing in Johannesburg.

The South African president said an agreement was reached on the "guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for quite a while".

"We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process, and further phases will follow," he said.

South Africa is holding the current presidency of BRICS.

"We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS," he added.

In his media statement, Modi said the "expansion and modernisation" of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mould themselves according to changing times.

"India has always fully supported the expansion of the BRICS membership. India has been of the view that the addition of new members will further strengthen BRICS as an organisation, and give a new impetus to all our common endeavours," he said.

The prime minister said the decision to expand the bloc will further strengthen the faith of many countries in the multipolar world order.

The grouping took shape in September 2006 and it originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). It was renamed as BRICS after South Africa was accepted as a full member in September 2010.

At present, the BRICS represents 41 per cent of the global population, 24 per cent of the global GDP and 16 per cent of the global trade. The BRICS member nations have been the main engines of global economic growth over the years.

Chinese President Xi described the expansion of BRICS as a "new starting point" for cooperation in the grouping.

"It will bring new vigour to the BRICS cooperation mechanism, further strengthening a force for world peace and development," he said at the press briefing.

Speaking remotely, Russian leader Vladimir Putin hailed the expansion.

In his remarks, Ramaphosa said the BRICS valued the interests of other countries in building partnership with the grouping.

"We have tasked our foreign ministers to further develop the BRICS partner country model and a list of prospective partner countries and report by the next summit," he said.

"Through this Summit, BRICS has embarked on a new chapter in its effort to build a world that is fair, a world that is just, a world that is also inclusive and prosperous," he noted.

Ramphosa said the BRICS is ready to explore opportunities for improving the 'stability, reliability and fairness of the global financial architecture'.

He said the summit agreed to task the BRICS finance ministers and Central Bank Governors to consider the issue of local currencies, payment instruments and platforms and report back to the leaders by the next summit.

"We are concerned about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world. We stress our commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultation," the South African President said.

"We addressed our expectations for the BRICS economic partnership to generate tangible benefits for our communities and deliver viable solutions for common challenges faced by the global South," he said.

"We shared our vision of BRICS as a champion of the needs and concerns of the peoples of the Global South. These include the need for beneficial economic growth, sustainable development and reform of multilateral systems," he added.

The South African leader said the BRICS reiterated its commitment to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and a Republican presidential aspirant have called his fellow rival Indian-American Vivek Ramaswamy a guy who sounds like ChatGPT and described him as an "amateur" Barack Obama.

IMAGE: Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley debate each other at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, August 23, 2023. This is the first time in American history that two Indian Americans are in the running for the presidency. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Christie, 60, on Wednesday, said this during the maiden Republican presidential debate against Ramaswamy, 38, the youngest of the GOP candidates on the stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was telecast live by Fox News and its affiliate channels.

Latest opinion polls show that Ramaswamy is now the second in lead after former US president Donald Trump. The latter did not participate in the debate that had eight aspirants on the stage.

Hold on, I've had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT, Christie said launching the first of the series of attacks against Ramaswamy after he said that the climate change agenda is a hoax.

He stands up here, and the last person in one of these debates, Brett, who stood in the middle of the stage and said, 'What's a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here' was Barack Obama. And I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur tendencies tonight," Christie added.

Ramaswamy who in recent weeks has seen his popularity moving up the ladder against other GOP presidential aspirants was also attacked by former Vice President Mike Pence who called him a rookie.

We don't need to bring in a rookie, Pence said, pointing towards Ramaswamy.

Even President Joe Biden appeared to react to Ramaswamy's comment during the debate on climate change.

"Climate change is real, by the way," the president posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, soon after Ramaswamy described it as a hoax.

"I'm the only person on the stage who isn't bought and paid for so I can say this: The climate change agenda is a hoax. And the reality is the anti-carbon agenda is the wet blanket on our economy. And so the reality is more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate," Ramaswamy said.

Two Indian-Americans were on the Republican presidential debate stage, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, the only woman in the race so far and entrepreneur-turned-politician Ramaswamy, the youngest of them on the stage.

You've got people on this stage that won't even talk about issues like social security and medicare. I mean, Vivek, you recently said the president can't do everything. Well, I got news for you, Vivek. I've been in the hallway. I've been in the West Wing. A president of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America," Pence said, referring to Ramaswamy.

"This isn't that complicated, guys," Ramaswamy responded.

"Unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear. Put people back to work by no longer paying them more to stay at home. Reform the US Fed, stabilise the US dollar and go to war. The only war that I will declare as US president will be the war on the federal administrative state that is the source of those toxic regulations, acting like a wet blanket on the economy," said the young Indian-American.

IMAGE: Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former US Vice President Mike Pence and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy laugh with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a break at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 US presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, August 23, 2023. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

Earlier, Ramaswamy described himself as a skinny guy with a funny name.

Let me just address the question that is on everybody's mind at home tonight. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing in the middle of this debate stage?" he said with a smile on his face.

"I'll tell you, I'm not a politician. You're right about that. I'm an entrepreneur. My parents came to this country with no money 40 years ago. I have gone on to found multi-billion dollar companies. That is the American dream. And I am genuinely worried that that American dream will not exist for our two sons and their generation unless we do something about it," Ramaswamy said.

During the debate, Ramaswamy was continuously being attacked and pointed out in person by Pence and Christie.

Meanwhile, Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna said that former US President Obama must be smiling that a 38-year-old son (Ramaswamy) of Hindu immigrants running to the right of Trump is "cribbing from him".

"Somewhere @BarackObama must be smiling that a 38-year-old son of Hindu immigrants running to the right of Trump is cribbing from him! Obama's vision for a multiracial democracy is seeping into our politics despite the intense backlash. A slow but satisfying vindication," Indian-American Congressman Ro Khanna posted on X.

A second-generation Indian-American, Ramaswamy founded Roivant Sciences in 2014 and led the largest biotech IPOs of 2015 and 2016, eventually culminating in successful clinical trials in multiple disease areas that led to FDA-approved products, according to his bio.

On another front, Indian-American US presidential aspirants Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy clashed during the Republican Party's maiden presidential primary debate over foreign policy issues, with the former South Carolina Governor criticising her rival and entrepreneur for lacking foreign policy experience and supporting Russia.

Haley, 51, and Ramaswamy, 38, have been clashing over foreign policy issues over the past few days on social media.

During the debate in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, Haley accused Ramaswamy of supporting America's foreign adversaries and abandoning its friends after he said he would not support Ukraine in the war against Russia.

Standing next to him, Haley, the former US Ambassador to the UN, slammed her fellow Indian-American that he is taking the side of a murderer Russian president and said that the US would be unsafe under his presidency.

He wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he wants to let China eat Taiwan, he wants to go and stop funding Israel, Haley said. You don't do that to friends. What you do instead is you have the backs of your friends.

While Haley was speaking, Ramaswamy kept on saying false, false.

Ramaswamy accused her of pushing this lie about him.

With former president Donald Trump skipping the first 2024 Republican presidential primary debate, eight of his primary rivals brawled for second-place status, US media reported.

In the last two presidential elections, Indian-Americans have thrown their hats into the ring for the White House. The first one was Bobby Jindal in 2016 and Vice President Kamala Harris in 2022.

But this is the first time in American presidential history that two Indian-Americans were standing on the same primary presidential debate stage.

IMAGE: Former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former US Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy, former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, US Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum debate at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 US presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US, August 23, 2023. Photograph: Brian Snyder/Reuters

You are choosing a murderer over a pro-American country ... You would make America less safe. You have no foreign policy experience, and it shows," Haley told Ramaswamy. The next debate will be on September 22.

Ramaswamy said he would not support giving more aid to war-torn Ukraine.

I would not, and this is disastrous. We should use those same military resources to prevent the invasion of our own southern border here in the United States. Ukraine is not a priority for the United States of America, Ramaswamy said as he differed on foreign policy issues with Haley and other presidential aspirants.

I reject the consensus that 'winning' in Ukraine is a vital US interest. Nearly the entire GOP (Republican) field rails against (Joe) Biden, but cut through the grandstanding & it turns out they're solidly with him on the most important foreign policy issue of our time. America First 2.0, he said.

The US military has one purpose above all, it's to defend America's home turf. Yet, the defence establishment recoils at this idea, he added.

Ramaswamy alleged that Haley was backing Ukraine at the behest of large defence contractors. I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed (Martin) and Raytheon," he said.

Following the debate, The Wall Street Journal wrote that Vivek Ramaswamy is not a nobody anymore.

The other candidates have taken notice of Ramaswamy, and they don't seem to like him very much. The 38-year-old outsider who started the race polling at 0 per cent has moved up in polls for his unconventional ideas. Several of the candidates took a shot at him, the daily wrote.

Attacks included everything from his lack of political experience, the way he answered questions and his foreign policy views. Ramaswamy responded by slinging insults right back. It remains to be seen if his combative, unconventional style was effective, but he certainly took advantage of the spotlight. He was the most-searched candidate at the end of the debate, the journal said.
Taking exception to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar describing former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao as communal, Rao's grandson and Bharatiya Janata Party spokesperson NV Subhash on Thursday alleged that it was the culture of Congress to defame its own leaders after their death.

IMAGE: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar speaking to media persons on his controversial remark on ex-PM Narasimha Rao, in New Delhi, August 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Congress can stoop to any level to defame Narasimha Rao who devoted his entire life to the growth of the party, he claimed in a release in Hyderabad.

"It was Congress culture to diminish image of its own party veteran leaders after their death in a bid to encourage image of dynastic Gandhi family," said Subhash, who is spokesperson of BJP in Telangana.

Subhash said the Congress never gave respect to its own leaders and especially to Narasimha Rao who is known for his economic reforms in the country when he was prime minister.

Subhash, who welcomed Aiyar's description of Rao as "the first BJP PM" of the country, condemned the branding of Narasimha Rao as "communal".

The former diplomat, who is close to the Gandhi family, never questioned Narasimha Rao about his functioning. But now, he raised questions on his integrity 19 years after his death by describing him as "communal", Subhash opined.

"The presence of Sonia Gandhi at the book launch function further aggravated our apprehension that she deliberately did not allow body of P V Narasimha Rao (after his death) inside the AICC to pay respect to the departed soul," he said.

Subhash took strong objection on the contents of the book about resumption of talks with Pakistan and questioned how dialogue could be resumed with an enemy country that never repented or initiated any peace measures to create an amicable atmosphere for it.

Aiyar on Wednesday alleged that former PM Narasimha Rao was "communal" and described him as the "the first BJP PM" of the country.

The former diplomat, whose autobiography "Memoirs of a Maverick -- The First Fifty Years (1941-1991)" hit the stands on Monday, also batted for resumption of dialogue with Pakistan, saying that when it comes to the neighbouring country, "we have the courage to carry out surgical strikes against them but we don't have the guts to sit across the table and talk to a Pakistani".
The Gauhati high court on Thursday acquitted all six accused in the 2004 Dhemaji bomb blast case in which 18 people, including 13 school children, were killed on Independence Day.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only.



A division bench of justices Michael Zothankhuma and Mridul Kumar overturned a 2019 order of the Dhemaji district and sessions court, which had sentenced four persons to life imprisonment and two others to four years in jail, citing lack of sufficient evidence.

Delivering the verdict, the court observed that "the circumstantial evidence does not form an unbroken chain that leads to the possible inference that the appellants are guilty of crime''.

There is no evidence at all except for the statements recorded under section 164 of the CrPC, which are not corroborated with proof, it said.

"Further, the judicial officer recording the evidence has not given reason for believing that the same was given voluntarily as per provisions of law," it added.

The prosecution has failed to establish the involvement of the accused in the case, the court said.

Find no sufficient evidence to uphold the conviction, all the accused persons are acquitted, it said.

The high court gave the verdict after concluding the hearing on the appeals filed by the six accused on July 24.

While Dipanjali Buragohain, Muhi Handique, Jatin Dubori and Leela Gogoi were sentenced to life imprisonment by the district court, Prashanta Bhuyan and Hemen Gogoi were sentenced to four years in jail by the district court.

They were convicted under various sections of the IPC, including 120B (criminal conspiracy) and 302 (murder), besides the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA and the Explosive Substances Act.

The explosion had taken place at the Dhemaji College ground during Independence Day celebrations.

The ULFA, which called for a boycott of the celebrations, had claimed responsibility for the blast. Besides those killed, around 45 people were injured in the explosion.

The two accused were sentenced to four years in jail by the district court as incriminating objects were recovered from their houses, said petitioners' advocate Abhijit Khanikar.

"The incriminating materials seized were a gamosa (towel) and a toothpaste from Hemen's house. It could not be established that he had any connection with the outfit," Khanikar said.

Following the blast, 14 people were named as accused in the case, but the district court had convicted six and acquitted seven, while one was absconding.

A disappointed Tarulata Saikia, the mother of 14-year-old Girin Saikia who lost his life in the blast, said even as the ULFA admitted that it was behind the blast, delay in filing of the charge sheet by the police "denied us justice''.

She demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. "We cannot comment on the high court's judgment but we were hoping that the guilty will be punished."

Girin, a class 9 student of the Dhemaji Town Model High School, was representing his school at the Independence Day parade on the college ground.

Nitya Gogoi, the father of 10-year-old Pradipta Gogoi who also lost his life, said that though they respect the high court, they are very sad after the order.

"The lacunae was in the police investigation as it took ten years to file the charge sheet. The lower court had convicted six persons but it was only due to weak investigation that the accused will go free," he alleged.

The bomb was planted near the college gate and triggered by a remote-controlled device, according to the police.

A day after the blast, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who is now a part of the pro-talk faction, had said in a statement that security forces had used school children as shields to defy the outfit's boycott call.

In 2009, ULFA's self-styled 'Commander-in-Chief' Paresh Barua sought a public apology for the blast.

The outfit's pro-talk faction held a round of negotiations with the Centre last week.
Chandrayaan-3's successful soft-landing on the Moon to propel India into an elite group of nations was lauded by leading foreign media outlets as a marvellous achievement and a massive moment for the country's space exploration that has raised its profile as a spacefaring nation.

IMAGE: People watch a live stream of Chandrayaan-3 landing on the moon, inside an auditorium of Gujarat Science City in Ahmedabad, on August 23, 2023. Photograph: Amit Dave/Reuters

From The New York Times to BBC and The Guardian to The Washington Post, the historic event in India's space programme on Wednesday made headlines across the globe.

Mainstream American newspapers, many of which had been sceptical of India's space mission and sometimes even made fun of it through cartoons, noted the great Indian achievement.

'The Chandrayaan-3 mission makes India the first country to reach the lunar south polar region in one piece and adds to the achievements of the country's homegrown space programme,' The New York Times reported.

The Washington Post wrote a couple of stories covering various perspectives and an opinion piece to celebrate this historic occasion.

'It is a marvellous achievement for India's space programme -- and symbolic of an important moment in geopolitics. For the successful landing came just days after a Russian mission to the same region went haywire and smashed into the lunar surface like a hammer coming down on the last nail in the coffin of Russia's decline,' wrote David Von Drehle, Deputy Opinion Editor of the daily.

''India Is on the Moon': Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Lands on Lunar South Pole,' wrote The Wall Street Journal.

The BBC headlined its article as 'Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon's south pole'.

'This is a massive moment for India - and it bumps them up the space superpower list,' Rebecca Morelle, BBC's science editor wrote.

'Landing on the Moon is far from easy -- as Russia's attempt this week highlighted -- and many missions have failed, including India's first attempt,' she said.

'The mission could cement India's 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,' CNN said in the article 'India becomes the fourth country ever to land a spacecraft on the moon'.

Chandrayaan-3's landing site is also closer to the moon's 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, it said.

'Working alongside allies such as the United States and France, India is part of a second wave of emerging space powers. The country's space programme has become one of the world's busiest in its development of exploratory space technology,' it said.

India's mission has taken on even greater significance since Russia's 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 moon's far side, CNN said.

India is only the fourth country to pull off a controlled landing on the surface, after the US, China and the former Soviet Union. That India chose one of the moon's poles as its destination  a tougher prospect than landing near the equator  makes the success that much sweeter, Ian Sample, the science editor of The Guardian newspaper wrote in the article headlined 'India's south pole moon landing is big business for global space race'.

'Landing at the poles is much more difficult than landing at the equator. You've got to get into a polar orbit to release the lander, and nobody has done that before. The US hasn't landed anything at the poles on the moon,' he said.

There is more to the achievement than the technical feat.

The landing boosts the prestige of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) less than a week after a Russian probe spun out of control and crashed into the moon's surface.

The landing raises India's profile as a spacefaring nation at a crucial time.

Like other countries, India has privatised its rocket launches.

Through foreign investment, India plans to expand its share of the global launch market fivefold over the next decade. That ambition will be helped by India being seen as a low-cost provider of space launch services, the paper said.

'This is an exciting moment for Indian space exploration,' said Prof Andrew Coates at UCL's Mullard space science laboratory.

'Following their earlier successful orbiters to the moon and Mars, this cements their position as one of the key spacefaring nations and is an impressive scientific and engineering achievement,' he said.

India has just fired the starting gun on the race for resources on the Moon, Sarah Knapton, science editor, of The Telegraph wrote.

Nasa plans to send a rover to the south pole next year with US-based company Astrobotic Technology to measure water ahead of landing astronauts there in 2025 in the Artemis III mission.

China has also committed to sending astronauts there by the end of the decade, while Russia attempted a soft landing last week, which ended in failure.

So, it is somewhat surprising that it is relative newcomer India that got there first, giving the country an unexpected head start in the hunt for water and other resources, she said.

Calling it a huge triumph for Indian scientists and engineers, Tom Clarke, science and technology editor of Sky News, wrote by its engineers' own admission, Chandrayaan-3 isn't the most sophisticated spacecraft ever built, but they have achieved what other countries (most recently Russia) failed to do with an innovative, low-cost design.

Leaders in space like the USA, Europe and Japan are now looking to the private sector to explore and commercialise space. Sticking a moon landing is about the best pitch India's high-tech sector could have wanted for its readiness to partner in international space projects, Sky News said in the article titled 'India joins the exclusive club after successful moon landing -- with innovative, low-cost spacecraft'.

India has become the first country to reach the moon's uncharted south pole, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to claim victory in a new global space race, The Independent newspaper wrote.

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 programme'.

Japanese daily Nikkei appreciated the mission by calling it a 'historic leap'.

The landing is also a win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government which is showing off India as a leader in technology and an assertive global superpower, The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday held a series of bilateral meetings with several world leaders, including presidents of Iran, Senegal and Mozambique, on the margins of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg and discussed with them issues of mutual interests and ways to expand bilateral cooperation in several areas.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a bilateral meeting with Iran President Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, in Johannesburg, August 24, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

Modi held a "productive meeting" with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed Ali on a day when BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) leaders officially endorsed Ethiopia's entry into the bloc.

"Held fruitful talks with PM @AbiyAhmedAli. Congratulated him on Ethiopia joining BRICS. We discussed ways to boost ties in sectors like trade, defence and people to people relations," Modi said in a post on platform X, formerly Twitter.

The two leaders discussed ways to deepen the bilateral ties between both the countries, his office said, adding that Prime Minister Modi welcomed Ethiopia as a new member of the BRICS family.

Earlier, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the two leaders held a "productive meeting."

"PM congratulated PM @AbiyAhmedAli on Ethiopia's membership of BRICS. PM @AbiyAhmedAli appreciated India's support for Ethiopia to join the BRICS family," Bagchi said in a post on platform X.

Prime Minister Ali felicitated Prime Minister Modi on the success of Chandrayaan mission, terming it as a moment of pride and inspiration for Ethiopia and the Global South, Bagchi said.

"Discussions covered ways to expand bilateral cooperation in areas like parliamentary contacts, development partnership & capacity building, trade & investment, defence, ICT, agriculture, skilling of youth and people-to-people linkages," he added in another post.

Prime Minister Modi held wide-ranging talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during which the two leaders reviewed bilateral ties including in areas of trade & investment, energy, connectivity, counter-terrorism and Afghanistan.

"Had a wonderful meeting with President Ebrahim Raisi. I am glad that Iran will be joining BRICS. Discussed ways to deepen trade and cultural cooperation between India and Iran," Modi posted on platform X.

MEA Spokesperson Bagchi said the the prime minister felicitated Iran on joining the BRICS family.

"PM felicitated Iran on joining the BRICS family. President Raisi thanked PM for India's support in achieving this outcome. President Raisi also congratulated PM on the success of Chandrayaan mission," Bagchi said.

The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties including in areas of trade and investment, energy, connectivity, and counter-terrorism.

"They agreed to fast track infrastructure cooperation, including Chabahar project. They also exchanged views on regional developments, including Afghanistan," he said.

The leaders of the BRICS on Thursday decided to admit Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as the new members of the grouping, sealing a long-drawn process.

The decision was announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at a joint media briefing along with Prime Minister Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

The new members will become part of BRICS with effect from January 1, 2024.

Prime Minister Modi also met Senegal President Macky Sall and discussed sectors like energy, infrastructure, defence and more in our meeting.

"Held talks with President @Macky_Sall in Johannesburg. India considers Senegal to be a valued developmental partner. We discussed sectors like energy, infrastructure, defence and more in our meeting," Modi said in a post on X.

The prime minister's office said that the two leaders held a fruitful meeting during which they deliberated on various aspects of strengthening bilateral ties such as defence and security, and infrastructure development.

The MEA spokesperson noted that the two leaders held a "fruitful meeting" during which President Sall congratulated Prime Minister Modi on the success of Chandrayaan mission, and said that it is an inspiration for the Global South. "He (Sall) appreciated PM's leadership in advocating priorities of the developing world," Bagchi added.

"President @Macky_Sall thanked PM for India's efforts for AU's permanent membership of the G20. The two leaders discussed ways to deepen cooperation in areas like trade & investment, defence & security, energy, mining, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, railways, capacity building, culture and people to people ties," the spokesperson said in a post on X.

Modi, who arrived in South Africa on Tuesday on a three-day official visit during which he attended the 15th BRICS summit, also held bilateral talks with Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi and discussed ways to diversify India-Mozambique cooperation across various sectors for the benefit of the people of the two nations.

"PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with President Filipe Nyusi...The two leaders agreed to further cooperation between both the countries in sectors such as defence, counter terrorism, trade and people-to-people ties," his office said.

"Reaching out to a key partner across the Indian Ocean. PM @narendramodi met President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. President Nyusi congratulated PM on the success of the Chandrayaan mission. President Nyusi also appreciated India's initiative for G20 permanent membership of AU," Bagchi posted on X.

He said the two leaders discussed ways to take forward cooperation on a broad range of areas including parliamentary contacts, defence, counter terrorism, energy, mining, health, trade and investment, capacity building, maritime cooperation and people to people relations.

On Wednesday, Modi held a bilateral meeting with South African President 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.
A special National Investigation Agency court in New Delhi on Thursday sentenced two men to five years imprisonment for promoting activities of proscribed Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, also known as Islamic State, in the country.

Image used for representational purpose only. Photograph: ANI Photo

Abdullah Basith and Abdul Qadir were arrested on August 12, 2018 for their affiliation with the ISIS and for furthering its violent anti-India agenda through the ISIS Abu Dhabi module.

The NIA special court, Delhi sentenced them under various sections of Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, and Explosive Substances Act, a spokesperson of the federal agency said.

The official said the duo have been jailed for five years and fined Rs 2,000 each.

The NIA had launched its investigations in the case registered on January 28, 2016 on orders from the Union home ministry after details of the serious conspiracy came to light during investigations in another case, the spokesperson said.

The official said the NIA had then discovered a criminal conspiracy hatched by three Indian nationals, namely Sheikh Azhar Al Islam Sattar Sheikh, Mohammed Farhan Mohammed Rafiq Shaikh and Adnan Hussain, all members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

"Along with other unknown associates, these three had conspired to identify, motivate, radicalise, recruit and train gullible Indian Muslim youth, both within and outside the country, to initiate them into the planning and execution of terrorist attacks," the spokesperson said.

The official said the NIA had filed a charge sheet against the trio on July 25, 2016. In 2017, all three had pleaded guilty before the NIA special court, which then sentenced them to seven years of imprisonment of life.

The NIA said further investigations into these men's antecedents showed that one Abdullah Basith, an active member of ISIS, was also part of the ISIS Abu Dhabi module.

"He was found engaged in actively propagating the organisation's ideology in furtherance of the larger criminal conspiracy."

Basith had radicalised and motivated vulnerable youth to join the ISIS and collected funds from accused Adnan Hussain and other associates.

"He had even facilitated the visa and passport of radicalised youth with the help of the funds collected. He had also been involved in arranging and managing meetings with his associates to strengthen and expand the ISIS footprint in India," the spokesperson said.

Qadir, the other accused, had come in contact with Basith after watching a television interview in May 2017, the official said, adding, he also then became a part of the conspiracy and supported the activities in promoting the ISIS ideology.

"He openly professed to be a supporter and member of the Islamic State and had attended various meetings of ISIS organised by Basith," the spokesperson said.

The official said supplementary a charge sheet was filed against the two accused on February 7, 2019.
In his first remarks on Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhins death in a plane crash, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday called him a talented businessman who made some mistakes," Al Jazeera reported.

IMAGE: A cameraman films a wreckage of the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin near the crash site in the Tver region, Russia, August 24, 2023. Photograph: Marina Lystseva/Reuters

The Russian President also expressed sincere condolences to the families of those who died.

He added in televised comments that it was necessary to await the outcome of the official investigation into the crash, in which all 10 people on board were killed.

The Russian president said the inquiry would take some time.

He further said that Prigozhin was a talented man who made mistakes and the Wagner crash victims made a significant contribution in Ukraine.

Putin added that the Wagner chied was a man of difficult fate, as per CNN.

Meanwhile, the Russian aviation agency confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, was on board a plane that crashed without a survivor northwest of Moscow, TASS reported.

The plane crash occurred months after Prigozhin staged a mutiny against Russia's military leadership.

An investigation has been launched into the crash of the Embraer plane in the Tver Region on Wednesday, Russias Federal Agency for Air Transport said noting that Prigozhin was among the passengers, according to TASS.

The Embraer business jet, carrying the Wagner mercenary group chief, crashed in the Tver Region near the settlement of Kuzhenkino. According to preliminary data, all 10 people on board the plane have died.

The plane was en route from Moscows Sheremetyevo airport to St Petersburg, TASS reported.

Prigozhin was a former close aide of Russian President Vladimir Putin until he initiated a rebellion in June 2023.

He controlled a network of companies including the Wagner private military group.

On 23 June 2023, the Wagner Group led by him launched a mutiny against the Russian military leadership. Negotiations led to the rebellion being called off.

Prigozhin relocated to Belarus and charges against him were dropped.
The number of people injured as a result of the Russian missile attack on Dnipro has grown to 10 people, three have been hospitalized, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration Serhiy Lysak has said.

"Now there are three people in the hospital. This is a 55-year-old woman, men 33 and 48 years old. They are in a state of moderate severity," Lysak said on his Telegram channel on Thursday.

As reported, the Russian occupation forces fired missiles on Dnipro on Thursday night. As a result of the attack, a transport facility was destroyed, a bank, a gas station, a hotel, an agricultural company, furniture production, an administrative building and 15 kiosks were damaged.

Earlier it was known about seven victims.
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, Tejas, the Light Combat Aircraft LSP-7, successfully fired the ASTRA indigenous Beyond Visual Range (BVR) air-to-air missile off the coast of Goa.

The missile release was successfully carried out from the aircraft at an altitude of about 20,000 feet.

All the objectives of the test were met and it was a perfect text book launch.

IMAGE: The LCA Tejas successfully test-fires the ASTRA air-to-air missile off the Goa coast. All Photographs: ANI Photo

IMAGE: On July 1, 2023, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas completed seven years of service in the Indian Air Force.

IMAGE: Only a handful of missile builders -- in the US, Russia, Europe and China -- have mastered the technologies that go into air-to-air missiles like the Astra.

IMAGE: Fired from a fighter aircraft travelling at over 1,000 km an hour, the Astra can destroy an enemy fighter more than 70 km away.

Photographs curated by Anant Salvi/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Last updated on: August 24, 2023 16:33 IST

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh inaugurated a temporary shelter home for the families displaced by the violence in the state.

The homes will provide shelter to 380 displaced families mostly from Manipur's Ekou and Dolaithabi areas.

IMAGE: N Biren Singh performs rituals at the inauguration of the temporary shelter homes. All photographs: ANI Photo

IMAGE: N Biren Singh inaugurates the temporary shelter homes.

IMAGE: N Biren Singh hands over the temporary shelter homes to displaced families.

IMAGE: Exterior views of the temporary shelter homes, here and below.

IMAGE: Displaced families glimpse their temporary homes.

IMAGE: Women from the displaced families queue to receive gas cylinders.

Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff.com

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Many often stereotype Andhra Pradesh politics as being star-struck, but as Pawan Kalyan's political journey shows, stars are turning out to be a passing cloud.

IMAGE: Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan. Photograph: ANI Photo

In Gabbar Singh (2012), one of Telugu actor-politician Pawan Kalyan's super-hit films, the baddie asks him a rhetorical question: 'Do you know how popular I am around here?'

'Popularity emundhile passing cloud lantidhi, vathavaranam vedikkithe vanai karigipothundhi, nenu akasam lanti vadini vurumochina, merupochina, pidugochina nenu epudu okela unta (Popularity is like a passing cloud. When the weather gets hot, it dissolves and vanishes. I am like the sky: Come what may -- thunder, lightning, rain -- I remain the same), says Pawan Kalyan, nonchalantly, proceeding, a few frames later, to pulverise his opponent amid hoots, whistles, clapping, and shrieks in the cinema hall.

The film grossed Rs 150 crore (Rs 1.5 billion) worldwide, becoming one of the highest-earning Telugu films in history.

But that was cinema. In politics, Pawan Kalyan's movies haven't done so well.

He launched his political outfit, the Jana Sena Party (JSP), in 2014.

His brother, actor Chiranjeevi, may have been his inspiration: Chiranjeevi founded the Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) in 2008, and went on to win 18 seats and an impressive 18 per cent vote share, despite having had little time to develop a grassroots cadre, and for campaigning.

But although the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance gave him ministership in the Union government, he showed a lack of staying power and merged the PRP with the Congress in 2011.

IMAGE: Pawan Kalyan at the Jana Sena Party's Varahi Vijaya Yatra in Visakhapatnam, August 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

They belong to a caste called Kapu. In coastal Andhra Pradesh, this is a politically influential grouping, and in politics that is dominated by the powerful and landowning Kamma and the equally powerful and wealthy Reddy castes, the Kapus have felt ignored.

They are aspirational and financially secure (some of the wealthiest film producers and actors like Dasari Narayana Rao and Allu Arjun are Kapus, indicating not just landed wealth but also access to capital).

But in politics, they've always been number two -- Andhra Pradesh has never had a Kapu chief minister, only deputy chief ministers.

This, despite the fact that in the 2009 assembly elections, 19 MLAs were from the Kapu community, going up to 24 in 2019, next only to the Reddys and more than the Kammas.

Together, these three upper castes accounted for nearly two-thirds of the unreserved seats in the 175-member assembly.

It is this arithmetic that appears to have dictated the JSP's politics.

Pawan Kalyan supported the BJP-Telugu Desam Party (which was the National Democratic Alliance, or NDA) alliance in 2014, possibly on the premise that if the Kammas and Kapus joined together they could break the Reddy hegemony.

But he broke from the alliance after the Telugu Desam Party walked out of the NDA on the issue of special status to Andhra Pradesh.

He tied up with the Left parties and the Bahujan Samaj Party in 2019 with disastrous results: He himself contested from two seats and lost both.

His party, which fought 137 seats, lost its deposit in 121 and managed to win just one. Nor was the vote share especially impressive: Just 5.5 per cent.

IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah meets Jana Sena Party President Pawan Kalyan, in New Delhi, July 20, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

It was a setback by any standards. For some time, little was heard of the JSP: Until it became the only party from Telangana-Andhra Pradesh (which contributes 42 Lok Sabha seats) to be invited to the NDA meeting last month.

For months now, Pawan Kalyan has been saying publicly that the BJP, TDP and JSP together can prove worthy challengers to the ruling Jaganmohan Reddy-led YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh: But this theory has found little traction in the BJP for reasons of its own.

The BJP has little capital of its own in Andhra Pradesh. It recently announced a new head of the state unit -- D Purandeswari, who joined the BJP from the Congress a few years ago and belongs to the TDP lineage, being N Chandrababu Naidu's sister-in-law.

But it took her nearly 48 hours to react to her appointment, which, her opponents say, is testimony to her lack of enthusiasm for her new job.

She is a Kamma and the BJP's best-case scenario is that she might be able to wean the caste away from the TDP.

But just to illustrate the BJP's own strength: In the 2019 assembly election, it got 0.84 per cent of the vote, less than the Congress's 1.17 per cent. Neither of the parties got a seat.

Despite a recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit A Shah and pressure from Pawan Kalyan, the BJP has elected to let the TDP stay in the Opposition field.

It is standing equidistant from the TDP and the YSR Congress, presumably signalling its intention of being able to do business with either in the state.

IMAGE: Pawan Kalyan addresses the Jana Sena Party's Varahi Vijaya Yatra in Visakhapatnam, August 11, 2023. Photograph: ANI Photo

The one who might find he has landed with a thud between two chairs is Pawan Kalyan.

Jaganmohan Reddy told a delegation of Muslims recently that his party will not support the Uniform Civil Code.

It has noted the TDP is out of the NDA. And it is not bothered about Pawan Kalyan.

Many make the mistake of stereotyping Andhra Pradesh politics as being star-struck.

After N T Rama Rao's Telugu Desam launch in the early 1980s, Chiranjeevi is the only other star to have had political success, also moderate.

Come 2024, instead of the sky that he aspired to be in his movie, Pawan Kalyan may find that he is the cloud that got washed away, along with the dream of Kapu leadership.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Periods of rain. High 51F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low 33F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.
Norway to hand over F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

Norway has decided to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, TV2 said, citing data from several independent sources.

"Thus, Norway becomes the third NATO country after the Netherlands and Denmark to hand over F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine," according to the media.

It is noted that Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre is on a visit to Kyiv on Thursday, August 24.
Zelenskyy: We to be tough on those who will try to weaken Ukrainian strength from within

The Ukrainian authorities will be tough on those who will try to sell off and weaken Ukrainian power from within, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said and announced relevant legislative initiatives in the near future.

"We will give Ukraine such strength, which will be enough to always win, and we will be cruel to everyone who will try to break from within, sell out, weaken Ukrainian strength. And there will be appropriate legislative initiatives in the near future. We will protect our unity," Zelenskyy said while speaking at Sophia Square in Kyiv on the occasion of Independence Day.

As he noted, "when Russia broke into the full-scale war, there was not a single day that Ukraine lacked unity  and therefore Russia did not have any opportunity to use something against us, against Ukraine."

"We will not let go of our independence. We are all united by this feeling. We remember that the Ukrainian people passed, we see that they threaten, we fight against the enemy and we know that we can. We know how to win and will win. Our children on the Ukrainian streets will also celebrate Ukrainian independence. Our grandchildren and their grandchildren will also celebrate with friends of our state, whom Ukraine will choose for itself  always freely. And there will never be any more pauses in Ukrainian history," the president said.

The head of state said now the whole world hears and supports Ukraine, but "whatever happens in the world, Ukraine must be able to defend itself."

"Our state did not have the necessary defense industries for a long time. And now they do. I thank everyone who develops and creates them. Now our state gives Ukrainian soldiers such weapons. Thanks to everyone who helps us with it," he said.

In addition, according to Zelenskyy, "Ukrainian courage deserves to be only in the best global alliances."

"Ukraine deserves to be among the leaders of the world and will. Our state already guarantees common European security. Such security is not possible without your strength, Ukrainian soldiers, without the potential of Ukraine and the freedom of our entire country, all our people. Our common European home without Ukraine can be only unfinished long-term construction. Thanks to every leader who understands this," the president said.

At the end of his speech, the President of Ukraine presented national awards on the occasion of Independence Day. The memory of the dead was honored with a minute of silence.
On the occasion of Independence Day, Baykar Makina Company handed over the Bayraktar TV2 strike UAV to Ukrainian intelligence officers free of charge, the press service of the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine said.

"This is not the first such gift. In particular, on January 25, Baykar Makina also handed over two Bayraktar TB2 drones to the Main Intelligence Agency of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. Therefore, we express our sincere gratitude to our friends and partners who continue to help Ukraine in these difficult times. The best gift for the holiday is a new weapon, which will help to destroy the enemy and defend our freedom and independence," the agency said on the Telegram channel.
The Chinese Communist Party has joined hands with the ruling parties from Tanzania, Mozambique, Namibia, Angola, South Africa and Zimbabwe to train African leaders in Beijing's authoritarian governance methods. The Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Tanzania will teach economic development strategies, as well as CCP methods of extending ruling party dominance over state institutions. China wields major economic clout across Africa, and its close ties with the six training targets date back to the colonial liberation era.
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 Radio Free Asia.
But critics say corruption and nepotism will be hard for the new prime minister to overcome.

Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet [right] attends his first cabinet meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 24, 2023.

Prime Minister Hun Manet said he wants to turn Cambodia into an upper middle-income country by 2030  and a high-income country by 2050  in an hour-long speech to ministers at his first cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Hun Manet, the eldest son of longtime leader Hun Sen, took over as prime minister earlier this week after the newly sworn-in National Assembly gave its official approval.

The core of the strategy is to focus on governance and modernize state institutions to become modern public administration, the 45-year-old said during the meeting televised by national broadcaster TVK.

Hun Manet read from a 22-page strategy memo that he said would serve as a roadmap for increasing employment, reducing poverty and promoting good governance while maintaining peace and political stability.

The governments goal is to make Cambodia an upper middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income one by 2050, he said.

An upper-middle income country has a gross national income per capita of between US$4,256 and US$13,205, according to the World Bank, where Hun Manet worked as an intern decades ago.

A high-income country has a gross national income per capita of more than $13,205.

Cambodia had a per capita income of US$1700 in 2022, World Bank figures show.

Cambodias Prime Minister Hun Manet [rear, center], presides over the first council of ministers session at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Aug. 24, 2023. Credit: Tang Chhin Sothy/Pool via AP





Cant just eliminate nepotism

But Um Sam An, a senior official from the banned Cambodia National Rescue Party, said the strategy will be hampered by Cambodias ingrained corruption and nepotism. Hun Manet will have to look out for his familys interest and other allies first, he said.

This is a cancer in society. He cant just eliminate nepotism and then do reform, he said.

The most effective way to implement the new strategy would be to reopen the political space, show respect for human rights and be more accepting of the roles that local and international NGOs play in society, legal expert Vorn Chan Lout told Radio Free Asia.

It should also establish a policy of not prosecuting opposition party figures, he said.

The core element is to restore the rule of law, he said.

Activists and leaders from the countrys main opposition party, the Candlelight Party, faced threats, harassment and arrest over the last year as the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party prepared for the July 23 national elections.

The CPP won 120 of the National Assemblys 125 seats. The Candlelight Party was not allowed to compete after the governments National Election Committee cited inadequate paperwork.

The NECs decision was widely condemned as politically motivated.

Translated by Yun Samean. Edited by Matt Reed and Malcolm Foster.
The Times reports that a Chinese spy used LinkedIn to target informants 'on an industrial scale.'

Chinas spying operation using LinkedIn tried to get thousands of British officials to hand over state secrets, The Times newspaper reported.

Chinese spies have used LinkedIn to infiltrate targets in the United Kingdom, according to a media report, prompting calls for Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to cancel a reportedly planned trip to China.

The Times newspaper reported this week that a Chinese agent using several aliases including "Robin Zhang" has been offering cash and contracts to British government employees via the professional social media network LinkedIn.

Former ruling Conservative Party leader Ian Duncan Smith commented via his account on X, formerly Twitter: "How can the UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Affairs @FCDOGovUK continue to think he has to go to China to 'KowTow' to China while they steal our secrets and commit genocide?" he wrote above a link to the report.

"Our policy towards China is like a front door mat" he added.

The fresh spying allegations come amid growing concerns over Chinese Communist Party infiltration of all aspects of British life, and warnings from Hong Kongers in exile over growing acts of violence by Beijing supporters and officials alike.

The five-year spying operation tried to get thousands of officials to hand over state secrets in exchange for large sums of money and lucrative business deals, The Times reported.

"The intelligence officer for Beijings main spy agency created a string of aliases and fake companies to target security officials, civil servants, scientists and academics with access to classified information or commercially sensitive technology," it said.

Reuters quoted three people familiar with the matter on Aug. 21 as saying that Cleverly will travel to China next week to "stabilize" ties.

James Cleverly, UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs reportedly will travel to China next week to "stabilize" ties. Credit: Nipah Dennis/AFP file photo





Seeking to undermine

But Alicia Kearns, who is current chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, said China is clearly actively seeking to undermine countries like Britain.

"China is engaging in an aggressive foreign policy where it is actively seeking to undermine states like ours," she told Times Radio.

"Because if we are reliant on them, or if they infiltrate our state, we are less able to mitigate or limit the worst excesses of their behaviors," she said. "We have been leaving ourselves open to them."

The Times cited security services as saying that the operation was conducted "on an industrial scale," and is "the most prolific ... in a generation."

"Zhang contacted officials working in sensitive areas, such as the military, science and technology and politics, to try to build relationships," the report said.

"He offered a recruitment consultant 8,000 for every time they handed over details of a candidate from the intelligence services, and offered a former military intelligence official large sums of cash for information on Britains counterterrorism work," it said, adding that the operation appears to be the work of a single operative who can't be named due to threats to Western spies.

It named some of Zhang's account names as Eric Chen Yixi, Robin Cao, Lincoln Lam, John Lee and Eric Kim.

Protesters demonstrate outside the Chinese Embassy in London, Dec. 10, 2022, demanding democracy and rights for people in China. A recent survey showed more Hong Kongers are staying away from protests on British soil. Credit: Kin Cheung/AP





Zhang started out targeting defense contractors, civil servants and sensitive businesses, then switched to think tanks and academics, the report said.

The Times also reported separately that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office has banned government officials from referring to Russia, China or other countries as "hostile states" in official documents, even internally, as part of a bid to improve bilateral ties.

Fearing backlash

Meanwhile, a recent survey showed Hong Kongers are staying away from protests on British soil, for fear of a pro-China backlash.

The Initiative SAFE survey of more than 400 Hong Kongers between April and May found that only 42% trust the British police to protect them from violent attacks and harassment by supporters of the Chinese Communist Party, while 7% said they didn't trust them at all and would avoid contacting them.

And while 80% said they had taken part in community activities, only 44% said they had attended rallies or demonstrations.

"Even though Hong Kong people have settled in the U.K., they're still very hesitant about expressing their opinions or demonstrating for their beliefs in their new homeland," survey leader Julian Chan said.

Of those surveyed, 87% said they would check the background of event organizers before going, while 46% said they would stay away from rallies or protests, and 47% said they wouldn't dare to express their opinions on Hong Kong issues online.

"[These safety concerns] have led to a very unsatisfactory outcome," Chan said.

The advocacy group Hongkongers in Britain, which sponsored the survey, called on law enforcement agencies to pay closer attention to video clips of suspicious behavior at rallies and protests, and to encourage participants to report it to police.

It also called on local councils to step up publicity to inform Hong Kongers that physical attacks and verbal harassment against them are considered hate crimes in Britain.

The group also called on the U.K. government to waive criminal background checks for applicants to the BNO visa scheme, because it puts Hong Kongers trying to emigrate to the U.K. at the mercy of officials back home.

"We will make these suggestions and report the data we collected, but the final outcome depends on whether officials relax restrictions," spokesman Jason Chow said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
A gay student poses with a rainbow flag in Beijing, May 10, 2019. "There must have been orders from higher up banning lesbians, gays and transgender folk," said a Shanghai-based lesbian who declined to give her name for fear of reprisals. "It's about awareness of one's own gender, and what gender you think you are."

Chinese government censors have shut down key LGBTQ+ social media accounts in a further crackdown on sexual minorities.

Public accounts for the Beijing Lala Salon, Wandouhuang, Transtory, Outstanding Partners, Ace and the Flying Cat Brotherhood were shuttered on the eve of Chinese Valentine's Day on Aug. 22, veteran activist Li Tingting said.

"Such accounts have been targeted once before two or three years ago," said Li, who is better known in feminist circles as Li Maizi. "The government departments in charge of internet management have always targeted accounts linked to sexual minorities, which aren't encouraged by the Chinese government."

She said not all of the accounts were linked to LGBTQ+ groups  some were more broadly feminist.

The move comes after Chinese officials removed an LGBTQ+ anthem titled "Rainbow" by Taiwanese pop star A-Mei from her setlist from a concert earlier this month in Beijing, while security guards forced fans turning up for the gig to remove clothing and other paraphernalia bearing the rainbow symbol before going in, according to media reports.

Sherry Zhang, who goes by the stage name A-Mei, wrote the song for all of her lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual and questioning friends, and it is frequently heard at Pride events in Taiwan. Her fans among the LGBTQ+ community often turn up and wave rainbow flags or wear rainbow clothing in a show of solidarity, confident that the song will make an appearance.

Li, who was among five Chinese feminists detained ahead of International Women's Day in 2016 for planning a campaign against sexual harassment on public transport, added: "The accounts targeted included the Beijing queer women's center Lala Salon, Wandouhuang, which is a feminist platform."

Advocacy and Promotion

She said the Flying Cat Brotherhood was a gay men's group, while censors had also targeted the transgender account Transtory and Ace, a group representing asexuals.

The Wandouhuang artists' group was set up by Toni, Mengxia and Xiao Lufei, who all graduated from the Maryland Institute of Art in 2019, according to a bio that was still visible online on Wednesday.

Beijing Lala Salon was set up in November 2004 as a non-government organization offering social activities for lesbians, to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and to promote lesbian culture.

"The government departments in charge of internet management have always targeted accounts linked to sexual minorities, which aren't encouraged by the Chinese government," says activist Li Tingting, shown during an interview in Beijing, June 9, 2015. Credit: Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters





Its account on the social media platform Weibo was still visible on Thursday, but displayed no content.

They had offered literary and social events, film and television screenings, forums, lectures and a drama group.

Li said she once volunteered for the group as a project manager around 10 years ago.

"I felt as if [the authorities] are ticking these tasks off a list," she said.

Orders from higher up

A Shanghai-based lesbian who declined to give her name for fear of reprisals said she had been a member of Transtory and Ace.

"There must have been orders from higher up banning lesbians, gays and transgender folk," she said. "It's about awareness of one's own gender, and what gender you think you are."

LGBTQ+ and health rights activist Lu Jun, who now lives in New York, said that was likely.

"It may seem that it's Tencent shutting down these WeChat accounts, why would they do that?" Lu said. "It must be that the authorities issued an administrative order, which means that Tencent would break the law if it didn't block these accounts."

"This is the will of the authorities."

He said the move is a violation of the right to free speech, but also of LGBTQ+ rights.

In April, two LGBTQ+ students from Beijing's Tsinghua University lodged an administrative lawsuit against China's Ministry of Education after being harassed and threatened by the authorities for leaving rainbow flags out for people to take in a campus supermarket.

While homosexuality was decriminalized in China in 1997, and removed from official psychiatric diagnostic manuals in 2001, ruling Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping has ushered in a far more conservative attitude to sexuality than his predecessors.

Activists have said the crackdown stems in part from the government's fear of civil organizations as a threat to party rule.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, chief of Russian private mercenary group Wagner, gives an address in a desert area at an unknown location, in this still image taken from video published August 21, 2023.

Russias civil aviation agency said Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin was on an airplane that crashed near Moscow Wednesday. It has fueled a wave of online discussion in China, where some drew comparisons to the Chinese Communist Partys not so distant past.

No cause for the crash was provided, but Wagner-flagged Telegram accounts blamed Russian air defenses for shooting down the Embraer jet.

Prigozhins death comes exactly two months  to the day  after the Wagner Group undertook an armed rebellion against the Russian Armed Forces, seizing control of a Russian military office in the city of Rostov-on-Don and briefly marching on Moscow.

According to the Wagner Group, Prigozhin was among 10 people who lost their lives in the crash involving a private plane flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg that came down less than half an hour after taking off.

The group posted what is believed to be a video of the crash on social media platforms, showing an airplane crashing and burning. They confirmed that Prigozhin had died, describing him as a hero and a patriot. They further claimed that he died at the hands of Russian traitors.

Eyewitness footage of the crash site of a plane linked to Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, near Kuzhenkino, Tver region, Russia, August 23, 2023, in this screen grab taken from a video. Credit: Ostorozhno Novosti/Handout via Reuters

Although the news broke in the middle of the night in China, keywords related to Prigozhin quickly trended on the social media app Weibo, which had 255 million daily users as of March of this year. Numerous bloggers also uploaded late-night videos discussing the implications of the Prigozhin incident.

Chinas earlier official response to Wagner Groups brief mutiny was muted, with a Foreign Ministry statement on June 25 calling it Russias internal affair, adding that China supports Russia in maintaining national stability.

But some experts interviewed by the state media outlet China Daily expressed concerns about the stability of Chinas friend and neighbor.

The conflict between mercenaries and the Russian army is only the tip of the iceberg about the inherent contradictions in Russian society, said Yu Sui, a professor at the China Center for Contemporary World Studies.

Challenging the leadership

Many online commentators remarked on the inherent risk of standing up to autocrats in what some of them dared to call totalitarian states.

Prigozhin, the head of the mercenaries, clearly didnt understand politics. Didnt he watch House of Cards? He made the mistake of rebelling against Putin, blogger Yojia Fleet wrote.

Breaking news! Prigozhins private plane crashed north of Moscow. After offending Putin, he didnt live long. As for the cause of his death, we can only speculate, wrote another blogger who goes by the name of Wang Xiaodong

Some Chinese netizens created polls such as Whos behind Prigozhins plane crash? to attract attention and web traffic.

Online comparisons were also made to the Russian version of the Lin Biao incident, a reference to a top leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chairman Mao Zedongs chosen successor.

In 1971, he is believed to have died when his plane nosedived into the grasslands of Outer Mongolia. Chinas official line is that Lin planned to assassinate Mao and when his plot failed he tried to flee Beijing for Moscow, but with insufficient fuel to complete the flight.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping toast during their dinner in the Moscow Kremlin, Russia, March 21, 2023. CREDIT: Pavel Byrkin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File





Professor Yang Haiying of Japans Shizuoka University said the reason that online commentators were calling the incident the Russian version of the Lin Biao incident was because both China and Russia are dictatorships.

Chinese citizens are paying attention to this because of the close relationship between Xi and Putin. If anyone opposes Putin, their fate is sealed, just as if anyone opposes Xi, they might follow Lin Biaos path, said Yang.

However, Hu Ping, honorary editor of the New York-based Beijing Spring magazine, said that the relationship between Prigozhin and Putin cannot be directly compared to that of Lin Biao and Mao Zedong. He added that Lin Biaos accident was shocking all the same, and Prigozhins death was dramatic, sparking discussions online.

For the CCP, this isnt politically sensitive because its an external event, but a dramatic one, said Hu. With the Chinese government supporting Russia in the war against Ukraine and Xi Jinping often comparing himself to Putin, these factors naturally lead to speculation.

Political commentator Wang Jian said that Chinese netizens were fascinated with the latest news because of Chinas good relationship with Russia, but warned that government voices might use the news to make Chinese citizens even more afraid to challenge the government.

With issues like unemployment and dropping house prices, people are anxious, said Wang. The government is unpredictable. The focus of Chinese netizens on external events has decreased because of the economic downturn. But government online commentators might create an atmosphere that suggests disloyalty will lead to bad consequences.

Wang also alluded to the CCPs complete grip on the military, saying it was unlikely that China could experience a mutiny similar to Russias. He added that Beijing wont need to leverage the incident to strengthen control over the military.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
China is among the lead critics of the decision.

An aerial view shows the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which started releasing treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean, in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023.

UPDATED AT 10:05 pm ET on 2023-08-24

Japan has started the gradual release of treated radioactive wastewater from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, despite regional and local concerns, with plans to eventually pump more than a million metric tons of it into the sea.

The release comes 12 years after the nuclear accident following an earthquake and tsunami, leading to a plant meltdown. According to authorities, the water used to cool the nuclear reactors and additional groundwater and rainwater seeping into the reactor buildings has reached near full storage capacity.

TEPCO, the Tokyo Electric Power Company, which operates the power plant located on Hakura Beach in Japan, said Thursday it began the discharge at around 1 pm (04:00 GMT).

Only around 200 or 210 cubic meters of treated wastewater is expected to be released on the first day, TEPCO told reporters earlier on Thursday. However, starting Friday, it plans to increase the release to 7,800 cubic meters over 17 days.

If any irregularities in the discharge equipment or the dilution rates of the treated wastewater are observed, the operation will be halted at once, TEPCO said, adding it will also collect samples from nearby harbor water to monitor and ensure the discharged, treated wastewater meets international safety standards.

The U.N.s atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said last month the planned discharge of wastewater meets relevant international safety standards and would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.

Even if it takes several decades, the government will take responsibility until the treated water is fully disposed of, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Tuesday, announcing the decision to start releasing the water this week.

Over 1.3 million cubic meters of wastewater  enough to fill more than 500 Olympic-size swimming pools  currently contained in numerous water storage tanks at the facility is set to be released, which could take up to 40 years to complete.

The continuous discharge of water is conducted through a long-submerged tunnel. The IAEA said last month it would continue its safety review during the discharge phase, with a continuous on-site presence and live online monitoring from the facility.

Water released despite concerns

Since Japan announced the decision to release the water in 2021, it has stirred strong consternation in neighboring countries such as China and South Korea, and some Pacific islands.

Regarding Fukushima, Japanese authorities have been accused of minimizing risks, omitting crucial safety details, and being reluctant to recognize the core meltdown in 2011. Subsequent probes pinpointed the root causes as inadequate regulatory supervision and a lack of readiness.

Fishermen in the Philippines on Thursday expressed fears over Japans plan, with the National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organizations in the Philippines, or Pamalakaya, warning that wastewater to be dumped into the Pacific would reach the countrys shores and severely impact marine life.

Our ocean and ecosystem will be directly affected. Thats the reason why we are relying on government agencies to make their stand on the issue, Ronnel Arambulo, the group's vice chairman, said in a statement.

The Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila said the central government continues to look at this issue from a science- and fact-based perspective and its impact on the waters in the region, but recognized the IAEA's technical expertise on the matter.

Many experts have called for more independent verification of the release plan, alleging the decision to release the water was reached through a process that lacked full transparency and did not sufficiently include consultations with key stakeholders from both Japan and other countries. They said it had missing details, such as a comprehensive list of the radioactive elements remaining in the tanks.

Experts argue this could pave the way for more distrust and disputes, which is alarming, especially in Asia, where over 140 nuclear power reactors are currently functional.

A map of the Fukushima nuclear power plant where contaminated water is stored and treated ahead of release. Credit: Reuters

In its defense, TEPCO has said that the controlled discharge of the treated wastewater adheres to a meticulous nuclear purification process utilizing a pumping and filtration system called ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System), designed according to the safety standards prescribed by the IAEA, to leave but one primary radioactive isotope - tritium, which is impossible to separate from water.

Instead, it will be diluted with the water to bring it below regulatory standards before the release with a tritium concentration of 1,500 becquerel/liter, which is six times lower than the World Health Organizations recommended limit for drinkable water.

The amount is considered to be of low risk in small amounts by the scientists.

Fukushima water discharge will contain only harmless tritium and is not a unique event, said Tony Irwin, an associate professor at the Australian National University in Canberra.

Nuclear power plants worldwide have routinely discharged water containing tritium for over 60 years without harm to people or the environment, most at higher levels than planned  for Fukushima.

However, another professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa said that Japans decision is not surprising, but certainly disappointing.

Instead of ocean dumping, both Japan and the IAEA could have used the opportunity to explore better approaches to nuclear disasters, said Professor Robert Richmond, a member of the Expert Scientific Advisory Panel to the Pacific Islands Forum.

This is not the first such disaster nor will it be the last, and 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, he said.

China bans all Japanese aquatic products

The Japanese government has pledged to continue monitoring the wastewater discharge and its effects on the marine environment, promising transparency in its reporting.

However, that has not placated environmentalists, neighboring countries and several local fishing communities that have expressed strong concerns about the potential ecological and health impacts.

The backlash in recent months has been particularly severe in South Korea and China.

South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party members and supporters shout slogans during a rally to demand the withdrawal of the Japanese government's decision to release treated radioactive water into the sea from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant, in Seoul, Aug. 23, 2023. Credit: AP.

Seoul has voiced dissatisfaction over Tokyos inadequate consultation efforts but has withdrawn its objections, asking for more transparency.

Critics have argued that President Yoon Suk Yeol has agreed to Tokyos proposal primarily to enhance ties with Japan, historically a rival of South Korea, and under the influence of the U.S., a mutual ally of both countries.

Chinas foreign ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador to China Tuesday to express serious concerns, ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said during a press conference on Wednesday.

This act blatantly transfers the risk of nuclear pollution to neighboring countries, including China, and the international community, prioritizing its own interests over the long-term well-being of the people in the region and around the world, he said.

The General Administration of Customs of China on Thursday said it would suspend the import of all aquatic products from Japan with immediate effect.

The Hong Kong government also announced on Tuesday a ban on the import of aquatic products from 10 prefectures in Japan.

A demonstrator holds an image of Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida during a protest after Japan's announcement to release treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, in Hong Kong, China, Aug. 24, 2023. Credit: Reuters





In Taiwan, both official and public reaction to this matter has been lukewarm. Local officials have been reported as saying that since the 2011 earthquake, samples of catches from nearshore and offshore fisheries have been tested, and all related indicators have passed.

In the Pacific, leaders are split over the release, with the Pacific Island Forums foreign ministers meeting in September to discuss the issue.

There's a possibility we may have a splinter on our view on the Fukushima discharge, on the whole, we'll probably find consensus, Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told Radio New Zealand on Thursday.

Kai Di of RFA Mandarin service and RFA correspondent Chris Taylor contributed to this report.

Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.



This story was updated to include reactions from fishermen in the Philippines as well as the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila.
A Lao teen trafficked to the Chinese-owned 'Casino Kosai' (shown) in Myanmar near the Thai border said she faced steep punishment for texting, according to her mother.

Dozens of Lao teens trapped in a Myanmar scam compound since last year are seeing even their scant lines of communication narrowing following grave new threats from their captors.

The mother of one of the trafficked teens told RFA that her daughters last message said anyone caught using a cellphone would be beaten 50 times with an iron bar and tied to a tree during working hours for five days.

Parents of the teenagers, who were trafficked to a Chinese-owned casino in Myanmar and forced to participate in cyber scams, have long called on Lao authorities for aid in releasing their children. Authorities have previously told RFA that access is impossible due to ongoing conflict between Myanmar junta forces and the Karen National Liberation Army fighting an insurgency against the military regime.

What could we do to help our children be released from that place as weve waited for one year already? the mother asked RFA.

Dozens of teenagers and youth from Luang Namtha province in Laos were trafficked to Casino Kosai in Myawaddy on Myanmars eastern border with Thailand last year.

There, the Laotians and scores of other young workers from the Philippines, China and elsewhere have been forced to work upwards of 16 hours a day. If they fail to dupe an unsuspecting lonely heart into parting with sufficient funds, they face harassment, beatings and electric shocks.

The texts from the girl, who last month was beaten until she collapsed, also suggest that Chinese police have made moves to curtail some criminal activity at the casino  but only among their own citizens. While the information could not be corroborated, the mother told RFA her daughter reported that Chinese authorities arrived this week to arrest Chinese workers, though the scam compound is still in operation.

Kearrin Sims, a senior lecturer at James Cook University who has researched crime in Laos, said the government could be doing far more to prevent large-scale domestic trafficking.

It is horrific that these vulnerable young people are being subjected to such violence and that Lao authorities are unable or unwilling to rescue them and to prevent the trafficking from occurring, he wrote in an email.

Some form of diplomatic intervention by the Lao government is needed. We are unlikely to know what form that takes, and the government is unlikely to even acknowledge that such efforts have been made, but certainly it could request assistance from China in rescuing the victims. Perhaps that has already (unsuccessfully) happened with regard to the recent intervention by Chinese police.

Translated by Sidney Khotpanya for RFA Lao. Additional reporting by Abby Seiff.
They also detained the mans wife and son.

Police and soldiers in the apartment of Dr. Mya Than in Mandalay city, Mandalay region on Aug. 23, 2021.

Junta authorities in Myanmars Mandalay city have arrested a doctor and seized his clinic and home in their latest effort to silence anti-junta voices, Civil Disobedience Movement doctors and locals told RFA Thursday.

Police and soldiers arrested Dr. Mya Than, who ran the Tet Nay Lin Ophthalmology Clinic in the city, along with his wife Myint Myat Khaing, an associate professor at Mandalay Universitys department of distance education and their son Yan Naung Tun,

Myint Myat Khaing was a member of the CMD, a popular strike movement that at its peak brought the administrative machinery of the military regime to a halt.

A Mandalay resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety reasons, said the clinic was sealed off on Thursday morning.

Another local, who also declined to be named, said the junta is rounding up pro-democracy activists in the city.

Teachers who opened a private school in Maha Aung Myay township were arrested the day before. The school was also sealed off, they said.

Arrests for allegedly supporting People Defense Forces have become frequent these days in Mandalay.

The junta has released no statements on the arrests and their Mandalay region spokesperson Thein Htay did not answer RFAs phone calls.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Mya Than, who was arrested on Aug. 23, 2021 in Mandalay city, Mandalay region. Credit: Telegram: Ka Ka Han

Pro-junta Telegram messaging group channels posted photographs of the three along with pictures of police and soldiers at their condominium.

Comments on the channels included death threats towards anyone supporting anti-junta Peoples Defense Forces and the National Unity Government, a shadow government formed by members of the civilian administration ousted in the 2021 coup.

One CDM doctor who didnt want to be named for fear of reprisals told RFA the regime is targeting hospitals and clinics to try to put CDM health staff out of work.

Last week, the junta ordered the closure of Mandalays largest private hospital for three months starting this Friday. They said the Mingalar Private Hospital in Maha Aung Myay township allowed two CDM doctors to work there.

In May, authorities revoked the business licenses of three private hospitals, accused of allowing CDM health staff to work there.

And last December, CDM professor Dr. Win Khaing, from Mandalay Medical University, was arrested while working at the Palace Private Hospital in Chanayethazan township.

Some 853 doctors and other health workers have been arrested nationwide since the military seized power in Feb. 2021, according to the CDM Medical Network.

It added 557 CDM doctors have had their medical licenses revoked for one year since the start of last year.

However, it said more than 45,000 health workers continue to participate in the non-violent CDM.

Translated by RFA Burmese. Edited by Mike Firn and Taejun Kang.
Tashi Wangchuk was beaten up by masked men in his hotel.

Tibetan language advocate Tashi Wangchuk, shown in this undated photo, was attacked while staying at a hotel in Darlak County, a report from Free Tibet said.

Tashi Wangchuk, a prominent Tibetan language advocate and former political prisoner, was attacked by a group of unidentified men in eastern Tibet on the evening of Aug. 19, according to an account he gave to London-based rights group Free Tibet.

Wangchuk was attacked while staying at a hotel in Darlak County after traveling to the region to raise awareness about the disappearance of the Tibetan language in schools, the report from Free Tibet said.

Before traveling to his hotel, Wangchuk had filmed a video of himself near Darlak County Nationality Middle School and posted it to the Chinese social media platform Douyin at 7:14 pm.

According to Wangchuks account, his hotel room door was forced open at approximately 8 pm by a group of men wearing masks. These men, whom Wangchuk believes followed him from the school to his hotel, beat the activist for about 10 minutes before he called out to the hotel owner to contact the police.

An exiled Tibetan wearing a mask in the likeness of Tibetan language advocate Tashi Wangchuk stands next to a screen projecting a New York Times video during a street protest demanding his release, in Dharamsala, India, Jan. 8, 2018. Credit: Ashwini Bhatia/AP





The assailants forced Wangchuk to erase all the photos and videos he had taken earlier that day from his phone, pointing to the involvement of Chinese police, said Tenzin Nyiwoe, a researcher at Tibetan Centre for Human Rights and Democracy. He obtained this information from a source who cannot be named for safety reasons.

Police arrived on the scene at around 9pm and Wangchuk was taken to the police station for questioning, where he remained until 11:30pm, according to his account on Free Tibet.

Wangchuk said that after leaving the police station, he was rejected by multiple hotels and denied medical care by the Darlak County Hospital, where a doctor claimed that the CT machine was broken. Wangchuk remained on the first floor of the hospital for the rest of the night.

Wangchuk called the attack a crime by gangs and illegal acts by government officials who break the law and cover for each other.

Detained and tortured

Tashi Wangchuk rose to prominence in 2015 through an interview with the New York Times about his efforts to sue local authorities in eastern Tibet after Tibetan language classes were canceled.

In 2016, Wangchuk was arrested and tortured by Chinese authorities. After being held for two years in pre-trial detention and serving part of a five-year prison sentence, Wangchuk was released in 2021.

He has since continued to travel around Tibet raising awareness of Chinese authorities suppression of the Tibetan language in schools, as well as petitioning government officials to defend and preserve Tibetan language and culture.

Leaders and activists inside and outside Tibet condemned the attack. Many accused Chinese police as the perpetrators.

It is not unusual for Tibetans and especially those who openly speak out for Tibet to be singled out for greater abuse and harassment by the Chinese government, said Tenzin Lekshey, Spokesperson for Central Tibetan Administration. It is very sad that Tashi Wangchuk has to go through this, but this incident is evident that there is no rule of law in the country.

China has long been known for threatening and persecuting Tibetan language advocates for simply preserving their cultural identity and most basic rights and we strongly oppose the Chinese government for its rights violations and conditions in Tibet, Lekshey said.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Edited by Claire McCrea and Malcolm Foster.
Portugal to take part in training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16  Zelenskyy

Portugal has confirmed its readiness to join the training of Ukrainian pilots on the F-16, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday in Kyiv after talks with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.

"Portugal is a member of our tank and aviation coalition. Today, Portugal confirmed its readiness to join the training of Ukrainian pilots and engineers on F-16 aircraf," he said.

"We also discussed the possibilities for expanding defense cooperation, in particular, with regard to the supply of armored medical equipment and mine-clearing equipment to Ukraine," the president said.

He also noted the importance of Portugal joining the G7 declaration on security guarantees for Ukraine.

"We are grateful that Portugal supported the Peace Formula, participates in joint work with partners in the preparation of the Ukraine-Latin America and Ukraine-Africa summits," he said.

According to Zelenskyy, "we are counting on powerful, systematic work and a systemic agreement on restoration between our states."
Sonam Gyalpo, first detained in 1987 for participating in the Tibetan independence movement, died at home.

Sonam Gyalpo, seen in these undated photos, spent a combined 16 years in prison for his involvement with the Tibetan independence movement.

Former Tibetan political prisoner Sonam Gyalpo, who spent 16 years in prison for his involvement in the Tibetan independence movement, died on Aug. 16 at the age of 68 at his home in Lhasa.

Gyalpos official cause of death was not released, though individuals close to him believe that his death was the result of poor health brought on by his years of imprisonment.

It is clear that Sonam Gyalpos demise is due to his deteriorating health conditions though there is no specific health condition that we can name, said Ngawang Woebar, a fellow monk who participated in Tibetan independence demonstrations alongside Gyalpo in 1987.

But we all know how Tibetan political prisoners are treated inside those prisons and sadly he has spent 16 years of his life there, he said.

Even if he may not have been physically assaulted in those 16 years, the mere fact [is] that how the prisoners are fed would naturally leave them malnourished and sick for the rest of their lives.

16 years in prison

Sonam Gyalpo was detained for the first time on Sept. 27, 1987, for participating in independence demonstrations. Alongside 20 other monks from Drepung Monastery, Gyalpo helped initiate the Tibetan independence movement in Lhasa.

Woebar recalls demonstrating alongside Gyalpo and witnessing his arrest.

I was there with him during that protest in 1987 in Lhasa, he told Radio Free Asia. There were many of us, but Sonam Gyalpo was one of the few in the forefront and initiated the demonstration.

However, towards the end of the protest we asked everyone who joined the protest to disperse because we did not want everyone to be arrested, he said. So it was Sonam Gyalpo and a few others who were arrested that day.

Gyalpo was charged with participating in counter-revolutionary activities and sentenced to three years in Drapchi prison. He was released in September 1990.

Gyalpo was detained again in 1993 after returning to Tibet from a trip to Nepal and India to receive blessings from the Dalai Lama. According to authorities, he was arrested for traveling overseas without valid documents.

Gyalpo was arrested again in August 2005 by the Chinese Ministry of State Security at his home in Lhasa. He was among 10 Tibetans detained during the weeks preceding the 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Chinese officers searched his home and discovered video tapes containing religious teachings by the Dalai Lama, as well as books and pictures referencing the Dalai Lama. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Lhasa Intermediate People's Court.

Gyalpo was released from prison for the last time in 2017.

Translated by Tenzin Dickyi. Edited by Claire McCrea and Malcolm Foster.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation touts its visit to China on X, formerly known as Twitter, in this Aug. 17, 2023, post.

Seeking to promote its rosy narrative about the peace and prosperity enjoyed by majority-Muslim Uyghurs in the far-western region of Xinjiang, China earlier this month invited delegates from the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to visit and observe.

The propaganda junket  aimed at blunting international criticism of Beijings repression that the United States and some Western parliaments have described as genocide and crimes against humanity  seems to have worked.

The delegation traveled to Urumqi, Kashgar, Changi and the Kizilsu Kyrgyz Autonomous Prefecture, where they saw an exhibit on counter-terrorism and de-radicalization and visited rural revitalization projects, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told a regular news conference on Aug. 22. They also visited Uyghur families and religious figures and prayed with local Muslims at a mosque, he said.

Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, head of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation delegation, praised 'the prosperity and development of Chinas Xinjiang under good governance' during the visit. Credit: Screenshot from AFP file video

Dya-Eddine Bamakhrama, head of the delegation and Djiboutis permanent representative to the OIC, praised the prosperity and development of Chinas Xinjiang under good governance on Aug. 20 during the visit, according to a Chinese state-run media report.

Syed Mohammad Fawad Sher, a Pakistani delegate said the visit showed the remarkable transformation of Xinjiang, adding that it will help to address the misconceptions attached with the region, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan.

Another unnamed OIC member remarked on the openness and inclusiveness of Xinjiang and the smiles on the faces of people of all ethnic groups.

Violates own charter

The comments reflect how Muslim nations are increasingly embracing Chinas narrative about the Uyghurs and other Turkic peoples in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

The United Nations has documented serious rights abuses of Uyghurs, including arbitrary detentions in re-education camps and prisons, intrusive surveillance, the destruction of religious and cultural sites and attempts to eradicate Uyghur language and culture. Uyghurs have also been subjected to torture, forced sterilizations and forced labor.

Muslim nations refrain from speaking up about the treatment of fellow Mulims so as not to upset China, a major investor in developing nations, experts say.

Beijing has rejected the accusations, insisting it is running vocational training facilities in the region to counter extremism.

The OIC has not taken any significant steps to address abuses in Xinjiang, even though its charter declares it seeks to safeguard the rights, dignity and religious and cultural identity of Muslim communities and minorities in non-Member States.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has a moral duty to express concerns about the suffering of Muslims around the world and offer support to Uyghurs, says Erkin Ekrem, an associate professor of China foreign policy at Hacettepe University in Turkey. Credit: RFA file photo

Erkin Ekrem, associate professor of Chinese foreign policy at Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey, said the OIC has a moral duty to express concerns about the suffering of Muslims around the world and to offer support to the Uyghurs.

Certain members of OIC countries support China for their geopolitical and economic interests, he said. The OICs support of China in this case violates its own charter and the core tenets of Islam.

Economic coercion

The ruling Chinese Communist Party, or CCP, has been influencing other countries, especially developing ones, to support its policies through investment and trade, said Teng Biao, a U.S.-based Chinese academic lawyer and human rights activist.

All but three of the OIC members have signed memorandums of understanding to join the Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese Presidents Xi Jinpings ambitious loan-and-infrastructure program that aims to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and sea networks to boost regional integration by increasing trade and stimulating economic growth.

[M]any Islamic countries are completely under the pressure of the CCP and then help the Chinese government to speak about, approve or even praise the CCPs genocidal policy in Xinjiang, Teng said. Behind this is actually economic coercion and political pressure.

Also, many OIC states are authoritarian countries themselves, with poor human rights records, so they have refrained from criticizing Beijing, he said.

People dance to music at a public square in Aksu in western China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, as seen during a government organized trip for foreign journalists, April 20, 2021. China has focused on promoting its narrative on Xinjiang that includes happy Uyghurs living stable lives. Credit: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

The Chinese government also uses large-scale external propaganda and state-controlled media to create false appearances, such as during delegation visits to places like Xinjiang, which are carefully orchestrated, Teng said.

It is obviously impossible for these so-called delegations to see the concentration camps and the miserable lives of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang, he said.

The government also buys some countries through economic aid, including canceling the debts of many countries, Teng said. Therefore, the governments of these countries put some economic interests and political interests above their own religious culture and universal values.

Chinas lies

The World Uyghur Congress and Campaign for Uyghurs  two Uyghur rights groups  condemned the visit and called on the OIC to uphold its moral values and principles, and to collectively denounce the ongoing persecution of Uyghurs.

Unfortunately, many countries in the Muslim world, especially in the Middle East, are very willing and ready to believe in China's lies about this tragedy, this human rights crisis, because they see China as an anti-Western power, said Mustafa Akyol, senior fellow at the Catos Institutes Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity.

Adrian Zenz, a researcher at the Washington, D.C.-based Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation and an expert on the Xinjiang region, harshly denounced the OICs visit to China.

High-level OIC delegation visits Xinjiang, praises Chinas policies, he said on X, formerly known as Twitter. The extent to which this Muslim organization kowtows to Beijing is truly remarkable. Do they really have that much to gain from whitewashing a genocide? What did Beijing offer them?

Abdulhakim Idris, executive director of the U.S.-based Center for Uyghur Studies, urged OIC members to meet with Uyghurs in exile, including survivors of concentration camps, so they can hear their stories.

Translated by RFA Uyghur. Edited by Roseanne Gerin and Malcolm Foster.
Hoang Van Luan was charged under Article 331, often used by the countrys one-party government to control dissent.

Vietnamese activist Hoang Van Luan has been charged with abusing democratic freedoms, according to a statement issued by Ky Anh district police.

An activist who has organized numerous petition drives in coastal Ha Tinh province has been arrested under Vietnams Article 331, the statute commonly used by authorities to silence those speaking out for human rights.

Hoang Van Luan, 35, was arrested on Wednesday and charged with abusing democratic freedoms, according to a statement issued by Ky Anh district police to state media.

At least 15 people across Vietnam have been arrested this year and charged under Article 331, according to a Radio Free Asia tally. The statute has been widely criticized by international communities as being vague.

The arrests under Article 331 are a part of Vietnams efforts in recent years to stifle political dissent. Activists are also commonly charged with distributing propaganda against the state under Article 117 of the 2015 Penal Code.

Since 2018, Luan has led petition drives for 18 groups on issues presented to officials at the village, district and provincial levels, as well as at central government offices in Hanoi, Ky Anh police said.

The petitions have included the names of 981 people, police said.

In 2019, police in Hanois Ha Dong district imposed an administration penalty with a warning against Luan, saying his group of petitioners were disrupting social order.

This week, the official Peoples Police Newspaper ran a photo of Luan and other petitioners who urged authorities to complete a promised water supply project to improve the lives of residents in the Vung Ang Economic Zone in Ky Anh district.

The Vung Ang zone was the site of a devastating toxic waste spill in 2016. The spill by Taiwan-owned Formosa Plastics Groups steel plant killed an estimated 115 tons of fish and left fishermen jobless in four coastal provinces, including Ha Tinh.

Luan has also organized petitions in the province that have nothing to do with his family interests, such as the North-South Highway, Ky Anh police said on Wednesday. The petitions have led to delays in land clearance for the project, police said.

Edited by Matt Reed.
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
RILA, Bulgaria -- Thousands of followers of a spiritual movement called the Universal White Brotherhood have camped high in Bulgarias Rila Mountains to mark their "new year" season. The gathering culminates each year on August 19 in one of the worlds most spectacular rituals.

The White Brotherhood has its roots in a society for lifting the religious spirit of the Bulgarian people that was founded in 1897 by Peter Deunov.

Deunov was a Bulgarian theologian who spent several years studying in New Jersey and Boston in the late 1800s before sailing back to Europe and becoming a spiritual master.

The writings of Deunov make several references to race, including the claim that the souls of all ethnicities must pass through the white race before becoming a mystical and final sixth race of brotherhood and love.

Today, the White Brotherhood says the name of their movement is strictly about white light, the highest spiritual symbol, which is the synthesis of all colors.

After a prayer session to meet the sunrise on August 18, Gizda Staneva, a longtime member of the White Brotherhood, said, It's not a religion. Its a connection. Its offering you a connection with nature and with God. Many in the movement are active Christians, but the Bulgarian church has historically been hostile to the brotherhood.

Staneva says Deunov left his followers several real-world challenges to attempt if they wish, including to go into the world and live with no money for one week, and see how you will be.

Another, more attainable challenge is to go into the mountains -- first in a group, then with one other person, and finally alone. You get to see the difference this makes in you, Staneva says. Its the same place, but a totally different experience.

The most distinctive emblem of the White Brotherhood is the paneurhythmy -- a dance-like ritual that has been dubbed "Bulgarian tai chi" and can be seen practiced in towns where a significant number of the White Brotherhood live.

The paneurhythmy takes its most spectacular form throughout most of August, when the brotherhood dresses in white then gathers en masse each morning on an alpine meadow in the Rila Mountains some 2,100 meters above sea level.

Svetla Baltova, one of the teachers of the paneurhythmy, told RFE/RL that being inside the slowly rotating circles gives her a feeling of light and peace, as if heaven has come down to Earth.

The paneurhythmy is led by a group of musicians from the center of the circles who play mostly violins. The largest gathering for the ritual is on August 19 each year when Deunov claimed the "cosmic energy" in nature is at its strongest.

Baltova says it's unknown how many followers of the movement exist worldwide, but there are tens of thousands in Bulgaria. A 1995 French government report counted 20,000 White Brotherhood members in France. The report classed the movement as a "sect."

After the paneurhythmy, members turn to embrace. Some young women skip with glee, while others appear relieved that the 90-minute ritual, which takes place under the ferocious mountain sun, is over.
One was a dogged reporter determined to expose corruption, malfeasance, and abuse from the halls of power in Moscow to the killing fields of Chechnya.

Another was a fiery politician who led chants at peaceful protests against President Vladimir Putin, election fraud, and Russias aggression in Ukraine.

At least three more were men from widely different walks of life who had one thing in common: suspicions about the 1999 apartment-building bombings that led to a new war in Chechnya and helped make the little-known Putin popular before Boris Yeltsin stepped down and made him president.

They differed in many ways. In some cases, the differences are so great -- their public personas and apparent moral compasses so strikingly unalike -- that the sight of their names on the same page is jarring.

But the list of influential Russians who have been killed or died under murky circumstances after opposing, criticizing, or crossing Putin, the Kremlin, or the state is long.

And it may be getting longer.

If his death in a plane crash on August 23 is confirmed, the latest addition will be Yevgeny Prigozhin, the long-secretive and then suddenly brashly, blatantly, profanely outspoken figure behind a range of shadowy and unwholesome enterprises, from a troll farm that meddled in U.S. elections to a mercenary army that has fought in Syria and Ukraine -- where it was at the center of the long, bloody battle for Bakhmut -- and been active in several African countries.

An erstwhile Putin ally, Prigozhin launched an abortive mutiny in late June, two months to the day before his death, that he said targeted Russias military leaders but embarrassed Putin and exposed the limits of his control, making a leader cast as a strong and reliable protector of the people look weak.

These are some of the prominent people who have died violent or suspicious deaths since Putin, who has been president or prime minister of Russia since August 1999, came to power 24 years ago.

Not featured here are those who have survived close calls -- such as the former military intelligence officer Sergei Skripal and the imprisoned Kremlin foe Aleksei Navalny, who blames Putin and the Federal Security Service for his near-fatal poisoning with a weapons-grade nerve agent in August 2020.

Sergei Yushenkov

April 17, 2003: Sergei Yushenkov, a veteran politician and leader of the anti-Kremlin party Liberal Russia, is shot in front of his Moscow home.

Yushenkov had been at the forefront of efforts by liberal lawmakers to investigate the possible involvement of the Federal Security Service (FSB) in a series of deadly apartment bombings in 1999. The bombings, which killed some 300 people, were blamed on Chechen militants and used by Moscow as a pretext to launch the Second Chechen War.

Anna Politkovskaya

October 7, 2006: One of Russia's most prominent journalists and a persistent chronicler of rights abuses in Chechnya, Politkovskaya is shot dead in her apartment building, in an execution-style killing.

Two men were sentenced to life in prison and three others to long prison terms in 2014 for their involvement, but relatives, colleagues, and Western governments suspect that Russian authorities will never pinpoint or punish the masterminds of her killing because a thorough investigation would lead too close to Putins government or the Kremlin-backed leadership in Chechnya.

Aleksandr Litvinenko

November 23, 2006: The former Russian security agent dies in London after being poisoned with radioactive polonium-210. Litvinenko had fled to Britain in 2000 after accusing the FSB of plotting to kill oligarch Boris Berezovsky. He later co-authored a book blaming the agency for the 1999 apartment-building bombings.

The British investigation found Litvinenko drank tea laced with polonium during a meeting in a London hotel several weeks earlier with Russians Andrei Lugovoi and Dmitry Kovtun. Moscow refused to extradite them. In 2017, the United States blacklisted both under the Magnitsky Act.

Natalya Estemirova

July 16, 2009: The body of the renowned human rights activist, with bullet wounds to her head and chest, is found in Ingushetia, hours after her abduction near her home in the capital of Chechnya, Grozny.

Natalya Estemirova had been investigating hundreds of suspected rights abuses in Chechnya, including kidnapping and murder. The rights group she worked for, Memorial, said initial investigation pointed to the possible involvement of local law enforcement officers.

Memorial's chief, Oleg Orlov, was later sued for defamation after accusing Kremlin-backed Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov of orchestrating Estemirova's killing, but he was eventually acquitted.

Sergei Magnitsky

November 16, 2009: The whistle-blowing lawyer who had implicated Russian officials in an alleged $230 million tax fraud dies one year after being jailed on similar charges. Sergei Magnitsky suffered from pancreatitis and was denied medical care in pretrial detention, conditions rights activists said were tantamount to torture. According to the Kremlin's own human rights council, he was badly beaten before his death.

In 2012, the United States adopted the Magnitsky Act, which targets Russians implicated in rights abuses with visa bans and asset freezes, and other Western countries have followed suit. In July 2013, a Russian court found Magnitsky guilty of tax evasion in an unprecedented posthumous trial.

Boris Nemtsov

February 27, 2015: The reformist former regional governor and deputy prime minister who was a rising political star in the 1990s but became one of Putins most vocal opponents is shot dead in a gangland-style killing on a bridge near the Kremlin, at age 55.

A liberal lawmaker early in Putins presidency, Nemtsov helped lead protests against stacked parliamentary elections and Putins return to the presidency in 2012. He staunchly opposed Russias aggression against Ukraine in 2014, calling it despicable, impudent, and harmful for Russia."

At the time of his killing, he and associates had been working on a report detailing evidence of the extent of Moscow's interference in the neighboring country.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- The video recorded on a Kazakh farmer's smartphone reached the Internet like a distress signal.

"Zhambyl Province. Sugar beet. There is no water. The beet has died," the voice said over footage of failed crops in this traditionally fertile corner of southern Kazakhstan.



As a baking July segued into August, beet farmers in the province were indeed without water -- irrigation water that they would otherwise have received from a reservoir in neighboring Kyrgyzstan.



Though not all the farmers were blaming Kyrgyzstan.



Some were aiming their complaints at local authorities, an alarming development for authorities in the Kazakh capital, Astana.



"Why do we need this kind of governor?" vented one farmer, during a visit by RFE/RL correspondents to the area.



The Kyrgyz Agriculture Ministry argues it has fulfilled all its obligations to its downstream neighbor but maintains that in a year of extended droughts and high summer temperatures, there simply isn't any extra water to share.

The Kirov water reservoir in its northwestern Talas region is carrying a fraction of last year's volume, the ministry said, and is only 3 percent of its capacity.



Satellite images of Kirov from this year and last year appear to support that assertion, while farmers in northern Kyrgyzstan, too, have been complaining about a lack of water.



But many Kyrgyz feel Kazakhstan has decided to punish them anyway.



Since August 20, a queue of hundreds of cargo-carrying vehicles has formed at the Ak-Tilek border crossing, with another 100-plus line emerging at the Ken-Bulan border crossing in the days that followed.



Truckers at Ak-Tilek say Kazakh border officials are slowing the passage of vehicles to around six per day. The usual pace is about 20 per hour.



Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Yerulan Zhamaubaev told journalists on August 23 that Kazakhstan's Committee for National Security had been conducting anti-narcotics operations on the country's shared border.

He did not say how long the delays at the border might last.



As if that were not enough, on August 24 the office of Kazakh President Qasym-Zhomart Toqaev suddenly announced that Toqaev would host Emomali Rahmon, the leader of Kyrgyzstan's bitter regional rival, Tajikistan, on August 25-26.



A coincidence? Perhaps.



But past form suggests that when Astana is not happy with Bishkek, it makes its feelings known.



'When There Is Not Enough Water, Tensions Arise'



Tensions over water in Central Asia are not new, although regional cooperation as a whole has improved since 2016, when Shavkat Mirziyoev came to power in Uzbekistan.



Mirziyoev's predecessor, Islam Karimov, had been notoriously prickly on the subject, even warning of the potential for military conflict over access to transboundary resources such as water.

But this year's droughts have stretched existing arrangements to their limits while hammering farming in the region.



It was Mirziyoev's office that sounded the alarm in April, with a presidential decree rolling out emergency water-saving measures in lieu of forecasts that the region's Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers would see their water levels drop between 10 percent and 20 percent this year.



At the beginning of the year, there had been expectations of relatively strong inflows into the region's mountain rivers, but "they did not come to pass," according to Yevgeny Simonov, international coordinator of the Rivers without Boundaries Coalition, a nonprofit formerly based in Russia.



Although "the trend toward a reduction in the volume of rivers is common to all river basins" in the region, several rivers rising in Kyrgyzstan's mountains and flowing into Kazakhstan -- the Syrdarya, Chu, and Talas rivers -- seem to have notably reduced flows, Simonov told RFE/RL.

"Perhaps in the first half of the year, [Central Asian] countries spent more water than they could afford in such a drought," Simonov argued.



"Almost always when there is not enough water, tensions arise between neighbors. The mechanisms for their resolution leave much to be desired," he added.



At least one Kyrgyz official, irrigation expert Ulan Chortombaev, has already linked the stoppages at the border to the water issue.



But on August 23, Kyrgyz Agriculture Ministry official Almazbek Sokeyev claimed his Kazakh colleagues "viewed [the situation] with understanding" after talks and had assured him the problem at the border was completely unrelated to the water cutoff.



Bishkek had warned Astana in negotiations earlier in the summer that water would be a problem, but maintains it had fulfilled its quota for the provision by early August, triggering the end of outflows from the parched reservoir.

Kazakhstan has stopped short of accusing Kyrgyzstan of playing water games, but an August 9 Ecology Ministry statement highlighted the discrepancy between volumes in the Kirov water reservoir this year (32.48 million cubic meters on August 9) and last year -- some 144.8 million cubic meters more than that total.



"According to the 2022 schedule, Kazakhstan's requirements from the Talas River in August were 45 cubic meters [of water] per second. [Now] no water is effectively being supplied," the ministry said at the time, pledging to continue negotiations with Kyrgyzstan.



In Zhambyl Province, which sources 80 percent of its water from Kyrgyzstan, authorities have declared emergency situations in six districts while pledging compensation to farmers set to lose 25 percent to 30 percent more of their harvest compared to last year.



On the Kyrgyz side of Ak-Tilek, meanwhile, where truckers working between the two countries have been offered tents by Kyrgyz officials, there were few doubts that the flow of water and the flow of goods were interlinked.



"The Kyrgyz side is working perfectly. The Kazakh side is a real pain," said a driver named Igor, speaking to RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service.



"It's not official. But [people] say [the border delay] is because Kyrgyzstan has stopped sending water."



2017 Redux?



In terms of language, culture, and tradition, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz are two of Central Asia's most similar peoples. But the relationship at the political level is not particularly warm.



The nadir for bilateral ties in recent times was in 2017, when Kyrgyzstan's outgoing leader Almazbek Atambaev launched a spectacular tirade at Kazakhstan's first president, Nursultan Nazarbaev, whom he accused of interfering in the country's upcoming election.

The then-Kyrgyz president depicted Nazarbaev as an aging autocrat in the vein of a Mongol khan and said Kazakhstan's elite was robbing its population.



The response was swift, and -- just like this week -- long lines soon began appearing on the Kyrgyz side of the pair's shared border as the Kazakh side announced an extended operation to combat smuggling.



Atambaev rather carelessly suggested the logjams would soon disappear if Kyrgyzstan "turned off" Kazakhstan's water for two or three days.



But the erratic politician did not carry through with the threat, and even he may have realized he had overplayed his hand.



Kyrgyzstan's border crossings with Kazakhstan are an economic lifeline for exporters in the north of the country, and the logical jumping-off points for goods heading even further north to Russia.

The fact that both countries are members of the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union has never prevented Kazakhstan throttling trade at the frontier in the past.

This might explain why Kyrgyz social media users have expressed anger at notions their country is using water to exert leverage over a more powerful neighbor.



One article published on the Asia Times website on July 31 and subsequently translated and republished by Kazakh media suggested exactly that, linking so-called Kyrgyz "pressure" to Russia's desire for Kazakhstan to do more to help it evade sanctions over the Ukraine war.



Yet that somewhat fanciful argument is undermined by images not just of Kirov, but of Kyrgyzstan's largest reservoir, Toktogul, which services the vital Toktogul hydropower plant.



To be sure, water in Central Asia is not well managed. But this year, there is simply less to go around.
After the Wagner mercenary group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin led an abortive rebellion this summer that posed the greatest challenge to President Vladimir Putins 24-year grip on power, many experts said the billionaire Kremlin insider now had a target on his back.

As Prigozhins troops marched toward Moscow on June 24, demanding a change in the military leadership amid heavy losses and serious setbacks in the war against Ukraine, Putin called their act treason and compared it to momentous events in World War I that led to the collapse of the Russian Empire.

The message Putin is trying to send is, Dont even think of trying to rebel. Prigozhin ultimately did not get away with anything. So your fate will be his fate if you try anything stupid like this.

Putin has said in the past that the one thing he cannot forgive is betrayal, and he repeated that during the mutiny, warning that those who consciously chose the path of betrayalwill suffer an inevitable punishment."



So, when a private jet with Prigozhin on the manifest crashed in a field northwest of Moscow on August 23 -- killing all 10 people aboard, according to Russian aviation authorities -- the only surprise to some experts was how soon it happened, exactly two months after the short-lived insurrection.



It is pretty straightforward, Maria Snegovaya, a Russia analyst at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), told RFE/RL. He did something that was taboo. He was going to be eliminated sooner or later, and this time it came quite fast."



An Embraer Legacy 600 affiliated with Wagner was flying from Moscow to Prigozhins hometown of St. Petersburg when it fell from the sky shortly after 6 p.m., bursting into flames upon impact in a field and sending a black cloud of smoke high into the air.



A day later, there was no official confirmation that Prigozhin, 62, was among the dead.

WATCH: Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led an armed rebellion in Russia, has presumably died in an air crash aged 62. The incident occurred two months after the mutiny. Prigozhin spent years in a Soviet jail, before becoming known as "Putin's chef" for growing rich off Kremlin catering contracts.

The cause of the crash was not immediately known, and an investigation has been opened. There was no information on whether rescuers had found the planes black box, which could provide insight into whether pilot error, technical malfunction, a bomb, or a missile had brought down the plane.



Putin, who was awarding soldiers medals at the time of the August 23 crash, has yet to comment on it.



A missile strike would be highly symbolic as Prigozhins forces had shot down aircraft during their rebellion, reportedly killing more than 10 Russian servicemen.

But the truth may never be known. Critics say that under Putin, Russian authorities have frequently shied away from conducting thorough investigations of events that cut too close to the Kremlin or covering up the results of such probes. Nonetheless, Russians will connect the dots, experts said.



I think a lot of people are going to assume that this is not an accident, that this is yet another example of Putin getting rid of people who are inconvenient, Mark Katz, a political science professor at George Mason University in Virginia, told RFE/RL.

In late June, following the Wagner mutiny, Katz told RFE/RL he believed it was highly likely that Prigozhin would be assassinated within a few months.



While the Kremlin will deny any involvement, the crash will send a clear message to those dissatisfied with Putins management of the war effort in Ukraine, Katz said on August 23.



The message Putin is trying to send is, Dont even think of trying to rebel. Prigozhin ultimately did not get away with anything. So your fate will be his fate if you try anything stupid like this, he said.

At first, it did appear that Prigozhin might just get away with what many observers said -- even though its stated targets were military leaders -- amounted to the most brazen attack on Putins authority since the former KGB officer rose to power in 1999.



The mercenary leader appeared to move freely around Russia and Belarus in the days after the mutiny and even showed up on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit that Putin hosted in St. Petersburg in late July, giving the impression that the two had settled their differences.



To many, including some in Russias elite, the seeming leniency appeared to be a sign of Putins weakness. High-profile critics of Putin have in several cases suffered terrible fates, killed by bullets or exotic poisons.



However, others said Putin was biding his time, waiting for the mutiny to fade from the front pages before getting his revenge. The seeming reconciliation between the two men also offers the Kremlin a veneer of deniability in the crash.



Prigozhin rose to prominence and fabulous wealth in the 2010s thanks to his proximity to Putin, though the exact nature of their personal relationship remains cloudy.



In 2022, as Russias invasion of Ukraine struggled, Prigozhin deployed his Wagner forces to the front and appeared to achieve greater success than the regular armed forces, capturing the Donbas city of Bakhmut in May after months of extremely deadly fighting.



Over the course of several months, Prigozhin allowed himself to harshly criticize Russias military leadership and won the minds of many pro-war propogandists, bloggers, and nationalists in the process -- people who back the invasion but believe Moscow is botching it badly. He even showed political ambitions.



When he launched his mutiny on June 23, after numerous calls for the ouster of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, General Valery Gerasimov, his troops faced little resistance as they approached within 200 kilometers of Moscow, raising questions about loyalties and levels of support for the Kremlin among members of the military and security services who are dissatisfied with the progress of the war.

Days before the plane crash, Bloomberg News reported that hawks in the security services have been pushing the same demands as Prigozhin, calling for new military leadership and an escalation of fighting.



Putin initially allowed pro-war bloggers and nationalists to criticize his military leadership even as he jailed anti-war activists. Prigozhins mutiny seemed to show clearly that he had let it go too far.



The nationalists were useful at one point and now they are not so funny anymore and he has to deal with them, Katz said.



Igor Girkin, a rabid nationalist and pro-war commentator who called Putin a useless coward in a Telegram post to his 800,000 followers, was arrested last month in a move widely seen as a warning to his ilk.



Prigozhins death, if confirmed -- or even his disappearance, if he does not resurface -- will do the same.



It is about reasserting control in a very demonstrative way. If you dare to challenge the boss, this is what happens to you. It is very much a godfather-type of situation. That is how the system works, Snegovaya said.



Experts also said that Prigozhins death opens up an opportunity for Putin to dismantle the near-monopoly Wagner held as Russias go-to mercenary group and bring parts of it under greater Kremlin control to prevent it from threatening him again.



Prigozhin concentrated a lot of power in his hands as he deployed Wagner forces to numerous states in Africa and the Middle East.



This is the first big step toward Putin reimagining how he can use the operational infrastructure that Wagner has built up in a way that continues to advance Russian goals while also being more reliably loyal to him, said Catrina Doxsee, an expert at the CSIS, who analyzes transnational threats, including mercenary groups.



However, she said it remains to be seen how the Wagners rank-and-file would react to a change in control, noting that Prigozhin had enjoyed a lot of loyalty.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his first remarks since the deadly crash of the plane thought to be carrying the founder of the Wagner group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, expressed his condolences to the families of all of the victims while also referring to the serious mistakes made by the mercenary leader.

"He [Prigozhin] was a talented man," Putin said on August 24, calling the crash a day earlier just north of Moscow a "tragedy" without specifically stating whether he believed the mercenary leader had been aboard the flight.



Putin called Prigozhin a man of difficult fate [who had] made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed -- both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months.

Putin didn't specify the "mistakes" made by the man who just two months ago led a short-lived mutiny against the Russian military and presented the most serious challenge to Putin in his more than two decades in power.

"My sincere condolences to the families of all those who perished," Putin added.

Putin called Prigozhin a man of difficult fate [who had] made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed -- both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months.

Putin didn't specify the "mistakes" made by the man who just two months ago led a short-lived mutiny against the Russian military and presented the most serious challenge to Putin in his more than two decades in power.

Investigators on August 24 continued to sift through wreckage of a private jet belonging to the Wagner group after it crashed en route to St. Petersburg from Moscow, leaving no survivors among a passenger list containing the names of 10 people, including Prigozhin, who exactly two months earlier led a brief mutiny against Russia's top army brass.



The Flightradar24 online tracker showed a Brazilian-built Embraer 600 jet dropping off radar screens early in the evening on August 23. Soon after, video on social media appeared to show a plane falling through the sky in an area about 300 kilometers north of Moscow that coincided with the location of the aircraft's disappearance.

"If they [Wagner leaders] really were aboard -- and the preliminary data say that employees of the Wagner company were there -- I would like to emphasize that these people had contributed significantly to our common efforts of the [fight in Ukraine]," Putin said.

WATCH: Reuters shared footage of a falling aircraft and a photograph of debris on fire in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow.

Questions over whether Prigozhin was on the plane or not and the circumstances surrounding the plane crash have led to speculation that Putin was behind the crash.

A close ally of Putin for decades, Prigozhin led the June 24 that saw Wagner fighters seize the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and march to within 200 kilometers of Moscow. A Russian military aircraft was shot down during the mutiny, and altogether 13 Russian Air Force personnel were killed.

Putin's indirect confirmation of Prigozhin's death may do little to quell the rumors.

"If they [Wagner leaders] really were aboard -- and the preliminary data say that employees of the Wagner company were there -- I would like to emphasize that these people had contributed significantly to our common efforts of the [fight in Ukraine]," Putin said.

U.S. Brigadier General Pat Ryder declined to comment on what U.S. intelligence was indicating about the crash but did downplay earlier reports that officials suspected that a surface-to-air missile was responsible.

Our initial assessment was that Prigozhin was killed. We dont have any information right now the press reporting stating that there was some kind of surface-to-air missile that took down the plane. We assess that information to be inaccurate, he told a briefing.

Separately, U.S. and Western intelligence sources told AP that a preliminary assessment had concluded that an intentional explosion caused the crash and that Prigozhin was very likely targeted.

Wagner commander and co-founder Dmitry Utkin was also listed among the seven passengers on the jet, Russia's aviation authority said, quoting the airline. Two pilots and a flight attendant also were onboard the plane, the aviation authority said, adding an investigation into the incident has been launched.



There has been no official confirmation from the Kremlin or the Defense Ministry that Prigozhin and Utkin died, but a Telegram channel linked to Wagner pronounced him dead.

The channel, Grey Zone, declared Prigozhin a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia."



Grey Zone also reported that another private jet owned by Prigozhin landed safely in the Moscow region. The information could not be independently verified.



A St. Petersburg building where Wagner offices are located lit up windows at night to form a giant cross while some people stopped near the building to leave flowers and light candles.



"The Commission of the Federal Air Transport Agency is starting initial actions at the scene, and has also begun collecting factual materials on the training of the crew, the technical condition of the aircraft, the meteorological situation on the flight route, the work of dispatch services and ground radio equipment," the aviation authority said in a statement.



Prigozhin was not arrested or detained at the time of the mutiny, but Putin denounced the insurrection as a "stab in the back" and vowed to punish all "traitors" involved.



"It is unlikely that anyone thinks this is a coincidence. It just so happens that political opponents whom Vladimir Putin considers a threat to his power do not die naturally," said Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.

In an attempt to head off conspiracy theories that Kyiv was involved, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukraine had "nothing to do with it [the crash]" and that "everyone understands who was involved."



"Everybody knows who has something to do with it," he added in a thinly veiled suggestion that Putin ordered the downing of the plane.



The deaths of Prigozhin and Utkin, if proven true, would be a severe blow to the Wagner group, which was key in Russia's battle to take the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut earlier this year.



Mykhaylo Podolyak, chief adviser in the Ukrainian presidents office, said the incident is a warning sign to anyone else in Russia that wants to challenge Putin's authority.

"The show-stopping removal of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is Putins signal to Russian elites ahead of the 2024 elections: 'Fight! Disloyalty equals death,'" he said in a statement.



Wagner soldiers have also been deployed to Syria, where Russia supports President Bashar Assads government in a civil war and in Libya, where they fought alongside forces of commander Khalifa Hifter. The group has also operated in the Central African Republic and Mali.



Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki warned that the Wagner group may become more of a concern for Europe's security if Prigozhin indeed is found to have died in the accident.



"The Wagner group comes under Putin's leadership. Let everyone answer the question for themselves: Will the threat be bigger or smaller? For me, that's a rhetorical question," he told a news conference in Warsaw.



The Wagner chiefs whereabouts have been largely a mystery since the mutiny. He appeared in his first video since the mutiny earlier this week. In footage possibly shot in Africa and published on August 21 on Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner group, Prigozhin is seen standing in a desert area in camouflage and with a rifle in his hands.

Earlier he was believed to be moving between Russia and Belarus, where Wagner troops have been setting up camps to train Belarusian armed forces as part of a deal negotiated that helped end the mutiny.



The Wagner insurrection came on the heels of months of intense public infighting with Russias military leadership over the war strategy in Ukraine and ammunition supplies.



The head of the U.S. CIA, William Burns, said last month Putin would likely seek retribution against Prigozhin.



"Putin is the ultimate apostle of payback," he said, speaking on July 20 at the Aspen Security Forum.



He said he would be surprised if Prigozhin escaped further retribution.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, and TASS
Main Intelligence Directorate discloses details of special operation in Crimea: All tasks done, Ukrainian defenders leave scene without losses

The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, with the assistance of the Ukrainian Naval Forces, conducted a special operation in temporarily occupied Crimea on the night of August 24, the special forces used vessels to reach the shore and landed in the vicinity of Olenivka and Mayak.

The Ukrainian defenders came into clash with the occupation forces during the operation, the Intelligence Directorate said.

"As a result, the enemy suffered personnel losses and enemy hardware was destroyed. Also, the national flag has been again raised in Ukrainian Crimea. All goals and tasks were accomplished. After ending the special operation, the Ukrainian defenders left the scene without losses," it said.

The occupation authorities of Crimea did no comment on the event regardless numerous calls from the local residents, their only statement was about alleged "scheduled destruction of ammunition," the Ukrainian intelligence said.

"The Ukrainian defense forces will continue to help the occupiers destroy their ammunition, equipment and personnel," it said.
"Wagner is a cruel fellow," a Wagner officer told RFE/RL in 2018, speaking of senior mercenary field commander Dmitry Utkin, whose call sign was "Wagner." "He's no fool."

When a private jet that Russian aviation authorities said was carrying Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed on August 23 en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, Utkin's name was also on the passenger list. All 10 people aboard the plane were killed, Russian authorities said.



The Telegram channel VChK-OGPU, which is believed to be connected with Russian security services, reported that Utkin, described as Wagner's "military commander and head of training" and as "Prigozhin's right hand," had been killed in the crash along with Prigozhin.



Nazi Tattoos



Dmitry Utkin was born in 1970 in the Urals region industrial city of Asbest. In early childhood, Utkin and his mother moved to the village of Smoline in central Ukraine. After graduating from high school, he entered a military academy in Leningrad -- the hometown of Prigozhin and President Vladimir Putin, now called St. Petersburg -- from which he was recruited into the special forces of Russian military intelligence, known as the GRU.



He served in the GRU from 1993 until 2013, fighting in both wars in Chechnya and rising to the rank of lieutenant colonel.



According to numerous accounts by journalists and Wagner fighters, Utkin was enamored of the aesthetics and ideology of Nazi Germany. Photographs of him have appeared showing Nazi tattoos on his chest and shoulders. He adopted the nom de guerre Wagner after Richard Wagner, the 19th-century composer who was a favorite of Adolf Hitler's. He also reportedly practiced a modern form of Slavic paganism called Rodnovery.

In 2013, Utkin began working for the ostensibly private Moran Security Group, a company created by Russian military veterans to provide security, muscle, and military training around the world. The company specialized in combating piracy at sea.



Around the same time, two mercenaries tied to Moran created a Hong Kong-registered group called Slavonic Corps Ltd. to recruit Russians to fight in Syria and provide security for the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Utkin served with the Slavonic Corps, which suffered defeats in battles with Syrian militants. After a battle in which several Slavonic Corps mercenaries were wounded, the Russian military evacuated them to Russia. The two Moran mercenaries who founded the group were detained in Russia by the Federal Security Service (FSB) for illegal mercenary activity.



'Deniable Decoy'



Utkin immediately formed his own mercenary group, Wagner, using his own nom de guerre as the name. He and other Wagner mercenaries were spotted in Ukraine's Crimea region during the Russian seizure of the Black Sea peninsula in early 2014. Later, they fought alongside Russian-backed separatists in parts of Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions.



According to the open-source investigations group Bellingcat, in 2020, Utkin "was not in the driver's seat" in the formation of Wagner but rather was used as a figurehead and "deniable decoy" to mask Russian-government involvement.

Utkin and his Wagner fighters returned to Syria in 2015 after a period of intense training in Russia's southern Krasnodar region. The group suffered heavy casualties in an offensive in and around Palmyra in March 2016. The Russian government continued to deny it was connected with the mercenaries, although they coordinated closely with the Russian military and were regularly transported on Russian military aircraft.



The connection between the Kremlin and the mercenaries became harder to deny when Utkin was seen attending a lavish Kremlin event in December 2016. He was even photographed with President Vladimir Putin wearing his Order of Courage decoration. When asked what Utkin had been decorated for, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said only: "Usually they give it for courage."



According to some reports, Utkin commanded the Wagner forces during the group's ill-fated attempted mutiny in June, exactly two months before the plane crash. At the time, Igor Girkin, a former Russian intelligence officer who in 2014-15 played a prominent role in anti-Kyiv violence in eastern Ukraine's Donbas, wrote: "I am not acquainted with Utkin's moral qualities, but he definitely has operational talent that he has honed over many years."



Decapitated?



In July 2022, retired Ukrainian intelligence officer Viktor Kelyuk said the Wagner group was attempting a "rebranding," creating a new "private military company" called Liga. Kelyuk told Current Time that the goal of Liga seemed to be to filter out the less-qualified Wagner fighters, including convicts, and create a unit "to carry out more difficult and important tasks."



Utkin, Kelyuk said, was based almost exclusively at the Wagner training center in Russia's Rostov region, which borders Ukraine, working on this project.



"He is not really participating in any combat actions," Kelyuk said.

The deaths of Prigozhin and Utkin, if they are confirmed, would be a "defining moment" for Wagner and its activities in Africa and elsewhere, said journalist Ilya Rozhdestvensky of the Dossier Center investigative group, who described Utkin as the group's "direct field commander."



"That would decapitate the Wagner fighters and leave them de facto without leadership," Rozhdestvensky told Current Time on August 23. "They would have no one to swear loyalty to and would have to seek new employers. In such a case, the Defense Ministry is the most likely candidate."



"Death is not the end," Utkin said in an undated conversation with Prigozhin that has been posted on the Internet. "It is just the beginning of something else."

Written by RFE/RL's Robert Coalson with reporting by Current Time correspondent Igor Sevryugin and RFE/RL's Russian Service
The Embraer Legacy 600 passenger jet dropped off radar screens around 6:11 p.m. Moscow time on August 23, not long after departing Moscows Sheremetyevo Airport en route to St. Petersburg. Rescuers found the wreckage of the jet a few hours later near the city of Tver, north of Moscow.

Ten people aboard died, according to Russian officials. Purportedly among the dead: the man who posed the gravest challenge to Vladimir Putin in his 23 years as Russias dominant political figure:

Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Known as Putins chef, and now better known for his ruthless mercenary company Wagner Group, Prigozhin is presumed to have been killed in the crash; Russian authorities have not yet confirmed reports from his allies, supporters, and some Russian media that he perished.

If confirmed, however, it wouldnt be the first time in modern Russia that an aircraft went down, shrouded in suspicion, with wide political implications for Russia.

Heres what we know about the crash of Prigozhins jet and about other recent Russian aviation disasters that also raised eyebrows.

No Shortage Of Reasons

The Embraer jet, tail number RA-02795, was one of a handful widely known to have belonged to Prigozhin, according to aircraft registration records. Russian aviation authorities released a passenger manifesto showing seven passengers on the plane, plus three crew members.

Prigozhins name was on the list, as was one of his top lieutenants, a former Russian intelligence operative named Dmitry Utkin, whose nom de guerre was later adopted by the Wagner Group. As of August 24, his death had also not been definitively confirmed.

Initial reports suggested that the jet may have been downed by Russian anti-aircraft defenses. Unconfirmed video posted to social media, meanwhile, showed a plane spiraling out of the sky, trailing smoke.

On August 24, a Telegram channel linked with Russian security agencies said investigators were looking at whether an explosive device had been planted on the jet, in the landing gear.

Theres a myriad of reasons why the Kremlin, or someone in the Defense Ministry, or Russias intelligence community, might want Prigozhin dead. Prigozhin has openly, and often profanely, challenged how Russian commanders are conducting the war against Ukraine, frequently insulting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff chairman General Valery Gerasimov by name.

The mutiny Prigozhin launched exactly two months prior to the plane crash, on June 23, meanwhile, was a tectonic political event in Russia, described as "the most direct assault on the Russian state in Vladimir Putin's 23 years in power, by the director of the CIA.

But after labeling the mutineers traitors, Putin did little to nothing to prosecute or punish any of them, Prigozhin included. The highest-profile punishment meted out to date appears to be General Sergei Surovikin, who briefly commanded the Ukraine invasion, who was seen as an ally of Prigozhin, and who may have had advance notice of the mutiny. Surovikin was reportedly removed from his command of Russia's Aerospace Forces this week.

Potential Putin Challenger

Square-jawed, gravely voiced, and known for quippy aphorisms, Aleksandr Lebed first gained attention as an airborne forces general during the 1991 coup attempt, when he refused to order his forces to suppress the resistance led by Boris Yeltsin. He garnered further fame when, as commander of Russias 14th Army, he headed off a civil war in 1992 in Moldova, where rival factions were poised for open conflict.

Lebed ran in the controversial 1996 presidential election, coming in third behind Yeltsin and Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov. He then threw his support to Yeltsin, who returned the favor by appointing Lebed as secretary of the national Security Council, clearing the way for Yeltsins reelection.

Lebed then led negotiations with Chechnyas self-declared president, Aslan Maskhadov, to end the First Chechen War in August 1996. However, the deal was seen as a humiliating capitulation for some hard-liners, and a clash with Yeltsin advisers led to his firing that October.

Two years later, he won election as governor of the sprawling, resource-rich Siberian region of Krasnoyarsk, amid speculation that he could run for the presidency in 2000. However, he ended up sitting out the election, which was ultimately won by Putin.

In April 2002, Lebed was on his way to inaugurate a new ski resort in the mountains of southern Krasnoyarsk when the Mi-8 helicopter he was flying in, along with 16 other passengers and crew, crashed. Eight people were killed, including Lebed, who died en route to the hospital. Authorities said the craft went down after running into power lines in foggy conditions and blamed the crew.

Lebeds associates, and at least one member of the Russian parliament, however, alleged the craft was sabotaged. One persistent theory, never confirmed, claimed that explosives had been placed on the choppers blades.

Lebeds death stunned the small, national following he had built over the years, as well as his supporters in Russias military and intelligence agencies. With Putin already moving to consolidate his power, some journalists and political allies speculated that Lebed would have made a formidable challenger to Putin. He had also made enemies among business interests who were vying for control of Krasnoyarsks valuable aluminum and nickel industry.

Ghosts Of Katyn

The 1940 massacre of thousands of Polish military officers and elites in the Katyn forest near Smolensk had been a festering wound between Warsaw and Moscow for years.

In the 1980s and '90s, evidence revealed by Soviet and Russian historians that Soviet secret police, not Nazi guards, had committed the killings had helped ease tensions. On April 10, 2010, a Polish Air Force jet carrying 96 members of Polands government and their relatives flew from Warsaw to Smolensk to mark the 70th anniversary of the killings -- a landmark event in the two countries relations.

The Tupolev jet, however, crashed in foggy conditions on approach to the Smolensk airport. All 96 people onboard died, including Polish President Lech Kaczynski, the chief of the Polish General Staff, and dozens of military officials, lawmakers, clergy, and others.

The event was traumatic for Poland, with echoes of Polish elite being killed in 1940.

Both Polish and Russian investigators found no technical problems with the jet. Blame fell heavily on the pilots, and possibly on military officials onboard, who are said to have resisted diverting the plane to another airfield. Polish authorities later found fault in the Polish military unit responsible for official flights.

Over time, however, the Russian and Polish conclusions diverged, with some in Poland alleging that the crash was intentional, blaming Russian air-traffic controllers and speculating about the presence of explosive traces. Russia, meanwhile, refused to turn over the planes flight recorders. Some officials in Polands ruling Law and Justice party embraced the theory that the crash was an assassination, and even accused a rival Polish politician, Donald Tusk, of orchestrating a cover-up.

In April 2023, Lech Kaczynskis surviving twin brother, Jaroslav -- who had become one of Polands most powerful politicians -- suggested Russian complicity in the crash, labeling it an assassination.

Top Secret

In the late 1980s, under Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachevs program of glasnost, or openness, independent journalists began to carve out a niche for themselves as muckraking investigators. Artyom Borovik was a pioneer in this effort, doing exclusive reporting from Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion.

Following the Soviet collapse, he built an investigative newspaper, Sovershenno Sekretno, into a popular multimedia empire, digging into corruption among Russias elite.

Borovik also was critical of the conduct of the First Chechen War and was highly skeptical of the 1999 Russian apartment bombings that helped pave the way for the Second Chechen War. Officials blamed Chechen terrorists for the blasts, which killed dozens of people.

Officials blamed Chechen terrorists for the blasts, which killed dozens of people. However, a small, persistent group of journalists and independent investigators have pointed to evidence that Russian security services may have been behind the blasts -- a plot aimed at both justifying a new invasion of Chechnya but also to propel Putin to the presidency.

In 2000, Borovik was investigating a rumor that Putins birth mother had not been a Russian woman in St. Petersburg after World War II, but was, in fact, a woman who was living in poverty in a rural Georgian village.

On March 9, Borovik, along with a Chechen businessman, planned to fly to Kyiv as part of that investigation. The plane, a Yakovlev Yak-40 carrying nine passengers, crashed seconds after taking off from Sheremetyevo Airport from a height of just 50 meters, according to press reports at the time.

Russian authorities blamed pilot error and said the planes wings were not deiced before takeoff. Speculation was rampant that the crash was deliberate, perhaps aimed at killing another Chechen businessman who was on the flight who was known to have financed Chechen separatist fighters.

Borovik's colleagues at Sovershenno Sekretno, however, pointed out that he had repeatedly received death threats and that he had been finalizing an article about Putin's alleged Georgian mother.

Other journalists and historians later linked Boroviks death specifically to his Putin research and to the article he had planned to publish days before the March 26, 2000, presidential election, in which Putin was running for the first time.

Putin ended up winning decidedly.
Russia launched a missile attack on the southern city of Dnipro early on August 24, wounding seven people, as Ukraine marked its Independence Day amid heavy fighting in the east and south.

"Powerful explosions in the middle of the night in Dnipro," Dnipropetrovsk regional Governor Serhiy Lysak said early on August 24 on Telegram, adding that a transport facility was destroyed.

Lysak said three men and four women with ages ranging from 32 to 55 were wounded in the strike. "Six were hospitalized in a moderate condition," he said.

Live Briefing: Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine RFE/RL's Live Briefing gives you all of the latest developments on Russia's full-scale invasion, Kyiv's counteroffensive, Western military aid, global reaction, and the plight of civilians. For all of RFE/RL's coverage of the war in Ukraine, click here.

More than a dozen civilian facilities were damaged, including a bank, a gas station, a hotel, an agricultural firm, a furniture factory, an administrative building, and two residential buildings.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said in a statement that Russia struck overnight with S-300, Iskander K, and Iskander M ballistic missiles, adding that one Iskander K missile was shot down by the Ukrainian air defense. He did not give further details.

Separately, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said late on August 24 that he had spoken by phone with U.S. President Joe Biden and thanked him for his Independence Day greetings.

"The U.S. took the lead in rallying global support for Ukraine. This crucial leadership enabled our struggle and bent the arc of history toward good," Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram.

Also on August 24, the Ukrainian militarys General Staff said that Kyivs forces had driven back Russian attacks on several areas of the front line, including Kupyansk in the east Avdyivka near the Russia-controlled city of Donetsk.

Kyiv also said that Ukrainian forces had repelled Russian moves near Maryinka, southwest of Donetsk.

The claims could not immediately be verified.

Ukrainian intelligence services had warned that there was an increased risk of Russian air strikes on Ukraine on Independence Day.

On the battlefield, Kyiv's military said Ukrainian forces had raised the national flag on the roof of a badly damaged school in the settlement of Robotyne in the southern Zaporizhzhya region.

There's been no independent confirmation and It is not clear whether the entire community has been liberated.

Meanwhile, the United States said it will begin training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 warplanes in October, joining a Western coalition that is helping to prepare Kyivs fliers on the sophisticated combat aircraft to join the fight against the Russian invasion.

Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder on August 24 said the program would begin in the state of Arizona following completion of English-language training sessions for Ukrainian pilots.

"These pilots will be conducting English-language training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in September prior to attending F-16 flying training in Arizona," Ryder said without specifying the number of pilots.

The U.S. announcement came after reports out of the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway that those NATO nations would be sending an undisclosed number of F-16 jets to Ukraine.

With reporting by Reuters, dpa, and AP
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
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
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the motivation of Ukrainian defenders during counteroffensive must not be lost.

"A positive counteroffensive depends on many things. We must not allow that our fighters lose motivation. For this, we talked directly to our partners today about [] armored medical vehicles. This is very important today," he said at a press conference following a meeting with the Norwegian prime minister in Kyiv on Thursday.

The president said that it is important "to not lose motivation of fighters who know that if anything happens, a medical worker, a surgeon, a doctor, a military surgeon will cover the fighters, save their life, the evacuator will work, armored vehicles will be there, that he and you are defending your country."

"However, motivation will be absolutely different if you defend your country while no hardware protects you. This is absolutely unfair," Zelenskyy said, adding that they are addressing many issues that have influence on positive results of the counteroffensive.
Press Release

August 24, 2023 Hontiveros: Expand funding support for PCG amid increasing Chinese hostility in WPS Senator Risa Hontiveros has said that the Senate must strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and provide it with greater funding for intelligence operations and maritime patrols, to help the agency better perform its mandate amid rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). During her privilege speech about Proposed Senate Resolution No. 744 calling on senators to empower the PCG and uphold national sovereignty, Hontiveros congratulated PCG personnel for successfully carrying out on August 22 a rotation and resupply mission for the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal despite harassment by Chinese vessels. "I hope that the entire Senate can also stand firmly behind our Philippine Coast Guard. In the budget process, I encourage all of us to support the increase of the PCG's funds.. If we could further strengthen the men and women of our Coast Guard, arm them with advanced equipment - such as radar stations, automatic identification systems (AIS) hardware and others - we can more effectively hold China accountable for her hostile, aggressive, and illegal actions in the West Philippine Sea," Hontiveros said. The senator pointed out that despite the PCG facing "a clear and present danger" brought about by China's increasing hostilities in the region, funding for PCG operations remains limited. Since 2009, the agency has only been receiving "a measly" P10 million in intelligence funds annually, forcing the agency to rely solely on human intelligence (HUMINT) to get up-to-date information. In contrast, Hontiveros said, PCG personnel and vessels performing missions in Philippine territory have been increasingly targeted by "China's cruelty at sea" over the last two years. These incidents, Hontiveros said, include the firing of water cannons on Philippine ships during a resupply mission for personnel in the BRP Sierra Madre last August 5, and during a similar incident last November 2021. According to Hontiveros, the Chinese Coast Guard, in another incident in August 2022, removed the cover of a 70-mm naval gun aboard their ship and pointed it towards a PCG vessel traveling to Ayungin Shoal. Later, in February 2023, China deployed a military-grade laser towards a PCG ship, temporarily blinding the Filipino crew on board. Given the immense importance of the PCG's missions and the challenges the agency faces, Hontiveros said, it is unacceptable that the PCG is receiving intelligence funds far less than those being received by civilian agencies with no direct relation to national security and protection of Philippine territory. "I also must stress that the 10 million pesos for intelligence funds is not only for the PCG's duties over the West Philippine Sea, but for the entire coastal areas and waters of the Philippines. Sa napakaraming banta na nararanasan ng Coast Guard, hindi ba dapat na mas malaki naman sa sampung milyon ang maibigay sa kanila?" she said. Hontiveros added that the Senate should assist the public information efforts of the PCG over Filipinos' lawful claims in the WPS, which are being hampered by a deluge of "orchestrated, pro- Beijing misinformation and propaganda." "Tuloy ang pagkakalat ng kasinungalingan at pambabastos online ng China at ng kanilang mga "fake news peddlers". Ang nakakadismaya, kasama sa puspusang nambabaliktad sa ating Coast Guard, sa ating Armed Forces of the Philippines, maging sa ating mga mga mangingisda, ay ilan sa ating mga kapwa Pilipino pa," Hontiveros said. "I believe we can shore up even more support for our Philippine Coast Guard, whether on the ground or on social media, so we can seriously defend the Sierra Madre, Ayungin, and the rest of our territories. Handa man ang Tsina na gawin ang lahat para manggulo sa West Philippine Sea, at subukan man nila ang lahat ng pangungutya at pang-aapi sa social media, lalo lang nila tayong pinagkakaisa bilang mga tunay na Pilipino," Hontiveros concluded. ********** Please see attached PSR No. 744 for reference
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has collected evidence on four high-ranking officials from the former Crimean Territorial Command of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, who during the occupation of the peninsula changed their oath and sided with the Russian invaders, help to carry out mass repressions against local members of the resistance movement and take part in punitive raids on the temporarily occupied territories of Kherson and Zaporizhia regions.

The press center of the Security Service of Ukraine said on Thursday that the military counterintelligence of the SBU documented the criminal activities of ex-deputy head of the Department of the Crimean Territorial Command of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine to work with the personnel of Oleksandr Polonsky. He was one of the first to support the occupation of the Ukrainian peninsula and "swore allegiance to Russia," the invaders appointed him "deputy commander of a separate brigade of the internal troops of Russia in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol."

Another traitor was ex-deputy head of the department of the disbanded Crimean Territorial Command of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in the rear, Vitaliy Stepanchuk. After joining the ranks of the aggressor, he became "deputy head of the Department for material and technical support of the Russian Guard in Sevastopol."

The next traitor, according to the SBU, was the ex-deputy head of the department of the disbanded Crimean Territorial Command of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for armament Viktor Boiko. Currently, he is part of the command structure of the so-called "main directorate of the Russian Guard troops in the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol."

In addition, the criminal activity of the former deputy head of the department of the disbanded Crimean Territorial Command of the Internal Troops of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine for public Security Serhiy Svyrydenko has been documented. After the capture of the peninsula, he remained in Simferopol and joined the ranks of the aggressor, was appointed chief of staff of the troops of the Russian Guard in Sevastopol.

All of them took part in ensuring the occupation of the territory of Ukraine, as well as carrying out punitive actions against the local population in the temporarily occupied territories, the SBU said.

Based on the collected evidence, all four defendants were informed of suspicion under Part 1 of Article 111 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (high treason).

Currently, comprehensive measures are continuing to establish the locations of the lawbreakers in order to bring them to justice for crimes against our state. The investigation was conducted under the procedural leadership of the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol.
ROTHERHAM is now officially a breastfeeding friendly borough after the launch of an empowering new campaign to support mums and families.

Vicky Wilkinson, Sam Longley, Ben Anderson, Michael Wright and Cllr David Roche sign the pledge to become a breastfeeding friendly borough

Representatives from Rotherhams Health and Wellbeing Board  including Rotherham Council, Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust, South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, and other health partners  pledged their support to make Rotherham a breastfeeding friendly borough at a launch event by signing the Supporting a Breastfeeding Friendly Borough Declaration.

Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust also launched the Rotherham Backs Breastfeeding campaign to promote advice, guidance and support services for new mums and families to ensure they have the information and confidence they need.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every day. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Rotherham Advertiser within your account. Edit Preferences Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting...

Breastfeeding provides mums and babies with a range of benefits, including helping build the bond between mother and baby and supporting the childs development.

The campaign has been welcomed by Rotherham mums including one who said: Its going to be so helpful for mums to not be afraid, to be empowered, to do it wherever they want and to know what theyre doing is right.

A Health and Wellbeing board meeting in June heard the current breastfeeding rate at six to eight weeks after birth is 37.5 per cent in Rotherham  an increase from 34.2 per cent in 2020/21, but still significantly lower than the England average of nearly half of mums at 49.2 per cent.

Cabinet member for adult care and public health, Cllr David Roche, said: The council believes that mums should be able to breastfeed as long as they want to and will be working with partners and businesses across the borough to support and advise them how they can support mums.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Vicky Wilkinson, from Rotherham NHS Foundation Trusts Infant Feeding Team, said: We do hear occasional stories of women being challenged for breastfeeding in public spaces which can have a huge impact on a mums confidence and have an adverse effect on their, and their babys health.

We are working with residents and businesses to take away the stigma around breastfeeding.
Lawrence Bishnoi

Bishnoi was swiftly transported to Gujarat under High Security Measures

MOHALI: Infamous gangster Lawrence Bishnoi has been apprehended by the Gujarat Police. In a significant development, Bishnoi's connection to Pakistan has been unveiled, prompting the Gujarat Police to take him into custody from Bathinda Jail. Following his detention, Bishnoi was swiftly transported to Gujarat under high security measures. Sources indicate that Lawrence Bishnoi was brought to Mohali Airport at approximately 3:30 PM yesterday, with a robust contingent of senior officials and security personnel overseeing the proceedings.

Lawrence Bishnoi now faces charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Gujarat Police alleges that Bishnoi orchestrated the importation of drugs worth Rs 194 crore from Pakistan via maritime channels. The collaborative efforts of the Coast Guard and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) led to the interception of the drug consignment.

Advertisement

In the year 2022, the Gujarat ATS and the Coast Guard executed a joint operation that resulted in the seizure of the vessel named "Al-Tayasa," which had originated from Pakistan. During the operation, six Pakistani nationals aboard the boat were apprehended. Notably, the intercepted vessel was found to be carrying around 34 kilograms of heroin, valued at approximately Rs 194 crore in the international narcotics market.

Notably, One of the arrested Pakistani individuals, during the course of interrogation, divulged crucial information linking the drug haul to Lawrence Bishnoi. The detainee revealed that the consignment of drugs had been orchestrated on Bishnoi's directives, cementing the alleged involvement of the gangster in the illicit drug trade.
Contractor Anmol Katyal Booked

'Strict action is being pursued against culprits as directed by CM Bhagwant Mann'- Deputy Commissioner

LUDHIANA: In Response to the grievous incident of the roof collapse at Government Senior Secondary School Baddowal, a robust legal response has been initiated against the accused contractor, Anmol Katyal. The Mullanpur Dakha police station has registered a case against Anmol under Section 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Presently, Anmol remains at large, prompting an ongoing police effort to locate and apprehend him.

In the aftermath of the incident, an immediate magisterial inquiry has been set in motion to ascertain the sequence of events and determine accountability. It has come to light that Anmol Katyal enjoys familiarity with senior figures within the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Advertisement

Tragedy struck when a school roof fell, leading to the unfortunate demise of teacher Ravinder Kaur and causing injuries to Narinderjit Kaur, Sukhjit Kaur, and Indu Rani. Deputy Commissioner Surbhi Malik, after personally visiting the injured teachers, informed that the Ludhiana rural police have swiftly lodged an FIR against the contractor. "Strict action is being pursued against the culprits as directed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who has taken serious note of the incident," stated Deputy Commissioner Malik.

Further steps have been taken to ensure the safety of the school premises. A security evaluation of the building has been initiated, resulting in the sealing of the building. Residents residing in proximity to the school have been advised to refrain from approaching the site until the evaluation is complete.

Elaborating on the rescue efforts, Deputy Commissioner Malik mentioned that upon receiving the news of the accident, multiple administrative teams were dispatched to the scene. The Indo-Tibetan Police Force (ITBP) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were called upon to extricate the four teachers trapped under the debris. Teams managed to successfully rescue the teachers, promptly transporting them to a medical facility. Unfortunately, Ravinder Kaur (45) could not be saved and was declared deceased at the hospital. Deputy Commissioner Malik assured that the Punjab government is committed to covering the entire cost of the teachers' medical treatment.


Bharat Bhushan Ashu

Further investigation in the matter is underway in the case

LUDHIANA: In a significant development, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) carried out searches at the residence of Bharat Bhushan Ashu, a prominent Congress leader and former minister. The ED team arrived at the residence located near Kochar Market in Ludhiana early in the morning. Simultaneously, investigations are also underway at the residences of several officials from the Food and Supply Department.

As of now, the ED has not released any official statement regarding the operation. Outside the residence of former minister Ashu, a substantial police presence has been deployed. Furthermore, reports indicate that raids have been executed at the premises of Anil Jain, Krishna Lal, and Tailu Ram Thekedar as part of the ongoing investigation.

Advertisement

Bharat Bhushan Ashu, during his tenure as the Minister of Food and Supplies within the Congress government, faced allegations related to a multitude of scams, including irregularities in grain transportation. The Punjab government took action against Ashu by filing cases against him in Ludhiana and various other locations. Subsequently, Ashu spent several months in custody before securing bail. The ongoing investigation by the ED signifies a significant effort to delve into the alleged tender scam, aiming to unearth any irregularities and bring to light any potential financial misconduct.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko took part in a ceremony to open Kyiv Square in Paris downtown on the occasion of Independence Day of Ukraine.

"Today, at the invitation of the mayor of the French capital, Anne Hidalgo, we opened Kyiv Square together. It is situated in the center of Paris, near the Petit Palais Museum, next to the Champs Elysees," he said on the Telegram channel on Thursday.

The mayor also said that, during the event, he met with Ukrainian soldiers who are receiving treatment and rehabilitation in Paris. Klitschko also talked to Ukrainians, mostly women and children, who temporarily live in France during the war in Ukraine.

He also said that the capital of France shows "the French people's support for the fight of Ukrainians for European values  freedom, equality and the rule of law."

"The support of our friends and partners is very important to us," Klitschko said.
Sikhs in Afghanistan

'We have been unable to observe our primary festivals since the Taliban's takeover'- Pari Kaur

KABUL: The Apprehensions that arose with the Taliban's resurgence in Afghanistan in 2021 are now materializing as the country's small non-Muslim communities face dire circumstances. Over the past two years, the fears of the disappearance of these communities have turned into reality. The last known Jew in Afghanistan fled shortly after the Taliban's rise to power, and the once-thriving Sikh and Hindu populations have dwindled to a mere handful of families.

The implementation of strict measures by the Taliban has resulted in severe limitations on the lives of Sikhs and Hindus, encompassing their outward appearance and public observance of religious events. As a consequence, many members of these communities have been compelled to leave their homeland to escape persecution.

Advertisement

Pari Kaur, one of the few remaining Sikhs residing in Kabul, shared her experience with Radio Azadi, revealing the daily challenges she faces. "When I step outside, I am coerced into adopting Muslim attire to avoid being identified as a Sikh," she disclosed, alluding to the Taliban's edict that mandates all women to wear the burqa or niqab. In 2018, Pari Kaur's father lost his life in a suicide attack that targeted Sikhs and Hindus in Jalalabad. Following the tragedy, approximately 1,500 Sikhs, including Kaur's mother and sisters, fled Afghanistan.

Despite the turmoil, Pari Kaur chose to remain in Kabul, driven by her father's aspiration for her education. In March 2020, the Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) conducted a devastating attack on a Gurdwara in Kabul, claiming the lives of 25 devotees. This event prompted an exodus of many Sikhs from Afghanistan. However, Pari Kaur's resolve to stay endured. More than two years into the Taliban's rule, she now finds herself with no alternative but to seek refuge abroad due to the absence of religious freedom under the militant regime.

"We have been unable to observe our primary festivals since the Taliban's takeover. The Sikh community in Afghanistan is dwindling rapidly," said Pari Kaur. The situation for Sikhs and Hindus in Afghanistan has been further complicated by the aftermath of the conflict that emerged after 1979. Most of these communities have fled the country in search of better prospects. Those who have sought refuge in India from Afghanistan are grappling with economic challenges.

Advertisement

Chabul Singh (57), a Sikh residing outside New Delhi, recounted their plight: "We left Afghanistan due to the immense pressure we faced. Our turbans made us easily identifiable in Afghanistan. Both the Taliban and Daesh targeted Sikhs for violence."




The U.S. Food & Drug Administration Circulatory System Devices Panel narrowly voted against recommending approval of Medtronic plc.'s (MDT) blood pressure treatment device.

The company noted that members of the FDA's Panel voted fully in support of Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation System's safety (13-0), with a close vote in support of effectiveness (7-6) but a tie regarding benefits versus risk (6-6). One member abstained. The chairperson of the panel broke the tie with his vote of no.

The panel recommendation will be considered by the FDA as it continues to review the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation System for U.S. market approval.

According to the company, the Medtronic Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system uses a minimally invasive procedure that delivers radiofrequency energy to specific nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and cause high blood pressure. Approved for commercial use in 70 countries around the world, the Symplicity Spyral Renal Denervation System is currently limited to investigational use in the U.S., Japan, and Canada.

For More Such Health News, visit rttnews.com

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Hong Kong's trade deficit increased in July from a year ago as exports fell faster than imports, data from the Census and Statistics Department showed on Thursday.

The visible trade deficit rose to HK$30.0 billion from HK$27.55 billion in the same month last year.

However, this was well below the shortfall of HK$56.6 billion in June. The expected deficit was HK$32.7 billion.

The visible trade gap of HK$30.0 billion was equivalent to 14.4 percent of the value of imports.

The annual decline in exports was 9.1 percent in July, slower than the 11.4 percent fall in June. The overall decline in shipments was attributed to a weak external environment.

Total exports to Asia as a whole dropped by 11.6 percent. Within this, shipments to the Philippines plunged the most, by 29.6 percent, followed by Singapore with a 24.6 percent decline.

When compared to other main export destinations, shipments to Germany and the United States decreased by 29.6 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively.

Imports declined at a slower pace of 7.9 percent versus a 12.3 percent decrease in the prior month.

"Looking ahead, the difficult external environment will continue to weigh on Hong Kong's exports performance in the near term," a government spokesman said.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
The United States has strongly condemned North Korea's failed attempt to put a spy satellite into space.

A statement issued by NSC Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the launch is a brazen violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions, raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond.

She added that the President's national security team is assessing the situation "in close coordination with our allies and partners."

The United States said it will take all necessary measures to ensure the security of the American homeland and the defense of its allies neighboring North Korea - South Korea and Japan.

The latest provocation by North comes within barely a week of President Joe Biden hosting a trilateral summit at Camp David Friday to shore up Washington's alliance with its two strongest Asian allies to counter the threats from China and North Korea.

The pre-dawn launch of a rocket carrying a spy satellite from the Sohae Satellite Launching Station Thursday ended in crashing into the sea, reports say.

"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-run news agency KCNA said in a statement.

South Korea's military said the rocket "traversed international airspace" over the Yellow Sea.

It was followed by an emergency warning in Okinawa, advising residents of Japan's southernmost prefecture to take cover indoors. The warning was lifted within 20 minutes.

According to Washington, this space launch involved technologies that are directly related to Pyongyang's intercontinental ballistic missile program.

The United States urged all countries to condemn this launch and call on the Communist regime to come to the table for serious negotiations. "The door has not closed on diplomacy but Pyongyang must immediately cease its provocative actions and instead choose engagement."

Pyongyang made two attempts to place a spy satellite into orbit, a priority of its military modernization program, but both of them failed.

North Korea's space agency has said it will make a third attempt in October.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
While improvements have been made towards a more equitable education system in South Africa, outcomes remain well below those of other middle-income countries. Even within Africa, South Africa lags behind, with weak foundational skills in areas such as reading and numeracy, especially amongst younger learners. Only 20% of South African children can read by age 10, with the country coming last in an international reading literacy study (PIRLS 2021). There is rising concern over the adverse long-range implications for skills in the labour market, poverty reduction and social cohesion.

Several political and non-political factors continue to hinder educational development in South Africa, including weak education planning capacity, poor quality teacher training at universities, an electoral system which rewards politicians who tend to focus on visible phenomena such as school infrastructure and certification, and corruption within the schooling system and institutions as a whole. The South African experience confirms that a more politically informed approach to education policy analysis is illuminating and necessary, leading to considerations into the political economy of education.

Professor Martin Gustafsson, together with Dr Nick Taylor (JET Education Services), have been investigating the political economy and ideology of South Africas educational development, paying special attention to the acquisition of foundational skills in the early grades. The study forms part of the international Research in Improving Systems of Education (RISE) programme, a comparative meta-study aimed at presenting new global insights into the political economy of schooling. This focuses on understanding why foundational skills among learners are so low in developing countries, and how this problem can be resolved.
Lorraine Phahlamohlaka

by Tanya Sylvia Mugwagwa

Lorraine Phahlamohlaka, a young woman in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), is passionate about the importance of shaping the recognition of young women in the field. Originally from Limpopo, Lorraine pursued her studies in Pharmacy at Rhodes University. With the financial aid provided by Aspen Holdings through Rhodes Universitys Isivivane Fund, Lorraine completed her degree in June 2023.

I faced financial constraints in my final year of study, Lorraine shared. Aspen played a crucial role in supporting me financially and thus, ensuring that I completed my degree. The financial relief made a significant difference to her personal and academic growth. It opened doors for me whilst allowing me to focus on my studies. I just completed my Pharmacy Degree, and I am confident that I will make a meaningful impact in the field, she said.

Lorraine explained that the financial support and access to education also helped in building her confidence. Being awarded a bursary boosted my confidence and self-belief, affirming that my hard work and dedication to my studies were being recognised and rewarded, she said.

When asked about the importance of providing women with more opportunities in STEM-related fields, Lorraine said, It is important for more young women to pursue STEM careers because diversity fosters innovation and brings unique perspectives to problem-solving.

Encouraging more young women to study towards STEM qualifications can lead to ground-breaking discoveries and advancements. Recent history has shown women can bring unique perspectives and ideas to the field, driving progress in technology and science, she said.

Overall, I would encourage any ordinary young girl interested in STEM by reminding her that everyone starts somewhere, Lorraine said. I would also remind her that although she might face challenges along the way, she can achieve her goals and make a difference in STEM. Skills and abilities can be developed over time with dedication and practice

Lorraine is one of many inspiring examples of how Isivivane, through external funding such as the Aspen, has impacted and made a difference, particularly in the students who fall under the missing middle. Much like Lorraine, many students face similar challenges.

We invite any contributions and donations for Isivivane to continue making dreams come true. Education opens doors to opportunities, careers, and self-discovery. By donating, you are nurturing the leaders, innovators, and problem solvers of tomorrow.

Click the link below to make an online donation.

https://www.ru.ac.za/donate
Bharat NCAP safety rating protocol will include frontal impact, side impact and side pole impact tests awarding star rating for adult occupants (AOP) and child occupants (COP)

Bharat New Car Assessment Program (Bharat NCAP) has been rolled out by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Under this program, automakers will be able to offer their cars for testing as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197. Testing done under BNCAP will change the automotive scenario in India. While buyers will be assured of vehicle safety, automakers will be able to compete on a global platform. It will also help introduce safer driving practices, reduce the onus of healthcare and garner incentives from the insurance sector.

Benefits of testing cars under Bharat NCAP

Set to come into effect from 1st October 2023, this will make India the 5th country to have its very own crash testing rating system. Following its successful launch, as many as 30 cars have already been offered for crash testing under Bharat NCAP. It will involve a cost of around Rs. 60 lakh when done in India which would escalate to Rs 2.5 crores if a similar test were to be conducted overseas.

Even as testing cars under Bharat NCAP is voluntary, buyers seeking more safety as they move from being cost-centric to safety-centric will drive automakers to get their vehicle tested under these new stringent norms. It will lead to comparative safety aspects of various products giving buyers the choice to select their vehicle on the basis of safety ratings. It will also go a long way in minimizing the risk of road accidents and fatalities while for automakers, testing would ensure a higher market share while being able to compete on a global platform. It will also lead to development and use of cutting-edge components and encourage innovation.

Qualification of Cars under the Bharat NCAP Crash Test Regulations

Bharat NCAP is subject to rules and regulations. For starters, eligibility will include all vehicles falling under the M1 category, approved for carrying upto 8 passengers +1 driver. The vehicle should have a gross weight lower than 3.5 tonnes and can be either manufactured locally or imported. All combustion engine, CNG and electric vehicles will come under the scope of Bharat NCAP.

The cars will be assessed on basis of frontal impact, side impact and side pole impact. It will cover three areas of Adult Occupant Protection (AOP), Child Occupant Protection (COP) and Fitment of Safety Assist Technologies and star rating of 1-5 will be awarded for cars tested with 5 Stars being the highest rating. Separate stars will be allocated for AOP and COP.

Frontal Impact Tests are performed at 64 km/h or 40 mph. The car is made to crash into a deformable barrier with 40 percent of front width on the drivers side, the same as that seen on Global NCAP tests. Crash test dummies are used to assess protection of adults in the front seat. The cars will also need to comply with pedestrian protection norms. In the event of a vehicle attaining safety rating of 3 stars or higher, it will be subject to an additional pole-side impact test

Side-crash and pole-side impact tests will be done at 50 km/h and 29 km/h, respectively. Each category is allotted maximum and minimum points, to determine its star rating. For example, a vehicle must be equipped with front seat belt reminders and electronic stability control to achieve a three-star rating. Bharat NCAP star ratings are upto a maximum of 32 points for AOP and 49 points for COP.

Procedure for Crash Tests under Bharat NCAP

 The automaker will have to nominate a vehicle for crash testing.

 Authorities from Bharat NCAP will visit the company stockyard and select a base variant of the vehicle at random.

 The vehicle will then be dispatched to the Bharat NCAP facility wherein witnesses from the automaker will be present along with BNCAP officials during the tests.

 Test results will be compiled and revealed to the automaker following which they will be published and a certificate issued by Central Institute of Road Transport.

In conclusion, while Bharat NCAP takes into account car safety, Gadkari called on agencies such as Automotive Research Association of India and National Automotive Test Tracks to develop in-house crash testing facilities. He also raised the awareness of road engineering which is also an area to be tackled so as to reduce accidents and fatalities across Indias roads which currently witnesses 47 accidents and 18 deaths per hour with 70 percent of road accident fatalities occurring within the age groups of 18-34 age group.
Hyundai saw 62 percent of total sales being contributed by models such as the Creta, Venue and recently launched Exter

Hyundai Motor India sales remained flat both on YoY and MoM basis in July 2023. Total domestic sales stood at 50,701 units in the past month, just 201 units higher than 50,500 units sold in July 2022. It was also a marginal 1 percent MoM growth over 50,001 units sold in June 2023.

Hyundai Sales Breakup July 2023

Hyundai Creta led sales list with 14,062 units sold in July 2023. This was an 11 percent YoY growth over 12,625 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales dipped 3 percent from 14,447 units sold in June 2023. The Creta topped the list of SUVs sold in July 2023, leading by a significant margin over the Seltos, G Vitara and Hyryder.

At No. 2 was Hyundai Venue with 10,062 units sold last month. This was a 16 percent YoY de-growth over 12,000 units sold in July 2022. MoM sales also fell by 13 percent from 11,606 units sold in June 2023. Hyundai Exter entered the list with 7,000 units sold last month. Grand i10 sales dipped significantly in July 2023. Sales which had stood at 10,000 units in July 2022 fell by 47 percent YoY to 5,337 units in July 2023. MoM sales also finished in the red by 16 percent from 6,321 units sold in June 2023.

Though Hyundai i20 Elite is a popular hatchback in its segment, sales dipped 27 percent YoY and 19 percent MoM in July 2023. Sales fell to 5,001 units in the past month from 6,873 units and 6,162 units sold in July 2022 and June 2023 respectively.

Hyundai Xcent, Verna, Alcazar, Tucson

Hyundais sales list also had Xcent / Aura at No. 6 with YoY sales up 12 percent to 4,514 units. This was against 4,018 units sold in July 2023. MoM sales dipped by 8 percent from 4,907 units sold in June 2023. Hyundai Verna sales grew by 53 percent YoY to 2,858 units, up from 1,870 units sold in July 2022 while MoM sales fell by 29 percent over 4,001 units sold in June 2023. Hyundai Verna was at No. 4 on the list of best-selling sedans in July 2023 with DZire, Aura and Amaze leading the segment.

Lackluster sales were reported for Alcazar with a 50 percent YoY and 32 percent MoM decline. Sales dipped to 1,443 units in the past month from 2,888 units sold in July 2022 and 2,119 units sold in June 2023. Earlier this month the company launched the Creta and Alcazar adventure editions with off-roading features that give it a more it a more rugged and adventurous stance.

Tucson sales grew by 41 percent to 239 units from 170 units sold in July 2023. It was a 9 percent MoM decline from 263 units sold in June 2023. There was also the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 125 units sold last month, a 25 percent MoM growth from 100 units sold in June 2023. Kona sales stood at 60 units in July 2023 from 53 units sold in July 2022 while MoM sales dipped 20 percent as compared to 75 units sold in June 2023.
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a statement on the priority directions of the state policy of Ukraine in the field of de-occupation, reintegration and restoration of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (ARC) and the city of Sevastopol.

The adoption of relevant draft resolution No. 9626 was supported by 320 deputies at the plenary session on Wednesday, member of the Holos faction Yaroslav Zhelezniak said on his Telegram channel.

The document notes that state policy in this area is based on the priority of guarantees of human security, his rights and fundamental freedoms. To this end, Ukraine is implementing a complex of military, diplomatic, economic, informational and humanitarian measures.

The parliamentarians determined that the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized state border, including the de-occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol, as well as ensuring the state sovereignty of Ukraine are key conditions for ending the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine. At the same time, the deputies emphasize the inadmissibility of any territorial concessions to end the war.

The statement stresses that all armed formations of the Russian Federation should be completely withdrawn from the entire territory of Ukraine, and the presence of the Russian Black Sea Fleet on the territory of the Crimean Peninsula is impossible, given the need to ensure security.

At the same time, the Rada states that after the restoration of control over the Crimean peninsula, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and other components of the security and defense forces will deploy and operate in Crimea and Sevastopol, taking into account the need.

By adopting this document, the deputies determined that the safety of international civil navigation in the Azov-Black Sea region can be guaranteed only after the de-occupation of the Crimean Peninsula and with the participation of Ukraine.

According to the resolution, in order to restore the constitutional order in Crimea, military, civil-military administrations, temporary state authorities can be formed, and the work of representative bodies and local self-government bodies will be resumed after democratic elections in accordance with OSCE standards and Ukrainian legislation.

MPs also draw attention to the fact that Ukraine will take all possible measures to respect the rights and freedoms of persons subjected to political persecution and restrictions of freedom by the Russian Federation.

The statement also contains norms on the resumption of the activities of independent media and public associations in the de-occupied Crimea, the Ukrainian education system and the protection of the rights of the indigenous peoples of Ukraine, in particular, the Crimean Tatar.

In addition, the parliamentarians determined that the acquisition of Russian citizenship by Ukrainian citizens living in the temporarily occupied territory introduced by the Russian Federation is not recognized by Ukraine and is assessed as an act of coercion committed in violation of international humanitarian law.

At the same time, the Rada emphasizes that all persons guilty of committing crimes against peace, human security and international law and order will be brought to justice. At the same time, citizens of Ukraine who participated in the activities of the occupation administrations or collaborated with them, but did not commit the corresponding grave, especially grave crimes and criminal offenses, will be able to be released from criminal liability on condition of voluntary notification of the actions committed, as well as active assistance in the disclosure of criminal offenses committed by the occupiers.

The document defines that the International Crimea Platform should become a platform not only to promote the de-occupation of Crimea and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Ukraine, but also to ensure security in the Azov-Black Sea region as a whole, and the Peace Formula of the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy  the basis for ending the armed aggression of the Russian Federation, restoring the territorial integrity of Ukraine, de-occupation of all its temporarily occupied territories, including the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol, establishing a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace in Ukraine and ensuring security for the whole world.
When plans were announced that the latest outpost of the Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts would take over the former Hotel Solamar in the heart of the Gaslamp District, many wondered: How would the brandbeloved by some, mocked by otherstranslate its signature Jimmy Buffet-infused Florida and Caribbean escapism lifestyle to an urban setting in California?According to Andrea Sheehan, principal at Dawson Design Associates , the design firm behind the revamp, it was just a matter of looking at Buffetts West Coast roots. He used to hang out at Laurel Canyon, writing music, she says, pointing to his sessions during 1967s Summer of Love tour across California. That era of folk music and fancy-free living served as the inspiration for the buildings $31 million makeover into a laidback oasis in the center of the city.The property consists of 235 guest rooms and suites, plus three dining concepts: LandShark Bar & Grill, 5 OClock Somewhere Bar, and the Margaritaville Coffee Shop. Add to that the 7,000 square feet of outdoor spacewhich includes San Diegos largest rooftop pool deckand youve got a curated, immersive experience that takes the standard Margaritaville experience and kicks it up a notch, says Sheehan.Its a little more luxury, curated in a way thats probably more thoughtful, she explains. With an 11-foot-tall neon blue flip-flop in the lobby and giant parrot patterns splashed everywhere, its still Margaritaville, but with iconography thats more surfboards and VW vans than fishing boats. It has a Bohemian undertone to it, but lots of color and a casual California vibe, Sheehan adds.Originally announced in 2020 and scheduled for completion in 2021, the property faced myriad pandemic delays early on. But despite the toll Covid took on global hospitality , Sheehan says the interruption only served to highlight the need for a little escapism.[We knew] when we broke out of Covid, people would be really, really wanting to just have fun, she emphasizes. It was actually the perfect timing to make a Summer of Love motif, because people were so much in need of it. Theres nothing serious about it. Its not meant to be high-style. Its high fun.The fun begins upon entry to the lobby, where Mission-style architecture and bright Baja colors immediately transport guests into a relaxed state of mind. Murals and graphics by California-based art team Julie Coyle Art Associates tie the signature Buffett imagery like sandals and palm trees to Southern Californias Mexican-influenced aesthetic and 1960s vibes. Cheeky touches, like an Andy Warholinspired canvas in which Jimmy Buffetts mug takes the place of Marilyn Monroes, are everywhere, designed to surprise and delight guests. Sheehan insists that even Margaritaville skeptics wont be able to resist the change in latitude.The hang loose attitude is contagious after a couple margaritas, she laughs. Plus, with two live music venues on the first and fourth floors, the property is designed to encourage exploration as well as escapism. You get pulled through the space, all with Jimmy at the core.This is not likely to be the last Margaritaville in San Diego, either. The company acquired Paradise Point Resort & Spa in Mission Beach in 2019, but the conversion hit a wall when the City of San Diego filed a request to postpone their application pending a Coastal Commission investigation (which is ongoing).Regardless, Sheehan is confident San Diego is ready to party Jimmy Buffettstyle. Everybody wants to go have a margarita in San Diego and listen to good music . Everybody needs to chill out and relax, she says. Dont we all need that? Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is slated to open August 24, 2023, at 435 Sixth Ave. Reservations and more information can be found on their website or by calling (619) 819-9500.Have breaking-news, exciting scoops, or great stories about San Diegos food scene? Send your pitches to [email protected]
ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Featured Artists Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

Youve heard of street art. Now get ready forshoe factory art? Thanks to Chicano Parks vibrant murals and the emerging art-world powerhouse that is Bread & Salt Gallery, the neighborhoods of Barrio Logan and Logan Heights are increasingly popular creative centers in San Diego.But when planning their first-of-its-kind immersive arts festival in Logan Heights, the organizers of ENVZN Urban Arts Festival forewent traditional art spaces in favor of unexpected venues. Artists from around the world have designed site-specific installations that fete the neighborhoods diverse culture and communities. Attendees at this innovative block party will witness a film screening in a crossfit gym, a fashion show in a storage lot, and a theater performance in, yes, a shoe factory.Want to get your art on at ENVZN? Heres your guide to the fest, including ticket prices, parking details, and the exhibitions and performances you cant miss.

What is ENVZN Urban Art Takeover?

ENVZN is a visual and performing arts festival that will transform various warehouses, industrial spaces, and buildings in Logan Heights into interactive experiences that celebrate local art, culture, and heritage.Conceptualized by the team at San Diegobased arts nonprofit Vanguard Culture, the immersive event features dance performances, theatrical showcases, puppetry, virtual reality adventures, live music, a fashion show presented by Fashion Week San Diego, and several short film screenings.

ENVZN Corridor Map ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

Where is ENVZN Urban Art Takeover?

All based in Logan Heights, the events focal points are located within a two-block span between The Soap Factory at 2995 Commercial Street and The War House at 3191 Commercial Street. The street will transform into an urban artscape, uniting talents from San Diego, Tijuana, and around the globe.Key venues participating in this years festival include The Soap Factory, Sew Diego Embroidery, SD Custom Studios, FixUrFace, The War House, Stay Classy Crossfit, and Little Miss Brewing.

When is ENVZN Urban Art Takeover?

ENVZN 2023 kicks off on September 2 from 6 to 10 p.m. (with a special VIP experience beginning at 5 p.m.), and the celebration is poised to return annually (including as part of the World Design Capital celebrations in San Diego and Tijuana next year).

How do I get tickets to ENVZN Urban Art Takeover?

You can purchase tickets online via Eventbrite. General admission costs $40, but creative industry professionals and Logan Heights residents can nab half-price tickets. (Youll have to show either your business card and website or your ID at check-in to verify.)$125 gets you VIP status, which includes access to private restrooms, an exclusive wine and food experience, and other perks.

SD Sister Cities Association ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

What should I See at ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023?

Thats up to you! Exhibitions at each venue stay open all evening long, so you can wander up and down Commercial Street and explore the festivals eclectic offerings. Most venues hosting performances and screenings will change programming every 30 minutes, allowing attendees to plan and customize their itinerary.You can view the full schedule here to map out your must-sees, but here are some standouts from the lineup:

EVNVSN Urban Art Takeover Highlights:

Ancestral Memory

Viewing Time: 6 & 7 p.m. | War House Balcony StageThe stairs outside of Commercial Streets War House Gym transform into a Mesoamerican temple, where contemporary dancers will pay homage to the ceremonial rituals of Mexico and Central Americas ancestral people.

Debby and Larry Kline The Alchemist in His Elements ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

The Alchemist in His Elements

Viewing Time: 68 p.m. | The Clubhouse Stage & GalleryArtists Debby and Larry Kline crafted a seven-foot-tall alchemist out of garbage, asking viewers to contemplate the impacts of progress and industry. The drawings surrounding the statue explore how pollution and climate change impact the four elements: air, water, fire, and earth.

Cat Chiu Phillips Nandito (Here) ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

Nandito (Here)

Viewing Time: 610 p.m. | Stay Classy Cinema & GalleryArtist Cat Chu Phillips highlights Logan Heights Filipino-American community in this textile project, an installation that incorporates pre-owned barong tagalog, an embroidered formal shirt thats known as the Philippines national outfit.

Natalie Gonzalez Tsikuri ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

Tsikuri

Viewing Time: 610 p.m. | 30th Street LoungeTsikuri is the Huichol word for eye of God, a woven ritual object believed to protect its wielder during prayer. Artist Natalie Gonzalez invites ENVZN attendees to weave their own tsikuri to keep, gift, or display throughout the festival.

XoQUE Art in Motion ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

XoQUE: Art in Motion

Viewing Time: 610 p.m. | Performance Times: 8 & 8:30 p.m. | SD Custom Design TheaterExploring and honoring the culture of the Kumeyaay people, San Diegos original inhabitants, XoQUE asks visitors to contribute to a six-foot sculpture of an indigenous woman, adding painted leaves and braiding cloth into her hair. At 8 and 8:30 p.m., attendees may join a sacred circle and create clay objects as gifts for other participants.

Resistance Creates Beauty Chicano Park Herbert Siguenza ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of the San Diego Tourism Authority

Resistance Creates Beauty

Screening Times: 7 & 7:30 p.m. | The Soap Factory Main StageSee 14 moving, Logan Heightsfocused short films, made by comedian Herbert Siguenza in collaboration with musician Freddy Lanuza. This series first premiered at the grand opening of the Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center.

Frontera Project ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

The Frontera Project

Performance Times: 7 & 7:30 p.m. | SD Custom Design TheaterMexican and US artists come together for a bilingual, interactive performance depicting life at the Tijuana-San Diego border. The project weaves together a network of frontera stories told through theater, music, and movement.

Jose Hugo Sanchez Border Axis ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

Border Axis

Viewing Time: 710 p.m. | CoPlace CorridorRecommended for attendees ages 16 and older, this multimedia installationset in a theater designed to resemble a refugee campdraws upon Jose Hugo Sanchezs experiences with cross-border migration. The artist will paint live for three hours, echoed by a stop-motion animation.

Doris Bittar Aemida. Colmnata. Colonnade. ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Vanguard Culture

Aemida. Colmnata. Colonnade.

Performance Times: 8 & 8:30 p.m. | The Soap Factory Main StagePhotography, video, and improvisational performance collide to trace the connections between Arabic and Mexican communities in San Diego. Artist Doris Bittar narrates, accompanied by a dancer and an oud (a type of lute) player.

Hayley Thomas This Feels Like Wildfire ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Photo Credit: Amanda San Martin

This Feels Like Wildfire

Viewing Time: 810 p.m. | War House Balcony StageSan Diegobased, LGBTQ artist Haley Thomas incorporated found objects when creating this large-scale video installation grappling with climate change and the California wildfires. Electronic musician MALU adds another dimension to the piece with their immersive soundscape.

Where should I park at ENVZN Urban Art Takeover?

For $20, you can book guaranteed parking at The Soap Factory at 2995 Commercial Street. There is also typically plenty of street parking in Logan Heights and the surrounding Barrio Logan area.However, due to the high volume of attendees (and the fact that there will be booze available for purchase!), organizers encourage ticketholders to use public transportation or ride-sharing apps. To get to ENVZN 2023 via trolley, take the Orange or Blue Line to the 32nd and Commercial Street stop. You can park for free at select trolley stops (as indicated here) and ride the rest of the way to the Logan Heights venues.If youre taking an Uber or Lyft or getting a ride, utilize the drop-off point at 2995 Commercial Street.

Salud Tacos Barrio Logan ENVZN Urban Art Takeover 2023 San Diego Courtesy of Salud Tacos

Where should I eat and drink at or near ENVZN Urban Art Takeover?

You can purchase food and drinks from local vendors within the festival. If youre still craving a bite, nearby restaurants include Hayes Burgers, Salud Tacos, Antojitos Del Tepeyac, Las Cuatro Milpas, Rincon Azteca, and El Salvadoreno.
The Russian aggression against Ukraine began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea, and apparently, this is the place where the aggression should end with the return of the peninsula to Ukrainian control, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said.

We demand from the Russian Federation to stop the illegal occupation of Crimea and respect the rights of the indigenous inhabitants of the peninsula. The aggression launched by the Russian Federation in 2014 has moved into a phase of full-scale invasion and destruction. We are all witnessing how one cynical violation of international law paved the way for another, he said at the Third Summit of the Crimea Platform in Kyiv on Wednesday.

The Lithuanian President stressed that the crimes of the Russian Federation continue even while we are talking. In particular, the Russian Federation aggressively continues to attack the Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, killing people, destroying their homes.

It started in Crimea in February 2014 and, apparently, this is also the place where all this should end  with the return of Crimea as part of Ukraine. The entire Ukrainian people deserve to see Crimea liberated and safe. The indigenous people, the Crimean Tatars, who suffered from ethnic cleansing and genocide from the tsarist, then Soviet regimes, deserve to build their national home  without discrimination and repression, Nauseda said.

He also stressed that the Russian Federation actively uses Crimea as a military base in the war against Ukraine, and Russian ships launch missiles at places recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

Those guilty of war crimes and the crime of aggression should not escape punishment, he said.

Nauseda reiterated Lithuania's unwavering support for Ukraine's independence and sovereignty, and also announced the continuation of military assistance.

We will support Ukraine until the final victory, he said.
Norway will transfer two F-16 fighter jets, the IRIS-T air defense system to Ukraine, and also intends to convince partners to transfer the NASAMS systems.

"Taking into account our dialogue, we have decided to transfer Norwegian F-16 fighter jets," Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre said at a press conference in Kyiv on Thursday after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

According to him, "we allocate two fighters for training. Not so much, but I hope that we will be able to transfer them to Ukraine. We will do it again only after the United States agreed to it last week."

"We are also transferring the IRIS-T system. A system that will also protect infrastructure and people's lives from drones," the Norwegian Prime Minister said.

He also mentioned the NASAMS air defense system. "Today I saw directly how your operators work and use the NASAMS system and how it can help save people's lives. I can tell you: we will do everything possible to convince our partners and provide the NASAMS they have to Ukraine, where they are most needed," he said.

He also stated that "the production of these advanced systems will continue and, hopefully, will be accelerated."

Stre also said that Norway will continue to support Ukraine in restoring energy infrastructure. "This morning I talked with our colleagues, visited certain facilities, saw how they were destroyed by Russian missiles and how you can protect Kyiv and the regions. But we also want to help with gas storage issues for next winter, as we did last year," he said.

Norway will also give Ukraine several demining kits that can be used. "Of course, you have a significant task ahead of you  the clearance of vast territories in the south and in the east," the Prime Minister said.
SAPO, NABU suspect First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy, former Deputy Minister of Economy of abuses in purchase of humanitarian aid

The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) exposed the First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine and the former Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine of abusing UAH 62.5 million in the purchase of food products to meet the needs of the state during the period of martial law.

According to the Telegram channel of the SAPO, these food products were intended as humanitarian aid for the needs of eight regions of Ukraine, as well as the city of Kyiv.

As established during the pre-trial investigation, in March 2022, the First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food implemented a scheme that provided for the purchase of products for the needs of regional military administrations at the expense of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia from a controlled company at prices 23 times higher than market prices. The overpricing occurred due to the purchase of products of a foreign manufacturer (Poland) through a controlled intermediary firm. Because of the implementation of this scheme, from March to August 2022, Ukrzaliznytsia suffered damage for UAH 28.8 million.

A similar scheme was used to purchase food products from a foreign manufacturer in Turkey through a controlled laying company. To ensure the purchase of products, the scheme also involved the former Deputy Minister of Economy, who hid information about the availability of more profitable offers from other market participants, including Ukrainian manufacturers, and also persuaded regional administration officials to unlawfully coordinate applications and invoices for the purchase of products from the controlled companies.

Due to the operation of the scheme from March to August 2022, Ukrzaliznytsia suffered another UAH 33.7 million in damage. After receiving payment, the money was withdrawn to a foreign company with signs of fictitiousness for further legalization.

Suspicion was announced to the mentioned officials, their actions are qualified under Part 2 of Article 364 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine (abuse of power or official position).

The position of First Deputy Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food has been held by Taras Vysotsky since May 26, 2021.
Subscription to paid content

Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card.
"We stand for a faith that does justice," says Fr. Luis Calero. "And we want Santa Clara to be informed about this, so that we keep this in our hearts, and in our prayers."

Imagine waking up one day to find your university seized by the government. All property, all buildings, all bank accountsgone. In its place, a new name, a corrupt new owner, a new flag flying overhead, and a shameful new academic mission: indoctrinate all students in state propaganda.

It happened Aug. 16 at the University of Central America in Nicaragua, where 9,500 students, along with 568 faculty and staff at the prestigious Jesuit institution, were accused of being a center of terrorism by Nicaraguas President Daniel Ortega. Having renamed UCA, he has now turned it into a state-owned apparatus that will espouse his agenda. On Aug. 23, for good measure, he banned the Jesuit order and authorized the confiscation of all its property. Ortegas punitive actions are widely believed to stem from the 2018 widespread protests that included UCA and the Catholic church against his controversial social security reforms.

While UCA is the latest of many independent entities to fall in the long-impoverished countrywhere universities, charities, media and religious orders have been shut down, and members exiled or imprisonedthe harsh crackdowns by Ortega and his Sandinista Party continue to draw international condemnation, and from Jesuits everywhere.

For Santa Claras Luis Calero, S.J., the strife brings back tragic memories of friends who taught at UCAs other Jesuit university in El Salvador, where priests who spoke against the abuses of the government there paid with their lives. On Nov. 16, 1989, six Jesuits, their housekeeper and her daughter were gunned down by the Salvadoran military. (SCU maintains eight crosses in front of its Mission Church year-round in honor of the victims.)

Fr. Calero, who was born and raised in Colombia, taught at universities in Colombia, Guatemala, and periodically over five years at UCA El Salvador that had temporarily lost its leadership after the killings. The retired anthropology professor who became rector of the SCU Jesuit community in 2021 wants the world to be educated about repressive regimes like Ortegas. Once a hero for helping to depose a brutal right-wing family dictatorship, the president and his family have adopted the same authoritarian mantle, crushing civil rights to hold on to their power.

We recently sat down with Fr. Calero to talk about the latest developments.

Ortega had been a peoples revolutionary hero with the Sandinista National Liberation Front, a left-wing political party in Nicaragua that overthrew the U.S.-backed dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle in 1979. What changed Ortega?

It is difficult to say. When he overthrew the Somoza dynastywhich had done great damage to Nicaragua and whose actions were carried out in conjunction with the U.S. governmentI was traveling to Nicaragua taking delegations of Jesuits there. At the beginning, we were glad when Ortega took over and the country experienced a sense of freedom. In fact, the church initially was very supportive of Ortega.

But that gradually began to tarnish through sham elections. It was basically a Democratic state for a while, but in time Ortega became more and more dictatorial and at that point the Catholic Church became more and more outspoken. Not only the Catholic Church, but other churches as well, and other political factions. He began to look at the Catholic Church and other movements with Western ties as enemies, and has become increasingly critical of any oppositionfrom many sides of the political spectrum, but especially the Catholic Church. From what I hear from friends and others Im in contact with there, he has moved from being a very hopeful sign to being a very dictatorial sign, and is somebody who is disliked in most Catholic circles.

Was it just a matter of time before Ortega acted against the Jesuits?

When you look back, he has arrested several priests and several bishops, and exiled priests, nuns, and lay religious leaders. So were not surprised that hes moved in this direction. I think we expected him to be more repressive against the progressive forces of the Catholic Church. And not only progressive forces, but against the forces of truth.

You mentioned the UCA shut-down during a recent mass at the Jesuit community. What did you say to your fellow Jesuits?

That we have to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters at UCA who are going through a difficult time, and that we pray in communion with them as they face difficult questions. That we want them to be strong, and to believe that God is with them and that God may guide them in whatever decisions they have to make.

This is part of what it means to be a Jesuit institution, where you are not isolated. You are part of a global network, where what happens in India, what happens in South Africa, what happens in Colombiaits all connected to what happens at Santa Clara. We are a global family and when somebody hurts in some place around the world, we hurt over here as well. They are a sister institution, part of our global network of Jesuit institutions, and part of our mission. We stand for a faith that does justice. And we want Santa Clara to be informed about this, so that we keep this in our hearts, and in our prayers. We also prayed not only for the Jesuits safety, but for all of the people at UCA, and the families and the people of Nicaragua. Their safety is indispensable, because as you know, there are many people being arrested around the country at large.

What can the Santa Clara community do to help?

This conversation were having now is a start because people listen to this. They will know where to go, what to do. You know, there are so many tragedies happening every day all over the world, so we cannot ask people to be involved in each one of them. Most of us react to things because of personal connections, because we have family, we have friends who are affected. For example, at Santa Clara, we know that Ed Maurer and Chris Bacon work with programs in Nicaragua, and we want to support them and the people they work with there.

How much does the news from Nicaragua conjure the tragedy in El Salvador for you?

That crossed my mind, because what happened in El Salvador in 89, I think we all thought that could never happen, because these were men of great visibility and great integrity. And as murderous as the military were in El Salvador, we thought they would have enough sense not to kill people who had such high profiles. So I try not to go there in my mind.

Can you recall where you were when you heard about the 1989 executions in El Salvador?

I was teaching at Loyola University, New Orleans with Fr. Dan Berrigan. He was a strong social activist, and I got the news before he did, and I went up to his room. He didn't know yet, so I said, Dan, sit down, please; I have some sad news for you. He knew them, and I knew them even better, because I had traveled to El Salvador a few times before 1989 and had gotten to know Fr. Ignacio Ellacuria, the rector at UCA, and Ignacio Martin Baro, S.J., and Segundo Montes, S.J.

So Dan and I both grieved together, and he said, Lets go out for a walk out and a cup of coffee. We walked on Loyolas campus, and we went to Tulane University, and we walked, and we just quietly grieved. We also planned an act of disobedience in front of the federal building in downtown New Orleans. We organized a protest against the U.S. policy in El Salvador and blocked the federal building peacefully. We sang, we read poetry, we prayed, and we were arrested with about 20 other people.

It was a very difficult moment, but one that I shared with Dan, and which I am very proud of. He marked my life as a Jesuit, and I will forever be thankful to him for showing me the way to that.

Thirty-four years later, a different government has confiscated a Jesuit university, and outlawed Jesuit priests. What's the lesson here, if any?

You're asking the question: do we have the capacity to learn? Well, some days I wake up, and I think human nature is good, and the next day I wake up and I read the news, and I think human nature is not so good. I go back and forth. My Catholic upbringing, however, tells me that human nature tends to be good.
Dr Helet Botha, Assistant Professor of Business Policy and Strategy at the University of Michigan-Dearborn

CEO of Waymark, Alex Persky-Stern. Photo by Scot Ferguson.

Aaron Nilsson, CIO of Jets Pizza. Photo Supplied.

Aldo Ruffolo, Specialist in Chief of Radiology at Detroit Medical Center. Photo supplied.
Karriem Riggins (Photo supplied).

Regina Carter (Photo supplied).

Samara Joy - 9/4 Every so often a new vocalist graces the jazz scene and blows everyone away with their distinctive style, charm and dexterity. Samara Joy is that new voice thats giving new purpose to the music. The 23-year-old has released two stellar records, and earlier this year she won two Grammy awards: Best Jazz Vocalist and Best New Artist. As someone whos witnessed her perform twice, her live performances are just as breathtaking as experiencing her on wax. For many musicians thats not so easy, but she does it effortlessly. She'll be gracing the stage on the last day of the festival on the Chase Main Stage and is not to be missed.

Karriem Riggins "J Dilla Lives Forever" 9/3 Karriem Riggins, a native Detroiter, is a jack of all trades. As a veteran drummer, DJ, and music producer, his sound crosses a multitude of genres from jazz to R&B and hip hop. Riggins has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Diana Krall, Common, Erykah Badu, Paul McCartney and Steve Lacy. As this year's Artist-in-Residence, Riggins is bringing his versatility to the stage a number of times during the festival, and the one we're most looking forward to is his set "J Dilla Lives Forever" where he will honor the legendary hip hop producer.

Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade - Children of the Light 9/2 Having lost their bandleader and mentor, saxophonist Wayne Shorter, earlier this year, pianist Danilo Perez, bassist John Patitucci, and drummer Brian Blade, have been channeling their grief into their music. All are accomplished musicians in their own right and take improvisation to a new level during their performances, but their central focus was as members of Shorter's legendary quartet. The trio will be celebrating Shorter's music and performing songs from their album Children of the Light.

Johnny O' Neal and Sullivan Fortner - Tribute to Detroit Piano Masters - 9/3 Pianists Johnny O Neal and Sullivan Fortner may be from different generations but when they come together, the Detroit piano gods will be smiling down on them. O'Neal, a native Detroiter, has accompanied everyone from Art Blakey to Sarah Vaughn and Carmen McRae, and is a vast entertainer, nonetheless. Fortner is just as awe-inspiring with his master skills on the ivories. During their set they will honor Detroit pianist giants like Barry Harris and Tommy Flanagan.

Veronica Swift - 9/3 Veronica Swift is another vibrant chanteuse that steals the spotlight with her soulful, yet elegant vocals. She made her debut in 2019 with her album Confessions and since then has been traveling the world dazzling audiences with her staggering ability to transform jazz standards and imitate jazz greats like Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald with her infectious scatting skills. This is her second time performing at the festival, and it will take place on 9/3 at the Carhartt Amphitheatre stage.



There's a certain Detroit pride that comes with attending the Detroit Jazz Festival, which takes place over the Labor Day weekend this year. Maybe the source of that pride, that good feeling, is the festivals global impact. Or it could be that attendees get to experience internationally-revered jazz musicians like pianists Johnny ONeal and Jason Maron, Wayne Shorters alumnus Brian Blade, John Patitucci, and Danilo Perez. Or perhaps its discovering new faces on the block like vocalists Veronica Swift and Grammy-winner Samara Joy, and the creme de la creme of Detroit-based jazz musicians for free.Chris Collins, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation's president and artistic director, is always very intentional about making sure both national and local artists from the city are highlighted in some capacity during the festival. He says every year the festivals homecoming series features returning artists who have come from Detroit and gone out and made their mark on the world.Once in a while, he says he finds ways to bring a certain group together because of what's happening on the scene and that the Detroit scene is making an indelible mark on the whole jazz world this year. This years festival is momentous because hometown jazz royalty saxophonist Kenny Garrett, violinist Regina Carter, and drummers Louis Hayes and Karriem Riggins are the centerpieces, with Garrett, Carter, and Hayes recently crowned 2023 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters."Three of the four NEA [National Endowment for the Arts] Jazz Masters are from Detroit, Collins says. I don't think any city could say that in the past. And of course, Karriem Rigginshere's a guy who's come up as a modern force in jazz drumming and then turned his attention to these modern genres of hip hop and electronica. And we're all going to get a chance to witness three different performances over the course of the festival so it's going to be special."Riggins, a renowned jazz drummer, producer, DJ, and EMMY Award winner, graces the festival as the Artist-in-Residence this year and will support Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation educational initiatives, community engagement activities throughout the year, and perform with three different groups.Carter first attracted national attention as a member of the all-female jazz ensemble Straight Ahead, recording classic jazz albums for Atlantic Recordings before she embarked on a solo career. As a bandleader, Carter has performed R&B, Latin, classical, blues, country, pop, and African music with dazzling aplomb, releasing on Verve Records several highly touted recordings like Something for Grace, Motor City Moments, and Free Fall.Her list of accomplishments includes being awarded a MacArthur Genius grant and she made history as the first non-classical violinist to play Niccolo Paganinis Il Cannone (The Cannon), the legendary violin built by Giuseppe Guarneri in 1743.Model D caught Carter a few weeks before the festival to discuss her new title as NEA Jazz Master, the impact Detroit has had on her career, and what Detroit Jazz Festival goers can expect from her performance.I'm just blown away. It's such a high honor and the fact that the three of us are from Detroit says a lot. Oftentimes Detroit is kind of left out of the history books and people still sleep on Detroit. And we had and still have a very vibrant, strong jazz scene. When you look back, all the great musicians would come to Detroit to perform at clubs that don't exist anymore.Pianist Barry Harris talked about how pianists would come in to play gigs. They'd all get together; him, Tommy Flanagan, whoever was in town, just a bunch of pianists. They were learning from each other, and it was such a community. And the whole mentoring of younger musicians has always been extremely strong and vital in Detroit. So, whenever I go anywhere, it doesn't matter where on the planet and people say, "Where are you from?" and I say "Detroit." They say, "What is in the water in Detroit?"I think a lot of times when musicians don't leave their hometown, even their own cities will overlook them. There's almost a stigma for staying there. But I'm grateful because if we didnt have those musicians that stay there and nurture the rest of us, we wouldn't have the careers that we have. For instance, Marcus's camp, which was at his house.He would come up to Oakland University and work with the students. Folks like Donald Walden, who had the World Stage back in the day. Barry Harris used to come in and do his master class here during the festivals and other times of the year. Wendell Harrison, Pamela Wise, there's so many of them that stayed and they're extremely important to the scene, and if not for them most of us might not have the careers we have.Detroit is my home. I live in New Jersey now. I lived in New York, but no matter where I live, Detroit is still my home and I love coming home. And I get excited and a little bit nervous because I feel like the city of Detroit is like my parent, and folks have watched me grow up in the music there. When you come back to Detroit, you have to bring it.The beautiful thing about Detroit is that they know the music and the fact that it's a free festival, that's pretty great, and that it's a jazz festival because there are so many jazz festivals that don't have a single jazz artist, it's all pop. I'm really thankful for Gretchen Valade and Chris Collins and all the folks that help run and keep the festival together and keep its integrity.I learned a lot about the business from musicians like Marcus Belgrave and Wendell Harrison. And you can learn a lot of things just by watching people and how they operate. I learned to be honest with the music, don't try to be anyone else. Take care of the business, learn the business and understand, that's so crucial. I try to pass that on to students, even something very basic as having things written down, doing a budget to see if you can afford to take a gig. And just how you present yourself on stage. Sometimes I see the younger ones come out on stage dressed a certain way. But for my bandstand, I have a certain way that I want folks to dress because people see with their eyes. And mentoring, just learning that mentoring the younger generation is extremely important. Also, one thing we used to do with Marcus and one of my teachers at Cass Tech, Pat Terry Ross, we would go into nursing homes and do gigs. That for me was really important: community service.When I was running the Geri Allen camp in New Jersey, I would have the young women go to a nursing home nearby and perform. We need to get paid for doing our job like everyone else gets paid. But community service is just as important. It helps keep you focused, understand why it is that you do music and it helps put everything in perspective.The piece that I'll be performing in Detroit is a continuation of a piece that I wrote years ago and performed at Orchestra Hall. It was originally called "Black Bottom," and it's now called "Gone in a Phrase of Air," which is a title from a poet Leslie Reeves, who is also from Detroit. She conducted several interviews with folks in Detroit that grew up in Black Bottom and my mom grew up in Black Bottom. My mother would always tell us about how the communities were so tight-knit and if someone needed something, they really looked out for one another. When the 1956 Highway Act was signed, the freeway was built. It destroyed those Black communities and I thought that it only happened in Detroit. But in doing my research, it happened in pretty much every urban city across the United States.And it's still happening. After the race riots in Tulsa, they built a freeway through that same area destroying them again. And it just destroyed communities and it's always Black and immigrant communities that they would just destroy. Folks didn't own their homes or if they were compensated, it wasn't enough for them to really relocate. So, it not only destroyed those physical communities, but it also destroyed their spiritual communities as well. So, you get spread out and it's really difficult to recreate that again. And like I said, it's still happening. So whatever city I'm going to, I will include information about that city, and I will get photographs and show some parts of the videos are photographs of different areas before they destroyed it. That is what I plan on doing at the festival this year.
A snake hangs around with some visitors at the Reptarium.

Salt and Pepper go for a swim.
Sidney Ellis, Executive Director of the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, says the 1601 E. Main St. condominium project is expected to open in November 2023.

Kalamazoo City Commission or Chris Praedel says the 1601 E. Main St. condo project can be a transformative project for that neighborhood.

James Jackson, a Realtor and longtime area resident, says the new condo project is among a few that are helping to breathe new life into the Eastside Neighborhood.

Pat Taylor, executive director of the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association, at right, studies plans for the 1601 East Main St. development.

The 1601 East Main St. condominium project will feature six condominiums and commercial space that may house more than one business or organization.

One of the next steps in the redevelopment of Kalamazoo's Eastside Neighborhood is taking place.Work is progressing on the construction of six condominium units and 1,800 square feet of commercial space at 1601 E. Main St.It looks like we should be done in November, says Sidney Ellis, executive director of the Kalamazoo County Land Bank, which is spearheading the redevelopment of what had been a vacant space for several years. Thats what theyre shooting for  November.Members of the Land Banks board of directors, as well as other project investors, toured the location on Wednesday, Aug. 23. The Land Bank has been working to help the Eastside Neighborhood develop affordable, mixed-income housing, and more space for new businesses.Its going to be six condos, each with two bedrooms, says Ellis, whose organization is continuing a commitment it has made to support the revitalization of abandoned properties in the 1600 block of East Main.These sorts of projects are transformative for neighborhoods, says Kalamazoo City Commissioner Chris Praedel, who was among community leaders and project stakeholders to tour the unfinished project on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. Its mixed-use. You have residential/commercial, (and) varying levels of housing costs. I think these are the kinds of things that really make neighborhoods vibrant places.Three of the condominium units will be on the ground level. Three will be on a second level. The commercial space will be on the ground level. It may accommodate two organizations or businesses.The residential units will average about 1,200 square feet, with the smallest being about 997 square feet and the largest being about 1,211 square feet.Project Manager Ryan Vlietstra, who led the tour of the project, says the structure is conventionally framed but focused on high energy efficiency. We did a lot of foam and insulation sheeting, new materials on the exterior as far as the siding is concerned, and all-electric components for heating and cooling. Vlietstra, of GlasAssociates home designers, says a house and a barn previously were on the site, but they were demolished long ago.James Jackson, a longtime resident of the Eastside Neighborhood, says the project helps bring new life to the neighborhood.Seeing the site and how it used to be  this was stale, dead, nothing here, says Jackson, a Realtor with the Lockett-Jones Realty Group. Now, all of a sudden, theres more life coming. Theres more projects. Youve got the 1802 E. Main (project). You have more development going down through the square. You have the Sunrise Plaza. So theres a lot of development coming through these parts, which is good for the neighborhood. Plus its affordable housing as well.The 1802 E. Main site involves the redevelopment of property that once housed a gas station and was later converted into use as a beauty salon and a barbershop.Three of the 1601 E. Main condominium units are intended to provide housing for an individual or family with an annual income of 80 percent or less of Kalamazoo Countys Area Median Income. The Area Median Income is an estimation of the midpoint of the incomes of families and individuals in a particular region. Half of the households earn more and half make less.The Area Median Income for Kalamazoo County is about $55,000 for a household with one individual and about $79,000 for a family of four. Three other units are intended for those with annual earnings at 120 percent of AMI or less.Although he says he does not have a base rate for the price of the condos, Ellis says, a unit may cost as little as $120,000 for an occupant who qualifies for grants or other assistance.But thats going to be with somebody getting assistance, Ellis says.More information about the project and when it will set price rates and begin taking applications for occupancy is expected to be available by contacting the Kalamazoo County Land Bank at (269) 762-6191.Ground was broken on the project in December of 2022 and the property is expected to be completed and ready for occupancy by November. A condominium association will be created to oversee operations for condo residents, and a management company will oversee the commercial space.A lot of people would love to have a restaurant there, Ellis says of ideas that have been generated by community residents. But I cant say that its going to be committed to a restaurant. That is one of the things that came up during conversations about utilization of the space.Patricia Taylor, executive director of the Kalamazoo Eastside Neighborhood Association, says the condominium project provides affordable owner-occupied housing for people who want to own a home but are not necessarily interested in property upkeep.It will be a combination of low-, moderate-, and market-rate income (units), she says. The fact that it will be close to downtown, the fact that it will have a commercial space underneath it, and the activities going along the corridor  might appeal to a lot of our younger generation folks who like to get around.The project is across the street from the Eastside Neighborhoods Sunrise Pocket Plaza, an area that is being used for community gatherings and other events. A large commercial property on that side of the street, which houses the East Main Food and Beverage, benefitted last fall from a city-backed business facade improvement program. It is adorned with a mural that highlights life in the neighborhood.Praedel says there is a lot going on in the city with the development of new housing.Theres been more housing in the last two or three years than I can think of in the last 10 years, he says. It has either happened or is in the works. And its just speaking to the enormous demand that we have and that we need to resolve the housing crisis both county-wide but also in the city.The Kalamazoo City Commission approved $1 million to help a 70-unit senior housing complex in the citys Northside Neighborhood. And it accepted a grant for $350,000 to provide Brownfield remediation for a 64-unit residential complex on South Rose Street. The senior project is a development by Mt. Zion Baptist Church and partners. The Rose Street project is a development by Kalamazoo businessman Jon Durham and partners.In regard to the condo project, Praedel says, Its really rewarding to see these units come online because you can imagine all the people who are going to be moving in and becoming active parts of their neighborhood and active parts of the city.Why should people be excited about the Eastside condominium development?It adds to the revitalization efforts going on in the East Main Street corridor, says Taylor. The particular building that we have completed (at 1802 E. Main St.) is not big enough to do a lot in, so this will add opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses if they want to get in on the East Main Street corridor.The 1802 E. Main St. building was acquired by the neighborhood association in January of 2022 with the hope of converting it into a cafe. But the person who was going to use it as a cafe pulled out, so we are open for any small business to occupy the space with the intention of it being a gathering space for residents.Ellis says he thinks people should be excited about it because we went to the community to see what the community wanted on the Eastside. And so its not just something we fabricated out of the blue. We worked with the Eastside Neighborhood Association to start working on what the Land Bank could do on the Eastside to bring businesses back and work with the community.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will not receive the Belgian Foreign Minister due to her pro-Armenian position, Trend reports.

Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib, while on a visit to Armenia, made far-from-reality pro-Armenian statements that do not correspond to the situation in the region.

The Belgian Foreign Minister will arrive in Azerbaijan today as part of a visit to the region.

Usually, President Ilham Aliyev receives foreign ministers who are on a visit to Azerbaijan, and an exchange of views is held on bilateral relations, topical issues in the region and the world.

According to the informed sources, President Ilham Aliyev will not receive the Belgian Foreign Minister because of her pro-Armenian position and unfounded statements voiced during her visit to Armenia.

Although, today the Belgian Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.

On August 22, the visit of the Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib to the region kicked off. First she visited Armenia, and on August 23 - Georgia. Lahbib, who also visited the monument to the so-called Armenian genocide in Armenia, at meetings with the Foreign Minister and Prime Minister of the country once again demonstrated her pro-Armenian position and expressed unfounded claims against Azerbaijan.
We find people here with common interests with our visitors, who have reasons to collaborate, and we bring them together for conversations, Michaels said. For instance, we recently had a group of Iraqi teens come to Kalamazoo. They were part of IYLEP

the Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the U.S. Department of State and in partnership with World Learning.

Iraqi youth from the International Youth Leaders Exchange program stopped by Read and Write Kalamazoo on a recent visit.

A gathering of the Education in the Digital Age IVLP delegation of Global Ties Kalamazoo.

GTK hosted this interfaith dialogue in 2019 that brought Iraqi Christian (yes, Christian!) and Muslim leaders to Kalamazoo to find some common ground for discussion.

This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Kalamazoo series Few of us may have experienced it  disembarking from an airplane after traveling many hours and stepping onto the ground of a foreign country.Perhaps we know only a few words of the language, perhaps we dont speak the language at all. The food is not the food to which we are accustomed. The smells, the sounds, the crowds  all are strange and unfamiliar.Global Ties Kalamazoo, or GTK, has been greeting foreign visitors to Kalamazoo for over 50 years, helping ease new guests through what may feel foreign and introducing them to local people, places, and customs to make the unknown known.Gracious hospitality is what Global Ties practices. Now in its 52nd year, GTK, a non-profit organization, connects emerging leaders from across West Michigan to their international peers  building relationships one at a time by introducing Kalamazoo to the world and the world to Kalamazoo.Jodi Hope Michaels has been with GTK since 2016 and is now its executive director. We break down stereotypes, she says. Its a lesson Ive learned at GTK over and over again  the more you interact with people who are different than you, the more you engage, the more you find those points of commonality. Theres a shared humanity, and the more you learn about them, the more you learn about yourself. GTK makes the world smaller and bigger at the same time.A native of Canada, Michaels experienced the discomforts of the unknown followed by the growing comfort of the known as an exchange student in her teen years. She has since visited more than 20 countries and developed an expertise in  and a passion for  cultural immersion and exchange.I came to the United States at 18 as an international student, she said. I had been a pre-med student, earned a degree in human biology. Studying abroad helped me to see the world  and my role in it  differently.Not only do the people of different countries find commonalities, but they also find that many of the obstacles and issues that they face in their own homes can be similar worldwide. Comparing experiences can often lead to new ways to solve problems.In 2022, 278 visitors arrived in Kalamazoo from 72 countries and took part in 35 programs, primarily funded by the U.S. Department of State. They were greeted by 866 volunteers and professional hosts."They were here to explore the disability landscape in Kalamazoo and to compare accessibility at home and in Kalamazoo.The Iraqi teens spent a day at Western Michigan Universitys College of Health and Human Services, where they learned about disability rights and ableism, inclusion, and equity. They toured the city to see what works and what doesnt in terms of accessibility.Just last week, we had three delegations come through our city, said Michaels. One was a group of leaders from Brazil, artists, and antiracism activists, and they were freestyling hip-hop music downtown with Kalamazoo emcees. Our hope is that we can send Kalamazoo folks to attend the opening of a hip-hop culture museum in Latin America in December.The group also visited an underground railroad museum in Schoolcraft and learned about the differences and similarities of institutional racism in both countries.Program manager Emma Baratta schedules most of these meetings and conversations. A recent Western Michigan University graduate, she caught the eye of GTK board president, Tom Kostrzewa, who encouraged her to apply for the position.Its my dream job, to help people feel connected, Baratta says. Theres this myth out there that Americans know best, but what holds anyone back from finding solutions is often the same. Ive only been in this position for about a month, but it has been eye-opening for me how much Kalamazoo has to offer. Theres competition out there for these programs, and most places are the big metros  New York, City, Los Angeles, Chicago  but we have a strong sense of community here. People smile at you on the street. Our visitors feel welcome.Along with the IYLEP program that brought Iraqi youth to Kalamazoo, other GTK programs include the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) for professionals; Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL); and CIPUSA program for one- to three-month social service exchanges;Outbound Exchange connects youth development advocates across the world; and the youth-driven Teen Talks series brings together Kalamazoo youth and youth from South Africa, Iraq, Ireland, Singapore, Kenya, and Germany.During my first week here, we had women from political organizations in India come to Kalamazoo to talk about the challenges for women in politics, Baratta says. There was a lot of learning on both sides. In our discussions, we saw the same challenges here as well as in India. Once you start talking, you soon realize the world is smaller than you think. You leave these meetings with a sense of solidarity.Ludmila Nofit from Moldova was selected to be one of the participants in the 2022 Open World Program (now named Congressional Office for International Leadership/COIL). The program has a person-to-person international engagement approach by providing the participants with direct interactions with professional counterparts, covering a wide spectrum of policy themes and connections with communities across the United States.Global Ties prepared a variety of activities to expand our knowledge about the Kalamazoo communities by connecting us with various unique stakeholders, Nofit says. I was delighted to have the chance to interact with officials such as Mayor David Anderson and Michigan State Representative Julie Rogers by sharing their experience in the field of local and regional government, highlighting the importance of being in public service and aiming to build a strengthened engaged community."I also enjoyed meeting professional experts and representatives of diverse local organizations such as the Ladies Library Association, the Kalamazoo Youth Development Network, Girls on the Run, Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, Fresh Food Fairy, the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, and others. And the surprise was to meet a Moldovan woman based in Kalamazoo, Sorina Dodu, an inspired and full of energy person.Upon her return to Moldova, Nofit began working as a program development officer within a USAID/OTI-funded program, called Moldova Resilience Initiative, supporting a democratic and European Moldova and engaging different stakeholders such as youth, media outlets, elders, social and cultural organizations through different activities in targeted communities. It has proven to be one the most efficient tools toencourage people to connect and make a change in their communities, Nofit says.The cross-cultural interactions I had in Kalamazoo represented valuable opportunities to share one's own experience, knowledge, expertise, and lessons learned while building a network of professionals in a range of fields, she says. I found it inspiring how Kalamazoo residents can easily engage in local initiatives driven by ordinary people who care about their communities and even about those who are far away.Milka Jankowska, an educator from Poland who twice participated in the IVLP "Education in the Digital Age" program (once virtually and once in-person), visited with Loy Norrix High School students and teachers when she came to Kalamazoo in 2023. Her group had the chance to exchange views on teaching/learning during a pandemic and about the American school system in general. When the business part of the day was over, the group visited the home of a GTK volunteer host  Leeanne Seaver in Vicksburg.The home hospitality was the best day of the non-educational part of the whole IVLP program, Jankowska says. Though it may sound funny for Americans, it was great to be able to visit an American home and talk to real Americans  and even peek into Leeannes fridge! We had an opportunity to try American food, see what our host reads, and talk about everyday life. This is something I have always wanted to see, to experience, and it will be my best memory from the whole trip.An important part of what GTK does is to expose exchange visitors to the American lifestyle, and that includes visiting American homes. The organization welcomes host families who will open their homes to international visitors for meals and often also overnight stays. Leeanne Seaver, who is also a board member of GTK, has opened her home to visitors from many different countries.I became involved when I attended a fundraiser and heard about what GTK does, Seaver says. They offer workable, functional solutions to crises around the world with diplomacy. To experience and understand individuals from other parts of the world, to have them sitting at your dinner table, to share a cup of morning coffee with them, its amazing.Seaver has hosted visitors from Moldova, Kosovo, the Philippines, Slovakia, Germany, and other countries for a meal or overnight stays. She has hosted Muslims and Christians at the same table, she says, and before the evening was over, all were singing songs together in her living room.I had six mayors from six different countries sitting around my table one night, Seaver said. We were wringing our hands and discussing the state of the world. We talked about the pandemic  what worked for you? Some of it is just venting, but I learned how others sometimes see us today, too. We are getting meaner, spiraling downward  none of us are all that happy. Others had the view that the United States is great. Still, others worried about our safety here in terms of gun violence. We worried about each other. Whatever is informing your perspective, it needs to be expanded.With more than half a century behind GTK and the future wide open, Seaver sees the work of GTK as only growing in importance.We must continue this extraordinary dynamic, she says. Its what makes Kalamazoo so exceptional. We are a small city on a list of big cities for these programs; we are engaged with the big players. Thats rare. As a smaller community, there are ways in which we can offer more. Rather than staying in hotels and meeting in conference rooms, our visitors stay in homes and talk with families. We give people an open-arms experience. That makes us unique.Tom Kostrzewa, six years a GTK board president, agrees. A faculty fellow at WMUs Lee Honors College in global and international studies, Kostrzewa is himself an experienced traveler. He understands therigors of the road.I hitchhiked 86 countries when I was younger, walked around the world with a rucksack on my back, and ended up in China, he says. I thought foreign travel was mostly for the upper class, the rich. We fight that at GTK. We want this kind of exchange for everyone.Exchange groups may come to Kalamazoo for 3 days or 3 months. Times vary. All are vetted, many are only able to travel thanks to scholarships.We see diverse groups, Kostrzewa says. Weve had judges, police administrators, journalists, students, religious figures. We are given a list from the sponsoring agency, and then we go to the airport to pick them up. GTK has had approximately 300 groups visit Kalamazoo over the years.All that planning, all that guiding, all that hostingit isnt done with a feather duster, Kostrzewa says.It takes effort, he says. And we are working on expanding who will come here. When people meet each other and share their culture, thats a level of intimacy. The world becomes real to you, not just an abstraction. Cultural exchange is a nourishment of the mind.To learn more about how to become a Global Ties Kalamazoo volunteer, visit www.globaltieskzoo.org/volunteer.
Sign and window painting inside the Calhoun County Youth Center

Two of the rooms inside the Calhoun County Youth Center which will be remodeled.

Two of the rooms inside the Calhoun County Youth Center which will be remodeled.

A room inside the Calhoun County Youth Center currently serves as a courtroom and a medical exam room. In the planned remodeling they will be separated.

A room inside the Calhoun County Youth Center currently serves as a courtroom and a medical exam room. In the planned remodeling they will be separated.

Sign and window painting inside the Calhoun County Youth Center

Painted stones ring a tree in front of the Calhoun County Youth Center.

A residential bedroom of the Calhoun County Youth Center which will be remodeled.

Sign and window painting inside the Calhoun County Youth Center

This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Calhoun County series. Youth staying at the Calhoun County Youth Center get more than a bed, food, and discipline, says Tori Benden, director of the facility formerly known as the Calhoun County Juvenile Home.We really focus on structure and consistency, Benden says. We provide healthy role models, create self-worth and confidence, and just generally give kids someone they can look up to but also hold them accountable for their behavior.To better reflect this wide range of services to young people, the facility was renamed in 2022. In September the building will undergo renovations expected to be completed in November 2024 to better serve the needs of youth from throughout Michigan who stay there.The operating budget for 2023 is $2,621,465, says Lucy Blair, spokesperson for Calhoun County.About 40 percent of the young people who end up at the Youth Center are from other counties including Barry, Branch, Cheboygan, Grand Traverse, and St. Joseph.For revenue that comes in from youth from other counties, this year our Finance Director estimates around $270,000 for 2023, although in general, we've been budgeting lower than that since Covid happened. Pre-covid, it was over $500,000 a year, Blair says.They really come from all over, says Benden of out-county youth who reside at the Youth Center. She has worked for Calhoun County for 20 years and is now in her fifth year as Director of the Youth Center.Typically, if a juvenile detention facility is at capacity or a youth lives in a county without such a facility, the courts would have to find placement for them at another facility or they would be directed to community-based service options and be sent back into their home, Benden says. She says finding placement in another facility is difficult because of bed and staffing shortages.We are very lucky that we do have our own facility, Benden says. We get calls every day from other areas.Kelli Scott, Calhoun County Administrator/Controller, says, The County recognizes the importance of ensuring our facilities are conducive to supporting our employees and serving the public, in safe, healthy, and effective spaces. This renovation and expansion of our functionally obsolete Youth Center were a high priority for the Board of Commissioners and County Administration to demonstrate our commitment to the excellent leadership and care offered to youth whose lives we can positively impact.When the renovations are completed, the number of beds will increase from 42 to 52 and areas of the building dedicated to youth activities and classroom space will be better suited to serve youth and staff.The current square footage is 15,117. The renovations will include 14,824 of new sq. footage, so, the new facility will total 29,941 square feet.When the facility first opened in 1957 it was designed to serve wayward youth. It did not become a secure lock building until 1980. Benden says it is one of the oldest structures owned and operated by the County and needs upgrades.We have a really old building and its currently not conducive to safety and security, she says. One of the biggest challenges we have in the current building is that it has three levels and the classrooms are on the bottom level. We will be bringing the classrooms now on the bottom level to the first level and the second level will remain the same with the gym and activities area. The basement level will be used by our staff.In addition, pod-like modular units will be constructed and located at the end of each of the three wings of the building. These will house rooms for sleeping and dayrooms where staff can conduct group gatherings and interact with residents during their free time.The facility will remain open and operational during the renovations with a limited number of beds. Benden says the average number of youth residing there was between 32 and 35 per day pre-pandemic. She says COVID-19 created challenges to maintain staffing levels while youth continued to come through the doors.While hovering between 35 and 45 employees during the pandemic, Benden says she prefers to have a steady staff of 45 which includes youth specialists and on-call personnel available to cover for those on vacation or who are out sick.Not being at capacity has eased staffing pressures.We have not been at capacity for quite some time. There were maybe 12 years when we were right at capacity, she says. When I first started here the youth center was pretty full and a lot of youth were sent here. Ive seen a decline in the last 10 years and more of a focus on community-based services. We dont want to remove children from their homes unless its absolutely necessary. More community-based options for youth are being sought out.What brings youth to the Youth Center is the committing of a delinquent act or a crime that may range from a probation violation to a crime thats more assaultive in nature. Benden says the average length of a stay is 17 days for detention and 17 weeks for participation in a small treatment program called EYES (Empowered Youth Experience Success).EYES, she says, offers more intensive counseling. While youth are engaged in this program, their parents are encouraged and sometimes required to attend a parenting program that runs the duration of their childs counseling program. Benden says a small population of residents come from troubled or abusive homes.We do work with parents in the EYES program. As far as the detention program, we dont have any formal contact with parents, Benden says. Most residents will return to a parent or guardian with a small population being placed in a residential home.The Youth Center staff facilitates visitations between youth and parents or guardians but doesnt do any formal counseling or preparation for a youth's return to their home.We do have some parents who visit, but we also have some residents who dont get any visitors, Benden says. This is heartbreaking for our staff.This staff includes certified Special Education teachers contracted through the Calhoun County Intermediate School District, a nutritionist with Michigan State University Extension, and someone affiliated with Sexual Assault Services who teaches the youth about healthy relationships and how to build them.At any given time, the ratio of female to male youth is 25/75.Among the other programs theyre involved with is one focused on cognitive behavioral therapy which teaches them how thinking affects their thoughts which affects their actions, Benden says, and were teaching them how to change that thinking.The majority of the time, the programs and services offered do keep youth from making a return appearance to the Youth Center. When a youth does reappear, Benden says theres a certain amount of disappointment, but also an opportunity to rebuild that child which the particular youth readily takes advantage of.Each youth, regardless of the number of stays at the facility, follows a schedule that begins with taking care of their appearance, making their bed, and eating breakfast before heading to school which is offered even in the summer.Every hour is structured and planned for them. If theyre not in school, theyre doing group counseling, playing games, or interacting with other residents, Benden says.I think theres a negative aura around youth and detention facilities and youth who commit crimes. I really want people to know that what we do here is very structured. The kids arent just sitting around playing cards and talking to each other. Generally, the kids are very well-behaved because of rules and structure. They arent bad kids, theyve just made a poor choice.She says the Juvenile Center could really use more community-based mentoring programs where kids have mentors and opportunities to do things with them. Kids in the community at large, she says, would benefit from having access to a center where they could engage in structured activities.The idea that County leadership is willing to allocate funds for its youth who find themselves at the Juvenile Center and increase the facilitys annual $2 million budget, says a lot, Benden says.The County really values kids and children and is really making things happen here to make it the best facility possible, she says.
Mental Health Comic, #1, created by Daniel Kibezi, 7th grader at Millwood Middle School.

Mental Health Comic, #2, created by Daniel Kibezi, 7th grader at Millwood Middle School.

Mental Health Comic, #5, created by Daniel Kibezi, 7th grader at Millwood Middle School.

Mental Health Comic, #4, created by Daniel Kibezi, 7th grader at Millwood Middle School.

Mental Health Comic, #3, created by Daniel Kibezi, 7th grader at Millwood Middle School.

Collage, Mental Health, by Plamedie Ekumbaki, sophomore at Kalamazoo Central High School.

Diptych, Mental Health, Jaden Davis, Kalamazoo Central High School sophomore.

Collage, Mental Health, by Majolie Carter, Kalamazoo Central High School sophomore

The Voices of Youth Kalamazoo program is a collaboration between Southwest Michigan Second Wave and KYD Network, funded by the Stryker Johnston Foundation.This story was written by Jane Parikh with assistance from Voices of Youth's Henry Bickel, a rising 8th grader at Maple Street Magnet School, who conceived of the project and conducted the interviews. The artwork to accompany the article was created by Plamedia Ekumbaki and Jaden Davis, both sophomores at Kalamazoo Central High School. Please see their Artist Statements below.Navigating the social and emotional aspects of middle school is often guided by the onset of puberty and hormonal changes creating a perfect storm for students, says Laura Ruelas, a 7th-grade science teacher at Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts.Its hard to regulate your brain and impulsivity, she says of middle school students. Theres a connection between hormonal levels and flight or fight responses. Thats why navigating stuff in middle school is harder because puberty is affecting them.Social/emotional learning became a regular part of school and is now being mainstreamed into all school settings because educators recognized the need, Ruelas says. She says this is true at any school where there are a lot of students who get free or reduced lunch or are reading below their grade level.The number one concern that brings a student to her grades, is that there are typically underlying issues that exacerbate these conversations. So what may begin as a conversation about grades, could easily segue into the mention of other concerns.Theyll come to me if theyre having a conflict with another student or a student who is bothering them, Ruelas says. Sometimes this comes through a parent and theyll reach out to me. Usually, its some sort of conflict or issues with grades or whats going on in class.Depending on the situation, she says she talks to the students about things they can do because they wont be able to affect what the other student does. She also advises them to write up an incident report to document what got them to this point and works with them to figure out what the dynamics are to put into context for everyone involved with an end goal of resolving the situation.Like Ruelas, Angel Olivarez, a School Counselor for Maple Streets 7th and 8th-grade Endeavor Team, says every time a student comes to him there is a connection to whatever the typical question is and its almost always about social interactions.With course selection sheets, I could have interactions with a student about their course selection and academics. The student will walk in and say Can I change my class?' Which evolves into probing on my part and I learn that the reason they want to get out of that class is because theyre having problems with another student, he says. The topics they come to me with are different, but nine times out of ten, that relates to their social life. Thats what comes out.Recognizing that each student has a different history and temperament, Olivarez says he works with a student to get them to better understand the situation that brought them into him and their reaction to that situation, as well as help them to identify their sphere of control.First, we listen and seek to understand. When I say I want to hear whats on your mind, along the way we seek a little more clarification and ask how they dealt with the situation worked for them, he says. Even if were not providing any advice, just the process of listening can be empowering and therapeutic for the student.The most common reason students come to him involves some form of friction, tension, or problem with a peer, followed by a class change request.It could be a friend or it could be an acquaintance, a classmate, or someone who is randomly picking on them, Olivarez says. A close second is a request to change a class and Im the only one they can come to for that.Monthly, he may see one or two students about class changes.As far as a percentage thats hard for me to gauge that. Like the staff in a hospital emergency room, I only see people who need me. Its like everybody who comes in here needs something. Theyve got an issue already and thats why theyre coming in to see me, Olivarez says.A couple of years ago, he may have seen 10 students each month coming in for help. Now, its more of a daily occurrence with students who are working through bullying or friendship issues.Were social beings and we exist here in this school in the context of our community and school. Every interaction that we have is part of our social life and interpersonal relationships.He attributes the rise in requests to a growing number of students who cannot self-monitor and self-regulate and who experience various levels of anxiety. This coupled with a student enrollment at Maple Street that has hovered at about 880 since before the pandemic is bringing more students to Olivarezs office and creating greater potential for conflicts.Maple Street is the largest middle school within the Kalamazoo Public Schools system. Olivarez says its an assumption on his part that the more people, the more interactions and the more possibilities for conflict. This past school year, he says there were more physical fights at the school than last year, five years ago, or pre-pandemic.In addition to the student numbers, Olivarez says he thinks the deterioration of the well-being of students and the cultural and social aspects that are being promoted on social media also are contributing to increasing occurrences of physical fights or verbal face-offs attracting onlookers and spectators who are less likely to listen and respond appropriately when a staff person intervenes and tries to disperse the group.More recently these gatherings have gotten larger and more intense. Students used to say they knew what was happening was wrong and keep walking. Now we have every group of students stop and look and we have 30 phones filming these gatherings where there may have been one phone out 10 years ago, Olivarez says. That whole climate and culture has changed.During one of these incidences, Olivarez was trying to get a student to move on. The student was the child of a KPS principal and Olivarez says he was surprised that rather than complying, this student looked at him with a defiant expression on their face. He says students who earn straight As and are always on time for class represent a recently emerging category of students who stop to gawk and are hesitant to comply with adult re-direction.The instances of defiant and not compliant have gone up and Olivarez says hes now surprised by students who do stop and dont comply.Ruelas says the relationship piece appears to affect 70 percent of female students versus 30 percent of male students.Male students have those issues but they dont openly address them like females do, she says. Were seeing a lot more physical aggression with females where typically it used to be that males resolved issues with physical aggression and females used isolation or shunning.This shift became apparent to Ruelas in the last 15 years. She attributes it to the increased exposure young people have to social media and the internet which adds to the stress theyre already trying to manage.It really shifted a lot when technology just blew up, she says. The connections we make with technology and the way it wires our brain has impacted us. Theres also levels of stress and the amount of downtime children get. Theyre constantly doing something and theyre so much busier now. Its starting to snowball to the point when we realize theres a problem and how do we address it.The choices students make during their time in middle school dont end when they enter high school, Ruelas says.Depending on these choices, they will either compound issues in high school or make them better, she says. During middle school, theyre getting exposed to so many different social interactions and figuring out how to navigate that. Typically, theyre not going to go to adults for help. They will either talk to friends or keep it bottled up. If they dont figure out how to navigate things in middle school, there will be way more drama in high school.Theres so much going on and the majority of middle school students keep it inside of themselves because they dont understand that everybody is dealing with the same things. They think This is just something happening to me and nobody else feels this way. I dont know if middle schoolers feel super-connected to the people theyre connected to. Its such an awkward weird phase of life.This is especially true for students who identify as non-binary or LGBTQ+, Ruelas says.Nonbinary students have a lot that theyre dealing with. Theres targeting of them and they also deal with having people accept them, she says. Some students dont have support at home with their sexuality or gender identification which makes it hard for them.But, even with parental support, students are influenced by outside forces like content that is available to them on their phones and computers. Olivarez says parents may be trying to instill certain values, but 24/7 access to social media is shaping their thought process and value system. Theres always been counterforces in society to what a parent might have been teaching.These counterforces also contribute to a shift Ruelas started seeing in her classroom about 10 years ago where students were all over the place and could not self-direct themselves.Now, its a rarity to have a student who is settled and able to stay engaged in classroom activities. Less students are focused. When I was a child we had one or two students who were struggling with impulsivity and everyone else was self-monitoring. Now we have two or three students in a class who are self-monitoring.Maple Street is only one example and by no means the only middle school that faces issues with students who face challenges that often make it difficult to focus on the real reason they go to school  to learn and become prepared for whats next, Ruelas says.Something is clearly missing within the wider context of family and society. We need to re-direct students who cant manage themselves, Olivarez says. We need to look at how the caregivers interact with their children. The personalities and tendencies at school become a part of the childs world and there are so many facets to school  peers, staff members, and teachers. Its so complex and we need to expand our view of that out to the macro world and society globally.I like artwork because it lets me express my ideas in different creative ways. My focus area in this session was Teens and Their Social Lives. I used collage to exhibit the two sides of this topic, problem and solution: teens having fun playing sports, and shopping, with bright colors symbolizing joy, and the dangers of being lonely and the fear of not being good enough., 15 years old, is a sophomore at Kalamazoo Central High School. For her project, Plamedie chose the focus area of Youth Mental Health, so it seemed a natural choice to focus on Teen Social Lives this time. During the session, Plamedie commented on the need for people to be themselves in order to more easily traverse the ups and downs of the social life of a teenager. Plamedie spends a lot of her time in the spring practicing for and competing in Track meets.I love cutting out pictures and text to create a new image. My focus area was Teens and Their Social Lives. I used collage to illustrate the activities and behaviors teens feel pressured to partake in just to survive in their world. I also included some of the good things teens experience like laughing with friends, hanging out, and having fun, and colors that symbolize happiness., 15, attends Kalamazoo Central as a sophomore. Majolie joined Voices of Youth for art, because of how they compensate young artists, which she believes is important.I made my art with the topic Mental Health in Social Life, and how people and technology can disrupt your mental health. I chose to do comics because they can be understood and easy to read. I hope people learn you should respect others because it could hurt more than you know.is entering 7th grade in the fall. He has participated in Voice of Youth because he appreciates the opportunities it offers.You can tell yourself, Ill just be on here for a little bit, and then all of a sudden you realize it has been two hours. You havent showered like you were supposed to, and you havent eaten. Now the sky is getting darker and now all the things you should have done, you gotta' cram into the night. But the phone isnt only demotivating teens from their work, its also distracting them from connecting with each other. With countless amounts of content competing for the attention of teens, teens get too distracted to even text back. In this photo pairing, I show the time-wasting and isolating effect that phones have on teens., 14, is a sophomore at Kalamazoo Central High School. She joined Voices of Youth to be with her friends and get to do art while being with them. What she likes about photography is that every picture can have different meanings for different people., who conceived of this project and conducted the interviews, is an 8th grader at Maple Street Magnet School.
Tolentino: Free access to education, a basic human right

MANILA -- Senator Francis "Tol" N. Tolentino on Thursday maintained that free access to education is a basic human right for all Filipinos. And that the lack of national government funds should not hinder the Filipino youth to access opportunities.

In an interview with ANC program Headstart, Tolentino, who is also chairman of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Committee, disagreed with the pronouncement of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno to scrap Republic Act 10931 or the free college education law.

Diokno claimed the program is "unsustainable." Senator Tolentino stressed that "there is a constitutional provision that free access to education should always be maintained."

"I am for free access to education, and I am for more opportunities for our youth," the senator added.

He further concluded: "Hindi po siguro dapat maging dahilan ang kakulangan sa salapi ng pamahalaang nasyonal na hindi sila mapagbigyan ng pagkakataong mag-aral."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. The content of Luis Moreno Ocampo's anti-Azerbaijani report shows strong support for Armenia's interests and creates a mixed impression, if not directly misleading, said German researcher Dr. Michael Reinhard Hess to lawyer Luis Moreno Ocampo in a letter, Trend reports.

In his study, Hess discussed the real origin of the term "Artsakh," which actually has no roots in the Armenian language, and emphasized that the claims in Ocampo's report that the Karabakh region is supposedly "predominantly populated by Armenians" are also purely theoretical conclusions.

The letter notes that the use of the term "Artsakh" was not widespread among Armenians at least until 1921. This is confirmed, for example, by the declaration of the Council of People's Commissars of the Armenian SSR of June 12, 1921.

At the same time, the traditional name of this region - "Karabakh" - was historically used in various administrative and political documents and continues to be used to this day, the German researcher emphasizes.

"By conflating the historical notion of the term "Artsakh" with its introduction by Armenian nationalists in the 20th century, your contribution actually favors an Armenian national discourse that seeks to establish Armenian toponymy, demography, politics and history from the beginning of our era. However, no such connection exists," the letter reads.

Michael Reinhard Hess emphasizes that after reading Ocampo's conclusion, he had the impression that the report was based on a "single-mindedly pro-Armenian interpretation of both the historical background and the current situation".

The German researcher also refutes Ocampo's claims of an alleged "genocide" in Karabakh.

"Do you really think that in a fertile region such as Karabakh with its vast mountainous areas, where subsistence farming and herding are possible and where natural resources are plentiful, 120,000 people (the number given by Armenian sources) could die of starvation in the middle of summer? After all, as you pointed out, measures have been taken to evacuate the seriously ill from that territory. This also implies that those "starving" could have been evacuated as well. Your article lacks any evidence or indication that a 'famine' there actually exists or could threaten Armenians living in Karabakh," the researcher emphasized.

Michael Reinhard Hess also finds Ocampo's claims that the establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint could be interpreted as "a means of preparing 'genocide' unconvincing: "Plenty of countries, including the US and EU countries with external borders have similar checkpoints to prevent illegal human crossings and smuggling of goods, but no one accuses them of preparing genocide".
Berenberg has reiterated its 'buy' rating for 888 Holdings despite the betting and gaming group disappointing the market with its recent first-half results, saying the company is "ready to de-lever" under its new chief executive officer.

Revenues and earnings came in below expectations for the six months to 30 June, with 10% growth in UK monthly active users but 1% growth in the international division due to compliance changes in certain unregulated markets and a slower recovery in the Middle East.

888 announced at the end of July that Per Widerstrom would be joining the group in October as its new CEO, replacing Jon Mendelsohn who has been the executive chair since Itai Pazner's departure in January. Mendelsohn will return to a non-executive chair position when Widerstrom joins.

Meanwhile, net debt reduced by 68m to 1,660m, with leverage reducing from 5.6x at the end of 2022 to 5.1x by the end of June. Meanwhile, the company delivered 66m of cost synergies in the first half, and said 150m of synergies expected in 2025 will now materialise one year earlier.

"These factors, aided by the appointment of a CEO with a proven track record, provide us with further confidence in 888s ability to deliver a continued reduction in leverage," Berenberg said in a research report on Thursday.

The broker has given the stock a target price of 190p, suggesting significant upside from the current price of 129.3p, up 3.4% on the day.

In valuation terms, Berenberg said 888 trades at just 5x consensus 2024 EBITDA forecasts.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the scientists on successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 at the South Pole of the moon. "Moonshots work! Congratulations to @narendramodi, @ISRO, and the Indian scientists for the first successful landing at the South Pole of the Moon," Gates posted on X (formerly Twitter). India became the first nation to make a successful landing on the moon's South Poll.

Along with Gates, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella also congratulated ISRO on successfully landing the spacecraft, describing it as an exciting moment for India and the future of space exploration. "My congratulations to @isro on the moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3. What an exciting moment for India - and the future of space exploration," Nadella said. With this landing in its second attempt in four years, India became the fourth country after the US, China, and the erstwhile Soviet Union to master soft-landing on the lunar surface.

The lander landed near the South Pole of the moon 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). The 19 minutes of suspense and excitement began at 5.45 p.m. and ended at 6.05 p.m. on Wednesday with the lander touching down on the lunar soil.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced that the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) would be felicitated officially by the government for the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission. Speaking to reporters after paying a visit to ISRO in Bengaluru to meet and felicitate scientists, Siddaramaiah stated that the felicitation function will be held at the Banquet Hall of Vidhana Soudha after September 2. He had given directions for his staff to coordinate with ISRO in this regard, he added.

The achievement of ISRO by landing Vikram on the Moon safely is hailed by the entire country. The achievement has made the whole world look towards India. Our country is fourth after Russia, America, and China to achieve a safe landing on the Moon. We are the first country to land safely on the South Pole. Hence, all of us should acknowledge the achievement of ISRO and appreciate it, CM Siddaramaiah explains.

ISRO Chairman S. Somnath and his team of 500 scientists have actively taken part in the program from Karnataka. 3,84,000 kilometers were traveled by the Vikram and for so many years, efforts have been made for the achievement. All our cooperation and support is with ISRO for its future programs as it is a pride of our nation," CM Siddaramaiah maintained. When asked about how he felt after watching the event live on Wednesday, CM Siddaramaiah stated, I became very happy as our country has achieved this. "It's a historical achievement and a big achievement. They worked for many years round the clock. They have nearly 500 scientists from Bengaluru involved in this and in total, more than 1,000 scientists have worked across the country. DyCM D.K. Shivakumar visited ISRO on Wednesday evening and felicitated the team.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov has sent a congratulatory letter to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the occasion of the country's Independence Day, Trend reports.

The letter emphasizes the existence of centuries-long traditions of friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Ukraine, the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers said.

The current level of interstate relations built on these solid foundations is gratifying, and the confidence that Azerbaijani-Ukrainian traditional friendly relations and fruitful cooperation will continue to successfully develop and expand in the interests of the two peoples and countries was noted.

Earlier, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the occasion of the Independence Day.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked world leaders for their congratulatory messages on the successful soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission on the Moon. Several leaders from Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda Bhutan PM Lotay Tshering to UAE's Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, sent their good wishes to the prime minister on ISRO's achievement. "Thank you @PMBhutan Lotay Tshering for the words of appreciation on Chandrayaan-3. Indias space program will always do whatever is possible to further global well-being," Modi wrote on X in response to the Bhutan prime minister's message.

"Gratitude for your wishes, President @ibusolih," the prime minister expressed his gratitude to Maldives president Ibrahim Solih. PM Modi also thanked Prachanda for his congratulatory message. "Thank you @cmprachanda for the congratulatory message," he posted in response to Prachanda's statement on X. Replying to Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Ghar Store's message, PM Modi said, "Indeed PM @jonasgahrstore. Today is a historic day for the planet." The prime minister also thanked Dubai Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his wishes.

"Thank you @HHShkMohd. Indias successes are powered by the strengths, skills, and determination of 140 crore Indians," Modi said on X. He also thanked Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness for his congratulatory message. "Thank you, PM @AndrewHolnessJM for the good wishes," PM Modi said. In response to Spanish President Pedro Sanchez's tweet, the prime minister said, "Indeed, through the power of science, India is working towards a brighter future for all. Thank you for the wishes, @sanchezcastejon."

He also thanked Sheikh Zayed for his message. "I thank HH Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed for his wishes. This milestone is not just India's pride but a beacon of human endeavor and perseverance. May our efforts in science and space pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for all," PM Modi said on X.
Adani TotalEnergies E-Mobility Limited (ATEL) has partnered with electric cab aggregator Evera to set up an electric vehicle (EV) charging super hub at Samalkha in New Delhi, which will feature an integration of 200 charging points. The two companies are also aiming to bridge the existing EV infrastructure gaps in the country by setting up AC and DC charging stations on key highways, workplaces, and other locations.

Suresh P. Manglani, CEO and ED of Adani Total Gas Limited, said that the company is already working with Evera to operate its cluster hub at Okhla in Delhi. The upcoming hub is located in close proximity to the Delhi International Airport to further support Everas electric cab service. The hub will include commissioning of approximately 200 EV charging points, which will be a combination of AC and DC chargers, Manglani added.

ATEL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Adani Total Gas Limited, provides a wide range of charging points to B2C and B2B customers as a Charge Point Operator (CPO). ATEL said it will also let other cab aggregators and individual EV owners use its upcoming EV charging station at Samalkha, which will increase cross-utilisation and improve the EV ecosystem in New Delhi.

ATEL and Evera will then replicate this pan-India on a revenue-sharing model. This association will foster a user-friendly experience for Evera cab drivers as well as all electric vehicle owners by eliminating anxiety to travel farther distances. We are developing this with the aim to realise a sinewed mobility infrastructure that is green, climate-conscious, and sustainable, said Nimish Trivedi, cofounder and CEO of Evera, commenting on the collaboration.

Founded in 2019 by Trivedi, Rajeev Tiwari, and Vikas Bansal, Evera is an all-electric cab service provider catering to customers across B2C and B2B segments. The startup recently raised $7 Mn in multiple tranches as part of its Pre-Series A funding round, led by Germany-based IEG Investment Banking Group, Singapores Westova Global, and Thailand-based Direct Capital. Prakriti E-Mobility is Everas parent entity. The startup competes with the likes of BluSmart, Lithium, and other cab aggregators like Ola and Uber.
Indian Startup, One Electric has started producing its premium EV motorcycle KRIDN in Kenya, South Africa.The startup company informed that it has done a collaboration with a local vehicle manufacturing company for this purpose. The brand will supply all the components and technological knowledge to the local manufacturer to perform the assembly of its EV motorcycle in Africa.

Talking about the KRIDN EV motorcycle, it is an Electric commuter motorcycle which was released in 2020 in India . The Vehicle comes with a 5 Kw motor which can produce the maximum power of 6.7 bhp with the peak torque of 200 Nm. KRIDN EV can accelerates from 0-60 kmph in just 7.5 Seconds. The vehicle runs with the top speed of 90 Kmph. The vehicle comes with the drive range of 110 Kmph on a solitary charge.

The vehicle comes with telescopic front forks, twin shock absorbers at the rear side, 17 Inch alloy wheels, a big digital instrument cluster and many other exciting features. Company has not released any information about the specs of South African variant of this EV motorcycle.

Along with this initiative, EV startup aims to increase localisation in a gradual manner. It said that the child parts such as handle bars, stands, carriers and related components will be localises first, then it will increase its proceed analyzing the growth aspects. Further, One Electric also plans to have a battery manufacturing unit in Africa. The company also stated that this initiative is the first step of the export startegy of the brand, it also have plans to expand its footprints in South America and South East Asia.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An ex-con who contributed to a wave of break-ins on Staten Island at the height of the coronavirus pandemic is now back in prison.

Steven McEvoy, 39, was sentenced Tuesday by Justice Lisa Grey in state Supreme Court, St. George, to five-years incarceration followed by five years of post-release supervision in connection with a pair of commercial burglaries in December of 2020, court records show.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The NYPD arrested three men who were traveling in a luxury car stolen from New Jersey during a dramatic pursuit on and around the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge on Wednesday morning, authorities said.

Trapped by authorities and other vehicles stalled on the bridge, the three suspects abandoned the 2020 Range Rover on the upper level and fled on foot, according to multiple sources.

In an apparently desperate bid to escape, the men jumped from the upper level to the lower level and then climbed a fence into Fort Wadsworth, said one source with knowledge of the investigation.

Two of three individuals were apprehended immediately by personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard and NYPD, according to a spokeswoman for the NYPDs Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.

Following a search that extended for blocks near the bridge, police apprehended the third individual, the NYPD spokeswoman said.

Police detected earlier movements for the car but the drama on the bridge began around 10:45 a.m. after officers received an alert that the vehicle had entered the Staten Island-bound span from Brooklyn, according to police sources.

At that point, numerous officers were positioned to block the entrance to the tolls on Staten Island.

In response to the blocked roadway and traffic congestion, the Range Rover allegedly made a U turn and traveled against the traffic while unsuccessfully attempting to flee. The stolen vehicle struck an unknown number of cars, causing minor injuries and property damage, according to police sources.

The three men, ages 18, 19 and 24, who all live in New Jersey, were taken into custody and they face charges that include criminal possession of stolen property and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, according the police spokeswoman.

The emergency response caused the temporary closure of the bridge and congestion on both the Staten Island and Gowanus expressways.

More information will be posted when it becomes available.

VIDEO OF EXPRESSWAY ARRESTS TUESDAY GOES VIRAL

The Verrazzano arrests marked the second instance of high-profile police activity regarding a stolen vehicle in as many days.

In a separate incident, video showing a dramatic police response on the Staten Island Expressway Tuesday is going viral on social media.

The two-minute, 30-second clip  originally posted on the social media platform Instagram and on the Citizen app  has garnered dozens of comments.

An eyewitness to the scene on the expressway Tuesday, motorist Anthony Soscia, told the 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.

Five teenagers were taken into custody following the recorded incident, according to a law enforcement source.

The suspects crashed into multiple vehicles on Tuesday while they were eluding police in the stolen car on the Staten Island Expressway, a law-enforcement source said.

__

OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS:

>> NYPD: Stolen car drove wrong way in scary Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge chase; 2 in custody

>> NYPD seeks tips in knife-point robbery at business on Staten Island

>> Source: Woman suffers life-threatening injuries in fire at apartment building on Staten Island

>> Crash at The Boulevard mall on Staten Island damages multiple cars, sends vehicle up against storefront

>> Young Staten Island mom dies in fiery Brooklyn crash; driver of Mercedes charged

>> Machine gun allegedly brought to Staten Island fight sparks chaos, emotional arraignment
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Authorities allege that a 45-year-old NYPD traffic enforcement agent brandished a knife on Tuesday morning in West Brighton.

Kerrielyn Gugliada was arrested while off duty at 4:54 a.m. on Tuesday. She stands accused in the incident involving a man previously known to her that occurred around 4 a.m. inside a residence on the borough, according to the criminal complaint and police.

The complaint alleges that a man told police that Gugliada grabbed a silver kitchen knife and waved the blade in close proximity to him, causing him to fear for his physical safety.

She has been charged with misdemeanors that include menacing, criminal possession of a weapon and harassment.

Gugliada lives in West Brighton, according to public records.

She has pleaded not guilty to all charges and has been released on her own recognizance.

She is due back in Criminal Court on Oct. 23, according to public records.

__

OTHER STATEN ISLAND NEWS:

>> NYPD seeks tips in knife-point robbery at business on Staten Island

>> Source: Woman suffers life-threatening injuries in fire at apartment building on Staten Island

>> Crash at The Boulevard mall on Staten Island damages multiple cars, sends vehicle up against storefront

>> Young Staten Island mom dies in fiery Brooklyn crash; driver of Mercedes charged

>> Machine gun allegedly brought to Staten Island fight sparks chaos, emotional arraignment
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Rikers Island corrections officer was knocked out and kicked repeatedly in the head by an inmate during an attack Wednesday thats resulted in charges of attempted murder, the New York Daily News reported.

It was around 1:20 a.m. when Rashidi Smith, 41, told an officer at the Otis Bantum Correctional Center he was supposed to be released that day, the outlet reported.

The officer, according to the Correction Officers Benevolent Association, told Smith the main office was closed and he would call later when it opened.

Smith allegedly punched the officer multiple times in the face, slammed his head into a chair, rendering him unconscious, then struck the officer in the head with his fists and feet, according to the report.

The union released a photo of the officer with a neck brace and a breathing tube in a hospital bed.

Any act of violence towards our officers will be met with swift consequences, said Department of Correction Commissioner Louis Molina. The entire DOC team is praying for the officers full recovery, and I want to commend the second officer who intervened and stopped the attack.

Earlier this month, a federal judge in Manhattan took the first step toward putting Rikers Island under the federal governments control, citing the safety of the inmates and the people who work in city jails.

That was after that boroughs top federal prosecutor, Damian Williams, called for the change in oversight amid swirling controversies over the living and working conditions at the jail complex.

Mayor Eric Adams has opposed the takeover, saying progress has been made since he took office last year.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  The fall season is starting early for coffee fans, as Starbucks announced the return of its Pumpkin Spice Latte and other fall-inspired beverages.

The coffee giant announced that the Pumpkin Spice Latte, which made its debut in 2003, will officially return to Starbucks stores in the United States on Thursday, Aug. 24. It means customers can celebrate the 20th anniversary with their first sip of the latte.

The fall menu also features two new seasonal beverages  Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte. It also added a new item to the bakery menu  the new Baked Apple Croissant.

Returning customer favorites include 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 Pumpkin Spice Latte combines espresso and steamed milk with real pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The beverage is then topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spices. Its also available as an iced beverage.

And you cant forget the more recent fan favorite  the Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, which is returning for another year. The drink is sweetened with vanilla-flavored syrup, topped with a pumpkin cream cold foam made with real pumpkin, and dusted with a pumpkin spice topping.

New this year is the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte, a beverage that was inspired by a popular customer and barista customization. This creamy chai tea latte pairs a rich blend of spiced chai notes with pumpkin cream cold foam and a dusting of pumpkin spice.

Were excited to celebrate the creativity of our baristas and customers by offering the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte on the official fall menu. The warm spice flavors of chai and pumpkin seamlessly blend together, creating a creamy and comforting iced beverage, said Starbucks beverage developer Billy Altieri.

The new Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, which combines Starbucks Blonde Espresso with notes of apple, cinnamon and brown sugar, shaken together and topped with oatmilk for a smooth and balanced sip that is full of fall flavor.

Or you can enjoy the returning Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato, which features layered flavors of apple, cinnamon, and brown sugar combined with a spiced apple drizzle to create a delicious, fall-flavored espresso beverage available hot, iced and blended.

The new Baked Apple Croissant is made with layers of croissant dough wrapped around a warm apple filling, topped with sugar, and baked to a golden finish. Returning seasonal bakery items include the Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin and the Owl Cake Pop, as well as the popular Pumpkin & Pepita Loaf, which is available year-round.

Dunkin brought back its lineup of pumpkin-flavored drinks and treats to its restaurants earlier this month. Guests can indulge in fan-favorites, like the Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte, Nutty Pumpkin Coffee, and all of its bakery treats.

Dunkins iconic Pumpkin Spice Signature Latte is back  available iced or hot, this latte features notes of sweet pumpkin, vanilla and fall spices. Its blended with rich espresso and milk, then crowned with whipped cream, caramel drizzle and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. The Nutty Pumpkin Coffee is also back by popular demand. This unique drink combines Dunkins Original Blend iced or hot coffee with sweet pumpkin, cream and a touch of hazelnut.

Dunkins beloved pumpkin flavor swirl is available as hot or iced coffee, chai latte, cold brew, espresso drinks, frozen coffee and frozen chocolate. Guests can customize this classic coffee with milk, cream, as well as several non-dairy options, including creamy coconutmilk, oatmilk, and almondmilk.

FOLLOW ANNALISE KNUDSON ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Scores of protestors flooded an Arrochar street Wednesday night in opposition to a migrant shelter set to open at the former St. John Villa Academy by the end of the week. And at least one Staten Island elected official vowed to take legal action against the city in an effort to prevent the shelter from coming to fruition.

Borough President Vito Fossella led off the elected officials who spoke Wednesday with a pair of photos showing migrants gathered outside another Island-based migrant shelter housed in the former Hungerford School site in Clifton. He announced that he plans to take legal action against the city to block the Villa shelter.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Most of the Islands elected political delegation, led by Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn), gathered outside Fort Wadsworth on Wednesday to decry the possibility of the site being used to house some of the tens of thousands of migrants in the citys care.

Malliotakis said shell be introducing legislation, which she said has bi-partisan support in the House of Representatives, to ban migrant housing in any national park, like Fort Wadsworth, or Brooklyns Floyd Bennett Field, which city and state officials announced this week would be used for the purpose.

With President Joseph Biden in office and Democrats in control of the Senate, its unclear how far Republican-introduced legislation will make it at the federal level, but Malliotakis said she hopes they would take action of their own to address the crisis.

What were trying to say is secure the border. We would love for [Sen. Charles] Schumer to actually pass our bill, and if you dont like our bill, for whatever reason, pass your own bill, but do something, she said.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) and other local elected officials gather at the gate of Fort Wadsworth to note their disapproval of the choice of this site and other sites to house migrants on Staten Island. Wednesday, August 23, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

Crossings at the southern border, where most of the migrants have come from, have declined in recent months, according to data from the Department of Homeland Security, but the city has continued to see an influx, because of travel from other states, according to city officials.

Look, were a compassionate city, but this is ridiculous. This is beyond compassion. This is ludicrous, Malliotakis said. Youre seeing people recognize that this has gotten completely out of control.

More than 100,000 migrants have made their way to the five boroughs since April of last year with nearly 60,000 still in the citys care.

Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island/South Brooklyn) and other local elected officials gather at the gate of Fort Wadsworth to note their disapproval of the choice of this site and other sites to house migrants on Staten Island. Wednesday, August 23, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

Kenneth Spencer  chair of the U.S. Park Police Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing federal Parks Police  joined the elected officials raising concerns about the public safety aspect of housing migrants in federal parks.

Spencer has repeatedly said the agency is short-staffed and said adding migrants would just further the strain on an already burdened group of police.

Us being as short as we are, from a policing standpoint its dangerous and irresponsible to put a migrant camp right in the middle of Staten Island, he said. We already struggle to make ends meet on day-to-day operations, so its going to be tough for us to handle something like that.

Kenneth Spencer, chairman of the U.S. Park Police Fraternal Order of Police, speaks as local elected officials gather at the gate of Fort Wadsworth to note their disapproval of the site to house migrants on Staten Island. Wednesday, August 23, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel)

CITYWIDE EMERGENCY SITES

Mayor Eric Adams administration has set up more than 200 emergency sites around the city, including several on Staten Island at hotels and the former site of the Richard H. Hungerford School on Tompkins Avenue. The possible Fort Wadsworth site and a confirmed site for up to 300 at the former St. John Villa Academy have sparked a new bipartisan push from local elected officials.

At the Wednesday press conference outside Fort Wadsworth, which is controlled by the federal government, Borough President Vito Fossella, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton (D-North Shore/South Brooklyn), Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-South Shore), Assemblyman Michael Tannosis (R-East Shore/South Brooklyn), Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R-Mid-Island), City Councilman Jospeh Borelli (R-South Shore), and City Councilman David Carr (R-Mid-Island) joined Malliotakis.

Representatives for the offices of State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-South Shore) and District Attorney Michael McMahon were also in attendance at the press conference. All of Staten Islands elected officials, including Assemblyman Charles Fall (D-North Shore/Brooklyn/lower Manhattan) and City Councilwoman Kamillah Hanks (D-North Shore) signed a letter last week calling for the federal government not to allow the city to use Fort Wadsworth for migrant housing,

An aerial view of the grounds of Fort Wadsworth. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon)

On Wednesday, Borelli took things a step further calling on the city to begin refusing entrance to new arrivals, many of whom have made their way to the city through the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan.

The first thing that has to happen is at the Port Authority Bus Terminal where the message has to be stop, turn around. Maybe give them a bottle of water, he said. Without the stop, it will never ever stop, because the plan here is just to continue this in posterity forever and ever.

Currently, the citys right to shelter policies, established through decades of legal actions, mandates that anyone seeking shelter in the five boroughs must be granted it regardless of citizenship status.

Adams administration, which estimates a $12 billion price tag to deal with the crisis over the next few years, has taken its own legal action seeking to limit the right to shelter, and has won the support of the City Councils most conservative members, including Borelli and Carr, who style themselves the Common Sense Caucus.

On May 22, 2023, Assistant Corporation Counsel Jonathan Pines wrote to the court that New York City was in crisis due to an unprecedented influx of migrants, which had compelled the city to extend itself further than its resources will allow, the caucus wrote in their letter to New York Supreme Court Judge Erika Edwards. In the three months since, this crisis has escalated and the need for relief from this consent decree is more urgent than ever. Our city is long past its breaking point.

MASSIVE PROTEST PLANNED

Following their Fort Wadsworth press conference, most of the elected officials met with locals near the former St. John Villa Academy, where a massive protest is planned Wednesday evening against migrant housing at the site.

A possible migrant site at a former assisted living facility in Midland Beach has led to massive protests over the past two weekends, including one on Sunday that led to the arrest of local conservative activist Scott LoBaido and former Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa.

MORE LOCAL NEWS

Former Staten Island Catholic school to house up to 300 adult migrants in coming days

NYPD crackdown: 161 summonses issued for illegally parked trucks on Staten Island

Borough president calls for migrants to be housed in Washington, D.C.

NYC legislation will regulate outdoor dining set ups

Staten Island elected officials say former Villa site in poor state for shelter
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the occasion of the Independence Day, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the national holiday of Ukraine  the Independence Day.

The current high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine stems from the historical traditions of close friendship and mutual respect between our peoples. It is gratifying that thanks to our joint efforts, our interstate relations, which stem from this will and are built on solid foundations, have developed dynamically and reached a new stage. I believe that Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations will continue to develop in accordance with the goals and objectives reflected in the Joint Declaration we signed during my visit to Ukraine in January of last year.

I recall our meeting in Chisinau this June, our exchange of views on Azerbaijan-Ukraine bilateral relations with fond memories.

Guided by the UN Charter, the norms and principles of international law, Azerbaijan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine. We always keep the issues of humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine in the spotlight, and express our readiness to continue to provide the necessary assistance.

I am confident that we will consistently continue our joint efforts to expand friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine and strengthen our mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the interests of our peoples.

On this festive day, I extent my best regards to you, and wish the friendly people of Ukraine peace and tranquility," the letter said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  To commemorate the 56th anniversary of the death of Rev. Vincent R. Capodanno, Bishop Patrick Byrne, Episcopal vicar of Staten Island and pastor of Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, will be the main celebrant at a memorial Mass in the late priests honor in the chapel at Fort Wadsworth that bears Father Capodannos name.

The Mass for Servant of God/Medal of Honor recipient is set for Sunday Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. in the Father Capodanno Memorial Chapel in Fort Wadsworth.

After the Mass a memorial ceremony will be held outside near his statue by the Staten Island Detachment 1 Marine Corps League Honor Guard, Rifle Squad and Bugler. Refreshments will be served.

A statue of Father Capodanno ministering the Last Rites to a dying soldier is positioned at Forth Wadsworth. (Courtesy/Vincent Maligno)Staten Island Advance

The Mass is open to anyone who would like to attend. A reading of Father Capodannos Congressional Medal of Honor citation will be followed by a rifle volley and the playing of Taps.

A number of military organizations will then be called forward to present a wreath at Father Capodannos statue, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Marine Corps League, the Knights of Columbus Father Capodanno Council, the Rolling Thunder, the Sons of Italy Father Capodanno Lodge, Viet Nam Knights, AMVETS and others.

The Father Vincent Capodanno Memorial Chapel at Fort Wadsworth. (Courtesy/Vincent Maligno) Staten Island AdvanceStaten Island Advance

A LITTLE ABOUT FATHER CAPODANNO

Born on Feb. 13, 1929, and ordained a priest on June 14, 1958, the Elm Park native participated in seven combat operations before dying at the age of 38 on Sept. 4, 1967, while administering last rites to mortally wounded Marines during the Vietnam war.

Father Capodanno, also known as the grunt padre, was shot 27 times in the back, neck and head on the battlefield in Que Son Valley when he refused to seek cover during the battle dubbed Operation Swift.

Instead, despite his own injuries, the chaplain prayed with a young Marine he spotted lying mortally wounded in an open field, and fell by his side as he was ministering last rites.Despite the passage of years, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched.

Father Capodanno, who was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Navy Bronze Star Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, and three Purple Hearts for his bravery and sacrifice, was officially proclaimed a Servant of God, the initial step to sainthood by the Catholic Church, in May 2006.

On July 4, 1974, Seaside Boulevard on the East Shore was renamed for the Staten Island priest, whose family hailed from Mariners Harbor and Elm Park. The effort to have him proclaimed a saint began in 2018 after a miracle had been attributed in his name.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- An estimated 1,000 people  Staten Island residents and many community activists  flocked to the former St. John Villa Academy in Arrochar Wednesday night to protest a 300-bed migrant shelter slated to be operational on the campus by the end of the week.

Parents, area residents and community activists rallied outside the former school at 57 Cleveland Pl. against housing migrants in the largely residential neighborhood, which includes three surroundings schools -- St. Joseph Hill Academy Elementary School, St. Joseph Hill Academy High School and PS 39.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The new migrant shelter opening at the former St. John Villa Academy, which has drawn the ire of thousands of Staten Islanders, nearby schools and various elected officials, will be used to house single women and adult families, according to a spokesperson for Mayor Eric Adams.

The influx of more than 100,000 migrants since spring 2022, nearly 60,000 of whom remain in the citys care, has prompted officials to set up more than 200 emergency shelters across the five boroughs, including 15 massive humanitarian emergency relief and response centers.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- St. Joseph Hill Academy and Daughters of Divine Charity sent letters to parents of the children who attend the Arrochar-based elementary and high school stating its objection to housing migrants at the nearby campus that formerly housed St. John Villa.

An email signed by both elementary and high school principals, Lawrence Hansen and Elizabeth Campbell, was sent to parents Thursday morning, following a massive protest against the shelter Wednesday night that was attended by more than 1,000 people. Scores of protestors flooded an Arrochar street Wednesday night in opposition to the migrant shelter set to open this week at the former St. John Villa Academy.

- More than 500 Staten Island residents and many community activists flocked to the former St. John Villa Academy in Arrochar Wednesday night to protest a 300-bed migrant shelter slated to be operational on the campus by the end of the week, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Staten Island Advance/Jason Paderon) Jason PaderonJason Paderon

The email says the school has been deluged with emails from concerned parents.

Please know that we are diligently reading each and every one of your email correspondence as they come in. We understand and respect your concerns as the safety and security of your children are always our first priority, says the email.

Attached to the email was a letter from the Daughters of Divine Charity, which oversees the schools and has a convent on the St. Joseph Hill Academy campus, objecting to the nearby migrant shelter. In addition to the two schools and convent, The Seton Foundation for Learnings Joan Ann Kennedy Memorial Preschool, which is for children with developmental disabilities, is also located on the academys campus at 850 Hylan Blvd.

The Daughters of Divine Charity, the Board of Trustees of St. Joseph Hill Academy, and the Board of Trustees of the Seton Foundation for Learning oppose the placement of a shelter and/or temporary housing of any kind adjacent to or within reasonable proximity to a school-campus that educates over 1,000 school-aged children, a school for students with special needs, and houses the residence of infirmed, elderly religious sisters. We are grateful for the support of our Staten Island elected officials who understand and firmly agree with our united position, says the letter.

The letter also says the ministry of the Daughters of Divine Charity has had long-standing commitment to the care of migrants and displaced persons.

As Catholics, we are called to preserve and protect the dignity of all persons from conception to natural death, and our opposition to the placement of temporary housing close to Hills campus does not deviate in any way from that charism, the letter says.

The Daughters of Divine Charity say in the letter they werent notified by the city about the shelter being placed nearby the St. Joseph Hill Academy campus.

Appropriate consultation or notification from any NYC government agency or official was not provided to St. Joseph Hill stakeholders to make provisional plans for our school day operations. No security plans, contact liaisons, timeline, or information of any kind has been shared with school leadership or the community. While we are sensitive to this humanitarian crisis, we feel strongly that the government must find a more appropriate location to provide stable housing and service for these families, which can provide necessary nutrition and medical care, immigration services, mental health, and spiritual counseling to them while in transition, says the letter.

In response to the Daughters of Divine Charity letter, a spokesperson for Mayor Erik Adams said: As we have emphasized repeatedly, with more than 100,000 asylum seekers that have come through our intake system since spring 2022 and hundreds more continuing to arrive in our city asking for shelter daily, New York City has been left largely alone to deal with a national crisis that demands difficult and swift decision-making.

We have opened 206 sites, including 15 large-scale humanitarian relief centers, and are constantly searching for new places to give asylum seekers a place to rest their heads. Most recently, we located the vacant St. John Villa Academy to serve as one of our respite sites for single women and adult families. We understand community concerns and want to assure them that we are working to ensure the site is well-managed. While New York City is leading the nation in welcoming asylum seekers, make no mistake, we cannot continue to do this alone. This crisis demands a broader national solution, added the spokesperson.

MIGRANT CRISIS HITS NEW LEVELS

The influx of more than 100,000 migrants since spring 2022, nearly 60,000 of whom remain in the citys care, has prompted officials to set up emergency shelters around the five boroughs, including 13 massive humanitarian emergency relief and response centers.

On Staten Island, emergency shelters have been set up at several hotels and inside the former Richard H. Hungerford School on Tompkins Avenue in Clifton. A City Hall spokesperson said Monday night that the Villa location would be similar to the Hungerford site.

Other sites around the Island have been rumored as potential migrant shelters, including a Midland Beach assisted living facility, and Fort Wadsworth. All have been met with outcry and protests from locals and elected officials.

FOLLOW TRACEY PORPORA ON FACEBOOK and TWITTER








According to police, a 2011 Ford F-250 pickup truck, operated by 24-year-old Kristopher Russell from Orangeville, was hauling a trailer as it attempted a turn from the thru-way onto High Park Manor's eastbound lane. Unfortunately, the maneuver left the trailer obstructing the entire westbound lane of High Park Manor.



As the trailer blocked the roadway, a 2015 Honda motorcycle driven by Gary Klinger, a 55-year-old resident of Mar-Lin, was traveling westbound.





The available sightline between Klinger and the obstructing trailer was reportedly around 100 feet.





In an attempt to avoid the impending collision, Klinger made a split-second decision to lay down his motorcycle on the pavement. The motorcycle slid approximately 55 feet, first on its right side and then on its left side, until it collided with Russell's trailer.



Schuylkill EMS arrived at the scene and attended to Klinger, who suffered significant injuries due to the impact.





Klinger was rushed to a nearby helipad, where a helicopter transported him to Lehigh Valley Cedar Crest for medical care. Meanwhile, neither Russell nor his front seat passenger sustained any injuries in the accident.



Klinger's motorcycle sustained substantial damage in the collision and had to be towed from the scene. Russell's trailer suffered minor damages but remained operational and was driven away from the incident.



Pottsville Police filed a traffic citation against Russell for the offense of Vehicle Entering or Crossing Roadway. Additionally, upon inspecting Klinger's driver's license, it came to light that he did not possess a valid "Class M" license required for operating a motorcycle.





Further examination revealed that the motorcycle's registration had expired, and the mandatory financial responsibility (insurance) was also no longer valid. Consequently, traffic citations were issued against Klinger for several violations, including Proper Class of License Required, Registration and Certificate of Title Required, and Required Financial Responsibility.

POTTSVILLE - A motorcycle rider was flown with injuries after a two-vehicle crash on Monday.According to Pottsville Police, the collision took place on Monday, August 21, 2023, around 2:30pm, at an intersection on High Park Manor.
Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal.

Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account.



We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription.



A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much!
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. The current high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine stems from the historical traditions of close friendship and mutual respect between our peoples. It is gratifying that thanks to our joint efforts, our interstate relations, which stem from this will and are built on solid foundations, have developed dynamically and reached a new stage. I believe that Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations will continue to develop in accordance with the goals and objectives reflected in the Joint Declaration we signed during my visit to Ukraine in January of last year, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he sent a letter of congratulations to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the occasion of the national holiday of Ukraine - the Independence Day.

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the national holiday of Ukraine  the Independence Day, the head of state said in his message.

I recall our meeting in Chisinau this June, our exchange of views on Azerbaijan-Ukraine bilateral relations with fond memories.

Guided by the UN Charter, the norms and principles of international law, Azerbaijan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine. We always keep the issues of humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine in the spotlight, and express our readiness to continue to provide the necessary assistance.

I am confident that we will consistently continue our joint efforts to expand friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine and strengthen our mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the interests of our peoples, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

On this festive day, I extent my best regards to you, and wish the friendly people of Ukraine peace and tranquility, the Azerbaijani President added.
CBD brought you the news earlier this week of parliaments resident UFO-spotter Peter Whish-Wilson sensing a change of the wind on little green men from Mars, following explosive whistleblower testimony before US Congress.

It seems we missed the real Australian angle. One of the key journos helping blow the lid off this government conspiracy is none other than former 60 Minutes correspondent Ross Coulthart.

Australian author and journalist Ross Coulthart is a big thing among UFO aficionados in the United States. Credit: John Shakespeare

Coulthart was last seen being commissioned by Seven Network commercial director Bruce McWilliam to investigate war crimes allegations against Ben Roberts-Smith. He subsequently worked as part of the soldiers spin team, trying to convince media figures that BRS was squeaky clean. In June, the Federal Court found Roberts-Smith was a war criminal who killed unarmed civilians in Afghanistan, a judgment he is appealing.

But in American UFO circles, Coulthart is something of a cult hero, ever since publishing a bestselling book on the subject in 2021. More recently, hes been fronting UFO coverage for upstart American cable channel NewsNation.
Victorian Premier Dan Andrews isnt Essendons No.1 ticketholder, though he is influential  memorably condemning the views of former Dons chief executive Andrew Thorburns church. Thorburn resigned only a day after the clubs appointment went public.

Now, could it be Andrews is meddling in club affairs once again? A group of Dons fans have been leading a public campaign under the badge NoPE, urging the club to sell its poker machines due to the harm they do to the community. They met new Dons CEO Craig Vozzo in July, but CBD hears they were told the club needed the poker machines to remain financially independent.

Essendon coach Brad Scott was not impressed with Essendons huge loss on the weekend. Credit: AFL Photos

All that financial independence is obviously working well for the club, given they havent won a final since 2004. Collingwood, Melbourne, Geelong and the Western Bulldogs all managed to ditch pokies, and have won seven premierships between them since 2004.

Enter Andrews. Last month he announced tough new poker machine regulations, including cutting the speed they spin. The potential for revenue to drop from them is quite high, as a result of these regulatory changes, NoPE head Mike Read told CBD. And that, he hopes, may change Vozzos mind. These are all pointing towards a situation where soon the business case of operating poker machines wont be so strong as to be able to ignore the moral case.
Advertisement

Eating outEating out Australias most famous yacht club set to make a splash with spectacular new harbourside restaurant Seafood, champagne and yachts: The Boathouse Group has teamed up with the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia as part of their ambitious expansion plans. Bianca Hrovat August 25, 2023 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

The countrys most famous yacht club, the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Rushcutters Bay, is relaunching its 300-seat restaurant in an overhaul by the ambitious Boathouse Group. This is the first major change to the dining experience at the waterfront club, which is home to the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race, in eight years. Cruising Yacht Club of Australia chief executive Justine Kirkjian (left) and Boathouse Group chief executive Antony Jones have formed a partnership to start a new upmarket waterfront restaurant at the club. Louie Douvis The Boathouse Group is known for its eponymous venues at Rose Bay, Balmoral and Shelly Beach, in addition to Manly Pavilion. The group has transformed the CYCA dining room and terrace using a similar design ethos used across many of their 10 (predominantly waterfront) properties, including greenery, white rattan and hanging crab pots.

Advertisement

Group executive chef James Brownrigg has created an all-day menu which members and visitors (from outside a five-kilometre radius) can eat at a table overlooking Rushcutters Bay. The share plates, including beef carpaccio, calamari fritti and eggplant parmigiana. Jessie Ann Harris The lunch and dinner menu features a seafood-leaning selection of share plates, such as calamari fritti ($19), prawn toast ($24) and crab pasta ($36). Therell also be a new pizza oven pumping out hand-stretched prosciutto, margherita and prawn pizzas. Margaritas, mojitos and spritzes are part of the new drinks list, which retains its emphasis on celebratory champagne (a sailing staple). And for breakfast, therell be a small selection of classics like bacon and egg rolls ($14) and avocado toast ($19) alongside coffee by Sydney roasters Single O.

Advertisement

Group executive chef James Brownrigg. Jessie Ann Harris Im hoping [the changes] bring a younger group of members into the club, so we can introduce more people to this sport were so passionate about, CYCA chief executive officer Justine Kirkjian says. Kirkjian explains that, after eight years of relying on Blond Catering to service the clubs bistro and Cafe 44 offering, it was time for something different. In particular, the club wanted to partner with a multi-venue hospitality group, able to weather the service challenges associated with Sydneys ongoing staffing shortage. When people come in, theyll straight away see the aesthetics have changed . But theyll also see a big change in the food and the food service, Kirkjian says. We hope it will be fast, efficient, and look spectacular.

Advertisement

The partnership is part of an expansion of The Boathouse Group, under new chief executive officer Antony Jones. Jones came on board this year, after working (most recently) as the chief commercial officer at hospitality giant Merivale. During his time under Merivale chief executive officer Justin Hemmes, Jones learned the atmosphere within a venue is just as critical to its success as the food and beverages on offer. That means its important to consider everything from temperature, to music, to style of service, Jones says. Its not just about the food on the plate. The Boathouse in Rose Bay. Edwina Pickles

Advertisement

Jones says the partnership came about as The Boathouse Group sought a greater presence in the eastern suburbs, following the success of The Boathouse at Rose Bay. The group has plans over the next year to open a new 200-seat beachside venue in North Wollongong (It probably has the best views across all of our properties, says Jones); overhaul another boathouse in an undisclosed location between Manly and Palm Beach; unveil renovations at Manly Pavilion; and convert its Palm Beach homewares store into a pop-up cafe and restaurant called Casa. The original owners of The Boathouse Group, Andrew Goldsmith and Pip Robb, are no longer involved in the business, having departed along with Robbs parents, former Liberal trade minister Andrew Robb and wife Maureen. Goldsmith and Pip Robb founded The Boathouse Group in 2008, with financial help from Robbs parents. The couple sold the business in 2019, and in 2020, Goldsmith declared bankruptcy, owing more than 500 creditors a total of $21.5 million. The company is now owned by property developer brothers Ben and Jono Isaac and the Sorrensen family.

Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up
Each judge hearing Ben Roberts-Smiths appeal against his devastating defamation loss will be given a safe to protect national security information and a separate computer for writing parts of the judgment based on closed-court submissions, the Federal Court has heard.

The former soldiers appeal will be heard in February next year over 10 days, Federal Court Justice Nye Perram said at a preliminary hearing in Sydney on Thursday. A precise date has yet to be set.

Ben Roberts-Smith outside the offices of a bankruptcy lawyer in June. Credit: Nine

In a historic decision on June 1, Federal Court Justice Anthony Besanko dismissed Roberts-Smiths multimillion-dollar defamation case against The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

Besanko found the newspapers had proven to the civil standard  on the balance of probabilities  that Roberts-Smith was a war criminal who was complicit in the murder of four unarmed prisoners in Afghanistan. He also found the news outlets had proven the former Special Air Service corporal had bullied a fellow soldier.
Tarneit Senior College principal Shane Cole-Hayhow sent a message to students and parents on Wednesday notifying them about both the school attack and the incident at the train station. 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, Cole-Hayhow wrote. Police said officers arrived at the train station about 4.40pm after reports of an assault, however, the group of offenders had left the area. No victim has presented to police and at this stage it appears the matter has not been reported, police said in a statement.

A year 12 student at the school said the fight was just the average Tuesday, and said there were one or two fights weekly, with one major fight every month. But he said the latest clash had been the most serious. Loading The partner of a staff member at the school said the teachers at the school needed more support to deal with this behaviour. The public deserves to know what their kids are witnessing daily and deserve to demand better. Kids are scared to go to school, parents are terrified to send their kids to the school and I fear for my partners safety and my childs safety, she said. The partner said students had brought Tasers to school in previous weeks. Victoria Police and the Education Department confirmed no knives or Tasers were used in the two attacks that were caught on video.

A police spokeswoman said Wyndham police officers were aware of tensions among a small group of teenage girls in the area. Five people have been arrested following an alleged assault at a school in Tarneit, and we are continuing to investigate a small number of other alleged targeted assaults involving this group. Further arrests are expected, she said. She said there wouldnt be an ongoing police presence at schools in Wyndham. However, officers were monitoring intelligence to proactively intervene and prevent disputes before they occur. The proactive policing unit is engaged with several local schools in the Wyndham area that are involved to provide safety advice and support, she said. Local youth workers are also engaged as part of the Embedded Youth Outreach Project, by liaising with the young people involved to address the underlying causes of these issues, with the aim to prevent further incidents.

Principal Cole-Hayhow said in a statement from the Education Department that the Education Department was fully supporting the staff and students to respond to the current incidents. The department is also doing a security audit of the school to determine if any preventative measures could be installed, and local youth workers are talking to the young people involved in a bid to prevent further incidents. Tarneit Senior College parent Ezra Aumua. Credit: Joe Armao Ezra Aumua, whose daughter attends Tarneit Senior College, said he thought it was really concerning ... what is happening in schools today.

You worry about your kids, their friends, Aumua said.

The principal got thrown around a little bit. I saw another teacher go flying across the room. Its just crazy. Manuia Suafoa, whose daughter is a school leader in year 12, said she was dismayed to hear about the fight. Its a big worry for me, Suafoa said, because I dont know what happens after this incident. Tarneit Senior College parent Manuia Suafoa. Credit: Nine News Im not happy about it. What Ive taught to my kids is the way they respect me at home, whoever teaches them at school, that is a representation of myself there. So, they have to respect them as well.

Premier Daniel Andrews said on Thursday he was limited in commenting on the incident because it was a police matter, but told reporters it was a terrible incident. Every school community across our state schools  and indeed private schools, Catholic and independent schools  take the safety of students and staff very seriously, he said. Its just not on. Its not acceptable. Its wrong. And to those caught up in that  the victims of that  we send our best wishes. Id be very confident that that school, [like] all schools, would take that matter very, very seriously. Crossing supervisor Christine Pelham assists students on Thursday morning. Credit: Joe Armao School crossing supervisor Christine Pelham said she had seen students fighting on Fridays after school in the past.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Armenia has handed Azerbaijan a new package of proposals for a peace treaty, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said, Trend reports.

"I want to emphasize Armenia's commitment to the peace agenda. I have to inform you that we have sent a new proposal on the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan to the Azerbaijani side," he said.

Earlier, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan held bilateral talks June 27-29 at the George Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training Center in Arlington, Virginia. While in Washington, they met with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Assistant to the President and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

The Ministers and their teams continued work on the draft bilateral agreement on peace and the establishment of interstate relations. They reached agreement on additional articles and mutual understanding on the draft agreement, while recognizing that positions on some key issues require further elaboration.
A makeshift casino busted by police had an $8000 buy-in for seats at four poker tables, a fully stocked bar and an exclusive area for high-rollers upstairs.

The venue was concealed inside a Truganina warehouse but openly promoted on social media as Mickeys Poker Room.

The alleged high-end illegal casino was operating out of a factory in Truganina. Credit: Nine News

An officer familiar with the investigation but not authorised to speak publicly said the crowd was eclectic and compared the venue and its clientele to the bar scene from Star Wars.

A police taskforce moved in and arrested 21 people, including the alleged operator of the illegal high-end casino, on Thursday night.
The victims of Malka Leifer have spoken outside court after the judge sentenced the former ultra-Orthodox Jewish principal to 15 years in jail for sexual abuse and rape.

The 56-year-old principal was found guilty of sexually assaulting and raping Elly Sapper and Dassi Erlich between 2003 and 2007, while they were pupils at Adass Israel School in Elsternwick.

The jury found Leifer guilty of 18 rape and sexual assault charges and not guilty of nine. She was cleared of all charges relating to a third sister, Nicole Meyer.

From left: Sisters Dassi Erlich, Elly Sapper and Nicole Meyer leave court after the sentencing. Credit: Luis Ascui

But the three sisters stood united outside the County Court of Victoria in Melbourne today.

Elly Sapper spoke first, saying the ruling recognised the harm and pain that Malka Leifer had caused to the women.

This is a momentous day to be standing outside court. We feel overwhelmed and grateful that the legal system has recognised and validated the extreme impact of abuse by female perpetrators, she said.

Sapper said trauma from sexual abuse was a lifelong sentence.

While no amount of years will ever be sufficient, we are so relieved that Malka Leifer is now in prison for 15 years and cannot prey on anyone else, Sapper said.

Her sister Nicole Meyer spoke next, telling reporters it had been 12 years since they walked into a police station and broke the walls of silence in the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.

Then Dassi Erlich addressed the media, saying the group were there today because they didnt give up.

While we know ... fighting for justice should not be up to survivors, this fight was never just for us. We are showing that the voices of survivors will not and cannot be silenced, no matter the obstacles, she said.

It was one of the most traumatising, destabilising and painful paths to justice, she said.

Today really marks the end of this chapter to our lives.
A Perth primary school principal has been jailed for sending a picture of his penis to a person he believed was a 14-year-old girl.

On the first day of 2023, as children across Western Australia were enjoying the break from school during the summer holidays, Shayne Paul Harris, 54, engaged in a highly sexualised online conversation with someone he thought was a young girl. In reality, Harris was speaking with an undercover police officer.

Former school principal Shayne Paul Harris was sent to 12 months in prison on Thursday.

The Aveley North Primary School principal asked her if she masturbated and then sent her a photo of his penis, before asking for explicit photos in return.

The girl told Harris early in the conversation that she was 14, but he pushed on and wanted to progress the conversation to a video chat.
The news

First-term Labor backbencher Jonty Bush has criticised her government for its continued practice of holding young people accused of crimes in police watch houses.

We as a government and as a society shouldnt be doing it, and we shouldnt be accepting it, the inner Brisbane-based MP for Cooper said during a contentious parliamentary debate on Thursday.

Labor MP Jonty Bush delivering her speech on Thursday.

But Bush, a former Queensland Homicide Victim Support Group chief executive, said the governments first priority needed to be supporting the victims of crime.
Premier Daniel Andrews has told a closed meeting of more than 30 female MPs that he considered closing the bar at Victorian parliament as part of a wider discussion about the culture and standards of politicians on Spring Street.

The meeting of Labors womens caucus was held last week following a scandal involving Ringwood MP Will Fowles and allegations of assault.

Victorian MP Will Fowles. Credit: Joe Armao

Fowles was booted from Labor caucus this month but no complainant has yet come forward to police, and he has rejected any allegation of wrongdoing.

The alleged incident is not said to have happened in the parliamentary precinct, but the issue has reignited a discussion about the standards of MP behaviour during sitting weeks and how complaints about poor behaviour are handled.
A five-course gourmet meal with matching wines. A new specialty seafood restaurant. The world-famous Salty Dog Cafe. Guinness cocktail classes. A coffee-tasting.

New Grounds  premium tea and coffee on board.

Hang on, what? Weve had wine-tastings, whiskey-tastings, even gin-tastings. But coffee?

Its all part of Princess Cruises elevation of its food and drink offering on its 15-ship fleet, with new experiences and an aim to make every sailing a globe-trotting gala of gastronomy.

The Lavazza coffee experience is just one addition to the menu, with the coffee brand now the lines official coffee partner. As well as serving every style of a good cup of coffee, the company also gives passengers a sup through the origins, history and culture of coffee, as well a seat on the tasting road, with samplings and food pairings.
Tokyo: Japan has started releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, triggering protests across the country and beyond and seafood import bans.

The polarising move to start dumping the water prompted China to announce an immediate blanket ban on all Japanese seafood imports, while bans in South Korea will remain in place.

China is highly concerned about the risk of radioactive contamination brought by [...] Japans food and agricultural products exported to China, a Chinese customs official said in a statement.

South Korean protesters decry the Japanese governments decision to release the Fukushima water on Thursday. Credit: Getty

Signed-off two years ago by the Japanese government and approved by the UN nuclear watchdog last month, the discharge is a key step in a dauntingly long and difficult process of decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi plant after it was destroyed by a tsunami in 2011.
The entire process lasted about 20 minutes before Trump left the jail to return to Atlanta Airport and then on to his Bedminster golf club in New Jersey. Before taking off, he told reporters that it was a sad day for America and a travesty of justice. I did nothing wrong and everybody knows that, he said. Theyre trying to interfere with an election. Theres never been anything like it in our country before. This is their way of campaigning. Hours after his visit to the jail, Trump took to X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

ELECTION INTERFERENCE, he wrote, in an apparent reference to his legal woes. NEVER SURRENDER! It was Trumps first use of the platform since being kicked off it in 2021 following the riot at the Capitol that he was seen encouraging. In an interview with axed Fox News host Tucker Carlson this week, which was designed to upstage the first Republican debate, Trump described the multiple indictments against him as all trivia, all nonsense. Bullshit, its all bullshit, he said.

His surrender comes after several of his 18 alleged co-conspirators also turned themselves in, including key members of his former legal team: Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Sidney Powell and Jenna Ellis. Loading Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows was the latest to surrender for his alleged role in helping Trump to pressure Georgia officials to overturn Bidens election victory. The remaining co-defendants had until midday on Friday (US time) to do the same. Outside the jail ahead of his arrest, dozens of supporters began gathering around the entrance of the facility awaiting his arrival.

One man was seated opposite the main entrance of the jail with a handmade sign saying Lock Biden Up; another carried a sign saying Trump Won  Save America. Others, such as Virginia Webb, from north-east Georgia, took a different view. Donald Trumps motorcade arrives at Fulton County Jail. Credit: Reuters It was almost a two-hour trip to come here, but I know how important it is, she told this masthead, holding a sign saying, Trump, go directly to jail. Trump lost this election, but he tried to rig it, so he would get free votes here in Georgia.

Thankfully we have elected officials  including Republican elected officials who are not afraid to stand up and do the right thing for Georgia citizens. Trumps latest surrender, which was televised live on US cable networks, also threw the spotlight on the parlous state of the facility where he was to be booked. Virginia Webb of north-east Georgia outside the Fulton County Jail. Credit: Farrah Tomazin Conditions at the Fulton County Jail are so bad that the federal justice department last month launched an investigation into credible allegations that an incarcerated person died covered in insects and filth. The department raised concerns that the jail was structurally unsafe, that prevalent violence has resulted in serious injuries and homicides, and that officers are being prosecuted for using excessive force.

The jail is a few kilometres from the courthouse where Trump and 18 alleged co-conspirators were indicted by an Atlanta grand jury this month after a 2-year investigation by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The charges cover claims that Trump and his allies were part of a racketeering scheme that included setting up phoney electors to produce fake votes, making false representations to the courts, tampering with electronic voting machines, misusing the power of the Justice Department and pressuring state and federal officials not to certify Bidens win. The best-known part of the alleged scheme involves the now-infamous phone call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, a fellow Republican, urging him to find the 11,780 votes he needed to put him ahead of Biden. But 13 charges against Trump in Georgia are particularly troubling for the former president because he wont have the power to pardon himself, should he be re-elected, as he otherwise could in a federal conviction.

The only option he would have would be to apply to Georgias State Board of Pardons and Paroles  and only after five years after serving his sentence. Loading The charges are also based on Georgias expansive Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisations law  otherwise known as RICO  which is used to target mobsters involved in organised crime, such as money laundering, bribery, and drug trafficking. RICO carries a penalty of between five and 20 years in prison. Willis has suggested she is ready to go to trial immediately and has nominated October 23 as the start date for all 19 defendants in the case.
PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Wescot has confirmed that she has been reliably informed that the government of St. Maarten has sent a letter to all government-owned entities regarding their employment policies.

In this letter, the government states that it recognizes and emphasizes the necessity of hiring locals/Sint Maarteners in crucial roles such as top management positions in government-owned entities.

The government in the letter continues to ask of the entities If such a policy is in place at these government entities and states that if this is not the case measures be taken that would underline the importance of recruiting qualified locals especially for higher level roles.



Mind you, the letter does not come on behalf of the Council of Ministers, it comes from the Prime Minister and it is copied to the Council of Ministers, MP Wescot stated.

Having taken note of this communication, the first impression that comes to mind is one of an ill-prepared, ad-hoc decision and more of a knee-jerk reaction than a policy directive by the government, and the first question that comes to mind is whether the government itself has a policy, emphasizing the necessity of hiring locals/Sint Maarteners.

Because if they do, I would like to receive this policy and if they do, I would like to know who the government of St. Maarten considers to be a local/Sint Maartener.

In my letter that will go via the parliament to the Prime Minister, I want to know if this determination is done or should be done by birthplace, parentage, residency, nationality, or a combination of any of these, the MP stated.

 But if the government does not have these criteria or descriptions, then my question is how does the government recommend that the different entities apply this criterion? Is it going to be left up to them individually to decide who is a local/Sint Maartener?

Also important to know would be whether the government henceforth will make it clear in government and government-related ads that locals/Sint Maarteners will have preference. If this is not going to happen, my question is why not, the MP continued.

Also interesting to know would be whether this letter of the Prime Minister has been sent to the government and all other public entities or was it only to government-owned entities, in other words, government companies such as TELEM, GEBE, airport and harbor, etc.

I asked the Prime Minister directly if she does not think that an island-wide initiative led by the government of St. Maarten should have preceded such a random letter to government-owned entities on such an important topic?

As I think about this issue of St. Maarteners and their position in the labor market and getting opportunities in St. Maarten, I think back to the session that several other MPs and I had in the Netherlands with St. Maarten students and St. Maarten young professionals. As a clarion call throughout that session was the comeback home plea.

This is a noble call, one that I have made on occasions as well, MP Wescot concurred.



However, this kind of a blanket statement cannot be made expecting results, without looking at the realities of many of especially our young professionals in the Netherlands and elsewhere. They have commitments where they are, they have families, kids going to school, jobs, and other commitments, the MP opined.

I'm asking the government therefore since we are embarking on this trajectory, to consider a hybrid employment/consultant structure for young St. Maarten professionals abroad, meaning that an assignment (the job) can be given to these persons after going through the process of advertising it and reacting to it.

Then the hybrid situation comes in, allowing them -especially where it pertains to consultancy jobs-, to be in St. Maarten for a short period of time to do the necessary, and then the bulk of the work can be done in e.g. the Netherlands, where these young professionals from St. Maarten can continue with their lives and still contribute to helping to build St. Maarten and cutting down on consultants from all over the world.

It is my view that our people are just as good, if not better than some whom we have brought from all over. This approach would also minimize issues, such as housing, which we often hear from persons as to why they are not or they can't come back to their island if they had to come and seek to settle here permanently. Such an agreement would also allow them to maintain a commensurable level of income.

And talking about employment and St. Maarteners and locals in the labor market, I therefore also needed to include the minister of VSA and ask him if he is aware of this particular letter and directive by the Prime Minister.



I wanted to know if, in the ministry of VSA, there is anything regarding the employment of locals/Sint Maarteners and if we can find something in that ministry to go by.

I know that in the ministry of labor, the law requires an effort to be made to place persons from the local labor market in a position before a foreign labor permit is granted for the same position.

In furtherance of this particular stipulation, the National Employment Service center was mandated to act as a go-between to secure local employment, the MP explained.

So I think after some time of operation it would be good to know who are the currently registered jobseekers, broken down in position, gender, and age. How many requests for foreign work permits have been turned into local employment in the past 3 years, for what kind of employment, and for what period of time?

And then I wanted to know whether informative sessions have been held for employees regarding the changes to the labor law, the maternity and paternity leaves, the contract duration, company transfers, etc. the MP stated, in clear reference to the recent changes to the labor laws, which the MP championed in parliament.



In conclusion, the MP stated in her release, it is unfortunate that something as crucial as this matter, namely local/Sint Maarteners getting a better hand in and a better grip on what is happening on St. Maarten, that it was dealt with in such an ad-hoc manner; the government throwing it in the lap of the government-owned companies and I guess waiting to see what is going to happen. In fact, the government in the same letter I am referring to asked companies if such a policy exists in their organization if this can be provided to the government.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Fariz Rzayev met with Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi, Trend reports.

"With the IAEA and nuclear science, Azerbaijan remarkably tripled its cotton output. We will continue working with Azerbaijan as it leads the Non-Aligned Movement towards achieving the global goals with initiatives like Rays of Hope. Thank you, Fariz Rzayev, for your support," said Grossi on X (Twitter).

The International Atomic Energy Agency was established in accordance with the UN decision of December 4, 1954, and is part of the UN system. The agency exercises authority to develop cooperation in the field of peaceful use of atomic energy.

In addition, the IAEA convenes international scientific forums to discuss the development of nuclear energy, sends specialists to various countries to assist in research work, provides intermediary interstate services for the transfer of nuclear equipment and materials, performs control functions, and, in particular, monitors that assistance provided directly by the agency or with its assistance is not used for any military purposes.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Management of NV GEBE has suspended two staff members who worked in the IT Department. The suspension comes one and a half years after the companys computer system was hacked with what was reported as the Black Byte attack. The hack has left the company in major chaos since the company lost all its data that was not recovered.

Most recently NV GEBE closed its doors when their monitoring system detected an abnormal pattern in the system. This was detected on July 18, 2023.

In a press statement, NV GEBE said upon detection, their IT specialists joined forces with an external cybersecurity monitoring agency to investigate and safeguard NV GEBEs systems and information. This active approach reinforces their commitment to learn, adapt, and fortify the digital environment.

GEBE said they have implemented strict precautionary measures to enhance the cybersecurity infrastructure as they continue to investigate this matter. Due to these robust protective measures, NV GEBE's consumer services are not operational, on July 19, and July 20th, 2023.

SMN News learned that two teams one situated in Curacao while the other in the Netherlands were assisting with the latest investigation that led to the suspensions of Russel Sylvester and Leandro Amarello.

So far, the Management of NV GEBE Troy Washington has not updated the community on their findings.

It should be noted that since the 2022 hack NV GEBE has terminated its statutory director Mertril Temmer and Interim Director Sharine Daniel, Both persons were permanent staff of NV GEBE and have taken the company to court contesting their termination. The statutory director won his case and was ordered to be compensated by the court.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- A representative from the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), executing agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Dr. Daphne Illis, recently attended the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) Regional Health Security (RHS) Planning Meeting in Trinidad & Tobago.

The two-day meeting discussed the transboundary spread of infectious diseases as a threat to regional and global health security. The devastating global impact of COVID-19 and other

public health concerns, reiterate the necessity for regional and global health security to protect and improve health.

RHS encompasses the capacities required for the Caribbean to prepare for and respond to public health threats, risks, priority issues, and concerns that transcend national boundaries and potentially impact on economic stability, trade, tourism, and access to goods and services in the Region.

RHS offers a coordinated approach which is especially crucial in the Caribbean as the Region  like the Pacific and African small island developing states - is characterized by small, under-resourced populations and varying surveillance, laboratory, and human resource capacities.

It is also highly interconnected with porous borders, heavily reliant on tourism, and susceptible to climate change and disasters.

The major outcomes of this meeting included the detailing and prioritization of Member States current needs, increased awareness of CARPHAs integrated surveillance and capacity-building work, and strengthening partnerships.

These elements will assist in developing the sustainable RHS Pathway in short order. This 2023 meeting follows the RHS meeting held in July 2022 in which CARPHA developed an RHS framework and conducted consultations with 84 stakeholders.

This combination of factors significantly increases the region's exposure and vulnerability to disease spread, enabling the rapid spread of highly transmissible communicable diseases.

Furthermore, the tropical climate and abundance of competent vectors make the region particularly vulnerable to vector-borne disease outbreaks.

Consequently, regional health security and prevention, preparedness, and response to public health emergencies need to be improved not only at the national level but at the regional level, as functional regional capacities are greater than the sum of the capacities of individual countries for improving RHS in the Caribbean.

The meeting took place from August 8-9th 2023, at the Hilton Trinidad Hotel and Conference Centre. The RHS Planning Meeting was attended by Chief Medical Officers, a Permanent Secretary, and other health representatives from 21 CARPHA Member States, 11 regional and international agencies, and three (3) international developmental partners (IDPs).
Earlier this week the news came out that around July 18 construction company Statia Roads & Construction severely destroyed the archaeological site associated with what is believed to be the enslaved Afrikan village area of the former Golden Rock plantation on St. Eustatius. The board of the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research (SECAR) on the island granted permission to the building contractors to continue digging after the Airport Boulevard project manager had concerns while the contractors were testing the soil. However, none of the board members is qualified to take this decision. SECARs director and archaeologist Mr.Budsberg was off-island at that time.

According to Budsberg approximately one-third of the area was irrevocably destroyed. The loss of knowledge for the descendant community of their ancestral heritage is indescribable. The SECAR board denies that they gave permission. The Culture Department of St. Eustatius government halted the digging and is investigating the events.

Damaging outcome research report on controversial excavations 2021

The report of the Statia Heritage Research Commission (SHRC) that was published in January 2022 revealed that SECAR deliberately misinformed the descendants and broader communities of St. Eustatius of the excavations of the ancestral remains of the former Golden Rock plantation burial ground. The SHRC report concluded that the director of SECAR, Mr. Stelten, did not see the far more significant issues of emotional attachment and affinity for the human remains of St. Eustatius's ancestors, nor did they see the vital role that ancestors have for the surviving population of St. Eustatius today.

The excavations of 69 human remains of enslaved Afrikans at the Golden Rock Afrikan burial ground in 2021 made headlines throughout the world with a deceptive public relations campaign. After the publication of the damaging report on SECARs role in these excavations, the director Ruud Stelten left. However, SECAR's board continued business as usual and claimed it was not to blame for what happened.

SECARs shady reputation

The SECAR board consists of seven people: four Americans, two Dutch, and only one Statian from the island. Three board members, including the President, have served on the board since 2008. SECAR has a reputation for marginalizing descendants and the broader Statian community where it is concerned with making accessible information about the findings of archaeological excavations and sites. Additionally, artifacts retrieved from excavations are rendered inaccessible and are stored in unknown locations and unknown conditions. On an island full of archaeological sites, this is a deeply disturbing state of affairs, particularly in light of SECAR's questionable practices in the ethical treatment of Afrikan cultural heritage resources and descendant community engagement. To add insult to injury, in a recent television documentary, SECAR's President Soutekouw makes offensive and derogatory statements about the Statian people.



Lack of political will to protect marginalized Afrikan cultural heritage

The area under excavation is part of St. Eustatius' multi-million dollar airport boulevard redevelopment and is believed to be the former village for enslaved Afrikan people associated with the Golden Rock Plantation. While many St. Eustatius residents hail the new boulevard as progress, others remain skeptical. Alliance President Kenneth Cuvalay belongs to the group of skeptics: Why would we need these big roundabouts where more cows pass than cars? Poverty is high on St. Eustatius and there is still no social minimum. Nevertheless, the Dutch government decides to invest heavily in infrastructure, let people live in poverty, and by lacking appropriate legislation makes the destruction of our cultural heritage incredibly simple.



Slavery apologies by the Dutch state: Put the money where the mouth is

Cuvalay: I was shocked to hear about the destruction of what is probably an excavated village of my ancestors, to learn about the treatment of our Afrikan ancestors' sacred burial grounds and cultural heritages that continue to be looted, destroyed, and displaced worldwide by colonial powers within the industry of archaeology and in many other ways, without respect, without dignity and bypassing the Afrikan descendant's communities. Not everyone on the island can or dare to speak out so we will be their voice as well.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and the Dutch government leadership have fallen short where it concerns implementing critical measures for cultural heritage protection and repair, despite publically acknowledging the Dutch States role in global slavery, atrocities and crimes against the Afrikan people as a "crime against humanity". Today, the treatment of our cultural heritage and black cultural identity through the destruction of our Afrikan historical cultural heritages is a continuation of that crime."

Alliance filed complaints and wants dissolvement of SECAR

SECAR should be dissolved, according to the St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground. It is a monster of the colonial past, a symbol of exploitation, and marginalization of Afrikan cultural heritage. There should be a new archaeological organization, a new board, and a new -more tailored- government mandate. The Alliance will file a complaint to the local government, the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (in Dutch: OCW), UNESCO, and the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Descent.

Cuvalay urges everyone to send a protest message to SECAR (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ) and calls on the SECAR board to finally step down if they have any sense of morals and ethics.
Pioneers at quantumrock Announce the Launch of an Innovative Gemstone Investment Certificate

Posted by Publisher Internet

quantumrock, a pioneering investment solutions company, proudly announces the issuance of its much-anticipated gemstone investment certificate. This groundbreaking certificate grants professional investors a novel entry point into a lucrative new asset class, coupling impressive potential returns with limited associated risks.

Housed under the investment structure titled \Rough Gemstone I\, this initiative emerges as an ingenious solution for those aiming to leverage the vast profit margins in gemstone polishing. The offering allows investors to engage in the value creation process without shouldering the traditionally steep costs and uncertainties of acquiring raw, unpolished stones.

aQuantumrock has always been at the forefront of introducing innovative investment solutions,\ remarked Atienne Schneider, a former deputy prime minister of Luxembourg and Adviser of quantumrock, \the gemstone investment certificates are the next evolution in that legacy.a

Key Highlights of the Certificate:

Unique Investment Opportunity: The gemstone investment certificates are meticulously designed to capture the value increase as gemstones transition from their raw state to polished treasures.

Reduced Risk: By eliminating the usual challenges of sourcing, appraising, and acquiring unprocessed gemstones, quantumrock ensures that the investors are insulated from typical industry pitfalls. Moreover, the company has partnered with renowned experts to ensure outstanding process quality. All wrapped in a sophisticated and asset-backed investment structure under Luxembourg law.

Promising Returns: With a targeted investment horizon of 24 months, quantumrock aims to deliver substantial returns, making the certificate an attractive proposition for those seeking to diversify their portfolio.

Easy Participation: Professional investors can now effortlessly partake in this venture through the easily accessible certificate, making entry into the asset class more streamlined than ever before.

Stefan Tittel, CEO and Founder of quantumrock, adds, aIn a world where traditional investments are becoming increasingly unpredictable, we are excited to present professional investors with an opportunity that combinesa new asset class with the sophistication of modern investment structures.a

With this announcement, quantumrock further solidifies its reputation as a visionary in the investment domain.For more details on the certificate or to participate, please visit quantumrocka?s official website or reach out to their investor relations team at www.quantumrock-rgs.com

quantumrock is an AssetTech company developing institutional-grade investment solutions from rare and unique alpha sources. Together with renowned product partners, the identified alpha sources are wrapped into the highest quality institutional-grade investment products and brought to investors. With quantumrocka?s investment solutions, clients can improve their funds and portfolios or tap new investment opportunities in equities, volatility, factor investing, robo-advisory and hard assets. The AssetTech firma?s client base is spread across the globe and ranges from large multinational banks to local family offices and technology companies.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has congratulated Ukraine on its Independence Day, Trend reports referring to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

"We congratulate the friendly Ukrainian government and people on Independence Day. We look forward to expanding our strategic cooperation," the publication reads.

Earlier today, President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the occasion of Independence Day.

Also, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov sent a congratulatory letter to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the occasion of the country's Independence Day.
The Fermi Paradox seeks to answer the question of where the aliens are.

Given that our solar system is quite young compared to the rest of the universe  roughly 4.5 billion years old, compared to 13.8 billion  and that interstellar travel might be fairly easy to achieve given enough time, Earth should have been visited by aliens already, the idea goes.

The paradox takes its name from Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, who supposedly made the above points during a casual lunchtime conversation in 1950. And the implications have had astrobiologists and other scientists scratching their heads in the decades since.

Related: The search for alien life

"Fermi grasped that any civilization with a modest amount of rocket technology and an immodest amount of imperial incentive could rapidly colonize the entire galaxy," representatives of the Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute in Mountain View, California, wrote in a Fermi Paradox explainer. "Within a few tens of millions of years, every star system could be brought under the wing of empire. Tens of millions of years may sound like a long project, but in fact its quite short compared to the age of the galaxy, which is roughly a thousand times more."

Fermi died in 1954, so exploration and explication of the idea fell to other people, such as Michael Hart, who wrote an article titled "An explanation for the absence of extraterrestrials on Earth" in the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) Quarterly Journal in 1975. (Some say this is the first such paper to explore the Fermi Paradox, although this claim is a bit hard to prove.)

"We observe that no intelligent beings from outer space are now present on Earth," Hart wrote in the paper's abstract. "It is suggested that this fact can best be explained by the hypothesis that there are no other advanced civilizations in our galaxy."

He noted, however, that more research in biochemistry, planetary formation and atmospheres was needed to better narrow down the answer.

Hart argued that intelligent aliens could already have visited Earth at some point in our planet's history unless they started their journey less than two million years ago. He thought the apparent lack of such visits is most likely due to the lack of intelligent aliens. But he outlined four other potential explanations as well:

Aliens never came here because of a physical difficulty "that makes space travel infeasible," which could be related to astronomy, biology or engineering.

Aliens simply chose never to visit us.

Advanced civilizations beyond Earth arose too recently for aliens to reach us.

Aliens have visited Earth in the past, but we have not observed them.

Frank Tipler, a professor of physics at Tulane University, followed up on Hart's argument in 1980 with a paper titled "Extraterrestrial intelligent beings do not exist," also published in the RAS Quarterly Journal. The bulk of his paper dealt with how to get resources for interstellar travel, which he suggested could be achieved by having some kind of self-replicating artificial intelligence move from star system to star system, creating copies of itself as it traveled.

Since evidence of such advanced machinery has never been found on Earth, Tipler argued that we are likely the only intelligence out there. He also wrote in the 1980 paper that those who believe in extraterrestrial intelligence are similar to UFO (unidentified flying object) enthusiasts because both camps believe "we are going to be saved from ourselves by some miraculous interstellar intervention."

Today, the topic of extraterrestrial intelligence is a popular one, with multiple papers appearing every year from different research groups. And the idea that advanced civilizations may exist beyond Earth has been buoyed by the ongoing exoplanet revolution.

There's a lot of potentially habitable real estate out there

The universe is incredibly vast and old. Data gathered by a variety of telescopes show that the observable universe is about 92 billion light-years wide (and growing faster and faster all the while). And separate measurements indicate it is about 13.82 billion years old.

So alien civilizations have had plenty of time to arise and spread  but they also likely must cross a vast cosmic gulf to get to us.

When Fermi made his famous remark, the only planets scientists knew about were in our own solar system. But in 1992, astronomers spotted worlds circling a superdense stellar corpse known as a pulsar. And a few years later, the first exoplanet around a sunlike star was confirmed.

There are now more than 5,000 confirmed exoplanets, with more being found every year. The sheer number of alien worlds suggests that life may be plentiful throughout the cosmos.

Over time, with more advanced telescopes, scientists will be able to probe the chemical compositions of some nearby exoplanets' atmospheres. "Nearby" is a relative term, however; the closest known exoplanet, Proxima b, lies about 4.2 light-years away, which is roughly 25 trillion miles (40 trillion kilometers).

The eventual goal is to understand how often rocky planets form in the "habitable zone" of their parent stars, which is traditionally defined as the range of orbital distances in which water can exist on a world's surface. Habitability isn't just about water, however. Other factors must be considered as well, such as the host star's activity and the planet's atmospheric composition. (And there are other reasons why the habitable zone, as traditionally defined, is increasingly viewed as overly simplistic. For example, icy moons in our own solar system, such as Jupiter's Europa and Saturn's Enceladus, lie far beyond the habitable zone and may still harbor life in their subsurface seas.)

Such caveats notwithstanding, there does seem to be plenty of habitable real estate out there. For example, a November 2013 study using data from NASA's Kepler space telescope suggested that one in five sunlike stars has a roughly Earth-size planet orbiting in the habitable zone. A few months later, Kepler scientists released a "planet bonanza" of 715 newly discovered worlds. Many of these planets were confirmed using a new technique called "verification by multiplicity," which works partly on the logic of probability. (Objects seen to cross a star's face or tug at it gravitationally are more likely to be planets rather than companion stars, because a companion star at close proximity would likely destabilize the entire system over time.)

An artist's illustration of NASA's Kepler space telescope hunting for exoplanets. (Image credit: NASA)

Sunlike stars are the minority population in our galaxy, however; about three-quarters of Milky Way stars are small, dim burners known as red dwarfs. Astronomers have found multiple rocky worlds circling in the habitable zone of red dwarfs  Proxima b, for example, and three planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, which lies about 39 light-years from Earth and harbors seven rocky worlds in total. But it's unclear how habitable such planets really are, because red dwarfs are incredibly volatile, especially in their youth. Stellar eruptions may therefore quickly blast away the nascent atmospheres of young "habitable zone" red dwarf planets, making it extremely difficult for life to get a foothold there. More study is required to better understand these stars and the ability of life to persist around them, scientists say.

Researchers are getting more tools with which to do such work. For example, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) launched successfully in April 2018 and soon picked up the baton from Kepler, which was retired late that same year. The agency's highly-anticipated, $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch in December 2021, will hunt for potential biosignature gases in the air of nearby exoplanets, among many other tasks. The European Space Agency's PLATO (PLAnetary Transits and Oscillations of stars) mission is expected to launch in 2026. Three huge ground-based observatories powerful enough to sniff exoplanet air  the Extremely Large Telescope, the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Thirty-Meter Telescope  are scheduled to come online later this decade as well. And one highly ambitious project, known as Breakthrough Starshot, aims to study Proxima b and other nearby worlds up close with swarms of tiny, laser-sailing nanoprobes. If technology development goes well, the first such interstellar robotic craft could launch around 2050.

Such missions and instruments will help scientists flesh out their understanding of astrobiology, which remains relatively primitive. For instance, we don't even know if there are life-hosting worlds in our own backyard. Studies here on Earth have shown that microbes can survive in extreme environments, suggesting that microbial life may well exist on Mars, Europa, Enceladus and/or the giant Saturn satellite Titan. But we haven't explored any of those worlds nearly well enough to know for sure.

The Fermi Paradox is thinking much bigger than microbes, however. To solve it, we need to know not only how commonly life evolves on alien planets, but also how often it gains the ability, and the desire, to communicate with other intelligent lifeforms or go sailing among the stars.

Related: 13 ways to hunt intelligent aliens

The number of intelligent, detectable alien civilizations is estimated by the Drake Equation. In the words of the SETI Institute, the equation  written as "N = R*  fp  ne  fl  fi  fc  L"  has the following variables:

"N: The number of civilizations in the Milky Way galaxy whose electromagnetic emissions are detectable.

R*: The rate of formation of stars suitable for the development of intelligent life (number per year).

fp: The fraction of those stars with planetary systems.

ne: The number of planets, per solar system, with an environment suitable for life.

fl: The fraction of suitable planets on which life actually appears.

fi: The fraction of life bearing planets on which intelligent life emerges.

fc: The fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that produces detectable signs of their existence.

L: The average length of time such civilizations produce such signs (years)."

None of these values are known with any certainty right now, which makes predictions difficult. So the Fermi Paradox is fertile ground for speculation, and scientists and laypeople have advanced literally hundreds of possible explanations over the years.

What could the answer be?

These ideas run a very wide gamut.

For example, in 2015, scientists analyzing data from the Hubble Space Telescope and the Kepler space telescope concluded that Earth was likely an early bloomer, relatively speaking. Just 8% of all the potentially habitable worlds that will ever exist in the universe were around when Earth formed about 4.5 billion years ago, the researchers determined. So that's one possible explanation to the paradox: The aliens will come, but not for a while yet.

Or perhaps life is too fragile to survive for long. A 2016 study suggested that the early part of a rocky planet's history can be very conducive to life, which may commonly emerge starting just 500 million years or so after the planet cools down and liquid water becomes available. The history of our own Earth would seem to bolster that conclusion; there's (disputed) evidence that life had emerged here by about 4.1 billion years ago , and it was definitely established by 3.8 billion years ago. But those good times may not last long, thanks to a runaway greenhouse effect (as occurred on Venus long ago) or other climatic shifts.

"Between the early heat pulses, freezing, volatile content variation and runaway positive feedbacks, maintaining life on an initially wet rocky planet in the habitable zone may be like trying to ride a wild bull. Most life falls off," researchers Aditya Chopra and Charley Lineweaver wrote in the study, which was published in the journal Astrobiology. "Life may be rare in the universe, not because it is difficult to get started, but because habitable environments are difficult to maintain during the first billion years."

Or maybe the bottleneck comes much later. A number of thinkers have suggested that civilizations may tend to extinguish themselves soon after becoming technologically competent. Again, Earth provides some support for this hypothesis: Humanity came alarmingly close to nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and we may be in the process of destroying ourselves, and much of the other life on the planet, right now via anthropogenic climate change.

There are many other factors to consider as well. For example, planetary scientist Alan Stern, the leader of NASA's New Horizons mission to Pluto, recently posited that the most common life-hosting environments in the Milky Way galaxy may be buried oceans, such as the seas of Enceladus and Europa. Organisms that evolve in such locales seem unlikely to develop spacecraft; indeed, many of them may not even know there are other worlds out there to explore.

Alien psychology could be playing a role as well. Maybe there are lots of advanced alien civilizations out there, for example, but most of them have no desire to communicate with us or visit Earth. Perhaps Earth and its inhabitants just aren't interesting enough for them to trifle with  and won't be until humanity demonstrates enough intelligence and merit to be welcomed into the "galactic club."

Or maybe most intelligent aliens tend to keep quiet as a general rule, concerned that making contact with their cosmic neighbors could bring on their own enslavement or annihilation. A number of researchers, including the late Stephen Hawking, have invoked such possibilities in arguing that humanity shouldn't actively advertise its presence.

Then there are the logistical difficulties of finding intelligent aliens. The universe is enormous and incredibly old. Humanity has been around for just 200,000 years, and we've been listening for possible radio signals from E.T. just since 1960. So the odds that we overlap in time and space with a detectable alien civilization don't seem great.

There probably is no single solution to the Fermi Paradox, most researchers say. A combination of factors  including, perhaps, some of the ones discussed above  are likely responsible for the "great silence" that currently confronts us. And the nature of those factors may start coming into clearer focus relatively soon.

For example, say scientists find evidence of past or present microbial life on Mars, Europa or another body in our own solar system, and that those organisms represent a "second genesis"  something totally different than life on Earth. Such a discovery would strongly suggest that it's not hard for life to get going throughout the cosmos, allowing researchers to cross one possible Fermi Paradox explanation off the lengthy list.

Fermi paradox with an expert

We asked Professor Heidi Jo Newberg from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute a few questions about the Fermi Paradox.

Heidi Jo Newberg Professor, Physics, Applied Physics, and Astronomy Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Heidi Jo Newberg is an astrophysicist currently studying the structure of our galaxy. She has conducted diverse research in astrophysics, including on stars, supernovas, and both our galaxies and others. She recently received a grant from NASA to work on an alternative to conventional telescopes to detect exoplanets that could support life.

Do modern researchers tend to accept the premise of the Fermi Paradox  that is, if intelligent life outside our planet exists, then it's likely that they would have contacted or reached Earth by now? I can't speak for everyone else, but no I do not believe in the premise. Because the Earth is the only planet where we know that life exists, we can only make guesses based on how life here has evolved. The Earth formed about 4.6 billion years ago. Life on Earth began at least 3.5 billion years ago, since fossils of this age have been found, but simpler cells are expected to have formed earlier than that. Possibly, life on Earth started very quickly after conditions allowed for liquid water to be commonly available. On the other hand, life that had more than one cell took until about 1 billion years ago, and humans did not evolve in 0.2 billion years ago. As far as we know, humans are the only life form on the Earth that thinks about what is going on in the Universe, and could potentially communicate with other life. The first telescopes were invented about 400 years ago, and the first space probes were launched less than 100 years ago. What I take away from this is that simple life (like one celled organisms) might be easy to create, but complex life is harder, and life that tries to communicate with life elsewhere in the Universe could be extremely rare. While the technology to find and communicate with extraterrestrial life, once started, appears to develop extremely fast on the timeline of the Universe, we do not know how long modern humans will survive as a species.

Is there a commonly accepted way to resolve the Fermi Paradox? I doubt there is a commonly accepted way to resolve the Fermi Paradox, other than to point to the fact that we have very little information about highly evolved intelligent life. We don't know how rare it is, how long a civilization lasts, how likely it would or would not want to communicate with us, how likely it would spread through the Galaxy, or how we would recognize and understand each other. In the absence of any real information to figure any of this out, it just seems like there are many possibilities to solve it. In evaluating the Fermi Paradox, it is important to think about the vast distances of space in the Milky Way. The time for light to travel to the nearest star is more than four years. If a rocket ship travels 20,000 miles per hour, then it would take more than 33,000 years to get there. The light travel time from the Sun to the center of our galaxy is 30,000 years. The rocket travel time is a 170 million years. It is completely unclear whether life will want to, or be able to, travel over these sorts of distances to populate the Galaxy. If it is attempted, it is not clear whether there are suitable places for it to land and thrive. Spreading life throughout the galaxy might be much more difficult than Fermi supposed.

Do researchers studying exoplanets, particularly potentially habitable ones, usually consider the Fermi Paradox? Modern researchers looking for potentially habitable planets usually use the Seager Equation when they are thinking about the likelihood of finding life. This is an update of the Drake Equation which was a summary of what people were looking for in 1961. Note that one of the key differences is that the Seager Equation asks how many planets we can find with life that transformed the atmosphere (for example by photosynthesis), while the Drake Equation calculates the number of civilizations that are sending out detectable radio waves. In the 20th century, the SETI program looked for these civilizations and found no signals of such civilizations. So you can see that the conversation has changed to the search for life that is not necessarily intelligent  something that the Earth's history would tell us is much more likely to find. I occasionally teach an Exoplanets and Life class, and the textbook I use does not talk about the Fermi Paradox. My expectation is that most researchers are not currently thinking about it. The current search is for exoplanets, habitable exoplanets with liquid water, and signs of life that is not necessarily intelligent.

What are some ways current research might eventually resolve the Fermi Paradox? As we learn more about exoplanets, it becomes more possible to make statistical statements about the likelihood of life, and the possibility for it to spread. The basis of the paradox lies in the idea that there are hundreds of billions of stars in the Milky Way, and with so many there must be other intelligent life on one of them. But we don't really have a way to assess whether that is true. In six tons of sand, there are hundreds of billions of grains of sand. So, it might seems reasonable to think that there must be at least one of them that is made of uranium. But we don't look for uranium on the beach because if it was there, it would be dissolved in the water and wash away. Just having a large number of objects doesn't mean that every possibility for what those objects are must therefore exist. Current experiments are teaching us how many exoplanets there are, what the conditions are on those planets, how common it is for exoplanets to have surface temperatures that allow for liquid water, and possibly how many exoplanets exhibit atmospheric abundances that favor the existence of life. We are working towards actually finding other life of any kind that is on another planet. This information would give us some basis for then extrapolating to the probability that technological civilizations form elsewhere, and would tell us how far they might have to travel to find the nearest habitable planet where they could establish a colony.

Additional resources

Follow us on Twitter @Spacedotcom or on Facebook.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Armenia continues to pursue a destructive policy towards Azerbaijan. By violating international law, ignoring the decisions of the UN Security Council and taking manipulative actions, this country continues to groundlessly accuse Azerbaijan of allegedly "inhuman treatment" of persons of Armenian origin living in Karabakh, Trend reports.

One of the unfounded allegations often voiced by the Armenian side is that Azerbaijan is allegedly "keeping 120,000 Armenians" in Karabakh under blockade. This is a complete lie, as are the figures cited in this delusional statement. What is confirmed by real facts is that the population of the region is only 40,000. However, the Armenian officialdom, as well as the separatists in Karabakh, continue to try to convince the world community otherwise.

Armenia consistently fails in its attempts to mislead the world community. A number of leading world media outlets, commenting on the situation, have already refuted, based on real facts, the misinformation disseminated by Armenians.

Thus, in a report on the main channel of Moldovan TV Moldova 1, the correspondent pointed out that the Armenian side exaggerated the number of Armenians in Karabakh three times.

One of the most popular Lithuanian publications, Delfi, in its article also emphasizes that "the Kremlin's proxy in Karabakh", i.e., Ruben Vardanyan, "exaggerates the population three times, claiming that the number of Armenians there exceeds 120,000, although according to all the latest estimates there are about 40,000 residents".

Ukraine's largest TV channel, Inter," noted in its report that the maximum number of residents in Karabakh is no more than 40,000.

"However, the self-proclaimed leadership stated that the number of residents reaches 120,000. This information is false and pursues propaganda purposes," the report said.

The Spanish newspaper La Razon, with an audience of 45 million people, also notes in its published piece that "the real number of Armenians living in Karabakh does not exceed 40,000".

The Hill, one of the leading and influential American political periodicals, notes in its piece that "by exaggerating the figures, the separatist leadership is trying to hide the large-scale migration of Armenians to Armenia and Russia. They similarly inflated demographic data to justify the occupation of 20 percent of Azerbaijan in the early 1990s."

Thus, Armenian tactics no longer produce the desired results. On the contrary, it only exposes the true nature of Armenian policy, which is characterized by destructive actions and a refusal to establish peace in the region.
Budget hotel chain Travelodge today said it had its best ever night ever in London at the start of July as it revealed revenue rose by more than a fifth for the first half of 2023. A spectacular run of events in the capital, including the first weekend of Wimbledon, the Bruce Springsteen concert at Hyde Park, Blur at Wembley, Iron Maiden at the O2 and the Weeknd at the Olympic Park, drew huge numbers of overnight visitors and set up the companys biggest ever night for revenue in Travelodges 80 London hotels.
We are working closely with unions to ensure we prioritise urgent and emergency care for patients, as ever, but there is no doubt that it becomes harder each time to bring routine services back on track following strikes, and the cumulative effect after nearly nine months for patients, staff and the NHS as a whole is enormous.
But the grower has tested different methods to be able to get more fruit per plant and is set to double its previous production record, up to 11,000 this year from around 5,500 in 2020.
The tool, known as the Earzz Smart Home Monitor, allows users to stay connected to the goings-on of their home by constantly monitoring for the sounds that theyd like it to detect, such as a car pulling on to the drive, the bleeping of a fridge door left open or a running water tap. It can even get as specific as detecting a baby crying versus baby coughing.
OnlyFans collects around 1 for every 4 made by content creators on its platform. Some of its adult content creators have made millions on the site, including one creator who told the Standard she made over 4 million on the platform and used some of the proceeds to invest in a competitor.
The AI industry employs over 50,000 people in the UK and contributes 3.7 billion to the economy according to the Government. London is also the home of DeepMind, Googles artificial intelligence arm, as well as a flurry of AI startups which have emerged over the past year including AutogenAI and ElevenLabs. But AI leaders, including British computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, have warned of potential catastrophic consequences of the technology if it is mismanaged.
Clearly, opposition to the charge will provide a floor of support for Ms Hall and see her sweep votes in the outer boroughs. But will it be enough to win? Not least if she becomes associated with other senior Tories, including the new MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, who are facing criticism for helping to run social media groups celebrating the destruction of Ulez cameras.
The first airport to open in the liberated regions, Fuzuli International Airport, has become yet another ambitious and successful project implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

The official opening of the airport took place on October 26, 2021, and in less than two years since the beginning of its operation, Fuzuli Airport has confirmed its international status. In addition, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who visited our country on a state visit, arrived in Fuzuli on his plane and left for Uzbekistan from there.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, also arrived at the Fuzuli airport and even participated in its inauguration alongside President Ilham Aliyev. The Fuzuli International Airport has the potential to add value not only for Azerbaijan but also for the entire South Caucasus, President Erdogan emphasized at the inaugural ceremony.

Additionally, Nikol Pashinyan recently opened an airport in Gafan, which the Armenian media refers to as an international airport, not far from the Fuzuli Airport.

However, due to the near impossibility of operating the airport in Gafan without breaching Azerbaijani airspace, the idea is unwelcome.

Furthermore, Baku concluded that without appropriate agreements, any aircraft that will take off or land in Gafan will be regarded as a potential military threat, with all the ensuing consequences.

Azerbaijan has chosen a place for the construction of Fuzuli, Lachin, and Zangilan airports specifically so that the arrival of aircraft in these places does not violate the airspace of Armenia.

There is a big difference between Gafan and Fizuli airports, both in terms of technical equipment and in terms of capabilities, potential, efficiency, and success. The same difference is observed in the level of development between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Picador tried to subject Clanchys book to sensitivity readers, another attempt by some publishers to make their books safe from being denounced in the future. Sensitivity readers are freelance editors who go through a manuscript to ensure its not offensive to marginalised communities. Say a white author is writing a novel that features a black protagonist. This author, it is argued, doesnt have the lived experience to fully depict the life of his black protagonist. She thus needs a black sensitivity reader to improve her work. The problem with this is the assumption that an individual person from a marginalised or oppressed background can speak on behalf of the whole group; but a young working-class black person from Peckham doesnt necessarily have the same lived experience as a rich middle-aged black person from Putney. One could say they may have a shared experience of racism, but if a black character is defined exclusively by their experience of racism, an author is not doing her job properly: she is not making her character as varied or distinctive as possible.
For my English literature degree, I spent three years devouring paperbacks and discussing similes, metaphors, motifs and the like. It looks like Ill be paying for those three years for quite a while yet. I still have a mammoth 21,000 to clear, though the student loans man did point out that the debt will be wiped in 2035, when Im 47 years old. For students enrolling at university this autumn, the loan wont be wiped until 40 years has passed  meaning that many will be repaying the debt for the majority of their working lives.
Prigozhin rose to prominence with Vladimir Putin under the charismatic mayor of St Petersburg of the early Nineties, Anatoly Sobchak. His vehicle was Concord Catering, provisioner to the stars and the Russian Army. He then became a guiding influence of the Internet Research Agency of St Petersburg, the Troll Factory which played a key role in the social media wars of 2016. He also became the sponsor and leader of Wagner, a military and security company founded in 2014 by Dmitry Utkin, who is also believed to have died in yesterdays crash.
Where movies like Scream deconstruct sadism but also appeal to our cruel side, this cabin-in-the-woods movie about what it means to be scared of difference, which boasts an almost entirely black cast, is brazenly sweet. There will be blood? Not really  director Tim Story is pretty abstemious where the claret is concerned and has little time for torture porn, possibly because  vis a vis serving up brutalised, black bodies  his view is, Enough already!
He said: I make no excuses for my behaviour and have apologised personally to Will Thomas, for whom I have the greatest respect. I do so again, and to the other artists, for the distress that this has caused.
Holcroft wrote this after visiting North Korea then meeting genuinely oppressed playwrights at a conference in Beirut, and its clearly a sincere work. But theres nothing more boring than a writer writing about how important writers are. Except when that writer is assembling lazy tropes of tyranny (spurious military victories, place names like Unity Square, Shakespeares plays banned etc) in a society thats still relatively free, while also musing chin-strokingly about truth and storytelling.
At the very least, the approach allows some affordable housing to get built. But critics point out that you can only sell public land for development once and it relies on a strong market. It worked in the good times but do the numbers still stack up?
Its not strictly Notting Hill but theres a little line of houses on Barlby Road (previously Porlock Road), off Ladbroke Grove. My mum came here from Jamaica as a teenager, and this is where she stayed with her older sister, so it has a special attachment and connection for me.
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.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. We hope that in the coming years we will not witness double standards against Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said, Trend reports.

"The Belgian Foreign Minister says that we should look to the future, not to the past. This is the right advice. Belgium will chair the EU in January. Our desire and expectation are that in the coming years we will not witness double standards. We hope that at least sometimes the political manipulations offered by Armenia will not be so easily perceived by Europe," said Bayramov at a joint press briefing with Belgian Foreign Minister Haja Labib in Baku.

The visit of the Belgian Foreign Minister to the region began on August 22. First, she made her visit to Armenia, then on August 23 to Georgia, and finally on August 24 to Azerbaijan.
Five minutes later, the same two boys entered the carriage and began chatting to him before trying to steal his phone. On this occasion they did not succeed.
I would like to praise the bravery of these men in coming forward and telling officers about what happened. Having pleaded not guilty, Klein forced them to recount their experiences in court. But again, they found the strength to speak out  ultimately leading to this conviction.
I am very keen to hear from anyone who knows John and who may have seen or heard from him since last Sunday. I am also asking anyone in the Islington area with CCTV or doorbell cameras to check their footage for sightings of John.
The court heard that on the night Ms Walsh was murdered, a female friend had received a WhatsApp message from her saying she was trying to get Taylor out of the flat after catching him taking drugs.
Another time I remarked to Beinash that it must be difficult to homeschool Sara, especially as she had the baby to look after. She said it was very easy as she used BBC Bitesize.
While the robbery of items is inconvenient and troubling in itself, there is often a long lasting impact on the way a person lives their life day-to-day, he added.
The case will be adjourned off and will be heard at some point, depending on the time limits for the evidence to arrive from South Africa, she said, adding that the date for a full inquest hearing is to be confirmed.
The case was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) and after a thorough assessment, the IOPC has confirmed that is now for the Met to review, and to find out whether anything could, or should, have been done differently.
We may never know why Peppiatt placed the blame for his mothers death at the feet of Mr Eastlake, but violence can never be an acceptable answer. Peppiatts extreme response to his perceived grievance was to result in Mr Eastlake losing his life and Peppiatt has rightfully been held responsible for his terrible actions.
Commander Umer Khan, from the City of London Police, said: Officers from the City of London Police were in Fieldgate Street, Tower Hamlets, on Wednesday 23 August 2023 at 11.54pm when a vehicle collided with four members of the public following a short pursuit. All four people were taken to hospital.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, Ilia Darchiashvili, held a meeting with Hadja Lahbib, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, and Foreign Trade of the Kingdom of Belgium, who is currently on a regional visit to Georgia.As per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' information, the discussions during the meeting were centered on the strong cooperation and amicable relations existing between the two nations.The report further highlighted the robust support that the Kingdom of Belgium extends to Georgia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, as well as the nation's European and Euro-Atlantic integration."In this regard, we also discussed how to engage the Kingdom of Belgium in supporting Georgia's path towards European integration. Additionally, one of our primary focuses was bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and the specific sectors of collaboration between our two countries. Naturally, this topic was also addressed," said Darchiashvili.Irakli Darchiasvhvili conveyed his gratitude for Belgium's support of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. He expressed confidence that Belgium would be among the nations vigorously and resolutely advocating for Georgia's European integration."I expressed gratitude for Belgium's support of Georgia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. I am confident that Belgium will be among the countries that vocally and firmly advocate for our European integration," stated Darchiashvili.Georgia is hosting the multinational exercise 'Agile Spirit 2023' for the eleventh time. As part of the training framework, the initial demonstration component took place at the Vaziani military airfield and US Ambassador to Georgia Kelly Degnan attended."We are currently at the Vaziani airfield, where the annual exercise 'Agile Spirit' is underway. The exercise is being hosted by Georgia and co-led by the USA. Over 3,000 military personnel from 21 countries are participating in this event. Today, we observed an air landing exercise. This opportunity allows us to conduct joint drills, enhance interoperability, transparency, and elevate readiness through yearly exercises, further bolstering our military collaboration. The parachute jump conducted by 180 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade, as part of the annual 'Agile Spirit' exercise hosted by the Georgian Defense Forces, was truly remarkable. We sincerely appreciate this support," Degnan stated.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. We must separate humanitarian issues from political manipulation, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said, Trend reports.

"Azerbaijan suggests not worsening the situation in the field of humanitarian issues. That is why Azerbaijan creates conditions for the use of several roads instead of one. People who consider themselves representatives of the local population should not hold people hostage," said Bayramov at a joint briefing with Belgian Foreign Minister Haja Labib.

The visit of the Belgian Foreign Minister to the region began on August 22. First, she made her visit to Armenia, then on August 23 to Georgia, and on August 24 to Azerbaijan.
It has among the best exam results in the country so I wanted to stay to do my GCSEs here, said Shivam. The school ran extra revision classes before and after school everyday during Year 11. It meant I sometimes left home at 6am and didnt get home for 12 or 13 hours. His hard work paid off, scoring top grades in all his exams. Shiva, will now study A-levels in maths, economics and accounting. His teacher at Forest Gate Community School, Thomas Leather, said: He deserves great results move than most. He never missed a revision session, an intervention or even a class during the whole of year 11. He dedicated herself completely to getting the best possible results and her hard work has paid off. He is a shining example to her fellow students.
Asked whether consultants would accept a similar deal to that offered in Scotland, Dr OKane said: What the deal in Scotland shows is that when politicians negotiate with doctors, a deal can be struck. We have not asked for a specific figure for our pay rise, we just want our pay restored and we want the pay review body to be genuinely independent. At the moment it is not.
I home school Jahmarley now so I can keep a better eye on him, as he has had asthma attacks in school before and I don't want to take the risk that he could have another, and this time might not recover. Living on benefits makes it hard to afford to pay for extra things like travel to and from hospitals and putting on the heating when its cold, which is important when you have asthma, as cold weather can trigger an attack.
The charity hopes the event will raise enough funds for it to deliver meals to thousands of people in the capital who are struggling to afford to put food on the table.
According to an article on the Havering Daily website - shared on social media by Mr Cruddas - the MP told Mr Dance: We realise this is very late in the day, but we ask that urgent consideration be given to extending the Ulez exemptions granted to staff, volunteers and patients at St Francis Hospice and indeed other hospices in Greater London.
We were worried when we had heard in the media about the results coming down and CCEA (Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) had informed us that they would see a dip, and a move towards pre-Covid results, but were delighted to say here in St Dominics that we havent seen that dip, and in fact, our number of A*/As across the board have increased.
The organisation called on the Government to urgently deliver on its commitments to eligible Afghans waiting to find safety in the UK, insisting the 20,000 cap must be lifted and saying the scheme must be properly resourced to accelerate delivery as well as a clear process being put in place for reuniting Afghan families with loved ones already in the UK.
The 24 million programme that we are confirming today is a significant commitment from a devolved government. It will make a real difference to the communities we are working with and its a further sign of Scotlands determination to be a good global citizen  and to do our bit in tackling the climate crisis here in Scotland and across the world.
A Conservative Party spokesman said: Our party does not encourage vandalism. Groups are moderated in line with the guidelines of the platform, and posts that go against those guidelines are removed. Members of the Conservative Party are welcome to engage in groups that seek to oppose the unfair and regressive tax that is the Ulez.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Khojaly District Prosecutor's Office received information on August 24 that Afgan Alekberli, born in 1987, was injured as a result of a tractor explosion on an anti-tank mine while carrying out household works on the territory of the village of Signag in Khojaly district liberated from occupation, Trend reports referring to the press service of the General Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan.

"The prosecutor's office staff reportedly "inspected the scene and carried out other necessary investigative actions," according to the press service.

The district prosecutor's office in Khojaly is looking into this fact.

Despite the use of cutting-edge demining tools, it is extremely difficult to find and remove mines since so many areas are contaminated with them and because Armenia has not yet provided precise mine maps.

In the past, 128 of the 180 instances involving mines that occurred in the post-war era were reported in regions away from the former line of contact. 217 of the 303 individuals hurt in mine accidents this year up to August 18 were killed or hurt as a result of my explosions in those locations.
Nikki Haley, the only woman on a stage of men all wearing Trump-style red ties, tried to rise above the fray. The former governor of South Carolina said: I think this is exactly why Margaret Thatcher said If you want something said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman. Mr Trumps mounting legal troubles have done nothing to dent his support among his passionate partisans. With five months to go to the Iowa caucuses, he leads the Republicans 2024 field on an average of just over 50 per cent, against about 15 per cent for Mr DeSantis and nearly 10 per cent for Mr Ramaswamy.
But what no-one wants to do is to raise false hopes by saying Oh, youve got 3s and 4s in your GCSEs. Im sure last year they would have been 4s and 5s so lets put you on an A-level course. Because the bottom line is if you do that you risk a young person being overstretched and very unhappy.
The commission concluded that the charity had historically not been managed well, but that its management and governance have now improved significantly after the intervention by the regulator as well as efforts by the current new set of trustees.
We have been very clear with the Government in the document we have given them, what we need to see, and we have highlighted the concerns and issues raised to us by businesses about the Windsor Framework, and I think its very clear there are a lot of questions around what the implementation of all of this will mean.
Images of Bordeauxs town hall set on fire by protesters, a few days before the trip was due to begin, were symbolic of the fury felt by some over Mr Macrons reforms, and followed more than a week of daily protests.
The majority of these people said this decision was because there are more opportunities for work in the UK, according to the survey, which was based on data collected from 10,709 people aged 18 and above between April 27 and May 15 2023.
"Wales is a country that gets plenty of rainwater. We need to make sure that we use that water as efficiently as we can," he said.
Further details are set to be announced but it is thought Charles and Camilla will be greeted by Emmanuel Macron and his wife in the French capital before they head to Bordeaux.
We believe that Lucys defence was not adequate, that there is more to this case which was not heard in court, which deserved to be heard, and that everyone deserves a fair trial. That is why we have come together to fight for the science to be brought to trial.
Professor Stephen Griffin told The Mirror that Covid is far from over. The perception we're done with it and the narrative of having to live with it is another way of saying we're willing to deal with the damage it does, he said.
Nar won "Stevie International Business Awards." The award was granted to Nar in the category of Achievement in Customer Satisfaction due to its successes in the provision of customer service over the past 2 years.

Independent judges were presented with a comprehensive report on the significant initiatives undertaken by Nar to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction. The company's customer services, provided even at a distance, received special recognition from international judges in the competitive Azerbaijani market, specifically highlighting its leadership in the Net Promoter Score

Stevie Awards were established in the United States in 2002, recognizing and evaluating the achievements of companies and individuals in the global business arena, acknowledging them as successful examples. It's worth noting that Nar was awarded this prize for the second time in a row.

Nar currently provides high-quality communication services to 2.2 million subscribers. Nar has been the leading mobile operator in the country according to the Net Promoter Score for the last 4 years. The mobile operator adheres to a customer-centric strategy and provides excellent service at an affordable price.
However, we know that there will be lots of people in the Woking community and beyond who will have had contact with Sara who may not already have come forward, and we would encourage them to do so.
Mr Sinclair told the PA news agency: The three of us decided we wanted to do a show at the Edinburgh fringe, and we had to try and think of something that could help us stand out a little bit more.
We know Aurman was a delivery person, however, at this stage we do not believe this was the motive for his death and we are not investigating this as a robbery

Det Ch Insp Mark Bellamy, West Mercia Police
Former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows and former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark are both trying to have the case against them heard in federal court rather than in Fulton County Superior 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 case should be moved to federal court and the charges against them dismissed.
Sadly, the largest and oldest barnacles have not yet been made available for research, but with this study, weve 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.
Six others were taken to the hospital, five of them with gunshot wounds, the sheriff's department posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
He said in a social media post this week that he was being prosecuted for what he described in capital letters as a perfect phone call in which he asked the Republican secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, to help him find enough votes for him to overturn his loss in the state to Democrat Joe Biden.
In July the Kremlin suggested it was open to a possible prisoner exchange that could involve Evan Gershkovich, but it stressed that such talks must be held out of the public eye.
China has said it would also take measures to protect the marine environment and public health, and would step up monitoring of radiation levels in its waters following the discharge.
Over the last decade, Russia has continuously chipped away at Ukrainian territories in an attempt to reclaim them as Russian. In 2014, conflict broke out in the eastern Ukrainian regions of Donetsk and in neighbouring Luhansk pro-Russian forces were able to take de facto control of the region. Also in 2014, Crimea was occupied by Russian forces.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. The servicemen of the Azerbaijan Army are participating in the multinational military exercise Agile Spirit 2023 held in Tbilisi, Georgia, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan told Trend.

Representatives of 21 countries are involved in the tactical command-staff exercise.

The main emphasis in the international exercises is placed on ensuring combat coordination in the course of interoperability actions, the exchange of experience, the improvement of professionalism, and the combat skills of military personnel.

In addition, the multinational exercise is being held in Georgia for the 11th time.
Other reports earlier suggested that two surface to air missiles might have been used to bring Prigozhins plane down and BBC Monitorings Russia editor Vitaly Shevkenko said he had seen a number of video clips filmed by eyewitnesses who said that they had heard two explosions and they drew the conclusion that the aircraft had been shot out of the sky.
Police cordoned off the field where the plane crashed as investigators studied the site. Vehicles were seen driving in to take the bodies, reportedly badly charred, for a forensic exam. The bodies were driven away after two black Russian GAZelle came to the crash site at 4.30am on Thursday.
Flight attendant Kristina Raspopova, 39, told her relatives of the unexplained hold-up, indicating that the aircraft was being repaired before the flight, according to VChK-OGPU Telegram channel. Her last picture showed her waiting at an airport cafe and a relative of Ms Raspopova told the channel: She said that she was in Moscow, she was going to fly out, today or tomorrow. The aircraft was under maintenance or some urgent repairs. They were waiting for the flight. Some kind of maintenance, well nothing special. It seemed like she had been there for a while. That is at least a couple of days
As David Stoneman-Merret, the Menswear Design Lead at Marks & Spencer explains: Quality is one of the most important factors for our customers when shopping suiting and delivering premium quality and style at great value is always our focus at M&S. Take the time to find your fit, as this is one of the best ways to ensure you look on point without compromising on style or quality - especially when budgets are key.
We get messages from farmers around the world who just love the show and love Kaleb (Cooper) and Gerald (Cooper) and they relate to those characters, saying they have never really seen their world properly reflected on-screen before, which is amazing.
Hes not just an amazing writer, like weve seen with Gavin And Stacey, but also this unbelievable producer, who, I would go in with an idea, and Ill pitch it to him thinking its amazing, and he will pitch it back to me and its so much better.
The show is also my own personal homage to (musical drama) Rock Follies Of 77, and the feisty (band from the show) Little Ladies who woke me up to what I wanted to do with my life when I was 13.
Jon Petrie, director of comedy, added: BBC Comedy are pleased to announce that after a decade since the last full series of Mrs Browns Boys, millions of viewers around the UK will be thrilled to hear that Brendan is bringing Agnes and the family back together for a brand-new mini-series of his award-winning show.
Discussing their relationship, he said: Im lucky that I have someone like Zendaya in my life. Its interesting being in a romantic relationship with someone that is in the same boat as you.
The plan was approved by the Japanese government two years ago and given the go-ahead by the International Atomic Energy Agency, which also concluded that the impact it would have on people and the environment was negligible.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. The visits of members of the National Preventive Group are continuing, the Ombudsman's Office told Trend.

According to the instructions of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson) of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva, the next visit of the group was carried out without prior warning.

The purpose of the visit of the National Preventive Group, which was also attended by a doctor, was to monitor the conditions of treatment of detainees, their detention, and their rights.

During the visit, the group also got acquainted with the conditions of detention of Gagik Voskanyan, a member of the intelligence and sabotage group of the Armenian Armed Forces, who illegally crossed the Azerbaijani-Armenian state border on August 16, 2023, in order to commit a terrorist provocation.

In addition, the conditions of his treatment, access to medical care, and other issues relevant to the mandate of the national preventive mechanism were studied, as was the situation with ensuring his rights in accordance with international and national legislation.

Voskanyan said he was satisfied with the conditions of detention and medical care. In a confidential manner, he was informed about his rights and the powers of the ombudsman, and he was also presented with international human rights acts in his native language.
But theres next-to-no chance youre going to be replacing your Windows PC or Mac with a quantum computer anytime soon. Even if it is starting to appear in conventional forms, its still hugely expensive (that MoD computer is likely to have cost well into six figures). And even if you could afford such extravagance, there would be no consumer-grade software to run on the thing anyway. Quantum computing technology might well trickle down into the consumer space one day, but you wont be taking the quantum leap at home for the foreseeable future.
Lymph nodes are often the first stop for tumours that progress beyond the prostate and further around the body, so we are working out how cancers make this first journey  and then discovering how to disrupt it. This will be key to future treatments which delay or even prevent the spread of prostate cancer for men.
AUR to table motion of censure against Ciolacu gov't early next parliamentary session

The Alliance for the Union of Romanians (USR) says that it will table a motion of censure against the government led by Marcel Ciolacu immediately after the start of the parliamentary session, told Agerpres.

"The purpose of the AUR action is to stop the anti-national policy promoted by the PSD-PNL[Social Democratic Party - National Liberal Party] coalition and to repeal the pieces of legislation promoted by the governments led by Nicolae Ciuca and Marcel Ciolacu under which thousands of Romanian construction and agricultural companies are threatened with bankruptcy," reads a press statement released on Thursday by AUR.

According to AUR, a new government that is "responsible and dedicated to the national cause" must adopt as soon as possible a series of vital decisions for the recovery of the economy and for the social stability of Romania: priority for Romanian farmers in accessing the port of Constanta and public infrastructure; charging large taxpayers a tax of 1% of their turnover; maintaining the tax incentives for construction and agriculture at the current level; stopping tax increases on micro-enterprises.

"We are calling on all the political forces that are in opposition to the Ciolacu-Ciuca government to support the motion of censure of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians and to contribute to the political and economic liberation from the domination of this anti-national coalition."
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. World-famous Turkish electronic trading platform Trendyol has established a company in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

LLC Trendyol Azerbaijan was registered by the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy.

The legal address of the company is 4/189 Hasan Aliyev Street, Nasimi district, Baku city.

The authorized capital of the company is 200,000 manat ($117,647), the legal representative is a Turkish citizen Irem Ylandil. She has been working in Trendyol Company for more than 6 years.

Earlier, Trendyol signed an agreement with Baku-based PASHA Holding, a leading conglomerate in Azerbaijan. Under the deal, the two parties will provide e-commerce services in Azerbaijan.
Chimcomplex implements stage 2 of project on high-efficiency, flexible gas-fired cogeneration plant

Chimcomplex Borzesti has signed the financing contract and is in the process of implementing the second stage of the project "High-efficiency, flexible gas-fired cogeneration in the central heating sector of Ramnicu Valcea," according to a company press release issued Thursday to the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), told Agerpres.

The project aims to build a high-efficiency cogeneration plant to serve the municipality of Ramnicu Valcea starting in 2026. The total value of the project is 689.394 million lei, of which the maximum eligible amount is 405 million lei.

The implementation of the project by Chimcomplex Borzesti in the locality of Ramnicu Valcea, Valcea County, will be carried out between 27.01.2023 and 31.12.2025.

The project is co-financed under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan Pillar I. Green Transition - Component C6 Energy Investment measure 3 - Development of flexible and high efficiency gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) generation capacity in the district heating sector to achieve deep decarbonisation.

The objectives of the project are: reduction of 84,468 tCO2 /year of greenhouse gases in the municipality of Ramnicu Valcea, increase of installed capacity in high efficiency cogeneration by 108 MW, reduction of annual primary energy consumption by 418,105 MWh through the creation of a 108 MW gas-fired, flexible and high-efficiency cogeneration capacity for electricity and heat production (CHP) to supply the inhabitants of Ramnicu-Valcea with heat energy within 36 months of the signing of the financing contract.

"The proposed project contributes positively to mitigating the challenges faced by Romania in the transition from coal and lignite-based energy sources, specifically by ensuring the thermal energy supply of the municipality of Rm. Valcea, in conditions of competitive energy efficiency at European level," the press release points out.
Drula: USR will initiate motion of censure if PM takes responsibility on increasing taxes

Save Romania Union (USR) Chairman Catalin Drula announces that the party he leads will initiate a motion of censure if Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu takes responsibility for the tax increase, told Agerpres.

According to Drula, USR will not ally with the Alliance for Romanians' Union (AUR) in this endeavour.

"For almost three months, Marcel Ciolacu has been the prime minister of words. He announces spectacular actions, only based on words. If he had the courage to abolish the sinecures and stop the waste he would have done it by now, but he doesn't. The pressure from party clientele is too great. He announced the extraordinary session to eliminate special pensions, but he didn't do it because he doesn't dare to upset the privileged," Drula said, according to a press release USR sent on Thursday.

He informed that the motion "will bring together all democratic forces in Parliament, without the involvement of the extremist party AUR."

"We will obviously do everything in our power to oppose abusive tax increases. If there is such an assumption of responsibility, we will call on all democratic forces in Parliament to join us in a motion of censure. USR will not ally with AUR for a motion of censure," added Catalin Drula.

The Government will assume its responsibility before Parliament on the legislative package aimed at reforming the state apparatus, fiscal balance measures and measures to combat tax evasion, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu said on Thursday.
Electoral authority, Swiss Foundation for Democracy discuss 2024 elections in Romania

Chairman of Romania's Standing Electoral Authority (AEP) Toni Grebla on Thursday discussed with leaders of the Swiss Democracy Foundation the 2024 elections in Romania, told Agerpres.

Grebla met adrian Schmid, chairman of the Swiss Democracy Foundation, and Bruno Kaufmann, director for international co-operation of the foundation, whom he introduced to the developments in preparation for four rounds of elections that will take place in 2024 in Romania and the efforts made by the AEP team for the rigorous preparation of the electoral process, according to a press statement of AEP.

Grebla mentioned AEP's desire for active promotion of exchanges of experience and good practices in the electoral field and the need for permanent consultation with the civil society in order to implement the best measures for the conduct of electoral processes.

"In their turn, the Swiss Democracy Foundation officials appreciated the openness of the AEP team to strengthening inter-institutional co-operation, including organising in 2014 in Bucharest the 12th edition of the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, the main international project developed by this organisation and which will be grounded in the concept of education for democracy," according to AEP.

Since 2018, the Swiss Democracy Foundation has annually organised in various cities of the world the Global Forum on Modern Direct Democracy, where electoral experts and officials, representatives of the civil society, and the academe are invited to attend.
The Ministry of Finance (MF) on Thursday borrowed RON 656 million off banks in an issue of benchmark bonds of a residual maturity of 109 months and an average yield of 6.87% per annum, according to data published by the National Bank of Romania (BNR).

The nominal value of Thursday's issue was RON 500 million, and the banks offered RON 966 million, agerpres reports.

An additional auction is scheduled for Friday to borrow another RON 75 million at the yield set on Thursday for the bonds.

MP has planned for August 2023 to borrow RON 4.6 billion off commercial banks, to which RON 645 million lei can be added in additional sessions of non-competitive offers related to bond auctions.The total amount of RON 5.245 billion is RON 645 million higher than the one scheduled for July, of RON 4.6 billion, and it is intended for public debt refunding and government deficit financing.
Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu on Thursday told Interior Minister Catalin Predoiu that he has "a free hand" to clean subordinate structures "from top to bottom", following the case of the drugged 19-year-old driver who barrelled into a group of students in the 2 Mai seaside resort, killing two.

"We saw the first dismissals in the scandal of the drugged young man who killed two students in the 2 Mai resort. I understand that this was a consequence of the investigation conducted by the Control Body of the Minister of the Interior, which determined certain direct responsibilities in this tragedy.

We are not talking here just simple personal mistakes, but serious flaws which show that the system did not work in a trivial situation of a motorist stopped in traffic by police. Unfortunately, by the way they acted, but also by their subsequent behavior, certain policemen became moral accomplices in the crime," Ciolacu declared at the Victoria Palace at the beginning of the government meeting, agerpres reports.



He emphasized the importance of stepping up the fight against drugs, showing that action must be taken against the dealers, who represent the "source of evil".



"I cannot accept the excuse that we don't have enough drug test machines. If there aren't enough, please immediately start the auction, if you don't have money, the government will make it available to you. We can buy any equipment we need, less honor, dignity and respect for the policeman's uniform. Moreover, I would like you to take measures to effectively fight drugs. Without dealers, there wouldn't be consumers. This is where action is required, this is the source of evil, and this is where the police should concentrate their efforts in the coming period, especially since schools will start in a few weeks. The police must stay less in the offices and more where action is needed. I assure you that the vast majority of police personnel are correct people who do their duty and respect their uniform. We only must let them do their job," said the prime minister.
In a message on Ukraine Independence Day, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu conveyed to Romania's war-embattled neighbors the best thoughts and full support for regaining their peace and freedom.

"For the second year in a row, Ukraine celebrates Independence Day fighting for freedom and the legitimate right to choose its own destiny. For a year and a half now, the Ukrainian people have bravely resisted Russian aggression, backed by the strong solidarity of the international community Romania has and continues to make an extremely important contribution to. At the recent meeting with my counterpart, Denys Shmyhal, as well as at the summit of Southeast European and Western Balkan heads of state and government which was also attended by President Volodimir Zelensky, I reaffirmed Romania's staunch support for Ukraine. We will stand by Ukraine and the Ukrainian people until victory and the restoration of its territorial integrity, and further on, in the process of the country's reconstruction. On the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day, I convey to our Ukrainian neighbors the best thoughts and our full support for regaining peace and freedom," Marcel Ciolacu wrote on Thursday on the government's Facebook page, agerpres reports.
Romanian Police to purchase 400 devices for detecting narcotic substances in saliva

The Romanian Police Inspectorate General (IGPR) is in the process of purchasing 400 devices for detecting the presence of narcotic substances in saliva, with the deadline for submission of bids set for August 31, Romanian Police Spokesman Georgian Dragan told a press conference on Thursday, told Agerpres.

According to him, on August 22, 4,705 positions were filled at the Traffic Police, including 714 police officers and 3,991 police agents, resulting in a total deficit of 11.7%, which means a 17% deficit for officers and 10% for agents.

"Also, within the Romanian Police, approximately 17,000 police officers have been designated to hold the position of traffic policeman, who also carry out activities whose results contribute to road safety," the spokesperson said.
Senate President: Ukrainian army is defending its people and Europe from Kremlin's neo-imperial ambitions

President of the Senate Nicolae Ciuca said in a message on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day that, in the war with Russia, the Ukrainian army is defending its own people and Europe "from the neo-imperial ambitions of the Kremlin and the strength of its weapons."

"Today Ukraine celebrates 32 years of independence from the USSR, in the darkest period of its history. The unjustified and unprovoked war began exactly a year and a half ago, when Russia brought back to Europe the invasion to conquer territories and annex parts of other states, through murder, abuse and violence. By standing up to the invaders, the Ukrainian army is defending both its own people and Europe from Kremlin's neo-imperial ambitions and the force of its weapons. In this context, it is natural that Romania is part of the common effort of the free world to support Ukraine in the fight against a cruel and irrational enemy," Ciuca wrote on Facebook on Thursday.

He brings to mind that this is the second year Ukrainians celebrate their national day "under Russian bombs."

"We stand with the Ukrainian people, forced to fight a war for independence almost a hundred years after 1917-1921. Fighting for its freedom, the neighbouring country is fighting for the freedom of the whole region," Nicolae Ciuca added.
Shepherd attacked by she-bear with cubs at Cheitar sheepfold

A shepherd has been attacked by a she-bear with cubs, but he managed to escape being defended by dogs and another shepherd, Mayor of Sighetu Marmatieic Vasile Moldovan said on Thursday, told Agerpres.

According to the mayor, the 46-year-old shepherd of a sheepfold in the Cheitar area was attacked by a she-bear with cubs.

"With the aid of dogs and a person who was accompanying him, he managed to escape, being later rushed to the emergency department of the Sighetu Marmatiei Municipal Hospital. Fortunately, the wounds were superficial, the person being out danger. Together with the responding team (gendarmes, a veterinarian, a game warden) we went to the scene and will draw up an event report with the necessary legal measures. Pending the legal measures, we are asking the public to avoid travelling in the Cheitar area in order to avoid major risks," said Moldovan.

According to the Maramures County Gendarmerie Inspectorate (IJJ), the responding team went to the scene for checks and cordoned off the area.

"The animal has not been identified. The victim was rushed to the Sighetul Marmatiei Municipal Hospital and is out of danger," said IJJ Maramures.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. "Insurance Festival" will be organized for the first time in Azerbaijan with the joint cooperation of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, Insurers Association and Azerbaijan Compulsory Insurance Bureau, Trend reports.

According to the Association of Insurers of Azerbaijan, the festival will be held from August 26 to September 7 this year.

The Association notes that the festival is planned to be held first in Baku - on the territory of the Seaside National Park, and then in the regions - Sumgayit, Ismayilli, Ganja, Guba, Lankaran, Mingachevir, Gadabay, Sheki and Zagatala.

The event will be organized in "edutatement" (training) format with the participation of insurance companies operating in the country.

The total payments of all insurance companies of Azerbaijan from January through July 2023 amounted to 282 million manat ($165 million), while collections amounted to 761 million manat ($447 million).
HIGHWAY HELP: In late March, when U.S. Rep. Mike Bost pitched legislation to get federal money for commercialtruck parking spaces, it seemed like one of those bills designed to court Bost's core voters.

Bost, a conservative Republican from Murphysboro, represents far southern Illinois, including parts of Monroe and St. Clair counties. He was first elected to the U.S. House in 2014.

A bill for over-the-road truckers seemed like a good fit for a seasoned lawmaker who knows how to bring money home to his district, which also happens to be home to a large number of rural, agricultural and blue-collar folks. To boot, Bost once was involved in his family's trucking business.

But then came July 12, when a deadly wreck near Highland revealed the practical, not to mention public safety, side of Bost's efforts.

Early on that Wednesday, a crash at the Silver Lake rest area outside of Highland killed three of 22 bus passengers and injured 14 others, The Associated Press said.

The bus was traveling west on Interstate 70 about 1:55 a.m. when it crashed into three tractor-trailers parked on an exit ramp, Illinois State Police said.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating to see if the trucks being parked on the exit ramp contributed to the crash.

Trooper Josh Korando of the Illinois State Police told the Post-Dispatch that the truckers had pulled off the highway to sleep, and the tractor-trailers were lined along the right shoulder of a long ramp that heads to the rest area.

The rest area's parking lot for trucks was full at the time, Korando said.

A follow-up story by The Associated Press noted that about 13 million trucks operate on U.S. roadways, and there aren't enough overnight parking places to handle that load.

"It's absolutely an issue," NTSB board member Tom Chapman told the news service.

That is why Bost is one of the main sponsors of the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Action, which would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the building of new parking spaces dedicated to large trucks.

The bill calls for spending $755 million in the next three years for the improvements.

"I understand how difficult it can be when America's truckers are forced to push that extra mile in search of a safe place to park," Bost said at a press event Monday at the TA Travel Center truck stop in Mt. Vernon.

The new bill, should it pass, would free up funds to create thousands of new spaces and improve existing ones, he said.

Contributing to the truck-parking problem are federal regulations that require the electronic monitoring of the hours truckers spend behind the wheel; and violating those limits can result in hefty fines.

Bost said truckers have been complaining to transportation officials about the large amounts of time they have to spend to find safe parking.

The practice of large rigs parking on ramps is illegal in Illinois and most other states. But according to the AP, police often look the other way, aware of the plight truckers face.

"If we expand access to parking options for truckers, we are making our roads safer for all commuters," he said.

CYBER SAFETY: The latest legislative proposal from U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner is a continuation of her effort to hold online platforms accountable in state and federal court for distributing images of child sexual abuse.

Wagner, a Republican from Town and Country, takes aim at adding stricter measures and tightening loopholes in existing child sexual exploitation laws.

The bill would require online platforms to report instances of child sex trafficking or sexual enticement to law enforcement, as well as obligating the platforms to help identify and locate both the children involved and those who posted the material.

The bill also would allow the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children to share its information with other similar groups to help fight the child exploitation.

It also would require any tips sent to the center's CyberTipline to be maintained for one year, instead of the current 90 days, to give law enforcement adequate time to investigate the cases.

Wagner's office reports that last year, the center received over 32 million reports of online child sexual abuse material, an 89% increase from 2019.

The bill is similar to one Wagner introduced in March, but also has several changes.

"This is a more targeted bill that will give us more options as we address the crisis of child sexual abuse," said Arthur Bryant, Wagner's spokesman.

The bill has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.

Joe Holleman  314-340-8254 jholleman@post-dispatch.com
SEVERE WEATHER

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic  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 leaving two others missing.

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 of rain in the Dominican Republic, with a maximum of 16 inches for the country's western and central regions. Meanwhile, up to 4 inches of rain are forecast for Haiti, with nearly 8 inches for the country's eastern regions.

More than 350 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.

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.

Authorities in neighboring Puerto Rico, which also was hit by Franklin's rain, searched 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."

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 Franklin's impact in Haiti, which is prone to catastrophic flooding.
Ian Froeb Restaurant critic Follow Ian Froeb 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

Sign up for the First Course newsletter Exclusive insight, news, tips and more on St. Louis' thriving dining scene from St. Louis Post-Dispatch restaurant critic Ian Froeb.

For as long as Ive lived in St. Louis, Ive loved Dressels Public House. Twenty years ago, my girlfriend and I would celebrate Friday evenings at the Central West End institution with pints of Guinness and chips and rarebit we couldnt afford while basking in the inscrutable aura of the late, legendarily mustachioed barman John Berg. This summer, my wife and I tried to nab our share of chips and rarebit before our kids scarfed it all down themselves.

For as long as Ive been writing about Dressels, Ive been reckoning with owner Ben Dressels efforts to stay true to the heart of the Welsh pub his father, Jon, founded in 1980 while meeting the modern dining moment.

Dressel expanded the restaurants footprint from a cozy pub with some dining tables to a bar with a separate, spacious dining room. He updated the menu to follow the chef-driven gastropub trend. He scored Dressels an appearance on Guy Fieris Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives  which, however you feel about the frosted-tipped celebrity, was and is a big, business-shaping deal.

Dressels temporarily closed in June 2020, three months after the pandemics arrival. It would stay dark for the next three years. Anxious emails from readers followed. As the months accumulated  as the former Llywelyns Pub location around the corner remained vacant, after a fire devastated the nearby block where Mission Taco Joint, Salt + Smoke and Ranoush once thrived  my anxiety also grew.

Dressel had considered reopening the restaurant in fall 2020, but he realized its pub model wouldnt survive takeout-focused COVID-era dining. Besides, Dressels needed a refresh. It had, he said in an interview this June, reached the end of its life. It really had gotten to the point where if the bar didnt fall down on top of somebody, it shouldve.

The Dressels that finally debuted in late May looks both familiar and thoroughly transformed. The original pub and the newer dining room are now essentially one contiguous space (though they are still partially separated by a service bar and wall). Some of the restaurants signature music- and literature-themed decor has returned, but the arrangements are much less cluttered than before.

Most dramatically, inspired by a brewpub he visited in Ridgway, Colorado, Dressel has installed a small brewhouse in the restaurants basement. You can see the equipment through a large opening in the dining room floor. Dressel has created a separate brand for the brewery, the Rock & Horse Brewing Co., and ideally will launch the beers by Thanksgiving. In the interim, the restaurant serves a selection of local craft brews as well as cocktails and a few wines.

I might have waited until Dressels was pouring its own pints before filing a review, but a three-year hiatus doesnt leave much time for patience. Also, after everything that happened to the restaurant industry during the pandemic, I dont want to take Dressels return for granted, not least because the food at this St. Louis icon is as excellent now as it has ever been in the two decades Ive been dining here.

The new Dressels menu isnt a throwback, exactly. To pick one example longtime fans might ask about, the stockpot of the day hasnt returned. Instead, under the guidance of chef Travis Klott, the restaurant brings together what it has always done well and the best lessons of its gastropub era. (In fact, Klott was a sous chef at Dressels in its peak gastropub days.)

Of course, you should begin with an order of rarebit paired with either the Bavarian-style chips or the freshly baked pretzel. (If you insist on something a bit more contemporary, there is flash-fried, Buffalo-seasoned cauliflower.) Those chips remain the paragon of the homemade style, crisp and lightly browned, with a texture that threads the needle between crunchy and chewy.

Meanwhile, you could replace the bread at, conservatively, 95% of area restaurants with Dressels tremendous pretzel, an airy, precisely salted loaf, and it would be an improvement. As before the pandemic, the greatest risk is filling up on chips or the pretzel with the creamy, mustard- and Worcestershire-sharpened rarebit before your main course.

Fish and chips fits Dressels old-school pub vibe as naturally as, well, a scoop of rarebit fits one of those chips. More than any other dish, though, this bridges the restaurants tradition and modern expectations. The fish is Norwegian haddock, certified as sustainable by the Maine Stewardship Council. Within its imposing beer-batter jacket  crisp but not at all oily  the haddock retains its firm, gently flaky texture and clean, mild flavor.

Dressels has given the fish and chips their own menu category, a deserved place of pride. Listed with them are the fish tacos, one of the restaurants latter-day specialties: the haddock again, this time in a much lighter panko breading, with smoky chipotle mayo, piquant pickled onion, avocado and cotija cheese. As with the fish and chips, and with the best fish tacos in general, the quality of the fish itself makes a subtle, crucial difference.

The menus Farm Burger category might prompt a glance in the rearview mirror to see just how far behind Dressels gastropub years are. These days, a fancy, gastropub-esque burger would be downright transgressive. Instead, the restaurants Deluxe burger follows the well-worn path of fast-food tribute with an upscale riff on the Big Mac: twin deliciously charred patties garnished with American cheese, lettuce, onion, pickle and special sauce. (A vegan version with a single Impossible-brand patty is also available.)

Dressel  and Guy Fieri, for that matter  rightfully identified the true legacy of the restaurants gastropub era as the Porchetta Louie, one of the great St. Louis sandwiches of the 21st century. This puts a local twist on the classic Philadelphian roast-pork sandwich, gilding herbaceous, citrus-brushed pork with our local pizza cheese blend and energizing the combination with pepperoncini and kale. The Porchetta Louie is a sandwich worth waiting for  though, frankly, three years was long enough.

Rating Highly recommended  The Post-Dispatch evaluates restaurants on the following scale, lowest to highest: not recommended, recommended, highly recommended, essential. The rating reflects how the restaurant succeeds on its own terms  and how it meets a diner's good-faith expectations of quality food and hospitality  regardless of cuisine, location or cost.

How much Pretzel with rarebit  $12 Porchetta Louie  $16 Fish tacos  $17 Fish and chips  $21

Where Dressels Public House  More info 314-361-1060; dresselspublichouse.com  Menu Traditional and modern pub fare  Hours Dinner Tuesday-Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday (closed Monday)

Sign up for the First Course newsletter Exclusive insight, news, tips and more on St. Louis' thriving dining scene from St. Louis Post-Dispatch restaurant critic Ian Froeb.
This is Modelo, a 5-year-old Labrador retriever and beagle mix who came to the Humane Society of Missouri in mid-August. Modelo is a sweet boy who can be shy when you first meet him, but he warms up very quickly once he gets to know you

To adopt  Call the Macklind Avenue Headquarters at 314-951-1562, or visit hsmo.org/adopt.

Meet Kanan, a 12-year-old neutered Missouri fox trotter who was surrendered to Longmeadow in January. After arrival, Kanan was immediately put into training with our groundwork team and has since become a very respectful horse. Kanan will need an advanced rider and additional professional training under saddle. With more training, he will learn to hold his flashy, smooth gait.

To adopt  Call Longmeadow Rescue Ranch in Union at 636-583-8759 to schedule an interview.

Bailey is a 9-year-old great Pyrenees mix who came to the shelter in early August. Bailey is a sweet old girl who gets along well with everyone. She is looking for a quiet home where she can relax in her older age.

To adopt  Call the Best Buddy Pet Center in Maryland Heights at 314-951-1588, or visit hsmo.org/adopt.

Last weeks pets  A goat named Dunn is still available. Dogs named Louie and Aspen have been adopted.

More info  You can support these pets and others by making a donation at hsmo.org/donate.
OLIVETTE  Great Heart Brewing Company, a new European-inspired brewpub, has unanimously been given the go-ahead by Olivettes city council.

Co-owner John Valentine Jr., who is the son of Busch beer fortune heir Trudy Busch Valentine, told the city council Tuesday that he hopes the business will be open by next summer. The brewery will focus on brewing traditional beer styles from Europe, including a German-style Helles, Pilsner, Weissbier and Dunkel.

Valentine Jr. said the brewery will focus on small batch, hand-crafted beers and will also have seasonal offerings. The restaurant will seat 89 and offer healthy, European alpine-inspired cuisine, he said.

The new business will take up a 8,010 square feet, multi-story mix-used space and include production facilities and a restaurant at 9514 Olive Boulevard. The city council approved a special permit for it at its Aug. 22 meeting.
Editor's note: The number of Warby Parker stores and St. Louis location have been corrected below.

TOWN AND COUNTRY  Eyewear company Warby Parker is set to open at Town and Country Crossing shopping center this fall.

The New York City-based brand will be located between the Target and REI along Town & Country Crossing Drive. Warby Parker has two other locations at Plaza Frontenac and in the Central West End.

Bill Siems, broker at Location Commercial Real Estate firm that represented Town and Country Crossing in the deal, said the store will be open for the winter holiday season.

I think traditionally people saw them as more specifically either malls or urban locations, and this is their new format where theyre looking at doing more suburban (stores), Siems said.

Warby Parker has 217 stores across the U.S. and Canada and plans to open 40 more locations this year.

Joining Warby Parker at Town and Country Crossing early next year will be Face Foundrie, which will offer facials, eyebrow and eyelash services and skincare products. This will be the first Face Foundrie location in Missouri.

The shopping and dining hubs most recent addition, beauty retailer Sephora, opened its doors at the end of 2022 in the same strip as Athleta and HomeGoods.

Beauty and health care are really big right now, Siems said.

Retail hubs like Town and Country Crossing are on the rise while malls dwindle, Siems explained. As retailers look to expand, many favor the hybrid-mix of stores like Whole Foods and Target along with traditional fashion and mall tenants to attract shoppers.
Tony Messenger Metro columnist Follow Tony Messenger 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

Editors note: This is the third column in a series about the criminal justice system in Warren County. You can read the first and second columns on stltoday.com.

WARRENTON  Brittany Nipper was looking forward to her day in court. Finally, on May 20, her five-year ordeal would come to an end.

Or so she thought.

In January 2018, Nipper was charged with third-degree domestic violence against her ex-boyfriend, stemming from an incident in September 2017. She was charged with choking and biting him. Nipper maintains her innocence. Other than traffic tickets, she has no criminal record.

Three months ago, on May 20, she drove to court  102 miles round-trip from University City, where she now lives. Her attorney, Matthew Mueller, showed up that day, too, ready to go to trial.

But there was no trial. In fact, Warren County Circuit Court Judge Jason Lamb had canceled the jury the night before. The highest priority case scheduled for trial that day had been postponed. Its not unusual for judges to schedule more than one trial on the same day, just in case one has to be delayed for a variety of reasons.

In Warren County, though, there is such a backlog of cases that more often than not, several cases are scheduled for the same day.

On this day, there were seven cases scheduled for trial. None of them took place.

Nipper was dumbfounded.

They just canceled court, she says. But if I hadnt shown up, Id get a warrant out for my arrest. Thats not fair.

Thats the point Mueller made in a motion he filed in court the next day, seeking to disqualify Lamb from the case. Mueller argued that he wasnt involved in the decision to cancel the trial and that he wasnt given a chance to respond  in fact, he wasnt even notified in advance.

Its not the first time Mueller has challenged a judge and tried to shake up the status quo. In 2019, he successfully argued two cases before the Missouri Supreme Court that upended the states long practice of jailing indigent defendants who couldnt afford to pay their board bills, for previous stays in the county jail.

In comparison, that case was relatively straightforward. Rural Missouri judges were operating de facto debtors prisons in opposition to state law, the court ruled unanimously.

The issue in Warren County is more complex. Everybody, including Lamb, agrees there is a problem. There are several causes: too many cases; a prosecutor with unflinching standards when it comes to plea bargaining; a judge who has been slow to clear his clogged docket; and even more backups because defense attorneys are pushing for speedy trials that cant take place fast enough.

Weve got to break the system in order to fix it, says Chris Lozano, another contracted public defender.

That system right now is almost farcical.

The judge, for example, chided Mueller for believing that any of the scheduled cases would go to trial on May 20  as though its understood that trial dates are mirages in Warren County.

There was no reason to inconvenience any counsel, in any of the other remaining cases on the May 20, 2023 docket, Lamb wrote in an order, or the public citizens of the jury panel by pretending that a case would go to trial on May 20, 2023.

Its an astonishing statement, Mueller would point out in court a month later. In June, Mueller and Nipper appeared before Circuit Court Judge Michael Wright so he could determine whether there was legal cause to remove Lamb from the case.

Trial dates dont mean anything, by Lambs own admission, Mueller pointed out.

Wright denied the request for a new judge.

So there Mueller and Nipper were again, on Aug. 8, in Lambs courtroom, for a hearing setting a new trial date. This time it was set for September, on another day with multiple trial dates, where pretending that Nipper may get her day in court is a fools errand.

Theres almost no way out

The good news for Nipper is that shes not incarcerated. She posted bail after she was arrested in April 2018. But having a felony charge hang over your head for five years is devastating, particularly if you live at or near the poverty line.

The felony charge led to the loss of her Section 8 housing in Warren County. She lived with her mom for a while, then a cousin. She met a man, got married and had a baby. All the while, she had to drive from University City to Warrenton for hearings that might or might not be canceled  and under the threat of arrest if she didnt show up.

It hinders me from getting any kind of job, she says. Im looked at like I beat people up, when thats not the case at all ... I have to apply for food stamps just to bring food in the house for the kids.

On her most recent court date, Nipper was in a packed room with dozens of other people wrestling with years-old cases.

One defense attorney told the judge he needed a delay because he was still waiting for discovery from Prosecuting Attorney Kelly King. Another sought an open plea from Lamb because Kings plea bargain offers in the case were unacceptable. In an open plea, a defendant trusts that the judge will offer a more reasonable sentence than what the prosecutor is offering. At the last minute, King changed her offer and that case was settled and cleared off the docket.

One down, hundreds to go.

They keep jamming new cases into the system, Lozano says. Theres almost no way out.

When it was Nippers turn that day, Lamb asked whether she had a Frye hearing yet. Thats a process in which a judge inquires whether the defendant has been offered a plea bargain, and whether the persons lawyer has communicated the details of that plea bargain. The name stems from a Missouri case that was ruled on by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2012.

Yes, Mueller told Lamb. In fact, Nipper has had two Frye hearings already, going back to when her case was first set for trial in 2018 and then after a pandemic-induced court shutdown.

The problem isnt that she hasnt been offered a plea bargain, or that Mueller hasnt communicated the offer. Its that Mueller and Nipper believe King has a bad case and wont either drop it or make the sort of offer that would clear the case from the docket. Nipper intends to exercise her right to a trial by jury and make King prove her case.

Even if King believes she has a winning case, what justice is there in waiting more than five years to punish somebody in a domestic violence case? Is that really accountability for victims?

Warren Countys issues are symbolic of problems in courts nationwide, in which the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial has been all but abolished. Among the causes is something called the trial penalty, a practice by which prosecutors use overcharging to coerce guilty pleas, and, in cases that go to trial, seek severe sentences as a punishment for not accepting plea bargains.

Seeking a speedy trial is supposed to be a remedy. But if the docket is clogged up and trials cant be scheduled, that right basically goes out the window.

The process is so abused these days that few cases ever make it to trial, according to a bipartisan coalition known as End the Trial Penalty. There is no incentive to exercise one of Americas oldest rights.

Among the solutions advocated by criminal justice advocates are two that work together. First, there should be a cap between the sentences offered in plea bargains and those available if a case goes to trial, so that prosecutors arent allowed to use overcharged offers to coerce guilty pleas. Second, there should be more transparency in the plea bargain process so everybody knows what a prosecutor is or isnt offering, including the judge and the general public.

One way to mitigate against coercion is to ensure that plea offers are recorded and placed on the record, says Marc Levin, the chief policy counsel for the Council on Criminal Justice. With this reform, judges will be empowered to demand that prosecutors explain what has changed so much that a harsher sentence than what was offered is justified after a conviction at trial.

First, though, a defendant has to get to trial.
UPDATED at 4:30 p.m. Thursday with additional details

MADISON COUNTY  A St. Louis County man stole a police car Wednesday night, then died after he was shot by officers and run over by two vehicles on Highway 162 in the Metro East, authorities said.

The Illinois State Police identified the dead man as 28-year-old Kyeiree V. Myers. Court records show that Myers lived in the 8200 block of Zoe Drive in Berkeley.

The incident began at 10:52 p.m. Wednesday when a Fairmont City police officer stopped a vehicle on Highway 203 near Collinsville Road in Fairmont City. Authorities didn't say why police stopped the car.

Myers got out of a vehicle and began walking off, police said. A Washington Park police officer came to help. As the Washington Park police officer got close to Myers, Myers ran and the officer chased after him, authorities said.

Myers and the Washington Park officer got into a fight, police said. Myers broke free and jumped into the Washington Park police vehicle. Myers drove off in the police car, ramming a pillar near the officer.

The Washington Park officer fired shots at Myers, hitting him as he sped off.

Several police agencies were alerted to help search for Myers and the stolen car. The officer's rifle was still in the car, as was his phone. Police were able to track the police car using the cellphone.

A dispatcher was told that police had fired shots at the fleeing suspect and that the suspect might be bleeding badly.

At about 11 p.m., police found the abandoned patrol car  with blood inside  on Highway 162 at Mockingbird Lane in Granite City.

Around the same time, a Pontoon Beach police car and another passing motorist ran over Myers in the road. He apparently had gotten out of the stolen patrol car, badly injured, and fallen in the road.

He died at the scene.

It wasn't immediately clear how quickly police realized the person hit in the road was the same man who stole the patrol car. Officers thought the suspect may have ditched the vehicle and escaped into a wooded area. Authorities asked for police dogs to join the search in an area around a storage facility.

Police did not identify the Washington Park officer who fired the shots. Washington Park police Chief Allen Bonds was not available for comment. Pontoon Beach police and the Madison County coroner's office both declined to talk about what happened and referred a reporter to the Illinois State Police, which is investigating the case.

The state police released no details until some 16 hours later.

Check back for updates.
ST. LOUIS  Mayor Tishaura O. Jones already has a draft of her plan to ban military-grade weapons on city streets. Aides have been working on it for weeks.

But the text of the draft shows that the bill largely mirrors existing federal law on machine guns and other heavily regulated firearms. And it will not prohibit prominent AR-15 and AK-47 rifles as previously suggested, experts said.

They cant do that, said Kevin Jamison, a prominent gun rights attorney in suburban Kansas City.

Nevertheless, in an interview Wednesday, aides said the bill represents progress: Juveniles caught with automatic weapons could be given a second chance under city ordinance. Rather than potential jail time on state or federal charges, they would face fines and community service.

In addition, money collected from those fines would fund city efforts to prevent violence through counseling, community engagement and job programs.

Nick Desideri, a spokesman for the mayor, said the new legislation would also build on recently signed legislation from Alderwoman Cara Spencer, of Marine Villa, to crack down on open-carry in the city.

The city is going to take every avenue available to get weapons of war off our streets, Desideri said.

Jones announced the legislation at a press conference Tuesday as part of a suite of bills aimed at chipping away at the citys gun violence problem.

The administration also wants to stop minors, insurrectionists and people convicted of hate crimes from getting guns and rein in the kind of random gunfire that crops up on New Years Day and the Fourth of July.

But the plan to prohibit military-grade weapons in the city stood out. Jones said she was talking specifically about AR-15s and AK-47s. Those rifles are famous for their roles in American mass shootings and Middle Eastern wars, and have been at the heart of gun control fights for years.

Gun-friendly Republicans in state government, who have spent years dismantling gun restrictions, immediately condemned Jones idea.

State Attorney General Andrew Bailey sent a letter to Jones vowing to resist any effort to infringe on the right of the people of Missouri to keep and bear arms.

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, he wrote to Jones.

The draft text of the legislation, however, just writes existing federal restrictions on machine guns, silencers, and short-barreled rifles and shotguns into city code.

It says it is necessary for the city to create and enforce municipal versions of those restrictions because those weapons contribute to the proliferation of gun violence in the city, putting its residents safety at risk. And the bill says that action falls under an exemption to the state law that generally prohibits local gun regulations.

There are some short-barreled and fully automatic versions of the AR-15 and AK-47 that are covered under those federal rules, which require prospective owners to pass a federal background check and pay a special tax before buying the guns. But it would not affect a variety of versions of the weapons because some are semiautomatic, not automatic, and others are not short-barreled.

In interviews Wednesday, legal experts said the bulk of the citys approach would likely pass muster in court. They agreed that state law allows the city to enact such rules.

The Legislature left an opening to do what theyre doing, said Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court justice.

Other parts of the proposal could be trouble, though.

Wolff said provisions like the one incorporating a federal rule banning bump stocks, which can make a semiautomatic rifle shoot at nearly the rate of an automatic, may not fly because it goes beyond whats specifically allowed in state law.

Robert Dierker, the former St. Louis Circuit Judge and associate city counselor, agreed.

And Jamison, the gun rights attorney, said that if city officials think they can make it work, theyre kidding themselves.
JEFFERSON CITY  The Missouri attorney generals office quietly withdrew this month from a lawsuit in which a state senators son had been accused of submitting false timesheets while he worked for the Department of Economic Development.

Patrick Cierpiot sued the state in October 2021, nearly two years after he was fired, alleging his supervisors failed to make a reasonable accommodation for him after he injured his wrist in a bicycle accident, in violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act.

But the state fired back with a counterclaim, alleging Cierpiot fraudulently or negligently indicated on his timesheet that he worked hours he did not work, the state said in a February 2022 court filing.

Records show the office of Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey withdrew from the case on Aug. 9, and that attorneys with the private law firm Baty Otto Coronado Scheer PC are now representing the Department of Economic Development.

Cierpiot is the son of state Sen. Mike Cierpiot, R-Lees Summit, and former state Rep. Connie Cierpiot, who represented Independence in the Missouri House between 1995 and 2003.

Mike Cierpiot is chairman of the Senate Commerce, Consumer Protection, Energy and Environment Committee and sits on the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee.

Gov. Mike Parson appointed Connie Cierpiot to the Appellate Judicial Commission, which will help decide which judges will fill two vacancies on the Missouri Supreme Court this year.

Before the state withdrew from the case against their son, Mike Cierpiot publicly praised Bailey at least twice in recent months: he said in April that Bailey was doing a good job and told the Kansas City Star that he was excited for Bailey in an article that ran in June.

Mike Cierpiot did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

But Madeline Sieren, spokeswoman for the attorney generals office, said Thursday there was no conflict of interest and that Baileys office was outsourcing complex cases on employment law.

Our office is in the process of standing up a new unit that will specialize in employment law, so in the interim, we are outsourcing more complex cases to employment law attorneys, including Cierpiot vs. Department of Economic Development, she said in a statement.

Jury trial

Theresa Otto, one of the Department of Economic Developments new attorneys, declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.

A jury trial is scheduled for Oct. 15, 2024, in Jackson County Circuit Court.

Victoria Arends, one of Patrick Cierpiots attorneys, said Thursday she believed the case was bound for trial after an assistant attorney general rejected settlement negotiations with Cierpiot.

Arends said she sent an initial settlement demand to the state in late July, but that assistant attorney general Joyce Johnson responded on Aug. 1, declining settlement negotiations at that time.

So, at that point, we just kind of ceased talking about settlement, Arends said.

Johnson, the assistant attorney general, withdrew from the case on Aug. 9. But Arends said she still believes a trial is likely after the hiring of outside counsel.

Weve seen an influx of a lot of the state agencies hiring outside private counsel instead of the attorney generals office doing it, Arends said.

Arends mentioned two other cases she is litigating in which private attorneys had recently signed up to represent state agencies.

Lawsuit, counterclaim

In Patrick Cierpiots lawsuit, he claims he was subject to unlawful discrimination based on his disability.

He said he worked for the Department of Economic Developments Kansas City office, and that on Aug. 19, 2019, he injured his wrist in a bike wreck and required surgery.

The lawsuit said that due to the injury and surgery, Cierpiot experienced limitations related to his work duties, including but not limited to writing and typing.

He also said his right wrist, hand and arm were in constant pain, and that prescription painkillers he took made his head feel cloudy.

Cierpiot said he asked Paul Eisenstein, deputy director of the Strategy and Performance Division, for an accommodation including temporary reduction in duties and deadline extensions, but no accommodation was offered, the lawsuit said.

After that, Eisenstein gave Cierpiot more work assignments instead of accommodating him, the lawsuit said.

Cierpiots lawsuit said Maggie Kost, then the director of the Strategy and Performance Division, and Eisenstein, fired him in an Oct. 10, 2019, meeting and that the two told him that he has not performed the tasks he was asked to perform.

Cierpiot asked the Jackson County Circuit Court to find that he was unlawfully discriminated against and that he should receive compensatory and punitive damages.

But, in its response, the Department of Economic Development said Cierpiot never asked Kost or Eisenstein for a reasonable accommodation and that he was terminated because multiple attempts to reach him  had gone unanswered.

The filing goes on to ask that Cierpiot be required to pay back wages paid to him for time he falsely claimed to have worked. The state is also seeking interest and legal fees from its former employee.

The state attorneys said that during the week of Aug. 19, 2019, Cierpiot received nine work assignments but only finished two of them on time.

Despite numerous attempts to follow up with Plaintiff over the following weeks, Plaintiff was non-responsive, and five of the remaining assignments were never completed by Cierpiot, the state said.

The state said Cierpiot received emails and phone calls from his co-workers between Aug. 22 and Aug. 29, 2019, but that he neither answered their calls nor responded to them, the state said.

The state said Cierpiot told Eisenstein of his wrist injury for the first time on Aug. 29.

Throughout September 2019, Plaintiff did not complete at least 18 work assignments and untimely completed at least four work assignments, the state said. As a result, Plaintiffs co-workers had to do his work in addition to regular duties.

The counterclaim states that other than Aug. 26 and 27, between Aug. 19 and Oct. 10, Cierpiot said on his timesheets that he worked full 8-hour days, completed those timesheets, and submitted them or neglected to do so forcing his supervisor to do it on his behalf.

But, the state said, Cierpiot did not work some or all of the hours he claimed on his timesheet for the Aug. 19 through Oct. 10 time period.
DE SOTO  The push for a twice-daily passenger train stop in this Jefferson County town has cleared a hurdle, winning conditional support from Amtrak.

In a letter Aug. 14, an Amtrak official said the rail line would consider the idea if the city works out an agreement with Union Pacific, the freight railroad that owns the tracks.

De Soto boosters also must come up with $1.7 million to build a planned open-air concrete platform. Moreover, Amtrak said an undetermined amount of money would be needed to make changes in nearby infrastructure to reduce train travel time to offset the 5 to 10 minutes or so involved in a new De Soto stop.

"Our analysis indicates that De Soto would not ordinarily provide the level of ridership necessary to justify a station stop," Derrick James, an Amtrak official, said in the letter to Jim Thomas with the Fast Track De Soto group.

However, James said, Amtrak would consider it under certain conditions, "given the high level of demonstrated local and state support."

De Soto City Manager Todd Melkus said state and federal grants would be sought to cover much of the costs and that the city has verbally committed to providing some matching money.

Melkus said although the stop is "far from a done deal," the Amtrak letter gives the city the ability to move forward on the proposal. "We were pretty much stuck in the mud" without it, Melkus said.

Backers of the project hope to add twice-daily De Soto stops to Amtrak's Texas Eagle line, which links Chicago to St. Louis and San Antonio, Texas.

A northbound Amtrak train now comes through De Soto at about 6:05 a.m. and a southbound train about 9:10 p.m. The nearest current stops are about 40 miles north in downtown St. Louis and about 50 miles south in Arcadia, Missouri.

Melkus said Union Pacific officials indicated that if a De Soto Amtrak stop eventually is approved, it wouldn't begin operating for a year and a half to two years under "the best-case scenario."

Kristen South, a Union Pacific spokeswoman, said in an email Thursday that her company has yet to receive a request from Amtrak "but we are open to having a conversation."

She said Union Pacific officials have talked with the city but didn't comment further. Union Pacific for many years has had a rail repair facility in De Soto. De Soto hasn't had a regular passenger train stop since 1971.

Updated at 1:00 p.m. Thursday
DEXTER, Mo.  A family in southeast Missouri filed a lawsuit this week against Tyson Foods, alleging the companys decision to shutter its plant in Dexter will leave them in financial distress.

Tyson, under pressure to improve profit margins in its chicken business, announced on Aug. 7 that it planned to close the plant in Missouris Bootheel region on Oct. 13.

In the suit filed Tuesday, the Kesler family, who have grown and sold chickens to Tyson for decades, claims that they were led to believe that they could expect to continue doing business with the company for years to come. The petition says that when the plant closes, they will be left without a viable customer.

They can tear down their barns, and thats about it, said Russell Oliver, an attorney with The Oliver Firm, who is representing the family.

Chickens can only be transported a short distance  45 miles, the petition says  both for animal welfare and because the birds are more likely to die on longer journeys. Tysons plant in Dexter is the only chicken processing facility within 45 miles of the familys farm, the petition says, so when it closes, the familys operations will be worth nearly nothing.

Tyson did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The company previously said that it would have individual conversations with each of the growers affected by the closure and discuss the options available to them.

The lawsuit claims that the Keslers made investments in their operations at Tysons request  expenditures that will take many years of operation to recoup, the petition claims. The petition says they did not find out until Aug. 7 that the company would shutter the plant, and they were told that no new flocks would be delivered to them to raise after Aug. 28.

The suit is filed on behalf of Gary, Rebecca, Eric and Chad Kesler. The Keslers have operated chicken broiler houses for 29 years. They originally served Hudson Foods, which owned the plant in Dexter until Tyson acquired Hudson in 1998. The family owns 14 chicken houses.

The lawsuit alleges that the familys most recent production contract began in December 2018, and that after Gary Kesler died in June of this year, Tyson claimed the contract was ended.

Through their attorney, the family declined to comment for this story.

The Dexter plant has long supported a network of truckers, farmers and other ancillary businesses in the area. There are around 30 chicken producers nearby that contract with Tyson, said Dexter Mayor Jason Banken.

Over the past couple of weeks since the closure was announced, Banken said, the plant has begun to wind down some of its operations. A portion of the plants 683 workers have found jobs at other companies: a cabinet-making business nearby, and the Nestle Purina plant 15 miles north, among others.

Oliver, the attorney representing the Keslers, said other farmers in this situation may feel like the rug has been pulled out from under them  that they have worked toward something for years, and suddenly find themselves facing massive amounts of debt.

People can feel like theres no hope, Oliver said. I want them to know that there are options out there, that there are other farmers in similar situations.
NEW YORK  The eight Republican presidential candidates on the debate stage were asked to raise their hands if they believed human behavior is causing climate change.

Not a single hand went up.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shut down the question and attacked the corporate media. Echoing the words of former President Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy called climate change a hoax and a wet blanket on our economy. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., insisted that more serious environmental threats are coming from China, India and Africa.

Just one Republican, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, said during Wednesday nights debate in Milwaukee that climate change is real.

A day later, frustrated leaders in the GOPs small but growing movement of environmental activists said their party must do better. In fact, some young conservatives confronted Ramaswamy at a gathering after the debate and told him his answer was particularly unhelpful.

Were getting to a point where Republicans are losing winnable elections because theyre alienating people that care about climate change, Christopher Barnard, the Republican president of the American Conservation Coalition, the largest conservative environmental group in the nation, said Thursday.

As the 2024 presidential contest begins in earnest, the Republican Party is struggling to reconcile rising concerns about climate change  especially young people  with the GOPs older base, which largely rejects climate science as a liberal conspiracy theory. Scientists overwhelmingly agree that heat-trapping gases released from the combustion of fossil fuels are pushing up global temperatures, upending weather patterns and endangering animal species.

Some Republican leaders have acknowledged they cannot ignore climate change altogether. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., has called for planting 1 trillion trees to help protect the environment. But the solutions long promoted by Democrats and environmental advocates  government action to force emissions reductions  remains a nonstarter with the GOPs presidential candidates.

The climate change agenda is a hoax, Ramaswamy said during the debate, repeating the line for emphasis, even as some younger people in the audience booed. The reality is more people are dying of climate change policies than they actually are of climate change.

None of Ramaswamys competitors, eager to attack him on other issues during the two-hour debate, challenged him directly on climate, even after the debate moderators highlighted new evidence that climate change is causing major problems.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, who was silent on climate change during the debate, suggested Thursday that it is largely a matter of messaging for the GOP.

Look the climate is changing, but I believe the issue is what we do about it, Pence said, condemning Democratic-backed policies such as the so-called Green New Deal. Its all just about communicating a different vision.

Meanwhile, conditions across the country and the world are creating new urgency for the GOP to take climate change seriously.

Heavy rains poured on Cleveland during the debate and Detroit flooded overnight. Wildfires in Canada have led to smoky, polluted air in much of the United States, while a catastrophic wildfire in Hawaii was the deadliest in more than a century. Southern California was hit with a tropical storm for the first time in decades.

But the biggest climate effect has been the heat.

July saw global daily and monthly temperatures hotter than modern equipment had ever recorded. Some scientists said it was the hottest in about 120,000 years, based on tree rings and other proxy records. The worlds oceans have set records for heat, both on the surface and deeper, every month since spring. Florida saw 100-degree water and unprecedented coral bleaching.

The presidential debate underscored the fact that one of the two parties (the GOP) not only refuses to act on the climate crisis, but refuses to even acknowledge it exists, University of Pennsylvania climate scientist Michael Mann said in an email. It is a disqualifying position on the defining challenge of our time.

The party will lose a huge chunk of voters, especially women and younger voters if it adopts this stance, he said.

Most people in the United States (62%) say the federal government is doing too little to reduce climate change, according to a September 2022 poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. Even as U.S. adults dont think the government is doing enough, theres a clear division among Republicans. Half of Republicans under age 45 say the government isnt addressing climate change enough, compared with just 32% of older Republicans.

Younger Republicans also say they feel anxious when discussing climate change at a higher rate than older Republicans.

Barnard, of the American Conservation Coalition, said it was a win for conservative environmentalists that the climate question was even asked. But he said that his party must do better and he offered advice to the GOPs presidential class.

You dont have to be the biggest climate champion, Barnard said. If you just say, Climate change is real, and were going to have some sort of solution, thats enough for most voters.

Photos from the first 2024 Republican presidential debate
Fitchs recent lowering of Americas credit rating, combined with the coming spending battles this fall that could prompt a government shutdown, make it clear that we have reached a critical moment in our democracy.

In a sense, its the culmination of trends that have been growing for more than a decade. Since as far back as 2010, more new members have come to Congress after promising voters what they wont do (e.g., raise the debt limit, cut entitlements) rather than what they will. Thats a recipe for more gridlock and less progress.

Our democracy works best when members of both parties come together, learn from one another, and find common ground on growing challenges  rather than retreat to their corners and reinforce their iron-clad pledges on the House and Senate floors, cable TV, and social media.

Throughout our history, leaders of different parties have joined forces at critical moments  enabling us to win two world wars and the Cold War, reach the moon, expand trade, protect constitutional rights, create a social safety net, achieve scientific and medical breakthroughs, build the interstate highway system, and invest in cutting-edge technologies.

Both of us have seen the fruits of inter-party collaboration up close. One of us was a Republican House member and senator from Missouri, while the other was a Democratic House member from Florida. In recent years, we were proud to join in as members of both parties voted overwhelmingly to provide major COVID-19 relief in 2020, strengthen the nations infrastructure in 2021, and position America to better compete with China in 2022.

At the same time, though, we shared the frustration of many of our colleagues that growing polarization in Congress was blocking action on major challenges and even basic tasks, like funding the government and paying its bills. Gridlock has real consequences, as we see with Fitchs downgrade.

Whats most striking is what Fitch wrote to explain its action. The downgrade  just the second in U.S. history, after Standard and Poors (S&P) in 2011  did not arise from concerns that America lacked the economic wherewithal to pay its bills.

Quite the contrary. The nation, Fitch wrote, maintains a large, advanced, well-diversified and high-income economy, supported by a dynamic business environment. Critically, the U.S. dollar is the worlds preeminent reserve currency, which gives the government extraordinary financing flexibility.

Instead, the downgrade was driven by this years long battle to raise the debt limit  which lawmakers did, along with spending restraint, just days before a potential default  and what that battle says about the state of governance in Washington.

The repeated debt-limit political standoffs and last-minute resolutions, Fitch wrote, have eroded confidence in fiscal management. And, as Fitch explained, its concerns come at a critical time in our fiscal history. In the coming years, deficits, debt, and interest payments on the debt all will rise as a share of the economy, while the Social Security and Medicare Hospital Insurance trust funds will face depletion. Gridlock has real victims, too.

Moreover, S&P provided a similar justification when it downgraded Americas credit rating in 2011. That action also came in the aftermath of a long battle to raise the debt limit, prompting S&Ps concerns about the effectiveness, stability, and predictability of American policymaking and political institutions.

As former lawmakers, we well remember our toughest political battles, whether campaigning or serving in Congress. We know from experience that democracy is messy and conflict is inevitable. After all, members of different parties, and even members of the same party, have different visions of where to take America in the future.

But, theres a time to fight and a time to come together and, these days, Washington is doing far too much of the former and not enough of the latter. As Main Street and the world watch, we need to show that, just as we were able to meet those critical moments of the last two-plus centuries, we retain the capacity to govern.

What would that take?

For the short term, lawmakers must avoid a government shutdown this fall by adopting a continuing resolution to keep the government running until they enact full-year appropriations bills for 2024.

Longer term, lawmakers should focus far more attention on the reality of rising debt. As economists and budget experts widely agree, the U.S. fiscal path is unsustainable. Lawmakers need to craft a comprehensive plan that, over time, would reduce deficits and lower the debt as a share of the economy.

Nothing would do more to restore confidence that America can still govern than a crisis-free appropriations process this fall and a serious plan to restore the nations fiscal health over the long term.

Roy Blunt is a former Republican U.S. senator and House member from Missouri. Val Demings is a former Democratic U.S. House member from Florida. They are both executive fellows at the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Regarding coverage of St. Louis neighborhoods that are hiring private companies to police their neighborhoods ("More neighborhoods weigh extra taxes for private police, St. Louis services," Aug. 11): I reside in one of those neighborhoods, Holly Hills. And while there are pros and cons to doing this, in the end, I held my nose and voted in favor of the special tax to hire private police.

One of the most often used arguments against doing this is, the rich get policing while the poorer neighborhoods go without. Perhaps one should take a good hard look at what neighborhoods elected former city Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner (twice), Mayor Tishaura Jones and Board of Aldermen President Megan Green. They were, and are, leaders of the "defund the police" movement.

You can't have it both ways. You can't be in favor of defunding the police and then whine when neighborhoods who want policing buck up and pay for it. Even with this additional policing, there were two attempted armed carjackings on my street within the last two weeks.

While Jones takes public polls and knocks on doors asking what to do with the Rams money, the answer couldn't be more obvious. If she doesn't do something about crime and our 911 disaster, the only ones left to pay taxes in this city will be those receiving her $500 a month handouts. Perhaps when Megan Green and the rest of the aldermen, who voted to double their salaries this past January, return from the two month long hiatus they are currently taking, they can address why this city is burning while our politicians are fiddling.

Michael A. Szerzinski  St. Louis
Today's political atmosphere continues to tarnish Christianity as a religious brand. Because of religious activism, the common elements of goodness that permeate Christian churches of all denominations are becoming obscured from public view.

Donald Trump does not exhibit even one Christian characteristic, yet leaders of large Christian congregations continue to endorse his behaviors and pose for photos showing them with Trump participating in a Bible study and prayer session. Does everyone remember Trumps speech at Liberty University where he demonstrated he didnt even know the books of the Bible? Christian leaders and others have gone so far as to declare Trump sent by God to fix America. These are gullible and desperate people.

In private and sometimes testy debates Ive had with close friends and family members, they assert politically-active Christians are hoping for legislation that codifies Christian values into law. But when I ask if they are advocating repeal of the First Amendment, they reply Oh no, we believe in the First Amendment  we just want Christian values protected. The authors of our Constitution were almost all Christian, yet they wrote a Constitution that explicitly prohibited that.

If you identify yourself as a Christian, and then identify your brand of Christianity as being represented by Trump, you are damaging Christianity as a religious brand. Its time for Christians to examine their values and how they want Christianity perceived publicly. Christians across America must repudiate Trump to prevent Christianity from becoming a political brand.

David Vail  O'Fallon Ill.
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 general's position, Parson questioned the constitutionality of the mayor's 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 Year's 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 nation's 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, Missouri's 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 "Blair's Law," which is designed to stop the practice of people shooting bullets into the air, including on New Year's 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 Blair's Law, but vetoed the overall bill because of an unrelated provision. It could be reintroduced next year.

On the mayor's proposal, Parson said he doesn't 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 lawabiding citizens," Shiflett said.

Parson's 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."

Kurt Erickson  573-556-6181 kerickson@post-dispatch.com
Until 2014, when Ukraine received military assistance from Western nations, the Ukrainian armed forces were based on the Russian model. After all, Ukraine had been part of the Soviet Union until the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. The Russian military was and still is based on the principle that quantity had a quality all its own. Russia was never able to adequately train all the men it conscripted into the military, The Russians adapted by selecting and training about ten percent of their troops to give this group a high degree of skill. Compared to the less-trained troops, the select group were more effective in combat and suffered far fewer casualties than the untrained troops. The Western approach was somewhat different in that Western nations believed that quality would generally defeat quantity. To obtain that qualitative edge you had to know how to train new recruits to a high level of competence in the shortest possible time.

After the Russians invaded in early 2022, the Ukrainians quickly realized that they could not sustain higher casualties among untrained troops and had to increase their training standards to survive. The veteran as well as newly conscripted or enlisted Ukrainian troops appreciated this and eagerly accepted the additional training.

Russia was unable to provide as much training and suffered higher losses because of it. As the training levels of the Ukrainian forces continued to rise, the difference in loss rates between Ukrainian and Russian forces became an embarrassing reality for the Russians. Ukraine was able to bring in a large number of trainers from NATO countries, most of them former or retired NATO soldiers who could operate in Ukraine without causing an international incident. These men were not mercenaries but foreign professional trainers who often had experience training troops of other countries. Ukraine also brought in a lot of foreign professionals for skilled jobs Ukraine could not fill. This included aircraft maintenance and several other military specialties, and here Westerners had almost fifty years of providing such services to foreign militaries, chiefly in the Middle Eastern oil states who needed, and could pay for, these services. There are a number of Western firms that specialize in providing all manner of professionals for short-term employment contracts.

Putin and his generals also noticed the growing difference in casualties between better trained Ukrainian troops and relatively untrained Russian soldiers. The Russians missed what happened when NATO personnel served in Ukraine between 2014 and 2021 and taught Ukrainian officers how to become a NATO-compatible force. That included much more training for new troops and more flexible and effective combat leadership methods. This turned out to be a major advantage because the Russians were still using their rigid Soviet-era command and troops control procedures. By 2021 the Ukrainians had adopted more flexible Western methods where junior commanders were trained to improvise when necessary. The only Russian troops who did any of that were spetsnaz (special operations) forces. Most Russian troops follow detailed orders and, when they encounter something not covered in their orders, they halt and wait for further instructions. Ukrainian forces regularly exploited this. After nearly a year of fighting the Russians have not changed, even though the more flexible Ukrainians constantly win battles because of their initiative.

Ukrainians appreciate this training effort and it makes a difference on the battlefield. This is especially true because Russia is sending more troops to Ukraine with little or no training. That means the Russians suffer higher casualties and the Ukrainians lose far fewer men. After a few months of fighting in 2022, Russia had lost many of its veteran soldiers and officers. Since then, most of the new Russian troops have little training or advanced tech and suffer from low morale and poor leadership. That sort of thing makes a big difference in combat but is often discounted during peacetime.

Ukrainians could find out how this came to be, because the current NATO tactics began emerging in the late 1970s when NATOs most powerful member (the U.S.) sought a new combat doctrine to make the best use of new weapons, an all-volunteer force and growing air superiority. West Germany was urging the United States to adopt tactics that would mean losing less German territory in the opening stages of a war. In 1982 this led to AirLand Battle doctrine, which emphasized meeting a Warsaw Pact (mainly Russian) invasion by attacking as well as defending. West Germany was reassured as were those who had studied the 1972 Arab-Israeli war, which began with a surprise attack by Egypt and Syria which was quickly defeated by an Israeli active defense that emphasized attacking as well as defending. The Americans had already adopted an active defense doctrine in 1978 but AirLand Battle was a refinement of that, and evolved to the present with improved versions of these tactics.

The Russians interpreted AirLand Battle as the result of how much post-Vietnam military reforms had turned NATO defense plans into an offensive opportunity for NATO that made any Russian attack less likely to succeed and vulnerable to a NATO invasion of East Europe. The 1991 Iraq war certainly confirmed this, but Russians attributed that to poor quality Iraqi officers and troops.

After the East European Soviet satellite governments collapsed in 1989, it was revealed that the Soviets had become less confident of the ability and willingness of East European Warsaw Pact armies to assist Russian forces in attack or defense. Part of this was due to the aftereffects of the crackdown in East Europe after the uprisings of the 1950s and 60s. Western intel officials interviewed many of East European civilians getting out and thought the refugees were exaggerating. They werent and that became obvious in 1989, and again two years later when the USSR itself collapsed. Once the Ukraine War has ended, the Russian military may accept that the NATO tactics were a major reason for their failure in Ukraine. Russia will have a difficult but not impossible time implementing a version of the NATO tactics for their forces. It would mean changing how their officers are trained and finally getting serious about reviving the use of NCOs, something the communists eliminated in the 1920s to prevent a counter-revolution against communist rule.
by Austin Bay August 23, 2023

August 2023. Eighteen months ago, Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine. In six remarkable weeks (February-March), the Ukrainian people defeated Russia's brazen and inept armored and special forces attack.

In a 21st-century diplomatic and military lens, the following is also remarkable: The Ukrainian people have treated Vladimir Putin's nuclear war threats as the murderous bluffs of a grandiose thug.

Putin's "I'll use nukes" threats are intended to intimidate and cower courageous human beings he regarded as Slavic patsies who would quickly submit to Russian rule.

The threats have failed. Eastern Europe, central Europe and Western Europe haven't quailed. In Nordic Europe, Finns and Swedes are joining NATO.

A flash-forward on this column series: Finland and Sweden know NATO's Article 5 gives even Kremlin crazies nuclear-button pause.

Article 5 says, with diplomatic gauze and consultation etceteras, that if you attack a NATO country then you go to war with the rest of NATO. There are diplo fine points, but bad guys get the blunt message. France and Britain have nukes. Yes, Canada and Germany are slackers. But for Russia, war with NATO means a nightmare from Turkey to Finland plus the U.S. Navy sinking everything in sight.

According to Prussian strategic theorist Gen. Carl von Clausewitz, war is a clash of wills. Which is why the Ukrainian people deserve the credit for defeating Putin's initial "special operation" and ignoring his nuke threats. The Ukrainian people, in an act of extraordinary will, ignored Vlad's nuclear threats.

But ugly nitty gritty: Vlad has nukes and Ukraine doesn't. Ukraine isn't a NATO nation, so Vlad doesn't confront Article 5.

That a Russian nuclear shadow haunts the Ukraine War is a bitter wrong attributable to Western liberal end-of-history triumphalism.

Post-Cold War, Ukraine possessed what was arguably the third-largest nuclear weapons stockpile on the planet.

But in 1994 nuclear well-intentioned, lead-by-example disarmament diplomacy intervened. The Clinton administration, Ukraine and Britain thought they had solved the problem of ex-Soviet nukes and Ukrainian territorial sovereignty when the Kremlin agreed to the Budapest Accord of 1994. Ukraine would give up its nukes and Russia would respect Ukraine's borders, including the Crimean Peninsula.

Nuclear disarmament. Mutual security guarantees. Multi-lateral diplomacy. Economic development. Constructive cooperation. Among "soft power" advocates, especially that snarky lot that condemns "hard power" as a Neanderthal artifact, these phrases are a policy religion.

Ukraine has no nuclear weapons, and every day its civilian population is subjected to indiscriminate missile and rocket attacks. Will the snarky lot suffer consequences?

August 2023: Russia possesses the world's largest stockpile of nuclear warheads. Some caveats. Based on post-Cold War analysis, much of it from Russian experts spilling the beans, Russian warheads are very likely crude and dirty. That means they may or may not work, and if they work, they may make a big hole, but the entire planet will suffer from its radioactive effects.

Some of the crude and dirty multi-megaton devices are powerful enough that a Russian nuke's like horseshoes and grenades: Close enough works.

So why hasn't Putin used his nukes?

Some ideas: Based on what we've seen (or not seen) of the Russian Air Force and Russian rocket and artillery direction systems in Ukraine, striking close and very accurate with a small "tactical nuke" (say less than 2 kilotons) may be quite difficult for the Kremlin.

One tactical nuclear weapon, even if detonated as a "clean" air burst over a Ukrainian target, would leave radioactive contamination in the strike zone. Perfect detonation is highly unlikely. Remember, Russian nukes are notoriously dirty. The Ukraine war has demonstrated Russian targeting systems are sub-mediocre. Fair bet: a Russian nuclear strike in Ukraine could potentially expose human beings in central Asia, eastern and central Europe, Turkey and the Middle East to fallout.

If with a Russian Security Council veto, that's a lot of votes in the UN.

Some other targeting thoughts. A strike near Kiev would contaminate parts of Belarus. Given prevailing wind patterns, a strike anywhere in Ukraine could literally "blowback" radioactive contamination on Russia.

(Part 1 of a 6 Part series)
PORTLAND, OR and MONTREAL, QC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / BlockChain Loyalty Corp. (OTC PINK:BBLC) is pleased to announce the imminent closing of a previously issued Letter of Intent (LOI) dated May 19th, 2023, to acquire all the assets of the clean beauty brand Luscious Group LLC DBA True + Luscious.

This acquisition is an integral part of BBLC's growth plans to increase revenues through geographic expansion and strategic acquisitions of product lines and companies which are compatible with its business philosophy, brand, and strategic path to generating shareholder value.

Transaction terms

The terms of the agreement called for BlockChain Loyalty Corp. to pay a total consideration of $749,000 in a mix of Consideration Shares and cash as the final acquisition price. To date, the company has issued a total of 1,163,333 shares equal to $349,000 to the company's founder, Mehir Sethi, with a cash component of $235,529 having been paid as of today's press release. BBLC anticipates the remaining balance of approximately $165,000 to be completed before the end of the month.

Mehir Sethi founded one of Pakistan's top clean beauty brands; Luscious Cosmetics, which saw its products on the shelves of Sephora Australia after global goods corporation, LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy) snapped up Singapore based e-commerce brand Luxola.com in the summer of 2015, where Luscious had been regularly selling its products. Sephora became aware of Luscious' success after acquiring Luxola. The management and board are delighted that Ms. Sethi will stay on with True + Luscious after the acquisition is complete; with her reputation and experience expected to be pivotal in the global expansion of the brand.

"Her role will be extremely important in the continued future growth of BBLC's new flagship brand True + Luscious. True + Luscious is a top seller on Amazon and has been featured in Forbes, Allure, Buzzfeed, HuffPost, Women's Health, and has been listed as one of the best natural makeup brands with products that deliver' by Marie Claire, said Joel DeBellefeuille, CEO & President of BBLC.

Clean Beauty Industry

The "Clean Beauty" business category consists of products made without ingredients shown or suspected to harm human health and is expected to see a massive 40%+ Compound Annual Growth Rate from 2023 to 2028, according to a December 2022 research report by Azoth Research. True + Luscious presents a unique opportunity, as the acquisition comes complete with $2,615,000 in existing inventory, and an email list that consists of over 8,000 customers. The brand is a reputable and profitable business in the high growth clean-beauty industry. There are current pending sales contracts in queue totaling close to $1,000,000 in revenue with a near 40% profit margin. BBLC anticipates closing of the pending purchase orders during the middle of Q2. Ongoing partnerships with the QVC & HSN (Home Shopping Network) and independent retailers also exist.

Updates

Pursuant to the Letter of Intent (LOI) entered into by BlockChain Loyalty Corp. with Heather Marianna LLC dba Beauty Kitchen on March 7th, 2023, with the expected closing date of April 7th, 2023, having passed without a completed closing; both companies have decided to no longer pursue the transaction at this time. BlockChain Loyalty Corp. may seek to explore this potential opportunity at a later date.

Corporate Name Change

To better reflect the company's long-term vision of exponential growth through key brand acquisitions of revenue generating, all-natural clean beauty, skincare, and cosmetics company's; BBLC, through discussion with its board, has also decided to change its name. The trading symbol of the corporation played an important role in the decision, making it easily recognizable. The company is pleased to announce that the new name of the corporation will be changed to Belle Bonica Luxe Corp. with an expected effective date by both FINRA and the State of Delaware taking place by September 15th, 2023.

The company has taken the necessary steps to electronically notify FINRA and has submitted the required amendments of the articles to its registered agent in the State of Delaware. BBLC must advise its shareholders that certain delays out of their control from regulatory bodies, such as the OTC Markets Group or FINRA, may prevent the name from changing on the expected date. However, the company will push for the change to take effect as soon as possible, if they are faced with delays.

The new name was carefully thought out with both Belle & Bonica translating to the word "beautiful" in French and Catalan (the official language of Catalonia) and Luxe, short for luxury. A new website has already been developed, which can be seen here; by visiting, www.bellebonica.com.

About True + Luscious

Founded in 2020 by a beauty industry veteran, True + Luscious is a makeup & skincare brand with established traction in the clean beauty niche. All products are Clean, 100% Vegan, with Sustainable Packaging. True + Luscious is certified by Leaping Bunny, which is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers, that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying their logo.

Mission statement: "Good, Clean, Glam, and Luxurious"

About BlockChain Loyalty Corp.

(BBLC) is a lifestyle & accessories company that acquires and develops clean, genderless beauty products, and all-natural skincare and cosmetics brands, while seeking long-term shareholder value.

For more information visit: www.BlockChainloyaltycorp.com

Contacts: Joel DeBellefeuille, Co-Founder, CEO and President, E. [email protected] Tel. 1.800.971.2200

To learn more about Joel visit: www.joeldebellefeuille.com

Investor Relations: Just3 Public Relations, Zoltan Sarkozy, Tel. 604.722.0305

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934 as well as relevant Canadian securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect management's expectations regarding future business prospects and opportunities. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue", "target" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, the ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.

The Company does not assume any responsibility to update or revise any past statements regarding plans or projections related to any expected future events in cases where such plans or projections have not materialized or developed as previously stated or expected.

SOURCE: Blockchain Loyalty Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:
Author, Actor, Mom and Founder of MomSanity.com Dawn Yanek Provides Inspiration for Making Memories

ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / August is National Family Fun Month and the perfect time to take a break and enjoy some carefree playtime with the kids before they return to school. Dawn Yanek, author, mom and Founder of Momsanity.com, shares unique new ways to promote family fun. Everything from dedicated family time, activities that inspire imagination, interactive family play, exercising in a fun and relaxing way or splashing around in the pool together.

MomSanity.com Founder Dawn Yanek Offers Ideas for National Family Fun Month

Super Mom Dawn Yanek Shares Tips for Family Fun Month

TOGETHER TIME

There is nothing like a family vacation and a top pick is the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun. Surrounded by lush jungle and sparkling waters, the Hyatt Ziva Riviera Cancun is a tropical, all-inclusive paradise for all ages that ranges from the serene Zen Spa to the winding water park, with several surprises along the way. There are tons of restaurants, round-the-clock fitness facilities, nine pools, and kids will never want to leave that water park. Kids can check out the KidZ Club, which provides supervision and keeps them entertained, while parents indulge in some super-relaxing hydrotherapy treatments. For more information, visit www.resortsbyhyatt.com.

FUN AND FITNESS

Good weather allows everyone to get outside and away from their screens by going for a family bike ride. Huffy offers several options for some classic summer fun. With bikes, scooters and more available in almost every size and style, Huffy truly has a product to help every family member live the ride to spend more quality time together. Older kids who have a need for speed will love the Huffy CR8-R mini bike. Ideal for ages 14 and up, the CR8-R offers a push-button start and easy acceleration to 19 miles per hour, so any rider can get riding, fast! For more information, visit www.huffybikes.com.

FUN FAMILY ACTIVITY

Be a kid with the kids at SkyZone! This is a favorite for so many parents. With more than 200 locations in the U.S. and Canada, and unforgettable attractions made for everyone, Sky Zone is the leading active play destination, providing bounce-off-the-wall fun for both kids and kids at heart. Ranging from Ultimate Dodgeball, Air Courts, Ninja Warrior Courses, to Ziplines and more. It is perfect for rainy days, days to get out of the heat, and birthday parties. At SkyZone, everyone will laugh harder and smile more than they have in ages. For more information, visit www.skyzone.com.

POST|VIDEO

About TipsOnTV

TipsOnTV covers a variety of topics, including food, entertaining, personal finance, technology, travel, health, lifestyle and more.

Contact Information

R E

[email protected]

SOURCE: TipsOnTV

View source version on accesswire.com:
Grants will benefit 39 nonprofits that have experienced increased demand for services

Grants will support individuals and families facing homelessness, hunger and other challenges by supporting expanded capacity of community programs

CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / As North Carolina communities continue to feel financial strain from the rising cost of basic needs, the Duke Energy Foundation is providing $1 million to support nonprofits dedicated to serving low-income communities. These grants will strengthen capacity and increase the impact of local agencies that are on the forefront of helping North Carolinians with essential services like meals and shelter.

"Duke Energy's long-term success is deeply intertwined with the wellbeing of the communities we serve," said Kendal Bowman, president of Duke Energy North Carolina. "Many nonprofits have experienced unprecedented demand in the last few years. These grants focus on building nonprofits' capacities so they can meet the increased need."

In Raleigh, Oak City Cares has seen a rapid increase in demand from Wake County and the capital region. They are now serving 97% more individuals and families than last year.

"We are so grateful for the ongoing partnership we have with Duke Energy and the Duke Energy Foundation," said Kathy Johnson, executive director of Oak City Cares. "We have seen a 97% increase in guests seeking services at our center and Duke Energy Foundation's investment will help Oak City Cares expand our capacity to serve of our guests in meeting their basic needs and achieving stable housing. Not only are they providing this financial investment, but they are true partners on-the-ground in our work, providing both volunteers and in-kind resources to support our work."

In Winston-Salem, Crisis Control Ministry has seen a significant rise in requests for assistance, with volunteers interviewing over 200 potential clients weekly. In their fifty-year history, the organization has helped more than 100,000 residents in Stokes and Forsyth County meet basic needs and they expect the need for assistance with rent, food and prescriptions to continue to rise.

"Over the years, Duke Energy has been a wonderful partner to Crisis Control Ministry in our mission to support our neighbors in times of crisis," said Margaret Elliott, Executive Director of Crisis Control Ministry. "We are always looking for ways to better serve our community, and the recent grant awarded by Duke Energy will make it easier and more convenient for our neighbors to access our services."

Grants were awarded to the following 39 nonprofits in North Carolina across the state.

Organization County

Oak City Cares Wake County

Raleigh Rescue Mission Wake County

Shepherds Table Soup Kitchen Wake County

PLM Families Together Wake County

CASA Wake County

Good Shepherd Ministries New Hanover County

Bladen Crisis Assistance Bladen County

Wilmington Area Rebuilding Ministry New Hanover County

Step Up Wilmington New Hanover County

Brunswick County Partnership for Housing Brunswick County

Safe Haven of Pender Pender County

Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina Columbus County

Crisis Control Ministry Forsyth County

Eblen Charities Buncombe County

United Way of Asheville & Buncombe County Buncombe County

Roots & Wings Person County

United Way of the Tar River Region Nash County

Matthews Help Center Mecklenburg County

United Way of Gaston County Gaston County

Union County Crisis Assistance Ministry Union County

Orange Congregations in Mission Orange County

CORA Food Pantry Chatham County

Salvation Army of Lee County Lee County

Greensboro Urban Ministry Guilford County

Cooperative Christian Ministries Rockingham County

Cabarrus Cooperative Christian Ministry Cabarrus County

Stanly Community Christian Ministry Stanly County

Interfaith Assistance Ministry Henderson County

Yokefellow Service Center Rutherford County

Better Health of Cumberland County Cumberland County

Our Daily Bread Christian Food Ministry Richmond County

Hoke County Open Door Soup Kitchen Hoke County

Montgomery County Council on Aging Montgomery County

Caldwell County Yokefellow Caldwell County

Christian Crisis Center Alexander County

South Caldwell Christian Ministries Caldwell County

United Way of Wayne County Wayne County

Lenoir County United Way Lenoir County

Four-Square Community Action Cherokee County

Duke Energy Foundation

The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars. More information about the Foundation can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. Its electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The company employs 27,600 people.

Duke Energy is executing an aggressive clean energy transition to achieve its goals of net-zero methane emissions from its natural gas business by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions from electricity generation by 2050. The company has interim carbon emission targets of at least 50% reduction from electric generation by 2030, 50% for Scope 2 and certain Scope 3 upstream and downstream emissions by 2035, and 80% from electric generation by 2040. In addition, the company is investing in major electric grid enhancements and energy storage, and exploring zero-emission power generation technologies such as hydrogen and advanced nuclear.

Duke Energy was named to Fortune's 2023 "World's Most Admired Companies" list and Forbes' "World's Best Employers" list. More information is available at duke-energy.com. The Duke Energy News Center contains news releases, fact sheets, photos and videos. Duke Energy's illumination features stories about people, innovations, community topics and environmental issues. Follow Duke Energy on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Duke Energy media contact: Emily Kissee

Media line: 800.559.3853

@DE_EmilyK

View original content here.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Duke Energy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Duke Energy

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/duke-energy

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Duke Energy

View source version on accesswire.com:
NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Gen



Gen Blog | Community

By Amanda Davis | Sr. Manager, CR and Environment

India has no shortage of qualified women in STEM. A 2020 World Bank report found that there are more women graduates in the STEM fields in India than in any other developed country.

Yet, a gender gap in the tech industry remains, with women accounting for only a fifth of the country's cybersecurity jobs, according to the Cybershiksaa Initiative.

Gen works with nonprofits to address this disparity, tackling the barriers that exist for women and helping them find the tech jobs of their dreams. The nasscom foundation is one of those organizations, leading two major programs just last year to empower women in rural communities. The first was a large-scale cybersecurity training effort to equip professional women engineers with the skills and experience necessary to take their careers to the next level.

The program consisted of a 350-hour course-five hours a day, six days a week for 11 weeks-designed to cover advanced cybersecurity, threats and data protection. Each session was designed to help participants position themselves as the best possible candidates for top tech jobs.

More than 170 women engineers from the Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu states completed the training, and more than 80% later started jobs in cybersecurity.

Expanding Economic Opportunities for Women in India

Learning new digital skills benefits women across all industries, not just those pursuing tech careers. Studies have shown that digitalization is a key driver of economic opportunity for women in India.

With this in mind, our funding also supported the nasscom foundation's training program for women entrepreneurs, particularly those in the agricultural space. For six months, the organization offered digital and financial literacy guidance to help women agri-entrepreneurs launch new ideas, reach new customers and grow their businesses.

More than 200 participants from Latur and Osmanabad completed the 30-hour crash course, brushing up on digital communication, social media marketing, smartphone best practices, e-accounting and e-commerce.

Fostering the Next Generation of STEM Enthusiasts

In addition to our nasscom foundation partnership, we also support the Agastya International Foundation. This year, the organization oversaw the return of the iMobile lab, a traveling van equipped with laptops and science experiments designed to inspire students in grades 7-8.

The iMobile Lab made stops at 15 schools in Tamil Nadu, hosting science fairs, community visits and science camps. These efforts reached an estimated 3,200 students, many of whom attend one of the 75% of schools in India that lack adequate science laboratories.

We believe that everyone should have an opportunity to learn digital skills and land the cybersecurity job of their dreams. For more information on how we support Cyber Safety education and training, read more impact stories on our blog.

Gen" is a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom with a family of trusted consumer brands including, Norton, Avast, LifeLock, Avira, AVG, ReputationDefender and CCleaner.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Gen on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Gen

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/gen

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE: Gen

View source version on accesswire.com:
TOKYO, JAPAN / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / At a time when environmental issues are at the forefront of society's preoccupations, travel is often pointed at for its ecological impact. In accordance with the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) established by the Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan Experience is committed to minimizing the carbon footprint of train travel in Japan and protecting the ecosystems. Travelers can now add the JRP Carbon-free option when ordering a Japan Rail Pass, which enables them to use the most eco-friendly mode of transportation-the train-to get across Japan. Thus allowing them to minimize their carbon footprint.

JRP Carbon-free's impact

How is the JRP Carbon-free project helping to make train travel more sustainable in Japan? The funds raised are used to decarbonize our passengers' journeys. Since the launch of JRP Carbon-free on July 1, more than 1,500 customers have already opted to decarbonize their train travels, enabling us to be able to plant more than 20 trees.

A contribution the JRP Carbon-free project will be used to plant trees in Nagano, a prefecture in the heart of the island of Honshu, renowned for the beauty of its landscapes and the abundance of its agriculture.

Then trees of the JRP Carbon-free project are planted on a specific piece of land, in an area called Tsuboniwa, in Tateshiana. This area, formerly devoid of any tree vegetation, has recently been transformed into a lush forest, which naturally combats future CO2 emissions and preserves the environment.

The tree chosen for our plantations is the Quercus pine oak (called "konara" in Japanese). These trees are excellent for the ecosystem, as they grow fast (around 60 centimetres per year), and reach maturity after five years. They have a long lifespan, and therefore support the local fauna over the long term, becoming home to a variety of animals and insects.

JRP Carbon-free's future initiatives

Planting algae to combat "blue carbon"

Blue carbon refers to the carbon dioxide absorbed by the ocean and ocean life. To combat this phenomenon, Japan has launched a mission to cultivate algae and coral in certain parts of the country's seas and oceans, in order to replenish lost numbers, help underwater fauna, and thus create a better ecosystem in the island nation's precious waters.

Planting corals in Okinawa

Further efforts to protect the oceans will be made, particularly in the waters surrounding the beautiful island of Okinawa, home to a multitude of fish, many of which live in coral reefs. Through the collaborative efforts of Japan Experience and local NGOs, we aim to restore and protect one of Japan's most beautiful ecosystems.

Beekeeping in Gifu Prefecture

The importance of bee colonies and the cultivation of their honey is an essential aspect of the world's ecological systems. The cultivation of pollen by honeybees promotes fruitful pollination and the proper dissemination of foliage, which contributes to the fight against greenhouse gases.

About Japan Experience

Founded in 1981, Japan Experience is the first European tour operator with a sole focus on Japan. It is the world's largest distributor of Japan Rail Passes and serves over 30,000 visitors annually. Japan Experience is a must-know brand for everybody who loves Japan and desires to visit the country. It is founded on three pillars: freedom of choice, simplicity, and people at the heart of everything. We provide our visitors with a large catalog through our thousands of blog posts, our distinctive accommodation and transportation options, and our many activities, excursions, and tours. With the assistance of our team of Japan enthusiasts, travelers can simply design the vacation tailored to them. Japan Experience, a pioneer in the field of Japan Rail Pass services, is innovating once again, following on from its JRP Assistance service in 2013, its large-format map of the Japan Railways network in 2016, and now with its JRP Carbon-free project. Japan Experience will also soon provide a guide to train travel and the first premium cardholder for its JR Pass.

Our vision

Press contact

For more information, partnership opportunities or any inquiries, please reach out to:

Thierry Maincent, Chairman of Japan Experience:

[email protected]

Websites:

www.japan-experience.com

www.japan-rail-pass.com

SOURCE: Japan Experience

View source version on accesswire.com:
FORT WALTON BEACH, FL / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Step One Automotive Group, a leading automotive dealership network with locations across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia, proudly announces its successful participation in the community-led "Stuff the Bus" initiative. Focused on providing essential school supplies to students in low-income families, Step One Automotive Group transformed its various dealership locations into donation stations for the duration of the campaign.

In a partnership with the United Way Emerald Coast and United Way of West Florida, Step One Automotive Group's Florida dealerships mobilized efforts to provide crucial educational tools for students in Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa Counties. The initiative underscores the company's belief that every student should have the necessary resources to excel in their academic pursuits, irrespective of their economic background.

Similarly, in Alabama, Step One Automotive Group joined forces with Andalusia City School to extend its philanthropic reach, ensuring that more children had the materials needed for a successful educational experience. The company's dealerships in Georgia also participated, partnering with the United Way of the Coastal Empire to support local students with the supplies essential for academic achievement.

"We take immense pride in our commitment to community service, and this year, our 'Stuff the Bus' initiative has allowed us to make a profound impact on the lives of young learners in the areas we serve," said Maureen Bierman of Step One Automotive Group. "We believe that contributing to the welfare of our future leaders is not just a responsibility but a privilege. Through our collaboration with these amazing organizations, we have been able to take a meaningful step toward leveling the educational playing field."

Step One Automotive Group invites the community to join them in their ongoing efforts to better the lives of the students and families they serve. Donations are welcome year-round, and individuals interested in contributing can visit any of the Step One Automotive Group's dealership locations for more information.

For more information about Step One Automotive Group and upcoming events, please visit www.steponeautomotive.com.

Contact Information

Shantelle Dedicke

President, Frances Roy Agency

[email protected]

307-631-7644

SOURCE: Step One Automotive Group

View source version on accesswire.com:
The luxurious high-rise senior living community moves forward with development, bringing 259 units of independent living, assisted living, and memory care to North Bethesda, MD.

DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Experience Senior Living (ESL) continues to make strides with The Reserve at Strathmore Square, an upscale senior living community in North Bethesda, MD. After working closely with Montgomery County officials, Experience Senior Living and master developer Fivesquares Development have secured site plan approval. The project is anticipated to break ground in Q4 of 2023.

The Reserve at Strathmore Square

Rendering of The Reserve at Strathmore Square

Designed by the world-class architects at Handel and located adjacent to the renowned Music Center at Strathmore at 10514 Strathmore Hall Street, the 29-story, 413,140-square-foot development will house 259 apartment homes dedicated to independent living, assisted living, and memory care. The amenity-rich development will feature seven distinct restaurant venues, private wine lockers, a makerspace for creative projects, Teslas for chauffeured car service, and 24/7 concierge service. Additionally, the development offers a suite of exclusive amenities, including an indoor saltwater swimming pool, pickleball court, smart fitness room, professional salon, and spa. In addition to these perks, residents at The Reserve at Strathmore Square will have access to a private memory care courtyard, as well as a sky lounge and a dedicated theater for performing arts.

Upon its completion, The Reserve at Strathmore Square will become part of a larger intergenerational development effort that unites multiple generations in a visionary arts-centric community that values immersive culture and lifelong learning.

"Experience Senior Living is proud to be a part of creating cross-generational living opportunities in such a vibrant epicenter of arts and culture. Our residents will have unprecedented access to high-end luxury living in a thriving community environment. The Reserve at Strathmore Square will be the new gold standard for High Rise Senior Living," said Phill Barklow, president of ESL.

The Reserve at Strathmore Square is now accepting priority waitlist deposits. Interested residents are encouraged to visit: https://experiencesrliving.com/reserve-strathmore-square/

About Experience Senior Living

Experience Senior Living is a full-service, vertically integrated owner, developer and operator of active adult, independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities. We are reimagining senior housing by leveraging our vast experience to seamlessly integrate strategic, operational and human-centered aspirations. We translate those experiences to create new and inspiring models of care focused on hospitality, which are responsive to residents' needs and centered around holistic wellness and engagement with a broader community. Experience drives everything we do, and our team of dynamic professionals is fueled by their passion for empowering individuals to lead enriching lives at every stage of their journey. Experience Senior Living is based in Denver, with communities operating or under development in seven states: Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington.

Contact Info:

Kirstin Barbour

[email protected]

970-441-8100

Contact Information

Kirstin Barbour

[email protected]

970-441-8100

SOURCE: Experience Senior Living

View source version on accesswire.com:
Canadian workers now have access to the industry's broadest selection of protective clothing.

PIPERSVILLE, PA / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Tyndale Enterprises, Inc., a leading provider of arc-rated, flame-resistant (AR / FR) clothing, announced its successful launch in the Canadian market to meet the demand for protective clothing programs offering superior choice and service. As a manufacturer, distributor, and service provider, Tyndale offers a deep inventory of the broadest assortment of AR / FR clothing for men and women and the convenience of total program management. Canadian companies can now offer their workers garments from leading FR brands - including Ariat, Bulwark, Carhartt, Wrangler, and many others - that are comfortable and enjoyable to wear while complying with industry safety standards and company image requirements.

Tyndale Canada ULC

Tyndale Canada logo

Watch the video for more information.

Tyndale's strong foundation in the United States underpins its commitment to the Canadian market. Protecting workers with AR / FR clothing has been Tyndale's core competency for over 40 years. Over 90% of U.S. investor-owned electric utilities and more than 50 Fortune 500 companies choose Tyndale for AR / FR clothing and services.

To introduce Tyndale's managed AR / FR apparel programs in Canada, the company is leveraging the expertise of Paul Castelli, Tyndale's Canadian Sales Director. Paul's experience in the FR textile and safety industry makes him uniquely qualified to achieve solutions to challenges related to Canadian companies' protective clothing programs.

Tyndale CEO Rob Whittenberger proudly acknowledges the collaboration and dedication of Tyndale personnel to bring this launch to fruition, stating, "Our dedicated team of professionals has worked diligently to ensure all operational details have been implemented, perfected, and thoroughly tested. We are confident in our ability to offer our new Canadian customers the best possible protective apparel experience, providing the broadest selection of garments for men and women combined with our technical expertise."

Tyndale Arc Flash Demonstration Event at Kinectrics

Tyndale's launch in Canada was sparked off with a Live Arc Flash Demonstration event held during May 2023 at Kinectrics, a world-leading testing facility in Toronto. Tyndale's guests witnessed the incredible power of arc flashes and the role protective clothing plays in keeping workers safe. Technical sessions were led by the following recognized industry experts, who provided complete analysis and answered questions:

Brian Shiels , principal member of NFPA technical committees responsible for NFPA 2112 and NFPA 1971, Vice-Chair for ASTM committees D13 and F23, and member of the ASTM International Board of Directors.

, principal member of NFPA technical committees responsible for NFPA 2112 and NFPA 1971, Vice-Chair for ASTM committees D13 and F23, and member of the ASTM International Board of Directors. Scott Margolin , Tyndale's Vice President of Technical, serves as a subject-matter expert for OSHA, NFPA, ASTM, ASSE, NECA, and other organizations. His 30+ years of experience includes thousands of arc flash and flash fire tests analyzing real-world hazards and PPE performance.

, Tyndale's Vice President of Technical, serves as a subject-matter expert for OSHA, NFPA, ASTM, ASSE, NECA, and other organizations. His 30+ years of experience includes thousands of arc flash and flash fire tests analyzing real-world hazards and PPE performance. Sara Olsen, Tyndale's lead technical expert, holds an M.Sc. in textile and apparel science from the University of Alberta. Her 16+ years of experience in the Canadian protective clothing industry includes laboratory testing and committee work to develop relevant safety standards.

About Tyndale

Tyndale Enterprises, Inc. is a leading AR / FR clothing supplier to the utility, oil and gas, manufacturing, and other industries. Established in 1981, Tyndale pioneered the managed purchase program for the protective clothing market and has worked continuously to provide ever-improving product quality and selection with superior service. Tyndale is a privately held, certified woman-owned business headquartered in Pipersville, PA, with additional distribution operations in Houston, TX. For more information, please visit www.TyndaleFR.ca.

Contact Information

Barbara Fitzgeorge

Vice President of Marketing

[email protected]

800.356.3433

SOURCE: Tyndale Enterprises, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:
HSBC analyst Nicole Inui: "At the current level of US treasury yields, our S&P target would fall to 4,500. Our ...

I'm a New Customer

I'm a Returning Customer

E-mail Address (or username, if registered via mobile device)

Password
Fariz Rzayev, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, recently met with Rafael Grossy, Director-General of the International Agency for Atomic Energy (AEBA). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the CEO of the AEBA reported the matter on Twitter, noting that cooperation with the AEBA and nuclear science have significantly increased Azerbaijani cotton production three times, Azernews reports, citing Agency.

The Deputy Minister's visit to the AEBA comes at a time when Azerbaijan is looking to increase its cotton production. The country has long been a major producer of cotton, but it has seen a decline in production in recent years. With the help of the AEBA, however, Azerbaijan is looking to increase its cotton production and become a major player in the global cotton market.

The AEBA is an international organization that works to promote the use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes. It has been working with Azerbaijan since the early 2000s, providing technical assistance and training. The AEBA has also been involved in the development of the country's nuclear infrastructure, helping to build and maintain nuclear power plants.

The partnership between the AEBA and Azerbaijan has been beneficial for both sides. For Azerbaijan, the AEBA has provided the technical expertise and resources needed to increase cotton production. For the AEBA, the partnership has provided an opportunity to promote the use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes.

The partnership between the AEBA and Azerbaijan is an example of how international organizations can work together to promote economic development and global peace. Through their collaboration, they have been able to increase cotton production in Azerbaijan and promote the use of nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Azerbaijan exported 474,980 tons of crude oil and petroleum products to Greece from January through July 2023, which is 3.05 percent of the total export of raw materials from Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

On an annual basis, this indicator increased by 5.04 times (380,860 tons).

In addition, Greece's imports of Azerbaijani oil and petroleum products in the specified period amounted to $292,693 million. This is 3.6 times ($211,591 million) more than in the same period in 2022.

In general, Azerbaijan exported over 15.5 million tons of oil and petroleum products, 5.33 percent less than during the same period the previous year (16.4 million tons) from January through July 2023. Oil exports were above $9.4 billion, which is $2.9 billion (23.82 percent) less than the period from January to July 2022.
The Estee Lauder Companies (NYSE: EL) announced today that Chairman Emeritus Leonard A. Lauder has informed the Company of his decision not to stand for re-election to the Companys Board of Directors (the Board) at the annual meeting in November. Leonard Lauder remains Chairman Emeritus of the Company. Pursuant to the stockholders agreement among Lauder family members and the Company, Leonard Lauder has the right to designate two directors of the Company. In addition to his son William P. Lauder, who serves as Executive Chairman, Leonard Lauder has designated his son Gary M. Lauder to serve on the Board. The Board has nominated Gary Lauder and will include his name among the nominees for election at the Companys annual meeting in November. Gary Lauder is the Managing Director of Lauder Partners LLC, a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm. He has been a venture capitalist since 1985, investing in over 150 private companies. Gary serves on the Board of Governors of Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation and holds a BA in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania; a BS in Economics from the Wharton School; and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Gary has periodically attended the Companys Board meetings over the years as an invited observer, which has provided him with a long-term view of the Company.

Leonard Lauder formally joined The Estee Lauder Companies in 1958 and served as President from 1972 to 1995 and as Chief Executive Officer from 1982 to 1999. He became Chairman of the Board in 1995 and served in that role through June 2009, until he was appointed Chairman Emeritus for the Company. As Chairman Emeritus, Leonard Lauder provides his advice and counsel on a variety of business topics including brand building, marketing, and understanding the global luxury consumer. He continues to play an active role as Chief Teaching Officer, educating leaders throughout the Company with his brand symposiums and through speaking engagements with global employees.

My father envisioned and helped drive the growth and expansion of our Company from an iconic single brand to the global, brand-building powerhouse it is today. Weve never wavered from his vision of being a home for the best brands and best people, all of whom are united in delivering high-quality, prestige beauty products and high-touch service and experiences, while maintaining our unique, values-driven culture, said William P. Lauder, Executive Chairman. It has been an incredible honor and privilege to have worked with and learned from my father over the years. I look forward to continuing to learn from him and know his passion for this industry, this Company, our employees and our consumers is as strong as ever.

It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Board of the Company my mother and father created over 75 years ago, said Leonard Lauder. This Board is one of the best in the business. I feel confident that the Companys leadership and Board will continue to guide our strategy to deliver long-term growth. Additionally, I continue to believe in the success of our Company through the skillful and thoughtful management by William, Fabrizio, and the entire leadership team. The nomination of Gary to the Board further reflects my familys long-term stewardship, and our support of the vision, values, and people who will drive the Companys future success. As Chairman Emeritus of the Company, Im looking forward to continuing my work as advisor and Chief Teaching Officer, serving what I believe to be the best Company in the world.

On behalf of the Board, I share my deep admiration and appreciation to Leonard for his invaluable contributions to the Company as an officer and as a member of the Board. He is a visionary whose creative thinking is unmatched in the industry. His innovative insights will continue to serve as inspiration for us all, said Charlene Barshefsky, the Companys Presiding Director.

In addition to his activities with The Estee Lauder Companies, Leonard Lauder is extremely involved in the worlds of education, art, politics, and philanthropy. He is a Charter Trustee of the University of Pennsylvania and a founding member of the Board of Governors of its Joseph H. Lauder Institute of Management and International Studies. Leonard Lauder became a Trustee of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City in 1977 and currently serves as its Chairman Emeritus. He is Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of the Alzheimers Drug Discovery Foundation; Honorary Chairman of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation; a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; a Trustee of the Aspen Institute; and a member of the Presidents Council of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital. Leonard Lauder also served on the Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations under President Ronald Reagan. Among his honors, he has been named an Officier de la Legion dHonneur by France and recognized by the U.S. Navy Supply Corps Foundation with its Distinguished Alumni Award, was the 2013 recipient of the Palazzo Strozzi Renaissance Man of the Year Award, and was named a 2014 Living Landmark by the New York Landmarks Conservancy.
TAIPEI, Taiwan--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Asia-Pacific region's post-pandemic economic recovery, powered by digital technology, has drawn global attention. Information Service Industry Association of R.O.C. (CISA), successfully hosted the "Digital Asia Forum" in Taiwan. It gathered top digital policy officials, information service and software industry leaders, and academic experts from 10 Asia-Pacific countries in Taiwan. Moreover, ambassadors and office officials from non-Asia-Pacific countries also attended the event, demonstrating Asia's digital economic strength.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823500570/en/

Representatives of MSIT, ADI, SDEC, MODA, CISA, ASOCIO, OSTP and DEPA jointly launched the Digital Asia Forum. (Photo: Business Wire)

ICT Leaders from 10 Countries Create the Future of Digital Asia

Taiwan and six other countries in the Asia-Pacific region have signed the "Digital Asia Joint Declaration" to foster digital technology industry collaboration. Moreover, ASOCIO also signed a "Sustainable Transformation" with GeSI, hoping to use digital technology create a sustainable future.

CISA signed several cooperation agreements, including "Taiwan-Japan Digital Technology Strategy Cooperation" with NTT Data Taiwan Co., Ltd., "Cybersecurity Cooperation" with Japan Network Security Association (JNSA). CISA also partnered with Singapore's digital technology certification agency (iTrain Asia Pte. Ltd.) and CrossBond International Brand Consultant to expand digital talents in Southeast Asia and match business opportunities for both sides.

Partnering with International Organization ASOCIO Seize Business Opportunities in Asia-Pacific Market

Brian Shen, Chairman of CISA and ASOCIO, said: "Digital Asia Declaration shows the strong commitment of the Asia-Pacific countries to cooperate and develop together. ASOCIO can not only help Taiwan's ICT industry connect with the Asia-Pacific business community, but also increase the visibility of Taiwan's manufacturers. How to leverage the resources of ASOCIO's industry, government, academia, research and information sectors will also be CISA's long-term goal."

Betty Hu, Deputy Director General of Administration for Digital Industries, moda said she witnessed the signing of several cooperation memorandums with Asia-Pacific countries, which shows that Taiwan's ICT industry has a strong reputation in Asia. In the second half of the year, moda will also join major international events to enhance Taiwan's global visibility.

The cooperation series signed by Digital Asia will strengthen international ties, make Taiwan a key digital technology country in the Asia-Pacific region. For more information about the Digital Asia Forum, please visit the website: https://asocio.org/202308DAF

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823500570/en/

Press

CISA: Mary Lin

02-2553-3988 #822

[email protected]

Source: Information Service Industry Association of R.O.C.
- AIM Is First Japanese Company to Establish Joint Research Agreement in Field of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy AI -

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AI MEDICAL SERVICE INC. (hereinafter AIM), a medical start-up specializing in the development of diagnostic endoscopic AI, has signed a joint research agreement with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), one of the worlds top medical research institutes on July 27, 2023. AIM is the first Japanese company*1 to sign a joint research agreement with MSK in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy AI.

1 As of July 2023, based on our research.

Content and Objective of the Joint Research

AIM is now working toward receiving regulatory approval in Japan for its endoscopic AI product designed to identify early-stage gastric cancer. Its collaboration with MSK will facilitate joint research to investigate the application of Japanese gastrointestinal endoscopy AI in the United States.

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide, and approximately 26,000 cases of gastric cancer are newly diagnosed in the United States each year. *2

By collaborating with one of the worlds leading cancer centers, AIM will explore the potential of using Japanese gastrointestinal endoscopy AI for clinical practice in the United States.

2 International Agency for Research on Cancer Cancer Today[Accessed 2023/8/16]

Comment from CEO of AIM, Dr. Tomohiro Tada

"I am very pleased that we have established a joint research agreement with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), one of the worlds leading cancer research centers. The research will combine our firms expertise in endoscopic AI with the wisdom and experience of MSK physicians like Dr. Mark A. Schattner and Dr. Makoto Nishimura to improve the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers in the United States. Our company will also utilize this collaborative research to accelerate our regulatory efforts in the United States, further advancing our mission to Save Lives All Over the World."

Comment from Dr. Mark A. Schattner

We are very excited to partner with AIM on this exciting project. Early detection of gastric cancer is a critical unmet need that has the potential to offer very significant clinical benefit to patients. The image processing and analysis developed by AIM is very promising and we look forward to refining it and incorporating it into clinical care to improve our patients outcomes, said Mark Schattner, MD, FASGE, AGAF, Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, MSK.

About AI Medical Service Inc.

AI Medical Service (AIM) is a Tokyo-based med-tech company established with the mission to Save Lives All Over the World. Japan leads the world in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, providing firms and researchers with access to large amounts of high-quality data. AIM is the leading player in the field of endoscopic AI, engaging in joint research with more than 100 medical institutions. By bringing endoscopic AI to the real-world clinical setting as soon as possible, AIM aims to reduce the number of missed cancer diagnoses and save lives around the world.

About CEO of AIM

Tomohiro TADA, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Tomohiro TADA is the CEO of AI Medical Service Inc., the chairperson of Tada Tomohiro The Institute of Gastroenterology & Proctology as well as Visiting Lecturer, Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Dr. TADA received his M.D. of school of medicine in 1996 and Ph.D. of department of surgery in 2005 from the University of Tokyo. He trained in Colorectal Surgery at the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Related Press Release

https://en.ai-ms.com/news/global

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823590938/en/

Manami Taniguchi

[email protected]

AI Medical Service Inc.

https://en.ai-ms.com/about

Source: AI Medical Service 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 StarStone Insurance Bermuda Limited (SIBL) (Bermuda) and StarStone Insurance SE (SISE) (Liechtenstein). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable.

The ratings of SIBL and SISE reflect their balance sheet strengths, which AM Best assesses as very strong, as well as their marginal operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). Both companies ratings benefit from the support of their ultimate parent, Enstar Group Limited (Enstar), which has a track record of providing these subsidiaries with financial assistance and operational support.

Both companies ceased writing new business in July 2020, and SIBL has since disposed of its U.S. subsidiaries. SIBL bears the liabilities of business written prior to the disposal date of these companies through reinsurance agreements. A wholly owned subsidiary of SIBL also ceased its participation in Lloyds Syndicate 1301 at the end of 2020, and the subsidiary was sold in 2021. The liabilities of the business written during 2020 and prior Lloyds underwriting years of account, which were retained by SIBL, have been transferred, through reinsurance to close, into Enstars Legacy Syndicate 2008 at the start of 2023.

SIBL and SISEs balance sheet strength assessments are underpinned by risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), at year-end 31 December 2022. AM Best expects risk-adjusted capitalisation for both entities to remain at the strongest level over the medium term, based on their run-off plans.

SIBLs balance sheet strength is supported by a conservative investment portfolio and significant reinsurance protection that includes loss portfolio transfers (LPTs) provided by Enstar group entities. The company has demonstrated positive reserve development since going into run-off with a proportion of positive development being ceded to Enstar group affiliates through LPTs. SISEs balance sheet strength is supported by a conservative investment portfolio and low underwriting leverage due to the high level of cessions to its parent company, SIBL.

Despite the companies improved operating performance since entering into run-off, the marginal assessments reflect their poor historical performance. Their limited business profile assessments consider their reduced scale as a result of corporate disposals and decision to cease writing new business.

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/20230824639269/en/

Marving Lopez

Financial Analyst

+44 20 7397 4389

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

Mahesh Mistry

Senior Director, Analytics

+44 20 7397 0325

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating (Long-Term ICR) of a- (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issue Credit Ratings (Long-Term IR) of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (The Hartford) (Delaware) [NYSE: HIG], which is the ultimate parent of the companies hereinafter mentioned. AM Best also has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating (FSR) of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of aa- (Superior) of Hartford Fire Insurance Company (Hartford, CT) and its pooling subsidiaries and affiliates, as well as Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company (Hartford, CT) and Navigators Insurance Company (New York, NY), collectively known as the Hartford Insurance Group. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. (See below for a detailed listing of the companies and Long-Term IRs.)

The ratings of the Hartford Insurance Group reflect its balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as its adequate operating performance, favorable business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

The groups balance sheet assessment continues to be anchored by its strongest risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). Additionally, The Hartfords financial leverage has shown a downward trend over the last five years and the organization maintains significant financial flexibility through access to its $750 million five-year revolving credit facility, as well as its membership with Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. The organization has proactively managed through the challenging rate environment of recent years resulting in a durable investment portfolio, which is highly rated and well diversified. In addition, the organization has a strong track record of generating good net cash flows and maintaining more than adequate overall liquidity to support its business needs.

Hartford Insurance Groups consistent operating performance reflects the strength of its brand and reputation, as well as its diversified distribution and products across its various segments. Operating metrics continue to be in line with, or have exceeded, its peers and similarly rated companies in recent years. Most recently, Hartford reported double digit premium growth in its core property/casualty lines of business, reflecting sales growth and pricing actions in certain lines of business. Also similar to its peers, the company did experience some pressure from increased catastrophic events, as well as the impact of increased severity of auto liability and physical damage claims. Separately, the group benefits segment continues to provide a steady stream of income driven by the growth in fully insured ongoing premiums and lower expense ratio. Hartford Insurance Group continues to work to enhance its risk management expertise further, which is considered to be appropriate for the support of its investments, operations and insurance-related risks.

The FSR of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term ICRs of aa- (Superior) have been affirmed with stable outlooks for the following subsidiaries of The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.:

Hartford Fire Insurance Company

Hartford Accident and Indemnity Company

Hartford Insurance Company of Illinois

Hartford Casualty Insurance Company

Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company

Pacific Insurance Company, Limited

Twin City Fire Insurance Company

Nutmeg Insurance Company

Hartford Insurance Company of the Midwest

Hartford Insurance Company of the Southeast

Hartford Life and Accident Insurance Company

Property and Casualty Insurance Company of Hartford

Trumbull Insurance Company

Sentinel Insurance Company, Ltd.

Hartford Lloyds Insurance Company

Navigators Insurance Company

Navigators Specialty Insurance Company

Maxum Indemnity Company

Maxum Casualty Insurance Company

The following Long-Term IRs have been affirmed with stable outlooks:

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. 

-- a- (Excellent) on $600 million 2.8% senior unsecured notes, due 2029

-- a- (Excellent) on $300 million 5.95% senior unsecured notes, due 2036

-- a- (Excellent) on $300 million 6.625% senior unsecured notes, due 2040 (approximately $295 million outstanding)

-- a- (Excellent) on $409 million 6.1% senior unsecured notes, due 2041

-- a- (Excellent) on $425 million 6.625% senior unsecured notes, due 2042 (approximately $178 million outstanding)

-- a- (Excellent) on $300 million 4.3% senior unsecured notes, due 2043

-- a- (Excellent) on $500 million 4.4% senior unsecured notes, due 2048

-- a- (Excellent) on $800 million 3.6% senior unsecured notes, due 2049

-- a- (Excellent) on $600 million 2.9% senior unsecured notes, due 2051

-- bbb (Good) on $500 million floating rate junior subordinated debentures, due 2067

-- bbb (Good) on $345 million 6% non-cumulative preferred stock

The following indicative Long-Term IRs on securities available under the shelf registration have been affirmed with stable outlooks:

The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

-- a- (Excellent) on senior unsecured

-- bbb+ (Good) on senior subordinated

-- bbb (Good) on junior subordinated

-- bbb (Good) on preferred stock

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 Best's 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 specializing 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/20230824303659/en/

Kate Steffanelli

Associate Director

+1 908 882 2337

[email protected]



Michael Lagomarsino, CFA, FRM

Senior Director

+1 908 882 1993

[email protected]



Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]



Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
OLDWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of aa+ (Superior) of United States Liability Insurance Company (USLI) and its subsidiaries: Mount Vernon Fire Insurance Company, U.S. Underwriters Insurance Company (Bismarck, ND), Mount Vernon Specialty Insurance Company and Radnor Specialty Insurance Company. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. All companies are domiciled in Omaha, NE, unless otherwise specified.

The ratings reflect the insurance operating companies consolidated balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as their very strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM).

These assessments are evidenced by USLIs extended trends of underwriting and overall operating profitability, superior risk-adjusted capital position, relevant market presence and conservative reserve positions. Additional positive rating factors include a high level of diversification in the companies books of business with regard to concentration limits, sales channels, rate flexibility, proactive claims management philosophy and commitment to customer service. Furthermore, these ratings continue to benefit from implicit support provided to USLI and its subsidiaries by their ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) [NYSE: BRK-A and BRK-B], and explicit support from their affiliate, National Indemnity Company.

The explicit support for USLI is in the form of significant reinsurance treaties with National Indemnity Company, a Berkshire subsidiary. The implicit support for USLI is in the form of investment management services and ERM supervision, both provided by Berkshire. In addition to these factors, Berkshire has established a long-term history of supporting its member companies.

Last year, USLIs common stock portfolio was affected negatively by the significant stock market drop, leading to unrealized investment losses, decrease in surplus, and risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Bests Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). While part of the unrealized investment losses recovered in 2023, potential concerns from the resulting surplus decline were mitigated by the groups risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR, which is well into the strongest range and continues to provide ample cushion to absorb occasional volatility in the capital markets.

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 Best's 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 specializing 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/20230824283273/en/

Guilherme Monteiro Simoes, CFA

Senior Financial Analyst

+1 908 882 2317

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

Gregory Dickerson

Director

+1 908 882 1737

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has made available a presentation on the significance of insurance ratings and their implications on the global insurance market. The presentation was delivered as part of a seminar organized by the Organization of Eastern and Southern Africa Insurers (OESAI), which aimed to provide insurance professionals in the region with a deeper understanding of the rating process, factors influencing ratings and how these evaluations can affect insurance companies operations.

Tim Prince, director of analytics, and Kanika Thukral, associate director, both of AM Best, led the presentation, and highlighted that as a global credit rating agency, AM Best assesses a company's ability to meet its policyholders' obligations, rather than focusing solely on the sovereign rating of the country where it is domiciled. Sovereign ceilings, which require that ratings remain at or below the sovereign rating of a companys country of domicile, are not applied in AM Bests rating process, as an insurer can be more financially secure than the government of the country in which it is domiciled and manage its country risk effectively.

Sovereign risk is included within our assessment of country risk, but it does not limit a company's ratings, Prince said. Our rating process evaluates the long-term performance and future trends."

The presentation also focused on specifics of the rating process, including an expected timeline, as well as components of AM Best's rating model, which includes quantitative and qualitative evaluations of balance sheet strength, operating performance, business profile and enterprise risk management. Dr Edem Kuenyehia, AM Bests market development director for Africa, moderated the discussion. In his introductory remarks, he spoke about the companys purpose and how it aligned with the interests of stakeholders in the insurance ecosystem for a stronger, more successful industry.

To view the presentation, please visit http://amb.brightcovegallery.com/oesai23.

OESAI is a member-based insurance organisation, focused on training, education, product development and the sharing of prudent and innovative risk management practices within Eastern and Southern Africa. The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and will be holding its 45th annual conference in Mauritius beginning on 27 August, with a focus on financial inclusion. To learn more about OESAI, please visit https://conference.oesai.org/.

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/20230824845951/en/

Edem Kuenyehia

Director, Market Development & Communications

+44 20 7397 0280

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- AM Best has placed under review with negative implications the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of aa- (Superior) of Tokio Marine Pacific Insurance Limited (TMPI) (Guam). Concurrently, AM Best has withdrawn the Credit Ratings (ratings) as TMPI has requested to no longer participate in AM Bests interactive rating process.

The rating actions follow the recently announced definitive agreement by TMPIs ultimate parent, Tokio Marine Holdings, Inc., that it will sell TMPI to Calvo Enterprises Inc. (Calvo), TMPIs managing general agent. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2023, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

AM Best notes that the explicit support from Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Company, Limited, the lead rating unit of Tokio Marine group, will remain until the transaction is completed.

The under review with negative implications status reflects lack of visibility into the credit fundamentals of the new parent and the level of support it will provide to TMPI. It also indicates uncertainties over the companys capital plan and future business strategy under the new parent.

Ratings are communicated to rated entities prior to publication. Unless stated otherwise, the ratings were not amended subsequent to that communication.

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/20230824222030/en/

Christie Lee

Senior Director, Analytics

+852 2827 3413

[email protected]

Christopher Sharkey

Associate Director, Public Relations

+1 908 882 2310

[email protected]

James Chan

Director, Analytics

+852 2827 3418

[email protected]

Al Slavin

Senior Public Relations Specialist

+1 908 882 2318

[email protected]

Source: AM Best
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aviation Capital Group LLC (ACG) announced today the publication of its second annual Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, for the year ended December 31, 2022.

ACG recognizes that our long-term success is measured by more than our financial performance. It is also determined by our impact on the environment, our engagement with communities in which we live and operate, and the well-being of our people, said Thomas Baker, CEO and President of ACG. Sustainability has become a critical part of ACGs mission and long-term strategy. We have set the foundation and charted our path forward.

Earlier this year, ACG completed its first sustainability materiality assessment to help inform and shape our ESG strategy. The materiality assessment analyzed sustainability topics, risks and opportunities that are critical to ACG and provided valuable insights into the expectations of our stakeholders. The sustainability materiality matrix developed through this assessment will help guide ACGs prioritization of sustainability topics while considering stakeholder expectations, with a focus on areas where ACG can create the most value.

Engaging with our stakeholders remains the cornerstone of our approach to meeting their expectations, said Gordon Grant, Vice President and Head of ESG at ACG. The sustainability materiality assessment helped us identify the most important sustainability issues we need to focus on in order for ACG to provide our stakeholders with more meaningful and relevant information."

The ESG Report can be found on our website at www.aviationcapital.com/investors/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable federal securities laws. Any such statements, other than statements of historical fact, are based upon ACGs current expectations and assumptions concerning future events, which are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Accordingly, such statements are not guarantees or assurances of any aspect of future performance. Such statements speak only as of the time when made, and ACG undertakes no obligation to update any such statement unless required by law.

About Aviation Capital Group

Aviation Capital Group is one of the worlds premier full-service aircraft asset managers with over 480 owned, managed and committed aircraft as of June 30, 2023, leased to roughly 90 airlines in approximately 45 countries. It was founded in 1989 and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tokyo Century Corporation. Follow ACG on LinkedIn, and for more information, visit www.aviationcapitalgroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823644045/en/

Media Relations:

Elizabeth Stevens

[email protected]

Investor Relations:

Matthew Novell

[email protected]

Source: Aviation Capital Group LLC
Sixty-image collection captures immense volume and diversity of military aircraft operating from a single location

HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) released a sixty-image collection captured over Khartoum, Sudan, showcasing the never-before-seen scale of operational complexity associated with the evacuation of international civilians and key personnel from Wadi Sayyidna Airfield from late April until early May. The image collection contains high-cadence, time-diverse imagery taken as early as 5:37 a.m., and as late as 5:22 p.m., Central Africa Time.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824692161/en/

BKSY) released a sixty-image collection captured over Khartoum, Sudan, showcasing the scale of operational complexity associated with the evacuation of international civilians and key personnel from Wadi Sayyidna Airfield from late April until early May. The image collection contains high-cadence, time-diverse imagery taken as early as 5:37 a.m., and as late as 5:22 p.m., Central Africa Time. (Photo: Business Wire)" /> BKSY) released a sixty-image collection captured over Khartoum, Sudan, showcasing the scale of operational complexity associated with the evacuation of international civilians and key personnel from Wadi Sayyidna Airfield from late April until early May. The image collection contains high-cadence, time-diverse imagery taken as early as 5:37 a.m., and as late as 5:22 p.m., Central Africa Time. (Photo: Business Wire)" /> BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE: BKSY) released a sixty-image collection captured over Khartoum, Sudan, showcasing the scale of operational complexity associated with the evacuation of international civilians and key personnel from Wadi Sayyidna Airfield from late April until early May. The image collection contains high-cadence, time-diverse imagery taken as early as 5:37 a.m., and as late as 5:22 p.m., Central Africa Time. (Photo: Business Wire)

The BlackSky analyst team had been monitoring the airfield in real time, tracking the immense volume and diversity of aircraft operating from a single location. Insights like this are essential for strategic and tactical decision-making during critical, time-dominant operations, said Brian E. OToole, BlackSky CEO. Intelligence analysts familiar with the imagery identified eight different types of military aircraft, including helicopters, cargo aircraft and fighter jets, from nine different countries.

BlackSkys commercial high-frequency monitoring satellite constellation and AI-driven tasking and analytics platform give customers unparalleled situational awareness during fast-paced, complex national security and economic events. BlackSkys first-of-a-kind commercial constellation provides reliable and dynamic hourly monitoring, up to 15 times a day from dawn until dusk.

Continuous, around-the-clock monitoring gives our most demanding customers the unique ability to see anomalies, capture rare events and stay informed about critical areas of interest in real time, OToole said.

The original high resolution, sixty-image collection is available upon request.

###

About BlackSky

BlackSky is a leading provider of real-time geospatial intelligence. BlackSky delivers on-demand, high frequency imagery, monitoring and analytics of the most critical and strategic locations, economic assets, and events in the world.

BlackSky designs, owns and operates one of the industrys leading low earth orbit small satellite constellations, optimized to capture imagery cost-efficiently where and when our customers need it. BlackSkys Spectra AI software platform processes data from BlackSkys constellation and from other third-party sensors to develop the critical insights and analytics that our customers require.

BlackSky is relied upon by U.S. and international government agencies, commercial businesses, and organizations around the world. BlackSky is headquartered in Herndon, VA, and is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as BKSY. To learn more, visit www.blacksky.com and follow us on X (Twitter).

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws with respect to BlackSky. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words believe, project, expect, anticipate, estimate, intend, strategy, future, opportunity, plan, may, should, will, would, will be, will continue, will likely result, and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections, and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this document. If any of these risks materialize or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect our expectations, plans, or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this communication. We anticipate that subsequent events and developments will cause their assessments to change. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing our views as of any subsequent date, and we do not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date they were made, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. Additional risks and uncertainties are identified and discussed in BlackSkys disclosure materials filed from time to time with the SEC which are available at the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov or on BlackSkys Investor Relations website at https://ir.blacksky.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824692161/en/

Investor Contact

Aly Bonilla

VP, Investor Relations

[email protected]

Media Contact

Pauly Cabellon

Director, External Communications

[email protected]

Source: BlackSky Technology Inc.
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Bridgit, the industry leader in construction workforce planning technology, announced the introduction of its Preconstruction Module for Bridgit Bench. The Preconstruction Module was designed to provide better support, visibility, and to help preconstruction leaders plan their people more effectively across their entire project pipeline.

The Preconstruction Module brings a new level of ease and flexibility to workforce planning for preconstruction teams, giving preconstruction managers a clear line of sight into the estimating, budgeting, and bidding tasks their preconstruction team has been assigned to. By incorporating preconstruction team planning into Bridgit Bench, company leaders also gain an instant overview of their people, how preconstruction tasks are progressing, and their overall utilization rate.

"This Precon Module is the first of its kind - workforce planning exclusively for preconstruction teams," says the CEO of Bridgit, Mallorie Brodie. "Our customers can now monitor each task, respective projects, and the utilization rate for their entire preconstruction team. By understanding which projects and tasks are in flight, preconstruction teams can create balanced workloads and ensure designs and estimates receive the attention they deserve."

The Preconstruction Module features its own section in each and every project, separate from active project operations, and helps ensure preconstruction and ops teams can stay focused on their specific tasks. The module also allows for the creation of custom tasks, supporting the diverse needs of different projects.

Because of the improved pipeline visibility, the new module promotes seamless handoffs from preconstruction to operations at the right time. The Preconstruction Module in Bridgit Bench is now available. More details can be found on the Bridgit website.

One of the first adopters of the Precon Module, Power Construction out of Chicago Il, are thankful for Bridgits collaborative approach to the development of Bridgit Bench. The new Preconstruction Module with Bridgit is a great step forward for managing our staff. The introduction of Tasks in lieu of Phases has made it much easier to make changes and the process is less time consuming, explains Power VP of Preconstruction, John Spencer. We have really appreciated Bridgit's listening ear that has solved for Preconstruction specific staffing issues like improved Gantt Chart visualizations and drag-and-drop role assignments. The way Bridgit has worked with us made us feel like we were co-developing the software. They really do listen to the customer's needs.

ABOUT BRIDGIT

Bridgits mission is simple  to help the construction industry maximize profits by taking a people-first approach. Workforce Intelligence from Bridgit transforms workforce data into actionable insights that inform an organizations strategic and tactical business decisions. Bridgit is a privately held company, having raised over $43.5 million CAD in equity financing, with capital from investors such as Autodesk, BDC Capitals Women in Technology Venture Fund, Camber Creek, Export Development Canada, IAF, Nine Four Ventures, Salesforce Ventures, Sands Capital, StandUp Ventures, Storm Ventures, and Vanedge Capital. Learn more about Bridgit at gobridgit.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824915413/en/

MEDIA



Michel Richer

Bridgit

[email protected]

Source: Bridgit
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE) (Celanese), a global chemical and specialty materials company, today announced the pricing terms for the previously announced cash tender offer (the Tender Offer) by its direct wholly-owned subsidiary Celanese US Holdings LLC (the Company) to purchase the outstanding notes (collectively, the Notes and each a Series of Notes) listed in the table below.

The applicable total consideration to be paid in the Tender Offer for each Series of Notes accepted for purchase was determined by reference to a fixed spread specified for such Series of Notes over the yield (the Reference Yield) based on the bid-side price of the applicable U.S. Treasury Security, in each case as set forth in the table below (the Total Tender Offer Consideration). The Reference Yields listed in the table below were determined (pursuant to the Offer to Purchase) at 10:00 a.m., New York City time, today, August 24, 2023, by the Lead Dealer Managers. The applicable Total Tender Offer Consideration for each Series of Notes includes an Early Tender Premium of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes accepted for purchase by the Company.

In addition, all payments for Notes tendered on or before 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 23, 2023 (the Early Tender Deadline) that are purchased by the Company will also include accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount of Notes tendered and accepted for purchase from the last interest payment date applicable to the relevant Series of Notes up to, but not including, the early settlement date, which is currently expected to be August 25, 2023 (the Early Settlement Date).

The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amounts of each Series of Notes that the Company has accepted for purchase and pricing information for the Tender Offer:

Title of Security CUSIP / ISIN Aggregate Principal Amount Outstanding Acceptance Priority Level Reference U.S. Treasury Security Reference Yield Fixed Spread (basis points) (1) Aggregate Principal Amount Tendered as of the Early Tender Deadline Aggregate Principal Amount Accepted Final Proration Factor (2) Total Tender Offer Consideration (3) 5.900% Senior Notes due 2024 15089Q AR5/ US15089QAR56 $2,000,000,000 1 1.750% U.S. Treasury due June 30, 2024 5.449% 45 $1,472,890,000 $1,472,890,000 100.0% $999.92 6.050% Senior Notes due 2025 15089Q AL8/ US15089QAL86 $1,750,000,000 2 1.750% U.S. Treasury due March 15, 2025 5.203% 65 $1,030,346,000 $749,996,000 73.0% $1,002.85 3.500% Senior Notes due 2024 15089Q AJ3/ US15089QAJ31 $500,000,000 3 2.500% U.S. Treasury due April 30, 2024 5.456% 40 $230,442,000 $27,114,000 11.9% $983.95

(1) Includes the Early Tender Premium of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes for each Series. (2) The final proration factor has been rounded to the nearest tenth of a percentage point for presentation purposes. (3) Payable for each $1,000 principal amount of applicable Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase by the Company and includes the Early Tender Premium. In addition, holders whose Notes are accepted will also receive interest on such Notes accrued to the applicable settlement date.

As previously announced, because the total aggregate principal amount of the Notes validly tendered prior to the Early Tender Deadline exceeded $2.25 billion, the Company does not expect to accept any further tenders of Notes.

The withdrawal rights for the Tender Offer expired at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on August 23, 2023 and have not been extended; therefore, previously tendered Notes may no longer be withdrawn. The Tender Offer is scheduled to expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 8, 2023, unless extended or earlier terminated as described in the Offer to Purchase (such time and date, as it may be extended, the Expiration Date).

Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or before the Early Tender Deadline and are accepted in the Tender Offer will be purchased, retired and cancelled by the Company on the Early Settlement Date.

BofA Securities, Inc., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and TD Securities (USA) LLC are the Lead Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer. D.F. King & Co., Inc. is the Tender Agent and Information Agent. Persons with questions regarding the Tender Offer should contact BofA Securities, Inc. at +1 (888) 292-0070 (toll-free) or +1 (980) 387-5602 (collect) or [email protected], J.P. Morgan Securities LLC at +1 (866) 834-4666 (toll free) or +1 (212) 834-3554 (collect) or TD Securities (USA) LLC (toll-free) at +1 (866) 584-2096 (collect). Questions regarding the tendering of Notes and requests for copies of the Offer to Purchase and related materials should be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (212) 269-5550 (for banks and brokers) or (800) 317-8033 (all others, toll-free) or email [email protected].

This news release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes. The Tender Offer is made only by the Offer to Purchase and the information in this news release is qualified by reference to the Offer to Purchase dated August 10, 2023. There is no separate letter of transmittal in connection with the Offer to Purchase. None of the Company, Celanese, the Celanese Board of Directors, the Lead Dealer Managers, the Tender Agent and Information Agent or the trustees with respect to any Notes is making any recommendation as to whether holders should tender any Notes in response to the Tender Offer, and neither the Company nor any such other person has authorized any person to make any such recommendation. Holders must make their own decision as to whether to tender any of their Notes, and, if so, the principal amount of Notes to tender.

About Celanese

Celanese Corporation is a global chemical leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use the full breadth of Celanese's global chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees, shareholders and the corporation. As we partner with our customers to solve their most critical business needs, we strive to make a positive impact on our communities and the world through The Celanese Foundation. Based in Dallas, Celanese employs approximately 13,000 employees worldwide and had 2022 net sales of $9.7 billion. For more information about Celanese Corporation and its product offerings, visit www.celanese.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This release may contain forward-looking statements, which include information concerning the expected timing for completion of the Tender Offer and the expected settlement date thereof, other terms of the Tender Offer including the General Condition, and other information that is not historical information. When used in this release, the words outlook, forecast, estimates, expects, anticipates, projects, plans, intends, believes, will and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations and beliefs and various assumptions. There can be no assurance that the Company will realize these expectations or that these beliefs will prove correct. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this release. Numerous other factors, many of which are beyond Celaneses control, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed as forward-looking statements. Other risk factors include those that are discussed in Celaneses filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and Celanese undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824572182/en/

Celanese Contacts:



Investor Relations

Brandon Ayache

+1 972 443 8509

[email protected]



Media Relations  Global

Brian Bianco

+1 972 443 4400

[email protected]



Media Relations Europe (Germany)

Petra Czugler

+49 69 45009 1206

[email protected]

Source: Celanese Corporation
MUNICH & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Celonis, the global leader in Process Mining, today announced the appointment of Carsten Thoma as President of Celonis to drive Celonis growth alongside co-CEOs Alex Rinke and Bastian Nominacher. In this new role, Thoma will be responsible for Celonis corporate strategy and development, marketing, platform ecosystem, culture, as well as Celonis Labs to foster innovation.

Thoma has been a highly committed supporter of Celonis since its early days. He was the first external investor and has been a board member and advisor since 2016. With more than 25 years of industry experience, Thoma brings a set of experiences that are critical for founder-led, hyper-growth companies that are creating new technologies and categories.

Thoma co-founded Hybris in 1997, which is renowned for being the first company to solve the complexity of B2B and B2C omni-channel ecommerce. Hybris became Europes first unicorn and its success contributed to the foundation for the vibrant technology startup scene in Germany. He led the company through all phases  from the first set of employees, to introducing the industrys first ecommerce platform at enterprise scale to a highly profitable business. After SAP acquired Hybris in 2013, Thoma served as Global President and Member of the Global Executive Team. Under his leadership the CX/SAP Hybris evolved into the fastest growing business unit and contributed significantly to SAPs shift to the cloud. His 25 years of expertise will be a natural addition to help lead Celonis executive and operations teams through the next phase of growth, global adoption and new market penetration.

The time is now to open up the entire business world to the unique opportunities created by our process mining and performance platform, and thats why we are so excited that Carsten is supporting Basti, Martin and me on our continuous journey to drive sustainable growth for Celonis, our customers and our partners, said Alex Rinke, Celonis co-CEO and co-founder. Carsten has mentored Celonis for several years, supporting our mission to unlock the worlds processes to make companies efficient, to make business execution sustainable and to accelerate progress for humankind. His expertise in shaping new industries and scaling disruptive technologies makes Carsten the perfect contributor in our mission to help our customers and ecosystem redefine how modern businesses operate, execute and drive performance.

Carsten recognized the significance of our mission from our earliest days, said Bastian Nominacher, co-CEO and co-founder of Celonis. He was our first external investor and advisor, which gave him a front row seat to understanding our company, our customers, and our people. Carsten carries a unique passion and approachable style that will attract and lead the best of the best industry operators to enable our customers execute in the most scalable, intelligent, and sustainable way. As a founder, I have experienced many game-changing moments at Celonis, and adding Carsten to the pitch is one of them!

As a business entrepreneur, you get to see those rare, hair raising moments where you just know a material industry shift is coming. And with a little luck, you get to be part of the founding company who plants their flag and devotes every fiber of their energy, innovation, and ingenuity to drive that change - and thats Celonis, said Thoma. I am passionate about creating a strong, purposeful product and culture and I look forward to working with Alex, Basti, Martin and all Celonauts to enable our customers to reap the unprecedented value, cash impact, and sustainable operations that Celonis delivers - in a time where the world needs it the most.

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/20230824168221/en/

Celonis

[email protected]

Source: Celonis
TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Cybin Inc. (NYSE American: CYBN) (NEO: CYBN) (Cybin or the Company), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company committed to revolutionizing mental healthcare by developing new and innovative psychedelic-based treatment options, announced today that it has renewed its previously established at-the-market equity program (the ATM Program) that allows Cybin to issue and sell up to US$35,000,000 of common shares (Shares) in the capital of the Company from treasury to the public, from time to time, through the Agents (as defined below). All Shares sold under the ATM Program will be sold in transactions that are deemed to be at-the-market distributions as defined in National Instrument 44-102  Shelf Distributions, directly through the Neo Exchange Inc., now operating as Cboe Canada (the NEO Exchange), the NYSE American LLC or any other marketplace (as defined in National Instrument 21-101 Marketplace Operation) upon which the Shares are listed, quoted or otherwise traded, at the prevailing market price at the time of sale. Cybin intends to use the net proceeds from sales of Shares under the ATM Program, if any, for growth opportunities and working capital initiatives.

Distributions of Shares under the ATM Program, if any, will be made pursuant to the terms and conditions of an at-the-market equity distribution agreement (the Distribution Agreement) dated August 23, 2023 that the Company entered into with Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (collectively, the Agents). The ATM Program will be effective until the earlier of the issuance and sale of all of the Shares issuable pursuant to the ATM Program and September 17, 2025 unless earlier terminated in accordance with the terms of the Distribution Agreement. The Company is not obligated to make any sales of Shares under the ATM Program and there can be no assurance as to when such sales will be completed, if ever. The volume and timing of distributions under the ATM Program, if any, will be determined in Cybins sole discretion and in accordance with the Distribution Agreement. As any Shares distributed under the ATM Program will be issued and sold at the prevailing market price at the time of the applicable sale, prices may vary among purchasers through the duration of the ATM Program. The completion of sales of Shares under the ATM Program will be subject to customary closing conditions, including the listing of such Shares on the NEO Exchange and the NYSE American LLC, and any required approvals of each exchange.

The ATM Program is being established, and the sale of the Shares through the ATM Program will be made pursuant to, and qualified by way of a prospectus supplement dated August 23, 2023 (the Supplement) to the Companys short form base shelf prospectus dated August 17, 2023 (the Base Prospectus) filed with the securities commissions in each of the provinces and territories of Canada. The Base Prospectus allows Cybin to qualify offerings of common shares, warrants, subscription receipts, units or debt securities, or a combination thereof, up to an aggregate total of C$160,000,000 during the 25 month period that the Base Prospectus remains effective. The Supplement was also filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), as part of a registration statement on Form F-10, which became effective on August 17, 2023, in accordance with the Multijurisdictional Disclosure System established between Canada and the United States.

The Supplement and accompanying Base Prospectus contain important detailed information about the ATM Program. The Supplement and accompanying Base Prospectus can be found under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the SEC on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Copies of the Supplement and accompanying Base Prospectus may also be obtained from Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corporation, Attn: Equity Capital Markets, 181 University Avenue, Suite 1500, Toronto, ON, M5H 3M7, Email: [email protected], Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Attn: Capital Markets, 110 East 59th Street, 6th floor, New York, New York 10022, Email: [email protected]. Prospective investors should read the Supplement and accompanying Base Prospectus and the other documents the Company has filed before making an investment decision.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Qualification of LPC Purchase Agreement

The Company is also pleased to announce the filing a prospectus supplement dated August 23, 2023 (the LPC Supplement), to the Base Prospectus, which qualifies the sales of up to US$30,000,000 of the Companys common shares pursuant to the previously announced common share purchase agreement (the Purchase Agreement) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (LPC). The Purchase Agreement was entered on May 30, 2023, allowing the Company to issue Shares with a value of up to US$30,000,000 from treasury to LPC from time to time at the Companys discretion for a period of up to 36 months.

The LPC Supplement and accompanying Base Prospectus contain important detailed information about the Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Agreement, the LPC Supplement and accompanying Base Prospectus can be found under the Companys profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and with the SEC on EDGAR at www.sec.gov.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities, in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Cybin

Cybin is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company on a mission to create safe and effective psychedelic-based therapeutics to address the large unmet need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions.

Cybins goal of revolutionizing mental healthcare is supported by a network of world-class partners and internationally recognized scientists aimed at progressing proprietary drug discovery platforms, innovative drug delivery systems, and novel formulation approaches and treatment regimens. The Company is currently developing CYB003, a proprietary deuterated psilocybin analog for the treatment of major depressive disorder and CYB004, a proprietary deuterated DMT molecule for generalized anxiety disorder and has a research pipeline of investigational psychedelic-based compounds.

Headquartered in Canada and founded in 2019, Cybin is operational in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Ireland.

Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (together, forward-looking statements). All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including, without limitation, statements regarding Cybins future, strategy, 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release include statements regarding the sale of Shares from time to time under the ATM Program, the Companys intended use of the net proceeds from sales of Shares, if any, under the ATM Program, statements regarding the potential sale of common shares under the Purchase Agreement, the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals, including the acceptance of the NEO Exchange and authorization by NYSE American LLC, and the Companys ability to address the need for new and innovative treatment options for people who suffer from mental health conditions.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as 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 materially differ from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Companys operations; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; expectations regarding the size of the psychedelics market; the ability of the Company to successfully achieve its business objectives; plans for growth; political, social and environmental uncertainties; employee relations; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions in the markets where the Company operates; and the risk factors set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Companys annual information form for the year ended March 31, 2023, and the Company's listing statement dated November 9, 2020, which are available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca and with the SEC on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Cybin makes no medical, treatment or health benefit claims about Cybins proposed products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Health Canada or other similar regulatory authorities have not evaluated claims regarding psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds. The efficacy of such products has not been confirmed by approved research. There is no assurance that the use of psilocybin, psychedelic tryptamine, tryptamine derivatives or other psychedelic compounds can diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition. Rigorous scientific research and clinical trials are needed. Cybin has not conducted clinical trials for the use of its proposed products. Any references to quality, consistency, efficacy and safety of potential products do not imply that Cybin verified such in clinical trials or that Cybin will complete such trials. If Cybin cannot obtain the approvals or research necessary to commercialize its business, it may have a material adverse effect on Cybins performance and operations.

Neither the NEO Exchange Inc. nor the NYSE American LLC stock exchange have approved or disapproved the contents of this news release and are not responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the contents herein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823175849/en/

Investor & Media Contact:

Gabriel Fahel

Chief Legal Officer

Cybin Inc.

1-866-292-4601

[email protected]  or  [email protected]

Source: Cybin Inc.
Schawe will oversee growth in the Cincinnati metro area for the top-40 insurance broker

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Newfront, the tech-driven insurance brokerage based in San Francisco, welcomes David Schawe to its rapidly expanding team as the Ohio and Kentucky Market Leader. Schawe, named a Top Producer by Insurance Business America, joins with nearly two decades of risk-management experience.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824698518/en/

David Schawe Joins Newfront to Lead the Ohio and Kentucky Markets (Photo: Business Wire)

David is an accomplished leader with proven results in partnering with clients for success, said Newfront CEO and Co-Founder Spike Lipkin. Davids leadership in the Ohio and Kentucky markets will enable us to deliver risk-management innovation in even more locations.

For the past four years, Schawe served as Managing Director & Head of Office at Marsh and was previously Executive Vice President at Gallagher. Specializing in cost effectiveness, operations management, and business strategy, Schawe worked with growing companies of all sizes to drive financial impact via risk-management programs.

Im thrilled to plant the Newfront flag in Ohio and Kentucky and bring our differentiator of technology-empowered expertise to more clients, said Schawe, who holds a degree from the University of Louisville and a designation as Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS).

Over the past year, Newfront has continued to expand nationally, opening locations in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Texas. The company introduced a new brand and digital presence in July amid its ongoing development and implementation of AI-enabled tools.

To learn more about Newfront, visit newfront.com.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824698518/en/

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Traci Johnson

Newfront

[email protected]

Natasha Koleas

PAN Communications

949-397-7582

[email protected]

Source: Newfront
HANGZHOU, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- International card networks, including Visa, Mastercard, JCB, and Discover Global Network, are launching a major campaign with Alipay, the leading digital payment and lifestyle service platform in China, to further enhance international visitors mobile payment and travel experience in the country on the 30-day countdown to the Asian Games.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824572733/en/

A hotpot restaurant, among other Chinese merchants, ready to receive global tourists with convenient, secure, and seamless mobile payment (Photo: Business Wire)

Under the campaign, which will run from September 15 to October 31, 2023, overseas tourists can win the opportunity to earn a discount of up to 100 RMB per transaction when making payments with their Alipay account linked to an international card of Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club International at Chinese mainland merchants within the extensive Alipay merchant network during the Asian Games.

Since 2022, Alipay has partnered with international card networks to further upgrade its payment service for international travelers. After downloading the Alipay app, overseas tourists can sign up and link an international credit or debit card from Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club to pay at tens of millions of Alipay partner merchants across China, including restaurants, cafes, tourist attractions, shopping malls, street stalls and public transport. Recently, the Alipay app also updated travel services for international travelers to China.

Shirley Yu, Group General Manager at Visa Greater China, said: Visa is glad to work with Alipay to provide in-bound international travelers with convenient and seamless mobile payment experiences, as the international tourism market continues to recover. Visa is committed to enabling the acceleration of global travel recovery, which means more tourism spending in local economies, and more international people-to-people exchanges through travel and cooperation in sports, culture and cross sectors.

Dennis Chang, Executive Vice President and Division President, Greater China, Mastercard, said: Mastercard affirms its commitment to the China market, as well as to its mission of powering economies and empowering people through its continued partnership with Alipay. As travel and tourism rebound, Mastercard is delighted to work with its partners to provide enhanced digital payment solutions that address the evolving needs of international travelers and enable cardholders, worldwide, to pay like a local, ensuring peace of mind throughout their journey."

According to the latest Mastercard data insights, consumer spending has shown resilience with a continued focus on experiences and travel. Globally, during the 2nd quarter of 2023, cross-border travel was robust, reaching 154% of 2019 levels, up 6% from the previous quarter. Meanwhile, Chinas inbound cross-border travel market is also improving.

Osamu Hino, President of JCB International China, said: We are delighted to work with Alipay to provide convenient, secure and safe mobile payment services in the Chinese mainland to JCB Card holders worldwide. In the wave of digitalization, together with Alipay, we will continue to strengthen payment technologies and services, explore more possibilities in the payment area, and offer more convenient and diverse payment solutions to users.

Chris Winter, Managing Director, International Markets, Asia Pacific, Discover Global Network, said: "By partnering with Alipay, the leading digital payment and services platform in China, we greatly enhance shopping convenience and accessibility for our valued cardholders from around the world. Through this partnership, visitors can effortlessly explore the wonders of China, from shopping and dining to embarking on exciting explorations, while immersing themselves in the rich local culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every moment of our cardholders' stay in China is filled with payment convenience, enjoyment, and memorable experiences."

We are excited to partner with card networks, other institutions and merchants on supporting the Asian Games. The initiative highlights our commitment to building an ecosystem of digital financial inclusion that enhances consumers' global payment experience and drives the growth of local and cross-border commerce, said Peng Yang, President of International Business Group, Ant Group. We look forward to strengthening this collaborative ecosystem through more cross-border payment innovations, SME empowerment as well as sustainability projects.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824572733/en/

Media inquiries

Bell Wang

[email protected]

Source: Alipay
HERNDON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nacha announced today USAA Federal Savings Bank (USAA) has joined as a Direct Member. Nacha now has 45 Direct Members, consisting of financial institutions and Payments Associations.

"I am pleased to welcome USAA as a Direct Member and am eager to collaborate with them alongside their fellow Nacha Direct Members to continue growing and innovating the modern ACH Network," said Jane Larimer, President and CEO of Nacha.

Nacha's Direct Members vote on proposed Nacha Operating Rules and contribute ideas and recommendations to keep the modern ACH Network innovative and flourishing. Direct Members can nominate, elect and serve on Nacha's Board of Directors, which provides strategic guidance related to the ACH Network and the governance of Nacha as an industry association. Direct Members also participate in Nacha committees and workgroups and are updated on the latest payments-related matters through regular newsletters and webinars.

USAA has long been an active proponent for innovation in payments to best serve our members and their families, said Pypper Namikas, Executive Director, Deposits & Retail Payments at USAA. We look forward to working closely with Nacha and our peers to continue shaping the future of payments to the benefit of everyone served by a financial institution.

About Nacha

Nacha governs the thriving ACH Network, the payment system that drives safe, smart, and fast Direct Deposits and Direct Payments with the capability to reach all U.S. bank and credit union accounts. There were 30 billion ACH Network payments made in 2022, valued at close to $77 trillion. Through problem-solving and consensus-building among diverse payment industry stakeholders, Nacha advances innovation and interoperability in the payments system. Nacha develops rules and standards, provides industry solutions, and delivers education, accreditation, and advisory services.

About USAA

Founded in 1922 by a group of military officers, USAA is among the leading providers of insurance, banking, and investment and retirement solutions to more than 13 million members of the U.S. military, veterans who have honorably served and their families. Headquartered in San Antonio, USAA has offices in eight U.S. cities and three overseas locations and employs more than 37,000 people worldwide. Each year, the company contributes to national and local nonprofits in support of military families and communities where employees live and work. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824388000/en/

Dan Roth

Nacha

571-579-0720

[email protected]

Source: Nacha
Acquisition Expands Companys Lineup of Sustainability-Minded Brands

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- O2C Brands announces the acquisition of Green Sprouts, an innovator in natural baby products that reimagines the possibilities for swimwear, sun wear, mealtime, bath time, hair care, toys and more. The line stands out for its wide range of products for newborns, infants, and toddlers up to four years old.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824055028/en/

Green Sprouts targets those who desire a wide range of sustainable products for newborns, infants, and toddlers up to four years old. (Photo: Business Wire)

Green Sprouts exemplifies the very essence of O2C Brands core values  a fusion of innovation, sustainable materials, unwavering quality, distinctive design, and an emphasis on family. We are focused on strengthening Green Sprouts dedicated and loyal customer base, while building awareness through multiple market channels, said Eric Lockwood, CEO of O2C Brands.

Green Sprouts was founded in 1982 by Becky Cannon, Founder and President  and a mother of two with creative ideas for sustainable baby products. After 41 years of growing goodness with Green Sprouts, I am pleased to hand over my baby to O2C Brands to nurture it through its next stage of development. O2C Brands is the best steward to lead Green Sprouts in further optimizing its potential.

Green Sprouts joins the O2C family of brands that specialize in innovating products that focus on everyday needs:

O2COOL  Portable cooling, hydration, and outdoor products

TREVA  Cordless fans, humidifiers, and air purifiers

LunchBots  Lunch storage solutions

ECOVESSEL  Hydration vessels

UKONSERVE  Stainless steel food storage products

O2C Brands has significant sales relationships across multiple market channels, including ecommerce, kids/baby, gift/toy, sporting goods, mass, specialty, grocery, drug, hardware/do-it-yourself, healthcare, theme park, and more.

Big Path Capital was the exclusive advisor to Green Sprouts in the transaction. We believe strongly in the growth potential for Green Spouts under O2C Brands direction, said Michael Whelchel, CEO of Big Path Capital.

For more information, contact O2C Brands at 312.951.6700, or visit o2cbrands.com. For more information on Green Sprouts, visit greensprouts.com.

About O2C Brands

O2C Brands, LLC is a collection of family-focused brands that offer innovative products to meet everyday needs. O2C Brands LLC, owned by Chicago-based private equity firm Middleton Partners, is actively seeking acquisition opportunities in the consumer products marketplace. For more information, contact O2C Brands at 312.951.6700 or visit o2cbrands.com.

About Green Sprouts

For over 40 years, Green Sprouts has focused on providing a full range of everyday baby essentials that foster natural health for whole child development. The brand has a loyal following among parents seeking high-quality, safe, sustainable products for their children.

About Big Path Capital

Founded in 2007, Big Path Capital assists impact companies in raising capital, company exits and founder liquidity strategies. Unique in the impact investing sector, the firms placement agency also supports impact private equity funds in finding aligned investors. This dual approach to moving capital into impact companies and funds is Big Path Capitals strategy to change how capitalism is done. For more information, visit bigpath.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824055028/en/

Field Marketing & Media

[email protected], 713.869.1856

O2C Brands, LLC: o2cbrands.com

Source: O2C Brands
Celebrating more than a decade of Innovation by Design, the 2023 honorees include nearly 500 projects, products, and services from Adobe, PepsiCo, Canva, and others.

MENLO PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Octave Bioscience, Inc. was honored in Fast Companys Innovation by Design Awards for 2023 in the Health category.

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.

The Octave Precision Care Solution combines clinical, imaging, and biological insights to create a more holistic and precise view of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Octave and DesignMap partnered to create this platform in response to the challenges faced by patients who have symptoms that are difficult to distinguish from daily life, and neurologists, who have limited tools, data, and time with which to provide the best care. The solution not only empowers and facilitates shared decision support between patients and their doctor, but also brings precision medicine to the entire MS care ecosystem with tools to better measure, monitor, and manage the disease.

The design of our solution was critical to make Octaves vision a reality, said Melinda Thomas, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder of Octave. It was imperative that we design not only a single touchpoint, but rather, to design the process and experience of the entire system. We know that MS is an extremely heterogeneous disease, with no two patients or care paths alike, and we were able to acknowledge this through our human and tech intersecting and intuitive functionalities providing value between office visits as well as feeding into a singular, holistic report that gives physicians an unprecedented amount of objective data and partners with People Living with MS to better manage their disease. We believe that better measurable data leads to better management, and that our Octave Precision Care Solution begins to address the significant unmet needs of this community.

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 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.

Winners, finalists, and honorable mentions are featured online, and winners and finalists are featured in the issue of Fast Company magazine, on newsstands August 29, 2023.

To see the complete list, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list.

About Octave Bioscience, Inc.

Octave Bioscience, Inc. is a commercial stage precision-care company delivering a new paradigm of care for multiple sclerosis and other neurodegenerative diseases. Octaves Precision Care Solution is the industrys first set of measurement tools that accurately and objectively measure disease activity, progression, and severity, allowing for better management of complex and high-cost neurodegenerative diseases, starting with multiple sclerosis (MS). The Octave Solution includes the first and only multivariate blood test to measure MS disease activity, enhanced MRI analytics and protocols, and a clinical care program that tracks and connects patients with MS nurse practitioners in real time. By combining and analyzing multiple biological and contextual layers of data, delivering longitudinal and holistic perspectives of each patient, and revealing insights at population levels, the Octave Solution addresses unmet needs across the entire ecosystem of care, from patients and providers to pharma and payers. Octave Bioscience, Inc. is currently collaborating with leading clinics, payers, and pharma companies across the country.

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 our sister publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824876400/en/

Media:

Megan Kernan

Westwicke/ICR Healthcare PR

Tel: 646.677.1870

[email protected]

Source: Octave Bioscience, Inc.
TOLEDO, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Owens Corning (NYSE: OC) today announced that Chief Financial Officer Ken Parks will be stepping down from his role effective September 15 to pursue another professional opportunity.

Todd Fister, who has served as President of the companys global Insulation business since 2019, will succeed Mr. Parks as CFO, effective September 15.

I want to thank Ken for his contributions to our company over the past three years, said Chair and Chief Executive Officer Brian Chambers. Under Kens leadership, we have strengthened the capability of our global finance team and consistently delivered our financial targets as we bring our enterprise strategy to life.

Ive worked closely with Todd over the past several years and am excited to welcome him to the CFO role. Mr. Chambers added, Todd brings a broad set of financial, operational, and strategic experiences and capabilities to the new role, along with invaluable customer perspective, that will be critical as we continue to accelerate our growth and expand the earnings power of our company.

Mr. Fister is a proven business leader bringing 27 years of global experience at Fortune 500 companies spanning the building materials, consumer products, and packaging industries. Since 2019, Mr. Fister has served as president of the $3.7 billion Insulation segment, leading a global team of approximately 8,000 employees, and as a member of the companys Executive Committee. Under his leadership, the business has grown revenue by 30 percent and more than doubled EBIT. Mr. Fister was also instrumental in developing the companys enterprise strategy launched in 2021.

Before his appointment as Insulation president, he served as both Vice President of Global Insulation and Strategy, and Managing Director, Global Foamglas and Europe Insulation, based in Belgium. He also led over $1.5 billion in M&A activity from evaluation to negotiation and integration.

Prior to joining Owens Corning in 2014, Mr. Fister spent seven years at MeadWestvaco, now WestRock, in roles of increasing responsibility across finance, corporate development, and strategy. He also worked at Kimberly-Clark, and began his career in finance at Procter & Gamble.

Details on Mr. Fisters successor as Insulation president will be forthcoming soon.

About Owens Corning

Owens Corning is a global building and construction materials leader committed to building a sustainable future through material innovation. Our three integrated businesses  Composites, Insulation, and Roofing  provide durable, sustainable, energy-efficient solutions that leverage our unique material science, manufacturing, and market knowledge to help our customers win and grow. We are global in scope, human in scale with approximately 19,000 employees in 31 countries dedicated to generating value for our customers and shareholders and making a difference in the communities where we work and live. Founded in 1938 and based in Toledo, Ohio, USA, Owens Corning posted 2022 sales of $9.8 billion. For more information, visit www.owenscorning.com.

Owens Corning Company News / Owens Corning Investor Relations News

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824491706/en/

Media Relations:

Todd Romain

419.248.7826



Investor Relations:

Amber Wohlfarth

419.248.5639

Source: Owens Corning
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. There is a moderate decline in global oil prices on Thursday morning, Trend reports.

Investors' attention is focused on news related to possible oil supplies from Venezuela in light of ongoing negotiations on easing sanctions measures.

The price of October Brent crude futures was slightly down 0.25 percent at $83 per barrel, while October WTI futures were also slightly down 0.34 percent at $78.62.

Prospects for supplies from Venezuela are putting some pressure on oil prices. Insider sources report that the United States is in the process of negotiations with the Venezuelan authorities regarding the possibility of temporary easing of sanctions measures.

One of the main factors affecting oil markets remains the supply and demand outlook. On one side are concerns about the state of the Chinese economy, as China is a major oil consumer, which has a dampening effect on the demand outlook. On the other hand, the efforts of OPEC+ countries to reduce oil production continue to keep quotations stable.
SYDNEY--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Global investment firm KKR and PAG, a leading alternative investment firm focused on Asia Pacific, today announced the signing of definitive agreements under which PAG will acquire KKRs controlling interest in Australian Venue Co (AVC). Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824361787/en/

AVC is an established food and beverage hospitality business that owns and operates a portfolio of more than 210 unique pubs, bars and restaurants in metro, suburban and regional locations across Australia and New Zealand.

KKR invested in AVC in 2017 with a portfolio of 50 leasehold venues with the objective of partnering and supporting the growth ambitions of its management team. This successful collaboration has resulted in venue growth of more than 300%.

PAGs acquisition of AVC marks the firms latest investment in Australias growing consumer sector. Previous control investments include Craveable Brands, owner of iconic restaurant brands Red Rooster, Oporto, Chargrill Charlies and Chicken Treat; The Cheesecake Shop; and Cordina Farms. More recently PAG acquired and integrated together Patties Foods and Vesco Foods, leading manufacturers of some of Australias best-loved food brands including FourN Twenty, Patties and Nannas.

David Lang, Partner and Co-Head of KKR Australia and New Zealand, said, AVC has established itself as a leader in Australia and New Zealands dynamic and constantly evolving hospitality sector. We are excited to have worked alongside Paul and AVCs dedicated team to invest in the companys expansion and believe that AVC is well positioned for the future. We wish the entire AVC team continued success with PAG.

Lincoln Pan, Partner and Co-Head of PAG Private Equity, said, We are very pleased to partner with AVC, a proven market leader with an exceptional management team and great potential. Our goal is to work with strong businesses and help them become even stronger in Australia. AVC has created some of the most unique and iconic venues across Australia and New Zealand, and we are looking forward to supporting them on their next stage of growth.

Paul Waterson, Australian Venue Co CEO, said, This is an exciting time for AVC. We are grateful for KKRs strong support in scaling the business over the years, growing our employee base from 780 to 8,500 people, and creating jobs through growth and investment in our venues. We look forward to working with our new partners in PAG, their investment affirms the strength of the platform and our future growth potential in Australia and New Zealand.

The transaction is expected to close late 2023, subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.

Jefferies and Allens advised KKR and AVC, and BofA Securities and Ashurst advised PAG, with acquisition financing arranged by KKR Capital Markets.

About Australian Venue Co

Australian Venue Co (AVC) is a food and beverage-led hospitality group that owns and operates more than 210 pubs, bars and event venues across Australia and New Zealand. AVC takes pride in delivering exceptional customer experiences, creating exciting career pathways in hospitality and tailoring every venue to its local community. www.ausvenueco.com.au

About KKR

KKR is a leading global investment firm that offers alternative asset management as well as capital markets and insurance solutions. KKR aims to generate attractive investment returns by following a patient and disciplined investment approach, employing world-class people and supporting growth in its portfolio companies and communities. KKR sponsors investment funds that invest in private equity, credit and real assets and has strategic partners that manage hedge funds. KKRs insurance subsidiaries offer retirement, life and reinsurance products under the management of Global Atlantic Financial Group. References to KKRs investments may include the activities of its sponsored funds and insurance subsidiaries. For additional information about KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR), please visit KKRs website at www.kkr.com and on Twitter @KKR_Co.

About PAG

PAG is a leading alternative investment firm focused on Asia Pacific with three core businesses: Credit & Markets, Private Equity, and Real Assets. PAG Private Equity is an active investor in Australian food and consumer businesses and is the owner of Patties Foods, Cordina Farms and Craveable Brands, which includes the brands Red Rooster, Oporto, Chargrill Charlies and Chicken Treat. For more information, please visit www.pag.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824361787/en/

Media Contacts:

Citadel-MAGNUS (for Australian Venue Co and KKR Australia)

James Strong

+61 (0)448 881 174

[email protected]

KKR

Anita Davis

+852 3602 7335

[email protected]

PAG

Tim Morrison

+852 9630 2383

[email protected]

FTI (for PAG)

Shane Murphy

+61 420 945 291

[email protected]

Source: KKR
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PAI Partners (PAI), a pre-eminent private equity firm, today announces that it has agreed to acquire Alphia, Inc. (Alphia), one of the largest pet food co-manufacturers in North America, from J.H. Whitney Capital Partners (J.H. Whitney). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824184129/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Headquartered in Denver, Alphia is a leading national manufacturer of pet food in the U.S., manufacturing more than one billion pounds of dry pet food and treats annually on behalf of leading pet food brands and retailers. Alphia also provides milling, R&D, innovation, warehousing, transportation, and distribution services. The company has six manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and is the parent company of LANI, an ingredient milling solutions company, and Veracity, a warehousing and logistics provider. Combined, Alphia offers its partners complete farm-to-bowl custom solutions.

J.H. Whitney acquired Alphias predecessor, C.J. Foods, Inc., in 2014. Alphia was formed through the merger of American Nutrition, Inc. and C.J. Foods, Inc. in 2020 to create a national pet food manufacturing platform, delivering best-in-class food safety and unparalleled value for its customers.

This transaction underlines PAIs expertise in the Food & Consumer sector and its particular experience in pet food and contract manufacturing, with representative investments in Royal Canin, Provimi, Diana Pet Food and Refresco. With the support of PAI, Alphia will seek to accelerate further North American growth, both organically and through acquisitions.

David McLain, CEO & President of Alphia, said: We appreciate the many years of support and partnership with J.H. Whitney, during which time we created Alphia, one of the leading pet food co-manufacturing platforms in the world. PAI is committed to our ongoing vision for growth and shares the common values of innovation, food safety and industry leadership.

Bob Williams, a Senior Managing Director at J.H. Whitney, said: We have had a great partnership with the Alphia management team. Through deep investment in people, systems and facilities, with a constant focus on customers, Alphia has developed into a leading and pre-eminent co-manufacturer in the pet food industry. We are proud of the team and look forward to seeing Alphia continue its successful growth with PAI.

Maud Brown, a Partner at PAI and Head of PAIs US Team, said: We are excited to announce our investment in Alphia, which represents our second platform in the U.S. We are committed to building the PAI franchise in the U.S. and look forward to our continued growth and success in this market.

Winston Song, a Partner at PAI and Consumer Lead in the U.S., said: Alphia is a best-in-class company and plays an invaluable role in the value chain of pet food and treats, an exciting consumer category with strong secular tailwinds. Pet parents continue to seek out innovation, quality and value - Alphia has set the industry standard as the trusted partner to many leading brands and retailers. We look forward to partnering with David McLain and his mission-driven team as we continue to invest behind Alphia to grow and scale the platform.

Completion is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain regulatory approvals.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as financial adviser to Alphia. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to J.H. Whitney and Alphia, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to PAI.

About Alphia

Alphia is a leading custom manufacturer of super-premium pet food in the U.S., manufacturing more than one billion pounds of dry pet food and treats annually. Customers choose Alphia as their trusted partner for offering unparalleled marketplace intelligence, providing research and development expertise, and delivering the safest, highest quality products on shelf. Alphias decades of leadership remain focused on safety, quality and consistently delivering growth for its customers, its employees, and their communities. Alphia has six (6) manufacturing facilities nationwide and is also the parent company of LANI, a world-class ingredient milling solutions provider, and Veracity, a logistics company providing warehousing, transportation, and distribution services. Combined, Alphia offers its partners complete farm-to-bowl custom solutions. For more information, visit www.alphia.com.

About PAI Partners

PAI Partners is a pre-eminent private equity firm investing in market-leading companies across the globe. It manages c. 25 billion of dedicated buyout funds and, since 1994, has completed 100 investments in 12 countries, representing over 70 billion in transaction value. PAI has built an outstanding track record through partnering with ambitious management teams where its unique perspective, unrivalled sector experience, and long-term vision enable companies to pursue their full potential  and push beyond. Learn more about the PAI story, the team and their approach at: www.paipartners.com.

About J.H. Whitney

J.H. Whitney (JHW), established in 1946 by the industrialist and philanthropist, John Hay Jock Whitney, was one of the first U.S. private equity firms and is often credited with pioneering the development of the private equity industry. Today, JHW remains privately owned by its investing professionals and our main activity is to provide private equity capital to small and middle-market companies with strong growth prospects in a number of industries including consumer, healthcare and specialty manufacturing. Our investors include leading foundations, universities, pension funds and other institutions.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824184129/en/

PAI Partners

Dania Saidam

+44 20 7297 4678



ICR (for PAI Partners)

Chris Gillick

+1 646 277 1298

Source: PAI Partners
VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) (TSX: PAAS) ("Pan American" or the "Company") reports its estimated mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023, inclusive of the assets acquired through the Yamana Gold Inc. ("Yamana") transaction. Please see the Company's news release dated March 31, 2023, announcing the completion of the Yamana transaction for further information. Proven and probable mineral reserves are estimated to contain approximately 576.6 million ounces of silver and 12.9 million ounces of gold. Measured and indicated ("M&I") mineral resources (excluding proven and probable reserves) are estimated to total approximately 959.1 million ounces of silver and 17.5 million ounces of gold. Inferred mineral resources total 479.4 million ounces of silver and 9.2 million ounces of gold.

"The addition of the assets from the Yamana transaction has resulted in a significant increase in Pan American's reserve and resource base," said Christopher Emerson, Pan Americans Vice President of Exploration and Geology. "Our exploration and geology teams are currently designing the drill programs across the combined portfolio with an emphasis on near site exploration and further resource conversion. Pan American plans to complete over 480,000 metres of drilling in 2023."

Consolidated Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves, as at June 30, 2023(1,2,3)

Segment Category Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (Moz) Silver Segment(4) Proven Reserves 18.1 260 150.7 0.69 0.18 Probable Reserves 34.3 281 310.1 0.53 0.46 Proven and Probable Reserves 52.3 274 460.8 0.57 0.64 Gold Segment(5) Proven Reserves 450.6 5 57.5 0.49 7.17 Probable Reserves 379.0 5 58.3 0.42 5.13 Proven and Probable Reserves 829.6 5 115.8 0.46 12.30 Total Segments(6,7) Proven Reserves 468.7 16 208.2 0.50 7.35 Probable Reserves 413.2 31 368.5 0.43 5.60 Proven and Probable Reserves 881.9 23 576.6 0.47 12.94

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023".

(2) Please refer to the mineral reserve and resource tables by operation at the end of this news release for more information.

(3) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan Americans web site for a more complete table, including Zinc, Lead and Copper grades and contents.

(4) Silver Segment comprised of Huaron, Morococha, La Colorada, San Vicente, Escobal and Cerro Moro.

(5) Gold Segment comprised of La Arena, Shahuindo, Dolores, Timmins, Minera Florida, El Penon, Jacobina, MARA and Jeronimo.

(6) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

(7) As announced on July 31, 2023, and subsequent to the effective date of the mineral reserve and mineral resource update as at June 30, 2023, Pan American had entered into binding agreements to divest Morococha, MARA and Jeronimo. The corresponding mineral reserves and mineral resources will be removed on completion of those transactions.

Consolidated Mineral Resources, as at June 30, 2023(1,2,3,4)

Segment Category Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (Moz) Silver Segment(5) Measured Resources 21.8 157 110.2 0.62 0.07 Indicated Resources 257.2 96 796.4 0.49 0.30 M&I Resources 279.1 101 906.6 0.51 0.37 Gold Segment(6) Measured Resources 380.2 9 16.4 0.56 6.82 Indicated Resources 823.4 8 36.2 0.39 10.27 M&I Resources 1,203.6 8 52.6 0.44 17.09 Total Segments(7,8) Measured Resources 402.0 52 126.6 0.56 6.89 Indicated Resources 1,080.6 64 832.5 0.39 10.56 M&I Resources 1,482.7 62 959.1 0.44 17.46

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) Please refer to the mineral reserve and resource tables by operation at the end of this news release for more information.

(4) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan Americans web site for a more complete table, including Zinc, Lead and Copper grades and contents.

(5) Silver Segment comprised of Huaron, Morococha, La Colorada, San Vicente, Escobal and Cerro Moro.

(6) Gold Segment comprised of La Arena, Shahuindo, Dolores, Timmins, Minera Florida, El Penon, Jacobina, MARA and Jeronimo.

(7) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

(8) As announced on July 31, 2023, and subsequent to the effective date of the mineral reserve and mineral resource update as at June 30, 2023, Pan American had entered into binding agreements to divest Morococha, MARA and Jeronimo. The corresponding mineral reserves and mineral resources will be removed on completion of those transactions.

Consolidated Inferred Mineral Resources, as at June 30, 2023(1,2,3,4)

Segment Category Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (Moz) Silver Segment(5) Inferred Resources 224.3 58 417.7 0.63 0.36 Gold Segment(6) Inferred Resources 649.6 4 61.6 0.42 8.88 Total Segments(7,8) Inferred Resources 873.9 22 479.4 0.43 9.24

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) Please refer to the mineral reserve and resource tables by operation at the end of this news release for more information.

(4) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan Americans web site for a more complete table, including Zinc, Lead and Copper grades and contents.

(5) Silver Segment comprised of Huaron, Morococha, La Colorada, San Vicente, Escobal and Cerro Moro.

(6) Gold Segment comprised of La Arena, Shahuindo, Dolores, Timmins, Minera Florida, El Penon, Jacobina, MARA and Jeronimo.

(7) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

(8) As announced on July 31, 2023, and subsequent to the effective date of the mineral reserve and mineral resource update as at June 30, 2023, Pan American had entered into binding agreements to divest Morococha, MARA and Jeronimo. The corresponding mineral reserves and mineral resources will be removed on completion of those transactions.

Mineral resource estimate for the La Colorada Skarn, as at September 13, 2022, and previously reported:

Classification Cut-off Value (US$/tonne) Tonnes (Mt) Zinc % Lead % Silver (g/t) Indicated 45 95.9 2.77 1.28 31 Inferred 45 147.8 2.29 1.04 28

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023".

(2) See news release dated September 14, 2022 for further information.

Pan American plans to provide an update for the La Colorada Skarn mineral resource estimate and a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the Skarn project, as part of an updated Technical Report for the La Colorada Property to be released late 2023.

Consolidated reserve and resource highlights for the 12 months ended June 30, 2023:

Silver mineral reserves increased from 515 million ounces to 577 million ounces, net of mining depletion. Gold mineral reserves increased from 3.6 million ounces to 12.9 million ounces.

M&I mineral resources exclusive of proven and probable mineral reserves increased from 839 million ounces to 959 million ounces for silver and from 8.1 million ounces to 17.5 million ounces for gold.

The marked increase in year-over-year mineral reserves and M&I mineral resources reflects the inclusion of the mineral resource and mineral reserves for the assets acquired through the Yamana transaction.

Inferred silver mineral resource decreased from 508 million ounces to 479 million ounces, which reflects the removal of the inferred mineral resource for the Shahuindo sulphides following metallurgical test work that indicated that the resource would not have a reasonable prospect for eventual economic extraction, as described in the technical report for Shahuindo dated November 30, 2022.

Inferred gold mineral resource increased from 5.7 million ounces to 9.2 million ounces, largely through the inclusion of the inferred mineral resources of the assets acquired through the Yamana transaction.

A detailed summary of the silver and gold mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023 is provided in the following tables.

Consolidated Pan American Mineral Reserves as at June 30, 2023(1,2)

Property Location Classification Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment Huaron Peru Proven 6.0 174 33.4 -- -- Probable 3.3 166 17.5 -- -- Morococha (92.3%)(3,4) Peru Proven 3.3 156 16.6 -- -- Probable 3.3 158 16.6 -- -- La Colorada Mexico Proven 5.0 296 47.2 0.21 33.8 Probable 4.2 292 39.1 0.19 25.3 San Vicente (95%)(3) Bolivia Proven 0.7 341 8.2 -- -- Probable 0.7 278 6.4 -- -- Escobal Guatemala Proven 2.5 486 39.5 0.42 34.2 Probable 22.1 316 225.0 0.34 243.8 Cerro Moro Argentina Proven 0.5 330 5.7 6.33 109.7 Probable 0.7 237 5.6 8.18 192.2 Total Silver Segment(5) 52.3 274 460.8 0.57 639.1 Gold Segment La Arena Peru Proven 15.1 -- -- 0.38 183.4 Probable 17.5 -- -- 0.28 159.7 Shahuindo Peru Proven 58.8 8 15.1 0.51 967.8 Probable 33.6 6 6.8 0.40 436.8 Dolores Mexico Proven 6.3 17 3.4 0.53 108.6 Probable 1.3 24 1.0 0.53 22.1 Timmins Canada Proven 5.0 -- -- 2.93 473.5 Probable 4.7 -- -- 2.80 419.4 Minera Florida Chile Proven 0.9 26 0.7 3.25 89.6 Probable 2.0 20 1.3 3.28 210.6 El Penon Chile Proven 0.9 213 6.2 5.35 155.6 Probable 5.2 148 24.6 4.21 699.5 Jacobina Brazil Proven 27.0 -- -- 2.00 1,737.8 Probable 21.3 -- -- 2.06 1,404.8 MARA (56.25%)(4) Argentina Proven 330.3 3 32.1 0.25 2,654.8 Probable 291.2 3 24.6 0.16 1,497.7 Jeronimo (57.0%)(4) Chile Proven 6.4 -- -- 3.91 798.3 Probable 2.3 -- -- 3.79 284.1 Total Gold Segment(5) 829.6 5 115.8 0.46 12,304.2 Total Gold and Silver Segments(5) Proven + Probable 881.9 23 576.6 0.47 12,943.3

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023".

(2) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan Americans web site for a more complete table, including Zinc, Lead and Copper grades and contents.

(3) This information represents the portion of mineral reserves attributable to Pan American based on its ownership interest in the operating entity as indicated.

(4) As announced on July 31, 2023, and subsequent to the effective date of the mineral reserve and mineral resource update as at June 30, 2023, Pan American had entered into binding agreements to divest Morococha, MARA and Jeronimo. The corresponding mineral reserves and mineral resources will be removed on completion of those transactions.

(5) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

Pan American Silver Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources as at June 30, 2023(1,2,3)

Property Location Classification Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment Huaron Peru Measured 1.4 180 8.2 -- -- Indicated 1.8 173 10.2 -- -- Morococha (92.3%)(4,5) Peru Measured 0.6 130 2.7 -- -- Indicated 0.7 124 3.0 -- -- La Colorada Mexico Measured 0.7 153 3.6 0.13 3.0 Indicated 2.5 182 14.6 0.19 15.0 San Vicente (95%)(4) Bolivia Measured 0.8 200 5.1 -- -- Indicated 0.3 213 1.9 -- -- Manantial Espejo Argentina Measured 0.3 164 1.7 2.40 24.7 Indicated 1.0 149 4.9 2.79 91.5 Joaquin Argentina Measured 0.1 360 1.5 0.28 1.2 Indicated 0.4 351 4.2 0.28 3.4 Escobal Guatemala Measured 2.3 251 18.6 0.23 16.7 Indicated 14.2 201 91.6 0.20 93.0 La Colorada Skarn Mexico Indicated 95.9 31 94.4 -- -- Navidad Argentina Measured 15.4 137 67.8 -- -- Indicated 139.8 126 564.5 -- -- Cerro Moro Argentina Measured 0.1 287 1.1 7.09 26.5 Indicated 0.6 349 7.1 4.57 93.0 Total Silver Segment(6) 279.1 101 906.6 0.51 368.0 Gold Segment La Arena Peru Measured 1.2 -- -- 0.25 9.5 Indicated 2.1 -- -- 0.16 11.1 Shahuindo Peru Measured 5.4 6 1.1 0.31 53.6 Indicated 7.1 5 1.2 0.33 75.8 Dolores Mexico Measured 5.5 23 4.0 0.33 57.7 Indicated 0.7 70 1.5 1.35 28.7 Timmins Canada Measured 2.6 -- -- 2.77 233.0 Indicated 2.3 -- -- 2.48 185.4 La Bolsa Mexico Measured 10.8 10 3.5 0.70 242.8 Indicated 10.6 8 2.7 0.54 184.3 Pico Machay Peru Measured 4.7 -- -- 0.91 137.5 Indicated 5.9 -- -- 0.67 127.1 La Arena II Peru Measured 154.1 -- -- 0.25 1,255.4 Indicated 554.6 -- -- 0.23 4,044.9 Whitney (82.8%)(4) Canada Measured 0.8 -- -- 7.02 180.7 Indicated 1.9 -- -- 6.77 406.3 Gold River Canada Indicated 0.7 -- -- 5.29 117.4 Marlhill Canada Indicated 0.4 -- -- 4.52 57.4 Vogel Canada Indicated 2.2 -- -- 1.75 125.0 Minera Florida Chile Measured 1.7 18 1.0 3.21 172.6 Indicated 4.5 18 2.6 3.32 481.3 El Penon Chile Measured 1.1 146 5.2 4.10 145.2 Indicated 6.7 99 21.3 3.04 650.2 Jacobina Brazil Measured 49.1 -- -- 1.61 2,541.3 Indicated 45.3 -- -- 1.48 2,162.4 MARA Agua Rica (56.25%)(5) Argentina Measured 30.2 2 1.5 0.13 126.0 Indicated 116.0 2 6.9 0.11 410.4 MARA Alumbrera (56.25%)(5) Argentina Measured 65.3 -- -- 0.31 650.8 Indicated 5.2 -- -- 0.29 48.1 Jeronimo (57.0%)(5) Chile Measured 0.8 -- -- 3.77 93.6 Indicated 0.4 -- -- 3.69 45.7 La Pepa (80.0%) Chile Measured 47.1 -- -- 0.61 922.8 Indicated 52.3 -- -- 0.49 824.3 Lavra Velha Brazil Indicated 4.5 -- -- 1.96 282.1 Total Gold Segment(6) 1,203.6 8 52.6 0.44 17,090.1 Total Gold and Silver Segments(6) Measured + Indicated 1,482.7 62 959.1 0.44 17,458.1

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan Americans web site for a more complete table, including Zinc, Lead and Copper grades and contents.

(4) This information represents the portion of mineral resources attributable to Pan American based on its ownership interest in the operating entity as indicated.

(5) As announced on July 31, 2023, and subsequent to the effective date of the mineral reserve and mineral resource update as at June 30, 2023, Pan American had entered into binding agreements to divest Morococha, MARA and Jeronimo. The corresponding mineral reserves and mineral resources will be removed on completion of those transactions.

(6) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

Pan American Inferred Mineral Resources as at June 30, 2023(1,2,3)

Property Location Classification Tonnes (Mt) Ag (g/t) Contained Ag (Moz) Au (g/t) Contained Au (koz) Silver Segment Huaron Peru Inferred 5.9 164 31.2 -- -- Morococha (92.3%)(4,5) Peru Inferred 5.2 143 24.0 -- -- La Colorada Mexico Inferred 14.7 174 82.2 0.20 93.0 San Vicente (95%)(4) Bolivia Inferred 1.5 188 9.2 -- -- Manantial Espejo Argentina Inferred 0.5 106 1.8 1.49 25.2 Joaquin Argentina Inferred 0.2 280 1.4 0.25 1.2 Escobal Guatemala Inferred 1.9 180 10.7 0.90 53.7 La Colorada Skarn Mexico Inferred 147.8 28 132.9 -- -- Navidad Argentina Inferred 45.9 81 119.4 -- -- Cerro Moro Argentina Inferred 0.7 220 4.9 8.66 191.6 Total Silver Segment(6) 224.3 58 417.7 0.63 364.8 Gold Segment La Arena Peru Inferred 5.8 -- -- 0.23 43.4 Shahuindo Peru Inferred 10.1 8 2.4 0.38 124.4 Dolores Mexico Inferred 1.3 40 1.7 1.18 50.3 Timmins Canada Inferred 3.8 -- -- 3.11 383.5 La Bolsa Mexico Inferred 13.7 8 3.3 0.51 224.6 Pico Machay Peru Inferred 23.9 -- -- 0.58 445.7 La Arena II Peru Inferred 68.2 -- -- 0.21 454.6 Whitney (82.8 %)(4) Canada Inferred 0.8 -- -- 5.34 141.4 Gold River Canada Inferred 5.3 -- -- 6.06 1,027.4 Vogel Canada Inferred 1.5 -- -- 3.60 168.8 Minera Florida Chile Inferred 4.9 15 2.4 2.93 461.1 El Penon Chile Inferred 18.5 51 30.0 1.36 804.5 Jacobina Brazil Inferred 40.1 -- -- 1.56 2,014.7 MARA Agua Rica (56.25%)(5) Argentina Inferred 417.9 2 21.8 0.09 1,209.2 MARA Alumbrera (56.25%)(5) Argentina Inferred 1.7 -- -- 0.23 12.6 Jeronimo (57.0%)(5) Chile Inferred 1.1 -- -- 4.49 161.4 La Pepa (80.0%) Chile Inferred 20.0 -- -- 0.46 296.1 Lavra Velha Brazil Inferred 4.7 -- -- 1.56 238.0 Arco Sul Brazil Inferred 6.2 -- -- 3.08 614.2 Total Gold Segment(6) 649.6 4 61.6 0.42 8,875.9 Total Gold and Silver Segments(6) Inferred 873.9 22 479.4 0.43 9,240.7

(1) See table below entitled "Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023".

(2) Mineral resources are reported exclusive of mineral reserves.

(3) This summary table does not include base metal grades or contents. Please refer to the Reserves & Resources page on Pan Americans web site for a more complete table, including Zinc, Lead and Copper grades and contents.

(4) This information represents the portion of mineral resources attributable to Pan American based on its ownership interest in the operating entity as indicated.

(5) As announced on July 31, 2023, and subsequent to the effective date of the mineral reserve and mineral resource update as at June 30, 2023, Pan American had entered into binding agreements to divest Morococha, MARA and Jeronimo. The corresponding mineral reserves and mineral resources will be removed on completion of those transactions.

(6) Totals may not add up due to rounding. Total average grades of each metal are with respect to those mines that produce the metal.

Metal price assumptions used to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources as at June 30, 2023

Mine Category Ag US$/oz Au US$/oz Cu US$/t Pb US$/t Zn US$/t Huaron All categories 19.00 1,300 7,000 2,000 2,600 Morococha All categories 19.00 1,300 7,000 2,000 2,600 La Colorada All categories 19.00 1,300 7,000 2,000 2,600 La Colorada Skarn Resource 22.00 2,200 2,800 Dolores Reserves 19.00 1,600 Resources 22.00 1,700 La Bolsa All categories 14.00 825 Manantial Espejo Resources 22.00 1,700 San Vicente All categories 19.00 1,300 7,000 2,000 2,600 Navidad All categories 12.52 1,100 Pico Machay All categories 700 Joaquin Resources 22.00 1,700 Escobal All categories 20.00 1,300 2,204 2,424 Shahuindo Reserves 19.00 1,500 Resources 22.00 1,700 La Arena Reserves 19.00 1,500 Resources 22.00 1,700 La Arena II All categories 1,500 8,816 Bell Creek All categories 19.00 1,500 Timmins All categories 19.00 1,500 Whitney Resources 1,200 Gold River Resources 1,200 Marlhill Resources 1,125 Vogel Inside pit 1,150 Below pit 1,150 Jacobina Reserves 1,500 Resources 1,700 Cerro Moro Reserves 19.00 1,600 Resources 22.00 1,700 El Penon Reserves 18.00 1,250 Resources 18.00 1,250 Minera Florida Reserves 19.00 1,500 2,600 Resources 22.00 1,700 2,800 Jeronimo Reserves 900 Resources 900 MARA Agua Rica Reserves 18.00 1,250 6,613 Resources 24.00 1,600 8,818 MARA Alumbrera Resources 1,300 6,239 Arco Sul Resources 1,250 La Pepa Resources 1,650 Lavra Velha Resources 1,650

General Notes with Respect to Technical Information

All mineral reserves and mineral resources have been estimated in accordance with the standards of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum and National Instrument 43-101. Mineral resources are reported exclusives of mineral reserves.

Pan American does not expect these mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates to be materially affected by metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, taxation, socio-economic, political, and marketing or other relevant issues.

The Company has undertaken a verification process with respect to the data disclosed in this news release. The mineral resource and mineral reserves databases comprising drilling and, in some cases, surface and underground sampling, have been compiled at each of the Pan American mine sites by the qualified staff. All the assay data used in the resource evaluation provided by each of the mines has been subjected to the industry standard quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") program including the submission of certified standards, blanks, and duplicate samples. The results are reviewed monthly by management. The results of the QA/QC samples submitted for the resource databases demonstrate acceptable accuracy and precision. The Qualified Person is of the opinion that the sample preparation, analytical, and security procedures followed for the samples are sufficient and reliable for the purpose of this mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates. Pan American is not aware of any drilling, sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the data reported herein.

For additional information regarding Pan American's material mineral properties prior to the completion of the acquisition of Yamana, including detailed information concerning associated QA/QC and data verification matters, the key assumptions, parameters and methods (collectively, the "Assumptions and Methods") used by Pan American to estimate mineral reserves and mineral resources, and for a detailed description of known legal, political, environmental, and other risks that could materially affect the Pan Americans business and the potential development of the Pan Americans mineral reserves and mineral resources, please refer to Pan Americans Annual Information Form dated February 22, 2023, filed at www.sedarplus.ca, or Pan American's most recent Form 40-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

For further information about the material mineral projects acquired pursuant to the acquisition of Yamana, including detailed information concerning associated Assumptions and Methods, and for a detailed description of known legal, political, environmental, and other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral reserves and mineral resources, please refer to Yamanas Annual Information Form dated March 29, 2023, filed at www.sedarplus.ca, or Yamanas most recent Form 40-F filed with the SEC.

Quantities and grades of contained metal are shown before metallurgical recoveries. There may be non-material changes to the Assumptions and Methods between the date of the most recent Annual Information Forms filed for each of Pan American and Yamana and this date of this news release.

Technical information contained in this news release with respect to Pan American has been reviewed and approved by Sebastien Bernier P. Geo., Senior Director, Reserves and Resources, Christopher Emerson, FAusIMM., Vice President of Exploration and Geology, and Martin Wafforn, P.Eng., Senior Vice President Technical Services and Process Optimization, who are each Qualified Persons for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Pan American Silver Corp. is authorized by The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of the Province of British Columbia to engage in Reserved Practice under Permit to Practice number 1001470.

About Pan American

Pan American Silver is a leading producer of precious metals in the Americas, operating silver and gold mines in Canada, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. We also own the Escobal mine in Guatemala that is currently not operating, and we hold interests in exploration and development projects. We have been operating in the Americas for nearly three decades, earning an industry-leading reputation for sustainability performance, operational excellence and prudent financial management. We are headquartered in Vancouver, B.C. and our shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "PAAS". Learn more at panamericansilver.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

Certain of the statements and information in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial securities laws. 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: estimated mineral reserve and mineral resource information; the expectation of the Company to provide an update relating to the La Colorada Skarn mineral resources, and the timing and results of any such update; estimated mine life and any anticipated changes related thereto; the extent of, and success related to any future exploration or development programs, including with respect to the La Colorada Skarn; expectations that metallurgical, environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, socio-economic, political, marketing or other issues will not materially affect estimates of mineral reserves and mineral resources; expectations regarding planned drilling in 2023, near site exploration and further resource conversion.

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: the accuracy of our mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates and the assumptions upon which they are based; ore grades and recoveries are as anticipated; prices for silver, gold, and base metals remaining as estimated; currency exchange rates remaining as estimated; capital, decommissioning and reclamation estimates; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for our operations are received in a timely manner; our ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws; and that the COVID-19 pandemic, or other pandemics, do not materially impact underlying assumptions used in estimating mineral reserves and mineral resources, such as prices, the costs and availability of necessary labour, energy, supplies, materials and services, and exchange rates, among other things. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements 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: fluctuations in silver, gold and base metal prices; fluctuations in prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); fluctuations in currency markets (such as the PEN, MXN, ARS, BOL, CLP, BRL, GTQ and CAD versus the USD); operational risks and hazards inherent with the business of mining (including environmental accidents and hazards, industrial accidents, equipment breakdown, unusual or unexpected geological or structural formations, cave-ins, flooding and severe weather); employee relations; relationships with, and claims by, local communities and indigenous populations; our ability to obtain all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in a timely manner; changes in laws, regulations and government practices in the jurisdictions where we operate, including environmental, export and import laws and regulations; legal restrictions relating to mining, including in Chubut, Argentina, and in Guatemala; risks relating to expropriation; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; increased competition in the mining industry for equipment and qualified personnel; and those factors identified under the caption Risks Related to Pan Americans Business in the Companys most recent form 40-F and Annual Information Form filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities, respectively. 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. Forward-looking statements and information are designed to help readers understand managements current views of our near and longer term prospects and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

Cautionary Note to US Investors Regarding References to Mineral Reserves and Mineral Resources

Unless otherwise indicated, all reserve and resource estimates included in this news release have been prepared in accordance with Canadian NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (the "CIM")  CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the CIM Council, as amended (the "CIM Standards"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Canadian standards, including NI 43-101, differ significantly from the requirements of the SEC, and reserve and resource information included herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by U.S. companies. In particular, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this news release uses the terms measured resources, indicated resources and inferred resources as defined in accordance with NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards.

Further to recent amendments, mineral property disclosure requirements in the United States (the U.S. Rules) are governed by subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act) which differ from the CIM Standards. As a foreign private issuer that is eligible to file reports with the SEC pursuant to the multi-jurisdictional disclosure system (the MJDS), Pan American is not required to provide disclosure on its mineral properties under the U.S. Rules and will continue to provide disclosure under NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards. If Pan American ceases to be a foreign private issuer or loses its eligibility to file its annual report on Form 40-F pursuant to the MJDS, then Pan American will be subject to the U.S. Rules, which differ from the requirements of NI 43-101 and the CIM Standards.

Pursuant to the new U.S. Rules, the SEC recognizes estimates of measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources and inferred mineral resources. In addition, the definitions of proven mineral reserves and probable mineral reserves under the U.S. Rules are now substantially similar to the corresponding standards under NI 43-101. Mineralization described using these terms has a greater amount of uncertainty as to its existence and feasibility than mineralization that has been characterized as reserves. Accordingly, U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources, or inferred mineral resources that Pan American reports are or will be economically or legally mineable. Further, inferred mineral resources have a greater amount of uncertainty as to their existence and as to whether they can be mined legally or economically. Under Canadian securities laws, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. While the above terms under the U.S. Rules are substantially similar to the standards under NI 43-101 and CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the U.S. Rules and CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral reserves or mineral resources that Pan American may report as proven mineral reserves, probable mineral reserves, measured mineral resources, indicated mineral resources and inferred mineral resources under NI 43-101 would be the same had Pan American prepared the reserve or resource estimates under the standards adopted under the U.S. Rules.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823515948/en/

For more information:

Siren Fisekci

VP, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

Ph: 604-806-3191

Email: [email protected]

Source: Pan American Silver
HANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE: UTZ) (Utz or the Company), a leading U.S. manufacturer of branded salty snacks, today announced the release of its 2022 Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) Report.

The ESG report, which covers the fiscal year that ended January 1, 2023, highlights the significant strides the Company has made over the past year, building on the momentum from the Companys inaugural report released in 2022. The ESG report also emphasizes Utzs dedication to positively impacting the planet, communities, and stakeholders, while addressing essential ESG challenges.

Key Highlights from the ESG Report:

Environment: Utz has taken concrete steps to reduce its environmental footprint, including setting baselines and exploring innovative packaging solutions. Utzs efforts align with industry-leading peers ensuring that Utz remains at the forefront of sustainable practices.

Social: At Utz, people are at the heart of everything the Company does. Utz has fostered an inclusive and diverse work environment, prioritizing the well-being and development of its employees. Utzs comprehensive wellness programs and workforce diversity initiatives reflect Utzs commitment to social progress.

Governance: Utz maintains a robust corporate governance framework, promoting ethical decision-making, accountability, and fairness. Guided by best practices, Utz strives to uphold the trust and confidence of all Utz stakeholders.

To learn more about Utzs ESG programs and to view the full 2022 ESG report, please visit here. Utz encourages everyone to explore Utzs achievements, challenges, and aspirations towards a more sustainable future.

About Utz Brands, Inc.

Utz Brands, Inc. (NYSE: UTZ) manufactures a diverse portfolio of savory snacks through popular brands including Utz, On The Border Chips & Dips, Golden Flake, Zapps, Good Health, Boulder Canyon, Hawaiian Brand, and TORTIYAHS!, among others.

After a century with strong family heritage, Utz continues to have a passion for exciting and delighting consumers with delicious snack foods made from top-quality ingredients. Utzs products are distributed nationally through grocery, mass merchandisers, club, convenience, drug, and other channels. Based in Hanover, Pennsylvania, Utz has multiple manufacturing facilities located across the U.S. to serve its growing customer base. For more information, please visit www.utzsnacks.com or call 1800FORSNAX

Investors and others should note that Utz announces material financial information to its investors using its investor relations website (investors.utzsnacks.com), SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls and webcasts. Utz uses these channels, as well as social media, to communicate with our stockholders and the public about the Company, the Companys products, and other issues. It is possible that the information that Utz posts on social media could be deemed to be material information. Therefore, Utz encourages investors, the media, and others interested in the Company to review the information posted on the social media channels listed on Utzs investor relations website.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824721520/en/

Investor Contact

Utz Brands, Inc.

Kevin Powers

[email protected]

Media Contact

Utz Brands, Inc.

Kevin Brick

[email protected]

Source: Utz Brands, Inc.
IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Vizient, Inc. today released its 2022 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Report highlighting the company progress in promoting a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace for all employees. The report also includes detailed insights on diversity representation among Vizient employees and progress toward achieving its DEI aspirations as part of the companys ongoing commitment to transparency.

At Vizient, we place our employees at the center of everything we do, and that means ensuring they have opportunities to grow in their career and feel a strong sense of belonging so they are able to deliver their best every day, said Byron Jobe, president and CEO for Vizient. Our focus on fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workforce not only makes us a stronger organization, but it also brings unique perspectives that can help our member hospitals successfully navigate the array of challenges experienced within the healthcare industry.

Highlights from the 2022 report include:

An increased number of women in the executive ranks growing from 39.2% in 2020 to 45.2%; and for people of color from 11% in 2020 to 15.6% as of December 2022.

New programs to foster leadership development and career opportunities for managers and employees including PromotAbilities, focusing on women and people of color, Advancing Women Leaders, which amplifies gender equality in leadership, and the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Series to increase understanding across leadership and the employee base.

More than 100 Vizient leaders at various levels of the organization have roles in supporting the DEI strategy as either advisors on the strategy overall, advisors to specific programs and initiatives, or as executive sponsors and champions for our Employee Resource Groups  Known as Diversity Networking Associations (DNAs) at Vizient.

Expansion of our DNAs to include Hispanic/Latinx@Vizient and Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA@Vizient). Vizient now has eight DNAs with 944 unique members. These groups enable employees to connect and be their authentic selves, find safe space and learn about each others backgrounds and cultures.

The report also notes that in the 2023 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For survey, 94% of employees said Vizient is a great place to work and 96% said they feel good about the ways the company contributes to the community.

We understand that to be successful, to build a culture around diversity, equity and inclusion takes time and commitment to ensure sustainability. Our commitment today is as strong as when we first started this work, said Monica Davy, senior vice president, chief culture, diversity and impact officer. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent, from different backgrounds, with vast and varied lived experiences and unique perspectives that inspire new levels of accomplishment.

Learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Vizient.

About Vizient, Inc.

Vizient, Inc., the nations largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, serves more than 60% of the nations acute care providers, which includes 97% of the nations academic medical centers, and more than 25% of the non-acute care market. Vizient provides expertise, analytics and advisory services, as well as a contract portfolio that represents more than $130 billion in annual purchasing volume. Vizients solutions and services improve the delivery of high-value care by aligning cost, quality and market performance. Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient has offices throughout the United States. Learn more at www.vizientinc.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824934934/en/

Donna Ledbetter

(972) 830-6321

[email protected]

Source: Vizient, Inc.
Weave ranked #11 fastest growing company in Utah by Utah Business Magazine

LEHI, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Weave (NYSE: WEAV), a leading all-in-one experience platform for small and medium-sized healthcare practices, announced today that it has ranked #11 on the Utah Business Fast 50 List, its fifth consecutive year on the list. The Fast 50 List recognizes the fastest-growing companies in Utah and highlights their excellent performance and significant contribution to the state's economy.

This prestigious recognition reaffirms Weave's dedication to innovation, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. By remaining on the Fast 50 List for five years in a row, Weave has demonstrated its ability to consistently deliver on its mission of helping healthcare businesses thrive through improved patient and staff experiences.

Weave's inclusion in the Fast 50 List is a testament to its unwavering commitment to empowering small- and medium-sized healthcare businesses with cutting-edge technology. The company's software and payments platform enables businesses to streamline their workflows, boost productivity, reduce friction in the payments process, and enhance patient interactions. With its suite of powerful features, including advanced phone, text, email, and marketing tools, Weave helps healthcare businesses build strong and lasting relationships with their customers.

"We are honored to be recognized on the Utah Business Fast 50 List for the fifth consecutive year," said Brett White, CEO of Weave. "Our mission is simple, we help small businesses attract, engage, and retain their customers. Placing our customer at the forefront is central to our culture at Weave, and our team is committed to delivering groundbreaking solutions, all aimed at enhancing the ability of healthcare practices to forge deeper connections with their patients."

This recognition comes on the heels of several other recent accolades for Weave, including being named one of the fastest-growing companies in the nation by Deloitte Technology 500, as well as receiving numerous industry awards for its exceptional software and payments platform and customer service.

For more information about Weave and its communication software solutions, please visit www.getweave.com.

About Weave

Weave is the all-in-one experience platform for small- and medium-sized healthcare businesses. From the first phone call to the final invoice and every touchpoint in between, Weave connects the entire customer journey. Weaves software solutions transform how local businesses attract, communicate with and engage customers to grow their business. Weave has set the bar for Utah startup achievement & work culture. In the past year, Weave has been named a G2 leader in Patient Engagement, Optometry, Dental Practice Management and Patient Relationship Management software. To learn more, visit getweave.com/newsroom/

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824108269/en/

Zac Johnson

PR Coordinator, Weave

[email protected]

Source: Weave
Verisks former CEO Stephenson and Under Armours former COO Browne join Worldly to support the companys global growth and impact acceleration efforts

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Worldly, the planets most comprehensive impact intelligence platform, today announced the appointment of two new board members. Joining Worldlys Board of Directors are Mr. Scott Stephenson, former Chair and CEO of Verisk Analytics Inc. (NDAQ: VRSK), and Mr. Colin Browne, former Chief Operating Officer at Under Armour (NYSE: UAA). Stephenson is renowned for his expertise in scaling risk management technology, and Browne is a 40-year veteran in brand management, supply chain and manufacturing.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824921048/en/

Scott Stephenson is renowned for his expertise in scaling risk management technology, and Colin Browne is a 40-year veteran in brand management, supply chain and manufacturing. (Graphic: Business Wire)

"We're excited to have Scott Stephenson and Colin Browne join the Worldly Board. With their experience in risk analytics and global supply chains, they genuinely understand our customers' challenges, especially when delving deep into environmental and social labor issues," said Scott Raskin, Worldly's newly appointed CEO. "Their insights and guidance will uniquely inform our growth and impact acceleration efforts, and I look forward to working with both of them."

Stephenson brings deep technical experience to the table, particularly in the realm of risk management data and analytics. During his time with Verisk, he focused on bringing new value and functionality to the companys product offerings and successfully scaling tech solutions in a multi-sided marketplace. Under Stephensons leadership, Verisk became a part of the S&P 500 Index, was named to both the S&P Global 500 ESG and FTSE4Good Index Series, and, for three consecutive years, Forbes ranked Verisk among the worlds most innovative companies. At Worldly, Stephensons domain expertise represents invaluable insight as the company embarks on its next phase of growth.

"Worldly's commitment to comprehensive primary data is critical in today's dynamic business landscape, said Stephenson. The apparel and consumer goods industries need more actionable value chain insights  particularly social and environmental  to make better informed business decisions. This is complex, important work and the demand couldnt be greater. Im highly motivated by Worldlys mission and delighted to join the board and work with this talented team to help foster more transparent and sustainable global supply chains.

Colin Browne brings a unique understanding of the global apparel and footwear value chain gained through his role as COO and Acting CEO of Under Armour. Previously he served as Vice President and Managing Director of Asia Sourcing for VF Corporation and, prior to this, held various sourcing and manufacturing leadership positions in footwear, apparel and accessories. His deep industry insight will further solidify Worldly's position as the leading provider of supply chain intelligence for the worlds leading brands and retailers.

Mr. Browne commented, "Worldly's approach to supply chain and product data solutions is best-in-class and relied upon across the industry. I am honored to join the board of a technology company that is both at the forefront of enabling sustainability improvement, and truly understands the complexity of the challenges its customers are facing in changing the way they do business. The apparel and footwear industry has taken a collective, data driven approach that other industries can learn from. It recognized early the criticality of comparable, consistent primary manufacturing data as the foundation for not only navigating stricter compliance and scope 3 reporting requirements, but authentically improving environmental and social performance at both an individual and industry level."

These distinguished additions to Worldlys Board of Directors support the companys focus on revolutionizing supply chain data and analytics to enable accelerated sustainability progress in consumer goods industries, beginning with apparel and footwear. Their appointments complement Worldlys recent acquisition of Fair Factory Clearinghouses assets, which augment the companys existing social and labor intelligence solutions.

About Worldly

Worldly is the planets most comprehensive impact intelligence platform, trusted by 40,000+ major brands, retailers and manufacturers in fashion, outdoor, home goods, toys and more. Worldly uniquely collects high-resolution primary data specific to companies value chains, operations and products, providing insight into true impacts across carbon, water, chemistry and labor. Featuring the most comprehensive source of ESG data for global manufacturers and the largest library of materials and product impacts, Worldly empowers businesses to scale responsibility into their global operations, faster and more accurately. Hosting, connecting with, and supporting the leading industry solutions and methodologies including ZDHC, Bluesign and the Higg Index  the most widely-adopted measure of sustainability in the apparel industry  Worldly delivers the insights businesses need to reduce their impact, comply with emerging regulatory and financial disclosure requirements and meet the expectations of a new generation of customers. www.worldly.io

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824921048/en/

[email protected]

Source: Worldly
ZEDEDA Certified Edge Computing Associate (ZCEA) is a free, vendor-agnostic certification providing fundamental knowledge of the benefits and solutions of edge computing

ZCEA is the latest addition to the ZEDEDA Certification Program and part of ZEDEDA Edge Academy, the industrys first online educational hub

Edge computing is expected to be a cornerstone of ongoing digital transformation projects within all types of organizations

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ZEDEDA, the leader in edge infrastructure orchestration, today announced a new certification to support companies as they expand their use of edge computing.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824139545/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

The ZEDEDA Certified Edge Computing Associate (ZCEA) certification is available to anyone interested in learning more about the fundamentals of the edge computing industry. The course is free and vendor-agnostic, and the certificate can be shared on resumes, online profiles and job boards.

Edge computing deployments are finding their way into an increasing number of businesses. A Gartner report says that the amount of enterprise-generated data created and processed outside a traditional centralized data center or cloud is expected to grow from about 10% currently to 75% in 2025.

As a leader in the industry, ZEDEDA is well-positioned to educate people in the value, challenges, and key industries poised to benefit, said Kevin Freitas, senior director, learning and edge academy. Were excited to launch this new certification to share edge computing essential knowledge as this aligns perfectly with our commitment to being leaders in the Edge Management and Orchestration market.

ZCEA is the latest addition to ZEDEDAs certification program, which also includes the companys flagship ZEDEDA Certified Edge Orchestration Professional (ZCEP) certification for administrators to demonstrate their competency in the complete ZEDEDA solution.

Details about ZCEA, including exam blueprints, prep materials and instructions on how to get certified, are available at ZEDEDA Edge Academy. Those interested in getting certified can enroll and register for an exam date and time.

About ZEDEDA

ZEDEDA makes edge computing effortless, open, and intrinsically secure  extending the cloud experience to the edge. ZEDEDA reduces the cost of managing and orchestrating distributed edge infrastructure and applications while increasing visibility, security and control. ZEDEDA delivers a distributed, cloud-native edge management and orchestration solution, simplifying the security and remote management of edge infrastructure and applications at scale.

ZEDEDA ensures extensibility and flexibility by utilizing an open partner ecosystem with a robust app marketplace and leveraging an open architecture from the Linux Foundation. ZEDEDA delivers instant time to value, has thousands of nodes under management and is backed by world-class investors with teams in the United States, Germany and India. For more information, visit www.ZEDEDA.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824139545/en/

Media Contact

Treble

Matt Grant

[email protected]

Source: ZEDEDA
Hawaiian Electric Industries (NYSE: HE) said yesterday HEI drew $170 million and Hawaiian Electric drew $200 million under their existing revolving unsecured credit facilities. HEI and Hawaiian Electric plan to invest the cash proceeds in highly liquid short-term investments. We are proactively strengthening our balance sheets as Hawaiian Electric continues providing reliable service to our customers and supporting the recovery in Maui.


RIMINI, Italy, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the occasion of the Rimini Meeting, the TIM Group presented the project Riconnessioni (Reconnections), featuring 100 photos that narrate the recovery of the population of Emilia-Romagna, which was hit by serious floods last spring. The exhibition, currently underway at the Rimini Meeting, aims to bear witness to the solidarity and commitment at this crucial and deeply challenging time. It also serves as a testimony to the dual dream of a sustainable approach that aids in preventing and confronting these natural disasters.

"This project tells the story of our past year at TIM, when we launched the claim, i.e. the message associated with the TIM brand, 'the strength of connections'; we reflected on the fact that connections are the essence of innovation, they are the essence of human relationships, they are what has improved our lives in the last 10 years," explained Maria Enrica Danese, Head of Institutional Communication, Sustainability & Sponsorship at the TIM Group. "These connections are also made up of a lot of technology, and that's what we do," she added.

The shots are captured by Rosa Mariniello, an architect and photographer, who, by following some TIM technicians, managed to reach the areas most affected by the disaster. "The exhibition represents my perspective, what I experienced, what struck me the most when I was on site," explained the photographer. "I tried in every way not to dwell on what was already a territory ravaged by this catastrophe; therefore, I focused on elements that represented the whole, perhaps without showing anything directly. A refrigerator full of mud, to me, represents our daily life completely invaded by the thing that belongs to us the most, which is the food we consume, that helps us live, grow, work, and gives us the energy to do everything. For me, these are small frames that truly say a lot about this catastrophe."

For more information:Press Office LaPresse - [email protected]

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/362ba66b-9a59-4fb9-96f7-6e7d65d73c94

Source: TIM
BROOKLYN, N.Y., Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AI-Media, a leading provider of captioning technology and infrastructure, is proud to unveil its groundbreaking AI-Powered LEXI Captioning Tool Kit. This comprehensive collection of automated captioning solutions marks a new era in the industry, combining cutting-edge AI technologies to meet the integrated needs of content creators and distributors worldwide.



The AI-Powered LEXI Tool Kit addresses challenges faced by media companies, broadcasters, event producers, educational institutions, and other content producers in delivering cost-effective and accurate captions and subtitles for live and pre-recorded content that can be easily re-used in other customer applications.

"At AI-Media, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of captioning technology. Our LEXI Tool Kit is a result of years of research and development, and we are proud to offer a transformative solution that enhances the accessibility and inclusivity of media content," said James Ward, Chief Sales Officer at AI-Media.

The Tool Kit is comprised of six key solutions each designed to address different captioning needs, enabling the consumer to mix and match key components to suit their business requirements. The solutions are compatible with our encoder series via the iCap Cloud Network creating the ultimate captioning ecosystem.

LEXI Live Automatic Captioning: Delivering real-time captions with unparalleled accuracy, LEXI consistently achieves over 98% accuracy. Offering speaker identification and intelligent caption placement, LEXI Live Automatic Captioning is the cornerstone of the Tool Kit, offering captions rivalling that of human captioners  at a fraction of the cost. LEXI Recorded: Accelerating captioning for post-production content, LEXI Recorded seamlessly integrates into Media Asset Management Systems (MAM), ensuring fast turnaround times for caption file delivery. Users can caption in over 30 languages, choose from multiple file formats including SRT, VTT, and TXT, to fit their specific requirements; and make use of the API function and automation for a zero-touch solution. LEXI Translate: Breaking down language barriers, LEXI Translate allows users to effortlessly translate live captions and subtitles to and from over 50 languages with more added every month. Perfect for corporate meetings, global events, and broadcasts of multilingual content, LEXI Translates accuracy ensures that important nuances are effectively translated. LEXI DR (Disaster Recovery): Never go off the air with the ultimate failover solution. LEXI DR enables users to host their fully redundant iCap and LEXI servers, ensuring uninterrupted captioning in challenging situations like cloud-based outages or internet connectivity issues. No more missing captions due to internet outages! LEXI Local: LEXI Local delivers highly secure live, automatic captions, on-premises and off the cloud, meaning elevated security and greater control. LEXI Local is ideal for any organization such as corporations or Government agencies requiring increased security of their content. LEXI Library: LEXI Library archives your captioned content, making it easily searchable and accessible. With customizable permissions and Single Sign On, time-stamped live captions can be accessed securely in real-time or post-session, simplifying the process of transcribing, and distributing captioned sessions.

The Tool Kit presents a comprehensive solution to maximize the benefits of captioning and translation. Fully compatible with AI-Media's best-in-class SDI and IP caption encoders, the Tool Kit simplifies customer workflows by providing seamless interoperability.

For more information about the AI-Powered LEXI Captioning Tool Kit, visit www.ai-media.tv. To schedule a demo or to speak with a representative, please contact [email protected].

About AI-Media

Founded in Australia in 2003, technology company AI-Media is a global leader in live and recorded captioning, transcription, and translation solutions. The company helps the worlds leading broadcasters, enterprises, and government agencies ensure high accuracy, secure, and cost-effective captioning via its AI-powered LEXI captioning solution. LEXI captions are delivered to millions of screens worldwide via AI-Medias range of captioning encoders and its iCap Cloud Network  the worlds largest, most secure caption delivery network. Globally, AI-Media delivers over 9 million minutes of live and recorded media monthly. AI-Media trades on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:AIM). For more information, please visit www.ai-media.tv.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4763888e-6d55-490f-8749-0a5a76363f46
Mesa, Ariz., Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, the largest international swim school franchise, is proud to announce its partnership with Phoenix Children's through a donation of $25,000. This collaboration aims to support the hospital's mission of providing hope, healing, and the best healthcare for children and their families. Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, whose flagship school and headquarters office are in Mesa, is dedicated to saving lives by teaching children worldwide to become safe and confident swimmers for life. By partnering with Phoenix Children's, Aqua-Tots aims to extend its impact beyond swim lessons and contribute to the well-being of even more children in the community.

"Partnering with Phoenix Children's has been a dream of ours for a long time," said Ron Sciarro, Co-Founder of Aqua-Tots Swim Schools. "The heroic work they do in our community reaches far beyond the Valley, and it's an honor to work together to prevent childhood drowning."

In fact, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children one to four years old, and in Arizona, young children are drowning at almost double the national average. According to Phoenix Childrens, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal, water-related injuries. These injuries include severe brain damage and long-term disabilities.

The $25,000 donation will support Phoenix Children's in their exceptional care, innovative research, and advanced medical education. Their vision includes offering comprehensive care across ages, communities, and specialties, investing in innovative research, advancing education and training, and advocating for the health and well-being of children and families.

"We are incredibly grateful for Aqua-Tots Swim Schools' generous donation," expressed Tim Harrison, Vice President of Corporate Development and Special Events at Phoenix Childrens. "Their contribution will enable us to continue delivering the highest quality care to our patients and make a lasting impact on their lives."

In addition to the monetary donation, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools is offering a special benefit to Phoenix Children's employees. They will receive a 20% discount on swim lessons at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools across the Valley, further emphasizing the shared commitment to water safety.

Drowning prevention is important for every family, including first responders, shared Heather Preston, Co-Founder and Chief Experience and Philanthropy Officer at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools. All of our franchisees valley-wide are grateful for the commitment and dedication Phoenix Childrens provides, and our schools are excited to jump on board to help keep more children safe throughout Phoenix and the surrounding communities.

Together, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools and Phoenix Children's are turning the tide on water safety in Arizona. By combining their expertise and resources, they aim to create a safer environment for children and families, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn essential swimming skills.

For more information about Aqua-Tots Swim Schools and their proven learn-to-swim program, please visit aqua-tots.com.

About Aqua-Tots Swim SchoolsFounded in 1991 and headquartered in the Phoenix area, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools is making waves as the largest international provider of year-round, indoor swim instruction, community outreach and drowning prevention education. Its trusted program is dedicated to children of all abilities from four months to 12 years old and features a proven curriculum used to teach more than five million swim lessons each year.

Recognized in Entrepreneur's Top 15 Childrens Franchises of 2023, Entrepreneurs Franchise 500, Inc. Magazine's Top 5000 and Franchise Times Top 200, Aqua-Tots has more than 140 locations in 25 states across 14 countries and is rapidly expanding with 90 locations in development. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit aqua-tots.com/franchise-development and for more information about Aqua-Tots or to sign up for lessons near you, visit aqua-tots.com and follow Aqua-Tots on Facebook and Instagram.

About Phoenix Children's Foundation Phoenix Childrens Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering philanthropic support from individuals, families, organizations and corporate partners committed to Phoenix Childrens mission: to advance hope, healing and the best health care for children and their families. One of the nations largest pediatric health systems, Phoenix Childrens relies on philanthropy to fund more than 170 programs and services that help kids heal. Please visit phoenixchildrensfoundation.org for more information.

Attachment

Jacquelyn Lambert Aqua-Tots Swim Schools 480-621-3226 [email protected]

Source: Aqua-Tots Swim Schools
Portland, Oregon, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Black Rock Coffee Bar, founded in Oregon and known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel Energy drinks has announced the grand opening of its fifth Austin metro area store, situated in the fast-growing city of Kyle, Texas. This marks the second Black Rock store opening in Austin within a month and boosts the Texas store tally to 27.

Located at 20160 Marketplace Ave. at Kyle Crossing, the new Black Rock Store will open its doors on Friday, August 25, 2023. The boutique coffee chain will celebrate its grand opening by offering all customers free 16 oz. drinks all day at this location as well as other specials throughout the following week.

We love Austin, its amazing people and unique culture, said Mark Davis, Chief Executive Officer, Black Rock Coffee Bar. Its vibrant energy and spirit resonate perfectly with our brands values. We are excited to become a part of the close-knit community in Kyle, and our enthusiastic baristas are ready to warmly serve every customer who walks through our doors.

The new 2000-square-foot Black Rock Coffee Bar store incorporates Black Rocks signature industrial modern design and features a large Texas-themed mural that is designed to connect to the region.

Black Rock Coffee Bar, which is celebrating its 15-year anniversary with more than 115 stores in the U.S., is guided by three principles - coffee, community and connection. Its mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves.

Founded in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion in the West and into the Sunbelt with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The boutique coffee chain recently was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. In 2023, Black Rock Coffee Bar ranked 1179th among Americas Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazines 5000 Annual List.

The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills.

About Black Rock Coffee Bar

Black Rock Coffee Bar is a national boutique coffee shop that is known for its premium roasted coffees, teas, smoothies and flavorful Fuel energy drinks. Founded as a family owned and operated business in Oregon in 2008, Black Rock Coffee Bar has grown to more than 115 retail locations in seven states. Black Rock culture prides itself on not only being a positive force for the communities it serves, but also the team members that fuel their locations day in and day out. An important aspect of their team mission is to recognize those that go above and beyond by displaying the 4Gs of Black Rock - grit, growth, gratitude, and grace.

For more information, visit https://br.coffee/

Attachment

Beth Gast Black Rock Coffee Bar 5037024405 [email protected]

Source: Black Rock Coffee Bar
HOUSTON, Aug. 23, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

MEDIA ADVISORY

Contact: Matt Woodruff

Vice President, Public & Government Affairs, Kirby Corporation

Kirby Media Line: (713)435-1542

RSVP Required to attend. Please see below!

Who: Kirby Inland Marine, LP, Shell, San Jac Marine, LLC, Kirby Corporation

What: A boat christening ceremony to welcome the new vessel GREEN DIAMOND to the Kirby Inland Marine fleet. The ceremony will include remarks by Kirby officials and representatives of Shell, the charterer and electricity supplier of the vessel. Tours of the boat will be available.

When: Friday, August 25, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Kirby Inland Marine Old River Fleet  Gate 6

16524 DeZavala

Channelview, Texas 77530

Why: Kirby is welcoming the nations first battery-electric plug-in hybrid inland towing vessel to its fleet. The boat has electric propulsion and can rely on shore and battery power most of the time, achieving an estimated 80% reduction in fuel use and related emissions.

Background: Kirby Corporation (NYSE: KEX) is excited to combine the expertise of several of its subsidiaries: Kirby Inland Marine, LP, San Jac Marine shipyard and Stewart and Stevenson, along with a large group of outside specialists, to build the nations first plug-in hybrid inland towing vessel, which will operate in the Port of Houston on charter to Shell Trading (US) Company, moving barges throughout the port. Shell Energy Solutions1 is providing the power matched 100% by Green-e certified renewable energy certificates to charge the vessels battery system.

Interview Opportunities: Remarks will be made by officials from Kirby and Shell. They will be available for interviews following the ceremony.

Photo Opportunities: The following photo opportunities will be available during and after the ceremony:

Remarks by David Grzebinski, President and CEO, Kirby Corporation Christian ONeil, President, Kirby Marine Transportation Group, President, San Jac Marine, LLC Karrie Trauth, Senior Vice President & Global Head of Shipping & Maritime, Shell

Blessing of the boat and presentation of the ships Bible by the Seamens Church Institute

Breaking the bottle of champagne

Ceremonial Plugging-In of vessel

Tours of the boat

Please RSVP by August 24, 2023, to Matt Woodruff at the email address or phone number above if you plan to attend or have questions.

NOTE TO EDITORS: This ceremony will take place at a Marine Transportation Related Facility subject to the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002. Only persons on the RSVP list will be admitted to the facility, so please contact us at BEFORE the event to be placed on the admission list. All guests and media must provide a government issued identification and be escorted at all times when within secure areas of the facility or vessel.

__________________________________________________________________________________
Jeff Hirsch Has 25+ Years Experience In Strategy Development, Sales Organization Structuring, International Expansion, And Marketing To Spur Growth Of Private And Public Companies



Mr. Hirsch Sees A Bright Future As Bright Mountain Fills A Critical Void In Audience Targeting

Boca Raton, FL, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bright Mountain Media, Inc. (OTCQB: BMTM) (Bright Mountain or the Company), a global holding company with current investments in digital publishing, advertising technology, consumer insights, and creative media services, today announced via an 8K1 that on August 15, 2023, the Board of Directors (the Board) of Bright Mountain Media, Inc. (the Company) appointed Jeff Hirsch as a director of the Company, effective as of August 15, 2023. Mr. Hirsch qualifies as an independent director under the New York Stock Exchange listing standards.

Mr. Hirsch, 65, has over 25 years in technology, business and sales organization development, brand strategy and investor relations. From July 2016 to April 2023, Mr. Hirsch held various leadership roles at PubMatic including serving as Chief Commercial Officer. He also held prior executive roles as President of CPXi (now Digital Remedy), Chief Executive Officer of AudienceScience, Chief Marketing Officer of SundaySky, SVP of ValueClick, and was a founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Fastclick. Mr. Hirsch graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a B.A. in Experimental Psychology.

He presently remains as a Strategic Advisor for PubMatic and is also the Founder of Executive Guru2 where he shares his expertise in strategy development, sales organization structuring, international expansion, and marketing to spur growth of private and public companies.

Matt Drinkwater, Chief Executive Officer of the Company stated: "I am thrilled to have Jeff join our Board. Jeff has worn every hat in digital media, not just as an observer, but as a participant. His impact is felt all across the media industry. He is joining at a critical time. The acquisition of Big Village was, in part, to enable us to create a next generation targeting capability. As I've said, we know that audience targeting is going through a transformation as regulation impacts things like third party cookies and personal data. Jeff is here to help us take our existing solution to this emerging problem to the next level.

Mr. Hirsch commented: What attracted me to this company was that I was immediately impressed and excited about the management team and their board. I see a bright future as Bright Mountain fills a critical void in audience targeting and helping it efficiently navigate the growing sea of governmental regulations coming on the horizon. I am looking forward to working with this team to take the Company to the next level.

About Jeff Hirsch

Jeff Hirsch is a seasoned business executive experienced at driving profitable growth for both private and public companies. With over 20 years of executive roles, including CEO, CMO, and CCO, Jeff is adept at setting the overall strategy for the company and laying the groundwork for exceptional execution.

Jeff has significant strength in strategy, sales organization development and marketing. He has extensive international experience as well as involvement in M & A and raising capital. Most recently at PubMatic as Chief Commercial Officer, the company IPOd in December, 2020, and touted completing its 7th straight year of positive GAAP net income in 2022.

Other career highlights include serving as the CEO of AudienceScience, a VC backed advertising technology company, that was a pioneer in bringing data to the digital advertising business. As the CRO and founder of Fastclick, Jeff built a performance advertising business from start up to $80M in revenue and a 2005 IPO.

About Bright Mountain Media

Bright Mountain Media, Inc. (OTCQB: BMTM) unites a diverse portfolio of companies to deliver a full spectrum of advertising, marketing, technology, and media services under one rooffused together by data-driven insights. Bright Mountain Medias brands include Big-Village Agency, BV Insights, Wild Sky Media, and Bright Mountain LC. For more Information, please visit www.brightmountainmedia.com .

Forward-Looking Statements for Bright Mountain Media, Inc.

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are based upon current expectations and involve certain risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as should, may, intends, anticipates, believes, estimates, projects, forecasts, expects, plans, and proposes, and similar words. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control and difficult to predict and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements made with respect to expectations of our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, and the realization of any expected benefits from such acquisitions. You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading Risk Factors in Bright Mountain Media, Inc.s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 and our other filings with the SEC. Bright Mountain Media, Inc. does not undertake any duty to update any forward-looking statements except as may be required by law.

Contact/Investor Relations:

Douglas Baker at [email protected]

(561) 807-6350

https://otcprgroup.com

1https://www.otcmarkets.com/filing/html?id=16873390&guid=wfN-keRV-t5HJth

2https://executiveconsulting.guru/about
A major step towards ENGIE's objective of reaching 10 GW of battery capacity within the Group by 2030 to support the development of renewable energies

France, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ENGIE announces it has signed a binding agreement for the acquisition of 100% of Broad Reach Power, a company specialized in battery storage and based in Houston, from private equity funds EnCap and Apollo.

The transaction involves 350MW of operating assets, as well as 880MW under construction assets with a commissioning expected before the end of 2024, 1.7GW of advanced stage projects and a significant pipeline of early stage projects. The projects are located in Texas, California and the central states of the United States. Broad Reach Power skills, tools and teams are the perfect fit, in and outside the United States, with ENGIEs integrated model.

The acquisition will support the Group's goal of having 10 GW of battery capacity globally by 2030. It will also strengthen ENGIE's position as a leader in the energy transition in the United States, where the group already has significant positions through its renewable assets (5GW in operation at the end of 2022), battery storage and its energy management platform. The development of these projects will respond to the strong need for flexibility generated by the growth of the share of renewable energies in the energy mix and will increase ENGIE capacity to provide 24/7 decarbonized electricity to his customers.

Completion of the transaction is expected by Q4 2023, subject to the fulfilment of certain approvals from anti-trust and energy regulatory authorities.

For Catherine MacGregor, Chief Executive Officer of ENGIE: "This acquisition is fully in line with ENGIE's strategy: it will contribute to the development of a low-carbon, affordable and resilient energy system where flexible assets will play a critical role alongside renewables.

About ENGIE

ENGIE is a leading global group in low-carbon energy and services. With its 96,000 employees, its customers, its partners and its stakeholders, the Group is committed every day to accelerating the transition to a carbon-neutral world, thanks to more energy-efficient and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Guided by its purpose, ENGIE reconciles economic performance and positive impact on people and the planet by relying on its key businesses (gas, renewable energies, services) to offer competitive solutions to its customers.



Turnover in 2022: 93.9 billion euros. Listed in Paris and Brussels (ENGI), the Group is represented in the main financial (CAC 40, Euronext 100, FTSE Euro 100, MSCI Europe) and extra-financial (DJSI World, Euronext Vigeo Eiris - Europe 120 / France 20, MSCI EMU ESG screened, MSCI EUROPE ESG Universal Select, Stoxx Europe 600 ESG-X) indices.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIREWEED METALS CORP. (Fireweed or the Company) (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF, formerly Fireweed Zinc Ltd.) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Alex Campbell to the Management Team as Vice President Corporate Development. His role will focus on finding, evaluating, and executing strategic opportunities for the Company.

CEO Statement

Brandon Macdonald, CEO, stated As Fireweeds success at our projects has grown, so has strategic interest in the Company and options available to us. Alexs diverse experience from mining to banking, combined with his passion for our industry, makes him a fantastic addition to the team as we navigate these opportunities. The Fireweed team is very pleased to welcome him as we continue to maximize shareholder value through exploration, development, and potential strategic transactions.

Alex Campbell Biography

Mr. Campbell is a mining professional with over ten years of combined expertise in South American mining operations, mine finance, and Global Capital Markets. He began his career at Antofagasta Minerals, working at the Los Pelambres copper mine in Chile. Subsequently, he relocated to Colorado to pursue his masters degree while concurrently working at Resource Capital Funds and the Critical Materials Institute, a U.S. DOE innovation hub focused on the development of secure and resilient supply chains for critical materials crucial to the energy transition. Following this, he spent five years with CIBC's Mining Investment Banking Team in Vancouver, BC, covering a broad spectrum of mining and royalty companies. Throughout this tenure, he played instrumental roles in executing diverse corporate transactions across various commodities and asset-level stages.

Mr. Campbell holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Engineering (Mining) degree from the Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, as well as a Master of Science in Mineral and Energy Economics degree from The Colorado School of Mines.

Stock Option Grant

The Company announces that it is granting, pursuant to its stock option plan, a total of 452,000 stock options to certain employees, exercisable at a price of $1.70 per share for a five-year term.

About Fireweed Metals Corp. (TSXV: FWZ; OTCQB: FWEDF; FSE: 20F): Fireweed Metals is a public mineral exploration company on the leading edge of Critical Minerals project development. Fireweed is well-funded and well-positioned to carry out a large 2023 exploration program. The Company has three projects located in Canada:

Macmillan Pass Project (Zinc-Lead-Silver) : Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km2 Macmillan Pass project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world* where the Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources1 (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment2 (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential.

Fireweed owns 100% of the district-scale 940 km2 Macmillan Pass project in Yukon, Canada, which is host to one of the largest undeveloped zinc resources in the world* where the Tom and Jason zinc-lead-silver deposits have current Mineral Resources1 (11.21 Mt Indicated Resource at 6.59% zinc, 2.48% lead, and 21.33 g/t silver; and 39.47 Mt Inferred Resource at 5.84% zinc, 3.14% lead, and 38.15 g/t silver) and a Preliminary Economic Assessment2 (PEA). In addition, Boundary Zone, Tom North and End Zone have significant zinc-lead-silver mineralization drilled but not yet classified as mineral resources. The project also includes large blocks of adjacent claims with known showings and significant upside exploration potential. Mactung Project (Tungsten) : The Company owns 100% interest in the 37.6 km2 Mactung Project located adjacent to the Macmillan Pass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO3 and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO3)3 make it the worlds largest high-grade resource of the Critical Mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*.

The Company owns 100% interest in the 37.6 km2 Mactung Project located adjacent to the Macmillan Pass Project. Recently announced mineral resources for Mactung (41.5 Mt Indicated Resource at 0.73% WO3 and 12.2 Mt Inferred Resource at 0.59% WO3)3 make it the worlds largest high-grade resource of the Critical Mineral tungsten*. Located in Canada, it is one of the rare large tungsten resources outside of China*. Gayna River Project (Zinc-Lead-Gallium-Germanium): Fireweed owns 100% of the 128.75 km2 Gayna River project located 180 km north of the Macmillan Pass project. It is host to extensive mineralization including Critical Minerals zinc, gallium and germanium as well as lead and silver, outlined by 28,000 m of historical drilling and significant upside potential.

In Canada, Fireweed (TSXV: FWZ) trades on the TSX Venture Exchange. In the USA, Fireweed (OTCQB: FWEDF) trades on the OTCQB Venture Market for early stage and developing U.S. and international companies and is DTC eligible for enhanced electronic clearing and settlement. Investors can find Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company on www.otcmarkets.com. In Europe, Fireweed (FSE: 20F) trades on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Fireweed Metals VP Geology, Jack Milton, Ph.D., P.Geo. (BC), a Qualified Person as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

Additional information about Fireweed and its projects can be found on the Companys website at FireweedMetals.com and at www.sedarplus.com

ON BEHALF OF FIREWEED METALS CORP.

Brandon Macdonald

CEO & Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information (forward-looking statements). All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to interpretation of drill results, future work plans, the use of funds, and the potential of the Companys projects, are forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects, "anticipates, "believes, "intends, "estimates, "potential, "possible, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will, "may, "could, or "should occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management and reflect the beliefs, opinions, and projections on the date the statements are made. Forward-looking statements involve various risks and uncertainties and accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include but are not limited to, exploration and development risks, unanticipated reclamation expenses, expenditure and financing requirements, general economic conditions, changes in financial markets, the ability to properly and efficiently staff the Companys operations, the sufficiency of working capital and funding for continued operations, title matters, First Nations relations, operating hazards, political and economic factors, competitive factors, metal prices, relationships with vendors and strategic partners, governmental regulations and oversight, permitting, seasonality and weather, technological change, industry practices, uncertainties involved in the interpretation of drilling results and laboratory tests, and one-time events. The Company assumes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements or beliefs, opinions, projections or other factors, except as required by law.

Footnotes and References

* References to relative size and grade of the Mactung resources and Macmillan Pass resources in comparison to other tungsten and zinc deposits elsewhere in the world, respectively, are based on review of the Standard & Poors Global Market Intelligence Capital IQ database.

1: For details and QP statements, see https://www.sedarplus.ca/ Fireweed Technical Report titled NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Macmillan Pass Zinc-Lead-Silver Project, Watson Lake and Mayo Mining Districts Yukon Territory, Canada filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on February 23, 2018, and Fireweed News Release dated January 10, 2018.

2: For details and QP statements, see https://www.sedarplus.ca/ Fireweed Technical Report titled NI 43-101 Technical Report Macmillan Pass Project Yukon Territory Canada filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/ on July 9, 2018, and Fireweed News Release dated May 23, 2018. This Technical Report includes a Preliminary Economic Analysis disclosing an economic analysis of mineral resources that is preliminary in nature and does not include any mineral reserves. It is equally emphasized that the mineral resources disclosed within this Technical Report are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability.

3: For details and QP statements, see Fireweed news release dated June 13, 2023 Fireweed Metals Announces Mineral Resources for the Mactung Project: the Largest High-Grade Tungsten Deposit in the World and the technical report entitled NI 43-101 Technical Report, Mactung Project, Yukon Territory, Canada, with effective date July 28, 2023 filed on https://www.sedarplus.ca/

Contact: Brandon MacdonaldPhone: (604) 646-8361Email: [email protected]

Source: Fireweed Metals Corp.
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a ranking of employment incomes in the largest 141 metropolitan areas in Canada and the United States, only two Canadian cities rank in the top half, with most Canadian metro areas ranking near the bottom, finds a new study published by the Fraser Institute, an independent, non-partisan Canadian public policy think-tank.

Canadians in our largest urban centres are generally earning less employment income than people living in comparable American cities, said Ben Eisen, Fraser Institute senior fellow and co-author of Comparing Median Employment Income in Large Canadian and American Metropolitan Areas.

The study compares median employment incomewages, salaries and commissions from paid and self-employment income (net) before taxes and government transfersin the 141 largest metropolitan areas in Canada and the United States.

Out of the 14 Canadian CMAs included in the study, only two rank in the top half, while the bottom ten per cent of the rankings includes a significant number of Canadian metropolitan areaslagging far behind their American counterparts.

The highest-ranking Canadian metro area is Ottawa-Gatineau (52 out of 141), at $45,500, followed closely by Edmonton (53) at $45,470, then Calgary (72) at $43,870. The lowest ranking Canadian CMAs are St. Catharines-Niagara (138) at $31,540, London (135) at $36,180, and lastly Montreal (134) at $36,660.

Crucially, Canada's largest cities, including Montreal (134th), Toronto (127th), and Vancouver (131st), which represent a significant portion (35.9 per cent) of the country's population, rank among the lowest employment incomes in all 141 cities in the analysis.

Employment incomes are generally higher in US metropolitan areasbig and smallthan they are in Canadian cities, said Eisen.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Ben Eisen, Senior FellowFraser Institute

To arrange media interviews or for more information, please contact:Drue MacPherson, 604-688-0221 ext. 721, [email protected]

Follow the Fraser Institute on Twitter and Facebook

The Fraser Institute is an independent Canadian public policy research and educational organization with offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal and ties to a global network of think-tanks in 87 countries. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Canadians, their families and future generations by studying, measuring and broadly communicating the effects of government policies, entrepreneurship and choice on their well-being. To protect the Institutes independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research. Visit www.fraserinstitute.org

Source: Fraser Institute
DUBLIN, Ireland, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Griffin Global Asset Management (Griffin) is pleased to announce the delivery of a third Airbus A320neo to JetSMART Airlines, a South American ultra low-cost carrier. This aircraft is the fourth of a mandate of nine A320neo family aircraft to deliver to JetSMART Airlines, and is the first Airbus aircraft manufactured in Mobile, Alabama to be delivered to a South American carrier.

We are excited to continue supporting JetSMART Airlines rapid growth with the most modern and fuel efficient aircraft available. We look forward to working with the JetSMART team as we deliver additional aircraft to them over the coming quarters, said Eric Hild, Griffins Senior Vice President of Marketing.

JetSMART Airlines CEO, Estuardo Ortiz, commented: We are proud to partner with Griffin to welcome the Guacamayo into our fleet, being the first Airbus A320neo manufactured in the United States to be operated in South America. We thank Griffin for their support to take one more step to reach our vision of 100 aircraft by 2028.

About Griffin Global Asset Management

Griffin is a commercial aircraft leasing and alternative asset management business with offices in Dublin, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and Los Angeles, CA. Griffins team of aviation professionals works closely with airlines, OEMs, and financiers to deliver customized fleet solutions and innovative financing products to airlines globally.

For more information visit www.griffingam.ie or www.griffingam.com

About JetSMART AirlinesFounded in 2016, JetSMART Airlines is an ultra low-cost airline with domestic operations in Chile, Argentina and Peru, and more than 70 routes throughout South America with international services to Brazil, Colombia, Paraguay and Uruguay, having carried more than 20 million passengers. JetSMART has a brand-new fleet of 26 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. In addition, it has two SKYTRAX awards as best low-cost airline in 2021 and 2023, and is recognized with the Airline Strategy Awards 2023, which rewards excellence in strategy execution. JetSMART is part of the airline portfolio of US private equity firm Indigo Partners, which includes Frontier Airlines in the USA, Wizz Air in Europe, Volaris in Mexico, Lynx Air in Canada and Cebu Pacific in Asia. JetSMART customers benefit from an extensive point-to-point route network which connects secondary cities on direct flights throughout the region at ultra-low fares available at: www.jetsmart.com.

Investor Inquiries

James MoriartyHead of Investor Relations[email protected]

Press Inquiries

Lauren Groom[email protected]

Source: Griffin Global Asset Management
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Integra Resources Corp. (Integra or the Company) (TSXV: ITR; NYSE American: ITRG) is pleased to announce the remaining drill results from the stockpile drill program at the DeLamar Project (DeLamar or the Project) located in southwestern Idaho. The stockpile drill program was completed in Q2 2023 and totaled 12,588 meters (m) in 321 drill holes. This news release includes results from the remaining 145 drill holes representing 4,244 m.

The stockpile drill program at DeLamar was designed to test a large portion of the estimated 60 million tonnes (Mt) of gold and silver mineralized material that was stockpiled and/or used as backfill at the Project by previous operators. The Company believes that oxide-and-mixed gold and silver mineralized material from the stockpiles and backfill at DeLamar has the potential to increase the heap leach mine life of the Project in future phases and further bolster the robust economics presented in the 2022 Pre-feasibility Study (PFS).

Integra intends to release an updated mineral resource estimate for DeLamar in Q3 2023 which will include the stockpile and backfill mineralized material. In Q4 2023, the Company expects to submit the Mine Plan of Operations (MPO) at DeLamar to the United States Bureau of Land Management. The MPO is the first significant step in the National Environmental Policy Act permitting process as it represents the proposed action for the Project.

Latest Drilling Highlights:

The latest drilling highlights from DeLamar (North DeLamar, Stockpile 1) include: NDM-23-133: 0.23 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) and 20.17 g/t silver (Ag) (0.49 g/t gold equivalent (AuEq)) over 103.63 m NDM-23-127: 0.29 g/t Au and 24.54 g/t Ag (0.61 g/t AuEq) over 30.48 m NDM-23-131: 0.24 g/t Au and 17.08 g/t Ag (0.46 g/t AuEq) over 97.54 m WD1-23-324: 0.23 g/t Au and 21.23 g/t Ag (0.50 g/t AuEq) over 27.43 m

The latest drilling highlights from Florida Mountain (Jacobs Gulch) include: JG-23-024: 0.33 g/t Au and 10.22 g/t Ag (0.46 g/t AuEq) over 21.34 m JG-23-138: 0.32 g/t Au and 7.38 g/t Ag (0.41 g/t AuEq) over 41.15 m JG-23-181: 0.34 g/t Au and 11.15 g/t Ag (0.49 g/t AuEq) over 19.81 m





Drill Program Highlights:

The stockpile and backfill program tested 4 targets at DeLamar and 2 targets at Florida Mountain, representing approximately 49 Mt and 11 Mt of mineralized material respectively. At DeLamar, the targets included the North DeLamar and Sommercamp Backfill as well as Stockpiles 1 and 2. At Florida Mountain, the targets included the Jacobs Gulch Stockpile and Tip Top Backfill. Highlight intercepts from each target of the drill program released since December 2022 include:

DeLamar

North DeLamar Backfill: NDM-22-039: 0.27 g/t Au and 24.60 g/t Ag (0.59 g/t AuEq) over 111.25 m

Stockpile 1 & 2: WD1-23-168: 0.65 g/t Au and 20.91 g/t Ag (0.92 g/t AuEq) over 39.62 m, including 12.51 g/t Au and 31.04 g/t Ag (12.91 g/t AuEq) over 1.52 m

Sommercamp Backfill: SC-23-063: 0.50 g/t Au and 18.35 g/t Ag (0.74 g/t AuEq) over 38.10 m



Florida Mountain

Jacobs Gulch Stockpile: JG-23-109: 0.62 g/t Au and 9.54 g/t Ag (0.74 g/t AuEq) over 76.20 m, including 7.30 g/t Au and 9.13 g/t Ag (7.42 g/t AuEq) over 1.53 m

Tip Top Backfill: TT-23-012: 0.40 g/t Au and 12.26 g/t Ag (0.56 g/t AuEq) over 57.91 m, including 6.92 g/t Au and 64.24 g/t Ag (7.75 g/t AuEq) over 1.53 m

Integras President, CEO & Director, Jason Kosec commented: The overall results from the stockpile drill program have confirmed the Companys initial belief that the gold and silver mineralized material stockpiled or used as backfill by previous operators has the potential to significantly increase the mine life of the heap leach operation in future phases. The drill program has demonstrated the strong grade continuity and gold and silver mineralization present within this previously mined material. Located at surface, and in some cases on top of the in-situ gold and silver resources, the mineralized stockpiles and backfill have the potential to be mined at a reduced cost in future economic studies as the material was processed by previous operators and is adjacent to proposed infrastructure. An updated mineral resource estimate on the stockpiles and backfill is expected to demonstrate the potential for this material to bolster the robust production profile and economics outlined in the PFS.

Key Observations and Next Steps:

The stockpile/backfill mineralized material, a portion of which was included as a pre-stripping cost in the PFS, has the potential, subject to future studies, to significantly enhance the economics of the overall Project. The Jacobs Gulch Stockpile (~9 Mt) is located at Florida Mountain and contains slightly higher-grade mineralized material than other stockpiles and backfill. Subject to ongoing engineering, this stockpile could be placed on the heap leach pad in early years of processing before the current location becomes a development rock storage facility (DRSF). This stockpile may be included in the MPO submittal. The North DeLamar Backfill (~16 Mt) contains the most mineralized material on a tonnage basis and has the potential to contribute the greatest number of ounces of gold and silver in the upcoming mineral resource estimate. A portion of this mineralized material was included as a pre-stripping cost in the PFS and will be included in the MPO submittal. The Tip Top Backfill (~2 Mt), located at Florida Mountain, is located on top of the in-situ resource. Subject to ongoing engineering studies, this backfill material may be included in the MPO submittal. Sommercamp Backfill (~5 Mt) is located at DeLamar and a portion of this mineralized material was included as a pre-stripping cost in the PFS mine plan. In future mine plans, this material has the potential to be mined at a lower cost since a portion of it was moved as waste in the PFS. A portion of this backfill will be included in the MPO submittal. Stockpiles 1 (~16 Mt) and 2 (~12 Mt) are located at DeLamar. These stockpiles are not situated on top of in-situ resource which allows flexibility of processing in future mine plans.

In general, the stockpile/backfill material drilled is consistent in both grade and mineralized width, demonstrating impressive continuity. Access to mineralized material in the stockpiles and backfill are expected to provide additional flexibility to load the heap leach pad during any potential operational or weather related events once in operation.

Metallurgical testwork on the mineralized material is underway with cyanide shakes complete and bottle roll tests from all areas underway. Preliminary bottle roll testing from the DeLamar stockpiles and backfill is encouraging. At least one column leach test from each of the six areas are planned to begin before the end of the year.

The mineralized stockpiles and backfill that were not included as part of pre-stripping costs in the PFS is expected to have lower overall mining costs in future economic studies since the material is located at surface and was previously mined, eliminating or limiting additional blasting costs.

An updated mineral resource estimate is expected this quarter which should demonstrate strong resource growth at the Project from the stockpiles and backfill, further growing the industry leading resource endowment in the Great Basin controlled by Integra.

The Company plans to begin an updated economic study for DeLamar next year, which will include mineralized material from the stockpiles and backfill, highlighting the potential for this material to increase the heap leach mine life and overall gold and silver production in future phases.

The Company is currently focused on engineering and supporting modeling efforts for the submittal of the MPO in Q4 2023. The primary focus has been on finalizing engineering and sequencing of both the DeLamar and Florida Mountain open pits, DRSF locations, hydrogeologic modeling for wall rock and water geochemistry with a concentration on post closure reclamation and site wide water balance activities. These engineering and modeling efforts combined with the completed baseline studies will be the foundation for the development of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Follow the link below to view a table of selected intercepts from the DeLamar backfill and stockpile drill program:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/2023-august-final_drill_tables.pdf

Follow the link below to view a cross section of the North DeLamar Backfill:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/ndm_section_aug23.pdf

Follow the link below to view a cross section of the Sommercamp Backfill:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/sommerc_bf_aug23.pdf

Follow the link below to view cross sections of Stockpile 1 and 2:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/sp1_stockpile_aug23.pdf

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/sp2_stockpile_aug23.pdf

Follow the link below to view a cross section of the Jacobs Gulch Stockpile:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/jg_stockpile_aug23.pdf

Follow the link below to view a cross section of the Tip Top Backfill:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/tt_bf_aug23.pdf

Follow the link below to view drill collar location maps for the DeLamar stockpile/backfill drill program:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/dc_location_dm_2023-08sm.pdf

Follow the link below to view drill collar location maps for the Florida Mountain stockpile/backfill drill program:

https://integraresources.com/site/assets/files/2572/dc_fm_2023-08sm.pdf

Sampling and QA/QC Procedure

Thorough QA/QC protocols are followed on the Project, including insertion of duplicate, blank and standard samples in the assay stream for all drill holes. The samples are submitted directly to American Assay Labs in Reno, Nevada for preparation and analysis. Analysis of gold is performed using fire assay method with atomic absorption (AA) finish on a 1 assay ton aliquot. Gold results over 5 g/t are re-run using a gravimetric finish. Silver analysis is performed using ICP for results up to 100 g/t on a 5-acid digestion, with a fire assay, gravimetric finish for results over 100 g/t silver.

Execution of Drill Program  Methodology

The stockpile drill program was executed at 60 m collar spacings with select 30 m infill test holes to further verify grade variability in future resource estimation and to provide additional metallurgical samples. All drilling was vertical through the entirety of the stockpiles and backfill material. The drilling was conducted by a combination of Sonic and traditional reverse circulation (RC) with casing advance drilling methods. Both these drilling methods maintain high sample quality and integrity throughout the drilling process. Additionally, the two drilling methods provided a basis for continuity comparison. Sampling was conducted at 1.5 m intervals for the whole of the drilling program with all samples sent to a third-party lab for analysis. The Sonic Drilling provided material suitable for ongoing comprehensive metallurgical test work.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Raphael Dutaut, Ph.D (P.Geo), Integras Vice President, Exploration and Tim Arnold (PE, SME), Integras Chief Operating Officer. Both individuals are Qualified Persons (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43- 101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

DeLamar Project Overview

The past producing DeLamar Project, which includes the adjacent DeLamar and Florida Mountain gold and silver deposits, is located in Owyhee County in southwest Idaho. Since acquiring the Project in 2017, the Company has demonstrated significant resource growth and conversion while providing robust economic studies in its maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment and PFS. An independent technical report for the PFS on the DeLamar Project has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101 and is available under the Companys profile at www.sedarplus.ca

About Integra Resources

Integra is one of the largest precious metals exploration and development companies in the Great Basin of the Western USA. Integra is currently focused on advancing its three flagship oxide heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho and the Wildcat and Mountain View Projects located in western Nevada. The Company also holds a portfolio of highly prospective early-stage exploration projects in Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. Integras long-term vision is to become a leading USA focused mid-tier gold and silver producer.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS



Jason Kosec

President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

Corporate Inquiries: [email protected]

Company website: www.integraresources.com

Office phone: 1 (604) 416-0576

Forward Looking and Other Cautionary Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and applicable United States securities laws (referred to herein as forwardlooking statements). Except for statements of historical fact, certain information contained herein constitutes forwardlooking statements which includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to: the future financial or operating performance of the Company and the Companys mineral properties and project portfolio; the results from work performed to date; the estimation of mineral resources and reserves; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the development, operational and economic results of technical reports on mineral properties referenced herein; magnitude or quality of mineral deposits; the anticipated advancement of the Company mineral properties and project portfolios; exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits; underground exploration potential; costs and timing of future exploration; the completion and timing of future development studies; estimates of metallurgical recovery rates; exploration prospects of mineral properties; requirements for additional capital; the future price of metals; government regulation of mining operations; environmental risks; the timing and possible outcome of pending regulatory matters; the development, operational and economic results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment for the Wildcat & Mountain View Projects and the PFS for the DeLamar Project; the realization of the expected economics of mineral properties; future growth potential of mineral properties; and future development plans.

Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as may, will, could, would, anticipate, believe, expect, intend, potential, estimate, budget, scheduled, plans, planned, forecasts, goals and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on a number of factors and assumptions made by management and considered reasonable at the time such information is provided. Assumptions and factors include: the Companys ability to complete its planned exploration programs; the absence of adverse conditions at mineral properties; no unforeseen operational delays; no material delays in obtaining necessary permits; the price of gold remaining at levels that render mineral properties economic; the Companys ability to continue raising necessary capital to finance operations; and the ability to realize on the mineral resource and reserve estimates. Forwardlooking statements necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual performance and financial results in future periods to differ materially from any projections of future performance or result expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: integration risks; general business, economic and competitive uncertainties; the actual results of current and future exploration activities; conclusions of economic evaluations; meeting various expected cost estimates; benefits of certain technology usage; changes in project parameters and/or economic assessments as plans continue to be refined; future prices of metals; possible variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; the risk that actual costs may exceed estimated costs; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); title to properties; the impact of COVID-19 on the timing of exploration and development work and managements ability to anticipate and manage the foregoing factors and risks. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are advised to study and consider risk factors disclosed in Integras annual report on Form 20-F dated March 17, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, and Millennial Precious Metals Corps managements discussion and analysis dated April 28, 2023 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.

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. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forwardlooking statements if circumstances or managements estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained herein are presented for the purposes of assisting investors in understanding the Companys plans, objectives and goals, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forwardlooking statements. This news release also contains or references certain market, industry and peer group data, which is based upon information from independent industry publications, market research, analyst reports, surveys, continuous disclosure filings and other publicly available sources. Although the Company believes these sources to be generally reliable, such information is subject to interpretation and cannot be verified with complete certainty due to limits on the availability and reliability of raw data, the voluntary nature of the data gathering process and other inherent limitations and uncertainties. The Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this news release and accordingly, the accuracy and completeness of such data is not guaranteed.

Cautionary Note for U.S. Investors Concerning Mineral Resources and Reserves

NI 43-101 is a rule of the Canadian Securities Administrators which establishes standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. Technical disclosure contained in this news release has been prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Classification System. These standards differ from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and resource information contained in this news release may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by domestic United States companies subject to the SEC's reporting and disclosure requirements.

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.
Secures $600,000 in Loans

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Latin Metals Inc. ("Latin Metals" or the "Company") - (TSXV: LMS, OTCQB: LMSQF), a leading exploration company focused on mineral discoveries, is pleased to announce significant achievements under its ongoing investor-focused strategy.



Financial Highlights and Option Partner Funding

During the 2023 calendar year, Latin Metals has received non-dilutive investments with a total value of $2,080,2201, with an additional $792,0002 scheduled to be received by the end of the year, for an anticipated total of $2,872,220. The figures outlined here do not include option partner-funded exploration expenditures.

"Our strategic collaborations with mining industry leaders have brought significant investments this year while ensuring minimal equity dilution," commented Keith Henderson, the Company's CEO. "Our prospect generator business model offers a unique proposition to investors, giving them the opportunity to share in our successes without the typical equity dilution risks. We're resolutely focused on unlocking the potential of our assets and creating consistent, long-term value for our shareholders."

Mr. Henderson continued, "We're continuously refining our business model to ensure that our investors experience the potential upsides of mineral discoveries while minimising the common share dilution risks. Through thoughtful execution, our goal is to consistently amplify value and ensure sustainable returns."

Upcoming Milestones and Catalysts

Latin Metals' option partners have submitted drill permit applications for three projects in Argentina. Following receipt of permits, the initiation of drill programs will mark key milestones as Latin Metals' partners explore the potential of the Company's diversified portfolio.

Securing Future Steps and Minimizing Dilution

To further the Company's objectives and maintain a sound capital base, the Company has secured loans totalling $600,000 (the "Loans"), subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company places a high premium on minimizing shareholder dilution, and its recent financing choices, including the Loans, align with its mission to further its corporate goals while safeguarding investor interests. The Loans have a one-year term and bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum compounded annually, payable on the maturity date. The Company has agreed to issue 6,000,000 non-transferable bonus common share purchase warrants to the lenders, each of which warrants will entitle the holder to purchase one common share of the Company for a period of one year at an exercise price of $0.10 per share. The funds available to the Company under the Loans will be used by the Company to pay outstanding liabilities and for general corporate and working capital purposes. All securities issued pursuant to the Loans will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day in Canada from the date of issuance.

The lenders providing the Loans include five arm's length parties, two current directors and an executive officer of the Company (together, the directors and executive officer are the "Related Parties"). The Loans from the Related Parties constitute a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61 101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is relying on Sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 for an exemption from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements, respectively, of MI 61-101, as, at the time the loan agreements were entered into by the Company with the Related Parties, neither the fair market value of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for the Loans by the Related Parties exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

About Latin Metals

Latin Metals is a mineral exploration company focused on acquiring a diversified portfolio of assets in South America. Operating under a Prospect Generator model, the Company aims to acquire exploration properties at a minimal cost, conduct cost-effective exploration to establish drill targets, and secure joint venture partners for funding advanced exploration. Shareholders benefit from exposure to the upside potential of significant discoveries without the dilution associated with funding high-risk drill-based exploration.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of

LATIN METALS INC.

"Keith Henderson"

President & CEO

For further details on the Company readers are referred to the Company's web site ( www.latin-metals.com ) and its Canadian regulatory filings on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

For further information, please contact:

Keith Henderson

Suite 890

999 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC, V6C 2W2

Phone: 604-638-3456

E-mail: [email protected]

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding total option partner funding, anticipated receipt of drill permits by the Company's option partners, the use of proceeds from the Loans, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future development of the Company's properties in a timely manner, receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval for the Loans, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the development, construction and continued operation of the Company's properties, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

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 differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Company's properties, the fact that the Company's interest in its properties is an option only and there is no guarantee that such interest, if earned, will be certain, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals and copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including of the TSX Venture Exchange, financing or other planned activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein.

1 Includes $383,400 in cash payments to Latin Metals, $466,040 in cash payments to underlying property vendors, and $1,230,780 consideration received on the sale of the El Quemado project (consisting of $400,000 cash and $830,780 fair value in equity instruments).

2 Assumed FX rate $1.32 CAD for $1 USD.
TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lynx Air (Lynx) will launch its first flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) today, continuing the rapid expansion of the airlines Toronto network.

Canadas leading ultra-affordable airline took to the skies for the first time in 2022, with a vision to inspire more Canadians to fly by offering a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.

Todays launch marks the start of Lynxs U.S. expansion in the lead up to the fall and winter. The airline already operates flights between Toronto and Orlando, and will add Phoenix, Fort Myers and Tampa Bay to its Toronto network in the coming months. All these destinations are on sale now. By December 2023, Lynx will fly more than 22,000 seats per week across its North American network to and from Toronto, representing a 260 per cent growth over the previous year. Lynx recently established a pilot and cabin crew base in Toronto to support this growth, creating 101 new jobs in the region.

"Toronto is our fastest growing hub because it has historically been underserved by low-cost carriers and that means airfares have been too high for too long, said Merren McArthur, CEO of Lynx Air. Lynx Air aims to change that. We are proud to be the only low-cost carrier offering services between Toronto and the City of Angels. Whether you are travelling to do some star-spotting in Hollywood, or to soak up the sun on one of the iconic Southern California beaches, Lynx will ensure a great flying experience at an ultra-affordable price.

We are pleased to see Lynx add LAX to their roster of destinations served from Toronto Pearson. This new service will undoubtedly provide passengers with another greater option to fly to sunny California, said Janik Reigate, Director, Strategic Customer Relationships, Greater Toronto Airports Authority.

We are thrilled to have Lynx Air expand its service at LAX with the addition of the new route between LAX and Toronto, one of our most popular destinations in Canada, said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, Los Angeles World Airports. This route not only strengthens the ties between our two cities, but it also reinforces our commitment to serving our passengers needs and offering an exceptional travel experience. We congratulate Lynx Air and look forward to the airlines continued success.

Sale DetailsFares between Los Angeles and Toronto start at $129*, one way, including taxes and fees. To celebrate todays inaugural flight, Lynx has launched a limited time seat sale offering up to 25 per cent off base fares on all flights between Los Angeles and Toronto. The sale starts on August 24 and ends at 11:59 PM EDT on August 25, 2023, and can be accessed with the promo code FLYUSA. For complete sale details, and to book an ultra-affordable fare, visit FlyLynx.com.

Lynxs US Schedule from Toronto

Effective Date Frequency Departure Station Arrival Station 24-AUG-23 MON-WED-THUR-FRI-SUN Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Los Angeles International (LAX) 24-AUG-23 MON-WED-THUR-FRI-SUN Los Angeles International (LAX) Toronto Pearson (YYZ) 12-OCT-23 TUE-THUR-SAT Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) 12-OCT-23 TUE-THUR-SAT Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) Toronto Pearson (YYZ) 10-NOV-23 MON-THUR-FRI-SUN Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Tampa Bay International (TPA) 10-NOV-23 MON-THUR-FRI-SUN Tampa Bay International (TPA) Toronto Pearson (YYZ) 3-DEC-23 TUES-THUR-FRI-SAT Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Southwest Florida International (RSW) 3-DEC-23 TUES-THUR-FRI-SAT Southwest Florida International (RSW) Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Currently Operating MON-WED-FRI Toronto Pearson (YYZ) Orlando International (MCO) Currently Operating MON-WED-FRI Orlando International (MCO) Toronto Pearson (YYZ)

Please note that dates are subject to change. Visit the website for full schedule details.

* Available for a limited time; fares are accurate at the time of release and include taxes and fees, restrictions apply.

Media contact:Paula WorthingtonWorthington PR [email protected]403-585-2429

About Lynx Air

Lynx Air (Lynx), Canada's leading ultra-low-cost airline, is on a mission to make air travel accessible to all, with ultra-affordable fares and a customer-focused flying experience. The airline was recently awarded Youngest Fleet in North America by ch-aviation. Lynx operates a brand-new fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, bringing an elevated customer experience to low-cost travel in Canada. These ultra-efficient and reliable aircraft are 20% more fuel efficient than previous generation aircraft, reducing Lynxs carbon footprint, and making Lynx one of Canadas most sustainable airlines. Lynx is a privately owned Canadian airline with the financial backing and industry expertise required to transform the Canadian aviation landscape.

Visit FlyLynx.com or connect with Lynx on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to learn more.

Source: Lynx Air
Chicago, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NCSBN met in Chicago Aug. 16-18, 2023, to consider pertinent association business with its members. NCSBN Board of Directors President Jay Douglas, MSM, RN, CSAC, FRE, executive director, Virginia Board of Nursing, noted, In 2023 NCSBN celebrated its 45th Anniversary. Its rich history is chronicled in our updated interactive timeline. At this years Annual Meeting, we honored our founders and the significant accomplishments of the last five years and also had an opportunity to recognize nurse regulatory boards and individuals, including our departing CEO David Benton.

Significant actions approved include:

Approved the College of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Nova Scotia College of Nursing as Exam User Members of NCSBN.

Approved the use of remote testing and artificial intelligence (AI) security technology by NCSBN Exams.

Additionally, the Delegate Assembly (DA) debated the need to make rapid progress in advancing the adoption of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Compact. Delegates noted that APRNs are eager to see the compact enacted and after reaffirming the advantages of the compact in increasing access to safe patient services and facilitating the use of new technologies particularly in remote and rural areas, the DA overwhelming voted in support of the existing compact.

These DA actions will enhance public protection nationally and internationally, preparing NCSBN for the future, commented Douglas. As it has been since the inception of our organization, the determination, grit, collective wisdom, innovation and sound decision making of our members lights the way forward.

Additional actions taken by the DA include the following:

Elections to the Board of Directors:

Treasurer, Lori Scheidt, MBA-HCM, executive director, Missouri State Board of Nursing

Area I Director, Danette Schloeder, DNP, RNC-OB, C-EFM, C-ONQS, board chair, Alaska Board of Nursing

Area II Director, Sue Ann Painter, DNP, RN, executive director, West Virginia Board of Registered Nurses

Area III Director, Jose Delfin D. Castillo III, PhD, MSNA, APRN, CRNA, board chair, Florida Board of Nursing

Area IV Director, Barbara Blozen, EdD, MA, RN, BC CNL, board president, New Jersey Board of Nursing

NCSBN delegates also elected members of the Leadership Succession Committee:

Area I Member, Cathy Dinauer, MSN, RN, FRE, executive director, Nevada State Board of Nursing

Area III Member, Janice Hooper, PhD, RN, FRE, CNE, FAAN, ANEF, lead nursing consultant for education, Texas Board of Nursing

About 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
August 24, 2023

Amsterdam, the Netherlands  Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA), a global leader in health technology, today highlighted how it integrates AI in cardiac ultrasound and across cardiac care to help improve clinical confidence and increase efficiency. Center-stage at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC, Aug. 25-28, Amsterdam) Congress is the portable Philips Ultrasound Compact System 5500 CV, which includes an AI-powered automation tool (the automated strain quantification) to assess the function of the hearts left ventricle, a key indicator of heart health.

The demands on cardiology departments have never been higher, driving clinicians to balance the delivery of high-quality care for a growing volume of complex patients with pressures to improve departmental efficiency, said Bert van Meurs, Executive Vice President and Chief Business Leader of Image Guided Therapy and Precision Diagnosis at Philips. From helping sonographers acquire the right image and analyze it in the right way, to cutting the assessment time for cardiac MR and CT images, were integrating AI across our portfolio to help clinicians make sense of all the information available to them so that they can focus more on caring for their patients.

Integrating AI in cardiac ultrasoundUltrasound is one of the most used imaging modalities as the first line of diagnosis for cardiac patients. A shortage of operators dealing with heavy workloads and growing numbers of complex cases continues to challenge health systems across the globe. Using AI to help streamline workflows and enhance diagnostic confidence is core to Philips cardiac ultrasound technology. Each year, Philips ultrasound systems support the diagnosis and treatment of more than 240 million patients.

Philips is a leader in integrating AI-powered technology across its cardiac ultrasound portfolio, including full 3D quantification and modeling of the heart, automated 2D Doppler and length measurements, reproducible 2D strain quantification and dynamic analysis of the mitral valve. The company is now integrating AI-powered automated analysis and reporting.

Integrating AI across cardiac careIndividually, Philips solutions can help solve cardiologys daily challenges. Together, they create a powerful ecosystem that helps clinicians realize better cardiac care with greater efficiency. At ESC, Philips will also highlight its Advanced Visualization Workspace, which integrates AI-enabled algorithms and workflows into a single workspace. The integration of Cardiac MR and CT on Philips Advanced Visualization Workspace has lowered overall analysis time by 20-30% [1].

Philips monitors 1.2 million patients every year, with 4 billion heartbeat data transmissions daily [2]. Philips cardiology management solutions include remote cardiac monitoring innovations from Philips ECG Solutions, a leading AI-powered remote ambulatory cardiac monitoring provider, to better manage heart patients by extending physicians diagnostics and cardiac monitoring from home to hospital  and hospital to home.

Visit Philips at ESC (Hall 1, booth #A300) for more information on Philips entire program at the event, including a satellite symposium featuring global clinical leaders addressing some of the major challenges in peri-interventional and diagnostic echocardiography and a wide range of hands-on tutorial sessions. Follow @PhilipsLiveFrom for #ESCCongress updates throughout the event.

[1] Dr. Gaby Weissman, MD MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., USA[2] Data on file

For further information, please contact:

Mark GrovesPhilips Global Press OfficeTel.: +31 631 639 916E-Mail: [email protected]

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being through meaningful innovation. Philips patient- and people-centric innovation leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver personal health solutions for consumers and professional health solutions for healthcare providers and their patients in the hospital and the home. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, ultrasound, image-guided therapy, monitoring and enterprise informatics, as well as in personal health. Philips generated 2022 sales of EUR 17.8 billion and employs approximately 71,500 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Attachments

Source: Royal Philips
CALGARY, Alberta, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Prairie Provident Resources Inc. (TSX: PPR) (Prairie Provident or the Company) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Dale Miller to its Board of Directors (the Board), voting results from its annual shareholders' meeting held yesterday, and an update on its pending interim filings.

Board Appointment

Mr. Miller has been appointed as an additional director of the Company, joining the other Board members re-elected at yesterday's shareholders' meeting.

We are delighted to have Dale join the Board and look forward to his contributions to the continuing transformation of the Company. Mr. Miller brings extensive experience serving as senior executive and member of corporate boards in the oil and gas exploration and production industry, said Board Chairman Patrick McDonald.

Mr. Miller is a professional engineer with 40 years of experience in the Oil and Gas industry. He is currently President of Dark Horse Energy Consultants Ltd., and serves on the Board of Directors of Yangarra Resources Ltd. Prior thereto, Mr. Miller was President & COO of Long Run Exploration Ltd. Mr. Miller has an extensive senior management resume with exploration and production companies. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree, Petroleum Engineering, from the University of Tulsa, and is a member of APEGA.

Shareholders' Meeting Results

Mr. Miller's appointment to the Board is supplemental to the election of directors at yesterday's annual meeting of Prairie Provident shareholders, at which each of Patrick McDonald, Glenn Hamilton, Ajay Sabherwal, Matthew Shyba and Kathy Turgeon were re-elected for the ensuing year. Each Board member's term of office runs until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Following are details as to the number of votes cast 'for' the election of each director nominated at the meeting, and the percentage that figure represented of the total shares voted or withheld from voting in respect of that nominee.

Director Number of votes FOR election % of total votes FOR or WITHHELD Patrick McDonald 555,568,207 97.59% Glenn Hamilton 569,040,062 99.96% Ajay Sabherwal 554,479,458 97.40% Matthew Shyba 569,039,030 99.96% Kathy Turgeon 569,013,407 99.95%

Mr. Miller, Mr. Hamilton and Ms. Turgeon were nominated by PCEP Canadian Holdco LLC (PCEP), which currently holds approximately 75.6% of the Company's outstanding common shares following completion in May 2023 of previously-announced recapitalization transactions that included the issue of common shares in settlement of US$53.4 million of subordinated note indebtedness and concurrent exercise of warrants previously held by PCEP. PCEP has the right to nominate three directors pursuant to an Investor Rights Agreement entered into with Prairie Provident in connection with the closing of those transactions.

Shareholders also passed an ordinary resolution at the meeting appointing Ernst & Young LLP as the auditor of the Company for the ensuing year, to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of shareholders.

Interim Filings for period ended June 30, 2023

Further to its announcement on August 14, 2023 of a delay in the filing of its interim financial report and related management's discussion and analysis and certifications for the period ended June 30, 2023 past the prescribed deadline, the Company continues to work diligently to complete the filings and related interim review by its auditor. The Company had previously anticipated completion by not later than August 22, 2023, and now anticipates that outside date to be August 28, 2023.

Also further to the prior announcement, the Executive Director of the Alberta Securities Commission did accept Prairie Provident's request that a 'management cease trade order' (MCTO) be issued in respect of the filing default pursuant to National Policy 12-203 of the Canadian Securities Administrators. The MCTO bars any trading in the securities of the Company by its interim chief executive officer and senior financial officer until two full business days after the outstanding filings are completed, but does not affect trading by other holders. All directors, officers and insiders of Prairie Provident continue to be subject to the quarterly 'blackout' on trading under the Company's corporate disclosure and trading policy, which will also remain in effect until after the outstanding filings are completed.

ABOUT PRAIRIE PROVIDENT:

Prairie Provident is a Calgary-based company engaged in the exploration, development and production of its low decline, long life oil reserves in Alberta. The Company is currently producing oil and gas in western Canada with significant growth opportunities from a deep inventory of low-risk horizontal drilling locations and waterflood potential.

For further information, please contact:

Prairie Provident Resources Inc.Patrick R. McDonaldChairman and Interim Chief Executive OfficerTel: (403) 292-8150Email: [email protected]

Source: Prairie Provident Resources Inc.
MONTREAL, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premier Health of America Inc. (TSXV: PHA) (the Corporation), a leading Canadian Healthtech company, announces it has filed its Unaudited Quarterly Consolidated Financial Statements and MD&A for its third quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Third Quarter 2023 Highlights (in Canadian dollars) June 30, 2023(3 months) June 30, 2022(3 months) June 30, 2023(9 months) June 30, 2022(9 months) Revenues 23,614,057 22,420,149 66,984,402 58,419,737 Gross margin 6,463,737 5,476,682 17,308,196 14,232,530 Gross margin as a % of revenues 27.4% 24.4% 25.8% 24.4% Adjusted EBITDA (1) 2,714,832 1,585,647 6,154,047 3,538,095 Net Income (Loss) 544,236 397,167 228,643 (74,193

(1) See the Corporations MD&A for details on this non-Gaap measure.

Summary  third quarter

The Corporation had revenues of $23.6M for the third quarter ($22.4M for the same period in 2022).

Gross margin for the quarter was 27.4%, slightly above our long-term target of 25%.

Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $2.7M ($1.6M for the same period in 2022).

Higher revenue and Adjusted EBITDA are the result of the termination of COVID-19 emergency measures set last year by the Quebec Ministry of Health.

Net Income for the quarter was $0.5M ($0.4M for the same period in 2022).

We are pleased to show improved results driven by a return to normal of our gross margins. CHCA continues to deliver results in-line with the expectations we had when we purchased it last year, and we are looking forward to closing our recently announced transaction in British Columbia. The addition of Solutions Staffing Inc. to our portfolio will further improve our diversification as we reach our goal of having a coast-to-coast footprint. Our eyes remain open to consolidate more assets in Ontario and the rest of Canada, said Martin Legault, CEO of Premier Health. Well continue to rigorously manage our existing assets, as we monitor the evolving Quebec market.

Business Highlights

The Corporation provided 217,100 hours of service during the quarter.

The special measures imposed by the Ministry of Health last year were lifted as of January 1st, 2023. As a reminder, these measures were adopted in response to the pandemic. They imposed pricing below existing contracts awarded through a competitive public procurement process.

The Corporations four subsidiaries were awarded contracts under Quebec RFP 2023-8017. The contracts became effective respectively on June 1st for remote regions and June 19th for metropolitan areas.

Acquisition of Solutions Staffing (British Columbia, Canada), announced on July 4th, 2023. Closing is expected before the end of the current financial year.

Continued development of our LiPHe platform to further improve automation of our business processes. Deployment is in process at some of our subsidiaries.

Province of Quebec

We expected a gradual return to normality in 2023. However, the National Assembly of Quebec sanctioned Bill 10 on April 20th, 2023. Bill 10 mainly states that the Ministry of Health can decide where, when and for how long institutions can use independent labour. Such decisions need to be enacted through the issuance of specific directives. On July 26th,2023, a draft of the directives was issued. The directives call for certain target dates by which specific regions should stop using independent labor, restrictions on who can be placed, rules on pricing and other reimbursable costs, obligations of placement agencies, and what constitutes a violation exposing an agency to financial sanctions. The directives specifically state that the recent contract awards, RFP 2023-8017, are exempted from the new rules. Also, most northern regions are out of scope, meaning that Premier Soin Nordik and Solution Nursing PHA are mostly unaffected. On August 16th, 2023, the Quebec Minister of Health declared that he had received comments on the draft directives and set the date of October 3rd, 2023, as the target for publishing the final set of directives. Answering questions form the Association of Health and Social Services Establishments Managers (AGESSS), the minister also stated that dates included in the directives could be reevaluated in the future, if necessary to implement a smooth transition.

PHA will endeavour to work within the proposed framework, as it expects many smaller competitors to fail complying to these new rules. We believe that our services offer flexibility to both professionals and institutions, and as such, play a vital role in providing quality healthcare to the population. According to the Quebec Ministry of Health, the province is spending $1.32 billion annually on healthcare independent labor provided by placement agencies.

Canadian Health Care Agency

The Ontario agency was acquired in April of 2022 and contributed to the companys results for the full first nine months of 2023. For the period CHCA contributed around 27% of the consolidated revenues. The integration of CHCA is going as planned with a solid and well-established management team. CHCA is an important service provider to the Federal Government and is also providing services to provincial entities namely in Manitoba and British Columbia.

Solutions Staffing Inc

On July 4th, 2023, PHA announced the signature of a binding share purchase agreement aiming to buy 100% of the shares of Solutions Staffing Inc (SSI), a British Columbia healthcare placement agency. The transaction is proceeding as expected. The closing is subject to customary conditions, the performance of which is ongoing, and is expected to close before the end of PHAs fiscal year. This acquisition is a major milestone in terms of geographical diversification of PHA. It also expands our base in the travel nurse segment, which, because of longer term assignments, is simpler to manage. Based on its 2022 fiscal year, SSI had revenues of $74.0M and an EBITDA of $6.7M. On a proforma basis, PHAs revenue base outside Quebec will represent 60% of total revenues.

Issuance of Deferred Shared Units (DSU)

On August 28th, 2023, 462,500 DSUs will be issued to PHAs administrators as compensation for services performed in 2023. The price of each unit was set to $0.80/unit on the award date which was March 23rd, 2023. However, the units could not be issued until now because of restrictions linked to blackout periods. This issuance is made from the normal administrators remuneration plan.

About Premier Health

Premier Health is a leading Canadian Healthtech company that provides a comprehensive range of outsourced services solutions for healthcare needs to governments, corporations, and individuals. Premier Health uses its proprietary LiPHe platform to lead the healthcare services sector digital transformation to provide patients with faster, cheaper, and more accessible care services.

Non-GAAP Measures

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), is calculated as the net profit (loss), before non-recurring items excluding acquisition and transaction costs, non-cash expenses (including loss from disposal of assets, impairments, amortization, and depreciation), interest expense, net of interest income and income tax expense. More detail can be found in PHAs Management Discussion and Analysis.

For Further Information Please Contact:

Mr. Guy DaoustChief Financial OfficerPremier Health of America Inc.[email protected] / 1 800 231 9916

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.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION:

This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. Statements about events taking place in the future, the achievement of acquisitions or growth objectives, the effects of regulatory changes, amongst others, are forward-looking information. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. The Corporation assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. These factors and others are more fully discussed in the filings of the Corporation with Canadian securities regulatory authorities available at www.sedar.com.

Source: Premier Health of America Inc.
Limited supply of Atlantic salmon, coupled with robust demand, led to another quarter with high salmon prices, and in turn strong quarterly results.

Operational EBIT for the group was NOK 1,745 million in Q2 2023. Total harvest was 44,300 tonnes. Operational EBIT per kg was NOK 39.4. Operational EBIT for Norway alone was NOK 1,790 million and operational EBIT per kg was NOK 40.5.

The Fish Farming Central Norway segment continued its solid operational performance, partly offset by cost levels being impacted by one-off costs. Fish Farming Northern Norway reported strong quarterly results with lower cost level.

Sales and Industry continued its solid operational performance, demonstrated by its efficient management of harvesting and processing facilities and good disposal of volume to the market. The contract share was 25 per cent, with negative contribution.

As anticipated, Icelandic Salmon harvested limited volume during the second quarter 2023 in order to optimize biological performance.

SalMar Aker Oceans Ocean Farm 1 started its third production cycle early May 2023 and expect harvest early 2024, according to plan.

For Scottish Sea Farms, the results were weak, affected by biological challenges.

SalMar keeps its volume guiding for 2023 in Norway and Iceland unchanged. The volume guidance for 2023 for Scottish Sea Farms is reduced to 27,000 tonnes.

Resource rent tax in Norway has been included with a material implementation effect.

In the first half of 2023, following successful transactions and ongoing integration of NTS, NRS and SalmoNor, SalMar has taken significant steps to further fortify its position as a leading producer of sustainable salmon.

Arctic Offshore Farming started production July and with Ocean Farm 1 two offshore facilities are in operation.

SalMar is also increasing its smolt capacity with first batch of roe being installed at the new smolt facility, Tjuin, during the summer.

In August, Goldman Sachs Asset Management completed the acquisition of 72.11 per cent of the shares in Fry ASA from NTS, SalMars wholly owned subsidiary, for NOK 4.8 billion in cash consideration.

Also in August, SalMar further strengthened its balance sheet and financial flexibility by entering unsecured credit facilities agreement, totalling NOK 16 billion.

Board of SalMar propose to cancel 13.1 million treasury shares. Notice to extraordinary general meeting will be sent at a later point of time.

Comments

As one of the worlds leading producers of Atlantic Salmon, it is no coincident that SalMar presents its report for the second quarter and first half of 2023 at Aqua Nor, the international aquaculture conference in Trondheim, Norway, today.

We are reporting strong performance, largely in with our expectations, and good progress in our ongoing efforts to integrate business from NRS, NTS and SalmoNor. We have recently signed a refinancing agreement at competitive terms and strengthened our balance sheet through the sale of shares in Fry, thereby creating an even stronger foundation for further growth, said Frode Arntsen, CEO of SalMar.

Over the past few years, the company has made significant investments along its entire value chain. SalMar operates innovative RAS smolt facilities, coastal farming units, offshore units and has several state-of-the-art plants onshore for harvesting and processing of salmon.

We clearly state our ambition to continue to grow sustainably and create value for society and for our shareholders. How soon and how much depends to a large degree on the effects of the resource rent tax which has been introduced in Norway. According to our preliminary calculations, the implementation effect alone amounts to NOK 2,3 billion, Mr. Arntsen said.

SalMar strongly opposes the resource rent tax model and level, and believes the arguments outlined in the companys consultation response in January 2023 still holds. The company will continue to argue for a review of the tax system and tax level for Norwegian aquaculture through close and fact-based dialogue with authorities and decision-makers. SalMar is open to legal steps in due course.

Outlook

SalMar keeps volume guidance for 2023 unchanged at 243,000 tonnes in Norway and 16,000 tonnes in Iceland. For Scottish Sea Farms the volume guidance is reduced to 27,000 tonnes.

In Norway, SalMar expects significantly higher volume and similar cost level in the third quarter 2023 compared to the second quarter 2023. And also higher volume in Iceland.

For the third quarter 2023, the contract rate in Norway is expected to be around 15 per cent. For the full year of 2023, it is expected to be 16 per cent.

The complete report and presentation for the second quarter and first half of 2023 is attached.

SalMar's CEO Frode Arntsen and CFO Ulrik Steinvik will present the company's results at Aqua Nor today at 9am CEST, in the Mendelsohn conference room in Trondheim Spektrum. The presentation will also be available on webcast on www.salmar.no .

Capital Markets Day 2023

SalMar will provide more insight into the group's strategic plans at the capital market day 2023. The event takes place on 6-7 September in Troms and Senja. Visit our website for more information: https://www.salmar.no/investor/capital-markets-day/

For further information, please contact:

Frode Arntsen, CEO

Tel: +47 482 06 665

Email: [email protected]

Ulrik Steinvik, CFO

Tel: +47 900 84 538

Email: [email protected]

Hakon Husby, Head of Investor Relations

Tlf: +47 936 30 449

Email: [email protected]

About SalMar

SalMar is one of the world's largest and most efficient producers of salmon. The Group has farming operations in Central Norway, Northern Norway and Iceland, as well as substantial harvesting and secondary processing operations. In addition, the company is operating within offshore aquaculture through the company SalMar Aker Ocean and SalMar owns 50% of the shares in Scottish Sea Farms Ltd.

See www.salmar.no for more information about the company.

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements stipulated in section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Attachments
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Patients seeking a top doc in the South Jersey area have a new resource in South Jersey Magazines Top Physicians 2023 issue, which on Aug. 24 published its annual listings highlighting the physicians that have made an impact on the lives of people in our area. South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center is both excited and proud to announce that board-certified New Jersey dermatologist Dr. Robin Levin is named in the publication.

I consider it a privilege to help patients from the South Jersey area and elsewhere with their skin care needs every day, Dr. Levin said. I want to especially thank the team at South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center, South Jersey Magazine for making this happen, andof coursethe women and men who trust me for their cosmetic and medical skin care and who feel so strongly about the quality of our services and results that they gave me their literal vote of confidence.

Dr. Levin shares this honor with the entire teamand especially her professional staff members, Dana Welsh-Willerton, PA-C; Michelle Smalley, PA-C; Alyssa Angradi, PA-C; Tara Avallone, LME; and Kaylynn Marshall, LME.

Dr. Levin has been practicing since 2000, specializing in the breadth of dermatology services: medical, surgical, and cosmetic. She practiced general dermatology at a private practice in New Jersey starting in 2002, then began her own practice in 2005. Dr. Levin moved that practiceSouth Jersey Skin Care & Laser Centerto its current location in Mount Laurel in 2013.

South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center has since grown in terms of staff and services, now providing an extensive menu of injectables, laser and light treatments, cosmetic skincare options, and morein addition to diagnosis and treatment for skin cancer, acne, and other skin conditions, as well as management of chronic symptoms caused by rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis.

The 2023 top doc recognition by South Jersey Magazine is only the most recent such honor, as Dr. Levin has frequently been named in this category by the publication over the years. Look for the issue online at southjerseymagazine.com and in print at local news dealers, national bookstore chains, and other shops across nine South Jersey counties.

For more information about Dr. Robin Levin and South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center, call (856) 810-9888 or send a message online.

Source: South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Standard Uranium Ltd. (Standard Uranium, Standard or the Company) (TSX-V: STND) (OTCQB: STTDF) (Frankfurt: FWB: 9SU) is pleased to announce the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, Standard Uranium (Saskatchewan) Ltd., has entered into a mineral property purchase and sale agreement (the Purchase Agreement), dated effective August 24, 2023, with Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. (Eagle Plains), pursuant to which the Company will acquire eight additional mineral claims totalling 4,278 hectares contiguous with the recently staked Corvo Project, in the Eastern Athabasca Basin region (the Acquisition). Upon completion of the Acquisition, the Corvo Project will comprise 7,989 hectares within ten claims and contain 14.5 km of prospective exploration corridors across two trends. Standard Uranium continues to implement their project generator growth strategy, further adding to the already considerable land package in the Athabasca basin through expansion and acquisition opportunities.

Summary of Purchase Agreement

Pursuant the terms of the Definitive Agreement, the aggregate purchase price payable by Standard Uranium to the Eagle Plains consists of (a) 1,250,000 common shares of the Company, (the Consideration Shares) and (b) the granting of a net smelter returns royalty of 2.5% (the NSR Royalty) to Eagle Plains on all Corvo claims effective as of the commencement of commercial production. The NSR Royalty is subject to a buydown right in favour of Standard Uranium pursuant to which Standard Uranium may purchase 1% of the NSR Royalty in exchange for payment of $1,000,000, thereby reducing the NSR Royalty to 1.5%. The Consideration Shares will be subject to a four month hold period as prescribed by applicable securities laws.

Completing this deal with Eagle Plains will add significant value to the Corvo Project, delivering more than 5 kilometres of additional prospective exploration corridors in addition to several more historical uranium showings, said Sean Hillacre, President and VP Exploration for the Company. The fact that the project is road-accessible year-round compliments the strong geoscience attributes of the project, drawing on the analogy of the near-by Gemini Mineralized Zone. With this addition to the claims staked by our team, Corvo is now a highly optionable project with size and strong geological characteristics prospective for uranium mineralization.

With the expansion of the Corvo Project, the Company will have ownership interests in seven projects, totalling over 187,542 acres across the uranium-rich Athabasca Basin. Standard Uranium continues to expand its set of high-potential assets across the Athabasca Basin to drive value and minimize dilution to shareholders through focused exploration and transactional success. The Company is seeking strategic partners to advance all projects through earn-in agreements that provide upside to shareholders through ongoing exploration and future discovery.

Tim Termuende, President and CEO of Eagle Plains commented, We are pleased to have concluded a mutually beneficial deal with Standard on their Corvo Project. Standard brings to the table a solid management team while Eagle Plains will maintain significant upside exposure to the project through its sizeable shareholdings in Standard and the retention of an NSR.

Figure 1. Overview map of Standard Uraniums Corvo Project. The newly expanded Corvo Project is located 45 km northeast of the 92Energys Gemini Mineralized Zone (GMZ) and 60 km due east of Camecos McArthur River mine.

Key Focus Points:

Expansion of the Corvo Project will add an additional 4,278 hectares and 5 kilometres of two strong NE-SW magnetic low trends coincident with EM conductors and cross-cutting faults. Parallel magnetic low trends to the north and south are also added.

Uranium mineralization is present along a strike length of 800 metres in drill holes TL-79-3 ( 0.57% U 3 O 8 over 3.5 m ) to TL-79-5 ( 0.65% U 3 O 8 over 0.1 m ) within the new east-central claim.

is present along a strike length of 800 metres in drill holes TL-79-3 ( ) to TL-79-5 ( ) within the new east-central claim. Historical surveys highlight geochemical anomalies along conductive trends and lithologic contacts observed in outcrop. The expanded claims add multiple new data points of uranium anomalism to the project, including surface sample JBWLR011, returning 1,420 ppm U .

. Elevated radioactivity measured in boulders, outcrop, and drilled rock coupled with the geochemical anomalies present on the Corvo project indicate high potential for discovery of additional uranium mineralization.

The Corvo Project is situated 1.5 kilometres outside the current margin of the Athabasca Basin, approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Rabbit Lake mill facilities and 45 kilometres northeast of the Gemini Mineralized Zone (Figure 1).

The expanded Corvo Project will cover approximately 14.5 kilometres of two northeast trending magnetic low/electromagnetic (EM) conductor corridors (Figure 2). The new claims acquired contain numerous historical samples and drill holes, providing an abundance of supplementary data to the project compilation (Figure 2). Additional uranium anomalies in both surface samples and drill holes will bolster the exploration strategy on the project and provide the basis for advancing Corvo to discovery. Data compilation by the Company is currently underway to identify target areas for high-grade1 uranium mineralization within metasedimentary and orthogneissic basement rocks (Figure 3). The Project will benefit from additional surface sampling and geophysical surveys to aid in drill target vectoring.

Figure 2. Plan map showing the magnetic low/EM conductor trends on the Corvo project highlighting historical samples and drill holes with anomalous uranium and/or radioactivity, with first vertical derivative magnetics in the background. Several additional uranium occurrences have been added to the project through the expansion.

Figure 3. Plan map showing regional bedrock geology of the expanded Corvo project area and highlighting EM conductors coincident with geochemical anomalies and cross-cutting faults.

The Company believes the Corvo Project is highly prospective for the discovery of shallow, high-grade basement-hosted uranium mineralization akin to that recently discovered at the Gemini Mineralized Zone. The expansion of the Corvo Project is part of the Companys strategy to increase its landholdings in the infrastructure-rich eastern Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan, Canada, providing strong opportunities for earn-in transactions. The project is extremely well positioned logistically, being road accessible via Highway 905 and proximal to other key infrastructure such as the Rabbit Lake Mill.

Completion of the Acquisition remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company and Eagle Plains are at arms-length, and no finders fees or commissions are payable by the Company in connection with the Acquisition. Upon issuance, the Consideration Shares will be subject to a four month hold period as prescribed by applicable securities laws.

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the technical information contained in this news release, has been reviewed, verified, and approved by Sean Hillacre, P.Geo., President & VP Exploration of the Company and a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101.

About Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.

Based in Cranbrook, B.C., Eagle Plains is a well-funded, prolific project generator that continues to conduct research, acquire and explore mineral projects throughout western Canada. The Company was formed in 1992 and is the ninth-oldest listed issuer on the TSX-V (and one of only three that has not seen a roll-back or restructuring of its shares). Eagle Plains has continued to deliver shareholder value over the years and through numerous spin outs has transferred over $100,000,000 in value directly to its shareholders, with Copper Canyon Resources and Taiga Gold Corp. being notable examples. Eagle Plains latest spinout, Eagle Royalties Ltd. (CSE:ER) was listed on May 24, 2023, and holds a diverse portfolio of royalty assets throughout western Canada.

Eagle Plains core business is acquiring grassroots critical- and precious-metal exploration properties. The Company is committed to steadily enhancing shareholder value by advancing our diverse portfolio of projects toward discovery through collaborative partnerships and development of a highly experienced technical team.

Expenditures from 2011-2022 on Eagle Plains-related projects exceed $30M, the majority of which was funded by third-party partners. This exploration work resulted in approximately 45,000m of diamond-drilling and extensive ground-based exploration work facilitating the advancement of numerous projects at various stages of development.

Throughout the exploration process, our mission is to help maintain prosperous communities by exploring for and discovering resource opportunities while building lasting relationships through honest and respectful business practices.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Tim J. TermuendePresident and CEO

For further information on EPL, please contact Mike Labach at 1 866 HUNT ORE (486 8673)Email: [email protected] or visit our website at https://www.eagleplains.com

About Standard Uranium (TSX-V: STND)

We find the fuel to power a clean energy future.

Standard Uranium is a uranium exploration company and emerging project generator poised for discovery in the worlds richest uranium district. The Company holds interest in over 187,542 acres (75,895 hectares) in the world-class Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan, Canada. Since its establishment, Standard Uranium has focused on the identification, acquisition, and exploration of Athabasca-style uranium targets with a view to discovery and future development.

Standard Uraniums Atlantic, Canary, Ascent, Corvo, and Rocas Projects, in the eastern Athabasca Basin, comprise twenty-three mineral claims over 25,242 hectares. The eastern basin projects are highly prospective for unconformity related and/or basement hosted uranium deposits based on historical uranium occurrences, recently identified geophysical anomalies, and location along trend from several high-grade uranium discoveries.

Standard Uranium's Sun Dog project, in the northwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, is comprised of nine mineral claims over 19,603 hectares. The Sun Dog project is highly prospective for basement and unconformity hosted uranium deposits yet remains largely untested by sufficient drilling despite its location proximal to uranium discoveries in the area.

Standard Uraniums Davidson River Project, in the southwest part of the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, comprises ten mineral claims over 30,737 hectares. Davidson River is highly prospective for basement-hosted uranium deposits due to its location along trend from recent high-grade uranium discoveries. However, owing to the large project size with multiple targets, it remains broadly under-tested by drilling. Recent intersections of wide, structurally deformed and strongly altered shear zones provide significant confidence in the exploration model and future success is expected.

For further information contact:

Jon Bey, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman

1030 West Georgia Street, Suite 907

Vancouver, BC V6E 2Y3

Tel: 1 (306) 850-6699E-mail: [email protected]

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information (collectively, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Acquisition, and the Company's business and plans, including with respect to completing the Acquisition, carrying out exploration activities in respect of its Corvo Project, prospective uranium mineralization, the Company seeking additional partners to advance all its projects, geological interpretations; timing of the Companys exploration programs; and estimates of market conditions.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements contained herein. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are highlighted in the Risks and Uncertainties in the Companys management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2022, dated August 26, 2022, and also include the risks that the Acquisition does not complete as contemplated, or at all; that the Company does not complete any further acquisitions; that the Company does not carry out exploration activities in respect of its mineral project as planned (or at all); and that the Company may not be able to carry out its business plans as expected.

Forward-looking statements are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that may cause the Companys actual financial results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied herein. Some of the material factors or assumptions used to develop forward-looking statements include, without limitation: the future price of uranium; anticipated costs and the Companys ability to raise additional capital if and when necessary; volatility in the market price of the Companys securities; future sales of the Companys securities; the Companys ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the success of exploration, development and operations activities; the timing and results of drilling programs; the discovery of mineral resources on the Companys mineral properties; the costs of operating and exploration expenditures; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); uncertainties related to title to mineral properties; assessments by taxation authorities; fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Any forward-looking statements and the assumptions made with respect thereto are made as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/24ffcb3a-018a-4848-8023-a2e2d9b6dab0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3ac3bf1-0055-435f-9c81-ecf779156c82

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc7178aa-5c56-4d0d-b6db-b0b761f8303f

______________________________________1 The Company considers uranium mineralization with concentrations greater than 1.0 wt.% U3O8 to be high-grade.

Figure 1. Overview map of Standard Uraniums Corvo Project. The newly expanded Corvo Project is located 45 km northeast of the 92Energys Gemini Mineralized Zone (GMZ) and 60 km due east of Camecos McArthur River mine. Figure 2. Plan map showing the magnetic low/EM conductor trends on the Corvo project highlighting historical samples and drill holes with anomalous uranium and/or radioactivity, with first vertical derivative magnetics in the background. Several additional uranium occurrences have been added to the project through the expansion. Figure 3. Plan map showing regional bedrock geology of the expanded Corvo project area and highlighting EM conductors coincident with geochemical anomalies and cross-cutting faults.

Source: Standard Uranium Ltd.
Donates use of Denver facility for state-wide driver modernization training

HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysco Corporation (NYSE: SYY), the leading global foodservice distribution company, announced it has been awarded a contract by the state of Colorado for its Sysco Denver location to become a full-service test site for any individual seeking a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Sysco Denver joins Sysco Baltimore as the second Sysco location to achieve this designation.



This contract allows Sysco Denver to offer end-to-end training and testing for any individual that seeks to earn their CDL, said Daniel Purefoy, Chief Supply Chain Operations Officer. Importantly, for CDL candidates joining Sysco as a new delivery partner, we can now train and test in a seamless process that helps ensure our new drivers get on the job faster.

Earlier this month, Sysco Denver tested its first cohort of students and achieved a 100% pass rate. Following licensure, they will begin their Sysco career as Delivery Partner Trainees at their home site.

Sysco previously had the ability to provide CDL training for its new drivers as part of its in-house Operations Academy, but had to rely on external parties, such as the state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMV), for final testing before licensing.

In addition, as part of federal efforts to modernize driver training, Sysco Denver partnered with Colorado officials to host approximately 250 third-party examiners from companies and organizations across the state. These individuals were trained in May and June at the Sysco facilities before new modernization guidelines took effect this month.

This is a great example of how Sysco is leading the way in the industry and creating programs that are applicable across the country, added Purefoy. We already have the tools and resources so why not help? We are proud to be part of this effort.

About Sysco

Sysco is the global leader in selling, marketing and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments and other customers who prepare meals away from home. Its family of products also includes equipment and supplies for the foodservice and hospitality industries. With more than 72,000 colleagues, the company operates 334 distribution facilities worldwide and serves approximately 725,000 customer locations. For fiscal year 2023 that ended July 1, 2023, the company generated sales of more than $76 billion. Information about our Sustainability program, including Syscos 2022 Sustainability Report and 2022 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Report, can be found at www.sysco.com .

For more information, visit www.sysco.com or connect with Sysco on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SyscoFoods . For important news and information regarding Sysco, visit the Investor Relations section of the companys Internet home page at investors.sysco.com , which Sysco plans to use as a primary channel for publishing key information to its investors, some of which may contain material and previously non-public information. In addition, investors should continue to review our news releases and filings with the SEC. It is possible that the information we disclose through any of these channels of distribution could be deemed to be material information.

For more information contact:
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Azerbaijan and the United States discussed prospects for the development of bilateral energy cooperation, Trend reports.

According to the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov met with U.S. Charge d'Affaires in Azerbaijan Hugo Guevara.

Prospects for the development of bilateral energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States and issues on the global energy agenda were discussed at the meeting.

In addition, the sides exchanged views on energy security projects implemented by Azerbaijan, including the development of the Caspian-Europe green energy corridor.

Moreover, they discussed measures taken by Azerbaijan towards the energy transition, efforts to achieve global climate goals, cooperation in the field of green energy technologies, and the exchange of experience.

In general, Azerbaijan exported over 15.5 million tons of oil and petroleum products, 5.33 percent less than during the same period the previous year (16.4 million tons) from January through July 2023. Oil exports were above $9.4 billion, which is $2.9 billion (23.82 percent) less than the period from January to July 2022.
With the return to pre-pandemic grading standards resulting in around 300,000 fewer top GCSE grades this year, Tutors International stands ready to assist ultra-high-net-worth families who may be facing unexpected disappointments. Their tailored, intensive home tuition programme offers a unique opportunity to rectify setbacks, acknowledging the serious consequences of underachievement and highlighting the importance of early preparation for success.

Oxford, UK  24 August 2023  This year's GCSE results in England have seen a significant shift, with Ofqual, the exam regulator, announcing a return to 2019 grading standards. This decision means a decrease in top grades, with around 300,000 fewer students achieving them than last year. For ultra-high-net-worth families who may find these results troubling, Tutors International offers an exclusive and focused solution to address this challenge.



The consequences of disappointing GCSE results, particularly in light of this years grading changes, can be immediate and long-term. Short-term impacts may include withdrawal of college offers and a hit to self-confidence, while the long-term effects could affect career opportunities. Tutors International's tailored home tuition programme is designed to turn these initial setbacks into academic successes.

Adam Caller, CEO of Tutors International, said, With the return to pre-pandemic grading, we understand the unique pressures our ultra-high-net-worth clients may be facing. Our bespoke home tuition targets academic recovery and strives for exceptional achievement."

Preparation for Next Year's GCSE Students:

Parents concerned about their child's progression towards next year's GCSEs should consider acting now. Tutors International provides a specialised preparatory programme to ensure students are well-positioned to excel.

Caller emphasised, Given this years grading changes, early intervention is vital. We can provide the support needed for success in the coming academic year."

Tutors Internationals home tuition includes:

Bespoke Attention: Tailored lessons focusing on individual needs, particularly in areas requiring improvement.

Holistic Support: A comprehensive approach that includes emotional guidance and academic mentorship.



Rapid Advancement: Personalised guidance that facilitates quick and effective progress.



With the grading standards returning to 2019 levels and the consequential lower GCSE results, Tutors International offers a timely and distinctive solution for ultra-high-net-worth families. They are committed to providing unparalleled support and expertise, from addressing current disappointments to laying the groundwork for future successes.

About Tutors International



Tutors International provides an unparalleled private tutoring service that matches the right private home tutor with the right child for the student to fully reach their personal potential and academic excellence. Delivering an international private tuition service for children of all ages at different points in their educational journeys, Tutors International is founded on a commitment to finding the perfect tutor to realise each student's specific goals and aspirations. Tutors are available for full-time residential positions, after-school assistance, and home-schooling.

Founded in 1999 by Adam Caller, Tutors International is a private company based in Oxford, a city renowned for academic excellence. Our select clientele receives a personally tailored service, with discretion and confidentiality guaranteed.

Contact Details

Web: www.tutors-international.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +44 (0) 1865 435 135

Tutors International

Prama House

267 Banbury Road

Oxford OX2 7HT

England

Attachment
Commencing 5,000 metre phase-one drill program at Grasset Gold, located adjacent to the Fenelon Gold Project.

Testing 11 high-priority gold targets in the Grasset East Flexure area identified from airborne geophysics that have yet to be drill-tested.

The Grasset East Flexure is only one of many grassroots exploration areas with excellent potential to host gold mineralization on Wallbridges 830 km2 land position.

TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wallbridge Mining Company Limited (TSX: WM, OTCQX: WLBMF) (Wallbridge or the Company) today announced that drill testing on 11 new gold exploration targets at its 100%-owned Grasset Gold property (Grasset Gold) has begun.

The discovery of new gold zones on Wallbridges large and highly prospective land package in Northern Abitibi, Quebec is a key objective of the 2023 exploration plan we announced in January. Located only 15 kilometres east of Wallbridges flagship Fenelon Gold Project (Fenelon), Grasset Gold is a prime example of the potential of our land position in the underexplored Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend, said Attila Pentek, Wallbridges Vice President, Exploration.

We are excited to start drilling at the Grasset East Flexure Target, which has been intriguing our geology team since the acquisition of the property from Balmoral Resources in 2020. After completing a high-resolution airborne magnetics survey last year followed by geologic interpretation and targeting, we have selected priority targets for our initial Phase 1 drill program to test this underexplored target area favorable for gold deposition.

Grasset Gold Exploration Program

The Grasset East Flexure target area covers the central portion of a fold-structure identified from airborne magnetic surveys and a strong flexure in the Sunday Lake Deformation Zone, the primary structure controlling gold deposition along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend (Fig. 1).

The Company is planning to complete approximately 5,000 metres of diamond drilling on the 11 targets over this large area of 4.5 km by 3.5 km that has yet to be drilled (Fig. 2).

Such folds and flexures along major structures are favorable sites for fluid circulation and are common host environments for gold deposition in greenstone belts globally, including at Fenelon. The targets outlined in todays release are designed to test key locations throughout the Grasset East Flexure area that were identified based on geologic features and secondary structures interpreted from the magnetic surveys.

Figure 1. Wallbridges Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend land package and 2023 priority exploration target areas.

Figure 2. Grasset Gold Property, 2023 Exploration Drill Program, Plan View

Assay QA/QC and Qualified Persons

Drill core samples from the ongoing drill program on the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend property are cut and bagged either on-site or by contractors and transported to SGS Canada Inc. for analysis. Samples, including standards and blanks for quality assurance and quality control, were prepared and analyzed at the laboratories. Samples are crushed to 90% less than 2mm. A 1kg riffle split is pulverized to 85% passing 75 microns. 50g samples are analyzed by fire assay and AAS or ICP. Samples >10g/t Au are automatically analyzed by fire assay with gravimetric finish or screen metallic analysis. To test for coarse free gold and additional quality assurance and quality control, Wallbridge requests screen metallic analysis for samples containing visible gold. These and future assay results may vary from time to time due to re-analysis for quality assurance and quality control.

The Qualified Person responsible for the technical content of this press release is Christopher Kelly, M.Sc., P.Geo., Senior Geologist of Wallbridge.

About Wallbridge Mining

Wallbridge is focused on creating value through the exploration and sustainable development of gold projects along the Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend while respecting the environment and communities where it operates.

Wallbridges flagship project, Fenelon Gold (Fenelon), is located on the highly prospective Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property in Quebecs Northern Abitibi region. An updated mineral resource estimate completed in January 2023 yielded significantly improved grades and additional ounces at the 100%-owned Fenelon and Martiniere projects, incorporating a combined 3.05 million ounces of indicated gold resources and 2.35 million ounces of inferred gold resources. Fenelon and Martiniere are located within an 830 km2 exploration land package controlled by Wallbridge. In addition, Wallbridge believes that the extensive land package is extremely prospective for the discovery of additional gold deposits.

Wallbridge has reported a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) on its 100%- owned Fenelon gold Project with an estimated average annual gold production of 212,000 ounces over 12.3 years (see Wallbridge press release of June 26, 2023).

Wallbridge also holds a 19.9% interest in the common shares of Archer Exploration Corp. (Archer) as a result of the sale of the Companys portfolio of nickel assets in Ontario and Quebec in November of 2022.

Wallbridge will continue to focus on its core Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend Property while enabling shareholders to participate in the potential economic upside in Archer.

For further information please visit the Companys website at www.wallbridgemining.com or contact:

Wallbridge Mining Company Limited

Marz Kord, P. Eng., M. Sc., MBAPresident & CEOTel: (705) 6829297 ext. 251Email: [email protected]

Victoria Vargas, B.Sc. (Hon.) Economics, MBAInvestor Relations AdvisorEmail: [email protected]

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements or information (collectively, FLI) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. FLI is based on expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations as at the date of this press release.

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are FLI that involve various risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties. Generally, FLI can be identified by the use of statements that include words such as seeks, believes, anticipates, plans, continues, budget, scheduled, estimates, expects, forecasts, intends, projects, predicts, proposes, "potential", targets and variations of such words and phrases, or by statements that certain actions, events or results may, will, could, would, should or might, be taken, occur or be achieved.

FLI herein may include, but is not limited to, statements regarding the results of the PEA, statements regarding the potential future performance of Archer common shares; future drill results; the Companys ability to convert inferred resources into measured and indicated resources; environmental matters; stakeholder engagement and relationships; parameters and methods used to estimate mineral resource estimates (the MRE) at the Fenelon and Martiniere properties (collectively the Deposits); the prospects, if any, of the Deposits; future drilling at the Deposits; and the significance of historic exploration activities and results. FLI is not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events.

FLI is designed to help you understand managements current views of its near- and longer-term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. FLI by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such FLI. Although the FLI contained in this press release is based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders and prospective purchasers of securities of the Company that actual results will be consistent with such FLI, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such FLI. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake, and assumes no obligation, to update or revise any such FLI contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by law. Unless otherwise noted, this press release has been prepared based on information available as of the date of this press release. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the FLI or information contained herein

Assumptions upon which FLI is based, without limitation, include the results of exploration activities, the Companys financial position and general economic conditions; the ability of exploration activities to accurately predict mineralization; the accuracy of geological modelling; the ability of the Company to complete further exploration activities; potential changes in project parameters or economic assessments; the legitimacy of title and property interests; the accuracy of key assumptions, parameters or methods used to estimate the MREs and in the PEA; the ability of the Company to obtain required approvals; geological, mining and exploration technical problems; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; the evolution of the global economic climate; metal prices; foreign exchange rates; environmental expectations; community and nongovernmental actions; any impacts of COVID-19; and, the Companys ability to secure required funding. Risks and uncertainties about Wallbridge's business are more fully discussed in the disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in FLI.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors

Wallbridge prepares its disclosure in accordance with the requirements of securities laws in effect in Canada, which differ from the requirements of U.S. securities laws. Terms relating to mineral resources in this press release are defined in accordance with NI 43-101 under the guidelines set out in CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, adopted by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Council on May 19, 2014, as amended ("CIM Standards"). The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has adopted amendments effective February 25, 2019 (the "SEC Modernization Rules") to its disclosure rules to modernize the mineral property disclosure requirements for issuers whose securities are registered with the SEC under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC will now recognize estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources", which are defined in substantially similar terms to the corresponding CIM Standards. In addition, the SEC has amended its definitions of "proven mineral reserves" and "probable mineral reserves" to be substantially similar to the corresponding CIM Standards.

U.S. investors are cautioned that while the foregoing terms are "substantially similar" to corresponding definitions under the CIM Standards, there are differences in the definitions under the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that Wallbridge Mining may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had Wallbridge Mining prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules. In accordance with Canadian securities laws, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" cannot form the basis of feasibility or other economic studies, except in limited circumstances were permitted under NI 43-101.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dbd76321-50c1-467f-a61a-548f9660d7d9https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/913b93cd-dccc-4bd4-bec7-d8ec636777b4

Figure 1. Wallbridges Detour-Fenelon Gold Trend land package and 2023 priority exploration target areas. Figure 2. Grasset Gold Property, 2023 Exploration Drill Program, Plan View

Source: Wallbridge Mining Company Limited
A recent International Journal of Drug Policy study has found that U.S. states with medical marijuana programs have seen major reductions in health insurance premiums. Compared to states without legal medical marijuana, the study observed that people in states with medical marijuana are paying lower insurance premiums.

Analysis of 10 years worth of National Association of Insurance Commissioners private health insurance data revealed that once a

Read More>>

About CNW420

CNW420 spotlights the latest developments in the rapidly evolving cannabis industry through the release of two informative articles each business day. Our concise, informative content serves as a gateway for investors interested in the legalized cannabis sector and provides updates on how regulatory developments may impact financial markets. Articles are released each business day at 4:20 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Eastern  our tribute to the time synonymous with cannabis culture. If marijuana and the burgeoning industry surrounding it are on your radar, CNW420 is for you! Check back daily to stay up-to-date on the latest milestones in the fast -changing world of cannabis.

To receive instant SMS alerts, text CANNABIS to 21000 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information please visit https://www.CNW420.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the CannabisNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by CNW420, wherever published or re-published: http://CNW.fm/Disclaimer

Do you have questions or are you interested in working with CNW420? Ask our Editor

CannabisNewsWire420

Denver, Colorado

http://www.CNW420.com

303.498.7722 Office

[email protected]

CNW420 is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.
Year Over Year Gross Profit increased from a loss of $ 165,232 to a profit of $ 173,262.

Denver, Colorado--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - CBD of Denver, Inc. (OTC Pink: CBDD), is pleased to announce its financial and business highlights for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Highlights

Revenue increased 155% to $729,453 for Q2 2023 compared to $285,779 in Q1 2023

Gross profit increased to a profit of $173,262 for Q2 2023 compared to a loss of $165,232 in Q2 2022

Net loss was reduced by $440,445 to $9,701 for Q2 2023 compared to a net loss of $449,516 in Q2 2022.

Second Quarter 2023 Business Highlights

The Company successfully launched The Magic Lappen with Libra 9 GmbH.

The Company's retailer network, which began with five EDEKA shops in February 2023, expanded to a loyal customer base of 180 EDEKA stores in Germany and the product is available in AMAZON EU and US.

LIBRA 9 GmbH implemented the product R13 in March 2023 and several public bathtubs have been done since the beginning of this year.

The company has signed an agreement with LUXORA LLC and its operations in Switzerland and Europe distributing Cannabis products and serving Cannabis Clubs owners with a plug & play solution to be compliant with the presented law.

LUXORA LLC is representing a dynamic product portfolio: Happy Buds, Weedo, Mydarling and Hemp Group.

Outlook and Next Steps

Since we received a lot of questions from our investors regarding the relevant businesses and structure of the whole group, we are currently preparing factsheets for all the different companies and brands which will be shared in the coming weeks.

Additionally, we would like to inform that we will hold a group management meeting next week discussing strategy and further development of the products and brands and about the two departments Berliner Innovation and LUXORA.

About CBD of Denver, Inc. (BERLINER INNOVATION)

CBD of Denver, Inc. is focused on acquiring profitable assets at attractive valuations to create value for shareholders. The company's team is dedicated to sourcing high-margin, innovative products that align with its values. The Company is offering a number of innovative consumer products through Libra 9 GmbH, such as the Magic Lappen and the Berlinr13 Anti-Slip solution.

About the Magic Lappen

The Magic Lappen provides maximum shine, streak free drying, and only requires water - no chemicals or detergents. The Magic Lappen is also chemical-free and lint-free; cleaning of all smooth and shining surfaces is robust and durable with a leather-like feel. Its innovative structure enables high absorption of dirt, dust, and grease and can be washed many times at 60. The product is vegan and ecofriendly.

Follow Magic Lappen on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for more information and updates.

Follow The Magic Lappen on Instagram: @themagiclappen

Shop on our website: https://www.the-magic-lappen.com/

Visit the CBDD/ Berliner Innovation: www.berlinerinnovation.de

See our innovative Anti-Slip product: www.berlinr13.de

For questions, please contact us at: [email protected]

About LUXORA LLC

LUXORA LLC is a trailblazing entity in the European cannabis industry, with offices spanning the USA and Europe. Our core expertise revolves around unlocking the potential of the legalized cannabis market, offering Plug & Play solutions tailored to the dynamic needs of this rapidly expanding sector. With a profound understanding of the opportunities and challenges brought forth by legalization, our experienced team is dedicated to pioneering the future of the legal cannabis market in Europe. Our offerings range from consulting and market research to product development and distribution solutions, aimed at simplifying the path to legalization for our esteemed clients.

For inquiries, please contact Investor Relations: [email protected]

For more information, please visit: www.luxora-holding.com

Follow Us: Twitter | Instagram

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178380
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - COELACANTH ENERGY INC. (TSXV: CEI) ("Coelacanth" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its financial and operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. All dollar figures are Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

HIGHLIGHTS

Received regulatory approval to drill and complete up to 14 wells on its 5-19 pad at Two Rivers East. Drilling of the first 5-well pad is expected to commence in Q3 2023.

Drilled second Upper Montney well on its 10-08 pad at Two Rivers West. Wells expected to be completed in Q3 2023.

Entered into an arrangement with NorthRiver Midstream Inc. ("NRM") to secure up to 60 mmcf/d of firm processing service at NRM's McMahon gas processing facility for a period of 10 years. The processing service will commence after the construction of the Two Rivers East facility. As part of the arrangement, NRM has agreed to finance certain related gathering infrastructure to interconnect the Two Rivers East facility to NRM's current gathering system.

Financial and operational results below present the carved-out historic financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Leucrotta's Two Rivers Assets for all prior periods up to and including May 31, 2022, and the results of operations from May 31, 2022 forward include the results of Coelacanth after assuming the Two Rivers Assets upon close of the Arrangement.

FINANCIAL RESULTS Three Months Ended Six Months Ended June 30 June 30 ($000s, except per share amounts) 2023 2022 % Change 2023 2022 % Change Oil and natural gas sales 826 2,334 (65) 1,780 4,022 (56) Cash flow from (used in) operating activities 765 (1,713) (145) (1,277) (2,373) (46) Per share - basic and diluted (1) - (0.01) (100) (-) (0.01) (100) Adjusted funds flow (used) (1) (756) 22 (3,536) (1,310) (451) 190 Per share - basic and diluted (-) - - (-) (-) - Net loss 2,165 8,062 (73) 3,954 9,608 (59) Per share - basic and diluted 0.01 0.03 (67) 0.01 0.03 (67) Capital expenditures (1) 3,642 870 319 8,781 1,167 652 Adjusted working capital (1) 56,500 74,792 (24) Common shares outstanding (000s) Weighted average - basic and diluted 425,447 319,428 33 425,282 304,692 40 End of period - basic 426,389 399,738 7 End of period - fully diluted 469,143 462,478 1

(1) See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section.

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended OPERATING RESULTS (1) June 30 June 30 2023 2022 % Change 2023 2022 % Change Daily production (2) Oil and condensate (bbls/d) 53 70 (24) 49 70 (30) Other NGLs (bbls/d) 14 16 (13) 14 19 (26) Oil and NGLs (bbls/d) 67 86 (22) 63 89 (29) Natural gas (mcf/d) 1,321 1,676 (21) 1,350 1,713 (21) Oil equivalent (boe/d) 287 365 (21) 288 375 (23) Oil and natural gas sales Oil and condensate ($/bbl) 88.89 134.69 (34) 91.61 124.20 (26) Other NGLs ($/bbl) 28.03 58.76 (52) 35.43 51.37 (31) Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 76.11 120.53 (37) 79.21 108.79 (27) Natural gas ($/mcf) 3.03 9.13 (67) 3.58 7.36 (51) Oil equivalent ($/boe) 31.63 70.21 (55) 34.11 59.44 (43) Royalties Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 20.84 37.52 (44) 23.41 34.12 (31) Natural gas ($/mcf) 0.64 2.54 (75) 0.83 1.89 (56) Oil equivalent ($/boe) 7.77 20.48 (62) 9.02 16.71 (46) Operating expenses Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 17.49 13.84 26 17.23 13.37 29 Natural gas ($/mcf) 2.92 2.36 24 2.87 2.24 28 Oil equivalent ($/boe) 17.53 14.09 24 17.23 13.43 28 Net transportation expenses (3) Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 1.85 3.38 (45) 1.65 3.45 (52) Natural gas ($/mcf) 1.39 1.04 34 1.34 0.85 58 Oil equivalent ($/boe) 6.82 5.55 23 6.66 4.69 42 Operating netback (loss) (3) Oil and NGLs ($/bbl) 35.93 65.79 (45) 36.92 57.85 (36) Natural gas ($/mcf) (1.92) 3.19 (160) (1.46) 2.38 (161) Oil equivalent ($/boe) (0.49) 30.09 (102) 1.20 24.61 (95) Depletion and depreciation ($/boe) (18.34) (14.50) 26 (17.14) (14.75) 16 General and administrative expenses ($/boe) (46.77) (31.45) 49 (46.56) (32.29) 44 Share based compensation ($/boe) (33.31) (246.37) (86) (31.21) (129.09) (76) Gain on insurance proceeds ($/boe) - 19.76 (100) - 9.71 (100) Finance expense ($/boe) (4.29) (2.78) 54 (3.73) (2.17) 72 Finance income ($/boe) 25.59 2.69 851 26.40 1.32 1,900 Other income ($/boe) - - - - 0.66 (100) Unutilized transportation ($/boe) (5.35) - 100 (4.76) - 100 Net loss ($/boe) (82.96) (242.56) (66) (75.80) (142.00) (47)

(1) See "Oil and Gas Terms" section.

(2) See "Product Types" section.

(3) See "Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures" section.

Selected financial and operational information outlined in this news release should be read in conjunction with Coelacanth's unaudited condensed interim financial statements and related Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, which are available for review under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca .

COMMON-CONTROL TRANSACTION

On May 31, 2022, the arrangement agreement between Coelacanth, Leucrotta Exploration Inc. ("Leucrotta"), Vermilion Energy Inc. ("Vermilion"), and the shareholders of Leucrotta (the "Arrangement") closed and Vermilion acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Leucrotta in exchange for $1.73 cash for each common share of Leucrotta held.

Pursuant to an asset conveyance agreement between Coelacanth and Leucrotta made as of May 31, 2022, and immediately prior to the closing of the Arrangement, Leucrotta transferred approximately $45.1 million cash, net of transaction costs, and certain oil and natural gas assets primarily located in the Two Rivers area of British Columbia ("Two Rivers Assets") to Coelacanth in exchange for one common share of Coelacanth ("Coelacanth Share"), and 0.1917 of a common share purchase warrant of Coelacanth (one whole warrant being an "Arrangement Warrant") for each common share of Leucrotta outstanding. The Coelacanth Shares and Arrangement Warrants were then transferred to the shareholders of Leucrotta.

Since the shareholders of Coelacanth and Leucrotta were the same both before and after the conveyance of the Two Rivers Assets (at the time Coelacanth was a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leucrotta), this transaction was deemed a common-control transaction. The financial and operational results below present the historic financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the transferred Two Rivers Assets for all prior periods up to and including May 31, 2022 on a carve-out basis as if they had operated as a stand-alone entity subject to Leucrotta's control. The financial position, results of operations and cash flows from March 24, 2022 (the date of incorporation of Coelacanth) to May 31, 2022 include both the Two Rivers Assets and Coelacanth on a combined basis and from May 31, 2022 forward include the results of Coelacanth after assuming the Two Rivers Assets upon close of the Arrangement.

OPERATIONS UPDATE

In Q2 2023, Coelacanth made significant strides in advancing its Two Rivers project. The Two Rivers project spans Coelacanth's 150 contiguous sections of Montney lands and is divided up geographically into two projects - Two Rivers West ("TRW") and Two Rivers East ("TRE").

Although the overall project has been geologically defined and production tested with vertical and horizontal wells, Coelacanth needed to address infrastructure and egress issues along with developing production type curves incorporating enhanced frac design.

During Q2 2023 Coelacanth accomplished the following:

Signed an agreement with NRM securing up to 60 mmcf/d of firm processing capacity,

Received a license to drill up to 14 wells on the 5-19 pad at TRE,

Drilled one additional Upper Montney horizontal well at TRW, and

Updated its enhanced frac design for well completions at both TRW and TRE scheduled for Q3 2023 and Q4 2023.

Since inception in June 2022, Coelacanth has also:

Secured 60 mmcf/d of firm pipeline capacity,

Completed the engineering and design and secured a site to build a battery capable of handling approximately 20,000 boe/d, and

Initiated the process of permitting and securing land access to construct the gathering and sales pipelines to connect the TRE 5-19 pad to the NRM gathering system.

During Q3 2023 and Q4 2023, Coelacanth will:

Complete and test the two previously drilled Montney wells at TRW for estimated on-stream date of October 1, 2023,

Drill 6 additional Montney horizontal wells, including 5 on the 5-19 pad at TRE (drilling commenced in August), and

Complete and test the 5 wells on the 5-19 pad (Q4 2023) that are being drilled in 3 distinct Montney horizons.

With a significant portion of the planning and egress requirements addressed, Coelacanth is moving forward on its plans to drill, complete and test wells at both TRE and TRW using longer laterals and enhanced completion designs. We look forward to updating our stakeholders on our progress as we achieve various milestones.

OIL AND GAS TERMS

The Company uses the following frequently recurring oil and gas industry terms in the news release:

Liquids Bbls Barrels Bbls/d Barrels per day NGLs Natural gas liquids (includes condensate, pentane, butane, propane, and ethane) Condensate Pentane and heavier hydrocarbons Natural Gas Mcf Thousands of cubic feet Mcf/d Thousands of cubic feet per day MMcf/d Millions of cubic feet per day MMbtu Million of British thermal units MMbtu/d Million of British thermal units per day Oil Equivalent Boe Barrels of oil equivalent Boe/d Barrels of oil equivalent per day

Disclosure provided herein in respect of a boe may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil equivalent has been used for the calculation of boe amounts in the news release. This boe conversion rate is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead.

NON-GAAP AND OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

This news release refers to certain measures that are not determined in accordance with IFRS (or "GAAP"). These non-GAAP and other financial measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other entities. The non-GAAP and other financial measures should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful than, financial measures that are determined in accordance with IFRS as indicators of the Company's performance. Management believes that the presentation of these non-GAAP and other financial measures provides useful information to shareholders and investors in understanding and evaluating the Company's ongoing operating performance, and the measures provide increased transparency to better analyze the Company's performance against prior periods on a comparable basis.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Adjusted funds flow (used)

Management uses adjusted funds flow (used) to analyze performance and considers it a key measure as it demonstrates the Company's ability to generate the cash necessary to fund future capital investments and abandonment obligations and to repay debt, if any. Adjusted funds flow (used) is a non-GAAP financial measure and has been defined by the Company as cash flow from (used in) operating activities excluding the change in non-cash working capital related to operating activities, movements in restricted cash deposits and expenditures on decommissioning obligations. Management believes the timing of collection, payment or incurrence of these items involves a high degree of discretion and as such may not be useful for evaluating the Company's cash flows. Adjusted funds flow (used) is reconciled from cash flow from (used in) in operating activities as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Cash flow from (used in) operating activities 765 (1,713) (1,277) (2,373) Add (deduct): Decommissioning expenditures 210 24 752 179 Restricted cash deposits (1,237) 1,628 (784) 1,628 Change in non-cash working capital (494) 83 (1) 115 Adjusted funds flow (used) (non-GAAP) (756) 22 (1,310) (451)

Net transportation expenses

Management considers net transportation expenses an important measure as it demonstrates the cost of utilized transportation related to the Company's production. Net transportation expenses is calculated as transportation expenses less unutilized transportation and is calculated as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Transportation expenses 318 184 596 317 Unutilized transportation (139) - (248) - Net transportation expenses (non-GAAP) 179 184 348 317

Operating netback

Management considers operating netback an important measure as it demonstrates its profitability relative to current commodity prices. Operating netback is calculated as oil and natural gas sales less royalties, operating expenses, and net transportation expenses and is calculated as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Oil and natural gas sales 826 2,334 1,780 4,022 Royalties (203) (681) (471) (1,130) Operating expenses (458) (469) (899) (909) Net transportation expenses (179) (184) (348) (317) Operating netback (loss) (non-GAAP) (14) 1,000 62 1,666

Capital expenditures

Coelacanth utilizes capital expenditures as a measure of capital investment on property, plant, and equipment, exploration and evaluation assets and property acquisitions compared to its annual budgeted capital expenditures. Capital expenditures are calculated as follows:

Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 ($000s) 2023 2022 2023 2022 Capital expenditures property, plant, and equipment 3,022 693 6,559 711 Capital expenditures exploration and evaluation assets 620 177 2,222 456 Capital expenditures (non-GAAP) 3,642 870 8,781 1,167

Capital Management Measures

Adjusted working capital

Management uses adjusted working capital as a measure to assess the Company's financial position. Adjusted working capital is calculated as current assets and restricted cash deposits less current liabilities, excluding the current portion of decommissioning obligations.

($000s) June 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Current assets 51,956 67,938 Less: Current liabilities (2,696) (8,901) Working capital 49,260 59,037 Add: Restricted cash deposits 6,666 7,389 Current portion of decommissioning obligations 574 1,312 Adjusted working capital (Capital management measure) 56,500 67,738

Non-GAAP Financial Ratios

Adjusted Funds Flow (Used) per Share

Adjusted funds flow (used) per share is a non-GAAP financial ratio, calculated using adjusted funds used and the same weighted average basic and diluted shares used in calculating net loss per share.

Net transportation expenses per boe

The Company utilizes net transportation expenses per boe to assess the per unit cost of utilized transportation related to the Company's production. Net transportation expenses per boe is calculated as net transportation expenses divided by total production for the applicable period.

Operating netback per boe

The Company utilizes operating netback per boe to assess the operating performance of its petroleum and natural gas assets on a per unit of production basis. Operating netback per boe is calculated as operating netback divided by total production for the applicable period.

Supplementary Financial Measures

The supplementary financial measures used in this news release (primarily average sales price per product type and certain per boe and per share figures) are either a per unit disclosure of a corresponding GAAP measure, or a component of a corresponding GAAP measure, presented in the financial statements. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a per unit basis are calculated by dividing the aggregate GAAP measure (or component thereof) by the applicable unit for the period. Supplementary financial measures that are disclosed on a component basis of a corresponding GAAP measure are a granular representation of a financial statement line item and are determined in accordance with GAAP.

PRODUCT TYPES

The Company uses the following references to sales volumes in the news release:

Natural gas refers to shale gas

Oil and condensate refers to condensate and tight oil combined

Other NGLs refers to butane, propane and ethane combined

Oil and NGLs refers to tight oil and NGLs combined

Oil equivalent refers to the total oil equivalent of shale gas, tight oil, and NGLs combined, using the conversion rate of six thousand cubic feet of shale gas to one barrel of oil equivalent as described above.

The following is a complete breakdown of sales volumes for applicable periods by specific product types of shale gas, tight oil, and NGLs:

Three Months Ended June 30 Six Months Ended June 30 Sales Volumes by Product Type 2023 2022 2023 2022 Condensate (bbls/d) 6 9 7 10 Other NGLs (bbls/d) 14 16 14 19 NGLs (bbls/d) 20 25 21 29 Tight oil (bbls/d) 47 61 42 60 Condensate (bbls/d) 6 9 7 10 Oil and condensate (bbls/d) 53 70 49 70 Other NGLs (bbls/d) 14 16 14 19 Oil and NGLs (bbls/d) 67 86 63 89 Shale gas (mcf/d) 1,321 1,676 1,350 1,713 Natural gas (mcf/d) 1,321 1,676 1,350 1,713 Oil equivalent (boe/d) 287 365 288 375

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This document contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "expect", "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "believe", "intends", "forecast", "plans", "guidance" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements or information.

More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements and information relating to the Company's oil and condensate, other NGLs, and natural gas production, capital programs, and adjusted working capital. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company, including expectations and assumptions relating to prevailing commodity prices and exchange rates, applicable royalty rates and tax laws, future well production rates, the performance of existing wells, the success of drilling new wells, the availability of capital to undertake planned activities, and the availability and cost of labour and services.

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general such as operational risks in development, exploration and production, delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures, the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production rates, costs, and expenses, commodity price and exchange rate fluctuations, marketing and transportation, environmental risks, competition, the ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources and changes in tax, royalty, and environmental legislation. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this document are made as of the date hereof for the purpose of providing the readers with the Company's expectations for the coming year. The forward-looking statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes. 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.

Coelacanth is an oil and natural gas company, actively engaged in the acquisition, development, exploration, and production of oil and natural gas reserves in northeastern British Columbia, Canada.

Further Information

For additional information, please contact:

Coelacanth Energy Inc.

Suite 2110, 530 - 8th Avenue SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 3S8

Phone: (403) 705-4525

www.coelacanth.ca

Mr. Robert J. Zakresky

President and Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Nolan Chicoine

Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer

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/178275
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Dr. Golberg Wellness Institute, a leader in non-surgical aesthetics, unveils a new skin hyperpigmentation treatment that promises long lasting and natural looking results. Developed by Dr. Alexander Golberg, this cutting-edge technique combines Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF), Exosomes, and Polydioxanone (PDO) threads, to provide a minimally invasive approach to address skin hyperpigmentation.





Dr. Alexander Golberg, owner of the Dr. Golberg Wellness Institute

Dr. Golberg's innovative hyperpigmentation treatment combines repair-enriching molecules such as PRF, exosomes, and PDO threads. PRF, derived from the patient's blood, is abundant in growth factors and regenerative properties. This effectively stimulates collagen synthesis, refines skin texture, and reduces pigmentation irregularities. Paired with exosomes this unique blend amplifies tissue regeneration and minimizes hyperpigmentation while the PDO threads provide mechanical reinforcement triggering further collagen production within the skin's deeper layers. Under the expertise of Dr. Alexander Golberg, the Dr. Golberg Wellness Institute is setting a new standard in this field, treating not only hyperpigmentation but also improving skin firmness and texture, revealing natural and youthful results.





Dr. Alexander Golberg performing the skin hyperpigmentation treatment.

Central to Dr. Golberg's methodology is a personalized and comprehensive consultation process that tailors the hyperpigmentation treatment to individual skin types and concerns. Diverging from traditional aesthetic norms, the Dr. Golberg Wellness Institute centres on achieving impressive results through non-surgical methods. Dr. Alexander Golberg's innovative approach to skin hyperpigmentation ensures minimal invasiveness with reduced medical risks and recovery time. The combination of PRF, exosomes and PDO threads encourages the body's inherent collagen production resulting in gradual and natural improvements in skin texture and tone. The pioneering procedure also adeptly addresses a spectrum of other skin concerns including melasma, age spots, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.





Results from the skin hyperpigmentation treatment at the Dr. Golberg Wellness Institute

The Dr. Golberg Wellness Institute is a leading centre for cutting-edge aesthetic and wellness solutions. Led by Dr. Alexander Golberg, an award-winning medical practitioner, the institute is dedicated to providing patients with the latest advancements in the field of non-surgical aesthetic treatments. Dr. Golberg's commitment to innovation and personalized care has earned him recognition as a front-runner in transforming the way individuals approach aesthetic procedures.

Published in partnership with The Dr. Golberg Wellness Institute

+1-646-8663933 Manhattan Office

+1-718-7590100 Brooklyn Office

https://www.drgolberg.nyc/

SOURCE: Dr. Golberg NYC.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178435
Ambassador's Gourmet Parlor's Episode of Ethiopia brings Ethiopian Coffee and Chinese Wine on a Single Table

Beijing, China--(Newsfile Corp. - August 23, 2023) - Sponsored by Fenjiu International, Sohu Food Channel's renowned program, Ambassador's Gourmet Parlor has proudly announced that it has recently visited the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing. Since its launch in 2022, this show has taken audiences on a journey across embassies of various countries to learn about Chinese liquor culture and try delicious food. In this episode, Sohu Food Channel visited the Ethiopian Embassy in China, and set a new example of cultural accumulation. The episode brought China and Ethiopia closer by bringing wine and coffee together.





Ambassador's Gourmet Parlor: Episode of Ethiopia

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8457/177729_7a47a140142d1b24_001full.jpg

"When the strong Ethiopian coffee belonging to the early morning meets the fragrant Fenjiu belonging to the night, what kind of sparks can it break the fetters of day and night?" said Mulan, Chief Editor of Sohu Travel & Food, while talking about this amazing interaction with the ambassador and his wife. "We have been fortunate enough to have received this amazing invitation of H.E. Tefera Derbew Yimam, Ethiopian Ambassador to China, and his wife Mme. Meseret Demissie to the Ethiopian embassy in Beijing," he added.





On-site interaction of tourism culture with the ambassador

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8457/177729_7a47a140142d1b24_002full.jpg

Ambassador's Gourmet Parlor provides an interactive experience of tourism culture, where the audience can learn about different cultures and their food and drinks. Qinghua Fenjiu is proud to have been a part of this episode and looks forward to bringing the world of Chinese liquor to new audiences around the world. Since the launch of this program on Sohu Food Channel, netizens from around the world have explored Chinese wine along with the food and culture of other countries.





Qinghua Fenjiu is presented as an oriental gift to the Ethiopian Ambassador to China

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8457/177729_7a47a140142d1b24_003full.jpg

In this exciting new episode of the food show, the production team of Ambassador's Gourmet Parlor walked into the Ethiopian Embassy in China with Qinghua Fenjiu, which is known as "International Fenjiu". They were welcomed by the Ambassador and his wife to taste the traditional coffee ceremony brought by the Ambassador's wife and feel the unique cultural charm of Ethiopia together.





The wife of Ethiopian Ambassador to China brews coffee on the spot

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8457/177729_7a47a140142d1b24_004full.jpg

The history of coffee in Ethiopia is more than a thousand year old and experts are still conducting research for the causes of its popularity both in Ethiopia and worldwide. Similarly, China is also known worldwide for its tea, wine, and other delights but the Chinese wine in particular has made its way from the pure lands of Northern China to the world over. Qinghua Fenjiu, a model of China Fen-flavor liquor, went to the world from here.





Qinghua Fenjiu enters into the Ethiopian Embassy in China

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8457/177729_7a47a140142d1b24_005full.jpg

"The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony has to go through three rounds of brewing, where the first round of coffee is rich and you can taste the most original flavor and in the second round, water is added, and the coffee is boiled for a while, so the taste is not so strong. Finally the third round contains the meaning of blessing, wishing those who drink coffee a wonderful day," said, Madame Meseret Demissie, the wife of Ethiopian Ambassador, His Excellency Tefera Derbew Yimam, while talking about the Ethiopian coffee. "The ceremony is closely related to the quality of coffee, just as the taste of liquor is closely related to the quality of liquor," she added. According to Mulan, top-grade liquor can bring top-grade taste, which is why Qinghua Fenjiu, as the top spot in the market of Fen-flavor liquor, is internationally renowned.





The ambassador tastes cocktails made by drinking alcohol from Qinghua Fenjiu

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8457/177729_7a47a140142d1b24_006full.jpg

"This is really a wonderful blend, which can not only taste the fragrance of Fenjiu, but also taste the bitterness of coffee. Its taste is very soft and elegant. This taste is very good, very fragrant, and it is an unprecedented experience for me," said H. E. Tefera Derbew Yimam, while sharing his thoughts on this occasion. According to the Ethiopian Ambassador to China, Ethiopian coffee and Qinghua Fenjiu are attracting more and more attention all over the world. These two cultural treasures not only have a strong historical background and culture, but also are loved by consumers all over the world with their unique flavor and production technology.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvnhw0O4LJU

For more information, please visit the website at:

www.fenjiu.com.cn

Company: Fenjiu International Trade Co., Ltd.

Contact: Zheng Xingsheng

Tel: +86351 270 9799

URL: www.fenjiu.com.cn

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/177729
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Founders Metals Inc. (TSXV: FDR) ("Founders" or the "Company") announces drill core assay results from its maiden drill program at the Antino Gold Project in southeastern Suriname. The Company continues to deliver high-grade gold intercepts as it broadens and extends gold mineralization in the Upper Antino area. Founders has now drilled ~3500 m of the planned 10,000 m drill program and the remaining metres focus on further infill and expansion work along the area's nearly two-kilometre-long portion of the larger 8+ kilometre Antino Gold Trend.

Highlights

Drillhole 23FR014 intersects 15.50 metres (m) of 30.72 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au) including 5.80 m of 54.61 g/t Au (Table 1, Figure 2,3)

including (Table 1, Figure 2,3) Drillhole 23FR004 returned 7.00 m of 8.74 g/t Au , including 2.00 m of 22.81 g/t Au (Table 1, Figure 5)

, including (Table 1, Figure 5) Drillhole 23FR015 returned 8.50 m of 6.17 g/t Au , including 5.00 m of 10.08 g/t Au (Table 1, Figure 4)

, including (Table 1, Figure 4) Drillhole 23FR005 returned 13.60 m of 3.41 g/t Au including 7.00 m of 7.54 g/t Au (Table 1, Figure 5)

including (Table 1, Figure 5) New gold intercepts demonstrate continuity to depth and along strike of high-grade gold mineralization

Very high drill core recovery in mineralized zones beginning to demonstrate broader overall widths of high-grade gold than recognized by previous explorers

Founders' CEO, Colin Padget, commented, "The consistently strong assay results highlight the extent and continuity of mineable widths of high-grade gold on the property. We are especially pleased to see consistently broader gold-bearing intervals than many of those from historical drilling mostly due to higher core recovery in mineralized zones. On the ground, our exploration team is also now following up on recently announced targets from IP data with trenching, channel sampling, and targeted auger/soil sampling underway. We plan to release further details and preliminary results from this work soon along with the results of the now complete ground magnetics survey over upper Antino."

Table 1: Drilling Results

Drillhole From (m) To (m) Interval (m)* Au (ppm) 23FR004 incl 59.00 59.00 66.00 61.00 7.00 2.00 8.74 22.81 23FR005 and and 84.40 129.0 138.0 98.00 136.0 144.7 13.60 7.00 6.70 3.41 7.54 0.45 23FR014 incl 63.50 70.20 79.00 76.00 15.50 5.80 30.72 54.61 23FR015** incl 41.5 43.5 50.0 50.0 8.50 5.00 6.17 10.08 23FR016 60.50 68.00 7.5 2.92 23FR017 and 67.50 77.00 69.30 79.50 1.80 2.50 5.49 1.13

*Intervals are core length.True widths are unknown at this early stage of exploration

**Redrill of previously released 23FR007 due to low recovery

Gold mineralization at upper Antino occurs in multiple sub-vertical structures within a larger NW-trending shear zone that transects much of the Antino property. Mineralized zones commonly comprise pyrrhotite/pyrite-bearing quartz or quartz-carbonate veining surrounded by a strongly foliated, gold-bearing mix of the host rock, quartz, and up to 35% sulphides. The combination of these zone's size and a strong correlation between overall sulphide content and gold mineralization make them ideal targets for both the recent IP and magnetic geophysical surveys providing Founders with numerous new drill targets. The ongoing drill program will test several of these targets where the Company sees potential to add substantial new volumes of gold mineralization to the area's established high-grade gold zones.





Figure 1 - Upper Antino area plan map showing IP chargeability over LiDAR basemap. Cross-section lines A-A', B-B', & C-C' correspond to preliminary cross-sections below.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/178357_e8a0cc63941c3905_001full.jpg





Figure 2 - High-grade gold interval of 15.5 m of 30.72 g/t Au in hole 23FR014

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/178357_picture3.jpg





Figure 3 - Cross section A-A'

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/178357_e8a0cc63941c3905_006full.jpg





Figure 4 - Cross-section B-B'

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/178357_e8a0cc63941c3905_007full.jpg





Figure 5 - Cross-section C-C'

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/178357_e8a0cc63941c3905_008full.jpg

About Founders Metals Inc.

Founders Metals is a Canadian exploration company operating in North and South America. The Company is focused on acquiring and advancing gold projects in the South American Guiana Shield. Its flagship project is the 20,000 ha Antino Gold Project in Suriname. Exploration work on the project includes, over 30,000 m of historical drilling, 35,000 gold-in-soil auger samples, property-wide aeromagnetic survey data, and a 2022 LiDAR survey. Antino is the most advanced gold exploration project in Suriname; within an area where historical surface/alluvial gold mining has produced over 500,000 gold ounces to date1.

1. 2022 - Antino Project Technical Report entitled, "Technical Report, Antino Project, Suriname, South America" with an effective date of December 23, 2022 by qualified persons, K. Raffle, BSc, P. Geo and Rock Lefranois, BSc, P.Geo.





Antino Gold Project Area Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7574/178357_e8a0cc63941c3905_009full.jpg

Quality Assurance and Control

Results from samples were analyzed at FILAB Suriname, a Bureau Veritas Certified Laboratory in Paramaribo, Suriname (a commercial certified laboratory under ISO 9001:2015). Samples are crushed to 75% passing 2.35 mm screen, riffle split (700 g) and pulverized to 85% passing 88 m. Samples were analyzed using a 50 g fire assay (50 g aliquot) with an Atomic Absorption (AA) finish. For samples that return assay values over 10.0 grams per tonne (g/t), another cut was taken from the original pulp and fire assayed with a gravimetric finish. Founders Metals inserts blanks and certified reference standards in the sample sequence for quality control. External QA-QC checks are performed at ALS Global Laboratories (Geochemistry Division) in Vancouver, Canada (an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facility). A secure chain of custody is maintained in transporting and storing of all samples. Drill intervals with visible gold are assayed using metallic screening. Rock chip samples from outcrop/bedrock are selective by nature and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

The scientific and technical disclosure of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined under National Instrument 43-101-Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Per: "Colin Padget"

Colin Padget

President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director

Founders Metals Contact Information

Dave Burwell, VP Corporate Development

Tel: 403 410 7907 | [email protected]

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings and the future or prospects of the Company. 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". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, 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. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, other factors may 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 the Company's most recent annual management discussion and analysis. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

All material information on Founders Metals can be found at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178357
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Highvista Gold Inc. (TSXV: HVV.H) (the "Company") announces that the Company has successfully applied to the Ontario Securities Commission (the "Principal Regulator") to revoke its failure-to-file cease trade order (the "FCCTO") issued by the Principal Regulator on August 2, 2019 under National Policy 11-207 - Failure-to-File Cease Trade Orders and Revocations in Multiple Jurisdictions.

Continuous Disclosure Filings

The FCCTO was issued as a result of the Company's failure to file the following continuous disclosure materials within the timeframe stipulated by the applicable legislation:

audited annual financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2019;

management's discussion and analysis relating to the audited annual financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2019; and

certification of the foregoing filings as required by National Instrument 52-109 - Certification of Disclosure in Issuers' Annual and Interim Filings ("NI 52-109")

(collectively, the " Annual Filings").

The Company has remedied these defaults by filing the Annual Filings, and in the absence of the Company having filed a management information circular, has filed a Form 52-110F2 Audit Committee Disclosure, Form 51-102FV6 Statement of Executive Compensation as required by National Instrument NI 51-102 and Form 58-101F2 Corporate Governance Disclosure as required by National Instrument NI 58-101. Copies of these documents are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's issuer profile.

Subsequent to the FFCTO, the Company refiled and restated its Interim Financial Statements for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2022 ("Q3 2023 FS") and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2022 ("Q3 2023 MD&A") to:

reflect that discussions, negotiations and any amendments in relation to the LOI have ceased until the FFCTO is revoked;

clarify that the accounts payable and promissory notes of approximately $2.1M as at December 31, 2022 were overdue and due on demand under the "Liquidity and Capital Resources" section of the Q3 2023 MD&A; and

clarify disclosure confirming that the Company currently does not have any exploration activities.

With the revocation of the FFCTO, trading in the common shares of the Company through the facilities of the NEX board of the TSX Venture Exchange is expected to be reinstated.

Additionally, as condition of revoking the FCCTO, the Company provided an undertaking to the Principal Regulator that: (i) it will hold an annual meeting of shareholders within three months after the dates on which the FCCTO is revoked and (ii) that it will not complete a restructuring transaction, significant acquisition or reverse takeover of a business not located in Canada unless the Company first receives a receipt for a final prospectus in respect of such business.

Management of the Company continues to seek corporate transactions to enhance shareholder value. The Company has not established a definitive timeline to complete a strategic transaction and there is no assurance that any transaction will be completed as a result of this process. The Company does not expect to make additional public comments regarding these matters until the board determines that additional disclosure is appropriate in accordance with applicable securities laws.

For further information, please contact:

Paul Crath,

Interim CEO

Email: [email protected]

Telephone Number: 347-835-9032

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release 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", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only 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. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178441
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Honey Badger Silver Inc. (TSXV: TUF) ("Honey Badger" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing exploration work at its wholly owned Plata Silver Project, Yukon. The project is located in eastern Yukon, adjacent to Snowline Gold Corp.'s Rogue Project. Field work completed this year was undertaken by a crew contracted from Archer Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited and included prospecting, geological mapping, and geochemical sampling. A total of 308 soil and 56 rock chip samples were collected and are being assayed. Assay results will be released when they have been received and interpreted. The objective of this year's field program was to further define the exploration targets at Plata and to define drill targets for future testing.

The Company's CEO, Dorian L. (Dusty) Nicol, commented, "We remain very excited about the exploration potential at our Plata Project. Our confidence in Plata's potential has been fueled by recent announcements by Snowline Gold Corp. from their Rogue Project, adjacent to Plata. Our geologic mapping this year continues to identify mineralization in a geologic setting similar to Rogue, associated with structures that provided pathways for mineralizing fluids from intrusions. We look forward to receiving the assay results from this season's sampling so that we can interpret them and plan the next steps of work. Meanwhile, the field crews have mobilized to our Groundhog and Clear Lake projects."

Multiple new zones of mineralization were observed during the program, associated with previously identified soil geochemical anomalies. Mineralization observed comprised sulphides and iron oxides associated with silicification and quartz-veining. Field observations will be collated with assay data when they become available. This will lead to recommendations for the next phase of work on this project.

The map below shows the location of the Company's Plata Project in relation to Snowline Gold Corp.'s Rogue Project, where significant gold mineralization is being discovered, including a drill intercept of 553.8 metres of 2.48 g/t Au, beginning from surface (Snowline Gold News Release dated August 3, 2023). Mineralization at Rogue is associated with Cretaceous-age intrusive rocks that comprise the Tintina Belt of gold deposits, including the Fort Knox in Alaska and Eagle deposits near Mayo in Yukon. The geologic setting at Plata is similar, with evidence of intrusive rocks of the same age and fracture and vein style mineralization.



Figure 1: Plata Silver Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/3204/178355_8fb5f3b804ea1bef_001full.jpg

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Heather Burrell, P.Geo., a senior geologist with Archer, Cathro& Associates (1981) Limited, and Qualified Person (QP) for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101.

About Honey Badger Silver Inc.

Honey Badger Silver is a Canadian silver company based in Toronto, Ontario, that is focused on the acquisition, development, and integration of accretive transactions of silver ounces. The Company is led by a highly experienced leadership team with a track record of value creation backed by a skilled technical team. With significant land holdings in southeast and south-central Yukon, including the Plata property 180 kms to the east of the Keno Hill silver district, as well as Ontario's historic Thunder Bay Silver District, Honey Badger Silver is positioning to be a top-tier silver company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Dorian L. (Dusty) Nicol, President & CEO

For more information please visit our website www.honeybadgersilver.com or contact Ms. Michelle Savella for Investor Relations | [email protected] | +1 (604) 828-5886

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.



Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements regarding: the structure and anticipated benefits of completing the acquisition of the Cachinal Project (including historical resource estimate and possible positive effects on cash-flow); and any other information herein that is not a historical fact may be "forward-looking information". Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "interpreted", "management's view", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such assumptions and estimates were made, and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Honey Badger to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Such factors include, but are not limited to, risks relating to capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates; delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) under Honey Badger's issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178355
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - K2 Gold Corporation (TSXV: KTO) (OTCQB: KTGDF) (FSE: 23K)("K2" or the "Company") today provided an update on the status of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) the company is preparing for its Mojave Project, located in California.

Highlights

K2 Gold's modified Plan of Operations for a Phase II Drill Program at the Mojave Project has been accepted as complete by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The program is designed to delineate an initial NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate at the project.

On July 3rd, 2023, a briefing was held for Senior Officials and Directors of the Department of the Interior's BLM in Washington, D.C. to inform them of the Company's proposed Phase II Drill Program at Mojave.

Following the briefing, K2's Notice of Intent ("NOI") was approved for publication. The BLM announced the decision to publish the NOI on August 16th, for the Mojave Exploration Drilling Project.

The Project is now undergoing a 60-day public scoping and comment period which began on August 16, 2023.

Following the public scoping period, the BLM will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) which will incorporate public comments and develop project alternatives.

"We are pleased to be passing this permitting milestone with the Mojave Project," stated Anthony Margarit, CEO of K2 Gold. "Now that the NOI has been published each step in the EIS process has a clearly defined timeline. K2's 2020 drill program produced some of the best oxide gold intercepts in the Southwest USA over the past decade (including 86.9m of 4g/t Au from surface). It is incredibly exciting to be planning a follow up drill program designed to capitalize on K2's previous success at Mojave. The number of tier one exploration targets on this property is simply astounding."

Proposed Phase II Drill Program:

The goal of the program is to delineate an initial NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource at the Dragonfly, Remi, and Newmont target areas. To minimize impact while maximizing efficiency, low impact drill pads would be accessed overland via previously disturbed ground utilizing an exploration road developed and reclaimed between 1997 and 2000.





Figure 1: Mojave Phase II Target Areas, Proposed Roads, and Drill Pads

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6578/178367_6f89fdaba4f45ab8_002full.jpg

What is an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?:

An EIS assesses the potential impact of actions that would significantly affect the quality of the human environment. The comprehensive document describes the current conditions of the environment in the affected area, identifies positive and negative effects from the proposed project, as well as identifying and assessing it offers alternative actions, including inaction, in relation to the proposed project. This requirement under the National Environmental Policy Act ("NEPA") does not prohibit harm to the environment, but rather requires that the project prevents unnecessary or undue degradation.

An EIS represents the most comprehensive environmental review possible for a mineral exploration project under NEPA.

K2 Gold's Current Progress in the EIS Process:

Mojave Project EIS Timeline

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6578/178367_6f89fdaba4f45ab8_003full.jpg

Presently, K2 has completed baseline work including cultural, biological, and archaeological studies, the detailed results of which will be included in the upcoming draft EIS. The Mojave Project Plan of Operations, and Notice of Intent has been accepted and the BLM has published the NOI in the Federal Register to solicit public comments on the Project. The 60-day scoping and public comment period is underway, and following the scoping period, the BLM will prepare the Draft EIS document that will incorporate public scoping comments and develop project alternatives that will be available for a second round of public comment following the publication of a Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register.

Mojave Project Overview:

The Mojave Project is a 5,830-hectare oxide gold-copper project with copper and base metal targets located in Inyo County California. Multiple previously recognized surface gold targets have been successfully drilled in the past, most notably by Newmont and BHP. Since acquiring the property, K2 has completed geochemical and geophysical surveys, geologic mapping, LiDAR, a WorldView 3 alteration survey, and successfully completed a 17-hole RC drill program focused on the Dragonfly and Newmont Zones.



Figure 2:Mojave Project Target Areas and Geochemical Zones



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6578/178367_6f89fdaba4f45ab8_004full.jpg





2020 Mojave Drilling Highlights:

During the fall of 2020, K2 completed its Phase I drilling program at Mojave. The program consisted of 17 reverse circulation ("RC") drill holes for a total of 2,540m of drilling. The highlights of the first four drill holes are listed below:

51.8 meters of 1.2 g/t gold from surface, including 18.3 meters of 3.1 g/t gold - DF20-001.

from surface, including 18.3 meters of 3.1 g/t gold - DF20-001. 86.9 meters of 4.0 g/t gold from surface, including 45.7 meters of 6.7 g/t gold - DF20-002.

from surface, including 45.7 meters of 6.7 g/t gold - DF20-002. 62.5 meters of 1.4 g/t gold from 3.1 meters, including 18.3 meters of 3.2 g/t gold - DF20-003.

from 3.1 meters, including 18.3 meters of 3.2 g/t gold - DF20-003. 30.5 metres of 7.2 g/t gold from surface, including 15.2 meters of 11.1 g/t gold DF20-004.

Mojave Project - Other Notable Highlights:

In May 2021, K2 reported the discovery of a significant zone of copper mineralization at the Stega target on the western side of the Mojave Project. At Stega, samples of up to 14.2% copper with mineralization associated with locally anomalous gold and silver were sampled within a sediment hosted copper zone. This target area is currently known to be up to 250m in width, 1.8km in length, and is open to the NNW.

All mineralization at Mojave is interpreted to be part of an intrusion-related polymetallic system(s). The gold mineralization in the Eastern Area (Dragonfly, Newmont, Flores) is structurally controlled with similarities to both low sulfidation epithermal and Carlin type systems and may represent the distal expression of a much larger intrusion-related hydrothermal system. Targets in the Western Target Area including Stega, Boland, Belshaw, Soda Canyon/Soda Ridge, and, potentially, Owens are likely proximal to causative intrusions and demonstrate the potential for sediment-hosted, polymetallic, skarn, epithermal, and, potentially, porphyry styles of mineralization.

Qualified Person ("QP")

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Eric Buitenhuis, M.Sc., P.Geo., K2's QP and Vice President of Exploration.

About K2 Gold

K2 is a proud member of Discovery Group and currently has three projects in Southwest USA and the Yukon.

K2 is currently permitted and planning to drill the Wels Project located in Western Yukon in late summer 2023. The property lies approximately 40km east of the community of Beaver Creek and 60km south of Newmont Goldcorp's 4Moz Coffee deposit, within the traditional territory of White River First Nation. The land position consists of 350 contiguous quartz claims covering 7,200 hectares. The Wels is underlain by metasedimentary and metavolcanic rocks of the White River Formation that have been intruded by a series of Triassic gabbroic sills and Cretaceous granitic plugs. This package has been cut by a series of WNW trending high-angle structures that host alteration and gold mineralization. Mineralization is noted in all rock types observed on the property to date and is associated with quartz veining, brecciation, and sericite alteration with anomalous arsenic, and antimony, with visible gold locally. Five discrete mineralized trends are currently known, with only one trend drilled to date, which delivered encouraging assay results of 2.37 g/t Au over 28.5m and 10.38 g/t Au over 6.0m. All mineralized trends remain open along strike and approximately 80% of the property is currently unexplored.

The Si2 Gold Project is located in Esmeralda County, approximately 60km northwest of Tonopah, Nevada, and 20km northwest of Allegiant Gold's Eastside deposit (1.4Moz Au, 8.8 Moz Ag). The project is road accessible and consists of 118 BLM lode claims covering 986 Ha, 65 of which are under option from Orogen Royalties Inc. The claims cover an 8 km2 area of steam heated alunite-kaolinite-buddingtonite alteration within a sequence of felsic to intermediate volcanic rocks displaying brecciation and strongly anomalous mercury.

The alteration is interpreted to represent a high-level setting within a low-sulfidation epithermal gold-silver system. In this type of geologic setting there is typically minimal anomalous gold mineralization at surface, however, gold grades may increase at depth along controlling structures at critical locations in the hydrothermal system (i.e., boiling zones).

The Si2 Gold Project was initially identified by the same exploration team that identified AngloGold Ashanti's 4.22 Moz Au Silicon project1 near Beatty, Nevada, and was staked based on its strong geological similarities to Silicon.

https://reports.anglogoldashanti.com/22/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/AGA-RR22.pdf

K2 is committed to transparency, accountability, environmental stewardship, safety, diversity, inclusion, and community and indigenous engagement.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Anthony Margarit

President and CEO

For further information about K2 Gold Corporation or this news release, please visit our website at k2gold.com, contact our office at 778-266-1456, or by email at [email protected].

K2 Gold Corporation is a member of Discovery Group based in Vancouver, Canada. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that are not historical facts. Forward- looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the exploration program at Si2, Wels, and Mojave, including results of drilling, and future exploration plans at Si2, Wels, and Mojave. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, the Company's inability to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for its planned activities, and the Company's inability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies. The reader is referred to the Company's public disclosure record which is available on SEDAR (www.sedarplus.ca). Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Except as required by securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. No securities of the Company have been or will, in the foreseeable future, be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178367
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Libero Copper (TSXV: LBC) is pleased to announce that the company is presenting a live virtual corporate update hosted by Red Cloud Financial Services on August 28th, 2023 at 2:00 PM ET.

We invite our shareholders, and all interested parties to register for the webinar and participate in the live Q&A session at the end of the presentation moderated by Red Cloud.

The replay will be emailed out to all webinar registrants proceeding the event and will also be available on the Red Cloud website.

For more information and to register: https://redcloudfs.com/rcwebinar-lbc-4/.

LIBERO COPPER UPDATE: UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GREEN ENERGY FUTURE

About Libero Copper

Libero Copper is unlocking the value of a collection of porphyry copper deposits throughout the Americas in prolific and stable jurisdictions. The portfolio includes the Mocoa deposit in Putumayo, Colombia; Esperanza in San Juan, Argentina; and Big Red and Big Bulk in the Golden Triangle, BC, Canada. These assets are being advanced by a highly disciplined and seasoned professional team with successful track records of discovery, resource development, and permitting in the Americas. We prioritize building strong relationships with the communities in which we operate. Libero Copper is dedicated to unlocking the vast potential of our projects to create long-term value for our shareholders through responsible exploration to fuel the green energy future.

About Red Cloud Securities Inc.

Red Cloud Securities Inc. is an IIROC-regulated investment dealer focused on providing a full range of brokerage services to all investor types focused in the junior resource sector. Our services include Investment Banking, Research, Institutional and Retail Trading, Institutional Sales, and Retail Investment Advisory services.

About Red Cloud Financial Services Inc.

Red Cloud Financial Services Inc. is a globally focused capital markets advisory firm that provides a full range of executive strategy, media, marketing, and corporate access services. Our breadth of services combines with our significant knowledge of the junior mining industry combine for unique product offering. The company was founded by capital markets professionals with extensive experience in the junior mining industry.

For further information:

Libero Copper

Ian Harris , President & CEO

1 604 294 9039

[email protected]

For additional information contact [email protected] or visit:

www.redcloudfs.com

www.facebook.com/RedCloudFinancialServices

www.twitter.com/RedCloudFS

www.linkedin.com/company/red-cloud-financial-services-inc

www.youtube.com/c/RedCloudFinancialServicesInc

www.instagram.com/redcloudfs
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Maritime Resources Corp. (TSXV: MAE) ("Maritime" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of the final tranche of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of 4,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.04 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $160,000. Each Unit is comprised of one common share (each, a "Share") and one common share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to acquire one Share (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.07 per Warrant Share (the "Exercise Price") until August 14, 2026 (the "Warrant Expiry Date"). The Warrants are governed by the terms of a warrant indenture entered into between the Company and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as warrant agent, dated as of August 14, 2023. Completion of the Offering is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid a cash commission of $3,600 to a finder for certain subscriptions and issued broker warrants of the Company exercisable at any time prior to the Warrant Expiry Date to acquire up to 90,000 Shares at the Exercise Price.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used to fund general and working capital purposes.

All securities issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance prescribed by the Exchange and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as defined in the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Maritime Resources Corp.

Maritime holds a 100% direct interest, subject to option agreements entitling it to earn 100% ownership, in the Green Bay Property in Newfoundland and Labrador. This includes the former Hammerdown gold mine, the Orion gold project and the Whisker Valley exploration project, all located in the Baie Verte Mining District near the town of King's Point. The Company also owns the Point Rousse project and the gold processing circuit at the Nugget Pond mill, both near the town of Baie Verte. In Quebec, Maritime owns the Lac Pelletier gold project near the city of Rouyn Noranda.

On Behalf of the Board

MARITIME RESOURCES CORP.

1900-110 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M5C 1T4

(416) 365 - 5321

For further information, please contact:

Garett Macdonald,

President and CEO

[email protected]

www.maritimeresourcescorp.com

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein is "forward-looking information" within the meaning of National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations of the Canadian Securities Administrators. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to the Company and there is no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as "anticipates", "believes", "targets", "estimates", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "could" or "would". While the Company considers its assumptions to be reasonable as of the date hereof, forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and readers should not place undue importance on such statements as actual events and results may differ materially from those described herein. 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 information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The forward-looking statements in this news release include without limitation, the use of proceeds of the Offering and the final approval of the Exchange for the Offering, among others. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, and is based on the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

Neither Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178440
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Prismo Metals Inc. (CSE: PRIZ) (OTCQB: PMOMF) ("Prismo" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update for its ongoing drill program at the Palos Verdes property located in the Panuco district in Mexico. The Company has drilled 2,620 meters in the current program and completed thirteen holes with one hole in progress, PV-23-32. One additional hole is contemplated after completing hole PV-23-32 as part of the original drill program which began in May (see news release dated May 11, 2023).

This will be followed by the previously announced (see news release dated August 3, 2023) expansion of the drill program, with holes to be drilled from Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSXV: VZLA) concessions adjacent to the Palos Verdes concession. These holes will target the Palos Verdes vein at depth. This follows a recommendation presented by the Panuco Joint Technical Committee to drill approximately 3,600 meters in ten holes to be completed in two phases. The Joint Technical Committee is comprised of Prismo's CEO Dr. Craig Gibson, Vizsla Silver's VP Exploration Dr. Jesus Velador and Dr. Peter Megaw.

"The drilling at Palos Verdes this year has been focussed on drilling areas that have not been drilled previously because they were not accessible under our previous environmental permit," said Craig Gibson, President and CEO of the Company. "We recently intersected bonanza grade intervals at the Palos Verdes project, with the best interval being a 0.5-meter sample assaying 11,520 grams per tonne silver equivalent (102 g/t gold and 3,100 g/t silver) (see Prismo's news release dated July 27, 2023). The drilling is directed toward expanding the mineralized footprint of the vein system."

Figure 1. Geologic and drill hole map of the Palos Verdes and adjacent concessions.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/178349_3ddbd1ca047eaaba_002full.jpg

The Company has already reported assays from the first seven holes in the program through hole PV-23-25 (see News Release of July 27, 2023). Five additional holes are at the laboratory, and hole PV-23-31 will be sent to the lab shortly. Results will be announced after receiving assay data for all of these holes.

Photo of core from hole PV-23-32 showing intervals with multistage vein mineralization

with brecciation and locally abundant sulfide minerals. Assay results pending.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/178349_prismometalsimage2.jpg

Photo of core from hole PV-23-32 showing intervals with multistage vein mineralization

with brecciation and locally abundant sulfide minerals. Assay results pending.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/178349_3ddbd1ca047eaaba_005full.jpg

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive pyrite and chalcopyrite in gray quartz, cut by white quartz with a sphalerite margin. The right photo is a view looking at the end of the broken core. Assay results pending.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/178349_prismometalsimage4.jpg

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive pyrite and chalcopyrite in gray quartz, cut by white quartz with a sphalerite margin. The right photo is a view looking at the end of the broken core. Assay results pending.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/178349_prismometalsimage5.jpg

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive sphalerite and other sulfide minerals cut and brecciated by gray quartz and by later white quartz with some amethyst. On the right, a large fragment rich in sphalerite and pyrite plus other sulfides in younger quartz.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/178349_prismometalsimage6.jpg

Details of core from hole PV-23-32 showing multistage mineralization. On the left, a vein with massive sphalerite and other sulfide minerals cut and brecciated by gray quartz and by later white quartz with some amethyst. On the right, a large fragment rich in sphalerite and pyrite plus other sulfides in younger quartz.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7434/178349_prismometalsimage7.jpg

QA/QC

Samples taken by Prismo are analyzed by multielement ICP-AES and MS methods internationally recognized analytical service providers. Certified Reference Materials including standard pulps and coarse blank material are inserted in the sample stream at regular intervals.

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI-43-01 regulations and President, CEO and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosures in this news release.

About Palos Verdes

The Palos Verdes project is located in the historic Pnuco-Copala silver-gold district in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, approximately 65 kilometers NE of Mazatlan, Sinaloa, in the Municipality of Concordia. The Palos Verdes concession (claim) covers 700 meters of strike length of the Palos Verdes vein, a member of the north-easterly trending vein family located in the eastern part of the district outside of the area of modern exploration. Shallow drilling (www.prismometals.com). This mineralization is open in all directions and the currently planned drilling program is designed to follow it along strike and to depth.

About the Vizsla Silver 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 by Vizsla Silver Corp., 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 Prismo

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ) is mining exploration company focused on two precious metal projects in Mexico (Palos Verdes and Los Pavitos) and a copper project in Arizona (Hot Breccia).

Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 - 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6

Contact:

Craig Gibson, President & Chief Executive Officer [email protected]

Jason Frame, Manager of Communications [email protected]

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements regarding the anticipated content, commencement and exploration program results, the ability to complete future financings, required permitting, exploration programs and drilling, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the state of the financial markets for the Company's equity securities, the state of the commodity markets generally, variations in the nature, the analytical results from surface trenching and sampling program, including diamond drilling programs, the results of IP surveying, the results of soil and till sampling program. the quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located, variations in the market price of any mineral products the Company may produce or plan to produce, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including CSE acceptance, for its planned activities, the inability of the Company to produce minerals from its properties successfully or profitably, to continue its projected growth, to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies, the potential impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) on the Company's exploration program and on the Company's general business, operations and financial condition, and other risks and uncertainties. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178349
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Ridgeline Minerals Corp. (TSXV: RDG) (OTCQB: RDGMF) (FSE: 0GC0)("Ridgeline" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has acquired, at no cost to the Company, an extensive historical exploration database for the Big Blue project ("Big Blue" or "Project") from an undisclosed third-party. Big Blue is a porphyry-CRD, copper ("Cu") - gold ("Au") - silver ("Ag") - lead ("Pb") - zinc ("Zn") exploration prospect in Elko County, Nevada, which includes the past producing high-grade copper Delker Mine (See February 9, 2023 press release HERE). The newly acquired data is a modern geologic database consisting of detailed mapping, surface geochemistry, drill data and multiple generations of surface and airborne geophysics. The data has been thoroughly validated and incorporated into the Big Blue geologic model and is expected to save significant time and exploration capital to advance the Project to a maiden drill program in 2024. A detailed summary of the historical database is highlighted below.

Mike Harp, Ridgeline's Vice President, Exploration commented, "The acquisition of this historical dataset is a major step forward for the geologic model at Big Blue and significantly accelerates the exploration process for our team. The geophysical surveys in particular highlight multiple potential targets, including porphyry targets and a well-defined, northeast trending structural corridor that extends between the historical Delker copper-gold Mine and Reyna Silver's Medicine Springs CRD project located on our southwestern boundary. This untested structural trend represents a highly prospective, six-kilometer-long target area that is bracketed on both ends by historical copper and base metal mines. The database also suggests that the limited historical drilling that was conducted on the project did not drill deep enough to adequately test geophysical anomalies located directly beneath multi-percent copper mineralization that was historically mined from the Delker Mine and Skarn Hill adit. Our team plans on integrating and reinterpreting the raw data sets to continue building out the geologic mode with the goal of initiating a maiden drill campaign in 2024."

Historical Data Summary:

Geophysics

Two generations of magnetic surveys including a regional airborne survey and high-resolution ground magnetics with a 3D inversion focused on the Delker Mine area (Figure 1 & Figure 2)

Ground gravity survey with supporting 3D inversion (Figure 1)

Two induced polarization ("IP") lines focused on the Delker Mine and Skarn Hill adits

Significance - Airborne magnetics and IP lines highlight potential for porphyry source at depth while ground magnetics and gravity surveys highlight key structural trends

Surface Geochemistry

Individual rock chip samples returned up to 5.5% Cu (Figure 2) A total of 61 historical rock chips have been added to the Ridgeline database ranging from below assay detection limits to 5.5% Cu (avg.0.42% Cu)

251 soil samples were collected on a 100x100m grid within outcrop and shallow alluvium in the Delker Mine area

Significance - Rock chips confirm roughly 1.5 km long trend of high-grade Cu-skarn mineralization on-trend of the Delker Mine and Skarn Hill adit.

Drilling

Six historical drillholes completed by Newmont and Exxon Minerals were drilled on the project for a total of 1,177 meters with the deepest hole reaching a maximum depth of 1,177.3 meters (Figure 1)

Significance - Limited drilling on the property did not drill deep enough to test targets within prospective limestone host horizons

Mapping

Multiple generations of detailed geologic mapping between 1989 and 1992

Significance - mapping highlights copper bearing felsic dikes that crosscut older Jurassic age porphyries in the Delker Mine area

Geochronology

Regional age-dating program highlights up to six generations of Jurassic age porphyry intrusions with multiple copper-bearing felsic dikes that crosscut the Jurassic intrusions

Significance - Jurassic age porphyries are the same age range as Nevada's Yerington copper district with mapped and crosscutting copper bearing dikes in the Delker Mine area suggesting the potential for a Cretaceous age porphyry system (ie: Robinson copper district)

Big Blue Project

Big Blue is located in Elko County, Nevada, approximately seventy-five kilometers ("km") southeast of the city of Elko, NV. The Project includes the past producing Delker Mine, which produced a reported 94,434 pounds of copper at an average grade of 6.2% Cu between 1916-19171 and shares its southern boundary with Reyna Silver's Medicine Springs Ag-Pb-Zn Carbonate Replacement ("CRD") project. Mineralization occurs as high-grade skarn located proximal to northeast trending felsic dikes that are interpreted as bleeding off a potential porphyry source located on or near the Big Blue property, which has never been drill-tested. The primary target at Big Blue is porphyry-skarn Cu  Au-Ag mineralization, which may be the source of distal CRD mineralization at Medicine Springs - analogous to the Butte Valley porphyry Cu-Au system inferred to be a source of CRD mineralization at the Company's nearby Selena project. A large portion of the Project is covered by shallow, post-mineral gravels covering a roughly five (5) km target area resulting in limited surface expression of the porphyry system. The 100% owned Project is comprised of a total of 29 square kilometers of highly prospective exploration ground that has seen limited exploration since the early 1900's and will benefit from the Ridgeline's systematic approach to discovery (view Ridgeline's Corporate Deck HERE) .

Figure 1: Plan view map on the left showing Residual Gravity overlying Horizontal Gradient highlighting a proposed northeast trending structural corridor. Reduced to Pole airborne magnetics on the right highlight a kilometer scale magnetics "high" in the Delker Mine area.





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/178366_ddd30ac7748e1905_002full.jpg

Figure 2: Delker Mine conceptual x-section A-A' showing 3D inversion of high-resolution ground magnetics survey. Magnetic high sits directly below high-grade Delker Mine and multi-percent copper rock chips associated with felsic dike swarm mapped at surface





To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7298/178366_ddd30ac7748e1905_003full.jpg

QAQC Procedures

Samples are submitted to American Assay Laboratories (AAL) of Sparks, Nevada, which is a certified and accredited laboratory, independent of the Company. Samples are prepared using industry-standard prep methods and analysed using FA-PB30-ICP (Au; 30 g fire assay) and ICP-5AM48 (48 element Suite; 0.5 g 5-acid digestion/ICP-MS) methods. AAL also undertakes its own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration. Ridgeline's QA/QC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results completed by the Company's Qualified Person, Michael T. Harp, Vice President, Exploration.

Technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael T. Harp, CPG. the Company's Vice President, Exploration, who is Ridgeline's Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 and responsible for technical matters of this release.

About Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

Ridgeline is a discovery focused gold-silver explorer with a proven management team and a 192 km exploration portfolio across six projects in Nevada and Idaho, USA. More information about Ridgeline can be found at www.RidgelineMinerals.com

On behalf of the Board

"Chad Peters"

President & CEO

Further Information:

Chad Peters, P.Geo.

President & CEO

Ridgeline Minerals Corp.

(775) 304-9773 | [email protected]

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

Statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, the anticipated benefits of the Earn-In Agreement and the transaction contemplated thereby. The words "potential", "anticipate", "meaningful", "discovery", "forecast", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "plan", "historical", "historic" and similar expressions are intended to be among the statements that identify Forward-Looking Information. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to be materially different from any future results expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Ridgeline has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that TSX Venture Exchange approval will be granted in a timely manner subject only to standard conditions; the current objectives concerning the Project can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of Ridgeline to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, risks related to dependence on key personnel; risks related to unforeseen delays; risks related to historical data that has not been verified by the Company; as well as those factors discussed in Ridgeline's public disclosure record. Although Ridgeline has attempted to identify important factors that could affect Ridgeline and may cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in Forward-Looking Information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking 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. Except as required by law, Ridgeline does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178366
Priority exploration targets of significant interest identified; Letter of Intent entered into in Morocco

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) ("Royal Road" or the "Company") and MSB Holdings Limited ("MSB"; each a "Party" and together "the Parties") are pleased to announce the incorporation of Royal Roads Arabia LLC ("RRA") a Saudi Arabian joint-venture vehicle owned on a 50-50% basis by Royal Road and MSB and established for the purpose of copper, gold and other metals exploration in an area of interest comprising the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ("KSA") and any other geographical area as may be agreed between the Parties. Royal Road is operator and the Board of RRA is made up of an equal number of Directors appointed by Royal Road and MSB. The business of RRA is conducted in accordance with the provisions of a Joint Venture Share Holder Agreement, dated June 1st, 2023 (see press release June 1st, 2023).

Royal Roads Arabia is currently generating and assessing copper and gold target areas in the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia and is preparing to submit exploration license applications over newly identified areas of significant interest. Additionally, on the 21st of August 2023, RRA entered into a Non-Binding Letter of Intent to explore and acquire certain copper assets in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Dr Tim Coughlin, Royal Road's President and CEO stated: "We are very pleased that now, with the incorporation of Royal Roads Arabia, we are in a position to secure some of the exciting copper and gold opportunities we have been generating and assessing in KSA, and to expand our valuable partnership to other supportive and prospective jurisdictions elsewhere. We are proud to join forces with a truly outstanding partner in MSB and we are excited by the prospect of working together with the joint goal of using our exploration and local advantage to play a key role in the Kingdom's ambitions and global aspirations for economic security and a just and equitable energy transition"

Mr. Tareq Telmesani, CEO of MSB Holdings Group and Chairman of Royal Roads Arabia stated "This announcement marks a significant step towards Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 for the mining industry, which promotes diversification and driving economic development in remote areas. We are extremely proud to be undertaking this journey with Royal Road, who are true leaders in their field. We are confident that, with our shared expertise, Royal Roads Arabia will play a pivotal role in the growth of the mining industry in Saudi Arabia and the wider region, and in contributing towards the Kingdom's ambitious goals for the future."

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary statement:

This news release contains certain statements that constitute forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements") describing the Company's future plans and the expectations of its management that a stated result or condition will occur. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or developments in the Company's business or in the mineral resources industry, to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance, achievements or developments expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include all disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or results of operations that is based on assumptions about, among other things, the Alliance, the intention to form a joint venture, enter into a related agreement and establish Newco and, more generally, future economic conditions and courses of action, and assumptions related to government approvals, and anticipated costs and expenditures. The words "plans", "prospective", "expect", "intend", "intends to" and similar expressions identify forward looking statements, which may also include, without limitation, any statement relating to future events, conditions or circumstances. Forward-looking statements of the Company contained in this news release, which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to the Company's exploration plans.

The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. There is no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the Company's business plans or operations will be achieved. The risks and uncertainties that may affect forward-looking statements include, among others: economic market conditions, anticipated costs and expenditures, government approvals, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with Canadian provincial securities regulators or other applicable regulatory authorities. Forward-looking statements included herein are based on the current plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions of the Company management and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements should assumptions related to these plans, estimates, projections, beliefs and opinions change.

For further information please contact:

Tim Coughlin

Phone: +44 (0)1534 887166

[email protected]

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178373
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Searchlight Resources Inc.(TSXV: SCLT) (OTCQB: SCLTF)("Searchlight" or the "Company")is pleased to announce the completion and filing of a NI 43-101 Technical Report for its Kulyk Lake Rare Earths and Uranium project in Saskatchewan. The report presents a comprehensive analysis of historic and current exploration, and the project's overall potential. This will provide valuable information for shareholders, investors, and stakeholders, and can be accessed and downloaded at www.searchlightresources.com.

This NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Kulyk Lake project has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Canadian Securities Administrators' National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. It demonstrates the company's adherence to best practices, and commitment to rigorous work and transparency, in the advancement of its exploration activities.

"We are excited to announce the completion of this comprehensive review of exploration in the Kulyk Lake region. We believe this property is a key target area for development of strategic critical metals including neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium and uranium. We note that Northern Saskatchewan has been under-explored for the Rare Earths potential of pegmatites in the Wollaston domain, and with minimal work on the Rossing-style uranium potential. The report by Mr. Fiolleau sets out a solid case for further work on these concepts," stated Stephen Wallace, Searchlight CEO.

Key highlights from the report include:

A comprehensive summary of past exploration prior to Searchlight's work on Kulyk Lake Claims, including the 2009 high-grade rare-earth discovery by a previous company.

A summary of exploration carried by Searchlight Resources from 2021 to 2023.

Geological evaluation which enhances the understanding of the project's geology and validates the presence of different deposit types hosting the Rare Earths and Uranium mineralization. Notably, a hybrid deposit model is set out based on published academic studies on the Rare Earths mineralization. Also, a second style of uranium mineralization analogous to the Rossing Uranium Mine of Namibia, the fifth largest uranium mine in the world, is discussed.

The NI 43-101 report provides recommendations for future exploration work based on the findings and potential of the project. Searchlight endorses these recommendations and has filed for an exploration permit to carry out a further phase of work at Kulyk Lake.

The Kulyk Lake Technical report has been authored by Tyler Fiolleau, PGeo, of Axiom Exploration Group Ltd. of Saskatoon Saskatchewan. Mr.Fiolleau is a Professional Geologist and an Independent Qualified Person pursuant to 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The report will be available for review on the company's website and filed on SEDAR.

Qualified Person

Stephen Wallace, P.Geo., is Searchlight's Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Searchlight Resources Where the Critical Elements Supply Chain Begins

Searchlight Resources Inc. (TSXV: SCLT) (OTCQB: SCLTF) is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on Saskatchewan, Canada, which has been ranked as the top location for mining investment in Canada by the Fraser Institute. Exploration focus is on battery minerals and gold throughout the province, concentrating on projects with nearby infrastructure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Stephen Wallace"

Stephen Wallace, President, CEO and Director

SEARCHLIGHT RESOURCES INC.

For further information, visit the Company's website at www.searchlightresources.com or contact:

Searchlight Resources Inc.

Alf Stewart, VP Corporate Development

(604) 331-9326

[email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company 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 the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. 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, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178394
Strongest adjusted margins1 to date of 54%, demonstrating an increase from adjusted gross margins of 43% in Q2 of 2022

Adjusted gross profit1 of $4.5 million in Q2 2023, compared with $4.3 million in Q2 2022, representing a 6.3% increase year-over-year

Continued strong sales growth in Vermont, with revenue increasing by $1.8 million and $3.87 million, for the three month and six-month periods respectively ending June 30, 2023

$11.23 million in cash and restricted cash at August 15, 2023

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - SLANG Worldwide Inc. (CNSX: SLNG) (OTCQB: SLGWF) ("SLANG" or the "Company"), a leading global cannabis consumer packaged goods (CPG) company with a diversified portfolio of popular brands, today released financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023. All figures in this press release are stated in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted.

"In Q2 2023, SLANG achieved another significant milestone with our strongest adjusted gross margins to date, showcasing our dedication to driving financial results across all areas of the business. We also used the quarter to introduce a compelling range of new high-margin products, which will continue to position us as leaders in a rapidly evolving cannabis market," commented John Moynan, Chief Executive Officer of SLANG. "Our capacity to reduce operating expenses, streamline our vertically integrated operations, and introduce new higher-margin revenue channels in our Core Markets continues to drive our margin expansion and enhance our bottom-line growth. With a strong operational infrastructure in place to advance new growth initiatives, we are strategically focused on constant innovation for our customers in order to deliver today's most demanded cannabis brands to key cannabis markets nationwide."

"SLANG maintained strong sales growth in Vermont, increasing revenue by $1.8 million and $3.87 million, for the respective three month and six-month periods ending June 30, 2023. Our wholesale sales in Vermont in Q2 2023 also grew by 380% from Q1, showing strong growth momentum quarter-over-quarter. Despite Colorado's slower growth, we are still outperforming our competitors in the state, with O.pen maintaining its #1 ranking by the BDSA as the top-performing vape cartridge brand in the state throughout Q2. For the first six months of 2023, we increased sales of O.pen cartridges in Colorado by 16% to 415,082 units from the comparable period of 2022 as our portfolio of leading brands has continued to drive solid sales performance."

Second Quarter 2023 Operational Highlights and Growth Drivers:

Reported continued strong growth in Vermont, with revenue increasing by $1.8 million and $3.87 million, for the three month and six-month periods respectively ending June 30, 2023.

SLANG increased wholesale sales in Vermont in Q2 2023 by 380% from the first quarter of 2023, showing strong quarter-over-quarter growth momentum.

In Colorado, O.pen maintained its #1 ranking by the BDSA as the top-performing vape cartridge brand in Colorado throughout Q2. For the first six months of 2023, we increased unit sales of O.pen cartridges by 16% from the comparable period of 2022.

In June, launched the new 2-gram disposable cartridge in Colorado, exceeding our initial sales goal by 241%, selling over 7,200 new 2-gram disposable cartridges in the first month alone, and producing over $570,000 in sales through August 21, 2023 2 .

Post-quarter end, the Company launched its first line of fast-acting cannabis-infused gummies under its Alchemy Naturals all-natural THC gummy brand in Vermont.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Summary:

Revenue from continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2023, was $8.44 million, compared with $9.87 million in the three months ended June 30, 2022. The year-over-year decline was primarily driven by a reduction of $1.63 million in our Distribution sales and $0.96 million in our Emerging Market sales, partially offset by a $1.05 million increase in Core Market sales driven by growth in Vermont. For the six months ended June 30, 2023, revenue from continuing operations increased 5.6% to $19.3 million from $18.2 million in the prior year six-month period.

Gross profit of $4.4 million (52% gross margin) in Q2 2023, compared with $4.5 million (43% gross margin) in Q2 2022. Adjusted gross profit 1 was $4.5 million (54% adjusted gross margin) in Q2 2023, compared with $4.3 million (43% adjusted gross margin) in Q2 2022, representing a 6.3% increase year-over-year.

EBITDA 1 of $(1.2) million in Q2 2023, compared with $(1.1) million in Q2 2022. The reduction in EBITDA is primarily attributable to a $0.28 million reduction in gross profit offset by a $0.21 million reduction in operating expenses, both of which exclude depreciation costs.

Adjusted EBITDA 1 of $(0.76) million in Q2 2023, compared with $(0.70 million) in Q2 2022. The reduction in Adjusted EBITDA is primarily attributable to a $0.19 million increase in operating expenses (excluding depreciation expenses, expected credit losses and share based payments), offset by $0.13 million increase in adjusted gross profit, excluding depreciation costs.

$10.07 million in cash and restricted cash on June 30, 2023, compared to $11.67 million in cash and restricted cash on March 31, 2023. The Company received an additional $1.63 million in ERTC (Employee Retention Tax Credit) from the Internal Revenue Service post quarter-end. As of August 15, 2023, SLANG had $11.23 million in cash and restricted cash compared to $11.92 million on December 31, 2022.

Second Quarter 2023 Financial Review

The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with IFRS. The following is a selected presentation of the Income Statement for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023.

(In thousands of Canadian dollars except per share data and percentages)

For the three months ended



For the six months ended

30-Jun-23



30-Jun-22



30-Jun-23



30-Jun-22

Net Operating Revenue From Continuing Operations

8,436



9,868



19,259



18,242 Cost of goods sold

3,900



5,601



9,041



10,336 Gross Profit Before Fair Value Adjustment of Biological Assets

4,536



4,267



10,218



7,906 Realized fair value amounts included in inventory sold

(609 )

(580 )

(1,032 )

(1,094 ) Unrealized gain on changes in fair value of biological assets

419



806



876



1,336 Gross Profit

4,346



4,493



10,062



8,148 Gross Profit Margin

52%



46%



52%



45% Operating expenses

6,235



7,087



12,015



14,573 Operating Loss

(1,889 )

(2,594 )

(1,953 )

(6,425 ) Other items (Impairment, FV adjustment, FX, gains/losses, taxes, etc.)

(1,647 )

(951 )

(3,912 )

(1,633 ) Total Comprehensive Loss

(3,536 )

(3,545 )

(5,865 )

(8,058 ) Earnings Per Share From Continuing Operations













Basic

(0.01 )

(0.03 )

(0.03 )

(0.09 ) Diluted

(0.01 )

(0.03 )

(0.03 )

(0.08 )

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

For the three months ended



For the six months ended 30-Jun-23



30-Jun-22



30-Jun-23



30-Jun-22 Net Operating Revenue From Continuing Operations

8,436



9,868



19,259



18,242 Cost of Goods Sold

3,900



5,601



9,041



10,336 Realized fair value amounts included in inventory sold

(609 )

(580 )

(1,032 )

(1,094 ) Unrealized gain on fair value of biological assets

419



806



876



1,336 Cost of Goods Sold

4,090



5,375



9,197



10,094 Gross Profit

4,346



4,493



10,062



8,148 Gross Profit Margin

52%



46%



52%



45% Gross Profit before FV adjustment

4,536



4,267



10,218



7,906 Gross Profit Margin before FV adjustment

54%



43%



53%



43%

(In thousands of Canadian dollars)

For the three months ended



For the six months ended 30-Jun-23



30-Jun-22



30-Jun-23



30-Jun-22 Total Comprehensive Loss

(3,536 )

(3,545 )

(5,865 )

(8,058 ) EBITDA (Non-IFRS)

(1,168 )

(1,096 )

(490 )

(3,455 ) Adjusted EBITDA (Non-IFRS)

(762 )

(704 )

(22 )

(2,348 )



See the Company's management's discussion and analysis for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023 (the "Q2 2023 MD&A") for a detailed reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Operating Income / (Loss). SLANG's financial statements and the Q2 2023 MD&A are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and on the Company's Investor Relations website at www.slangww.com.

Non-IFRS Measures

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, adjusted gross profit and adjusted gross margin are non-IFRS financial measures that the Company uses to assess its operating performance. EBITDA is defined as net earnings (loss) before net finance costs, income tax expense (benefit) and depreciation and amortization expense. Management defines Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for other non-cash items such as the impact of unrealized fair values, share based compensation expense, impairments, one-time gains and losses, and one-time revenues and expenses. Management defines adjusted gross profit as gross profit before fair value adjustment of biological assets. This data is furnished to provide additional information and are non-IFRS measures and do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. The Company uses these non-IFRS measures to provide shareholders and others with supplemental measures of its operating performance. The Company also believes that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties, frequently use these non-IFRS measures in the evaluation of companies, many of which present similar metrics when reporting their results. As other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently than the Company, these metrics may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We caution readers that Adjusted EBITDA should not be substituted for determining net loss as an indicator of operating results, or as a substitute for cash flows from operating and investing activities. During 2022, the Company updated its definition of Adjusted EBITDA to include the impact of fair value amounts included in inventory sold and unrealized gain on changes in fair value of biological assets.

Conference Call Details

Management plans to host an investor conference call today, August 24, at 10:00 am ET to discuss the results.

Timing: Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 am ET

Dial In: 1(888) 440-5983 (US toll-free) or 1(646) 960-0202 (international)

Conference ID: 6291438

Webcast: A live webcast can be accessed via the Company's website at www.slangww.com or https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/459259871

About SLANG Worldwide

SLANG Worldwide Inc. is the industry leader in branded cannabis consumer packaged goods, with a diversified portfolio of five distinct brands and products distributed across the U.S. Operating in 13 legal cannabis markets nationwide, SLANG specializes in acquiring and developing market-proven regional brands, as well as launching innovative new brands to seize global market opportunities and match evolving consumer tastes. The Company has over a decade of experience operating in the nascent and highly regulated cannabis sector, and its partners enjoy the benefits of that experience, with access to the SLANG playbook for successful operations, sales and marketing. Its strong product pipeline from uniquely positioned and scalable brands like O.pen, Alchemy Naturals, Ceres, Firefly, and partnerships with brands like Greenhouse Seed Company have a proven track record of success with the brands consistently ranking among the top performers in the states where SLANG operates. Learn more at slangww.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management of SLANG at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Applicable risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to regulatory risks, risks related to the COVID-19 global pandemic, changes in laws, resolutions and guidelines, market risks, concentration risks, operating history, competition, the risks associated with international and foreign operations and the other risks identified under the headings "Risk Factors" in SLANG's annual information form dated April 27, 2022 and other disclosure documents available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. SLANG is not under any obligation, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

Financial Outlook

This news release contains a financial outlook within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. The financial outlook has been prepared by management of the Company to provide an outlook for the Company's sales in certain markets during the period of July and August 2023, as well as cash balances and may not be appropriate for any other purpose. The financial outlook has been prepared based on a number of assumptions including the assumptions discussed under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements". The actual results of the Company's operations for any period will likely vary from the amounts set forth in these projections and such variations may be material. The Company and its management believe that the financial outlook has been prepared on a reasonable basis. However, because this information is highly subjective and subject to numerous risks, including the risks discussed under the heading "Forward-Looking Statements", it should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results.

Third Party Information

This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources.

Reader Advisory

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Company Contact

Mikel Rutherford, CFO

833-752-6499

Media and Investor Inquiries

[email protected]

KCSA Strategic Communications

Phil Carlson

[email protected]

________________________

1 See "Non IFRS measures".

2 Preliminary and unaudited financial results are subject to customary financial statement procedures by the Company and its auditors. Actual results could be affected by subsequent events or determinations. While the Company believes there is a reasonable basis for these preliminary financial results, the results involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These preliminary fiscal results represent forward-looking information. See "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Financial Outlook".

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178331
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Steppe Gold Ltd. (TSX: STGO) (OTCQX: STPGF) (FSE: 2J9) ("Steppe Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") Report. The report is the Company's first annual disclosure of its approach and performance on a range of material ESG topics as well as the Company's plans and priorities for 2023 and beyond. The report is available on Steppe Gold's website at www.steppegold.com under Sustainability. The Company has also shared a corporate video highlighting its ESG efforts: Steppe Gold - Embracing Sustainable Mining in Mongolia.

Steppe Gold's 2022 ESG Report summarizes its strategy, efforts, and actions for responsible and sustainable operations since 2018. The Report provides enhanced transparency regarding the Company's ESG efforts and approach to managing ESG factors that have the greatest potential to impact Steppe's value and success. Building on the Company's commitment to ongoing transparency and disclosure, the ESG Report has been prepared in alignment with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Metals & Mining Sustainability Accounting Standard.

Steppe Gold Chairman and CEO, Mr. Bataa Tumur-Ochir, noted, "I am delighted to present our inaugural ESG report, encompassing the period from 2018 to 2022. As our vision is to create long-lasting value for all stakeholders, promote social and economic development in our local community, and responsibly manage our impact on the environment, I am proud to say that Steppe Gold has been committed to social responsibility to ensure our mines and communities are sustainable and profitable for many years to come."

Steppe Gold Ltd.

Steppe Gold is Mongolia's premier precious metals company.

For further information, please contact:

Bataa Tumur-Ochir, Chairman and CEO

Shangri-La office, Suite 1201, Olympic Street19A, Sukhbaatar District 1,Ulaanbaatar 14241, Mongolia

Tel: +976 7732 1914

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. 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", "continues", "plan", "projects", "potential", "budget" and similar expressions, or are events or conditions that "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. This news release contains forward-looking statements pertaining to meeting ESG reporting expectations; the impact of ESG factors on the value and success of Steppe.

Although the Company believes that the material factors, expectations, and assumptions expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable based on information available to it on the date such statements are made, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurances that such statements and information will prove to be correct and such statements are not guarantees of future performance. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties.

Actual performance and results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to known and unknown risks, including those set forth in the Company's Annual Information Form (a copy of which can be found under Steppe's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca). Accordingly, readers should not place undue importance or reliance on forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned that the list of factors is not exhaustive.

Statements, including forward-looking statements, contained in this news release are made as of the date they are given, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

The Toronto Stock Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178351
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 24. President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon will embark on a working visit to Kazakhstan on August 25-26, 2023, Trend reports.

According to Akorda (the Press Office of the President of Kazakhstan), the visit to the Kazakhstan's capital Astana will be made upon the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

During the visit, high-level negotiations will take place, addressing issues of trade, economics, transport and logistics, as well as investment cooperation.

The leaders of the two countries will also participate in the ceremonial opening of Tajikistan Culture Days in Kazakhstan and will attend an exhibition showcasing Tajikistan's agricultural products.

Prior to this, the state visit of President Rahmon to Kazakhstan took place in early May 2023. During the talks, the presidents of the two countries paid special attention to expanding trade and economic cooperation, including in the areas of industry, agriculture, and transportation.

As a result of the previous negotiations, 9 documents were signed, including the Declaration of Allied Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.
London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Twisty Weekend, a newly established men's fashion brand, has introduced a new range of polo shirts that effortlessly combine style, comfort, and functionality. With a keen understanding of the modern man's fashion needs, Twisty Weekend's provides a unique blend of fashion-forward designs and practical features.

The standout feature of the collection is its innovative approach to classic polo shirts. Each garment is meticulously crafted using premium quality fabrics that prioritize comfort and breathability, ensuring wearers stay cool and comfortable even during scorching summer days.

Twisty Weekend provides men with a diverse range of options to express their individual styles. The brand has curated an eclectic selection of contemporary prints and patterns, catering to the preferences of the modern consumer. By putting customer comfort at the forefront, Twisty Weekend aims to offer cool and casual clothing options that allow men to effortlessly showcase their unique personalities.

Spokesperson for Twisty Weekend Sophia Dsilva shared insights into the brand's design philosophy, stating,"We believe that men's fashion should seamlessly blend style and comfort. Our mission is to empower men to look and feel their best, regardless of the occasion. With our new collection of men's polo shirts, we're introducing a harmonious fusion of fashion and functionality, enabling men to elevate their style while relishing unparalleled comfort."

To ensure an impeccable fit for every body type, Twisty Weekend offers an extensive range of sizes. The polo shirts feature an ultra-light, quick-drying, 4-way stretch fabric that boasts breathability, UPF 50+ sun protection, and wrinkle resistance. Additionally, these shirts are equipped with a built-in sunglasses holder and discreet hidden microfiber cloth for added convenience.

The complete collection of men's polo shirts from Twisty Weekend is available through their official website.

About the Company -Twisty Weekend:

Twisty Weekend stands as a trailblazing fashion brand committed to creating high-performance apparel that strikes the perfect balance between style and functionality. With an unwavering focus on quality craftsmanship, innovative materials, and sustainable practices, Twisty Weekend presents a diverse range of clothing options that seamlessly blend fashion with performance.

For further details, visit the following links:

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Media Details:

Company Name: Twisty Weekend

Contact Person Name: Sophia Dsilva

Company's Website: https://twistyweekend.com/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/177605
Making Vegas physically meet Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - The Vegas Meets Dubai (VMD), a Project of VIP Minds, has entrusted the logistics of its upcoming trade and investment mission to Dubai to VonVoyages, a leading travel agency in Las Vegas.

During Vegas Meets Dubai partnership ceremony



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/9276/178304_aed06e549433e83b_001full.jpg

VIP Minds, a corporate and civic talent scout, selected VonVoyages for its organizational prowess and long-standing dedication to excellence in service delivery. "After careful consideration we selected VonVoyages as VMD strategic partner for all travel arrangements not just for the agency's professionalism and impeccable track record, but because their personal touch unfailingly assures that client expectations are met and exceeded," says Nora Abou Chakra, CEO at VIP Minds.

VonVoyages will coordinate with DM Global Consulting, Vegas-based VMD leading strategic partner, to compile and finalize the agenda of the trade and investment mission. Both VonVoyages and DM Global Consulting are leveraging their extensive networks in Dubai to create events and schedule meetings with local government officials, entrepreneurs, and CEOs of leading corporations.

Once the agenda has been finalized, VonVoyages will organize the mission's logistics and offer its VIP clients a complete package covering all travel arrangements from flights and airport transfers to hotel bookings, local mobility, and networking tours. Participants may customize their travel plans to suit their personal or business needs.

VMD was launched last May to bridge the distance between two world class cities. The initiative seeks to unearth and map the countless business opportunities not yet exploited due to geography and a possible lack of awareness.

Ms. Abou Chakra explains: "Even in this age, businesses wanting to broaden their markets and extend their reach suffer from a lack of information. By introducing Las Vegas entrepreneurs and executives to the reality on the ground in Dubai, opportunities suddenly become clear and obvious to all. But for that to happen, you need to go there."

VMD is working to expand its own reach to include the metaverse where VIP Minds is carving out a vast commercial and cultural space for people from Las Vegas and Dubai to meet, exchange ideas and experiences, and explore and exploit business opportunities.

https://vegasmeetsdubai.com/

VonVoyages contact details:

Darek Costilla, Chief of Technology

725-529-5194

[email protected]

www.vonvoyages.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/178304
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - August 24, 2023) - Sixty North Gold Mining Ltd. (CSE: SXTY) (FSE: 2F4) (OTC Pink: SXNTF) (the "Company" or "Sixty North Gold") announces an update on the Yellowknife NWT wildfire situation and its impact on the Mon Property.

The NWT and western Canada has been experiencing a devastating wildfire season with many communities and properties under evacuation orders. The 19,200 hectare ZF012-23 fire north of Yellowknife is still out of control and has swept through the area around the Mon Property. On August 16, Yellowknife and surrounding communities were placed on evacuation orders.

Sixty North Gold supported a visit to the mine site on August 21 by a supplier, to examine it and assess any damage to equipment left on site. He reported that all equipment appears to have survived the fire unscathed with the exception of the six-trailer 20-man camp, two pick-up trucks and a quad ATV at the north-end of the property. The camp generator and sewage treatment plant appear to be in good shape. All assets away from the camp at the mine are undamaged. This includes the compressors and generators, scooptrams and rock trucks, shops, bulldozer, diamond drill and miscellaneous equipment. The explosive magazines and fuel tanks also are in good shape. The Company has contacted its insurance company to advise them of a potential claim and will be visiting with adjusters at an appropriate time.

Dr. Webb, President and CEO states, "We are very lucky to have survived this fire with what can best be described as minimal damage, when there is so much devastation in the NWT and elsewhere in Canada. Replacement accommodations for the mine will be sought to support continued underground development and exploration across the property."

The accompanying image shows a previous year's image labeling in yellow the damaged property, and the balance of the assets that are undamaged.

Mon Gold Property Infrastructure



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5873/178319_infrastructure_photo_nr_2023-08-24.jpg

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 public filings available on SEDAR ( www.sedarplus.ca ), 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 public filings available on SEDAR ( www.sedarplus.ca ), 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/178319
A satellite image shows the area where the private jet linked to Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed near Kuzhenkino, in the Tver region, Russia, August 24, 2023, in this handout picture. PLANET LABS PBC/Handout via REUTERS

By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Defense on Thursday said there was currently no information to suggest that a surface-to-air missile took down the plane presumed to be carrying Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Air Force Brigadier General Patrick Ryder, a Pentagon spokesperson, offered no evidence or further details on what U.S. officials believe caused the crash as he made his remarks at a Pentagon news conference.

Reuters had reported earlier on Thursday that the United States was looking at a number of theories over what caused Prigozhin's plane to crash, and cited two U.S. officials saying a surface-to-air missile likely hit it.

The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stressed that the information was still preliminary and under review, and did not rule out a change to the assessment.

"We don't have any information to indicate right now the press reporting stating that there was some type of surface-to-air missile that took down the plane," Ryder told reporters.

Russian air authorities have said Prigozhin, his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin, and eight other people were on the private plane that crashed with no survivors northwest of Moscow on Wednesday.

The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported a different theory, citing unnamed U.S. officials: that a bomb aboard the aircraft or some other sabotage caused the crash.

It is not uncommon for there to be competing, even contradictory, intelligence views in the U.S. government in the hours and days after major international events.

The crash came two months to the day after Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries staged a mutiny in which they took control of a southern city, Rostov, and advanced towards Moscow.

U.S. President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that he was not surprised by reports Prigozhin had died in a plane crash, adding not much happens in Russia that President Vladimir Putin was not behind.

Putin on Thursday said he wished to express sincere condolences to the families of those who died, and said it was necessary to await the outcome of the official investigation. Prigozhin, 62, head of the Wagner mercenary group, frequently criticized the Russian army top brass over what he said was its incompetent prosecution of the war in Ukraine.

The Embraer executive jet model that crashed in Russia had only recorded one accident in more than 20 years of service, and that was not related to mechanical failure.

(This story has been corrected to change the source to local authorities instead of Reuters reporters in paragraph 22)

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Alistair Bell and Daniel Wallis)
Paid press release content from The Financial Capital. The StreetInsider.com news staff was not involved in its creation.

Innovative College Admissions Consultancy paves the way for student success in Ivy League and elite institutions.



The Ivy Institute, a leading innovator in college admissions consulting, is proud to introduce its groundbreaking Application Identity process, also called App Identity. This cutting-edge service, available exclusively through The Ivy Institute, is poised to redefine how students navigate the competitive landscape of college applications and secure coveted spots in Ivy League and other top-tier educational institutions.

Renowned as a trailblazing authority in college admissions, The Ivy Institute has firmly established its reputation as the preferred choice for high school students and their families embarking on the transformative journey of college applications. With a distinguished team of seasoned consultants from esteemed institutions such as the Ivy League and other elite colleges, The Ivy Institute is committed to uncovering students' distinctive talents and propelling their aspirations toward prestigious academic destinations.

In an era where Ivy League and top-tier colleges emphasize diversity and strive to admit a well-rounded class, admissions officers seek individuals with unique qualities, talents, and experiences. They carefully review and select students by what theyand only theycan contribute to their campus. The Ivy Institute's App Identity process revolutionizes the landscape of college counseling and consulting and helps students identify and discover what they can contribute. While many consultants focus on optimizing application hooks and positionings, App Identity goes a step further. It strives to unearth the pivotal aspects of a student's life, harnessing this insight to help students stand out by spotlighting the exceptional attributes that render them genuinely unique. App Identity serves as the ultimate differentiator in a sea of applicants.

"In today's competitive admissions landscape, a catchy application hook is no longer adequate. With hundreds to thousands of students using the same "hooks," you need something distinctive to set yourself apart. That's where our App Identity process comes in," states a spokesperson of The Ivy Institute.

The Ivy Institute's unique App Identity process is about uncovering the one-of-a-kind factor that makes students who they are and what sets them apart. It is designed to determine one distinguishing attribute from an individual's past, profile, interests, or experiences. By finding what a student, and only that student, can bring to a college, The Ivy Institutes students become highly recruited and sought after in the admissions processmany rising to the top of the applicant pool with scholarships and hand-written notes from the Deans of Admissions to convince them to attend.

The Ivy Institute's professional advisors collaborate closely with the applicant to identify that distinguishing characteristic, meticulously developing a captivating narrative that connects all their application materials like no other student can. Their knowledgeable staff guarantees that the student's individuality shows through, attracting the attention of admissions officers and eliminating competition in the applicant pool.

Prominent Ivy League experts agree that the App Identity's basis goes beyond traditional measurements like perfect GPAs and perfect test scores or even talents or abilities. While these accomplishments are valuable, they cannot ensure admission to prestigious colleges. These universities are flooded with applications from similarly accomplished students. To fully resonate with admissions committees, an applicant must tell a very moving story, a story that only they can tell. App Identity allows students to explore their individuality and inspires them to investigate areas of their history, identity, and interests that are unique and impossible to reproduce by other students.

"It's important to recognize that Application Identity defies a one-size-fits-all approach. Every student's journey is distinctive, and the process of uncovering and showcasing their App Identity will inherently differ. We invest the time to intimately understand each student, gaining insight into their passions, dreams, and aspirations. We believe in tailoring our approach to everyone," emphasizes the spokesperson of The Ivy Institute.

The App Identity process offered by The Ivy Institute heralds an exciting paradigm shift in college admissions, valuing the distinctive contributions of each student. From the perspective of top institutions, a compelling App Identity might be the difference between a prospect and an indispensable member of their varied and lively community.

Please visit The Ivy Institute's website below for more information.

About The Ivy Institute:

The Ivy Institute is an innovative leader in college admissions consulting, driven by a commitment to honing each student's unique potential. Through its pioneering Application Identity process, The Ivy Institute redefines how students approach their college applications, fostering a new era of success in Ivy League and top-tier institutions. With a team of accomplished consultants, The Ivy Institute is dedicated to guiding students toward their dream colleges while championing their individuality and aspirations.



Contact Info:

Name: The Ivy Institute

Email: Send Email

Organization: The Ivy Institute

Website: https://www.theivyinst.org/



Release ID: 89105605

In case of encountering any inaccuracies, problems, or queries arising from the content shared in this press release that necessitate action, or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we urge you to notify us at [email protected]. Our responsive team will be readily available to promptly address your concerns within 8 hours, resolving any identified issues diligently or guiding you through the necessary steps for removal. The provision of accurate and dependable information is our primary focus.
LAS VEGAS , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PlayAGS, Inc. (NYSE: AGS or "the Company"), a leading supplier of high-performing slot, table, and interactive products and services to the global gaming industry, today announced that Robert "Bob" Blair will join the Company as Deputy General Counsel, effective immediately.

"Bob is an exceptional legal mind who is a valuable addition to the AGS leadership team," said Rob Ziems , AGS Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. "With his extensive knowledge and experience on corporate legal affairs and patent matters, Bob will be a key player in protecting and advancing our business and our brand as AGS continues to capitalize on many growth opportunities ahead."

Blair joins AGS from Aruze Gaming America, Inc. ("Aruze"), where he served for over five years. At Aruze, Blair held a variety of roles within its legal organization, including Global General Counsel, Global Deputy General Counsel, and Global Senior IP Counsel.

Prior to Aruze, Blair served as Counsel and U.S. Patent Attorney for EIP, an international law firm specializing in patents, as Vice President of Patents for Unwired Planet, a publicly traded intellectual property company focused exclusively on the mobile industry, and as Associate General Counsel of Intellectual Property at International Game Technology for over seven years. Blair earned his Juris Doctorate with honors from the University of Denver  Sturm College of Law, and his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Reno, Nevada

About AGS

AGS is a global company focused on creating a diverse mix of entertaining gaming experiences for every kind of player. Our roots are firmly planted in the Class II Native American gaming market, but our customer-centric culture and growth have helped us branch out to become a leading all-inclusive commercial gaming supplier. Powered by high-performing Class II and Class III slot products, an expansive table products portfolio, real-money gaming platforms and content, highly rated social casino solutions for operators and players, and best-in-class service, we offer an unmatched value proposition for our casino partners. Learn more at www.playags.com.

AGS Media Contact:

Julia Boguslawski , Chief Marketing Officer

[email protected]

Nikki Davis , Director, Marketing & Communications

[email protected]

AGS Investor Contact:

Brad Boyer , Senior Vice President of Investor Relations & Corporate Operations

[email protected]

2023 AGS LLC. All notices signify marks registered in the United States . All  and  notices signify trademarks, which are not registered on any country-wide basis. Products referenced herein are sold by AGS LLC or other subsidiaries of PlayAGS, Inc.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ags-appoints-bob-blair-as-deputy-general-counsel-301908976.html

SOURCE AGS
Franchise owners explore growth strategies during annual networking event

DENVER , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- AlphaGraphics , a leading franchisor of printing and marketing solutions, recently recognized its high-achieving franchisees while also discussing strategies for the future during its 53rd annual conference at Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.

"At AlphaGraphics, our franchise owners and leadership team have a win-win relationship," said Bill McPherson , vice president of franchise development. "Neither one can achieve success without relying on the other. Our annual conference gives us an opportunity to come together as a franchise family and work on strategies that help us all grow."

Several awards were given out at this year's conference, including:

Franny: Rich Schepler , North Carolina

, Rising Star : Eric Johnson , Missouri

, Missouri Most Improved: Jim Ballew , Texas

, Project of the Year: Clare, Bill and Sarah Meehan , Pennsylvania

Clare, Bill and , Community Impact: Barry and Rita Wilson , South Carolina

Barry and , Top Overall Sales: Lynn Nelson , Idaho .

"Our franchisees deserve all the recognition for their hard work and dedication to making AlphaGraphics successful," McPherson said. "While our conference is a chance to networking and work on strategies, it is also a great opportunity to recognize franchise owners who have achieved success over the past year."

AlphaGraphics was founded in 1970, and the company began offering franchise opportunities in 1979. For more information, visit https://www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com .

About AlphaGraphics

AlphaGraphics, Inc., with more than 285 locations in 6 countries, is one of the largest U.S. -based networks of locally-owned and operated Business Centers offering a complete range of print, visual communications, and marketing products. Solutions include: full-service digital, offset, and large format printing; design services; mailing; one-to-one marketing solutions; promotional products; and web to print solutions. For more information about AlphaGraphics services, visit www.alphagraphics.com . To learn about franchise opportunities, visit www.alphagraphicsfranchise.com .

About MBE Worldwide

MBE Worldwide S.p.A., a privately-owned company headquartered in Italy , is a Global Commerce enabler for SMBs and consumers thanks to its platform providing e-commerce, fulfillment, shipping, marketing and print solutions via multi-brand operations: PrestaShop, Mail Boxes Etc. (except in the US and Canada ), PostNet, PACK & SEND, Spedingo.com, AlphaGraphics, Multicopy, Print Speak, GEL Proximity and World Options. In 2022, the combination of its physical platform - that currently counts 3,150+ Business Solution Centers in 52 countries with more than 13,000 associates - with its PrestaShop e-commerce platform served over 1 million business customers worldwide generating 1.3 billion ( US$1.4 billion ) of System-wide Gross Revenue and 22 billion ( US$23 billion ) of Gross Merchandise Value.

For additional information please visit MBE Worldwide Group websites at: www.mbecorporate.com - www.prestashop.com/en - www.mbeglobal.com - www.postnet.com - www.packsend.com.au  www.packsend.co.uk - www.spedingo.com/en - www.alphagraphics.com - www.multicopy.nl - www.printspeak.com - www.mbe.it - www.mbe.es - www.mbe.de - www.mbefrance.fr - www.mbe.pl - www.mbe.pt - www.mbe.co.uk - www.gelproximity.com/en - www.worldoptions.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alphagraphics-recognizes-high-achieving-franchisees-at-53rd-conference-301907723.html

SOURCE AlphaGraphics
 Leading Specialty Pharma CDMO Continues Strong Growth Trend Due to Making the Impossible Possible for Pharmaceutical and Biological Companies 

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascendia Pharmaceuticals, a leading specialty pharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) in North America , proudly announces it has been named to the prestigious 2023 Inc. 5000 list for the fourth consecutive year. Ascendia ranked #1998 in the 2023 list based upon its 280% 3-year revenue growth.

Ascendia Pharma makes Inc. 5000 list for fourth consecutive year.

The Inc. 5000 list represents the leading companies within the American economy's independent small businesses. Ascendia was one of only 120 New Jersey-based companies to be part of the Inc. 5000 and was 31st in the health products industry. Its success is built upon its proprietary nanotechnologies and scientific team who make the Impossible Possible.

"The Inc. 5000 is recognition that clearly indicates the talent, commitment, and passion of our talented team. Being named to the list for four consecutive years is an accomplishment but the true achievement for Ascendia is that we have partnered with pharmaceutical/biotech companies to help develop and deliver drugs that will better treat society," said Ascendia founder and CEO Jim Huang , Ph.D.

The companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. This year's Inc. 5000 companies have added 1,187,266 jobs to the U.S. economy and collectively had a median growth of 219% with a total revenue of $358.2 billion . Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be filtered by industry and region can be found at https://www.inc.com/inc5000/2023.

About Ascendia Pharmaceuticals

Ascendia Pharmaceuticals is a leading specialty CDMO that makes the insoluble soluble through a comprehensive suite of pre-formulation, formulation development, cGMP manufacturing, and ICH stability services for a variety of dosage forms using its proprietary enabling nano-technologies including nanoemulsions, nanoparticles, lipid nanoparticles, and amorphous solid dispersions technology platforms. The company built its foundation of success on its customer-centric culture that -cultivates its BEST philosophy (Brilliant technology, Excellent service, Superior quality, and Trust).

More about Inc. and the 2023 Inc. 5000

Inc. 5000 Methodology

Companies on the 2023 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2019 to 2022. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2019 . They must be U.S. -based, privately held, for-profit, and independent--not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies--as of December 31, 2022 . (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2019 is $100,000 ; the minimum for 2022 is $2 million . As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Growth rates used to determine rankings were calculated to four decimal places.

About Inc.

Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating our future. Inc.'s award-winning work reaches more than 50 million people across a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States . The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious Inc. lists, such as Female Founders and Power Partners, gives the founders of top businesses the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ascendia-named-to-2023-inc-5000-list-of-americas-fastest-growing-private-companies-for-the-fourth-consecutive-year-301909569.html

SOURCE Ascendia
The donation will support healthcare workers who are providing recovery support and medical care for communities harmed in the Maui wildfires.

SANTA MONICA, Calif. , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Careismatic Brands Inc., the world's largest medical apparel retailer, announced today that it will donate medical apparel and accessories to support healthcare professionals in Maui, Hawaii , as they provide critical care to their communities in the wake of this month's tragic wildfires.

Careismatic is sending to Maui nearly 800 units of medical apparel includes scrubs from Cherokee Uniforms and footwear from Infinity. It will also donate stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and scissors.

"Healthcare professionals in Maui are doing what they do best: stepping up under unimaginable circumstances to provide the compassionate care their community needs," said Girisha Chandraraj , CEO of Careismatic Brands, Inc. "Careismatic Brands is deeply moved by their commitment and honored to support them in this critical mission."

This donation, which will be followed by an additional shipment of supplies and accessories, will help outfit approximately 120 healthcare professionals with high-quality apparel and accessories to keep them safe and comfortable as they provide recovery support. Hawaii Work Uniforms, a trusted Careismatic retail partner, will distribute the apparel and equipment to healthcare workers across the island.

In 2018, in response to the Paradise Fire in California , Careismatic Brands donated more than 11,000 pieces of medical apparel and other supplies to support healthcare professionals across the affected communities.

ABOUT CAREISMATIC BRANDS: Careismatic Brands, Inc. is a trusted global leader in medical apparel, footwear and accessories, with a distribution platform that spans 70 countries. Its extensive portfolio of trusted brands includes Cherokee Uniforms, Dickies Medical, Heartsoul Scrubs, Infinity, Scrubstar, Tooniforms, Anywear, Healing Hands, Med Couture , Medelita, Classroom Uniforms, Allheart, Silvert's Adaptive Apparel and BALA Footwear. Careismatic is proud to support a number of nonprofit organizations, including The DAISY Foundation, U-VOL Foundation and Mercy Ships.

For more information about Careismatic Brands, visit www.careismatic.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/careismatic-brands-donates-medical-apparel-and-accessories-to-healthcare-professionals-affected-by-hawaii-wildfires-301909470.html

SOURCE Careismatic Brands
Top 10 homebuilder to host event featuring four new communities at the resort-style Cadence planned community

HENDERSON, Nev. , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS)a top 10 national homebuilder, industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023is excited to invite homebuyers and real estate agents to attend a multi-community Grand Opening at the popular Cadence planned community in Henderson, NV. Taking place on Saturday, August 26 , the event will feature four new communities with a combined 12 floor plans and nine model homes for tour: Alderidge (townhomes), Somerville (paired homes), Modena I (single-family homes), and Modena II (single-family homes).

All communities are also now selling, with prices ranging from the mid $300s to the high $400s. In addition to a versatile selection of floor plans and locations, future residents of Cadence will enjoy resort-style amenities like a 50-acre Central Park , an amphitheater, a fitness court, pickleball courts, a six-lane lap pool, a dog park, a splash pad and moreall in a sought-after location with quick access to destinations like Las Vegas , Lake Las Vegas , and Lake Mead National Recreation Area .

Explore each community & available homes at www.CenturyCommunities.com/Cadence.

MULTI-COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING DETAILS:

Date & Time: August 26, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participating Locations:

Alderidge at Cadence (Townhomes): 248 Freeport View Place , Henderson, NV 89011

, 89011 Somerville at Cadence ( Paired Homes ): 802 Royal Beekman Street , Henderson, NV 89011

): , 89011 Modena I at Cadence ( Single-Family Homes ): 872 Arbor Spring Street , Henderson, NV 89011

): , 89011 Modena II at Cadence ( Single-Family Homes ): 866 Arbor Spring Street , Henderson, NV 89011

Details:

Tour models at each community

Get your passport stamped at all four communities for a chance to win a prize

Enjoy complimentary refreshments

Learn about available homes and savings opportunities

"We're thrilled to have area homebuyers and real estate agents come out and discover these incredible new Cadence communities, offering everything from spacious single-family homes to chic paired homes and townhomes," said Robb Beville , Nevada Division President. "It's also a great time to explore the amazing amenities at Cadence, check out available homes, and learn how we can help you save and get into your dream home."

ABOUT THE COMMUNITIES

Alderidge at Cadence

Townhomes from the mid $300s

3 two-story floor plans

2 to 3 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 bathrooms, 2-bay garages

Up to 1,479 square feet

3 models for tour

248 Freeport View Place

Henderson, NV 89011

702.331.5001

www.CenturyCommunities.com/Alderidge

Somerville at Cadence

Paired homes from the high $300s

2 two-story floor plans

3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 2-bay garages

Up to 1,676 square feet

2 models for tour

802 Royal Beekman Street

Henderson, NV 89011

702.331.9600

www.CenturyCommunities.com/Somerville

Modena I at Cadence

Single-family homes from the mid $400s

4 two-story floor plans

3 to 6 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 bathrooms, 2-bay garages

Up to 2,114 square feet

2 models for tour

872 Arbor Springs Street

Henderson, NV 89011

702.331.5001

www.CenturyCommunities.com/ModenaI

Modena II at Cadence

Single-family homes from the high $400s

3 two-story floor plans

3 to 5 bedrooms, 2.5 to 3 bathrooms, 2-bay garages

Up to 2,119 square feet

2 models for tour

866 Arbor Springs Street

Henderson, NV 89011

702.331.5002

www.CenturyCommunities.com/ModenaII

DISCOVER THE FREEDOM OF ONLINE HOMEBUYING:

Century Communities is proud to feature its industry-first online homebuying experience on all available homes in Nevada .

How it works:

Shop homes at CenturyCommunities.com Click "Buy Now" on any available home Fill out a quick Buy Online form Electronically submit an initial earnest money deposit Electronically sign a purchase contract via DocuSign

Learn more about the Buy Online experience at www.CenturyCommunities.com/online-homebuying.

About Century Communities

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023. Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding  including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 18 states and over 45 markets across the U.S. , and also offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/century-communities-announces-grand-opening-for-four-new-communities-in-henderson-nv-301909440.html

SOURCE Century Communities, Inc.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, August 24. EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) has approved a loan of $3 million to Tajikistan's IMON microcredit deposit-taking organization, Trend reports.

According to EBRD, the total loan amount is $4 million. In addition to EBRD's contribution, GCF (Green Climate Fund) will provide $1 million under the Green Economy Financing Facility Regional Framework.

The funds from this loan will be directed towards climate change mitigation and adaptation technologies. The transaction aims to support the expansion of IMON's product offerings, specifically focusing on green lending products, in a gender responsive way.

This is the third loan to IMON under the Framework, following the successful utilization of the initial loan signed in 2021 and the subsequent one signed in 2022

IMON ranks as the fourth-largest financial institution in Tajikistan. As of the end of March 2023, it is responsible for approximately 9 percent of the total lending in the country.

EBRD portfolio in Tajikistan reached 487 million euros, allocated for 67 active projects as of July 31.

Tajikistan joined EBRD in 1992; since then, the bank has established itself as the primary investor in the country, fostering a longstanding cooperation. Its primary focus in Tajikistan lies in enhancing infrastructure, promoting regional connectivity, and creating employment opportunities.
Cole Comes from the Business Council of Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA) welcomes David Cole as the group's next President.

"Water utilities are increasingly facing a number of growing challenges while at the same time there has been a very much-needed investment from the federal government into infrastructure projects," Cole said. "The Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association plays a vital role in helping water professionals make the best choices to provide clean, safe drinking water to their communities. Throughout my career I have seen first-hand the significant role the Ductile iron pipe industry plays in supporting America's drinking and wastewater systems with its important focus on domestic manufacturing to produce strong, resilient, generation-lasting pipes. I am honored to join and lead the outstanding team at DIPRA and am eager to engage on behalf of our member-companies and their employees to share the industry-leading advocacy and research DIPRA produces."

Cole most recently served as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs for the Business Council of Alabama where he advocated for the state's business community to both the Alabama legislature and on the federal level. The Business Council is the state's largest business association, representing nearly one million people working in businesses of all sizes. Prior to that, Cole worked at the Alabama Farmers Federation/Alfa Insurance in a number of different positions managing both legislative and state affairs. Cole is a graduate of Auburn University and lives in Troy, AL with his wife and two children.

"We're very excited about David joining us as DIPRA's next President," said Jeff Otterstedt , Senior Vice President in the Pipe Division for McWane Ductile who led the national search on behalf of the DIPRA Board. "David is very excited to work in an industry vitally important to public health and business development and to focus on one set of industry priorities. Ductile iron pipe is the pipe of choice for water utilities investing in infrastructure that needs to last for generations."

Cole began his work at DIPRA on Monday, Aug. 14 .

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dipra-welcomes-david-cole-as-president-301909270.html

SOURCE Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association (DIPRA)
SHANGHAI , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Everest Medicines (HKEX 1952.HK, "Everest", or the "Company"), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative medicines and vaccines, today announced its interim results for the first half of 2023, along with a corporate update.

"We are pleased to have achieved a number of critical milestones during the first half of 2023, propelling Everest to a commercial stage biopharma," commented Rogers Yongqing Luo , CEO of Everest Medicines. "At the end of July, we successfully took the critical step of launching our first therapeutic drug in China , Xerava, which is the world's first fluocycline antibiotic for the treatment of multi-drug resistant infections. To support Xerava's launch, we have built a lean and efficient commercial team of highly experienced professionals, which we will gradually scale up as we prepare for additional product debuts. Over the next 18-24 months, we expect to have three additional products approved in China ."

"Being one of very few biotech companies with a substantial lineup of products prepared for launch over the next two years clearly demonstrates our expertise in selecting and commercializing promising drug candidates. We expect to receive NDA approvals from both China and Singapore in the second half of 2023 for Nefecon, our first-in-disease treatment for adults with primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) and launch Nefecon broadly in China in early 2024. We will also continue to broaden our product pipeline through our dual approach of in-licensing and internal discovery, targeting underserved conditions and areas of high unmet need with innovative and differentiated therapies. Through a series of measures to improve operational efficiency and restructure our strategic focus, we have significantly reduced expenses across different functions and narrowed net loss in the first six months of this year by more than a third compared to a year ago. This will allow Everest to continue to generate value for our stakeholders and shareholders," said Mr. Luo .

Recent Product Highlights and Anticipated Milestones

INFECTIOUS DISEASE PORTFOLIO

Eravacycline (Xerava), is the world's first Fluorocycline antibiotic for the treatment of infections caused by gram negative, gram positive and anaerobic pathogens including multidrug-resistant ("MDR") isolates. Its current approved indication is cIAI in adult patients.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On March 16, 2023 , the Company announced that China's NMPA approved its NDA for Xerava  in the treatment of cIAI in adult patients, marking it the first product to be commercialized by the Company in China .

, the Company announced that NMPA approved its NDA for Xerava in the treatment of cIAI in adult patients, marking it the first product to be commercialized by the Company in . Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

On July 26, 2023 , Xerava  was successfully launched in China with its first prescriptions issued at Huashan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University . The commercialization of Xerava  in China marks the Company's transformation into a commercial-stage innovative biopharmaceutical company.

, Xerava was successfully launched in with its first prescriptions issued at affiliated to . The commercialization of Xerava in marks the Company's transformation into a commercial-stage innovative biopharmaceutical company.

We expect NDA approval for eravacycline for the treatment of cIAI in the Taiwan region in 2023.

Taniborbactam is a beta-lactamase inhibitor ("BLI") that, in combination with cefepime, may offer a potential treatment option for patients with serious bacterial infections caused by difficult-to-treat resistant gram-negative bacteria, most notably carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales ("CRE") and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa ("CRPA").

Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

On 15 August 2023 , our partner Venatorx Pharmaceuticals announced that the US FDA has accepted the NDA for cefepime-taniborbactam, an investigational beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) antibiotic for the potential treatment of adult patients with complicated urinary tract infections("cUTI"), including pyelonephritis. The FDA has granted priority review of the NDA with a Prescription Drug User Fee Act ("PDUFA") target action date of February 22, 2024 .

EVER206 (also known as SPR206), is a potentially best-in-class, novel polymyxin derivative designed to reduce toxicity, especially nephrotoxicity, compared to levels observed clinically with polymyxin B and colistin.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On January 18, 2023 , the Company announced topline results from a China phase 1 study on healthy subjects demonstrating that EVER206 is well-tolerated with no evidence of acute kidney injury and no new safety signals on healthy subjects with dose ranges applied in the study. The pharmacokinetics of healthy subjects in China were comparable to the results of the overseas phase I study (SPR206-101) and the safety profile was also similar to the results from the overseas Phase I trial, supporting the Company's plans to initiate next-phase clinical development in China .

RENAL PORTFOLIO

Nefecon, our anchor drug candidate in the renal therapeutic area, is a patented oral, delayed release formulation of budesonide in development for the treatment of IgAN.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On February 10, 2023 , South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety ("MFDS") granted Global Innovative product on Fast Track ("GIFT") designation to Nefecon  for the treatment of primary IgAN. South Korea's GIFT program was launched in September 2022 to further accelerate review timeframes, especially for groundbreaking products. Nefecon  is the second product overall and the first non-oncology product included in MFDS's GIFT program. Inclusion in the GIFT program is expected to accelerate regulatory review time by 25% and allow for rolling review.

, ("MFDS") granted Global Innovative product on Fast Track ("GIFT") designation to Nefecon for the treatment of primary IgAN. GIFT program was launched in to further accelerate review timeframes, especially for groundbreaking products. Nefecon is the second product overall and the first non-oncology product included in MFDS's GIFT program. Inclusion in the GIFT program is expected to accelerate regulatory review time by 25% and allow for rolling review.

On March 12, 2023 , our partner Calliditas Therapeutics AB ("Calliditas") reported positive topline results from a Phase 3 NefIgArd Trial evaluating Nefecon  in the treatment of IgAN. The trial met its primary endpoint with Nefecon  demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value  or placebo, then followed by 15 months off drug, observational follow-up period. The primary endpoint, time-weighted average change from baseline in eGFR over the 2-year period, demonstrated a 5.05 mL/min/1.73 m 2 eGFR treatment benefit in favor of Nefecon  compared to placebo over two years was observed (p2 for Nefecon  16mg group versus -7.52 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for placebo group.

, our partner Calliditas Therapeutics AB ("Calliditas") reported positive topline results from a Phase 3 NefIgArd Trial evaluating Nefecon in the treatment of IgAN. The trial met its primary endpoint with Nefecon demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value  or placebo, then followed by 15 months off drug, observational follow-up period. The primary endpoint, time-weighted average change from baseline in eGFR over the 2-year period, demonstrated a 5.05 mL/min/1.73 m eGFR treatment benefit in favor of Nefecon compared to placebo over two years was observed (p2 for Nefecon 16mg group versus -7.52 mL/min/1.73 m for placebo group.

On April 6, 2023 , Singapore Health Sciences Authority accepted the NDA for Nefecon  for the treatment of IgAN in adults at risk of disease progression. The Company expects to receive NDA approval in Singapore in 2023.

, accepted the NDA for Nefecon for the treatment of IgAN in adults at risk of disease progression. The Company expects to receive NDA approval in in 2023.

In June 2023 , our partner Calliditas presented more complete data from the NefIgArd Phase 3 Study at the European Renal Association  European Dialysis and Transplant Association Congress (ERA-EDTA). Most noteworthy is that data showed at 24 months, eGFR was reduced by 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m 2 from baseline in the Nefecon  arm compared with 12 mL/min/1.73 m 2 reduction in the placebo arm, demonstrating 50% less loss of kidney function. The reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio ("UPCR") was also durable, with a 30.7% decrease in UPCR in the Nefecon  arm even after 15 months off drug compared with only 1% reduction in the placebo arm. Another analysis of the effect of durability of proteinuria reduction showed a 41% reduction in time-averaged UPCR over 1224 months compared with placebo (95% CI 32-49%, p arm fell to 40.5% from 66.5% baseline while the placebo arm only decreased to 61.2% from 67.8% baseline. This data was published in The Lancet in August 2023 .

, our partner Calliditas presented more complete data from the NefIgArd Phase 3 Study at the  (ERA-EDTA). Most noteworthy is that data showed at 24 months, eGFR was reduced by 6.11 mL/min/1.73 m from baseline in the Nefecon arm compared with 12 mL/min/1.73 m reduction in the placebo arm, demonstrating 50% less loss of kidney function. The reduction in urine protein creatinine ratio ("UPCR") was also durable, with a 30.7% decrease in UPCR in the Nefecon arm even after 15 months off drug compared with only 1% reduction in the placebo arm. Another analysis of the effect of durability of proteinuria reduction showed a 41% reduction in time-averaged UPCR over 1224 months compared with placebo (95% CI 32-49%, p arm fell to 40.5% from 66.5% baseline while the placebo arm only decreased to 61.2% from 67.8% baseline. This data was published in in .

On June 21, 2023 , our partner Calliditas announced the submission of a supplemental New Drug Application ("sNDA") to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") seeking full approval of TARPEYO  (brand name of Nefecon in the US) delayed release capsules for the entire study population from the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The sNDA submission is based on the full data set from the Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial. The trial met its primary endpoint, with TARPEYO  demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value  or placebo and 15 months of follow-up off drug. Calliditas announced FDA accepted the sNDA with priority review on Aug. 18 .

, our partner Calliditas announced the submission of a supplemental New Drug Application ("sNDA") to the ("FDA") seeking full approval of TARPEYO (brand name of Nefecon in the US) delayed release capsules for the entire study population from the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The sNDA submission is based on the full data set from the Phase 3 NefIgArd clinical trial. The trial met its primary endpoint, with TARPEYO demonstrating a highly statistically significant benefit over placebo (p value  or placebo and 15 months of follow-up off drug. Calliditas announced FDA accepted the sNDA with priority review on . Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

On August 1, 2023 , the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment for the China open-label extension ("cOLE") of the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The cOLE study offers an additional 9 months of treatment with Nefecon  to all qualifying patients who have completed the NefIgArd study and will evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended and repeated Nefecon  treatment in patients with IgAN.

, the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment for the open-label extension ("cOLE") of the Phase 3 NefIgArd study. The cOLE study offers an additional 9 months of treatment with Nefecon to all qualifying patients who have completed the NefIgArd study and will evaluate the efficacy and safety of extended and repeated Nefecon treatment in patients with IgAN.

We expect to receive NDA approval for Nefecon  in the treatment of primary IgAN in mainland China and Singapore in 2023.

in the treatment of primary IgAN in mainland and in 2023.

We expect to file an NDA for Nefecon in the treatment of IgAN in South Korea , Hong Kong , Macau and Taiwan region in 2023.

AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE PORTFOLIO

Etrasimod, is an oral, once-a-day, selective sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulator designed for optimized pharmacology and engagement of S1P receptors 1, 4, and 5. In addition to UC, it is being investigated for a range of other immuno-inflammatory diseases.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

On May 17, 2023 , the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment in a multi-region, multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial of etrasimod in Asia for the treatment of moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis ("UC").

, the Company announced the completion of patient enrollment in a multi-region, multi-center Phase 3 clinical trial of etrasimod in for the treatment of moderate-severe active ulcerative colitis ("UC"). Post-Reporting Period achievements and expected milestones:

Our licensing partner, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) (" Pfizer ") expects to receive FDA's decision for etrasimod for individuals living with moderately-to-severely active UC in the second half of 2023. The NDA was accepted by the U.S FDA in December 2022 .

(NYSE: PFE) (" ") expects to receive decision for etrasimod for individuals living with moderately-to-severely active UC in the second half of 2023. The NDA was accepted by the FDA in .

We expect to readout 12-week induction of clinical remission data of etrasimod for the treatment of UC from the Asia Phase 3 clinical trial and discuss the potential regulatory filing strategy with relevant regulatory authorities in 2023.

mRNA PLATFORM

EVER-COVID19-M1.2, is an Omicron-targeting bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccine candidate.

Achievements during the Reporting Period:

Leveraging our clinically validated mRNA platform, the Company is developing an Omicron-containing bivalent booster candidate, EVER-COVID19-M1.2. The Company has initiated rolling data submissions for its Investigational New Drug (IND) application in China .

Commercialization

The Company is committed to making its new therapeutics available to healthcare providers and patients as soon as possible. We have dedicated significant resources for the successful launch of Xerava  and facilitate our transition into a commercial-stage company. We have built a lean and efficient commercial team of highly experienced professionals covering two key therapeutic areas, infectious disease and renal diseases. As of June 30, 2023 , our commercial team has 138 members, including key employees across sales, marketing, market access, medical affairs, distribution and commercial excellence.

and facilitate our transition into a commercial-stage company. We have built a lean and efficient commercial team of highly experienced professionals covering two key therapeutic areas, infectious disease and renal diseases. As of , our commercial team has 138 members, including key employees across sales, marketing, market access, medical affairs, distribution and commercial excellence. The Company also established multiple partnerships with China's leading pharmaceutical distributors, including SPH Keyuan Xinhai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. , Sinopharm Group, Guangzhou Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. , Chongqing Pharmaceutical Group and Shanghai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Under these partnerships, we will be able to leverage their industry-leading import and channel distribution networks to accelerate the commercialization of Xerava  in China .

leading pharmaceutical distributors, including , Sinopharm Group, , and Under these partnerships, we will be able to leverage their industry-leading import and channel distribution networks to accelerate the commercialization of Xerava in . Nefecon is expected to be the second product the Company commercializes in China . In April 2023 , we introduced Nefecon in China's Hainan Boao Pilot Zone to provide Chinese patients with IgAN early access to this innovative and first-in-disease therapy. Our early access program was well-received with over 500 patients signed up, highlighting the substantial unmet clinical needs of IgAN patients in China . Given the high prevalence of IgAN in China , our team is working diligently to have Nefecon included in insurance programs to boost its affordability and accessibility, helping to alleviate patients' financial burden. As a result, in May 2023 , the imported version of Nefecon was added to the Beijing Puhui Health Insurance Program's 2023 New Reimbursement Drug List of Specialized Medicines, as well as other local insurance programs such as Kunming City and Shanxi Province . We expect to receive the NDA decision from China's NMPA in the second half of 2023 and launch Nefecon broadly in China in early 2024.

Discovery

Our discovery pipeline focuses on novel targets for the treatment of renal diseases, and we expect to file an IND to enter clinical trials for our most advanced program in 2024. Additionally, with our clinically validated mRNA platform, we are advancing the discovovery and development of prophylactic vaccines for infectious diseases as well as therapeutic cancer vaccines for solid tumors.

Business Development

Our business development efforts focus on renal diseases and autoimmune disorders. We look to continue to bolster our leadership position in these areas by expanding our pipeline and ecosystem through a combination of internal discovery and in-licensing. We are actively engaged in finding business partnerships in these disease areas.

As we previously reported, in August 2022 Immunomedics, Inc. (" Immunomedics "), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gilead Sciences, Inc., agreed to acquire the Company's rights to Trodelvy for total consideration of up to US$455 million , including US$280 million in upfront payments. The Company received the full upfront payments in late 2022 and in the first quarter of 2023, strengthening our balance sheet and empowering us to advance the development of products in our core therapeutic areas.

Future Development

We will continue to pursue regulatory approvals for our innovative drug candidates, applying our effective dual approach of in-licensing and internal discovery to expand our existing robust pipeline. In the near-term, we expect to receive NDA approvals in China for three additional products, Nefecon  , etrasimod, and cefepime-taniborbactam. Notably, we are one of very few biotech companies expected to launch a broad lineup of products in the near term.

for three additional products, Nefecon , etrasimod, and cefepime-taniborbactam. Notably, we are one of very few biotech companies expected to launch a broad lineup of products in the near term. Given the anticipated NDA approvals mentioned above, we have assembled a talented commercial team for the launch of Xerava and Nefecon. We will expand the team later this year as Nefecon's debut approaches, as well as in 2024 to establish deeper and broader hospital coverage.

Financial Highlights

IFRS Numbers:

Revenue increased by RMB7.9 million to RMB8.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 from the same period of a year ago, primarily due to the sales of Xerava and Trodelvy  during transition period with Gilead in Singapore .

to for the six months ended from the same period of a year ago, primarily due to the sales of Xerava and Trodelvy during transition period with Gilead in . Research and development ("R&D") expenses decreased by RMB57.0 million from RMB345.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB288.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily due to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to regulatory submission or commercial stages; and (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy  clinical development activities to Gilead.

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , primarily due to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to regulatory submission or commercial stages; and (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy clinical development activities to Gilead. General and administrative expenses decreased by RMB35.8 million from RMB118.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB83.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , mainly due to organization optimization and rationalization, and associated decrease in share-based compensation expenses.

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , mainly due to organization optimization and rationalization, and associated decrease in share-based compensation expenses. Distribution and selling expenses decreased by RMB84.1 million from RMB148.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB64.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily due to the transfer of Trodelvy  -related commercial activities to Gilead and related optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure since August 2022 .

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , primarily due to the transfer of Trodelvy -related commercial activities to Gilead and related optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure since . Net loss for the period decreased by RMB244.4 million from RMB668.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB423.6 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily attributable to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to the registration phase or commercial stages; (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy  related clinical and commercial activities to Gilead; and (iii) optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure.

from for the six months ended to for the six months ended , primarily attributable to (i) a number of our drug candidates have completed clinical trials and advanced to the registration phase or commercial stages; (ii) the transfer of Trodelvy related clinical and commercial activities to Gilead; and (iii) optimization and rationalization of the organizational structure. Cash and cash equivalents and bank deposits amounted to RMB2,540.2 million as of 30 June 2023 .

NON-IFRS MEASURE:

Adjusted loss for the period decreased by RMB196.8 million from RMB523.7 million for the six months ended 30 June 2022 to RMB326.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2023 , primarily attributable to narrowed IFRS loss.

Conference Call Information

The English session of the conference call will be held at 9:00 AM on August 24, 2023 Beijing Time ( 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern Time on August 23, 2023 ) and the Mandarin session of the conference call will be held at 3:30 PM Beijing Time on the same day ( 3:30 AM U.S. Eastern Time on August 24 , 2023).

The conference calls can be accessed by the following links:

For English Session:

Time: 9:00 AM Beijing Time , Thursday, August 24, 2023

Pre-Registration Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/eventDetail/60504030

Webcast Link: https://www.acecamptech.com/meeting_live/70505775/4998?event_id=60504030

Alternatively, participants may dial in to the conference call using below dial-in information:

United States : +1-646-2543594(EN)

Chinese Mainland: +86-10-58084166(EN)

+86-10-58084199(CN) Hong Kong, China : +852-30051313(EN) +852-30051355(CN) United Kingdom : International: +44-20-76600166(EN) +1-866-6363243(EN) Password: 756491



For Mandarin Session :

Time: 3:30 PM Beijing Time , Thursday, August 24, 2023

Webcast Link: https://s.comein.cn/A12FL

Alternatively, participants may dial into the conference call using below dial-in information:

United States : +1-202-5524791

Chinese Mainland: +86-400-188-8938

+86-10-53827720 +86-10-53560182 Hong Kong, China : Taiwan , China : +852-57006920 +886-277031747 Singapore : +65-31586120 United Kingdom : +44-2034816288 Password: 684433



The replay of English session will be available shortly after the call and can be accessed by visiting the Company's website at http://www.everestmedicines.com.

About Everest Medicines

Everest Medicines is a biopharmaceutical company focused on developing, manufacturing and commercializing transformative pharmaceutical products and vaccines that address critical unmet medical needs for patients in Asian markets. The management team of Everest Medicines has deep expertise and an extensive track record from both leading global pharmaceutical companies and local Chinese pharmaceutical companies in high-quality discovery, clinical development, regulatory affairs, CMC, business development and operations. Everest Medicines has built a portfolio of potentially global first-in-class or best-in-class molecules, many of which are in late-stage clinical development. The Company's therapeutic areas of interest include renal diseases, infectious diseases, mRNA platform and autoimmune disorders.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may make statements that constitute forward-looking statements, including descriptions regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company or its officers with respect to the business operations and financial condition of the Company, which can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "confident" and similar statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, or other factors, some of which are beyond the control of the Company and are unforeseeable. Therefore, the actual results may differ from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors and assumptions, such as future changes and developments in our business, competitive environment, political, economic, legal and social conditions. The Company or any of its affiliates, directors, officers, advisors or representatives has no obligation and does not undertake to revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events or circumstances after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/everest-medicines-announces-interim-results-for-first-half-of-2023-301908617.html

SOURCE Everest Medicines
LOS ANGELES , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Everytable, whose mission is to make nutritious food as affordable and accessible as fast food, has launched a new line of Family-Style Meals. This new go-to solution for dinner is an excellent and inexpensive opportunity for families to get together and enjoy a filling, ready-made meal without the hassle of cooking.

Priced under $20 and feeding up to a family of four, these locally sourced, nutritious family meals feature plates of satisfying pasta, BBQ, tacos and salmon, all of which are packed with flavor thanks to Everytable's beloved made-from-scratch recipes. Available at Everytable stores (with exception of campus and business park locations), customers can order for in-store pickup or delivery.

Everytable Family-Style meals include:

Cheesy Tomato Basil Pasta with Chicken - Curly cavatappi pasta mixed with tomato basil sauce, lemon pepper chicken, shaved parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella and chopped parsley.

BBQ Chicken with Braised Kale & Mac - Cheesy mac and cheese packed with BBQ chicken, garnished with green onion, and paired with BBQ sauce, braised kale, bacon and roasted corn salad.

Build Your Own Chicken Tacos - Mini tortillas ready to be filled with lemon pepper chicken, roasted peppers and onions, brown rice mix, black beans and chipotle lime sauce.

Roasted Salmon with Edamame & Kimchi Sauce - Juicy Buddha salmon on a bed of brown rice, edamame, and shredded carrots with kimchi vinaigrette on the side.

"We know that access to healthy food and convenience go hand in hand," said Sam Polk , CEO and founder of Everytable. "Our Family-Style Meals are here to make it easier to enjoy freshly prepared food on a budget, while also enjoying quality time and nutritious meals with loved ones."

Everytable is looking forward to making an impact on families through affordable and tasty food. In fact, Everytable is already making an impact on food justice. Customers can participate in the Pay It Forward program after purchasing a Family-Style Meal. By participating, customers are helping buy nutritious meals for those in need. To purchase a Family-Style Meal and Pay It Forward, visit www.Everytable.com.

About Everytable

Founded in 2016, Everytable is a mission-driven food company based in Los Angeles that fights for food justice and equality by providing healthy and nutritious food that is both accessible and affordable for everyone. Everytable is a multi-channel, fresh-prepared food business blending stores, subscriptions, delivery, and SmartFridges supplied by a central kitchen, with meals priced according to the neighborhood. Everytable serves Southern California , the SF Bay Area, and New York , with more stores and regional meal delivery soon to come.

In 2021 Everytable launched a trailblazing Social Equity Franchise program with the support of the Cal Wellness Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, Common Spirit (formerly Dignity Health), Tarsadia Foundation, and Libra Foundation that sets social entrepreneurs from marginalized communities on an expedited pathway to potentially owning and operating an Everytable store. Everytable further seeks to support local communities with its Pay It Forward program which allows guests to purchase meals, in store or online, for those in need. In 2022, Inc.'s Best in Business list recognized Everytable for positively impacting food insecurity across communities, along with other accolades such as being named one of Fast Company's top 10 most innovative dining companies. To date, Everytable has sold more than 17 million meals! For more information, please visit www.everytable.com or follow @foreverytable on Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Christina Gilmour | [email protected] | 909-214-5874

Justine Cacdac | [email protected] | 408-830-4959

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/everytable-launches-family-style-meals-making-dinner-time-more-convenient-affordable-and-nutritious-301909208.html

SOURCE Everytable
NEW YORK , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- GoTopless, a prominent women's rights organization, is gearing up for its 16th annual GoTopless Day on August 26 , honoring Women's Equality Day in New York City , a planetary beacon for topless rights. The popular event that draws thousands of people will feature a GoTopless March, graciously escorted by the NY City police. Similar events are also scheduled in major cities worldwide, as confirmed in a statement released today by GoTopless.

"Our aim is to establish equal gender topless rights globally," stated Nadine Gary , GoTopless President. "We strive to liberate women's nipples from societal constraints derived from Abrahamic patriarchal religions responsible for topless discrimination around the world. Before colonization, the planet was predominantly topless for thousands of years." She added, "The pushback for topless equality in Western democracies is barely 60 years old, 16 of which have been proudly spearheaded by GoTopless."

"In the U.S. , most state legislations do not have indecency laws relating to the public exposure of female breasts. The local municipalities pass unconstitutional ordinances against female topless rights that are then challenged in court by topless activists like Ramona Santorelli in Rochester, NY , whose 1992 case prompted the entire state of NY to be legally topless," informed Gary.

The GoTopless initiative is symbolically aligned with August 26 , which marks the historic occasion when women gained the right to vote 103 years ago, on August 26, 1920 , under the same gender equality constitutional principles.

"As long as men are allowed to be topless in public, women should have the same constitutional right. Or else, men should have to wear something to hide their chests," stated Maitreya Rael , spiritual leader, and unwavering defender of human rights who founded GoTopless and the Raelian Movement.

"Enforcing equal topless rights stands as a fundamental pillar of gender parity," Gary reaffirmed.

The 1PM GoTopless March (W58th St. 8th /9th Ave.) promises to be a vibrant expression of equality and liberation, overflowing with joy, fun, and music with the NYC Triad Bass Band. Adding an element of symbolism, a colossal balloon shaped like a pair of breasts will grace the New York City skyline during the event. GoTopless Day will culminate with inspirational speeches in Bryant Park ( 2PM ), focusing on topless equality and its profound cultural impact."

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gotopless-to-hold-march-in-new-york-city-in-celebration-of-its-16th-annual-gotopless-day-301908738.html

SOURCE GoTopless
For the second consecutive year, Hyundai Mobis will grace IAA Mobility in Munich , highlighting pioneering solutions anchored in electrification

Spotlight on the groundbreaking technologies powering Kia's flagship electric vehicle, the EV9, and introduction of the transformative electrification platform, e-CCPM

With a European order target of $1.29 billion , representing a quarter of the company's global revenue target, Hyundai Mobis doubles down on electrification and automotive components to expand its European footprint

SEOUL, South Korea , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330) is poised to outline its electrification-centric vision at the apex of the European mobility show. The company is positioning itself to appeal to Europe's leading automotive companies, renowned for its rigorous standards in technical excellence and dependability. The strategy is to leverage its technological prowess to drive significant orders with the aim of achieving a quarter of Hyundai Mobis' global order aspirations for the year in the European market.

Today, Hyundai Mobis announced its intent to display an array of over 20 production-ready advancements in electrification and automotive components at the IAA Mobility 2023 Show. Running from 5th to 10th September in Munich , this event has a global reputation based on its origins evolving out of the esteemed Frankfurt Motor Show. This marks Hyundai Mobis' second year attending the event having previously debuted in 2021.

This year's IAA Mobility Show is pivotal for Hyundai Mobis. The company is set to underscore its electrification roadmap, a cornerstone of its forward-looking strategy. Visitors can anticipate a firsthand look at Kia's electric crown jewel, the EV9, replete with Hyundai Mobis' state-of-the-art Battery System (BSA) and the innovative Power Electric (PE) system  the essential automotive components for electrification.

Hyundai Mobis will also unveil the next-generation e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module). This cutting-edge breakthrough integrates core electrification innovations into a versatile aluminum frame, enabling the creation of diverse PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) without necessitating distinct platform developments and offering an all-encompassing solution for electrification.

During the showcase, the company is set to host discussions with prominent European automakers, including Volkswagen, Daimler, and BMW, targeting collaborations on future technologies around its cutting-edge capabilities: groundbreaking electrification solutions, autonomous driving systems, and the world's first rollable display.

Hyundai Mobis is optimistic about enlarging its European market footprint through its attendance at global mobility shows like the IAA. Hyundai Mobis' target for overseas auto component sales is $5.36 billion , with Europe contributing a considerable $1.29 billion , accounting for approximately 25%. One example of its momentum in Europe is the electrification components contract for Volkswagen, a renowned German automaker, which Hyundai Mobis recently secured. This success underlines its potential for further European contracts.

Hyundai Mobis is also gearing up for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in the U.S. , followed closely by the Tokyo Mobility Show in October. With these successive global showcases, Hyundai Mobis is poised to supercharge its global outreach, securing new client acquisitions through its specialized regional teams. (End)

Hyundai Mobis Press Conference at IAA Mobility 2023

Date/Time: September 4th, 10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CET

Venue: Hall B2, at Booth D20

Presenter: Axel J. Maschka, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Division of Hyundai Mobis

About Hyundai Mobis

Hyundai Mobis is the global no. 6 automotive supplier, headquartered in Seoul, Korea . Hyundai Mobis has outstanding expertise in sensors, sensor fusion in ECUs and software development for safety control. The company's products also include various components for electrification, brakes, chassis and suspension, steering, airbags, lighting, and automotive electronics. Hyundai Mobis operates its R&D headquarters in Korea , with four technology centers in the United States , Germany , China and India . For more information, please visit the website at http://www.mobis.co.kr/

Media Contact

Jihyun Han: [email protected]

Myong Sun Song : [email protected]

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyundai-mobis-unveils-the-future-of-electrification-at-iaa-mobility-2023-301908081.html

SOURCE Hyundai Mobis
MIAMI , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Trustwave executives today announced the launch of Vigiles, a cybersecurity startup that aims to redefine the way offensive security is purchased and consumed.

Former Trustwave executives launch Vigiles, aiming to redefine the way offensive security is purchased and consumed.

With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by CISOs today, Vigiles is poised to take on the security testing industry by delivering best-in-class offensive security offerings at a fraction of the cost.

"It is our mission to empower businesses of all sizes to protect themselves from common threat actor techniques," says Owner Mark Whitehead . "The breakneck pace at which cyberthreats are evolving due to advances in generative AI combined with inflated security costs have put organizations at risk. Vigiles is designed to provide traditionally complex offensive security offerings in a streamlined manner that is significantly less expensive."

Social engineering has taken on a new face this year leveraging generative AI leading to password leaks, data leaks and increased risk exposure. As these attacks made headlines, co-founder and red team expert John Cartrett and Whitehead came together to address the issue.

"By leveraging automation, AI and ML, we were able to lower the cost of offensive security while still deploying sophisticated simulations that mirror the approach of today's threat actors," says Cartrett. "Phishing, and more recently smishing, are widely pervasive threats serving as the entry point for 90% of cyberattacks - this can be mitigated with awareness, education and modern approaches to offensive security."

With a team of seasoned experts, Vigiles brings a wealth of industry knowledge. Founders Whitehead and Cartrett collectively bring decades of experience across thousands of tests. Whitehead most recently served on the executive team at HUMAN Security and held leadership roles at Trustwave Spiderlabs and Secureworks, alongside Cartrett. The duo is accompanied by industry heavy hitter, Jack L. Johnson Jr ., as a Board Advisor to Vigiles. Johnson spent 25 years at the Department of Homeland Security where he was eventually appointed the Department's first ever Chief Security Officer. He went on to spend more than 13 years at PwC as a Senior Partner. Jointly, their deep understanding of the space and breadth of experience ensures every product and service is tailor-made to meet the unique needs of clients.

"We are pleased to introduce the Vigiles platform to any organization connected to the Internet," says Johnson. "Our mission is to revolutionize the way businesses procure and leverage offensive security. I've spent over 40 years observing what these threat actors can do. Vigiles is a game changer in democratizing access to transformational security that meaningfully lowers cyber risk. With our blend of innovative technology, industry expertise, and robust security measures, we are confident in our ability to deliver unmatched value to our clients."

Named for the Roman Nightwatch, Vigiles provides offensive security for companies of all sizes. Offerings include business email compromise, smishing, security awareness training and a suite of security testing services. For more information please visit Vigiles.Cloud .

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/industry-veterans-launch-cybersecurity-startup-to-increase-access-to-offensive-security-301909317.html

SOURCE Vigiles
BOULDER, Colo. , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- A group of passionate community members has come together to form The Edgewooders, a newly established non-profit organization committed to safeguarding the precious natural resources that define our local environment. The Edgewooders' primary mission is to prevent the destruction of the Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor in Boulder, Colorado , and ensure its preservation for future generations.

The Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor, a vital ecosystem within our community and city limits, is facing an imminent threat. A five-block section of the riparian wonder, between 19th Street and 24th Street is at risk of being lost forever due to the City of Boulder's proposed "Upper Goose & Twomile Canyon Creek Flood Mitigation Plan," specifically in the "UGC Reach 6" section of the plan. The proposed plan includes the destruction of over one hundred cottonwood and crack willow trees, and the channelization of Upper Goose Creek , which could have devastating consequences for the delicate balance of wildlife and plant life that call this area home.

The Edgewooders recognize the importance of protecting our environment and maintaining the integrity of our local ecosystems. Through dedicated efforts and a united commitment, the organization aims to prevent the irreversible destruction of the Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor. By collaborating with community members, environmental experts, and concerned citizens, the Edgewooders seek to raise awareness about the ecological significance of this corridor and advocate for alternative flood mitigation strategies that do not compromise its ecological health.

"The Edgewooders believe that responsible flood mitigation and environmental preservation can go hand in hand," says Brian Bennett , Steering Committee member. "Our goal is to work collaboratively with the City of Boulder and fellow residents to find a solution to flood mitigation that protects both our community and our natural resources. We invite everyone who shares our commitment to visit our website, www.Edgewooders.org , to learn more about our cause, join our efforts, and make a donation to support our mission."

The Edgewooders encourage all members of the Boulder community and beyond to stand together in the fight to preserve the Upper Goose Creek Wildlife Corridor. Through advocacy and collective action, the organization aims to ensure that this valuable ecosystem remains a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come.

For more information about the Edgewooders and how you can make a difference, please visit www.Edgewooders.org .

Contact:

Brian Bennett

Steering Committee member

[email protected]



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/introducing-the-edgewooders-preserving-nature-protecting-our-future-301909367.html

SOURCE The Edgewooders
ROSSFORD, Ohio , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul will soon showcase a new retail, moving and self-storage center in Rossford thanks to the recent land acquisition of 4.71 acres off Interstate 75 and north of Sportsman Drive .

U-Haul Moving & Storage of Rossford is scheduled to be completed by April 2025 .

The multi-story facility will include more than 700 indoor climate-controlled self-storage rooms with high-end security features at affordable price points. Customers will have access to trailer and truck rentals, boxes and moving supplies, towing equipment, professional hitch installation, propane and much more.

U-Haul acquired the property on March 30 . This will be the first U-Haul-owned and -operated facility in Rossford and the Company's 91st store in Ohio .

" Rossford is one of Toledo's many growing suburbs," said Logan Minnich , U-Haul Company of NW Ohio president. "U-Haul needs to follow suit to meet customer demand. Our self-storage and mobility services are vital for communities to accommodate sustained growth. We're happy to be building a beautiful new facility with easy interstate access to our DIY customers in and around Rossford ."

U-Haul also plans to construct a separate warehouse for portable moving containers and drive-up self-storage units.

Minnich intends to hire at least 12 Team Members to staff the new store. U-Haul will look to hire locally to promote job growth within the Rossford community. U-Haul, honored as a Best for Vets leading veteran-friendly employer by The Military Times, actively recruits veterans and gives them preference in the hiring process. Find U-Haul careers at uhauljobs.com.

Reserve equipment on the U-Haul app or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.

About U-HAUL

Founded in 1945, U-Haul is the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers with more than 23,000 rental locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. The enhanced U-Haul app makes it easier for customers to use U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 to access trucks anytime through the self-dispatch and self-return options on their smartphones through our patented Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 192,200 trucks, 138,500 trailers and 44,500 towing devices. U-Haul is the third largest self-storage operator in North America with 959,000 rentable units and 82.3 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities. U-Haul is the top retailer of propane in the U.S. and the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. We were recently named one of America's Best Large Employers (Forbes, 2023); a Best for Vets Employer (Military Times, 2022); and one of the Healthiest Workplaces in America (Healthiest Employers, 2022). Find careers at uhauljobs.com. Get the U-Haul app from the App Store or Google Play.

Contact:

Andrea Batchelor

Jeff Lockridge

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-263-6194

Website: uhaul.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/investing-in-rossford-u-haul-shares-plans-for-new-facility-off-i-75-301909474.html

SOURCE U-Haul
GLN to introduce cross-border QR payment from regions such as Taiwan , Thailand and Laos

SEOUL, South Korea , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea Easy Payment Foundation (CEO Choi Tong-ju, hereinafter referred to as KEPF) signed an agreement with GLN International (CEO Kim Kyung-ho , hereinafter referred to as GLN) to introduce GLN cross-border QR payment.

This agreement aims to collaborate between ZeroPay with 1.72 million merchants and GLN International with global QR payment network, in order to activate domestic consumption of foreign tourists visiting Korea .

Two parties plan to promote the GLN's cross-border QR payments from three main regions Laos , Thailand and Taiwan within this year and expand its coverage from other Southeast Asian countries and other regions.

KEPF's CEO Choi Tong -ju said "We are willing to encourage foreign tourists to spend in Korea by adopting cross-border QR payment. In particular, Korea is a top destination for the region of Taiwan and Thailand tourists, and vice versa especially like to experience Korean food and lifestyle culture, which is expected to greatly help small medium size merchants and revitalize local economy."

GLN International, spun off from Hana Bank for global payment network business, connects financial companies, distributors and merchants into a single network, providing services such as QR payments, QR withdrawals (ATM), and overseas remittance freely through mobile without limitation of national boundaries.

GLN's CEO Kim Kyung-ho said "I am happy that foreign tourists visiting Korea will be able to use the ZeroPay QR merchants more conveniently. ZeroPay is a very important partner in realizing our strategy for global payment network expansion, starting with this agreement, we are planning to make a remarkable contribution to local economies and small medium enterprises."

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/korea-easy-payment-foundation--gln-international-sign-an-agreement-to-establish-qr-payment-infrastructure-for-foreign-tourists-visiting-korea-301909045.html

SOURCE GLN International
MEMPHIS , Tenn. , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare welcomes Sherri Shepherd , a four-time Emmy nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning talk show host, sitcom actress and comedian, to its highly anticipated Healthier 901 Fest on Saturday, Sept. 2 , at Shelby Farms Park . Shepherd will co-emcee and join the healthcare system to kick off its Healthier 901 challenge for Memphians to lose one million pounds of excess weight in three years.

Host of her self-titled talk show "Sherri" and former co-host of "The View," Shepherd is known for her brilliant comedic timing and infectious energy. She will share her journey toward improved health and inspire attendees to take advantage of free resources and support to make healthier choices in their own lives.

Healthier 901 Fest is a free event offering exciting health and wellness-inspired activities for people of all ages. From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., attendees can enjoy live fitness classes, great music, delicious cooking demonstrations with celebrity chefs, health and wellness screenings, the Le Bonheur Family Zone , interactive sponsor booths and sponsor giveaways.

The Healthier 901 challenge was created in direct response to findings from Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare's Community Health Needs Assessment , which revealed the area's main causes of death are heart disease and cancer. Scientific studies show clear links between obesity and both conditions, and Memphis ranks as the second most overweight city in America.

Whether the goal is to lose five pounds, 50 pounds or adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle, Healthier 901 Fest and the three-year Healthier 901 challenge is for everyone. To learn more and enroll in the Healthier 901 community challenge, visit Healthier901.com .

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is committed to supporting the Memphis community and providing access to quality healthcare services. Healthier 901 Fest and the three-year challenge are sponsored by anchor community partners Cigna Healthcare, Action News 5, Nike and Kroger.

About Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare

Based in Memphis, Tennessee , Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare has been caring for patients and families regardless of their ability to pay for more than 100 years. Guided by roots in the United Methodist Church and founded in 1918 to help meet the growing need for quality healthcare in the greater Memphis area, MLH has grown from one hospital into a comprehensive healthcare system with 13,000 Associates supporting six hospitals, including nationally ranked Le Bonheur Children's Hospital , ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient facilities, a hospice residence and physician and specialty practices serving communities across the Mid-South. From transplants and advanced heart procedures to expert neurology services and compassionate cancer care, Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare offers clinical expertise with a focus on improving every life we touch.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/methodist-le-bonheur-healthcare-welcomes-actress-comedian-sherri-shepherd-to-healthier-901-fest-301909265.html

SOURCE Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, August 24. Turkmenistan treats Hungary as an important and reliable partner in the European region, President of the Supreme Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said in a reply message to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Trend reports.

According to the official source in Turkmenistan, Berdimuhamedov stressed that at the current stage, interstate relations are actively developing and being enriched with new content.

"Your visit to Turkmenistan in June this year also became an important stage that gave impetus to the further development of bilateral relations. During the high-level talks held in Ashgabat in an atmosphere of openness and trust, as well as meetings with you, an exchange of views on the most important areas of cooperation took place. The results of the visit and the signed documents served as a solid basis for the further development of our relations," Berdimuhamedov said in the message.

Meanwhile, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov met with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a working visit to Budapest, during which they discussed issues of expanding bilateral partnership in a number of topical areas.
LOS ANGELES , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CheapAir.com has released its 2023 Holiday Flight Report, revealing the cheapest times to fly this holiday season. The report analyzed 11,000 travel itineraries to determine the best-value months to book holiday flights as well as the cheapest days to travel. This year's Thanksgiving airfares are trending up by 12% compared to 2022 prices and Christmas prices are up by 11%, indicating a consistent increase in holiday airfare over the past two years.

However, for the first time, the day before Thanksgiving , which has historically been one of the most expensive travel days, is now on par with flight prices for that week, making it a more affordable day to travel this year. This is likely due to travelers being able to work in a hybrid environment, extending Thanksgiving travel, and decreasing the demand for travel closer to the holiday.

"With this kind of insight, consumers can fly at their convenience this holiday season," says CheapAir.com CEO Jeff Klee . "Without the typical spike in airfare the day before Thanksgiving , travelers have the opportunity for flexible flight schedules."

While holiday travel days are more accommodating this year, airfare is still on the rise, so it is in travelers' best interest to plan ahead and book early. According to the report, the best month to book flights for Thanksgiving , Christmas and New Year's travel is September for the lowest airfare.

See below for the best days to travel this holiday season.

Thanksgiving

Nov. 22 : Historically, the day before Thanksgiving has been one of the most expensive days to fly, however this year it is only slightly more expensive than other days.

Historically, the day before has been one of the most expensive days to fly, however this year it is only slightly more expensive than other days. Nov. 23 : Departing on Thanksgiving this year will save travelers approximately $63 per ticket.

: Departing on this year will save travelers approximately per ticket. Nov. 24 : Travelers will save approximately $100 by taking a flight the day after Thanksgiving .

Christmas

Dec. 24 : The night before Christmas has some of the best savings of the week, offering savings of almost $120 .

The night before Christmas has some of the best savings of the week, offering savings of almost . Dec. 25 : Travelers can save about the same amount departing on Christmas day as they would flying out on Christmas Eve .

New Year's

Jan. 1 : New Year's Day falls on a Monday this year, which makes for a relatively inexpensive travel day. Travelers will spend about the same whether they fly on Monday or Tuesday this holiday with approximately a $10 difference between the average price.

To learn more on ways to save on holiday travel this year, check out the full CheapAir.com 2023 Holiday Flight Report.

About CheapAir.com

Headquartered in California , 2022 Travel Weekly Magellan Awards winner CheapAir.com is powered by a team of travel enthusiasts who use cutting-edge technology and superior customer service to simplify the way people shop for travel. Our proprietary airfare shopping engine provides an easy-to-understand view of flight and fare options, to make trip planning easy and joyful. Only CheapAir provides full apples-to-apples comparisons so you can see and book across different airlines and different flights, not just the lowest fares, but also the best value flights based on quality, comfort, and inflight amenities.

Along with its sister company, AmTrav for Business Travelers, CheapAir.com has helped over five million people buy plane tickets and travel with confidence.

Press Contact:

Alexa Dargis , (630) 248-0434, 364345@email4pr.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-cheapaircom-study-reveals-holiday-airfare-prediction-301909382.html

SOURCE CheapAir.com
TORONTO , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ - Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP) (OTCQB: NCPCF) (" Nickel Creek " or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of a positive pre-feasibility study ("PFS") at its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Project (the "Project") located in the Yukon , Canada. The PFS has been prepared by AGP Consultants Inc. ("AGP"). The estimated Project after-tax net present value ("NPV") at a 5% discount rate is $143 million with an after-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 5.8%. All dollars are expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated.

Stuart Harshaw , President and CEO of Nickel Creek commented: "The PFS is an important milestone in realizing the opportunity the Nickel Shaw Project represents in the critical mineral space where it can provide nickel and copper to take advantage of the strong nickel market for EV batteries. The sensitivity to energy costs illustrates how working with the different levels of government can lead to a significant improvement in value, especially when combined with the previously announced intention of the Federal government to provide a tax incentive for critical mineral projects such as Nickel Shaw. Moving forward, our focus will be to continue to add value to the project through work on identified key economic areas of opportunity and continued mineral exploration success while advancing towards a feasibility study."

Project PFS Highlights

$143 million after-tax NPV using a 5% discount rate and an IRR of 5.8% at the following commodity prices: nickel - US$11.00 /pound ("lb"); copper  US$4.00 /lb; palladium  US$2,100 /troy ounce ("troy oz"); platinum  US$1,000 /troy oz; cobalt  US$23 /lb; and gold  US$1,800 /troy oz, each using a 0.75 Canadian to US exchange rate.

after-tax NPV using a 5% discount rate and an IRR of 5.8% at the following commodity prices: nickel - /pound ("lb"); copper  /lb; palladium  /troy ounce ("troy oz"); platinum  /troy oz; cobalt  /lb; and gold  /troy oz, each using a 0.75 Canadian to US exchange rate. Life of mine ("LOM") after-tax cash flow of approximately $1.7 billion with an after-tax payback period of 12.7 years.

with an after-tax payback period of 12.7 years. Pre-production capital cost of approximately $1.7 billion , with a construction period of 3.0 years.

Project Opportunities

If paying Yukon grid rates of $0.11 /kWhr, the after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases by $324 million to $467 million (see NPV sensitivities section below for additional information).

grid rates of /kWhr, the after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases by to (see NPV sensitivities section below for additional information). The Company's after-tax NPV at a 5% discount rate increases from $143 million to $336 million if the Canadian tax incentive for critical mineral companies is enacted (see Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing section below for additional information).

to if the Canadian tax incentive for critical mineral companies is enacted (see Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing section below for additional information). The Company plans to further investigate the opportunity of carbon tax offsets associated with carbon sequestration in the tailings facility with ongoing testwork and analysis.

Mineral Resource

On June 1, 2023 , the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate with an effective date of April 3, 2023 :





Metal Grades



Ni Cu Co Pd Pt Au Mg S Class Ktonnes % % % g/t g/t g/t % % Measured 122,363 0.25 0.15 0.014 0.23 0.24 0.05 16.03 0.78 Indicated 314,332 0.26 0.13 0.014 0.24 0.22 0.04 17.26 0.64 Total M+I 436,695 0.26 0.13 0.014 0.23 0.22 0.04 16.92 0.68 Inferred 114,016 0.27 0.13 0.015 0.25 0.20 0.04 17.46 0.69



Contained Metal







Ni Cu Co Pd Pt Au



Class Ktonnes M Lbs M Lbs M Lbs k Ozs k Ozs k Ozs



Measured 122,363 679 411 38 905 944 184



Indicated 314,332 1,792 871 99 2,385 2,197 361



Total M+I 436,695 2,471 1,281 137 3,290 3,141 545



Inferred 114,016 668 339 37 916 733 128







Notes: Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Summation errors may occur due to rounding. Effective Date is April 3, 2023 . Mineral Resources amenable to open pit extraction are reported within an optimized containing shell. Average grade calculations on this table are impacted by rounding. Tonnages are reported in units of 1,000 metric tonnes (Ktonnes). Contained Base Metal reported in units of 1,000,000 lbs, M Lbs. Contained Precious Metal reported in units of 1,000 troy ounces, K Ozs. Metal Prices for Resource Determination in US$ Nickel: $12.10 /lb; Copper: $4.45 /lb; Cobalt: $25.30 /lb; Palladium: $2,415 /troy oz; Platinum: $1,150 /troy oz; Gold: $2,015 /troy oz. Net Smelter Return (NSR) cut-off grades range from $17.30 to $17.61 Canadian dollars depending on Bulk Con and Split Con Mining costs, vary by bench, separately for ore and waste:

Base waste mining cost @1330m = C$2.26 /t, 10 m bench incremental cost above = C$0.004 /t, 10 m bench incremental cost below = C$0.02/t

Base ore mining cost @1330m = C$1.99 /t, 10 m bench incremental cost above = C$0.019 /t, 10 m bench incremental cost below = C$0.015/t Process and G&A costs: Bulk con  C$17.30 /t; Split con = C$17.61/t Calculated process recoveries by concentrate type:























Ni Cu Co Pd Pt Au











Bulk con: Eq1 Eq2 57.0 % 54.0 % 47.8 % 74.4 %











Cu con: Eq3 Eq4 3.36 % 3.19 % 0.91 % 23.58 %











Ni con: Eq5 Eq6 53.64 % 50.81 % 46.89 % 50.82 %













where: Eq1 = Ni recovery to Bulk Con = MIN (23.21*LN(X)+30.362,88)













where X = (%S-%Cu)/%Ni Capped at 12.0%













Eq2 = Cu recovery to Bulk Con = ((Cu-0.06)/Cu)) *100, Constant tail at 0.06% Cu





Eq3 = Ni recovery to Cu Con=Ni recovery to achieve 25.6% Cu and 1.1% Ni grades in Cu Con





Eq4 = Cu recovery to Cu Con = Cu recovery to Bulk Con * 0.623





Eq5 = Ni recovery to Bulk Con  Ni recovery to Cu Con





Eq6 = Cu recovery to Bulk Con  Cu recovery to Cu Con

Capping of grades varies based on lithology for each metal.

The density is assigned based on lithology and varies between 2.76 g/cm3 and 3.38 g/cm3.

Project Description

The Company's flagship asset is its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Ni-Cu-Co-PGM Project, located in southwestern Yukon, Canada . The Nickel Shaw Project contains the Company's core Ni-Cu-Co-PGM Wellgreen deposit, as well as the Arch, Burwash, Formula, Musk and Quill claims. The Wellgreen deposit is a polymetallic deposit with mineralization that includes the significant co-occurrence of nickel, copper, cobalt, platinum group metals ("PGMs") and gold.

The Nickel Shaw property contains an extensive Ni-Cu-Co-PGM mineralized system hosted by mafic/ultramafic intrusions related to Triassic-age flood basalts. With over 2.4 billion pounds of nickel, 1.2 billion pounds of copper, 6.9 million ounces of PGMs and 137 million pounds of cobalt in the measured and indicated mineral resource categories, Nickel Shaw is one of the largest undeveloped nickel projects in North America not controlled by a major mining company.

The PFS contemplates that the Nickel Shaw open pit would be mined using conventional open pit methods, with a LOM of over 19 years. From the open pit the ore would be trucked to a primary crusher located adjacent to the pit and conveyed out of the valley to a concentrator designed to process 45,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") of ore. The ore would be fed into a conventional Ni-Cu-PGM flotation concentrator designed to produce a bulk Ni-Cu-PGM concentrate "Bulk conc" or alternatively into split concentrates. The split concentrates would be a Ni concentrate "Ni conc" and a Cu concentrate "Cu conc", as economics dictate. Average annual LOM concentrates production ("dmt") is expected to be 103,100 dmt of Bulk conc, 95,000 dmt of Ni conc and 19,600 of dmt Cu conc. Total LOM payable metal production includes the following:

614.3M lbs nickel;

281.5M lbs copper;

21.5 M lbs cobalt;

626,500 troy ounces platinum;

743,400 troy ounces palladium; and

174,400 troy ounces gold.

The tailings would be stored in a tailings storage facility adjacent to the concentrator. Concentrate would be transported by truck 480 km to the Port of Skagway Ore Terminal . Power will be primarily sourced from a liquified natural gas ("LNG") power plant.

Social & Environmental

The Nickel Shaw Project lies within the Kluane First Nation ("KFN") core area as defined under the Umbrella Final Agreement between the Government of Canada, Government of Yukon and the Council of Yukon First Nations. Effective August 1, 2012 , an Exploration Cooperation Agreement was signed between the KFN and the Company. The KFN and the government of the Yukon Territory have provided very good support for the Nickel Shaw Project.

Ultramafic rocks from the project (in the form of tailings and waste rock) are being assessed for their ability to capture and store carbon. Test work conducted in 2022 confirmed the presence of brucite (a magnesium-rich mineral known to react quickly with CO2 in air) in a subset of samples. On a mass basis, from the achieved reactivity in the testwork, this may enable maximum sequestration of 2.1 kt CO2 per Mt tailings. The Company is evaluating further work which will include the creation of a mineralogy model based on the project's geochemical database to assess the spatial distribution of rocks within the Wellgreen deposit that have high potential to sequester carbon (see news release dated December 15, 2022 for additional details).

Summary of PFS Results

Pre-Tax NPV (5%), IRR $547 million , 7.7% After-Tax NPV (5%), IRR $143 million , 5.8% Undiscounted After-Tax Cash Flow (LOM) $1.65 billion After-Tax Payback Period 12.7 years Life of Mine (LOM) 19.1 years Capital Cost - Initial - Sustaining - Total LOM $1.7 billion $0.6 billion $2.3 billion Operating Cost $30.22 /mt milled Mill Throughput

45,000 tpd Initial 5 Year Annual Average Metal

Production - Nickel - Copper - Cobalt - Platinum - Palladium - Gold

29.1 M lbs 9.1 M lbs 1.1 M lbs 27,400 troy oz 36,200 troy oz 7,700 troy oz Life of Mine Strip Ratio (W:O) 1.93

Based on the assumed commodity prices noted above, the LOM revenue by metal is as follows: nickel  62%; palladium  14%; copper  10%; platinum 6%; cobalt  5% and gold  3%.

NPV Sensitivities

The discount rate sensitivity is as follows:

Discount Rate After-tax NPV 0 % $1.7 billion 5% - base case $143 million 10 % ( $459 ) million

Sensitivity to Nickel and Copper Prices

The after-tax NPV ($Million's) at a 5% discount rate:



Nickel Price (US$) Copper (US$) $8.00 $9.00 $10.00 $11.00 $12.00 $13.00 $14.00 $ 3.00 (1,003) (633) (306) 14 325 628 925 $ 3.25 (961) (599) (273) 47 357 658 955 $ 3.50 (918) (566) (240) 79 388 689 985 $ 3.75 (876) (532) (207) 111 419 720 1,015 $ 4.00 (834) (498) (174) 143 450 751 1,045 $ 4.25 (796) (465) (141) 175 481 781 1,075 $ 4.50 (762) (431) (108) 207 512 811 1,105

Sensitivity to Energy Power Costs

The pre-tax and after-tax NPV ($Million's) at a 5% discount rate:





Power Cost ($kWhr)













Base

case





$0.09 $0.11 $0.13 $0.15 $0.17 $0.194 $0.21 Pre-tax NPV

($Million's) 1,106 998 891 784 676 547 461 After-tax NPV

($Million's) 543 467 391 314 237 143 80 Pre-tax IRR 10.4 % 9.9 % 9.4 % 8.9 % 8.4 % 7.7 % 7.3 % After-tax IRR 8.2 % 7.7 % 7.3 % 6.8 % 6.4 % 5.8 % 5.5 %

Investment Tax Credit for Clean Technology Manufacturing

The Canadian 2023 federal budget proposed the introduction of a 30% refundable investment tax credit for investments in eligible property associated with eligible activities for clean technology manufacturing and processing, as well as critical mineral extraction and processing (the "Clean ITC"). The Clean ITC would apply to investments in certain depreciable property that is used all or substantially all for eligible activities. This would generally include machinery and equipment, including certain industrial vehicles and related control systems used in manufacturing, processing or critical mineral extraction. A portion of the Clean ITC would be recovered if eligible property is subject to a change in use or sold within a certain period of time.

As of this date, there are no specific details regarding the proposed Clean ITC and has not been legislated. Based on assumptions on the capital that could be eligible for the ITC, if the Company was able to utilize the 30% Clean ITC, the Company estimates that the after-tax NPV for the Project at a 5% discount rate would improve from $143 million to $336 million and the after-tax IRR would improve from 5.8% to 7.2%.

CAPEX and OPEX

The initial capital expenditure contemplated in the PFS, to be incurred over the three-year pre-production period of the Project, amounts to approximately $1.7 billion , with the sustaining capital over the remainder of LOM amounts to approximately $0.6 billion . The LOM capital expenditure is summarized as follows:

Capital ($Million's)



Pre-Production Sustaining Total LOM Open Pit 399 205 604 Processing 510 5 515 Infrastructure 353 258 611 Indirects 245 58 303 Environmental - 52 52 Contingency 180 60 240 Total 1,687 638 2,325

Operating Costs

The LOM operating costs are summarized as follows:



$/mt Milled Processing 17.32 Mining 7.30 G&A 2.43 Sub-total 27.05 Concentrate Trucking 2.34 Carbon Tax 0.83 Total 30.22

Future Opportunities and Value Enhancements

The PFS also identified a number of potential optimizations to the Project. These include:

Working with energy providers and Yukon government and other stakeholders on an energy strategy to reduce the costs for the project;

government and other stakeholders on an energy strategy to reduce the costs for the project; Additional metallurgical testwork to improve overall recoveries of all payable metals where a 1% recovery improvement represents approximately an after-tax $111 M improvement to the NPV at a 5% discount rate; and

M improvement to the NPV at a 5% discount rate; and Continue drilling on the Arch target to define the potential resource which could provide the opportunity for an early project higher grade feed that may improve overall financial results.

About Nickel Creek Platinum Corp.

Nickel Creek Platinum Corp. (TSX: NCP; OTCQB: NCPCF) is a Canadian mining exploration and development company advancing its 100%-owned Nickel Shaw Project ("Project"). The Project has exceptional access to infrastructure, located three hours west of Whitehorse via the paved Alaska Highway , which further offers year-round access to deep-sea shipping ports in southern Alaska.

The Company is led by a management team with a proven track record of successful discovery, development, financing and operation of large-scale projects. Our vision is to create value for our shareholders by becoming a leading North American nickel, copper, cobalt and PGM producer.

Qualified Persons

The PFS was overseen by AGP and the technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Gordon Zurowski of AGP. Mr. Zurowski is a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101") and an independent consultant to the Company. The scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release in relation to metallurgical testing, including with respect to 2022-23 variability testwork, was reviewed and approved by Gordon Marrs , P. Eng ., of XPS who is a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101 and an independent consultant to the Company.

All other scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release was reviewed and approved by Cameron Bell , Nickel Creek's Geological Consultant and a "qualified person" as defined in NI 43-101. Please see the technical report ( September 2018 ) filed under the Company's profile at www.sedar.com, for a description of the Company's data verification and QA/QC procedures.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information". Forward-looking information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "believe", "continue", "plans" or similar terminology, or negative connotations thereof. All information in this release, other than information of historical facts, including, without limitation, regarding the results of technical test work, the estimated mineral resource, the prospect of any future potential economic viability of the Project, future commodity prices and the potential for them to improve, that a feasibility study will ever be commenced and completed, the potential to identify additional mineralization beyond the known resource, timing of further work on the Project, future demand for nickel and copper concentrates, future demand for battery products, statements concerning the availability and impact of the Clean ITC, the ability of the Company to identify additional opportunities to create shareholder value, and general future plans and objectives for the Company and the Project, are forward-looking information that involve various risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking information.

This news release also contains references to estimates of mineral resources. The estimation of mineral resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in nickel, copper or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive or maintain required permits, approvals and licences.

For more information on the Company and the key assumptions, risks and challenges with respect to the forward-looking information discussed herein, and about our business in general, investors should review the Company's most recently filed annual information form, and other continuous disclosure filings which are available at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. 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/nickel-creek-platinum-announces-positive-pfs-for-its-nickel-shaw-project-301909571.html

SOURCE Nickel Creek Platinum Corp.
SINGAPORE , Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pi-xcels, an innovative leader in digital receipt solutions, has successfully completed its Seed funding round, raising US$1.7 million . The round was led by Wavemaker Partners, with participation from other prominent venture capital firms such as Hustle Fund, Amand Ventures, and Black Kite Capital, as well as strategic angel investors.

The round marks a momentous step towards realising Pi-xcels' vision of revolutionising the retail landscape and empowering merchants with its interactive Near Field Communication (NFC) receipt technology.

Additionally, it coincides with Pi-xcels' recognition as the recipient of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Green Finance Subsidy Grant and acceptance into the prestigious Visa Accelerator program.

"Pi-xcels is shaping the future of retail with paperless receipts and data-centric shopper journeys," said Pi-xcels CEO Daniel Lim . "We are among the few use cases of NFC beyond payments. Not only does our app-less technology enhance customer experiences, it also equips retailers with valuable data to better understand and cater to customers' preferences."

Pi-xcels' NFC-enabled POS device enables the issuance of interactive e-receipts in stores through a contactless tap via a smartphone, eliminating paper waste and fostering eco-friendly practices. This can be done without the need for app downloads, QR code scans, or personal information sharing, enhancing the shopper experience. It also simplifies the compilation of e-receipts for official claims with a single sign-on, resulting in clutter-free wallets for end-users.

Furthermore, the interactive receipt serves as a gateway to omni-channel marketing, enhancing pre- and post-sale experiences for shoppers and providing retailers with expanded marketing avenues. Simultaneously, Pi-xcels offers real-time, comprehensive transaction intelligence, providing valuable data-driven insights for retailers.

"Pi-xcels makes it seamless for businesses and payment platforms to adopt digital receipts. Apart from making the process frictionless for consumers, the solution is already integrated with payment terminals, making it easy for merchants to adopt. The company's technology, fortified by patents, positions Pi-xcels as an industry leader. We foresee this technology setting a new standard for retail and inspiring businesses to embrace eco-friendly solutions, contributing to a more sustainable future," said Andy Hwang , General Partner at Wavemaker Partners."

The fresh funds will fuel global business development initiatives, particularly expanding Pi-xcels' footprint in Europe and cementing key projects in Japan and Southeast Asia . The company has partnered with esteemed global brand names like payment terminal company Ingenico. Overall, it has witnessed a surge of interest from major corporations in the Asia-Pacific region as evidenced by non-disclosure agreements alluding to significant market demand.

"We are focused on advancing our research and development capabilities and strengthening our engineering team with the newly raised capital," said Lim. "This will enable us to be consistent in our delivery of innovative solutions to customers and partners in key markets like Japan , Spain , Indonesia , and beyond."

About Pi-xcels: Pi-xcels is a Singapore -based technology company at the forefront of digital receipt solutions. Leveraging on their app-less NFC technology, Pi-xcels enables retailers to issue paperless receipts directly to smartphones, delivering enhanced customer experiences and data-driven insights. With strategic partnerships and soaring demand, Pi-xcels is reshaping the retail industry. For more information, visit www.pi-xcels.com/#demo.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pi-xcels-secures-us1-7m-in-funding-to-revolutionise-retail-transactions-with-interactive-e-receipt-technology-301906621.html

SOURCE Pi-xcels
Boston -based nonprofit helps address digital inequity

NEW YORK , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 10 employees from QBE North America partnered with the nonprofit Tech Goes Home to deliver a free educational webinar on Internet safety. Members of QBE's Technology Service team, including Jacob Thampi , Head of Cyber Security Consulting and Taleen Armen , Head of IT Operations, hosted and served as panelists for the "Be Safe Online" webinar.

Now in its third year, the QBE Foundation's support of Tech Goes Home has helped further their efforts to provide residents from historically underserved communities in Massachusetts with the tools, skills and support to overcome barriers to digital access and advance their lives, including providing access to digital devices, network connectivity and robust training in how to utilize digital resources. "Support from partners like QBE North America enables us to better serve communities across Massachusetts , helping provide individuals and families the tools and knowledge to succeed in this digital world," said Dan Noyes , CEO of Tech Goes Home.

QBE also donated gently used computers for use by Tech Goes Home partners. QBE Executive Sponsor and Head of Specialty and Residential Insurance, Steve Gransbury , commented, "QBE is focused on creating resilient and inclusive communities. We appreciate the opportunity to help further Tech Goes Home's vision for digital equity."

About QBE North America

QBE North America is a global insurance leader helping customers solve unique risks, so they can stay focused on their future. Part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, QBE North America reported Gross Written Premiums in the first half of 2023 of $5 billion . QBE Insurance Group's results can be found at qbe.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia , QBE operates out of 27 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York , conducts business primarily through its insurance company subsidiaries. The actual terms and conditions of any insurance coverage are subject to the language of the policies as issued. QBE insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard & Poor's. Additional information can be found at qbe.com/us or follow QBE North America on LinkedIn and Facebook.

About Tech Goes Home

Tech Goes Home is a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the digital inequities that pose a significant barrier to opportunity and success for thousands of students, workers, and families in Greater Boston and beyond. Working in partnership with schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations, Tech Goes Home provides curated support - including access to digital devices, network connectivity, and robust training in how to utilize digital resources - to help individuals and families pursue economic mobility, support academic achievement, access critical resources, and engage with their community and loved ones. You can learn more about Tech Goes Home's work, and ways to become involved, at techgoeshome.org.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/qbe-foundation-partners-with-tech-goes-home-301909519.html

SOURCE QBE North America
Quantron AG reports cumulative order intake of 20 million Euro for the first seven months of the year

reports cumulative order intake of for the first seven months of the year Order backlog and customer approved funding requests cumulatively exceed 100 million Euro

QUANTRON expands with the foundation of Quantron Italy S. r . l . and now has partners and affiliate offices in eight countries in Europe , Middle East , India & USA

Quantron r l QUANTRON and GTL establish a joint venture called ROQIT with locations in Augsburg ( GER ) and Hyderabad ( IND ) to build a digital transaction platform for the needs of zero emission fleets

AUGSBURG, Germany , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quantron AG, specialist for sustainable passenger and goods transport, has successfully completed the second quarter of 2023. Given the rapid developments in the industry and the increasing international demand for zero-emission mobility solutions, the clean tech company is confident of achieving its growth targets.

In the first seven months of the year, the company recorded an order intake of 20 million Euro and an order backlog and approved funding applications at customers of cumulatively more than 100 million Euro .

Foundation of Quantron Italy S.r.l

At the end of May, QUANTRON announced the acquisition of EYES Group s.r.l. from FRIEM S.p.A. and the establishment of Quantron Italy S.r.l.. Quantron Italy is based in Milan , where the initial focus will be on zero-emission vehicles for the last mile and buses. It has already delivered four all-electric minibuses to municipalities on the island of Elba and won a tender for 6 electric city buses in Turin . Managing Director of Quantron Italy is Fabrizio Simoni , a automotive executive with more than 20 years of experience in international organisations

Quantron USA at ACT Expo in California

At the largest trade show for climate-friendly commercial vehicles in the U.S. - the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) show in Anaheim, California - the U.S. subsidiary Quantron USA, Inc. presented for the first time its concept for the U.S. market as well as the first prototype of its hydrogen-electric Class 8 truck. At the start of production, QUANTRON anticipates an unprecedented range for vehicles in this class in the U.S. of approximately 750 to 850 miles with a tank capacity of 100 kg of hydrogen. QUANTRON thus offers a real alternative to diesel-powered heavy trucks in the USA . The truck will be developed and manufactured at the US site in Michigan , near Detroit .

Reinforcement in QUANTRON management and supervisory board

Beate Reimann has taken over the position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Quantron AG as of July 1 st 2023 and will specifically support the company in the launched B-financing round together with STIFEL Investment Bank. She brings over 20 years of experience in leading international finance organizations as well as a proven track record in delivering financial results. She will play an important role in preparing Quantron AG for its capital market and IPO.

In addition, Mohamed Oun , Head of Accounting and Finance at Mesientos Limited - a subsidiary of Oilinvest B.V., was elected to the Supervisory Board of Quantron AG. He replaces Robert Schable, who is leaving the Supervisory Board at his own request. Mesientos Limited is an investment arm of the Oilinvest Group, which operates around 2,450 service stations in Europe through its subsidiary Tamoil.

Greentech Festival Berlin: QUANTRON and GTL present ROQIT

Together with Goldstone Technologies (GTL), a leading listed Indian company for business intelligence and IT services, Quantron AG entered into a joint venture under the name ROQIT. The aim of the joint venture is to develop a digital transaction platform as the digital backbone of Quantron-as-a-Service (QaaS).

In addition, AI-supported software solutions are being developed for the rapidly ramping up zero-emission fleet management market, which can be used independently of manufacturers. The integrated platform was first presented at the Greentech Festival in Berlin in May. It is composed of five digital pillars: Fleet Management, Insurance-as-a-Service, Hydrogen Economy, Greenhouse Gas Balancing (GHG Quotas) and Data Insights.

During his visit to QUANTRON's booth during the Greentech Festival, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner emphasized the importance of sustainable innovations and was enthusiastic about QUANTRON's broad portfolio, which includes both battery and hydrogen-electric drives: "I am committed to technology openness in Germany and Europe . As you probably know, we focus on battery electric vehicles, but there are also alternatives. I think there are different use cases and that's why we need a diversity of technologies."

Full-year 2023 outlook

Michael Perschke , CEO: "The year 2023 is our transformation year and is marked by the ramp-up of our QUANTRON QLI FCEV and our QUANTRON QHM FCEV AERO trucks- our 2 flagship Fuel Cell products that we developed together with Ballard Power. We are executing excellently on this challenge and plan to deliver as many as 25-40 Fuel Cell vehicles to our customers this year. In addition, we are in the middle of our B-round of financing and have already been able to sign various "Registration of Interest" and MoUs. The B round will secure our scaling beyond 2024. We will use the proceeds for our "Hydrogen Offensive" and are proud that partners like Ballard Power, Fund 4 Sustainability and NEUMAN ESSER Group support our strategy and are part of our ecosystem. We will announce another investor in early September."

Andreas Haller , Chairman: "On July 15, 2023 we celebrated the 4th birthday of Quantron AG and I am proud of what we as a team have achieved so far. We can now call ourselves the technology market leader in hydrogen powered fuel cell trucks and I am proud of the QUANTRON team and our global partnerships."

About Quantron AG

Quantron AG is a platform provider and specialist in sustainable mobility for people and goods; in particular ,for trucks, buses and vans with all-electric drive trains and H 2 fuel cell technology. As a high-tech spin-off of the renowned Haller KG, the Augsburg/ Bavaria -based company combines more than 140 years of commercial vehicle experience with the very latest e-mobility know-how, and positions itself globally as a partner to existing OEMs.

With the Quantron-as-a-Service Ecosystem (QaaS), QUANTRON offers an overall concept that includes all facets of the mobility value-added chain: QUANTRON INSIDE includes a wide range of new vehicles as well as conversions for existing and used vehicles from diesel to battery and hydrogen-electric drives with the highly innovative QUANTRON INSIDE technology. With a Europe -wide network of 700 service partners,QUANTRON CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS guarantees digital and physical after-sales solutions along with a range of services for maintenance, repairs and spare parts, telematics and in-cloud solutions for remote diagnosis and fleet management. Customers receive individual advice on, among other things, tailored charging and tank solutions, rental, financing and leasing offers. Training courses and workshops are also offered in the QUANTRON Academy. In future, QUANTRON ENERGY & POWER STATIONS will realise the production of green hydrogen and electricity as a platform. To this end, Quantron AG has teamed up with a number of strong global partners. At the same time, this Clean Transportation Alliance is also an important building block for supplying vehicles with the required green charging and H2 tank infrastructure.

QUANTRON stands for the core values RELIABLE, ENERGETIC, BRAVE . The team of experts at the innovation driver for e-mobility is making a significant contribution to sustainable, environmentally friendly passenger and freight transport.

Visit Quantron AG on our social media channels on LinkedIn and YouTube . More informationen available at www.quantron.net

Contact:

Quantron AG

Koblenzer Strae 2, 86368 Gersthofen, Germany

Tel: +49 (0)821-789840-0

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.quantron.net

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193523/Quantron_AG.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2103039/4237345/Quantron_Logo.jpg

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quantron-reports-successful-first-seven-months-with-international-expansion-as-part-of-its-globalization-strategy-301909105.html

SOURCE Quantron AG
A GROUNDBREAKING NEW ERA IN BEAUTY THAT GALVANIZES THE NEXT GENERATION WITH GREATER EMPOWERMENT AND SELFEXPRESSION MAKES ITS US DEBUT AT THE NATION'S LARGEST BEAUTY RETAILER

NEW YORK , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- For nearly six decades, Rabanne has been a pioneering force. Renowned for its avantgarde fashion and audacious fragrances, it continually challenges convention and pushes the limits of radical selfexpression. The Maison continues that legacy, trailblazing a new era in beauty. The beauty collection is launching now on the brand's website and will launch exclusively in select Ulta Beauty stores nationwide and Ulta.com starting in October.

Created to define a new world order for a defiantly rebellious tribe, Rabanne Beauty inspires new generations to push the limits of creativity. From fashion to beauty, from Paris to the world, it addresses those who dare to express who they are. To coincide with this launch, Diane Kendal serves as Creative Director of Rabanne Beauty. A visionary force within the industry, Diane has long been one of the leading lights in beauty, with her work appearing in a long list of highend publications. Bringing this extensive experience of fashion and beauty to this partnership, Diane shares the brand's vision for a new future of greater creativity and diverse selfexpression in her belief that, "There's no beauty, only beauties." Diane will showcase the new collection at the brand's SS24 runway show in Paris .

Uncompromisingly highperformance formulas are combined with maximum color payoff and skinloving ingredients. Inspired by fashion fabrics, unexpected sparkle, matte, gloss and metal finishes take their cue from the iconic codes of The Maison and then reinvent them for the next generation of changemakers. Each formula is vegan, dermatologicallytested and stays true to Rabanne's commitment to furthering longterm sustainability, with products that contain up to 98% ingredients of natural origin to enhance skin.

The full Rabanne Beauty collection will be available exclusively at Ulta Beauty within its prestige cosmetics assortment, with prices ranging from $20-$40 . As Gen Z's preferred beauty destination, the nation's leading beauty retailer will provide Rabanne Beauty access to this influential demographic, as well as the retailer's 41 million highly engaged loyalty members, while further building upon the brand's existing fragrance offering.

"We're thrilled to introduce Rabanne Beauty to our prestige cosmetics assortment," says Maria Salcedo , senior vice president of merchandising, Ulta Beauty. "We know our loyal beauty enthusiasts will fall in love with the unique packaging, innovative formulas and bold, expressive pigments and shades. As the exclusive US retailer, we're proud to be an integral partner to this iconic brand and provide access and awareness to this next phase of growth for The Maison. We look forward to welcoming new and existing guests to discover Rabanne Beauty at Ulta Beauty stores and ulta.com this fall."

To celebrate the launch of the makeup collection, acclaimed photographer Stef Mitchell shot Moods to inspire the Rabanne community with looks that create an emotional expression on any given day. With these Moods, Rabanne Beauty sets the pace for a new beauty future as each product stars in a makeup Mood  including Silver Tears , Precious Diva, Moonlight Star, Rebel Red , Sapphire Queen and Glam Rock.

A new vision of beauty is upon us. The power of unbridled creativity shines bright like never before. Get ready to enter a new frontier of confident selfexpression. Made by Rabanne for the radical and fearless forging a new path for the future.

ABOUT RABANNE

An innovative fashion house as singular today as when it was founded in 1966, Rabanne stands out for unifying an avant-garde vision with modern values. Since the earliest collections through the 1960s and '70s, the Paris -based brand has explored ideas of radical craftfrom the use of metal mesh as fabric that contours the body, to assemblages of unconventional materials that create kinetic silhouettes. Beyond its retail network, the brand has developed a strong digital presence  both through the web site and with online vendors  which has allowed a new generation to discover how the heritage of Monsieur Rabanne remains consistently in step with the times.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rabanne-beauty-launches-exclusively-at-ulta-beauty-this-fall-301908300.html

SOURCE Rabanne
The Network of Azerbaijani Canadians (NAC) and the Azerbaijani Canadian Community released the statement on Foreign Minister Melanie Joly's recent comments regarding Azerbaijan's Garabagh region.

Azernews presents the statement:

The Network of Azerbaijani Canadians (NAC) and the Azerbaijani Canadian Community deplore the recent statement made by Canadas Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, where she referred to Azerbaijans internationally recognized territory of Karabakh as Artsakh.

Artsakh is an illegal, Russian-backed separatist regime on the sovereign territory of Azerbaijan, unrecognized by any country in the world, including Canada. The illegal regime has been responsible for three decades of UN-condemned occupation of Azerbaijans sovereign territories, over 40,000 lives lost in Armenias wars of invasion, the ethnic cleansing of 800,000 Azerbaijani civilians from their homes, the destruction of Azerbaijani cities, and the ongoing landmine catastrophe in Azerbaijans Karabakh region.

The insensitivity toward Azerbaijani Canadians, who have suffered from Armenias invasion of Azerbaijan, mass ethnic cleansing, and massacres in the 1990s, is deplorable. This is akin to referring to the Russia-occupied parts of sovereign Ukraine by their separatist names.

This past January, Canadas Foreign Ministers Parliamentary Secretary rightfully expressed Canadas support for Azerbaijans territorial integrity in the House of Commons. In the strongest possible terms, we condemn Minister Jolys recent comments, which contradict Canadas official position. The implication of the comments expressed by Canadas Foreign Minister is irresponsible at best, detrimental to international diplomacy and the ongoing EU-facilitated peace-building process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

We have written to Minister Jolys office requesting a meeting to discuss this is person and will await a prompt response.

Network of Azerbaijani Canadians

Executive Team
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 24. Discussions continue about gas exports to Oman, the revival of the contract with Pakistan, and trade arrangements with Russia, Iranian Deputy Oil Minister and CEO of the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) Majid Chegeni said, Trend reports.

He also added that Iran has held talks with a number of European countries regarding the possibility of importing gas through Turkiye.

Oman LNG, a government-owned producer, has entered into an agreement to provide liquefied natural gas to Securing Energy for Europe (SEFE), a German gas importer previously known as Gazprom Germania.

A shortage of natural gas in Oman led to the replacement of imports with Iranian energy resources. In turn, Iran intends to supply Russian gas to Oman, which will indirectly channel it towards Germany.

As per the definitive term sheet, Oman LNG is set to deliver approximately 400,000 tons of LNG to SEFE, commencing in 2026, as stated by Oman's energy ministry.

This marks Oman LNG's inaugural collaboration with a German company, and the contract spans a duration of four years.

The Oman gas pipeline project implies that Iran will export 10 billion cubic meters of gas per year for 25 years. This holds significant importance for Oman, where gas production is declining. This gas is essential to meet domestic demand and to fully utilize the gas plant with an annual capacity of 12.4 billion cubic meters.
Europe and Asia's Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) stand at a critical juncture in their development journey. They are confronted with intricate development challenges, emanating from their lack of direct access to the sea, geographical remoteness, and lack of integration with world trade and global value chains. They contend with high trade costs, limited transport infrastructure, and cumbersome border and customs regulations  all of which undermine the competitiveness of their exports and hinder economic growth. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, combined with extreme weather events, geopolitical tensions, and the global macroeconomic downturn, have further compounded these pre-existing structural challenges, eroding some of the hard-won achievements of the past decade.

So where do we go from here?

The challenges are daunting, but there is a window of opportunity to reshape the trajectory of development for Europe and Asia's LLDCs. Next year, world leaders will gather in Kigali, Rwanda, to agree on a new programme of action to transform the livelihoods of over half a billion people living in landlocked developing countries globally. In the lead-up to this momentous conference, the United Nations is joining the 14 LLDCs in Europe and Asia, including Azerbaijan, along with their transit neighbours, development partners, and other stakeholders this week in Bangkok. The meeting will undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation of the Vienna Programme of Action for LLDCs (VPoA) - a major international development compact agreed upon in 2014, outlining key areas of development to improve landlocked economies. It will also discuss priorities for the formulation of the next Programme of Action. For Europe and Asia, these priorities should include, among other important elements, the following five key areas.

Transit and Trade facilitation

The urgency of better integrating Europe and Asia's LLDCs into the global trade landscape and value chains cannot be overstated, and freedom of transit - allowing LLDCs to move freely through their neighbouring countries under mutually agreed terms - holds the key to achieving this. By providing LLDCs with unimpeded access to international markets, freedom of transit can help Euro-Asia's LLDCs to diversify their economies, attract investments, and integrate into global trade networks. In turn, this will also help transit countries to harness untapped potentials of enhanced connectivity, trade, and regional integration.

The continued establishment of efficient border infrastructure, such as one-stop border posts, SMART corridors, and intelligent transport systems (ITS), also remains of equal importance in their bid to increase trade. These measures have the potential to streamline and accelerate the movement of goods, ultimately reducing bottlenecks and trade expenses. In Central Asia, the six LLDCs - Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - that hold historical significance as a key segment of the ancient Silk Road trade, continue to play a crucial role as transit countries for goods travelling between China, Europe, and other regions. The development of transportation networks and logistics infrastructure in these countries will have a positive ripple effect on global trade for the entire region. But none of this would be possible without adequate infrastructure in the LLDCs, their transit neighbours, and stronger partnership and collaboration to enhance connectivity.

Infrastructure development

Infrastructure development is a catalyst for overcoming the inherent geographical challenges and other structural constraints faced by LLDCs. Adequate and well-maintained infrastructure, including road, rail, and air networks, can facilitate the efficient movement of goods and people across borders, reducing transportation costs and transit times, while IT infrastructure is vital for digital solutions, streamlining trade processes, fostering economic diversification, and harnessing the potentials of e-commerce. It is important to highlight the strides that have been achieved in enhancing transport networks across many Euro-Asian LLDCs, such as the Asian Highway Network, Trans-Asian Railway Network, and Euro-Asian Transport Links. However, several LLDCs in Europe and Asia continue to grapple with inadequate infrastructure and disjointed connections between different modes of transportation. Prioritizing investments in infrastructure developments, particularly robust transportation networks will also enable the efficient movement of raw materials and finished products from LLDCs to global markets, facilitating value addition and fostering the growth of new manufacturing sectors.

Diversifying economies and embracing digital technologies

LLDCs need to create more diversified and resilient economies while embracing technological advancements. Diversifying LLDC economies will help mitigate the risks associated with commodity price fluctuations and market uncertainties and provide a more stable path for equitable growth and development. Every chance to connect with regional and worldwide value chains should be explored to overcome the challenges posed by limited domestic markets. LLDCs should also explore new technologies that allow local enterprises to sell into global markets. More involvement in online businesses, digital services, and helping small businesses and women entrepreneurs are important too. We have witnessed it time and again - by bridging digital and connectivity gaps, LLDCs can effectively improve productivity and competitiveness on the global stage.

Building sustainable and climate-resilient economies

As a result of their location and greater reliance on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, Euro-Asia's LLDCs continue to be disproportionately affected by the adverse impacts of climate change. At the same time, their capacity to adapt to climate change is constrained by limited resources and productive capacities, weak infrastructure, and institutional shortcomings. Addressing these limitations through sustainable development strategies, technology transfer and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure can enhance resilience against climate shocks. Simply put  preparedness, capacity to respond, climate-resilient roads, bridges, and disaster-resistant buildings can minimize the impact of extreme weather events, by reducing disruptions to trade and economic activities. Additionally, Euro-Asia's LLDCs need to have an enhanced voice in global climate negotiations and discussions, for their needs and priorities to be incorporated in the global climate discourse.

Financial Support and capacity building

Given the heightened dependence of Euro-Asia's LLDCs on external finance both to address their macroeconomic challenges and to finance their development needs, they are highly reliant on developments in the global economy, including the international financial markets and the aid architecture. LLDCs often face limitations in terms of mobilising the financial resources necessary to support their development needs. During the current poly-crisis, these financing needs have widened further, with many LLDCs carrying growing debt burdens, which impede their development efforts.

The next Programme of Action needs to focus urgently on the debt issue in a comprehensive manner. Adequate financial support from various sources, including domestic revenues, international aid, and multilateral institutions, will be essential to bridge funding gaps and enable critical development projects. Development partners, International Financial Institutions, Regional Development Banks, multilateral institutions, and the private sector should prioritize targeted assistance in financing for development and long-term solution to debt. , This is indispensable in addressing the multifaceted challenges of LLDCs.

Ultimately, Euro-Asia's LLDCs cannot do it alone.

Forging the widest possible coalition of multi-stakeholder partnerships among LLDCs and transit countries as well as development partners and the private sector, is now more critical than ever as we embark on a new decade of action for LLDCs. The global community must stand together to support these countries, fostering an environment of growth, prosperity, and integration into the global economy. Only through collaboration, innovation, and a shared vision, the LLDCs can overcome their challenges and embark on a journey towards a brighter future for their people.

With the Third United Nations Conference on LLDCs on the horizon, the regional review meeting in Bangkok this week presents a unique opportunity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs to rally global support and forge partnerships for transformative change. The meeting will set the stage for meaningful dialogues, innovative ideas, collective aspirations, exchange of best practices and experiences among LLDCs, transit countries, and development partners, as leaders and policymakers strive to unlock the immense potential of LLDCs in Asia and Europe.

Together, we can create pathways to prosperity for Euro-Asia's LLDCs and ensure that they are not left behind in our shared journey toward sustainable development.

Rabab Fatima is the United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States.
With its case carved from a block of NanoSaphir, this tourbillon watch changes color in a fraction of a second, depending on how it catches ambient light

Applying cutting-edge technology in watchmaking, Artya presents a case cut from a block of NanoSaphir, a high-tech transparent material whose molecular structure enables it to shift from one color to another. Amber-orange or bright green, like a chameleon  the effect is stunning as the watch case changes its appearance at the slightest variation in ambient light. Equipped with the celebrated 'Tiny Purity Tourbillon' movement designed and developed by ArtyA, the watch comes in a new diameter of 39mm, more discreet than the original 46mm of the first Purity Tourbillon.

For 7 years now, ArtyA has stood out for its mastery in working with sapphire crystal, demonstrating craftsmanship of unrivalled creativity, precision and meticulousness  a testament to the brands exceptional expertise in this field.

As one of the very first to adopt sapphire crystal for watch cases in 2016, ArtyA soon made it an essential choice. That is because the material offers both perfect transparency, making it possible to admire the beauty of mechanical movements, and remarkable resistance to scratches and shocks, ensuring unprecedented durability and longevity. Sapphire is a crystal of extraordinary hardness, the third hardest natural material after diamond and moissanite on the Mohs scale.

The NanoSaphir Chameleon presented here by ArtyA is a unique, high-tech, polycrystalline, tinted synthetic sapphire that undergoes a series of treatments to enhance its optical properties. Here, the material is treated at the molecular level to enable it to react to ambient light, while always guaranteeing absolute clarity.

Tiny Purity Tourbillon NanoSaphir Chameleon  ArtyA

The result is striking. Each case has its own color combination (always a pair). Depending on whether the case is exposed to natural light or artificial light (6500 Kelvin or above), amber-orange becomes vivid green on this model.

The color change makes for an especially compelling effect on the wrist; it celebrates the perfect alliance between the latest sapphire technology and the timeless elegance of a tourbillon movement.

Committed to creating exceptional timepieces and building on its expertise in the application of NanoSaphir, ArtyA has positioned itself as an avant-garde brand, constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking  to create innovative and fascinating pieces. This mastery of sapphire reflects ArtyA's dedication to excellence and constant desire to surprise and amaze enthusiasts the world over.

A new, smaller, completely redesigned Tiny Purity Tourbillon movement

The new 2023 iteration in the Purity Tourbillon series represents a complete overhaul of ArtyAs celebrated double-barrel flying tourbillon movement. The goal was to reduce the watch's original size from a mighty diameter of 46mm to a lighter, airier 39 millimeters  and open more possibilities for showcasing the Purity Tourbillon.

For its development, Yvan Arpa joined forces with the team at Telos in a partnership built on technical skills, shared values and a vibrant creative dynamic.

Tiny Purity Tourbillon NanoSaphir Chameleon  ArtyA

Together, they succeeded in dramatically reducing the size of the Tourbillon Purity by 7 mm, creating the masterpiece that is the Tiny Purity Tourbillon.

To make this possible, they repositioned the dial at 3 o'clock with a fully skeletonized display. The parallel-mounted double barrel is housed under the dial, retaining its original size to maintain an appreciable 72-hour power reserve.

Although the case diameter is now significantly smaller, the tourbillon cage retains its substantial size of 17 mm (representing no less than 44% of the total dial volume). Entirely hand-chamfered, the visual effect of its imposing presence seems amplified tenfold.

The tourbillon now benefits from a traditional adjustment with a fixed stud holder that replaces the raquetterie. The entire assembly was modified, down to the smallest detail, with new Incabloc and inertia-block balance..

The entire movement has benefited from the highest possible level of finishing. No detail has been left to chance, and every angle has been worked by hand.
Brig. Gen. David May, Wisconsins deputy adjutant general for Air, and Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsins adjutant general, welcome Gen. Daniel Hokanson, chief of the National Guard Bureau, to Northern Lightning Counterland. 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. (Amber Peck/U.S. Army)

(Tribune News Service)  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.

(c)2023 WiscNews

Visit WiscNews at www.wiscnews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Stephen Boehme, assigned to the Ohio Air National Guard 180th Fighter Wing, directs an F-16 Fighting Falcon to Volk Field on Camp Douglas, Wis., during Exercise Northern Lightning, Aug. 7, 2023. (Sarah Stalder Lundgren/U.S. Air National Guard)

(Tribune News Service)  Volk Field in Wisconsin 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 multiple active-duty Air Force, National Guard, Marine and Navy units 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. More than 1,000 participants and more than 60 aircraft were involved in the exercise, according to an event news 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, we've 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 IADS  Integrated Air Defense Systems  comprised 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 news release.

"It's 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 news release.

"A lot of exercises put on in the Air Force are more directive in nature," Eakins said. "You just don't 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.

(c)2023 WiscNews

Visit www.wiscnews.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
The guided-missile destroyer USS Howard, seen here this summer in the Philippine Sea, sustained a soft grounding while heading for Bali, Indonesia, Aug. 10, 2023. (Santiago Navarro/U.S. Navy)

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The guided-missile destroyer USS Howard, whose commander was relieved of duty this month, sustained a soft grounding just before arriving in Indonesia for a port call on Aug. 10, according to the U.S. 7th Fleet.

The Yokosuka-based Howard was en route to Bali when watch standers gave the initial indication that the ship had grounded, 7th Fleet spokesman Lt. Luka Bakic told Stars and Stripes by email Thursday.

Upon indication of potential grounding, watch standers took immediate action to protect the crew and the ship, he wrote. The ship was able to return to normal operations under its own power and propulsion. There were no injuries as a result of the mishap.

The incident occurred nine days before Vice Adm. Karl Thomas, commander of 7th Fleet, fired the Howards skipper, Cmdr. Kenji Igawa, on Aug. 19 for a loss of confidence in his ability to command.

Cmdr. Kenji Igawa was relieved as skipper of the guided-missile destroyer USS Howard due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to command," Aug. 19, 2023. (Samantha Oblander/U.S. Navy)

Bakic would not define a soft grounding, nor comment on whether the incident was linked to Igawa being relieved. The spokesman provided no further details about the mishap and emphasized that it is under investigation.

A soft grounding is described elsewhere as one from which a vessel may be freed, even with time or by the actions of wind, wave or tides. Its also described as a vessel bottoming on a soft seabed rather than harder features such as rocks. A soft grounding typically does not involve major damage to the vessel.

Relieving an officer after a grounding would not be unprecedented.

In 2017, Capt. Joseph Carrigan was relieved of command of the USS Antietam after the guided-missile cruiser ran aground on shoals just beyond Yokosuka.

In 2014, Cmdr. Dennis Volpe, commander of the USS Taylor, was relieved after the frigate ran aground while attempting to moor at the Turkish port of Samsun.

Igawa has been replaced on the Howard by Capt. Edward Angelinas, the former commander of the guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls, until a permanent replacement is chosen, the 7th Fleet said in a news release Sunday.
On Thursday, 24 August, Ukrainians celebrate the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's declaration of independence with a series of official events in Kyiv. On this special day, the first lady of our country wore a special embroidered shirt. It was created exclusively for Olena Zelenska by the designers of the world-famous Ukrainian brand Gunia Project.

ADVERTISIMENT

The embroidery on the President's wife's luxurious white shirt is handmade. It was created by embroidery artist Ruslan Panchuk. Zelenska posted the photos on her Telegram channel.

Thus, the first lady is wearing a snow-white shirt with pastel yellow and blue patterns that almost merge with the light base. If you look closely, you can see flowers, birds, and angels on the embroidery. All these are ancient ornaments from the towels of Sumy region.

In the centre is an embroidered Ukrainian trident. Interestingly, the same national symbol in the heart area can be seen on Volodymyr Zelenskyy's embroidered shirt on Independence Day.

ADVERTISIMENT

Dozens of different techniques were used to create the embroidery, which makes it even more valuable.

The first lady's shirt is also fascinating for its style, namely the puffed episcopal sleeves. You can also see a wide collar, which is rarely seen on women's embroidered shirts. It, like the cuffs, is decorated with citadels.

Zelenska styled the Ukrainian national costume with dark palazzo pants by Ukrainian designer Artem Klymchuk. Blue pumps are visible under the wide trousers. The outfit was completed with a pearl necklace and gold cross earrings from the same brand Gunia Project.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, we also told you about Volodymyr Zelenskyy's embroidered shirt, in which he recorded an address to the Ukrainian people on Independence Day. On this special day, the Ukrainian menswear brand Damirli created a unique khaki shirt for the president. It features an embroidered Ukrainian trident in the heart area.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence, the stars addressed their compatriots with congratulations. They emphasised the terrible price Ukrainian soldiers have to pay to defend the freedom of citizens and regain the territories occupied by Russia. Watch how Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, Sofia Rotaru, Lesya Nikitiuk and other celebrities congratulate the country on Independence Day in our article.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Kirschbluete is inside the Edeka shopping center in in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. It offers a range of Asian dishes, including sushi, pho and ramen. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

On my last visit to Kirschbluete in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, the pad thai was so hot I could barely eat it.

My friend sitting across the table, meanwhile, despite beginning to sweat and turn red, relished the heat, which was cranked up to an 11.

It was our second time in a week eating pad thai at the small Asian cafe. The server recognized us and inquired whether we wanted the dish extra hot like last time.

Can you make it even hotter? asked my friend, as I winced. On our first visit, the sweet and tangy noodle dish set my palate ablaze.

The pad thai at Kirschbluete in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, can be ordered with extra heat. The dish comes with a choice of tofu, chicken, beef or shrimp. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

We returned so soon because the pad thai, minus the extra heat, was top-notch. The generous portion was plenty for two people to share, and the ingredients tasted fresh. We chose shrimp; other options are tofu, chicken and beef.

But Kirschbluete doesnt specialize in Thai food. The menu is more of a potpourri of Asian dishes, from Japanese ramen and sushi to pho, a Vietnamese soup with rice noodles, a brown broth, meat and herbs.

To go along with the pad thai, we ordered the crispy salmon tempura roll and summer rolls. A drink of hot genmaicha, or Japanese brown rice tea, went well with the meal.

The crispy salmon tempura roll was cut into 12 pieces. The summer rolls come with a choice of chicken, pork, shrimp or tofu, which is paired with vegetables and held together in a clear, rice paper wrap.

The crispy salmon tempura roll at Kirschbluete in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany, included a generous portion of 12 pieces. The salmon nigiri tasted fresh and was a nice accompaniment. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

We chose shrimp and ended up having plenty of leftovers to take home.

A day after our feast, I found myself at Kirschbluete again, this time to get pho to go. Battling a cold, I was craving a hearty soup, and this one did not disappoint.

It came with plenty of chicken and noodles, oyster sauce, broth and sprouts, cilantro, basil leaves, and thin slices of red chili peppers for toppings. It could have used just a tad more broth, which I will request next time.

Other Vietnamese soups on the menu include bun bo hue, a spicy ensemble with pork, beef and lemongrass, and banh canh, which contains udon noodles, onions, cilantro and a choice of chicken or pork.

Japanese soups include shoyu ramen, with a broth made of soy sauce, and miso ramen.

Theres plenty of sushi on the menu as well, including the typical lineup of nigiri, uramaki and maki. Also on offer is a variety of sushi rolls with shrimp, tuna, salmon and vegetables, among other combinations.

Kirschbluete is inside the Edeka shopping center in in Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany. It offers a range of Asian dishes, including sushi, pho and ramen. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)

The prices at Kirschbluete seem a bit more reasonable than what some other sushi joints in the Kaiserslautern area charge.

It appears that the lone Korean dish on the menu is kimchi, or spicy pickled cabbage.

Kirschbluete is hard to miss if you shop at the Edeka in Ramstein-Miesenbach. Its inside the shopping area next to the German supermarket. Id passed it many times on my way to get groceries and wondered whether the place is any good.

After a few visits, its now one of my favorite restaurants in the area. A second location, on Karcherstrasse in Kaiserslautern, gives customers a chance to choose the more convenient option.

Kirschbluete

Location: Inside E-Center Jahke, Rathausring 6, Ramstein-Miesenbach, Germany

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; closed Sunday and holidays

Prices: Most sushi rolls with eight to 12 pieces are 12.50 to 12.80 euros; Vietnamese soups such as pho start at 13.50 euros; the most expensive soup is bun ca, which costs 18,50 euros.

Information: +49 (0) 6371 4989465; www.kirschbluete.online, @Restaurant.Kirschbluete
A strawberry smoothie and two strawberry frosted doughnuts from Monster Donut & Gelato in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

How crazy is it that you can find the most amazing things when you're not looking for them.

A wrong turn on my way to meet a friend for coffee put me square in front of a building that looked like a scene from a Willy Wonka fever dream. That place is Monster Donut & Gelato.

Monster is a 20- to 30-minute drive from Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base, but it's worth it for the Instagram selfies alone. From the outside, this retro pink-and-blue building is its own vibe. The inside is even better.

This two-story shop opened in December. The first floor is where you order mouthwatering confections like doughnuts with Oreo crumble toppings, or jam- and custard-filled pastries.

The Monster Shake from Monster Donut & Gelato in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

Monster also serves an assortment of drinks, coffees, teas, juices and milkshakes. Not to mention an abundance of gelato.

The menu is in English and Korean and the staff are very bubbly and enthusiastic.

Two strawberry-frosted donuts and a strawberry smoothie cost 15,000 won, or about $11.20. The donuts were amazing, and the smoothie blew me away. Before I left, I had to get a milkshake to go.

I was very impressed with Monster Donut & Gelato. Sometimes the wrong turn can lead to the right place.

Monster Donut & Gelato is colorful spot to get your sweetness fix near Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base in South Korea. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

Monster Donut & Gelato

Location: 1294-11 Manse-ro, Wongok-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hours: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday

Prices: Most items cost between 4,000 won and 8,000 won.

Dress: Casual

Directions: A 20- to30-minute drive from the main gate at Camp Humphreys or Osan Air Base, South Korea.

Information: 0507-1368-8306; monsterdonut_official on Instagram
The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents and Africa more free, he says, dressed in military fatigues, hoisting an assault rifle and standing in a barren landscape he suggests is on the continent. Justice and happiness for the African people. (Maria Sakvarelidze/Wikimedia Commons)

The day before his private plane crashed near Moscow, Yevgeny Prigozhin released a recruitment video for the Wagner Group.

The Wagner PMC makes Russia even greater on all continents and Africa more free, he says, dressed in military fatigues, hoisting an assault rifle and standing in a barren landscape he suggests is on the continent. Justice and happiness for the African people.

Prigozhin apparently spent his last days in Africa. His presumed death will reverberate across the continent where he built a business empire over the past five years, becoming an iconoclastic celebrity in places like Mali and the Central African Republic, whose presidents have lost an important ally.

But, as in the aftermath of Prigozhins mutiny in June, the Kremlin will likely seek to maintain Wagners lucrative security, gold mining, oil services and customs contracts - and its relationships with African governments.

The idea of a Wagner-like entity, which is to say a private military company that allowed Russia to have unofficial but very impactful results on the continent is too valuable to just have it go away, said Cameron Hudson, a senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies Africa Program and a former CIA analyst.

Wagner allowed the Kremlin to rebuild some of the influence that it lost in Africa after the Cold War at little cost and with plausible deniability. It first entered Libya and CAR about five years ago and has since expanded to Sudan, Mali and - briefly - Mozambique, committing alleged human rights abuses while waging brutal campaigns on behalf of domestic governments and strongmen.

Now theres a lot of noise around the death of one person, Martin Ziguele, a former CAR prime minister, said by phone. I find this vulgar compared to the number of Central Africans who have lost their lives in Wagner operations in my country, atrocities that have been documented in numerous reports.

Nowhere is Wagners influence greater than in CAR, where 2,000 fighters have propped up the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadera since 2018. It now not only owns the countrys biggest gold mine - capable of producing $290 million worth of ore annually - but leads the army in battle and has a stake in both the forestry and beer markets.

I think his death changes nothing because we have an agreement with Russia and Russia is going to fix this by putting a new head in Wagner, said Fidele Gouandjika, an adviser to Touadera, who posted a picture of himself on Facebook wearing an I am Wagner T-shirt in homage to Prigozhin.

The main question is whether Prigozhins lieutenants, who have forged close relationships with the CAR government, will be replaced, according to two senior Western diplomats.

Wagners success in CAR was driven in part by growing frustration against ex-colonial power Frances continued influence. The group, and Prigozhin in particular, exploited that resentment and both came to be seen as emblems of anti-colonialism.

Wagner has taken advantage of military power grabs in West Africas Sahel region - where France led an unsuccessful fight against a decade-long Islamist militant insurgency - to grow its foothold. Its sent 1,000 fighters to assist the junta in Mali, which has pushed out a French force and a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Continuity in Wagners operations would be the best-case scenario for West African leaders who rely on Wagner to either stay in power, or combat Islamist militant insurgents, or both, said Ornella Moderan, an independent Sahel researcher.

The mercenaries, operating alongside the Malian army, have taken over empty U.N. and French army bases, but civilian deaths have surged since they arrived. The U.N. has accused the group and the army of massacring more than 500 people in the central Malian village of Moura.

In recent months, Malis military government has begun forging closer ties with the Kremlin itself. Junta leader Col. Assimi Goita was among just 17 African heads of state who attended the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg last month, where he heaped praise on President Vladimir Putin.

Working directly with the state is always more solid than dealing with a private firm, Salif Sidibe, a consultant who acted as a Russian arms procurement liaison for a previous government, said by phone from the capital, Bamako. I dont think Prigozhins death will change a lot. If anything, things will be easier going forward.

A government spokesman didnt respond to a call and a text message seeking comment.

Malian lawmakers recently passed a new mining code that could see the government acquire a 35% stake in industrial mining. Some miners fear this could be a point of entry for Wagner-linked entities.

Wagner is already involved in Sudans gold industry, where its been linked to a processing plant north of the capital, Khartoum, and plays a role in the smuggling economy involving both the army and paramilitary groups.

The U.S. in May accused Wagner of delivering surface-to-air missiles to Sudans Rapid Support Forces, which since April have been waging a campaign to overthrow the military junta that seized power in 2021. The Kremlin, meanwhile, has supported the army.

Moscow may already be moving to consolidate control over Wagners operations in Libya, where the group has access to key oil facilities and an air base thanks to its support for Khalifa Hifter, the leader of the self-styled Libyan National Army who unsuccessfully fought to seize control of the capital with Wagner help.

Earlier this week, Moscow sent military officials to meet Haftar, who they had kept at arms length, said Anas El Gomati, director of the Sadeq Institute, a think tank based in Tripoli.

Wagners operations in Libya and Africa depend on a web of alliances more than just its senior internal leadership killed last night, he said. The Kremlin need only insert new points of contact within this mercenary network.
Soju, a 5-year-old French bulldog, died of heatstroke on a Patriot Express flight between Misawa Air Base, Japan, and Seattle. (Anne Surette)

TOKYO  Although a pair of pet bulldogs died recently on a contract flight for U.S. military personnel, the command that oversees those flights said its reduced the overall number of pet fatalities by more than half.

We've made multiple changes over the last year to improve the safety of our pets as they travel and though one death is too many, we have seen a 60% reduction in pet fatalities from 2022, Air Mobility Command spokesman 1st Lt. James Stewart told Stars and Stripes via email Wednesday.

Despite the changes, Winter, an 11-year-old Old English bulldog, and Soju, a 5-year-old French bulldog, died of heatstroke Aug. 17 en route to Seattle on an 8 -hour flight from Japan, their owners, Tim and Anne Surette, told Stars and Stripes on Monday.

Tim Surette said the aircraft was not air-conditioned on the way from Misawa Air Base, Japan, to Seattle. The Defense Intelligence Agency contactor and his wife were making a permanent change of station from South Korea to Virginia.

We deeply regret the deaths of these pets, Stewart said. We take the movement of families and pets very seriously and that's why we've adjusted our procedures and have implemented changes to better serve customers.

The Patriot Express frequently flies military families and Defense Department employees making PCS moves. After four pets died last year on flights originating in Asia, the mobility command created a working group to identify improvements to ease service members stress caused by moving with pets, Stewart said.

Since then, the command has moved pets into climate-controlled terminals where they can stay with their owners until boarding; pets are loaded as late as possible and ground crews use ground air-conditioning units, when theyre available, to cool lower compartments in the aircraft.

The command also warns travelers that certain breeds, including snub- and short-nosed dogs, are at greater risk during air transport, Stewart said.

Air Mobility Command continues to transport at-risk breeds while many commercial airlines do not. Airlines that still fly those breeds include Etihad Airways, Copa Airlines, Gulf Air, Aloha Air and Hawaiian Airlines, according to Petstravelog.com, a pet travel guide and care website.

Stewart said the command looked into the circumstances surrounding the Patriot Express flight, which involves military and contracted support.

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, Stewart said.

The command has also established an email contact box to discuss pet travel and address procedures and concerns. Every suggestion is reviewed to improve the process, Stewart 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, he said.
Capt. Manning Montagnet, right, outgoing commander of Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, shakes hands with his replacement, Capt. Nicolas Leclerc, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)

NAVAL AIR FACILITY ATSUGI, Japan  The outgoing commander of a Navy air facility near Tokyo warned Thursday that military deterrence in the western Pacific may not be working as the region enters amazingly dangerous times.

Navy Capt. Nicolas Leclerc, previously a member of the International Military Staff at NATO Headquarters in Belgium, took charge of NAF Atsugi from Capt. Manning Montagnet during a ceremony inside hangar 1430.

NAF Atsugi, a facility shared with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, is a critical logistics and maintenance hub and home to Fleet Air Western Pacific. Three Navy helicopter squadrons  two maritime strike squadrons and one sea combat  are stationed there.

Flanked by an MH-60 Seahawk helicopter and a Navy C-12 turboprop, Montagnet described the amazingly dangerous times faced by the U.S. and its allies due to authoritarian and totalitarian regimes in the region.

Unfortunately, our deterrence efforts are arguably not working, and as a result, nothing less than our way of life as underwritten by the rules-based international order is directly under assault, he told an audience of about 200.

Montagnet named North Korea, Russia and China as three of the top five adversaries, and noted their proximity to Japan.

But heres the thing: They have to go through us first. They have to take on our alliances, our friendships, our shared common values, our technology and know-how, he said. Weve already begun our pivot. Were training differently  more jointly, more comprehensively  in order to take on the task before us. This base, this installation, is an ever-increasing part of that effort.

After the ceremony, he told Stars and Stripes that he envisions NAF Atsugi playing a major supportive role in deterring regional conflict.

Capt. Manning Montagnet gives his final speech as commander of Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes) Capt. Nicolas Leclerc gives his first speech as commander of Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes) Colors are presented during a change-of-command ceremony for Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (Jennessa Davey/Stars and Stripes)

Montagnet, who took command of the base in September 2020, will relocate to Navy Region Mid-Atlantic in Norfolk, Va., and the staff of the deputy chief of naval operations for operations, plans and strategies.

After the ceremony, Leclerc, of Westlake Village, Calif., said he hopes to build on his predecessors successes and to make NAF Atsugi relevant to the challenges Montagnet outlined in his speech.

We have concerns with some of the neighbors near Japan, he told Stars and Stripes. Our goal is to represent the United States and provide the requirements in a supportive role, as mentioned, that are necessary for the U.S. to meet its goals.

Leclerc graduated the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000 with a degree in computer science and has over 2,300 flight hours between MH-53E Sea Dragon and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters.

His past assignments include tours as the executive officer and commander of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 in San Diego and the commissioning air officer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli.
A commuter enters the Denentoshi Line at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

TOKYO  One rail line in Japans capital is installing machines that will permit passengers to pay their fare with credit cards rather than the usual pre-paid passes.

The Tokyu Corp. is placing the tap-to-pay readers at stations along the Denentoshi Line, which runs between Shibuya in central Tokyo and Yamato in Kanagawa prefecture south of the city. The machines should be operable Aug. 30.

The installations are a test to see if the concept will work across the hundreds of miles of rail lines in the worlds largest metropolitan area, according to a company news release Monday.

The experiment comes as sales of new tap-to-pay Suica and Pasmo cards were suspended Aug. 2 due to a worldwide semiconductor shortage. They are the most popular rechargeable cards used by locals, tourists and the U.S. military community to pay train and bus fares and shop at stores.

Credit, debit and prepaid cards with tap-to-pay capabilities issued by Visa, JCB, American Express, Diners Club and Discover can be used at ticket gates just like Suica and Pasmo cards, Tokyu Corp. said in the release.

Mastercard can be used to purchase tickets online but cannot be used at the gates.

The company said it hopes to have the machines installed on all its railway lines by spring. Tokyu Corp., one of 30 rail operators in the metro area, maintains nine rail lines in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefecture, according to its website.

Commuters enter the Denentoshi Line at Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Akifumi Ishikawa/Stars and Stripes)

Sales of personalized Suica and Pasmo cards temporarily ended Aug. 2. Sales of non-personalized cards ended in June.

We are continuing discussions with card manufacturers regarding future card manufacturing plans, but the situation is still unclear at this point, Pasmo said in a news release. Virtual cards for Apple Pay and other similar electronic payment systems will still be available.

Virtual cards are also available on the Pasmo and Suica apps, which are available only in Japanese. They can't be recharged with non-Japanese credit cards.

Existing physical cards can still be used and recharged, but no new cards will be sold until further notice.

Tourists are still able to purchase Pasmo Passport and Suica Passport cards, which are valid for 28 days, at the Narita and Haneda international airports and some major train stations in the Tokyo metropolitan area, according to the Pasmo release.
A U.S. soldier searches a mock insurgent during an Ulchi Freedom Shield drill in Paju, South Korea, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

PAJU, South Korea  A torrential downpour prompted flood warnings Wednesday near the border with North Korea, but U.S. Strykers and South Korean tanks kept rolling.

About 500 U.S. and South Korean troops practiced their street-fighting skills in the Urban Area Operating Center, a simulated city block eight miles from the Demilitarized Zone separating North and South Korea.

We love the rain, Army 1st. Lt. Robert Beverage, a 4th Infantry Division platoon leader, told reporters at the site. Were an infantry unit; this is what we signed up to do.

The urban combat drill was part of Ulchi Freedom Shield, a semiannual, 11-day exercise by the U.S. and South Korea, one of the largest military exercises the allies conduct on the peninsula.

About 70 of the troops were U.S. soldiers from the 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, the rotational unit deployed to South Korea from Fort Carson, Colo.

U.S. and South Korean soldiers breach a room filled with insurgents during urban combat training in Paju, South Korea, about eight miles from the North Korean border, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) South Korean troops practice their street-fighting skills about eight miles from the Demilitarized Zone, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) U.S. soldiers test their urban combat skills during an Ulchi Freedom Shield drill in Paju, South Korea, about eight miles from the North Korean border, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

The Americans and South Koreans took turns assaulting and defending the mock city block throughout the day.

South Korean K1A1 tanks and U.S. Strykers equipped with remotely operated .50 caliber machine guns rolled through streets studded with ordinary landmarks: subway entrances, overhead street signs and six-story apartment buildings.

Soldiers in the drill were equipped with South Koreas Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System, which simulates a bullets direction after being fired and its impact on the body, to provide the realism of actual combat.

At one point, Stryker brigade soldiers holed up in an apartment complex, waiting for the opportune moment to clear an adjacent building occupied by South Korean soldiers simulating enemy forces.

During the short reprieve, South Korean troops embedded with the brigade translated and relayed messages over a radio, telling U.S. soldiers whether it was safe to cross the open ground between the buildings.

Communication has definitely been a challenge as were working with the [South Korean] army, but my platoon is attached to some really good Korean soldiers that help us bridge that gap, Beverage said.

Over 30 separate drills, some with seven other nations in U.N. Command, are underway during Ulchi Freedom Shield. The exercises test the allies interoperability  the ability of one nations military to use anothers training methods and equipment  against regional threats, namely North Korea.

South Korean troops practice their street-fighting skills about eight miles from the Demilitarized Zone, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes) U.S. and South Korean soldiers plan their next move during urban warfare training in Paju, about eight miles from the border with North Korea, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. (Christopher Green/Stars and Stripes)

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was briefed Wednesday on the exercise by the countrys military and U.S. Forces Korea at Command Post Tango in Seongnam city, according to a news release from the presidential office that day.

Ulchi Freedom Shield is training troops to be prepared for a rapid war within a short period of time, Yoon said in the release. The exercise also addresses scenarios that reflect North Koreas advanced nuclear and missile capabilities and the U.S.-South Koreas response to those threats, he added.

North Korea, which labels the joint exercises a rehearsal for an invasion, condemned Ulchi Freedom Shield and warned it could spark a thermonuclear war, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency on Tuesday.

A North Korean attempt on Thursday to put a military satellite into orbit failed due to issues with the rocket booster, according to a KCNA report that day.

It was Pyongyangs second failed attempt since May to put a satellite in orbit. The Norths aerospace division said it would review Thursdays launch and attempt another in October, according to KCNA.

U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in a news release Thursday said North Koreas satellite launch used the same technology for ballistic missile launches and that despite its failure, is a brazen violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.
If you want to prepare delicious baked goods for tea very quickly, the best option will be cupcakes. You need to take quality flour for the dough. You can also add berries, nuts, chocolate, cocoa and spices for a bright flavour.

ADVERTISIMENT

Orthodox believers will celebrate the Nut Feast of the Savior on August 29 in Ukraine. It is customary to consecrate nuts, apples, honey, nuts and bread, as well as home baking in church.

Cook Yulia shared on Instagram a recipe for a delicious walnut muffin with coffee, which turns out very puffy and successful.

ADVERTISIMENT

Ingredients:

flour - 360 g

butter - 150 g

eggs - 4 pcs.

leavening agent - 2 tsp.

vegetable oil - 60 ml

coffee - 220 ml

walnuts - 100 g

Method of preparation:

1. Beat soft butter at room temperature for three minutes. Add powdered sugar and whisk for another 5 minutes. Add vegetable oil and mix. After that, add eggs in three steps and mix well with the butter base.

2. Mix the sifted flour, baking powder and nuts with a whisk. Brew the coffee in advance and allow it to cool to room temperature. Add the dry ingredients and coffee to the dough base in several alternating batches.

ADVERTISIMENT

3. Place the ready batter in a mould, which should be covered with parchment. Bake the cupcake for 50-55 minutes at 180 C.

Check the readiness of the cupcake with a skewer. Let it cool for 15 minutes in the mould, take it out, let it cool and sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Also on OBOZREVATEL you can read the recipes:
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awards medals to Ukrainian soldiers  and their survivors  in an Independence Day ceremony outside St. Sophias Cathedral in Kyiv. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

KYIV  The 6-year-old boy walked up to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, his small hands outstretched to accept a medal on behalf of his father  a Ukrainian soldier killed in action last year.

It was a quiet moment that seemed to convey the grief of all of Ukraine as the country marked 32 years of independence on Thursday with a somber morning ceremony outside one of Kyivs most famous cathedrals. Thursday also marked the 18-month anniversary of the war, and the mood in the capital felt more subdued than celebratory, as soldiers and civilians reflected on the loss and violence that have defined their world since Russia invaded in February 2022.

Zelenskyy spoke of unity and insisted the country will not let Ukrainian independence slip out of Ukrainian hands. People walked through the streets dressed in vyshyvankas  traditional embroidered shirts  and visited a new display of seized Russian military hardware. Spirits were lifted slightly by news that Ukrainian forces had raised a flag in the contested southern village of Robotyne on Wednesday and landed in Russian-occupied Crimea early Thursday, where they carried out a special operation and also flew the Ukrainian flag.

But as always, the undertones of suffering were unavoidable.

A 34-year-old soldier who goes by the call sign Jackson attended the morning ceremony in support of his commander, who was among those receiving medals from Zelenskyy for their courage on the front line.

Between their wedding day and when they were able to take formal photos, newlyweds Daryna and Yevgen Herasymenko learned that her brother had been killed in the war. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

They are serving in the countrys east  the same region where a 2015 mine blast in a Russian-backed separatist war left Jackson with 24 pieces of shrapnel embedded in his body. Even now, almost a decade later, his close-shaved hair reveals a large scar running down the right side of his head. The titanium plate doctors placed inside is the price I paid for liberty, he said.

His injury could have made him exempt from serving again. But he signed up to fight last year anyway. Since then, he has hardly seen his two daughters, 9 and 3, but he is serving, he said, to ensure they grow up free.

I dont want them to have this same experience, he said. If we dont finish this war now, they will have to.

As soon as the ceremony was over, he said, he would be driving his commander back to the front.

Anna Bondaruk, 25, mother of Maksym, the 6-year-old in the ceremony, said it was a hard day.

He knows everything about the war, she said as she held Maksym  dressed in a traditional blue-and-white Ukrainian shirt  on her lap. He knows what happened to his father.

His grandmother, Maria, 45, said the ceremony was a chance for him to remember that his father did a great thing.

Lyubov Konovalenko, 26, a senior medic in the Aydar Battalion, received a medal. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

Oleksii Chechyn, a 24-year-old farmer, said his visit to Kyiv to receive a medal made him feel free after months of occupation and hospital visits. He was shot in the leg by Russian troops at close range last year as he embarked on a secretive resistance mission in the southern region of Mykolaiv. On Thursday, he moved toward Zelenskyy without using his crutch  the first time he had walked on his own since he was shot 11 months ago. My doctor said I would understand when I was ready. Today, I understood it was this moment, he said, beaming.

But Lyubov Konovalenko, 26, a senior medic in the Aydar Battalion who also received a medal Thursday and is currently stationed just outside Bakhmut, said she felt uncomfortable attending festivities in Kyiv when her fellow soldiers were still under fire on the front line.

She is originally from the southern city of Berdyansk, which is now under Russian occupation.

We know we are fighting for this reason, so people can live here, she said of Kyiv. But sometimes, she said, it feels as if people in cities like this forget there is a war.

Even for those whose lives may appear untouched, the pain is often lurking just below the surface.

Maksym Bondaruk, 6, stands with his grandmother Maria and mother, Anna, after accepting a medal from Zelenskyy on behalf of his father. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

Newlyweds Daryna and Yevgen Herasymenko, 23 and 25, walked joyfully hand-in-hand through the streets of central Kyiv on Thursday  she in a wedding gown and veil, he in a tan suit. They were married last month but had only just taken their wedding photos, and the occasion felt bittersweet.

Ten days ago, they had buried Darynas 26-year-old brother, Oleksii, who was killed fighting in Ukraines counteroffensive in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.

Yevgen gently wiped tears from his brides face as she described how they learned on the final day of their honeymoon that Oleksii had died. He had disappeared in early July, but they had held out hope he might still be alive  until his body was returned by Russian troops in a swap this month. That experience makes you believe you need to live your life to the fullest and not feel like you missed out on anything, Yevgen said.

A few blocks away, hundreds of people wandered through the display of seized Russian equipment on one of the capitals main thruways.

Among them were Yana Zadorozhna and her husband, Ivan Zadorozhniy, who are expecting a baby boy on Sept. 20. Zadorozhna wore a traditional Ukrainian dress and her husband a T-shirt depicting a HIMARS, the long-range artillery system supplied to Ukraine last year by the United States. Their Jack Russell terrier, Cocos, wore a custom-made vyshyvanka. Despite pleas by Zadorozhnas mother to consider going abroad to have the baby, they plan to deliver in Kyiv.

Lyubov Konovalenko, 26, a senior medic in the Aydar Battalion, received a medal. (Heidi Levine/for The Washington Post)

It was a conscious decision to give birth in Ukraine and not somewhere else, Zadorozhna said. We love our country deeply.

Nearby, psychologist Yana Gorbunova strolled through the display with her daughters Amira, 17, and Katya, 4.

The younger one, she said, already talks incessantly about joining the army when she grows up. I dont think it should be like this at 4 1/2 years old, she said. She knows what an alarm is, she knows why theyre running to a shelter.

The war, she said, is everywhere they look.

Soon after, an air-raid siren wailed, signaling a potential strike on Kyiv. Police biked through the streets, urging civilians to find hard cover. The same crowds that had just joyfully posed for selfies rushed to hide

Heidi Levine contributed to this report.
(Tribune News Service)  Ukrainian commandos staged a raid in occupied Crimea in a symbolic move on the nations Independence Day, as more of Kyivs forces pressed a counterattack on the mainland thats threatening to break through Moscows lines.

Using speedboats, special forces landed in a bay on the westernmost edge of the peninsula overnight in the first such sortie since the start of the war last year, Ukraines Military Intelligence said on the website, without specifying the size of the unit.

The commandos attacked Russian positions, destroyed military equipment and hoisted a Ukrainian flag before returning to a base without casualties, it said.

Those are our guys, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said about the operation during an Independence Day ceremony in the capital. We will not lose our grip on Ukrainian independence.

The raid took place a day after Kyiv reported its forces had destroyed a Russian air-defense unit on the peninsula and the reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose Wagner mercenary group seized the city of Bakhmut earlier this year in a lengthy siege that killed and wounded thousands of soldiers on both sides.

Russian officials and military havent publicly commented on the Crimea raid.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian troops reported progress near the town of Robotyne in the south, where they are fighting through Russian minefields and trench systems in a push aimed at cutting off the Kremlins land bridge to its forces in Crimea.

Russian officials, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, have threatened significant retaliation against Ukraine if it attacks Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014.

Kyivs military has stepped up attacks on the peninsula, using an array of weapons from naval drones to missiles, and now special forces. But Crimea may still be difficult to recapture after Russia made it a virtual fortress, with trench and bunker fortifications protecting naval, air force and infantry bases on an area the size of the U.S. state of Massachusetts.

Its too early to speak about Crimeas liberation, Zelenskyy said during the ceremony on Thursday.

With assistance from Olesia Safronova.

2023 Bloomberg L.P.

Visit bloomberg.com.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
An elementary school student was killed and 23 other children were injured after a minivan hit their school bus on the first day of school, Ohio authorities said. (Pexels)

An elementary school student was killed and 23 other children were injured after a minivan hit their school bus on the first day of school, Ohio authorities said.

The school bus went off the road just after 8:15 a.m. Tuesday in Clark County, Ohio, after being struck by the minivan, state police said. It overturned and landed upside-down.

The child who was killed was ejected from the school bus, Ohio State Highway Patrol Sgt. Tyler S. Ross told reporters Tuesday.

Its a tragic incident, Ross said. It was on its way to school.

The bus was carrying 52 students. Twenty-two were treated at hospitals for injuries that were not life-threatening, and one was taken to a childrens hospital in serious condition. The bus driver, minivan driver, and van passenger were also hurt, none with life-threatening injuries.

Ross told The Washington Post via email that no new information or updates from the state police, including on the critically injured students condition, were available Wednesday.

The Northwestern Local Schools district canceled classes on Wednesday, opening the elementary and junior-senior high schools for anyone who needed support or to talk to grief counselors.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the families that have been impacted by this tragedy, Superintendent Jesse Steiner said in a post on the district website.

An investigation into the crash was ongoing Wednesday. The school district did not immediately return a call from The Post.

Some parents rushed to the scene and took their children to the hospital, Ross said, while 13 children were taken by ambulance. Other parents met their children at a reunification point.

The school bus did not have seat belts, Ross said.

Only eight states require seat belts in school buses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Ohio is not among them.

In a 2018 report, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration noted that there was no federal requirement for large school buses to have seat belts and recommended that each state require new buses to have them.

School buses are designed to protect passengers using a technology called compartmentalization, which uses the bus seats to absorb impact, and NHTSA reports that school buses are safer for children riding to school than cars.

However, NHTSA research has shown seat belts reduce head injuries and fatalities, according to the report. Crashes in which the bus rolls over are far more likely to result in deaths, NHTSA said, and passengers without seat belts can be ejected.

From 2011 to 2020, 113 people in school transportation vehicles were killed in crashes, 60 of them passengers and 53 drivers, according to the agency.

My heart breaks for the students and families involved in this tragic accident, Rep. Mike Carey (R-Ohio) said on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.
An F-16 assigned to the 162nd Wing at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Ariz., soars over the skies during training. (Hampton Stramler/U.S. Air Force)

WASHINGTON  The Pentagon will bring several Ukrainian pilots to the United States to teach them to fly F-16 fighter jets to help defend their country against invading Russian forces, military officials announced Thursday.

Ukrainian pilots will first receive English-language training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas before they move to Arizona for flight training, said Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, the Pentagons top spokesman. The language training is expected to begin in September and the F-16 training possibly in October, he said.

Ukraine has long requested F-16s to counter sophisticated military equipment and aircraft used by Russian forces in the war, which has been going for 18 months. The Netherlands and Denmark have already pledged F-16s to Ukraine after its pilots complete the necessary training.

The Air National Guards 162nd Wing at Morris Air National Guard Base in Tucson, Ariz., which trains U.S. pilots to fly F-16s, will train the Ukrainian aviators, the Pentagon said.

We anticipate [the training] will include several pilots and maintainers, Ryder said. The training  will complement the F-16 training thats already underway in Europe.

The Pentagon said the number of F-16s that Ukraine receives will be influenced greatly by the success of the pilot training.

There is going to be some type of ground training involved  centrifuge training to learn how to cope with g-forces. There will be additional training on air-combat maneuvering, tactical intercepts, close-air support, suppression of enemy air defenses  all of that leading up to mission qualification training, which allows [the] instructors to certify that [the pilots] are combat-ready, Ryder said. This is a high-performance aircraft.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered U.S. military service in the late 1970s and is flown mostly by the Air Force. More than 4,000 F-16 jets have been built in the last 45 years, and some have been sold to foreign allies such as South Korea, Israel, Greece, Denmark and the Netherlands.

President Joe Bidens administration has sent tens of billions of dollars in military equipment to Ukraine, though it has yet to commit to sending F-16s. Administration officials have said Ukraine already has a fleet of Russian-made, Soviet-era fighters with which they are more familiar. With Russia flying fourth- and fifth-generation fighters over the skies of Ukraine, however, Ukraine and Western leaders expect the F-16s will help Ukraines military drive Russian forces out of the country in the long term.

We are talking months, not weeks, obviously, Ryder said. This is about the long-term support to Ukraine. This is not about the counteroffensive they are conducting right now.

The F-16 training wont be the first time Ukrainian troops have traveled to the United States to learn how to operate American weapons. In January, a group of Ukrainian troops arrived at Fort Sill in Oklahoma to train on the Patriot missile-defense system.

Ryder also said the 162nd Wing has trained pilots to fly the F-16 from as many as 25 nations.

Though Denmark and the Netherlands agreed to send dozens of F-16s to Ukraine, the United States must approve the move since it manufactured the jets and sold them to those countries. Reuters reported last week that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has already told both countries the fighter jets can be sent to Ukraine as soon as pilot training is completed. Earlier Thursday, which was Ukrainian Independence Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Norway has also committed to sending several F-16s.

The best news for our Independence Day, Zelenskyy wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. In this fight, everyone counts. Because the fight is for something that is important to everyone. An independent Ukraine.
Derrick Branch, a former Army sergeant, pleaded guilty Aug. 15, 2023, to stealing $15,000 by claiming reimbursement for performing military honors ceremonies at funerals that never happened, the Justice Department said Wednesday, Aug. 23. (File)

A former Army sergeant who took part in a scheme that billed the Pentagon for military honor duties at funerals that never happened faces up to five years in prison, the Justice Department said in a statement this week.

Derrick Branch, who served in the Army Reserve, pleaded guilty Aug. 15 to a charge of conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, according to the Wednesday statement. Two other defendants in the conspiracy pleaded guilty earlier this year.

The seven participants identified as part of the scheme bilked slightly more than $100,000 in payments, according to a 2021 indictment.

Branch was accused of unlawfully obtaining over $15,000 between 2013 and 2016, the Justice Department said. At the time, he was serving at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.

Branch joined the scheme with Christopher OConnor, an Army Reserve staff sergeant who was responsible for processing pay requests, court documents said. The case against OConnor is ongoing.

Under their arrangement, OConnor submitted fraudulent reimbursement requests for military honor duties on Branchs behalf, and each received a portion of the payments, according to authorities.

The reimbursement requests were submitted without approval from either persons supervisors and without signed forms stating who performed at which funeral, or records indicating that the event actually happened, prosecutors said.

Military funeral honors encompass ceremonial acts like the folding and presentation of the U.S. flag and the playing of taps, carried out by a detail consisting of at least two uniformed service members.

Branch agreed to pay $15,469 in restitution, the Justice Department statement said. He is scheduled for sentencing on Nov. 30.

The two defendants sentenced previously also were Army reservists stationed at the New Orleans base.

Chantelle Davis, a former specialist, and Lynea Sanders, a former staff sergeant, entered pleas on similar charges in March and were both sentenced in June.

Davis cut of the proceeds totaled about $8,400, while Sanders received approximately $21,800, according to court records.
The Ukrainian company COSMOLOT has become a powerful partner of the developers of the Punisher attack UAV and has donated UAH 100 million from its own profits to produce 50 new generation drones. COSMOLOT has been supporting Punisher as part of Brave Inventors since the platform was founded. And now it has acquired a powerful scale of charitable assistance, support for Ukrainian inventors and significant strengthening of the frontline.

ADVERTISIMENT

The PUNISHER GEN III B COSMO upgrade package allows to perform tasks in difficult conditions of active GPS and telemetry signal jamming, to plan the use of attack drones with the effective use of swarm tactics - group attack of the target. The most important component of the new UAVs' power is their resistance to all existing enemy electronic warfare systems and new communication elements created by Ukrainian engineers specifically for the COSMO upgrade, which allows for an increase in the number of tasks per drone.

COSMOLOT became the first commercial brand to support Ukrainian inventors in a long-term effort to help the frontline. The company's case demonstrates the effectiveness of cooperation with military inventors in bringing victory closer. It also encourages Ukrainian companies to join the Brave Inventors platform, take a specific invention under patronage, and systematically provide financial support and develop Ukrainian inventions.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Brave Inventors platform has become the only centralised platform where military developments attract funding and bring together all parties interested in providing significant assistance to the frontline. Most inventions are tested directly by the Armed Forces of Ukraine and developed together with military experts.

The more than 50 inventors of the Brave Inventors platform are strengthening the Armed Forces on the battlefield and developing the country's defence industry. Each of them has high potential and each of them needs financial support.

You can help inventors with a donation on the BRAVE INVENTORS website

ADVERTISIMENT

If you have a promising invention of your own, register on the website using the form.

You can also follow Brave Inventors on Facebook and Instagram.
The U.S. Capitol is seen Thursday, July 13, 2023, in Washington, D.C. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  The Pentagons efforts to make the military more welcoming to women and minorities are coming under increasing fire from conservative lawmakers who are threatening a government shutdown in the fall and calling for greater scrutiny of stalled officer promotions.

Some 45 right-wing Republicans belonging to the House Freedom Caucus took the most recent shot at the Defense Department this week, vowing to vote against any government funding stopgap measure that fails to end the lefts cancerous woke policies in the Pentagon undermining our militarys core warfighting mission.

Our military is supposed to defend America, not cater to every left-wing clown, Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Crane formerly served with the Navy SEALs.

Republicans have long criticized Pentagon initiatives that promote diversity, equity and inclusion but their ability to challenge so-called woke liberal ideology in the military had been limited with Democrats in charge of both chambers of Congress. That changed in January, when Republicans won a slim majority in the House.

The small Freedom Caucus has wielded outsized power in the lower chamber, contributing to legislation passed in July that ends diversity programs at the Pentagon, bans transgender health care in the military and rescinds a policy providing leave and travel reimbursement for service members seeking abortions and other reproductive health services.

The groups newest proclamation threatens to bog down negotiations over a continuing resolution that would provide temporary funding between the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 and the pending enactment of the 2024 fiscal year budget. Failure to pass the measure would trigger a government shutdown, potentially halting pay for troops starting Oct. 1.

Shutting down the government because you disagree with some aspect of federal policy is unbelievably irresponsible, said Rep. Adam Smith of Washington, the top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee. It would be incredibly harmful to our national security My way or the highway is not how responsible democracies are supposed to function.

The last government shutdown began in December 2018 and lasted for 35 days. The Coast Guard was the only military branch affected by the shutdown and military schools such as the Coast Guard Academy and the National War College had to scrounge up funds to pay their professors.

Civilian employees for the Defense Department faced furloughs during a 2013 government shutdown and troops were paid late.

While the Freedom Caucus is demanding concessions in the House, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is forcefully defending his continued hold on senior military nominees in the Senate. He began to obstruct a process for confirming nominees in February to compel the Pentagon to rescind its abortion and reproductive care policy.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., attends a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on July 11, 2023. (Carlos Bongioanni/Stars and Stripes)

On Tuesday, Tuberville framed his blockade as a noble attempt to keep politics out of the military. About 300 high-level positions have been ensnared in the hold so far and Tuberville has shown no signs of backing down, dismissing warnings from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that national security is being put at risk.

The Biden administrations liberal and woke policies are the real threat to military readiness, Tuberville wrote on X.

He has highlighted in recent days a series of posts by the American Accountability Foundation, a conservative opposition research group, that personally attack some of the stalled nominees by name for their woke beliefs.

Navy Vice Adm. Craig Clapperton, nominated for reappointment as vice admiral with an addition of Navy Space Command to his duties, is called out for speaking about the importance of a LGBT celebration at a Navy Pride Month event in 2018.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Kevin Schneider, nominated for promotion to general and assignment as commander of the Pacific Air Forces, is singled out for claiming diversity, equity and inclusion programs remove barriers and help draw talent to the military.

This is one of the WOKEST slates of military nominees ever assembled, the opposition group wrote on X. Biden's agenda is clear.

Tuberville on Thursday retweeted another post by the group that targeted Army Col. Kareem "Monty" Montague, who is nominated for promotion to brigadier general. The posts call Montague a radical leftist and chastise him for speaking out against racism and statues that honor Confederate generals.

The Senate needs to do our job and take a closer look at many of these nominees, Tuberville wrote on X. These jobs are too important not to.

The Pentagon declined to comment Thursday.

Ben Hodges, a retired lieutenant general who served as commander of the U.S. Army in Europe, described the attacks put forth by the opposition group and promoted by Tuberville as disgusting.

You call these selfless, exceptional people with enormous responsibility for protecting our nation woke because they seek to unleash the talent of the women and men under their command? Hodges wrote on X. You should thank them for defending your right to say stupid s--t like this.
Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja on Thursday responded to the letter written to him by President Arif Alvi for meeting to fix an appropriate date for general elections, saying that participating in such a confab would be of scant importance after changes to the election law.

The president had written to Raja on Wednesday, inviting him for a meeting regarding holding general elections in the country.

In his letter, President Alvi quoted Article 244 of the Constitution, saying he was duty-bound to get the elections conducted in the 90 days prescribed period once the National Assembly is dissolved prematurely.

Whereas, the National Assembly was dissolved on the advice of the prime minister by the president on August 9. Whereas 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 ninety days from the date of dissolution for the holding of the general elections, the presidents letter said.

He quoted clause 5 of Article 48 as follows, Where the president dissolves the National Assembly, notwithstanding anything contained in clause (1), he shall, appoint a date, not later than ninety days from the date of the dissolution, for the holding of a general election to the assembly; and appoint a caretaker cabinet in accordance with the provisions of article 224 or, as the case may be, article 224A.

On Feb 20, President Alvi had unilaterally announced April 9 as the date for elections to the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies as the PTI governments had dissolved the two legislatures before the expiry of their five-year term on the orders of party chairman Imran Khan. The presidents unilateral announcement had come after his invitation for consultations on dates for elections to the two assemblies had been turned down by the ECP.

However, the situation has changed now, as under recent amendments to election laws, the CEC has been empowered to fix the date for polls without the presidents input.

In the letter addressed to the president today, CEC Raja said it was imperative to point out that Section 57 of the Elections Act had been amended due to an act of Parliament, which had empowered the commission to announce the date or dates for the general elections.

Where the president dissolves the National Assembly, in his discretion, as provided in Article 58(2) read with Article 48(5) of the Constitution then he has to appoint a date for the general elections. However, if the assembly is dissolved on the advice of the prime minister or by afflux of time as provided in Article 58(1) of the Constitution, then the commission understands and believes that power to appoint a date or dates for elections rests exclusively with the Commission.

The commission believes with utmost respect that the reliance placed on the provisions of the Constitution mentioned on your subject letter are not applicable in this context, Rajas letter said.

The CEC said that the delimitation of constituencies, after the approval of the digital census, was one of the foundational legal steps towards holding polls.

Raja said that the ECP was taking its responsibility of holding general elections in the country very seriously and had also invited major political parties to give their views on the electoral map.

Notwithstanding the declared position of the commission referred herein above. it is stated with all reverence that the commission holds the office of the president in high esteem and it has always been an honor to meet and seek your kind guidance on national issues at an opportune time.

In view of the above, the commission is of the considered view that participation in the meeting would be of scant consequence, Raja said.
Untold devastation has been inflicted by you on our family, the killer was told.

A roofer who killed his girlfriend and their unborn baby girl in a frenzied attack with a pair of scissors did not have the courage to face the victim's family in court today as he was jailed for 27 years.

Sadistic Liam Taylor, 37, stabbed Ailish Walsh, 40 times at her home in Rectory Road, Stoke Newington, north London, on December 15 last year.

He slashed the mother-of-four a dozen times to her face, including her eye.

Some of the stab wounds were directed at the 22 week old foetus and his partner's genitals because Taylor had two daughters and wanted a son, the Old Bailey heard.

He also battered her around the head with a 15kg dumbell.

Prosecutor Jane Osborne said: Ailish had told more than one person that the defendant was upset about the pregnancy because he wanted a a boy.

"Some of the injuries were deliberately aimed at the unborn child.

Passing sentence Judge Nigel Lickley told Taylor over the video link: You assaulted Ailish with a ferocious, brutal and savage attack.

Ailish Walsh

You used a weapon and targeted parts of her face, abdomen and genitals with the intention to disfigure her.

The attack had elements, which I find sadistic in nature'.

The judge added: I have to distinguish between genuine remorse and feeling sorry for yourself.

Attending in person might have indicated real remorse.

Members of the victim's family hurled abuse at Taylor as they left court.

Ms Walsh, 28, had been trying to break up with Taylor because she thought he was seeing another woman and had found him taking cocaine.

Taylor, who went out to buy rum, coke and cigarettes after the killing slaying, told police that wont bring her back though will it when he was arrested.

He added: 'Its crazy how one moment of madness can change your whole life.

Ms Walsh had four children aged between six and 10 from a previous marriage in Ireland.

Taylor was jailed for a year in 2020 for beating his mother in the head and face with a metal pole.

On the day of the murder, Taylor and Ms Walsh were messaging about going Christmas shopping after work.

Ms Walsh worked in St James Kitchen cafe in Walthamstow and had told colleagues how excited she was about the pregnancy.

At 3pm, Ms Walsh texted Taylor and asked about another woman and whether he had been talking to her.

Taylor said he went to school with the woman but said he had not done anything with her.

Ms Walsh did not believe him and told him to leave the flat and that she was going to pack her things.

Taylor told his boss he needed the next day off to move out of the flat.

Ms Walsh went home and discovered Taylor taking cocaine.

She text her father saying she wanted him out of the flat because he was taking drugs.

Her fathers friend rang her at 21.09 and heard a commotion, muffled noise and Ms Walsh screaming no.

Taylor was heard saying you cant do that to me, I wont let you do that to me.

A neighbour heard the scream over her noise cancelling headphones.

Ms Walshs father Larry Goulding went to the flat with his friend Joseph Crean.

Ms Osborne said earlier: When they got to the flat, the main door downstairs was open as was the door to the flat.

They went in looking for Ms Walsh but the layout of the flat was such that when the front door was open, the door to the bedroom was obscured.

Larry Goulding went straight to the lounge of the flat but as Mr Crean closed the front door to the flat, he saw the legs of a female on the floor in the bedroom and shouted for Mr Goulding.

As the two men entered the bedroom, they could see Ms Walsh on the floor.

There was a 15kg dumbbell on her right leg and there was a pair of scissors on the floor. There was blood all over the carpet.

Ms Walsh was covered from the waist upwards by two or three jackets which had been laid over her covering her upper body and her face.

When Mr Goulding entered the room, he immediately removed the jackets and pulled Ms Walsh into his lap.

Her face was then visible and was badly hurt, swollen and bloody.

Neither of the two men had mobile telephones with them so Mr Crean ran from the flat to see whether he could find a passer-by to call the police.

He managed to persuade a male in the street to allow him to use his phone and called for the emergency services.

They were directed to the top floor flat and found Larry Goulding still cradling his daughter in his lap on the floor.

Ailish Walsh was not breathing and although the officers carried out CPR until the ambulance crew arrived, her injuries had already proved fatal.

The post-mortem would later reveal that one of the stab wounds had severed her jugular vein.

Her father told police he thought Taylor was responsible and showed them his photo.

Ms Walsh and Taylor were seen on CCTV entering the flat together at 8.36pm, with Taylor wearing a blue t-shirt, black gilet, dark blue hat, light trousers.

At 9.06pm Taylor left the property in a black coat and pyjama style bottoms, holding a can of drink, before returning at 21.08pm.

At 9.14pm he left again wearing a khaki green t-shirt and blue jeans.

Ms Osborne said: The defendant, having spent two minutes outside the property, can properly be inferred to have re-entered the property, armed himself with the scissors and/or the dumbbell and attacked Ms Walsh with such ferocity that at 9.09pm the struggle between them could be heard, with the defendant described as breathless.

Within five minutes of that telephone call, the totality of the injuries had been inflicted on the deceased, the defendant had covered her with coats, taken her phone, changed his clothing, and left the property.

Taylor went to the White Hart pub on Stoke Newington High Street and told the bar tender he had been attacked, before ordering a triple rum and coke.

He visited a supermarket and bought a packet of B&H Super Kings cigarettes and a packet of Durex Pleasure Me condoms.

The killer then sent a text to Ms Walshs dads friend on her mobile phone saying its OK liam angry I attacked him were sorting things out please ring him. Xxxxx.

Taylor went to another flat he had access to in Seymour Road, Haringey, where he and Ms Walsh had previously lived and neighbours saw him drunk in the corridor.

He was arrested at the flat on 16 December 2022.

There was evidence of cocaine use in the flat with small bags, rolled up paper and traces of white powder.

He told police he had been taking cocaine, cannabis and alcohol.

In 2015, Taylor was imprisoned for 12 months for head-butting his 16-year-old sister and in 2020 he was convicted for hitting his mother repeatedly to the head and face with a metal pole.

The couples neighbour heard arguments between them in the lead up to the murder.

They had been in a relationship since 2021.

Ms Walshs father Laurence Goulding said in a victim impact statement summarised to court how difficult it was to have to bury his daughter, and that he is angry she is gone.

He said he felt isolated as he has a terminal illness and Ailish had been his carer before her death.

Matthew Perry, the father of Ms Walsh's young children called Taylor 'a f**king scumbag' in an impact statement he gave from the witness box.

'You have subjected innocent children to a lifetime of asking questions,' he said.

"No person deserves to be subjected to that torture. You are worse than a monster. Untold devastation has been inflicted by you on our family.

My children are terrified that one day you will be given the opportunity to leave prison.'

Mr Perry added that Ms Walsh was kind smart, caring and willing to give anyone a chance including you, you f*cking scumbag.

The prosecution argued Taylor intended to kill the unborn baby but did not bring a charge of child destruction as the baby was within the legal limit for abortion and would not have survived outside the womb.

Taylor, previously of Rectory Road, Stoke Newington, admitted murder.

His barrister said Taylor he had not attended court because he was not feeling 'extremely well' but he was listening to 'every word' on the court video link.

Earlier this week baby killer Lucy Letby refused to come into court to be sentenced leading to calls that she should be forced to face the families of her victims.
The extensive file is being examined by the Director of Prosecutions (DPP)

Gardai have recommended that Daniel Kinahan is charged with directing a murderous criminal organisation, in a file submitted to state prosecutors.

The extensive file is being examined by the Director of Prosecutions (DPP), who will decide if there is enough evidence to bring formal charges against the cartel leader.

Detectives from the Gardas Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau have been working on the inquiry for several years, with the aim of bringing down both Kinahan and the rest of the gang's hierarchy.

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris revealed this week that a file has been submitted to the DPP for consideration as part of the investigation.

Sundayworld.com understands that recommendations contained within it are that Daniel Kinahan be charged with directing an organised crime gang. The offence, on conviction, carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Garda chief Drew Harris

The submission of the file to the DPP had remained secret until the garda chief stated it had been sent to prosecutors for consideration.

A garda spokesman said: Following a comprehensive and wide-ranging investigation by the Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau into numerous serious offences committed here in Ireland by the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang, An Garda Siochana has recently submitted a file to the DPP.

Mr Harris said gardai would hope to see leadership figures within the Kinahan Organised Crime Group brought to justice here in Ireland.

While Mr Harris previously stated it was more likely that they would be brought to justice abroad, the development gives fresh hope that they could be trailed in Ireland.

Gardai said they were continuing to work with law enforcement partners in the US, UK and Europe as part of a combined international effort to disrupt and dismantle the Kinahan Organised Crime Gang.

While the material submitted within the file has not been revealed, it is understood that detectives have gathered a large amount of evidence which they allege connects Daniel Kinahan to the day-to-day running of the gang.

Christy Kinahan Snr

A collective $15 million (13.8m) bounty also remains in place from the US Treasury Department for information leading to the conviction of Daniel Kinahan, his father Christy Sr and brother Christopher Jr, and the dismantling of their crime gang.

Gardai said that to date, more than 70 gang members have been convicted for offences, including murder, drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering.

A spokesperson said that as the file has been submitted to the DPP, they could not comment any further.

It is a further blow to the Kinahan organised crime gang, which in recent years has had senior figures jailed or being sought to face charges by gardai.

Sean McGovern

An international arrest warrant remains in place for Crumlin man Sean McGovern, who is wanted over the murder of Noel Duck Egg' Kirwan in west Dublin in 2016.

Gardai also want to charge Mr McGovern with gangland offences relating to the murder attempt on Hutch associate James Mago Gately.

The crime group's main man in the UK, Thomas Bomber Kavanagh, is currently serving a 21-year jail term for conspiring to import cocaine and cannabis into Britain.

Earlier this month, the 55-year-old was hit with additional charges of conspiracy to possess firearms and ammunition without a certificate, possessing and conspiring to pervert the course of justice.

Liam Byrne, the leader of the Byrne Organised Crime Group which was effectively the cartel's Dublin branch, remains in a Spanish prison awaiting extradition to the UK.

He was detained in June while on a family holiday in Majorca after the National Crime Agency issued a warrant for his arrest for firearms trafficking.
He would have been an extremely valuable asset for any organisation, and in this case it was the IRA

Patrick Ryan is now in his nineties

As the IRAs priest, Father Patrick Ryan fought a 20-year war against the British state.

A man of the cloth, he was the Provos man in Europe.

His hand was in some of the most notorious terrorist incidents of the Conflict, including the murder of three off-duty British Army soldiers in the Netherlands, and the Brighton bomb in which five members of Margaret Thatchers Conservative Party were killed.

For two decades he stayed one step ahead of the intelligence agencies and when eventually detained, he evaded extradition to the UK in a controversial case in 1988.

He once famously told the BBC he was one hundred per cent involved in IRA bomb making.

The remarkable journey from a man of the cloth to unrepentant terrorist who played a part in a multitude of murders is detailed in new book The Padre.

BBC journalist Jennifer OLeary

Written by award winning BBC journalist Jennifer OLeary, it is the detailed account of a career in international terrorism.

Based on the back of years of meetings and interviews with the Catholic cleric, it is the story of one mans war against the British state.

He does not and never has, sought forgiveness, she told the Sunday World.

He is at ease with what he has done and has no regrets, or rather as he says in the book his only regret that they were not more efficient.

It portrays a ruthless man who was wholly committed to the paths he chose in life  in the first instance to join the priesthood, travelling to the missions in east Africa where he worked in Tanganyika, and then as an impassioned Irish Republican freedom fighter.

Thatcher described him as a very dangerous man  and she was right.

Ironically, were it not for a difference of opinion with his superior while in Africa, one of the most spectacular and deadly careers in terrorism may not have happened.

His return to Ireland in 1969 coincided with the outbreak of the Conflict and it awoke a deeply-held republicanism instilled in him by his mother.

He is a man of contradictions, he went to east Africa in the pursuit of something positive. Had he stayed none of this would have happened.

He is the sort of character that whatever he applies himself to he does it wholeheartedly, I would say resourcefulness and cunning are his chief traits, says Jennifer.

Ryans role on behalf of the IRA was known only to an elite few. IRA bomb-makers carefully constructed increasingly sophisticated devices without ever knowing that a one-time priest, a so-called man of God, had sourced their key component: the Memo Park timer.

The gadget designed by Ryan was adopted by the IRA as a reliable and accurate bomb detonation timer, with devastating results.

The Brighton Bomb

The component was used in the Brighton bomb in 1984. Planted under a bath in a room at the Grand Hotel and timed to go off late at night when members of Thatchers government and Tory party were in their beds.

He sourced microswitches in Colonel Gaddafis Libya, shipping them home to a grateful IRA who put them to devastating use.

Its impossible to say how many deaths the IRAs priest was either directly or indirectly involved in.

In writing the book I was conscious it will cause as much distress as interest which is why Ive detailed the many awful tragedies caused by the IRA throughout the Seventies and Eighties.

His involvement, as a Catholic priest, will also be very hurtful to many people, said Jennifer.

IRA priest Father Patrick Ryan

Ryans behind the scenes involvement with IRA active service units in Europe included a tip off that led to the 1979 shooting dead of a senior bank official in Brussels in a case of mistaken identity.

When the IRA men made their move, they did so because they saw a car at the Ambassadors gate and put bullets in the mans head. But it was the wrong man, he says.

He also details his meetings with then IRA Chief of Staff Martin McGuinness.

He said: Libyan intelligence was able to tell me more about what was going on in the IRA than McGuinness ever did.

Jennifer says: When we tell stories of people involved in horrific acts there is an expectation of somebody seeking forgiveness, there is none of that here, he does not have any regrets.

Ryans story is an illustration of how intricate and sophisticated the IRA war machine had become. There were Active Service Units (ACU) across Europe and extensive international links beyond the continent.

Their tentacles stretched in Europe and beyond. Ryans ability to speak languages and the fact he never had a yearning to get married meant he was all in.

He would have been an extremely valuable and resourceful asset for any organisation, in this case it was the IRA.

His talents allowed him to remain one step of the pursuing law agencies and the fact he was never formerly inducted into the IRA made him difficult to pin down or monitor.

He was never Green Booked, so he was never acting under orders from an IRA commander, so was able to operate very much as his own man. He never met IRA commanders and used intermediaries to get messages to ACUs across Europe.

Patrick Ryan put himself up for election

Even his choice of base was carefully planned.

He bought a flat in Benidorm, where there is a high volume of people, there was always strangers in town. So even that was the result of very careful assessment, says Jennifer.

In June 1988 it appeared his luck had run out when Belgian police arrested him at an apartment in Brussels where officers recovered bomb making equipment and cash.

Despite attempts by the UK to have him extradited there a European court instead sent him to his homeland where he successfully fought off further British extradition attempts  much to the fury of Margaret Thatcher.

It ensured her nemesis never saw the inside of a British court.

In 1989 he stood as a candidate for the European Parliament, falling short despite winning 30,000 votes. Now in his nineties, the IRAs Padre leads a quiet life.

It took a long time for him to agree to do the book, I dont think theres a deep meaningful reason, he often said to me I dont think anybody would be interested in reading that.

Padre by Jennifer OLeary is published by Merrion Books priced 18.99/ 19.99
In Israel, near the town where, according to the Bible, the battle at the end of the world will begin, a blood-red battle arena has been discovered at the huge Legio military base. This is where the Roman "iron" legion was stationed in the second century AD.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was told by the publication LiveScience with reference to scientists. The 1,800-year-old camp itself was first discovered during a 1998-2000 survey. But global excavations did not begin at the site until 2010. Since then, a "principia," or headquarters, military base and a variety of surrounding structures have been discovered.

In the summer of 2023, scientists explored the "principia" as well as an arena in the military camp that was used for combat training. Its walls are painted a blood red color.

The camp itself is located near the ancient Israeli city of Megiddo, also known as Armageddon. This is where, if the Bible is to be believed, the end-of-the-world battle will begin.

The dueling arena was discovered thanks to an innovative technology called ground penetrating radar (GPR). With its help, researchers can non-invasively survey and study objects underground. This not only allows them to find what is hidden, but also to create plans of objects before they are even excavated.

ADVERTISIMENT

Subsequent excavations revealed the remains of structures. For example, the amphitheater for combat training had remnants of a unique decoration: blood-red paint adorning the stone walls.

"This type of amphitheater - for the army, not the general public - has not been found in this region before," said Matthew J. Adams, co-director of the excavation and director of the Center for Mediterranean Peace.

The scientists also discovered two different circular walls, indicating that the amphitheater was once expanded. Engineer and researcher of Greek and Roman buildings at the German Archaeological Institute Geinz-Jurgen Beste, who was not a participant in the study, notes that the expansion of the amphitheater indicates "a greater temporal continuity of the training ground," emphasizing the importance of a well-prepared military presence at Legio.

ADVERTISIMENT

Also found in the amphitheater were items that may be evidence of cult activity. These include dozens of lamps that are probably associated with the cult of Nemesis, who was the goddess of retribution and receiving just punishments.

The military base itself is about 500 by 400 meters. According to scholars, about 5,000 soldiers were stationed there.

The Principia measures almost 100 by 60 meters and contains not only an administrative center, but also a "sacellum" or temple in which three toes carved from ivory were found. They are believed to have belonged to a statue representing a Roman emperor, probably Hadrian, whose reign coincides with the time of the base. This suggests that there was a Roman imperial cult at Legio, in which the emperor was deified and worshipped as a god.

ADVERTISIMENT

Alongside the military base, there is also a legionary cemetery where scientists are collecting "DNA samples that will help to better understand the ethnic composition of the legion."

Earlier OBOZREVATEL told about the fact that in the center of London was found a unique Roman mausoleum.

Subscribe to the channels OBOZREVATEL in Telegram and Viber to keep abreast of the latest events.
A woman in her 40s was also arrested, then released without charge.

A man in his fifties will appear in court today over a drugs haul by gardai in Dublin yesterday.

Gardai have charged the man in relation to the seizure of 810,000 worth of cocaine and MDMA that was seized in a raid in in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) West Division.

Members of the Dublin Crime Response Team (DCRT) along with local officers seized eight kg of cocaine valued at 560,000 and four kg of MDMA valued at 250,000 during a search on Wednesday, August 23.

The drugs are being sent for analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

A man and a woman were arrested and held at garda stations the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act, 1996.

A statement from An Garda Siochana today said: "The man, aged in his 50s is due to appear before Court number 2, Criminal Courts of Justice today Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 2pm.

"The woman, aged in her 40s who was also arrested in relation to this seizure has been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

"Investigations ongoing.
'When we saw her picture come on the screen I felt sick to the stomach. She was the one who was over the cot that night

A UK couple have described on television the moment their daughter collapsed at the hands of who they believe was evil baby killer, Lucy Letby,10 years ago.

The deranged nurse from Hereford has been convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six more at Manchester Crown Court this past week.

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 evil nurse carried out her killing spree - in November 2013.

'When we saw her picture come on the screen I felt sick to the stomach. She was the one who was over the cot that night, Victoria told Good Morning Britain.

Ms Whitfield recalled the moment that she left her hospital room to go to the neo-natal unit at 3am on the fateful night.

Lucy Letby (Cheshire Constabulary/PA)

Their daughter came so close to death that a priest was even called. Thankfully, Felicity was taken to a nearby hospital and revived. She is now a happy and healthy nine-year-old.

Mrs Whitfield had little to suspect at the time that the blonde woman standing over her daughter's cot was in any way nefarious.

But I had a mother's instinct to go and see her. She was doing fine in the days before and breathing well for herself.

Inside the hospital

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.

Lucy Letby (Elizabeth Cook)

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, the mum said.

"Then for everything to go so 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, added Mike.

The couple said they did not come into contact with Letby again.

The moment Lucy Letby was arrested over baby deaths

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 added.

The prosecuting judge said Letby showed a "malevolence bordering sadism" when he handed her a whole-life order for every charge she faced.
Golsby filed reports to her prison bosses about other inmates having mobile phones, but failed to do so for Harrison because of her feelings for him

A former prison officer who tipped off an inmate she had fallen in love with about a cell search has found herself behind bars.

Aisha Golsby (23) was working at HMP Portland in Dorset when she became romantically involved with convict Deano Harrison, who had been jailed for robbery and drug dealing.

Harrison, who was 21 at the time, was involved in an illicit relationship with Golsby and messaged her on Instagram with a phone illegally smuggled into jail.

In messages to each other, he had said he never felt love like it while she wrote of how she trusted him with her heart.

Aisha Golsby

Golsby started working at the HMP Portland in April 2020, when she was just 19-years-old. While Golsby filed reports to her prison bosses about other inmates having mobile phones, she failed to do so for Harrison because of her feelings for him.

She even went as far as tipping off her jailed lover that her colleagues were conducting cell searches so he could hide his phone.

Golsby, from Weymouth, Dorset, was arrested and interviewed. She was suspended from her job before handing in her resignation two months later.

Golsby previously pleaded guilty to six offences, including contacting a serving prisoner using two different mobile phones, failing to report a prisoner in possession of a mobile phone and sharing confidential information with a prisoner.

She also received a conditional discharge for three offences involving the purchase and consumption of Class A and B drugs in Bristol  namely ketamine, cocaine and cannabis, whilst off duty.

Prosecutor Kaj Scarsbrook, said that while there was no physical or sexual contact on prison premises, the messages between the pair speak for themselves.

One message from the prisoner to the defendant said: I have not felt like this about anyone. I never thought it would get deep, I didn't think I would get attached to you. I've never felt love for someone in such a small amount of time, Scarsbrook told the court.

The search of his phone showed Golsby sent Harrison a message in January 2022, when she was concerned someone had found out about them saying I trusted you with my whole f***ing heart, I really hope what you are saying is true.

There were also 11 phone calls logged between them from January 23 until the phone was discovered in a cell search on January 28.

Golsby was arrested and interviewed and later suspended from her job before handing in her resignation two months later.

Harrison was moved to another prison but made several attempts to contact Golsby, with letters being intercepted by the prison service.

Golsby also sent him messages printed through Free Prints saying she was thinking of him in affectionate terms.

In defending Golsby, Hollie Gilbery said she was a hardworking young woman with no previous convictions and very clear remorse at her own stupidity.

She sought to persuade judge Jonathan Fuller to give Golsby a suspended sentence.

But judge Jonathan Fuller said misconduct in the prison service must be dealt with seriously by the courts.

You underwent training courses which dealt with anti-corruption issues, you would have been fully aware of the duties and responsibilities placed on you as a prison officer, especially in respect of relationships with prisoners, the judge said, according to Mail Online.

You also had a clear understanding of the reasons for that training and the very damaging effect failure to follow those rules can have on the security of the prison state and the public trust in the prison service.

You tipped him off that a designated search team were coming. That enabled him to try and hide the prohibited item, that was subverting the good order of the running of the prison.'

Harrison pleaded guilty to having a banned item, the mobile phone, in prison and had six months added to his previous sentence in July last year.

The case was brought to court following an investigation by the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

Mark Paterson, Corruption Investigator at SWROCU, said Golsby was in a position of trust, and had a clear duty to report her association with a serving prisoner and that he was in possession of illicit mobile phones.

Her conduct amounted to a serious breach of that trust by engaging in a high volume of communication with the prisoner including occasions whilst on duty, he said.

Golsby also alerted the prisoner that cell searches were taking place at the prison to avoid the devices being detected. Whilst off duty, she was involved in the sourcing and consumption of illegal substances, falling further below the expectations and standards of a serving prison officer.

We will continue to support HMPPS with pursuing prison staff who engage in criminal conduct.

Golsby was sentenced to 16 months having appeared at Bournemouth Crown Court on Friday, August 18.
There was agreement that burying the remains on site was the best option from a safety and logistical perspective.

A ginormous fin whale which washed up on a Munster beach over the summer, has been buried this month by Kerry Co Council, after consultation with experts.

The 50-tonne mammal was found on a beach near Baile an Sceilg in Dungeagan and the remote location made a burial operation extremely difficult.

"The remains of the whale were recently buried close to the location where it was washed up, a spokesperson for the council told the Sunday World today.

Specialists were called upon to metaphorically free willy.

Because of the large size of the carcass and the relatively inaccessible location, there was widespread consultation with experts as well as the landowner to identify a suitable solution.

"There was agreement that burying the remains on site was the best option from a safety and logistical perspective, the spokesperson added.

Often, explosives are used to euthanise beached whales and break down their bodies for disposal, but that was not required in this instance. It has been reported by Cork Beo that the option was considered.

The localized burial reportedly pleased locals who had raised concerns about the smell and the possibility of gasses building up inside the body.

There were calls for the body to be preserved as a tourist attraction, however, this was deemed not possible.

Fin whale

Samples taken from the body have been preserved in a bio-bank and the material will be made available to research students, according to reports.

The reason for the whales death is unknown but it is thought the animal died at sea before ending up on Baile Ui Chuill strand.

Whales usually live on average between 50 -90 years although Bowhead whales are thought to be the longest living mammals on earth. A 1999 study in the Canadian Journal of Zoology estimated that Bowhead whales can live more than 200 years.

The average weight for these gentle giants is 90,000 to 136,000 kilograms, or about 100 to 150 tons. For comparison, an adult African bush elephant weighs up to 6 tons, so it may take 30 or more elephants to equal the weight of one blue whale.
Friday nights incident was the latest in which a number of people have fallen from bonfires in Northern Ireland.

The Sperrin Park bonfire was one of several built throughout Derry to mark the annual Apprentice Boys Relief of Derry commemoration, which took place on Saturday.

The Sperrin Park bonfire was one of several built throughout Derry to mark the annual Apprentice Boys Relief of Derry commemoration, which took place on Saturday.

The Sperrin Park bonfire was one of several built throughout Derry to mark the annual Apprentice Boys Relief of Derry commemoration

A community is rallying around the family of a young man who suffered horrific injuries after falling from a bonfire in Derry.

The man is understood to have been helping to light the bonfire at Sperrin Park in the Waterside area of the city on Friday night when he slipped and fell to the ground.

He was first taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry but later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

A spokesperson for the hospital said they are no longer able to provide condition updates on patients. However, it is understood the man remains in a serious condition.

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they received a 999 call to the Sperrin Park bonfire shortly before 11.30pm on Friday.

Two ambulances were sent to the emergency call-out.

The Sperrin Park bonfire was one of several built throughout Derry to mark the annual Apprentice Boys Relief of Derry commemoration, which took place on Saturday.

Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital by ambulance, added the NIAS spokesperson.

Local people have launched a fundraising appeal to support the mans family with the costs of travelling to the Belfast hospital.

Close to 1,200 has been raised in support of the family.

The bonfire was built on land owned by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

A council spokesperson said it is aware of Friday nights tragic incident.

"Council were not involved in the bonfire and have made contact with relevant statutory agencies in order to discuss the incident, the spokesperson added.

The Sperrin Park bonfire was one of a number built to mark the annual Apprentice Boys Relief of Derry commemoration.

Thousands of people took part in the commemoration on Saturday.

The Sperrin Park bonfire was one of several built throughout Derry to mark the annual Apprentice Boys Relief of Derry commemoration, which took place on Saturday.

The bonfires are traditionally lit in unionist areas of Derry on the night before the commemoration.

However, tragedy struck at the Sperrin Park fire when the young man fell from the large structure in what local people have described as a freak accident.

Friday nights incident was the latest in which people have fallen from bonfires in Northern Ireland.

Last month, a man suffered serious injuries when he fell from an Eleventh night bonfire in Newtownards, County Down.

Footage of the moment the man fell from the huge fire was shared widely on social media.

In July 2022, a man died after falling from a bonfire he was helping to build at a site in Larne, Co Antrim. John Steele, a father-of-two in his 30s, was from the Antiville area of the town.

He fell from the bonfire when he was struck on the head by a pallet which had fallen from above.

The powerful blow caused the former window cleaner to lose his balance and it sent him crashing to the ground.

Meanwhile, police are continuing an investigation into the burning of poppy wreaths on a bonfire in the nationalist Creggan area of Derry this week.

Aftermath of bonfire

A number of Union Jack flags and unionist election posters were also burned on the bonfire on Tuesday night.

The PSNI said the placing of poppy wreaths is being investigated by police as a potential hate crime.

A police spokesperson described the material placed on the bonfire as a "provocative display".

Last week there was two nights of rioting in the Galliagh area of Derry following the removal of wood and other materials from a bonfire site.

The Department for Communities said it had cleared the site due to "public safety concerns".

The material was being gathered close to homes on a large green space owned by the department.

In the most serious incident during the trouble, a teenage girl suffered a broken jaw when she was hit with a piece of shrapnel from a burning car.
It is extremely rare. Why did it happen to so many babies in such a short period of time? I deserve answers. My daughter deserves answers. .

A hospital has launched a review after newborn babies suffered head injuries while being delivered last year.

External experts have been drafted in to examine cases where babies were diagnosed with subgaleal haemorrhage at University Hospital Galway (UHG), according to correspondence seen by the Irish Independent.

The rare and potentially lethal condition is a bleed under the skin of the head outside of the skull.

It has been associated with seizures, brain damage, cerebral palsy and development disabilities when not recognised or treated properly.

One mother, whose childs birth is being reviewed, said she was informed by the hospital that the probe was ordered following a rise in occurrences of the injury over a short period of time.

Why did it happen to so many babies in such a short period of time? I deserve answers. My daughter deserves answers.

However, the Saolta University Healthcare Group, which UHG is part of, refused to say how many cases are being examined.

It insisted that in all cases under review, the infant was discharged home well from the hospital.

The review is examining cases where subgaleal haemorrhages occurred during 2022.

Such haemorrhages are caused by trauma to the babys head during labour and delivery.

Trauma is commonly caused by the pulling, dragging or compressing of the babys head through the mothers pelvis during delivery. Errors in the use of vacuum extractors or forceps can cause the injury.

University Hospital Galway

Read more Suicide deaths of two women outlined in National Maternity Hospital annual report

The mother, who spoke to the Irish Independent on condition of anonymity, was highly critical of the care she received during and after her labour.

She has been told her care is also included in the review.

The woman expressed fears for her own daughter amid signs the little girl may not be meeting development milestones.

The issue is currently being investigated by other physicians.

I want to know how babies could have sustained head injuries. Was it consultant error? Was it equipment error? How did it happen she asked.

It is extremely rare. Why did it happen to so many babies in such a short period of time?

I deserve answers. My daughter deserves answers.

In correspondence, a senior clinician said the review had been requested by Saoltas Women and Childrens Managed Clinical and Academic Network, a group-wide management structure, and was being carried out by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals from outside the hospital group.

The correspondence said the aim of the review was to see if there were areas of practice that could be improved.

Coleman Legal LLC, a law firm specialising in personal injuries and medical negligence, said it was consulting with a number of families in relation to subgaleal haemorrhage incidents but it declined to comment further.

In all of the cases, the infant was discharged home well from hospital

In a statement, the hospital group confirmed a review was taking place.

There are varying grades of severity of subgaleal haemorrhage dependant on a number of clinical factors, the statement said.

UHG are currently undertaking a review of cases of subgaleal haemorrhage which occurred during 2022 as part of a commitment to quality of care. In all of the cases, the infant was discharged home well from hospital.

The statement said the haemorrhages had been logged with the National Incident Management System, in line with the HSEs incident management framework.

However, Saolta, a hospital group established by the HSE with responsibility for seven hospitals in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal, declined to say how many deliveries were being examined or when the review might be completed.

It also declined to say if supports had been provided to the families of children whose deliveries are being examined.

The mother who spoke to the Irish Independent raised several issues about her care.

She claimed that her wish not to receive oxytocin during labour was ignored and that there was poor communication throughout.

The woman also believes the warning signs of an infection which left her seriously ill in the weeks after giving birth were not investigated.

She said she ended up in another hospital on the verge of sepsis.

She also claimed there was no meaningful follow-up with her following a difficult birth and that she was only recently offered counselling services.

It is not the first time maternity services at UHG have come under scrutiny.

In 2012, pregnant dentist Savita Halappanavar died from sepsis after her request for medication to induce an inevitable miscarriage was denied on legal grounds.

The public outcry led to a referendum empowering the Oireachtas to legislate for abortion.

An inquest returned a verdict of medical misadventure and an external investigation commissioned by the HSE found there had been inadequate assessment and monitoring of Ms Halappanavar and non-adherence to guidelines for the effective management of sepsis.
If you're Aoife, or you know the Aoife who wrote this well-travelled Irish message in a bottle, you can reach out

Frank and family found the bottle on the beach in New Jersey

The discovery of a message in a bottle written by somebody in Ireland called Aoife four years ago has prompted a vital search for the writer after it finally washed up on a beach in New Jersey.

Frank Bolger was picking up rubbish along on 14th Street beach in Wildwood, New last Thursday morning, August 17, with his wife Karen and granddaughter Autumn when they came across the intriguing bottle lying amidst the seaweed.

Bolger said that when they found the bottle in some seaweed right at the water's edge, they originally thought the bottle was just trash.

Frank and family found the bottle on the beach in New Jersey

"We had to take it home to get note out it was jammed in the bottle so tightly," he told IrishCentral.

Despite its great transatlantic journey, the note, which appears to be in great condition was found to read: "Greetings from Ireland.

"I have thrown this bottle into the sea for someone to find another day.

"Maybe it's travelled down to Africa or to Iceland!

"I won't know if someone found this, but I hope it is found!"

The letter, dated July 17, 2019, is signed simply "Aoife."

The lucky finders are now on a mission to connect with the writer of the letter.

Acknowledging it's a "long shot," Bolger contacted IrishCentral on Tuesday in hopes of connecting with the letter's writer as they're keen to let Aoife know that her bottle was found and show her just how far it travelled.

It has also emerged that the Irish message in a bottle landed in North Wildwood which, as Bolger pointed out, "has a huge Irish American population."

And although Bolger has never visited Ireland but intends to do so, he does have some Irish roots, as his family came to the US from Ireland in the mid-1800s.

Meanwhile, the discovery of the message was shared on social media by The Wildwood Sun by the Sea Magazine where the story has gone viral.

If you're Aoife, or you know the Aoife who wrote this well-travelled Irish message in a bottle, you can reach out to Bolger via email at etchedinstyle@yahoo.com.
If the information about Prigozhin's death is confirmed, we will organise a second March of Justice on Moscow

Wagner Group mercenaries have warned they will march on Moscow after it was claimed leader Yevgeny Prigozhin had been killed in a plane crash near the Russian capital.

Fighters loyal to the warlord have posted videos on social media vowing retribution if Prigozhin and his deputy Dmitry Utkin are confirmed dead.

Telegram channels with links to Prigozhin blamed his death shortly after news of the crash emerged on traitors within Russia.

Warner Group fighters warn Putin

A Russian outlet closely linked with Prigozhin, Readovka, has reported that the private military company had a long-established approved mechanism of action in the event of the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin or Dmitry Utkin.

A source was quoted as saying that in the event of Prigozhin's death, there is a mechanism for full mobilisation, regardless of who was at fault for his death.

The scene of the crash

At a Wagner address reported on last night it was stated: We directly say that we suspect the Kremlin 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.

Masked men, claiming to be Wagner fighters also 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.

Russian officials claimed Prigozhin was on the plane, which crashed in a field, killing all ten on board. The Federal Air Transport Agency has also published a list of those it believed were on the flight, including Prigozhin and his deputy Dmitry Utkin.

The crash occurred just two months after his failed coup attempt against Putin's regime.

Russia jet crash kills 10: Yevgeny Prigozhin on passenger list say officials

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 the uprising failed and he was exiled to Belarus.

The former head of MI6 Sir John Sawyers told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: All the indications point to the fact that Putin has taken him out, he is reasserting his control.

Prigozhin

He is making clear to everyone both inside Russia and outside he is not going to brook any challenge.

However, Keir Giles, from the London-based think tank Chatham House, said that while passenger by the name of Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board, it is also known that multiple individuals have changed their name to Yevgeny Prigozhin, as part of his efforts to cover his tracks.

Lets not be surprised if he pops up shortly in a new video from Africa, Giles said.

This would not be the first time he had succeeded in disappearing after he was officially declared dead in Africa in 2019, before re-emerging before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Prigozhin (62) had been keeping a low profile after he had been warned that his life was in danger in the wake of the failed coup. He was known to take huge care over his security and is rumoured to have not been on board the fateful plane, despite state TV asserting otherwise.

Putin has yet to comment on the incident and attended a concert last night, as supporters laid tributes outside the former Wagner Centre in St Petersburg.

There has been widespread speculation as to the cause of the crash among Russian social media channels with one suggestion that a fine wine on board may in fact have been a bomb in disguise.

Witnesses to the crash say they heard a loud bang before they saw the jet fall from the sky.

Images have been widely shared of the aftermath on social media but it had not been confirmed at this stage if this is the plane that Prigozhin is believed to have been on.

Local emergency services have said ten bodies have been retrieved from the wreckage, but it has not been confirmed that Prigozhin was among them.

Video footage shows a burning aircraft falling out of the sky in the Bologovsky district in the Tver region, 60 miles north of Moscow on Friday.

Wreckage, which appears to be that of a plane, was later seen in a field, with debris and bodies widely scattered around the area, while plumes of black smoke can be seen from miles away.

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.

The rest are in the tail section. 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 is burned out.

Russian officials said of ten bodies found, one of them had its head separated from its shoulders.

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 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.

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.

Washington confirmed on Wednesday evening that President Biden has been briefed, while UK government confirmed it was monitoring the situation closely.

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.
The website said the festival would take place around December 6, 2024 in the Caribbean, although no musical acts have been listed

Tickets for the a second Fyre Festival have been reportedly selling out fast, despite the fact the first one became the subject of a hit Netflix doc when it infamously descended into chaos.

Convicted fraudster Billy McFarland said he came up with the idea for a follow-up festival while in solitary confinement over the 2017 fiasco which was the subject of a Netflix documentary FYRE: The Greatest Party That Never Happened.

The 31-year-old spent four years in prison after being convicted of defrauding investors out of millions of dollars for the first event festival that promised fans a ticket a luxury experience.

As it turned out, participants ended up sleeping in tents while eating cheese sandwiches as headlining acts like Blink-182 backed out as it fell apart

In an excited Instagram post announcing that tickets to the new festival were officially on sale, McFarland described the absolute wildest journey to get here that started during a seven-month stint in solitary confinement.

He explained during that time he wrote a 50-page plan to figure out how he would use "this interest and demand in Fyre and how I would take my ability to bring people from around the world together to make the impossible happen.

He added that he wanted to find the "best partners in the world to allow me to be me while executing Fyres vision to the highest level".

"We spoke to people as far away as the Middle East and South America and ultimately we decided that Fyre Festival 2 is coming back to the Caribbean," he said.

Apparently organisers are "targeting" the festival for the end of 2024 and would be doing pop-ups and other events around the world until then.

"Guys, this is your chance to get in. This is everything Ive been working towards. So lets f------ go!" he declared.

In an update, McFarland claimed the first ticket drop had sold out, but promised "This time we have incredible support. Ill be doing what I love while working with the best logistical and infrastructure partners."

He added that the organisers "look forward to surprising the world alongside our partners as we build FYRE and FYRE Festival II into the island adventure of a lifetime."

According to Fox News, the ticket website showed that the first 100 pre-sale tickets for $499 had sold out on Tuesday and that the next 400 would be available for $799.

Then the prices would increase from between $1,199 to $7,999 for the last-chance pre-sale tickets as tickets get sold. Those interested were able to get on a waitlist.

The website said the festival would take place around December 6, 2024 in the Caribbean, although no musical acts have been listed.

A ticket gets the buyer into the 2024 festival as well as "VIP access to FYRE Events, Experiences, and Community" prior to the festival, of which, they said would consist at least four events.

Organisers were also selling festival gear on the website, including a $200 hoodie with the Fyre Festival logo on it.

McFarland in his announcement also claimed that he is planning a musical about the Fyre Festival.

A scene from the Netflix documentary

However, his Tuesday post created a wave of comments from people who remained sceptical of the idea.

"Are you going to payback all the people and families you literally destroyed after the last Fyre???" one person wrote.

Another said, "I do not know whats more unbelievable that hes doing this again, or that theres people out there that would actually fall for this again either way, the next documentary on Netflix will be good!"

A third wrote, "Felony II coming soon for you Billy Boy."

However, Victoria Medvedenko (20) told the Washington Post that she and her boyfriend bought two of the first 100 tickets for $499 that sold out.

"I really dont think Billy would want to go back to jail and hes had a lot of time to think about it and prepare this time," she told the newspaper. "And I think the first time around it had a lot of potential. He just didnt have enough time or the right mind-set."
The new Kia Tasman is a frame SUV in a pickup truck body that is getting ready to premiere. The large practical vehicle will turn out to be affordable. The network showed how the car may look like for the most thrifty buyers.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Kia Tasman pickup truck will be built on a frame platform. The car is already undergoing road tests, Drive reports. The new car is also known under the factory index Kia TK, but the final name is kept secret for now.

The premiere of the Kia frame pickup will take place in 2024, and the novelty will go into production in 2025. There are photos of a camouflaged running prototype online, so there is no information about the design. Above is a rendering of SRK Designs, which is based on the Kia Telluride. However, the pickup truck will look different.

At the moment, it is known that the new Korean pickup will come to the market in several modifications: with gasoline and diesel engines, and possibly with an electric powertrain, depending on the specific sales region.

ADVERTISIMENT

In addition to the TK, the company is also preparing an all-electric pickup of smaller dimensions on a different platform. The more expensive car will appear by 2027.

OBOZREVATEL has already reported on a new Nissan SUV. It turned out to be very affordable.
A group of local booklovers in the Bay of Plenty have thrown their support around a project to supply suitable books to the underground book club network in Afghanistan.

The new Afghan government banned books for girls, says group spokesperson Rosario Aran.

A group of eight girls in Afghanistan founded underground book clubs, says a World Literacy Foundation spokesperson.

In 2022, the Afghan government banned books for girls, along with secondary education for girls.

No school. No books. How are these girls going to develop the love of reading and literacy skills that are so important for their futures?

Since the banning of books in my town, I am losing hope for my future dreams of an education and a better future. I wish to be able to read books again," says Afghanistan girl Yashfa.

A previously hardworking young learner, Yashfa has joined an underground book club around Kabul to share what books they can.

These brave young girls hold reading sessions in secret locations to avoid retribution. They risk fines and other persecution if theyre caught," says a World Literacy Foundation spokesperson.

With World Literacy Day coming up on 8 September, we urge you to support these courageous girls with the gift of books.

As fellow booklovers, we wanted to do something practical to support all the booklover women and girls in this country, says Rosario.

Rosario says the group started to partner with the underground book clubs books in Afghanistan and offer to supply them with books and educational resources to foster their love of reading.

On World Literacy Day, September 8, we are asking people from the Bay of Plenty to join us and advocate for girls in Afghanistan.

As a lover of books, l couldnt even imagine if l wasnt allowed to read books anymore.

The Bay of Plenty group of booklovers have partnered with the World Literacy Foundation on World Literacy Day to support 3000 girls in Afghanistan by providing access to books any way they can.

We invite you to enlighten and change the life of thousands of girls in Afghanistan. Join us.

For further details go to https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/

To contact Rosario Aran email rosario.aran@worldliteracyfoundation.org
Whakatane Kiwi Trust is extremely grateful for the enthusiastic, nationwide response it has had in its search for lost kiwi, Tuati.

The trusts kiwi tracking guide, Ken Laurent, said he had received calls from about 16 people. Everyone from ham radio operators to Department of Conservation staff from Northland to Dunedin had answered the call for help.

Tuati is a young male kiwi that was released into the Kohi Point Scenic Reserve two years ago. The transmitter fitted to his leg is tracked by the trust to monitor his movements using telemetry instruments  or pingers.

However, in the past two months, his signal has been overridden by a much stronger one on the same channel, leaving the trusts kiwi trackers unable to find him.

People from all over the place want to help. Its amazing, Mr Laurent said.

He has even been sent some more advanced telemetry equipment from Dunedin. Locally, Horizon Energy had contacted him to help ensure it was not any of its equipment interfering with the signal.

He said, most helpful of all, was a visit from radio spectrum investigator Mervyn Frericks, who travelled from Hamilton with some specialist equipment to try to help them locate Tuati.

Mr Frericks works with Radio Spectrum Management, a business unit of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment responsible for allocating rights for use of the radio spectrum and enforcing compliance with licensing requirements.

While Mr Frericks was not able to find the kiwi, he is hopeful he will be located soon.

Radio Spectrum Management New Zealand investigator Mervyn Frericks (centre) with Kiwi Trust kiwi trackers Rick Boon and Ken Laurent investigate around the Whakatane town wharf, searching for a rogue signal that is overriding a kiwi transmitter.

The important work that the Whakatane Kiwi Trust does is well known and when the team heard about the issues they were having, we were keen to try and help out, Mr Frericks said.

Weve some pretty good equipment available to us and after arriving at the reserve, we were able to work with the trusts volunteers to minimise the unwanted signals affecting their search. Unfortunately, we werent successful in finding Tuati on the day but, hopefully, theyll be able to locate him soon.

Mr Laurent is grateful for the interest being shown and hopes Mr Frericks will visit again.

We have a suspicion that the transmitter may have failed, but were still getting this overriding beat which is not helping.

Mr Laurent suspects the overriding signal may be coming from a nearby cell tower.

I have asked if they could come back and resume the search, which I think they are willing to do.

He said Whakatanes unique situation of having kiwi living in areas of forest reserve within town was working against it in this instance.

Normally, you dont have a kiwi so close to an urban environment. In our case, weve got them all around town, so its hard to get away from all the interference thats going on.

He said the trust had received a lot of helpful advice around selecting frequencies that could be used.

Over channel 47 its restricted to the DoC channels but under that its open slather, so weve got to try to put transmitters on a kiwi that have channel numbers that are over that frequency. Im learning a lot about it.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
Thousands of kids will have the opportunity to have their say in mock elections that will introduce them to the voting process.

Already 609 schools have signed up for Kids Voting  Te Poti a Nga Tamariki 2023  with about 98,000 students expected to take part, according to an electoral commission spokesperson.

The Electoral Commission is encouraging other schools to register for the free, fun and easy programme.

Its such a great opportunity for school students of all ages to get a taste of what its like to vote in a general election, says Electoral Commission Deputy Chief Executive Operations Anusha Guler.

What weve found is that kids benefit from learning about the voting process and get a real thrill out of having their vote counted in a mock election.

Schools or individual teachers that sign up for Kids Voting give an indication of how many students will be participating.

We then send them all the resources to run a mock election of their own, says an Electorial Comission spokesperson.

These resources include:

A Kids Voting ballot box

Curriculum-linked teaching resources to support students learning

A Teachers Guide to running a mock election

We also send posters that teachers can put up around their classroom.

Teachers will be able to use these Kids Voting resources to support their students to explore real-life election issues and the parties and candidates standing in the election.

The experience is made to authentic as possible, with kids voting mock papers containing actual parties and candidates from their electorate, says Anusha Guler.

Schools can sign up for the programme or find out more information at http://www.kidsvoting.co.nz.
Concerns from the community about water fluoridation have led the Western Bay of Plenty District Council to seek an exemption from the mandate.

Manatu Hauora - Ministry of Health has directed the council to fluoridate two of its eight water supplies, Athenree and Wharawhara, by July 31, 2025.

Those water supplies cover Waihi Beach, Athenree, Tanners Point, Katikati and the reticulated rural area through to Morton Road.

Mayor James Denyer has written to the ministry seeking the exemption. Local Democracy Reporting obtained a copy of the letter.

Through our public consultation on our Annual Plan 2023/24 we received feedback regarding the Ministrys direction to fluoridate those two water supplies, it reads.

These concerns included the ethics of medication without consent, the unfunded nature of the mandate, concerns around the safety aspects of fluoridation, and the lack of equity in the requirement for council to fluoridate some but not all our water supplies.

The council received 12 submissions opposed to fluoridation during the 2023/24 Annual Plan consultation. It received 310 submissions in total.

The decision was made to seek the exemption at the councils annual plan deliberations in June. The councillors voted 10 in favour with two against.

Mayor James Denyer has written to the Ministry of Health seeking an exemption from the fluoridation mandate. Photo: Brydie Thompson/SunLive.

Denyer told LDR: One of the reasons that I initially had reservations about doing the fluoridation, is it's just yet another unfunded mandate from government.

The ministry would fund the cost of setting up the fluoridation infrastructure but not the ongoing yearly costs.

Council water services director EJ Wentzel says the cost of introducing fluoride to the Athenree supply would be $923,962 with the ongoing management and monitoring estimated to be $55,148 per annum.

For the Wharawhara supply the setup cost would be $938,587 with ongoing costs estimated at $55,193 each year.

The letter also asked the ministry to advise if an exemption was possible and invited the ministry to come and speak with the council.

This was to help address the concerns raised by our community and provide information as to why the Athenree and Wharawhara water supplies were chosen specifically, along with the rationale for and safe use of fluoridation in general.

Members of the organisation Fluoride Free NZ have spoken in public forums at community board meetings around the district. A crowd of around 60 people also packed the public gallery of a council meeting in July.

Four speakers expressed their concerns about the fluoridation directive and urged the council to seek an injunction.

Fluoride Free NZ member Kane Titchener speaking at the Waihi Beach Community Board. Photo: Alisha Evans/SunLive.

Fluoride Free NZ member Kane Titchener claimed prenatal and early life exposures [to fluoride] can reduce IQ, based on review by the United States National Toxicology Program.

It's my request to this council to join that injunction. You do actually have a choice here, so please don't think you don't have a choice. The community knows you've got a choice, said Titchener.

Denyer told the crowd decisions like that couldnt be made in a public form and informed them the letter seeking the exemption had been sent.

A Manatu Hauora spokesperson says the ministry is in discussions with the council about the fluoride directive.

Asked if an injunction was possible, the spokesperson replied: Injunctions are discretionary orders, so it is always up to a court whether an injunction is available in a particular case.

On the claim that fluoride lowers IQ, they say: Extensive research carried out around the world, including in Aotearoa New Zealand, has established that community water fluoridation is safe and effective.

They referenced the 2021 report Fluoridation: an update on evidence, from the Office of the Prime Ministers Chief Science Advisor (OPMCSA) and the earlier 2014 report by the Royal Society Te Aparangi and OPMCSA.

The report concluded that there are no adverse health effects of any significance arising from fluoridation at the levels used in New Zealand.

When water is fluoridated in New Zealand it involves adding fluoride to reach levels between 0.7 and 1.0 mg/L.

The council also faces fines for not complying with the directive. Under the Health Act 1956, non-compliance with a Director-General of Health direction to fluoridate can result in a fine not exceeding $200,000 and if the non-compliance is on-going a fine of $10,000 per day that the non-compliance continues.

Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the occasion of the Independence Day.

The letter reads:

Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations to you and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the national holiday of Ukraine  the Independence Day.

The current high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine stems from the historical traditions of close friendship and mutual respect between our peoples. It is gratifying that thanks to our joint efforts, our interstate relations, which stem from this will and are built on solid foundations, have developed dynamically and reached a new stage. I believe that Azerbaijan-Ukraine relations will continue to develop in accordance with the goals and objectives reflected in the Joint Declaration we signed during my visit to Ukraine in January of last year.

I recall our meeting in Chisinau this June, our exchange of views on Azerbaijan-Ukraine bilateral relations with fond memories.

Guided by the UN Charter, the norms and principles of international law, Azerbaijan respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, including Ukraine. We always keep the issues of humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine in the spotlight, and express our readiness to continue to provide the necessary assistance.

I am confident that we will consistently continue our joint efforts to expand friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Ukraine and strengthen our mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the interests of our peoples.

On this festive day, I extent my best regards to you, and wish the friendly people of Ukraine peace and tranquility.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 21 August 2023
Further climate change associated with global warming is making tropical forests too hot for photosynthesis. This could eventually lead to the complete disappearance of this important ecosystem for our planet.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is stated in a study published in the journal Nature. The disappearance of tropical forests will mean a catastrophe for the Earth's climate systems and biodiversity.

Observations from the International Space Station (ISS) have revealed that a small but growing percentage of leaves in tropical forests are approaching the maximum temperature threshold for photosynthesis.

The average temperature critical for photosynthesis is 46.7 degrees Celsius. When the temperature reaches this level, the photosynthetic mechanisms of tropical trees simply begin to fail.

Scientists acknowledge that only 0.01% of all leaves exceed this critical temperature each year. But the temperature trends observed this year do not bode well. A 4-degree Celsius increase in air temperature could lead to massive tree mortality in the rainforest.

ADVERTISIMENT

Scientists say this is worrying because an increase in air temperature of 2-3 degrees Celsius means that the top temperature of the leaves rises by 8 degrees Celsius.

Covering 1.2 billion hectares, or about 6% of the Earth's surface, tropical rainforests are vital regions for our planet. They are home to half of the world's species of animals and plants.

In addition, these forests serve as freshwater reservoirs. In particular, the forests in the Amazon basin alone hold a fifth of the world's water reserves.

Another important function of tropical forests is that they produce 32% of the planet's oxygen through photosynthesis, and they help stabilise the global climate by absorbing billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere every year.

Although the figure of 0.01% seems insignificant, the researchers point out that it could grow rapidly.

ADVERTISIMENT

"It's going to increase potentially much faster," said Joshua B. Fisher, an associate professor of environmental science at Chapman University in California.

The scientists also said that their study showed a cascading effect: when leaves that were exposed to too high a temperature died, it raised the temperature of neighbouring leaves. As a result, leaves died, followed by branches, and then entire trees.

"If you have 10% of your leaves die, the whole branch becomes warmer because the critical part of that branch can no longer cool the wider branch. The same can be assumed for the entire forest when a tree dies," explained the associate professor of ecoinformatics at Northern Arizona University. Doughty.

At the same time, despite the most optimistic forecasts, scientists believe that humanity still has time to limit emissions and avoid the destruction of tropical forests.

ADVERTISIMENT

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that humanity could have missed an extraordinary event that changed the Earth's climate. A millennium of heat may follow on the planet

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL's Telegram, Viber and Threads channels to keep up with the latest developments.
British resident tied up, gagged, beaten and robbed in his home in Alhaurin el Grande The thieves fled with around 12,000 euros in cash, money which the owner of the house had received as a deposit for the sale of the property, since he intended to return to the UK

Juan Cano / Irene Quirante Compartir Copiar enlace

WhatsApp

Facebook

X

LinkedIn

Telegram

A British man in his 60s was tied up, beaten and robbed in his home in Alhaurin el Grande in Malaga's Guadalhorce valley earlier this week.

The attackers demanded to know where is the money?, leading police to believe that they knew that there was a considerable amount of money in the property.

The thieves fled with around 12,000 euros in cash, money which the owner of the house had received as a deposit for the sale of the property, since he intended to return to the UK.

The man was dining alone at around 10pm when the assailants gained access to the house after breaking down the door. The thieves used considerable violence, although the resident is thought to have resisted the attack. However, the assailants managed to tie and gag the man, who was then repeatedly beaten until he revealed where the money was located. Once the thieves had fled the scene, the victim managed to free himself and alert the police, who in turn, alerted the health services.

An investigation has now been opened by the Guardia Civil, who are also looking into a series of other burglaries that have taken place in the area over the last few weeks. Police have revealed that the victim of the most recent incident is a close friend of another British man whose home was ransacked and robbed earlier this month, although it is unclear if the incidents are related.

According to the descriptions of the attackers given by the victims of some of the recent burglaries, police believe they are being carried out by three young Spaniards wearing ski masks to hide their faces.
Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription.

Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service.
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 injunction pausing New Yorks rollout of its conditional dispensary program has  once again  shaken the states legal cannabis industry, but marijuana retail licensees in the Finger Lakes region are feeling particularly disenfranchised.

The vast majority of the 463 Conditional Adult-Use Retail Dispensary licensees will likely not be able to open their doors until after a lawsuit challenging the CAURD programs legality is adjudicated. However, more than a dozen CAURD businesses in the Finger Lakes only recently received licenses after a separate lawsuit had barred regulators from issuing licenses in that territory.

Its a huge setback, and the first setback was huge, said Scott General, who received his CAURD license in the Finger Lakes in mid-June. Its just unreal how were being treated  how can this even happen?



Sign up for the NY Cannabis Insider Newsletter

Enter your email address to get exclusive reporting on NY's cannabis market delivered to your inbox:









How the Finger Lakes region got the shaft

New York State Supreme Court Judge Kevin Bryant issued an order on Aug. 7, 2023, prohibiting the Cannabis Control Board and the Office of Cannabis Management from issuing new CAURD licenses, and from processing, approving or investigating pending applications for CAURD.

Bryant issued the injunction as part of a lawsuit brought against the state by four service-disabled veterans who intend to apply for dispensary licenses. The Coalition for Access to Regulated & Safe Cannabis  a group representing some of New Yorks medical cannabis companies that is also suing the OCM in a separate case  has also joined the lawsuit as a plaintiff.

Last week, Bryant filed an order that said licensees who met all approvals before Aug. 7, 2023, will be allowed to open their stores. The order also states that the court may allow other CAURD dispensaries to open on a case-by-case basis, if state officials request permission from the judge.

On Tuesday, lawyers representing the state filed a document listing 30 CAURD licensees that met this standard. Of the 17 CAURD licenses issued so far to businesses based in the Finger Lakes, only one made the list of dispensaries exempt from the injunction.

Several Finger Lakes-based licensees who spoke with NY Cannabis Insider balked at the situation, noting that they had only a fraction of the time other businesses did to meet all approvals before Aug. 7.

It would actually be hilarious if it wasnt so ruinous, said Bob Baldwin, who planned to open a CAURD dispensary with his wife in Canandaigua before the latest injunction came down.

While the latest injunction affects a large majority of CAURD licensees, applicants from the Finger Lakes could not receive licenses until June 15, due to an injunction from a previous lawsuit, which the state settled in May.

In that case, which was filed in September, Michigan-based plaintiff Variscite N.Y. One, LLC, complained that the OCM violated the U.S. Dormant Commerce Clause when it found the company ineligible for a CAURD license. The judge in that case issued an injunction preventing cannabis regulators from issuing CAURD licenses in five regions, but later narrowed it to only include the Finger Lakes  where the plaintiff wanted to open a dispensary.

When the state settled the case in late May, the CCB was able to issue 17 licenses for Finger Lakes-based businesses.

Now, it looks like only one will be able to open.

The only license

Ryan Martins business is the only Finger Lakes-based CAURD on the list of licensees who should be exempted from the injunction.

Martin, who received his license on June 15, said he was able to get all his materials in before Aug. 7 because he began engaging local officials in Rochester soon after the MRTA was passed, and found a location in 2021. While CAURD licensing was halted in the Finger Lakes during the Variscite case, Martin completed most of the buildout of his store, and then handed in his approval documents as quickly as possible.

As soon as we got licensed  we already had a lot of ducks in a row, Martin said. We got our license on June 15, and we had that Business Express form filled out within a month and a half.

While Martins business is on the OCMs exempted list, its not yet clear whether Bryant will agree to allow his business  or any of them  to open, Martin said. But if exempted, hell likely open his dispensary next month, he said.

But hes worried for industry colleagues in the Finger Lakes who might not have a shot at opening until the suit against the state is resolved.

I just feel for all the people who arent on this list, whove done all this hard work  some people spent their life savings, Martin said.

That group includes Bob and Kimberly Baldwin, who told NY Cannabis Insider theyve spent tens of thousands of dollars on lawyer and consultant fees since receiving their CAURD license on July 19. The married couple also owns and operates Finger Lakes Barbecue Company in Canandaigua, and recently hired two managers for that company so the two could focus on the dispensary business.

When the couple spoke with NY Cannabis Insider Wednesday morning, they were unsure whether a capital investor theyve secured would still be onboard. The injunction also raises questions about whether they can follow through with a letter of intent to buy a space for their shop. Much of the money theyve already spent is likely irrecoverable, they said.

Theres no way out of what we already have done, Bob Baldwin said.

Scott General also began making major financial decisions after the CCB issued him a CAURD license in June. He told NY Cannabis Insider he sold a rental property he owned, and put a lien on his house to pay buildout costs for his store.

Amid the injunction, Generals own position is very much up in the air, but he pointed out that it will also affect Adult-Use Conditional Cultivator businesses. These companies were already struggling to sell product they grew, due to a dearth of operational retailers, and any further lag in the states legal weed rollout could decimate many of them, General said.

Theres millions of dollars of product theyre sitting on, and now youre telling them theres no more shops, General said. They spent their life savings  they committed so much of their lives to pursue this.

Kim Baldwin said the injunction could have another negative side effect: out-of-state players replacing locals. Baldwin said shes already been contacted by a Michigan entity offering a partnership deal which, she said, essentially amounted to buying their license. She declined, but said hundreds of licensees are likely receiving similar offers.

Out-of-state companies trying to move in on licenses the state issued to locals would undercut the entire basis of the CAURD program, and parts of the MRTA, Bob Baldwin said. He also said he feels the OCM and state legislators have largely hung most state cannabis licensees out to dry.

Theres a lot of impact being felt, and none of it is being felt by the key players who are responsible, Baldwin said. The people at the OCM are still getting their six-figure salaries.
To the Editor:

As I sadly expected, a major tragic human event in history was barely acknowledged by the major media outlets, and that includes Syracuse.com and the Post-Standard. Aug. 21 marked the 55th anniversary of the Communist Soviet-led Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia during the Cold War. The Prague Spring reforms of First Secretary Alexander Dubcek and the hopes of Czechs and Slovaks were crushed by tanks from all over the Soviet Communist empire, primarily from Russia, Hungary, East Germany and Bulgaria.

The invasion first began in stealth with Russian Antonov civilian airplanes landing at Pragues Ruzyne Airport and unloading Soviet commandos at 10:30 p.m. the evening before and taking over the control tower. Shortly after, Russian MIG jets were screaming over the city and Red Army parachutists dropped along major highways. Then, under the orders were given from Moscow, across came ground forces waiting behind the border of Czechoslovakia, into the orchards of Bohemia, into Slovakia from Hungary, into the industrial cities of Ostrava and Plzen. Tanks smashed down anything that stood in their way. In all, some 14 Soviet divisions invaded in what Soviet Ambassador to the United States told President Lyndon Johnson was an internal action of the Soviet Union and their own affair.

This mass military invasion, known by historians as the Rape of Czechoslovakia, was the bloodiest in Soviet era history. In just one battle alone in the central area of Prague, 25 civilians were killed trying to protect the Czechoslovak Radio building as tanks rolled to stop the uncensored broadcast of the invasion. Citizens of all walks of life  artists, commoners, students and professionals  battled the tanks with sticks, rocks and bottles. As Czechoslovakians protested the invasion in several of the largest cities, tanks opened fire on unarmed citizens. The Soviet Politburo cared nothing of worldwide opinion on their actions.

To bring down the authors of the Prague Spring, KGB agents in civilian clothes rounded up the leadership; they were beaten, tied up and some murdered on the spot. The rest were taken into armored cars across the border. Many of the resisters simple disappeared. All during this time, citizens did not give up hope for a free homeland and were later inspired by former President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Here we are today. A tragic human event not recognized or honored. Russia, the former Soviet Union, has not changed. One only has to see the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine. Thankfully we have a group of U.S. congressmen such as Rep Brandon Williams that have focused on the evils of Russia and supported the actions of Ukraine with U.S. aid. History like this can not repeat itself.

Rudolph Boleslav

Syracuse
On August 24, 2023, Ukrainians celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the declaration of independence. This is the main holiday of the state, which gained special significance in the conditions of a full-scale invasion.

ADVERTISIMENT

Defending freedom on the battlefield, we learned the true value of independence. About how this holiday emerged, why the first anniversary of independence was celebrated not on August 24 and how the "Act of Declaration of Independence" was written - read in the material OBOZREVATEL.

July 16, 1990 and August 24, 1991

On July 16, 1990, the Verkhovna Rada adopted the "Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine". The first anniversary of independence was celebrated not on August 24, but on July 16, 1991. In 1991, the mass events for Independence Day were very communist: the Communist Party leadership laid flowers at the Lenin monument, followed by celebrations at the Ukraine Palace - these were standard Soviet rituals, the authorities did not know any others.

After the adoption of the "Act of Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine", Independence Day was celebrated on August 24.

ADVERTISIMENT

National Referendum

On December 1, 1991, a nationwide referendum was held on a single question: "Do you confirm the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine?". 31,891,742 people (84.18% of the population) took part in the referendum. 28,804,071 people (90.32 %) answered "yes".

The highest percentage of support for independence was in the following regions:

Ternopil (98.67%);

Ivano-Frankivsk (98.42%);

Lviv (97.46%);

Cherkasy (96.93%);

Rivne (95.96%);

Kyiv (95.52%).

Events of August 24, 1991

Three days after the suppression of a putsch by the conservative forces of the USSR, which sought to bring back the USSR and abandon democratic initiatives, an extraordinary session of the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR was held.

ADVERTISIMENT

On August 24, 1991, 346 deputies voted for independence.

Immediately after the meeting, the anthem of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen "Oy u luzi chervona kalina" was sung at the rostrum.

Draft of independence

Ukrainian political and public figure, diplomat, writer, lawyer Levko Lukyanenko and scientist, diplomat Leontiy Sandulyak wrote a draft of the Act on Declaration of Independence in 1.5 hours in an ordinary school notebook.

They chose "act" to define the name of the document, because "universal" was associated with Petliura (it could scare off the Communists, who then had weight in the parliament), and "law" sounded too commonplace and hinted at repeated action.

The first blue-and-yellow flag over Kyiv since 1920

MP Vyacheslav Chornovil suggested that the blue-yellow flag, with which Ukrainians stood on the barricades, be brought into the parliamentary hall.

ADVERTISIMENT

Also, for the first time since June 1920, the blue-yellow flag was raised on the official flagpole near the Kyiv city council.

On January 28, 1992 the blue-yellow flag was officially approved as the national flag, and since August 2004 Ukrainians began to celebrate Prapora Day on August 23.

Some facts

Poland was the first to recognize Ukraine's independence.

On August 24, 1994, the first military parade for Independence Day was held on Khreshchatyk.

Leonid Kravchuk became the first president of independent Ukraine.

UNESCO archives have collected a phonotheque of folk songs of the world. The Ukrainian collection contains 15.5 thousand songs. Italy ranks second in the number of folk songs - 6 thousand.

ADVERTISIMENT

On September 2, 1996 the hryvnia was put into circulation.

The Constitution of Pilip Orlik (1710) is one of the oldest in Europe.

Earlier OBOZREVATEL told about how independence was celebrated in 1991 and 1992.

Subscribe to OBOZREVATEL channels in Telegram and Viber to be aware of the latest events.
By Tim Balk | New York Daily News

Gov. Kathy Hochul said Thursday that she had sent a letter to the White House asking for more support for migrants pouring into New York, placing responsibility for the crisis at President Bidens feet in her first major address on the challenge.

Speaking from the state Capitol building as her governorship enters its third year, Hochul said she would not force upstate communities to take migrants and declared the state does not have good options to handle the situation without federal support.

Bearing much-needed changes at the border, there does not appear to be a solution, Hochul said in a nine-minute speech. This crisis originated with the federal government, and it must be resolved by the federal government.

Hochul, who has faced growing political pressure to step up and help the city with the crisis, stopped short of making any new significant state commitments in the speech.

Her three-page letter to Biden asks the federal government to provide funds, expedite asylum seekers work permits and provide more facilities.

The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

More than 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in New York City since spring 2022, according to city government figures. About 60,000 remain in the citys care, the city reported Wednesday.

In a year, the count of people sleeping in the citys over-stretched shelter system has roughly doubled.

With waves of arrivals showing no signs of abating, the Adams administration has said that by 2025 support for the migrants may cost $12 billion.

Last month, a crowd of asylum seekers slept outside an intake center at the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown Manhattan. The city has opened more than 200 new shelter sites, including 15 so-called humanitarian relief centers.

Mayor Adams has called on the state to pitch in more resources, and has embarked upon a controversial city-run busing program that has drawn fierce resistance and lawsuits from some upstate localities.

City Hall has also urged Hochul to use executive powers to force reluctant communities outside the city to take in migrants, an approach supported by advocates but spurned by the governor.

We cannot and will not force other parts of our state to shelter migrants, Hochul said in her Thursday remarks.

Hochul has at times defended the busing program, but her office last week condemned an Aug. 7 transfer of 77 asylum seekers to Rochester, claiming some migrants were moved against their will. The Adams administration disputes the states account.

On Tuesday, 40 more migrants, including 22 children, were bused to a Holiday Inn in downtown Rochester, according to WROC-TV.

As Adams has ramped up pressure on Hochul to help more, tension has seemed to boil between the two moderate baby boomer Democrats, who are aligned on many issues and take pride in the warm public relationship.

Their handling of the crisis is under the microscope in a Manhattan Supreme Court case centered on the citys right-to-shelter responsibilities. And in filings in the case the city and state have traded criticisms and gripes, each painting the others approach as insufficient.

The mayors office did not immediately comment on Hochuls speech.

2023 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com.
By Emilie Munson | Times Union, Albany

Albany, N.Y.  In an email to employees Monday night, New York Gaming Commission Chairman Brian ODwyer denied the state agency operated a hostile work environment and insisted a Times Union article about workplace issues there aired complaints designed to paint our agency in a bad light.

I believe commission employees hold themselves to the highest standards, ODwyer wrote in an email obtained by the Times Union. As a labor/human rights lawyer for over 50 years, I take very seriously the well-being of my colleagues at the Gaming Commission.

The Times Union reported employees at the commission, which is tasked with regulating gambling entities, say they have experienced a toxic workplace for years, including allegations of sexual harassment, racial discrimination, bullying, drug use and political favoritism.

The commission is fighting at least four lawsuits alleging discrimination on the basis of sex, race, disability and related retaliation, while it recently settled two age-discrimination cases and a case purporting sexual and race-based harassment. The state Office of Employee Relations, which investigates allegations of workplace discrimination, has received 41 complaints from Gaming Commission employees since December 2018 and substantiated 10 of them. In response, the commission took appropriate administrative action where warranted, the office said.

In addition, 20 employees  some former employees and others still with the agency  said in interviews with the Times Union theyve experienced those issues at work, some on an ongoing basis. Three additional former employees contacted the newspaper since Sunday to relay similar accounts.

ODwyer, in his email to employees, sent instructions on how employees can report discrimination, directions which are sent to employees each month.

When questionable or bad behavior is reported, it is taken seriously, and promptly and appropriately addressed, ODwyer said. Every commission employee is valued.

Brad Maione, a spokesman for the commission, declined to say if the agency is taking further steps to address allegations of a hostile work environment.

We have no comment other than to reiterate that these years-old allegations were either unsubstantiated or already addressed long before your story, Maione wrote in an email. We do not comment on lawsuits.

Ken Girardin, director of research at the Empire Center, where he studies labor, said there are workplace culture issues in the New York public sector that stem in part from the systems and rules for disciplining employees bad behavior under collective bargaining agreements.

The difficulty in disciplining employees means that management often chooses not to pursue that costly and uncertain option, Girardin said.

The result is some employees with bad behavior may remain at a state agency, reducing the morale of other workers, he said. In addition, at agencies like the commission, sometimes workers and their supervisors are in the same union, which would reduce the unions likelihood of sticking up for an employee, in situations which would pit them against their union brothers and sisters. Eight-two percent of Gaming Commission employees were union members in 2022, according to the state Civil Service workforce report.

The Public Employees Federation and the Civil Service Employees Association, the two unions that represent commission members, did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany, a nonprofit government accountability group, said one of the noteworthy things about the Gaming Commission employees allegations is they are unfolding at what should be one of the most scrutinized state agencies in New York because no other division as small as the commission has its own inspector general. If the allegations underscore systemic issues around professionalism at the agency, it would be troubling if the gaming inspector general was unaware of those issues.

Wed really hope that the gaming inspector general, whose boss is the state inspector general, knows whats going on at the Gaming Commission and knows whether these complaints are old or new, or need to be addressed, Kaehny said. If you have unprofessional behavior and a hostile workplace, then that translates into poor workplace performance and suggests that management is not performing in a professional way, which then makes you concerned about corruption.

While traditional human resource complaints are generally handled by the state agencies or the Office of Employee Relations, the inspector generals office periodically reviews and examine the policies and procedures of the agencies it oversees to prevent misconduct, David King, a spokesman for the state inspector generals office, said.

As a matter of policy, and to protect both the integrity of the investigative process and those involved, this office does not confirm or deny the existence of ongoing investigations, King said. The inspector general is dedicated to doing everything within her power to ensure that New York state employees have safe and healthy work environments, and remains vigilant in her oversight of the Gaming Commission and all agencies under her jurisdiction.

The Gaming Commission inspector general was a position that was housed within the agency until 2021, when that official was relocated to the Office of the state Inspector General. Prior to the transition, the official did not make her findings public, although copies of her reports released later show she corroborated instances of sexual harassment, gambling on the job and other employee misconduct at the agency. Since joining the state inspector generals office, complaints to the gaming inspector general have surged.

Peter Capelli, director of the Center for Human Resources at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, said its hard to evaluate whether employee accusations like these represent systemic issues from the outside, but thats a key determination that leaders facing these kinds of workplace allegations should assess.

If it is systematic, then there is concern about the credibility of the management going forward, in which case it is a good idea to bring in some outside help to assure stakeholders that the problems are being examined objectively and reasonable solutions will be offered, Capelli said. Once a story gets in the press, there is a concern about credibility going forward  will your stakeholders think you have it under control? It is a higher hurdle to clear without bringing in outside observers who themselves have credibility to help restore your organizations.

___

(c)2023 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)

Visit the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.) at www.timesunion.com
Washington  President Joe Biden today criticized House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over his visit to an expanding Syracuse company that makes 5G wireless equipment and benefits from the presidents infrastructure law.

McCarthy toured JMA Wireless with Rep. Brandon Williams, R-Sennett, on Wednesday, and called JMA a great example of an American company that manufactures critical technology in the United States.

Biden said today that McCarthy was trying to take credit for the companys success even though he voted against the infrastructure law. The law includes a Buy American provision that JMA said will boost its business.

Im glad that my Administrations infrastructure investments are so popular that even Speaker McCarthy is trying to take credit for them, despite voting against them, Biden wrote with his repost of a syracuse.com story about the visit on X, formerly Twitter.

Thats alright. Ill see him at the next groundbreaking, Biden added.

Only 24 House Republicans voted with Democrats to pass the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill in September 2021.

Former Rep. John Katko of Central New York is among Republicans who defied McCarthy and House GOP leaders over the issue. McCarthy encouraged Republicans to vote against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

McCarthy, in response to a question Wednesday from syracuse.com | The Post-Standard, said that he voted against the infrastructure bill because he believes private industry, not the government, should decide how to invest.

I'm glad that my Administrations infrastructure investments are so popular that even Speaker McCarthy is trying to take credit for them, despite voting against them.



Thats alright. Ill see him at the next groundbreaking. https://t.co/IDmJ4hbSDm  President Biden (@POTUS) August 24, 2023

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 Wireless has said it will benefit from the infrastructure laws requirements because its the only U.S.-owned 5G manufacturing campus in the country.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., pushed to include the Buy American provision in the infrastructure law. He also criticized McCarthys visit.

Glad Speaker McCarthy got a first-hand look at what he voted against, Schumer said after McCarthys visit Wednesday.

All across the country, legislation we passed is driving historic investmentsjust like this one.



Most Republicans voted NO.



Glad Speaker McCarthy got a first-hand look at what he voted against.https://t.co/oKwAldUDrG  Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) August 23, 2023

The infrastructure law set aside $65 billion for the expansion of broadband internet and 5G networks into underserved parts of the country. New York will receive $664 million as its share.

JMA Wireless said it is planning an expansion of the factory on Clinton Street to keep up with growing demand for its products.

McCarthy was in Central New York to attend a political fundraiser for Williams, a first-term Republican who represents the 22nd Congressional District. Tickets to the fundraiser in Skaneateles ranged from $1,000 per person to $13,200 for a couple, according to an invitation obtained by syracuse.com.

Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact Mark Weiner anytime by: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751
Betty Tyson, a woman who spent 25 years in prison for a 1973 murder until being exonerated on the basis of new evidence, has died in upstate New York, her sister said Wednesday.

Tyson, 75, died at a Rochester hospital on Aug. 17 following a heart attack and will be laid to rest Friday, said sister Delorise Thomas. Thomas noted her sister had recently marked a milestone, having spent as much time in freedom after her incarceration as she had behind bars.

It felt good. She was free, Thomas, 72, said by phone from her Rochester home, where Tyson also lived. She enjoyed herself, going out driving, playing cards, going out to different parties ... She enjoyed her life.

Tyson was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in February 1974 for the death of Timothy Haworth. The Philadelphia business consultant had left his Rochester hotel around midnight on May 24, 1973, apparently to look for a prostitute, and was found strangled with his necktie in an alley the next day.

In May 1998, a judge overturned Tysons murder conviction, ruling that the police had withheld exculpatory evidence.

Tyson had entered prison at age 25 and was just shy of her 50th birthday when she was released, by then the longest-serving female inmate in the state of New York.

While in prison, Tyson let go of her rage and found solace in the Bible, she told The Associated Press in 1999, about 18 months after leaving Bedford Hills Correctional Facility north of New York City. As a model inmate, she counseled women with AIDS, earned a printers apprenticeship, led aerobics classes and became known as Mom to younger inmates.

All that bitterness and anger left me in the late 70s, Tyson told AP. I wasnt a goody two-shoes, but the fact of the matter is, I didnt kill anybody.

Tyson had grown up fatherless in a family of eight children, dropped out of school at 14 and turned to prostitution to feed a heroin habit. She and another prostitute, John Duval, were convicted of Haworths murder on the basis of confessions they said were beaten out of them by police, and on the testimony of two teenage runaways, one of whom revealed long afterward that the same officer had terrorized him into lying.

Tysons conviction was overturned after a previously unknown police report was discovered which documented that the other teenage witness said he had not seen either Tyson or Duval with the victim. Duvals conviction was overturned in 1999.

Tyson received a $1.25 million settlement from the City of Rochester but would struggle financially after prison. Unable to find work as a printer, when she spoke with AP she was earning $143 a week cleaning a day-care center.

She was a very kind person. She helped anyone that needed help, Thomas said Wednesday. I tried to tell her, You know you cant help everybody, now. She did. She did as much as she could.

In the months before her heart attack, Tyson had spent time with an ailing older sister, who died in April, Thomas said, and a younger sister who died less than a month ago. She loved her big crazy family, Thomas said.

We all get together and laugh and talk about the old times and eat good food, Thomas said, talk about our mother.

Their mother, Mattie Lawson Buchanan, died of emphysema just five months after Tysons release.
Were a quiet group. We blend into your world like so many other people that scatter about your day. Were your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors and you probably dont even know it.

But we almost always get the same look of disappointment and confused response after telling people that we dont like the Great New York State Fair.

What? How can you hate the fair?

Its possible to live in Syracuse and be a fair hater. This year marks my 16th consecutive year of avoiding the Not-So-Great New York State Fair. There wasnt a triggering moment, no single instance of disappointment or offense. I simply reached my maximum intake level for middling food, the rainbow of smells, and the crowds. Go ahead and call me a curmudgeon or a snob; you wont be the first person to do it today.

Im not ignorant of the fairs importance to the states agricultural industry; our farmers deserve a forum for recognition and to showcase their finest. But, theres little symmetry between blue ribbon dairy cattle and deep-fried cheesecake chimichangas.

You going to the fair means one less person where I want to go. There are so many things to do in Syracuse on a day when 80, 90, or 100,000 of you are there. So, for my people, the Fair Haters that lurk among us, I offer the top five things to do while everyone else is standing in line for a cup of milk or pizze fritte. Its my fair haters guide to the Syracuse area.

Exterior sign at Pastabilities Restaurant, 311 S. Franklin St. in Syracuse. Michael Greenlar | mgreenlar@syracuse.com SYRSYR

1. Go out to dinner without planning ahead. Local restaurants clamor for your attention and money during the fair as business temporarily heads to Geddes. Have you ever walked into Pastabilities, the venerable Armory Square restaurant, on Friday or Saturday night at prime time and just sat down at a table? Not possible, you say? Go during the fair. On multiple occasions over the years, Ive walked in and been seated immediately on a weekend night instead of going on a list. There are plenty of tables available for us fair haters at local restaurants while youre eating

2. Have a beer outside. If you frequent the local bar scene, you know that the arrival of warm weather means that bar patios fill up quickly on the weekends. Plenty of people go to the Fair as if it is one big bar where they can drink. Personally, I dont understand paying $10 for the privilege of parking a half-mile away from the fairgrounds and another $6 for a ticket to enter it so that I can overpay for undersized plastic cups of beer or diabetes-inducing cocktails. With people at the fair, maybe there will be an open table or two at Emerald Cocktail Kitchen.

Emerald Cocktail Kitchen in Syracuse's Tipperary Hill neighborhood. (Charlie Miller | cmiller@syracuse.com)

3. Go see a movie. So, its an indoor activity but this summers one-two punch of Barbie and Oppenheimer has sold out theaters across central New York. Finding decent (not front row) seats is still a tricky act, but crowds at the fair should take care of that. Now, I cant do much for value here unless you go on National Cinema Day, Aug. 27, when tickets are $4 nationwide. Typically, movie tickets range between $12 to $20 per ticket. Add in popcorn and beverages, and it gets pricey. But, on those days when its hot enough to induce renal failure, an ice-cold movie theater is worth every buck to me while you sweat your way through the Center of Progress building.

4. Theres no better time to hit Wegmans. Ever seen a near-empty Wegmans? Its a sight to behold. Once reserved for people shopping after midnight or on Thanksgiving day, give your supermarket a shot during the fair. I cant say youll have the store to yourself, but I will tell you that the aisles are a little freer and there are fewer people stopping and talking right in front of that jar of hearts of palm you want. Its even possible to get a great parking spot and be in and out of Wegmans in record time during the fair. Well, maybe not at the DeWitt store.

Central New Yorkers head to the beach at Green Lakes State Park in Manlius on July 5, 2021. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

5. Get in the lake. School buses will be slowing your commute in no time as summer grinds itself to its annual unceremonious end. Beach crowds at Green Lakes State Park and Oneida Shores are likely to be thin as people inexplicably abandon a day by the water for a day at the Fair. Thanks for making room for us.

So, fair lovers, thank you for making life in Syracuse a little easier for the rest of us during this years 13-day run. Now, if youll excuse me, Im going turn my air conditioning down and not pay to park in my driveway.

If you dont hate the fair, catch up on it:

Day 2 at the NYS Fair: Todays handpicked menu and schedule

Lainey Wilson crushes NYS Fair record for largest crowd with 53,200 (concert review)

Salt-N-Pepa rattles NYS Fair crowd with hip-hop classics (concert review, photos)

Meats, sweets and everything in between: We ate 100+ things at the 2023 NYS Fair. Heres the best we found

Hidden gems of the NYS Fair: 5 things you didnt even know you needed to try

Gov. Hochuls NYS Fair sausage order comes with a surprise: New building for Basilios

Jared Paventi is a restaurant critic for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Feel free to tell him hes wrong about the Fair on Twitter, Bluesky or Threads at @jaredpaventi.
The Taos News delivered to your Taos County address every week for a full year! We offer our lowest mail rates to zip codes in the county. Click Here to See if you Qualify. Plan includes unlimited website access and e-edition print replica online. Your auto pay plan will be conveniently renewed at the end of the subscription period. You may cancel at anytime.
Unconfirmed information has appeared in Russia that a suspect has allegedly appeared in the case of the plane crash of the head of PMC "Wagner" Yevgeny Prigozhin. It is stated that it is Artem Stepanov - a personal pilot of "Putin's cook", who had access to his business jet and went to Kamchatka before the explosion.

ADVERTISIMENT

This was reported by one of the insider Telegram channels of the aggressor country on the morning of August 24, the second day after Prigozhin's death. Stepanov, according to his data, tried to find the law enforcement agencies of the Russian Federation, but without success. He was "lost" in a remote region of the Russian Federation.

It is known that Stepanov is a former founder of MNT Aero (the owner of the crashed jet).

"The only thing his sibling was able to report was that he was allegedly camping for the third day and without communication," the report said.

The author of the Telegram channel said that Russian security forces are actively looking for Prigozhin's personal pilot, but there is a possibility that he has already left the Russian border.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL wrote:

- On the evening of August 23, the Embraer ERG 135 plane belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin crashed in the Bologovo district of Russia's Tver region, 15 kilometers from the Khotilovo airbase. There were 10 people on board - seven passengers and three crew members. All of them died.

- It is alleged that the passengers of the plane were the deputy head of the PMC - the first commander of "Wagner" Dmitry Utkin, as well as Prigozhin himself. Subsequently, Russia confirmed the death of the financier of PMC "Wagner".

- According to the Financial Times, Prigozhin's plane was shot down by a Russian air defense missile. Preliminarily, the business jet lost altitude of 2.5 kilometers in just 22 seconds.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
On August 24, Valeriy Zaluzhny, Kyrylo Budanov, Serhiy Naiev, Vasyl Maliuk and Oleksandr Syrsky congratulated Ukrainians on the Independence Day of our country. All of them noted that now we defend our independence in brutal battles with Russian occupants.

ADVERTISIMENT

Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Valeriy Zaluzhny called Ukraine a country of unruly, unshakable and unbending, as well as proud, heroic and brave people. The general shared a video of our military on his Facebook page.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, published a congratulatory message on Telegram. He noted that the Ukrainian people's way to Independence was long and hard. This struggle continues now.

ADVERTISIMENT

"We are destroying the Russian occupiers, courageously and selflessly reclaiming our territories for the second year in a row after a full-scale invasion... We have a common goal of winning, a common dream of building an independent, peaceful, safe and rich future and a common idea of bringing justice in all its manifestations!" the Head of DIU wrote.

He wished that the main state holiday inspired Ukrainians to further fight against the hated enemy, and the heroic Victory of Ukraine became a universal victory of the entire democratic world.

"Eternal memory and respect to the heroes who gave their lives for their native land, for our happy future", Major General Budanov said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Commander of the Joint Forces of the AFU Serhiy Naiev noted on Facebook that today the entire Ukrainian people and the Armed Forces are showing the world an example of how to fight for Independence and Freedom.

He reminded that partner countries help Ukraine. "Modern weapons, armaments and military equipment coming to the Ukrainian army demonstrate the unity of the anti-Putin coalition. And such truly global unity inspires confidence in the alternative-free finale of our war of liberation with our victory!" the Lieutenant General emphasized.

ADVERTISIMENT

Vasyl Maliuk, head of the Security Service of Ukraine, reminded that August 24 is exactly one and a half years since we are holding back another wave of Russian invasion of our land.

"During the full-scale war, Independence acquired new meanings. It has become not only the embodiment of our right to life and freedom but also a symbol of heroism and feat," Maliuk wrote on Facebook.

He said that his department conducts unique special operations and contributes to the day when the words cherished for all Ukrainians will sound. "The enemy is destroyed, Ukraine has won".

ADVERTISIMENT

"Do not forget that this path is fought with the blood of Heroes who gave their lives for the Motherland. Our military brothers are emong them, whom we will always remember. Their feat gives strength to fight and destroy the enemy. We will endure because we are defending our native land," the SSU head said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Oleksandr Syrsky, commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, congratulated his fellow citizens on his Telegram channel as well.

"Independence. Our ancestors fought for it for centuries. Our generation also has to fight for it. It is we who must end this war once and for all with our victory," he emphasized.

Syrsky pointed out that the Defense Forces are liberating our towns and villages step by step. "Glory to the heroes who fell for Ukraine! We remember and will not forgive the enemy a drop of blood. Glory to the heroes who are in the ranks today and who write the modern history not only ours but also of the whole world. Ukraine was, is and will be!" Colonel-General stated.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Ukraine and Ukrainians on the 32nd anniversary of the declaration of Independence on the morning of August 24. You can watch the address of the guarantor recorded in Kyiv on the background of the mural to the Ukrainian Hero Oleksandr Matsievsky at the link.

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
In better late than never news, Google has announced that you can begin moving your oldest Nest cameras to Google Home, provided youre signed up for the preview program of the Google Home app.

The Nest Cam Indoor is the first of the original Nest cams to make the move to Google Home, Google announced in a blog post. Next up will be the Nest Cam Outdoor, with other first-gen Nest cameras to come.

Google didnt give a timeline for when the Nest Cam Outdoor or the rest of its first-gen Nest camera lineup would be migrated to Google Home.

This news story is part of TechHives in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras.

Theres also no additional word on when the Nest Protect smoke detector will make its way to the Google Home app. A Google rep told Nest community members earlier this month that a Nest Protect migration to Google Home is on our roadmap but provided no further details.

To add the Nest Cam Indoor to Google Home, youll need to be a member of Googles Public Preview program for the Google Home app. If youre not already a Public Preview member, anyone can request an invite.

Once youre in the Public Preview, youll get a prompt once youre eligible to move the Nest Cam Indoor to the Google Home app. Not all preview users of Google Home will be able to transfer their Nest Cam Indoor units to the Google Home app right away, with Google noting that its slowly adding more Nest Cam Indoor users each week.

The original Nest cameras arrived beginning in 2014 starting with the Nest Cam Indoor, just prior to Googles acquisition of the brand.

Those first Nest cameras all worked with the Nest appand still do, while the 2021 wave of second-generation Nest cams are integrated into the Google Home app. That means owners of the original Nest cameras who also own newer Nest cams must use two apps to control their devices, a fact thats long annoyed loyal Nest users.

Google announced during its Google I/O conference in May that it would begin gradually moving its older Nest cameras to the Google Home app, which just got a top-to-bottom makeover.

At the time, Google promised that the Nest Cam Indoor would make the move for Public Preview users in July, meaning Google missed its target by a month.

While Google is slowly beginning the Nest Cam Indoor transfer to Google Home, it notes that there is no change to the Nest app today, and that users can continue to use the app as you do now.

Nest Cam Indoor users who migrate the camera to Google Home and then change their minds can always move the cam back to the Nest app, although you wont be able to access the Nest Cam Indoor using both the Google Home and Nest apps at the same time.

Sign up for the Best of TechHive newsletter
In context: Experian is a multinational corporation headquartered in Dublin, engaged in the contentious credit reporting industry. Operating across 37 countries, the company offers consumers a "credit score" to assess financial risk. According to US law, Experian is obligated to furnish consumers with a free credit report annually.

Experian recently reached a settlement with the US government in response to a lawsuit filed by the FTC. As part of the settlement, the credit reporting corporation has agreed to a permanent injunction and will pay a $650,000 civil penalty. The lawsuit was prompted by Experian's subsidiary, ConsumerInfo.com, also known as Experian Consumer Services (Experian), reportedly sending commercial emails related to customer credit scores. These emails lacked a clear mechanism for recipients to opt-out, essentially constituting a spam campaign.

According to the DoJ, Experian's actions violated the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (CAN-SPAM Act), the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Rule (CAN-SPAM Rule), and the Federal Trade Commission Act. The targeted customers were those who had established free Experian accounts to manage third-party access to their credit reports, a measure intended to safeguard their financial information from both malicious entities and legitimate institutions such as banks.

Experian used the email addresses belonging to free accounts as just another marketing tool, according to the DoJ. The company sent consumers commercial promotions for its paid services, offering a credit score "boost" or a free scan of the dark web for unsecure user data proliferation. In the emails, Experian tried to encourage consumers to use one of these services by asking them to confirm whether a car the company had associated with their account was actually theirs.

Experian emails didn't include any notice about the fact that users could opt-out of future marketing campaigns, and there was no simple way (a link, a button, anything) to start the opt-out procedure. US authorities received "many consumer complaints" about the practice, the DoJ states, which was in clear violation of the CAN-SPAM Act and the CAN-SPAM Rule.

Providing users with the ability to opt-out of unwanted commercial emails is a "critical" right, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said. Furthermore, such emails must not be misleading in any way. The settlement forces Experian to avoid further violations of the CAN-SPAM Act, while the $650,000 fine is essentially inconsequential for a company that made $1.1 billion in profits last year.

Despite settling the lawsuit with the US government, Experian is still professing its innocence. The company stated that it disagrees with the FTC's allegations, but it wants to "move forward" to continue serving consumers in the "best way possible." Every new marketing email now contains a link to an "Email Preferences Center" that consumers can use to customize communications sent by Experian.
In brief: Researchers from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) are working to perfect an AI-powered robot capable of flying an airplane simply by reading the manual.

The humanoid robot, dubbed Pibot, is approximately 160 cm tall and weighs 65 kilograms (or about 5'2" and 143 pounds). Pibot has two arms and a full complement of digits, just like a human, so it can operate intricate flight instruments, even during turbulence. Given its average size and shape, no modifications are needed to a plane's cockpit for Pibot to fly it.

The bot utilizes AI-based technology to read and digest flying manuals, and can even communicate with other pilots and air traffic controllers using a synthesized voice. Its creators claim Pibot can react and respond to emergency situations far more effectively than a human pilot.

What's more, the bot does not suffer from the same shortcomings that limit a human's ability, such as fatigue. So long as electrical power is sustained, Pibot can do its job. The question is - would you feel comfortable with a robot pilot behind the controls?

Pibot is not limited to aerial craft, either. The bot can reportedly drive a car, command a tank, or even sail a ship.

David Shim, an associate professor of electrical engineering at KAIST, told Euronews Next they built their first prototype in 2016 at the behest of the Agency for Defense Development, the national agency for defense research in South Korea. At that time, AI technology was not all that great so they started with a basic robot. Thanks to complex large language models that have emerged as of late, Pibot took a huge leap forward.

The publication noted the use of ChatGPT specifically, but added that the team is also developing its own natural language model that will allow the bot to make queries without an active Internet connection.

KAIST expects to finalize work on Pibot by 2026. Shim believes the bot could eventually be used for military purposes.

Image credit: Terrance Brown
Ultra-wide gaming monitors are no longer new, but what seems to be combining two monitors into one package and delivering a more ultra-wide screen for all display needs is something that Samsung introduced last CES 2023. The 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 monitor made its way earlier this year and is soon dropping to the public for its October release date recently revealed by Samsung.

The world's first dual monitor screen, as Samsung calls it, touts a sleek finish into one package that is one ludicrous tech for the company, giving gamers and creatives more space to work on for their needs.

Samsung's 57-inch Ultra-Wide Dual Monitor is Dropping this October

(Photo : Samsung)

Samsung unveiled its latest gaming monitor that is said to be the first dual UHD display in one package, The Odyssey Neo G9 is set to drop this October for the world to experience. The South Korean company has a massive monitor on display on Gamescom 2023, available for those looking to see the device for themselves to assess how it would look on their setup.

Alongside this release, Samsung is also set to deliver an updated 2023 55-inch Odyssey Ark, the most advanced and capable gaming monitor in its lineup.

The Odyssey Neo G9 is marketed as a dual-screen curved monitor in one, featuring Dual Ultra-High Definition (DUHD) with a 32:9 aspect ratio, giving off a vibe of two 32-inch monitors in one.

It features 1,000 nit peak brightness, HDR, 240hz refresh rate, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 2.1, and a USB hub.

Read Also: Android on an iPhone? Samsung's 'Try Galaxy' is Now Available to Experience the Foldable in iOS

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9: How Much?

(Photo : Samsung)

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is more affordable compared to its Odyssey Ark flagship, but it is still an expensive monitor to add to one's setup. It is available for $2,499.99, and its price is not bad for its size, form factor, and specs that it has to offer.

The previous Odyssey Neo G9 was only 49 inches, with this screen adding as much as eight more inches to maximize its display.

Ultra-Wide Gaming Monitors

Gaming and creativity monitors have been a staple in the display world for a long time, and despite their size which resembles televisions, it remains an accessory to devices and platforms to complete the experience. Samsung is no longer new to dropping large-sized curved gaming monitors to the world, from its more affordable 49-inch QHD Curved monitor, down to its expensive 55-inch Odsyssey Ark.

Its largest gaming monitor to date is the 55-inch Samsung Odyssey Ark which features a massive screen with 1000R curvatures on its form factor that maximizes all sides of the display. However, it is a notorious one for the industry, as it features a $3,500 price tag in the present, with Samsung introducing it last year to bring an alternative to a dual monitor setup.

The Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 is coming soon this October, and it is significantly cheaper at $2,500, still featuring iconic specs that are set to stage a dual-monitor setup in one.

Related Article: Samsung Launches New Freestyle Gen 2 Projector With Cloud Gaming Hub

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A chunk of a default payload adapter that launched in 2013 was the subject of a clean-up mission to rid it from orbit, but it was ironically hit with another space junk that caused it to split into smaller pieces. Despite the ironic case, the European Space Agency (ESA) is still set to commission ClearSpace's upcoming ClearSpace-1 mission for its 2026 launch to remove the garbage.

This recent event only highlights the fact that humans' growing space industry is also contributing harm to space, and may prove to be dangerous for future space missions.

VESPA Space Junk Hit with Space Junk

(Photo : ActionVance on Unsplash)

According to the recent statement from the ESA, the United States 18th Space Defense Squadron has informed them that the space junk that they are tracking has split into multiple fragments after getting hit by another space junk debris.

This centers on the VESPA payload adapter which launched with the Vega rocket in 2013 and was left in orbit after delivering its payload from the said mission.

It broke off into multiple pieces of debris now, instead of being one space junk that the ESA aims to clean up soon through the Swiss start-up, ClearSpace, to undertake the mission.

According to the ESA, "A preliminary assessment indicates that the increased collision risk to other missions posed by these fragments is negligible."

Read Also: US Space Force Reports Break up of Mysterious Russian Satellite That Produced Cloud of Space Debris

ClearSpace-1 Mission Still a Go

According to the ESA, the ClearSpace-1 mission is still a go, a program that will launch by 2026 to begin its cleaning operations that will center on the adapter after as much as 13 years of staying there.

The ESA commissioned ClearSpace for a future clean-up mission that will target the VESPA adapter and rid of the space junk with its claw-like hands that will fling it to the Earth's atmosphere, burning it as it re-enters.

Space Pollution is Real

The growing case of space pollution is real, and while it has no adverse effects on the massive void's environment, it certainly has a significant effect on humans on Earth. According to an expert, space garbage can potentially "trap" humans on Earth should there come a time when they go out of the planet for interstellar missions, with the garbage orbiting the planet affecting spacecraft and its instruments.

While breaking up in space is not intended by agencies and companies to happen to their rocket, there are low clean-up missions in place for these concerned bodies to undertake and tidy things up in space.

One famous example would be the Long March 6A rocket which saw a breakup incident that involved the spacecraft's upper stage, creating a debris cloud that contained as much as 350 fragments.

Thousands of space junk are already orbiting the planet and remain there, particularly as it is locked in the Earth's orbit and is not going anywhere thanks to the low presence of gravity. Still, its constant movement makes it a risk for other space junk and future missions, with the ESA's ClearSpace-1 mission with the Swiss company looking to rid of the VESPA junk in less than three years.

Related Article: Scientists Push for International Legally-binding Treaty To Eliminate Space Junk

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
As we brace ourselves for smoky skies and compromised air quality because of the wildfire season, there is a smart way to safeguard your home from the onslaught of harmful particulates.

The solution? An air purifier. But before you dive in, let us unravel the secret to maximizing its performance with an ingenious placement hack first shared by CNET.

Combat Indoor Air Pollutants

The Respiratory Health Association warns that exposure to air pollutants can trigger a range of respiratory issues, from annoying coughs and wheezing to grave conditions like lung cancer and heart attacks.

The stakes are high, especially during wildfire season when smoke and allergens fill the air. But do not worry, the technology to combat these indoor air pollutants is within reach: the air purifier.

Air purifiers serve as our protection against invisible threats. These devices prevent pollutants from infiltrating your space, making them essential allies in your fight for fresh air.

The Ultimate Placement Hack

Sure, you have decided to invest in an air purifier, but here is an insider tip to make it a game-changer: strategic placement. Setting up an air purifier is not just about plugging it in; it is a calculated decision that can boost its performance to new heights.

Step 1: Give it Room to Breathe

According to experts from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, your air purifier needs some elbow room, between 18 and 24 inches of space around the unit. This breathing space is a necessity for optimal air circulation and effective purification.

Step 2: Close Doors and Windows

Imagine you are trying to scoop water out of a sinking boat, but the water keeps pouring in. That is what happens when you allow outdoor air to rush in through open doors and windows. Seal off the room where your air purifier works its magic to prevent external pollutants from crashing your clean air party.

Read Also: Torch Is Working On Solar-powered Outdoor Sensors as Wildfire Threats Increase

Step 3: Choose the Right Spot

Whirlpool, a reputable air purifier manufacturer, recommends a "firm, level, and flat" surface for your device. Orient the air purifier to face the room's center, ensuring that its cleansing prowess covers every nook and cranny.

Step 4: Carpet Protection

If your room boasts light-colored carpets, heed Whirlpool's advice: place a mat beneath the air purifier to ward off potential stains. It is a small gesture that safeguards your flooring while enhancing the device's visual appeal.

Take Note

While proper placement is a critical pillar of air purifier efficiency, maintenance and cleaning are its steadfast companions.

Even the most strategically placed air purifier cannot perform optimally if it is clogged with debris. Regular cleaning, about once every few months, is the unsung hero that ensures your device stays in tip-top shape.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Are Air Purifiers a Good Investment?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
With China still shackled by the stricter US chip curbs, Nvidia has warned that such implementation will hurt American chipmakers in the long run.

The California-based hardware company believes that this could likely risk a "permanent loss" for the part of the semiconductor firms in the country.

AI China Chip Export Curbs Could Impact US Chipmakers

According to an initial report by CNBC, Nvidia has issued a new warning that the ongoing AI chip export curbs will likely leave a lasting impact on the American chip-making industry.

Early reports claimed that the Biden administration would implement another set of changes in line with the AI-related chip restrictions. This could likely affect Nvidia's business model.

As we know, Nvidia has started selling the H100 and A100 GPUs to China in 2022. These products have passed the US export control compliance.

"We believe the current regulation is achieving the intended results. 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," Nvidia CFO Colette Kress said during the company's earnings call on Wednesday, Aug. 23.

Kress added that Washington's move to prohibit the selling of graphics processing units to China could result in a permanent loss of opportunity for the US industry over the long term.

Nvidia's Sales Grew to 170% in the Current Quarter

Although the US chip curbs are limiting China's capability to maximize AI using the hardware, Nvidia managed to exceed Wall Street's expectations in the current quarter.

According to Verdict, Nvidia still saw a massive demand for its semiconductors suited for AI processes.

For the fiscal third-quarter revenue, the Jensen Huang-led business collected around $16 billion, accounting for 170% growth from the 2022 record.

Nvidia will likely continue to supply China with less powerful versions of their GPUs since the AI demand is skyrocketing at this moment.

Related Article: US Fears AI Chips Could Slip into the Hands of China Following Nvidia Export Restrictions

The US Fears China Will Use Chips For Military Purposes

The export restrictions on the semiconductors are only a part of a bigger tech battle between the two giants. Washington believes that if China gets access to the powerful chips, it could potentially use them for military means.

GlobalData writes in its report that China's consumption of semiconductors only accounts for 40% worldwide. However, only 12% are considered self-sufficient, according to the data.

While Nvidia does not anticipate that the Biden admin will launch additional export restrictions anytime soon, Huang believes that there's a need to pause the implementation.

A previous report from Bloomberg said that the US government is only doing its best to protect the country and denounce China's motive to upgrade its military system.

Read Also: US Plans New Restrictions on AI Shipments to China, Stocks Plummet

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Germany aims to considerably expand public financing for artificial intelligence (AI) research to catch up to global giants like China and the US.



The decision was made as Europe's largest economy works to revive its economy in the face of difficulties facing several of its major sectors, including chemicals and cars, in the face of intense competition and rising energy prices, according to Reuters.



Germany's goal of roughly tripling public financing for AI research to nearly a billion euros over the next two years was declared by Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the minister of research. Even if this sum may seem minor compared to the $3.3 billion the American government will spend on AI research in 2022, it marks a significant advancement for Germany's AI aspirations.

Germany's Strategy

The strategy calls for building 150 new university laboratories for AI research, expanding data centers, and opening up large public data sets to AI-driven insights. Given its particular difficulties, like the predominance of cash transactions and out-of-date technology like fax machines, Germany's goal to improve its AI skills is an impressive undertaking.



The private investment in the US, which was astonishing at $47.4 billion in 2022 and roughly twice Europe's total spending in this area, dwarfs Germany's state financing for AI research. Stark-Watzinger emphasized Europe's unique legal structure, which stresses privacy and personal safety despite this disparity and may draw foreign players to Germany.



The competitive benefit of having AI that is comprehensible, reliable, and transparent was stressed by Stark-Watzinger. She said simplified rules could encourage the nation to invest more in private research.

Read Also: Stellantis Eyeing Chinese EV Partnership, Following Volkswagen Lead



German AI startups have seen growth, projected to double in size by 2023, despite the country not having the same number of IT heavyweights as the United States. Stark-Watzinger recognized that Germany still has the ninth-highest percentage of AI startups internationally.



In a statement, the Federal Ministry for Education and Research emphasized the importance of AI as a "key technology" with enormous potential for advancements in science, economic development, competitiveness, and social value, TNW reported. The ministry emphasized the need to safeguard Germany's and Europe's technical leadership in an AI-powered future.

Germany, Europe Ramping Up AI Efforts to Maintain Tech Status

The European Union's pledges align with Germany's increasing investment in AI research. Through the Horizon Europe initiative, the EU has committed $1.08 billion a year towards AI research, with a goal of $21.7 billion in annual investment volume from the private sector and member states.



Given the geopolitical difficulties with countries like China, these measures, unveiled with Germany's AI Action Plan, showed the country's commitment to integrating its academic practices with its security objectives.



Germany's decision to increase financing and make use of its legal framework underscores its strategic effort to compete in the global AI arena. Stanford University's 2023 Artificial Intelligence Index report indicated that worldwide AI expenditure reached $91.9 billion in 2022, per The Messenger.



Germany also suggested more robust AI and chip export limits for China this week, repeating US proposals. The nation has provided ideas for improving the Chinese foreign direct investment evaluation.

Related Article: Beijing Is Pushing to Ban the Use of AI-Generated Medical Prescriptions

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Reports from Windows 11 users have recently emerged, noting blue screens of death (BSOD) following the installation of the recently released update KB5029351.

Windows users have taken to online forums to express their perplexity and seek solutions to what seems to be an emerging problem.

The Windows Blue Screen Issue

PCWorld reports that the issue at hand appears to be centered around an enigmatic error message: "UNSUPPORTED_PROCESSOR."

Users who have eagerly updated their systems with the KB5029351 patch have been greeted by this cryptic message upon restarting their devices.

Microsoft, the software giant behind the Windows operating system, has taken notice of the situation and is actively investigating the root cause of this unexpected glitch.

Microsoft's Response

In response to the growing concern, Microsoft has confirmed that it has already started investigations and encouraged affected users to file a report.

The company has urged users to utilize the Feedback Hub, an integrated feature within Windows, to report their experiences and provide valuable insights into the problem.

The Redmond-based tech giant is diligently sifting through user feedback to discern whether this issue stems from a glitch in their own software.

Read Also: Microsoft Brings Python Integration to Excel-Here's What to Expect

Uninstalling the Update

For those experiencing the dreaded blue screen issue, uninstalling the problematic KB5029351 update can be a straightforward solution.

Interestingly, Windows 11 seems to be taking matters into its own hands by automatically uninstalling the update after repeated failed attempts to boot with the troublesome update in place.

User Involvement

Microsoft's Feedback Hub has become the hub of activity as users unite to contribute their observations and experiences.

The process is easy: users need to open the Feedback Hub through the Start menu, detail their encounters with the error message, and categorize the issue appropriately.

Microsoft encourages users to record a session of the error occurring for a more accurate understanding of the problem.

More Details About the Update

KB5029351, an optional update, was released on August 22, 2023, with the intention of offering users a sneak peek into upcoming features. It's compatible with Windows 11 22H2, Windows 11 21H2, and Windows 10 22H2.

Unlike regular updates, KB5029351 does not deploy automatically; users need to explicitly select the option for Windows to showcase optional updates for installation. This shift from automatic to user-initiated installations underscores Microsoft's commitment to user autonomy.

Interestingly, Windows 11 initially swapped out its signature blue screen of death for a black variant. However, in a surprising about-face in November 2021, Microsoft reverted to the familiar blue screen. The abbreviation "BSOD" aptly suited both color variations, further highlighting the whimsical nature of software evolution.

As the Windows community waits with bated breath, Microsoft assures users that the issue is under thorough investigation

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Microsoft Paint is Getting an AI-Powered Boost Claims Report-Will it Revamp the Experience?

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
On 24 August, the day of the 32nd anniversary of Ukraine's independence, Lithuania officially announced an additional aid package for the country. Lithuanian Defence Minister Arvydas Anusauskas announced that military support worth 41 million euros would be sent.

ADVERTISIMENT

This information was published on the official website of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence. According to Anusauskas, the total amount of military aid that Ukraine has received from Lithuania since the beginning of the full-scale conflict has exceeded half a billion euros.

This package will include a variety of equipment, including Carl Gustaf ammunition, rifles, maritime surveillance radar sets, as well as 5.56 mm ammunition, generators, anti-drone equipment and other equipment. Ukraine will also receive a missile launch system for NASAMS.

"Lithuania's contribution to the struggle for Ukraine's freedom has already amounted to millions of units of ammunition and thousands of weapons, and as a return, valuable lessons and strengthening of Lithuania's defence. Lithuania continues to provide continuous support to Ukraine, which today celebrates the 32nd anniversary of its independence, and the total amount of military support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war has already exceeded half a billion euros," said Minister of National Defence Arvydas Anusauskas.

ADVERTISIMENT

As a reminder, Norway will supply Ukraine with IRIS-T anti-aircraft missiles and demining equipment. The country will also help Kyiv secure gas and electricity supplies. This statement was made by Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre on Thursday during a visit to Kyiv.

Earlier it was reported that Lithuania would soon provide Ukraine with NASAMS launchers. The defence forces will receive them in September. This was announced on 23 August by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Twitter after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Uber has raised the minimum age for most new California drivers to 25. The American transportation firm made this decision due to increased state commercial auto insurance premiums.



The new guideline only applies to Uber drivers, not Uber Eats delivery drivers. Before this, drivers as young as 19 could join the platform. According to Uber, drivers under 25 whose accounts were authorized before the regulation change will not be impacted and may continue to work for the company.

Surging Insurance Costs

Due to Uber's Californian drivers' disproportionately high insurance costs compared to private car owners or taxi drivers, the ridesharing company decided to apply this new age restriction. According to AP News, Uber stated that regulatory changes have increased the number of personal injury claims targeting ride-hailing services, raising its commercial insurance costs by more than 65% in two years.



Uber exceeds the minimum criteria by providing its drivers with commercial auto insurance that includes at least $1 million in liability coverage once a trip is approved, even though all 50 US states require it. This coverage exceeds that of personal motor insurance, which generally excludes ride-hailing.

Read Also: FBI Warning: North Korean Hackers Ready to Cash Out Millions of Dollars in Crypto



The new Uber age restriction of 25 for new drivers is similar to that of Lyft, the firm's major rival. The new policy will be explained in an email notice sent to new Uber applicants under 25, along with other details, starting Thursday.



This change in eligibility coincides with an increase in passenger demand following a challenging period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that Uber's rider counts have surpassed those from 2019, there is hope that the firm is getting closer to achieving its objective of continuous profitability, per ABC News.

Police Update on Netflix Employee Missing After Riding an Uber

In a separate update, the San Jose Police Department published details on the disappearance of 22-year-old Netflix software developer Yohanes Kidane, who went missing this week after taking an Uber. Security footage showed him leaving his downtown San Jose home and entering an Uber-branded automobile.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the police investigation found no criminality related to Kidane's disappearance. Detectives say he took a ridesharing from San Jose to San Francisco and disappeared there. The inquiry with the California Highway Patrol and US Coast Guard seeks Kidane's location.

The San Jose Police Department said they would keep Kidane's family updated on the investigation until he is found.

Related Article: EA Lays Off 50 People in Its BioWare Studio, Parts Ways With Unionized Keywords Playtesting Firm

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A lifeless bottlenose dolphin calf was discovered washed ashore near Jacksonville, Florida.

TMZ reports that the grim discovery has sparked a wave of investigations and controversy due to its potential connection to a viral Instagram photo-op that has ignited outrage across social media platforms.

Wildlife authorities are now racing against time to unravel the circumstances surrounding the young marine mammal's untimely demise.

Baby Dolphin Posted on Instagram Found Dead?

The deceased dolphin, a mere-year-old, was stumbled upon beneath a bridge spanning a place called the Nassau Sound.

A local news outlet pointed out that this location eerily aligns with the backdrop of an Instagram image that caused a flurry of criticism and subsequently launched a joint inquiry by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The photo in question, which has since been widely circulated, depicted two individuals lifting a dolphin out of the water.

Faces obscured, the individuals ignited a storm of public condemnation as speculations emerged that this very dolphin was the one discovered dead just days later.

Read Also: Bizarre Alien-Like Organism Discovered: What Are Antarctic Feather Stars?

Experts Start Investigation

The FWC's initial reports indicated that the dolphin's unique dorsal fin, akin to a marine fingerprint, matched the one seen in the contentious Instagram post.

This identification mechanism proved pivotal in establishing a potential link between the viral image and the unfortunate calf's tragic fate. The circumstances surrounding the dolphin's condition at the time of the photograph remained a point of contention.

Although experts concurred that visual assessment could not definitively determine its vitality, Dr. Quincy Gibson, an associate professor of coastal and marine biology at the University of North Florida noted that the rapid degradation process of a deceased dolphin could obscure this distinction.

She revealed that the FWC report highlighted the young calf's bloated and bleeding mouth, indicative of the decomposition process.

No Charges Filed

While authorities refrained from filing charges against the individuals involved in the photo, the case shines a spotlight on the stringent federal regulations guarding marine life.

Even though bottlenose dolphins are not considered endangered or threatened, they remain protected in U.S. waters by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

Data from Seaworld tells us that the worldwide population of common bottlenose dolphins is about 600,000. Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins are abundant, but the overall population is unknown.

The tragic incident underscores the vital role that marine mammals play in the ecological balance of our oceans. Dr. Gibson reiterated that the deceased calf was likely still nursing at the tender age of one year.

Removing dolphins from their natural buoyant habitat, as portrayed in the photo, can lead to fatal consequences, often resulting from the crushing weight of their own bodies.

Stay posted here at Tech Times.

Related Article: Turtles' Shells Preserve Post-World War II Nuclear History, Enduring Uranium Signatures Even Decades After: Study

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A new study found that the primitive relatives of Tyrannosaurus rex had bulldog-like snouts and shorter arms. The research offers new insights about the end of the dinosaur period in Africa based on fossils recently discovered close to Casablanca, Morocco.



The recently identified dinosaur species belong to the Abelisauridae subfamily of carnivorous dinosaurs, which include the famous tyrannosaurs of the Northern Hemisphere, per NonStop Local. These giant animals lived during the late Cretaceous era and provide a glimpse into the varied world of African dinosaurs right before the global extinction catastrophe around 66 million years ago.

What Were the Newly Discovered Species?

The first dinosaur species, represented by a foot bone found near Sidi Daoui, was around 2.5 meters (eight feet) long. The second species, discovered around Sidi Chennane, had a shin bone from a carnivore that was an astonishing five meters (15 feet) in length. The journal Cretaceous Research has published the comprehensive results.



Surprisingly, both species coexisted alongside Chenanisaurus barbaricus, a considerably bigger abelisaur. The variety of dinosaur species found in Morocco proves that the area was home to many of these extinct animals right before a massive asteroid impact brought about the end of the Cretaceous epoch.



Dr. Nick Longrich, chief researcher at Bath's Milner Centre for Evolution, was amazed by the discovery. According to Science Daily, the expert pointed out that the fossils were placed in unexpected locations for dinosaur remains since they were placed next to a shallow, tropical sea, home to plesiosaurs, mosasaurs, and sharks.

Read Also: Viral TikTok Egg Prank Sparks Health Concerns for Kids



Despite the fact that there were few dinosaur remains in the area, Morocco's plethora of fossils has allowed scientists to get a previously unheard-of look at how the dinosaur period in Africa ended. The paleontologists' continued discoveries of remains and species exhibit the enormously diverse dinosaur fauna.



Ajnabia, a tiny dinosaur with a duckbill, a long-necked titanosaur, Chenanisaurus, a large abelisaur, and the two recently found abelisaurs are among the species now recognized that once existed on Earth.

Rewriting the History of Dinosaurs

The findings cast doubt on widely held beliefs about the fall of dinosaurs before the global extinction catastrophe. With the recent discovery of the Moroccan fossils, experts now consider that dinosaurs in North Africa thrived until the end of the Cretaceous period.



Dr. Longrich noted that this area represents only a tiny portion of the earth. The Moroccan fossils provide insight into the complicated dynamics of dinosaur populations during their last chapter, showing that some dinosaurs remained at lower latitudes as temperatures got colder.



The study's co-author, Nour-Eddine Jalil, a professor at the Natural History Museum and a researcher at the Universite Cadi Ayyad in Morocco, emphasized the importance of these results. He emphasized that, although rare, dinosaur remains share the same message as more numerous marine reptile remains, that biodiversity in the period leading up to the Cretaceous-Paleogene crisis was not in decline but rather diversified.

"When T. rex reigned as a mega predator in North America, abelisaurs sat at the top of the food chains in North Africa," the expert said, as quoted by Phys.org.

Related Article: Turtles' Shells Preserve Post-World War II Nuclear History, Enduring Uranium Signatures Even Decades After: Study

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Major social media platforms are being urged in a joint statement by a coalition of foreign privacy watchdogs, including the UK's ICO, Canada's OPC, and Hong Kong's OPCPD, to take precautions to protect users' public postings from data scraping.



Regulators stress that these platforms must secure user data from scraping since most nations implement laws protecting publicly available personal data. "These obligations will generally apply to personal information, whether that information is publicly accessible or not. Mass data scraping of personal information can constitute a reportable data breach in many jurisdictions," the joint statement reads, according to TechCrunch.

Watchdogs Admit It's a Tough Job

The coalition's statement, which was signed by privacy watchdogs from Australia, Switzerland, Norway, New Zealand, Colombia, Jersey, Morocco, Argentina, and Mexico, comes at a time when generative AI models, which depend on big datasets for training, are becoming more and more popular.

As the demand for data-driven AI technology rises, the regulators, who are members of the Global Privacy Assembly's international enforcement cooperation working group, want to prevent possible data abuse and exploitation.



The authorities are aware of the difficulties social media firms confront in protecting publicly posted content from scraping. The amount of user-generated information makes human monitoring difficult, and data scrapers' developing methods need platforms to be watchful and updated. Moreover, these platforms have the difficult task of striking a balance between the security of individual privacy and the transparency and accessibility of public messages.

Read Also: Uber Raises Minimum Age Requirement for California Drivers, Citing Rising Insurance Costs

Anti-Data Scraping Recommendations

The watchdogs recommend numerous tactics for social media networks to use in order to successfully prevent scraping. They recommend creating sophisticated AI systems that can identify and stop scraping attempts by observing trends and behaviors, according to Today's Esquire.

Suggested protection measures include strengthening the terms of service to expressly forbid scraping and strictly enforcing these regulations. Additionally, educating users about the dangers of data scraping and emphasizing privacy controls may enable them to take charge of their data protection.

The announcement coincides with increased criticism of the data practices of technology firms. In July, Reuters reported that Google was the target of a class-action lawsuit alleging that the tech firm unlawfully scraped data from websites to train AI systems, infringing on both copyright and privacy rights. The exploitation of private information and copyrighted content for AI training has led to a number of legal lawsuits against key figures in the AI business.



Several platforms have previously dealt with big data crises related to data scraping in prior years. Due to inadequate permissions implemented by the corporation, the 2018 Cambridge Analytica data abuse incident highlighted Facebook's weakness when a developer obtained access to data on millions of users without their authorization.

Last year, Facebook was fined $275 million under the GDPR for data scraping that affected 530 million users due to unsafe product design. Notably, a lawsuit brought by an Irish digital rights organization contests the Data Protection Authority's determination that the latter incident did not involve a security breach.

Related Article: OpenAI's GPT 3.5 Turbo Gets Personalized-Train ChatGPT Using Your Data via its API

 2023 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Norway will transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Thus, the Kingdom will become the third NATO country after the Netherlands and Denmark to provide Kyiv with combat aircraft.

ADVERTISIMENT

This is reported by the edition TV2, citing information from its own sources. "Several independent sources confirmed to TV channel TV 2 that Norway has decided to give Ukraine F-16," - stated in the material.

It is noteworthy that today the Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre is on an official visit to Kiev.

In June, Stre was personally invited by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky. He wanted the Prime Minister to attend the Independence Day of Ukraine, which is celebrated on the day of the country's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

Earlier, Norwegian Defence Minister Bjorn Arild Gramm said that his ministry would support the training of Ukrainian pilots and personnel on F-16 fighter jets. He called for the country's parliament to agree on this initiative.

ADVERTISIMENT

We shall remind you that Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said that his country had placed restrictions on Ukraine's use of F-16 fighter jets. According to him, after the Ukrainian military receives these aircraft, they will not be able to strike the territory of the terrorist state of Russia.

A Ukrainian pilot with the call sign Moonfish, who is currently undergoing training on an F-16 fighter jet, said that the allies took Ukraine's wishes into account while drawing up the training plan. According to him, more attention will be paid to missions that correspond to the realities of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Earlier it was reported that the Netherlands and Denmark are committed to transfer F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but the deliveries will take place after certain conditions are met. Among these conditions are trained Ukrainian personnel and the necessary permits, infrastructure and logistics.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Google paid $24.861 billion in 2021 to be the top search engine on the internet

SPIEGEL Survey: One in Two Is in Favor of Special Driver's Licenses for Heavy Cars and SUVs

The Week of God the Tweeter: From the 37.5-Hour Workday to the Elections in Argentina

"Got rid of attempts of foreign interference": a historian on the process of creating the Republic of Turkey

The best burger in Europe is eaten between glazed saloons, has Korean sauce and is made in Valencia

Two dead and two seriously injured in a shooting in the Gard

We test the Dyson Gen5 Detect: it vacuums up to what you can't see

How to Change Your Hair Without Cutting or Dyeing: Four Trending Hairstyles for a New Look

Matthew Perry's Family: "We Are Heartbroken by the Tragic Loss of Our Beloved Son and Brother"

Beijing will launch an orange alert for heavy air pollution, and diffusion conditions are expected to improve from November 11

Is it reasonable to be required to pay an air return fee for online ride-hailing?

Persimmon marketing season There are many such patients in the Department of Gastroenterology

There are long queues in the outpatient and emergency departments of hospitals in many places, and this autumn and winter is the peak of fever?

Pets are actually "forbidden dogs", and there are still routines for applying for licenses?

Shibuya Halloween: Fewer people than usual, 16% less than on the day before the Corona disaster

"Plum Blossoms and Red Hearts" ended, and the editor-in-chief reviewed Haifei and revealed that the "spy war world" will continue

Media people from both sides of the strait visited Bama, Guangxi, the "world's longevity hometown" to find the "health code"

This is how it has gone for the school holidays: "The concept of difficult to establish"

To watch.. Morocco's Wydad beat Esperance in the first leg of the CAF League semi-final

Marathon battle: Medvedev lost to Sinner in the final of the tournament in Vienna and failed to defend the title

Sergio Perez crashed in the first corner of his home race in Mexico

The Metropolitano is already roaring and winning like the Calderon, 14 wins in a row and Simeone's record: "The scenario scared us"

The forging of King Jude and Mark and Denise's "seriousness": "Their success is that of the Bellingham family"

The second round of the group stage of the Olympic preliminaries: the prospects for the Chinese women's football team to qualify are mixed

"Heroes per mu" is a new breakthrough in improving quality and efficiency in the manufacturing industry

The heat of the automobile market continues: production and sales both grow, and new energy vehicles perform well

The U.S. growth rate in the third quarter exceeded expectations: the Federal Reserve may not move this week, will it cash in if it raises interest rates again this year

Foreigners pull jobs: they filled all the new jobs during the summer

After 11 years of deep cultivation of coffee, sales increased by 61%, and Yihetang pushed a new coffee cloud of 9.9 yuan

Vice President of China Merchants Bank: The amount of prepayment has decreased after the reduction of the interest rate on existing housing loans, but it has not fully returned to a normal state

Under the "strong real name", why are there still people who believe in "scalpers"?

Mu Yankui: The CIIE is a window for China to set up a platform and share with the world

The 14th anniversary of the Growth Enterprise Market: 168 companies increased their revenue by more than 5 times after listing

National Energy Administration: In the first three quarters, the country's new renewable energy capacity was 1 million kilowatts

National Energy Administration: Energy supply and demand were generally stable in the first three quarters, and prices were generally in a reasonable range

For the first time, China has achieved the confirmation and registration of the rights of natural resources of wetlands of international importance

The launch of Shenzhou-17 was a complete success What experiments will the "youngest" crew carry out?

Another "bloody weekend" in the United States Frequent shootings have caused at least dozens of casualties

Former Prime Minister of Ukraine called the US decision a condition for Zelensky's visit to Moscow

A 100-year-old veteran of the American Flying Tigers climbed the Great Wall and took a photo with the "Heroic Monument"-Chinanews video

New wage demand hits Jose's company  he is forced to lay off two employees

The situation in the morning - What are the Federal President, Chancellor and Minister of the Interior doing in Africa?

The Sami Week is ongoing but will be moved to March next year

Marjam Samadzade: State Secretary in Schleswig-Holstein has to leave early because of mail critical of Israel

Altitude record for mammals: mice lived at an altitude of more than 6000 meters in the Andes

What is the curse of the "eighth decade" that Ehud Barak feared and Abu Obeida waved?

The Intercept reveals the existence of a secret US military base in the Negev desert

Scientists engineer a plant that can tell you the quality of the water

ICC prosecutor: The people of Gaza deserve justice and what is happening cannot be tolerated

The whole of Uppsala without district heating  the heating plant without electricity

Shoigu: the model of relations between Moscow and Beijing can be called exemplary

Focus on the construction of youth development cities: young people are more productive in cities

After 11 years of deep cultivation of coffee, sales increased by 61%, and Yihetang pushed a new coffee cloud of 9.9 yuan

 Communities 2019 - Privacy

The information on this site is from external sources that are not under our control.The inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them.
On August 24, the occupation troops of Russia shelled Kherson on a holiday for Ukraine. Civilians, including a child, were wounded.

ADVERTISIMENT

On the fact of another war crime of invaders from the Russian Federation, an investigation has been launched. This was reported by the Kherson regional prosecutor's office (to see the photo, scroll to the end of the news).

According to investigators, the Russian military struck Kherson around 11:00 on Thursday. Civilian infrastructure, in particular houses, was destroyed.

One of the shells hit the roof of a private house. So far it is known about three civilian casualties, among them a young child. The data is being clarified.

Under the procedural guidance of the Kherson district prosecutor's office, a pre-trial investigation has been launched into the criminal proceedings for violation of laws and customs of war (part 1 of article 438 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine).

ADVERTISIMENT

"Prosecutors together with other law enforcement officers continue to take all possible and appropriate measures to document war crimes committed by representatives of the Armed forces of the Russian Federation", - informed in the Department.

In the Kherson regional military administration showed video from the center of Kherson after enemy artillery strikes. It is noted that the invaders literally covered residential houses with targeted fire. Due to the shelling, the houses of citizens received serious damage.

"A 7-year-old child received a wound of medium severity. Now the girl is in the safe hands of Kherson doctors", - specified in the regional military administration.

ADVERTISIMENT

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, on the morning of August 23, the occupants dropped guided aerial bombs on Kherson. Civilian infrastructure was damaged, including a kindergarten, six people were injured.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The head of the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate Kyrylo Budanov has said that the landing of a Russian Mi-8 helicopter at an airfield in Kharkiv Region was one of the department's most successful special operations in the history of Ukraine. The pilot, who was lured out, is now in Ukraine and intends to stay in our country.

ADVERTISIMENT

Budanov said this in an interview with Radio Svoboda on Wednesday, August 23. He noted that it was possible to find an approach to this man, and his entire family was taken out of Russia.

Ukrainian intelligence was also able to create such conditions that he was able to transfer this aircraft with a crew that did not know what was going on.

The crew tried to escape but was destroyed.

According to Budanov, the helicopter is in Kyiv. It will be possible to see it and communicate with the pilot after the release of the "official movie".

"The pilot feels great, everything is fine with him. He has two options, but he is leaning towards being here (in Ukraine - ed.)," the head of the DIU said.

Earlier it was reported that the Russian helicopter Mi-8 was transferred to the Ukrainian airfield. Ukrainian intelligence lured the pilot of the Mi-8 AMTSH to Ukraine and he landed in the Kharkiv region, the other two crew members did not know about what was happening.

ADVERTISIMENT

The occupiers went crazy. They began to talk about the crew's "loss of orientation" and that the helicopter had allegedly landed in Ukraine. There, two crew members were allegedly liquidated and the commander was captured.

Propagandists assure that this is the only true version of what happened. They even started collecting funds for the "rescue" of the captured Russian.

As reported by OBOZREVATEL, there was an explosion in the occupied Crimea. At first, it was reported about the flight on the Russian military facility on Cape Tarkhankut. Subsequently, the DIU said that the explosion destroyed the Russian S-400 Triumf anti-aircraft missile system along with missiles and occupants.

ADVERTISIMENT
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

The Organization of American States human rights commission asked Thursday that Guatemala provide protection for Bernardo Arevalo, the winner of the countrys Aug. 20 elections, after reports emerged of a possible plot to kill him.

The commission said in a statement Thursday that there were reports of at least one plan to harm or kill Arevalo and his running mate, Karin Herrera.

The Guatemalan government said it has offered protection, and Arevalo told journalists in Guatemala that he was coordinating with the government on protective measures.

But the commission wrote in a statement that nonetheless, there is concern about information on at least one possible plan to attack the life and welfare of Arevalo and Herrera.

At least thee sources within the government that are considered highly reliable have warned about the existence of a plot codenamed Colosio," the commission said, an apparent reference to the 1994 assassination in Mexico of ruling-party presidential candidate Luis Donaldo Colosio.

Guatemalans voted for Arevalo in a landslide in the Aug. 20 elections, but his opponent, former first lady Sandra Torres, has not conceded, or said anything for that matter. The election results have not been certified, a legal step necessary for Arevalo to become president.

Thats not the only hitch: The attorney generals office also continues to investigate the registration of his Seed Movement party and has already asked a judge once to suspend it.

Arevalo's platform of eradicating corruption has earned him enemies among Guatemala's political and economic elite.

The 64-year-old son of former President Juan Jose Arevalo was born in Uruguay, where his father was in exile following the ouster in a 1954 CIA-backed coup of his successor President Jacobo Arbenz, whom the U.S. saw as a threat during the Cold War.
 Close Trump claims he wasnt referring to clerk when he violated fraud trial gag order

Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

On a dramatic day in court in Lower Manhattan, Donald Trump appeared on the witness stand for the first time in his multitude of civil and criminal trials.

The former president was called to testify after remarks he made outside the courtroom in a break from his civil fraud trial in New York were reported by the Associated Press and broke the gag order imposed by Justice Arthur Engoron.

Those involved in the trial were forbidden from speaking or posting about members of the court staff after a post by Mr Trump in the first week of the trial. Having already violated that order once, the defendant was called to testify by the judge after he said: This judge is a very partisan judge with a person who is very partisan sitting alongside him, perhaps more partisan than he is.

The former president claimed he had been speaking about witness Michael Cohen, his former lawyer. Judge Engoron found this testimony not credible and fined him $10,000.

Later, when a move for a directed verdict by his legal team was denied by the judge, a clearly frustrated Mr Trump stood and left the courtroom mumbling: Unbelievable. Unbelievable.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis has requested a 23 October trial for all 19 defendants in the 2020 election subversion case, including former President Donald Trump.

Ms Willis was responding to the request for a speedy trial from one of the defendants, lawyer Kenneth Chesebro.

His filing didnt get much attention on Wednesday as former New York Mayor and Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani stole the spotlight as he surrendered to the authorities in Atlanta and had his mugshot taken.

Mr Chesebro made the filing as a legal gamble to throw a wrench into the proceedings in the hopes that Ms Willis wasnt ready for it, but Ms Willis seemingly called his bluff, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The filing from the state of Georgia says that it, via the DA, respectfully requests that this Court specially set the trial in this case to commence for all 19 defendants on October 23, 2023.

Defendant Kenneth John Chesebro filed on August 23, 2023 a DEMAND FOR SPEEDY TRIAL, it adds. Without waiving any objection as to the sufficiency of Defendant Kenneth John Chesebros filing, the State requests that this Court specially set the trial in this case to commence on October 23, 2023, which falls within the term of the next succeeding regular court term after the July-August, 2023 term of the Superior Court of Fulton County, Atlanta Judicial Circuit.

The filing comes as Mr Trump is set to surrender to Georgia authorities on Thursday at 7.30pm. Hes reported to just have removed his lead lawyer Drew Findling from the case, replacing him with Steven Sadow, an attorney based in Atlanta.

On his site, Mr Sadow writes that hes a special counsel for white collar and high profile defense.

Ms Willis told reporters last week that she was set to request that a trial would start within six months.

Legal observers noted that the timeline was unlikely as Ms Willis has stated that all 19 defendants would be tried together and attorneys for Mr Trump and other defendants have said that there will probably be disagreements ahead of any trial that will delay the proceedings, CNN reported.

Three defendants have filed motions to move the proceedings to federal court and the former president is expected to do the same.

Mr Trump has now indicated that he opposes the 23 October trial date. In a filing on Thursday, Mr Sadow wrote that Mr Trump respectfully puts the Court on notice that he opposes the States motion for entry of pretrial scheduling order and motion to specially set trial.

Mr Sadow added that Mr Trump will be filing a motion to sever his case from Mr Chesebro or any other co-defendant who files motions for a speedy trial.

Later on Thursday, the judge in the case, Scott McAfee, approved the 23 October date for a trial for Mr Chesebro. He wrote that at this time, the deadlines in the new timeline dont apply to the other defendants in the case.

Due to the Defendants timely Demand for Speedy Trial filed August 23, 2023 ... scheduling will occur on an expedited timeline to meet the November 3, 2023, deadline to begin trial. At this time, these deadlines do not apply to any co-defendants, Judge McAfee wrote.
Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the

Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}

Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy branded the climate change agenda a hoax during the first debate, but video shows he has flip-flopped on the subject.

Let us be honest as Republicans, Im the only person on the stage who isnt bought and paid for so I can say this: The climate change agenda is a hoax. The climate change agenda is a hoax, he argued in Wisconsin on Wednesday night.

But the biotech entrepreneur has not always been so strident in his views about the climate crisis and in March was seemingly much more open to the idea of climate change.

Climate change is also real, by the way. Were talking about the climatism piece of this. When I talk about climatism and Covid-ism, Im not denying the underlying reality of Covid. Im not denying the underlying reality that global surface temperatures are going up, and in part due to human activity, he told Major Garrett of CBS News.

And in February 2021 he gave congressional testimony during which he admitted that fighting climate change was not a bad goal.

During Wednesday nights debate, all eight candidates on the stage were asked if they believed that human behaviour was causing climate change.

Moderator Martha MacCallum was interrupted by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who told her, Were not schoolchildren. Lets have a debate.

Vivek Ramaswamy just said climate change is a hoax. But check out what he said 5 months ago.  #GOPdebate #rumble2024debate pic.twitter.com/BOJM4sIoS0  Never Back Down (@NvrBackDown24) August 24, 2023

Mr Ramaswamy then gave his answer, which received a chorus of boos from the audience.

In the end, only one GOP candidate, Asa Hutchinson raised his hand in response to MacCallums question.

Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley told the audience that climate change was real and attacked China and India over their emissions.
In temporarily occupied Crimea, explosions were heard in the early morning of August 24 near the Mayak settlement on Cape Tarkhankut. The mass media wrote that, tentatively, there was a battle involving watercraft and aircraft. Later, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry confirmed that it was a joint operation with the AFU Naval Forces.

ADVERTISIMENT

To fulfill the task, the Ukrainian military raided the territory of the peninsula. This was reported to OBOZREVATEL by the representative of the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Defense Ministry Andriy Yusov.

"All tasks of the raid are fulfilled, there are no losses in equipment and personnel from our side," - said the employee of the intelligence Department.

Earlier in the"Crimea.Realia" said that the explosions occurred in the specified area around 5:00 on Thursday.

It is noteworthy that Mayak is located near the settlement Olenevka, where a day earlier was destroyed Russian anti-aircraft missile system S-400 "Triumf".

ADVERTISIMENT

According to mass media information, in Mayak village there is a base of the 3rd radio-technical regiment within the radio-technical troops of the Russian Air and Space Forces. Also on the Tarkhankut peninsula there is a radar node of the Nebo-M radar and the Kasta-2E2 radar. Air defense positions have been prepared along the perimeter.

Earlier,Radio Liberty put the military unit 43536 of the occupants on the map of military facilities in Crimea.

ADVERTISIMENT

As OBOZREVATEL wrote, in a recent interview, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kirill Budanov, said that the Ukrainian Defense Forces are capable of hitting an enemy in any part of Crimea temporarily occupied by Russia if necessary.

Only verified information from us in Telegram-channel Obozrevatel and in Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Workers with Primoris T&D, an Entergy subcontractor, are juxtaposed against the State Capitol building as they work on electrical connections on a newly-installed power pole on N. 13th St. near Florida Boulevard on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. Primoris T&D is a Fort Worth, Texas-based company providing construction, maintenance and engineering of electrical transmission, distribution and substation infrastructure.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the special operation to land Ukrainian troops in the temporarily occupied Crimea. During the raid, Ukrainian soldiers killed 30 occupants and damaged enemy boats.

ADVERTISIMENT

The Head of State spoke about this during a press conference with the leader of Portugal. The President noted that it was too early to talk about the liberation of the peninsula.

"It is too early to talk about the liberation of Crimea. This is the first thing. Second, I will have a detailed report from General Budanov. Third, yes, these are our guys. Fourth, there were no casualties on our side. This is good news. At least, this is what I could discuss on the phone with the head of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine," he said.

Meanwhile, the intelligence service reported that our defenders damaged four speedboats and killed at least 30 Russians during the special operation.

As a reminder, in the temporarily occupied Crimea, explosions were heard early in the morning on 24 August near the village of Mayak on Cape Tarkhankut. The media reported that there had been a preliminary battle involving boats and aircraft.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to media reports, the village of Mayak is home to the base of the 3rd Radio Regiment of the Russian Aerospace Forces' radio engineering troops. The Tarkhankut Peninsula also has a radar hub - the Nebo-M radar and the Kasta-2E2 radar. Air defence positions have been prepared along the perimeter.

As OBOZREVATEL previously reported, in a recent interview, Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said that the Ukrainian Defence Forces are capable of striking the enemy in any part of the temporarily occupied Crimea if necessary.

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Indigenous nail art practices from Africa include henna, beading, painting and plant and clay ancient African nail art designs.

These manicures are not just nail art; they are living manifestations of a rich African culture painted with threads of heritage, pride, and artistic innovation.

The ingenuity of women shines as they artfully craft stunning nail designs, turning their nails into captivating canvases of beauty.

Clay Nail Art

The mesmerizing world of indigenous nail art in Africa is a historic lesson on getting your nails done in ancient Africa. From the enchanting use of henna in the captivating North African landscapes to the spellbinding beaded nail art that graces the hands of those in East African regions to plant and clay natural nail art from Southern Africa.

Henna or Mehndi Nail Art in North Africa

Henna has been used for centuries in North Africa, particularly in countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Sudan. Intricate designs are created using henna paste, which is applied to the hands and nails. These designs are often symbolic, representing various cultural and spiritual meanings. Henna is still widely practiced today for special occasions and celebrations.

Beaded Nail Art in East Africa

Among the Maasai and Samburu communities of Kenya and Tanzania, nail art involves attaching colorful beads to the nails. This tradition is not only aesthetically pleasing but also carries cultural significance. The colors and patterns of the beads may indicate age, marital status, and even social status within the community.

Ndebele Nail Art in Southern Africa

The Ndebele people of South Africa and Zimbabwe are known for their distinctive geometric art, including nail art. Women in the community paint their nails with bold and colorful patterns, often mirroring the designs found in their beadwork and house paintings. Ndebele nail art is a reflection of cultural pride and identity.

Clay and Plant-Based Nail Decorations in Mali, Southern Africa and Nigeria.

In many African cultures, materials like clay, plant fibers, and natural pigments were used to decorate nails. These materials were not only readily available but also held cultural significance. Nail decorations ranged from simple lines to intricate symbols, each carrying its own meaning within the context of the community.

Dogon People, Mali

The Dogon people of Mali have a tradition of adorning their nails with clay and plant-based materials. They use a mixture of red clay and shea butter to create a paste that is applied to the nails, resulting in a reddish-brown color. This practice is often part of rituals and ceremonies, and the designs vary from simple lines to more elaborate patterns.

Himba People, Namibia

The Himba people of Namibia use a mixture of red ochre and butterfat to create a clay-like paste that is applied to their bodies, including nails. This practice not only serves as a form of decoration but also offers protection against the harsh desert environment. The reddish hue of the paste is considered aesthetically pleasing and symbolizes the Himba's connection to their land.

San People, Southern Africa

The San people, also known as Bushmen, have historically used plant-based pigments to decorate their bodies, including their nails. These pigments are obtained from various plant sources and are mixed with water to create a paint-like substance. The San people use these natural pigments to create intricate patterns and designs on their nails, adding to their distinctive appearance.

Yoruba People, Nigeria

In Yoruba culture, red clay known as ile ori is used for various body adornments, including nail decoration. The clay is believed to have spiritual significance and is used to connect with ancestral spirits. Yoruba women often create intricate patterns on their nails using this red clay, enhancing their beauty and expressing their cultural identity.

Luba People, Democratic Republic of Congo

The Luba people are known for their artistic traditions, which include body adornment. They use plant-based pigments and natural dyes to create nail decorations as part of their broader body art practices. The designs may vary from community to community, but they often hold symbolic meanings related to status, age, and social roles.

These Ancient African manicures go beyond being mere nail art; they emerge as living embodiments of a lavish tapestry intricately woven with threads of heritage, pride, and ingenious artistic expression.
The bosses of National Australia Bank and Judo Bank have flagged signs of weakness in consumer-facing businesses as more borrowers on fixed-rate loans face sharply higher repayments and look to rein in spending.

Judo Bank, a lender to small and medium-sized enterprises is beginning to see some businesses come under stress, but chief executive Joseph Healy said weakness was concentrated in smaller businesses, and sectors reliant on discretionary expenditure were at greater risk.

NAB and Judo Banks chief executives believe Australia will avoid a recession but said consumer businesses were feeling the squeeze of tightened spending. Credit: Dion Georgopoulos

You only have to walk down the high street in any major centre to see the shops that are closed: small businesses are generally doing it tough, he said.

We are also more cautious on sectors that are very dependent on discretionary consumer expenditure as households adjust to higher mortgage rates and cut back on how much they spend at restaurants, bars and on clothing, he said.
Big dreams Jensen Huang, Nvidias chief executive and principal founder, always had big ambitions. The company decided to focus on video games in the 1990s when Huang observed demand for increasingly advanced computer graphics and predicted a need for drastically more powerful chips as games moved towards more immersive and 3D worlds. Nvidia is growing faster and faster. Credit: AP When Nvidias share price hit $US100, Huang had the companys logo tattooed on his arm.

But even he would have failed to see the AI rush that boosted his personal fortune to $US42 billion. Nvidias work on computer graphics in the 1990s led it to invent the graphics processing unit (GPU), a type of microchip dedicated to computer gaming and video tasks. GPUs, however, also excel at other types of number crunching. Nvidia thrived during the cryptocurrency booms of 2017 and 2021, as its processors proved to be highly proficient at the high-powered mathematics needed to mint new Bitcoins. It also rode a brief flurry of excitement around the metaverse, the virtual reality championed by Mark Zuckerberg. However, the AI boom has eclipsed all that.

Loading Large language models such as ChatGPT and Google Bard require thousands of GPUs, both for their initial training and for the subsequent interactions known as inferences. Almost every company and government is falling over themselves to invest in AI. Amazon, Microsoft and Google, which operate the giant cloud computing data centres on which AI models generally run, are placing orders worth billions of dollars with Nvidia. To a degree, Huang is fortunate his video game chips are so well suited to AI, but his allies reject suggestions he simply stumbled upon a pot of gold.

He was one of the early people to think about it (AI) and study it, says a former Nvidia executive. Jensen had big ears, he was listening to what was happening, he was experimenting and investing in how they could tweak these GPUs to be better at this stuff. He took a decision to bet significantly on AI in around 2018. Today, the company has competition from chip making giants AMD and Intel but enjoys a huge head start. So much so that Nvidia is now practically synonymous with AI itself. The companys results on Wednesday were seen as definitive because they suggested its leap in sales was not just a one-off but part of a sustained surge in investment.

Huang said that there was now a tipping point at which companies were diverting more of their investment into AI technology. A new computing era has begun, he said. Our demand is tremendous. Still, not everyone is buying what Huang is selling. There are concerns that the publics interest in ChatGPT is beginning to wane. Analysis of web traffic data shows visitors to OpenAIs ChatGPT site fell by 10 per cent in June. While the ChatGPT boom has relied on companies buying up swathes of Nvidia chips, companies such as Meta are now championing AI algorithms that need less computing power. Meanwhile, some investors have decided that Nvidias skyrocketing share price makes it unpalatable.

Nvidias hardware has become indispensable to the AI-driven economy. Jacob Bourne, an analyst at Insider Intelligence One investment house, AXS Investments, has even launched a fund dedicated to taking short positions against Nvidia - betting its stock will fall. Investors have so far put $US100m into the fund. High demand for the companys processors in China could also come unstuck due to US sanctions. The White House has already blocked the sale of some of its most powerful AI chips to Beijing and could go further. Greg Bassuk, chief executive of AXS Investments, says Nvidias valuation is suspect for some investors concerned about geopolitical impacts on the companys growth prospects. He adds investors are now looking at whether the companys runaway growth in AI can persist at this pace.

Loading However, so far this year short-sellers are nursing heavy losses by betting Nvidias share price will fall and are down over $US11 billion, according to analysts S3 Partners. Nvidias hardware has become indispensable to the AI-driven economy, said Jacob Bourne, an analyst at Insider Intelligence. Its results show how crucial the tech giant has been to the current economic growth narrative resting on the outlook that AI will elevate productivity and unlock trillions in economic value. If Nvidia can secure a fraction of those trillions, it might be unstoppable. Telegraph, London
Regardless of whether travellers see Qantas $2.5 billion profit as rudely excessive, its chief executive Alan Joyce isnt apologetic for his swansong result.

Qantas didnt just better its profit record  it smashed it.

Alan Joyce makes no apologies for Qantas blockbuster profit.

Joyce has long been a divisive business leader, and the shareholders that see him as an aviation god will characterise this result as further evidence of his genius. At Thursdays close of his last presentation to investors and analysts, he was farewelled with a rousing round of applause. His replacement, Vanessa Hudson, said the airline was truly blessed you have been our leader.

Both these are ones for the books.
The news

The amount of money the Queensland government pays out to settle child abuse claims against the state is set to surpass $100 million for the first time this year.

New figures from Queensland Treasury show the government anticipated having to spend $61.7 million on settlements in 2022-23, but this year would be paying out $109.6 million to victims.

The bulk of the money relates to sexual abuse, for which the victims have at least partly blamed the government.

No other details of the claims are available in the documents obtained by Brisbane Times under the Right to Information Act.
Sadly, were the ones with the slow-motion approach to mitigating sea level rises. Hurry up Australia and do the right thing.

Matt Dunn, Leongatha Taking responsibility

On one side Jim Chalmers tells us the economy is gloomy, on the other side it is bright. If Labor has the temerity to tell us the 2024/25 tax cuts are affordable then we know he has lost it. The Greens will have a field day as they represent themselves as being the only party that is being fiscally responsible.

John Rome, Mt Lawley, WA An existential problem

Putting a dollar cost, no matter how high on the effects of climate change, is redundant. Its an existential problem. The economic consequences are secondary.

Lawrie Bradly, Surrey Hills Not enough being done

In a recent article written by Mike Foley, (Coral bleaching alert for Great Barrier Reef as hot summer looms, 9/8), senior research scientist, Mike Emslie states that the bleaching events are becoming more frequent, more widespread, and more severe. This makes it pretty clear to me that not enough is being done to protect the reefs. Rather than the government spending billions on missiles and nuclear submarines, the money could be better spent on phasing out fossil fuels and developing sustainable energy sources.

Miles, year 6, Ballarat Grammar

THE FORUM Looking for blame

It would be useful to see the evidence for the claims that NAPLAN grammar results are due to teachers own schooling (Poor NAPLAN results expose teaching gap, 24/8). The argument has many flaws. Grammar is not rocket science. Countless books and websites provide support for grammar. Its not a secret. Yet what research does reveal is that decontextualised grammar exercises do not result in better grammar in student writing. Perhaps drilling in these exercises for NAPLAN has wasted the precious time students could have spent improving grammar through their own writing, in meaningful and proven ways. It is time we considered NAPLAN as the cause of decline, not proof. As always, teacher bashing is a first resort for those who have never been teachers.

Dr Lucinda McKnight, School of Education, Faculty of Arts and Education, Deakin University Are tests the problem?

It is deplorable that we have allowed testing rather than teaching and learning to become the focus of our education system. (Parents, dont panic about these NAPLAN results, 24/8). Evaluation is now the sole driver of the curriculum, absorbing inordinate amounts of teachers time and energy, taking all the joy out of learning, and stifling childrens potential as dynamic and creative learners.

Finland and other Scandinavian countries that are widely acknowledged as world educational leaders have completely shunned performance regimes like NAPLAN.

Politicians may believe that everything in education can be put in boxes, ticked, graphed, and given a ranking, but our record over the past 20 years has become one of mounting failure.

Bryan Long, Balwyn

Home wears

When we were little, dress-ups were jumbled in an old washing basket or suitcase, and usually consisted of worn-out or discarded clothes from older relatives, with a hefty dose of imagination and perhaps the odd tea towel. If you were lucky (as we were), you might also have a special outfit made by your mum or nana. These days, it seems that Disney, Marvel and the like have commodified costumes, straining parents purses and restraining kids imaginations. Book Week brings this all together in a stress-inducing haze of dress-up preparation (or purchase), resulting in a merry mass of students walking to school looking very much the same. Want to be Elsa from Frozen? Spider-Man? Heaven help the person who suggests putting together a home-crafted option (Spider-Man, Elsa have no place at Book Week, 24/8). Loading If you have the money, off-the-rack costumes have a place, particularly for the time-poor. But the other side of all this is the textile waste it creates. As co-founders of Boroondara Hard Rubbish Rehome, the biggest category of waste we have collected from local nature strips over the past year is textiles  more than 1000 kilograms, including plenty of unwanted kids dress-ups, invariably made from synthetic fibres, which bring their own problems. Why dont you go DIY for next years Book Week? Enjoy the creative journey together. It will cost less, probably involve the same amount of stress, but be so much more rewarding.

Jennie Irving and Catherine Krestyn, Boroondara Hard Rubbish Rehome

Doing too much

Shaun Carney (Albanese puts power before policy, 24/8) shows that the do-next-to-nothing-but-stay-in-power-at-all-costs Scott Morrison government has been replaced by the do-as-little-as-possible-but-stay-in-power-at-all-costs Anthony Albanese government. Unfortunately for Australia, given their disastrous shared policies  $370 billion-plus for nuclear submarines and the stage three tax cuts  both governments have been doing way too much.

Peter Martina, Warrnambool Engaged electorate

The mostly just adjustments to the existing policy framework provided so far by the Albanese government is presumably the only way the Labor Party perceived the Australian public would vote for it. The two signs that the status- quo, softly, softly approach by the Albanese government is unlikely to remain indefinitely are the growing numbers on the parliamentary crossbench and the fact that although union membership  the traditional source of Labor votes  is low, the effects on peoples lives of the pandemic engaged more individuals with politics and what it achieves for both good and ill.

Ruth Farr, Blackburn South Fanning the flames

How disgusting the vile racist abuse on Facebook (Facebook fails to act against racist posts, 24/8). It makes me feel ashamed to be Australian. I can only hope those campaigning for a No vote take heed of some of the flames they are fanning.

Vicki Jordan, Lower Plenty

Bringing out the worst

Racists against the Voice arent just prolific online  they are also sadly everywhere us Yes supporters campaign. Comments such as they havent been here 60,000 years, what did they have before us?, they always want more, and Im sick of Welcome to Country, and the use of derogatory names is common in the bayside suburbs. On occasion, Ive even felt physically threatened. The referendum has brought out the worst and reinforced why the Voice is needed.

Samantha Keir, East Brighton Acting on advice

It seems clear that the main issue holding back closing the gap for disadvantaged Indigenous people is the failure of politicians and agencies such as the National Indigenous Australians Agency to listen to the voices of articulate and forthright Indigenous leaders. I feel sure the prime minister and minister for Indigenous affairs have received a huge amount of advice and I think it is incumbent on them to share that advice with the public. The advice provided over the years needs to be acted on immediately rather than await the setting up of a bureaucratic Voice.

Adrian Hassett, Vermont Filling a chair

Alan Sunderland (Wholl follow Ita? Wrong question, 24/8) argues eloquently for the next ABC chair to be appointed on merit, not politics. His first argument, however, was bemusing: if the role has so little influence, why bother making the case? He says (rightly) that Ita Buttrose has been an excellent chair, despite being appointed by the former prime minister. Were her predecessors so bad, and if so, why not use their records to exemplify the dangers?

Any chair is more influential than Sunderland suggests: they personify and guard the culture and values of their organisation. While agreeing with him that the appointment should be apolitical, I believe his case could have been stronger. We need the ABC as its influence is corroded by partisan and social media.

Peter Greig, Colac Loading Guidance was sought

Recent correspondents (Letters, 24/8), repeat a popular misconception about the Burke and Wills expeditioners  that they did not seek advice or guidance from First Nations peoples. In fact, they took First Nations guides with them. They played a major, and at times heroic, role in Victoria and New South Wales. Further north, the expeditioners were frequently guided by locals, and exchanged food with them. Towards the end at Coopers Creek, Burke, Wills and King exchanged food and endeavoured to adopt Aboriginal food capture and preparation practices. Readers are directed to the highly regarded CSIRO publication: The Aboriginal Story of Burke and Wills  Forgotten Narratives. Although there were many failings in the planning and execution of the expedition, the suggestion that they could readily have survived if they had taken advice from the locals takes no account of their debilitation after the remarkable, foolhardy, feat of endurance in their dash to the north and back. It also does a grave disservice to the extraordinary and subtle capabilities, developed and refined over many millennia by our First Nations people, that allowed them to survive and flourish in

an environment that would have been taxing or even fatal to the fittest European.

Peter Thorne, former chair, Burke and Wills Sesquicentenary Commemoration Committee

Leave it alone

Many people are jumping on the bandwagon and asserting that the AFL ought to fall into line with other codes regarding what constitutes a score. While there is an undeniable simplicity to these suggestions, I submit that we must cherish and defend the glorious uncertainty surrounding our current rules. So what if this causes angst? This along with other bugbears such as umpiring inconsistencies or the uneven behaviour of the ball at centre bounces are all a part of what sets our wonderful game apart, and I would be disappointed if this were to change.

Dave Rabl, Ocean Grove Silver linings

Despite North Melbourne having endured a very poor season, internal disruptions, and lack of detailed reports of their matches, the club has a number of shining lights. Surely, the ultra consistent Harry Sheezel, who had 38 disposals against Richmond, will win the Rising Star Award. The All-Australian team should include the accurately excellent Nick Larkey at full forward. He will not win the Goal Kicker of the Year award. That will rightly go to the exciting Charlie Curnow.

However, in terms of effectiveness, Larkey has kicked only 10 less goals in a team that has kicked far less points, with very little recognition.

Bill Matthewson, Doncaster East AND ANOTHER THING

Credit: Illustration: Matt Golding Super profits

Coles and Woolworths seem to have neatly drawn attention away from their massive profit results by crying foul over a shoplifting spree.

Ian Hetherington, Moama While people struggle to pay increasing grocery costs, shoplifting is on the rise. If profit margins were more reasonable there would be less incentive to steal. Who is stealing from who?

Fiona Matthews, North Balwyn At the supermarket I sometimes go to buy something and the cost is the same but the product appears much smaller and weighs less. Is it just me?

Greg Tuck, Warragul Russia

What a surprise! Yevgeny Prigozhin has died in a plane crash  just one of the life-shortening accidents that frequently happen to dissidents in Russia.

Alan Inchley, Frankston

Im shocked, shocked that there was gambling at Ricks Cafe Americain in Casablanca and that Yevgeny Prigozhin has been killed in a plane accident.

Nina Wellington Iser, Hawthorn Furthermore

The AFL has stood down an umpire for making one mistake. If players were likewise punished for one mistake, there wouldnt be many left on the ground after the first quarter.

Brian Williams, Vermont Whatever happened to If you dont know, just ask someone?

Steve Dixon, North Melbourne Unless the major issue of inadequate teacher training is addressed, we cant expect NAPLAN results to improve.

Mary Fenelon, Doncaster East Some people say they are self-funded retirees. They should give a nod to the taxpayer and admit they are really taxpayer funded.

Noel Norris, Casterton
A man who raped a child he met online has been sentenced to 12 months in jail, with the judge raising concerns that his slight and childlike appearance would make him a target for sexual predators in prison.

Tyler Sullivan was 20 years old when he crept into the bedroom of his 12-year-old victim two years ago, raping her as her mother slept in the next room.

Tyler Sullivan posed as a teenager to groom his young victim online. Credit: A Current Affair

Sullivan, now 22, had first groomed the primary school student online, posing as a 14-year-old boy to gain her trust before catching a train and an Uber across Melbourne to sneak into her home.

He will serve just 12 months behind bars, after he pleaded guilty to charges of sexual penetration of a child under 16, possession of child abuse material and using a carriage service for child abuse material.
Elnur Enveroglu

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...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that victory in the war will come not when all Ukrainian lands are de-occupied, but when justice returns. The head of state also emphasized that punishment of the aggressor country Russia for its genocidal policy against Ukraine would mean the end of the war.

ADVERTISIMENT

At the same time, the President emphasized that a difficult challenge awaits Ukraine even after that. Zelensky said this in an interview with the NV publication.

Although for some citizens the end of the war has already come, the majority considers the liberation of all territories of the country from the Russian occupants a true victory, the President said. Zelensky also added that the Russian Federation should be held responsible for war crimes against Ukraine.

"For some, the end of the war has already come. When you see how perky the streets of many cities, including the capital, are today. For others, victory is the fact that we did not let them occupy the state completely. For the majority, I am sure, victory is the restoration of our territorial integrity. However, I think that victory is bringing justice, not just liberating our land and people. It includes punishment of Russia for such a genocidal policy against Ukraine," Zelensky said.

ADVERTISIMENT

The president emphasized that every Ukrainian played his role in making the country united. However, it was unification in the fight against the enemy that helped. When the war is over, it is important not to lose this integrity and, therefore, the state.

"When there is no war, we must not lose that unity and integrity. Not losing a state will be the biggest challenge. That is what we have to do. Not to lose our state after the victory", the President explained.

President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Ukraine and Ukrainians on the 32nd anniversary of the proclamation of Independence on August 24. The country celebrates the holiday in the full-scale war for the second year in a row, so he dedicated his address to the soldiers of the AFU, those who protect and gives the state independence.

The President congratulated citizens on the Day of the National Flag on August 23 and noted the feat of Ukrainian soldiers. Zelensky emphasized that the blue-yellow flag is our amulet.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information from us on Telegram Obozrevatel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
According to our guide Natalie Robson, a marine biologist and PhD candidate studying male turtle behaviours, Bare Sands 900-metre beach is a hotspot for nesting turtles. Weve got to be extremely careful around flatback mothers, she warns. Unlike olive ridley and green turtles, Australias only endemic turtles are flighty creatures. If the sands too wet, too dry, too cold, too warm, or theyre spooked by humans, they wont lay. So we keep quiet, keep in a group, and turn our camera flashes off. Theres no splashing in the water, either, as Bare Sand has a few resident crocs. Thats so NT. Tonight, our turtle will lay an average of 50 eggs at a depth of 50 centimetres, which will incubate for 50 days. Flatbacks are very kind to us; everythings done in fifties, AusTurtle founder Dr Mick Guinea tells me later. The volunteer group has about 1700 female flatbacks on its database, but the males live permanently at sea, feeding and following the ladies.

Dr Mick Guinea, the Turtle Whisperer. Credit: Patch Clapp The males are not very complicated, adds Guinea, whos known locally as the Turtle Whisperer. His first trip to Bare Sand was in 1990, and this year, AusTurtle volunteers were revisited by females theyd tagged back in 1996. Incredibly, we dont know the lifespan of flatback turtles. They outlive the people that research them, says Robson. Their first 30 years, which scientists dub the lost years, are a lazy daze of grazing on Australias continental shelf before they reach sexual maturity, when only the females will come ashore to nest. We can tag and then track the females when they come on shore, but we dont have the same access to males, unless we jump off the boat and onto their backs and tag them as theyre swimming, says Robson, explaining her PhD work. Its called turtle rodeo.

Meanwhile, our mum has finished laying, and sweeps sand across her eggs. Thats about the only maternal thing shell do, Robson observes, as the flatback shuffles surprisingly quickly back into the sea. Each season, to ensure the survival of the fittest, the ladies mate with several males, storing the sperm throughout the year  and possibly longer  with enough DNA to start a new colony. Theyll either return faithfully to their birth island or nearby Grose, Indian or Quail Islands. On almost every beach here, you could find a flatback turtle track, says Guinea, and by September, the shores are awash with hatchlings racing to the mothering sea. Although its early in the nesting season, the AusTurtle volunteers have rescued a little band of fresh hatchlings from a gull attack. All sea turtle species in Australia are either endangered or vulnerable to extinction, says AusTurtle, and they have a survival rate of just one in a thousand. And with the added impact of pollution, fishing and plastics  all the fault of humans  isnt it our duty to give these 12-hour-old babes a helping hand? This is the best part of the job, says AusTurtle volunteer Mark Barnes, as we lift them gently from the bucket and point their tiny faces to the dying sun, waiting for instinct to kick in. In moments, their tiny bodies are swept into the Timor Sea. This being the Territory, Im surprised no-ones running a book on the race to the water.

Back on board our open-sided boat, dinner is a bento-style box of salads, prawns or roast chicken, with a glass of wine or beer, as the Top End turns on a spectacular sunset. The enormous red orb sinks below the horizon, and unlike the hundreds who line the beaches at sunset in Darwin, we have the view all to ourselves. Just us and all the turtles in the deep blue sea. THE DETAILS TOUR

Sea Darwin Turtle Tracks Tours departs 4pm daily, May-September from Stokes Hill Wharf in Darwin. Costs $359 including dinner and drinks, seadarwin.com MORE

See austurtle.org, northernterritory.com
These people become popular, I dont know why, says my guide, Kiki, with a shrug. Some foreign person selects them and puts them on TV and then theyre famous.

But so many stalls here make food that is just as good.

Chiang Mais Cowboy Hat Lady and her stall Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak was made famous by Bourdain. Credit: Alamy

Weve been talking about Cowboy Hat Lady, a woman famous around Chiang Mai, and now also around the world, for her street-food stall called Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak. There, she sells just one dish: khao kha moo, slow-braised pork served over rice, with pickled mustard greens and an egg. And she serves it to the masses while wearing a cowboy hat.

The foreign person who made her so famous, meanwhile, is none other than Anthony Bourdain, the late TV presenter who visited this northern Thai capital in 2014 and called past Khao Kha Moo Chang Phueak for a plate of pork and rice. As a purveyor of good food, you dont need much more to secure a lifetime of popularity.
This is not the first Kremlin-backed outfit to spin out of control that Putin had to crush and then relaunch under much stricter conditions, says Robert Horvath, a Russia expert at La Trobe University. Loading Still, Wagner was perhaps the ultimate Frankensteins monster for Putin. Once an elite and shadowy force that carried out his unofficial dirty work around the globe, Prigozhins own rise as a figure in the Ukraine invasion helped it morph into a real alternative to Russian forces, and perhaps to Putin himself. Now, even with the head of the snake cut off, its unclear whether Wagner mercenaries will accept Kremlin control. It was a push to fold Wagner into the Russian military that sparked the coup in the first place.

And its founding commander, the neo-Nazi and former military intelligence officer Dmitry Utkin, was also among the 10 believed dead in the plane crash. Utkins call-sign, Wagner (after Hitlers favourite composer), gave the group its name. He has been at the top since it emerged in the 2014 seizure of Crimea and war in the Donbas. A Wagner-linked Telegram account, Grey Zone, has accused Russian forces of targeting Prigozhins jet and warned his death would have catastrophic consequences. The people who gave the order do not understand the mood in the army and the morale at all, a post read. Other videos and threats claiming to be from Wagner have been circulating, including unverified footage of masked men warning Moscow to get ready, but the group itself has not formally responded, and its unclear who is in charge. The pro-Kyiv Russian Volunteer Corps urged Wagner to switch sides and turn on the Kremlin in a video posted after Prigozhins death. Credit: Telegram Meanwhile, a group of volunteer Russian paramilitary fighters who support Ukraine have called on Wagner to change sides and take revenge on the Kremlin.

Isabella Currie, a researcher on Wagner, says theres always a possibility that there may be a violent retaliation [...] The Kremlin [is] clearly taking threats quite seriously. The question now is whether there is enough influence and resources left among Prigozhins followers for revenge. Certainly, there is not much love lost for the hot dog seller turned warlord in Russias rank-and-file army, whose leadership he often criticised. A Wagner mercenary with portraits of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and commander Dmitry Utkin at a memorial that sprung up outside a Wagner office in Novosibirsk. Credit: Reuters Prigozhin still had his own connections in the security services, Horvath says. But Wagner is no longer one group. The war transformed it from a seasoned force to a mix of mostly storm troopers recruited straight from Russian prisons for meatgrinder offensives in Ukraine. And those prisoners may not have the same loyalty to their old bosses Prigozhin and Utkin, he says.

The Institute for the Study of War says internal disputes in Wagner, including over finances, may have sufficiently separated Prigozhin from Wagner so that Putin concluded ... he could kill him without martyring him. Loading The reactions of Russias elite suggest that the Kremlin is now seeking to smooth over anger about the Wagner deaths, Horvath says. A closely Putin-aligned oligarch, Konstantin Malofeev, is among those now releasing statements lionising Prigozhin as a true patriot, even as they thank God the coup was unsuccessful. Putin himself has since paid tribute to Prigozhin as a talented businessman of a difficult fate, who made many mistakes but got things done, including for Putin.

Whatever happens, Currie says Wagner is at a turning point. With Prigozhin gone, Wagner will certainly change. Loading Since the coup, its numbers have fallen, and it has reportedly handed back weapons to the Kremlin. While some mercenaries are still in Russia, many are now in Belarus, training in military camps offered by the Belarussian government as part of the deal with Moscow. Wary neighbouring countries have been sending troops to their borders, including Poland which has said Wagner forces are moving towards it in the north-west. Who else is believed dead in Wagner plane crash Dmitry Utkin, 53, a former special forces intelligence lieutenant who helped found Wagner with Prigozhin and lead forces in Syria, Ukraine in 2014 and elsewhere.

Valeriy Yevgenyevich Chekalov, 47, a business tycoon in the upper ranks of Prigozhins empire and reportedly his other right-hand man who helped move weapons and run Wagner operations around the world.

Evgeniy Makaryan, a reported long-time Wagner fighter and former police officer.

Sergey Propustin, another mercenary who reportedly served among Prigozhins personal guards. Little information is available about the remaining crash victims, named as Alexander Totmin and Nikolai Matuseyev. The crew members were identified as Captain Alexei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova. - The Telegraph, London

In Syria, Wagner operations have been largely rolled up following the coup, Reuters reported, but in Africa they are still active, particularly in the Central African Republic, Mali, and now Niger during a coup against the countrys democratically elected government. Reuters has reported that only the day before the plane crash, a Russian official visited Libya to reassure allies there that Wagner mercenaries would remain  but under Moscows control. Russia expert Stephen Fortescue thinks the end of Prigozhin could well be the end for Wagner. Its an organisation that has outlived its usefulness, he says. But Horvath expects there is still value for the Kremlin in the model. An African government calling in mercenaries is one thing, he says. Calling in a foreign government makes the politics much more complicated. Not to mention, the Wagner name is already feared all over the world, linked to a string of war crimes in Syria, Africa and Ukraine. One Russian military blogger called Wagner the second most famous Russian brand after the Kalashnikov rifle.

You either keep that brand or you lose it and risk the people fighting against you taking it up, Horvath says. Firefighters work in the aircraft wreckage at the crash site in Russias Tver region. Credit: Reuters It all depends, he thinks, on whether Putin has now decided that a private army under the control of someone else is a failed experiment. He can see Putin installing a more trustworthy oligarch in Prigozhins place, someone perhaps to fund it, such as Malofeev, who financed the early Donbas war in Ukraines east, but who would stay out of the spotlight. While it may no longer be such an attractive job, Currie says there have been rumours for weeks that two different private military outfits more closely aligned with the Russian state may already be replacing Wagner in Africa: Convoy and Redut.

Still, she expects governments who have been using Wagner to help coup-proof their regimes will be concerned by the oligarchs apparent murder. Loading But back on Russian soil, Fortescue doubts anyone will be surprised about Prigozhins fate. Of course its Putin cleaning house. Hes sending a clear message to his elites. And that message isnt new. As for how far the purge will go, Fortescue thinks Putin will temper his revenge with the need to restore stability. But all these bursts of excitement, they add up, he says.
Hyundai Mobis Unveils the Future of Electrification at IAA Mobility 2023

But First A Backgrounder From Alex Intelli: Hyundai Mobis is a South Korean automotive parts supplier and subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, which is one of the largest and most well-known automobile manufacturers in the world. Hyundai Mobis specializes in the production of various automotive components, including:

Chassis: Mobis produces components related to the vehicle's chassis, such as suspension systems, steering systems, and braking systems. Modules: The company manufactures modules that are integrated into vehicles, including multimedia systems, lighting systems, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). Safety Systems: Hyundai Mobis is involved in developing safety-related technologies, such as airbags, seatbelts, and collision avoidance systems. Electronic Components: The company produces a wide range of electronic components used in vehicles, including sensors, controllers, and electronic control units (ECUs). Green Car Components: With the growing emphasis on eco-friendly vehicles, Hyundai Mobis is also involved in developing components for electric and hybrid vehicles. Aftermarket Parts: Apart from supplying components to Hyundai and Kia vehicles, Mobis also offers aftermarket parts and services to vehicle owners.

Hyundai Mobis plays a crucial role within the Hyundai Motor Group by providing essential components that contribute to the performance, safety, and functionality of Hyundai and Kia vehicles. The company's dedication to innovation and high-quality manufacturing has helped it establish a strong presence in the global automotive industry.

Hyundai Mobis Unveils the Future of Electrification at IAA Mobility 2023

For the second consecutive year, Hyundai Mobis will grace IAA Mobility in Munich , highlighting pioneering solutions anchored in electrification

Spotlight on the groundbreaking technologies powering Kia's flagship electric vehicle, the EV9, and introduction of the transformative electrification platform, e-CCPM

With a European order target of $1.29 billion , representing a quarter of the company's global revenue target, Hyundai Mobis doubles down on electrification and automotive components to expand its European footprint

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023 -- Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330) is poised to outline its electrification-centric vision at the apex of the European mobility show. The company is positioning itself to appeal to Europe's leading automotive companies, renowned for its rigorous standards in technical excellence and dependability. The strategy is to leverage its technological prowess to drive significant orders with the aim of achieving a quarter of Hyundai Mobis' global order aspirations for the year in the European market.

Today, Hyundai Mobis announced its intent to display an array of over 20 production-ready advancements in electrification and automotive components at the IAA Mobility 2023 Show. Running from 5th to 10th September in Munich, this event has a global reputation based on its origins evolving out of the esteemed Frankfurt Motor Show. This marks Hyundai Mobis' second year attending the event having previously debuted in 2021.

This year's IAA Mobility Show is pivotal for Hyundai Mobis. The company is set to underscore its electrification roadmap, a cornerstone of its forward-looking strategy. Visitors can anticipate a firsthand look at Kia's electric crown jewel, the EV9, replete with Hyundai Mobis' state-of-the-art Battery System (BSA) and the innovative Power Electric (PE) system  the essential automotive components for electrification.

Hyundai Mobis will also unveil the next-generation e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module). This cutting-edge breakthrough integrates core electrification innovations into a versatile aluminum frame, enabling the creation of diverse PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) without necessitating distinct platform developments and offering an all-encompassing solution for electrification.

During the showcase, the company is set to host discussions with prominent European automakers, including Volkswagen, Daimler, and BMW, targeting collaborations on future technologies around its cutting-edge capabilities: groundbreaking electrification solutions, autonomous driving systems, and the world's first rollable display.

Hyundai Mobis is optimistic about enlarging its European market footprint through its attendance at global mobility shows like the IAA. Hyundai Mobis' target for overseas auto component sales is $5.36 billion, with Europe contributing a considerable $1.29 billion, accounting for approximately 25%. One example of its momentum in Europe is the electrification components contract for Volkswagen, a renowned German automaker, which Hyundai Mobis recently secured. This success underlines its potential for further European contracts.

Hyundai Mobis is also gearing up for the upcoming Detroit Auto Show in the U.S., followed closely by the Tokyo Mobility Show in October. With these successive global showcases, Hyundai Mobis is poised to supercharge its global outreach, securing new client acquisitions through its specialized regional teams. (End)

Hyundai Mobis Press Conference at IAA Mobility 2023

Date/Time: September 4th, 10:40 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. CET

Venue: Hall B2, at Booth D20

Presenter: Axel J. Maschka, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Division of Hyundai Mobis

About Hyundai Mobis

Hyundai Mobis is the global no. 6 automotive supplier, headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Hyundai Mobis has outstanding expertise in sensors, sensor fusion in ECUs and software development for safety control. The company's products also include various components for electrification, brakes, chassis and suspension, steering, airbags, lighting, and automotive electronics. Hyundai Mobis operates its R&D headquarters in Korea, with four technology centers in the United States, Germany, China and India. For more information, please visit the website at http://www.mobis.co.kr/
2023 Hyunda Elantra Hybrid Limited - Review by Bruce Hotchkiss

A Hybrid To Consider







A woman I know, a long time Hyundai owner (she's owned 5 or 6), said she considered a hybrid but the cost of a replacement battery (almost $10-grand) scared her. Hyundai's hybrid battery warranty is 10 years or 100,000 miles so for most first owners the cost shouldn't be an issue. But for someone who buys a used hybrid, or someone who is older and a recent new car purchase might be their last purchase, it is a valid consideration. This holds true for any hybrid or EV.

I'm still a hybrid advocate but yes there are downsides. Each prospective purchaser has to decide if the positives (great operating economy) outweigh the negatives. Just like buying anything.

Moving on to the 2023 Elantra Hybrid Limited. The Elantra is 5-person vehicle, a Toyota Corolla size sedan, that seats two up front and three in the rear.

I found the Elantra a comfortable car. The interior materials looked nice but I would have preferred softer plastic trim. The only real negative with the interior was the cup holders; I usually get a small coffee and if I owned an Elantra I'd have to put a spacer at the bottom of the cup holder. Take a look -

As you can see only the lid is visible. Lifting up a full, hot cup of coffee by the lid is not recommended.

One of the things about hybrids (and EVs) that I've realized is that I tend to drive them slower than a gas powered vehicle. I'm not sure why, it seems to be an unconscious thing. I think I try to keep it in EV mode as long as possible. The up side to driving an hybrid like this is that the fuel economy is much better. The Limited version is rated at 49-mpg city and 52-mpg highway, while the Blue base version is better at 53 city and 56 highway.

Although I think that overall Hyundai's styling has improved drastically I'm still not a fan of the grill design, or the stylized "H" emblem. But that's just me. I do like the rear styling.

There is a fair amount of room in the trunk with 14.2 cubic inches of storage. If you have longer items, or need some addition room, the rear seat has a 60/40 split and folds down.

Sometimes it seems pointless to cite the power output of most cars, especially when they pale in comparison to performance models. Almost any vehicle out there can accelerate faster than many performance cars of the '80s and '90s. But I know you want to know "what's the horsepower?" The 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder puts out 104 h.p. and a total hybrid power output of 139 h.p. While that doesn't sound earthshattering it is enough to get from zero to 60 mph in around 8.5 seconds.

Now we come to the price. A base Hyundai Elantra Hybrid starts at $24,550. The Limited is $29,150. If you're in the market for a hybrid there is absolutely no reason you shouldn't consider the Elantra Hybrid.
Global Electrical Vehicle Battery Market offers analysis, market trends, and future predictions for the EV battery sector

BOSTON, Aug. 24, 2023 -- The electric vehicle revolution is on the rise, and with it comes the need for cutting-edge insights into the global Electric Vehicle Battery Market. BCC Research is proud to announce the release of its latest report, Global Electrical Vehicle Battery Market. Authored by Senior Analyst Satyabrata Sahu, this report provides an in-depth understanding of market dynamics, trends, and innovations shaping electric vehicles' future.

In a world where electric vehicles are becoming the norm, the importance of electric vehicle batteries cannot be overstated. This report offers more than just data; it presents a roadmap for the future of the EV battery industry. With insights from industry experts and a comprehensive look at the technology driving tomorrow's transportation, this report is a valuable resource for businesses aiming to succeed in the rapidly evolving EV sector.

Key Highlights:

Explosive Growth in EV Sales: In 2022, electric vehicle sales exceeded 10 million units globally, with the market share of electric cars surging from 4% in 2020 to 14% in 2022, marking a remarkable threefold increase. Cost Reduction in EV Batteries: The report reveals that the average cost of a Li-ion battery has dropped significantly from $1,000 /kWh in 2010 to just $137 /kWh in 2022. This cost reduction is instrumental in making electric vehicles more affordable to consumers. Global Market Trends: China, Europe , and the United States continue to be the dominant markets for electric vehicle batteries, accounting for over 80% of the global market share. Shift in EV Market Dominance: In 2022, over 60% of new electric car registrations worldwide came from China , where the proportion of electric vehicles in domestic auto sales surged to 29% from 16% in 2021. European Union's Ambitious Emission Targets: The European Union's recently proposed CO2 regulations for electric vehicles aim for a 50%-55% reduction in emissions by 2030, highlighting the growing emphasis on sustainability.

Global Electrical Vehicle Battery Market serves as a compass for manufacturers, suppliers, and stakeholders in the EV battery industry. With insights into battery types, propulsion methods, vehicle types, and more, this report is a valuable tool for decision-makers navigating the changing landscape of electric vehicles. For further information or to make a purchase, please contact [email protected] .

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.
The business of the husband of the head of the Estonian government, Kaja Kallas Arvo Hallik, may be linked to Russia. Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Stark Logistics, a company that supplies raw materials for the production of aerosol cans to Russia, has reduced its shipments but has not stopped making profits from the aggressor state.

ADVERTISIMENT

The results of the investigation were published by the ERR agency. Estonian President Alar Karis demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister.

"It's sad to talk about this because today we celebrate Ukraine's Independence Day, but I think the public is waiting for an explanation from Ms Kallas. And after that, she will probably have to think for herself and talk to her advisers about what to do next," the Estonian leader said.

Kallas herself noted that she does not delve into her husband's business, but she is convinced that there are no Russians among his partners and clients. Speaking to members of the government, she reiterated her position.

"I am still of the opinion that all trade and business with Russia should be suspended while the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues," she concluded.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the spring of this year, Kallas paid an official visit to Ukraine. She met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who awarded the Prime Minister of the allied state the Order of Yaroslav the Wise.

"I would like to thank Madam Prime Minister and the entire Estonian people for their sincere and, what is very important, timely support of our defence. If you look at it per capita, the assistance for our defence from Estonia is one of the largest in the world," the President said at the time.

Kaja Kallas is also one of the most active supporters of Ukraine's European integration. She is convinced that our country should become a part of NATO, as this will ensure security not only for the Ukrainian people, but also for all countries in the Alliance.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL reported that the Sejm in Warsaw had approved a bill on Russian influence, which imposes liability on civil servants and officials found to have contacts with Russia. Anyone whose ties to Moscow are proven could be removed from office.

ADVERTISIMENT

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
The head of the Polish government, Mateusz Morawiecki, was not overjoyed by the news of the death of the leader of the private military company Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, which occurred the day before. In his opinion, the army of Russian mercenaries will now be commanded directly by the Kremlin, and this does not bode well for neighbouring countries, including both Ukraine and Poland.

ADVERTISIMENT

The politician's words were reported by the Polish news portal Onet. did not comment on the likelihood that Prigozhin's death was not preordained.

"But it is now clear that, under Putin's full control, the Wagner group will be used even more for provocations, blackmail, attacks and 'all kinds of moves to undermine security policy,'" the prime minister said.

Morawiecki added that Poland is capable of responding to any challenges posed by Prigozhin's death. However, from now on, the regular army and border guard services should step up security measures.

As OBOZREVATEL reported, according to Western media, Putin almost certainly ordered the military command, represented by the Ministry of Defence, to shoot down the plane in which Prigozhin was flying. In this way, he tried to restore his dominance and take revenge for the humiliation caused by the armed uprising of the Wagner mercenaries on 24 June.

ADVERTISIMENT

After the crash of the business jet, the remnants of the Wagner mercenaries are rapidly leaving the territory of Belarus, where they have been living in a broken camp for the past few months. The mercenaries' convoys are moving towards Russia, but the Belarusian special services are trying to prevent the militants' vehicles from leaving.

Only verified information is available on our Obozrevatel Telegram channel, Threads and Viber. Don't fall for fakes!
Tech. Sgt. Danie Moore is a dedicated production recruiter for the Wyoming Air National Guard. She has also been making waves not only in her military career but as a devoted volunteer at the Wyoming State Fair. Moore, whose recruitment responsibilities span the regions of Lusk, Douglas, Casper, Gillette, South Dakota, and up through Cody, embodies the true spirit of community engagement.

At the heart of the fair, Moore serves as a vital member of the Friends of Agricultural, Industrial, and Recreation Posse, a group of volunteer ambassadors dedicated to supporting the future of Wyomings youth through the Wyoming State Fair.

We help set up the panels for rodeos. We help with the rodeo; we help with mutton busting. We do 4-H and FFA scholarships for first-time exhibitors. If people need rides, we give them rides. We provide water. Were at the needs of the fair. Were here from 7 a.m. till close, Moore explained when asked about her role.

The FAIR Posse is a diverse group of individuals. They are former 4-H or FFA members, ranchers, business owners, and even former National Guard Active Guard Reserve members who volunteer their time.

Moores journey with the posse began when she was a 960th Brigade Support Battalion Soldier in Douglas.

Master Sgt. Douglas Fenton was my readiness noncommissioned officer, and he would ask who wanted to help at the fair. We would get put on orders for the week, and I did that for the entire time I was with the 960th, She recalled. Then he said you should come to a FAIR Posse meeting. I started doing that, then I was on the board and then an officer. Being a recruiter now, its too much time, so now I just volunteer.

Moore finds immense joy in her role as a posse member. She enjoys connecting with influential individuals in the fair community and debunking misconceptions about the Wyoming State Fair.

Having people out and getting to know some of the key influencers of the fair is rewarding, she says.

Creating a positive and engaging experience for fairgoers is a core mission of the posse. Moore attributes their success to the trust they build within the community.

Just by the trust that we build. Like everybody that comes every year, those people know to stop at the posse shack here on the midway. They know we have water, they can get a ride, and they know we help with many rodeo events. So, just building that trust in the community, says Moore.

Balancing her volunteer responsibilities with her role as a recruiter has been seamless for Moore. Posse meetings are held monthly, usually in the evening, which allows her to be flexible with her schedule.

Her presence at the fair also aligns well with her recruiting mission.

I think its great because its a state fair. You have the opportunity to get out of your booth and mingle with people and go see the cow shows, pig shows, you get to meet a lot of the educators from all the different counties in Wyoming, and you get to build that rapport and trust with them, Moore says. Honestly, I use state fair as getting to meet people and putting the idea of I could join the Guard, whether its Army or Air, in their heads. When school starts, theyre like, I saw you at the county fair, or I saw you at the state fair. Youve already built that trust.

Moore suggests further increasing the militarys presence, particularly during the rodeo preshow at Military Appreciation Day, to enhance community engagement with the military and the Wyoming State Fair. Last years preshow featured a performance from a mounted color guard, a flyover, and VIPs from the military. It was a huge hit. This years preshow included a color guard and a re-enlistment ceremony. The Douglas High School band also opened the preshow by playing the Armed Forces Medley.
Wyomings Office of Outdoor Recreation facilitates seven outdoor recreation collaboratives convened throughout the state to bring together local community members, recreation stakeholders, businesses, conservation groups, federal and state agencies, and elected officials to identify and prioritize grassroot opportunities for the growth and enhancement of outdoor recreation.

Dates, times, locations, and call-in information are as follows:

 Wind River Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (WRORC - Fremont County) - will meet on Thursday, September 14th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Dubois Library (202 N 1st St). Join virtually here: https://meet.google.com/mdd-gaff-cdm or dial: (US) +1 470-268-2852 PIN: 685 827 292#. On the agenda for the meeting is subcommittee updates, a group brainstorm/update on Dubois topics, an early discussion for a WRORC clean-up day, and more.

 Southeast Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SWORC - Albany and Carbon Counties) - will meet on Thursday, September 7th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Best Western Cottontree Inn in Rawlins (2221 W Spruce St). Join virtually here: https://meet.google.com/dzw-xnkj-oii or dial: (US) +1 530-420-7745 PIN: 528 715 158#. The agenda includes a presentation from the National Forest Foundation, an update on subcommittees, an action item for collaborative members, the introduction of new ideas in the community, and more.

 Sweetwater County Outdoor Recreation Collaborative (SCORC - Sweetwater County) - will meet on Tuesday, September 12th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Rock Springs Library (400 C St). Join virtually here: https://meet.google.com/jyy-ieqi-tzi or dial: (US) +1 601-658-0385 PIN: 508 969 169#. The agenda includes partner updates/Q&As, subcommittee updates, an overview of the collaborative Flaming Gorge Bus Tour, and more.

Members of the public are welcome to attend collaborative meetings in-person or virtually. There will be a designated time for public comment near the end of each meeting.

Established by recommendation of the 2017 Governors Outdoor Recreation Task Force, the Office of Outdoor Recreation aims to diversify Wyomings economy by expanding, enhancing, and promoting responsible recreational opportunities through collaboration, outreach, and coordination with stakeholders, landowners, private industry, and public officials.
Craft Irish Whiskey Co. announces Raimonds Tomsons as global ambassador

Luxury whisky producer The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. has announced Raimonds Tomsons as its global brand ambassador. Raimonds will partner with the brand and work closely with its founder and CEO Jay Bradley.

Tomson recently won the prize of Worlds Best Sommelier in 2023, having previously won the award for Best Sommelier in Europe and Africa in 2017. He comes with first-hand experience of the workings of several restaurants, including El Bulli, Noma and Osteria Francescana. He is also a board member of the Latvian Sommelier Association.

The partnership comes off the back of a number of collaborations with restaurants, the continuation of its work with The Michelin Guide and a new partnership with Worlds 50 Best Restaurants.

Craft Irish Whiskey Co.s range of rare and ultra-rare Irish whiskeys includes its inaugural award-winning single malt The Devils Keep.

Commenting on his new role at the company, Tomsons said: Joining the team at The Craft Irish Whiskey Co. is an exciting milestone in my professional career. For me, being a sommelier means perpetual learning, and exploring the diverse world of wine, spirits, and other beverages.

"Fine whiskey has always been a spirit which I especially loved, so by joining Jay and his team as Global Brand Ambassador, I will have the opportunity to learn from the best, explore fine Irish whiskey in depth, and work on innovative whiskey and food pairings, sharing my knowledge and passion with others, and elevating the overall experience.

Founder Bradley added: In establishing The Craft Irish Whiskey Co., and painstakingly creating some of the most exceptional whiskeys in existence today, Ive placed excellence above all else, including time, profit, and of course convenience. With that in mind, Im thrilled to announce Raimonds, a man who's spent the best part of two decades diligently developing a palette for truly exceptional alcoholic drinks, as our new Global Brand Ambassador.

"Raimonds depth of knowledge, and his ability to detect nuances and layers of flavour, aligns perfectly with the way I make my whiskeys, each bottle of which offers a unique complexity of flavours, because of our pioneering approach to barrel-craft. Welcome Raimonds, I look forward to all we will achieve together.

24 August 2023 - Bradley Weir
12 killed in heavy rains in Himachal Pradesh





SHIMLA,

HEAVY overnight rains in Himachal Pradesh claimed 12 lives and blocked over 400 more roads besides damaging several houses, officials said on Wednesday. The meteorological office on Wednesday issued a red alert predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall with isolated spells of extremely heavy rains in six of the states 12 districts including Shimla for the next 24 hours. A total of 709 roads in the state are now shut following three major spells of heavy rains this Monsoon that have left a trail of death and destruction. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu appealed to the people to remain vigilant in view of the heavy rain forecast. All schools and colleges have been closed for two days beginning Wednesday in Shimla, Mandi and Solan districts. Out of the 12 deaths, seven occurred due to landslides in Mandi and Shimla. Besides, three people died of electrocution, and one death each was reported due to drowning and falling from height in different parts of the state, according to the state emergency operation centre. Five persons have died in landslides triggered by cloud bursts in two villages of Seraj area of Mandi district, Deputy Commissioner Arindam Chaudhary told PTI.

Two persons, Parma Nand (62) and his grandson Gopi (14), were killed in a landslide at Dagol village of Seraj in Mandi district while the other three were killed in a landslide in Sarachi village. Some more people are feared trapped in the debris. A few houses and a school were also damaged in the area. Shimla town was badly hit, with landslides and uprooted trees blocking the main cart road, the lifeline of the town as well as the Shimla-Mehli bypass at several points. Many houses have also developed cracks and people have been evacuated as a precautionary measure. A migrant identified as Jhalo and his wife Rajkumari were found dead in their makeshift house in Baldeyan area of Shimla district, Superintendent of Police, Shimla, Sanjeev Kumar Gandhi told PTI. The police officer also appealed to residents to avoid unnecessary travel.

As many as 120 people have died in rain-related incidents in the state this month while a total of 238 people have died and 40 are still missing since the onset of monsoon in Himachal Pradesh on June 24. The red alert warning was issued in the afternoon for parts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts. The MeT Department also issued an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains on Thursday. The landslides also left some houses damaged in Solan district. Deputy Commissioner, Solan, Manmohan Sharma told PTI that some houses have been damaged in Shakal village on the outskirts of Solan city as gushing waters entered the premises.
BRICS summit: PM Modi shows respect to national flag, avoids stepping on it





JOHANNESBURG,

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 ministers gesture and picking up his countrys 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.
FIGHT SCOURGE





THE United Nations (UN) paying tributes to terror victims globally on the International Day of Remembrance of and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, is a human gesture. But, for the sake of humanity, as far as terrorism is concerned, the global comity of nations needs to do more than just pay tributes. The UN needs to evolve its response to more actionable level. Given the stand taken by some of the UN Security Council members -- or P5, as they are referred to -- on the scourge of terrorism, it raises suspicions among the nations who are not part of the Council. For, nations like China have been exercising their veto power to scuttle the proposals by nations like India bearing the brunt of global terrorism. By blocking the proposals for designating certain individuals as global terrorists, China has been overtly extending support to Pakistan, which has earned the dubious distinction of being the hub of global terrorism. When a member of the P5 acts in such an irresponsible way, the exercises like the UN paying tributes to victims of global terror look like mere tokenism. Time has come for the UN to look at the issue of global terrorism with a more serious approach. This serious approach may involve forming International Anti-Terrorism Alliance on the lines of International Solar Alliance. Such an alliance will help in shaping the united response of the nations to the threat to global peace. It may have a wide charter of duties ranging from universal security co-operation to better co-ordinated tracking of terror financing to smoothening extradition procedures to joint action by nations against terror havens and networks.

Simultaneously, the UN will have to take up the long-pending overhaul of the United Nations Security Council. For, the present composition of the Council allows only five nations to wield power. Over the years, there has been criticism from various smaller nations that the UNSC had become a closed group of nations engaged in the arms trade. On occasions, there have been allegations also that the perceived superpowers were actively arming insurgents in some or the other nation to give a fillip to demand of arms supplied by the defence industrial complex. Time has come for the UN to recognise the rising clout and influence of nations like India, Brazil, Japan, Germany, South Africa. Unfortunately, there has been delay in UNSC reforms. Some time ago, India had rightly criticised the delay as another wasted opportunity. Unless the UNSC is reformed in a fashion that it becomes more inclusive, and unless concrete steps are taken to form International Anti-Terrorism Alliance (merely having an Office of Counter-Terrorism will not suffice), the exercise of offering tributes to victims of global terror will not be more meaningful. Such tributes will be reduced to mere lip-service in absence of such concrete steps. Here, the observation of a 26/11 Mumbai terror attack survivor Mr. Karambir Singh Kang, The United Nations needs to pull its weight on some of these matters which globally affect all of us, become more significant. It is for the UN to respond to such appeals of terror attack survivors, with some solid measures to fight the scourge of international terrorism. If the borderless terrorism is to be fought, it will have to be done by creating a borderless anti-terrorism alliance where countries come together to act beyond selfish considerations of arms business or shielding friends. The humanity suffering from terrorism expects the UN to take a resolute stand, instead of merely issuing statements on commemorative occasions. Without commitment visible in action, no words can create hope for humanity as far as building peace is concerned.
India fully supports expansion of BRICS: PM Modi





By Fakir Hassan

JOHANNESBURG,

INDIA fully supports the expansion of the BRICS and welcomes moving forward on it with consensus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday 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 an address at a plenary session of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) summit in Johannesburg, Modi said the technology will play an important role in making the grouping a future-ready organisation, and offered Indias readiness to share expertise in the digital domain. India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS membership. And welcomes moving forward with consensus on it, 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 membership. Chinese President Xi Jinping, who spoke after Modi at the plenary, also pitched for a 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. The Prime Minister also hoped that Indias proposal to accord permanent membership of the G20 to the African Union would be supported by all the BRICS nations. In his remarks, Modi also recalled that Indias 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. Together with all the BRICS partners, we will continue to contribute actively in making this new definition meaningful, he said. Citing examples of Indias 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. Thats 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. Noting that the grouping was already working on the BRICS satellite constellation, the Prime Minister said the member nations should think about establishing a space exploration consortium. To make BRICS a future-ready organisation, we have to make our societies future-ready.

Technology will play an important role in this, he said. The Prime Minister talked about Indias 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. 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. 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 Indias 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 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, Modi said.
Staff Reporter

The investigators are suspecting contract killing in the brutal murder of Sana Khan alias Heena Khan, a 34-year-old functionary of the Bharatiya Janata Partys Minority Cell from Awasthi Nagar. A police official claimed that prime accused Pappu alias Amit Sahu was misleading the investigators by stating that Sana was murdered over monetary disputes. The case is of a well-planned murder executed by Pappu and his accomplices on the instructions of an unidentified person, he added. After arresting Pappu and his accomplices Ramesh Singh, Dharmendra Yadav, Rabbu Chaha alias Ravishankar Yadav and Kamlesh Patel, the police have registered a case of extortion against Pappu and unidentified persons from Nagpur and Jabalpur on August 20.

However, the accused involved in the sextortion racket from Nagpur are yet to be identified by the police officials.

The police are also suspecting involvement of a person from Nagpur in the murder case. Sana went missing on August 2 after a confrontation with her husband-turned-foe, Pappu Sahu. 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.

Sources claimed that Pappu had hatched the conspiracy and purportedly called Sana to Jabalpur with an intention to kill her. Now, the police are investigating the roles of unidentified persons in the murder case. The Congress MLA from Madhya Pradesh, who received a notice from Nagpur police in connection with the murder case, is yet to appear before the police for recording his statement.
MG Motor India celebrates 100th anniversary by rolling out 100-day customer drive with offers





Business Bureau

MG Motor India, with 100 years of rich history that stands as a testament to its resilience, innovation, and customer-centricity, is preparing to mark its centenary. The company on its 100th year anniversary is dedicated to recognising and rewarding its loyal customers. MG Motor India is rolling out a 100-day customer campaign with offers including special pricing, exchange benefits, loyalty schemes, extended warranty, and service offers for new customers. Through daily giveaways led by MG dealers, and loyalty bonuses for new cars, MG Motor India expresses its gratitude to its existing customers. MGs customers can visit MG centers to avail the benefits. The loyal MG customers in Nagpur are also excited for the landmark phase in the companys history and are rushing to the city showrooms to avail the benefits.

Driven by technology and smiles, the brand takes pride in its India growth story, fostering communities, promoting diversity, and bolstering the EV ecosystem. Since commencing its India journey in 2019, MG Motor India has been at the forefront of CASE mobility (Connected, Autonomous, Shared, and Electric), starting with MG Hector, Indias first internet SUV followed by MG ZS EV  the first fully-electric internet SUV. The brand also introduced cutting-edge innovations  all MG cars have connected technology and are up to Autonomous Level 2. It also offers an industry-first personal AI assistant and the first-in-segment Autonomous Level 2 technology, both featured in mid-size SUV - Astor.

For details, interested may contact MG Nagpur (Nangia Cars), Opp Nangia Speciality Hospital, MIDC Hingna (Mobile No: 7775022000).
PM hails successful Chandrayaan landing as new flight of new India





NEW DELHI :

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.

This is a moment to cherish forever, Modi said, noting that India has reached the South Pole of the moon where no country has ventured so far and congratulated scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the historic feat. Invoking Indias G20 Presidency, Modi said the success of Indias Moon mission was not it alone but that of the entire humanity. India is proving again and again that the sky is not the limit,Modi said, adding that ISRO already has set to launch a mission to the sun Aditya-L1 and was planning to explore planet Venus. Immediately after the successful soft landing of Vikram lander on the Moon, the Prime Minister called ISRO chairman S Somanath to congratulate the space agencys scientists and said he would soon extend greetings to them in person. Sources said Modi may visit ISRO on August 26 after his return from abroad. India is now on the Moon and now is the time to walk on the Chandra Path of victory, the Prime Minister said. India has reached the South Pole of the Moon where no country in the world has reached to date. We have achieved this with the dedication and talent of our scientists. This is a moment of the capability of the 140 crore heartbeats and the confidence of new energy of India, he said.

This day signifies how victory is achieved from the lessons of defeat, the Prime Minister said in an apparent reference to the partial success of the Chandrayaan-2 mission in 2019. The Chandrayaan-3s landing on the Moon is a historic moment and sounds the bugle for a developed India, Modi said. Modi, who is in the South African city to attend the five-nation BRICS Summit, waved the tricolour and clapped 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 ISROs Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) virtually. The Prime Minister said all the myths and stories related to the moon will now change and the proverbs will find a new meaning for the new generation. Modi recalled that in Indian folklore the Earth is considered Maa (mother) and the Moon as Mama (uncle).

The Moon was 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 ie. The Moon is only a tour away, the Prime Minister said. Modi expressed confidence that the achievements of Chandrayaan will take Indias flight beyond the lunar orbits. We will test the limits of our solar system, and work to realize the infinite possibilities of the universe for humans, Modi said. The Prime Minister said ISRO was soon going to launch the Aditya L-1 mission for a detailed study of the Sun. He also mentioned that a mission to Venus was also one of ISROs goals.

Momentous occasion: President Murmu

NEW DELHI,

PRESIDENT Droupadi Murmu said that the landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface was truly a momentous occasion which happens once in a lifetime and it has made the whole country proud. After watching live telecast of Moon landing of Vikram lander, Murmu conveyed her congratulatory video message to Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and everyone associated with the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

There are days when history is made. Today with the successful Moon landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, our scientists have not only made history but also remade the idea of geography. It is truly a momentous occasion. The kind of event that happens once in a lifetime making India proud. I congratulate ISRO and everybody involved in this mission and wish them greater accomplishments ahead, she said in the video message.
Prayers and jubilation across the country





New Delhi,

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. People gathered in educational institutions, offices, city squares and religious places to watch theISRO live telecast of Chandrayaan-3s final descent to the uncharted surface of the lunar south pole.

As the Vikram Lander touched down on the lunar south surface at the scheduled time of 6.04 pm, prayers were also offered in schools, universities and other complexes across the country. Science in the skies and spirituality on ground, it was about ardas and aartis, havans and namaz being offered in various corners.
Success of Chandrayaan-3 is proud moment for all: CM





Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel congratulated the scientists of ISRO and the people of the country on the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. Chief Minister Baghel wrote on X, India has established a new dimension in space today after successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon. The success of Chandrayaan-3 is a proud moment for all of us. I extend my best wishes to all the scientists and members associated with this mission on this success. Today all of you have given a moment of pride to all countrymen. Nation salutes you all! Live demonstrations of Chandrayaan-3 were held at various places in Capital. Live demonstrations were held at J R Dani School, NIT Raipur and other institutions.
Cerity Partners LLC grew its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report) by 147.5% during the first quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,267,402 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 755,247 shares during the period. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF comprises 1.2% of Cerity Partners LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 12th largest holding. Cerity Partners LLCs holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF were worth $529,567,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors also recently made changes to their positions in IVV. Financial Advocates Investment Management increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 73.0% in the first quarter. Financial Advocates Investment Management now owns 37,096 shares of the companys stock worth $15,249,000 after buying an additional 15,653 shares during the last quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 41.4% in the first quarter. Natixis Advisors L.P. now owns 22,966 shares of the companys stock worth $9,441,000 after buying an additional 6,726 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 23.8% in the first quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 24,227 shares of the companys stock worth $9,821,000 after buying an additional 4,654 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. increased its holdings in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF by 6.0% in the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 33,998,160 shares of the companys stock worth $13,975,963,000 after buying an additional 1,919,967 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Oarsman Capital Inc. bought a new stake in iShares Core S&P 500 ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $469,000.

Get iShares Core S&P 500 ETF alerts:

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Trading Up 1.1 %

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF stock traded up $4.86 during trading hours on Wednesday, reaching $445.25. 2,855,643 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 4,076,983. The firm has a market cap of $344.47 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 18.43 and a beta of 1.00. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $447.06 and a 200 day moving average of $423.48. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has a 12 month low of $349.53 and a 12 month high of $461.88.

About iShares Core S&P 500 ETF

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Standard & Poors 500 Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of the large-capitalization sector of the United States equity market.

See Also

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IVV? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (NYSEARCA:IVV  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core S&P 500 ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Gardner Russo & Quinn LLC reduced its stake in Visa Inc. (NYSE:V  Free Report) by 1.6% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 341,089 shares of the credit-card processors stock after selling 5,622 shares during the quarter. Visa accounts for 0.8% of Gardner Russo & Quinn LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 16th largest position. Gardner Russo & Quinn LLCs holdings in Visa were worth $76,902,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Oarsman Capital Inc. bought a new stake in Visa during the 1st quarter worth about $231,000. Connectus Wealth LLC lifted its position in Visa by 9.7% during the 1st quarter. Connectus Wealth LLC now owns 33,854 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $5,982,000 after buying an additional 2,994 shares in the last quarter. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. lifted its position in Visa by 84.3% during the 1st quarter. Industrial Alliance Investment Management Inc. now owns 268,658 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $60,572,000 after buying an additional 122,877 shares in the last quarter. Barrett & Company Inc. bought a new stake in Visa during the 1st quarter worth about $108,000. Finally, Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC lifted its position in Visa by 4.2% during the 1st quarter. Kovitz Investment Group Partners LLC now owns 564,036 shares of the credit-card processors stock worth $127,168,000 after buying an additional 22,679 shares in the last quarter. 84.92% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Get Visa alerts:

Visa Price Performance

Shares of Visa stock traded up $1.79 on Wednesday, reaching $242.36. 2,430,163 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 6,085,168. The firms 50 day moving average is $236.68 and its 200-day moving average is $229.80. Visa Inc. has a one year low of $174.60 and a one year high of $245.37. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 1.49 and a current ratio of 1.49. The firm has a market cap of $451.24 billion, a PE ratio of 30.53, a P/E/G ratio of 1.83 and a beta of 0.97.

Visa Dividend Announcement

Visa ( NYSE:V Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 25th. The credit-card processor reported $2.16 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.11 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $8.06 billion. Visa had a net margin of 51.94% and a return on equity of 49.42%. The firms revenue was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.98 EPS. As a group, analysts anticipate that Visa Inc. will post 8.65 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 1st. Investors of record on Friday, August 11th will be paid a $0.45 dividend. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.74%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, August 10th. Visas payout ratio is 22.84%.

Insider Activity at Visa

In related news, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 24,025 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total value of $5,766,000.00. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Visa news, insider Rajat Taneja sold 2,300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total value of $552,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 232,112 shares in the company, valued at approximately $55,706,880. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CEO Ryan Mcinerney sold 24,025 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $240.00, for a total transaction of $5,766,000.00. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 57,600 shares of company stock valued at $13,828,767 in the last quarter. Insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of Visa from $272.00 to $287.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Visa from $270.00 to $275.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Oppenheimer reiterated an outperform rating and issued a $248.00 price target on shares of Visa in a research note on Monday, July 24th. Susquehanna upped their price target on shares of Visa from $266.00 to $300.00 in a research note on Wednesday, July 26th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group upped their price target on shares of Visa from $270.00 to $280.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and fifteen have given a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Visa has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $273.95.

Read Our Latest Report on V

Visa Company Profile

(Free Report)

Visa Inc operates as a payments technology company worldwide. The company operates VisaNet, a transaction processing network that enables authorization, clearing, and settlement of payment transactions. It also offers credit, debit, and prepaid card products; tap to pay, tokenization, click to pay; Visa Direct, a real-time payments network; Visa B2B Connect, a multilateral B2B cross-border payments network; Visa Treasury as a Service, a cross-border consumer payments business; and Visa DPS that provides a range of value added services, including fraud mitigation, dispute management, data analytics, campaign management, a suite of digital solutions, and contact center services.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Visa Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Visa and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF (TSE:CVD  Get Free Report) declared a monthly dividend on Friday, August 25th, TickerTech reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, August 31st will be given a dividend of 0.073 per share on Thursday, August 31st. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.36%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, August 25th.

iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of TSE CVD traded down C$0.13 during midday trading on Wednesday, reaching C$16.35. The company had a trading volume of 1,910 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,207. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is C$16.65 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$16.87. iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF has a 1 year low of C$16.01 and a 1 year high of C$17.57.

Read More

Receive News & Ratings for iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE:COE  Free Report) in a report published on Sunday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the stock.

51Talk Online Education Group Trading Down 2.2 %

Shares of COE stock opened at $7.20 on Friday. 51Talk Online Education Group has a 1 year low of $4.40 and a 1 year high of $9.24. The firms fifty day moving average price is $7.97 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $6.63. The firm has a market capitalization of $40.03 million, a P/E ratio of -1.84 and a beta of -0.51.

Get 51Talk Online Education Group alerts:

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its stake in 51Talk Online Education Group by 2.5% in the 2nd quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 290,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $401,000 after buying an additional 7,000 shares during the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in 51Talk Online Education Group by 193.2% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 55,979 shares of the companys stock valued at $98,000 after buying an additional 36,885 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UBS Group AG grew its stake in 51Talk Online Education Group by 179.1% in the 4th quarter. UBS Group AG now owns 7,836 shares of the companys stock valued at $49,000 after buying an additional 5,028 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 14.60% of the companys stock.

51Talk Online Education Group Company Profile

51Talk Online Education Group, through its subsidiaries, provides online English language education services to students in the People's Republic of China, the Philippines, and internationally. The company operates online and mobile education platforms that enable students to take live interactive English and Chinese lessons.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for 51Talk Online Education Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for 51Talk Online Education Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Free Report) had its price objective boosted by Barclays from C$93.00 to C$96.00 in a research report report published on Monday morning, BayStreet.CA reports. Barclays currently has an underweight rating on the financial services providers stock.

Several other equities research analysts have also recently weighed in on NA. CSFB lowered their price target on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$116.00 to C$111.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. CIBC decreased their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$110.00 to C$108.00 in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. Scotiabank decreased their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$109.00 to C$107.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Canaccord Genuity Group increased their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$102.00 to C$105.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 24th. Finally, TD Securities increased their target price on shares of National Bank of Canada from C$100.00 to C$105.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, June 1st. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have assigned a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of C$105.71.

Get National Bank of Canada alerts:

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on National Bank of Canada

National Bank of Canada Price Performance

Shares of National Bank of Canada stock opened at C$100.01 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of C$33.79 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.74, a PEG ratio of 17.04 and a beta of 1.10. The firms 50-day moving average is C$100.07 and its two-hundred day moving average is C$99.41. National Bank of Canada has a 1 year low of C$82.16 and a 1 year high of C$104.83.

National Bank of Canada (TSE:NA  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, May 31st. The financial services provider reported C$2.38 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$2.40 by C($0.02). National Bank of Canada had a return on equity of 15.30% and a net margin of 34.69%. The business had revenue of C$2.48 billion during the quarter. On average, equities analysts expect that National Bank of Canada will post 10.0129741 earnings per share for the current year.

National Bank of Canada Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 1st. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 1st were paid a $1.02 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, June 23rd. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.08%. This is a positive change from National Bank of Canadas previous quarterly dividend of $0.97. National Bank of Canadas dividend payout ratio is presently 43.82%.

About National Bank of Canada

(Get Free Report)

National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for National Bank of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for National Bank of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Get Free Report) have received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nine ratings firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 1-year price target among brokers that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is C$29.17.

Several research analysts recently commented on the stock. Scotiabank reduced their price target on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$28.00 to C$27.00 in a research note on Monday, May 29th. Raymond James reduced their price target on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$34.00 to C$30.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, May 29th. CIBC reduced their price target on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$27.00 to C$26.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday. Royal Bank of Canada raised shares of Canadian Western Bank from a sector perform rating to an outperform rating and reduced their price target for the stock from C$35.00 to C$34.00 in a research note on Tuesday, May 30th. Finally, Barclays increased their target price on shares of Canadian Western Bank from C$26.00 to C$29.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Monday.

Get Canadian Western Bank alerts:

View Our Latest Stock Report on CWB

Canadian Western Bank Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of CWB opened at C$25.29 on Friday. Canadian Western Bank has a twelve month low of C$21.21 and a twelve month high of C$29.11. The company has a market cap of C$2.44 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.64, a P/E/G ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 1.65. The companys fifty day simple moving average is C$25.58 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$25.33.

Canadian Western Bank (TSE:CWB  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Friday, May 26th. The company reported C$0.74 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of C$0.78 by C($0.04). Canadian Western Bank had a net margin of 31.98% and a return on equity of 8.96%. The firm had revenue of C$264.41 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$269.27 million. Analysts predict that Canadian Western Bank will post 3.5337931 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Canadian Western Bank Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, June 22nd. Stockholders of record on Thursday, June 8th were given a dividend of $0.33 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, June 7th. This is a boost from Canadian Western Banks previous quarterly dividend of $0.32. This represents a $1.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 5.22%. Canadian Western Banks dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 39.88%.

About Canadian Western Bank

(Get Free Report

Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, notice, cash management, US dollar, and chequing accounts, as well as organization, business trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, and equipment financing and leasing products; agriculture lending products; mortgages; lines of credits; registered retirement savings loans; consolidation, and vehicle loans; and credit cards.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Western Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Western Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
China Sunergy Co Ltd (OTCMKTS:CSUNY  Get Free Report)s share price crossed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of $0.02 and traded as high as $0.03. China Sunergy shares last traded at $0.02, with a volume of 7,100 shares changing hands.

China Sunergy Trading Down 10.0 %

The firms 50-day moving average price is $0.02 and its 200-day moving average price is $0.02.

China Sunergy Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

China Sunergy Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, designs, develops, manufactures, and markets solar cells and modules in the People's Republic of China and internationally. The company offers monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon solar cells; and standard P-type solar cells, HP solar cells, and emitter cells, as well as solar modules for use in a range of residential, commercial, industrial, and other solar power generation systems.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for China Sunergy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Sunergy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Citigroup Inc. boosted its stake in shares of iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:EWY  Free Report) by 37.4% during the 1st quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 993,430 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after buying an additional 270,545 shares during the quarter. Citigroup Inc.s holdings in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF were worth $60,818,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. AMG National Trust Bank lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 86.4% during the 1st quarter. AMG National Trust Bank now owns 22,235 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $1,361,000 after buying an additional 10,307 shares during the period. Hosking Partners LLP acquired a new position in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $31,995,000. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. lifted its holdings in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF by 104.0% during the 1st quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 35,262 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $2,159,000 after buying an additional 17,980 shares during the period. ClariVest Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $70,000. Finally, Yacktman Asset Management LP acquired a new position in iShares MSCI South Korea ETF during the 1st quarter worth about $35,808,000.

Get iShares MSCI South Korea ETF alerts:

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Trading Up 1.3 %

Shares of EWY opened at $61.55 on Thursday. The company has a market capitalization of $3.59 billion, a PE ratio of 7.39 and a beta of 1.05. iShares MSCI South Korea ETF has a 12 month low of $47.19 and a 12 month high of $67.95. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $64.69 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $62.48.

About iShares MSCI South Korea ETF

iShares MSCI South Korea Capped ETF (the Fund) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Korea 25/50 Index (the Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Stock Market Division of the Korean Exchange.

Recommended Stories

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EWY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (NYSEARCA:EWY  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares MSCI South Korea ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Argo Group International (NYSE:ARGO  Get Free Report) and Hiscox (OTCMKTS:HCXLF  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, valuation, earnings, dividends, risk, analyst recommendations and institutional ownership.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of recent recommendations and price targets for Argo Group International and Hiscox, as provided by MarketBeat.

Get Argo Group International alerts:

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Argo Group International 1 1 0 0 1.50 Hiscox 0 3 0 0 2.00

Argo Group International presently has a consensus target price of $30.00, suggesting a potential upside of 0.94%. Hiscox has a consensus target price of $1,196.00, suggesting a potential upside of 8,759.26%. Given Hiscoxs stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe Hiscox is more favorable than Argo Group International.

Earnings and Valuation

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Argo Group International $1.75 billion 0.60 -$175.20 million ($5.71) -5.20 Hiscox N/A N/A N/A $0.64 21.03

This table compares Argo Group International and Hiscoxs revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Hiscox has lower revenue, but higher earnings than Argo Group International. Argo Group International is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Hiscox, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Insider & Institutional Ownership

59.1% of Hiscox shares are held by institutional investors. 1.0% of Argo Group International shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Profitability

This table compares Argo Group International and Hiscoxs net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Argo Group International -11.90% -7.65% -0.94% Hiscox N/A N/A N/A

Summary

Hiscox beats Argo Group International on 8 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Argo Group International

(Get Free Report)

Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. underwrites specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty markets. The company operates in two segments, U.S. Operations and International Operations. It offers primary and excess specialty casualty, general liability, commercial multi-peril, and workers compensation, as well as product, environmental, and auto liability insurance products; management liability, transaction liability, and errors and omissions liability insurance; primary and excess property, inland marine, and auto physical damage insurance; and surety, animal mortality, and ocean marine insurance products. The company also provides directors and officers liability, errors and omissions liability, and employment practices liability insurance; international casualty and motor treaties insurance; professional indemnity and medical malpractice insurance; direct and facultative excess insurance, North American and international binders, and residential collateral protection for lending institutions; and personal accident, aviation, cargo, yachts, and onshore and offshore marine insurance products. It markets its products through wholesale and retail agents, managing general agents, brokers, and third-party intermediaries. The company was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

About Hiscox

(Get Free Report)

Hiscox Ltd, through its subsidiaries, provides insurance and reinsurance services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through four segments: Hiscox Retail, Hiscox London Market, Hiscox Re & ILS, and Corporate Centre. It offers commercial insurance for small-and medium-sized businesses; and personal lines cover, including high-value household, fine art, luxury motor, classic car, and partners and direct-to-consumer using both traditional and digital trading models. The company also provides property insurance; marine and energy insurance; aviation insurance; casualty insurance; specialty insurance; kidnap and ransom insurance; and other specialty insurance, such as contingency, terrorism, personal accident, and product recall. In addition, it offers healthcare and casualty reinsurance services, as well as investment services. Hiscox Ltd was founded in 1901 and is headquartered in Pembroke, Bermuda.

Receive News & Ratings for Argo Group International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Argo Group International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Cordoba Minerals Corp. (CVE:CDB  Get Free Report) were down 5% on Wednesday . The company traded as low as C$0.38 and last traded at C$0.38. Approximately 4,000 shares were traded during mid-day trading, a decline of 75% from the average daily volume of 15,761 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.40.

Cordoba Minerals Stock Down 5.0 %

The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$0.39 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$0.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.85, a current ratio of 0.11 and a quick ratio of 0.11. The firm has a market capitalization of C$33.91 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.09 and a beta of 0.75.

About Cordoba Minerals

(Get Free Report)

Cordoba Minerals Corp., a mineral exploration company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, evaluation, and development of base and precious metal properties in Colombia and the United States. The company explores for copper, silver, and gold deposits. It primarily holds a 100% interest in the San Matias project with exploration licenses covering 146.62 square kilometers and has an additional 893.91 square kilometers of mining titles under application located in the municipality of Puerto Libertador, Department of Cordoba, Colombia.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Cordoba Minerals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cordoba Minerals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Free Report) had its target price lowered by Credit Suisse Group from $560.00 to $551.00 in a research report sent to investors on Monday morning, Marketbeat reports. The firm currently has an outperform rating on the industrial products companys stock.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on DE. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on Deere & Company from $392.00 to $398.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 9th. Robert W. Baird lowered their price target on Deere & Company from $512.00 to $445.00 in a research report on Monday, May 22nd. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price target on Deere & Company from $500.00 to $493.00 in a research report on Monday, May 22nd. Sanford C. Bernstein lowered their price target on Deere & Company from $398.00 to $367.00 in a research report on Monday, May 15th. Finally, Bank of America raised their price target on Deere & Company from $455.00 to $484.00 in a research report on Sunday. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $458.53.

Get Deere & Company alerts:

Read Our Latest Analysis on DE

Deere & Company Trading Up 2.4 %

NYSE:DE opened at $394.30 on Monday. The company has a market cap of $115.60 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.65, a P/E/G ratio of 0.95 and a beta of 1.06. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $418.13 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $400.33. Deere & Company has a 1 year low of $328.62 and a 1 year high of $450.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.65, a current ratio of 1.98 and a quick ratio of 1.74.

Deere & Company (NYSE:DE  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 18th. The industrial products company reported $10.20 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $8.22 by $1.98. Deere & Company had a return on equity of 46.15% and a net margin of 16.36%. The company had revenue of $14.28 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $14.14 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $6.16 earnings per share. The firms revenue was up 9.9% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts expect that Deere & Company will post 32.02 EPS for the current year.

Deere & Company Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 8th. Investors of record on Friday, June 30th were paid a $1.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, June 29th. This represents a $5.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.27%. Deere & Companys payout ratio is presently 14.78%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Deere & Company news, insider Cory J. Reed sold 4,680 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $449.75, for a total transaction of $2,104,830.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 36,563 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $16,444,209.25. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Deere & Company news, CEO John C. May II sold 52,967 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $416.02, for a total transaction of $22,035,331.34. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 109,126 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $45,398,598.52. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Cory J. Reed sold 4,680 shares of Deere & Company stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $449.75, for a total transaction of $2,104,830.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 36,563 shares of the companys stock, valued at $16,444,209.25. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold 92,690 shares of company stock valued at $37,335,181 over the last ninety days. 0.26% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Deere & Company

Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Retirement Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Deere & Company by 264.7% during the second quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 62 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 45 shares during the last quarter. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. raised its holdings in Deere & Company by 1,475.0% in the 1st quarter. University of Texas Texas AM Investment Managment Co. now owns 63 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 59 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC purchased a new position in Deere & Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $27,000. Lansing Street Advisors raised its holdings in Deere & Company by 1,725.0% in the 1st quarter. Lansing Street Advisors now owns 73 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 69 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Barrett & Company Inc. purchased a new position in Deere & Company in the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. 71.33% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Deere & Company

(Get Free Report)

Deere & Company manufactures and distributes various equipment worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Production and Precision Agriculture, Small Agriculture and Turf, Construction and Forestry, and Financial Services. The Production and Precision Agriculture segment provides mid-size tractors, combines, cotton pickers and strippers, sugarcane harvesters, harvesting front-end equipment, sugarcane loaders, pull-behind scrapers, and tillage and seeding equipment, as well as application equipment, including sprayers and nutrient management, and soil preparation machinery for grain growers.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Deere & Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deere & Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report) by 5.6% during the first quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 152,824 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 8,149 shares during the quarter. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors Inc.s holdings in Eli Lilly and Company were worth $52,483,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently made changes to their positions in LLY. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 4.8% during the 1st quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. now owns 82,966 shares of the companys stock worth $28,449,000 after acquiring an additional 3,768 shares in the last quarter. Patten & Patten Inc. TN increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 44.2% during the 1st quarter. Patten & Patten Inc. TN now owns 17,177 shares of the companys stock worth $5,899,000 after buying an additional 5,266 shares in the last quarter. Clal Insurance Enterprises Holdings Ltd purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the 1st quarter worth approximately $859,000. Jacobs & Co. CA increased its holdings in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 1.1% in the first quarter. Jacobs & Co. CA now owns 27,434 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,421,000 after purchasing an additional 290 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC boosted its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 61.9% during the first quarter. Cyndeo Wealth Partners LLC now owns 5,905 shares of the companys stock worth $2,028,000 after buying an additional 2,258 shares during the last quarter. 87.25% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts:

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 204,409 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $523.74, for a total value of $107,057,169.66. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 100,823,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $52,805,462,249.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In related news, EVP Patrik Jonsson sold 6,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, June 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $429.46, for a total value of $2,576,760.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 36,941 shares in the company, valued at $15,864,681.86. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Also, major shareholder Lilly Endowment Inc sold 204,409 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $523.74, for a total value of $107,057,169.66. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now owns 100,823,810 shares in the company, valued at approximately $52,805,462,249.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 725,441 shares of company stock worth $360,685,325. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have recently commented on LLY. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on Eli Lilly and Company from $510.00 to $600.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. Barclays upped their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $500.00 to $590.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, August 9th. 22nd Century Group reaffirmed a maintains rating on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Tuesday, June 27th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $490.00 to $580.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 8th. Finally, UBS Group increased their price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $447.00 to $498.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, May 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, one has issued a hold rating and nineteen have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $520.48.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY

Eli Lilly and Company Trading Down 0.8 %

Shares of LLY traded down $4.46 during mid-day trading on Thursday, hitting $548.90. The company had a trading volume of 1,002,744 shares, compared to its average volume of 3,042,212. Eli Lilly and Company has a 1-year low of $296.32 and a 1-year high of $557.40. The stock has a market cap of $521.07 billion, a PE ratio of 76.96, a P/E/G ratio of 2.28 and a beta of 0.35. The company has a quick ratio of 0.87, a current ratio of 1.13 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.63. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $474.94 and its 200-day simple moving average is $410.36.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 8th. The company reported $2.11 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.98 by $0.13. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 22.01% and a return on equity of 65.00%. The business had revenue of $8.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.58 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.25 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 28.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 9.85 earnings per share for the current year.

Eli Lilly and Company Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, September 8th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, August 15th will be issued a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, August 14th. This represents a $4.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.82%. Eli Lilly and Companys payout ratio is presently 62.87%.

About Eli Lilly and Company

(Free Report)

Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. It offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; and Jardiance, Trajenta, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes.

Featured Articles

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY  Free Report).

Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
SandRidge Energy (NYSE:SD  Get Free Report) and Vista Energy (NYSE:VIST  Get Free Report) are both oils/energy companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, dividends, institutional ownership, risk, earnings, profitability and analyst recommendations.

Profitability

This table compares SandRidge Energy and Vista Energys net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Get SandRidge Energy alerts:

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets SandRidge Energy 97.92% 27.76% 22.25% Vista Energy 28.33% 38.18% 15.80%

Analyst Recommendations

This is a breakdown of current recommendations for SandRidge Energy and Vista Energy, as provided by MarketBeat.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score SandRidge Energy 0 0 0 0 N/A Vista Energy 0 0 1 0 3.00

Institutional & Insider Ownership

Vista Energy has a consensus price target of $30.00, suggesting a potential upside of 14.29%. Given Vista Energys higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Vista Energy is more favorable than SandRidge Energy.

18.1% of SandRidge Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 44.9% of Vista Energy shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.4% of SandRidge Energy shares are owned by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares SandRidge Energy and Vista Energys top-line revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio SandRidge Energy $254.26 million 2.28 $242.17 million $5.37 2.91 Vista Energy $1.14 billion 2.13 $269.54 million $3.34 7.86

Vista Energy has higher revenue and earnings than SandRidge Energy. SandRidge Energy is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Vista Energy, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Volatility and Risk

SandRidge Energy has a beta of 2.37, meaning that its stock price is 137% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vista Energy has a beta of 2.11, meaning that its stock price is 111% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Vista Energy beats SandRidge Energy on 7 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About SandRidge Energy

(Get Free Report)

SandRidge Energy, Inc. engages in the acquisition, development, and production of oil and natural gas primarily in the United States Mid-Continent. As of December 31, 2022, it had an interest in 1,471 gross producing wells. The company was incorporated in 2006 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

About Vista Energy

(Get Free Report)

Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V., through its subsidiaries, engages in the exploration and production of oil and gas in Latin America. The company's principal assets located in Neuquina basin, Argentina and Vaca Muerta. It also owns producing assets in Argentina and Mexico. In addition, the company involved in drilling and workover activities located in Argentina. The company was formerly known as Vista Oil & Gas, S.A.B. de C.V. and changed its name to Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. in April 2022. Vista Energy, S.A.B. de C.V. was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Mexico City, Mexico.

Receive News & Ratings for SandRidge Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SandRidge Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of IDACORP (NYSE:IDA  Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Sunday morning. The brokerage issued a sell rating on the energy companys stock.

Other analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their target price on IDACORP from $112.00 to $108.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 4th. Mizuho decreased their price objective on IDACORP from $107.00 to $105.00 in a report on Wednesday, August 9th.

Get IDACORP alerts:

Read Our Latest Stock Report on IDA

IDACORP Stock Performance

IDA opened at $94.25 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $4.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.49, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 5.03 and a beta of 0.60. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $101.41 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $104.76. The company has a quick ratio of 1.27, a current ratio of 1.57 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.87. IDACORP has a 12-month low of $92.40 and a 12-month high of $113.26.

IDACORP (NYSE:IDA  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 3rd. The energy company reported $1.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $413.84 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $359.32 million. IDACORP had a return on equity of 9.67% and a net margin of 15.31%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.27 EPS. On average, equities analysts forecast that IDACORP will post 5.03 earnings per share for the current year.

IDACORP Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, August 31st. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 2nd will be issued a dividend of $0.79 per share. This represents a $3.16 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.35%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, August 1st. IDACORPs payout ratio is presently 58.63%.

Institutional Trading of IDACORP

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of IDA. American Trust boosted its stake in IDACORP by 38,530.9% in the 2nd quarter. American Trust now owns 728,192 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $728,000 after buying an additional 726,307 shares in the last quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in IDACORP by 5,362.2% in the 4th quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 605,653 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $65,296,000 after buying an additional 594,565 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its stake in IDACORP by 5.6% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,874,121 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $677,639,000 after buying an additional 313,956 shares in the last quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. boosted its stake in IDACORP by 95.8% in the 1st quarter. Franklin Resources Inc. now owns 544,707 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $59,008,000 after buying an additional 266,545 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Street Corp boosted its stake in IDACORP by 15.2% in the 1st quarter. State Street Corp now owns 1,674,867 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $193,213,000 after buying an additional 221,072 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 81.03% of the companys stock.

About IDACORP

(Get Free Report)

IDACORP, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, distribution, purchase, and sale of electric energy in the United States. The company operates 17 hydropower generating plants located in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon; three natural gas-fired plants in southern Idaho; and interests in two coal-fired steam electric generating plants located in Wyoming and Nevada.

Further Reading

Receive News & Ratings for IDACORP Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for IDACORP and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Shares of Neptune Orient Lines Limited (OTCMKTS:NPTOY  Get Free Report) passed below its 50 day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $3.68 and traded as low as $3.68. Neptune Orient Lines shares last traded at $3.68, with a volume of 900 shares.

Neptune Orient Lines Stock Performance

The business has a fifty day moving average price of $3.68.

About Neptune Orient Lines

(Get Free Report)

Neptune Orient Lines Limited is an investment holding company. The Company is engaged in the ownership and charter of vessels, as well as participates in ventures related to these activities. The Company operates through its Liner segment. The Companys Liner segment provides operations of container transportation, terminals and provision of other related services.

Featured Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Neptune Orient Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Neptune Orient Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Rio Novo Gold Inc. (TSE:RN  Get Free Report) passed above its 200-day moving average during trading on Tuesday . The stock has a 200-day moving average of C$0.00 and traded as high as C$0.13. Rio Novo Gold shares last traded at C$0.13, with a volume of 34,500 shares traded.

Rio Novo Gold Stock Performance

The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$0.13.

About Rio Novo Gold

(Get Free Report)

Rio Novo Gold Inc acquires, explores, and develops gold mineral resource properties in Brazil and Colombia. It holds interests in the Almas Gold Project located in the Tocantins State, Brazil; the Matupa Gold Project located in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil; and the Tolda Fria Gold Project located in the Caldas State, Colombia.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Rio Novo Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Rio Novo Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com initiated coverage on shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX  Free Report) in a research note published on Monday. The firm issued a buy rating on the stock.

Separately, TheStreet upgraded shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics from a d- rating to a c- rating in a report on Monday, August 7th.

Get Protalix BioTherapeutics alerts:

View Our Latest Research Report on PLX

Protalix BioTherapeutics Stock Performance

Shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics stock opened at $1.98 on Monday. The stock has a market cap of $141.73 million, a P/E ratio of 99.05 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 2.33 and a current ratio of 3.18. Protalix BioTherapeutics has a one year low of $1.00 and a one year high of $3.55. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $2.09.

Protalix BioTherapeutics (NYSEAMERICAN:PLX  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 7th. The company reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.04) by $0.25. The business had revenue of $35.08 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $10.22 million. Protalix BioTherapeutics had a net margin of 13.19% and a return on equity of 199.41%. As a group, equities analysts predict that Protalix BioTherapeutics will post 0.1 earnings per share for the current year.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Protalix BioTherapeutics

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of PLX. BlackRock Inc. boosted its position in shares of Protalix BioTherapeutics by 2,173.9% in the second quarter. BlackRock Inc. now owns 2,640,971 shares of the companys stock worth $5,282,000 after acquiring an additional 2,524,828 shares during the last quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC lifted its position in Protalix BioTherapeutics by 438.6% during the first quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,209,750 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,540,000 after buying an additional 985,147 shares in the last quarter. State Street Corp acquired a new position in Protalix BioTherapeutics during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,462,000. Geode Capital Management LLC acquired a new position in Protalix BioTherapeutics during the second quarter valued at approximately $1,105,000. Finally, Marshall Wace LLP lifted its position in Protalix BioTherapeutics by 273.9% during the second quarter. Marshall Wace LLP now owns 562,139 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,124,000 after buying an additional 411,781 shares in the last quarter. 4.48% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Protalix BioTherapeutics Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Protalix BioTherapeutics, Inc, a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development, production, and commercialization of recombinant therapeutic proteins based on its proprietary ProCellEx plant cell-based protein expression system in the United States, Australia, Canada, Israel, Brazil, Russia, Turkey, and internationally.

See Also

Receive News & Ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Protalix BioTherapeutics and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY  Free Report) in a research report report published on Monday morning. The firm issued a sell rating on the technology companys stock.

WidePoint Stock Down 2.1 %

NYSEAMERICAN:WYY opened at $1.85 on Monday. WidePoint has a 52 week low of $1.70 and a 52 week high of $2.76. The stock has a market capitalization of $16.45 million, a PE ratio of -1.43 and a beta of 1.17. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $1.87 and its 200-day moving average price is $1.92.

Get WidePoint alerts:

WidePoint (NYSEAMERICAN:WYY  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 15th. The technology company reported ($0.10) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. WidePoint had a negative return on equity of 58.07% and a negative net margin of 11.15%. The firm had revenue of $26.76 million during the quarter. Sell-side analysts expect that WidePoint will post -0.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

WidePoint Company Profile

A number of institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in WidePoint by 9.6% in the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 390,757 shares of the technology companys stock worth $833,000 after purchasing an additional 34,072 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in shares of WidePoint by 27.5% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 43,483 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $79,000 after buying an additional 9,377 shares during the period. Summit Financial Strategies Inc. raised its position in shares of WidePoint by 49.8% during the 2nd quarter. Summit Financial Strategies Inc. now owns 36,487 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $68,000 after buying an additional 12,125 shares during the period. Channel Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in shares of WidePoint during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Finally, EA Series Trust purchased a new stake in shares of WidePoint during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $35,000. 10.48% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

WidePoint Corporation provides technology management as a service (TMaaS) to the government and business enterprises in North America and Europe. The company offers TMaaS solutions through a secure federal government certified proprietary portal and secure enterprise portal that provides ability to manage, analyze, and protect communications assets, as well as deploy identity management solutions that provide secured virtual and physical access to restricted environments.

Featured Articles

Receive News & Ratings for WidePoint Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for WidePoint and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD  Free Report) (NYSE:TD) had its target price cut by Scotiabank from C$103.00 to C$101.00 in a research note released on Monday morning, Marketbeat.com reports. They currently have an outperform rating on the stock.

A number of other brokerages have also recently weighed in on TD. National Bankshares lowered their price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$94.00 to C$90.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, May 26th. CSFB raised shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price target for the company from C$85.00 to C$88.00 in a report on Thursday, June 8th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$95.00 to C$96.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, May 26th. CIBC cut their target price on shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank from C$97.00 to C$94.00 in a research note on Friday, May 26th. Finally, Fundamental Research set a C$99.25 price target on Toronto-Dominion Bank and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, June 6th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Toronto-Dominion Bank currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of C$93.80.

Get Toronto-Dominion Bank alerts:

Read Our Latest Report on Toronto-Dominion Bank

Toronto-Dominion Bank Stock Performance

Shares of Toronto-Dominion Bank stock opened at C$83.36 on Monday. The firm has a market cap of C$153.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.06 and a beta of 0.86. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$83.49 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$83.33. Toronto-Dominion Bank has a twelve month low of C$76.32 and a twelve month high of C$94.05.

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSE:TD  Get Free Report) (NYSE:TD) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, May 25th. The company reported C$1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$2.06 by C($0.12). Toronto-Dominion Bank had a net margin of 30.33% and a return on equity of 13.75%. The company had revenue of C$12.37 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of C$12.29 billion. On average, equities analysts forecast that Toronto-Dominion Bank will post 8.6974093 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, July 31st. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 31st were given a dividend of $0.96 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 7th. This represents a $3.84 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.61%. Toronto-Dominion Banks payout ratio is presently 48.48%.

Toronto-Dominion Bank Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services in Canada, the United States, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Toronto-Dominion Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Qabil Ashirov

On August 22, the head of the separatist regime in Garabagh Arayik Harutyunyan, said at the so-called meeting of the security council that a decision had been made to trade through the Aghdam-Khankendi road (with Azerbaijan). However, he did not say where and by whom the decision had been made.

According to the Armenian media outlets, the leader of the separatists said that products such as construction materials, fuel, and medicine would be delivered from Aghdam, but food would be delivered via the Lachin-Khankendi road.

As for gas and electricity supplies, he noted that this issue would be discussed at a later stage. He also added that gas and electricity would be purchased from Azerbaijan.

To recall, before the so-called meeting of the security council, Ruben Vardanyan put strong pressure on Harutyunyan and requested his resignation. Even the rumors about Harutyunyans resignation circulated in the Armenian mass media. However, it is said that after the intervention of the armed groups created by Harutyunyan after the war, he stated that he would not resign.

Thus, this information caused a great interest in Azerbaijani society, and to find out what is going on in Khankendi, Azernews learned political analyst Elkhan Shahinoglu's opinion. The expert said that Armenians have run out of alternatives.

After the second Karabakh war, the Armenians in Karabakh have no alternative but to fulfill the demands and conditions of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan liberated a large part of the occupied territories and soon it will restore the control over the small part that remains in the hands of the separatists. So, cargoes can also enter Azerbaijan not through Lachin, but through the road shown by us. Therefore, they have no alternatives but the Aghdam-Khankendi road. There is also the matter of meeting at Barda, Elkhan Shahinoglu added.

He pointed out that Armenians tried to put international pressure on Azerbaijan, but they failed. Even they could not get anything from the UN Security Council. Now, they understand that they have two options, either they will accept the condition of Azerbaijan or will face the harsh reality.

That is, they understand that they could not organize international pressure on Azerbaijan, and this is not possible at all. No document against us was accepted at the UN. Therefore, they understand that they have only one option - to accept the conditions and demands of Azerbaijan. Otherwise, an anti-terrorist operation will be the only solution, and this possibility is also high because they do not stop provocations. Now, the course of events indicates that they should logically take the path of dialogue with Azerbaijan. They discussed the opening of Aghdam Road [among themselves]. Our demands remain on the agenda. I believe that if they do not want to face an anti-terrorist operation, they should accept our conditions. In the near future, they should also accept to live by the laws of Azerbaijan. Otherwise, if they refuse to live under the laws of Azerbaijan, the only alternative will be to leave the territories of Azerbaijan. Just like many Armenians who no longer want under the Azerbaijani laws abandon Azerbaijan from Lachin border crossing point, Elkhan Shahinoglu noted.

To recall, Ruben Vardanyan is an Armenian billionaire who made his fortune in Russia in the 1990s. When the Ukrainian war broke out, Ruben Vardanyan denounced his Russian citizenship and went to Garabagh to avoid the sanctions that the Western countries imposed on Russian oligarchs. Later, he was parachuted into the so-called state minister (some kind of prime minister) in a separatist regime in November 2022 by Russia. At that time, many believed that Russia would repeat its well-known scenario, and like Robert Kocherian, he would replace the head of separatists Arayik Harutyunyan and at the end of the day would be the PM of Armenia. However, due to Azerbaijan's pressure, Ruben Vardanyan was dismissed in February 2023.
StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Xinyuan Real Estate (NYSE:XIN  Free Report) in a report published on Sunday morning. The firm issued a hold rating on the financial services providers stock.

Xinyuan Real Estate Trading Down 8.1 %

Xinyuan Real Estate stock opened at $2.35 on Friday. Xinyuan Real Estate has a twelve month low of $2.28 and a twelve month high of $7.55. The company has a current ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.96 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 24.87. The company has a 50 day moving average of $3.24 and a 200-day moving average of $3.91.

Get Xinyuan Real Estate alerts:

Institutional Trading of Xinyuan Real Estate

An institutional investor recently bought a new position in Xinyuan Real Estate stock. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Xinyuan Real Estate Co., Ltd. (NYSE:XIN  Free Report) during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor purchased 478,629 shares of the financial services providers stock, valued at approximately $536,000. Atria Wealth Solutions Inc. owned approximately 0.90% of Xinyuan Real Estate at the end of the most recent quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 1.62% of the companys stock.

Xinyuan Real Estate Company Profile

Xinyuan Real Estate Co, Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, engages in residential real estate development and construction in the People's Republic of China, the United States, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The company develops residential projects, such as multi-layer apartment buildings, sub-high-rise apartment buildings, high-rise apartment buildings; auxiliary services and amenities, such as retail outlets, leisure and health facilities, kindergartens, and schools, as well as office, mixed-use, and commercial properties.

Recommended Stories

Receive News & Ratings for Xinyuan Real Estate Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Xinyuan Real Estate and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter.
Nigeria And Corruption: Delving Into Its Spiritual, Psychological, Societal, And Complex Dimensions

These individuals are not isolated instances; rather, they are emblematic of a broader issue within Nigeria. In fact, they can be seen as products of an environment where corruption has taken root and proliferated.

In grappling with the challenge of corruption, nations worldwide face a persistent and multifaceted adversary. Nigeria, in particular, finds itself entangled in a web of corruption that seems to possess spiritual, psychological, and societal underpinnings. This deeply rooted corruption takes on diverse forms, from financial malfeasance and embezzlement to the corrosive influence of bribery, nepotism, and the abuse of power. As corruption ingrains itself within the very framework of society, it becomes more than a mere sequence of individual acts; it morphs into a systemic issue that requires comprehensive solutions.

The far-reaching consequences of corruption, especially when it penetrates the upper echelons of government, are undeniable. It corrodes public trust, stymies economic progress, and exacerbates the already gaping chasm of inequality. To effectively combat this intricate menace, countries must erect formidable legal frameworks and institutions that specifically target corruption.

The case of Diezani Alison-Madueke which falls under what I call transnational corruption, the former Nigerian petroleum minister, stands as a poignant testament to corruption's grave toll on Nigeria. Allegedly involved in accepting bribes in exchange for awarding lucrative oil and gas contracts during her tenure as Minister for Petroleum Resources, her actions spotlight the vulnerability of governmental structures to corruption's insidious influence. These allegations encompass a spectrum of financial rewards, luxurious items, and properties, underscoring the urgency of confronting corruption that crosses national borders. The investigation into Alison-Madueke's actions, undertaken by the National Crime Agency (NCA) in collaboration with international partners, highlights the global effort required to counteract corruption's far-reaching effects.

The case of Nigerian senator Ike Ekweremadu lays bare an especially disconcerting facet of corruptionmedical corruption. Convicted in the UK fororchestrating the trafficking of an individual to donate a kidney for his daughter, this instance of organ trafficking exemplifies corruption's protean nature. Vulnerable individuals are exploited for personal gain, shattering fundamental human rights and ethical standards. These convictions, facilitated by modern slavery laws, underscore the imperative of fortified legal measures to confront such despicable crimes, imparting a critical lesson for Nigeria. Certain elites have even gone so far as to request leniency for Ike Ekweremadu despite his involvement in heinous crimes like slavery and organ trafficking. This disregard for the victims and the push for leniency highlight a deeply entrenched mindset that tolerates corruption, which is truly astonishing.

The narrative of James Ibori, former governor of Nigeria's Delta State, serves as a stark reminder of domestic corruption's intricate complexity. Found guilty of fraud and money laundering after a labyrinthine legal process spanning extradition from Dubai to the UK, Ibori's case underscores the wide-reaching implications of corruption within local contexts. In the case of Ibori, it's remarkable that despite his conviction, he retains his position as a political elite. In an astonishing turn of events, he has visited the new president in Aso Rock, the presidential residence, I believe at least twice or so, which is quite unbelievable.

These high-profile cases illuminate the necessity of shedding light on corruption, fostering awareness, and advocating for transformative change.

When corruption becomes entrenched within society, a collective response becomes paramount. Collaboration among citizens, government bodies, and international counterparts becomes indispensable in addressing the heart of the matter. The establishment of resilient, impartial institutions capable of investigating, prosecuting, and penalizing corruption assumes paramount importance. Transparent governance and decision-making mechanisms minimize avenues for corruption, while measures holding officials accountable galvanize a culture of integrity.

In the pursuit of cultural transformation, citizen engagement and education are pivotal. Achieving this metamorphosis demands not just legal and institutional reforms but also a sustained campaign to reshape societal norms, attitudes, and behaviors. Instilling ethical values from a tender age can empower future generations to uphold justice and accountability.

Perceiving corruption as a phenomenon that spans the spiritual, psychological, and societal realms underscores the deep-seated infiltration into multiple dimensions of society. This is why one might be almost tempted to suggest that corruption is possibly spiritual, near biological, and deeply psychological. However, it's crucial to clarify that these tendencies don't emanate from a biological condition. Rather, they arise from a complex interplay involving psychological, social, and environmental factors. The root of corruption lies within this intricate interplay, requiring a holistic approach to its eradication. This approach must account for the wide range of motivations and experiences that contribute to shaping human behavior.

Corruption's influence is pervasive, extending across schools, training grounds, recruitment venues, transportation sites, businesses, NGOs, workplaces, hospitals, admission centers, licensing offices, mortuary offices, banks, throughfares, public offices, holy grounds, media, and beyond. This mindset of corruption deeply permeates various facets of society, casting a wide and serious net. It underscores a concerning reality: the depth and breadth of corruption's grip are far-reaching. From educational institutions to commercial enterprises, and even to sacred spaces, corruption's insidious presence raises serious questions about the ethical fiber of society.

In Nigeria's journey toward transformation, the initial stride involves acknowledging the extent of corruption's grasp. By nurturing values, ethics, and an unyielding commitment to change from an early age, Nigeria can extricate itself from the clutches of corruption. While the path ahead is fraught with challenges, comprehending the multi-dimensional nature of corruption is the foundation for genuine change. This transformation necessitates concerted collaboration, education, and an unwavering dedication to upholding integrity, ultimately forging a society that is more equitable and just.

Psychologist John Egbeazien Oshodi

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, who was born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, to a father who served in the Nigeria police for 37 years, is an American-based police and prison scientist and forensic, clinical, and legal psychologist. A government consultant on matters of forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA; and a former interim associate dean and assistant professor at Broward College, Florida. The Founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation, Center for Psychological Health and Behavioral Change in African Settings. A former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. In 2011, he introduced state-of-the-art forensic psychology into Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, where he served in the Department of Psychology as an Associate Professor. He has taught at various universities and colleges including Florida memorial University, Florida International University, Broward college, Lynn University, and a contributing facultymember at the Weldios university in Benin Republic, Nexus International University, Uganda, Nova Southeastern University and Walden University in USA.

[email protected]


Lateef Fagbemi, SAN

The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation

& Minister of Justice

Federal Ministry Justice

Shehu Sagari Way

Abuja

Dear Sir,

CALL TO STOP THE ABUSE OF POLITICAL POWER IN CLEAR VINDICTIVE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE SERVICES (DSS) TO CONTINUE THE ILLEGAL DETENTION OF ABDULRASHEED BAWA, THE ERSTWHILE CHAIRMAN OF THE ECONOMIC & FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC)

1. The Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER) congratulates you on your inauguration as the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

2. We at CASER have long waited in solid anticipation for the appointment of an Attorney General of the Federation to provide a sense of legal sanity in the Nigerian law enforcement environment, which has had a reputation for disregard for basic human rights standards and utter disrespect for a legal order that guarantees the peace, good governance and steady development of Nigeria.

3. Notably, we are highly concerned as a responsible civil society organization that has worked closely with the Nigerian government to promote human rights and good governance, that Abdulrasheed Bawa, the Chairman of the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which is Nigerias foremost anti-corruption institution is being unnecessarily persecuted with his continued illegal and unjustifiable detention by the Department of State Services (DSS).

4. Thus, Bawa was suspended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu without any cogent reason, arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and has been illegally detained without any charges for more than 65 days and counting, clearly beyond the time and period allowed by the Nigerian Constitution. This is unacceptable and clearly smacks of political vindictiveness that is antithetical to the fight against acts of corruption and financial crimes by politically exposed persons (PEPs), many of whom were being investigated by the EFCC under Bawas watch but have now been rewarded with more fabulous political appointments. At the same time, Bawa is kept in illegal detention without being charged to court. What an irony! Who, therefore, does the continued detention of Bawa serve? Is it to protect politicians who should have been facing prosecution for corruption and abuse of office but have now been elevated to high political office?

5. This ongoing violation of Bawas fundamental human rights by President Tinubus administration is not only pushing the limits in competition with the previous administration of President Buhari, which was characteristically disobedient to court orders and cared less about the constitutional rights of individual citizens of Nigeria, but this administration is beginning on a note of vindictive oppression, repression and violation of the rights of perceived political enemies like Bawa, who was reported to have approved the Naira redesign that threatened the election of President Tinubu. Yet, he was only doing his job with the implied permission of then-President Buhari. Why then unjustly punish him out of no fault of his?

6. These illegal and oppressive actions by the Federal Government against Abdulrasheed Bawa amount to a clear abuse of political power and misuse of state institutions like the DSS to unjustly detain and politically harass a Nigerian citizen they are meant to protect. And officials of the Federal Government do not know by now that what is being done to Bawa is wrong and that it may soon haunt them one day whether or not they are in public office if not checked and corrected, we trust that you should know because of your position as Attorney General of the Federation and your pedigree as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, that there are usual highly negative and regrettable social, political and economic implications for a country like Nigeria when it is constantly perceived by its own citizens and the rest of the world that it does not guarantee a legal order that respects the rights of its citizens and an environment where local and foreign businesses can thrive with certainty.

7. Consequently, we urge you to order the immediate release of Abulrasheed Bawa to end the current DSS's reckless disregard for his rights. We make this demand in the public interest because we worry significantly that if the rights of highly placed persons like Bawa could be violated with impunity and crass disregard for known constitutional standards, what would then become of the rights of ordinary Nigerians?

8. These forms of injustice must never happen under your watch and advice as the Federation's chief law officer in exercising your powers in the public interest. Therefore, we are quick to remind you as observers of history and to note with the greatest respect and caution that when temporal justice is twisted by its custodians, retributive justice will one day prevail.

Thank you, Sir.

With utmost regard.

FOR: CITIZENS ADVOCACY FOR SOCIAL & ECONOMIC RIGHTS (CASER)

Frank Tietie, Esq.

Executive Director & Lead Advocate


The Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu has implored a delegation of Islamic scholars (Ulamas), who were previously engaged in discussions to facilitate the restoration of constitutional democratic governance in Niger Republic, to expedite progress in their ongoing dialogue with the military junta.

The President received a comprehensive briefing on Thursday at the State House in Abuja, from the Ulamas, who were led into the meeting by Sheikh Bala Lau. The briefing followed the Ulamas' two most recent visits to Niger Republic.

The Islamic leaders had informed the President that the military junta was open to deepening dialogue with ECOWAS as more steps are being taken to forestall armed conflict with a more detailed acceptance of the ECOWAS position by Niger military council officials.

Responding to the delegation of Ulamas, against the backdrop of ethnic rumors peddled by domestic political figures inside and outside of the country, President Tinubu emphasized that he is at the forefront of a peaceful resolution of the crisis, even in the midst of more hawkish individuals urging swifter intervention.

"I am managing a very serious situation. If you take ECOWAS aside, other people will react, those who are outside of our control. I am the one holding those sides back. I am the one holding back ECOWAS," he disclosed.

Addressing the urgency of the situation, the president added:

''Even as at this morning, I have been inundated with phone calls on the readiness of countries with their military force and contributions. However, I told them to wait. I am meeting with the Ulamas and I will get back to you."

President Tinubu told the Islamic delegation that the military junta must be held accountable for putting the entire people of Niger Republic in jeopardy.

''They cannot use the gun given to them to protect the sovereignty of the country and turn it against the people of the country," he said.

President Tinubu pledged that ECOWAS will remain steadfast in its commitment to diplomatically engage with all stakeholders and seek a peaceful resolution to the impasse in Niger Republic.

"I will draw a line in the sand and ask you to make arrangements to go back to Niger Republic," he stated.

On the request by the Islamic scholars for the Federal Government to monitor the distribution of palliatives to States, the President promised that more palliatives are coming for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) nationwide.

He also appealed to State governments to ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution and management of these palliatives.

"The people reside in the States. Even if I set up a panel, I will have to go through the governors and the local governments. We will continue to talk to the governors. Nigerians must hold them accountable," he continued.

"Its unheard of that in a constitutional democracy, a president will sit here and give orders to States. I can only appeal to them to implement. The people reside in the states, and if the Governor is not doing well, the people must vote them out," he concluded.

Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 24, 2023


Five rescued from sinking fishing speedboat

PHUKET: Five people on a fishing trip are safely ashore after their speedboat started taking on water off Koh Mai Thon last night (Aug 23).

marineSafety

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Thursday 24 August 2023 11:50 AM

Phuket Marine Police were alerted to the boats distress at 10:30pm, with Lt Col Nattapong Pruektharathikun and his crew on patrol boat Wasuthep responding to the call.

Royal Thai Navy patrol boat Tor 272, dispatched by the Royal thai Navy Third Area Command, based at Cape Panwa, also joined the effort.

The reponders arrived to find the speedboat close to sinking off the east coast of Koh Mai Thon, located some eight kilometres southeast off the tip of Cape Panwa.

Officers went on board with pumps to help prevent the boat from sinking while the five on board, four men and one woman, were taken safely ashore Koh Mai Thon, where they spent the night.

Early this morning (Aug 24), all five were brought to Chalong Pier, where they were checked by medical personnel before being taken to Wichit Police Station to answer some questions about their ordeal.

Phuket Marine Office Chief Nachapong Pranit confirmed the five were on a fishing trip when the boat started sinking.
Humpback whale spotted off coast of Phuket

PHUKET: An extremely rare sighting of a humpback whale was reported off the coast of Phuket this morning (Aug 24) by the owner of a tour boat company.

wildlifemarinetourism

By The Phuket News

Thursday 24 August 2023 02:13 PM

Photo: Charoen Chanaphon via Phuket Info Center

The Phuket Info Center posted on its Facebook page an account by tour boat operator Charoen Chanaphon who explained he was sailing a boat from Phuket towards Phi Phi island around 11:45am this morning when the whale was spotted. It was not confirmed whether any tourists were also aboard the boat at the time of the sighting.

Mr Charoen explained the whale appeared to be heading from the southeast direction towards the southwest. Shortly after the whale was spotted by Mr Charoen, it commenced its dive proceedure whereby its tail emerged out of the water before it began its decent.

Initially Mr Charoen was unsure as to the exact species but later explained that the rare marine animal team from from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) had examined the picture he managed to take and confirmed it as a humpback whale.

Such sightings are extremely rare in the waters surrounding Phuket, with the Phuket Info Center stating this was only the second official recorded sighting of the humpback species in such waters.

Humpback whales, or Megaptera novaeangliae to use their official name, migrate each year from Antarctic feeding grounds to tropical areas where they gather to mate and calve, particularly in the southern regions of the Indian Ocean.

Whereas sightings might be rare in the Andaman Sea, closer to Phuket and the surrounding islands, it does prove that the majestic mammals do swim in such waters.

Maritime officials did urge a note of caution, however, to anyone that may similarly come across the whale(s) in the next 2-3 days in the waters off Phuket, near Racha Island or Phang-Nga Bay. In such a situation people are advised to keep their distance and sail with caution and respect. Also, if possible, people are urged to report further sightings to the authorities, ideally stating date, time, location and/or coordinates.
Srettha royally appointed as PM

BANGKOK: New Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin yesterday (Aug 23) pledged to bring unity to Thailand and promote policies that would solve crises and move the country forward.

politics

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 24 August 2023 09:34 AM

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin pays his respects to a portrait of His Majesty the King during a ceremony to mark his royal appointment to the office of prime minister at the headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party yesterday (Aug 23). Photo: Pool photo / Bangkok Post

Mr Srettha made the pledge after receiving the royal command appointing him the countrys 30th prime minister, vowing to work at his best with transparency and morality for the public interest, reports the Bangkok Post.

The nationally televised appointment ceremony started slightly after 6pm at the headquarters of the Pheu Thai Party, which leads the new 11-party coalition government. House secretary-general Pornpit Phetcharoen delivered the written royal command announcing the appointment.

She then announced that His Majesty the King had appointed Mr Srettha as prime minister as he had received a majority vote from a joint sitting of the House and the Senate on Tuesday.

Mr Srettha then paid his respects to a portrait of His Majesty the King and made some brief remarks.

The former property tycoon said that he would do his best to serve the public interest, all royal commands and uphold all the aspects of the constitution.

He thanked House representatives, senators, Thai people, government officials, police, the military and all organisations for their support. He also expressed his gratitude to the coalition parties, the civil sector and the private sector for their confidence in him.

I will work with determination, morality and honesty for the public interest, Mr Srettha said. The four years from now will be four years of change. Thailand is at a turning point and needs urgent solutions to economic, public, security and international issues.

He promised to push for macroeconomic and household development alike, ensure transparent national administration, adhere to monetary and financial discipline, respect laws and rules and promote public participation and inclusiveness.

The government of the Pheu Thai Party will work hard to bring prosperity to all groups of Thai people equally and make the country the land of happiness. I will work tirelessly, Mr Srettha said.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has decided not to allow any outsiders inside the space reserved for the councillors at the civic body headquarters. The space, which is meant for councillors, is to be used only by them following a decision taken today.

A high-level meeting, including the chairman of KMC was held at the civic body headquarters today. The decision came after the councillors of the ruling party and the BJP entered into a scuffle last Saturday at the KMC. The clash broke out when the BJP councillors were holding a press meet inside the KMC premises after the civic body demolished a portion of a BJP leaders house in Beadon Street citing it to be an illegal construction.

While the BJP councillors were talking on the issue, a group of their counterparts from the Trinamul Congress objected to the presence of BJP leaders who were not councillors. The two groups entered into heated arguments, leading to a clash. As the situation turned intense, the police personnel present at the civic body headquarters intervened to pacify the clashing groups of councillors.

Advertisement

BJP councillor Sajal Ghosh, alleged the demolition was carried out without prior notice and called it to be an act of political vendetta. On the other hand, chairman of KMC, Mala Roy, condemned the act of the central forces allegedly manhandling the councillors.

Following the incident, the KMC has decided to restrict any press conferences being held in the area meant for the councillors at KMC. As informed by sources, along with restrictions on meeting any outsiders in the space, no political activities involving any outsiders would now be allowed in the premises reserved only for councillors
As India on Wednesday created a history by making a successful landing of Chandrayaan-III landers soft descent on the moons Southpole, chief minister Mamata Banerjee, in a tweet, hailed the moment of the nations glorious feat saying India did an encore in space prowess yet again.

In a tweet, the chief minister said: Hail our nations magnificent achievement in sending an exploration mission successfully to the Moon!! Our 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. Let us celebrate the majestic moment and pray for further advances of India in the frontier areas of knowledge and applications. Hail India, Jai Hind!

Advertisement
Former Finance Minister of West Bengal, Amit Mitra, who is now Principal Chief Advisor to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that the state government will announce a number of policy decisions during the annual Bengal Global Business Summit (2023), scheduled to take place in November. Both the Chief Minister and the former Finance Minister have reiterated, frequently over the past decade since it came to power in 2011, that Bengals reputation as anti-industry is unfortunate and a misrepresentation of the ground reality. In fact, Mitra has pointed out that the states gross domestic production has risen manifold since the fiscal year 2010-2011 (the final year of the CPIM-led Left Front government) which was Rs 4.5 lakh crore. He said that the projected GDP of the current fiscal year is Rs 17 lakh crore.

Of course the states anti-industry reputation has stuck since before the Trinamool government came to power when Banerjee and her party, then in the opposition, led a farmers agitation in Singur against the then governments takeover of 1000 acres of prime farmland for the setting up of a Tata Motors car factory. After a long standoff which lasted nearly four years, between Trinamool and the then Left government which had invited Tata Motors to set up the factory, Tata Motors Chairman Ratan Tata announced that the atmosphere was not conducive to set up industry and that he was was closing shop even before it began.

Though it was a victory for Mamata, ever since she came to power, she has found it difficult to shake off the tag of being against industry. Didi has, however, explained, Trinamool is not against industry but it should not come at the cost of agriculture or environment. She used an example of industry and agriculture being like twins, naming them hanshi (which means laughter) and khushi (which means happiness). They should co-exist harmoniously, she has said.

Advertisement

Didi has an extremely balanced view as far as industry and agriculture is concerned, said a Trinamool source. Industry will never come at the cost of environment. Immediately after coming to power Trinamool had announced its industry policy which ruled out the forceful governmental or industrial takeover of farmers land and made it compulsory for the industrialists to take the consent of each and every farmer who owned land in a particular site before setting up their factories.

This posed a huge problem for the industrialists and further drove home the anti-industry reputation, says Biswanath Chakraborty, political analyst. Because large tracts of the land which is required by industrialists to set up factories is, in Bengal, not owned by individual farmers, as in some other states. Since the days of the Left Front government, when land reforms were introduced in the state, agricultural land was divided into smaller units and distributed amongst farmers so that everyone could own plots of land to cultivate. This means that when an industrialist want to set up a factory he or she is going to have to speak to and take the permission of all the farmers who own the land which could be as few as ten or as many as a hundred.

According to Mitra, certain policy decisions would be announced during the November Summit which are aimed at facilitating investment and making investing in Bengal an attractive option.
Congress leader Manickam Tagore on Thursday said that he has written to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan requesting him to withdraw the decision taken by the CBSE to organise exhibition on partition themes in CBSE schools saying hate should not be planted in the young minds.

I express my concern towards the decision made by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding the organization of exhibitions on the theme of Partition in schools. I earnestly urge you to reconsider and withdraw this decision so as not to spread hatred among the minds of our younger generations and to preserve the social harmony of our society, said Tagores letter dated August 21.

Tagore, who is a Lok Sabha MP from Tamil Nadus Virudhunagar parliamentary constituency said that the decision of CBSE to organise exhibitions on the partition of nation, which is being observed as the Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, has raised significant concerns.

Advertisement

While it is important to remember and learn from the events that shaped our history, we must approach this delicate subject with utmost sensitivity and consideration for the impressionable minds of our youth, he said.

He pointed out that the violence and turmoil that transpired during the partition are indeed horrifying and tragic, representing a dark chapter in our history that we must never forget.

However, it is equally important to ensure that the presentation of such historical events is done in a manner that fosters understanding, compassion, and a sense of unity among our young generations. Exhibitions centred around the bloodshed and atrocities could inadvertently perpetuate negative emotions and divisive sentiments, which goes against our nations goal of nurturing responsible citizens who value harmony and unity, the Congress leader said.

He also stressed that the education system should play a pivotal role in shaping their minds positively, encouraging them to embrace diversity and contribute positively to the progress of the country.

It is with this noble objective in mind that I kindly request you to reconsider the decision of organizing partition-themed exhibitions in schools. As such, I urge you withdraw the CBSEs decision and take steps towards promoting a curriculum so as to build a future generation that is not only informed about our history but also equipped to contribute positively to the unity, harmony, and progress of our nation, Tagore said.

Last year, the Union Government had announced that August 14 would be annually observed as Partition Horrors Remembrance Day, and that educational institutions may do likewise.

The CBSE circular mentions that given the sensitivity of the issue, the exhibition should be showcased with the sobriety and solemnity it deserves.
The Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections will be held on September 23, after a gap of four years.

In a notification issued on August 23, the university said the student body and central council elections will be held on September 23.

The last date for nomination papers is September 12, while the final list of the candidates will be published on September 13. The university has also appointed a chief election officer to conduct elections in the university.

Advertisement

Last time, the DUSU polls were held in 2019. Students union elections could not be held in 2020 and 2021 because of Covid-19 and disruptions to the academic calendar prevented the polls in 2022.

Students groups have made several representations to varsity officials to demand the resumption of the election exercise as many elected representatives have left the university after completing their studies. Student groups have welcomed the move.

In a notification on Thursday, the university said Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, in his capacity as Patron of Delhi University Students Union, has appointed Prof Chander Shekhar, Department of Persian as chief election officer; Rupam Kapoor of Dept of Botany as chief returning officer; Anupam Jha, Faculty of Law as Return officer and Anupam Jha, Faculty of Law and Prof Rina Chakranarty, Deptt. of Zoology as additional members.

The DUSU is the main representative body of students from most colleges and faculties. This apart, each college has its own students union, elections to which are held annually.

DUSU elections are held via direct voting by students of the varsity and member colleges. They are usually conducted in August-September.

The elections to the varsitys students body are organised simultaneously with polls at the college level. Nearly 2,500 students contest the elections for the nearly 500 posts.
A 14-member committee formed to examine the status of stalled real estate projects has submitted its report on the stalled real estate projects and recommended ways to complete them.

The committee was formed in March by the Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry comprising officials of the Union Finance Ministry, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana state governments, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India, the National Housing Bank and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) of Haryana and UP.

In an interesting output, the Indian Banks Association chief executive Sunil Mehta told the committee that 60% of the stalled projects had already been bought, with a capital commitment of Rs.1.9 lakh crore.

Advertisement

The committees report cited the IBA as estimating that 4.12 lakh dwelling units of Rs.4.08 lakh crore were stressed and about 2.40 lakh (44%) of these were in the National Capital Region. While the other 21% of the units are in Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Chaired by former NITI Aayog CEO and Indias G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kant, the committee has handed over the report to Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Puri.

Lack of financial viability leading to stress

In its report, the committee concluded that the main reason for the stress in these projects was the lack of financial viability leading to cost overruns and time delays.

The way to solve the problem would be to improve the Internal Rate of Return of the projects in order to attract funding.

It highlights that Judicial interventions, like the use of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, should be the last resort.

In order to make the projects viable, all stakeholders would have to take a haircut or accept less than what is due to them, it said.

The committee reiterated the provision of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 that states that all projects where the land is over 500 square meters or the number of apartments to be constructed are more than eight are registered with the respective state RERA.

It highlighted that this regulation must be enforced and the registration of the projects would lead to greater transparency.

It further recommended de-linking the grant of registration or sub-lease by the land authorities to the homebuyers from the recovery of dues from developers. According to the committee, about 1 lakh homebuyers would benefit from this.

The committee further recommended that the RERA should identify projects where the homebuyers were not being given no-objection and completion certificates in projects that were substantially complete due to administrative hurdles. For such projects, the authority should expedite the process to grant certificates, irrespective of the developers paying their dues to the authorities.

Rehabilitation packages for stalled projects

A key recommendation was for state governments to set up a rehabilitation package to get the stalled projects running again.

As per the committee, those developers who sign up for the package would have to commit to completing the projects in three years. The committee gave the example of a model package for Noida and Greater Noida that it detailed.

This includes a Zero Period for two years starting with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 where interest and penalties on developers by the authorities would be waived.

Also, the developers would be allowed to get a co-developer on board to complete the work. The committee proposed a partial surrender policy, in which developers can give back some of the unused lands to the authority in exchange for a waiver on the dues for that land.

Most of the recommendations of the committee fall within the purview of the respective state governments, being a state subject. However, for some of the recommendations, the Union Housing and Urban Affairs and Finance Ministries were asked to take action.

The requirement of minimum Internal Rate of Return and first charge in the SWAMIH fund should be reworked, the committee said.

It also asked MoHUA to send a detailed proposal to the Finance Ministry on permitting banks to finance fresh housing loans for new buyers of the unsold inventory of the stalled projects.
In order to ignite passion among children to articulate their ideas about India in 2047, the Delhi government hosted the contest India of My Dream in 2047 for all schools in the national capital.

A final event for the contest was held on Thursday at Thyagraj Stadium to celebrate the ideas of children who will be in their youth in 2047. On this occasion, Delhi Education Minister Atishi interacted with students from various schools across Delhi and felicitated the winners of the contest. The contest received a tremendous response from nearly 3.17 lakh students and teachers from all over Delhi.

The India of My Dreams in 2047 contest was announced for Delhi Government and private school students and teachers. In this contest, students and teachers shared their ideas on the Changes they wish to see in India of 2047, Practices of today that they wish not to see in 2047, and What they will do to create India of their dreams in 2047. Students from classes 6-12 expressed their ideas through writeup, whereas classes Nursery to 5 students expressed themselves through drawing and crafts. For assessment, Nursery to class 12 was divided into 5 cohorts and teachers were in the 6th cohort. The top 5 students from each of the 5 cohorts and the top 5 teachers from the 6th cohort were felicitated by the Delhi Education Minister on Thursday.

Advertisement

The aim of this contest was also to encourage critical thinking, helping students explore the current realities of India as they perceive them and inspiring them to become active participants in shaping Indias destiny. This exercise may promote a discourse that empowers students and nurtures a sense of ownership in shaping the future of India.

Addressing the students during the event, Atishi said, Congratulations to all the students! I am delighted to witness the confidence with which these students are sharing their ideas for India in 2047. I am confident that with the help of the students gathered here today, we will undoubtedly transform India into a global powerhouse and a leader by 2047.

The Delhi Education Minister said many students have shared their futuristic visions for India in 2047, whether its about ensuring womens safety, advancing beyond electric vehicles, or achieving food security for all. These ideas highlight that every child who participated in the contest is envisioning a better India for the future, she said.

I would like to emphasise that if students of such a young age start envisioning the India of 2047 from this moment onward, they will significantly contribute to turning this collective dream into a tangible reality. The younger they start to work on their dreams for India, the faster they will achieve it, she said.

Furthermore, I would like to mention that today marks a momentous occasion. Just yesterday evening, India accomplished an extraordinary feat by successfully landing Chandrayaan-3 on the previously untouched south pole of the moon. This achievement is a reason for immense joy as we discuss the path to making India a global leader by 2047, Atishi said.
Filmmaker Shoojit Sircars film Sardar Udham starring Vicky Kaushal has been honoured with Best Hindi Film at the 69th National Film Awards.

The award event is being held in the National capital on Thursday.

The film also was named in the Best Production design, Best Cinematography, the Best Costume Design and Best Audiography category.

Advertisement

Sardar Udham is a biographical historical drama film directed by Shoojit Sircar, and produced by Rising Sun Films in collaboration with Kino Works.

Based on the life of Udham Singh, a freedom fighter from Punjab who assassinated Michael ODwyer in London to avenge the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre in Amritsar.

The film also stars Shaun Scott, Stephen Hogan, Amol Parashar, Banita Sandhu.

The film was also noted for its realistic portrayal of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, being depicted in an extended and graphic sequence.
India created history on Wednesday after its Chandrayaan-3 successfully soft-landed on the Moons surface at 6.04 p.m.  a feat matched only by erstwhile Soviet Republic, the US and China.

As the historic event opened up new possibilities for mankind, the film folks celebrated Indias mark on the lunar canvas as they congratulated the scientists and the brains behind Chandrayaan-3 on their success.

Bollywood superstar Ajay Devgn wrote on social media, Proud, amazed, excited, honoured to be living this moment of history. Bharat Mata ki Jai #Chandrayaan.

Advertisement

Another Bollywood icon Akshay Kumar wrote, A billion hearts saying THANK YOU ISRO. Youve made us so proud. Lucky to be watching India make history. India is on the moon, we are over the moon. #Chandrayaan3.

Star actress Shraddha Kapoor took to Instagram as she shared a clip of the control room of ISRO. She wrote on the video, Waah, what a moment.

Vijay Deverakonda, who is awaiting the release of his upcoming film Kushi, also wrote on Instagram, Those smilesss  That joy & pride across the country.. Kushiiii.

Vijays Kushi co-star Samantha Ruth Prabhu also took to social media to express her joy as she wrote, Yet again, we land on the Moon! Jai Hind. Congratulations @isro.in #Chandrayaan3.

Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan took to X (formerly Twitter) and 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.

Bollywoods action hero Tiger Shroff wrote, Mission accomplishedhistory made. Jai Hind Congratulations @isro.in @isroindiaofficial.

Actress Rashmika Mandana, who swayed the nation as Srivalli in Pushpa: The Rise, celebrated the moment.

She wrote in her Instagram Story, A proud moment for all of us as #Chandrayaan3 lands on the moon today Respect and salute to each and everyone who worked on and supported this mission.

Actress Taapsee Pannu wrote in her Instagram Story, @isro.in and @chandrayan_3 Congratulations @isro.in We did it #Chandrayaan3.
In a sharp reaction to Mani Shankar Aiyar book in which he called that P V Narasimha Rao was the countrys first BJP PM, the saffron party said the Congress leader presented the soul of the Opposition Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in a written format.

The reaction of the saffron party came a day after the release of Aiyars autobiography titled Memoirs of a Maverick: The First Fifty Years (1941-1991).

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, 2024 elections are approaching, and mukut mani (Mani Shankar Aiyar) has shone once again. This time he not only spoke but also wrote a book. He spoke especially on three Ps  Parivaarvaad, Pakshapaat, and Pakistan.

Advertisement

In his book, Aiyar, apart from dubbing the former prime minister as the countrys first BJP PM, alleged that he had communal tendencies.

In the autobiography, the former diplomat advocated renewed dialogue with Pakistan. He expressed the view that while there is the resolve to carry out surgical strikes against Pakistan, there is a lack of willingness to engage in diplomatic talks with the country.

Reacting to this, the BJP spokesperson said, PV Narasimha Rao was the PM from Congress and the kind of words that have been used for him clearly shows that the Gandhi familys spokesperson cant tolerate someone other than somebody from the Gandhi family becoming the PM, even if the person is from the Congress party. Through Mani Shankar Aiyar, it has been said that PV Narasimha Rao was BJPs and not Congress.

He further said, Whatever Mani Shankar Aiyar writes, speaks and projects, the pen and the tongue may be his but the ideas and objectives are of the Gandhi family.

Yesterday was a big day for India as Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the moon. But at that time Mani Shankar Aiyar said India could never become Vishwa Guru because India is ignoring Pakistan. India has proved its mettle, Patra said.

The Congress has not reacted to Mani Shankar Aiyars comments as yet.
The newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee President Ajay Rai, was accorded a warm welcome at the state party headquarters here on Thursday when he took the charge.

Amid chanting of Vedic rhymes and the sound of conch shells, the new UP Congress president took charge in the presence of thousands of party leaders and workers, who were assembled even after heavy rains.

In his first interaction with the media, Ajay Rai said his first priority would be to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level giving full honour and respect to the old party workers.

Advertisement

Very soon the state committee would be constituted with focusing on youth and caste balance, he added.

The state executive could not be declared during the eight-month tenure of the former state president.

Former state presidents, Brij Lal Khabri and Nirmal Khatri, were also present on the occasion.

Ajay Rai first took the blessings of Baba Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi in the morning while coming to Lucknow by road. His convoy comprised more than 100 cars. He reached Lucknow via Sultanpur and Amethi, covering around a distance of 260 km receiving a grand welcome at many places on the way.

In Lucknow too, big hoardings and Congress party flags have been put up at all the major intersections.
Today marked the commencement of a two-day Festival of Ideas at the Ambassador, New Delhi. The festivals primary goal is to provide a shared platform for the exchange of thoughts and concepts. Panel discussions featured a diverse array of participants, including actors, authors, parliamentarians, journalists, and domain experts.

Akhilesh Yadav, the former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, notably played a significant role in one session. During his discourse, he extended an invitation to additional political parties to join the collaborative I.N.D.I.A alliance. Yadav also emphasized the pivotal contribution of the Samajwadi Party to the advancement of Uttar Pradesh.

Discussing the reforms at Aligarh Muslim University, Lt General Zameeruddin Shah, the Vice Chancellor of AMU, highlighted their modernization of Madrassa teacher training. He stressed the necessity for an ongoing dialogue between leaders from both the Hindu and Muslim communities to rectify misconceptions, drawing from his interaction with the RSS chief.

Advertisement

The event featured the perspectives of numerous authors and business owners who shared their insights. Distinguished author Amish Tripathi expounded on his vision of Ram Rajya, while Deep Kalra, CEO of MakeMyTrip, discussed his thoughts on startups.

Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui graced the occasion and recounted his journey as an actor. Demonstrating humility, Siddiqui articulated his enduring self-identification as an actor rather than a star. He offered counsel that individuals should remain authentic and regard themselves solely as actors.

Over two days, the Festival of ideas boasts an impressive lineup of 40 sessions with around 100 speakers sharing their perspectives. Noteworthy figures like Shweta Tripathi Sharma, Babil Khan, Tahira Kashyap, and many others are scheduled to grace the event with their presence tomorrow.
In a 27-year-old drug planting case, the Gujarat High Court on Thursday denied a motion to suppress the First Information Report (FIR) filed against former Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Sanjiv Bhatt.

In the case known as Sanjiv Rajendrabhai Bhatt vs. State of Gujarat, Bhatt contested the FIR. The verdict was issued by presiding single-judge Justice Samir Dave, who dismissed Bhatts motion to annul the FIR and rejected, at the request of Bhatts attorney, to postpone the instant orders effect or delay the trial procedures for a month. How can I stay the trial when there was never a stay? Justice Dave said in response to the request for a stay of the proceedings. Dont stay, sorry.

The case started in 1996 when the Banaskantha police in Rajasthan detained a lawyer after they found drugs in his hotel room there that was located in Palanpur. During this time, Bhatt served as Banaskanthas superintendent of police. But after the lawyer was taken into custody, the Rajasthan police said that Bhatts group had made up a case to harass the attorney unfairly over a property issue. Regarding this matter, Bhatt was taken into custody in September of 2018 and has stayed there ever since.

Advertisement

In a different court case, Bhatts request was rejected by the Supreme Court in February of this year. The motion attempted to overturn a Gujarat High Court ruling from January 2023 that extended the deadline for finishing the trial until March 31, 2023. Deemed the plea frivolous, the Supreme Court fined Bhatt Rs 10,000.

Sanjiv Bhatt is well-known for openly criticising the Narendra Modi administration. He had filed an affidavit with the Supreme Court, accusing the Modi-led Gujarat government of being complicit in the 2002 Gujarat riots, prior to his termination from the IPS. His unapproved leave of absence from work was the reason given by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs for his termination from employment in 2015.
The BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) leaders have approved the expansion of the five-nation bloc by adding Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and the UAE as its new members, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Thursday.

He expressed the hope that the step would strengthen the belief of many nations in a multipolar world order.

The expansion of BRICS and its modernisation is a clear message that all global institutions need reforms keeping in mind the present-day realities. This is an initiative which can become a trendsetter for reforms in other global institutions, Modi said at a joint press conference with other BRICS leaders at the end of the three-day 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg.

Advertisement

He further said that India has always supported the expansion of BRICS. Its position was that the expansion would further strengthen it as a grouping and provide an impetus to the member nations joint efforts in different areas.

This is the first expansion of the grouping since 2010 when South Africa was inducted into it. With this expansion, six of the worlds nine largest oil producers are now part of BRICS.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the membership of the six new BRICS countries would come into force from January 2024. Others present at the press conference were Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Modi was happy that the delegations of the five BRICS countries had arrived at a consensus on guiding principles, standards, criteria, and procedures for admitting the six new members. He was confident that the inclusion of these new members into BRICS would infuse new energy into the grouping.

Noting that India has close historical relations with all six countries, he said their inclusion in BRICS would add a new dimension to bilateral cooperation as well.

He said India would try to evolve a consensus around those countries that have expressed their interest in joining BRICS as partner nations.
Bhutans much-awaited Annual Mushroom Festival is set to return to the village of Ura after nearly three years of anticipation. It will be held on August 23 and 24, 2023 in the beautiful Ura Valley, about 9 -hours drive from Thimphu.

This vibrant event, which celebrates the local abundance of mushrooms, most notably the revered Matsutake mushroom, promises to be a captivating experience for both locals and visitors alike.

The Annual Mushroom Festival is a tribute to the thriving connection between the Ura community and the nourishing forests that envelop the village. The festival highlights the significance of the SangayShamu  the local name for Matsutake mushroom  in the lives and livelihoods of the Ura people. These mushrooms, cherished not only for their culinary value but also for their economic importance, have sustained generations of locals, providing a unique and sustainable source of income.

Advertisement

Visitors can expect a diverse array of experiences that encapsulate the essence of Uras relationship with mushrooms. Stalls will be brimming with a variety of locally foraged mushrooms, showcasing the regions fungal diversity. From rare specimens to culinary favorites, visitors will have the chance to purchase these delicacies and take a piece of Ura home with them. The aroma of mushroom-infused cuisine will waft through the festival grounds, as local chefs and home cooks conjure up delectable dishes that pay homage to the revered Matsutake and other mushrooms. Visitors can savor these unique flavors while enjoying the stunning scenery that Ura is known for.

The Annual Mushroom Festival will feature interactive exhibits and displays that shed light on the ecological importance of mushrooms and the traditional knowledge passed down through generations. The heart of the festival will resonate with the melodies of traditional music, performed by local communities from every Chiwog.

For those who share a passion for mushrooms and the art of foraging, the festival presents an exciting opportunity to join local foragers in their mushroom-hunting expeditions. Engaging in these guided activities, attendees will gain insight into the intricate process of identifying, collecting, and understanding the mushrooms that contribute to Uras identity.

The Annual Mushroom Festival serves as an embodiment of gratitude towards the forest and its bountiful gifts. By participating in this celebration, visitors from around the world join the Ura community in its efforts to promote sustainable practices that preserve and enhance the lives of both people and the environment.

As we eagerly anticipate the festival, we are excited to welcome enthusiasts, explorers, and everyone, to this years Matsutake Festival, to dive into the rich tapestry of culture, nature, and community in the Ura Valley. The festival also provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience the diversity of culture and cuisine of various communities within the district, concluded Dorji Dhradhul, the Director General of the Department of Tourism.
The ongoing BRICS Summit in Johannesburg is drawing global attention. The presence of 23 countries in the queue for membership indicates growing interest in joining the group and the potential for it to evolve into a more diverse and representative platform. Expanding the grouping could potentially bring in new perspectives and opportunities. Negotiation and balancing of these different perspectives will be crucial for the expansion process. Expansion could also enhance BRICS role as a key forum for the global South, offering an alternative to Western-led groups like the G-7. By incorporating more diverse viewpoints and economies, BRICS could better represent the interests of emerging markets and developing nations.

The interest in an alternative to Western-led groupings arises from a desire for greater representation, influence, and a more equitable global decisionmaking process. Historically, Western-led institutions have not adequately addressed the unique concerns and priorities of countries from the global South. A forum like BRICS offers these nations a platform to voice their perspectives, challenge traditional power dynamics and collaborate on issues that directly affect their economies and development. This allows for a more balanced and inclusive approach to global governance and cooperation. It is clear that India and China have differing approaches to the expansion of BRICS. Indias focus on establishing clear criteria and guiding principles before adding new members reflects its emphasis on a structured and well-defined process. On the other hand, Chinas push for expansion may be driven by its desire to widen the groups influence, but especially its own.

Achieving the same level of influence as say the G7 may be a tall order, but will require strategic coordination and alignment among BRICS members whether the group expands or not. BRICS countries should establish clear, common goals and priorities that resonate with their collective interests. This shared vision will enable them to speak with a unified voice on global issues and effectively advocate their positions. Consensus-building is crucial. Member states should engage in constructive dialogue to find common ground on various matters. This involves compromising on certain issues while emphasising shared objectives. Developing a robust institutional framework is essential. This includes establishing effective mechanisms for communication, consultation and decision-making. An agreement on guiding principles for membership expansion, as India emphasises, will ensure that new entrants align with the forums core values and objectives. Enhancing economic ties and collaboration among member states can strengthen their collective bargaining power. This includes promoting trade, investment and joint projects that benefit member countries. Moreover, by leveraging each member states unique expertise and resources in specific fields, BRICS can address a wide range of global challenges effectively. Member states should work towards a long-term vision for BRICS development and influence. This requires a commitment to sustained cooperation. The elephant in the room though is Russia, locked in a debilitating war that it launched last year.

Advertisement
The 2024 Presidential Elections in the United States is 15 months away but the political atmosphere is already heating up. Both incumbent President Joe Biden of the Democratic Party and his Republican predecessor Donald Trump are in the race for the White House for a second time. While Biden is calm and composed, Trump is nervous, cranky, irritable and vociferous in his outbursts. Trump remains fixated on the 2020 election as a stolen one even after he has been indicted four times and twice in Georgia, first by a federal jury and next by the Fulton County jury under the RICO act (Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organisations Act), applied hitherto to mobsters.

Yet Trump emerges as the front runner for his partys nomination with 53 per cent Republican voters backing him and only 16 per cent supporting Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Surprisingly, Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy has secured 11 per cent support. On the flip side, President Biden, much liked by educated college youth, white collar workers, urban middle class and senior citizens, black or white, leads Trump by a slim margin of 4 per cent as different polls, including the noted New York Times Sienna poll, reveal. The

Republican field is crowded with candidates. Among the eight, besides Trump and Desantis, there is Nikki Haley, of Indian American origin, a former South Carolina Governor and former Trump appointee as UN ambassador, former Vice fPresident Mike Pence, and two other Indian American candidates  business tycoon Vivek Ramaswamy and Harsh Vardhan Singh, a career man.

Advertisement

There are also Chris Christie, former governor of New Jersey, and Scott Perry, a politician. All of them are to spar at the first TV debate organised by Fox News next week at Milwaukee, Wisconsin even as Trump has cancelled his appearance, soon after calling off a scheduled press conference. Trump as per polls conducted by various media houses including New York Times IPSO and NBC has emerged as the front runner for the Republican nomination showing that indictments by courts and juries have had little impact on his popularity. His supporters believe what he said during his latest arraignment in a federal court in New York: I am being prosecuted because I am a political opponent to Joe Biden of the Democratic Party. He has pleaded Not Guilty to most of the charges against him.

To defeat Trump in the Republican primary, rivals such as DeSantis and former VP Pence have to overcome the significant advantages he has with key pillar GOP voter groups, the latest NPR/PBS News hour Maris poll finds. Former President Barack Obama had also warned Biden of Trumps political strengths in polarising voters and his pull with GOP elders. Trump is a more formidable candidate than many Democrats realize, Obama told Biden in a private meeting, warning him not to lower his guard. Obama had pledged to support Biden as early as June and has repeatedly asked him not to underestimate Trump.

Obama is to launch a fundraising campaign for Trump this fall. Republican primary voters say they believe the indictments and investigations Trump faces are politically motivated. And they would not consider any candidate other than Trump. Educated youth say they want neither Trump nor Biden to run for presidency as both are old  Biden will be 84 when he leaves office in 2028 and Trump 80.

Their cognitive functions are being questioned for the high office they will hold and the responsibilities that go with it. Trump does not need any donors e as he has a huge war chest of billions to finance his election. One is the MAGA fundraiser and the other is his website Truth Social on Twitter now X. Six out of 10 Republicans say they would rather back Trump than anyone else. About 77 per cent of Republican primary voters say the federal charges against Trump in the classified document case give them either minor concerns (14 per cent) or no real concerns at all (63 per cent).

Compare this with 55 per cent of all registered voters who say the charges give them either major concerns (47 per cent) or moderate concern (8 per cent). Trump has been charged by the DOJ and indicted by a Federal Jury for spiriting away sensitive files containing classified information on Iran and North Korea. Some 64 per cent of Republican primary voters believe that the multiple indictments and investigations Trump faces are politically motivated, although that is down slightly from the 68 per cent in April this year.

Trump is charged on four counts of felony by a Federal jury in DC of conspiring with 18 cohorts led by his lawyer Rudy Giuliani to try and subvert the electoral process by overthrowing the 2020 election verdict, ride roughshod over voters rights calling them stolen votes, 41 counts of felony by the Atlanta jury, for paying hush money to adult porn star Stormy Daniels to hide an affair in 2016, charged with a penalty of $ 250 million by lower Manhattan DA Ms Letitia James for fraudulently inflating his real estate value to get billions of dollars worth of loans, criminally defrauding the IRS by availing tax concessions in an elaborately orchestrated tax fraud case , a Ponzi scheme in which several investors lost monies, and a defamation suit filed by author E Jean Carroll for $ 10 million.

(The writer is a veteran, US-based journalist and author.)
The issue of students safety perhaps figures low down the priority list when parents think of sending their children for higher education either to some nearby state within the country or even abroad. In the frenzy of celebration after cracking a tough admission procedure or gloating over the erstwhile high-school academic success, the primary stakeholders are often preoccupied with the romantic lure of actualising their future career goals and aspirations rather than taking stock of the impending challenging reality.

The predominant concerns for most students and parents include choice of a reputed educational institute or university for higher education; arrangement of funding for pursuit of their coveted course or arrangement of educational loans; finding affordable accommodation; deep concern for commensurate academic performance and subsequently, the enticement of lucrative placements following completion of the course.

Amidst these natural genuine concerns, what frequently gets overlooked is the fundamental issue of safety and security of the student leaving home, often for the first time. While safety and security can never be guaranteed entirely, what needs to be ensured is that proper checks and balances are in place to ward off potential hazards.

Advertisement

The recent spate of tragedies in Jadavpur University and other premier academic institutes across the country definitely call for soul searching among all stakeholders in the field of higher education. Unfortunately, the issue of student safety and security often seems to be sadly compromised by all stakeholders: campus authorities, student unions, teachers, students and even parents themselves. In this context, it is imperative to remember that both students and parents should be extremely careful in deciding on their choice of institute for higher education.

Leaving home for an outstation destination has its own share of stress for the pupil. Leaving the familiar comfort, amenities and safety of home often registers a few days after commencement of hostel life or shared accommodation in the new city. While some students may be temperamentally well adjusted to the change of place, others may take a lot of time to settle down.

Homesickness in the initial stages may be debilitating and crippling for many students of higher education. In this context, what is desirable is adequate preparation in advance in anticipation of the impending stress.

Crucial life skills and survival strategies cant be inculcated overnight. The drilling process should be initiated at the high school stage keeping in mind the harsh reality of surviving and enduring the journey of higher education. If affordable, parents can consider an extended stay during the initial period to facilitate the process of acclimatization of the student in the new city.

However, this may not always be feasible in case of students journeying abroad. For them the initial period that is naturally fraught with anxiety and apprehension may be ameliorated in the company of friends and acquaintances from similar cultural backgrounds. It is imperative for such students to stay in touch with their near ones through video calls and other forms of social media.

Most universities abroad are well equipped with counselling services. If required, students should immediately avail of such aid without any inhibitions or inordinate delay. Adjusting to a different cultural milieu also takes a substantial period of time. A little bit of preparation in this regard beforehand may facilitate the task of gradual acclimatization.

For students pursuing higher education within the country, it is also important to choose an institute with a proper support system for new students. Besides proper adherence to the prescribed UGC guidelines, new students should ensure that their chosen institute offers proper counselling services through a well-trained psychological support group of psychiatrists, psychologists and other volunteers.

The mental well-being of the student is of paramount importance, especially in the early period of initiation at the new chosen institute or university. Under no circumstance should this aspect of health be neglected or overlooked. Also, strict adherence to the prescribed UGC guidelines, especially as regards anti-ragging measures coupled with CCTV surveillance of the campus, should be absolute pre-requisites while choosing any institute of higher education. Unfortunately, these aspects are not given due consideration by students and parents while deciding on the institute. Sadly, ragging today has become a norm rather than an exception in contemporary India.

The scourge of ragging has made newcomers to institutes of higher education more vulnerable to mental trauma and agony. While some have to cope with life-long psychological scars, others, overwhelmed by the bleak circumstances, either take their lives or succumb to the irrational torture of the perpetrators. What makes the scourge of ragging ominous in our present circumstances is the element of chronic fear and silence that engulfs victims of the tragic ordeal. Often survivors prefer silence to narration of their plight or exposure of the perpetrators to the concerned authorities.

If media reports are to be believed, institutes too in several cases resort to under-reporting of such incidents on campus. As was witnessed in the case of the recent tragic death of Swapnadeep Kundu of Jadavpur University, a great deal of effort is often directed by the perpetrators to conceal the incident from the public gaze.

Political clout, absence of surveillance, lacklustre monitoring and absence of support system further exacerbate the plight of the victims. Looking back at the past three decades, the list of multiple victims of ragging cry for justice: nineteen-year-old Pon Navarasu (a student of Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Tamil Nadu), whose dismembered body was found in 1996; nineteen-year-old Aman Satya Kachroos succumbing to torture at Dr Rajendra Prasad Medical College in Himachal Pradesh 2009, and the death of Akash, a twenty-year-old pharmacy student from the Calcutta Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology in 2014. The list is endless.

The gravity of the situation can be ascertained from the fact that reporting of such incidents of ragging or hazing has multiplied several times according to the UGC anti ragging cell. In spite of the stringent laws, and due to the lackadaisical attitude of the authorities, ragging continues to flourish in numerous institutes of higher education right across the country. Nocturnal vigilance is of paramount importance, as in most reported cases, perpetrators under the spell of drugs or alcohol inflict the most inhuman atrocities on vulnerable juniors.

If past reports are to be believed these range from criminal intimidation, obscenity to physical harm and torture. Deprived of their cell phones during the ordeal, in most cases victims fail to record evidence or reach out for help, and the perpetrators go scot-free even after initial detentions. In the given circumstances, authorities must consider proactive anti-ragging squads on the campus, with all stakeholders being well represented in the group.

True success lies in genuine concern and earnest willingness to implement ameliorative measures with pressing urgency and sincerity. Only then perhaps we will manage to save precious young lives on campus

(The writer is currently Associate Professor and Head, Department of English, St Xaviers College (Autonomous), Kolkata, Calcutta University)
On Wednesday, August 23, 2023, the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was among the passengers listed on a private jet that tragically crashed in the northern vicinity of Moscow, as confirmed by Russian aviation authorities. There were no survivors from the crash. In light of this event, let us look at some interesting details about his wife Lyubov Prigozhina.

Who is Lyubov Prigozhina ?

Lyubov Prigozhina, born on June 26, 1970, is a Russian businesswoman and pharmacist who was married to Yevgeny Prigozhin. Her prominence is largely attributed to her association with her husband. Notably, she is the proprietor of a chain of boutique establishments recognized as the Chocolate Museum, situated in Saint Petersburg.

She completed her high school education in Russia and then pursued higher studies in the medical field. She graduated with a degree in pharmacy.

Advertisement

In addition to this, she is the owner of a wellness center located in the Leningrad region. Her ownership also extends to a boutique hotel named the Crystal Spa & Residence, which earned the esteemed Perfect Spa Project award in 2013.

Additionally, she possesses ownership of Agat LLC, a subsidiary of Concord Management and Consulting LLC. This latter company is part of the Concord group.

At the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, Western nations imposed financial sanctions on Lyubov Prigozhina due to the benefits her husband gained from public contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense during the Crimea annexation and the pro-Russian separatist occupation in eastern Ukraine.

Despite the imposition of sanctions, Lyubov Prigozhina continues to provide significant support to her husband. Operating discreetly, she wields considerable influence and holds a pivotal position in managing the Wagner Groups operations.

There is limited public information available regarding Lyubov Prigozhina. She intentionally chooses to keep a low profile and avoid attracting attention.

About the accident:

Yevgeny Prigozhin is recognized as a Russian oligarch, leader of mercenaries, and formerly held a position of close trust with Russian President Vladimir Putin, until he initiated a rebellion in June 2023.

The aircraft is said to have caught fire upon impact with the ground and was subsequently consumed by flames. Its total flight duration was under 30 minutes. While not officially confirmed, there are reports suggesting that the jet might have belonged to Prigozhin.
As Chandrayaan-3 gracefully slipped into its lunar orbit, a momentous achievement for Indias space endeavors, recognition is due to the dedicated individuals who made it possible. One such unsung hero in this space odyssey is M Sankaran, a pivotal scientist instrumental in the missions success. Lets delve into the life and contributions of this remarkable figure.

Who is M Sankaran?

M Sankaran currently holds the prestigious position of Director at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), the nations premier hub for satellite design, development, and realization under the aegis of ISRO. His appointment to this significant role dates back to 2021.

Sankarans expertise traverses a broad spectrum of domains, encompassing navigation, communication, remote sensing, meteorology, and inter-planetary exploration.

Advertisement

Among his accomplished projects are the Satellite Positioning System, RF Communication System, Geostationary satellite, Navigation Satellite, Outer Space Mission (Chandrayaan 1, 2, & 3), and more, each a testament to his dedication and brilliance.

Also Read: The heroes behind Indias historic moon mission

Sankarans illustrious career spans over 35 years, marked by numerous accolades including ISROs Performance Excellence Award. He has publications with 50 peer-reviewed journals and international conference contributions.

Born in 1971, Sankarans journey with ISRO included managing diverse projects such as Satellite Positioning Systems. He is an expert in RF Communication Systems, Geostationary satellites, Navigation Satellites, and Outer Space Missions like Chandrayaan 1, 2, & 3. Today, he holds the esteemed position of Deputy Director at URSC, where he leads the charge in communication and power system development.

Sankarans expertise extends to miniaturization of avionics systems, indigenization of electronics and power system components. In addition, he excels in satellite bus development, and qualifications for the Gaganyaan program.

M Sankarans qualifications:

In 1986, M. Sankaran earned his masters degree in Physics from Bharathidasan University in Tiruchirappalli, showcasing a profound understanding of his field. His knowledge and skills are beyond words, making him an invaluable mentor for budding scientists within the Space Agency.

M Sankaran stands as a shining example of the talented scientists within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). His contributions have been integral to the success of Chandrayaan-3, highlighting the collective effort of every scientist involved.

In the grand tapestry of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, M. Sankarans expertise shines as a testament to Indias prowess in space exploration. This reminds us that every scientist plays a vital role in these awe-inspiring journeys of discovery.
In a monumental feat for Indias space endeavors, Chandrayaan-3 has gracefully nestled into the lunar orbit, and its time to shine the spotlight on the dedicated individuals who made this historic achievement possible. Among these uncelebrated heroes is M Srikanth, a pivotal scientist instrumental in the missions success. Lets delve into the life and contributions of this remarkable figure.

Mission Director for Chandrayaan-3 at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre

Hailing from the Thiruvananthapuram Taluk in Kerala, India, Srikanth has been serving as the Mission Director for Chandrayaan-3, operating from the prestigious Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre. His leadership and expertise have been pivotal in steering this mission towards its triumphant lunar orbit insertion.

Deputy Project Director at ISRO for Over a Decade

Srikanth has been a stalwart at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he holds the position of Deputy Project Director since July 2010. His dedicated service spans an impressive 13 years and 2 months, illustrating his unwavering commitment to Indias space exploration journey.

Advertisement

Educational Background

Srikanths academic journey is rooted in excellence. He is an alumnus of the College of Engineering, Trivandrum, where he pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Mechanical Engineering from 1992 to 1997. His educational foundation has undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping his illustrious career.

Multilingual Proficiency

M Srikanth is not confined by linguistic boundaries. He possesses proficiency in English, Tamil, Hindi, and Malayalam, a testament to his ability to communicate effectively in a diverse and multicultural work environment.

A Stellar Track Record

Srikanths exceptional leadership extends beyond Chandrayaan-3. His expertise was evident during the successful commercial launch of the OneWeb India 2 satellites with the LVM3-M3 launch vehicle. This accomplishment underscores his immense knowledge and capabilities within the realm of space technology.

Chandrayaan-3: A Triumph for Indias Space Endeavors

The successful insertion of Chandrayaan-3 into the lunar orbit marks a significant milestone in Indias space endeavors. This mission embodies the collective aspiration of making India the first nation to achieve a soft landing on the Moons elusive south pole. It underscores the remarkable prowess and potential of ISROs dedicated scientific community.

Historic Moment: Chandrayaan-3s Lunar Landing

On August 23rd, at 18:04 Hrs, India and its esteemed space research agency, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), etched history. Chandrayaan-3, highly anticipated and meticulously executed, successfully touched down on the Moons surface. India not only joins the exclusive club of nations to land on the Moon but also secures its place as the first to achieve this feat on the Moons enigmatic South Pole. This remarkable achievement is a testament to ISROs indomitable spirit and the brilliant minds behind this triumphant mission.
The five BRICS nations on Thursday condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, appreciated relevant proposals for mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, and supported a comprehensive reform of the United Nations, including its Security Council.

The Johannesburg Declaration adopted by the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa at the end of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg said the BRICS countries recognise the threat emanating from terrorism, extremism conducive to terrorism and radicalisation. The Indian delegation was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

We are committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, and terrorism financing networks and safe havens. We reiterate that terrorism should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilisation or ethnic group, the declaration said.

Advertisement

It said the BRICS leaders reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to contribute further to the global efforts of preventing and countering the threat of terrorism on the basis of respect for international law, in particular the Charter of the United Nations, and human rights, emphasising that States have the primary responsibility in combating terrorism with the United Nations continuing to play central and coordinating role in this area.

We also stress the need for a comprehensive and balanced approach of the whole international community to effectively curb terrorist activities, which pose a serious threat, including in the present-day pandemic environment. We reject double standards in countering terrorism and extremism conducive to terrorism, it added.

The five BRICS leaders said they support a comprehensive reform of the UN, including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient, and to increase the representation of developing countries in the Councils memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges and support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, India and South Africa, to play a greater role in international affairs.

On the conflict in Ukraine, the 26-page declaration said the five leaders recalled their national positions concerning the war as expressed at the appropriate fora, including the UNSC and UNGA. We note with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, including the African Leaders Peace Mission and the proposed path for peace.

The BRICS leaders stressed their commitment to multilateralism and to the central role of the United Nations which were prerequisites to maintain peace and security. We call on the international community to support countries in working together towards post-pandemic economic recovery. We emphasise the importance of contributing to post-conflict countries reconstruction and development and call upon the international community to assist countries in meeting their development goals. We stress the imperative of refraining from any coercive measures not based on international law and the UN Charter, it added.

The BRICS leaders opposed trade barriers including those under the pretext of tackling climate change imposed by certain developed countries and reiterated our commitment to enhancing coordination on these issues.
In a tragic incident seven people, including six Indian pilgrims on Thursday were killed in a road accident in Nepal in the wee hours, local media reported.

At 2 a.m the bus proceeding towards Janakpur from Kathmandu overturned and fell around 50 metres down the road at a river bank south of Churiamai temple.

The deceased included one Nepali, a resident of Loharpatti in Mahottari district and six Indian nationals from Rajasthan, Deputy Superintendent Pradeep Bahadur Chhetri of the Area Police Office, Simara, was quoted as saying by Kathmandu Post.

Advertisement

DSP Chhetri informed that the injured passengers are undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Hetauda of Makwanpur district.

Initial probe disclosed that the driver of the bus, might have fallen asleep leading to the accident.
Chinas President, Xi Jinping, surprised many when he chose not to address the Brics Summit in South Africa. Instead, he delegated the task to his Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao.

Xi Jinping had been in Johannesburg for the important multilateral business forum, where leaders from India, Brazil, South Africa, and Russia were also slated to speak alongside him.

This unexpected change in plans has led to speculation about the reasons behind it, but its unlikely that the Chinese government will provide any official explanation.

Advertisement

Despite missing his speech, Xi did attend the summit dinner. However, no clarification has come for his absence during the speech segment.

The decision seemed to be a last-minute one, as Chinese state media articles and social media posts from the countrys foreign ministry spokesperson suggested that Xi would be delivering the speech himself.

Wangs speech, which contained thinly veiled criticisms aimed at an unnamed country, accused it of seeking to maintain hegemony and undermining emerging markets and developing nations.

When China hosted summits:

Its worth noting that in the 2022 Brics Summit held in China, a significant development was the introduction of a new reserve currency. This currency, challenging the dominance of the US dollar, combines the currencies of the BRICS nations and is incorporates some precious metals.

In a similar vein, the ninth summit organized by China in 2017 also emphasized the bright future envisioned for BRICS and their collective goals. Discussions revolved around various international and regional issues as these nations aimed to move forward together.

What did India do?

On the other hand, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke at the Leaders Dialogue of the BRICS Business Forum. During his address, he outlined Indias aspirations to achieve a 5 trillion dollar economy in the near future. This goal is part of Indias strategy to position itself as a key driver of global economic growth.
A crash occurred near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver Region involving a private Embraer Legacy aircraft that was en route from Moscow to Saint Petersburg. The aircraft was carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin at the time of the incident.

According to reports from Russian state-run news agencies on Wednesday, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who leads the Wagner group that orchestrated a rebellion against the Russian army in June, was identified as one of the passengers on the plane that crashed. The plane went down in the Tver Region.

Who was Yevgeny Viktorovich?

Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, formerly a Russian oligarch and leader of mercenaries, had enjoyed a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin until he instigated a rebellion in June 2023. Prigozhin earned the nickname Putins chef due to his ownership of restaurants and catering businesses that served the Kremlin.

Advertisement

Previously incarcerated during the Soviet Union era, Prigozhin held sway over a web of influential enterprises, most notably the Wagner private military firm, which received backing from the Russian government. He also oversaw three companies accused of meddling in the 2016 and 2018 US elections.

More about the crash:

The information comes out from Rosaviatsia, Russias aviation agency, as cited by TASS news agency. Similar accounts were provided by RIA Novosti and Interfax.

The crash near the town of Kuzhenkino resulted in the loss of ten lives, including that of Prigozhin.

An inquiry has been initiated into the incident involving the Embraer aircraft that took place tonight in the Tver region. As per the passenger manifest, the name Yevgeny Prigozhin is included, stated the department.

Other passengers including Yevgeny Prigozhin:

Out of the 10 individuals who lost their lives, three were crew members while the remaining seven were passengers. The passengers were Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, Valeriy Chekalov, Dmitriy Utkin, Nikolay Matuseev, and Prigozhin. Numerous pro-Wagner groups have asserted that Prigozhin met his demise.

Chekalov held a prominent position as an aide to Prigozhin. He faced a sanction by the US Treasury for his involvement in acting on behalf of Prigozhin and for facilitating the transportation of munitions to the Russian Federation.

The crew members were Commander Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova.

In response to the crash, Russian authorities have initiated an investigation and formally lodged a criminal case. The Russian Investigative Committee has dispatched a team to the crash site with the purpose of determining the reasons behind the crash.
Saint-Laurent, CA (H4T1V6)

Today

Light snow during the morning will give way to cloudy skies during the afternoon. High 41F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 100%..

Tonight

Some clouds early will give way to generally clear conditions overnight. Low around 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Have an interesting bit of news youd like to see mentioned in the Along the Way column? Email it to Natasha Connolly at news@thesunchronicle.com .
Aiming at lowering the risk of Egyptian females getting cervical and breast cancer, a new campaign will examine women in nine governorates.

Dubbed the 1,000 kilometre journey, a new campaign protecting the health of Egyptian women in nine governorates was launched last week.

The campaign is led by the Ministry of Social Solidarity in cooperation with the Egyptian Society for Colposcopy (ESC) under the slogan Be One Step Ahead.

Under the campaign, 50 clinics specialised in female reproductive health, early detection of cervical cancer, and pregnancy follow-up will be established in the designated governorates in which two mobile clinics will be touring.

According to a ministry press release, workshops for training medical staff and social pioneers as well as awareness sessions for women will be held in the governorates within the framework of the campaign.

Organisers will tour nine governorates starting with Alexandria in mid-September and ending with Cairo and will visit seven Upper Egypt governorates in between Beni Sweif, Minya, Assiut, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan. Two-day sessions will be held in each governorate.

The tour will come to an end on 5 and 6 January next year in Cairo.

Minister of Social Solidarity Nevine Al-Qabbaj stated that the campaign will cover awareness, in which social pioneers in the governorates will be trained on directing women to periodic follow-ups on reproductive health and methods of using contraceptives, as well as methods of prevention and early detection of types of cancer, including cervical, breast, lung, and colon.

Lectures will also be given on how to communicate information and develop personal skills among social pioneers for positive communication and persuading women of the importance of early detection.

A second part relates to training medical staff in the Be One Step Ahead Clinics to be set up in the governorates, and where doctors and nurses will be trained on how to teach patients to use various contraceptive methods as well as examining tools like the cervical speculum.

The third aspect of the campaign is represented in economic empowerment, as more health bazaars will be held to support small-scale projects by women to promote their products.

Al-Qabbaj called on every woman to periodically undergo medical check-ups for her health in general and reproductive and psychological health in particular.

A womens health is the health of the entire family, the health of society and the nation, she said.

ESC President Mohamed Al-Azab said that upon arrival in Cairo, the campaigns awareness-raising sessions and workshops will be held.

They will be informed of the results of the campaign as well as the organisation of a medical conference for all staff who worked in units training medical staff.

Al-Azab stressed that there is a declared vision and thought from the political leadership that targets citizens in general, and women in particular, and that this was reflected by ministry programmes such as Waai (Awareness), Etnein Kefaya (Two are Enough), and Deyarona (Our Home) exhibitions, which aim to empower women in all fields.

The campaign aims at scanning 10,000 females and vaccinating 30,000 against certain types of human papillomavirus which causes the greatest risk of cervical cancer.

* A version of this article appears in print in the 24 August, 2023 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

Search Keywords:

Short link:


Dr. Deanna Behrens is a pediatric critical care physician in Chicago, a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Refugee Immigrant Child Health Initiative as part of the academys Illinois chapter. This first appeared in The Chicago Tribune.
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.

"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."

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."

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."

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.

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.

 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 U.S. government has renewed ban on Americans traveling to North Korea for another year, maintaining a restriction that has been in place since 2017.

According to the U.S. State Department on Tuesday, the latest extension comes amid rising tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, as well as uncertainty over U.S. serviceman Travis King, who crossed the North Korean border last month.

"The Department of State has determined there continues to be serious risk to U.S. citizens and nationals of arrest and long-term detention constituting imminent danger to their physical safety," it said in a statement.

The ban was first imposed in September 2017 after the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who was imprisoned and tortured in North Korea.

It remains in place until Aug. 31 next year.
Kite flying is an essential part of many celebrations in Indiabe it Independence day or Teej, but the use of Chinese manjha (kite string) continues to pose a serious threat despite a nation-wide ban in 2017.

Surender Kumar Jha, 42 years, a native of Bihar, who works as a security guard in Delhi recently sustained extensive injuries in his eyes, despite wearing a helmet.

The Chinese manjha, coated by crushed glass, is capable of far worse. In late 2022, it slit a young mans throat in Meerut and he bled to death. The sharp strings enhance their ability to cut off the strings of an opponents kite- the aim of all kite flying competitions. One of the biggest of these, of an international scale, is held in Gujarat in January.

The Indian manjha, made of cotton, unlike the Chinese version which uses nylon or polyester is a far safer option.

Namita Kumari, consultant, oculoplasty and ocular oncology at Dr Shroffs Charitable Eye Hospital, New Delhi, who treated Jha said that the string that cut through his eyes had an alarming level of sharpness.

It cut through multiple layers of (his) upper and lower eyelid. The resulting injury encompassed the forehead, including the nasal bridge, and the LPS muscle. The injury extended to the globe of the eye, primarily involving a laceration of the conjunctiva and partial thickness scleral tear. Fortunately, he did not have any loss of vision as injuries were limited mainly to the adnexal part, not full thickness penetrating globe injury. He also sustained bruises and abrasion on shin of his due to loss of balance of bike, said Kumari.

The LPS (levator palpebrae superioris muscle) raises the upper eyelid and maintains its position. The adnexal part excludes the eye and optic nerve due to which Jha was saved from vision loss.

He shared his memory of the accident which occurred on August 5, while on his way to work in old Delhi. Surprised at the amount of blood that was flowing down his face, his immediate thought was Abhi toh main gaya (Now, I am gone).

The doctor at the work site cleaned the wounds and bandaged him. The following day was a Sunday and his wife took him to a private clinic where he was once again bandaged and given some vitamins and a tetanus injection. Since he was in too much pain to even be able to speak, on August 7, he was taken to the hospital where a cut was detected in his eye and a surgery performed. The hospital charged him a subsidised amount for it. His eyes continue to be red and the pain though still present is manageable.

On August 10, the Delhi High Court directed the Delhi Police to continue taking steps to restrain the sale of banned Chinese manjha in the national capital during the lead up to the Independence day.

Manjhas are capable of inflicting life-threatening injuries and kill both animals and humans. They can also slice through power lines cutting off supply. Thousands of pigeons, crows, owls, endangered vultures, and other birds are also maimed and killed each year from strings tangled in trees or buildings.

Kumari said that she had recently attended to a case where a manjha-induced cut led to accumulation of blood in the posterior chamber of the eye ball, leading to significant vision loss. In another case the string cut through the skin over the nose, resulting in a complete separation of the skin in that area, like a free flap. Neck and chest injuries are also common and these in turn pose a grave risk to vital structures and can potentially cause severe bleeding and damage to internal organs.

Kite string injuries happen not only by direct contact of manja but also secondarily by entanglement of thread around the feet of a pedestrians or in handles/ tyres of moving two-wheelers and leading to fall of pedestrians or pillion riders on ground causing fracture of extremities or life threatening head injuries respectively, she said.

So fly those kites, but not at the risk of others safety.
Unlike the dark side and extremely cold South Pole of the moon where Chandrayaan-3 soft-landed its Vikram landing vehicle, from where the Pragyan rover wheeled out, it was brightness and joy unbounded at the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network at Bengalurus Peenyaas India burst into raptures on Wednesday afternoon.

But it may also have been in the corridors of Indias military power in New Delhis South Block that the nations imagination of military possibilities would have been fired. A hundred dreams may have well begun to take shape even as India announced its huge power projection with the Chandrayaan-3 success.

South Block houses the Ministry of Defence.

It was Indias missile man and former President of India Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam who succinctly underlined the umbilical link between space and military technologies: SLVs (satellite launch vehicles) and missiles can be called first cousins: they are different in concept and purpose, but come from the same bloodline of rocketry.

It was as if Indias space effort was blessed from the beginning. As if the Gods willed it too. The year was 1962 when the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR)the predecessor of ISROdecided to set up the Equatorial Rocket Launching Station. The location was in a big St. Mary Magdalene church in the sleepy fishing village in Thumba, not far away from the Kerala state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

The selected site stretched for about 600 acres and lay between a railway line and the sea coast. It was from the church that India began her journey in rocket research.

Kalam wrote: The prayer room (of the church) was my first laboratory, the Bishops room was my design and drawing office.

Now the St. Mary Magdalene church houses the Indian Space Museum.

As if by intention and design, the twin research verticals of space launch vehicles (SLV) and missiles in India have always developed in tandem albeit separately. The missile programmes have been developed under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), SLVs and rockets have been the domain of ISRO.

Lieutenant General A.K. Bhatt (retd), director-general of the Indian Space Association, told THE WEEK: ISRO as a policy has primarily maintained a civilian space programme with a focus on serving the common man. Services from space were extended to the military when satellites were launched for other civilian purposes. That said, a few military satellites, like the CartoSat series and GSAT series communication satellites for the Navy and Air Force, have been ISRO-led.

Bhatt had earlier served as the commander of the XV Corps and also as the Director General Military Operations (DGMO).

While a SLV places a satellite in an orbit, the missile has to hit targets. What is intrinsically common to both are the terminal velocity, onboard guidance and control. Therefore, technological developments and progress in one feeds the other.

Indias space odyssey began with sounding rockets that are one or two stage solid propellant rockets sent to the upper atmospheric regions. These were followed by the Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) and the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) with every successive progression based on the propellants, the range of the rocket, the payload capacity and other technological parameters.

But the ones in operation now are the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3). These three SLVs have between them launched 431 satellites for 36 countries till July 2023becoming a major money-spinner for Indias 61-year-old space programme. Interestingly, the developments in rocketry contributed hugely to the development of Indias missile systems.

For example, it was the Re-entry Experiment (REX) which became the Agni later on. It was the air-breathing Ramjet rocket engine that paved the way for the advanced variants of the Agni and the Prithvi missiles.

Several other launch vehicles are under various stages of development which include the Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HRLV), Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), Reusable Launch Vehicle-Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) and the Scramjet Engine TD.

Notably, the HRLV is the launch vehicle for the Gaganyaan mission with three stagessolid, liquid and cryogenicthat will showcase Indias first indigenously-developed human spaceflight capability by sending a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three-day-long mission before bringing them back safely to earth.

Like most other top Indian scientists who tutored him like Vikram Sarabhai, Satish Dhawan and Brahm Prakash, Kalam too made his mark in aeronautics and space science. His changeover to things military seemed but a natural progression.

After a promising start at ISRO, Kalam kick-started the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP) on July 27, 1983.

The IGMDP yielded for India a rich bounty of five indigenous missile systemsPrithvi (short range surface-to- surface), Agni (surface-to-surface ballistic), Akash (medium range surface-to- air), Trishul (short range surface-to-air missile) and Nag (anti-tank). Later the Agni system was separated from the IGMDP because of its strategic capabilities and implications even as the number of its variants multiplied.

Globally, among the first indicators of the change in warfare was the Gulf War of 1991 when the US led a 42-country coalition that rained missiles on Saddam Hussein-led Iraq.

It was the first time that space-based capabilities were put to maximum effect and Iraq was simply no match. The space-based capabilities included the Global Positioning System (GPS), precision-guided weapons, use of satellite-based communications for the command and control system, satellite surveillance and intelligence data, etc. were extensively used by the US-led forces. It was all done by space-based assets.

The satellites would detect and locate targets, relay the information, alert ground-based weapon systems and then direct the missiles to home on to the targets. And the missiles would be fired from air, land and sea from faraway places. Technology enabled the Gulf War to be a wholly one-sided affair as Iraq lay overwhelmed.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict that began with a Russian Special Forces foray into Ukraine on February 24, 2022 had begun with a Russian miscalculation that Ukraine would be rendered defenceless after the imminent destruction of its satellite-based communications systems.

Russia had not taken into account that the maverick billionaire businessman Elon Musk would step in with SpaceXs Starlink internet access service to replace the degraded internet services in Ukraine. Starlink services guided Ukrainian drones that became the scourge for Russian forces.

Unsurprisingly, the Starlink constellation has about 3,500 satellites or half of the worlds active satellites. Continued Russian attempts to degrade the Starlink network in Ukraine have failed.

Easily, space is the new frontier and the new high ground. The Ukraine conflict is just one indicator of how modern wars will be fought. With space being critical to security, there are two aspects to the relationship between space and the military. First, the assistance rendered by space-based assets to wars or to what is happening on earth. Second, the merging military domain that is space itself.

In that context, the race to the moon and the cis-lunar space or the region stretching from the earth to the moons surface, is very relevant.

Major countries and military powers have already devised strategies and doctrines.

In a sense, no space missions are a failure because of the payoffs which are aplenty. There is something new from every missionfailed or otherwisethat adds to the domain knowledge.

A serving military official involved with the space programmes told THE WEEK: Whatever is going up to space, be it satellites, the launches, the communication systems, the various sensors which are put up in the satellites, almost 99 per cent is of dual use that have both civilian and military applications. For example, if you have hyper-spectral sensors that are meant to see and understand agriculture or the soil better, it will have military applications which will enable you to find out what kind of military equipment is hidden under camouflage, whether they are dummies or the real thing.

If India can track the Chandrayaan-3 or any other moving object so far away in space, and maintain communications too, then satellites of other countries as well as projectiles and missiles can also be detected and tracked, the official added.

But unlike the US and China, in the Indian space experience, it was civilian space technology that was first developed before technology transfer for military use. For example, the original V2 rocket technologydeveloped by the Germans during World War IIwas instrumental in the development of early launch vehicles such as the US Saturn-I.

So what can the Indian military glean from the Chandrayaan-3 mission?

First, the communication matrix and the process of downloading real-time data will be of very significant military value. Second, the navigational aspect of cruising along a fixed path in outer space. Third, and more importantly, the domain awareness. The ability to find out who or what lies in the vicinity.

From time immemorial, in warfare, men have always sought to occupy the high grounds or dominating positions. Besides safety, the heights offer a commanding view of the surroundings which is a big military advantage. Control of space, which is the emerging domain of modern warfare, accords unmatched battlefield benefits.

With the Indian government keen to see more spinoffs for the military from the space industry including from the private companies, the Indian Space Association was created in October 2021.

On recent initiatives, Bhatt said: In 2022, the defence ministry launched a new initiative, which manifested through the announcement of 75 DefSpace Challenges by the PM during the DefExpo in October 2022.

These 75 DefSpace Challenges in different verticals were introduced under the iDEX model. They are aimed at fostering research and development by private players and startups in the realm of defence-space technology, culminating in the private space industry also becoming suppliers to the military, he added.





On April 6, 2023, the government announced the Indian Space Policy for the much-required clarity in space reforms. Undoubtedly, with the proliferation of space technology, the high ground has shifted to space which is the new military frontier.
The Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries (JCCI) has given a bandh call in Jammu on Saturday protesting the installation of smart meters by the Power Development Department (PDD) and the toll at Sarore Toll Plaza on the Jammu-Pathankot National Highway.



Addressing a press conference in Jammu, JCCI president Arun Gupta said they have given a bandh call because even after flagging the issues of highly inflated bills by smart meters and an appeal to halt the collection of tolls at Sarore Toll Plaza, the authorities have done nothing.



We had hoped that the government would address the concerns of the people of Jammu regarding these two pressing issues, but nothing has been done, Gupta said. We even had a meeting with the divisional commissioner, but unfortunately, it proved unproductive.



He said despite their continued efforts, the PDD has failed to offer any clarifications about inflated bills after the installation of smart meters.



We were told by the grievance cell that the PDD will address such issues of inflated power bills, but the consumers go to the PDD office to register their complaints, and they get no response from the PDD officials.



Women taking to the streets to protest against smart meters is happening for the first time after many years is a clear indication of the distress they are experiencing, he said.



Gupta said the recent statements by the PDD claiming there are no issues with the smart meters are contradictory to the experiences of the community. We have documented cases where monthly bills have surged from Rs 500-600 to a staggering Rs 23,000 after the installation of smart meters. This raises questions about the accuracy of these meters and suggests that the necessary infrastructure is not in place.



He said the PDD should focus on rectifying these issues instead of making excuses, and claimed that he tried his best to get the authorities to resolve these issues but in vain.



Gupta said the JCCI remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting people. Today, during a meeting of bazaar associations, the issue of inflated power bills and the Sarore toll plaza was raised by everyone. We had previously communicated our concerns to Jitender Singh, emphasising that no toll should be collected at Sarore Toll Plaza until the road is constructed.



He said some civil society groups like the Yuwa Rajput Sabha also staged a protest near the Sarore toll plaza two days ago and added that unfortunately, there was a harsh police response, including detentions. We strongly condemn this police action, as in a democracy, people have the right to protest.



Gupta said the JCCI has reached- out to various organisations in Jammu to discuss these urgent issues. He said some individuals proposed a three-day strike, but the JCCI decided to hold a symbolic one on Saturday due to an upcoming festival.



After the festival, we plan to launch a sustained campaign against these issues, he said. I appeal to the people of Jammu and the transporters to participate in this protest and refrain from using the roads.



He said the Jammu Bar Association was likely to support the bandh call. He said they also spoke to the tankers association, and they are not only supporting the strike but are also insisting on it.



On August 21, a protest led by dozens of Yuva Rajput Sabha activists, urging the removal of the toll plaza, turned violent after some protesters attempted to damage the structure, prompting the police to intervene with a lathi-charge to disperse the crowd.



The demonstrators argued that the toll plaza had been established in violation of regulations. Numerous other organisations, including trade bodies, have joined the chorus in demanding the removal of the toll plaza, citing the burden of unnecessary toll charges on people who need to travel for essential purposes.



The police detained several activists associated with the outfit after they initiated a sit-in protest outside the toll plaza during the night.



The authorities responded by imposing restrictions on the movement of individuals in the vicinity of the Sarore toll plaza. Samba District Magistrate Abhishek Sharma invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which prohibits gatherings of four or more people at a specific location, in and around the toll plaza area.
All hell broke lose in Kerala political circles on August 8 when local media reports revealed that a Kochi-based mineral company allegedly made a payment of Rs 1.72 crore under bogus claims to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's daughter.

The reports, based on the verdict of the New Delhi bench of the income tax interim settlement board on June 12, claimed that the CM's daughter Veena Thaikandiyil had accepted a 'bogus payment' from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Limited (CMRL)a controversial company working in the domain of converting ilmenite into synthetic rutile and ferric chloride. Although the report was published during an ongoing assembly session, the opposition alliance, UDF, refrained from raising it as an adjournment motion on the floor, citing technicalities.



However, during the discussion of the Kerala Government Land Assignment (Amendment) Bill, 2023, young Congress MLA Mathew Kuzhalnadan attempted to address the issue. But his efforts were thwarted by the speaker and the treasury bench.



After he was denied a chance to bring up the current scandal in the assembly, Kuzhalnadan has held a series of press conferences. He has challenged the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the CM to initiate an investigation into the corruption allegations against his daughter, Veena, and to release her account and income tax details. He has also questioned the position of CPI(M), which asserts that the money Veena received was payment for services rendered. He has challenged the party to produce evidence of IGST payments, reasoning that even though her company is based in Bengaluru, a portion of the GST she pays for services delivered to a Kerala-based company should be credited to Kerala. Additionally, the Congress leader has submitted a complaint to Finance Minister K. Balagopal, asserting that Veena has not fulfilled her tax obligations regarding the Rs 1.72 crore she received from CMRL.



Interestingly, the Congress leader is now facing investigations by multiple Kerala state government agencies over allegations of amassing illegal wealth, tax evasion, and engaging in illegal landfilling. Nonetheless, Kuzhalnadan is keeping his fight mode on. Excerpts from an interview with Kuzhalnadan:

In one of the recent Facebook posts from former Finance Minister Thomas Issac asserts that the consultancy agreement between Exalogic and CMRL, as well as the "remuneration" provided for these services, had no impact on the black sand mining policy of the LDF or the Pinarayi Vijayan government. To date, neither the media nor the opposition has been able to substantiate or present any such allegations. In light of this, he questions the basis for all the current commotion. Your comments?

When we look at the whole issue, we can understand that there is a nexus between CM's daughter and this particular company. And there's a lot of transactions which has happened, white as well as probably black. So first they need to explain what is the nexus between this. And if you look at the CM's daughter's company, Exalogic, they claim to have developed some education-related software. So I wonder how come a mining company will benefit from this. It's all very cloudy and there are a lot of discrepancies in the reasons and justifications provided by the CPI(M).

And moreover, we all know that this company has substantial business interests in Kerala. And they have been attempting to start [direct] mining in coastal Kerala for long. I am well aware that this government has facilitated mining in the coastal region of Alappuzha, despite the widespread protests from the local residents. I had opportunity to take up that fight legally, but I have seen the stance of the governments, especially the state government. So definitely, this government has been very much supportive of mining in coastal Alappuzha.

Your complaint against Veena Vijayan has been forwarded by the finance minister to the revenue secretary. According to reports, the GST Commissionerate will conduct an investigation to determine whether Veena has paid the IGST. What are your expectations regarding the findings of the GST Commissionerates investigation?

I have done my own homework. I am well aware of the fact that she has not paid IGST for this particular amount as it was not received against any service. Why I raised this issue was because the CPI(M) State Secretary (M.V. Govindan) defended Veena Vijayan. They (CPI(M)) claimed that the amount received was for some service so there's nothing wrong with it. So my first point is to prove that there is no such service and there's no IGST paid. So that shows it's bribery. This is illegal money received by the kickback received by the CM's daughter. My whole fight is to prove that I'm not after the GST. I'm not after the tax component.

If it is indeed found that Veena's company failed to pay the IGST, what would be the subsequent course of action?

We will take it up politically as well as legally.

You have raised a serious allegation that Veenas One Person Company Exalogic has received foreign money without having any service export filed in her I-T returns. Could you please explain the kind of violations involved?

I have gone through the documents submitted by her company. The auditor's report says that there is foreign currency received. But when we look at the I-T return, if at all we have delivered any foreign service, it has to be shown as export service. No such mention is there in the I-T. So a plain reading of both documents shows that foreign money was received by the company without providing any service. That is the possible conclusion.

You said that what we see right now is the tip of the iceberg. Are you suggesting that Veena Vijayans Exalogic received bribes from multiple firms like this for providing no service? Is there any crucial evidence in your hand to make such an allegation?

Yes. I repeatedly demanded to disclose the various contracts or arrangements or retainership or whatever it is. I have information and evidence that this is not a single case. She has received such amounts from many different companies.

Do you have the evidence for that in your hand?

Yes

So, are you planning to release it in the coming days?

I'm just waiting for the response from the other side.

You mentioned in one of your press meetings that Veenas company received Rs 39 lakh as a loan from the CMRL owners. Im curious whether it is possible to know what would happen to this loan amount, provided that Exalogic is in dormant status now.

It shows that a company owned or managed by Sasidharan Kartas wife has extended a loan to the tune of almost 39 lakhs. However, the accounts in the later years show that the loan was repaid. But we are not sure about how it was repaid. It was a digital online transaction whereby the payment has been made. And for the later years, it shows as if it is repaid. But we don't know if it was a bank transfer or whether it was actually paid or it is just a correction made on the papers.

What are the kind of actions you are planning for the upcoming assembly session in relation to this controversy?

That we may have to discuss with the opposition leader. Whatever he decides or whatever he suggests, we will go by that.

CPI(M) leaders like Thomas Issac commented that you are continuing the diatribe against the CM and his daughter in order to divert attention from your own wrongdoings, including the amassing of disproportionate wealth. Are you feeling that the government is coming after you, with the kind of retaliatory measures against you?

Definitely, it is in the expected lines. Whenever we put up a fight with the CM, we should be prepared to face all such consequences, especially when a person like Pinarayi Vijayan is sitting on the seat. This was expected but I will fight it out, no problem.







You said you are getting a lot of support from common people. Could you please share a little bit about that experience?

The Kerala society is so desperate to see someone willing to fight this corruption, honestly. And they are looking forward to someone who can take over this part. And I have received messages and phone calls from multiple people across the globe expressing their solidarity. They say, We are praying for you. All prayers are with you. But only one thing, please don't stop this. You fight them. God will give you courage and all power to you. I never knew that Kerala people were so frustrated, so disappointed [with the ruling party in Kerala].
Speculations over some BJP legislators joining the Congress party ahead of the crucial Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and the Lok Sabha polls have certainly jolted the saffron party, which is still smarting from the shocking defeat in the May 10 Assembly elections that reduced it to mere 66 seats.

"Operation Hasta" (poaching of rival party MLAs by the ruling Congress), similar to BJP's Operation Kamala in 2019 that had led to the collapse of the JDS-Congress coalition government, is being defined as the grand-old party's bid to crush the opposition parties despite the Siddaramaiah government reigning strong with 136 legislators in the 224-member Assembly.

Interestingly, the legislators being wooed by the KPCC chief and deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar are among the turncoats17 legislators from the Congress and the JDS, who had joined the BJP in 2019 paving the way for installing the B.S. Yediyurappa government.

Former Cooperation minister and Yeshwantpur MLA S.T. Somashekhar who met Shivakumar earlier this month also met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah triggering rumours of his joining the Congress party. After the meeting, BBMP granted development funds worth Rs 7.6 crore to Somashekhar's constituency.

This preferential treatment to a BJP MLA amid discontent brewing within the ruling party MLAs comes as a surprise. As many as 30 Congress legislators had recently complained to Siddaramaiah and the party leadership about non-implementation of development works in their constituencies and careless attitude of certain ministers.

While Somashekhar has denied that he would be joining the ruling party, his close aides and former corporators from his constituency joined the Congress party earlier this week. Rajarajeshwari Nagar MLA Munirathna, Mahalaxmi Layout MLA K. Gopalaiah and Yellapur MLA (Uttara Kannada) Shivaram Hebbar are also said to be in talks with the Congress leaders. The central BJP leadership has summoned Somashekhar to Delhi for a meeting on August 25, for damage control as most disgruntled legislators had alleged that local BJP leaders had been working against them.

Interestingly, the buzz over the "Ghar vapsi" of Somashekhar and Munirathna among others started soon after Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru Development minister, constituted four panels to probe into irregularities in the BBMP and refused to clear the pending bills citing incomplete works and fake bills. JDS leader and former chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, too, has alleged that the Congress was trying to "intimidate" and "lure" the JDS party workers in Yeshwantpur to join the ruling party.

Kumaraswamy's concerns are valid as his party with 19 members is at the risk of a split similar to that of Shiva Sena in Maharashtra, say insiders.

In its new avatar, the Congress party in Karnataka led by Shivakumar is not only aggressive but is also keen on pre-empting the rivals every move. A JDS-BJP alliance could spoil the Congress' prospects in the Lok Sabha polls. So, "Operation Hasta" can prove to be an effective tool to lure the BJP legislators, especially those lacking an ideological connect with the BJP, say Congress insiders, who also recall a similar exercise of splitting the opposition parties by veteran leader S.M. Krishna.

"The Congress had won majority (122+) under Krishna. But he chose to break the opposition to weaken them and crush their morale. Then too, Shivakumar was the second in command," said a senior Congress leader.

The state BJP leaders, however, remain unperturbed by the turn of events as many senior leaders feel the turncoats have always been loyal not to the BJP but towards the "party in power" as they have their business interests to safeguard. While some are in real estate business, some are heading apex banks that are turning into dens of corruption.

The saffron party is however bracing for a tough battle in the general elections as it needs to retain all its 26 seats, even as the ruling Congress is hoping to win at least 18-20 seats. Last time, the Congress party won only one seat - Bengaluru Rural represented by Shivakumar's younger brother D.K. Suresh. Former Prime Minister H.D. Devegowda's grandson Prajwal Revanna got elected from Hassan, the sole seat won by the regional party.

The Congress which registered a thumping victory in the Assembly polls will need a sound strategy to beat BJP in the Lok Sabha polls as voters in Karnataka vote differently in the two elections. For instance, the BJP which won 104 seats in the 2018 Assembly polls was found to be leading in 170 Assembly segments in the parliament elections held in the following year. The Congress party which had won 78 Assembly seats had a lead only in 36 Assembly segments in 2019.

Interestingly, the BJP which was reduced to 66 seats due to a dismal performance across the state in the 2023 Assembly had bucked the trend in Bengaluru by winning 16 out of the 28 seats.

The BJP and the JDS cosying up to each other and the bonhomie at display between former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and Kumaraswamy are being closely watched by Shivakumar, who suspects the opposition parties might join hands to defeat the Congress.

The Congress wooing back their MLAs from the BJP is part of a larger gameplan of Shivakumar who is keen to assert himself as a powerful leader by winning the Bengaluru civic polls and sweeping the Lok Sabha polls.

The "Operation Hasta" might end up breaking the opposition parties and help the Congress wrest control over Bengaluru by winning the BBMP polls and increase its tally of seats in the Lok Sabha polls. The two victories will certainly elevate Shivakumar's stature within the party to help him stake claim to the chief minister's post.

According to a Congress leader, the big wigs like D.K. Suresh might be asked to contest from Bengaluru city as it will have a ripple effect in the neighbouring districts like Tumkuru,Kolar, Chikkballapur, Ramanagara, Bengaluru rural among others.

The "Ghar vapsi" of Congress MLAs will hugely benefit Shivakumar, who is hoping to wrest control over Bengaluru city to establish his clout in the state capital by decimating the BJP and dwarfing the JDS in Old Mysuru region. Winning the three Parliament constituenciesBangalore North, Central and Southwill not only dislodge the BJP from its stronghold, but also help Shivakumar emerge as an unquestionable leader of the Vokkaliga community after Deve Gowda. The Vokkaliga being the second dominant community after the Lingayat in Karnataka, Shivakumar can aspire to be a mass leader like Yediyurappa, Devegowda or Siddaramaiah, who are backed by the Lingayat, Vokkaliga and 'Ahinda' (minorities, backward classes and Dalit) communities respectively.

The Congress overtures towards the JDS legislators have been unpalatable for Kumaraswamy as it puts the regional parties' survival at risk. At the same time, the return of the party-hoppers has not enthused many within the Congress party.

Home minister G. Parameshwara said that people who want to come back into the partys fold were welcome, but they would not become front benchers bypassing the party loyalists.

Shivakumar, while addressing one such ghar vapsi event, cautioned the leaders and partyworkers against party-hopping at ones whim. After joining the Congress party, one should remain loyal to the party. It is not like hopping on and off a bus. Only when you stay longer in the party, you get seniority and higher responsibility in the party. I will not allow anyone to jump the queue, said Shivakumar.
The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the pleas challenging the Calcutta High Court order granting bail to former Andaman Chief Secretary Jitendra Narain in a Port Blair gangrape case.

An apex court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and A. Amanullah dismissed the petitions.

"We find that the High Court was right in not dealing with the respective arguments. We have refrained ourselves from referring to certain facts. We have dismissed all the petitions. We have directed the UT to look into the complaints of safety made by the victim," the bench's verdict was quoted by Bar and Bench.

The order was passed in appeals filed by complainant woman and Union Territory (UT) of Andaman & Nicobar Islands against a High Court order of February 20.

After the bail was granted, the survivour moved the SC to stay the HC order stating the accused might try to destroy the evidence taking advantage of the bail.

A bench of Justices Krishna Murari and Ahsanuddhin Amanullah had then issued a notice on the woman's plea, which contended that the Calcutta High Court Circuit Bench at Port Blair granted bail to the accused IAS officer "in a very casual manner" without considering the woman's objections, reported the Indian Express.

Following the rape allegations, Narain was suspended by the Centre in October last year.

Meanwhile, advocate Pathick Chandra Das, representing the survivour said that Narain was given conditional bail. Certain conditions were laid down by the court including he was not allowed to enter the Andaman and Nicobar Island unless called for.

He was also not allowed to make phone calls to any officials and the victim. He was also directed to deposit his passport so that he could not leave India, said Das.
The decision on the expansion of the BRICS economic bloc, expected on Wednesday evening, was delayed after the closed-door meeting held by leaders of the bloc on the sidelines of the summit in Johannesburg failed to reach a consensus.

Officials said a declaration might be made on Thursday. However, Reuters reported that the delay was due to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for a new admission criteria. The report quoted an Indian official who said the discussion was continuing. "Yesterday ... India pushed for consensus on criteria as well as the issue of (candidate) names. There was a broad understanding," he said.



The BRICS country official also told Reuters that the admission criteria India's Modi proposed included requiring members not to be the target of international sanctions, ruling out potential candidates Iran and Venezuela. Modi was also pushing for a minimum per capita GDP requirement. "These are the things Modi brought in today," the official said on Wednesday. "So they are becoming a little bit of a spoiler."



Over 20 countries have applied to join BRICS, which was formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China in 2009. Besides Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates have also applied for admission to the bloc.



The current members must arrive at a consensus for new countries to join the bloc as BRICS is consensus-based and decisions are only made if all five agree. While China and Russia have pushed for expansion, others have only given their approval more recently. "We welcome moving forward on this based on consensus, Modi said, also giving his support to expansion.



The expansion will be a major shot in the arm for China and Russia to form a symbolic coalition against the West, thereby serving their geopolitical interests.



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."

Rival to US hegemony?



The US maintained that it did not see the bloc turning into a geopolitical rival of the United States "due to the BRICS countries' divergence of views on critical issues", but regional analysts feel the move to expand the bloc and further, its New Development Bank as an alternative to established multilateral lenders are a source of worry to the US.
The BRICS bloc has invited six new countries to join the group, pledging to champion the "Global South". Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates are the nations invited to join the five-nation bloc.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the host of the three-day BRICS summit in Johannesburg, announced on Thursday that the new members will join the bloc on January 1, 2024. The announcement was made during a a joint media briefing along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. He said the decision was agreed upon based on guiding principles and procedures for the group's expansion process.

"We have consensus on the first phase of this BRICS expansion process," Ramaphosa said at the end of the grouping's summit in Johannesburg. "We have decided to invite Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS," he said.



"We value the interests of other countries in building partnership with BRICS and have tasked our foreign ministers to further develop the BRICS partnership model and list of prospective countries (which want to join the grouping)," Ramaphosa said

The member nations were earlier divided on how many countries should be admitted to the bloc and how quickly. South Africa officials said over 40 nations have expressed interest in joining the group and 22 have formally asked to be admitted, reported Reuters.

Modi asserted that India has always fully supported expansion of BRICS and the decision to expand the bloc will further strengthen belief of many countries in multipolar world. The expansion and modernisation of BRICS is a message that all institutions in the world need to mould themselves according to changing times. This is an initiative that can be an example of reforms in other global institutions that were established in the 20th century, Modi said.

-- with PTI inputs
Malka Leifer, an ultra-orthodox Jewish principal has been sentenced to 15 years for abusing two high school students at an ultra-Orthodox Jewish school in Australia. Leifer raped and assaulted sisters Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper between 2004 and 2007, a jury found in April, BBC reported. At the time Elrich was 16 and Sapper was 17



The mother-of-eight, however, wasn't found guilty of abusing a third sister, Nicole Meyer. The 56 -year-old pleaded not guilty to over two dozen charges. Leifer had been fighting extradition from Israel.

In 2021, however, it was found that she had been faking mental illness and ruled that she be sent to Melbourne. She had fled to Israel in 2008 and was arrested at Australia's request in 2014. She will be eligible for parole after 11 years.

Leifer was not present in person when her sentence was handed down. Reportedly she abused the sisters in locked classrooms, in school camps, and at the head teacher's home.

The sisters were starved for love and emotionally and physically abused at home too and were uneducated about sex. Leifer was revered almost like a rabbi at Adass Israel School.

The sisters viewed Leifer as a mentor and valued alone time with her.
Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Hideo Tarumi on Tuesday and urged Tokyo to change its mind, calling the plan "extremely selfish and irresponsible."

China and Russia have protested, but Fiji and other Pacific island countries say they now accept the discharge plan. But due to ocean currents it is actually Canada, Malaysia, Singapore and the U.S. that will be the first to be touched by the wastewater, and they have made no comment.

Countries around the Pacific Ocean are watching apprehensively as Japan begins releasing treated wastewater from the crippled nuclear power plant in Fukushima on Thursday.

China also restricted imports of Japanese seafood. It already prohibits imports of Japanese seafood from 10 regions, including Fukushima, and Hong Kong already banned imports of seafood from Fukushima and five neighboring areas in 2011, shortly after the earthquake and tsunami that disabled the nuclear power plant.

Since last month, Japanese fish imports have been delayed in Chinese ports for strengthened radiation screening. China was the biggest importer of Japanese seafood last year.

China and Russia earlier asked Tokyo to consider evaporating the wastewater into the atmosphere, but Japan refused.

But most other countries accept the International Atomic Energy Agency's findings last month that the wastewater discharge meets international safety standards.

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, the chairman of the Pacific Islands bloc, said, "I believe that the discharge meets international safety standards." Pointing out that not all Pacific leaders had the same position, he added, "This is a demanding situation for all of us, and we need to assess the science."

The U.S. and Europe also accept Japan's decision. The U.S. maintains its position that it respects the findings of the IAEA. The EU lifted a ban on Japanese seafood imports earlier this month, and Norway and Iceland also followed suit. The U.S. and U.K. lifted bans on imports of seafood from Fukushima in 2021 and 2022.
Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his silence on the aeroplane crash that killed Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and other top leaders of the mercenary group. It is always a tragedy, Putin said condoling the deaths.

In a televised interview with Denis Pushilin, Russian installed leader of the Donetsk region in Ukraine, Putin said, "As for the aviation tragedy, first of all, I want to express my most sincere condolences to the families of all the victims. It is always a tragedy, Reuters reported.

Expressing condolences, Reuters quoted Putin as saying, If employees of the Wagner company were there, and the preliminary data indicate they were, I would like to note that these people made a significant contribution to our common cause of combating the neo-Nazi regime in Ukraine, we remember this, we know it and we shall not forget."

Putin remembered Prigozhin as a talented person and as a man with a difficult fate. I had known Prigozhin for a very long time, since the start of the 90s. He was a man with a difficult fate, and he made serious mistakes in life. And he strove for the results he needed for himself, and when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months, Reuters reported.

Putin said that Prigozhin was a talented businessman and was involved in the mining business in Africa. "As far as I know, he just returned yesterday from Africa. He met some officials here. But what is quite definite  the head of the Investigative Committee reported to me this morning - is they have already begun a preliminary investigation into this event. And it will be carried out in full, and taken right to the end, Putin said. Putin said that genetic examinations are being carried out and it is going to take sometime.

Meanwhile, according to US authorities, a surface-to-air missile which originated within Russia reportedly shot down the plane carrying Prigozhin.
NATO-member Norway will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, whose forces are embroiled in a difficult counteroffensive against Russia, Norwegian media said Thursday. The reports came as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre was visiting Kyiv.



There was no official confirmation of the plan, which was reported by Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV2. Norway would be the third European country after the Netherlands and Denmark to donate F-16 planes.

Ukraine has long pleaded for the sophisticated fighter jets to give it a combat edge. It recently launched a long-anticipated counteroffensive against the Kremlin's forces without air cover, placing its troops at the mercy of Russian aviation and artillery.

In February, oil-rich Norway announced that it is donating 75 billion kroner ($7 billion) to Kyiv as part of a five-year support package, making Norway one of the world's biggest donors to Ukraine.

The money will be split evenly between military and humanitarian assistance over five years, broken down to 15 billion kroner (USD 1.4 billion) annually.

The Norwegian government has long said it is considering sending F-16s to Ukraine. In January, Norway received the first of the 52 F-35s it has ordered. The new fighter jets are to replace Norway's fleet of F-16.

Last week, the Netherlands and Denmark announced that they will donate F-16 aircraft. Denmark said it will provide 19 planes, while the Netherlands has not said how many planes it will donate.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured several European countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, but skipped Norway.
Former United States President Donald Trump skipped the first GOP Republican presidential debate on Wednesday in Milwaukee while the others highlighted and discussed topics on policy, Ukraine war, and ban on abortion.

Presidential candidates Vivek Ramaswamy, Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley, Tim Scott, Mike Pence, Dough Burgum, Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson were present for the debate.

Ramaswamy (38) was alongside Floria Governor DeSantis took the center of the stage.

Former Vice President Pence took a jibe at Ramaswamy saying that the President of the United States has to confront every crisis facing America. Reportedly, Ramaswamy had said earlier that President cant do everything.

I have been on the hallway...I have been in the West Wing. The President of the US has to confront every crisis facing America, he said.

The ban on abortion policy was also raised by the candidates. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley said that a "respectful" approach should be adopted towards the topic of abortion.

Instead of imposing a ban, a consensus approach on the issue including encouraging adoption was put forward by Haley.

While, Pence wasnt willing to go further than endorsing a 15-week federal abortion ban, the cutoff offered in a bill South Carolina Sen, reported CNN.

Two candidates who have signed a six-week abortion ban into law  DeSantis and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum  stopped short of saying they would do the same nationally.

Haley also slammed Ramaswamy for having "no foreign policy experience

"I do think that I am the only person bringing clear strategic vision to our foreign policy rather than just going the talking points memorized in 1990," Ramaswamy later told CNN .

Meanwhile, seven of the eight candidates raised hands when asked whether they would support Trump if he is convicted. Trump is facing many criminal charges including overturning 2020 Georgia election case. Trump has been indicted in four separate criminal cases.

Also, Trump is gearing to surrender to Georgia authorities in connection with the alleged overturning 2020 election case on Thursday. Trump has announced his plans of surrendering, at Fulton County sheriffs office, through his social media platform. The decision to surrender was made after his lawyers met with the Fulton County district attorney's office and agreed to a bond of $2,00,000.

The bond agreement signed by Trumps defense attorney, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and others barred Trump from intimidating 18 co-defendants in the case, witnesses or victims.

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, states the order signed by Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee. The above shall include, but are not limited to, posts on social media or reposts of posts made by another individual on social media, read the order.

Trump now faces 91 charges across four separate criminal cases at a time when is running for president in 2024.
Guwahati, Aug 24 (PTI) Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and Inland Waterways Authority of India on Thursday signed an MoU for the transportation of petroleum products of the Assam-based company to Bangladesh.

The collaboration was made for supplying such products through IWAI's upgraded jetty at Jogighopa in Assam, an official said.

NRL envisages to export 200 thousand metric tonne of products per annum to Bangladesh through Jogighopa jetty, after the commissioning of its expanded refinery and petrochemicals plant.

The MoU was signed here by NRL's chief general manager (Marketing) Subrata Das and IWAI director A Selva Kumar in the presence of Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameshwar Teli.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said that collaboration between NRL and IWAI is expected to provide a boost to the Centre's 'Gati Shakti' initiative and 'Act East Policy'.

Following the inauguration of the 'India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL)' and its commissioning earlier this year, the neighbouring country is keen to collaborate in transporting fuel to north Bangladesh, particularly in winter, through waterways, the NRL official said.

The petroleum company is currently implementing a project for the expansion of its refinery from three to nine MMTPA at an approved cost of more than Rs 28,000 crore, which is scheduled for completion by early 2025.

NRL and IWAI had, in 2021, signed an MoU for transporting cargo through maritime routes utilising the national waterways. The first such consignment was received at a jetty near Numaligarh by Sonowal in June this year.
Guwahati, Aug 24 (PTI) The Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) on Thursday signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) for transporting petroleum products to Bangladesh and southeast Asian countries from Assam.

The memorandum of understanding was signed here by NRL's Chief General Manager (Marketing) Subrata Das and IWAI Director A Selva Kumar in the presence of Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameshwar Teli.

The MoU will facilitate the transportation of NRL's petroleum products from IWAI's jetty at Jogighopa in Assam to neighbouring Bangladesh and southeast Asian nations.

Speaking on the occasion, Sonowal said the National Waterways-2 (Brahmaputra) and Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR) will be used for exporting petroleum products to Bangladesh and southeast Asian countries.

The NRL will export around 10,000 MT of petroleum and petrochemical products per month from IWAI Jogighopa Multi Modal terminal.

It will also set up a Port of Loading (POL) Oil Terminal at Jogighopa Logistics Park with rail connectivity.

"It is a watershed moment for the promotion of trade in Northeast India. The Act East policy is empowering the region towards unlocking the full potential of Hydrocarbon vision 2030.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi realises that the Northeast has the potential to become the engine of India's growth story. Our rich interwebs of water bodies and potential of hydrocarbons must be explored in the best possible manner to power the region towards realisation of this vision," he said.

According to the MoU, the IWAI will provide its terminal for cargo movement, technical support, land to lay down petroleum pipeline, bunkering facilities to be operated at various places enroute IBPR, and other technical assistance.

The NRL will provide 40 acres of land for connectivity with the nearest railway station at Jogighopa and erect loading and unloading facilities.

"The NRL is in the process of executing the Numaligarh Refinery Expansion Project (NREP), a refinery expansion cum modernisation project with an investment of Rs 28,026 crore. As part of the project, NRL shall transport over 16 overweight consignments (OWCs)," Sonowal said.

Five OWC packages have been transported successfully from major industrial hubs in western India to the NRL project site via the Haldia Port through the IBPR and NW-2.

The weight of cargo transported amounted to approximately 4,500 metric tonnes, he said, adding it would have required 300 trucks to transport this amount of cargo through roads.

The NRL is implementing the expansion of its refinery from 3 MMTPA to 9 MMTPA and it is scheduled to be completed by early 2025.

The NRL has also initiated the process of setting up a petrochemical plant at a cost of Rs 7,231 crore.

The NRL envisages to export 200 TMT of products per annum to Bangladesh through IWAI's jetty in Jogighopa comprising diesel, petrol, solvent and polypropylene after commissioning of the expanded refinery and petrochemicals plant.

Earlier, NRL and IWAI had signed an MoU on August 26, 2021 for transporting OWC through maritime routes using the national waterways.

The first such consignment was received at a jetty near Numaligarh by Sonowal in June this year.

In the Northeast, 20 national waterways and various projects worth more than Rs 800 crores are being implemented, while permanent terminals have been developed at Pandu and Dhubri.

During the last two years, Dhubri terminal has been extensively used and 385 cargo vessels have moved from Dhubri to Bangladesh.

The MoU signing was also attended by Assam ministers Parimal Suklabaidya and Bimal Borah, IWAI chairman Sanjay Bandopadhyay, NRL chairman and Oil India Limited CMD Ranjit Rath, NRL managing director Bhaskar Jyoti Phukan, among others.
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 24: CPT Markets, a distinguished global brokerage firm, has secured a resounding victory at the esteemed Money Expo 2023, held on August 12th and 13th at the prestigious Jio Convention Center in Mumbai. The standout achievement is the company's reception of the coveted title "Most Reputable Broker 2023," a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence. This accolade not only underscores CPT Markets' commitment to delivering exceptional services but also reflects the steadfast trust and support of its valued clients.





Insights on CPT Markets' Brand from Yusuf M, Sales Manager at CPT Markets, emphasized, "CPT Markets has always upheld a strong brand presence, amplified by our three licenses from reputable financial regulatory bodies: FCA UK, Belize, and South Africa. This reflects our steadfast commitment to security, integrity, and earning the trust of our clients."



Tailor-Made Services and Global Presence



CPT Markets, established in 2010, boasts a global presence with a localized approach, ensuring it remains closely connected to its clients, particularly in India. The company extends three distinct trading accountsStandard, Prime, and ECNto cater to diverse trading preferences, further solidifying its status as a reliable industry leader.



Enhancing Client Experience with Multiple PSPs



Committed to enhancing the client experience, CPT Markets is actively developing a range of Payment Service Providers (PSPs) to address the challenges faced by Indian clients due to high taxation during fund deposits and withdrawals. These PSPs include well-established options such as Visa and MasterCard, providing convenient and secure payment methods for our clients.



Furthermore, CPT Markets is collaborating with industry-leading platforms like Coinpayments, Triple A, and Letknow Pay, to offer a diverse array of payment solutions. These partnerships underscore the company's dedication to delivering holistic solutions that facilitate seamless trading and accommodate the specific needs of our valued Indian clients.



For more information on CPT Markets' comprehensive trading services and our commitment to enhancing client experience, please visit our Website.



Continuing a Legacy of Excellence



CPT Markets' remarkable achievement at the Money Expo underscores its commitment to fostering opportunities and empowering traders on their financial journey. With a decade-long legacy of excellence, the company continues to be the preferred choice for traders seeking reliable and innovative trading solutions.



For more details on the exclusive offer and CPT Markets' comprehensive trading services, please visit our Website.



For inquiries regarding ongoing campaigns and exclusive offers, we invite you to connect with our dedicated support team who are here to assist you:



support.za@cptmarkets.com



Our professional team is here to provide you with a tailored trading experience that aligns with your needs and aspirations.



About CPT Markets



CPT Markets is a globally recognized brokerage firm that is committed to delivering exceptional trading experiences to clients worldwide. With three licenses from esteemed financial regulatory bodies, a range of tailored trading accounts, and a localized approach, CPT Markets stands as a trusted leader in the industry.



PR Contact:



ZEX PR WIRE

info@zexprwire.com



(Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with PNN and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.). PTI PWR

PWR
Mumbai, Aug 24 (PTI) To promote the state's tourism and attract investment, the Punjab government on Thursday said it will organise a three-day 'Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart' from September 11.

The state government has launched a host of initiatives like Invest Punjab, fiscal incentives on tourism in Industrial Policy 2022, Introduction of Wellness Policy, Revision of Eco Tourism and Culture Policy, and Implementation of Adventure Tourism and Water Tourism Policy, Punjab Tourism Minister Anmol Gagan Mann said here.

"The Punjab government is working relentlessly to promote tourism in the state. This, in turn, will provide maximum employment opportunities for women and the youth," Mann said at a roadshow promoting 'Punjab Tourism Summit and Travel Mart'.

"We strongly believe all initiatives in cohesion will enhance the image of the state in terms of ease of doing business and also bring in more tourists -- both domestic and international," he said.

Punjab Principal Secretary, Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Rakhee Gupta Bhandari, said the state is seeking to establish itself as a hub for wellness with yoga and meditation retreats, offering serene environments and expert instructors to guide participants.

"For this, the state has many locations with peaceful surroundings, such as near riverbanks or amid rural landscapes. Punjab's rich cultural heritage can be integrated into wellness experiences," she said.

"Traditional Punjabi cuisine, music, dance, and arts can be part of the wellness journey, enhancing the overall sense of rejuvenation," she said.

She said empowering and involving women in the tourism industry will have a positive impact on the industry and the overall socio-economic development of Punjab.

"The government aims to provide training and skill development programmes to women interested in various roles within the tourism sector, including hospitality, tour guiding, customer service, and event management," she said.

"It also seeks to encourage and support women entrepreneurs to start their own tourism-related businesses, such as boutique hotels, homestays, handicraft shops, and women-led travel agencies," she added.
New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday will address the B20 Summit India 2023, which will be attended by over 1,700 business leaders and experts from across the world.

The three-day B20 Summit starts on Friday.

Business 20 or B20 is one of the G20 forums representing the global business community, which was set up in 2010. The G20 Summit will be held next month.

The theme of B20 is focused on ensuring responsible, accelerated, innovative, sustainable and equitable access to all businesses, B20 India Chair N Chandrasekaran told reporters on Thursday.

"The nine themes, seven task forces and two action councils all address what the world economy, society and Global South needs," he said, adding that the task force is centred around digital transition and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on scale, which can benefit society.

Chandrasekaran, Executive Chairman of Tata Sons, said India is witnessing a growth momentum at a time when the world is facing low growth.

"We are the fifth largest economy, and we have a lot of things going for us. Just not in terms of economic growth but in terms of infrastructure as well," he said.

Further, he said the global transition is placing India uniquely in several domains such as energy transition, digital transformation and AI, and supply chain resilience due to the current geopolitical situation.

He said since taking over the mantle of B20 from Indonesia in December last year, B20 India worked with business leaders from all G20+ countries through seven task forces and two action councils.

He commended the time commitment of global business leaders, including members of the B20 India international advocacy caucus, for building consensus-based, implementable and actionable policy actions.

B20, being organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), will also be attended by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Global business leaders scheduled to participate in the summit include Brad Smith, President and Vice Chairman of Microsoft; Michael Miebach, Chief Executive Officer of Mastercard and Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM.

Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of UAE-based DP World Group; Bernard Looney, CEO of BP and Mark E Tucker, Group Chairman of HSBC Holdings Plc are also scheduled to attend the event.

Other participants include Allen Blue, Co-Founder of LinkedIn; Abdulrahman Al Fageeh-Al, CEO of Saudi Arabia's SABIC and Johnny C Taylor, Jr, President and CEO of SHRM.

The B20 presidency will be handed over to Brazil at the end of the summit on Sunday.

In all, 54 recommendations and more than 170 policy actions will be released with the unveiling of the B20 India communique.

Several senior ministers from G20 countries would also address delegates during the summit.

Chandrajit Banerjee, Head of B20 India Secretariat and the CII Director General, said the summit is the culmination of rigorous activities that have transpired over the past ten months, laying the groundwork for impactful discussions and formulation of actionable policy recommendations for the consideration of the G20.
Chandigarh, Aug 24 (PTI) Haryana's Home Minister Anil Vij on Thursday said that a new freight terminal will be established in Ambala to enhance freight transportation.

This terminal, to be positioned on the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor, will provide traders from Ambala and neighbouring states the convenience of sending and receiving goods to and from any part of the country.

Vij held a meeting at his Ambala residence with Ambala Deputy Commissioner Shaleen and other officials to delve into the project's details, said an official statement.

Vij emphasized that the new freight terminal would not only serve Ambala's traders but also bring advantages to those in nearby areas like Yamunanagar, Patiala, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Chandigarh, among others.

The proposed terminal, situated on the Ambala-Saharanpur line near Ambala Cantonment, is part of the plans for the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor.

The Home Minister deliberated with DC Ambala about securing the required land for the terminal, with the Haryana State Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) playing a pivotal role in this aspect.

Anil Vij said the terminal will offer a cost-effective and expedient means to distribute goods across the country, replacing the conventional reliance on road transport.

Earlier, a collective meeting was also convened involving officials from various departments to discuss the terminal's construction, said the statement.

The meeting, held on Wednesday, included representatives from the District Administration, Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India (DFCCIL), Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), and other concerned entities. Deliberations encompassed site selection, terminal construction, facilities provision, and related aspects.

The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is a dedicated rail line geared to facilitate swift movement of goods through freight trains. This specialized rail corridor, soon to commence operations, includes plans for a freight terminal in Ambala.

Given Ambala's strategic geographical advantage, the terminal's placement here is considered optimal, making it easily accessible for the transport of goods from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Chandigarh, it said.
Jammu, Aug 24 (PTI) The Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Jammu (CCIJ) on Thursday gave a call for a bandh on August 26 to protest against the installation of smart meters in the city.

They also demanded that the process of collection of toll on the highway in Samba district be kept in abeyance.

"We have given a bandh call in Jammu on Saturday. Jammu will be shut down. I want the entire Jammu region to observe a bandh. All organisations are with us," CCIJ President Arun Gupta told reporters here.

He said the people of Jammu are fed up with the installation of smart meters and toll plaza issue at Sarore village.

"The decision was taken in the meeting of the associations of Jammu. The meeting of the different market and trade associations comprising more than 100 bodies was held today (Thursday) at Chamber house," he said.

He said the meeting has been convened to discuss the issues regarding installation of smart meters and subsequently switching over to prepaid system of billing and Toll Plaza at Sarore.

Twenty-seven activists were detained for violation of restrictions around Sarore toll plaza by the police during protests on Monday.

Authorities had imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which forbids the gathering of four or more people at a particular place, in and around the toll plaza late Monday.

Regarding the toll plaza at Sarore, he said till the damaged bridge of Taranah Nallah on National Highway is completely restored and the damaged roads are repaired and made fully operational, the toll tax collection be kept in abeyance.

In this regard, he also requested the Lieutenant Governor to give an appointment to discuss these issues, he added.
Today, the speed of information has reached the jet speed, due to technological progress and rapidly developing structures of mass media accessed by public in the world. However, true information has been as precious as gold as finding it becomes tough.

It is not a secret that often the majority of mass media, using their influence, under the pressure of geopolitics and separatism, draws the masses of society into the abyss of disinformation, and it becomes more and more difficult for society to distinguish the reality when what can be relied on is corroded by words and fake news.

The pro-Armenian Diaspora in France has a strong influence on terrorizing with disinformation in order to divert and direct the attention of the masses to a certain point in world events. The Armenian authorities, who are fighting for power in Yerevan, continue to sow their propaganda policy, and in this, Armenians are often assisted by French patrons, such as the Mass Media represented by France24.

The slanderous article from the French publication France24, once again proves the commitment of the separatist regime in its policy of exacerbating the conflict in Garabagh, promoting and sowing lies for the future, that allegedly in a couple of weeks due to the blockade of the so-called "Nagorno-Karabagh," there will be hunger, lack of water, and death.

The author of the French article has no journalistic ethics and professionalism in his false messages and fooling, as Armenia has already been dealt a blow of truth from Azerbaijan on the world level, and in the issue of the alleged blockade of Lachin, Armenians rejected the road offered by Azerbaijan through the Aghdam-Khankendi route, and in the issue of the lack of humanitarian aid, the aid from Azerbaijan was rejected. The Armenian lies were exposed both by Armenians themselves and the world mass media from such countries as Romania, Lithuania, Denmark, and others.

As long as the policy of lies of the Armenian "leaders" continues in their struggle for power, the Armenian population will suffer and fall for the bait, which is to please their "leaders" in order to easily blame Azerbaijan for everything. The French publication in an article collected the most contradictory alleged evidence, attributing deaths and even children, and in the not updated water supply infrastructure.

Pashinyan, in the last government session on August 24, used double standard tactics, stating to the public and media that the Armenian side allegedly offered Azerbaijan its new proposals regarding the peace treaty between the countries, and after a while, he stated that Baku is constantly "torpedoing the dialogue with Khankendi" in various ways. Azerbaijan offered integration of the Armenian inhabitants of Garabagh, humanitarian aid, and to start a new life for Yerevan by signing a peace treaty, but the "leaders" and patrons of Armenians were not interested in improving relations between the countries. Dragging the process into the deterioration of the environment for the Armenian society eventually led to a misfire.

Proved by researchers

German researcher, Dr Michael Reinhard Hess, has expressed his doubts about the content of Luis Moreno Ocampo's anti-Azerbaijani report. In an open letter to the lawyer, Hess noted that the report contains strong support for Armenian interests and creates an ambiguous, if not outright misleading, impression.

He pointed out that the term "Artsakh" used by Armenians has no roots in the Armenian language, and Ocampo's claims that the Garabagh region is "predominantly populated by Armenians" are purely theoretical conclusions. The German researcher also noted that the term "Artsakh" was not widely used among Armenians until at least 1921.

The researcher further refuted Ocampo's claims of an alleged "genocide" in Garabagh, noting that it is doubtful that such a small population of 120,000 could have starved to death in the height of summer. He also emphasized that the establishment of the Lachin border checkpoint cannot be interpreted as a means of preparing for genocide, as many countries have such checkpoints to prevent the smuggling of people and goods without being accused of preparing for genocide.
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Uouth Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command's nuclear bunker to watch ongoing joint military drills on Tuesday.

"We must be ready for a strong response to a North Korean nuclear attack," Yoon said. It was the first time in a decade that a South Korean president has visited the Command Post Theater Air Naval Ground Operations, or CP TANGO, as the bunker is known.

The presidential office said the visit was aimed at "sending a strong message of warning to North Korea against escalating tensions."

At a briefing by Combined Forces Commander Paul La Camera, Yoon said, "CP TANGO has served as the brain center commanding the South Korean and U.S. armies in times of war since the CFC was established in 1978 and symbolizes the strength of the military alliance."

"Overwhelming ability, practical training and firm resolve are the source of the power to suppress and deliver immediate and unwavering retaliation against North Korea's provocations."
Mumbai, Aug 24 (PTI) A sessions court here on Thursday stayed the proceedings against veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar in a complaint filed by Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut.

The order was passed by additional sessions judge (Dindoshi court) A Z Khan, said Akhtar's lawyer Jay Bharadwaj.



The court was hearing Akhtar's revision petition against the summons issued against him by a magistrate on Ranaut's complaint.



Ranaut, in her complaint, accused Akhtar of extortion and criminal intimidation.

The Andheri metropolitan magistrate's court, while issuing the summons on July 24, dropped the charge of extortion.

It, however, said there were sufficient grounds to proceed against Akhtar for criminal intimidation.



Akhtar's revision petition in the sessions court said that the summons was issued in a hasty and inappropriate manner.



The plea, filed through advocate Bharadwaj, claimed that there was nothing on record to show that there was sufficient material available with the magistrate for passing the order.



Ranaut, meanwhile, on Thursday filed her response to Akthar's revision application.



Akhtar (76) had filed a complaint against Ranaut in 2020, accusing her of making defamatory statements against him in a television interview in the aftermath of the alleged suicide of actor Sushant Singh Rajput.



She dragged his name for no reason while referring to an alleged coterie existing in Bollywood, he said.



Ranaut subsequently filed a counter-complaint in the same court against Akhtar for alleged extortion and criminal intimidation.



Following her public dispute with a co-star, the lyricist called her and her sister Rangoli Chandel to his house with malafide intentions and ulterior motives and then criminally intimidated and threatened her, her complaint claimed.
Peshawar, Aug 24 (PTI) Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to temporarily shut down all privately operated chairlifts, locally known as 'Dolly', in the mountainous areas of the province, officials said on Thursday.

The move was taken in the wake of Tuesday's incident in which eight people, including six schoolchildren, were left stranded 900 ft mid-air for over 13 hours when two out of the three wires of a chairlift snapped in Battagram district's Allai tehsil.

All the people were later rescued by the Pakistan Army. The children were on their way to school when the incident occurred.

Mansehra Deputy Commissioner Bilal Shahid Rao has sealed the chairlift in Battagram after the rescue operation and arrested its owner and the operator, officials said.

This move was not limited to Battagram alone. The government has temporarily sealed other makeshift chairlifts in several districts throughout the province, they said.

Owners have been instructed to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the government before resuming chairlift operations.

As per the directive, 11 chairlifts have been indefinitely suspended under the jurisdiction of the Mansehra Deputy Commissioner. These chairlifts serve as a crucial means of daily commuting for local communities, allowing them to access nearby areas in a fraction of the time road travel requires.

The district administration has directed local residents to opt for boats as an alternative mode of transportation in lieu of the chairlifts.

The closure of these makeshift chairlifts has left residents in Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar, Kohistan, Shangla, Swat, and Malakand districts grappling with limited travel options. Many of these areas lack proper road infrastructure, leaving the locally operated chairlifts as the primary lifeline, often spanning the gap between two mountains.

The impact of these closures is particularly felt among students, who rely on these chairlifts to access their schools. A concerned student said the closure will undoubtedly disrupt their schooling and education.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, most of the chairlifts operate over rivers and large streams, particularly in the Swat district. These structures were originally constructed in the aftermath of the floods between 2010 and 2022, a period during which many bridges were washed away by torrential waters. Tragically, several incidents have occurred where these chairlifts have given way mid-air, resulting in loss of lives.
Tallinn (Estonia), Aug 24 (AP) Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was aboard the plane that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing everyone on board, according to Russia's civil aviation agency.

Rosaviatsia posted a list of seven passengers and three crew members who it said were aboard the plane according to the airline. The private jet crashed en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, some 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of the Russian capital.

Exactly two months ago, Prigozhin led a short mutiny against the Russian military that President Vladimir Putin denounced as "treason" and "stab in the back". The Russian leader vowed to avenge it.

But the charges against Prigozhin were soon dropped, and the Wagner chief was allowed to retreat to Belarus, while reportedly popping back in Russia from time to time.

The jet 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.

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.

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, Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke at an event commemorating the Battle of Kursk, hailing the heroes of Russia's war in Ukraine. (AP) TIR

TIR
Moscow, Aug 24 (AP) The arrest of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges has been extended to November 30, Russian state news agency Tass said.

Gershkovich arrived at the Moscow court Thursday in a white prison van and was led out handcuffed, wearing jeans, sneakers and a shirt.

Journalists outside the court were not allowed to witness the proceedings. Tass said they were held behind closed doors because details of the criminal case are classified.

The prosecution had asked to extend his arrest from August 30. He has appealed against the extensions to his detention.

A 31-year-old US citizen, Gershkovich was arrested Yekaterinburg while on a reporting trip in late March.

Russia's Federal Security Service said Gershkovich, acting on the instructions of the American side, collected information constituting a state secret about the activities of one of the enterprises of the Russian military-industrial complex.

Gershkovich and his employer deny the allegations, and the US government declared him to be wrongfully detained. Gershkovich's case has been wrapped in secrecy.

Russian authorities haven't detailed what  if any  evidence they have gathered to support the espionage charges.

Earlier in August, US Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy made her third visit to Gershkovich and reported that he appeared to be in good health despite challenging circumstances.

Gershkovich was being held at Moscow's Lefortovo prison, notorious for its harsh conditions.

Gershkovich is the first American reporter to to face espionage charges in Russia since September 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for US News and World Report, was arrested by the KGB.

Analysts have pointed out that Moscow may be using jailed Americans as bargaining chips in soaring US-Russian tensions over the Kremlin's military operation in Ukraine.

At least two US citizens arrested in Russia in recent years  including WNBA star Brittney Griner  have been exchanged for Russians jailed in the US. (AP) FZH
By Gregory F. Treverton, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences

Los Angeles, Aug 24 (The Conversation) Who was  or is  Prigozhin?

Prigozhin came from humble beginnings.

He was a petty criminal who, after serving nine years in a Soviet prison, became a hot dog vendor and eventually owned elegant restaurants and a catering service.

He was best known as the rich and connected leader of the Wagner group, a private military force with links to the Russian government. Wagner troops fought on the Russian side in Ukraine, but Prigozhin went public in the spring of 2023 with criticism of the conflicts cost in terms of Wagner troops and complaints about the way the war was being fought by the Russian government.

Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu was a particular target of Prigozhins complaints regarding military strategy.

In June, Prigozhin orchestrated what was effectively a revolt against Russias government. He dispatched Wagner troops on a march unimpeded toward Moscow.

Prigozhin was 62 years old at the time of the crash.

What was his relationship with President Vladimir Putin?



It was complicated, to say the least.



An oligarch, Prigozhin was thought to be close to the Russian leader. He was called Putins chef due to the services he provided the Kremlin and the personal touches he employed when Putin dined in his restaurants.

In June, when he launched his mutiny against Moscow, Prigozhin must have realized he had gone too far with his public rebukes. The only general he admired, Sergey Surovikin, released a video message telling him to stand down and to obey Putin. Prigozhin soon disbanded the march, saying he wanted to spare Russian blood. Afterward, the mercenary leader said he met with Putin before leaving for what was expected to be his exile in Belarus.

At the time, I was looking for cracks in Russias will to fight, particularly in its military. At some level, it has to hate hemorrhaging men and materiel in a conflict that many conscripts dont even understand or support.

In that sense, I saw Prigozhins criticisms of Russias military strategy in Ukraine as a positive sign, especially as his take seemed to resonate with the Russian people and even its armed forces. Yet when it looked like Prigozhin might prevail, American officials were worried. As the saying goes: When the gods wish to punish us, they grant us our wishes. Would putting an end to Putins rule lead to chaos in Russia, and how dangerous would that be with all of those nuclear weapons it harbors?

Why do you think Putins opponents, many of whom are dead or imprisoned, have met so much misfortune?

It was painfully plain that after his failed rebellion, Prigozhin was a dead man flying.

Indeed, the surprise was that Putin dropped charges and let him go, albeit to Russias vassal ally, Belarus. But many believe, including me, that Prigozhin was destined to eventually meet the fate of others who have crossed Putin.

That growing list includes Boris Nemtsov, the Russian physicist, politician and critic of Putin who was assassinated in 2015, and Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader who remains in prison after Putin allegedly orchestrated his poisoning in 2020.

Would Prigozhins death change anything for US policy toward Putin and Russia?

In the end, unless Prigozhins rebellion does turn out to have planted the seeds of real resistance, I dont believe his death is likely to change the course of the Ukraine war or U.S. policy toward Putin and Russia.

However, its likely to take Wagner troops, which had been among Russias most effective, out of the conflict in Ukraine. And it may wind up diminishing Wagners operations in Africa, which until now have furthered Russian interests. Yet the Ukraine war has become Americas war, and the U.S. government doesnt want to see Ukraine lose it  even if it doesnt win dramatically.

The United States will still have to deal with Putin as it continues to sanction him and his associates, and ultimately seeks to see him tried as a war criminal. (The Conversation) AMS

AMS
Kathmandu, Aug 24 (PTI) Six Indian pilgrims were among seven people killed when the bus they were travelling in plunged some 50 metres from a mountain road in Nepal's Madhesh province, a media report said on Thursday.

The accident happened in the early hours of Thursday in the province's Bara district when the bus carrying pilgrims from Rajasthan overturned and fell some 50 metres down the road at a riverbank south of Churiamai Temple at Simara Sub-Metropolitan City, The Kathmandu Post newspaper reported.

Apart from the six Indians, one Nepalese citizen was also killed in the accident which also injured 19 others.

"The bus carrying six Indian pilgrims overturned and fell down the road at a river bank. A total of 26 passengers were on board and in the accident one Nepalese was also killed. The family of the deceased have been informed," said Deputy Superintendent of Police Pradeep Bahadur Chhetri.

Superintendent of Police Hobindra Bogati, who is also the chief of the Bara district police office said that they have detained three people, including the bus driver Jilami Khan.

"The driver and the co-workers have also sustained injuries during the accident and were detained following treatment," he was quoted as saying in the report.

The police said that all those injured were undergoing treatment at various hospitals in Hetauda of adjacent Makwanpur district.

Road accidents in Nepal are quite common due to the poor road infrastructure across the country, which majorly comprises mountainous terrain.

On Wednesday, a passenger bus skidded off the main highway and plunged into a swollen river in Nepal's Bagmati province, killing at least eight people and leaving at least 15 others injured.

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 Dhading district.
London, Aug 24 (PTI) Rishi Sunak has apologised to the UK parliamentary watchdog after an investigation concluded that the British Prime Ministers failure to declare wife Akshata Murtys relevant business interest arose "out of confusion" and was "inadvertent".

The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, Daniel Greenberg, had opened an inquiry into allegations that when discussing the government's financial incentive scheme for people joining the childminding workforce, Sunak failed to declare that his wife held shares in one of six childminding agencies selected by the government to provide its new members with an enhanced financial incentive.

Sunak, 43, told the parliamentary watchdog that he had declared the interest on the Ministerial Register and Greenberg concluded that he was satisfied that Sunak had confused the concept of registration with the concept of declaration of interests.

I formed the view that the failure to declare arose out of this confusion and was accordingly inadvertent on the part of Mr Sunak, noted Greenberg in his inquiry report released on Wednesday.

In view of this, I decided to conclude my inquiry by way of the rectification procedure available to me under Standing Order No. 150, he said, which stops short of a formal report to be tabled with members of Parliament in the House of Commons to determine a course of action.

Under the requirements of the Standing Order, Sunak acknowledged and apologised for the breach of the rules.

I apologise for these inadvertent errors and confirm acceptance of your proposal for rectification, Sunak wrote in his letter to the Commissioner.

I welcome your confirmation that your investigation related to declarations of interests; there is no question that I correctly registered my wife's shareholding," he said.

"I am also grateful that during our helpful discussion, you accepted that my response during the Liaison Committee hearing on March 28, 2023 complied with the rules on declaration, given that at that time, I had no idea of the connection between Koru Kids and the Childminder Grants Scheme policy. It was only after the hearing that I became aware of the link, as set out in my subsequent letter to Sir Bernard, the Chair of the Liaison Committee, dated April 4, 2023, he said.

In his correspondence, the British Indian leader also noted that should such a scenario arise again, he acknowledges a duty to write to the committee after an appearance before a parliamentary appearance to correct the record.

"I accept and once again apologise that my letter to the Liaison Committee on 4 April 2023 was not sufficiently expansive, as it confused the language of registration and declaration," he said.

The issue had dominated the headlines in the wake of the Spring Budget in March, which included a pilot scheme of incentive payments of 600 pounds for childminders joining the profession, a sum that doubles to 1,200 pounds if they sign up through an agency.

Koru Kids was one of six childminder agencies in England listed on the government's website when the policy was announced, and Akshata Murty was listed as a shareholder in the most recently filed paperwork for the business on Companies House.

Asked at a Commons Liaison Committee hearing if he had any interest to declare when talking about how the policy was formed, Sunak said: "No, all my disclosures are declared in the normal way."
Dhaka/Johannesburg, Aug 24 (PTI) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her country rejoices with India on the success of its lunar mission, which is a matter of immense pride and inspiration to all the South Asian countries in advancing the science and space technology sector.

On Wednesday, India's Chandrayaan-3 became the first space mission to land near the south pole of the Moon.

"Honble PM of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina sent a message to Honble PM @narendramodi on 23 August 2023 congratulating him & the people of India on the successful lunar landing of #Chandrayaan_3. She also conveyed her felicitations to @isro," India in Bangladesh posted on X on Thursday.

In her message, Prime Minister Hasina also conveyed that Bangladesh rejoices with India on this momentous occasion and on this historic achievement, which is a matter of immense pride and inspiration to all the South Asian countries in advancing the science and space technology sector, the Dhaka Tribune reported.

Hasina and Modi are both attending the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. The two leaders exchanged pleasantries at a dinner hosted by the current Chair of the BRICS and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday.

Ramaphosa hosted a dinner at Gallagher Estate, Midrand in Johannesburg in honour of heads of the states and governments who arrived in Johannesburg to join the 15th BRICS Summit at his invitation.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was a few yards away from the Bangladesh premier, walked to Sheikh Hasina and exchanged pleasantries," Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was quoted as saying by Bangladesh's national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

The two prime ministers also inquired about each others well-being for a while, Momen said.

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 this year.
Johannesburg, Aug 24 (PTI) South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Wednesday lauded India for the successful moon landing of Chandrayaan-3, saying it is something to rejoice about for all BRICS partners.

The Chandrayaan mission remained the focal point of Ramaphosa's welcoming remarks as he hosted a cultural performance and state banquet in Midrand on Wednesday evening BRICS nation leaders.

Also present at the occasion were a host of other leaders from across Africa and Global South who have been invited to participate in the all-day BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus Dialogue on Thursday.

Ramaphosa quoted Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, "We are in a palace which has no end, but which we have reached. By exploring it and extending our relationship with it, we are ever making it more and more our own."

"This and many other achievements enable us to move forward to prosperity, to progress and to peace," he said.

At the banquet, Ramaphosa said,"Tonight is a night when we have even more reason to celebrate as BRICS partners. A few hours ago this afternoon, India made history as the first country to successfully land a lunar module on the south pole of the Moon."

"We congratulate Prime Minister Modi, the government and people of India and the Indian Space Research Organisation on the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission," he added.

Ramaphosa said that pushing forward the frontiers of scientific endeavour was integral to human progress.

"In anticipation of this great achievement, Prime Minister Modi proposed at our BRICS Summit this afternoon that BRICS should set up a Space Exploration Commission where, as BRICS countries, we can share knowledge and experiences. The more we learn about this world we live in and beyond, the greater our capacity to improve it and to elevate the human condition," the President said.

He said the BRICS group of countries incorporates the peoples, cultures and traditions of more than three billion people. "We are united by our common vision and common goals," Ramaphosa said.

"Our diversity is our greatest strength, and tonight you will get to experience the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and food of South Africa," the president said as he explained that the cuisine on offer was prepared by head chef Wandile Mabaso, a world class chef who pairs classical French techniques with the flavours of South Africa.

"He is joined by Xolani Mancotywa, a qualified beverage steward and chef who has reimagined traditional African cuisine and authentic African fine dining. Your culinary journey of South Africa follows a cultural journey across our nation's diverse cultures," he said.

Ramaphosa likened South Africa's interweaving of many different cultures, traditions and languages as the foundation of an inclusive nation to be reflective of the nature and purpose of BRICS, which, he said, values partnership and cooperation in a spirit of openness and solidarity.

Ramaphosa concluded with his expectation of the dialogue to follow.

"As BRICS and all of Your Excellencies who have joined us tonight from many countries - we will all tomorrow articulate how we will foster change in the world for the benefit of all the peoples of the world," he said. (
Copenhagen, Aug 24 (AP) NATO-member Norway will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, whose forces are embroiled in a difficult counteroffensive against Russia, Norwegian media said on Thursday. The reports came as Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre was visiting Kyiv.

There was no official confirmation of the plan, which was reported by Norwegian broadcasters NRK and TV2.

Norway would be the third European country after the Netherlands and Denmark to donate F-16 planes.

Ukraine has long pleaded for the sophisticated fighter jets to give it a combat edge. It recently launched a long-anticipated counteroffensive against the Kremlin's forces without air cover, placing its troops at the mercy of Russian aviation and artillery.

In February, oil-rich Norway announced that it is donating 75 billion kroner (USD 7 billion) to Kyiv as part of a five-year support package, making Norway one of the world's biggest donors to Ukraine.

The money will be split evenly between military and humanitarian assistance over five years, broken down to 15 billion kroner (USD 1.4 billion) annually.

On Thursday, Norway announced it would donate anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, saying air defense is critical to Ukraine's ability to protect both the civilian population and front-line infrastructure and military units against any type of Russian air attack.

This is one of the largest Norwegian donations of military material to Ukraine to date, Gahr Stre said in a statement.

The Norwegian government has long said it is considering sending F-16s to Ukraine. In January, Norway received the first of the 52 F-35s it has ordered. The new fighter jets are to replace Norway's fleet of F-16.

Last week, the Netherlands and Denmark announced that they will donate F-16 aircraft. Denmark said it will provide 19 planes, while the Netherlands has not said how many planes it will donate.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy toured several European countries, including the Netherlands and Denmark, but skipped Norway.(AP)



RUP

RUP
North Korea has failed in another attempt to launch a military spy satellite. The launch in the early hours of Thursday came some 85 days after its first attempt ended in failure.

The rocket carrying the satellite appears to have been flying smoothly until a problem occurred during the separation of the third stage and it plopped into the sea.

North Korea unusually issued an immediate statement admitting the failure. "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 North's official Korean Central News Agency said.

In May, the malfunction occurred during the separation of the second stage.
Athens, Aug 24 (AP) Firefighters struggled Thursday against strong winds and hot, dry conditions to tame multiple wildfires burning for days in northeastern Greece and on the fringes of the country's capital.

The wildfires have left 20 people dead over the last week. Eighteen of those, including two boys aged between 10 and 15, are believed to be migrants who crossed the nearby border with Turkey. Their bodies were found by firefighters near a shack in a burnt forest area in northeastern Greece.

Sixty firefighters have been injured battling the flames, fire department spokesman Ioannis Artopios said Thursday.

Elsewhere in Europe, fires on Tenerife in Spain's Canary Islands, northwestern Turkey near the border with Greece, Portugal and Italy were being brought under control, officials said.

Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias said arson was to blame for some of the blazes near Athens.

Some ... arsonists are setting fires, endangering forests, property and above all human lives, Kikilias said in a televised statement. What is happening is not just unacceptable but despicable and criminal.

The minister said nine fires had been set in the space of four hours Thursday in the area of Avlona, in the northern foothills of Mount Parnitha near the Greek capital.

You are committing a crime against the country, Kikilias said. You will not get away with it. We will find you, you will be held accountable to justice.

Dozens of firefighting aircraft, including from other European countries, and hundreds of ground forces were faced with tackling numerous fires across Greece. On Wednesday alone, firefighters battled 99 separate blazes across the country, authorities said.

In Greece's northeast, a major fire in the Alexandroupolis area that forced several evacuations, including of the city's general hospital, was burning for a sixth day.

According to the European Union's Copernicus Emergency Management Service, the Alexandroupolis fire had scorched more than 723 sq km (280 square miles) by Wednesday, making it one of the largest on European soil in several years. Copernicus is the EU space programme's Earth observation component and uses satellite imagery to provide mapping data.

On the outskirts of Athens, a major fire that destroyed homes in the foothills of Mount Parnitha on Wednesday was racing across the mountain's forested slopes and threatened the heart of a national park that is one of the last wooded areas near the Greek capital.

Evacuation orders were issued for several outlying suburbs overnight into Thursday, while other neighbourhoods were put on standby for possible evacuation.

With firefighting forces stretched to the limit, Greece has asked other European countries for assistance. Germany, Sweden, Croatia and Cyprus sent aircraft, while dozens of Romanian, French, Czech, Bulgarian and Albanian firefighters have been helping on the ground.

Artopios, the Greek fire department spokesman, said 260 firefighters, including more than a dozen from France, were battling the Parnitha fire supported by 10 planes and 11 helicopters. Bulgarian, Albanian, Romanian and Czech firefighters with vehicles were helping in the Alexandroupolis fire.

With their hot, dry summers, southern European countries are particularly prone to wildfires. European Union officials have blamed climate change for the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Europe, noting that 2022 was the second-worst year for wildfire damage on record after 2017.

In Spain's Tenerife, a fire that has scorched 150 sq km (58 square miles) was being brought under control by Wednesday night.

It's a very tough battle that the firefighting teams are winning, Canary regional government counsellor Manuel Miranda said Wednesday evening.

In Turkey, firefighters in the northwestern Canakkale province on Thursday brought a wildfire under control less than 48 hours after it erupted amid high temperatures and strong winds, Turkish Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said.

Yumakli said the fire, which had forced the evacuation of 11 villages, had affected 40 sq km (15 square miles), including 14 sq km (5.4 square miles) of agricultural land.

A firefighting volunteer who was injured and six other people who suffered from smoke inhalation were being kept under observation in hospitals, Yumakli said.

We are extremely happy that there was no loss of life, Yamukli said. However, we are heartbroken for other creatures of the ecosystem that were affected.

Shipping traffic through the Dardanelles Strait, a major maritime thoroughfare linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, was being partially restored to one lane only, after being completely suspended as fire-dousing aircraft use the waterway to pick up water.

Yumakli said another fire in central Turkey has also been brought under control and there were no other active wildfires in the country Thursday.

Two large fires in Portugal and a smaller one in Italy were brought under control by Thursday, those countries' authorities said, but temperatures - and the risk of new fires - remained high. (AP) SCY

SCY
Islamabad, Aug 24 (PTI) Pakistans top election official on Thursday declined an invitation of President Arif Alvi for a meeting to set a date for the general elections, saying under the changed law, the head of the state has no role in determining the poll date and as such there was no use in having a discussion.

The president wrote to Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja on Wednesday, inviting him to meet today or tomorrow to fix an appropriate date for general elections. Alvi cited 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.

Raja after consultations with officials of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) wrote back to the president to remind him that under the changed laws, Alvi has no role in determining the election date and there was no use in having a meeting.

Alvi, 74, was a senior member of jailed former prime minister Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party before assuming the presidency.

It is imperative to point out that Section 57 of the Elections Act had been amended by Parliament on June 26, empowering the ECP to announce the date or dates for the general elections, Raja wrote.

Where the president dissolves the National Assembly, at his discretion, as provided in Article 58(2) read with Article 48(5) of the Constitution then he has to appoint a date for the general elections. However, if the assembly is dissolved on the advice of the prime minister or by afflux of time as provided in Article 58(1) of the Constitution, then the commission understands and believes that the power to appoint a date or dates for elections rests exclusively with the Commission.

The commission believes with the utmost respect that the reliance placed on the provisions of the Constitution mentioned in your subject letter is not applicable in this context, Rajas letter said.

He said the ECP was taking its responsibility of holding general elections in the country very seriously and had also invited major political parties to give their views on the electoral map.

Raja underscored that the delimitation of constituencies, after the approval of the digital census, was one of the foundational legal steps towards holding polls.

In view of the above, the commission (ECP) is of the considered view that participation in the meeting would be of scant consequence, he said.

Alvi, apparently stung by the letter, resorted to social media and said that he had sought the law ministrys advice on the letter by the ECP chief.

The Presidency has asked for advice on the Election Commission of Pakistans stance that only it had the authority to decide the election date, he said in a statement on X.

Political parties and the legal community are divided over the issue of delay and a petition has also been filed in the Supreme Court to seek guidance on the issue of holding elections on time or delaying the process until new electoral districts are set up.
Athens, Aug 24 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi's historic visit to Greece for talks with the European country's top leadership will give a "new impetus" to their close bilateral relationship, particularly in areas such as trade, security and people-to-people contact, India's top diplomat here said on Thursday.

In an interview with PTI, India's Ambassador to Greece Rudrendra Tandon also said that Prime Minister Modi's visit - the first prime ministerial visit in four decades - will add a "new lens" to the bilateral relationship.

"I cannot pre-judge the discussions between the two prime ministers, but certainly the fact that this visit is taking place is the result of a thinking at the highest political levels to bring a new lens to an otherwise very good relationship," Tandon said in a video interview.

The last high-level visit to Greece took place in September 1983 when then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi travelled to the country.

"The reason the top leadership of both our countries are bringing a new lens to our relationship is because both sides feel that it is important to do so. After all, the prime minister is returning to India from Johannesburg but has decided to spend some time with the Greek Prime Minister.

"The Greek Prime Minister took the time off to invite him for this official visit at a time when Greece is normally vacation time in Europe. These are indications of the importance both the sides attach to this visit," Tandon said.

Greece has stood by India's side in the aftermath of the 1998 nuclear tests at Pokhran when several countries had slapped sanctions against New Delhi. Greece has also supported India's candidature for becoming a permanent member of the reformed UN Security Council.

Prime Minister Modi will be accompanied by a business delegation and is scheduled to interact with business leaders from both the countries along with Mitsotakis. He will also meet Greece President Katerina Sakellaropoulou.

"It is an old relationship. It is a close relationship. It covers several dimensions. Europe is just one of those dimensions. But, we have many other convergences and we work in many of those areas," Tandon said in response to a question about whether India sees Athens as a gateway to Europe.

"I think both sides feel that the world has changed in such a fundamental way and the relationship needs to be given a new impetus. That is what brings the two prime ministers together tomorrow," he said.

Tandon said cross-border terrorism (CBT) will be an important agenda for discussion during Modi's talks with the Greek leadership but not the only subject.

"Cross-border terrorism and terrorism in general is a forgotten threat to international peace and security. We, as India, since we face so much of it in our region, we are constantly telling the international community that the threat remains, it is ever present," Tandon said.

"Certainly, we have conversations with Greece on CBT and terrorism in general, but we are certainly aiming to broaden the relationship in many more areas. This would include trade, security conversations and greater people-to-people contact," he said.

Tandon said the Indian delegation was looking forward to upgrading the relationship with Greece in all sectors.

"Trade economics and investments are certainly on the cards. There is a business delegation accompanying the prime minister during this visit. I also know there will be an interaction of the two PMs with Indian and Greek businessmen. Certainly, we hope that some magic will come from those conversations," Tandon said.

"I hope it will be a very successful visit. I hope we get outcomes that can take this relationship in a practical way to new levels," Tandon said.
Johannesburg, Aug 24 (PTI) Five-nation grouping BRICS on Thursday said it appreciates proposals relating to mediation aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

A declaration unveiled at the end of the three-day BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit said the leaders of the grouping recalled their national positions concerning the conflict in and around Ukraine.

There was no criticism of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The summit was chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and it was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Russian President Vladimir Putin joined it through video conference.

"We recall our national positions concerning the conflict in and around Ukraine as expressed at the appropriate fora, including the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly," the declaration said.

"We note with appreciation relevant proposals of mediation and good offices aimed at peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, including the African Leaders Peace Mission and the proposed path for peace," it said.

However, the declaration did not make any reference to the mediation proposals.

India has been pressing for resolution of the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

At a bilateral meeting with Putin on September 16 last year in the Uzbek city of Samarkand, Modi said, "Today's era is not of war" and nudged the Russian leader to end the conflict.

In May, Modi held in-person talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima.

In the talks, the prime minister conveyed to the Ukranian leader that India will do whatever is possible to find a solution to the conflict.

On his part, Zelenskyy briefed the Indian side in detail on his peace formula and urged New Delhi to join in its implementation.

Without making any specific reference, the BRICS leaders also said they are concerned about ongoing conflicts in many parts of the world.

"We stress our commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultations in a coordinated and cooperative manner and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises," according to the declaration.
Nashik, Aug 24 (PTI) A 22-year-old vegetable vendor was killed by a group of five to six unidentified persons on Thursday evening in Nashik city in Maharashtra, a police official said.

Sandeep Athavale was stabbed to death at around 4:30pm when he had come to a shopping centre at Shivaji Chowk in Old CIDCO area, the Ambad police station official said.

"The assailants fled soon after. CCTV footage from the area is being checked to nab them. Teams from Ambad, Indiranagar and MIDC police stations inspected the site. Police presence has been increased there since Athavale's kin and friends are agitated post the murder," the official added.
Nagpur, Aug 24 (PTI) A team of Maharashtra police would be questioning senior Naxal leader Ashok Reddy who was arrested in Jabalpur earlier this week, a senior official said here on Thursday.

Reddy (62) was among the first Naxal leaders who tried to create a base for the outlawed Maoist movement in eastern Maharashtra's Gadchiroli district, said special Inspector General of Police (Anti Naxal Operations) Sandeep Patil.

"He was one of the initial Maoist leaders from Telangana who came to south Gadchiroli and Sironcha. Currently he was a member of the Dandakaranya special zonal committee of the Naxals," Patil told PTI.

A team of Gadchiroli police has been sent to Jabalpur for Reddy's interrogation as he was active in Gadchiroli area, Patil said.

Reddy and his wife Raimti aka Kumari Potai (43) were arrested by the Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad from Jabalpur city on Tuesday. He was carrying a collective reward of Rs 82 lakh in Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.





More than 60 criminal cases, including 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.
Agartala, Aug 24 (PTI) Asserting BJP's victory in Tripura byelections as inevitable, Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday said development of Boxanagar and Dhanpur, where the bypolls will take place on September 5, will gain momentum in the coming days.

"The BJP candidates in both the seats will win with record margin," he said at an election rally at Kulubari in Sepahijala district.

Lashing out at the CPI(M) and the Congress for their unholy understanding, the CM alleged that the communists have exploited the people in the name of development.

"In 2018, the CPI(M)s strength in the 60-member Assembly was 15 and now it has come down to 11," he said.

"The blood-soaked hands of two parties have come together to defeat the BJP which only thinks of development. The people will not pardon both the CPI(M) and its newly found ally, the Congress, for their misdeeds," he said.

On Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the lunar surface, Saha said, "Now, India is on the moon. This has been possible because of relentless efforts of ISRO scientists and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership," he said.

Highlighting the BJP-IPFT government's initiatives for development, the CM said the northeastern state has the third-strongest Internet gateway.

"As many as 12 long distance trains are coming to the state. Besides, there has been visible improvement in connectivity as national highways get a makeover. Modi's Act East policy has brought a lot of development in the northeastern state," he said.

Saha said the BJP-led government doesn't believe in division among people as the party believes in Sabka Saath, Sabka Viswas.

He appealed to people to vote for Tapajjal Hussain, the BJP candidate for Boxnagar constituency. "Tappajal is your next-door neighbour. If he is elected, you can go to him and place your demand for development. I hope electors irrespective of caste and religion will vote for the BJP candidate," he said.

Earlier in the day, former Tripura Congress working president Billal Mia, who resigned from the party, joined the BJP along with over 8,000 voters. The veteran Congress leader was welcomed by the chief minister and senior party leaders.
New Delhi, Aug 24 (PTI) Four persons were injured on Thursday after the basement wall of an under-construction building collapsed in southeast Delhi's Okhla area, officials said.

Fire officials said they received information about the incident at 4.55 pm, following which three fire tenders were rushed to the spot.

A team of the fire department rescued 13 persons who got trapped after the building's basement wall collapsed, officials said.

Four out of the rescued persons sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a hospital, they added.
Chandigarh, Aug 23 (PTI) The process to establish a complete organisational structure in the Haryana Congress will begin next month, a senior party leader said here on Wednesday.

Deepak Babaria, the All India Congress Committee in-charge of Haryana, said he held discussions with party leaders and workers from across the state.

The entire process to establish a complete organisational structure in the state unit of the Congress party will be completed in the next five to six months, he said.

As part of the exercise, people from various sections, including youngsters and women, will get representation, he added.

The first phase of the exercise will held between September 10-15 during which, the district Congress committee panels and other office bearers, including district chiefs, will be appointed, Babaria told reporters here.

For the last few years, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has been functioning without a complete organisational structure at the block and district level in place.

With the Lok Sabha elections due in the first half of next year followed by Haryana Assembly polls towards the end of the year, Babaria has been meeting party delegates and heads of different Cells of the party from various Lok Sabha segments in the state.

Asked to comment on the alleged factionalism within the Haryana Congress, he said the feedback he has got from a cross-section of leaders and workers is that they are focused on putting up an impressive show in next year's Lok Sabha polls and preparing for the Assembly polls.

When asked about some prominent Congress leaders from the state not showing up in each other's programmes recently, he said, "You just wait for some time".

Taking a dig at the BJP-led dispensation, he said, that during the nine years of their rule in Haryana, the state has fallen behind in several spheres.

He alleged that unemployment has increased in the state under BJP rule.

The Congress leader also accused the BJP of indulging in politics of polarisation and trying to sow seeds of hatred in the society.

On the recent communal clashes in Nuh, he said it was the duty of the government to maintain law and order but it failed.
Bhadohi (UP), Aug 24 (PTI) The court here on Thursday sent a man and his parents to rigorous life imprisonment in a 2016 dowry death case. It also imposed a fine of Rs 11,000 on each of the convicts.

District government advocate Dinesh Kumar Pandey said that on August 19, 2016, a woman was set ablaze by her husband Satya Prakash Upadhyay, mother-in-law Gyanmati Devi and father-in-law Shiv Bali in Barji village overy dowry.

She was admitted to a hospital where she died during treatment. The woman's father had filed a dowry death case against her husband, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Pandey said.
The government will downgrade coronavirus to the same level as seasonal flu on Aug. 31, reducing funding for tests and treatment and stopping the daily tally of new infections, it said Wednesday.

Currently, people pay about W5,000 for a rapid antigen test in a neighborhood clinic, but that is going up to W20,000 to W50,000 on Aug. 31 (US$1=W1,340). However, 50 percent will be covered by health insurance for high-risk groups such as over-60s, patients with chronic diseases, and immunocompromised people.

Except for high-risk groups, people will also have to bear the whole cost of a PCR test that is W60,000 and W80,000. So far people get tested for free if they have a positive result from a home test kit.

For hospitalized patients, the government will only continue to support hospital bills for severe cases until the end of this year, while stopping financial support for low-income patients.
Bengaluru, Aug 24 (PTI) Terming the safe landing of the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft's lander on the moon as a "historic achievement", Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday said the state government will organise a special programme to officially felicitate ISRO team for this success.





The CM visited the Missions Operations Complex at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru and felicitated ISRO chief S Somanath and his team on the successful landing.







He interacted with ISRO scientists and officials there and lauded their achievement.







"The government will officially honour them by organising a special programme at the Banquet hall at Vidhana Soudha. About 500 scientists from Karnataka were part of it. ISRO Chairman (S) Somanath and his team will be honoured," Siddaramaiah said.







Speaking to reporters here, he said, there will be full cooperation and support from the government for ISRO's initiatives, as he called the space agency "the pride of the country".







"Scientists have worked day and night for this accomplishment. A total of 1,000 scientists of the country are involved in the project and about 500 people are from Bengaluru itself," he said, adding that the date of the felicitation program will be fixed after September 2.







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 first to reach the uncharted south pole of Earth's only natural satellite.







The LM comprising the lander (Vikram) and the rover (Pragyan), made the soft landing near the south polar region of the Moon last evening.







Earlier today, ISRO announced that the rover ramped down from the lander and "India took a walk on the moon."
Hyderabad, Aug 24 (PTI) Home Minister Amit Shah will address a public meeting highlighting the "plight" of Telangana farmers in Khammam on August 27, Telangana BJP chief G Kishan Reddy said on Thursday.





Addressing a press conference here Reddy said Telangana peasants are losing crores of rupees due to the anti-farmer policies of the BRS government in the state.





BJP will organise a Rythu Sabha ('Rythu Gosa, BJP Bharosa') in Khammam (on August 28 ) to highlight farmers' problems in the state. Home Minister Amit Shah will be addressing the meeting, he said.





Shah will land in Vijayawada on that day and will take a chopper to go to Bhadrachalam. He will offer prayers at Ram temple there and reach Khammam, he further said.





Attacking Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Raos government, he said the KCR government is not implementing a comprehensive crop insurance scheme, leading to a miserable state of affairs and huge loss to farmers to the tune of lakhs of crores of rupees.









He charged that farmers were backstabbed and cheated in the name of farm loan waiver by the KCR government.





He appealed to people to teach KCR a lesson in the forthcoming Assembly elections.
Hyderabad, Aug 24 (PTI) Taking exception to Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar describing former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao as communal, Rao's grandson and BJP spokesperson N V Subhash on Thursday alleged that it was the culture of Congress to defame its own leaders after their death.

Congress can stoop to any level to defame Narasimha Rao who devoted his entire life to the growth of the party, he claimed in a release here.

"It was Congress culture to diminish image of its own party veteran leaders after their death in a bid to encourage image of dynastic Gandhi family," said Subhash, who is spokesperson of BJP in Telangana.

Subhash said Congress never gave respect to its own leaders and especially to Narasimha Rao who is known for his economic reforms in the country when he was Prime Minister.

Subhash, who welcomed Aiyar's description of Rao as "the first BJP PM" of the country, condemned the branding of Narasimha Rao as "communal".

The former diplomat, who is close to the Gandhi family, never questioned Narasimha Rao about his functioning. But now, he raised questions on his integrity 19 years after his death by describing him as "communal", Subhash opined.

"The presence of Sonia Gandhi at the book launch function further aggravated our apprehension that she deliberately did not allow body of P V Narasimha Rao (after his death) inside the AICC to pay respect to the departed soul," he said.

Subhash took strong objection on the contents of the book about resumption of talks with Pakistan and questioned how dialogue could be resumed with an enemy country that never repented or initiated any peace measures to create an amicable atmosphere for it.

Aiyar on Wednesday alleged that former PM Narasimha Rao was "communal" and described him as the "the first BJP PM" of the country.

The former diplomat, whose autobiography "Memoirs of a Maverick -- The First Fifty Years (1941-1991)" hit the stands on Monday, also batted for resumption of dialogue with Pakistan, saying that when it comes to the neighbouring country, "we have the courage to carry out surgical strikes against them but we don't have the guts to sit across the table and talk to a Pakistani".
Westerly, RI (02891)

Today

Rain showers in the morning becoming more intermittent in the afternoon. High 61F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy early with partial clearing expected late. Low 39F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.




By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for the Five Towns Jewish Home

The Far Rockaway/ Five Towns community mourns the loss of Mrs. Rebecca Balsam Ah, wife of Reb Moshe Balsam ztm and lehavdil bain chaim lchaim father of Rabbi Balsam the ninth grade Rebbe at Mesivta Torah Moshe. The levaya took place at the Agudah of Long Island.

Her husband had written parsha sheets every week for the purpose of revealing crucial and important sources to study in the meforshim. These sheets were put into sefer form entitled, Sources of Greatness. The name of the book also very aptly and appropriately describes Mrs. Balsam ah and her husband ztl, and lehavdil bain chaim lchaim  her children as well.

Rav Meir Braunstein shlita, the Rav of the Agudah, spoke first. He quoted the pasuk (Tehillim 127), Kchitzim byad gibor  kain bnei ha-neurim  about arrows that the more one puts effort into pulling back the longer the arrow pulls in. Rav Braunstein explained that one sees the effort that the two of them had put into raising their children  from the remarkable nature of the children of this family  all of them talmidei chachomim immersed in learning and a daughter who reached incredible heights in chessed and ruchniyus.

Rav Yaakov Bender spoke next, he quoted from the remarkable sefer that her late husband had written about sources on the Parsha. He quoted a kli yakar that highlighted how they eschewed the values of societ around us and focused on Torah growth and ruchniyus.

Rav Yaakov Reisman shlita, Rav emeritus of the Agudah spoke next and gave remarkable chizuk. He addressed the unspoken question as to how such a remarkable family could suffer blow after blow in the loss of Rav Moshe Balsam ztl and then a loving wonderful mother. We do not question. He cited numerous chazal and their meforshim as to the remarkable Emunah and bitachon bashem that we must all aspire to reach and the fact that the two of them had reached this.

Mrs. Balsams brother, Rabbi Eliezer (Larry) Langer, spoke next. The Langers came from Shanghai and settled in San Francisco. She went to Bais Yaakov of Denver and they would travel by bus for the three-day trip to Yeshiva Ner Yisroel. He spoke how she had taken in him and his children in their home and was a loving aunt  making them feel very much at home. He spoke how she was non-judgmental to all her nieces and nephews of the entire family. They all loved her and called her auntie, writing to her, and becoming very close with her. She lived life to fullest not-withstanding a diagnosis some two years ago. She drove carpools, engaged in chessed, interacted with her family, nurtured and advised.

Rabbi Akiva Balsam, her son, spoke next. He spoke how being a social worker was truly a part of her. She loved people and worked in a psych ward, eventually becoming its head. Her main job for 25 years, however, was at Gesher Yehudah in Flatbush for children with challenges in learning. She constantly took more and more courses so that she could have better tools to help her. She was involved in giving shiurim for families who had lost children rl. She was involved in numerous support groups, and he mentioned the names of numerous organizations. She was kulah chessed. She lived her entire life for others, and was entirely self-less. And yet, she put so much effort in her children. She farherred pediatricians to see if they were up to par. She thoroughly researched the schools she would send her children to study at. She managed so many things without ever neglecting her children. She made food and snack packages  leaving them on the doorknobs when she couldnt be there herself.

Her favorite song was tov lhodos lashem, ulezamer leshimcha elon.

Rabbi Akiva Balsam shlita was scheduled to be the new sixth grade Rebbe in Yeshiva Darchei Torah this upcoming Monday, but due to the shiva  there will be a delay.

Rabbi Ezra Balsam spoke next and highlighted how she was mechazek her children after the loss of their remarkable father ztl. He also spoke about how she had inherited her selflessness from her mother.

Her daughter Bluma is a paragon of chessed herself. She launched a chessed organization to assist young girls in difficult situations.

Her daughter Bluma wrote a letter to her mother which Ezra had read at the levaya. People who met you would never dream what you have gone through. She mentioned how at her grandsons siddur play she got the devastating phone call and came back with that same smile on her face.

One can see all that she planted in her daughter Bluma and two sons, Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Ezra. They too, now have talmidim. The entire community mourns her loss.

The author can be reached at [email protected]




Haaretz publisher Amos Schoken came under fire from the left after a large ad against IDF refusal was published on the front page of the newspaper on Tuesday.

The ad, which was funded by the Torah Lechima organization, an NGO which strives to maintain the IDFs Jewish identity, features a screenshot from a viral video against IDF refusal along with the words: Stop IDF refusal  save the IDF. The ad also contains a QR code to the video.

Although Shocken admitted on Twitter that he approved the ad, he claimed he was duped by the organization, writing: Unfortunately, the advertiser cheated us. In order to get the ad approved, he submitted one without the reference to the brazen and false video and after the ad was approved, he asked to replace the ad due to some fault in the first file he submitted, and those responsible did not notice the change.

But Shockens explanation wasnt enough for the leftists, who continued to excoriate him, saying that the ad should never have been approved in the first place. So on Wednesday, the newspaper published an apology, stating: We apologize for publishing the ad yesterday. A glitch occurred in the ad approval process prior to the newspaper going to press and it shouldnt have been published as it was.

Perhaps Haaretz needs to consider new staff for its advertising department, as a similar shocking glitch occurred in March, when Shocken was forced to apologize for two pro-judicial reform ads published in the newspaper.

The video can be seen below:

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




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.

Leke Rezniqis 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. Abrabanels 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 Pristinas 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.

(AP)




Eliyahu Dahan, a Chareidi bochur seriously injured in a terror attack in Jerusalem in October 2022, filed a civil lawsuit against the terrorist for NIS 10 million.

In May, the teen terrorist was sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay Dahan NIS 258,000 in compensation.

Attorney Chaim Bleicher of the Honenu legal aid organization, who filed the lawsuit, stated: Israeli citizens are facing an unending war of terror by murderous terrorists incited by the Palestinian Authority and the Arab Islamic leadership. These death-loving emissaries of the devil act brutally by any means and indiscriminately try to harm Israeli citizens, to murder them and mutilate them.

We must respond by using all measures to fight back so that the life-loving people of Israel will win.

Eliyahu Dahan, who was seriously injured, went through and is going through an amazing process of rehabilitation and has a strong will to live. We are working together with Eliyahu to exact a heavy price from the terrorists. This punitive compensation is one of the ways to financially fight terrorism and its agents. We expect that the court will agree to our claim and award the maximum compensation, saying that no price is enough to express the depth of evil of terrorism.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
South Korea held a nationwide civil defense drill on Wednesday for the first time in six years, but the response has been disgraceful. It takes only six minutes for a North Korean ballistic missile to fall on Seoul, which means it could land in the capital even before the air raid sirens stop, But during the latest drill, many people sauntered leisurely down the streets even as the sirens wailed, and the malls were packed with visitors. Commuters tussled with civil servants who tried to stop them from leaving subway, and in one apartment complex with 1,200 households, only a single child came to the underground shelter for the drill.

The organization was also poor. Most people were oblivious to the location of the nearest shelter. The Ministry of the Interior and Public Safety shows the locations on its website, but there is no guarantee of internet connectivity in an emergency. Traffic was halted only on three major roads, while cars were free to move around most parts of the capital. Citizens are not taking the drill seriously, and the government is only interested in putting on a show.

Training for a North Korean nuclear attack was also not enough. Brief sirens were the only warnings during the drill. People will have to seek refuge atop high buildings in the event of a chemical or biological weapons attack ad head to underground bunkers in a nuclear attack. But most South Koreans are ignorant on that and do not even know how to put on a gas mask or use a fire extinguisher.




Bnei Brak residents are fuming after Israel Police approved a provocative womens march on main streets of Bnei Brak on Thursday night, with main streets such as Rechov Rabbi Akiva, to be closed off for five hours  from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m.

In addition, the police announced that exit or entry to all streets that cross or meet with the listed intersections will be allowed only in accordance with the location of the march. Significant changes are expected in the routes of public transportation in the area, with the full details on the bus companies websites. You must obey the instructions of the police officers stationed at the roadblocks and use alternative routes.

Kikar HShabbat spoke with some residents of Bnei Brak, who are furious that the police approved the march.

Yehudha, a long-time resident of Bnei Brak, said: Some anarchists decided to do a stupid campaign against the so-called discrimination of women, and the police, instead of explaining to them nicely that Bnei Brak isnt the address, are fully cooperating with them and blocking the city for us? Wheres Ben-Gvir? Where did he disappear to? Where are the Chareidi representatives? Why are they bringing provocations to our backyard? And then theyll complain that theres friction? Theyre creating it! With the backing of the police!

Avi, a 34-year-old businessman, told Kikar: By what right do the police, who know how to function well in Arab cities, allow them to block off half a city and more on Erev Shabbos when people are pressured and need to start preparing for Shabbos? What did the residents do? How can the police be so brazen?

Yossi, 44, said: After all the criticism the police received for their treatment of the [left-wing] protesters, that the Chareidi public could dream of such treatment, theyre once again knocking the Chareidim and trying to please the protesters by going against the Chareidim.

Mrs. R. Tzinovich said: Its chutzpah. How do these women have the audacity to come and give us instructions on how to behave? What is this despicable dictatorship? Why do the police allow this at all? This is a coup by bored people with money who are trying to force a lifestyle on us that were not interested in at all. Get out of our city. Youre not welcome here.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)




The Nachal Dovid spring in the Ein Gedi nature reserve near the Dead Sea is one of the most frequented sites in Israel. On Thursday morning, the site was full of families spending their last days together before the start of the school year, when suddenly a deadly rockslide occurred  an unprecedented occurrence in the area, at least in past decades.

Eight-year-old Yehudah Levi, zl, was killed, his mother and sister were lightly injured, and seven other hikers were lightly to moderately injured.

Among the wounded were the children of the Bar-David family. Levi Bar-David, 8, spoke to the press from Soroka Hospital about how he saved his younger sisters life.

We were close to the end of the route and we reached a waterfall and suddenly an avalanche of rocks fell on us, he said. My sister lost a toe, I was hit by a rock on my head and my sisters were also hit by some rocks. When my five-year-old sister told me that she was hit really hard on her toe, I took off my shirt and tied it in front of the wound. I know that when a wound is open you need to stop the blood quickly and we had nothing else.

Levis father, Yonatan, was hiking with five of his children in the stream. When the rockslide occurred, all my children had passed me and I was behind them, he said. Rocks the size of cars fell down. It happened in a split second without any warning. The rocks hit the ground and there was a huge cloud of dust  you couldnt see anything. I feel a little guilty for not being able to grab my daughter before she was hurt but I believe her injuries will heal. Were people of emunah so we thank Hashem for protecting us.

My three older daughters suffered minor injuries. My older daughter called the rescue forces first. I told her Pick up the cell phone and call. We realized that there were quite a few people and I told her to tell them to bring a rescue helicopter. I took my youngest daughter, who was hit in the head and foot, in my arms  I said a tefillah and ran to the entrance of the nature reserve.

Deputy Commander of the Negev Police Region Eyal Azoulai, said: This incident is very unusual and has resulted in a severe outcome. We are concentrating our efforts on trying to understand whether the incident could have been prevented. We have issued a notice to close the Nachal Dovid and Nachal Ergot channels. Entry will be forbidden until we can be sure the area is safe. If we come to the realization that there is negligence on the part of any party, we will open an investigation. As we understand now, this was a natural phenomenon with very serious consequences.

Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman requested the establishment of a committee to carry out an inquiry into the disaster.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The following companies are subsidiares of Iron Mountain: AB Archyvu Centras, AB Archyvu Sistemos, AB Archyvu Sistemos Estonia Branch, AS Archivu Serviss, Accutrac Software Inc, ArchivesOne, Archyvu sistemos, Arhiv-Trezor d.o.o., Ausdoc Group Pty Limited, Ausdoc Holdings Pty Limited, Bonded Services (International) B.V., Bonded Services Acquisition Ltd., Bonded Services Group, Bonded Services Group Limited, Bonded Services International Limited, Bonded Services Limited, Box Butler, Britannia Data Management Limited, Capital Vision Holdings SAS, Capital Vision SAS, Connected Corporation, Cornerstone Records Management, Crozier Fine Arts, Crozier Schweiz Ag, Custodia S.O.S. SA, DBJ Limited, DMS Storage s.r.o., DigiGuard, Disaster Recovery Services Limited, Docscan Cape Town Proprietary Limited, Docscan Proprietary Limited, Docu-File JHB Proprietary Limited, DocuTar Iratrendezo es Tarolo Szolgaltato Kft., DocuVault, Docufile (Pty) Ltd, EAC Invest, Eurospags Investments ApS, EvoSwitch, F.T.S. (Freight Forwarders) Limited, F.T.S. (Great Britain) Limited, F.T.S. (Road Transport) Limited, FTS Bonded Limited, Fairfield Fine Art, File Express Limited, Film Media Services Limited, First International Records Management AG, First International Records Management LLC, Fleet Freight Limited, Fontis International GmbH, Fortrust, G4S Secure Data Solutions Colombia, Glenbeign Records Mangement (GRM) DWC-LLC, Global Logistics Worldwide Limited, Haworth Group Holdings (UK) Limited, Haworth Group Limited, Hays IMS, Helcom Limited, IG2 Data Security, IM Mortgage Solutions LLC, IMI Investments Two Ltd, IMSA Peru SRL, IO.com, Information Storage Consolidation Co, Iron Mountain (Deutschland) Service GmbH, Iron Mountain (Espana) Services S.L, Iron Mountain (Gibraltar) Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain (Ireland) Services Limited, Iron Mountain (Nederland) Data Centre B.V., Iron Mountain (Nederland) Data Centre Holdings B.V., Iron Mountain (Nederland) Data Centre Services B.V., Iron Mountain (Nederland) Services BV, Iron Mountain (Schweiz) AG, Iron Mountain (UK) Data Centre Limited, Iron Mountain (UK) EES Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain (UK) PLC, Iron Mountain (UK) Services Limited, Iron Mountain A/S, Iron Mountain Acquisition Holdings Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Argentina S.A., Iron Mountain Arsivleme Hizmetleri A.S., Iron Mountain Asia Pacific Holdings Ltd, Iron Mountain Asia Pte Limited, Iron Mountain Australia Group Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Australia Group Services Pty. Ltd., Iron Mountain Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd, Iron Mountain Austria Archivierung Gmbh, Iron Mountain BPM SPRL, Iron Mountain Belgium NV, Iron Mountain Bulgaria, Iron Mountain Canada Operations ULC, Iron Mountain Ceska Republika S.R.O., Iron Mountain Chile S.A., Iron Mountain Chile Servicios S.A., Iron Mountain Cloud LLC, Iron Mountain Colombia S.A.S., Iron Mountain Cyprus Limited, Iron Mountain DIMS Limited, Iron Mountain Data Centers LLC, Iron Mountain Data Centers Services LLC, Iron Mountain Data Centre Pte. Limited, Iron Mountain Data Management (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain Data Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain Deutschland GmbH, Iron Mountain Do Brasil Ltda, Iron Mountain Document Holdings Sweden AB, Iron Mountain Document Storage Services LLC, Iron Mountain EES Holdings Ltd., Iron Mountain Enterprises Sdn. Bhd., Iron Mountain Espana SA, Iron Mountain Eswatini (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain Europe (Group) Limited, Iron Mountain Europe Ltd., Iron Mountain FZ-LLC, Iron Mountain Finland OY, Iron Mountain France S.A.S., Iron Mountain Fulfillment Services Inc., Iron Mountain Global Holdings Inc., Iron Mountain Global LLC, Iron Mountain Group (Europe) Limited, Iron Mountain Hellas SA, Iron Mountain Holdings (Europe) Limited, Iron Mountain Holdings (France) SNC, Iron Mountain Holdings Sweden AB, Iron Mountain Hong Kong Ltd., Iron Mountain Incorporated, Iron Mountain India Private Ltd, Iron Mountain Information Management LLC, Iron Mountain Information Management Services Canada Inc., Iron Mountain Information Management Services Inc., Iron Mountain Intellectual Property Management Inc., Iron Mountain International (Holdings) Ltd, Iron Mountain International Holdings BV, Iron Mountain Ireland Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain Ireland Limited, Iron Mountain Korea Limited, Iron Mountain Latin America Holdings Sociedad Limitada, Iron Mountain Lesotho (Proprietry) Limited, Iron Mountain Luxembourg Sarl, Iron Mountain Luxembourg Services S.a.r.l., Iron Mountain MDM Limited, Iron Mountain Macau Limited, Iron Mountain Magyarorszag Kereskedelmi es Szolgaltato Kft., Iron Mountain Management Services GmbH, Iron Mountain Mayflower Limited, Iron Mountain Mexico Holding S. de RL de CV, Iron Mountain Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Iron Mountain Mexico Servicios S. de RL de CV, Iron Mountain Mortgage Finance Holdings LLC, Iron Mountain Mortgage Finance I LLC, Iron Mountain Nederland B.V., Iron Mountain Nederland Holdings B.V., Iron Mountain New Zealand Limited, Iron Mountain Norge AS, Iron Mountain Participations SA, Iron Mountain Peru S.A., Iron Mountain Philippines Inc., Iron Mountain Poland Holdings Ltd, Iron Mountain Polska Services Sp z.o.o., Iron Mountain Polska Sp. z.o.o., Iron Mountain Receivables QRS LLC, Iron Mountain Receivables TRS LLC, Iron Mountain Records Management (Puerto Rico) Inc, Iron Mountain Records Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Iron Mountain SRL, Iron Mountain Sdn. Bhd., Iron Mountain Secure Shredding (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain Secure Shredding Canada Inc., Iron Mountain Secure Shredding Inc., Iron Mountain Services Private Ltd, Iron Mountain Services S.A.S., Iron Mountain Shanghai Co Ltd, Iron Mountain Singapore Pte. Ltd., Iron Mountain Slovakia s.r.o., Iron Mountain South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South Africa Information Management (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South Africa Records Management (Pty) Ltd, Iron Mountain South America Sarl, Iron Mountain Southeast Asia Holdings Limited, Iron Mountain Sweden AB, Iron Mountain Taiwan Ltd., Iron Mountain UK Services (Holdings) Ltd, Iron Mountain US Holdings Inc, Iron Mountain Vietnam Company Limited, Iron Mountain d.o.o. Novi Banovci, Jigsaw Freight Limited, Jigsaw Pieces Limited, Jin Shan Limited, KDM Spectrumdata Pty Ltd, KH Data Capital Development Land LLC, Lane Archives Technologies Corporation, Livevault, Marshgate Morangis Sarl, Mimosa Systems, Nettlebed Acquisition Corp., Novo Group Limited, Novo Holdings Limited, Novo Overseas Limited, NxtGen Data Center & Cloud Services, OEC Records Management Company Private Limited, OSG Records Management (Europe) Limited, OSG Records Management Center LLC, OSG Records Management Centre LLC, OSG Records Management Crypto LLC, OSG Records Management Foreign LLC, OSG Records Management LLC, OSG Records Management LLC (Ukraine), OSG Records Management LLP, OSG Services sp. zoo, Oda International Management Corporation NV, Osrecki d.o.o., PT Iron Mountain Indonesia, Preferred Media Ltd, Prism Integrated Sdn Bhd, Recall, Recall (London) Limited, Recall (Shanghai) Ltd., Recall Europe Finance Ltd., Recall Europe Limited, Recall GQ Ltd, Recall Holdings, Recall Holdings Limited, Recall India Information Management Pvt. Ltd., Recall International Pty Limited, Recall Italy SRL, Recall Limited, Recall Overseas Holdings Pty Limited, Recall Shredding Limited, Recall Technology Pty. Ltd., Recall Total Information Management India Pvt. Ltd., Record Data Limited, Royal Seal S.R.O., SIA RIATech, Saracen Datastore Limited, Shanghai Iron Mountain Data Storage Co. Ltd., Shuttle SRL, Startify, Superior Storage Limited, UAB Confidento, and Xepa Digital.

Read More
PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad, an investment holding company, engages in production and delivery of energy and solutions business. The company operates through Olefins and Derivatives, Fertilisers and Methanol, Specialties, and Other segments. It offers polymers comprising HDPE blown films, blow moulding, and pipes; linear low density polyethylene; and homopolymer, copolymer, and terpolymer polypropylene. In addition, the company offers ethylene, propylene, ethylene glycols, butyl carbitol and cellosolve, butanol, butyl acetate, polyethylene glycols, tergitol, nonylphenol ethoxylates, ethanolamines, and gas treating solvents; methanol, paraxylene, benzene, methyl tertiary butyl ether, and butadiene; ammonia; PETRONAS Aireblue, a diesel exhaust fluid; oxo-alcohols; and water-based mud additives. Further, it engages in processing feedstock into syngas, carbon monoxide, ethylene oxide derivatives, propylene derivatives, and related chemical products. Additionally, the company owns, operates, and manages Kertih marine facilities; processing natural gas into urea and ammonia; reselling, formulating, and manufacturing silicones, lube oil additives, and chemicals; and real estate business. The company was founded in 1985 and is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PETRONAS Chemicals Group Berhad operates as a subsidiary of Petroliam Nasional Berhad.
National Bank of Canada provides various financial products and services to retail, commercial, corporate, and institutional clients in Canada and internationally. It operates through four segments: Personal and Commercial, Wealth Management, Financial Markets, and U.S. Specialty Finance and International. The Personal and Commercial segment offers personal banking services, including transaction solutions, mortgage loans and home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, payment solutions, and savings and investment solutions; various insurance products; and commercial banking services comprise credit, and deposit and investment solutions, as well as international trade, foreign exchange transactions, payroll, cash management, insurance, electronic transactions, and complimentary services. The Wealth Management segment comprises investment solutions, trust services, banking services, lending services, and other wealth management solutions. The Financial Markets segment offers corporate banking, advisory, and capital markets services; and project financing, debt, and equity underwriting; advisory services in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, and financing. The U.S. Specialty Finance and International segment provides specialty finance products; financial products and services to individuals and businesses in Cambodia; and investment solutions, guaranteed investment certificates, mutual funds, notes, structured products, and monetization. National Bank of Canada was founded in 1859 and is based in Montreal, Canada.
Molson Coors Beverage Company manufactures, markets, and sells beer and other malt beverage products under various brands in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. The company offers flavored malt beverages including hard seltzers, craft, and ready to drink beverages. It provides its products under Aspall Cider, Blue Moon, Coors Original, Hop Valley brands, Leinenkugel's, Miller Genuine Draft, Molson Ultra, Sharp's, Staropramen, and Vizzy Hard Seltzer above premier brands; Bergenbier, Borsodi, Carling, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Jelen, Kamenitza, Miller Lite, Molson Canadian Lager, Molson Dry, Molson Export, and Niksicko, Ozujsko under the premium brands; and Branik, Icehouse, Keystone, Miller High Life, Milwaukee's Best, and Steel Reserve under the economy brands. The company was formerly known as Molson Coors Brewing Company and changed its name to Molson Coors Beverage Company in January 2020. Molson Coors Beverage Company was founded in 1774 and is headquartered in Golden, Colorado.
The following companies are subsidiares of Trane Technologies: 200 PARK INC., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ACQUISITION S.A R.L, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES ASIA PTE. LTD., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES BORROWER S.C.A., ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES CANADA INC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES LLC, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES MIDDLE EAST FZE, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES S.A R.L, ACCUDYNE INDUSTRIES SERVICES LIMITED, ARCTIC COOL CHILLERS LIMITED, ARO DE VENEZUELA C.A., Airtec Limited, Amair Limited, Best Matic International Limited, Best Matic Vermogensverwaltungs Gmbh, CALMAC Corp, CLIMATE ETC TECHNOLOGY SERVICES PRIVATE LIMITED, CLUB CAR LLC, Calmac Corp., Cameron International Corporation - Centrifugal Compression Business, Club Car Limited, Comercial Ingersoll-Rand (Chile) Limitada, Compagnie Ingersoll-Rand Sas, Cool Energy Limited, DOSATRON INTERNATIONAL S.A.S., Diasorin International B.V., Dradnats Inc., Ebb Holdings Limited, EcoFactor, FRIGOBLOCK, FRIGOBLOCK GMBH, Filairco Inc., Flowcool Limited, Frigoblock Uk Limited, GPS INDUSTRIES LLC, GPSI HOLDINGS LLC, GPSI LEASING II - ACCORD LLC, GPSI LEASING LLC, Ghh-Rand Schraubenkompressoren Gmbh, Golf Academies Limited, Gpsi Telematics Llc, HASKEL EUROPE LTD., HASKEL FRANCE S.A.S., HASKEL HOLDINGS UK LIMITED, HASKEL INTERNATIONAL LLC, HASKEL SISTEMAS DE FLUIDOS ESPANA S.R.L., Hermann Trane Harrisburg Inc., Hibon Inc., ICS Cool Energy, ICS Cool Energy Limited, INGERSOLL RAND ITS JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL RAND MAROC S.A R.L, INGERSOLL RAND S.A. DE C.V., INGERSOLL RAND-TRANE ENERGY-SAVING SERVICES (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHANG ZHOU) TOOLS CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (CHINA) INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND (SHANGHAI) TRADING CO. LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND CHINA LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE MAQUINAS E EQUIPAMENTOS INDUSTRIAIS LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND DE MEXICO SOCIEDAD DE RESPONSABILIDAD LIMITADA DE CAPITAL VARIABLE, INGERSOLL-RAND DE PUERTO RICO INC., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIA COMERCIO E SERVICOS DE AR CONDICIONADO AR COMPRIMIDO E REFRIGERACAO LTDA., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL COMPANY B.V., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL SP. Z O.O., INGERSOLL-RAND INDUSTRIAL U.S. INC., INGERSOLL-RAND JAPAN LTD., INGERSOLL-RAND LATIN AMERICA S. DE R.L. DE C.V., INGERSOLL-RAND LUX INVESTMENTS S.A R.L., INGERSOLL-RAND LUXEMBOURG INDUSTRIAL COMPANY S.A R.L., INGERSOLL-RAND MANUFACTURA S. DE R.L DE C.V., INGERSOLL-RAND NY INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PHILIPPINES INC., INGERSOLL-RAND PORTUGAL - SOCIEDADE UNIPESSOAL LDA., INGERSOLL-RAND SALES COMPANY LLC, INGERSOLL-RAND SPAIN S.A., INGERSOLL-RAND U.S. HOLDCO INC., Ics Cool Energy (Sas), Ics Cool Energy Ag, Ics Cool Energy B.V., Ics Cool Energy Gmbh, Ics Cool Energy Investments Limited, Ics Group Holdings Limited, Ics Heat Pumps Limited, Ics Renewable Energy Limited, Ics Servicing Limited, Industrial Chill Servicing Private Ltd., Ingersoll Rand Service Do Brasil Ltda., Ingersoll-Rand (Australia) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand (China) Investment Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Guilin) Tools Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (Hong Kong) Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand (India) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Air Solutions Hibon Sarl, Ingersoll-Rand Best-Matic Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Beteiligungs Und Grundstucksverwaltungs Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Buford Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Charitable Foundation, Ingersoll-Rand Climate Solutions Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Club Car S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Colombia S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand Company, Ingersoll-Rand Company Limited (Uk), Ingersoll-Rand Company Of Peru S.A.C., Ingersoll-Rand Company South Africa (Pty) Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Costa Rica S.A., Ingersoll-Rand Croatia D.O.O. Za Trgovinu, Ingersoll-Rand Cz S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand Equipements De Production S.A.S., Ingersoll-Rand European Holding Company B.V., Ingersoll-Rand Financial Services Corporation, Ingersoll-Rand Financing Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Finland Oy, Ingersoll-Rand Funding Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Global Holding Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Holdings B.V., Ingersoll-Rand Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International (India) Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Finance Limited, Ingersoll-Rand International Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand International Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Irish Holdings Unlimited Company, Ingersoll-Rand Italia S.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Italiana S.P.A., Ingersoll-Rand Korea Holding Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Korea Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Latin America B.V., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Euro Iii Financing S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Lux Holdings Ii Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Lux International Holding Company S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg Finance S.A., Ingersoll-Rand Luxembourg United S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Machinery (Shanghai) Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Malaysia Co. Sdn. Bhd., Ingersoll-Rand Manufacturing S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand Netherlands B.V., Ingersoll-Rand Nexia Intelligence Llc, Ingersoll-Rand Polska Sp. Z.O.O., Ingersoll-Rand Rus Llc, Ingersoll-Rand S.A., Ingersoll-Rand Services And Trading Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Company, Ingersoll-Rand Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Singapore Enterprises Pte. Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand South East Asia (Pte.) Ltd., Ingersoll-Rand Superay Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Svenska Ab, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technical And Services S.A.R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Technologies And Services Private Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Technologies S.R.O., Ingersoll-Rand Tool Holdings Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Trading Gmbh, Ingersoll-Rand Uk Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Ukraine Limited Liability Company, Ingersoll-Rand Vietnam Company Limited, Ingersoll-Rand Worldwide Capital S.A R.L., Ingersoll-Rand Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, Ir Canada Holdings Ulc, Ir Canada Sales & Service Ulc, Ir France Sas, MILTON ROY (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MILTON ROY (UK) LIMITED, MILTON ROY EUROPA B.V., MILTON ROY EUROPE SAS, MILTON ROY INDUSTRIAL (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., MILTON ROY LLC, MILTON ROY US PURCHASER INC., Mb Air Systems Limited, Officina Meccaniche Industriali Srl, PERFECT PITCH L.P., Plurifilter D.O.O., Precision Flow Systems, Prime Air Limited, Pt Ingersoll-Rand Indonesia, Pt Trane Indonesia, R&O Immobilien Gmbh, REFTRANS S.A., STANDARD CENTENNIAL PROPERTY LLC, Shanghai Ingersoll-Rand Compressor Limited, Societe Trane Sas, Spanashview Unlimited Company, Standard Compressors Inc., Standard Trane Insurance Company, Standard Trane Insurance Ireland Designated Activity Company, Standard Trane Warranty Company, T.I. Solutions (Israel) Ltd., THE TRANE COMPANY, THERMO KING (HONG KONG) COMPANY LIMITED, THERMO KING (SHANGHAI) CO. LTD., THERMO KING DE PUERTO RICO INC., THERMO KING PUERTO RICO MANUFACTURA INC., THERMO KING RODAMIENTOS S.L., THERMO KING SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD., THERMO KING SVC INC., TK PUERTO RICO AIRE INC., TK PUERTO RICO COMERCIAL INC., TK PUERTO RICO ENSAMBLAJE INC., TK PUERTO RICO FABRICACION INC., TK PUERTO RICO LOGISTICA INC., TK PUERTO RICO OPERACIONES INDUSTRIALES INC., TK PUERTO RICO PRODUCCION INC., TK PUERTO RICO SOLUCIONES CLIMATICAS INC., TK PUERTO RICO TECNOLOGIAS INC., TRANE (EUROPE) LIMITED, TRANE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS AND SERVICE CO. LIMITED, TRANE BRANDS INC., TRANE CENTRAL AMERICA INC., TRANE DOMINICANA S.R.L., TRANE ENERGY CHOICE LLC, TRANE ENERGY SERVICES LLC, TRANE HOLDING LIMITED, TRANE JAPAN LTD., TRANE KOREA INC., TRANE S.A. DE C.V., TRANE SERVICEFIRST C.A., TRANE SERVICES LIMITED, TRANE SINGAPORE ENTERPRISES PTE. LTD., TRANE SISTEMAS INTEGRALES S. DE R.L. DE C.V., TRANE SYSTEMS SOLUTIONS OF PANAMA INC., TRANE THERMO KING (SHANGHAI) ENTERPRISE MANAGEMENT CO. LTD., TRANE THERMO KING PTY LTD, TWENTYTHREEC LLC, Thermo King Container Temperature Control (Suzhou) Corporation Ltd., Thermo King Container-Denmark A/S, Thermo King Corporation, Thermo King European Manufacturing Limited, Thermo King India Private Limited, Thermo King Ireland Limited, Thermo King Services Limited, Thermo King Trading Company, Thermo King Transportkoeling B.V., Tm Air Conditioning Sdn. Bhd., Trane (Ireland) Limited, Trane (Schweiz) Gmbh / Trane (Suisse) S.A.R.L., Trane (Thailand) Limited, Trane Air Conditioning Products Limited, Trane Air Conditioning Systems (China) Co. Ltd., Trane Airconditioning Pte. Ltd., Trane Aire Acondicionado S.L., Trane Bermuda Ltd., Trane Bvba, Trane Canada Lp, Trane Canada Ulc, Trane China Holdings Limited, Trane Climate Manufacturing S.R.L., Trane Cr Spol Sro., Trane De Argentina S.A., Trane De Chile S.A., Trane De Colombia S.A., Trane Deutschland Gmbh, Trane Distribution Pte Ltd, Trane Do Brasil Industria E Comercio De Productos Para Condicionamento De Ar Ltda., Trane Egypt Llc, Trane Europe Holdings B.V., Trane Export Llc, Trane Finance Sprl, Trane Foundation Of New York, Trane France Sas, Trane Gmbh, Trane Gp Inc., Trane Grid Services Llc, Trane Hellas S.A., Trane Holding Co., Trane Holdings Company Yk, Trane Hungary Kft, Trane Inc., Trane Inc. Of Delaware, Trane India Ltd., Trane International Inc., Trane Ip Inc., Trane Italia S.R.L, Trane Klima Ticaret As, Trane Malaysia Sales & Services Sdn. Bhd., Trane Puerto Rico Llc, Trane Romania S.R.L., Trane S.A., Trane S.A.E., Trane Support Sas, Trane Sweden Ab, Trane Taiwan Distribution Ltd., Trane U.S. Inc., Trane Vidalia Llc, Trane Vietnam Services Company Limited, Tricool Thermal Limited, Tsi Anstalt Ltd., World Standard Ltd., and Zeks Compressed Air Solutions Llc.

Read More
The program has "been tremendously successful at reducing migration to the southwest border," attorneys for the U.S. Justice Department, which is representing the federal government in the lawsuit, wrote in court documents.

The parole program was started for Venezuelans in fall 2022 and then expanded in January. People taking part must apply online, arrive at an airport and have a financial sponsor in the United States. If approved, they can stay for two years and get a work permit.

Texas is leading a lawsuit filed by 21 Republican-leaning states to stop the program, arguing the Biden administration has overreached its authority. Other programs the administration has implemented to reduce illegal immigration also have faced legal challenges.

Under the humanitarian parole program, up to 30,000 people are being allowed each month to enter the United States from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

A key portion of President Joe Biden's immigration policy that grants parole to thousands of people from Central America and the Caribbean was set to be debated in a Texas federal courtroom beginning Thursday.

A trial on the states' lawsuit is being presided over by U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton in Victoria, Texas. Tipton, a Donald Trump appointee, has previously ruled against the Biden administration on who to prioritize for deportation.

The trial was scheduled to last two days and be livestreamed from Victoria to a federal courtroom in Houston. Tipton was expected to issue a ruling at a later date.

In court documents, Texas and the other states have called the Biden administration's program an "extreme example" of not enforcing immigration laws that require it to "grant parole only on a case-by-case basis for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons."

While the Republican states' lawsuit is objecting to the use of humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, it hasn't raised any concerns for its use to grant entry to tens of thousands of Ukrainians since Russia invaded that country.

Texas has also argued that the parole program causes financial harm because it has to provide services, including detention, educational, social services and driver's license programs, to the paroled migrants.

Immigrant rights groups joined the legal proceedings on behalf of seven people who are sponsoring migrants. One of the sponsors was expected to testify during the trial.

The rights groups have defended the humanitarian parole program, saying it's a safe pathway to the U.S. for desperate migrants who would otherwise be paying human smugglers and bogging down border agents. The program is also helping reduce the humanitarian crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border, the groups said.

As of the end of July, more than 72,000 Haitians, 63,000 Venezuelans, 41,000 Cubans and 34,000 Nicaraguans had been vetted and authorized to come to the U.S. through the parole program.
Axalta Coating Systems Ltd., through its subsidiaries, manufactures, markets, and distributes high-performance coatings systems in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It operates through two segments, Performance Coatings and Mobility Coatings. The company offers water and solvent-borne products and systems to repair damaged vehicles for independent body shops, multi-shop operators, and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) dealership body shops. It also provides functional and decorative liquid, and powder coatings used in various industrial applications, including architectural cladding and fittings, automotive coatings, general industrial, job coaters, and energy solutions; and coatings for building materials, cabinet, wood and luxury vinyl flooring, and furniture market under the Voltatex, AquaEC, Durapon, Hydropon, UNRIVALED, Tufcote, and Ceranamel for liquid coatings; and Alesta, Nap-Gard, Abcite, Teodur, and Plascoat brands for powder coatings. In addition, the company develops and supplies electrocoat, primer, the basecoat, and clearcoat products for OEMs of light and commercial vehicles; and coatings systems for various commercial applications, including HDT, MDT, bus, and rail under the Imron, Imron Elite, Centari, Rival, Corlar epoxy undercoats, and AquaEC brands. It also sells its product under the Audurra, Challenger, Chemophan, ColorNet, Cromax, Cromax Mosaic, Durapon 70, Duxone, Harmonized Coating Technologies, Imron ExcelPro, Lutophen, Nason, Spies Hecker, Standox, Stollaquid, Syntopal, Syrox, Raptor, U-POL, and Vermeera brand names. The company was formerly known as Axalta Coating Systems Bermuda Co., Ltd. and changed its name to Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. in August 2014. The company was founded in 1866 and is headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The ruins of Pompeii are an extraordinary record of antiquity, illuminating previously unknown details about daily life two millennia ago, while also posing many unanswered questions. For example, and above all: what happened on the day of that historic catastrophe, when the city was annihilated and frozen in time? These and other questions are now finally being answered, with the help of non-invasive scientific techniques and investigative methods that have allowed researchers to travel back in time, without altering the preserved remains, to that fateful autumn day in 79 A.D. when Vesuvius came to life and roared with fury.

For experts, one of the most pressing questions about that day has always been: What exactly caused the people of Pompeii  petrified in time under tons of volcanic material, preserved in the excruciating forms of their agony  to die?

Once their bodies decayed and only skeletons remained, the victims left imprints in the petrified ash, which archaeologists later filled with plaster to obtain molds. This allowed researchers to reproduce, at true scale, the exact positions of the residents at the moment of their deaths, and in turn, to present a realistic rendering of the tragedy and its victims.

Now, a team of researchers under the direction of the University of Valencia, in Spain, has used non-invasive methods involving X-rays and chemical analysis to study the bones of these fossilized victims for the first time. Based on this analysis, researchers have concluded that many residents of Pompeii died of asphyxiation, and not from burns or dehydration, as other theories have posited.

Speaking to EL PAIS, research team coordinator Gianni Gallello clarified, however, that the study only analyzed a select group of victims, and that the population was destroyed in different ways depending on where individuals were located in relation to the volcano. The inhabitants of Herculaneum, a city closer to Vesuvius that was also annihilated in the eruption, were most likely burned to death by the volcanos 500 C pyroclastic flows.

At Pompeii, researchers from the University of Valencia, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge and the Italian Ministry of Culture, have analyzed the remains of six people who fled from the Porta Nola area, and one found near a building known as the Suburban Baths. These victims, researchers concluded, most likely died from the inhalation of toxic volcanic gases as they attempted to flee. After collapsing and succumbing to asphyxiation, their lifeless bodies were quickly covered with ash and other volcanic material. Several victims were found under a three-meter layer of lapilli  small pyroclastic particles  and other debris from the collapse of the buildings.

In addition to the analysis of the bones, the position of the bodies  lying down and stretched out  also confirms the researchers theory. Additionally, some victims were found covered with pieces of cloth or clothing, indicating that temperatures were not high enough to incinerate them.

Scientists explain that residents attempted to flee the city during and after the lapilli rain had blanketed the ground with a kind of black hail  small, solid fragments of lava. This lapilli surface would have made walking extremely difficult, which explains why some victims made improvised canes out of tree branches, to help them move faster. After a period of deceptive calm, and already exhausted, the fleeing residents were killed by the second phase of the eruption, which lasted several minutes and produced a toxic cloud that covered Pompeii and left an unbreathable concentration of ash and volcanic gases in the surrounding air. Researchers estimate that these individuals died roughly 20 hours after the first eruption.

Gallello explains that the extreme heat from the pyroclastic waves and magma flows arrived after the victims had already died. The analysis of the bones reveals that the bodies had suffered the consequences of the high temperatures postmortem, with an effect similar to that of cremation.

The research project began in 2019, with the separating out of bones that had not been contaminated by the lime used to make casts of victims. Scientists then analyzed the skeletal remains for information on the thermal impact they had suffered, in an attempt to ascertain whether the extreme heat had affected them during or after their deaths. To do this, researchers compared the Pompeii samples with other data on burned bones from the same period, collected from the Via Ostiense necropolis in Rome and from another necropolis in Valencia, Spain. The bones from the uncontaminated casts showed similar characteristics to the cremated remains in the rituals of ancient Rome, Gallello notes.

View of the snow-capped Mount Vesuvius, in an image taken from the ancient archaeological ruins of Pompeii, near Naples (Italy). Cesare Abbate (AP)

This week, Gallego published a detailed article on his teams research in the journal PLoS, co-authored by his colleague at the University of Valencia, Llorenc Alapont, and other researchers from various institutions.

Gallego emphasizes that his teams project is the first to analyze the skeletons inside the plaster casts at Pompeii  figures that the researcher calls photocopies of the moment of death  using this innovative and non-invasive technique. The scientists combined chemical analysis with X-ray fluorescence analysis, in addition to anthropological and taphonomic methods (the study of decay and fossilization). This research fits all of the pieces of the puzzle together, and provides information that cannot be seen with the naked eye, Gallello says, adding that his teams study has also created a low-cost protocol that opens the door to investigating other human remains from different parts of the cities devastated by the volcano, to see if the pattern his team has discovered changes or is repeated, and why.

Gallego emphasizes Pompeiis value for science. Life stopped with that catastrophic episode of unprecedented magnitude, and was immortalized there. We are not dealing with a chronology that lasts for years, as we are at other sites; in Pompeii, we see something very concrete: what happened in peoples lives in the matter of just a few hours, he says. It is a past kept intact in the present.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
A decade before the term Me Too was popularized thanks to the sexual assault accusations against powerful Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, an ex-employee of the then-Israel president, Moshe Katsav, broke another decades-old wall of silence. She told the police how Katsav raped her on the sofa of the presidential office in Jerusalem. It was 2006; society was much more complacent about sexual violence. Katsav was a Sephardic Jew who, as he recalled in a press conference to defend his innocence, almost died of pneumonia as a child because of the cold in the tent where his family lived after emigrating from Iran. He was a symbol, that is, that the role of head of state was not reserved exclusively for privileged Jews of European origins.

After the initial accusation, other women brought to light similar reports, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence that Katsav finished in 2018. The case was barely known outside the country, but it impacted Israel so much that it continues to digest it. The miniseries Unsilenced is the first to fictionalize the incident.

While many people were doubting the accuser, questioning her intentions and her way of dressing, another woman jumped onto the stage. She was Odelia Carmon, one of the shows creators. Her experience appears through the character of Avigail, Katsavs former media advisor, Carmons job at the time of the incident. I dont know what each one of the victims felt, but I introduced what I have seen and researched as a psychotherapist who works with victims of sexual violence, exploring dynamics of power and control. I think thats why so many women are identifying with it, she tells this newspaper over the phone. Carmon believes that Me Too has changed few things in practice, but it has made the show possible. They started to understand what Im talking about. Suddenly, they were prepared to listen, she says.

Odelia Carmon (left) with the actress who plays her, Dana Meinrath.

The series  produced by Yes, the same Israeli cable television channel behind Fauda and Shtisel  is a single season with six episodes of under an hour long. Each one depicts a different point of view: two victims, the president, his wife and his Machiavellian advisor, plus a final collective episode. It does not use the old trick of showing the same situation from different perspectives, but rather changes the gaze as the plot advances.

The show is not a documentary or a precise retelling of the facts. The order and rhythm of the events are not faithful to reality. And the name of Katsav, played by Yaakov Nada-Daniel (Eli in Fauda) is never mentioned. He is simply the president. It wasnt necessary for the message, Carmon says. And the script requires dramatic resources and does not include everything. It is, as the final credits clarify, a work of fiction based on Carmons personal story and her book The Confidante.

Exploration

The series functions as a thriller as it retells the obstacles the women face in proving a rape. An issue that is present, for example, in the interrogation of Katsavs wife Shula, carried out by a young police officer who is investigating the case amidst societal taboos. Shula asks her what the victims are looking for. Just to be believed, she answers. During the trial, the presidents lawyer accuses Avigail of being an opportunist for keeping quiet for convenience in the face of rumors about other women. She responds: Maybe Im a self-serving opportunist, even a flirt. But how does that change the fact that your client is a serial sex offender who pulled out his penis and asked me to touch it, who threw me on a bed in a hotel room and tried to rape me?

The mechanisms of male violence are also clear: the mixture of compliments and threats, promises of promotion and punishments and apologies with the purpose of making amends, even more so when the aggressor can destroy a life, as the president does with the first complainant, Oshrat, forced to return to her job stocking shelves in a supermarket.

The fictional turning point comes when the police discover a box while searching the presidential residence. Its full of parting gifts and resignation letters. He realizes that they are all by women and, although each one has written and signed it, the text is almost identical. And that the farewell gifts come from the same store. It is the insurance policy, according to Avinoam, Katsavs right-hand man who dictated the text to the victims to be able to refute, in case of problems, that they had been raped because they left work full of gratitude.

It is a key element of the plot: why are they accusing him now? Why did they continue to work with the president until two years after the rape?

Three stars of the Israeli series Unsilenced. Ohad Romano

One of the plots themes is the particularity of the allegations of sexual assault: doubts about the veracity, the years of silence and possible political motives, especially with a president. I wanted to introduce this issue because it is always there. Who do you believe? The teacher or the student? The president or the porn actress? Carmon says, referring to the case of Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels.

When, in a meeting, the State Attorney General insists that there is no evidence, the police investigator responds: You make the same mistake all the time. You dont understand that rape victims are not dolls that remember what you want them to remember, nor do they say what you want them to say. They are women who have been through hell. They dissociate, they remember, they forget. If we dont listen to them and believe them, I dont know what were doing here.

The case was transformative, recalled the newspaper Haaretz after the series premiered, but in a country that finds every day a way to break the hearts of its citizens, an information cycle that never stops and a generally misogynist agenda, the Katsav affair has taken a long time to receive the cultural expression it deserved.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
The logo of NVIDIA as seen at its corporate headquarters in Santa Clara, California, in May of 2022.

Computer chip maker Nvidia has rocketed into the constellation of Big Techs brightest stars while riding the artificial intelligence craze thats fueling red-hot demand for its technology.

The latest evidence of Nvidias ascendance emerged with Wednesdays release of the companys quarterly earnings report. The results covering the May-July period exceeded Nvidias projections for astronomical sales growth propelled by the companys specialized chips  key components that help power different forms of artificial intelligence such as Open AIs popular ChatGPT and Googles Bard chatbots.

Nvidias revenue for its fiscal second quarter doubled from the same time last year to $13.51 billion, culminating in a profit of $6.2 billion, or $2.48 per share, more than nine times more than the company made a year ago. Both figures were well above the projections of analysts polled by FactSet Research.

And the momentum is still building. The Santa Clara, California, company predicted its revenue for its August-October quarter will total $16 billion, nearly tripling its sales from the same time last year. Analysts had been anticipating $12.6 billion in revenue for the period, according to FactSet.

Nvidias stock price surged 8% in extended trading after the numbers came out. The shares already have more than tripled so far this year, a run-up that has boosted Nvidias market value to $1.2 trillion  a threshold that thrust the company into the tech industrys elite. If stock rises similarly during Thursdays regular trading session, it will mark yet another record high for Nvidias shares and boost the companys market value by another $90 billion or so.

Other stalwarts that are currently or have been recently valued at $1 trillion or above are Apple, Microsoft, Amazon and Googles corporate parent Alphabet.

Now all those tech giants as well as a long line of other firms are snapping up Nvidia chips as they wade deeper into AI  a movement thats enabling cars to drive by themselves, and automating the creation of stories, art and music.

Nvidia has carved out an early lead in the hardware and software needed in the AI-focused shift, partly because its co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang began to nudge the company into what was then seen as a still half-baked technology more than a decade ago. While others were still debating the merits of AI, Huang already was looking at ways that Nvidia chipsets known as graphics processing units might be tweaked for AI-related applications to expand beyond their early inroads in video gaming.

By 2018, Huang was convinced that AI would trigger a tectonic shift in technology similar to Apples 2007 introduction of the iPhone igniting a mobile computing revolution. That conclusion led Huang into what resulted in what he calls a bet the company moment. At the time Huang doubled down on AI, Nvidias market value stood at about $120 billion.

I think its safe to say it was worth it to bet the company on AI, Huang, 60, said during a presentation earlier this month.

Huangs foresight gave Nvidia a head start in designing software to complement its chips tailored for AI applications, creating a moat that other major chipmakers such as Intel and AMD are having trouble getting around during a period of intense demand that is expected to continue into next year, said Bernstein analyst Stacy Rasgon. Nvidia is increasingly pitching a Lego-like combination of GPUs, memory chips and more conventional processing chips enclosed in a big package. In a demonstration earlier this month, Huang showed one such room-sized structure, joking about how it might look if delivered to a doorstep by Amazon.

Everybody else is trying to catch them now that they see the opportunity is there. Rasgon said.

Huangs vision has prompted Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives to hail him as the Godfather of AI, and established him as one of the worlds wealthiest people with an estimated fortune of $42 billion.

While Ives still sees plenty of upside in Nvidias future growth and stock price, other market observers believe investors are getting carried away.

This level of hype is dangerous as it could lead investors to assume that these stocks are a silver bullet to build long-term wealth -- and they are not, at least not on their own, warned Nigel Green, CEO of deVere Group.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
The co-chair of a large group of US politicians visiting Northern Ireland has said his country wants to be active partners in finding solutions to the Stormont stalemate.

Robin Vos, Republican speaker of the Wisconsin State Assembly, said the relationship between Ireland and the US is unbreakable and added there is an opportunity to bring more economic investment to the island.

More than 200 delegates from the American Irish State Legislators Caucus are visiting Stormont where they will take part in a number of events.

The group includes current and former Democrat and Republican senators and members of Congress from across 44 states.

They are holding a panel discussion with representatives of Northern Irelands five largest parties and are also expected to meet business leaders during their visit.

Stormont speaker Alex Maskey said the size of the US visit was a vote of confidence in the devolved institutions.

However, the visit is occurring while the powersharing institutions remain collapsed due to a DUP protest at post-Brexit trading arrangements.

Mr Vos said: We are here now to remind everybody that the strong relationship between Ireland and the United States is unbreakable.

We are here today also to listen. As Americans we need to learn more, to understand all of what has happened in Irelands history.

We are steady, reliable partners going forward.

Asked about the significance of the visit occurring while Stormont was not operating, Mr Vos said: I think the most important thing that American state legislators can do is understand what has happened in the past and to make sure we are active partners in trying to find long-term solutions.

We have got a great opportunity to bring more business here.

Ireland is one of the United States largest trading partners and that is incredibly important to continue to establish stronger economic ties.

He added: We are here to listen and learn. One of the things that I am excited about is we are going to get to hear from all of the people inside and learn about some of the things that are occurring.

But also to continue to emphasise the strong relationship that we have and the strong bond that our two nations will always have.

Montana Democratic Senator Shannon OBrien said: We are very much looking forward to listening and to learning, to find out more about the Good Friday Agreement and how to keep peace.

We have lots of lessons to learn.
[August 23, 2023] Vacation Innovations Returns as Sponsor of the 2023 GNEX-CRTA Conference Tweet

Vacation Innovations continues its support of the Canadian Resort and Travel Association, represented by CPO Sergio Santos as Expo LIVE! speaker ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Vacation Innovations ("VI" or the "Company"), a leading provider of travel-related products, software, and services, today announced its sponsorship of the 2023 GNEX-CRTA Conference. The senior-level vacation industry event will be held at the historic Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, Canada, from August 29-31, 2023. Vacation Innovations has been serving the vacation ownership and travel industries since 1999 and is proud to support the Canadian Resort and Travel Association's (CRTA) second annual conference. Organized by CRTA and the Global Networking Experience (GNEX), the conference is a premier networking event that attracts industry leaders from Canada, the USA, Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond. Sergio Santos, Chief Product Officer of Vacation Innovations, will speak as part of the event's Expo LIVE! segment. "Were thrilled to continue our support of CRTA and are excited for a productive week of meaningful conversations alongside global industry leaders," said Santos. "Our primary focus remains crafting customized solutions for our valued industry partners, and I'm looking forward to showcasing how our innovative strategies and adaptable product offerings can significantly elevate customer loyalty for our resort partners."



Vacation Innovations is focused on driving value for its industry partners through a diverse suite of brands, products, services, and technology, working closely with its clients to tailor custom loyalty products that seamlessly integrate with existing products and sales processes. "We value the important role CRTA plays in the industry and our team is looking forward to deepening our connections at this year's conference," said Bryan Rand, President of Vacation Innovations. "Our organization is built around providing innovative solutions for complex challenges within the industry, and the feedback we receive at these events is critical to ensuring we better understand the evolving needs of the industry."

Vacation Innovations is represented on the CRTA Board of Directors by Alex Glover, Director of Communications. In addition to its involvement with CRTA, the Company maintains significant involvement throughout the industry and holds membership, either directly or through its family of brands, in the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), Asociacion Mexicana de Desarrolladores Turisticos (AMDETUR), and Cooperative Association of Resort Exchangers (C.A.R.E.). For more information on the event and to book tickets, visit https://gnexcanada.com/register. About Vacation Innovations

Founded in 1999, Vacation Innovations (vacationinnovations.com) is a leading provider of travel-related products, software and services. Leveraging advanced digital marketing strategies, sophisticated software solutions, and decades of experience in vacation ownership, VI brings new vacation opportunities to a diverse audience of novice and seasoned travelers alike. The Vacation Innovations family of brands offers a wide range of travel services, including simplified resort rentals, online advertising and marketing products for by-owner timeshare sales and rentals, licensed timeshare brokerage and title transfer services, as well as customized owner services, tour generation, and product solutions for timeshare resorts, resort developers, HOAs and timeshare management companies. VI has been recognized with the 2022 ARDA Award for Business Administration or Operations Team and the 2023 GNEX Vacation Industry Awards for Best Technology, Best Industry Leader, and Best Marketing Professional. MEDIA CONTACT:

Alex Glover, Director of Communications

[email protected]

407-205-0120 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vacation-innovations-returns-as-sponsor-of-the-2023-gnex-crta-conference-301908138.html SOURCE Vacation Innovations

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 23, 2023] BOVIET SOLAR TO EXHIBIT AT RE+2023 THIS SEPTEMBER IN LAS VEGAS Tweet

SAN JOSE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Boviet Solar Technology Co. Ltd. (the "Company" or "Boviet Solar"), a leading solar energy technology company specializing in manufacturing Monocrystalline PV cells, Gamma Series Monofacial, and Vega Series Bifacial PV Modules, will exhibit at the largest clean energy event in North America, RE+2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada this September 11-14. "We are looking forward to meeting with our partners and clients during RE+2023." -Sienna Cen. "We are looking forward to meeting with our partners and clients during RE+2023 and conveying new, exiting company developments from manufacturing, technology, and product perspectives," Sienna Cen, President of Boviet Solar USA, said. "It will be an exciting event for Boviet Solar." Boviet Solar has been a Bloomberg New Energy Finance Tier 1 PV Module Manufacturer since 2017. The company offers financial and business stability, technology expertise, manufacturing excellence, top-performing PV modules, and supply chain transparency. Boviet Solar's PV modules are known for their power, performance, and quality, and have been rated as top performers on PVEL's PVModule Reliability Scorecard since 2019.



Boviet Solar's Gamma Series Monofacial and Vega Series Bifacial PV Modules are designed with better- technology in mind, made from robust products components under stringent quality control and high-tech manufacturing processes. PERC, TOPCon half-cut, multi-busbar, and large cell designs enable Boviet Solar to pack in more power per module, capture more photons, produce more energy, and provide reliable, dependable system performance under a wide range of installation requirements and challenging environmental conditions. About Boviet Solar

Founded in 2013 in Vietnam, Boviet Solar, a subsidiary company of Boway Alloy, is a Tier 1 solar technology company that specializes in the manufacturing of Monocrystalline PV cells and Gamma Series Monofacial and Vega Series Bifacial PV modules, as well as solar project development. The company works with IPPs, EPCs, project developers, solar installers, and contractors to deliver top-performing PV modules for utility-scale, commercial, industrial, and residential solar projects. As of 2023, Boviet Solar's annual PV cell and PV module manufacturing capacity is 3.0 GW and it has shipped a total of 4.4 GW since 2013, mainly to the U.S. market. The company offers financial stability, technological know-how, manufacturing excellence, and supply chain transparency. With a proven track record of successfully working with many of the industry's leading players, Boviet Solar has maintained its position as a BloombergNEF Tier 1 solar module manufacturer and supplier since 2017. Boviet Solar's PV Modules are known for their power, performance, and quality and have been rated as top performers on PVEL's PV Module Reliability Scorecard since 2019. Black & Veatch successfully completed an independent audit of Boviet Solar's manufacturing facilities in 2022. Boviet Solar has offices in the United States, Germany, and China, with its global headquarters in Vietnam. For more information, please visit www.bovietsolar.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/boviet-solar-to-exhibit-at-re2023-this-september-in-las-vegas-301907220.html SOURCE Boviet Solar

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 23, 2023] AI Medical Service Inc. Signs Joint Research Agreement with US Leading Cancer Institution Tweet

AI MEDICAL SERVICE INC. (hereinafter AIM), a medical start-up specializing in the development of diagnostic endoscopic AI, has signed a joint research agreement with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), one of the world's top medical research institutes on July 27, 2023. AIM is the first Japanese company*1 to sign a joint research agreement with MSK in the field of gastrointestinal endoscopy AI. 1 As of July 2023, based on our research. Content and Objective of the Joint Research AIM is now working toward receiving regulatory approval in Japan for its endoscopic AI product designed to identify early-stage gastric cancer. Its collaboration with MSK will facilitate joint research to investigate the application of Japanese gastrointestinal endoscopy AI in the United States. Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide, and approximately 26,000 cases of gastric cancer are newly diagnosed in the United States each year. *2 By collaborating with one of the world's leading cancer centers, AIM will explore the potential of using Japanese gastrointestinal endoscopy AI for clinical practice in the United States. 2 International Agency for Research on Cancer "Cancer Today"[Accesse 2023/8/16]



Comment from CEO of AIM, Dr. Tomohiro Tada "I am very pleased that we have established a joint research agreement with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), one of the world's leading cancer research centers. The research will combine our firm's expertise in endoscopic AI with the wisdom and experience of MSK physicians like Dr. Mark A. Schattner and Dr. Makoto Nishimura to improve the diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancers in the United States. Our company will also utilize this collaborative research to accelerate our regulatory efforts in the United States, further advancing our mission to 'Save Lives All Over the World.'"

Comment from Dr. Mark A. Schattner "We are very excited to partner with AIM on this exciting project. Early detection of gastric cancer is a critical unmet need that has the potential to offer very significant clinical benefit to patients. The image processing and analysis developed by AIM is very promising and we look forward to refining it and incorporating it into clinical care to improve our patients' outcomes," said Mark Schattner, MD, FASGE, AGAF, Chief of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Service, MSK. About AI Medical Service Inc. AI Medical Service (AIM) is a Tokyo-based med-tech company established with the mission to "Save Lives All Over the World." Japan leads the world in endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, providing firms and researchers with access to large amounts of high-quality data. AIM is the leading player in the field of endoscopic AI, engaging in joint research with more than 100 medical institutions. By bringing endoscopic AI to the real-world clinical setting as soon as possible, AIM aims to reduce the number of missed cancer diagnoses and save lives around the world. About CEO of AIM Tomohiro TADA, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Tomohiro TADA is the CEO of AI Medical Service Inc., the chairperson of Tada Tomohiro The Institute of Gastroenterology & Proctology as well as Visiting Lecturer, Department of Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, the University of Tokyo Hospital.

Dr. TADA received his M.D. of school of medicine in 1996 and Ph.D. of department of surgery in 2005 from the University of Tokyo. He trained in Colorectal Surgery at the University of Tokyo Hospital. Related Press Release

https://en.ai-ms.com/news/global View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823590938/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 23, 2023] CyberLogitec signed a contract for ALLEGRO, integrated shipping operation solution, implementation with Japanese shipping liner Kambara Kisen Tweet

SEOUL, South Korea , Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- CyberLogitec, the leading provider of maritime, port/terminal, and logistics operations technologies, announced that the delivery contract with Kambara Kisen Co., Ltd. For four solutions, including ALLEGRO has been officially made on 9th July 2023, and its signing ceremony has been held at CyberLogitec's headquarter on 18th July 2023. Implementing solutions for Kambara Kisen would be the following four solutions: ALLEGRO, which is an integrated shipping operation solution that supports digital transformation, including the adoption of the latest operation system and process, OPUS Stowage Prime, which is added an automated stowage planning function, CARA, which offers schedule sharing that covers strategic cooperation between various shipping lines, sharing slot capacity and decsion making for slot price and SmartLink which includes expanded data integration service.



Kambara Kisen has been using CyberLogitec's OPUS Container, OPUS Stowage, and SmartLink since 2013, and it has decided to renew the implementation of next-generation digital integration solutions of CyberLogitec which are applied the latest processes to respond to international shipping legal obligations which are becoming strict and complicated and needs of the global shipping market. Implementation of contacted ALLEGRO will be completed by MAR 2024, and data integration of four solutions will enhance visibility and efficiency for shipping liners and provide refined and more meaningful data. "It's been almost ten years since Kambara Kisen began coorperating with CyberLogitec. Because of CyberLogitec's excellent product and the dedication of its employees, we could solely concentrate on our work. We also looking forward to having the opportunity to collaborate on your good company's next-generation solutions that have advanced further again in the future." said Toshiki Iwai, Director of the Container Liner department in Kambara Kisen.

"It's a great honor to collaborate again with Kambara Kisen. CyberLogitec provides shipping consulting service to respond rapidly changing market demand based on innovative technology and offers flexible and scalable solutions. Our solutions are expected to contribute to Kambara Kisen to provide enhanced customer service and flexible operation management." said Sung Jun Kim, Vice President of Solution Operation Group in CyberLogitec. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/cyberlogitec-signed-a-contract-for-allegro-integrated-shipping-operation-solution-implementation-with-japanese-shipping-liner-kambara-kisen-301907482.html SOURCE CyberLogitec

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 23, 2023] Sony Semiconductor Solutions to Release Large-Size, High-Definition 1.3-type 4K* OLED Microdisplay That Reproduces Realistic Spaces Enhancing the Experiential Value of VR and AR Head-Mounted Displays Tweet

ATSUGI, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation (SSS) announced the upcoming release of the ECX344A, a large-size, high-definition 1.3-type OLED Microdisplay with 4K resolution*1 which will allow for greater photo-realistic VR and AR experiences. The new OLED Microdisplay is mainly intended for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) head-mounted display applications. It delivers 4K resolution with a 1.3-type large-size display by employing miniaturization processes that SSS has achieved while developing camera electronic viewfinders (EVFs), as well as its own pixel drive circuits. A new high-speed driver circuit is included in the microdisplay to enable a high frame rate even at 4K resolution, allowing for smooth image quality with an enhanced sense of reality. Moreover, SSS's original pixel structure makes it possible to achieve both a wide color gamut and high luminance performance. By providing this new microdisplay, SSS will help support new experiences with VR/AR head-mounted displays that deliver an incredible sense of reality immersion.







Model name Availability (*for

Japan markets) MSRP

(excluding tax) ECX344A 1.3-type 4K (3,552  3,840)

OLED Microdisplay Winter 2023* 150,000 yen

Main Features  Smooth image quality at 4K resolution thanks to original miniaturization process and pixel drive circuit

At higher resolutions and pixel counts, display devices typically show variations in characteristics such as luminance across individual pixels, resulting in image quality degradation. This new microdisplay, however, is made with optimized manufacturing processes and transistor layout, and also features a unique variation compensation circuit. This design helps address transistor characteristic variations, delivering uniform luminance even at 4K resolution to ensure excellent image quality. This new microdisplay also employs a new high-speed driver circuit which delivers smooth moving images at a frame rate of up to 90 fps. Integrating this kind of high-quality performance onto a 1.3-type, large-size microdisplay allows for imaging with wider viewing angles on targeted products.  Wide color gamut and high luminance thanks to original pixel structure

With conventional technologies, there was a tradeoff between color gamut and luminance performance, but the new microdisplay solves this by employing an original pixel structure that offers improved light-use efficiency while still expanding the color gamut. This design enables not only a wide color gamut that covers up to 96% of DCI-P3*2 color space but also a high luminance level, delivering a more immersive experience with realistic images when combined with high-definition pixel design.  Enhancing the characteristics and functions required by the targeted products

The new microdisplay features the following expanded characteristics and functionality specifically designed to improve the experiential value of VR/AR head-mounted displays. When looking at the surrounding scenery in virtual spaces, latency and residual images can disturb the sense of immersion, making the brain feel like something is out of place. To provide smooth, clear graphics with minimal residual images, this microdisplay delivers up to a 90-fps frame rate and shortens the image illumination time by 1/5 (20% duty drive) compared to an existing product. *3 Meanwhile, it employs SSS's original technology to offer a 5,000 cd/m 2 high luminance level, helping to achieve a brightness of 1,000 cd/m 2 even with 20% duty drive, which is typically required by the targeted products, thereby ensuring both reasonable brightness and reduced residual images.





Meanwhile, it employs SSS's original technology to offer a 5,000 cd/m high luminance level, helping to achieve a brightness of 1,000 cd/m even with 20% duty drive, which is typically required by the targeted products, thereby ensuring both reasonable brightness and reduced residual images. To display in 4K resolution, the targeted products employing this microdisplay must have high-level data processing capabilities. To reduce this workload, the microdisplay offers three display modes that can be selected to suit the application.

resolution, the targeted products employing this microdisplay must have high-level data processing capabilities. To reduce this workload, the microdisplay offers three display modes that can be selected to suit the application. Normal mode: Displays 4K resolution input data, as is.

resolution input data, as is.

Upscale mode: Upscales 2K to 2.5K resolution input data to 4K for display. Lowering the amount of input data reduces the data processing workload of the product on which the microdisplay is used. It also reduces the need for the product to have high-level data processing capabilities, making it possible to support a wide range of application processors.

to resolution input data to for display. Lowering the amount of input data reduces the data processing workload of the product on which the microdisplay is used. It also reduces the need for the product to have high-level data processing capabilities, making it possible to support a wide range of application processors.

Foveated scan mode: Displays images in the center of the human range of vision at high resolution, lowering the rendering resolution toward the outer edges of vision. This helps maintain a sense of visual immersion while reducing the amount of transferred data by approximately 60%*4, reducing the workload of the image processor on the product using the microdisplay. Related Links OLED Microdisplay technology information:

https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/technology/display/oled-high-resolution.html Applications using OLED Microdisplay:

https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/application/electronics/arvr.html Key Specifications Model name ECX344A Display size 1.3-type (33.0 mm diagonal) Resolution (horizontal x vertical) 4K (3,552  3,840) Pixel pitch 6.3 m Maximum frame rate Up to 90 fps Video interface MIPI? D-PHY Maximum luminance (20%

duty drive) 1,000 cd/m2 Contrast 100,000:1 or higher Color gamut DCI-P3 coverage ratio: Up to 96% Note: All product and service names that appear in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. About Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and the global leader in image sensors. Our semiconductor business also includes a variety of other parts including microdisplays, LSIs, and laser diodes. We strive to provide advanced imaging technologies that bring greater convenience and fun to people's lives. In addition, we also work to develop and bring to market new kinds of sensing technologies with the aim of offering various solutions that will take the visual and recognition capabilities of both human and machines to greater heights. For more information, please visit https://www.sony-semicon.com/en/index.html *1 3,552 horizontal pixels x 3,840 vertical pixels.

*2 DCI-P3: An RGB color space standard established by Digital Cinema Initiatives, an American consortium that works on standardizing digital cinema systems.

*3 Compared with SSS's ECX339A OLED Microdisplay (0.5-type UXGA (1,600  1,200)).

*4 When foveated scan x 2.5 display mode is selected. Media inquiries: Public Relations, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-semiconductor-solutions-to-release-large-size-high-definition-1-3-type-4k-oled-microdisplay-that-reproduces-realistic-spaces-enhancing-the-experiential-value-of-vr-and-ar-head-mounted-displays-301908652.html SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 23, 2023] Village House Participates in the Establishment of "KAKEHASHI: Support for Foreign Students" to Aid International Students' Accommodation in Japan Tweet

TOYKO, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Village House Management Co., Ltd. has participated in the establishment of "KAKEHASHI: Support for Foreign Students". Leveraging its expertise in providing housing support to foreigners, Village House is committed to helping international students lead a comfortable life in Japan. Strengthening Accommodation Support for Foreigners Village House has been enhancing its support system for foreign tenants by integrating multilingual services and expanding corporate services that accommodate foreign technical intern trainees and specified skilld foreign workers, among others. Utilising its knowledge in property management, Village House provides rental housing search, lease contracts, and customer support in multiple languages, including Vietnamese, English, and Portuguese, suitable for foreign students. Through this participation in KAKEHASHI and collaboration, we will further contribute to supporting international students' accommodation and take on the role of solving housing issues for foreigners.



About KAKEHASHI: Support for Foreign Students KAKEHASHI was established with the goal of becoming a bridge between international students and Japan. We provide total support for international students, from lifestyle to work and accommodation, to help them lead a comfortable life in Japan. Through the development of a better support system, we aim to become a "nation chosen by international students, actively inviting them" into the future.

About Village House Village House provides rental housing nationwide, available at low prices and with simple contract procedures. Starting from as low as 20,000 yen per month, why not start a comfortable new life with Village House, which offers beneficial move-in support! View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/village-house-participates-in-the-establishment-of-kakehashi-support-for-foreign-students-to-aid-international-students-accommodation-in-japan-301905416.html SOURCE Village House Management Co., Ltd.

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
Foreigners living in Mexico do not allow the countrys serious security problems to undermine their appreciation of its culture and the friendliness of its people. It is these aspects that have made Mexico the best place for expats to live for the 10th consecutive year, according to a survey by the InterNations platform, the worlds largest network for people living abroad. Once again, in 2023, it seems that, despite the constant complaints of locals regarding foreigners triggering price hikes and driving them out of city centers, the foreigners themselves remain overwhelmed by the welcome.

In Mexico, there are 1.17 million people from elsewhere  mostly from the U.S., Venezuela, Guatemala and Spain, according to a Mexican Government survey. And they stay because Mexico is rated the easiest country in which to settle legally, as well as being the friendliest as far as the locals are concerned. In fact, it is unparalleled when it comes to making friends, both with locals (91% compared to 67% globally) and with people from other countries (89% compared to 65% globally).

However, the incomers are not oblivious to the countrys security problems. Mexico is ranked 45th in terms of political stability, and 18% of expats do not feel safe here, a much higher percentage than the global average (8%). Besides the robberies and kidnappings reported by the U.S. State Department, there are other incidents that remain in the collective imagination, such as the death of American Jose Melesio Gutierrez at the hands of drug traffickers. Melesio Gutierrez disappeared last Christmas when he went to visit his future wifes family in Zacatecas and was fatally attacked along with three others on the highway.

The InterNations survey involved 12,065 expats of 171 different nationalities living in 172 countries around the world. The majority live in Germany, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Among the most common expat nationalities are Americans, British and Indians.

Mexico was highly rated by those surveyed not only for its friendliness and security concerns but also for its job growth opportunities, fair pay and respect for a decent work-life balance  something many locals would disagree with, given the country has only just introduced 12 annual days of vacation.

According to the survey, Spain comes second to Mexico as an expat destination, though the positive aspects valued by foreigners living in Spain are different. with nightlife and leisure opportunities standing out. Some 88% of expats are happy with the nightlife and 91% are happy with the access to sports. The climate is also a favored factor, although not as much as in Mexico, which ranks second on this score, compared to Spains third place. Foreigners living in Spain do, however, criticize the difficulty finding work with growth opportunities and the lack of local job openings.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
[August 24, 2023] Zinnov, India's homegrown, global management consulting firm, expands its India footprint with a new office in Hyderabad Tweet

HYDERABAD, India, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Zinnov, a global management firm and one of India's earliest homegrown consulting firms, continues to strengthen its presence in India with the opening of its newest office in Hyderabad, Telangana, in July 2023. With this expansion, Zinnov aims to deepen its role as an ecosystem orchestrator and work alongside technology stakeholders in the Hyderabad ecosystem, to help nurture communities that will propel the global digital and technology narrative ahead. Since its inception in 2002, Zinnov has helped over 75 global companies set up their Global Capability Centers (GCCs) to unlock value by enabling cost, innovation, talent, capacity, and capability arbitrage. Over the last 21 years, the firm has set up offices, at all the key GCC hub locations, making Hyderabad, the next logical choice.

Hyderabad's rich Digital and Engineering R&D talent pool, reliable infrastructure, and favorable government policies, make it a natural choice for new GCC setups and center expansions. Hyderabad's skilled talent pool caters o companies across key verticals such as Software & Internet, BFSI, Healthcare, Pharmaceuticals, Semiconductors, and Telecom & Networking. Home to 12% of the total 1580+ GCCs in India, Hyderabad's vibrant start-up ecosystem, a strong university ecosystem, and a tightly-knit technology community have elevated its status as the go-to destination for GCC setups.



Speaking about Zinnov's newest office location, Nilesh Thakker, Managing Partner, Zinnov, commented, "We have been tracking the GCC ecosystem for two decades, and Hyderabad's exponential growth, strong community commitment, and government focus make it extremely unique and a top contender for expansion. Our partnerships with companies, industry bodies, and universities over the last two decades, have given us the confidence to collocate with our customers and contribute to the Hyderabad technology ecosystem in a more symbiotic way. We are excited to be enabling more conversations centered around creating value and providing a platform for exchanging ideas and best practices in the community. We are looking to leverage this expansion to strengthen existing relationships, build new ones, and provide strategic support to the region's growth and innovation." Sri Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Telangana IT Principal Secretary, stated, "Zinnov's expansion into Hyderabad stands as a testament to the city's remarkable technology ecosystem, having attracted MNCs and witnessed exceptional innovation. The Hyderabad technology community will benefit from ecosystem orchestrators such as Zinnov being able to contribute in a much more integral way by driving value-focused conversations and enabling idea exchanges. We believe Zinnov's presence in Hyderabad will enrich our thriving technology landscape."

About Zinnov Zinnov is a global management consulting firm, with core expertise in Product Engineering, Digital Transformation, and Outsourcing Advisory. Since its inception in 2002, Zinnov has successfully consulted with over 250+ Global Fortune 500 customers and provided actionable insights. For more details: www.zinnov.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/694742/2315386/Zinnov_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/zinnov-indias-homegrown-global-management-consulting-firm-expands-its-india-footprint-with-a-new-office-in-hyderabad-301908492.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] GHX Announces Global Expansion in India, Appoints Swastik Bihani as Managing Director and Country Head Tweet

By expanding its global delivery footprint, GHX accelerates innovation and keeps customer experience at the core HYDERABAD, India, Aug. 24, 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. "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 got 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.

GHX's chief customer experience officer, Chrystie Leonard met with the Minister for IT, Industries and Municipal Administration of Telangana, Kalvakuntla Taraka (K.T.) Rama Rao, yesterday to discuss the company's vision for healthcare's future and its strategic growth plans in India. Also in attendance were Jayesh Ranjan IAS, Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department and Shakthi M Nagappan, Director Lifesciences, Government of Telangana. "Hyderabad offers a mix of a skilled workforce, strong healthcare and IT infrastructure, government support, and significant cost advantages, making it an attractive destination for healthcare technology companies looking to invest and grow in India. We will continue to develop the ecosystem and grow Hyderabad as the Health-Tech Mecca of the world," said Rama Rao. 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

[email protected] View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/ghx-announces-global-expansion-in-india-appoints-swastik-bihani-as-managing-director-and-country-head-301908448.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] B2C2 Boosts European Presence with Woorton Acquisition Tweet

B2C2, the leading crypto liquidity provider servicing institutional clients globally, has successfully completed the acquisition of Woorton, the European leader in market making and over the counter transactions in the digital asset industry. This strategic move marks B2C2's commitment to enhance client coverage and with the incoming MiCA (Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation) regulations, B2C2 will have the opportunity to service clients in the EU (European Union) jurisdiction as well as unlocking client growth opportunities outside the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific and United States of America. The acquisition grants B2C2 access to Woorton's PSAN (prestataires de services sur actifs numeriques) License, regulated by the AMF (Autorite des Marches Financiers), authorising B2C2 to operate inside the EU. Founded in 2017, Woorton supports an active client base of nearly 250 clients trading 96 coins and 24/7 liquidity provision. The business has strong ongoing regulatory engagement and is a co-founder of ADAN (Association for the Development of Crypto-Assets), a new initiative to maintain a dialogue between the digital asset industry and policymakers and is an active participant in drafting the regulatory framework applied to digital assets in France. It has been instrumental in founding Paris Blockchain Week which gathers over 5,000 attendees and 170 speakers from all over the world for a week-long sries of events on blockchain and digital assets.



Charlie Meraud, CEO of Woorton commented: "In joining forces with B2C2 we bring together the complementary strengths of our two firms. With a stronger combined platform, our customer base will enjoy access to a more robust liquidity pool and an improved market presence. We will better support our clients in providing the best liquidity and trading experience in digital assets and are thrilled to join Nicola, Thomas and the team." Nicola White, CEO of B2C2 said, "This acquisition is an important milestone in the ongoing journey of B2C2's growth and evolution. We welcome joining forces with Woorton's expert team who, with their collective experience, have built a first rate digital assets market making firm supported by a robust client base and strong regulatory standing. We are excited about the possibilities that this acquisition unlocks for B2C2 and our client base in the EU."

Thomas Restout, Head of EMEA at B2C2 said "Woorton is an innovative and forward-thinking firm which has an excellent cultural fit with B2C2 and with shared values, risk frameworks, operational practices. Like us, the team has a TradFi background but with the same crypto and digital assets laser focus. Together we are a combination of highly complementary businesses that deliver multi asset breadth and depth to clients in the EU market." About B2C2 More than just a liquidity provider, B2C2 is a digital asset pioneer building the ecosystem of the future. The firm has unlocked institutional access to crypto by providing reliable liquidity across market conditions. B2C2's success is built on crypto native technology and continuous product innovation, making it the partner of choice for diverse institutions globally. Founded in 2015 and majority owned by Japanese financial group, SBI, B2C2 Ltd is headquartered in the UK, with offices in the US and Japan. B2C2 Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 07995888 with its registered office at 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE. B2C2 Ltd is the parent company of the B2C2 group of companies. Products may be provided by different members of the B2C2 group of companies, depending on the jurisdiction of the client and the regulatory status of the product and/or B2C2 group member. B2C2 is a registered trademark. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823454816/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] UST Achieves Impressive Agility Rating and Earns Coveted Certified Agile Organization Status Tweet

~Prestigious certification confirms UST's dedication to innovation and business agility~ BENGALURU, India, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading digital transformation solutions company, has today announced it has achieved an impressive agility rating from the prestigious Business Agility Institute (BAI). UST was awarded the status of Certified Agile Organization, positioning itself among the top-performing professional services organizations to receive this esteemed recognition. BAI's rigorous evaluation process considers a wide range of factors including agile mindset and culture, autonomy and ownership, diversity, equity and inclusion, psychological safety, professional development, global vision, client-focused services and business operations and quality. UST's success can be attributed to its: Dedication to agility at all levels, from top management to frontline employees. Agility in adapting to unique client needs and evolving market demands by delivering client-focused services. Active encouragement and support for innovation and continuous improvement initiatives. Corporate agility teams and the role they have played in driving innovation, managing risks, and streamlining operations to achieve higher agility. Company's clear vision and mission, aligned with embracing agility as a strategic approach. With this recognition from BAI, UST will bolster its reputation as a leading global digital transformation solutions provider, positioning the company as an innovative and agile player in the consulting market. The certification will also make UST an attractive destination for top talent seeking to work in a dynamic and agile environment, as well as providing a competitive edge over other consulting firms thanks to the company's ability to navigate complex challenges and deliver exceptional resuts.



"I commend UST on its progress in attaining a remarkable level of corporate agility. It is important to embrace agility in an unpredictable market, and UST has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to innovation and client-focused services," said Evan Leybourn, Cofounder, Business Agility Institute. "UST continues to uphold an unwavering commitment to enhancing agility to facilitate global operations and provide unparalleled service to its customers globally. The organization places a great emphasis on continuous improvement, servant leadership, and business agility models in guiding its journey toward enterprise agility. We have had remarkable success with our business agility teams, who through their dedication, have skillfully managed risks and driven innovation, ensuring comprehensive development for sustained excellence," said Omar Velasco, VP of Business Agility, UST.

UST's professionalism and agility enabled it to respond promptly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, underlining its ability to thrive in dynamic environments. The organization's ability to maintain seamless global operations and deliver top-notch services during testing times testifies to its resilience and adaptability. The Certified Agile Organization status aligns with UST's vision of becoming a transformative force in the global digital landscape, empowering businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving world. With this certification, UST is better equipped to lead its clients in over 30 countries through digital disruption and create a boundless impact in the lives of billions. About BAI The Business Agility Institute is a global research & advocacy organization for business agility. As a fiercely independent organization, BAI supports the next generation of companies. BAI drives industry change through applied research, pragmatic guidance, and establishing networks of individuals and organizations. Its goal is to ensure your success, no matter what the future brings. About UST For more than 23 years, UST has worked side by side with the world's best companies to make a real impact through transformation. Powered by technology, inspired by people, and led by our purpose, we partner with our clients from design to operation. Through our nimble approach, we identify their core challenges, and craft disruptive solutions that bring their vision to life. With deep domain expertise and a future-proof philosophy, we embed innovation and agility into our clients' organizations-delivering measurable value and lasting change across industries, and around the world. Together, with over 30,000 employees in 30+ countries, we build for boundless impact-touching billions of lives in the process. Visit us at www.UST.com Media Contacts, UST:

Tinu Cherian Abraham

+1 (949) 415-9857 Merrick Laravea

+1 (949) 416-6212 Neha Misri

+91-9284726602 Roshni Das K

+91 7736795557

[email protected] Media Contacts, U.S.:

S&C PR

+1-646.941.9139

[email protected] Makovsky

[email protected] Media Contacts, U.K.:

FTI Consulting

[email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1422658/UST_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/ust-achieves-impressive-agility-rating-and-earns-coveted-certified-agile-organization-status-301907975.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Oxford Nanopore announces education collaboration with Cold Spring Harbor DNA Learning Center and launches pilot accessible sequencing education programme Tweet

Oxford Nanopore Technologies (Oxford Nanopore) today announced the launch of "Education beta", its pilot education programme and the first of its kind in the world delivering nanopore sequencing into the global education sector, with the aim to increase life science literacy for the next generation. The pilot will include up to 50 scientists wishing to use sequencing for scientific education in high school or undergraduate settings. In addition, a collaboration has been agreed between Oxford Nanopore and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory DNA Learning Center (DNALC) for the development of accessible educational infrastructure that has the potential to make in-classroom DNA sequencing routine for university and pre-university educators. The DNALC is a world-leading genetics educator, established over three decades ago as the world's first science centre devoted entirely to public genetics education. Whilst located predominantly in Cold Spring Harbor, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Sleepy Hollow, New York, an additional 20 science centres globally have been modeled on or licensed to deliver DNALC educational products. Intended collaborations focus on optimising educational tools that integrate Oxford Nanopore's uniquely accessible DNA sequencing technology. This includes updating of the DNALC's DNA Subway bioinformatics platform for mobile nanopore sequence analysis, and integration of nanopore sequencing into both national and international educator training - with a prioritisation for educators at institutions serving historically excluded students. Gordon Sanghera, CEO, Oxford Nanopore Technologies, commented: "We designed the MinION to be affordable and accessible so that anyone, anywhere could be empowered to understand biology. The next generation of scientists have profound challenges to solve - and biological sciences can help. With the MinION in their hands they are encouraged to understand more about science, to ask questions of the world around them and generate answers and solutions not previously possible. I am thrilled that we are launching our pilot community programme and working alongside the Cold Spring Harbor team who bring their unrivalled experience to bear with the passion we collaboratively share for education." David Micklos, founder and Executive Director DNALC: "Implementing on-demand DNA sequencing in schools and universities is one of the greatest unmet needs in bioscience education today. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is proud to work with Oxford Nanopore to meet this challenge." This agreement comes alongside the launch of Education Beta from Oxford Nanopore, a new programme designed to enable and amplify the efforts of educators in the existing nanopore sequencing community. For years now, progressive scientific educators have been aligning nanopore sequencing with their pedagogical aims, enabling students from high school age to undergraduate to investigate the world around them. Notable examples include: The Daffodil DNA Project, initiated by Jon Hale on the island of Jersey in conjunction with the University of Dundee1,2,3 The varied student investigations facilitated by Dan Shay, teacher and Science Curriculum Director at North Central High School, Spokane4,5 The coordinated, collaborative sequencing of Dermaptera species acoss Chile by the School Earwig Genome Consortium6 Dr Reindert Nijland's use of the technology with ecology undergraduates at Wageningen University7



8 along with additional work on local biodiversity and global issues in bioethics9. Under the Education Beta programme a new community will be built to bring individuals together, give access to education-based pricing for a focused range of products, and facilitate a peer-to-peer network to develop further ideas for nanopore sequencing in education at undergraduate level and below.

About Oxford Nanopore Technologies Oxford Nanopore Technologies' goal is to bring the widest benefits to society through enabling the analysis of anything, by anyone, anywhere. The company has developed a new generation of nanopore-based sensing technology for real-time, high-performance, accessible and scalable analysis of DNA and RNA. The technology is used in more than 120 countries to understand the biology of humans and diseases such as cancer, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses and whole environments. Oxford Nanopore Technologies products are intended for molecular biology applications and are not intended for diagnostic purposes. www.nanoporetech.com References https://www.ocr.org.uk/blog/developing-a-connected-approach-to-a-level-biology-a-through-the-daffodil-dna-project/ https://ecoevocommunity.nature.com/posts/taking-daffodil-dna-sequencing-to-the-public https://www.nature.com/articles/s41437-020-00370-0 https://believeinme.news/why-its-so-important-to-have-girls-in-stem-education/ https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2021/apr/12/meet-the-north-central-high-school-science-teacher/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9935246/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_W326_3Dc0 https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2022/03/10/classrooms-across-state-students-are-helping-hawaii-track-covid-variants/ https://bigislandnow.com/2023/06/26/%ca%bbiolani-school-brings-cutting-edge-genome-science-to-hilo-high/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824945997/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] LONGi holds a successful workshop unveiling its advanced solar technologies in Jordan Tweet

AMMAN, Jordan, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- LONGi, the world leading solar technology company, held a workshop in Jordan with its partner Middle East Solar Stores. This event was under the theme "Advanced Technologies on Solar Systems". Experts, researchers, and solar installers came to learn about new solar technologies and how they can help the energy transition in Jordan. The event took place in Amman, Jordan where professionals from the solar energy sector congregated to discuss the most recent advancements in solar photovoltaic technologies. Collaboratively, the LONGi team joined forces with esteemed solar specialists and installers from Jordan, uniting under a shared objective: the enhancement of solar technologies within the Jordanian landscape. Strides of considerable magnitude have been taken by Jordan in the realm of renewable energy, with a resolute aim of attaining a 50% energy share sourced from renewables by the year 2030. In pursuit of this objective, LONGi assumes a pivotal role, actively contributing to the realization of this ambition through the provision of solar energy solutions. During the workshop sessions, attendees were educated by LONGi's experts on te products in solar market: the Hi-MO 6 modules. A primary focus was placed on the Hi-MO 6 module, which has been purposefully designed for the worldwide distributed consumer market. Leveraging LONGi's advanced high-efficiency HPBC cell technology, the Hi-MO 6 module attains an impressive peak efficiency of 22.8% during mass production. Crafted to cater to the diverse requirements of clients, the Hi-MO 6 not only offers heightened efficiency, safety, and visual appeal but also demonstrates exceptional performance in scenarios characterized by elevated temperatures and reduced sunlight exposure. Furthermore, modules featuring the HPBC cell technology exhibit superior power retention even as they age. Notably, in extensive global power generation simulations, the Hi-MO 6 modules have exhibited a substantial power generation superiority when compared to alternative products.



LONGi remains dedicated to bolstering solar photovoltaic endeavors in Jordan. The workshop yielded remarkable success, exemplifying LONGi's relentless commitment to elevating solar technology to new heights. This significant event marks a stride towards a cleaner and more promising future, symbolizing LONGi's resolute efforts to contribute positively to the betterment of our collective environment.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193338/image_821075_13075310.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2193337/image_821075_13075498.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1862722/LONGi_new_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/longi-holds-a-successful-workshop-unveiling-its-advanced-solar-technologies-in-jordan-301909037.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Pelago Expands Its Services to Indonesia, Empowering Indonesian Travellers to Embrace New Experiences and Explore the World Tweet

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Aug. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Pelago, the travel experience platform by Singapore Airlines, is excited to announce its official launch in Indonesia. Launched in 2021, Pelago has gained recognition for extending Singapore Airlines' renowned world-class service from the skies to the ground. Pelago ensures that customers can expect the same trust, excellence, and world-class service quality when it comes to at-destination experiences. Now, Pelago is expanding its services to the Indonesian consumer. In line with its dedication to a seamless experience, Pelago also introduces Indonesian customer service to facilitate interaction for the valued Indonesian customers. This localised support ensures that Indonesian customers can engage with Pelago conveniently. With an extensive selection of over 8,900 activities and attractions across 1,300+ destinations spanning 62 countries globally, Pelago offers an array of adventures, from healing experiences and explorations of iconic landmarks to the discovery of hidden gems, savouring local culinary delights, indulging in favourite theme parks or K-Pop places, and engaging in cultral immersions like wearing a kimono beneath the blossoming cherry trees. For the thrill-seekers, we offer heart-pounding experiences like bungee-jumping and skydiving, alongside exquisite dining opportunities with a world-class service - all seamlessly accessible through a single, unified platform.



To enhance customers' journey, new users can utilise the voucher code "PELAGOWELCOME10" to enjoy a 10% discount on their first transaction. Pelago wants to spark customers' imagination and make them think about new travel ideas. To bring this vision to life, Pelago is launching a special campaign called "Never Have I Ever" to encourage customers to step outside the comfort zone and try new things. This campaign will feature influencers and involve customers, the audience. Customers will have the chance to share their own "Never Have I Ever" travel moments, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and adventure among fellow travellers.

"We believe that true growth and unforgettable experiences happen when we venture beyond what is familiar," said Stella Setyiadi, Marketing Lead (Indonesia) at Pelago. Join Pelago in celebrating the launch and discover a world of exciting possibilities. To learn more about Pelago offerings, explore the vast array of activities, and start planning a next adventure, visit www.pelago.co or follow Pelago on Instagram @discoverpelago.id or Tiktok @discoverpelago.id For media inquiries, please contact:

Stella Setyiadi

Marketing Lead (Indonesia)

[email protected] About Pelago Launched in 2021, Pelago is a travel experience platform by Singapore Airlines that connects flying passengers to at-destination experiences. Extending Singapore Airlines' experience from the skies to the ground, customers can expect the same trust and world class service quality with Pelago. As a part of the Singapore Airlines family, travellers are able to earn or use their miles on every booking on Pelago. For more information, please visit www.pelago.co. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/pelago-expands-its-services-to-indonesia-empowering-indonesian-travellers-to-embrace-new-experiences-and-explore-the-world-301909053.html SOURCE Pelago Indonesia

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Redaptive Secures $125M Financing from Deutsche Bank to Deploy Energy-As-A-Service Solutions for Sustainability Programs Tweet

Securitization style warehouse facility will expand deployment of Redaptive's metering, energy saving, and energy generating projects DENVER, Aug. 24, 2023 /CNW/ -- Redaptive, Inc., the Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) leader, has announced it secured $125 million in financing from Deutsche Bank's US Private Credit & Infrastructure group to help accelerate metering, HVAC, solar, LED, EV, and other efficiency and sustainability solutions. The warehouse facility provided by Deutsche Bank will securitize Redaptive's diverse portfolio of customer contracts allowing Redaptive to provide customers with the most competitive pricing for EaaS and data offerings. Redaptive helps major corporations achieve net zero goals through fully-funded end-to-end energy-saving and renewable upgrades with their EaaS offering . The company also tracks and analyzes building performance and consumption of water, gas, and energy for ESG reporting for customer building portfolios via their metering platform - Redptive ONE .



Deutsche Bank AG, New York Branch has been selected as facility agent and Deutsche Bank Trust & Agency ABS and Document Custody Services team has been selected as account bank and verification agent on this $125 million committed warehouse facility for Redaptive. "We're excited to partner with Deutsche Bank to further entrench Redaptive's leadership position in the Energy-as-a-Service market," said Redaptive CFO Matt Gembrin. "This partnership expands our ability to offer competitive solutions to help companies reach net zero and lower their carbon footprint."

Jeremy Eisman, Head of Infrastructure & Energy Finance for the Americas, Deutsche Bank said, "We are proud to partner with Redaptive to accelerate the implementation of their sustainability solutions and further support our shared net-zero ambitions." The World Green Building Council estimates that almost 30% of global carbon emissions come from heating and powering buildings. EaaS and metering solutions like Redaptive's can achieve energy and financial savings faster with speed-to-scale implementation and help companies meet new energy efficiency regulations and ESG goals. About Redaptive Redaptive is a leading Energy-as-a-Service provider that funds and installs energy-saving and energy-generating equipment. Redaptive's programs help many of the world's most sophisticated organizations reduce energy waste, optimize cost, lower carbon emissions, and meet their sustainability goals across their entire real estate portfolios. With Redaptive, customers can overcome capital and resource barriers to achieve energy-saving benefits quickly, all with continuous data powered by Redaptive's proprietary metering technology. Redaptive was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. For more information, visit: Redaptive.com. About Deutsche Bank Deutsche Bank provides retail and private banking, corporate and transaction banking, lending, asset and wealth management products and services as well as focused investment banking to private individuals, small and medium-sized companies, corporations, governments and institutional investors. Deutsche Bank is the leading bank in Germany with strong European roots and a global network. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/redaptive-secures-125m-financing-from-deutsche-bank-to-deploy-energy-as-a-service-solutions-for-sustainability-programs-301908726.html SOURCE Redaptive

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Recce Pharmaceuticals Doses Patients in Phase I/II Clinical Trial of RECCE 327 for Diabetic Foot Infections Tweet

Patients dosed in Phase I/II trial, evaluating RECCE  327 (R327) in patients with diabetic foot infections (DFI), currently the largest DFI study in Australia 1



327 (R327) in patients with diabetic foot infections (DFI), currently the largest DFI study in Australia Clinical trial is underway at South West Sydney Limb Preservation and Wound Research Unit located at Liverpool Hospital NSW, with daily dose visitations of out-patient nurses

Interim data readouts are expected later this quarter (Q3 CY23)

SYDNEY Australia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: RCE, FSE: R9Q) (the Company), the Company developing a new class of synthetic anti-infectives, is pleased to announce it dosed patients in a Phase I/II clinical trial, evaluating the safety and efficacy of its lead anti-infective candidate, RECCE 327 (R327), for the treatment of diabetic foot infections (DFI). The trial is underway at Liverpool Hospitals South Wests Sydney Limb Preservation and Wound Research Unit. The topical dosing of R327 in multiple patients in Australias largest DFI study is another welcomed advance to the Companys infectious disease portfolio of clinical programs, said James Graham, Chief Executive Officer of Recce Pharmaceuticals. The Phase I/II clinical trial is a prospective, interventional study assessing the safety and efficacy of R327 as a topical broad-spectrum anti-infective, dosed daily over 14 days as a potential treatment for patients with mild skin and soft tissue DFIs. Each year the High-Risk Foot Service (HRFS) at Liverpool Hospital manages approximately 800 patients presenting with complex foot disease, with over 80% occurring in people with diabetes. The study is supported by out-patient (at home) nurses trained in R327 treatment protocols for DFIs, ensuring daily dosing, and wound health, while capturing a broadened patient population. Diabetes is the leading cause of non-traumatic lower extremity amputations in the United States (U.S.), with 14-24% of patients with diabetes who develop a foot ulcer requiring amputation. Furthermore, foot ulceration leads to 85% of diabetes-related amputations.2 Treating diabetic foot diseases in the U.S. costs $9-13 billion every year.3 More information on this trial can be found at the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR) under the trial ID ACTRN12623000056695  Proof of concept study of RECE 327 topical anti-infective therapy for mild skin and soft tissue diabetes foot infections (DFIs).



About Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: RCE, FSE: R9Q) is developing a New Class of Synthetic Anti-Infectives designed to address the urgent global health problems of antibiotic-resistant superbugs and emerging viral pathogens. Recces anti-infective pipeline includes three patented, broad-spectrum, synthetic polymer anti-infectives: RECCE 327 as an intravenous and topical therapy that is being developed for the treatment of serious and potentially life-threatening infections due to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including their superbug forms; RECCE 435 as an orally administered therapy for bacterial infections; and RECCE 529 for viral infections. Through their multi-layered mechanisms of action, Recces anti-infectives have the potential to overcome the hypercellular mutation of bacteria and viruses  the challenge of all existing antibiotics to date.

The FDA has awarded RECCE 327 Qualified Infectious Disease Product designation under the Generating Antibiotic Initiatives Now (GAIN) Act  labelling it for Fast Track Designation, plus 10 years of market exclusivity post approval. Further to this designation, RECCE 327 has been included on The Pew Charitable Trusts Global New Antibiotics in Development Pipeline as the worlds only synthetic polymer and sepsis drug candidate in development. RECCE 327 is not yet market approved for use in humans with further clinical testing required to fully evaluate safety and efficacy. Recce wholly owns its automated manufacturing, which is supporting present clinical trials. Recces anti-infective pipeline seeks to exploit the unique capabilities of its technologies targeting synergistic, unmet medical needs. Corporate Contact

James Graham

Recce Pharmaceuticals Ltd

+61 (02) 9256 2571

[email protected] Media & Investor Relations (AU)

Andrew Geddes

CityPR

+61 (02) 9267 4511

[email protected] Media (USA)

Jordyn Temperato

LifeSci Communications

[email protected] Investor Relations (USA & EU)

Guillame van Renterghem

LifeSci Advisors

[email protected] 1 https://www.anzctr.org.au  DFI Clinical Trials

2 https://surgery.ucsf.edu/conditions--procedures/diabetic-foot-ulcers.aspx

3 Zhang P. et al.  Global epidemiology of diabetic foot ulceration: A systematic review and meta-analysis (dagger) - Ann. Med. 2017;49:106116.



[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Tina Wells Reimagines Fashion Travel with the Launch of Trendy, Work-Life Luggage and Travel Accessories Brand Tweet

Tina Wells has launched WNDR LN - a luggage and travel accessories brand for travelers that blends fashion and functionality. NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Business Strategist, Serial Entrepreneur, Author, and the Founder of RLVNT Media, Tina Wells, is making headlines again with the launch of a new travel fashion brand WNDR LN, for women looking to elevate their travel accessories. Recognized by Fast Company's 100 Most Creative People in Business and Essence's 40 Under 40, Wells is passionate about infusing elevation in all that she does. As a seasoned traveler, who racks up over 100,000 miles per year, she began to recognize the need for inclusivity in the travel industry. It was then that she embarked on a mission to create a travel accessories brand that was fashionable, functional, and inclusive. She said: "The more I traveled, the more I realized that travel needs innovation. I started building WNDR LN two years ago by tapping into my marketing skills. I started asking questions. What products did I love? What was mising from my travel wardrobe? What did I want to create? And how could I make it inclusive?"



WNDR LN (Wander Lane) is the result of all those questions. The brand offers a range of stylish and functional products that blends style, functionality, and the concept of work-life harmony. The WNDR LN collection includes a carry-on suitcase, an overnighter packing cubes, magnetic, silicon cosmetic bottles, and more. Far from the average travel fashion brand, the WNDR LN collection features fun and exciting designs and patterns that evoke joy and elevate the travel experience. The pieces in the collection are designed to reflect personal style and enable women travelers to transition between work and leisure seamlessly. Over the years, I've worked to launch many brands, but I never thought I'd create my own, said Wells. "I created WNDR LN to equip and inspire travelers with the tools they need to travel, have the right adventures, and create the big life they want."

WNDR LN travel accessories are fashionable, functional, and affordable. At under $150, this collection embodies inclusivity. To mark the inaugural collection, the company has partnered with Evita Robinson, Founder of Nomadness Travel Tribe, as their brand ambassador. Evita is the embodiment of the push for diversity in travel having organized dozens of trips through Nomadness, taking diverse travelers all over the world. Wells is excited about the partnership. Explaining the motivation for appointing Evita as the company's brand ambassador, she said : "Evita is the leading voice in the conversation around diversifying the travel industry and I could think of a better person to partner with on this launch. Moreover, the Mykonos Blue in our Tribal pattern is a nod to the Nomadness Travel Tribe." The WNDR LN collection is available in over 1800 stores this fall and on the brand's website. For further information or to shop the collection, visit: Wndrln.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tina-wells-reimagines-fashion-travel-with-the-launch-of-trendy-work-life-luggage-and-travel-accessories-brand-301908850.html SOURCE WNDR LN

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
The Greek province of Evros, where at least 18 migrants were found burned to death Tuesday in a wave of wildfires ravaging the country, was already a hell on earth for those fleeing their countries in search of a better life in Europe. For more than a decade, countless cases of abuses and violations of the most basic rights against people attempting to cross the territory  where the homonymous river serves as a natural border between Greece and Turkey  have been reported. Beatings, forced deportations, rapes, and illegal detentions have been recorded by human rights organizations. But if the situation for people attempting to reach EU territory was already dangerous, now it has become considerably worse: since the most recent fire broke out last Saturday, groups of local residents have organized themselves into militias to hunt down migrants. It is not the first time such practices have been witnessed, but tensions have been stoked further by the popular belief that they are to blame for the fires.

The chief prosecutor of the Greek Supreme Court, Georgia Adilini, on Wednesday ordered a double investigation to look for possible evidence of an organized plan to provoke the fire  although the police later stated that it had been caused by lightning  and to discover more details about the alarming phenomena of violence against migrants and incitements to racist pogroms.

These investigations have arisen following a video shared on social networks on Tuesday in which a man triumphantly displays the result of what he considers his hunting booty. The man, who is also the alleged author of the recording, opens the hatch of a trailer attached to a van to display an undetermined number of captured men looking confusedly at the camera. Their captor refers to these people as pieces, claims there are 25 of them and that he has hunted them down because they are responsible for the fires. The mountains are full of these, he adds.

Part of the population thinks that the fires are the fault of the migrants and thats why they chase them, explains Lefteris Papayannakis, director of the Greek Institute for Refugees, in an interview with EL PAIS. They function as a militia; they arrest them on their own account and use violence against them.

The owner of the vehicle and suspected author of the video, a resident of the province of Albanian origin, and two other people of Greek nationality were arrested Wednesday. But Vassilis Kerasiotis, director of the NGO HIAS Greece and a lawyer specializing in migration, says that these militias are far from a one-off phenomenon and are organized with absolute impunity because the authorities prefer to look the other way. There is tolerance on the part of the authorities, thats why they feel they can freely publicize these criminal acts, he adds. Obviously, when a criminal act occurs, the authorities must react. Thats why they have arrested them, he insists.

Its frightening how openly accepted hostility against migrants is in a certain part of society, says a spokesman for Alarm Phone, an organization dedicated to receiving messages from migrants in distress throughout the Mediterranean area and passing them on to the relevant authorities.

Appeals to chase and capture migrants are spread through messages on social networks such as Facebook, X or TikTok. The video of the Albanian citizen showing the result of his hunt was uploaded to a channel on the Viber messaging network, with 240 members. Another recording released Wednesday shows a man dressed in military attire instructing several dozen residents of Evros to organize another pogrom. Whoever can, start patrolling [...] But Im going to ask you, no guns, no knives, or youre going to get in trouble. Its illegal. You will be arrested, he says.

Before the video of the illegally detained migrants appeared, Paris Papadakis, deputy of the far-right Greek Solution party for the province of Evros, published another inflammatory tirade in which he accused the migrants of obstructing the work of firefighters and of starting the blaze.

Several left-wing MPs have called for Papadakis to be investigated by the Greek Parliaments Ethics Committee. In his publication, the far-right MP described the situation as a war and called on his fellow citizens to organize raids to arrest illegal migrants in the same way as in March 2020, during the Greek-Turkish border crisis, when the government of Ankara facilitated the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants on the frontier with Evros. At that time, some locals organized themselves into militias to assist the police and the Greek Army in their defense of the border.

Hiding for fear of deportations

Evros was the main entry route to Greece and Europe until 2015 and 2016, when migrants started using boats to reach Aegean islands such as Chios or Lesbos. However, the transit of refugees has never stopped. So far in 2023, around 3,700 migrants have entered Greece via the land route, compared to some 6,000 in total in 2022, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). It is possible that the numbers of those who have made it into Greek territory via Evros is in fact much higher. More than 250,000 illegal entries were prevented at the Evros border during 2022, the Ministry of Citizen Protection said in a statement. Some of that number probably crossed the border but were illegally deported by the Greek authorities, a very common practice in the area despite the fact that it violates both Hellenic and European laws. Various NGOs and human rights organizations have collected testimonies and evidence of about 400 such incidents during the last six years, in which some 20,000 migrants were illegally deported, in most cases with violent methods and having been stripped of their money and belongings.

Between Tuesday and Wednesday, Alarm Phone passed on alerts about four groups comprising hundreds people trapped in the area affected by the wildfires: three of them on islets in the river and another in a wooded area near the town of Sufi. The fact that in the face of a fire people are hiding in the forest instead of trying to get to safety gives an idea of the need they feel to hide for fear of deportations, Vassilis points out.

The Alarm Phone spokesman explains that the authorities contacted them and assured them that they had not found anyone at the indicated points. The organization also adds that on Wednesday, contact was lost with two of the four groups and that only the two larger ones, stranded on islets, remained in contact: one, of about 250 people, had been surrounded by the police. Another, of about 100 people trapped on an islet near the town of Lagina, was rounded up by officers and taken to a detention center. We cannot say much more about the situation [of the groups], but previously, when the authorities claim they cannot find them, what they do is to attack the migrants and return them illegally to Turkey. Its an excuse they often use, says Vassilis.

Groups of civilians hunting for migrants is yet another threat that adds to the already treacherous conditions they face when crossing the border. The route involves a militarized zone where no one is permitted to enter, not even humanitarian aid organizations. They use the dense forests to hide for indeterminate periods of time during which they have no access to food, sanitation, or any other basic necessity. There is no assistance there. It is almost impossible to help them when they are in hiding. Sometimes they take food with them, sometimes they go somewhere nearby to look for it, says Lefteris Papayannakis of the Greek Refugee Institute. We know that sometimes the Turks give them food while forcing them to cross, or give them access to power to charge their phones.

Papayannakis adds that road accidents involving vehicles carrying migrants are frequent. They are trafficked in cabs or vans to the cities. It is illegal, so sometimes the traffickers go very fast, in the wrong direction... We know of people who have died or been seriously injured because they were involved in an accident.

For his part, the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, has attributed the death of migrants to not having followed the evacuation orders that are sent automatically, in Greek and English, to all cellphones in the affected area: In Evros there have been 15 fire outbreaks at the same time, which have joined together to form a huge fire, read one. Satellite images show an immense area in flames, with a front reaching 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) and advancing uncontrollably in several directions. The dense smoke from this large fire, together with that of other fronts in Greece, has reached the islands of Sicily and Malta, more than a 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) away, and now covers 80% of Greek territory. Kerasiotis, of HIAS, takes a different view of the tragedy: The cause of these 18 deaths is a combination of the absence of legal and safe entry procedures on Greek and European territory, together with the fact that potential asylum seekers are afraid of being illegally returned to Turkey.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
[August 24, 2023] ZeroEyes Secures $23 Million to Accelerate Customer Deployments Tweet

Raise Follows 300% YoY Business Growth Driven by Demand for Proactive Innovative Solutions to Mitigate Surging U.S. Gun-Related Violence Epidemic PHILADELPHIA, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- ZeroEyes , the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, today announced it has secured $23 million in capital on the heels of dramatic growth surpassing 300% over the last year. The oversubscribed round was led by Octave Ventures, Alliance Holdings, and other existing investors. Demand for the company's AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software continues to accelerate as schools consider their safety readiness amid devastating statistics that show more than 200 reported school shootings in 2023 to date. The funds will be used to fuel continued growth with investments in R&D, channel partnership programs and business operations expansion. The oversubscribed round further demonstrates the pressing need for innovative solutions to curb the gun-related violence epidemic in the United States. ZeroEyes is currently deployed in thousands of buildings for hundreds of customers in 37 states, with great momentum. Growth has been driven by demand from the original K-12 market, commercial sectors including retail, gaming and healthcare. Additionally, new gains have been fueled through growing contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense through ZE Government Solutions (ZEGS), a wholly owned subsidiary of ZeroEyes that delivers advanced dual use AI, proactive threat detection and situational awareness of complex threats for U.S. national security. "ZeroEyes has demonstrated a remarkable ability to execute on its important mission and we are excited about their future as they continue to achieve wide adoption and staggering growth," said Michael Kim, Founder of Octave Ventures. "These funds will allow us to continue scaling to meet surging demand as schools, houses of worship, businesses, communities and even the Federal government seek viable, affordable and most importantly proative solutions to address the gun-related violence problem in our country," said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder, ZeroEyes.



ZeroEyes provides AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software that is layered onto existing digital security cameras. When an illegally brandished gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type and last known location, to local staff and law enforcement in as fast as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. About ZeroEyes

ZeroEyes delivers a proactive, human-verified AI gun detection software solution that integrates into existing digital security cameras and helps to mitigate mass shootings and gun-related violence by reducing response times, providing actionable intelligence with images and delivering clarity among chaos  ultimately saving lives. ZeroEyes' patented solution has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as a promising anti-terrorism technology and is the first video analytics technology to receive SAFETY Act DT&E Designation.

Founded by Navy SEALs, Special Operations military veterans, and technologists, ZeroEyes dispatches accurate and real-time actionable intelligence about the illegal brandishing of a gun near or in an occupied area or building, to local staff and law enforcement with an image of the shooter(s) and location of the threat, in as fast as 3 to 5 seconds from the moment the gun is detected. The ZeroEyes team also provides tech consulting, installation assistance and practice drills for active shooter events to enhance safety at schools, corporate and government facilities. Headquartered in the Greater Philadelphia area, the company's affordable and effective gun detection solution has been adopted by the US Department of Defense, leading public K-12 school districts, colleges / universities, healthcare facilities, commercial property groups, manufacturing plants, Fortune 500 corporate campuses, shopping malls, big-box retail stores and more. Learn more about ZeroEyes at ZeroEyes.com . View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zeroeyes-secures-23-million-to-accelerate-customer-deployments-301908388.html SOURCE ZeroEyes

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Antheia Achieves Major Commercial Milestone Tweet

Company's first full-scale fermentation run reinforces commercial viability for a robust pipeline of Biosynthetic KSMs and APIs MENLO PARK, Calif., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Antheia , the pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturer transforming essential medicine supply chains, today announced the successful completion of its first 116,000L scale manufacturing run with a commercially-relevant fermentation titer for its debut product. The company also unveiled its initial product pipeline, which includes thebaine, oripavine, and scopolamine, all of which are KSMs (key starting materials) or APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) for producing critical medicines. Antheia's pipeline aligns with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization's Essential Medicines lists and the company's platform supports growing efforts to improve global access to essential medicines. Antheia was founded on the belief that synthetic bology can be leveraged to produce highly complex pharmaceutical molecules at commercial scale with greater efficiency than current approaches. Many of today's pharmaceutical ingredients are reliant on vulnerable, costly, and faltering manufacturing models and as a result, are often in shortage. Antheia's 116,000L commercial scale run of a highly engineered microbial organism  with 25-30 complex, heterologous biosynthetic steps and more than 20 enzymes  is an industry-first milestone, heralding a new era of efficient, agile, and rapid-response biomanufacturing for KSMs and APIs.



"Our first full-scale fermentation run marks a technological achievement in scaling up products of unprecedented complexity, as well as an important advancement in our commercial efforts. With Antheia, customers can gain greater control and visibility over their pharmaceutical ingredient supply chains," said Christina Smolke, PhD, CEO and co-founder at Antheia. "It is exciting to see the convergence of our commercial progress with our mission to transform pharmaceutical supply chains for more equitable access to medicines." Today's announcement demonstrates Antheia's strong scientific and commercial trajectory, and also signals how synthetic biology can  and will  deliver on its promise to revolutionize major industries. Bolstering this move into production is the recent appointment of Antheia's new head of commercialization , Richard Sherwin, who will lead the company's global commercial strategy for its strong pipeline of Biosynthetic KSMs and APIs. Antheia's pipeline covers a wide variety of therapeutic areas, including neurology, respiratory, anti-infective and oncology.

To learn more about Antheia's products, please reach out to [email protected] . About Antheia

Antheia is the next-generation pharmaceutical ingredient producer transforming essential medicine supply chains to end drug shortages. Using its novel whole-cell engineering approach, Antheia's biomanufacturing platform enables the reconstruction of biosynthetic pathways of unprecedented complexity in yeast cells and the scaling of fermentation processes to commercial levels. This highly flexible approach enables on-demand, agile, and resilient biomanufacturing of critical pharmaceutical ingredients, replacing legacy approaches that cannot support the needs of modern healthcare. Antheia's team of scientists and technologists is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. For more information, visit www.antheia.bio . MEDIA CONTACT:

Mission North for Antheia

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/antheia-achieves-major-commercial-milestone-301908212.html SOURCE Antheia

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Broad Reach Power Acquired by ENGIE from EnCap Energy Transition and Apollo Funds Tweet

EnCap Energy Transition today announced that French multinational utility company ENGIE has agreed to acquire the battery storage business of Houston-based Broad Reach Power from EnCap Energy Transition Fund I, its co-investment partners Yorktown Partners, Mercuria Energy and Apollo Infrastructure Funds (the "Apollo Funds") for a total equity value in excess of $1 billion. Since Broad Reach was founded in 2019 with backing from EnCap Energy Transition, it has become a leading U.S. developer and operator of renewable energy and energy storage power projects in Texas, California and other markets. Apollo Funds acquired a 50% stake in the company and joined the Board in December 2021. The sale to ENGIE includes 350 MW of grid-scale battery assets in operation and 880 MW under construction mainly in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) territory, with commissioning expected before the end of 2024. The acquisition also includes a 1.7 GW pipeline of battery storage projects at an advanced stage of development and a significant pipeline of early-stage projects. The first CAISO storage asset is expected to be operational in 2023. The transaction does not include the company's portfoio of 1.8GW of solar and wind power projects together with 4GWh of battery storage in the Mountain West region of the U.S.



"EnCap Energy Transition is pleased to have founded, with the talented, hard-working management team at Broad Reach Power, the top battery storage player in the U.S. market," said EnCap Energy Transition Managing Partner Shawn Cumberland, who is also Chairman of the Broad Reach Board of Directors. "It has been a pleasure to have partnered with Apollo Funds in this important and valuable venture." Apollo Infrastructure Partner Corinne Still said, "At Apollo, we're committed to being leading investors in the energy transition, and we're proud to have been a significant, value-add owner of Broad Reach Power during years of incredible growth for the business. Together with EnCap and the Broad Reach Power management team, we've built what we believe is the leading and most innovative battery storage IPP in North America. We wish the Broad Reach team all the best in their next phase of growth with Engie."

Broad Reach Founder and Chief Operating Officer Doug Moorehead said, "It has been a terrific honor and pleasure to be part of the rapid growth of the U.S. energy storage sector from the very beginning and see our company grow into one of the top developers. We are extremely appreciative of the work and expertise of our entire staff and the support and backing of the highly talented team at EnCap Energy Transition throughout the process. We look forward to teaming with ENGIE to carry on the work." Stacey Peterson, Broad Reach Power's CEO, who joined the firm last year added, "Our firm's success is a direct result of the tireless dedication of our team, who go above and beyond every day. I want to thank the BRP team for their amazing work, and also thank EnCap, Apollo Funds, Yorktown and Mercuria for their unwavering support of our business over the past four years. This a great transaction and we are excited for its continued growth." EnCap Energy Transition has been an aggressive provider of capital in the fast-growing U.S. energy storage business since 2019. With this announcement and including the sale of Jupiter Power to Blackrock in December 2022, the EnCap team has now been responsible for shepherding the creation, development, growth, and monetization of two of the largest standalone energy storage companies in the U.S. About EnCap Investments L.P. Since 1988, EnCap Investments has been a leading provider of growth capital to the independent sector of the U.S. energy industry. The firm has raised 25 institutional investment funds totaling approximately $41 billion and currently manages capital on behalf of more than 350 U.S. and international investors. Founded in 2019, the EnCap Energy Transition platform is led by four Managing Partners, each with 30-35 years of experience in the development and operations of renewables and power generation. For more information, please visit www.encapinvestments.com. About Broad Reach Power Broad Reach Power is the leading U.S. utility-scale battery storage platform. The Company develops, owns and operates energy storage projects and hybrid storage-plus-renewables projects across diversified markets, providing utilities, generators and other power market participants solutions to better manage risk and match supply and demand. For more information about the Company, visit www.broadreachpower.com. About Apollo Apollo is a high-growth, global alternative asset manager. In our asset management business, we seek to provide our clients excess return at every point along the risk-reward spectrum from investment grade to private equity with a focus on three investing strategies: yield, hybrid, and equity. For more than three decades, our investing expertise across our fully integrated platform has served the financial return needs of our clients and provided businesses with innovative capital solutions for growth. Through Athene, our retirement services business, we specialize in helping clients achieve financial security by providing a suite of retirement savings products and acting as a solutions provider to institutions. Our patient, creative, and knowledgeable approach to investing aligns our clients, businesses we invest in, our employees, and the communities we impact, to expand opportunity and achieve positive outcomes. As of June 30, 2023, Apollo had approximately $617 billion of assets under management. To learn more, please visit www.apollo.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824137364/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Jennifer Carl Joins Alliant Insurance Services in Philadelphia Tweet

Jennifer Carl has joined Alliant Insurance Services as Vice President within its Employee Benefits Group in Philadelphia. Carl will focus on developing comprehensive and cost-effective benefits programs that help businesses develop and maintain their competitive edge in today's fast-paced global marketplace. "Jennifer comes to Alliant with both benefits and business consulting experience, allowing her to partner with her clients and help them make the best decisions for the bottom line and their employees," said Kevin Overbey, President, Alliant Employee Beneits. "She also has the new business and developmental experience to help us grow and expand our client base and service offerings."



Carl has more than a decade of experience working with self-funded clients and has a focus on developing multi-year benefits strategies, managing clients' healthcare programs, and ensuring a smooth delivery for all aspects of a benefits program. In addition, she has a proven track record of success working with large and small businesses, helping them navigate the ins and outs of an evolving healthcare marketplace. Prior to joining Alliant, Carl was Principal with a global consulting firm. She earned her bachelor's degree from Quinnipiac University located in Hamden, Connecticut.

Carl can be reached at [email protected]. About Alliant Insurance Services Alliant Insurance Services is one of the nation's leading distributors of diversified insurance products and services. We operate through a network of specialized national platforms and local offices to offer our clients a comprehensive portfolio of solutions built on innovative thinking and personal service. The business of managing risk is getting more complex, and Alliant is meeting this complexity head-on, not with more layers of management, but with more creativity and agility. Alliant is changing the way our clients approach risk management and benefits, so they can capitalize on new opportunities to grow and protect their organizations. Visit us at alliant.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824886089/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] TSG Launches TruMonitor, Enhancing its GEM Platform for Payments Companies Tweet

TSG (The Strawhecker Group), a globally recognized analytics, intelligence, and solutions-focused firm in the payments industry, is excited to launch TruMonitor, a new SaaS product and component of the firm's Global Experience Monitoring (GEM) platform. GEM is a data-driven service that gives payments providers real-time insights to optimize experiences from the merchant, developer, and technical perspectives. TruMonitor caters to the technical perspective by providing 24x7 monitoring and alerts for APIs, websites, and multi-step processes. When evaluating the top fifty U.S. merchant acquiring homepages, TruMonitor identified that PayPal and Fiserv had the fastest websites, nearly four times faster than average.* TSG also monitored Contact pages, a key destination for prospective merchants, and found that Clearent, Global Payments, First American Payment Systems, and Fiserv experienced the fastest response times below .1 second, nearly five times quicker than the average. Additionally, TruMonitor found that twelve percent of the top fifty experienced outages on their homepage during a seven-day monitoring period, while fourteen percent had outages on their Contact page. "For merchants looking to accept payments, speed and uptime matters," said Al Novacek, Senior Director of Product Operations at TSG. "Response times, outages, and other errors can all impact a company's perception and ultimately their bottom line."



"There is a real need for customized monitoring for the payments industry," said Mike Strawhecker, President at TSG. "TruMonitor solves that need through personalized service that empowers GEM subscribers to track and benchmark vendors, competitors, and API performance. The product reflects the same goal of the overall GEM suite: help companies avoid pitfalls, lost revenue, and poor user experiences."

TruMonitor includes monitoring for websites, multi-step/click stream processes, networks/services (DNS, FTP, email, traceroute), and APIs. Users of the product enjoy real-time performance alerts, a customizable portal to monitor connections 24x7, daily automated reporting, training, support, and more. TSG maintains over 40 monitoring stations across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific to sync data from multiple locations, eliminating false alerts. In addition to TruMonitor, GEM subscribers benefit from real (not synthetic) transaction metrics, and annual API set and developer roadmap assessments. Subscribing companies account for an estimated 62% of all payment gateway volume in the U.S., and the platform helps them increase customer retention by 5% or more. TruMonitor is also available to purchase as a standalone platform. For more information, please contact us online or call 1-833-690-1301. About TSG TSG (The Strawhecker Group) is a globally recognized analytics and consulting firm that supports the entire payments ecosystem, serving over 1,000 clients from Fortune 500 leaders to more than a dozen of the world's most valuable brands. Trusted by industry leaders, TSG's strategic services, market intelligence, and analytics merge to empower clients with actionable and accessible information. Please visit www.tsgpayments.com. *Top fifty merchant acquirers identified from TSG's Directory of U.S. Merchant Acquirers. TruMonitor monitored public domains over a seven-day period from 8/09/23 - 8/15/23. Companies monitored may or may not include clients of TSG and do not necessarily represent all companies or products in the market. This analysis is based upon information we consider reliable, but its accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Information provided is not all inclusive. TSG is not and/or may not be endorsed, sponsored by, or in any other way affiliated with the companies or their logos illustrated. The trademarks shown are registered and their own. This document has not been prepared by any entity displayed. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824440228/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] inSpring and MGH Institute of Health Professions Team Up to Meet Critical Demand for Nurses Tweet

inSpring, a leading health care and technology talent mobility company specializing in connecting diverse, highly-skilled international job candidates in the United States with employment opportunities in nursing and technology, announced today a groundbreaking partnership with Mass General Brigham's esteemed graduate school, MGH Institute of Health Professions, to train and place top-tier international talent in the nursing field. "We're incredibly excited for what this partnership means for the broader nursing community and the diverse and talented international candidates who will join the exciting field of nursing as a result," said Chris Hoehn-Saric, CEO and cofounder of inSpring. "With the educational backing of the MGH Institute of Health Professions, we are uniquely positioned to bridge the gaps and streamline the process between employers seeking qualified nursing candidates and high-quality talent ready to step into these vital roles. Together, we are helping solve one of the industry's greatest barriers to hiring this underleveraged talent pool and unlocking long-term solutions to help support health care providers." By tapping into its global network of students and partnerships, inSpring identifies, assesses and interviews qualified prospective candidates through the inSpring Launchpad to recommend to MGH IHP for admission into the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program. Selected candidates are supported through their financing, immigration and pre-orientation needs, along with their transition to the US to successfully begin their accelerated nursing program. "The MGH Institute is preparing the next generation of nurses to provide world-class care to patients and families. And, every day we are working alongside colleagues in Mass General Brigham and other health systems to address profound nursing shortages," said Reamer Bushardt, PharmD, PA-C, DFAAPA, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs in the MGH Institute of Health Professions. "Through an innovative partnership with inSpring - a leader in talen mobility - we will be able to bring high quality nursing candidates from all over the world to train with us, while responding to the nursing shortage and advancing a more diverse and inclusive health workforce."



The partnership comes at a critical moment when the nursing profession in Massachusetts is experiencing major staffing and demand stresses. With increasing demographic pressures, including aging populations, retirements and not enough nurses entering the field, hospitals are in constant search of nurses. This has only put further strain on the healthcare system as a whole, and added to the ongoing economic and public health challenges hospitals have become accustomed to. The joint effort between inSpring and MGH IHP will help alleviate those intersecting complexities as well as the barriers within our U.S. immigration and education systems that prevent large numbers of international candidates from being educated in the U.S. Utilizing its team of experts in talent mobility and immigration, inSpring will help nursing candidates navigate the visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT) program during enrollment at the MGH Institute, during placement and long after they are hired.

While enrolled at MGH IHP, international candidates will receive a first-class education in the latest nursing practices using a framework developed by American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN). Candidates will have the choice of several nursing tracks which could lead to opportunities as an Advanced Practicing Nurse (APN) or as a Registered Nurse (RN). This is the latest in a series of strategic partnership announcements for inSpring will build off their close collaboration with MPOWER Financing, a leading financial technology company dedicated to providing international students education loan servicing and mentorship programs. About inSpring With job openings in tech and nursing outpacing an available workforce, inSpring curates a pipeline of high-quality, culturally diverse candidates with advanced degrees and workforce readiness training aligned with the hiring needs of a wide network of employers. inSpring also manages the entirety of the international worker visa process - eliminating a major burden in the hiring process of this underleveraged talent pool - and continues to partner with employers and the candidate long after job placement to ensure a smooth, sustainable transition in their new career. To learn more about inSpring visit inspringcareers.com. About MGH Institute of Health Professions MGH Institute of Health Professions, a member of Mass General Brigham, was founded in 1977 by the Massachusetts General Hospital and counts more than 10,000 alumni. Celebrating our 46th year, we educate the next generation of health care leaders with a focus on quality, equal access, and utilizing inclusiveness in delivering healthcare. The MGH Institute's mission - more critical than ever given the complexity of today's healthcare systems - is carried out through academic programs in three schools: School of Nursing, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and School of Healthcare Leadership, with many programs top-ranked by U.S. News & World Report. To learn more about MGH Institute of Health Professions visit https://www.mghihp.edu/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824477168/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Versa Networks Receives Highest Score for Network-Driven SASE Use Case in the Gartner Critical Capabilities for Single-Vendor SASE Report Tweet

Versa Networks, the global leader in AI/ML powered Unified Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), today announced that it has been recognized with the highest score for Network-Driven SASE in the inaugural 2023 Gartner Critical Capabilities for Single-Vendor SASE 1 report (Secure Access Service Edge). In addition, Versa was ranked among the highest three vendors for the Basic SASE and SASE with Advanced Security Use Cases. According to Gartner, "Gartner defines single-vendor SASE offerings as those that deliver multiple converged-network and security-as-a-service capabilities, such as software-defined WAN (SD-WAN), secure web gateway (SWG), cloud access security broker (CASB), network firewalling and Zero Trust network access (ZTNA). These offerings use a cloud-centric architecture and are delivered by one vendor." 2 With tens of thousands of customers, hundreds of thousands of sites, and a significant number of very large financial services, retailer, manufacturer, high-tech, public sector, and healthcare customers, Versa has demonstrated that it is the leader in delivering mission critical secure networking solutions. Customers look to Versa to help them solve some of their most challenging security and networking needs, including support for hybrid work models, multi-cloud connectivity, and mobile 5G and satellite networking. "Versa has led the industry convergence of networking and security with a belief that security needs to be built into the network, rather than bolted on," said Kelly Ahuja, CEO with Versa Networks. "In today's business environment the infrastructure has grown in complexity, and affecting simplicity with consolidation of vendors and consoles via a unified single-vendor SASE solution makes sense. Some of the greatest benefits our customers receive from deploying Versa Unified SASE are an improved security posture, better application experience, improved operational efficiency, and lower TCO." Gartner Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE Versa has also been recognized as a Challenger in the inaugural 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE report 2. This report evaluated eight different vendors based on evaluation criteria, and Versa was reconized for its Ability to Execute and Completeness of Vision.



According to Gartner, "We are seeing increased interest in single-vendor SASE from organizations that want to simplify their branch technology stacks. It is particularly compelling for organizations making SD-WAN investments and extending the project to include firewalling, remote access and other security capabilities. This trend has expanded to SSE as well, as many buyers will switch from a best-of-breed purchasing motion to a default position that a single vendor is preferred even if they aren't best of breed in all areas." 2 A complimentary copy of the 2023 Gartner Critical Capabilities for Single-Vendor SASE report is available from the Versa website at https://versa-networks.com/resources/reports/critical-capabilities-single-vendor-sase-2023/.

A complimentary copy of the 2023 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE report is available at https://versa-networks.com/resources/reports/gartner-magic-quadrant-single-vendor-sase-2023/. Note 1 - Gartner, Inc. Critical Capabilities for Single-Vendor SASE, by Andrew Lerner, Jonathan Forest, Nat Smith, and John Watts, on Aug. 21, 2023. Note 2 - Gartner, Inc. Magic Quadrant for Single-Vendor SASE, by Andrew Lerner, Jonathan Forest, Neil MacDonald, Nat Smith, and Charlie Winckless, on Aug. 16, 2023. GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner and Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. 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's 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 Versa Unified SASE Versa's AI/ML-powered Unified SASE delivers organically developed best-of-breed functions that tightly integrate and deliver services via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both, managed through a single pane of glass. Versa delivers SASE services such as Secure SD-WAN, Next-Generation Firewall, Next-Generation Firewall as a Service, Cloud Network Firewall, Unified Threat Management (UTM) including Advanced Threat Protection (ATP), Secure Web Gateway (SWG), Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), Remote Browser Isolation (RBI), and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA). Versa's Unified SASE platform goes above and beyond management console automation by providing the ability to integrate networks, points of presence, policy definitions, application definitions, agent logic, and data lakes. About Versa Networks Versa Networks, the leader in single-vendor Unified SASE platforms, delivers AI/ML-powered SSE and SD-WAN solutions. The platform provides networking and security with true multitenancy, and sophisticated analytics via the cloud, on-premises, or as a blended combination of both to meet SASE requirements for small to extremely large enterprises and Service Providers. Thousands of customers globally with hundreds of thousands of sites and millions of users trust Versa with their mission critical networks and security. Versa Networks is privately held and funded by Sequoia Capital, Mayfield, Artis Ventures, Verizon Ventures, Comcast Ventures, BlackRock Inc., Liberty Global Ventures, Princeville Capital, RPS Ventures and Triangle Peak Partners. For more information, visit https://www.versa-networks.com or follow Versa Networks on Twitter @versanetworks. Versa Networks, VOS, the Versa logo, and Versa Titan are or may be registered trademarks of Versa Networks, Inc. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230823953034/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
David Schawe Joins Newfront to Lead the Ohio and Kentucky Markets

Newfront, the tech-driven insurance brokerage based in San Francisco, welcomes David Schawe to its rapidly expanding team as the Ohio and Kentucky Market Leader. Schawe, named a Top Producer by Insurance Business America, joins with nearly two decades of risk-management experience.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824698518/en/

David Schawe Joins Newfront to Lead the Ohio and Kentucky Markets (Photo: Business Wire)

"David is an accomplished leader with proven results in partnering with clients for success," said Newfront CEO and Co-Founder Spike Lipkin. "David's leadership in the Ohio and Kentucky markets will enable us to deliver risk-management innovation in even more locations."

For the past four years, Schawe served as Managing Director & Head of Office at Marsh and was previously Executive Vice President at Gallagher. Specializing in cost effectiveness, operations management, and business strategy, Schawe worked with rowing companies of all sizes to drive financial impact via risk-management programs.







"I'm thrilled to plant the Newfront flag in Ohio and Kentucky and bring our differentiator of technology-empowered expertise to more clients," said Schawe, who holds a degree from the University of Louisville and a designation as Commercial Lines Coverage Specialist (CLCS).

Over the past year, Newfront has continued to expand nationally, opening locations in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Texas. The company introduced a new brand and digital presence in July amid its ongoing development and implementation of AI-enabled tools.

To learn more about Newfront, visit newfront.com.

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.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824698518/en/
[August 24, 2023] NIST publish the highly anticipated draft standards for Quantum-Safe cryptography, supported by PQShield Tweet

PQShield and the global cryptography community have helped refine the algorithms NIST announced last year in preparation for final standards in 2024

Post-Quantum Cryptography schemes co-designed by PQShield have been included, following security, implementation and performance analyses by NIST.

The drafts will get their first full round of feedback from the cryptographic community at the 2nd Oxford PQC Summit, to be held at Oxford University in September, sponsored by PQShield and the UK National Cyber Security Centre

PQShield is now launching its Enterprise Software Access Program, which will provide eligible companies with a free access to evaluate Quantum-Safe software solutions LONDON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PQShield , a global leader in quantum-resistant cryptography, today announced its post-quantum algorithm contributions have been published to form the basis of the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) new draft post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards. The standards, which aim to protect digital information and systems from attack by quantum computers, were co-developed by PQShield and other global leading experts following a seven-year process where candidate algorithms were reviewed and analysed by NIST and the cryptographic community.

The draft standards have now been published by NIST for public review and can be found below: Module-Lattice-based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism Standard (ML-KEM) derived from CRYSTALS-Kyber | FIPS 203 (Draft)

Module-Lattice-based Digital Signature Standard (ML-DSA) derived from CRYSTALS-Dilithium | FIPS 204 (Draft)

Stateless Hash-Based Digital Signature Standard (SLH-DSA) derived from SPHINCS+ | FIPS 205 (Draft) A fourth scheme derived from Falcon will be published soon. Team PQShield contributed to and advised on all candidate algorithms developed as part of the NIST standardisation process, in addition to providing security, implementation and performance analyses of candidate algorithms over multiple rounds of the process. To deliver rapid feedback on these new draft standards, PQShield and the UK National Cyber Security Centre are sponsoring the 2nd Oxford Post-Quantum Cryptography Summit at Oxford University in September, which will convene leading experts from academia and industry, at a 4 day event at Oxford University's Institute of Mathematics, where PQShield founder Dr. Ali El Kaafarani is a research fellow. The invite-only event will take place 4th-7th September 2023. Following this, the draft standards will likely become the global benchmark for quantum-resistant cybersecurity cross the world in 2024.



Professor Peter Schwabe, PQShield advisory board member, says: "As governments and businesses gear up their defences against the quantum threat, this next stage of NIST's post-quantum cryptography standardization efforts is crucial in building our secure future. PQShield has played a central role in driving post-quantum cryptography forward, both in the international research community and bringing commercial success to quantum-secure solutions. I look forward to the outcomes of the 2nd Oxford PQC Summit." The rise of quantum computers has led to an urgent need for new cryptographic standards to safeguard global privacy and data. PQShield has seen strong growth in demand for its post-quantum cryptography software and hardware, recently announcing a series of deals to meet this rising commercial demand, for example ,joining commercial partnership programmes with Palo Alto and Tata Consultancy Services. In particular, companies across the Semiconductor, Industrial, Defence, Automotive and Systems Integrator sectors, including Microchip Technologies, Collins Aerospace, MBDA Missile Systems, HCL Technologies,, Lattice Semiconductor, and AMD, are proactively working with PQShield to implement the new draft standards.

PQShield was also recently selected by AWS to participate in its AWS European Defence Accelerator , to advance the development and deployment of cutting-edge technology in Defence. As part of the World Economic Forum's Quantum Security focus, PQShield took part in developing the Quantum Security Readiness Toolkit which aims to help business leaders assess their quantum risk. This builds on other post-quantum cryptography projects that PQShield has contributed to or led organisations such as RISC-V, GSMA, the Internet Engineering Task Force, NCCoE and GlobalPlatform, amongst others. Dr Ali El Kaafarani, PQShield's founder and CEO, says: The release of the draft standards marks a significant turning point for PQShield and the entire cryptographic community. Previously, a key barrier to adoption and migration to post-quantum cryptography has been confidence in exactly how and when the new algorithms will be finalised. NIST's new draft standards provide this assurance and a framework that allows everyone to move forward. This is a testament to the expertise of our world-leading researchers and engineers as well as the collective dedication of the entire post-quantum cryptography community. Building on PQShield's partnership with leading industry innovators, the company is also announcing its Enterprise Software Access Program, which will allow eligible companies to access PQShield's PQC Software solutions that incorporate the latest specifications released by NIST. Companies should pre-register their interest on this landing page . The updated software will be available in September, free to use for a period of time for non-commercial purposes and will include: PQCryptoLib - A fully portable cryptographic library with a C/C++ interface of FIPS 140-3-ready, post-quantum (PQC) and classical cryptographic algorithms, supporting crypto-agility.

- A fully portable cryptographic library with a C/C++ interface of FIPS 140-3-ready, post-quantum (PQC) and classical cryptographic algorithms, supporting crypto-agility. PQCryptoLib Micro - This is a highly-optimised version of PQCryptoLib, specifically designed for memory-constrained platforms like microcontrollers.

- This is a highly-optimised version of PQCryptoLib, specifically designed for memory-constrained platforms like microcontrollers. PQSDK - provides easy-to-use software implementations of both post-quantum and classical cryptographic primitives, including an integration of PQShield's PQCryptoLib library with popular high-level cryptography libraries like OpenSSL and mbedTLS. Further notes: PQShield advisory board member Professor Peter Schwabe (Radboud University and the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy) co-authored the finalists CRYSTALS-Dilithium, CRYSTALS-KYBER and SPHINCS+

(Radboud University and the Max Planck Institute for Security and Privacy) co-authored the finalists CRYSTALS-Dilithium, CRYSTALS-KYBER and SPHINCS+ PQShield's Dr Thomas Prest led and co-authored Falcon, a finalist digital signature algorithm

led and co-authored Falcon, a finalist digital signature algorithm PQShield have recently submitted 4 new algorithms with collaborators including the French cybersecurity agency, ANSSI, to the NIST call for further quantum-safe digital signatures About PQShield: PQShield is a post-quantum cryptography (PQC) company creating the global standards and core technologies to power the future security layer of the world's leading organizations. Its quantum-secure cryptographic solutions work with companies' legacy systems to protect sensitive data now and for years to come. It is the only cybersecurity company that can deliver high-quality secure implementations of quantum-safe cryptography on chips, in applications, and in the cloud, and is also an authority on PQC side channel attack resistance, having built a dedicated SCA test lab with partners, Riscure and eShard. PQShield is also a leading contributor to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) post-quantum cryptography standardization project, and has contributed multiple cryptographic extensions to RISC-V. With dedicated research and development teams throughout the UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Poland, US, Japan and UAE, PQShield is principally backed by Addition, Crane Venture Partners, Oxford Science Enterprises (formerly OSI), Kindred Capital, and InnovateUK. Its latest white papers are available to read here . www.pqshield.com | LinkedIn | Twitter Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2086877/4056982/PQShield_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/nist-publish-the-highly-anticipated-draft-standards-for-quantum-safe-cryptography-supported-by-pqshield-301909338.html

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Deloitte Announces Groundbreaking New Initiative With Google Cloud to Accelerate the Adoption of Sustainability Solutions Tweet

Deloitte becomes the first global systems integrator to join the Google Cloud Ready - Sustainability Program NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Deloitte announced a groundbreaking new initiative with Google Cloud that will help clients mitigate climate risks, adopt green solutions and unlock the value of low carbon products and services utilizing revolutionary technologies like generative AI and geospatial data. Deloitte also announced its recognition as the first global systems integrator with the Google Cloud Ready (GCR)  Sustainability designation, a program that validates Google Cloud-aligned organizations with business-ready technology to help customers achieve their sustainability goals. As part of the program, Deloitte is harnessing the power of its vast industry and domain knowledge, combined with Google Cloud's market-leading technology and platforms, to help public and private organizations transition to a sustainable future. Accelerating the transition to zero emission vehicles Deloitte and Google Cloud are working with clients around the world to help create an economic pathway to zero emissions. Deloitte's Electrified Fleet solution, the first of many offerings soon to be available on Google Cloud, helps companies with the end-to-end electrification of their vehicular fleets. Joint customers will be able to utilize an interactive dashboard to help easily map out their entire electrification journey  encompassing the integration of global fleet telematics data, resource optimization and ongoing impact monitoring. The Electrified Fleet Solution has already helped Purolator, a leading integrated freight, package and logistics solutions provider in Canada, to become a leader in net-zero transportation. In 2022, the company set a goal to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 and put Purolator on a path to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. In order to achieve these goals, Deloitte developed a strategic roadmap, assessing vehicle types and usage patterns, and energy and infrastructure options. As a result, Purolator is on track to meet its emissions reduction goals and electrify 60% of it last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030.



"Deloitte's Electrified Fleet solution has been a tremendous asset to Purolator as we identify ways to reduce our emissions in the near-term and fuel our long-term success by contributing to a better and more sustainable tomorrow," said Cindy Bailey, corporate sustainability officer at Purolator. Mitigating climate risk in financial services

Deloitte and Google Cloud have also joined forces to leverage Google Earth Engine and their ecosystem relationships to support financial services companies around the world in using the power of geospatial analytics to bring improved visibility and new insights to climate risks across lending and investment portfolios. National Westminster Bank (NatWest), a major bank in the United Kingdom, recently worked with Google Cloud, Deloitte and Climate Engine to utilize Google Earth Engine and help NatWest leverage geospatial data to capture climate-related data points across its commercial banking portfolio  with the first use-case focused on agriculture customers. For example, geospatial technology provided new data points and insights to assist NatWest with its climate reporting obligations  e.g., the EU Taxonomy and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)  as well as support for their customers' own climate and nature data collection. This information will also allow farmers to build a tailored picture of the challenges facing them, such as flood, drought, fire and biodiversity risks, all at a field-specific level. Tackling the biggest climate challenges Moving forward, Deloitte and Google Cloud's sustainability, climate and equity-focused global initiative will help clients tackle major challenges. These include transitioning to zero emission energy sources, tapping into sustainable capital markets, scaling sustainable products and services, accelerating regenerative agriculture, decarbonizing digital business models and building sustainable and equitable communities. "We are excited to be working with Google to take purposeful action to help mitigate climate risks, unlock the value of sustainable products and services, build green communities and green jobs and accelerate our progress toward a global net-zero future," said Jamie Sawchuk, partner and global sustainability leader for the Alphabet Google alliance, Deloitte Canada. "Through this program, Deloitte and Google Cloud can leverage our unique roles to help bolster the momentum to address climate change with cloud-based technologies and AI," said Justin Keeble, managing director for global sustainability, Google Cloud. "We're eager to work alongside Deloitte and our clients to accelerate action on climate in this urgent decade of delivery." About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500 and more than 8,500 U.S.-based private companies. At Deloitte, we strive to live our purpose of making an impact that matters by creating trust and confidence in a more equitable society. We leverage our unique blend of business acumen, command of technology, and strategic technology alliances to advise our clients across industries as they build their future. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Bringing more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte's approximately 415,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deloitte-announces-groundbreaking-new-initiative-with-google-cloud-to-accelerate-the-adoption-of-sustainability-solutions-301908546.html SOURCE Deloitte

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
On August 24, the prosecutor's office received information that while carrying out agricultural work in the territory of the village of Sygnag, Khojaly region, liberated from occupation, a tractor was blown up by an anti-tank mine, as a result of which Afgan Alakbarli was injured, Azernews reports.

According to the supervisory authority, the prosecutor's office conducted an inspection of the scene and carried out other necessary investigative actions.

At present, the Khojaly district prosecutor's office is investigating this fact.
Yevgeny Prigozhin and his mercenary group, Wagner, will be remembered in the troubled history of Vladimir Putins Russia for many crimes. Moscows destabilizing influence in Africa bears his name, with its armed support for governments such as Mali and the Central African Republic. But in the full-scale and bloodiest war the world has seen in decades  the Russian invasion of Ukraine  his role has been instrumental in maintaining control of Russian positions in the Donbas region.

Prigozhin, 62, had been one of Putins trusted men since his fledgling political career as an advisor to the St. Petersburg mayor in the 1990s, following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Under the protection of Putins state, which was eager to recover Russian imperial influence, Prigozhin created a company of mercenaries that did the Kremlins dirty work in places where it could not officially have a presence. But with the invasion of Ukraine, Wagner burst openly onto the international stage as a private arm of Russian power. The paramilitaries would become the cannon fodder for the longest and bloodiest Russian offensive: the battle for control of the city of Bakhmut, in the province of Donetsk.

The Russian takeover of Bakhmut, today a devastated and empty town, began in the summer of 2022 and ended in the spring of 2023. The Russian shock troops were Wagners men. Most of them  some 30,000 men convicted by the courts  were hired in prisons in exchange for reduced sentences. And most died in combat, according to NATO intelligence services.

The key to Wagners success in Bakhmut was simple, as explained by Prigozhin himself and confirmed by the Ukrainian military in this part of the front: there was no option to back down. Deserting an assault against Ukrainian positions was punishable by execution. This was confirmed by videos made public by the Ukrainian armed forces, and also by the Wagner company itself. The mercenaries exhausted the Ukrainian defenses, but paid for it with their lives. After them, the assault troops of the Russian professional army arrived to finish the job.

Prigozhin achieved results at the cost of thousands of deaths and, as he racked up victories, he became vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Russian command of the war, specifically, with Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu. In the most decisive moments of the defense of the conquered territory in the province of Donetsk (Donbas), Prigozhin published messages criticizing Shoigu for his lack of support for Wagner, accusing him of wanting to reduce the supply of weapons to his mercenaries and underestimating their importance in the invasion of Ukraine.

Prigozhins bravado during the war in Ukraine  such as his visits to points on the front lines that Putins top military leaders did not dare to set foot on  were celebrated by his followers. His critical messages against the army top brass continued to escalate, until his coup attempt last June. Two weeks before he launched his attempted military assault on Moscow, EL PAIS learned of an attempt by the Ukrainian Security Services (SSU) to obtain compromising information about Putin from Prigozhin. The operation did not amount to anything, but served as further proof of the distance between the president and his former friend and ally.

After the threat of a military uprising last June and Moscows attempts to bring the Wagner mercenaries under the control of the regular Russian Army, Prigozhins whereabouts remained a mystery. Belarus, a country subject to Russia, was to be his theoretical exile. The deployment of Wagners mercenary forces in the vicinity of the borders of Poland and the Baltic countries set off alarm bells in NATO. Prigozhins last public appearance was in a video recorded from Africa in which he said that Wagner would continue working to recruit mercenaries to fight for the freedom of the continent, that is, against any European and U.S. political influence.

The fate of Prigozhin and Wagner, which had grown powerful in Africa and in Ukraine, hung by a thread. A thread that snapped on Wednesday when the plane in which he was traveling crashed in Russia.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
[August 24, 2023] PAI Partners to Acquire Alphia from J.H. Whitney Tweet

PAI Partners ("PAI"), a pre-eminent private equity firm, today announces that it has agreed to acquire Alphia, Inc. ("Alphia"), one of the largest pet food co-manufacturers in North America, from J.H. Whitney Capital Partners ("J.H. Whitney"). Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824184129/en/ (Photo: Business Wire) Headquartered in Denver, Alphia is a leading national manufacturer of pet food in the U.S., manufacturing more than one billion pounds of dry pet food and treats annually on behalf of leading pet food brands and retailers. Alphia also provides milling, R&D, innovation, warehousing, transportation, and distribution services. The company has six manufacturing facilities across the U.S. and is the parent company of LANI, an ingredient milling solutions company, and Veracity, a warehousing and logistics provider. Combined, Alphia offers its partners complete farm-to-bowl custom solutions. J.H. Whitney acquired Alphia's predecessor, C.J. Foods, Inc., in 2014. Alphia was formed through the merger of American Nutrition, Inc. and C.J. Foods, Inc. in 2020 to create a national pet food manufacturing platform, delivering best-in-class food safety and unparalleled value for its customers. This transaction underlines PAI's expertise in the Food & Consumer sector and its particular experience in pet food and contract manufacturing, with representative investments in Royal Canin, Provimi, Diana Pet Food and Refresco. With the support of PAI, Alphia will seek to accelerate further North American growth, both organically and through acquisitions. David McLain, CEO & President of Alphia, said: "We appreciate the many years of support and partnership with J.H. Whitney, during which time we created Alphia, one of the leading pet food co-manufacturing platforms in the world. PAI is committed to our ongoing vision for growth and shares the common values f innovation, food safety and industry leadership."



Bob Williams, a Senior Managing Director at J.H. Whitney, said: "We have had a great partnership with the Alphia management team. Through deep investment in people, systems and facilities, with a constant focus on customers, Alphia has developed into a leading and pre-eminent co-manufacturer in the pet food industry. We are proud of the team and look forward to seeing Alphia continue its successful growth with PAI." Maud Brown, a Partner at PAI and Head of PAI's US Team, said: "We are excited to announce our investment in Alphia, which represents our second platform in the U.S. We are committed to building the PAI franchise in the U.S. and look forward to our continued growth and success in this market."

Winston Song, a Partner at PAI and Consumer Lead in the U.S., said: "Alphia is a best-in-class company and plays an invaluable role in the value chain of pet food and treats, an exciting consumer category with strong secular tailwinds. Pet parents continue to seek out innovation, quality and value - Alphia has set the industry standard as the trusted partner to many leading brands and retailers. We look forward to partnering with David McLain and his mission-driven team as we continue to invest behind Alphia to grow and scale the platform." Completion is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain regulatory approvals. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as financial adviser to Alphia. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP served as legal counsel to J.H. Whitney and Alphia, and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP served as legal counsel to PAI. About Alphia Alphia is a leading custom manufacturer of super-premium pet food in the U.S., manufacturing more than one billion pounds of dry pet food and treats annually. Customers choose Alphia as their trusted partner for offering unparalleled marketplace intelligence, providing research and development expertise, and delivering the safest, highest quality products on shelf. Alphia's decades of leadership remain focused on safety, quality and consistently delivering growth for its customers, its employees, and their communities. Alphia has six (6) manufacturing facilities nationwide and is also the parent company of LANI, a world-class ingredient milling solutions provider, and Veracity, a logistics company providing warehousing, transportation, and distribution services. Combined, Alphia offers its partners complete farm-to-bowl custom solutions. For more information, visit www.alphia.com. About PAI Partners PAI Partners is a pre-eminent private equity firm investing in market-leading companies across the globe. It manages c. 25 billion of dedicated buyout funds and, since 1994, has completed 100 investments in 12 countries, representing over 70 billion in transaction value. PAI has built an outstanding track record through partnering with ambitious management teams where its unique perspective, unrivalled sector experience, and long-term vision enable companies to pursue their full potential - and push beyond. Learn more about the PAI story, the team and their approach at: www.paipartners.com. About J.H. Whitney J.H. Whitney (JHW), established in 1946 by the industrialist and philanthropist, John Hay "Jock" Whitney, was one of the first U.S. private equity firms and is often credited with pioneering the development of the private equity industry. Today, JHW remains privately owned by its investing professionals and our main activity is to provide private equity capital to small and middle-market companies with strong growth prospects in a number of industries including consumer, healthcare and specialty manufacturing. Our investors include leading foundations, universities, pension funds and other institutions. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824184129/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Investor Alert: Sigma Invest Tweet

Be an informed investor - Don't be fooled by fraudsters misrepresenting themselves TORONTO, Aug. 24, 2023 /CNW/ - The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO) is warning Canadian investors not to be fooled by Sigma Invest (https://sigmainvest.co and https://cfd.sigmainvest.co). In communications with investors, the company uses falsified documents and claims to be regulated by the former Investment Industry Organization of Canada (IIROC) in a fraudulent "IIROC Advisor Report". Sigma Invest is not regulated by IIROC or CIRO. We previously warned investors about Sigma Invest Options Inc. in September 2022 (see Investor Alert: Sigma Invest Options Inc., September 29, 2022). Certain crypto assets have generated a lot of hype. All investors must be informed and ask themselves important questions before purchasing higher-riskinvestment products that do not trade on stock exchanges. Investors should know that crypto-asset trading platforms are not the same as regulated marketplaces and may be missing key investor protections.



CIRO-regulated investment firms and individuals must meet our high standards and deal fairly, honestly and in good faith with Canadian investors. We urge Canadian investors to exercise caution when dealing with non-CIRO-regulated firms and platforms. Investors should confirm if investment firms are registered with CIRO and members of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund (CIPF) before investing. Know exactly what you are investing in. Make sure you understand how the investment, product, or service works. Get a second opinion and seek professional advice about the investment.

Investors should also check the background, qualifications and any disciplinary history of investment advisors registered with CIRO or the CSA by checking the free AdvisorReport for advisors registered with investment dealers, or the CSA's National Registrant Search. If you believe you have been a victim of this or a similar scam, immediately contact your bank, local police, your provincial securities commission, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. About CIRO Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization is the national self-regulatory organization that oversees all investment dealers, mutual fund dealers and trading activity on Canada's debt and equity marketplaces. CIRO is committed to the protection of investors, providing efficient and consistent regulation, and building Canadians' trust in financial regulation and the people managing their investments. For more information, visit CIRO.ca. SOURCE Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization (CIRO)

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] UNITE HERE launches website compiling evidence of Brookfield's defaulted and distressed commercial real estate for stakeholders, regulators and the public Tweet

UNITE HERE launched a new website, www.BrookfieldRealEstateWoes.org, on August 24, 2023, as a resource for regulators, members of the public, and other stakeholders who may be concerned about the dozens of headlines affiliates of Brookfield (NYSE: BN) have garnered this year about defaults, debt downgrades, and other commercial real estate distress. According to research compiled by UNITE HERE, at least $5.8 billion of Brookfield affiliates' office and retail loans are either in default, have been surrendered to lenders, or are at risk of default according to analysts and industry press. The financial health of Brookfield's commercial real estate holdings may be of particular interest to current or potential policyholders of American National Insurance Group, the Texas-based insurer acquired by Brookfield in 2022. UNITE HERE's research has uncovered over $1 billion in debt instruments that appear to be related to Brookfield's real estate holdings on American National's 2022 sworn Annual Statement. These include bonds issued by three ntities related to Brookfield Property Partners (formerly BPY), which Brookfield took private in 2021 after BPY suffered over $2 billion in losses in 2020; and bonds issued by Canary Wharf Group Investment Holdings, the London office complex jointly owned by Brookfield and Qatar's sovereign wealth fund and which had its bond rating downgraded to junk in June 2023 by Moody's.



The majority of these investments are listed on American National's sworn annual statement as "unaffiliated," despite being classified in other filings as affiliated investments. The investments were classified as "unaffiliated" after the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) approved, with certain conditions, a Disclaimer of Affiliation filed by Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE: BAM). "We don't know why TDI accepted Brookfield's argument that its insurance holdings and other companies or joint ventures under Brookfield Asset Management control should be considered 'unaffiliated,'" said Charles Decker, Research Coordinator with UNITE HERE. "But the listing of this real estate debt as 'unaffiliated,' combined with Brookfield's famously opaque corporate structure, makes it nearly impossible to evaluate the risk-reward characteristics of these investments.

"In the absence of guidance from regulators, we believe current and future policyholders should have as many of the facts as possible. American National has at least $1 billion of Brookfield-related real estate debt on its investment books backing its customers' policies. But since so much of that debt is listed as 'unaffiliated,' we don't know if regulators are even aware of it." The website also notes that the financial health of Brookfield's real estate holdings has implications for policyholders of American Equity Life (NYSE: AEL) if Brookfield Reinsurance's (NYSE: BNRE) proposed acquisition is approved by regulators: "Dumping real estate debt on American National's books during the 'office real estate apocalypse' might be a good deal for Brookfield. But is it a good deal for American National's policyholders? And if Brookfield's purchase of American Equity Life is approved, what will AEL's books look like after the takeover?" UNITE HERE is the hospitality workers' union in the U.S. and Canada, representing 300,000 workers in hotels, gaming, food service, airports, and more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824136904/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] IDEMIA Enrolls Memphis-Area Residents in TSA PreCheck Offering Next-Day Availability Tweet

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- With Labor Day weekend quickly approaching, residents of Memphis, Tennessee and surrounding areas can enroll for TSA PreCheck quickly and easily at IDEMIA's local Enrollment Centers. IDEMIA, an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider since 2013, provides ample appointment availability, with most locations offering next-day appointments and all locations offering appointments within two weeks. IDEMIA's Enrollment Centers in the Memphis area are located at 5261 Mendenhall Park Place (Location ID: 2606) and 2506 Mount Moriah Road (Location ID: 1857). The Mendenhall Park location is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The Mount Moriah location is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Tuesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. In addition to these locations, residents can also go to 13 other locations within the state of Tennessee or any of IDEMIA's 590+ locations nationwide. Interested travelers should pre-enroll online at https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/. After completing all pre-enrollment steps, applicants will schedule a 10-minute in-person appointment at an IDEMIA or IDEMIA's IdentoGO location convenient for them. Memphis residents should enter "Memphis, TN" or their zip code and click on the search button to select the location they would like. At the appointment, applicants will present identity and citizenship documentation, provide their fingerprints, and have a photo captured for the TSA background check. After an application is submitted to TSA, most applicants will receive their Known Traveler Number (KTN) within three to five days, and it will be valid for five years.



TSA PreCheck offers many benefits for enrolled travelers, including access to dedicated screening lanes at 200+ participating airports nationwide where 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers wait less than 10 minutes. TSA PreCheck passengers also do not need to remove shoes, belts, 3-1-1 liquids, or light jackets. Children 13-17 may join enrolled adults at the TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling on the same reservation and if the TSA PreCheck indicator appears on the child's boarding pass. Children 12 and under may accompany an enrolled parent or guardian in the TSA PreCheck lanes without restriction. "IDEMIA is proud to offer residents of Memphis and other surrounding areas an easy way to enroll in TSA PreCheck, a valuable and affordable option for travelers, at our various locations within Tennessee," said Lisa Sullivan, Senior Vice President, Travel and Transport, IDEMIA Identity and Security North America. "Through IDEMIA, TSA PreCheck is only $78 which is less than $16 per year and passengers enjoy an expedited, seamless screening process at airport security for 5 years. Renewal is quick and easy too, and most people can do it completely online."

As an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider since the beginning of the program 11 years ago, IDEMIA has processed over 18 million TSA PreCheck enrollments. Interested travelers can enroll at any of IDEMIA's Enrollment Centers. To get started visit: https://tsaenrollmentbyidemia.tsa.dhs.gov/. For more information on the TSA PreCheck program, visit tsa.gov/precheck. About IDEMIA Identity and Security (I&S) North America IDEMIA I&S North America is a leader in identity security and authentication services to governments and private companies, operating in North America. Our mission is to Unlock the World, Make It Safer - helping people access what matters most, more quickly, more safely, and more securely, in both the physical and the digital worlds. Our best-in-class technology helps to authenticate and secure physical and digital transactions. IDEMIA is recognized by the National Institute of Standards (NIST) as a top-ranking participant in the Institute's passenger facilitation simulation testing as well as in its regular Face Recognition Vendor Test (FRVT) rankings, reinforcing the trustworthiness and reliability of IDEMIA's facial recognition solutions for government and consumers alike. Learn more at www.na.idemia.com / Follow @Idemia_NA on Twitter and on LinkedIn. Media contact:

Genevieve de Vera

IDEMIA I&S North America

(978) 808-7047

[email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/idemia-enrolls-memphis-area-residents-in-tsa-precheck-offering-next-day-availability-301909518.html SOURCE IDEMIA Identity & Security USA LLC

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of United States Liability Insurance Company and Its Subsidiaries Tweet

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A++ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Ratings of "aa+" (Superior) of United States Liability Insurance Company (USLI) and its subsidiaries: Mount Vernon Fire Insurance Company, U.S. Underwriters Insurance Company (Bismarck, ND), Mount Vernon Specialty Insurance Company and Radnor Specialty Insurance Company. The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. All companies are domiciled in Omaha, NE, unless otherwise specified. The ratings reflect the insurance operating companies' consolidated balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as their very strong operating performance, neutral business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management (ERM). These assessments are evidenced by USLI's extended trends of underwriting and overall operating profitability, superior risk-adjusted capital position, relevant market presence and conservative reserve positions. Additional positive rating factors include a high level of diversification in the companies' books of business with regard to concentration limits, sales channels, rate flexibility, proactive claims management philosophy and commitment to customer service. Furthermore, these ratings continue to benefit from implicit support provided to USLI and its subsidiaries by their ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) [NYSE: BRK-A and BRK-B], and explicit support from their affiliate, National Indemnity Company. The explicit support for USLI is in the form of significant reinsurance treaties with National Indemnity Company, a Berkshire subsidiary. The implicit support for USLI is in the form of investment management services and ERM supervision, both provided by Berkshire. In addition to these factors, Berkshire has establishe a long-term history of supporting its member companies.



Last year, USLI's common stock portfolio was affected negatively by the significant stock market drop, leading to unrealized investment losses, decrease in surplus, and risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). While part of the unrealized investment losses recovered in 2023, potential concerns from the resulting surplus decline were mitigated by the group's risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by BCAR, which is well into the strongest range and continues to provide ample cushion to absorb occasional volatility in the capital markets. This press release relates to Credit Ratings that have been published on AM Best's 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 Best's Recent Rating Activity web page. For additional information regarding the use and limitations of Credit Rating opinions, please view Guide to Best's Credit Ratings. For information on the proper use of Best's Credit Ratings, Best's Performance Assessments, Best's Preliminary Credit Assessments and AM Best press releases, please view Guide to Proper Use of Best's Ratings & Assessments.

AM Best is a global credit rating agency, news publisher and data analytics provider specializing 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/20230824283273/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] Learn About the CHIPS Act and How It Relates to Arkansas Register by August 31 for an Additional 10% Discount Tweet

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- From 13-15th September, IWRC (the Innovation, Workforce, and Research Conference) will bring together stakeholders from industry, government, and academia in Little Rock. There, attendees will meet, learn, talk, and discuss the CHIPS Act along with other government programs that promote innovation and small business in rural America. 13-15th September, IWRC brings together stakeholders from industry, government, & academia in Little Rock . Save 10% Now! Congress last year allocated $56 Billion for chip manufacturing in the United States with a mandate that the government funding should be allocated throughout the United States. IWRC will provide an opportunity to meet potential partners from the U.S. federal agencies and learn more about how to contribute to the Arkansas innovation ecosystem. At this event, experts from the region and across the country will discuss research grants, technology transfer programs, start-up funding, intellectual property, and a host of other topics related to inspiring and empowering true innovation in the Heartland and Delta Regions. "IEEE-USA is excited to be bringing the IWRC conference to Little Rock to help Arkansas engineers and ntrepreneurs connect with the CHIPS Act and the federal agencies supporting it," said Ed Palacio, 2023 IEEE-USA President. "IEEE-USA supported the CHIPS Act's passage through Congress and we look forward to seeing its impact across the United States."





https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org.

To get your company involved with this exciting event, sponsorship packages are also available at https://iwrc.ieeeusa.org/sponsorship. About IEEE-USA:



IEEE-USA serves the public good and promotes the careers and public policy interests of over 150,000 engineering, computing and technology professionals who are U.S. members of IEEE, the world's largest technical professional organization. Visit us online at ieeeusa.org, like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, follow us on X, subscribe to our YouTube channel and check us out on LinkedIn. Contact: John Yaglenski

Director of Communications, IEEE-USA

202-530-8359 | [email protected] View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/learn-about-the-chips-act-and-how-it-relates-to-arkansas-register-by-august-31-for-an-additional-10-discount-301909549.html SOURCE IEEE-USA

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
[August 24, 2023] ICR Hosts LogicSource CEO David Pennino on the Welcome to the Arena Podcast Tweet

ICR, a leading strategic communications and advisory firm, is pleased to announce that David Pennino, founder and CEO of LogicSource, the leading provider of procurement services and technology, recently appeared on Episode 89 of ICR's "Welcome to the Arena" podcast. Welcome to the Arena is hosted by Tom Ryan, Co-Founder & CEO of ICR. Tom spoke with David about LogicSource's operations, the current state of the procurement industry, what he expects in the next 5-10 years, and more. The Welcome to the Arena podcast has featured discussions with CEOs, CFOs, financial analysts, members of the media, investment bankers, private equity executives and others who influence and create value for public and private-equity backed companies. The podcast made its debut in August 2021, airing episodes roughly every two weeks, and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or anywhere else you get your podcasts.



About ICR

Established in 1998, ICR partners with its clients to execute strategic communications and advisory programs that achieve business goals, build awareness and credibility, and enhance long-term enterprise value. The firm's highly-differentiated service model, which pairs capital markets veterans with senior communications professionals, brings deep sector knowledge and relationships to approximately 1,000 clients across more than 20 industry groups. ICR's healthcare practice operates under the Westwicke brand (www.westwicke.com). Today, ICR is one of the largest and most experienced independent communications and advisory firms in North America, maintaining offices in New York, Norwalk, Boston, Baltimore and Beijing. Learn more at www.icrinc.com. Follow us on Twitter at @ICRPR.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824816811/en/

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
High-speed internet is no longer simply a luxury for homes and businesses. It is now a requirement, and the U.S. government is working to make this happen through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The BEAD program is a federal grant program that provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access. The program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law in late 2021.







So, companies are working to make sure homes and businesses have access to affordable high-speed internet. Joining the fray is Adtran, a provider of open, disaggregated networking and communications solutions that enable voice, data, video and internet communications across any network infrastructure.

Adtran empowers communications service providers around the world to manage and scale services that connect people, places and things. But Adtran has seen a growing demand for domestically produced network electronics, spurred on by initiatives like the BEAD program.

Therefore, Adtran announced the expansion of advanced telecommunications equipment manufacturing at its facility in Huntsville, Alabama.

With an investment of up to $5 million, Adtran's latest endeavor not only promises an injection of economic vitality but also underscores the company's commitment to simplifying and making communications more accessible to millions of Americans.

The expansion initiative is projected to yield an influx of high-quality, well-compensated positions, with estimations suggesting the creation of as many as 300 jobs. This development comes as a resounding testament to Adtran's enduring dedication to fostering innovation and driving progress in the field of telecommunications.

Adtran is committed to investing in the success of new employees with on-the-job training and by extending the same industry-leading benefits it offers its current employees, including a college tuition reimbursement program.

And with those 300 jobs coming to Alabama, it should be noted that Adtran is dedicated to diversity and inclusivity:

40% of Adtran's manufacturing team consists of individuals from diverse racial backgrounds, with African American employees constituting one-third of the team.

The company's commitment to gender equality is also evident, with 57% of manufacturing employees being women, surpassing the industry average of 30%.

President Bidens Investing in America agenda has made the largest investment in high-speed internet in our countrys history to ensure all Americans are connected to affordable, reliable high-speed internet using Made-in-America materials, said Mitch Landrieu, Senior Adviser to the President and White House Infrastructure Coordinator. Adtrans announcement is part of a manufacturing boom that is creating good-paying jobs and boosting our economy  including here in Huntsville, Alabama.

Central to this expansion is Adtran's decision to augment its ongoing production of optical line termination equipment. OLT equipment are hardware devices that act as the endpoint for a passive optical network. OLTs are located in the central office of the network and manage the transmission and reception of information across the network.

The company is also poised to embark on the strategic relocation of the manufacturing process for optical network terminals to domestic soil. An ONT is a device that converts fiber optic signals from an ISP into digital ones. It's the box where fiber internet connection enters a home.

The investments announced today will help ensure that broadband is able to reach more Americans with equipment made right here in North Alabama, supporting our economy and the U.S. as a whole, said Rep. Dale Strong, R-Alabama.

While Adtran's visionary expansion strategy encompasses not only economic growth but also societal enrichment, the company underscored its commitment to local partnerships. Adtran is collaborating with nearby schools to establish a high school apprenticeship program, laying the foundation for aspiring students to acquire invaluable hands-on experience.

Adtran is actively shaping pathways for higher education students through the creation of a co-op program. This initiative is set to provide college attendees with a unique opportunity to seamlessly integrate classroom knowledge with real-world applications, effectively bridging the gap between theory and practice.

This expansion not only represents a strategic investment in Adtrans growing workforce and manufacturing capabilities but also demonstrates our long-term commitment to strengthening the domestic supply chain and securing communications networks with American-made equipment, said Tom Stanton, CEO of Adtran.

Edited by Alex Passett
Crime reporting, local news and the ongoing newspaper po-po fight in Kansas . . .



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Man dies after being shot Wednesday night inside home in KCK One man died at a hospital after being shot about 6:30 Wednesday night in a Kansas City, Kansas, house.

Attorney: Marion police downloaded, kept copy of raided Kansas newspaper's computers During the raid on Marion County Record, law enforcement copied computers to a hard drive and kept the data, according to Bernie Rhodes, attorney for the newspaper.

Prairie Village police looking for woman who stole patrol car, led officers on chase The Prairie Village Police Department is searching for a woman who led them on a high-speed chase after stealing their patrol car. Then, she got away.

Man hospitalized after shooting in Olathe Wednesday night OLATHE, Kan. -The Olathe Police Department is investigating a shooting that sent one man to the hospital Wednesday night. Around 8:20 p.m. police were called to the area of 127th Street and Mur-Le...

Lenexa man pleads guilty to crash that killed 14-year-old pedestrian Alex Rumple 71-year-old Sudhir S. Gandi entered a guilty plea Wednesday to an Involuntary Manslaughter charge for the 2019 collision

Independence man charged for intentionally striking, killing Liberty woman with vehicle Clay County prosecutors accused Zackary Young of of striking, killing a Liberty woman Savanna Churchill near La Frenz and Ruth Ewing roads

Judge seals affidavit in court case involving deadly police shooting of Fairway officer A Johnson County judge ruled Wednesday the affidavit filed in the criminal case against a suspect involved in the deadly police shooting earlier this month of a Fairway officer will remain sealed.

$5K reward offered in fatal Liberty hit-and-run crash The family of a Liberty, Missouri, man killed in a hit-and-run crash is offering a big reward for anyone who can provide information.

Kansas City family continues journey for justice 15 years after daughter killed in drive-by shooting Fifteen years ago, Jazmine Stiggers was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting near 26th and Bellefontaine.

Developing . . .
Only because I THINK we haven't gone a day without posting for something like a decade, we share more than a few of the better stories we're watching . . . BTW, if I ever don't post for a whole day without prior notice . . . Don't worry . . . I'm likely at a luxury hotel room doing unspeakable things with consenting adults . . . Lots and lots of consenting adults.



Check TKC news gathering . . .

Today's Buzz

Roasterie Coffee Company opens seventh location in Kansas City area Kansas City is getting another Roasterie Coffee Company location near I-435 and State Line Road. This is the coffee shop's 7th location.

Cowtown Endures Small Bank Smackdown

Why UMB, Commerce saw their credit ratings downgraded - Kansas City Business Journal The two largest banks based in the Kansas City area both saw their credit ratings downgraded this month. Here's why it happened.

Arrowhead Consequences . . .

Trial set in lawsuit against Davante Adams for shoving photographer A judge will decide the fate of a lawsuit against Raiders receiver Davante Adams, accused of shoving a photographer at Arrowhead Stadium.

Local Caution

Mumps case, additional exposures reported in eastern Jackson County One person in eastern Jackson County tested positive for the Mumps virus and exposed four additional people, the county's health department said.

Still Holding Out . . .

Chiefs prepare for last preseason game without DT Chris Jones The preseason is almost over, and the Kansas City Chiefs are still without their star defensive tackle Chris Jones amid contract negotiations.

Fashioning Celeb Bravery

Khloe Kardashian CLAPS BACK at haters who shamed her 'Pamper booty' The Good American founder, 39, shared a slideshow of photos on Tuesday modeling a daring see-through white dress during her Italian vacation.

Nobody Was Inspired . . .

Biden told Maui wildfire survivors that he can relate, citing a small fire he had in his kitchen in 2004 President Joe Biden told survivors of the Maui wildfires in Lahaina that he could relate to them because of a fire in his Delaware home in 2004.

Game Recognizes Game

The details that make Trump's rhetoric about Biden's family so brazen When it comes to presidential families taking millions of dollars from foreign countries, Republicans want to focus on Biden, not Trump. That's absurd.

Newsflash: Voters Want To Talk REAL Issues

GOP's 'anti-woke' campaigns have voters hitting snooze Polls show little support for attacks on corporations' handling of environmental and social causes - even among Republicans.

Conspirator End Game Against Vlad

Plane crash in Russia kills 10, officials say; Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin reportedly on passenger list Earlier this week, Prigozhin appeared in his first video since leading a failed mutiny against Russian commanders in June.

Global Hunger Fear

A rice shortage is sending prices soaring across the world. And things could get worse Countries worldwide are scrambling to secure rice after a partial ban on exports by India cut global supplies by roughly a fifth.

Don't Pretend To Be Shocked

Trans stripper reveals moment she 'popped out' during performance A transgender sex worker has opened up about some eyebrow-raising occupational hazards of her racy job.

Kansas City Royals Fans Start Drinking Games Amid Another Lost Season

Royals players as alcoholic beverages Cheers

Really Nice Local Restaurant Report Worth A Read . . .

Four Inane Questions with Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop's Malisa Monyakula Courtesy photo Restaurateur Malisa Monyakula tells us she started her entrepreneurial-and culinary-journey back in the second grade. Seems she made a batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies and tried selling them around her neighborhood. "We sold out and made $20 in all one-dollar bills.

Newsie Good Deeds

Fill the Fridge 2023 | Every dollar donated helps provide nutritious food for those in need KSHB 41 News' annual Fill the Fridge campaign with Harvesters Community Food Network kicks off Thursday, providing nutritious meals to our neighbors at risk of hunger.

Totally Relatable Dead-Tree Mansion Guidance Debuts

Don't let developers demolish historic Kansas City mansion and leave a vacant lot | Opinion The 110-year-old Richards House near the Nelson-Atkins Museum could be repurposed into a boutique hotel, library or some other adaptive use. | Opinion

Hotness Persists . . .

Dangerous heat wave in the metro continues today Today is a First Alert Weather Alert Day

GROUPLOVE - Cheese is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
A mouse lives about three years. A hamster, four. A gray rat, five. A guinea pig, 12. A capybara, 15. And an eastern gray squirrel, 24. They are all rodents and distant cousins, some are even similar in size, but the staggering differences in their lifespans suggest that the longest-living ones hold the secret to longer, healthier lives. When it comes to life expectancy, the naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) breaks all records. This animal lives in underground colonies in the Horn of Africa. It is the size of a mouse, but it lives for around 30 years, and some specimens even live beyond 40. On Wednesday, a team led by biologist Vera Gorbunova announced that they had managed to export this incredible longevity to another species. The scientists achieved this by inserting a gene from the naked mole-rat into mice, creating supermice that live longer and are more resistant to cancer.

Gorbunova, the co-director of the Rochester Aging Research (RoAR) Center in the United States, believes that the results show that the mechanisms of long-living animals can be exported to humans. Six years ago, at a conference in Madrid, the biologist showed a photograph of the 1546 painting The Fountain of Youth, painted by German artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. In the oil painting, the elderly and the sick emerge rejuvenated from a pool with miraculous waters. My job is to find the fountain of youth, Gorbunova told the conference. Her new results are a part of that fountain, she now says.

More information The strange rodent thats immune to cancer also holds the key to infertility

The naked mole-rat is a puzzling animal. It can live up to 40 years without getting cancer or other diseases related to aging, such as arthritis and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders. A decade ago, Gorbunovas team discovered a cause for the animals unusual resistance to tumors: its cells produce hyaluronic acid, which is over five times stronger than that produced by humans or mice. This extremely high-molecular-mass hyaluronan (HA)  a long sugar polymer  has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

In the study, Gorbunovas team inserted the gene that produces this extraordinary hyaluronic acid into about 90 mice. The resulting mice lived 4.4% longer on average, with a 12% increase in maximum life span. In a similar group of mice that did not receive the gene, the incidence of cancer reached 83% in old age, compared to 49% in the genetically modified mice. This is the first time that a mechanism of this type has been successfully exported, says Gorbunova.

Aging expert Pura Munoz has welcomed the new research, which was published Wednesday in the journal Nature. The resulting mouse is fabulous in many ways, a true super mouse. They live much longer than their species should, which is related to a lower level of inflammation and a greater protection of the intestinal barrier with age. It is better equipped to resist the stress of the passage of time, she explains.

Munoz works for Altos Labs, a U.S. multinational dedicated to enabling humans to live longer, healthier lives. The company, founded in 2022, has an astounding $2.5 billion budget, and four Nobel laureates on the payroll. This is the first work that shows that the transfer of a characteristic of a species with a long lifespan to another species with a much shorter lifespan is capable of lengthening life, with signs of healthier aging, Munoz explains

Biologist Vera Gorbunova, photographed in May 2022 at the National Center for Oncological Research, in Madrid. Santi Burgos

Gorbunova  who was born in St. Petersburg, in the former Soviet Union  is already looking for strategies to safely increase HA levels in people. Transgenesis could be done, administering the [naked mole-rat] genes into adult human tissues using vectors [viruses, for example] or nanoparticles. The best option, of course, would be to use small molecules to avoid the degradation of the high-molecular-mass hyaluronan, she explains.

Her supermice lived up to 12% longer in the experiment, but that number pales in comparison to what is observed in nature. Naked mole-rats live 1,000% longer than mice. Gorbunova explains that her genetically modified mice synthesize much more hyaluronic acid, but they also break it down at a fast rate, unlike naked mole-rats, which accumulate it. The biologist says that her laboratory is already testing experimental drugs that reduce this natural degradation.

Venezuelan biologist Jorge Azpurua studied the anticancer properties of HA in naked mole-rats a decade ago in Gorbunovas laboratory. The new results are very interesting. The question 10 years ago was whether high-molecular-mass hyaluronan was enough to reduce the risk of cancer, or whether there were multiple molecular mechanisms involved. From what I see in this work, it is enough, says Azpurua, who is now focused on breast cancer research at George Washington University, in the United States.

Azpurua also warns against drawing hasty conclusions. We have to be prudent, because the molecular biology of rodents, in general, is quite different from that of human beings. The most important thing, in my opinion, would be to try to understand the molecular mechanism through which hyaluronic acid reduces the incidence of cancer, he says.

At the moment, there is still no elixir of eternal youth. High-molecular-mass hyaluronan, in fact, is associated with inflammation and cancer metastasis, the authors of the study point out. In a 2022 study, biologist Esther Titos, from the Clinic Hospital in Barcelona, showed that people with obesity have high levels of low molecular weight hyaluronan, which promotes inflammation and metabolic diseases. For Titos, the new results are spectacular, but she also calls for caution. Nobody should run to the pharmacies to eat gels with hyaluronic acid, she jokes.

For decades, this injected sugar has been used to treat various disorders, such as osteoarthritis and chronic wounds that fail to heal. But there are doubts about whether this treatment is really beneficial. It is also used in aesthetic medicine, for example, in procedures to hide nose asymmetries, but again there are doubts about its efficacy and safety. In the world of cosmetics, it is a very common ingredient. Many doors are now open to research the mechanisms, but we should not jump on the idea that high-molecular-mass hyaluronan extends life. It is a study in mice; we must be cautious, says Titos.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Until now, interested parties, mainly expatriates, were obliged to request the sealing of their vehicles registration by a customs officer before departing for abroad

For the Diaspora Greeks who own cars in Greece with foreign license plates, the end is nigh for the hassle and entanglement with the inflexible bureaucracy they are familiar with. The process is being reformed by the Independent Authority for Public Revenue (....), through a relevant circular by its Director, Giorgos Pitsilis.

As stated in the relevant announcement by the ...., the new measure concerns vehicles with foreign license plates under temporary import status, owned by individuals residing abroad. Those vehicles required a series of procedures in order to be put into storage during the period when the owners were absent abroad.

Until now, interested parties, mainly expatriates, were obliged to request the sealing of their vehicles registration by a customs officer before departing for abroad and similarly, its unsealing upon their return for the duration of their stay in Greece. In contrast, with the new procedure, the capabilities of the digital technology system are utilized, with the storage process, to a significant extent, passing through a special platform, using the owners personal passwords in Greeces Taxisnet system.

Specifically, the beneficiaries can now submit a request to the relevant customs office for the immobilization or lifting of the immobilization of their vehicle through the digital portal myaade.gov.gr, using Taxisnet codes. At this time, the instructions are in Greek only, in a PDF that can be downloaded at: https://www.aade.gr/anakoinoseis/deltio-typoy-23082023-0.

After completing the process, people have the option to store their vehicle in a private parking space solely under their own responsibility, without the presence of a customs officer, as was previously required. Finally, they can electronically pay the circulation fees corresponding to the period of vehicle circulation in Greece using TAXISnet codes, through the Imports Subsystem of the Integrated Customs Information System (ICISnet) www.aade.gr.

The new procedure significantly simplifies the existing practice, as expatriate residents can now digitally submit their request for immobilization or re-circulation of their vehicle and pay the corresponding circulation fees, ensuring the immediate and effortless fulfillment of their relevant obligations, stated Pitsilis.

It is reminded that Pitsilis had been asked about the issue by reporters from Diaspora media during his visit to New York last December, in the context of the Capital Link conference.

Read more at thenationalherald.com

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Athens on Friday, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Greece in 40 years

Greece and India share an invaluable bond since Greece is the birthplace of democracy, and India is currently the biggest democracy in the world, highlighted Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis in his interview with Sidhant Sibal, diplomatic correspondent of the international news network Wion, it was reported on Thursday, according to ANA.

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Athens on Friday, the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Greece in 40 years.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Bazonka
Right smack in the middle of our faces, noses are an emotionally loaded body part. So much identity  ethnicity, beauty, familial likeness, perceived personality even  is held in the humble proboscis.

Last weeks kerfuffle over actor Bradley Coopers prosthetically enhanced nose in the upcoming Netflix film Maestro is a reminder of both the significance and sensitivity of the facial feature.

Cooper, who is not Jewish, wore the prosthetic to portray the legendary American conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein, who was Jewish. Critics took issue with the size of the nose, comparing it to images of Bernstein and finding it too pronounced. Hollywood Reporter journalist Daniel Fineberg called it problematic and ethnic cosplay, a widely shared opinion.

Bernsteins children were quick to respond in support of the artistic choice, releasing a statement on social media that said: It happens to be true that Leonard Bernstein had a nice, big nose. Bradley chose makeup to amplify his resemblance and we are perfectly fine with that. We are also certain our Dad would have been fine with it as well.

The Anti-Defamation League also released a statement saying the use of the prosthetic nose was not antisemitic, but acknowledging the history of propaganda films portraying Jews as evil caricatures with large, hooked noses.

There are a lot of concerns and complaints around many aspects of cultural representation, such as characters or biopic subjects who are queer, trans or disabled being portrayed by straight, cisgender or able-bodied actors. There has been criticism over Hugh Grant playing a CGI-enabled Oompa Loompa in the upcoming movie Wonka, taking work away from dwarf actors. These are legitimate concerns and important conversations to have.

As a counterpoint, Nicole Kidman famously wore a large nose prosthetic to play Virginia Woolf in The Hours and there was no outcry. Now, neither the actor nor the novelist she played are Jewish but, even if there had been ethnic traversing involved, in 2002 when that film came out we werent as widely aware of these kinds of appropriation issues.

Whether or not the prosthetic nose helped Cooper get into character and/or will help audiences see him as the maestro, its clear the nose is a powerful part of our identity.

Which brings us to how certain nose shapes, typically Caucasian ones, have been idealized over time.

Back in the 80s and 90s there was only one nose people thought was beautiful, said Toronto plastic surgeon Dr. Jamil Asaria, fellowship director of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and head of the clinic FACE Toronto. Hes referring to the pert little ski jump nose where bumps were turned into slopes, which was the common request received by plastic surgeons at the time.

Patients today are asking for a much larger variety of styles, he said.

Then, rhinoplasty was divided into regular and ethnic, which meant non-Caucasian. Thankfully, Asaria said, the world is so different now. For one thing, people are so blended ethnically, most dont fall into a single category. As well, the preferred esthetic has changed to become more customized and individual. More and more frequently, Asaria is hearing clients say, I still want to look like me.

We arent sculpting your nose into a new shape; we are making smaller, subtler changes to height, bridge, width, nostril size and shape, and rotation.

What matters in modern facial esthetics are proportion and balance. Smaller noses are not necessarily more attractive. Based on other features, your nose may be a little bigger than the average, but on your face that works well, said Asaria. A smaller nose is not going to work well.

He points out that a good nose job can increase someones confidence, but changes, if they are wrong, can really make you feel not you anymore. Your nose is in the centre of your face. If you dont like it you are going to be staring at it forever.

Jennifer Grey, still best known as the star of the 1987 megahit Dirty Dancing, has spoken about regretting the two rhinoplasties she got in the early 90s, and believes the results curtailed her Hollywood career.

Similarly, last year, model Bella Hadid said she regrets the nose job she had at the age of 14. Hadid is considered one of the most beautiful women in the world; her face has been found to hew closely to ideal ratios for facial symmetry. But, she told Vogue, I wish I had kept the nose of my ancestors. I think I would have grown into it.

Noses do contain the stories of our families and ancestries, as well as our insecurities and desires. Moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to them is a beautiful thing.
Police are seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect in a robbery at a store on the Danforth.

Toronto police allege a man entered a store near Danforth and Greenwood avenues and concealed merchandise in a bag around 5:50 a.m. Saturday.

"He then assaulted a person by throwing an object at them," police alleged in a news release Wednesday evening, adding the man then "fled the store with the merchandise."

The suspect is in his 20s, about five feet eight inches tall with short black hair, a moustache and goatee and a medium build and was wearing a light-coloured sweater, white pants and white shoes.

Police released an image and are asking anyone with information to call 55 Division at 416-808-5500 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
A new food festival is coming to North York in Toronto that will highlight the diverse cultures in the area.

The inaugural Taste of North York Festival will take place from Sept. 8 to 10 at Mel Lastman Square, where visitors can enjoy delicious food and exciting performances while connecting with their neighbours.

Charity and community development organization NeighbourLink North York and popular food festival operator Street Eats Market are teaming up to put on the festival for Torontonians to experience what North York has to offer.

On Sept. 9, NeighbourLink will be hosting the Meet & Eat, where visitors can interact with more than 20 local charities, non-profits, cultural organizations and clubs, including the North York Senior Centre, the Neighbourhood Group and more.

Politicians from all three levels of government will be attending, and theres a seating area where over 800 visitors can eat and get to know each other.

Street Eats will be showcasing 60 diverse vendors that feature the cultural groups of the area, including the Chinese, Korean, Iranian and Filipino communities.

NeighbourLink is collaborating with local arts and cultural organizations to bring performances to the main stage of the square.

T.U. Jazz Fest will have a pop-up performance area at the east end of the square. There will be live art, face painting, trivia and plenty of family friendly activities.

Some money raised at the festival will go to NeighbourLinks food bank and community care programs that support local children, families and seniors experiencing poverty and social isolation.

For more information, visit www.neighbourlink.org/taste.
With Canadas limited growing season, we have a historic, almost forced, reliance on imported foods during long periods of the year.

The produce aisle of pretty much every major grocery store is stocked with fruits and vegetables from around the world. In the current Canadian food retail sector, as much as 90 per cent of the leafy greens consumers buy are imported from Arizona or California.

There is risk to this; in particular, a risk to Canadas food sovereignty.

At a high level, food sovereignty is a nations ability to grow, raise and process the food it needs to feed its population. Weather has been a great limiting factor impacting, or limiting, Canadas food sovereignty. With frigid winters shutting down Canadian agriculture for as much as half the year, it can be a challenge to make sure there is a consistent and steady supply of healthy food for Canadians year round.

But with technology and innovation in agriculture, Canada is in a position to address that challenge and replace the imports on which we have been relying for generations. This concept  import replacement  is critical to our food sovereignty.

Importing food is a volatile element in a Canadian food system that can be very fragile. A drought or flood can result in food shortage and massive price spikes. Trade disputes or, dare it be said, global pandemics can shut down borders, limiting access to staples and foods we count on. Foreign agriculture subsidies enable farmers from abroad to undercut domestic farmers, adding more instability to our food supply chain.

The more we can replace those imports, the better.

Canada is already strong in the greenhouse sector, enabling some home grown hothouse fruit and vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers to be available all year.

The next advance to bolster our food sovereignty is the indoor vertical farm to supply the leafy greens we enjoy in salads, on sandwiches or for a punch of nutrients in a delicious smoothie.

Immune to extreme weather events, climate-controlled and free of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, indoor vertical farms maximize food production in a small footprint  a vertical farm can harvest 40 crops of microgreens, and 20 crops of baby greens each year  and are fully automated, limiting human contact with the product until the consumer gets it home. The controlled environment ensures consistency in quality, predictability in supply and extended shelf life due to local growing, in turn insulating consumers from wild price fluctuations and supply interruptions.

Perhaps most important is that these farms are not competing with open-field farming in Canada. The microgreens and baby greens most suitable to an indoor growing environment are largely imported from the southwestern United States.

Growing these leafy greens at home throughout the calendar not only helps secure our food sovereignty, it also removes thousands of food miles from the roads, reducing the carbon footprint of Canadian agriculture.

And that doesnt touch on the health benefits of local produce  the moment a plant is harvested, it begins to leach nutrients. The more time it spends in transport, the fewer nutrients it offers. Canadian-grown microgreens already pack more than 40 times the nutrients of their mature plant counterparts, and lose less after harvest because they do not take as long to get on store shelves.

In this time of uncertainty, import replacement can make Canada largely self-sufficient, stabilizing our food system and securing our food sovereignty.

Barry Murchie is president and chief executive officer of Guelph-based GoodLeaf Farms.
Dark spots have been observed on Neptune for more than 30 years. These planetary-scale vortices, similar in scale to the Earth, appear and disappear on the icy giant. Beyond what can be observed in the atmosphere, the nature of the spots is unknown. To delve deeper into this cosmic mystery, an international consortium studied the phenomenon from a ground-based telescope, the first to capture and analyze the large dark spot. The results were published today in the scientific journal Nature Astronomy.

Thanks to the Very Large Telescope (VLT), the group led by Patrick Irwin, a professor at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, identified aerosols (any solid or liquid particle that interferes with sunlight) as the cause of the darkening in the nebular formation, as compared to the normal bluish background of Neptunes atmosphere. In the article, Irwins team writes that they were able to analyze the sunlight reflected by the planet at different wavelengths, allowing them to determine the height at which the spot is located, and the nature of its darkening as compared to the rest of the atmosphere. They achieved all of this by using the European Southern Observatorys MUSE instrument, situated on a hill in Chiles Atacama Desert, where the VLT is located.

The study of Neptunes outer atmosphere points to the presence of hazes, methane ice clouds and, at greater depths, hydrogen sulfide. Below the hydrogen sulfide clouds, the models also indicate the presence of ammonium hydrosulfide or water clouds, but in the absence of observations at such depths. the presence of the latter could not be confirmed yet, says co-author Daniel Toledo. According to the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA; Spain) physicist, the most important aspect of this work is the understanding that a change in the nature of the aerosols at the planets depth produced the dark spot on Neptune, not a clearing between storm clouds at those heights.

Neptune divided into colors and wavelengths, providing a wealth of valuable information for astronomers. ESO/P. Irwin et al.

During their space travels, the Voyager 2 probe in 1989 and the Hubble telescope in 1996 took snapshots of different large intermittent spots on Neptune. These photographs were useful in determining the size and shape of the phenomena, basically an external description of the vortices, says Toledo. But to find out its composition, scientists required the use of the VLTs MUSE instrument, which can conduct an analysis of the complete spectrum of the vortex in many wavelengths through spectrographic techniques. Surprisingly, from a certain wavelength, at 700 nanometers, [the dark spot] disappears, says the physicist, describing the three-dimensional model of the results of his research.

Because of the variation in the absorption of methane gas by wavelength, we can establish the depths from which we are observing the light reflected by the atmosphere, the INTA scientist explains. That indicates that the observed phenomenon occurs in the upper parts of the icy planets atmosphere, at pressure levels of 45 bars, which is below the condensation level of the methane clouds seen in the classic photographs of Neptune. Toledo draws a terrestrial parallel: The same thing happens on Earth with ultraviolet light, which is mostly absorbed in the stratosphere by ozone. So, if we observe the Earth from outside its atmosphere, the light reflected in ultraviolet results from interactions between sunlight and the atmosphere at altitudes above the ozone layer.

While cognizant of the limitations of the study, which focuses on the outer layer of the planet, Toledo is pleased to know that the dark spot is the result of an atmospheric phenomenon that is occurring at depths where our knowledge is very limited due to a lack of direct observation. The article itself explains that the causes of the movement within the large spot are still unknown, although the scientists theorize that it could be related to the photolysis of certain gases in the giant planet.

Researchers Irwin and Toledo emphasize that they can obtain an image with a great deal of information about the solar systems seventh planet from Earth. But the co-investigator notes that future research will require space probes to go beyond the limits of current models: Logically, the next step would have to be a mission dedicated to these planets [Uranus or Neptune], since the ice giants are the only planets in the solar system that have not had a mission focused on them. Toledo says that sending probes will be a top priority for NASA in the coming years, because of the knowledge that these natural satellites can offer about the solar systems origin; they also aid space exploration because of their similarity with the exoplanets studied in the Milky Way.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
People gather in support of transgender youth during a rally at the Utah State Capitol Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, in Salt Lake City.

The number of gender-affirming surgeries in the U.S. nearly tripled from 2016 to 2019 before dropping slightly in 2020, according to a study published Wednesday.

The increase likely reflects expanded insurance coverage for transgender care after the Obama administration and some states actively discouraged discrimination based on gender identity, lead author Dr. Jason Wright of Columbia University said. The dip in 2020 can be attributed to the pandemic.

About 48,000 patients underwent such surgeries during the five years studied, with about 13,000 procedures done in 2019, the peak year, and 12,800 in 2020.

A little more than half the patients were aged 19 to 30. Surgeries in patients 18 and younger, were rare: fewer than 1,200 in the highest volume year.

In the last couple of years, many states have taken steps to restrict or ban transgender care for people under age 18, adding to waiting lists of patients seeking care in states that have declared themselves refuges for transgender people.

This age group is really not whats driving the overall increase in gender-affirming surgery that we found, Wright said.

Among the youngest patients, the most common surgeries were breast and chest procedures, with more than 3,000 young people undergoing such operations during the five-year period.

These were likely transgender males  generally high school graduates  having their breasts removed, said Dr. Loren Schechter of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, who specializes in gender-affirming surgery and was not involved in the study. Having breast surgery at that age allows them to go to the next phase of their life in a body with which theyre comfortable and is synchronous with their identity, he said.

The study, published in JAMA Network Open, did not look at more common treatments in minors such as puberty blockers and hormones.

Researchers analyzed records from two national surgery databases. For all age groups, breast surgeries were the most common type, followed by genital surgeries. The researchers also counted about 6,600 cosmetic procedures such as liposuction, face lifts and nose reshaping.

The gender identities of the patients were unclear in the data and couldnt be inferred in categories like breast reconstruction, which could be for either transgender males or females.

Private insurance covered most patients who had such surgeries, the researchers found. About 1 in 4 patients received coverage through Medicaid, the federal-state health care insurance program that helps pay for health care for low-income people.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
Three men who police believe are responsible for the quadruple murder of the Peterkin children as they slept in their home in the Heights of Guanapo, are now in custody.

The men were held in a police exercise in the Heights of Aripo on Monday evening.

Details in the TV6 News@7.
In Tobago...where Carnival is underway... there were no reports of Serious Crime ...despite 
By Jeff Murphy, August 24, 2023





From left, Phil Hull, director of international student services at the University of Central Missouri; Jun Kumamoto, president of Hiroshima College of Foreign Languages (HCFL); Roger Best, UCM president; Gakuji Tatsumi, HCFL dean of academic and student affairs; and Phil Bridgmon, UCM provost and vice president for academic affairs, participate in a memorandum of understanding signing event between UCM and HCFL.



WARRENSBURG, MO  A memorandum of understanding opening the door for an expanded partnership with Hiroshima College of Foreign Languages (HCFL) in Japan was recently signed by administrative and academic leaders at the University of Central Missouri and HCFL.



Updating a relationship UCM has had with the Hiroshima institution since 2005, the brief signing ceremony took place on Aug. 7 in the Elliott Student Union. The agreement creating a framework for institutional cooperation was signed by Roger Best, UCM president, and Phil Bridgmon, provost and vice president for academic affairs, with HCFL leaders, Jun Kumamoto, president, and Gakuji Tatsumi, dean of academic and student affairs.



Phil Hull, director of international student services at UCM, also attended the event. He noted for nearly two decades, HCFL students have been coming to UCM primarily as participants in the universitys English Language Institute (ELI). The ELI is housed in the Elliott Student Union. It offers an Intensive English Program, professional language training and short-term cultural programming to help English language learners develop skills needed to succeed in higher education and in their careers.



The MOU enables partnering institutions to create opportunities that meet respective academic and educational needs through:

 Undergraduate and graduate degree-seeking programs

 Short- and long-term faculty and student exchanges

 Collaborative research and discovery, learning and teaching

 Programs offered or developed by UCMs English Language Institute, and

 Other mutually agreed upon educational or research programs.



While many students from HCFL who enroll at UCM will continue to focus on opportunities to increase their fluency in the English language, the recent agreement with HCFL is a step toward making the transition to a four-year degree program much easier. Hull said the university plans to explore with HCFL leaders ways to ensure a smooth transfer of college credits between institutions.



Over the years, there have been conversations about doing a more robust articulation of courses because students at HCFL may take English classes but they also take courses that are primarily general education courses, Hull said. I am going to be working with Mr. Tatsumi on course articulation so that when students come to UCM they can have courses that they have already taken at home count toward their bachelors degree.



Another benefit of this agreement is that UCM offers a renewable Global Partners Scholarship to HCFL students. A student who enrolls at UCM from Japanese partnering institution to pursue a degree or utilize opportunities available through the English Language Institute has the opportunity to do so while paying the in-state resident tuition rate. This provides a significant savings on their college education. Several criteria must be met, however, before being eligible to receive this award. As stipulated in the MOU, this includes requirements such as submitting timely documentation of UCMs international student online application, demonstrated English proficiency, and other criteria.



Hull said the university also looks forward to future opportunities such as joint research projects between faculty members and students, and the development of future programs that are mutually beneficial.



This partnership with HCFL is one example of UCMs ongoing efforts to connect the institution with other colleges, universities and students overseas who want to collaborate on educational opportunities in the United States and abroad. Hull said such initiatives re-awaken efforts that were stalled in recent years due to events such as COVID.



One of the things I discovered in my travels this summer to places such as Malaysia and India, where I visited with partners, theres an eagerness to get back to a certain degree of normalcy, and go forward with an even greater spirit of partnership, Hull said.
The process of preparation for Ukraine's receipt of multi-purpose fighter jets continues.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said this during a press conference on the sidelines of the Crimea Platform summit, answering questions about the efficiency of deliveries of aircraft and long-range missiles, reports Ukrinform.

"We already have all types of missiles, even on our planes we found an opportunity and use Storm Shadow, SCALP, and other types of missiles. Therefore, I mean that the issue here now is not only about missiles. The question is in the fighters, in our powerful presence in the sky. The arrangements were as follows: we started talking with Sweden, our technical team arrived, they will check for five weeks as regards the Gripens (multipurpose fighter jets - ed.), how they operate. After that, if it is technically completely suitable for us and if the Swedish government is ready to discuss it, after that we will agree on a training mission. This is exactly how we worked on the F-16s. This is such a difficult path," Zelensky said, adding that all the details regarding the Gripens were discussed, and the command of the Air Force began to study the technical features.

Informing about the delivery of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, the head of state said: "As for the F-16, as the main aircraft of the future fleet of Ukraine, we have a clear agreement with Denmark, and we will have 19 fighter jets, they will go through different stages. Unfortunately, all this is not fast. Why? Because today all this depends not only on Denmark, it depends on us. We must provide our pilots, specialists, engineers", the president stressed.

He recalled that dozens of technical personnel serve several pilots, so the topic of ground maintenance staff is quite acute.

The head of state also noted that infrastructure preparation is no less important.

"Separately, we will build the infrastructure for modern fighters. We must understand that our infrastructure is not modern, its not for the F-16s. We will build it as soon as possible, this is our task, today it is the task of the Air Force so they will deal with it," Zelensky said.

The head of state recalled that Ukraine had reached an agreement on the delivery of 42 aircraft.

"The situation with the Netherlands  we agreed with Mark Rutte that we can count on 42 planes. Of those, we will have people trained on 18, and when theyve been trained, we will be able to get those 18. The rest we will be able to get as soon as our pilots are ready. In general, this is a very serious number of planes," he concluded.

In addition, according to Zelensky, Greece will help Ukraine train pilots and will provide training sites.

He recalled that earlier, Ukraine counted on only 12 planes.

"We need platforms and we need planes, but it is very important that we send pilots (for training  ed.) This is not an easy task for us because our country is at war, so if you send someone, it means that someone is not fighting in the sky for Ukraine. It is necessary to find a balance in this," Zelensky emphasized.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, the spokesman for the Air Force Command, Yuriy Ihnat, said that the Force was already working on upgrading the fleet of aircraft and replacing them with more modern ones. First of all, this is about the F-16s, while the involvement of Swedens Gripens is currently being studied.

Photo: Presidents Office
Over the past day, 23 combat clashes were reported along the front line. In the Avdiivka direction, Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled Russias assault attempts in the area.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this in its morning update, Ukrinform saw.

"Throughout the day, 23 combat clashes have taken place. In the Avdiivka direction, our defenders successfully repelled attacks by Russian troops in the Avdiivka area. More than 15 settlements, including Keramik, Novokalynove, Avdiivka, Soloviove, Stepove, and Orlivka, Donetsk region, were hit by artillery," the report reads.

Tonight, the Russian Federation launched a missile attack on the city of Dnipro. The reports regarding the consequences of this terrorist attack are currently being verified.

In the past 24 hours, the enemy launched 10 missile attacks and 57 air strikes, as well as 70 attacks involving MLR systems, on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas. Also, the occupiers once again attacked the territory of Ukraine, using the Shahed-136/131 UAVs. Ukraines air defense forces destroyed 12 enemy drones. As a result of Russian terrorist attacks, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population. Residential buildings, port infrastructure, schools, and other civil infrastructure sustained damage.

The probability of Russia launching missile and air strikes on the entire territory of Ukraine remains high.

On the Volyn and Polissia axes, the operational situation has not changed significantly.

In the Sivershchyna and Slobozhanshchyna directions, the enemy conducted airstrikes in the areas of Romny and Kostiantynivka, Sumy region, and Dovzhyk and Chuhunivka, Kharkiv region. Mortar and artillery strikes targeted more than 15 settlements, including Bleshnia, Chernihiv region, Volfyne, Kindrativka, and Veselivka, Sumy region, and Ohirtseve, Hatyshche, and Krasnyi Yar, Kharkiv region.

In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the Novoyehorivka area, Luhansk region. Airstrikes targeted the Shiykivka area in Kharkiv region and Tverdokhlibove, Luhansk region. The settlements of Dvorichna, Kislivka, Kotliarivka, Tabaivka, Krokhmalne, and Pishchane, Kharkiv region were subjected to enemy artillery and mortar attacks.

Over 30 settlements, including Nevske and Bilohorivka, Luhansk region, and Vyimka, Zvanivka, Rozdolivka, and Fedorivka, Donetsk region, were hit by enemy artillery in the Lyman direction.

On the Bakhmut axis, the enemy undertook unsuccessful offensive efforts in the Vesele area, Donetsk region. Airstrikes targeted the areas of Spirne, Klishchiivka, Andriivka, and Bila Hora, Donetsk region. More than 25 settlements, including Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, Stupochky, Bila Hora, Diliivka, and Kurdiumivka, Donetsk region, came under enemy artillery fire.

Read also: Casualties as Russian strike targets Dnipro

In the Marinka direction, Ukraines defense forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the Marinka and Novomykhailivka areas, Donetsk region. The Russian airstrike hit the Krasnohorivka area, Donetsk region. The settlements of Krasnohirvka, Marinka, Oleksandropil, Kurakhove, Antonivka, and Yelizavetivka, Donetsk region, were subjected to artillery fire.

In the Shakhtarske direction, the enemy launched an airstrike in the Blahodatne area, Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Vuhledar, Shakhtarske, Vremivka, Blahodatne, Urozhaine, and Novopil, Donetsk region, were affected by enemy artillery fire.

In the Zaporizhia direction, the enemy ran unsuccessful offensive actions in the area of Mala Tokmakchka, Zaporizhzhia region. Their airstrikes targeted the districts of Orikhiv, Novodanilivka, and Robotyne, Zaporizhzhia region. More than 20 settlements were affected by artillery shelling, among them Yehorivka, Chervona Krynytsia, Orikhiv, Novodanilivka, Robotyne, and Ilchenkove, Zaporizhzhia region.

In the Kherson direction, the enemy conducted airstrikes in the areas of Beryslav, Odradokamianka, Lvove, and Kherson, Kherson region, and Izmail, Odesa region. Osokorivka, Zolota Balka, Mykhailivka, Respublikanets, and Burhunka, Kherson region, and the city of Kherson were affected by enemy artillery fire.

At the same time, Ukraines Defense Forces continue their offensive operation in the Melitopol direction, getting entrenched in the regained positions and engaging in counter-battery combat.

Read also: Zaluzhnyi shows Ukrainian flag flying over Robotyne village

Russian invaders continue to exploit the civilian infrastructure of temporarily occupied settlements to ensure medical aid to their wounded servicemen.

In the town of Melitopol, Zaporizhzhia region, the Russians transformed the premises of a local rehabilitation center into a field hospital, where about 100 wounded occupiers are being treated.

Over the past day, Ukraines Air Force two times hit Russian control points, nine enemy clusters, and four anti-aircraft missile systems.

Missile and artillery forces struck two control points, a weapons and manpower cluster, and two artillery systems in firing positions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Rostov-on-Don, which hosts the headquarters of the staff running the war in Ukraine, means that he likely wanted to demonstrate his authority and to portray the senior military command as functioning as usual.

The UK Ministry of Defence said this in an intelligence update posted on the social platform X (formerly known as Twitter), Ukrinform reports.

On 19 August 2023, President Vladimir Putin made a rare visit to Southern Military District HQ at Rostov-on-Don, approximately 160km from the front line. The HQ hosts the staff running the war in Ukraine, the report says.

It is noted that Putin held a meeting with senior officers, including Chief of the General Staff General Valery Gerasimov who continues to command the operation in Ukraine.

Wagner Group briefly seized the HQ in June 2023. Putin highly likely wishes to project his authority and to portray the senior military command as functioning as usual, the Ministry of Defence added.

As reported, on June 23, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, announced a demarche against the Russian military leadership, in particular against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Prigozhin took control of Rostov-on-Don and part of Voronezh region, after which the Wagner mercenaries moved toward Moscow.

On June 24, Alexander Lukashenko held talks with Prigozhin. Following the talks, the private army's leader announced he was returning his mercenaries to their field camps.

On August 23, Wagner PMC group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to preliminary information, was listed among passengers on a private plane that crashed in Russias Tver region.

Photo: GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/SPUTNIK/KREMLIN POOL /PAP/EPA
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine confirmed the defense intelligence group suffered no losses during the special operation to land in the temporarily occupied Crimea, while emphasizing that it is too early to talk about the liberation of the peninsula.

He noted this during a joint press conference with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

It is too early to talk about the liberation of Crimea. Second, I will have a detailed report from General Budanov. The third - yes, these are our guys. Fourth, there are no casualties on our side, which is good news. At least, this is what I could discuss over the phone with the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Zelensky told journalists.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, GUR units ran a daring landing operation in temporarily occupied Crimea with the support of Ukraines Navy.

In a brazen stunt conducted on Ukraines Independence Day, a small group landed on the Black Sea shore in the area of Olenivka and Mayak settlements and engaged in a firefight with the invaders, incurring losses on enemy forces.
To date, three countries - the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway - have confirmed they will send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine flowing pilot and engineer training.

President Volodymyr Zelensky announced this at a joint press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stre in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

There are countries that have agreed to transfer F-16s to Ukraine following training - Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway. We are very grateful to these three countries," Zelensky said.

He thanked the head of the Norwegian government for the "important and historic" decision to transfer aircraft to Ukraine.

The President also expressed gratitude to the United States, as F-16 fighter jets are American technology.

At the same time, when asked whether the number of F-16 aircraft to be transferred is enough for Ukraine, the head of state said: "It will be difficult to talk about the number. I believe that we should be grateful for any number. And why do you think that there will be so few? Well see.

As reported, Norway has announced its readiness to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine, two of which are provided for training, but the exact number is still unknown.
Republican U.S. presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis looks on as he speaks at Erick Erickson's conservative political conference "The Gathering" in Atlanta, Georgia, on Aug. 18, 2023.

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.

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 its 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 multipronged 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 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 Floridas 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.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
The Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the Kupiansk and Avdiivka directions in the past 24 hours. In the Maryinka direction, the Defense Forces of Ukraine hold back the advance of the enemy. In total, 26 combat clashes took place during the day.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said this in its evening update on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

According to the General Staff, throughout the day, the enemy launched 5 missile attacks and more than 34 airstrikes, carried out 41 MLRS attacks on the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas. Unfortunately, as a result of the Russian terrorist attacks, there are dead and wounded among the civilian population.

The threat of the enemy launching further missile attacks and airstrikes on Ukraine remains high.

24 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 aggressor launched an airstrike in Bobylivka area of Sumy region. More than 25 settlements came under mortar and artillery shelling, including Bleshnia, Yanzhulivka, Mykolaivka of Chernihiv region; Chernatske, Lomlenka, Kindrativka, Novodmytrivka, Luhivka of Sumy region and Udy, Hraniv, Ohirtseve, Bochkove, Budarky of Kharkiv region.

In the Kupiansk direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the Novoyehorivka area of Luhansk region. Airstrikes were launched in the districts of Orlianske of Kharkiv region, and Nadia of Luhansk region. The settlements of Dvorichna, Synkivka, Ivanivka, Kyslivka, and Berestove of Kharkiv region were subjected to artillery and mortar shelling.

In the Lyman direction, the invaders launched airstrikes in the areas of Spirne and Rozdolivka. The settlements of Nevske, Bilohorivka of Luhansk region, and Spirne, Rozdolivka of Donetsk region came under artillery and mortar attacks.

In the Bakhmut sector, the aggressor carried out airstrikes in Ivanivske and Bila Hora areas of Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Vasiukivka, Minkivka, Markove, Bakhmut, Chasiv Yar, and New York of Donetsk region, were subjected to enemy artillery shelling.

In the Avdiivka direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in the area south of Avdiivka, Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Novobakhmutivka, Novokalynove, Stepove, Karlivka, Pervomaiske, and Nevelske of Donetsk region, came under artillery fire.

In the Maryinka direction, the Defense Forces continue to hold back the advance of Russian troops in the areas northeast of Novomykhailivka and Maryinka, Donetsk region. The enemy carried out an airstrike in Krasnohorivka area of Donetsk region. The settlements of Zhelanne Pershe, Oleksandropil, Pobieda, Katerynivka, Yelyzavetivka, and Illinka of Donetsk region came under enemy artillery fire.

In the Shakhtarske direction, Russian troops launched an airstrike in Staromaiorske area of Donetsk region. More than 10 settlements, including Vuhledar, Novoukrainka, Zolota Nyva, Vremivka, Staromaiorske, and Rivnopil of Donetsk region, were subjected to enemy artillery shelling.

In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the enemy carried out airstrikes in the areas of Mala Tokmachka and Robotyne of Zaporizhzhia region. More than 20 settlements came under artillery shelling, including Novodarivka, Malynivka, Zaliznychne, Mala Tokmachka, Mali Shcherbaky, and Piatykhatky of Zaporizhzhia region.

In the Kherson direction, the aggressor launched an airstrike in Tiahynka area of Kherson region. More than 15 settlements, including Lvove, Kherson, Komyshany, Bilozerka, Kizomys of Kherson region and Ochakiv of Mykolaiv 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 one strike on one enemy command post, 13 strikes on manpower clusters and three strikes on the enemy's anti-aircraft missile system. For their part, missile and artillery forces struck one Russian command post, one manpower, weapons, and equipment cluster, three artillery units in firing positions, one air defense system, one ammunition depot, and one e-warfare station.

As reported by Ukrinform, the Defense Forces of Ukraine from February 24, 2022 to August 24, 2023 eliminated about 259,160 Russian invaders, including 340 occupiers in the past day alone.

Photo: General Staff
Norway is planning to accelerate the production of NASAMS systems and will convince its partners to transfer the systems to Ukraine.

Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre stated this at a joint press conference with President Volodymyr Zelensky, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The Norwegian prime minister stressed that his country will do everything in its power to convince partners to send NASAMS they may have to Ukraine.

He added that Norway is transferring the IRIS-T system to Ukraine, which will also allow protecting infrastructure and people's lives from drones and missiles.

The prime minister also said that Norway will continue to support Ukraine in rebuilding critical infrastructure and in storing gas for the winter period, as it did last year.

As reported, Norway decided to send two F-16 fighters for the training of Ukrainian pilots and will consider the possibility of providing additional aircraft.
The Norwegian government has announced new packages of military and energy support for Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing war of aggression.

According to Ukrinform, Reuters reported this.

Norway will provide Ukraine with equipment used to repair critical energy infrastructure, as well as IRIS-T anti-aircraft missiles and portable kits for creating corridors through minefields.

Support for Ukraine's air defense was crucial in preventing Russia from taking control of the airspace and thus prevented great civilian suffering and military losses, the government said in a statement.

Air defense missiles can be launched from installations provided by Sweden.

Norway will also help Ukraine with gas and electricity supplies.

As Ukrinform reported, in July, Norway announced the transfer of two NASAMS units and thousands of Black Hornet drones to Ukraine.
Hungary will ask the EU to extend the ban on the import of Ukrainian grain to the five EU countries beyond September 15.

This was announced by the Chief of Staff of Hungarys prime minister, Gergely Gulyas, who spoke at a briefing on Thursday, Ukrinform reports with reference to Reuters.

"Hungary will ask the EU to extend the ban from September 16," Gulyas said.

He added that Hungary is ready to reimpose a national ban on imports if the EU does not extend the embargo.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, in May 2023 the European Commission banned the import of wheat, corn, rapeseed, and sunflower from Ukraine to Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania at the insistence of the said countries. On June 5, the ban was extended until September 15, 2023.

Agriculture ministers of the five EU countries adopted a joint statement in Warsaw on July 19, insisting that the European Commission's embargo on the import of Ukrainian grain be extended until the end of the year, while preserving transit.

If the European Commission refuses to extend the ban after September 15, Poland will unilaterally "close the border", Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said.

Yuliia Svyridenko, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine, emphasized that in the event that the European Commission extends the ban on the import of Ukrainian grain beyond September 15, Ukraine may consider mirror measures.
At a meeting in Kyiv, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal and President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa discussed the development of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The head of the Ukrainian government wrote this on the social media platform X, Ukrinform reports.

An important meeting with the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. We discussed the development of economic cooperation and the reconstruction of Ukraine. Grateful for the support of European initiatives and military aid, especially the offer to help train Ukrainian pilots, Shmyhal wrote.

As reported by Ukrinform, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal today held a meeting in Kyiv with Chairman of the Presidium of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljko Komsic and member of the Presidency Denis Becirovic.
The Government of Norway is allocating NOK 1.5 billion via the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to ensure the import of natural gas and electricity to Ukraine.

The relevant statement was made by the Ukrainian Energy Ministry, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The funds will be directed to critical energy infrastructure repairs and technical maintenance, and emergency power supply in the regions affected by hostilities, as well as natural gas purchases for emergency storage purposes, the report states.

According to the ministry, this was announced by Prime Minister of Norway Jonas Gahr Stre during his visit to one of Ukrainian energy facilities, which had been affected by repeated Russian attacks.

In the course of the meeting, Ukrainian Energy Minister German Galushchenko noted that Ukraine would be interested in Norways experience regarding the development of hydropower generation, namely the expert assessment of the situation at Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant (HPP) by Norwegian experts. The parties also discussed cooperation in the development of offshore wind energy generation.

Photo: mev.gov.ua
Russian propaganda made a fake advertising banner

Kremlin media and z-Telegram channels are distributing a photo of an advertising banner showing a map of Ukraine without Crimea. Propagandists claim that similar "social advertising" is being circulated in France. Thus, the "French authorities" supposedly "congratulate" Ukraine on Independence Day.

This is a fake. Propagandists photoshopped the original picture from the brand book of the Danish company AFA JCDecaux, which specializes in outdoor advertising.

The original picture was cropped and replaced with an advertising banner. In the original picture and in the fake one, we see a bike lane sign before the stop, a white line and a woman's reflection in the stop glass, a car behind the banner, and shopping center windows behind the stop.

On the official AFA JCDecaux page on Facebook, the original photo was published on July 30, 2023.

In addition, the real photo was not taken in France, but in the capital of Denmark, Copenhagen. The stop with the banner is near the Magasin du Nord shopping center, its windows are seen behind the stop in the photo.

France is one of the main allies of Ukraine. As part of President Volodymyr Zelenskys visit to Paris on May 14, 2023, a declaration was signed in which the French Republic reiterated the recognition of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

The Kingdom of Denmark also supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine and transfers 19 F-16 fighter jets to protect Ukrainian skies.

Earlier, Russian propagandists made a fake promotional video in Tokyo.

Andriy Olenin
Ukraine is lobbying through various channels on the issue of obtaining long-range weapons, and there will definitely be a positive result.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said this during a press conference on the sidelines of the Crimea Platform summit in Kyiv, reports an Ukrinform correspondent.

"We are working on this (provision of long-range weapons - ed.). Diplomats, my head of office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have their tasks to fulfill. I'm working in different directions to this end. We are lobbying for this through various channels, but we will definitely get results. Just as we received other serious missiles," the president said.

As an example, he cited the Storm Shadow missiles, or SCALP. "They are working, the military is very satisfied. Almost 100 percent hit the enemy," he added.

Regarding other long-range capabilities, Zelensky noted that getting them from partners is not an easy task, "but I am sure that there will be a result, just as there will be a result with fighter jets. There already is some."

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Sweden, the Netherlands, and Denmark this weekend.

On August 20, the Netherlands and Denmark announced their decision to transfer a batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Ukrainian pilots and maintenance specialists have already started mastering these aircraft. Denmark expects to deliver the first F-16s to Ukraine closer to the New Year.
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal, Lindsey Graham and Elizabeth Warren, who are in Ukraine on a visit.

According to the presidents press service, Zelensky briefed the interlocutors on the situation at the front and emphasized the priority of further bolstering Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Also, the importance of starting the process of transferring F-16 jets to Ukraine, training pilots and further support from the United States in this regard was noted.

It is stressed that Zelensky commended the bicameral and bipartisan support for Ukraine in the U.S. Congress and expressed special gratitude to the President of the United States and the entire American people for their leadership in defense and financial assistance to our country.

We are sincerely grateful to the President of the United States, the Congress, and the entire American people for the assistance provided to us," Zelensky said.

As reported by Ukrinform, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and Prime Minister of Moldova Dorin Recean discussed the transit of Ukrainian food through Moldova and the development of the relevant infrastructure.

Photo: Presidents Office
Russias recent attacks on Ukrainian ports, which are very close to the Romanian border, indicate that the Kremlin wants to escalate the war against Ukraine.

Luminita-Teodora Odobescu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Romania, stated this in her online address at the third International Summit of the Crimea Platform, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

She also stated that the international community should continue efforts to bring to justice all Russians involved in war crimes in Ukraine. In this context, Luminita-Teodora Odobescu reminded that Romania is a member of the coalition for the creation of a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

She also stressed that Romania fully supports Ukraines Peace Formula.

We stand with Ukraine, we support Ukraine in its courageous struggle for its territorial integrity. We will continue to support the people of Ukraine, she said.

As reported, the third International Summit of the Crimea Platform is taking place in Kyiv, dedicated to Ukraine's vision for the future of temporarily occupied Crimea and security issues in the Black Sea region.
Fox News moderator Bret Breier said that former president Donald Trump was the elephant not in the room. And this comment was enough to ignite the first debate between the Republican primary candidates for the 2024 presidential election. The tension reached its highest points when the eight candidates were asked if they would support Trump if he won the primaries, but had been convicted of a crime. That question led to another one on whether former vice president Mike Pence, who taking part in the debate, was right to stand up to Trump in defense of the Constitution on January 6, the day of the assault on the Capitol. All those who spoke out supported Pence.

The candidates debated Ukraine, climate change, abortion and the economy. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is second in the polls but lagging far behind the former president, tried to attack President Joe Biden, avoid direct criticism of Trump, defend the use of lethal force against drug cartels at the border and highlight the achievements of his administration, but it was his moment of indecision that went viral. And even though he is currently Trumps closest rival, he failed to dominate the debate. His performance Wednesday night is not likely to help him close the gap with Trump.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy  the surprise of the Republican race who is polling in third place  took the spotlight as an avowed Trumpist with praise for the former president, his climate denialism and his proposal to stop supporting Ukraine. Although he had to swallow a few sharp retorts, he upstaged DeSantis.

Mike Pence used much of his time defending his loyalty to the Constitution by refusing to overturn Joe Bidens victory in the 2020 election. Former ambassador to the U.N. under Trump, Nikki Haley, defended her foreign policy experience and rejected a law banning abortion nationwide. Former governors Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson were heckled for criticizing Trump. Senator Tim Scott failed to stand out, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum contributed little.

Trump support

Until an hour into the debate, Trump, who had preferred not to participate, had barely been mentioned. Then, the presenters asked the participants to raise their hands if they would support Trump should he be nominated by the party, but was also convicted. The question raised the temperature of the debate even more in sweltering Milwaukee, which was on alert for extreme heat. All but Christie and Hutchinson raised their hands.

However, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was slow to raise his hand and appeared to be looking first at what others were doing, a moment criticized by the Trump campaign as pathetic. DeSantis was uncomfortable on that ground, even more so after criticizing Trump supporters. This election is not about January 6 of 2021, its about January 20 of 2025, when the next president will take office, he said. The governor also tried not to wade into whether Pence had done the right thing. Weve got to look forward, he insisted. Under pressure from both the former vice president and the moderators, DeSantis finally said, Mike did his duty. Ive got no beef with him, prompting Pence to reply, Im relieved.

It was the moment of greatest tension. The former New Jersey governor, Chris Christie, a fierce Trump critic, was much more direct, saying that Pence deserves not grudging credit, he deserves our thanks as Americans. According to Christie, whether the criminal charges against Trump are justified or not, his conduct under scrutiny is unworthy of the office of president of the United States. Someones got to stop normalizing this conduct, said Christie to an increasingly loud chorus of boos. Booing is allowed, but it doesnt change the truth, he added.

In the leaked script of his strategy, DeSantis was supposed to defend the former president in the face of a Christie attack, but Ramaswamy jumped in faster amid audience applause: Your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based on vengeance and grievance against [him].

Hutchinson was also booed, but made a more legal than technical argument, noting that if Trump is convicted he could be disqualified from office. Im not going to support somebody whos been convicted of a serious felony, or who has been disqualified under our Constitution, Hutchinson said.

The exchange on Trump lasted about 10 minutes, but it was the key moment of a debate marked by his absence. Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy made the staunchest defense of the former president, describing him as the best president of the 21st century, and said he was the victim of the political weaponization of the justice system  the same claim made by Trump and his supporters. DeSantis, Haley and Burgum tried to change the subject.

Ron DeSantis, second in the polls, opened and closed the debate on center stage, along with Vivek Ramaswamy, third in voting intentions. Fox spared no expense and the debate was a major production at the Fiserv Forum, the arena where Giannis Antetokoumpos Milwaukee Bucks play, which was decked out for the occasion, with the stands full of guests and donors. A drone even hovered over the stage, offering spectacular shots of the debate, while the candidates speeches were alternated with videos projected on giant screens. The presence of eight candidates on stage gave the appearance of a very open primary, but in reality it is overwhelmingly dominated by Trump, even if the presidential hopefuls ignored him for most of the debate.

Attacking Biden was part of DeSantis strategy, and the candidate had been following it to the letter since his first speech. We are a country in decline, he said in his opening remarks. DeSantis also used the debate to go after Bidens son Hunter, saying he made hundreds of thousands of dollars on lousy paintings while Americans are working hard, and you cant afford groceries a car or a new home. The Florida governor also bragged about his administration and mentioned his family, which many strategists see as an asset to his campaign, as well as his experience in the armed forces. But nothing he said was memorable.

Vivek Ramaswamy, a successful entrepreneur, presented himself as a supporter of the free market and the embodiment of the American dream. Let me just address a question that is on everybodys mind at home tonight, the biotech entrepreneur said. Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name? Im the outsider on this stage. Im not a politician. My parents came to this country 40 years ago with no money, he said. I have gone on to found multi-billion dollar companies. That is the American dream.

Christie and Pence attacked Ramaswamy repeatedly, but both are unpopular with the Republican base, so that may end up working in his favor. The last person in one of these debates [...] who stood in the middle of the stage and said, Whats a skinny guy with an odd last name doing up here was Barack Obama. And Im afraid were dealing with the same type of amateur tendencies tonight, said Christie.

Pence also went on the attack. Let me explain it to you, Vivek, Pence responded in an exchange. Ill go slower this time. The former vice president added that this was no time for a rookie or to be doing on-the-job training. Ramaswamy responded that professional politicians were puppets of the political action committees (PACs) that fund them.

Division on Ukraine

Ramaswamy was the only one who did not raise his hand when the candidates were asked if they would be willing to give more funding to Ukraine in the face of war with Russia. I find it offensive that we have professional politicians on the stage that will make a pilgrimage to Kyiv to their Pope Zelenskiy without doing the same thing for people in Maui or the South Side of Chicago or Kensington, Ramaswamy said. I think we have to put the interests of Americans first, secure our own border instead of somebody elses, he added.

This prompted a merciless rebuke from Pence: Anybody that thinks that we cant solve the problems here in the United States and be the leader of the free world has a pretty small view of the greatest nation on earth.

Nikki Haley, who was US ambassador to the U.N. under Trump, also fired back, accusing Ramaswamy of wanting to hand over Ukraine to Russia and allowing China to invade Taiwan. You are choosing a murderer, she said, in reference to Russian President Vladimir Putin. I wish you well in your future career on the boards of Lockheed [Martin] and Raytheon, Ramaswamy replied, referring to major defense contractors. You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, she said, earning applause from the crowd.

DeSantis sought for a middle way, saying he would cut off the tap if the Europeans do not take an additional step to pull their own weight.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
U.S. President Joe Biden suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have been behind the crash of a business jet in Tver region that killed the chief of the notorious Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, who staged a mutiny attempt in Russia in June 2023.

Thats according to CNN, Ukrinform reports.

"You may recall, I was asked about this," Biden said, alluding to comments he made in July in which he said Prighozin should be worried about his safety following the failed insurrection stunt.

"I said I would be careful what I rode in. I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised," Biden said today.

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."

At a press conference in Helsinki, Finland, in July, Biden joked that if he were Prighozin, "Id be careful what I eat, keep my eye on my menu."

As Ukrinform reported earlier, an Embraer business jet crashed on Wednesday in Russias Tver region. According to multiple reports, Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board the aircraft, along with at least another prominent Wagner operative, Dmitry Utkin.

All passengers and crew are believed to have died in the incident, the cause of which remains unclear.

As reported, on June 23, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, announced a demarche against the Russian military leadership, in particular against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

On June 24, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko held talks with Prigozhin, allegedly at Putins request. Following the talks, the private army's leader announced he had ordered his forces to stop the march and return to their field camps.

Putin, in turn, said that the Wagner fighters could sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense or move to Belarus. Russian law enforcers dropped criminal charges initially pressed against Yevgeny Prigozhin over the mutiny attempt.
President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine has nothing to do with the plane crash that allegedly killed Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The president stated this during a joint press conference with Portugals President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Kyiv, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Answering a question about Prigozhins death, the head of state said: "When Ukraine spoke out and appealed to the countries around the world about planes, we didnt mean that, we meant something completely different and sought support. Although, probably, it will also definitely help us in a certain sense. First, we have nothing to do with this situation, that's for sure. I think everyone realizes who has."

As reported, on August 23, a business jet, which Russian media said carried on board the leader of Russias notorious Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, crashed in Russias Tver region.

The inquiry into the causes of the crash is underway in Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude to the Polish people for their support of Ukraine.

The relevant statement was made by the Head of State on Telegram, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Always good to speak with Andrzej Duda. Thanks for warm wishes on our Independence Day. In 1991, Poland recognized our independence immediately after the referendum. It was a leader then and remains a leader now. Im sincerely grateful to the Polish people for all the support, Zelensky wrote.

A reminder that, on August 24, 2023, Ukraine is marking the 32nd anniversary of its independence.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
In a phone call, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak and National Security Advisor to the President of the United States Jake Sullivan have discussed Ukraines priority defense needs.

The relevant statement was made by the Office of the President of Ukraine, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

In addition, Yermak briefed Sullivan on the current situation on the battlefield and the actions of Ukrainian forces, intended to liberate the territories of Ukraine.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the U.S. leadership in the coalition of fighter jets and the decisions that enabled the training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and paved the way for Ukraine to receive these modern fighter jets.

Yermak and Sullivan also discussed the importance of the Peace Formula and negotiations regarding security commitments under the Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine.

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine thanked U.S. President Joseph Biden, both houses of Congress and the entire American people for their help and support for Ukraine in its struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has had a phone call with Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau and thanked him for his speech at the Crimea Platform Summit and continuous support for Ukraine.

The relevant statement was made by the Head of State on the social media platform X, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Friendly call with Justin Trudeau. Many thanks for todays sincere congratulations and a powerful address at the Crimea Platform Summit, Zelensky wrote.

The President of Ukraine mentioned that Canada was among the first to recognize Ukraines independence and it continues to be among leaders in support during these difficult times.

The Office of the President of Ukraine posted a video of the phone call on Telegram.

Trudeau noted that Canada will continue to provide support for Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Zelensky emphasized that the two countries had been close friends and strong partners since 1991 and continue to stand together in these tough times. The President of Ukraine added that he expects to meet with the Prime Minister of Canada in the near future.

Trudeau replied that he is also looking forward to their meeting and expressed disappointment over the fact that Zelensky would not be present at the G20 Summit. Nevertheless, in his words, all countries will be speaking up for Ukraine at the Summit and will be looking for further ways to support the Ukrainian people.
Some 85% of Ukrainians have a warm attitude toward internally displaced persons, another 10% have a neutral stance, and only 5% treat them negatively.

This is evidenced by a sociological survey run for Ukraines Independence Day, titled "Perceptions of Patriotism and the future of Ukraine", run by the Rating Sociological Group on August 16-20.

As noted, the attitude toward residents of the occupied territories of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions is also very positive: 83% warm, 11% neutral, and only 5% cold.

Public attitude toward the residents of the occupied Crimea is as follows: 46% warm, 23% neutral, and 31% cold; while that toward residents of the so-called "LPR/DPR" is more negative: 59% cold, 18% neutral, and 22% warm. Younger respondents have a slightly better attitude toward these two categories.

Residents of western regions of Ukraine have a more negative attitude toward IDPs than others, as well as toward residents of the so-called "LPR/DPR". On the other hand, among the people originally from Donbas, the attitude toward the residents of the so-called "LPR/DPR" is less negative than the others, being closer to neutral. Also, Ukrainian citizens who fled the country treat residents of the occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea somewhat better than others.

According to the research on the Ukrainians who resettled abroad, their gender significantly determines public attitude toward them. The most positive attitude in society was toward women with children: 83% warm, 11% neutral, and only 5% cold. At the same time, the attitude toward resettled women without children is positively neutral: 47% warm, 25% neutral, and 27% cold.

As for men of draft age who crossed out of country, the presence of children also improves their assessment, but not as significantly as for women: 37% of respondents have a warm attitude toward male citizens who fled country, 26% are neutral, and 36% treat them negatively. On the other hand, the attitude toward men who do not have children and still fled country is the most negative: 70% cold, 16% neutral, and only 13% warm. At the same time, the attitude toward men of conscription age who have not joined the Army but remained in Ukraine is more neutral: 39% warm, 32% neutral, and 30% cold.

The attitude toward older citizens who left the country is also very positive (78% warm, 17% neutral, and only 6% cold), while that toward students who crossed out is less positive (60% warm, 24% neutral, and 16% cold).

Internally displaced persons and especially those who crossed out of Ukraine have a much more positive attitude toward all these categories. Those who are now in Ukraine, both women and men, treat refugees of different categories almost equally. At the same time, there are certain differences among refugees abroad, for example: men who remain abroad have a normal attitude toward the same men who are abroad (with or without children), on the other hand, refugee women have a rather negative attitude toward male refugees who do not have children .

The survey was conducted using the CAWI (Computer Assisted Web Interviewing). The anonymous interviewing was conducted by the Rating Sociological Group on the Rating Online platform through random sampling as respondents received invitations to participate through messengers and social media.

Photo: CTK Photo
KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 22:36 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima

TOKYO - Japan started discharging treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea Thursday, amid persistent concerns among local fishermen and some neighboring countries about the environmental impact.

The disposal of the water, treated and stored in tanks after cooling melted nuclear fuel, is an integral part of the decommissioning of the power plant devastated by a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in 2011, the government said.

The water discharge, commenced by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. around 1 p.m., is expected to last around 30 years or more.

The water has been treated through an advanced liquid processing system capable of removing most radionuclides except tritium.

The start of the water discharge prompted an immediate response from local fisheries communities and neighboring countries and regions that hold safety concerns.

China suspended imports of all seafood products from Japan, calling the water release "an extremely selfish and irresponsible act." Hong Kong began imposing restrictions on seafood imports from Tokyo and nine Japanese prefectures including Fukushima.

"We have requested the withdrawal (of China's ban) through diplomatic channels. We strongly encourage discussion among experts based on scientific grounds," Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters at his office.

TEPCO President Tomoaki Kobayakawa assured that the plant operator is committed to providing appropriate compensation if companies doing business in Japan experience export losses due to import limitations enforced by foreign governments over the water discharge.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who oversees the utility industry, pledged to ensure transparency in presenting environmental monitoring data when he met reporters after the start of the discharge.

The first batch of such data will be publicly released on Friday at the earliest, according to TEPCO.

TEPCO dispatched a ship to take samples of seawater at 10 spots in waters off the power plant to monitor the level of tritium.





The discharge came as tanks installed at the Fukushima complex, currently containing about 1.34 million tons of treated water, were expected to reach their capacity limit as early as 2024 unless TEPCO initiated the release of the water.

Shinsuke Yamanaka, chairman of Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority, said at a press conference on Wednesday that the discharge is a "significant step forward" toward the decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

The water is diluted with seawater to one-40th of the concentration permitted under Japanese safety standards before being released via an underwater tunnel 1 kilometer from the seaside plant.

A total of 31,200 tons of treated water containing 5 trillion becquerels of tritium, about one-fourth of the annual maximum limit allowed for release into the environment, is slated for dumping in the sea in four runs through next March, TEPCO has said.

TEPCO will release the first batch of the water, totaling 7,800 tons, into the sea in a period of about 17 days.

Shortly before the start of the water release, TEPCO announced it had measured the maximum concentration of tritium in the diluted water at 63 becquerels per liter, far below the limit of 1,500 becquerels.

Measurements by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency showed similar results, according to the agencies.

The IAEA set up a web page to provide live data on the water disposal, such as radiation monitoring data from the water transfer line, the flow rate in the water line and the concentration of tritium in the diluted water prior to the sea disposal.

In July, the IAEA concluded that the discharge plan aligned with global safety standards and would have a "negligible" impact on people and the environment, prompting the Japanese government to proceed with the water disposal plan set forth in 2021.

The South Korean government has said it respects the outcome of the IAEA's review based on its own analysis of Japan's plan, but it will not endorse or support the water discharge in consideration of persisting concerns among the public.

The IAEA said it will regularly inform South Korea about the discharge of treated water to address public concerns in the country.

Seoul said after the start of the discharge that it is not overly concerned so long as the water release goes as planned, calling on Japan to disclose information transparently and responsibly.

Besides Japan's fishing community, an organization of fishermen in the Philippines has also voiced concern over the water disposal.

Japan's Fisheries Agency will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant every day for the time being.

The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website starting Saturday, according to the agency.

The Environment Ministry will also analyze the concentration level of tritium in seawater off parts of the eastern and northeastern coasts.

Nuclear power plants worldwide routinely release treated water containing low-level concentrations of tritium and other radionuclides into the environment as part of normal operations, according to the IAEA.

Fishing boats are moored at a fishing port in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, on Aug. 24, 2023, with the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant seen in the background. (Kyodo)

Related coverage:

U.S. envoy to eat fish in Fukushima, back release of nuke plant water

Fishermen, locals decry Japan gov't Fukushima nuclear plant water discharge

China protests Fukushima water release, South Korea sees no problem
By Takaki Tominaga, KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 22:15 | All, Japan, 3/11 Fukushima, World

The release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea could exacerbate concerns about how Japanese marine products are viewed overseas.

Gaining effective approval of the plan by the U.N. nuclear watchdog was seen by some as a last-ditch effort by Japan to get the European Union and countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Norway to either accept the release or lift import restrictions on food products.

Still, disaster management experts say more action is needed to fully gain consumers' confidence in products from the areas around the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which was devastated by a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

"The government has been striving to explain the plan but its efforts have proved insufficient considering the public concerns still out there," said Naoya Sekiya, an associate professor at the University of Tokyo's Center for Integrated Disaster Information Research.

The release of the treated water over a decade after the worst nuclear crisis since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster is a major step forward for plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc. to advance the decommissioning of the nuclear plant. But it also marks the beginning of a harsher challenge for local businesses to win back consumers in Asia and elsewhere, experts say.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said last month in its final review report that the planned discharge of the water used to cool melted nuclear fuel at the plant site, mixed with rain and groundwater, complies with global safety standards.

But China and Russia have called on Japan to halt the plan. They would prefer the water to be disposed of via vapor release as they believe it would lessen the impact on countries neighboring Japan, according to diplomatic sources. A fishermen's organization in the Philippines has also voiced its opposition.

China's top diplomat Wang Yi has said the discharge of "nuclear-contaminated water" is a matter of "human life and health" and Japan should "scientifically discuss various ways" to deal with the water.

Beijing on Thursday suspended imports of all seafood products from Japan after the release of the treated water, a blow to Tokyo as China was Japan's biggest destination for food, agriculture, forestry and fisheries exports in 2022, accounting for 20.8 percent of such exports.

In addition, Hong Kong and Macao, both semiautonomous regions of China, have opted to restrict seafood imports and ban imports of various food items from parts of Japan, respectively.

The water is being treated using an advanced liquid processing system, or ALPS, to remove most of the contaminants other than the relatively nontoxic tritium.

About 1.34 million tons of such water is stored in more than 1,000 tanks at the site. That accounts for 98 percent of the total capacity and means TEPCO has to dispose of the water soon to free up space so that work to scrap the nuclear complex can continue.

In a bid to explain the process and safety measures surrounding it, government officials held a series of town hall meetings and briefing sessions both in Japan and abroad, in addition to releasing English-language videos on YouTube.

But the latest Kyodo News survey on Sunday found 81.9 percent of respondents think the government's efforts to win over the public's understanding are insufficient and 88.1 percent are worried about the economic damage from the water discharge.

Local fishermen, hotel operators and other businesses in Fukushima Prefecture expressed their disappointment at the government's decision given their repeated calls that the plan be halted.

The government and TEPCO promised local fishermen in 2015 that they would not go ahead with the plan without gaining the "understanding" of concerned parties.

"I have no understanding. But they will release the water anyway no matter how hard we protest," said Nobutoshi Takahashi, a fisherman in Soma.

"It's only a matter of time before we see the impact emerging," the head of a traditional Japanese-inn in Iwaki said.

Soma and Iwaki are located around 50 kilometers from the crippled plant.

Disaster experts say there are many misconceptions regarding the progress made in the decommissioning work and decontamination of the plant, not to mention how local residents have rebuilt their lives in Fukushima Prefecture and nearby areas. All of these, they say, have hindered people from obtaining a proper understanding of the water release plan.

A recent survey by the Reconstruction Agency showed that about a third of respondents in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and 17 percent in South Korea were aware that radiation levels in most parts of Fukushima Prefecture have dropped to levels equivalent to major cities in Japan and abroad.

"Many (overseas) people still think Fukushima has not recovered from the disaster and remains dangerous due to incorrect information swirling online, and they cannot understand why Japan will discharge the water from such an area they still consider as dangerous," Sekiya said.

Most evacuation orders issued immediately after the triple reactor meltdowns have been removed and only around 2 percent of the prefecture remains inaccessible.

"It is essential to spread more detailed information such as that most parts of the Fukushima Daiichi plant are accessible without the need for protective gear against radiation and most areas of Fukushima Prefecture, including the coastal area, are habitable now," he said.

Related coverage:

Japan begins releasing Fukushima treated radioactive water into sea

U.S. envoy to eat fish in Fukushima, back release of nuke plant water

IAEA to regularly share Fukushima nuclear plant water info with South Korea
The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan stood at US$ 13,248.4 million while reserves held by the central bank reached at $ 7,930.5 million

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2023 ):The total liquid foreign reserves of Pakistan stood at US$ 13,248.4 million while reserves held by the central bank reached at $ 7,930.5 million.

The State Bank of Pakistan, in a statement issued here on Thursday, informed that SBP's reserves decreased by $ 125 million to US$ 7,930.

5 million on account of debt repayments during the week ended on August 18, 2023.

Meanwhile, net foreign reserves held by commercial banks stood at US$ 5,317.9 million, it added.

In the previous week ending on August 11, 2023, total liquid foreign reserves held by the country was US$ 13,379 million. A Among them foreign reserves held by the central bank were $ 8,055.3 million while net foreign reserves held by commercial banks were US$ 5,323.7 million.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Atlanta, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2023 ) :If Wednesday's US Republican debate was judged on applause alone, Vivek Ramaswamy won hands down, with Nikki Haley emerging as a pleasant "surprise" -- at least at one Atlanta bar, where a group of young voters was trying to pick a candidate to back.

Gathered at a bar in the city's trendy Buckhead district, more than a hundred people, including young Republicans, watched eight of the contenders for the Republican presidential nomination with interest.

Former president Donald Trump was notable for his absence at the debate but was due in Atlanta on Thursday to present himself to authorities following his indictment for his attempts to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.

At the viewing party, applause, cheers and incredulous cries rang out in between sips of beer.

For Riquet Caballero, 36, Ramaswamy -- a climate change skeptic and entrepreneur who made his fortune in biotechnology -- was the star of the show.

"It was the Vivek Show," he told AFP. "People call him the Trump 2.0. and I think that's the best thing we need right now." Caballero said he found ex-president Trump's rants "tired".

The rest of the bar seemed to agree: many of Ramaswamy's interjections earned him loud shouts of approval or fists raised in support, as when he called for the continued burning of coal.

Andy Chopra, 46, already had a keen interest in Ramaswamy and said the candidate's performance on Wednesday lived up to his expectations.

He said he was also "surprised" by Nikki Haley, who he found "very strong".

Haley, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, repeatedly drew rounds of applause, notably for her support for Ukraine, her position on abortion and when she quoted Margaret Thatcher.

Allen English, president of the Atlanta Young Republicans and co-organizer of the evening, said before the debate that he backed Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

But he said he came with an "open mind", as his "biggest priority is making sure that we nominate the person who's going to win." English was disappointed that Trump did not take part, although he said he understood the former president's reasoning, being far ahead of his rivals in opinion polls.

Regardless, he said he would not vote for the 77-year-old tycoon because he wanted "somebody who can serve (as president) for eight years" -- two full terms -- to "fix all the issues".

"I think that everybody can agree we're sick of old people running this country," he said, adding with a smile: "I mean, I love my old people, don't get me wrong, but we got two guys (Trump and President Joe Biden) who you know, could be on canes or walkers.

"Let's get down to somebody who maybe is not quite to the walker stage!" He was also impressed with Haley, who he said "came out swinging".

English appreciated Ramaswamy's "energy" but was not convinced he was right for the role.

"I guess I don't quite believe or I don't quite have faith in his ability to lead the country at this time," he said.

Trump commented on his rivals' performance in a plethora of posts on his social media platform Truth Social late on Wednesday.

He lashed out in particular against Ron DeSantis and "horrible" former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who is one of his most bitter critics.

But he had a kind word for Ramaswamy, who called Trump "the best president of the 21st century" during the debate.

"Thank you Vivek!" Trump wrote.

iba/aha/pbt
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Tehran, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2023 ) :A senior adviser to Iran's president on Thursday hailed the country's forthcoming admission to the BRICS grouping as a triumph of diplomacy for the Islamic republic.

"Permanent membership in the group of global emerging economies is considered a historic development and a strategic success for the foreign policy of the Islamic republic," Mohammad Jamshidi wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 20:26 | World, All, 3/11 Fukushima, Japan

China banned Thursday imports of all seafood products from Japan shortly after the country began releasing treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, while protests were held in Hong Kong and South Korea.

Chinese customs authorities said they are highly concerned about the risk of radiation contamination following the water release and have strengthened restrictions for food imports from Japan to "protect the lives and health of the people."

Food items other than marine products imported from Japan are expected to be subject to the tighter controls. Prior to the import ban announced Thursday, Beijing had introduced blanket radiation testing on seafood from the neighboring country.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the ocean discharge and lodged a serious protest, calling it "an extremely selfish and irresponsible act." China's Ecology and Environment Ministry pledged to track and evaluate the possible impact of Japan's water release in its sea areas.

A Shanghai resident in his 50s said the import ban "cannot be helped as bilateral relations are not good," while recognizing that he is not so worried about the risk of radiation contamination from food products.

In Hong Kong, several dozen members of the pro-Beijing Federation of Hong Kong Guangxi Community Organizations protested the water discharge in a rally held in front of the Japanese Consulate General.

People protest outside the building housing the Japanese Consulate General in Hong Kong against Japan's release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea on Aug. 24, 2023. (Kyodo)

Chan Kok-caiu, who took part in the rally, told Kyodo News he is worried about the impact of the water release on the human body, comparing it to the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. "Of course, the effects won't appear immediately, but our health will be seriously affected in the long term," he said.

In a separate rally, another pro-Beijing group expressed its staunch support for the Hong Kong government's decision to ban seafood imports from 10 Japanese prefectures including Fukushima and Tokyo beginning Thursday.

"This is both an act of resistance against the Japanese government as well as an act of protection of Hong Kong's food safety and public health," said group leader So Cheung-wing.

In Seoul, 16 university students opposed to the Fukushima water release were seized by the police for bursting into a building housing the Japanese Embassy.

Civic and environmental groups held protests across South Korea the same day, calling for the withdrawal of Japan's decision to release the water into the ocean, according to local media reports.

The Korea Federation for Environmental Movements rebutted Japan's claims the treated water will have minimal impact on the environment, saying the discharge will inevitably have a toxic influence, Yonhap News Agency reported.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck Soo urged Japan to disclose information about the water discharge process, which will continue over the next 30 years, "in a transparent and responsible manner."

North Korea lashed out at Japan going ahead with the discharge, with its Foreign Ministry calling the move "an unethical crime," urging Tokyo to "immediately withdraw" its decision, and adding that the "nuclear-polluted water" seriously threatens "the lives, safety and future of mankind," the official Korean Central News Agency said.

In Taiwan, the Diaoyutai Education Association, which asserts Taiwan sovereignty over the Japan-administered Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, strongly condemned the Fukushima water discharge and urged the island's leader Tsai Ing-wen not to be a "willing accomplice" of Tokyo's policy.

"This shameless act of beggar-thy-neighbor violates the human rights to health, environment and fishermen's right to survival," the association said, while urging Tokyo to immediately stop the discharge.

Malaysia's Health Ministry said it had started inspections of "high risk food products from Japan" in response to the Fukushima water release.

The ministry did not detail what kind of food products were subject to the inspections, set at the third highest of the six levels regarding food safety, but said fish and fish-based products are among the biggest imports from Japan.

"The Health Ministry is aware of the concerns from consumers on this issue," Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, the ministry's director general in charge of public health, said in a statement about the start of the inspections.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government said it will continue to look at the discharge from a "science- and fact-based perspective," despite concerns raised by fishermen groups over its possible negative impact on marine resources.

Manila recognizes the International Atomic Energy Agency's technical expertise on this matter, the Foreign Affairs Department said in a statement.

The IAEA said in a safety review report released in July that the discharge of the treated water "would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment."

Pacific island states remain divided over the water release, but will now shift their focus to ensuring Japan is held to account over its safety, Henry Puna, secretary general of the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum, told a press conference in Fiji.

"We've done our best to get Japan not to commence the discharge until there is full agreement that it's verifiably safe to do so. But Japan has taken a sovereign decision," Puna said. "The only option that is open to us now is to ensure that Japan is held accountable to the safety of the water."

Related coverage:

Japan begins releasing Fukushima treated radioactive water into sea

FOCUS: Japan has long way to convince skeptics on Fukushima water release

FOCUS: Japan still faces diplomatic challenge in Fukushima water release
Washington, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 25th Aug, 2023 ) :The Pentagon said Thursday it did not have information supporting theories that a surface-to-air missile was used to shoot down the aircraft of Wagner Group head Yevgeny Prigozhin.

The US military has "no information to suggest that there was a surface to air missile" involved in the crash, said Defense spokesman Pat Ryder, calling reports of a missile "inaccurate.

" Ryder said he could not offer any information on what did cause the crash of the Wagner private aircraft northwest of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all 10 aboard.

But he said the US believed that Prigozhin was killed in the crash.

"Our assessment, based on a variety of factors, is that he was likely killed," said Ryder.
Moscow, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2023 ) :The head of the Wagner group that in June attempted to topple Russia's military leadership was on the passengers list of a plane that crashed Wednesday, Russian news agencies said.

Since the rebellion -- seen as the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authority since he came to power -- uncertainty has surrounded the fate of the Wagner group and of its controversial chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Russia's ministry for emergency situation on Wednesday announced the crash of a private plane travelling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

"There were 10 people on board, including 3 crew members. According to preliminary information, all those on board died," the ministry said.

Russian news agencies later reported Prigozhin on the list of passengers of the plane.

"The plane that crashed in the Tver Region listed Yevgeny Prigozhin among its passengers, (Russia's aviation agency) Rosaviatsia said," TASS news agency reported, with RIA Novosti and Interfax issuing similar reports.

Videos on Telegram channels linked to Wagner posted footage -- that AFP could not independently confirm -- showing the wreckage of the plane burning in a field.

In an official statement, Rosaviatsia said it set up a special commission to investigate the crash of the Embraer - 135 (EBM-135BJ).

The bodies of eight people have been found so far at the site of the crash, RIA Novosti said citing the emergency services.

Shortly after the news of the crash emerged, a White House official commented that Prigozhin's death would be no surprise.

- Uncertainty around Prigozhin - Putin was meanwhile giving a speech for the 80th anniversary of the Kursk battle in World War II.

He did not mention the crash and hailed "all our soldiers who are fighting bravely and resolutely" in the special military operation in Ukraine.

Ukrainian Presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak said on social media that the plane crash was "a signal from Putin to Russia's elites ahead of the 2024 elections. 'Beware! Disloyalty equals death'." During the offensive in Ukraine, launched on February 24, 2022, Prigozhin came out of the shadows.

He spearheaded the capture of several Ukrainian towns including Bakhmut -- and harshly criticised Russia's conventional military leadership.

Prigozhin was locked in a bitter months-long power struggle with the defence ministry that he accused of trying to "steal" Wagner's victories.

Tensions degenerated into a short-lived rebellion on June 23 and 24.

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, mediated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, under which Prigozhin was expected to move to neighbouring Belarus with some of his men.

Some of the fighters went to Belarus where they begun training the ex-Soviet country's special forces.

But the fate of Prigozhin remained unclear: he seemed to enjoy a certain amount of freedom and took part in a meeting at the Kremlin where he refused to cede command of his mercenary group.

Still, he mostly remained out of the public eye.

His Telegram channel -- where he usually communicated -- has been inactive since the end of June.

Wagner-linked Telegram channels instead purportedly relayed rare messages.

On Monday, video circulated showing him apparently in Africa, which he vowed to make "freer".
(@Abdulla99267510)

In a conversation with the party's former senator, Zafar Iqbal, Nawaz Sharif conveyed his plans for returning to Pakistan after consultations with legal experts in London.

LONDON: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-August 24th, 2023) Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Supremo and former three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday expressed his intention to return to Pakistan in the near future.

In a conversation with the party's former senator, Zafar Iqbal, Nawaz Sharif conveyed his plans for returning to Pakistan after consultations with legal experts in London.

During their discussion, Nawaz Sharif emphasized the importance of maintaining Pakistan's democratic system and preventing any disruptions. The meeting covered various topics related to the party and shared interests.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif, the PML-N President and former prime minister, is also in London to discuss his elder brother's return to Pakistan and the ongoing political situation in the country.

Sources indicate that Shehbaz is conferring with Nawaz Sharif regarding his repatriation and other party-related matters. The participation of PML-N's legal team in the discussions is anticipated.

Earlier, Rana Sanaullah, a prominent PML-N leader and former interior minister, assured that the party had received the necessary assurances to facilitate Nawaz Sharif's homecoming.
Russia on Thursday extended by three months the detention of Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, defying pleas for the release of the reporter arrested on the job in March

Moscow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2023 ) :Russia on Thursday extended by three months the detention of Wall Street Journal correspondent Evan Gershkovich, defying pleas for the release of the reporter arrested on the job in March.

Gershkovich, unlike many Western reporters, had continued to report from Russia during Moscow's offensive in Ukraine.

He was the first journalist arrested by Moscow on allegations of spying -- which he and his employer strongly deny -- since the Cold War, sending a chill through media circles.

"The time of detention has been extended by three months," a spokesperson for Moscow's Lefortovsky court said.

The new end-date for the detention is November 30.

AFP was denied access into the courtroom for the hearing, which was held behind closed doors.

But AFP reporters saw the 31-year-old, handcuffed and wearing a chequered shirt and jeans, being escorted into the court by masked men.

Responding to the decision, the State Department renewed calls on Russia to release "immediately" both Gershkovich and another detained American, former Marine Paul Whelan.

"The claims against Evan Gershkovich are baseless," a State Department spokesperson said.

The Wall Street Journal said it was "deeply disappointed" that Gershkovich will remain "arbitrarily and wrongfully detained for doing his job as a journalist".

"The baseless accusations against him are categorically false, and we continue to push for his immediate release," the New York-based newspaper said in a statement.

"Journalism is not a crime." US President Joe Biden has previously called for the reporter's release.

In Germany, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also said Thursday that Gershkovich "must be released".

The Moscow court's decision "shows what this brutal force at home means -- that there are no fair trials" in Russia, she said.

- Arrested while reporting - Gershkovich was arrested during a reporting trip in the Urals city of Yekaterinburg on March 29.

Russia has not provided public evidence of the accusations and the legal proceedings have been classified as secret.

Gershkovich, who previously reported for AFP, has written extensively about how ordinary Russians have experienced the Ukraine offensive, including by speaking to the families of dead soldiers.

At the time of his arrest, he was believed to be working on a story about the Wagner private military company, which has been fighting in Ukraine.

Wagner's boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, later staged a brief revolt inside Russia. He was presumed dead on Wednesday after Russian officials said he was on a plane that crashed, with all passengers killed.

Since his arrest Gershkovich has been held in Moscow's notorious Lefortovo prison, famous for keeping inmates in near-total isolation.

The US ambassador to Russia, Lynne Tracy, was able to see Gershkovich last week in her third visit since his detention.
Sudan's army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was seen outside his headquarters Thursday for the first time since fighting with paramilitaries erupted more than four months ago, army videos showed

Wad Madani, Sudan, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Aug, 2023 ) :Sudan's army chief General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan was seen outside his headquarters Thursday for the first time since fighting with paramilitaries erupted more than four months ago, army videos showed.

Some of the footage filmed before dawn and posted on the army's Facebook page showed Burhan speaking to soldiers, with the caption indicating that he was at the Wadi Seidna air base north of Khartoum.

In separate daytime images posted later, he is seen surrounded by civilians in the capital's twin-city of Omdurman, where residents also reported fighting on Thursday.

AFP could not verify the footage or images but the agency's fact-checking department was able to determine that they had never been posted online before and therefore could very well have been taken on Thursday.

Images of Burhan have rarely been released since fighting erupted on April 15 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) of his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

Previous images showed Burhan inside the army headquarters in Khartoum, over which the two sides have waged fierce battles for control.

The latest footage comes as fighting rages around a key military base in the capital's south.

The army has put out several statements and videos saying it has repelled RSF attacks since Sunday against Al-Shajara base but the paramilitaries claim they have taken control of much of it since Wednesday.

Also on Wednesday, the RSF said 2,500 fighters from a movement led by former rebel leader Malak Agar, recently named by Burhan as his deputy to replace Daglo, had pledged allegiance to the paramilitaries.

The war between the rival generals has killed thousands and devastated infrastructure in already impoverished Sudan, and has been concentrated mostly in Khartoum and the war-scarred Darfur region.

Conservative estimates from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data project say that nearly 5,000 people have been killed since then. But the battles have prevented the recovery of the bodies of many others thought to have been killed.

According to United Nations figures, in the four months since the fighting broke out, more than 4.6 million people have been forced to flee their homes.

The UN children's fund UNICEF said on Thursday that the fighting made "an average of more than 700 children newly displaced every hour".
ChatGPT, a new artificial intelligence communication program, will be the subject of a webinar Thursday, Aug. 31.

Shaterial Starnes will present a Wyoming Community Navigator Program (CNP) webinar titled Mastering Conversations with ChatGPT for Business from 11 a.m.-noon. To register, go here. Registration is free.

The Wyoming CNP, through the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network at the University of Wyoming, provides small-business resources and assistance for traditionally underserved entrepreneurs throughout Wyoming.

The workshop is a practical training program that equips participants with the skills to leverage ChatGPT, a cutting-edge language model, in various business applications. This workshop explores prompt engineering, content creation, writing and customer support agents. Through interactive demonstrations and real-world examples, attendees will gain the expertise to effectively use ChatGPT to drive business growth and enhance customer experiences.

Starnes is author and publisher of Navigating the Credit Repair Maze, Top Ten Credit Repair Tips and Save $1,000 in 120 Days.

Starnes founded The Starnes Group, a financial literacy organization that offers premier services to individuals, small-business owners, not-for-profit agencies, and state and local governments. The Starnes Group empowers through education and training to build financial stability.

For more information, call Maureen Johnson, marketing, communication and database manager for the Wyoming SBDC Network, at (307) 343-0925 or email mjohn125@uwyo.edu.
All members of the University of Wyoming community are invited to the Presidents Welcome Celebration Thursday, Aug. 31, starting at 5 p.m. in Prexys Pasture.

Co-hosted by the offices of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs, the celebration will feature free food, fun, music and games for students, employees and families.

The band Ten Cent Stranger will perform, along with Western Thunder Marching Band. Pistol Pete and the UW spirit squad also will participate.

Diverse menu options will be available.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 12:46 | Arts, All, Japan

A woman has been questioned by police in connection with an incident in which South Korean artist DJ Soda was allegedly groped by attendees at a music event in western Japan, investigative sources said Thursday.

The 21-year-old has admitted to touching DJ Soda because she was "so happy to see her in front of me," according to the sources.

The organizer of the event held in Osaka Prefecture filed a criminal complaint Monday against two men and a woman, who were not named, alleging they indecently assaulted DJ Soda on Aug. 13.

Two 20-year-old men surrendered to police later Monday. They indicated they may have touched DJ Soda's breasts but did not grope her, according to the police.

DJ Soda, who has more than 5 million Instagram followers, took to social media to slam the unidentified individuals, accusing them of touching and grabbing her breasts when she descended the stage to interact with fans at the music festival.

Related coverage:

2 men report to police over DJ Soda groping case

Japan event organizer to press charges in DJ Soda groping case

Popular South Korean DJ shocked, scared after groping at Japan event
First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and Magnati, a pioneering company specialising in digital payment solutions, have signed a strategic alliance with Geidea, Saudi Arabia's largest fintech company, to provide digital payment acceptance services for businesses in the kingdom.

The collaboration has the potential to be transformative in the Saudi payments space and is set to create exceptional value for clients, bridging the gap between advanced financial solutions and accessibility, while ensuring enhanced affordability, said the statement.

With a focus on innovation and technology, Magnati offers Payment as a Platform services that cater to a wide range of industries and businesses, encompassing integrated payment solutions, secure transaction processing, and comprehensive e-commerce solutions.

The strategic alliance between UAEs largest bank FAB, Magnati, and Geidea is a crucial step in offering inclusive access to cutting-edge financial services and solutions, it added.

Magnati CEO Ramana Kumar said the Geidea collaboration is a testament to its commitment to serving the clients' expansion goals in Saudi Arabia.

"Together, we aim to revolutionise the payment landscape by introducing innovative solutions, seamless integrations, and unparalleled customer experiences. Leveraging Geidea's innovation and Magnati's fintech expertise, we are poised to unlock the full potential of digital payments," stated Kumar.

FAB Head of Global Transaction Banking Sanjay Sethi said: "This strategic alliance enables us to extend our reach, drive innovation, and provide tailored payment solutions aligned with the evolving needs of businesses across industries."

"We are not only dedicated to delivering exceptional value to businesses and merchants, but also contributing to Saudi Vision 2030's aspiration to achieve 70 percent digital payments by 2025," he noted.

Geidea Chief Business Officer Abdullah Alshowier expressed delight at the strategic alliance sealed with FAB and Magnati to support clients in Saudi Arabia.

"This collaboration will empower merchants with Geidea's state-of-the-art payment solutions, seamlessly accepting a wide spectrum of digital payments through a unified platform. We are enthusiastic about collaborating with FAB and Magnati to drive innovation, amplify services, and extend our collective presence in the GCC region," he added.

In a landmark achievement, electronic payments have overtaken cash as the most prevalent payment method in Saudi Arabic, as confirmed by the Saudi Central Bank in 2021.

Geidea, a recognised leader in the fintech sector and listed among the top 25 fintech companies in the Middle East by Forbes, has further catalysed this transformation.

Geidea is the first non-bank entity in the kingdom to obtain an acquiring licence from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), directly providing financial services to merchants and small and medium enterprises.-TradeArabia News Service
KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 21:59 | All, Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Thursday he has asked China to immediately lift a ban imposed on all seafood products from Japan following the release of treated radioactive water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

"We have requested the withdrawal (of the import ban) through diplomatic channels. We strongly encourage discussion among experts based on scientific grounds," Kishida told reporters at his office.

Japan started discharging treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea Thursday, despite persistent concerns among local fishermen and some neighboring countries.

China called the water release "an extremely selfish and irresponsible act" as it announced Thursday it would suspend imports of all seafood products from Japan. Beijing had previously introduced blanket radiation testing on seafood from the neighboring country.

Japan's National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations has also maintained its opposition to the water release, arguing that scientifically proven safety does not necessarily mean that the public will feel assured of the safety of seafood products.

The cooperative said Thursday that its head Masanobu Sakamoto called industry minister Yasutoshi Nishimura to ask the Japanese government to push for a full lifting of the Chinese import ban.

In a statement released the same day, Tomoaki Kobayakawa, president of plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc., pledged to "provide appropriate compensation if domestic businesses suffer damage" due to a loss of export sales.

Related coverage:

Japan begins releasing Fukushima treated radioactive water into sea

Japan fisheries industry raps Fukushima water release as high-handed

China bans Japan seafood after water release, rallies in H.K., Seoul
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
Cambodia's new leader Hun Manet pledged Thursday to make the impoverished kingdom a "high-income country" by 2050 while boosting food security and access to healthcare, but offered little in the way of concrete plans for achieving the ambitious goals.

Lawmakers endorsed Hun Manet, the eldest son of long-time ruler Hun Sen, as the new prime minister on Tuesday, sealing a dynastic handover of power after last month's one-sided polls.

Hun Sen's Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won all but five of 125 lower house seats in the July election, which was widely dismissed as a sham after the main opposition party was barred from running.

In his first cabinet meeting on Thursday, Hun Manet pledged wide-ranging economic reforms aimed at making Cambodia a "high-income country" by 2050.

"The next 25 years will be a new cycle for Cambodia," he said in a televised speech.

The World Bank defines high-income economies as those with a per capita gross national income (GNI) of $13,846 or more. According to the bank's data, Cambodia's per capita GNI was $1,700 last year.

Hun Manet said the new strategy included improving healthcare and education, as well as addressing climate change.

It also lays out a goal of "crisis-resilient economic growth of around seven percent per year on average", as well as reducing poverty rates.

Food security was also a priority, with the aim of leaving "no Cambodian citizen behind".

Hun Manet has shown few signs he will follow a more liberal path than his father.

The new government includes a number of his relatives and several children of Hun Sen's allies in top jobs.

Hun Sen's youngest son Hun Many is the civil service minister and his nephew Neth Savoeun will be deputy prime minister.

The sons of the current interior and defence ministers took over their fathers' posts.

After coming to power in 1985, Hun Sen helped modernise a country devastated by civil war and genocide, but critics say his rule has also been marked by environmental destruction, entrenched graft and the elimination of nearly all political rivals.
Conditions for people in Niger are getting worse, as security appears to be deteriorating, according to regional experts who spoke with VOA. Prices of staple foods such as rice and cooking oil have increased, while the country has endured more violence in the past three weeks than it had since the beginning of the year.

While life may seem normal in Niger because shops are open and people are going to work, what's really happening is quite different, according to Laura Esposito, the country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, who spoke to VOA from the capital, Niamey.

"In general, the living conditions of the population in the country are worsening due to the negative effects of the closure of the borders with Nigeria and Benin, where most goods come from, and due to the power cuts we are suffering in Niamey, but also other towns," she said. "This brings scarcity of key goods and increase of prices of, for example rice, cooking oil, sugar."

Esposito said it's important to remember that Niger was already a very vulnerable country.

"There are already 4 million people that needed life-saving humanitarian assistance  and this was before the latest crisis  and more than 3 million face acute food insecurity," she said. "Niger is also hosting many refugees from the neighboring countries  roughly 250,000  and there are also lots of internally displaced people that are fleeing the violence of non-state armed groups. Their needs are not met."

Only 40% of humanitarian funding that is needed to provide assistance has been raised so far this year, Esposito said, noting that Niger's budget is heavily dependent on foreign aid and loans  none of which are currently available.

WATCH: Political Crisis in Niger Affecting Food Prices for Neighbors

The junta that toppled President Mohamed Bazoum say they decided to take over because he was failing to secure the country.

From January to July this year, under the now-deposed president, there were two insurgent-related attacks; that number has increased since the coup, according to Fahiraman Rodrigue Kone, chief project manager of the Sahel team at the Bamako-based Institute for Security Studies.

"We know that among the three Sahel central countries here, Niger was one of the most stable, had a very effective and efficient response policy against the jihadist insurgency in the Sahel," Kone said. "Since this coup, we have seen more and more attacks, we have registered four attacks in the area of Niger, which means that certainly jihadists' groups are taking the opportunity of this political instability."

Kone, who spoke from Ouagadougou, said while security was challenging in some parts of Niger, especially in the Tillaberi region bordering Mali and Burkina Faso, it was not as bad compared to other parts of the Sahel.

"The strategy of Niger under Bazoum, there was this military fighting pressure on the jihadists' groups, but there was also non-military action like community dialogue with some jihadist leader groups' military, in order to push for disengagement of combatants from those groups and there were also socio-economic development actions," Kone said.

Negotiations for a peaceful return to civilian rule are ongoing, but a military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States  ECOWAS  has not been ruled out.

"ECOWAS has in the past intervened in some countries already  Gambia, Cote D'Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone  and the characteristics of the intervention was that they were really based on consensual and united voice for [that] intervention," he said. "Right now, we are in a situation of many divisions  political divisions within West African countries, ECOWAS members  but also outside, neighboring countries like Algeria and even Chad doesn't want this intervention."

In the medium- to long-term, Kone said the divisions that exist will complicate the security situation and could allow space for jihadist groups to flourish.
As the United States and Iran try to finalize a prisoner deal that has taken significant steps forward this month, one element of it remains as obscure as ever: Which, if any, Iranians detained or prosecuted in the U.S. on federal charges might be traded for five Americans held by Tehran?

Since the Biden administration and Iran began in May 2021 what they have said are indirect prisoner negotiations, Tehran has declined to name the Iranians it alleges are unjustly detained in the U.S., despite repeatedly demanding their release in public statements.

That was the case again on August 10, when Iran said it took a step toward freeing five Americans whom Washington has accused Tehran of wrongfully imprisoning, by transferring those Americans to house arrest.

Iranian state media said the Americans would be allowed to leave Iran at the conclusion of a deal in which the U.S. would make two concessions: releasing five Iranians who they assert were jailed on "false" charges of circumventing U.S. sanctions, and unblocking $6 billion in Iranian assets that had been frozen in South Korean banks under those sanctions.

The Biden administration has said the deal will enable Iran to regain access to the $6 billion only to buy humanitarian goods such as food and medicine under U.S. oversight. It has not said anything about freeing or dropping cases against Iranian citizens charged with U.S. federal crimes.

VOA has identified 11 Iranians currently in U.S. detention or facing prosecution on federal charges who could be on Iran's wish list for a prisoner exchange. Their identities were drawn from U.S. Justice Department and federal judiciary records and contacts with U.S. officials.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York did not respond to a VOA email asking whether any of the 11 individuals are on Iran's wish list.

VOA sent the names of the same individuals to the State Department seeking confirmation of whether Iran has asked the U.S. to include any of them in a prisoner swap. A State Department spokesperson responded Thursday, saying, "This is an ongoing, sensitive process, so we are not in a position to discuss further details at this time."

Six of the identified individuals are Iranian American dual nationals: Manssor Arbabsiar, Niloufar "Nellie" Bahadorifar, Kambiz Attar Kashani, Behrouz Mokhtari, Reza Olangian and Erfan Salmanzadeh. Two of them are Iranians with U.S. permanent residency: Kaveh Lotfolah Afrasiabi and Amin Hasanzadeh. And three are Iranians with no legal status in the U.S.: Mehrdad Ansari, Reza Sarhangpour Kafrani and Malek Mohammad Balouchzehi.

Three of the 11 individuals are on supervised pretrial release: Afrasiabi, Hasanzadeh and Kafrani. Four are serving sentences in federal prisons: Ansari, Arbabsiar, Kashani and Olangian. Two are in post-sentencing detention awaiting transfer to federal prisons: Mokhtari and Salmanzadeh. Of the remaining two, Bahadorifar is on supervised post-sentencing release for planned medical treatments pending surrender to prison in October, while Balouchzehi is in federal detention pending sentencing in October.

Mokhtari, who was sentenced in July to a three-year prison term, had subsequently remained on supervised release at his northern Virginia home pending surrender to prison when authorities rearrested him on August 17.

Court records seen by VOA cite prosecutors as saying FBI agents searched Mokhtari's home that day and found documents showing he applied earlier this month for a new Iranian passport but had not yet received it from Iran's Interests Section in Washington. The prosecutors said Mokhtari also told the agents that he planned to travel to Iran in the near future, in what would have been a violation of his bond and release conditions.

All but two of the 11 Iranians were arrested on federal charges of violating U.S. or international sanctions against Iran or providing Tehran with other forms of illicit help. Of the two who were not, Balouchzehi was convicted of international drug trafficking, and Salmanzadeh was convicted of using a weapon of mass destruction to detonate an explosive at his Texas home.

In a Wednesday phone interview with VOA, Nizar Zakka, president of U.S. nonprofit Hostage Aid Worldwide (HAW), said Iran is publicly calling for the release of five Iranians in the U.S. to show that it cares about its citizens and not just about securing billions of dollars of funds. But he said Tehran has not named the individuals because they include Iranians who have U.S. citizenship or residency and are likely to stay in the U.S. if released from federal detention or supervision.

"It would look bad if Tehran named the individuals and those people do not want to return to Iran," he said.

Zakka is a Lebanese American who was imprisoned in Iran from 2015 to 2019 on what the U.S. said were bogus charges. He founded HAW in 2020 to advocate for the release of other people unjustly detained around the world.

Zakka said he doubts any of the Iranians charged with the more serious crimes in the U.S. will be included in a prisoner swap. As an example, he cited Arbabsiar, who was sentenced in 2013 to 25 years in prison for participating in a 2011 plot to murder the Saudi ambassador to the U.S.

"Regarding the individuals whom the Iranians care about freeing the most, they know it would be out of the question for any U.S. administration to release them," Zakka said.

Andrea Stricker, a U.S. researcher at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told this week's edition of VOA's Flashpoint Iran podcast that even the Iranians charged with lesser U.S. offenses are important for Tehran to try to free.

"Those Iranians may seem like the little fish, but the regime thinks they are the big fish," she said. "They represent the nuts and bolts of the Iranian weapons system, so the regime tries to protect them."

Stricker said it may be more palatable for the Biden administration to grant early releases to Iranians nearing completion of their sentences, such as Ansari and Kashani, whose prison terms end in December and February respectively. But she said the U.S. would be sending a harmful message by doing so.

"First, there is no equivalence between the Iranians who act as illicit procurement agents, engage in terrorism and get fair trials in the U.S. legal process, and the Americans who are innocently abducted by Iran just for visiting their families or carrying out academic studies," Stricker said.

"Second, it would be a shame if all of the work by U.S. law enforcement to prosecute those Iranians is disrupted, and painstaking investigations and sting operations are wiped away [by a prisoner exchange]," she added. "It would set a chilling precedent for investigators and prosecutors to do the work and go after these folks."

Stricker said she was sensitive to the desire of the families of the Americans held by Iran for the U.S. to do anything it can to bring their loved ones home.
On September 10, 2023, elections will be held in Russia for governors, mayors and regional and local legislatures, and for four seats in the State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament).

Citing the Central Election Commission (CEC), the official government newspaper Rossiyskaya Gazeta (RG) reported that elections would be held that day in 45 regions, including in new territories.

RG mentioned the DPR (the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic) and LPR (the so-called Luhansk Peoples Republic), the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, and Crimea. All five of those regions are parts of Ukraine under Russian occupation.

On August 21, in a piece posted on his website headlined What to do in the elections this fall, Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny, who has been in a Russian prison since January 17, 2021, wrote:

Many people will be surprised, but elections still exist. On September 10, elections will be held in 40 regions, including Yekaterinburg, Omsk region, Khabarovsk, Krasnoyarsk, Yaroslavl and Arkhangelsk regions, Khakassia and Yakutia. Thus, we need to decide on our approach to these elections, so I have some suggestions.

The same day Navalny posted his piece, Ukrainian political scientist Sergej Sumlenny, founder and managing director of the European Resilience Initiative Center, a Berlin-based think tank, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that four partially-occupied regions of Ukraine were among the 40 regions where Navalny said his supporters should cast votes on September 10:

Navalny calls his supporters to actively participate in elections in 40 regions of Russia this September. Needless to say, elections will take place in 36 regions, other four are Ukrainian regions Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya.

Sumlennys claim is unsubstantiated.

In the piece posted on his website, Navalny called for voting in 40 Russian regions that will hold elections on September 10. But he did not refer to any regions specifically, which might confuse his supporters about which regional elections he thinks they should vote in.

Navalny did link to a Russian Wikipedia page headlined Single voting day September 10, 2023, which details the elections to be held that day. Like RG, the Russian Wikipedia page indicates that elections will be held in 40 Russian regions and five Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine.

Nine hours after Sergej Sumlenny posted his tweet, Navalny's chief of staff, Leonid Volkov, posted to X the following response:

The so-called expert Sumenny [Sic] simply made up this story in order to sling mud at the political prisoner Alexei Navalny, knowing full well that this is a lie.

Russia has 83 regions, in 40 of which there will be elections held this September (here is the list: https://twitter.com/ioannZH/status/1693702119155454326). This list doesn't anyhow include the 6 (and not 4!) illegally annexed Ukrainian regions.

But there will be no apologies or corrections.

The list of 40 Russian regions to which Vokov linked had been posted by Ivan Zhdanov, director of Navalnys Anti-Corruption Foundation, six hours after Sumlennys tweet.

As of August 23, Navalnys original piece on his website had not added a link to the list of regions cited by Zhdanov.

Also, the list of 40 Russian regions where elections will be held on September 10 cited by Zhdanov does not entirely coincide with the 40 Russian regions listed on Russian Wikipedias Single voting day September 10, 2023 page.

Zhdanovs list includes Ingushetia, where municipal elections will be held, and Khabarovsk, where mayoral elections will be held, but these elections are not mentioned on the Russian Wikipedia page.

At the same time, the Russian Wikipedia page indicates that State Duma by-elections will be held in Karachay-Cherkessia and the Lipetsk region, but those elections are not included on Zhdanov's list.

Sumlenny suggested that Zhdanov manipulated the list of the region[s] to get a magic number of 40 regions WITHOUT occupied Ukrainian regions.

Whatever the case, even before this controversy, Ukrainian political activists had criticized Alexei Navalny for his attitude toward Russian-occupied Crimea.

In October 2014, Navalny told the Ekho Moskvy (Echo of Moscow) radio station: "Crimea will remain part of Russia and will never again become part of Ukraine in the foreseeable future."

In March 2021, the Free Navalny website posted a map of Russia that included occupied Crimea.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 11:07 | All, World

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group that launched a short-lived military uprising in Russia in June, was aboard a plane that crashed with no survivors, Russia's Tass news agency reported Wednesday, citing the civil aviation agency.

Prigozhin's name and that of Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin were on the passenger list of the aircraft that came down in the Tver region northwest of Moscow, killing all 10 aboard.

A channel associated with the mercenary group on the Telegram encrypted messaging service announced that Prigozhin was dead, suggesting the incident was in retaliation for his actions, Reuters news agency reported.

Russian investigators said they had launched an investigation into the crash of the aircraft that was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

In June, mercenaries of the Wagner Group began a march toward Moscow in an apparent rebellion against Russia's military leadership, but Prigozhin suddenly announced he was calling off the advance to avert "bloodshed."

All charges leveled against him for mounting an armed rebellion were dropped and he later flew to neighboring Belarus.
The prosecutors office in Iran has charged a journalist in Tehran for publishing images that featured women dancing and not wearing the hijab.

Javad Heydarian revealed on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he was summoned by prosecutors in Tehran and charged with "spreading obscenities through the publication of images depicting dancing and unveiling at the LidoMa cultural festival."

The LidoMa Festival, a recurring celebration held in August by Irans Lur people, took place in the conference hall of Milad Tower, the tallest tower in Iran.

"Amid the celebration, Lur people and fellow compatriots gathered at Milad Tower's hall. Notably, many women were without hijabs, and as they danced, the hall's power was unexpectedly cut off," Heydarian explained on X.

Since nationwide protests last year in the aftermath of the death of a 22-year-old Iranian woman while in police custody, the countrys judicial authorities have targeted journalists who have reported on the protests in any capacity.

Iran ranks 177 out of 180 countries on the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, with 1 being the best environment for media. Monitor group Reporters Without Borders, which compiled the index, says Iran is one of the "most repressive countries" for journalists and one of the biggest jailers of journalists.
Beijings Doudian Mosque, the largest Islamic house of worship in northern China, is the latest architectural landmark to be transfigured under Beijings Sinicization program aimed at downgrading or eliminating foreign religious influences from the country.

According to Hong Kong's Sing Tao Daily, the original Arabic-style dome of the mosque was replaced by five Chinese-style white round spires during a major renovation completed in April. Two moonlit minarets to the north and south of the worship hall were also demolished.

Various slogans can now be seen throughout the mosque, including "socialist core values," and "Study and implement the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party.

Another slogan provides what may be the strongest indication of the thinking behind the architectural revisionism: "Adhere to the direction of Sinicization of religions in China."

Formerly, not controversial

The Arabic features of the towering structure  spanning nearly 15,000 square meters and capable of accommodating 1,500 worshippers at a time  were not controversial when the mosque was completed just 10 years ago.

The architecture was recognized at the time by Wang Zhengwei, then-director of the State Ethnic Affairs Commission of China, who had always supported traditional ethnic regional autonomy, according to Shih Chien-yu, a researcher at Taiwan's Society of Central Asian Studies.

Dongguan Mosque transformed

But as Chinese leader Xi Jinping accumulated power, instructions were given to rectify mosques with Islamic features, Shih said. The 700-year-old Dongguan Mosque in Xining, Qinghai province, was among the most famous to be transformed, its distinctive domes and minarets toppled in 2021.

Similarly, the Islamic symbols and folk culture of mosques across China have been steadily eliminated since China launched the Sinicization program targeting Muslims outside Xinjiang in 2018, according to the human rights publication Bitter Winter.

Dilshat Rishit, spokesman for the World Uyghur Congress, lamented the change in the Doudian Mosques character in an interview with VOA.

"China transformed the Arabic style into what China considers to be a Chinese style. And when you look at it, you call it a temple, but it is not a temple, and you call it a mosque, but it is not a mosque, he said.

Shih said the Xi government feels threatened as more Chinese turn to religions other than Taoism and Buddhism, with their deep roots in China.

After Xi came to power, he believed people would no longer see the [Chinese Communist Party] as their ultimate belief, threatening the CCP," he said.

Practices affected

Chinese authorities have not only forced mosques to rectify but are also committed to changing the practice of foreign-originated religions. In Xinjiang, for example, while authorities have not explicitly prohibited fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, many believers have reported they will face retaliation if they fast.

In August 2021 in Hebei province, Xi proposed adhering to the Sinicization of religion and guiding religion to adapt to a socialist society, the Xinhua News agency reported.

Uniting "all the sons and daughters of China at home and abroad ... requires adhering to the direction of the Sinicization of religions in China, actively guiding religions to adapt to the socialist society, uniting religious believers and maximizing the strength of working hard together," Xinhua said.

Shih said the authorities even control the way believers recite the Quran.

"According to Muhammad, the Quran should be read in Arabic, he said. The Chinese government thinks it is a very bad influence. It thinks that religious schools are influenced by foreign forces."

Dilshat believes that if the Chinese authorities continue to suppress foreign-originated religious beliefs, it will only further exacerbate the turmoil.

People would be desperate to defend their beliefs, he said. If China furthers its extreme policies to eliminate beliefs, it will intensify tension and lead to protests and conflicts."

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Emergency officials in Nigeria said Thursday rescue efforts were ongoing after a building collapse in Abuja killed at least two people.

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency said crews had rescued 37 people.

An agency statement said rescue teams planned to use excavators to search the rubble for any remaining victims.

The two-story residential and commercial building collapsed late Wednesday, the statement said.
China and Russia used the second day of the BRICS Summit of emerging economies to criticize the West, while also throwing their support behind the proposed expansion of whats seen by some as an alternative power bloc.

The leaders of Brazil, India, and China are all in South Africa  which is hosting the event  while Russian President Vladimir Putin is participating virtually to avoid arrest under an International Criminal Court warrant over war crimes in Ukraine.

Via video link, Putin  who ordered Russias invasion of Ukraine last year  said the Wests actions had led to that conflict by trying to promote their hegemony, exceptionalism, and policies of neo-colonialism.

Our actions in Ukraine are guided by only one thing, to put an end to the war that was unleashed by the West, said Putin, speaking through a translator.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Brazil and South Africa stressed the need for a peaceful solution to the Ukraine war  though there were no words of criticism for Moscow.

For his part, Chinese leader Xi Jinping noted the world was undergoing major shifts and had entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. He blamed countries that form exclusive blocs for the problems.

The cold war mentality is still haunting our world and the geopolitical situation is getting tense, he said through a translator.

Xi had baffled China-watchers the day before by failing to turn up when the leaders each made a first-day address, instead sending his commerce minister to fill in for him.

Paul Nantulya, a researcher at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, said one could only speculate.

What I think is happening is there are some headwinds back home in China which are upsetting the domestic dynamic, and I think something must have erupted that required the presidents attention, he said.

In other developments, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threw his support behind the group expanding, after reports India was only lukewarm about the idea.

High on the agenda of this summit is possible expansion of the BRICS group  with Argentina, Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia among the countries that have applied to join.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva also expressed support for expansion. However, he said BRICS must not aim to rival the U.S., and Cyril Ramaphosa, president of South Africa, also stressed BRICS was not in opposition to anyone.

While firmly committed to advance the interests of the Global South, BRICS stands ready to collaborate with all countries that aspire to create a more inclusive international order, he said.

Another theme of the summit is de-dollarization and a move towards greater use of the BRICS currencies. Xi said he would like to see reform of the international financial system.

The summit concludes Thursday, with a final statement from the group expected.
Its been more than a year since Andy Lin graduated from his masters program in Hong Kong, but unlike many young people in China who are desperately trying to find a job, the 27-year-old from Anhui province has become what many call a full-time child since returning to the mainland.

Even though there is no shortage of vacant positions in the job market, Lin thinks most jobs cant match his level of education or meet his expectations.

I dont like jobs with fixed hours and I also refuse to work overtime, he told VOA. If I have to work, Id rather have a part-time job that can satisfy my basic needs in life.

Lin is not the only one who holds this view. On Chinas lifestyle-sharing app Xiaohongshu, tens of thousands of young Chinese people who identify as full-time sons or full-time daughters share their experiences.

Several of my friends have been jobless or have refused to find jobs since graduating from universities because they think the existing jobs are not attractive enough, Lin said.

He added that many young people around him are disillusioned about what Chinas job market is offering. It seems that we have missed the peak of the internet industry or the new media sector, and these industries are no longer offering full-time positions with good benefits, he told VOA.

According to Lin, full-time children like himself usually have substantial family support, allowing them the luxury to decide what they want to do in life. Compared to many young people in China, I have several options to consider amid this wave of youth unemployment, he said.

While some of his friends are stuck with labor-intensive jobs, Lin is applying to doctoral programs abroad. Im very dissatisfied with the current job market in China, so I want to get a Ph.D. degree overseas and work in academia in the future, he told VOA.

Record-high unemployment rate

Chinas youth unemployment rate has hit record highs every month since April, reaching an unprecedented 21.3% in June, when authorities decided to halt the release of age-related employment data.

Some young people in China are trying to find opportunities in sectors of the rapidly growing platform economy, such as food delivery and livestreaming.

Analysts say family wealth is a key factor affecting the choices young people make while looking for full-time jobs.

For people from a better family background, their family can largely cushion the impact of the labor market issues, but the situation is not that good for people without family support, Ya-Wen Lei, a professor of sociology at Harvard University, told VOA in a video interview.

In an op-ed published last month in Caixin, Peking University professor Zhang Dandan predicted that if the estimated 16 million young Chinese people relying on their parents or lying flat at home were included, Chinas real youth unemployment rate could be as high as 46.5%.

Becoming a deliverywoman

Unlike full-time children who can rely on family support during this difficult time, young people from rural areas in China often have to find ways to make ends meet. Cindy Yang, 26, a former journalist from Chinas Hunan province, was laid off by her company in November 2022, just a few weeks before the Chinese government ended its the three-year-long zero-COVID strategy.

"For the first three months, I spent a lot of time looking up jobs on recruitment websites and sent out countless resumes to different companies, but I didnt get any response, she told VOA in a phone interview. When its time to pay rent every month, I would be extremely anxious about whether I still have enough savings or not.

After months of unsuccessful attempts to find new jobs, Yang took her friends advice and signed up to be a deliveryperson for the popular shopping platform Meituan.

The experience, however, was a shock.

Delivery is unstable and unpredictable, she said. If you miss an order, it will mess up the rest of the orders on your schedule. Sometimes one customers sudden cancellation would disrupt the rest of your shift.

After a one-month trial, Yang realized that she was not ready to go from a white-collar job that paid around $2,000 a month to one that doesnt have a guaranteed income or any basic protection.

I had to work in delivery, write several articles and pick up other part-time jobs to make close to the same amount as my previous salary, she told VOA. My trial period in the delivery industry made me realize how unprepared I was for the high intensity that came with the job.

After contemplating the long-term prospect of living in Shanghai without a stable full-time job, Yang has returned to her hometown and is now trying to figure out her next step.

Mental health risks

As China struggles to address youth unemployment and boost its slowing economy, Harvard's Lei worries that young people in China may develop serious depression or other mental health issues in this challenging environment.

Young people may have to postpone important life plans such as marriage and childbearing, or put their dreams on hold, she told VOA. If they cant find meaning in life one day, thats really a tragedy.

Other experts worry that if young people in China remain in flexible work like delivery and livestreaming or remain unemployed at home for too long, that may have a long-term impact on Chinas productivity. Many young people may exit the formal labor market, Alicia Garcia-Herrero, chief Asia-Pacific economist at investment bank Natixis, told VOA in a phone interview.

Garcia-Herrero added that rather than addressing the issue of youth unemployment, China seems to be hiding the problem. In her view, Beijings reaction to the problem reflects a lack of response from Chinese policymakers. Its an ostrich behavior, she said.
Eight Republicans who want to be president of the United States shared a stage Wednesday night in Wisconsin for their partys first debate ahead of next years election.

The two-hour televised debate, the first held by Republicans in this election cycle, featured spirited exchanges about what one of the moderators called "the elephant who is not in the room"  the absent party front-runner, former President Donald Trump, who decided he is so far ahead in the polls he did not need to be on the stage.

Some of the contenders, such as Trumps former vice president, Mike Pence, and former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, deemed Trump disqualified from serving again because of what they said was his disrespect for the Constitution, as well as the 91 felony counts he now faces.

Trump is set to surrender for arrest and booking in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday in connection with the fourth indictment, which accuses him of racketeering and interference in trying to upend his 2020 reelection loss in the southern state.

"The American people need to know that the president asked me to put him over the Constitution," demanding he refuse to oversee the congressional certification that Democrat Joe Biden had defeated Trump in the 2020 election, Pence told the audience in the Fiserv Forum.

Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley declared, "Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We cant win a general election that way."

However, political novice Vivek Ramaswamy, rising in the polls, stood by Trump, saying he believed he was "the best president of the 21st century."

Other Republican presidential contenders, while acknowledging Pences role on Jan. 6, 2021, in rejecting Trumps demand to stop congressional certification of Bidens victory, described the prosecution of Trump as the political weaponization of the Justice Department overseen by Biden.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis declared, "This election is not about January 6. Weve got to focus on your future, look forward."

Only two of the eight candidates on the debate stage, Christie and former Arkansas governor Asa Hutchinson, said they would not support Trump if he were convicted and still won the Republican presidential nomination.

Trump leads by about 40 percentage points over his closest Republican presidential challenger, DeSantis, with all the other Republican opponents getting less than 10% apiece in national polls.

Ramaswamy on Wednesday evening stood apart in questioning American support for Ukraine, saying China is a bigger threat to the United States than Russia. Several other candidates, including Haley, also a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, expressed strong support for Ukraine in defending itself against Russian forces.

Others on the debate stage were South Carolina Senator Tim Scott and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum.

All of the candidates said they favored restrictions on U.S. abortion rights but differed on the details, such as at what gestational number of weeks it ought to be banned. Last years Supreme Court decision upended a nearly 50-year right to the procedure in the U.S., leaving it up to the 50 states to decide whether to allow abortions or severely restrict them.

Ramaswamy, the youngest of the candidates at 38, claimed at one point, "Its going to take an outsider" to create "a vision of what it means to be an American."

Pence retorted, "Now is not the time for on-the-job training."

After the debate, Pence told reporters no one should have been surprised by his vigor on the debate stage.

"I was the leading champion of conservative values in the Trump-Pence administration. I know how to fight and I was happy to bring that fight tonight," said the former vice president.

Pences primary sparring opponent of the evening, Ramaswamy, said he relished the verbal barrages directed at him.

"Mike Pence coming at me with the experience differential, I think thats a great thing because I dont think the people in this country are interested in going back to people who recite slogans they memorized in 1980," said Ramaswamy.

"Theres a lot of people who had a good night tonight," according to Sean Spicer, who was Donald Trumps first White House press secretary. "But does that good night move a needle? Were going to find out really soon."

Spicer, speaking to VOA in the post-debate "spin room," said DeSantis and Haley had a good night while Ramaswamy "landed a bunch of good hits" but it remains to be seen "whether that was a good strategy or was he too aggressive?"

Spicer, who now hosts his own digital TV political show, added that none of the other candidates "had a bad night."

"The rest of them were fine. I just dont know that any of them landed a punch thats going to move the needle," he said.

The Republicans hold their second debate next month in California but only one of the candidates will be back on the same stage in Wisconsin in July to accept the partys nomination.
A Moscow court on Thursday extended by three months the pre-trial detention of jailed U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich. He will now stay behind bars on espionage charges until at least the end of November, Russian state news agency Tass reported.

The Wall Street Journal reporter was detained at the end of March while on assignment in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg.

Moscow has accused him of spying, which he, his employer and the U.S. government vehemently deny. The State Department has classified him as wrongfully detained.

Gershkovich is the first American reporter to be detained in Russia on espionage charges since the Cold War.

Gershkovich, 31, arrived at the Moscow court Thursday in a white prison van and was led out handcuffed. He appeared in court to hear the result of the prosecutions motion to extend his arrest from Aug. 30.

This is the second time his pre-trial detention has been extended, both times by three months. Gershkovich's initial pre-trial detention was set to expire on May 29.

Reporters were not allowed to witness Thursdays proceedings in the court. Tass said it took place behind closed doors due to the classified nature of some details in the case.

In response to the extension, a State Department spokesperson told VOA, The claims against Evan Gershkovich are baseless. Once again, we call for Russia to immediately release Evan and also to release wrongfully detained U.S. citizen Paul Whelan. Our efforts to secure their release are ongoing. Whelan, a former U.S. Marine, is also detained in Russia on espionage charges that are viewed as baseless.

On Thursday, The Wall Street Journal said in a statement, Today, our colleague and distinguished journalist Evan Gershkovich appeared for a pre-trial hearing where his improper detention was extended yet again. We are deeply disappointed he continues to be arbitrarily and wrongfully detained for doing his job as a journalist. The baseless accusations against him are categorically false, and we continue to push for his immediate release. Journalism is not a crime.

Todays news was expected but nevertheless deeply disappointing, said Emma Tucker, the papers editor-in-chief, and Almar Latour, CEO of Dow Jones and publisher of the Journal, in a joint statement. Its also a reminder of the fight were in as Evan has now been wrongfully detained for five months  a horrific and sobering milestone in our efforts to free him.

The National Press Club in Washington also condemned the extension.

Our anger over Evan Gershkovichs unjust detention has been heightened over the Russian courts decision, yet again, to extend his period of pretrial detention, said Eileen OReilly, National Press Club president, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, in a statement.

If Russia actually had a case against Evan  as they stated in March saying he had been caught red handed  the pretrial period would have quickly been over. Obviously, this has not been the case.

Gershkovichs lawyers will appeal the extension, the Journal said.

Nike Ching contributed to this report.
A Russian missile attack wounded at least seven people early Thursday in the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro.

Serhiy Lysak, the regional governor, said on Telegram that six of the injured were hospitalized.

Lysak said Ukrainian air defenses shot down one Russian missile but that strikes from others destroyed a transport facility and damaged a dozen other buildings including a bank, a hotel and two residential buildings.

The Russian Defense Ministry said its air defenses shot down three Ukrainian drones over Russian territory.

The ministry said two of the drones were shot down in the Bryansk region, which borders Ukraine. The third drone was destroyed in the Kaluga region, located southwest of Moscow.

Ukraine has conducted daily drone attacks targeting Russian territory during the past week, with Russia reporting it shot down the aircraft or brought them down by way of electronic jamming. In some cases, falling debris has caused damage on the ground, including crashing into a building in Moscow.

Russia has used Iranian-made drones through much of its invasion of Ukraine, while also using missiles in aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan lowered expectations for the Saudi-Israel normalization agreement that Washington is working on, rejecting news reports that suggest it is imminent.

"There is still a ways to travel with respect to all of the elements of those discussions," Sullivan said during a briefing for reporters Tuesday.

In past months, Sullivan and his deputies have begun separate negotiations with the Saudis and Israelis to lay groundwork for a deal.

Peace between the two countries would be "a big deal" and benefit the U.S. "in a fundamental way," Sullivan said, highlighting the goal of a "more integrated, more stable Middle East" where countries could collaborate on "everything from economics to technology to regional security."

He declined to comment on a potential meeting between President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi next month.

Talk of normalization began under the administration of President Donald Trump, who leaned on Saudi Arabia to join other Arab states  United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco  in signing the 2020 U.S.-brokered Abraham Accords that recognize Israel.

Since the Accords, Riyadh's ties with Israel have incrementally warmed, allowing Biden in July 2022 to become the first American president to fly directly to Jeddah from Tel Aviv after the Saudi Kingdom opened its airspace to flights to and from Israel.

US-Saudi-Israel deal

As negotiations continue, the parties have not publicly declared their terms, but various media reports have provided the contours of what such a deal might look like.

Israel is aiming to secure more Saudi support in deterring Iran, even as it stands to gain the most from the wider political and economic impact of normalizing relations with the Saudis, a key Arab country and opinion-maker in the Muslim world. A deal could lead to recognition from other Muslim-majority countries, including Indonesia and Malaysia.

Washington wants the Saudis to be more aligned with the U.S. in its rivalry against China and to resolve the war in Yemen, a proxy conflict between Riyadh and Tehran.

In part to secure support from his Democratic Party lawmakers in Congress, Biden may push Israel to preserve the prospects for a two-state solution with Palestinians, possibly pledging to never annex the occupied West Bank or expand Israeli settlements.

Meanwhile, for Riyadh, the deal must include protection from Iran in the form of some kind of mutual defense pact with Washington, and U.S. support for its civilian nuclear program, including in-country enrichment, as it anticipates its oil to run out.

Sullivan declined to say whether the administration would be willing to agree to those terms.

Long road ahead

"If this possible deal were a meal, the cooks right now are just assembling the ingredients and they haven't even begun to mix them together," said Brian Katulis, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute.

In addition to its demands to Washington, the Saudis, unlike the Emiratis, Bahrainis and Moroccans in 2020, will likely not cut a deal that sidesteps the Palestinians, Katulis told VOA. It would push for Israeli concessions that echo the land for peace principle of the 2002 Saudi-led Arab League peace initiative, which conditions recognition of Israel on the creation of a Palestinian state.

However, while a U.S. security guarantee, civilian nuclear program and concession for Palestinians are desirable for the Saudis, Riyadh does not desperately need any of these, said Jonathan Rynhold, head of the political science department at Israels Bar-Ilan University.

In this context, Riyadh is different from past signatories of the Abraham Accords that have been driven by transactional motivators: Morocco signed to secure the Trump administrations recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, Sudan for its removal from Washingtons state sponsors of terrorism list and relief from massive debt.

So the key issue is whether Washington is willing to give the Saudis what they want, Rynhold told VOA.

Should the Biden administration decide it is willing to meet Riyadhs demands, it can allow the Saudis and the Israelis to seal the deal under their terms or push toward some minimal Israeli concession toward the Palestinians that "makes it clear to the Democrats in Congress that Israel's heading in the right direction," he added.

Palestinian compromise

Compromise with Palestinians is unlikely to happen under the current Israeli government, the most right-wing in the countrys history. But Washington could nudge Israel toward a more centrist coalition.

"What he [Biden] could do, for example, is simply say that every dollar Israel spends in the settlements, theyll get one dollar less of American aid," Rynhold said. "That is something that would make the Israeli public recognize the costs of having a right-wing government."

Such a move carries considerable political risk for Biden ahead of the 2024 presidential campaign. Republicans would be eager to paint him as weak on supporting Israel, contrasting his approach to Trumps policy of maximum pressure and isolation of the Palestinians that accompanied the Abraham Accords.

Meanwhile, Palestinian voices are skeptical.

Far from resolving conflicts, Saudi-Israel normalization will serve as a pillar of a repressive architecture that brings no justice for Palestinians, said Dana El Kurd of Al Shabaka, the Palestinian Policy Network.

"Half-baked ideas about a final Palestinian-Israeli agreement," El Kurd said, in reality do not resolve underlying causes of conflict but "cement an increasingly violent status quo."
Hundreds of thousands of people in South Korea are taking part in defense drills this week that, this year in particular, have North Korea's evolving nuclear threats in mind.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began Monday across the country to run through August 31. The annual summertime military drills uniquely merge U.S. and South Korean war games with government engagement.

During the four-day civilian Ulchi exercises, government, law enforcement and emergency personnel react to terror attacks, natural disasters and, for the first time, a North Korean nuclear strike.

Civilians took part in air raid drills on Wednesday, revived for the first time since 2017 after being halted during a detente with North Korea under previous U.S. and South Korean administrations.

The Freedom Shield component consists of exercises between U.S. and South Korean commanders, complemented by field-based drills to ensure that the allies have combined interoperability and a defensive posture amid a changing security environment.

Scenarios would be informed by lessons learned in past wars and conflicts, including the Ukraine war, officials said.

The U.S. Space Force, which launched a component field command in South Korea in December, will also participate for the first time.

A stronger deterrence

In his first remarks since returning from a trilateral summit with the United States and Japan, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Monday that Pyongyang will not hesitate to use its nuclear weapons to achieve its goal in war.

From a combined forces bunker on Wednesday, Yoon said some 8,000 U.S. and South Korean soldiers were taking part in 38 field maneuvers this year, the most in recent years. The allies' readiness is the foundation of an "immediate and decisive response" that will punish a North Korean strike, he said.

The response to North Korea's provocations will become stronger, high-level government officials have said, since last week's trilateral summit that produced a series of documents laying out a blueprint for reinforced relations among the U.S., Japan and South Korea.

Commitments include activating real-time sharing of data on North Korea's ballistic missile launches and conducting annual "multi-domain trilateral exercises."

"I think if you read the documents carefully, they are based on an understanding that a challenge to any one of us is a challenge to all of us," Kurt Campbell, National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs, said Tuesday during a digital press briefing with reporters.

North Korea angrily reacted to the Camp David documents and the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which it views as a prelude to an invasion.

The country warned that should the commitments be realized, the region would be pushed into "an unprecedented large-scale thermonuclear war."

Pyongyang also informed Tokyo of its plan to launch a rocket carrying a satellite as early as Thursday. The window runs until August 31, the day that Ulchi Freedom Shield ends.

Tokyo and Seoul have urged North Korea to call off the rocket launch, noting the claimed satellite test utilizes ballistic missile technology that is banned under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Lee Juhyun contributed to this report.
KYODO NEWS - Aug 24, 2023 - 15:45 | World, All

The Indian Space Research Organization has released images of the lunar surface after its spacecraft became the first to land on the unexplored south pole of the Moon on Wednesday.

The images from the Chandrayaan-3, whose arrival also made India the fourth country to successfully land a spacecraft on the Moon after the United States, the Soviet Union and China, showed Wednesday a pockmarked surface along with a landing leg and a shadow.

The ISRO also released images taken during the spacecraft's descent to the lunar surface.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi watched the landing from South Africa where he was attending a summit of the BRICS grouping that includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

"India is now on the Moon. This is a moment to cherish forever...We are witness to the new flight of new India," he said.

A few hours after the landing, a rover came out of the lander to run a series of experiments over the next 14 days, including an analysis of the mineral composition of the lunar surface, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said, according to a Press Trust of India report.

The Chandrayaan-3, India's third lunar exploration mission, was launched on July 14.

The successful landing on the Moon's south pole came days after a similar mission attempted by Russia's Luna-25 spacecraft failed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Modi on India's success Wednesday.

"This is a big step forward in space exploration and, of course, a testament to India's impressive progress in science and technology," Putin said in a statement.

Related coverage:

North Korea fails in military satellite launch,vows to try again in October

China launches manned rocket ship to space station

India successfully launches 3rd lunar exploration mission
Research shows that prolonged exposure to high levels of noise may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

In New York City, not only the largest U.S. city by population but also one of the loudest, avoiding noise can be an everyday struggle.

Ricky Nguyen resides in the heart of New York City's Chinatown, where the cacophony generated by ongoing construction has drastically disrupted his daily life.

The relentless clamor has grown to such an extent that Nguyen now measures the noise that affects not only him but also the tightly knit community of older Asians who live on his block.

He said he had to buy a noise meter.

"I cant imagine for the elderly that's living in that building over there, they have open windows and they're directly adjacent to all the noise, Nguyen said. "I lived here for 11 years, and I wanted to live here for the next 11 years."

Recent research involving 130,000 people who used the noise detector feature on their Apple Watches has uncovered concerning results, as disclosed by the study's principal investigator.

Rick Neitzel, University of Michigan Environmental Health Sciences, said preliminary results suggest that potentially as many as one in three Americans are exposed to levels of sound that might be harmful to their health.

Neitzel's research also revealed other unexpected findings.

We've also found that not everybody is equally exposed," he said. "In fact, our participants who are Black or Hispanic have tended to have higher noise exposures than folks from other racial and ethnic groups."

In a separate study, researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital have correlated prolonged noise exposure to significant health issues, potentially leading to fatal outcomes.

From our data and the work of others, it appears that noise has been under-recognized and independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease, said Dr. Michael Osborne, a cardiologist at the hospital and lead researcher of the noise study.

Osbornes study also found that people living in areas with high levels of transportation noise, such as near airports, face an increased likelihood of major cardiac events.

We found, basically, that there was a pathway linking noise to cardiovascular disease that came through the brain and involved inflammation of the arteries leading to this downstream consequence, it's likely an under-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular disease," he said.

In response to such health concerns, information about the hazards of noise pollution has expanded through websites, organizations, and apps that empower people to gather data and push for quieter neighborhoods.

Arline Bronzaft is an activist in the field of noise harm reduction.

When I started, there were fewer people who were fighting for less pollution to now there are more people," she said. "There are more studies, and we've just had a congresswoman introduce legislation to re-fund the office of noise abatement and control at the EPA."

With the federal government potentially addressing this invisible menace, noise pollution may soon become as prominent a concern as air pollution.
After two years of legal ambiguity and stringent restrictions on free press, de facto Taliban authorities have submitted a draft of a new Afghanistan media law for approval by their supreme leader.

The draft, shrouded in secrecy until now, will regulate the Islamist leadership's fraught and sometimes combative relationship with journalists as well as state and private media bodies.

With no parliament or a constitution in the Taliban's self-declared Islamic Emirate, only the reclusive supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, holds unchecked power over the fate of the country's laws, including the new media law.

In an exclusive interview with VOA, the Taliban's chief spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, unveiled some details of the new law.

"About 70% of it [the draft] is taken from the old law," said Mujahid, adding that the changes that were made are aimed at aligning the law with Islamic Sharia law. The media law enacted under the previous Afghan government also required that all media activities be in accordance with Islamic law.

When asked about gender-based restrictions in the new law, the Taliban spokesperson said no such restrictions are stipulated in the new draft and that "all the citizens of Afghanistan" would be able to set up, manage and work for media entities.

Foreign media, including international broadcasters such as the BBC and Voice of America along with freelance journalists, will be allowed to operate in Afghanistan provided that they comply with domestic laws.

In the backdrop of Afghanistan's efforts to cultivate democratic institutions over the last two decades, media outlets and press advocacy groups thrived on funding and support from international donors.

However, the Taliban have shown deep suspicion about Western-funded programs in support of democracy and human rights, and Mujahid did not clarify if Afghan media outlets will be allowed to receive foreign funding.

"The law requires that funding sources must be transparent," he said emphatically.

Journalists sidelined

VOA spoke to several media support organizations and journalists in Afghanistan who said they were not consulted by Taliban authorities when drafting the new media law.

"We were expecting that we could at least provide some inputs, but unfortunately no opportunity was provided," said Abdul Qadeem Wyar, president of the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee (AJSC).

"Not a single female journalist was consulted," said a female journalist who did not want to be named in this article, fearing Taliban persecution.

Another female journalist, who also did not want to be named, decried the Taliban's unilateral policymaking for the media as "despotic" saying "journalists are not criminals with no civil rights."

Since seizing power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed gender-based restrictions on journalists such as mandatory facemasks for women on television. As a result, more than 80% of the country's female journalists have been forced to quit their job, according to Reporters Without Borders.

Dozens of journalists detained

The Taliban have reportedly detained dozens of journalists and media personnel over the last two years, some were allegedly tortured, but most were released after spending days or weeks in detention.

Most journalists were arrested by the Taliban's General Directorate for Intelligence, the GDI, a feared agency that has also reportedly detained and at times tortured human rights activists.

The arrests of journalists are carried out in violation of the existing media law, which tasks a Media Complaints and Rights Violations Commission to determine violations and refer cases to judicial bodies without involving the intelligence agency.

In the new draft law, the MCRVC is preserved, although the GDI could intervene in matters of national security, according to Taliban officials.

While it is unclear if and when the Taliban supreme leader would bestow his approval on the new media law, the mere existence of the law is perceived as a positive step.
More than 200,000 refugees fleeing Sudans civil war have arrived in the town of Adre, Chad, since the middle of June. Before the crisis, the town had a recorded population of just 40,000. In this report, Henry Wilkins asks Adre residents and newly arrived refugees what they are doing to help the influx of new residents.
A key portion of President Joe Bidens immigration policy that grants parole to thousands of people from Central America and the Caribbean was set to be debated in a Texas federal courtroom beginning Thursday.

Under the humanitarian parole program, up to 30,000 people are being allowed each month to enter the United States from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela.

Texas is leading a lawsuit filed by 21 Republican-leaning states to stop the program, arguing the Biden administration has overreached its authority. Other programs the administration has implemented to reduce illegal immigration also have faced legal challenges.

The parole program was started for Venezuelans in fall 2022 and then expanded in January. People taking part must apply online, arrive at an airport and have a financial sponsor in the United States. If approved, they can stay for two years and get a work permit.

The program has been tremendously successful at reducing migration to the southwest border, attorneys for the U.S. Justice Department, which is representing the federal government in the lawsuit, wrote in court documents.

A trial on the states lawsuit is being presided over by U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton in Victoria, Texas. Tipton, a Donald Trump appointee, has previously ruled against the Biden administration on who to prioritize for deportation.

The trial was scheduled to last two days and be livestreamed from Victoria to a federal courtroom in Houston. Tipton was expected to issue a ruling at a later date.

In court documents, Texas and the other states have called the Biden administrations program an extreme example of not enforcing immigration laws that require it to grant parole only on a case-by-case basis for significant public benefit or urgent humanitarian reasons.

While the Republican states lawsuit is objecting to the use of humanitarian parole for migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, it hasnt raised any concerns for its use to grant entry to tens of thousands of Ukrainians since Russia invaded that country.

Texas has also argued that the parole program causes financial harm because it has to provide services, including detention, educational, social services and drivers license programs, to the paroled migrants.

Immigrant rights groups joined the legal proceedings on behalf of seven people who are sponsoring migrants. One of the sponsors was expected to testify during the trial.

The rights groups have defended the humanitarian parole program, saying its a safe pathway to the U.S. for desperate migrants who would otherwise be paying human smugglers and bogging down border agents. The program is also helping reduce the humanitarian crisis along the U.S.-Mexico border, the groups said.

As of the end of July, more than 72,000 Haitians, 63,000 Venezuelans, 41,000 Cubans and 34,000 Nicaraguans had been vetted and authorized to come to the U.S. through the parole program.
Mykola and Natalia Navrotsky are from the small town of Dymer, about 48 kilometers from Kyiv. They last saw their son, Oleksandr, in March 2022, when the 33-year-old man tried to lead his family out of the then Russian-occupied region.

"Our son was taken by the military of the Russian Federation at the Dymer checkpoint when he was driving his wife and son from the village of Havrylivka to Hlibivka. They found something in the phone and detained him. His wife and son were released, they came home at night in freezing cold," the Navrotskys said.

Dymer and neighboring towns in the Kyiv region had come under Russian occupation on Feb. 26, 2022. Roadblocks, arbitrary arrests and the torture of civilian prisoners quickly followed, according to the locals and Ukrainian officials.

"They took him away on March 8, 2022, they were severely beating him, they tortured him, then they took him to Hostomel," Mykola and Natalia Navrotsky said in an interview, relating what they had learned from a neighbor who also was arbitrarily detained in the same prison until the Russian forces retreated.

According to the Media Initiative for Human Rights (MIHR), made up of Ukrainian journalists who investigate alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine, Russian forces created two prisons in Dymer, a town of about 7,000 people. In just more than a month of occupation, about 500 prisoners went through those prisons and about 50 of them are still in Russian captivity.

Navrotsky was kept at an industrial facility in Dymer until the retreating Russian forces transported him to Belarus, and finally to Russia, his parents said, based on information Ukrainian military prisoners of war who met their son in the prison in Russia.

"He is still in captivity. At the moment, we don't know anything about his condition, what happened to him, or how and when he will return home  we don't know anything at all," the Navrotskys said.

Their son was able to send a note to them through the Red Cross last year.

"We know about his whereabouts as of August 29 [2022]  there was a note written almost a year ago, in April: 'Hello. I am alive and well, everything is fine,'" the Navrotskys told VOA. They assume he hasnt been moved since he wrote the note.

Several other residents of Dymer, whose relatives disappeared during the Russian occupation, told VOA similar stories.

Russian intimidation

About 25,000 civilians, like Navrotsky, have been taken from the occupied territories of Ukraine, according to Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament commissioner for human rights.

"These are civilian hostages, citizens of Ukraine, who were arrested by the Russian Federation and kept in captivity with no legal grounds. And more continue being detained en masse," Lubinets said.

He said the arbitrary arrests and torture of civilians started during the occupation of Crimea and parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in 2014, "and all this continues."

He said this is a "systemic pressure on the population" intended to intimidate Ukrainians and suppress the will to resist.

"This is their preventive work against everyone who may pose any danger to the Russian occupation authorities  former law enforcement officers, pro-Ukrainian people, former volunteers," the Ukrainian ombudsman said.

Russian authorities do not comment on the detention of Ukrainian civilians. Russia does not differentiate between civilians and prisoners of war. Both are considered by the Russian authorities as those who were "detained for counteracting the SVO," or special military operation, according to Ukrainian human rights lawyers interviewed by the BBC.

Russia rarely replies to queries from attorneys but Russian human rights lawyer Alexei Ladukhin did receive one while working for the family of another Ukrainian detained by the Russian occupying forces.

The Russian Defense Ministry told Ladukhin in a letter that information about "persons detained for countering a special military operation" is classified and cannot be shared with third parties.

The letter was signed by Major General Vitaly Kokh, the deputy head of the Main Directorate of the Military Police of the Ministry of Defense.

Widespread torture

The Navrotskys say their son was beaten by the Russian soldiers so badly that the soldiers had to seek medical aid for him when he was still in Ukraine. His parents learned of this, as they have much of what happened to him, from one of the prisoners who was freed by the Russian soldiers.

The former prisoner said the Russians kept them in the dark, blindfolded to prevent them from finding out who was around them and where they were being taken.

Numerous former civilian prisoners, including some who spoke to VOA, said that people are kept without food and water in the Russian prisons and that torture is widespread, including with electric current.

A United Nations report published in June says civilians were often detained during so-called filtration procedures in the occupied territories because of their perceived support for Ukraine.

"We documented 864 individual cases of arbitrary detention by the Russian Federation, many of which also amounted to enforced disappearances," Matilda Bogner, head of the U.N. Monitoring Mission, told journalists in Geneva while presenting the report.

The report documented 77 executions of civilian prisoners and one death due to torture.

According to documents obtained by The Associated Press dating from January, Russia plans to build 25 new prison colonies and six other detention centers in occupied Ukraine by 2026 in addition to at least 40 detention facilities in Russia and Belarus, and 63 makeshift and formal ones in occupied Ukrainian territory.

Civilian exchanges

Desperate relatives are trying their best to attract the attention of authorities and international organizations to help get their loved ones returned from captivity.

"We appealed to all authorities, wherever we could, we went on a peaceful rally, we went on a peaceful march to attract the attention of society, the world community, to help bring our relatives back home, all those who are in captivity," the Navrotskys said.

Lubinets said exchanges of prisoners do take place. They started after Russia first occupied Ukrainian territory in 2014 and continued until February 2022.

According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as of the beginning of June 2023, Ukraine has gotten back about 2,500 of its citizens from Russian captivity, including about 400 children and 150 civilians.

He explained that was it is difficult to negotiate the return of civilians because "you exchange military personnel for military personnel.  We do not have very many [Russian] civilians that we can exchange for civilians."

This story originated in VOAs Ukrainian Service.
A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that the plane crash presumed to have killed Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was intentionally caused by an explosion, U.S. and Western officials said Thursday, as Russian President Vladimir Putin eulogized the man who staged the biggest challenge to his 23-year rule.

One of the officials said the initial assessment determined that it was "very likely" Prigozhin was targeted, and that the explosion falls in line with Putin's "long history of trying to silence his critics."

The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, did not offer details on what caused the explosion, which was believed to have also killed several of Prigozhin's lieutenants, to avenge a mutiny that challenged Putins authority.

U.S. officials had no information to suggest a surface-to-air missile was launched against the private aircraft, according to one official.

Details of the U.S. assessment surfaced as Putin expressed his condolences to the families of those who were reported to be aboard the jet and referred to "serious mistakes" by Prigozhin.

10 people on board

The founder of the Wagner Group military company and six other passengers were on the jet that crashed Wednesday soon after taking off from Moscow with a crew of three, according to Russia's civil aviation authority. Rescuers found 10 bodies, and Russian media cited anonymous sources in Wagner who said Prigozhin was dead. But there has been no official confirmation.

President Joe Biden, speaking to reporters Wednesday, said he believed Putin was behind the crash, although he acknowledged that he did not have information verifying his belief.

"I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised," Biden said. "There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind."

The passenger manifest also included Prigozhin's second-in-command, as well as Wagner's logistics chief, a fighter wounded by U.S. airstrikes in Syria, and at least one possible bodyguard.

It was not clear why several high-ranking members of Wagner, including top leaders who are normally exceedingly careful about their security, were on the same flight. The purpose of their joint trip to St. Petersburg was unknown.

At Wagner's headquarters in St. Petersburg, lights were turned on in the shape of a large cross, and Prigozhin supporters built a makeshift memorial, piling red and white flowers outside the building Thursday along with company flags and candles.

In his first comments on the crash, Putin said the passengers had "made a significant contribution" to the fighting in Ukraine.

"We remember this, we know, and we will not forget," the president said in a televised interview with Denis Pushilin, the Russian-installed leader of Ukraine's partially occupied Donetsk region.

Putin recalled that he had known Prigozhin since the early 1990s and described him as "a man of difficult fate" who had "made serious mistakes in life, and he achieved the results he needed  both for himself and, when I asked him about it, for the common cause, as in these last months. He was a talented man, a talented businessman."

Russian state media have not covered the crash extensively, instead focusing on Putin's remarks to the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, via video link and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Several Russian social media channels reported that the bodies were burned or disfigured beyond recognition and would need to be identified by DNA. The reports were picked up by independent Russian media, but The Associated Press was not able to independently confirm them.

Prigozhin supporters claimed on pro-Wagner messaging app channels that the plane was deliberately downed, including suggesting it could have been hit by a missile or targeted by a bomb on board. Those claims could not be independently verified.

Sergei Mironov, leader of the pro-Kremlin Fair Russia Party and former chairman of the upper house of the Russian parliament, suggested on his Telegram channel that Prigozhin had been deliberately killed.

"Prigozhin messed with too many people in Russia, Ukraine and the West," Mironov wrote. It now seems that at some point his number of enemies reached a critical point."

Russian authorities have said the cause of the crash is under investigation.

Opponents and critics meet untimely demise

Kuzhenkino resident Anastasia Bukharova, 27, said she was walking with her children Wednesday when she saw the jet. "And then  boom! It exploded in the sky and began to fall down." She said she was scared it would hit houses in the village and ran with the children, but the plane crashed into a field.

"Something sort of was torn from it in the air, and it began to go down and down," she said.

Numerous opponents and critics of Putin have been killed or gravely sickened in apparent assassination attempts. U.S. and other Western officials long expected the Russian leader to go after Prigozhin, despite promising to drop charges in a deal that ended the June 23-24 mutiny.

"It is no coincidence that the whole world immediately looks at the Kremlin when a disgraced ex-confidant of Putin suddenly falls from the sky, two months after he attempted an uprising," said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, while acknowledging that the facts were still unclear.

"We know this pattern  in Putin's Russia  deaths and dubious suicides, falls from windows that all ultimately remain unexplained," she said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also pointed the finger. "We have nothing to do with this. Everyone understands who does," he said.

Soon after the plane went down, people on social media and news outlets began to report that it was a Wagner plane. Minutes after Russian state news agencies confirmed the crash, they cited the civil aviation authority as saying Prigozhin's name was on the manifest.

Prigozhin was long outspoken and critical of how Russian generals were waging the war in Ukraine, where his mercenaries were some of the fiercest fighters for the Kremlin. For a long time, Putin appeared content to allow such infighting  and Prigozhin seemed to have unusual latitude to speak his mind.

But Prigozhin's brief revolt raised the ante. His mercenaries swept through the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and captured the military headquarters there without firing a shot. They then drove to within about 200 kilometers (125 miles) of Moscow and downed several military aircraft, killing more than a dozen Russian pilots.

Putin first denounced the rebellion  the most serious challenge to his 23-year rule  as "treason" and a "stab in the back." He vowed to punish its perpetrators, and the world waited for his next move, particularly since Prigozhin had publicly questioned the Russian leader's justifications for the war in Ukraine.

But instead, Putin made a deal that saw an end to the mutiny in exchange for an amnesty for Prigozhin and his mercenaries and permission for them to move to Belarus.

Now many are suggesting the punishment has finally come.

"The downing of the plane was certainly no mere coincidence," Janis Sarts, director of NATO's Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence, told Latvian television.

The Institute for the Study of War argued that Russian authorities likely moved against Prigozhin and his top associates as "the final step to eliminate Wagner as an independent organization."

Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Putin, said Putin had to step in because by carrying out the mutiny and remaining free, Prigozhin "shoved Putin's face into the dirt in front of the whole world."

Failing to punish Prigozhin would have offered an "open invitation for all potential rebels and troublemakers," Gallyamov said.

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 fell, one of its wings apparently missing. A free-fall like that typically occurs when an aircraft sustains severe damage, and a frame-by-frame AP analysis of two videos was consistent with some sort of explosion midflight.
The United States announced new sanctions Thursday against several Russian entities and individuals for their roles in the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and for human rights abuses against minors in Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine.

Children are literally being ripped from their homes. In the year 2023. By a country sitting in this very chamber. By a permanent member of this council, Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said at a meeting of the U.N. Security Council. This is straight out of a dystopian novel. But this is not fiction. Colleagues, this is not fiction. This is real life.

She said the human rights violations are being orchestrated at all levels of the Russian government and noted that the International Criminal Court at The Hague has issued arrest warrants for President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russias presidential commissioner for childrens rights. Those warrants were issued on March 17, for their involvement in the alleged deportation and transfer of children from occupied areas of Ukraine to Russia.

At a meeting held on the 32nd anniversary of Ukraines independence from the former Soviet Union, focusing on the protection of children, Thomas-Greenfield said the United States would not stand by as Russia carries out these war crimes and crimes against humanity.

And today, the United States is imposing sanctions on two entities and 11 individuals  including individuals who reportedly have facilitated the forcible transfer and deportation of Ukraines children to camps, Thomas-Greenfield announced. Additionally, we are taking steps to impose visa restrictions on three Russia-installed purported authorities for their involvement in human rights abuses of Ukrainian minors.

Among the sanctioned individuals are the commissioners for childrens rights in several Russian regions, as well as a Russian government-owned summer camp and its director, located in Russia-occupied Crimea. Washington says the camp conducts extensive patriotic re-education programs and prevents the children from returning to their families.

A human rights briefer from Ukraine told the council that according to the Ukrainian National Information Bureau, Russian agents have taken at least 19,546 children to 57 regions of Russia since February 2022, and only 386 have returned home. But Ukrainian officials say the real number could be much higher.

After deportation to Russia or to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, our children are exposed to aggressive brainwashing aimed at changing their consciousness, erasing their Ukrainian identity and preparing obedient soldiers for the Russian army in the future, Ukrainian Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya told the council.

He thanked Washington for imposing sanctions on Russia and urged other countries to do the same.

The Russian envoy dismissed the accusations as lies.

The lie about our alleged abductions of Ukrainian children, who we are actually saving, Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said.

UN reporting

In its annual report on violations against children in conflict zones, the United Nations said in June it had verified the abduction of 91 children by Russian armed forces, all of whom were released. The U.N. also verified the transfer of 46 children to Russia from occupied areas of Ukraine, including children forcibly separated from parents, children removed from schools and institutions without the consent of guardians, and a child who was given Russian citizenship.

Verification is difficult and the U.N. has criticized Russia for its lack of cooperation and access. The secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, included Moscow in his annual blacklist of perpetrators of grave violations against children, citing the high number of attacks on schools and numbers of children killed and maimed by Russias military and affiliated armed groups.

I am troubled by reports, some of which were verified by the United Nations, of children transferred to the Russian Federation from areas of Ukraine that, in part, are or have been under the temporary military control of the Russian Federation, Guterres wrote in the report. I urge the Russian Federation to ensure that no changes are made to the personal status of Ukrainian children, including their nationality.

Russia is listed in Annex II, Section B of the report, which is for parties to conflicts that have put in place measures during the reporting period aimed at improving the protection of children. Ukraines ambassador criticized Moscow, however, for not implementing them.

On Friday, Kyiv signed its own action plan with the United Nations to strengthen the protection of children in Ukraine.
The U.S. Justice Department is suing Elon Musk's SpaceX for refusing to hire refugees and asylum-recipients at the rocket company.

In a lawsuit filed on Thursday, the Justice Department said SpaceX routinely discriminated against these job applicants between 2018 and 2022, in violation of U.S. immigration laws.

The lawsuit says that Musk and other SpaceX officials falsely claimed the company was allowed to hire only U.S. citizens and permanent residents due to export control laws that regulate the transfer of sensitive technology.

"U.S. law requires at least a green card to be hired at SpaceX, as rockets are advanced weapons technology," Musk wrote in a June 16, 2020, tweet cited in the lawsuit.

In fact, U.S. export control laws impose no such restrictions, according to the Justice Department.

Those laws limit the transfer of sensitive technology to foreign entities, but they do not prevent high-tech companies such as SpaceX from hiring job applicants who have been granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S. (Foreign nationals, however, need a special permit.)

"Under these laws, companies like SpaceX can hire asylees and refugees for the same positions they would hire U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents," the Department said in a statement. "And once hired, asylees and refugees can access export-controlled information and materials without additional government approval, just like U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents."

The company did not respond to a VOA request for comment on the lawsuit and whether it had changed its hiring policy.

Recruiters discouraged refugees, say investigators

The Justice Department's civil rights division launched an investigation into SpaceX in 2020 after learning about the company's alleged discriminatory hiring practices.

The inquiry discovered that SpaceX "failed to fairly consider or hire asylees and refugees because of their citizenship status and imposed what amounted to a ban on their hire regardless of their qualification, in violation of federal law," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in a statement.

"Our investigation also found that SpaceX recruiters and high-level officials took actions that actively discouraged asylees and refugees from seeking work opportunities at the company," Clarke said.

According to data SpaceX provided to the Justice Department, out of more than 10,000 hires between September 2018 and May 2022, SpaceX hired only one person described as an asylee on his application.

The company hired the applicant about four months after the Justice Department notified it about its investigation, according to the lawsuit.

No refugees were hired during this period.

"Put differently, SpaceX's own hiring records show that SpaceX repeatedly rejected applicants who identified as asylees or refugees because it believed that they were ineligible to be hired due to" export regulations, the lawsuit says.

On one occasion, a recruiter turned down an asylee "who had more than nine years of relevant engineering experience and had graduated from Georgia Tech University," the lawsuit says. Suit seeks penalties, change
The staff and owners of a newspaper in the Midwestern state of Kansas have had their equipment returned and the search warrant withdrawn after a controversial police raid. But Marion County Record publisher Eric Meyer blames the raid for the death of his mother, who co-owned the newspaper, and says he will pursue legal action. For VOAs Liam Scott in Marion, Kansas, Jessica Jerreat has the story. Camera: Saqib Ul Islam.
No media source currently available

The URL has been copied to your clipboard

The code has been copied to your clipboard.

Ellen Shiriyedenga of the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change expresses concern over the manner the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission conducted the country's harmonized elections. (Video: Mlondolozi Ndlovu)
BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China strongly urges Japan to cancel its wrong decision to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean from Aug. 24, and communicate with neighboring countries with sincerity and good will, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

"The negative impact of the ocean discharge cannot be undone. We don't want August 24, 2023 to be a disaster day for marine environment," said Wang Wenbin at a news briefing.

"If Japan does not change course, it must bear the historic responsibility for this decision," he said.

The ocean sustains humanity. Japan's pushing for the ocean discharge plan is no doubt a huge gamble that ventures the global marine environment and people's health, Wang said.

The disposal of the nuclear-contaminated water should be conducted in a responsible manner to avoid unpredictable damage and harm to the global marine environment, he said.

"If Japan persists in proceeding with its discharge plan, the Chinese government will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the marine environment, food safety, and people's health," Wang said.

When asked about the scientific basis for China's opposition to Japan's discharge plan, Wang said there is a fundamental difference between the nuclear-contaminated water that came into direct contact with the melted reactor cores during 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."

He said 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.

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 sea -- and certainly shouldn't if it's not," Wang said.

"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," he said. 
CNN+, you will be remembered. Photo: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Like the phoenix rising from the ashes, CNN is heading back to streaming after the demise of CNN+. The new project is CNN Max, a 24/7 streaming channel on Max thats set to debut in open beta on September 27. (Max: Its the new +!) Per a press release, the stream will include most of the biggest shows from CNN and CNN International, including Anderson Cooper 360, The Lead With Jake Tapper, Amanpour, and The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer. But there will also be new, Max-specific programming, with hosts including Jim Acosta, Rahel Solomon, Amara Walker, Fredricka Whitfield, and Jim Sciutto, the last of whom will lead afternoon breaking-news coverage. (Not all of CNNs shows can stream on Max due to contracts.) The stream comes on top of the CNN content already on Max (since the network is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery), like Whos Talking to Chris Wallace?, Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown, and Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy, which will also be collected under the CNN Max hub.

In a statement, Warner Bros. Discoverys CEO of global streaming and games, JB Perrette, said he was excited about the significantly younger and additive audience that streaming will bring the news network. CNNs worldwide leadership team, meanwhile, also touted the new platform they could bring the news to. No mention, of course, of the time they already tried to do before  but check back in a month (that is, October 27) to see if this can become CNNs longest-lasting streaming effort.
This story first ran in Buffering, Vultures newsletter about the streaming industry. Head to vulture.com/buffering and subscribe today! Photo: John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images

Warner Bros. Discovery has been hinting for months that it planned to add live news to Max, and we now know exactly how and when that will happen. On September 27, the streamer will launch a digital-news hub combining a CNN-like 24-hour newsfeed (with live-news shows and coverage of breaking-news events) with access to news clips and a selection of CNN Originals library content (documentaries and series) similar to whats currently offered by Max. The new offering will be called CNN Max, but it will not simply be CNN on Max.

While a Warner Bros. Discovery spokesman tells Vulture at least three CNN U.S. tentpoles  Anderson Cooper 360, The Lead With Jake Tapper, and The Situation Room With Wolf Blitzer  are set to be simulcast live on Max, a big chunk of the weekday offering of live news will be created specifically for CNN Max. As Variety first reported Wednesday night, CNN vets such as Jim Acosta, Fredricka Whitfield, and Jim Sciutto will anchor these live weekday updates. In addition, CNN Max is expected to draw on content and coverage from CNN International, a separate network offered by a few U.S. cable systems but mostly targeted to audiences outside of the states.

The launch of CNN Max will finally allow CNN to catch up to where many of its competitors have been for years. ABC, CBS, and NBC have long offered live streaming news services via FAST channels and dedicated apps, while Fox offers hard-news coverage (but not Fox News Channel hosts) via FAST through its LIVENow from Fox service. CNN has also been in the FAST space for the last few years with CNN Replay (available on Pluto TV and Samsung TV Plus), but that service mostly airs extended clips from recent CNN coverage. The issue with going direct-to-consumer for CNN has been the networks contract with cable operators, who pay a premium in exchange for a certain amount of exclusivity.

CNN Max isnt a cord-cutters dream, but its a lot closer than anything else thats been attempted to date.

CNN Max gets around those issues by creating a distant service  one with very strong CNN vibes but which isnt CNN. To do that, the company will have to invest in creating unique programming (the shows anchored by Acosta or Whitfield, for example) and lean on CNN International (which also has its own limited infrastructure designed to serve global audiences). Mixing all of these elements together will hopefully be enough to mollify cable systems that might otherwise object. Theyll also likely be less upset since most cable systems also sell Max access to consumers (by selling HBO) and CNN Max is a feature of Max versus its own stand-alone platform (for now, at least).

For CNN die-hards (a shrinking number of consumers based on ratings, but still not an insignificant population), CNN Max probably wont serve as an effective replacement. While CNN Max is expected to cut to the main CNN feed when theres truly huge breaking news  think a terrorist bombing or natural disaster  if history is any guide, its unlikely CNN Max will be able to carry the exact same Election Night in America primary coverage as CNN proper next year. (I say unlikely versus definitely because a lot is up in the air, CNN is still working out details, and you never know what deals companies might strike with cable partners these days.) But CNN Max is already light-years more attractive to cord-cutters than the short-lived CNN+, which attempted to serve CNN superfans mostly with news analysis and commentary programs versus giving them what they really want, i.e., CNN without a cable package. CNN Max isnt a cord-cutters dream, but its a lot closer than anything else thats been attempted to date. It could also get current Max subscribers to open the app more often, perhaps even daily. Thats key, because the more frequently someone uses a service, the less likely they are to cancel it.

That said, Max will need to be careful about how CNN Max is integrated into the platform. In an interview with Variety, JB Perrette, president and CEO of WB Discovery streaming, told reporter Brian Steinberg that Max would be testing various features to make CNN Max more useful and dynamic to users. Some, including content tiles that change in real time to adapt to news events, could be useful. But Steinberg also says Max will test a function that will offer an onscreen notification of breaking news events when someone is streaming something on Turner Classic Movies or HBO. Trust us, Mr. Perrette: Nobody watching Casablanca or Euphoria on Max wants to have that experience interrupted by an alert telling them to watch CNN Max.
Its been a while since Denzel Washington and Dakota Fanning appeared together onscreen  20 years, in fact. The two Man on Fire co-stars have finally reunited over a casual cup of coffee in the trailer for The Equalizer 3, which dropped on Tuesday. As the name implies, Equalizer 3 is the third film in the Equalizer franchise, following Washingtons former government assassin Robert McCall as he fights his way through Italy. Theres plenty of intense fight scenes in this trailer, obviously, but the real standout moment is Washington and Fannings reunion. Police found multiple dead bodies on that farm in Sicily, Fannings character tells McCall. Did you kill em? We all already know the answer, but thats part of the fun! While there isnt any de-aging for possible flashback scenes  director Antoine Fuqua did consider it  there are promises of fierce fights, even without any weapons. The Equalizer 3, directed by Fuqua, opens in theaters on September 1.

Related
TEHRAN, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- One Iranian policeman was killed and two others were injured on Thursday in an attack by "armed terrorists" on two police patrol units in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.

The "terrorists" drove a sedan and attacked the patrol units in Sib and Suran County, injuring three policemen, Mehr quoted provincial police commander Doostali Jalilian as saying.

The injured policemen were immediately transferred to the hospital, he said, adding one of them succumbed to his wounds.

One of the patrol units clashed with the "terrorists" and chased them, but they managed to escape, said Jalilian, adding operation is underway to hunt down the "terrorists."

Bordering Afghanistan and Pakistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several terrorist attacks on both civilians and security forces over the past years. 
Photo: Barbara Nitke/HBO

HBOheads stared at bodies of water with Kendall Roy, then they were freaks (yeah) with The Idol, so naturally its time to go back to a time of refined gatherings, quaint accents, and crazy economic growth. Fasten your bustles, lace up those corsets, and get ready to drink some tea because The Gilded Age is coming back for a second season. For those not yet gold-pilled by the period series, its basically Bridgeton but with less monarchy and more nepo babies. America loves old money, and so does Max. This season of The Gilded Age will bring back Carrie Coon as Bertha Russell, who is having an accent-off with the likes of Nathan Lane and his big, gray mustache as Ward McAllister. Cynthia Nixon, Christine Baranski, Denee Benton, and the not-so-secret undercover Gummer sister and daughter of Meryl, Louisa Jacobson, are also returning to the show this season, which begins on Easter 1883 (as do all the really good shows). Some of the storylines will be continued from the last season, which was released in January 2022, but the Big Plot of the show will surround Bertha Russells very melodramatic high-society civil war waged when her bid for a box at the Academy of Music has been rejected. The Gilded Age season two will be available to stream on Max on October 29  19th century It girl drama is so back.
Wes Anderson has his things  symmetrical framing, twee objects, verbose title cards, etc.  and now, we can sort of add Roald Dahl adaptations to the list. The auteur has chosen The Wonderful World of Henry Sugar for his second adaptation of a beloved work from the mind of the 20th-century British writer. The 39-minute work is set for a premiered at Venice Film Festival before making its way to Netflix on September 27. It tells the story of Henry Sugar, a man who learns how to see without using his eyes from a guru and then sets off to make some money from gambling using his newfound skill.

In a new trailer, we see Benedict Cumberbatch doing double duty  narrating the fable and playing its protagonist  while his interlocutors, like Dev Patel, speak as though theyre reading lines meant for childrens books. He saw it, I cried, says Patel, whos playing a doctor observing the first man who learned to see without his eyes. I was flabbergasted. Cumberbatch explains how it works: All at once, he sees through his own skin. Like an X-ray, only better. He sees everything. Anderson wrote and directed the short film, with himself, Steven Rales, and Jeremy Dawson producing. Previous collaborator Fiennes (he led The Grand Budapest Hotel) stars in the film with Anderson newbies Patel (The Green Knight), Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange), Ben Kingsley (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), and Richard Ayoade (The Souvenir Part II).

The real question is  are there more Dahl adaptations coming? Well, Netflix confirmed The Swan, The Ratcatcher, and Poison will sequentially hit the platform, starting with Henry Sugar on September 27, with the remaining shorts premiering on the 28th, 29th, and 30th, respectively. Combination Dahl and Anderson stans, you will get your fix.

This post has been updated.
MOSCOW, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia expects all necessary information following Japan's release of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP).

"We are closely monitoring the development of the situation, and expect the Japanese government to be fully transparent with regard to the impact that the discharge of the water will have on the environment," RIA Novosti (RIA) reported, citing Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova.

Zakharova noted that Russia expects Japan to provide necessary details to all interested states, further allowing them to take samples of the contaminated water at the dumping site.

Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi NPP into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) said it plans to carry out the first round of release over 17 days to discharge 7,800 tons of the radioactive wastewater.

In the current fiscal year through next March, a total of 31,200 tons are slated for discharge, equivalent to the storage capacity of 30 tanks, TEPCO added. 
Share Comment on this story Comment Add to your saved stories Save

Yevgeny Prigozhin might have retired in peace some day. Or he could have been found writhing in the throes of Novichok, a nerve agent favored by Russias spy agencies. He might also have fallen out of a window, crashed in his car, or slipped in his bathroom  like so many Russians lately, and like any of us potentially.

As it happens, Prigozhin, the boss of the Wagner Group, a notorious Russian private army, appears to have died when a private plane crashed while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg, killing him and the three pilots and six other passengers said to be on board.

Thats assuming that Prigozhin really was on board. His death has been proclaimed twice before, once in an African plane crash. Both times Prigozhin later turned up professing surprise at reports of his own demise. Whats been said about the autocratic and repressive reign of President Vladimir Putin also applies to Russia generally, including Prigozhins Wagner Group: Nothing is true, and everything is possible.

Advertisement

We do know that Prigozhins assassination, if thats what it was, would have made a chilling kind of sense. A big question mark has floated above his head since he led a short-lived mutiny two months ago against parts of Putins government.

At the time, Prigozhin, once nicknamed Putins Chef because he was so close to the big boss, professed that his uprising wasnt aimed at the president personally. But he still made Putin look weak. With his KGB-trained mind and his avowed intolerance for betrayal, Putin was unlikely to just let this insubordination slip. He may have deemed some sort of vengeance necessary, if only to remind potential copycat mutineers of the rules in todays Russia. When the attempted coup was over, Putin promised that the traitors would inevitably be punished, and harshly.

Everything from the style of the crash to its timing now resonates with the Putin regimes macabre sort of rhyme and meter. Also this week it was confirmed that Sergei Surovikin, a general who was said to be in cahoots with Prigozhin, was removed from his post.

Advertisement

The first question is what Russians should think about the news of Prigozhins presumed death. Putin wouldnt want them to interpret the hit as a sign that hes worried, although some may come to exactly that conclusion. Instead, hed want to signal to all of his potential adversaries that insubordination means punishment up to and including death. This doesnt mean hell no longer have enemies; only that the bar is now higher  think Claus von Stauffenberg  for them to plot their next steps.

That may not stop Prigozhins hardcore supporters or Russias ultra-nationalists, though, some of whom are now baying for revenge. If Prigozhin were yet to turn up alive, moreover, hed immediately become an even greater threat to Putin than he ever was.

A different question is what will happen to the Wagner Group if Prigozhin is indeed dead. Its long been one of the Kremlins preferred paramilitary armies, notorious for its brutal methods, on bloody display in places such as the Sahel, the arid belt across Africa just south of the Sahara. There, Prigozhins mercenaries have been hawking their war-waging services to any junta or dictator willing to pay  in diamond franchises or other currency. A positive side effect from Putins point of view is that these operations often drive out the French and Americans, draw in the Russians, and push more Africans to flee en masse toward the European Union which Putin so despises. Precisely this sinister motivation is one reason why Europe will never solve its migration crisis.

Advertisement

Now, though, Wagners future is in doubt. After the mutiny in June, Putins initial plan was to let Prigozhin decamp with his mercenaries to Russias neighbor and de facto vassal state Belarus, presumably to await further instructions. Poland and the Baltic countries, which are members of the EU and NATO, have kept a wary eye on these Wagner fighters, lest they cross the border and cause mischief.

Share this article Share

Without Prigozhin, however, the Wagner Group is in effect decapitated. He didnt start the outfit (which, under Russian law, shouldnt even exist at all), although its founder, Dmitry Utkin, was reportedly on the plane too. But Prigozhin became Wagners public face, posting crude Telegram rants from Ukrainian battlefields that verged on violence porn. Wagner was an unofficial proxy of the Kremlin, but Wagner was also Prigozhin.

In this way, Prigozhins disappearance will echo far beyond the crash site, far beyond even Russia and Ukraine, and all the way to Africa. There, yet another junta recently seized power in Niger, and may look to Wagner mercenaries to resist retribution from neighboring African democracies, the former colonial power France, or the erstwhile superpower, America. One way to tell if Putin is sure that Prigozhin is dead will be if he names a new Wagner boss swiftly.

Advertisement

A third question is how foreign leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, nominally one of Putins few remaining allies, should think about the plane crash. A curious aspect of its timing is that it coincides with the BRICS summit in Johannesburg, where the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa are meeting in a show of defiance to the US-led West. Putin cant attend this gathering in person, because the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant against him for allegedly kidnapping Ukrainian children  a war crime. Hes dialed in via video link, but probably found that awkward.

Will Xi and the other attendees in Johannesburg interpret the hit against Prigozhin as a sign that Putin is still a fearsome tsar to be reckoned with? Or as a reminder that Putin cannot be a legitimate and reliable partner in their nascent geopolitical bloc?

Optimists should hope that countries such as South Africa and India, and others in the so-called Global South, now come closer to siding openly with the Ukrainians in their self-defense, and against Putin the aggressor, whose reputation for ruthless brutality will become ever more of a burden for anybody who associates with him.

Advertisement

More From Bloomberg Opinion:

 A Sickly Ruble Reveals What Putin Will Not: Alexandra Prokopenko

 Out of Africa, a New World War?: Andreas Kluth

 Putin and Wagner Are Still Gunning for Africa: James Stavridis

This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners.

Andreas Kluth is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering US diplomacy, national security and geopolitics. A former editor in chief of Handelsblatt Global and a writer for the Economist, he is author of Hannibal and Me.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
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].

Advertisement

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.)

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- With the prevalence of coronavirus variant EG.5 rising globally and becoming predominant in China, experts have said the country will not see a large-scale COVID-19 outbreak in the near future, but advised precautions against infections in the coming autumn and winter.

Variant EG.5 is a sub-variant of Omicron XBB.1.9.2. Statistics show that EG.5 currently accounts for 71.6 percent of the prevalent variants in China and has gained predominance in the majority of Chinese provinces.

Despite the rising trend of the EG.5 variant, China's overall COVID-19 prevalence has remained at a low level, without much pressure on the medical system, said the national administration of disease prevention and control.

The World Health Organization has designated EG.5 as a "variant of interest," but meanwhile noted that the variant poses a low risk to public health.

Li Tongzeng, a chief physician with the infection department of the Beijing You'an Hospital, said most of the COVID-19 cases now show mild symptoms, with few serious cases.

The national administration of disease prevention and control predicted that China will not see a large-scale COVID-19 outbreak in the near future.

The public immunity is still effective in guarding against the EG.5 variant, said Hu Yang, a senior physician at the department of respiratory and critical care medicine of a Shanghai-based hospital.

Huang Senzhong, a professor at Nankai University, expressed similar views, saying that there are currently some sporadic COVID-19 infections in China, but they are at a low ebb and have not had a serious impact on society.

Autumn and winter are traditionally high seasons for influenza and respiratory diseases. Experts have warned about the possibility of insufficient medical resources resulting from potential COVID-19 infections.

They suggested speeding up the research and development of vaccines targeting prevalent variants and continuing to promote vaccination among elderly people and those with serious underlying conditions.

They also called on hospitals and fever clinics to take precautions to ensure that necessary medical services are available and expand vaccination among the elderly. 
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.
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.
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.
Dubai: At the close of last months NATO summit in Eastern Europe, US President Joe Biden was asked about the dubious circumstances of notorious Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin after his failed mutiny on Moscow.

If I were he, I would be careful what I ate. I would be keeping an eye on my menu, Biden quipped.

Yevgeny Prigozhin (left) with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Credit: AP

Less than six weeks later, the Wagner mercenary boss is dead along with nine others, including his top henchman, after the plane they were travelling in crashed north of Moscow.

World leaders have expressed resounding fatalism at the death of Prigozhin, with many insisting the probable role played by Russian President Vladimir Putin in the fiery plane crash.
Milwaukee: Some of Donald Trumps rivals have used the first Republican presidential primary debate to launch a blistering attack against the former US president as he prepares to surrender in Georgia over an alleged plot to subvert the 2020 election.

But in a sign of the sway Trump continues to have over the party and his ongoing dominance in the polls, the Republican frontrunner skipped the Fox News-hosted event. He appeared instead in an interview with axed Fox host Tucker Carlson, which aired on X, formerly known as Twitter, as the debate got under way.

With 15 months until the presidential election, the campaign began in earnest on Thursday (AEST) when eight Republicans vying for the partys nomination to run against President Joe Biden took centre stage in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to present their vision to voters on issues such as the economy, abortion, immigration and the war in Ukraine.

While Trump was a no-show, his presence loomed over the debate, as candidates fielded questions about his criminal charges and his role in trying to stop Bidens election victory being certified on January 6, 2021.
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China supports Malawi in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to continuously offer whatever help China can to the country in its socio-economic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Malawian counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit. 
On 23 August 2023, at the invitation of the East and Southern Africa Regional Office for Capacity Building (ESA ROCB), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), attended the High Level Engagement on Promotion of Safe and Inclusive Working Environment for the ESA region. The Conference was organized by the ESA ROCB.

This forum was part of the ESA Regions Regional Strategy implementation , dedicated to promoting gender equality and diversity among ESA members, stakeholders and partners. Among their priority areas is the cultivation of a safe, conducive, diverse, equal, inclusive and violence-free working environment. This commitment is rooted in the Declaration of the Customs Co-operation Council on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs, which was endorsed by WCO members in December 2020. The declaration underscores the importance of preventing any form of harassment and/or gender-based violence in all areas of Customs - whether among staff or committed by staff towards the public and vice versa. This commitment is also in line with the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reflecting the impact of emerging issues on Customs and Trade.

In his Keynote Address, Dr. Mikuriya emphasized that a positive working environment is a crucial concern for any organization, as it fosters safety, health, satisfaction, and thereby enhances workforce productivity. He highlighted that an ideal work place is one where employees feel supported, engaged, equipped with necessary resources, and empowered to advance in their careers. Elements such as a well-defined mission, collaborative teamwork, performance-based rewards, training for skill development, and life-work balance are essential ingredients to attract talent. He noted that this human resource and organizational development aspect is a pivotal element for Customs modernization, reflecting the belief that people are the most valuable of an organization.

In this context, he encouraged the region to share insightful contributions, including best practices, challenges overcome, and innovative approaches towards Customs modernization. Given that administrations in the same region often face similar challenges, sharing experiences can be highly beneficial.

The Conference witnessed high-level engagement from the ESA Vice Chair, the head of Customs administration from Zimbabwe, as well as representatives from the private sector and related trade partners. The discussions provided an excellent opportunity for delegates to exchange knowledge and learn from one another. Furthermore, the event served as a call to action, urging efforts towards the implementation of comprehensive and sustainable policies, procedures, projects, programmes and initiatives that promote safe and inclusive working environments.
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday that China stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Iran on BRICS and other multilateral platforms, so as to push for healthy and robust development of multilateralism.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit. 
TOKYO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad.

Live video provided by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) showed that a staff member turned on a seawater pump at around 1:00 p.m. local time (0400 GMT), marking the beginning of the controversial ocean discharge, while concerns and opposition persisting among local fishermen as well as in neighboring countries and Pacific island countries.

According to TEPCO, the radioactive wastewater has been diluted as planned before being discharged via an underwater tunnel one km from the plant.

TEPCO plans to start monitoring radioactive materials in waters near the power station on Thursday and release the data the following day at the earliest.

Hit by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and an ensuing tsunami on March 11, 2011, the Fukushima plant suffered core meltdowns that released radiation, resulting in a level-7 nuclear accident, the highest on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale.

The plant has been generating a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel in the reactor buildings, which are now being stored in about 1,000 storage tanks.

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger among domestic fishermen, especially those in Fukushima.

Haruo Ono, a 71-year-old fisherman in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, told Xinhua on Tuesday, "For us, the ocean discharge is a matter of survival. We have endured and survived these 12 or 13 years, but fishing levels have not yet returned to the level before the March 11 earthquake."

"Under such circumstances, does Fumio Kishida, as the Prime Minister of Japan, have the right to pollute our workplaces?" the man asked.

According to Ono, after the disaster, wholesalers at Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market were reluctant to purchase fish from Fukushima.

"Once the ocean discharge starts, we are worried about whether the fish can still be sold. Moreover, discharging nuclear-contaminated wastewater cannot be completed in a year or two. It will last for a long time," Ono added.

Meanwhile, Japan's Fisheries Agency said it will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant. The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website no sooner than Saturday.

TEPCO said it plans to carry out the first round of release over 17 days to discharge 7,800 tons of the radioactive wastewater.

In the current fiscal year through next March, a total of 31,200 tons are slated for discharge, equivalent to the storage capacity of 30 tanks, TEPCO added. 
Xi says BRICS important force in shaping int'l landscape

Xinhua) 08:07, August 24, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech titled "Seeking Development Through Solidarity and Cooperation and Shouldering Our Responsibility for Peace" at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. The 15th BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Wednesday that the BRICS is an important force in shaping the international landscape.

BRICS countries choose their development paths independently, jointly defend their right to development, and march in tandem toward modernization, which represents the direction of the advancement of human society, and will profoundly impact the development process of the world, Xi said in a speech delivered at the 15th BRICS Summit.

The track record of the BRICS shows that the members have consistently acted on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and taken BRICS cooperation to new heights in support of the five countries' development, he said.

BRICS nations, Xi said, have upheld fairness and justice in international affairs, stood up for what is right on major international and regional issues, and enhanced the voice and influence of emerging markets and developing countries.

BRICS countries invariably advocate and practice independent foreign policies, said Xi, adding that they always address major international issues based on their merits, making fair remarks and taking fair actions.

BRICS nations do not barter away principles, succumb to external pressure, or act as vassals of others, he said, adding that they share extensive consensus and common goals.

No matter how the international situation changes, the BRICS's commitment to cooperation since the very beginning and the common aspiration will not change, he added.

Xi also noted that BRICS countries gather at a crucial time to build on their past achievements and open up a new future for BRICS cooperation.

He called on all members to navigate the trend of the times and stay in the forefront.

BRICS members should always bear in mind their founding purpose of strengthening themselves through unity, enhance cooperation across the board, and build a high-quality partnership, Xi said.

All BRICS countries, he added, should help reform global governance to make it more just and equitable, and bring to the world more certainty, stability and positive energy.

Xi 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 revitalization, and oppose decoupling and supply chains 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.

Xi called on BRICS countries to expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquility.

"The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world, and the geopolitical situation is getting tense," Xi said.

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 said.

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.

Also in his speech, Xi said human history will not end in one civilization or one system.

"There are many civilizations and development paths in the world, and this is how the world should be," he said.

"We should increase people-to-people exchanges and promote mutual learning between civilizations," he added.

The Chinese leader said BRICS countries need to champion the spirit of inclusiveness, advocate peaceful coexistence and harmony between civilizations, and promote respect of all countries in independently choosing their modernization paths.

"We need to make good use of such mechanisms as the BRICS seminar on governance, the BRICS forum on people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and the Women Innovation Contest to deepen people-to-people exchanges and strengthen the bond between our peoples," he noted.

Xi also said that China would like to propose that BRICS countries expand cooperation on education, enhance the role of the BRICS alliance for vocational education, explore and set up a cooperation mechanism on digital education, and foster a paradigm of all-round cooperation on education.

In addition, he also urged BRICS countries to strengthen exchanges on traditional cultures and promote the renewal of fine traditional cultures.

Xi urged BRICS countries to uphold fairness and justice, and improve global governance.

Xi 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.

Addressing the summit, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his concerns that global financial and payment systems are increasingly being used as instruments of geopolitical contestation.

He also said 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.

The BRICS group supports the rise of a multipolar world order, and opposes attempts made by some countries to assert their hegemony, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the summit in a virtual address.

"We are all unanimously in favor of the formation of a multipolar world order that is truly just and based on international law," the Kremlin reported Putin as saying at the summit.

"We are against any kind of hegemony, exclusivity, which is being promoted by some countries," Putin said.

Putin noted that the BRICS group is strengthening economic cooperation in such fields as supply chain diversification, de-dollarization and transition to national currencies in mutual settlements.

Putin outlined the importance of enhancing cooperation in other fields such as innovation, and in the creation of safe transport routes.

The future-oriented strategic course of BRICS meets the aspirations of the global majority, Putin said, adding that the BRICS group is tackling some of the most pressing issues on the global and regional agenda.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pose for a group photo during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. The 15th BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
Alef Group, a leading real estate and retail company in Sharjah, has launched its sales pavilion in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi. It serves as a showcase for Alef's flagship projects including the Hayyan and Al Mamsha projects.

A pioneer in developing premier lifestyle communities, destinations, and experiences through investment and strategic joint ventures, Alef Group has AED10 billion ($2.72 billion) worth of assets and land bank in the emirate.

Strategically located in Etihad Tower 3, the Alef Sales Pavilion stands as a symbol of innovation and convenience.

It serves as a showcase for Alef's flagship projects, including the 'green heart of Sharjah' - Hayyan.

An AED3.5 billion development, Hayyan encompasses 1,836 villas, spanning an expansive area of 8.7 million sq ft. Anticipated for completion in Q4 next year, this unique complex features the emirate's largest swimming lake and community park, said the Sharjah developer in a statement.

The pavilion also highlights the Al Mamsha project, Sharjah's inaugural fully walkable community, encompassing contemporary living, retail, and leisure options.

Spanning an area of 3 million sq ft, Al Mamsha Sharjahs seamlessly combines a diverse range of residential units and retail outlets, it stated.

"The inauguration of the new Alef Sales Pavilion in Abu Dhabi not only epitomises our commitment to bringing Alef 'One Step Closer to You', but also reflects our dedication to meeting the increasing demands of buyers from the UAE capital," said a company spokesman.

"Established to meet the evolving needs of the real estate market, the new Sales Pavilion embodies our pledge to provide unparalleled service, enabling customers to virtually engage with our signature projects within the Alef Sales Pavilion," he added.
SYDNEY, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare has condemned Japan's decision to start releasing the nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The prime minister of the Pacific island country made the remarks while attending the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders' Summit held in Vanuatu's Port Vila, along with ruling party leaders from Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Caledonia.

A press release from the Prime Minister's Press Secretariat earlier in Thursday said Sogavare "delivered a strong statement against Japan's decision to release nuclear treated water into our ocean which has an impact on our people, ocean, economy and livelihood."

Participants of the MSG meeting will decide on a number of important matters concerning the MSG region, one of them being Japan's plan to dispose nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, according to the press secretariat.

Japan's ocean discharge plan of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater has met with strong opposition and criticism both at home and abroad, including from Pacific island countries whose economies rely heavily on the fishing industry.

Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Matai Seremaiah has said Japan's decision needed robust actions, urging polluters to "seriously consider other options."

Seremaiah said they were pushing for a declaration for the whole MSG group to denounce Japan for putting anything into the Pacific Ocean until they are absolutely clear that there's no danger.

On Thursday, live video provided by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, showed the ocean discharge of the first batch of the plant's radioactive wastewater has started as scheduled. The discharge commencement date was in a decision announced by the Japanese government on Tuesday.

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. 
Reading, PA (19601)

Today

Cloudy with bouts of showers and light rain, mainly during the morning through midday. Seasonably cool and drier later in the afternoon with perhaps a few breaks of sun. It will turn breezy as well..

Tonight

Becoming partly cloudy and colder overnight. Still breezy.
KATHMANDU, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were killed and 19 others injured on Thursday morning after a passenger bus overturned in Bara district in central Nepal, a police officer said.

The bus was carrying Indian pilgrims from Kathmandu to Janakpur, a religious site in Dhanusha district when it veered off the highway.

"Six among the deceased are Indians and one is Nepali," Dadhiram Subedi, deputy superintendent of Nepal Police, told Xinhua.

The preliminary investigation found overspeeding to be the primary cause of the fatal accident, Subedi said, noting the injured were receiving treatment at a local hospital.

The police arrested the driver and supporting staff of the bus which was carrying 27 pilgrims, who were mostly from Rajasthan state in northern India.

Hundreds of people in Nepal lose lives in traffic accidents each year due to poor road conditions and overspeeding. 
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Cloudy with bouts of showers and light rain, mainly during the morning through midday. Seasonably cool and drier later in the afternoon with perhaps a few breaks of sun. It will turn breezy as well..

Tonight

Becoming partly cloudy and colder overnight. Still breezy.
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China's National Meteorological Center on Thursday evening renewed a blue alert for rainstorms as heavy downpours are expected to lash multiple regions of the country.

From 8 p.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday, heavy downpours and rainstorms are forecast to hit regions such as Sichuan, Chongqing, Shaanxi, Guizhou, Yunnan, Ningxia, Inner Mongolia, Jilin and Tibet, according to the center.

Some parts of these regions are forecast to experience heavy rainfall, with maximum hourly precipitation surpassing 60 millimeters, accompanied by thunderstorms and gales, the center said.

It has advised local governments and residents to take appropriate precautions. Schools and kindergartens have been asked to ensure the safety of students and children, while drivers have been advised to remain alert and cautious due to road waterlogging and traffic jams.

China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
ANKARA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Turkish security forces have killed 1,102 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Iraq and the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) in northern Syria in cross-border operations since the beginning of 2023, Turkiye's Defense Ministry said on Thursday.

Among them, 809 were YPG members "neutralized" for carrying 93 "harassment incidents and attacks" in Turkiye's operation zones in northern Syria, a Defense Ministry official told reporters at a briefing in the capital Ankara.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" in their statements to imply the "terrorists" in question surrendered or were killed or captured.

The Turkish forces frequently carry out ground operations, airstrikes, and artillery bombardments in northern Iraq against the PKK, especially in the Qandil Mountains, the main base of the group.

The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019, and Operation Spring Shield in 2020 in northern Syria to create a YPG-free zone along its border within the neighboring country.

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. Turkiye sees the YPG group as the Syrian branch of the PKK. 
Putting the choice in the hands that matter

A new study has been launched that will harness real-world data to maximise the impact of PreP products on reducing HIV infections.

MOSAIC South Africa is excited to announce the official launch of the CATALYST (Catalyzing Access to New Prevention Products to Stop HIV) Study after months of preparation and anticipation.

The launch was held at the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) Key Populations clinic in Johannesburg on 11 August 2023 and was attended by clients seeking services, representatives from the civil society organization, Sisonke, the Department of Health, and the USAID South Africa Mission.

Speaking during the launch, Dr Letitia Robinson, Acting USAID Bilateral Health Office Director, emphasised the importance of having real-world actionable data to maximise the impact that new PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) products may have on reducing new HIV infections.

Participants were engaged through interactive activities including the Drive with Sasha and a game called pop it that allowed participants to showcase their HIV prevention knowledge prowess. The first two study participants were enrolled whilst the launch event was underway. The team looks forward to enrolling more participants in the coming weeks.

CATALYST is implemented through the MOSAIC (Maximizing Options to Advance Informed Choice for HIV Prevention) project, a five-year global project funded by the US Presidents Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

As part of CATALYST, women in six PEPFAR sites in Johannesburg and Lejweleputswa will have the choice of taking oral PrEP, the PrEP ring, and later CAB PrEP (once it has been approved for use in South Africa).

The study is designed to generate evidence to accelerate access to a choice-based HIV prevention package that supports PrEP choice; addresses needs at the individual, provider, facility, and community levels; and uses quality improvement methods to refine the components of the services provided.

Learn more about CATALYST Study.
Mastercard Inc. is a leading technology company in the payments industry that provides payment processing solutions to businesses and consumers worldwide. Mastercard is one of the largest payment processors in the world by market cap and the number of payments processed.

Mastercard was founded in 1966 as Master Charge: The Interbank Card. The company was created to respond to the growing need for a secure and reliable payment processing system. In 1979, the company changed its name to Mastercard. Mastercard is in over 200 countries and territories and serves over 2.8 billion cardholders.

Mastercard operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model, providing payment processing services to financial institutions, merchants and governments. The company earns revenue primarily through transaction processing fees, cross-border fees and other value-added services. Mastercard's business is divided into four segments: domestic assessments, cross-border volume fees, transaction processing fees and additional revenue.

Mastercard's financial performance has been consistently strong in recent years, with revenue and earnings growth driven by increased transaction volumes and higher fees. Mastercard faces significant competition from other payment processing companies, including Visa Inc. (NYSE: V), American Express Co. (NYSE: AXP) and PayPal Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL). However, Mastercard has maintained its position as one of the largest payment processors in the world due to its strong brand recognition, global network and innovative technology solutions.

Mastercard has consistently invested in innovative technology to enhance its payment processing solutions. One of the company's most significant innovations in recent years is Mastercard's tokenization technology, which provides a secure way to process payments without exposing cardholder data. Mastercard has also invested heavily in contactless payment technology, which has become increasingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mastercard has a solid commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint, increase financial inclusion and promote gender equality. Mastercard is also actively involved in philanthropic efforts, including the Mastercard Foundation, which focuses on advancing financial inclusion in Africa.

As with any company, Mastercard faces several risk factors that could impact its financial performance. One of the most significant risks facing Mastercard is the potential for increased regulation of the payment processing industry. Mastercard is also vulnerable to changes in consumer behavior, such as a shift away from traditional payment methods toward mobile payments. Additionally, Mastercard's business depends on the overall health of the global economy, which could be impacted by factors such as inflation, geopolitical tensions and natural disasters.
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Japan's discharge of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean has put its own interests above the well-being of humanity, which is "extremely selfish and irresponsible," a Chinese official said Thursday.

"We urge the Japanese side to heed the voice of the international community, conduct the disposal of the nuclear-contaminated water in a scientific, safe and transparent manner, and accept strict international supervision," the official with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (National Nuclear Safety Administration) said in a statement in response to a media query.

China will strengthen radiation monitoring in sea areas under its jurisdiction this year to track and evaluate the possible impact of Japan's discharge to safeguard its national interests and people's health, the official said.

Paying high attention to Japan's Fukushima water release, China conducted such radiation monitoring in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The results showed that the activity concentration of artificial radionuclides in seawater and marine organisms was normal and largely remained within the historical fluctuation range. 
Guggenheim CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust, formerly CurrencyShares Japanese Yen Trust, is a grantor trust. The Trust issues shares (the Shares) in blocks of 50,000 (a Basket) in exchange for deposits of Japanese Yen and distributes Japanese Yen in connection with the redemption of Baskets. The investment objective of the Trust is for the Shares to reflect the price of Japanese Yen plus accrued interest, if any, less the expenses of the Trusts operations. The Trust holds Japanese Yen and, from time to time, issues Baskets in exchange for deposits of Japanese Yen and distributes Japanese Yen in connection with redemptions of Baskets. The Sponsor of the Trust is Guggenheim Specialized Products, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Bank of Ireland Group plc provides various banking and financial products and services. It provides current and savings accounts, and business deposits and accounts; personal, car, home improvement, graduate, motor finance, and student loans, as well as overdrafts; and business and farming loans, BREXIT loans, invoice finance, hire purchase, and leasing services. The company also offers international payments and credit cards; protection overview, mortgage protection, life cover, specified illness cover, income protection, protection for individuals, and protection for families; pensions and investments, foreign exchange, and treasury deposits and services; personal products; private banking services; and leveraged acquisition and property finance. In addition, it provides home, car, travel, and life insurance products. The company was founded in 1783 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
Barnwell Industries, Inc. acquires, develops, produces, and sells oil and natural gas in Canada. It operates through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Land Investment, and Contract Drilling. The company acquires and develops crude oil and natural gas assets in the province of Alberta; and invests in land interests in Hawaii. It also owns and operates five water well drilling rigs, two pump rigs, and other ancillary drilling and pump equipment; drills water and water monitoring wells of varying depths; installs and repairs water pumping systems; and distributes trillium flow technologies. Barnwell Industries, Inc. was incorporated in 1956 and is based in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Battalion Oil Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the acquisition, production, exploration, and development of onshore oil and natural gas assets in the United States. It holds interests in the Delaware Basin located in the counties of Pecos, Reeves, Ward, and Winkler, Texas. The company was formerly known as Halcon Resources Corporation and changed its name to Battalion Oil Corporation in January 2020. Battalion Oil Corporation was founded in 1987 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
All the trading advice youve ever received boils down to one goal and one goal only: finding a reliable edge in the markets. If you can do that, grab hold of it and never let go. Because once you have that edge, and you can count on it, you never need to do anything else.
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. provides investor communications and technology-driven solutions for the financial services industry. The company's Investor Communication Solutions segment processes and distributes proxy materials to investors in equity securities and mutual funds, as well as facilitates related vote processing services; and distributes regulatory reports, class action, and corporate action/reorganization event information, as well as tax reporting solutions. It also offers ProxyEdge, an electronic proxy delivery and voting solution; data-driven solutions and an end-to-end platform for content management, composition, and omni-channel distribution of regulatory, marketing, and transactional information, as well as mutual fund trade processing services; solutions for public corporations and mutual funds; data and analytics solutions; SEC filing and capital markets transaction services; registrar, stock transfer, and record-keeping services; and omni-channel customer communications solutions, as well as operates Broadridge Communications Cloud platform that creates, delivers, and manages communications and customer engagement activities. Its Global Technology and Operations segment provides solutions that automate the front-to-back transaction lifecycle of equity, mutual fund, fixed income, foreign exchange and exchange-traded derivatives, order capture and execution, trade confirmation, margin, cash management, clearing and settlement, reference data management, reconciliations, securities financing and collateral management, asset servicing, compliance and regulatory reporting, portfolio accounting, and custody-related services. This segment also offers business process outsourcing services; technology solutions, such portfolio management, compliance, fee billing, and operational support solutions; and capital market and wealth and investment management solutions. The company was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Lake Success, New York.
Cheniere Energy, Inc., an energy infrastructure company, primarily engages in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) related businesses in the United States. It owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana; and the Corpus Christi LNG terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas. The company also owns Creole Trail pipeline, a 94-mile pipeline interconnecting the Sabine Pass LNG terminal with various interstate pipelines; and operates Corpus Christi pipeline, a 21.5-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Corpus Christi LNG terminal with various interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines. It is also involved in the LNG and natural gas marketing business. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
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.
Ethernity Networks Ltd. provides technology solutions for telecom, mobile, security, and data center markets in Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. The company develops and delivers data processing technology and solutions for carrier Ethernet switching. It provides ENET flow processors for telco/cloud network; ACE-NIC40 SmartNIC, an open flow enabled software acceleration NIC; ACE-NIC50 SmartNIC, which offers 10/25G Ethernet connectivity and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) acceleration; and ACE-NIC100 SmartNIC that provides flexible 10/25/40/100G Ethernet connectivity and programmable FPGA acceleration. The company also offers ENET network appliances, such as ENET UEP-20 universal edge platform, UEP2025 family universal edge platform, and ENET UEP-60 universal edge platform, as well as UEP3808 OLT, a programmable network appliance for PON OLT applications. In addition, it provides FPGA based networking and security solutions to telco/cloud equipment manufacturers and system integrators. The company was formerly known as Neracore Ltd. and changed its name to Ethernity Networks Ltd. in August 2004. Ethernity Networks Ltd. was incorporated in 2003 and is headquartered in Airport City, Israel.
HONG KONG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- All sectors in Hong Kong have expressed strong protests against the Japanese government's decision to discharge nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea despite the opposition of the international community.

The Japanese government said on Tuesday it has decided to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on Thursday.

Politihk Social Strategic, a local organization, launched an online petition against the plan.

Many local organizations, including the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions, went to the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong to protest the dumping decision by the Japanese government.

Joephy Chan Wing-yan, a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that it is extremely selfish and irresponsible of the Japanese government to insist on pushing ahead with the plan while disregarding the opposition voices at home and abroad, the international community's doubts about the legitimacy, legality and safety of the plan, and the risks of damaging the global marine environment and human health.

Martin Chan Keung, a member of the board of directors of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said that the news of the discharge plan has caused a sharp drop in the business of his Japanese restaurant.

Chan said he believes that many Japanese restaurants may be closed in two or three months.
Genpact Limited provides business process outsourcing and information technology (IT) services in India, rest of Asia, North and Latin America, and Europe. It operates through three segments: Financial services; Consumer and Healthcare; and High Tech and Manufacturing. The company offers CFO advisory services; and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) services, such as data management, carbon accounting, human rights assessment, sustainability diligence, and ESG reporting. It also provides finance and accounting services, which include accounts payable, such as document management, invoice processing, approval and resolution management, and travel and expense processing; invoice-to-cash services, including customer master data management, credit and contract management, fulfillment, billing, collections, and dispute management services; record to report services comprising accounting, treasury, tax, product cost accounting, and closing and reporting services; financial planning and analysis consisting of budgeting, forecasting, and business performance reporting; and enterprise risk and compliance services, including operational risks and controls. In addition, the company provides supply chain advisory services, and after-sales services; sourcing and procurement services comprising direct and indirect strategic sourcing, category management, spend analytics, procurement operation, and master data management; and sales and commercial services, including campaign, order, and dispute management, lead generation, pricing, and promotion optimization. Further, it offers IT services, which comprise end-user computing support, infrastructure management; and transformation services that include digital solutions, consulting services, and analytics services and solutions. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Hamilton, Bermuda.
 American Consumer News, LLC dba MarketBeat 2010-2023. All rights reserved.

 2023 Market data provided is at least 10-minutes delayed and hosted by Barchart Solutions. Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes, not for trading purposes or advice, and is delayed. To see all exchange delays and terms of use please see Barchart's disclaimer.
Murray International Trust PLC is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited. It is co-managed by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited. The fund invests in public equity markets across the globe. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund invests in stocks of companies across all market capitalizations. It employs fundamental analysis with a top-down stock selection approach, focusing on such factors as value, performance, and macroeconomic and monetary factors to create its portfolio. The fund benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against a composite index comprised of 40% FTSE World UK Index and 60% FTSE World ex UK Index. Murray International Trust PLC was formed on December 18, 1907 and is domiciled in the United Kingdom.
Provident Financial Services, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Provident Bank that provides various banking products and services to individuals, families, and businesses in the United States. Its deposit products include savings, checking, interest-bearing checking, money market deposit, and certificate of deposit accounts, as well as IRA products. The company's loan portfolio comprises commercial real estate loans that are secured by properties, such as multi-family apartment buildings, office buildings, and retail and industrial properties; commercial business loans; fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage loans collateralized by one- to four-family residential real estate properties; commercial construction loans; and consumer loans consisting of home equity loans, home equity lines of credit, marine loans, personal loans and unsecured lines of credit, and auto and recreational vehicle loans. It also offers cash management, remote deposit capture, payroll origination, escrow account management, and online and mobile banking services; and business credit cards. In addition, the company provides wealth management services comprising investment management, trust and estate administration, financial planning, tax compliance and planning, and private banking. Further, it sells insurance and investment products, including annuities; operates as a real estate investment trust for acquiring mortgage loans and other real estate related assets; and manages and sells real estate properties acquired through foreclosure. The company was founded in 1839 and is headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey.
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.
Tesco PLC, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a grocery retailer. The company operates through convenience and hypermarket store formats, as well as engages in the wholesale business. It also provides retail banking and insurance services. The company operates in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Malaysia, and Thailand. The company serves its customers through stores, as well as online. Tesco PLC was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Welwyn Garden City, the United Kingdom.
Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, researches, develops, produces, and sells ethical drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and intermediates in Japan. The company provides its products in the therapeutic areas of digestive system, nervous system, and allergic diseases, as well as vitamins, antibiotics, and oncology products. It also offers IT service related to healthcare; and disease risk testing services. In addition, the company is involved with research and development of diagnostic drugs; and planning, development and OEM manufacturing of health food, pharmaceuticals, general food and other products. The company was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Osaka, Japan.
Vulcan Materials Company, together with its subsidiaries, produces and supplies construction aggregates primarily in the United States. It operates through four segments: Aggregates, Asphalt, Concrete, and Calcium. The Aggregates segment provides crushed stones, sand and gravel, sand, and other aggregates; and related products and services that are applied in construction and maintenance of highways, streets, and other public works, as well as in the construction of housing and commercial, industrial, and other nonresidential facilities. The Asphalt Mix segment offers asphalt mix in Alabama, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Texas, as well as engages in the asphalt construction paving activity in Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas. The Concrete segment provides ready-mixed concrete in California, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, and Washington D.C. The Calcium segment mines, produces, and sells calcium products for the animal feed, plastics, and water treatment industries. The company was formerly known as Virginia Holdco, Inc. and changed its name to Vulcan Materials Company. Vulcan Materials Company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.
Lee Jae-myung (2nd, L, front), chairman of South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party, and parliament members protest against Japan's decision to release nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)

SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Lawmakers of the South Korean main opposition Democratic Party on Thursday protested against Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean, pushing for bills to legislate the right to indemnity claims against the Japanese government.

"Despite international concerns and opposition, Japan eventually chose the worst environmental catastrophe against humankind. Just as Japan infringed on the Pacific with guns and swords during World War II, it now threatens the entire humankind with radiation," Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung said in an emergency general meeting of the party lawmakers at the parliamentary building.

"The day of Aug. 24, 2023 will go down in history as a day when Japan committed another crime against humanity that will never be erased. Together with the entire world, I strongly condemn Japan," Lee said.

Lee vowed to fight to the end against Japan's "heinous crime of environmental destruction" to turn the ocean into a dumping ground for nuclear wastewater, adding that his party will push for bills to support the affected fishermen and the fishery industry.

Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing the first batch of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean earlier in the day.

The Democratic Party proposed a set of special safety measures bills to ban the import of all fishery products feared to be exposed to the nuclear-contaminated wastewater, including seafood from Fukushima and other regions.

Under the bills, the country-of-origin regulation would be strengthened to prevent processed food, made of seafood from Fukushima and other dangerous regions, from being distributed here, while recognizing radioactive wastewater damage as a fishing disaster to support the fishing industry.

The bills also sought to legislate the right to indemnity claims against the Japanese government by creating a fund first to support the affected, such as fishermen, merchants, and those processing and distributing fishery products, and demanding reimbursement from the Japanese government later.

Together with civic group activists, some of the Democratic Party members rallied against the Fukushima wastewater discharge near the presidential office in central Seoul.

"Japan committed a criminal act of damaging the ocean that is a common asset of humankind. (Japan) will pay the price for sure," Woo Won-shik, a Democratic Party lawmaker, said in the demonstration.

Woo pointed out that the wastewater discharge was in clear violation of international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the London Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter.

One activist who participated in the rally urged the South Korean government to file a lawsuit with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea against the Japanese government for violating international laws and causing huge damage to neighboring countries.

The protesters shouted slogans of "Dead against dumping nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean," holding placards that read "Japan must store radioactive wastewater on its soil," and "Japan must stop an international crime of marine dumping."

A group of South Korean university students were apprehended after attempting to enter the Japanese embassy in Seoul in protest of the Fukushima wastewater discharge, according to local media.

Sixteen students, who attempted to break into the Japanese embassy right after the start of the wastewater dumping, were blocked and arrested by police on charges of trespassing and the assembly and demonstration act violation.

About 40 other fellow students held a press conference near the Japanese embassy against the wastewater discharge before being dispersed by the police.

Meanwhile, protest rallies against the dumping were reportedly staged across the country, including those near the consulate general of Japan in the southern resort island of Jeju and the Japanese consulate general in the southeast port city of Busan. 

People gather to protest against Japan's decision to release nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Busan, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)

People gather to protest against Japan's decision to release nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)

People gather to protest against Japan's decision to release nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)

People protest against Japan's decision to release nuclear-contaminated wastewater in Busan, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad. (NEWSIS via Xinhua)
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]

Bulgarian visitors enjoyed a photo show of porcelain from Jingdezhen, a world-famous "porcelain capital" in east China's Jiangxi Province.

SOFIA, Aug. 23 (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.

A woman views 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. [Xinhua/Marian Draganov]

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.

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]

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.

(Source: Xinhua)
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]

(Source: 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]

(Source: Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. [Xinhua/Ding Haitao]

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua)  China is advancing Chinese modernization with its high-quality development, which will bring new opportunities to cooperation between China and Ethiopia, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Wednesday.

China is a reliable friend and a true partner of Ethiopia, Xi said in a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

He noted that in recent years, the two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and communication, and have yielded results within the frameworks of the Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Ethiopia and supports its domestic peace process, development and revitalization, he said, adding that China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to promote bilateral exchanges and to expand all-round cooperation, so that bilateral friendship can enjoy greater popular support and the China-Ethiopia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership can witness further advancement.

Xi stressed that both sides need to continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, adding that the two countries should strengthen the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Ethiopia's Ten Years Perspective Development Plan (2021-2030), and accelerate the development of joint projects including Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and green development.

China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and start their businesses in Ethiopia, welcoming the use by Ethiopia of the "green channel" for the entry of African agricultural products to China to expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation, said Xi.

China stands ready to work with Ethiopia in promoting the implementation of the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa and to make contributions to regional peace and stability, said Xi.

The friendship between Ethiopia and China is profound and the relations between the two countries have maintained good development momentum, said Ahmed, extending his sincere appreciation for the massive valuable support China has offered for a long time.

Thanks to the help from and cooperation with China, Ethiopia has achieved significant development and transformations in recent years, said the Ethiopian Prime Minister, noting that the two countries share similar experiences and have common stands on many major issues.

Ahmed said Ethiopia highly values its friendship with China, firmly upholds the one-China policy, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation.

Ethiopia stands ready to learn from China's governance experience to better achieve its own national development, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in agriculture, mining and other fields, he said.

Ethiopia hopes to join the BRICS so as to push for closer cooperation in multilateral mechanisms and open up a better shared future for the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. [Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan]

(Source: Xinhua)
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- BRICS countries on Thursday voiced concern about the use of unilateral coercive measures, which are incompatible with the principles of the UN Charter and produce negative effects notably in the developing world.

In the Johannesburg II Declaration adopted here following the three-day 15th BRICS Summit, the BRICS countries also reiterated their commitment to enhancing and improving global governance by promoting a more agile, effective, efficient, representative, democratic and accountable international and multilateral system. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 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 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, also urged the two sides to step up cooperation in infrastructure, information technology, new energy and agriculture, among other areas.

China and Bangladesh enjoy traditional friendship, Xi said, adding that the two sides upgraded bilateral ties in 2016 to a strategic cooperative partnership, which has indicated the direction for deepening their cooperation.

At present, both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of their own development and revitalization, and the Chinese side is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Bangladesh, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, push bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, and better benefit the people of the two countries.

Xi also said that China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability, and achieve development and revitalization.

The Chinese side is willing to continue to work with Bangladesh in firmly supporting each other in issues involving their respective core interests, said Xi, adding that the two sides should strengthen strategic communication and close exchanges among various departments and at different levels.

Xi also called for stronger personnel exchanges as well as deeper cultural and people-to-people bonds.

He extended congratulations to the prime minister on her country's joining the New Development Bank, saying that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Bangladesh in multilateral affairs and to safeguard the international equity and justice as well as the shared interests of developing countries.

Hasina noted that Xi's state visit to Bangladesh in 2016 has become a milestone in bilateral ties.

She appreciated that China provided invaluable support for Bangladesh's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and for economic development, which has helped promote Bangladesh's development and improved people's lives.

Hasina said the sound Bangladesh-China relationship is based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

She congratulated Xi on the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that Belt and Road cooperation has opened a new door of development for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, she said, firmly adheres to the one-China policy and appreciates China's important role in promoting regional peace and stability, adding that her country is ready to deepen ties with China and strengthen cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS.

It is believed that the development of the BRICS mechanism will bring new development opportunities to developing countries, she added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. [Xinhua/Ding Lin]

(Source: Xinhua)
South African electrician Bongani Nciwa (R) works with his Chinese colleague Fang Long at a plant of the Chinese automaker Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation in Eastern Cape province of South Africa, May 9, 2023. [Xinhua/Zhang Yudong]

* 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.

* 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.

* China will remain an important opportunity for the world's development, with 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.

A man takes photos at the media center of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 21, 2023. [Xinhua/Li Yahui]

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.

This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows a view near the venue of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa. [Xinhua/Zhang Yudong]

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.

Dancers interact with tourists from China during a welcoming ceremony at the OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 29, 2023. [Xinhua/Zhang Yudong]

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.

This aerial photo taken on Jan. 13, 2023 shows a view of the container terminal of Haikou Port in Haikou, south China's Hainan Province. [Xinhua/Pu Xiaoxu]

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.

(Source: Xinhua)
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. &&
SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sixteen South Korean university students were arrested by police Thursday for attempting to enter the Japanese embassy in Seoul in protest of Japan's dumping of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean earlier in the day.

The students attempted to break into the Japanese embassy right after Japan started discharging the first batch of radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean at around 1 p.m. local time (0400 GMT), according to Yonhap news agency.

The police were quoted as saying that the students chanted slogans against the discharge and attempted to trespass on the entrance of the embassy on the eighth floor of a building in central Seoul.

The students were detained in four police stations on charges of trespassing and the assembly and demonstration act violation.

About 40 other fellow students held a press conference near the Japanese embassy against the wastewater discharge before being dispersed by the police. 
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were shot at a biker bar in California's Orange County and four were killed, local media reported on Wednesday.

The Orange County Register newspaper reported that the mass shooting occurred at a bar in Trabuco Canyon, about 90 kilometers south of downtown Los Angeles. Sources disclosed that preliminary reports showed that four, including the shooter, are dead.

It is believed the shooter was a former law enforcement officer from outside the area, the report added.

Meanwhile, KCLA News reported that sources said deputies who responded to the scene shot dead the shooter.

KCLA News said the incident is believed to have started following a domestic dispute between the retired law enforcement officer and his wife. 
Sinhala-Buddhist racialists, with the backing of President Ranil Wickremesinghes government and the corporate media, have begun an orchestrated anti-Tamil campaign in the war-ravaged Mullaitivu district in north-eastern Sri Lanka.

Newly built Buddhist stupa at Kurundumalai in Mullaitivu in Sri Lanka. [Photo: Facebook]

The ever-widening provocation, which centres on the controversial Kurundi or Kurundumalai (in Tamil) archaeological site in the Tamil-dominated Mullaitivu district, is a clear warning to the working class. The Colombo ruling elite is resorting to divisive politics of racialism amid the growing resistance of workersSinhala and Tamil aliketo its brutal International Monetary Fund-dictated austerity measures.

On August 18, a private television channel broadcast footage of Buddhist monks and a large number of devotees holding a religious ceremony at the Kurundi site. For generations Tamil people believed that an old Hindu temple, known as Aathi Sivan Kovil, was located there. The majority of Sri Lankan Tamils are Hindus.

It followed a provocative July 22 article in Ceylon Today declaring Tamils who stood up for a separate state in Sri Lanka [had] gradually encroached on Buddhist ancient sites in North and Eastern provinces, [and] if possible other areas of the island too, with the cruel intention of erasing evidence of united, unitary Sri Lanka that was predominantly Sinhala Buddhist.



The article further stated: [T]he ancient or historical identity of the island was a Sinhala Buddhist one and those who created and established a civilization on the island are known as the Sinhala race and the religion that shaped a civilization was Buddhist.

These reactionary claims are only the latest in a long series of provocations.

Following Colombos military defeat in May 2009 of the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), ministers of the then government of President Mahinda Rajapakse and a clique of Sinhala-Buddhist racists initiated a campaign, claiming the site was previously a Buddhist monastery.

In 2018, the chauvinists began construction of a Buddhist temple at the site, continued in defiance of a court order ordering an end to the construction. Three years later, in 2021, Vidura Wickrmanayakee, former President Gotabhaya Rajapakses state minister for national heritage, visited the area with military and archaeological department officials. They placed a Buddhist statue at the site, also in violation the court order.

Last weeks provocation at the site involved scores of Buddhist devotees transported in buses to the site where a group of Hindus were holding the Pongal festival at the adjacent Hindu temple.

Galgamuwe Santhabodhi, the so-called chief prelate of the Buddhist temple at the site, attempted to stop the Hindu event, provoking a heated argument, with violent clashes only prevented by police intervention.

Tamil devotees pray at Kurundumalai in Mullaitivu while Sri Lankan riot police stand by, August 2023. [Photo: Facebook]

Noting the seriousness of these developments, the English-language Island, recently reported that local intelligence services have been ordered to collect information about those creating disturbances and unrest over the Kurundumale temple.

The intelligence directive, the newspaper said, was in response to leaked Indian intelligence reports warning of imminent communal riots that could be created by the disputes and controversies over the temple.

There was a strong possibility, Indian intelligence had warned, of communal riots and such disturbances that could easily surpass those that took place in Sri Lanka, prior to the 2019 presidential elections, in terms of severity.

This is a reference to anti-Muslim communal riots whipped up by Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinists following ISIS-backed terrorist bombings of three Christian churches in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday, 2019. The latest warning is highly significant, given the fact that Indian intelligence agencies had issued its alert in advance of the Easter Sunday bombings.

On July 13, Santhabodhi issued the highly provocative claim that Tamil extremists are planning to establish a Hindu Kovil at the site and getting ready to start a separatist struggle in this country based on Kurundi Buddhist temple.



Santhabodhi concluded by appealing to leading Buddhist monks and other forces to do something to stop this extremist attack. His accusations are clearly aimed at whipping up the Sinhalese population against the Tamil minority. Santhabodhis allegations are false.

As previously stated, the racialist provocations were initiated in 2018 by the group of Buddhist monks who visited the site claiming it was the location of an ancient Buddhist shrine. Their actions were backed by the governments heavily-politicised archaeological department, the media and the security forces stationed in the area.

After coming to power in 2019, President Gotabhaya Rajapakse established an 11-member Presidential Task Force (PTF) for Archaeological Heritage Management. Defense Secretary Kamal Gunaratne, a retired major general and a vicious Sinhala racist, was chairperson of PTF. Other members included, Ellawala Medhananda, a former parliamentarian for the extremist Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and other notorious Sinhala-Buddhist supremacists.

In June 2, 2020, the PTF was given the task of identifying sites of archaeological importance in the Eastern Province. No details were provided, however, on the definition of archaeological, thus allowing the PTF to erase any evidence proving the existence of Tamil or other ethnicities.

Within a month of its formation, the PTF identified some 2,000 sites in the Eastern Province which would be subjected to archaeological examination. Its actions are not primarily motivated by academic or intellectual concerns but to justify building Buddhist temples and acquisition of land in the midst of Tamil majority areas.

In March 2021, the archaeological department ordered more than 400 acres surrounding the Kurundi site, which were, and are still, being cultivated by local Tamil farmers, to be handed over to the department for archaeological purposes.

Predictably, this led to widespread resistance from Tamil farmers who suspected that they will lose their paddy lands, livestock farms and agricultural dams. In response, the Sinhala-Buddhist chauvinists stepped up their provocations.



Communalism is now being whipped up to divert and divide rising working class opposition to the Wickremesinghe governments IMF austerity attacks.

Colombos ruling elite is acutely nervously about any repeat of the unified action by Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim workers, which ousted President Gotabhaya Rajapakse and his government last year. The ruling class as a whole is deeply fearful of the reemergence of a unified popular working-class uprising.

On June 8, President Wickremesinghe held a discussion with representatives of the Tamil National Alliance and other government officials, including Archaeological Department Director Anura Manatunga. During the discussion Wickremesinghe ordered the land previously deemed to be part of the Kurundumalai Temple complex to be released to the local farmers for cultivation. However, he quickly withdrew the order following harsh criticism from the Buddhist clergy.

Like their Sinhala counterparts, the Tamil bourgeois parties share the same fear of a united movement of the Sri Lankan working class and are using the controversy over the archeological site to promote their own brand of communalist politics.

While Tamil National Alliance has been politically discredited among large sections of the Tamil population, other parties, including the Ilankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) and Tamil National Peoples Front (TNPF), are exploiting the issue. TNPF parliamentarian Selvarasa Gajendran was a leading figure at the August 18 Hindu religious festival at the Kurundumalai site.

As the Socialist Equality Party has consistently explained, the only way to fight the governments brutal austerity measures and the communalism methods of Sri Lankan ruling elite is through a unified movement of the working class and the oppressed masses against Sri Lankan capitalism and for internationalist and socialist perspective.
On August 18, 27-year-old Christian-fascist Travis Ikeguchi, of Cedar Glen, California, murdered Laura Ann Carleton, a 66-year-old mother of nine and a small business owner, for flying a rainbow pride flag in support of LGBTQ rights outside her clothing store, Mag. Pi. According to the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department, after murdering Carleton, Ikeguchi fled on foot and shot at deputies vehicles before they returned fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene by medical staff when they arrived.

Laura "Lauri" Ann Carleton. [Photo: Mountain Provisions Cooperative]

Shannon Dicus, the Sheriff-Coroner for San Bernardino County, said that prior to the shooting the suspect made several disparaging remarks about a rainbow flag that stood outside the store. Ikeguchi also shouted a number of derogatory homophobic slurs at Carleton, who was straight, before killing her.



Laura Lauri Carleton is survived by her nine children as well as her husband. Her daughter, Ari Carleton, posted on Instagram that her mothers slaying was a hate crime and that it was not the first time one of her mothers rainbow flags had been torn down. Ari said her mother 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.



There has been an outpouring of grief from friends, neighbors, celebrities and broader sections of the population. On Instagram, film director Paul Feig posted a picture of him with his deceased friend writing, 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.

Memorial for Laura Carleton in front of her store. [Photo: Mountain Provisions Cooperative]

Citing public records, the Independent reported that Ikeguchi is the son of David Jay Ikeguchi, 63, a 35-year veteran state trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol based in Orlando. Following his parents divorce in 2018, Ikeguchi frequently wrote violent and disparaging posts on social media targeting police.



The murder of Carleton is just the latest manifestation of right-wing violence incited, cultivated and inspired by ex-president Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Seeking to divide the working class and lay the groundwork for further attacks on democratic rights, Republicans have made anti-LGBTQ demagoguery and laws restricting gender affirming care, drag shows and sex ed a central tenet of their far-right agenda.



A tracker maintained by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has recorded 494 anti-LGBTQ bills proposed in the 2023 legislative session across all 50 states, virtually all sponsored by Republicans. Of these bills, some of which ban gender-affirming care, 78 have already become law, while 197 are classified by the ACLU as advancing.



In his campaign speeches and on his Truth Social media account, Trump frequently rails against transgender people and promises that he alone will defend American children from sick Marxists and their gender ideology. The ex-president was one of only 19 people that Ikeguchi followed on his Twitter/X account. Reflecting the influence of the fascist rhetoric espoused by right-wing elements, Ikeguchis social media accounts on Twitter/X and Gab are dominated with Christian fanaticism, anti-abortion zealotry, antisemitism, racism, anti-LGBTQ and anti-vaccine conspiracies.

Pinned tweet on Ikeguchi's Twitter/X account [Photo: @TravisIkeguchi]

On June 18, Ikeguchi retweeted a viral video of vaccinologist Dr. Peter Hotez getting stalked at his home by two fascists who were encouraged by podcaster Joe Rogan and Democratic presidential candidate, antisemite, and anti-vaccine advocate, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The next day, Ikeguchi retweeted a post praising fascist Italian prime minster Giorgia Meloni for her defense of the traditional family.



In addition to RFK Jr., Ikeguchi frequently retweeted Republican operative and convicted felon Dinesh DSouza, as well as Tom Hoefling, the founder and leader of a small far-right anti-abortion nationalist organization called Americas Party. Ikeguchi made hundreds of posts in June on his Twitter/X social media account, but stopped completely on June 28.

While Ikeguchi expressed many of the same fascistic beliefs of Trump and the Republican Party as a whole, he frequently attacked Trump from the right for his tepid support of LGBTQ people in the 2016 election and over the January 6 coup, which Hoefling, Ikeguchi and Americas Party view as a violation of the US constitution.



Following the shooting, Sarah Kate Ellis, the chief executive and president of the LGBTQ media advocacy group, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), released a statement that read in part, No one should feel unsafe or be attacked for who they are or for simply supporting the LGBTQ community, Lauris murder is the latest example of how anti-LGBTQ hatred hurts everyone, whether they are LGBTQ or not.



Carleton is one of more than 350 people that have been attacked by anti-LBGTQ elements, such as neo-Nazis and Proud Boys, in the United States this year according to a June report by GLAAD and the Anti-Defamation League.



On August 17, one day before Carletons killing, Court Watch News, reported that a Las Cruces resident, Michael David Fox, was charged with interstate threatening communications after he left a voicemail threatening to kill Texas Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. This violent threat was one of nearly 20 targeting elected officials this year that Court Watch News claims were never in the news.



According to the criminal complaint against Fox, in the May 18 voicemail, Fox called the African-American congresswoman a tranny and a pedophile, and that he was going to put a bullet in your f***ing face. Interviewed by FBI agents at the end of May, Fox claimed that he was part of the Q Movement and that there was a plan to eradicate all transgender people who he claimed were running the government.



As inequality widens and American democracy further degenerates, such threats and attacks in the US have been steadily increasing. According to the Justice Department, in 2021, (the last year for which they provide statistics,) there were 7,262 hate crime incidents involving 9,024 victims. Since reporting is done on a voluntary basis, except for federal law enforcement agencies, this figure is a vast undercount.

While the majority of hate crimes target a persons race, ethnicity or ancestry, there were 1,127 hate crimes against people because of their perceived sexual orientation in 2021, with many of these incidents specifically focused on the display of the rainbow flag. One of the deadliest mass shootings in 2022, which was perpetrated by the grandson of a coup-supporting Republican California assembly member, occurred last November at an LGBTQ-friendly nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

This past June, the Human Rights Campaign declared a national state of emergency for the LGBTQ+ community in the US, with its president, Kelley Robinson, stating that, LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency. The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceivedthey are real, tangible and dangerous.

The Republicans and the ruling class in general are desperate to keep the working class from uniting in a common struggle against them and the capitalist system they defend. To this end, Republican politicians attempt to blame all societal ills on minorities and immigrants in order to protect their wealthy ruling class backers, degrade the level of political discourse and deflect from the growing class struggle, both in the United States and internationally.



While Democrats posture as defenders of LGTBQ rights, they do so on an extremely narrow and limited basis, promoting identity politics in order to obscure the fundamental class division in society. In the face of increasing attacks against LGBTQ people, Democratic politicians, beginning with Joe Biden, have remained silent while their friends across the aisle stoke violence against LGBTQ people on a daily basis while at the same time seeking to outlaw their right to exist.

In the face of rising political violence in the US, the Republicans and Democrats have overseen a vast expansion of the US military. For over 30 years, the United States has been continuously at war. Many people, including Ikeguchi, have lived their entire lives with the US government at war. This level of official violence, coupled with declining living standards, healthcare and education, carried out over the course of an entire generation, cannot but have had a devastating impact on the consciousness of countless individuals.

While an assortment of Democratic Party politicians have spoken out about this latest heinous episode of right-wing violence, their words are betrayed by their actions. By politically promoting the Republican Party, a cesspool of cultural backwardness, anti-scientific quackery and insurrectionists whose leaders no longer recognize any election they lose as legitimate, the Democrats actively facilitate these attacks.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hospitalizations for COVID-19 have doubled since reaching their lows in the week ending on June 24, 2023. During that week, 6,313 people were admitted for COVID infections. For the week ending August 12, 2023, hospitalizations rose to 12,613.

These limited yet crucial statistics, released belatedly, well after the fact, only underscore that the summer wave of COVID-19 is all too real. It has also been under way for several months without any warnings from the public health agency or concerns raised by the Biden administration.

On the contrary, the CDC, through the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC), has been diligent in attempting to walk back the dangers posed by the virus since the agency ended public health emergency phase of COVID-19 pandemic in May.

Entirely ignoring the reality that SARS-CoV-2 is an aerosolized virus that infects poorly protected people through the air, the CDC has suggested by respirators show no more benefit than surgical masks in controlling infections and are more cumbersome for healthcare workers.

In a letter dated July 20, 2023, sent by experts in occupational safety and health, medicine, epidemiology, industrial hygiene, ventilation, aerosol science, and public health to new CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, the authors warned:

We are deeply concerned, based on work group presentations at the June 2023 HICPAC meeting, that the revised CDC/HICPAC guidelines will severely weaken protections for health care personnel exposed to infectious aerosols, including SARS-CoV-2. The draft recommendations fail to reflect what has been confirmed about aerosol transmission by inhalation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The draft recommendations do not adequately provide for the proper control measuresisolation, ventilation, and NIOSH-approved respiratorsto protect against transmission of infectious aerosols. They are weaker than existing CDC infection control guidelines. The draft recommendations, if adopted, will put health care personnel and patients at serious risk of harm from exposure to infectious aerosols.

The complacent inaction of the CDC will have significant implication for the future of pandemic preparedness and the well-being of frontline workers, and by extension, the population as a whole, who rely on appropriate evidence-based recommendations. All the more criminal, this refusal to fight the latest COVID upsurge was carefully thought out in advance, and bears the stamp of the White House and corporate America.

Meanwhile, the latest wastewater data shows that levels of SARS-CoV-2 continue to climb across all regions of the United States, corresponding to around 610,000 COVID infections per day. Despite limited testing, positivity rates nationally are at 45 percent, as evidenced by the Walgreens COVID-19 Index, providing even further evidence of the high levels of COVID transmission across the country. Most of these are in highly urbanized areas in every region: East, Midwest, South, and West.

In the mountain regions of the Northwest and Northeast, along the Canadian border, no testing is being reported, which indicates the population is blind to the state of the pandemic.

Now the peak of the summer surge is intersecting with the return to school by tens of millions of children and young adults piled into crowded classrooms which will provide the current wave of infections something akin to a gravitational slingshot that will speed the rates of infection like a boomerang back into their communities.

The case of schools in Lee County, Kentucky, is exemplary, as they opened for in-person instruction just two weeks ago. On August 18, 150 students (20 percent of the student body) were out sick, according to Superintendent Earl Ray Shuler. Officials have called off classes for Tuesday and Wednesday due to student and staff illness, with return to non-traditional instruction for Thursday and Friday.

The current surge in infections exposes the lie that the coronavirus is just another virus that can be largely ignored or treated like just another flu. It also lays bare the criminal scheme by the ruling elites, executed by their political operatives in governments around the world, led by the US, to declare the pandemic over and force a grossly negligent approach to dealing with COVID.

Joe Biden in his interview with 60 Minutes, where he declared the pandemic over. (Credit: CBS) [Photo: CBS]

Accepting the virus as a permanent feature in every community around the globe means waves of infections that continue unabated and uncontrolled viral evolution. This raises the specter of a virus developing greater lethality, causing higher levels of chronic disability with Long COVID, displaying complete immune-evasion and becoming more transmissible. These concerns are not exaggerated.

For instance, BA.2.86 (dubbed Pirola), the new Omicron sub-variant under monitoring, as declared on Thursday by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been detected in six countriesDenmark, South Africa, the United States, Israel, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It has more than 30 mutations in its spike protein, making it potentially the most formidable variant since Omicron appeared in late 2021. Meanwhile, EG.5 (Eris), descendant of XBB.1.9.2, which is now the dominant Omicron sub-variant in the US and globally, has itself acquired more immune-evasive characteristics.

Experts have also warned about additional mutations that possess FLip mutations in EG.5 and rarer variants of XBB.1.5 that work synergistically to both increase the variants transmissibility while reducing the number of antibodies that the immune system can generate to fight it.

As a recent BMJ article explained, The L455F and F456L mutations are nicknamed FLip mutations because they switch the positions of two amino acids on the spike protein labelled F and L. These mutations were predicted months ago as a likely consequence of the widespread use of monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID.

The report continued, The EG.5 variant descends from and resembles the still circulating XBB.1.9.2, but with the addition of one FLip mutation, F456L. Its subvariant EG.5.1 carries a further spike mutation called Q52H. The role played by Q52H is still unclear, but it appears to boost potency, as this subvariant has already overtaken its progenitor.

However, a legion of public officials and supposed media experts, rather than take a sober measure of these concerning developments and speak directly to the precautions that must be taken, instead repeat the standard line that the severity and deadliness of the current iterations of the virus remain unchanged and therefore can be ignored.

This is an insult to the memory of the more than 24 million people who have perished over the last three and half years and the close to 10,000 global daily excess deaths, a figure that remains persistently high. It is a slap in the face of the hundreds of millions of people who suffer Long COVID globally, in whom their infection has led to injury and dysfunction in a wide range of cell types affecting almost every organ system in the human body without any viable treatment for the complex chronic disease.

The publication in Nature of the latest study by Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly and colleagues from the Washington University School of medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, on the impact of Long COVID two years after infection, provides objective evidence for the serious health consequences posed by the coronavirus.

In this large population study involving patients from the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System, the authors studied the risk trajectories for 80 components of Long COVID over two years post-infection to glean the long-term complications associated with the disease.

In non-hospitalized people, risk of death remains elevated up to six months and risk of hospitalization for 19 months. Two years in, coagulation disorders, pulmonary disorders, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, diabetes and other sequalae remain increased, suggesting a longer lasting risk horizon for these organ systems, according to Al-Aly.

However, for those who were hospitalized for their infection, risk of death and hospitalizations remained elevated compared to non-infected controls at two years. Sixty-five percent of sequelae of the 80 components being measured (these involved every organ system) remained at elevated risk at the end of the study period.

The essence of the forever COVID policy ruthlessly practiced by the ruling elites means that this dangerous virus that should be contained in a BSL-3 laboratory is allowed to undergo a dynamic gain-of-function experiment (a test of a viruss ability to develop its potency and infectiousness) on a global scale with the entire human population being used as test subjects.

Many of the lab leak conspiracists have claimed, without a shred of evidence, that the SARS-CoV-2 virus that first broke out in late 2019 in Wuhan, China was a byproduct of nefarious bioengineering tricks, such as gain-of-function experiments, that make viruses or other pathogens more transmissible or virulent. And despite the preponderance of evidence that continues to support a zoonotic spillover at the open-air Huanan Seafood Market, a byproduct of live animal trades that had been previously documented, they and their spokesmen in the mainstream media continue to insist that a lab leak is an equivalent hypothesis, when in the last three years, not one datum of evidence has supported these claims, which even the US intelligence agencies were forced to admit.

The same fascist elements that spearheaded the lab leak conspiracy theory have also been taking the lead in the campaigns against vaccination, masking and other forms of mitigations. In other words, while claiming falsely that a Chinese lab created the original virus, these same political provocateurs, backed by wide sections of the corporate media and political establishment, support turning the entire world into a laboratory for creating endless waves of newer and more lethal versions of SARS-CoV-2.

The only viable policy for the COVID-19 pandemic remains elimination and eradication of the virus from human society. The scientific and material resources for such an endeavor exist. The fundamental obstacle to such a humane and scientifically viable solution is capitalism: the profit interests of the corporations and the conflicts among various nation states. The only force which can put an end to the pandemic is the international working class, allied with principled scientists in a struggle against the capitalist system.
Nine of the 19 defendants indicted for their roles in the criminal conspiracy led by ex-President Donald Trump to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia turned themselves in at the Fulton County jail on Tuesday and Wednesday and were booked, fingerprinted and then released on bond.

Mug shots were taken of the nine, including Trumps most prominent election attorney, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Campaign lawyers John Eastman, Sidney Powell, Kenneth Chesebro, Jenna Ellis and Ray Smith were among those booked.

The nine Trump co-conspirators who were booked Tuesday and Wednesday [Photo: Fulton County Sheriff's Office]

Trump is to undergo the same processing on Thursday afternoon, a date and time reiterated by the fascistic ex-president in a statement posted Wednesday on his social media site, Truth Social, in which he promoted a rally outside the jail called by the fascist former Republican congressional candidate Laura Loomer.

Also surrendering were former state Republican Party chair David Shafer, former Coffee County Republican chair Cathy Latham, and bail bondsman Scott Hall. Shafer was the principal state organizer of the scheme to choose fake electors and submit a slate of these electors to Congress, with the aim of having Vice President Mike Pence recognize the electors for Trump as legitimate, rather than the Biden electors chosen by Georgia voters.

Latham was a fake elector and also participated, with Hall, in a scheme to allow a computer security company contracted by the Trump campaign to have unauthorized access to voting machines in Coffee County, in the hopes of findingor plantingevidence of vote fraud on machines running software provided by Dominion.

Of the nine remaining defendantsnot including Trumpfour have reached bond agreements with the Fulton County district attorneys office: Stephen Cliffgard Lee, accused of harassing a Georgia election worker targeted by the Trump campaign for alleged ballot stuffing; Robert Cheeley, a lawyer for the Trump campaign in Georgia; Trump campaign official Mike Roman; and former state Republican treasurer Shawn Still, now a state senator.

The bonds set for the various defendants reflect their importance to the scheme. Trumps bond is $200,000. Giulianis is $150,000. There are $100,000 bonds for Eastman, Chesebro, Ellis and Powell; $75,000 bonds for Shafer, Latham and Lee; $50,000 for Cheeley, Smith and Roman, and $10,000 for Hall, Hampton and Still.

Rudy Giuliani on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Atlanta, after he surrendered and was booked. [AP Photo/Fulton County Sheriff's Office]

Four have yet to reach bond agreements: Harrison Floyd and Trevian Kutti, also involved in the harassment of the Georgia election worker; former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows; and former Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Clark.

Meadows and Clark are both challenging their state indictments and seeking to have the cases transferred to federal court, claiming that they were acting in their capacity as federal officials when they carried out various tasks in relation to furthering Trumps campaign to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Meadows was centrally involved, making numerous phone calls and sitting in on most meetings at which the fake elector scheme was devised, as well as on Trumps notorious phone call to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, where he sought to bully the state official into finding 11,780 votes, just enough to overturn Bidens narrow lead in that state.

Clark offered to send out letters, as demanded by Trump, informing the state governments in six critical states that the Justice Department had evidence of significant problems in the presidential election and was opening investigations. Trump, who planned to fire acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen and replace him with Clark, pulled back from the move only after every other top Justice Department officials threatened to resign if he went ahead with the scheme.

I feel like Im defending the rights of all Americans, as I did so many times as a United States attorney, Clark said this week. Im fighting for justice. I have been from the first moment I represented Donald Trump. An innocent man.

He claimed that the indictment of so many of Trumps lawyers was an attack on the right to counsel. Speaking of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her staff, he said, Theyre dishonest; theyre crooked.  They want to destroy the Constitution of the United States, and theyre doing it. And if we dont change it, theyre coming for you.

This argument was rejected more than a year ago by a federal judge hearing Eastmans claim that his communications with the White House were protected by lawyer-client privilege. The judge pointed to the one major exception to that rule: If the lawyers communications with the client involve the planning of a crime, the lawyer can be compelled to testify. That is precisely the allegation against all of Trumps indicted lawyers, who participated in, and in many cases organized and led, an illegal effort to overturn the 2020 election.

John Eastman on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023, in Atlanta, after he surrendered and was booked. [AP Photo/Fulton County Sheriff's Office]

The same considerations apply to the claim by Meadows and Clark that they were acting as federal officials when they carried out Trumps instructions in relation to the 2020 election. These were actions unrelated to their duties in the White House and in the Department of Justice but rather based on the political interests of Trump as the Republican candidate for president.

Former Georgia Republican Party Chair David Shafer is also seeking to have his case removed from state to federal court. Since he was not a federal official, his claim has a different legal basis, one that could provide a serious problem for Trumps legal defense, such as it is.

Shafer claims that in organizing the group of fake electors, recruiting them, and making sure they showed up at the state Capitol on December 14 to cast their fraudulent ballots for Trump, he was acting as the agent for Trump, the head of the federal government, and therefore his case should be heard in federal court.

Mr. Shafer and the other Republican Electors in the 2020 election acted at the direction of the incumbent President and other federal officials, his attorney wrote in a petition to the federal court. Shafer supplied documents showing that a Trump attorney, Ray Smith, was advising him on the procedure and actually attended the December 14 meeting and addressed the fake electors, explaining and justifying their actions. One of the documents was a transcript of that meeting.

In addition to the racketeering charge, filed against all 19 defendants, Shafer is charged with impersonating a public officer, forgery, false statements and writings and filing false documents. Smith is charged with solicitation of violation of an oath by a public officer, conspiracy to impersonate a public officer and conspiracy to commit forgery.

Shafers evidence that he acted on direct, personal instructions from Trump, transmitted through campaign lawyers, makes it more difficult for Trump to claim that he was not aware of the actions taken in furtherance of the fake elector scheme, or that this was an initiative of his supporters at the state level, rather than one that was centrally coordinated through the White House and the national Trump campaign.
A two-month-long corruption scandal implicating the parties of the pseudo-left administration of President Gabriel Boric has ultimately claimed the scalp of Giorgio Jackson, Minister for Social Development and closest confidant of the president. It has also precipitated the second reshuffle of Borics cabinet in 17 months and forced the dismissal of regional government delegates.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric arrives to La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, Monday, May 2, 2022. [AP Photo/Esteban Felix]

The accusations of corruption revolve around the transfer of state funds to non-governmental organizations, corporations and foundations controlled by the parties of the ruling coalition, known as the Foundations Case.

In June the Comptroller General, an auditing body autonomous of the other branches of state, asked the Minister of Housing, Carlos Montes (Socialist Party), to detail the resources transferred to foundations that were purportedly providing emergency assistance to families living in the shantytowns of Antofagasta, one of the mining regions 1,300 km north of Santiago.

A microcosm of Chile, the region of Antofagasta has seen a 75 percent increase in the number of predominantly migrant families living in shantytowns in just one year, going from 7,300 to 12,800 reported El Pais in an article dealing with Borics emergency housing plan.

The same article reported that Boric, in his Public Account before Congress on the progress of the plan to deliver 260,000 houses during his term of office claimed that a total of 60,222 have already been delivered and another 131,077 are under construction.

Later that month, the Comptroller General expanded its audit to all the foundations that had received money from the Ministry of Housing. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecutor's Office announced that it had begun investigations into whether the Living Democracy Foundation was implicated in influence peddling, conflicts of interest, embezzlement and misuse of funds. It ordered a raid on the offices of the Ministry of Housing delegate of Antofagasta and the Santiago offices of the foundation.

The Living Democracy Foundation is linked to Democratic Revolution (RD). Jackson, the Minister for Social Development who resigned earlier this month, is a founding member of RD, one of the three parties that make up Borics Broad Front electoral front, the two others being Borics own Social Convergence (CS) and the Mix siblings Commons (Comunes) party.

By the end of June, it was revealed that Antofagastas delegate for Housing, Carlos Contreras (from RD), directly assigned CLP 432,000,000 (US $500,000) to the Democracia Viva foundation headed by Daniel Andrade (RD) who admitted that housing was not in its area of expertise. Further, the undersecretary of Housing, Tatiana Rojas (RD), was made aware of the irregularities in May but did not manage to inform the Minister.

Revealing further conflicts of interests, Andrade is the partner of vice-president of the Chamber of Deputies, Catalina Perez (RD), while Contreras had served as her advisor. Contreras was forced to resign, as was Rojas at the end of June and, with Andrade, were expelled from the party. Perez was forced to suspend her functions as vice president of the Chamber of Deputies.

This only served to further expose the putrid wheeling and dealing that goes on within the capitalist state. By July, the Public Prosecutor's Office was investigating 53 foundations, NGOs and corporations for transfers totaling CLP 32,156,274,081 (US $37.6 million) by regional governors of all political persuasions in 11 of the 16 regions of Chile as well as by central government agencies.

Substantial in themselves, these amounts pale into insignificance when compared to the crimes of Gen. Augusto Pinochet and the Military Juntafrom drug trafficking, to illegal arms sales and money laundering to the tune of tens of millionsfor which not one served a prison sentence, let alone for the crimes of murder, torture and forced disappearance of tens of thousands of leftwing activists, workers, students and peasants.

Nor do they compare to the pilfering of the states assets and resources during the 1980s by Pinochets civilian henchmen. National Renewals billionaire demagogue, Sebastian Pinera, began as CEO of the Banco de Talca that went bankrupt granting loans to shell and ghost companies. Later he bought shell companies to make profits disappear. Still later Pinera was involved in insider trading and making use of companies located in the British Virgin Islands to hide his fortune and avoid taxes. For his efforts he was rewarded with a seat in the Senate and with the presidency twice (2010-2014, 2018-2022).

Yet by the beginning of August the parties of the right and ultra-right, the big-business associations and the corporate media outlets seized the opportunity to bay for blood. Threatening to present a constitutional accusation against Jackson unless he tendered his resignation (no evidence of any wrongdoing was presented in Jacksons case) the fascistic Republican Party, the Pinochetista Independent Democratic Union (UDI), National Renewal and Evopoli froze all dialogue with the government.

This was followed by the Congressional Socialists and Party for Democracy joining the chorus calling for Jacksons resignation on the grounds that his presence hindered the government's legislative agenda and conditioned negotiations on tax and pension reforms. With friends like these Boric made overtures to the near-defunct center-left political caste, offering it key ministerial posts. He was reimbursed with a stab in the back!

The Confederation of Production and Commerce, historically aligned to the putschist right chimed in. The associations president, Ricardo Mewes called on Boric to take the bull by the horns and deal with the political impasse.

Many times we will have to make the corresponding sacrifices, but clearly he is the one who has to lead the country, he is the one who has the responsibility to get us out of where we are. Because otherwise, the truth is that we are going to continue in a political tug-of-war that does not help us, Mewes warned.

Jackson, Boric and the current administrations chief spokesperson Camila Vallejo (Communist Party) belong to a layer of student leaders that emerged during the explosive student mobilizations of 2011 against the exorbitant costs of the privatized higher education system that has indebted generations of youth.

No sooner had the demonstrations subsided that these student radicals seamlessly entered the corridors of state power. By 2014 many of these leaders had become mayors of important municipalities, parliamentarians, first level advisors in the La Moneda presidential palace and technical cadres in the executive branch during President Michelle Bachelets second term (2014-2018).

Then in March 2022, with much fanfare and with the official sanction of the international liberal and pseudo-left fraternity, the newly-formed Frente Amplio and Stalinist Communist Party coalition Apruebo Dignidad, came to power promising radical reforms and to bury neo-liberalism and the military juntas authoritarian constitution enshrining extreme free market nostrums.

Our scale of values and principles is far from the generation that preceded us, proclaimed Jackson last year.

It is time to reach agreements, Boric pleaded as he accepted Jacksons resignation. After listing his inadequate reforms, he declared that those on the right who used former Minister Jackson to avoid raising pensions, financing emergencies and responding to what Chile needs, today have no more excuses.

No one is convinced by this bombast, least of the all the working class. After 17 months of reneging on its promises, beefing up the state repressive apparatus to unprecedented proportions, criminalizing all social protest, preventing pension withdrawals to protect the billion-dollar capital markets, and now siphoning state resources into its own NGOs and foundations, the pseudo-left administration has succeeded only in strengthening the most reactionary and right-wing political forces. Fifty years after the bloody September 11,1973 US-backed military coup, a still small but growing layer of the middle class and lumpen-proletariat have held marches calling for a new military takeover and are receiving not-so-secret paramilitary training and orchestrating acts of sabotage.

The pseudo-left, however, fears far less the threat from the right than it does a movement of the working class.

In the midst of the Foundations Cases thousands of teachers went on strike and thousands more took to the streets of Concepcion, San Antonio, Valparaiso and Santiago to protest the severe housing crisis and a new law criminalizing all forms of land seizures and occupations with prison sentences. Among many demands, the protestors called for end to indiscriminate increases, a freeze on prices of the basic family basket, increase the minimum wage to improve the purchasing power of workers.

Boric intervened at the Santiago demonstration feigning support and with megaphone in hand demagogically declared that it is important that the people are organized to demand their rights. His attitude quickly soured with heckling by the crowd, I will not give my arm to twist in order to fulfill the desires and the program that the people entrusted us with.

The housing question has historic significance in Chile. Like chronic social inequality, the lack of housing has exposed the incapacity of the bourgeoisie to resolve even the most basic democratic and social demands of the masses. Shantytowns in Chile sprang like mushrooms in the 1950s as rural families gravitated to the capital in search of work.

By the mid-1960s land seizures and occupations took on an increasingly revolutionary dimension to which the bourgeois government of President Eduardo Frei (1964-1970) responded with meager reforms and brutal repression.

The 1969 murder of 10 squatters and the serious wounding of 51 others during a violent police eviction of hundreds of families from a land seizure in Puerto Montt was a turning point. Land occupations exploded from 35 in 1969 to 172 by 1971 involving many thousands of poor families.

They were one example of the growing radicalization of the working class, and the actions themselves objectively represented a harbinger of the challenge the proletariat would pose to bourgeois property. By 1972, workers were forging cordones industrials, independent workers organizations that took over factories, kept production running, placed factory management under workers control, opened the corporations accounts and organized the distribution of goods.

These developments profoundly unsettled the bourgeoisie and they mulled over their options. After a failed coup in 1969 by Gen. Roberto Viaux from the Tacna regiment and another in October 1970 when the same forces, financed by the CIA, assassinated commander in chief, Gen. Rene Schneider, they opted to bide their time.

In the meantime, the Socialist and Communist Party-dominated Popular Unity government came to power immediately following the October 1970 coup attempt that sought to avert its inauguration. One of its major electoral promises was to provide land to small farmers and peasants and to improve housing with infrastructure and sanitation.

In practice however, the governments essential political role was that of holding back the socialist revolution in Chile and imposing social peace by subordinating the powerful offensive of the Chilean working class to the capitalist state. As the WSWS noted:

This was done in close collaboration with the US-trained Chilean officer corps. Its chiefs, including General Pinochet, appointed commander-in-chief of the army by (Salvador) Allende, were invited into the presidents cabinet to better coordinate the suppression of the mass workers movement. Factories that were taken over by workers were placed back in the hands of their right-wing owners, who then victimized the most militant workers. Gun control laws approved by Allende were used to carry out police-state-style raids on factories and workers neighborhoodsa dress rehearsal for the coup to comewhile the military armed fascist terrorist groups.

Shanytowns have been on the rise since the 2008 global financial crisis. In 2007, 28,578 families were living in campamentos. By 2016 the number of families had increased to 38,570, and by 2019 it had almost doubled to 46,423. Three quarters of the settlements have poor access to electricity, only 10 percent have regular access to drinking water, and 81 percent have poor access to sewage services.

That was before the COVID-19 pandemic, the US-NATO proxy war in Ukraine, the supply chain crisis, and the sharp rise in the cost of living amid a world economic slowdown. The number of families living on seized lands today has risen to 113,887, an almost 400 percent increase from 2007 levels. To this figure must be added the staggering official tally of 650,000 families without access to housing.

The current situation is a powder-keg waiting to explode. The bourgeoisie has thoroughly exhausted the center-left political caste and can no longer adequately rely upon it to suppress the working class, while the Apruebo Dignidad coalition is more and more discredited among vast numbers of workers and youth.

The decisive task remains today as it was five decades ago: resolving the crisis of revolutionary leadership in the working class. The defense of democratic rights, the struggle against social inequality and the fight against dictatorship and war depend upon the emergence of a new socialist leadership in the working class. This means building a section of the International Committee of the Fourth International in Chile.
The South Carolina Supreme Court reversed itself on Wednesday and upheld an anti-abortion law passed by the state legislature that bans the procedure after embryonic cardiac activity, which usually begins around six weeks of pregnancy.

The South Carolina Supreme Court building in Columbia, S.C., Jan. 18, 2023. [AP Photo/James Pollard]

The 4-1 decision was widely expected after the Republican-dominated legislature replaced Justice Kaye Hearn, who had reached the states mandatory retirement age, with Gary Hill.

The legal argument advanced by Justice John Kittridge, who wrote for the majority, agreed that the South Carolina abortion ban infringes on a womans right of privacy and bodily autonomy. However, he argued, the state legislature reasonably determined that those interests do not outweigh the interest of the unborn child to live.

Judge Kittredge also wrote, 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. In other words, the unpopular and reactionary attack on the fundamental democratic right to an abortion passed by the South Carolina legislature in May in a 27-19 vote, has been declared fully legitimate and endorsed by the court.

The law, which went into effect immediately upon the courts decision, effectively ends all abortions in the state of South Carolina. This is because the six-week time limit includes the requirement that a woman must have two doctor visits and two ultrasounds prior to authorization of the procedure, and most women will not even realize they are pregnant before the legal time limit has passed.

In South Carolina, there are just three abortion clinics, and these facilities have waiting periods of two to three weeks for an appointment. The law includes exceptions for rape, incest, fetal abnormalities or life-threatening situations for woman, but even then, the procedure must be performed within 12 weeks.

The law also includes other aggressive provisions which are designed to discourage women and girls under the age of 16 from obtaining an abortion, as well as a requirement that the biological father must pay child support beginning at conception. It also allows anyone to file a complaint against abortion providers whom they accuse of violating the 6-week ban.

The South Carolina Supreme Court had ruled 3-2 in January of this year, in a ruling written by Hearn, that a similar law passed by the State Legislature in 2021which took effect when the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wadewas unconstitutional.

That case was the product of a lawsuit filed by abortion advocates, who said the Constitution protected the right to an abortion under rules in the state constitution protecting the right to privacy. However, even in the early 2023 decision, the South Carolina court majority wrote that the right to abortion was not absolute, and must be balanced against the states interest in protecting unborn life.

The January ruling said the legislature had failed to take into account whether the restrictions on abortion were reasonable enough to infringe upon the privacy rights of women. From that point forward, Republican legislators began working on a bill that addressed these objections, and a new law was passed on May 23, awaiting the new court to reverse its previous decision which it did on Wednesday.

The lone dissenter was Chief Justice Donald Beatty, who argued that the 2023 law is nearly identical to the 2021 law, except for the inclusion of definitions for terms including fetal heartbeat and conception that provide no clarity on when the ban begins.

Judge Beatty wrote that doctors would be exposed to criminal charges if law enforcement disagrees with their medical expertise. The chief justice warned that the court majoritys failure to address the key question of when conception and fetal heartbeat activity begin could lead to political retribution. He also added that judicial independence and integrity were weakened by the decision to reverse a prior ruling.

The dissenting opinion included the following devastating exposure of the politically motivated anti-science behind the courts decision, The terminology is medically and scientifically inaccurate. 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.

Doctors typically date pregnancy to the first day of a womans last monthly period, so six weeks is approximately two weeks after missing a regular period. Clearly, six weeks is too early for many women to know they are pregnant much less make arrangements for an abortion, making the new law an effective ban.

The South Carolina court ruling is the latest in the right-wing rampage against democratic rights since the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturning federal government protection of the right to abortion in June 2022. Currently, 42 states in the US prohibit some abortions after a certain point during a pregnancy, including 13 states that ban all abortion. South Carolina now joins Georgia as the two states with a 6-week ban.

Jenny Black, the chief executive of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, told the New York Times that the ruling would force women to carry pregnancies against their will and puts the dangerous politicization of South Carolinas highest court on full display. This abortion ban is nearly identical to the ban struck down by this court just months agothe only thing that has changed is the makeup of the court.

A poll of South Carolina residents taken in May by Winthrop University showed 43 percent of the public opposed the 6-week ban and 37 percent in favor. An earlier survey by Public Policy Polling following the overturning of Roe v. Wade showed 70 percent of South Carolinians believe the decision to have an abortion should be left to a woman and her doctor, not state lawmakers. This poll also showed 60 percent were opposed to charging doctors with a felony for performing an abortion.
The 50th anniversary of Australias withdrawal from Vietnam has been used by sections of the political and media establishment to try and rehabilitate that imperialist war, predatory in its aims and criminal in its execution.

Members of 5 Platoon, B Company, 7th Battalion, the Royal Australian Regiment (7RAR), after cordon and search operation of Phuoc Hai village, near Nui Dat. [Photo: Michael Coleridge/Australian War Memorial/C195204.]

The federal Labor government is at the forefront of these reactionary efforts. Its attempts to whitewash Australias role in one of the most horrific wars of the 20th century are inextricably tied to Labors complete commitment to US-led plans for even more catastrophic conflicts against Russia and above all China.

Various events are being held throughout the year to commemorate the anniversary of the withdrawal. However, the centerpiece was Vietnam Veterans Day on August 18.

Memorial services and commemorations were held in a number of towns and cities. At one in Ipswich, Queensland, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese delivered an extended apology to the veterans of the war.

Albanese declared that after the conflict We should have acknowledged you better as a nation then. But the truth is, as a nation we didnt.

He proclaimed that Australian soldiers in Vietnam had upheld Australias name. You showed the Australian character at its finest. You deserved so very much better than you received. Albanese concluded: Let us say to every one of our Vietnam veterans, today and every day, we honour you, we thank you and we are sorry that as a nation, it took us so long for us as a nation to do so.

The framing was cynical in the extreme. While couched as an acknowledgement of the difficulties faced by veterans, Albanese did not specify the wrongs purportedly done to Vietnam veterans. That many of them suffer post-traumatic stress disorder and other hardships is undeniable. But that is a consequence of the war and the responsibility of the governments that prosecuted it.

For years, right-wingers have claimed that veterans of the conflict were spat at, insulted and set-upon when they returned. Those assertions have long since been exposed as gross exaggerations of what were, at most, a handful of incidents.

It is the case that in the decades following the war, the Returned Services League, the military and governments did not feature their exploits in Vietnam. That was a recognition of mass hostility to the war, which resulted in some of the largest demonstrations in Australias history, and the fact that it was correctly viewed as a dirty and criminal enterprise.

Now, 50 years on, Albaneses remarks were unmistakably aimed at developing a new narrative of the conflict. Instead of a neo-colonial war, characterised by the mass killing of civilians, carpet bombings and other atrocities, as it has widely been viewed, the war was an exercise in courage, service and the defence of the nation.

In reality, the war was the bloodiest manifestation of American imperialisms attempt to secure its global hegemony in the decades after World War II. In the context of the Cold War, this included a string of coups, brutal wars and counter-insurgency operations against liberation and independence movements in the historically oppressed countries, from Korea, to Vietnam, Central and South America.

Beginning in the 1950s and accelerating in the early 60s, the US had intervened in Vietnam, backing a widely reviled puppet regime in the south of the country, and deploying thousands of military advisors against the National Liberation Front (NLF), centred in the north.

As it became clear that the NLF was making advances, the Democrat administration of US President Lyndon Johnson prepared a massive expansion of direct US intervention. To justify the campaign of bombings and direct deployment of troops, Johnson and the US military concocted the Gulf of Tonkin incident. They claimed that a US warship had come under fire from North Vietnamese forces in August, 1964. In fact, the incident was a complete fabrication.

Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies, Canberra, 1960.

The conservative Australian government of Prime Minister Robert Menzies fully backed the provocation and the ensuing escalation. His government had first sent military advisors to participate in the conflict in 1962.

In the immediate wake of the Gulf of Tonkin incident, the Menzies government would introduce selective conscription for 20-year-olds in December 1964. The move was absurdly packaged as a means of ensuring that the Australian mainland could be defended from a potential northern invasion.

The same year, Menzies offered to dispatch ground troops to the conflict. That move was taken in May 1965, with the deployment of infantry, armored carrier personnel, signals and logistics troops. Menzies had falsely claimed in parliament to have received a request for troop assistance from the South Vietnamese puppet government. No such request had been sent, and the deployment had been worked out behind closed doors with the US.

Over the ensuing seven years, Australian troops would participate in the brutal counter-insurgency war, which inevitably acquired the character of a war against the entire population. At the peak of Australian involvement, more than 7,500 Australian soldiers were deployed.

As with the US and its other allies participating in the conflict, Australian troops carried out major war crimes.

The official 2020 Brereton Report into Australian war crimes decades later in Afghanistan, was compelled to review some of the alleged atrocities in Vietnam. It noted that the practice of throwdownsplacing guns on the bodies of murdered civiliansused by Australian special forces in Afghanistan had originated during the Vietnam war.

The report cited one study, which indicated that there were Australians whose morality was so eroded that they murdered villagers, raped women, tortured and killed wounded enemy soldiers and mutilated corpses.

Other accounts recalled instances where unarmed women and children were shot dead. They, together with their families, were regarded as enemy forces because they sought cover whenever a US warplane flew overheard. There were allegations of mass murder, paralleling the 1968 My Lai massacre where US forces massacred as many as 500 defenseless villagers.

The war would serve as a model for future counter-insurgency operations.

That Albanese and the Labor government are seeking to rehabilitate the war is a stark warning of what is being prepared. Labor has completed Australias transformation into a frontline state in the US-led war drive against China. The entire country is being militarised and placed on a war footing, with ever greater integration into the US war machine and the development of advanced strike capabilities. A US war with China would inevitably entail mass death and crimes on a vast scale.

Labors central role in these war preparations is in line with its historical character as a pro-capitalist party of Australian imperialism.

Fifty years on, an enduring myth is that the Australian withdrawal expressed an anti-war tradition within the Labor Party. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, by the time the newly-elected Labor government of Prime Minister Gough Whitlam proclaimed Australian preparations for withdrawal in December 1972, most Australian troops had already been recalled by its conservative predecessor.

That was a response to the military victories of the NLF, which demonstrated that any prospect of a US sweep of the country was all but foreclosed. At the time, the US was involved in the so-called Paris Peace Accords, along with South and North Vietnamese representatives, to try and orchestrate an end to the conflict short of a catastrophic defeat.

In addition to the military realities, the turn towards withdrawal was bound up with fear over massive anti-war sentiment. While the earliest marches against the war, in the mid-60s had been poorly attended, by 1970 moratorium marches were attracting more than 100,000 people in the major cities. The great fear of the ruling elite, including Labor, was that the anti-war movement would intersect with a developing movement of the working class.

That fear had been expressed repeatedly in the 1960s by then Labor leader Arthur Calwell. He had warned against the introduction of conscription, from the standpoint that it could provoke major social and political unrest. A decades-long servant of the ruling elite, Calwell recalled the mass anti-conscription movement that had erupted in World War I, provoking a split within the Labor Party.

Calwell was anything but a principled opponent of the war. He would denounce it as a dirty, rotten, unwinnable war. The clear import of the latter phrase was that the US was making a strategic miscalculation, but that if the war were winnable, it would have received Calwells open support. At the same time, he continued to fully support the US-Australia military alliance.

Calwell would pledge to withdraw Australian conscripts from the conflict if Labor were elected, but generally remained vague on what it would do with regular troops deployed to Vietnam. Calwell, in the lead-up to the 1966 election, would later state that any withdrawal of regular soldiers would be carried out in consultation with the US.

In the same election, Whitlam, then a prominent member of the party and later prime minister, floated the possibility of an increase of regular Australian troop numbers if Labor were elected. His comments were not an aberration. Shortly before the election, three Labor MPs had toured Vietnam, visiting US and Australian commands and greeting the troops.

Labors complicity in the war extended to the lefts. One of the leading lefts, Jim Cairns was chair of Labors Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee when it issued a February 1965 statement backing US strikes against North Vietnam. Cairns, and the Labor leadership as a whole, had promoted the fraudulent Gulf of Tonkin incident alongside the US.

When Whitlam became Labor leader in February, 1967, he and Cairns developed something of a division of labour. Whitlam, from the right, would say little to nothing about the war, while tacitly supporting it. Cairns would issue mealy-mouthed condemnations of the conflict and would appear at the various anti-war demonstrations.

The real lesson of that experience is not that Labor can be pressured to adopt an anti-war position, but that it is a dead-end for such sentiments among workers and young people. The Stalinist Communist Party of Australia, together with the trade union leaderships and various middle-class organisations, worked might and main to subordinate the anti-war movement to Labor and calls for negotiation.

The consequence was that Australian involvement in the war continued for years. At the same time, the largely middle-class anti-war movement was cut off from the genuine revolutionary force in society, the working class, which was then on the move.

Decades on, and Labor has moved far to the right, even compared with its rotten record on Vietnam. Now, the lefts, such as they are, are in power, represented not only by Albanese but by figures such as Foreign Minister Penny Wong. With no connection to the working class whatsoever, and functioning openly as the representatives of big business and imperialism, they are preparing even more horrific crimes.

The alternative is the fight to build a genuine anti-war movement. Such a movement must be international in scope, based upon the great social and political strength of the working class, and independent of all the parties of the political establishment. Above all, it must adopt a socialist program directed against the source of conflict, the capitalist system itself.
A joint session of Thailands parliament on Tuesday selected Pheu Thai Party (PT) candidate Srettha Thavisin to become the next prime ministera decision that was endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn last night. The new government will be sworn in within 15 days.

Srettha Thavisin pays respect in front of portrait of King Maha Vajiralongkorn as he receives the royal endorsement appointing him as the new prime minister in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. [AP Photo/Government Spokesman Office]

Srettha, a property tycoon, won 482 votes out of 728 present members in a joint sitting of parliament, including 152 votes from the current 249 seats held in the military-appointed Senate. The upper house had previously blocked the formation of a coalition government headed by the Move Forward Party (MFP), which won 151 seats in Mays general election, the most of any party.

Following Tuesdays vote, Srettha, who is not a member of parliament, gave a perfunctory victory speech lasting a minute. He avoided interacting with the media before being shepherded away by PT leaders including Paetongtarn Shinawatra who refused to comment.

Pheu Thai, which won 141 seats, initially joined an MFP-led coalition before dumping the general election winner and instead joining arms with the right-wing Bhumjaithai Party (71 seats). Later two main military-backed parties joined the coalitionthe United Thai Nation Party (UTN) with 36 seats and the Palang Pracharath Party (PPRP) holding 40 seats. Seven other minor parties also joined, giving a lower house majority of 314 out of 500 seats.

Pheu Thai has stated it would control eight cabinet posts and nine deputy cabinet posts while the military-backed parties would receive two cabinet posts and two deputy posts each. Ministries are yet to be allocated but it is almost certain that the military will assume control of the key security posts.

Pheu Thais formation of a government with these parties demonstrates its complete repudiation of any democratic pretensions. The PPRP is the outgoing ruling party and headed the coalition that held power after the fraudulent 2019 election and included UTN and Bhumjaithai.

Furthermore, UTN and the PPRP are the political vehicles of the generals who led the 2014 military coup against the PT government of Yingluck Shinawatra. Outgoing prime minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha joined UTN early this year after splitting from the PPRP. General Prawit Wongsuwon leads the PPRP and is the outgoing deputy prime minister.

The inclusion of the military-backed parties in the new coalition overturns promises made by PT and has angered many supporters of the party, which had postured as an opponent of military rule. Srettha told the Straits Times before the May election, We only work with parties that are not responsible for the coup.

PT leader Cholnan Srikaew, who earlier declared he would step down if the party broke its promise, is now chief spokesman for the new coalition. Justifying the partys about face, the declared: The goal right now is shared responsibility for the sake of the country.

The new government amounts to a repudiation of the popular vote in May, which was characterized by a broad rejection of the military and its political parties. The incoming governments pledge to reform the thoroughly anti-democratic, military-imposed constitution to make it more democratic is entirely empty.

Pheu Thai is the successor of Thai Rak Thai, which was founded in 1998 by Thaksin Shinawatra and came to power in 2001 pledging assistance for the poor in the wake of the devastating impact of the 19971998 Asian financial crisis. Thaksin, a billionaire and former police lieutenant colonel, postured as an alternative to the traditional elites in the monarchy, military, and state bureaucracy.

As prime minister, Thaksin won a significant following among the poor with his limited financial assistance to rural areas and provision of health care. At the same time, however, his government privatized state-owned enterprises, suppressed freedom of the press, and carried out a savage war on drugs that hit the most oppressed social layers hardest. In the first three months, some 2,800 extrajudicial murders took place.

The traditional ruling elites who had backed Thaksin initially increasingly turned against him as his pro-market policies cut across their interests. He was ousted in a military coup in 2006 and fled the country in 2008 after being convicted of trumped-up corruption charges.

Thai Rak Thai transformed into the Peoples Power Party (PPP) returned to office in 2008. At the end of that year, this party was banned in what was essentially a judicial coup and replaced by the military-aligned Democratic Party. Anger grew and PPP supporters led by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), also known as Red Shirts staged large and protracted protests against the military government. Mass demonstrations in 2010 were violently suppressed by the military which opened fire on protesters, killing 91 and injuring thousands.

In 2011, Thaksins party, renamed as Pheu Thai, won the national election and came to power again, with his sister Yingluck as prime minister. She was subsequently ousted in the 2014 coup that brought Prayut and the military to power and led to the creation of the 2017 constitution.

Now Pheu Thai is effectively in alliance with the military. Indicating the extent of discussions between PT and the military, Thaksin returned to Thailand on Tuesday. Undoubtedly a deal has been struck behind the scenes to ensure Thaksin does not serve any significant jail time, in exchange for toeing the militarys line.

The ruling class undoubtedly intends to exploit PT and Thaksin to suppress the growing anger of workers and the poor towards declining economic conditions. According to the Bank of Thailand, the ratio of public debt to GDP at 61.6 percent is the highest of any incoming government in over two decades. The growth rate for the second quarter was a sluggish 1.8 percent according to the National Economic and Social Development Council, well below the 3.1 percent expansion expected by economists.

Significantly Pheu Thais coalition has received the tacit support of the so-called progressive Move Forward Party, led by wealthy businessman Pita Limjaroenrat. While the MFP voted against Srettha in a calculated move to maintain its oppositional posturing, it has conducted no campaign against the anti-democratic methods used to install the new coalition.

After the Senate rejected Pita as prime minister on July 13 and barred him from renomination, he was suspended from parliament by the military-appointed Constitutional Court on July 19 on concocted charges. MFP stepped back to allow Pheu Thai to form a government and continued to support PT even as it became clear the latter was in talks with the military parties and would push the MFP into the opposition.

The MFP limited its response to petitioning the Constitutional Court on Pitas behalf, arguing for his ability to stand again for prime minister. The case was dismissed last week on the technicality that the MPs making the petition were not prime ministerial candidates and hence were not directly affected by the decision.
Aluminium Bahrain (Alba) CEO Ali Al Baqali has congratulated more than 90 trainee students on the completion of their On-Job-Training (OJT) programmes, carried throughout this year

At a ceremony was held at the companys premises, AL Baqali said: Success is never achieved in solo, and recognition is the way to applaud the trainees achievements and inspire them to do more to reach their objectives.

Every year, Alba welcomes university and school students for hands-on training placements across its various operational and support functions as per their respective specialisations. Since the beginning of 2023, Alba has provided OJT opportunities to 141 students, of whom 54 were females.-- TradeArabia News Service
KIEV, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine's intelligence units landed in Crimea on Thursday for a special operation, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a Telegram post.

The landing of intelligence personnel, supported by naval forces using floating devices, took place overnight near the settlements of Olenivka and Mayak, said the report.

Ukrainian troops engaged in combat with Russian forces during the special operation, it said.

Andriy Yusov, a spokesman for Ukraine's military intelligence, told the public broadcaster Suspilne that the goals of the special operation had been achieved and there were no losses among the Ukrainian military.

The special operation will continue, he said. 
SYDNEY, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare has condemned Japan's decision to start releasing the nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The prime minister of the Pacific island country made the remarks while attending the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders' Summit in Vanuatu's capital city of Port Vila, along with leaders of Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Fiji and New Caledonia's ruling party.

A press release from the Prime Minister's Press Secretariat on Thursday said Sogavare "delivered a strong statement against Japan's decision to release nuclear treated water into our ocean which has an impact on our people, ocean, economy and livelihood."

Sogavare was not only the MSG leader opposing Tokyo's decision announced on Tuesday to start releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean.

Leaders at the MSG meeting held on Wednesday and Thursday will decide on a number of important matters concerning the MSG region, including Japan's ocean discharge plan, according to the press secretariat.

Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Matai Seremaiah said Wednesday the MSG leaders were pushing for a declaration for the whole MSG group to denounce Japan putting anything into the Pacific Ocean until they are absolutely clear that there's no danger.

Seremaiah said Japan's decision to start the ocean discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater needed robust actions, urging polluters to "seriously consider other options."

Japan's ocean discharge plan of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater has so far been met with strong opposition and criticism both at home and abroad, including from Pacific island countries whose economies rely heavily on the fishing industry.

On Tuesday, the Japanese government announced the discharge would start from Thursday. The Fukushima plant has stored more than 1.3 million tons of nuclear-contaminated wastewater, and the discharge is planned to continue for more than 30 years, according to the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the plant.

Earlier on Thursday, live video provided by TEPCO showed the ocean discharge of the first batch of the plant's radioactive wastewater has started.

TEPCO said it plans to carry out the first round of release over 17 days to discharge 7,800 tons of the radioactive wastewater.

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. 
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 13th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues was held in Beijing from Aug. 21 to 24.

The meeting was co-chaired by Hong Liang, director-general of the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and Letho Tobdhen Tangbi, secretary of the International Boundaries of Bhutan.

Building on the consensus reached at the 12th Expert Group Meeting, the two sides had candid, friendly and constructive discussions on continuously implementing the MoU on the Three-Step Road Map for Expediting the China-Bhutan Boundary Negotiations.

Both sides agreed to expedite and take simultaneous steps to implement the Three-Step Road Map. One of the important outcomes of the 13th EGM is the establishment of the Joint Technical Team on the Delimitation of China-Bhutan Boundary which held its first meeting on the sidelines of the 13th EGM.

The two sides also agreed upon keeping the positive momentum of frequent Expert Group Meetings, holding the 14th Expert Group Meeting on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues as soon as possible and maintaining communication on holding the 25th Round of China-Bhutan Boundary Talk.

The Meeting was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere in keeping with the ties of friendship and cooperation between China and Bhutan. 
A daycare worker has been charged in the death of one-year-old RaMiyah Worthington after leaving the toddler in a hot van, WOWT 6 News reports.

Worthington was reportedly left behind in a Kidz of the Future Child Development Centers transportation van on Monday (Aug. 21) in Omaha, NE.

Per reports, the daycares personal van was used on Monday morning to pick up Worthington and two of her siblings, but only her siblings were taken out of the van upon returning home. Reportedly, authorities believe Worthington was left in the van for around five hours before being found, according to video surveillance.

It had to be around eight in the morning  eight in the morning, stated Worthingtons mother Sina Johnson to 6 News on Tuesday (Aug. 22). We didnt get a call until 3 PM. My daughter could have been in there eight, seven hours, no windows down, no nothing. Screaming. Crying. Nobody heard anything. Everybodys in this building while shes literally outside in the parking lot.

The Omaha PD stated in a press release on Monday (Aug. 21), The Omaha Police Departments Child Special Victims Unit is investigating the death of a one-year-old child at 5001 Leavenworth Street. Officers responded to Kidz of the Future Childcare at 3:06 p.m. Monday for an unresponsive child who was left in a van.

Upon the toddlers discovery, she was taken to Nebraska Medical Center where she was sadly pronounced dead. Now the vans driver, Ryan Williams, 62, has been arrested on the charge of child abuse by neglect resulting in death. An investigation of the incident is active.

press release

Worthingtons mother, Sina Johnson told ABC News during a rally, My baby did not come home. Her siblings did. She didnt. How did yall forget her? Yall picked all of em up, took em off the van. How did yall forget my baby? My baby suffered, she suffered.

Im not comprehending how this could have even possibly happened, Worthingtons father, Reeyon, stated. The daycare picks them up in the morning, early in the morning. My thing is how can you forget a kid that you yourself put into the vehicle, but you took the other two off? How do you forget one when you take two off the van? How did you forget my baby?

According to the father, his daughter was never checked into the daycare on the day of her death, after looking at the daycares app. A GoFundMe has now been created for Worthingtons family to help with funeral costs.

To help out with funeral arrangements, household expenses and the care of RaMiyahs 5 other siblings, I am asking anyone who has the means to donate to please do so, even if its just $1 so that her family can properly grieve during this extremely difficult time. Thank you, the GoFundMe reads.

VIBE sends condolences to RaMiyah Worthingtons family.

More from VIBE.com

Click here to read the full article.
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.

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.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
69th Taormina Film Festival - Day 2 - Credit: Ernesto Ruscio/Getty Images

Amber Heard will not face further charges related to bringing her Yorkshire terriers into Australia in 2015.

The case stemmed from an incident where the actress brought her dogs, Pistol and Boo, to the Gold Coast, where her then-husband Johnny Depp was filming the fifth Pirates of the Caribbean movie. When she arrived, Heard did not declare she was bringing her dogs in, which went against Australias quarantine regulations. In 2016, Heard was charged with two counts of illegally importing her dogs into the country and one count of producing a false document.

More from Rolling Stone

Heard pled guilty to providing a false immigration document in Australias Southport Magistrates Court. She was sentenced to a one-month good behavior bond. The other charges were dropped. In court, Heard claimed she didnt intend to lie. More recently, however, Depps former employee Kevin Murphy stated in court in 2020, when Depp sued The Sun for defamation, that Heard had known about Australias quarantine rules. He added that she had put pressure on a staff member to take responsibility for breaking the rules.

Under Australian law, this means Heard potentially committed perjury in 2016. But earlier this week, Australias biosecurity watchdog, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, confirmed they would not be charging the actress.

Prosecution action will not be taken against actress Amber Heard over allegations related to her sentencing for the illegal import of two dogs into Australia in 2015, the department said in a statement. The department collaborated with agencies, both in Australia and overseas, to investigate these claims against Ms Heard. A brief of evidence was referred to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions, who has made the decision not to prosecute in this instance having applied the Prosecution Policy of the Commonwealth.

After bringing the dogs into Australia in 2015, Heard and Depp were given a 50-hour deadline by the government to return Pistol and Boo to the U.S., which they did. In April 2016, Heard filmed an apology video with Depp, saying, I am truly sorry that Pistol and Boo were not declared.

Heard is currently the subject of a new three-part Netflix docuseries, Depp v. Heard, directed by Emma Cooper. It follows the court trial that took place after Depp brought a defamation case against Heard in Virginia over a Washington Post op-ed with her byline wherein she referred to herself as a public figure representing domestic abuse who spoke up against sexual violence. Heard then countersued for defamation.

The jury ultimately ruled in Depps favor, finding Heard liable on three counts of defamation and granting him $10.35 million in damages (and Heard $2 million in damages for one count of defamation). The two parties settled in December 2022, with Heard paying Depp $1 million.

Best of Rolling Stone

Click here to read the full article.
Chiles at it again. Sinces Andres Woods breakout Machuca in 2004, Chilean filmmakers, led by Pablo Larrain, Sebastian Lelio and now Maite Alberdi, have punched consistently above the countrys weight, consistently winning plaudits at Sundance, Berlin and Cannes. Chile has also won three Oscars  for Claudio Mirandas cinematography on 2012s Life of Pi, 2015s animated short Bear Story and Lelios 2017s fiction feature A Fantastic Woman  more any other South American country apart from Argentina.

First half 2023 has proved no exception in Chiles statue trawl. Some of the awards on offer are among the biggest out: Alberdis The Eternal Memory, from Fabula, scooped Sundances World Cinema Grand Prize; Andres Woods News of a Kidnapping walked off with best series at the Platino Awards, the Spanish-speaking worlds nearest kudos fest to the Oscars.

More from Variety

In all, according to a CinemaChile study released during Sanfic, one of South Americas most significant festival-industry events, Chilean films or filmmakers swept 103 prizes over the first six months of the year.

Thats 128% up on same period 2022 when Chiles was still gearing up from one of the longest COVID-19 confinement periods in the world, only lifted in February 2021.

The report underscores that our countrys audiovisual industry enjoys large success and recognition in the world, said CinemaChile exec director Ximena Baeza, saying that an added value was that so many awards were won in foremost film-TV powerhouses, such as the U.S. (32), Spain (14) and France (11). 10 awards went to Asia, including India (5), Japan and China  where Matias Bizes The Punishment took best picture and actress at the Beijing Film Festival in April.

32 awards went to international co-productions, most notably News of a Kidnapping, a four-time Platino winner, produced by Stuart Fords AGC Studios and Chiles Invercine & Wood. 33 awards went to women, Baeza notes.

Also noteworthy, of Chiles score or so of most prominent awards to date this year, half went to members of a new generation of filmmakers, who are first or second time feature directors or short filmmakers whose movies stand out for the boldness of their thematic ambition, genre and format blending.

Mutt (Quiltro), a feature debut from trans director Vuk Lungolov-Klotz, a New York-based Chilean-Serbian, won Sundance U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for acting (Lio Mehiel) and a special mention from the Berlinales 14plus International Jury.

A co-production involving 11 producers in eight countries, Felipe Galvezs The Settlers, set in 1901 and delivering a revisionist Western on how Chiles South was won, slaughtering Selknam natives in Tierra del Fuego, won the Fipresci award for best film in Cannes Un Certain Regard. It has just been announced as Chiles Oscars entry.

Around half of these new gen filmmakers are women. Variety has already highlighted some emerging female talent from Chile, such as self described granny millennial Alexandra Hyland, for example, at Rotterdam this year with Outsider Girls.

As Sanfic Industria hits high gear, here are profiles of a dozen next-gen female Chilean directors to track, among early year winners or quite likely on the path to kudos glory:

Francisca Alegria, The Cow Who Sang a Song Into the Future

Alegria first captured international attention with her buzzy magic realist short And the Whole Sky Fit into the Dead Cows Eye, which clinched the best intl short award at Sundance in 2017. Her first feature, The Cow who Sang a Song into the Future, premiered at Sundance 2022 and was a New York Times Critics Pick this year. She is set to direct a female led sci-fi feature which her new Latinx production company, Madre, is co-producing with Bord Cadre Films and Sovereign Films, producers of the Oscar-nominated Triangle of Sadness. AMDLF

Paola Campos, En el Camino a Casa

The director returns to her hometown to teach film workshops to kids in the region, traversing her old paths toward belonging amidst the backdrop of the Mapuche conflict that has created a tear in the communitys fabric. Ready-to-pitch and produced by Ursus Films Vicente Barros (Educadores), the project plays Sanfic Industrias Documentary Lab strand. Her first doc short, La Extrana, has been featured in national and international showcases and festivals, receiving awards for best screenplay and best film at BSFF-19, Fedochi 2019 and FiDocs. HJ

Francina Carbonell, The Sky is Red

Originally slated for 2018s Sanfic Works in Progress, The Sky is Red from first time doc-feature director Carbonell so impressed Storyboards partners Gabriela Sandoval and Carlos Nunez that they boarded the doc as producers and distributors in Chile. It drills down on a tragic prison fire from 2010 in San Miguel Prison which left 81 prisoners dead. Selected for IDFA in 2020, The Sky is Red won best film by a Latin American Director age 35 or under at 2021s Mar del Plata Festival. JH

Patricia Correa, Otra Piel

Winner of Tribeca funding for her debut feature, Otra Piel, also set up at Storyboard, having been selected for IDFA for her first mid-feature, The Woman and the Passenger. A wry ode to singularity of human nature, Otra Piel turns on Miguel, a young taxidermist chasing his dream to open a museum of stuffed animals for blind children to pet. JH

Laura Donoso, Sariri

Dina, 16, falls pregnant in her staunchly patriarchal home mining town of La Lagrima, prompting her to attempt to flee across its surrounding desert, perhaps with sister Sariri, 11, who has just had her first menstruation, which locals deem malignant. Also co-written by Donoso, her graduate feature at Chiles Cine UDD and a Ventana Sur winner which topped Films in Progress at Toulouse Latin American Festival this April. JH

Tana Gilbert, Malqueridas

Heading to Venice International Critics Week, the only female Latin American director at the whole festival, Malqueridas, shot entirely on clandestine cell phones by inmates at a womans prison, depicting how they face single motherhood despite incarceration. Gilberts feature debut, Malqueridas was part of the Chile Showcase at Cannes Docs 2022, where it picked up the Alphapanda Award, as well as winning the DOK Leipzig/DOK Industry Networking Award at Switzerlands 2021 Visions du Reel. JH

Valeria Hofmann, Alien0089

A Sundance Short Film Special Jury Award winner for Directing International, one of the great Latin American shorts of this year, with Maria Di Girolamo, star of Pablo Larrains Ema, playing a gamer who uploads a video denouncing gender harassment as a stranger enters her flat, hacking her computer, fusing real and virtual worlds. Stylish, plunging into phantasmagoric vid game aesthetics, echoing Chilean social unrest, with Alien 0089 produced by Mimbres Daniela Camino, Augusto Matte and Pascual Mena, and co-produced by REI Cine  prestige backing indeed  Hofmann is an international breakout waiting to happen. JH

Paola Campos, Tana Gilbert, Claudia Huaiquimilla, Kattia G. Zuniga

Claudia Huaiquimilla, Mis hermanos suenan despiertos

In 2016, the Mapuche director-screenwriter-producers first feature, Mala Junta, snagged 40 awards and was nominated for two Platino Awards. Her second feature, Mis hermanos suenan despiertos (2021), premiered at the 74th Locarno Film Festival and won best film and screenplay at the 36th Guadalajara Film Festival (FICG), and was nominated for Mexicos Oscar equivalent, the Ariel Awards. She also co-directed and co-wrote Netflixs first original series in Chile, 42 dias en la oscuridad. She is now preparing the animated movie Pangui and a fiction film set in 1990s Chile, Mapurbe. AMDLF

Katherina Harder Sacre, Desert Lights, (Estrellas del Desierto)

Based out of Chile and Barcelona, Harder helmed the live action short Memorias del viento (Guiding Sights) which played at 35 film festivals winning best short at Chiles Valdivia fest. Head hunted to direct Parox project Silver Bridge, director of Tribeca selected rural emigration short Desert Lights, winner of 26 prizes in 2022 and a best short triumph at Januarys Miami Ibero-American Film Festival. A lesbian director now at Sanfic Industry with her feature debut, Plaster Virgins, a LGBTQ coming of age tale produced by Cynthia Garcia Calvo.

Gabriela Pena, Here, the Silence is Heard

An alum of Barcelonas Pompeu Fabra U., one base of Catalan directors mix of documentary and fiction, Pena, Spanish-Chilean, is working on her second feature Here, the Silence is Head, co-directed with which charts her return to the family home in Valparaiso, to live with her aged parents whose traumas of torture under Pinochet and exile still roil, inherited by her granddaughter. A recipient of the Open City Documentary Festivals Assembly Lab development funding, and participant in Chicken and Egg Pictures EggCelerator Lab.

Kamila Veliz, Tantas Nenas

Heartfelt and raw, Veliz courts death in this profound rendering of her mothers final days battling breast cancer. A poignant depiction of grief, care and familial bonds, the Sanfic Industria Documentary Lab title was additionally an official selection at Lab Cine Lebu and snagged the Documentary in Production prize at Chiles Antofa Lab. Veliz is currently producing the documentary series Rescued by Maria Teresa Paz and boasts prior production credits on the 2017 series Without Borders, 2018 title Emancipated, and the 2023 feature film Bastard. The Legacy of Pinochet.

Kattia G. Zuniga, Sister & Sister

Panamanian-Costa Rican but based in Chile, director of Sister & Sister, a touching sibling coming-of-age tale, co-produced by DP Alejo Crisostamo out of Chiles Ceibita Films, which world premiered at SXSW before winning best Latin American picture at Marchs Malaga Festival. Now developing the Panama-set dance film Raging, about a group of 55-year-old women friends who decide to take dance classes. Crisostamo again produces.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
A woman has claimed that Delta Air Lines staff allegedly lost her dog. Now, shes taken to social media in a desperate bid to find her missing pup.

Former passenger Paula Rodriguez has claimed that Delta staff allegedly lost her dog, Maia, last Friday at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Georgia.

Rodriguez was reportedly flying in from the Dominican Republic when she was denied entry to the United States by US Border Control officials. In an interview with Atlanta News First, Rodriguez explained: They told me very kindly, Were so sorry but you dont meet the requirements to enter the US. Youve been denied entry, and you need to be sent back home to Santo Domingo.

Rodriguez added: They told me, Youre going to have to sleep in a detention centre, and your dog cant come with you.

After spending a night in a detention centre separated from her beloved pet, Rodriguez was set to take a flight back home on Saturday morning. But when she was prepared to board her flight, her dog was reportedly nowhere to be found. Rodriguez said that she was in tears as she told border officials that she wouldnt board without her dog, but they allegedly informed Rodriguez that by law, they couldnt have her in the airport for more than 24 hours.

When she arrived in the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez explained that she tried to get answers from Delta officials. I started making calls, I started making claims, nobody knew where she was, Rodriguez told Atlanta News First.

Rodriguez revealed that she had finally heard back from a Delta representative the following Monday, but they told her that Maia had broken out of her kennel and was reportedly missing since Saturday. After that, Delta hasnt called me once or emailed me about the whereabouts of my dog, Rodriguez claimed.

She also informed the Atlanta-based outlet that she had rescued Maia from the streets and shes had her since shes been one month old.

Andrew Gobeil, the senior director of communications for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, explained to Atlanta News First: ATLs operations teams conduct runway and airfield inspections throughout the day. At this time they have not encountered the dog, but will continue to remain vigilant should she appear. If she is seen, ATLs staff will attempt to capture her and return her to the airline and her owner.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Meanwhile, representatives from Delta Air Lines have told Atlanta News First that they remain dedicated to finding the dog. However, the company denies Rodriguezs claims that they have not been in contact with her since she lost her dog.

Delta teams have been working to locate and reunite this pet with the customer and we remain in touch with the customer to provide updates, a Delta representative said. Delta people feel deeply concerned for the customer and the dog and were committed to ongoing search efforts, working closely with the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation and other stakeholders.

The Independent has contacted Delta and Rodriguez for comment.
Experts share what type of foods can make sure patients avoid side effects like nausea or vomiting when taking type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss

While Ozempic has been creating buzz as weight loss aids, many have shared their experience dealing with some intense side effects from the drugs, specifically nausea and vomiting.

Now, some doctors are sharing some foods patients might want to avoid in order to reduce the uneasy stomach.

Ozempic is an FDA-approved prescription medication for people with type 2 diabetes. It's one of the brand names for semaglutide and tirzepatide  also known as Wegovy and Mounjaro  which works in the brain to impact satiety, and is the latest Hollywood weight loss trend.

In addition to reducing hunger, the medication also slows down the stomach emptying, which can lead to the nausea side effect as some foods may stay in the stomach for many hours of even days.

Because of this, Dr. Christopher McGowan  an obesity medicine physician and founder of True You Weight Loss in Cary, North Carolina  told Today that there are some foods to avoid when taking the drug.

McGowan told the outlet that the longer food remains in the stomach, the more likely a person will experience nausea or vomiting.

Related: 'MDLLA''s Tracy Tutor Stopped Mounjaro After 'Projectile Vomiting' Side Effect, Inability to Drink Alcohol

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.

Greasy and high-fat foods should be avoided as they are slow to digest and stay in the stomach the longest. Additionally, McGowan said people should avoid fruits and vegetables with significant roughage  the indigestible portion of food. This includes stringy foods like pineapple and celery.

He added that vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, onions and asparagus can also cause gas while taking Ozempic. McGowan also suggests limiting the consumption of cheese, eggs, coffee, and peanut butter while taking the medication.

Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, advises that people should avoid eating sweets or fried or greasy foods while taking Ozempic, especially if they are experiencing nausea.

Patients are urged to eat bland, low-fat foods, like crackers, toast and rice; or foods that contain water, such as soups and gelatin, the company states.

McGowan stressed that there are no foods that are officially deemed safe or unsafe, urging people on Ozempic to simply figure out which foods give them the most side effects and avoid them.

Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the best calories available, he told Today. The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
An Indonesian lawmaker has said that Japan's announcement to release the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean will damage the trust of its neighboring countries, including the ASEAN.





Produced by Xinhua Global Service
Jumping the gun on Fox News GOP debate tonight, Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson made it clear to Rupert Murdoch that revenge is a dish best served online. Running like an incumbent with no desire to share the spotlight with vice president wannabes, Trump easily dominated the debate by never showing up.

Its debate night, but were not in Milwaukee, Carlson proclaimed at the top of the video with a sour-looking Trump by his side.

More from Deadline

Were doing this interview, but well get bigger ratings using this crazy forum that youre using than probably the debate, said the former POTUS and leading candidate for the 2024 Republican nomination to the former FNC Golden Boy during their pre-recorded chat that debuted on the social media platform formerly known as Twitter at 5:55 p.m. PT, five minutes before the live debate began.

RELATED: GOP Debate: Six Of Eight Candidates Indicate They Would Still Support Donald Trump Even If He Is Convicted

While the days of 24 million tuning in to a Republican contenders debate on Fox in 2015 likely are long gone, Trumps boast to Carlson of the much-hyped counterprogramming reflects the formers obsession with the increasingly outdated metric as a sign of his power and influence. Long fueled by grievances, both Trump and Tucker clearly wanted to show their old cable news home they didnt need Fox anymore and that the center of conservative political power had shifted with their gravitational pull.

RELATED: Trump January 6 Indictment: Read The Full Document

If you didnt get that point, the never less-than-obvious Trump said it out loud to Carlson early in their sit-down at his estate in Bedminster, NJ. Calling Fox News a network that isnt particularly friendly to me, the one-term president made sure to get in swipes at the lost cause of one-time protege Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the same breath.

Goaded by Carlson to add in digs at the decline of TV in todays digital era, POTUS 45 hit out at cable, saying it has lost credibility. He also blasted old foil CNN as dead  doing no ratings at all Overall, Trumps talk with Carlson was full of self-pity about being betrayed by bad guy Mitch McConnell, his impeachments, his four indictments, Hilary Clinton, Joe Biden and protests. In other words, his so-called greatest hits.

Whats next  dont they have to kill you now? Carlson asked a somewhat-shocked Trump. Its all bullshit, he replied in a typical deflection with a rambling attack on corrupt and incompetent Biden, who is compromised by China. In many ways, we have a Manchurian candidate!

With references to the Panama Canal, a second American Civil War, fascist electric cars, ending the war in Ukraine and beautiful hair, the interview took some other unexpected turns with Carlson asking if Trump thought its possible that Jeffrey Epstein was killed. In reply to the mention of his old sex-offender friend who died behind bars in 2019, Trump said: I think he probably committed suicide. He had a life with beautiful homes and beautiful everything and all of a sudden hes incarcerated.

A lot less of a presence on Fox than he was in 2016 and during his White House reign, the former Celebrity Apprentice host reveled in pleas from the Murdoch outlet to appear onstage with Gov. Ron DeSantis and the other seven GOP dwarfs in Milwaukee tonight. Toying with Fox, Trump made it official on August 20 that he would not be participating in the shindig  that announcement came days after hed already filmed his interview with Carlson.

Moderated by FNCs Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum, tonights debate featured DeSantis, former VP Mike Pence, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, former pharmaceutical executive Vivek Ramaswamy, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. The vast majority of the candidates are polling in the single digits against far-away front-runner Trump and second-place DeSantis.

In addition to Trumps shadow, President Joe Biden also had a hefty presence tonight, with the current inhabitant of the Oval Office running re-election ads on Fox. Regardless of whether the much-indicted Trump gets the GOP nod against Biden, 2024 already is shaping up to be a multibillion-dollar advertising bonanza for linear TV and every other platform.

Taking his own digs at former colleague Chris Wallace tonight  a bitchy little man, he called him  the ex-host of FNCs top rated Tucker Carlson Tonight was taken off the air by Fox on April 24.

The move, which still sees Carlson under contract to Fox, came just days after the company paid Dominion Voting Systems $787.5 million on the first day of trial to settle a defamation suit over false 2020 election claims  many of which were promoted by Carlson himself. While Fox says the two issues arent related, it has tried to keep Carlson from becoming a competitor. With that, despite all the huffing, puffing and leaked video, Carlson was able to launch a low-fi show on Twitter on June 6 with little interference from Fox.

Since the 121 million views that the first Tucker on Twitter, which is now Tucker on X, pulled in the numbers for the venture on the Elon Musk-owned platform have had a pretty steady decline. Of course, determining how many people really are watching is a bit of a guessing game. Although X/Twitter recently removed the specific viewership numbers on a post, even before then, views could be counted when it was just someone who scrolled by.

Rumored to be wanting to form his own media company in possible conjunction with X as a primary platform once he is free of his Fox contract, Carlsons bet on Trump tonight will be judged as a success for the attention it received, whatever the numbers are.

With that, Trumps nearly 47-minute chat with Carlson was showing around 75 million views just over half an hour into the GOP debate. Then again, tonight was just the warm-up act to Trump surrendering to law enforcement in Atlanta on Thursday to face charges in his most recent indictment on 2020 election tampering in Georgia.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
The 'Bachelor in Paradise' stars share pictures and memories from their wedding, held at a chateau outside of Paris

She said oui!

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, Bachelor in Paradise stars Hannah Godwin and Dylan Barbour married at the Chateau de Villette in Condecourt, France, the culmination of a week-long celebration.

The groom called the day "dreamlike," as he and his bride exchanged vows before and celebrated with 145 friends and family members.

Here, an exclusive look at the couple's wedding  and the days of festivities leading up to it.

Mr. & Mrs.

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Introducing the Harbours! The couple locks eyes following their nuptials.

As a kid, you always wonder who you are going to marry and spend the rest of your life with, and we couldnt be luckier getting the opportunity to do that with each other," Godwin told PEOPLE ahead of the wedding. "Its fun to know who you'll get to do life with and plan out goals and the future, and be each other's biggest supporter along the way."

Going Glam

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

"My entire mood board for all of the looks of the wedding week were classic 90s supermodel inspired," Godwin told PEOPLE ahead of her big day. "I have always found that I feel the most 'me' when Im in something that feels simple, yet powerful."



Squad Goals

Lori Krebs

The bride sported a sleek half-pony for the ceremony, with clean makeup to match.

Bridal Besties

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Before slipping into her gown, Godwin celebrated with her bridal party.

The bride gifted her bridesmaids robes and PJs from Victoria's Secret. "Matching with my bridal party and some of the closest women in my life prior to my ceremony was the best way to celebrate," she said. "What better way to create memories than with such beautiful pieces that I will remember forever.

Final Touches

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

The couple's wedding date was already a special one: Godwin's mom's birth date!

A Dress to Impress

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Godwin flew to Barcelona with her mom to design her dream wedding dress with Pronovias Haute Couture. While she initially thought she would be indecisive on her gown, she knew right away that she had found "the one." She added two party dresses for later in the evening, too.

Ticket to Ride

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Among the favors: custom passport holders.

Picture Perfect

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

The pair chose a historic venue outside of Paris  the Chateau de Villette  because the City of Light was the first place they traveled as a couple after their season of Bachelor in Paradise finished airing.

"Paris has always held a special place in our hearts, and we knew spending a week with our family and closest friends celebrating our wedding would be a dream," Godwin shared.

Love Story

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Godwin walked down the aisle to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love."

Kiss the Bride

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

"I think we both feel like we are already married, but its such a life moment for the both of us that it means the world, Godwin said of the ceremony.

Family First

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

The newlyweds posed for a smiling family photo.

Like a Dream

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

I honestly did not expect the wedding to be this dreamlike, Barbour told PEOPLE. I cant wait to spend every moment appreciating our life and celebrating such a huge life moment with Hannah and my family.

Swept Away

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Godwin's train caught the wind in one scenic shot.

Party People

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

For the pair, making their wedding day fun was the number one priority, they shared.

Black and White

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

In contrast to the bride, the bridesmaids wore black gowns in varying styles.

Sparkle Motion

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Godwin added a touch of pizazz to her ceremony gown with bejeweled gloves.

Dinner Date

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Dinner consisted of a three-course plated dinner from Chakra Events which included beef Wellington, rack of lamb and potato gnocchi.



Raise a Glass

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

During cocktail hour, the couple served their favorite appetizers and champagne from Champagne Lucien Roguet.

Sweet Nothings

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

When it came time for dessert, the couple created a donut wall instead of a classic wedding cake.

Something Borrowed

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

The California-based couple made sure to bring a piece of West Coast fashion, hand-picking their favorite pair of sunglasses, Reveler Slims from watch and lifestyle brand MVMT, for each of their guests to take home.

Fashionable Fun

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Godwin's second look was her "fashion moment," she told PEOPLE, and featured some sparkle on the skirt.

Making Memories

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Odds are well never have all of these people in one place ever again, so Im looking forward to being in the moment, laughing, and soaking up all the love, Barbour shared.

Lip Service

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Its almost hard to put into words how magical this day is for us, Godwin said. Not only do I get to marry the guy of my dreams, but I get to be in France with my closest family and friends. I feel like there's no other words to describe it other than the best day ever!

What a Gem

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Godwin's third look of the night "was all the fun sparkles," she shared.

The Honeymooners

Beba Vowels | @bebavowelsphoto

Following the wedding, Godwin and Barbour are traveling to Mykonos to celebrate their marriage with some of their childhood friends for a few days. From there, theyre flying to a resort in the Maldives for a 10 day reset trip.

Said the groom, Our goal is to do a whole bunch of nothing there and soak in all the new husband and wife moments."



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
Fogo de Chao, the restaurant from Brazil, is opening its first location in Providence on Monday, Aug. 28, at Providence Place.

The steakhouse traces its roots back to 1979 in South America. It opened in Porto Alegre, celebrating beef, gauchos and cooking on open flames, churrasco-style. The first one opened in the United States in 1997.

The new restaurant features an open-air churrasco grill in the dining room, where guests can watch Fogos gaucho chefs practice the culinary art of churrasco. They butcher and grill a variety of fire-roasted meats including favorites such as Bone-In Ribeye, Lamb Chops and the house specialty, Picanha, the prime part of the top sirloin. Chicken, pork and seafood are all on the menu.

What is the full churrasco experience?

The full churrasco experience is a fixed-price meal that includes premium and classic cuts of meat, plus a seasonal market table of salads and more, Feijoada (Brazil's national dish of Black Bean Stew with sausage served over rice) and Brazilian side dishes. The cost is $62.50. Extra are what they call "Indulgent Cuts" which include a 20-ounce Wagyu New York Strip, carved tableside on a Himalayan salt block; a dry-aged 32-ounce Long Bone Tomahawk Ribeye; and a 24-ounce Wagyu Ribeye.

Fogo de Chao, the restaurant from Brazil is opening its first location in Providence on Monday, Aug. 28 at Providence Place.

Weekday lunch options include the full churrasco experience for $44.50.

Weekend Brazilian Brunch includes the churrasco combined with Brazilian-inspired brunch items including Braised Beef Rib Hash and made-to-order waffle and omelet stations. Bar Fogo features $10 Brazilian-inspired cocktails, $8 glasses of South American wines and $5 beers.

The restaurant also features an expansive patio for al fresco dining, soaring wine cases, a contemporary Bar Fogo area with lounge seating, and dry-aged meat lockers for in-house aging.

Where will Fogo de Chao be located and are reservations available?

Fogo is at street level, at 148 Providence Place, where Joes American Grill & Bar operated until closing seven years ago. Diners can make reservations online at fogodechao.com.

Grown locally: For nearly 20 years, Farm Fresh RI has connected farmers to chefs. It's a partnership to celebrate

As part of its introduction to the community, Fogo will donate a portion of its first week of sales to Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

The Fogo brand is enjoying 15% growth this year, with 12 new domestic and international leases signed and recent openings in Quito, Ecuador; National Harbor, Maryland; Woodland Hills, California; and Paramus, New Jersey. There are two in Massachusetts in Boston and Burlington. There are 76 restaurants here and abroad.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Fogo de Chao to open in Providence Place mall on Aug. 28
Their menu is small but big on flavor as Jacksonville husband and wife chefs introduce an authentic taste of Ecuador to Northeast Florida at a homey diner.

Chancho King recently opened at 1120 Edgewood Ave. S. in Murray Hill. The diner from restaurant veterans Chason Spencer and Maria Delia La Mota Guerra is the first Ecuadorian restaurant in Northeast Florida.

The restaurant offers authentic cuisine rooted in traditional family recipes. It is Ecuadorian comfort food typically served on home tables or offered by street vendors in the small coastal country in South America.

"We're living off that dream of, if you make good food, people will come," Spencer said of their four-year path that began in 2019 as a pop-up sandwich shop at neighborhood events to a food truck at Riverside Arts Market to a brick-and-mortar restaurant.

Small menu, big flavors

Chancho King's signature Pork Sandwich with Patacones (double fried green plantains) is a customer favorite at the newly opened authentic Ecuadorian restaurant from husband and wife chefs Chason Spencer and Maria Delia La Mota Guerra in Murray Hill.

The Murray Hill diner is an opportunity, the couple said, to share not only the cuisine but also the culture and warm hospitality of Ecuador.

Chancho means pork in Ecuador's native language  Quechua  as well as in Spanish, which is the country's official language. And pork is king on the diner menu, which is a taste of home for Guerra.

The pork for the signature sandwich that launched the restaurant as well as the entrees, munchies, ceviche and aqua fresca all are made fresh from scratch at the diner. The bread for the sandwiches comes from Village Bread & Bagel in Jacksonville.

Time is a crucial ingredient in their food. Preparing the pork takes almost three days from start to finish, the couple said.

"Building flavor takes time," Guerra said.

The pork is seasoned in a brine and then slow-roasted using a recipe Spencer developed over the years.

"We do a three-day marinade  and cook it overnight. So, it's cooked for 12 hours," Spencer said. "We take all of the liquid that comes off of the pork when we cook it, strain it and basically reduce it more to intensify that flavor and use that to season the pork."

On the menu at Chancho King

Pork Sandwich ($7): Pork, hot pepper aji, mild tomato aji, lime pickled red onions and pork cracklings

Choripan Sandwich ($7): Chorizo, chimichurri, lime pickled red onions and Chancho aioli

Arroz Con Menestra Y Carne ($15): A choice of pork, chorizo, chicken or mushroom then served with white rice, lentil stew and patacones

Llapingacho ($17): A choice of pork, chorizo, chicken or mushroom served with cheese potato cakes, rice, fried egg and peanut sauce

Plantain bowl ($13): A choice of pork, chorizo, chicken or mushroom served over plantain chips, hot pepper aji, mild tomato aji, lime pickled red onions and Chancho aioli

Seco De Pollo ($16): Leg and thighs chicken stew, white rice and sweet plantains

Sango ($17): Plantain stew, seafood, peanuts, white rice, lime

Among the munchies, customer favorites include Pan De Yuca ($6), fried cheese and yuca balls; Maduro Con Queso ($8), sweet plantains and cheese topped with salprieta "peanut sauce;" and Chifles ($3 or $6 depending on size), green plantain chips.

Chancho King also is known for its Ecuadorian ceviche they describe as "very different" from other Latin American versions of the fresh seafood dish. Instead of just lime, Chancho King ceviche uses fish or shrimp stock and a peanut base, they said. The dish soon will be back for Sunday brunch after a temporary hiatus while they moved into the diner.

Also new in Murray Hill: Popular Jacksonville barbecue food truck puts it in park to open new restaurant

A taste of home

Chefs Chason Spencer and his wife and partner, Maria Delia La Mota Guerra, recently opened Ecuadorian restaurant Chancho King in Murray Hill.

"The whole menu is very nostalgic. It is the food I had at home. It's not pretentious at all. It's just easy, homey food," Guerra said.

Together for 10 years, the couple met in culinary school. Each has a dozen years of professional cooking experience, working their way up the ranks in local restaurant kitchens  Restaurant Orsay, Black Sheep and most recently, TPC Sawgrass  before launching Chancho King in June 2019.

They started out selling their pork sandwiches under a tent at pop-ups at local businesses, getting them through the COVID-19 pandemic and laying the foundation for the diner.

Their love of cooking is rooted in family  his in Cocoa Beach and hers in Guayaquil, Ecuador  where the kitchen was the heart of their homes. His parents would hold a neighborhood pig roast each year. Her grandmother always had room for one more at her table. Both excellent home cooks, his dad and her grandmother were their inspiration to pursue culinary careers, Spencer and Guerra said.

"I grew up enjoying my grandmother's food. I didn't start cooking Ecuadorian cuisine until I moved to the States. Just because I missed it, I started doing it," she said.

Spencer also developed a passion for her grandmother's cooking as well as overall Ecuadorian cuisine when they visited her family.

More new restaurants: What's new or coming soon to Jacksonville's Downtown, San Marco and Riverside

They want the diner to be a gathering place in the community  a comfortable venue for families, friends, neighbors and strangers to come together, relax and enjoy themselves.

"Honestly, I think we're in the business of nurturing. We're here to take care of people together and try to give them a good time," he said.

Chancho King is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Takeout hours at Aardwolf Brewing Company are 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Teresa Stepzinski is the dining reporter for the Times-Union. Follow her on Twitter @TeresaStepz or reach her via email at tstepzinski@jacksonville.com.

If you're a subscriber, thank you. If not, become a subscriber to get the latest dining coverage.

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Ecuadorian restaurant Chancho King opens in Jacksonville's Murray Hill
Fox News anchors Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum evidently thought they could moderate a two-hour Republican presidential debate in a fictitious, Donald-Trump-less world on Wednesday. But despite eight years passing since Trump singlehandedly commandeered the party, the moderators seemingly failed to grasp the true hold he heldon voters, the debate audience, and the candidates themselves.

Their goal was evident from the first question, framed around the song currently atop the Billboard Hot 100mostly due to conservative outrageOliver Anthonys Rich Men North of Richmond.

Why is this song striking such a nerve in this country right now? What do you think it means? MacCallum posed to the eight candidates who bothered to show up.

It was the softball question one could picture closing a debate full of substantive discussions on policy and action plans. Yet its inclusion at the topprompted by two separate follow-ups that couldve easily dropped the Richmond framingimmediately set up the moderators for failure, as was evidenced by the candidates antics throughout the meandering two-hour affair.

Take the first of multiple show of hands questions, coming in just before the first (and oddly timed) commercial break. Following a question posted by a Young Americans for Freedom member, MacCallum asked the candidates to raise their hands to see who believed human behavior had caused Earths climate to change. It appropriately prompted ire among the candidates, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dismissing the idea entirely.

Were not schoolchildren, he said in an apparent imitation of former U.S. Senator Fred Thompsons refusal in 2008. Lets have the debate.

(DeSantis proceeded to not directly answer the question, instead attacking Biden over his no comment statement on the recent Maui wildfires before getting hijacked by businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.)

Republican Debaters Agreed on One Thing: They Hate Vivek Ramaswamy

Show of hands questions have long been the subject of derision, as they often dont allow candidates to provide substantive answers on weighty subjects. CNN even banned it during a Democratic primary debate in 2019, but it did not stop this years Fox News moderators from trying it repeatedly.

If former President Trump is convicted in a court of law, will you still support him as your partys choice? Baier asked, referencing the Republican National Committees mandated pledge for each candidate to support the eventual nominee. The question on its own was a fair one, particularly as candidates such as former governors Chris Christie and Asa Hutchinson have bucked the idea of eventually supporting Trump.

But, yet again, a moderator demanded the candidates raise their hands. The question did, however, allow for another facet to emerge: clarity on Donald Trumps grip over the Republican Party without ever stepping foot in the room.

Fox News restricted Trump surrogates from entering its spin room before and after the debate due to Trumps refusal to appear, and the moderators actively chose not to ask questions about him for the entire first hour. But Baiers question led into a 25-minute discussion that made it obvious why Trump wouldnt show up to the debate. Queries on the events of Jan. 6 regurgitated the debate on whether Mike Pence abided by the Constitution (and led to boos for those who attacked Trumps moral failures, which prompted Baier to chastise the audience). DeSantis groveling to move past the issue led to another round of discussion on it. The partys bitter positions about Trump were on display, leaving the candidates bickering in a way that offered little service to voters at home.

GOP Candidates Make Trump Look Like a Genius for Skipping Mudslinging Debate

Fox couldve pivoted to zero or fewer questions about the unequivocal leading candidate if their goal was to block him out, but in centering him as the star while the other candidates feuded away about his position, it showcased the networks position as desperate for his attention with no ability to claim it.

There were bright spots. Baier and MacCallum managed to adhere to their selected topics time blocks with a steady pace, transitioning into commercial breaks without cutting a candidate off. Their moderation of the Ukraine and abortion discussions, the latter of which offered a clear view on most of the candidates positions on a federal ban, were refreshingly substantive.

But what little goodwill they earned was diminished in an ill-advised lightning round, allowing 2024s version of the Amy Klobuchar-Pete Buttigieg feudassumed by Pence and Ramaswamy this yearto trade barbs again. After a squabble between the two grew more animated, it prompted the remaining candidates to practically plead for some decorum. You have to get control of this debate! Haley yelled.

This is a lightning round, not Rolling Thunder, Baier responded, seemingly re-establishing a seriousness to the debate.

Less than three minutes later, MacCallum asked Chris Christie about UFOs.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
MaryAnn Rolle, a resort and restaurant operator in Exuma Point, Bahamas, preaches a motto of love and forgiveness. But even she cant get behind Fyre Festival IInow being organized by Billy McFarland, the convicted fraudster behind the first one.

I dont think he should go forward with any Fyre Festival until he pays the people here in the Bahamas that he owes, Rolle said. You dont do wrong and then just continue to go on as if you dont care about people.

Rolle, 59, was one of the caterers contracted for McFarlands infamous music festival that wasnta 2017 fiasco that sparked multiple lawsuits and competing documentaries and sent him to prison for four years. Rolle says she worked nonstop to deliver 1,000 meals a day to guests at the doomed festival but was never paid for her workor the work of employees she compensated out of her own savings. Rolle previously told The New York Times that festival organizers owed her $134,000, and that she spent $50,000 of her own money on expenses.

This week, a little over a year after his release from prison, McFarland announced a reboot of the failed fest, which he is calling Fyre Festival II and which he says he dreamed up while serving time for fraud connected to the first one. It sounds like McFarland is being careful about overpromising this time around: The sequel currently has no lineup, no schedule, and no set location. (The website lists the location as simply The Caribbean. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has said it will not endorse or approve any event associated with McFarland.)

Guys, this is your chance to get in, McFarland said in a YouTube video announcing the first drop of 100 tickets at $499 a pop. This is everything weve been working towards. Lets f***ing go. The events website claims the tickets sold out within a day, which if true just proves P.T. Barnum was right. But Rolle warned customers and business owners not to be fooled by the fraudsters savvy marketing.

What they do is flash around a few dollars and brainwash people, she said. Dont fall into that trap. I was trapped by it, thinking these are billionaires  but it was all a hoax.

I would hope people learn from our mistakes, she added. We were the guinea pigs, and I dont want this for nobody else  We paid the ultimate price here in the Bahamas.

On top of his prison time, McFarland was ordered to pay $26 million in restitution to investors and ticket holders who found the promised luxury villas and star-studded lineup were a mirage. He was also ordered to pay $5 million in a private lawsuit with two North Carolina residents who spent about $13,000 each on their tickets. Another group of ticket holders were awarded $2 million in a class action lawsuit in 2021.

Rolle says she hasnt seen any of the money she says McFarlands company owes her. A GoFundMe page she started after her story was featured in a Fyre Festival documentary has raised more than $240,000, about half of which Rolle told Eyewitness News she had given away.

Billy McFarland, organizer of the Fyre Festival, exits the U.S. Federal Court in Manhattan following his presentment on wire fraud charges. Brendan McDermid/Reuters

Rolle told The Daily Beast there were some positive effects of the festival, including the GoFundMe and an increase in tourism from curious visitors.

A lot of people would pass by the restaurants, wanting to see the sites they created for the Fyre Festival, she said. Most of the guests that come love the island, and I know some of them have come back. She added: It has done a lot of good, despite all the bad.

Rolle said she is prone to forgiveness, due to her strong Christian faith, but letting go of what McFarland did is difficult. He has my heart because I love the Lord [and] I love people, she said. I have no hate in my heart. I just want him to do the right thing.

Im hoping the best for him, she added. But you gotta do the right thing if you want the best.

McFarland did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Daily Beast.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
UPDATE: Six of the eight contenders on the stage indicated that they would still support Donald Trump if he is the GOP nominee even if he is convicted.

But the cameras caught Ron DeSantis as he looked around at his rivals before raising his hand.

More from Deadline

Moderator Bret Baier had asked if Trump is convicted in a court of law, would you still support him as your partys choice?

The only two who did not were Asa Hutchinson and Chris Christie. And the latter looked as if he had raised his hand, but told Baier that he was waving a sign of disapproval.

Heres the bottom line: Someone has got to stop normalizing this conduct. Whether or not you believe the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States, Christie said. His remarks drew some cheers and boos.

RELATED: Donald Trump & Tucker Carlsons GOP Debate Counter-Programming Full Of Fox & CNN Digs, Jeffrey Epstein, & A Lot Of Self-Pity

This is the great thing about this country. Booing is allowed, but it doesnt change the truth, he said.

Baier tied his question to Trumps latest indictment, in Georgia, with the former president due to turn himself in on Thursday to face charges of racketeering and other crimes.

Hutchinson said he did not raise my hand because there is an important issue we as a party have to face. Over a year ago, I said that Donald Trump was morally disqualified from being president again.

Other contenders took the opportunity to attack the justice system. Tim Scott said we should be asking ourselves a bigger question about the weaponization of the Justice Department, as he suggested, without evidence, that Joe Biden was targeting political opponents through the DOJ.

Nevertheless, Scott and other candidates still said that they supported Vice President Mike Pence s refusal to block the counting of the electoral votes for Biden, as Trump had urged him to do. It was a bit of a threading of a needle for many of the candidates, who have declined anything more than light criticism of Trump, yet still want to appear to back Pences position. He asked me to put him over the Constitution, Pence said. And I chose the Constitution, and I always will. The debates sole focus so far on Trumps criminal indictments ended with a standout moment for Pence.

PREVIOUSLY: Debate moderator Martha MacCallum tried out the first raised hand question of the evening, asking the candidates, Do you believe human behavior is causing climate change? Raise your hand if you do.

None did, and Vivek Ramaswamy said, The climate change agenda is a hoax. That drew boos from the audience.

The question had to do with the recent Maui fire and other environmental disasters, a topic raised by a member of the Young Americas Foundation. His concern was that the Republican party was ignoring climate change, even though it was a major issue for young voters.

Ron DeSantis, meanwhile, took the opportunity to attack the media. One of the reasons our countrys declined is because of the way our corporate media treats Republicans versus Democrats, he said.

There was relatively little discussion of climate change, as moderator Bret Baier moved on to one of Ramaswamys swipes at this rivals, that they were bought and paid for.

PREVIOUSLY: The first Republican presidential debate opened with rivals skirmishing a bit with each other rather than the front-runner who was not at the event, Donald Trump.

Instead, Vivek Ramaswamy, the political newcomer who has been rising in the polls, became the target.

Now is not the time for on-the-job training, said former Vice President Mike Pence.

Ramaswamy came out of the gate trying to contrast himself to others in the field, saying at one point, Im the only person on this stage who is not bought and paid for.

That set off former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie joined in the criticism.

Ive had enough already tonight of a guy who sounds like ChatGPT standing up here, Christie said.

He compared Ramaswamy to Barack Obama, i.e. another skinny guy with an unusual name. I feel like we are dealing with the same type of amateur standing on stage tonight.

The first debate of the 2024 cycle featured eight candidates on the stage: Pence, Christie, Ramaswamy, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

The debate format featured no opening remarks, but the first question, having to do with the themes of the breakout song Rich Men North of Richmond, essentially was an invitation to do so.

Ramaswamy seized on the opportunity to stand out from the pack as he introduced himself to a national audience, Now that everybodys got their memorized slogans out of the way, we can actually have a real discussion. Then Pence interjected, Is that one of yours?

There were few references to Trumps absence. He is trying to steal the thunder from the debate by doing a two-hour, pre-taped sitdown interview with former Fox host Tucker Carlson on Twitter/X. As he did during the 2016 primary, Trump has attacked the network for its coverage. But the fact that he sat down with its former primetime star, let go in April, is a blatant effort to upstage Fox News on a night when it is expecting a significant viewer uptick.

The former presidents complaints continued through Wednesday evening, as he posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, about Fox Newss pre-debate commentary. He wrote, I AM LEADING BIDEN IN ALMOST ALL POLLS! LEADING REPUBLICANS BY 50 POINTS. FOX NEWS REFUSES TO POST OR DISCUSS. BRIT HUME, WORKING WITH RINO BRET BAIER, IS DELUSIONAL!!!

Meanwhile, President Joe Bidens campaign went up with their first national ad of the 2024 cycle, as it purchased time during Fox Newss pre-debate coverage.

Trumps refusal to participate in the debate made the event, held at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, an unusual battle by his rivals to emerge as a serious rival. But it also was expected to put on display how they are handling the former presidents multiple indictments, something that has created an unprecedented situation in American history. Some candidates, like DeSantis, have attacked the justice system rather than Trump, and a leaked memo from his SuperPAC indicated a desire by its advisers for him to go after Ramaswamy, gaining ground in the polls, instead.

With Trumps absence, Fox News host Sean Hannity said that it would instead give other candidates an opportunity. For all the talk about Donald Trump not coming, I think these guys, they should be glad hes not coming because he sucks out about 98.5% of all the oxygen in the room.

To qualify for the debate stage, candidates must have had a minimum of 40,000 donors and to have reached at least 1% in three national polls or a combination of two national and two early-state polls. Candidates also needed to sign a pledge vowing to support the eventual nominee. Trump has not signed the pledge and did not qualify, but he had already said that he would skip the event.

Candidates who didnt make the stage tried to make their presence known in other ways. Radio host Larry Elder, appearing outside the arena, said he planned to file a Federal Election Committee complaint against the Republican National Committee, while businessman Perry Johnson, another contender, said he filed one against the RNC and Fox News for a collusive effort to cherry pick participants. Rep, Will Hurd (R-TX) appeared on CNN earlier in the day.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa have a history dating back to 2011, when they dropped the multiplatinum hit Young, Wild and Free, which peaked at No. 7 on the Hot 100 and was featured on the soundtrack to a hit stoner comedy starring the hip-hop duo, "Mac and Devin Go to High School."

That's how they came to be touring the States on a High School Reunion Tour, which made its way to Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix on Wednesday, Aug. 23, with Too $hort, Warren G, Berner and DJ Drama.

Heres a look at Snoop Doggs setlist for a recent stop in Albuquerque, which featured an extended summit with Khalifa on the encore.

When Phoenix met Beyonce: Her intimate Phoenix debut in 1999 proved 'she was a force'

Snoop Dogg High School Reunion Tour setlist

"The Next Episode"

"Boyz-n-the-Hood"

"Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang"

"Bitch Please"

"Tha Shiznit"

"Deep Cover"

"G Funk Intro" (with The Lady of Rage)

"Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)"(with Warren G)

"Lodi Dodi"

"Murder Was the Case"

"Cause I Love You"

"I Wanna (Expletive) You"

"Beautiful"

"Smile (Living My Best Life)"

"Sexual Eruption"

"Afro Puffs" (with The Lady of Rage)

Interlude (Shaft Pimp Video)

"P.I.M.P."

"California Gurls"

"Hypnotize"

"2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted"

"Gin and Juice"

Encore:

"High School Reunion" video with Mike Epps

"We Dem Boyz" (with Wiz Khalifa)

"Who Am I? (What's My Name?)" (with Wiz Khalifa)

"You and Your Friends" (with Wiz Khalifa)

"Don't Text Don't Call"(with Wiz Khalifa)

"Jump Around" (with Wiz Khalifa)

"Drop It Like It's Hot" (with Wiz Khalifa)

"See You Again" (with Wiz Khalifa)

"Young, Wild & Free" (with Wiz Khalifa)

Renaissance City: Why Beyonce bringing the Renaissance Tour to State Farm Stadium is a big deal for Glendale

Reach the reporter at ed.masley@arizonarepublic.com or 602-444-4495. Follow him on Twitter @EdMasley.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Snoop Dogg 2023 tour setlist with photos from his Phoenix concert
Executive producer Valerie McCaffrey said in the comedy "you see all the actors having fun, especially Foxx playing God"

Jamie Foxx is adding God to his acting resume.

Foxx, 55, will play the heavenly counterpart to Mickey Rourkes Devil in the upcoming comedy Not Another Church Movie, due out later this year.

Helmed by writer-director Johnny Mack and producer-director James Michael Cummings, the film follows Kevin Daniels as Taylor, a mortal man given a mission from God Himself: to tell his family's stories and inspire his community, per an official logline. What he doesn't know is that the Devil has plans of his own."

Cummings said in a statement to PEOPLE, "Working with Jamie Foxx, who is such a gifted actor, and adding the talents of Mickey Rourke and Kevin Daniels  Not Another Church Movie delivers what our community needs the most, an uplifting and hilarious film that for sure will delight audiences everywhere."

Deadline reported that the movie was filmed prior to the writers and actors union strikes.

Oscar-winner Foxx also starred in this years They Cloned Tyrone, God Is a Bullet and Strays, and will next feature in Toronto International Film Festival debut The Burial.

Amy Sussman/Getty Jamie Foxx

It was while filming the Netflix movie Back in Action in Atlanta that the actor faced a "medical complication" in April, as his daughter Corinne Foxx previously revealed.

After a stint in a Georgia medical facility, he shared an update and message of gratitude via Instagram in May: "Appreciate all the love!!! Feeling blessed."

Related: Jamie Foxx 'Pursued' Cameron Diaz to Come Out of Retirement and Make Netflix's 'Back in Action'

Foxx has since confirmed he is feeling like himself again and able to work after what he called "an unexpected dark journey." He was spotted last week having fun on a vacation in Tulum, Mexico.

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.

In a press release, Cummings said the Not Another Church Movie filmmaking team was thrilled to include Foxx as part of this hilarious comedy and bring his incredible talent to the role of God."

"This film is a unique blend of new and established talent, and we cant wait to hear the laughs and for audiences to see the magic that happens on the big screen," Cummings added. "This movie will not disappoint."

Kevin Winter/Getty Images Jamie Foxx

Executive producer is Valerie McCaffrey said, The name talent that has come together for this fun comedy is unprecedented. You see all the actors having fun, especially Foxx playing God.

Related: Jamie Foxx Held a Party to Celebrate His Recovery as He Continues with Outpatient Rehab (Exclusive Source)

Rourkes casting as the Devil was announced in July, along with Daniels, Vivica A. Fox, Kyla Pratt, Lamorne Morris, Tisha Campbell and Jasmine Guy.

Foxx joins a list of talented actors who have taken on portraying God onscreen, including Morgan Freeman in Bruce Almighty, George Burns in Oh, God!, Steve Buscemi on Miracle Workers, and Whoopi Goldberg in both It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie and A Little Bit of Heaven.



For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
The last weekend of August is upon us. Wrapping up an entertainment-filled month, there is an evening of Beatles music at Prescott Park, as well as the 40th annual Seacoast Jazz Festival, plus Rochester invites the LGBTQIA+ community for a Pride celebration, and Temple Israel is holding its Back to Shul Fest.

Read on for a look at 10 things to do this weekend. Plus, looking ahead, Prescott Park Arts Festival presents the Hear Me Roar Festival with Kaitlin Butts next week.

An evening of Beatles music with Spencer and the Walrus

Prescott Park Arts Festival presents an evening of Beatles music with Spencer and the Walrus on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023

What: Spencer and the Walrus is a consortium of Portland, Maine-based musicians who come together through a shared love of Beatles music, including solo material.

When: Friday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.

Where: Prescott Park, Portsmouth

Cost: Free

More info: prescottpark.org

SeaChange Conference 2023

What: The premise of this event is our community, country, and the world need artists contributions to heal and build something new. SeaChange conference explores how to make that vision real with Theater for the People, Green Acre, and Kinship discussing the arts, healing and social change.

When: Friday, Aug. 25 through Sunday, Aug. 27

Where: Green Acre: A Bahai Center of Learning, 61 Green Acre Dr., Eliot, Maine

Cost: $80 to $225

More info: greenacre.org

Rose Alley at The Stone Church

What: Rose Alley celebrates the music of Jerry Garcia and JGB. Made up of Maine music scene veterans Kevin Roper, Aaron Nadeau, Neil Carroll and Drew Wyman, Rose Alley tows the line of Garcia Band authenticity while adding flair from their combined experiences.

When: Friday, Aug. 25 at 9 p.m.

Where: The Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket

Cost: $15

More info: stonechurchrocks.com

40th annual Seacoast Jazz Festival

Prescott Park Arts Festival, in partnership with Seacoast Jazz Society, presents the 40th Annual Seacoast Jazz Festival on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2023.

What: Prescott Park Arts Festival, in partnership with Seacoast Jazz Society, is featuring a host of local, regional, and international talent, amplifying the different styles of jazz.

When: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 1 to 8 p.m. (Rain date, Sunday, Aug. 27)

Where: Prescott Park, Portsmouth

Cost: Free, donations accepted

More info: prescottpark.org

Rochester NH Pride Day

What: Volunteers of the Rochester Pride committee invite the LGBTQIA+ community to downtown Rochester for a free public pride celebration.

When: Saturday, Aug. 26 from noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Hanson Street, downtown Rochester.

Cost: Free

More info: rochestermainstreet.org

Night of Fire at New England Dragway

What: This fan favorite event will feature Alcohol Funny Cars, Alcohol Dragsters, Nitro Injected Dragsters, Jet Funny Cars, Jet Dragsters, Wheelstanders and more.

When: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 3 to 9 p.m.

Where: New England Dragway, 280 Exeter Road, Epping

Cost: Free to $38

More info: nedragway.com

Rodney Norman at McCues Comedy Club

What: Rodney Norman's videos have garnered millions of views worldwide.

When: Saturday, Aug. 26 from 8 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: McCues Comedy Club, 580 Portsmouth Traffic Circle, Portsmouth

Cost: $20

More info: mccuescomedyclub.com

Temple Israel Back to Shul Fest

Temple Israel of Portsmouth presents the second annual Back to Shul Fest on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023.

What: Temple Israel of Portsmouth presents the second annual event celebrating Jewish music, food, values, and culture for the entire community to enjoy.

When: Sunday, Aug. 27 from noon to 3 p.m.

Where: Puddle Dock Field at Strawbery Banke, 14 Hancock St., Portsmouth

Cost: Free

More info: templeisraelnh.org

Portsmouth Athenaeum Chamber Music: The Balourdet Quartet at The Dance Hall

What: The Balourdet Quartet, composed of violinists Angela Bae and Justin DeFilippis, violist Benjamin Zannoni, and cellist Russell Houston, is based in Boston, and is currently in residence at the New England Conservatorys Professional String Quartet Program.

When: Sunday, Aug. 27 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Where: The Dance Hall, 7 Walker St., Kittery, Maine

Cost: $10 to $30

More info: thedancehallkittery.org

Community-Created Portrait Painting with Eric Gold at 3S Artspace

What: Growing Up Portsmouth is a series of community-created large-scale portraits of people, chosen by artist Eric Gold, as part of Portsmouths story. People of all abilities and backgrounds are invited to paint a small segment of a portrait. Each segment takes 30-60 minutes to complete. Participants will sit in groups and make art, have conversations and a unique experience of community, layered with themes and stories of Portsmouth and the subject we are painting.

When: Sunday, Aug. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: 3S Artspace, 319 Vaughan St., Portsmouth

Cost: Free

More info: 3sarts.org

And here's an event coming next week:

Hear Me Roar Festival with Kaitlin Butts

What: Kaitlin Butts is a country musician billed as "full of reflection, daydreaming contemplation, sharp wit, tough decisions in the midst of dire situations, rosy love, and beaming growth."

When: Thursday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.

Where: Prescott Park, Portsmouth

Cost: Free, donations accepted

More info: prescottpark.org

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Jazz Festival, Pride celebration and Back to Shul Fest: Things to do
MANILA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Small-scale fishers in the Philippines on Thursday slammed Japan for dumping Fukushima nuclear plant wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, vowing to hold a protest rally in front of the Japanese Embassy in Manila to dramatize their protest against Japan's action.

"Japan's action pollutes the ocean, endangering the marine resources and destroying the ecosystem," said Ronnel Arambulo, the vice chair of the group PAMALAKAYA, a federation of community fishers' organization.

Arambulo said Japan repeatedly ignored the growing clamor of the people from many East Asian nations, especially the farmers and fishers, to stop the dumping of toxic radioactive waste into the world's largest ocean.

Japan started Thursday releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean.

The toxic wastewater will endanger the resource-rich marine environment of the Philippines, Arambulo added, urging the Philippine government to oppose Japan's move.

Meanwhile, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs said the Southeast Asian country "continues to look at this issue from a science- and fact-based perspective and its impact on the waters in the region." 
A lawyer for the Marion County Record alleges that Kansas authorities involved in the raid of the newspaper secretly copied data from at least one of its computersand failed to hand it over with other seized evidence.

Attorney Bernie Rhodes told The Daily Beast that the Marion County Sheriff's Office confirmed the fact they copied 17 Gigs of data from the newsroom computer systemand they still have it. The retention of the data was first reported by the Kansas Reflector.

The computer system was among a slew of property taken during the Aug. 11 raid at the Record, the home of publisher Eric Meyer, and the home of Vice Mayor Ruth Herbel.

Amid national outcry, Marion County Attorney Joel Ensey last week withdrew the search warrant that led to the raids after concluding that insufficient evidence exists to establish a legally sufficient nexus between the alleged crime and the places searched and the items seized. Affidavits obtained by The Daily Beast on Sunday confirmed that the raids stemmed from an investigation into identity theft after a confidential source leaked sensitive documents to one of the Record reporters about local restaurateur Kari Newell.

Search Warrant Withdrawn After Backlash Over Kansas Newspaper Raid

Rhodes claims that while his clients physical property was returned, the sheriffs office did not hand over data from one of the computers they allegedly copied. The lawyer is now planning to ask a judge to hold Sheriff Jeff Soyez in contempt of court unless there is a resolution by Thursday.

We are working on a motion to file with the court requiring the sheriff to provide us a copy and to destroy their copies, Rhodes added.

A spokesperson for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, which is now the lead investigating agency, told The Daily Beast that it is aware of the issue and that they actually brought it to the attention of the Marion County Records attorney last week.

We expect the Sheriffs Office and the newspapers attorney to resolve the situation soon, the spokesperson added. The sheriffs office did not respond to a request for comment.

In a Wednesday letter to Marion County counselor Bradley Jantz, Rhodes says that after District Judge Ben Sexton ordered that the seized items be returned on Aug. 16, he immediately sent his forensic examiner to the sheriffs office to retrieve the items. (The Marion County Police Department was the lead agency in the raid, but the sheriffs office became the custodian of the seized items.)

Rhodes claims that Undersheriff Larry Starkey transferred custody of what he represented were the items seized to the forensic examiner before the two signed a Data Forensic Chain of Custody Form and a Property Receipt/Return Form, which provided an inventory list of the seized items.

But Rhodes said that when he went to review the search warrant and inventories the court has since released, he realized that something described as OS Triage Digital Data was never released to his forensic examiner.

Watch: Feisty Newspaper Owner Gives Kansas Cops Hell During Raid

While the apparent alteration of the inventory list raises serious questions, what is clear is that item 9 on the inventory posted by the Court has not been released and returned, as the Court ordered, the lawyer wrote in the letter. It further appears that duringor afterthe raid someone used this drive to copy or clone data from one or more computers owned by the Record.

The lawyer added that the USB drive where the seized data is being stored belongs to the sheriffs office and was used in other investigationsand therefore has not been released to the newspaper. He added that because the drive remains at the sheriffs office, authorities still have access to the newspapers data, which is both constitutionally-protected and protected by federal and state law. Rhodes added that he attempted to contact the county counselor to report the issue, but his calls have not been returned.

This access is illegal, he added. The Sheriffs failure to comply with the District Courts order is inexcusable, and I will not stand by and wait for you to choose to return my many calls.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Moving to New York City in the early '80s was a crazy idea. The Bronx was burning, the AIDS epidemic was just beginning, and unemployment was at an all-time high. But Lyor Cohen, now 63, saw opportunity. Working as a road manager for Russell Simmons 's Rush Productions, Cohen eventually went on to manage the label, become the head of Def Jam, and sign a treasure trove of big-name artists to their major debuts.

With hip-hop celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, it only make sense to call up Cohen, a guy who worked behind the scenes all of these years. After all, Cohen changed history when he brokered the deal to strap Adidas on Run-DMC. As JAY-Z once rapped, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man." Well, Cohen taught him about that business. He also gave modern rappers such as Migos and Young Thug their first big break, continuing a legendary streak of signings that includes, but certainly isn't limited to: Public Enemy, Slick Rick, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Eric B. & Rakim, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and Ludacris.

So, what does Cohen think about the big anniversary? "The Golden Age is a bunch of bullshit." he says. Even for a guy who was there for it all, he's not romantic about the past. Cohen is all business, as he's always beenconstantly chugging forward. "As long as the kids feel moved, that's the Golden Age," he says. "The moment you start thinking or talking about a Golden Age, you're putting a clock on yourself."

Cohen isn't wrong, but that doesn't mean he's short on stories. Cohen tells me about a Public Enemy show at the Ritz that an 18-year-old Mike Tyson attended. "The floorboards of the theater felt like they were going to give out at any moment," he says with a grin. He recalls attending Live Aid in Philadelphia, where he'd never seen so many people. And he still mourns the loss of Jam Master Jay , his mentorand the one person who really showed him the ropes of the music business.

Though hip-hop's 50th anniversary is certainly a major milestone, the genre has evolved so much over the past five decades that even some of today's hitmakers are clueless about those who started the party. Really, hip-hop is 50 years young, evident by the fact that DJ Kool Hercone of the genre's founding fathersstill walks around in the Bronx telling his stories. And yet, when Cohen signed Young Thug? The modern-day crooner had never even heard of Run-DMC. "That was a wake-up call," he jokes.

Below, Cohen shares more stories from his time in New York in the early '80s, the secret key to signing an artist, and why his current gig as YouTube's Global Head of Music is the perfect way to chronicle hip-hop's history.

Courtesy of Lyor Cohen

ESQUIRE: What do you remember about New York City in the '80s?

LYOR COHEN: It was do or die. It was survival. It was pre-AIDS, pre-crack. It was just after the almost-bankruptcy of New York City, so the city was tough. There was also affordable housing, particularly in the East Village, Alphabet City, SoHo area. So, there was a collision. It was a moment in time where there was a movement from exclusivity to inclusivity. The exclusivity of the Velvet Rope of Studio 54, the inclusivity of the Disco Fever, The Encore, The Roxy, Danceteria, where there was many more inclusive faces and people from all different walks of life. And I really had no context. If I had an idea, I would've taken many more photos and held onto the moment.

I walked on Jean-Michel Basquiat's paintings. Had I had any idea of what I actually was going through, I would've bought one for under $1,000 and sold or kept it. That would've been worth over $100 million. Same thing with Keith Haring. I felt like I was this kid that really didn't know anythingthat was faking it 'til I was making it. I had to fake it real, real good and provide value. I couldn't rap or perform. I wasn't a marketing genius or promotion person, and I was entrusted to do management and move things forward. I was living on a welfare hotel floor of a friend of mine that was going to Columbia University.



When you were out searching for artists, was there something specific you were looking for? Where, if you saw it while they were performing, you thought, Yeah. He's got it.

There was a period of time wherebecause I was Run-DMC's manageracts were starting to break and they were coming to me. With Rush, we were really focused and determined. We had several really important acts and there was really very loose infrastructure for management at that time. The professional management was primarily with rock and roll. None of the emerging rap acts really had proper representation. So, they came to us.

When I transitioned to the record company, one of the most important things was to go to their home. I never would sign an act unless I went to where they lived, where they put their head down. I was always looking for cluesrecords, pictures of mothers, pictures of fathers. I was like that guy from Raiders of the Lost Ark. I was trying to find the truth. And I wasn't a sonic person, I was a person person. If someone had a natural smile, that was supported early on by their mother, that had a musical inspiration from a grandparentthat was a winning combination to me.

Do you remember the first time you met JAY-Z?

I met JAY-Z with Big Daddy Kane in the '80s. What struck me about Jay was his curiosity, and his early recognition of his storytelling. His audience needed him to be the travel agent to their experiences. He had the opportunity to go beyond Marcy and New York and experience all sorts of things that he could communicate back to them.

Scott Gries - Getty Images

Being a white Jewish guy, like myself, did you feel like it was tough to break into that space and prove that you respected the culture?

I never had a funky moment, where I was the Jewish person... except for a couple of times. They used to say certain things like they're lucky to have a Jewish manager, because I'm good with money. And I would correct them, because I would tell them that I believe the essence of being Jewish is education. People make certain remarks or tropes of people because of their lack of education. I was there to fill in the blank. I didn't exacerbate thatI would check it. For example, they used to call me "Lansky." They did out of pure affection, that I'm a gangster and they love gangsters. I would always stop them, even though it rarely worked.

The only time that I ever felt uncomfortableand it wasn't to me, specificallywas with Professor Griff's comments around Henry Ford's book. After that, many of the Jewish people in the music industry would ask why I managed Public Enemy. I said that I wanted to show them my values, to have the ability to give insight to what it means to be a Jewish person. I'm so glad that I did.

You mentioned having to feel like you had to fake it until you made it in those early days. Was there a moment when you finally stepped back and realized that you had made it?

No. Never. This is a journeya life's journey of constantly doing good worka reinvention of curiosity and joy. I feel sorry for a lot of the new entrants to this business, where fame and money are simply their only scorecard. I believe the pursuit of greatness doesn't have a period. It may have a comma, but it doesn't have a period. I never felt that moment when I could relax and reflect on, Oh shit, I made it, because I'm still contributing, still want to contribute, and still feel like there's no reason to put a period on it.

Fred Duval - Getty Images

Looking back, is there a moment you're most proud of?

I'm most proud of surviving cold. When none of your artists are successful, and no records are working. When you sign acts that don't sell and you don't know what to do with yourself. There's a lot of people that could get hot, believe their own shit, and the moment they get cold they don't know how to survive. Because if you put 100 people against a wall and you give them a lot of success and hotness, they will all basically behave in a certain pattern. You put the same 100 people and you make them freezing cold and desperate, there's a much bigger pattern of behavior. I'm not making the same mistakes numerous times. I'm trying to constantly push, reevaluate, and grow.

What was your lowest point?

I signed one bad act after another and was almost out. Thank God Redman came into my life in time for some action. There was a moment when I thought that I was going to retire. At that moment, Puffy was running shit. It was all technicolorand Def Jam was created in black and white and shades of gray. None of us understood this huge, aspirational, technicolor part of rap music. I took a black and white Polaroid of DMX. I kept it in my breast pocket until The LOX did a technicolor video and I said, Enough is enough. I swore that there was still great interest in black and white and shades of gray, and the understanding of what it meant to be Black in America. What the trials and tribulations and opportunities and dreams were, that may not have been in technicolor.



Kevin Mazur - Getty Images

Tell me more about YouTube's FIFTY DEEP campaign.

YouTube serves as the historical memory bank for rap music, because of the depth of the catalog that we have and the visual outtakes, the remixes, the live performances, and the interviews. It's the center of getting information about the historical value of rap music and hip-hop. We don't need a Valentine's, or anniversary, or Mama's Day, or Daddy's Day to celebrate rap. We've been celebrating rap musicand the fact that it is the largest cultural forceon YouTube, and we celebrate it every day. It just so happens that there's an arbitrary 50th anniversary, so we need to package things up. People tend to need that, to defibrillate and create marketing and promotion moments. But we market and promote and value the contribution of this incredible artform every single day.

Hip-hop is still so young. Do you have an idea of where the genre might be headed in the next 50 years?

I have no clue. I've never weather-vaned this. I remember pissing off the head of Polygram Legal on the way to Seville, Spain for the International Convention of Polygram. He sat next to me and says, "Lyor, so what's after rap?" I said, "I don't know." And he said, "What are we paying you millions of dollars a year for, if you don't know what the future lies?" I said, "I hope you didn't pay me money to be a fortune-teller. The reason why you paid me this money was that I've created a safe and loving home for an artist that, right now, is in their garage. They will take us to a different place and define the future." Needless to say, he was quiet.

You Might Also Like
The organizers of Milwaukees decades-old Summerfest have dropped their trademark lawsuit against the Minnesota Twins over an upstart festival held in Minneapolis this summer under a similar name, after the team agreed to change the name.

Last month, the company behind the Milwaukee concert series accused the Twins of infringing its trademarks by launching TC Summer Fest, which kicked off July 14 with performances by Imagine Dragons and The Killers at the ball clubs Target Field in Minneapolis.

More from Billboard

Summerfest, which launched in 1968 and calls itself The Worlds Largest Music Festival, accused the Twins of picking the name to piggy-back on the success of the existing event. They pointed out that this years Summerfest in Milwaukee also featured a performance by Imagine Dragons.

But in a motion filed Wednesday in Wisconsin federal court, attorneys for Summerfest moved to voluntarily drop its lawsuit against the Twins. In a statement to Billboard, a spokesman for the Twins confirmed that a deal had been reached to end the case.

The parties have reached an agreement that the Summer Fest name will not be used for the concert event in the future, said Matt Hobson, a representative for the Twins. Lawyers for Summerfest did not return a request for comment.

Summerfest, which has featured performances by The Doors, Eric Clapton, Whitney Houston, Prince and many other legendary acts, typically draws hundreds of thousands of concertgoers. This years event, running over three weekends from late June to early July, drew a reported 600,000 attendees to see Imagine Dragons, Zac Brown Band, Sheryl Crow and others.

Announced in May, TC Summer Fest was billed by the Twins as The Biggest Rock Weekend of the Year. According to the Star Tribune, the two-night event was partially organized by local promoter Jerry Braam, who had previously spearheaded a similar festival in the area called Twin Cities Summer Jam.

In June, attorneys for Summerfests parent company (Milwaukee World Festival) sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Twins, warning the team that they believed the new name infringed trademarks. They said they were prepared to take appropriate measures against a clear attempt by the ballclub to capitalize on a well-known brand.

On July 13, a day before TC Summer Fest was set to star, Summerfest made good on those threats, filing a trademark infringement lawsuit against the Twins and seeking an immediate injunction. They said the name of the Minnesota event was already creating public confusion, citing multiple media outlets that had allegedly mixed up the two fests.

These instances are just some of the confusion that is occurring in the marketplace, confusion that the Twins is hoping to benefit from as they launch their inaugural music festival building upon the goodwill and reputation of the Summerfest trademarks, the lawyers for Summerfest wrote at the time.

The dispute was hardly the first for Summerfest. The festivals organizers say they have sent 32 cease and desist letters since April 2022 to rival events that feature Summerfest in their names, and that 27 have either agreed to stop or agreed to pay royalties to the Milwaukee event.

Best of Billboard

Click here to read the full article.
Chile on Wednesday named the anti-colonialist Western The Settlers from first-time feature filmmaker Felipe Galvez as its official entry for Best International Feature at the 2024 Academy Awards.

The film coming off a FIPRESCI Prize win at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where it played in Un Certain Regard, joins a list of entrants that includes Smoke Sauna Sisterhood (Estonia), The Teachers Lounge (Germany), Concrete Utopia (South Korea) and Thunder (Switzerland), as previously announced.

More from Deadline

Following forthcoming screenings at the Toronto Film Festival and the New York Film Festival, the pic will be released theatrically in North America by Mubi, which also holds distribution rights for the UK, Latin America, Turkey, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Benelux, and India, and will unveil further details as to its release plans at a later date.

Written by Galvez and Antonia Girardi, in collaboration with Mariano Llinas, The Settler is set in Chile at the beginning of the 20th century, where a wealthy landowner hires three horsemen to mark out the perimeter of his extensive property and open a route to the Atlantic Ocean across vast Patagonia. The expedition, composed of a young Chilean mestizo, an American mercenary, and led by a reckless British lieutenant, soon turns into a civilizing raid. Pics cast includes Mark Stanley, Camilo Arancibia, Benjamin Westfall, Alfredo Castro, Mishell Guana, Agustin Rittano, Mariano Llinas, Sam Spruell, Adriana Stuven, Luis Machin and Marcelo Alonso.

The film is presented by Cinema Inutile (USA), produced by Quijote Films (Chile), Rei Cine (Argentina), Quiddity Films (UK), and Volos Films (Taiwan); in co-production with Cine Sud Promotion (France), Snowglobe (Denmark), Film I Vast (Sweden), Sutor Kolonko (Germany); in association with: Finite Films (UK), mk2 Films (France), and Dulac Distribution (France). Producers included Giancarlo Nasi, Benjamin Domenech, Santiago Gallelli, Matias Roveda, Emily Morgan, Thierry Lenouvel, and Stefano Centini. Katrin Pors, Eva Jakobsen, Mikkel Jersin, Kristina Borjeson, Anthony Muir, Ingmar Trost and Fernando Bascunan co-produced, with Alex C. Lo, Constanza Erenchun, and Amy Gardner exec producing.

Said Galvez of his films recognition, It is a great honor for me to learn that The Settlers has managed to captivate the Chilean Film Academy. I feel a profound responsibility in representing our country during such an important year, filled with remarkable films and talented filmmakers. They showcase the diversity and quality of our cinematography.

I trust that The Settlers will continue its journey and kick off its Oscar campaign at its North American premiere during the Toronto Film Festival on September 11th, coinciding with a very significant day in Chilean history, commemorating 50 years since the Military Coup.

The Settlers is a necessary film that compels us to remember what has been silenced for centuries. It addresses the past without euphemisms and treats those who have been systematically erased from history with the utmost respect.

Stated producer Giancarlo Nasi, It is a great honor and a great responsibility for Quijote Films to have been chosen once again by the Chilean Film Academy to represent our country in the Oscar race. This year, the competition was very strong, with excellent Chilean films alongside us. The Settlers possesses all the necessary attributes to secure an Oscar nomination. The film marked Chiles return to the official selection at Cannes, and it is the first time we have won the FIPRESCI Prize at that festival. We take immense pride in the outstanding reception that The Settlers has garnered from the press, audiences, and festivals worldwide. It is now embarking on an extraordinary journey that includes stops in Toronto, the New York Film Festival, and San Sebastian.

We are particularly proud to bring to the global stage the central theme of The Settlers: the recognition of indigenous peoples and the reexamination of our colonial pasta universal theme that contributes to both local and global dialogues. Alongside our incredible team of co-producers, spanning over eight countries, as well as our partners MK2 and Mubi, and our international allies, we aspire to share this historical narrative with the world and attain the well-deserved Oscar nomination.

While Chile has submitted nearly 30 films for Oscar consideration over the years, it secured its first nomination only a decade ago, with Pablo Larrains No, claiming its first statuette in 2018 with Sebastian Lelios A Fantastic Woman. The film most recently emerging from the country as a strong contender was Maite Alberdis The Mole Agent, which made the International Feature shortlist in 2020.

Mubi looks to return to awards contention after making its way through various races with such acclaimed titles as Aftersun, International Feature Oscar nominee Decision to Leave, and Joachim Triers The Worst Person in the World, which in representing Norway nabbed an Original Screenplay nom at the Oscars, while also appearing as a strong Intl Feature contender. The streamers most recent winner in that category was Ryusuke Hamaguchis much-discussed Drive My Car in 2022.

.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
A well-loved poke restaurant is opening its first Flagler County location.

Stoked Poke serves Hawaiian-style poke bowls, super fruit bowls, street tacos and more. Although a date hasn't yet been announced, the fast-casual eatery has plans to open its fourth location in the near future at 701 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach.

Owner Eric Jackson previously told The News-Journal that his love for authentic poke was born during a visit to the Hawaiian island, Oahu. According to Jackson, the eaterys customizable bowls are a local favorite for a number of reasons stating, Were the only ones in the area that do poke bowls from a build-your-own perspective, using high-quality, fresh ingredients, he said in a phone interview. And its really user-friendly for people who havent been to our locations before.

Stoked Poke's new Flagler Beach location.

The flavor-rich, textured meal originated in Hawaii centuries ago, where it consisted of merely sea salt, seaweed and freshly caught and sliced fish  poke does mean to slice, after all. Over the years, increasing influence from Asian nations transformed the simple snack into a layered dish, typically consisting of a rice and vegetable foundation, raw-cut fish  or another choice of a protein (chicken is delicious)  a few fresh toppings and a savory sauce mixed in.

Like its Port Orange, Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach locations, the restaurant offers a generous menu of signature poke bowls, as well as customizable, build-your-own, or BYO, poke bowls. Among Stoked Pokes signature selections is "The Lowers Bowl," which includes your choice of a base and protein, with the addition of scallions, crispy bacon, mango, avocado, house-made spicy mayo and a sesame seed sprinkling.

The BYO poke menu features base choices like seaweed salad, sticky rice and quinoa, and proteins including Old Bay shrimp, raw ahi tuna and pulled pork. Choose between pineapple, avocado, bacon crumbles and more for your toppings, as well as your choice of drizzle, with options ranging from sweet Thai chili and mango teriyaki to wasabi aioli and house-made spicy poke sauce.

Banana Split bowl from Stoked Poke.

The local eatery also offers a full range of signature super fruit bowls, combining a mixture of granola, fruit and a sweet drizzle, as well as a variety of customizable BYO acai and pitaya bowls.

According to Jackson, the Flagler Beach location is a partner location with Sip and Surf, a local coffee shop that opened earlier this summer. The two will share a combined, beachfront patio with about 25 outdoor seats and unbeatable, oceanfront views.

First look: Exciting new pizza place opens in Ormond Beach

This is our first brick-and-mortar outside of Volusia County and were really excited for the expansion of our grassroots, home-grown business, Jackson said in a phone interview. We're excited to bring ourselves there (to Flagler Beach) and be a part of the community. Were stoked.

Stoked Poke also has plans to open a fifth location in Ormond beach in late October.

Stoked Poke is located at 701 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach and will be open 10 a.m.  9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 8 p.m. on Sundays. For information, call 386-846-2657 or visit stoked-poke.com.

Helena Perray is the restaurant and dining writer for The Daytona Beach News-Journal. A New Jersey native and passionate storyteller, she can be contacted at hperray@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook. Support local journalism by subscribing

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Stoked Poke, new Hawaiian-inspired restaurant coming to Flagler Beach
NEW YORK  New York City isnt the only place celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop.

Washington, D.C., will host a free two-day event this fall featuring rap pioneers such as Public Enemy, Roxanne Shante, The Sugarhill Gang and Ice-T.

Announced Wednesday, the first and only National Celebration of Hip-Hop will take place Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 at West Potomac Park on the National Mall. While VIP and travel packages are available for purchase, sign-up for free general admission can now be found on the events website.

Hip-hop is beyond, not just a musical genre, Public Enemy frontman Chuck D said in a statement. 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.

Presented by Chasing Live in collaboration with The Art of Rap, the festival is a nod to the old-school artists who helped shape todays dominating music genre, and will also include performances by Mc Sha Rock, Kurtis Blow, Kid n Play, Busy B, Peter Gunz, and Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Fives Melle Mel and Scorpio, among others.

DJ Hurricane will pay a special tribute set in honor of the Beastie Boys.

The National Celebration of Hip-Hop promises the opportunity to enjoy various activities including guest speakers, comedians, public figures as well as interactive events and exhibits throughout the day, according to the press release.

We are coming to the National Mall itself to bring you authentic hip-hop for the 50th celebration! Ice-T said in Wednesdays announcement.

New York City  where hip-hop originated  has played host countless events to commemorate the golden anniversary of the culture. On Aug. 11, recognized as the actual day it began, the star-studded Hip-Hop 50 Live concert took place at Yankee Stadium, with performances by Run DMC, Lauryn Hill, Nas, Lil Wayne and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie.
While Trump , who snubbed the event, was not in attendance, the candidates were asked if they would support him if he was the nominee

Republican presidential candidates attempted to woo conservative voters  and grab some of the spotlight from former president Donald Trump  at Wednesday's Republican presidential debate, which aired on Fox News.

Trump himself was not in attendance, having announced days earlier he planned to skip the debate. Instead, he gave an interview to former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, who published it on X, the former social network known as Twitter.

Despite his absence, he was still a major topic of discussion among the other candidates on stage, who included Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, U.S. Senator Tim Scott, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy , and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

Early in the debate, the candidates were asked to raise their hands if they would support Trump as the 2024 Republican nominee, even if he was convicted of a crime. All raised their hands, except for Hutchinson, 72. Christie, 60, later clarified that he would not support Trump.

"Someones got to stop normalizing this conduct," Christie said. "Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of the president of the United States."

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Republican presidential candidates Chris Christie, Mike Pence, Ron DeSantis, and Vivek Ramaswamy

Related: Who Is Running for President in 2024? Confirmed and Rumored Republican and Democratic Candidates

During the debate, DeSantis, 44, criticized Trump's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic at the federal level, saying a "mistake" was made by "locking down this economy."

"It should have never happened, and in Florida, we led the country out of lockdown. We kept our state free and open. And I can tell you this, as your president, I will never let the deep state bureaucrats lock you down," DeSantis said, adding that he would have fired Dr. Anthony Fauci if he was president at the time.

Later, DeSantis said he would not send troops to Ukraine, but instead to the U.S.-Mexico border. He also refused to say if he supported a federal ban on abortion, although he joined the other candidates in identifying himself as "pro-life."

"Im going to stand on the side of life," the Florida governor said, per NPR. "Look, I understand Wisconsin is going to do it different than Texas. I understand Iowa and New Hampshire are going to be different, but I will support the cause of life as governor and as president."



Win McNamee/Getty Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Related: Donald Trump Gripes That Fox News Always Uses 'Orange' Photos of Him Before Announcing He'll Skip GOP Debate

Rather than attack his Republican rivals, DeSantis focused largely on President Joe Biden, falling in line with a mockup of his debate strategy released by the campaign team days earlier.

According to the memo, which was obtained by CNN, DeSantis planned during the debate "to lay out his vision to beat Biden, reverse American decline, and revive the American Dream.

Another debate strategy memo, released by one of DeSantis' PACs, had suggested he should defend Trump himself, who is his biggest obstacle to taking the Republican nomination ahead of the 2024 election and who has directly attacked him in recent months.

But DeSantis distanced himself from that memo days ahead of the debate, saying he hadn't read it. Still, the Florida governor stopped short of overtly criticizing Trump, who has been indicted four times in recent months and is mired in a number of other legal issues.

Trump had indicated in recent weeks that he wasn't sure whether or not he would attend the first Republican debate of election season. But in a post on his social media site Truth Social over the weekend, the former president confirmed that he would not, saying he was leading in recent polls by "legendary" numbers and adding, "I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES!"

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.

Even on the heels of his four historic indictments, Trump's support has not waned, with polls showing the former president sitting about 40 points ahead of the rest of the Republican candidates.

DeSantis, now situated in a distant second place, was once seen as a strong challenger to the former president, though he has struggled to get the support he expected since launching his campaign.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission.



Like the values touted by its namesake, Bob Marley , the audio brand House of Marley was founded upon the principles of good sound and good sustainability. Now, the company is offering up a good sale as well, with a new Amazon deal dropping the price of its Get Together Portable Speaker down to just $74.99. Regularly $119.99+, the new offer saves you almost 40% off the top-rated Bluetooth speaker.

More from Variety

house of marley speaker deal

House of Marley Get Together Portable Speaker

Price: $119.99 $74.99

Buy On Amazon



The House of Marley Get Together Mini Speaker delivers crisp, vibrant sound from an eco-friendly housing. The wireless speakers are made from solid bamboo and the brands sustainable REWIND material, which is a mix of hemp, organic cotton and recycled plastic bottles. Everything is also delivered in 100% recyclable packaging.



Sustainability aside, the portable speakers delivers some seriously impressive specs, with 2.5-inch subwoofers and one-inch tweeters producing warm, well-balanced sound. Though the mini speaker measures just 11.8 x 2.95 x 3.7 inches, audio is loud enough to fill an entire room or small studio apartment. Battery life is great too, with up to 10 hours of playtime from a single charge.



Everything pairs easily via Bluetooth, and the brand says its advanced Bluetooth technology keeps your device paired to the speaker even when up to 45 feet away.



This wireless speaker features a built-in microphone, so you can use it to take calls, in addition to listening to music. A USB port lets you charge your phone through the speaker unit, say, if youre at the beach or park.



Of course, why youll really want to buy this speaker is because of its low footprint on the environment. Electronics waste continues to be a major problem, but House of Marley is committed to finding new ways to offer up solid, sustainably-made products. The company also donates a portion of proceeds every year to support global reforestation and ocean conservation.



Regularly $119.99+, get the House of Marley bamboo speaker on sale for just $74.99 here. As with all Amazon deals, this offer could end at any time so we recommend grabbing the discount while its still live.

Best of Variety

Sign up for Varietys Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Taffy Brodesser-Akner knows something about love.

And men and women, and why they fall in and out of love.

More from Deadline

Its no wonder why her debut novel, Fleishman Is in Trouble became an immediate New York Times Bestseller, as well as a notch on the National Book Award longlist, resonating with many. Now, Fleishman Is in Trouble is a 7x Primetime Emmy nominated FX series.

Similar to the 4x Oscar winning movie Annie Hall , Fleishman Is in Trouble is a deconstruction of how a great relationship goes very wrong. Part of the blame goes to those couples who are managing their egos, as they head into the middle ages of middle age.

Across eight episodes, the FX/ABC Signature limited series is laden with a plethora of wisdom as to why the sacred institution of marriage goes unholy: People arent having affairs because theyre betraying their spouse, rather theyre trying to rejuvenate who they were in the first place.

Also reminiscent of Annie Hall and Hannah and Her Sisters, Fleishman Is in Trouble delves into the class anxieties and fixations of Manhattans uptown society, and what happens when divorce dents that like a meteor.

(L-R): EP Sarah Timberman, Showrunner/EP/Writer Taffy Brodesser-Akner, Lizzy Caplan as Libby Epstein, Jesse Eisenberg as Toby Fleishman, Adam Brody as Seth Morris. Courtesy FX.

Fleishman Is in Trouble follows 41-year-old hepatologist, Toby Fleishman (Jesse Eisenberg) whose ex-wife, talent agent Rachel (Claire Danes) leaves him with their young daughter and son. Whats supposed to be a weekend turns into weeks. She drops off the face of the Earth, with all communication cut off. Toby, in the midst of bouncing back with a sexually active single life, expresses his frustration to his longtime friends, Seth (Adam Brody) and Libby (Lizzy Caplan), the latter of whom narrates the series and takes a fascination in the ups and downs of Tobys affairs and shenanigans. But even though Brodesser-Akner has a keen insight into the underpinnings of men, Fleishman Is in Trouble flips the script and is ultimately about the women, Rachel and Libby, and what vexxes them about their marriages.

Brodesser-Akner, a New York Times Magazine staff writer, tells Deadlines Crew Call what sparked her to sit down and write a 400-page novel: After she turned 40, many of her friends were getting divorces and turning to dating apps.

I was mystified by this, she says.

But there was more: What would it be like for those of us who are the last generation of people who did not have apps  if we married young, what would it be like for us to suddenly have this new technology? She initially pitched the piece to her GQ editor who turned it down as the magazines core demo was only acquainted with dating apps.

Brodesser-Akner then turned to writing the conceit, and it overtook her as a novel. I thought this isnt different from writing profiles, the only thing was that this was a profile of someone who doesnt exist. Brodesser-Akner finished writing Fleishman Is in Trouble within six months.

Knowing that the novel couldnt simply rest on her feelings of marriage, divorce and midlife, Brodesser-Akner had to give Fleishman a mystery, an engine that would run the story, and also ride alongside it. The gist of Rachel going MIA was inspired by a friend of Brodesser-Akners whose ex-wife dropped the kids off and didnt return home for two days. While the ex-wife was in touch with her husband, Brodesser-Akner wondered What if she wasnt in touch, what if she was dismissive of him?.

When it comes to the spotlight on divorce in Fleishman Is in Trouble, the happily-married Brodesser-Akner says Im obsessed with the amount of divorce in my family, in addition that those whove broken up their marriages were once as happy as I was on their wedding day.

Brodesser-Akner tells us about how she came to select the penultimate episode, Me-Time, as her Emmy submission, which landed her a Limited/Antholgy Series Writing nom. Me-Time is strictly dedicated to Claire Danes Rachel character, and the actress table read wound up greatly impacting how Fleishman Is in Trouble ultimately played out.

Its not often that authors are allowed in the writers room, particularly for shows based on their work. How did Brodesser-Akner pull off this feat and become an EP and prime scribe on the FX show? She says much of that had to do with the support of the John Landgraf-led network and series EPs Susannah Grant and Sarah Timberman.

With the ongoing WGA strike and networks unable to promote their Emmy nominees directly to the press, Deadline reached out directly to Brodesser-Akner to talk about her work on Fleishman Is in Trouble.

Ive been a successful journalist and Ive been a successful novelist, she explains, I was not solvent with a chance for a good future until I wrote for television, and that is the union. That is not anyone volunteering to shower me with anything.

I am for whatever my union is for, says the author-turned-TV scribe about the WGA.

It seems to me from where Im sitting that all youd have to part with profits-wise is a small percentage to make this whole problem go away, she adds about streaming residuals.

Next up for Brodesser-Akner is her second novel, Long Island Compromise, coming in Summer 2024.

Logline: In 1983, a wealthy businessman named Carl Fletcher is kidnapped from his driveway in the nicest part of Long Island, brutalized and held for ransom. He is returned to his wife and sons less than a week later, only slightly the worse for wear, and the family begins the hard work of trying to move on with their lives and resume their prized places in the saga of the American dream, coming to understand that though their money may have been what put them in danger, it is also what guarantees them their safety in the end.

Its about generational wealth. Its about generational trauma. Its about all these Marxist ideals of the strike, says Brodesser-Akner.

In addition, its a good old fashioned kidnapping drama.

And theres another mysterious tug in Long Island Compromise: Carl doesnt know who collected his ransom money. Even though its a small part of his fortune, its the part that tortures him the most.

Fleishman Is in Trouble is up for seven Emmys including Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series, Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Brodesser-Akner, Me-Time), Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Caplan), Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Danes), Outstanding Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Valerie Faris, Me-Time), Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Laura Rosenthal, Jodi Angstreich) and Outstanding Contemporary Costumes for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Anne Newton-Harding, Leah Katznelson, Angel Peart, Katie Novello and Deirdre Wegner, Me-Time).

Listen to our conversation here:

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Former Deputy Solicitor General of the United States Neal Katyal believes Donald Trump and his Georgia indictment cohorts are framing their arrests an act of patriotism, which he told MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace is like him referring to his mugshot as a supermodel photo shoot.

During a segment on MSNBC Wednesday, Katyal gave his thoughts about how Trump and alleged coconspirator Rudy Giuliani have been handling their image in the midst of their legal woes, as theyve seemingly been painting their arrests as some sort of patriotic martyrdom.

When you listen to [Giuliani], and when you listen to Donald Trump today, theyre calling their criminal arrests an act of patriotism, Neal Katyal said. And I suppose they can say that. And I guess they can say their mug shots are some sort of supermodel photo shoot, and their time at the Fulton County jail is some sort of slumber party or whatever other nonsense they want.

But at the end of the day, the legal analyst continued, theyre facing very serious criminal charges for trying to install a coup and hijack the election and take our votes away from us.

As Giuliani and Trump continue publicly defending themselves against the total 41 criminal counts between themselves and 17 other coconspirators in connection with efforts to reverse the former presidents 2020 defeat in Georgias election, they have been pulling out all the stops to make the public take Trumps side.

On Aug. 8, for instance, Trump told his supporters that his indictment was for the American people, and he has continually insisted that his prosecution is merely a witch hunt.

Katyal predicted more of the same is to come.

All of that bloviating and Four Seasons Landscaping-style behavior they have is not going to hide that fundamental basic fact, he said. Thats what were seeing play out on the cameras today and what well see play out tomorrow on the cameras.

Watch Katyals full MSNBC appearance in the video above.

The post Trump Framing Arrest as Act of Patriotism Is Like Calling Mug Shot a Supermodel Photo, Former Obama Counsel Says (Video) appeared first on TheWrap.
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities on Thursday evening issued a yellow alert for possible geological disasters triggered by heavy rainfall in parts of southwest China.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and the China Meteorological Administration have warned of risks of rain-induced geological disasters in the northeastern part of Sichuan and the southern part of Yunnan from 8 p.m. Thursday to 8 p.m. Friday.

Residents have been advised to take precautions, especially in areas with potential dangers.

China has a four-tier, color-coded warning system for geological disasters, with red representing the most severe warning, followed by orange, yellow and blue. 
The sign above the highway-located Conoco gas station says it plainly: WELCOME TO MID-AMERICA.

Writer-director Morrisa Maltzs eloquent debut feature, The Unknown Country, follows a woman, Tana, on a road trip shes mapping out as she goes, from Minnesota to South Dakota. There, in and around the reservation where her people live or used to, Tana reconnects after many years with various Oglala Lakota cousins and other relatives.

Tanas invited to one cousins wedding, and much of the film centers on that milestone, the before and after of it, as experienced by a woman who has been away most of her life. Tana eventually heads south from there, down to Big Bend National Park, where her late grandmother  Tana carries a tiny black-and-white snapshot of her, labeled Texas 1940  spent some time, though no one seems to know much about it. That photo becomes Tanas compass to points unknown. And with Lily Gladstone playing her, Maltzs small but beautiful narrative accumulates a wealth of honest, unforced emotion and reflection.

Gladstone, who gets story credit (along with three others), already has made a huge impact in a separate, massively budgeted film coming out in October: Martin Scorseses Killers of the Flower Moon, a hit at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. Shes wonderful, too, in Kelly Reichardts Certain Women, and has one of those faces born for the camera, and not only because she has a way of being, not acting. Tana is a reactive element in The Unknown Country; shes often seen, wordlessly, thinking back on her caregiving responsibilities with her grandmother, or simply ruminating over a cup of coffee in a roadside diner. But when she speaks, quietly, from the heart, we listen.

One of the great strokes of luck, and of Maltzs postproduction assembly, involves all the voices we hear in addition to Tanas. Maltz shot The Unknown Country between 2017 and 2020, using nonactors to portray variations on themselves. In voice-over, we hear their stories, of growing up in South Dakota, working as a server or a motel proprietor. The blend of professional and nonprofessional performers resembles Chloe Zhaos approach in The Rider and Nomadland, films similarly curious about and devoted to parts of America ordinarily left off-screen.

Theres a dreamy and poetic side to the visual texture in The Unknown Country, as photographed, often gorgeously, by Andrew Hajek. The Badlands, the snakelike highways, the rippling sunsets step right up and strike their poses, but unselfconsciously. We intimate a lot about Tanas life and circumstance from little details, such as the way she tenses up each time a pair of vaguely or overtly predatory male eyes looks her way along her route. Where Tana is going is both stated and unstated. Im floatin, Tana says when shes asked what her plans involve. But inside shes making a parallel set of discoveries, as does the cinematic reverie were watching.



'THE UNKNOWN COUNTRY'

3.5 stars (out of 4)

No MPA rating (smoking)

Running time: 1:26

How to watch: Now in theaters


The first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election cycle has arrived on Fox News, with network mainstay Martha MacCallum serving as one of the moderators.

But before you dig into the candidates who will be there  like Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, former Vice President Mike Pence and Gov. Doug Burgum (R-ND)  here is everything you need to know about moderator MacCallum.

Education and early career

MacCallum received her bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University in New York and also earned a graduate diploma from Circle in the Square Theatre School, which is the only accredited conservatory attached to a Broadway theater.

Her national journalism career began at Wall Street Journal Television where she worked as a news correspondent and anchor from 1991 to 1996.

From there, MacCallum moved on to similar roles at NBC and CNBC, often contributing to The News with Brian Williams and other programs before becoming co-anchor of CNBCs Morning Call With Martha MacCallum and Ted David, until she left for Fox News in 2004.

Fox News work

After joining Fox News, MacCallum found herself hosting The Live Desk from 2006 to 2010 and then Americas Newsroom from 2010 to 2017. From there she moved to evenings, after the departure of Megyn Kelly, with The First 100 Days. That would eventually turn into her current show, The Story With Martha MacCallum, which moved time slots from 7 p.m. ET to 3 p.m. ET in January of this year.

She has also filled in as host of other programs such as The Faulkner Focus, Outnumbered and The Five.

MacCallum has made a few headlines while working at Fox News, including when she referred to the storming of the U.S. Capital as a huge victory for pro-Trump supporters, and later, when she compared the same event to a peaceful protest outside Josh Hawley's home a few days earlier.

Political coverage and other work

MacCallum, a two-time recipient of the Gracie Award for Women in Journalism, moderated Wednesdays debate alongside fellow Fox News host Bret Baier, with whom she has co-anchored the network's coverage of major political events dating back to 2018.

MacCallum also co-moderated two undercard Republican presidential debates during the 2016 cycle for Fox News Channel and has co-hosted various town hall events along the way for the network as well.

She published a book in 2021 called Unknown Valor, assisted by Ronald J. Drez, which brings together personal stories of several United States Marines into the larger story of the Pacific Campaign of WWII.

While several of the top candidates were at the debate on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump announced that he would not participate, a move MacCallum recently called a gift to other candidates during an interview on Fox News Radio.
Boyfriend arrested in murder of missing North Carolina woman, police say they believe they found remains

Authorities said they believe they've found the remains of 39-year-old Allisha Watts, a North Carolina woman who has been missing for over a month.

Watts' boyfriend, James Dunmore, was arrested Thursday for murder, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

PHOTO: James Dunmore was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend Allisha Watts. Site Editor ID: (Montgomery County Sheriff's Office)

"This is not the outcome that we had been hoping for, but by finding Allisha today ... I hope and I pray it brings some closure to family and friends moving forward," Sheriff Pete Herron said at a news conference.

Watts was last seen in Charlotte on July 16. Two days later, police said Watts' Mercedes was found in Anson County, southeast of Charlotte.

PHOTO: An undated photo of Allisha Watts who has been missing since July 16, 2023 is seen here. (Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department)

Watts' sister, Stephanie Johnson, told ABC News the 39-year-old was last seen on July 16 with Dunmore, her boyfriend of one year. The couple met when Watts, who lives in Moore County, North Carolina, would drive to Charlotte to visit her cousin, who is Dunmore's neighbor, Johnson said.

Johnson described her sister, who worked in the mental health field, as a "hard-working, independent, reliable, resourceful, loving, kind, attentive person."

MORE: Authorities believe they have found body of missing Georgia 2-year-old, father charged with lying to police

It was not immediately clear where in Montgomery County the remains were found. Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said Thursday that the "case is no longer considered a missing person investigation."

Dunmore, 51, is being held without bond and is set to make his first court appearance on Monday.

"This is not what we prayed for," Watts' friend, Dorothy Brower, told reporters on Thursday. "She was found, but it was not how we wanted to find her. She doesn't deserve what her fate became. Just to dispose of someone who is just one of the best persons you could meet."

Brower said Dunmore's "life would've been enhanced being with her -- but it came to this. ... I'm furious."

"We miss her so much," she said. "There's a void."

Boyfriend arrested in murder of missing North Carolina woman, police say they believe they found remains originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The five-nation BRICS group announced expansion of members on Thursday, having invited six countries to join the bloc.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting the group's summit in Johannesburg, said that Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would begin their membership in January.

"This membership expansion is historic," Chinese leader Xi Jinping said. "It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and development."

PHOTO: President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of China Xi Jinping, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov pose in Johannesburg on August 23, 2023. (Gianluigi Guercia/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

This expansion was a central topic of discussion during the three-day summit, although Ramaphosa said the idea had been worked on for over a year.

Mohammad Jamshidi, Deputy Chief of Staff for Political Affairs to Iran, commented on social media. "In a historic move, Islamic Republic of Iran becomes a permanent member of BRICS, a strategic victory for Iran's foreign policy."

United Arab Emirates leader Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the announcement to include his nation in "this important group."

"We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world," Mohammed said in a post.

"We look forward to cooperating and coordinating with the member states and with other countries invited to join the bloc, to achieve its goals of strengthening economic cooperation among us, and raise the voice of the Global South regarding the issues and development challenges we encounter," Egyptian President El-Sisi said, according to Egypt Today.

PHOTO: A screen shows Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually delivering remarks as delegates look on while attending a meeting during the 2023 BRICS Summit at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on August 24, 2023. (Marco Longari/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed hailed what he called "a great moment" for his country.

Alberto Fernandez, President of Argentina, called this "a new step in the consolidation of brotherhood and openness to the world that we always dreamed of."

PHOTO: President of China Xi Jinping, President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi gesture during the 2023 BRICS Summit in Johannesburg on August 24, 2023. (Marco Longari/AFP via Getty Images)

While Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa all publicly expressed support for expansion, there was division among the leaders over how many countries could join and how quickly it would happen.

The last time the BRICS expanded was in 2010, when South Africa joined, adding an "S" to the acronym, one year after the creation of the block. Currently, it represents around 40% of the world's population and more than a quarter of global GDP.

The expansion signifies an important move in the attempt to reshape the global order into a multipolar world, with voices from the Global South at the center of the international agenda.

BRICS announce major expansion with 6 countries joining in 2024 originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Climate change, mental health and UFOs: Moments you may have missed from the 1st GOP primary debate

Many of the headlines from the first GOP primary debate focused on the candidates' comments on key issues such as abortion, Ukraine and Jan. 6. But the two-hour debate included many other topics on voters' minds such as climate change, the southern border, mental health and guns, and UFOs.

Candidates on climate change

Climate change was a divisive issue during the debate  and marked one of the first times the candidates clashed on stage.

PHOTO: Six of the eight Republican presidential contenders on the debate stage indicate that they would support Donald Trump as their party's 2024 White House nominee even if he is convicted of a crime at the first Republican candidates' debate (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

MORE: 7 takeaways from the 1st GOP primary debate

During the Wednesday debate, candidates fielded a pre-taped question from Alexander Diaz with Young America Foundation, a young conservatives organization, who said polling indicated climate change is "young people's No. 1 issue."

"How would you as both President of the United States and leader of the Republican party calm their fears that the Republican party doesn't care about climate change?" Diaz asked.

Then moderators Bret Baier and Martha MacCullum asked the candidates, with a show of hands, if they believed human behavior is causing climate change.

MORE: Fact-checking the first GOP debate: Roundup from PolitiFact

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis immediately responded, "Look, we're not schoolchildren. Let's have the debate," in response to raising hands. Instead of arguing climate change's origins, DeSantis criticized President Joe Biden's response to the Maui wildfires.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidates, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy participate in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum, Aug. 23, 2023 in Milwaukee. (Win Mcnamee/Getty Images)

Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy criticized the "climate change agenda."

"I'm the only person on this stage who isn't bought and paid for so I can say this: The climate change agenda is a hoax," Ramaswamy said as the crowd reacted.

Human activity is nearly universally accepted as a cause for Earth's warming  with more than 97% of the world's climate scientists in agreement, according to PolitiFact.

Ramaswamy, who said the climate agenda is stifling the American economy, said "more people are dying of bad climate change policies than they are of actual climate change."

It is not clear how many deaths are linked to climate-change policies, but there have been millions of deaths linked to the climate crisis. The World Meteorological Organization says extreme weather and climate-related events caused disasters connected to more than 2 million deaths between 1970 and 2021. Climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year between 2030 and 2050, according to a WHO report.

Ramaswamy later clarified his remarks in an interview with ABC's Terry Moran, saying he follows the science.

"I said the climate change agenda is a hoax. And I stand by that with conviction," he told Moran. "I mean, look ... climate science wasn't my background, but I do have a background in molecular biology from Harvard. I am tied to the facts, I believe in science."

In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Ramaswamy added that "the real emergency isn't climate change, it's the man-made disaster of climate change policies that threaten U.S. prosperity."

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley was the only candidate to acknowledge on stage that climate change is real, but said the work begins overseas.

"If you want to go and really change the environment, then we need to start telling China and India that they have to lower their emissions," Haley said. "That's where our problem is."

South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott said the best thing to do to improve the environment is "bring our jobs home from China."

During the debate, Biden took to X to weigh in on the topic.

"Climate change is real, by the way," he wrote.

MORE: Trump's absence didn't dominate GOP debate, but it showed his lasting influence: ANALYSIS

DeSantis would send troops to border

DeSantis said he would order U.S. troops to Mexico to attack drug traffickers and cartels  an idea he proposed while pivoting away from criticism on his stance on Ukraine aid.

"I am going to declare it a national emergency. I'm not going to send troops to Ukraine, but I am going to send troops to our southern border," DeSantis said after Haley interjected that the U.S. can both send aid to Ukraine and work on border security.

"When these drug pushers are bringing fentanyl across the border, that's going to be the last thing they do. We are going to use force and we're going to leave them stone-cold dead," DeSantis said.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Aug. 23, 2023. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Later, when asked by a moderator if he would support sending U.S. special forces into Mexico itself -- effectively an incursion into another country -- to attack "fentanyl labs" and "drug cartel operations," DeSantis said he would do that on "Day One."

"You want to talk about a country in decline, you have the cartels controlling a lot of ... your southern border. We have to reestablish the rule of law and we have to defend our people yes, we are going to use lethal force. Yes, we reserve the right to operate," DeSantis said.

Former Vice President Mike Pence also spoke about operations to take out cartels and drug traffickers, but framed it as engaging with Mexico and working with the Mexican military.

"We will partner with the Mexican military and we will hunt down and destroy the cartels that are claiming lives in the United States of America," Pence said.

Ramaswamy on mental health and guns

When discussing gun violence, Ramaswamy connected mental health and violent crime -- adding that he would reopen closed mental health institutions.

"We also have a mental health epidemic in this country. Just over the same period that we have closed mental health institutions, we have seen a spike in violent crime. Do we have the spine to bring them back?" Ramaswamy said. "I think we should; as president, I will."

PHOTO: Former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the first Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign in Milwaukee, Aug. 23, 2023. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Republicans have often framed the issue of gun violence in America around mental health, although experts have cautioned that mental health cannot be primarily or solely blamed for mass shootings and gun violence.

Experts have also said that people with mental illness are more likely to be the victims of violence than perpetrate it, and that the discussion of mental illness in relation to gun reform stigmatizes people with mental health disorders.

Ramaswamy's comments on needing more mental health resources echoes some bipartisan views on increasing access to those resources. The Biden administration has devoted funding from an anti-gun violence bill in Congress to mental health care.

MORE: Ramaswamy breaks from GOP orthodoxy on foreign policy, sparks pushback ahead of first debate

Christie on UFOs  and New Jerseyans

This past summer, Congress held a high-profile hearing on unidentified aerial phenomena, or UAPs -- better known as UFOs.

Debate moderator MacCallum, framing the question as something "a little out of this world," asked Christie if he would "level with the American people" about what the U.S. knows about UFO sightings.

"I get the UFO question? Come on, man," an exasperated Christie interjected during the question.

PHOTO: Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks during a Republican presidential primary debate on Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Morry Gash/AP)

The former governor then quipped that he was getting the question because he and MacCallum are both from the same state  New Jersey.

"Look, Martha, and especially coming from a woman from New Jersey, I think it's horrible that just because I'm from New Jersey, you asked me about unidentified flying objects and martians. We're different, but we're not that different," Christie said with a smile.

MacCallum is originally from Wyckoff, New Jersey and now lives in Summit, a few counties over.

MORE: Trump 'needs to be smart and careful' in campaigning amid serious charges: Christie

In his more earnest answer, Christie said that "the job of the president of the United States is to level with the American people about everything. The job of the president of the United States is to stand for truth."

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You will reach a trained crisis counselor for free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to 988lifeline.org.

Climate change, mental health and UFOs: Moments you may have missed from the 1st GOP primary debate originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
In a race dominated by Donald Trump, eight other presidential contenders battled it out at the first Republican primary debate Wednesday in an uphill fight to stop the former president from running away with the nomination.

Trump's absence overshadowed the debate in Milwaukee but gave his challengers a prime opportunity to seize the spotlight and emerge as the leading alternative.

Yet even as the front-runner enjoys a massive polling lead, most candidates only sparingly threw punches his way, instead lobbing most of their attacks at one another, President Joe Biden, his policy agenda and his son Hunter.

Here are five takeaways from the debate.

Republicans dance around Trump

In this photo taken on December 7, 2020 US President Donald Trump looks on during a ceremony presenting the Presidential Medal of Freedom to wrestler Dan Gable in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC.

Throughout the two-hour discussion, the Republican field struggled to make a clear argument against Trump, who polls show leading his next-closest counterpart, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, in national polls by about 40 percentage points.

DeSantis took no swings at Trump, spending more time railing on Biden's son Hunter Biden and liberal billionaire philanthropist George Soros while characterizing the U.S. as a country that has lost its way.

"We need to send Joe Biden back to his basement and reverse American decline," DeSantis said.

There were some exceptions. Former Govs. Chris Christie of New Jersey and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, as expected, took shots at Trump over his legal woes and personal behavior. But the sharpest case against Trump arguably came from Nikki Haley, a former governor of South Carolina who was U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the Trump administration.

During the first hour of debate, Haley was the only candidate to create a policy distinction with Trump, saying "our kids are never going to forgive us" for $8 trillion in new debt during the Trump administration.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1634992150

Then Haley made a point that others seemed unwilling to articulate: that Trump is too polarizing to win another general election.

"It is time for a new generational conservative leader," she said. "We have to look at the fact that three-quarters of Americans don't want a rematch between Trump and Biden. And we have to face the fact that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We can't win a general election that way."

Trump indictments: Most pledge support in 2024 even if he is convicted

Fox News debate moderator Bret Baier called Trump "the elephant not in the room."

The former president's quadruple indictments came up about an hour into the discussion and created one of the most contrasting moments for voters to measure in Wednesdays debate.

Asked whether they would still back Trump as the GOP nominee in the general election if he were convicted, most of the eight contenders on stage raised their hand. Exceptions were Hutchinson, who kept his hand down, and Christie, who raised his hand halfway but seemingly to speak on the subject.

"Someone's got to stop normalizing this conduct, OK?" Christie said. "Whether or not you believe that the criminal charges are right or wrong, the conduct is beneath the office of president of the United States."

Christie was met with loud boos from the crowd of Republican partisans.

Republican presidential candidate Biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (far right- lives a thumbs down as other candidates speak at Fiserv Forum during the first 2023 Republican presidential debate in Milwaukee on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. - Mike De Sisti / The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel ORG XMIT: MJS2308232148461541 (Via OlyDrop)

"This is the great thing about this country," he said. "Booing is allowed, but it doesn't change the truth."

Those remarks prompted a response from Vivek Ramaswamy, who has given the most full-throated support for Trump on the campaign trail of any of the candidates, and called him "the best president of the 21st century."

"Your claim that Donald Trump is motivated by vengeance and grievance would be a lot more credible if your entire campaign were not based on vengeance and grievance against Donald Trump," Ramaswamy said.

Republican candidates were then asked whether former Vice President Mike Pence did the right thing when he opposed Trump's plan to overturn the 2020 election results by certifying Biden's victory on Jan. 6, 2021.

"Absolutely, he did the right thing," Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C, told the audience. "But we should be asking ourselves a bigger question about the weaponization of the Department of Justice. When I'm president, the first thing I'll do is fire (Attorney General) Merrick Garland."

When the question turned to DeSantis, the Florida governor seemed reluctant to answer directly, saying Democrats want to keep that topic going and Republicans need to turn the page.

But the former vice president pressed for a response.

"I think the American people deserve to know whether everyone on this stage agrees that I kept my oath to the Constitution that day," Pence said. "There's no more important duty, so answer the question."

"I've answered this before. Mike did his duty, I've got no beef with him," DeSantis finally said.

Ramaswamy's coming-out party met with GOP fire

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1635015475

Ramaswamy drew fire from multiple rivals as he sought to use the debate as a coming-out-party on the national stage after gaining traction in recent polls.

"First, let me just address a question that is on everybody's mind at home tonight," Ramaswamy, a 38-year-old billionaire businessman, said in his opening remarks. "Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name?"

The Ohio Republican  who spoke out of turn frequently throughout the night  took no time irking his opponents.

Pence was the first to take a swipe at Ramaswamy: "Joe Biden has weakened this country at home and abroad. Now is not the time for on-the-job training. We don't need to bring in a rookie."

Christie also reminded the audience that the last politician to stand on a stage and say he's a skinny guy with a funny name was former President Barack Obama. "I'm afraid we're dealing with the same type of amateur," Christie said.

As he angered his foes, Ramaswamy doubled down on his hard-line conservative pitch.

"Do you want a super PAC puppet or do you want a patriot who speaks the truth?" he said. "Do you want incremental change or do you want revolution?"

Republicans vary on national abortion ban

Biden and Democrats have made clear they plan to thrust abortion rights at the center of the president's 2024 reelection bid.

In the year since the U.S. Supreme Court ended Roe v. Wade, six states have addressed reproductive rights questions and the liberal side has won each of those ballot questions.

Asked about where they stand in terms of a national standard, each of the Republican presidential candidates said they were pro-life, but that meant something different with each answer.

Haley, the only woman running, said the GOP should be trying to find a consensus because any federal legislation needs 60 votes in the Senate. She said that means leaning into banning later-term abortions and agreeing not to jail women who get them.

But Pence, who is well liked among evangelical voters demanding a national ban, cast abortion as a moral issue. He scolded Haley, saying that consensus is the opposite of leadership.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence participates in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1635028138

Scott, like most on stage, said Congress should aim for a 15-week ban at least. When pressed on the question, DeSantis talked up signing a six-week ban in Florida while sharing his personal reasons for opposing abortion.

Christie said that he doesn't support a federal prohibition and that it should be left up to the states.

Biden campaign spokesman Kevin Munoz, in a statement released during the debate, said: "Americans have rejected the extreme, anti-choice positions of MAGA Republicans in the midterms and in elections throughout this year. They will again in 2024."

Candidates fight over additional aid for Ukraine

Republicans sparred over U.S. aid for Ukraine a year and a half after Russia's invasion, reflecting the declining support for Ukrainian military aid among the Republican base.

The reality is today Ukraine is not a priority for the United States of America, Ramaswamy said, arguing that China poses a bigger threat to the U.S. "We have to have the interests of Americans first."

DeSantis said continued support should be contingent on greater support from European counties.

"I will have Europe pull their weight. Right now, they're not doing it," DeSantis said.

Haley and Pence took the more traditional Republican view on foreign policy, voicing support for maintaining financial aid for Ukraine to fight Russian forces.

Haley ripped DeSantis for having downplayed Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "border dispute" and hit Ramaswamy for saying the U.S. should cede eastern Ukraine to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pauses during a break in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1635015072

You have no foreign policy experience and it shows, she said.

Pence told Ramaswamy that if we do the giveaway that you want to do to and give Putin eastern Ukraine, it's not going to be too long before Russia rolls across the border into a NATO nation.

Later, while discussing Ukraine, DeSantis shifted to a more popular topic among Republican voters: migration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

"I'm not going to send troops to Ukraine, but I am going to send them to our southern border," DeSantis said.

Reach Joey Garrison on Twitter @joeygarrison and Phillip M. Bailey at @phillipmbailey

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 5 takeaways from the first Republican debate with Trump a no-show
The leading Republican presidential candidates  most of them, at least  are on stage tonight in Milwaukee for their first debate ahead of the 2024 primary.

Follow along here with the USA TODAY Fact Check Team as we dig into candidates' claims and add context on expected campaign themes, including election fraud, the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, the war in Ukraine and more.

Former President Donald Trump's decision to skip the debate means eight candidates will participate, including Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, widely seen as Trump's most formidable challenger. The other candidates expected on the debate stage are North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, businessman Vivek Ramaswamy and South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott.

Republican debate live updates: GOP primary candidates take stage  without Donald Trump

Here's some background from our archives on key topics we expect to see through the campaign and perhaps tonight:

DeSantis claimed: He eliminated critical race theory from Florida K-12 schools

Ron DeSantis: We eliminated critical race theory from our K-12 schools.

This is misleading, because teachers, school officials and districts across Florida have said critical race theory was not being taught in their elementary, middle or high schools in the first place, PolitiFact reported.

It is taught primarily in colleges and universities, including in law schools and other levels of graduate study.

CRT is a law-school concept, and teachers have been saying all along, it isnt taught in K-12 here and never was," Andrew Spar, president of the Florida Education Association, the states largest teachers union, wrote in an email to PolitiFact.

Critical race theory is an academic concept that examines the role systems and policies have in perpetuating racism. While it has existed for more than 40 years, in recent years it has been co-opted by conservatives as a synonym for anti-racism work taking place in institutions like schools.

-Joedy McCreary

Pence claimed: Indiana had nations largest school choice program when he was governor

Mike Pence: When I was governor, we doubled the size of the largest school choice program in America.

This depends on how you measure program size.

There were nearly 35,000 students in Indianas Choice Scholarship Program in the 2016-17 academic year, up from about 9,000 in 2012-13, according to the 2017 edition of The ABCs of School Choice, published by the school-choice advocacy group EdChoice.

The total did double during Pences term as governor.

But while Indiana does have the single largest education voucher program in any state, Ohio had more students who receive vouchers, the Washington Post reported. That state had a total of 47,000 students participating in its five voucher programs as of 2017.

-Joedy McCreary

Haley claimed: 11 European countries have given more aid to Ukraine in terms of GDP than the U.S.

Claimed by Nikki Haley

While outlining why she would continue giving aid to Ukraine, Haley claimed that 11 European countries have given more in terms of GDP than the U.S. This is true.

The Kiel Institute for the World Economys Ukraine Support Tracker shows that while the U.S. has provided by far the most support to Ukraine in terms of dollars, with more than $75 billion committed, that only equates to about 0.3% of total U.S. gross domestic product (GDP).

Nearly a dozen European countries have provided more in terms of GDP. They include Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Denmark, Netherlands, Finland, Czech Republic, Norway and the U.K. Estonia leads the way and has provided support that equates to about 1.3% of its GDP.

-Brad Sylvester

Scott claimed: DOJ labels school parents domestic terrorists

Tim Scott: We keep seeing not only the weaponization of the Department of Justice against political opponents, but also against parents who show up at school board meetings. Theyre called domestic terrorists.

This is false and mischaracterizes an exchange starting with a September 2021 letter written to Attorney General Merrick Garland by an education group asking the federal government to help with threats of violence against school officials.

The letter from the National School Boards Association claimed that some of those threats could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism. The group later apologized for its word choice.

Garland did not use that phrase in his response.

Instead, he discussed the increase in harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against school officials and directed the FBI to meet with leaders across the country to talk about ways to deal with those threats.

Read more:

 Joedy McCreary

DeSantis claimed: Florida's crime rate is at a 50-year low

Ron DeSantis: "Crime is at a 50-year low in Florida."

This is misleading. DeSantis has made the claim before, but it's based on incomplete data, according to The Marshall Project, a news organization that covers criminal justice issues.

About half of the law enforcement agencies that police more than 40% of Florida's population aren't included in statewide crime statistics. Less than 10% of the state's police departments were included in a federal crime database.

In Miami, the state's second-most populous city, violent crime has declined so far this year, with murders down more than 30%, according to WTVJ/NBC 6, a local television news station.

Read more:

-Chris Mueller

Christie claimed: Hunter Biden was charged with a gun crime that had a 10-year mandatory minimum

Claimed by Chris Christie

This is inaccurate. Hunter Biden was charged in June by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person prohibited. The charge claims the presidents son possessed a firearm while knowing that he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance in October 2018.

If convicted Hunter Biden would face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, not a minimum, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

Here are a few of the other Hunter Biden-related claims weve previously addressed:

-Brad Sylvester, Chris Mueller

Hutchinson claimed: I cut Arkansas government workforce by 14%

Asa Hutchinson: We had 14% fewer state employees in Arkansas after I left government than when I took over as governor eight years ago.

This isn't quite right according to state figures. It's a variation on a claim Hutchinson has made before. In announcing his presidential bid in April, he said he cut the states executive workforce by 14%, KARK-TV reported.

There were nearly 3,000 fewer employees in the executive branch of the states government when he left office in 2023 than there were when he took office in 2015, the El Dorado News-Times reported in January.

That workforce total fell from 26,108 in 2015 to 23,111 earlier this year, according to the newspaper. But that works out to a drop of just over 11%  not the 14% he claimed.

 Joedy McCreary

DeSantis claimed: Florida's COVID-19 policies 'led the country'

Ron DeSantis: "We led the country out of lockdown."

This description ignores the fact that Florida's lack of lockdowns led to more than 86,000 deaths and a death rate that was among the highest in the nation.

In April 2020, DeSantis did issue a safer-at-home order, but by the end of the month, he announced that most of the state could begin its reopening process. DeSantis issued another order months later that claimed Florida "suffered economic harm as a result of COVID-19 related closures.

DeSantis has more recently pushed lawmakers to make state bans on vaccine passports and mask requirements permanent.

Read more:

Weve previously debunked numerous claims stemming from the Sunshine State:

-Chris Mueller

Scott claimed: Bidenomics cost $10,000 spending power per family

Tim Scott: Joe Bidens Bidenomics has lead to the loss of $10,000 of spending power for the average family.

While there are a number of ways to examine average spending power, two economic reports show Scott is more or less correct.

A recent report from Casey Mulligan, a professor of economics at the University of Chicago, found that Biden administration regulations have cost Americans about $10,000 per household as of the end of 2022.

A separate analysis published in January by the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, found that the average American family has lost about $7,400 in annual income since Biden took office.

-Brad Sylvester

Ramaswamy claimed: Climate change is a 'hoax'

Vivek Ramaswamy: "The climate change agenda is a hoax."

Scientists from all disciplines say climate change is very real and having a very real impact.

The rate of warming has more than doubled since 1981, rising at a rate of more than .3 degrees per decade for a total of nearly 2 degrees since 1880.

The global warming trend has resulted in an overall increase of nearly 2 degrees in the annual global average surface temperature. This amount of global warming has already caused consequential environmental changes, including sea-level rise, decreased sea ice, and changes in weather patterns like drought and flooding, according to experts.

That level of increase is historically significant, with the current global warming trend occurring at a rate that is more than 10 times greater than seen in historical climate cycles coming out of ice ages, Howard Diamond, senior climate scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Air Resources Laboratory, previously told USA TODAY.

Global warming causes global sea level rise because warming ocean water expands. Additionally, melting glaciers and ice sheets have increased the amount of water in the oceans.

Read more: Timing of ice ages is connected to CO2, but not how this viral post claims | Fact check

Read more: Fact check: Experts say extreme weather events are increasing in severity, not decreasing

-Eric Litke

Haley claimed: Donald Trump added $8 trillion to our national debt

Claimed by Nikki Haley

Haley touted this stat in asserting a lack of fiscal restraint by Republicans. The figure is correct.

Using Treasury Department data, the total public debt, which includes intragovernmental holdings and public debt, increased by approximately $7.8 trillion from the start of Trumps presidency on Jan. 20, 2017, to when he left office on Jan. 19, 2021.

Read more: False claim Trump increased debt more than any president | Fact check

-Eric Litke

US aid to Ukraine divides Republican candidates

Nearly a year and a half after Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, there remain differing views among Republican presidential candidates when it comes to continuing U.S. support for Ukraine's defense.

Former President Donald Trump, who isnt on the debate stage, has repeatedly suggested the U.S. is providing too much support to Ukraine. He has also refused to say whether he wants Russia or Ukraine to prevail in the conflict.

Ron DeSantis has also been skeptical of U.S. support for Ukraine, and Vivek Ramaswamy said the U.S. has done enough to help. Mike Pence, who visited Ukraine in June, has said he supports providing Ukraine with military aid to fight back against Russia. Chris Christie too has said he supports continuing U.S. support for Ukraine, as does Tim Scott and Asa Hutchinson. Nikki Haley said support should be through collaborating with allies to be sure Ukraine has "the equipment and the ammunition to win."

Public debate over the best approach in Ukraine has also sparked a wide array of misinformation:

 Chris Mueller

Jan. 6 riots play key role in Trump, Pence campaigns

The Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riots loom large during the campaign because several of that days central figures  Trump and Pence  are in the race.

Trump has repeatedly and falsely claimed that Pence had the power to overturn the 2020 election results while he presided over the ceremonial certification process. Pence has made his handling of the days events a central theme of his campaign, saying he chose loyalty to the Constitution over demands from Trump to give him the election.

In the worst attack on the Capitol in 200 years, a mob of thousands of Trump supporters overwhelmed police and raided the building on the day lawmakers formalized Bidens victory. Some rioters chanted that they wanted Pence hanged.

Other candidates have brought up the attacks, with DeSantis calling it not an insurrection but a protest that ended up devolving, you know, in a way that was unfortunate. Ramaswamy blamed the riots on pervasive censorship and called it unproductive to point the finger at Trump.

The attacks have been a consistent source of misinformation during the past 2 years. Here are some weve previously debunked:

 Joedy McCreary

Debate comes amid indictments of Trump, allies

Trump won't be on the debate stage, but the former president looms large over the debate in light of both his commanding lead in the polls and his unprecedented legal troubles.

Most recently, Trump and several allies were indicted Aug. 14 by a Georgia grand jury that accused them of trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state, where Trump lost to President Joe Biden by about 12,000 votes.

The charges against Trump in Georgia are only the latest in a series of prosecutions against him that began in March, when he was indicted for allegedly falsifying business records related to hush-money payments intended to silence two women before the 2016 election. Trump also faces charges for allegedly mishandling classified documents and allegedly conspiring to steal the 2020 presidential election, including his role in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Trump's legal woes have been the subject of an array of false or misleading claims on social media:

 Chris Mueller

Election integrity critical issue in GOP race

One key issue for the candidates is whether they will trust  and abide by  the elections that will decide the winners and losers.

State-level reviews of the 2022 midterm elections found no indication of systemic problems with voter fraud, in line with reviews of the 2020 election. Thats significant because baseless allegations from Trump and his allies have penetrated the Republican Party and eroded confidence in the process.

Several candidates have pushed election-related changes in their home states.

DeSantis created Floridas Office of Election Crimes and Security. A year ago, his administration accused 20 felons ineligible to vote in 2020 of illegally casting ballots and charged them with third-degree felonies.

Haley as governor signed a law in 2011 that requires South Carolina voters to show photo ID. Christie vetoed a bill in 2016 that would automatically register New Jerseyans to vote when they obtain or renew their drivers license, calling it a cocktail of fraud, NJ.com reported.

What none of these agencies found, of course, is any sign that election outcomes had been compromised or votes had been miscounted. But claims to the contrary have circulated widely online. Here are a few of our recent debunks:

-Joedy McCreary

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: GOP debate live fact check: What the candidates get right -- and wrong
Father killed after confronting scooter thieves with his son in their own backyard: Police

A father has been shot and killed after an early morning confrontation with scooter thieves in their own backyard, police say.

The altercation took place early Wednesday morning at approximately 4:39 a.m. in Aurora, Colorado, when a father and his son -- who currently remain unnamed -- awoke to the sound of two suspects stealing scooters parked in the backyard of their house, according to a statement released by the Aurora Police Department on Wednesday evening.

MORE: Man who broke into women's homes and rubbed their feet while they slept arrested: Police

The man and his son went outside to confront the two suspects, but the thieves were able to quickly abscond with the stolen property, causing the father and son to give chase to the suspects in their pickup truck.

The man and his son chased the suspects in their pickup. During the chase, shots were fired at the pickup, authorities said. The man and son returned home, at which point they noticed a vehicle drive by the front of the house and fire several rounds into the home. One bullet struck the man, fatally wounding him.

MORE: 11-year-old girl arrested over false report of 'kidnapped' friend in online challenge gone wrong

Officers performed life-saving actions on the 49-year-old man until Aurora Fire Rescue arrived and took over emergency medical treatment, police said. However, those life-saving actions were unsuccessful and the man died at the scene in the 900 block of Paris Street in Aurora.

The investigation into the shooting is ongoing but so far police have identified multiple scenes connected to the incident, including yards in the neighborhood where the scooters were recovered.

MORE: Wild monkey spotted running rampant through neighborhoods as police warn to stay away

The suspects are currently thought to be at large and have not yet been identified. However, authorities said that they do not believe there is a threat to the wider public.

More information is expected to be released regarding the 49-year-old victim of the shooting in the coming days by the Arapahoe County Coroners Office and anyone with any information on this case is asked to contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867).

Father killed after confronting scooter thieves with his son in their own backyard: Police originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A United Airlines pilot recently had a "career highlight" moment when he piloted a Spain-bound flight on which his mom was working as a flight attendant.

Cole Doss, 31, used his time on the microphone delivering the pre-flight announcement to honor his mom, a flight attendant for over 40 years.

"She's been one of my biggest supporters in my life and in my career becoming a pilot, ever since my very first flight lesson," Doss told passengers, later adding, "To my mom, I love you, and to everyone onboard, welcome aboard our family-friendly skies."

In a video of the moment that Doss shared on Instagram, he is seen holding his mom's arm up in celebration of both her support and her long career.

PHOTO: United Airlines pilot Cole Doss honored his mom, a flight attendant, on their first flight together. (@doss_the_boss_/Instagram)

Doss told "Good Morning America" the flight last month from Washington, D.C., to Madrid was not only the first time he and his mom worked on a flight together, but also the first time his mom had been on a flight that he piloted.

"That was the first time I was able to fly my mom ever," he said. "In flight school, she was a little nervous about the small planes, so I was never able to fly with her there."

Doss said his mom typically works on Asia-bound flights, but when she learned he was piloting a flight to Spain, she switched schedules with a fellow flight attendant so she could be on the same flight.

On the day of the flight, Doss, a United Airlines pilot since February 2022, and his mom also commuted to the plane together.

"We met in the employee parking lot. We took the bus together. We went to security together. We walked to the gate together," Doss said. "So, it was really neat being able to share all those moments with her."

MORE: Flight attendant gives emotional farewell to passengers, crew on final flight

Doss said he decided to pay tribute to his mom in such a public way on the flight because moms and flight attendants "deserve all the credit they can get."

"I wanted to do something incredibly special to pay back my mom and and let everyone know that this was a really cool and momentous event for the both of us," he said.

He added, "It was definitely a career highlight for me."

PHOTO: United Airlines pilot Cole Doss honored his mom, a flight attendant, on their first flight together. (@doss_the_boss_/Instagram)

Doss said his mom also worked the return flight back to Washington, D.C., that he piloted as well. He said he did not make an in-flight announcement on that flight, joking that he left that to his mom to do.

"She was really proud of me so I'm sure she probably told most of the passengers that her son was flying up front," Doss said.

In addition to his mom's role as a flight attendant for United Airlines, Doss' dad is a retired flight attendant for American Airlines. His sister is currently a flight attendant for American Airlines.

MORE: Meet the mother-daughter pilots breaking barriers in the sky

Doss said he was about halfway through college as a business major when he decided to change career paths and follow his parents into aviation.

"My parents were incredibly supportive," he said. "They both have a passion for aviation and my dad, before becoming a flight attendant, was working on becoming a pilot as well ... so becoming a pilot [myself] kind of fulfilled both of our goals."

Pilot thanks flight attendant mom in surprise speech on their 1st flight together originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Trial for Idaho college killings suspect Bryan Kohberger delayed indefinitely

The capital murder trial for Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of killing four Idaho college students last fall, will be delayed indefinitely.

Kohberger's trial had been set to begin Oct. 2 -- less than six weeks away -- but will now be postponed after he waived his right to a speedy trial Wednesday afternoon in court. The judge accepted his waiver.

Kohberger defense attorney Anne Taylor said more time was needed to effectively present their case than would be possible by Oct. 2.

PHOTO: Bryan Kohberger enters the courtroom for a hearing, on Aug. 18, 2023, at the Latah County Courthouse in Moscow, Idaho. (August Frank/The Lewiston Tribune via AP, Pool)

Kohberger's defense said they still wanted to keep the upcoming Sept. 1 hearing date to address their request to dismiss the indictment  and after that, reconvene to discuss a new schedule reset.

The decision to delay the trial had been anticipated for weeks, ever since prosecutors announced they would seek the death penalty against Kohberger.

MORE: Lawyer for Idaho college killings suspect Bryan Kohberger says he was driving alone night of murders

In court on Wednesday, Judge John Judge directly confirmed with Kohberger that no one had pressured him in this decision to waive his right to a speedy trial, and that this was what he wanted to do -- which Kohberger affirmed.

Idaho law requires that defendants receive a trial date within six months of their arraignment if they don't waive that right.

MORE: Idaho college murders: The complete timeline of events

Prosecutors allege that in the early morning hours of Nov. 13, 2022, Kohberger, a criminology Ph.D. student at nearby Washington State University, broke into an off-campus home and stabbed to death four University of Idaho students: Ethan Chapin, 20; Madison Mogen, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20, and Kaylee Goncalves, 21.

After a six-week hunt, police zeroed in on Kohberger as a suspect, saying they tracked his white Hyundai Elantra and cell phone signal data, and recovered what authorities said was his DNA on a knife sheath found next to one of the victims' bodies.

Kohberger was indicted in May and charged with four counts of first-degree murder and one count of burglary. At his arraignment, he declined to offer a plea, so the judge entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. If convicted, Kohberger could face the death penalty.

Goncalves' family responded to the developments on Wednesday, saying in a statement: "Upon the Court finally putting hard deadlines in place the Family suspected that the Defendant would waive his speedy trial rights. This case carries enormous weight for the families and the community and this additional time allows both sides to be fully prepared for the next trial date."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Trial for Idaho college killings suspect Bryan Kohberger delayed indefinitely originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
JAKARTA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least two residents died after a fire destroyed over 150 houses in the central part of Jakarta Wednesday evening, local authorities said Thursday.

According to a statement released by the city's Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD), the blaze took place in the densely populated area in Gambir at around 8:30 p.m. local time. A total of 28 fire engines and 84 personnel were deployed to extinguish the fire in two hours.

The agency said that the fire killed a 70-year-old woman and an 83-year-old woman and wounded 17 people, with 152 houses destroyed and over 240 residents taking temporary shelters nearby.

Careless cooking was considered to be the cause of the fire, but it is yet to be confirmed by the police's ongoing investigation, according to the BPBD. 
Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist speaks during a news conference at the Tulsa Public Schools Education Service Center Wednesday, July 26, 2023 in Tulsa, Ok.

Oklahoma's second-largest city's school superintendent has resigned in the midst of a running dispute with State School Superintendent Ryan Walters.

Deborah Gist, superintendent of the Tulsa school district, announced her resignation Tuesday, the Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY Network is reporting.

"It's no secret that our state superintendent has had an unrelenting focus on our district and specifically on me," Gist said in an email she sent to district colleagues. She said she was confident her departure would prevent a state takeover of the district.

The Oklahoma Board of Education is scheduled to hold its regular monthly meeting Thursday to consider the district's accreditation. At its meeting in July, the state board agreed with Walter's request to hold a decision on Tulsa while other districts' accreditation was approved.

"What we have seen is a district that has failed the students," Walters said after the July meeting.

Education in the US: Arkansas schools will teach AP African American Studies despite state's objections

Repeat performance critics

Walters and state Gov. Kevin Stitt have been frequent critics of the district's performance.

Stitt criticized the district for closing schools during the COVID-19 panic and Walters picked up the baton to continue targeting the states largest school district, a predominately nonwhite school system of more than 33,000 students he says faces significant and severe issues and is plagued by scandal.

The State Auditor is currently investigating the district for alleged embezzlement.

Want to make sure your school is safe? These are the questions parents should ask

'A step in the right direction'

In a statement released after Gist sent out her email, Walters said: "I am optimistic that this is a step in the right direction. Ive been crystal clear that Tulsa Public Schools needs a dramatic change in leadership."

"Making the decision to leave Team Tulsa is the hardest decision I have ever done," said Gist, who has been the district's superintendent since 2015.

She said the Tulsa School Board would hold a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss her departure and the appointment of Ebony Johnson as her interim successor. Johnson is currently the district's chief learning officer.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Deborah Gist, Tulsa schools leader, resigns amid dispute with Walters
The 2023 Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) might be over, but fans can snag early bird tickets to event right now.

The three-day outdoor music festival is one of the most popular summer events for country music fans. Just as in years past, CCMF 2023 sold out, with 30,000 fans in attendance.

Would-be headliner Morgan Wallen was forced to back out of the festival this year due to a vocal injury, but fortunately for fans he's already committed to headlining the event next year. Here is everything we know about the 2024 Carolina Country Music Fest.

When is the Carolina Country Music Fest?

Next year's CCMF will be held from June 6-9, 2024.

Where is the Carolina Country Music Fest?

The CCMF will be held at the sunny beachfront Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Fans who want a bird's eye view of the festival can take a spin on the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel.

The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is a short walk from the CCMF grounds. Sherry Phillips/Parade

How can I buy tickets for Carolina Country Music Fest?

Early bird tickets for the 2024 festival went on sale on Friday, July 21. VIP tickets quickly sold out. Get yours today at ccmf.com.

Who is headlining Carolina Country Music Fest next year?

Morgan Wallen is slated to headline in 2024 after pulling out in 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

CCMF shared the disappointing news on Twitter just 30 days before the 2023 event, where the organization posted a letter promising Wallen would reschedule for next year.

Wallen was forced to cancel his appearance at the festival after he injured his vocal cords in April 2023 and had to spend six weeks on vocal rest. As reported by USA Today, Wallen explained to fans, "I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday. After taking 10 days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible."

He continued, "So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I reinjured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that's what I'm going to do."

Who is performing at Carolina Country Music Fest next year?

Morgan Wallen will headline the 2024 CCMF. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

One of the highlights of the 2023 Carolina Country Music Fest was a drone light show.

Who performed at the Carolina Country Music Fest in 2023?

The 2023 CCMF lineup included Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, Travis Tritt, Whiskey Myers, Lainey Wilson, Scotty McCreery, Bret Michaels, Ernest, Hardy with special guest Tracy Lawrence, Bailey Zimmerman, Ian Munsick, and more.

Related: Lainey Wilson From Yellowstone to CMA Fest
Here's how to cut, store, and cook with the sweet-tart tropical fruit.

If youre looking to gussy up your yogurt, add intrigue to desserts, or an antioxidant boost to smoothies, consider incorporating the juicy delight known as passion fruit (also spelled passionfruit) into your repertoire. Passion fruit is a staple in many tropical and subtropical countriesincluding Brazil, its largest producer and consumerbut fresh varieties aren't as widely available in the U.S., so for some home cooks, it remains an untapped ingredient.

What does passion fruit taste like and whats the best way to eat it? We got the lowdown from a California farmer who grows the tropical fruit, and a Brazilian cookbook author from Sao Paulo.







Meet Our Expert

Nicholas Brown is a sixth-generation farmer in Carpinteria, Calif., and the founder and owner of Rincon Tropics. His ranch grows passion fruit, Haas avocados, Meyer lemons, dragonfruit, and cherimoya, shipping the fresh and seasonal fruit direct to consumers.

Olivia Mesquita is the author of Authentic Brazilian Home Cooking: Simple, Delicious Recipes for Classic Latin American Flavors. Mesquita was born in Brazil, but now calls New Jersey home.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement







What Is Passion Fruit?

Round or oval, with a hard exterior and juicy center filled with soft gelatinous pulp and edible black seeds, this small fruit grows on the vines of the Passiflora plant, a type of passion flower. The outer shell is usually purple, green, or yellow, while its rounder relation, called granadilla, tends towards orange. Passion fruit season lasts from around August through April.

Where Does It Grow?

Passion fruit flourishes worldwide, including in Brazil, Ecuador, Columbia, Peru, Indonesia, and Australia, while wild varieties proliferate in the rainforests and tropical jungles of Costa Rica and Hawaii. "Fresh passion fruit is also grown domestically and commercially in Southern California and a bit in Florida," says Nicholas Brown, a sixth-generation farmer and owner of California-based Rincon Tropics, which grows passion fruit, amongst other produce. "You can sometimes find it at a farmers' market in these states when in season."



Flavor Profile

The fruit's flavor depends on the variety and where its grown, but the best passion fruit has a balance of sweetness and acidity. While there are hundreds of types of passion fruit plants, just a handful produce fruits, and of those, only a limited number produce edible fruits, says Brown.

"The most common, and what we grow, are the reddish-purple passion fruit," he says. "It has a great balance of sweetness and acidity and packs a powerful flavor punch." Yellow varieties are typically grown in more tropical climates, and some are incredibly tart, while others have very little acidity.

"Passion fruit that is more often found at stores in the U.S. is slightly tangy (less than a lemon or a lime) and sweet," says Olivia Mesquita, a Brazilian cookbook author and founder of Olivias Cuisine.

Shopping for Passion Fruit

What to look for, also ingredients to avoid.



How to Choose Ripe Passion Fruit

When mature, the fruit drops from the vine and can be eaten immediately. At this point, the shell is smooth and it resembles a plump plum, and while juicy, it's more tart and acidic.

Brown recommends waiting until the shell has started to wrinklegenerally a week or two after the fruit dropsfor the best sweet-to-tart flavor profile. "As they wrinkle the acids are converted into sugar and the pulp inside becomes sweeter."

There is a point where wrinkling has gone too far. "The fruit gets less heavy in this process, so you don't want to choose a fruit that looks like a raisin, as it could have lost most, if not all, of its juice inside, and you'd only be getting a bunch of seeds instead," Brown says. Mesquita agrees, saying, "The super-wrinkly ones are past their prime and might be moldy!"



Frozen and Packaged Passion Fruit

As Brown explains, it is difficult to find steady and reliable sources of passion fruit in many parts of the country. That's where frozen passion fruit pulp comes in. Mesquita notes that even when she can find passion fruit fresh, its usually expensive, so frozen pulp, or packaged pulp with seeds, is her fallback, found at local Brazilian markets.

When shopping for frozen or packaged passion fruit pulp, check the labels and beware of ones with artificial ingredients or added syrup.



How to Eat Passion Fruit

Follow our handy tips to enjoy the singular flavor of passion fruit.

Cutting a Passion Fruit

Passion fruit shells can be tricky to break into but all you need is a sharp knife. Brown cuts the fruit in half, then scoops out the pulp and seeds.



Making Juice

"The best way to extract the most juice with minimal waste is to scoop it into a blender or food processor and pulse the seeds and pulp a few times, breaking the juice-containing membrane around each seed," says Brown.

Once the mixture settles, the crushed seeds sink to the bottom. You can then pour the pulsed mixture through a sieve and discard the seeds. No blender? Try whisking the pulp in a bowl to break the membranes, then sieve he suggests.

How to Use Passion Fruit

While passion fruit is a natural in desserts and drinks, it also has savory potential.



Creative Cocktails

Passion fruit is delicious in tropical-leaning cocktailsMesquita makes use of the juice in caipirinhas, or mojitos, while Brown finds that passion fruit Margaritas and daiquiris are always a hit.



Desserts and More

Passion fruit is also a wonderful addition to yogurt, smoothies, frozen treatsand so much more. "My favorite way to eat passion fruit is in passion fruit mousse, says Mesquita. "Other favorites are passion fruit cream pie, passion fruit truffles, passion fruit cake, and a savory sauce that I serve with salmon or chicken."

Brown covers both savory and sweet bases as well, using it in marinades for fish, chicken, and pork, and in a vinaigrette for salad dressings. Dessert-wise, he finds infinite uses, from ice cream to passion fruit cheesecake. And hes fond of one passion fruit product in particular: "Passion fruit curd is a baker's secret weapon because it goes so well with so many cakes and cookies, he says.

The passion fruit has many possibilities, but don't overlook that one of the best ways to enjoy passion fruit is to eat it in its purest form. All you need is a spoon.


Construction of a new lift is underway at Brundage Mountain Resort, Idaho.

The lift is an upgrade to the Centennial three-seater, a now-decommissioned chairlift that transported skiers from Brundage's base to the upper ridge, providing access to runs like Meadow Bowl and Bee Line.

Yesterday, August 23rd, the PR team at Brundage shared a press release and video update on the ongoing project with Powder. Watch as a Black Hawk helicopter helps ground crews install lift components for the new lift.

Once the update is complete, the Centennial will become a high-speed detachable quad with a new name: the Centennial Express. The project is on track to be completed by the 2023-2024 winter season.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Unsurprisingly, installing lift towers via helicopter is a delicate process.

The 16 new towers weigh between 6,500 and 12,000 pounds, meaning they must be disassembled before aerial delivery to avoid breaching the helicopter's weight limit. Thus, each tower requires three to five separate helicopter trips during installation.

Courtesy: Brundage Mountain Resort

"Communication is absolutely crucial in a project like this," said Brundage Mountain Director of Mountain Operations Dustin Johnson in the August 23rd press release.

"Hand signals from the ground crew to the pilot are essential for precise placement of all components, so being able to manage things like rotor wash to keep dust down is hugely important."

The new lift terminals are being constructed alongside the tower installation, with the bottom terminal being shifted slightly from its original location to better accommodate skier traffic.

"Progress is going great," said Johnson. "The crews, the weather everything has been cooperating, even this rain has helped out a lot it's helped with dust abatement and visibility for the helicopters so progress-wise wise we're right on schedule for opening day this winter."

Courtesy: Brundage Mountain Resort

The under-construction Centennial Express is a Doppelmayr 4CLD with a top drive, bottom tension design, which, according to Brundage's PR team, is "the industry standard for the most energy-efficient way to engineer a ski lift."

Brundage reports that the new lift is an improvement in every regard over its predecessor. While it will maintain essentially the same travel distance and trajectory, it's a marked upgrade in speed and efficiency.

Here's the Centennial Express by the numbers:

Vertical Rise

Old lift: 1,637 ft.

New lift: 1,636 ft.

Distance

Old lift: 5,905 ft.

New lift: 5,796 ft.

Ride Time

Old lift: 16 minutes

New lift: 6 minutes

Uphill Capacity

Old lift: 1,200 people per hour at 450 feet per minute

New lift: 1,800 people per hour at 1,000 feet per minute

Don't miss another headline from POWDER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing.

We're always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging ski-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you're a professional skier or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on POWDER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality ski videos.
Names hold a special place in every culture, reflecting the traditions, values, and history of a society. Colombian girl names, in particular, are a rich tapestry woven from the threads of indigenous, Spanish, and other global influences. These names not only capture the essence of Colombias diverse heritage but also celebrate the countrys vibrant and dynamic identity. Delving into the world of Colombian girl names will showcase the beauty and diversity of the Colombian naming culture.

Columbian Girl Names From the Rich Indigenous, African, and Spanish Cultures

Colombias history is a blend of indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization, and African heritage. This unique blend of influences is vividly reflected in Colombian girl names. Many names are derived from indigenous languages, such as Quechua, Aymara, and Nasa Yuwe, while others have roots in Spanish, Arabic, and African languages. This fusion of linguistic traditions creates a captivating array of names, each with its own story to tell.

Ximena (one who hears) Nayeli (I love you) Yaretzi (you will always be loved) Kaya (pure) Ayana (beautiful flower) Citlali (star) Yara (small butterfly) Tala (gold) Ixchel (Mayan Goddess of the Moon) Kuna (quick-tempered or aggressive individual) Mapu (heavenly fragrance) Minka (strong-willed warrior) Yurupary (Mythical hero of the Amazon) Quilla (feather) Rayen (flower)

Beautiful Girl Names That Capture the Beauty of Columbias Landscapes

Colombias stunning natural landscapes have inspired names that celebrate the countrys diverse flora and fauna. Names like Luna (moon), Estrella (star), Mariposa (butterfly), and Cielo (sky) evoke the beauty of the environment. These names not only sound melodious but also connect individuals to the breathtaking landscapes that define Colombia.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Sierra (mountain range) Luna (moon) Solana (sunshine) Mariposa (butterfly) Paloma (dove) Estrella (star) Coral (sea growth) Selva (jungle) Azucena (lily) Cielo (sky) Aurora (dawn) Floriana (flower) Oceane (ocean) Montana (mountain) Valentina (valley)

These Names Pay Homage to Columbias Rich Religious and Cultural Influences

Many Colombian girl names pay homage to the indigenous roots of the country. Names like Taina (mystery), Zulia (just), and Muisca (person) are reminders of the native peoples who inhabited the region long before colonial times. By giving their daughters these names, Colombian parents honor the countrys original inhabitants and keep their rich history alive.

Catalina (pure) Isabella (devoted to God) Valeria (strong) Sofia (wisdom) Camila (priests helper) Emilia (eager) Antonia (priceless) Victoria (victory) Luciana (light) Gabriela (God is my strength) Isidora (gift of Isis) Rafaela (God has healed) Eloisa (healthy) Amalia (work) Matilde (might, strength)

Elegance, Charm, and Beauty  What Else Can You Ask for in a Name?

Spanish influence is deeply ingrained in Colombian culture, and this is evident in the names bestowed upon girls. These names not only carry a sense of sophistication but also maintain a strong connection to Colombias colonial past.

Isabella (devoted to God) Carmen (garden) Maria (of the sea) Sofia (wisdom) Elena (shining light) Valentina (healthy) Clara (bright) Beatriz (brings joy) Ines (pure) Laura (victory) Ana (full of grace) Rosario (rosary) Teresa (to harvest) Lourdes (a reference to Roman Catholic Mary) Consuelo (consolation)

Girls Names That Speak to the Heart  Virtue, Strength, Grace

Colombian names often embody virtues, qualities, and emotions that parents wish to bestow upon their children. Names like Esperanza (hope), Felicidad (happiness), and Amistad (friendship) carry profound meanings and serve as constant reminders of the values that shape a persons character.

Esperanza (hope) Valentina (strength, courage) Paz (peace) Amalia (industrious, hardworking) Veronica (true image) Clemencia (mercy) Constanza (constant, steadfast) Felicidad (happiness) Gracia (grace) Virtud (virtue) Luz (light) Fortaleza (fortitude) Caridad (charity) Sabina (wise) Generosa (generous)

Colombian girl names are a testament to the countrys rich history, cultural heritage, and the values that shape its society. From names rooted in indigenous languages to those inspired by nature, virtues, and global trends, Colombian naming culture is a harmonious blend of the old and the new. As Colombia continues to evolve, its names serve as a reminder of the beauty, diversity, and interconnectedness of the world we live in.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



While the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic feel like forever ago, new COVID variants continue to pop up, and probably will continue to do so for a long time.

So, its good to be prepared. This summer, new sub variants of the original COVID-19 strain are spreading across the United Statesincluding EG. 5 (commonly known as Eris) and BA.2.86.

First, some good news: The new variants are not more dangerous compared to earlier strains. So far, hospitalizations and COVID-19 related deaths are far below previous pandemic peaks, according to CBS News. The accessibility of COVID-19 tests and vaccines have helped stop the spread, too.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

However, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID have seen an upward tick in the last few weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These variants are important reminders that COVID caution shouldn't be thrown out the window.

"There have been a ton of new variants, and there will be more variants," explains Dr. Michelle Prickett, MD, who specializes in critical care medicine at Northwestern Medical Group in Chicago. "It's not a time to panic. We have knowledge and tools to keep [infection rates] low."

Meet The Expert: Dr. Michelle Prickett, MD, is a doctor specializing in critical care medicine at Northwestern Medical Group in Chicago.

Below, Women's Health dives into these new variants, including what symptoms to look out for if you think youre sick.

What are current new COVID variants, BA.2.85 and EG.5?

Remember in December 2021 when everyone was getting COVID again? That was all thanks to Omicron, one of the most highly infectious COVID-19 variants so far. At the time, Omicron was the most prominent COVID variant out there. This variant was known for spreading rapidly, but typically resulting in less severe disease, according to the Mayo Clinic.

However, the original SARS-CoV variants continue to adapt, according to the CDC, and Eris is dubbed by some experts as the "grandchild" of Omicron. Eris currently accounts for about 20.6 percent of COVID-19 infections across the United States, according to the CDC. The variants spread is calculated with a degree of uncertainty, though, due to the rapid increase of infections. But this is a close estimate.

Eris has been declared a "variant of interest" by the CDC, and can reportedly spread easily due to a notable mutation that allows it to evade the immune systems antibodies and vaccines, according to the New York Times.

However, it's important to note that this variant is no more dangerous than the ones that already out there. The World Health Organization categorizes it as "low at the global level" in terms of risk.

Eris is currently the dominant COVID strain in the US. However, there are currently seven definitive cases of another COVID strain, BA.2.86, across the world, according to the New York Times. (This number is also likely a lot larger, due to how COVID cases are reported.)

Eris has a larger number of mutations compared other variants, particularly in the spike protein, or what the virus uses to infect, Jesse Bloom, a professor at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center told the New York Times.

BA.2.86 has an evolution comparable to Omicrons divergence from earlier COVID variants, meaning it could be significantly more impactful than the currently widespread variants. Translation: Omicron was significantly more infectious and BA.2.86 could be, too.

However, it's way too early to fully understand this strainor to determine if it is as infectious, according to the New York Times.

So, there's no cause for concern quite yet.

Are the symptoms for the new COVID variants different?

At this point, you might be able to recount the typical COVID symptoms like your ABCs. The newest variants' symptoms are pretty similar to older strains, but here's a rundown of everything that you might experience, according to the CDC, and Dr. Prickett:

cough

headache

muscle aches

sore throat

fatigue

fever or chills

congestion or runny nose

nausea or vomiting

diarrhea

shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Eris is detected and treated the same way as other variants, as it responds similarly to diagnostic tests and prescription antivirals such as Paxlovid, according to the New York Times.

Should I get a booster?

As of right now, you don't need a booster if you are already up-to-date on your vaccines, according to Dr. Prickett. For most adults, that means a vaccine and one booster.

"I would encourage people to talk to their physicians and to see if they are eligible for a booster," Dr. Prickett says. "But there is no recommendations for an additional booster at this point."

Will the fall 2023 vaccine boosters work for the new COVID variants?

In June, the FDA officially recommended a formulaically updated booster. This formula will target the XBB 1.16, which is a descendent from Omicron, and will be more effective against variants like Eris.

However, its makeup is not necessarily meant to protect against the BA.2.86 strain, some experts told CBS News, so if that strain becomes more dominant in the United States, it might upend vaccine rollouts. It's still too soon to tell how BA.2.86 will spread.

These formulaically updated vaccines may be ready around late September 2023, according to CBS News, but they'll still need FDA approval and updated booster recommendations from the CDC, so it's unclear when they will be widely available.

What should I do if I test positive for COVID?

The protocol for testing positive is largely the same as it was earlier in the pandemic. Dr. Prickett recommends isolating for at least five days, but ideally 10 daysor until you begin testing negative.

Shop Now COVID-19 Antigen Self Test amazon.com $15.88

Prescription antivirals like Paxlovid are also highly recommended as a course of treatment, according to Dr. Prickett. If you test positive, it's worth asking your doctor if antivirals like are a good option for you.



"Antivirals work best if you take them early on in the course of your infection," she explains. "You want to have antivirals within hours to early days. You don't want to wait."

Do COVID tests work for the new variants?

Yes. And testing "early and often" is the best protocol with these new variants floating around, says Dr. Prickett. "If there's a concern, go ahead and test," she says. "If there's still a concern, retest."

If you test negative while exhibiting symptoms, it's worth waiting around 24 hours and testing again to ensure you're actually negative she adds. Hand-washing, masking, and improving air ventilation are helpful, too. These methods are especially useful to stop the spread as experts try to understand new variants, virologist Paul Duprex told NBC News.



Still, with the information out there right now, there is no cause for concern.

"We know how it is transmitted. We have a lot more tools," Dr. Prickett explains. "Testing really is the main key to get this contained to make sure we have are eligible potentially for good treatment options."

You Might Also Like
Cases of deadly flesh-eating bacteria are happening throughout the U.S. Heres what you need to know. (Photo illustration: Erik Carter for Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images)

Between COVID rates rising yet again and the risk of RSV and flu looming, health threats are all around. Yet another one has been grabbing peoples attention lately: a flesh-eating bacteria called Vibrio vulnificus.

At least eight people have died (three in the New York area, five in Florida) and more have been hospitalized in recent weeks because of infections from this bacteria. So what do experts want people to know and how can you keep yourself safe? Read on.

Whats happening

Vibrio vulnificus is a bacteria which lives in warm, salty water, Dr. Jarod Fox, an infectious disease specialist at Orlando Health, tells Yahoo Life. With climate change leading to warmer temperatures and with sea level rises leading to coastal rivers with higher salt content, the bacteria are being found in more places and for longer periods of time of the year.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 80% of vibriosis infections happen between May and October because of warmer water temperatures.

Do I need to worry?

Experts say caution is warranted given that an infection can cause serious problems and can even be deadly. Vibrio vulnificus is a highly pathogenic  meaning disease-causing  bacterial species, Oladele Ogunseitan, who researches antimicrobial resistance and stewardship at the University of California, Irvine, tells Yahoo Life.

When V. vulnificus enters the body, according to Cleveland Clinic, symptoms of an infection begin in less than 24 hours. They include fever, chills, skin redness or rash, fluid-filled blisters, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, fainting, weakness, confusion and a fast heart rate. A stool, wound or blood culture is needed for diagnosis.

According to the CDC, the infection can lead to limb amputation and 20 percent of people infected die quickly if their treatment isnt intensive. So, contracting the pathogen is very worrisome and quick diagnosis is important, says Ogunseitan.

People who have liver diseases, hemochromatosis, chronic kidney failure, diabetes or are otherwise immunocompromised are more at risk.

However, experts point out that infections arent common. It is still a relatively rare infection, Fox says. More specifically, the CDC reports seeing about 80,000 cases and 100 deaths per year.

What can I do about it?

To be as safe as possible, experts say there are steps you can take. The best way to protect yourself is to not enter the water with open wounds, Fox says. It can lead to wound infection if an open wound is exposed to the waters where high levels of Vibrio vulnificus are.

This is especially crucial if youre going into saltwater or brackish water when its hot. This pathogen thrives in warm coastal waters and can infect open wounds, Ogunseitan notes.

Take the word wound loosely, however  it doesnt have to be a big cut. People with active psoriasis, for example, or other conditions that compromise their skin, can be especially at risk, Dr. Sarah Park, medical director at Karius, tells Yahoo Life.

Additionally, if youre immunocompromised, Fox recommends wearing protective water shoes in the ocean.

If you do come in contact with these types of water, its important to clean those wounds well with soap and water as soon as possible, Park advises. If a skin infection or wound does develop  telltale signs include pain, warmth and increasing redness at the site  you should seek medical attention immediately, especially if you do have any underlying medical conditions, says Park. Treatment may include antibiotics and wound therapy, to start.

Ogunseitan and Fox also agree that its best to avoid seafood  especially raw oysters, according to the FDA  thats not well-prepared or fully cooked.

The main takeaway

Although infections with flesh-eating bacteria are rare, taking V. vulnificus seriously is important. After potential exposure, people should not take any early signs of infection or symptoms of vibriosis lightly, and they should seek prompt medical attention, Ogunseitan says.

And they may not be going away anytime soon. As climate change leads to warmer waters in more places for longer periods of time, we will likely continue to see more of these infections, Fox says. However, if you take precautions, you can decrease your chances of getting infected.
Earlier this month, a team of fisheries biologists with the National Park Service (NPS) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) applied fish-killing poison to a 9.6-mile stretch of Soda Butte Creek, which flows through the northwestern corner of Yellowstone National Park. The scientists dispensed the toxic substance, known as rotenone, after routine monitoring detected non-native brook trout in the creek. Now they're using advanced genetic analysis to determine wether or not the invasive fish were put there by people.

Soda Butte Creek is a stronghold for the iconic Yellowstone cutthroat trout, but it's been threatened by invasive brook trout for years. The brookies were first detected in the watershed in the 1990s. They were restricted to a small tributary in the nearby McLaren Mining District until 2014, when improved water quality allowed them to invade Soda Butte. Because they can quickly outcompete the native cutthroats when left unchecked, NPS and FWP took quick action to eradicate them from the fishery.

Over the course of one week in 2015, state and federal agencies killed 450 brook trout using a broad application of rotenone throughout 38 miles of the Lamar River tributary. They salvaged as many of the native cutthroat as they could, removing them from the creek prior to applying the poison, then putting them back in after the toxins dissipated.

After a few more spot treatments with rotenone, Soda Butte was declared brook trout free. And it stayed that way until last fall when an NPS electrofishing crew shocked up more than a dozen brookies along a one-mile stretch of Soda Butte.

"Its kind of like removing mice from an infested house," FWP fisheries biologist Shannon Blackburn tells Field & Stream. "With rotenone, you do a big treatment and then you have to keep doing some monitoring. You have to keep some traps out there."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

With their most recent round of rotenone spot treatments, conducted one week ago, FWP and NPS removed eight additional brookies from Soda Butte. How the fish got back into the creek after they were presumed eradicated by the heavier rotenone treatments of 2015 is a matter of speculationfor now.

"Were trying to think of all the different ways that brook trout could have gotten in," says Blackburn. "Was it an illegal introduction? Was there a deep hole in the creek that was maybe missed during previous rotenone treatments and now were just seeing them after the previous high water year?"

There are brook trout in isolated lakes in the nearby Beartooth Mountains, as well as the Clark Fork drainage west of Continental Divide, but Blackburn doubts that fish from either of those established populations could have migrated into Soda Butte on their own.

According to Blackburn, FWP is employing two separate methods in hopes of pinpointing the origin of Soda Butte's most recent brook trout woes. "One thing we'll do is genetic analysis using fin clips from brook trout we've removed," she says. "Another method we can use is otolith microchemistry."

Otoliths are tiny bones inside a fish's inner ear that sense gravity and detect movement. "There are ways, especially on the smaller fish, where you can test their otolith bones to find out where they were born," she says. "If we can match the fingerprint of the microchemistry of the otolith bone with the fingerprint we get from water samples collected from a given watershedthat's how we can tell where they might be coming from. But we might not know for awhile."

Read Next: Feds Look to Add Rare Salamander Mussel to Endangered Species List

Regardless of wether the recently-discovered brookies of Soda Butte Creek were holdovers from 2015 or they were placed there by some misguided "bucket biologist", Blackburn says that keeping them out is absolutely critical for the longterm health of the Lamar River watershed. "The Yellowstone cutthroat trout is a really important species," she says. "They're iconic to the area, and they don't cohabitate well with these non-native brook trout."
First Nike, then Ralph Lauren. Now, the Canadian arms of Diesel, Hugo Boss and Walmart are facing scrutiny from Ottawas corporate ethics watchdog over whether their supply chains use or benefit from forced labor in Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Thats the embattled territory where human rights groups say that authorities have been cracking down on local Muslim minorities for years.

As with Nike Canada and Ralph Lauren Canada, the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise, better known as the CORE, conducted initial assessments on the companies following complaints from a coalition of 28 organizations, including Stop Uyghur Genocide Canada, the Uyghur Refugee Relief Fund and the Uyghur Rights Advocacy Project. All three grievances alleged that Diesel Canada, Hugo Boss Canada and Walmart Canada harbor commercial ties with Chinese companies that use Uyghur forced labor, as identified by a 2020 Australian Strategic Policy Institute report and, in the case of the latter two, a 2021 study from the Sheffield Hallam Universitys Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice.

More from Sourcing Journal

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In Diesels case, the complainants linked the Italian retailer with Jiangsu Guotai Guosheng Co., where Uyghurs reportedly work under conditions that strongly suggest forced labor, according to the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. The same think tank pegged Hugo Boss to Changji Esquel Textile Co., which the U.S. Commerce Department placed on its Entity List in 2020 for an alleged connection with a state-sponsored labor transfer scheme, much to the consternationand legal retaliationof its parent company, Hong Kongs Esquel Group. Walmart was associated with Qingdao Jifa Huajin Garment Co., Jiangsu Guotai Guosheng Co., Jiangsu Lianfa Textile Co, Luthai Textile Co., Texhong Textile Group and Weiqiao Textile Co., which the two reports said either have operations in Xinjiang or source cotton from the region.

Xinjiang contributes 90 percent of Chinas cotton, which in turn makes up one-fifth of the worlds total.

The complainants said that Diesel Canada and Hugo Boss Canada failed to respond to requests that they made in 2021 asking the brands to conduct human rights due diligence. Walmart Canada, they claimed, has never addressed the alleged use of Uyghur forced labor at earlier stages of its supply chain, resulting in misgivings over its due diligence practices and those of its suppliers.

Diesel, Diesel Canadas parent, told Sourcing Journal that it has found no evidence that its products are produced in whole or part by factories that use forced labor.

Diesel is deeply committed to ethical sourcing. We respect global human rights and comply with international laws across our supply chain, a spokesperson said. We take immediate remedial and disciplinary action if we find that any supplier is not acting in accordance with our code of conduct.

Walmart Canada, too, said that it has confirmed that none of the entities in the complaint are in its active disclosed supply chain.

Walmart Canada does not tolerate forced labor of any kind in our supply chain, and we take allegations of human rights violations seriously, a representative said. Walmart made it clear to the CORE that we have developed and executed policies, standards, controls and supply chain monitoring systems that support Walmart Canadas corporate mandate to prohibit the use of forced labor. Our policies are diligently enforced.

Similarly, Hugo Boss Canadas German headquarters, which was the subject of a criminal complaint in 2021 for allegedly profiting from crimes against humanity in Xinjiang, said that the allegations are without any basis and do not take into account the information it provided to the CORE. It said that the agency based its investigation on the incorrect fact that Hugo Boss Canada might still be ordering from Esquel Group entities that are not necessarily located in China.

We believe it is wrong to launch an investigation based on an alleged supplier relationship which no longer exists, a spokesperson told Sourcing Journal, noting that Hugo Boss began winding down its relationship with Esquel Group in 2020/2021 and, as a result, Hugo Boss Canada concluded its withdrawal from Esquel shipments in 2022.

Hugo Boss does not source any goods in its direct supply relationship that originate from the Xinjiang region. As a matter of principle, we do not tolerate forced or compulsory labour or any form of modern slavery, the representative added.

All three companies told the CORE that they denied the allegations. But Diesel Canada did not participate in the initial assessment process, raising questions related to the degree of transparency in its human rights due diligence practices, the watchdog said. And Hugo Bosss response does not appear to consider fully the complex nature of the garment supply chain. Meanwhile, Walmart Canada decided not to participate further in the COREs dispute resolution process.

As a result, the CORE has decided to conduct an investigation using independent fact-finding to delve into the nature of the alleged business relationships (in the case of Diesel Canada), to more closely consider the complexities and examine the indicators of risk (Hugo Boss Canada), and to address the conflict between the allegations and the companys position (Walmart Canada).

As mediation between the parties is not currently an option, we will be launching investigations into the allegations outlined in these reports, Sheri Meyerhoffer, who has helmed the CORE since its inception in 2019, said in a statement. The investigations will provide all three companies with an ongoing opportunity to provide further relevant information and mediation of the allegations remains open. We are hopeful that the investigation findings will provide the companies with information to support their ability to strengthen their due diligence practices.

Ottawa is toughening its stance against forced labor. In January, new modern slavery reporting obligations for companies meeting two out of three conditionsnamely, possessing at least 20 million Canadian dollars ($14.7 million) in assets, making at least 40 million Canadian dollars in revenue ($29.5 million) in revenue and employing a minimum of 250 peopleare set to go into effect in line with enhanced labor obligations through the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Penalties for non-compliance, including false or misleading statements, can result in fines of up to 250,000 Canadian dollars ($184,000).

Canadian law has prohibited the importation of goods made with modern slavery since 2020, a year after it signed the trade pledge, though it has so far enforced the rule only once, when it detained a shipment of womens and childrens clothing from China in 2021. This could change with fresh alignment with Mexico, which published new provisions to bar the entry of forced labor-made goods into its borders in March.

Click here to read the full article.
Most people have given up masking. These families share why they're staying vigilant. (Photo illustration: Victoria Ellis for Yahoo News; photos: Getty Images)

According to the Center for Disease Control and Preventions COVID Data Tracker, coronavirus hospitalizations  fueled in part by the new Eris variant, while officials sound the alarm about Pirola  are surging. Because this increase in COVID-19 infections coincides with back-to-school season, some families are choosing to start wearing masks again to stay safe. Others say they've never stopped.

Here, they share what it's like to adhere to a strict policy of mask wearing.

'We haven't had a winter cold in years'

Lori in Virginia (who prefers not to share her last name) says that she's become more lax about masking lately, but that her family largely remains vigilant. I will still mask in crowds or somewhere Ive been for a long time, while my husband will mask anytime hes in public, she says.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last year, Virginia barred mask mandates in schools. While the school that Lori's kids attend prefers that students don't mask, she says she hasn't received any pushback if they do.

We just started back, and there are teachers masking, she says. My kids will mask at school when theres an obvious illness or they feel uncomfortable. Also, if they themselves have a cold or cough.

Lori has a large family, and after the initial lockdowns and mandatory masking started in 2020, she noticed that the usual steady stream of illnesses running through the house no longer emerged during the colder months. We are all rarely sick, now that we do this, she says. And we havent had a winter cold in years.

I still have four people in my house who have never had COVID, Lori adds. And masking has helped us just have an active normal life, where we continue to participate in activities and travel.

'I havent had anything more than a weird jab or two from strangers'

Katie Y., her husband and their two children have not stopped masking since 2020. One of their children is a pediatric cancer survivor, with other health concerns due to chemotherapy, and Katie herself had cancer last year. Additionally, they have disabled and elderly friends in their community whom they feel the responsibility to protect.

Culturally, we have had an easier time masking, because our family has Asian heritage, and masking is very common and used in public health strategies in Asia. Our extended family masks frequently when traveling or going to work or school, she says.

While they have experienced some pushback from strangers, Katie says that most of their friends and acquaintances are tolerant of their choice to wear masks. I havent had anything more than a weird jab or two from strangers, and my childrens friends are very tolerant, particularly once he explains that his family members are at risk of severe complications, she says. Kids have been the most tolerant, while work trips have been the most awkward.

The family's general rules for masking, Katie says, are that they dont wear masks outside unless they are having issues with seasonal allergies, and that the children take their masks off for lunch at school. They do eat at restaurants on occasion, but either sit outside if weather permits or request a table in a less crowded area. Additionally, they avoid dining out during COVID surges. Since [half] of our family needs to protect our health, we cant gamble that we will handle COVID OK, she says.

Like Lori, Katie says masking has helped the family avoid seasonal colds and the like.

Since COVID started in 2020, the four of us have only had two illnesses in total, and my son was able to stop taking a daily inhaler. I believe not getting sick has been very helpful toward healing his asthma, and all four of us have felt the benefits of not getting winter bugs or the flu, she says.

'Im very open and frank with how I feel about masking'

Selene Christenson also noticed how healthy her family was during the lockdown period. We had minimal illness in the house during mandatory masking, whereas before, we would have several doctors visits, missed days from work and school, due to flu, bronchitis and even a several-weeks-long case of pneumonia, she says. Not dealing with that was really nice!

Because Christenson has dealt with a chronic illness since 2012, she has to be especially cautious. Feeling proactive about protecting my health helps, she says.

Christenson works as a nanny for health professionals, which has "influenced my decision to mask." She explains, "I would feel horrible and responsible if their toddlers became ill on my account."

Christenson has two teenage children, and her oldest does not mask as strictly as she does, but that is a decision she has left to him. He is an adult, she says. But I appreciate that if he is out with me or if I express concern about specific situations, he usually does wear a mask. Her younger child is the only member of their house who has not contracted COVID, and she would like to remain COVID-free, so she masks willingly.

Im very open and frank with how I feel about masking, Christenson says. We talk about it openly, and mostly, my children agree that they dont want to be sick or get anyone else sick.

What an expert says

The increase in COVID hospitalizations and the emergence of new variants have prompted some institutions  including the historically Black Morris Brown College  to reinstate mask mandates. Unless mandated, health experts say the decision whether to mask is an individual one that really depends on a person's risk tolerance.

Youve got to watch the uptick, Dr. Robert Hamilton, a board-certified pediatrician from Santa Monica, Calif., and host of the podcast The Hamilton Review, tells Yahoo Life. We may need to go back to that level of concern and caution. But Hamilton does not believe that masks for everyone are the answer, though he does urge parents to keep children home from school if they are showing signs of illness. For the average individual who doesnt have an immunodeficiency issue or lives with elderly relatives, I think that going without a mask is preferable in schools, he says.
ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- BRICS has become a major platform for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, Hu Changchun, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union (AU), has said.

Further developments are expected to emerge as the 15th BRICS Summit takes place in Johannesburg from Aug. 22 to 24, with particular emphasis given to cooperation with Africa, said Hu while addressing the press here on Tuesday.

"Taking this BRICS summit as an opportunity, China looks forward to strengthening the partnership between BRICS and African countries, boosting African integration, and building a prosperous Africa," Hu told reporters.

Over the past 17 years, noted Hu, with its growing influence, BRICS has become a major platform for cooperation among developing countries, where BRICS nations adhere to the right path of win-win cooperation and make positive contributions to building a better world.

"The BRICS countries adhere to genuine multilateralism, remain focused on common development, defend the interests of developing countries within the global multilateral frameworks, and make efforts to promote the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development," he said.

BRICS countries are committed to innovation and exploration, building new industrial revolution partnerships, closely following the trend of the digital economy, and creating a talent pool for sustainable development and innovation cooperation, he added.

According to Hu, since its founding, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has been closely linked with the destiny of developing countries.

"Africa is home to the largest number of developing countries. The BRICS countries and Africa are natural partners for cooperation," he said.

The theme of this year's summit is "BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development and Inclusive Multilateralism." During the summit, the BRICS Plus dialogue and China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue will also be held.

Responding to questions on China-Africa cooperation, the head of mission said China and African countries have always been good friends, good partners and good brothers.

"Thanks to the joint efforts of both sides, the comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership has developed rapidly and formed a wide-ranging cooperation pattern. It benefits millions of Chinese and African people," Hu said.

According to Hu, over the past decade, China and Africa have worked hand in hand to extend cooperation, achieved fruitful results, and provided vivid examples for building a China-Africa community with a shared future.

As the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) marks its 10th anniversary this year, Hu said the initiative has become a new engine driving the economy along the routes.

Africa is an active and important participant in the BRI, Hu said, noting that 52 African countries and the AU Commission have signed cooperation documents with China. 
The sale ends on Aug. 29 for travel by Feb. 13.

Frontier Airlines is launching several new warm-weather routes to the Caribbean and Mexico in time for winter, and putting one-way flights on sale to celebrate.

Starting on Nov. 16, the airline will launch brand-new seasonal flights to Cancun from Detroit, from Chicagos Midway airport, and from Minneapolis, Frontier shared with Travel + Leisure. On the same day, the airline will also launch new seasonal flights from both Detroit and Minneapolis to Fort Myers and from Baltimore to Tampa.

benkrut/Getty Images

Then on Dec. 17, Frontier will launch flights from Philadelphia to the Dominican Republic.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Were thrilled to expand our nonstop offerings across our network, Daniel Shurz, the senior vice president of commercial at Frontier Airlines, said in a statement. Along with more routes to Florida, new service to Mexico and the Dominican Republic is also on the horizon. As we get closer to winter, now is the time to start planning those tropical getaways. Getting there is easier and more convenient than ever thanks to Frontiers Low Fares Done Right.

To celebrate the new routes, Frontier is putting fares on sale starting at just $39 to Florida and $79 to Cancun. To take advantage of the sale, travelers must book by 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 29 and fly by Feb. 13, 2024. The sale also excludes several blackout dates, including from Nov. 18 to Nov. 22, Nov. 24 to Nov. 27, Dec. 20 to Dec. 24, Dec. 26 to Dec. 31, Jan. 1 to Jan. 6, Jan. 12, and Jan. 15.

In addition to the new routes, Frontier is also expanding its already existing service, including adding more frequencies from Miami the Dominican Republic and from Minneapolis to Orlando.

The new flights come as Frontier introduced an all-you-can-fly fall and winter flight pass starting at just $299. The pass grants access to the airlines domestic and international destinations.

The low-cost airline is also looking to help some lucky students out by giving away airline miles to travelers with student debt, matching their loans in the form of miles up to 100,000. The contest is open through Aug. 27.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
America has to realize that it takes a village to feed a child.

Medical professionals have long touted breastfeeding as one of the most important choices parents can make in supporting their babys growth and development. For those who have the privilege, resources, ability, and desire to do so, incorporating breastfeeding into a familys feeding plan can offer innumerable benefits to both mother and child. However, in the United States, lack of widespread structural, social and economic support for parents has long hampered many families ability to fully embrace exclusive breastfeeding. Within the first few months, exclusive breastfeeding rates in the US trail far behind those of other countries, with only one in four infants breastfed exclusively for the first six months of life, and less than 38% of American babies are breastfed through their first birthday, compared to 68% of babies worldwide.



Years of scientific research highlight the myriad of benefits breastfeeding provides for infant health. In addition to providing essential nutrition, breastfeeding lowers infectious disease rates in children overall, including risks of respiratory infections, ear infections, diarrheal illness, type 1 diabetes, childhood leukemia, and sudden unexplained infant death. Exclusive breastfeeding bears benefits for parents as well. It can improve birth spacing in families with multiple children, has been linked to lower instances of breast and ovarian cancer in the lactating parent, and decreases risk of developing both high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.



Given the positives of offering greater support to breastfeeding families, it is worthwhile to consider how helpful practices are implemented across the world.

zGel

Paid Parental Leave Is Crucial for Breastfeeding Success

With The Healthy People 2030 (HP2030) program in United States aiming to improve breastfeeding rates in the coming years, there are success stories to be found across the globe to help guide policy makers, physicians, businesses and families alike in the pursuit of this goal.



ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Many developed nations mandate some form of paid maternity or parental leave, either at a full or partial rate, surrounding the birth or adoption of a child. The terms are typically generous. For example, mother in Hungary for example is entitled not only to 24 weeks of paid maternity leave at 100% salary, but an additional 136 weeks of leave at about 60% pay. A 2012 report showed that Hungarys exceptional paid leave initiatives resulted in 96% of children being breastfed for at least some time, and 65% being exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.



While nearly all countries within the OECD provide a minimum of 14 weeks of paid leave around childbirth, a 2022 report singles out the United States as the only nation that provides zero weeks of paid leave to new mothers at a national level. In stark contrast, Finland, Hungary and the Slovak Republic provide a statutory entitlement for two-and-a-half-years paid leave."



This lack of paid leave in the United States has direct consequences on families abilities to pursue breastfeeding. According to the CDC, the Surgeon General has identified a lack of paid maternity leave as a significant barrier to breastfeeding, especially for employed mothers with lower incomes who are also more likely to experience racial and ethnic disparities.

SDI Productions

Dr. Ardynth Morrow, Ph. D., notes that in the United States, a lack of paid parental leave presents one of the most prominent barriers to breastfeeding during the first few months of a childs life.



Parents ideally should have paid leave to spend directly so that they can heal, bond with the baby, and feed the baby at the breast, Dr. Morrow says. She says that separation from a baby to return to work can complicate efforts to establish breastfeeding routines as parents often struggle to find time to pump and store milk.



Dr. Amanda Lubold, Ph. D., Chair and Associate Professor at Indiana State University notes that the time commitment required for exclusive breastfeeding can be a staggering commitment for many families.



Breastfeeding can be time-consuming, especially for those women who pump (either because other people help feed the baby or because they have to work but still want the baby to have breastmilk or for other reasons). For women to combine paid employment with breastfeeding requires a tremendous amount of work and time.



While the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in the United States allows for up to 12 weeks of leave during a 12-month period, this leave is unpaid, leaving many families unable to take advantage of the leave time. Additionally, only employers with 50 or more employees are required to extend this benefit to new parents, further restricting who is able to access protected leave following a birth.



Even as the AAP in their most recent update to breastfeeding guidance encouraged support for parents who wish to breastfeed up to 2 years of age and beyond (from the previous recommendation of one year), they also acknowledged a lack of social support for parents wishing to pursue that goal. While they recommended that laws protecting breastfeeding need to be extended beyond the first year, they immediately follow that with an acknowledgment that Federal legislation and insurance-mandated supports of lactation disappear after the first year.

Of the importance of state-mandated reforms and protections for breastfeeding mothers, the report only notes, State breastfeeding laws vary widely.



Social Support Makes a Difference

Dr. Paulo Augusto Ribeiro Neves, Ph. D., a Research Fellow with the Centre for Global Child Health, identifies Brazil as another exemplary model for supporting successful breastfeeding practices. In recent years, Brazil has illustrated how broader social acceptance and normalization of breastfeeding, combined with legislation to protect and support nursing mothers, can help encourage higher breastfeeding success rates.



Awareness of the benefits associated with breastfeeding is essential, he notes. [...] and that's made Brazil a good example, where exclusive breastfeeding increased from very low rates in the 80s to almost 50% of children exclusively breastfed currently.



Germany too has amazing postpartum support for new parents, with care covered through the state that include not only a laundry list of benefits like financial assistance and mental wellness support for new moms, but in-home healthcare following the birth that includes assistance from nurse-midwives who can help to troubleshoot breastfeeding problems right at home.



Education is not always a formal endeavor, as many best breastfeeding practices are learned through social support, another area in which Dr. Kailey E. Snyder, Ph. D., MS, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Education and Child Development at the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute, notes the United States is lacking.



We know that many parents have a desire to breastfeed during pregnancy but often quit shortly after childbirth, Dr. Snyder says. One primary reason for this is that breastfeeding is largely a learned social behavior. [...] Without this network of support, many women find themselves at the mercy of late night online internet searches or down a social media rabbit hole.

While educational resources for breastfeeding mothers do exist in the United States (La Leche League has nearly 1,500 leaders across the country to support new moms), there is still limited access to lactation support for mothers and babiesespecially for those with limited in-network providers or who are uninsured. Additionally, without guaranteed paid leave, financial and social barriers still remain.

Fabio Teixeira/Anadolu Agency





Dr. Lubold notes that Women, Infant and Children (WIC) is another helpful resource for nursing mothers.



WIC provides a peer counselor to those families who qualify [...]. WIC does have an income cutoff, and there are other requirements to qualify, so those may be a barrier for some women.



A report on Barriers to Breastfeeding in the United States from the 2011 Surgeon General's Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding (the most recent report available from this group) notes that this lack of education and preparation can result in [...] the incongruity between expectations about breastfeeding and the reality of the mothers early experiences with breastfeeding her infant [which] has been identified as a key reason that many mothers stop breastfeeding within the first two weeks postpartum.



Regulation of Infant Formula Advertising Helps Dispel Myths

Another way many countries encourage and support families making informed decisions about their feeding choices is by adhering to the WHOs International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes. In an FAQ section, the WHO notes the Code aims to stop the aggressive and inappropriate marketing of breast-milk substitutes [...] as a minimum requirement to protect and promote appropriate infant and young child feeding.

As mothers who are unable to or choose not to breastfeed rely on formula and other breast-milk substitutes (as well as breast milk bank donations) for their familys feeding journey, its important to note that these regulations do not ban the sale of formula, but rather work to combat the at times predatory nature of formula marketing campaigns..

Catherine Russell, the UNICEF executive director noted in a statement that "false and misleading messages about formula feeding are a substantial barrier to breastfeeding, which we know is best for babies and mothers."

In recent years, many countries like Kenya, Thailand, and dozens of others have taken steps to adopt the WHO recommendations, while private companies like Nestle have committed to complying with WHO recommendations to market breastmilk substitutes (BMS) responsibly.

A recent selection of studies in the Lancet explores the many unsubstantiated claims made by formula companies, with one report noting that though Commercial milk formula (CMF) products have substantial health, economic, and environmental costs, [...] less than half of infants and young children are breastfed according to WHO recommendations [...]

The 2023 study notes that the United States currently has no restrictions on the marketing practices of infant formula, allowing for marketing campaigns to create a false impression [of benefits]that there is a strong body of scientific evidence in support of the claims, with little effort to establish the strength of evidence itself. [...] marketing exploits poor science for its objectives to create a persuasive story to sell more product.



The report concludes that although CMF is a commodity that serves a purpose for some families, it does not come close to breastfeeding and breastmilk in terms of composition, immune properties, and contribution to health and development.



Breastfeeding in the United States Is a Privilege

Even with the many benefits of extended exclusive breastfeeding for both mothers and babies, the truth remains that for many families, the ability to choose a breastfeeding journey isnt even available to them. There can be multiples reasons that parents dont choose to breastfeed, says Dr. Lubold.

First, breastfeeding can be difficult or painful for mothers. Theres already a tremendous amount of societal pressure put on mothers, and for many, feeling like a failure at breastfeeding if it is painful or difficult is just another additional stressor.

Dr. Lubold suggests that increasing peer-to-peer supports could help to ameliorate some of the stressors that often accompany breastfeeding, but notes concerns that messaging discussing alternatives to exclusive breastfeeding are largely negative rather than providing the full array of options and allowing mothers to have true choice.

Medical conditions from infectious diseases, maternal needs for medication, drug or alcohol addiction, breast augmentation or reduction, or experiences with depression or anxiety may result in situations where exclusive breastfeeding may not be possible or recommended. In addition to a mothers medical and physical limitations, racial and socioeconomic inequality both play important roles in determining the outcomes of many breastfeeding experiences. In the United States, for instance, while 83% of all babies breastfeed at some point, only 73% of infants of Black mothers are ever breastfed.

Supporting All Feeding Journeys While Working Toward Change

While support for continued and exclusive breastfeeding has continued to be bolstered in recent years through recommendations like the updated AAP guidelines, the United States unfortunately continues to fall short of projected target goals when it comes to exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life.

Dr. Snyder notes that the United States is not alone in struggling to meet these goals, but while every country has their own barriers and challenges [to breastfeeding], typically we see countries with more flexible work schedules and longer maternity leaves having the greatest success in achieving breastfeeding duration recommendations.

Until the many blocks to successful breastfeeding experiences can be ameliorated, Dr. Snyder emphasizes that creating divisions between women who exclusively breastfeed and those who supplement is counterproductive.

We need to work to close the gap between breastfeeders and non-breastfeeders, she says. There are heated arguments on both sides when really there are no sides. A womans inability to reach her breastfeeding goals is largely due to the lack of societal infrastructure needed to support her breastfeeding journey rather than any type of deficit on her part.

Many who support breastfeeding note that there are caveats. Dr. Lubold underscores the importance of inclusivity in public health messaging, and the necessity of supporting a variety of feeding journeys for parents, noting that without structural change, choice doesnt actually exist for many.

I absolutely tout the benefits of breastfeeding, but I also want public health messaging to ensure that mothers who are not able to breastfeed are not shamed or feel embarrassed, she says. Until we change some fundamental structural aspects of our capitalistic society, breastfeeding will not be a true 'choice' for many mothers.



For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Parents.
Freddy Farm Bureau lingers quietly in countless photos that are taken each year at the Kentucky State Fair.

In a way, though, all those pictures of the 18-foot-tall farmer  that span decades worth of photo albums from Paducah to Pikeville  leave out one very important and undeniably magical characteristic of this beloved unofficial ambassador of the fair.

"Say cheese," he bellows out over the crowd when folks pose in front of his white picket fence outside of Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

While Freddy looks like a large doll, he has a special trick up his enormous denim sleeves. He will talk with you.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

So often Freddys voice gets lost in the noise of the crowd, the smell of fried food and the general clamor of activities, but he's been gabbing with fairgoers for 65 years.

As I was preparing for this year's Kentucky State Fair, which runs through Sunday, Aug. 27, I stumbled across a 1997 photograph in The Courier Journal archive of a Wizard of Oz-like man peering out from an office window inside Freedom Hall. The gentleman was one of several playing the voice of Freddy, and he was speaking directly to the children and adults that he could see on the ground below. Its a system that the Kentucky Farm Bureau seemingly, still uses today.

Hidden behind mini-blinds, Howard Kamin provided the voice of Freddy Farm Bureau, who chats with Kentucky State Fair visitors. August 23, 1997.

In a way, Freddys like the Santa Claus of the Kentucky State Fair, because for many, it's not really a day at the fair until you take a picture with him. His personality is as wonderous and complex as all the curves in a perfectly fried funnel cake. Hes part comedian and part fair hype man, but mostly, hes a character.

Molly Berthold, 7, couldnt forget the 18-foot-tall, charming farmer with bright blue eyes. Do you remember me, she called up to him, hopefully.

Of course, I do, he told her, with a kind booming voice, and lips that smiled widely but never moved.

Hes remembered me every year, Molly explained to me, beaming before she and her family continued on with their day at the fair.

What size are your boots, a small boy asked, gazing up to the farmer.

Size 31, Freddy called back.

Freddy Farm Bureau was at The Kentucky State Fair this year. Aug. 22, 2023

What size is your head? the boy continued.

Well, I dont know that, Freddy said.

I laughed. I dont know the size of my head. Theres no reason to believe Freddy should know his either.

Its a great day to be at the fair, he said.

That boy left, and not long after, the Brackett family swooped from Mount Washington in and posed for a photo, just like theyd done every year.

Say cheese, Freddy shouted.

Its a tradition, Melissa Brackett told me after theyd finished their shot. Freddy has a kind, funny manner, and over the years, hes told plenty of jokes to her children Joey, 15, and Natalie, 4.

Hes a staple Joe Brackett, continued. Hes always been there.

Freddy Farm Bureau was at The Kentucky State Fair this year. Aug. 22, 2023

Observant fairgoers might notice a difference in Freddys voice between morning and night, and even, perhaps, a bit of amnesia from one day to the next. Certainly, more than one man plays the voice of Freddy. Some might call this a shift change, but in the spirit of Kentucky State Fair magic, well call it a thirsty farmer in need of another cool lemon shake-up.

Just after noon, a grown man seemingly in his 40s pulled out his phone and prepared to take a picture.

Cheese, Freddy shouted. Make sure I dont blink!

Sure, Freddy can talk. But those big, blue eyes of his most certainly cant blink. The man chuckled heartily and flashed a thumbs-up at the farmer.

When a pair of older women approached the farmer holding two ice creams, Freddy introduced himself as the nutrition police and encouraged them to follow that snack up with a trip to the broccoli booth. Most folks standing around the statue were holding equally unhealthy snacks, and everyone smiled.

Over the next couple hours, Id see that humor and personality come through over and over again, as whoever might have been playing Freddy at that moment above, catered the conversations to the people on the ground below.

Bryson Wiseman listened to Freddy Farm Bureau at The Kentucky State Fair this year. Aug. 22, 2023

A small boy made a shocked face when the giant, toy-like farmer complimented the color of his yellow sunglasses. I saw similar reactions from a young girl with pigtails and another with a bright sun on her T-shirt. Those small, personal moments are really what build memories that last for years to come.

But sometimes that means Freddy has to think on his feet.

When one child asked what hed gotten for Christmas it stumped him for just a second, until he recalled another coveted icon of the Kentucky State Fair.

A Kentucky Ham, he bellowed out to the delighted crowd.

Occasionally, he gives out advice, too, and every now and then it goes beyond reminding people to drink plenty of water in the sweltering August heat.

Is that your girlfriend, he asked, to the couple, posing in front of him. Shes a pretty one, you ought to keep her.

There was another moment, too, when a middle-school-aged boy cringed as his mother led him by the arm up to the farmer for a photo. Freddy bantered kindly, saying Dont be embarrassed.

The boy looked up at the giant man, horrified. Clearly, hed outgrown this particular kind of state fair magic.

Some folks, wisely, never do.

Freddy Farm Bureau was at The Kentucky State Fair this year. Aug. 22, 2023

Kay Pike of Meade County has taken a picture with Freddy at the fair every year since she was 12 years old in 1971.

Even after all this time, she still remembers how special he made her first fair experience. When he said come on in and told her to have a great time at the fair, she felt genuinely welcomed.

In her younger years, she always had a question for him. Once, she asked him how old he was, and he told her Im as old as you want me to be," but as time has gone on, shes just quietly kept adding photos of the two of them to her collection.

I figured all of Freddys wisdom, I've got most of it now, she told me. I'm not even going to try to tax his knowledge.

Nevertheless, he's got a special place in her heart. Pike wishes that he would have a friend or even a dog to keep him company. Buddy might be a good name, she mused, as we spoke. That could update his image a bit in a fun way.

But Pike says seeing Freddy each year is as magical as it was to her in 1971.

Freddie has remained the same, she told me. Hes the same guy that he was in 1971 as he is today.

Freddy Farm Bureau was at The Kentucky State Fair this year. Aug. 22, 2023

At that moment, Pike reminded me of little Molly, who I'd met earlier that morning.

Bye Freddy, Molly had called out to him, waving to him excitedly with both hands.

See you next year, he told her.

And I had no doubt that she would.

You may like: Strip teases, ostriches & jumping the grandstand: 8 moments in Kentucky State Fair history

Features columnist Maggie Menderski writes about what makes Louisville, Southern Indiana and Kentucky unique, wonderful, and occasionally, a little weird. If you've got something in your family, your town or even your closet that fits that description  she wants to hear from you. Say hello at mmenderski@courier-journal.com or 502-582-4053. Follow along on Instagram and Twitter @MaggieMenderski.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky State Fair's 18-foot Freddy Farm Bureau talks to fairgoers
As the unofficial leader of the Kate Middleton fan brigade, I like to keep well-versed on all things Princess of Wales. While I could eulogize the many reasons why Kate is the ultimate it-girl, I'll dive into one right now: her style.

Princess Kate is no stranger to the glitz and glamour of the British monarchy; however, she's also refreshingly relatable. Take her go-to pair of sneakers, for example. Brand: Superga, price: $83. Her jeans? & Other Stories, price: $134. Furthering my point is her choice of fall boots  specifically, an under-$250 pair from Blundstone.

Kate Middleton in Blundstone Chelsea Boots

These iconic Kate Middleton boots are up for grabs  and they cost less than you think (Photos via Getty)

The Princess of Wales first stepped out in Blundstone's leather Chelsea boots (shop here in Canada, shop here in the U.S.) while visiting a kindergarten in Copenhagen, Denmark, in Feb. 2022. She was spotted wearing them a second time during an outing to a Welsh goat farm in March 2022.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While Kate may be one of the brand's most famous fans, she's far from the only one. Racking up an average rating of 4.5 stars from Nordstrom shoppers, reviewers say the water-resistant shoes are "perfect" for just about anything.

Crafted using premium leather, the Blundstone Chelsea Boots come engineered with impact-protection technology to provide wearers with shock protection and support in the heel.

The boot's cushioned footbeds can be removed and washed whenever you feel the need to freshen up, and their low, stable heels provide excellent traction on wet and icy surfaces.

Plus, the unisex boots are designed with extra-thick soles to insulate against cold underfoot temperatures, making them perfect for fall transitional weather.

What people are saying

Racking up an average rating of 4.5 stars, the Kate Middleton-approved boots have become a wardrobe favourite among Nordstrom shoppers.

"How did I live without these?" asks one reviewer. "They're perfect for just about any condition: cold, wet, dry. I'm not sure how I got by without them."

"Can't beat Blunies for comfort, waterproof and great tread in snow or rain," writes another shopper. "They look great with jeans, pants or skirts."

"I wear these boots literally every day," adds another shopper, noting that they're "so comfy and cute and the perfect height to wear with any jeans."

While reviews for the boots largely lean positive, some Nordstrom shoppers warn that Blundstone sizing can be tricky, and that breaking them in can be "hard."

Blundstone Stout Water Resistant Chelsea Boot in Stout Brown Leather (Photo via Nordstrom)

$240 CAD at Altitude Sports

$210 USD at Nordstrom

I "can't wear them for too long," writes one reviewer. "The break-in period is hard." However, the shopper added that "these boots are beautiful, and the versatility makes the break-in period worth it."

Want to check out more Blundstone boots? Shop the brand here in Canada and here in the U.S. for more royal-approved fall fashion.

Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Seabourn just announced 24 sailings to Alaska, Canada, and New England in summer and fall 2025.

If you're sad summer is ending  don't be. After Seabourn's newest announcement, outlining the luxury cruise line's 2025 itineraries, we're already looking ahead. The slate of 2025 cruises includes 24 all-inclusive voyages  to Alaska in the summer and Canada and New England in the fall.

Courtesy of Seabourn

Seabourn Quest will take up a summer residence in Alaska, alternating between seven-day and 14-day itineraries; the shorter trips sail between Juneau and Vancouver, while the two-week cruises are round-trip from Vancouver. The 225-suite vessel's smaller size means it can deftly navigate the abundant fjords in Southeast Alaska, bringing guests to visit sites like Hubbard Glacier and Tracy Arm/Endicott Arm, as well as the major port towns of Ketchikan and Sitka, among others. The sailings will feature the cruise line's Ventures by Seabourn program, which introduces expedition-style excursions like kayaking, Zodiac cruising, and hiking to the itineraries for interested parties.

Mike Louagie/Courtesy of Seabourn

Then, starting in September, the 225-cabin Seabourn Sojourn will sail a series of fall foliage cruises between Montreal and New York, calling at such destinations as Quebec City; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Portland, Maine; and Newport, Rhode Island, depending on the itinerary.

Courtesy of Seabourn

"Our guests are truly exceptional individuals in search of extraordinary experiences, and at Seabourn, we take tremendous pride in guiding them to the world's most stunning destinations while providing unparalleled ultra-luxury experiences and personalized service," said Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, in a statement released to Travel + Leisure. "Whether exploring the beauty of Alaska on a Ventures by Seabourn outing or immersing themselves in the beauty of Canada and New England's historical towns during fall's vibrant colors, every moment becomes a cherished memory, filled with awe and wonder.

Courtesy of Seabourn

A seven-day Alaska sailing starts at $4,499 per person and a 12-day Canada and New England trip starts at $7,499; book your cruise at seabourn.com.

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
The AnOnlyChild story is not a comeback story because its actually just a new story, Maxwell Osborne said during a recent afternoon visit to his Midtown showroom.

The designer, who continually has his eye on the pulse, has spent about 20 years in the fashion industry. For his latest label, Osborne has been taking his learnings from his roles as Public School cofounder and former DKNY codesigner, both alongside Dao Yi-Chow, and using them to fuel his solo acts new era.

More from WWD

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While Public School, DKNY and now AnOnlyChild share a DNA stemming from the designers love for and experience from growing up in New York, Osborne said the latter is separate from that, but theres still parts youll catch.

I still grew up here in New York, so youre going to have life experiences with that. Its also part of this idea of coming from nothing, even more so than ever, because I tried to think about what my mother and our family  my aunts and my uncles  went through and how that plays into now, Osborne said.

But AnOnly Child reaches beyond his New York roots to his ones in Jamaica, as seen through his initial collection, which first debuted direct-to-consumer before exclusively launching at Saks Fifth Avenue last January.

Maxwell Osborne and a model wearing AnOnlyChild.

This brand and the concept was born during COVID-19, when there wasnt much to do. You had to dig inside, really play around and experiment with things and see what brings you joy. So separate from the other brands of knowing exactly what the concept is and knowing exactly what you want to do, this brand is separate, he said.

Unlike his previous ventures, AnOnlyChilds guiding principle is textile play; each silhouette is dictated by deadstock and reclaimed materials.

Whats different about this brand from DKNY or Public School is that the fabric speaks first. Theres never been a time in my life that weve got fabric and thought, OK, what do we do with this? How do you make something out of this? How do you make something that you would want to wear, youd want to dress somebody in it or you want to see somebody in it even?' he said.

When I talk about my family, its about the past into the present, and when you think about textiles and what the fabric is, nothings new. So its the past and were making it new again. Theres a lot of little nuances that we love. Theres a point of view when it comes to it.

The name AnOnlyChild directly plays into this idea. How do you entertain yourself, by yourself? You have to make an invisible friend, said Osborne.

At the beginning stages, Osborne said he used cutting room floor samples, fabrications from friends and old Public School materials. Today, the brands team of three (including designer Kristy Chen) sources from Italy, Japan and Los Angeles while continuing all manufacturing in the United States. Currently, the brand homes in on mostly womens and unisex styles, as well as key mens pieces, which Osborne is looking to expand in the future.

While the use of deadstock, vintage and recycled fabrications isnt a new concept, and is one thats certainly gained wider traction in the market, Osbornes eye and knack for true sportswear has given his emerging luxury label a distinct point of view.

Deadstock is intriguing and exciting for a lot of brands, one, because I guess the loaded word of sustainability, but for us, its more of the creativity. If your back is against the wall, which is a metaphor that I like to live with, what are you going to do and how are you going to make it out of it? Yes, we could just call up a mill and buy all of the beautiful fabrics we would love to make  Im not saying its easier, its definitely not, but its a different way of thinking. You find yourself forced to use some of these fabrics that you end up loving and thats just fun.

It started as making fabrics  taking things and making them our own, he said of his intricate needlepunch styles, which incorporate the ancient Egyptian technique of binding different fabrications together to create a new material.

Pointing to the inside of the needlepunch pants bold silk floral lining, Osborne said, Things like this  this is not a fabric youre ever going to wear or choose, but when you felt it, you get hints of colors and see the pattern peek through. It takes so long to make this fabric, which is the fun part, but its all experimental.

The approach is one that enables Osbornes designs to have an individualist feel and inherent exclusivity, which the designer said has both its advantages and challenges that hes certainly up for.

Osborne said he envisions the AnOnlyChild customer as like-minded individuals who grew up in major cities but also, if you attend galleries pretty often, youre going to like the fabric and be drawn to it. Some of the silhouettes are not super crazy or super designed in that way because, like, the fabric is. The fabric takes time, the fabric is thoughtful. Its meticulous in that way. Thats the part that keeps us going and keeps us excited.

Maxwell Osborne in his Midtown showroom.

Like Osborne, these customers are enticed by the brands ideals of luxury: exclusivity, uniqueness (much like the covetable quiet luxury trend, the line currently doesnt boast logos) and quality craftsmanship. As an emerging label, Osborne said the challenge is being able to attract new customers to his luxury-priced range (currently ranging from $440 to $2,400) by finding aesthetic ways to teach them about the lines fabrications and processes.

Expanding from direct-to-consumer to a wider, but still limited, wholesale business (now including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Kith and Elyse Walker); creating consistent look books (which have all referenced an at-home vibe), and holding a community-based event in Brooklyn this summer all play into the brands creative storytelling approach. In the future, this could mean holding trunk shows, expanding into pre-collections and growing his team (Osborne is currently seeking investment to grow and scale the small brand).

The designer also showed during last years L.A. Fashion Week; theres a potential plan to show again this September via an experiential activation.

Stemming from his July Summer Studio Session in Brooklyn, which featured a live photoshoot of his new mens and womens deadstock denim program alongside multibrand popup shops and an outdoor cookout, the idea would be to give the audience a community-based, inclusive experience.

Launching the new deadstock denim program (set to release later this fall) was also a way for Osborne to reach new customers with his same individualistic approach (each style is hand washed and dyed locally in Brooklyn, making them one-of-one), at a lower price point than his mainline collections ($280 to $800). Its also a way to approach the challenges of scalability, as deadstock denim is more widely accessible.

From reworked denim to his signature double-pleat deadstock wool Antonio pant, Osborne said the key to scalability is the ability to plug and play, with existing fabrication and fairly similar substitutes.

Having found previous success with Public School (which he claimed was 100 percent a surprise), the designer added, Knowing that weve lived there and Ive done it, its very hard not to think of success when you start another brand. Before, we didnt have that, we didnt have an award or werent in super major stores having conversations. So when youve walked that path, you cant not walk that path and try to go past that and make it better, because you know you can learn from your mistakes and grow in a stronger way if theyre even mistakes, which I dont think so, because you live for learnings.

The proof of success is in the pudding of Osbornes designs, and while the designer isnt chasing commercial fame by any means  rather putting his head down, doing the work and pushing forward  it is likely to steadily come.

AnOnlyChild RTW Spring 2023

Day by day, Osborne said hes continually learning and excited by the aspect of starting backwards, slowly planning new collections (the brand is currently shipping its second) and growing the brand with a sense of discovery. Whether whipping up a limited quantity capsule or an exclusive style crafted for a retail partner, he welcomes the challenge of limited quantities and views it as a way to give each fabrics previous life a new chapter, as seen through his instinctual, thoughtful and covetable luxury garb.

AnOnlyChild started and I thought, Lets keep going. It wasnt much of a plan; [it was] the same with Public School. When we started Public School, there wasnt a runway and it wasnt, Heres your plan or what your run-rate is for the next three years. No, we locked ourselves in a room and just did it. I told myself Ill never do that again, and then here we are. Sometimes you just have to do it. Win, lose or whatever  you just know you have to get it out of your head, you have to move on and live in that excitement and live in that moment.

Best of WWD

Click here to read the full article.
Meta is again facing allegations its not doing enough to prevent the spread of hate speech and violent content in Facebook ads. A new report details eight such ads, targeting audiences in Europe, that were approved despite containing blatant violations of the companys policies around hate speech and violence.

The report comes from watchdog organization Eko, which is sharing its work to draw attention to the social networks sub-standard moderation practices ahead of the Digital Services Act (DSA) going into effect in Europe later this week. It details how, over a period of a few days in early August, the organization attempted to buy 13 Facebook ads, all of which used AI-generated images and included text that was clearly against the companys rules

Eko pulled the ads before they could be seen by any users. The group requested exact wording of the ads be withheld, but offered descriptions of some of the most egregious examples. Approved ads included one, placed in France, that called for the execution of a prominent MEP because of their stance on immigration, as well as an ad targeting German users that called for synagogues to be burnt to the ground to protect White Germans. Meta also approved ads in Spain that claimed the most recent election was stolen and that people should engage in violent protests to reverse it.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

This report was based on a very small sample of ads and is not representative of the number of ads we review daily across the world," a spokesperson for Meta said in a statement. "Our ads review process has several layers of analysis and detection, both before and after an ad goes live. Were taking extensive steps in response to the DSA and continue to invest significant resources to protect elections and guard against hate speech as well as against violence and incitement.

While there were a handful of ads that were stopped by Metas checks, Eko says that the ads were prevented from running because they were flagged as political, not because of the violent and hate-filled rhetoric in them. (The company requires political advertisers to go through an additional vetting process before they are eligible to place ads.)

Eko is using the report to advocate for additional safeguards under the DSA, a sweeping law that requires tech platforms to limit some kinds of targeted advertising and allow users to opt out of recommendation algorithms. (Several services, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok have recently made changes to comply with the latter provision.) It also requires platforms to identify and mitigate "systemic risks," including those related to illegal and violent content.

With a few clicks, we were able to prove just how easy it is for bad actors to spread hate speech and disinformation, Vicky Wyatt, Ekos campaign director, said in a statement. With EU elections around the corner, European leaders must enforce the DSA to its fullest extent and finally rein in these toxic companies.
NASA has published the first maps from its new space-based pollution instrument, TEMPO (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution). Although you wont be shocked to learn it reveals higher pollution rates in metropolitan areas, the tool can help scientists better study North American air quality on an hourly basis. Neighborhoods and communities across the country will benefit from TEMPOs game-changing data for decades to come, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson wrote in a press release today.

The instrument, which launched in April and orbits at 22,000 miles above the equator, can help scientists better study the health impacts of pollutants at the neighborhood scale. It can take hourly measurements, providing insights into the effects of rush-hour traffic, smoke and ash from forest fires and how fertilizer affects farm country. The tool measures sunlight bounced off the Earths surface, atmosphere and clouds. Gases in the atmosphere absorb the sunlight, and the resulting spectra are then used to determine the concentrations of several gases in the air, including nitrogen dioxide, NASA explained.

NASA says it will share its data with partner agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Since taking the first measurements earlier this month, teams have been busy checking and calibrating the satellites systems ahead of regular hourly operations kicking off in October. NASA views the data as a boon in its quest to reach the Biden administrations climate goals.

NASA pollution map showing a region of the US South stretching from central Texas to New Orleans. The map shows

The instrument beamed back its first images on August 2nd, showing the I-95 corridor in the Northeast (New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC areas), a slice of the South (central and eastern Texas stretching to New Orleans) and a section of the Southwest (Los Angeles to Las Vegas). As expected, the maps reveal heavy nitrogen dioxide density over cities and their suburban sprawl.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Detailed views of three regions show high levels of nitrogen dioxide over cities in the morning, and enhanced levels of nitrogen dioxide over major highways, NASA wrote today. As the day progresses, the morning pollution often dissipates. Later in the afternoon, it will rise again as the cities enter their second rush hour of the day.

This summer, millions of Americans felt firsthand the effect of smoke from forest fires on our health, said Nelson. NASA and the Biden-Harris Administration are committed to making it easier for everyday Americans and decisionmakers to access and use TEMPO data to monitor and improve the quality of the air we breathe, benefitting life here on Earth.
It's been a chaotic few days for watchers of the Monegasque royal family. Earlier this week, new rumors surfaced via two French and German publications that Princess Charlene of Monaco may be separated from her husband, Prince Albert, and living in Switzerland. While neither of the royal nor the Monaco royal palace have spoken out about the rumors, adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Charlene's Instagram account, @hshprincesscharlene, has apparently been deleted.

Previously a hub for private photos of the royal family, particularly Charlene and Albert's twin children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, as well as a place for her to share news causes she is personally involved with, her account has now disappeared from the social media site. The reason for the account's deactivation has not been made public. As of this writing, the official account for the The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation is still active.

Speculation about the state of Charlene and Albert's marriage has been ongoing for some time. Albert, the only son of Prince Rainier III and Grace Kelly , has been the subject of a number of royal scandals over the yearsin addition to Jacques and Gabriella, who serve as the legal heirs to the throne of Monaco, he acknowledged two illegitimate children in the early 2000s, and in 2021 a woman brought suit in Italian court claiming he is the father of a thirdwhich some have suggested has caused strife in the marriage.

In 2021, Charlene spent six months in South Africa, reportedly due to ongoing medical issues, and later went into treatment for exhaustion in Switzerland, only furthering rumors that there was tension in the relationship. While Albert told People at the time, "she didnt go into exile. It was absolutely just a medical problem which had to be treated," Charlene ultimately spent more than a year away from public life.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The French publication Royaute claimed in March 2023 that the couple were in the process of separating. The Monegasque royal palace responded to the reports, telling People, "The article is made up of old stories which weren't true to begin with."

You Might Also Like
If the watch industry was snoozing through the dog days of summer, Rolex just woke it up.

On Thursday, the Swiss watchmaker announced that it had agreed to purchase Bucherer, the international watch and jewelry retailer that owns over 100 stores in Switzerland, the United States, England, Germany, France, Denmark, and Austria. The announcement caught the horological world by surpriseafter all, lots of the European business community is on vacation this month, and the biggest news in this industry generally gets shared during a few tentpole events.

More from Robb Report

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In a statement shared with Robb Report, Rolex said that it made the decision to buy the Bucherer business from its 87-year-old chairman, Jorg Bucherer, whos selling because he has no direct descendants to leave the company to. (Hes the third generation of the Bucherer family to run the business, and the last living person known to have worked with Hans Wilsdorf, who founded the company that would become Rolex in 1905.)

Bucherers stores have been Rolex authorized dealers for nearly a century, since 1924. Over that time, Rolex has become the worlds leading watch brand, and Bucherer has transformed into the worlds biggest watch retailer. In 2018, Bucherer acquired Tourneau, an American multibrand retailer offering both new and certified pre-owned watches.

The Rolex group is convinced that this acquisition is the best solution not only for its own brands but also for all the watch and jewelry partner brands, as well as for all the employees of the Bucherer group, Rolex says in a statement.

Acquisitions inevitably change business, but for now, Rolex says that Bucherer will keep its name and continue to independently run its business. The watchmaker also makes clear that it will continue to work with other companies that sell Rolex wares. The fruitful collaboration between Rolex and the other official retailers in its sales network will remain unchanged, the statement continues.

The announcement is not the only major news the Crown has shared this year. In May, Rolex brought its Certified Pre-Owned program to the United States after launching it in Europe. Bucherer, naturally, is one of the programs participating retailers.

Best of Robb Report

Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

TOKYO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Japan has started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, while hundreds of Japanese gathered in central Tokyo to rally against the discharge plan.

Live video provided by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) showed that a staff member turned on a seawater pump at around 1:00 p.m. local time (0400 GMT), marking the beginning of the controversial ocean discharge, while concerns and opposition persisted among local fishermen as well as in neighboring countries and Pacific island countries.

The radioactive wastewater has been diluted as planned before being discharged via an underwater tunnel 1 km from the plant, according to TEPCO.

Under scorching heat, hundreds of Japanese from all across the country gathered in front of the TEPCO headquarters in central Tokyo on Thursday morning, demanding the Japanese government and TEPCO to stop the ocean release.

Protesters, holding banners and placards with drawings of marine products and Godzilla, chanted slogans of "No ocean discharge of Fukushima nuclear-tainted water" and "Stop polluting the sea with radioactive water."

Taeko Fujimura with Japan's National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, also known as Zen-Noh, said the ocean discharge "cannot be forgiven" and was "extremely unreasonable."

"Have you now obtained the understanding of the relevant parties? Have you properly explained your actions to them?" Fujimura shouted the questions amid the crowd of protesters.

The Zen-Noh official told Xinhua that in Zen-Noh's previous talks with TEPCO, it clearly stated that apart from tritium, there are various other radioactive substances that will remain in the tainted water in large amounts even after the second round of ALPS treatment.

Fujimura stressed that the ocean discharge, which is to continue for at least 30 years, will cause significant environmental damage. "It will pollute the sea, the marine life within it, the environment, and the Earth."

"We, as the agricultural cooperative, cannot allow such destructive actions by TEPCO. Even if we have been deceived for the time being, we must stop the ocean discharge as soon as possible," she added.

Among the protesters was Sachiko Uno, who told Xinhua that she came to "stop them from polluting the ocean."

"One of the world's top-level nuclear accidents occurred in Fukushima despite safety promises made by the government and TEPCO. Now, they have become the world's first by beginning to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. This is a 'double damage,'" said the 73-year-old woman.

Uno is also concerned with TEPCO's credibility. "It says the radioactivity concentration in the nuclear-contaminated water meets the standards, but I can't believe that at all. The reliability of the measuring instruments themselves is questionable," she said.

Hit by a magnitude-9.0 earthquake and an ensuing tsunami on March 11, 2011, the Fukushima plant suffered core meltdowns that released radiation, resulting in a level-7 nuclear accident, the highest on the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale.

The plant has been generating a massive amount of water tainted with radioactive substances from cooling down the nuclear fuel in the reactor buildings, which are now being stored in about 1,000 storage tanks.

TEPCO said it plans to carry out the first round of release over the next 17 days to discharge 7,800 tons of the radioactive wastewater.

In the current fiscal year through next March, a total of 31,200 tons are slated for discharge, equivalent to the storage capacity of 30 tanks, TEPCO added. 

People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

A man protests against the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

A citizen protests against the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

A man protests against the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

People gather to protest the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)

A citizen protests against the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company's (TEPCO) decision on releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater in front of the headquarters of the TEPCO in Tokyo, Japan, Aug. 24, 2023. Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. (Xinhua/Yang Guang)
Shein is making an extended play for bricks-and-mortar retail with a new stake that could soon see the e-tail juggernaut operating within Forever 21 outlets at malls across the United States.

On Thursday the Chinese-founded phenom, which previously kept its physical presence to short-lived pop-up activations, announced that it would be acquiring a one-third interest in Forever 21 parent Sparc Group, a joint venture that includes Authentic Brands Group and mall operator Simon Property Group. In return, Sparc, whose other brands include Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers and Eddie Bauer, will become a minority shareholder in Shein, though the exact terms are unknown.

More from Sourcing Journal

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Shein, which is headquartered in Singapore, said that the partnership will give it the opportunity to explore customer-focused experiences in Forever 21 locations, including shops-in-shops and store-based order returns. Forever 21, which shares a young, trend-driven and typically cash-strapped demographic, will also get a boost through the arrangement. The Los Angeles-based fast fashion chain will get to hawk its wares on its former rivals globe-spanning platform, extending its reach and distribution.

We look forward to finding new ways to delight our customers through the potential of this partnership, Donald Tang, Sheins executive chairman, said in a statement. The powerful combination of Simons leadership in physical retail, Authentics brand development expertise and Sheins on-demand model will help us drive scalable growth and together make fashion more accessible to all.

The new partnership between the two giants is one that makes sense for both parties, said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, a market analytics firm. Although it has found a firmer financial footing under its post-bankruptcy ownership, Forever 21 continues to face headwinds because of a more subdued consumer, tougher competition and a rather nondescript brand position, he said.

Selling products via the Shein platform is one way of quickly super-charging growth, Saunders said. Shein will allow Forever 21 to expose its products to a significant number of consumers both in the U.S. and globally. This will ultimately improve volumes and economies of scale.

Ditto for Shein, he said. Roping in Forever 21 contributes to the companys goal of rounding out its proposition so its less dependent on ultra-cheap apparel, he said. Plus, it could take some of the heat off Sheins production model, which has been criticized for fueling sweatshops, promoting environmental degradation and harming the livelihoods of independent designers. Like its nemesis, the online marketplace known as Temu, the Romwe owner has also faced congressional questioning over its ability to avoid forced-labor products from Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and its use of the de minimis trade provision to evade paying duties, taxes or fees to the American government.

While Forever 21 isnt premium, it is a credible brand that adds more fashion heft to Sheins offer and may help attract some new consumers, Saunders said. Shein will also hope that the addition of a well-known American name will help to lessen [the] focus on its manufacturing practices, which have come under scrutiny.

Dr. Sheng Lu, associate professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware, said that the partnership signals Sheins eagerness to find new business growth opportunities and create a favorable environment that can eventually lead to a successful IPO. Earlier this year, the Christian Siriano collaborator also rolled out a new full category marketplace in the United States that allows third-party sellers to utilize its platform to tout a slew of products beyond its niche, including higher-end fashion from Paul Smith and Stuart Weitzman, and non-clothing items such as electronics, kitchen appliances and home improvement wares.

Lu noted that Sheins own ESG report acknowledged that only roughly 18 percent of its audited factories achieved a B or better grade for safety and social compliance. Nearly half (47 percent) of the facilities were found to have one to three major risks; there werent enough emergency exits, some had signs of structural damage, several didnt pay minimum wage and factories were found using underage or involuntary labor. Another 24 percent had more than three major risks.

As Shein ambitiously expands into new territories, including areas without prior experience and resources like beauty products, significant questions arise about the companys ability and commitment to effectively address public concerns regarding its sustainability and social responsibility practices, he said.

Because Shein is operating from a position of strength and is already winnowing market share from Forever 21, the deal is something of an admission by the latter that it isnt able to engineer growth the way that it would like, Saunders said. There is an element of if you cant beat them, join them in Forever 21s thinking, he added.

Whether that will pan out is another matter.

While it will make medium-term gains, the longer-term danger for Forever 21 is that it becomes overly reliant on Shein, especially if some [business] is pulled away from its stores, Saunders added. As Shein further develops and likely introduces other brands to its platform, Forever 21 may find itself crowded out. However, as Shein has taken a stake in the parent of Forever 21, the eventual gameplan might be for the eventual takeover of the brand.

For Chapin Fay, executive director of Shut Down Shein, a mostly anonymous coalition of individuals and businesses that want the company to clean up its act, however, the move changes nothing for us.

Shein must fully renounce and stop using cotton from forced labor for its products and pay its full share of tariffs due to U.S. taxpayers, he added.

Click here to read the full article.
Walmart and Centric Brands are probing their supply chains in Cambodia over allegations of the illegal use of womens prison labor to produce garments for export in the wake of questions raised by Reuters this week and amid ongoing concerns by an apparel industry trade group that the violations were taking place.

The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA), whose roster includes Centric Brands, a licensor of such labels as Calvin Klein, Izod and Under Armor, but not Walmart, had written Cambodias ambassador to the United States, Chhea Keo, twice over the past year requesting action over credible reports that inmates at Correctional Center Two, the countrys main womens prison, were being used in the production of clothing and other textile products as part of their rehabilitation.

More from Sourcing Journal

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

While we recognize the stated goals of Cambodias prison rehabilitation program, the production of garments and other textile products for export inside of this prison, by prison inmates, is incompatible with respect for these standards, and the import of which into the United States is in violation of U.S. law, wrote CEO and president Steve Lamar in a letter dated Nov. 4, 2022. Just as important, continued production and export of prison-made garments will tarnish the good reputation of the Cambodian garment industry.

Follow-up correspondence to minister of economy and finance Aun Pornmoniroth and minister of commerce Pan Sorasak acknowledged subsequent meetings with Keo stating the progress of an inter-agency investigation on the issue.

We understand that the investigation has indeed confirmed the allegations that two companies illegally purchased product from Correctional Center Two and had planned to export that product, Lamar wrote. We are also pleased to hear that the government was able to prevent the export of that product and to receive the assurance that no such product would be permitted for export.

Lamar then requested the appointment of a representative from the respective ministries to serve as an ongoing point of contact that we can engage with until this issue is fully resolved.

Again, he reiterated the risks of employing prison labor. Lamar also urged the Cambodian government to end the practice, establishing a rigorous monitoring protocol to ensure it doesnt happen.

While neither letter named the companies allegedly receiving the goods, four people familiar with the situation, including two former Correctional Center Two inmates, told Reuters that the items produced appeared to be linked to Walmart and Centric Brands. They brandished a reusable Walmart-branded shopping bag and an Izod-branded polo shirt, which they said were taken from the prison factories in which the convicts had worked upon their release, the most recent in January.

Reuters wasnt able to independently establish whether the items were made in the prison.

Both the United States and Cambodia, which until 2020 was one of the biggest recipients of its trade preferences scheme, have outlawed the international trade of convict-made goods. The International Labour Organization (ILO), to which Cambodia belongs, permits prison labor as long as it is not forced.

We find the allegations very concerning, a Walmart spokesperson told Reuters, later adding that an investigation is ongoing. Forced labor of any kind is abhorrent, and we believe all people should be treated with dignity and not be exploited.

Centric Brands told the outlet that it has suspended imports from a factory in Cambodia and would immediately terminate any supplier found to be using prison labor. Later, it said that while it has not found any evidence supporting the claim that prison labor was used to make the polo shirt in question, it had terminated its relationship with the identified factory.

The supplier showed no signs of issues related to forced labor, Centric Brands said, noting that it had been audited by Better Factories Cambodia (BFC) and Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) for each of the past four years, as well as by Amforis Business Social Compliance Initiative since 2022.

Authentic Brands Group, which owns Izod, told Reuters that it took the allegations seriously.

A representative from the ILO, which backs the Better Work program, told Reuters that BFC conducts unannounced, two-day assessments of all Cambodian factories that produce garments and travel goods for export once a year. A spokesperson for Amfori said members were responsible for monitoring their suppliers and subcontractors, and that it had not encountered cases of forced or prison labor in Cambodia or found any ties between its members businesses and Correctional Center Two.

Walmart, Authentic Brands Group, Amfiori and BFC declined to provide additional statements, while Centric Brands did not respond to a request for comment. The AAFA referred Sourcing Journal to the two letters that it had written.

WRAP told Sourcing Journal that it has a zero-tolerance policy regarding forced labor, including prison labor, and that it continues to investigate the allegations.

WRAP does not certify prison production and none of the facilities identified in the article as having used prison labor are WRAP-certified, a spokesperson said. We are focusing our investigation on whether any WRAP-certified facility in Cambodia has engaged in subcontracting with the prison system. Thus far we have not established such a link.

Cambodia, which is beginning minimum wage talks for 2024, is the No. 3 supplier of travel goods, the No. 4 supplier of footwear and the No. 6 supplier of garments to the United States, according to the AAFA. Cambodias exports to the United States, most of them garments, during the first seven months of the year, topped $5.2 billion, a year-over-year decrease of 9.1 percent, per General Department of Customs and Excise data. Worldwide, the country exported $6.3 billion worth of garment, footwear and travel products during the first seven months of the year, a 20 percent drop from the $7.9 billion it delivered during the same period last year.

Click here to read the full article.
A recent video posted to a popular Instagram page is a prime example of how not to behave in bear country. The now-viral clip, posted on August 4, shows a throng of camera-wielding tourists crowding a sow grizzly as she ushers her two cubs through a meadow in Yellowstone. Yellowstone tourists are notorious for these kinds of stunts, and videos like this emerge regularly this time of year, but this is one you have to see to believe.

According to the caption, the incident occurred near Yellowstone's Grand Prismatic Geyser, about seven miles north of Old Faithful, and it was captured by Instagram user @jes_vanatta. "Momma grizzly and her two 2 year old cubs," wrote Vanatta in the caption, "told people to leave and no one moved. I tried my best to get them away but man these people were clueless. We eventually had to bail but they were getting even closer as I left.

It's unclear how the scene unfolded after Vanatta stopped filming. But it's safe to say that the individuals in the video were entirely too close and too comfortable with the sow grizz and her two cubs.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The National Park Service advises visitors to maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from bears and other large predators at all times and says you should never approach a bear in order to take a photo. Sadly, that advice goes unheeded quite frequently in America's first National Park, where uniformed tourists routinely encroach on bison, bull elk, and grizzly bears alike.

Read Next: Teenage Hunter Punches Brown Bear, Saves Dad from Life-Threatening Attack

Earlier this year, a Hawaiian man attempted to "save" a newborn bison by grabbing it and pulling it up an embankment near the confluence of the Lamar River and Soda Butte Creek. Another man made national headlines when he took off his shirt and intentionally harassed multiple bears and at least one wolf. In October 2021, an Illinois woman who posed for a photo just feet from a sow grizzly with three cubs was fined, jailed, and banned from the park for willfully remaining, approaching, and photographing wildlife within 100 yards."

Penalties and steep fines notwithstanding, the abysmal behavior keeps on occurring. And the problem isn't confined to Yellowstone. Here are a few more examples of tourists risking life and limb around wild animals in National Parks.

Watch Tourists Exit Their Cars to Photograph a Grizzly on a Fresh Elk Carcass

Watch a Man with a Cell Phone Camera Challenge a Rutting Bull Elk in Canada

Photographer Brazenly Stalks Massive Bull Elk in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park

Watch a Woman Tangle with a Turkey in the Smokies

Guy Gets Within Feet of a Big Boar Grizzly in the Tetons
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.
The North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill at the Aug. 16 meeting which, if passed in the Senate, will change Gastonias local elections system.

Gastonia officials believe the move could have serious implications on voter turnout and representation in the city.

At a special meeting on Monday, Aug. 21, the city of Gastonia voted yes on a resolution to oppose Senate Bill 169, which specifically includes an amendment to change the way local officials are elected in the city.

The bill, which the city was not made aware of until it had passed in the General Assembly, was written by Senator Steve Jarvis (Republican) as a local bill regarding the annexation of satellite land in Davidson County.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Jarvis created the bill as a technical correction to a bill he had created last session regarding Davidson County.

The bill was voted over to the house in May, where it gained two additions before coming to a vote on Aug. 16.

Prior to the final vote, the bill was amended in a committee meeting by an unconfirmed member of the House of Representatives, to include the new language about Gastonia.

The new language in the bill would switch Gastonia to a voting system that only allows voters to vote for the single council chair representing their ward.

The city currently uses a nonpartisan election system in which every Gastonia resident can vote for each of the six council chairs.

Gaston Countys House representatives Donnie Loftis , Kelly Hastings and John A. Torbett, all Republicans, voted yes on the amendment to this bill in the House.

Hastings stated that he voted yes on the bill because he, didnt have anyone call and complain about it before-hand... I knew the bill would have to go back to the Senate to be analyzed again.

Hastings also stated that he voted yes on the bill despite the addition of this new language because he didnt want to kill the base bill to which this language was attached.

First-year Senator Brad Overcash (Republican), who represents Gaston County, stated that the bill would likely come before the Senate mid-September for a concurrence or non-concurrence vote, though the bill has already passed in the Senate once.

The author of the bill, Jarvis stated that he was not fully aware of the content of the additions to his bill, calling it, a train that has picked up a few more cars.

Jarvis said he still intends to vote yes on the bill.

All Im interested in is getting my bill across the finish line that has my provision in it, and if it would end up hindering that, you know, I want to see it go through. Ive got to get that bill through because thats a technical correction to a bill that I introduced last session, Jarvis said.

Jarvis, Overcash and Hastings did not comment on the impacts that legislation requiring a city to vote by ward can have on the voting process.

As of the time of publishing, Loftis, Torbett and Gaston Countys other Senator W. Ted Alexander (Republican), did not responded to requests for comment.

In the resolution regarding the bill, the city states, The City of Gastonia believes that the benefits of at-large voting outweigh those of single district or ward voting in that number of candidates available for election tends to be larger, vote trading between councilmembers is lessened,

The city added that, council members in at-large systems rise above the limited perspective of a single district or ward because they are elected by and accountable to the entire electorate and therefore prioritize the good of the entire community rather than only the good of one Ward.

"The current system has been in place for 60 years, and we feel it is the best system for a city our size. We have low voter turn-out as it is. I've looked at the numbers. in the last municipal election, we had 5,103 voters, so, if you divide that by six wards, that's less than 1,000 voters coming out to make a decision," said Councilwoman Jennifer Stepp. "On top of that, now you're only coming out to vote for one person? That turn out is going to be even lower."

Gastonia Councilwoman Donyel Barber also discussed election complications stating that elections can be expensive.

"That could be a waste of taxpayer dollars, you know, having people come out only to vote for one person," Barber said.

A topic of discussion among City Council during the special meeting was the possibility that if each council person were only representing their ward, they could all be competing for funding to complete projects in their ward alone rather than considering the well-being of the city as a whole.

To conclude the resolution, the city states that the bill will cause citizens to feel, disenfranchised and unrepresented by a majority of the council members who will still be able to vote on major issues affecting the safety, health, and welfare of those citizens.

According to Stepp, "These things usually happen because a local government asks the delegation to do it, the delegation does not usually take it upon themselves to make those decisions for the local government. We did not (ask); we were unaware."

If this bill passes in the Senate, it will take effect in Gastonia starting in 2025, at which time three of the six wards will be able to vote for their representative.

The other three wards will be able to vote for their representative in 2027.

"I'm hoping that it's not too late, and they'll at least hit the pause button to step back and have some conversations with us instead of just ramming this through," Stepp said.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gastonia lumped into a bill that would change local voting
Newly released body-cam footage reveals the dramatic moment Jared Bridegans ex-wife was arrested in front of her two children for allegedly planning the Microsoft execs 2022 murder.

In footage obtained by Fox News, at least six officers are seen storming Shanna Gardner-Fernandezs Washington state home just before 9 a.m on Aug. 17. The arrest came after Florida prosecutors say a grand jury indicted the 35-year-old on several charges for allegedly planning Bridegans murder with her new husband and enlisting the help of his handyman and tenant to carry out the crime.

Prosecutors say that Bridegan, who was married to Gardner-Fernandez for six years until 2015, was returning to his St. Augustine, Florida, home on Feb. 16, 2022, after dropping off his twins at his ex-wifes house when he came upon a tire in the middle of the road. Leaving his 2-year-old daughter strapped in the backseat, Bridegan went to move the tire but was then shot in cold blood. The toddler was unharmed.

Cold, Calculated and Premeditated: Ex-Wife Charged in Microsoft Execs Murder

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Warrant! Police! officers are heard saying in the body-cam footage while entering Gardner-Fernandezs home. Outside, Gardner-Fernandezs mother is seen sobbing on a chair on the front porch while officers are heard handcuffing her daughter inside.

Can I be with the kids, or can you at least bring the kids out to me? Shelli Garnder is heard asking about her 12-year-old twin grandchildren Gardner-Fernandez shared with Bridegan.

Gardner-Fernandez is then seen walking out of the home in pink pajama shorts and a graphic t-shirt as officers wait outside. At one point, someone is heard asking if she should get Gardner-Fernandez pants, while the mother-of-two is heard speaking to her daughter.

Where are your jeans, mom? one of Gardner-Fernandezs kids is heard asking from inside the house. Another child interjects and answers, I know where they are.

After changing, Gardner-Fernandez is heard saying I love you to her children before the police escort her to a squad car. The footage shows West Richland officers taking Gardner-Fernandez to an interview room at a local police station. Eventually, she was moved to Benton County Jail, where she remained before being extradited to Jacksonville to face charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, solicitation to commit a capital felony, and child abuse.

State Attorney Mellisa Nelson said last week that Gardner-Fernandez and her husband, Mario Fernandez Saldana, will be prosecuted together and that her office is seeking the death penalty for the couple. Prosecutors have yet to reveal a motive behind the murder plot, which came after a yearslong contentious divorce and child custody battle between Bridegan and Gardner-Fernandez.

After her arrest, Gardner-Fernandezs parents released a statement urging caution against further speculation and request privacy as the legal process runs its course.

We love our daughter and are focused on supporting her and our entire family as we help our grandchildren navigate this difficult and very confusing time, Shelli and Sterling Gardner said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
(Reuters) -Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that the BRICS countries will welcome more members who will be chosen according to their geopolitical importance and not the ideology of their governments.

At their summit in Johannesburg, the five BRICS countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - decided to add Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates, a move aimed at increasing the clout of the bloc of leading emerging economies.

"What matters is not the person who governs but the importance of the country," Lula said at a news conference before leaving South Africa.

"We can't deny the geopolitical importance of Iran and other countries that will join BRICS," he added.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The expansion is expected to pave the way for dozens more countries to seek admission to the group as it pushes to rebalance the prevailing world order.

Lula said Brazil would support the entry of Nigeria, Angola, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

More than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS and 22 have formally asked to be admitted to the group that today accounts for about 40% of the world's population and a quarter of global gross domestic product.

Lula suggested that a meeting between the G7 group of the world's richest democracies and the BRICS nations would be an important next step.

(Reporting by Anthony Boadle in Brasilia, Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
More districts across the country are modifying schedules this week as broken or nonexistent cooling systems fail to keep buildings cool.

School districts in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin and other states have either closed or dismissed students early as the National Weather Service said millions of people are being affected by excessive heat. The agency said the record-breaking heat is bringing highs well into the 90s, and 100s in some places with humidity.

The National Weather Service said heat will likely blanket the Midwest and Gulf region well into Friday, during what it called a heat dome. The temperatures are "extremely anomalous" and likely to break daily and monthly records, the service said.

Sawyer Bazillion, 6, of Leominster, Mass. loves the mister in the kids area of Polar Park. The Heat wave continued for hearty WooSox fans braving 90 degree weather on Sunday, July 24, 2022.

Thousands of schools need updated HVAC systems

A U.S. Government Accountability Office study from June 2020 report found more than 36,000 schools needs updates or replacements to their HVAC systems.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Last year, schools in Detroit, Philadelphia and Baltimore let students out early or closed as record-high temperatures hit those states. Experts then said many schools aren't equipped to battle with the extreme weather threats brought by climate change.

A study in 2021 from the Center for Climate Integrity found more than 13,700 K-12 public schools that didn't need cooling systems in 1970 will need them by 2025. New York City, the nation's largest school district, must spend up to $1 billion in ventilation system costs by 2025 because of climate change, according to the study.

Heat threats school operations: Hotter temperatures a threat to students in schools with no air conditioning

Shain Bergan, spokesman for Kansas City Public Schools in Missouri, told USA TODAY all of the district's buildings have some form of cooling systems, but not all classrooms are cool. He added the district has tried and failed to pass a bond referendum to install central air.

School districts in the middle of the country could soon be forced to adapt to heat-related schedule changes, he said.

"We're all used to winter weather impacting the schools and it could be a thing where summer weather will impact schools. I hope not," Bergan said.

A heat dome is causing soaring temperatures across the US. The heat poses risks to humans as well as infrastructure.

What schools are closed, dismissing early this week?

Nationwide, school officials said they are worried about high temperatures.

Milwaukee Public Schools announced it closed for a second time in a week with temperatures predicted to reach 115 degrees. The Lockland School District in Ohio canceled classes for grades fifth through 12th grades this week because the buildings lacked air conditioning. In Indiana, the Downers Grove Grade School District 58 Superintendent Kevin Russell announced Monday the district delayed its first day of school to Friday because of the heat and Whitko Community Schools' Junior Senior High School is doing remote learning because of air conditioning repairs.

The Decorah Community School District in northern Iowa canceled classes Thursday as Superintendent Tim Cronin said staff were concerned about high temperatures at one of its elementary schools.

Elsewhere in the country, Kansas City Public Schools in Missouri, Grand Haven Area Public Schools in Michigan and Robertson County Schools in Tennessee announced early dismissals because of the heat and humidity. Bergan said it's tough to change schedules during the first week, but the 100-degree heat index creates unique problems for staff and students.

Spokesman of Robertson County Schools Jim Bellis said the district has modified its schedule as it is trying to protect students as much as possible. He added all buildings have HVAC units.

Four school districts throughout Iowa are letting students out early this week. The National Weather Service said late Wednesday Des Moines set a record-high temperature of 100 degrees. Des Moines Public Schools has air conditioning but is still dismissing students early because school buses lacked air conditioning, along with the neighboring Johnston Community School District. Interstate 35 Community School District in southern Iowa and Charles City Community School District in northern Iowa both had early dismissals this week.

Students go back to school at Frenship Upland Heights Elementary, Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023.

Teachers unions say it is too hot

Teachers at Milwaukee Public Schools in Wisconsin and Polk County Public Schools in Florida have urged their districts to either update or install cooling units. The Wisconsin teachers union made their request in 2021 as readings reached 90 degrees and Superintendent Milwaukee Public Schools Keith Posely said he'd make it a priority for the district's COVID-19 relief money, but that didn't happen.

Only 17% of buildings had air conditioning throughout the building, Posely said, 63% had it in one room and 20% had no air conditioning at all.

The teachers union in Polk County, Florida, filed a grievance with the district, claiming at least 15 schools have faulty air conditioning units. Kyle Kennedy, senior coordinator of media relations for the district, said in a statement the district typically receives an influx of work orders when staff returns and this year's has been exacerbated by a heat wave.

The School District of Philadelphia Chief Operating Officer Oz Hill told USA TODAY the district has invested $285.7 million in its HVAC systems. He said more than 800 window units and 1,400 cold-water drinking stations have been installed.

The district hadn't issued closures this year because it moved the start date after Labor Day from late August to avoid heat-related interruptions. Spokesperson Monique Braxton said half of the buildings don't have adequate cooling systems and the district is "rigorously" reviewing all of them.

Contributing: Tiffany Cussac-Smith, USA TODAY; Rory Linnane, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel; Phillip Sitter, Philip Joens; Des Moines Register; Paul Nutcher, Lakeland Ledger.

Contact reporter Krystal Nurse at knurse@USATODAY.com. Follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter @KrystalRNurse.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Excessive heat prompts school closings for unusually high temperatures
Two new centers have just opened in the Treasure Valley to help children and teenagers with serious emotional or behavioral problems, including one for Ada County youths who have had brushes with law enforcement.

And a third center, offering Kuna-area children and teens a fun, safe space and a fostering environment where they can be who they are, is on the way.

1. Help to stay away from juvie justice and child welfare

A youth and family services center opened in Boise this month, aiming to help youths avoid incarceration.

The Bridge Youth and Family Resource Center provides a single point of contact to deflect youth from the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, according to a news release from Ada County. The center is designed to screen children, refer them to community services, and provide case management and support.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In the past, law enforcement and juvenile justice professionals tried to get kids into the system to get them help, but the formal juvenile justice system often results in poor outcomes for youth, Ada County Juvenile Services Director Alison Tate said in the release. Thanks to Governor Brad Little and the Board of Ada County Commissioners, The Bridge can provide services to youth and families and prevent them from entering the system in the first place.

The Bridge Youth and Family Resource Centers new home is installed at 621 N. Liberty St. in Boise. We thought our best chance to complete it within the tight grant timeline was to purchase a modular building, the county said in a newsletter. It was built at a local warehouse and craned onto the foundation in July.

Funding came from the Idaho Legislature, which allocated $6.5 million for safe teen assessment centers around the state.

Members of the centers Board of Governance include Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea and officials from the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and the Boise School District.

Gone are the days of scared straight, when children who were having difficulties navigating adolescence, and who may have had challenging home lives or other issues, were introduced to prison life, a post on the countys website said. It was a way of scaring them into avoiding a life of incarceration. Years of research now shows us that redirecting children to supportive services is the better way.

The county does not charge for The Bridges services. If we refer you to community resources such as counseling that have a cost, we will take your insurance status into consideration when identifying potential service providers, the website says.

The Bridges new site is at 621 N. Liberty St. The Bridge started serving youths and families in March at temporary offices at 400 N. Benjamin Lane, where the county houses its juvenile probation services and clinical programs.

To learn more, call 208-477-4820 or email TheBridge@aacounty.id.gov.

2. Help for disorders and emotional or relationship woes

The Idaho Youth Ranch has opened its Residential Center for Healing and Resilience on the Youth Ranchs rustic, 258-acre Hands of Promise campus near Caldwell.

Young patients can get help with depression and mood disorders, suicidal ideation and self harm, post-traumatic stress disorder, attachment disorders, trauma, family conflict, unhealthy relationships, ADHD or other attention difficulties, bipolar disorder, substance-abuse disorders, anxiety disorders and negative childhood experiences, the Youth Ranch says.

The center, at 28371 El Paso Road, offers 64 bedrooms for Idaho children ages 11-17 who require an extra level of support beyond routine therapy, the nonprofit said in a news release. The center offers 24-hour nursing and psychiatric care and year-round schooling.

The center also includes a welcome center, a dining and recreation hall, and a therapy and wellness building.

This facility has been designed from the ground up to meet the unique needs of the kids, said Spencer Merrick, the medical director, in the release. Every aspect of care from the therapies to the food has been considered to give youth the best chance for long-term success.

The Youth Ranch tells parents that its center can help if a child has:

Not made significant progress in outpatient therapy or other treatment,

Recently been admitted for psychiatric treatment and requires more care than can be provided at home.

A mental health condition that may endanger the safety of the child or others.

The center opened Aug. 15. The Youth Ranch said it raised $35 million for it, mostly from private donors, local businesses, and foundations, and from an Idaho Department of Health and Welfare grant.

The center will employ over 110 people, the Youth Ranch said.

For more information, call 208-454-8847 or visit www.youthranch.org/contact

3. A place for Kuna kids to belong

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County is raising money for a new clubhouse in Kuna.

When completed, the 27,000-square-foot clubhouse on 3.25 acres of donated land will serve more than 1,200 children and teens up to age 18 every year, the Boys & Girls Clubs say.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County offer before- and after-school programs, including sports, arts, academics, mentorship and more. Plans call for the clubhouse to include a gym, a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics room, a teen center, a tech lab, an art room, and a cafeteria providing free meals.

The nonprofit operates multiple other clubs in Boise, Garden City and Meridian, too. Before- and after-school programs generally cost $35 per week, with some clubs offering an after-school only option for $25 per week, with scholarships available for low-income families. To learn more, call 208-376-4960 or visit www.adaclubs.org.

The $11 million Kuna project is being funded through a capital campaign that kicked off with a lead gift of $4 million from CS Beef Packers, which was partly motivated by the need for more day care services for its workers. The M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust just donated $375,000 to the campaign.

With a growing youth population in Kuna, expanding the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada Countys capacity is critical to meeting the needs of this community, Jeremy White, program director at the Murdock Trust, said in a news release.

This is an architects rendering of the proposed Boys & Girls Club in Kuna, which recently received a $375,000 donation from the Murdock Charitable Trust.

The Boys & Girls Clubs has been running its programs in Kuna from a classroom and an old gym that does not have air conditioning. Its able to serve only about 100 children a day, and it has no programs for teens. In the past 15 years, the population in Kuna has grown to more than 26,000 people, about 11,000 who are school-age.

Additionally, 95% of the citys residents work outside of the city, which means many parents are away from home during the day, according to the club.

We are the only after-school program in the city, and weve been capped since just about the day we opened in 2008, Colleen Braga, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Ada County, said in the release.

The Boys & Girls Club is also partnering with Giraffe Laugh for on-site day care for children up to age 5.

The clubhouse is expected to be completed by the end of spring 2024. It is located just south of West Tern Drive across the Teed Lateral from Butler Park, between School Avenue and Linder Road. The site is about halfway between Kuna Middle School to the west and Kuna High School to the east.

Idaho will soon ban gender-affirming care. Here are the consequences for trans kids

Hes in prison, with no criminal conviction. Idaho put him there for mental health care.
TOKYO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday.

The ocean discharge, which could last several decades, has been planned for a long time. The incredibly selfish act blatantly violates international law and would impact the entire world.

LONG-PLOTTED MOVE

Three reactors melted and were destroyed when a tsunami struck Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011. The highly contaminated water produced while cooling the damaged reactors, mixed with rain and groundwater, has since accumulated in the reactor buildings.

In April 2011, the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the Fukushima plant, deliberately discharged nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, sparking widespread concern. In December 2011, TEPCO said it had drawn up a plan to discharge "low-concentration contaminated water" into the sea.

In March 2013, the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), a key facility for treating nuclear-contaminated water, was put into trial operation. Since then, TEPCO has referred to contaminated water treated in this multi-nuclide removal equipment as "treated water."

The ALPS has frequently experienced malfunctions. It has failed to remove isotopes adequately, with the adsorbents used to remove radioactive isotopes being replaced less often than they were supposed to be.

As a result, 70 percent of the water in the storage tanks still contains non-tritium radionuclides at a concentration that exceeds the regulatory standards applicable for discharge into the environment.

Where does the "treated water" go eventually?

As early as December 2013, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) set up a subcommittee to conduct technical discussions on how to dispose of the ALPS "treated water."

In June 2016, the working group released a report stating that among the five disposal options, namely discharge into the sea, underground burial, geosphere injection, vapor release and hydrogen release, diluting the "treated water" and discharging it into the sea is found to be the cheapest method.

The report set the tone for the subsequent ocean discharge plan. However, after its release, the report was vehemently opposed by Japanese agriculture, forestry and fishery groups. Even Masayoshi Yoshino, then minister for reconstruction, expressed his opposition to discharging treated nuclear-contaminated water into the sea.

Many experts have proposed various options for proper disposal. However, METI and TEPCO have deemed the ocean discharge plan an "established policy."

In April 2021, despite persisting opposition from home and abroad, the Japanese government announced the controversial plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the sea in 2023. Since then, preparations for the ocean discharge have been in full swing.

In December 2021, TEPCO submitted the ALPS "treated water" construction plan for dilution and discharge facilities. In July 2022, it was approved by Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA).

In January, the Japanese government confirmed that the discharge would start "in the spring or summer." On June 26, TEPCO announced the completion of the construction of the discharge system.

On July 7, the NRA issued a certificate to TEPCO showing that the facilities for the ocean discharge had passed final checks, putting the country on track to start releasing the Fukushima wastewater into the sea.

SELF-DIRECTED "AUTHORITATIVE VERIFICATION"

On July 4, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi presented an assessment report on the disposal of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water to the Japanese government during his visit to Japan.

The IAEA report concluded that the discharge plan "is in conformity with the agreed international standards," and the Japanese side claimed that the plan's safety had been "authoritatively verified."

However, there are multiple doubts about the report. For starters, Japan made the ocean discharge decision before commissioning the IAEA to conduct a safety assessment. Clearly, it did not aim to find a scientific and reasonable solution to the problem but to use the agency to endorse its ocean discharge plan.

Secondly, before the IAEA assessment, Japan had already started making relevant arrangements for manipulating the "certification" process.

Tokyo Shimbun reported that the Japanese government had paid a large share of costs and other payments to the IAEA in the past, and various departments of the Japanese government had sent personnel to the IAEA, which would inevitably impact the IAEA assessment of the dumping plan.

South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party lawmakers said in a meeting with Grossi on July 9 that the UN nuclear watchdog's verification of the plan was biased in favor of Japan from the beginning, losing its neutrality and objectivity. Regrettably, the IAEA came to a hasty conclusion without considering the plan's impact on neighboring countries.

Thirdly, the IAEA report stressed at the beginning that it does not necessarily reflect the views of IAEA member states and is not a recommendation or an endorsement of Japan's ocean discharge plan. The IAEA and its member states are not responsible for any consequences arising from the report. The disclaimer made it evident that the report did not represent the international community's views and did not provide evidence of the legality of Japan's dumping proposal.

Liu Senlin, a researcher with the China Institute of Atomic Energy who participated in the IAEA's assessment work, said the report was released hastily and lacked sufficient consultation with experts.

Liu said that the IAEA's assessment was limited as it neither included other possible disposal options nor addressed the effectiveness and long-term reliability of the water purification system.

Li Song, China's permanent representative to the IAEA, pointed out that the conclusions of the agency's report are one-sided and lack credibility, failing to prove that the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea is not harmful to marine environments, food safety and public health.

Without confirmation of the data's accuracy, equipment reliability and supervision effectiveness, it is impossible to conclude that releasing more than 1.3 million tons of nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean for up to 30 years is safe, Li added.

LACK OF SINCERITY

Having acknowledged that the ALPS cannot remove the radioactive substance of tritium from the nuclear-polluted water, TEPCO continues to assert that the impact of the substance on fish and its subsequent effect on humans through the food chain is "negligible."

An aquatic breeding facility is set up at the crippled power plant as a platform to support this claim. Within this facility housing common flatfish found along the Fukushima coastline, one tank contains ordinary seawater, while another tank holds the treated nuclear-contaminated water, known as the "treated water."

However, as highlighted in a report by a third-party group of experts invited by the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), TEPCO has failed to assess the "long-term impact" of radioactive tritium's conversion to organically-bound tritium on marine ecology.

From a scientific perspective, both experts and environmental organizations are deeply skeptical about the data provided by TEPCO concerning the treatment of nuclear-contaminated water and related matters.

"The quantity and quality of the data are inadequate, incomplete and inconsistent to support a decision to release tank waters," said Ferenc Dalnoki-Veress, a nuclear physics expert and adjunct professor at U.S. Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

Environmental protection organizations have listed various problems with TEPCO's claims about the so-called "treated water": Certain radioactive substances remain above acceptable levels even after the ALPS treatment. TEPCO only treated 3 percent of the stored polluted water, rendering the results non-representative. Comparing Fukushima's "treated water" with a typical nuclear plant's discharge is misleading, as the "treated water" had direct contact with the melted reactor cores.

Furthermore, concern is rife over TEPCO's dark past of data manipulation and cover-ups in the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. From downplaying "core meltdowns" as "core damage," covering up new leaks of highly contaminated water into the ocean to exaggerating wastewater safety with faulty dosimeters.

"Does TEPCO have the qualifications for ocean discharge?" Naoya Sekiya from the University of Tokyo questioned, noting that issues related to management and safety have not been isolated to Fukushima alone, as other TEPCO-run nuclear power plants have also experienced problems, leading to doubts about their capability for proper disposal of the wastewater.

TEPCO and the Japanese government's breach of trust is also evident in their flip-flopping stance. In 2015, the Japanese government and TEPCO agreed with fisheries cooperative associations of both Fukushima prefecture and the nation that they would not proceed with any wastewater disposal "without the understanding of relevant parties."

Despite their persistent efforts over the years to persuade those in the fishing industry, the Japanese government and TEPCO have not succeeded. Yet, they ignored their own promises by pushing ahead with the ocean discharge, disregarding strong public opposition.

"Nothing will change in our opposition to the release of water into the ocean without the understanding of fishermen and the public," said Masanobu Sakamoto, head of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, in a statement on Tuesday.

TWISTING REALITY

Facing strong domestic and international opposition to the contaminated water dumping plan, Japanese authorities have launched massive public relations campaigns to promote the water's "safety," which became a focal point of the country's diplomacy.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and METI, among other departments, established special links on their official websites to propagate the safety of ALPS-treated water. Social media accounts associated with these departments prominently featured related promotional videos in multiple languages.

The decades-long discharge's potential harm to marine environments and the fisheries industry is self-evident. However, the Japanese government and TEPCO have spared no effort in a propaganda campaign, claiming the still contaminated water is "safe" instead of focusing on reducing the contaminated water's impact on human beings and the environment.

Advertisements have been placed on television, in newspapers and online to promote the "safety" of nuclear-contaminated water.

The country, doing everything possible to publicize the safety of the radioactive water, frequently holds press tours for diplomats and foreign journalists from various countries on the toxic water-dumping plan.

In the Japanese side's instructions on the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea, especially in foreign language materials, the term "treated water" is generally used instead of "nuclear-contaminated water," intended to downplay its pollution characteristics and potential hazards.

In April, Japan sought to use its Group of Seven (G7) presidency to drum up endorsement from the wealthy bloc. However, it was slammed after G7 environment and energy ministers met in the Japanese city of Sapporo.

Despite opposition, Japan included the wording -- "transparent efforts based on scientific evidence" and "support for independent IAEA review" -- in the final G7 statement.

Japan's aggressive publicizing also reached Pacific Island countries, which hold a strong stance against the discharge plan. According to a recent METI report, the Japanese government has done "explanatory work" to all PIF countries and regions since February.

According to IAEA's safety regulations regarding releasing radioactive materials into the environment, authorization for such releases should involve providing information and consulting with interested parties, including "other states, especially neighboring states."

However, facing concerns of neighboring countries, Japan, instead of engaging in sincere communication, wantonly downplayed the release of the contaminated water and labeled other countries' reasonable concerns about the marine environment and food safety as "playing politics."

In July, the Chinese Embassy in Japan pointed out that Japanese statements regarding "dialogue and consultation with China" lacked sincerity, as it persisted in advancing the discharge plan according to its set schedule, disregarding China's position.

The discharge of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater is not merely a domestic matter for Japan but a global concern impacting oceanic environments and human health. By ignoring international objections, reneging on international obligations, and forcefully proceeding with the discharge, the Japanese government poses threats to the environment and the legitimate rights of neighboring countries.

History cannot be undone, and its repercussions are enduring. Japan's selfish actions and shameful attempts to shift blame will undoubtedly stain its reputation. 
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.
COSHOCTON  Commissioner Dane Shryock and County Administrator Mary Beck recently gave an update on county projects, including construction of the new EMS station and Coshocton Justice Center and plans to light the Coshocton County Courthouse for the holidays.

EMS station expected to be finished by the end of the year

The new station for Coshocton County Emergency Medical Services at the corner of Walnut and Seventh streets was originally to be completed in October. Beck said supply chain issues have delayed some of the electrical work and they're now looking at late November to early December for completion. They hope to have a grand opening and ribbon cutting before the end of the year.

The new station for Coshocton County Emergency Medical Services at the corner of Walnut and Seventh streets is slated to be completed before the end of the year.

Groundbreaking on the 12,000-square-foot building was last August. It will include a garage with five ambulance bays and space for equipment, training and living quarters. It's estimated at $4.35 million with funding coming from bonds and a $1.95 million Targets of Opportunity CARES Act Funding grant from the Ohio Department of Development.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Commissioners have discussed selling the old EMS building once no longer needed. Shryock said they don't have operation costs for the new building yet, but they should be lower as the facility will be more efficient. Additionally, the old building wasn't big enough for the new, larger ambulances.

Coshocton Justice Center completion on track for October 2024

The Coshocton Justice Center at the end of Third Street is about a quarter completed and is still on track to finish in October 2024. There are more than 11 contractors on site doing various work. Granger Construction of Columbus is the construction manager at risk.

Groundbreaking was held in December. The 40,000-square-foot facility will have space for 126 inmates with wings for men and women. There will be a minimum-security unit for each gender with the others being medium to maximum security based on need. The breakdown is 24 single cells, 24 dual occupancy cells and 72 beds in dorm-style rooms. There will be community rooms for education classes, church services and other rehabilitative services, along with a medical area and space for office work, booking, inmate processing, showers and property storage.

The project is estimated at $43 million with $10.1 million coming from Senate Bill 310, $8 million from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and $3.15 million from a Targets of Opportunity grant. The remainder is from bonds. Shryock said it's possible that available beds could be rented out to other law enforcement agencies with those fees going to operations and bond payments.

Holiday lighting plan in the works

Beck said they often receive questions from the community of a holiday display around the Coshocton County Courthouse like other adjacent counties have such as Licking, Muskingum and Guernsey. She's worked with the county IT department on developing a Christmas lighting plan.

The county has received $25,000 from the Coshocton Foundation for a music and lights display for the front of the courthouse this year. Other sides will be added overtime with the estimate being $25,000 per side. The light show is targeted for debut after the Miracle on Main Street parade.

Beck said they want to form a public committee, like other counties have, to organize fundraisers to help with maintenance, upkeep and expansion of the display. A letter writing campaign and a Winter Wonderland decorating contest are possible fundraising ideas. Beck said she's talked with two local high school students who are interested in staging a winter carnival. There's a possibility of doing shows for other holidays as well, such as Halloween and Fourth of July.

"I think think this is something the public has wanted for a longtime," Beck said. "Have patience with us, because this is our first year. It will be a learning year of what works and what doesn't work. We hope to be able to expand on it."

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: An update on construction projects for Coshocton County
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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
Deputies shot a driver during a traffic stop after he pointed a flashlight at them, Texas authorities said.

Two deputies noticed a van driving past a stop sign near an intersection in Amarillo while on patrol early Aug. 22, according to a news release from the Randall County Sheriffs Office. They then switched on their emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, deputies said.

The van kept driving for about two blocks before the driver stopped and quickly exited the vehicle despite being told to remain inside, deputies said.

The unidentified driver then pointed a lit flashlight in the direction of the deputies, who perceived it as a threat, the news release said. In response, the deputies fired three shots at the driver, striking him once in the groin area, authorities said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Deputies secured a passenger in the van and immediately rendered first aid to the suspect, the release said. Other deputies and Amarillo Police Department Officers responded to the scene to assist.

An ambulance took the driver to Northwest Texas Hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury, deputies said.

The two deputies involved, neither of whom were identified, were placed on administrative leave in accordance with the Randall County Sheriffs Office policies.

A spokesperson for the sheriffs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News.

The Texas Rangers are investigating the incident.

Amarillo is about 360 miles northwest of Dallas.

Lightning kills 73-year-old walking across parking lot to her condo, Florida cops say

Accused kidnapper tries to rape 19-year-old, then dumps body in field, CA officials say

Dad chases down scooter thieves, then gets shot to death at his home, Colorado cops say
Gov. Ron DeSantis' debate performance didn't generate as much buzz as some other candidates, but it may have been enough to arrest his campaign's downward slide.

Entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy often stole the show, frequently jousting with others on stage during the first GOP presidential primary contest and generating significant media coverage. Former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley also attracted attention for her assertive performance in Milwaukee.

Yet DeSantis came out on top in a poll released Thursday by the Washington Post, FiveThirtyEight and Ipsos that asked GOP primary and caucus voters who won the debate, which found that 29% picked Florida's governor. Ramaswamy was in second at 26%, while Haley was in third at 15%.

DeSantis was under pressure to deliver a strong debate performance amid multiple campaign reboots and downward trending poll numbers. He consistently has polled in a distant second behind former President Donald Trump, but Ramaswamy has been gaining in the polls and the debate could propel him further.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"Ramaswamy still isn't that well-known... and it's fairly likely that he'll rise in the polls just for getting more media attention and that will in turn beget more attention," Nate Silver, a polling expert and the founder of FiveThirtyEight, wrote on X.

Silver also noted that Google users were searching for Haley's name a lot after the debate, adding that he trusts Google search traffic "as much as anything else as an indicator of who 'won.'"

DeSantis largely escaped criticism during the debate and worked to deliver a series of well-worn talking points. He wasn't involved in the sharpest exchanges of the night, often taking a back seat as other candidates went back-and-forth.

In avoiding clashing with other candidates, DeSantis didn't stand out as much in the minds of some observers, but also averted negative blowback.

"He was above the fray and didn't get into any spats with people that could have dragged him down," St. Leo University political science professor Frank Orlando told USA TODAY Network - Florida. "It was a performance of someone that was a frontrunner."

Fox News contributor Steve Hilton, who hosted his own show on the network until recently and was a senior adviser to former conservative United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron, argued on Fox Thursday that Ramaswamy won the debate and DeSantis is proving to be quite an ordinary presidential candidate.

He didnt have the kind of night that I think will turn around that trajectory which shows him going down and Vivek going up, Hilton said of DeSantis.

Alan Schroeder, an emeritus professor of journalism at Northeastern University who wrote a book about presidential debates, said DeSantis "did himself no favors" on Wednesday.

"I thought DeSantis turned in a notably weak performance," Schroeder said. "He did not effectively sell his candidacy, which is the point of these debates, and compared to some of the other individuals on the stage he seemed to recede into the distance as the debate progressed."

Unlike Ramaswamy, who "was clearly relishing the experience," DeSantis "came across as someone who would rather be at the dentist's office getting a root canal than making his case to the voters," Schroeder added.

CNN asked a panel of 15 Republican voters in Iowa who won the debate, and only two picked DeSantis while four picked Haley and seven picked Ramaswamy.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 23: Republican presidential candidate, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pauses during a break in the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News at the Fiserv Forum on August 23, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Eight presidential hopefuls squared off in the first Republican debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined to participate in the event. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775986322 ORIG FILE ID: 1635015072

DeSantis fared better with a Fox News panel of nine Wisconsin voters who watched the debate. Most of the voters said they were leaning toward supporting DeSantis before the debate and still liked him afterward.

"I think that DeSantis definitely was solidified in my mind," said one voter, who also noted she was "really impressed with Nikki Haley."

While DeSantis' debate performance didn't get as much media buzz as others, some analysts believe it was strong enough to maintain his position in the race.

DeSantis did "well enough" to hold onto second place said Mark Penn, who served as chief strategist for Democrat Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign.

"I don't think we'll see him losing that position," Penn said on Fox News.

Tim Miller, a Trump critic who served as the communications director for Jeb Bush's presidential campaign in 2016, said on X that DeSantis "had a totally serviceable debate and if this were 2012 maybe even a good debate."

Orlando described DeSantis' performance as "fine in the sense that he was generally strong in his responses."

Yet he added that DeSantis didn't do much to "bite into" Trump's big lead in the polls or consolidate the large field of candidates, which ultimately needs to happen if he is going to have a chance of winning.

"The longer the field stays this big, the harder it will be for DeSantis to get the job done," Orlando said. "I think last night showed why he is well positioned as the person that can be the last standing, but I don't know if it did anything to accelerate a winnowing of the field."

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Debate winners and losers: DeSantis, Ramaswamy, Haley score highest
A 62-year-old man is facing charges in connection to the death of a toddler left in an extremely hot vehicle for hours outside an Omaha, Nebraska, day care.

Ryan Williams, a driver for Kidz of the Future II Childcare Center, was charged with child abuse neglect resulting in death after being accused of leaving a 1-year-old child inside the van, KETV reported.

RaMiyah Worthington, 1, was left in a van outside a day care for hours. She was later pronounced dead. (WOWT/Screenshot)

Omaha police said the child, identified as RaMiyah Worthington, was inside the van for about six hours on Aug. 21, per the report. When authorities arrived at the scene, Worthington was unresponsive.

Related: I Break Down Every Day Since: Drunk Driver Who Killed 6-Year-Old, Grandfather and 2 Other Children Heading for Ice Cream Was Going Over 120 Mph, Police Say; Mom Wants Maximum

She was transported to a local hospital and was pronounced dead. Court records revealed that her body temperature was 109 degrees, the outlet reported.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Worthington and her siblings were picked up by Williams that morning, according to WOWT. Both of them were unloaded upon arrival, while the toddler remained inside the car.

Speaking with police, Williams said that nine children were in the van that day. When they got to the day care, and as he was taking them out of the vehicle, one child did not want to go inside the center, the news station reported, citing an affidavit.

Another employee came outside to assist with the boy, and Williams closed the door, allegedly failing to double-check if all the children were out, the report said. When he was ready to do his afternoon run, he discovered Worthington in the back and called law enforcement.

Click here to read the full story.

The incident is under investigation, and the state Department of Health and Human Services announced an emergency order to temporarily close the day care until further investigations can take place, WOWT reported.

Worthingtons loved ones gathered in front of the day care center to protest on Tuesday, calling for accountability.

My baby did not come home. Her siblings did, her mother, Sina Johnson, told KETV. She didnt. How did yall forget about her? Yall picked all of em up, took em off the van. How did yall forget my baby?

In addition, the family created a fundraiser seeking donations to cover the funeral and expenses for Worthingtons other siblings. It has raised nearly $30,000, surpassing its original goal.
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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
Downtown Alive Unlimited has partnered with the University of Louisiana Lafayette to kick off the fall season of Downtown Alive on Friday.

Downtown Alive started in 1983 as an effort to bring the community together to celebrate the city's food, music, culture and commerce. This season begins continues Sept. 1, 15, 22, and 29.

Festivals Acadiens et Creoles in Girard Park Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011, in Lafayette.

We are excited to be kicking off the fall season of DTA," said Anita Begnaud, CEO of DLU and DDA. "With a first-of-its-kind partnership with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, that will be a great opportunity to connect campus to community by welcoming students to downtown Lafayette and encouraging them to enjoy everything that the heart of our city has to offer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The free event starts at 6 p.m. at Parc Sans Souci and concludes at 8:15 p.m. Downtown Alive will feature the following musicians:

Friday: The Rouge Krewe

Sept. 1: Rockin Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters

Sept. 15: Bonsoir Catin

Sept. 22: Tommy McLain featuring CC Adcock & Special Guest with Jon Cleary

Sept. 29: Roddie Romero & the Hub City All-Stars with special guests

To commemorate the 40th anniversary, in addition to the 2023 seasons merchandise, DLU is offering limited edition versions of the 1983 original DTA! poster design on T-shirts, posters and stickers.

All merchandise is available for purchase online and during all events.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Downtown Lafayette Unlimited begins 40th year of Downtown Alive
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  A New Mexico judge on Wednesday rejected a request by Alec Baldwin's attorneys to dismiss a civil lawsuit by three "Rust" crew members who allege 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 despite arguments by Baldwin's legal team that doing to so would put their client at risk of self-incrimination since prosecutors have yet to decide whether to refile criminal charges against him over the fatal on-set shooting of a cinematographer.

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. As an example, he pointed to any interpretation of Baldwin's production contract and what authority he had over decision making. Schwartz said the court is putting Baldwin in an "unfortunate position."

"No protective order can protect him against that. It just can't happen," Schwartz said. "So what's 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."

A New Mexico judge rejected a request by Alec Baldwin's attorneys to dismiss a civil lawsuit by three "Rust" crew members against the actor, pictured, on Wednesday.

The judge disagreed, saying he would be mindful of Baldwin's rights.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Prosecutors have been mum about when a decision will be announced, but in asking for the civil case to be delayed, Schwartz indicated Wednesday that it could come within the next few weeks.

Baldwin, a co-producer of the film, was pointing a gun at cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal on the film's set outside Santa Fe when the gun went off, killing her and wounding director Joel Souza.

The 2021 shooting resulted in a series of civil lawsuits centered on accusations that the defendants were lax with safety standards. The cases have included wrongful death claims filed by members of Hutchins' family. Baldwin and other defendants have disputed accusations they were lax with safety standards.

The plaintiffs in the case heard Wednesday say Baldwin and the other producers cut corners, ignored reports of multiple unscripted firearm discharges and rushed to finish the film while being understaffed. They also say they suffered mental anguish and emotional distress by witnessing the shooting.

'Rust': Film armorer's trial set for 2024 in fatal shooting by Alec Baldwin on movie set

Baldwin's attorneys argue that none of the plaintiffs were physically injured and should not be allowed to recover any damages. They contend that gun safety was the responsibility of others  not Baldwin  and that his authority as a producer was limited to making suggestions on the script and casting.

A separate settlement to resolve allegations of workplace safety violations was finalized in March by New Mexico workplace safety regulators and Rust Movie Productions. Following its review, the state issued a scathing narrative of safety failures in violation of standard industry protocols, including testimony that production managers took limited or no action to address two misfires on set before the fatal shooting.

Regulators also documented gun-safety complaints from crew members that went unheeded and said weapons specialists were not allowed to make decisions about additional safety training.

More: New gun analysis determines Alec Baldwin pulled trigger in 'Rust' shooting, prosecutors say

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Rust' lawsuit: Alec Baldwin's request to dismiss civil suit denied
Donald Trump says that he wont participate in the first Republican debate, but seven of his rivals will be on the debate stage.

The Republican National Committee confirmed the list of those who qualified for the Wednesday event, to be telecast on Fox News and moderated by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum .

More from Deadline

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Those who will be in the debate include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis , former Vice President Mike Pence, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, former pharmaceutical executive Vivek Ramaswamy , Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum.

To qualify, candidates must have a minimum of 40,000 donors and to have reached at least 1% in three national polls or a combination of two national and two early-state polls. Candidates also need to sign a pledge vowing to support the eventual nominee. Trump met the donor and polling criteria, but has not signed the pledge, and was left off the list. He said on Sunday that he would not do any debates.

Trumps absence means that the debate will be one for an alternative, given that the former president has such a large lead in recent polls. There have been reports that Trump will counter program  perhaps with an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson  but nothing official has been announced.

Other candidates who did not qualify include former Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), businessman Perry Johnson, radio host Larry Elder and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, which is now backed by 152 countries and accounts for 75% of the world's population and over 50% of global GDP, marks its 10th anniversary this year.

As a long-time active participant and contributor to the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong is a leading platform for Middle East companies to conduct business into and out of China under the Belt and Road framework.

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) Deputy Executive Director Dr Patrick Lau said: The Belt and Road Initiative is a well-planned and well-thought-out scheme with long-term goals.

Opportunities to collaborate

He believes the initiative reflects the path of Mainland China and Hong Kongs development and offers Saudi Arabia and the UAE opportunities to collaborate on business, trading and infrastructure development.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to be key Belt and Road Initiative partners and the relationship with Hong Kong continues to grow and strengthen. In February 2023 the HKTDC organised a delegation of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) business leaders, which exchanged 13 Memorandums of Understanding/Letters of Intent for Cooperation with local enterprises and organisations in KSA and the UAE, including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

This year from September 13 to 14, 2023, the Belt and Road Summit returns to its in-person format. This years summit will expand its horizons to cover more opportunities from the Middle East market with two special regional sessions planned.

Forward-thinking Middle Eastern companies can take advantage of the opportunities arising from the initiative, so we would encourage business leaders, especially those focused on innovation, technology, and finance, to attend the Belt and Road Summit next month, Dr Lau said.

Last years summit featured more than 80 heavyweight speakers and attracted nearly 20,000 onsite and online participants from over 80 countries and regions, while more than 800 one-to-one business matching meetings were arranged during the summit.-- TradeArabia News Service
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday that stronger China-Africa cooperation under the current international situation is conducive to the unity among developing countries, as well as to safeguarding their legitimate development interests.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit. 
Rudy Giuliani , a Trump lawyer who championed the former presidents bogus election fraud claims, turned himself in to authorities in Georgia on Wednesday to face racketeering charges alleging he meddled in the states 2020 presidential election.

He was booked at the Fulton County Jail, where he had his mug shot taken, in the midafternoon. A judge signed off on a $150,000 bond agreement Giuliani's lawyers worked out with prosecutors.

Giuliani was indignant about the charges as he left the jail, telling a crush of reporters that Fulton County District Attorney 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.

His arraignment is expected in the next week or two, and it could take place virtually.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Giuliani and Trump both face 13 counts, more than the 17 other defendants in the case. Trump has said he will surrender at the Atlanta jail Thursday.

Giuliani has maintained his innocence, claiming the only thing hes guilty of was zealously advocating for his client.

"I am being indicted because I'm a lawyer," Giuliani told reporters after he was booked at the Fulton County Jail.

The sheriff's office released a mug shot after his booking.

Rudy Giuliani (Fulton County Sheriff's Office)

I get photographed, isnt that nice? A mug shot for the mayor who probably put the worst criminal of the 20th century in jail, Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, complained to reporters when he left his apartment to travel to Atlanta.

The indictment alleges that Giuliani was a key part of a criminal conspiracy, pressing election officials in Arizona, Georgia and Pennsylvania to act on voting fraud claims he was repeatedly told were false. Giuliani was also charged with promoting false claims that voting machines were rigged and making false claims in sworn legal filings.

In addition, the indictment singles out false claims Giuliani made about Georgia election worker Ruby Freeman, who was targeted with death threats and harassed as a result of the phony allegations.

Giuliani is being represented by New York-based attorney John Esposito, a former Manhattan assistant district attorney.

The main charge against Giuliani  racketeering  is similar to a federal law he used with great success when he was U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York.

Giuliani predicted Wednesday that he will be vindicated. This will be proven to be like all the rest, a complete hoax and a lie, he said.

Giuliani appears to be one of the six alleged co-conspirators in special counsel Jack Smiths federal criminal case against Trump. At his arraignment in that case, Trump pleaded not guilty. Giuliani, who hasnt been charged, has denied any wrongdoing.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Japan begins releasing Fukushima's treated radioactive water into Pacific, prompting strong rebuke from China

Japan's Tokyo Electric Power Company began releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday afternoon.

Executives of the company, known as TEPCO, told reporters they would immediately halt the release of the treated water into the Pacific if any issues were detected. The water began flowing at about 1 p.m. local time with an initial plan to release water "continuously" over a period of 17 days, according to the company.

PHOTO: TEPCO executive Junichi Matsumoto announces that the first batch of treated and diluted radioactive wastewater will be released into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday from the plant, in Okuma, Japan, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023. (Mari Yamaguchi/AP)

The controversial decision, which had drawn protests in Japan, South Korea and elsewhere, prompted Chinese officials to issue a searing statement on Thursday, saying Beijing "opposes and strongly condemns it." Japan's actions were "selfish and irresponsible" as the ocean "belongs to all humanity," China said.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

"There could be a man-made secondary disaster to the local people and the whole world if Japan chooses to dump the water into the ocean just to serve Japans selfish interests," Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said in the statement.

PHOTO: South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party members hold signs reading 'Fukushima contaminated water' during a rally against Japan's plan to release treated water from Fukushima, at the National Assembly in Seoul on August 23, 2023. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images)

MORE: As Japan readies Fukushima water for Pacific release on Thursday, officials seek to calm health concerns

In the bustling business district of downtown Tokyo, activity swirled near TEPCOs headquarters on Thursday. Although demonstrators werent permitted to approach the TEPCO building itself, hundreds assembled across the street, their determined presence contrasting sharply with the serenity of the nearby Imperial Palace, just a kilometer away.

Despite the blue skies, the mood was one of desperation. The crowd chanted various demands, among them a call to "protect our rights."

The gathering was organized and peaceful. Demonstrators thoughtfully positioned themselves along the sidewalks, ensuring pedestrians could pass. Journalists, stationed at their designated spots, captured the event, while a sparse police force looked on.

PHOTO: Protestors gather outside TEPCO headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on August 24, 2023. (ABC News)

Among the concerned faces, Terumi Kataoka stood out. A woman in her sixties from Fukushima, she held a blue banner decorated with fish, sending a clear message: No Dumping Radioactive Water into The Ocean.

She voiced her concern with conviction, saying, Who says tritium is not so bad, government scientists? Can you believe that? Well, it is not safe at all. That is why we are protesting and trying to stop the dumping of radioactive water into the ocean.

Beside her, Sachiko Ogawas impassioned voice rang out, amplified by a bullhorn, The law says TEPCO must deal with the waste they create! Theyre really messing up the sea. We cant let this happen. We cant let up!

Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency were at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station as the water began flowing into the ocean, the agency said. Agency officials had signaled their approval for Japan's plan.

PHOTO: A protester holds a sign which partly reads 'Do not discharge the wastewater into the sea' during a rally in front of TEPCO headquarters, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, in Tokyo. (Norihiro Haruta/AP)

"IAEA experts are there on the ground to serve as the eyes of the international community and ensure that the discharge is being carried out as planned consistent with IAEA safety standards," Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said in a statement on Thursday.

Agency staffers had earlier in week taken samples from the first batch of water to be released. The agency's "independent on-site analysis" of that water confirmed that levels of tritium in the water were "far below the operational limit."

PHOTO: This aerial view shows the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima, northern Japan, Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, as its operator TEPCO has begun releasing its first batch of treated radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean. (AP)

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and international experts have asserted the treated water meets safety standards.

TEPCO will "under the continued guidance of the Japanese Government, handle this matter with the firm awareness that we are responsible for 'preventing reputational damage' and 'not betraying the trust of the people of Fukushima and the Japanese people' throughout the course of the discharge period," the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

A solitary man took a spot right in front of the TEPCO building across the street away from the demonstration o Thursday. For some reason, police didnt remove him. He stood there silently throughout the hourlong protest.

PHOTO: Protestors gather outside TEPCO headquarters in Tokyo, Japan, on August 24, 2023. (ABC News)

Another protester in the crowd, a young Tokyoite named Taishi, held up a simple sign that read, Stop It.

He told ABC News in straightforward English, They can stop this.

The protest ended promptly and peacefully at about 11 a.m. The crowd went their different ways.

Shortly afterward and 250 kilometers away, TEPCO began releasing the treated water from the crippled nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, marking the start of a divisive process expected to go on for decades.

ABC News' Ellie Kaufman contributed to this story.

Japan begins releasing Fukushima's treated radioactive water into Pacific, prompting strong rebuke from China originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Jessamine County grand jury has declined to indict an officer who shot and killed a 22-year-old Nicholasville man who was experiencing a mental health crisis in October 2022, attorneys confirmed to the Herald-Leader Thursday.

Desman LaDuke was shot and killed by Joseph Horton, an officer with the Nicholasville Police Department, after police were called to LaDukes home for a welfare check. The grand jurys decision not to indict was confusing and unfortunate, said Sam Aguiar, who represents members of the family.

(LaDukes family) are confused, frustrated and not surprised, Aguiar said. Desmans family are not naive, and they know historically that KSP investigations do not typically result in indictments. They were prepared for that.

In an initial news release, Kentucky State Police said local police were at LaDukes home because theyd been told LaDuke was armed and suicidal. LaDukes family said police responded for the welfare check with a full SWAT unit, and crisis negotiation team, which the family said only escalated the situation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Nicholasville police released a statement alleging LaDuke aimed two firearms at officers through a window before he was shot by Horton. KSP were the lead investigators of LaDukes death, and special prosecutor Richard Bottoms was assigned to the case. Bottoms was not immediately available for comment Thursday.

Hortons lawyer, Scott Miller, told the Herald-Leader Thursday he hasnt seen documents from the KSP investigation. Miller represents Horton in a civil case against him that stems from the shooting.

The main thing for us is getting a copy of the KSP investigation, which we did not have, Miller said. My focus is mainly on defending (Horton) in the civil case, and the resolution of this (criminal) case allows to us get additional information and hopefully resolve the civil matter as well.

Miller previously told the Herald-Leader that the shooting was tragic but said Hortons actions followed nationally-recognized policing guidelines.

Nicholasville police said in a statement Friday they are confident that every proper resource and course of action was utilized and are grateful for this resolution despite the unfortunate result of the shooting. They also called KSPs investigation exhaustive.

While any incident that results in a loss of life is tragic, it is essential that such instances be thoroughly examined in the interest of maintaining absolute accountability, Sam Wade, a spokesperson for the department, said in a statement.

Familys attorney: No indictment shows system is failing.

Aguiar told the Herald-Leader that neither he nor the family have any context of what happened in the grand jurys proceedings, and believe not all appropriate information may have been given to the grand jury.

It is a messy situation, Aguiar said. It is unfortunate because Desmans family and I only heard about this second hand. There was no communication and we dont know what was presented to the grand jury. We dont know what no action means in context and if (the jurors) were given all the evidence and made a well informed decision that is one thing.

A grand jury hearing decides whether or not criminal charges should be pursued against someone. Jurors hear testimony and are presented evidence based on the facts of the case by a prosecutor and other witnesses, including investigators. Jurors can decide what charges to indict the defendant on, or hand down no true bill, which means they arent pursuing criminal charges.

Aguiar said grand jury proceedings are done in secret and its unclear what evidence was presented to grand jurors. For example, a bystander caught the shooting on video, which KSP said they would use as part of the investigation. But Aguiar and the family dont know if the video was shown to the grand jury.

KSP and Nicholasville police faced community backlash for not releasing body camera footage of the incident. They cited an active investigation as reason for not releasing the footage, which could have confirmed allegations that LaDuke pointed guns at officers.

A video taken by a neighbor of Desman LaDuke captures a portion of a shooting involving Nicholasville police. The video has been taken in as evidence to state police, who are investigating the shooting.

Aguiar said he hopes to get access to investigative files and body camera footage now that the investigation has finished.

Aguiar was an attorney in the case of Breonna Taylor, a Black woman shot and killed by Louisville police in a botched attempt to execute a search warrant at her apartment.

As an attorney on the Breonna Taylor case, Aguiar said the LaDuke proceedings brought back bad memories and leaves a bad taste about how the grand jury process is done in secrecy.

Aguiar said it was difficult to find out what was presented to grand jurors in the state case against officers involved in Taylors death. Ultimately, only one of them was indicted and he was later acquitted. But several officers involved in the incident have since been charged with federal crimes. Aguiar said prosecutors have too much unchecked power in grand jury rooms.

The system is failing, Aguiar said.

LaDukes family is still seeking more police reform. They previously said changes should be made to how police respond to mental health distress calls.

Nicholasville police still face lawsuit

Attorneys who filed a lawsuit against Nicholasville police over LaDukes death still plan to proceed with that litigation, lawyer Jon Fannin confirmed Thursday.

Fannin and Matt Minner of Minner Vines Moncus Law Firm filed the lawsuit after they were hired by Fayette County Public Administrator John Norman, who is overseeing the estate on behalf of LaDukes biological father, Jessie White.

The lawsuit alleges Nicholasville police are liable for excessive force, assault and battery, negligence and gross negligence, wrongful death, and punitive damages, according to court documents

The lawsuit seeks relief for damages, an award of attorneys fees and injunctive relief regarding future police training and policy implementation, attorneys wrote in the suit.

Fannin said more information about the case is being gathered through discovery. In a statement to the Herald-Leader, Fannin confirmed the conclusion of the criminal proceedings will allow them to obtain more information. He said the outcome of the criminal investigation changes nothing about our commitment to aggressively pursuing the case filed in federal court.

It is not clear what evidence was or was not presented in the grand jury proceeding this week  I do not have access to that information, he said. What is clear is that a call for help should not end in a young man being carried out of his home on a stretcher with fatal gunshot wounds from a police officer.

Miller, Hortons attorney, previously said the lawsuit was a one-sided account of the shooting.

The death of Desman LaDuke is a tragic outcome of a difficult situation, and we recognize this has been difficult for family members and our community, Miller said in an emailed statement to the Herald-Leader previously. However, this lawsuit only presents one view, and doesnt accurately reflect all the facts of the case.

Officer Hortons actions followed nationally recognized standard procedures for police response to an armed individual, were within Constitutional guidelines for use of force, and were consistent with Kentucky law and with his training in a situation with immediate threats to the safety of himself and others.
Foundations Early Learning Center, a daycare center with locations across the Carolinas, has submitted plans for a Leland location.

A Carolinas daycare chain is eyeing Leland for its newest location.

Foundations Early Learnings Center has submitted plans to the town of Leland for a proposed daycare center nearby Mallory Creek Plantation.

At six current locations across North and South Carolina, the daycare facility offers infant and toddler care, preschool and pre-Kindergarten services, as well as programs for school-age children and summer camps. The centers other North Carolina locations are in Sherrills Ford and Winston-Salem.

Brunswick Today Newsletter: Overwhelming development for one town and a bone to pick

Leland has seen tremendous growth in recent years, largely an aging population of retirees looking for a slower pace of life. However, the town has also prioritized planning for the needs of a wider variety of residents, from single professionals to young families to aging adults.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The towns 2045 plan highlights the towns effort to meet the needs of our aging population and support the growth of our younger generations.

According to the preliminary site plan, the company is looking to add a location in Leland at the intersection of N.C. 133 and Mallory Creek Drive. The site plans outline a 11,670-square-foot building on a 2.7-acre parcel. Plans indicate the building will be a maximum of 40 feet tall.

The submitted plans show five playground spaces surrounding the building, and a 36-space parking lot complete with a bike rack.

Mallory Creek Plantation is has some 2,500 residences built, planned or under construction. Most recently, Del Webb submitted plans to add 762 single-family senior living homes to 304 acres of land off Mallory Creek Drive nearby Lillibridge and Merestone drives.

The daycare is situated nearby the Grace Point Townhomes at Mallory Creek Plantation. Some wetland area will separate the daycare and the housing community.

STAY CONNECTED: Keep up with the areas latest Brunswick County news by signing up for the Brunswick Today newsletter and following us on Facebook and Instagram.

The parcel is currently zoned for planned unit development. The project plan is currently under review by the towns technical review committee.

Jamey Cross covers Brunswick County for the StarNews. Reach her at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Leland to get Foundations Early Learnings Center daycare
(KTLA)  The man convicted last fall of killing Cal Poly freshman Kristin Smart in 1996 was hospitalized after he was attacked in prison, according to an official for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Paul Flores was taken to the hospital Wednesday after he was attacked at Pleasant Valley State Prison in Coalinga, according to his attorney, Harold Mesick, and CDCR.

Flores was most recently listed as being in serious condition, according to CDCR officials. The circumstances surrounding his attack are under investigation by the prisons investigative unit.

Flores was transferred to Pleasant Valley less than a week ago while he awaits an appeal for his murder conviction.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Flores was convicted of first-degree murder in October 2022 following a whirlwind trial and years of speculation related to the most infamous unsolved crime on Californias Central Coast.

Smart was 19 years old when she vanished on May 25, 1996, from Cal Polys campus in San Luis Obispo. Flores was also a student at the time and was considered the last person to see her alive following an off-campus party.

4 killed in shooting at famous California biker bar; gunman among the dead

For years, Flores was the only person of interest ever seriously considered to be a suspect in her disappearance.

Despite her body never being found, Flores and his father, Ruben, were arrested in April 2021 in connection with Smarts death. Paul Flores was accused of killing Smart in his dorm room during an attempted rape, and his father was accused of concealing the crime for years.

Paul Flores was eventually charged and convicted of Smarts killing and Ruben Flores was charged as an accessory, although he was found not guilty after a simultaneous trial in Monterey County.

Paul Flores, 46, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison and is eligible for parole in 2037.

Local news outlet KEYT reported that Flores, who was moved to Pleasant Valley only a few days ago, was expected in court for a restitution hearing on Thursday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Tourism is at the heart of Mauis economy, and when catastrophic fires ripped through Hawaiis second-largest island in Agust, they destroyed large swaths of hotels, storefronts and restaurants  and, as a result, wrecked many residents' livelihoods. Sadly, it could take years to rebuild, costing the local economy billions of dollars. Even worse, the fires devastated many people on a personal level, with some losing homes and loved ones.



When tragedy strikes, it's hard not to feel helpless, but there are lots of ways to support those affected. One of the most important is to invest in the local economy. These Hawaiian-owned businesses are donating 100% of profits to Maui's recovery. By purchasing any of the items below, you are helping organizations like the Maui Humane Society, the American Red Cross, regional food banks and much more.

Note: Some of these items are only available while supplies last, so if you see something you like don't hesitate! It helps a local business and gives money to relief funds at the same time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

MORE WAYS TO SUPPORT

Honolulu Makers Market

Pick up a #prayformaui fundraiser sticker (or two) from Honolulu Makers Market  100% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross of Hawaii to aid in providing shelter for those displaced by the fires. The sticker is vinyl and measures 3 inches by 3 inches.

Shop Now Honolulu Makers Market etsy.com $5.00 Honolulu Makers Market

SoHa Living

One hundred percent of the sale of any item from the Maui Strong Collection will be donated to Hawaii Community Foundations Maui Strong Fund, the Maui Food Bank and Salvation Army Hawaii. The collection includes a variety of tote bags, cosmetic bags, magnets, wooden signs and more in an array of designs.

Shop Now SoHa Living sohaliving.com $26.80 SoHa Living

Aida Salehi

This North Shore artist will donate 100% of proceeds from her "Nohoanu" print to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancements matched donation fund. The print shows a Hawaiian Red Cranesbill flower, a rare species of geranium only found in Maui.

Shop Now Aida Salehi aidasalehiart.com $30.00 Aida Salehi

Twiggy Hawaii

All proceeds from the sale of items from the Japanese Pink + Yellow Collection will be donated to the Aloha Diaper Bank. But move fast  many of the limited edition pouch styles are already sold out!

Shop Now Twiggy Hawaii hellotwiggy.com $24.75 Twiggy

Pali Swim

Purchase a "Hawai'i Seasonal Color Wheel" by Sasha Duerr and 100% of sales will be donated to the Maui Food Bank. The wheel represents the colors of dyes that can be made from locally foraged plants, celebrating the biodiversity of the area.

Shop Now Pali Swim paliswim.com $78.00 Pali Swim

Mohala Eyewear

Proceeds from sunglasses or glasses purchased from the Maui Wildfires Relief Collection will be donated to Hawaii Community Foundations Maui Strong Fund. Mohala Eyewear, which offers a variety of nose-bridge styles, sells both regular glasses and sunglasses.

Shop Now Mohala Eyewear mohalaeyewear.com $179.00 Mohala Eyewear

Kaiao Space

Purchase an item from Kaiao Space's online art print fundraiser, like this one by Nani Welch Keliihoomalu, and 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement's Kakoo Maui Fund and Chef Huis Feed the People Maui Fund. More than a dozen artists have contributed prints, so there's something to suit many tastes.

Shop Now Kaiao Space kaiaospace.com $65.00 Nani Welch Keliihoomalu

Keiko Jewelry

Proceeds from the sale of Keiko Jewelry's My Little Opihi collection, including this 14k gold, 8mm Opihi pendant, benefit the Maui United Way, the Maui Strong Fund and the Maui Humane Society. Designer Kristi Hayashida was inspired by her lifelong love of diving for shells in Oahu.

Shop Now Keiko Jewelry keikojewelry.com $127.00 Keiko Jewelry

Clhei

The truth is you can never have too many hats, and this one exudes simple elegance  and benefits Love the Sea. Don't forget to browse the other handbags and leather goods Clhei is known for.

Shop Now Clhei clhei.com $45.00 Clhei

In4mation

Order a Unity Maui Relief Tee and 100% of the proceeds go to the Hawaii Community Foundations Maui Strong Fund and the Maui Humane Society. Be sure to check out some of In4mation's other cool surf- and skate-inspired designs.

Shop Now In4mation in4mation.co $36.00 In4mation

LexBreezy Hawai'i

All proceeds from LexBreezy Hawai'i's Aloha Button-Down Dress go to the Maui Relief Fund  and, bonus, you'll have something perfect to wear when the island is up and running again. LexBreezy Hawai'i was founded by a second-generation clothing designer who wants to continue showcasing the culture of Hawai'i through clothing.

Shop Now LexBreezy Hawai'i lexbreezyhawaii.com $135.00 LexBreezy Hawai'i

You Might Also Like
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.

More from Robb Report

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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.

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.

Best of Robb Report

Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.
Erlinda Ramelb distributes relief supplies in a hub at her house in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

by Tan Jingjing, Gao Shan, Hazel Reyes

MAUI, Hawaii, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Just three minutes' drive from the historic seaside town of Lahaina, which was swallowed by wildfires on Aug. 8, an unofficial hub was set up in the garage of Alex Freeman's house, offering food and necessities to people in need.

Those who escaped the deadly flames are flocking here to drop off relief supplies. Those who lost everything in the fires are coming here to pick them up.

"We just feel like this is the best use of our time right now in doing this for the community. This is my home," Freeman told Xinhua.

Freeman and his family were busy coordinating donations and handing out supplies, keeping this grassroots operation going since the catastrophe happened.

The supplies range from water, canned food, diapers, paper towels, hygiene products, dog and cat food, to medicines, gas, fans and air conditioners.

"We have people, all local, coming, dropping off all these things. We just know that locals are the ones that have bridged the gap. FEMA (U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the Red Cross are supposed to be more long term," Freeman said.

Two weeks since the fires engulfed Lahaina, home to about 13,000 people, there are still more than 1,000 people unaccounted for. The death toll from the Maui wildfires climbed to 115 as of Tuesday, according to updates about the County of Maui.

Hawaii Governor Josh Green said he expects the death toll to keep climbing as search and rescue efforts continue.

The Maui wildfires are the deadliest U.S. wildfires in more than a century, and the worst natural disaster in Hawaii's history.

"It's devastating," Freeman said about the harrowing experience on Aug. 8, when the flames spread quickly, jumped roads and torched homes at a lightning pace.

The flames were fanned by high winds from Hurricane Dora and exacerbated by low humidity and dry conditions caused by drought.

A lagging emergency warning system caused chaos on the island.

Thousands fled for their lives, driving and running through heavy smoke and fire. But lots of them were trapped in traffic jams. Some leaped into the ocean to escape the flames.

"We had mama and papa (grandparents) who are 90 years old, trying to get them to understand what's going on. We basically just evaluate. It was bumper to bumper, and the fire was literally to the left and right of us at the end of this street as we turned, because this street is the only exit for all of these houses," Freeman recalled.

Electric lines and telephone pole wires were flying in the wind as Freeman's family fought their way to safety.

After staying in tents for a week, Freeman came back home and confirmed his house still exists.

"All of us are so blessed. We still have our homes. Every day, we just took on more responsibility, tried to learn more and more things... what goes, what comes, what people need," said the 26-year-old.

His family decided to set up the hub in their garage to help the victims of the fires.

Cathy Foronda, a local resident, stopped by Freeman's garage, grabbing food, wipes and several packs of bottled water to take to her car. "We lost our house and truck in the fires. We have no savings," she told Xinhua. She added that her family currently lives in a condo arranged by the government, but finding enough food was a challenge.

Another Maui resident, who only gave his first name as Kyle, drove for about one hour from the town of Kihei to drop off drinking water, gas, an air purifier and an air conditioner.

"I got to know about this donation site from Instagram. I just want to do whatever I can to help," he told Xinhua.

Bottled water is in high demand as Maui County has issued unsafe water alerts out of concern about water supply contamination. People are urged to only use bottled water or potable water for drinking, brushing teeth, ice-making, and food preparation.

Wildfire survivors are expecting more aid from the government.

FEMA announced it is offering a one-time payment of 700 U.S. dollars per household to help assist survivors with essentials, including clothing, food, and transportation. But Erlinda Ramelb said it is far from enough.

"Seven hundred dollars for each family, it's beyond insult. Maui is so expensive, 700 dollars is just one day('s worth of groceries)," Ramelb told Xinhua.

U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden visited Maui on Monday to assess the damage of the wildfires, and met with survivors and first responders. Biden pledged support for residents in the disaster areas and rebuild Lahaina the way the people of Maui want.

"We want to build Lahaina as it was -- the old historical Lahaina. It will be hard, it will take time, but people want it that way," said Ramelb, who moved to Lahaina from the Philippines in 1992.

"We don't want any big buildings. We don't want to be the smart city that they're talking about. We want the old Lahaina. That's it," she added.

Ramelb said people who lost their houses in the fires need to stay. "Don't let your property be bought by big companies," she said.

"Those buildings are gone, but people are still here. Lahaina is a strong community. It will come back even stronger," Ramelb told Xinhua. 

Alex Freeman helps to carry bottled water in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Alex Freeman arranges relief supplies in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

Alex Freeman shares his stories in the wildfires with Xinhua in Lahaina, Maui Island, Hawaii, the United States, on Aug. 22, 2023. (Photo by Zeng Hui/Xinhua)

This photo taken with a mobile phone on Aug. 8, 2023 shows smoke clouds of wildfires near downtown Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii, the United States. (Photo by Alex Freeman/Xinhua)


"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."



Russias RIA news service reports that Yevgeny Prigozhin , the ex-con billionaire caterer turned massively influential mercenary warlord of the Wagner Group, has died in the crash of his personal Embraer ERJ135BJ Legacy 600 business jet while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg.

Reportedly, all 10 passengers aboardincluding three crew membersdied in the crash. The incident may end up being officially described as an accident or terrorist attack by authorities in Moscow, but already, the Greyzone social media account closely linked to Wagner is claiming that the jet was downed by air defenses north of Tver, citing a witness who states that local residents heard two bangs and saw vapor trails that were presumably caused by missiles.

Another social media account claims that witnesses saw the aircrafts wings and tail stabilizers falling off during the crash. Bellingcat researcher Aric Toler notes that a missiles could easily have been fired from Borisovsky Khotilovo airbase 9 miles away from the crash site.

According to multilateration (MLAT) of its transponder signals, the Wagner-owned jetserial number RA-02795was flying smoothly at a height of roughly 28,000 feet and traveling at 690 miles per hour when it abruptly plummeted at around 3 p.m. local time.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

It crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino roughly a half hour after takeoff, catching fire as it hit the ground. A video posted on Russian social media, allegedly depicting the incidents, appears to show the jet spinning to the ground while trailing smoke.

 ,     ,   ,   Baza    .   - Embraer,  ,  7 ,  .



:  pic.twitter.com/EzyZ3PbVT8   (@echofm_online) August 23, 2023

Other media posted online shows the business jets wreck and shattered components.

Major Breaking News:



Private jet of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has crashed in the Tver Region. Prigozhin was on the passenger list. Wagner channel Greyzone accuses that Russian air defense shot it down.



It was inevitable that the feud between Putin and Prigozhin will end pic.twitter.com/NYGhnCrkBp  (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) August 23, 2023

Prigozhin was reportedly accompanied on the flight by Dmitry UtkinWagners military leader in its early years who was infamously photographed sporting SS and Nazi collar tattoos. However, while bodies have been recovered from the plane, none have been positively identified at the time of writing.

A second Wagner jet, RAO-2748, was in the air at the time of the crash and executed an abrupt U-turn to land in Moscow. This led some of Prigozhins supporters to hope he was onboard that plane, contrary to the passenger manifest. But eventually, multiple Russian sources confirmed that he had died onboard the other.

From June 23 to 24, Prigozhin led an armed uprising against his longtime rivals in the Russian Ministry of Defenseone which involved his Wagner Group mercenary forces seizing control of the city of Rostov while a separate column barreled toward Moscow down the M4 highway, brushing away resistance on the ground. Though the 62-year-old warlord insisted that he wasnt out to overthrow Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian leader was unsparing in condemning the quasi-coup, which revealed his internal security forces startling inability to stop the Wagner column.

Ultimately, Prigozhin was persuaded to call off the coup in a deal negotiated with president Lukaschenko of Belarus, in which he supposedly agreed to withdraw Wagner to exile in Belarus. Nonetheless, his troops shot down at least seven valuable Russian military aircraft, killing at least 13 Russian air force personnel before the fighting died down.

While the Wagner Groups battlefield role in Ukraine rapidly wound down this summer, its remained too valuable for the Kremlin to destroy after the rebellion, as it has extended the Kremlins influence broadly and deeply across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Wagners soldiers can undertake military actions across the globe at Russias direction without the deaths of Wagner soldiers, or the people they kill, being officially actions of the Russian state and its military.

For example, back in May of 2018, Wagner mercenaries led an assault attacking American forces in Syria in an attempt to capture an oil field. The attack was cut to pieces by U.S. air power in a battlefield bloodbath that did significantly affect U.S.-Russian relations.

More recently, military coup governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have expelled Western military forces assisting them against Al Qaeda and ISIS-affiliated insurgents due to Western criticism of the military dictatorshipssomething they felt confident doing thanks to being able to dial-in Wagner mercenaries to secure their hold on power.

Prigozhins Final Act

Following the June coup, the arrival of Wagner mercenaries in Belarus (supposedly to train the armed forces) rang alarm bells in neighboring Poland and Ukraine, which fear that his mercenaries might be involved in violent gray-zone cross-border activities. However, it soon became clear that Prigozhin himself was dissatisfied with opportunities for business in Belarus, and didnt intend to remain in exile as agreed.

Anadolu Agency - Getty Images

Russian media, which had formerly showed adulatory coverage on Wagners activities, was by then running a full-court press against Prigzohinpublishing photos of security agents rifling through his mansion, exposing his wig collection and cobbled-together disguises, and his expensive harem.

But when Prigozhin returned, he set about reclaiming property confiscated by state agents, and even met with Putin for three hours alongside his commanders on June 29. It seemed the wealthy caterer-turned-warlord had once again demonstrated his impunity.

The 'Accidents' of Putins Enemies

The Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy 600/650 twin-engine 13 passenger business jet is a further shortened version of the ERJ-135 50-passenger regional jet. Aviation Safety Network records only two other accidents involving Legacy 600s/650s, and 14 incidents involving all ERJ 135 models in the last 23 years. None of these incidents led to deaths of crew or passengers onboard, until the crash of Prigozhins jet.

aviation-images.com - Getty Images

While its possible that Prigozhins plane crash was a genuine accident, the chance that it was caused by an assassination attempt seems extremely high. If so, there are many actors both within Russia and abroad that might have sought his death, though government action at Putins behest seems by far to be the most likely culprit.

Over the last two decades, Russia has been tied to attempted assassinations both on its own soil and abroad, targeting political opposition leaders, defectors, muckraking journalists, inconvenient business oligarchs, internal whistleblowers, anti-war critics, exiled insurgents and, once, even the president of Ukraine (he survived, despite being disfigured).

Russias use of military-developed poisons in tea, applied to door handles, or released in aerosol sprays is infamous, but assassins have also gunned down exiles in Germany and Turkey, and likely bludgeoned an oligarch to death in his Washington, D.C. hotel room in 2015. In December 2020, a Russian FSB internal intelligence agent inadvertently revealed the highly organized nature of a plot to surveil and poison prominent Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny over the phone.

The increasingly transparent involvement of Russias intelligence services in these killings (often involving the GRU military intelligence services Unit 29155) doesnt appear to bother Putin, and may in fact be intended to intimidate other potential opponents of Putin. Such killings are even legal, per a 2006 law, as a counter-terrorism measure.

Overall, it seemed unlikely that Putin would let Prigozhin off so lightly for the humiliating coup. Prigozhin must have known that bloody attempted retribution was inevitablebut it seems likely that he wasnt looking over his shoulder nearly enough.

Shooting down Prigozhins plane with a missileand then bald-facedly claiming that it was an accident, despite contravening eyewitnesseswould be the ultimate way for Putin to establish his impunity to kill any threat to his power, even the one presented by the notorious, outspoken, and reportedly now-deceased mercenary commander.

You Might Also Like
As exceptionally warm weather moves into the upper Midwest, a pedestrian walks at sunset, in Oconomowoc, Wis., on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023. | John Hart, Wisconsin State Journal via Associated Press

Regions in the Midwest U.S. are getting slammed with scorching temperatures this week  extreme heat will affect nearly 100 million Americans.

On one of the hottest days of Nebraskas year, a 1-year-old girl died after being left in a day care centers van in the state. The child, RaMiyah Worthington, was pronounced dead at the hospital after medics responded to the unresponsive girl Monday afternoon at the Kidz of the Future Childcare in Omaha. Her body temperature reached 109 degrees, and her parents are demanding answers from the day care about why she was left for so long, The Associated Press reported.

The 62-year-old van driver, Ryan Williams, was charged with a felony count of child negligence resulting in death on Tuesday, a charge that carries a sentence of up to four years in prison, per AP News.

Almost two dozen cattle died from the heat in Nebraska. In Missouri, 100 nursing home residents were evacuated after the facilitys air conditioning broke down, CNN reported.

Why is it so hot in the Midwest right now?

According to Paul Pastelok, a senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, it comes down to drought on top of the blazing temperatures.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The ground is already really dry  it doesnt take much for the heat to kind of just build up over there, Pastelok told The New York Times. And thats what makes it a bigger heat dome that were seeing right now.

Ive never seen humidity like this, Eric L. Harris, a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska, told the Times.

A total of 16 states have regions under excessive heat warnings, The Washington Post reported.

As we enter day 3 of this dangerous heat wave, the chance for heat related illness will only increase, especially for vulnerable populations, the St. Louis Weather Service wrote.

How to protect yourself during a heat wave

Stay cool, hydrate and be alert. Thats the advice the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.

Here are some other recommendations from the CDC:

Because you sweat more during extreme heat, drink more water than you typically do.

Stay in air conditioning as much as you possibly can.

If youre outside, find shade.

Limit outdoor activity.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and avoid cotton. Cotton will stick to your skin more than another blend.

Take cool showers or baths.

Stay connected with friends and family  check in on each other.

If you have a child that rides in a car seat, there are apps that can remind you to make sure to get them out. Another recommendation is to put your phone by the car seat.
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

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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
Ohio's most recent redistricting process was led by lawmakers and statewide elected officials on the Ohio Redistricting Commission. A new proposal would create a 15-member citizens commission.

A group trying to strip redistricting powers from Ohio politicians will have to go back to the drawing board.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost rejected language submitted by Citizens not Politicians, saying it was not a fair and truthful summary of the 30-page proposal.

"During our review of the summary, we identified omissions and misstatements that, as a whole, would mislead a potential signer as to the actual scope and effect of the proposed amendment," Yost wrote in a letter to backers of the citizen commission.

The proposed amendment, which could go on the November 2024 ballot, would replace Ohio's current method of drawing statehouse and congressional districts with a 15-member citizens commission.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The line-drawing process, called redistricting, is typically completed every decade with updated population data from the U.S. Census. It becomes gerrymandering when mapmakers draw districts to disproportionately and unfairly favor one party over the other.

Yost's office found several problems with the proposed summary, including a "materially confusing and vague" description of the proposed 15-member mapmaking panel, a lacking definition of "communities of interest" and confusion surrounding which incarcerated individuals would be counted at their home addresses.

It is not unusual for the initial petition language to be rejected. A constitutional amendment seeking to eliminate qualified immunity for police and other government officials has been rejected several times. Four versions of an anti-vaccine mandate proposal were also rejected. However, a constitutional amendment about abortion access was approved on its first attempt.

Proponents plan to revise the summary and submit it again with another 1,000 signatures. They hope to make the November 2024 ballot.

We believe our summary was accurate," Citizens Not Politicians spokesperson Chris Davey said. "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.

In the meantime, Ohio politicians are tasked with redrawing maps for the 2024 primaries this March.

More: Gov. DeWine wants to remove politicians from redistricting but hasn't endorsed new proposal

AG Letter Re Ohio Citizens Redistricting Commission by Jessie Balmert on Scribd

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Jessie Balmert is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio AG rejects language for redistricting reform measure
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.
Several years ago, I wrote about the Newton Steel plant, located at 3200 E. Elm Ave. in Monroe. It had a long history as a productive metal-producing facility. Today, efforts are underway to mitigate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances  known as PFAS  which currently exist in the area. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART) is working with officials at the Ford Motor Co. on this project  with the goal of improving water conditions near the River Raisin and limiting the future impact of PFAS on our local aquatic ecosystem in Monroe County and Southeast Michigan.

The Ford River Raisin Warehouse in Monroe has a storied history. Beginning life as the Newton Steel plant in the 1920s, the Ford River Raisin Warehouse is now working with MPART, under the auspices of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, to mitigate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the water.

As I wrote back in 2021, Monroes Newton Steel was the second plant of the Newton Steel Co., headquartered in Newton Falls, Ohio (ZIP code 44444). Newton Steel Co. was so successful that it opened a second plant in Monroe. Unfortunately, following the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Newton Steel could no longer afford to keep both plants open. The Newton Falls location was closed in June 1931, and many families who worked at the Newton Falls plant were relocated to Monroe.

The Newton Steel Co. merged with the Corrigan-McKinney Steel Co. of Cleveland the following year, in 1932. In 1934, Corrigan-McKinney announced with great excitement that they would be re-opening the Newton Falls plant. The Newton Falls plant operated for a short time before Corrigan-McKinney merged with Republic Steel Corp. later that year and finally closed it down for good. Republic retained the Newton Plant moniker for the Monroe location and continued to operate it until 1942.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

In 1943, the Aluminum Corporation of America (ALCOA) took over the Republic Newton Steel plant and began producing munitions for World War II. It operated at the Newton location until the automotive wheel manufacturer Kelsey-Hayes purchased it in 1947. According to the Made in Monroe website, labor and union problems led the plant to be sold to Ford in 1949. Ford later created a subsidiary, Visteon Corp. (a manufacturer of vehicle parts), that operated until 2000 before becoming Automotive Components Holdings (ACH) in 2005. It closed in 2008.

Efforts to restore the ecosystem of the River Raisin have taken place over the last 50 years. The MPART PFAS project at the Ford River Raisin Warehouse is yet another one of those proactive projects benefitting Monroe residents and visitors who enjoy clean water and the River Raisins shoreline parks and venues.

According to the MPART website for what has been titled the Ford River Raisin Warehouse, PFAS were used in many historical chrome plating operations. This facility is next to the River Raisin, which flows to the southeast. Groundwater flows roughly radially, toward nearby surface waters. Several key events have taken place to deal with the PFAS situation:

In February 2019, the Mannik Smith Group, contracted by Ford, collected samples from on-site monitoring wells west and north of the warehouse building.

On May 9, 2019, MPART received the sampling results exceeding groundwater cleanup criteria. PFAS was also found in the leachate that is pumped to the on-site wastewater treatment plant.

In June 2020, MPART requested further sampling based on the previous results.

In August 2020, Ford submitted a workplan to conduct additional sampling around the monitoring wells that had excess amounts of PFAS.

This is a photo of the leachate collection manhole at the Ford River Raisin Warehouse in Monroe. It is part of the PFAS project at the plant operated by MPART. MPART, under the auspices of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, ensures coordination in implementing a response to PFAS contamination.

MPART, under the auspices of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), is a team of seven Michigan state agencies established under a Michigan executive directive in 2017 to ensure coordination in implementing a response to PFAS contamination. MPART became an enduring body in Michigan under an executive order in 2019. The goal of MPART is to protect public health by identifying sources of PFAS, addressing PFAS contamination, and working with local health departments to protect people in areas where groundwater is impacted by PFAS.

According to Scott Dean, EGLE strategic communications adviser, The facility has ongoing corrective action and is investigating PFAS onsite. EGLE is also reviewing a workplan that further delineates PFAS onsite.

Tom Adamich is president of Visiting Librarian Service, a firm he has operated since 1993. He also is project archivist for the Greening Nursery Co. and Family Archives and the electric vehicle awareness coordinator at Monroe County Community College.

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: PFAS becomes part of Ford River Raisin Warehouse history
They were embarking on a sightseeing flight, intending to view downtown Miami from above.

The Cessna 172 took off about noon Aug. 4 from North Perry Airport Runway 10R smoothly, but the planes speed soon rapidly dropped, and it smashed into the ground, a preliminary report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board said.

Pilot Felipe Becerra Cardenas, 31, of Pembroke Pines, died, along with the woman in his front passenger seat, Shelby Thomas, 23, of Port Wentworth, Ga. The backseat passenger, Jamal Hall, 25, also from Georgia, sustained serious injuries but survived.

The preliminary report gives new details about the crash, though it does not say what may have contributed to or caused the crash. It can take up to two years for the agency to complete investigations.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Security cameras from two different angles showed the small plane rotate and lift off from the runway normally, the report said. The plane ascended to about 150 feet above the ground and began a leftward turn down, until the left wing dropped and the plane crashed into the ground about 650 feet northeast of the end of the runway.

Related Articles

As the Cessna moved forward, preparing for takeoff, its speed increase to about 45 knots, or just under 52 mph. When the plane was about 50 feet above sea level, it was moving about 85 mph. The fastest speed recorded before it rapidly slowed and crashed reached just over 86 mph, according to the report.

The Cessna crashed with its nose pointing down, coming to a stop upright, the report said. The impact damaged the wings, and the body was buckled and compressed through about 50% of the cockpit area with the most severe damage in the front seat area and floorboards.

The engine compartment was also significantly damaged, with the engine displaced and the propeller pushed upward and slightly backward, displacing the instrument panel inside the cockpit, according to the report. The back tail part of the plane, called the empennage, was mostly undamaged.

Investigators drained about 24 gallons of fuel from the planes tanks, finding no water or trace amounts of debris. They confirmed there was flight control continuity, and all pistons, valves springs and pushrods were working normally, the report said. The plane was within its weight limit at the time it crashed.

The NTSB removed a piece of touchscreen navigating technology from the wreckage to be tested at its lab in Washington, D.C., according to the report, and will further investigate the pieces left from the crash.

The Aug. 4 crash is one of four open NTSB investigations from North Perry Airport. The investigations include two crashes in May: On May 17 where the pilot of a single-engine Piper PA-25-235 died in a fiery crash near a shopping center in Hollywood and on May 25 where the pilot of a similar banner-towing plane crashed at the airport and survived.

The fourth open NTSB investigation is into an incident on July 27, 2022. A flight instructor and student crashed in a helicopter, and only the student suffered minor injuries, according to the NTSBs preliminary report.
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The global community should be alarmed by Japan's release of nuclear-contaminated water into our shared ocean, and the country must be urged to reconsider this unjustified and irresponsible action.

The Japanese government, in disregard of strong criticism and opposition from the international community, unilaterally started releasing the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean on Thursday.

As a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson has said, its impact goes beyond Japan's borders, and the issue is by no means a private matter for Japan.

The Fukushima nuclear accident is one of the world's most serious nuclear disasters to date. As a result, the contaminated water is known to have more than 60 radioactive elements, known as radionuclides, which makes its discharge completely different from the normal operation of nuclear power plants.

No viable technology exists to effectively treat such a multitude of nuclides, and certain long-lived variants might disperse through ocean currents, leading to unforeseeable repercussions for marine ecology and human health.

The Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS), Japan's key facility for treating nuclear-contaminated water that was put into trial operation in March 2013, has frequently experienced malfunctions. The world needs to know how to ensure the efficacy and reliability of ALPS as the facility ages.

Not only the volume of nuclear-contaminated wastewater in the plant is substantial and its composition is complex, but the disposal timeframe will last for an unprecedented duration.

The lack of credibility and scientific assessment has cast doubts on the rationale behind Japan's 30-year release plan, and proceeding with the plan unilaterally without sincere international engagement would set an even more dangerous precedent at a time when the planet, particularly its oceans, is facing numerous challenges and threats.

Japan should have actively engaged and gathered input from all stakeholders, including domestic fishermen and the neighboring countries around the Pacific Ocean region. But it never intends to have thorough consultations with other concerned parties.

Japan "rationalizes" its release plan with only the safety assessment conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but the assessment has quite evident limitations and faces allegations of biases. The IAEA cannot prove that the ocean discharge plan is the only and optimal option for treating the nuclear-contaminated water.

China urges the Japanese side to consider the international community's concerns, execute the disposal of nuclear-contaminated water in a scientific, secure and transparent manner, and accept strict international supervision.

The release of nuclear-contaminated water must cease unless a transparent monitoring system is in place.

By dumping the water into the ocean, Japan is spreading the risks to the rest of the world and passing an open wound onto the future generations of humanity. 
ARDSLEY - Asylum seekers living in New York hotels say the food provided to them is unappetizing and in some cases inedible, with one woman saying her meal left her sickened and bedridden for days.

For migrants New York City placed at Ardsley Acres Hotel Court, a Westchester County motel off the Saw Mill River Parkway, meals have been a dismal affair, involving frozen, cellophane-covered trays of food they have to heat up in their hotel rooms. Prevented by federal law from legally working, they have no choice but to eat what they're given.

One woman, a Peruvian mother who traveled to the U.S. with her 23-year-old daughter, told the USA Today Network in an interview on Tuesday that one meal left her sick in bed for three days, too scared to go to a hospital because of her uncertain immigration status.

Wilson Martinez, 25, is an asylum seeker who arrived in the United States from his native Venezuala in May and has been living at the Ardsley Acres Motel with his wife and eight-month old son for two months. Martinez, photographed Aug. 22, 2023, says that he and other asylum seekers at the motel are being fed frozen food that is very often low quality.

Wilson Martinez, a 25-year-old migrant from Venezuela, said in an interview that he and his wife were served hot meals at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City after they arrived there with their baby son, just five days after crossing into the U.S.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

But at the Ardsley motel, where they were bused two months ago, all the meals come frozen, including the scrambled eggs and meat patty provided every morning, Martinez said, speaking in Spanish through a translator. Once the food is warmed, he said, it is often too distasteful to eat.

An asylum seeker staying at Ardsley Acres Hotel Court took this photo of a lunch he was provided at the hotel recently.

Similar complaints have arisen at other hotels where the city has bused more than 2,100 migrants since May. DocGo, the contractor that's being paid $432 million to house and feed them, now promises to do better, telling the USA Today Network in a statement that it's getting feedback from migrants in its care and will seek new food suppliers at each shelter site that offer "culturally appropriate options."

Rental homes for NY asylum seekers NY to spend $25M in state funds to rent homes for thousands of asylum seekers

Better food on the way for NY asylum seekers?

DocGo's statement defended the fare served at Ardsley Acres as "sufficient and nutritionally sound."

But Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner, who has been pressing DocGo to switch vendors for the roughly 90 migrants living there, said a company executive conceded to him this week that the food was "subpar" and that he planned to improve the meals at all of DocGo's locations.

"He's trying to rectify the quality of food all over," he said.

A photo of a meal NYC contractor DocGo says was recently served to asylum seekers at Ardsley Acres Hotel Court in Westchester County.

Feiner was thrilled this week that those plans appeared to be moving forward. He announced in a press release that DocGo agreed to find a new vendor for Ardsley Acres, offering $11 per meal and suggesting Latin American dishes and Halal food for Muslim migrants. Interested food suppliers were urged contact to Feiner.

So far, more than a dozen caterers had done so, Feiner told the USA Today Network on Wednesday.

Migrant men living at two hotels in the Orange County town of Newburgh also are served frozen meals. Kevindaryan Lujan, a county legislator who has been helping those asylum seekers, said the men's inability to get federal work permits is perhaps their biggest frustration.

Families of asylum seekers are led into the Ramada hotel in Yonkers May 15, 2023. The families were being housed in New York City.

But after that is the poor or unfamiliar food.

"It has been a source of contention from the beginning," he said.

Jorge, 43, and Renny, 22, both from Venezuela, are two of the dozens of asylum seekers that were brought from New York City to the Crossroads Hotel in Newburgh. Both men, photographed outside the hotel May 31, 2023, said that they had to flee their home country because of danger faced by themselves and their families had they stayed. Jorge left a wife and two daughters behind.

Other complaints about DocGo's performance

DocGo, a medical services company based in Manhattan, has faced a bevy of complaints about its handling of asylum seekers, including reports of inadequate access to medical care and legal services and failing to coordinate with local nonprofits.

The New York Times reported Monday that state Attorney General Letitia James was investigating if DocGo had misled asylum seekers about work opportunities and enrolled them in health plans they didn't qualify for, among other potential problems.

Work obstacle: NY's asylum seekers face 6-month wait for work permits. Will feds shorten it?

In an interview published Tuesday, DocGo CEO Anthony Capone told the TV station NY1 that his company relies on outside vendors for food, security and case work, each guided by a DocGo policy manual. According to a public relations firm representing DocGo, Capone's company provides services at 37 emergency sites for migrants across the state - including 13 outside New York City.

Many of the shelter sites have been launched on short notice because of the urgency, Capone said, suggesting that unavoidable haste has led to initial problems.

A big challenge for the company in feeding thousands of asylum seekers is the wide variety of tastes they bring from far-flung homelands. They all crossed the southern U.S. border but hail from several continents, from countries in Central and South America to African nations such as Mauritania, as well as Russia and Ukraine.

Medical needs: Who will pay for health care for asylum seekers in NY? Local officials seek answers

Local volunteers step up to aid migrants

In each community outside the city where migrants have been placed  hotels in seven counties, stretching from Yonkers to Buffalo  networks of welcoming volunteers, nonprofits, immigrant advocacy groups and donors have jumped in to fill voids in services.

Members of the Greenburgh Town Hall Summer Internship Program, listen as Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who represents New YorkOs 17th Congressional District, speaks at Macy Park in Ardsley Aug. 15, 2023 about issues facing asylum seekers, and especially those who have been sent from New York City to Westchester County. Members of the Greenburgh internship program have been volunteering to assist asylum seekers who are being housed at the Ardsley Acres Motel.

That includes delivering food donations, gift cards and bicycles, and offering English classes. Some 46 student interns working at Greenburgh Town Hall this summer have made a project of it, pitching in with English lessons, organizing a picnic that 150 migrants attended last week and holding a three-day food drive that concluded on Monday.

They held a press conference with Rep. Jamaal Bowman and others after the picnic at an Ardsley park, largely to urge the federal government to speed work authorizations for asylum seekers. But they also called attention to the poor food at the Ardsley motel, which they said had left migrants "sick and hungry."

"These folks are going to be here for a while, so we can't let up in our support and our care," Ardsley Mayor Nancy Kaboolian said at the press conference. "We need to continue to stay on top of this situation, and look to the future for what they need. ... I want the Ardsley location to be the model of how this country should treat people seeking shelter in the United States."

Chris McKenna covers government and politics for The Journal News and USA Today Network. Reach him at cmckenna@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: NY asylum seekers contractor DocGo under fire for providing poor food
Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has left uncertainty in the wake of his presumed fiery demise in a plane crash on Wednesday, with his reported death raising questions about what the future holds for thousands of fighters that served in his paramilitary group, Wagner.

Prigozhin was listed as one of the passengers on board the Embraer business jet that crashed in the Tver region of Russia, according to Russias federal aviation organization. The BBC said confirmation that Prigozhins name appeared on the passenger list was unusually quick and had raised eyebrows.

Prigozhin, 62, has long been a symbol of violence and chaos among those most impacted by the relentless schemes of Wagner in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Once known as Putins chef for owning the Kremlins catering company, his legacy is now intertwined with the countless human rights abuse allegations that came with doing President Vladimir Putin s dirty work.

Ultimately, his loud mouthfrom the moment he publicly criticized the Kremlin, to his failed revolt in Moscow, to his final video message boasting about his fighters just a day before he boarded that planemay have spelled his doom. After marching on Moscow to contest the way the Kremlin was running war operations in Ukraine in June, longtime Putin watchers surmised that Putins hitmen would likely have their knives out for Prigozhin before long.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Wagner Founder Prigozhin Reported Dead in Fiery Plane Crash

And while the future of Wagner Group operationsand all of Prigozhins sweeping empire, from mining to propaganda operations on behalf of Moscowhangs in the balance, it may not be curtains just yet for the remaining appendages of Prigozhins operations, even if they take on new forms.

The future of the Wagner Group will likely fall to pro-Putin hands at this point, Ronald Marks, a former CIA clandestine service officer and special assistant to the assistant director of central intelligence for military affairs, told The Daily Beast.

The Wagner Group will be taken over by someone who is friendly to Putin or certainly who will suck up to Putin at this point, Marks predicted.

In his view, the likely reason Putin opted to wait a few weeks before killing Prigozhin following the staged revolt in Russia was to get his ducks in a row on who would succeed him.

If Im Putin at this point Im lining up my power behind the guys who will replace Prigozhin besides, a Russia plane crash is very sad, Marks said, noting that Russian critics are constantly dying for suspicious and unexplained reasons, such as falling out windows. Russian windows are very difficult to open and shut, they throw people out the window, staircases are slippery, things happenwhich you want in the old spy world: plausible deniability.

Yevgeny Prigozhin gives an address in camouflage and with a weapon in his hands in a desert area at an unknown location, in this still image taken from video possibly shot in Africa and published August 21, 2023. PMC Wagner via Telegram via Reuters

Sean McFate, an expert on mercenaries and a former paratrooper and officer in the Armys 82nd Airborne Division, also believes that the Wagner model will likely live on, despite Prigozhins fate.

Prigozhin might be dead but I dont think his business model is. It makes too much money and serves Russias hegemonic interests, McFate told The Daily Beast. Expect someone else in Wagner to step up and take charge, probably sanctioned by Putin. Also, expect copycats on the horizon.

Not everyone familiar with how Wagner operates thinks the transition will be so smooth.

In Belarus, the stakes of Wagners next move are sky-high. Almost 6,000 Wagner fighters relocated to the country in the aftermath of Prigozhins mutiny, thanks to a deal made between Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko , and the mercenary boss.

The decision to move the fighters to Belarusunder Lukashenko, one of Putins closest allieshas sparked panic on the countrys borders in recent weeks. Officials in North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states like Poland have been raising alarm about the hybrid threats posed by Belarus and Russia and the threat of those fighters crossing their borders and wreaking havoc in their countries.

The relocation of Wagner fighters to Belarus has raised questions over who exactly is in charge of their operationswhether it be Putin orchestrating behind the scenes, Lukashenko operating as a Putin puppet to coordinate Wagner movements, or Prigozhin running the show.

Now, with the apparent death of Prigozhin, the hope among political circles opposing Lukashenko and his strengthening alliance with Moscow is that Wagner mercenaries will be shaken, and any potential Wagner threats inside Belarusand to neighboring countrieswill die down.

New Coup Brings Joy to Wagner Boss After Failure in Russia

For Franak Viacorka, the chief political adviser of Belarusian democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Prigozhins absence can change many things.

Wagner Group cannot exist without its leader, Viacorka told The Daily Beast. It was built on Prigozhins charisma, Prigozhins power, and Prigozhin's ability to find opportunities for them. This group has lost a lot.

For the opposition government, Russias tightening grip on their country was only made more clear when Lukashenko, often known as the last dictator in Europe, agreed to host Wagner mercenaries on Belarusian soil.

Hopefully we will see some changes in Wagners presence in Belarus, They could leave Belarus, could be transformed, could disappear. We are watching closely, Viacorka said. We are gathering right now information about the military base where Wagner people were present in Belarus.

Although Viacorka believes that the death of Prigozhin, whom he describes as the security guarantee and defender of his fighters, will definitely crater the groups morale, he predicted that if that is not enough to weaken their presence in Belarus, Lukashenko himself probably will mismanage Wagner moving forward, should some of the group remain in Belarus.

Its also likely that Lukashenko will be able to take over Wagner Group in Belarus and he will not be able to pay them, of course, so it changes a lot, he said.

Already, Wagner fighters have been leaving Belarus in droves to fight elsewhere due to low pay compared to earlier contracts with Prigozhin, according to a recent report from the Special Operations Forces of Ukraine.

The death of Prigozhin may also give the Belarusian strongman pause in thinking about his alliance with Putin, Viacorka said.

Lukashenko is also scared a lot because he could be on that plane metaphorically. He could be next as well. Putin showed clearly what he will be doing with those who are not loyal enough, Viacorka told The Daily Beast. It also sends a signal to people around Lukashenko that they could lose protection at any moment. So definitely it can spark some turbulence.

Those on the front lines of the fight against Russian influence in Belarus are looking to exploit that moment of weakness.

Its a window of opportunity, Viacorka said. Prigozhin will not be missed in our country by our people.

The leaderless Wagner fighters, meanwhile, will probably be watching their back in the aftermath of Prigozhins deathregardless of the security guarantees that came with the mutiny deal, the opposition official explained.

Its Lukashenko who said that he brokered the deal with Putin and he promised Prigozhin safety. But there is no safety when you are in Lukashenkos and Putins hands. They cannot give any promises. And their deals and agreements with them mean nothing, he said. The news about the death of Prigozhin will scare the mercenaries a lot.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:

Meth bust in Fillmore

Authorities seized an estimated $1.2 million worth of methamphetamine in Fillmore last week as part of an investigation into what they describe as a drug trafficking organization based in Mexico.

The bust took place Friday night in a McDonald's parking lot after investigators learned of a large shipment headed to the city, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said in a news release Wednesday.

A county task force had been investigating the organization, which allegedly imports bulk quantities of meth, fentanyl and cocaine from Mexico to the U.S. The group smuggled meth over the border as a liquid and converted it to solid "crystal" form once in the U.S., sheriff's officials said. The crystalized meth was transported in bulk by drug couriers to wholesale customers in the greater Los Angeles area, including Ventura County.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

On Friday, investigators observed a 32-year-old Downey man suspected of transporting meth in the parking lot of a Fillmore McDonald's at 908 Ventura St., also known as Highway 126, where he was with a blue Honda SUV. The man was detained at the scene and a drug-sniffing K-9 police dog from the Fillmore station alerted authorities to the possible presence of narcotics inside the vehicle, according to the sheriff's account.

A search of the SUV turned up about 56 pounds of meth in a cardboard box at the rear of the vehicle. Several thousand dollars cash along with multiple cell phones and several grams of cocaine were also seized. The street value of the meth was estimated at more than $1.2 million. The suspect was arrested and booked into county jail.

Bacteria levels prompt water quality warnings along coast

After recent rainstorms, Ventura County environmental health officials have posted warning signs about ocean water quality on local beaches.

Beaches along the Ventura County coast failed weekly ocean water quality tests after recent storms, prompting county health authorities to post warning signs.

Sites from Rincon Beach, at the west county line, to Ormond Beach in Oxnard failed to meet state standards for bacteria, Ventura County's Environmental Health Division said in a news release Wednesday afternoon.

In addition, an interactive map on the division's website shows beaches along Pacific Coast Highway, from Point Mugu to the Los Angeles County line, marked for exceeding bacterial standards or for a rainfall advisory.

People are advised to avoid contact with ocean water for a minimum of 50 yards on both sides of a posted sign. If you do make contact with water or items that have been in the water, wash thoroughly with soap and water, agency officials said.

In addition, shellfish from Ventura County beaches shouldn't be eaten due to possible exposure to the contamination.

The signs will remain in place until tests show the water meets state standards.

You can find the interactive map for ocean sampling results at vcrma.org.

Human trafficking arrests at Oxnard massage parlors

Suspected commercial sex activity at two Oxnard massage businesses culminated in a raid that involved Ventura County Sheriff's and FBI personnel earlier this month, sheriff's officials announced Wednesday.

Three women, two from Los Angeles County and one from Oxnard, were arrested on suspicion of various offenses including human trafficking, pimping and money laundering. Authorities referred to the massage businesses as "commercial sex brothels."

In March, sheriff's detectives launched an investigation into VIP Therapy Massage in the 100 block of West Fourth Street, a suspected illicit massage business. Detectives reportedly found there was commercial sex occurring "throughout the day" at the site, according to the sheriff's account. A 51-year-old Valencia woman who owned the business and a 41-year-old Los Angeles woman who managed it allegedly used coercion on at least two victims who worked there.

Detectives also investigated Blue Moon Spa in the 700 block of South A Street and similarly found commercial sex taking place throughout the day, authorities allege. The business is owned by a 58-year-old Oxnard woman.

On Aug. 4, sheriff's detectives, with assistance from the FBI, executed multiple search and arrests warrants at both businesses and at the business owners' homes in Oxnard and Valencia.

Authorities seized more than $60,000 and a Corvette during the searches, which they allege were proceeds from the illegal activity. Victim advocates at the scene spoke with other potential victims.

The three women were arrested and subsequently charged by prosecutors with various felonies. They have all pleaded not guilty to charges. They remained in custody at Todd Road Jail Wednesday with bail set at $900,000 each, jail records showed.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Roundup: Meth bust, massage bust, contaminated ocean water
MERRIMACK, N.H.  A French company that has been blamed for contaminating drinking water in some New Hampshire communities with a group of chemicals known as PFAS said Wednesday it plans to close its plant there and will work with the state on an ongoing environmental investigation.

Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics said in a statement that it will restructure its composite solutions business in the United States," after evaluating the company's business goals and what is in line with the company's mission and plan.

The Paris-based company, which bought the Merrimack plant from ChemFAB in 2000, initially believed it wasnt discharging anything harmful. But the state said that changed in 2004 after the company installed more sophisticated technology. After the company alerted the state, the state Department of Environmental Services determined Saint-Gobain was exceeding state air limits for PFAS, and the company agreed to significantly reduce emissions.

Rep. Nancy Murphy, D-Merrimack, seen outside the Saint-Gobain plastics factory in Merrimack, N.H. in 2020, said residents will continue to pay a huge price after the plant closes.

PFAS is an abbreviation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Known as forever chemicals, they are widespread, dangerous and expensive to remove from water. They also don't degrade in the environment and are linked to health issues that include low birthweight and kidney cancer.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Housing: Chinburg's plan for six new homes in Portsmouth advances. Here are details.

The state didnt move to do any groundwater testing until 2016 because there was no indication at the time that the emissions posed a threat to groundwater. That came to light after wells near Saint-Gobain facilities in Hoosick Falls, New York, were found to be contaminated with PFOA  or perfluorooctanoic acid, the most commonly known of PFAS. Wells in Bennington and North Bennington, Vermont, also were found to be contaminated with PFOA around the companys now-closed plant in Bennington. The contamination led to at least two class action lawsuits against Saint-Gobain.

In 2019, the state lowered the standard for PFOA from 70 parts per trillion to 12 parts per trillion and launched an extensive well sampling program. It identified 1,000 properties with contaminated water and determined the contamination was caused by emissions from the Merrimack plant.

Last year, Saint-Gobain agreed to provide bottled drinking water and permanent alternate water, as appropriate to the properties in Bedford, Hudson, Litchfield, Londonderry and Merrimack. It also provided a framework should additional properties be impacted.

There are 164 workers at the Merrimack plant. Saint-Gobain said alternative roles and relocation assistance will be offered to eligible employees who wish to remain with the company, and support packages will be made available to those who will not continue.

State House Rep. Nancy Murphy, a Democrat from Merrimack, said residents will continue to pay a huge price after the plant closes.

Beyond the costs borne by private well owners outside a far too small consent decree area, we have paid to filter the drinking water in our homes; we have paid to filter the public wells in our town; we have paid to filter the drinking water in our schools  and we are paying for the contamination of our air, water, and soil with our compromised health, she said in a a statement.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Saint-Gobain to close NH plant blamed for PFAS water contamination
A man and woman from Columbia have pleaded guilty to federal hate crime charges after engaging in a crime spree targeting Hispanic people.

Gabriel Brunson, 20, and Sierra Fletcher, 33, both of Columbia, targeted people they identified as Mexican and Hispanic, sometimes tracking victims to their homes before robbing them at gunpoint, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to hate crimes for their involvement in a Jan. 22, 2021, armed robbery when they followed victims from a grocery store and restaurant to their home before robbing them at gunpoint, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorneys Office for South Carolina. The pair stole cash and a cellphone.

These defendants targeted Hispanic victims for violent acts of armed robbery because of their race, national origin and perceived vulnerability, said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. No person should have to fear for their lives or property because of their race or national origin.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The plea agreement, announced Thursday, was filed on Aug. 17. Fletcher, known as Yella Flow according to court records, also admitted to being involved in several other robberies on Jan. 30, 2021, including a carjacking and a home invasion of other Hispanic victims, according to prosecutors.

Brunson and Fletcher were also charged with conspiracy, federal robbery charges and carrying firearms in connection with those crimes.

These were not crimes of opportunity. The defendants systematically robbed at gunpoint people whom they identified as Mexican or Hispanic, said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBIs Criminal Investigative Division.

There is no law punishing hate crimes in South Carolina. As a result, it falls to federal prosecutors to charge cases that target victims because of identifies such as race, gender or sexual identity.

Prosecuting civil rights crimes is a priority for our office, said U.S. Attorney Adair Boroughs for the District of South Carolina. Federal law recognizes that crimes targeting people of a particular race or national origin is particularly egregious, and we stand ready to enforce the national hate crimes law here in South Carolina.

The plea agreements require both defendants to pay restitution. Sentencing in federal court does not take place immediately after the plea. A federal district court judge will determine a sentence based on federal sentencing guidelines and a presentence report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.

The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office along with the Richland County Sheriffs Department and the Lexington County Sheriffs Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ben Garner and Brook Andrews for the District of South Carolina and trial attorney Andrew Manns of the Civil Rights Divisions Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.

Fletcher was represented by Andrew B. Farley. Brunson was represented by Aimee J. Zmroczek.
A joint statement signed by regulators at a dozen international privacy watchdogs, including the U.K.'s ICO, Canada's OPC and Hong Kong's OPCPD, has urged mainstream social media platforms to protect users' public posts from scraping -- warning they face a legal responsibility to do so in most markets.

"In most jurisdictions, personal information that is 'publicly available', 'publicly accessible' or 'of a public nature' on the internet, is subject to data protection and privacy laws," they write. "Individuals and companies that scrape such personal information are therefore responsible for ensuring that they comply with these and other applicable laws. However, social media companies and the operators of other websites that host publicly accessible personal information (SMCs and other websites) also have data protection obligations with respect to third-party scraping from their sites. These obligations will generally apply to personal information whether that information is publicly accessible or not. Mass data scraping of personal information can constitute a reportable data breach in many jurisdictions."

The timing of the statement, which was also signed by privacy regulators in Australia, Switzerland, Norway, New Zealand, Colombia, Jersey, Morocco, Argentina and Mexico -- who are all members of the Global Privacy Assembly's international enforcement cooperation working group -- coincides with the ongoing hype around generative AI models which typically require large amounts of data for training and could encourage more entities to scrape the Internet in a bid to acquire data-sets jump on the generative AI bandwagon.

High profile examples of such systems, such as OpenAI's large language model ChatGPT, have relied (at least in part) upon data posted online for training their systems -- and a class action lawsuit filed against the U.S. company in June, which CNN Business reported on, alleges it secretly scraped massive amounts of personal data from the internet".

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Among the privacy risks the regulators highlight is the use of data scraping for targeted cyberattacks such as social engineering and phishing; identity fraud; and for the monitoring, profiling and surveilling of individuals, such as using data to populate facial recognition databases and provide unauthorised access to authorities -- a clear swipe at Clearview AI, which has faced a number of enforcements from international regulators (including several across the EU) over its use of scraped data to power a facial recognition ID tool which it sold to law enforcement and other users.

They also warn scraped data can be used for unauthorised political or intelligence gathering purposes -- including by foreign governments or intelligence agencies. And be used to pump out unwanted direct marketing or spam.

They don't directly cite the training of AI models as one of these "key" privacy risks but generative AI tools which have been trained on people's data without their knowledge or consent could be repurposed for a number of the malicious use cases they cite, including to impersonate people for targeted cyberattacks, identity fraud, or to monitor/surveil individuals.

As well as the statement being made public, the regulators note that a copy has been sent directly to YouTube's parent company, Alphabet; TikTok's parent ByteDance; Meta (owner of Instagram, Facebook and Threads); Microsoft (LinkedIn); Sina Corp (Weibo); and X (aka, the platform previously known as Twitter) -- so mainstream global social media platforms are clearly front-and-center as the international watchdogs consider the privacy risks posed by data scraping.

Some platforms have of course already had major data scandals linked to data scraping -- such as the 2018 Cambridge Analytica data misuse scandal which hit Facebook after a developer on its platform was able to extract data on millions of users without their knowledge or consent as a result of lax permissions the company applied; or the $275 million General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) penalty Facebook was handed last year in relation to a data scraping incident that affected 530 million users as a result of insecure product design. (The latter incident is also subject to a lawsuit by an Irish digital rights group that's challenging the DPA's enforcement finding that there was no security breach.)

While the regulators' joint statement contains a clear shot across the bows of mainstream social media site on the need to be proactive about protecting users' information from scraping, there is no commensurately clear warning accompanying the message that failure to act and protect people's data will result in enforcement action -- which does risk diluting the statement's impact somewhat.

Instead, the watchdogs urge platforms to "carefully consider the legality of different types of data scraping in the jurisdictions applicable to them and implement measures to protect against unlawful data scraping".

"Techniques for scraping and extracting value from publicly accessible data are constantly emerging and evolving. Data security is a dynamic responsibility and vigilance is paramount," they also write. "As no one safeguard will adequately protect against all potential privacy harms associated with data scraping, SMCs and other websites should implement multi-layered technical and procedural controls to mitigate the risks."

Recommended measures to limit the risks of user data being scraped that are mentioned in the letter include having designated in-house team/roles focused on data scraping risks; rate limiting the number of visits per hour or day by one account to other account profiles and limiting access if unusual activity is detected; and monitoring how quickly and aggressively a new account starts looking for other users and taking steps to respond to abnormal activity.

They also suggest platforms take steps to detect scrapers by identifying patterns in bot activity -- such as having systems to spot suspicious IP address activity.

Taking steps to detect bots such as deploying CAPTCHAs and blocking IP address where data scraping activity is identified is another recommendation (albeit bots can solve CAPTCHAs so that piece of advice is already looking outdated).

Other recommended measures is for platforms to take appropriate legal action against scrapers, such as sending of cease and desist letters; requiring the deletion of scraped information; obtaining confirmation of the deletion; and taking other legal action to enforce terms and conditions prohibiting data scraping.

Platforms may also have a requirement to notify affected individuals and privacy regulators under existing data breach laws, the watchdogs warn.

The social media giants who were sent a copy of the letter are being encouraged to respond with feedback within a month demonstrating how they will meet regulators' expectations.

Individuals told 'think long term'

The letter does also include some advice for individuals to take steps to help protect themselves against the risks of scraping -- including suggesting web users pay attention to platforms' privacy policies; think carefully about what they choose to share online; and make use of any settings that allow them to control the visibility of their posts.

"Ultimately, we encourage individuals to think long term," they add. "How would a person feel years later, about the information that they share today? While SMCs and other websites may offer tools to delete or hide information, that same information can live forever on the web if it has been indexed or scraped, and onward shared."

The letter also urges individuals who are concerned their data may have been scraped "unlawfully, or improperly" to contact the platform or website in question and if they do not get a satisfactory response it suggests they file a complaint with their relevant data protection authority. So the regulators are encouraging users to be more vigilant about scraping which could, ultimately, lead to an uptick in investigations and enforcements in this area.

The dozen international regulators signing the joint statement all hail from non-European Union markets. But, as noted above, EU data protection regulators are already active on data scraping risks through enforcements taken under the bloc's GDPR.

They are also closely watching developments in generative AI services -- so concerns raised in the letter look broadly aligned with issues already on the radar of the bloc's data protection authorities.

Notably, Italy's privacy watchdog slapped ChatGPT with a local stop-processing order earlier this year -- which led to a brief break in service while OpenAI rushed out with disclosures and controls. Google's Bard AI chatbot took longer to launch in the EU than in some other regions after its lead EU privacy regulator in Ireland raised similar concerns. But EU DPAs are simultaneously coordinating on how best to apply the local data protection rules to these novel AI chatbots, including vis-a-vis the crux issue of the lawfulness of the data processing used to train the models in light of the GDPR's framework. So decisions on the core legality of tools like ChatGPT remains pending in the EU.

Earlier this year, France's DPA, the CNIL, also warned that protection against data scraping will be a key plank of an AI action plan it announced in May.
The Arizona Supreme Court is opening the door for a possible return of the state's strict 19th-century anti-abortion law that mandates prison time for abortion providers.

The state's highest court decided in an Aug. 22 order to take up a review of the Arizona Court of Appeals decision that blocked the pre-statehood abortion ban.

The court released the decision Wednesday, offering lawyers and observers of the case the chance to submit supplemental and amicus briefs in the next few weeks. A date for oral argument in the case hasn't been announced.

In December, the state Court of Appeals decided to keep the old law on hold and confirmed that a newer law was in effect allowing legal abortions up until the 15th week of gestation.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Legal abortions would effectively end in Arizona if a majority of seven Supreme Court justices reverses that decision and revives the pre-statehood ban, which mandates two to five years in prison for anyone providing an abortion.

Alliance Defending Freedom, the conservative legal group representing Arizona's abortion foes in the case, is fighting to make sure that happens.

"Arizona women deserve the dignity and respect that comes from receiving life-affirming health care and support not the abortion industrys false choice between doing whats best for the mother and protecting the life of her child," said Denise Harle, director of the group's "Center for Life" division, in a written statement.

"We urge the Arizona Supreme Court to allow the states pro-life law to take effect and protect the lives of countless innocent, unborn children.

Planned Parenthood, by contrast, criticized the old law as "cruel, harmful and unpopular with the majority of Arizonans" and predicted the state Supreme Court would not resurrect it.

Kelley Dupps, Planned Parenthood's senior director of public policy and government relations, used the fresh order to promote a plan by advocates to pass a ballot measure legalizing abortion in 2024.

"We recognize this case will not be the last attempt by anti-abortion activists to roll back rights," Dupps said in a prepared statement. "Arizonans deserve the freedom to make their own decisions about their reproductive health, and it is time to secure the right to an abortion in the Arizona Constitution."

Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs mentioned in her own statement about the order that she's fought "to protect access to safe and legal abortion for all Arizonans" and cited an executive order she issued in June to limit abortion-related prosecutions.

Enforcing an archaic law that strips Arizonans of their reproductive freedom and threatens to jail women and doctors would be an unconscionable attack on the liberties Arizonans hold dear," Hobbs said. "As I have said time and time again, the right to make decisions about your own family should not be infringed upon."

The development comes more than a year after Arizona's abortion rights were thrown into doubt by the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Mississippi's Dobbs vs. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, which overturned Roe v. Wade.

Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks during a press conference, Aug. 4, 2023, at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company in Phoenix.

Arizona's First Territorial Legislature codified the abortion ban in 1864, also mandating a year in prison for a woman obtaining an abortion in a provision repealed in 2021.

When the U.S. Supreme Court made its Roe v. Wade decision in 1973 granting women national abortion rights, Arizona's strict ban was rendered dormant by a court injunction. But anti-abortion conservatives quickly took action when the Dobbs decision allowed states to once again control abortion laws.

In September, former Republican Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich convinced a Pima County Superior Court judge to lift the injunction on the old law that had been in place since 1973. A three-member panel of the state Court of Appeals southern district reversed the decision three months later, allowing abortions to continue in the state.

The panel agreed with abortion advocates who argued that the provisions of the 15-week law and 1864 ban could be "harmonized" for both to remain in effect. The decision means the 1864 law ban on providing abortions currently only applies to unlicensed non-physicians.

Kris Mayes, the Democratic attorney general elected in November, chose not to continue Brnovich's effort to reinstate the pre-statehood law, but it remains active since Yavapai County Attorney Dennis McGrane was approved as an intervenor in the case. McGrane didn't return a call requesting comment.

Mayes, who has said she wouldn't enforce anti-abortion laws, asked the state Supreme Court Wednesday to affirm the appeals court's December decision.

"While the 15-week ban is far from an ideal status quo, lacking crucial exceptions for rape or incest, it is much preferable to a law passed during the Civil War, before Arizona was a state, and decades before women gained the right to vote," Maye said in a statement.

Reach the reporter at rstern@arizonarepublic.com or 480-276-3237. Follow him on Twitter @raystern.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona Supreme Court to decide whether to reinstate 1864 abortion ban
If Donald Trump is the Republican Party presidential nominee in 2024, would the eight candidates on stage in Milwaukee for the debate Wednesday night support him even if he's convicted in a court of law?

That was a question Fox News moderator Bret Baier asked the candidates to open the second hour of the debate.

He asked for a show of hands, as he and moderator Martha MacCallum have for other topics. Businessman Vikek Ramaswamy raised his hand with no hesitation, while others like former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis waited a bit before ultimately throwing their hands in the air.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie appeared to shake his hand in the air but supposedly it wasn't to show his support for Trump. Meanwhile, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson was a clear no and left his hands by his waist.

Who raised their hands to support Donald Trump?

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley

Former Vice President Mike Pence

Businessman Vivek Ramaswamy

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott

Who would not support Donald Trump as the 2024 GOP presidential nominee?

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie

Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

Christie, a one-time Trump supporter, is now one of his biggest critics, including calling him a coward for skipping the debate.

Why wasn't Trump at the debate tonight?

Trump is the GOP frontrunner but he instead opted for an interview with former Fox host Tucker Carlson at the same time. The former president also wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, this week that, because he's leading in the polls, he doesn't need to debate.

Trump will turn himself into the Fulton County Jail on Thursday to face criminal charges related to overturning the 2020 election. It's one of four indictments Trump is facing since leaving the White House.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Donald Trump would get support as nominee from most debate candidates
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.
Former President Donald Trump disputed that he asked his vice president to put Trump above the Constitution, in his first post after the first Republican primary debate.

I never asked Mike Pence to put me above the Constitution. Who would say such a thing? A FAKE STORY! Trump said on his Truth Social platform.

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said during the debate that Pence deserves our thanks as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution of the United States before personal, political and unfair pressure. Christies comments were in response to Pences actions on Jan. 6, 2021, in tallying the electoral votes for congressional certification.



Pence on Wednesday night also refused to pledge to pardon Trump, but he didnt rule out the possibility.

Trump was quiet on Truth Social during the debate, though he posted several times before it began. His counterprogramming, an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, was posted on Carlsons X account, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
This undated photo taken by Li Wenyong shows a Hainan gibbon and its baby ape at the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest in south China's Hainan Province. (Forestry Department of Hainan Province/Handout via Xinhua)

HAIKOU, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- As Li Wenyong hunkered down under a tree and adjusted his camera, several daring Hainan gibbons hung their bodies upside down and touched his head and equipment with their hands.

Li, 53, is a forest ranger at the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest in south China's Hainan Province. He resides in Miao Village of Qingsong Township, which is under the jurisdiction of Baisha Li Autonomous County. It is the nearest village to the park's Bawangling area, which is the habitat of the Hainan gibbons.

In addition to patrolling the mountains, he is also responsible for monitoring the gibbons. Every day at the break of dawn, Li prepares some water and food and embarks on his journey into the mountains. His job is to find and observe Hainan gibbons based on their sounds, and record the mammals' latest situation with a camera and pen.

Hainan gibbons, which live in rainforest trees over 10 meters high, rarely set foot on the ground out of prudence. The black-crested apes can only be found in the rainforests in Hainan.

Known as the world's rarest primate, Hainan gibbons have been listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

In the 1950s, the Hainan gibbon population stood at over 2,000. However, their numbers took a dramatic nosedive in the 1980s, dwindling to just about seven. This alarming decline pushed them to the brink of extinction.

In recent years, thanks to growing protection efforts, their population has risen. Latest official figures show that the gibbon population has increased to 37, consisting of six families in the island province.

Li used to be a farmer. He recalls that decades ago, local villagers began to open up land in the mountains because they had no land of their own. The situation led to forests being cut down, and the habitat of Hainan gibbons was threatened. The gibbons retreated deeper into the mountains. In 2010, Li was hired by an animal and plant research organization to help find and record Hainan gibbons. The gibbons' long arms, dark faces and their interesting hair left Li feeling intrigued.

Li was both nervous and scared the first time he saw the Hainan gibbons up close.

"I was nervous because I was afraid that they would hide, and I would not be able to record them properly," he said. "I was also worried about poachers."

Li loves listening to the sounds of the gibbons. They give a warning call when encountering a flying squirrel. They make a warning sound to remind family members to stay alert when they see an eagle atop a tree. Every morning, the male apes sound the "assembly horn" to gather everyone before setting out for food.

"Without protection, this species would be extinct and never seen again," Li said.

In order to protect Hainan gibbons, Hainan authorities have launched relocation projects, with residents in the mountains moving out to give their living space to the gibbons.

Hainan has also seen more than 266.7 hectares of the gibbons' habitat restored through afforestation, and more than 300,000 tree species planted as food for the gibbons.

Local forestry authorities have set up special monitoring teams, with many rangers going into the rainforests and devoting all their energy to the protection of Hainan gibbons.

Over the past 13 years, Li Wenyong has taken 100,000 pictures of Hainan gibbons. He had one of them printed out and posted in the center of a wall in his living room. It is a picture of a Hainan gibbon family of three looking for food in a tree, one of Li's favorite pictures.

"I will guard them forever, until my legs can no longer run," Li said. 

This undated photo shows Li Wenyong checking photos of Hainan gibbons he took at the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest in south China's Hainan Province. (Forestry Department of Hainan Province/Handout via Xinhua)

This undated photo shows Li Wenyong taking photos of Hainan gibbons at the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest in south China's Hainan Province. (Forestry Department of Hainan Province/Handout via Xinhua)
Authorities arrested two inmates incarcerated at the South Dakota State Penitentiary Thursday morning who Attorney General Marty Jackley said attacked two state correctional officers, according to a press release.

Inmates Lester Monroe, 48, and Kyle Jones, 30, allegedly carried out the assault against an unnamed correctional officer at 8:30 a.m. in Unit D of the prison's Jameson Annex, a press release stated.

A second unnamed correctional officer was assaulted after attempting to help the officer who was initially under attack, the release stated. Both officers were taken to a local hospital and later released.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

More: Two rabid bats found near Great Plains Zoo farm in Sioux Falls

This was a violent incident where officers were assaulted, Jackley said in a news release. Department of Corrections staff responded quickly and took control of the situation. My thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families.

The Attorney General's Office is filing one charge of attempted murder and two charges of aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer against both Monroe and Jones as a result of the attacks against the two officers.

Monroe is serving time for a charge of simple assault on law enforcement from Minnehaha County and a charge of receiving or transferring a stolen vehicle from Bennett County.

More: How safe can carbon pipelines in South Dakota be? Inside the debate between Navigator, landowners

Jones is currently serving time for the charges of first degree manslaughter, eluding a police officer and unauthorized ingestion of a controlled substance from Minnehaha County.

The State Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the incident. The Attorney Generals Office is handling the prosecution.

This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Two inmates arrested for alleged attack on State Prison officers
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.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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
As a group of poll workers  two Democrats and one Republican  were leaving a voting center in Sun City on the evening of Nov. 1, 2022, they encountered a voter in the parking lot.

The dark-haired man, 5-foot-8 and about 160 pounds, was holding two ballots and walking toward the polling place.

When the group told him it was closed, he quickly became irate.

The voter indicated that he was going to try to vote anyway and began charging toward the door, according to a report on the encounter filed by Annarose Lilly, a Democrat and the voting location's head poll worker.

Another worker "walked toward the voter and told him the poll was closed. At that point, the voter started cussing. ... The voter continued to become agitated and said that we liberals allow a lot of fake ballots."

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The Sun City incident is one of 66 politically charged disruptions and conflicts between poll workers, election observers and voters during last year's general election reported to officials in Maricopa County.

Elections professionals nationwide continue to face intense scrutiny after unfounded allegations of widespread fraud surfaced during the 2020 presidential race. In Arizona, local elections officials have seen an onslaught of threats that have driven some from their jobs. They have long warned that conspiracy theories spread by some Republican officials and candidates could manifest in conflicts at the polls.

Reports made by poll workers and voters during the 2022 election show some of those predictions have become reality. Election officials are concerned about how they'll keep poll workers safe  and what effect increased hostility at the polls will have on voter turnout, poll workers and polling sites.

The reports, called "goldenrod forms" because of the color of the paper they are written on, are filled out by poll workers  and sometimes observers and voters  to make notes and document problems at polling sites. They offer an insider's view into the challenges and experiences of election workers in the state's largest county on Election Day. The Sun City report was dated Nov. 1, during early in-person voting, but most were written on Election Day.

Not all interactions documented by the 2022 election reports were as hostile as the one in Sun City. Some were more banal and resolved quickly.

For instance, one poll worker wrote of asking a family to stop taking selfies inside a polling place. The images violate state law, which bans anyone from taking photographs while inside or within a certain distance of a voting location. The family agreed, apologized and went on their way.

But many describe threatening behavior that appears related to election conspiracies.

Goldenrod forms submitted about issues at Maricopa County polling locations.

While reviewing the nearly 500 reports submitted for the November election, The Republic found:

Reports of tensions between poll workers, observers and voters were mentioned in about 14% of the forms. Poll workers and election officials said the number of incidents increased in 2022.

A majority of the reports mention the printer problems that plagued many of Maricopa County's polling sites on Election Day or other technical issues. These reports reflect election workers' frustrations as equipment issues led to long lines and angry voters. In some cases, voters saw the problems as proof of election fraud.

A handful relate to low supplies and lines at polling sites.

A small number report mistakes by poll workers, which were either corrected on the spot or documented for election officials to resolve later. For instance, a poll worker reported on one form that she accidentally mixed up two voters' ballots, but canceled and reprinted them.

A few of the notes mention instances in which officials with the U.S. Department of Justice entered polling sites. Maricopa County was one of five Arizona counties and 64 jurisdictions nationally where the DOJ monitored polls for compliance with federal voting rights laws.

Just over 100 forms contain other accounts that couldn't be categorized. These include everything from short, end-of-the-day notes from observers  "Everything ran smoothly," wrote one Republican observer at the end of her shift in El Mirage  to reports of medical emergencies among poll workers and voters. The forms are handwritten, and in some cases, The Arizona Republic couldn't fully decipher the accounts. Other reports had so few details that they couldn't be categorized.

The Republic reached out to Democratic and Republican workers involved in the incidents described in the forms. One wouldn't agree to talk on the record, citing concern for her personal safety, and six others didn't return The Republic's calls.

Some of those who did agree to speak acknowledged that they might receive harassment and backlash for doing so.

"Maybe I'll regret this, but I'm just like, 'I am not going to be intimidated by these bullies,'" Lilly said. "That's it."

This summer, election officials are focused on finding polling locations for 2024 and keeping everyone safe. Maricopa County Elections Director Scott Jarrett said he is concerned about ballot drop box observers and conflicts at the polls, but also worries that reports of such incidents will cultivate fear around elections, making voters think twice about turning out.

"It's incredibly frustrating that we have people that don't have confidence in this process," Jarrett said. "And it's because there is a well-resourced campaign to build that distrust."

Forms document conflicts, disruptions and electioneering

Goldenrod forms submitted about issues at Maricopa County polling locations.

At an unidentified polling station, a poll worker approached a voter openly carrying a gun. Initially, the man said he was unaware that he couldn't bring his weapon into the voting center but later admitted that he knew it was illegal, the poll worker wrote.

At Sunrise United Methodist Church in Phoenix, a woman in a white SUV parked near the entrance to the polling station and screamed at voters as they walked in to cast their ballots.

And in another report, a lawyer entered Palm Lane Elementary School in west Phoenix to speak with a Republican observer about "proper identification of a voter and other issues."

"He didn't ask poll inspector or staff about permission to be here," the report notes.

All are evidence of problematic Election Day scenarios that have increased in recent years as electoral distrust has grown, Jarrett said.

Every election has conflicts, he said, and with more in-person voters in Maricopa County in 2022 than in 2020, it makes sense that there might have been an increase in disruptions last year. But he doesn't believe an increase in in-person voters entirely accounts for the uptick in polling place disturbances. At least some of the increase is attributable to distrust of elections, he said.

And, he said, the reports of electioneering, conflicts, threats and disruptions contained within the goldenrod forms are likely an undercount of such incidents. Jarrett said he's received other reports of concerning activity via the Election Department's poll worker hotline and in post-election conversations with staff and representatives of voting locations. Additionally, poll workers at some voting sites that didn't turn in any goldenrod forms still said they experienced disruptions and threatening behavior from voters.

Politically charged voting disruptions and conflicts aren't limited to Maricopa County. Local election officials across the country have reported threatening behavior at the polls, according to David Becker, executive director of the Center for Election and Innovation Research, a nonpartisan organization that works to build confidence in elections.

"I hear these stories all the time from election officials where they tell me that they've heard their poll workers have experienced harassing conduct," he said. "These aren't widely reported all the time."

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Printers, tabulators played into false voter fears, forms show

Erin Smith was nervous coming into the November election.

She already had worked a rough August election where county-issued pens smeared some ballots. The problem only occurred at a few voting locations, and nobody was prevented from voting, but the issue annoyed voters and Smith, a Republican, said she endured a long shift filled with irate people.

As a troubleshooter, she was tasked in November with addressing any issues that might arise at several polling sites in the northern part of the county, including Desert Hills Community Church and Outlets at Anthem. The first 20 minutes of Election Day went smoothly, she said, and then the tabulators at one of her sites began rejecting ballots.

"The mood of the building changed," Smith said. "People immediately got pissed off."

Things went downhill from there, she said. Nobody directly threatened her with violence, but she was cursed at and berated by frustrated voters. Several hurled insults at her and a few tore up their ballots, threw down the pieces of paper and walked out, she said.

No goldenrod forms were turned in for either of the polling sites Smith worked, showing that these records underrepresent the number of issues experienced at polling places last year.

Goldenrod forms submitted about issues at Maricopa County polling locations.

A number of the forms reviewed by The Republic that were submitted by voters mentioned printer problems. Some also expressed discontent with tabulators and pushed for a hand count in Maricopa County.

"Machines working sometimes and not taking ballots at times," one voter at a Scottsdale polling location wrote. "Same old crap. We are better than this. I demand hand counting. ... This is ridiculous."

Proponents of hand counting argue that it is more secure and would increase trust in elections. But tabulators are air-gapped  disconnected from the internet and from other machines that might be connected to the internet  and numerous studies have concluded that human error could make hand counting less accurate than a tabulator count.

There are also many logistical barriers to the idea, including costs and staffing needs, and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes recently warned that hand counts might violate state law.

Other voters took the printer problems as proof of fixed election results. A voter in Sun City wrote that he "reluctantly" submitted his ballot via a secure box used for tabulator misreads after attempting to cast his vote several times at two different polling sites. The box, known as "door 3," allows voters to drop their completed ballots into the tabulator to be counted later at the county's election facility.

"I dont feel comfortable about this coincidence," the voter wrote.

Smith said she went home "traumatized" by Election Day.

"When you're surrounded by a crowd of very angry people, they don't really have to make direct physical threats," Smith said. "It's an extremely uncomfortable experience just by itself."

Keeping voters and election workers safe

Goldenrod forms submitted about issues at Maricopa County polling locations.

The day after the Sun City incident, which took place early in the in-person voting period, the voting location's head poll worker called an all-hands morning meeting.

Lilly and her team were concerned the man from the night before might come back, she said, perhaps with weapons. They wanted to be ready in case he did.

"We just kind of went through it," she said. "We just said, basically, 'If somebody comes in here with a gun, what are we going to do? We're going to get out as fast as we can. So, always watch your back and know where the exits are.'"

One of her poll workers contacted the Sheriff's Office asking for deputies to provide additional security at the polling site. Initially, Lilly's team hoped a deputy could be on-site when they were in the building.

But law enforcement can scare away voters, Jarrett said, and balancing that concern with security needs is often a complex decision.

"When that call came in, it was me working with the Sheriff's Office on what was the best response  what they could provide, what we felt comfortable with," he said. "And definitely having a sheriff's presence outside a voting location during operations was not something that we felt comfortable with."

Instead, Jarrett told Lilly and other poll workers at the Sun City site that a deputy would sit in the parking lot at closing so that they could safely get to their cars.

In an urgent, life-threatening situation, deputies would still respond as normal, Jarrett said. In most cases, however, election workers are encouraged to try de-escalating the situation themselves rather than calling law enforcement for help. Jarrett said de-escalation techniques to calm upset voters have become a major part of poll worker training over the years.

When law enforcement does need to respond to the polls for an incident, they typically do so in an unmarked vehicle and not in full uniform, Jarrett said.

So far, that system has worked. Lilly said the man who her colleagues encountered in the parking lot didn't come back. Amid the printer problems on Election Day, she worried that her team might "have an insurrection on our hands," but she and other poll workers  whose pay started at $12.80 per hour  successfully defused situations that arose throughout the day.

"It's a matter of survival," she said. "If we don't de-escalate, our lives could be at stake. ... We are the first line of defense. Whether it's fair or not, that's the way it is."

Will poll workers come back? Election officials brace for 2024

Although cases of harassment and threats of violence are becoming more common nationwide, the vast majority of election workers and voters aren't impacted, said Becker, the Center for Election and Innovation Research head.

"The number of voters or poll workers affected by this are probably in the hundreds nationwide out of hundreds of millions of voters and poll workers," he said.

But he and Jarrett worry that broader perspective might get lost in reports of such incidents and drive away voters from the polls. Becker said he encourages concerned voters to mail in their ballot or vote early since most incidents tend to happen on Election Day.

Jarrett is preparing for the 2024 election cycle by expanding de-escalation training for poll workers. He'll also begin meeting with the Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement partners as voting draws closer, he said.

In the meantime, he's worried about finding churches, schools, community centers, shopping centers and other places willing to serve as polling locations.

"We're hearing feedback from our facilities that are not wanting to be voting locations because of electioneering going on," he said, adding that roughly 50 locations that served as polling sites during the 2020 election didn't come back for 2022.

Finding poll workers, he said, is less of a concern. Although some who worked on Election Day may not come back, it's normal for a significant number of election workers each year to be new to the polls, Jarrett said.

Lilly said she intends to return. Most of her fellow poll workers from the Sun City site who are planning to sit out future elections will do so for reasons unrelated to fear or harassment, she said, although she knows of one who won't come back because he was so infuriated by verbal abuse from voters.

"He was just not going to take it," she said. "He wasn't afraid, but he was angry."

Initially, Smith was so frustrated by her experience as an election worker that she didn't plan to work the next cycle.

"I was super, super pissed," she said.

Her mind has changed since then, she said. If she has the opportunity to work another election, she'll take it.

"We need people to do this sort of stuff," Smith said. "And it would be wrong for me to encourage people to do it when I am unwilling to do it myself. We have to have elections, and we have to have people who run these elections, and we have to have people from across the political spectrum that are willing to pitch in."

Sasha Hupka covers Maricopa County, Pinal County and regional issues for The Arizona Republic. Do you have a tip to share on elections or voting? Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on Twitter: @SashaHupka.

Eryka Forquer contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Maricopa County 'goldenrod' forms detail Election Day tension at polls
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).

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

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.

Related
A woman and two teenagers were charged in Michigan after being arrested for allegedly kidnapping 14-day-old twins.

The Wayne County Prosecutors Office charged three Detroit residents  Curtis Lee Slay, 18, Davion Demetrius Sherman Chandler, 19, and Shantell Re-Azia Jones, 23  in connection with the abduction.

On 20 August, just after 10pm, the trio allegedly kidnapped the infants from their hotel room in Livonia, when their 30-year-old mother briefly stepped out of the room, according to the offices press release.

Thats when the twins mother called 911, sparking an Amber Alert. The following day, at 9.45am, the babies were recovered safely, as they were turned in to the Detroit Police Department.

ADVERTISEMENT Advertisement

The press release said Ms Jones allegedly befriended the mother of the twins all the while intending to steal them from their mother. The two teenagers helped Ms Jones, the police statement alleged.

The three have been charged with two counts of kidnapping, two counts of unlawful imprisonment, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping, and three counts of larceny in a building. Police previously said a fourth arrest was made in connection with the kidnapping, but the press release suggested the individual arrested was a minor.

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 previous statement said.

Twin babies are safe after being kidnapped from a hospital in Detroit prompting an Amber Alert (Michigan State Police)

It is hard to imagine a worse scenario for a new mother. The evidence in this case will show that these defendants engaged in a scheme to dupe the mother of these barely two-week-old babies. They allegedly promised her some much-needed assistance to gain access to her children with the express intent on stealing them, said Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

All three were denied bond, court records show. They are all scheduled to appear at a probable cause conference on 31 August.

The court attorney who represented the trio at their arraignment told The Detroit News none of them had a criminal history, and added that Ms Jones is a single mother of two young daughters; she reportedly noted she turned herself in to police.
Nothing says summer like ice cream.

School may be back in session for some and soon for others, but its still August and still summer. While temperatures were in the 100s last week and remain in the 80s-90s now, searching out an icy snack offers welcome and tasty relief.

Last summer, Santiago Ochoa put together a comprehensive guide to the best ice cream treats in Yakima for Explore. It featured La Michoacana on South First Street and Nob Hill Boulevard, Ashleys Botanas Locas and Icy Tai. Those recommendations still stand, and you can find the story on our website for full details.

But we knew we missed some favorites. This years list features treats that are made with love in Sunnyside, Wapato and Ellensburg.

If you havent tried Paleteria La Nortenas massive selection of treats, you need to get yourself to Sunnyside as soon as possible. Same goes for Winegars ice cream, which is a well-loved treasure made in Ellensburg.

Staying away from dairy? We have a plant-based offering thats chock-full of healthful blueberries and made in Wapato.

Here we go, back for a double scoop:

Paleteria La Nortena

You dont have to travel far for paletas, especially when Paleteria La Nortena are made in Sunnyside.

Paletas are Mexican-style ice cream bars and ice pops.

Paleteria La Nortena can be found in plenty of corner stores in the Yakima Valley and are also sold by mobile vendors.

Visitors can buy a dozen paletas, made in a variety of flavors, for $11 at Paleteria La Nortenas ice cream shop at 120 Rohman St. in Sunnyside. They are also worth seeking out at other locations like the Jones Farm stand near Granger, where they are stocked in a freezer case.

Flavors include bubble gum, pineapple, strawberry, lime and more, as well as exotic, unique flavors such as hibiscus Jamaica, mango chile and vanilla with raisin. Some of the flavors are made with large, bite-size pieces of fruit.

We highly recommend the rice pudding, which was creamy, not too sweet and perfect on a sweltering day.

Sorbattos Blue Cream

Sorbattos Blue Cream is a frozen dessert that is manufactured in Wapato and can be found in several locations in Yakima.

The blue cream is made from the creamy parts of blueberry fruit, grown at Blueberry Hills Berries, 1502 W. Wapato Road in Wapato. Sorbattos is completely plant-based and is dairy-, gluten-, nut- and soy-free.

Sorbattos Blue Cream is available in six flavors: blackberry, lemon, raspberry, grape, blue passion (passion fruit) and dark blue. They are all delicious.

The dark blue flavor of Sorbattos Blue Cream is a chocolate frosty blue and consists of only seven ingredients: blueberries, water, organic cane sugar, hemp hearts, organic chocolate liquor, vanilla extract and sea salt.

Sorbattos Blue Cream can be purchased online at www.sorbatto.com. You can also find locations on their website.

Yakima locations include Wrays Marketfresh-Southgate, 401 W. Nob Hill Blvd.; Wrays-Meadowbrook, 7200 W. Nob Hill Blvd; Wrays-Chalet, 5605 Summitview Ave.; and Johnson Orchards, 4906 Summitview Ave.

Winegars

Winegars Coffee and Creamery has been an Ellensburg institution for over 30 years now, serving up scoops of small-batch, handcrafted ice cream.

There are two locations in Ellensburg, a stand-alone store front at 1013 E. University Way, and one connected to Jerrols at 111 E. University Way.

Current hours at the University Way and Alder Street location are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays. Hours at the Jerrols location are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. (These hours are temporary; for up-to-date information, visit winegars.us or call 509-933-1821 for both locations.)

Owned and operated by the Winegar family, the ice cream making process is like using an old-fashioned hand crank freezer but on a larger scale.

Our ice cream is made 9 gallons at a time. Thats equal to 36 quarts, 72 pints, or about 288 scoops at a time, the Winegars website states.

Winegars ice cream flavors are named after family members or after local areas of interest. Unique in name and flavor, visitors can sample Grandma Sarahs Cookie, Holstein Thunder, Wildcat Chocomint and more.

Popular flavors at the 1013 E. University Way location include Gary Dough, made with maple ice cream with chocolate chip cookie dough pieces, and Jacobs Caramel Brownie, made with chocolate ice cream with brownies and caramel swirl.

Ice cream is sold by the scoop in cups or waffle cones or bowls for a little extra. A kids scoop runs $2.79, one scoop costs $3.49 and the waffle is an extra 69 cents.

Ice cream is also available to go: $6.49 per pint, $11.99 per quart or $16.99 per half-gallon.

If youre looking for a specialty treat, theres the traditional banana split featuring your choice of ice cream with banana slices, hot fudge, caramel and whipped cream. The banana split costs $10.99.

Go extra and try the Cow Pie  Wildcat Chocomint ice cream (creme de menthe ice cream with chocolate chips) with hot fudge, sandwich cookies and whipped cream for $7.69.

Washington Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards

If a trip to Ellensburg isnt on your calendar, dont fret. Winegars can be found in Yakima and the flavors rotate regularly at Washington Fruit Place at Barrett Orchards, 1209 Pecks Canyon Road.

Hours at Barrett Orchards are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Visitors can find 12 flavors at any given time at Barrett Orchards and they change often. A single scoop comes in a dish or cake cone for $4, a double scoop costs $8, and you can upgrade your cone to a waffle cone for only 50 cents.

Barrett Orchards can also make a milkshake out of any ice cream for $8.

Popular flavors at Barrett Orchards include Lavender Salted Caramel, made of lavender flavored ice cream with salted caramel swirls. Another fan favorite is VickieBerry, huckleberry ice cream with a huckleberry swirl.

If fruit isnt your flavor, scoop up Aubreys Peanut Butter Cup: vanilla ice cream with peanut butter cups and a peanut butter swirl.
You are the owner of this article.
Ivermectin tablets arranged in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned Americans against taking ivermectin, a drug usually used on animals, as a treatment or prevention for COVID-19. (Dimas Ardian / Bloomberg)
Volunteers try to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

ATHENS, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire in the Viotia region of Greece, about 100 kilometers northwest of Athens, caused damages to a UNESCO World Heritage site on Wednesday, the Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

The 10th-century Hosios Loukas monastery is listed among the country's most important monuments of Byzantine-era architecture. One of the oldest buildings at the complex has been damaged, according to AMNA.

Meanwhile, the wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said.

The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure.

The situation on Mount Parnitha was critical, Greece's Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias told journalists here.

The Fire Brigade was called in to combat 355 forest fires across the country between Friday and Tuesday, he said.

Over 40,000 hectares of forested zones and farmland were destroyed in wildfires between Saturday and Monday, according to estimates published by the National Observatory of Athens based on satellite data.

Meanwhile, a Supreme Court prosecutor has ordered an investigation into the cause of the wildfires near the city of Alexandroupolis in the north that have been burning for the fifth day now, the Fire Brigade said.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, five individuals were arrested in the country on suspicion of causing fires either by neglect or intentionally, according to the Fire Brigade.

In a forest near Alexandroupolis, the authorities on Tuesday recovered the charred bodies of 18 people, including two minors, who had lost their lives in the flames. Local authorities said they believed the victims may be migrants, who had entered the country illegally.

"We mourn for their loss, for the irreparable losses suffered by our fellow citizens, and for the destruction of nature, and we are grieving over our inability to prevent it," Greece's President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said in an e-mailed statement. 

A firefighter and a volunteer try to extinguish a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter removes a gas tank from a building near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A volunteer works to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A volunteer tries to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Volunteers and a firefighter battle a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Firefighters try to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Volunteers battle a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter tries to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter tries to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Volunteers try to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A firefighter tries to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Volunteers try to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

A volunteer walks near a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)

Volunteers try to control a wildfire near Athens, Greece, on Aug. 23, 2023. Wildfires raging around Greece's capital spread to the Mount Parnitha National Park, northwest of Athens, on Wednesday, the Fire Brigade said. The blaze that broke out on Tuesday at the mountain's foot has already damaged homes and scorched forested land. Nearby settlements and a migrant camp were evacuated as a precautionary measure. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
More than 6,000 Washingtonians weighed in on what should shape the new Washington State Parks logo. (Washington State Parks)
If you are sending a Letter To the Editor, please be sure to follow these rules:

Letters have a firm 200-word limit and will be edited for grammar, clarity and accuracy.

The person who signs the letter must be the author. Anonymous letters will not be considered. Letters must address the editor, not a third party.

We will not print form letters, libelous letters, business promotions or personal disputes, poetry, open letters, letters espousing religious views without reference to a current issue, or letters considered in poor taste.

Letters reflect the opinion of the writer. The Yakima Herald-Republic cannot verify the accuracy of all statements made in letters.

Writers are limited to one published letter per calendar month.
Fishermen dry fishing nets at Tsurishihama Fishing Port in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said it will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant. The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website no sooner than Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

Fishes are seen at Tsurishihama Fishing Port in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said it will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant. The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website no sooner than Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

A fisherman cleans at Tsurishihama Fishing Port after fishing in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said it will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant. The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website no sooner than Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

Fishermen return to Tsurishihama Fishing Port after fishing in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said it will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant. The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website no sooner than Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

Fisherman Ono Haruo sits at Tsurishihama Fishing Port after fishing in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said it will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant. The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website no sooner than Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

Fisherman Ono Haruo arranges fishes at Tsurishihama Fishing Port in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, despite raging opposition from both at home and abroad.

Japan's Fisheries Agency said it will monitor concentration levels of radioactive materials in fish caught within a 10-km radius of the power plant. The first results are expected to be released on the agency's website no sooner than Saturday. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
Today

Windy with clear skies. Low 59F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Windy with clear skies. Low 59F. Winds N at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunny with gusty winds. High around 80F. Winds N at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd. in south China's Guangdong Province, Aug. 23, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in south China's Guangdong Province from Tuesday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has stressed the importance of adhering to reform and opening-up, forging ahead with innovation, creating new advantages for high-quality development, and making solid progress in advancing Chinese modernization.

Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during an inspection tour in south China's Guangdong Province from Tuesday to Thursday.

On Tuesday, Li inspected Dongguan Yutong Optical Technology Co., Ltd., and encouraged the company to continue its work and rely on innovation to open up new space for development.

He observed a demonstration of new products and technologies at Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory, and expressed a wish to promote deep industry-university-research integration further and strive to make greater progress in core technology breakthroughs.

At the China Spallation Neutron Source, Li stressed the importance of unremittingly strengthening basic research, and of contributing to achieving China's self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

On Wednesday, Li inspected BTR New Material Group Co, Ltd., SmartMore Corporation Limited, Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd., and Huawei.

He commended the achievements the enterprises have made in innovation and development, encouraging them to continue working toward the top international level and gain a competitive advantage in the market with their technologies and products.

Li urged relevant parties to continue optimizing government services and creating a favorable environment for the development of enterprises.

At a construction site of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan link, Li urged efforts to advance the project's high-standard and high-quality construction so that the mega project will be able to support the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area better.

When visiting the Qianhai Kerry Centre on Wednesday, Li heard a report on the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone and underscored the need to give full play to its location and policy advantages, contributing to cooperation between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Li hosted a symposium during his inspection tour and listened to reports from relevant government departments and heads of companies based in Shenzhen City and Guangdong Province.

During the symposium, he said that China is in a critical period of economic transformation and upgrading. He underlined the importance of maintaining the country's determination to promote high-quality development, and of continuing efforts to shift its growth model, improve its economic structure, and push for greater growth momentum.

Efforts should be made to promote scientific and technological innovation, increase investment in basic research, focus on cultivating innovative enterprises, and accelerate the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry, Li said.

He stressed the importance of implementing reforms to stimulate the vitality of various business entities, accelerate the construction of a unified national market, and create a first-class business environment.

He urged efforts to introduce more creative initiatives in the steady expansion of institutional opening-up, stabilize international market shares, and make greater efforts to attract and utilize foreign capital.

Li fully affirmed Guangdong's achievements in economic and social development, and expressed hope that Guangdong would be at the forefront of the advancement of Chinese modernization and strive to make greater contributions to the overall development of the country. 

Chinese Premier Li Qiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, inspects Songshan Lake Materials Laboratory in south China's Guangdong Province, Aug. 22, 2023. Li made an inspection tour in south China's Guangdong Province from Tuesday to Thursday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Our directory features more than 18 million business listings from across the entire US. However, if we're missing your business, add your business by clicking on Add Your Business.
Oradea  o lectie de dezvoltare

Prin Oradea adie un aer matasos si dulce de toamna, care vine si de la parfumul de lume veche, civilizata, de la calmul vietii, de la parcurile cotropite de frunze si de la aerul de cetate supravietuind dintr-o istorie medievala agitata. Cetatea aflata aproape in centrul Orazii (cum zic unii), restaurata cu fonduri europene, gazduieste [citeste mai departe]
This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows members of the Canadian Armed Forces walking on a scorched land near Hay River in Northwest Territories, Canada. (Canadian Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows a helicopter gathering water to douse hotspots near Hay River in Northwest Territories, Canada. (Canadian Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2023 shows members of the Canadian Armed Forces conducting a firefighting operation near Hay River in Northwest Territories, Canada. (Canadian Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo taken on Aug. 21, 2023 shows a large expanse of scorched land near Hay River in Northwest Territories, Canada. (Canadian Armed Forces/Handout via Xinhua)
LMP is on Wednesday submitting a bill on seeking to disclose files on communist-era state security apparatus for the 28th time.

The opposition partys lawmaker Laszlo Lorant Keresztes spoke to the press on the occasion of European Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Totalitarian Dictatorships.



Dictatorships secrets cant be the bedrock of a democracy, he said, adding that LMP had brought the bill, which sought to reveal how state security turned their political power into economic power, multiple times before MPs since 2014.



The ruling Fidesz-led parliamentary majority stymied the attempt 27 times, he added. He insisted that every government in office since the change in political system bore a heavy responsibility for all of this.



Govt Official Commemorates Victims of Totalitarianism



Bence Retvari, state secretary of the interior ministry, attended a commemoration in Budapest on Wednesday marking the European Day of Remembrance for Victims of Totalitarian Regimes.



Once guided by the motto God, homeland, and family, we will avoid extremism and save our nation from dictatorship, and prevent it from losing its freedom, Retvari said in his address at the ceremony.



There is little difference between Nazism and Communism: both reject Christianity and bourgeois democracy, therefore it is justified to commemorate the victims of both kinds of dictatorship on the same day, he said.



The goal, he added, was not to distinguish between victim and victim  and to prevent those ideologies from being revived or redistributed anywhere in the world.



Maria Schmidt, director of the House of Terror Museum, pointed to increasing efforts in recent years to separate Communist and Nazi ideologies, as if those two vile world views did not have anything common  as if their nature were different.



Fascism, Nazism, and Communism are all leftist, Socialist ideologies  walking hand-in-hand, relying on each other and utilising each others components, she said.
We must admit that we do not know everything, and we will be wiser than [US President Joe] Biden, his government, or Ambassador Pressman, American television host and commentator Tucker Carlson said at a talk with Prime Minister Viktor Orbans political director in Budapest.

Referring to David Pressman, Carlson said the US ambassador to Hungary did not understand Hungary or Hungarians: You dont know anything about [Hungary], you dont speak Hungarian. Leave!



During the talk with Balazs Orban, who also heads the board of the organiser Mathias Corvinus Collegium, Carlson also insisted that the US had sabotaged Germanys energy supplies.



The Biden administration blew up NordStream  and the Germans wont say anything about it. Carlson said NATO was on the brink of collapse, according to a report on the website mandiner.hu.



Meanwhile, Carlson said Hungary was inspiring for the US as it knows who it is, knows its own culture and was trying to preserve it. Hungary, he added, was a central topic in US think-tanks.



While many are trying to stop Hungary, Hungarian politics remains moderate, he said.



No one seems on the verge on killing anybody else  [Hungarian politics] doesnt seem super-heated and crazy, it doesnt seem revolutionary, he said.



He praised Hungary for remaining Western and a NATO member while communicating: Weve got our own thing going on here  maybe just leave us alone.



Hungary is a model of how you can preserve your dignity and have a pro-human society without killing anybody, without screaming and without blowing up what you already have, he said.



Carlson also urged young people to read paper books as opposed to electronic devices.



Schools come and go and their purpose changes over time  modern universities are now anti-God  but books dont change, and they help people to discern between good and bad, he said.



"I have to start by apologizing for the American ambassador, because his behaviour is disgusting and unacceptable!, Carlson started by saying in his monologue about Pressman.



"I grew up as the child of a diplomat, so I have some insight into diplomatic customs. Diplomacy is the art of trying to convince the other party, without violence, to come to our position", he continued his speech.



"Two countries have different cultures and backgrounds, which are often difficult to understand, which is precisely why we hire people who understand the other culture or speak the other language. We don't take it up in order to push the other country into a situation it doesn't want to be in, and then point the finger at it," emphasised Carlson.



"For me, Pressman is not a diplomat, but a political activist, and he wants to educate the Hungarians," he said, adding,



"This also harms the interests of the Americans, and the ambassador disgusts and infuriates me!" He continued, "Its task is not to criticize the culture of the other country, but to help the two sides communicate".



According to Carlson, under normal circumstances, the US Ambassador should be fired immediately.



"I'm ashamed to be born in the same country," Carlson concluded by saying.



MCC Feszt After, organized jointly by Mathias Corvinus Collegium and Mandiner, hosted Tucker Carlson, one of the world's most influential media personalities, on August 22 at Millenaris Park in Budapest. The event was free of charge and open to the public with Hungarian translation provided.



Featured photo via PM Orbans Facebook page
The fresh newsletter for the International Community in Hungary - described by readers as a "Great read each week" - is now available for your interest and use via the link below.

You can see the new edition of the Xpat E-Magazine here:

https://xpatloop.com/newsletters/2023/24-august.html



1. First up, here's a quick look at 5 fresh, varied and trending Video Articles on the expat portal:

* Watch: Europes Largest Fireworks Display Held in Budapest for Hungary's Birthday,

* Controversial Comments by Carlson in Budapest inc Calling on US Ambo to Leave,

* WAC: Largest Sporting Event in Hungarys History, Now On Until 27 August,

* Help Sent by Hungary to Fire-Ravaged Hawaiian Islands,

* Film Tour of Budapests Historic Coffeehouses.



2. Next, you can see a wide selection of events happening these days below and in Xpat Calendar:

E.g. Savaria Historical Carnival, Bartok Goes Jazz, Sundeer Shaman Gathering, Bladerunnaz Party.



3. Also for your interest there are new Movies and Specials, plus News, Information & Inspiration:

E.g. Free Lanchid Festival, Rip-off Taxis, Enchanting Danube Islands, Anti-Orban Graffiti, Zoo Night.



We hope you like what's in it for you.

Best wishes from Team XpatLoop
Nestled on the southern fringes of Budapest, the vibrant enclave known as Chinatown has emerged as a real cultural and culinary hub. Containing over a dozen Chinese eateries, this area stands as a testament Budapests ethnic diversity and cultural fusion.

As you navigate through culinary landscape of the Monori Center or explore Jozsefvaros market, you'll uncover a tapestry woven with flavours, stories and the enduring spirit of Budapests Chinese community.



Home to more than 30,000 individuals, Budapest proudly hosts the most extensive Chinese community in Central Europe. Its roots trace back to the period between 1989 and 1992 when a wave of Chinese immigrants arrived, drawn by the absence of visa restrictions and the abundant economic prospects following the collapse of Communism.







These newcomers, primarily from rural regions in eastern China, particularly Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, sought to carve out better lives in Europe.



Initially, they established markets on the outskirts of Budapest, peddling affordable imported goods, predominantly clothing.



While some flourished over time, the majority persevered as vendors, working from sunrise to sunset. The 1990s marked the zenith of the Hungarian Chinese community, with nearly 50,000 members. However, subsequent years witnessed a significant exodus West or to transformed home towns in China.





Between 2013 and 2017, Budapest experienced a fresh influx of Chinese immigrants who participated in Hungary's immigration-by-investment initiative, securing Hungarian residency bonds.



Contrasting with their predecessors, these newcomers were more cosmopolitan and affluent, with bureaucratic costs ranging from 250,000 to 300,000. They favoured upscale neighbourhoods such as the Buda hills, compared to the working-class districts of south Pest that the initial wave settled in.



Correspondingly, upscale Chinese restaurants catered to this discerning demographic.







The heart of Budapests Chinatown

The Monori Center, focus for Budapests Chinese community, is located in Kobanya, slightly removed from the city centre. Its a key part of the local Chinese scene in Hungary, but this isnt the whole story.



The sprawling area of 80,000 square metres encompasses all kinds of clothing wholesalers along with an array of businesses catering to the local Chinese population.



From traditional Chinese medical centres and churches to massage parlours, pastry shops,and grocery stores, the Monori Center encapsulates a microcosm of Chinese culture.





Most notably, this is a haven for Chinese cuisine, housing Budapests better Chinese restaurants. Whether its upscale Sichuan fare or humble dumplings, the Monori Center delivers an authentic culinary experience that resonates with its predominantly Chinese clientele along with a regular stream of curious locals and expats.



Unlike conventional Western Chinatowns with their iconic pagodas and bustling street vendors, the Monori Center emanates a more subdued commercial atmosphere, resembling an outlet mall rather than a traditional Chinatown.







Nonetheless, its diverse and extensive dining options make it a captivating destination for epicurean exploration.



In relatively close proximity to the Monori Center lies Jozsefvaros market, an area teeming with Chinese and Vietnamese vendors within neglected industrial structures.



A lively and chaotic atmosphere characterises this locale, mirroring the spirit of a typical Chinatown. Hole-in-the-wall eateries, including a standout Chinese pancake shop, dot this bustling landscape.







Chinese Culinary Odyssey in Hungary



Leading Chinese restaurants in Budapest offer a pan-Chinese culinary journey, presenting signature dishes from various provinces. Sichuan's fiery flavours make an indelible mark, with restaurants like Yu Mantang, Spicy Fish and He He showcasing this trend.



While Hungary may lack coastal access, Budapest surprises with seafood-focused Chinese restaurants such as Milky Way, though they wont be cheap. Another emerging trend, hot potting, finds a home in Budapest. A communal experience akin to fondue, hot potting brings people together around a simmering broth, a feast of freshly cooked ingredients.







Getting there

To access Chinatown from central Budapest, take tram 28 from Blaha Lujza ter/Nepszinhaz utca to Mazsa utca ten stops and 17 minutes away.



In a further recent development, the Eastwin Square food court at Szallas utca 21 in District XI, on the Kobanya side of Nepliget, features an array of stalls offering authentic gastronomic delights from the Far East.



Tellingly, enter the gateway festooned with Chinese characters and you'll find mainly Asian diners tucking into succulent pork dishes, squid, yellow curry and Thai soups.



Words by Peterjon Cresswell for Xpatloop.com

Peterjon has been researching the byways of Budapest for 30 years, extending his expertise across Europe to produce guidebooks for Time Out and his own website liberoguide.com
The leading news website believes Ms Novak intends to assess the chances of a peace initiative in Ukraine.

Index quotes information from unnamed sources who suggest that President Novak is pondering how she could promote peace in Ukraine.



After her visit to the Hungarian community in Ukraines Subcarpathian region on Tuesday, she will meet President Zelensky in Kyiv on Wednesday and will be received by Pope Francis in the Vatican on Friday.



On Monday she received President Erdogan of Turkey and Index was told by its source that their discussions centred around how the bloodshed in Ukraine could end.



In Kyiv, President Novak will attend the Crimea Platform, an annual summit initiated by Ukrainian President Zelensky two years ago to put diplomatic pressure on Russia over its annexation of the Crimean Peninsula.



This opinion does not necessarily represent the views of XpatLoop.com or the publisher.

Your opinions are welcome too - for editorial review before possible publication online.

Click here to Share Your Story
A series of programmes to commemorate the August 20 Hungarian national holiday celebrating Hungarys statehood attracted a record number of visitors to the capital, the organisers told MTI.

Visitors to Budapest had a choice of over 100 programmes at more than 20 venues over three days.



The celebrations culminated in a fireworks, light and drone display in the evening on Sunday.





MTI Photo: Crowd on Margaret bridge on 20 August by Zoltan Balogh



The complex visual show included 34,000 fireworks lighting up the sky from 230 launch points and a light show using more than 1,100 intelligent lights, 61 high-performance laser projectors and another 34 laser devises, they noted.



Public televisions broadcast of the fireworks show also generated record ratings, they said.



Visitor numbers gave a significant boost to tourism in the capital as well as to the turnover of tens of thousands of businesses, the organisers said.



MTI Photo: Zsolt Szigetvary
New Delhi: Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group and a rebel against Russian President Vladimir Putin was killed in a plane accident on Wednesday, according to Russian police. Although there was no mention of a cause for the collision, the announcement led some to believe that Prigozhin had perished.

Putin had called the June uprising "treason," but the mercenary leader seemed to avoid imminent reprisal after reaching an agreement with the Kremlin to leave the country and travel to Belarus. (Also Read: 10 Investment Options To Grow Your Money)

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and owner of the X, reacted to Prigozhin's passing by saying that it took "longer" than he anticipated. He added, "Slight chance this is a psy op." In June, the Wagner commander entered Russia with his troops in order to overthrow Moscow's military authorities. (Also Read: LIC New Jeevan Shanti Plan: Get Up To Rs 1,42,508 Annual Pension - Check Calculator, Premiums, Eligibility Criteria, And More)

The 62-year-old was a passenger on a private aircraft that went down between Moscow and Saint Petersburg. The government reported that the initial information indicates that all 10 passengers, including three crew members, perished.

The crash of the MNT-Aero aircraft was to be investigated by a special commission, according to the Russian aviation regulator Rosaviatsia. The investigation into the crash has reportedly been launched by Russia's Investigative Committee.

According to emergency services cited by RIA Novosti, eight dead have so far been discovered at the crash scene.
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- While lingering headwinds have fueled concerns over global growth prospects, multiple indicators have pointed to the resilience and strength of the Chinese economy.

In the first half of the year (H1), China recorded a 5.5-percent GDP expansion, the fastest among major economies globally. This impressive performance was followed by robust growth in major economic indicators in the first seven months of 2023, with value-added industrial output and retail sales of consumer goods continuing to post steady increases.

Since the second quarter, several international organizations and institutions have revised their forecasts for China's economic growth this year upwards. The World Bank, for instance, raised its China growth forecast to 5.6 percent in June from January's projection of 4.3 percent.

Besides solid economic fundamentals, China has also secured growth in key areas such as grain and energy supply.

The country's annual grain output has steadied at over 1.3 trillion jin (650 billion kg) in recent years, while its power generation climbed 3.8 percent year on year during the January-July period.

New growth momentum is also building amid the country's transition to innovation-driven growth, with progress reported in several major sci-tech projects.

The C919, China's first homegrown large jetliner, made its commercial debut in May, while its first domestically-built large cruise ship completed its undocking in June, all of which bear testimony to China's growing strength in innovation.

Development of emerging sectors of strategic importance, seen as new drivers of growth by analysts, has also picked up pace in the first seven months of this year, as highlighted by the steady growth in high-tech and equipment manufacturing sectors.

In particular, exports of new energy vehicles more than doubled year on year in the first seven months to 636,000 units, an encouraging performance against the backdrop of flagging global trade.

Gu Yan, a researcher with the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), noted that innovation as a primary driving force for development has become stronger in the country, saying that it will facilitate industrial upgrading and encourage the emergence of new business models.

To further energize business vitality, Chinese authorities have pressed ahead with reform, unveiling a 31-measure guideline to bolster private economy and a document aimed at furthering opening up.

These policy measures have lent support to private economy, with the number of new self-employed households registering double-digit year-on-year growth in H1.

Looking ahead, China's growth prospects are well underpinned by its super-sized market and the development potential amid its efforts to foster a new development paradigm, analysts said.

With a population of 1.4 billion, the largest middle-income group in the world and continuous consumption upgrading, China's market holds great appeal among ambitious businesses across the globe.

The upcoming China International Fair for Trade in Services 2023, for instance, had attracted over 2,200 enterprises as of Sunday, with more than 500 of them being either Global Fortune 500 companies or industry-leading enterprises, data showed.

Zhang Zhanbin, a researcher with the Party School of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said that China's urbanization rate stands at 65.22 percent, well below the 80 or even 90 percent recorded in developed economies, thus boasting great development potential.

In addition, China has broadened its development space by opening up wider to the outside world. Since the beginning of this year, demand for China-Europe freight trains has been running high, while cargo transported via the China-Laos Railway increased by more than 90 percent year on year.

Such an opening-up pace will continue unabated, with Zhao Chenxin, deputy head of the NDRC, pledging that the country will open its door wider.

"China's development is set to provide more opportunities for the world and inject strong impetus for the global economy," said Zhao. 
NEW DELHI: Amidst the jubilation surrounding the historic achievement of Chandrayaan-3's lunar landing at the Moon's South Pole, the narratives of unsung heroes who played a pivotal role within the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are emerging as a wellspring of motivation for future generations. The tireless dedication of these ISRO scientists has undeniably propelled India to the forefront of lunar exploration, a testament to the nation's technological prowess and steadfast commitment to scientific advancement.

Among these trailblazers is Bharat Kumar, a young man hailing from the unassuming town of Charouda in Chhattisgarh. While his name might not be widely recognized, his journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born into a financially modest family, Bharat's father worked as a bank security guard, while his mother managed a humble tea stall.

The story of his ascent was shared by an individual named Aaraynsh, with a verified handle on the micro-blogging platform X (formerly Twitter).

There is a small town called Charouda in Chhattisgarh, unfamiliar to most of us, there lived a boy named Bharat. He belongs to a weak financial family. His father worked as a security guard at a bank and his mother ran a tea stall



Later age he went to Kendriya Vidyalaya Charouda pic.twitter.com/SPljhJHgQC  Aaraynsh (@aaraynsh) August 24, 2023

Bharat's educational path took him to Kendriya Vidyalaya Charouda, where his tenacity shone through. Despite financial constraints, he pursued his studies with vigour. The school extended its support by waiving his fees during the 9th grade. His diligence bore fruit, leading him to excel in the 12th grade and eventually secure a spot at IIT Dhanbad.

However, the financial challenges resurfaced. It was at this juncture that the business figures Arun Bagh and the Jindal Group from Raipur stepped in, providing the assistance he needed. Bharat's academic journey continued to thrive, culminating in a remarkable achievementa gold medal with an outstanding 98% score from IIT Dhanbad.

In a remarkable turn of events, during his 7th semester of engineering studies, Bharat's talents caught the attention of ISRO. At the age of 23, he was given the opportunity to contribute to the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

His story stands as a living embodiment of the adage "rising from the ashes like a phoenix." Bharat Kumar is not alone in his journey. Numerous individuals like him, hailing from modest backgrounds in small towns, are driving the dream of a new India forward each day.

Here are the other visionaries behind ISRO's lunar triumph:

S Somanath, ISRO Chairman: Taking the helm in January 2022, S Somanath has emerged as a driving force behind India's ambitious lunar pursuits. With a background in rocket technology development, his leadership has propelled missions like Chandrayaan-3, Aditya-L1 (Sun exploration), and Gaganyaan (India's maiden manned mission) to success. His expertise encompasses launch vehicle system engineering, architecture, propulsion, and integration.

P Veeramuthuvel, Chandrayaan-3 Project Director: Heading the Chandrayaan-3 project since 2019, P Veeramuthuvel, a PhD holder from IIT Madras, has become a linchpin of the mission. Hailing from Tamil Nadu's Villupuram district, his resolute leadership and previous roles, including Deputy Director at ISRO's Space Infrastructure Programme Office, have been instrumental.

S Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC: Leading VSSC in Kerala, S Unnikrishnan Nair played a pivotal role in developing GSLV Mark-III. His meticulous oversight and guidance have greatly contributed to the success of Chandrayaan-3.

M Sankaran, Director of URSC: Assuming leadership in 2021, M Sankaran guides URSC in crafting diverse satellites that cater to India's communication, navigation, remote sensing, and planetary exploration needs. URSC's contributions play a vital role in India's satellite endeavours.
Washington/London: Chandrayaan-3's successful soft-landing on the Moon to propel India into an elite group of nations was lauded by leading foreign media outlets as a marvellous achievement and a massive moment for the country's space exploration that has raised its profile as a spacefaring nation. From The New York Times to BBC and The Guardian to The Washington Post, the historic event in India's space programme on Wednesday made headlines across the globe. Mainstream American newspapers, many of which had been sceptical of India's space mission and sometimes even made fun of it through cartoons, noted the great Indian achievement.

"The Chandrayaan-3 mission makes India the first country to reach the lunar south polar region in one piece and adds to the achievements of the country's homegrown space programme," The New York Times reported. The Washington Post wrote a couple of stories covering various perspectives and an opinion piece to celebrate this historic occasion.

"It is a marvellous achievement for India's space programme - and symbolic of an important moment in geopolitics. For the successful landing came just days after a Russian mission to the same region went haywire and smashed into the lunar surface like a hammer coming down on the last nail in the coffin of Russia's decline," wrote David Von Drehle, Deputy Opinion Editor of the daily.

"'India Is on the Moon': Chandrayaan-3 Spacecraft Lands on Lunar South Pole," wrote The Wall Street Journal. The BBC headlined its article as 'Chandrayaan-3: India makes historic landing near Moon's south pole'. "This is a massive moment for India - and it bumps them up the space superpower list," Rebecca Morelle, BBC's science editor wrote.

"Landing on the Moon is far from easy ? as Russia's attempt this week highlighted ? and many missions have failed, including India's first attempt," she said. "The mission could cement India's 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," CNN said in the article 'India becomes the fourth country ever to land a spacecraft on the moon'.

Chandrayaan-3's landing site is also closer to the moon's 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, it said.

"Working alongside allies such as the United States and France, India is part of a second wave of emerging space powers. The country's space programme has become one of the world's busiest in its development of exploratory space technology," it said.

India's mission has taken on even greater significance since Russia's 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 moon's far side, CNN said.

India is only the fourth country to pull off a controlled landing on the surface, after the US, China and the former Soviet Union. That India chose one of the moon's poles as its destination "a tougher prospect than landing near the equator" makes the success that much sweeter, Ian Sample, The Science Editor of The Guardian newspaper wrote in the article headlined 'India's south pole moon landing is big business for global space race'.

"Landing at the poles is much more difficult than landing at the equator. You've got to get into a polar orbit to release the lander, and nobody has done that before. The US hasn't landed anything at the poles on the moon," he said. There is more to the achievement than the technical feat. The landing boosts the prestige of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) less than a week after a Russian probe spun out of control and crashed into the moon's surface.

The landing raises India's profile as a spacefaring nation at a crucial time. Like other countries, India has privatised its rocket launches. Through foreign investment, India plans to expand its share of the global launch market fivefold over the next decade. That ambition will be helped by India being seen as a low-cost provider of space launch services, the paper said. "This is an exciting moment for Indian space exploration," said Prof Andrew Coates at UCL's Mullard space science laboratory.

"Following their earlier successful orbiters to the moon and Mars, this cements their position as one of the key spacefaring nations and is an impressive scientific and engineering achievement," he said. India has just fired the starting gun on the race for resources on the Moon, Sarah Knapton, science editor, of The Telegraph wrote.

Nasa plans to send a rover to the south pole next year with US-based company Astrobotic Technology to measure water ahead of landing astronauts there in 2025 in the Artemis III mission. China has also committed to sending astronauts there by the end of the decade, while Russia attempted a soft landing last week, which ended in failure.

So, it is somewhat surprising that it is relative newcomer India that got there first, giving the country an unexpected head start in the hunt for water and other resources, she said.

Calling it a huge triumph for Indian scientists and engineers, Tom Clarke, science and technology editor of Sky News, wrote by its engineers' own admission, Chandrayaan-3 isn't the most sophisticated spacecraft ever built, but they have achieved what other countries (most recently Russia) failed to do with an innovative, low-cost design.

Leaders in space like the USA, Europe and Japan are now looking to the private sector to explore and commercialise space. Sticking a moon landing is about the best pitch India's high-tech sector could have wanted for its readiness to partner in international space projects, Sky News said in the article titled 'India joins the exclusive club after successful moon landing - with innovative, low-cost spacecraft'.

India has become the first country to reach the moon's uncharted south pole, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to claim victory in a new global space race, The Independent newspaper wrote. 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 programme'.

Japanese daily Nikkei appreciated the mission by calling it a 'historic leap'. The landing is also a win for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government which is showing off India as a leader in technology and an assertive global superpower, The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said.
Moscow: Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that crashed north of Moscow, killing all ten people on board, the Russian authorities have said. It, however, remains to be confirmed if the Wagner chief had actually boarded the flight, as per Al Jazeera.Prigozhin was seen as the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putins authority since he came to power. US President Joe Biden has said he is not surprised at news that Prigozhin may have died in a plane crash in Russia.

Biden said: I dont know for a fact what happened, but Im not surprised. Theres not much that happens in Russia that Putins not behind. But I dont know enough to know the answer. Ukraine Presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak wrote on social media that the crash of the plane was a signal from the Kremlin to anyone who showed disloyalty. 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. Beware! Disloyalty equals death`, Podolyak wrote, as per Al Jazeera.

According to Rosaviatsia, the Russian government`s aviation agency, an individual with Prigozhin`s name was on board. Prigozhin`s condition and whereabouts remain unknown as of yet. Igor Rudenya, the governor of the Tver area, has taken "personal control" of the response to the plane crash, according to his press department, which also noted that the aircraft was a civil one, according to Moscow Times.

In an interview with CNN, Estonia Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said Putin will eliminate opponents and that scares anyone who is thinking of expressing an opinion different than his. Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, on state news channel TVP Info, said that those who threatened Putins power do not die naturally. 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, he said as per Al Jazeera.




Islamabad: Despite the chill in bilateral ties, Pakistan's media on Thursday gave front-page coverage to India's historic moon landing while a former minister even called it a "great moment" for India's space agency, ISRO. 'India becomes first nation to land near Moon's south pole' was the headline in most of the Pakistani newspapers and websites.

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.

The Geo News carried a story by its Web Desk about the landing, saying India's Chandrayaan-3 has finally landed on the moon after a 40-day journey starting from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota and a history of space crashing.

The News International, the Dawn newspaper, the Business Recorder, Dunya News and others carried stories by various international news agencies.

Fawad Chaudhry, who was Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Imran Khan-led government, called it a great moment for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

"What a great moment for #ISRO as #Chandrayaan3 lands on the Moon, I can see lots of young scientists celebrating this moment with Mr Somanath Chairman ISRO; only the Younger generation with dreams can change the world. Good luck," Chaudhry, a former senior member of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Before the landing, he said, "All eyes on #Chandryaan3 Moon landing 5:40 PM, great day for Indian Science Community and Space scientists, Congratulations to people of India on this great achievement."

Earlier he asked the Pakistani media to livestream Chandrayan's moon landing. The bilateral ties between India and Pakistan came under severe strain after India's warplanes bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack.

The relations further deteriorated after India on August 5, 2019, announced the withdrawal of special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and the bifurcation of the state into two union territories.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping were seen shaking hands and engaging in a brief conversation on Thursday at the BRICS Summit in South Africa's Johannesburg. Before issuing a joint statement of the 15th BRICS Summit by the leaders of the grouping, PM Modi and the Chinese Premier were seen walking and chatting before they took their designated seats. Post the briefing, they were also seen exchanging a handshake on the stage.

It, however, is not yet sure whether Modi and Xi will hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the summit, which is the first in-person summit of the BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. If the bilateral meeting takes place, it will be their first since the eastern border standoff began in May 2020.

Watch: PM Modi, Chinese Prez Xi Jinping hold conversation ahead of the start of Brics leaders press statements pic.twitter.com/YO3NSAcu9P  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 24, 2023

Watch: PM Modi, Chinese Prez Xi Jinping shake hands in Johannesburg, South Africa @WIONews https://t.co/WM0w0uKTFF pic.twitter.com/BJFyxhapNx  Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 24, 2023

Modi and Xi had a brief encounter at a dinner during the G-20 summit in Bali in November last year.

It is notable that the Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year confrontation in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.

Earlier this month, talks among local commanders of the Indian Army and Chinese PLA for confidence-building measures in Eastern Ladakh's Depsang and Demchok continued. India and China held the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks on August 13 and 14 with a focus on resolving pending issues at the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok.

A joint statement described the talks as "positive, constructive and in-depth" and that both sides agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner.

Days after the fresh round of high-level talks, the local commanders of the two militaries held a series of negotiations in two separate locations to resolve issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok.

The 19th round of Corps Commander-level dialogue took place at the Chushul-Moldo border point on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the region.

On July 24, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi on the sidelines of a meeting of the BRICS in Johannesburg.

In its statement on the meeting, the MEA said Doval conveyed that the situation along the LAC in the western sector of the India-China boundary since 2020 had "eroded strategic trust" and the public and political basis of the relationship.

It said the NSA emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to fully resolve the situation and restore peace and tranquility in the border areas so as to remove impediments to normalcy in bilateral ties.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held talks with Wang on the sidelines of a meeting of the East Asia Summit in Jakarta last month.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The eastern Ladakh border standoff erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong Lake area. The ties between the two countries nosedived following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process in 2021 on the north and south banks of the Pangong Lake and in the Gogra area.
New Delhi: For decades, Yevgeny Prigozhin's fate has been linked to the Kremlin - as a loyal government contractor, and the leader of the Wagner mercenary army that fought in Ukraine and was accused of doing Russia's dirty work in Syria and Africa. But when he directed his men against Moscow two months ago, many in Russia and abroad started wondering how long he could survive after angering Russian President Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin made a deal with Putin and the Belarusian leader for a safe haven for himself and the rebels. He was reported to appear occasionally in Russia, and showed up in a recruitment video earlier this week. But then on Wednesday Russia's civil aviation agency said he was on a plane that crashed north of Moscow, killing all 10 people on board.

Convicted Of Robbery In 1981

Prigozhin was convicted of robbery and assault in 1981, and sentenced to 12 years in prison. When he got out, he started a restaurant business in St. Petersburg in the 1990s. Putin was the city's deputy mayor at the time. Prigozhin used that connection to develop a catering business and won lucrative Russian government contracts that earned him the nickname 'Putin's chef.' He later diversified into other areas, including media and an infamous internet 'troll factory' that led to his indictment in the U.S. For interfering in the 2016 presidential election.

Wagner was first spotted in action in eastern Ukraine soon after a separatist conflict erupted there in April 2014, in the weeks following Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula. At the time, Russia denied sending its own weapons and troops despite ample evidence to the contrary. The private Wagner army gave Moscow a degree of deniability. Wagner personnel also deployed to Syria, where Russia supported President Bashar Assad's government in a civil war. In Libya, they fought alongside forces of commander Khalifa Hifter. The group has also operated in the Central African Republic and Mali.

But it wasn't until September 2022 that Prigozhin admitted founding, leading and financing Wagner. By then, his mercenaries including men he'd recruited in Russian prisons ? were fighting and dying by scores in Ukraine, especially in the devastated town of Bakhmut.

Prigozhin cultivated Wagner's reputation for ruthlessness, and the mercenaries have been accused by Western countries and U.N. Experts of human rights abuses throughout Africa, including in Central African Republic, Libya and Mali.

A 2017 online video showed a group of armed people, reportedly Wagner contractors, torturing a Syrian and beating him to death with a sledgehammer before mutilating and burning his body. In 2022, another video showed a former Wagner contractor beaten to death with a sledgehammer after he allegedly fled to the Ukrainian side and was repatriated.

Despite public outrage and demands for investigations, the Kremlin repeatedly ignored them.

Wagner's Role in Ukraine

Wagner took a more prominent role in the Ukraine war as regular Russian troops suffered heavy losses and lost territory in humiliating defeats. Prigozhin toured Russian prisons to recruit fighters, promising pardons if they survived a half-year tour of front line duty with Wagner.

In the interview in May, he claimed to have recruited 50,000 convicts, with about 35,000 men on the front lines at all times. He has also said he had lost more than 20,000 men -- half of them convicts -- in the battle for Bakhmut. The U.S. Has estimated Wagner had about 50,000 personnel fighting in Ukraine, including 10,000 contractors and 40,000 convicts.

Poking the BearPrigozhin claimed full credit in January for capturing the Donetsk region salt mining town of Soledar in Ukraine, and he accused the Russian Defense Ministry of trying to steal Wagner's glory. He repeatedly complained the Russian military failed to supply Wagner with sufficient ammunition to capture Bakhmut and threatened to pull out his men.

After the capture of Soldear, Prigozhin increasingly raised his public profile, for months boasting almost daily about Wagner's purported victories, sardonically mocking his enemies and complaining in profanity-laced diatribes about the military brass.

On June 23, he called for an armed uprising against the defense minister and headed from Ukraine toward Moscow with his mercenaries. His forces took control of the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, the city in southern Russia near the border with Ukraine, and continued their ?march of justice," until stopping a mere 200 kilometers (120 miles) from the Russian capital.

Putin branded Prigozhin a traitor as the revolt unfolded. 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. Some number of Wagner mercenaries headed to Belarus, but the fate of both Prigozhin and his force remained unclear. U.S. President Joe Biden recently suggested Prigozhin was a marked man.

"If I were he, I'd be careful what I ate. I'd keep my eye on my menu," Biden said last month. But the man who made his first fortune as a caterer was undaunted in his latest appearance on Monday, telling would-be Wagner recruits his organization was making Russia even greater on all continents.
Washington: United States former President Donald Trump on Wednesday (local time) mocked Vice President Kamala Harris` accent and said she "speaks in rhyme." Trump was speaking to former Fox News presenter Tucker Carlson after he skipped the first GOP debate and instead opted for the interview. In the interview with Carlson, Trump spoke on the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris coming out as a candidate for the next Presidential election. Trump said, "Well, not really... She has some bad moments. Her moments are almost as bad as it is. I think his (Joe Biden) is worse, actually. Yeah. She speaks in, in rhyme. And, it`s weird., but she has bad moments."

"Well, the way she talks, (mocking tone) the bus will go here and then the bus will go there because that`s what buses do. And it`s weird. The whole thing is weird. This is not a president of the United States future. And, I think they probably have some kind of a primary and other people will get involved," he added. In the interview, Trump also slammed President Joe Biden and said that he is "worse mentally than physically. "Recalling the incidents where Biden was captured falling from the stairs of his aircraft, Trump said that The President can`t walk. He further stated that Biden can`t even lift his "feet out of the grass" and can`t lift the chair as well.

Talking about Biden`s beach picture, Trump said, "This beach is seeming to play a big role, but they love pictures of him (Biden) on the beach. I think it looks terrible on the beach. Well, he can`t walk through the sand. You know, sand is not that easy to walk through, but when he walks, he can`t walk through the sand. And there`s somebody in there that looks fabulous at the beach. I think he looks horrible at the beach. Plus the beach doesn`t represent what the president is supposed to be doing?"

"You`re supposed to be working. You`re supposed to be getting ahead of that horrible, horrible war that we`re very much involved in with Russia. And Ukraine. You could do that. You could do that very easily. I believe you could do that very well. I don`t believe he could do it because he`s just incompetent. But that`s a war that should end immediately, not because of one side or the other, but because hundreds of thousands of people are being killed. Can you imagine you`re in an apartment house and rockets are going into that building and blowing it up and knocking it down?"Trump claimed that if he was President, then the Russia-Ukraine war would never have started.
A SriLankan Airlines plane coming from Colombo made an emergency landing at the Delhi airport on Wednesday evening due to a hydraulic issue, according to a source. The aircraft had more than 140 people onboard, the source in the know said.

The source said that a full emergency was declared at the Delhi airport at around 5 pm as the plane had suffered a hydraulic issue. There was no immediate statement from SriLankan Airlines on the incident.

Also read: Delhi Airport: Major Plane Crash Averted As Vistara Flights Get Landing, Take Off Permission At Same Time

In another incident, a major mishap was averted at Delhi Airport when two Vistara flights were given permission to take off and land simultaneously on the same runway. Taking note of the incident, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) de-rostered the Air Traffic Controller at the airport.

The incident occurred when the Vistara flight from Ahmedabad to Delhi was making its way toward the end of the newly inaugurated runway as Flight UK725 from Delhi to Bagdogra took off from the newly constructed runway.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday asked low-cost airline SpiceJet and its Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) to pay Rs 100 crore to Kal Airways and its promoter Kalanithi Maran by September 10, failing which the court may consider the attachement of their properties.

Appearing for Maran and Kal Airways, Senior Advocate Maninder Sing submitted that the judgement Debtor -- SpiceJet and CMD -- had to file the affidavit of assets and weekly collection within one week which they have failed to file on time and the same has not been filed in a format mandated by this court.

Also read: Star Air Becomes India's Largest Private Regional Airline: Details Here

On August 9, the court had issued notice on Kal Airways and Maran's application seeking 50 per cent of the daily revenue collection of SpiceJet to be paid to them on a weekly basis.

During the hearing on Thursday, Singh further submitted that the order dated February 13 and July 7, passed by the Supreme Court is pre-emptive, conditional and self-operative which has not been complied with till date.

Additionally, he submitted that the affidavit filed by the CMD has been filed under sealed cover which has not been served to the decree holders -- Kal Airways and Maran.

On the other hand, Senior Advocate Amit Sibal submitted that the amount calculated by them stood upto Rs 279 crore and not Rs 397 crore as argued by Advicate Singh. He further made an offer to deposit Rs 75 crore within 10 days to which, Advocate Singh objected and said that theu had to pay this amount in April but has not paid till date.

"The court in consultation and with the consent of SpiceJet directed the Company to pay Rs 100 crore by 10 September, 2023. SpiceJet will honour this court's order and make the specified payment within the prescribed timeframe," SpiceJet spokesperson said. The court has listed the matter for hearing next on September 11.

On August 9, as Justice Yogesh Khanna directed the airline and the CMD to file an affidavit disclosing their assets and their revenue collection within one weeks' time, he had mandated Singh's presence on the next date of hearing. Considering the willful default and lackadaisical attitude of SpiceJet and Singh, the judge had reiterated his July 24 order and advanced the hearing.

Advocate Singh had submitted that in view of the willful defaults at every stage and laid back attitude it is just and fair that the Spicejet and Singh should deposit 393 crores Approx. and file their affidavit of assets before the next date of hearing.

The counsel sought directions from the court for his client that the 50 per cent of the daily revenue collected by the judgement debtors be paid to decree holders on weekly basis, the affidavit of disclosure of assets be filed at the earliest, the statement of accounts be filed within one day in court and the main prayer i.e. entire arbitral awarded amount be paid to the decree holders.

On the other hand, Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi had admitted that the orders have not been complied with by Spicejet.

However, he had said that this is a fresh application listed on Wednesday and submitted that since the matter is already directed to be listed on September 5, the matter may be heard on that date as the judgment debtor is bound by court orders. He had also argued that there is no reason for allowing early hearing at this stage.

To which, the judge had then observed that the decree holder is not left with any other option but to move an early hearing application as the judgement debtor is not complying with the orders passed by the courts and the judgement debtor should have filed its affidavit of disclosure of assets till date.

On July 24, the high court issued notice to SpiceJet and Singh seeking 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, Justice 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.

On Thursday, Senior advocate Amit Sibal appeared on behalf of SpiceJet Ltd and Ajay Singh. Senior advocate Maninder Singh, instructed by senior partner Nandini Gore, principal associate Sonia Nigam, associate Yash Dubey and associate advocate Akarsh Sharma from Karanjawala & Co. appeared on behalf of the Kal Airways Pvt Ltd and Kalanithi Maran.
A major tragedy was averted at the Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on August 23, 2023, when two Vistara flights came close to each other within 2 km, that too on the same runway. The two planes were carrying more than 300 passengers combined, and could have turned disastrous had it not been for the alertness of the pilot of one of the Vistara flights. As per a report on ANI, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has de-rostered an air traffic controller for inadvertently giving clearance for crossing and take off of two different aircraft on the same runway at the same time.

What Exactly Happened?

As per media and wire reports, the ATC at Delhi Airport cleared a Vistara aircraft for take-off while another plane was in the process of landing, placing the two flights on a potential collision trajectory. The incident involved Vistara Flight UK725 en route from Delhi to Bagdogra on Wednesday morning, initiating take-off from a recently inaugurated fourth runway of the Delhi Airport.

On the other hand, a Vistara plane VT1926 travelling from Ahmedabad to Delhi was concluding its landing on a parallel runway 29L and was instructed by the air traffic controller to cross runway 29R, moving towards the runway's end. "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," the official said. The take-off was swiftly cancelled following directives from the Air Traffic Control (ATC). "Swift corrective action followed as the tower controller promptly directed the Delhi-Bagdogra flight to abort its take-off," said an official.

Female Pilot Saved The Day

As per IANS, the female captain of the Ahmedabad to Delhi flight, which was on its way to landing, noticed that the Flight UK725 from Delhi to Bagdogra was given a go ahead by the ATC, as the parallel flight was getting ready to take-off. "She subsequently informed the ATC about it, averting a major tragedy," the sources added. A media report reveals the name of the female captain as 45-year-old Captain Sonu Gill on the Ahmedabad-Delhi flight.

The planes were only 1.8 km, or 1,800 metres apart, and if the pilot had not warned ATC of the presence of the other plane, the outcome could have been disastrous. The Delhi-Bagdogra flight was immediately retreated from the active runway after being ordered to abort its take-off and returned to its parking bay, where the plane was refuelled to ensure it had enough fuel for the second take-off attempt.
NEW DELHI, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least nine people were killed and several others injured after a tractor-trolley overturned while crossing a river in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, the police said Thursday.

The accident occurred Wednesday evening in village Bondki of Saharanpur district, about 716 km northwest of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

According to the police, over three dozen people were inside the tractor-trolley when it overturned in river Dhamola.

Immediately after the accident, locals and police initiated a rescue operation.

"Four bodies were recovered last evening, and five more were fished out today. The deceased include two children," a police official in Saharanpur said. "One person is still said to be missing, and the search to trace him is underway."

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the deaths and announced monetary compensation for the families of the deceased.

Deadly road accidents are common in India often caused due to overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving. 
Varalakshmi Vratham, a significant religious practice in Hinduism, is celebrated with enthusiasm by devotees globally. This special day is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, who is believed to grant wealth, prosperity, and well-being. The festival usually falls on the second Friday of the month of Shravana, which typically spans from July to August.

Varalakshmi Vrat 2023: Date And Time

This year, Varalaxmi Vrat will be observed on August 25, 2023, falling on the Navami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Saawan.

Simha Lagna Puja Muhurat (morning) - August 25, 2023 - 05:55 am to 07:40 am

Vrishchika Lagna Puja Muhurat (afternoon) - August 25, 2023 - 12:14 pm to 02:32 pm

Kumbha Lagna Puja Muhurat (evening) - August 25, 2023 - 06:19 pm to 07:48 pm

Vrishabha Lagna Puja Muhurat (midnight) - August 26, 2023 - 10:50 pm to 12:46 pm

Also read: Dhanurasana To Mandukasana: Expert Explains Yoga Asanas To Boost Immunity

The Significance Of Varalakshmi Puja

Varalakshmi Puja holds immense importance among Hindus. On this auspicious day, married women fast for the welfare of their families, husbands, and children. They seek the blessings of Goddess Varalakshmi. It is believed that those who observe this fast with devotion are bestowed with happiness, prosperity, wealth, and a long life. This practice is thought to bring the blessings of Ashtalaxmi, representing eight fundamental forces in the world: Wealth, Courage, Offspring, Wisdom, Success, Nourishment, Strength, and Force.

Rituals Of Varalakshmi Vrat 2023

The day begins with women rising early, cleaning the puja room, and donning clean clothes after bathing. A wooden plank covered with a yellow or red cloth is prepared, on which an idol of Goddess Lakshmi is placed facing east. The plank is adorned with tilak marks using sandalwood and vermilion. A ritualistic setup is arranged with offerings such as unbroken rice, betel leaves, various fruits, and a silver coin. A decorated kalash with mango leaves and a coconut is also placed.

An idol of Lord Ganesha is included before the worship commences. After lighting a lamp and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, the puja is performed with recitations of the Vrat Katha. Seeking blessings and forgiveness, devotees conclude the puja by breaking the coconut and sharing it among family members. The following day, another puja is conducted to complete the fast, and the water from the kalash is sprinkled throughout the house.

Varalakshmi Vrat 2023: Celebration

Varalakshmi Vratham is predominantly observed in states like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Telangana. Devotees in these regions celebrate this fast with great enthusiasm, and it's often a holiday in some of these states.

Powerful Mantra For Varalakshmi Vrat:

1. Om Hreem Shreem Lakshmibhayo Namah

2. Om Shree Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe Vishnu Patnyai Cha Dheemahi

Tanno Lakshmi Prachodayat Om

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
Kolkata: Voicing concern over alleged rise in attacks on women in West Bengal, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday said an "administrator like Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath" should be at the helm so that rapists could be eliminated through "encounters." Talking to reporters outside the state assembly, the BJP leader expressed dismay that VHP workers protesting against the recent rape and murder of a schoolgirl were lathicharged and arrested by police while the perpetrators were yet to be booked.

"Utter lawlessness prevails in the state. A young schoolgirl was brutalised and murdered in Matigara recently. Earlier, similar incidents happened in Kaliaganj and Hanskhali. In all places, young girls have been violated or killed. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the law and order portfolio, has squarely failed to stop atrocities on women," he said.

Reacting to Adhikari's remarks, the Trinamool Congress said an FIR should be filed against the BJP leader for openly advocating the "encounter" system.

"Criminals, who commit such barbaric acts on children and women, should be sternly dealt with. The must face encounters," the BJP leader said.

Drawing parallels with Uttar Pradesh, Adhikari said, "an able administrator like Yogi Adityanath, who has treated all criminals the appropriate way," should have been at the helm.

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Joy Prakash Majumdar told PTI that an FIR should be lodged against the BJP leader for openly advocating "encounters".

Stating that Adhikari has taken oath under the Constitution and cannot advocate such violent methods, Majumdar said, "Even in the Nirbhaya case, the due process of law was followed and it was left to the judicial system."

"Adhikari, being a people's representative and having taken oath under the Constitution, cannot go beyond the law of the land," he said.

Majumdar added that Yogi Adityanath's regime in Uttar Pradesh is marked by encounters and bulldozer politics for which it has been hauled up as these violate human rights and are against democratic principles.

"Adhikari has become the proponent for encounters and bulldozer politics which will instill fear and anarchy in society against democratic traditions."
New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh has been hit hard by continuous rainfall, which has triggered landslides, cloudbursts and flash floods, causing severe damage to the fragile hill state. Officials said on Wednesday that 12 people died and over 400 roads were blocked due to heavy rains in the state overnight, besides destroying several houses, PTI reported. A video showing multiple buildings collapsing in Anni area of Kullu district has gone viral on social media. Several other videos of people escaping from landslides were also seen online.

This month, 120 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents in the state, while 238 people have died and 40 are still missing since the monsoon started in Himachal Pradesh on June 24. The state government has earlier declared the entire state as a natural calamity affected area.

Several buildings collapsed in Anni of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh pic.twitter.com/qJZurRnSY9  Weatherman Shubham (@shubhamtorres09) August 24, 2023

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert on Thursday, forecasting heavy to very heavy rainfall in Himachal Pradesh for two days starting from Thursday. The red alert warning was given for parts of Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur districts. The MeT Department also gave an orange warning of heavy to very heavy rains on Thursday. The MeT also warned of moderate to high flash flood risk in Shimla, Sirmaur, Kangra, Chamba, Mandi, Hamirpur, Solan, Bilaspur and Kullu districts.

All schools and colleges were shut for two days from Wednesday in Shimla, Mandi and Solan districts.

Meanwhile, the residents faced a lot of problems as the state continued to receive relentless showers. The residents suffered more due to widespread water logging and falling trees, putting lives at risk.

Over 700 Roads Badly Affected

The Kullu-Mandi Highway in Himachal Pradesh was damaged due to heavy rainfall in the district, an official told ANI on Thursday. Hundreds of vehicles were stuck on the route. There is a traffic jam of nearly 5-10 kilometres. We have nothing to eat or drink. People are starving here. The snarl should be cleared soon, a commuter told ANI. The NH 154 (Mandi-Pathankot has also been badly affected. A total of 709 roads in the state are now closed after three major spells of heavy rains this Monsoon that have left a trail of death and destruction.

Shimla town was badly affected, with landslides and fallen trees blocking the main cart road, the lifeline of the town as well as the Shimla-Mehli bypass at several points. Many houses have also developed cracks and people have been moved out as a precautionary measure. In the last 24 hours, Shimla recorded 190 mm of rainfall, an official said, adding that the city received 60 mm of rainfall on Thursday morning.

As a safety measure, houses were evacuated in Panthaghati and Sanjauli areas of Shimla city and landslides and falling trees have been reported in some parts of the city, Deputy Commissioner, Shimla, Aditya Negi said. Fearing danger, several people in Shimla city have left their houses and moved to other places.

A bus parked near the inter-state bus terminal in Shimla was buried after a landslide while several other vehicles were damaged in landslides near Navbahar, Himland and other places.

Many Shimla residents had a sleepless night as the city witnessed thunderstorms and lightning till 3 am. Commuters also had a hard time as buses were not running due to the risk of landslides and falling trees.

I have walked for nearly six km to reach my office as buses were not running. We were scared all night as loss of life in recent landslides have triggered fear, said Jagat Ram, a resident.

Heavy rains battered several parts of the state overnight, with Bilaspur 181 mm, Mandi and Berthin 160 mm each, Nahan and Solan 122 mm each, Sundernagar 113 mm, Palampur 91 mm.
New Delhi: Is the cat out of Tiger Shroff's bag, finally? Well, it's been a while since he and Disha Patani's break-up new reports surfaced online. Not that this hot-looking couple ever accepted dating each other in the public domain yet their outings together, common friends circle and sizzling chemistry gave it away. But now, it's been over a year and clearly, the two are not seen together anymore. But there's some hot gossip doing the rounds.

WHO IS TIGER SHROFF DATING?

Several reports and social media pages hint at Tiger Shroff dating Disha Patani's namesake. Well, the girl is called Deesha Dhanuka, and she works in a production house in Mumbai. Looks like the two are dating each other but have kept it hush-hush. When Bombay Times asked Tiger about his alleged new lady love, he texted them back, "I thought I was linked to somebody else a couple of months back, but no, I have been single for the past two years."

TIGER SHROFF REACTS TO DATING RUMOURS

Well, Tiger Shroff recently appeared in Bollywood Hungama's show 'Hangout' with Rohit Khilnani where he interacted with his fans through Q n A. Answering a fan's question on if the actor is single, he said, "I am married to my work."

Hmm...with no solid yes or no coming in from the Baaghi actor as yet, looks like there's still time before we get to spot him with Deesha in the public domain.

On the work front, he has Ganapath Part 1 with Kriti Sanon. The film is directed by Vikas Bahl and produced by Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky Bhagnani, Deepshikha Deshmukh, and Vikas Bahl. It is slated to release on October 20, 2023.

He also has Baaghi 4, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan and Rambo in the pipeline.
New Delhi: Google on Thursday released a new doodle on its web browser celebrating Chandrayaan-3's successful landing on the moon's South Pole. "You'll catch us smiling every time we open the Google homepage today Here's celebrating the historic feat by @isro's #Chandrayaan3 and the first landing on the moon's south pole, with this #GoogleDoodle," Google posted on X (formerly Twitter) with a GIF of Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft landing on the moon.

Google wrote in the description section about how the Chandrayaan-3 mission began in July 2023 and culminated on Wednesday evening with the successful soft landing of Vikram, the land rover. (Also Read: 10 Investment Options To Grow Your Money)

"The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota Range, Andhra Pradesh on July 14, 2023, and successfully touched down near the lunar south pole region on August 23, 2023. Moon landings are no easy feat," the description said. (Also Read: LIC New Jeevan Shanti Plan: Get Up To Rs 1,42,508 Annual Pension - Check Calculator, Premiums, Eligibility Criteria, And More)

"Previously, only the US, China, and the former Soviet Union have completed soft landings on the moon -- but no country has made it to the southern pole region before now," it added.

It further explained how Chandrayaan-3 confirmed ice deposits were present in the shadowed craters at the south pole of the moon.

"The moons south pole has been an area of heightened interest for space explorers as they suspected the existence of ice deposits located inside permanently shadowed craters. Chandrayaan-3 has now confirmed this prediction to be true! This ice offers the potential of critical resources for future astronauts such as air, water, and even hydrogen rocket fuel," the description added.

The description ended with a congratulations on the Chandrayaan-3 space mission.
New Delhi: Chinese short-making app TikTok is reportedly planning to ban links to outside e-commerce websites such as Amazon, as it ramps up its shopping platform in the US. The move is seen as a way for the company to force people to use TikTok Shop if they want to purchase an item that they see on the app, reports 'The Information'.

According to the report, TikTok Shop is on track to lose more than $500 million in the US this year. "TikTok Shop, the app's nascent shopping service, is expected to lose more than $500 million in the US this year," said the report, citing sources. (Also Read: 10 Investment Options To Grow Your Money)

The loss reflects TikTok's heavy investment in hiring, building a delivery network, and "subsidising merchants that offer double-digitpercentage discounts and free shipping," the report added. (Also Read: LIC New Jeevan Shanti Plan: Get Up To Rs 1,42,508 Annual Pension - Check Calculator, Premiums, Eligibility Criteria, And More)

Consumers in the US are spending around $3-$4 million a day on TikTok Shop. The company expects this figure to exceed $10 million by the end of the year.

TikTok, the short video platform owned by ByteDance, launched online shopping service TikTok Shop in 2021, starting in Indonesia. The shopping platform has become a strong player in Southeast Asia.

Last week, e-commerce giant Sea reportedly said it will bump up investments in its online shopping business Shopee across all markets as Chinese company TikToks shopping venture expands into new territories.

Earlier this month, New York City banned TikTok on city-owned devices over security concerns. City employees are not permitted to download or use the app or access the TikTok website from any city-owned devices.
NEW DELHI: As India's grand moon dance with Chandrayaan-3 continues to impress the universe, our pals across the border in Pakistan have unveiled their comedic genius in response to this celestial spectacle. In a twist that left stomachs sore from laughter, Pakistani citizens have thrown in their two cents on India's space extravaganza. Among these comedy gold nuggets, a 16-second video has taken the internet by storm, spreading faster than gossip in a small town.

In this viral masterpiece, a Pakistani lad is caught on camera enlightening a citizen journalist about India's lunar ambitions. He drops the knowledge bomb that while India is throwing money at the moon, Pakistanis have been chilling there all along. "Arrey bhai, woh paise laga ke chaand pe jaa rahe hain, hum toh pehle se hi chaand pe hain, aapko nahi pata tha?" the lad quips in the video that's practically having its own comedy tour.

WATCH The Viral Video Here

Curious to unveil this lunar mystery, the journalist presses further, asking what exactly he means by Pakistanis already living on the moon. The lad's response is as mind-blowing as a conspiracy theory involving alien cats: Pakistanis have no electricity, cooking gas, or water just like the moon. Classic lunar living conditions, you see. The video was first shared by Shoaib Chaudhry, a Pakistani YouTuber with a flair for lunar humor.

And lo and behold, the digital realm exploded with laughter, with netizens lining up to throw in their penny's worth. "I'm low-key feeling for the Pakistani folks. Can't blame 'em when their politicians are as lost as a sock in a dryer," one user sympathetically chuckled. "Jokes aside, hats off from a Pakistani. I'm genuinely clapping for India here. You guys are aiming for greatness while we're still in a cosmic comedy show," another user chimed in, waving the cosmic comedy flag.

"Let's give it up for them! Pakistanis truly have a knack for cracking jokes, even when they're moonstruck. No wonder they churn out the best stand-up maestros," a witty netizen praised, probably while sipping moon chai.

India's Chandrayaan-3 Steals the Moon's Thunder with Epic Landing

In a heroic leap for India's interstellar capers, Chandrayaan-3, India's self-proclaimed moon whisperer, performed a flawless moonwalk on the southern pole of our lunar buddy at the party time of 6:04 PM on a hump day. This dazzling feat has officially ushered India into the exclusive club of four nations that have successfully parked their cosmic rides on the moon's driveway.

In this spectacle, India enters the elite orbit alongside the USA, China, and the former Soviet Union, leaving the moon absolutely starstruck with its graceful landing. Notably, nobody in the cosmic gala has previously dared to groove on the moon's rugged southern dance floor, known for hiding secret stashes of frozen water and, who knows, maybe some moon truffles.

Setting off on its second moon voyage in four years, Chandrayaan-3's swanky four-legged lander, Vikram, carrying the 26-kg rover Pragyan, executed a flawless moonplunge in the moon's southern crib at the clock's chime of 6:04 PM. ISRO's starry-eyed scientists skillfully managed the nerve-wracking "20 minutes of terror," where every second felt like eternity while descending, and it wasn't even a Netflix binge.

Just a hop, skip, and a cosmic jump away from the triumphant landing, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) enthusiastically announced that the lander and ISRO's Mission Operations Complex (MOX) in Bengaluru were chatting like old pals.

As a cosmic bonus, ISRO shared images captured by the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera (LHVC) during the descent, as if they were sending us postcards from their lunar vacation. Amidst a galaxy of celebrations at MOX, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was cosmic-hopping in South Africa, cheered on our space heroes virtually. He declared that India's lunar victory isn't just a feather in our cap, but a whole peacock's worth of progress for humanity.

Bravo, India! Keep rocking the cosmic catwalk, and let's hope our Pakistani friends find the moon's WiFi password soon.

Loved their honesty  Shilpa (@shilpa_cn) August 23, 2023

You have to concede it to them..

Pakistanis have the best sense of humor even in most difficult of times.

No wonder, they produced best stand up performers.  Sudhir (@suddoo) August 23, 2023

Putting jokes aside, as a Pakistani, I am genuinely pleased for the people of India. They are on the right path towards becoming a great nation.  DHW (@WDM1021) August 24, 2023

Meanwhile, the Sense of Humor of Pakistani People are always top class. This on Chandrayaan pic.twitter.com/Y127YPeyIv  Joy (@Joydas) August 23, 2023
Kolkata: In a distressing revelation, a police investigation into the tragic death of a 17-year-old student at Jadavpur University has unveiled shocking information. The first-year undergraduate student's demise, which has ignited a nationwide discourse on ragging, was linked to a harrowing incident of physical and psychological abuse.

The incident unfolded within the confines of the university's main hostel on August 9, where the young student tragically fell from the second floor to his death. His family's claims of ragging and sexual harassment at the hostel have cast a sombre light on the issue. Notably, the police have already apprehended 13 individuals in connection with the case.

Student Stripped, Paraded Naked, Says Probe

Sources within the police department have disclosed that they have conducted thorough interrogations of both hostel residents and staff members. The investigation has unearthed that the teenager was subjected to a distressing ragging ritual, during which he was stripped naked and forced to parade around the hostel premises. The ordeal extended for more than an hour, during which he attempted to evade his tormentors by dashing from room to room. Tragically, he was also subjected to derogatory homosexual slurs during this traumatic experience.

Presently, substantial evidence has been amassed against at least 12 of the 13 suspects who have been apprehended, as confirmed by the sources. Authorities are reportedly contemplating the invocation of the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act due to the gravity of the situation.

Blame Game Over Student's Death

This heart-wrenching incident has reignited the ongoing discourse surrounding ragging on university campuses and the sufficiency of existing regulations to combat this menace. The ramifications have also extended into the political realm, as the Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of inadequate action. In a countermove, the Trinamool Congress led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has shifted blame onto Governor CV Ananda Bose, asserting his significant responsibility for the situation at the university.

Governor CV Ananda Bose, who has been accused by West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu of contributing to the student's tragic demise, has defended his position, asserting his conscientious conduct as Governor. He stated to ANI, "Im a responsible Governor. I will be very glad if someone acknowledges it."

Anti-Ragging Helpline In West Bengal

Amidst the blame-shifting, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has initiated an anti-ragging helpline (18003455678) for all educational institutions across the state. During a meeting at Kolkata's Netaji Indoor Stadium with Durga Puja organizers, Banerjee labelled the Jadavpur University student's death as an "eye-opener" for West Bengal. She pledged that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) would oversee the inquiry moving forward.

Banerjee also introduced the helpline, urging individuals subjected to ragging to utilize it for assistance. She highlighted the police's commitment to preserving complainants' anonymity. To bolster this, she suggested the implementation of a secure mechanism, akin to a locker system, to safeguard complainants' identities.

The unfortunate demise of Swarnodip Kundu, a first-year undergraduate student, has re-ignited concerns over ragging at the Jadavpur University. The allegations of ragging by his family have sparked widespread condemnation and outrage, prompting a profound reevaluation of prevailing attitudes toward this issue within the state.
Johannesburg: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping India's concerns on the "unresolved" issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, underlining that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in border areas was essential for normalisation of India-China ties. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said this at a media briefing on Thursday, while sharing details of a conversation between the two leaders on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit as well as Modi's overall engagements in Johannesburg.





The foreign secretary said Modi and Xi agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at "expeditious disengagement and de-escalation".He said Modi had a conversation with Xi on the sidelines of the summit and highlighted India's concerns as well as of the importance of respecting the LAC for the normalisation of the relationship."On the sidelines of the BRICS summit, the prime minister had interactions with other BRICS leaders. In a conversation with President Xi Jinping of China, the prime minister highlighted India's concerns on unresolved issues along the LAC in the Western Sector of the India-China border areas," Kwatra said."The prime minister underlined that maintenance of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and observing and respecting the LAC are essential for the normalisation of the India-China relationship," he said."In this regard, two leaders agreed to direct their relevant officials to intensify efforts at expeditious disengagement and deescalation," Kwatra added.The government refers to the eastern Ladakh region as the Western Sector.The foreign secretary did not reply to a question about whether Modi invited Xi for the upcoming G20 summit in New Delhi.It is understood that there was no structured bilateral meeting between Modi and Xi.On Thursday, Modi and Xi were seen having brief exchanges as they walked towards the dais for a news conference.Footage beamed by South Africa's public broadcaster SABC showed the two leaders again spoke again briefly and shook hands following the end of the press conference.It was their first interaction in public after their brief encounter on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Bali in November last year.The two leaders met briefly at a formal dinner hosted by Indonesian President Joko Widodo on November 16.The ties between India and China came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border row that began in May 2020.The Indian and Chinese troops are locked in an over three-year standoff in certain friction points in eastern Ladakh even as the two sides completed disengagement from several areas following extensive diplomatic and military talks.India has been consistently maintaining that peace and tranquillity along the LAC were key for normalisation of overall ties.India and China held the 19th round of Corps Commander-level talks on August 13 and 14 with a focus on resolving pending issues at the standoff areas of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh.A joint statement described the talks as "positive, constructive and in-depth" and that both sides agreed to resolve the remaining issues in an expeditious manner.Days after the fresh round of high-level talks, the local commanders of the two militaries held a series of negotiations in two separate locations to resolve issues in Depsang Plains and Demchok.
Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) Free Zone, Dubai's leading driver of global competitiveness and pioneering business ecosystem, saw licence renewals surge by over 250% in the first half of 2023, rising from 254 to 892.

It also welcomed 322 new companies to its growing international community of 2,000+ companies, recording 32% YoY growth against H1 2022 (244 registrations).

Drawing on its role as a growth enabler, the Free Zone introduced the Intelak Incubators initiative in H1 offering tailored accelerator and incubation programmes to foster start-ups and early-stage ventures within a dynamic ecosystem that supports their objectives and serves as a launchpad.

Conducive business environment

Abdalla Al Banna, VP of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, said: Our robust performance in H1 reflects our alignment with Dubais Economic Agenda (D33) goal of attracting foreign investment through the provision of a conducive business environment with a focus on making Dubai a global hub for future economy and innovation. Our competitive and well-regulated ecosystem attracts digital transformation pioneers, R&D companies, and tech innovators.

A growing community of next-generation tech start-ups and tech-powered unicorns choose DWTCA Free Zone as their preferred dynamic base to expand their operations globally.

In addition to the 322 new licences issued, the free zone also affirmed its position as a preferred location for both large tenants  including Fortune 500 companies - and SMEs. Home to companies across over 40 diverse sectors, DWTCA Free Zone is committed to ensuring that business set-up is a simple and streamlined five-step process for every tenant.

Unique market proposition

This is matched by a unique market proposition with a key focus on offering tailor-made services that meet wide-ranging tenant requirements including dual and multi-licensing options for multinational companies. To support the free zone operation, which extends across more than two million square feet of premium office space, 262 new employees were also recruited in the first six months of the year.

DWTCA Free Zone is fully committed to a net-zero sustainable future and has a comprehensive sustainability strategy in place that is fully aligned with the UAEs Net Zero 2050 Strategic Initiative.

We are driven by Dubai's vision to make the city the ultimate business destination worldwide. Committed to sustainability and transparency, we strive to provide a nurturing environment for businesses of all sizes. With flexible spaces, enriched amenities, all tailored to foster innovation, we are supporting local and international efforts to create a greener future. We look forward to welcoming new industry innovators and blue-chip names in the second half of 2023, concluded Al Banna.-- TradeArabia News Service
JERUSALEM, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- A five-year-old boy was killed and eight other people were injured in a rockslide near the Dead Sea on Thursday, Israeli police said in a statement.

They were among 11 individuals who were on a family trip to the Nahal David reserve and became trapped in the rockslide in a hard-to-reach section of the trail.

Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service said in a statement that the injuries, including a four-year-old girl and two teenagers, sustained light to moderate wounds.

Military helicopters were dispatched to the scene to rescue the survivors, who were transported to hospitals.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority, which is responsible for overseeing the country's national parks, announced in a statement that the Nahal David reserve had been closed and hikers were required to vacate the park. 
KABUL, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Police have rounded up 11 persons on charge of involvement in drug trafficking in the Afghan capital of Kabul and provinces of Kandahar and Herat on Saturday over the past 24 hours, said a statement of the country's Ministry of Interior Affairs on Thursday.

Police have recovered illicit drugs, including 2 kg of hashish and objects used in manufacturing heroin, officials said.

Similarly, police have destroyed two acres of poppy in northern Balkh province, and arrested over a dozen drug smugglers in western Herat and northern Balkh provinces over the past few days.

The Afghan caretaker government has vowed to fight against poppy cultivation and opium trade in the war-torn country. 
HOHHOT, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong stressed autumn agricultural production to ensure a stable and secure supply of grains and important agricultural produce to guarantee sustained improvement in economic operations.

Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his inspection tour in Liaoning and Inner Mongolia from Wednesday to Thursday.

Noting that autumn grain accounts for more than 70 percent of the country's annual grain output, Liu said no efforts should be spared to ensure a bumper autumn harvest when he inspected farmland.

Technology guidance should improve, and fiscal funds should be well leveraged to stabilize and increase autumn grain production, said Liu, adding that preventing natural disasters and crop pests is also necessary.

He emphasized improving production efficiency and quality of livestock and aquatic products to fulfill diversified consumption demands.

While inspecting work on consolidating the achievements in poverty alleviation, Liu urged efforts to forestall any large-scale relapse into poverty. 
VIENTIANE, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Thunderstorms and heavy rain accompanied by wind gusts will continue in parts of Laos from Aug. 23 to Aug. 27, bringing further risk of flooding and landslides, the weather bureau of Laos has warned.

The Department of Meteorology and Hydrology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on Thursday issued a warning, advising people to prepare to move their belongings and animals to safe places in the event of flooding while tracking on weather forecasts.

From the end of July to August, the central and northwestern provinces of Laos have suffered from the heavy rainfall as rivers overflowed their banks. More than 6,000 households and over 11,300 hectares of land in 123 villages were affected in Khammuan province.

Earlier this month, landslides stranded National Highway No. 8 between Khoun district in Khammuan province and Bolikhamxay province, killed a Vietnamese driver, crushed many vehicles, and pushed a number of cars into a ravine. 
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- BRICS countries on Thursday voiced support for a comprehensive reform of the United Nations (UN), including its Security Council, with a view to making it more democratic, representative, effective and efficient.

In the Johannesburg II Declaration adopted here following the three-day 15th BRICS Summit, the BRICS countries said the reform needs to increase the representation of developing countries in the Council's memberships so that it can adequately respond to prevailing global challenges.

The five countries also said they support the legitimate aspirations of emerging and developing countries from Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Brazil, India and South Africa, to play a greater role in international affairs, in particular in the UN, including its Security Council. 
CHONGQING/SEOUL, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- In the middle of the concrete jungle of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality sits a low-rise building with an ancient gray brick exterior. Engraved on the gate is the "provisional government of the Republic of Korea" in Korean, Chinese and English.

The architecture, now a museum chronicling stories of the Korean Peninsula and China's joint fight against Japanese aggression, was provided to the Korean Provisional Government as an office site in 1940.

The museum has drawn many visitors as an embodiment of the friendship in turbulent times. As of July 31, the museum had received over 28,000 visitors this year, including some 6,000 from South Korea.

The architecture had been turned into a residential building after senior government officials returned to their homeland in 1945, and a company planned to develop the land for real estate.

Deputy curator of the museum Xia Xue said the Chongqing municipal government compensated the company and restored the architecture to its original appearance. The museum was officially opened in August 1995.

It now exhibits many news reports from the Chinese newspaper Xinhua Daily on the Korean Peninsula's anti-Japanese independence movement and the Korean Liberation Army movement in the 1940s.

"It shows that even when Chongqing people were deeply mired in the war, they gave the most genuine reception and help within their power for the members of the provisional government," Xia said.

The city's name "Chongqing" is now inscribed on the wall of the Kim Koo Museum & Library in Seoul, among other cities where the then president of the Korean Provisional Government, Kim Koo, had resided.

Many Korean visitors were inspired by the history recorded in the Kim Koo Museum & Library and came to Chongqing to pay tribute to the roots of today's Republic of Korea.

Hwang Shin-jun, a 28-year-old visitor from South Korea, left a message on the museum's guest book on Aug. 3: "I am grateful for the Chongqing municipal government to preserve the site of the Korean Provisional Government."

"May the friendly relation between China and South Korea last forever," another Korean visitor named Song Se-ho wrote in the guest book. 
RIGA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Latvia's President Edgars Rinkevics on Thursday tasked Welfare Minister Evika Silina, candidate of the ruling New Unity party for the position of prime minister, with forming the Baltic country's next government.

Following her official nomination, Silina said that she would start negotiations with potential coalition partners this Friday. The potential partners are the United List, the National Alliance, the Progressives, and the Union of Greens and Farmers.

Silina expects to complete the government formation talks by mid-September.

The Union of Greens and Farmers and the Progressives, who have so far been sitting in opposition, have already endorsed New Unity's initiative to form a five-party government coalition.

The United List, meanwhile, favors the previous three-party coalition with New Unity and the National Alliance. But its opposition to a broader coalition has become less categoric.

The National Alliance would also prefer to stay in coalition with New Unity and the United List and has ruled out a partnership with the Progressives because of irreconcilable ideological differences.

Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins' government fell on Aug. 17 after unsuccessful attempts to expand the coalition by including the Union of Greens and Farmers, and the Progressives. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina 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 on the sidelines of the BRICS summit, also urged the two sides to step up cooperation in infrastructure, information technology, new energy and agriculture, among other areas.

China and Bangladesh enjoy traditional friendship, Xi said, adding that the two sides upgraded bilateral ties in 2016 to a strategic cooperative partnership, which has indicated the direction for deepening their cooperation.

At present, both China and Bangladesh are at a critical stage of their own development and revitalization, and the Chinese side is willing to strengthen the synergy of development strategies with Bangladesh, deepen practical cooperation in various fields, push bilateral strategic cooperative partnership to a new level, and better benefit the people of the two countries.

Xi also said that China supports Bangladesh in safeguarding national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and in opposing external interference, so that the country can maintain domestic unity and stability, and achieve development and revitalization.

The Chinese side is willing to continue to work with Bangladesh in firmly supporting each other in issues involving their respective core interests, said Xi, adding that the two sides should strengthen strategic communication and close exchanges among various departments and at different levels.

Xi also called for stronger personnel exchanges as well as deeper cultural and people-to-people bonds.

He extended congratulations to the prime minister on her country's joining the New Development Bank, saying that China is willing to strengthen coordination and cooperation with Bangladesh in multilateral affairs and to safeguard the international equity and justice as well as the shared interests of developing countries.

Hasina noted that Xi's state visit to Bangladesh in 2016 has become a milestone in bilateral ties.

She appreciated that China provided invaluable support for Bangladesh's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and for economic development, which has helped promote Bangladesh's development and improved people's lives.

Hasina said the sound Bangladesh-China relationship is based on mutual respect and non-interference in each other's internal affairs.

She congratulated Xi on the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, saying that Belt and Road cooperation has opened a new door of development for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh, she said, firmly adheres to the one-China policy and appreciates China's important role in promoting regional peace and stability, adding that her country is ready to deepen ties with China and strengthen cooperation in multilateral mechanisms such as BRICS.

It is believed that the development of the BRICS mechanism will bring new development opportunities to developing countries, she added. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Half of the capital goods monitored by China's statistical authorities registered higher prices in mid-August compared to the beginning of this month, official data showed Thursday.

Of the 50 major goods classified in nine categories, including seamless steel tubes, gasoline, coal, fertilizer and some chemicals, 25 reported higher prices in the period, 23 saw price declines, while the prices of two remained unchanged, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

Specifically, the price of sulfuric acid went up 18.1 percent in mid-August compared to the beginning of this month, while the price for liquefied petroleum gas increased by 10.9 percent.

During the same period, hog prices decreased 1.2 percent, according to the NBS data.

The figures, released every 10 days, are based on a survey of nearly 2,000 wholesalers and distributors in 31 provincial-level regions across the country. 
CAIRO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Thursday thanked the BRICS for inviting Egypt to join in as a new member state, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement.

"I highly value the BRICS's invitation of Egypt to join the economic bloc as of January 2024, and we are proud of the confidence of all bloc countries in Egypt," the statement quoted Sisi as saying.

BRICS is the acronym for an emerging-market bloc that groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Sisi's remarks came shortly after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on the final day of a BRICS summit that six countries including Egypt are to join the bloc as new members next year. The other five countries are Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Egypt looks forward to cooperating with all BRICS member states in the coming period, and with the other countries invited to join the bloc, to achieve its objectives for boosting economic cooperation and raising the voices of the Global South concerning different developmental issues and challenges in a way that supports the rights and interests of the developing countries, Sisi said. 
Edge Group (Edge), one of the worlds leading advanced technology and defence groups, has signed an agreement with the Brazilian Air Forces Department of Aerospace Science and Technology (DCTA).

As per the agreement, the two organisations will explore opportunities to jointly develop projects in the Air and Space, Smart Weapons, and unmanned and autonomous platform domains, as well as other areas. It is in line with Edges strategy of building mutually beneficial partnerships supporting defence capability development in the UAE and Latin America, where Edge recently established its first international office, located in Brasilia.

The signing ceremony took place in the city of Sao Jose dos Campos as part of an ongoing high-level Edge delegation visit to Brazil, and was witnessed by members of Edges senior management and the General Director of the Department of Aerospace Science & Technology, Air Force General Mauricio Augusto de Medeiros.

Greater collaboration

The group also met with local dignitaries and major Brazilian industry players and partners, including SIATT and Turbomachine. The visits will enable Edge to pave the way for greater collaboration on knowledge exchange, R&D cooperation, and the co-development of advanced defence systems, among others.

Edge recently announced a partnership agreement with the Brazilian Navy to co-develop a long-range anti-ship missile, as well as provide advanced solutions, such as anti-jamming technology, which is developed by Edge in the UAE.--TradeArabia News Service
SUVA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Organizations in the Pacific island nation of Fiji on Thursday condemned Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the Pacific Ocean, urging Tokyo to stop its action immediately.

The Suva Fish Market Association said the waste will be toxic to a certain level, which will affect the marine ecosystem including fish, seaweeds, corals and other sources of their livelihoods.

President of the association Samu Maraiwai told Fijivillage News that the future generation will be massively affected in the next 40 years.

In a joint statement released on Thursday, Ocean Vision Legal and the Pacific Network on Globalization pleaded with the UN Human Rights Council to intervene and halt the dumping immediately until all effects have been assessed and less harmful options have been investigated.

It said the release of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater is a huge violation of human rights, urging Japan to address the concerns of the Pacific region.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Non-government organization (NGO) Coalition On Human Rights made a desperate call to the Fijian government, and other Pacific Islands for international action to stop Japan's move.

Noelene Nabulivou, the founder of a feminist collective, said there is widespread support for a stronger stance from the Pacific leaders, as this is something that "not only concerns this generation but countless generations after us."

The coalition will stage a protest on Friday against Japan's dumping, followed by a people's rally at Albert Park in Suva, the capital of Fiji.

Despite international concerns and opposition, Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. 
People wait in a queue to cast their votes at a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

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.More than 6.6 million people are registered to vote in the election.

HARARE, Aug. 24 (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.

A woman casts her ballot at a polling station in Harare, Zimbabwe, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Tafara Mugwara)

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. 
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland firmly opposes the United States' arms sale to China's Taiwan region, a spokesperson said Thursday.

Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authority of exchanging the hard-earned money of Taiwan compatriots for arms, and of engaging in "Taiwan independence" separatist activities. She made the remarks when asked to comment on the U.S. government's decision to sell arms worth a total of 500 million U.S. dollars to Taiwan.

"This will not lead to 'security'," Zhu said.

If the DPP authority goes farther down the erroneous path of relying on the United States to seek independence and using force to resist reunification, it will only push the Taiwan Strait to the brink of war and force Taiwan's compatriots into a miserable situation, Zhu said.

She urged the DPP authority to immediately cease its attempts that harm the vital interests of Taiwan compatriots, and endanger peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for its selfish political gains. 
DUBAI, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Thursday welcomed his country's inclusion in BRICS, a bloc of emerging economies.

"We respect the vision of the BRICS leadership and appreciate the inclusion of the UAE as a member of this important group," he said on X, a social platform previously known as Twitter.

The decision was made by BRICS leaders on Thursday during the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

"We look forward to a continued commitment of cooperation for the prosperity, dignity and benefit of all nations and people around the world," he added.

BRICS is an acronym for five emerging economies -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. On Thursday, the group agreed to invite six more countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, to join the bloc.

The six countries' membership will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024. 
ABUJA, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- At least two people were confirmed dead and 35 others pulled out alive from the debris of a two-story building that collapsed late Wednesday in a district of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, a rescue agency official said Thursday.

The collapsed structure reportedly served both commercial and residential purposes in the Garki district of Abuja, Abass Idriss, head of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Agency, which led the rescue operation, told reporters.

The rescued victims have been sent to a local hospital for medical attention, Idriss said.

According to him, the rescue operation had been concluded and all victims were successfully pulled out of the rubble. This is followed by ongoing demolition of the structure and surrounding buildings.

Building collapses are not uncommon in Nigeria. Local experts blame them on aging structures, non-compliance with building planning and regulations, and the use of substandard materials during construction. 
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Thursday delivered a keynote speech at the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue and urged China and Africa to join hands for modernization.

Xi said that China is willing to launch an initiative in support of Africa's industrialization and implement a plan to support Africa's agricultural modernization, adding that China will help Africa expand grain plantation and encourage Chinese companies to increase agricultural investment in Africa.

China will host the second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture in Hainan this November, said Xi, adding that China will provide additional emergency food assistance to some African countries in need to help Africa tackle the current food crisis.

China will also launch a plan for China-Africa cooperation on talent development, planning to train 500 principals and high-caliber teachers of vocational colleges, and 10,000 technical personnel with both Chinese language and vocational skills for Africa every year, Xi said.

Xi said that the African people have the most say on which path suits Africa best, adding that China will work with Africa to enhance the synergy of their development strategies through Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China will continue to support Africa in speaking with one voice on international affairs to keep improving its international standing, and will work actively at the G20 summit next month to support the African Union's full membership in the group, Xi said, adding that China supports making special arrangements on the UN Security Council reform to meet Africa's aspiration as a priority.

Xi also called on China and Africa to work together to create a sound environment for realizing their respective development visions by promoting just and equitable international order, practising true multilateralism and unequivocally opposing vestiges of colonialism and hegemonism in all forms.

China is ready to work with Africa to implement the new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and cooperation, facilitate the political settlement of international and regional hotspot issues, and safeguard world peace and stability, he said. 
WASHINGTON, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The United States will begin training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets in September at U.S. Air Force bases in two southern states, the Department of Defense announced Thursday.

The training, which will include "several pilots and dozens of maintainers," will start in September with English-language classes to be offered at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder told a press briefing.

After the trainees grasp the necessary language skills, they will then be trained on how to actually fly the F-16, and this process will begin in October at Morris Air National Guard Base in Arizona, Ryder said.

The training in the United States "will be the fundamental fighter pilot training," he said, adding that the exact curriculum for the Ukrainian pilots will depend on their levels of experience, of which an assessment is also part of the training program.

On the duration of the training, Ryder said it typically takes eight months for a new F-16 pilot with not a lot of training on the U.S. side to complete the process, and "within the five-month range" for an experienced pilot receiving "upgrade training."

Currently, European countries are leading the effort to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s and other advanced fighters made by Western countries, with Demark and the Netherlands now prepared to undertake the task. The U.S. government previously said it would do its part to provide training on U.S. soil if and when Europe reached the full capacity.

Without giving a specific timeline of F-16 deliveries, Ryder said it could be months ahead, adding that European countries are looking to provide the aircraft "and the United States will support that effort through the third-party transfer process." 
JERUSALEM, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Arab community leaders have urged swift government intervention in response to a string of violent incidents resulting in the deaths of five Arab citizens over the past few days.

The surging criminal violence in Arab communities is "the result of negligence by the government that has enabled crime organizations to grow," Mudar Yunis, chairman of the Committee of Arab Municipalities, said during an interview with the state-owned Kan Bet Radio on Thursday.

"We are calling for the police to enter our communities, to be present, and to maintain order," Yunis added.

Mansur Abbas, an Israeli parliament member and the leader of the Ra'am Party, an Israeli-Arab party, said in a statement on Thursday that he began to advance, in coordination with law enforcement authorities, the establishment of a civil guard in Arab communities.

"This model already exists in Jewish communities, and it does not exist within ours," he said, adding that "we must take responsibility and protect our lives."

On Tuesday, four men were shot and killed in the town of Abu Snan, in the Galilee region of northern Israel. Three of the victims were relatives, including Ghazi Saab, 53, who had been set to announce his candidacy for Abu Snan's mayor later that day.

A day before the quadruple murder, 55-year-old Abdelrahman Kashua, the director-general of Tira city in central Israel and father of five, was shot dead next to a police station in the city.

Hundreds of Israeli Arabs gathered at Kashua's funeral, which was held on Wednesday, demanding more police presence in the Arab communities to curb organized crimes.

The Abraham Initiatives, a group advocating for equal citizenship for Arab citizens in Israel, reported a total of 159 Arab individuals murdered since the start of 2023, in contrast to 68 during the same period last year.

A ministerial subcommittee on criminal violence in Arab society held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, said the Israeli Prime Minister's Office in a statement.

The subcommittee determined that the Shin Bet internal security agency "will assist the police in their operations against criminal organizations in relation to the local elections," according to the statement.

Israel's Arab minority consists predominantly of Palestinians who remained in the region during the 1948 war that led to the establishment of the state of Israel, who comprise approximately 20 percent of the country's population.

They often complain about facing discrimination in the allocation of public funds for education, health, and infrastructure. 
MOSCOW, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The BRICS countries are not competing with anyone and support the formation of a new multipolar world order, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

"BRICS is not competing against anyone and does not seek to act as a counterweight to anyone," the president said during his virtual speech at the BRICS Plus/Outreach format meeting.

He said that the BRICS countries are all proponents of the emerging multipolar world, adding that this trend is being opposed by certain countries.

The multipolar world order has its opponents, who are "seeking to stall this process" and contain new centers of power, said Putin.

"The countries of the so-called Golden Billion have gone to great lengths to preserve the unipolar world ... it suits them, and they are the ones who benefit from it," he said.

The Russian leader described this as a "manifestation of colonialism," adding that these countries "hide behind the noble slogan of democracy and human rights" while exploiting the resources of developing countries.

The BRICS nations oppose such practices, and have built their cooperation on principles of honesty, equality and mutual respect, Putin noted. 
Saudi-based Gas Arabian Services Company (GAS) has signed an agreement with Tubefit Engineers, a leading Indian group specialising in design engineering and manufacturing of industrial valves, to set up a new venture for manufacturing a wide range of instrumentation fittings and valves.

The new company, Tubefit Arabia Factory, will be set up at an investment of SR5 million ($1.33 million) in Saudi Arabia, said GAS in its filing to Saudi bourse Tadawul.

The lion's share of 53% in the company will be held by Tubefit Engineers, while the rest 47% ownership will remain with GAS.

GAS will finance its share of this investment, totaling SR2.35 million, from its own resources, it stated in the filing.

Tubefit Arabia Factory is expected to have a positive overall financial impact on GAS in the long term, the company said in its filing to Saudi bourse.

However, the Saudi company said the establishment of the new company is dependent on obtaining customary regulatory approvals, and satisfactory completion of the JV conditions.

Headquartered in Tubefit Engineers is a major industrial group involved in the business of design engineering, manufacturing of tube fittings, industrial and instrumentation vavles, air headers and condensate pots as well as manifolds, and chemical injection quills.-TradeArabia News Service
KIEV, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine marked the 32nd anniversary of its Independence Day on Thursday under tightened security measures.

While addressing Independence Day celebrations at Saint Sophia Square in Kiev, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his belief that Ukraine is capable of maintaining its independence.

"We will not lose grip on Ukrainian independence. We are all united by this feeling," Zelensky said.

During the official ceremony, Zelensky awarded Ukrainian soldiers, who participated in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with state awards.

An exhibition of destroyed Russian weaponry and military equipment was held on central Khreschatyk Street, showcasing tanks, howitzers, fighting vehicles, and remnants of intercepted missiles.

In many regions across the country, however, public events were banned due to concerns of fresh attacks.

Ukraine obtained independence from the Soviet Union on Aug. 24, 1991, which is celebrated as the country's Independence Day. 
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for practising true multilateralism and categorically opposing the pernicious influence of colonialism as well as various acts of hegemony. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with his Malawian counterpart Lazarus Chakwera on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China supports Malawi in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to continuously offer whatever help China can to the country in its socio-economic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday.

Xi made the remarks when meeting with his Malawian counterpart, Lazarus Chakwera, on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

Xi said he appreciates Chakwera for upholding the one-China principle since taking office.

It is hoped that China and Malawi can continuously support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, push for new results in practical cooperation between the two countries, and promote ever-new development of bilateral relations, he said.

China is willing to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Malawi and other developing countries, and advance the development of the international order in a more equal and just direction, he said.

For his part, Chakwera noted that China is always the first to lend a helping hand to Malawi when the latter faces difficulties, adding that during his recent visit to China, he was not only warmly received, but also truly felt that China is Malawi's true friend, brother and partner.

Malawi firmly adheres to the one-China policy, he said, adding that the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by Xi is conducive to the common development of developing countries.

Chakwera added that Malawi is willing to continuously deepen friendship and cooperation with China. 
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 24, 2023. Xi co-chaired with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Thursday delivered a keynote speech at the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue and urged China and Africa to join hands for modernization.

China is willing to launch the Initiative on Supporting Africa's Industrialization, which will support Africa in growing its manufacturing sector and realizing industrialization and economic diversification, Xi said.

The initiative stressed that through the nine programs under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Belt and Road cooperation and the Global Development Initiative, China will channel more resources of assistance, investment and financing toward programs for industrialization.

China will launch the Plan for China Supporting Africa's Agricultural Modernization, Xi said, adding that China will help Africa expand grain plantation and encourage Chinese companies to increase agricultural investment in Africa.

The plan aims at helping Africa achieve food self-sufficiency and independent sustainable development, promote food production in Africa, effectively boost Africa's ability to safeguard its food security, and help it reach related goals in agricultural modernization.

China will host the second Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Agriculture in Hainan this November, said Xi, adding that China will provide additional emergency food assistance to some African countries in need to help Africa tackle the current food crisis.

China will also launch the plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development, planning to train 500 principals and high-caliber teachers of vocational colleges, and 10,000 technical personnel with both Chinese language and vocational skills for Africa every year, Xi said.

In 2013, Xi announced the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith for China's Africa policy. "Over the past 10 years, China has stayed committed to this principle," Xi said.

The Chinese president noted that China is pursuing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, while Africa is making all-out efforts to build a new Africa that enjoys peace, unity, prosperity and strength.

Xi called on China and Africa to work together to create a sound environment for realizing their respective development visions by promoting just and equitable international order, practising true multilateralism and unequivocally opposing vestiges of colonialism and hegemonism in all forms.

China is ready to work with Africa to implement the new vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and cooperation, facilitate the political settlement of international and regional hotspot issues, and safeguard world peace and stability, he said.

The Chinese president also said China and Africa should work together to build an open and inclusive world economy, advocating for the building of an open world economy, where developing countries are better involved in the international division of labor and share the fruits of economic globalization.

"We should overcome estrangement between civilizations through exchanges, promote inclusiveness and mutual learning between civilizations," Xi said.

Noting that there are various paths leading to modernization, Xi said that the African people have the most say on which path suits Africa best, and advancing modernization through integration is the independent choice made by African countries and people.

Looking ahead, China will work with Africa to enhance the synergy of their development strategies, and will continue to support Africa in speaking with one voice on international affairs to keep improving its international standing, Xi said.

China will also work actively at the G20 summit next month to support the African Union's full membership in the group, Xi said, adding that China supports making special arrangements on the UN Security Council reform to meet Africa's aspiration as a priority. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping co-chairs with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 24, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese President Xi Jinping poses for a group photo with participants attending the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 24, 2023. Xi co-chaired with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- China is committed to promote Africa's regional economic integration by strengthening and integrating intra-Africa trade, promoting investment, facilitating the development of value chains, according to a joint statement released Thursday here after the China-Africa Leaders' Dialogue.

The African side commends China for introducing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, in support of strengthening multilateralism and trusts that China and Africa's development will bring more opportunities for peace and development in the world, said the statement.

Both sides will continue to synergize China-Africa high quality Belt and Road cooperation with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the national development strategies of African countries, to elevate China-Africa cooperation to higher levels, it added.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing the institution building of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), said the statement.

Both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and their staunch support for each other in upholding territorial integrity, sovereignty, security and development interests, it said.

The Chinese side supported African countries in exploring development paths compatible with the national conditions, and the African side reaffirmed its firm commitment to the one-China policy, it added.

China and Africa noted the importance of the African Peace and Security Architecture, as a strong normative framework for addressing security challenges and threats on the Continent, said the statement.

The Chinese side welcomed the constructive and creative initiative undertaken by African leaders towards ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it said, adding that both sides call for increased dialogue and engagement to build trust and confidence, and the creation of an environment conducive for dialogue between the warring parties. 
MOGADISHU, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Senior officials of the African Union, Somalia, and the United Nations have started consultative meetings to deliberate on the upcoming second phase of the troop drawdown in September, the AU mission said.

The AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) is expected to scale down its troop numbers next month by a further 3,000 personnel after successfully withdrawing 2,000 troops and handing over six military bases in June.

Mohammed El-Amine Souef, the special representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and head of the ATMIS, said a joint technical committee with its membership from the ATMIS, the government, and the UN Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS) has been meeting to map out the military bases where the 3,000 troops will be drawn from.

"Since we have active combat operations ongoing, the planning of the drawdown must be well synchronized and seamlessly executed so the gains made thus far are not jeopardized," Souef said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Wednesday evening.

During the meeting held in Mogadishu, Souef lauded the UN and the government for their steadfast support and collaboration with the ATMIS to ensure the success of the first phase.

Head of UNSOS Aisa Kirabo Kacyira told the technical committee to take into consideration the lessons learned from the first phase of the drawdown to ensure the success of the second phase.

"The UN will ensure the equipment and other facilities handed over to the Somali security forces by exiting ATMIS troops are in good condition and the Somali forces are capacitated on how to use them," Kacyira said.

The UN body provides logistical support to the ATMIS and Somali security forces in joint operations with the ATMIS.

Under UN Security Council Resolution 2687 (2023), Somalia and the AU are required to conduct a technical assessment by the end of August to evaluate Phase One of the drawdown and provide a further update by Sept. 15 on their preparations for the second phase.

The drawdowns are mandated by the UN Security Council Resolutions 2628 and 2670, which require the ATMIS to gradually hand over security responsibilities to Somali security forces ahead of the exit from Somalia on Dec. 31, 2024.

Somalia's National Security Adviser Hussein Sheikh Ali commended the AU and UNSOS for their continued support and reiterated the government's commitment to overseeing a successful handover of full security responsibilities to the Somali security forces when the ATMIS exits Somalia in December 2024. 
JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- BRICS leaders agreed on Thursday to invite six countries, namely Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to join the group.

The six countries' membership will take effect on Jan. 1, 2024, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced at a press conference during the 15th BRICS Summit.

"We value the interests of other countries in building the partnership of BRICS," said Ramaphosa.

Through the summit, BRICS has begun a new chapter in its efforts to bring about a world that is fair, inclusive and prosperous, he added.

Calling it "a great moment for Ethiopia" as BRICS leaders endorsed the country's entry into BRICS, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said in a statement that "Ethiopia stands ready to cooperate with all for an inclusive and prosperous global order."

On social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said that his country "respect (s) the vision of the BRICS leadership and appreciate (s) the inclusion of the UAE as a member to this important group."

BRICS leaders met here from Aug. 22 to 24 to discuss issues including deepening BRICS cooperation and the group's expansion. 
HANOI, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam has set a goal that the depot system will be capable of handling about 25-35 percent of the demand for container goods export and import shipment along transport corridors by 2030, local media reported on Thursday.

Under the new plan, the Vietnamese depot system will have a total capacity of 11.9-17.1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) per year, local Vietnam News newspaper reported.

Priority will be given to the development of depots on the transport corridors connecting with major seaports in the north (such as Hai Phong port) and the south (such as ports of Ho Chi Minh City and Ba Ria-Vung Tau), the newspaper said, citing the plan.

The plan, signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, aims to develop a system of facilities nationwide to meet the export and import transportation demand, improve the goods handling capacity of seaports, and better organize container transportation.

It will help reduce transportation costs and the goods storage duration at seaports as well as ease traffic congestion and protect the environment, especially in big cities and the areas housing major ports, the newspaper reported.

Under the plan, Vietnam will need about 24.7-42.4 trillion Vietnamese dong (1.03-1.8 billion U.S. dollars) to develop the inland container depot system by 2030. 
This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows a view of an empty beach in Yotsukura Town of Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition from both home and abroad.

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger among local people in Fukushima, especially the fishermen and business owners. They are worried that the release would lead to a further decline in tourist visits. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

TOKYO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition from both home and abroad.

A live video provided by the plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) showed a staff member turning on a seawater pump at around 1:00 p.m. local time (0400 GMT), marking the beginning of the controversial ocean discharge, while concerns and opposition persisted among local residents and fishermen as well as in neighboring countries and Pacific island nations.

The radioactive wastewater has been diluted as planned before being discharged via an underwater tunnel 1 km from the plant, TEPCO said.

INTERNATIONAL OPPOSITION

Shortly after Tokyo began discharging the water into the sea, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said in a nationally televised address that the South Korean government will strictly maintain import restrictions on Japan's fishery products, stressing that an easing or lifting of import restrictions on Japanese seafood, which South Korean people are concerned about, will never happen.

He urged Tokyo to offer South Korea transparent and relevant information on the nuclear-contaminated wastewater discharge that will continue for the next 30 years.

In Seoul, 16 South Korean university students were arrested by police for attempting to enter the Japanese embassy in protest of Japan's dumping of the contaminated water. About 40 other fellow students held a press conference near the embassy against the discharge before being dispersed by the police.

Civic and environmental groups held protests across South Korea on the same day, calling for a reversal of Japan's decision to release the water into the ocean, according to local media reports.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement that "China firmly opposes and strongly condemns it. We have made serious demarches to Japan and asked it to stop this wrongdoing."

The Fukushima nuclear accident which took place 12 years ago was a major catastrophe that already caused the leakage of large amounts of radioactive substances into the ocean, the spokesperson said, adding that there could be a man-made secondary disaster to the local people and the whole world if Japan chooses to dump the water into the ocean just to serve Japan's selfish interests.

On Thursday, China suspended imports of all seafood products from Japan, with the Chinese customs authorities saying they are greatly concerned about the risk of radiation contamination following the water's release and have strengthened restrictions on food imports from Japan to "protect the lives and health of the people."

In the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China, several dozen demonstrators protested against the discharge in a rally held in front of the Consulate-General of Japan, with participants saying Japan is "selfish" and that "the ocean belongs to the whole world."

Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare has condemned Japan's decision to dump the water. A press release from the Prime Minister's Press Secretariat earlier said Sogavare "delivered a strong statement against Japan's decision to release nuclear-treated water into our ocean which has an impact on our people, ocean, economy and livelihood."

Vanuatu's Foreign Minister Matai Seremaiah said Japan's decision needed robust actions, urging polluters to "seriously consider other options."

DOMESTIC OUTCRY

Under scorching heat, hundreds of Japanese from all across the country gathered in front of the TEPCO headquarters in central Tokyo on Thursday morning, demanding that the Japanese government and TEPCO stop the release.

Protesters, holding banners and placards with drawings of marine products and Godzilla, a radioactive sea monster depicted in a science fiction movie, chanted slogans of "No ocean discharge of Fukushima nuclear-tainted water" and "Stop polluting the sea with radioactive water."

Taeko Fujimura, an official at Japan's National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations, also known as Zen-Noh, said the ocean discharge "cannot be forgiven" and was "extremely unreasonable."

"Have you now obtained the understanding of the relevant parties? Have you properly explained your actions to them?" Fujimura shouted amid the crowd of protesters.

She told Xinhua that in Zen-Noh's previous talks with TEPCO, it clearly stated that apart from tritium, there are various other radioactive substances that will remain in the tainted water in large amounts even after the second round of the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) treatment.

Fujimura stressed that the ocean discharge will cause significant environmental damage. "It will pollute the sea, the marine life within it, the environment, and the Earth."

"We, as the agricultural cooperative, cannot allow such destructive actions by TEPCO...We must stop the ocean discharge as soon as possible," she said.

Among the protesters was Sachiko Uno, who told Xinhua that she had come to "stop them from polluting the ocean."

"One of the world's top-level nuclear accidents occurred in Fukushima despite safety promises made by the government and TEPCO. Now, they have become the world's first by beginning to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean. This is a 'double damage,'" said the 73-year-old woman.

Uno is also worried about TEPCO's credibility. "It says the radioactivity concentration in the nuclear-contaminated water meets the standards, but I can't believe that at all. The reliability of the measuring instruments themselves is questionable," she said.

"Our opposition to the discharge has not changed a bit," the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations said Thursday in a joint statement with a local group in Miyagi Prefecture, northeast Japan. "Fishermen throughout the country witnessing this moment have become more anxious," it said.

On Wednesday, citizens from the prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Ibaraki announced that they will take the Japanese government and TEPCO to court to stop the release plan.

Plaintiffs will formally file the lawsuit on Sept. 8 at the Fukushima District Court, arguing that the discharge would violate the fundamental principle that polluters are not allowed to spread harmful substances, and infringe upon people's right to a stable life.

Legal representatives of the plaintiffs stated that both the Japanese authorities and TEPCO bear significant responsibilities for the Fukushima nuclear accident, and their current decision to intentionally release nuclear-contaminated water is a "double harm."

CONCERNS OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater also sparked waves of anger among local people in Fukushima, especially the fishermen and business owners.

Yoshio Satomi runs a hot spring hotel with a history of more than 300 years in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. He told Xinhua on Wednesday that since the nuclear accident occurred 12 years ago, the number of guests from other places of Japan has decreased and it is even rarer to see foreign tourists.

When asked if he is worried that the release would lead to a further decline in tourist visits, he said, "This time, such news spread all over the world, and it is Fukushima again. I feel very sad."

Citing the latest local media poll that more than 70 percent of Fukushima residents believe that the government's explanation does not make them better understand the discharge plan, Satomi stressed that the government does not understand the concerns of the people of Fukushima Prefecture.

Chiyo Oda, also an Iwaki citizen, told Xinhua via email that the Japanese government had made a hasty decision to discharge radioactive wastewater into the sea and violated its promise. "This is an atrocity that proceeded without sufficient explanation to the people."

Haruo Ono, a 71-year-old fisherman in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, told Xinhua on Tuesday that "for us, the ocean discharge is a matter of survival. We have endured and survived these 12 or 13 years, but fishing levels have not yet returned to the level before the March 11 earthquake."

"Under such circumstances, does Fumio Kishida, as the Prime Minister of Japan, have the right to pollute our workplaces?" the man asked.

Ono further said that after the disaster, wholesalers at Tokyo's famous Tsukiji fish market were reluctant to purchase fish from Fukushima.

"Once the ocean discharge starts, we are worried about whether the fish can still be sold," he said.

TEPCO said it plans to carry out the first round of release over 17 days to discharge 7,800 tons of the radioactive wastewater.

In the current fiscal year through next March, a total of 31,200 tons are slated for discharge, equivalent to the storage capacity of 30 tanks, it said. 

A person is seen at a beach in Yotsukura Town of Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, Aug. 23, 2023. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition from both home and abroad.

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger among local people in Fukushima, especially the fishermen and business owners. They are worried that the release would lead to a further decline in tourist visits. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

This photo taken on Aug. 23, 2023 shows a view of an empty dining room in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition from both home and abroad.

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger among local people in Fukushima, especially the fishermen and business owners. They are worried that the release would lead to a further decline in tourist visits. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2023 shows a view of Tsurishihama beach covered with weeds in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition from both home and abroad.

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger among local people in Fukushima, especially the fishermen and business owners. They are worried that the release would lead to a further decline in tourist visits. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2023 shows a view of Tsurishihama beach covered with weeds in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition from both home and abroad.

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger among local people in Fukushima, especially the fishermen and business owners. They are worried that the release would lead to a further decline in tourist visits. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

This photo taken on Aug. 22, 2023 shows a warning board at Tsurishihama beach in Shinchi Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan. Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday, disregarding public concerns and strong opposition from both home and abroad.

The Japanese government's reckless move to release the radioactive wastewater sparked waves of anger among local people in Fukushima, especially the fishermen and business owners. They are worried that the release would lead to a further decline in tourist visits. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)
A summit of the BRICS nations on Thursday decided to expand the group by inviting six more nations to be part of the bloc, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Argentina, Egypt, Iran and Ethiopia will also become new members of the group from January 1, 2024 , said South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said. The summit was held in Johannesburg.

The group now comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The summit in Johannesburg was also attended by President of Brazil Lula Da Silva; Russian President Vladimir Putin; Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping.

As the five BRICS countries, we have reached agreement on the guiding principles, standards, criteria and procedures of the BRICS expansion process, which has been under discussion for quite a while. We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process, and further phases will follow. We have decided to invite the Argentine Republic, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to become full members of BRICS. The membership will take effect from 1 January 2024, President Ramaphosa said. He said this in his capacity as Chair of BRICS during a media briefing to announce the outcomes of the XV BRICS Summit held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Modi said that India has always fully supported the expansion of BRICS as it believed that addition of new members will further strengthen the grouping.

The debate over expanding the BRICS bloc had topped the agenda at a three-day summit.

Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa reiterated the blocs commitment to the principles of solidarity, sustainable development and an equitable world order.

He said the BRICS partnership must be harnessed to drive inclusive global economic recovery.

The South African Statesman said the world is changing. "New economic, political, social and technological realities call for greater cooperation between nations.

These 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, the President said.

Ramaphosa added while BRICS is firmly committed to advancing the interests of the Global South, BRICS stands ready to collaborate with all countries that aspire to create a more inclusive international order.

BRICS stands for solidarity and for progress. It stands for inclusivity and a more just, equitable world order. It stands for sustainable development.

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. We do so because we know that poverty, inequality and underdevelopment are the biggest challenges facing humankind.
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The decision taken by Japan to release nuclear-contaminated wastewater into the ocean is unilateral and irresponsible, posing a major threat to human lives, livelihoods and the global marine environment, said a Pakistani expert.

"Scientifically and legally, the Japanese government has not demonstrated its position transparently at a global level ... The Japanese government has not been able to take international and regional countries as well as civil society into confidence," Rizwana Abbasi, associate professor of security studies at the National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad, told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Despite widespread denunciation at home and abroad, Japan on Thursday started discharging nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Noting that the role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was non-viable and inappropriate in granting permission to Japan to release contaminated water, Abbasi stressed the need for reinvestigation by scientists, experts and credible global organizations before dumping the radioactive materials.

"There is an urgency that the IAEA and other international nuke monitoring agencies arrange a panel of international independent experts who evaluate, assess and give impact assessment of the environment and maritime transboundary pollution," the expert said.

She said the contaminated wastewater contained the radioactive element tritium and dozens of other radioactive substances, highlighting that reconsideration of alternative options such as storage and burial in large tanks for a long time and mortar solidification should be adopted.

"This discharge process is not a one-time activity. This would prolong and this is a step-by-step process which would take 30 years. So, definitely, it would create sentiments across the board owing to its larger impacts as radiation would not go away without any trouble," she added.

Commenting on the bearings on the global marine environment and human security, the expert said that there is no doubt that there will be a huge risk to them, underlining that marine products consumed by humans can cause serious health issues and diseases.

Abbasi believed the Japanese government has not only undermined the global community's concerns, but has also completely overlooked how to satisfy its domestic community, particularly the fishing community.

Local fishermen who have not been able to recover from the impacts of the 2011 tsunami incident in the country yet will have to bear the brunt of its government's disappointing decision as many countries and regions have already banned the import of seafood and agricultural products from Japan, she said. 
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The sixth Silk Road (Dunhuang) International Cultural Expo will feature Turkmenistan as the event's guest of honor, according to a Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) press conference on Thursday.

The expo is hosted by the MCT, the National Radio and Television Administration, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, and the provincial government of Gansu. This year, it will run from Sept. 6 to 7 in Dunhuang, Gansu.

Turkmenistan's national museum will play a leading role in organizing exhibition events for the guest of honor country's culture, art and merchandise, MCT official Peng Yubin said.

Over 1,200 domestic and overseas guests have been invited to the opening ceremony, and the expo will feature forums, exhibitions and performances, said He Xiaozu, head of Gansu's provincial department of culture and tourism.

Economic cooperation fairs and seminars on the radio and television sector will also be held during the event, according to the press conference. 
ISLAMABAD, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- A terrorist was killed in a military operation in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) under the Pakistan Armed Forces on Wednesday.

The ISPR said in a statement that the security forces conducted an operation Tuesday night, leading to an intensive fire exchange in the Ladha area of South Waziristan tribal district bordering Afghanistan.

It added that the troops effectively engaged the terrorists' location and consequently a terrorist was killed in the exchange of fire with the security personnel.

"Weapon and ammunition were also recovered from the killed terrorist, who remained actively involved in various terrorist activities in the area," added the ISPR.

According to the military, security forces have been carrying out a search operation to eliminate any other terrorists present in the area. 
LONDON, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has failed to properly declare his wife's shareholding in a childcare firm that would benefit from government support, a report published by the country's Parliament said on Wednesday.

The failure, though, was "inadvertent," Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards Daniel Greenberg concluded in the report, noting that Sunak had confused the concept of registration with that of declaration of interests.

"I decided to conclude my inquiry by way of the rectification procedure," Greenberg said. "I confirm that the matter is now closed."

Greenberg launched the investigation in April into a potential breach of transparency rules relating to Sunak's links to the childcare company, where his wife is an investor.

"I am pleased that this matter will now be concluded by way of rectification," Sunak said in a letter to the commissioner. 
OSLO, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Norway will donate IRIS-T anti-aircraft missiles and demining equipment to Ukraine, the government said on Thursday.

The decision was announced by Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store during his visit to Kiev on Thursday, it said in a press release.

Norway will also donate portable sets for explosive-based demining and explosive charges, and these will aid in creating passages through minefields, the government said in an earlier press release. 
MOSCOW, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences on Thursday to the families of those who died in a plane crash near Moscow on Wednesday.

"As for the plane crash, first of all, I want to express my sincere condolences to the families of all those who died," Putin said at a meeting with Denis Pushilin, the acting head of Donetsk, according to the Kremlin.

A private Embraer plane en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg crashed in the Tver Region on Wednesday, Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations said, noting that all the 10 people on board were killed. The Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner military group, was among the passengers on board the flight.

"I have known Prigozhin for a very long time, since the early 1990s," Putin said.

"He made serious mistakes in his life, but he also achieved the needed results both for himself and, when I asked him, for the common cause, as in these last months," Putin said.

According to Putin, Prigozhin returned from Africa on Wednesday and met with some officials in Russia.

Prigozhin was accused of attempting to carry out an armed rebellion in Russia this June. On June 24, Prigozhin entered the headquarters of the Russian armed forces' Southern Military District in the city of Rostov-on-Don. It was reported that Moscow and Prigozhin reached a compromise through the mediation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. 
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 people were shot at a bar in California's Orange County and two were killed, local media reported on Wednesday. 
BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- A spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Thursday made remarks on U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's upcoming visit to China, which is scheduled to take place from Aug. 27 to 30.

China will state its position on economic and trade issues of concern to the U.S. side, and looks forward to in-depth discussions on resolving economic and trade differences and promoting practical cooperation, MOC spokesperson Shu Jueting told a press conference.

In response to a media query on the balance of trade and investment between the two sides, Shu said the nature of China-U.S. economic and trade relations is mutually beneficial, and that economic and trade cooperation serves the common interests of the two countries and the two peoples.

"We have noted that bilateral trade and investment have recently encountered some difficulties and challenges, which are closely related to a series of unilateralist and protectionist measures taken by the U.S. side," Shu said.

China will continue to raise relevant economic and trade concerns with the United States and strive to create a fair and stable business environment for trade and investment cooperation between enterprises from the two sides, according to the spokesperson. 
The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), represented by Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI), and Cruise Saudi signed an MoU with the shared objective to develop the accessibility and the experiences in this region for travellers.

RCJY is underway with bold ambitions to develop JCPDI as an important entry point for international and domestic tourists thanks to its infrastructure and strategic location, effectively positioning the city as the main destinations gateway of Saudi Arabias southern region. Cruise Saudi will play a crucial role in acting as a conduit between Jazan and the cruise lines.

The MoU was signed during a Masareb ceremony held in Jazan.

The event, which took place at Grand Millennium Jazan Hotel, welcomed Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Jazan region; President of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Eng Khaled Al-Salem; Acting CEO of Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries, Dr Hussain bin Yahya Fadhli; leaders of the tourism sector and a key delegation from Cruise Saudi including Managing Director Fawaz Farooqui and CEO Lars Clasen.

Farooqui emphasised Cruise Saudis enthusiasm to collaborate with RCJY in the aligned vision to create a sea gate which welcomes international tourists to explore the Southern Region as part of the Saudi cruising ecosystem.

With pristine beaches, azure seas, verdant forests, and craggy mountain peaks, Jazan is a hidden gem nestled on the tip of Saudi Arabias Red Sea coast. Stretching over 200 km along the sparkling Red Sea, Jazan aligns with the existing Saudi ports operated by Cruise Saudi providing a strong base from which to conduct exceptional onshore excursions, unique experiences, and reveal breathtaking beauty, previously hidden from global tourists.

Dr Fadhli said: Today marks a promising step for us within Saudi Arabias prospering tourism sector. We are delighted to be exploring a partnership with Cruise Saudi as part of our wider ambitions to develop JCDPI Waterfront. With improved access to the wider Southern region, were looking to develop this area into a thriving hub for business, tourism and leisure.

Clasen said: The reimagining and development of JCPDI is another significant milestone in Saudis tourism journey as part of Vision 2030, of which cruising forms a significant component. By opening up Jazan to global tourists, we can continue to expand on our unique offering of previously untapped extraordinary and unique tourist experiences. Were excited to see what the future holds between Cruise Saudi and a destination which has such huge potential for international tourism.

With the aim of welcoming 1.3 million cruise passengers to experience Saudi via the sea by 2035, Cruise Saudi continues to expand its offering as a major player in the world cruising stage. - TradeArabia News Service
Nice, France (Kyle Haney | GlobetrotterKyle.com)

Ah, the French Riviera. Doesnt the thought of that induce a sense of relaxation in your soul?

Quiet beaches, cozy cafe chairs all facing the main street, the scent of lavender from the local flower market, and endless sunshine that warms your skin from the outside as a cappuccino warms you from the inside.

Sounds amazing right? Well, thats Nice. Its pronounced: Niece; like that cool kid your brother or sister has to deal with that you dont.

Why Visit Nice?

Nice is the town you should visit if youve done enough city breaks and you need someplace to lie low for a while; a place to blend in with the locals and relax.

Its here that youll overhear a conversation between a resident and their favorite flower vendor set to the backdrop of small waves lapping against the shore. In other words, you can easily gauge the pace of life here simply by listening.

Click here for the best places to book a hotel when staying in Nice.

Nice embodies that of a relaxing, easy-going coastal town. I recommend taking your time. Here is what to do.

1. Stroll along the boardwalk bordering the Ligurian Sea

When I first arrived in Nice after a wonderful four days in Barcelona, my soul was in need of a slower pace. I had my fill of walking 20,000 steps in a day and eating tapas until I was ready to explode, so the beach was the most logical answer.

As I meandered down to the end of the Marche aux Fleurs, the smell of the sea breeze increased with each step until I was only a few hundred feet away. Passing by a small courtyard and through some iconic archways, I was face to face with the Ligurian Sea and ready to sit down and relax.

However, I saw the beautiful boardwalk along the beachs edge and knew right away that I needed to go for a run instead. It was sublime, to say the least. The ocean breeze filled my lungs with each step and the sound of seagulls and waves lapping against the shore provided the perfect soundtrack to help clear my head.

Maybe a run along the boardwalk isnt for you, and thats ok! However, dont leave Nice without at least a stroll along this wonderful, soothing attraction!

Nice, France (Kyle Haney | GlobetrotterKyle.com)

2. Buy lavender-scented everything at the Marche aux Fleurs

If you search any other site for what to do in Nice youll find the flower market, Marche aux Fleurs, at the top of the list, and rightfully so! This incredible street market full of fresh produce, flowers and gifts is perfect for an authentic Nice experience.

Located just a block north of the sea, youll find this venue to be well worth an hour of your time. In fact, if youre looking for that perfect travel gift, youll be hard-pressed not to find it here. I bought lavender-scented soaps and lotions for my family back home and they absolutely loved them!

And because it was my first stop in France since having moved from Korea to Germany, I promptly ate my weight in buttery croissants as well.

3. Catch a beautiful sunset from the Colline du Chateau Park

Prior to visiting Nice, I was convinced that sunsets were most enjoyable from the side of a mountain. Call me crazy but, I never thought sunsets over the ocean were anything to write home about! However, after climbing the stairs to the top of Colline du Chateau Park and catching the final remaining rays of light as our star set over the French Riviera, I now know why people rave about this part of the world.

The Colline du Chateau Park is just as enjoyable during the day. I loved visiting this little piece of heaven so much that I went twice during my visit! I loved being able to stand in one place and look out over the sea and city at the same time.

To make your journey extra incredible, bring a bottle of wine and sit on the ledges at the top of the Colline du Chateau Park during sunset. It is guaranteed to make you feel small and nostalgic at the same time!

Click here for answers to all your FAQs about Nice, France.

Nice, France (Kyle Haney | GlobetrotterKyle.com)

4. Take a day trip to Monaco

Id be remiss if I didnt suggest a day trip to Monaco. Only a 30-minute train ride along the French Rivieras coast, this tiny little nation is home to a handful of sites that are well worth one of your days spent in Nice.

Start your trip by visiting the Princes Palace of Monaco for amazing sights of the city. If the flag is up, the prince is home! Because its still a working and living space for the prince, youll not be able to visit the interior while the prince is home. Dont worry though! Theres more to see in Monaco than just the Palace.

After visiting the Princes Palace, head down the street to visit the Chapel of Mercy and Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Both were beautiful. I preferred the quaint scale of the Chapel of Mercy to that of the grandeur bestowed on the Saint Nicholas Cathedral.

From there, consider making your way over to the Casino de Monte-Carlo. Here you can see where James Bond spent an evening gambling before saving the world! I didnt feel the need to visit the casino (let alone spend $10 just to get in) so, I ate lunch instead.

5, 6, and 7: Visit Nices most majestic churches. If you are in Europe, you have the opportunity to see some amazing churches. Here are the top three churches I recommend seeing while youre in Nice. The best part is that admission is free at all of these churches!

5. Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice

Cathedrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice comes in at #1 because of its uniqueness, both in architecture and background. At first glance, you can easily see that this church lacks buttresses and elongated windows stretching towards the heavens like traditional Gothic architecture. Thats because its a Russian Orthodox church; completely different! Be sure to take time to walk around the grounds and admire the round cupolas (domes) from all angles.

Also, and this really blew my mind while I was there, the cathedral is actually the property of Russia! Russian imperialists frequented Nice during the winter months in the mid-1800s so, Tsar Alexander II had this church built to welcome the vacationing families. Fast forward to a French court ruling in 2006 that conferred the cathedral grounds to the Russian government on the basis that the church was on private property owned by the Imperial government during the Russian Revolution. Maybe turn your cell phone off when you visit.

6. The Nice Cathedral

Adorned with a beautiful mosaic of tile on its cupola, The Nice Cathedral stands out like a rose against the citys monochromatic skyline.

I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the Nice Cathedral for the opportunity to sit in a pew and gaze at the magnificent arches and paintings inside. As you cross the threshold into the cathedral, you are instantly overtaken by the sheer size and glamor of the building. Once past the impressive organ above, youll find that the balance between the white-washed walls and gold-plated capitals adorning the columns is intricate and perfect.

As sunlight filters in through the stained-glass windows beneath the dome, youll also be amazed at how light the building feels for being so rigid and massive. Take a moment to appreciate the stillness here before heading out into the small courtyard and enjoying a gelato or cappuccino!

Nice, France (Kyle Haney | GlobetrotterKyle.com)

7. Basilique Notre Dame de lAssomption

You wouldnt believe that the Basilique Notre-Dame de lAssomption was modeled after a church other than the famous Notre Dame in Paris, but its true! Though this cathedral and the epitome of Gothic architecture look strikingly similar, this church was based on a monastery in Angers, France. Built in 1879, this is the largest church in Nice, and is well worth a visit.

While visiting the Basilique Notre-Dame de lAssomption, be sure to take advantage of the surrounding area! This basilica is located along a rather vibrant main street full of restaurants and boutique shops. So, its a perfect place to rest and reflect if youre out exploring Nice for the day!

Kyle Haney is the creator of GlobetrotterKyle.com
In this article, we will look at the 15 Highest paying countries for graphic designers. We have also covered interesting insights about the use of AI and key companies in graphic designing. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, head straight to the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Graphic Designers.

Rising Demand and Popularity of Graphic Designing

In today's digital era, the demand for graphic designers is considerably high, particularly in the US. They earn a median of about $50,710 per year (around $24.38 per hour). Moreover, the job market for graphic designers is predicted to grow by 3% between 2021 and 2031, opening up roughly 6,800 new positions, according to BLS.

What's particularly interesting is the growing interest of younger generations in graphic designing. It's not just because it's fun  it's also because they can work from anywhere, including their own rooms, as remote opportunities for graphic designing are one the rise. To find out more about work-from-home jobs, do check out our article on the best work-from-home jobs in 2023.

Moreover, graphic designing lets youth unleash their imagination and create things that catch everyone's eye. With around 24,800 new job opportunities emerging each year, graphic design presents a world of possibilities for young, creative minds. Graphic designing is also one of the highest paying jobs for 18-year-olds. It is worth mentioning that amongst all other career paths for a graphic designer, 3D designing is the highest paid job for a graphic designer.

Is Generative AI a Threat to Graphic Designers?

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like DALL-E, Midjourney, and Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE)s Firefly are gaining prominence in the graphic design field as they are helping designers in meeting the growing demand for visual content. Graphic designers recognize that while AI can enhance their productivity, it currently relies on human creativity to produce effective results. Designers are utilizing AI as a creative tool and as a means to assist them in tasks like building workback schedules, drafting client copy, and creating mockups. The integration of generative AI into Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE) products, such as Photoshop's AI Generative Fill, is revolutionizing the industry and significantly reducing the time required for design work. You can also check out our article on industries being revolutionized by AI and automation technologies.

Story continues

Despite concerns over AI replacing human creativity, experts highlight that designers' ability to formulate prompts and ideas remains essential. AI is seen as a tool that amplifies designers' abilities rather than a complete replacement. While AI-generated artwork raises copyright issues and legal complexities, designers are advised to treat the AI space as a playground for experimentation. Ultimately, AI is positioned as a co-pilot in the creative process that offers time-saving benefits and helps designers in producing personalized, custom-made content to meet the ever-increasing demand for visual content. To read more about disruption caused by AI around several professions, you can check out our article about jobs that will disappear in the future due to AI.

The Key Players in Graphic Designing

With a steadfast commitment to diversity and inclusion, Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE) has achieved remarkable milestones, ensuring pay parity where female and nonwhite employees earn equal to their counterparts. The company's dedication to employee engagement also is evident through initiatives like Adobe For All Week that promotes dialogue and understanding with tailored programs that empower employees to reach their full potential. Employee networks and clubs add further to their sense of belonging. Beyond career growth, Adobe supports work-life balance through a plethora of healthcare benefits, and community involvement opportunities. The estimated salary of a Graphic Designer at Adobe Inc (NASDAQ:ADBE) is $80,681 per year.

On the other hand, Autodesk Inc (NASDAQ:ADSK)s Maya software is the go-to graphic design software for 3D work which is trusted by top players like Pixar and Framestore. It's a powerhouse with a wide range of tools for every step of 3D designing, from creating models to animating and rendering. Moreover, students and teachers can get free access to Autodesk (NASDAQ:ADSK) Maya. It's a game-changer in the world of graphic design that gives individuals the tools to bring their 3D ideas to life. Autodesk Inc (NASDAQ:ADSK) is also one of the highest paying companies for graphic designers with an estimated salary of $156,282 for a User Experience Designer.

Highest Paying Countries for Graphic Designers

Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

Our Methodology

To list the highest paying countries for graphic designers, we identified the countries with the highest demand for graphic designers and then made a list for 25 countries with the average salaries for graphic designers. Of those 25, the 15 with the highest average salaries were selected and have been ranked. We acquired the data for average salaries of graphic designers for each country from ERI Economic Research Institute. The list is presented in ascending order.

Here is a list of the 15 highest-paying countries for graphic designers.

15. New Zealand

Average Salary: $49,306

The demand of graphic designers in New Zealand is on the rise as there are increasing opportunities in a plethora of industries. From creating impactful designs for businesses to websites and branding, graphic designers play a crucial role in visual communication.

Recently, graphic designer Kristy Campbell who is the founder of Pink Pony Creative, has been super popular owing to the power of social media to revolutionize business branding in New Zealand. With over 300 businesses under her belt since 2020, she leverages platforms like TikTok and Instagram to showcase her design process and has, thus, attracted 257,000 TikTok and 22,000 Instagram followers.

14. Singapore

Average Salary: $49,732

Singapore has a vibrant creative industry with a highly stable economy that provides ample opportunities to showcase your artistic flair and contribute to innovative projects. As a graphic designer, you'll be at the forefront of shaping brands while crafting visually appealing content, and enhancing user experiences. Singapore's strategic location as a global business hub means exposure to diverse clientele and international collaborations that can help enrich your portfolio and network.

13. United Kingdom

Average Salary: $49,959

To become a graphic designer in the UK, one can pursue a degree in graphic design or a related field, such as communication design or illustration. Alternatively, one can also opt for online courses to learn essential skills like Adobe software proficiency. Apprenticeship opportunities are also largely available that provide hands-on experience. However, building a strong portfolio and developing expertise in design software like Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, and Photoshop are key steps towards a successful graphic design career in the UK. It is also known as the best country for graphic design jobs.

12. Finland

Average Salary: $52,873

In Finland, while the market predominantly emphasizes senior roles, entry-level graphic design positions can be scarce. To overcome this, aspiring graphic or web designers should enhance their skills through online UX courses, build a compelling portfolio with detailed case studies, and seek feedback from rejection emails to improve. Networking is crucial in Helsinki's tight-knit community, where referrals play a key role. However, despite these challenges, there is not denying that Finland is one of the highest paying countries for graphic designers.

11. Japan

Average Salary: $54,721

Graphic designing in Japan poses both opportunities and challenges owing to the language barriers. To overcome them, individuals can enroll in language schools like Coto Japanese Academy, which offer intensive courses. Networking plays a crucial role for finding even part-time and freelance jobs that often demand proficiency in both English and Japanese. However, if there are no language barriers, Japan can undoubtedly be the best country for graphic designers.

10. United Arab Emirates

Average Salary: $54,071

While a degree isn't mandatory, having formal graphic design education improves odds of landing a job in the UAE. Employers often value qualifications, experience, portfolio, and practical skills. Thus, if you showcase creativity, technical expertise, and design understanding in your portfolio, you can drastically increase your chances of getting a job in graphic designing.

9. Ireland

Average Salary: $55,045

Ireland offers a plethora of courses for aspiring designers. Institutions like Dublin Institute of Design, St. John's Central College, and Technological University Dublin provide training in illustration, typography, branding, and digital media. Graduates can pursue roles like illustrator, printmaker, web designer, and multimedia developer in a wide range of industries. Apart from being one of the highest paying countries for graphic designers, Ireland is also one of the highest paying countries for dentists.

8. Netherlands

Average Salary: $57,442

Graphic Design programs in the Netherlands provide a strong focus on experimental ideation and conceptual research processes. The curriculum allows students to explore their individual aspirations and ambitions in emerging fields and critical practices. Taught by highly respected, multidisciplinary tutors, graphic designing courses have state-of-the-art facilities and well-equipped workshops. Amsterdam is one of the best cities for graphic designers.

7. Norway

Average Salary: $58,083

Graphic designing in Norway presents a dynamic field where creativity merges with technology. Designers craft captivating visuals for logos, websites, and illustrations. It is however important to be proficient in software and communication. While freelancing opportunities in Norway offers independence, meeting deadlines and client expectations can be demanding. Norway is also one of the highest paying countries for neurosurgeons.

6. Australia

Average Salary: $58,225

Australia is a country with a high demand for graphic designers. However, formal education, like a Diploma of Graphic Design or a Bachelor of Design, is often required to start a career in graphic design in Australia.

Click here to see the 5 Highest Paying Countries for Graphic Designers.

Suggested Articles:

Disclosure: None. 15 Highest Paying Countries for Graphic Designers is originally published on Insider Monkey.
AIA Group, Asia's largest insurer, reported strong revenue growth and policy sales in the first half, thanks to mainland Chinese customers crossing into Hong Kong after the border reopening in search of better investment returns and protection against the yuan depreciation.

Net profit rose 50 per cent in the six months to June to US$2.25 billion,HK$17.6 billion), or 19.39 US cents per share, according to an exchange filing on Thursday. Operating profit after tax increased 0.2 per cent to US$3.27 billion. The insurer adopted the new IFR17 accounting standards for insurance business this year, and adjusted the comparison figure a year earlier.

AIA's value of new business (VONB), an important measure of sales and future growth, surged 37 per cent to US$2 billion, beating the 29 per cent estimate by Nomura. Income from investments rose 9 per cent to US$1.72 billion, aided by a more stable capital market.

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.

"With the pandemic disruption behind us, the strength of AIA's unrivalled distribution platform across Asia has powered a return to very strong new business momentum," CEO and president Lee Yuan Siong said in a statement accompanying the results. "All of our reportable segments and distribution channels delivered higher VONB."

AIA's unrivalled distribution is a core competitive advantage, CEO and President Lee Yuan Siong says. Photo: Xiaomei Chen alt=AIA's unrivalled distribution is a core competitive advantage, CEO and President Lee Yuan Siong says. Photo: Xiaomei Chen>

Lee will host a media briefing later today to discuss the interim results.

AIA's improved showing marked an ongoing recovery for many businesses that were affected by the border closure from 2020 to earlier this year. The strong VONB growth came on the back of a 6 per cent increase in the second half, after Hong Kong relaxed its inbound travel restrictions.

Story continues

In the first half, 13 million travellers visited Hong Kong, including more than 10 million mainland Chinese, according to data published by the Hong Kong government.

AIA grew its business through some acquisitions, spending HK$2.2 billion (US$280 million) on health insurer Blue Cross (Asia-Pacific) a year ago, and HK$5.07 billion on BEA Life in March 2021. It also spent 12 billion yuan (US$1.86 billion) to buy a 25 per cent stake in China Post Life Insurance in mid-2021.

"AIA's unrivalled distribution is a core competitive advantage," Lee said. "We have made substantial investments in technology, digital and analytics over the past three years to further enhance and differentiate our premier agency and partnership channels."

The Hong Kong-based insurer declared an interim dividend of 42.29 Hong Kong cents per share, up 5 per cent from a year earlier, and payable on September 26.

The full reopening of China's southern border with Hong Kong on January 8 was a relief for AIA, with the two business areas accounting for 59 per cent of new sales in the first half of 2023.

AIA Hong Kong's VONB more than doubled to US$681 million as mainlanders return to buy products to hedge the risks of a falling yuan. China's currency has weakened more than 5 per cent against the US dollar this year and last week reached the lowest level since October.

The insurer, which traces its roots to 1919 in Shanghai, continued expanding in mainland China with a new branch in Zhengzhou, Henan province in May, after adding Hubei to its network last year. This, together with the removal of all Covid-19 restrictions in the country, boosted mainland China's VONB by 14 per cent to US$601 million.

AIA's three biggest markets in Southeast Asia all reported growth in the first half. Thailand reported a 28 per cent increase while Malaysia had 10 per cent and Singapore increased 5 per cent. Its other markets in Asia and Australia grew by 8 per cent.

"Mainland China offers tremendous potential for AIA, both within our existing footprint and in new geographies," Lee said. "I am confident that we are well placed to achieve our growth ambitions in the second half of the year and beyond."

Analysts at HSBC are upbeat on the insurer's outlook and stock price outlook. AIA [and Prudential] will be supported because of the strong policy sales in Hong Kong to mainland Chinese visitors, developments in the Insurance Connect scheme, and attractive growth in Asean, they said.

"Growing conviction that new IFRS17 disclosure continues to support the thesis that AIA and Prudential can generate attractive contractual service margin and normalised earnings growth rates compared with the life industry," the analysts wrote in a report before the results.

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.
During the COVID crisis, America saw an exodus from its major population centers in the Northeast and West to the South and the Sun Belt.

Cities like Miami, Tampa, Dallas and Austin all offered lower costs of living while still having many of the cultural attractions as other big cities. As a result, their real estate markets exploded. The obvious play for real estate investors might be apartment REITs with assets concentrated in the Sun Belt.

Mid-America Apartment Communities Inc. (NYSE:MAA) is an S&P 500 company with a heavy concentration in the Sun Belt. Over 55% of its portfolio is in Texas, Florida and Georgia.

Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT) is another S&P 500 REIT that has invested heavily in the Sun Belt. More than half of the company's net operating income (NOI) is derived from major markets in Florida, Georgia and Texas.

But there is another investment opportunity that is gaining popularity, especially as the stock market has become increasingly volatile. Private market real estate funds and fractional investing allow retail investors to be more selective in the specific markets and properties they invest in.

One investment platform even allows individuals to invest in the growth of specific cities. While the median sale price of homes across the U.S. is up only 1.8% year-over-year, according to data from Redfin, prices in markets like Dallas and Miami are up 5.2% and 10.4%, respectively.

Trending: Elon Musk has reportedly bought 6,000 acres of land just outside of Austin. Heres how to invest in the citys growth before he floods it with new tech workers.

Retail investors can also choose to buy shares of specific long-term and short-term rental properties in several markets across the U.S. In fact, Jeff Bezos made an early investment in a company that offers shares of rental properties with a minimum investment of only $100.

The benefit to these types of investments is that their performance isn't tied to the stock market. Share prices of private funds and fractional investments is directly related to the value of the assets and the income they continue to generate.

Story continues

The downside, however, to some investors is the available liquidity. Redemption options are often limited within the target investment term. While this helps protect the long-term value of the investment, it's important that investors only contribute capital that they're comfortable leaving tied up for five years or more.

Read next:

Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. With as little as $100, average investors are becoming landlords thanks to this Jeff Bezos-backed startup.

Blackstone made a $13 billion bet on the growth in student housing. Here's how you can carve out your own piece of the student housing market with just $500.

Don't miss real-time alerts on your stocks - join Benzinga Pro for free! Try the tool that will help you invest smarter, faster, and better.

This article America Is A Nation On The Move. Here's How Investors Can Profit From It originally appeared on Benzinga.com

.

 2023 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
FILE PHOTO: A Dana Inc. assembly technician wears a face mask as he assembles axles for automakers, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, in Toledo

FILE PHOTO: A Dana Inc. assembly technician wears a face mask as he assembles axles for automakers, amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, in Toledo

By Bianca Flowers and Joseph White

DETROIT (Reuters) - Many smaller U.S. manufacturers that supply parts to the Detroit Three automakers will be at risk if a long United Auto Workers strike shuts down assembly lines starting next month, industry executives and analysts said.

Many small and medium-sized auto parts manufacturers are in a weak financial condition after the shock of pandemic shutdowns and subsequent semiconductor shortages that depressed vehicle production at General Motors, Ford and Stellantis NV's North American operations for much of the past three years, industry experts told Reuters.

A strike by the UAW is not a certainty. But the substantial wage and benefit gains that UAW President Shawn Fain has demanded, and the intensity of the campaign the union has mounted, have Detroit industry executives and analysts bracing for walkouts next month. The UAW staged a 42-day strike against GM in 2019 before reaching a new contract.

With regional banks tightening credit, some smaller parts makers could run out of cash or struggle to re-start production once the Detroit Three and the UAW come to terms and assembly lines roll, industry experts said.

The auto parts manufacturing industry employs 4.8 million people, according to the Motor Equipment Manufacturers Association trade group. Many of those jobs are in Michigan, Ohio and other Midwestern U.S. states, as well as the Canadian province of Ontario.

Small suppliers are critical to automakers' supply chains. If even one bracket or bolt or plastic interior part doesn't arrive at an assembly line, production could stop. Automakers have spent much of the past three years dealing with supply chain disruptions, and are still working to recover.

"There's no question, there will be a strong ripple effect down through the supply chain," said Daniel Rustmann, a shareholder in Detroit's Butzel law firm who works with auto suppliers. "It could be the straw that breaks the camels back."

Story continues

Some suppliers are already securing for a storm.

"Our revenue is going to take a hit of 10 to 20%," said Todd Olson, chief executive of Twin City Die Castings Co in Minneapolis, which manufactures an array of metal components for automakers.

Olson said he is working to keep inventory in check. A short strike would not force much change in Twin City's operations. A longer strike would mean laying off some workers. But that comes with risks because of the low unemployment rate, he said.

"If it's three months or something they're gonna have other jobs right? They're not coming back," he said.

Laurie Harbour, president of Harbour Results, said she is concerned by the number of her firm's auto parts-making clients who are not yet preparing for UAW walkouts.

About 30% of a population of 400 companies whose 2022 financial data Harbour Results studied "is what we call unbankable. Their debt levels are too high and they are not turning a profit," Harbour said. The share of troubled companies in the latest survey is up from 20% based on 2021 data.

Many companies could be in worse shape now because production volumes remain below pre-pandemic levels, while borrowing costs and other expenses are higher, she said.

UAW's Fain has said Sept. 14, the end of the current UAW master contracts with the Detroit Three, is a "deadline, not a reference point." UAW members are voting this week to authorize strikes if new agreements are not concluded, and UAW leaders organized what they called "practice pickets" at certain plants this week.

The union is seeking an end to a wage system that pays new hires less than veterans doing the same work, a 40% increase in hourly wages, restoration of cost-of-living adjustments and reinstatement of defined benefit pension plans for all UAW employees.

Automakers and the UAW agreed during the 2007 financial crisis to end pensions for newly-hired workers, replacing them with individually-managed 401(k) accounts. Restoring pensions could add significant new liabilities to automakers' books.

Smaller Detroit Three suppliers will not have smooth sailing once the UAW contract talks are concluded, said Peter West of Actify, a firm that advises suppliers on automotive program management, and Mark Barrott of the Detroit consulting and accounting firm Plante Moran.

Suppliers face demands to invest in engineering and production equipment for a tsunami of new vehicle programs over the next few years as automakers develop new electric vehicles and try to sustain profitable combustion models, West said in an interview.

Over the longer term, however, automakers will be trying to cut the number of parts they order and simplify product lines, Barrott said.

"It's not going to go smoothly," he said.

(Reporting By Bianca Flowers in Chicago and Joseph White in Detroit, Additonal reporting by Shivansh Tiwary; Editing by Nick Zieminski)
A federal judge has approved an $8 million settlement in a lawsuit brought by the trustee in the Art Van Furniture bankruptcy case against heirs of the late Art Van Elslander that sought to claw back tens of millions in proceeds from the retailer's 2017 sale to a private-equity firm.

The Van Elslander heirs emphatically denied all claims of wrongdoing as part of the settlement, and the settlement also releases them from any future claims concerning the company's sale and its shocking liquidation bankruptcy just three years later in March 2020.

Art Van Furniture declared liquidation bankruptcy in 2020.

The heirs will pay nothing out of pocket and instead tap business insurance policy proceeds for their part of the settlement. The settlement also covers former Art Van CEO Kim Yost and the Boston-based private-equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners.

The trustee initially sought to recover $105 million in so-called "fraudulent transfers," which in bankruptcy court is a term that doesn't necessarily refer to a crime, but rather is a claim that a third party didn't receive fair value in a deal.

"Thanks to the parties for working through the issues. This obviously looks like a very sensible resolution," Judge Craig Goldblatt of U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware said last week when approving the settlement.

In a phone interview Wednesday, Gary Van Elslander, 72, who was Art Van Furniture's president until the 2017 sale, said the family is glad the lawsuit is over, although still unhappy about what ultimately happened to the company  and its thousands of employees  after it was handed off to the private-equity firm.

Company founder Art Van Elslander, Gary Van Elslander's father, was still alive for the sale and died the following year at age 87.

There was just overwhelming evidence that Art Van Furniture as a company, that our father sold to T.H. Lee, was solvent and really poised for continued success after its sale," Gary Van Elslander said. "All of the charges leveled by the bankruptcy trustee against our family were totally without merit.

Story continues

Nearly 190 Art Van stores closed and roughly 3,000 workers in nine states lost jobs when the retailer closed. Creditors claimed hundreds of millions in unpaid claims.

Who I feel really bad for is the employees of Art Van," Gary Van Elslander said. "My father always said that the heartbeat of the company was the people, and that was a fact  and they probably got hurt worse than anyone.

"The Van Elslander family, our feelings were hurt, my fathers legacy was hurt, but the pain that the employees felt was real, and that I think we probably feel worse about.

Nearly all of the $8 million in settlement money is coming from the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, which provided coverage, including for breach of fiduciary duty claims, to Gary Van Elslander, Yost and various Thomas H. Lee Partners officials who sat on Art Van's board of directors. The settlement followed sessions with a mediator last December and late January.

More: Art Van heirs would pay nothing out of pocket in $8M bankruptcy settlement

More: Art Van Furniture files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, could still face liquidation

"The mediator was able to kind of impose on the insurance company  for lack of a better way to say it  and make them understand that it was not going to be in their best interest to have to support going to court, because it was going to be a much longer and more involved process, like all court cases are," Gary Van Elslander said.

"We had a very strong financial backup and documentation that showed the company was in very good financial condition when it was sold  it was not set up to fail by any stretch of the imagination."

The trustee's lawsuit, filed in March 2022, focused on a flurry of sale-leaseback transactions for nearly 40 Art Van Furniture stores and related properties that the retailer had owned outright, with proceeds from those transactions going to finance 70% of the $621 million sale deal in 2017.

The trustee contended that the sale-leasebacks saddled Art Van Furniture with new rent expenses  on top of a debt load from the deal  that proved unsustainable and in the end doomed the company.

Gary Van Elslander said Wednesday that he was only "somewhat aware" of the sale-leasebacks in the 2017 deal, "but not in detail."

I wasnt privy even as a board member to the length of the leases and the specifics of each of the leases that they made or how they were packaged up," he said.

Asked whether his family had any concerns at the time about the structure of the deal, he said: "Honestly, we never sold a company before. And we, after going through the process, we felt that T.H. Lee really knew what they were doing. They were a good company, they had a good track record. And we figured maybe they knew some stuff that we might not know  this is something that they do all the time. On that side of the equation, they were the experts. We were the experts on the furniture side.

Gary Van Elslander then served on an advisory board for three months to help with the transition, but says he never had an active role in running the furniture retailer after the sale.

As for his thoughts on what ultimately doomed Art Van Furniture, he cited an expansion push and the new management losing touch with what once made the company successful.

"I think along the way that some of the culture of the business was lost," he said. "We had a very driven culture, very hands-on among the executive team with our retail stores, and I think a lot of that was lost. There was management that was hired that was from outside the Detroit area. They really didnt understand the legacy and the brand of Art Van Furniture as well as they could have, didnt put enough importance on it.

Representatives for Thomas H. Lee Partners have previously declined comment on the bankruptcy trustee's claims or the settlement. The firm said at the time of Art Van Furniture's bankruptcy that it and investors in the deal would lose 100% of their principal investment and they never received any dividends or returns of capital.

A lawyer for the private-equity firm, Alistair Blacklock of Kirkland & Ellis, said in bankruptcy court last week that they were "very pleased with the settlement and pleased to resolve this chapter."

Gary Van Elslander said Wednesday that those with the private-equity firm have always insisted they didn't make any money from the Art Van Furniture deal.

In 2021, the Van Elslander family bid $6 million to buy back legal rights to the Art Van Furniture name from the bankruptcy court.

Gary Van Elslander said they bought back the name "because we didnt want it to be tarnished any further than it already was. We didnt want someone to get ahold of the name and make the memory of Art Van be something different than the business that my father had built."

Still, it is possible that someone in the family might wish to use the name in the future.

There is always that possibility. We have a very large family. And while theres nothing immediate, my brother David and I have explored some different options," he said. Were told that the brand is still very strong.

ContactJC Reindl: 313-378-5460 or jcreindl@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @jcreindl. Read more on business and sign up for our business newsletter.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Art Van heir: Retailer 'not set up to fail' by family sale to PE firm
The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with City University Ajman to enhance cooperation, knowledge and expertise exchange in community services and institutional experiences.

The MoU was signed by Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, and Imran Khan, President of City University Ajman.

Under the agreement, the university will provide partial scholarships for the employees of the ADTA and their families who will be nominated according to agreed criteria.

In return, Ajman Tourism will facilitate volunteer work for the university students and allow them to participate in joint events and programmes. It also includes strengthening partnerships with stakeholders on both sides and mutual promotion of activities and events.

As part of the agreement, regular meetings will be held to review the best practices of both parties in all work fields, experience and knowledge exchange through field and academic training related to skills development, and specialised training programmes.

The collaboration also includes cooperation in innovation activities and entrepreneurship to achieve common goals at the local and global levels in various areas including participation and exchange of experiences related to creativity and innovation which contributes to accomplishing common strategic goals, creating mechanisms to operate innovation labs as per international best practices, and cooperation in evaluating mutual creative and innovative ideas.

Alhashmi said signing this agreement with City University Ajman comes as part of the department's endeavour to enhance cooperation and establish partnerships with prominent entities in the emirate such as City University Ajman.

Khan said, We are thrilled to join efforts with Ajman Tourism to reinforce the position of the emirate and highlight its excellent academic programs that meet market needs and contribute to the advancement of the society. -TradeArabia News Service
(Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

On paper, a freight agents job seems simple: Provide shippers with stable access to capacity and connect carriers with stable access to freight.

Any agent would be able to tell you that the job is far from easy, even in the best market. For most agents, in todays competitive market, more headwinds to providing stability exist than ever.

In an environment as volatile as todays, freight agents are constantly battling to maintain great customer relationships and contracted freight  their bread and butter.

Shippers are utilizing the spot markets more and more in order to minimize their costs, said Brian AuBuchon, vice president of logistics at Artur Express Inc. As a result, brokers are having to price freight lower than they have in years. This creates a very competitive and difficult market to secure freight and move it profitably.

Artur Express, a Missouri-based transportation provider, has been serving the industry for the past 25 years and has witnessed the boom and bust cycles. AuBuchon knows that if brokers rely on the spot markets, their probability of long-term success is significantly reduced.

No matter the market, agents must be available to answer carriers questions quickly and provide them with loads on a consistent basis to keep their businesses thriving.

Freight agents could do this and find greater success and stability in an uncertain market if they had dedicated carriers that can work for them. This gives them a bird in hand when quoting new lanes.

This competitive advantage is asset-based logistics.

Asset-based logistics is just what it sounds like  its a logistics company that is also part of a larger entity that owns and operates its own fleet of trucks and trailers. Owning the relationship with carriers allows an agents service and rates to win out, AuBuchon said.

Asset-based logistics provides shippers with another level of confidence, he explained. If a company owns assets, the common shipper response is that if a brokerage truck is not available, the company can always cover with one of their own trucks.

Story continues

You dont have to look further than TAB to see the success of this setup. As the freight brokerage division of Artur Express, TABs agents are backed by company-owned assets, including more than 850 trucks and over 3,600 trailers, as well as many services at their disposal. This includes drop trailer capabilities, team service, dedicated, refrigerated transport and more.

At the same time, TABs unique positions allow for agents to still manage customers overflow freight or freight that does not work well with its asset division.

TABs state-of-the-art TMS and support structure enable agents to interface better with their customers and achieve much greater productivity and accuracy for their individual requirements. Meanwhile, the companys competitive pay structure lets agents keep more of their hard-earned profits.

TAB allows agents the opportunity to thrive and grow as a result of our training program and tech offerings. We provide operational support if needed in addition to all of the back-office support that we provide to all of our agents, AuBuchon said.

As the market continues to challenge brokers and carriers alike, freight agents need an organization to call home that allows them to advance their business.

TAB provides that  as evidenced by its 40% year-over-year growth for the past seven years that continues today. Despite the market volatility agents face today, TAB offers agents a safe place to land and grow their individual businesses.

To learn more about joining TAB, click here.

The post Asset-based logistics: A freight agents competitive advantage appeared first on FreightWaves.
There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'd want to identify a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and then alongside that, an ever-increasing base of capital employed. If you see this, it typically means it's a company with a great business model and plenty of profitable reinvestment opportunities. However, after briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think BT Group (LON:BT.A) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

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. To calculate this metric for BT Group, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.075 = UK3.2b  (UK53b - UK10b) (Based on the trailing twelve months to March 2023).

Thus, BT Group has an ROCE of 7.5%. Ultimately, that's a low return and it under-performs the Telecom industry average of 9.4%.

See our latest analysis for BT Group

roce

Above you can see how the current ROCE for BT Group compares to its prior returns on capital, but there's only so much you can tell from the past. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free report for BT Group.

The Trend Of ROCE

On the surface, the trend of ROCE at BT Group doesn't inspire confidence. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 7.5% from 12% five years ago. On the other hand, the company has been employing more capital without a corresponding improvement in sales in the last year, which could suggest these investments are longer term plays. It's worth keeping an eye on the company's earnings from here on to see if these investments do end up contributing to the bottom line.

Story continues

The Bottom Line

Bringing it all together, while we're somewhat encouraged by BT Group's reinvestment in its own business, we're aware that returns are shrinking. And in the last five years, the stock has given away 36% so the market doesn't look too hopeful on these trends strengthening any time soon. Therefore based on the analysis done in this article, we don't think BT Group has the makings of a multi-bagger.

One final note, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with BT Group (including 1 which is a bit unpleasant) .

For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc (NYSE:BBW) has recently experienced a daily gain of 17.43%, and a 3-month gain of 38.75%. With an Earnings Per Share (EPS) of 3.26, the question arises: Is the stock significantly overvalued? In this article, we delve into a valuation analysis to answer this question. We invite you to read on for a detailed look at the company's financial health and future prospects.

A Snapshot of Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc

Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc is a U.S.-based specialty retailer known for its customized stuffed animals and related products. The company operates in the U.S., Canada, China, Denmark, Ireland, and the U.K., through a combination of corporately-managed locations, e-commerce sites, and temporary stores. Build-A-Bear Workshop also licenses its franchise agreements for store locations in Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa. The company's commercial segment comprises transactions with other businesses, mainly involving licensing the intellectual properties for third-party use and wholesale activities.

As of August 24, 2023, Build-A-Bear Workshop's stock price stands at $28.64, while its estimated fair value (GF Value) is $21.71, indicating that the stock might be significantly overvalued. With a market cap of $416.10 million and sales of $470.30 million, a deeper analysis is required to understand the true value of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Is Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc (BBW) Significantly Overvalued?

Understanding the GF Value

The GF Value represents the current intrinsic value of a stock, derived from a unique methodology. This GF Value is calculated based on historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past performance and growth, and future business performance estimates. The GF Value Line, displayed on our summary page, provides an overview of the fair value at which the stock should ideally be traded.

Story continues

If the stock price is significantly above the GF Value Line, it is considered 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. According to this methodology, Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) appears to be significantly overvalued.

Is Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc (BBW) Significantly Overvalued?

Given that Build-A-Bear Workshop is significantly overvalued, the long-term return of its stock is likely to be much lower than its future business growth. For a list of companies that may deliver higher future returns at reduced risk, click here.

Assessing Financial Strength

Investing in companies with poor financial strength presents a high risk of permanent capital loss. Therefore, it's crucial to review a company's financial strength before deciding to purchase shares. Key indicators of financial strength include the cash-to-debt ratio and interest coverage. Build-A-Bear Workshop has a cash-to-debt ratio of 0.38, which ranks worse than 55.42% of 1088 companies in the Retail - Cyclical industry. Overall, the financial strength of Build-A-Bear Workshop is rated 7 out of 10, indicating fair financial health.

Is Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc (BBW) Significantly Overvalued?

Profitability and Growth

Investing in profitable companies carries less risk, especially those that have demonstrated consistent profitability over the long term. Build-A-Bear Workshop has been profitable 7 years over the past 10 years. During the past 12 months, the company had revenues of $470.30 million and Earnings Per Share (EPS) of $3.26. Its operating margin of 13.4% is better than 84.72% of 1093 companies in the Retail - Cyclical industry. Overall, GuruFocus ranks Build-A-Bear Workshop's profitability as fair.

The growth of a company is a crucial factor in its valuation. The 3-year average annual revenue growth rate of Build-A-Bear Workshop is 10.2%, which ranks better than 69.16% of 1044 companies in the Retail - Cyclical industry. The 3-year average EBITDA growth rate is 67.7%, which ranks better than 94.56% of 901 companies in the same industry.

Return on Invested Capital vs. Weighted Average Cost of Capital

Return on invested capital (ROIC) measures how well a company generates cash flow relative to the capital it has invested in its business. The weighted average cost of capital (WACC) is the rate that a company is expected to pay on average to all its security holders to finance its assets. Ideally, the return on invested capital should be higher than the weighted cost of capital. For the past 12 months, Build-A-Bear Workshop's ROIC is 25.04, and its cost of capital is 7.29.

Is Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc (BBW) Significantly Overvalued?

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stock of Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) shows every sign of being significantly overvalued. The company's financial condition is fair and its profitability is fair. Its growth ranks better than 94.56% of 901 companies in the Retail - Cyclical industry. To learn more about Build-A-Bear Workshop 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.


A California-based automotive company launched its first electric commercial truck off the production line at a Mississippi plant this week. Local officials hope it can help shift Tunica Countys narrative and show the area can offer a wider variety of job opportunities for residents.

Mullen Automotive, an EV manufacturer, introduced its Mullen 3, a Class 3 EV commercial truck, at its commercial vehicle assembly facility in Tunica  about 30 miles from Memphis. The company held a celebration event and tour of its Mississippi plant on Thursday for local officials and media.

John Schwegman, Mullen Automotives chief commercial officer, said the areas central location is great for the company to get supplies into the facility and ship anywhere around the country, while also praising the areas workforce.

Being part of the Greater Memphis area and Tunica, in particular, has been a great fit for Mullen, Schwegman said.

John Taylor, senior vice president of global manufacturing for Mullen Automotive, discusses the process of assembling electric commercial vehicles at Mullens assembly factory in Tunica, Mississippi, on Aug. 24, 2023.

Mullens Tunica plant currently employs 61 people who are mainly working on the companys Class 3 EV truck. Mullen, founded in 2014, plans to expand to more than 100 employees by the end of the year to help launch its second commercial electric vehicle  a smaller Class 1 van.

The company did not answer how much money the company invested in its Tunica plant. The company has facilities in California, Mississippi, Michigan and Indiana and a little more than 200 employees.

Mullens investment is another sign of the Mid-Souths growing presence in the EV market. Ford Motor Co. and SK Ons $5.6 billion investment in BlueOval City for a battery manufacturing and electric vehicle campus in Stanton  about 40 miles northeast of Memphis  will focus more on consumer vehicles, though.

Charles Finkley Jr., president and CEO of the Tunica County Chamber, he said while the area is known for being a casino town and that draws tourism, Mullens arrival could represent the beginning of more for the county of about 9,800 people.

Story continues

A Class 3 electric vehicle can be seen in the lobby at Mullen Automotive's assembly factory in Tunica, Mississippi, on Aug. 24, 2023.

Projects like this show the resilience of the local community, he said. Everybody has known us (as) a casino town, but by us kind of delving off into manufacturing what were showing now is the resilience of our people here. They were great in the gaming industry but now as you move into the advanced manufacturing, the assembly  it just shows that people here in Tunica County, people here in the Mid-South are capable of any industry that may call our area home.

Two years ago, Mullen announced plans to potentially expand into Memphis along with Tunica. That included spending more than $336 million for an electric car plant at 8400 Winchester Road, a building previously used by Nike. But that never materialized.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: We hit the road with Ford's Kel Kearns in the F-150 Lightning. Here's what we learned.

In an interview with The Commercial Appeal, Schwegman said he could not speak to whether the company has plans to expand its offering in the Greater Memphis area.

There is a lot of land here, so it does set itself up for that potential (expansion in Tunica), if the market demand and portfolio kind of complements it, he said. I think it can be a perfect fit, but we havent decided those specific plans.

John Schwegman, chief commercial sales officer for Mullen Automotive, discusses the company's future at Mullen Automotive's assembly factory in Tunica, Mississippi, on Aug. 24, 2023.

Mullens Class Three EV truck can hold up to 11,000 pounds and is best used for maneuverability on narrow city streets with a mile range of about 130, according to the company.

The company purchased the Tunica property in 2021, which had been vacant for several years after previous tenant electric car manufacturer Green Tech Automotive closed its factory in 2017.

The facility is 120,000 square feet on 100 acres. Mullen plans to eventually increase capacity to produce 6,000 vehicles a year over two shifts at the Tunica facility.

Omer Yusuf covers the Ford project in Haywood County, FedEx, tourism and banking for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached via email Omer.Yusuf@commercialappeal.com or followed on X, @OmerAYusuf.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: EV company Mullen Automotive launches first commercial truck in MS
Investors got a glimpse into what a Republican presidency could mean for the markets as eight contenders debated everything from Bidenomics to China to gas prices during the first Republican primary debate.

And while were still more than a year out from Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, it may be time to start thinking about how potential policy changes could impact the market. Given the key themes that emerged from the debate Wednesday night, we asked a few strategists what a Republican presidency could mean for business and Wall Street.

'Unlock American energy'

To no surprise, the Republican field seemed to be in agreement on energy policy, repeatedly calling for energy dominance via the reduction of drilling regulations.

Former Vice President Mike Pence touted the Trump administrations move to unleash American energy, while Vivek Ramaswamy called to unlock American energy, drill, frack, burn coal, embrace nuclear.

Former Vice President Mike Pence and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis listen as businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speaks during break in a Republican presidential primary debate hosted by FOX News Channel Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, in Milwaukee. (Morry Gash/AP Photo)

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis added, Were going to open up all energy production, were going to be energy dominant in this country.

While initially this may sound like a huge win for energy giants Exxon (XOM) and Chevron (CVX), who President Biden has accused of war profiteering amid record profits, Portfolio Wealth Advisors CEO Lee Munson warned more production could lead to oversupply, eventually taking a toll on the sector.

When you look at what happened to oil services under Trump, the glut of oil from the fracking boom led to lower prices and losses for investors, Munson told Yahoo Finance. He was too friendly and encouraged a glut.

GOP targets ESG

ESG  a type of investing that takes into account environmental, social, and governance factors  is a top target for Republicans ahead of the 2024 election.

DeSantis is among the fiercest critics of President Bidens support of ESG investments. The Florida Governor signed a bill into law earlier this year barring state officials from making ESG investments or ESG bond sales, and in the past has compared environmentally conscious investing to ideological joyrides.

Story continues

Maybe not a great idea, said one analyst.

Markets tend to like the status quo, Interactive Brokers chief strategist Steve Sosnick told Yahoo Finance. DeSantis has shown that he will intervene in private business to get his point across  That might make some businesses and some investors nervous.

Sosnick was referring to DeSantis's ongoing legal battle with Disney, which is being closely watched as a sign of how far lawmakers might go to influence corporate ESG policies.

Former President Trump, who was noticeably absent from the first primary debate, has also joined the chorus of Republican lawmakers opposing ESG. In a campaign video released on Truth Social, Trump vowed to support "a law to keep politics away from Americans retirement accounts forever.

ESG as a term has become demonized, Sosnick said. Companies probably won't change their fundamental values but I think they'll change the way that it's expressed. For example, McDonalds (MCD) removed the ESG abbreviation from parts of its website earlier this year.

Staying tough on China

Despite offering few details on how to manage the USs relationship with China, GOP candidates have largely taken an aggressive stance towards Beijing, leading investors to believe tensions will remain high for years to come.

DeSantis has called the USs current relationship with China abusive. Ramaswamy said economic independence from China is the most important foreign policy objective. Former UN ambassador, and South Carolina governor, Nikki Haley accused China of taking advantage of America and using our science and tech to advance its military. Even Senator Tim Scott, who has been criticized by rivals for being too friendly towards Beijing, is stepping up his rhetoric. He called China the biggest threat to Americas security.

For investors, this wont be a big change from the Biden Administrations current policy.

Trump is the one who imposed tariffs on China," Sosnick added. "President Biden left them in place and, in many ways, has expanded upon them.

Escalating tensions between the US and China could put pressure on some chipmakers who have been caught in the crosshairs in recent months. In May, China banned the sale of some Micron (MU) chips in the country, and now, the Biden administration is reportedly considering new restrictions on AI chips made by companies like Nvidia (NVDA) and AMD (AMD).

Markets want balance, clarity, and most importantly, nothing to actually happen in Washington, Munson said to sum it all up. Gridlock is good for business.

Seana Smith is an anchor at Yahoo Finance. Follow Smith on Twitter @SeanaNSmith. Tips on deals, mergers, activist situations, or anything else? Email seanasmith@yahooinc.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
TAIPEI, Taiwan, August 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Department of Information and Tourism (DOIT), Taipei City Government is leading three post-COVID tourism promotion and industry-exchange activities in Singapore and Malaysia from August 21 to 25. Commissioner Chen Shu-Hui personally unveiled special "Taipei Travel Gift Bags," "Singapore and Malaysia Tourist Exclusive Package," and other special deals, with an aim to attract more visitors from Singapore and Malaysia.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824628392/en/

Singapore and Malaysia tourism enterprises cheerfully meet with those from Taipei. (Photo: Business Wire)

For first-time Muslim travelers visiting Taiwan, DOIT recommends classic city attractions such as Taipei 101, the National Palace Museum, and Liberty Square. For travelers of Chinese descent with a high revisit rate, emerging attractions such as the Taipei Music Center, Taipei Performing Arts Center, and Rongjin Gorgeous Time are highly rewarding destinations. Commissioner Chen reminds everyone that Taipei is just 4 to 5 hours from Singapore/Malaysia, and this campaign seeks to entice more travelers to Taipei where wonder-filled holidays are guaranteed.

The 12 participating enterprises in this campaign include iconic hotels, commercial districts, souvenir sellers, food and drinks, wedding salons, and cultural-creative brands. DOIT emphasized that an extensive array of captivating events take place in Taipei City, especially the Taipei New Years Eve party on December 31, capped by the Taipei 101 fireworks show, with revelers in the hundreds of thousands counting down to the New Year. After this is the 2024 Taipei Lantern Festival, hitting the stage in February. This duo forms the premier showcase of Asias classic "double New Year" celebration season. All international explorers are warmly invited to come take part in these grand events!

Story continues

As an enticement, the Taipei City Government has a splendid preferential-deal program running from September 1 to December 31. Simply purchase a China Airlines ticket for travel from Singapore/Kuala Lumpur to Taipei and receive an exclusive limited-edition "Taipei Travel Gift Bag" containing local-transportation tickets, shopping district gift coupons, and hotel stay vouchers. Were also launching the "Singapore and Malaysia Tourist Exclusive Package"  during this period, tourists can simply present passports to enjoy beef noodles for free, pastry DIY, and wedding salon photoshoot deals. These enticements ensure wholly different surprises for each Taipei visit.

https://www.tpedoit.gov.taipei

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824628392/en/

Contacts

Shi-Xun Lin, Section Assistant

qa-rellarce@gov.taipei
The custom-built, mortgage-free home is located in The Woodlands Hills in Willis, Texas

HOUSTON, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Century Communities, Inc., (NYSE: CCS)  a top 10 homebuilder, industry leader in online home sales and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023  along with the Houston Texans, The Howard Hughes Corp., Greater Houston Builders Association and Operation Finally Home, celebrated the groundbreaking of a custom-built, mortgage-free home for U.S. Army Sergeant Joanna Ellenbeck.

U.S. Army SGT Joanna Ellenbeck and family at the groundbreaking ceremony for their future home | August 11, 2023

Century Communities is building the home for Ellenbeck and her daughter on a lot donated by The Howard Hughes Corp. in The Woodlands Hills in Willis, Texas. Ellenbeck was surprised with the news during a Texans game last December.

"Century Communities is honored and privileged to partner with such great organizations to build a deserving veteran a home," said Liesel Cooper, national president of Century Communities. "We are proud to be able to make a difference in the communities we are a part of through efforts like this, but more importantly we are proud to have been given the opportunity to help an American hero and mother."

The groundbreaking ceremony for the 2,012-square-foot home was held Aug. 11. Slated for completion in spring 2024, the four-bedroom, three-bath home features an open-concept design with island kitchen overlooking the combined great room and dining area and a spacious owner's ensuite featuring a huge walk-in closet.

The home was custom designed for Ellenbeck, who enlisted in the U.S. Army after 9/11 and served for more than eight years, including three combat deployments: one to Afghanistan and two to Iraq. Serving with the 25th Infantry Division, Ellenbeck worked as an avionics mechanic throughout her military career, repairing Black Hawks, Chinooks and Kiowa 58 helicopters.

For her service, Ellenbeck received multiple awards and recognition. These include an Iraq Campaign medal with five stars, four Army Commendation Medals, two Meritorious Unit Commendations and two Army Good Conduct Medals, in addition to a National Defense Service Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among others. She was honorably discharged in 2010.

Story continues

She carries visible and invisible scars from her service, including a debilitating back injury sustained from her 2004 deployment. Ellenbeck's doctors believe her service-related injuries will require her to use a wheelchair in the future.

Currently residing in Arizona, Ellenbeck plans to move to Houston to be closer to family and friends and provide her daughter the medical, therapeutic and educational support she needs. Ellenbeck's daughter was born blind, has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

Century Communities customized the single-story home for the Ellenbecks, including sloped concrete to allow wheelchairs smooth transitions into the home; widening of all doors; addition of a blocking system in the child's bedroom for a harness system; installation of a changing table in the owner's bathroom; addition of grab bars in all bathrooms; and removal of the linen closet in the owner's bath to replace it with a door that allows for quick and easy access to the child's bedroom.

In addition to construction by Century Communities, most of the vendors involved have donated time, money and products to the project.

"Opportunities like being able to provide the Ellenbecks a safe, custom-built home to meet their needs is what our mission of A Home for Every Dream is about," added Cooper. "We take seriously our role of partner in the communities in which we build, which is why we are thrilled to be a part of this endeavor and will continue our efforts to make a difference in the lives of others."

About Century Communities

Century Communities, Inc. (NYSE: CCS) is one of the nation's largest homebuilders, an industry leader in online home sales, and the highest-ranked homebuilder on Newsweek's list of America's Most Trustworthy Companies 2023. Through its Century Communities and Century Complete brands, Century's mission is to build attractive, high-quality homes at affordable prices to provide its valued customers with A HOME FOR EVERY DREAM. Century is engaged in all aspects of homebuilding  including the acquisition, entitlement and development of land, along with the construction, innovative marketing and sale of quality homes designed to appeal to a wide range of homebuyers. The Company operates in 18 states and over 45 markets across the U.S., and also offers title, insurance and lending services in select markets through its Parkway Title, IHL Home Insurance Agency, and Inspire Home Loans subsidiaries. To learn more about Century Communities, please visit www.centurycommunities.com.

About The Howard Hughes Corporation

The Howard Hughes Corp. 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 Corporation's 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. The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHC. For additional information visit www.howardhughes.com.

About The Greater Houston Builders Association

The Greater Houston Builders Association, chartered in 1941, is a trade organization whose members are involved in the development, homebuilding, and remodeling industries in 11 counties in the Houston area. The association currently has over 1500-member companies, is the 3rd largest builders association in the country and the largest in Texas. GHBA is the voice of Houston's residential construction industry, serving their members and the community through education and advocating professionalism and quality housing. The association also interacts with the government, community and general public to enhance the business climate for its members and to provide quality obtainable housing to the community it serves. The association is also active in community outreach and charitable events.

About Houston Texans Foundation

The Houston Texans Foundation was founded in 2002 with a mission of being Champions for Youth. The Foundation believes that youth are the champions of our future, and therefore it is dedicated to enhancing their quality of life. Since 2002, more than $45 million has been raised through annual fundraising events, disaster response programs, an annual United Way campaign and partnerships with nonprofit organizations on gameday. Through fundraising efforts, the Foundation supports and administers programs in education, character development and health and wellness to empower the next generation of Texans. The Foundation has aligned with three strategic community partners; the Houston Texans YMCA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Food Bank, and the majority of their support goes to these three organizations through monetary donations, programming and volunteerism. The Houston Texans Foundation is committed to inspiring positive change within the Houston community.

About Operation Finally Home

Based in New Braunfels, Texas, Operation Finally Home is a nonpartisan/nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to provide custom-built, mortgage-free homes, transitional housing and home modifications to veterans, first responders and their families. Established in 2005, the organization has completed or is in planning on more than 430 home projects in more than 32 states. Operation Finally Home partners with corporate sponsors, builder associations, builders, remodelers, developers, individual contributors and volunteers to help these heroes and their families by addressing one of their most pressing needs  a safe place to call home. For more information about Operation Finally Home, visit OperationFinallyHome.org, follow @OpFinallyHome on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

Century Communities, Inc. (PRNewsfoto/Century Communities, Inc.)

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/century-communities-partners-break-ground-on-home-for-veteran-301908936.html

SOURCE Century Communities, Inc.
The upcoming Dubai Airshow will provide a platform to showcase innovations that will help advance the industry towards achieving global net zero emissions targets.

The 18th edition of the show will be held from November 13 to 17 at Dubai World Central (DWC), Dubai Airshow Site under the theme of The Future of the Aerospace Industry.

Dubai Airshow has confirmed that sustainability is an increasingly important topic of discussion and area of focus for its stakeholders at the upcoming edition.

As the aerospace and defence industries continue on their path to net zero, this years airshow will offer industry stakeholders the latest solutions to build on the momentum across the industry with special sustainability-themed conference tracks.

Industry experts will discuss measures to build a more sustainable aerospace ecosystem, covering some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities.

As Dubai Airshow leads up to the United Nations annual global climate change conference, COP28, which is also taking place in Dubai towards the end of the year, industry stakeholders will take the opportunity to showcase their latest solutions towards net zero emissions, discuss collaborations and gain new insights.

The aviation industry contributes approximately 2% to 3% of all global CO2 emissions. But with a constant increase in passenger demand, this could rise to 25% to 30% by 2050 if no actions are taken, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan titled Sustainable Technologies in Aviation, and there is an urgent need for manufacturers, airlines and airport operators to undertake sustainability initiatives.

Global production capacity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) needs to exceed 30 billion litres by 2030 and 450 billion litres by 2050 for airlines to be able to achieve net zero targets. In 2020, SAF production was just 450 million litres, according to IATA, which is less than 0.05% of the global demand of jet fuel.

However, several initiatives are already underway in the Middle East region. Recently, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) signed an agreement with Airbus, to support the development and growth of the global SAF market. The agreement will also see the entities collaborate on Green Hydrogen, and Direct Air Capture technologies. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways signed a deal with Shell to source 3,000 metric tonnes of neat SAF at Amsterdam Schiphol airport, making it the first carrier in the Middle East and Africa to procure a large SAF amount in Europe, beyond government SAF mandates.

Globally, Shell Aviation has signed several other agreements to provide airlines including JetBlue and Japan Airlines (JAL) with SAF, and Air bp, the specialised aviation division of multinational oil and gas company BP, has announced the first sale of SAF from its Castellon refinery in Spain, marking another important milestone at it works towards making SAF more available.

Earlier this year, Emirates successfully completed a demonstration flight powered by 100% SAF on a Boeing 777-300ER, as part of its plans to help the global aviation industry meet carbon emission targets. The airline has also earmarked $200 million to fund R&D on advanced fuel technologies that can reduce commercial aviation's environmental impact.

Exhibitors at the Airshow are set to showcase their latest technologies and innovations that will help advance the industry towards achieving global net zero emissions targets.

Mikail Houari, President, Africa and Middle East at Airbus, commented: At Airbus, we continue to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to leading the decarbonisation journey in the aerospace industry through our pioneering role in developing disruptive technologies. Whether this is through hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft or other sustainable solutions when it comes to engines and fuels, our goals are a testament to the potential for revolutionising the way we fly. We are relentlessly pursuing ambitions of building a more sustainable future for aviation as we seek to make our commercial fleet capable of flying with 100% SAF by 2030.

Separately, Honeywell has launched a new technology called UOP eFining that produces lower-carbon aviation fuel from green hydrogen and carbon dioxide captured from industry.

Mohammed Mohaisen, president and CEO, Honeywell Middle East and North Africa, commented: Sustainable Aviation Fuel represents a ready now opportunity to drive the sustainable growth of the aviation industry, yet it is still barely tapped into. Technologies that can harness readily abundant CO2 to produce SAF are transformational in terms of how we fuel aircraft, and will play an important role in the long-term decarbonization of the sector. That is why we recently added UOP eFining to our existing Ecofining and ethanol-to-jet fuel portfolio, offering customers multiple pathways to SAF production through proven technology, and helping them meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable fuels today."

The 18th edition of Dubai Airshow will build on the momentum across the industry with special sustainability-themed conference tracks. Boeing will be the host sponsor for the Aerospace 2050 stage, which will include a two-day Sustainability conference that is set to return bigger than ever given the topics ever-growing importance. Industry experts will discuss steps on creating a more sustainable aerospace ecosystem, covering some of the most pressing sustainable challenges and opportunities.

Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President, Boeing Middle East, Turkiye and Africa, commented: Boeing is very proud to be participating in the Dubai Airshow again, and we are especially pleased to be the sponsor of the Aerospace 2050 conference. The aviation industry is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and Boeing is actively developing airplanes and technologies which will enable our airline customers to meet these goals. We look forward to sharing our experience and engaging with our industry peers and partners at Dubai Airshow 2023.

The sustainability conference, with sponsors including Air BP, Shell Aviation and Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO), will focus on key topics for 2023 including hydrogen-powered aviation, SAF, COP28 predictions, efficient engines, streaming operations, hybrid and electric aircraft. It will also address how to prepare for carbon neutral passengers of the future and creating a low-carbon aviation energy hub through global leadership.

With the industry and the region setting a firm agenda for reducing emissions, visitors will be able to hear new insights and discussions on the sustainability trends shaping the industrys future, as well as have the opportunity to explore a plethora of new technologies, innovations and initiatives. - TradeArabia News Service
By Julie Zhu, Fanny Potkin, Eduardo Baptista and Michael Martina

HONG KONG/SINGAPORE/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - For a decade until 2018, China sought to recruit elite foreign-trained scientists under a lavishly funded program that Washington viewed as a threat to U.S. interests and technological supremacy.

Two years after it stopped promoting the Thousand Talents Plan (TTP) amid U.S. investigations of scientists, China quietly revived the initiative under a new name and format as part of a broader mission to accelerate its tech proficiency, according to three sources with knowledge of the matter and a Reuters review of over 500 government documents spanning 2019 to 2023.

The revamped recruitment drive, reported in detail by Reuters for the first time, offers perks including home-purchase subsidies and typical signing bonuses of 3 to 5 million yuan, or $420,000 to $700,000, the three people told Reuters.

China operates talent programs at various levels of government, targeting a mix of overseas Chinese and foreign experts. The primary replacement for TTP is a program called Qiming overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, according to national and local policy documents, online recruitment advertisements and a person with direct knowledge of the matter who, as with others, spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the issue's sensitivity.

The race to attract tech talent comes as President Xi Jinping emphasises China's need to achieve self-reliance in semiconductors in the face of U.S. export curbs. Regulations adopted by the U.S. Commerce Department in October restrict U.S. citizens and permanent residents from supporting the development and production of advanced chips in China, among other measures.

Neither China's State Council Information Office nor the ministry responded to questions about Qiming. China has previously said its overseas recruitment through the TTP aimed to build an innovation-driven economy and promote talent mobility, while respecting intellectual property rights, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency.

Story continues

Qiming, or Enlightenment, recruits from scientific and technological fields that include "sensitive" or "classified" areas, such as semiconductors, two of the people said. Unlike its predecessor, it does not publicise awardees and is absent from central government websites, which the sources said reflected its sensitivity.

Some of the documents mention Qiming alongside Huoju, or Torch, a longstanding initiative of the Ministry of Science and Technology that focuses on creating clusters of tech companies. The ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

Qiming also operates in tandem with recruitment initiatives run by local and provincial authorities and a government-backed hiring drive by Chinese chip companies, according to two of the people and another source familiar with the matter. Reuters could not independently establish the companies involved.

The U.S. has long accused China of stealing intellectual property and technology, a charge Beijing has dismissed as politically motivated.

"Foreign adversaries and strategic competitors understand that acquiring top U.S. and Western talent is often just as good as acquiring the technology itself," said Dean Boyd, a spokesperson for the U.S. government's National Counterintelligence and Security Center, when asked about Chinese talent recruitment schemes.

"When that recruitment creates inherent conflicts of interest or commitment, that can create risks to U.S. economic and national security."

Curtailing intellectual property leakage via talent flows is difficult, said Nick Marro, a China analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, because such efforts "can run the risk of turning into ethnically-charged witch hunts".

ELITE UNIVERSITIES

China's chip industry has flourished in recent years but faces a shortage of about 200,000 people this year, including engineers and chip designers, according to a 2021 report published by the China Center for Information Industry Development, a government think tank, and the China Semiconductor Industry Association.

China's newer talent endeavours, which like the TTP focus on elite-level recruitment, favour applicants trained at top foreign institutions, three sources said.

"Most of the applicants selected for Qiming have studied at top U.S universities and have at least one Ph.D," said one of these people, adding that scientists trained at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard and Stanford universities were among those sought by China. The universities did not respond to requests for comment.

Reuters could not determine how many experts have been recruited under Qiming or associated programs, though thousands have applied, according to Reuters' review of government documents.

U.S. officials say that while talent poaching in the U.S. is not illegal, university researchers risk breaking the law if they fail to disclose affiliations with Chinese entities while receiving U.S. government funds to conduct research, illegally share proprietary information, or violate export controls.

Reuters found more than a dozen advertisements for Qiming applicants posted since 2022 on Chinese platform Zhihu and LinkedIn by people who identified themselves as recruiters.

In a February LinkedIn post, Chen Biaohua, who listed his employer as Beijing Talent Linked Information Technology, asked candidates eligible for Qiming and Huoju to email him their resumes.

The post said Chen was seeking "young talents" under 40 with a doctorate from well-known universities and overseas experience. He was also seeking applicants who held senior roles at foreign academic institutions or large companies.

Headhunting firm Hangzhou Juqi Technology posted an ad in March on ResearchGate, a social network for academics, seeking people with doctorates from top universities and experience at Fortune 500 companies to help recruit 5,000 overseas researchers for Chinese enterprises.

The ad described this effort as serving Qiming and Huoju, with each researcher able to obtain as much as 15 million yuan, or about $2.1 million, in rewards. It said that anyone who recommends a candidate who is then selected for the talent programs would receive "diamonds, bags, cars, and houses".

Chen and LinkedIn declined to comment. Questions sent to Chen's employer, as well as to Zhihu, ResearchGate and Hangzhou Juqi Technology yielded no responses.

One foreign-trained semiconductor expert at the Beijing Institute of Technology (BIT) was identified on its website as a 2021 Qiming recipient. Ma Yuanxiao is an associate professor at BIT's School of Integrated Circuits and Electronics, who did his masters at Britain's University of Nottingham between 2013 and 2015 and his Ph.D at the University of Hong Kong until 2019.

Ma and BIT did not respond to requests for comment.

OPENING WALLETS

Across China, provincial and municipal governments are pouring resources into the recruitment drive, official documents show.

One initiative is the Kunpeng Plan, run by authorities in eastern Zhejiang province, whose 2019 launch was covered in state media. The Zhejiang Daily reported in June 2022 that the program aimed to attract 200 tech experts in five years, with 48 already recruited.

In the eastern city of Wenzhou, local authorities' investment in each Kunpeng professional can reach up to 200 million yuan, including an individual reward, start-up funding and housing, according to a 2022 talent policy report by the city government.

A report by the Wenzhou branch of the Communist Party's Organization Department, which oversees personnel decisions, said its total budget in 2022 increased 49% from a year earlier, mainly because it had assigned 85 million yuan to Kunpeng and similar programs.

One Kunpeng recipient is Dawei Di, a Cambridge-educated professor at Zhejiang University whose research focuses on semiconductor optoelectronic devices, the university's journal reported in 2021.

In Huzhou, also in Zhejiang, employers that recommend candidates to Qiming can receive incentive payments of up to 1.5 million yuan from the city or district governments if those people are accepted, according to a 2021 city directive.

None of the city, provincial or Communist Party authorities, nor Di or his university, responded to queries from Reuters.

'ONE FOOT OUT'

Despite Xi's emphasis on advancing China's chip know-how, two sources with direct knowledge of the matter said many Chinese semiconductor experts overseas were wary of returning because of China's political environment and weaker position in chip development relative to the West.

"They have no idea if the programs could change overnight or lose government support," one said.

Zhuji, a county-level city in Zhejiang, reported in October 2022 that it had over 200 applicants for talent programs, mainly Qiming, but only eight successful candidates from the previous year had returned to China. Zhuji government's general office did not respond to a faxed request for comment.

Two people familiar with the matter said some Chinese scientists, especially those with foreign citizenship or permanent residency, worried that joining China's government talent programs could mean forgoing international opportunities or becoming subject to U.S. investigations.

In some cases, these people said, those experts will be offered roles at Chinese chip companies' overseas operations.

"Safer to have one foot in China, one foot out," one said.

($1 = 7.1475 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Julie Zhu, Fanny Potkin, Eduardo Baptista and Michael Martina; editing by David Crawshaw)
Dave Ramsey

Dave Ramsey  personal finance expert, author and radio host  says you cant get rich by following everyone else.

Find: 4 Best Money Lessons From Elon Musk

See Our List: 100 Most Influential Money Experts

In a recent post on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, Ramsey wrote, If you want to win with money, let me give you a good idea: Figure out what most people are doing and RUN in the other direction. Most people are broke. Most people look good and theyre broke.

According to Ramsey, avoiding FOMO trends may be one way to build wealth, but there are other things you should also avoid if you want to do so.

Impulse Buying

An impulse purchase is anything you buy that you werent planning to, such as a candy bar in the checkout lane or even a new car at the dealership. According to a Slickdeals survey, 36% of respondents said that most of their purchases were spontaneous, and the average person spent $151 impulsively per month this year.

Ramsey Solutions indicated we impulse buy because of our emotions, past experiences, simply loving shopping or because we think its a good deal. To help you cut back on impulse purchases, make a budget and stick to it. Give yourself permission to spend (within reason), always shop with a plan in mind and only take the cash youll need.

Social Media Obsession

Due.com stated the average American spends 2 hours and 54 minutes per day scrolling through social media. This adds up to 44 days each year. Users are barraged with images and videos of people who appear to live a life of luxury, but this constant exposure to perfection is more harmful than helpful.

Social media can put pressure on younger people to maintain a certain image and live beyond their means. One of the best ways to avoid this? Cut back on social media. Keep the apps out of sight or limit your screen time.

No Savings

New Trader U says fake rich people often have zero savings or investments, even if they earn a substantial amount of money. Theyll spend their money on luxury items and can even live paycheck to paycheck. The best way to build up your savings is to make a budget and put as much into your savings account as possible after paying all necessary household expenses.

Story continues

Always Looking for the Approval of Others

According to New Trader U, fake rich people always look for the approval of others and try to impress others with their wealth and possessions. Theyre typically more concerned with what others think rather than their own financial well-being. Instead of focusing on how others see you, concentrate on your own achievements.

Relying on Credit Cards

If you use credit cards, you dont want to be rich, billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban said during an interview on The Ramsey Show, per CNBC Make It. Credit cards give you access to more money than you may have, but youll be paying much more in interest than you spent if you let your credit card debt build and only make the minimum payment.

If you do use a credit card, pay off your outstanding balance every month and stay below your credit limit.

Money Expert Jaspreet Singh Says You Can Use ChatGPT To Become a Millionaire  Heres How

Lack of Financial Education

Lack of financial education is a big problem in the U.S., leaving many young people unprepared to manage their finances as they enter adulthood. According to Ramsey Solutions Financial Literacy Crisis in America: 2023 report, only 17% of U.S. adults said they took a personal finance class in high school.

A lack of financial education can lead to poor financial decisions, such as overspending, taking on too much debt and forgetting savings and investments, per Due.com. Its never too late to learn, and becoming financially literate might help you better manage your money and ease your stress.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Dave Ramsey Shares the Simplest Way To Get Richer Than Everyone Else
Deep-South Resources Inc

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Deep-South Resources Inc. (Deep-South or the "Company") (TSX-V: DSM) announces a non-brokered private placement (the Offering) for the sale of up to 30,769,231 units of the Company (each, a "Unit") at a price of C$0.065 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to C$2,000,000. Red Cloud Securities Inc. will be acting as a finder in connection with the Offering.

Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (each, a Common Share) and one half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of C$0.10 for a period of 24 months from the issue date of the Unit.

The net proceeds from the Offering will be used for the advancement of the Haib Copper project in Namibia, its exploration properties in Zambia and for general working capital purposes.

The Offering is expected to close in two tranches, with the closing of the initial tranche expected to occur on / or about August 30, 2023 and the closing of the final tranche is expected to occur in mid-September 2023. The closing of the Offering is subject to receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the listing of the Common Shares issuable from the sale of the Units on the TSX Venture Exchange. The Common Shares and any Common Shares issuable from the sale of the Units and upon the exercise of the Warrants will be subject to a hold period ending on the date that is four months and one day from the issue date of the Unit in accordance with applicable securities laws. A finders fee may be paid on a portion of the proceeds from the Offering.

This news release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements.

Story continues

About Deep-South Resources Inc.

Deep-South Resources is a mineral exploration and development company. Deep-Souths growth strategy is to focus on the exploration and development of quality assets in significant mineralized trends and in proximity to infrastructure in stable countries. The Company holds the Haib Copper Project in Namibia and holds an interest in three exploration licenses in the Copperbelt in Zambia. In using and assessing environmentally friendly technologies in the development of its copper projects, Deep-South embraces the green revolution.

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.

More information is available by contacting Pierre Leveille, President & CEO at

+1-819-340-0140 or at: info@deepsouthresources.com

Web site: http://www.deepsouthresources.com




Dollar Tree narrows outlook amid a shifting sales mix, logistics costs and retail theft concerns.

Dollar Tree (DLTR) posted second-quarter results that beat estimates but expects a weak third quarter and narrowed its full-year earnings outlook.

The discount variety store operator, which includes Dollar Tree and Family Dollar stores, cited several issues weighing on margins, including elevated shrink," the industry's term for retail theft.

Dollar Trees shares fell more than 10% at the open of todays trading session.

For the quarter ended July 29, Dollar Tree reported $7.32 billion in revenue, up 8.2%, on adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.47, down 38% from the prior year.

Same-store sales increased 6.9% overall, including increases of 7.8% at Dollar Tree and 5.8% at Family Dollar.

Consumables segment grew

For the past two quarters, both segments posted positive unit growth in consumables, while the market has been negative, Chairman and CEO Rick Dreiling said in an Aug. 24 conference call on the results. Second-quarter traffic was up over 3% at Family Dollar and nearly 10% at Dollar Tree; the fourth consecutive quarter of growth at Family Dollar and the second for Dollar Tree. 

For the consumables market, consumer purchasing behavior is moving toward a pre-pandemic balance after years of elevated spending across discretionary categories, Dreiling said.

We believe we are winning in consumables as more customers come to see Dollar Tree and Family Dollar as the compelling destinations for value, he said, adding that consumers at all income levels are increasingly seeking value.

We are well-positioned to capture incremental share of wallet when higher-income consumers respond to our strong price-value proposition and when lower-income customers concentrate their spending on needs-based consumables, he said.

CFO Jeff Davis said that the full-year outlook takes several factors into consideration including a shifting sales mix, unfavorable shrink trends, higher diesel fuel prices, incremental savings on ocean freight, as well as an improved sales performance.

Story continues

The new guidance calls for diluted EPS of $5.78 to $6.08, compared with the company's previous estimate of $5.73 to $6.13. Dollar Tree increased its full-year sales outlook to a range of $30.6 billion to $30.9 billion, compared with its previous estimate of $30 billion to $30.5 billion.

Dollar Tree expects third-quarter sales will be in the range of $7.3 billion to $7.5 billion, and diluted EPS in the range of $0.94 to $1.04. Analysts estimate for EPS was $1.27, however.

Meanwhile, the company is part of a growing list of retailers  including including Dicks Sporting Goods , Target, and Foot Locker  listing shrink as having an impact on results, as Kiplinger recently reported. The 2022 National Retail Security Survey revealed that retail theft in 2021 was a nearly $100 billion problem facing the industry.
The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. But the reality is that when a company loses money each year, for long enough, its investors will usually take their share of those losses. Loss-making companies are always racing against time to reach financial sustainability, so investors in these companies may be taking on more risk than they should.

In contrast to all that, many investors prefer to focus on companies like Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad (KLSE:HARISON), which has not only revenues, but also profits. Now this is not to say that the company presents the best investment opportunity around, but profitability is a key component to success in business.

Check out our latest analysis for Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad

How Quickly Is Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad Increasing Earnings Per Share?

Generally, companies experiencing growth in earnings per share (EPS) should see similar trends in share price. That means EPS growth is considered a real positive by most successful long-term investors. Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's shareholders have have plenty to be happy about as their annual EPS growth for the last 3 years was 41%. While that sort of growth rate isn't sustainable for long, it certainly catches the eye of prospective investors.

Careful consideration of revenue growth and earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margins can help inform a view on the sustainability of the recent profit growth. Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 13% to RM2.2b. That's encouraging news for the company!

In the chart below, you can see how the company has grown earnings and revenue, over time. To see the actual numbers, click on the chart.

Since Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad is no giant, with a market capitalisation of RM590m, you should definitely check its cash and debt before getting too excited about its prospects.

Story continues

Are Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

It should give investors a sense of security owning shares in a company if insiders also own shares, creating a close alignment their interests. Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad followers will find comfort in knowing that insiders have a significant amount of capital that aligns their best interests with the wider shareholder group. As a matter of fact, their holding is valued at RM63m. That shows significant buy-in, and may indicate conviction in the business strategy. That amounts to 11% of the company, demonstrating a degree of high-level alignment with shareholders.

Should You Add Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad To Your Watchlist?

Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad's earnings per share have been soaring, with growth rates sky high. That EPS growth certainly is attention grabbing, and the large insider ownership only serves to further stoke our interest. At times fast EPS growth is a sign the business has reached an inflection point, so there's a potential opportunity to be had here. Based on the sum of its parts, we definitely think its worth watching Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad very closely. Before you take the next step you should know about the 1 warning sign for Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad that we have uncovered.

Although Harrisons Holdings (Malaysia) Berhad certainly looks good, it may appeal to more investors if insiders were buying up shares. If you like to see insider buying, then this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying, could be exactly what you're looking for.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for UOA Development Bhd is RM2.17 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

UOA Development Bhd's RM1.78 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Analyst price target for UOADEV is RM1.75 which is 19% below our fair value estimate

Does the August share price for UOA Development Bhd (KLSE:UOADEV) reflect what it's really worth? Today, we will estimate the stock's intrinsic value by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. If you 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 UOA Development Bhd

Is UOA Development Bhd Fairly Valued?

We use what is known as a 2-stage model, which simply means we have two different periods of growth rates for the company's cash flows. Generally the first stage is higher growth, and the second stage is a lower growth phase. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Seeing as no analyst estimates of free cash flow are available to us, we have extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the company's last reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we need to discount the sum of these future cash flows to arrive at a present value estimate:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM373.9m RM384.6m RM396.3m RM409.1m RM422.6m RM436.9m RM451.9m RM467.6m RM484.0m RM501.0m Growth Rate Estimate Source Est @ 2.57% Est @ 2.86% Est @ 3.07% Est @ 3.21% Est @ 3.31% Est @ 3.38% Est @ 3.43% Est @ 3.47% Est @ 3.49% Est @ 3.51% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 11% RM338 RM315 RM294 RM274 RM256 RM240 RM225 RM210 RM197 RM184

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM2.5b

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 11%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = RM501m (1 + 3.6%)  (11% 3.6%) = RM7.5b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM7.5b ( 1 + 11%)10= RM2.7b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is RM5.3b. To get the intrinsic value per share, we divide this by the total number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM1.8, the company appears about fair value at a 18% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at UOA Development Bhd as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 11%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.020. 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 UOA Development Bhd

Strength

Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry.

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for UOADEV.

Opportunity

Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market.

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Threat

Dividends are not covered by earnings and cashflows.

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market.

Moving On:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching 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 example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For UOA Development Bhd, we've compiled three additional aspects you should consider:

Risks: Consider for instance, the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 1 warning sign with UOA Development Bhd , and understanding this should be part of your investment process. Future Earnings: How does UOADEV's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Malaysian stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Key Insights

The projected fair value for CPH Chemie + Papier Holding is CHF97.08 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

CPH Chemie + Papier Holding's CHF86.80 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Our fair value estimate is 9.2% lower than CPH Chemie + Papier Holding's analyst price target of CHF107

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of CPH Chemie + Papier Holding AG (VTX:CPHN) by projecting its future cash flows and then discounting them to today's value. Our analysis will employ the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex.

Remember though, that there are many ways to estimate a company's value, and a DCF is just one method. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for CPH Chemie + Papier Holding

Crunching The Numbers

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) forecast

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (CHF, Millions) CHF44.4m CHF43.3m CHF42.6m CHF42.1m CHF41.8m CHF41.6m CHF41.4m CHF41.3m CHF41.2m CHF41.2m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ -1.62% Est @ -1.13% Est @ -0.79% Est @ -0.55% Est @ -0.38% Est @ -0.26% Est @ -0.18% Est @ -0.12% Present Value (CHF, Millions) Discounted @ 7.2% CHF41.4 CHF37.7 CHF34.6 CHF31.9 CHF29.6 CHF27.4 CHF25.5 CHF23.7 CHF22.1 CHF20.6

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = CHF295m

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 0.01%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 7.2%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = CHF41m (1 + 0.01%)  (7.2% 0.01%) = CHF575m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= CHF575m ( 1 + 7.2%)10= CHF288m

The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is CHF583m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of CHF86.8, the company appears about fair value at a 11% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

Important Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at CPH Chemie + Papier 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 7.2%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.432. 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 CPH Chemie + Papier Holding

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Dividend is in the top 25% of dividend payers in the market.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for CPHN.

Opportunity

Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to decline for the next 3 years.

Looking Ahead:

Whilst important, the DCF calculation shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching 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 example, changes in the company's cost of equity or the risk free rate can significantly impact the valuation. For CPH Chemie + Papier Holding, we've compiled three relevant items you should assess:

Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for CPH Chemie + Papier Holding (of which 1 can't be ignored!) you should know about. Future Earnings: How does CPHN's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered!

PS. Simply Wall St updates its DCF calculation for every Swiss stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Full Text: Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 15th BRICS Summit

Xinhua) 08:09, August 24, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech titled "Seeking Development Through Solidarity and Cooperation and Shouldering Our Responsibility for Peace" at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. The 15th BRICS Summit was held in Johannesburg on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping addressed the 15th BRICS Summit on Wednesday.

Following is the full text of Xi's remarks:

Seeking Development Through Solidarity and Cooperation and Shouldering Our Responsibility for Peace

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the 15th BRICS Summit

Johannesburg, August 23, 2023

Your Excellency President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa,

Your Excellency President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva,

Your Excellency President Vladimir Putin,

Your Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi,

I am very pleased to join you in Johannesburg for the important discussions on BRICS cooperation and development. It is especially significant that the BRICS Summit is held in Africa for the third time. I wish to thank President Ramaphosa and the South African government for the thoughtful arrangements.

We gather at a time when the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation. It is undergoing major shifts, division and regrouping, leading to more uncertain, unstable and unpredictable developments.

BRICS is an important force in shaping the international landscape. We choose our development paths independently, jointly defend our right to development, and march in tandem toward modernization. This represents the direction of the advancement of human society, and will profoundly impact the development process of the world. Our track record shows that we have consistently acted on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation, and taken BRICS cooperation to new heights in support of our five countries' development. We have upheld fairness and justice in international affairs, stood up for what is right on major international and regional issues, and enhanced the voice and influence of emerging markets and developing countries. BRICS countries invariably advocate and practice independent foreign policies. We always address major international issues based on their merits, making fair remarks and taking fair actions. We do not barter away principles, succumb to external pressure, or act as vassals of others. We BRICS countries share extensive consensus and common goals. No matter how the international situation changes, our commitment to cooperation since the very beginning and our common aspiration will not change.

We gather at a crucial time to build on our past achievements and open up a new future for BRICS cooperation. We should navigate the trend of our times and stay in the forefront. We should always bear in mind our founding purpose of strengthening ourselves through unity, enhance cooperation across the board, and build a high-quality partnership. We should help reform global governance to make it more just and equitable, and bring to the world more certainty, stability and positive energy.

-- We should deepen business and financial cooperation to boost economic growth. Development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege reserved for a few. The world economic recovery remains shaky, with less than 3 percent of growth for the year as estimated by some international institutions. Challenges for developing countries are even more formidable, hampering their efforts to realize the Sustainable Development Goals. We BRICS countries should be fellow companions on the journey of development and revitalization, and oppose decoupling and supply chains disruption as well as economic coercion. We should focus on practical cooperation, particularly in such fields as digital economy, green development, and supply chain, and bolster economic, trade and financial exchanges.

China will set up a China-BRICS Science and Innovation Incubation Park for the New Era to support the deployment of innovation results. Under the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation mechanism, we will explore the establishment of a BRICS Global Remote Sensing Satellite Data and Application Cooperation Platform to provide data support for agriculture, ecological conservation and disaster reduction in various countries. China will also work with all parties to jointly establish a BRICS Framework on Industrial Cooperation for Sustainable Development as a platform of industrial coordination and project cooperation in implementing the United Nations (U.N.) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

-- We should expand political and security cooperation to uphold peace and tranquility. As a Chinese saying suggests, "Nothing is more beneficial than stability, and nothing is more detrimental than turmoil." The Cold War mentality is still haunting our world, and the geopolitical situation is getting tense. All nations long for a sound security environment. International security is indivisible. Attempts to seek absolute security at the expense of others will eventually backfire. The Ukraine crisis has evolved to where it is today because of complex reasons. What is pressing now is to encourage peace talks, promote deescalation, end the fighting, and realize peace. No one should add fuel to the fire to worsen the situation.

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, the Meeting of High Representatives on National Security and other mechanisms, support each other on issues concerning our 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. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new area of development. BRICS countries have agreed to launch the AI Study Group of BRICS Institute of Future Networks 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 exchange and technological cooperation. We need to jointly fend off risks, and develop AI governance frameworks and standards with broad-based consensus, so as to make AI technologies more secure, reliable, controllable and equitable.

-- We should increase people-to-people exchanges and promote mutual learning between civilizations. There are many civilizations and development paths in the world, and this is how the world should be. Human history will not end with a particular civilization or system. BRICS countries need to champion the spirit of inclusiveness, advocate peaceful coexistence and harmony between civilizations, and promote respect of all countries in independently choosing their modernization paths. We need to make good use of such mechanisms as the BRICS seminar on governance, the BRICS forum on people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and the Women Innovation Contest to deepen people-to-people exchanges and strengthen the bond between our peoples.

China would like to propose that BRICS countries expand cooperation on education, enhance the role of the BRICS alliance for vocational education, explore and set up a cooperation mechanism on digital education, and foster a paradigm of all-round cooperation on education. In addition, we also need to strengthen exchanges on traditional cultures and promote the renewal of fine traditional cultures.

-- We should uphold fairness and justice and improve global governance. 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 U.N. Charter, rather than dictated by those with the strongest muscles or the loudest voice. Ganging up to form exclusive groups and packaging their own rules as international norms are even more unacceptable. BRICS countries should practice true multilateralism, uphold the U.N.-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.

I am glad to see the growing enthusiasm of developing countries about BRICS cooperation, and quite a number of them have applied to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism. We need to act on the BRICS spirit of openness, inclusiveness and win-win cooperation to bring more countries into the BRICS family, so as to pool our wisdom and strength to make global governance more just and equitable.

Colleagues,

The ancient African continent is a reservoir of simple yet profound wisdom. As an African proverb puts it, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." The philosophy of Ubuntu, which believes that "I am because we are," highlights the interdependence and interconnectedness of all peoples. Similarly, harmonious coexistence has been the aspiration of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. China is ready to work with BRICS partners to pursue the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, enhance the strategic partnership, and deepen cooperation across the board. As fellow BRICS members, we should meet our common challenges with a shared sense of mission, shape a brighter future with a common purpose, and march together on the journey toward modernization.

Thank you.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
NEOM, a region in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea being built from the ground up as a living laboratory, has appointed JLS Yachts, a leading Middle East-based yacht agency and concierge service provider, as a 'key partner superyacht agency' for Sindalah, NEOM's luxury island development.

Rising out of the crystalline waters of the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia's northwestern coast, Sindalah will define a new dimension of exquisite bespoke travel. Set to open during 2024, Sindalah will be NEOM's first tourism destination, offering visitors an idyllic luxury lifestyle experience.

Sindalah is one of NEOM's 41 islands, which will be home to a world-leading yachting ecosystem with more than 5,000 berths.

With 86 berths for yachts up to 50 m and additional serviced offshore buoys for superyachts up to 180 m, the Sindalah marina will become a new hub for the global yachting calendar.

NEOM's partnership with JLS Yachts will support Sindalah's vision of becoming a global yachting destination, with the island located just 17 hours' sailing from the Mediterranean. The agency's office within the island's marina will provide a comprehensive range of world-class services for the comfort and pleasure of the yachting community, including berthing, provisioning, bunkering, customs clearance, transportation and travel arrangements.

The appointment of JLS Yachts as NEOM's second official yachting partner, follows the June 2023 announcement that Monaco-based BWA Yachting would be establishing an office at the Sindalah marina.

Leveraging its service excellence and its established presence in the Arabian Gulf region and Indian Ocean, JLS Yachts will bring its regional expertise to Sindalah as it prepares to welcome the world's most discerning superyacht clientele during 2024.

With a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the Middle Eastern marine environment and an unwavering commitment to going the extra mile for their clients, JLS Yachts has uniquely positioned itself as the 'one-stop' agency for all marine requirements, in the process setting a new benchmark of excellence in the Arabian Gulf region.

Antoni Vives, Chief Urban Development at NEOM, said: "Sindalah will demonstrate to the world another level of seamless luxury and invite the yachting community to a new seasonal destination in the majestic waters of the Red Sea. JLS Yachts is a partner to help realize the bold vision of Sindalah as we welcome the world to the first physical showcase of NEOM."

With a core team of 34 professionals totaling more than 130 combined years of marine experience, JLS Yachts' dedicated personnel are poised to cater to every aspect of superyacht maritime services.

The company also provides extensive training offerings to develop the next generation of yacht enthusiasts, captains and crew. JLS Yacht Training Institute is a Recognised Training Centre established to deliver the Royal Yachting Association's suite of courses.

Captain Stephan Corbett, CEO at JLS Yachts said: "We are very pleased and honoured to be selected as a key partner for NEOM's magnificent Sindalah Island on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastline. With our new operational offices based in Jeddah and Riyadh, it offers us great exposure and services to our VVIP owners, captains and crew. As the largest and most experienced superyacht agency in the Middle East and northern Indian Ocean, we look forward to bringing our unique and rewarding services to the Red Sea and beyond."
Disgraced onetime NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik has been identified as one of the 30 co-conspirators included in former President Donald Trumps election interference case in Georgias Fulton County, an attorney for Kerik confirmed.

Kerik, who served three years in federal prison for felony tax fraud, is the person identified as co-conspirator 5 in the case.

The ex-top cop and longtime ally of Rudy Giuliani is accused of taking part in several meetings with lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Arizona as part of the effort to create slates of fake pro-Trump electors from states President Biden won in the 2020 election.

Kerik is also said to have attended a White House meeting with a group of Republican Pennsylvania state legislators, along with Trump, Giuliani and ex-White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.

Defense attorney Tim Parlatore Friday confirmed that Kerik appears to be co-conspirator 5 in the case filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, although he says he should not have been named in the sprawling indictment.

Among the other co-conspirators are right-wing legal activist Tim Fitton, Trump political adviser Boris Epshteyn and Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, CNN said.

The unindicted people could still face criminal charges and may come under pressure to cooperate with prosecutors to avoid being charged.

The co-conspirators are in addition to Trumps 18 co-defendants, who have all been criminally charged in the sweeping racketeering case that accuses them of helping the former president stay in power by attempting to reverse the outcome of the 2020 election.

Giuliani is one of the co-defendants in the Fulton County case, along with Meadows, right-wing law professor John Eastman and ex-Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark. All of the defendants have been ordered to turn themselves in to Atlanta authorities by Aug. 25.

Kerik was sentenced to four years in prison in 2010 after pleading guilty to eight felony charges for offenses including failure to pay taxes and lying to White House officials during a failed nomination to be Homeland Security secretary.

Story continues

The federal case centered on charges that he scored $250,000 in renovations for his Bronx apartment from a reputedly mobbed-up construction company in exchange for helping the company bid for city contracts.

Kerik served three years in prison before being released in 2013. He became a close ally of Giuliani, who originally named him NYPD commissioner during his stint as mayor.

Trump pardoned Kerik in February 2020 and he went on to play a major role in Trumps campaign and the effort to overturn his loss in the weeks leading up to the Jan. 6 attack.

Kerik was not named as a co-conspirator in the federal Jan. 6 case filed by special counsel Jack Smith.

Smith identified six unindicted co-conspirators in that case. Giuliani has been identified as co-conspirator 1 in the Smith indictment.

Trump has pleaded not guilty. U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan plans to set a trial date at an Aug. 28 hearing.
German discount grocer ALDI recently opened its eighth store in Volusia County. It is expected to add another next year in Port Orange. Here's what we know:

It will be part of a new retail center

Plans filed with the city show the future ALDI will be part of a new retail strip center called Shoppes at Summer Trees. The 5.8-acre site is on the southwest corner of Williamson Boulevard and Summer Trees Road.

The project will include an 18,701-square-foot ALDI store and 12,000-square-foot multi-tenant commercial building with 160 surface parking spaces.

It originally included a fast-food restaurant, but the eatery was removed from the latest plans submitted in July, said Port Orange Community Development Director Tim Burman.

ALDI will open a new store in Port Orange sometime in 2024.

It's on track to break ground soon

"ALDI is expected to resubmit plans for final approval in September and plans to begin construction in early 2024," said Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette.

The project could get underway even sooner. According to Burman: "We're close to approval of a site plan and expect to issue a building permit in the fall."

ALDI opened a store Aug. 10 at 963 Harley Strickland Blvd. in Orange City that took eight months to complete. Some locations have gone up even faster. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Franjo Construction states on its website that it completed a store for the chain in just 51 days.

This is screenshot of a map on the City of Port Orange website showing the triangular site (marked in blue) of the planned Shoppes at Summer Trees development. The ALDI-anchored retail strip center will be across the street from The Pavilion at Port Orange shopping center and north of the Publix-anchored Westport Square shopping center.

This is the view looking south at the site of the planned Shoppes at Summer Trees retail center at 5500 S. Williamson Blvd. in Port Orange on Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023. The project, which is expected to begin construction in early 2024, will include an ALDI grocery store.

ALDI is the nation's fastest growing grocer

When ALDI opened its Edgewater store in September 2022, it announced it was part of an "aggressive expansion plan" to become the United States' third-largest retailer by the end of 2022.

Industry trade publications rank ALDI as the nation's fastest growing grocer. Chain Store Age reported that ALDI opened and/or remodeled 139 stores in the U.S. last year with plans to open 120 more in 2023.

And that's not counting the nearly 400 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores in the Southeast it recently announced plans to acquire early next year.

Story continues

ALDI officials did not respond to a request for comment.

The chain opened its first Volusia-Flagler area store in 2008 at 812 N. Nova Road in Daytona Beach. It now has 10 including two in Palm Coast.

Its stores typically employ 10 workers.

'Supermarket Guru' praises chain's prices, quality

The no-frills chain keeps prices low by mainly offering private-label ALDI-brand products, but it has its fans.

Phil Lempert, a California-based food and grocery industry analyst also known as the Supermarket Guru, called Aldi brands "very high quality" in an interview with USA Today. "I've talked to their quality control, been in their kitchens. You will save money, there's no question, and you are going to get high quality. "

ALDI offers a "Twice as Nice Guarantee" where customers who don't like ALDI-exclusive products can return them for a refund.

The Port Orange location is in a growing area

The Shoppes at Summer Trees will be across from The Pavilion at Port Orange shopping center to the east and directly north of the Publix-anchored Westport Square at Williamson and Taylor Road. The site is across from the new Springs at Port Orange apartment complex on the northwest corner of Williamson and Summer Trees.

Developer has local ties

The Shoppes at Summer Trees is being developed by VeeCor, a company owned by the Coraci family of New Jersey, which has numerous real estate holdings locally.

Mayor welcomes project

"I'm looking forward to ALDI coming to our community and giving our residents another quality choice to serve their grocery needs," said Burnette. "This has been in the works for some time and I can't wait to welcome them when they open their doors."

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: ALDI is coming to Port Orange. Here's where the grocery store's going.
The country just avoided what would have been the largest single employer strike in U.S. history when UPS Teamsters voted to ratify a new national contract Tuesday.

Now, another national strike threat with major implications in Louisville could be on the horizon as the nearly 12,000 Ford union members in Louisville are preparing for a strike.

Dot Perkins has worked at the Kentucky Truck Plant for nearly 30 years and belongs to UAW Local 862. The union held a practice picket on Thursday, August 24, 2023, in preparation for a strike.

"I want to make something really clear; our plan is not to strike, our plan is to bargain a great agreement, it's to win economic justice for our membership," Shawn Fain, the International President of UAW said Thursday. "But we have to plan for every scenario possible and we are doing that."

On Thursday and Friday, union workers participated in practice pickets at the union halls on Chamberlain Lane and Fern Valley Road. The training exercise was for off-duty union members to be trained on how a picket line operates. It is not a legal strike.

"It would suck if we had to strike, but it's a very necessary thing to do or be able to do to get what the working-class people deserve, especially people of this local union," Marcus Sheckles, vice president of UAW Local 862, previously told the Courier Journal.

The two Louisville practice pickets will feature Fain, the International President of UAW who was sworn into office in March as the first UAW president directly elected by the members.

Shawn Fain, International President, UAW speaks from the the back of a Ford F150 at UAW headquarters near Fords Kentucky Truck Plant on Thursday, August 24, 2023, as members gathered to hold a practice picket.

The International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America, or UAW, is ramping up negotiations with the Big Three automakers, which include General Motors, Ford and Stellantis  which owns the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands  ahead of a Sept. 14 contract expiration. If the contract were to expire without a new agreement reached, it is likely that some form of a work stoppage at one or all of the Detroit automakers would occur next month.

"I think it is a generational defining moment ... and we hope we don't strike but if we have to ... we're prepared to go forward and use every tool we can to get these jobs back where they've kind of fallen short," said Todd Dunn, president of UAW Local 862.

Story continues

In Louisville, UAW Local 862 represents roughly 12,000 Ford autoworkers at the Kentucky Truck Plant and the Louisville Assembly Plant.

On Monday and Tuesday, Local 862 held a strike authorization, allowing the membership to show approval or disapproval for a strike. While a strike authorization vote is often seen as a formality, it will allow the UAW to strike in order to secure a contract it feels is best for its membership.

Members of UAW Local 862 gathered to hold a practice picket on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Members work at Fords Kentucky Truck Plant.

Local 862, which is one of the largest local union shops in the UAW membership, voted "yes" to authorize a strike, with 99% of voters in favor.

One of the largest locals in the UAW pic.twitter.com/LWitLQHHhT  UAW (@UAW) August 23, 2023

Here's what we know about the ongoing UAW negotiations and what's happening in Louisville.

What happened at the Kentucky Truck Plant practice picket Thursday?

Just after 5 p.m., Dunn, in his Ford Bronco, rolled into a packed parking lot at the Kentucky Truck Plant union hall followed closely by Fain. The presidential duo, alongside Congressman Morgan McGarvey, greeted the crowd of Ford workers and distributed whistles and lanyards to members, a tactic borrowed from the UPS Teamsters.

"Let me tell you, I know for my whole life Ford Motor has had a presence here, I am proud of that," McGarvey said. "We have got to make sure that Louisville stays a union Ford Motor town."

In a sea of members wearing solidarity red, signs were held reading "End Tiers" and chants of "Who are we? UAW!" rang out.

"A divided union is not going to survive. We can't have all these classes of workers within the same damn workplace doing the same damn work," Fain said during his speech.

Shawn Fain, International President, James DeWeese, Trustee, Teamsters Local 89, UAW, Todd Dunn, President, UAW Local 862, and Morgan McGarvey, U.S. House of Representatives, stand in the back of a Ford F150 at UAW headquarters near Fords Kentucky Truck Plant on Thursday, August 24, 2023, as members gathered to hold a practice picket.

Fain, Dunn, McGarvey and James DeWeese of Teamsters Local 89, climbed into the truck bed of a Ford F-150 pickup truck acting as a stage to start rallying the crowd.

"This is our time ... we're fed up with the billionaire class, the corporate class, taking everything and leaving us with scraps," Fain said. "It's a damn shame."

Fain went on to share that it was special for him to come back to Kentucky because his family has roots in the Bluegrass state. On top of the sentimental value, the Kentucky Truck Plant, which is represented by Local 862, is responsible for roughly 54% of Ford's North American profits.

"Our goal is not to strike, our goal is to get a fair agreement for our members that they deserve," Fain told the Courier Journal. "But if [Ford] choose[s] not to, then obviously Kentucky Truck Plant and Louisville Assembly will play a big part in that."

As cars drove by, honking their horns in support of the UAW members, Cheryl Thomas, who has worked at the truck plant for 30 years, said it's time the company, "gives us what we want."

Cheryl Thomas gathered with others from UAW Local 862 to have a practice picket just down the road from Fords Kentucky Truck Plant on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Thomas has been at the plant 30 years this year.

By the end of the practice picket, it was evident the members bought into Fain's message: Blue-collar autoworkers deserve respect, work-life balance, benefits, and good wages, just like the white-collar workers at the company.

"Shawn is going to get it all for us," Thomas said.

What happened at the Louisville Assembly Plant practice picket Friday?

In the midst of afternoon heat, around 300 Ford workers poured into the Local 862 union hall. The rally began on a peaceful note with members encouraged to hold hands with one another as the union chaplain led a prayer.

We believe Lord, youre going to take us farther  we pray that everything will go according to your plan for us, the chaplain said.

The Friday practice picket was centered around a focus on union solidarity, both in the metro and across the nation.

Weve got a lot of work ahead  but together we can do it, Fain said.

Avral Thompson, president of Teamsters Local 89 in Louisville, also a member of the national representation for Teamsters promised the UAW members that Teamsters would not cross the picket line and would not load and ship products from the Detroit Three automakers.

If it comes downs to it and you have to strike, were behind you 1,000%, Thompson said. None of [the companies] product will go out.

After Thompson spoke, a slew of other local union leaders took the stage to rally Ford workers.

In 2008, Ford was the only company that did not take a bailout of the Big Three, because this union made a deal to make sure that Ford stayed in business, Tim Morris, executive director for Greater Louisville Central Labor Council said. They have not paid you back  it's about time they did.

The practice picketed featured rejuvenated energy from the union membership after Fain announced earlier in the day that the national strike authorization vote passed with 97% in favor of a strike. Nationwide, Ford workers passed the strike vote with 98%.

Im proud of the 59,000 Ford workers who have stood together to send a clear and united message to the company, UAW Vice President Chuck Browning, director of the UAW-Ford Department said in a statement. This resounding strike authorization vote by our Ford members shows that they are ready to go the distance and do what is necessary to claim their fair share of Fords success.

What is the UAW negotiating for nationally?

"I don't want to strike but I will!" buttons and stickers were available inside the union halls as UAW members voted during a strike authorization vote Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 at the UAW Local 862 union hall on Chamberlain Lane in Louisville, Ky. The strike authorization would allow the union to strike after its contract expires on Sept. 14, 2023 if deemed necessary.The UAW Local 862 represents more than 12,000 workers at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant and the Louisville Assembly Plant. Aug. 21, 2023

According to a flyer distributed by Local 862, union members are seeking:

Eliminate tiers on wages and benefits

Substantial wage increases

Restore cost of living adjustment

Pension for all workers

Re-establish retiree medical benefits

Right to strike over plant closures

Working family protection program

End abuse of temp workers

More paid time off

Significantly increase retiree pay

A Ford source previously told the Courier Journal that the goal during negotiations this year is protecting American jobs since 80% of Ford vehicles are made in the U.S., rewarding employees' hard work, navigating the transition to electric vehicle production, and maintaining flexibility to respond to customer demands.

How big would a strike be in Louisville?

Ford UAW members voted during a strike authorization vote Monday, Aug. 21, 2023 at the UAW Local 862 union hall on Chamberlain Lane in Louisville, Ky. The strike authorization would allow the union to strike after its contract expires on Sept. 14, 2023 if deemed necessary.The UAW Local 862 represents more than 12,000 workers at Ford's Kentucky Truck Plant and the Louisville Assembly Plant. Aug. 21, 2023

Dunn said between the two Ford plants, Local 862 would have upward of 54,000 employee hours per week to use for striking purposes. During this time, union autoworkers would be paid by UAW and receive $500 per week in strike pay, significantly less than a normal paycheck. UAW leaders, such as Dunn, have been encouraging the membership to start saving and preparing now for an extended strike period in September.

Aside from manning picket lines at both auto plants in the metro, Dunn plans to have his membership out in the community volunteering when not on strike duty, noting Local 862 is coordinating volunteer efforts with Metro United Way.

Contact business reporter Olivia Evans at oevans@courier-journal.com or on Twitter at @oliviamevans_.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Louisville Ford UAW workers hold practice pickets for national strike
Shein, the e-commerce behemoth known for its $5 tees and $47 wedding dresses, may be coming to a mall near you.

Shein and Sparc Group Holdings, Forever 21's operator, on Thursday announced a partnership between the fast-fashion rivals to expand the brands' reach.

The collaboration is expected to make Forever 21 merchandise available on Sheins website and app, which serves about 150 million online users. In turn, Shein will have the opportunity to test selling products and managing returns in shops located inside physical Forever 21 stores. The brand has more than 400 stores across the country.

"We are excited for the partnership with SHEIN as it reflects our shared vision of providing customers with unparalleled access to fashion at affordable prices," Marc Miller, CEO of Sparc, said in a statement. "By working together, we will provide even more innovative and trendsetting products to fashion enthusiasts around the world."

Fast fashion retailers Shein and Forever 21 are going into business together.

What the deal means

Under the agreement, Shein will acquire a one-third interest in Sparc, a joint venture that includes brand management company Authentic Brands Group and shopping mall owner Simon Property Group, while Sparc will become a minority shareholder in Shein.

The e-commerce company was valued at $66 billion earlier this year. The announcement did not disclose the financial details of the deal.

The powerful combination of Simon's leadership in physical retail, Authentic's brand development expertise, and SHEIN's on-demand model will help us drive scalable growth and together make fashion more accessible to all, Shein Executive Chairman Donald Tang said in the release.

Shein controversy

The agreement, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, comes as Shein faces pushback for its manufacturing practices. The company has been criticized for its environmental impact and copyright infringement, and some are concerned that the company relies on forced labor.

Story continues

A group of bipartisan lawmakers earlier this year sent a letter asking the Securities and Exchange Commission to hold off a potential initial public offering until Shein could verify that it does not use forced labor from Chinas Uyghur population, which is predominantly Muslim.

Shein has said that it has zero tolerance for items made with forced labor. The company has also worked to distance itself from China, and in 2021 moved its headquarters to Singapore.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shein and Forever 21 are teaming up. What it means for shoppers.
The Larimer County and Weld County health departments have a three-tiered health inspection rating, with rankings of pass, reinspection required or closed. Establishments with violations of 0-49 points pass; those with 50-109 points require reinspection; and any with more than 110 points face closure.

This report is for Aug. 16-22. Full reports and total points for the restaurants included in this story can be viewed at inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/larimer-county-health and www.co.weld.co.us/apps1/decade.

LARIMER COUNTY

PASS

Kujira Ramen, 2909 E. Harmony Road, Fort Collins

Simply Thai, 2531 S. Shields St., Fort Collins

Preston Middle School, 4901 Corbett Drive, Fort Collins

Cafe Mexicali, 2925 S. College Ave., Fort Collins

Sallys Kitchen, 4727 S. Timberline Road, Fort Collins

Los Chingones Mexican Restaurant, 3541 Harmony Road, Fort Collins

Santa Elenas, 133 Remington St., Fort Collins

FED, 815 14th St., Loveland

Mex OMalleys, 548 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland

Starbucks, 253 E. 29th St., Loveland

Jax Outdoor Gear Farm & Ranch, 950 E. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland

Zetta Maries Patisserie, 1002 Taft Ave., Loveland

Loaf N Jug, 8211 Sixth St., Wellington

Rocky Mountain Gateway Convenience, 3450 Fall River Road, Estes

Lake Estes Marina, 1170 Big Thompson Ave., Estes Park

Estes Park Campground at Marys Lake, 2120 Marys Lake Road, Estes Park

REINSPECTION REQUIRED

Ole International Kitchen, 145 E. Elkhorn Ave., Estes Park

WINDSOR

(Inspected by Weld County)

PASS

Cancun Mexican Grill & Cantina, 431 Main St.

Dougs Diner, 401 Pointe Plaza Drive

KFC/A&W, 1590 Main St.

Loaf N Jug, 1201 Main St.

Roma Restaurant, 1039 Main St.

The Border-Commissary, 404 Main St.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Fort Collins, Windsor restaurant inspections for Aug. 16-22
FILE - The General Motors logo is seen, Jan. 27, 2020, in Hamtramck, Mich. General Motors said Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023, that it will close a large computer center near Phoenix at the end of October, eliminating 940 jobs. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

DETROIT (AP)  General Motors says it will close a large computer center near Phoenix at the end of October, eliminating 940 jobs.

The information technology center in Chandler, Arizona, opened in 2014 as part of a blitz by GM to attract software designers and other employees in metro areas with high numbers of technical workers.

Similar centers in Warren, Michigan, near Detroit, suburban Atlanta, and in Austin, Texas, will remain open.

The Arizona center has just over 1,000 workers now, and most of the eliminated jobs deal with information technology support for consumers, dealers and the company itself. Employees at the other three IT centers will take over that work, GM said Wednesday.

A small number of employees working on software for vehicles will stay in Arizona, spokesman Kevin Kelly said. Laid-off workers will be able to apply for other positions in the company, he said. Some will get severance pay and outplacement services.

Last week GM also eliminated about 200 engineering positions at its technical center in Warren near Detroit. Kelly said the vast majority of those are expected to take other jobs within GM.
Onstage Wednesday night, the contempt for Vivek Ramaswamy and his debate performance was palpable with figures from Nikki Haley to Chris Christie to Mike Pence all attacking him as a lightweight.

But he earned praise online from Donald Trump and a range of the former presidents allies, even as the first-time candidate took positions that are unpopular with many Americans and even a sizable number of Republicans.

Ramaswamy also got a further nod from a notable clean energy billionaire in spite of calling the climate change agenda a hoax. Vivek is increasingly compelling, posted Elon Musk while the debate was still happening, adding a few hours later [h]e was impressive.

It wasnt Musks first time expressing interest in the biotech entrepreneur, but it was one of the Tesla (TSLA) CEOs only reactions to the debate as he was much more focused on former President Donald Trumps rival interview with Tucker Carlson on X, Musks own platform.

The reaction from Musk  he posted three times about Ramaswamy in total  echoed a larger split Thursday morning in how Ramaswamy's polarizing performance was received.

The campaign also reported an influx of donors following the debate performance with an aide to Ramaswamy telling Yahoo Finance that the campaign raised about $450,000 overnight with an average donation of $38.

To the surprise of many, Ramaswamy was at the center of the action throughout the two-hour debate, mixing it up with his fellow candidates on nearly every issue. Meanwhile Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis often hung back and ended up speaking much less than others in spite of his second-place position in the polls behind Trump.

Republican presidential candidates entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley during the first debate of the GOP primary season hosted by FOX News in Milwaukee. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

On the one hand, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie went after Ramaswamy on stage as an amateur and mocked his seeming determination to echo the views of the GOP base, saying he "sounds like ChatGPT."

Meanwhile former President Trump  and a range of Trump-aligned figures  weighed in on Viveks side. "Thank you Vivek!" Trump wrote on Truth Social. The clip Trump decided to highlight Thursday morning was  perhaps not surprisingly  when Ramaswamy called him "the best president of the 21st century."

Story continues

While Trump and Ramaswamy remain rivals for the GOP nomination, there is a growing alliance of sorts between the two candidates. Ramaswamy went out of his way Wednesday night to praise the former president, echo his political positions, and even seemed to channel Trump onstage.

Finally, and perhaps most significantly, Ramaswamy appeared to make further inroads with GOP voters who have begun to gravitate to his candidacy and boosted him to third in most polls. A CNN panel of potential Republican caucus-goers in Iowa Wednesday night found Ramaswamy the clear winner when the question of who won the debate was posed.

The praise for Ramasamy in conservative corners was of course far from unanimous. Many conservatives called him smart-alecky with Fox News contributor Liz Peek deeming him "the biggest loser of the night." Meanwhile others across the political spectrum took note that Ramaswamy opened the debate with a line about being a "skinny guy with a funny last name," which echoed nearly word for word a line from Barack Obama in 2004.

He was impressive  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2023

A more complicated picture on issues

While Ramaswamy got praise from certain wings of the Republican party thanks to his lively performance, the range of positions he took could be problematic down the road.

He took the hardest line on stage Wednesday against further support for Ukraine, saying the war-torn country that was invaded by Russia 18 months ago "is not a priority for the United States of America."

That led to one of the most remarkable rebukes of the night with former UN ambassador Nikki Haley shooting back, "You have no foreign policy experience  and it shows" and former Vice President Mike Pence and others making a heated case for standing up to Vladimir Putin.

Eight candidates in total appeared Wednesday night: former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson, former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, former U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) and North Dakota governor Doug Burgum. (Joshua Lott/The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Americans are split on the issue, with a growing number of Americans  a majority in a CNN poll earlier this month  opposing additional aid for Ukraine.

On the issue of climate change, Ramaswamy's line about climate change earned boos in the auditorium and a rebuke from the moderators.

"Im the only person on the stage who isn't bought and paid for, so I can say this  the climate change agenda is a hoax," he said.

It's also a position at odds with the broader electorate and deeply unpopular with independents. According to polling from Pew, two-thirds of US adults say the country should prioritize developing renewable energy sources, with 42% of Republicans in agreement.

Overall, about 1 in 4 Republicans consider climate change to be a major threat. Ramaswamy has nevertheless tried to double down on the position in the hours since the debate, mixing it up online with President Biden on the issue.

The climate change agenda is a hoax. https://t.co/ZMMwAVnKfc  Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) August 24, 2023

But his position in the middle of a climate debate could prove complicated with one of Ramaswamys new supporters. Elon Musk is clearly intrigued by Ramaswamy but also of course head of the EV carmaker Tesla.

Musk offered Ramaswamy a small tweak on that issue, posting online that climate change is "possibly overstated in the short term, but we should be concerned about it long term."

Ben Werschkul is a Washington correspondent for Yahoo Finance.

Click here for politics news related to business and money

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
HOLY offers a healthier, low-sugar alternative to regular soft drinks, which is also better for the planet by saving 90% of packaging waste

Series A funding round led by global investment firm Left Lane Capital will be used to expand into new European territories including the UK, launch new products, and move into retail channels.

Founded in 2020, HOLY already has more than 200,000 customers across four European countries, and has sold more than 10 million drinks entirely online

BERLIN, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- HOLY, the direct-to-consumer brand offering a healthier alternative to regular soft drinks, has raised a 10.5 million ($11.5 million) Series A round to scale its offering across Europe. The round was led by global venture capital firm Left Lane Capital.

Existing investors FoodLabs and Simon Capital (formerly known as Bitburger Ventures) joined the round. London-based consumer fund V3 Ventures (part of international, consumer investment company Verlinvest), plus entrepreneurs and industry experts including Just Spices co-founder Bela Seebach; YFood founders Benjamin Kremer and Noel Bollmann, and the venture arm of Hamburg-based media company OMR also participated.

HOLY has sold more than 10 million drinks since it was founded in 2020 by three best friends, Frederick Jost, Philipp Nass, and Mathias Horsch.

"We love soft drinks but incumbents are outdated, shipping sugary drinks in plastic bottles around the world. We want to do it better and solve the trade-off between great taste and good conscience," says HOLY founder and co-CEO Frederick Jost.

HOLY's powder-based soft drinks save more than 90% of packaging waste, and reduce carbon emissions compared to regular alternatives. They're healthier, too.

"With low sugar, low calories, functional ingredients like vitamins, nootropics, antioxidants and fiber, as well as natural flavors and colors, our drinks really appeal to the next generation of consumers," explains HOLY founder & CMO Philipp Nass.

Story continues

Reflecting market trends that show consumers now demand healthier and more sustainable alternatives to traditional soft drinks, the company has more than 200,000 loyal customers for its HOLY Energy and HOLY Iced Tea products across Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland.

The funding round has been described by investors as one of the most competitive consumer rounds this year, despite the current slump in DTC investment.

Jason Fiedler, Managing Partner at Left Lane Capital, says: "In the United States, we have seen the power of mission driven brands like Liquid Death and 'better for you' products like Celsius winning market share from incumbents. We identified similar characteristics in the HOLY brand and product that we believe has tremendous mass market potential and little competition in Europe."

The new round brings the total HOLY has raised to 12.3 million ($13.4 million). The funds will be used to fuel the brand's mission to become the leading healthier soft drink in Europe. This strategy includes launching new products, expanding into new territories across the continent, including the UK, and moving into retail channels.

"HOLY is currently a team of 25. Now we're looking for new talent to fuel our product, geographic, and channel expansion as we accelerate our growth across Europe," says HOLY founder & co-CEO Mathias Horsch.

About HOLY: Founded in 2020, Berlin, Germany-based HOLY offers a healthier, more sustainable alternative to traditional soft drinks. Driven by a 'better for you, better for the planet' philosophy, HOLY Energy and HOLY Iced Tea products are enjoyed by more than 200,000 customers across Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland. The company was co-founded by Frederick Jost, Philipp Nass, and Mathias Horsch, and has raised a total of 12.3 million in investment to date. For job opportunities, please visit https://www.weareholy.com/careers

About Left Lane Capital: Founded in 2019, Left Lane Capital is a New York and London based global venture capital and growth equity firm investing in internet and technology companies with a consumer orientation. Left Lane's mission is to partner with extraordinary entrepreneurs who create category-defining companies across growth sectors of the economy, including software, healthcare, e-commerce, consumer, fintech, edtech, and other industries. Select investments include GoStudent, M1 Finance, Wayflyer, Yokoy, Masterworks, Blank Street, Talkiatry, WeTravel, and more. For more information, please visit www.leftlanecap.com .

About FoodLabs:

FoodLabs is the leading pan-European Early Stage VC investor and venture studio for food, sustainability and health. We strongly believe that entrepreneurship holds the key to pushing the boundaries in the food industry. Based in Berlin, FoodLabs has built and invested in more than 50 early-stage FoodTech companies since 2016. We're backing the most ambitious, purpose-driven entrepreneurs, who are committed to changing the world's largest industry. FoodLabs has been an early investor in some of the most seminal, fastest-growing European FoodTech startups including Infarm, Meatable, Mushlabs and Formo. Learn more: https://www.foodlabs.com/

About Simon Capital: Founded in 2018, Simon Capital is an early-stage VC fund based in Dusseldorf, Germany. The fund invests in driven founders who reshape their industries across consumption, wellbeing, and productivity. Simon Capital makes use of its broad network and expertise rooted in an entrepreneurial heritage to lift new generations of sustainable businesses. The fund follows an active portfolio approach, where capital means more than just mere money; investments so far include e.g., waterdrop, Just Spices, share, MushLabs, MicroHarvest, and Sastrify. If you are interested to learn more about Simon Capital, please visit https://simoncapital.com/ and follow them on LinkedIn .

About V3 Ventures: V3 Ventures is a consumer-focused venture capital fund, backed by international, evergreen growth investor, Verlinvest. It invests in early-stage digital consumer businesses that are building strong, purpose-driven, scalable brands across Europe, the United States, and India. Founded by successful entrepreneurs, Lopo Champalimaud and Arjun Vaidya, V3 Ventures is passionate about partnering with founders who are creating the consumer brands of tomorrow. It backs companies across consumer technology, lifestyle brands, and platforms/enablers, and its portfolio includes the likes of skincare brand, Yepoda, fresh cat food brand, Katkin, natural deodorant brand, Wild, and French supplement business, Cuure.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/holy-raises-10-5-million-led-by-left-lane-capital-to-become-europes-leading-healthier-soft-drink-brand-301908544.html

SOURCE HOLY
HORIZONTE MINERALS PLC APPOINTS OPERATIONS DIRECTOR FOR THE ARAGUAIA NICKEL PROJECT

LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / August 24, 2023 / Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIMHZM)(TSX:HZM) ("Horizonte" or the "Company") a nickel company developing two Tier-1 assets in Brazil, is pleased to strengthen its management team with the appointment of Mr. Fernando Marino as its Operations Director for the Araguaia Nickel Project ("Araguaia" or "the Project").

Jeremy Martin, CEO of Horizonte, commented: "We are pleased to welcome Fernando as Operations Director for the Araguaia Nickel Project, which marks an important milestone for Horizonte as we prepare to bring Araguaia into production given that construction is now around 65% complete. Fernando's extensive experience in commissioning, production ramp-up, and operating Brazilian nickel operations, coupled with over 20 years of stakeholder engagement experience in the Para state, will be invaluable at Araguaia and we look forward to working with him."

Fernando has over 35 years of experience in the resources industry, with a strong track record of ramping up and operating mining operations in Brazil. He worked across a range of mining operations for Vale in Brazil, including as Director of Operations at Onca Puma, a ferronickel operation in Para state located approximately 250 km from Araguaia. During his time at Onca Puma, he managed the initial ramp-up phase and subsequently implemented improvements to the original furnace design in conjunction with Hatch (Araguaia's furnace vendor). Additionally, he led a comprehensive review of the operational, maintenance and safety procedures, resulting in a record annual production of 25,000 tonnes of nickel, without any lost-time accidents. Prior to joining Horizonte, Fernando was Executive Manager at Vale's Base Metals South Atlantic operations, and previously managed the Salobo copper mine and plant.

Story continues

For further information, visit www.horizonteminerals.com or contact:

Horizonte Minerals plc

Jeremy Martin (CEO)

Simon Retter (CFO)

Patrick Chambers (Head of IR) info@horizonteminerals.com +44 (0) 203 356 2901 Peel Hunt LLP (Nominated Adviser & Joint Broker)

Ross Allister

David McKeown +44 (0)20 7418 8900 BMO (Joint Broker)

Thomas Rider

Pascal Lussier Duquette

Andrew Cameron +44 (0) 20 7236 1010 Barclays (Joint Broker)

Philip Lindop

Richard Bassingthwaighte +44 (0)20 7623 2323 Tavistock (Financial PR)

Emily Moss

Cath Drummond +44 (0) 20 7920 3150

ABOUT HORIZONTE MINERALS

Horizonte Minerals Plc (AIM/TSX: HZM) is developing two 100%-owned, Tier 1 projects in Para state, Brazil - the Araguaia Nickel Project and the Vermelho Nickel-Cobalt Project. Both projects are large scale, high-grade, low-cost, have low carbon emission intensities and are scalable. Araguaia is under construction with first metal scheduled for 1Q 2024. When fully ramped up with Line 1 and Line 2, Araguaia is forecast to produce 29,000 tonnes of nickel per year. Vermelho is at feasibility study stage and is expected to supply nickel to the critical metals market. Horizonte's combined production profile of over 60,000 tonnes of nickel per year positions the Company as a globally significant nickel producer. Horizonte's top three shareholders are La Mancha Investments S.a r.l., Glencore Plc and Orion Resource Partners LLP.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Except for statements of historical fact relating to the Company, certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, the ability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment, statements with respect to the potential of the Company's current or future property mineral projects; the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the second RKEF line at Araguaia on time, or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on time, or at all, the success of exploration and mining activities; cost and timing of future exploration, production and development; the costs and timing for delivery of the equipment to be purchased, the estimation of mineral resources and reserves and the ability of the Company to achieve its goals in respect of growing its mineral resources; the realization of mineral resource and reserve estimates and achieving production in accordance with the Company's potential production profile or at all. 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 statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of management made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made, and are inherently subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks related to: the inability of the Company to complete any planned acquisition of equipment on time or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the implementation of a second RKEF line at Araguaia on the timeline contemplated or at all, the ability of the Company to complete a positive feasibility study regarding the Vermelho Project on the timeline contemplated or at all, exploration and mining risks, competition from competitors with greater capital; the Company's lack of experience with respect to development-stage mining operations; fluctuations in metal prices; uninsured risks; environmental and other regulatory requirements; exploration, mining and other licences; the Company's future payment obligations; potential disputes with respect to the Company's title to, and the area of, its mining concessions; the Company's dependence on its ability to obtain sufficient financing in the future; the Company's dependence on its relationships with third parties; the Company's joint ventures; the potential of currency fluctuations and political or economic instability in countries in which the Company operates; currency exchange fluctuations; the Company's ability to manage its growth effectively; the trading market for the ordinary shares of the Company; uncertainty with respect to the Company's plans to continue to develop its operations and new projects; the Company's dependence on key personnel; possible conflicts of interest of directors and officers of the Company, and various risks associated with the legal and regulatory framework within which the Company operates, together with the risks identified and disclosed in the Company's disclosure record available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, including without limitation, the annual information form of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the Araguaia and Vermelho Technical Reports available on the Company's website https://horizonteminerals.com/. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Horizonte Minerals PLC





View source version on accesswire.com:

https://www.accesswire.com/776468/Horizonte-Minerals-PLC-Announces-Operations-Director-Appointed-for-Araguaia-Project




RED BANK, N.J.  A novel three story apartment building geared toward neuro inclusivity could be coming to a community in New Jersey.

The apartment proposal was conceived after Karen Fluharty, founder of the nonprofit Parents with a Plan, went on a search for housing that would be inclusive for her son Ryan, who is neurodiverse. It was 2017, and her son was 12 at the time.

After an exhaustive search nationwide, I was really shocked by the quality and the lack of quality and the lack of innovation in housing and programming, Fluharty told Red Banks zoning board last week. What happens to our kids? How do we create best-in-class housing thats supportive to create these welcoming communities for our neurodiverse population?

Now the town may be taking a step to address that void. If approved, the plan for the proposed apartment building would call for the demolition of a vacant and graffitied building now at the site and construction of a three-story structure with 32 one-bedroom apartments for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Its ground floor would also include a teaching kitchen, therapeutic services and a studio apartment for an overnight staff member called a navigator.

The proposal would supersede a previously approved plan for a 10-unit apartment building at the site.

A rendering of the proposed neuro inclusive apartment building by Thrive Red Bank and Parents with a Plan.

The nonprofit Thrive Red Bank will work in conjunction with Fluharty and her organization to construct the building. John and Robin Klein, who head Thrive Red Bank, have also worked with another local nonprofit, Lunch Break, which provides food, clothing, outreach and mentoring to people living with financial insecurity.

The push for housing that prioritizes independent living and community integration comes on the heels of decades of advocacy work. After deinstitutionalization in the 1960s and 70s, many adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities either lived with their families or were placed in residential group homes. A limited number of housing options were geared toward an accommodated form of independent living. Some housing options, like Operation Life in Long Branch, New Jersey, for instance, are geared toward people who use a wheelchair.

Story continues

The new building, focused on neurodiverse residents, will be designed with ADA accessibility that includes an elevator, says Albert Arencibia with CPA Architecture. The floors would be nonslip and the units would be painted with antimicrobial paints.

Residents would work with a support provider and have a day plan that could include a job or volunteer work. They would be responsible for their own food but could get together for meals, Klein said.

What is autism? Here's how autistic advocates say you can support the community responsibly.

'My kids dont want hugs and kisses': The cultural dimension of travel with autistic children

"Red Bank was chosen as a first location for this groundbreaking project,'' Klein said. "Red Bank is walkable. It's not overwhelming. ... It's a town with a hospital for medical needs and jobs, which could be very important for residents of this project.''

With only 10% of residents expected to have driver's licenses, the building's proximity to a nearby train station and two unmarked bus stops is also a plus for residents who would likely be largely dependent on public transit, said John McCormack of Dynamic Traffic.

A site plan for a proposed neuro inclusive apartment building at 273 Shrewsbury Avenue.

The housing is inspired by an Arizona-based apartment building called First Place Phoenix that supports residents with neurodiversity.

Fluharty said that in the five counties surrounding Red Bank, New Jersey's Division of Developmental Disabilities estimates about 8,200 people are living with a disability.

In New Jersey alone, 73% of our neurodiverse population is living with family. And 38,000 of those individuals are living with aging caregivers or parents over the age of 60, Fluharty said. I wont testify to my age, but I do fall into that bracket.

Klein said residents would be assessed for the capability of living an independent life with  some safety net around them. There would be one staff member for every eight residents, according to the proposal.

The zoning board has yet to vote on the proposed project, asking for details on parking, ride-sharing, fundraising and security on the premises. The project is expected to be discussed further at the board's next meeting on Sept. 7.

Olivia Liu is a reporter covering transportation, Red Bank and western Monmouth County. She can be reached at oliu@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Neurodivergent residents may see dedicated housing in New Jersey
Hyundai is recalling nearly 40,000 Elantra HEV vehicles because a software error can cause the car to accelerate after the brake pedal is released, which can increase the risk of a crash.

The Hyundai recall covers certain 2021-2023 Elantra HEV vehicles  a total of 37,997  according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report dated Monday.

Car owners can check USA TODAYs automotive recall database or search NHTSAs database for new recalls. The NHTSA website also allows you to search for recalls based on your vehicle identification number, or VIN.

Hyundai Elantra HEV recall

Hyundai will mail notification letters to owners by Oct. 17. Customers can bring their vehicles to Hyundai dealerships where they will update the motor control unit software free of charge, the NHTSA said.

Owners can contact Hyundai customer service at 1-855-371-9460. Hyundai's number for this recall is 248.

Hyundai recalled vehicles:

 2021-2023 Elantra HEV

Cars recalled last week: Ford, Kia, Nissan, Chrysler among nearly 660,000 vehicles recalled

More Hyundai recalls this month

Hyundai recalled 52,008 of its 2023-2024 Palisade SUVs and 2023 Tucson, Sonata, Elantra and Kona vehicles earlier this month, according to a NHTSA report.

Hyundai will mail notification letters to owners by Sept. 25. Customers can bring their vehicles to Hyundai dealerships for a free inspection and replacement.

Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete, the NHTSA said. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.

Recalled Hyundai vehicles:

 2023 Hyundai Elantra

 2023 Hyundai Kona

 2023 Hyundai Sonata

 2023 Hyundai Tucson

 2023-2024 Hyundai Palisade

There's only 1 new car under $20,000: Here are 5 cars with the lowest average prices in US

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hyundai recall: Nearly 40,000 Elantra HEV cars affected. Check here.
candy store

Oxford Streets iconic status is at risk unless businesses are allowed to invest, Ikeas UK chief has said, amid a row over Michael Goves decision to block the development of Marks & Spencers flagship store.

Peter Jelkeby, the head of Ikea in the UK and Ireland, said retailers needed to be supported in every way possible to allow for Britains busiest shopping street to remain the iconic destination it has always been.

It came as Ikea announced it was delaying the opening of its new flagship store on Oxford Circus by a year after finding that the refurbishments needed for the building are more intensive than first thought.

News of the delay is likely to add to concerns that Oxford Street will struggle to stage a revival any time soon, following a spate of store closures in recent years. Both Debenhams and House of Fraser stores have closed since the pandemic.

The Housing Secretarys decision to block the redevelopment of Marks & Spencer Marble Arch has alarmed many retailers in the area.

Mr Gove overruled Westminster Council to block M&Ss plans to knock down the store and rebuild it.

M&S is considering abandoning its Marble Arch site after Michael Gove opposed redevelopment plans - Jason Alden/Bloomberg

The Housing Secretary said the project risked damaging the heritage of the area and would fail to support the transition to a low carbon future.

M&S claimed the scheme would help revive the area. Ikea was one of the several retailers who submitted official support for the project.

While Mr Jelkeby did not comment on the M&S decision specifically, when asked about the case he said the area needed investment and regeneration to continue attracting customers and visitors.

The chief executive said Ikea was committed to making a substantial investment in its new Oxford Street store, which is located in the former Topshop building.

It had been expected to open later this autumn but will now open next year.

The delay comes as concerns mount over the future of Britains busiest shopping street.

US candy stores, many of which are suspected to be fronts for criminal enterprises, have overrun Oxford Street in recent years. Crime rates have also been on the rise in the area, retail chiefs claim.

Story continues

In a letter to The Telegraph two weeks ago, Sacha Berendji, the operations director at M&S, said crime was rising because of empty shops, littered streets and fewer visitors.

Mr Berendji said: The street was practically locked down by police to prevent major unrest planned on social media.

Londoners know that something must be done to save Oxford Street.

Police were forced to arrest nine people earlier this month after a social media campaign suggested people rob retailers on Oxford Street - Jonathan Brady/PA

Earlier this month, police were forced to arrest nine people and issue 34 dispersal orders after a social media campaign suggested people try to rob retailers on Oxford Street.

Ikeas Grade-II listed building on Oxford Circus has been empty since 2021 when Topshop collapsed into administration. The London site is owned by the investment arm of Ingka, the largest franchisee of Ikea.

As part of its overhaul, fossil fuel gas-fired boilers are being removed and replaced with air source heat pumps. Ingka will also install secondary glazing to improve energy efficiency.

Peter van der Poel, the managing director at Ingka Investments, said: When refurbishing this over 100-year-old historic landmark, its important for us as an investor to treat the building with care and to preserve its characteristics and atmosphere.

At the same time, we want to upgrade it to todays standards with the best possible sustainability credentials.

To ensure all of this, the extensive refurbishment will take more time than initially anticipated.

Three of the floors will be used for retail, while the remaining four will be used as office space.

Ikea is planning to stock 6,000 products at the site when it opens. Around half will be available for shoppers to take away immediately, while larger furniture will either need to be ordered for home delivery or picked up at Ikea collection points across London.

The Oxford Circus opening is part of plans by the Swedish retailer to reduce its reliance on big out-of-town outlets.

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.
By Marie Mannes

(Reuters) - Swedish flat-pack furniture giant Ikea opened its doors to a new store in downtown San Francisco on Wednesday, bucking the trend of big retailers such as Nordstrom and Old Navy closing shops amid falling foot traffic and rising crime in the city.

Ikea, known for its suburban warehouse-like stores, is pushing more in-city shops and promoting its online stores, as shoppers buy more from marketplaces such as Amazon.com.

The opening, though, comes as San Francisco's crises of drugs and homelessness have worsened, leading to tourists and business visitors staying away and depleting the ranks of shoppers who once sustained a vibrant downtown.

Large tech companies have laid off workers and many people are still working from home.

Tolga Oncu, head of retail at Ikea store owner Ingka Group, said the company had strategized with security firms on how to position the entry and exit of the store and taken measures to stop crime without the presence of a lot of guards.

The new Ikea small-format store aims by next year to add a food deli, a co-working space, and areas for other retailers to lease. Ingka Group has launched a similar model in Hammersmith, London, with an Ikea store inside an Ingka shopping mall.

"We are feeling very confident in our city approach, it is very complementary to our existing Ikea presence in that market," Oncu told Reuters.

"We opened a store in shopping mall Gallerian in Stockholm last year, which has contributed to a 50% increase in physical visitation to Ikea in a very mature market," he said.

Ingka Group, the main franchisee to brand owner Inter IKEA, bought the San Francisco location in 2020 and had planned to open the store in the autumn of 2021. Ingka owns all Ikea stores in the United States and Inter Ikea is in charge of supply.

(Reporting by Marie Mannes; Editing by Sayantani Ghosh and Sonali Paul)
Theres been a lot of doomsaying about the economy in recent months, with predictions of a coming recession. The markets have also been a bit shaky in August, with the S&P 500 falling about 3%.

But in a note from JPMorgan, global investment strategist Madison Faller keeps a generally favorable outlook and assuages investors that market swings are par for the course.

In any given year, there are good things and bad things that impact the economy and markets, Faller said. And while we tend to see the glass half-full when we examine the current slate of opportunities and risks, were also reminded that volatility is normal.

The mistake many investors make during such times of market pullbacks is a common one. Investors tend to sell during the dips and miss the recovery  already, flows into cash and out of stocks have been meaningful this year, Faller explained, before paraphrasing a classic piece of investing advice. But when investors are fearful, that is often the time to pounce.

Taking that advice and running with it, J.P. Morgan analysts have homed in two stocks they see as primed to deliver the goods over the coming months  they see them posting gains of up to 110%. We put these names through the TipRanks database to also find out what other Street analysts make of their chances. Heres the lowdown.

Telephone & Data Systems (TDS)

The first JPM pick were looking at is Telephone & Data Systems, a leading provider of telecom services to around 6 million customers across the US. The company offers an array of services, including wireless mobile plans, TV packages, landline phones, high-speed internet, and IT solutions. These IT solutions encompass everything from cloud and hosting services to local connectivity and data centers.

The US telecom sector suffered a body blow earlier this summer, when news broke that a large portion of the legacy cable infrastructure, especially in the telephone sector, had originally been laid with lead sheathing. Such leaded cables have long been phased out of newer projects, due to environmental concerns, and there is a public cry to have the old cable sheathing removed  a process that will be costly for landline providers. TDSs telephone subsidiary, TDS Telecommunications, announced in July that it had less than 10 miles worth of such cables in its network.

Story continues

In a more recent development, TDS shares experienced a substantial surge this month, more than doubling in value. This upswing followed TDSs announcement that its actively exploring strategic alternatives for US Cellular, a company in which TDS holds an 83% stake.

On the flip side, TDSs recently released Q2 results were a more muted affair. Total revenues, at $1.27 billion, were down ~6% year-over-year and came in $28.15 million below the forecast. The bottom-line EPS, a 17-cent loss per share, was 15 cents per share below expectations.

Even though the company missed the top and bottom lines, it did declare its dividend for the coming Q3. The payment, at 18.5 cents per common share, is scheduled for September 29; the annualized rate 74 cents gives a yield of 4%.

While JPMorgan analyst Philip Cusick highlights the disappointing readout, he makes the case that restructuring the business could be an excellent move  particularly for investors.

2Q results were generally not impressive and the company lowered its 2023 USM revenue guidance. While churn is doing well, clearly the costs to drive gross adds to USM and retain customers are uneconomic, so selling the company seems like the right move, Cusick explained. The exploration of strategic alternatives is likely to unlock substantial value. For TDS, the companys ~83% stake in US Cellular represents ~80% of its enterprise value. The incremental value from a potential sale of USM supports a higher valuation for TDS shareholders.

Looking ahead, Cusick rates TDS an Overweight (i.e. Buy) while his price target of $38 implies a robust one-year upside potential of ~110%. (To watch Cusicks track record, click here)

TDS has slipped under the radar a bit, and only has 2 recent analyst reviews. They both agree, however, that its a stock to buy, making the Moderate Buy analyst consensus unanimous. The shares are selling for $17.90 and their $27 average target indicates room for ~51% upside over the next 12 months. (See TDS stock forecast)

HilleVax, Inc. (HLVX)

Next up is HilleVax, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical firm that specializes in the development of new vaccines for prevention of the norovirus disease. The norovirus is a common  and highly contagious  virus, and is the most common viral cause of acute gastroenteritis in the world. In short, this is the stomach bug, responsible for vomiting, diarrhea, and GI-tract pain. The viral disease typically runs 1 to 3 days.

While this is not in the same league as Ebola, the norovirus still exacts a cost on human society. Norovirus is considered responsible for more than 90% of the non-bacterial epidemic outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide, and causes more than 700 million cases around the world every year. While not normally lethal, the sheer numbers involved mean that some 200,000 people die of norovirus every year. And, the virus causes some $60 billion in economic costs annually.

Thats what HilleVax is up against. The company is working on preventative treatments, vaccines, for the virus. Its leading drug candidate, HIL-214 is a virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccine currently underdoing several clinical trials  in infants, children, adults, and older adults.

In the companys recent business update, for 2Q23, HilleVax announced that it had completed enrollment of the NEST-IN1 trial, the Phase 2b study of the vaccine in infants. There are now over 3,000 subjects enrolled in the study, across six countries. The company expects to release topline safety and efficacy data from this clinical trial in the middle of next year.

The drugs potential has JPMorgans Eric Joseph upbeat on HLVX stock. The analyst writes of the company, its program, and its quality for investors, Acute gastroenteritis due to norovirus infection posed a significant global health economic burden, concentrated among young children and older adults, and for which there are no approved vaccines or direct acting treatments. Forecasting a ~$1.8B TAM (~$650M in the US) in the infant pediatric setting, we view HilleVaxs HIL-214 as a materially derisked vaccine candidate in the prevention of norovirus speak illness, the commercial potential of which is under-reflected at current levels. Top-line phase 2b data (mid2024) is seen as the primary value for shares over the foreseeable horizon.

These comments support Josephs Overweight (i.e. Buy) rating, while his $22 price target indicates potential for ~69% upside over the next year. (To watch Josephs track record, click here)

Overall, this biopharma gets a Strong Buy from the analyst consensus, based on 4 unanimously positive reviews on file. The shares are trading for $13 and the $31.25 average price target is even more bullish than Joseph will allow, implying a strong gain of ~141% lies in wait for the coming year. (See HLVX stock forecast)

To find good ideas for stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks equity insights.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the featured analysts. The content is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is very important to do your own analysis before making any investment.
A Delaware judge on Wednesday rejected Newsmaxs attempt to throw out part of a defamation case brought by the election technology company Smartmatic against the right-wing network.

Smartmatic sued Newsmax after the network repeatedly aired false claims about the 2020 election  specifically the lie that the companys software was involved in an international plot to rig the presidential election against Donald Trump. The company later updated its lawsuit to add 26 additional examples of alleged defamation, claiming it found the new material during the discovery process, when Newsmax turned over hundreds of hours of broadcasts.

Newsmax, a smaller pro-Trump network, denies the allegations.

The ruling on Wednesday from Delaware Superior Court Judge Eric Davis means those additional allegations will remain in the lawsuit, in a blow to Newsmax.

The case is just one of several pending defamation suits tied to Trumps election lies.

Smartmatic is also suing Fox News for $2.7 billion over the right-wing networks airing of baseless conspiracy theories surrounding the 2020 election. Dominion Voting Systems, another voting technology company that settled a defamation suit against Fox News for a historic $787 million, is also suing Newsmax over the false claims.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Leading school districts adopt the Qualtrics XM Platform to improve student and employee experiences

PROVO, Utah & SEATTLE, August 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Qualtrics, the leader and creator of the experience management (XM) category, today announced that leading K-12 education organizations, including Cherry Creek School District, Concord Community Schools and Elkhart Community Schools, selected its XM solutions in the first half of 2023. As institutions look to improve the student experience and learning outcomes while also attracting and retaining the best talent, Qualtrics is helping school leaders listen in and create experiences that build trust and loyalty across stakeholders.

Recent research from Qualtrics in partnership with College Pulse found just about a third (32%) of student respondents reported that their high school education made them feel very or extremely prepared for undergraduate-level coursework. A separate Qualtrics study revealed 43% of education employee respondents reported feeling emotionally drained from work. With just 58% agreeing that senior leadership responds to feedback from employees, institutions need to move beyond collecting feedback and demonstrate how the data is used to inform decision-making and experience improvements.

"It is clear that supporting students - and the employees who dedicate their lives to public service - needs to be a priority for every K-12 institution," said Carlos Bortoni, vice president of global education strategy at Qualtrics. "Facing student enrollment declines and teacher burnout, industry leaders should adopt technology that enables them to listen across channels to their many stakeholders, analyze all that feedback data to truly understand their experiences and emotions, and automate actions at scale in a way that makes them feel heard and valued."

The real-time feedback gathering and reporting capabilities of the Qualtrics XM Platform enable education institutions to listen to and understand student, family and employee feedback across communication channels, and then take data-driven actions to optimize student support and employee resources.

Story continues

Highlights from the first half of the year include the following education organizations choosing Qualtrics to better understand key stakeholder experiences and exceed expectations across K-12 education:

Cherry Creek School District was seeking to proactively support employee engagement and retention, and ultimately create a more positive and meaningful experience for students in the classroom. By selecting Qualtrics XM for People Teams, the leaders of the Colorado school district aim to better understand its teachers and staff, helping them achieve work-life balance and feel valued at work. With near real-time data and dashboards enabled by Qualtrics, Cherry Creek School District leadership will now be able to discover the biggest opportunities for improvement and celebration that will not only impact the employee experience but will lead to a better experience for students as well.

Concord Community Schools is committed to providing every student with an exceptional educational experience. In alignment with its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, the Indiana district purchased Qualtrics to gather valuable feedback, and to provide transparent information to stakeholders. Leaders across Concord Community Schools already use the Qualtrics XM Platform in a variety of ways including gathering feedback from students about their learning experiences and from parents about program offerings, as well as evaluating principals and employee engagement. A custom-built Student Academic Dashboard is underway that will include accountability measures, and Qualtrics data from the spring and summer will benefit student learning by providing school leaders with actionable insights into the students and families they serve.

Elkhart Community Schools is a public school district in Indiana serving approximately 12,000 students through 14 elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and the award-winning Elkhart Area Career Center, a learning center for high school juniors and seniors with programs that position graduates for a successful career or transition to college. Elkhart Community Schools selected Qualtrics to gather feedback from students and stakeholders on its career and technical education (CTE) offerings, with plans to expand the XM program district-wide. Qualtrics will help measure and manage CTE program performance metrics, and streamline the enrollment process. Elkhart Area Career Center serves 10 public high schools, including those in neighboring districts, and four private high schools so Qualtrics will also help set up a data hub for safe and secure data transfers. Easy to use dashboards enable leaders to make informed improvements to help more students succeed while also laying the foundation for more complex workflows and customized dashboards across the school district.

About Qualtrics XM for Education

With over 20 years of experience in education, Qualtrics now serves over 1,000 education institutions across K-12 and Higher Education around the worldincluding 99 of the top 100 business schools and over half of the top 50 U.S. school districtshelping them understand and improve the experiences they deliver. Qualtrics solutions are purpose-built to help leaders in education understand experiences across departments, take the right actions to attract and retain students and staff, and increase engagement and success. Qualtrics XM for Education solutions uncover unique insights into the student journey and empower school leaders to close experience gapsdriving increases in enrollment, retention and graduation. To learn more, please visit qualtrics.com/education.

About Qualtrics

Qualtrics, the leader and creator of the experience management category, is a cloud-native software provider that helps organizations quickly identify and resolve points of friction across all digital and human touchpoints in their business  so they can retain their best customers and employees, protect their revenue, and drive profitability. More than 18,750 organizations around the world use Qualtricss advanced AI to listen, understand, and take action. Qualtrics uses its vast universe of experience data to form the largest database of human sentiment in the world. Qualtrics is co-headquartered in Provo, Utah and Seattle, and operates out of 28 offices globally. To learn more, please visit qualtrics.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824463412/en/

Contacts

Geraldine Lim

press@qualtrics.com

951-318-3494
Update: (Wednesday, Aug. 23) SpaceX teams at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station have rescheduled the next Falcon 9 Starlink mission originally slated to fly Wednesday night to no earlier than Friday, Aug. 25, during a window from 9:13 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. EDT as indicated by updated Space Force launch weather forecasts. The company has not confirmed the existence of the mission or provided any reason for rescheduling, but at nearby Kennedy Space Center, teams are readying for the launch of NASA's Crew-7 mission aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 slated for liftoff at 3:49 a.m., Friday, Aug. 25.

If schedules hold, these missions would become the Space Coast's 43rd and 44th launches this year.

When is SpaceX's next Starlink mission?

As indicated by updated Space Force launch weather forecasts, SpaceX is now targeting no earlier than Friday, Aug. 25, during a window that extends from 9:13 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. EDT for the launch of the latest Falcon 9 Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Originally slated to fly Wednesday night, The Starlink 6-11 mission is now scheduled to fly hours after Friday's targeted launch of NASA's Crew-7 mission from nearby Kennedy Space Center at 3:49 a.m. EDT.

What is the weather outlook for the Starlink 6-11 mission:

An updated weather forecast for the Starlink 6-11 mission, provided by forecasters with the Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45 on Wednesday afternoon, projected liftoff conditions to be 90% "go" for the duration of Friday's launch window.

"Unseasonably dry weather will be dominant through the early part of next week as high pressure will remain in place across the southeastern U.S. Easterly flow will be persistent, so isolated onshore moving showers cannot be ruled out," the report said.

A slight chance for cumulus clouds around the spaceport was listed as the primary concern.

Here's everything you need to know about Starlink 6-11:

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Launch Complex 40 will host.

The payload is the company's next batch of Starlink internet-beaming satellites.

The 230-foot Falcon 9 rocket will follow a southeasterly trajectory threading between Florida and the Bahamas.

No local sonic booms with this mission.

The 130-foot first-stage booster will target a drone ship landing about eight minutes after liftoff.

Story continues

SpaceX Falcon 9 late-night launches: Are they getting louder? Teams set for two this week

Space Perspective: Company is building balloons in Titusville to elevate tourists to the edge of space

When's the next SpaceX launch from Florida?

The next Falcon 9 slated for liftoff from Florida will send NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station from Launch Complex 39A at NASAs Kennedy Space Center.

Targeted for liftoff at 3:49 a.m. EDT, Friday, Aug. 25, NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen, along with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency astronaut Satoshi Furukawa and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov will fly aboard SpaceX's Endurance Dragon capsule to the space station for the six-month science mission.

Space Force forecasters last reported weather conditions around the launch site to be 85% "go" for liftoff.

In a report released Wednesday, forecasters with Space Launch Delta 45 expected there to be "a modest increase in moisture and better, though still below normal, chances for Atlantic showers into Thursday."

"There are some discrepancies in how far south this band gets by Thursday night, but even the more enthusiastic scenarios suggest that any activity would be in the form of low topped Atlantic showers," forecasters said.

Only a slight chance of cumulus clouds around the launch site was listed as a concern.

For the latest updates, visit floridatoday.com/launchschedule.

Follow FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team live launch coverage beginning three hours before liftoff.

Contact Jamie Groh at JGroh@floridatoday.com and follow her on X.com at @AlteredJamie.

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX reschedules next Falcon 9 Starlink launch to end of the week
GLN to introduce cross-border QR payment from regions such as Taiwan, Thailand and Laos

SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Korea Easy Payment Foundation (CEO Choi Tong-ju, hereinafter referred to as KEPF) signed an agreement with GLN International (CEO Kim Kyung-ho, hereinafter referred to as GLN) to introduce GLN cross-border QR payment.

This agreement aims to collaborate between ZeroPay with 1.72 million merchants and GLN International with global QR payment network, in order to activate domestic consumption of foreign tourists visiting Korea.

Two parties plan to promote the GLN's cross-border QR payments from three main regions Laos, Thailand and Taiwan within this year and expand its coverage from other Southeast Asian countries and other regions.

KEPF's CEO Choi Tong-ju said "We are willing to encourage foreign tourists to spend in Korea by adopting cross-border QR payment. In particular, Korea is a top destination for the region of Taiwan and Thailand tourists, and vice versa especially like to experience Korean food and lifestyle culture, which is expected to greatly help small medium size merchants and revitalize local economy."

GLN International, spun off from Hana Bank for global payment network business, connects financial companies, distributors and merchants into a single network, providing services such as QR payments, QR withdrawals (ATM), and overseas remittance freely through mobile without limitation of national boundaries.

GLN's CEO Kim Kyung-ho said "I am happy that foreign tourists visiting Korea will be able to use the ZeroPay QR merchants more conveniently. ZeroPay is a very important partner in realizing our strategy for global payment network expansion, starting with this agreement, we are planning to make a remarkable contribution to local economies and small medium enterprises."

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/korea-easy-payment-foundation--gln-international-sign-an-agreement-to-establish-qr-payment-infrastructure-for-foreign-tourists-visiting-korea-301909045.html

SOURCE GLN International
Executive chef Luis Guillen didnt set out to own his own restaurant.

The owner of Luis Place at 435 S. Kansas Ave., Guillen has a degree in architecture and worked in construction management. Following a 2002 layoff, he decided to follow his passion for cooking instead.

I decided to jump and do something different on my own, Guillen said. My cooking school was trial and error.

Featuring cuisine described as Latin-Caribbean fusion, Guillen said he serves a little bit of everything and takes much of his inspiration from his home country of Venezuela.

I believe in culture, Guillen said. In my culture, we cook, dance, sing. Its what we learn all our lives. The Latin-Caribbean influence is in everything I do. Its not about promoting my culture. Its just who I am.

"We try to bring a different taste to Topeka.

Here is when Luis' Place is open to the public in Topeka

Luis Place is only open to the public on Fridays  lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-9:30 p.m. The menu changes weekly, but evening diners can expect Guillens signature dishes served in four courses, including soup and salad, the choice of three entree options and dessert.

A table of Luis' Place regulars enjoy Friday's lunch entrees from their reserved table. Prior to the restaurant opening here at 435 S. Kansas Ave. in 2015, the space had been a popular bar in the 1960s and 1970s and originally a bank.

Some favorites include Killer Salad with Romaine lettuce, cucumbers, orange, grapefruit, caramelized nuts, gorgonzola cheese, and raspberry vinaigrette, and locally sourced beef tenderloin. After dinner, Guillen frequently serves creme brulee, passion fruit or hazelnut mousse.

Before heading out to dine at Luis Place, its a good idea to call ahead and make reservations. Guillen said his regular customers are loyal, and seating is limited.

We are fairly small, with only 10 tables and 34 chairs, but our customer base is regular," he said. "We really know 80% of our customers.

In addition to Friday restaurant service, Luis Place caters corporate events and rehearsal dinners, and provides boxed lunches for meetings. Guillen said he frequently hosts private dinner parties at the restaurant as well, serving three- to four-course meals to business executives and their guests.

Story continues

When we get a party here, we dont take anyone else," he said. "Its your spot, your place to talk business. Its private.

Inspiration for Luis' Place came after chef closed New City Cafe

Luis Guillen keeps an eye on a piece of salmon as he prepares a dish during Friday's lunch service at Luis' Place.

Luis Place opened in January 2015 after Guillen closed his first restaurant, New City Cafe, which was located in Gage Shopping Center.

When I closed New City, I drove around to see what was out there, Guillen said. I jumped on this location at 5th and Kansas. Its a very historic building, and has been many things over the years. A lot of my customers remember when it was a popular bar in the '60s and '70s.

Guillen acknowledged that running a restaurant can be a tough business, especially since most of the development in downtown Topeka has been focused to the south of his location.

Topeka is hard on restaurants," he said. "Im successful because I only open on Fridays, and I dont rely on people walking around looking for a place to eat.

Over the years, Luis Place has built a reputation for fine dining in the capital city. Guillen said he has his customers to thank.

During COVID, I spent quarantine cooking carryout," he said. "Our customers were supportive and loyal, and thats what got me through.

Posing with his son Andreas, Luis' Place owner Luis Guillen smiles Friday afternoon. Luis' Place is opened to the public on Fridays  lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

The restaurant does so well by word of mouth alone that Guillen said he didnt bother to put up a sign until about three years ago.

Everyone knew it, Guillen said. The fire marshal said they needed to be able to find it in case of an emergency. Otherwise, I wouldnt have put one up.

Luis' Place also offers special dinners throughout the year

The public can sample what Luis Place has to offer during one of the special dinners Guillen has throughout the year. The first Wednesday of each month features a wine tasting and tapas. The restaurant will also host a Bourbon and Prime Rib Dinner on Sept. 15.

Make reservations online, call or text the restaurant, or reach out via Facebook.

Guillen said he doesnt have any plans to stop doing what he enjoys as long as Luis Place continues to be successful.

Its successful in a way that I dont have plans to retire, Guillen said. Im still here.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Luis Place is open 6.5 hours a week in downtown Topeka for loyal fans
BROCKTON  When you think of Legion Parkway in downtown Brockton "up-and-coming" may not be the first words that come to mind, but to the new businesses opening soon, it's right where they want to be.

Businesses are popping up everywhere, and the exterior of Legion Parkway is also changing. If you drive down Legion, you can see parking meters that weren't there before.

New additions like Raphael's Restaurant, Topical Breeze Juice Bar and Kreyol 17 are just a few spots to add to your list of places to experience.

Each has its own menu with its twist of classic American and Caribbean-style dishes.

And not only are there several food spots but a place to get your phone fixed, all on the same street.

From left, Patricia Sanon, owner of the soon to open Tropical Breeze Juice Bar, and Elber Moreira and Edmilson Monteira, from Efix phone store, stand in front of their stores on Legion Parkway in Brockton on Thursday, July 20, 2023. All live in Brockton and are part of the effort to revitalize this area of downtown.

Tropical Breeze brings smoothies with a twist

Patricia Sanon, owner of Tropical Breeze Juice Bar, is excited to open her business in less than two months and said Legion Parkway is the perfect place.

"I picked Legion Parkway due to it being right downtown near the health center, which is my target customer. In Brockton, there are not many healthy food options. I want to give people working in the health and safety centers something tasty but healthy to eat," Sanon said.

The business plans to sell light refreshments, sandwiches, juices, smoothies and snacks.

Sanon isn't new to owning a business as she owns a Haitian variety store on Main Street, and both stores add value to the community, Sanon said.

Kreyol 17 supervisor Carmina Vincent shows a couple of meals available from the restaurant on Legion Parkway in downtown Brockton on opening day was Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. On the left is an oxtail mix and on the right is a combination of corn, plantain, ribs and mashed potatoes. The drink is a mix of tonic water, mint syrup, passion fruit juice and pineapple juice.

'Dream home' Bridgewater home that sold for $858K is located in new development

The owner plans to bring smoothies with a twist to Brockton.

"I'm introducing Brockton to smoothies and teas of the Haitian culture. These smoothies are nothing you've tasted before. I'm going to use a lot of tasty tropical fruits like pineapple turmeric, and ginger to add my unique taste," Sanon said.

E Fix serves diverse community

Elba Moreira of Efix on Legion Parkway in Brockton repairs a customer's phone on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

The business of juicing and food isn't the only place making a buzz.

Story continues

E Fix, a phone repair and accessories store, wants to change people's experiences, especially for people for whom English is their second language.

The owners, Elber Moreira and Edmilson Monteiro speak four languages, including French, Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese and Spanish.

"We want every customer to know we can serve them, and there's no need to feel embarrassed due to a language barrier," Moreira said.

The two sell phones, accessories, chargers, and phone cases and will fix a cracked screen or internal issues with the phone.

A close up of repair work on a customer phone being done by Elba Moreira of Efix on Legion Parkway in Brockton, on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

'Does not work' Brockton schools superintendent: Outdated attendance policy fails students too often

Moreira is micro-soldering certified, which means he's able to fix the tiny pieces that are broken inside of your phone that can only be seen through a microscope.

Moreira was certified in Cape Verde, and brought his skills and talents to America when he moved in 2021.

The two started working and saving to bring their phone-fixing dreams alive. They're both happy to serve the diverse community of Brockton one phone at a time.

"I've always dreamed of owning my place and working for myself," Moreira said.

Efix owners Elba Moreira and Edmilson Monteiro, of Brockton, in front of their store on Legion Parkway in Brockton on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Is Legion Parkway being revitalized?

For the last 25 years, Christopher Cooney, the president of the Metro South Chamber of Commerce, has watched Legion Parkway grow as a "regional hub for knowledge" and a place for "wellness and healthy living."

The thriving businesses around Legion  including Vicente's tropical grocery store, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center and Cabo Vegan  are giving the area a boost, he said.

Legion Parkway is also adjacent to the new $98 million public safety complex that the city broke ground on in July at the Champion High School property on Warren Avenue.

"Just a few years ago Vicente's was an empty lot. Now it's bringing over 3,000 customers daily to Brockton," Cooney said.

Brockton is changing in ways people will start noticing soon if they haven't already from the new many apartments being built to the flavors of the islands on the streets.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton's Legion Parkway has new restaurant, phone store, juice bar
Key Insights

Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Hormel Foods fair value estimate is US$39.24

Hormel Foods' US$38.47 share price indicates it is trading at similar levels as its fair value estimate

Our fair value estimate is 4.6% lower than Hormel Foods' analyst price target of US$41.12

How far off is Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE:HRL) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. Believe it or not, it's not too difficult to follow, as you'll see from our example!

Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model.

View our latest analysis for Hormel Foods

Step By Step Through The Calculation

We are going to use a two-stage DCF model, which, as the name states, takes into account two stages of growth. The first stage is generally a higher growth period which levels off heading towards the terminal value, captured in the second 'steady growth' period. To begin with, we have to get estimates of the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value:

Story continues

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$1.28b US$1.13b US$1.04b US$994.9m US$969.5m US$958.4m US$957.0m US$962.1m US$971.9m US$985.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x2 Est @ -7.45% Est @ -4.57% Est @ -2.55% Est @ -1.14% Est @ -0.15% Est @ 0.54% Est @ 1.02% Est @ 1.36% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 6.2% US$1.2k US$1k US$872 US$784 US$719 US$670 US$630 US$597 US$568 US$542

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$7.6b

We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 2.2%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.2%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$985m (1 + 2.2%)  (6.2% 2.2%) = US$25b

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$25b ( 1 + 6.2%)10= US$14b

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$21b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of US$38.5, the company appears about fair value at a 2.0% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out.

dcf

The Assumptions

We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Hormel Foods as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.2%, 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 Hormel Foods

Strength

Debt is not viewed as a risk.

Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows.

Weakness

Earnings declined over the past year.

Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Food market.

Opportunity

Annual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.

Current share price is below our estimate of fair value.

Threat

Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the American market.

Looking Ahead:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. DCF models are not the be-all and end-all of investment valuation. Rather it should be seen as a guide to "what assumptions need to be true for this stock to be under/overvalued?" If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Hormel Foods, we've put together three additional aspects you should further examine:

Financial Health: Does HRL have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does HRL'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 American stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
MUSCAT, Oman, August 24, 2023--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Lynk & Co, the premium global automotive brand, jointly owned by Geely and Volvo, under a new line of auto business called Mobility Auto has recently announced the opening of its inaugural Lynk & Co Center in Muscat. Mobility Auto, a part of Oman's esteemed M/S. Towell Auto Center, is fully committed to offering clients with undivided attention, ensuring an extraordinary experience. The new showroom displays the brand's broad range of vehicles, including the Lynk & Co 01, 05, 03, 03+, and 09, with the Lynk & Co 09 being unveiled for the first time in Oman

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824982385/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Lynk & Co was founded in 2016 and brings together innovative design, advanced technology, new experiences, and dynamic new energy. With five design centers across different continents and a state-of-the-art research and development center, Lynk & Co has achieved cumulative sales of over 930,000 units by July 2023.

Lynk & Co has been steadily forging its presence in Oman, having already introduced its acclaimed 01 and 05 models through both online and offline channels. The new Lynk & Co Center opened on August 22nd reaffirms the brand's commitment to delivering valuable experiences to customers in Oman.

Located at Ghala Heights, the center promises an integrated experience encompassing sales, after-sales service, and spare parts. Towel Auto Centre, a trusted automotive service provider in Oman, will offer top-notch after-sales services to Lynk & Co customers. Towel Auto Centre's state-of-the-art facilities and skilled technicians will ensure that Lynk & Co owners receive exceptional customer service and support throughout their ownership journey. This reinforces Lynk & Cos commitment to delivering unmatched quality and customer satisfaction in the Omani market.

Story continues

The forthcoming Lynk & Co Center in Muscat is set to introduce a fresh and innovative automotive retail experience. A true one-stop destination, this center is where customers can embark on a journey from consultation to test drive, new car delivery, and vehicle maintenance. Adorned with a harmonious blend of gray and white, the center's open layout exudes comfort, making visitors feel at home.

In the showroom, automotive enthusiasts can have the opportunity to explore and acquire an array of Lynk & Co's esteemed models. This impressive lineup includes the versatile 01, the embodiment of "Premium is Standard," a fusion of sportiness and comfort backed by a 5-star safety rating. Also on display will be the audacious 05, which lives up to its "Ultimate is Standard" tagline, showcasing impressive acceleration coupled with all-wheel drive prowess. The 03 and 03+ models offer you the chance to "Racing in Your Style", boasting powerful performance and a sportier design. As for the newly unveiled 09, which has just made its way to the Middle East this month, it stands as a luxurious SUV built on the SPA architecture, seamlessly merging premium hardware with leading digital features.

As Lynk & Co continues to break new ground, the Lynk & Co Center in Muscat stands as a testament to the brand's dedication to crafting a new era of automotive excellence, a symphony of design, innovation, and technology.

For more information on Lynk & Co, visit www.lynkco.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230824982385/en/

Contacts

LynkCo.me@lynkco.com
By Elizabeth Howcroft and Tom Wilson

LONDON (Reuters) -Mastercard and crypto exchange Binance will end their four crypto card programmes in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Bahrain as of Sept. 22, a spokesperson for Mastercard said via email on Thursday.

The Binance cards allow users to make payments in traditional currencies, funded by their cryptocurrency holdings on the exchange.

Mastercard's website also lists partnerships with crypto exchanges including Gemini. The decision will not impact any of Mastercard's other crypto card programmes, the spokesperson said.

Binance is facing legal and regulatory challenges. U.S. regulators sued the crypto exchange and its CEO Changpeng Zhao in June for allegedly operating a "web of deception." Binance has said it would defend itself "vigorously."

Mastercard's head of crypto and blockchain, Raj Dhamodharan, told Reuters in April that the company was seeking more partnerships with crypto firms. He declined to comment on Binance specifically, but said any card programme "goes through full due diligence" and is continuously monitored.

A Mastercard spokesperson declined to comment on why the Binance programme was ending or who made the decision.

Binance did not immediately respond to a comment request sent via email. The exchange's customer support account on X, formerly known as Twitter, said earlier on Thursday that the Binance Card "will no longer be available to users in Latin America and the Middle East."

(Reporting by Elizabeth Howcroft, additional reporting by Tom Wilson; Editing by Susan Fenton)
Entrepreneur Trisha Bailey survived many hardships, but shes come out on top as the wealthiest Jamaican-born woman, NBC News reports.

Bailey was raised in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica. She didnt come from a household with stable earnings and she experienced sexual trauma from her mothers husband after moving to the United States at 13 years old. At the time, her only hope while going through hell at home was Oprah Winfreys 1993 autobiography.

I saw that she was able to overcome, Bailey said, according to NBC News. I was able to see this woman on TV and it gave me life. She gave me hope. And I wanted to be able to touch other young women to show them what to look for, to show them how to build themselves up.

Despite her troubled past, she became the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned a bachelors degree from the University of Connecticut in 1999, her website reads. Bailey later obtained a masters degree in business administration and a doctorate in management and organizational leadership.

Baileys career trajectory began as a stockbroker on Wall Street before she pivoted to become a pharmaceutical sales representative. She still endured trauma during this time from multiple abusive relationships, once waking up from a coma after eight days in a Los Angeles, CA, hospital.

Although the memory is souring, for Bailey, it instilled a vision inside of her. While on a connecting flight to go to Florida, Bailey recalls feeling invisible to the world. She was seated in a wheelchair and unable to speak following her coma.

It was during this moment she conjured the idea to enter the medical equipment industry.

I was wheelchair bound, my larynx was clipped, so I was not able to speak. When I got to Atlanta, the flight attendant escorted me off the aircraft, placed me in a corner for my connecting flight for two hours. I sat there and I cried and tried to find someone to help me to get to my next destination. After two hours, a young girl came and helped me, and during that moment, I realized that the disabled was invisible to the world and because of that, I started Baileys medical equipment and supplies, she explained in a video. I wanted no one else in the world to ever feel the way that I did as a young girl sitting there in a wheelchair, crying, desperately needing help, needing someone to care, needing someone to assist me. So thats my motivation for starting Baileys medical equipment and supplies.

Story continues

Baileys Medical Equipment and Supplies was launched in 2011 to provide assisted living facilities, group homes, individual patients, and contract facilities free pharmacy deliveries, the companys website reads.

It has since expanded to 46 pharmacies across various states, per NBC News.

Its success only scratches the surface for Bailey, who has also conquered the real estate industry, owning over 50 commercial and residential real estate properties from the United States to Jamaica, per her website.

Plus, Bailey reportedly has stake in the NBAs Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns, according to NBC News.

I know that my business success is not normal, Bailey told NBC News. I know it is a blessing from God, like my entire life. But having grace and being kind and caring and loving blesses your business. If youre someone whos doing the wrong things, morally corrupt, your business may miss being blessed because God is in the middle of all those things.
Rationalstat LLC

Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market is expected to reach US$ 68 million by 2030, observing a hefty CAGR of over 6.3% by RationalStat

Wilmington, Delaware, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market is valued at US$ 40 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of over 6.3% over the forecast period of 2023-2030, according to the latest market report by RationalStat

Market Definition, Market Scope, and Report Overview

Due to ample sunlight and a desire to switch to greener energy sources, Nigerians are increasingly adopting solar energy systems. Residential battery storage supplements solar systems by storing extra solar energy for use at night or on overcast days.

As people become more aware of environmental issues, they may seek out sustainable energy alternatives, such as domestic battery storage combined with renewable energy sources. Residential battery storage provides some energy security by giving homeowners a backup power source in the case of a power outage or an emergency.

According to a deep-dive market assessment by RationalStat, the Nigeria residential battery storage market has been analyzed on the basis of market segments, including technology, utility, connectivity type, operation type, 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 residential battery storage market covers market sizes on the basis of market value (US$/EUR Million) and volume (Units) 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 Residential Battery Storage 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.

Story continues

Request A Customization: https://store.rationalstat.com/store/nigeria-residential-battery-storage-market/#tab-ux_global_tab

Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market: Segmental and Market Share Analysis

On the basis of utility, the 6 kW to <10 kW segment held the majority of revenue share, around 50% in 2022, and is predicted to continue this position throughout the forecast period. This is related to rising energy use and an increase in the frequency of lengthy power outages.

On the basis of technology, in 2022, the lithium-ion segment accounted for more than 80% of total sales. This is because such batteries are more dependable and stable, and they may be recharged multiple times.

On the basis of connectivity, the on-grid segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022, It has several advantages, including energy arbitrage; residential customers can incorporate energy storage into their existing solar PV system and employ time-of-use on-peak and off-peak electricity.





Report Synopsis

Report Metrics Details Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2030 Base Year Market Size US$ 40 million Market Size Forecast US$ 68 million Growth Rate 6.3% Key Market Drivers Wide Product Availability to Accelerate Market Growth

Focus on Product Customization to Foster Market Growth Companies Profiled Schneider Electric

PRAG

LUMINOUS

Lento

Mercury

Somotex

Nexus

Multi Power Global Solutions Ltd.

Amara Raja Batteries Ltd.

Trojan Battery Company

Explore more about this report https://store.rationalstat.com/store/nigeria-residential-battery-storage-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 folowed by industry players. Some of the key developments in the Nigeria residential battery storage market include,

In June 2020, Amara Raja Batteries Ltd. established a collaboration with Gridtential Energy to advance bipolar battery technology. Amara Raja's active material will be used in a number of experiments as part of this agreement, and improvements will be made to the battery life cycle, efficiency, charging rates, and energy density.

Some of the prominent players and suppliers operating and contributing significantly to the Nigeria residential battery storage market growth include Schneider Electric, PRAG, LUMINOUS, Lento, Mercury, Somotex, Nexus, Multi Power Global Solutions Ltd., Amara Raja Batteries Ltd., Trojan Battery Company among others.

Get A Free Sample: https://store.rationalstat.com/store/nigeria-residential-battery-storage-market/#tab-ux_global_tab

RationalStat has segmented the Nigeria residential battery storage market based on technology, utility, connectivity type, operation type and region

Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Technology Lead-acid Lithium-ion

Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Utility 3 kW to <6 kW 6 kW to <10 kW 10 kW to 29 kW

Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Connectivity Type On-grid Off-grid

Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), and Market Share (2019-2030) Analysis by Operation Type Standalone Systems Solar and Storage Systems

Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Market Value (US$ Million), Volume (Units), 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-residential-battery-storage-market/

Key Questions Answered in the Nigeria Residential Battery Storage Report:

What will be the market value of the Nigeria residential battery storage market by 2030?

What is the market size of the Nigeria residential battery storage market?

What are the market drivers of the Nigeria residential battery storage market?

What are the key trends in the Nigeria residential battery storage market?

Which is the leading region in the Nigeria residential battery storage market?

What are the major companies operating in the Nigeria residential battery storage market?

What are the market shares by key segments in the Nigeria residential battery storage 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.

Contact

RationalStat LLC

Kimberly Shaw,

Content and Press Manager

sales@rationalstat.com

US Phone: +1 302 803 5429

UK Phone: +44 203-287-1245

LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest




The North West Company Inc

WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- (TSX Symbol: NWC): The North West Company Inc. (North West) will host a conference call for its second quarter results on September 13, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. (Central Time). To access the call, please dial 416-406-0743 or 1-800-952-5114 with a pass code of 4674438#. The conference call will be archived and can be accessed, on or before October 13, 2023, by dialing 905-694-9451 or 1-800-408-3053 with a pass code of 4665813#.

Corporate Profile

The North West Company Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading retailer of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighbourhoods in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. North West operates 224 stores under the trading names Northern, NorthMart, Giant Tiger, Alaska Commercial Company, Cost-U-Less and RiteWay Food Markets and has annualized sales of approximately CAD $2.2 billion.

For further information, please contact: Amanda E. Sutton, Vice President, Legal and Corporate Secretary of The North West Company Inc. at (204) 934-1756, email asutton@northwest.ca .

Visit: www.northwest.ca




The excitement of investing in a company that can reverse its fortunes is a big draw for some speculators, so even companies that have no revenue, no profit, and a record of falling short, can manage to find investors. Sometimes these stories can cloud the minds of investors, leading them to invest with their emotions rather than on the merit of good company fundamentals. A loss-making company is yet to prove itself with profit, and eventually the inflow of external capital may dry up.

So if this idea of high risk and high reward doesn't suit, you might be more interested in profitable, growing companies, like InterContinental Hotels Group (LON:IHG). Now this is not to say that the company presents the best investment opportunity around, but profitability is a key component to success in business.

Check out our latest analysis for InterContinental Hotels Group

How Fast Is InterContinental Hotels Group Growing Its Earnings Per Share?

InterContinental Hotels Group has undergone a massive growth in earnings per share over the last three years. So much so that this three year growth rate wouldn't be a fair assessment of the company's future. So it would be better to isolate the growth rate over the last year for our analysis. InterContinental Hotels Group's EPS shot up from US$2.37 to US$3.71; a result that's bound to keep shareholders happy. That's a commendable gain of 57%.

Top-line growth is a great indicator that growth is sustainable, and combined with a high earnings before interest and taxation (EBIT) margin, it's a great way for a company to maintain a competitive advantage in the market. InterContinental Hotels Group maintained stable EBIT margins over the last year, all while growing revenue 24% to US$3.4b. That's a real positive.

The chart below shows how the company's bottom and top lines have progressed over time. Click on the chart to see the exact numbers.

The trick, as an investor, is to find companies that are going to perform well in the future, not just in the past. While crystal balls don't exist, you can check our visualization of consensus analyst forecasts for InterContinental Hotels Group's future EPS 100% free.

Story continues

Are InterContinental Hotels Group Insiders Aligned With All Shareholders?

Owing to the size of InterContinental Hotels Group, we wouldn't expect insiders to hold a significant proportion of the company. But we do take comfort from the fact that they are investors in the company. Indeed, they hold US$26m worth of its stock. This considerable investment should help drive long-term value in the business. Even though that's only about 0.3% of the company, it's enough money to indicate alignment between the leaders of the business and ordinary shareholders.

It means a lot to see insiders invested in the business, but shareholders may be wondering if remuneration policies are in their best interest. A brief analysis of the CEO compensation suggests they are. Our analysis has discovered that the median total compensation for the CEOs of companies like InterContinental Hotels Group, with market caps over US$8.0b, is about US$5.2m.

InterContinental Hotels Group's CEO took home a total compensation package worth US$3.9m in the year leading up to December 2022. That comes in below the average for similar sized companies and seems pretty reasonable. CEO remuneration levels are not the most important metric for investors, but when the pay is modest, that does support enhanced alignment between the CEO and the ordinary shareholders. Generally, arguments can be made that reasonable pay levels attest to good decision-making.

Should You Add InterContinental Hotels Group To Your Watchlist?

For growth investors, InterContinental Hotels Group's raw rate of earnings growth is a beacon in the night. If that's not enough, consider also that the CEO pay is quite reasonable, and insiders are well-invested alongside other shareholders. The overarching message here is that InterContinental Hotels Group has underlying strengths that make it worth a look at. Still, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with InterContinental Hotels Group.

The beauty of investing is that you can invest in almost any company you want. But if you prefer to focus on stocks that have demonstrated insider buying, here is a list of companies with insider buying in the last three months.

Please note the insider transactions discussed in this article refer to reportable transactions in the relevant jurisdiction.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
(Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp. shares were set to hit a record high in early trading after the chipmaker at the forefront of an industrywide artificial intelligence race delivered a third-straight sales forecast that surpassed Wall Street estimate.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Shares rose 8.7% to $512 before markets in New York opened on Thursday after Nvidia said sales will be about $16 billion in the three months ending in October. If the gain holds, it will mark a record. Analysts had estimated just $12.5 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Nvidias results last quarter also blew past projections, and it approved an additional $25 billion in stock buybacks.

The outlook underscores Nvidias role as the key beneficiary of the AI computing boom. Faced with skyrocketing demand for chatbots and other tools, data center operators are stocking up on the companys processors, which are adept at handling the heavy workloads required by artificial intelligence. Thats helped Nvidia quickly pull out of an global chip slump and accelerate sales growth to its fastest rate in years.

A new computing era has begun, Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang said in a statement. Companies around the world are shifting to more powerful computing that can handle ChatGPT-style generative AI, he said.

The gains add to a more than threefold increase for the stock this year. Shares closed at $471.16 in New York on Wednesday before Nvidia released its quarterly report.

In the fiscal second quarter, which ended July 30, revenue doubled to $13.5 billion, the company said. Profit was $2.70 a share, minus certain items. Analysts had predicted sales of about $11 billion and profit of $2.07.

Story continues

Nvidia became the first-ever semiconductor company to rack up a $1 trillion market valuation after another blowout quarter in May. It has emerged as the main supplier of infrastructure needed to support the growing use of AI systems. But investors have been waiting for more evidence that the second quarter was the beginning of a long-term expansion and not a one-time spike. What they got Wednesday was even more bullish than hoped.

Underscoring Nvidias dramatic growth, this quarters revenue target is 28% above Wall Street projections and nearly as high as the companys total annual sales in 2021.

In another milestone, Nvidias quarterly sales overtook those of Intel Corp. for the first time. Though Nvidia has had a higher valuation than Intel since 2020, posting more revenue than the chip pioneer shows just how pervasive its products have become.

Nvidia was co-founded in 1993 by Huang, who still runs the company. Hes successfully parlayed a business making graphics chips for video games into dominance of the market for so-called accelerators  chips that help train AI software by bombarding it with data. Nvidias rapid introduction of ever-more powerful processors  along with accompanying software  has left would-be rivals trailing far behind. Customers such as Microsoft Corp. and Alphabet Inc.s. Google, meanwhile, are lining up to take as many chips as Nvidia can supply.

What Bloomberg Intelligence Says:

A significant 2Q beat and raise, a repeat of 1Qs performance, suggests sustained demand strength in Nvidias Data Center (DC) business, while guidance 29% above consensus for 3Q implies the company may get its hands on better-than-expected supply. Gross-margin upside (112 bps above consensus) is likely to continue as the DC contribution rises.

 Kunjan Sobhani, BI technology industry analyst

Click here to read the research.

Like many of its peers, Nvidia doesnt operate its own chip production and relies on outsourced manufacturing provided by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics Co. That arrangement frees it from the huge expenditure and risks of investing in manufacturing. But it also gives it less ability to adjust supply quickly.

There were concerns that supply constraints could hamper Nvidias sales in the current quarter, but its forecast suggests that operations are running smoothly. Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress said the company is happy with the progress its making in getting more components.

We expect supply to increase each quarter through next year, she told analysts on a conference call.

Nvidias division that supplies chips to data centers  once a sideline business  has become its biggest moneymaker. The unit had sales of $10.3 billion last quarter, versus an estimate of $7.98 billion. Gaming revenue was $2.49 billion, compared with an average analyst prediction of $2.38 billion. Automotive-related chips brought in $253 million.

The personal computer market, previously Nvidias largest source of revenue, had slumped in the past year. But it has returned to being a growth driver. Demand for laptop components is particularly strong, the Santa Clara, California-based company said.

Read More: Nvidia CEO Dispels Fears About Running Out of Chips in AI Boom

AI has been the hottest topic for tech investors this year, and every major company has talked up its capabilities in that area. But Nvidia is one of the few making serious money from the trend, which has accelerated since the public debut of OpenAIs ChatGPT in November. That tool helped show the potential of generative AI to a broader audience.

Nvidias stock run-up of more than 200% this year has eclipsed the gains of all others in the closely watched Philadelphia Stock Exchange Semiconductor Index.

The companys gains are all the more remarkable because it cant sell its full lineup to the largest chip market, China. The US government requires Nvidia to obtain licenses to supply Chinese customers with its best-performing AI-related chips.

The announcement of that rule last year put a dent in shipments to the Asian nation and forced Nvidia to rework one of its key products. The company depowered one of its graphics processor units, or GPUs, to make sure it didnt trigger the China restriction. But the Biden administration is considering new regulations that could limit sales of that component as well, Bloomberg has reported.

Nvidias CFO Kress addressed that possibility Wednesday on the call.

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, she said.

Nvidia also has become more important as a tech industry bellwether. The chipmakers forecasts provide a window into the plans of some of the worlds most valuable companies  and indicate how much those businesses are willing to spend to overhaul computer systems to accommodate AI.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
(Bloomberg) -- Nvidia Corp. acknowledged that the US may impose stronger restrictions on the sale of chips to China and warned that such a move will hurt American companies in the long term, reiterating a broadly held view among top chipmakers.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Nvidia Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress, speaking on a conference call with analysts late Wednesday, argued that existing curbs on the sale of AI chips and high-end components were already having the desired effect. The company is currently prohibited from offering its high-end graphics processing unit, or GPU, in the country  though it sells a less powerful version of the chip in China.

Over the long term, restrictions prohibiting the sale of our data center GPUs to China, if implemented, will result in a permanent loss of an opportunity for the US industry to compete and lead in one of the worlds largest markets, Kress said following Nvidias earnings announcement. The finance chief said she was addressing reports on the potential for increased regulations on our exports to China.

Read More: How US and Allies Are Trying to Rein In China Tech

In the more immediate term, though, stricter rules wouldnt take a heavy toll on Nvidias finances, she said.

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.

Kresss boss, Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, recently joined counterparts from Intel Corp. and Qualcomm Inc. in a visit to Washington to argue for a pause in escalations of export controls. The Biden administration says restrictions are needed to safeguard US national interests and prevent the advancement of Chinas military.

Story continues

Bloomberg has reported that further restrictions are being considered that would limit Nvidias ability to ship to the Asian nation  the biggest market for semiconductors.

Read More: Huawei Building Secret Network for Chips, Trade Group Warns

Nvidia, benefiting from an industrywide race toward artificial intelligence computing, delivered a third-straight sales forecast that surpassed Wall Street estimates Wednesday. That fueled a 6% share rally in late trading. The company gets about two-thirds of its sales from outside the US, though it doesnt disclose revenue in China.

The leading association of global chip companies, meanwhile, is warning that Huawei Technologies Co. is building a collection of secret semiconductor-fabrication facilities across China  a shadow manufacturing network that would let the blacklisted company skirt US sanctions and further the nations technology ambitions  Bloomberg News has reported.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2023 Bloomberg L.P.
Nvidia's blowout (NVDA) earnings have become an earthquake sending shockwaves through tech.

The company's revenue came in at $13.51 billion, an astonishing 101% jump year over year, setting Wall Street abuzz.

And Nvidia's earnings are now not only about Nvidia: The tech company is now a bellwether for the AI boom, and an ecosystem has emerged in which a win for Nvidia can come in tandem with wins for some additional companies  as well as questions for others.

Here's who's aligned with Nvidia's rise right now  and who isn't.

The winners

Much of the so-called Magnificent Seven are aligning with Nvidia's rise.

"Several companies are going to benefit from this. Big Tech, like Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Microsoft; so are all the banks and financial institutions that invested directly; and companies using AI, like IBM and Salesforce," Anat Alon-Beck, a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law, told Yahoo Finance.

Some of the big names that experts say are primed to win with Nvidia include Apple (AAPL), Amazon (AMZN), Meta (META), Microsoft (MSFT), Salesforce (CRM), and IBM (IBM).

Amazon and Microsoft are especially key as they have existing cloud partnerships with Nvidia, while Meta has an existing consumer-focused partnership with the chipmaker. All three companies got shoutouts towards the top of Nvidia's Wednesday earnings call.

Two under-the-radar winners who also emerged in Nvidia's earnings call: Snowflake (SNOW) and VMware (VMW), both of which have relatively new enterprise partnerships.

A notable post-Nvidia spike was Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL): Shares rose as much as 3% after Nvidia's report amid the company's stock hitting a high unseen since April 2022 earlier in the day. Nvidia and Google Cloud announced a partnership emphasizing AI hardware in March.

Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, speaks during a press conference at Computex 2023 in Taipei on May 30, 2023. (Sam Yeh/AFP via Getty Images)

Ultimately, there's no bigger winner out of Nvidia earnings than Nvidia itself  and the AI boom that's propelled the chipmaker to new heights. Though the AI hype can't last forever, with this latest earnings report, Nvidia and the hype have shown some key resilience.

Story continues

The losers and the question marks

Nvidia's competitors are clearly in the crosshairs: Qualcomm (QCOM), Intel (INTC), and AMD (AMD) all saw their shares in the red on Thursday. AMD's seeing the steepest decline, falling as much as 8%.

However, it's not curtains for non-Nvidia chipmakers, either  this is a big market and it's still early days, said Alon-Beck.

"I know that they definitely compete with each other, but that Nvidia seems to be the one that won Wall Streets affection," Alon-Beck said. "They are all important, especially with whats happening in the international arena and the tensions with China. All of them  Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm  are in talks with US officials about the China market. I dont have a crystal ball but would think that perhaps its good for all of them if Nvidia continues to succeed. Yes, competition is fierce and they have different strengths and weaknesses, but there is room for all in our current market."

Critical infrastructure for the AI boom is also shifting, and that could have ramifications down the line. It all looks good mid-hype cycle, but companies are going to have to work to meet the demand for AI by revamping their existing systems over time. Specifically, data centers  at the center of operations for essentially all tech companies  are in flux as the demand for Nvidia chips is re-forming how data centers will operate and grow from here.

"A company may have an allocation of [AI chips], but the next critical question is whether they have the data center capacity to make it usable," Tom Traugott, SVP of strategy at EdgeCore Digital Infrastructure, told Yahoo Finance. "AI is pushing data center buildings to be larger and denser than ever before."

Allie Garfinkle is a Senior Tech Reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter at @agarfinks and on LinkedIn.

Click here for the latest technology news

Read the latest financial and business news from Yahoo Finance
A new kind of program to learn aviation mechanics and maintenance is being developed in Salina as industry partners and local entities look to address an ongoing worker shortage in the field.

The program will work to equip people with the skills to become aircraft mechanics and service technicians, and aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging and system assemblers at a time when the industry is evolving.

Dubbed the "Aviation Innovation and Maintenance (AIM) Center for Excellence," this new program is unique across the nation as it takes a nontraditional approach to becoming a skilled worker in the aviation industry.

"It is one of a kind," said Lindsey Dreiling, a consultant of the Salina Airport, referring to the AIM Center. "It is the only one we know of that exists today."

AIM Center looks to address worker shortage in aviation

For a while now, there has been a shortage of skilled workers in the aviation industry across all specialties, which has hindered its local growth and competitiveness.

This new program was developed as a means to recruit and build up the aviation maintenance workforce, especially on the local level, as more aviation companies start to call Salina home.

"(Local aviation companies) growth has just shown such a demand for trained aviation-oriented employees that this has been clearly a growing need within the community," said Mitch Robinson, CEO of the Salina Community Economic Development Organization. "We see a lot of people coming in from across the country to take some of (1 Vision Aviation's) jobs."

1 Vision Aviation is a company located on the airport grounds and specializes in maintenance and repair work.

With Salina's existing reputation for aviation education, through Kansas State University Salina and others, a new education program addressing this need became the next logical step among partners who developed the AIM Center.

"This will help us be in a more competitive position to be able to retain and grow the workforce at Salina," said Tim Rogers, executive director of the Salina Airport Authority.

Story continues

What will students learn in Salina's new aviation program?

As a consultant for the Salina Airport Authority, Dreiling helped develop the concept of the AIM Center. She said it will function as a pre-apprenticeship program that ties into jobs and specialties that already exist at airports.

"Really the vision for this center is a complementary program that serves as just another pathway to get into aviation," Dreiling said. "All of this will be in preparation for those types of pathways  for those wanting to go do more formal education or if they want to go directly into an apprenticeship position in aviation maintenance."

The program will focus on a few key fundamental areas: sheet metal, basic electricity in avionics, composites repair, and codings and paint technology.

"We're really calling this more of ... an aviation fundamentals curriculum as it serves aviation maintenance," Dreiling said. "Focusing on these key areas was in collaboration with our partners out on the Salina airfield asking: 'What are you needing in your skilled workforce? What competences are you wanting your workforce to come in with?'"

Kirsten Zoller, executive director of strategic initiatives at Kansas State Salina, said the program will allow students to explore a variety of different aspects of what critical needs are in the aerospace industry. When they successfully complete the program, students are awarded with a micro credential.

"Micro credentials are a short learning experience that is assessed," Zoller said. "That micro credential is something they can take with them even if they don't come to K-State later on ... so that employers and other institutions can know the type of learning experience they've been provided."

A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus flies ahead of a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker above the Salina Regional Airport., which will be the site of the Aviation Innovation and Maintenance Center. There, students will learn aviation mechanics from industry experts and how the industry is changing.

Micro credentials are awarded through a virtual transcript or digital badge that will travel with people wherever they chose to go.

The program structure will consist of six-week instruction periods with 25 individuals per cohort. When the program is up and running, the AIM Center would look to offering these twice each semester: two offerings in the fall, two in the spring and two in the summer.

Instructors will be a mix between industry partners on the Salina Airport, and instructors from Kansas State University and Salina Tech.

The program is still being developed and details like program cost and exact dates are still to come.

"Our expectation and our goal is an aggressive goal. We'd like to have our first session late fall," Dreiling said. "But we are still in the creation phase. Getting those finer details of the exact date is to be determined."

Aviation is an economic driver in Salina and across Kansas

The airport was awarded a $3.325 million Aviation Learning Opportunities and Funded Training (ALOFT) grant through the Kansas Department of Commerce to go toward the AIM Center. Salina Airport Authority was one of seven recipients and received the largest award possible.

Partners at the Salina Airport are looking to hire an additional 250 skilled workers in the next year. The Salina Airport industrial complex supports just fewer than 300 jobs, but projected growth within the next two years brings that number to 750 jobs.

Cole Easterday, 9, of Salina, looks through a viewing hole for the KC-46A Pegasus and KC-135R Stratotanker as they fly over the Salina Regional Airport in late June.

Seeing this kind of economic impact, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce is helping recruit people into the AIM Center program. Efforts will focus on high school students, transitioning workers and military veterans as key candidates who might be interested in a career change or beginning a career in the aerospace field.

"As we've proven, over and over again, I think (community partnerships) are a really successful way to address some of the biggest challenges that Salina and Saline County are facing right now," said Renee Duxler, president and CEO of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

The AIM Center will be self-sustaining through the airport and its partners, but the ALOFT grant will help supplement the program for two years. According to the airport, grant funds will largely go toward equipment, development of curriculum and facilities.

"What we're hoping is that this will be a catalyst for future growth for the airport and be able to ... meet future expectations of business growth that we see happening," Dreiling said. "We really want to broaden access to aviation."

Kendrick Calfee has been a reporter with the Salina Journal since 2022, primarily covering government and education. You can reach him at kcalfee@gannett.com or on Twitter (now known as "X") @calfee_kc.

This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: New Salina program aims to address aviation worker shortage
Ooma, Inc. (NYSE:OOMA) Q2 2024 Earnings Call Transcript August 23, 2023

Ooma, Inc. reports earnings inline with expectations. Reported EPS is $0.14 EPS, expectations were $0.14.

Operator: Good afternoon. My name is Emma and I will be your conference operator today. At this time, I would like to welcome everyone to Ooma's Fiscal Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Conference Call. All lines have been placed on mute to prevent any background noise. After the speakers' remarks, there will be a question-and-answer session. [Operator Instructions] Thank you. Matt Robison, you may begin your conference.

Matthew Robison: Thank you, Emma. Good day everyone and welcome to the fiscal second quarter 2024 earnings call of Ooma, Inc. My name is Matt Robison, Ooma's Director of IR and Corporate Development. On the call with me today are Ooma's CEO, Eric Stang; and CFO, Shig Hamamatsu. After the market closed today, Ooma issued its fiscal second quarter 2024 earnings press release. This release is also available on the company's website, ooma.com. This call is being webcast live and is accessible from a link on the Events & Presentations page of the Investor Relations section of our website. This link will be active for replay of this call for at least one year. A telephonic replay will also be available for a week starting this evening about 8:00 PM Eastern Time.

13 Real Good Family Emergency Excuses to Get Out of Work Last Minute

TunedIn by Westend61/Shutterstock.com

Dialing information for it is included in today's press release. During today's presentation, our executives will make forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Federal Securities laws. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or future financial or operating performance. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize and actual results are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. These risks include those set forth in the press release we issued earlier today and those risks more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements in this presentation are based on information available to us as of the date hereof and we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Story continues

Please note that other than revenue or as otherwise stated, the financial measures to be disclosed on this call will be on a non-GAAP basis. The non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results prepared in accordance with GAAP. A discussion of why we present non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures discussed in this call to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures is included in our earnings press release, which is available on our website. On this call, we will give guidance for the third quarter and full year fiscal 2024 on a non-GAAP basis. Also, in addition to our press release and 8-K filing, the Overview page and Events & Presentations page in the Investors section of our website as well as the Results page of the Financial Info section of our website include links to information about costs and expenses not included in our non-GAAP values and key metrics of our core subscription businesses.

These are titled Supplemental Financial Disclosure 1 and Supplemental Financial Disclosure 2. Additionally, our investor presentation slides include GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation that also provides resolution of GAAP expenses that are excluded from non-GAAP metrics. Now, I will hand the call over to Ooma's CEO, Eric Stang.

Eric Stang: Thank you, Matt. Hi everyone. Welcome to Ooma's second quarter fiscal year 2024 earnings call. Thanks for joining us. I'm pleased to report Ooma performed well in Q2. I'm looking forward to reviewing our accomplishments and the progress we've made on the several growth initiatives we have underway this year. Financially, Ooma achieved $58.4 million in revenue, $3.8 million in non-GAAP net income, $4.9 million of EBITDA, and $3.6 million in cash flow from operations in Q2. We also managed OpEx spending well in the quarter and reduced our inventory. Regarding growth, our important business subscription services revenue grew 27% year-over-year. Overall, we ended the quarter with $215 million of annualized exit recurring revenue, up 15% versus a year ago.

I believe we executed well in Q2 to drive these results and that Ooma is in a strong position today to pursue its strategy and growth initiatives. During Q2, we continued to invest in Ooma Office, which of course is our award-winning solution specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses, which seek a combination of advanced features, ease of use, and affordability. We added to Pro Plus, our top service tier, several new features to facilitate collaboration and customer interaction, including online bookings, one to many messaging, team chat, and new CRM integrations with Zoho and Freshdesk. We also improved our Office Desktop app introducing an updated user interface and faster performance for a more cohesive user experience that simplifies interactions.

These feature enhancements continue our strategy to build out the capabilities available in our Pro Plus service tier, which, along with our Pro service tier, allow us to target slightly larger customers and drive higher revenue per user. We feel our Ooma Office strategy is working by allowing us to serve increasingly larger customers, while maintaining our longstanding focus on making communications approachable for businesses of any size. As in past quarters, more than half of our new Office users in Q2 selected one of these two premium tiers as we continue our journey to democratize advanced technology and make it accessible to small and medium-sized businesses. While Ooma Office is targeted at businesses one to 20 users in size, I'm pleased to report our largest Office customer win in Q2 was a 286 user account which valued the flexibility and affordability of our solution.

We're also seeing interest in Office from potential partners to see Office as a good fit with their products and services. Last quarter, you may recall, we announced a partnership with NexHealth, which focuses on the dental space, and we have additional Office partnerships in progress. For the rest of this year, our plans for Ooma Office are to continue to build out the Pro Plus tier feature set and to enable more partners to integrate with, and in some cases, resell, Ooma Office. We also continue to invest in Ooma Enterprise, our solution targeted at larger-sized businesses in select verticals or in need of customization. One focus for us is hospitality customers, where we continued in Q2 to secure wins with major brand hotels. We also began working recently with a new partner to enable our core telephony and SMS capabilities in their platform in support of an artificial intelligence use case.

Ooma Enterprise will be incorporated into the partner solution via a CPaaS-like business model. Our partner already has several alpha customers deployed and is targeting launch this year. While we don't specifically promote Ooma Enterprise as a CPaaS solution, I believe this one-off use case demonstrates the ultimate power of our platform to adapt to bespoke needs. For the rest of this year, our plans for Ooma Enterprise are to continue our industry-focused strategy, while also growing our network of telecom agents and resellers. We're also making investments to expand internationally. As planned, we made a major step forward in Q2 with our largest customer by putting in place the capability to serve them in a new region of the world. Over the coming weeks, we will begin rollout in earnest in this new region.

I'm also pleased to report that during Q2, we were able to add more users than we anticipated and we gained visibility for increasing to a 100,000 users or more with this customer. For the balance of this year, we will focus on implementing our service for this customer in the new region plus at least one additional region as well as on continuing to onboard their users. Our largest area of investment at this time is Ooma AirDial, our integrated solution to replace aging and expensive copper lines that serve critical infrastructure and other specialized applications. As you know, we see a massive market opportunity for AirDial, both in the USA and in other countries. Our feature enhancements to AirDial continued in Q2 as we brought out version 2.0 of our Remote Device Manager, implemented network side autodial features to support older emergency phones, and implemented modem support to make remote programming of door access systems more reliable.

There is a long tail of specialized and older equipment relying on copper lines today and we feel our ability to control the total end to end solution is an advantage as we evolve AirDial to meet all the needs of the market. Owning all aspects of our platform end-to-end has allowed us to adapt the AirDial platform to serve the needs of customers with challenging use cases, including in circumstances where those customers have had another provider failed previously. Commercially, we announced earlier this month and UScellular completed its launch planning and began offering AirDial through its sales organization. In fact, I'm pleased to report that UScellular's first customer win with a customer requiring 136 lines occurred in Q2, even before the formal launch date.

In this case, AirDial displaced a competitor whose products were not working well and we helped UScellular deliver a solution in a situation where the customer needed to maintain compliance in a very short timeframe. As in past quarters, our sales funnel for AirDial continued to build in Q2 and we had some notable wins in the quarter. Our largest Q2 win was a restaurant group, which will deploy over 750 lines. Just days after the end of Q2, we also won a large retailer opportunity, representing approximately 800 lines. Both of these opportunities came through partners of ours who are reselling AirDial. Just this week, we made a further exciting announcement regarding AirDial. I'm pleased to report that the largest REIT in the world, Prologis, will offer both Ooma AirDial and Ooma Office through their Essentials platform.

This platform provides building and other services to Prologis' large base of customers. We're thrilled they have chosen Ooma as their featured and only solution for parts replacement and business communications. Bringing on partners is one of our key strategies to drive AirDial growth. Most typically, our partners resell AirDial, but in some cases, they refer customers to us. This last quarter, in addition to UScellular and Prologis, we also established new partnerships with two CLEX, two aggregators, and two other resellers. Our plans for the rest of this year for AirDial are to grow our sales and go-to-market resources significantly, establish more resale partnerships, and further enhance the differentiation of our solution. As I've outlined, we have a lot of initiatives underway and it's an exciting time for us.

I will now turn the call over to Shig, our CFO, to discuss our results and outlook in more detail and then return with some closing remarks.

Shig Hamamatsu: Thank you, Eric and good afternoon everyone. I'm going to review our second quarter financial results and then provide our outlook for the third quarter and full year fiscal 2024. We delivered another strong quarter with a total revenue of $58.4 million, exceeding our guidance range of $57.4 million to $57.9 million. On a year-over-year basis, portal revenue grew 11% in the second quarter, driven by the strength of Ooma business as well as the addition of OnSIP. In the second quarter, business subscription and services revenue accounted for 57% of total subscription and services revenue as compared to 51% in the prior year quarter. Q2 product and other revenue came in at $3.6 million as compared to $4.7 million in the prior year quarter.

The prior year Q2 product revenue included certain accessory sales that did not recur this year. On the profitability front, the second quarter non-GAAP net income was $3.8 million at the high end of our guidance range of $3.5 million to $3.8 million and represented 26% increase over $3 million in the prior year quarter. Now, some details on our Q2 revenue. Ooma business subscription and services revenue grew 27% year-over-year in Q2, driven by user growth and the addition of OnSIP. Excluding the effect of OnSIP revenue contribution, Ooma business subscription and services revenue grew 15% year-over-year. On the residential side, subscription and services revenue were flat year-over-year. As a reminder, we had a one-time churn event during the first quarter with a particular customer with an unusual application where we lost approximately 4,000 fellow users and we saw a full quarter impact of it in Q2.

We expect Residential subscription revenue growth to resume at the low single-digit percentage on a year-over-year basis in the second half of this fiscal year. For the second quarter, total subscription and services revenue was $54.7 million or 94% of total revenue as compared to $48 million or 91% of total revenue in the prior year quarter. Now, some details on our key customer metrics. We ended the second quarter with 1.237 million core users, up from 1.225 million core users at the end of the first quarter. At the end of the second quarter, we had 467,000 business users or 38% of core -- total core users, an increase of 18,000 from Q1. Our blended average monthly subscription and services revenue per core user or ARPU increased 5% year-over-year to $14.51, driven by an increase in mix of business users including higher ARPU Office Pro and Pro Plus users.

During the second quarter, we continue to see a healthy Office Pro and Pro Plus take rate with 55% of new Office users opting for these higher tier services, which was up from 47% in the prior year quarter. Overall, 27% of Ooma Office users have now subscribed to our Pro or Pro Plus tier. Our annual exit recurring revenue grew to $215.4 million and was up 15% year-over-year. Our net dollar subscription retention rate for the quarter was 99% as compared to 99% in the first quarter. Now, some details on our gross margin. Our subscription and services gross margin for the second quarter was 72% as compared to 74% in the prior year. As a reminder, subscription and services gross margin for the second quarter this fiscal year included the impact of OnSIP gross margin, which is running lower relative to Ooma's subscription gross margin of 73% when OnSIP is excluded.

Q2 subscription and services gross margin this year was also impacted by certain upfront investments we made for our largest customer as we prepare for further expansion into new regions in the second half of this fiscal year. Product and other gross margin the second quarter was negative 73% as compared to negative 31% for the same period last year. As mentioned on our last call, the decline in Q2 product gross margin this year versus last year was anticipated and was primarily due to the following three factors. First, we saw the sell through impact of certain higher cost components that we had procured in the last fiscal year to stay ahead of pandemic driven supply chain issues. Second, that prior year Q2 product gross margin benefited from certain accessories sales that did not recur this year.

And third, we incurred non-recurring facility cost as we completed our move to a new warehouse facility during the quarter. We continue to expect product and other gross margin for the remainder of fiscal 2024 to be negatively impacted by one-time excess component costs running through the P&L and currently estimate product and other gross margin for the second half of this fiscal year to be in the neighborhood of negative 65%. On an overall basis, total gross margin for Q2 was 63% as compared to 65% in the prior year quarter. And now some details on operating expenses. Total operating expenses for the second quarter were $33.2 million, up $2.1 million or 7% from the same period last year. Excluding the impact of OnSIP, the total operating expenses increased $1.1 million or 4% from the same period last year.

Sales and marketing expenses for the second quarter was $17.7 million or 30% of total revenue, up 7% year-over-year, driven by higher marketing and channel development activity for Ooma Business, which includes AirDial as well as the addition of OnSIP-related expense. Research and development expenses were $10.6 million or 18% of total revenue, up 7% on a year-over-year basis from $9.9 million, driven by investments in new features for both Ooma Office and Ooma Enterprise as well as new products such as AirDial. A portion of the year-over-year increase in R&D expense was also for the activities related to international expansion with our largest customer and the addition of OnSIP team members. G&A expenses were $4.9 million or 8% of total revenue for the second quarter compared to $4.5 million for the prior year quarter.

The year-over-year increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to an increase in personnel costs and the addition of OnSIP. Non-GAAP net income for the second quarter was $3.8 million or diluted earnings per share of $0.14 as compared to $0.12 in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $4.9 million or 8% of total revenue and represented 22% increase over $4 million for the prior year quarter. We ended our quarter with total cash and investments of $29.5 million, which increased from $28.4 million at the end of Q1. We generated cash from operations of $3.6 million, which was up from $2.2 million in the same period last year. On the headcount front, we ended a quarter with 1,108 employees and contractors. Now, I'll provide a guidance for the third quarter full fiscal year 2024.

Our guidance is on a non-GAAP basis and has been adjusted for expenses such as stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles, and certain non-recurring expenses. We expect total revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 to be in the range of $59 million to $59.6 million, which includes $3.7 million to $4 million of product revenue. We expect third quarter net income to be in the range of $3.8 million to $4.1 million. Non-GAAP diluted EPS is expected to be between $0.14 to $0.16. We have assumed 26.3 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding for the third quarter. For full year fiscal 2024, we expect total revenue to be in the range of $235.5 million to $237 million. The adjustment to the high end of the guidance range is related to our expectation around the timing of AirDial product revenue within this fiscal year.

While we are very excited about growing pipeline of AirDial opportunities, we believe some shipments of AirDial hardware will be deferred to next fiscal year, primarily due to customer-driven timeline. As for business subscription and services revenue for the year, we expect a year-over-year growth rate of 18% to 20%, which is unchanged from our prior expectation. In terms of revenue mix for the yea, we expect approximately 93% of total revenue to come from subscription and services revenue and the remainder from products and other revenue. In terms of profitability, we are raising the bottom end of our prior guidance range. We expect non-GAAP net income for fiscal 2024 to be in the range of $15.5 million to $16.5 million. Based on this guidance range, we estimate our adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2024 to be $19.5 million to $20.5 million or approximately 9% of revenue at the upper end of the range.

We expect non-GAAP diluted EPS for fiscal 2024 to be in the range of $0.59 to $0.63. We have assumed approximately 26.4 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding for fiscal 2024. In summary, we are pleased with a solid performance in the second quarter and remain focused on executing to our long-term strategy to achieve profitable growth. I'll now pass it back to Eric for some closing remarks. Eric?

Eric Stang: Thank you, Shig. This month marks 20 years since the original two founders of Ooma hired a small team and got to work. In that time since, we have developed into a successful growing public company with over 2 million users and over 1,100 employees and contractors. Over the last 20 years, we believe we have saved our customers billions of dollars in the aggregate compared to what they would have paid with traditional phone service solutions, while also bringing them advanced features previously unavailable to smaller businesses and consumers. Perhaps most exciting for us, that we have become a leader in the disruptive change underway in communications made possible by cloud technology. With the strong market position we have built over the last 20 years and the multiple growth initiatives we have underway, we're excited about our outlook. Thank you. we'll now take your questions.

See also 11 Best High Short Interest Stocks To Buy Now and 12 Most Undervalued Blue Chip Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds.

Q&A Session

Operator: [Operator Instructions] Your first question comes from the line of Mike Latimore with Northland Capital. Your line is open.

Mike Latimore: Great. Thanks gents. Congrats on the good solid results there. So, the Prologis partnership is interesting. What are the next steps there in terms of getting that fully launched?

Eric Stang: It will take at least a few weeks, maybe a little longer, it depends on how fast they move. They have to put us into their Essentials platform, which is a web-based solution for their customers to draw on. They have certain categories of capabilities they have in that platform. We'll be kind of a new area for them with communications, but I think it's not only important for being part of the Essentials platform, but also I think it demonstrates the whole REIT community what Ooma can bring. And I know many REITs out there look to Prologis because they're clearly the leader in the world in that space. So, I think it was important for us to get the press release out and just continue the awareness building that we're trying to do for that space.

Mike Latimore: Great. And then on your largest customer, you talked about being a path towards a 100,000 users there. Can you just mention, like, what is the user count presently? And, also, just, why did some of your AirDial customers push out their timing?

Eric Stang: So, with our largest customer, that's a -- they're obviously taking com combination of Ooma Office and Ooma Enterprise from us. We're over 80,000 users with them today, and, I can see us being at a 100,000 or more by fiscal year end. And we've always thought we'd get there, but I feel -- I have you more visibility now than we've had about our path there. It's great to have our new node up and running in a new region of the world and to have some customers on it already and be planning the major rollout that now comes with that. And having got that one up and running, I think we've worked out the kinks a fair bit in terms of putting up the next one and the next one. So, I feel like we did some lifting in Q2, and we're in a great position as we go forward to Q3.

On the AirDial front, the second part of your question, it baffles me a little bit, Mike, because we save our customers so much money compared to what pops [ph] is now costing them. It baffles me sometimes why they don't move faster. But the savings are clearly compelling and I think that's what I really turned to in terms of my confidence in AirDial and where we're going. To be honest, we just need to look forward with what we know and not speculate on what we think we can also achieve. And I can tell you we have a significant pipeline, we have deals out for signing. We have a lot of things that we think are going to come in the back half of this year, but we'll have to -- it's a little bit harder to predict than our traditional areas of the company that we've been at longer and in which are more steady.

So, as things happen, we'll keep you guys updated and we'll see where we're at the end of Q3.

Mike Latimore: All right. Sounds good. Thanks.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Matt Stotler with William Blair. Your line is now open.

Alex Vasti: Hey, guys. This is Alex on for Matt. Thanks for taking our questions. Just a first one for me. Maybe could you touch on the progress that's been made with Jazzware and NexHealth, those partnerships that were announced earlier in the year? How's the progress going with those rollouts and maybe how those how you see those layering into the overall business going forward?

Eric Stang: Sure. So, on the first one, the progress with Jazzware, they're a partner of ours for the hospitality space with our Enterprise solution and that, that's gone well. We continue to grow in that space. Like I was just describing for AirDial, we have some significant opportunities in front of us as well. They're more of a technology enabler for us because with the Jazzware capability combined with ours, we can make our system do more for the customer. So, I would say that's rolling well. NexHealth, I think we had slower progress than anticipated in Q2 and that's turning around now for Q3. As we brought the solution into the market, we realized some additional integrations that we wanted to have with it, we and they together. And so, we have customers using it and things -- and all that, but we did some further development in Q2. And I think we're really just turning up sales efforts on it more this quarter.

Alex Vasti: Got it. Sounds good. Thank you for that. And then, maybe just one on OnSIP, can you give us an update on how the acquired business from OnSIP is integrating with the rest of the Ooma portfolio, alongside maybe any growth contribution you can share to the overall business? Thanks.

Eric Stang: Sure. So, from an integration into our business standpoint, it's been seamless and everything we planned and more. The members of the OnSIP team have folded into Ooma, some activities have changed for some people, some people are working on what we were doing on the Ooma side before we got together, but nonetheless, the OnSIP platform, we continue to drive development in some -- in certain areas and certainly continue to drive sales and marketing for it. I will tell you that when we make our decisions now, we don't think so much about we want to do this for OnSIP, we're going to do that for Ooma. We think about customer acquisition cost, payback, and, channels to market, and we're always measuring what we do. And so I would say that we aren't spending all that much on growth for the OnSIP platform today.

We found that that some of the things we're doing more with -- under the Ooma brand, if you will, have been, more powerful for us, but we are still investing in OnSIP, and they brought on a meaningful number of users last quarter. But we're not seeing -- we're not driving a lot of growth in OnSIP per se, but certainly, it's fungible where we spend the money. With OnSIP here, they're positively contributing to our bottom-line and we have sales and marketing budget from that and we just allocate where we think we can make the biggest impact. So, that's kind of how we look at it and, we were fortunate. OnSIP was a very mature platform that runs very, very well. We did bring out -- I should say, they are already well along with, but we finished up and brought out a new admin portal that I think is a nice step forward for them.

We've made some additions and changes to their mobile app. But really, we can kind of view this as part of the Ooma portfolio now and kind of run our sales and marketing as one company. And that's how we're doing it.

Alex Vasti: Got it. Perfect. Thank you. I'll pass it on.

Eric Stang: Thank you. Thanks Alex.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Josh Nichols with B. Riley. Your line is open.

Josh Nichols: Yes. Thanks for taking my question. Just to dig in a little bit more, it's good to hear about all the new wins and growing funnel for AirDial. But where do we stand today as far as how many units have been installed, if you could kind of, pontificate a little bit about where the backlog is today in terms of number of units, so we could get some idea of what that growth potential should like whenever the deliveries and installations do start to ramp?

Eric Stang: So, I can frame it a little for you, Josh. As you know, we haven't given those specifics yet. When we get a large customer, it can take six months to do rollout. In fact, our large customer from last fall that we announced two quarters ago, I think we're mopping up now, the stragglers, but there's a handful of installations still to go, but they're pretty much getting done after six months of effort. Frankly, a month or two of planning and then six months of effort. So, rollout does take time. I think we've gotten a lot better at rollout. We work with multiple third-parties for when a customer wants to have a third-party do installation and pay for it, by the way, it's something we charge for. And with some of those new third-parties are relatively new compared to where we started, we've revamped our team internally.

We have discovered that we need to dedicate more resources to this. We are actively hiring in the sales and sales engineerings side of our company to try to support the growth of AirDial. I don't feel like we're keeping up with the opportunities we're seeing in the market. And I know it's a shame to say that, but it's kind of a new area for us, this kind of direct strategic sales capability. And, we're -- we've got significant ambitions to add to the team through the balance of this year. On the partner front, I mean, we've had some big wins. I mean, T-Mobile, now UScellular, frankly, Prologis because of what they represent in the industry, and we're achieving new partners every quarter on AirDial. And it takes a little while to train them, takes a while to get out in the market, but I can tell you that, we routinely get surprised when a partner -- we expect some of these partners to deliver opportunities that are a few lines here, a few lines there, but it's amazing how some can bring in a larger-sized opportunity.

So, it's an exciting time for us, but it's -- I don't feel like we have enough presence in the market and I worry about the deals we're not seeing. I think if you look at our -- well, I know if you look at our pipeline, our pipeline, which is to say, opportunities in our sale funnel, which are not yet closed, there are tens of thousands of lines and that's the kind of opportunity we aspire to achieve. But, in any case, I hope that frames a little bit. I know it -- is maybe a little frustrating not to know it more specifically than that, but you do have our overall guidance, and you know what we're trying to do and -- yes, the largest wins that we achieve, I have been announcing those, and it gives you a sense that that there is bigger potential here, I hope, as we go forward.

Josh Nichols: Thanks for providing a little bit of clarity there. And then last question for me, you mentioned it just now in your comments, but haven't talked about it too much. I know you have some partnerships with T-Mobile on AirDial, but also some residential solutions. Just any updates on progress that's going on with that partnership?

Eric Stang: Sure. That partnership has been in place for over a year now and it's been pretty steady in the greater sense over the last several quarters. We get some customers out of that relationship that mainly are our customers there to saw, our presence on T-Mobile's website and feel they want to get phone service with their internet. What T-Mobile has not done is enabled marketing, if you will -- marketing sales through their inside teams and some other things do mainly to systems, challenges, and other things. So, it's not been a big driver of our residential business today, but it's a nice adder. We do see other opportunities similar in some respects to this to go after. And I don't know how far we'll get with those, but we are working other opportunities as well to try to use partners as well as our own sales activities on the residential side of our business.

Josh Nichols: Great. Thank you.

Eric Stang: Thanks.

Operator: Your next question comes from the line of Brian Kinstlinger with Alliance Global Partners. Your line is open.

Brian Kinstlinger: Great. Thanks for taking my questions. First, can you comment on how active T-Mobile and UScellular have been as partners to AirDial and have either closed deals?

Eric Stang: Oh, goodness. Both of close deals. I talked about the very first deal from UScellular that happened even before they announced the program formally to their sales teams. Yes, they are two largest deals from last quarter, both came through partners and so, it takes time to ramp-up. There's no question, it takes time for salespeople to get comfortable with things. And to be honest with you, there's a lot to know about AirDial, it's not the typical kind of thing that that some of these entities would normally sell. But we have staff to work with them in deals and to -- and support the process. And I think it's a really important part of our strategy because we also sell AirDial through our channel partners that also sell, in particular, Ooma Enterprise, and they're finding us a lot of deals, but a lot of they find us are a few lines or a dozen lines.

And I think what will really make AirDial the breakout success that we all aspire it for it to be is winning the 500, 1,000 or even bigger line opportunities. And our partners have good relationships for that and we're excited about what we're seeing with them.

Brian Kinstlinger: Great. And then what is it that takes about six months for a large implementation? Is it that the process needs to be changed for customers? Does technology have to be changed to prepare? And then once the actual -- once the customer's ready, how long does it actually take for Ooma for their process to actually install?

Eric Stang: So, you need to wrap your head around a little bit, the scope of a large customer. Let's say that last -- that large customer I've talked about from last fall, more than 2,500 lines, more than 700 locations. If you're going to do this in six months, you're doing, what, 115 locations a month, 30 locations a week. It starts to -- in every location, you don't really know maybe where your lines even terminate in your building. And once you, find them and get the AirDial put in and, test its reception, which usually works fine, but we can switch as we've talked in the past to a variety of cellular providers if needed to get better reception. But once you get the analysis and test it, then you got to plug the equipment into it and test the equipment.

But all that said, couple hours, three hours, we'll get an installation at a site done. If that installation needs two AirDials and six lines, it goes pretty fast per location. So, it's really the number of locations that drives the timeline and the effort, just the project planning and the pre-installation analysis you need to do to know how you're going to make the conversion happen.

Brian Kinstlinger: Got it. Last question for me is on the international front, you've obviously used your largest customer to expand internationally. At what point does the company make the investment necessary to begin selling to other customers outside this large customer? Is that in the next 12 and 24 months? Is there too much on your plate to think about that right now?

Eric Stang: Well, it's not in our plan for this fiscal year, which is the next six months, but I think it's fair to say that we aspire to it being in the timeframe you mentioned or something like that. We're also going to have to question what we lead first with internationally, I -- we see tremendous AirDial opportunity internationally as well. But, most likely, if we're going to dovetail off what we've done with this large customer, we would begin selling our Ooma Office solution in particular probably in Western European countries and to third-parties, to other parties. We would love to do that with certain partners or certain, entrees into the market, and we are thinking about our strategy in that regard. But this year, we don't -- we are not working on those next steps yet.

Brian Kinstlinger: Great. Thanks for taking my question.

Eric Stang: You bet.

Operator: [Operator Instructions] Your next question comes from the line of Matthew Harrigan with Benchmark. Your line is open.

Matthew Harrigan: Thank you. Congratulations on the results and the guidance. I just had a couple dangling things. One, I guess in the nature of course, the vacuum category, you've got a huge TAM for AirDial and clearly, there's a crying need right now. Are you seeing anything in the way of incipient competition or people you see who are at least desirously coming in the space? And then anecdotally in the US, I mean, despite their AT&T working hard to phase out copper lines and all that, you're seeing something that's almost price-gouging in terms of what they're charging as the current alternative Are you seeing the same type of this pricing when you look at Europe and other markets in terms of the copper lines just being way out of whack and thats increasing the urgency of people wanting to move on? Thank you.

Eric Stang: Yes. So, on your second part of your question, it varies a little bit. We don't see it so much in Canada. I believe in Canada, pricing is still relatively controlled, although, we are seeing Canadian customers in need of AirDial and asking for it and currently we're not, providing AirDial in Canada. So, even though the market, I don't think is as far along as it here in the US, certainly going that way, but it's not there yet. When we look at Europe, it varies a little bit by country, in fact, it varies a lot by country. Some countries haven't started their journey, but they know they need to. And they're in the very early days of looking for what they might do. Others, are kind of getting started and its -- and now looking at, what's the best approach to take.

And I feel like whenever we can get in front of a partner in one of these countries, because keep in mind, we need a cellular provider to at least provide the internet connection that goes with AirDial. We find that once we explain what AirDial does and how it works, there's no product like it in the market. And -- so, it's a really compelling story and I really believe that. And it's just getting better every day too. We've made so many improvements to it even over the last six months and extensions to it. So, we're actively thinking that at that level, more broadly than the US, but, I don't think there's -- I don't think that the other markets have turned the corner like the US has over the last 12 months. Over the last 12 months -- really over the last six months, even since the start of this year, we've seen customers a lot more aware of the need to do something.

I think word starts to get out and they're -- they start to notice their bills. And so the US is clearly farther along than other countries. But, I see -- you can definitely see it coming. I hope that addresses your question. I don't know if there's a first part of your question, I didn't get to or not.

Matthew Harrigan: Yes, the first part of the question was really incipient competition, I know there's a long sales cycle. It takes a while to get product out and all that. But there's a crying need that's a massive market opportunity. Do you see anyone at all who's at least working on a comparable solution incipiently, because it doesn't feel like you would necessarily have four or five years to address this massive market before someone else or other people aggressively came in?

Eric Stang: I don't know of anyone that's working on a new solution for this market or any development underway to change the solutions that are out there today. I think the biggest challenge we face is making sure customers know we have AirDial and know what it can do for them. And we need a lot more outreach and branding and marketing to do that. But if you're a large aggregator today, you have a lot of pot signs that you sold and you know where they are and you can just walk into those customers, we need to get them to realize there's a viable alternative. We have a significant opportunity we're working right now where they got introduced to us through a third-party and they were just thrilled to find out about us, but they had no idea.

They just didn't know. And it's kind of customer we should we should be reaching out to. And so we're really trying to build our sales and marketing capability, to be able to do more of that and that's, I think, what will drive the business.

Matthew Harrigan: Great. Nice problem [ph] to have. Thanks Eric.

Eric Stang: Thank you.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time and concludes our Q&A session. I turn the call back to Eric for closing remarks.

Eric Stang: Well, thank you, everyone. We were excited to outperform on the revenue and frankly, our $3.6 million in cash flow from operations is I think the most we've ever had as a company and we're doing it while we're investing in these new strategic initiatives. I feel like we're on track and I realize from all the questions here and just in general talking with all of you, we as well want to be able to show you even more AirDial success and I want you to know we're working hard towards that. With that, thank you everyone. We'll stop here. Thank you.

Operator: This concludes today's conference call. You may now disconnect.
Queen Mothers Market Cooperative and other non-profits provide a grocery pickup for residents of the Alexandra Apartments in Walnut Hills earlier this month.

WALNUT HILLS  When Kroger closed its store here in 2017, local resident and activist Mona Jenkins joined the effort to find a replacement, determined not to let her Cincinnati neighborhood stay a food desert.

Locals couldn't find a suitor, so Jenkins decided to create one: a co-operative called Queen Mothers Market. It's currently a buyer's club that distributes fresh produce and other staples to area residents.

And now the nonprofit is readying its next step: a bricks-and-mortar grocery to open in 2024.

We tried to get other folks to come in but Walnut Hills was deemed too poor and that it wouldnt be profitable, said Jenkins, co-founder of Queen Mothers. So we decided, You know what? We can do it ourselves.

Every month, the nonprofit sells and distributes food to local customers at a pop-up farmers market event held at Green Man Park. It also delivers groceries to elderly residents at an apartment building.

I used to shop at the Kroger. I loved it, said Elizabeth McDavis, 78, a resident of the Alexandra Apartments on Martin Luther King Boulevard, during a recent drop-off event. She has four adult children who live in Greater Cincinnati, but its difficult to arrange to have them drive her to the store for her shopping.

George Smith, 64, another Alexandra Apartments resident, said he still gets to Kroger in Corryville or other locations via rides provided by family or some social service agencies, but its harder navigating the trip to a supermarket thats further away. Smith uses a scooter to help him get around his building.

Having a market close by would be the greatest thing we could get. We need a grocery store, Smith said.

Mona Jenkins, left, is a co-founder of the Queen Mothers Market Cooperative that aims to open a grocery store in Walnut Hills next year.

Local effort may get federal funding

Though it hasnt found a site for its future storefront, Queen Mothers Market has some momentum. It has raised $1.5 million. It appears poised to win $500,000 in federal money approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee as part of a larger spending bill that will be voted on this fall by both houses of Congress, according to U.S. Rep. Greg Landsmans office.

Story continues

Having a full-service grocery store in the neighborhood would revitalize access to healthy food, livable wage jobs, and services, Landsmans office said in a memo. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it would increase quality of life in a neighborhood where many seniors and vulnerable residents have limited access to quality food options.

The 2017 closure of a Kroger in Walnut Hills expanded a food desert deep into the neighborhood. The bright green area shows new areas (as of 2019) with low income and low access to groceries, according to data by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The darker green area with red borders are food deserts that were also lacking adequate options in 2015.

Jenkins hopes the store will do more than just feed local residents, but that it will offer a sense of community and provide space for other services. She noted the nonprofit's name is inspired by a term for traditional and modern-day leaders of a neighborhood or community.

"The queen mothers in communities offer comfort and advice," Jenkins said.

The effort comes as food deserts  neighborhoods, towns or rural areas without nearby grocery stores  have grown throughout the last two decades as the U.S. grocery industry has consolidated.

Nationwide, Americans access to stores selling healthy and affordable food has gotten slightly worse in recent years. More than one out of eight (12.7%) Americans  39 million  live in low-income areas one to 10 miles from a supermarket, supercenter or large grocery store, according to a study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Between 2015 and 2019 the number of those areas (census tracts) ticked up 0.5%.

Southwest Ohio sprinkled with food deserts

Here in Southwest Ohio, Hamilton County has 39 census tracts that can be called food deserts, seven fewer than in 2015, according to the USDAs Food Access Research Atlas. Fourteen tracts in both urban and suburban areas saw improved access to food, while seven others became food deserts.

Though slightly better than in 2015, urban, suburban and rural areas of Hamilton County are pockmarked with food deserts. The bright green areas were new, in 2019, as areas with low income and low access to groceries, according to data by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The red areas were food deserts in 2015, but not in 2019. Darker green areas with red were food deserts in 2015 and 2019.

The Walnut Hills store closure caused an outcry in the city and even attracted a protest by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in 2018, who said such closures disproportionately impacted low-income and minority communities.

Nearly 54% of the population of Walnut Hills is Black (vs. 40% of Cincinnati overall), while the neighborhood is the city's 12th-poorest with 40% of the population living in poverty (vs. 26% of the overall city), according to data compiled by The Enquirer.

In 2017, Kroger closed the Walnut Hills store after 34 years, claiming it hadnt been profitable in two decades. The closure coincided with the reopening of an expanded Kroger Marketplace store in Cincinnati's Corryville neighborhood 1.3 miles away.

Kevin Ketels, a Wayne State University logistics professor, said losing a supermarket can be a big blow to a neighborhood or town and can accelerate decline within those communities.

We have food deserts because for-profit corporations are going to go where they think theyre going to get a high return on investment, he told The Enquirer. They go to places where they think communities are thriving and growing and will pull out of communities they think arent doing that.

Kroger operates about 71 stores in Greater Cincinnati  one less than it did in 2005 (although several have been expanded or moved), according to industry tracker Chain Store Guide. Overall, the Greater Cincinnati metro region, including Northern Kentucky, has 441 stores, 57 more than in 2005.

The Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, shakes hands with Krystal Howard, head of corporate communications for Kroger in 2018, at Kroger headquarters in downtown Cincinnati. Jackson was in town to call for a boycott of Cincinnati-based Kroger in response to the company's decision to close stores in Memphis and other communities that had served minority communities, including Walnut Hills.

Kroger has added stores via mergers, building bigger

Part of the problem some small urban or rural communities face is major grocers have moved to larger stores that need access to major roads or highways to draw enough traffic. Kroger, for example has opened 205 new stores nationwide in the last decade, but closed 322 in the same time frame. It also added more stores via acquisition of two regional competitors, Harris Teeter in 2014 and Roundys in 2015, but has since trimmed some of those locations as well.

The pending $25 billion merger of Cincinnati-based Kroger with supermarket rival Albertsons has raised concerns food deserts could get worse following the deal.

Kroger and Albertsons say the deal wont hurt communities or workers, pledging not to close any stores. The grocers have said they are talking with potential buyers of stores that would get sold off as part of the deal. The deal isnt expected to impact Ohio, where Albertsons doesnt operate any stores.

Albertsons employee Shelly Elmquist gathers shopping carts at the Albertsons parking lot located at the Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix in March.

For the latest on Kroger, P&G, Fifth Third Bank and Cincinnati business, follow @alexcoolidge on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Queen Mother's Market battles food desert 6 years after Kroger closure
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 Savas 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.

Story continues

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: lgreenidge@pasofinogold.com

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
Key Insights

Petrofac's estimated fair value is UK1.22 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity

Current share price of UK0.75 suggests Petrofac is potentially 39% undervalued

Analyst price target for PFC is US$0.88 which is 28% below our fair value estimate

Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Petrofac Limited (LON:PFC) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to today's value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. It may sound complicated, but actually it is quite simple!

We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model.

Check out our latest analysis for Petrofac

The Calculation

We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years.

A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, so we discount the value of these future cash flows to their estimated value in today's dollars:

10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate

2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF ($, Millions) US$117.0m US$71.0m US$87.0m US$92.5m US$96.9m US$100.6m US$103.7m US$106.4m US$108.7m US$110.8m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x2 Analyst x3 Analyst x1 Est @ 6.30% Est @ 4.83% Est @ 3.79% Est @ 3.07% Est @ 2.56% Est @ 2.21% Est @ 1.96% Present Value ($, Millions) Discounted @ 13% US$103 US$55.4 US$60.0 US$56.3 US$52.2 US$47.8 US$43.5 US$39.4 US$35.6 US$32.1

("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St)

Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = US$526m

Story continues

After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.4%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 13%.

Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033  (1 + g)  (r  g) = US$111m (1 + 1.4%)  (13% 1.4%) = US$951m

Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= US$951m ( 1 + 13%)10= US$275m

The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is US$801m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of UK0.7, the company appears quite undervalued at a 39% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent.

dcf

Important Assumptions

Now the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate, and of course, the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Petrofac 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 13%, which is based on a levered beta of 2.000. 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 Petrofac

Strength

Debt is well covered by earnings.

Weakness

No major weaknesses identified for PFC.

Opportunity

Forecast to reduce losses next year.

Has sufficient cash runway for more than 3 years based on current free cash flows.

Good value based on P/S ratio and estimated fair value.

Threat

Debt is not well covered by operating cash flow.

Total liabilities exceed total assets, which raises the risk of financial distress.

Looking Ahead:

Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. 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. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. Why is the intrinsic value higher than the current share price? For Petrofac, there are three pertinent factors you should assess:

Risks: Be aware that Petrofac is showing 2 warning signs in our investment analysis , you should know about... Future Earnings: How does PFC'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 British stock every day, so if you want to find the intrinsic value of any other stock just search here.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Value-focused investors are constantly seeking stocks that are priced below their intrinsic value. Pieris Pharmaceuticals Inc (NASDAQ:PIRS) is one such stock that warrants attention. Currently priced at $0.49, the stock recorded a gain of 12.73% in a day and a 3-month decrease of 44.32%. According to its GF Value, the fair valuation of the stock is $1.62.

Understanding 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:

1. Historical multiples (PE Ratio, PS Ratio, PB Ratio and Price-to-Free-Cash-Flow) that the stock has traded at.

2. GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth.

3. 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 Pieris Pharmaceuticals (PIRS) a Value Trap? A Comprehensive Analysis

Unpacking the Risk Factors

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 Pieris Pharmaceuticals should not be ignored. These risks are primarily reflected through its low Piotroski F-score of 2, Altman Z-score of -4.53, and the company's revenues and earnings have been on a downward trend over the past five years, which raises a crucial question: Is Pieris Pharmaceuticals a hidden gem or a value trap?

The Piotroski F-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. Pieris Pharmaceuticals's current Piotroski F-Score, however, falls in the lower end of this spectrum, indicating potential red flags for investors.

Story continues

The Altman Z-Score

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.

Conclusion

Despite its low price relative to intrinsic value, Pieris Pharmaceuticals's falling revenues and earnings cast a long shadow over its investment attractiveness. 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.

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 . 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.


Long-established in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry, Planet Green Holdings Corp (PLAG) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. It has recently witnessed a surge of 9.28%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of 47.41%. 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 Planet Green Holdings Corp.

Planet Green Holdings Corp's Rocky Road Ahead: Unraveling the Factors Limiting Growth

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.

Based on the above method, GuruFocus assigned Planet Green Holdings Corp the GF Score of 53 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Understanding Planet Green Holdings Corp's Business

Planet Green Holdings Corp is a diversified technology and consumer products company with a presence in North America and China. The company operates in three segments: Cyan brick tea, black tea, and green tea production in China; research, development, manufacture, and sale of chemical products including formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde adhesive, methylal, ethanol fuel, fuel additives and clean fuel in China; and development and operation of a demand-side platform which empowers buyers of advertising to manage and optimize their digital advertising across different real-time bidding networks in North America and China. With a market cap of $52.62 million and sales of $30.34 million, the company's operating margin stands at -16.78%.

Story continues

Planet Green Holdings Corp's Rocky Road Ahead: Unraveling the Factors Limiting Growth

Financial Strength Breakdown

Planet Green Holdings Corp's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company has an interest coverage ratio of 0, which positions it worse than 0% of 1359 companies in the Consumer Packaged Goods 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-Score is just -3.75, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.19 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels.

Profitability Breakdown

Planet Green Holdings Corp's low Profitability rank can also raise warning signals. The company's Operating Margin has declined over the past five years ((-32,296.00%)), as shown by the following data: 2018: -8.55; 2019: -27.40; 2020: -76.62; 2021: -16.51; 2022: -11.78; .

With a Piotroski F-Score of 2, Planet Green Holdings Corp'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, Planet Green Holdings Corp might be facing challenges in these areas.

Growth Prospects

A lack of significant growth is another area where Planet Green Holdings Corp seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. Lastly, Planet Green Holdings Corp predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency.

Planet Green Holdings Corp's Rocky Road Ahead: Unraveling the Factors Limiting Growth

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 Planet Green Holdings Corp has enjoyed a strong reputation and recent growth, these metrics suggest that the company may face significant challenges in the future. Investors should 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.


It is usually uneventful when a single insider buys stock. However, When quite a few insiders buy shares, as it happened in Dynex Capital, Inc.'s (NYSE:DX) case, it's fantastic news for shareholders.

While we would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing, logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares.

View our latest analysis for Dynex Capital

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Dynex Capital

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by CEO, Co-Chief Investment Officer & Director Byron Boston for US$160k worth of shares, at about US$11.61 per share. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is US$12.41. While their view may have changed since the purchase was made, this does at least suggest they have had confidence in the company's future. If someone buys shares at well below current prices, it's a good sign on balance, but keep in mind they may no longer see value. Happily, the Dynex Capital insiders decided to buy shares at close to current prices.

Dynex Capital insiders may have bought shares in the last year, but they didn't sell any. The chart below shows insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Dynex Capital 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.

Does Dynex Capital Boast High Insider Ownership?

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. It appears that Dynex Capital insiders own 1.7% of the company, worth about US$12m. While this is a strong but not outstanding level of insider ownership, it's enough to indicate some alignment between management and smaller shareholders.

Story continues

What Might The Insider Transactions At Dynex Capital Tell Us?

The fact that there have been no Dynex Capital insider transactions recently certainly doesn't bother us. But insiders have shown more of an appetite for the stock, over the last year. Overall we don't see anything to make us think Dynex Capital insiders are doubting the company, and they do own shares. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. At Simply Wall St, we've found that Dynex Capital has 5 warning signs (3 can't be ignored!) that deserve your attention before going any further with your analysis.

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.
Qantas begins preparing and equipping planes for return of international flights in Sydney

By Rishav Chatterjee

(Reuters) -Australia's Qantas Airways on Thursday announced an order for 24 widebody aircraft, the final piece of the company's jet fleet renewal programme, and said the move is aimed at replacing its current Airbus A330 and Airbus A380 aircraft.

The multi-billion dollar order is split between 12 Airbus A350s and 12 Boeing 787s, which will arrive from fiscal 2027 and into the next decade, Qantas said.

As a part of the deals, Qantas will gain access to up to 500 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) per annum which would start to flow from 2028.

This has the potential to meet up to 90% of the group's interim SAF target for 2030, Qantas said.

Global airline companies have been struggling hard to cut down on emissions and are looking for alternatives to traditional jet kerosene fuels.

"SAF reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% and is a key part of Qantas' emissions reduction plan," it said.

"Qantas clearly believes that demand will continue, ordering 24 new planes to meet demand and saying demand will remain above pre-COVID levels," said Josh Gilbert, market analyst at eToro AUS Capital.

Qantas during the day posted a record profit with shares up 1.9% in early trade.

Incoming CEO Vanessa Hudson will not have a one-way ticket to success when she takes over in November, but this may just be a new era of good times for the flag carrier of Australia, added Gilbert.

Hudson said in June the carrier would kickstart a competition to replace existing A330 jets by end-year.

"Both the 787-9 and 787-10 offer enhanced efficiency, flexibility and passenger comfort to connect Australia and destinations around the world," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Reuters earlier in the week had reported, citing industry sources, that Boeing was nearing a deal for its 787 Dreamliner aircraft with Qantas.

(Reporting by Rishav Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber and Maju Samuel)
Raptis Group (ASX:RPG) Full Year 2023 Results

Key Financial Results

Revenue: AU$777.3k (up 20% from FY 2022).

Net income: AU$354.2k (up 269% from FY 2022).

Profit margin: 46% (up from 15% in FY 2022). The increase in margin was primarily driven by lower expenses.

EPS: AU$0.002 (up from AU$0.001 in FY 2022).

All figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) period

Raptis Group shares are up 4.5% from a week ago.

Risk Analysis

It's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 4 warning signs with Raptis Group, and understanding them should be part of your investment process.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
When considering dividend-paying stocks, targeted sectors often include utilities, finance, or consumer staples.

Income investors rarely target technology stocks because these companies frequently use cash to fuel growth. However, theres a wide variety of those out there that reward their shareholders handsomely.

And with technologys blistering run in 2023, many are seeking exposure to the momentum.

Three stocks  Broadcom AVGO, Texas Instruments TXN, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise HPE  all pay their shareholders and have grown their payouts over the last five years.

For those seeking a passive income stream paired with technology exposure, lets take a closer look at each.

Broadcom

Broadcom is a premier designer, developer, and global supplier of a broad range of semiconductor devices. The stock is currently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), with the revisions trend particularly notable for its current fiscal year.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

The companys shares currently yield a solid 2.2% annually, well above the Zacks Computer & Technology sector average. Undoubtedly impressive, the company has boosted its payout by nearly 20% just over the last five years.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Keep an eye out for Broadcoms next quarterly release expected on August 31st; the Zacks Consensus EPS Estimate of $10.42 suggests a 7% uptick from the year-ago quarter. The companys revenue is also forecasted to see decent growth, with the $8.9 billion estimate 5% higher than year-ago quarterly sales.

Shares saw a solid boost following its latest release, as we can see illustrated below by the green arrow.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Hewlett-Packard Enterprise

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is a global edge-to-cloud company with offerings spanning Cloud Services, AI, Intelligent Edge, Software, and more. The stock is presently a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

The companys shares arent valuation stretched, further reflected by the Style Score of A for value. HPE shares presently trade at a 7.9X forward earnings multiple (F1), nicely beneath the 10.7X five-year median and highs of 14.4X in 2022.

Story continues

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

HPE shares presently yield a solid 2.9% annually paired with a payout ratio sitting at 62% of the companys earnings. The companys payout has grown by 1.6% annualized over the last five years.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments is an original equipment manufacturer of analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing (DSP) integrated circuits. The company is the definition of a consistent earnings performer, exceeding consensus earnings and revenue expectations in ten consecutive quarters.

TXN delivered an 8% EPS beat in its latest release and reported revenue 4% ahead of expectations.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

TXN shares would interest many income-focused investors, currently yielding nearly 3% annually. And the company has shown a commitment to increasingly rewarding its shareholders, sporting a 14% five-year annualized dividend growth rate.

Zacks Investment Research



Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Its worth noting that the company is expected to witness a growth slowdown, with Zacks Consensus Estimates for its current year indicating 21% lower earnings on 10% lower revenues. Still, growth resumes in FY24, with expectations calling for a 7% bump in earnings and an 8% sales increase.

Bottom Line

Everybody loves dividends, as they provide a buffer against drawdowns in other positions and provide a passive income stream.

And for those looking for dividend-paying technology stocks, all three above  Broadcom AVGO, Texas Instruments TXN, and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise HPE  precisely fit the criteria.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TXN) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Broadcom Inc. (AVGO) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research
Barby Moro's operation changed  and then changed again because of COVID.

At RedEye Coffee, after the mid-morning rush, a few customers claimed a moment of peace in their respective corners and tables. The Capital Circle coffee shop is filled with chirps and sounds, gurgling, frothing and the grinding of Ethiopian and Colombian beans. From a side door, Barby Moro emerges. She smiles and greets her staff with the same warmth she serves.

She chats with a customer, most likely a loyal one based on the extended talk. Moro politely breaks away and alerts her team that she'll be back  she was about to reveal what few people knew at the time.

In an interview with the Tallahassee Democrat, Moro said she is stepping down as CEO of RedEye Coffee, where she's been for nearly five years.

The company was acquired by Independence Landing, a unique disability living community in SouthWood for adults with cognitive, intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities that provides on-site support; the first of its kind in Tallahassee and North Florida. State Rep. Alison Tant is one of the program's founders.

Negotiations are complete on the deal, with an expected closing coming in the near future.

Allison Tant chats with other Chamber Conference attendees before the closing session begins Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019.

Conversations began earlier this year between Moro and Kim Galban-Countryman, executive director at Independence Landing, who first inquired about receiving on-site coffee and products.

"I was considering different sale offers," Moro said. "So the timing just seemed to align because I was already in this process, thinking about what my next challenge is going to be and what the transition of RedEye was going to be.

Then, when she reached out to me about providing coffee service, I was like, 'Oh.' The conversation just kind of went from there. What would this look like? Is this even a possibility? And it is."

Galban-Countryman described Moro as a central part of Tallahassee's community for years. She praised Moro for elevating the business and customer experience, while also focusing on giving back to the local community.

Story continues

We plan on taking the strong foundation she and her team have built and leveraging it to create a future full of opportunities for people with disabilities," Galban-Countryman said.

RedEye's future is a nod to Moro's past

Independence Landing is slated to begin welcoming its first residents next month. As part of its mission, RedEye Coffee will provide a commercial venue that allows residents to gain employment experience and further build their independent living skills.

Independence Landing is slated to be a housing community for adults with developmental and cognitive disabilities.

For Moro, the hand-off to Independence Landing feels right, like a full serendipitous circle.

The Miami native, born to Cuban immigrants, came to Tallahassee and graduated from Florida State University with bachelor's and master's degrees in education.

Years ago, Moro taught children with autism in Miami. Later, she became an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teacher at the PACE Center for Girls in Tallahassee and a mentor coordinator for America Reads.

Her career path also includes seven years as director of student services at the Southern Scholarship Foundation, along with a short stint as interim president and CEO. Before that, she was the program director for the Oasis Center for Women and Girls.

She didn't know anything about the coffee business, but RedEye gave her a full "Ph.D. of knowledge," she said, that allowed Moro to be her whole self  a woman whose "super power is community."

"The other thing was thinking about how running a business, being the sole proprietor in a business, how that impacts me personally, as a as a mom, as a wife, as a partner, as a friend, all these other aspects," Moro said. "And, so I think I'm just ready for a change."

Growth under Moro's leadership

In 2018, Moro was hired to be RedEye's COO. She became the company's CEO two years later after RedEye founder, Mark McNees, who started the organic coffee shop in 2004, stepped down to serve as a board member and pursue other ventures.

She was deliberate about changing the workplace culture  just as the world was turning upside down due to the global coronavirus pandemic. She was faced with the seemingly impossible task of quelling high turnover and making sense of how to navigate the pandemic-induced uncertainty.

Barby Moro, CEO of RedEye Coffee, gives a drink to a customer.

At the time, the company didn't have an e-commerce operation that allowed customers to purchase goods. The shop shifted its business model to also include online orders, which in many ways helped save the business.

"My son was (two years) old when COVID hit," Moro said. "It was my son who was in the car with me while I'm delivering breakfast and delivering gift sets to people's doorways, trying to stay six feet away and keep a business alive.

It was him who was helping me color code tea bags and putting stickers on coffee bag labels ... I'm working in a coffee shop that's empty with my child."

Red Eye Coffee COO, Barby Moro and son, Ambrose deliver coffee, tea and ice to neighboring Calhoun County.

Despite the angst and valleys, she survived and launched a thriving e-commerce operation where coffee lovers in Tallahassee and beyond get a taste of the coffee shop and its iconic red-eyed tree frog logo.

The married mother of two became the sole owner in January 2022.

A look to the future

Moro has much to celebrate.

RedEye is the first and only Latina-owned coffee business in the region. With nearly 30 employees working at the Midtown and Capital Circle Northeast locations, the coffee shop is a common gathering spot for Tallahassee's business and political circles. In 2018, it was a campaign stop for then vice president Joe Biden and former Sen. Bill Nelson.

None of her employees will be displaced as a result of the ownership change, Moro said. In addition, she plans to stay on as a consultant for the next six months.

Moro, who's favorite drink is Cafe con Leche or rosemary caramel latte with oat milk, said October would have been five years at the coffee shop. The approaching milestone creates space for a new challenge, a new means of stretching her professional prowess as an entrepreneur, a strategist and a community servant.

She's not sure what that looks like just yet. But, Moro is ready to find out.

Barby Moro, Trailblazer for Oasis Center for Women & Girls, 2022.

Contact Reporter TaMaryn Waters at tlwaters@tallahassee.com. Follow @TaMarynWaters on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: RedEye Coffee CEO Barby Moro selling business to Independence Landing
Convoy CEO Dan Lewis at FreightWaves' Future of Supply Chain event in Rogers, Arkansas, in May 2022. Photo: Jim Allen / FreightWaves.

Seattle-based digital freight brokerage Convoy has hired an investment bank to help it explore strategic options that could include a sale of the company, The Information has reported.

Sources told FreightWaves that bank is Goldman Sachs.

The options on the table appear to be a merger or sale to a large strategic partner or a large capital investment from a financial sponsor.

Convoy was last valued at $3.8 billion in April 2022, when it raised $160 million in equity from Baillie Gifford and T. Rowe Price and $100 million in venture debt from Hercules Capital in a Series E package, and secured access to an additional $150 million line of credit from J.P. Morgan. That valuation is not expected to hold up in an acquisition this year.

At the time, the structure of the investment was widely perceived to be a prudent way to shore up Convoys balance sheet as the freight market turned south. Since then, the U.S. truckload market has seen a significant downturn in both volume and rate, while excess capacity persisted longer than expected.

That has put pressure on freight brokers, who typically sell their logistics services to shippers on a contract rate basis and buy trucking capacity on the spot market. Competition between freight brokers for the largest companies freight drove their contract or sell rates way down, compressing margins. Those market dynamics have been brutal for freight brokers income statements.





For instance in the second quarter of 2023, C.H. Robinsons North American Surface Transportation division, the countrys largest truck broker, saw margins compress to 13% and adjusted gross profit per load get cut by 45% year over year. Meanwhile at Uber Freight, in the same quarter gross revenue fell by 30% year over year to $1.2 billion, leading the division to a $14 million loss in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Convoy felt the pressure, too, conducting at least four layoffs since early 2022. A large customer operations team at the Atlanta office was cut in February of this year. Convoy co-founder and one-time Chief Technology Officer Grant Goodale left the company in June, shortly before the companys most recent layoff.

While the Series E financing got Convoy through the back half of the most volatile trucking cycle in recent history, now Chief Executive Officer Dan Lewis and his board are looking for the next step.

The post Convoy hires bank to advise on strategic interest appeared first on FreightWaves.
Skyharbour Resources Ltd

Vancouver, BC, Aug. 22, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) (OTCQX: SYHBF) (Frankfurt: SC1P) (the Company or Skyharbour) announces that, pursuant to the joint venture agreement (the Agreement) made between the Company and Azincourt Energy Corp. (Azincourt) with relation to the East Preston Project (the Property), the parties have agreed that, in lieu of approximately CAD $543,000 exploration expenditures required to be made by the Company that were incurred in the 2022 exploration program, the Company shall pay $150,000 and issue 1,000,000 common shares (the Shares) to Azincourt (see news release dated February 17th, 2021, for more information on the terms of the joint venture). Further, the Company elected not to participate in the 2023 exploration program with flow through funds being allocated primarily to its co-flagship Russell Lake Project, and thus the Companys interest in the Property is reduced from fifteen percent (15%) to nine and half percent (9.5%) pursuant to the Agreement.



The Shares shall be subject to a statutory hold period, as required under applicable securities laws, and, in addition, 500,000 Shares shall be subject to voluntary hold period of eight (8) months from issuance and shall bear a restricted legend with these restrictions.

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with twenty-four projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 518,000 hectares (over 1.2 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 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 property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbours recently optioned Russell Lake Uranium Project from Rio Tinto, which hosts historical high-grade uranium drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs.

Story continues

Skyharbour has joint-ventures with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc. and Azincourt Energy at the Preston and East Preston Projects, respectively, whereby Orano and Azincourt earned majority interests in the projects through exploration expenditures, cash payments and share issuances. Skyharbour also has several active earn-in option partners including: ASX-listed Valor Resources at the Hook Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. at the Yurchison Project; Yellow Rocks Energy, a private Australian entity, at the Wallee and Usam Island projects; North Shore Energy Metals at the South Falcon Project; and TSX-V listed Tisdale Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project which is host to the Fraser Lakes Zone B Uranium and Thorium Deposit.

Collectively, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to over $37 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures, over $28 million worth of shares being issued and over $19 million in cash payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects.

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.

Skyharbours Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:

https://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_V2A_20230727.jpg

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) visit the Companys website at www.skyharbourltd.com.

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

Jordan Trimble



Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Nicholas Coltura

Corporate Development and Communications

Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

Telephone: 604-558-5847

Toll Free: 800-567-8181

Facsimile: 604-687-3119

Email: info@skyharbourltd.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements, including the Private Placement. Although management 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. 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 actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, regulatory approvals, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.




jetcityimage / iStock.com

Hawaiians are still recovering from wildfires that tore through the island of Maui earlier this month. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in aid and resources have gone to those in need, including Hawaiian Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.

Food Stamps: Surprising Things You Can Buy

Learn: How To Save $200 on Your Grocery Bill Every Month

The U.S. Department of Agriculture loosened the purchase requirements for food stamp users, reported Winsight Grocery Business. Those receiving benefits can use their EBT card, also known as the Kokua card in Hawaii, to purchase hot foods from grocery stores and other SNAP-authorized food retailers through Sept. 14.

USDA emphasized the importance of the waiver, noting that many Hawaii residents evacuated to shelters cannot store food and lack access to cooking facilities as a result, the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services said in an announcement last week.

Typically, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase hot, ready-to-eat meals at grocery stores or restaurants. SNAP provides assistance to low-income households so that they can purchase necessary groceries and prepare a meal at home.

According to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food and Nutrition Service, the waiver applies to all counties in Hawaii, reported the Star Advertiser. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service also said it would encourage all authorized SNAP retail food stores to post a special notice in the store letting SNAP customers know that they can use their Kokua card to purchase hot foods.

You can also use the USDAs SNAP Retailer Locator to find nearby SNAP-authorized retailers by entering a street address, city and state or a zip code.

There are other forms of assistance available in Hawaii. Kroger sent $100,000 in disaster relief to Maui Food Bank, and many grocery stores are accepting donations from shoppers, setting up fundraisers and donating food, said Winsight.

Food Stamps: Surprising Things You Can Buy

According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the HUD has also stepped in and awarded $1.3 million to support people experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness in Maui through the departments Rapid Unsheltered Survivor Housing (RUSH) program. FEMA, the Red Cross and local community members are also assisting survivors.

Story continues

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: SNAP Benefits Extended to Hot Food For Hawaii Residents  How To Find a Participating Store
mathisworks / Getty Images

One of the pillars of Social Security is that most of it is funded through payroll taxes, meaning that the program is self-sustaining. Workers, employers and independent contractors all contribute taxes to Social Security, and those taxes pay benefits for current Social Security recipients.

Social Security Cuts: These States Would Be Impacted the Least

Find: 3 Ways To Recession-Proof Your Retirement

This system works best in periods of low unemployment because more workers equal more tax funding. But if a large number of workers are suddenly replaced by ChatGPT and other types of artificial intelligence, Social Security could be in trouble.

If these workers disappear, then the tax base declines and these safety net programs [such as Social Security and Medicare] are in jeopardy, Los Angeles-based tax attorney Steven Chung wrote in a recent column for the Above the Law website.

To demonstrate the potential impact, Chung compared the tax treatment of human employees and machines. Human employees contribute 6.2% of their wages to Social Security up to $160,200 a year (in earnings), and employers match that 6.2%. Self-employed individuals are responsible for paying the full 12.4%. In addition, most employers file quarterly employment tax returns with the IRS and state tax authorities.

Are Machines  or AI  Above the Law?

These rules dont apply to machines, however.

If a business purchases equipment that uses AI technology, it is not subject to federal and state employment taxes and return filing requirements, Chung wrote.

Thats because AI is not considered an employee  at least not yet. Rather than paying Social Security taxes, a business can opt to take a tax deduction for purchasing AI equipment. Or it can choose to deduct a portion of the cost over a number of years through depreciation. The cost of routine repairs is deductible as well, as are the costs of major equipment upgrades.

So instead of paying more into the tax system, businesses actually lessen their tax obligations via the usage of AI. This could prove especially problematic for social safety net programs such as Social Security.

Story continues

Complicating matters even further is that a major Social Security funding source  the Old Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund  is expected to run out of money in about a decade. When it does, the program will have be funded solely by payroll taxes, which currently fund about 77% of benefits. Fewer payroll taxes due to fewer human workers would push that figure even lower.

Also: Heres the Average Social Security Check for Men vs. Women

Navigating the AI Employment Dilemma

So what can be done to deal with the problem?

Assuming that AI technology has advanced enough to threaten the solvency of Social Security, unless the system is fundamentally changed, taxes will have to increase, Chung wrote.

One option is to have AI manufacturers help fund Social Security through an excise or supplemental tax. But this could be problematic due to issues such as determining which technologies would fall under the AI umbrella.

Other options are to tax businesses that use AI to replace workers, or to force taxpayers to pay more toward Social Security. For now, however, the impact of AI on Social Security remains unclear.

While AI-driven job displacement could potentially impact Social Security funding by altering the composition of the workforce, the overall effect depends on a variety of complex factors, Chung wrote.

Given the complexity of the situation  and the risk to Social Security  he recommends that the government begin preparing sooner rather than later.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Social Security: Could AI Push the Program Into Insolvency Faster As it Takes American Jobs?
Long-established in the Aerospace & Defense industry, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPR) has enjoyed a stellar reputation. However, it has recently witnessed a decline of 16.32%, juxtaposed with a three-month change of -26.67%. 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 Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc.

Is Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc 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 Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc the GF Score of 61 out of 100, which signals poor future outperformance potential.

Understanding Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc Business

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc, with a market cap of $2.02 billion and sales of $5.39 billion, designs and manufactures aerostructures, particularly fuselages, for commercial and military aircraft. The company was spun out of Boeing in 2005, and the firm is the largest independent supplier of aerostructures. Boeing and Airbus are the firms and their primary customers, Boeing composes roughly 80% of annual revenue and Airbus composes roughly 15% of revenue. The company is highly exposed to Boeing's 737 program, which generally accounts for about half of the company's revenue.

Story continues

Is Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth

Financial Strength Breakdown

Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc's financial strength indicators present some concerning insights about the company's balance sheet health. The company's interest coverage ratio of 0, which positions it worse than 0% of 187 companies in the Aerospace & Defense 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 1.1, which is below the distress zone of 1.81. This suggests that the company may face financial distress over the next few years. Additionally, the company's low cash-to-debt ratio at 0.13 indicates a struggle in handling existing debt levels.

Growth Prospects

A lack of significant growth is another area where Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc seems to falter, as evidenced by the company's low Growth rank. The company's revenue has declined by -13.8 per year over the past three years, which underperforms worse than 85.44% of 261 companies in the Aerospace & Defense industry. Stagnating revenues may pose concerns in a fast-evolving market.

Lastly, Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc predictability rank is just one star out of five, adding to investor uncertainty regarding revenue and earnings consistency.

Is Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc Set to Underperform? Analyzing the Factors Limiting Growth

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 Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc has a rich history in the Aerospace & Defense industry, its current financial indicators suggest a challenging road ahead. Investors should 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.


TAIPEI, Aug. 24, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiwan's National Startup Branding Office, Startup Island TAIWAN, in collaboration with domestic venture capitalists and listed companies, spearheaded the Taiwan Tech Solution Day, bringing 14 Taiwanese digital tech startups to Ho Chi Minh City for a successful showcase of Taiwan's startup prowess on August 23. This event garnered a warm welcome from the NIC (National Innovation Center) under Vietnam's Ministry of Planning and Investment, as well as representatives from various sectors.

The Taiwan Tech Solution Day, an initiative by Startup Island TAIWAN targeting the ASEAN market, commenced with Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. Representing the Vietnamese government, NIC's officer, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung came from Hanoi to introduce the potential of Vietnam's startup development and enthusiastically welcomed Taiwanese startups to explore more business opportunities in Vietnam. Other distinguished guests included angel investors from Vietnam, early-stage venture capital firm Do Ventures, and Vietnamese software company SotaTek. Mr. Chia-Yuan Liu, President of Tan Thuan Branch of the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce in Vietnam and General Manager of Dasin Fans, who has been deeply engaged in Vietnam for 30 years, also led the members in attending the event and expressed support for the Taiwan Tech Solution Day.

A total of 14 Taiwanese digital tech startups participated in this event, covering several domains where Taiwanese startups excel, including Web3, marketing technology, fintech, smart logistics, smart manufacturing, and drones. Some Taiwanese startups have already established themselves in Vietnam, even recruiting Vietnamese management teams. For instance, property management system company, JGB Smart Property, AI-powered dental software company, dentall Co.,Ltd., and SaaS company, Sightour, which aids the financial industry in paperless document management, announced that they have designated Ho Chi Minh City as their ASEAN regional headquarters, actively promoting both IT talent recruitment and business development. Furthermore, some startups with successful experiences in Japan are considering more diverse approaches to expedite their entry into Vietnam, including investments and joint ventures. These include iKala, a leading AI transformation solutions provider offering AI-driven cloud management and MarTech solutions, and TapPay, a fintech company that has collaborated with Apple for payments, both of which expanded their businesses successfully in Japan. The latter also cooperated with prominent Vietnamese companies NAPAS and Vietcombank.

Story continues

Apart from startups, Startup Island TAIWAN also gathered experts from domestic accelerators and venture capitalists, such as major software company Systex, and its subsidiary AGP team, renowned early-stage investment institution Sunsino Venture Group and its subsidiary Startup 101, and venture capital firm Hive Ventures, focusing on digital technology investments. It's worth noting that Moldintel and Sightour, recommended by these experts, both with mature and innovative AI products, successfully advanced to the finals of Vietnam's largest startup competition, InnoEx.

The inaugural Taiwan Tech Solution Day by Startup Island TAIWAN in Ho Chi Minh City received significant attention from the Vietnamese government and major corporations. This event also marked the largest digital startup exchange between Taiwan and Vietnam after the easing of pandemic-related restrictions.

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/startup-island-taiwan-leads-taiwanese-digital-tech-startups-into-ho-chi-minh-city-301908886.html

SOURCE Startup Island TAIWAN
What trends should we look for it we want to identify stocks that can multiply in value over the long term? Amongst other things, we'll want to see two things; firstly, a growing return on capital employed (ROCE) and secondly, an expansion in the company's amount of capital employed. Ultimately, this demonstrates that it's a business that is reinvesting profits at increasing rates of return. So when we looked at Oil-Dri Corporation of America (NYSE:ODC) and its trend of ROCE, we really liked what we saw.

Return On Capital Employed (ROCE): What Is It?

For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. The formula for this calculation on Oil-Dri Corporation of America is:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.16 = US$36m  (US$270m - US$52m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to April 2023).

Thus, Oil-Dri Corporation of America has an ROCE of 16%. In absolute terms, that's a pretty normal return, and it's somewhat close to the Household Products industry average of 15%.

Check out our latest analysis for Oil-Dri Corporation of America

roce

While the past is not representative of the future, it can be helpful to know how a company has performed historically, which is why we have this chart above. If you're interested in investigating Oil-Dri Corporation of America's past further, check out this free graph of past earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What Does the ROCE Trend For Oil-Dri Corporation of America Tell Us?

Investors would be pleased with what's happening at Oil-Dri Corporation of America. The numbers show that in the last five years, the returns generated on capital employed have grown considerably to 16%. Basically the business is earning more per dollar of capital invested and in addition to that, 35% more capital is being employed now too. So we're very much inspired by what we're seeing at Oil-Dri Corporation of America thanks to its ability to profitably reinvest capital.

Story continues

What We Can Learn From Oil-Dri Corporation of America's ROCE

In summary, it's great to see that Oil-Dri Corporation of America can compound returns by consistently reinvesting capital at increasing rates of return, because these are some of the key ingredients of those highly sought after multi-baggers. And investors seem to expect more of this going forward, since the stock has rewarded shareholders with a 90% return over the last five years. In light of that, we think it's worth looking further into this stock because if Oil-Dri Corporation of America can keep these trends up, it could have a bright future ahead.

Before jumping to any conclusions though, we need to know what value we're getting for the current share price. That's where you can check out our FREE intrinsic value estimation that compares the share price and estimated value.

If you want to search for solid companies with great earnings, check out this free list of companies with good balance sheets and impressive returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Market Data Library Logo

The global water-based barrier coatings market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2023 to 2030, driven by increasing demand from end-use industries such as construction, packaging, and automotive.

Brooklyn, New York, Aug. 24, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market Report Overview:

The Global Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market report by Market Data Library provides comprehensive insights into driving factors, restraints, opportunities, and trends, with the provision of in-depth supporting information, data, statistics, and actionable insights. Though covered and provided extensively across the report, the data and information format are simple, yet dynamic in order to ensure ease of reading and understanding, as well as presenting and maximizing leverage and use. According to Market Data Library analysis, the Water Based Barrier Coatings was US$ 37 Billion in 2022. Furthermore, the Water Based Barrier Coatings market registers a CAGR of 5.9 % which is expected to result in a market forecast value for 2031 of US$ 61.98 Billion.

Request Sample Copy (To Understand the Complete Structure of this Report [Summary + TOC]): https://marketdatalibrary.com/download-sample/2535

Water-based barrier coatings are coatings that act as a barrier between the substrate and the packaging. It helps in protecting the packaging from both external and internal impacts. Water-based coatings are extensively employed in construction activities for a wide range of purposes such as waterproofing, damp proofing, crack filling, acting as a plaster additive, screed compound, and many more. These coatings are quite attractive and can perform their functions without any deterrent. Based on the product, they can be used to provide protection against water vapor, fat, alcohol, acid or alkali attacks. It also helps in reducing the dependency on non-biodegradable and non-recyclable products.

Water-Based Barrier Coatings market share and revenues are provided in detail for previous years in order to showcase the evidence upon which our estimations and forecasts are based. Sensor market growth rates and differences, as well as comparisons and relatable data are provided to further support all findings. Data points are provided for each year  from historical to the end of the forecast period  and this format is followed for each segment region and respective countries, as well as sub-segments and others.

Story continues

The Global Water-Based Barrier Coatings market report is segmented according to type, power source, industry vertical, and regions and countries. Regional segmentation includes North America (United States and Canada); Europe (Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, and Rest of Europe); Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand, & Rest of Asia Pacific); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America); Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA).



Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market Trend Analysis and Insights:

Growing Packaging Industry: Water-based barrier coatings are a major supply to the packaging industry, which consumes a substantial amount of them. Owing to their moisture resistance, grease resistance, and barrier properties, packaging materials such as paperboard, corrugated cardboard, and flexible packaging get benefit from these coatings.

Health and Safety: There is no doubt that water-based barriers are safer for workers and consumers, due to their reduced releases of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Water-based coatings emit a pungent odor and have a lower toxicity level than solvent-based coatings.

Environmental Concerns and Regulations: As environmental sustainability becomes increasingly essential, the regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are tightening, and the water-based coatings market is projected to increase..

Industrial Growth and Infrastructure Development: The construction and automotive industries are also major consumers of the water-based barrier coatings market. Surface coatings can prevent the corrosion of metal surfaces and helps in enhancing the durability of materials in harsh environments.

If You want to Purchase Specific Insights by Segment/Region/Competitor, Request for Customization: https://marketdatalibrary.com/free-customization/2535

Connect with our team of research specialists and unlock the optimal solution for driving your business growth

What Factors Are Restraining Growth of Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market?

Application Complexity: As part of the application process, water-based coatings require careful monitoring of parameters such as temperature, humidity, and drying conditions in order to ensure the best results. Equipment and processes may need to be adjusted to achieve consistent results, which can be costly and complex.

Supply Chain Complexities: Coatings made from water have different material requirements and handling considerations than those made from solvents. Manufacturing companies can have difficulty adjusting their supply chains and finding suitable raw materials.

Curing Time: Coatings based on water typically have longer curing times than some coatings based on solvent, which is a disadvantage. As a result, production cycles can be extended and throughput is limited, especially in industries with a high demand for quick production.

Transition Period: Shifting to water-based coatings from solvent-based coatings requires different procedures, machinery etc. During this transition period, production may be disrupted and additional costs could arise.

What are the Opportunities for Leading Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market Manufacturers?

Consumer Awareness and Perception: Demand for water-based barrier coatings can be driven by educating consumers about the benefits they offer, such as health, safety, and the environment. As consumers gain more information about coating options, they will seek out products that reflect their values.

Customization for Specific Requirements: There are a variety of water-based barrier coatings available that can be customized based on the application requirements. The implications of this are that coatings for niche markets and specialized applications are possible, such as coatings for medical devices, medical electronics, and automotive components.

Advancement in Technology: In-depth research and development is leading to the formulation of water-based barrier coatings with improved performance characteristics. New Procedures and Applications are making these coatings easier to use and integrate into manufacturing practices.

Mergers and Acquisitions: Partnerships among the firms can lead to more innovative products and awareness about the products. Sika AGS European industrial coatings division have been acquired by Sherwin-Williams Company, and DalFort Capital Partners have purchased VersaFlex.

Request Sample Copy (To Understand the Complete Structure of this Report [Summary + TOC]): https://marketdatalibrary.com/download-sample/2535

Region-wise Analysis of Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market



What are the Factors Driving the Water-Based Barrier Coatings Demand in North American region?

This region will emerge as the prominent market for Water-Based Barrier Coatings on account of rise in sales of automobiles and new infrastructure projects, the water-based barrier coatings market demand is also projected to shoot up multiple folds in the future.

What Fuels Water-Based Barrier Coatings Demand in Europe?

Owing to their strict regulatory guidelines and the presence of key market players, the European market holds nearly three-fifths of the growth in the water-based barrier coatings industry.. Also, the Renovation of old architecture and demand for automobiles are expected to keep the momentum up.

What are the Factors Contributing to the Significant of Asia Pacific Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market?

Asia-Pacific holds the highest revenues and market shares in the water-based barrier coatings market. As a result of cheap labor costs and readily available raw materials, water-based barrier coatings have grown considerably in popularity in the Asia Pacific region.

What are the Aspects that are driving the Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market in Latin America?

The region is experiencing steady growth for this Market because of the rising construction activities and the application of these coatings in Packaging, Food and Beverage and other industries.

What is the Stance on Water-Based Barrier Coatings in Middle East and Africa?

Increasing expenditure on improving and maintaining infrastructure and commercial projects such as Hotels, Restaurants, and offices are expected to boost the market demand. Saudi Arabia is holding the top-positon to these because of surging construction activities. Also, in African region the market is witnessing a growth due to the tight guidelines posed by government on manufacturers. Investment in technologies to improve durability and versatility is also fuelling the market growth.

Leading Water-Based Barrier Coatings Manufacturers & Competitive Landscape:

The Water-Based Barrier Coatings market is highly competitive, with several key players vying for market share and actively engaging in strategic initiatives. These companies focus on product innovation, technological advancements, and expanding their product portfolios to gain a competitive edge. These companies are continuously investing in research and development activities to enhance their product offerings and cater to the evolving needs of customers in terms of efficiency, performance, and sustainability.

Company List

Axalta Coating System

Berger Paints India

Nippo Paint Company

PPG Industries Inc

Rpm International Inc

Asian Paints

EVONIK Industries

Flint Group

The Valspar Corporation

If You want to Purchase Specific Insights by Segment/Region/Competitor, Request for Customization: https://marketdatalibrary.com/free-customization/2535

Research Scope

Report Metric Report Details Market size available for the years 2021-2031 Base Year 2022 Forecast Period 2023-2031 Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 5.9 % Segment covered Type, End-User Industries and Region. Regions Covered North America: The U.S. & Canada







Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, & Rest of Latin America



Asia Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN, & Rest of Asia Pacific



Europe: Germany, The U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Russia, Poland, BENELUX, NORDIC, & Rest of Europe







The Middle East & Africa: Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Egypt, Israel, and Rest of MEA Fastest Growing Country in Europe Germany Largest Market North America Key Players Axalta Coating System, Berger Paints India, Nippo Paint Company, PPG Industries Inc, Asian Paints, EVONIK Industries, Flint Group, The Valspar Corporation.





























By Type

Acrylic

Polyester

Alkyd

Epoxy

By End-User Industries

Paper and Packaging

Food and Beverages

Building and Construction

Automobiles

By Region

North America

United States

Canada

Europe

Germany

United Kingdom

France

Italy

Spain

Russia

Poland

BENELUX

NORDIC

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

South Korea

ASEAN

Australia & New Zealand

Rest of Asia Pacific

Get this Report at Special Discount Now: https://marketdatalibrary.com/buy-now/2535

Important Questions Covered in this Report:



Q: What are some key factors driving revenue growth of the global Water-Based Barrier Coatings market?



A: Some key factors driving market revenue growth include infrastructure Development, Health and Safety, Growing packaging industries etc.

Q: What are some major challenges faced by companies in the global Water-Based Barrier Coatings market?

A: Companies face challenges such as Transition periods, Long Curing time, Application Complexities and Supply Chain management.

Q: How is the competitive landscape in the global Water-Based Barrier Coatings market?

A: The market is competitive, with key players focusing on technological advancements, product innovation, and strategic partnerships. Factors such as product quality, reliability, after-sales services, and customization capabilities play a significant role in determining competitiveness.

Q: What are the potential opportunities for companies in the Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market?

A: Companies can leverage opportunities such as New Advanced and Sustainable Products, Lack of awareness and optimization to meet specific requirement.

Q: How is the Global Water-Based Barrier Coatings Market segmented?

A: The market is segmented based on factors such as type, End-user industries and Region.

CONTACT: Market Data Library Tel: +1-(718)-312-8686 Email: sales@marketdatalibrary.com Website: marketdatalibrary.com/




Connell Resources has put its proposed asphalt mixing plant in Wellington on hold after the Board of Trustees overturned the planning commission's previous approval.

Trustees reviewed the planning commission's June 5 approval after residents Ayla and Ben Leistikow appealed the decision, arguing that commissioners ignored four setback violations, emissions dispersion issues and an incomplete site plan.

In a 4-3 vote Wednesday, trustees ruled the planning commission erred when it approved an 800-foot setback from the plant to the adjacent residential development rather than its more stringent 2,640-foot setback required for heavy manufacturing and industrial companies that produce toxic chemicals.

"We are disappointed at the Board of Trustees decision to overturn the planning commissions previous approval as they applied a different interpretation of the code to Connells Site Plan Application versus past projects brought in front of the town," Connell Resources President John Warren said in an email to the Coloradoan. "We are exploring all of our legal options to move our project forward.

"We were looking forward to relocating a portion of our operation to the town of Wellington and being a part of solving some of the many infrastructure needs the town has. Unfortunately, the Board of Trustees decision has put that on hold."

Connell Resources had proposed moving its plant from Timnath, which is nearing the end of its lifespan, to an industrial zone south of County Road 66 between Larimer County roads 7 and 9, adjacent to the undeveloped Sundance subdivision.

"This strict interpretation, if applied consistently, could eliminate any heavy and potential light industrial uses in the future," Warren said.

Proposed location of Connell Resources asphalt mixing plant in Wellington

Mayor pro-tem Ashley Macdonald and trustees David Wiegand, Shirrell Tietz and Jon Gaiter voted to overturn the planning commission's decision. Mayor Calar Chaussee and trustees Brian Mason and Rebekka Dailey voted against doing so.

Story continues

"As a mom, I am relieved," Ayla Leistikow said in an email Thursday. "Our trustees stood up for our community. Our house will be safe for our kid to grow up in. I will be able to go to the park without wondering how many toxic chemicals my kid is being exposed to."

Asphalt plants have safer options outside town limits, Leistikow said. "We might be living in a small town, but we will never give up."

Trustees were charged with deciding whether the planning commission made a clear error or whether the decision was "fairly debatable."

Trustees debated for more than three hours the nuances of whether the code meant to impose the setback for uses that "produce or curate" any toxic chemicals or that produce and curate toxic chemicals at significant levels.

"The only question is if the things emitted into the air are toxic," said the Leistikows' attorney, Jeffrey Cullers. "It's an easy question. The answer is yes," he said, citing studies that show hot mix asphalt plants produce particulate matter and hazardous pollutants. "It is quite clear the plant emits these things."

Connell attorney Carolynne White argued the plant does not produce or curate toxic chemicals. "There is a mountain of evidence" that points to the fact that there are no toxic chemicals to be concerned about, she said. "Any emissions from the plant are well below levels" that might potentially pose a threat to human health.

Mason argued OSHA and the EPA concluded asphalt plants don't pose a health hazard, and the EPA removed asphalt plants from its list of major emitters.

No one disputes that Connell's emissions meet federal standards, Gaiter said, but the town's land use code doesn't distinguish between varying levels of emissions. "The Leistikows didn't say the levels were too high, they are simply saying they (toxins) are being produced and studies show items known to be toxic chemicals are byproducts of the plant," he said.

"The question is, are these chemicals produced as any part of the process?'' Gaiter said. Connell's own study said the emissions were "de minimis" (too trivial or minor to merit consideration) but they do exist as part of plant operations.

Dailey said she couldn't "in good conscience" say the planning commission made a mistake in not imposing the broader setback. She cited two points: What was the intention of the code and how do we interpret it? And, are emissions toxic? "I've seen evidence from both directions. This was a heavily debated topic, so I can't say there was an error."

Tietz said the issue didn't come down to if the emissions are dangerous or not dangerous. "If they are going to produce toxic chemicals, (code says) it shall be deemed the setback should be 2,640 feet."

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: Wellington reverses approval for Connell's Wellington asphalt plant
A 'new world order'? BRICS just agreed to welcome Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates  why that's not exactly good news for the US

The BRICS bloc has agreed to admit Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to its ranks  adding fuel to the fire of a new world order, according to Russia president Vladimir Putin.

The six new candidates will formally become BRICS members  alongside Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  on January 1, 2024, as reported by Reuters.

Don't miss

Worried about the economy? Here are the best shock-proof assets for your portfolio. (Theyre all outside of the stock market.)

Super-rich Americans are snatching up prime real estate abroad as US housing slumps  but here's a sharp way to invest without having to move overseas

'Hold onto your money': Jeff Bezos says you might want to rethink buying a 'new automobile, refrigerator, or whatever'  here are 3 better recession-proof buys

This membership expansion is historic, said Chinese President Xi Jinping, at the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg. It shows the determination of BRICS countries for unity and cooperation with the broader developing countries.

A common desire among multiple bloc members is to level a global economic playing field they feel is over reliant on the U.S. dollar.

New BRICS members

The six new members to the bloc add an interesting dynamic to BRICS. Most are allies or close trading partners with current members.

For instance, the UAE has signed a bilateral trading agreement with India that will see the two countries trade oil and other assets in their local currencies  not the U.S. dollar. Fellow oil power Saudi Arabia is also looking to loosen the grip of the U.S. on the global energy industry.

Meanwhile, Brazil has long called for its neighbor Argentinas inclusion, Egypt has close commercial connections with Russia and India, and Iran shares Russias issues with U.S.-led sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

According to South African officials, more than 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the bloc. Upon announcing the six new members, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa hinted at further expansion saying: We have consensus on the first phase of this expansion process and other phases will follow.

Story continues

Read more: 'It's going to be ugly': This CEO issued a dire warning about U.S. real estate, saying areas will be 'destroyed'  but he still likes 1 niche

What this means for the U.S.

Certain BRICS members  mainly China and Russia  have long called for the blocs enlargement as a way to challenge Western dominance, but other members  like Brazil and India  continue to nurture close relationships with the U.S. and Europe.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Tuesday: We do not want to be a counterpoint to the G7, G20 or the United States. We just want to organize ourselves.

He also defended the idea of a common trading currency between BRICS countries, insisting it is not about rejecting the greenback or other national currencies. Rather, he said it would facilitate trade between emerging economies  while also reducing transaction costs and exposure to global volatility and geopolitical risks.

Whether BRICS will rise into a superpower that will overtake the G7  as predicted by Putin  remains to be seen. What is clear is that more global trade will be conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. But, the greenback currently remains dominant and the U.S. is still by far the worlds largest economy.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
BEIJING, Aug. 24, 2023 /CNW/ -- The 2023 China (Arxan) Tourism Conference will be held from September 2 to 3 in Arxan, Xing'an League in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, welcoming tourists from home and abroad to join and indulge in the beautiful natural scenery of Arxan, according to information released by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism at a press conference held on Monday.

Arxan is situated in the southwestern part of the middle section of the Greater Khingan Range, China's largest virgin forest. Bestowed with rich natural resources, such as forests, hot springs, and beautiful snow, the city has emerged as a popular tourist destination.

The 2023 China (Arxan) Tourism Conference aims to promote development of Arxan's tourism industry. The grand event will include nine major activities, including an opening ceremony, a self-driving tour through the Greater Khingan Range, a rural artistic campaign, forums on culture and tourism as well as tourism-empowered rural revitalization and common prosperity, exhibitions on "intangible cultural heritage + tourism" experience and Arxan's development history in past decade, a tourism-themed exchange meeting, and vacation tourism product experience event.

During the conference, a camping rally, forest music festival, food festival offering Chinese, Russian and Mongolian dishes, and float parade will also be held to present new formats and scenarios of Arxan's tourism sector.

See the original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/335727.html

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/xinhua-silk-road-n-chinas-arxan-welcomes-global-tourists-to-experience-natural-beauty-301909014.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

Cision

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2023/24/c2470.html
More than 600 students at Chancellor High School in Spotsylvania County are taking math and English courses using the online platform Edgenuity because there is no licensed teacher to instruct them in-person.

At Chancellor, we have over 600 of our students taking math and English courses using the Edgenuity program due to three math vacancies and English vacancies, principal Abe Jeffers wrote in an email sent Thursday morning to the parent of a Chancellor High School student.

Jeffers said the school has filled one vacant English position and has an interview scheduled with another candidate.

For math, however, we have had no applicants to fill our three math positions, thus were forced to have our students use the teaching program Edgenuity, supervised by a substitute teacher, to learn math, Jeffers wrote.

The parent, Katherine Miller, forwarded Jefferss email to The Free Lance-Star. She said her daughter is a new student at Chancellor and that the family recently moved to Spotsylvania from Chesterfield County.

(My daughter) reported that on the first day, her Algebra II teacher didnt show up, Miller said. After the first week of school, she said, Yeah, we dont have a teacher. We watch videos that are recorded and we just teach ourselves the lesson.

Miller said math is the hardest subject for her daughter. She emailed her daughters counselor to ask if she could switch to a class with a teacher.

The counselor responded, Currently, all of our Algebra II and (Statistics) sections are on Edgenuity, according to the email, which Miller forwarded to The Free LanceStar.

In his email to Miller, Jeffers apologized for not being able to provide the math teacher (your daughter) and hundreds of our students need at this time.

He said he checks each day for new applicants and hope(s) each time that someone will be there.

Asked about whether any Stafford County high schools are using the online platform in a similar way, division spokeswoman Sandra Osborn said, We are not using Edgenuity to solve staffing issues.

In an interview, Miller said she has had four children go through public schools in Virginia and Louisiana and has never encountered a situation like this.

Ive never had to advocate to get a teacher, she said. I dont understand whats going on.

According to Virginia Code section 22.1-253.13:2, which lays out the state Standards of Quality, school boards shall employ licensed instructional personnel qualified in the relevant subject areas and shall assign instructional personnel in a manner that produces schoolwide ratios of students in average daily memberships to full-time equivalent teaching positions of 21 to one in middle schools and high schools.

School districts across the state and nation are struggling to recruit and retain teachers, with qualified math teachers being among the hardest to find, according to a 2019 analysis of 10 years of national data.

In Virginia, 4% of all math teacher positions were unfilled last school year, according to data reported to the Virginia Department of Education.

Spotsylvania, however, reported that 15% of math teacher positions 15.5 out of about 102 positions across the division  went unfilled last school year.

Stafford County reported that five out of 334 math teacher positions were unfilled last year.

According to VDOE data, Chancellor High was one of the 10 schools in Virginia with the most teacher vacancies last school year. Sixteen out of 85 teaching positions at the school went unfilled.

As of July 24, three weeks before the start of the 2023-24 school year, Chancellor still had to fill 13 out of 94 teaching positions.

In his email, Jeffers told Miller that the school is looking for ways to support students math learning by finding teachers either in our school or other schools to check in with and even tutor students as they work through content.

Miller told The Free LanceStar that she is considering hiring a private tutor for her daughter.

But not all families can afford a private tutor, and I dont think they should have to, she said.

In a statement, Amy Williams, chief human resources officer for the school division, said, "Spotsylvania County Public Schools is committed to providing excellent instruction in all subjects. Similar to many localities across the Commonwealth and nation, the teacher shortage is impacting all of our Spotsylvania County Schools. There is a critical shortage specifically in the area of mathematics that is impacting our high schools. The division is working feverishly to address this situation and is exploring all avenues to ensure our students success. This includes using evidence-based strategies to include online learning platforms such as Edgenuity for continued learning until another acceptable long-term solution is implemented."

Williams invites anyone who is "interested in teaching math, and (has) a bachelors degree" to apply.

"Please also contact Dr. Chris Collier, Director of Human Resources, if you have any questions or need additional support," the statement reads.
A Stafford man was arrested Tuesday after a young woman accused him of holding her against her will for the past two weeks.

Stafford Sheriffs spokesman Ryan Wilbur Deputy W.A. Bolinsky went to the England Run North apartments at 4:27 p.m. in response to a call about a disturbance. He was greeted by a woman who claimed shed been assaulted that morning after being held hostage for 14 days.

According to the womans story, she and the suspect met two weeks ago and had been together ever since. She said theyd been staying at her home in England Run and in motels along Warrenton Road (U.S. 17).

During that time, she said the suspect was always near her and made threats letting her know she was not free to leave.

Bolinsky went into the victims home and found the suspect inside. During the ensuing conversation, Wilbur said, the man denied the allegations and told the deputy that everything is good.

Wilbur said that Bolinsky found witnesses who corroborated the womans story, and the man was taken into custody.

Jayshaun Allen Cooper, 24, was charged with abduction by force and assault and battery. He was placed in the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Court records show that a preliminary hearing for Cooper is scheduled for Nov. 16 in Stafford Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
The long-anticipated kick-off of the new city-wide Fremont Transit Program has been set for Thursday, Sept. 7, city officials announced on Tuesday.

In a post to the citys Facebook page, officials announced the new program will kick-off in early September, offering rides, for all ages and vans are ADA-compliant.

The City of Fremont is happy to report a transit coordinator, full-time driver and part-time river have joined our team. Staff is currently receiving training and final program details are being wrapped up, officials stated in the posting.

The new van service will provide rides within the city limits and up to 2 miles outside of the city limits. During an early August meeting of the Fremont Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, officials got an update on the new service from Parks and Recreation Director Nick Hansen.

At the Aug. 7 meeting, Hansen told the board members he and others were working hard to get the vans service started as soon as possible. However, he also also warned board members and city officials that the van service is not a guaranteed ride, and that if a driver calls off sick, misses work for some reason or quits, then van service could be cancelled and not resumed until staff could return to work.

The start of the new service will culminate more than four months of quickly organized efforts by the city to provide transportation services on a much more limited scope than a former ride service provided by the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.

The citys plan is to only provide transportation five days a week to areas within the Fremont City limits and 2 miles extended from the city boundaries.

The former ENOA program  which ended service on June 30  had served five counties  the rural area of Douglas County as well as Dodge, Sarpy, Cass and Washington counties  providing transportation to a range of destinations, including medical facilities, doctors officers, grocery stores and other spots.

For interested riders or caregivers seeking more information, city official recommend checking out the transit page on the citys website: fremontne.gov/984/Fremont-Transit-Program.

Questions can also be made by telephone, at 402-459-2845.
The winner in Wednesday nights Republican presidential debate was the bench. If Republicans lose the White House again in 2024, they will do so with a lineup of viable, articulate candidates focused on social, cultural, economic and educational agendas.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis set the tone by talking about an America in decline by choice. Voters may continue the decline, he explained, or vote for someone who defends the traditional values and government policies that have formed the country since its inception.

Aside from United States funding of the war in Ukraine, the candidates agreed on most core issues. They want more border control, a solution to the overdose crisis, less administrative state, a better education system, less federal spending, more domestic energy production and fewer abortions.

Political newcomer Vivek Ramaswamy, a high-tech entrepreneur, said the country should stop spending so heavily on Ukraine  a point countered by former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley.

It is disastrous when we are paying for the invasion of someone elses border but not our own southern border, Ramaswamy said.

We have to put the interests of Americans first and secure our own border instead of someone elses.

No other candidate shared Ramaswamys position, and Haleys jab probably raised widespread concerns about his knowledge of foreign affairs.

The problem that Vivek doesnt understand, he wants to hand Ukraine to Russia, he will feed Taiwan to China and wants to defund Israel. He will make America less safe. You lack foreign policy experience, and it shows, Haley said.

DeSantis made clear he would end chaos at the border and the importation of fentanyl and other illicit drugs. Asked if he would send special forces across the border to take on the cartels, DeSantis said he cant wait.

Yes, and I will do it on day one, DeSantis said. You have the cartels controlling a large part of your southern border, we have to enforce the rule of law.

Throughout an evening of good solid policy talk, DeSantis might stand out as the candidate who made the best case for himself. He explained how crime in his state is at a 30-year-low. At his direction, the schools have stopped teaching critical race theory, gender identity and diversity, equity and inclusion to focus more time and resources on reading, writing and math.

Ramaswamy made what will go down as the most controversial statement of the night while talking about energy policy.

The climate agenda is a hoax, Ramaswamy said. The anti-carbon agenda is a wet blanket on our economy. More are dying of bad policies than they are of climate change.

South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott gave a solid performance but did not have the home-run moment he needed for a surge in the polls.

North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum entered the debate with the lowest name recognition among candidates. He came across as knowledgeable, conservative and presidential  but offered nothing to break him away from the pack.

At the end of the night, Republicans should feel confident they will get a winnable nominee no matter who takes the primary.

What the country needed Wednesday was one candidate to outshine the elephant not in the room  former President Donald Trump. On that challenge, for now, they fell short.

The Gazette Editorial Board
The man accused of killing 10 people in south Boulders King Soopers store in 2021 doesnt currently have any condition or illness preventing him from being fit to stand trial, the Boulder County District Attorneys office said Wednesday.

In a news release, the office said the court and attorneys received a competence reevaluation report from the Department of Human Services with the finding.

The revelation marks a significant development in the case, which has stagnated for nearly two years since the accused shooter was declared mentally unfit to face the charges against him.

The district attorneys office filed a motion asking the court to declare Ahmad Al Aliwi Alissa, now 24, fit for trial and schedule a preliminary hearing, according to a news release.

Our office will continue fighting for justice in this case, District Attorney Michael Dougherty said in the news release.

Alissas defense attorneys could still challenge the reevaluation report by requesting a hearing or a second evaluation, according to the motion filed Wednesday. A status conference for the case is scheduled for Aug. 29.

The defendant is accused of killing 10 people on March 22, 2021 at King Soopers on Table Mesa Drive. He faces more than 100 charges and sentence enhancers, including 10 charges of first-degree murder, counts of attempted murder and charges related to possessing banned high-capacity gun magazines.

The victims killed were Denny Stong, 20; Neven Stanisic, 23; Rikki Olds, 25; Teri Leiker, 51; Suzanne Fountain, 59; Kevin Mahoney, 61; Lynn Murray, 62; Jody Waters, 65; Tralona Bartkowiak, 49; and, Boulder Police Officer Eric Talley.

For too long  nearly two years  victims of the supermarket mass shooting and the Boulder community have waited for the justice system to decide the fate of the alleged perpetrator, Cynthia Coffman, who chairs the Colorado Healing Fund, said in a statement provided to the Denver Gazette.

The organization raises money to support victims of mass shootings.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Our organization and our donors have been with the victims and the community from the very beginning, and we will continue to be there to help support their long-term needs during this new stage of the legal process, Coffman said.

Judge Ingrid Bakke declared the accused shooter mentally unfit for trial in 2021 based on the opinions of several experts. To be considered competent for trial, accused persons must have a rational understanding of the case against them and the ability to participate in their own defense. Alissa has undergone mental health treatment from experts at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo intended to restore his competence since the evaluations.

He has previously been diagnosed with schizophrenia, antisocial personality disorder and depressive disorder, according to court filings.

Prosecutors wrote in their motion they want Alissa to continue to be housed at the state mental health institute to keep receiving treatment. The Boulder County Jail is not well-equipped to administer the same treatment as the state hospital, according to the filing.

CDHS describes his competency status as tenuous and strongly recommend(s) that he receive ongoing psychiatric care and take medications as ordered to remain competent, the motion said, referring to the state human services department.

It said the county jail has agreed to transport the defendant from the state hospital whenever requested by the court.

A court filing earlier this year revealed the state hospital has forcibly given him antipsychotic medications, and his mental fitness for trial appeared to have progressed. Prosecutors had questioned for months whether Alissa purposely refused to participate in treatment.

Earlier this month, prosecutors and defense attorneys requested the court reschedule a competence evaluation hearing set to start on Aug. 29 because the parties had not yet received a reevaluation report from the state hospital.
Joel Hollendorfer, convicted of manslaughter for killing 19-year-old Kara Nichols in 2012, will be sentenced to 24 years in prison next week after an El Paso County judge ruled his prior convictions would increase his sentence.

Attorneys on Wednesday presented argument over whether Hollendorfer should be sentenced as a habitual criminal.

The prosecution alleged throughout Hollendorfer's trial that he strangled Nichols after paying her to have sex with him, and that afterward he buried her body at his parents' farm, where it wouldn't be found until February 2022.

Earlier this year Hollendorfer was found guilty of manslaughter, a significant downgrade from an initial charge of first-degree murder, and initially faced up to six years in prison. However, at a hearing last month Judge William Bain ruled that Hollendorfer's prior convictions could quadruple his sentence.

Any defendant in Colorado convicted of a crime with at least three previous felony convictions could be considered a habitual criminal and have their maximum sentence quadrupled.

Hollendorfer's attorney, Jennifer Cox, argued to Judge Bain on Wednesday that her client should not be considered a habitual criminal because all four previous convictions for Hollendorfer were in the 1990s, when he was between the age of 18 and 20 years old. None were violent offenses and some of his previous convictions would be considered misdemeanors now.

Hollendorfer's previous convictions include theft and first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, second-degree burglary, attempted second-degree burglary and theft.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Prosecutor Christina Perroni argued that the timing of Hollendorfer's convictions and the fact that the convictions were all nonviolent should not play into the court's decision to sentence Hollendorfer as a habitual criminal.

Perroni cited cases in which the Colorado Court of Appeals ruled that the defendant could be sentenced as a habitual criminal despite none of their previous convictions being violent offenses.

In his ruling, Bain said he had one goal: to determine if Hollendorfer's potential sentencing as a habitual offender would be "grossly disproportionate" to the convicted charge, something he said is "very rare" for any court to find.

Bain said that taking into consideration that Hollendorfer would likely be eligible for parole around halfway into his sentence, 24 years in the Department of Corrections would not be grossly disproportionate to the charge of manslaughter.

"I find this crime to be grave and serious," Bain said during his ruling. "I do not find that (Hollendorfer) spending one year for each year Kara Nichols was buried is not grossly disproportionate."

Hollendorfer will return to Colorado's 4th Judicial District Court at 9 a.m. Aug. 31 for his sentencing hearing.
Editor's note: The headline with the story on page A1 in print editions and early e-edition covers was misleading. The headline has been edited in the e-edition and online.

Colorado Springs School District 11 expects to shed seven schools from the states low-performing accountability watch list this year, cutting that list nearly in half, D-11 predictive data analysis shows. Three other watch-list schools project positive gains.

School leaders celebrated the upward momentum at a news conference on Wednesday while emphasizing there are still significant improvements to be made.

That is unprecedented growth and achievement, but the work doesnt stop here, school board President Parth Melpakam said. The strategy that we have put in place, this outcome shows that it is working. And its going to take some time to change this district, but we are invested in this and are going to go into this with urgency.

This time last year, D-11 had nearly quadrupled its number of low-rated schools from four to 15 to include more than a quarter of its campuses, five of which received the lowest possible state rating. This year marks the first net positive watch-list shift in at least five years.

Melpakam and Superintendent Michael Gaal credit the change in tides to closely aligning money and resources with students in the classroom by way of new scholarship initiatives, increased teacher pay to one of the highest in the region, investment in pathway schools that cater to students specific interests in areas like arts or STEM and a restructured principal management team.

Administrators also engaged more directly with priority watch-list schools last year, measuring and visiting those schools three times more than others, according to Gaal.

Putting your money where your mouth is and against the area of need is the way to deliver results, Gaal said.

The Colorado Department of Educations student performance framework serves as an accountability system for schools and districts by gauging student outcomes and assigning points based on three performance indicators: achievement, growth and postsecondary workforce-readiness. Using a percentage of those earned points, CDE then assigns ratings to determine which schools require extra support and what level of accreditation districts will receive.

D-11 schools saw a projected net improvement of 15 ratings, according to D-11s 2023 predictive data analysis. Schools that meet state expectations are rated performance, and schools that fall just short are rated improvement.

Especially low-performing schools in need of more drastic changes are given priority improvement or turnaround ratings and are put on a so-called accountability clock. These schools have about five years to demonstrate improvement and escape the watch list or else they could face outside intervention from the Colorado State Board of Education up to and including a change in oversight, conversion to a charter school or closure.

The district anticipates the following gains under CDEs student performance framework this year:

West Middle School and Adams Elementary School make the largest jumps, each improving three ratings from turnaround to performance.

Martinez and West elementary schools also achieve performance status, each jumping two ratings from priority improvement.

Carver, Fremont and Penrose elementaries each improve one rating from priority improvement to improvement status.

Galileo School of Math and Science, Midland Elementary and Mitchell High each improve one rating from turnaround to priority improvement status.

District projections indicate eight schools will remain on the states watchlist.

Sign up for free: Springs AM Update Your morning rundown of the latest news from Colorado Springs and around the country overnight and the stories to follow throughout the day delivered to your inbox each evening. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

We set an audacious goal to (halve) that list in one year. Many people snickered and thought that was impossible, Gaal said. Not only did we (halve) that list. We took five schools we were watching on a turnaround status and moved all of them up at least one level.  We had several schools that did more than the impossible: They leaped several state rating levels in one year.

Twain Elementary is the only D-11 school expected to drop in this years ratings, moving one tier down from priority improvement to turnaround. Columbia Elementary, Swigert Aerospace Academy, Audubon Elementary and Mann Middle remain at last years priority improvement status.

School districts receive accreditation ratings under a similar tiered system. For satisfactory accreditation, a district must earn 56% of possible points under the student performance framework. Districts in the lowest tier are placed on turnaround plans for receiving less than 34% of performance indicator points. High-scoring districts are accredited with distinction.

In 2019 D-11 received 49.7% of potential points, marking the district as low performing and accredited with an improvement plan.

CDE paused its accountability ratings in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, but when scoring resumed last year the district dropped to 47.1%.

Mitchell High School was in the most precarious position after dropping in 2022 to turnaround status following four consecutive years on the states watch list.

Earlier that spring Mitchell and District 11 leaders presented a comprehensive plan before the state board demonstrating how they would improve student outcomes. The board approved, thereby pausing Mitchells accountability clock until 2024 in order to implement the new strategy.

Part of the districts efforts this year included the creation of the Mitchell Promise, which pledges two years of free college tuition at Pikes Peak State College for qualifying graduates who maintain a certain GPA.

How do we use money to incentivize students to remain engaged in high school to ensure that they have a pathway to Pikes Peak State College? Gaal said. Its not how fast you can spend it. Its can you spend it as close to the student as possible?

This years projection suggests Mitchell is moving in the right direction.

CDE updates its ratings each year following the release of state test scores. This years Colorado Measures of Academic Success scores show the district remains below state average in both math and English, with just 27.1% of students meeting or exceeding expectations in math and 35.8% meeting or exceeding expectations in English. In context D-11 leaders say those numbers actually have positive implications.

D-11 students improved on average by 1.2 percentage points in English and 3.2 percentage points in math, the latter of which was the biggest improvement in either subject in the Pikes Peak region.

We still have a long way to go, Gaal said. We are still not meeting state standards. We still have special populations that are woefully behind, but we have proven that a strategy supported with clear governance by the board of education and then the support of intentional adults on behalf of every student means that we can not only (halve) the list in one year, but get to a space where all of our schools are graded at performance.
A practical solution

All of us need someone to love, whether you have a roof over your head at night or not. Pets become even more important if you are unhoused. These animals provide unconditional love and often a sense of security.

So, hurrah to the Springs Rescue Mission for providing an overnight place for people and their pets! This is not a matter of excessive, poorly directed compassion. It is a practical matter if we want the homeless to be inside at night. Now people who used to stay away, have a place for themselves and their best friend!

Murlene Williams

Colorado Springs

No laughing matter

As a mother of five, information from City Planning and D-20 about the PC Development has felt like a comedy show  though not funny!

On Aug. 3, Katelynn Wintz said the D-20 census officer (Donald Smith) reviews capacity at local schools and the district as a whole and what the district has told us, is that they have capacity.

Donald Smith told me he does not comment on capacity! He responds if the district requests fees or land dedication, per existing city code.

Wintz said yesterday that she will meet with Smith and will send clarified information related to school capacity.

Who to believe?

Why is the city encouraging development (through bonds) in an area taxing infrastructure? Though wonderful, our schools are bursting at the seams, with growth continuing.

The district aims for 85% of architectural capacity. Smith sent data on capacity (w/o portables) and enrollment (as of 5/18/23) that showed Pine Creek at 94.9% of capacity and Mountain View at 99% of capacity. When I asked about the benchmark, he said its just a tool, among other factors, giving an opportunity to assess needs once the schools in a given area of the district exceed the 85% factor for several years.

How many years? The Colorado Department of Education site shows MVE and PCHS have been above 85% since at least 2017-2018.

What is D20 doing about this? Not telling city planning  their Aug. 30 meeting is about rezoning 60 more acres to residential, right by MVE and PCHS!

This has to stop! I beg the City Council, mayor, and superintendent to consider neighborhood capacity, not just for this development.

What this round robin of misinformation is doing to schools and families is no laughing matter!

Sign up for free: Gazette Opinion Receive updates from our editorial staff, guest columnists, and letters from Gazette readers. Sent to your inbox 12:00 PM. Sign Up View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

Lexie Borg

Colorado Springs

Big push of agenda 2030

I just read my Connection newsletter from city utilities enclosed in my bill.

The buzzword is sustainable energy.

That is the big push of agenda 2030; the utilities admitted years ago they were committed to agenda 2030. Just what is that? It is the United Nations program for sustainable development. Agenda 2030 is the updated version of agenda 21 the official blueprint for micromanaging every aspect of human activity in an emerging world government. All this stuff sounds harmless and feel-goody but when you look under the hood  the shiny car wont take you where you want to go.

Agenda 2030 wants us to replace our national identity with global citizenship. The goal is eliminating private ownership of property, banning or restricting firearms, imposing carbon taxes, mandating expensive electric cars, (which restricts our long-distance mobility) etc.

This is but a small list of the nefarious assaults on our freedom. The U.N. is not good for the USA. Instead of accommodating this agenda, we should get the U.S. out of the U.N.

June Heimsoth

Colorado Springs

A ban on abortion reversal

The sham that began with Senate Bill 190, passed by the Democratic-controlled Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis, has now come full circle. SB 190 outlaws the reversal of a nonsurgical abortion by prescribing progesterone, the major hormone that sustains a pregnancy, after a woman has taken the first abortion-inducing drug, mifepristone, unless the Colorado Medical Board and two other boards all decided this procedure meets generally accepted standards of medical practice. Last week, the medical board ruled against using progesterone to reverse abortions, thereby upholding SB 190 and ending abortion reversal in Colorado.

The boards decision should come as no surprise. Its members hold 4-year terms and are appointed by the governor. As Polis has been in office for more than 4 years, virtually all of the boards members were appointed by our staunchly pro-abortion governor.

Not surprisingly, the medias stories have been highly biased in favor of SB 190s ban on abortion reversal. The headline of the Gazettes story last Saturday, reporting on the boards decision, put the words abortion reversal in scare quotes conveying skepticism about the procedure. More importantly, the story states that a study on the effectiveness of the abortion reversal procedure was ended prematurely due to safety concerns after three participants experienced vaginal bleeding, which the story gives the impression was due to progesterone. The study said that while all three women had received mifepristone  known to potentially cause hemorrhaging  only one had received progesterone. Their severe bleeding was not caused by progesterone but very likely by mifepristone, the abortion drug.

The story also stated that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists rejects prescribing progesterone to reverse abortions. But neither that story nor stories in the Gazette last spring on SB 190 mentioned that the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists, a professional medical organization with over 6,000 members and associates, supports abortion reversal using progesterone. Or that the American College of Pediatricians supports it. Or that the Catholic Medical Association, comprised of more than 2,500 health care professionals, supports it.

Doug Barth

Colorado Springs
Since taking up a new capacity as Colorado's full-time commissioner on the Upper Colorado River Commission, Becky Mitchell said she has dedicated herself to full-time protection of Colorado and the significant interest the state has in the Colorado River.

Up until recently, Mitchell held a dual role: commissioner and director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board. With the board's blessing, and with the workload increasing for everyone tied to the renegotiations for Colorado River operations set to expire in 2025, the 2023 General Assembly split the job and put Mitchell on full-time with the Upper Colorado commission. Tuesday, Lauren Ris was named Mitchell's replacement on the state water board.

On the final day of 2023 Colorado Water Congress, Mitchell told the audience her full-time dedication is representative of the importance the river holds for Colorado.

Mitchell also spoke about what she sees coming next: the supplemental environmental impact statement to revise the 2007 Colorado River guidelines, a process the Bureau of Reclamation started in late 2022 and expects to wrap up this year. That statement will provide the Bureau with additional tools to protect Glen Canyon and Hoover Dams between now and through 2026, Mitchell said.

A draft of the supplemental statement showed two action alternatives and one "no-action" alternative. The latter would involve the Upper Basin states. Each proposal focused on reducing water uses downstream of the reservoirs. The response from the Lower Basin states was to come up with a different proposal, to conserve one million acre-feet of water per year for three years. While the Upper Basin states didn't endorse the proposal, they did agree to send it on to the Bureau for analysis.

Mitchell said they expect the Bureau to respond in the coming weeks with a revised draft that includes the analysis. "I applaud any conservation efforts wherever they occur," she added, and applauds any efforts by the Lower Basin states to conserve water.

But the Upper Basin states didn't endorse the proposal because they didn't get the details and still don't have them, she said.

Sign up for free: News Alerts Stay in the know on the stories that affect you the most. Sign Up For Free View all of our newsletters. Success! Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. View all of our newsletters.

A second environmental impact statement that will help develop new operation guidelines for the system, post 2026, started in June. This is the process that matters the most to Colorado, Mitchell said.

"This is where our focus needs to be unwavering. This is where we absolutely have to stand together," she said.

That's because the 2007 interim guidelines were "gamed" by the Lower Basin states, which have "knowingly maximized releases from Powell for decades," along with simultaneously ignoring basic physics like evaporation and transit losses. The silver lining, she said, is that those guidelines are expiring.

What comes next "is to make very clear our boundaries and what our expectations are," she said.

"We need to be prepared for the worst case scenarios like what we saw in the early 2000s. Our future is going be drier, but it's also going to be more variable," she said.

Among the future challenges is the fact that water users in the Lower Basin are not more important than water users in the Upper Basin. Both have equal apportionments under the 1922 compact, but the river does not provide enough water to sustain overuse by the Lower Basin states.

The Lower Basin states must account and adjust operations accordingly for all depletions, including evaporation and transit losses.

Mitchell also noted compact curtailment is not an option, and operations at Lake Powell and Lake Mead must respond to actual hydrology and available water supplies. Eight out of the last 10 years more water was released from Powell than comes in, and that happened in the 10 years prior to that, she said.

"This is not sustainable."

She also said tribal nations have water rights they are entitled to, but have been unable, to use, and those federally-reserved rights must be preserved instead of being used as solutions for the Lower Basin states.

"We have a chance to do this better. We have a chance to do this right."

Finally, "we also need to comply with federal environmental law and advance the coordination between the United States and Mexico," Mitchell said.

Difficult negotiations are ahead. Mitchell said she suspects things will get harder, but "we are better when we stand together," not only in Colorado but with the Upper Basin states. There may be times when "we have to stand alone and we are prepared to do that."

She also asked the audience and their organizations to reach out to her with their input and advice, acknowledging that while they don't always seen eye to eye, they all agree "to protect Colorado's rights on our namesake river, and commit to finding shared values where we can. As commissioner, I represent the entire state, all of our diverse interests and needs. And it's so important that we put our best foot forward on the matters where we are unified, while leaving room for difficult discussions to continue within our state."
Xi says Chinese modernization to bring new opportunities to China-Ethiopia cooperation

Xinhua) 08:12, August 24, 2023

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

JOHANNESBURG, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- China is advancing Chinese modernization with its high-quality development, which will bring new opportunities to cooperation between China and Ethiopia, said Chinese President Xi Jinping here on Wednesday.

China is a reliable friend and a true partner of Ethiopia, Xi said in a meeting with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit.

He noted that in recent years, the two countries have maintained frequent high-level exchanges and communication, and have yielded results within the frameworks of the Belt and Road cooperation and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China attaches great importance to its relations with Ethiopia and supports its domestic peace process, development and revitalization, he said, adding that China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to promote bilateral exchanges and to expand all-round cooperation, so that bilateral friendship can enjoy greater popular support and the China-Ethiopia comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership can witness further advancement.

Xi stressed that both sides need to continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests and major concerns, adding that the two countries should strengthen the synergy between the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and Ethiopia's Ten Years Perspective Development Plan (2021-2030), and accelerate the development of joint projects including Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway and green development.

China encourages more Chinese enterprises to invest and start their businesses in Ethiopia, welcoming the use by Ethiopia of the "green channel" for the entry of African agricultural products to China to expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation, said Xi.

China stands ready to work with Ethiopia in promoting the implementation of the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa and to make contributions to regional peace and stability, said Xi.

The friendship between Ethiopia and China is profound and the relations between the two countries have maintained good development momentum, said Ahmed, extending his sincere appreciation for the massive valuable support China has offered for a long time.

Thanks to the help from and cooperation with China, Ethiopia has achieved significant development and transformations in recent years, said the Ethiopian Prime Minister, noting that the two countries share similar experiences and have common stands on many major issues.

Ahmed said Ethiopia highly values its friendship with China, firmly upholds the one-China policy, supports the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative proposed by Xi, and actively participates in the Belt and Road cooperation.

Ethiopia stands ready to learn from China's governance experience to better achieve its own national development, and is willing to deepen cooperation with China in agriculture, mining and other fields, he said.

Ethiopia hopes to join the BRICS so as to push for closer cooperation in multilateral mechanisms and open up a better shared future for the two countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, Aug. 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun)
North Iowa is well-known as a welcoming, homey place to live, work and play. Lindsay Greenwood and Nyle Berger have brought that North Iowa feeling to their newly expanded Three on the Tree Coffee & Cafe.

The business was celebrated by the Mason City Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors with a grand opening ribbon cutting on Aug. 11.

Established in 2019 by local entrepreneur Katie Wold, the business has thrived at the corner of Delaware and Second St. N.E. Greenwood worked as Three on the Tree's manager and built the knowledge and skills she needed to take over ownership of the cozy coffee shop.

"I'll admit, I was a little scared at first, but Nyle is my 50/50 partner. I say it's more like 100/100 because we both put so much into it," Greenwood said.

"The baking part is where my passion is at. We're the only locally owned bakery making fresh treats daily. We also have grab-and-go lunches, online ordering and even catering. We've done a few big catering events for meetings and things," she said. "We've already grown quite a bit, especially with the bakery side."

Three on the Tree is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Iowa Eatz delivers drinks from the cafe and will soon add baked goods and lunches, but if you're in a rush, both Greenwood and Berger recommend ordering online for quick pick up.

"You can order directly through our website while you're getting ready to leave for work and we'll have your order ready on the counter when you are," Greenwood said.

On Saturday mornings during Mason City Farmers Market season (May through October), you'll find Berger at the cafe's booth in Central Park. He serves up coffee and treats to early and late morning shoppers alike, filling the park with the invigorating scent of freshly brewed coffee.

Berger spends most of his time working the counter and managing the front end operations of the business. "For me, it's about keeping that homey, family feeling. This is a good place to spend a little time while you're downtown," he said.
Seventeen Iowa dog breeders were cited for regulatory violations in the second quarter of 2023, with Iowa again ranking as one of the states with the highest number of violators.

Between April 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited 17 Iowa breeders for violations of the federal regulations, according to data compiled and analyzed by the Iowa animal-welfare organization Bailing Out Benji.

The number of violators resulted in Iowa being tied for second place among states with the highest number of violators:

Ohio  37 violators.

Iowa, Wisconsin and Missouri  17 violators each.

Pennsylvania  Six violators.

Oklahoma  Five violators.

Kansas and New York  Four violators each.

Arkansas, Florida, Texas, Minnesota  Three violators each.

Nebraska, Virginia  Two violators each.

Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina and New Mexico  One violator each.

Bailing Out Benji reports that Iowa has the nations fourth-highest number of USDA-licensed pet breeders and brokers, with 263 such businesses now operating in the state. Missouri is home to 885 such businesses, Indiana has 397, and Ohio has 343.

The 17 Iowa breeders cited for violations in the second quarter of 2023 include:

Steve Kruse of Stonehenge Kennels in West Point: At the time of his April 19 inspection, Kruse had 435 adult dogs. He was cited for one direct violation pertaining to inadequate veterinary care, with 15 dogs affected by that violation, and for one noncritical violation pertaining to inadequate cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control.

During the April 19 visit, the inspector made note of a female bulldog with severely reddened eyes and a large amount of yellow discharge covering both eyes and coating the surrounding hair. The dog was hesitant to hold its eyes open while being examined, the inspector reported, adding that the animal is not currently receiving any treatment for the condition.

The inspector also observed a spaniel with poor dental health and an abnormal eye condition. The condition of the dogs teeth and eye have not been noticed and the animal is currently receiving no treatment, the inspector wrote in her report.

In addition, there was a female bulldog with teeth that had been worn down almost to the gum line. Several of the dogs teeth appeared to have cavities that left nerves exposed. The condition of the teeth had not been noticed by Kruse and the dog wasnt being treated for the condition, the inspector reported.

The inspector also observed that the enclosures for bulldogs were constructed with wood frames covered with metal. The metal pieces, the inspector reported, are coated in a thick buildup of dirt, rust, and a dark brown greasy material that could be peeled away by hand.

The inspector returned on May 9 and again cited Kruse for inadequate veterinary care. The inspector observed four bulldogs with abnormal foot or eye conditions that were not being treated. Kruse was also cited for a noncritical violation pertaining to primary enclosures, with the inspector observing 13 dogs attempting to walk about in their enclosures with their feet falling through the openings in the mesh flooring.

Kruse was notified March 30, 2023, that the USDA was suspending his license for 21 days. In its notice to Kruse, the USDA said it was taking the action because the agency had reason to believe he had willfully violated Animal Welfare Act regulations and was failing to meet the minimum standards for animals.

Kruse operates one of the largest dog-breeding businesses in Iowa. In recent years, he has been cited for numerous violations and repeatedly appeared on the Humane Society of the United States annual list of the nations 100 worst dog breeders. In December 2015, he received a 21-day USDA license suspension after throwing a bag of dead puppies at a USDA inspector.

Annette Moeller in West Point: At the time of her May 10 inspection, Moeller had 53 adult dogs and 155 puppies. She was cited for one noncritical violation pertaining to the condition of the primary enclosures for dogs. Inspectors watched as the feet of three nursing puppies fell into the openings of the raised floor of their enclosure. Openings in flooring that are large enough to allow a dogs foot to pass through can cause injury to dogs and affect their ability to move around in a normal manner, USDA officials told Moeller. Moeller has sold puppies to pet stores in at least three states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

Bethany, Linda and Stanley Korver in Orange City: At the time of their May 5 inspection, the Korvers had 27 adult dogs and six puppies. They were cited for 12 noncritical violations, an unusually high number. (Earlier in the year, the Korvers were cited for 10 such violations.) The May 5 violations pertained to the method of identifying animals, recordkeeping, the dog-housing facilities, the primary enclosures for animals and the lack of veterinary care for dogs. The business was also cited for a lack of cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control  a repeat violation.

The inspector examined a Quonset hut used to house 10 dogs and six puppies and noted an accumulation of bird fecal waste, soiled wood chips, empty dog food bags, animal feces, dust, cardboard boxes, dirty plastic buckets and dusty food storage containers. In addition, there were no dated records of physical examinations, and no dated records of heartworm testing or rabies vaccinations for any of 27 dogs. The Korvers have sold puppies to a pet store in Nebraska, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

David, Glenda, Eric and Adam Grove of Iowa Fox Creek Kennels in Unionville: At the time of their May 16 inspection, the Groves had 32 adult dogs and 11 puppies. The business was cited for one noncritical violation pertaining to feeding, with the inspector making note of a feeder that contained dog food that was caked and moldy  a potential health hazard. The Groves were also cited for violations in 2022 and 2021.

Erwin Yoder of Yoder Kennel in Bloomfield: At the time of his May 31 inspection, Yoder had 33 adult dogs and 16 puppies. He was cited for one noncritical violation pertaining to a lack of veterinary care for the dogs. According to the inspectors report, Yoder was not adhering to standard protocols for heartworm prevention, the care of pregnant females, the deworming of puppies and flea treatments. Yoder sells puppies to pet stores in at least eight states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

A female pug's right eye was completely cloudy, with a a blueish color, while her left eye was sealed shut by dry, yellow-colored discharge. The dog was not receiving any form of treatment.

 USDA inspector's findings at Sunrise Kennels in Corydon

Freeman Helmuth of Sunrise Kennels in Corydon: At the time of Helmuths April 24 inspection, he had 57 adult dogs and 33 puppies on hand. He was cited for four noncritical violations pertaining to inadequate veterinary care, recordkeeping and incompatible grouping of animals. An inspector made note of a female pug whose right eye was completely cloudy, with a blueish color and was discharging yellow fluid, while her left eye was sealed shut by dry, yellow-colored discharge. The inspector also observed the dog had a wet, grey discharge from its nose and pointed out that the dog had not been evaluated by a veterinarian and was not receiving any form of treatment.

Heath Meyers of Century Farm Puppies in Grundy Center: At the time of his March inspection, Meyers had 225 adult dogs and 128 puppies on hand. The USDA issued Meyers an official warning stemming from violations found during an inspection earlier in the year. At that time, an inspector observed a Bichon hopping around with its right rear leg held up in the air due to a toe pad that was partially torn away. The dog was also in poor dental health, with some teeth that were loose and their roots exposed. Meyers and his staff were unaware of the dogs condition, the inspector reported.

Henry Byler of Seymour: At the time of this April 17 inspection, Byler had 49 adult dogs and four puppies on hand. Byler was cited for four noncritical violations pertaining to inadequate veterinary care and the housing facilities for animals. The inspector made note a female Shih Tzu with a large, hairless lesion on one shoulder and clumps of hard, dark material attached to her head and neck. Byler had not consulted with a veterinarian about the dogs condition and had provided no treatment, the inspector alleged. In addition, the inspector reported, the last time any of the dogs received a fecal or heartworm test was on Nov. 29, 2021. Byler sells puppies to pet stores in at least seven states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

Kyle Holtkamp of Donnellson: At the time of his June 27 inspection, Holtkamp had 61 adult dogs and 29 puppies on hand. He was cited for three noncritical violations pertaining to inadequate veterinary care and recordkeeping. According to the inspector, Holtkamp was having the business veterinarian visit the facility once every six months rather than monthly. Holtkamp sells puppies to pet stores in at least three states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

David Horning of Ionia: During the second quarter of 2023, Horning was issued an official warning by the USDA. The warning was tied to violations cited in February 2023 when inspectors noted a lack of veterinary care that had affected five dogs and one deceased puppy.

The inspector found one three-week-old Boston Terrier puppy that was much smaller than its littermate and had a thick, white discharge from one eye that she couldnt keep open. The puppy also had a very large head, as well as continuous tremors and open, red, raw sores on her hind paws. Horning has since canceled his USDA license.

At one point this year, Horning had 111 adult dogs and 10 puppies on site. Horning has sold puppies to pet stores in at least two states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

Larry Albrecht of Coldwater Kennel in Greene: At the time of his June 28 inspection, Albrecht had 165 adult dogs and 81 puppies on hand. He was cited for three noncritical violations pertaining to inadequate veterinary care and recordkeeping. The inspector reported that several dogs did not have their veterinarian-prescribed dental cleanings. One Pomeranian had a buildup of dark brown material covering half of her teeth on the left side and the teeth on the right side were completely covered in a hardened, dark brown material. At least one tooth was loose when touched by the inspector.

In addition, the inspector reported, the lack of medical records makes it difficult to determine if the animals are receiving the appropriate vaccinations and treatments and adequate preventatives for medical conditions. Albrecht sells puppies to pet stores in at least four states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji

Linda Mulder of Limi Je M Kennel in Boyden: At the time of her May 3 inspection, Mulder had 29 adult dogs and 13 puppies on hand. She was cited for three noncritical violations pertaining to inadequate veterinary care and inadequate cleaning, sanitization, housekeeping and pest control. The adult dogs were not vaccinated for distemper and there is no record of the vaccination, the inspector reported. This can increase the disease potential for the 29 dogs. The business had not been inspected since 2021. Mulder sells puppies to pet stores in at least two states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji

Nathan L. Millerof Kalona: At the time of his June 29 inspection, Miller had 12 adult dogs and one puppy on hand. He was cited for four noncritical violations pertaining to outdoor housing facilities and inadequate veterinary care for dogs. The inspector noted that an outdoor enclosure with a tin roof was housing one adult dog and did not have adequate wind and rain breaks. All shelters housing dogs in outdoor facilities must contain a roof, four sides, a floor, and a wind break and rain break to help keep the animals dry and comfortable, the inspector noted.

Norman Hershberger and Steve Kaffman of Hazelton: At the time of their April 13 inspection, Hershberger and Kaffman had 23 adult dogs and 17 puppies. They were cited for two noncritical violations pertaining to inadequate veterinary care for the dogs. Hershberger and Kaffman allegedly acknowledged that none of the adult dogs were up to date on their annual parvovirus, distemper, hepatitis and Bordetella vaccines and the kennel had not been conducting annual sample-testing of dogs for heartworm disease.

Three dachshunds were housed together in a single enclosure that measured 24 inches by 48 inches  less than half the required size.

 Inspector's report on New Design Kennels of Rockwell City

Nancy and Thomas Carlson of New Designs Kennel in Rockwell City: At the time of their June 15 inspection, the Carlsons had 61 adult dogs and 15 puppies. The couple was cited for two noncritical violations pertaining to primary enclosures for animals and inadequate veterinary care for dogs.

The inspector found that three 18-week-old dachshunds were housed together in a single enclosure that didnt provide the minimum amount of required floor space. The dachshunds each measured 22 inches from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail, but were housed in an enclosure that was only 24 inches wide and 48 inches long  less than half the required size.

In addition, the inspector reported, there are no records of when vaccinations or parasite control treatments were given for most the 61 adult dogs. The Carlsons sell puppies to pet stores in at least three states, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

Thomas and Willie Yoder of Keosauqua: At the time of their April 25 inspection, the Yoders had 21 adult dogs and 16 puppies. They were cited for three noncritical violations pertaining to housing facilities and the primary enclosures. The puppies are housed in enclosures with raised plastic flooring, the inspector reported, adding that she observed the feet and legs of one dachshund puppy falling through the openings of the floor numerous times as it walked around the enclosure. The Yoders have sold dogs to a pet store in the state of Washington, according to records maintained by Bailing Out Benji.

Toni Robbins of Taga Aussies of Coon Rapids: At the time of her April 13 inspection, Robbins had 51 adult dogs and 25 puppies on hand. Robbins was cited for one noncritical violation pertaining to inadequate water for the animals, which affected 17 of the adult dogs and 13 of the puppies. Several enclosures, the inspector reported, had stainless steel water receptacles in them, but they lacked any water for the dogs and puppies to drink. All dogs must have continuously available water, the inspector advised Robbins.

More than 300 Samoyeds were seized from an Iowa puppy mill in 2018. Where are they now? niko samoyed tesla niko and tesla 2 .jpg lua shelby skyy stella samoyed samoyed cartier kevin thor Valkyrie Mishka samoyed lucy samoyed Ollie samoyed hudson boo everest meka henry samoyed kody kota apollo samoyed samoyed gus Olive juneau bodhi and phoebe fenix samoyed gus (williams) samoyeds juno and masey roo harper winston umka inara gracie samoyed Toshi samoyed juno diamond samoyed Ronan samoyed arya (hazel) Finley houston luka tina Lucy max and polar buddy izzy with water bowl.jpg Iowa Samoyed rescue Niko Iowa Samoyed Niko chasing a ball Iowa Samoyed rescue Lua Iowa Samoyed rescues Stella and Skyy Iowa Samoyed rescue Finley Iowa Samoyed rescue Thor Iowa Samoyed rescues Valkyrie and Mishka Iowa Samoyed rescue Lucy (now in Texas) Iowa Samoyed rescue Hudson Iowa Samoyed rescue Everest Iowa Samoyed rescue Kody sings Iowa Samoyed rescue Apollo Iowa Samoyed rescue Gus (Huling) Iowa Samoyed rescue Olive Iowa Samoyed rescue Juneau Iowa Samoyed rescue Juno Iowa Samoyed Rescue Masey Iowa Samoyed rescue Gus (Williams) gets the Zoomies Iowa Samoyed rescue Harper Iowa Samoyed rescue Winston Iowa Samoyed rescue Gracie Iowa Samoyed rescue Juno and pal Hana Iowa Samoyed Rescue Ronan Iowa Samoyed rescue Houston Iowa Samoyed rescue Izzy Iowa Samoyed rescue Kody
Health data for the city of Danville spanning 35 metrics is now available through a national dashboard.

This adds another tool in a collaborative approach to better the wellbeing of residents in the Dan River Region.

According to findings released earlier this year by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, Danville ranks 128 out of 133 Virginia localities for the worse health outcomes.

The city was one of 67 across the nation to included in the City Health Dashboard this year.

When navigating to the dashboard, a user is presented a list of metrics in five categories: health outcomes, social and economic factors, health behavior, physical environment and clinical care.

When clicking on obesity, for example, data is presented showing about 40% of city residents are obese, compared to about 31% of other cities included in the dashboard.

The data, which will be used in education circles around the globe, is gleaned from federal and state collections.

The City Health Dashboard is an excellent tool that will continue to support and advance our collaborative work, Maggie Richardson, regional coordinator for the Health Collaborative, said in a statement. Access to local data is so important for validating peoples lived experiences and developing effective strategies that directly address health inequities.

The Health Collaborative isnt an organization in itself.

Were not the ones developing and operating programs, but we can bring people together to implement the type of strategies that individual organizations cant do on their own, she recently explained to the Register & Bee.

It will help the local REACH Partnership to monitor specific areas that are troubling. REACH, which stands for Regional Engagement to Advance Community Health, is managed by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.

With funding through a $6.3 million grant from the Danville Regional Foundation, the group targets at-risk populations.

Partners include the Virginia Cooperative Extension, Piedmont Access to Community Health Services, Gateway Health, Sovah Health Danville, Compassion Healthcare, the Danville Life Saving Crew, Caswell County (North Carolina) EMS, Danville-Pittsylvania Community Services and Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, a news release reported.

Richardson recently explained the community health worker project  a predecessor of sorts to REACH  came about by mapping out super users of the local emergency room.

The idea was to connect people with other resources, like a primary care doctor, to take care of chronic conditions before they get out of control.

Its important for the future of our community and the people living here to have an opportunity to have a healthy lifestyle, Danville City Manager Ken Larking said. This dashboard will enable us to track progress over time and to target resources to the areas that need it the most.

But it goes beyond just physical health. The Reach Partnership also deploys non-clinical workers to address whats known as the social determinants of health.

For example, if someone is homeless, managing diabetes isnt a priority.

Richardson also recently pointed to a success story with school-based health clinics in Danville and Pittsylvania County. It started because for one reason or another, children werent getting medical attention.

The city has a brick-and-mortar facility at George Washington High School and Pittsylvania County has a mobile unit that travels around.

Although the Health Collaborative isnt operating it, they were able to bring the districts together with other partners, like Piedmont Access to Health Services.
The Danville Community College Educational Foundation hosted its third annual Suds, Swine, Sippin' & Song event Aug. 4 at Motley's Mill Waterfall Estate in Chatham, Virginia. The event was sold out with over 200 in attendance and more than $40,000 in sponsorships, making the 2023 event the most successful to-date, the college reported. The event featured barbecue prepared by Chiefs BBQ, side dishes provided by Kick Back Jacks and live music courtesy of the local bluegrass band Jus Cauz. Motley's Mill Waterfall Estate provided a backdrop on the Banister River and the cooler temperatures allowed many guests to enjoy the outdoor patios overlooking the river. For bourbon enthusiasts, a separate VIP Bourbon Tasting was available, offering an opportunity to savor some of the bourbon varieties under the guidance of bourbon master Dave Slayton. New to the event this year was the Cigar Dungeon for those aficionados who enjoy a good cigar with their bourbon.
Danville legend Wendell Oliver Scott Sr. received posthumous recognition this week from the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy.

Scott used his innate mechanical abilities and natural racing talent to become the first Black driver to win a race in the Grand National Series  NASCARs highest level of competition  at age 46.

He piloted his 1962 Chevrolet to first place at the Jacksonville 200, but the race continued for two more laps, possibly to give a white driver behind him a chance to catch up and take the lead. He completed 202 laps, but second-place finisher Buck Baker was announced as the winner. A few hours later, officials notified Scott of a scoring error, but said the trophy had been misplaced.

On Monday, Warrick Scott  the legendary drivers grandson  accepted the 2023 Strong Men and Women of Virginia Award on behalf of the Wendell Scott Foundation.

The foundation was formed in 2010 to further Scotts legacy and now also helps youth in underserved communities find mentors and STEM-based educational opportunities.

We are deeply honored by this recognition of my grandfathers legacy, Warrick Scott said in a statement. Wendell Scotts enduring impact on motorsports and civil rights is a testament to his resilience and determination.

Warrick Scott called it a proud moment to accept the award.

The award was presented during a ceremony Monday to honor the drivers legacy.

The Strong Men and Women in Virginia History program  coordinated by the Library of Virginia and Dominion Energy  honors the contributions of African Americans to Virginias history and culture, according to the groups website.

Twenty-five years after his death, NASCAR inducted Scott into its Hall of Fame in 2015. In 2021, Scotts family received a trophy commemorating the historic race victory at Speedway Park in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec. 1, 1963.

Scotts name was given to a stretch of U.S. 29, running from the southeastern corner of Danville to a northwestern point at the edge of the city limits in 2018.

A traveling exhibit will come to Danville later this year to celebrate Scotts achievements. Its currently at the Martinsville Library, where it will be remain until Sept. 16.

Itll move to the Ruby B. Archie Library in Danville from Nov. 13-Dec. 23.

This exhibit offers a unique opportunity for the public to delve into the life and accomplishments of Wendell Scott, exploring his impact on motorsports and his significant contributions to Virginias history, the news release stated.
Riders of Helenas public transportation system, Capital Transit, may have noticed an increase in the rate this month, and with approval from the city commission, the transportation department will increase it 200% come September.

The Helena City Commission approved the increase during its Aug. 7 meeting from 85 cents to $3 a ride, stating that the rate had not been raised since about 1975 and no longer reflected the level of service provided.

The bus switched from traditional fixed-routes to a hail-a-ride model during the COVID pandemic, allowing riders to schedule a pickup and drop-off anywhere within the city through an app on their cellphones. The longstanding rate of 85 cents per ride was carried over to the new model.

Helena Transportation Systems Deputy Director Chris Couey said in an interview that Capital Transit has an about $1.9 million budget this fiscal year and that includes a $447,000 subsidy from the citys general fund.

In fiscal year 2023, Capital Transit received a $412,000 subsidy from the citys general fund.

Couey said the switch to a higher level of service at decades-old fares is only part of reason why the yearly subsidy has increased.

He said the departments allocation of Federal Transit Administration funds through the Montana Department of Transportation also went up about $100,000 this year, requiring a larger match from the city.

To use those allocations were getting, we have to provide those matching funds, Couey said. Were trying to find ways in which we dont have to reduce transit operations and are not a drain on the general fund.

Lewis and Clark County recently contributed an additional $10,000 for a total of $100,000 as its annual contribution to the municipal transit program for the purpose of city staff exploring a potential expansion of service into the north valley and over to East Helena.

Capital Transit now boasts a park-and-ride-like option for East Helena residents that can get them to transit headquarters in Helena, where they can schedule another ride within the city or a return trip, doubling the number of rides needed and cost for East Helena riders.

Couey said those opportunities for expansion are still being explored.

And thanks to the regions rapid growth, the feds are expected to redesignate the greater Helena area as an urbanized area, allowing for the establishment of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO).

Such an organization requires governor approval and the creation of a committee to oversee transportation planning in the region. It also opens up access to additional federal funds for those planning efforts.

The new designation also moves the city and its MPO partners into a new pool of FTA funding recipients, meaning more federal allocations and more required matching funds.

That redesignation is expected to come down within the coming months, Couey said.

The hope is the rate increase also gives a little more revenue to allow us to expand these services, Couey said. The better we can grow, the easier it will be to put those plans in place.

He said the city is anticipating an initial drop in ridership as the higher rate takes effect in September, but the hope is to get everyone who qualifies signed up to receive discounts for students, elderly, disabled and veterans, which he said makes up about 70% of riders.

City staff estimates an annual ridership of around 50,000.

Those who qualify for a discount will need to apply for it through the citys transportation department.

Were actually getting ready to launch the application form online likely this week, Couey said in an email Wednesday. Riders will be able to go to the Citys website, fill out their application, even upload the necessary documents. Its important to note that the City will not keep any of the verification documents, we are only using them the qualify riders for discounts and then they will be disposed of in a confidential manner.

He said some discount programs may require reapplying annually such as the student discount to ensure the rider is still actively enrolled in an educational program.

If scheduled ahead of time, those who qualify will pay $1 per ride. For a same-day reservation, discounted rides will cost $2.

I know the word has been out there, but we dont want to flip the switch on these fares and call it a day, he said. We want to get people into these discount programs.
Montana has ended Medicaid coverage for about half of those whose enrollment status has been reviewed over the last three months as part of a massive process to check the qualifications of everyone on the program.

About 61% of those saw their insurance end because they were not able to return the required paperwork to the state.

The state removed 17,099 more people from Medicaid in June as part of whats called redetermination, which is going on in states around the country. When the federal government terminated the public health emergency tied to COVID-19, it triggered the end of a requirement that people who qualified for Medicaid coverage during the pandemic remained so regardless of changes to their incomes or living situations.

The June removals account for 44% of those whose cases were evaluated that month. So far nearly 55,500 Montanans have lost coverage since the process started in April, out of about 110,300 cases evaluated. About 30% of those who lost coverage, or 16,427, were deemed no longer qualified for coverage because of changes to their income, living situations or other metrics.

About 29% of those considered in June saw their coverage renewed, while 10,020 people are still in the process of evaluation.

So far the state has renewed coverage for a total of 36,599 people, or about 33% of the cases it has reviewed.

On Aug. 9 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sent Montana's state Medicaid Director Mike Randol a letter raising concerns about the state's redetermination process so far.

The letter noted an average call center wait time of 42 minutes and a call abandonment rate of 40% for those seeking help with renewing their coverage, as well as 15% of applications taking more than 45 days to process.

Based on your states data, CMS has concerns that your average call center wait time and abandonment rate are impeding equitable access to assistance and the ability for people to apply for or renew Medicaid and CHIP coverage by phone and may indicate potential non-compliance with federal requirements, the letter reads.

The letter says Montana should review its call center data and operations as soon as possible and consider options like hiring and training more staff, extending hours and more.

The letter also cited a 36% rate of people removed for procedural reasons as a problem.

While CMS recognizes the significant steps that states have taken to prepare for unwinding and simplify renewal processes, we urge you to take further action to reduce the number of terminations for procedural reasons as quickly as possible by adopting strategies to increase ex parte renewal rates, to support enrollees with renewal form submission or completion, and to facilitate reinstatement of eligible individuals disenrolled for procedural reasons quickly, the letter reads.

The letter also noted taking 45 days or longer to process renewals is not in compliance with federal standards. "It is imperative that states complete this work on processing new applications expeditiously and maintain timely application processing to ensure timely access to coverage for eligible individuals," the federal government said.

A spokesperson for the state health department said Wednesday it is working to improve its process and contended the department is going through the process in a timely and accurate manner approved by the federal government.

We continue to closely monitor, evaluate and strengthen our Medicaid redetermination process with a laser focus on ensuring coverage for eligible Montanans. Further reforms to the Public Assistance Helpline are well underway, and we remain committed to providing excellent customer service through continuous improvements to our call center operations, wrote communications director Jon Ebelt in an email.

Ebelt said that the health department is working to simplify the help line and where callers are directed, as well as hiring, training and onboarding more staff in coming weeks and modifying callback options to be more efficient.

The department also created a separate queue for Medicaid-only calls and is implementing a tier system to respond to more urgent calls quicker than others. The call center will also offer expanded times beyond the current schedule of 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, Ebelt said.

The department also updated recorded messages to tell people they can submit materials online, through the mail or at their local Office of Public Assistance, Ebelt said. He added that people who have not yet returned the information requested by the department can still do so even if the deadline has passed.

People can visit apply.mt.gov to create an account to apply, complete redetermination packets get more information. Those who lost coverage can also reapply at any time or visit healthcare.gov to see if they can purchase a plan on the federal marketplace.

The department has previously said it's starting the redetermination process with the Medicaid expansion population and other groups that are more likely to no longer qualify because of changes in incomes or other situations.

By the latter part of July, the federal government had paused redeterminations in a dozen states, not including Montana, because of issues with following federal requirements.

Montana Democrats on Wednesday issued a press release criticizing the process so far.

The Gianforte administration is kicking Montanans off their insurance with callous disregard for the harm it is causing our states working families, health care providers and economy, said minority leaders Sen. Pat Flowers and Rep. Kim Abbott. The governor must pause this bureaucratic failure until he can cut through his own  red tape and ensure that no Montanan who should be covered under Medicaid is kicked off their health insurance.
Ailments like brucellosis and chronic wasting disease have become well-known in hunting circles over the past few decades. Both are known to infect elk and be spread by close contact between infected animals.

Thats why it seems ill-advised that Wyoming operates winter feedgrounds for elk. Spread across the western third of the state, the sites congregate elk allowing brucellosis and CWD to spread.

Right now the Wyoming Game and Fish Department is taking public comments on its newly unveiled feedground management plan.

To learn more about the issue, were talking with Brett French, outdoor editor at the Billings Gazette.

This podcast is created in partnership across five newsrooms  the Billings Gazette, Helena Independent Record, Missoulian, Montana Standard and Ravalli Republic. You can support this podcast, and our efforts, by becoming a subscriber.
Fishing restrictions lifted on most rivers

Effective Aug. 22, all fishing restrictions and closures on rivers in Montana were lifted, with the exception of hoot owl restrictions on the Madison River and Sun River.

Hoot owl fishing restrictions prohibit fishing each day between 2 p.m. and midnight.

On the Madison River, hoot owl restrictions are in effect from the confluence with the Jefferson River to the Warm Springs Fishing Access Site.

On the Sun River, hoot owl restrictions are in effect from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 Bridge.

Angling restrictions are implemented based on several considerations: stream flow, water temperatures, angling pressure and other angling restrictions in the area that may divert use to waterways where circumstances are increasing stress on the fishery.

For current information on restrictions and closures, go to https://bit.ly/44lNZJh.

Be on lookout for sharp-tailed grouse

FWP biologists, with the help of conservation groups and private landowners, relocated about 97 sharp-tailed grouse from eastern Montana to western Montana in 2021 and 2022, plus 144 more grouse this spring.

Birds were released in the lower Bitterroot Valley near Florence, in the Flint Creek Valley near Drummond, and in the upper Blackfoot Valley near Helmville.

Prior to these relocations, the last sharp-tail documented in western Montana was in 2000. The relocations were a result of a decade of planning of how to bring this species back to a region where it was previously common.

Upland game bird season opens Sept. 1, and FWP wants bird hunters to be aware that they could encounter a sharp-tailed grouse in western Montana so to be extra careful with identifying birds. Hunting for sharp-tailed grouse has been closed west of the Continental Divide for decades. Find out more and about how to identify grouse online at https://bit.ly/3OLmyTK.

Some of the relocated birds have radio transmitters, and FWP biologists are tracking their movements and using the information to help make plans for future releases over the next decade. Not all birds have transmitters, so reports of sightings can also help wildlife staff. If you are fairly confident that you encountered a sharp-tailed grouse in western Montana, report sightings to FWPs project supervisor, Chris Hammond, at chammond@mt.gov.

There will likely continue to be increased chances for sharp-tailed grouse sightings over time as these relocated birds move into new areas, so hunters and others should keep a careful lookout.

Wetland council seeks members

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wetland Protection Advisory Council is seeking people interested in migratory game birds, wetland habitat or waterfowl hunting.

The WPAC oversees FWPs Migratory Bird Wetland Program, which is tasked with the protection, conservation and development of wetlands in Montana. Funding for the program comes from the sale of state migratory game bird hunting licenses.

The WPAC advises FWP on strategies for wetland conservation and reviews each project proposal that is submitted to the program. WPAC members will evaluate the merits of the proposals and advise FWP on whether to proceed with funding. WPAC members are also helpful in providing recommendations for improvement to project proposals.

Members are sought for Region 1 and Region 6. WPAC includes members who represent each of the seven FWP administrative regions and must include Montanans who are migratory game bird hunters, non-consumptive users of wildlife and in the agricultural industry.

Council members will be appointed by FWP Director Dustin Temple and will participate in up to two meetings a year. Term lengths are four- or six-year commitments.

To apply, visit the WPAC webpage. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 12. The next council meeting will be held in Helena on Oct. 5.

For more information, call Heather Harris at 406-230-1839, or send an email to heharris@mt.gov.

Comment sought for fisheries plan

A new draft comprehensive statewide fisheries management plan is now out for public comment.

The plan outlines the six main fisheries programs at FWP, including aquatic habitat; aquatic invasive species and fish health; fish propagation, allocation and distribution; fish management tools and techniques; youth and family fishing; and species management.

The plan also proposes fisheries management direction for 40 drainages in Montana. Each drainage section of the draft plan includes a map, fisheries management information, and special management issues, among other things. FWPs fisheries management philosophy is focused on wild fish management, meaning that fisheries are sustained through wild fish reproduction as much as possible.

This management philosophy takes a comprehensive approach to fisheries management requiring adequate water quality, complex and connected habitat, protection from pathogens and invasive species, angler management, and stocking of quality and appropriate fish species only where and when necessary.

The first statewide fisheries management plan was implemented in 2013. This is the third edition of the plan. The plan will be updated every four years with extensive input from the public.

Public comment will be taken until Sept. 25.

To view and comment, go to https://bit.ly/3snQuxx.
DECATUR  One of the accused teenage killers of a Decatur mother and her unborn child is now lodged in the Macon County Jail.

Tarlan R. Mackeys name has become more widely known in connection with the murder case since he was transferred from the custody of the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center to the Macon County Jail on Aug. 19, the day he turned 18.

He was 17 at the time of the offense and now he is an adult and old enough to be incarcerated with adults, said Macon County States Attorney Scott Rueter.

Rueter said Mackey had always been charged as an adult although he was 17 on March 8 when the six-month pregnant victim, Janiah B. Thomas, 20, was shot to death. Thomas was huddled in a bedroom of a house in the 1300 block of North Woodford Street as she cradled her 4-year-old daughter who was also wounded and lost sight in an eye as a result.

Rueter said the seriousness of the alleged crime  first degree murder  meant that under legal rules Mackey was automatically charged as an adult, without the need for a separate hearing, after his arrest.

Mackey is pleading not guilty to three alternate counts of murder and three alternate counts of the intentional homicide of an unborn child. He also denies the aggravated discharge of a firearm and two counts of aggravated battery involving the firing of a gun.

He joins in jail Mattavius A. Anderson, 18, who is pleading not guilty to six counts of murder and a charge of aggravated battery to a child causing permanent disability. He further denies another aggravated battery charge and a charge of the aggravated discharge of a firearm.

A 15-year-old juvenile male from Decatur has also been charged with murder and was being held in the Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center.

Andersons bail is set at $2 million while a bail amount has not been listed yet for Mackey.

Sworn affidavits from Decatur police about the murder say Janiah Thomas had been involved in a dispute with another woman connected with the accused gunmen and, believing their own home could be the target of further violence, they decided to go on the attack.

James Wrigley, a juvenile division detective who gave evidence at Thomas inquest, said the victim had been warned the gunmen were approaching the house where she was staying. The detective said the assailants opened fire from the outside and bullets ripped through the interior of the home, one of them hitting Thomas in the head.

Macon County Coroner Michael Day had then asked Wrigley: So they knew the house was occupied and they knew when they fired upon the house that there was a distinct possibility, probably an intent, that they would hurt or harm somebody inside?

Correct, Wrigley had replied.

2023 mugshots from the Herald & Review Lourash Hirstein Phillip Gehrken Joseph A. Williams Jetrevius O. Jarrett Edwards King-Woods Wilson Derrickson Colby J. Park
The first question of the 2024 Republican presidential debate Wednesday night was about Rich Men North of Richmond, the working class anthem by Oliver Anthony, of Farmville, that went viral this month.

Fox News Channel moderator Martha MacCallum asked Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis why the song has become so popular. Candidates were asked to lay out their economic arguments by way of explaining why a viral song decrying high taxes and the wealth of the elite had caught fire.

"As we sit here tonight, the number one song on the Billboard chart is called 'Rich Man North of Richmond.' It is by a singer from Farmville, Virginia, named Oliver Anthony. His lyrics speak of alienation, of deep frustration with the state of government and of this country. Washington, D.C. is about 100 miles north of Richmond," she said.

DeSantis said it's because the "country is decline."

"We also cannot succeed when the Congress spends trillions and trillions of dollars. Those rich men north of Richmond have put us in this situation," DeSantis said.

DeSantis also took an opportunity to go after Bidens son Hunter, saying he made hundreds of thousands of dollars on lousy paintings while Americans are working hard, and you cant afford groceries a car or a new home.

Watch the latest video at foxnews.com

Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he agreed predominantly with DeSantis response but argued he can be a consensus builder since he was elected as a conservative Republican in a blue state.

DeSantis, Christie, former Vice President Mike Pence, activist Vivek Ramaswamy, Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum took the stage Wednesday night for the Fox News event, the first Republican presidential debate of the 2024 election.

Former President Donald Trump did not take part.

An acoustic performance of Anthonys song was posted by user radiowv on YouTube on Aug. 11  and took off over the weekend. The song drew 17.5 million streams and sold 147,000 downloads in the week ending Thursday, according to Luminate, which tracks the data.

Billboard wrote, The Virginia resident is resonating with music listeners, thanks to his song raging against greed and injustice. The lyrics explore the pain, frustration and angst of the working class into lines that rage against greedy rich men.

Anthony performed Wednesday night in Farmville.

'Rich Men North of Richmond' singer performs in North Carolina Oliver Anthony Performs Oliver Anthony Performs Oliver Anthony Performs Oliver Anthony Performs Oliver Anthony Performs
HICKORY  Catawba Valley Community College and Campbell University have established an official partnership to provide a seamless transfer process for any student interested in pursuing a four-year degree upon graduation from CVCC.

The memorandum of understanding, signed Wednesday by both schools, creates and administers the Campbell Assured Admission Program, which allows currently enrolled CVCC students an assured-entry pathway to Campbell University.

As an added benefit, CVCC students who take part in Campbell Assured receive early access to information about Campbells academic programs. CVCC students may also connect with Campbell faculty and staff, who facilitate their transition into the university.

According to the agreement, the program prioritizes the ability to receive admission, financial aid and orientation communications early in the transition process, which sets CVCC students up for maximum success at both institutions.

CVCC President Garrett Hinshaw shared excitement about the opportunity to partner with Campbell, as it assures access for CVCC graduates to this outstanding institution of higher education.

Campbell, a private university in Buies Creek, is known for its excellence in offering high-demand workforce credentials, Hinshaw said.

Our graduates will now have the opportunity to experience a transition to another great university here in the state of North Carolina, he said.

Michael Adams, Campbell Universitys vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, echoed this idea. Campbell University is dedicated to supporting the exceptional Catawba Valley Community College graduates who wish to continue their education with us, Adams said. Working intentionally with colleagues at CVCC, we seek to provide a seamless transfer process in support of students academic and professional goals.

CVCCs participation in this program was also made possible by Debbie Austin, director of university co-admissions programs at CVCC and former director of CVCCs early college programs. Based on her experience working with many different students, she believes the partnership is a good fit for both schools.

I was very impressed with the number of scholarships and grants [Campbell] gave students to enroll there, Austin said. More often than not, students received enough aid to make the cost similar to what it would have been to attend a public school in North Carolina.

With Campbells College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, School of Law and their outstanding clinical science programs, [CVCC] students have the ability to complete a bachelors degree surrounded by the resources to be competitive when applying to any professional program across the state.

For more information about the CVCC co-admissions program, contact Austin at daustin@cvcc.edu. To learn more about CVCC, visit www.cvcc.edu.
60s-themed concert in Valdese

Valdese is hosting The Super 60s band on Friday for the Family Fun Night concert series.

Bring a chair and a blanket to Temple Field behind the Old Rock School and enjoy a free concert.

Concessions will be available for purchase courtesy of Old Colony Players. Enjoy fresh popcorn, nachos, candy, snow cones, cold drinks, ice cream, chips, and more to support your local community theater. Lawn games such as cornhole, tetherball, Frisbee, giant Jenga, and Connect Four will be available to attendees to enjoy.

The Old Rock School is at 400 Main St. W.

Luau in Bethlehem

The Bethlehem Ice Cream Shoppe is hosting a Hawaiian luau on Saturday starting at 5:30 p.m.

At 5:30 p.m. guests will be greeted with leis. From 7-8 p.m., there will be a traditional Hawaiian luau. At 8:15 p.m., Hula Carolina will be performing a fire show.

There will also be a screening of Disneys Moana.

The Bethlehem Ice Cream Shoppe is at 9300 N.C. 127 in Bethlehem.

Jazz on Tap

Noel Friedline, Wendy Jones, Russ Wilson and Rick Cline will perform for Jazz on Tap on Sunday.

The concert will be hosted at the Taste Full Beans coffee shop in downtown Hickory.

Doors open at 5:45 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. The event is $12 for anyone that is not a Hickory Jazz Society member.

Taste Full Beans coffee shop is at 29 Second Street NW in Hickory.
A note from D.G. Martin

In working with the MecDec again I have come to two conclusions:

First: There were no actual signers of MecDec. After the resolutions were passed, I doubt they had time to collect signatures. It took more than a month after the American Declaration of Independence was adopted to prepare a formal signing document and collect signatures. The list of signatures on modern copies of MecDec was probably based on the notes and memories of those preparing the copies.

Second: The term Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence was not originally a part of the resolutions adopted on May 20. The identifying heading or caption was added later to the various copies. The working title of the American Declaration was A Declaration of the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress assembled. I think that the term Declaration of Independence was first used in the final of the American Declaration.
This September, Hill College celebrates its centennial anniversary with a series of commemorative events for students, alumni, employees and community members.

Over the last 100 years, Hill College, initially established as Hillsboro Junior College in 1923, has grown from one of the first public junior colleges in the state to a renowned institution that provides high-quality education to students from around the world.

As the current stewards of everything that is Hill College, the faculty, staff and I are proud and honored to join with our alumni and community to celebrate the first 100 years of this amazing institution. Celebrating the past and building the future are truly at the heart of the wonderful events we have planned. Please come and join us and the fun, said Hill College President Dr. Thomas Mills.

See The Reporter Newspaper for the full story.
Roger Creech and the KHBR 1560 AM On-The-Go-Radio-Show will be live in Hubbard for open house events Friday, August 25, and at Tractor Supply Company (TSC) in Hillsboro Saturday, August 26.

Friday, Creech will be at Texas Farm Bureau Insurance, located at 220 North Magnolia, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. for their open house, which is planned from 12-4 p.m. Also celebrating open houses are Turning Heads Salon, at 100 NE 3rd Street, and Turning Heads Too, at 102 NE 3rd Street.

KHBR will be at TSC, located at 307 Coke Street in Hillsboro, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday.

Creech will have KHBR goodies like pens, tickets to Billy Bobs and Hawaiian Falls tickets, while supplies last.

See The Reporter Newspaper for the complete story.
A data breach at a Brisbane-based telemarketer has impacted some of Australias most well-known charities, exposing personal information from thousands of donors to the dark web.

The attack happened at Pareto Phone, a third-party tele-fundraising supplier which collects donations and services for more than 70 Australian charities.

While not all charities which use Pareto have been affected, reputable organisations such as The Cancer Council, The Fred Hollows Foundation and Canteen have all confirmed their donors were caught up in the attack.

In a statement provided to Information Age, Australia-based blindness charity The Fred Hollows Foundation said at least 1,700 of its donors data had been impacted.

We believe the impact on our donor data is limited to about 1,700 donors, the The Fred Hollows Foundation revealed in a statement.

According to the information Pareto Phone has given us, the compromised data does not involve financial, credit card or bank account information.

The foundation confirmed there was no impact to its own systems, and said it was deeply disappointed over its donors being affected by the breach at Pareto.

Meanwhile, other charities such as cancer charity The Cancer Council and humanitarian aid organisation Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) are still working to determine the full impact of the incident.

We are currently working to understand the impact of this breach, MSF told Information Age. We are so disappointed that MSF supporters have been caught up in this Pareto breach. We are contacting any affected MSF supporters as soon as it is clear who has been affected and what information has leaked.

Pareto held donor data for years

Both MSF and The Fred Hollows Foundation suggest the third-party fundraiser held on to donor data for longer than was necessary  effectively exposing donors to unnecessary risk.

MSF has not worked with Pareto Phone for almost five years, the organisation said in a statement on Wednesday.

"Under the Australian Privacy Principles, organisations must take reasonable steps to destroy personal information data that is no longer required.

Monash University cyber security professor Nigel Phair said data deletion was an important step for companies to avoid data breaches.

The best way for organisations not to have a data breach is for them to delete customer identifying information post-transaction, said Phair.

When asked why Pareto reportedly held its data longer than was actually necessary, MSF told Information Age it had not been given an explanation.

MSF said it had not engaged Pareto since 2018, while The Fred Hollows Foundation last worked with the company a decade ago.

We worked with Pareto Phone only during 2013 and 2014, said The Fred Hollows Foundation.

We were not aware our data was still held by them.

Pareto declined to answer Information Ages request for comment.

Attack first detected in April

Although the cyber incident was first detected by Pareto in April, a statement from Australias leading youth cancer charity Canteen suggests charities were not informed of the ensuing data theft until 8 August.

At the time, Canteen was assured that no data relating to its supporters had been accessed or downloaded, said Canteen.

On 8 August we were then informed that Canteen and numerous other charities across Australia were possibly affected by the data theft.

They have now informed us that there were some Canteen supporters who had information about them stolen from Pareto Phone.

Since finding out about the breach, Canteen has paused all activity with Pareto in consideration of potential risks to its data.

Although Canteen ensured its own systems have not been impacted and that it continues to use the best available software to protect its IT infrastructure, the breach at Pareto highlights a recurring trend of third-party incidents leading to major data theft in Australia.

Last month, participants of the National Disability Insurance Scheme were caught in a third-party incident at law firm HWL Ebsworth, and both Tasmanian and ACT government have suffered recent security incidents due to attacks at external providers.

Organisations, including charities and other not-for-profit organisations who may not think they will get caught up in a data breach incident, need to do due diligence when using third-party providers, said Phair.

Beyond what organisations can do to safeguard themselves, we need an effective stick to be used as a deterrent so companies are not lax with their cyber security.

The Privacy Commissioner now has increased penalties at their disposal, so it would be good to see such penalties imposed where justified, he added.

According to the ABC, Pareto Phone CEO Chris Smedley said the company was working with forensic specialists to analyse affected files, and has not identified any identity documents such as tax file numbers, passports or drivers licences at this stage.
CONCORD  After leading the Concord Police Department for over eight years, Chief Gary Gacek is stepping away from his distinguished 33-year law enforcement career to join Eli Lillys Global Security Team. He will be based out of Lillys Concord location.

During a Monday meeting, Gacek informed City Manager Lloyd Payne of his intention to retire. Gaceks last day will be Sept. 30.

Chief Gacek has been an innovative leader for the City of Concord, pushing our Police Department to achieve the highest standards of public safety, said Payne. Through his outstanding and visible leadership, Chief Gacek has fostered trust and openness between the residents in our city and the brave men and women who serve us each day. He will be missed but I wish him the very best as he retires from his decorated law enforcement career and begins the next chapter in his life.

During Gaceks tenure, the City of Concord has experienced historic population growth. The City has grown over 33% in the last 10 years and is now the 10th largest and sixth fastest growing city in North Carolina. At the same time, thanks to his leadership, the City has experienced record low crime rates. Total crime in Concord has decreased more than 45% over the last 10 years. The City consistently ranks as one of North Carolinas safest, and is one of only two cities with a population over 100,000 to make the list of the Top 20 Safest Cities in the state.

I am immensely proud of all that we have accomplished to create safe communities where families and businesses can flourish. It has been my honor to serve alongside such dedicated men and women who work tirelessly to create a sense of security for all the people we serve in Concord, said Gacek. Serving as Concords Chief of Police has been the highlight of my career. After more than three decades in law enforcement, its time for me to move on, but I have the utmost confidence in the next generation of leadership.

Gacek set a path for continued success in Concord through strategic investments in leadership and management training to prepare the next generation of leaders. He was instrumental in leading the Concord Police Department to achieve national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This is the gold standard in public safety and an accomplishment fewer than 5% of law enforcement agencies nationwide achieve.

Gacek was also a tremendous source of strength and comfort for the Department and the community following the line-of-duty-death of one of Concords police officers in 2020. During a time of healing after this tragedy, he helped form the Concord Police Foundation. The Foundation supports Concord Police Department employees and their families and community policing programs that enhance the publics safety.

Beginning Oct. 1, Deputy Chief Jimmy Hughes will serve as interim Chief of Police. The City will conduct a nationwide search to select Gaceks successor.
At VMwares Explore conference, iTWire spoke with Chris Wolf, VMwares vice president for their AI Labs. We were curious as to the focus of the lab and how it is resourced.

Here is his response.

So we have a cross functional team, with the core being in the neighbourhood of 200 people. We've worked with groups in all of the other parts of the business, so it's quite resource intensive, and we try to be very practical. You can never be truly successful to centralise the entirety of a function because you need to have allies to drive the outcome. So we've been very deliberate in what we wanted to be central versus decentralised. Our charter is to own and drive the AI strategy and execution for the company. That includes what we've defined as three pillars of AI.

We have a smarter businesses pillar, which is how do we enable our customers to take advantage of AI technologies? You saw a lot of that on display [throughout the conference], and how we brought forth private AI this week.

The second pillar is smarter products, and services. So that's driving AI into our products, AI capabilities. And we have to do this in a way that's mindful of how customers might want to run the software, ensuring their privacy needs are met, their compliance needs are met. Strategically, VMware is able to provide any opportunity for interoperability going forward. So we wanted to have that strategy also centralised.

You saw the announcements this week of our intelligent assist, and it's something that's really important to us too. For VMware, we take AI as a system technology is helping humans to be more successful. It's not a replacement, so that that positioning for us was really important.

The third third pillar is what we call smarter VMware. These are AI services that we're building and delivering internally. Where we look to mature and where it makes sense. So one that we shared [in a plenary session] was our software development use case. We thought it would be good, but it's actually been better than we expected.

The best way to put it, in terms of developer satisfaction, and even cost, is superior to what we assumed. We have a large language model that we use internally for product support that we're also looking to take to customers. So internally we have focused on use cases that are important to VMware but also use cases that all of our customers have, so we can share our learnings with what we've done and what's what's worked for us.

iTWire sees this as a commendable approach to such a complex environment.

The author attended VMware Explore as a guest of the company,
American internet telco provider AT&T announced the expansion of 5G for home internet, offering the service to 16 markets in the US for US$55 per month.

Named Internet Air, it covers the areas of "of Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Harrisburg-Lancaster-Lebanon, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh, Las Vegas, Phoenix (Prescott), Chicago, Detroit, Flint-Saginaw-Bay City, Michigan; Hartford-New Haven, Connecticut; Minneapolis-St. Paul, Portland, Oregon; Salt Lake City, Seattle-Tacoma and Tampa-St. Petersburg (Sarasota), Florida."

AT&T president broadband and connectivity initiatives Erin Scarborough said the company was identifying pain points and created a solution by using available network capacity in areas that are less densely populated while still providing a strong internet connection.

This is how Internet Air came into fruition, she said.

"Weve already rolled out AT&T Internet Air to existing copper-based customers with great success. As we begin to scale, we are hyper-focused on selecting locations with enough wireless coverage and capacity to deliver not only a great in-home experience, but also maintain a top-notch wireless service for our existing mobile users."

Those who have AT&T wireless service and sign up for automatic payments can lower their bill to US$35 per month. The 5G home internet does not have overage fees, equipment charges or annual contracts. The contract won't also see an increase at 12 months.

Users will receive a box containing a modem/Wi-Fi router device together with a QR code to access a step-by-step guide providing instructions.

The carrier's Smart Home Manager app can assist users where to find the best spot at home to provide the strongest connection.

AT&T is also offering an option to add Wi-Fi extenders to create a whole-home mesh Wi-Fi to eliminate dead zones.

CNET reported that the telco provider was experimenting Internet Air in some parts of Los Angeles and Philadelphia, pitching the product in some locations as an upgrade to its older, DSL home broadband service, in areas where fibre-based internet is not available.

AT&T told CNET that it is expecting the download speeds to be between 40Mbps and 140Mbps, and upload speeds between 5Mbps and 25Mbps.

AT&T's 5G expansion comes after the carrier confirmed it was giving its 5G network an earlier-than-expected speed boost.
Finnish telecommunications vendor Nokia has launched a 25G PON starter kit solution to help operators monetise revenue generated from 10Gbs+ opportunities.

The vendor claims that it can accelerate the deployment of speed connectivity to businesses, and can connect up to 10 businesses.

With 25G PON, operators can leverage their existing fibre assets to deliver 10Gbs speeds and beyond to businesses, farms, schools, and other enterprises.

Nokia says the 10Gbs service can power cloud-based applications, virtual reality, and AI.

The 25G PON starter kit bundles in one solution all of the fibre broadband technology needed to deliver one, 10 and 25G PON services to end-users including line cards, optics and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs).

Depending on the SLAs, practically all of that dedicated connectivity market is addressable for an operator with 25GS-PON capability. The addition of 25GS-PON to XGS-PON makes the fastest-growing portion in revenue terms, true10Gbit/s (and even above) symmetrical connectivity, addressable right now, said Analysys Mason research director Rupert Wood.
South Korean and Taiwanese chip companies have obtained an additional year's extension to ship advanced chip technology and related equipment to China, the Nikkei Asia website claims.

The report said this would undermine US efforts to restrict China's bid to bolster its semiconductor industry, but prevent disruption in the global supply chain.

The US issued an order in October 2022, blocking the export of high-end semiconductors to China. However, Samsung Electronics and SK hynix were given one year to continue investing in their China operations.

At the same time, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, the world's biggest fab, was granted a one-year licence to ship US chipmaking equipment to its expanding plants in China.

The report of the additional one-year extension to these three came a day afterclaimed that Chinese telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies was making an effort to skirt US sanctions by acquiring chip factories and also constructing them.

The Nikkei report pointed out that of the US$570 billion in global chip sales in 2022, about a third was accounted for by China. Beijing had also overtaken Tokyo in chipmaking capacity in 2021, and only trailed South Korea and Taiwan.

The report also highlighted the fact that about 40% of SK hynix's DRAM production capacity was based in China which meant that global supply of computers and other electronic devices could have witnessed major disruptions without the US granting these export exemptions.

When the American ban on shipments of high-end chips to China was announced in October last year, prominent economist David P. Goldman warned that the new rule would affect the US more in the long run.

Goldman, editor of the Asia Times website, claimed the modest subsidies extended by the US Government to the chip industry would be outstripped by the harm caused to capital investment and research and development in Western industry by a factor of five or more.

The US has also imposed additional bans, this time on American investment in firms it claims could help boost Beijing's armed forces, with the aim being to block access to technologies around AI, quantum technology and semiconductors. This prohibition was announced in August.
The Semiconductor Industry Association, an American lobby group for the sector, has leaked claims that Chinese telecommunications equipment vendor Huawei Technologies is trying to get around US sanctions by acquiring chip factories and also constructing them.

The claims were reported by the Bloomberg news agency on Wednesday and said both the Chinese federal government and the government in Shenzhen, where Huawei is based, had contributed money in the order of US$30 billion (A$46.3 billion) to the company for this initiative.

Neither Huawei nor the SIA has made any public statement about this claim. iTWire has contacted both organisations for comment.

Earlier this year, it was reported that Huawei was making a bid to return to the 5G smartphone industry by the end of 2023.

Bloomberg has made a number of claims about Chinese companies in the past, many of which have turned out to be speculation and nothing else. For example, in October last year, the news agencya Shenzhen-based start-up known as Pengxinwei IC Manufacturing was aiming to help Huawei get around American sanctions.

But in its own story, Bloomberg admitted Pengxinwei had not yet got off the ground at the time, making a great deal of its extremely lengthy report speculative. Other speculative reports by Bloomberg concerning China are here and here.

In May 2019, the US placed Huawei on its Entity List; American firms cannot sell products made in the US with more than 25% of American content to companies on this list, without obtaining a licence.

But Huawei was able to easily get around this restriction by getting products it needed supplied by branches of American firms located outside the US.

However, being on the Entity List entry meant Huawei was unable to continue using the proprietary version of Google's Android mobile operating system; this includes apps like Gmail, Maps, Drive, YouTube, the PlayStore and Photos.

Huawei had to confine itself to using the open-source version of Android, which has none of these apps. Google applied for an exemption to continue supplying Huawei, but did not get one. Microsoft was more successful, obtaining a waiver from the Department of Commerce to continue supplying the Shenzhen firm with Windows that Huawei uses on its laptops.

The US came back in May 2020 with further restrictions aimed at cutting off Huawei's supply of advanced semiconductors which it was getting mostly from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. The additional restrictions were imposed via the Foreign Direct Product Rule that makes it necessary for any company  American or foreign  that sells American products or those made using American technology to require a permit before selling to Huawei.

There has been further tightening in the years since, with an order in October 2022 blocking the export of high-end semiconductors to China.

This month, the US imposed curbs on American investment in firms it claims could help boost Beijing's armed forces with the aim being to block access to technologies around AI, quantum technology and semiconductors.
Networking, communications, and cloud solutions provider Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise has partnered with multi-regional network systems integrator RN Projects to enhance connection across hospitality, multi-dwelling properties, mixed-use developments, health and aged markets in Australia and New Zealand.

The collaboration will see specific solutions focus on developing and delivering next-generation networking technologies including cloud-based solutions, Network as a Service, autonomous networks, location services and Internet of Things (IoT).

Part of the Reivernet Group of Companies, RN Projects will capitalise on its extensive experience across industries to deliver Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise's (ALE) networking solutions, including Wi-Fi, asset tracking and location services, LAN switches and end-to end network management, alongside the full RN Projects solutions portfolio.

ALE country business leader for ANZ Maud Holvast said customers can expect solutions that suit their specific industry.

We are also cognisant that these industries have risen above massive challenges and undergone serious transitions in the past years. As such ALE and RN Projects can support them with new cloud and location services to provide fit-for-purpose networking and on-demand business models that are perfectly placed to complement those digital changes, Holvast said.

With the demand we are experiencing across key vertical markets in Australia and New Zealand, it is vitally important for us to offer high-performance and innovative solutions that can be delivered on-time and on budget. ALE's strong standing in hospitality and aged care combined with innovative solutions and competitive business models makes this strategic partnership very valuable for our customers, claimed RN Projects global director Christoffer Svalstedt.
A virtual protest against the planned extradition of WikiLeaks founder and publisher Julian Assange will be held on 26 August at 5pm London time (2am AEDT 27 August), the organisers have announced.

The event will be hosted on the Wistaverse, a global platform for protest in the metaverse, and organised by the Dont Extradite Assange Campaign, a body that is working with Assange and his family.

The event will feature a pre-recorded speech by Assange, and also speeches by Stella Assange, WikiLeaks co-founder and editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson and former British Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn.

The Wistaverse is a not-for-profit protocol hosted on the Polygon blockchain and the rally will take place within a virtual auditorium designed to look like the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

One of the founders of the Wistaverse, Jules, said in a statement: "We are excited that the Don't Extradite Assange campaign has decided to use the platform to host such a key rally shortly after the launch of the Wistaverse this May.

"At that time, the inaugural protest was an event organized by Amnesty International in support of abortion rights worldwide.

"Now, we trust that the event this Saturday will set a signal and focus all eyes on freedom of speech to support that cause. The new Web3 technologies are enabling unprecedented participation and the opportunity for everyone to shape worldwide governance.

Assange is still being held in the UK's Belmarsh maximum security jail as he awaits the outcome of a second appeal to the UK High Court against an extradition order.

In June, the Australian lost his first appeal against the order that aims to send him to the US for trial over alleged espionage charges.

The second appeal was filed on 13 June. Since then his wife, father and brother have been campaigning for his release.
CEO Raghu Raghuram and CTO Kit Colbert offered their thoughts.

iTWire: Wed like to get a little bit more philosophical about the company and would like to ask what is VMware's 'true north?' Now I don't want you to be twee and say something like Respect the customer.' I'd like you to be a little deeper in your response and think about where the company is going and what your guiding principle is.

CEO Raghu Raghuram: Someone said something halfway through this press conference; he said our mission is to accelerate our customers innovation. So that attitude captures how VMware will go to market. So we'll look at what are the hard problems standing in the way of customers, building new and great things by themselves - and many will tend to be infrastructure problems. We said that we know how to do this infrastructure better than most other companies. So, let's put all of our energies there, I think it's true that the kind of [inaudible] that our customers are able to do is very possible on the infrastructure platforms that we build.

The second thing that's near and dear to our heart is choice. The choices we firmly believe, especially in the enterprise customer space. Customers will adopt an approach that needs to be real for them to execute their applications and their infrastructure [inaudible] the technologies that our customers want - the things that make them successful. So these are to use your word, philosophies that have been consistent right from 1998. S I don't know if I'm answering your question, but those have been key elements that we think about all the time.

Kit Colbert, CTO: So that's a great question. I think a lot about what is the core of what we do? What I see a lot, is it goes back to that term infrastructure and I'm going to use the term a little bit loosely, that's not to say exactly what infrastructure would be, but more broadly. So one of the things that's always been true for us, if we think about the stack of technology, was kind of the infrastructure side. We've always had the infrastructure side. And, you look at what we did originally with virtualisation, the reason that worked was because of the fact that were standards and in fact, the x86 processor, really standardised what we would build.

What's been interesting over the last 25 years, is that this stack, the delineation between infrastructure and applications has changed, with the line of delineation actually moving up the stack. So there's more and more things that most of us would consider 'infrastructure' versus 'app' and that's made a huge opportunity for us as a company, and what you're seeing as we expand dramatically in all those other areas that weren't traditionally considered infrastructure, you look at things like Kubernetes a lot of what Kubernetes can be considered to be middleware. But now it's considered infrastructure. And that's because of the standardisation thats there.

So for us, it is a focus on infrastructure. I think the opportunity for us is the fact that as an industry, we are maturing and we are standardising more and more of these layers, which gives us, as VMware, the opportunity to come in and contain a lot of complexity. That's what we've done the whole time, contain complexity And I think that will continue and youve seen it in a lot of the decisions we make. Now, as Ive mentioned before, we're not getting into the foundation model business. That's kind of an app side of things from an API perspective. There's a lot of other great folks that are doing it, they should go do it. I think we want to stay on the infrastructure side, but because of the fact that the infrastructure line, so to speak, is always rising, we think that gives us just tremendous opportunities going forward. We definitely know all of this to be true for VMware.

The author is attending VMwares conference as a guest of the company.
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. Just click here.

During a visit to Australia in 1958 as the Cold War was heating up, Britain's Prime Minister Harold Macmillan expressed the hope that diplomacy and negotiation could defuse the worsening hostility between the Soviet bloc and the West.

"I still believe with Sir Winston Churchill that jaw-jaw is better than war-war," he told an audience in Canberra.

Macmillan was paraphrasing his predecessor, who had actually said, during a 1954 visit to the White House, that "meeting jaw to jaw is better than war." But Macmillan's paraphrase was catchy, and his words have been erroneously attributed to Churchill ever since.

We now know, of course, that jaw-jaw didn't end the Cold War. Decades of diplomatic engagement, detente, and invocations of "peaceful coexistence" never came close to resolving the deep-rooted competition between Washington and Moscow. The two rivals never directly faced each other in battle, but indirectly they fought multiple bloody proxy wars  in Korea, Vietnam, Angola, Afghanistan, and Nicaragua, among others  in which tens of thousands of lives were lost.

What finally finished the Cold War was the internal collapse of the Soviet Union, which led the Kremlin to abandon its longtime goal of world domination. To put it bluntly, the conflict ended because one side clearly won and the other side clearly lost. That is how major international conflicts virtually always conclude  through victory, not negotiation.

"Of the more than two dozen great-power rivalries over the past 200 years, none ended with the sides talking their way out of trouble," writes Michael Beckley, a professor of political science at Tufts University, in the new issue of Foreign Affairs. "Instead, rivalries have persisted until one side could no longer carry on the fight or until both sides united against a common enemy."

It is an enduring misconception that countries get caught up in fierce rivalries because of misunderstandings, failures of empathy, or hawkish domestic politics. Not so, says Beckley. Rival nations feud not because they don't understand each other "but because they know each other all too well. They have genuine conflicts of vital and indivisible interests." Those conflicts often involve territorial disputes or overlapping spheres of influence. But equally common are clashes between rivals who "espouse divergent ideologies" and who regard the success of the other side's values and beliefs "as a subversive threat to their own way of life."

In that Canberra speech 65 years ago, Macmillan, despite hoping that "jaw-jaw" would calm the Cold War's increasing acrimony, articulated clearly why it wouldn't.

"Two opposing ways of life are ranged against each other," he said. "These cannot be reconciled and we must accept the fact that this great division of the world may last."

That was the essence of the Cold War that lasted until 1990  not, as liberals often claimed, a lack of detente or excessive military spending or (as Jimmy Carter notoriously claimed) an "inordinate fear of Communism" by Americans. As long as both camps  the totalitarian communists of the Soviet empire and the capitalist democracies of NATO  were determined to prevail, peace remained impossible.

According to data cited by Beckley, there have been 27 great-power rivalries since 1816. Those struggles lasted, on average, for more than 50 years and more than two-thirds of them "culminated in war, with one side beating the other into submission." Ruthless though it may sound, crushing an enemy's will to prevail is the best and surest way to end a conflict and establish peace.

It was not summit meetings, international conferences, peace movements, concessions for the sake of appeasement, or the League of Nations that finally put to rest the decades-long Anglo-German rivalry and the even more ancient enmity between France and Germany. It was the devastating defeat of Germany by the Allies in 1945, and the end of Berlin's aim of ruling Europe, that paved the way for Germany's transformation into a free, stable, and peaceable democracy.

Beckley's essay is written in the context of the present US-China rivalry. He notes that multiple analysts have been voicing the opinion that "if only the United States would talk more to China and accommodate its rise, the two countries could live in peace." In their view, there is no need for Washington and Beijing to clash  and risk a nuclear war  over Taiwanese autonomy, a military buildup in East Asia, the enslavement of Uyghur Muslims, or the theft of US technology. The rivalry between the two countries could be ratcheted down  so the advocates of engagement argue  if only the American people and their leaders would be more sensitive to Chinese concerns and less susceptible to what one critic calls "hysteria and alarmism" about the Chinese Communist Party.

But that's a fantasy. China is not interested in winding down or compromising away its conflict with the United States. It is interested in getting what it wants. And what Beijing wants, Beckley, writes is for "the United States to end arms sales to Taiwan, slash the overall US military presence in East Asia, share US technology with Chinese companies . . . [and] stop promoting democracy in China's neighborhood." More fundamentally, it wants to establish hegemony over its part of the world and to not be hectored about human rights.

As a result, all signs point to an enduring rivalry between the two great powers. As with the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the US focus must be on containing China's aggression. That makes it much more important to deter China's bad behavior than to reassure Beijing of America's goodwill. For example, there should be no ambiguity whatsoever about Washington's determination to defend Taiwan from any Chinese attack. US weapons should be pouring into the island and the American military presence in the region should be beefed up  now, not when an invasion is imminent.

In November 1993, a meeting of Chinese foreign- and military-policy specialists produced a detailed report that began: "Whom does the Communist Party of China regard as its international archenemy? It is the United States." For decades, the Soviet Union saw the United States in the same light. But the US-Soviet Cold War didn't last forever. The US-China rivalry need not either.

Congress and the White House should be pursuing a strategy toward China modeled on the Reagan administration's winning playbook against the USSR: Keep up the pressure until the communist system is undermined by its own inherent weaknesses. As things stand, Chinese growth is stalling, its population is shrinking, its debt is soaring, and its trade is being impeded by restrictions imposed from abroad. What is called for now is not jaw-jaw. It is for the US to stay the course, maintaining its deterrence and unapologetically defending Western interests, until victory is achieved.

Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission."
As Boom Supersonic prepares for its first test flight, the aircraft manufacturer said Thursday it has advanced on three key developments.

Boom, based in Denver, is constructing a $500 million superfactory at Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro.

Boom has said it would begin test flights in 2026 from PTI. It projected having at least 1,761 jobs at full production capacity in 2030.

The first development is conducting ground tests, including taxiing, of its XB-1 demonstrator aircraft at the Mojave Air & Space Port in Mojave, Calif.

The second is that Boom has received an experimental airworthiness certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration following a detailed aircraft inspection.

The third is gaining letters of authorization that chief test pilot Bill Shoemaker and test pilot Tristan Brandenburg to fly the XB-1 aircraft, as well as letters of agreement with airspace authorities that permits flights over the Mojave desert.

The Mojave base is symbolic for Boom in that it is the same airspace where then-U.S. Air Force Capt. Chuck Yeager first broke the sound barrier in the Bell X-1 aircraft. It is also where the Mach 3+, strategic reconnaissance SR-71 Blackbird aircraft first flew in 1964.

The recent progress made towards XB-1s first flight reflects the teams collective efforts to build and safely fly the worlds first independently developed supersonic jet, Blake Scholl, Booms founder and chief executive, said in a statement.

In preparation for flight, Booms test pilots have completed hundreds of hours in the simulator for aircraft evaluation, operations development, training and human factors assessments. The test pilots maintain flight proficiency in a T-38 trainer aircraft  the same aircraft that will be used as a chase plane for all flight tests of XB-1.

The three General Electric J85 engines that power XB-1 produce a combined maximum thrust of 12,300 pounds of force.

Boom disclosed in June it had chosen Jupiter, Fla., as the site for the initial production units for its engine, which will be called Symphony, ground test, flight test and certification with Florida Turbine Technologies, where that group has operations.

Boom said that PTI will be the home for Overtures final assembly line.

Overture is expected to be the first large commercial aircraft to be net-zero carbon from Day One, running on 100% sustainable aviation fuel, also known by the acronym SAF.

Boom also revealed in June Overtures full systems configuration as the aircraft program advances toward production.

The schematics feature avionics, flight controls, hydraulics, fuel systems and landing gear  all designed and developed for optimal performance, efficiency and safety.

Booms commercial order book stands at 130 aircraft, including both orders and pre-orders from American Airlines, Japan Airlines and United Airlines.

Boom said Overtures landing gear is compatible with international airport runways and taxiways  designed for takeoff and landing on over 600 routes around the world.

Overture is being designed to carry 65 to 80 passengers at Mach 1.7 over water  or twice the speed of todays fastest commercial aircraft  with a range of 4,250 nautical miles.

Overture will be powered by four wing-mounted engines that also enable the airliner to cruise just under Mach 1 over land. These engines are different from the XB-1 demonstrator.

At those speeds, flying from Miami to London in just under five hours and Los Angeles to Honolulu in three hours are among the possibilities, Boom has said.

Construction is under way at PTI, with completion expected on the 400,000-square-foot facility in the second quarter of 2024.

The current goal is manufacturing up to 33 Overture aircraft per year at full production with its first production line, and a similar production target with a planned second line.

Boom executive Kathy Savitt reaffirmed in May the timeline of beginning equipment installation in 2024, assembly in 2025, first rollout in 2026, first test flight in 2027, Federal Aviation Administration certification in 2029 and then first passenger flight later in 2029.

Savitt said the expectation is having about 400 employees within two years.

Specifically, were going to be looking for manufacturing, engineers, technicians, mechanical and industrial engineers, operations and facilities management and supportive administrative staff, Savitt said.
Unifi ended its fiscal 2023 on a subdued revenue and bottom-line note while projecting that the start of fiscal 2024 wont be much better.

The Greensboro yarn manufacturer reported after the market closed Wednesday an overall fourth-quarter loss of $15.3 million compared with $3.5 million in net income.

Those results were skewed primarily from taking an $8.2 million impairment charge for abandonment of specialized machinery constructed in the Americas in fiscal 2017.

Still, Eddie Ingle, Unifis chief executive, said in a statement the fourth-quarter results reflect continued demand instability across apparel and textile supply chains, which were once again impacted by low levels of brand and retailer demand.

Unifi had an earnings loss of 85 cents and an adjusted earnings loss of 39 cents. Thats compared with diluted earnings of 19 cents a year ago.

There was an earnings forecast of a 27-cent loss by one analyst surveyed by Zacks Investment Research. Analysts typically do not include one-time gains and losses in their forecasts.

For the full year, Unifi reported an overall $46.3 million loss and an adjusted loss of $41.3 million compared with $15.2 million in net income.

Unifi said that brands and retailers took action to reduce their inventory levels and normalize supply chains during the quarter.

Sales fell 30.6% during the quarter to $151 million while cost of sales dropped 27.2% to $145 million.

Sales in the Americas declined by 31.2% to $94.8 million while sales in Brazil were off 22.4% to $27.1 million and Asian sales declined 35% to $28.1 million.

Recycled yarn fabric Repreve represented 29% of overall sales at $44.5 million.

Unifi chairman Al Carey told analysts during a quarterly conference call that since were at the front of the supply chain, we can feel the pain first, but we typically catch the tailwind first. We began feeling the difficulty of this situation last summer. And now one year later, were beginning to see some green shoots in terms of improved orders for volume in and around the October time frame.

Carey stressed to analysts that we didnt waste the crisis over the past 12 months and our teams have been working on several initiatives that are going to make our company better in the long run. The first thing Id mention to you is that we have begun to get traction on building a business in categories that are outside of apparel  categories such as home, auto, industrial and packaging.

These ... categories are incremental to our current sales portfolio and they also have much higher margins than the apparel categories that we sell today.

On the employment front, Unifi confirmed that a combined 200 job positions at its Yadkinville and Reidsville plants were eliminated through attrition between July 2022 and December.

The reduction represents about 10% of Unifis domestic workforce, said A.J. Eaker, the manufacturers vice president of finance and treasurer who will become chief financial officer.

Prior to the job-reduction, Unifi had about 1,330 production employees in Yadkinville, as well as more than 250 in Rockingham County and 110 at its Greensboro headquarters.

Yadkinville and Reidsville comprised nearly all of the lower employee levels, with no meaningful changes in Greensboro or other global locations, Eaker said.
A 16-year-old male teenager was shot and wounded Wednesday in the city's southwestern section, authorities said.

Winston-Salem police responded at 7:05 p.m. to a reported shooting at an apartment in the 100 block of Weatherwood Court, police said.

When officers arrived, they found the teen who had sustained a single gunshot wound, police said.

The teen was taken to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries, police said.

Investigators determined the teen was home alone when an unknown person entered his home and shot him, police said.

Officers are investigating.

Anyone with information about this shooting can call Winston-Salem police at 336-773-7700; Crime Stopper 336-727-2800 or its Spanish line at 336-728-3904.

Crime Stoppers of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County is on Facebook.

The Text-A-Tip program at 336-276-1717 allows people to text tips, photos and videos to the police.
A Davidson County woman was sentenced to prison Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to charges related to her 9-year-old stepson being locked inside a dog kennel last year, authorities said.

Sarah Lynette Starr, 30, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of child abuse causing serious physical injury, according to FOX8/WGHP, the news gathering partner of the Winston-Salem Journal.

Judge Richard Gottlieb of Davidson Superior Court sentenced Starr to serve 9 years to 12 years, the television station reported.

Gottlieb also ordered Starr to get a mental health assessment and that she follow any treatment plan, the television station reported. Starr must seek anger management counseling, and Starr cannot contact the victim.

A parent, Gottlieb described the case as horrific and said that it will haunt him for the rest of his judicial career.

Im frankly speechless, he said.

Sarah Starr, the boys stepmother, Jonathan Scott Starr, the boys father, and Shelly Lucille Barnes, Sarah Starrs aunt were arrested in October 2022 after Davidson County sheriffs deputies found the boy locked in a dog cage in central Davidson County.

The Davidson County Sheriffs Office received a call about 6:50 a.m. Oct. 19 from a resident reporting that a child had been locked in a dog kennel overnight at a home on Cress Road, officials said. The home is about 13 miles south of Lexington.

Sarah Starr and Jonathan Scott Starr, both of Cress Road, were charged with felony child abuse, misdemeanor child abuse, and false imprisonment.

Jonathan Starr was being held Wednesday in the Davidson County Jail with his bond set at $1 million, the Davidson County Sheriffs Office said.

Shelly Lucille Barnes, also of Cress Road, was charged with felony child abuse, misdemeanor child abuse and false imprisonment as well as possession of firearm by a felon and maintaining a dwelling place for controlled substances, the sheriffs office said.

According to a news report, Barnes was recently sentenced to serve a minimum of 7 1/2 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to two counts of negligent child abuse.

The boy was found alone in a locked dog cage wearing a T-shirt, blue jeans and no shoes, according to a search warrant.

The boy told an investigator that he had been living outside the house at 160 Cress Road since April 2022 because he didnt have a room in the home, the search warrant said.

Three adults and four other children lived in the house, which had a heated square footage of slightly more than 1,400 square feet, according to the search warrant.

The Starrs were accused of padlocking the child in a dog cage and forcing the child to sleep outdoors in the kennel without proper food or clothing in frigid temperatures, according to arrest warrants.

The child suffered serious mental or emotional injury, according to the search warrant.

There was some clothes that was there, just bits and pieces, a little bit of food was inside, but not enough to sustain warmth for this child, Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons said at a news conference on Oct. 20, 2022.

At the home on Cress Road, deputies forced their way into the dog cage and took the boy to a medical crew at the scene, the sheriffs office said.

Deputies then forced their way into the home and found the childs stepmother, Sarah Starr, and two other children inside, the warrant said.

The children found inside were also taken to emergency medical technicians at the scene, but had no obvious injuries, the sheriffs office said. Two additional children who live at the home were found safe at their elementary school.

The Davidson County Department of Social Services took custody of the five children, including the 9-year-old boy, Simmons said.

Investigators seized 25 items from the home and property at Cress Road, including a coat, a hooded sweatshirt and a pair of shoes as well as a handgun and a marijuana plant in a bedroom, according to the search warrant.
COVID-19, and all the talk about remote learning and masking inside schools, may sometimes feel like a distant memory.

But with cases inching upward across the state as students head back to the classroom on Monday, local school leaders want parents to keep in mind a few recommendations established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Katie Key, the director of health and nursing services for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, talked about some of the recommendations at a press conference on Wednesday at Reynolds High School.

It was one of several press conferences the school district is holding this week on different topics heading into the 2023-23 school year.

The school district is asking students and staff with symptoms to be tested or visit a doctor.

A negative test is not required but individuals with symptoms should only return if they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicines such as Tylenol or ibuprofen, Key said.

Students or staff who test positive are being asked to isolate for five days and wear a mask upon returning. Those who have been exposed to a confirmed case of COVID should wear a mask for 10 days starting from the last day of exposure.

The recommendations are not required by the state or federal governments, Key said, but they were developed in consultation with the Forsyth County Department of Public Health.

Three key COVID-19 measuring sticks  emergency department visits, hospital admissions and wastewater samples  have been on the rise in North Carolina as the new variant known as Eris is circulating.

State and local infectious disease experts cautioned earlier this month that the increase in cases has been expected as part of COVID-19 becoming a regularly circulating respiratory virus.

Along with the COVID recommendations, Key reminded parents that students must show proof of their state-mandated immunizations and health assessments by Sept. 26.

Its important to schedule your appointments now, she said.

The school districts website has information on immunizations at https://www.wsfcs.k12.nc.us/Page/122458.
Splendid Thursday.

Jeremiah Smith couldnt just sit idly by.

Not after sifting through the concerns, comments and quips posted online following the most recent invasion of 4-wheelers and dirt bikes.

Were not sure what to call the practice  Horde-ing? Swarming? But the gist of it is that a clump of riders swoop into a pre-arranged location at a specific time and raise hell before disappearing as suddenly as they appear.

It happens in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Durham, Charlotte and Chapel Hill, just to name a few.

Just witnessed the most dangerous actions by the dirt bikes and 4 wheelers to date, one person noted via Facebook Sunday. Probably 100 riders had the traffic completely stopped at Broad Street in all directions, riding in all lanes. Weaving in and out, stopping directly in front of vehicles which were completely paralyzed.

Thats not new. Nor is the resulting hue and cry.

Why cant the law do something?

Sometimes, police  or more accurately, some poor shift lieutenant stuck with being the public information officer  offers some variation of a familiar theme.

Its illegal to operate ATVs and dirt bikes on streets in North Carolina unless the vehicle is registered and is insured. Weve made arrests and have confiscated a few dirt bikes.

Thats mostly true.

But more often than not, nothing happens.

Cops, the ones sweating in patrol cars and body armor, arent stupid. Hitting the blue lights usually results in operators/riders speeding away like roaches fleeing light  and that can make a bad situation far more dangerous.

The officers are looking for where the dirt bikes are stopping at places such as gas stations or residences so we can safely handle the issue, said Lt. Todd Hart of the Winston-Salem Police Department, one of those unfortunates stuck with PIO duty, the last time this happened.

Still, the most recent incident goosed Smith into action. He filmed a short video shot from inside a car he was in when it was surrounded for a solid 2-3 minutes on the onramp to Salem Parkway from Marshall Street in June 2022.

He decided against posting it at the time, figuring it was a one-off oddity and that no one had been hurt.

But after reading about a recurrence, he decided to speak up about  and share  his experience getting caught inside the tempest.

Smith said he wasnt neither frightened nor particularly angered. Id say I was more bemused, he wrote in an email exchange.

I don't have a horse in this fight  Im not going to get bent out of shape over folk having a little (illegal, dangerous) fun on a Sunday afternoon, he wrote. But I do believe this is emblematic of the general rise in urban crime nationwide (worldwide?) over the past few years.

Smith is also a realist. Hes well aware that this police department, like most across the United States, is woefully understaffed and said hed prefer officers concentrate on solving or reducing serious crime.

Riders are doing this here because they believe, correctly, that they will get away with it, Smith wrote. I dont personally want these guys to lose their bikes or even to stop riding; but I do think they should follow basic traffic laws and stay off major highways.

Driving 25 miles an hour into a 60-mph traffic flow is a death wish.

Counting the minutes

GREENSBORO - Need (another) reason to rue the fast approaching end of summer?

Try this one on for size.

The glorious extended evenings with extra hours of melatonin-inducing sunlight have crossed a line of no return. At least until April 2024.

(Sunshine regulates your circadian rhythm by regulating your melatonin levels. The more daylight exposure you get, the better the body produces melatonin and the better youll sleep. Its science.)

Anyhow, Tuesday was the last night that the sun set after 8 p.m.; it officially set Wednesday at 7:59 p.m. and will roll back minute by minute until Nov. 5- the dreaded fall back date ending daylight savings time.

Want more sun-science?

The sun rose Wednesday at 6:43 a.m. and left us with 13 hours, 16 minutes of daylight.

Youre welcome.

Fun with fundraising

WINSTON-SALEM  Free ice cream.

We knew that would get your attention.

Crisis Control Ministry is hosting the Rhythm and Hope Concert Saturday at the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

And yes, there will be free ice cream  as long as supplies last  to help offset the heat. Family friendly activities are on offer as well in between acts. Souljam is scheduled to take the Clocktower Stage at 5:30 p.m. Phase Band follows at 7:30 p.m.

Crisis Control Ministry, for those who dont know, is a nonprofit organization that has been helping families in financial crisis with such basics such as food, medicine and help with rent or utility payments for 50 years.

While the concert Saturday is free, Crisis Control will be accepting donations and nonperishable food items to help restock its pantry shelves.
What about Hunter Biden? Well, what about him?

If the presidents son is found to have cheated on his taxes, the most serious accusation so far, then punish him. This is an interesting story but not a very important story until its determined that his father, President Joe Biden, helped him or profited from any illegal scheme. So far, there is zero evidence that he has. Hunter appears to have been a screwed-up kid trying to get rich by playing big shot, thanks to his last name.

Theres no question that Joe Biden was remiss in not stopping Hunter from citing his politically powerful parent in efforts to advance business interests. Did professional experience qualify Hunter to sit on the board of Burisma Holdings, the Ukrainian energy company? No, not at all. Its obvious that only the Biden name got him this and other deals that, when added up, well exceeded $1 million.

Hunters drug addiction and other trauma can be an explanation for his alleged failure to pay taxes and breaching gun laws, if that was the case, but it isnt an excuse. And the tragic death of Joes golden son, Beau, was not a good excuse for Joe to take his eye off his other sons questionable ventures  certainly not when he was holding high office.

But its not like Hunter got to serve in the Oval Office as his fathers senior adviser or walk off with $2 billion in investment money from the Saudis. Were so used to the Trump empire of grift and shamelessness that even questionable billions get lost in a dumpster of sleazy activities. As it happened, the Trumps made money from the same Chinese company that Republicans now accuse Hunter of helping out. Hunter is small change next to son-in-law Jared Kushner.

But this is not so much an exercise in what-aboutism as it is in snout-ism at the governmental trough. Children should not be trading on their parents connections in a society that values or at least pretends to value egalitarianism. Not Republicans. Not Democrats.

As of now, here is what matters: Number one, there is no evidence that the elder Biden made money off Hunters dealings. Number two and more importantly, Biden never altered foreign policy to help Hunters clients.

Hunters former partner, Devon Archer, testified that Joe was not party to any of Hunters financial doings. Joe engaged only in brief, hows-the-weather conversations with his sons business associates.

If I seem harsher on the Hunter story than the Jared one, its because I expected more of Joe Biden than of Donald Trump. Joe appears to be innocent of involvement in any crime. Donald has been charged in four criminal cases, one involving an attempted coup against the American government.

I have no interest in either defending or condemning Hunter Biden from a legal standpoint. He is now facing a special counsel investigation after a plea agreement on tax and gun charges fell apart. Let the wheels of justice roll. Let the legal authorities take it from here. If Hunter has been turning his life around, thats nice but not relevant.

Again, Hunters trading off the Biden name  giving the impression that he could pull strings for foreign business interests  is unsavory. That Trumps family did much worse does not sweeten the bad smell.

Sure, some politicians have troubled and needy children, but so do their constituents. What all these kids need is direction and perhaps psychiatry. Meanwhile, political parents must warn offspring against implying that they can toddle up to Dad and get special goodies for themselves or others.

This applies to all of them.
A Lincoln man from Iraq was called a liar and a danger to the community at his sentencing Thursday for raping a woman here in 2021.

Mohammed Al Saad called the case all lies from a woman he said was his girlfriend and, in a presentence interview, expressed frustration she was being called the victim and not him.

Prosecutors said Al Saad had made denials since day 1 in the case. First, he said he didn't have sex with the woman. Then  when confronted with DNA evidence  he switched gears and said she was his girlfriend and it was consensual.

Deputy Lancaster County Attorney Julie Mruz said that when a probation officer asked him who was to blame, Al Saad said: "My girlfriend, of course."

The woman wasn't his girlfriend, she said.

"It's as simple as this: Mr. Al Saad will say anything and everything to paint himself in the best light," Mruz said.

On April 19, 2021, a 39-year-old woman reported a sexual assault, saying Al Saad had helped her move that day, along with others in her community. After they left, Al Saad pulled her into the basement, hit and choked her, and forced himself on her.

She eventually escaped, ran to a nearby gas station and called 911.

Police arrested Al Saad five months later after a state lab report showed his DNA in the sexual assault evidence collection kit.

He ultimately pleaded no contest to second-degree sexual assault and assault by strangulation, though since has tried multiple times unsuccessfully to withdraw his plea.

On Thursday, Mruz said the woman's bravery and courage in coming forward should be commended, adding that it hasn't been an easy road for her, "especially in her community."

"The state is certain that Mr. Al Saad is a violent man and a danger to women in this community," she said.

Defense attorney William Harris said that though Al Saad pleaded no contest, he maintains his innocence, knowing that it ultimately may affect his sentence.

"But his truth is his truth," he said.

Harris said Al Saad, who is 29 and has only been in this country for a few years, has had a difficult time transitioning, especially with the different dynamics here between men and women.

"He understands it's a different country and he has to adjust to the customs and terms of this country," the attorney said.

Harris said Al Saad, who is married, admits he had an affair but denies it was a sexual assault. In prison, he said Al Saad plans to address his alcohol issue, "which obviously played a role in him getting charged."

Lancaster County District Judge Ryan Post said Al Saad's record, which includes a domestic assault while he was out on bond, shows his propensity for violence toward women.

"What you describe as a miscommunication was actually a violent sexual assault," he said. "You've taken no responsibility for your actions, and you continue to concoct stories with your wife to avoid any responsibility."

(Al Saad's wife, Debra Cozine, got probation and 60 days in jail for attempting to tamper in a related case.)

Post said, frankly, that it was remarkable that the victim came forward with everything that was put in her way.

"The conclusion from all of this, Mr. Al Saad, is you lie, and you are a threat to this community," the judge said.

He then sentenced him to 21 to 23 years in prison, the max that he could on the charges.

Al Saad is expected to appeal the sentence.

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
After nearly 29 years as a deputy sheriff  and almost two full decades removed from his most memorable night on the job  Capt. Tommy Trotter is retiring Thursday from his post within the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office.

Trotter, a North Platte native who joined the agency in 1994, was among the first responders to arrive on scene in Hallam in May 2004 after a devastating EF4 tornado swept through the town, leaving one dead and 37 injured, destroying 150 homes and severely damaging another 57.

Then a sergeant working second shift, Trotter couldn't have known the damage that awaited him in Hallam that night. The toll would be calculated in the days, weeks and months ahead.

But that night, Trotter and the cohort of six or seven deputies who accompanied him to the southwestern Lancaster County town knew little about what they were driving toward.

"We knew it was gonna be a bad storm, but we didnt have any idea what was really coming," Trotter recalled this month, as he counted down the days toward his retirement.

In a career that stretched parts of four decades and brought the Nebraska native numerous honors and awards, it was that night  May 22, 2004  that has defined Trotter's now-nearly-finished career perhaps as much as any other day.

Its scary because you  theres nothing you can do," he said. "Its coming.

He drove toward Hallam anyway.

"Thats what we have to do," he said.

The town was destroyed to the point where you couldnt drive through the town," he recalled. "Theres trees down, the grain elevators collapsed over the roadway. Theres no power. Its still pouring rain."

The emergency services that would normally serve the town were made up of volunteers, whose homes were among those destroyed by the storm, whose ranks were trapped in place by the wreckage that littered the town's streets.

"You couldnt even get to the fire barn if they wanted to get a vehicle out of there," Trotter said.

Help, he realized, was not on the way. For what he believes was close to an hour, Trotter and his small team of deputies were it.

"And so we kind of cordoned off the roads and went out on foot, and just started going door-to-door, looking for victims," he said.

It was a long time before we got fire and medical there from other areas that werent damaged," he added. "For that first hour, it was pretty  pretty crazy."

That night in Hallam  and the months that followed  served as a watershed for Trotter's career and the sheriff's office's response to what have been broadly categorized as "critical incidents."

The deputies who responded to the disaster site that day weren't equipped to handle the wreckage before them. And perhaps equally, they were not prepared to deal with the emotional tumult that followed.

Up to that point, in our career, we hadnt really talked about officer wellness or those things that can get to you after so many years," he said. "And that can cause PTSD and retirement and those types of things."

Hallam, in that way, marked a turning point for Trotter and the sheriff's office.

It got the University of Nebraska-Omaha graduate involved in "critical incident stress management"  a blanket term for debriefing in the aftermath of traumatic events  a concept that wasn't often talked about when Trotter joined law enforcement in the 1990s.

The sheriff's office had tried to debrief deputies in the aftermath of a police shooting in 1997, but there was skepticism over the confidentiality of their sessions with counselors and a general stigma then over open discussions of mental health struggles, Sheriff Terry Wagner said.

"We didnt know what to do," Wagner said.

"But we knew we had to do something," Trotter said.

Seven years later, the Hallam tornado seemed to push the envelope. In its aftermath, Trotter became a peer support member for the state's Critical Incident Stress Management team, and the sheriff's office's de facto expert on the matter.

Ten years after Hallam, Trotter would need his expertise himself.

In May 2014, he was one of two deputies who shot and killed 64-year-old Douglas DaMoude while trying to evict him from a southeast Lincoln house in a civil case turned deadly.

DaMoude was armed with an unloaded rifle but did not shoot toward the deputies before they fired at him amid a struggle over the rifle. In the weeks before his death, DaMoude wrote letters to the sheriff's office and police department saying he did not recognize their authority.

"It was a serious traumatic event for everybody that was involved," Trotter said this month. "The families, even of the person that was killed  there are no winners.

"But I think all the training that I had went to before that helped me greatly  And I cant speak for the others involved, the other deputies, but I know there was people who handled it better than others.

Trotter, who now leads the office's patrol division, was a sergeant in the courts services unit then  a group of deputies that, Wagner said, often contacts residents as the final messenger amid "one of the lower periods in their lives."

He was named the Sheriff's Deputy of the Year in 2014 in part for his heroism that day. And he received the office's Gallantry Star award the same year, for his actions during DaMoude's eviction and for a traffic stop he performed on Kent Burklund, a homicide suspect once charged in his wife's killing, who Trotter arrested peacefully after pulling him over.

"Tommys just a really good example of the quality of people that we seek and hire," the sheriff said. "His leadership helps mold those newer deputies that were hiring now in what we expect of deputy sheriffs.

It was Wagner's initial election to sheriff in 1994 that created the opening Trotter later filled.

The sheriff is the only person Ive worked for here, Trotter said.

And the first person I hired after I took office, Wagner said.

And now hes mad because Im leaving and hes still here, Trotter said, laughing.

Through nearly 29 years of sometimes traumatic service to the county, Trotter answered quickly when asked if he ever thought about leaving law enforcement early.

"No," he said.

And he knows, with a similar confidence, what he'll miss the most.

Its mainly the people that weve worked with," Trotter said. "My wife was asking me the other day, she said, Have you ever really helped anyone? Im like, Oh, yeah. I cant even remember how many people over the years.'

"Regardless of what many people think, we are out there to help everyone."

19 years ago today: The Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Tornado damage Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado Hallam tornado One of the widest
Maple, Malee, and Zeni didnt have much of a chance when six feet of floodwaters rushed into their Washington DC doggy daycare last week, their owners say, with some of the dogs locked in cages as the waters rose.

Severe storms with heavy rains the evening of August 14 brought a flash flood to the doors of District Dogs Northeast.

Brown floodwaters rose along the glass doors and windows of the building that housed the doggy daycare until its walls collapsed and the water rushed in, trapping both employees and dogs, DC Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said last week. Twenty of the dogs were eventually rescued, he said.

On Monday, DC 911 call center and fire officials shared a timeline of the emergency calls made that day, revealing it took around 20 minutes until emergency crews arrived to start the rescue effort  sparking outrage among multiple dog owners.

A dispatcher misidentified the situation as a water leak, as heard in a dispatch call to a first responder obtained by CNN affiliate WJLA. Ten dogs, including Maple, Malee and Zeni, died in the flooding, WJLA reported.

Heather McGaffin, acting director of the Office of Unified Communications that runs DCs 911 call center, said several things affected the response, including confusion over where the calls came from and call-taker performance.

What Im saying is, we could have done things differently. This was an unprecedented event, McGaffin said at a news conference Monday.

Owners also upset with daycares response

Colleen Costello lost Maple, her 1.5-year-old German shepherd mix, that day. While shes grieving the sudden loss of her dog, shes also hammering officials for answers.

I am extremely frustrated and extremely angry about what happened with (the Office of Unified Communications) and how they deprioritized these calls, Costello told CNN. I dont feel safe knowing that calls could be misclassified like this or deprioritized and I might not get the help that I need or my family needs.

Costello is an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in DC  a member of a nonpartisan commission of elected neighborhood representatives.

Maple had been to District Dogs several times for daycare and some overnight stays. Costello dropped off her dog that Sunday before going on vacation with her family.

She says she knew something was wrong when she started seeing social media posts and news coverage about the flooding. Costello reached out to friends and had someone go to the facility to ask about her dog  but her friend didnt find Maple there.

That night, Costello said she received an email from the daycare confirming Maple didnt make it.

Luer Yin and Connor McCarty shared a similar tragedy.

The couple were enamored with their 2-year-old Corgi. She was perfect in our eyes, said McCarty.

The pair was in Hawaii  their only vacation this year  for a family reunion, McCarty said. A few days into the trip, they noticed a missed call and later received a text from District Dogs asking them to call back.

At first, the pair assumed Zeni didnt like her food. But what they later learned on the phone was unreal, Yin said.

Right off the top of the call, McCarty said the daycares owner, Jacob Hensley, told them, Your dog passed away. There were few details available.

It was like getting hit over the head with a sledgehammer, McCarty said.

Hensley spoke to CNN affiliate WUSA last week, saying his employees had to move nearly 50 dogs when the water broke through the glass.

I cant imagine how the family members of the lost loved ones are feeling, Hensley told WUSA. But, we love every single one of our dogs. We know them by name. We see them every day. We lost members of our family, too.

District Dogs said the water rose within minutes and went from blocking the business front door to smashing through the glass, according to an August 15 statement.

As that wall of water came upon them, our staff worked heroically to save as many animals as possible despite real danger to their own lives. Many had to cling to shelves and counters themselves.

CNN has reached out to Hensley for comment.

The news of losing his 5-year-old mutt, Malee, made Jonathan Garro drop to the floor in the fetal position, he told CNN.

Garro said Hensley told him there was flooding, some dogs died and your dog was one of them. Hensley told him. He also received a blunt email later that night explaining what had happened, he said.

Malee had only stayed at District Dogs a couple of times. Garro and his wife, Kerry, tried to avoid boarding her.

We had friends that would take care of her, or we would go on vacations with her when we could, Garro said. We drove across the country a couple of times with her just to avoid boarding her, because we loved her so much.

She should not have died

Maple, Malee and Zenis owners are now looking for answers amid their grief.

Yin said shes been frustrated the information isnt coming from District Dogs and Hensley  theyve been putting the pieces together from media reports.

Its been appalling, frankly, the way that the city has handled this, just up and down, Garro said.

Garro has asked District Dogs for emergency evacuation plans. He said he has not received answers.

Despite that, Garro acknowledged the acts of heroism that day.

From the District Dogs level, Im not interested in having anybody thats a staff member lose their job, Garro said. Im so grateful for the heroism of the people that were working there that day for saving those 20 dogs and themselves.

Zenis owners are still waiting to get her ashes and its too soon for them to think of a way to remember her. Maples family said their final goodbyes on Monday and have yet to make arrangements. And Malees parents just picked up her ashes, but arent sure what theyll do with them yet.

For some of them its been an hour-by-hour experience, just trying to cope with what happened.

And for Costello, shes struggling to not think of what happened to Maple in her last moments.

Its been really hard knowing what happened to Maple and the other dogs and just trying not to think about it and what it must have been like for her locked up in a cage with no way out, and death just rushing in and taking your life like that, Costello said.

I cannot even imagine. And I feel so terrible as her parent caregiver for putting her there in a situation where her life was in danger like that She should not have died.

Every new dog breed recognized in the 21st century Every new dog breed recognized in the 21st century 2000: Spinone Italiano 2001: Polish lowland sheepdog 2003: German pinscher 2003: Nova Scotia duck tolling retriever 2003: Toy fox terrier 2004: Black Russian terrier 2004: Glen of Imaal terrier 2004: Neapolitan mastiff 2006: Plott 2006: Tibetan mastiff 2007: Beauceron 2007: Swedish vallhund 2008: Dogue de Bordeaux 2009: Bluetick coonhound 2009: Boykin spaniel 2009: Irish red and white setter 2009: Norwegian buhund 2009: Pyrenean shepherd 2009: Redbone coonhound 2010: Cane corso 2010: Icelandic sheepdog 2010: Leonberger 2011: American English coonhound 2011: Cesky terrier 2011: Entlebucher mountain dog 2011: Finnish Lapphund 2011: Norwegian lundehund 2011: Xoloitzcuintli 2012: Russell terrier 2012: Treeing Walker coonhound 2013: Chinook 2013: Portuguese podengo pequeno 2013: Rat terrier 2014: Coton de Tulear 2014: Wirehaired vizsla 2015: Bergamasco 2015: Berger Picard 2015: Boerboel 2015: Cirneco dell'Etna 2015: Lagotto Romagnolo 2015: Miniature American shepherd 2015: Spanish water dog 2016: American hairless terrier 2016: Pumi 2016: Sloughi 2017: Nederlandse kooikerhondje 2018: Grand basset griffon Vendeen 2019  Azawakh 2020  Barbet 2020  Dogo Argentino 2020  Belgian Laekenois 2021  Biewer terrier 2022  Bracco Italiano 2022  Mudi 2022  Russian toy
Southeast Community College is backing away from a plan to raise its property tax levy to the maximum allowed under state law, but taxpayers will still pay more in property taxes next year.

On Tuesday, the SCC Board of Governors adjusted its planned general fund levy request downward from 9.25 cents to 8.5 cents per $100 of valuation for the 2023-24 school year.

The community college with campuses in Lincoln, Beatrice and Milford, as well as learning centers in six other counties across its service area, will also continue to levy 2 cents per $100 valuation to fund building construction and improvements.

The lower proposed increase comes two months after SCC first proposed the idea of raising its levy to the state-mandated lid in June ahead of a change in how community colleges are funded in Nebraska.

Earlier this year, the Legislature passed a bill (LB243) that will replace property taxes collected by community colleges with state appropriations put into a Community College Future Fund beginning in 2024-25.

When the new funding system takes effect, community colleges receive an amount equal to the property tax rate set this year, or 7.5 cents per $100 of valuation  whichever is higher.

The money from the future fund will grow annually by 3.5% thereafter.

With its current levy at 7.37 cents, SCC would have automatically received more funding next year had it held its tax levy steady, but President Paul Illich said the colleges conservative approach to budgeting will put it at a disadvantage moving forward.

In addition to a maximum levy rate, community colleges are also capped at how much their revenue can grow in a single year, a so-called spending lid that prevents the boards from capitalizing on large valuation increases.

SCC is currently operating at about 70% of its spending authority, Illich said, and will potentially have its growth limited further when the funding source changes next year.

Other community colleges that are currently at or near their spending authority will automatically go above those limits when the future fund takes effect, however.

SCC officials, responding to a letter from state lawmakers blasting the plan to raise the levy to the maximum amount, said the law treated the community colleges in an unfair way.

But ultimately, SCC decided to steer away from the maximum levy rate after a series of open forums, as well as the reaction of state senators and community leaders.

Illich said SCC looked for "more of a middle ground" after hearing a mix of support and opposition to the plan. He said the college wanted to continue to serve the needs of students and communities, while also ensuring the funding model remains sustainable.

"That really, to me, was an important factor in coming off the max (levy)," Illich said.

The SCC Board of Governors will consider approving the plan on Sept. 26 at a meeting scheduled to be held on the Milford campus.

If the levy is approved, combined with an average valuation increase of 15.3% this year across its 15-county area, the amount of property taxes collected by SCC would jump from $50.8 million to $67.3 million next year.

Together with tuition revenue and state appropriations, SCCs total general fund will reach $114.3 million this year.

Illich said the community college will need to reevaluate some portions of its budget under the lower tax rate but believes it can continue to pursue our mission and strategic goals and objectives.

Some maintenance projects, the purchase of new technology, and some other expenditures will fall by the wayside, Illich said.

And, it will mark the last time the college levies a property tax before the funding model changes.

The plan to reduce the levy is still being panned by some lawmakers, however.

Sen. Tom Briese of Albion, who helped craft LB243 this year, said the adjustment downward was the right direction to take, but he said he remained uncomfortable by SCC attempting to raise its levy ahead of the funding change.

Its better news for the local taxpayers, but still not consistent with what the Legislature had in mind when we put these provisions in LB243, Briese said. Its still a step in the wrong direction, in my view.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
Health officials urged Nebraskans to continue precautions against heat-related illness as the state marked its fourth day of high temperatures and humidity.

Between Saturday and Tuesday morning, the state tallied 77 emergency room visits due to heat-related illness, according to preliminary data from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

In one case, the combination proved deadly. A 62-year-old Omaha man was arrested on suspicion of child abuse resulting in death Tuesday after a 1-year-old girl was left in a van Monday outside an Omaha day care center.

The National Weather Service's excessive heat warning for east-central and southeast Nebraska and west-central and southwest Iowa continues through 10 p.m. Thursday, with expected heat index values up to 117 degrees and overnight lows at or above 75 degrees.

By midafternoon Tuesday, the temperature at Omaha's Eppley Airfield had reached 97 degrees with a heat index of 114. Lincoln, at 103 degrees, had tied the record for the day and had a heat index of 113.

Dr. Michael Schooff, primary care medical director for CHI Health Clinic, said heat-related illnesses follow a continuum that starts with dehydration. That occurs when someone hasn't been drinking enough fluids and may include lightheadedness.

Next comes heat exhaustion. Those experiencing it may feel faint or dizzy, and sweat excessively as their bodies try to cool themselves, but the skin will feel cool and clammy. Other symptoms may include nausea and muscle cramps. All are signs that a person needs to get inside, cool off, sip water and take a cool shower, if possible.

With no intervention, a person can develop heatstroke. That can occur when a person's body temperature tops 103 degrees. A sufferer may start to feel confused or lose consciousness. They also will stop sweating. By that time, the body has lost its ability to cool itself and temperatures can rise to 106 to 107 degrees within 15 minutes. That's also the time to immediately call 911.

Young babies and the elderly, he said, are more vulnerable to high temperatures because they don't sweat as well as older children and adults. The evaporation is the body's main way of cooling itself. That cooling capacity, however, can be curtailed when it's too humid for sweat to evaporate readily.

Certain chronic medical conditions, including asthma and heart disease, also can make people more vulnerable to the effects of heat and humidity, as can medications such as antihistamines, some blood pressure medications and a number of drugs used for mental health conditions.

Sarah Wackerbarth, a nurse with the Pediatric Place, a pediatric emergency room at Lincoln's St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center, said leaving children and pets in cars even briefly can be deadly.

Even with windows cracked and the vehicle parked in the shade, temperatures can rise 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.

"It becomes very dangerous very quickly because those temperatures rise so fast," she said.

Schooff recommended that people traveling with a child place something they will need when they arrive, such as a cellphone or purse, in the back seat with the child.

People also should make it a habit to check the back seat when they get out of a vehicle, he said. Parents should teach kids that cars aren't a place to play and keep keys out of their reach.

Top Journal Star photos for August 2023
This isn't Kansas, where police seized  and later returned  computers, cell phones and other equipment used by the Marion County Record, after a search warrant was executed and then, after national outcry over a First Amendment violation, withdrawn.

But Nebraska has seen a slow and disturbing erosion of government transparency and accountability, even as politicians tout their devotion to those pillars of our government while on the campaign trail.

Public records requests are denied on broad grounds they involve pending litigation, ongoing investigations, or "executive privilege." If they are granted, entities claim great difficulty in gathering them and charge exorbitantly for them. Government at all levels appears to believe that public records requests and open meetings laws are hardships that are better avoided than endured rather than an essential part of public service.

With that backdrop, Attorney General Mike Hilgers' opinion that the creation of the inspector general offices to review the state's child welfare and corrections programs violated the state's constitution, while perhaps legally justified, raises important issues.

Hilgers opinion is that the offices ignore the separation of powers clause because the inspectors general have broad powers of investigation that can cut across branches of government and create hardships for agencies, essentially creating an imbalance in powers among the branches of government.

In a news story last week, Journal Star writer Chris Dunker noted the opinion is non-binding and will likely await resolution in the next legislative session.

The work of the inspectors general has turned up necessary reforms in both the child welfare and corrections systems  places where large amounts of taxpayer money are put to work protecting people the state has assumed direct responsibility for. Errors in either place are costly to communities and society.

The powers granted to inspectors general by the Legislature allow them to get answers and attempt to enforce prompt action. Government services and constituents are better served by an independent watchdog.

If there is, indeed, in the eyes of the Legislature, a constitutional issue to resolve, we hope it is done quickly and without removing the access and influence the inspectors general have.

Taxpayers deserve a window into how their government carries out its duties and as clear of an understanding as possible of how it treats the people placed in its care or custody.

The intent of the legislation to create the inspectors general offices seems clear. Politics shouldn't get in its way.
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.
MOUNT PLEASANT  After three years of business, SapSap will be closing its doors Friday  and also shuttering its food truck that debuted last summer.

However, Alex Hanesakda, the owner and head chef of the southeast Asian eatery at 2343 Mead St., said he plans to return to the concepts roots with more social impact popup dinners, events, collaborations and catering.

For me, it was really about whats best for my mental health, Hanesakda said. I felt like I was kind of forced to the restaurant game versus me actually wanting to do it.

I feel like I lost my passion to a certain extent because I was being pulled from all angles, but ultimately when I was at my best was when we were doing those events.

SapSap started as a popup that featured food inspired by Hanesakdas upbringing as a Laotian refugee.

Hanesakda said it was a way to teach people about Laotian culture and about refugees all over the world, but the focus was hard to maintain at the brick-and-mortar.

Opening a restaurant is not easy, so we kind of lost sense of all that, Hanesakda said.

And while patrons from as far away as Chicago flocked to the restaurant when it opened, Hanesakda found it difficult to bring traditional Laotian food to the area and decided to feature fusion items on the menu instead, like the Fried Chicken Banh Mi, a take the classic Vietnamese sandwich.

Hanesakda said he figured it was best for SapSap to go back to what we were doing.

The restaurant will feature a limited menu from noon to 9 p.m. Friday and will be takeout only. There will be outdoor seating, along with musicians and DJs to mark SapSaps final day of service.
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

View Results
Nebraska could spend as much as $2.6 million this summer helping Texas secure its southern border with Mexico.

That's 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 department's 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 don't 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. Iowa's 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
Jacob Blake Jr., the Black man shot by a Kenosha Police officer three years ago this week, has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city of Kenosha, the former police chief and officers involved in the incident.

Blake, a now 32-year-old Cook County resident, filed the lawsuit Wednesday in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

The defendants are listed as the city, former Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis; Rusten Sheskey, the officer who shot Blake; along with officers Brittany Meronek, Vincent Arenas and unknown John and Jane Doe officers employed by the police department.

The lawsuit calls for a jury trial for judgement against the defendants for an unspecified amount of damages, attorneys fees, court costs and fees, and any further relief a court deems proper.

Blake was shot during a police response to a domestic disturbance that left Blake paralyzed from the waist down.

Sheskey, who is white, shot Blake after Blake resisted arrest during the disturbance and appeared to turn toward Sheskey with a knife in the 2800 block of 40th Street in the Wilson Heights neighborhood. Blake, who was wanted on a felony sexual assault warrant at the time, was shot near his children.

The Aug. 23, 2020 shooting left Blake  a former Kenosha County resident and father of two who worked as an armed security guard in Illinois  severely injured. The incident sparked days of violence and vandalism in Downtown Kenosha and sparked headlines across the globe.

Local prosecutors later cleared Sheskey of any criminal wrongdoing and later dropped the sexual assault charge against Blake as part of a plea deal.

Blake filed the civil rights lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Sheskey had used excessive force on him. That lawsuit was dropped last year.

The new lawsuit cites Section 1983 of U.S. Title 42 for deprivation of rights, equal protection and excessive force, according to court documents.

This complaint tells the story of how this avoidable tragedy led to irreparable harm to Mr. Blake due to a culture of policing that validated the excessive force which he was a victim of, the lawsuit states.

The suit lists five claims for relief: use of excessive force (against city and officers), failure to train and supervise (against city and Miskinis), denial of equal protection (against city and officers), failure to protect (against officers) and indemnification (against all).

(The) individual defendants acted maliciously and/or with reckless disregard and/or with deliberate indifference towards Mr. Blake or in an intentional disregard of his rights, his life and as such all defendants should be liable for any and all punitive damages suffered by petitioners, the lawsuit states.

City Administrator John Morrissey said he was only alerted to the lawsuit by media reports Thursday afternoon and could not comment.

Fires erupt in the rioting a night later in the aftermath of Kenosha police shooting of Jacob Blake Fire Danish Brotherhood fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire Fire 20200824_235618.jpg 20200824_235743.jpg 20200824_235547.jpg 20200824_235552.jpg


By Sergio Diaz-Granados



PANAMA  In July, eight years since their last gathering, heads of state and government from the European Union and from Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) met in Brussels. The summit ended on a promising note: through its Global Gateway program, the European Union will invest 45 billion euros ($49.5 billion) by 2027 to support a fair green transition, an inclusive digital transformation, and human-development outcomes in LAC.



As Jean Monnet, the architect of European unity, reportedly observed, all people are ambitious, but they are ambitious either "to be" or "to do." In today's "polycrisis" world, action matters more than pageantry. Ordinary citizens expect concrete results from multilateral commitments, and it is time to deliver.



To this end, the EU-LAC relationship must be redefined. The recent period of piecemeal engagement, with a focus on only some issues or on relations between certain countries, has led to significant gaps in trade and sustainable development. Both sides would benefit from a more expansive agenda linking the regions as a whole, rather than agreements between small blocs of countries aligning on environmental, commercial, and investment matters.



According to a recent Elcano report, expanding and harmonizing trade agreements between LAC countries and the EU would create an immense economic space  1.1 billion people and total GDP of more than 21 trillion euros, similar to that of the United States. Finalizing the EU-Mercosur agreement would be a crucial step in the right direction.



To realize this potential, European policymakers must view LAC not merely as a source of raw materials, but rather as an equal partner in addressing global challenges. The region has a proven track record in devising innovative solutions: the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, for example, were born at the Rio+20 Summit and are a product of LAC countries' efforts to build a more equitable and resilient world.



The fight against climate change, in particular, will require large-scale investment and rapid innovation, especially in new materials and forms of mobility, digital services, and management of natural resources. Climate action also creates opportunities for cross-border technology transfer and strengthening agribusiness. The Global Gateway program can advance these goals, but we must make headway before the next meeting of European and LAC heads of state and government in 2025.



CAF  Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (of which I am executive president) has formed a partnership with the European Commission and the Inter-American Development Bank to bolster the new EU-LAC investment agenda. So far, the partnership's dynamic private-sector roundtables have identified more than 130 projects to fund, ranging from bringing digital connectivity to 85 percent of Colombians by 2026 to scaling up hydrogen production in Chile and Uruguay and rolling out renewable energy in Jamaica. Other initiatives are focused on sustainable urban mobility in Bogota, Quito, San Jose, and Sao Paulo, sanitation and chronic child malnutrition in Ecuador, and food security in Guyana.



With Spain holding the presidency of the Council of the EU until the end of this year, our shared vision of a robust bi-regional alliance will have a greater chance of becoming a reality. Shifting from fragmented ties to a more cohesive partnership, the two regions can move forward using the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development as their roadmap.



To advance this goal, CAF is working with the Spanish government to encourage dialogue. The collaboration has already proven fruitful: all European and LAC ministers of economy and finance will convene on September 15 in Santiago de Compostela to discuss the future of the bi-regional relationship.



Rather than merely give the appearance of close collaboration, the ambition of CAF and other regional actors is "to do," as Monnet put it. We want to help build a strong EU-LAC alliance that advances a bold investment agenda and advances both sides' interests and prosperity. As mounting existential problems increasingly call for joint action, European and LAC countries must build on recent progress toward a stronger and deeper relationship.





Sergio Diaz-Granados is executive president of CAF  Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. This column was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


In the spring of 2022, amidst an invasion by Russian forces, two friends sought to bring 100 university students in Ukraine a sense of how to rebuild their nations economy.

University of Wisconsin-Stout associate professor Mary Spaeth presented virtually about entrepreneurship to professor Ihor Katernyaks Innovation Spring of Ukraine class at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. Their students have presented business pitches to each other virtually and discussed and shared feedback.

Now, for the last 18 months, as the war in Ukraine continues, their friendship has grown stronger. And what Katernyak thought would be a standalone course based on hopes that the attacks on his country would be short-lived has turned into a Collaborative Online International Learning program, or COIL, a concept originally pioneered by the SUNY COIL Center in the early 2000s.

Spaeth and Katernyak met in the 1990s when he visited the U.S. They share an enthusiasm for economic development and entrepreneurship.

We have always engaged in projects together, but it sadly has taken a crisis to move us into a level of productivity neither of us thought possible, Spaeth said.

We are two old friends who reunited during war to fight for entrepreneurship and freedom. Despite the destruction and death caused by rockets falling on one of them and their neighbors, the other friend asked, How can I help? This exemplifies true human connection, where we can share a part of our lives with others, Katernyak said.

Strengthening partnerships through COIL

UW-Stouts COIL program is currently being developed by Sylvia Tiala, director of the Nakatani Teaching and Learning Center, and Scott Pierson, director of the Office of International Education. They are working with a committee to develop a common framework for the program.

COIL formalizes the sharing of knowledge across borders and creates greater intentionality by building exchange moments into courses as lectures, student projects, modules and more. Quite a bit of planning goes into formalizing the program, but we remain open to serendipity and opportunity, especially within the entrepreneurship courses which rely on pivoting for innovation through problem-solving and customer discovery, Spaeth said.

The Innovation Spring course was designed to inspire students and researchers in engineering, life and computer sciences, and economics to generate ideas for startup businesses and learn to manage businesses.

Katernyak also has spoken virtually at UW-Stouts Ideation Jam, where students generate business ideas and receive pitch training and feedback from mentors. Katernyak emphasized to students that, Entrepreneurship is freedom.

Thus far, Spaeth and Katernyak have influenced about 25 students at UW-Stout and about 200 students in Ukraine. UW-Stout has majors in business administration, arts administration and entrepreneurship, and management and minors in business administration and entrepreneurship and innovation.

When Stout instructors participate in COIL, the entire class benefits, Pierson said. COIL exchanges increase cultural awareness of students and instructors. Additionally, they better prepare students for study abroad experiences by giving them a sampling of international learning without additional fees.

Students learn via deeper dives into topics to gain new perspectives, and partnerships among instructors can lead to research and writing collaborations, Spaeth added.

Creating student relationships to innovate solutions

In June, Spaeth and Katernyak were invited by professor Josep Prieto Blasquez to Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, in Barcelona, Spain, to record a conversation about international educational collaboration in teaching entrepreneurship and inspiring innovation across disciplines.

They were joined by professor Viktoria Loboda, of the social pedagogy and social work department at Ivan Franko, and Thomas Karlsson, CEO of Sormland Investment Fund of Sweden, to discuss the topic Innovation Spring as a Time for Startup Blooming.

The conversation will be shared with other faculty and select students as the foundation for entrepreneurial course collaboration.

Our mission is to build a network of committed individuals in academia and investment and to create relationships among entrepreneurship students to solve problems and innovate solutions for the rebuilding of Ukraine, Spaeth said. The class visits, pitch presentations and sharing of ideas between Ukraine, the U.S. and Sweden is expanding to generate more innovation to catalyze peace and prosperity.

During the Innovation Spring 2023 forum, student teams presented their projects in English to an international jury. Their startup ideas would impact Ivan Franko University, communities of Lviv and Ukraine or specific consumers, while others work to solve global problems. Their ideas include:

Apps that connect citizens to city departments or that empower people through food accessibility and sustainability.

Databases that help citizens find charitable organizations and community resources.

Mobile temporary housing for disadvantaged peoples.

Custom-made clothing made from upcycled clothing and fabrics.

The preservation of the university through digital artifacts.

Game development.

Spaeths appointment to chair of the business department this fall has also provided a COIL opportunity for Katernyak to act as a consultant and virtual visiting professor for UW-Stouts Entrepreneurship Capstone, where teams innovate and create startups.

Katernyak will share his recently published book Innovation Spring in Tech Startups with students in the course. Spaeth will guide students through thesis writing, while Katernyak brings his experience, knowledge and perspectives on innovation, entrepreneurship and the imagining of startups.

This will be deep-COIL, Spaeth said. The expanded collaboration will allow for many of Katernyaks students in Ukraine to interact with our students as we continue to build our partnership.

UW-Stout partners with more than 20 international universities that either have or are developing similar COIL opportunities. Once the framework has been decided, OIE and Learning and Information Technology will help facilitate training and matchmaking with partnering institutions.

The potential reach and impact for COIL at Stout is tremendous, Pierson said. Ideally, all courses should include a global perspective, and any instructor at Stout could engage.

Many instructors, like Mary, are already engaging in international learning and virtual exchange, and we are hopeful that more will utilize the commonly accepted COIL framework so that we can further increase the internationalization of the Stout curriculum, he added.
Growing up on the farm, my grandpa and dad always told me that the healthier the soil the higher the crop yield.

Keeping the soil intact also provides a number of other important impacts; including less erosion, greater compaction, water retention, and fertility. That is why it is important that we continue to invest in locally-driven land and water consideration efforts.

As a state, weve made and need to continue to make investments in conservation efforts led by our farmers and landowners. Im a proud supporter of our many producer-led watershed groups in Wisconsin, which drive locally-based conservation projects. In the Driftless Region, we have three that stretch across portions of Vernon, Crawford, La Crosse, and Monroe counties.

No two watersheds in Wisconsin are identical. What works for watersheds in the Driftless may not work for watersheds in the Fox Valley, so it is vital that we ensure our locally-focused groups continue have the autonomy and support to address their unique landscapes.

Producer-led watershed protection grants have given these farmers and landowners resources on the local-level to advance both proven and innovative practices to strengthen their watersheds, and in turn their communities.

Funding for practices like planting cover crops and programs that focus on nitrogen optimization have also strengthened our land. By providing rebates for cover crops, we enhance the tools farmers have to manage and improve their soil.

Wisconsins family farmers have taken part in conservation efforts for decades. The Farmland Preservation Program has incentivized farmers and eligible landowners to use reliable conservation practices for more than 40 years by giving them a per-acre tax credit. Programs like this are a win-win  a win for our environment and a win for production agriculture.

With our unique topography of rolling hills, coulees and valleys, the need to protect and build healthier and more resilient soils is even more important.

We have seen concerning weather trends over the last decade, with 100 year floods occurring all too often. As our climate evolves and changes, we need to continue to support local watershed groups and conservation efforts that seek to mitigate flooding and other harmful impacts.

Despite the challenges we face, western Wisconsin remains resilient and a national leader in conservation. Our regions history in conservation leadership dates back to the time of the Franklin Delano Roosevelt presidency. In fact, the Coon Creek Watershed in Vernon County was the home of the countrys first erosion control projectin the early 1930s. This incredibly successful project was led by state conservationists, the U.S. Soil Erosion Service, and FDRs New Deal-era Civilian Conservation Corps on local farmland in Coon Valley. Using the tools and methods applied in Coon Valley, farmers and landowners across the country learned how to better care for and protect our land from erosion.

These efforts started by the FDR administration continue today. Producer-led watershed groups, like the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council, partner on the local level with federal and state agencies to enhance our land and water.

On Sept. 9th, the Coon Creek Community Watershed Council will be holding a community celebration to commemorate the 90th snniversary of the Coon Creek Watershed Project. The event will showcase the history of the project, including structures implemented by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Im proud to represent a region that recognizes the importance of conserving and improving our land, and I encourage everyone to enjoy the 90th Anniversary Celebration.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday the city of Chippewa Falls is seeking funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program to improve its public drinking water system.

According to a press release, the project includes the replacement of lead service lines throughout the city.

The federal Safe Drinking Water Loan Program has determined the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project by Sept. 6 to the Department of Natural Resources, C/O Michelle Brietzman, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2, 101 S Webster St. P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. People can also email DNRCFELEnvironmentalReview@wisconsin.gov or call 608-490-0187.

Based on the comments received, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the departments consideration of the projects impacts and reasonable alternatives.
Saint Marys executive vice president and chief financial officer Benjamin Murray will leave the university in October to become the CFO for the Minneapolis Institute for Art, according to a press release.

Murray currently leads the finance, human resources, IT, institutional effectiveness, facilities planning and campus operations teams and has been with the school for 12 years.

He also earned his bachelors degree in accounting from Saint Marys.

As a proud alumnus, it has been an honor to serve Saint Marys University and to advance its Lasallian Catholic mission in Minnesota and beyond, Murray said in the release. I would like to thank (Saint Marys president) Father (James) Burns, the board of trustees and my colleagues across the university for their hard work and dedication as they have inspired and strengthened me through both times of challenge and celebration.

We are very happy for Ben as he begins this exciting next chapter in his vocational journey, Burns said in the release. At the same time, we will greatly miss the personal integrity, honesty and loyalty he brought to his work, along with his sincerity in his relationships. He has been a thoughtful leader, a superb planner and an excellent communicator.

His financial acumen and unwavering commitment to our mission and vision will also be sorely missed. It goes without saying that during perhaps the most challenging time in higher education, his steady and principled leadership was an integral part of Saint Marys ability to generate growth and financial sustainability through strategic plan alignment.

The release says that Murry will work closely with the Saint Marys leadership and finance team until he leaves in October.
Wisconsins top election official Meagan Wolfe said Wednesday she will not testify at a Senate committee hearing next week to discuss her future with the agency after state Attorney General Josh Kaul said the Republican-controlled Senate has no authority to vote on Wolfes appointment.

The Senate Committee on Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection plans to meet Tuesday to discuss a resolution ultimately aimed at unseating Wolfe, who has led the Wisconsin Elections Commission since 2018.

The resolution, adopted last month, declares that Wolfe has been nominated for reappointment by the bipartisan commission  despite the agency failing to secure the four votes traditionally needed for approval. Once nominated, the Republicans in the Senate can reject her nomination. Intending to thwart that, the three Democrats on the commission abstained while the three Republican members voted to reappoint Wolfe.

In a letter to Wisconsin Legislative Council director Anne Sappenfield Wednesday, the Democratic attorney general wrote that the elections commissions deadlock vote in June means there is no WEC administrator appointment before the Senate.

This is not a close question under state law, Kaul said, adding that the state Department of Justice is representing Wolfe in the matter.

Wolfe, the commissions nonpartisan administrator, said in a statement she will not be attending the Senate committee hearing scheduled for Tuesday.

As the states chief election official, engaging with lawmakers is a critical part of my role, and I look forward to discussing the good work of the Commission with them in the future, Wolfe said.

Wolfe has become the subject of scrutiny from legislative Republicans since the commission made changes to certain elections procedures in the 2020 general election in response to the COVID-19 pandemic  changes that have spurred some conservatives to falsely accuse her of malfeasance.

A day after the commission vote, Senate Republicans adopted a resolution declaring that the Senate considers Meagan Wolfe to have been nominated, opening the door for the Senate to ultimately remove her. Senate GOP leadership argue the commissions three votes supporting her nomination, paired with three votes to abstain, constitutes a majority.

In the letter, Kaul said the vote fell short of the majority needed to reappoint Wolfe.

There is no plausible legal argument to the contrary, Kaul wrote. The plain language of the pertinent statute requires that an administrator be appointed by a majority of the members of the commission.

Before Senate Republicans introduced the resolution on Wolfes nomination, Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu, R-Oostburg, privately expressed doubts about whether the chamber could remove Wolfe if she wasnt first reappointed by the commission, according to an email the senator sent to a group of conservatives.

In an email sent to a group of local Republican leaders and posted on the messaging app Telegram, LeMahieu referenced the 2022 Supreme Court decision that allowed an appointee of former Republican Gov. Scott Walker to serve on the Department of Natural Resources board long after his term had expired until the Senate confirmed his Democratic successor.

No question

In his letter Wednesday, Kaul said the state Supreme Courts ruling means that the expiration of an appointees term does not create a vacancy.

Instead of creating unnecessary confusion about whether Meagan Wolfe remains the WEC administrator  there is no question that she does  the Senate should remove consideration of the WEC administrator from the committee hearing scheduled for August 29, Kaul wrote.

The office of Sen. Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, who chairs the Senate Committee on Shared Revenue, Elections and Consumer Protection, had not responded to a request for comment Wednesday.

The state elections commission last week declined to take a position on whether Wolfe should testify before the Senate committee. Speaking at the meeting, Wolfe said the issue has put her in a really difficult spot, with differing opinions on whether she has been nominated for reappointment.

If Im being very frank with you all, I think Im being put in an absolutely impossible, untenable spot either way, Wolfe said.

Divergent tacks

The lack of clarity around Wolfes future comes as Republicans grapple with handling elections nationwide.

One faction of the Republican Party has sought to rework how elections are run ever since former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 election, falsely blaming it on voter fraud. But other Republicans have sought to separate themselves and their party from the claims about the 2020 election and prioritize other issues.

A recount, court decisions and multiple reviews have affirmed that President Joe Biden defeated Trump in Wisconsin by almost 21,000 votes. A report from the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau found no evidence of widespread fraud in the 2020 election but made several recommendations for improvement.

Wolfe was appointed to her role by the commission in February 2018. She was unanimously confirmed by the Senate in May 2019.

Elections 101: Video series explains how elections are carried out in Wisconsin The Wisconsin Elections Commission put together the following series of instructional videos and accompanying lesson plans for use in high school civics classes and the general public. Elections overview An overview of elections administration in Wisconsin. Voting Security Let's take a look at how we maintain security and integrity with all of our elections. Nuts and bolts The ins-and-outs of voter processes like registering to vote and requesting a ballot to vote absentee. A Day at the Polls See what it is like to go to the polls and vote.
NEW YORK  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:

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. 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.

___
India Lands Chandrayaan-3 Module on the South Pole of the Moon, Ready To Explore!

Aug. 23, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)When Indias lander module successfully landed on the South Pole of the Moon on Wednesday, Aug. 23, the Indian Space Research Organization Mission Control team burst into cheers, clapping, hugs, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi, watching by live video hookup from Johannesburg, South Africa, waved an Indian flag. If you have not yet watched the video from ISROs control room of the final descent, do so! As Modi told the happy team immediately after the landing: When we see such history being made in front of our eyes, life becomes blessed.... This success belongs to all of humanity.

India is only the fourth nation to ever land on the Moon, and the first nation to land at its South Polea whole new territory for Mankinds exploration. The joy was especially great, as the team had worked without rest to achieve this in the four years since the Chandrayaan-2 lander crashed on the Moon in 2019.

Within two hours of its landing, ISRO released the first images of the Moons surface around the lander, named Vikram, and is readying the scientific instruments aboard it and the rover Pragyan, that has yet to be released. Both have a mission life of one lunar day (about 14 Earth days), in which to study the Moons atmosphere and mineral composition, the spectral and polarimetric measurements of Earth from the lunar orbit, seismic activity, amongst other scientific tasks.

Modis speech to the team captures how space exploration lifts up a nation. The Prime Minister outlined the new, greater tasks to be accomplished. It was delivered in Hindi, except for his special message to all humanity, made in English. The following is a machine-translation:
EIR LEAD EDITORIAL FOR THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2023

This Is What a Tectonic Shift Looks Like

Aug. 23, 2023, 2022 (EIRNS)It was the perfect metaphor for the rising power of the Global Majority in its unstoppable drive to put an end to 500 years of colonial-style economic looting, backwardness and wars.

On Wednesday, Aug. 23, in the middle of the three-day BRICS summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, India succeeded in landing their Chandraayan-3 module on the surface of the Moon, near its South Pole. One of the tens of millions around the world intently following the live feed from the Indian Space Research Organizations Mission Room, was Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who watched from South Africa where he was attending the BRICS Summit, along with the heads of state or government of Brazil, Russia, China and South Africa.

Immediately after the stunning success, Modi addressed the ISRO center scientistsand the world. Indias successful Moon mission is not Indias alone, he said. This success belongs to all humanity.... 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.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, the summits host, responded: This for us as the BRICS family, is a momentous occasion, and we rejoice with you, he said to applause.

The proceedings of the Wednesday plenary session of the BRICS summit, today, which heard addresses from the leaders of all five BRICS nations, underscored that a worldwide tectonic shift is indeed underway, fed by the understanding that a new architecture of peace and development is now a condition of survival. The world is changing, President Ramaphosa emphasized in his opening remarks. The world is facing an extraordinarily dangerous crisis, both economically and politically, and we are well aware of where this path could lead, Brazilian President Lula da Silva stressed. The world needs to understand that the risks involved are unacceptable for humanity. Furthermore, it is unacceptable that global military spending in a single year exceeds $2 trillion, while the FAO tells us that 735 million people go hungry every day in the world. Lula urged that a peaceful, negotiated solution to the Ukraine crisis be found, and praised the peace proposals made by three of the BRICS members: China, South Africa and Brazil.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also stressed that the world has entered a new period of turbulence and transformation, and that peace and development must go hand in hand. As he had emphasized in his remarks to the BRICS Business Forum on Aug. 22, Should we work together to maintain peace and stability, or just sleepwalk into the abyss of a new Cold War? The summit, he explained, is an endeavor to expand the architecture of peace and development. That new architecture must assure the security of all nations, large and small, various leaders stressed.

As for overcoming poverty and underdevelopment, President Ramaphosa stated that we know that poverty, inequality and underdevelopment are the biggest challenges facing humankind. President Xi said that development is an inalienable right of all countries, not a privilege reserved for a few, and that we need to fully leverage the role of the [BRICS] New Development Bank. President Putin called on the BRICS to build up partnership in science and innovations, healthcare, education, and humanitarian ties as a whole, and emphasized that they should develop interbank cooperation, [and] expand the use of national currencies.

President Lula elaborated on the role of the NDB as a source of non-dollar credit to be channeled to development projects that raise physical-economic productivitya decisive topic that was taken up in NDB President Dilma Rousseffs report to the leaders. Through the New Development Bank, Lula stated,

we can offer our own financing alternatives, tailored to the needs of the Global South. I am sure that, under the leadership of my colleague Dilma Rousseff, the Bank will rise to these challenges. The creation of a currency for trade and investment transactions between BRICS members increases our payment options and reduces vulnerabilities.

There was also unanimity among the five leaders on the desirability of expanding the BRICS23 countries have already applied for membershipalthough the specific mechanism and principles of that expansion were left to be announced on Thursday, Aug. 24. Prime Minister Modi stated unambiguously: India fully supports the expansion of the BRICS membership. President Xi said:

I am glad to see the growing enthusiasm of developing countries about BRICS cooperation, and quite a number of them have applied to join the BRICS cooperation mechanism. We need ... win-win cooperation to bring more countries into the BRICS family, so as to pool our wisdom and strength.

But perhaps most indicative of the sea-change underway, of the emerging new paradigm of cooperation and dialogue of civilizations that was palpable at the BRICS summit, are the numerous comments from the leaders about the common philosophical roots and commitments of each of their cultures to all of Humanity, to the good of mankind. Indian Prime Minister Modi began his remarks to the plenary by noting that at some distance from here is the Tolstoy Farm, which was built by Mahatma Gandhi 110 years ago. By combining the great ideas of India, Eurasia and Africa, Mahatma Gandhi laid a strong foundation for our unity and mutual harmony.

Sounding a similar note, President Xi wrote an article published in a number of South African newspapers on Aug. 21: South Africas Ubuntu philosophy advocates compassion and sharing. It resonates well with the values of Confucianismlove the people and all beings and seek harmony among all nations.  And he concluded his remarks to the plenary session with the following call:

As an African proverb puts it, If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. The philosophy of Ubuntu, which believes that I am because we are, highlights the interdependence and interconnectedness of all peoples. Similarly, harmonious coexistence has been the aspiration of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. China is ready to work with BRICS partners to pursue the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, enhance the strategic partnership, and deepen cooperation across the board. As fellow BRICS members, we should meet our common challenges with a shared sense of mission, shape a brighter future with a common purpose, and march together on the journey toward modernization.

Schiller Institute founder Helga Zepp-LaRouche responded to the historic BRICS summit, and what must now follow: Only the Global North is now missing to bring about a true renaissance for all Mankind. That is the central theme of Zepp-LaRouches widely circulating petition, Appeal to the Citizens of the Global North: We Must Support the Construction of a New Just World Economic Order! and of her weekly strategic online dialogue today, In Light of the BRICS Summit, Lets Talk About Ending the Isolation of the Global North!
Major media organizations are calling for new laws to protect their content from use by trainers of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

The request for new laws, or regulations, was contained in an open letter released earlier this month. The leaders of several large news and publishing organizations signed the document.

They include officials of the Associated Press (AP), Gannett and the News Media Alliance, which represents hundreds of media publishers. Representatives from Getty Images, the National Press Photographers Association and Agence France-Presse also signed the document.

The organizations stated their support for the responsible development and deployment of AI systems. One AI tool, known as a chatbot, has demonstrated the ability to produce human-quality writing based on short, written commands. Such tools are also known as generative AI or large language models.

But the letter also expresses the need to develop regulations to protect the content that powers the increasing number of AI tools in development.

Media companies are worried about AI developers using their published content without permission. The media content enjoys copyright protections and the companies want governments to enact rules to restrict unapproved use of their material.

AI developers need huge amounts of data to train systems that aim to produce human-level results. Developers often collect this data from publicly available websites in a process called scraping.

The letter states that the process of scraping gives AI developers free use of their media content. They can then use this data to create language models that strengthen their AI tools and businesses.

A few media companies have already signed licensing agreements with AI developers to give them permission to scrape their content. Last month, the Associated Press completed a deal with chatbot developer OpenAI to license the news agencys large news story collection.

Other news organizations have taken steps designed to block developers from collecting their content. The New York Times, for example, recently changed its Terms of Service agreement to include new guidelines for AI.

The new policy requires AI developers to have written permission to use any of its content to train language models. The policy covers different forms of content, including written text, images and audio and video material.

The open letter also describes another big problem with chatbots and other AI tools: the production of false or misleading information presented as truth. It calls on AI developers to build into their systems tools to prevent such falsehoods.

News and media content created by AI tools can distort facts and leave the public with no basis to discern what is true and what is made up, the letter states. It adds that many language models can also produce results that include long-standing biases against minority and underrepresented communities.

Many news companies are currently experimenting with generative AI tools. They hope to learn how the tools can best serve the news production process. Several major news organizations announced last month they had teamed up with AI developers to find new tools to help reporters do their work.

The AP recently issued new guidelines for the use of AI tools across all departments at the news agency. The guidelines ban the use of such tools to create publishable content and images for the news service, the AP said in a story about its new rules.

However, the news agency said that it is also urging its employees to study the technology to learn how its use might improve their work within the rules.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

Quiz - Media Companies Seek New Rules to Protect Content from AI Training Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz

___________________________________________________

Words in This Story

copyright  n. the legal right to control the use of an original piece of work such as a book, play or song

license  v. to give someone official permission to do or have something

distort  v. to change information so that it is not true or realistic

discern  v. to see or recognize something

________________________________________________________

What do you think of this story? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works:

Write your comment in the box. Under the box, you can see four images for social media accounts. They are for Disqus, Facebook, Twitter and Google. Click on one image and a box appears. Enter the login for your social media account. Or you may create one on the Disqus system. It is the blue circle with D on it. It is free.

Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here.
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
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 Wednesday for a bail hearing. He faces one count of felony negligent child abuse resulting in death following the death of Ra'Miyah Worthington earlier this week.

Ra'Miyah was found unresponsive on the floor of a van owned by her day care provider, Kidz of the Future II Childcare Center, at about 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.

Ra'Miyah's parents, who were present at the hearing, were disappointed by the judge's decision.

"We were hoping for a higher bond," Ra'Miyah's mother Sina Johnson said. "We were hoping for no bond."

According to an arrest affidavit, on Monday morning Williams picked up Ra'Miyah 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.

At 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 didn't happen on Monday.

It wasn't until Williams went back to the van to conduct his afternoon route  shortly before 3 p.m.  that Ra'Miyah was found. She was lying unresponsive on the floor in the backseat of the van.

Williams picked Ra'Miyah 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.

Ra'Miyah's body temperature was about 109 degrees when she arrived at the hospital. Johnson said her daughter's cause of death was heat stroke.

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
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 yesterday 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.
As a U.S. Navy plane circled overhead, two Philippine boats breached a Chinese coast guard blockade in a dangerous confrontation this week 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 off Second Thomas Shoal.

The 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.

One Chinese coast guard ship came as close as 46 meters 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 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 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.

Chinese officials at the embassy in Manila did not immediately comment on the encounter. When asked about the deployment of the Navy plane, U.S. Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay in Manila said he could not provide mission 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.

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.

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. But Filipino security officials have said they have 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. MDT/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 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.

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.

FRANKLIN BRICENO, CHANCAY, MDT/AP
The enforcement of a food product import ban from today against 10 Japanese prefectures will potentially impact Japanese cuisine restaurants in Macau, the president of the United Association of Food and Beverage Merchants of Macau (UAFBMM), Chan Chak Mo, said in an interview with Chinese Channel TDM.

Chan, a lawmaker and an Executive Director of Future Bright Holdings, Ltd, a company mostly dedicated to the food and beverage industry, which also owns several Japanese restaurants in Macau, said the association has had several meetings with the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) officials over the past few months and that they were already aware of this potential further step from the local authorities.

He also said that to minimize the impacts on the business, many Japanese restaurant owners were already finding new sources such as South Korea, Russia and Taiwan for the import of some of the food products now affected by the ban.

The UAFBMM president believed it unlikely that importing food items from sources other than Japan would increase prices.

Usually the products from Japan are generally the most expensive ones, he said.

The president of the Macau Catering Industry Association, Lei Iam Leong, expressed a similar opinion.

Lei told the media the industry was informed with enough time to search for other supply chains, while a difference in the prices should not be reflected as the Japanese products are usually the most expensive ones.

According to Lei, it is expected that only 10% of the restaurants will be affected by the import ban enforced by IAM from today.

To avoid a potential reaction from the market, Chan suggested restaurant owners place notices at the restaurants stating that the products on sale have all been inspected by the IAM and are in accordance with all food safety regulations.

No changes

in local habits

According to a Times observation during the day, so far, no Japanese restaurant has posted any notices on the topic nor any change in the business flow with residents, at least for now, continuing with their habits.

Questioned by the Times while exiting a Japanese restaurant in the central district, a resident who preferred to be identified by the name of Wilson said that he and his girlfriend are fans of Japanese cuisine and that he eats at Japanese restaurants at least twice a week.

He told the Times that he does not believe that there is any contamination of the food products from Japan, otherwise Japan would be stopping their selling [in the] first [place], he said, noting that what is on the line is once again, a political matter between China and Japan.

I will continue to eat Japanese food the same way if the restaurants are open and have the items available for sale, he concluded.
The Macao Trade and Investment Promotion Institute (IPIM) yesterday boasted in a statement that in the first half of this year the city saw 490 MICE activities, surpassing last years 477 activities. The first half of the year also saw 15-fold more exhibitors and visitors year-over-year. There were 700,000 participants this year, a 50% increase year-over-year. Last year, Macau was under Covid-19 restrictions. Not only was quarantine-upon-arrival in place, but non-Greater China residents were not even allowed to enter Macau.

Related
The Macau government has officially banned food products from 10 prefectures of Japan.

The ban was officialized yesterday in a Chief Executive (CE) order published in the governments official gazette.

The ban on the import of fresh food products comes after Japanese authorities announced water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant would soon be discharged into the ocean.

In a press statement, the Macau government was said to strongly deplore the discharge of radiation-contaminated waters.

To safeguard food safety and public health in Macau, the government will ban the import of live and fresh food products, food products of animal origin, sea salt and seaweed, including vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products, aquatic products and their derivatives, meat and meat products and poultry eggs, among other products.

The ban affects products from 10 prefectures and regions, namely Fukushima, Chiba, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Gunma, Miyagi, Niigata, Nagano, Saitama and the Tokyo Metropolis, from Aug. 24.

Japans decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the ocean without ample consultation with its neighboring countries is extremely irresponsible, the local government added, noting it is highly concerned.

The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has been ordered to keep close contact with the General Administration of Customs and Gongbei Customs District of the Peoples Republic of China, and a notification mechanism has also been established with Hong Kongs Centre of Food Safety.

As for the other prefectures and regions of Japan, the IAM said it will reinforce its surveillance of all food imports arriving in Macau, namely on its testing for radioactive substances, the Head of the Division of Food Inspection of IAM, Sou Hoi Chi, said yesterday during a media tour to the import inspection area of the Macau International Airport.

IAM began testing all imported Japanese food products at the beginning of this year.

Now, IAM claims testing for specific radionuclides has been added as a routine food safety test item as well as sampling from the different batches of products tested in the IAM Food Safety laboratory.

According to IAM information, from Jan. 1 to Aug. 21, 23,137 radiation tests on samples of imported Japanese food were conducted and 160 samples for radionuclide testing were collected without any reported abnormalities.

Concurrently, IAM will also increase inspections of retail stores in the city using handheld radiation measuring instruments mainly on non-staple food products, such as pre-packaged food products like rice, seaweed, tea leaves and snacks, imported from other regions in Japan not usually subject to tests and inspections.

Food samples will also be taken for testing for radionuclides, IAM said, adding that a dedicated webpage will also be launched where daily reports will be published to increase the transparency and cultivate the scientific knowledge of the population.

Customs to add inspections to travelers arriving from Japan

The Macao Customs Service (SA) will enforce added vigilance and inspection over all travelers arriving in Macau from Japan, Kong Hong, Acting Chief of Islands Customs Inspection Division, told the media yesterday in a briefing after a tour to the import inspection area of the Macau International Airport.

The measure complements several local government measures to address food products arriving from Japan and suspected of potential radioactive contamination.

Kong said the SA will also have closer supervision and inspection over all products as well as people arriving from Japan, in addition to the Municipal Affairs Bureaus (IAM) inspection of imported food products, including the ban on all food products from 10 Japanese prefectures and regions.

He said the SA is mostly concerned about the potential for travelers to carry banned products into Macau in their luggage.

The same official also called on local residents, when returning to Macau after traveling to Japan, not to bring any food products to facilitate the process and to avoid having those items confiscated at the immigration point. A similar inspection will be processed for all visitors arriving in Macau from Japan via the airport. RM
The leader of one of Thailands best-known property empires has been selected prime minister just nine months after joining a political party that champions the poor.

Parliament confirmed Srettha Thavisin on Tuesday, ending months of political uncertainty following May elections. The 61-year-old political newcomer, who exudes the confidence of a seasoned business tycoon, will lead the Pheu Thai partys push to stimulate the economy and bridge one of the worlds worst inequality gaps.

Im doing this because I want to improve the country and the economy, Srettha wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, days ahead of the vote. Id like to emphasize again. My enemy is peoples poverty and inequality. My goal is a better livelihood for all Thai people.

Srettha announced last November that he had joined Pheu Thai, the latest in a string of parties associated with popular but divisive former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup in 2006. It was Sretthas first official step into politics.

Hours before Tuesdays parliamentary vote, Thaksin returned to Thailand from years of self-imposed exile and began serving an eight-year prison sentence on corruption charges he has dismissed as politically motivated. There has been widespread speculation that Sretthas expected appointment was related to Thaksins return and that it might help shorten his jail time.

Early this year, Srettha stepped down as CEO and president of his familys company, Sansiri, one of Thailands largest property developers with assets worth over 100 billion baht ($2.9 billion). He also transferred all of his shares, reportedly valued at more than 1.2 billion baht ($35 million), in the company to his daughter.

The recipient of an MBA from Claremont Graduate University in the U.S., Srettha led Sansiri to a record profit of over 4 billion baht ($117 million) in 2022.

After Pheu Thai confirmed it would nominate him as prime minister, Srettha and Sansiri battled a series of accusations of tax evasion and money laundering. The company and its former boss denied any wrongdoing.

Pheu Thai finished second in the May elections but was able to assemble an 11-party coalition  including two pro-military parties affiliated with outgoing Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha  with enough parliamentary votes to approve Srettha.

Srettha was born into a wealthy family, and there has been skepticism over his ability to connect with Pheu Thais main voters in the countrys relatively poor, rural north. After joining the party, he appeared at many campaign stops targeting the working class, including residents of Bangkoks biggest slum community and rural farmers. MDT/AP
A witness in the criminal case against Donald Trump over the hoarding of classified documents retracted prior false testimony after switching lawyers last month and provided new information that implicated the former president, the Justice Department said yesterday [Macau time].

The statements from the witness, a Trump staffer identified in court papers as the director of information technology at Mar-a-Lago, was presented to prosecutors weeks before special counsel Jack Smith secured an updated indictment accusing Trump and two others in a plot to delete surveillance video at the Florida property.

Prosecutors said in a court filing that the witness told a grand jury in Washington in March that he could not recall any conversations about the security footage

But in July, after being warned by prosecutors that he was a target of the investigation and after being advised that his lawyer might have a conflict of interest because of his representation of others in the probe, the witness received a new attorney from the federal defenders office and provided the Justice Department with information that helped form the basis of the revised indictment against Trump, his valet Walt Nauta and a third defendant, Carlos De Oliveira, the court filing says.

Prosecutors described the witness interaction in a filing that seeks a hearing in Florida about potential conflicts of interest involving the defense lawyer, Stanley Woodward, who also represents Nauta. Woodward declined to comment to The Associated Press.

The target letter to Trump Employee 4 crystallized a conflict of interest arising from Mr. Woodwards concurrent representation of Trump Employee 4 and Nauta, prosecutors wrote.

They added: 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.

In the filing, the Justice Department also sought to explain its use of grand juries in both Washington and Florida, where charges were ultimately filed. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Florida judge presiding over the case, had earlier asked about the legal propriety of using grand juries in both districts.

Prosecutors said they continued using the Washington grand jury even after charges were filed in Florida for the express purpose of investigating potential false statements by witnesses in Washington. The Washington grand jury completed its term last week, they said.

A trial has been set for May 20, 2024, in the classified documents case. Trump has pleaded not guilty and denied any wrongdoing.

Trump is facing another prosecution by Smith, over efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election, as well as a criminal case in Georgia over attempts to subvert that states vote and another in New York in connection with hush money payments to a porn actor. ERIC TUCKER, WASHINGTON, MDT/AP
Russian President Vladimir Putin took multiple shots at the West on the opening day of an economic summit in South Africa, using a prerecorded speech that was aired on giant screens yesterday [Macau time] to rail at what he called illegitimate sanctions on his country and threaten to cut off Ukraines grain exports permanently.

Putin, the subject of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant related to the war in Ukraine, did not travel to Johannesburg for the summit of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Instead, he plans to participate remotely in the three-day meeting of the bloc that encompasses Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

His 17-minute speech recorded in advance centered on the war in Ukraine and Russias relationship with the West  even though South African officials had said East-West frictions should not dominate the first in-person BRICS summit since before the COVID-19 pandemic and hoped to guide the conversation away from the deteriorating geopolitical climate.

Sitting at a desk with a white notebook in front of him and a Russian flag behind, Putin said a wartime deal to facilitate Ukrainian grain shipments that is critical for the worlds food supply would not resume until his conditions  the easing of restrictions on Russian food and agricultural products  are met.

The Wests attempts to punish and isolate Russia financially for sending troops into Ukraine are an illegitimate sanctions practice and illegal freezing of assets of sovereign states, which essentially amounts to them trampling upon all the basic norms and rules of free trade, the Russian leader asserted.

Moscow pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July and stepped up drone and missile attacks on the city of Odesa in southern Ukraine, home to one of the ports the controlled passage agreement covered.

The initiative was credited with helping reduce soaring prices of wheat, vegetable oil and other global food commodities. Putin maintained that even with Russian exports of grain and fertilizer being deliberately obstructed, his country has the capacity to replace Ukraine in grain, both commercially and in free aid to needy countries, according to an official translation of his speech at the summit.

The United States and other Western nations have not directly targeted Russian agricultural exports, but moves to restrict Russias access to international financial payment systems under some sanctions have made it difficult for the country to get food, fertilizer and other products to market.

With these facts in mind, since July 18 we have refused to extend the so-called deal, Putin said. We will be ready to get back to it, but only if all the obligations to the Russian side are truly fulfilled.

Chinese President Xi Jinping also brought an air of confrontation to the Johannesburg summit, saying in a speech read on his behalf by a Chinese government minister minutes after Putins address that 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, Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said while delivering Xis speech.

It was a clear reference to the United States and the growing economic friction between the U.S. and China.

Xi is in South Africa for the summit and met with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa Tuesday. He didnt attend the opening-day business forum where the other three BRICS leaders gave their addresses in person and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov represented his country. No reason was given for the Chinese leaders absence.

However, Xi, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ramaphosa were all expected to meet over dinner at a luxury estate in suburban Johannesburg. Putin also planned to take part virtually, officials said.

The five BRICS countries are already home to 40% of the worlds 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.

Saudi Arabias foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi planned to attend the summit.

Overall, around 1,200 delegates from the five BRICS nations and dozens of other developing countries are in South Africas biggest city, and more than 40 heads of state were expected to take part in some of the summit meetings, according to Ramaphosa.

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

While summit host South Africa has pushed back at characterizations that BRICS is taking more of an anti-West turn under Russian and Chinese influence, its clearly a forum for growing discontent in the developing world with global institutions.

That unhappiness has been directed at bodies seen as Western-led, including the U.N., the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which many countries in the Global South feel do not serve their interests. GERALD IMRAY & MOGOMOTSI MAGOME, JOHANNESBURG, MDT/AP
Sands China Ltd. is presenting Behind the Forms: Aesthetics of Contemporary Art  Trio Exhibition by Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou and Lai Sio Kit, a collateral exhibition staged in support of Art Macao: Macao International Art Biennale 2023.

Behind the Forms showcases artwork from three young local artists, providing a platform for promoting extensive exchange and cooperation among local and international art talent. Through their different creative techniques, artists Lei Ieng Wai, Leong Chi Mou and Lai Sio Kit demonstrate their own understandings of various topics around Macaus economic development  spectrum, data texture, belief and value.

Dr. Wilfred Wong, president of Sands China Ltd., said: We are pleased to facilitate artistic exchange between local and international artists through our support to Art Macao, where Macaus young artists can learn from the experience of established art maestros, thereby setting foot onto the international stage.

Behind the Forms is available for viewing 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, Aug. 9-Oct. 15 at Sands Gallery, on the 6th floor of The Grand Suites at Four Seasons.